The Roffensian 2023-2024

2023/24

Volume CXXVI

THE ROFFENSIAN

www.kings-rochester.co.uk

Principal of King’s School, Rochester

Mr B. P. H. Charles

BA (Hons), PGCE, Universities of Exeter and Durham

Headmaster

of Senior School

Mr B. P. H. Charles

BA (Hons), PGCE,

Universities of Exeter and Durham

Telephone

01634 888555

Email

principal@kings-rochester.co.uk

Headmaster

of Preparatory School

Mr T. H. Morgan

BMus (Hons), RCM,

The Royal College of Music

Telephone

01634 888577

Email

prep@kings-rochester.co.uk

Headmistress

of Pre-Preparatory School

Mrs K. Crozer

B.(Ed) Hons, QTS

University of Greenwich

Telephone

01634 888566

Email

preprep@kings-rochester.co.uk

Thanks go to Martin Carrier and Bentley Photographic for the pictures included in this magazine, and to

Zoe and Andy at Heronswood Press for their help in production and print.

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Principal's Address.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Chapel...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................8

The Pre-Preparatory School

Nursery............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................10

Academic Review .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

Activities, Trips, and Special Events................................................................................................................................................................................27

Music Review........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 39

Sport and Games Review.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40

Leavers’ Service................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Prize Winners........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

Salvete/Valete and House Officials................................................................................................................................................................................ 43

The Preparatory School

Academic Review................................................................................................................................................................................................................................44

Activities, Trips, and Special Events................................................................................................................................................................................47

Art......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58

Choristers.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60

Drama...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................61

Music Review...........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................64

Sport and Games Review.......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66

Leavers' Service.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................71

Prize Winners........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 72

Salvete/Valete, House Officials, Scholars and Choristers......................................................................................................................74

The Senior School

Academic Review................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 75

Activities, Trips, and Special Events............................................................................................................................................................................... 75

Art..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................81

Boarding........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................84

Careers at King's................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 86

Combined Cadet Force..................................................................................................................................................................................................................87

Duke of Edinburgh..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 90

Drama...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................91

Music Review........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 94

Sport and Games Review.......................................................................................................................................................................................................105

Prize Winners........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................115

Salvete/Valete, House Officials and Scholars..................................................................................................................................................118

'Friends'........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................114

Historical Events across the School..................................................................................................................................................119

OR Society.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................120

PPS......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................121

Staff and U6 Photos..........................................................................................................................................................................................................122

Staff News.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................123

Staff and Governors...........................................................................................................................................................................................................126

Leavers 2024...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................129

This year's magazine has been put together with the invaluable support of colleagues across the school.

The editorial team is grateful for all members of staff who have prepared and participated in the production of this edition.

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Principal's Address

Principal's Address

It is often only as I sit down and think

through the potential contents of my annual

review to the parents that I am reminded

of the true breadth of activity that King’s

maintains. I hope that my summary below

provides you with both a snapshot of what we’ve

achieved over the past year but also some of the

challenges we have faced.

Since last year all here will be aware that the School

underwent an ISI inspection under a new Framework

back at the end of April. The recently published

report is now public and - despite the blandness of

the language - I’m delighted that we have met all the

standards across the board. At the Inspection wash-up

meeting, inspectors were highly impressed by the way

in which our core values - the ‘HEART’ of King’s - have

been adopted by the school community and by the

ways in which outcomes for the pupils are increased

through their academic and personal development

here at King’s.

In contrast to the somewhat monotone nature of

the ISI report, the Good Schools’ Guide review of the

Senior School is gloriously colourful, capturing many

of the characteristics that make attending King’s a

unique experience. I am grateful to parents and pupils

for all of your support of these two reviews. Your

advocacy means a great deal.

Parents will remember that both reviews came at

the end of a particularly challenging few weeks for

the school. I have written previously to inform you of

the losses within our community. I would be grateful,

therefore, if we could just take a moment to hold in our

hearts and bring before God the lives of four members

of staff, Jamie Carr, Yvonne Jackson, Aije Barnes,

Natalie Gould, and of parent, Joseph McCormack.

At this point I’d like to pay thanks to Father Stephen

Padfield for being a key liaison between the School

and the families at the most difficult time for them. His

pastoral skills have been greatly welcomed and I am

grateful for his kindness and support.

Further, I would like to thank all the staff for their

hard work and dedication throughout the year. The

breadth of opportunity available to pupils here means

that, very often, the same staff that teach them

academic subjects are then leading them on a Duke

of Edinburgh Expedition, or singing next to them in the

choir, or looking after them in the boarding house. It’s

this purposeful sense of community that sets King’s

apart, that binds us together, and I am grateful to all

my colleagues - teaching and non-teaching - for their

efforts this year.

Inevitably, there are staff departures at the end of

any academic year. This summer, the following Senior

School staff are leaving us:

Stephen Owen, Teacher of DT, Housemaster

Magnus Caithness, Head of Prep School Science

Sam Fish, Head of History & Politics

John Mountford, Director of Music

We thank them all for their service to our school and

wish them well as they embark on new adventures

beyond King’s.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the

outgoing Chair of the Friends of King’s, Mrs Helen

Watmough, who stands down from her role. The

Friends are a great bunch of enthusiastic supporters

and we are extremely grateful for all their hard

work in fundraising for the school whilst managing

and overseeing some key events for us such as the

Fireworks event each November and the Summer Ball

We began the year knowing that our summer exam

results for the 2023 session had shown that our A

Level results had meant that a quarter of all grades

had been awarded A*/A and that all pupils moved

on to a university or apprenticeship destination of

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their choice. Pupils went on to study a diverse range

of courses from Law at the University of Durham

to Sports Management at Loughborough, from

Cyber Security at Warwick to Computer Science at

Birmingham. Our GCSE results proved to be a record

year for the school with exceptional performances

across the full range of subjects. Over a third of all

grades were awarded the highest grades 8/9 (A*),

with over half of grades at 7 (A) or above – 30% higher

than the national average.

We continue to implement curriculum changes

to create a responsive curriculum which blends

the traditional with the contemporary. The newlyintegrated

Remove ‘Futures’ course culminated in a

brilliant presentation event last week where pupils

were asked to look into the geopolitical and economic

impact of sustainability initiatives. The Sixth Form

electives programme has broadened the experience of

senior pupils and the uptake of the Extended Project

Qualification (EPQ) has been significant and brilliantly

marshalled by Mrs McIntyre.

Next year sees the introduction of A-Level Sociology

and BTEC Sport into the Sixth Form curriculum; there

will be an increase in the teaching of Drama, Music,

DT and Outdoor Learning lower down the School

and the further development of STEM subjects, the

Green Curriculum and the diploma for Yrs 7 and 8. In

line with recommendations from the ISI inspection,

implementation of a new approach to academic

tracking and monitoring of pupil progress is a priority

for next year, and we are introducing Football within

our Sports programme.

The Academic Scholarship Programme has taken on

more rigour this year and I am grateful to Mr Medhurst

for keeping the Zetountes Society at the centre of our

academic stretch and challenge. Scholars have heard

talks as varied as:

“Careers in Scientific Entrepreneurship” by Llewellyn

Cox, OR, Professor at the Keck School of Medicine,

University of Southern California

"Napoleonic Wars: tactics and weapons of the time"

by Mr Ronald Brighouse.

As a school, we have also marked Black History

Month last October, Pride Month in June, Safer

Internet Week, Anti-bullying Week and Boarding

Schools’ Association Celebration of Boarding Week.

It’s important that pupils are given the opportunity

to understand broader global perspectives through a

range of events and activities.

We are proud of the developments we have made to

provide a sporting and Health and Fitness Pathway for

our pupils. Participation of senior school pupils in our

Sports Pathway leading to competitive fixtures against

other schools has been outstanding -

Remove - 90% of pupils have represented the school

Lower 5th - 88% of pupils have represented the

school

Upper 5th - 90% of pupils have represented the

school

Lower 6th - 80% of pupils have represented the

school

Upper 6th - 85% of pupils have represented the

school

This year we have been particularly keen to track

the commitment of our pupils and we celebrated their

roundness and dedication to sport by presenting the

20 Cap Awards in the final assembly. Individual and

team success includes:

● County representation in Hockey, Rugby Netball,

Athletics, Tennis

● A Highly successful netball season for our junior girls

- the U14A going undefeated and the U15A winning

9/10.

● The re-introduction of Rugby 7s in the Senior School

meant we had four age groups competing at the

Kent Schools’ Sevens last term; the 1st VII played at

Rosslyn Park National Schools’ 7s competition for

the first time in 10 years. The senior boys toured the

Isle of Man again at the end of last year and had a

great time in the wind and the rain.

● The continued growth of Rowing with over 50

pupils who took part in the National Junior Indoor

Rowing Competitions at the Copper Box in London.

Our Lower 6th Team came third in the national

competition - an amazing achievement given there

were over 2,000 competitors taking part.

● The 1st XI Cricket Team beat the OR Side with 11

balls to spare including a stand of over 130 runs by

two Lower Fifth pupils!

● Saif Sorour, has returned from the International

Gymnastics Federation’s open men’s competition in

London with an incredible six medals.

● Saha Kapilasena in the Lower Fifth took part in the

Tennis Europe Tournament in Estonia, making it to

the last 16 in the Singles and the quarter finals of

the Doubles competition.

● Erin Heddershaw represented Kent County Netball

Club in the Under 16 England National Club Finals in

Sunderland

● Nathaneal Matarutse and Daisy Kidd are now

on academy pathways with professional clubs;

Saracens Rugby and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Concerts this year have been extraordinary. The

Christmas Concert, the Carol Service and last week’s

Summer Concert were epic in scale and standard.

In between, the evening Scholars’ recitals have

showcased our young soloists to a very high degree.

Principal's Address

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Principal's Address

In February, over 160 musicians put on a

remarkable performance of Bach’s St. Matthew

Passion here in the Cathedral. Members of Rochester

Choral Society, King’s Senior Choir, the Rochester

Cathedral Choir, members of staff and Old Roffensians

joined forces with 25 members of Aurum Vocale

Instrumental collective and six professional soloists

to perform the piece that narrates Jesus’s betrayal,

arrest and crucifixion, all in German. It was an

astonishing performance and one that will live long in

the memory for all those who were there that night.

More recently, the choir tour to Barcelona during the

Easter break was a tremendous success with pupils

enjoying the opportunity of singing in concerts and

services, including at the Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s

architectural masterpiece. I was delighted to be able

to join the choir in the chapel of Emmanuel College,

Cambridge where they sang Evensong earlier in June.

Individual congratulations go to:

● Charlie Binney, a Music Scholar in Remove, made

his debut concert with the National Children’s

Orchestras of Great Britain, Main Orchestra and the

Kent County Youth Orchestra. His Grade 8 distinction

result was also an extraordinary effort.

● Elizabeth Knowles (L6) won the Rotary National

Young Musician Vocalist of the Year 2024 for Great

Britain and Northern Ireland

● The King’s Rochester Piano Trio (Charlie Binney,

Isla Morgan and Hugh Davies) won their category

at the Rochester and North Kent Music and Drama

Festival, earning the prestigious Arthur Newton Cup.

● Bobby Langfield has released his new album.

● Alex Scott has auditioned successfully for the

National Youth Concert Band.

● Chris Nutt and Lucas Rushton have acted as Choral

Scholars in the Cathedral Choir.

● John Fadare was awarded the Arts Award by

the Medway African Caribbean Association, an

organisation with whom we have built fantastic

relationships in the last two years.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank four

key people for their support of the development of

Music over the years. In their absence, Markham and

Susan Chesterfield have been incredible supporters

of the Department and, as Markham steps down as

a Governor this year to become our first Governor

Emeritus, I’d like to pay tribute to him and to Susan for

their kindness and generosity.

Jeremy Lloyd is the Cathedral’s assistant organist

and plays for all the school services throughout the

year. Jeremy is leaving Rochester to take up the role

of Assistant Organist at Ely Cathedral and we wish

him well for his move to Cambridgeshire and for his

wedding in the summer. He is an organ ninja and we

will miss him very much.

Finally, to our departing Director of Music, John

Mountford, we send you and your lovely little family,

our love and best wishes for your move to Oakham

School. How proud I am of all you have achieved

during your time here. Music has moved on with

great strides in recent years and this is down to your

committed and gentle approach to providing the pupils

the most amazing opportunities and high standards.

A young cast worked exceptionally hard to prepare

for the Senior School production of Romeo and Juliet.

Staged in traverse, the show was an exciting and

creative venture into the world of Shakespeare with

standout performances from Joseph Adenle, Ludo

Temple, Yasmin Holland, Melissa Cagan, Bryer Lowe

and Claire Franks.

Earlier in the year, 14 pupils from the Upper Sixth

received Merit or Distinction in their Grade 8 LAMDA

Public Speaking Exams. These results are not only

testament to the hard work of the pupils involved but

also provide valuable UCAS points that contribute to

their University Applications.

A group of L5th pupils put on an excellent

production of Dennis Kelly’s ‘DNA’ back in May.

Grateful thanks to Karen Hebden and her team for

bringing these productions together for the benefit and

experience of the pupils.

Over the year, 31 pupils have completed their

Bronze DofE, 11 Silver. The Gold award culminates in

a visit to Buckingham Palace and congratulations to

the following current pupils have achieved this: Ruben

Gordon, Nathan Dickin, Nik Hebden, Fraser Shimmins,

Elizabeth Caithness.

Battle camp, summer camp, expeditions and

training all take time, effort and energy and I’d like

to thank Major Steve Short for all his hard work

in bringing together the pupils and staff for this

important and enterprising aspect of our offer.

Expeditionary training and outdoor learning are key

components of the rounded approach we want to

achieve at King’s.

Everyone knows that our history is ancient, but

the 450th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to

Satis House was a lovely reminder of our heritage. We

held an event back in September at which we were

delighted to welcome local dignitaries (Deputy Mayor),

local historians, ORs and friends and neighbours. In

the same month, a special Evensong for the marking

of the shrines of St Paulinus and St Ithamar up at the

High Altar took place. The School was honoured to

be included in the event which was attended by the

Archbishop of York.

In January, pupils and parents joined us for the

Chadlington Lecture. At a time when young people

are more engaged than ever in global issues of

equality and justice, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC,

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the Commonwealth Secretary-General, delivered a

thought-provoking talk and interactive Q&A session

with the audience. We are most grateful to Peter, who

made this talk possible as part of the Chadlington

Lecture series.

The whole school went ‘Green’ as part of Mental

Health awareness week. Pupils also took part in the

largest Dance Party to ever be held on the Paddock -

even bigger than the Summer Ball.

The whole school Colour Run earlier this term raised

£2k for Cancer Research UK - in memory of those we

have lost this year.

As part of our annual Field Day, Lower Sixth Pupils

spent a day volunteering at the Royal British Legion

and we helped make the RBL’s poppy wreaths last

Autumn through the encouragement and support of

Mrs Lisa Rogers.

Many parents will know that Fr Stephen is running

a trip to East Africa in July. A huge amount of work

has gone into preparing the pupils for their visit to

Kenya and to Tanzania and I know that it is keenly

anticipated. The School has raised almost £10,000 for

various projects in those countries and I’d like to thank

the pupils and parents for their fundraising activities

over the year.

We launched the KSR Partnerships initiative this

year. The objective is to enable the School’s facilities

and expertise to be used for the development and

benefit of the members of the local community. This

year, these include cricket and rugby experience days

for local Primary School children, hosting 250 children

for the production of Romeo and Juliet and weekly

musical outreach activities. Our work with the Medway

African Caribbean Association is also first rate.

We mustn’t forget that it is vital for the school to

do its bit for the local community through partnership

work, community service and charitable fundraising.

Not because it ticks a box for our charitable status but

because I believe it is our moral responsibility to give

back.

What was it that JFK said in his inauguration speech

back in 1961, ‘Ask not what your country can do for

you, but what you can do for your country’, it may be

on a smaller scale here in the Medway Towns, but

giving back to our community is such an important and

fulfilling opportunity for us.

I’ve already mentioned Barcelona and the Isle of

Man but the rounded experience we seek to provide

at King’s has been enhanced by a variety of trips this

year.

We’ve been pleased to engage the services of local

travel company, Medhurst Tours, for trips to Berlin and

Warsaw and to the Battlefields. This tour company

specialises in exhausting schedules, compulsory route

marches and ensuring that everyone is so shattered by

the end of the trip that sleep is guaranteed. For further

details, please do contact the CEO, Paul Medhurst.

Parties from King’s School have been visiting Ypres

since 1992 and this year over sixty pupils from Year

8 and the Lower Fifth once again made the trip to the

battlefields of Flanders. It’s such an important trip in

my view and is always one that puts everything else

into stark perspective. Seeing 15 year old children

pay respects at the grave of a 15 year old boy soldier

who had fought and died for his country was an

immeasurably moving experience.

Trips to the Cambridge Computer Science Centre,

Politics trip to Norwich, concert trips, theatre trips and

even a trip to the zoo help to enrich the lives of the

pupils here. Thank you to all the staff who run these

for all your hard work in laying them on.

We are lucky that our school is enriched by all the

pupils in our care. The ‘King’s Mix’ makes this place

what it is and I am incredibly proud that we continue

to build a unique community made up of children

from all backgrounds, all faiths, all demographics, all

nations. Two of our departing 6th Form pupils who

have hugely enriched the life of King’s are Anastasiia

Smilianets and Mariana Pryianchuk. Both girls came

to us from Ukraine in September 2022 - with the

full support of the Henry Oldfield Trust - but under

extraordinarily difficult circumstances. Their country

had been invaded earlier that year, their families

had been displaced and the reality of war was a real

and significant prospect for them. Providing a home

and place of refuge for them has been, therefore,

a privilege and I am delighted that Mariana and Siia

have enjoyed their time at the school. Both of them

are returning to Ukraine this summer and so we send

them our love and best wishes as their future remains

one of uncertainty.

I’ve gone on for long enough, but even this overview

doesn’t do full justice to the richness and variety of

all that takes place in the school. I am proud of the

rounded approach we are able to offer here at King’s

whilst providing a unique and distinctive breadth of

experience for our pupils.

Our values state that we want pupils to maximise

their potential by being happy, to endeavour to work

their hardest knowing that in life you have to graft, to

have dreams and to aspire to great things, to make

the most of their opportunities by taking a rounded

approach to life here and to be instilled with a sense

of teamwork that means that connections are made

for life. These values truly are the HEART of King’s. Be

generous of spirit, be kind, keep in touch and come

back and see us again one day. You will always be

welcome here.

Floreat Schola Regalis!

Principals Address

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Chapel

Chapel

Given the past few years of Covid

and the death of Her Majesty the

Queen, it was quite a relief to begin

the academic year in a more normal

fashion. Our Commemoration Day

preacher was the bishop of Rochester, the Right

Reverend Jonathan Gibbs, who inspired us at the

start of a new academic year in our lifelong journey of

learning. At our first whole school service of the year,

our preacher was Mrs Emma Parren, Head of Physics

at the Senior school. Emma had recently completed

her reader training for the Church of England, and I was

pleased that she agreed to extend her license to include

helping me in school chaplaincy. Representatives of

the Diocese came along to the service, and she was

welcomed as the Assistant Chaplain in front of the

whole school. At the end of September, we welcomed

Bishop Simon of Tonbridge as he confirmed ten of

our pupils in our biennial confirmation service. It was

a joy to see young people express their faith and to

prepare them as they considered what it meant for

them to be a Christian. Harvest was another fruitful

time, as we collected donations for the Open House

Project that operates on a Saturday out of the Quaker

Meeting House near the High Street. Our donations

provide several months’ worth of food and so they

very much value our support. For Remembrance this

year, we brought the start time back to 10.15am, to

try and get the 11am bells in the right place! It is

always good to get various parts of the school together

to commemorate those fallen in war, and particularly

for current pupils to remember those who served and

died from our own school. It is always moving on the

Sunday to see our CCF parade down the High Street

as we meet at the War Memorial after the morning

service. Advent and Christmas followed, and we

again celebrated the season by holding our annual toy

services, collecting this year for the Salvation Army,

who distributed toys to needy families in the Medway

area. Christmas is always special, with our candlelit

evening service finishing term as we hear the Christmas

story retold. Epiphany started the new calendar year,

with Canon Sue Brewer speaking at the termly whole

school service. Ash Monday saw the start of Lent, with

Ash Wednesday taking place in the half term. This

year, our Lent theme was ‘meeting Jesus’ and our

preachers were asked to pick stories where people

had encountered Jesus in the Gospel stories. The term

ended with the Holy Week service, which celebrates

the whole of Holy Week in an hour. The servers

again acquitted themselves very professionally, as we

processed around the Nave, washed feet, waved palm

branches, shared communion, and watched the empty

Cross being carried into the midst of the congregation.

The start of the Midsummer term is normally a joyful

occasion as we celebrate the resurrection. This year,

however, it was rather a sad one. It was the year when

we lost four members of staff in quick succession.

We began our INSET day with a service of reflection,

lighting candles in the Cathedral to remember those

who we had lost between February and April. It was a

challenging time for us, as we tried to come to terms

with the loss of friends and colleagues, people we will

always remember and whose memory will live on. For

Jamie Carr, Yvonne Jackson, Aije Barnes and Natalie

Gould. May they rest in peace, and rise in glory. The

Midsummer term also brought another contemporary

service, which we now try to do once a term. This time,

we used the School Hall and put a pupil band together

for some more contemporary songs. Several services

took place under Draco Roffensis, which Canon Gordon

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and Canon Sue explained to the pupils, commemorating

900 years of the Textus Roffensis which resides in our

crypt. Prefect talks were another highlight this year,

as each took their turn in bringing something that

mattered to them. In addition, the Student Council

and the Diversity and Inclusivity Alliance have taken

appropriate themes like Black History month, and Pride

month, to challenge and inspire us. I have been most

grateful to the Head Server, Rob Gainsford and to the

Chapel Prefect, Nathan Dickin, who have supported the

work of the chaplaincy throughout the year. To Mr Owen

Smith for organising the congregational seating and to

Mr Mark Snoswell for keeping me honest and liaising

Chapel

with the Old Roffensian community. It is a delight and a

joy to work with such wonderful people, and to be able

to celebrate what we do as a historic school as we meet

in a historic cathedral that has seen King’s pupils come

and go for centuries. Although we move ahead with the

times, we remain conscious of our heritage and the

importance of our traditions. A final word must go to

Mr John Mountford, who is leaving us to go to Oakham

school as Director of Music. John has been with us

seven years and has inspired music of outstanding

quality. He and Harriet will be much missed, and we

wish them well for their next adventure, and thank

them for seven years of high-quality music that has so

enhanced our worship at the cathedral.

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Nursery

Nursery

In September we welcomed

back 7 children from the

summer and 19 new entrants

to the Nursery. Ready to

welcome the children this year

were the class teacher - Miss Overal and

four TA’s – Mrs Hummel, Mrs Cross, Mrs

Bhat and Mrs Morgan.

The children very quickly settled into

the classroom routines, enjoying sharing

the classroom space and equipment with

their new friends.

The class quickly established a daily

pattern of learning which incorporated

whole class learning, smaller focus group

learning designed to teach specific areas

of the curriculum; followed by extended

‘Learning and Exploring’ times where

the children were supported when using

the Nursery resources, continuing,

reinforcing and embedding their learning

through play. The children shared pictures showing

the activities they enjoyed taking part in at home. The

pictures were used to influence the enhancements in

the Nursery each week, with each child taking it in turn

to share their pictures with the rest of the class.

The children enjoyed regular ‘Dough Disco’ and

‘Crocodile Snap’ sessions, developing their fine motor

skills for mark making and writing. They also enjoyed

dancing and mark making to music, strengthening their

muscles and establishing fluent, rhythmic movement

through their bodies, arms and hands.

The Nursery children soon became familiar with the

weekly timetable, which included weekly PE sessions

in the hall with Miss Overal; together with weekly Yoga

and Martial Arts sessions, led by specialist teachers.

The children looked forward to twice weekly French

sessions with Madame Hannaford and Colourstrings

with Mrs Cross on a Monday and Friday. The children

enjoyed using the Interactive Whiteboard, Bee-Bots and

the iPads regularly, enabling them to become familiar

with educational resources to support their Maths and

Phonics.

The children were soon ready to explore a different

part of the school and were invited to a story time at

Satis House with Mr. Charles. After listening attentively

to the story, the children sang Happy Birthday to Mr.

Charles and presented him with a cake and card before

enjoying exploring the garden at Satis House.

Many of the children were keen to attend Mini First

Aid training, learning what to do if they came across an

unresponsive person, how to call 999 and what to do if

Mr. Charles reading to Nursery

someone suffers a head bump.

By the end of the first half term the children were

ready for their first adventure on a School minibus. The

children excitedly sat in their seats before we set off for

‘The Alps’ on our first trip with Major Short - a morning

of forest-bathing.

In the first week after half term we welcomed

another child into the Nursery, ready to start his King’s

adventure.

On a very wet morning, the children once again

visited ‘The Alps’ to build hedgehog houses with Major

Short. This was the start of a very busy term where the

children learnt about Bonfire night, Diwali, attended an

Anti-Bullying workshop, Odd Socks Day and supported

the school’s chosen charity AMAT through a ‘wear your

own clothes’ day.

Having a go at First Aid

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As we headed into Christmas time, the children

watched ‘A Christmas Wish’, made Christmas

decorations and enjoyed wearing their Christmas

jumpers. The children diligently learnt their Nativity

songs before the amazing performance of ‘A Miracle at

Christmas’ alongside Reception, to their parents and

families at the end of the term.

The Nursery children said goodbye to Mrs Cross at

the end of the Michaelmas term as our morning TA,

however, we were pleased that Mrs Cross still came

into the Nursery each week to teach the children

Colourstrings.

At the start of Lent term, the Nursery welcomed Mrs

Bannayi as a TA to support the children in the morning.

We also welcomed another child into the Nursery.

The children enjoyed a trip to Rochester Library and

another visit to ‘The Alps’ during the first half of the

Lent term. The children were excited to look at all the

books in the Library and share some of the stories. We

enjoyed learning about various traditional tales in the

Nursery, like ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and ‘Goldilocks

and the Three Bears’. The Lent term came to a close

with an amazing visit from the Easter Bunny. He kindly

bought us treats to take home!

The Easter Bunny visits

them. The children were able to grow cress, which were

soon ready to take home and eat!

The children worked hard in their teams to prepare

for Sports Day. All took part in the running race, balloon

race, egg and spoon race, and even the water race!

The children were awarded with a delicious ice lolly for

taking part so brilliantly. Thank you to the PPS.

In the final few weeks of school as the weather

improved, the children were invited to bring their

favourite teddy bears into school and have their lunch

on the paddock making a real ‘Teddy Bear’s Picnic’. It

was a lovely occasion, and the children

were so happy to be able to enjoy their

lunch with their furry friends!

Nursery

What a year it has been. Full of

visitors, trips, fun, excitement and

endless learning opportunities.

Outdoor learning

During the course of the Lent Term

we said goodbye to Mrs Overal, and

welcomed three new teachers to share

our learning with- Mrs Teague, Mrs Baker

and Mrs Heather. We also welcomed

two new children to our Nursery as the

Midsummer Term started.

The Midsummer Term came with a The Bug Man visits

lot of excitement! We had a visit from

the ‘Bug Man’ and were able to meet and handle real

creatures. The children were so confident and gentle

when handling them. We also welcomed five small

caterpillars into our Nursery, that we watched grow and

transform into beautiful butterflies.

We learnt about growing plants and ways to care for

The children also got the opportunity

to take part in two performances in front

of an audience as the year came to an

end. Firstly, families were invited to watch

the Nursery Class Assembly. The children

performed a range of Nursery Rhymes

and even got the parents involved by

encouraging them to join in with the classic

‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’! The

children also performed a song at the

end of year service in the Cathedral. The

children chose, ‘There’s a Tiny Caterpillar’-

quite appropriate after watching our own

caterpillars grow.

What a year it has been. Full of visitors,

trips, fun, excitement and endless learning

opportunities. We’ve said ‘hello’. ‘We’ve said

‘goodbye’. Now it is time to see what the next chapter

brings. We will look forward to seeing the children grow

and learn in Reception, and will enjoy welcoming back

the younger children that are staying in the Nursery to

complete the next full academic year.

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Pre-Preparatory Academic Review

Academic Review

T

he academic year 2023-2024 has

been full of lots of learning and fun.

The children have explored new texts

in English, learnt new concepts and

solved problems and puzzles in Maths

and engaged with new topics in History, Geography,

Religious Studies, Art and PHSEE/RHSE. They have

continued to enjoy their Games and Music lessons with

specialist teachers.

Reception

Reception children have worked within their seven

areas of learning. The areas of learning are split into

two categories: the prime areas and the specific areas.

The three prime areas lay the foundations upon which

all further learning can develop. The three prime

areas of learning are Communication and Language,

Personal, Social and Emotional Development and

Physical Development.

The three prime areas were strengthened by the four

specific areas: Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding

the World and Expressive Arts and Design. These areas

are all connected, and the Reception children showed

that their learning in one particular area supported their

learning in other areas.

Physical Development with specialist PE staff

Enjoying making numbers

Enjoying spending time together

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Using our phonics to help us read and write

Literacy

It has been exciting to see the faces of the children

in Reception as they become confident readers and

amazing independent writers!

Mathematics

In the Midsummer term they enjoyed

collecting data by completing a

traffic survey.

Learning and Exploring

Reception children enjoy their

daily learning and exploring time.

The children are able to put their

learning into practice. They explore,

talk and explain their choices and

show tremendous teamwork.

The activities set up help both

consolidate and challenge the

children in all the areas of learning.


The children in Reception have enjoyed their daily

mathematical lessons and they have confidently learnt

to count, write and order numbers. They have begun to

work on addition, subtraction and division. The children

have enjoyed exploring shape and measure through

practical activities. They have used all their skills to

solve mathematical problems and puzzles.

Looking at data through a traffic survey

Meeting with others in our community

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Role playing together

Showing teamwork through construction

Exploring magnetism

Enjoying exploring capacity

Working together in the sand pit

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Year 1- 3

In Years 1-3 children begin to study specific subjects.

They enjoy daily English and Maths lessons. In

English they develop their phonics, spelling, reading

and writing. They become very confident readers

and writers across all the genres of writing. They are

confident in sharing and discussing their work. In Maths

children work on number and place value, addition,

subtraction, multiplication, division, data, shape and

measure. Our children love their Maths lessons and

are very confident to discuss why they have chosen a

particular strategy to solve a calculation or problem.

They enjoyed weekly lessons in Computing, Science,

History, Geography, RS, PHSEE (including RHSE),

French and Art and Design. Added to this the children

enjoy specialist taught Music and Games lessons. The

progress they make and the enthusiasm they show for

all aspects of their learning is amazing. There are many

academic highlights from each of the year groups.

Year 1

Throughout Year 1, the

children have enjoyed

exploring a range of

topics in Art and Design,

learning about famous

artists and using different

mediums to create and

design with. Some of their

topics include: sewing

animal hand puppets,

drawing and painting selfportraits

and moulding

clay penguin sculptures.

Self-Portraits

They were very proud of

their self-portraits. They spent time exploring famous

portraits and self-portraits. They then drew and painted

their own self-portraits, using mirrors and proportion

grids to add their facial

features. Don’t they look

fabulous!

The children then went

on to look at mixed up

portraits. They had fun

seeing what their eyes

looked like when mixed

with someone else’s

nose and then another

person’s mouth. The

children really enjoyed

this and there was a lot of

laughter!

Self-Portraits

Mixed up portraits

As part of their work on portraits the children used an

app to draw their self-portraits digitally. They discussed

whether it was easier to draw a portrait digitally or not.

In English, Year 1 shared a number of their favourite

traditional tales. They enjoyed writing their own

character descriptions and retelling traditional tales

including the Gingerbread Man and Jack and the

Beanstalk. Year 1 pupils have worked hard on their

descriptive writing throughout the year, learning how to

use adjectives, sentence openers and conjunctions to

make their writing interesting!

A Giant Description

The giant is strong and big. The belt is shiny and

gold. The shoes are big and pointy. The giant has a bald

egg head. He has long trousers. The giant has a big

huge beard. The giant has a big jacket. He has a small

button. He has big hands.

Joel, aged 5

The Gingerbread Man Description

He has a jolly smile and a squeezy nose. He has blue

icing and yummy buttons. The hair is shiny and yellow.

The glasses are long and dark. He is colourful. He has

squiggly hair. He has a red and yellow nose.

Bruce, aged 5

Jack Description

Jack has curly orange hair. He has brown shoes. He is

small. Jack is blushing. Jack has a green coat with gold

buttons. Jack is happy!

Salewa, aged 5


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Description of a setting- Jack and the Beanstalk

The beanstalk is long and green. The beanstalk is

enormous. The clouds are white and fluffy. There is a

long path to the castle. The beanstalk is the biggest that

you can imagine. The stars are silver and shiny.

Grace, aged 5

Jack and the Beanstalk

The green swirly beanstalk is growing higher and

higher. The white fluffy clouds are floating in the sky.

The brown and purple castle is on the clouds. The green

wobbly bridge is floating. The shining stars are in the sky.

Victoria, aged 5

Gingerbread description

The gingerbread man has cool black silk flip flops.

He has curly, black hair. The fast gingerbread man has

lovely pink eyes. He has green shiny square buttons. He

has a beautiful smiling face.

Harper, aged 5

The Gingerbread Man

Once upon a time there lived a little girl and her mum.

They wanted to bake a gingerbread man so they put all

the ingredients together and put them in the oven. When

it was done they took him out and the gingerbread man

came alive. The gingerbread man ran out of the kitchen

door and soon he passed a cow. The cow shouted, “

Stop!” but the gingerbread man didn’t stop and shouted,

“ Run, Run as fast as you can, you can’t catch me, I'm the

gingerbread man“. Then soon the gingerbread man ran

past a horse, “Stop!” said the horse but the gingerbread

man didn’t stop. Soon he came to a lake. He didn’t know

what to do but luckily a fox appeared from behind a tree.

The fox said, “I am a very good swimmer. Why don’t you

hop onto my tail……….

Ethan, aged 5

Jack and the Beanstalk

Once upon a time there was a boy called Jack and

he lived with his mother. Jack’s mother told Jack to

sell the cow. A mysterious man talked to Jack because

the mysterious man wanted the cow. When Jack came

home he showed the magic beans to his mother. Jack’s

mother threw the magic beans out of the window. Jack’s

mother sent him to bed. When Jack woke up there was

an enormous beanstalk. When Jack got to the top of the

beanstalk there was a castle. Then, Jack went inside

and all the furniture was huge. Jack heard a loud sound

and Jack hid in the cupboard. Then there was a giant

and the giant said, “Fe Fi Fo Fum I smell the blood of an

Englishman! Lay.” The chicken laid an egg made out of

solid gold. “Sing,” said the giant to the harp and then

the giant fell asleep. Jack took the harp and the chicken

but the harp shouted, “Master!” Then the giant woke

up. The giant followed Jack. Then Jack came down the

beanstalk and shouted, “Help!” Then his mother came

with an axe. Then Jack’s mum cut the beanstalk and

the giant was never seen again.

Ava, aged 5

Year 2

Throughout the course of the year, Year 2 have read

and shared lots of fiction and non-fiction books. Some

of the authors they have looked at include: Anthony

Browne, Margaret Wild, Helen Ward and Deborah

Hopkinson. This has led the children to write in lots

of different genres and styles. Their work includes

exciting adjectives, verbs and adverbs. They have used

conjunctions to extend their sentences and worked on

how to punctuate dialogue correctly.

Year 2 enjoyed studying the books of Anthony Browne,

especially ‘The Tunnel’. The character Jack disappears

into a tunnel, only to be found later, turned to stone. The

children imagined what they might see and hear in the

tunnel and how they would feel ……..

I crawled into the tunnel. It was wet and damp. I saw

nothing. It was dark! I heard bats making noises. I felt a

breeze coming from the other end. I felt really excited!

Tamara, aged 6

I was scared. I heard the howls of wolves, the roars of

bears and the screeching of witches. I saw a forest with

weird things in it. Suddenly, it changed into a dark wood.

I ran and ran as fast as I could.

Jamie, aged 6

It was very dark and scary. I went deeper and deeper

until I reached the end of the tunnel. I could smell

witches breath. I could hear bats flapping in the air. I

could feel very bumpy frogs. An ogre said, “Step into

that pool of rock!”

Sophia, aged 6

I could hear howling. It was damp and smelt disgusting.

I was so, so scared I had goosebumps. I ran as fast as I

could into the forest. Suddenly, a tele monkey teleported

and tagged the back of my body. I froze to stone!

William , aged 6

Right in front of me I saw a dark, slimy tunnel. I bent

down and went inside. I felt nervous crawling through it.

I could smell meat and fish. I could hear echoes. I felt

nervous. I came out of the tunnel. I could see a wizard

and magical animals. It feels like a whole new world. I

can touch flowers and grass. It feels exciting.

Maya, aged 6

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Year 2 have enjoyed reading, performing and writing

lots of different styles of poetry. They wrote some very

impressive ‘simile’ poems about important people in

their families.

Using similes to describe my Dad.

My Dad is as………

As strong as a tiger

As funny as a clown

They can be like a giant and as kind as a teacher

As lovely as a rabbit

As busy as a bee

As wise as an owl

As fast as a cheetah

I love my Dad and he loves me too.

Saiesha, aged 6

Using similes to describe my Dad.

My Dad is as busy as a bee

As sweet as a cuddly toy

As strong as me

He can sing like a pop star

As happy as a child

As soft as a cushion

As smart as a teacher

As loving as a heart

I love my Daddy

Noah, aged 6

Continuing with the theme of families we wrote poems

where our mum put us on the transfer list…….

My Mum has put me on the transfer list.

She is one very cute six year old.

Who is very good at cooking and cleaning.

Oh and she is very clever.

And she is funny and silly.

BUT

She is sometimes messy

And always shouts at her brother.

Any takers?

Evie, aged 6

My Mum has put me on the transfer list.

This is a free transfer

She is very loving

She is good at baking cakes

She is good at tidying her bed

She loves playing with unicorns

She cleans the house

She is good at ballet

BUT

She is good at annoying her brother

She doesn’t listen sometimes

She doesn’t like her brother going to bed after her,

She is also sometimes lazy

Any takers?

Amariah, aged 6

We then looked at using the conjunction ‘because’ to

further explore the important people in our families.

My Brother ….

My brother is BRAVE

Because he picks up spiders.

My brother is AMAZING

Because he knows how to do a backflip.

My brother is KIND

Because he gives me hugs.

Elsbeth, aged 6

My Aunty

My aunty is BEAUTIFUL

Because she wears make – up.

My aunty is KIND

Because she takes care of me sometimes.

My aunty is LOVING

Because she gives me cuddles.

Lucie, aged 6

My Brother

My brother is CARING

Because he helps me with my homework.

My brother is LOVING

Because he plays with me.

My brother is funny

Because his jokes make me laugh.

Lola, aged 6

My Sister

My sister is CONFIDENT

Because she tries her best.

My sister is LOVING

Because she loves me.

My sister is KIND

Because she hugs me.

Fiona, aged 6


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We looked at ‘Question and Answer’ poems and enjoyed

reading some. We then wrote our own based on ‘A

Monster’.

What do monsters eat?

Bricks and stones.

How do monsters sleep?

Snoring, falling off the bed.

Where do monsters live?

They live in swamps.

How do monsters walk around?

They stomp on the ground.

When is it their birthday?

February 10th.

How old is your monster?

It is 1032.

Where does it live?

In the vents.

Which food does it eat?

It eats KFC!

What car does it have?

It has a Ferrari.

When does it have dinner?

At midnight.

Kai, aged 6

William S, aged 6

Blue tits are swooping.

Thrush is soaring in the sky.

Fairy terns hover.

Common gulls are cool.

Common gulls are black and white.

Peacocks are show offs!

Swallows are so fast.

Golden eagles are so strong.

Blue tits dive to land.

Beautiful peacock.

Golden Eagles hunt for prey.

Blackbirds in the sky.

Thrush is beautiful.

Golden eagles are so strong.

Sitting in a tree.

Cruz, aged 7

Millan, aged 7

Thomas, aged 7

Jack, aged 7

Eli, aged 7

In the Midsummer term we looked at the Japanese form

of poetry called ‘Haiku’. It only has three lines but a

strict pattern. The first line is five syllables, the second

line is seven syllables and the third line is five syllables.

Our ‘Haiku’ poems are about birds.

We have also enjoyed reading and writing other genres

including letters, diaries and non-fiction.

Dinosaur Diary Commands

A real hawk travelled

To Germany from England

Landed on a branch

Beautiful robin

Singing all the day and night

Having lots of fun

On a golden day

Eagles came to hunt and prey

Then fly away home.

Robins are so cute.

Swallows like to fly up high.

Common gulls are white.

Francis, aged 7

Eliana, aged 7

Roman, aged 7

Eleonor, aged 7

Monday

He ate all the breakfast

Spit it out now!

Tuesday

He used all of the tooth paste

Leave some for me!

Wednesday

He ate all my pasta.

Stop eating my lunch!

Thursday

He splashed in the bath.

Don’t splash!

Friday

He ripped the pillows.

Clean it right now!

Saturday

He popped the ball.

Pump it up now!

Rais, aged 7

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Writing a letter

Dear Dog,

Thank you for your letter. I am feeling lonely because my

friend left me.

I had to rescue a bird called Magpie in the bush. There

was a big fire and Magpie got a burnt wing and can

no longer fly. I took her to my cave to recover, she was

really grumpy.

Unfortunately a sly fox came and took Magpie..

Love from Dog.

Yuvan, aged 7

Non-Fiction

Facts about Jacques Cousteau

In 1910 Jacques was born in France.

Jacques enjoyed tinkering with gadgets.

He loved swimming.

When he was a child he was not very well.

In 1930 Jacques joined the French Navy.

Jacques used swimming goggles for the first time.

Jacques was a spy for the French Resistance.

Molly, aged 7

Jacques needed a big powerful boat like the Calypso

because he had so much equipment.

If the water was too cold to swim in Jacques went in the

sea saucer.

Jacques had an undersea laboratory that lay on the

ocean floor.

Joseph, aged 7

Recording Facts on sea animals

The sea snakes teeth are called fangs, its bite is

poisonous.

There are 69 species of sea snake.

Sea snake feed mainly on fish eggs.

They swim in groups.

Cristiano, aged 7

A seahorse is a type of fish.

It eats shrimps and tiny fish.

It grips onto seaweed with its tail.

Adekunle, aged 6


Fact File on a sea animal.

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In Art Year 2 have enjoyed many projects and explored

using lots of different media, shown great observational

skills and have looked at work by different artists.

Using pastel, paint and colouring pencil the children

looked at tulips and created their own triptych. First

of all, they drew from observation and practiced their

sketching skills, then they chose the correct colours

to decorate their tulips. What wonderful triptychs they

created.

Triptych

Year 2 took influence from the pop artist Andy Warhol

to produce these colourful self-portraits in Michaelmas

term.

Year 2 enjoyed designing a range of Land Art using

a variety of natural materials like stones, pinecones,

sticks, shells and feathers to create intricate sculptures

in the style of Andy Goldsworthy.

Land Art in the style of Andy Goldsworthy

Both Year 2 classes worked as teams to recreate ‘Starry

Night’ by Vincent Van Gogh. Each member of the class

focused on one small section of the painting, then

they put all their pieces together. The result was rather

impressive!

Starry Night in the style of Van Gogh

Year 2 children have loved their weekly science lessons.

They have proven to be great scientists able to predict

and plan fair tests to answer scientific questions. They

have had great fun too!

Portraits in the style of Andy Warhol

During the science lessons on materials, the children

came up with a hypothesis and conducted an

experiment to test a variety of paper towels for their

absorbency using the ‘Count the Drops’ method. They

stretched different paper towels over a jar to make

them taut and used a pipette to drop water onto the

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cloth. Then they carefully observed

and measured the number of drops

and the time they stayed on the

cloth before being absorbed. They

have explored 'fair testing' when

investigating the absorbency of other

materials and used wax crayons to

make different fabrics waterproof.

Later in the term, they were surprised

to find that bricks absorb water and

discovered moss growing on the walls

around the playground!

They particularly enjoyed the

challenge of finding the strongest

paper by hanging weights from

different sheets of paper and were

then very excited to make a paper

bridge with the strongest type of

paper to hold toy cars which required Testing the strongest paper

a lot of patience, determination, and

teamwork.

Year 2 had fun exploring the world of seeds! They

made a seed helicopter like a dandelion plant when

learning about different ways seeds are dispersed.

They also planted cress seeds and grew a bean using

hydroponics. They have a good understanding that

plants need water, light, and a suitable temperature to

grow and stay healthy. Year 2 learnt about the process

of germination and recorded their observations of plant

growth in a diary. Recently, they have enjoyed learning

more about habitats and made their own mini bug

hotels as they have furthered their knowledge of food

chains and gardening.

Testing the stretchiness of fabric


Hydroponics Farm

Healthy Eating

The children have learnt about the importance of

exercise, balanced diet, and hygiene for survival.

They made a delicious pizza with a variety of healthy

toppings and showed an excellent understanding of

the importance of each food group.

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The Bug Hotel

Year 3

Year 3 have had a fabulous year and have worked hard

to move their learning on in all subject areas. They have

enjoyed their ‘Art’ lessons and over the year worked on

many projects involving using their observational skills

and different mediums.

The children explored

their facial features in

detail, thinking carefully

about the composition

of their faces. They then

drew the other half of

their face and focused on using different shades and

tones to add shadow and highlight. As you can see, the

results were very impressive!

The children had fun collecting a range of leaves.

They then worked with a range of different mediums

including pencil, watercolour and digital art to create

fantastic collages.

Creating a tonal portrait

Leaf collage

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Year 3 had fun exploring different mediums in Art. They

drew some great charcoal sketches and then created

3D sculptures of peppers using clay. It was a messy job

but the finished products were fantastic!

Clay peppers

Linked to their History work the children enjoyed

creating models as part of their ‘Roman Topic’. They

enjoyed sharing their creations.

Dear Diary,

In the morning we had all worked very hard and dad

had gone to the theatre as he was an actor. When I

had finished playing with Livia I went to watch dad and

the actors. After a while, the ground

suddenly began to tremble and I

ran quickly back through the town

to find Livia. Eventually, I found her

looking for her goat and we sped to

the harbour while the grey smoke

swirled around us making it difficult

to breathe. When we got to the

harbour we clambered onto a boat

and hid under a pile of soft blankets.

Suddenly, the boat pulled away in the

sea and we were left with the sounds

of people screaming ringing in our

ears. Would we ever see Pompeii

again?

Vivaan, aged 7

Dear Diary,

Yesterday I survived the horrific

eruption of Mt Vesuvius. First, I went

to the theatre with dad to see the

other actors. Then, the ground started

to shake and tremble. Also, scenery

fell down from the sky! Afterwards, I ran down the street

to find Tranio in the bakery. After that, me and Tranio ran

down to the harbour, as fast as we could and we saw

people choking and birds flying to the woods. Finally,

we jumped into a little Greek cargo ship and we were

panicking so we fell asleep. When we woke up, the boat

was filled with water and dead leaves and deadly ash.

We heard people screaming and dogs barking! We were

panicking! Would we survive?

Daya, aged 7


Year 3 have looked at lots of different genres of writing

over the year and from this have written confidently,

replicating the style of writing learnt from the exploration

of the different text types. After reading a selection of

books by the author Michael Foreman, Year 3 had fun

writing a story opening using prompts and incorporating

their own ideas.

Roman Model

Year 3 enjoyed looking at diaries and recounts. They

enjoyed writing a recount in the form of a diary, after

exploring the eruption of Vesuvius and the destruction of

Pompeii. They concentrated on using the past tense.

When Dad came home from work I had not gone to

school. He shouted, “If you do not do what you are told,

I will take you to Mrs Black”. Mrs Black lives down the

street in a creepy, dark house. The lights are never on

and there are no windows. There are twelve doors to

replace the windows. She lives with her quiet children

and the creepy cats.

When Dad came home from work I had set the house

on fire. He screamed, “If you don’t do what you are told,

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I will take you to Mrs Black!” I ran down the street away

from Dad. It was pitch black. I could just see the house.

It was muddy with green slime. I was biting my nails

then she saw me out the window and she opened the

door…

When I stepped into the house, Mrs Black said

happily, “Come and play inside.” She had a big orange

jacket on with a great big smile. The house was loud

and there was barking everywhere. There was a free

TV for sale in her house when you walked in. There

were twelve bathrooms, thirty bedrooms, twenty seven

kitchens and fifty living rooms. She had ten dogs, five

children and one fish tank. She even had a gaming

room! My Dad now says, “If you are good, I will take you

to Mrs Black.

Bash, aged 7

When Dad came home from work I had been to soft

play with my brother. She shouted, “If you do not do

what you are told, I will take you to Mrs Boil!”

Mrs Boil lives down the street in a broken house.

Birds fly in and out of the windows. What if she kicks the

children and locks them away?

When my Dad came in from work and I’d broken my

Mum and Dad’s bed, Dad said, “Put on your hat and

coat. I’m taking you to Mrs Boil.” I followed him down

the damp, dark street, we crossed the road and stood

outside the enormous house. It was crooked because

it was falling down. It was creepy and insects were

crawling all over the floor. My teeth started chattering

because I was so scared.

When I stepped into the house she said, “Come and

play with my kids. We’ll make food.”

Mrs Boil made yummy food and great hot chocolate

as she was singing.

My Dad now says, “If you are good, I will take you to

Mrs Boil.”

Hadassah, aged 7

When Dad came back I had not fed the puppy he said,

“If you do not do what you are told, I will take you to Miss

Nadely.” She lives in an old house with broken windows

replaced with wood. The tiles are falling off the roof.

Crows are screaming every day in the garden.

When Dad came in from work, and I’d deliberately

smashed his £100 coffee machine he said, “Put on your

hat and coat. I’m taking you to Miss Nadley.” I followed

him down the damp, dark street, we crossed the road

and stood outside the enormous house. It was snowing

hard and it was foggy so I couldn’t see the house clearly.

Then Miss Nadley came.

When I stepped into the house she said with a great

big smile, “What are you doing in the snow? Come in

and have a rainbow cup cake.” Miss Nadley had smooth,

orange hair. She had a pink cardigan on. The house

looked amazing but it was messy. The house smelled like

a hot summer’s day. My Dad now says, “If you are good, I

will take you to Mrs Nadely.”

Amelie, aged 7

Linked to our History work on the Romans, Year 3

enjoyed reading Roman myths and learning more about

this genre of writing. They then wrote their own opening

to a Roman myth.

A long time ago, people started to throw rubbish in the

sea while they were playing on the beach so the God of

the Sea, Neptune got very angry. Because people had

been doing this for a long time, Neptune had had enough

of it and so he flooded the whole village. When Neptune

sent the massive flood, people started to scream and

dogs were barking loudly as if they were falling off a

mountain! Because of Neptune’s flood, everything was

broken and it looked like a war zone. There was no

sound of life.

Neptune was very powerful and handsome. He was

known for his moodiness, especially if you didn’t look

after the sea. He barely visited Mount Olympus.

Pavelle, aged 8

A very long time ago in a Roman town, there was a

King. He was aggressive and angry because he wanted

to capture the town. He ordered his guards to fight and

attack the town. All the town folk were annoyed because

they didn’t want the king to destroy and capture the

town. Everyone in the town was scared when the battle

began. Some people ran away to other cities.

Mars and Jupiter were two powerful Gods. They were

very angry and didn’t like what they could see. Jupiter

was God of Thunder and Lightning. Mars was the God

of War so he helped in the fight. After a long battle, the

King was defeated and the town folk were able to return

home.

Nathan, aged 7

A long time ago, all of the Gods came to drink their

golden nectar on top of icy Mount Olympus because they

were thirsty.

Suddenly, Jupiter turned red and screamed, “What on

earth are they doing?” as lightning burst out of him.

Juno tried to calm him but it took her ten minutes to

calm him down. After ten minutes he continued drinking

his nectar.

Mars saw a problem in the town. People were throwing

rubbish in the sea because there were no bins so Mars

called Neptune, Diana and Venus.

Neptune was going to clear the sea, Diana was going

to stop the hunting and Venus would stop the arguing.

Daisy, aged 7

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An annual highlight in Year 3 is studying the story of

‘Fantastic Mr Fox’, by Roald Dahl. We enjoyed looking

at how we are made by the writer to dislike the three

farmers. We imagined that Mr Fox was in court which

made us look at the character of Mr Fox from a different

perspective.

Your Honour,

I am deeply sorry for stealing the geese and cider

from those horrible farmers. My children were starving.

They have not eaten for five days. Wouldn’t you steal if

your family was hungry?

I may have done wrong but the farmers are worse.

They destroyed the whole wood and are causing global

warming,

If you let me go free I will never steal again. You have

my word.

Josiah, aged 8

Your Honour,

I am very very sorry. I wasn’t actually stealing. If

your children were hungry you would take all that you

needed. I only take what my family needs, nothing else.

But those farmers are actually mean, they don’t share.

You have to talk to them. Would you not steal when you

don’t have enough food? I promise if you let me go I

won’t steal again, I promise.

Alina, aged 7

Your Honour,

I am deeply sorry for stealing the chickens, geese and

cider from the farmers. The thing is, I did it because my

children have been starving for five days. That’s why I

did it. I will not steal again. Please, I beg you. I’m on my

knees. I am so sorry. Please change your mind. Don’t

send me to jail.

Tobiloba, aged 8

In the Midsummer term, Year 3 studied the book ‘The

Lion and the Unicorn’ by Shirley Hughes. The children

had lots of opportunities to write creatively and apply

the skills they had been working on. They started by

exploring the setting and moved to writing their own

descriptive settings of a city in the Blitz

The tall, still untouched houses crumbled quickly,

while the inferno caused the houses to continue mass

destruction.

The dark, black, consuming abyss was steadily turning

into bright, shining flame mercilessly ending the lives of

perfectly innocent people.

After the never stopping, bright, light flame died down

a bit, the brave wardens rescued the people who had

been injured.

It felt cold, perishing, freezing but there was a will

to live as when this was over you could hug your loved

ones again.

Ayomide, aged 8

The flaky, disintegrating, demolished houses were

crushed and they would disappear into the smoky,

covered town while the fire that was as orange as a

late evening sky, ate away the remains of the bombed

houses. You could feel the unnatural wind from a

distant explosion while you could also feel the splinters

raining down from the chaotic sky. I could smell the

charcoal and the aroma of burnt wood so I knew there

was a fire nearby. The dense, uncomfortable smoke

flew slowly across the city so it could gather people to

cruelly choke. You could hear people screaming , “Help

I’ve nowhere to go and I’m stuck!” That was the most

horrible part! It was like a swarm of locusts eating away

at you, but worse.

Grace, aged 8

The old, fragile, tall houses were slowly collapsing

into the ground because they were going to make

new buildings. While it was daytime, the orange, red,

flickering fire made by the sun was spreading out of the

roofs. The flames were burning, destroying, breaking

the houses from the unbearable heat of the fire. In

the air you could smell death, dark, choking while also

smelling salty water. There was the sound of screaming

while people ran quickly from side to side.

Fola, aged 8

Year 3 explored how the main character was evacuated

to the countryside. They wrote empathetically as the

character in the form of a diary recount.

Dear Diary,

This morning, I was huddled under the stairs with

my mum. We were worried about the neighbours so we

went outside to find that their house had been horribly

destroyed. Mum said, ‘Enough’ and convinced me to

go to the train station. Next, I was left alone on a train

heading for the country. I suddenly realised that mum

wasn’t coming. I was so bereft that I fell to sleep crying.

When I woke up I had arrived at the house of Lady Da

Vass. I could fit my house into one room! Lady Da Vass

had three other evacuees but the nanny did not want

me as I was a boy. I felt so alone.

Arturo, aged 8

Dear Diary,

I was huddled under the stairs with mum regretting

staying at home. The next morning, we woke up to find

our humble neighbours house (the Robinson’s) was


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completely flat, then mum dropped her

own bombshell. She took me to the train

station with my suitcase labelled and

named. I thought my mum would come

with me on the train but it turned out I

was being sent to the countryside alone.

I tried to convince mum to come with me.

Finally, I arrived at an old lady’s house.

She was kind and was called Lady Da

Vass. I was evacuated with three girls

and the horrible Nanny only wanted girls.

Tears pricked my eyes.

Giana, aged 8

Looking at how muscles work in pairs

Year 3 have enjoyed their science topics. They have planned investigations, checked their tests are fair and selected and

used equipment safely.

They also enjoyed learning about the human body, especially how our skeletons and muscles work. They created

a working model of a muscle using card, split pins and elastic bands to demonstrate how pairs of muscles work by

relaxing and contracting to induce movements.

We really enjoyed our ‘Light

and Shadows’ Science

topic. It involved lots of

investigative work and

we learnt a lot about fair

testing. Here the children

have created shadow boxes

to explore how light travels

and then investigated how

we can change shadows.

In the Midsummer term, Year 3 learnt about different

parts of a flowering plant. We learnt lots of new

scientific vocabulary and found out about the important

job each part does. We had great fun being ‘flower

surgeons’ to dissect some tulips!

Looking at how muscles work in pairs

The children had fun at our ‘Rock Feast’ in Science. We

used our cookery skills to mimic the way different types

of rocks were formed:

● Making honeycomb to represent igneous rock

formation

● Baking a marble cake to show the way metamorphic

rocks are formed

● Creating an ‘interesting’ multi-layered sandwich to

demonstrate sedimentary rocks being made.

Flower dissection

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Activities, Trips &

Special Events

School Council 2024

In September the school council was voted in.

Children from Years 1-3 have the opportunity

to apply to represent their class on the

school council. Once the applications have

been collected each class votes in their

representative. The first job of the year is to decide

on a school charity. This year the decision was made

to support AMAT, a local charity working with the

homeless. The school council has had the opportunity

this year to work with the school councils from both the

Preparatory and Senior schools as they tackled wider

school issues. They have discussed transitions, whole

school events and sustainability. At a Pre-Preparatory

level they have been involved in the early stages of

discussions around the replacement of the climbing

frame.

School council

Eco Council 2024

The Pre-Prep Eco council met together in September.

They had all written super letters with creative and

inspiring ideas on how to make the school greener.

These ideas included growing more fruit, vegetables,

and herbs in our playground allotments to provide

a healthy treat for snack time. They also suggested

planting more flowers to attract bees, purchasing a

bug hotel, and installing more bird feeders around

the school. Many also wanted to care for our local

environment by litter picking, reducing waste, and

encouraging more recycling. We were inspired by the

many exciting ideas, and we were all looking forward to

an action-packed year ahead.

Later in the term, we met the King’s ground staff and

began planning new ideas for the Pre-Prep playground

allotments. Jacqueline Sparrow showed us a soil

sample and we identified many different decomposers

that were busy recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Some of the Eco council went litter picking around the

school to improve our local environment and protect the

wildlife. We have also been busy designing attractive

posters to encourage everyone to reduce, reuse and

recycle their waste.

In the Lent term the Pre-Prep Eco council met again

to discuss the importance of caring for our environment.

They split into 3 groups to manage the various roles

around the school. Litter picking,

adding ‘Save a Tree’ posters by all

paper dispensers, planting a variety

of edible plants in the playground

allotments and adding more bird nest

boxes around the school.

The Eco council have celebrated

with their friends other school green

initiatives such as push water taps to

ensure we don't waste water, choosing

large or small portions at lunch time to

reduce food waste and using different

bins around the school to separate

and recycle waste. We also use

recycled paper, benefit from the solar

panels above the swimming pool, have

LED lights around the school, enjoy

more outdoor learning and always turn lights off when

we leave a room empty.

This term, we have been particularly thankful to the

Old Roffensian Society for purchasing the Bug Hotel

for the Pre-prep. We have enjoyed welcoming all the

beneficial insects such as bumblebees, ladybirds,

and lacewings to the playground. This supports our

playground allotments which were also purchased by

the Old Roffensian Society last year and has helped the

children become keen gardeners. Recently, we have

eagerly been watching all the pollinators pollinate our

Activities, Trips & Special Events

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edible plants and this has helped us learn how all living things depend on each other and the environment.

Well done to all the Pre-Prep Eco council representatives who have been busy carrying out their Eco Council activities

this year and for presenting an informative PowerPoint to their class at the end of the term to share all the initiatives

which have made our school greener.

Eco council

Christmas 2023

Christmas is an exciting and magical time in

Pre-Prep. The season began with Year 3 heading

into Maidstone to sing carols raising money

for Demelza. Next, the Christmas tree went

up and every child got to make and hang up a

decoration. At this time of year the children get to

wear their Christmas jumpers and then choose a

Christmas activity to do in one of the classrooms.

This is followed by the delicious Christmas dinner!

Year 3 went to visit Watts Almshouses and sang

carols and enjoyed talking to the residents. The

Michaelmas term ends with the EYFS nativity, ‘A

Christmas Wish’ in Chadlington Hall followed later

by Years 1-3 performing a traditional nativity to

family and friends in the Cathedral. It really is a

very special time of year!

World Book Day; dressing up as our favourite book characters

World Book Day

The Pre-Preparatory school always enjoy the celebrations of World

Book Day. We love reading and sharing books. Both the children

and adults enjoyed dressing up as their favourite book characters.

In the classrooms we spent time sharing our favourite books

and stories. We had house assemblies where the older children

shared books with younger members of their house. This year we

had a special treat as children from the Preparatory School came

across to read their favourite books to us.

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Year 1-3 Nativity

A really special time of year!


Year 3 sing at Watts Almshouses

Colour Run

In the Midsummer term, the Pre-Preparatory School

joined the rest of the school on a colour run at the

Alps. We put on our white tops and headed by minibus

up to the Alps. Once there we donned our sunglasses

and danced to the music as we waited for the run to

begin. We were running in support of Cancer Research

UK. There was also the continued emphasis on mental

health and wellbeing. We had the most fantastic

time and returned to school covered in paint. It was a

brilliant whole school event. Lots of children said, “It

was the best day ever!”

Easter

This year we started our Easter celebrations with

a wonderful Easter bonnet parade in the Easter

Assembly. The Pre-Preparatory hall was full of eggs,

chicks, bunnies and colour. The Year 3 Prefects spoke

beautifully to remind us of the importance of Easter for

Christians. At the end of assembly, the Easter bunny

made an appearance and the children were very excited

as they returned to their classes to await her arrival.

They were full of anticipation to see what she might

bring them. Many thanks to the PPS for providing such

delicious treats.

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C’est l’automne!

To welcome Autumn, children in years 1-3 were taught

a poem in French about the season. They then created

their own version as a class with some brilliant ideas.

Here are some they created.

Reception Activities and Trips

Mini First Aid Write Up

On Monday 16th October 2023, Reception enjoyed

participating in a Mini First Aid course where we learned

how to look after ourselves if we got hurt. We applied

a cold compress to a sore head and a plaster to a cut

knee. We then learned what to do if someone we loved

fell over and wouldn’t wake up. We each had a pretend

phone and used it to dial 999, making sure that we

asked for an ambulance. Finally, we had a go at lying

on our sides so that we understand that this is a safe

position to lie whilst waiting for help.

The Alps

Reception has loved their outdoor learning sessions

to the Alps throughout the academic year. Major Short

has delivered lots of exciting and interesting sessions

where the children have enjoyed discovering changes in

weather, seasons and the environment. We especially

liked the chance to make a den using sticks, mud and

leaves!

Working together to build a den

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Discover Story Centre

We had so much fun visiting the Discover Story Centre

in London on Monday 18th March. Upon arrival we were

in awe of the story themed rooms as we made our way

to the lunch room. Once we had eaten we engaged in a

storytelling workshop, where our leader Miriam enlisted

our help to build a box rocket that would take us to the

moon! Once we landed on planet Nan we had the time

of our lives immersing ourselves in the variety of role

play rooms set up for us. It was out of this world!

Kent Life Visit

Reception had an excellent day at Kent Life on Tuesday

14th May 2024. Upon arrival we were led to our base

for the day in the Old Wagon Store. There we were met

by our wonderful ‘Grain to Bread’ workshop leader. She

talked us through the process of making a loaf of bread

before we had a go for ourselves!

Feeding the animals


Role Playing Sailing out to Sea

Bug Man Visit

Reception was visited by Andrew the Bug Man on

Monday 3rd June 2024. It was so exciting meeting lots

of exotic animals and creatures, most of which he had

collected himself upon his travels. The tarantula was one

of the favourites and so many children had the courage

to give her legs a little stroke!

Meeting the animals

We then walked down to the farmyard where we had the

opportunity to meet and greet a selection of animals.

The lambs were very noisy waiting for their milk! After a

yummy packed lunch back in the Old Wagon Store we

escaped the rain by wearing ourselves out in the Soft

Play area. A super fun day was had by all.

Stroking a tortoise

Meeting and stroking the pony

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Year 1 Activities and Trips

Trip to Guildhall Museum

In the Michaelmas Term, the children thoroughly

enjoyed learning about toys from the past in their History

lessons! They had the chance to visit the Guildhall

Museum to explore and handle a range of old toys. This

included a pumpette and a wooden acrobat toy.

The children got to each have a turn playing with the

acrobat and they enjoyed exploring the differences

between toys from the past and toys from the present.

Knights and Castles Day

For their History learning in the Michaelmas term, Year 1

enjoyed a Knights and Castles Day. We welcomed Queen

Elizabeth I from the Past Productions Company who took

us into the past. The children explored types of castles,

took part in a jousting tournament and learnt a medieval

dance. They were even lucky enough to receive their

knighthood!

Receiving a knighthood from the Queen

Learning about toys from the past

Learning a dance from the past

Year 1 visits

Horton Kirby

As part of their learning in

Science, Year One visited

Horton Kirby Environmental

Centre to spend the day

exploring nature! The children

spent the day identifying

various birds, animals and

minibeasts. They even got to go

pond dipping and found some

interesting pond life, such as

tadpoles and newts.

Enjoying pond dipping

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Geography Field Trip

Creepy Claws

Children in Year One thoroughly enjoyed their Creepy

Claws workshop in the Lent Term, where they got to

learn about a variety of unusual pets! The animals were

brought in from the Creepy Claws rescue centre, and

included a snake, tortoise, tarantula, scorpion and a

skinny pig, to name just a few. The children learnt many

facts about the animals, including how to look after

them, what they like to eat and what their habitats are.

Stroking a snake


Visit to Rochester Cathedral

Year 1 visited Rochester Cathedral as part of their

learning about Christianity. The children had a guided

tour of the Cathedral, during which they got to identify

key features such as the nave, pulpit, font and stained

glass windows.

Stroking a tortoise

Dr Gilbert Visit

Year One thoroughly enjoyed learning about Antarctica

in the Lent Term. They were lucky enough to have a visit

from Dr Gilbert, who told all about his very own Antarctic

adventures. He told us how in 1984 he visited the

Antarctic region of South Georgia, meeting many seals

and penguins along the way, as well as going on an

Antarctic cruise last year. Brrrrrrrrr!

Exploring the Cathedral

We then visited the Crypt where we got to learn about

celebrations of significance in the Christian faith. The

children were able to re-enact a Baptism and were

selected to play important roles in order to welcome a

new baby into the Christian faith. These roles included

parents, Godparents and the priest.

Dr Gilbert sharing his trip to the Antarctic

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Father Stephen Visit

Year One thoroughly enjoyed learning about Antarctica

in the Lent Term. They were lucky enough to have a

visit from Dr Gilbert, who told all about his very own

Antarctic adventures. He told us how in 1984 he visited

the Antarctic region of South Georgia, meeting many

seals and penguins along the way, as well as going on

an Antarctic cruise last year. Brrrrrrrrr!

Pirate Day

Year One thoroughly enjoyed

their Pirate Day in the

Midsummer Term! To link with

their learning about the history

of pirates, the children took

part in a Pirate Day where

they came to school dressed

as a pirate and took part in

many pirate activities. These

included making a pirate

ship, creating a treasure

map with tea-staining and

designing their own pirate flag.

Arrrrrrggghhhhh!


Reculver Trip

Enjoying Pirate Day

Father Stephen Visit

Outdoor Learning

In September, Year 2 had an unforgettable trip to

Reculver to introduce the Science topics on seaside

habitats and their food chains. They discovered many

different types of marine life whilst rock-pooling on the

beach in the glorious sunshine.

They were amazed to see so many slipper limpets and

fascinated to learn that their foot is like a rough tongue

which they use to munch on the algae! They collected

many shark eggs also known as mermaid purses in

the rock pools and had fun using their tickling sticks

to identify a range of crabs hiding from the Common

Gulls overhead. In the afternoon the children played a

variety of games. They loved being anemones by using

their colourful long tentacles to catch a variety of food

in the form of bubbles! They also loved dressing up as

Outdoor learning whatever the weather

Working together on our finds

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crabs in the ‘Crazy Crab Crawl’ and scuttling around

using their pincers to scavenge for worms, mussels,

shrimps, seaweed and whelks without being caught

by the Common Gull! A truly amazing way to engage in

our natural environment and become confident and

thoughtful scientists on such a beautiful sunny day!

Outdoor Learning

Year 2 had great fun on their Outdoor Learning day at

The Alps with Major Short. They collected wood for the

fire and enjoyed delicious ‘s'mores’ with marshmallows

melted over the flames.

Enjoying our s'mores


The crab game

Great Fire of London Day

Year 2 had a fantastic day with ‘Samuel Pepys’ in Lent

term. He took them on a whirlwind ride through the 17th

century and really brought their History topic of The

Great Fire of London to life.

Year 2 Building the fire

Beekeeper Visit

Year 2 meet Samuel Pepys

Year 2 excited to learn about beekeeping

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House Events

The beginning of the Michaelmas term sees the election

of new House and Vice House captains. Year 3 children

are given the opportunity to present to their house

and then the mini election takes place with every child

casting their vote. Our house captains meet regularly

with Mrs Crozer and suggest and help organise events

for the year. The winter race and the pancake race are

now an established part of the year and hotly contested

by the houses.

Maya Day

Year 3 loved welcoming Robbie from Past Productions

back again this year for Maya Day.

Year 3 meeting Big Nose

It was a fabulous way to kick start our topic about

the Ancient Maya. The children learnt so much and

asked some incredible questions! We had fun listening

to stories, doing Mayan Math’s, performing role plays,

dancing and exploring artefacts.

It was such a memorable learning experience and the

children were talking about it for weeks afterwards!

House Captains

Roman Museum Trip

This year we also enjoyed house poetry reading,

house chess and games and house baking. The

captains have been fantastic role models encouraging

their houses to collect house tokens and try the best

they can.

Winning the most House tokens

Year 3 visited Canterbury’s Roman Museum and the

Beaney Museum. They learnt so much to enhance their

topic work at school and got to see the real remains of

a Roman villa discovered under Canterbury’s cobbled

streets during the war! They loved learning about lots

of aspects of Roman life and even made their own

Roman coins! They looked at the technology the Romans

introduced to Britain. At the Beaney, the children

became archaeologists, exploring a range of Roman

artefacts to find clues about the past. It was a great trip!

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Outdoor Learning

Year 2 and 3 went to the war memorial in Rochester to

remember those who have lost their lives in war. Year 3

read the letters they had written to an unknown soldier

in World War 1. At 11:00 we remained silent for two

minutes and reflected on their personal sacrifices.

Year 3 team

Dear Soldier,

I am writing to you today because you sacrificed your

life for us during the war.

I would hate to live in the trenches. I would have been

terrified seeing rats crawling all over me. I would hate

having to wait for the whistle to blow because I would

hate not knowing what was behind the wall!

I am sure you will be very missed by all your family

and friends. Your parents would have been very proud of

you but at the same time, heartbroken that they never

see you again.

Finally, I want to thank you.

Ella, aged 7

Dear Soldier,

I am writing to you. Thank you for giving life for our

freedom. I know it was terrible in the trenches. I would

have hated the rats and lice. I would hate to have trench

foot. I would miss my mum and dad.

I know you were special to your mum and dad. They

must have been sad when you didn’t come home.

Thank you for fighting for me.

Hazel, aged 7

French Dance Day Fun!

In February, Year 3 children were invited to take part

in the French dance day fun. Mademoiselle Sherrisse

came along to teach them some French baroque dance

moves, ending with a very energetic can-can.

STEM Workshops

In the STEM workshops, which we do termly, we applied

our scientific skills and understanding about forces and

movement, fiction and air resistance and electronics to

create some fantastic gadgets:

1. Fidget spinners

2. Balloon cars

3. Vibrating Bugs

The children have to plan, apply their Science and trial

and adapt their models. The children are always excited

to work with Mr Shefford who introduces the work and

learning.


Proud of our fidget spinners

Remembrance Day

STEM vibrating bug

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Happy Puzzle Company

Session

We had a fantastic morning workshop with The Happy

Puzzle Company where the children had a brilliant time

solving a range of logic puzzles in teams. It was a great

way to develop communication, collaboration techniques

and perseverance.

Kent Life

In the Midsummer term, Year 3 were excited to go

to Kent Life to learn about different aspects of life in

Britain during World War 2. The children rotated around

different stations and actors brought aspects of life

during World War 2 alive for them. They listened to an

air raid siren, looked at the idea of ‘make do and mend’

and explored rationing to name a few. The children

found out so much and really enjoyed the day.

Play in a Week

In the Midsummer term, Year 3 got to work on producing

a ‘Play in a Week’. This year we worked on some of

the tales from Beatrix Potter written and adapted by

Ms Hebden. The children loved the individual tales

and were very excited. Each day began with drama

games encouraging movement, imagination and voice

projection.

The children then worked in small groups on their

allotted tale. They learnt a spectacular number of lines

and were very supportive of each other. Ms Hebden then

went on to stage each group, who this year were working

on performing in a round, quite a skill!

On Friday we gave two performances to parents as

we performed in the drama studio with the lighting. The

children performed superbly and wowed everyone who

was in the audience. Our thanks go to Ms Hebden for all

her work with the children. The children really enjoyed

their week and are looking forward to continuing their

drama work in the Preparatory School and beyond.

The Home Front

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Music Review

Michaelmas Term saw the launch

the Pre-Prep String Group, which

rehearsed weekly to home

musicianship and ensemble skills

to complement their individual

instrumental lessons.

Parents, pupils and staff in Pre-Prep became

accustomed to regular assembly performances, often

joined by more experienced string players from the Prep

and Senior school. A particular highlight was a spirited

performance of Old MacDonald by string players drawn

from the whole school.

The Y2 and 3 String Group pupils had been practising

for many weeks learning their bowing patterns for

different animal sounds ("Oink Oink", "Moo", "Gobblegobble"

and "Cockadoodledoo"), whilst the Prep String

Group had rehearsed a more advanced version of the

same piece. They were further joined by two Remove

violinists and Mr Hewitt Jones on double bass to make

this massed ensemble for the assembly.

In November singers from the Pre-Prep treated

members of the public in Fremlin Walk, Maidstone

to carols and festive songs in aid of Demelza.

The String Group

Unfortunately, the organisers sound system broke down

but, unperturbed, pupils carried on a cappella with the

rest of their singing, ably assisted by the Pre-Prep Staff.

As the Michaelmas Term drew to a close, the Music

department reached a crescendo of activity with

performances and services in both the Prep and Pre-

Prep schools. As always, the Pre-Prep pupils performed

their Nativity Service (complete with costumes and a

rendition of 'Little Donkey').

The end of the Midsummer term was marked as

always with concerts and other musical celebrations,

including the Pre-Prep Performers Assembly, where staff,

family and pupils enjoyed group performances from the

Pre-Prep Choir, Pre-Prep String Group, Pre-Prep Ballet

Dancers, as well as solo performances.

Music Review

Music Review

Children enjoy their weekly music from Nursery to

Year 3. Mrs Cross runs colourstrings sessions with all

children in Nursery and Reception, although this has

been her last year as she retires to spend more time

with her family. Children in Years 1-3 enjoy weekly

lessons with the Preparatory Head of Music, Mrs

Nathan. This year the lessons have increased from 30 to

60 minutes.

From Year 2 children have

the opportunity to learn a

range of instruments and

take lessons. This year

children have chosen to

learn: Piano, Guitar, Violin,

Cello, Trumpet, Percussion

and Clarinet to name some.

This year saw the

continuation of group string

lessons for Years 1-3. Those

who had already completed The Choir

the First Strings Experience

were able to join the growing strings group who rehearse

once a week after school. They have on occasion

joined with Preparatory School children to perform in

assemblies. In addition to the string experience, brass

and percussion have offered First Experience Lessons.

Over the year children had the opportunity to take

part in informal concerts in the conference centre.

In May, three of our pianists showcased their work to

families and friends.

In the Midsummer Term, we held our ‘Performing Arts

Pre-Preparatory Concert’. We

were able to watch the ballerinas,

hear the choir and listen to some

of our children who have had

individual lessons. It is great to

see how much the children enjoy

their music and dance and how

confidently they perform at the

start of their musical and dance

journey. We enjoyed listening to

the string group and some of the

group first experience lessons.

The afternoon was enjoyed by

all. We are very grateful to all

the individual music and dance teachers who inspire

the children. We are also grateful to Mrs Nathan who

masterminds this event.

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Sport and Games Review

Sport & Games Review

Children in the Pre-Preparatory School

enjoy their Games and Swimming

sessions. They are taught by specialist

staff from the Prep and Senior school.

During this academic year Year 3

experienced pickle ball sessions held in Chadlington

Hall. They developed their hand eye co-ordination and

had lots of fun. Thank you to Miss Catlett for organising

these sessions.

On Friday 24th May, the Pre-Preparatory School was

excited. It was our Sports Day! All the children had a

fabulous afternoon working together in their house

teams. After all the races the children returned to the

classrooms and had an ice lolly kindly provided by the

PPS while families and friends enjoyed tea and cake on

the paddock. The day ended with the results and the

winning house was Storrs.

The children have continued to enjoy their swimming.

Children in Year 2 and 3 completed distance badges

over the year which showed the terrific progress they

had made. The highlight for both Year 2 and 3 were

the house swimming galas. Cheered on by both their

peers and families the children all swam confidently.

They were wonderful occasions. In Year 3 Crick was the

winning house and in Year 2 Storrs.

Cricket on the Paddock with specialist staff

The Year 2 swimming gala saw records broken:

25 m Backstroke Eliana with a new time of 29.00 secs

25 m Breaststroke Rosie with a new time of 41.57 secs

25 m Butterfly Tilly with a new time of 52.10 secs

Congratulations to these children on their amazing

achievements.

What a wonderful year of sport!

Sports Day

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Sport and Games Review

Year 3 Crick win

Year 2 Storrs win

Sports Day

Sports Day Storrs Victorious House

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Leavers' Service

Leavers’ Service

Pre-Preparatory School Leavers Service

and Prize Giving

T

he afternoon of Thursday 4th July saw

a wonderful celebration of our school

year. The whole school was involved

from Nursery to Year 3 as we reflected

on the year gone by. It was lovely to see

such a full cathedral. The Year 3 children took charge

and shared the experiences that we have enjoyed this

academic year, each year group, along the way, injected

their sparkle in the form of a song or a poem. Year 3

then went on to share some of their memories from

their time in the Pre-Preparatory School, as well as their

aspirations for the Prep School and beyond. We were

able to continue our tradition of singing ‘One More Step’

and filled the cathedral with our voices.

The service is also a time for us to say a proper

goodbye to our leavers. Saying goodbye to the children

is always so hard, and although they are only across

The Paddock, and we know they are ready for the next

part of their learning journey, it is always a time full of

emotion. It has been a pleasure watching them grow

and develop throughout their time in the Nursery and

Pre-Preparatory school – what incredible children they

are!

The afternoon finished with refreshments on The

Paddock, provided by our brilliant catering team and

were very welcome on the lovely warm summer’s day. A

great way to end the school year.

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Prize Winners

The Mills Cup for Leadership:

The Strathmore and Kinghorne Cup for Good Manners & Politeness:

The Collett-White Trophy for Music:

The Turnbull Cup for Endeavour:

The Jelfs Cup for Sport:

The Walker Cup for Kindness:

The Lester Cup for Art:

The Nolan Cup for School Loyalty:

The Medhurst Cup for Performing Arts:

The Nickless Cup for High Academic Achievement:

The Pre-Preparatory School Mathematics Prize:

The Pre-Preparatory School English Prize:

The Swimming Cup for Most Improvement:

Old Roffensian General Knowledge Award:

The Brownett Cup for Improvement in Ballet:

The Creative Writing Prize:

Salvete/Valete and

House Officials

Salvete

A. Alshaker, N. Bravo, D. Ghosal, A. Gilberthorpe, H. Jameson,

Z. Korkmaz, E. Smith, R. Tamakloe, A. Dastagir, O. Gedney,

J. Norman, G. Adekunle, T. Arivalakan, A. Bhattiprolu, L-J. Byrne,

J. Daniels Gelebart, D. Di Croce, D. Dosunmu, F. Farinto, A. Groves,

E. Hargrove, E. Hocking, A. Hughes Rogers, H. James, A. Keulemans,

A-T. Ludlow, M. Mates, L. Powell, A. D. Schofield-Katselidis, I. Smit,

M. Wond, A. Humphreys, E. Mole, M. Perez Fernandez.

Valete

A. Gafar, A. Adisa, R. Agoro, E. Ajala, E. Araiza Aboli, L. Binning,

J. Bolaji, H. Brown, T. Catlett, C. Clair, Z. G. Donald, J. Earle,

J. Ekwo, N. Fielder, C. Forson, Z. Fowode, M. Huda-Islam,

S. Hussain, S. Luedecke, S. Mason, J. Ozorewor, J. Ozorewor,

J. Tanday, A. Virdee, B. Whittles, A. Zaman, D. Peterson, A. Agyei,

J. Agyei, N. Omatayo, N. Omatayo, U. Rahim, R. Yershov, N. Agyei,

K. Aujla, E. Lidl, H. Ogunyanwo, T. Omoba, A. Rahim, K. Yershova,

D. Aujla, R. Aujla, D.Ohiafi.

Jiyana Morjaria

Markus Lee

Joshua Fayoade

Erin Lidl

Nathan Agyei

Pavelle Whaid

Tia Roshith

Fola Dada

Ella Rogers

Grace Bennett and Ayomide Adisa

Bash Panesar

Giana Patel

Myles Davey-Brown

Theodore Dhami

Eloise Parren

Daya Dhaliwal

Pre-Preparatory School

House Staff

Parker

Lindsay Green

Lauren Govey

Becky Recardo

Cheryl Halmkan

Camilla Morgan

Sarah Deforges

John Killoran

Whiston

Wendy Black

Fiona Cross

Sarah Whalin

Lisa Donnelly

Jess Whalin

Esther Baker

Crick

Andy Parker-Bruce

Jacquie Pilkington

Candice Hummel

Marnie Martin

Natalie Bhat

Storrs

Lou Burrows

Laura McDonald

Emma Harris

Claire Overal

Liz Johns

Prize Winners / Salvete/Valete, House Officials

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Preparatory Academic Review

Academic Review

T

his academic year has once again been

filled with challenges, triumphs and

many memorable moments as well as

countless exciting learning opportunities

for all pupils. Across all areas of

Preparatory School life, pupils from Year 4 up

to Year 8 have consistently demonstrated their

dedication, energy and enthusiasm and made

the most of all of the opportunities on offer to

them.

In November, Year 6 pupils competed in the

Primary School Maths challenge and Year 7 and

8 took part in the Kent Prep. Schools Challenge.

In June, many pupils had the opportunity to

take part in a STEM workshop, competing in

teams to build giant tetrahedrons and a giant

Geodesic Dome as well as having fun solving

puzzles when the Happy Puzzle Company visited

the school. Year 7 also enjoyed putting their

problem-solving and critical thinking skills to the

test when they visited the Panic Rooms in Gravesend.

During the year, all pupils were given the opportunity

to work on projects with real-world applications in their

Computing lessons, including the Year 8 Foodbank

app project, which was judged by volunteers from

the Medway Foodbank who announced the overall

winners and awarded their prizes in an assembly in the

Midsummer Term. It has never been more apparent that

an exceptional education fosters a deep appreciation

for the beauty of diversity, cultivates a thirst for lifelong

September 2024, which will enable them to create a

digital portfolio, showcasing their academic skills as well

as their co-curricular involvement and their engagement

with a range of cultural enrichment activities.

In RS, Year 4, 5 and 6 had lots of fun creating

colourful and imaginative projects for the Spirited Art

competition, while in History, Year 6 enjoyed their trip

to Canterbury where they learned about the murder of

Thomas Becket.

Year 7 and 8 have been becoming responsible global

citizens by learning about environmental stewardship

and they have also been very artistic in RS this term,

creating spectacular protest banners to teach others

about looking after the environment. Entries for the

Archdeacon Brown poetry competition were

particularly impressive this year, with Daniella

Obi winning first place, while Samah Hussain

earned second place and Habibah Bakoshi’s

entry placed third. Year 5 built longships and

made mini-documentaries to represent their

learning about Vikings, Year 7 were detectives

investigating the Great Fire of London and

Year 6 Classicists investigated how myths are

created through investigating the story of the

Minotaur.

learning, and instills the courage to question. It is through

education that we nurture the seeds of resilience and

moral consciousness within our children, empowering

them to become catalysts of positive change in an

ever-evolving world. In order to prepare them for this,

Year 7 will be starting work on their King’s Diploma in

Some scientific highlights of the year

included the Year 6 trip to Wingham Wildlife

Park where the giraffes provided much

entertainment and many brave adventurers

found themselves covered in brightly coloured birds

when they held out sugar water for them to drink.

Getting to see how so many different animals have

adapted to survive in their natural habitats was a great

way of bringing pupils’ learning to life and the restored

pond, home to lots of newts and other wildlife have

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given pupils a hands-on learning experience and an

opportunity to apply their knowledge.

Years 4 to 6 had another amazing year using

Accelerated Reader, reading their socks off and quizzing

on a huge number of books throughout the year. A

large number of pupils hit their points targets, earning

certificates and prizes along the way. A small group of

our most committed readers even managed to read

more than a million words during the school year!

Sadly, we said goodbye to three members of

Preparatory School staff this academic year; Mr

Caithness, Mr Waite and Mrs Whittles.

Mr Caithness was Head of Science at the Preparatory

School for nine years from 2015. His pupils will

remember him for his passionate advocacy of Science

and its relevance to all. Aside from his complete

commitment to every area of our co-curricular offering,

Mr Caithness was a Scientist from the grass-roots to the

stars: In his time at King's he reinvigorated our outdoor

learning with a much loved and improved Science

Garden, while also finding time to send Roffa the Bear

into Space!

Mr Waite worked in the Games Department at King’s

from 2017 to 2024 showing expertise on the Cricket

and Football fields to name but a few, with a cheerful,

encouraging style.

After dedicating nine years to King's School, Louise

Whittles is embarking on a new chapter in her teaching

journey. As a dedicated Year 4 form tutor, she has

not only been a valued member of King's but also a

cherished friend to many. Her creative flair and passion

for art have shone through, from leading the quilling

club to her beautiful classroom displays. She has also

meticulously organised the Year 4 residential trip, which

the pupils thoroughly enjoyed

and took wonderful memories

from. Most importantly, she

has left a mark on our pupils,

who have come to admire her.

We wish Louise Whittles the

very best as she brings her

talents and enthusiasm to a

new school.

We will miss all of our

colleagues enormously and

we wish them all the very best

as they embark on the next

stage of their journey at their new schools.

This year, 9 pupils achieved their Principal’s awards

and special mention goes to Jessica Richter and Emily

Richter, whom received a Principal’s award in both the

Lent and Midsummer terms.

There have been numerous academic achievements

throughout the year, which are a testament to how

industrious and focused the pupils have been in the

classroom, which is no mean feat, alongside their

busy schedule of co-curricular activities and events.

Other successes this year included Albert Brighouse’s

outstanding entry to the Jones’ Prize which was a

highlight of the year.

These are impressive academic accolades which

reflect the hard work that goes on in classrooms every

single day, enabling our pupils to acquire the breadth

of knowledge and skills that they will need as they

head out into an ever-changing world. Skilfully planned

lessons with effective use of technology to enhance

pupils’ experiences ensure that the curriculum is

engaging for all and lesson observations and subject

reviews throughout the academic year as well as the

recent ISI inspection prove that high quality teaching

and learning continue to be a priority in the Preparatory

School.

This year, pupils have also enjoyed performing on the

stage. In the Michaelmas Term, we enjoyed an excellent

production of ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’

and I would like to thank the entire support team of

pupils and staff for their dedication in putting this

together.

In October the Prep School held the first of its termly

Musical Showcases: an opportunity for pupils to hone

their performance skills in front of a small friendly

audience of family and friends. The running order

was chosen at random using Mrs Nathan’s spinning

wheel, to reduce any potential performance anxiety.

Over the course of the year, audiences were treated to

a wide array of music from Bach to The White Stripes

in these relaxed afternoon concerts in the Conference

Centre. As the Michaelmas Term drew to a close, the

Music department reached a crescendo of activity with

performances and services as well as the Prep School

Christmas Concert, featuring

fantastic solo dances by

Jessamy and Rosanna as

well as festive favourites

from the Prep School

Ballet Group, Brass Group,

Orchestra, String Group and

Wind Band as well as choirs

from Years 4, 5 and 6.

The Lent Term began

with a Soloists Assembly

in the Preparatory School

in January, featuring

performances from pupils in Years 7 and 8, and

continued with more Showcases in February. Prep

School pupils also jetted off in a space-themed

Orchestra Day with pupils from five local schools,

playing the iconic Dr Who theme by Delia Derbyshire

and Gustav Holst’s ‘Mars’.

March brought the Bi-annual Prep School House

Music Competition. Pupils performed a huge range

of music - from Bach to Busted - to a packed School


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Hall for a fun afternoon celebrating pupils' love of

music. The guest judge was Chris Gabbitas, an Old

Roffensian (and former Chorister) who has gone on

to have successful careers in Music (as a member of

the internationally-renowned King's Singers) and Law

(as a Partner, specialising in Media). Parker House

secured prizes in the House Ensemble and House

Song categories but, thanks to some strong individual

and small group performances, Storrs House were the

overall winners.

Later that same week, friends and family gathered

in the School Hall on Thursday night for the annual

Formal Music Concert. This was an opportunity to

celebrate the musical talents of pupils (including

Choristers and Music

Scholars). The audience

were treated to an array of

music styles, with several

pieces by living composers,

including percussionist,

Evelyn Glennie, 'cellist Mark

Summer and songwriters

Dan Reynolds & Wane

Sermon (better known as

Imagine Dragons). The

Storrs House string trio gave

a repeat performance of

their winning entry from the

House Music Competition

and the evening was concluded with a spell-binding

performance of an aria from JS Bach's St Matthew

Passion featuring a special guest performance by Mr

Morgan on violin.

In the Midsummer Term the Preparatory School

was delighted to host a Singing Celebration event at

Rochester Cathedral. The Prep. School Choir, along

with the King's Choristers and singers from six local

IAPS schools joined together to sing, accompanied by

an orchestra comprised of King's Prep, Senior pupils,

led by Mr Morgan. Conducting and MCing duties were

shared by Mrs Nathan and Mrs Elisa Harrod, Director

of Music at Rose Hill School in Tunbridge Wells. Singers

from each school performed their separate pieces

alongside group performances from the massed choir.

King's Prep Choir and Choristers shared a number

from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber and other

schools offered songs by Mike Batt and Glyn Lehmann.

Highlights of the evening included a medley of local

Kent folk songs and the Karl Jenkins' Benedictus, which

featured an exquisite 'cello solo from Music Scholar Isla

M alongside serene string playing; followed by acoustic

shockwaves courtesy of Mr Holmes in the percussion

department and Mr Lloyd in the organ loft. Performers

sang to a packed audience of parents, governors and

school staff from across the county.

In May, the Prep. School Choir and Choristers joined

Year 6 pupils from Oaklands School and Year 3 pupils

from English Martyrs to perform excerpts from Andrew

Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat. Our school has a rich history

with this musical, having first performed it in 1970

alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice! Mr.

Charles joined the fun as Pharaoh and Hugh D (U6)

sang the role of Joseph, with accompaniment from Miss

Roux on piano and Bobby L (L6) on drums, directed

by Mrs. Nathan. It was a joy to work on these songs

throughout the term with English Martyrs and Oaklands

pupils as part of the King’s Partnership programme and

for this to culminate in a fantastic performance. Many

thanks to our partnership

helpers Alex, Toby, Bobby,

Elizabeth, Lucy and Bobby

and to the other HANDS

pupils who joined us for the

day.

This year, every year group

in the Preparatory School

has had the opportunity

to go on a residential trip.

These trips included the

Year 4 trip to Lower Grange

Farm, where pupils enjoyed

toasting marshmallows and

taking part in a range of

outdoor activities, including zorbing! For many pupils,

this was their first night away from home, without their

parents, but they approached the experience with

enthusiasm and were very proud of themselves (if a

little over-tired!) on their return home the next day.

Year 5 also enjoyed two nights camping, Year 7 had

a wonderful time at Cobnor back in September and

the annual Year 6 trip to Chateau Warsy in France was

formidable! Each and every one of these residential

trips have offered pupils an excellent opportunity

to develop their independence, resilience and selfreliance.

Our calendar of sporting fixtures has been full

throughout the year and pupils have met a variety of

challenges in the matches they have faced. Our ethos

emphasises a sporting approach, ensuring that we host

visiting schools appropriately and that pupils take pride

in how they represent the school as visitors.

All in all, it has been another busy and vibrant

academic year which has been underpinned by

the strong sense of community which runs through

everything that we do. It has been lovely to see children,

staff and parents continuing to work hard, play hard and

look after each other in order to make King’s the unique

and special place we know and love.

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Activities, Trips &

Special Events

Year 7 Trip to Cobnor

Y

ear 7 had their outward-bound trip to

Cobnor Activities Centre in Chichester.

It was a fantastic opportunity for all

the new pupils who joined in Year 7

and those who were in Year 6 at King’s

to bond and create lasting memories. The pupils were

delightful, displaying commendable behaviour and

enthusiasm throughout the trip.

there were team-building activities and

orienteering provided valuable lessons

in cooperation and navigation.

Sleeping in the bunkhouses added

to the adventure, and the Year 7

pupils had great fun, showing excellent

camaraderie.

We would like to thank the Year

7 pupils for being such wonderful

company and to the staff for their hard

work in making the trip such a success.

The experience was enjoyable for

everyone involved.


The itinerary included a range of engaging activities.

We had the chance to sail to East Head, taking in the

beautiful coastal views. We canoed to the ice cream

shop in Bosham, which was a particular favourite, even

though paddling back against the spring tide proved to

be a challenging, but rewarding experience. In addition,

Year 8 Buddhist Nun Visit

In September Year 8s had an opportunity to meet with

Emma Lopen Ani Pema Deki; the Buddhist Nun. Emma

talked about her experiences in Bhutan and widened

our understanding of the three main teachings of

Buddha.

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Year 8 Trip to National

Maritime Museum

Year 8 travelled to the National Maritime Museum in

Greenwich in order to undertake an inquiry study day on

the history and legacies of Trans-Atlantic Enslavement.

During the day pupils drew on the Museum’s

collection to discuss the development of the

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, life in West Africa, the

transportation of enslaved people, and the realities of

life in the plantations. They also explored abolition and

the motivations of those involved.

Examining original account books and logs from slave

ships, inventories from plantations and replica artifacts

before exploring the Museum’s collections as part of

focused inquiries, pupils debated the effectiveness and

limitations of historical sources to reveal events and the

lives of real people.

Rochester Cathedral

Year 5

Year 5 pupils embarked on an insightful journey

exploring Abrahamic Religions by visiting both a

Synagogue and Rochester Cathedral.

Their first stop was the Synagogue, where they

absorbed the unique rituals and practices. They then

delved into the Cathedral’s serene ambience and

navigated the Pilgrim Steps on their knees. They also

engaged in discussions about the Cathedral’s key

features by comparing and contrasting them with the

Synagogue’s structure and purpose.

This eye-opening trip broadened their understanding

of religious diversity and fostered

a deeper appreciation for different

places of worship within the local

community.

Year 8 visit to Canterbury

Cathedral

Our Year 6 students recently embarked on an enriching

pilgrimage from Rochester Cathedral to Canterbury

Cathedral, following in the historical footsteps of medieval

pilgrims. The journey was marked by a unique costume

trial, allowing the children to vividly relive the era and

follow the story of Thomas Becket's death. The adventure

continued in an engaging activity room where students

crafted pilgrim's shells, created stained glass windows,

and tried their hands at stone masonry. It was a day filled

with learning, creativity, and fun, providing a memorable

experience for all.

Year 6 Trip

to Wingham

Wildlife Park

Year 6 visited Wingham

Wildlife Park to look at

animals, their adaptations,

reasons for the dinosaurs

dying out and conservation. We had a super time and

are very thankful to Wingham Wildlife Park, who once

again provided a really enjoyable and informative day

out. Giant Centipedes, Crocodiles, Otters, Giraffes,

Orangutans Tigers, Lions and Moon Bears all played their

part as well as some greedy Parakeets! And this was just

a small sample of what we saw. The pupils were buzzing

on the coach on the way home and all agreed that it had

been just the best day out!

Year 4

Year 4 pupils had an unforgettable

day at Rochester Cathedral, diving

into an interactive Nativity Trail.

The day was packed with engaging

activities such as role-playing

Nativity scenes and creating a

beautiful "Dove of Peace". Not

only did the visit deepen their

understanding of Christmas, but it

also allowed them to appreciate the

Cathedral's historical significance.

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Year 8 and Lower Fifth visit to

the Ypres Salient

A quarter of the men killed in the First World War died

in the Ypres Salient. Whereas in the Somme, the war’s

only comparable British theatre, fighting raged for four

and a half months, here the fighting continued for over

four and a half years. “A more sacred place for the

British race does not exist in the world”, said Churchill

in 1919. This, indeed, is the British Verdun, the only

major town in Belgium never to fall into German hands,

a bastion resolutely defending the German route to the

Channel ports of Calais and Boulogne.

Parties from King’s School have been visiting Ypres

since 1992 and, on this

occasion, over sixty pupils

from Year 8 and the Lower

Fifth, the latter deprived

of the opportunity two

years ago because of Covid

restrictions, made their

way to the front. Stopping

briefly at Lijssenthoek,

we paid tribute at the

grave of Lieutenant Oscar

Maginness, one of the 164

Old Roffensians who served

in the tragically misnamed

“Great War”, and one of

many who fell in the flooded, flat fields of Flanders.

Walking on the recreated duckboards of the trenches

of Bayernwald in the grey, light rain of the dull April

skies it was not difficult to envisage the “crumps and

lice” experienced by the “simple soldier boy” in the

winter trenches of Sassoon’s poem.

From here we journeyed to the Menin Road, close

to Hellfire Corner, where Mr Charles and Mr Morgan

laid a wreath at the tomb of Captain A E C T Dooner,

OR, whose death in the early weeks of the conflict is

also commemorated in the Lady Chapel of Rochester

Cathedral.

Tyne Cot, the Commonwealth War Graves’ largest

necropolis, honours the fallen from the Third Battle

of Ypres, commonly known as Passchendaele, and

sits a short distance from the German cemetery

of Langemark, although in death the victors and

vanquished have no divide and the brooding

expressionist sculptures of mourners in the German

“Friedhof” might be similarly bowed at the grave of the

volunteers and conscripts from Britain and its far-flung

empire killed by shell, bullet and gas.

Talbot House, an Everyman Club, welcoming soldiers

of all ranks provided our group with some respite, just

as offered by the Reverend “Tubby” Clayton to men from

the surrounding trenches in the days when the fighting

was at its fiercest. In the Upper Room, a refashioned

loft used for drying hops, we held two services of

reflection on the very site where men from these shores

took communion, sometimes for the first time and

sometimes for the last time before the rude, rough

carpenter’s bench which served as an altar, perhaps

listening to the sounds from the “squeeze box”, a

harmonium smuggled to the front by a soldier returning

from leave. Remarkably, on the day of our visit we were

served tea by Mr and Mrs Madden, guest wardens at

Toc H. Ken was a pupil at King’s before becoming a

teacher of Classics, while Libby, his wife, was the granddaughter

of John Storrs, Headmaster of King’s School

and Dean of Rochester during the years of the First

World War.

From here we made our

way to the grave of Captain

Noel Chavasse, winner of two

Victoria Crosses, the latter

posthumously, and whose own

brother was to become Bishop

of Rochester.

Supper in Ypres gave us

a chance to view the rebuilt

Cloth Hall, part of a

town destroyed by shells

raining down from artillery

surrounding the medieval

textile capital, a town which

Churchill, amongst others

wanted to be preserved as a ruined memorial, like the

French villages détruits. The Last Post signalled at

the Menin Gate, provided the prequel to a final act of

remembrance at the grave of Valentine Strudwick, who

“grinned at life in simple joy” before enlisting to defend

“Brave Belgium”, only to fall at 15 years, the same age

as many of the Lower Fifth in our party. As the light

faded at Strudwick’s tomb, Sassoon’s invocation “sneak

home and pray you’ll never know the hell where youth

and laughter go” had an added urgency. The silence

was a loud entreaty, bringing to an end a poignant day.


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Year 4 Lower Grange Farm stay

Year 4 had a wonderful one-night stay at Lower Grange

Farm. During the day, the pupils enjoyed a range of

activities including archery, body zorbs, the cave bus,

circus skills, rockets and team building games.

It was a lovely opportunity for the pupils to enjoy new

experiences; for many, it was also the first time they

had stayed a night away from home. We stayed in a

large barn with camp beds provided. The pupils enjoyed

setting up their beds and arranging all their teddies and

belongings.

Another highlight was the campfire in the evening; we

all sang songs around it and toasted marshmallows and

made s'mores. Before bed, the pupils enjoyed a film

in the barn, all tucked up cozily in their sleeping bags.

We had a fun packed time and all took away lovely

memories of this taster residential.

Book Fair

Once again, the Prep. School Book Fair was a great

success. Huge thanks to everyone who allowed their

children to buy books and returned their wish lists

promptly. The atmosphere of excitement and positivity

about reading for pleasure around school was fantastic!

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House "Just a

Minute"Competition

The Senior competition was a closely contested

event with three garrulous exponents of the art of

spontaneous loquacity excelling in their prolixity.

Archie Cummings (Crick) spoke eloquently on Harry

Potter and Vegetarianism, but repetition was his

undoing when he spoke of circus acrobats swinging

"from pole to pole". Aalekh Jassal, representing Storrs,

was masterly in his verbal dexterity on Vihrat Kohli's late

cut, but he hesitated, not unsurprisingly on England's

more fragile batting. Parker's Matthew Hunt spoke

with passion, especially on Rochester Cathedral and

croissants when speaking on the topic of the French,

although "Man's Best Friend" muzzled Matthew.

Ultimately Crick and Parker's exponents extemporised

most fluently, tying for the title.

The Junior competition was equally well-contested

with Parker's Angeli Verdi claiming the crown by a single

point from Jessica Barrow (Storrs), while Eden Grace

Ajala and Francesca Pennington showed deftness in

avoiding deviation as all the competitors looked to

speak without faltering for 60 seconds.

Overall, Parker was the most articulate house, with

Crick in second place, Storrs third and Whiston fourth.

Festival of Rugby

House Daisy Chain

The House Daisy Chain

competition was a lively and

enjoyable event, attracting

enthusiastic participation from

many Prep. School children.

The atmosphere in the Vines

was electric as each house

competed to create the longest

daisy chain they could. In

the end, Parker House were

victorious with an impressive

chain measuring 25 metres and

50 centimetres.

The weather was thankfully in our favour as four

schools joined us (Balfour Junior School, Hilltop Primary

Academy, Cliffe Woods Primary School and Brompton

Westbrook Primary School) for our annual Festival of

Rugby, which is an outreach event for local schools.

King’s School Rochester Sports staff were fantastic at

providing training opportunities in the morning, followed

by matches against each other in the afternoon. Some

of the children hadn’t had much experience with rugby

prior to the event but wanted to follow up with a local

club having discovered the joy from today’s session.

We look forward to hosting the event again next year

and it gave us pure joy to see the smiles on their faces

as they left us, suitably covered in mud.


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Year 5 Trip to Ferny Crofts

Year 5 enjoyed their trip to Ferny Crofts in Hampshire.

Despite the thunder and lightning on the first night,

they had a super time, with plenty to do and some

lovely food to eat. Everyone was challenged on the zipwire

and all enjoyed the campfire and camp building.

It is lovely to see the whole year-group together on a

residential trip and our thanks go to Miss Pembroke,

Mr Wilton, Mr Caithness and Mr Morgan for taking the

children on their trip.

Year 6 Trip to Chateau Warsy

Year 6 set off on their five-day adventure to France!

Accompanied by Mrs Cross, Mr Mahenga, Mrs Marshall,

Mr Medhurst and Mrs Wright, they boarded the coach

at 5.45 am and they were off! After a brief stop for

breakfast at the terminal in Folkestone, they boarded

Le Shuttle and in no time at all, they arrived in Calais.

Many of the children had never been on a coach, on a

train, under the sea before and their minds boggled at

the concept!

The rest of the day was full of historical interest with

a visit to the Thiepval Memorial which commemorates

the 72,337 men who lost their lives during the Battle

of the Somme, followed by a brief stop at the incredible

Lochnagar Crater. When they arrived at the Chateau,

dinner was served, everyone took part in a scavenger

hunt, and then settled into their pods for a good night’s

sleep.

Tuesday began with an early breakfast and then a

day in Paris, where everyone enjoyed a boat ride along

the Seine, complete with a close-up view of the Eiffel

Tower, adorned with Olympic rings, and then a trip to the

observation deck on the 56th floor of the Montparnasse

Tower where pupils marvelled at the spectacular

panoramic views of the city.

On Wednesday the morning was spent in the

beautiful city of Amiens, where pupils completed

challenges set by Mme Warne, including ordering food

and drinks in French and locating the beautiful 16th

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Century rose window in

the stunning Cathédrale

Notre-Dame d’Amiens.

The pupils were incredibly

polite and well-behaved

and thoroughly enjoyed

their day of sightseeing and

shopping before heading

back to the Chateau for a

game of pétanque followed

by some volleyball.

However, the highlight

of the week, for many,

was Thursday’s outing

to Parc Asterix, where

much fun was had by all.

Thrill-seekers enjoyed the

awesome Goudurix, the

incredible Oziris and Mrs.

Cross’ personal favourite,

Toutatis, which made

her scream so much she

completely lost her voice!

However, there was something for everyone, with lots

of pupils enjoying getting drenched on the water rides,

spinning in Les Chaudrons or being whizzed around

on La Tour de Numérobis and Le Cheval de Troie.

Exhausted but happy, everyone returned to the chateau

to enjoy a delicious dinner as well as the chance to try

eating snails, if they were feeling brave.

On Friday, after a filling breakfast of cereal,

croissants, and pains au chocolat, everyone said

goodbye to the chateau and boarded the coach for the

last time. After a brief stop at a supermarché to buy

some sweets and souvenirs, the final stop was at a

small boulangerie, where pupils learned how artisan

loaves are made and then had a chance to make their

own croissants. Then they hopped back on the coach

and before they knew it, they had arrived back in

Rochester, ready to be reunited with their parents.

Huge thanks to all of the teachers who gave up their

time to accompany the trip and a huge well done to

all of the pupils, many of whom stepped outside their

comfort zone, travelling overseas without their families

for the first time and surviving to tell the tale!

conducting car counts to assess

pollution levels and the area’s

popularity. It was heart-warming

to see Year 7 pupils taking such

good care of the Year 1s.

The tasks were developed

to suit the learning abilities of

both age groups, ensuring a

meaningful learning experience

for everyone involved. The

behaviour of both Year 1 and

Year 7 pupils throughout the

fieldwork was exemplary. The

Year 7 pupils left a lasting

impression on their teachers

and the public with the

exceptional care they provided

to their younger buddies,

although some Year 7s reflected

on the challenges their own

parents might have faced in

looking after them when they

were younger!

The collaborative effort and genuine empathy

displayed by all involved truly brought the project to life,

highlighting the values of teamwork and support that

flourish within our school community.

Year 7 Escape Room

Experience

Year 7 visited an Escape Room experience on Wednesday.

Escape rooms from the ground up are built for teamwork.

Pupils were given a goal to accomplish within a time limit

and had to work together to achieve this goal. With eight

escape rooms to choose from, each group decided upon

their quest. With only 60 minutes to escape, the children

were put under pressure to solve the clues from bomb

disposals to solving a murder and even helping an owl

escape from the Headmaster’s Office. Year 7 had a great

day using their cooperation, communication and problemsolving

skills, whilst also having a lot of fun.


Year 1 and Year 7 Geography

Excursion

An exciting joint Year 1 and Year 7 Geography Fieldwork

project took place last week. Together, they explored

the quality of life in Rochester. The young investigators

spent time collecting data through an environmental

quality survey, interviews with residents, and even

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Geodesic Dome Workshop

Years 5 and 6 had the opportunity to take part in a

Giant Tetrahedron Construction Challenge, one of the

STEM activities being offered by Medway Council. The

activity encouraged good teamwork, problem-solving,

and working under time constraints. Pupils’ success

was based on how well they listened and how carefully

they followed the instructions given. The workshop

involved pupils in a demonstration of the properties

of triangles and pyramids, before working in teams to

construct a model, then a giant tetrahedron, using rods

and bands. It was great fun!

Year 8's Thrilling Adventure

in the Peak District

Our Year 8 students embarked on an unforgettable

5-day residential trip to the Peak District, staying at

the charming Peak Centre in the picturesque village

of Edale. This trip was a true test of independence

as students left behind their home comforts to either

stay in dormitories or camp outside, taking on the

responsibility of cleaning rooms and looking after

themselves, all without their phones!

The week was packed with thrilling activities that

pushed students to their limits and helped them

face their fears. They scaled rock faces, abseiled

off a viaduct, hiked challenging hills, and navigated

tight spaces while weaseling. Each day brought new

challenges and adventures, with students supporting

each other and building

resilience.

The excitement didn't

end there. The final day

saw the group heading

to Alton Towers for a

thrill-seeking adventure.

Students chose their

degree of 'spiciness'

when it came to the

rides. The bravest, in the

Vindaloo and Phall groups, tackled the most intense

rides such as Wicker Man, The Smiler, and Colossus.

Meanwhile, the Korma and Butter Chicken groups

enjoyed the gentler attractions like the Runaway Train,

Congo Rapids, Marauders Mayhem, and even a visit to

the aquarium.

After a fantastic week

of adventures, laughter,

and bonding, it was time

to head home. The journey

back was a celebration in

itself, with everyone aboard

the party coach, rocking

out to Mr. Morgan's playlist.

Our Year 8 students

returned home glad to see

their families but filled

with pride and joy from

their experiences. This

incredible week not only

boosted their confidence

and built resilience but also

strengthened friendships

and created memories that

will last a lifetime.

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Walking up Whitehall, past Downing Street

EAL at Houses of Parliament

The Prep School EAL pupils had a wonderful day out

in London. Our day started with an amazing guided

tour of the Houses of Parliament followed by a walk

up Whitehall, past Downing Street and through Horse

Guards Parade. We had a picnic lunch in St James's

Park and then walked to Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly

Circus. Finally we walked up the Mall to Buckingham

Palace before heading back to Victoria Station. We were

so lucky with the weather and we all enjoyed being

tourists for the day!

House Tiddlywinks

General Knowledge

General Knowledge has again enjoyed a

busy season with a loyal group of ten or

more stalwart performers quizzing every

Friday lunchtime. Notwithstanding, the

departure of a number of last year’s star

performers, our youthful team enjoyed

a creditable measure of success. The

mixed-age group team, consisting of

two Year 5 pupils (Ethan Ojo and Rahul

Sanghera) and two Year 7 pupils (Emily

Carpenter and Emma Hargrove) reached

the final of Rowland Constantine Shield,

narrowly failing to claim the trophy for the

third consecutive year, as King’s finished

runner-up to New Beacon School, while

two Preparatory School teams, one made

exclusively of Choristers, made pleasing

progress in the Junior Schools Challenge,

a national competition based on TV’s

“University Challenge”.

A dozen pupils completed the SATIPs

Challenge, run by Old Roffensian Harry

Paget, although this year we did not claim

any prizes, as our young squad builds for

the future.

To conclude the season, on the final morning of the

Midsummer Term, the buzzer version of the House

General Knowledge Competition was run, with Storrs

claiming victory over Parker.

For their success and their service to General

Knowledge throughout the year Ethan Ojo and Rahul

Sanghera were re-awarded Colts Colours, while Emily

Carpenter and Emma Hargrove receive half-colours in

recognition of their achievements this year.

Thanks go to all the members of the training squad

for their loyal attendance at General Knowledge Club,

while Mr Williamson’s support as technician, scorer and

compiler of results is recognised in the award of a gift

acknowledging his invaluable service.

Nickless Prize for General

Knowledge 2023 Overall


Emily Carpenter (7W) retained her lead from Round One

of the Nickless Prize for General Knowledge, her total

of 150 points extending her lead over classmate Emma

Hargrove, who confirmed her runner-up position in the

overall competition. These two will be awarded prizes in

July’s Speech Day. Christopher Handel and Bethan

Kerri tied for third place, as 7W completed a clean

sweep of the podium places. Congratulations are due

to these pupils for their excellent showing in the 55th

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running of the contest.

Charlotte Johnson (8M) finished narrowly behind the

7W quartet, while four points separated the remaining

five pupils. Ethan Ojo (5W), in finishing eighth, reprised

his strong showing in the First Round to finish three

points ahead of Rahul Sanghera (5N/P) to claim the

unofficial “junior” title.

Ethan Ojo and Christopher Handel were joined by

Roman Gilmore (6H) as centurions scoring a “fullhouse”

in the Second Round, a tribute to their research

and memorization skills.

Indeed, with some fiendishly difficult questions this

year, it was encouraging see a significant increase in

the scores of the majority of pupils over the two rounds

of the contest, signalling profitable work in the family

library over the half-term break.

FORM 1ST 2ND 3RD

4M Kyan Hothi 102 Sariah Ichofu & Sam Linnett-Charles 96

4W Henry Morgan 108 Alexei Alshaker 78 Oluchi Ofodile - 66

5C Leo Duarte Mondim 120 Malachai Solomons & Nicky South 95

In the House Competition, with an average of 50.06

points per pupil, Crick finished in first place from

Whiston, with a little more than five points per pupil

covering all four houses.

POSITION NAME FORM SCORE

1 Emily Carpenter 7W 150

2 Emma Hargrove 7W 136

3= Christopher Handel 7W 134

3= Bethan Kerri 7W 134

5 Charlotte Johnson 8M 133

6= Arthur Groves 7C 127

6= Gabrielle Ofori 7W 127

8 Ethan Ojo 5W 125

9 Devish Amin 8M 124

5N/P Rahul Sanghera 122 Thomas Newell 119 Dania Chelliah 111

5W Ethan Ojo 125 Tomi Saheed 104 Amer Zaman 82

6H Zain Bedi 117 Roman Gilmore 111 Ebie Tabe 107

6W Michelle Akinyede 114 Joelle Ozorewor 100 Luis Binning 89

7C Arthur Groves 127 Dominic Di Croce 106 Lilly Byrne 65

7R Hugo Binning 69 Matilda Hooper 50 Macauley Mates & Isla Smith 49

7W Emily Carpenter 150 Emma Hargrove 136 Bethan Kerri 134

8H/R George Hardy & Lexie Hooper 72 Jovan Basi 61

8M Charlotte Johnson 133 Devish Amin 124 Dylan Elvers 122

8W Archie Cumming 122 Miriam Perez Fernandez 105 Charlie Lamb 83

Young Shakespeare

Company Workshop

Years 4 and 5 were lucky enough to get a

visit from actors from the Young Shakespeare

Company. They spent the afternoon learning

about “Romeo and Juliet” and then acted as the

feuding Montagues and Capulets as part of this

interactive performance.

A number of volunteers were chosen to act

named parts in the play and all pupils were

invited to share ideas and suggestions for how

the characters might be feeling and predicting

what might happen next, during the workshop.

At the end of the performance, the pupils

impressed the actors by answering questions

about different aspects of the play.

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Christmas Lunch


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Art

Art

A selection of artwork produced this year.

Kyan Hothi 4M Sea Creature Design

Gabrielle Ofori, 7W

Kira, Year 4, Sea Creature Project, oil pastel on paper

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Art

Zara Grace Donald, Year 5, Frank Stella Relief Sculpture, card,

foam board and acrylic paint

Joy Lin, Year 5, Frank Stella Relief Sculpture, card, foam board

and acrylic paint

Devish Amin (Yr. 8) Still Life with Vegetable and Fruit, acrylic

on card

Matilda Hooper, 7R

Amy Long (Yr. 8), Still Life Painting with Vegetable and Fruit, acrylic on card

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Choristers

Choristers

It is only when you’re asked to review the

year that you wonder how you ever got

through it all, but we did…and here goes….

Our first big engagement was with

the Archbishop of York at the blessing

of the Shrines of Bishops Paulinus and Ithamar.

This service got us off to a tremendous start to the

new academic year and the weekly routine became

quickly embedded. In mid-November we took a slight

musical diversion and presented a Jazz Mass to our

congregation and were delighted to be joined by

the King’s School Jazz Band – none of us will forget

the Gospel Procession being accompanied with the

introduction to “I got rhythm”. Afterwards, one of our

stalwart congregation members asked if we could

have this style of music every week.

Throughout the year we have had a number of

Chorister Experience Evensongs, where we invite all

those in years 2-6 to spend an afternoon with us to

get a feel for what it’s like to be a chorister - we have

managed to recruit a good number of young singers

from these services. Then the Advent and Christmas

routines began with the Wisdom Hospice Lights for

Love Service; the Advent Carol Service; followed by

numerous Christmas Carol Services and a Christmas

concert (with a nod to Strictly during the 12 days

of Christmas) including the spontaneous invention

of the Chorister Clapometer to measure the level of

the audience’s participation (or not). In between all

this we went bowling, which as ever, got competitive

between myself, Mr Morgan, Mr Flanagan and Mrs

Grout - let alone the Choristers!

The Lent term focused on an impressive

performance of the St Matthew Passion which

was epic in every sense of the word – to have

the Cathedral Choir, the King’s School Choir and

Rochester Choral Society performing was a fantastic

example of music bringing people together. For a

couple of Evensongs, the choristers were joined with

choirs from Rochester Grammar School and Invicta

School in Maidstone, and then there was the usual

run through Lent into Easter – all of which went well.

The summer brings quite a different feel to the

academic year, and we sang a diverse set of services

including one to celebrate the centenary of The

Medway Queen. Our main event for the year however

was a trip to St Paul’s Cathedral for the Festival of the

Clergy Service, where we sang alongside the choirs

of St Paul’s and Durham Cathedrals. It was a very

memorable day through and through and you’ll be

pleased to know our choir excelled.

The Choristers then took part in a large concert in

the Cathedral with the Independent Association of

Prep Schools; there was a lovely reunion Evensong

with the Rochester Cathedral Old Choristers

Association. The Choristers made a quick dash to sing

in the amazing Knole House, followed by a day trip to

a Trampoline park and Go Ape in Leeds Castle. A few

days later this was followed by the actual Chorister

Dash at Sports Day and then suddenly it was the final

Sunday of the school year.

The Chorister life is unique – it is a fully immersive

musical experience, with them performing to a high

level whilst having the opportunity to share these

experiences with a wide community all celebrating

an historic musical heritage – as I regularly say to the

chorister ‘squad’ (as they have become known to me)

- 2nd oldest Cathedral…2nd to none.

Choristers for 2023-24

Academic Year

Adisa

Boden

SURNAME

Brighouse

Donald

Elvers

Handel

Hunt

Jungling

Mathie

Nathan

O'Connor

Scadeng

Scadeng

Solomons

Elise

Leo

Albert

Zara Grace

Dylan

Christopher

Matthew

Romy

Ruairaidh

Percy

Luke

Charles

Henry

Malachi

FIRST NAME

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Drama

The Lion, The Witch And

The Wardrobe

Drama

The story of Narnia has captured the

imaginations of generations. Whether

you first encountered it through the

pages of C.S. Lewis' beloved novel, by

watching one of its many adaptations,

or by hearing the enchanting tale from

a friend, the world of the magical wardrobe, the wintry

land of Narnia, and the adventures of the four Pevensie

children has left an indelible mark. At King’s, we sought

to capture that same magic in our own adaptation

of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and in

Michaelmas Term 2023, we brought our version of this

classic tale to life in a way that enchanted and thrilled

audiences. Across three sold-out performances, our

cast of 65 Prep School pupils delivered a memorable

interpretation of this timeless story, full of adventure,

magic, friendship, and unforgettable moments.

The Pevensie siblings—Ethan Hughes as Peter, Romy

Jungling as Susan, Matthew Hunt as Edmund, and Maci

Wond as Lucy—captured the essence of their characters

with skill and nuance. Each sibling was distinct in

personality and portrayal, yet together, they formed a

cohesive and compelling family dynamic. Ethan Hughes’

portrayal of Peter brought a commanding presence to

the stage, while Romy Jungling’s Susan was elegant and

mature. Matthew Hunt masterfully navigated Edmund’s

complex journey of betrayal and redemption, and Maci

Wond charmed the audience with her portrayal of

the ever-curious and brave Lucy. These performances

grounded the fantastical elements of the story, offering

the audience an emotional connection to the children at

the heart of the tale.

A particular highlight of the production was Emily

Carpenter’s thrilling performance as the White Witch.

Her portrayal was both menacing and captivating,

holding the audience in suspense every time she

stepped on stage. Supported by Mark Zalli’s menacing

portrayal of her sidekick, The Dwarf, Carpenter’s Witch

was a formidable force in the narrative. The contrast

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Drama

between her icy demeanour and the warmth brought by

Aslan, embodied both by a life-sized puppet and Elsa

Webb’s stirring vocal performance, provided a powerful

dynamic that elevated the production.

The Aslan puppet, magnificently crafted by the

Theatre Production team, was a spectacle in its own

right. Puppeteered with precision by three Senior

School Drama Scholars—Annie Crozier, Amelie Vowls,

and Abraham Madir—the Great Lion came to life with

grace and grandeur, perfectly capturing the majesty

of Aslan. Elsa Webb’s performance as the voice of

Aslan was both dignified and comforting, lending the

character an air of wisdom and strength that resonated

deeply with the audience.

Special recognition must be given to the Ensemble

cast. Whether they were portraying woodland creatures,

Narnians, or the White Witch’s army, their performances

added depth and texture to the overall production.

Particular mention goes to Gabrielle Ofori and Daniel

Dosunmu, whose dedication to their roles helped

create the vivid and immersive world of Narnia. Their

commitment to building the landscape and atmosphere

of this magical land was essential in bringing the story

to life on stage.

Behind the scenes, this production was the result of a

tremendous team effort. Tom Morgan, our Headmaster,

provided unwavering support throughout the rehearsal

and performance process, helping to ensure the

production's success. A special thank you goes to

Karen Hebden OR, whose guidance and expertise were

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invaluable to the entire cast and crew. The creative

team of Alice McKeever and Benjamin Wilton OR also

deserve immense credit for their artistic vision, which

helped shape the production into the breathtaking

spectacle it became.

Of course, the show would not have been possible

which was a key component in bringing the show to life.

From driving pupils to and from rehearsals to running

through lines with them at home, the involvement of the

wider community was essential to the success of the

production.

As the final curtain fell and the pupils celebrated

together on stage, the joy and camaraderie among

the cast captured the very essence of what makes

theatre so magical. Their laughter and smiles were a

testament to the hard work and passion they poured

into this performance, and for both the performers and

the audience, it was clear that the magic of Narnia had

been brought to life in a way that will be remembered

for years to come.

This production not only celebrated a classic tale

but also highlighted the extraordinary talents of the

pupils and the collaborative spirit of the entire King’s

community. It truly embodied the sentiment that “once

a follower of Aslan, always a follower of Aslan”.

Drama

without the tireless efforts of the Theatre Production

Society and the backstage team. From managing

props and set changes to handling lighting and sound,

their behind-the-scenes work was critical in creating

the seamless and polished performances that the

audience enjoyed. Last but by no means least I must

mention the support of parents, friends, and families,

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Music Review

Music

Review

M Michaelmas

ichaelmas Term saw the launch

the Pre-Prep String Group,

which rehearsed weekly to hone

musicianship and ensemble skills

to complement their individual

instrumental lessons. Parents, pupils and staff in

Pre-Prep became accustomed to regular assembly

performances, often joined by more experienced string

players from the Prep and Senior school. A particular

highlight was a spirited performance of Old MacDonald

by string players drawn from the whole school. The

Y2 and 3 String Group pupils had been practising for

many weeks learning their bowing patterns for different

animal sounds ("Oink Oink", "Moo", "Gobble-gobble" and

"Cockadoodledoo"), whilst the Prep String Group had

rehearsed a more advanced version of the same piece.

They were further joined by two Remove violinists and

Mr Hewitt Jones on double bass to make this massed

ensemble for the assembly.

Musical Showcase

In October the Prep School held the first of its termly

Musical Showcases: an opportunity for pupils to hone

their performance skills in front of a small friendly

audience of family and friends. The running order was

chosen at random using Mrs Nathan’s spinning wheel,

to reduce any potential performance anxiety. Over the

course of the year audiences were treated to a wide

array of music from Bach to The White

Stripes in these relaxed afternoon concerts

in the Conference Centre.

As the Michaelmas Term drew to a close,

the Music department reached a crescendo

of activity with performances and services

in both the Prep and Pre-Prep schools. As

always, the Pre-Prep pupils performed their

Nativity Service (complete with costumes

and a rendition of ‘Little Donkey’.

Christmas Concert

The Prep School Christmas Concert

featured fantastic solo dances by Jessamy

H and Rosanna L as well as festive favourites from

the Prep School Ballet Group, Brass Group, Orchestra,

String Group and Wind Band as well as choirs from

Years 4, 5 and 6.

Lent

Lent term began with a Soloists Assembly in Prep

School in January, featuring performances from pupils

in Years 7 and 8, and continued with more Showcases

in February for pupils in Prep & Pre-Prep. Prep pupils

also jetted off in a space-themed Orchestra Day with

pupils from five local schools, playing the iconic Dr Who

theme by Delia Derbyshire and Gustav Holst’s ‘Mars’.

House Music Competition

March brought the Bi-annual Prep School House Music

Competition. Pupils performed a huge range of music

- from Bach to Busted - to a packed School Hall for a

fun afternoon celebrating pupils' love of music. The

guest judge was Chris Gabbitas, an Old Roffensian (and

former Chorister) who has gone on to have successful

careers in Music (as a member of the internationallyrenowned

King's Singers) and Law (as a Partner,

specialising in Media). Parker House secured prizes

in the House Ensemble and House Song categories

but, thanks to some strong individual and small group

performances, Storrs House were the overall winners.

Music Concert

Later that same week, friends and family gathered in

the School Hall on Thursday night for the annual Prep

School Formal Music Concert. It was an opportunity

to celebrate the musical talents of pupils (including

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Choristers and

Music Scholars).

The audience were

treated to an array

of music styles, with

several pieces by

living composers,

including percussionist,

Evelyn Glennie, 'cellist

Mark Summer and

songwriters Dan

Reynolds & Wane

Sermon (better known

as Imagine Dragons).

The Storrs House

string trio gave a

repeat performance of

their winning entry from the House Music Competition

earlier this week and the evening was concluded with a

spell-binding performance of an aria from JS Bach's St

Matthew Passion featuring a special guest performance

by Mr Morgan on violin.

Singing Celebration

In Midsummer term the Prep School was delighted

to host a Singing Celebration event by King's School

at Rochester Cathedral this week. The Prep School

Choir, along with the King's Choristers and singers from

six local Independent

Association of Prep

Schools (IAPS) schools

joined together to sing

together, accompanied by

an orchestra comprised

of King's Prep, Senior

pupils, led by Mr Morgan.

Conducting and MCing

duties were shared by

Mrs Nathan and Mrs Elisa

Harrod, Director of Music

at Rose Hill School in

Tunbridge Wells.

Singers from each

school performed their

separate pieces alongside

group performances from the massed choir. King's Prep

Choir and Choristers shared a number from Joseph

and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Tim Rice

and Andrew Lloyd Webber and other schools offered

songs by Mike Batt and Glyn Lehmann. Highlights of

the evening included a medley of local Kent folk songs

and the Karl Jenkins' Benedictus, which featured an

exquisite 'cello solo from Music Scholar Isla Morgan

alongside serene string playing; followed by acoustic

shockwaves courtesy of Mr Holmes in the percussion

department and Mr Lloyd in the organ loft.

Performers sang to a packed audience in the

cathedral of parents, governors, IAPS and school staff

from across the county.

Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat

In May the Prep School Choir and Choristers joined

Year 6 pupils from Oaklands School and Year 3 pupils

from English Martyrs to perform excerpts from Andrew

Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat. Our school has a rich history

with this musical, having first performed it in 1970

alongside Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice!

Mr. Charles joined the fun as Pharaoh and Hugh

D (L6) sang the role of Joseph, with accompaniment

from Miss Roux on piano and Bobby L (L6) on drums,

directed by Mrs. Nathan. It was a real joy to work on

these songs throughout the term with English Martyrs

and Oaklands pupils as part of the King’s Partnership

programme and for this to culminate in such a fantastic

performance. Many thanks to our wonderful partnership

helpers Alex, Toby, Bobby, Elizabeth, Lucy and Bobby

and to the other HANDS pupils who joined us for the

day.

Music Review

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Michaelmas

Boys Football

We started the new term with boys football

as our core sport. In just 7 weeks we

played 44 matches, scored 87 goals

and a total of 112 Boys represented

the school across 12 teams. The Yr 4

boys enjoyed their first taste of fixtures in the Prep school

with friendly games against Ashford and St Edmunds. The

A team also enjoyed the experience of playing in a highly

competitive tournament at Ashford.

The Year 5 and 6 boys had promising seasons, playing

the 7-a-side format. They came up against challenging

opposition in Bickley Park and Yardley Court at a 3-way

fixture hosted by the aforementioned. This provided a

tough test on a very wet afternoon and the boys had to

show a real level of resilience to battle the conditions

and some excellent players.

The Year 7’s had an excellent season, the squad are

strong and full of potential. The U12A’s played 4 games,

winning 3 and scoring 22 goals which looks great on

paper. More importantly though, they often played

against U13B sides who included many Year 8’s and the

team fought hard to counter the bigger more physical

players using their higher level technical skills. The

U12B’s also played 4 games, all of which were incredibly

competitive and the score lines were balanced. The

team drew 3 of their 4 matches with the highlight being

a later goal to secure a 3-3 draw at Bethany and a 3-2

win at home against St Ed’s.

The year 8 boys proudly flew the flag for King’s football

this term. The stand out moments for the B team were

the two excellent games against St Ed’s drawing 4-4

in a thrilling encounter at the start of the season and

then beating the same opposition 4-1 at the end of the

season demonstrating the improvements made over the

7 week period.

With the normal fixture list and then the Shapria

Cup on top, the A team were lucky enough to play

10 matches in total. Mr Waites Blue and Black Army

averaged 2 goals a game and had some excellent wins

against St Ed’s, Bickley Park, Wellesley House and Dover

College to name a few.

Girls Hockey

The year 4s experienced fixtures for the first time

playing against Ashford on a couple of occasions and

showed fantastic improvement in passing, shooting,

dribbling, and defensive strategies. They were also

able to understand the importance of teamwork and

communication on the Pitch.

U10s made a promising start to the Hockey term

and continued to progress and improve their technical

skills, tactical understanding, and physical fitness.

They played a couple of fixtures which were well

fought and all made great contributions in the games.

They also took part in a competitive tournament at

Ashford Prep School

The U11 girls have been fantastic and shown great

enthusiasm for Hockey. All the U11 girls have played

in every hockey fixture this term. The girls have had

tough opposition but have learnt and made good

progress each game.

The U13 girls played hockey 7s as their core sport

this term with several matches both home and away.

The A and B teams played 8 matches with both teams

winning games. The Cs and Ds played 6 matches

also achieving some victories. The girls improved

hugely throughout the season both in game play

and individual skills which resulted in some very

competitive and enjoyable hockey.

Hockey at King’s is not only about competition but

also about fostering a sense of community and school

spirit. The players have encouraged and supported

each other, creating a positive and inclusive team

atmosphere.

Boys Rugby

The Boys’ Rugby season was one full of promise and

potential. With fixtures being played from Under 9’s

(Year 4) through to the 1st XV. The win:loss ratios

certainly do not do justice to the effort, commitment

and pride shown by all our boys across the school.

The most improved team of the year goes to the Year

8’s who finished the season with a fantastic showing

in the Foster Cup 7’s at King’s Canterbury and

followed this up with a win against New Beacon and

an impressive, gutsy performance against a strong

Medway RFC side. The resilience, teamwork and

discipline shown by our pupils and the love they have

for the sport justifies everything that is great about

the game. The Preparatory School’s rugby programme

lays the foundation that sees over 175 boys pull on

the blue, black and white hoops across the whole

school and all should be incredibly proud of their

efforts throughout the season.

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Cross Country

Five teams consisting of twenty five students from years

5, 6, 7 and 8 competed in a cross country competition

at Cobham Hall. It was a very successful afternoon,

the students ran the races with confidence and

determination resulting in some excellent results.

The U11 girls team won the team competition, the

team consisted of Annabelle Gilberthorpe, Deborah

Ladokun, Angeli Virdee, Jessica Richter and Sophie

Luedecke.

Deborah also managed a third place position as an

individual which was outstanding out of 60 plus year 5

and 6 runners.

The U13 year 8 girls team also managed to achieve

a third place position. This consisted of Rosanna Lee,

Lexie Hooper, Romy Jungling , Jessamy Earle and Emily

Richter.

Millie Pye and Angeli Virdee also had top ten

positions in their races.

Lexie Hooper, Romy Jungling, Rosanna Lee, Darcie

Davey Brown, Charlotte Johnson Jessamay Earle,

Macauley Mates and Oscar Morgan, and Annabelle

Gilberthorpe were in the top 20 in their races.

All of the runners did exceptionally well with what was

a challenging course.

They also behaved impeccably, encouraging one

another and making the school proud.

Lent

Girls Netball

This season there have been a total of 57 games

played in the prep school. The last matches played

on Wednesday resulted in a win and a draw to Kings

against Junior Kings!

There were a total of 436 netball goals scored in the

prep school. Over half of these goals were scored by the

U13A team. They scored 239 goals. Which is only 50

goals less than 1st team. Impressive and great news

for the future senior teams to come. Also a special

mention of the U11A team who won the Wellesley

House tournament this year!

Boys Hockey

The boy’s did hockey for the second half of the Lent

Term. There was lots of work on the fundamental skills

and development of match tactics. It was great to see

the progress in this short space of time from all boys,

and the enjoyment that showed throughout. They had

2 matches against St Edmunds and Bethany School.

There were some great pieces of individual and team

plays in these matches. All the players represented the

School well and highlighted the core values that we hold

within our sporting programme.

Festival of Running

On Friday 22nd March we hosted the inaugural Festival

of Running, which celebrated 100 years of Cross

Country running at King’s School Rochester. Cross

Country Running has very much been a senior school

tradition, however, the aim of this event was to introduce

the love of running to our younger pupils.

At King’s our goal is to develop a love of sport and

physical activity that will last a life-time. Whilst at school

our pupils have fantastic opportunities to experience

and take part in a wide range of team sports and some

individual sports too. However, we want all our pupils to

know that sport and physical activity is for life, and that

running is for everybody. Running can be competitive,

but running can also be recreational and both have

huge social benefits. As such, The Festival of Running

was set up so that pupils could opt to race, or to take

part in the ‘fun run’. Those pupils in the race completed

the course as fast as they could and their times were

recorded, with finish positions being published. Times

for those pupils in the fun run were also recorded,

however no results were published and the fun runners

had the opportunity to collect their time at the finish line

if they wished to do so.

Across all year groups, the large majority of pupils

opted for the ‘fun run’ and it certainly seemed like lots

of fun was had, as many requested to run the course

again despite having already completed their set

distance.

The stats -

Year 3 - 37 pupils started (Fun Run only for this age

group)

Year 4 - 30 pupils started, 10 racers and 20 fun runners



Year 7 - 41 pupils started, 11 racers, and 30 fun runners


Over the course of the morning 219 pupils completed

the course which consisted of varying terrain as it

snaked around the flat grass pitches of the alps, and

some narrow trails weaving through the woodland.

The large number of smiles on red faces was enough

to convince staff that this was a positive and very

worthwhile event which will now be repeated each year.


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Midsummer

Cricket Report

The summer brought about the start of an eagerly

anticipated Preparatory School cricket season on a

sunbathed Paddock and whilst the weather didn’t play

ball, reducing the amount of fixtures played, Wednesdays

still frequently saw 8 teams taking the field; with every

pupil in the school having the opportunity to play

competitive cricket throughout the season.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the

grounds team for their unwavering dedication to keep

fixtures on despite the weather. Girls’ cricket continued

to grow with more fixtures, including Saturday morning

blocks of hardball cricket, and it was rewarding to see

their dedication capped off by an excellent win versus

Radnor House and a fantastic showing in the Kent

Outdoor 8’s. The boys worked hard, with extra sessions

after school in anticipation of readying themselves for

the rigours of the biannual tour to Barbados. A strong

set of fixtures designed to challenge their tactical and

technical abilities saw the boys frequently punch above

their weight, with notable victories coming against

Bickley Park, Ashford and St. Edmund’s respectively. The

annual awards saw Aalekh Jassal take the bowling award

with 8 wickets (best of 3/2 v Ashford School) and William

Herridge scoop the batting prize, 131 runs at an average

of 43.67.

Athletics Report

A vast number of pupils in the prep school took part in

Athletics this term. There were three outings, a friendly

afterschool fixture at the Judd School in Tonbridge, the

IAPS Athletics Championships at the Julie Rose Stadium

in Ashford and the District Athletics Championships

at Medway Park. Absolutely everyone that competed

surpassed our expectations performing to the very best

of their abilities. Elise Adisa who won the Under 14

Girls Triple Jump travelled to Birmingham to represent

Kent in the National competition. She jumped 8m40.

She was placed 14th out of 20 competitors. This is an

astonishing achievement as Elise had learnt how to do

the triple jump only a few weeks prior to competing.

The future is bright as she now endeavours to join an

athletics club. It is lovely to see pupils achieving as

individuals but there is something extra special about a

relay medal, for the first time in many many years both

1 girls team and 1 boys team got medals in the 4x100m

relay competitions in the IAPS and District competitions

respectively.

Barbados Sports Tour

Barely ten days before our arrival in Barbados, Hurricane

Beryl rampaged through the Caribbean, supercharged

by raised ocean temperatures. Although the fishing

fleet was ravaged, happily, on landing, there was little

immediate evidence of the damage done by the storm,

save the thin veil of bleached white sand which dusted

the coastal roads as the beaches fringing the island

made an abortive bid to escape inland.

The seas were quickly becalmed and the palms, briefly

bent by Beryl’s belligerence, rapidly resumed their normal

set, buffeted by a more benign breeze.

Indeed, very soon the only evidence that a Category

5 Hurricane had visited these parts was revealed

when staff undertook a room-inspection of the boys’

accommodation. The scattered contents of suitcases

carefully packed by loving parents in Kent momentarily

suggested that a destructive force had been present,

although, on further scrutiny, the evidence pointed to an

indiscriminate search for device-chargers and Factor 50

suncream, which discharged unused soap and neatly

paired socks, making it possible to navigate rooms

without touching a single floor-tile.

For the duration of the tour, the Blue Orchids Hotel was

our base and its adjacent beaches served as the venue

for early morning training runs, fielding and passing

practices, while the fauna of these parts was enriched

by the occasional downward facing dog as Mr Grice, our

Strength and Conditioning Coach, attempted to make the

Short and Long Legs more elastic.

With barely 24 hours to acclimatise to the heat, jet-lag

and breakfast diet of Frosties and waffles, King’s Netball

teams began their first contests. The Lightning enjoyed

a comfortable win, while the Stars, despite a determined

effort, were eclipsed, a pattern that was repeated across

the week.

Match Day One for the boys brought a measure of

success. The Vipers XI secured a comfortable victory

against Bayley’s School, with Harry Speed dominating

with the bat and William Herridge maintaining a good

line and length, performances which were repeated and

acknowledged on Awards Night. Meanwhile, the Rhinos

registered a dramatic tie, following a run-out on the last

ball of the innings, in the match against Ignatius Byer’s

Primary School when chasing 118. Nicky South (34 not

out) and Jovan Basi (14) led the way in an encouraging

debut fixture played at the very north of the island, where

the outfield was shared with local cattle and the moisture

carried on the sea-breeze gave the pitch a green tinge.

Cricket Match Day Two saw Bayley’s gain revenge

against a less venomous Vipers’attack, while the Rhinos

visited West Terrace School overlooking Bridgetown

harbour. Our coach-driver took a circuitous route via

the Kensington Oval, scene of the recent T20 World Cup

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Final, and the highway roundabouts named after the

fearsome batting trio for the West Indies, the “Three

Ws”, Sirs Clyde Walcott, Everton Weekes and Frank

Worrell, three giants of cricket who were all born within

a few miles of each other in the Barbados parish of St

Michael’s. If this ploy was meant to intimidate King’s

players, it was successful. Although skipper Christopher

Handel took three wickets, the Rhinos, like their African

counterparts, lacked teeth and generously donated

“extras” allowed the home-side to dominate, scoring

171 for five wickets from 25 overs. Only McCauley

Mates, the standout all-rounder of the week, enjoyed

significant success with

the bat, as the Rhinos’

numbers were depleted,

not by poachers, but

by bowlers drilled to

aim at the stumps, who

dismissed the visitors

for 84.

Between innings,

our hosts supplied a

splendid lunch, including

the local favourite “mac

and cheese pie”, which

cheered all, including

the travelling supporters,

and scorer, whose

accuracy was imperilled,

both by a distracting

bantam chicken inside

the boundary, clearly

attracted by the number

of ducks appearing in the

scorebook, and thoughts

of installing a sculpture

of Jimmy Anderson

on the Bridgewood

Roundabout.

The boys’ final outings included a fixture at the

Franklyn Stephenson Academy, where the boys and

Matilda Hopper guesting for the day, were thrilled to

meet the eponymous West Indian all-rounder whose

skills earned him the title “Wisden Cricketer of the

Year” in 1989. In the event, both Rhinos and Vipers

succumbed to defeats against sides schooled in

excellent technique from a very young age, although

spirits remained buoyant, as epitomised by Daniel

Dosunmu, whose ebullience won him the award for the

“Tourist with the Most Heart”.

On the court, the Lightning illuminated proceedings

with accurate goal-shooting, parsimonious defence and

quicksilver ball-transfer to maintain an unbeaten record,

while the junior side, the Stars, adapted well to changed

conditions and a physical approach, maintaining a

resilient attitude in a series of close encounters against

fast, well-drilled opponents. The progress demonstrated

by all the girls made the award of honours problematic,

but the coaches eventually awarded the “Player of the

Tour” trophies to Millie Pye and Elise Adise, while Romy

Jungling and Isla Sylvester were recognised as “Most

Improved Players”.

Fixtures were offset by recreational time, visiting the

historic Barbados Yacht Club and a beach-side venue to

watch the final of the Euros 2024 and the consolatory

“End of Tour” Party. However, the undoubted highlight

for all tourists was the catamaran cruise which enabled

the party to sail along the island’s beautiful west coast

on “El Tigre”, a twinhulled

schooner. With

stops to snorkel at local

shipwrecks, the home to

a bewildering variety of

tropical fish, and lunch in

sight of a swimable white

sand beach, this was

the perfect opportunity

to practise back-flips

(or belly flops) into the

ocean, ironically, the

aquamarine colour of the

Beryl gemstone.

Of course, the staff

made a vital contribution

to the tour’s success.

Mr Grice, he of the

downward facing dog,

and Mrs Hooper, tour

debutants both, were

indefatigable in their

energy and positivity.

Mr Taylor was in charge

of batting, bowling,

Baked Beans, blood

sugars and sun-burned

backs (he was the only victim of the latter), while,

behind the scenes, Mr Heddershaw was the supreme

quartermaster, sourcing the best venues for supper and

purchasing enough waffles to earn Belgian citizenship.

Thanks are due to all of the aforementioned, the

loyal, discreet band of parental supporters and siblings

who followed netball and cricket as King’s own version

of the “Barmy army”, our wonderfully generous hosts,

most especially Mrs Harrs, a long-time friend to King’s,

and the pupils themselves, who were excellent tourists.

Of course, none of this was possible without the work of

Mrs Heddershaw and Miss Pembroke, whose attention

to detail and diligence over many months underpinned

another wonderful Sports Tour.

Matches may have been lost, but significant

memories and friendships were undoubtedly found.


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Sports Day

A few photos with some of our Sports Day winners.

Rowing

During the year we have been able to get members of the Prep School involved with Rowing and gaining confidence in

our boats on the River Medway. The initial step will provide the basis for them to be involved in competitions when they

reach the Senior school.

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Leavers' Service

Leavers' Service

T

he academic year in the Preparatory

School has been marked by significant

achievements and poignant moments. Our

community's resilience, dedication, and

supportive environment has contributed to

a successful and fulfilling year.

Throughout the year, the school's calendar has been

bustling with different events and activities. The support

from parents has played a crucial role in making these

events meaningful for the pupils, providing them with a

supportive audience for their various performances.

This year, the school community faced both triumphs

and challenges. The passing of staff members Natalie,

Yvonne, Jamie, and Aije earlier in the year was a significant

loss, and their individual contributions to King’s have been

marked.

Rochester Cathedral has been central to the school's

spiritual life. The uplifting and inspiring services held in

the Cathedral have been at the heart of all that we have

done. Our thanks go to Dean Philip, the Chapter and

Father Stephen for their spiritual leadership and support.

The Cathedral Choir's achievements have been a source

of immense pride. With a demanding schedule of 154

services and numerous rehearsals, the choristers have

demonstrated exceptional dedication and have sung

beautifully. Highlights include the recording of a track for

Maidstone United, singing live on Radio 4, and performing

at St. Paul’s Cathedral. The inspiration of Adrian Bawtree

and Jeremy Lloyd, supported by a dedicated group of choir

chaperones, has been crucial in guiding the choristers

through these accomplishments.

We have had some wonderful trips throughout the year,

both residential and day trips and the Year 8 trip to the

Peak District was a testament to the value of screen-free

bonding experiences and challenging activities that foster

resilience and determination.

The Preparatory School has also introduced several

innovative educational initiatives. The outdoor learning

program has been successful, and the forthcoming Year 7

Diploma will focus on essential competencies and skills.

Mr. Wilton, who has been appointed as Head of Futures,

will lead the school's sustainability efforts, implementing

a strategy centred around the five ‘Cs’ of Curriculum,

Community, Culture, Campus, and Careers.

We would like to thank our departing staff members,

Louise Whittles and Magnus Caithness for their significant

contributions over these past years. Mr. Caithness's nine

years of dedicated service have been inspirational. New

appointments include Mrs Rivers as Head of English, Mr

Everson as Head of Football and Mrs Mates as Year 4 Class

Teacher.

We have had numerous sporting triumphs throughout

the year and the breadth of the co-curriculum throughout

the Preparatory School was highlighted in the successful

inspection in April.

Cultural and musical achievements were also a highlight

of the year. The successful staging of "The Lion, The Witch

and The Wardrobe," and collaborative events such as the

IAPS Singing Celebration and the "Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat" performance, were formative

experiences for all pupils. The school concerts have been

excellent and we have had stunning dance performances

within them.

It has been a positive and progressive year for

Preparatory School pupils and much has been

accomplished. My thanks go to the inspirational and

dedicated staff who have enabled our pupils to experience

such a high standard of teaching and learning and all the

co-curricular opportunities that they enjoy.

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Prize Winners

Prize Winners

Sir Malcolm Stewart Prizes for Mathematics

Year 4:

Year 4 Set I Kyan Hothi

Year 4 Set II Ariana Catlett

Year 4 Set III Nacoli Bravo

Year 5:

Year 5 Set I Ethan Ojo

Year 5 Set II Jasmine Hothi

Year 5 Set III Haadi Ktifi

Year 6:

Year 6 Set I Michelle Akinyede

Year 6 Set II Harry Brown

Year 6 Set III Shehrbano Kazmi

Year 7:

Year 7 Set I Gabrielle Ofori

Year 7 Set II Dominic Di Croce

Year 7 Set III Betty Ward

Year 8:

Year 8 Set I Charlotte Johnson

Year 8 Set II Anastasia Rodrigues Amaral

Year 8 Set III Charlie Lamb

Reid Prizes for Academics

Year 4 Mehrbano Kazmi

Year 5 Tomi Saheed

Year 6 Jessica Richter

Year 7 Darcie Davey-Brown

Year 8 Rosanna Lee

Whiston Form Prizes

4M

4W

5C

5NP

5W

6H

6W

7C

7R

7W

8HR

8M

8W

Sariah Ichofu

Zimo Shen

Zara Grace Donald

Zeynep Korkmaz

Layla Fitzgerald

Jessica Richter

Theia Catlett

Dominic Di Croce

Matilda Hooper

Emily Carpenter

Enrique Araiza Aboli

Emily Richter

Anastasia Rodrigues Amaral

McMullan Mathematics Prize

Amy Long

Sir Malcolm Stewart Prizes for English

Literature

4M Teddy Brassey

4W Henry Morgan

5C Leo Duarte Mondim

5NP Giovanna Ofori

5W Joshua Walker

6H Roman Gilmore

6W Sophie Luedecke

7C Maya Cox

7R Isla Smith

7W Emily Carpenter

8HR Tanesha Burmis

8M Lauren Allen

8W Amy Long

Sir Malcolm Stewart Subject Prizes

English

Emily Richter

Mathematics Charlotte Johnson

Biology

Emily Richter

Chemistry Percy Nathan

Physics

Emily Richter

French

Lauren Allen

German

Romy Jungling

Latin

Lauren Allen

Spanish

Alice Greason

Geography Joshan Basi

History

Romy Jungling

Religious Studies Tanesha Burmis

Art

Lexie Hooper

Computing George Hardy

D.T.

Devish Amin

Drama

Jessamy Holland

Music

Percy Nathan

Sport

Lexie Hooper

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Dean Stannard’s Prize for English Composition

Dean Storrs’ Reading Prize

The Nigel Byrde Prize for Creative-Writing at Yr 6 Level

The Martin Cup for Service at Yr 6 Level

Kerstin Wiesner Cup for Languages

Frank Wiesner Cup for German

The Matthew Davidson Brown Cup Prize for Beginner French

The Shotter Cup for Ecology

Jubilate Cup for Science and Music

Andrew Wood Prize for Music and Sport

Cup for a Geographical Study

The Jones Prize for an Historical Essay

The City of Rochester Society Shield for History

Archdeacon Browne’s Prize for Religious Studies

Kiran Virdee Memorial Prize for Religious Studies

Luard Selby Prize for Music

The Chambers Cup for Commitment to Music

Brian Nolan Prize for Art

Nickless Prize for the General Knowledge Competition

Archdeacon Tait Prize for Extra-Curricular Activities

Ballet

Dance

Rogers Cup for Drama

Stephan Cup for Dramatics

Hebden-Edwards Cup for Contribution to Drama

Revell Cup for Drama and Sport

The Downs’ Shield for Teamsmanship

Rouse Salver Award for Service to School and Cathedral

Dean’s Chorister Awards

The Cheshire Chorister Cup

Crossman Cup for Endeavour

The Leone Family Prize for Effort

The Leone Cup for Citizenship

Old Roffensian Society Award

Roy Trett Prize for Commitment to School Life

The Grant English Cup for Service to the School

The Shotter Shield for Perseverance by a Chorister

Commander Myers’ Work Cup

Nickless Cup for Conduct

Emily Carpenter

Roman Gilmore

Ebi Tabe

Jessica Richter

Lauren Allen

Charlotte Johnson

Arthur Groves

Nasos Schofield-Katselidis

Dylan Elvers

Rosanna Lee

Theia Catlett

Albert Brighouse

Charlotte Johnson

Daniella Obi & Samah Hussain

Anastasia Rodrigues Amaral

Percy Nathan

Romy Jungling

Lexie Hooper

Emily Carpenter

Harry Speed

Nikoletta Prompona

Jessamy Holland

Romy Jungling

Matthew Hunt

Gabrielle Ofori

Mark Zalli

Dylan Elvers

Dylan Elvers

Elise Adisa, Dylan Elvers, Matthew Hunt

Percy Nathan

Enrique Araiza Aboli

Dorothy Hattley Heracleous

Charlie Lamb

George Hardy

Emily Richter

Dylan Elvers

Dylan Elvers

Whiston House

Whiston House

Prize Winners

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Salvete/Valete, House Officials, Scholars and Choristers

Salvete/Valete, House

Officials, Scholars and

Choristers

Salvete

A. Alshaker, N. Bravo, D. Ghosal, A. Gilberthorpe, H. Jameson

Z. Korkmaz, E. Smith, R. Tamakloe, A. Dastagir, O. Gedney,

J. Norman, G. Adekunle, T. Arivalakan, A. Bhattiprolu, L-J. Byrne

J. Daniels Gelebart, D. Di Croce, D. Dosunmu, F. Farinto,

A. Groves, E. Hargrove, E. Hocking, A. Hughes Rogers, H. James

A. Keulemans, A. T. Ludlow, M. Mates, L. Powell,

A. D. Schofield-Katselidis, I. Smith, M. Wond, A. Humphreys,

E. Mole, M. Perez Fernandez.

Valete

A. Gafar, A. Adisa, R. Agoro, E. Ajala, E. Araiza Aboli, L. Binning,

J. Bolaji, H. Brown, T. Catlett,C. Clair, Z. G. Donald, J. Earle,

J. Ekwo, N. Fielder, C. Forson, Z. Fowode, M. Huda-Islam,

S. Hussain, S. Luedecke, S. Mason, J. Ozorewor, J. Ozorewor,

J. Tanday, A. Virdee, B. Whittles, A. Zaman,

Preparatory School

House Tutors

Whiston House

A. Warne

N. Heddershaw

Storrs House

G. Nathan

E. Cross

Parker House

M. Caithness

O. Mahenga

Crick House

A. Morrice

L. Whittles

Choristers

E. Adisa

L. Boden

A. Brighouse

Z. G. Donald

D. Elvers

C. Handel

M. Hunt

R. Jungling

R. Mathie

P. Nathan

L. O'Connor

C. Scadeng

H. Scadeng

M. Solomons

Preparatory Scholars

S. Gould Minor Sports Scholar

E. Pye Major Sports Scholar

E. Carpenter Major King's Exhibition

A. Bhattiprolu Major Sports Scholar

E. Hargrove Minor Music Scholar

M. Wond Major Drama Scholar

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Academic Review

This year’s GCSE exam results were good.

Pupils had a great deal to celebrate with

an overall 90% pass rate (grade 4 and

above) with results comparing well with

pre-pandemic figures. A quarter of all

grades were awarded the highest grades (8/9), with

45% of grades at 7 (A) or above - 24% higher than the

national average.

A few pupils to highlight: Ralf Jungling (King’s

Scholar) achieved 10 x 9s, Chester Crozer (King’s

Scholar) 8 x 9s, 2 x 8s, Charles Barnard (King’s Scholar)

and Kimran Sahota both gained 7 x 9s, 2 x 8s.

Activities, Trips &

Special Events

These accomplishments came hot on the heels

of celebrating a good set of A Level results, where

notably, over 48% of grammar stream pupils achieved

the coveted A*/A grades, and 66% of all A Level

grades ranged from A* to C.

Gradings have again been adjusted to fit prepandemic

levels and we were proud to see that once

again our King’s leavers head off to study a wide

range of subjects at some of the top universities in the

country. A few pupils to highlight: Fraser Shimmins 3

A*(King’s Scholar) is going to King’s College to read

Computer Science, Priya Chahar (King’s Scholar) 2

A*, 1 A is going to UCL to read Economics and Maggie

Deng 1 A*, 1 A, 1 B (King’s Scholar) who is going

to the University of the Arts to read Fashion Design

Technology.

Academic Review/Activities, Trips & Special Events

As September arrived pupils and staff

were eager to get back into the full

swing of the co-curriculum at King’s

and in the first few weeks we saw the

Lower Sixth completing team building

activities on the Alps after a delicious BBQ, the A-Level

Drama pupils in London to see ‘Accidental Death of

An Anarchist’, the musicians went to the Barbican and

were inspired by the London Symphony Orchestra, the

music and drama scholars shone in the first soloists

performance evening of the academic year and the

House Competition commenced, including Music, Rugby

and Hockey. Pupils and staff were quickly engaged in

clubs, clinics, societies, fixtures, CCF, music ensembles,

drama rehearsals, weekend sports,… the list is endless!

In half term Mr Medhurst, Mr Carroll, Mrs Coetzee,

Mrs Gibson and Mr Smith headed off to Berlin, Krakow

and Warsaw on a combined German and History visit.

Pupils had the opportunity to practise their German

language skills and learn a little more about German

culture, often in the same task, usually involving

Currywurst, while the historical element focussed on

the rise of Nazism and the Holocaust, along with a

study of life behind the Iron Curtain. Highlights in Berlin

included a tour of the Reichstag to consider Hitler’s

subversion of the state and the democratic structures

of modern unified Germany, a tour of a Stasi prison by

a former political detainee and a study of the Berlin

Wall. Moving to Poland, our consideration centred on a

visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the epicentre of the Shoah,

Nazi attempt to destroy Europe’s Jews. A final night

in Warsaw gave the party the opportunity to reflect on

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the cultural, spiritual and physical resistance of the

remnants of the 3.4 million Jews who lived in the Polin

in 1939, ironically a “resting place” following centuries

of intolerance for Jews of the diaspora, while pondering

Mark Twain’s words that “History never repeats itself,

but it does often rhyme”.

After returning from the break the pupils were excited

to attend the annual King’s Fireworks, kindly arranged

by the Friends of King’s. A wonderful event for the

community to enjoy together, watching the sky light

up above Chadlington House as we enter the winter

months with shorter days. The CCF had a blast at the

first Clay Pigeon shoot of

the year, and were in awe of

Major Short's ability to hit all

his clays with very little effort!

Charity events were starting

to take place as the whole

school were raising funds for

schools in East Africa and

Tanzania, with a £10,000

target to hit. Home clothes

days and a quiz night raised

over £2,500 and we had

barely started.

We returned from

Christmas with great

excitement as the cast and crew for Romeo and Juliet

were gaining momentum. And, despite the January

temperature the first weekend saw a block netball

fixture with a BBQ to warm up afterwards. Later that

half term the Removes headed off to Canterbury to

watch ‘Twelve Angry Men’ and thoroughly enjoyed the

experience and their first outing as a whole year group.

The senior school choir, along with the Rochester

Choral Society performed Bach’s St Matthew Passion in

Rochester Cathedral. A packed audience watched and

listened to their vocal delights and it truly was a once

in a lifetime experience for so many. This also got them

warmed up and excited for the Barcelona Choir tour

which took place over the Easter break, but not before

the outstanding performances of Romeo and Juliet -

well done Ms Hebden!

In April, the senior choir toured Catalonia with

conductor Mr Mountford,

and a staff team of Miss

Roux, Miss McKeever, Mr

Bailey and Mr Smith - all

of whom sang for their

supper. The choir sang

at a number of venues,

culminating at the iconic

Sagrada Familia in

Barcelona, where they

sang the mass in the

Basilica as well as a

concert in the crypt. The

choir’s performances went

from strength to strength

throughout the tour, and ended up singing two encores

to a standing ovation at our Sagrada Familia concert.

The pupils should be congratulated for their relentless

optimism, prolific churro consumption, attention to

hydration and consistent use of the word ‘Hola’ no

matter the context.

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The summer term and sunshine arrived in time for

cricket, tennis and athletics to begin. The weather

was also pleasant to the pupils to not freeze overnight

on their Duke of Edinburgh practices. Charity events

continued after the success of the Sixth Form

Committee Prep School Easter egg hunt and the

EA24 night where pupils and parents ate, sang and

celebrated together, along with bidding against each

other for some top prizes kindly donated by members of

the community. Concerts continued and a good number

of our pupils featured in

the final of the Medway

Rotary Young Musician of

the year.

The Colour Run was the

highlight of the year for

many, and this year the

pupils chose to support

Cancer Research UK by

making donations and

purchasing items from

their online store by way

of an additional donation.

Such an amazing event

to get the entire King’s

community together and

one that so many of us refer to as being fun, lots of

laughter and great memories made.

Once exams were out of the way some lovely trips

took place for a large number of the senior school

pupils. The Lower Sixth were off to exhibitions, the

Remove to Port Lympne Zoo, the Lower Fifth had a

science day, the musicians performed in Emmanuel

College, Cambridge and the Duke of Edinburgh

assessments took place. The holidays began with

the CCF Summer Camp taking place, the cadets

experienced cycling, walking, caving, canoeing,

kayaking, paddleboarding and climbing.

For 17 days in July, 24 Senior school pupils and four

members of staff travelled to Kenya and Tanzania

to visit two school projects. They flew to Nairobi and

stayed at Magnet school in Ongata Rongai. Here they

engaged with a local primary school and lived on the

Magnet school compound, learning about the education

system in Kenya. The team visited the Karen Blixen

museum and house, made famous by Meryl Streep in

Out of Africa, as well as the giraffe park and Sheldrick

Elephant Orphanage. Pupils

learnt about protecting wildlife

and Kenyan conservation

efforts. From here they

travelled to the Masai Mara,

going on safari and enjoying

the world famous African

wildlife. Travelling to Tanzania,

they camped with a Christian

Masai NGO, and had to live

in the bush for several days

without electricity, running

water or toilets! They spent

time at the MAPED Masai

school, learning about their

education system and their

way of life. After this, they travelled down to the coast

and enjoyed some R&R on the beach.

As a school last year, we raised over £13,000 towards

these projects, and we were able to directly see how

our money was being used. Magnet school bought solar

panels to power their borehole as well as a suite of

computers. MAPED bought a second-hand car, which

has already been used to save several lives by driving

people to hospital, as well as a significant number of

new books for their curriculum.


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German-History Visit

Berlin, Krakow & Warsaw

October 2023

“Berlin is a city condemned forever to become, never

to be”. Perhaps the most quoted sentence about the

German capital, the art critic Karl Scheffler’s acerbic

aperçu is as true today as it was when he coined it in

1910.

One of the classic “modern” cities of Europe,

Berlin was, nonetheless, a late starter, far behind

London, Paris and Vienna and, like many younger

siblings, the city has protean energy, re-inventing itself

countless times in the last 150 years as it has sought

to establish its own identity. Variously it has been a

military barracks, an industrial powerhouse, a centre of

learning, a hotbed of decadence and the laboratory for

the worst experiment in horror known to man. It was, of

course, from this place that Hitler launched his armies

to visit genocidal war on Europe, while between 1945

and 1990 it became the epicentre of the Cold War.

Here families lived, divided by the Wall, while spies,

Stasi and Superpowers played dice for the city’s future

direction. Today, post-reunification, the city incorporates

180 nationalities, with migrants making up a quarter

of its population. Berlin never stands still. It is never

satisfied. It never believes it has the answer. As such

it is a fascinating place to visit, most especially for the

historian.

Monuments speak to the city’s recent past and while

the Brandenburg Gate shouted hubris, the Memorial to

the Murdered Jews of Europe, built close to the ruins

Hitler’s bunker, amplified the crimes of Nazi Germany.

The Reichstag building, fired by the Nazis in February

1933, is very much the phoenix rising from the ashes

of this tumultuous age, and it was here that German

democracy and reunification were born 33 years

ago. Our party was privileged to sit in the chamber of

Bundestag, the legislature of the German republic, and

gain some vital insights into the workings of this model

with a name-check to Montesquieu to the delight of

students and teacher of the Enlightenment, and then

ascend Lord Foster’s dome as the sun set over the city.

Back at our hostel, a number of the group crowded

around an iPad to watch England’s rugby team’s

hopes fade in similar way, although as one member

of the group demonstrated the “upper and under”

was an unused tactic which has no ceiling! Each day

of the tour was framed by a “big question” and Day

Two focussed on “What was life like in Stasiland?”

Hohenschönhausen, an East German Ministry of State

Security prison, highlighted the use of psychological

intimidation as a tool of repression, all dressed in

the lexicon of Orwellian “Doublethink”. From here we

travelled via the DDR Museum with its original Trabant

P601 car and fully-furnished reconstruction of a highrise

tower block, to the Berlin Mauer, the “Anti-Fascist

Protection Rampart” designed to protect the proletariat

from the evil influence of the capitalism, while

simultaneously preventing the free movement of East

Berliners to the West.

Currywurst replaced roast beef for Sunday

lunch, while Sonntag concluded with a visit to der

Fernsehturm, built in the 1960s as a tribute to the

strength and efficiency of the socialist system with a

sphere intended to remind people of the Soviet sputnik

satellites, but now recast as a symbol of the reunified

city.

Our third day returned to the theme of the Third Reich

with a focus on German complicity in the Holocaust.

Beginning at Grunewald, an unremarkable middleclass

suburb of Berlin, pupils visited the track-side

memorial at Gleis 17, commemorating the expulsion

of Jews from Germany by railway to venues soon to

become synonyms with the destruction of European

Jewry. Memorials are all that remain of the dwellings,

hospitals, markets, prayer houses, schools and theatres

which characterised the city's vibrant Jewish community

before law and bullet rendered the nation Jüdenfrei. A

headstone-less cemetery highlights Hitler's attempts

to eradicate the Jewish culture, while Stolpersteine

(“stumbling stones”) commemorate individual victims of

Nazi persecution. The role of victims, perpetrators and

bystanders was offset by a visit to the workshop of Otto

Weidt, who fought to protect his Jewish workers against

deportation and included the rescue of an employee

from a Nazi death-camp.

Lingering outside the restored Neue Synagogue,

which was saved from destruction on Kristallnacht in

1938 by the actions of a local police officer only to be

destroyed by Allied bombers, the current protective

barriers and police protection highlighted that antisemitism

is not just for historians.

While the focus of Holocaust studies has become

more diverse, like the tramlines of Nazi Europe, the

epicentre of the Churban is always the unassuming

provincial town of Oświęcim, 50 miles from Krakow.

Here Auschwitz functioned as a factory for massmurder,

receiving transports from all over the continent,

from the Channel Islands to Salonica.

Pupils and staff entered this place in silence,

listening to the names of a tiny fraction of those

murdered, before passing the gates cynically signed

with the false promise “Arbeit macht frei”, then touring

the former barracks containing the personal effects

of those “transported” to the East for “re-settlement”

aka “liquidation” in the euphemistic language of the

Schreibtischtäter. At Auschwitz-Birkenau the infamous

gateway with its control tower through which the

transport trains passed still stands, as do the platforms

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where the victims of the Shoah unloaded. The gas

chambers and crematoria beyond the end of the

platform were blown up but their ruins remain. Most

of the wooden huts have now gone, but their brick

chimneys as well as 60 or more huts give you a sense

of the scale of the place and this was remarked on

by pupils in our evening reflections as we considered

the future of the former death-camp in the context of

“Holocaust denialism”.

Walking-tours of Krakow highlighted its beauty.

The Cloth Hall, the medieval castle on Wawel Hill and

the swirling extravagance of baroque churches once

be-sermonized by Pope John Paul II, however, tell little

of the recent misery visited on this place. During our

visit to Kazimierz, the old Jewish District, we learned

how the Jewish population went from wealthy traders,

court advisers and professors to victims of racial

intolerance, culminating in their expulsion to wartime

ghetto of Podgorze. Each street-corner in our tour was

punctuated by stories of individuals who once inhabited

these streets, such as the cosmetic entrepreneur

Helena Rubinstein or the film-maker Roman Polanski.

Outside his enamel factory, we heard the story of Oskar

Schindler, whose “list” numbered 1 200 Jews saved

during the vicious liquidation of the ghetto macabrely

confined by walls carved in the shape of tomb-stones.

Warsaw rose to prominence when King Sigismund

III moved the nation’s capital from Krakow in the 16th

century and the city was widely known as the “Paris

of the North”, thanks to the beautiful boulevards lined

with grand architecture. A final night in Warsaw gave

us the chance to see the capital ’s restored beauty

under moonlight and reflect on the tyranny visited on

the country by two hundred years of oppression and

the bravery of Poles fighting to preserve both their

independence and existence.

In the rain of a grey Varsovian morning we considered

both the uprising led by the underground Polish

resistance movement and the Home Army, which

between April and August 1944, fought to retake

Warsaw from the Germans, and the earlier Jewish

Ghetto uprising following the mass deportations as

news of the gassing in Treblinka reached the starving,

poorly armed inhabitants of the ghetto determined not

to go like “lambs to the slaughter”. We reflected further

on the wider cultural and spiritual resistance of the

remnants of the 3.4 million Jews who lived in Polin in

1939, ironically “a resting place”, following centuries of

intolerance for Jews of the Diaspora.

The clear skies over London as we circled for landing

contrasted with the dark clouds elsewhere in the world

and one could not help but ponder on Mark Twain’s

words that “History never repeats itself, but it does

often rhyme”.

East Africa Trip

July 2024

In the summer month of July, King’s School Rochester

embarked on an unforgettable trip to Kenya and

Tanzania. Escaping from the ever-changing British

weather, Wednesday the 10th of July marked the

beginning of our expedition.

Upon our arrival in Nairobi, King’s were whisked

away to Magnet School in Ongata Rongai. Our hearty

welcome from the Magnet School was not one to ever

forget, by which through the dancing of the young girls

and the children, many smiles were expressed. During

our wonderful time there we were introduced to their

school facilities, local church, surrounding primary

schools with Bishop Kibobi graciously inviting us to

have dinner in his home. We, as King’s pupils take

many basic necessities for granted, therefore our visit

into the Kenyan community was a stark realisation

of the prevalence of poverty that surrounded us. Our

evening meals at Magnet consisted of yams, rice and

traditional meats which was a change from our Western

diet. Within our time at Magnet, we were taken out

of the quarters to visit the house of Karen Blixen and

the Giraffe Park, in which the King's pupils fed the

stomachs of the ravenous giraffes.

Kuja Safaris were responsible for our astonishing visit

to the Masai Mara National Park where we “glamped”

overnight. However, our expectations for breathtaking

animal life were surpassed on our second visit to the

Masai Mara National Park. Phones and eyes captured

the spectacular beauty of the wildlife. In order to

complete our safari triathlon, we embarked on a short

adventure to the Nairobi National Park. Emotions

remained high on that day, after we were introduced

to the many baby elephants that were within the

orphanage. One of many dreaded long distance bus

rides were on the horizon, as on Thursday 18th July we

travelled from Tanzania to Arusha, then straight onto

the MAPED Masai Christian project. Many hours on the

bumpy roads!

Our stay at MAPED consisted of taking part in

a plethora of activities - ranging from cleaning our

sweat-ridden clothes in the local river, to attending

their prestigious church service. The King’s pupils

were split into colour coordinated groups, where each

group was responsible for cooking, cleaning and other

chores. However, the coordination between the King’s

pupils was not transferred onto the football pitch

against the Masai children where we were thoroughly

defeated. One of the more memorable occasions was

witnessing the sacrifice of a goat, which was a token of

appreciation by the Masai tribe.

With only a few days remaining, but with many more

memories to create, our final bus ride terminated in


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Dar Es Salaam, where the tents were replaced with

luxurious hotel suites, overlooking a swimming pool and

a picturesque beach. At last, all the worries of camping

were washed away through a flush of a toilet and the

steam of a hot shower.

The 2024 Kenya and Tanzania expedition was a truly

grounding experience, and I hope every King's pupil

gets the opportunity to participate in the near future.

Jack Seager, Upper Fifth.

Zetountes Society

2023-2024

The Zetountes Society has enjoyed a busy year with

regular Monday lunchtime meetings during which

scholars have explored an eclectic range of ideas,

complemented by an extensive programme of afterschool

lectures.

The first of these had an international flavour with Dr

Llewellyn Cox, a pupil at King’s School between 1988

and 1996 and currently an Associate Professor in the

Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern

California, joining the group from the USA for an on-line

talk on cell and molecular biology, and Los Angeles’

biotech start-up community. The co-founder of “Lab

Launch” which provides laboratory space for research

and development, Dr Cox’s unique public-private

venture has helped support projects creating water

from air and pioneer work around a cure for Type-1

Diabetes.

Following his talk, Professor Cox took questions from

the group, providing some significant messages around

the collaborative nature of Science, the different routes

that scientific careers can follow and the singular

importance of seeking after knowledge, an attitude

which is central to the Zetountes Society' aims.

Later in the Michaelmas Term the Reverend Dr

Gordon Giles, one of King’s Governors, addressed the

society on "Religion and Science", using the film "Powers

of Ten", to take group to the outer edges of the universe

so that ultimately our own galaxy was visible only as a

speck of light among many others.

The theme of the next lecture was more local,

when Dr Alexander Thomas spoke on the treasure of

Rochester Cathedral, the Textus Roffensis, created by

Bishop Ernulf of Rochester. Often known as an exclusive

encyclopaedia of Anglo-Saxon and early Kentish law

code texts, it is one of just two manuscripts to contain

the Peace of Edward and Guthrum.

The legal theme was sustained when the members

of the group discussed the recent ruling of the

European Court of Human Rights on the Church of

the Flying Spaghetti Monster. The Court argued that

“Pastafarianism”, due to its purely satirical character,

cannot be considered to be a religion or

belief within the sense of Article 9 of the European

Convention of Human Rights. This discussion followed

an outstanding presentation by Mrs Jessica Giles, a

local barrister and law lecturer at the Open

University, who commended the pupils’ articulate

reflections on a number of cases, including the refusal

by the Dutch Council of State of an application by a

Pastafarian, who submitted a photograph for a driving

licence that showed her with a colander on her head.

The Lent Term saw a series of presentations on an

historical theme. To commemorate Holocaust Memorial

Day, the group explored the culpability of the Allies

during the Shoah, while Dr Kirsten Thomson shifted the

focus of our historical studies from a European-centric

approach and considered the role of often-overlooked

women in History, examining the career of Sayyida

Rasad, an C11th Egyptian queen, described as an "evil

genius", who dominated the Caliphate of her son and

inadvertently led to the first Crusade of 1095.

Parent Mr Ronald Brighouse enlivened his

deeply knowledgeable and compelling talk on the

"Napoleonic Wars: tactics and weapons of the time"

with contemporary artefacts, including muskets and

uniforms.

In the Midsummer Term Mr Sam Fish took as his topic

"Designing Disney's theme parks - turning dreams into

reality", highlighting his encyclopaedic knowledge and

showing how “blue-sky thinking” and “imagineering”

underpins success.

The last of this year’s Zetountes Lectures was a

presentation by Father Padfield entitled “Is spirituality

the highest human condition?” Focussing on the

American writer Ken Wilber’s “integral theory of

spirituality”, which draws on the great truths of religious

traditions east and west, the talk promoted a wideranging

discussion, fittingly given that Weber’s work

attempts to integrate all fields of study into one single

model or framework of understanding in what he semiironically

calls, “A Theory of Everything”.

Looking at the nature of consciousness, psychological

theories, art, postmodernism, philosophies of all

kinds and ecology, and informed by references to the

Classical World, economics and science, the group

explored whether spirituality is a response to modern

crises and whether there is room for optimism in the

age of apocalyptic weapons, Covid and climate change.

This was a fascinating session which was faithful to

the programme’s ambition to encourage students

to question and reflect, and establish links across

subjects, space and time. As such it provided a fitting

conclusion to the society’s considerations.

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Art

Art

A selection of artwork produced this year.

Imogen Gould U5, component 2, Power, acrylic on canvas laid

on board

Florence Robson L6 Art Scholar, component 1, pencil on paper

Anastasiia (Siia) Smilianets U6

Siman (Maggie) Deng U6, component 2, mixed media on canvas

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Art

Bobby Langford L6, Component 1, acrylic on photograph

Claire Franks L6, component 1 work, oil on canvas

Rika Grey (Minor Scholar), Remove, Self-portrait for the Selfimage

component, pencil on paper

Yashvir Virdee U5, component 1, Power, acrylic on canvas

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Art

Mia Merryweather U5

Bryer Lowe U5

Sarah Watmough U6, component 1, acrylic on canvas

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Boarding

Boarding

St Margaret’s

A

s we reflect on the past year,

it brings me great pleasure

to share with you a summary

of the wonderful experiences

and achievements that have

filled the halls of our beloved boarding house.

In the spirit of diversity and cultural

exchange, we welcomed pupils from various

corners of the globe this year. Students

from Spain, Germany, Nigeria, Luxembourg,

Italy, and Ukraine, aged between 11 and 19,

joined our vibrant community. It was truly

enriching to witness the unique perspectives

and traditions each student brought with

them, adding a colourful tapestry to the

fabric of our house.

In our commitment to academic

excellence, we went above and beyond to

support our students during crucial study

periods. Additional boarders were accommodated to

provide extra support during January and summer

exams, ensuring that every student had the resources

and environment they needed to succeed.

Our extracurricular activities were equally exciting,

with educational and recreational trips that enriched

the students' experiences. From exploring the historic

Chatham Dockyard to enjoying the bright lights of

London's West End and the thrills of Thorpe Park, our

students had the opportunity to learn, bond, and create

lasting memories outside the classroom.

A fantastic evening of laughter, fun and friendship

was shared by movie heroes and villains alike, as

portrayed by the boarders and staff at the annual

Easter Dinner. In contrast to the formality of the

Christmas dinner, which is a black tie affair, this sister

event hosted by the girls' house is the "informal formal".

This year, it featured the theme: movie characters. The

guests did not disappoint; Rapunzel arrived, complete

with a frying pan and chameleon, Tiana and Tinkerbell

completed the Disney princess set! The water glasses

rattled as not one but two inflatable T-Rex costumes

struggled through the door of the restaurant and

stomped to their tables, both then ironically tucking in

to the vegetarian options! James Bond had to keep a

close eye out as, on the next table, his arch-nemesis

"Jaws" was gnashing on squid rings and pork loin. Later,

a pair of Bananas in Pajamas crooned to "Get Lucky"

at karaoke whilst Sully from Monsters Inc. enjoyed

catching up with the other Sixth Form boarders and

exploring the sweets table.

The Heart of St. Margaret's Boarding House beats

with the warmth of friendship, fun, and laughter

that echo through its corridors all year round. It is a

testament to the strong bonds that have been forged

among the students and staff, creating a true sense of

community and belonging.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated staff

members - Mrs. Buckley, Miss O'Kelly, Miss Dobson,

and Miss McLean - whose hard work and commitment

have been instrumental in creating a supportive and

nurturing environment for our students. We must also

bid a fond farewell to Miss Dobson, who will be leaving

us this summer. Her wit, wisdom, and unwavering

dedication to our students have made an indelible mark

on the house, and she will be sincerely missed.

As we look ahead to the new academic year, we carry

forward the memories and lessons of the past year with

gratitude and optimism. We extend our best wishes

to all students, staff, and families for a restful and

rejuvenating summer break, and we eagerly anticipate

the adventures and achievements that await us in the

coming year.

School House

At the start of the 2023 school year, School House, our

boys’ boarding house, welcomed a resident tutor, Miss

Ellie Hookway, one of the school’s science teachers. Mr

Michael Grice, the school’s strength and conditioning

coach, and Mrs Caroline Keep, part of the school’s

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Boarding

learning support team, continued in post as day tutors.

Mrs Julia Daniels, the house parent, not only completed

her 30th year at King’s but continued to be there to

ensure a sense of calm and smooth transition for boys

and staff.

During the year, there were new arrivals into the

boarding houses from far and wide, including Iran,

Qatar, France, Spain, Nigeria, Greece, South Africa and

China. We welcomed Enrique and Casimir into Year 8;

Zibo into Remove; Thomas, Alex S, Salar, Ruoke and

Herbie into Lower 5th; Joan, Frank and Alex H in Upper

5th; Lucas R, Lucas M, Destiny, Nic, Harry and Ben into

Lower 6th; and Saif, Harry, Hugh and Bold into Upper

6th.

Once the academic year began properly, everyone

settled into the new routine of school life, the new

boarders soon made lots of friends with day pupils

and the noise and excitement of day-to-day life filled

the boarding houses once again. There were so many

school events that our boarders enjoyed in - particularly

house music, house rugby and the now famous blacktie

Christmas Dinner. The Christmas season was dusted

with some much enjoyed, although slightly unexpected

snow that made the last week of the Michaelmas term

magical.

During the year, the boarders enjoyed life at school,

weekly trips, and weekend activities. Amongst the

most memorable was a trip to Twickenham to see a

Harlequin’s rugby match, an open-top bus tour around

London, a visit to Royal Greenwich and a trip to Thorpe

Park in the summer term. We also enjoyed visits to

Covent Garden, ice skating at Somerset House, the

panto in Canterbury, shopping at the new Battersea

Power Station centre and a particularly memorable trip

to Dover Castle in the driving rain.

And so, another year of boarding at King’s came to a

close. Here’s to growing our boarding family even more

in 2024.

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Careers

Careers at King’s

The Careers provision at King’s continues

to be a central part of our planning

to help pupils prepare for life after

King’s. This year we have introduced

an overarching careers plan from Preprep

to Sixth Form to ensure a coherent

approach to our careers planning. We continue to use

Morrisby as an assessment and search tool for careers,

with the initial assessments being undertaken by Year

8 as part of their transition to the Senior school, getting

them thinking about GCSE subjects and careers.

Our big Careers Events continue in Sixth Form with

the Business Challenge at the end of the Michaelmas , a

one day enterprise event which sees a range of business

people come and present groups of sixth formers with

a business issue to which they have a day to respond,

researching and pulling together a solution before

presenting it back, Dragons' Den style. The winning team

received a cash prize, sponsored by Alchemy

(www.alchemytechs.com) which always adds

an extra frisson of excitement for the pupils.

Then in the Midsummer term we have

the Mock Graduate Recruitment Day where

our company ‘King’s Consulting’ puts pupils

through an assessment centre including a

group task, presentation, writing task and

multiple mini-interviews before selecting the

top ten candidates to go through to the panel

interview stage. Those assessing the pupils

are a mix of Old Roffensians, parents and local

business people. Again there is a cash prize

to add a little extra spice to the competition,

which was kindly sponsored by the Old

Roffensian Society & Ryland Communications

(www.rylandcommunications.co.uk/).

Our Upper Fifth had their two rounds of aspirations

interviews with Mrs Miles, Head of SIxth Form & Careers

and Mr Charles; these aim to get them thinking about

their A Level subjects and what career area they are

interested in.

In the Lent term we had a range of careers lunches,

which pupils from the Upper Fifth - Upper Sixth were

invited to attend. These are hosted by a local company /

business person and give pupils the opportunity to hear

about the career journey of the host as well as to answer

questions, this year hosts came from a range of careers

including law, finance, technology and media.

Finally, we introduced a new event for the Removes, a

Lego Challenge, which developed key team building and

communication skills through a range of lego building

challenges. This was run by Nick Walker, one of our

parents who has frequently run this event as a training

event within his businesses.

Our Careers programme is reliant on the goodwill

and time of volunteers, so if you would be happy to

come and help at one of the big events, or by hosting a

careers lunch please contact smiles@kings-rochester.

co.uk

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Combined Cadet Force

2023/24 has been a very productive

year for all 3 sections of the Contingent

participating in 50 plus activities including

afloat training, adventure activities, range

work, field exercises, leadership training,

NCO training, first aid, navigation, field craft, camps

and many life skills to build resilience. Staff and NCO’s

have carried on the ethos of the CCF to develop the

pupils of King’s for future life whatever that might

be and I would like to thank them for their efforts,

commitment and hard work. I’m delighted to report a

steady state for the CCF at King’s.

Navy Section

This year the cadets have had a huge variety of

opportunities offered to them, from starting in

September as either a new cadet or year 2 cadet.

The new recruits start the year being introduced to

drill, map and compass and first aid, while the lower

5th were put through their paces in the pool learning

personal survival, pool rescue and of course how this

is all more effective when working well as a team.

The field day in October was our first opportunity

to work together as one unit. The removes, lower

5th and NCO’s all enjoyed the outdoors, completing

various challenges. Seeing how differently each

group approaches the same challenge/task is always

extremely interesting. The leaders, that shine through,

the followers, more than happy to do as they are told,

the genius problem solvers and of course the avoiders!

The ones that quietly hide from view at all costs. But

we see you. A fantastic NCO course saw the promotion

of A. Haiges, E. Heddershaw, O. Hooper, D. Sangera,

I. Wilcox. They all embraced the course with great

enthusiasm and showed they could deliver instruction

to a good standard.

Later in the year a promotion went to I. Kilfoyl for her

commitment to CCF and hard work to also show she

has the ability to instruct and lead others. As CCF Staff

we work very hard to promote the courses on offer to

the Navy Section. The Navy Cadet Training team have a

huge number of courses available throughout the year.

I was delighted when Oscar, Daya and Izzy K all had the

opportunity to go on a paddle sports course. They had

the most amazing time! They paddled down the River

Wye, camping along the way. I very much hope next year

more of our cadets take up the offer of these courses.

The June field day was a lovely close to the year. We

were guided around the Dockyard in Chatham seeing

the rope making techniques, learnt the theory behind

the draft of the boat culminating in a boat making task.

That got rather competitive. We welcome Miss Hookway

to the section and hope the cadets and staff have a

wonderful summer and are refreshed for another year

of CCF training.

Army Section

Once again we have had a successful and rewarding

academic year in the Army Section of the Combined

Cadet. Cadets continued to engage in various training

exercises that significantly enhanced their skills,

experience and leadership. Weekly Friday afternoon

training sessions were complemented by intensive outof-school

training opportunities, progressively adding

a realistic edge to the cadets experiences. We began

with the combined October Field Day and Exercise First

Step at Mereworth Military Training Area, introducing

the younger cadets to fieldcraft and living in the field


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and providing the older cadets with opportunities for

leadership.

This was followed by March Madness, a two-day

exercise focused on advanced fieldcraft skills. Cadets

practised discipline drills, movement in various terrains,

section attacks, ambushes, patrolling, and harbour

drills, with blank rounds and pyrotechnics adding

realism.

The April Battle Camp, held at Pippingford Park

instead of St Martin’s Plain due to the Ukrainian

Training Package in the UK, provided an excellent

training environment. Pippingford Park, where all

Sandhurst officer cadets do their initial fieldcraft

training, offering significant advantages with its diverse

wildlife and varied terrain. Despite wet weather on

the final night, cadets demonstrated resourcefulness

and resilience while practising attack and defence

operations.

In February, the NCO cadre was a great success.

Junior NCOs worked towards their Cadet Forces

Instructional Techniques (CFIT) qualification, learning

how to teach and taking on greater responsibilities

within the section. They now mentor younger cadets

and set high standards in uniform and bearing.

Parallel to this, potential junior NCOs completed an

NCO Cadre, learning leadership skills and beginning

to teach aspects of the syllabus, marking their first

step in the rank structure. Regular Skill at Arms days

were held to ensure cadets developed proficiency

in weapon handling and safety with the L98 cadet

general-purpose weapon. The Remove year began a

new, streamlined syllabus compatible with modern

technology, including a refreshed Communication

and Information Systems (CIS) course essential for

cadet progression, which adds a new and interesting

dimension to the syllabus. All those who attended

these units for the new syllabus now gained their First

Star qualification and will be working towards their Two

Star award in September.

We bid farewell to Sgt. Chloe Rackham and Sgt.

Robert from the Sixth Form. Their dedication and

contributions have been invaluable. Sgt. Robert, in

particular, has shown remarkable commitment despite

limited availability over the last two years, and we wish

him success in his goal of becoming an army officer.

We also say farewell to Lance Corporals Cara Jackson,

Pippa Laurence, Saha Kapiliasena, and George

Notage, who leave the section for new adventures.

Their utter dedication and hard work have been

greatly appreciated. My gratitude extends to Major

Short, Captain Caper, Captain Unthank, Lieutenant

Keep, Second Lieutenant Coop, Second Lieutenant

Cannon, Warrant Officer Beavan, and Sergeant Rai of

the Cadet Training Team for their unwavering support

and professionalism. I also congratulate the NCOs,

both past and present, for their engagement and

commitment to the section, consistently prioritising

the group’s well-being over their own. They are a

remarkable team. In summary, the cadets have

shown immense interest and zeal in all activities, with

NCOs playing a pivotal role in the section’s smooth

operation. Their dedication and growth throughout the

year have been commendable.

RAF Section

It has been wonderful to see the RAF NCO cadre grow

and develop this year. They are taking on the mantle of

leadership with great aplomb and with this their pride in

“Their” section has grown accordingly.

We were sad to say farewell to Flight Lieutenant

Powell at the beginning of the year, his experience,

knowledge and good humour have added much to the

RAF section over the 3 years he has been with us. His

focus on developing leadership skills in young people

has been a real inspiration and we wish him well as he

moves to pastures new.

With Flt Lt Powell’s departure came the promotion of

Flying Officer Caithness to Section Commander, who is

ably supported by Pilot Officer Hanson and guided by

Major Short,

Our NCO’s have been a source of pride as they have

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taken on their duties with care, diligence and thought.

Flt Sgt Osborn and Flt Sgt Lindesay have headed up a

dynamic and positive group of NCO’s who throughout

the year have proved their worth on numerous

occasions in developing their leadership skills and

knowledge base as cadets. They have shown real

pride in wearing the uniform and have been an

excellent example to the cadets in the section.

The section has seen a number of promotions.

Cadets Kelly, Prevot, Hussain, Wilkinson and Batson

were promoted to Lance Corporal; Lance Corporals

Denkner and Cox were promoted to Corporal; Corporal

Katolick promoted to Sergeant and Sergeant Lindesay

was promoted to Flight Sergeant.

Activities have been wide ranging, from the more

classroom based activities such as learning about the

RAF, its History and its Structure and the principles of

flight in preparation for flying the RAF powered Grob

Tutors or Viking gliders, to Leadership tasks and the

more field based “Green” activities developing skills

needed for the various CCF camps that have been run

for the cadets over the year. The annual swimming

test provided its challenges to the cadets and

using their radio communication skills to defeat the

competition at “Battleships” proved almost as popular

as working on the flight simulator and mastering

drone flying. Our Field Day was based at school this

year where the section honed its Command Task skills

developed understanding and firing of rockets and

developed their drone handling skills, our thanks go to

TEST Sgt Gray for his help with the day.

The annual involvement in Rochester’s

Remembrance parade was again a source of pride for

me as section commander, and added an extra fillip

for the cadets to hone both their uniform preparation

and drill. Cadets were also involved in representing

the section in celebrating the centenary of the

Medway Queen which played a key part in 'Operation

Dynamo'. The ship's crew estimated that they

evacuated 7,000 men from the beaches at Dunkirk.

As the year comes to a close I too find myself

leaving King’s for pastures new. The CCF and RAF

have been without a doubt a real highlight of my time

here and I will be very sad to leave the Contingent

after 6 years. I have experienced real camaraderie

here and have thoroughly enjoyed learning so much

and working with the Cadets and NCO’s in the section

to develop them as upstanding young people. My

sincere thanks go to Major Short for his guidance and

friendship during my time with the CCF and DofE.


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Duke of Edinburgh

Duke of Edinburgh

T

his last academic year we enrolled 42

Bronze and 24 Silver. This year we have

run Bronze Expeditions in Medway /

Ashdown Forest, Silver in the Forest of

Dean and on Exmoor. While the Skill,

Volunteering and Physical Sections

have been carried on with the pupils Cooking, helping

the elderly, walking pets, Shopping, Running, Cycling,

knitting, gardening and much much more. We have had

27 Bronze, 11 Silver and 5 Golds complete including

some of the stragglers from the previous years. During

the year ahead, we will have a new intake with the new

Removes starting Bronze, the Lower Fifth starting Silver,

Upper Fifth to Upper Sixth form enrolling on Gold for the

Expedition in 2025 and all will continue to work toward

completion.

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Drama

Romeo and Juliet

Drama

In 2024, we staged a magnificent production

of "Romeo and Juliet," a timeless story told

with a richness of language that was truly a

joy to work with. This play has held a special

place in my heart since 1987, when my dear

friend Pippa Cunningham OR portrayed Juliet. Fittingly,

some of the costumes from that production made their

way into this one, reflecting our Drama Department’s

commitment to reuse and recycle. Bringing these

costumes out of storage was like breathing new life into

them, and they complemented the vibrant vision I had

for Verona in 2024.

The cast of 36 pupils, ranging from the Remove to

the L6, delivered a captivating performance, diving

deep into Shakespeare’s language and bringing the

intense world of Verona to life. Their commitment to

understanding the complexities of the text was evident,

and their ability to balance the violence and emotion

of the story, while navigating the challenges of traverse

staging was very impressive.

Traverse staging, with the audience on both sides

of the action, created

an immersive and

intimate experience.

It heightened the

audience’s awareness of

their role as spectators,

drawing them into the

conflict and drama. This

setup, especially with

the addition of raked

seating, allowed the

cast to fully exploit the

gladiatorial energy of the

fight scenes.

A fascinating element

of the production was

the casting of Ludo

Temple and Joseph Adenle in the roles of Romeo

and Tybalt, with the pair tossing a coin before each

performance to decide who would play which role.

This bold choice mirrored the lack of control the young

characters have over their own fates, and both actors

excelled in their respective roles. Their fight scene

before the interval, marked by its raw and realistic

brutality, will remain etched in the audience’s memory,

with the murder of Tybalt a breathtaking and heartstopping

moment.

The dual casting of Juliet, shared by Bryer Lowe and

Melissa Cagan, offered two distinct but equally powerful

interpretations of the role. Bryer brought a free-spirited

and wild energy to Juliet, while Melissa’s portrayal was

more restrained, her Juliet cautious and thoughtful.

Both brought the character’s vulnerability and strength

to life in different ways, making for a compelling

contrast.

The adults were a far cry from role models. Sam

Hunt and Imogen Gould

portrayed the cold and

often violent Lord and

Lady Capulet, bringing

chilling intensity to

their scenes. Chester

Crozier’s Friar Laurence

was a warm, almost

comforting presence,

yet his actions carried

an undercurrent of

danger, as his chemistry

skills ultimately led to

tragedy. Claire Franks

as the Nurse was a

dazzling, character—a

cross between a doting

caregiver and a fashion-forward socialite, reminiscent of

Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games. Her interactions

with Juliet were both hilarious and tragic, with her

fabulous outfits making her performance even more

memorable. Ben Handle, as her sidekick Peter, played

his role with delightful aplomb, adding a touch of

whimsy to the proceedings.

Yasmin Holland delivered an extraordinary

performance as Mercutio, portraying the character

with a deep sense of unrequited love for Romeo. Her

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passion for sword fighting was fierce, and her extended

death scene was a theatrical masterpiece—sensational

and drenched in blood, it was one of the most visceral

moments in the play.

The visual aspect of theatre is crucial, and colour

played a pivotal role in our interpretation. I owe a debt

of gratitude to Chloe Schick for her creative input and

organisational skills. She masterfully coordinated

numerous costumes, ensuring that every detail was

in place. Special mention should also go to Claire

Franks who adapted several costumes to align them

with our vision and to Theatre Production who made

the wonderful headdresses that the cast wore for the

Capulet ball.

The cast truly came to life once they were in full

costume, with hair and makeup completed. This

essential part of the preparation was led by U6 pupils

Maggie Deng and Anastasiia Smilianets, who, despite

the inevitable pre-show stress, worked tirelessly to

ensure everyone looked their best. Their efforts, along

with the Green Room team, were invaluable. A special

thanks goes to our incredible stage management team,

led by Robert Mace, Nathan Dickin, Selena Robbins,

and Ella Jeavons. Over months of rehearsals, they were

the heart and soul of the production, always ready to lift

spirits when exhaustion set in. The Gallery team kept

everything running smoothly, and their dedication was a

vital component of the show’s success.

The technical brilliance of the lighting was thanks to

William Carter OR, who returned again to assist us in

creating the perfect atmosphere. His commitment to

ensuring our school productions look and feel amazing

is deeply appreciated.

Behind the scenes, countless people helped make

the show possible. The Marketing team spread the

word, while the Estates team handled the increased

demands on cleaners, maintenance, and catering

with grace. George Williamson deserves a mention for

ensuring the ticketing process ran smoothly and for

overseeing the creation of this program. His support of

drama at King’s is unmatched.

The breathtaking stage fights, choreographed by

Meg and Chris from the Fleur de Lis Theatre Company,

were exhilarating yet perfectly safe. Their meticulous

choreography brought the physicality of Shakespeare’s

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world to life, and we look forward to working with them

on future productions. Our Choreographer, Christie

Ransom, deserves recognition for infusing the show

with energetic, fast-paced Charleston numbers,

complete with lifts that captivated the audience.

Christie’s warmth and encouragement brought the cast

together, and her contributions were invaluable.

Oliver Bailey was a pillar of support for the actors,

ensuring they understood the intricate meanings

behind their speeches. His patient guidance and

tireless dedication were crucial to the success of this

production. Working alongside Oliver was an absolute

pleasure, and his insight made all the difference in

tackling Shakespeare’s complex language with our

young actors.

The production was further elevated by a live

band led by Bobbie Langfield, whose performances

accompanied the play and delighted the audience

during the interval. Their work added a dynamic energy

that complemented the action on stage. John Fadare

as Benvolio and Dotty Darbyshire from the Chorus sang

Prince’s hit When Doves Cry and the less well known

but brilliant “Arms of Orion” and led the Charleston

party with sensational renditions of “That Man” and “A

Little Party Never Killed Nobody” - hopefully some of the

audience got the irony of that particular song title.

I am immensely grateful to the leadership team—Mr.

Charles, Mr. Smith, and Miss Catlett—for their ongoing

support of drama at King’s. Without their backing, a

production of this scale wouldn’t have been possible.

Finally, to the parents, families, friends, and supporters

of our cast, thank you. The rehearsal process required

long hours and unwavering commitment, and your

support made this journey all the more rewarding.

Shakespeare’s language has a transformative power.

As the RSC’s recent research, “Time to Act,” highlights,

speaking and learning Shakespeare broadens

vocabulary, enhances emotional expression, and

deepens understanding of complex linguistic structures.

I hope that the cast and crew of "Romeo and Juliet"

carry this enriching experience with them for years to

come.

This production was dedicated to the cast and crew

of “The Macbeths” 2020, who due to Covid never got

the chance to share their work with an audience. Their

grace in the face of disappointment will always inspire

me. This production of Romeo and Juliet was a triumph,

filled with nuanced performances, stunning visuals,

and powerful storytelling. The combination of bold

direction, immersive staging, and a passionate cast

created a theatrical experience that will be remembered

for years to come. Our four performances were a

testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of

everyone involved. It was a privilege to be part of such a

remarkable endeavour.

Drama

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Music Review

Music Review

I've thoroughly enjoyed looking back on a truly

memorable and exceptional year in the music

department. I’m very proud of the pupils for

their excellent perseverance, hard work and

humour. I’m sad to be leaving King’s after

seven years as Director of Music, but I’ll take with me

many happy memories of the music we made together.

House Music

Wednesday 18th October turned out to be the rainiest

day so far in the Michaelmas term, so pulling house

music together felt a bit more uphill than normal.

However, the pressure of the day seemed to be

alleviated somewhat by the appointment of Sam Boden

as judge. Sam spends his time as a professional tenor,

recording, touring and broadcasting with some of

Europe’s finest ensembles, so it was a real honour to

have him judging for us today.

The evening began with Hugh Davies for Parker House

on the piano with Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# minor,

which he delivered with explosive force and passion.

Next came Crick’s offering by Claire Franks, with the

delicate ‘Once Upon a December’ from Anastasia, which

demonstrated her remarkable vocal range and excellent

stagecraft. Next came Yasmin Holland for Storrs, with

I Dreamed a Dream from Les Miserables: A powerful

and convincing performance. Finally, Bobby Langfield

for Whiston on the trumpet. This was Bernstein’s ‘Red,

White and Blues’, an ecstatically jazzy trumpet solo

underpinned by a jazz stomp rhythm, which ended up

winning the solo category.

Next came the ensembles, which showed amazing

variety. Storrs began with a simple five-piece rock band

and ‘Johnny B. Goode’ by Chuck Berry. This had real

integrity and entertainment value with Chester Crozer’s

air guitar supported by Nik Hebden’s brilliant soloing.

After this, Whiston took to the stage with a melange

of ‘Ice Ice Baby’, ‘Careless Whisper’ and ‘Locked out

of heaven’. This was a feat of production with some

incredible staging and a stunning saxophone lead from

Alex Scott and a great arrangement by Nathan Dickin.

This was followed by Parker with Abba’s ‘Mamma Mia’,

arranged by Nic Weir, including some very inventive

staging. Lastly, we had Crick with ‘Come Alive’ from the

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Greatest Showman, arranged by Charlie Binney. This

was an inventive and diverse take on the piece, with

an orchestration of drums, piano, violin and marimba.

Charlie won the ‘best arrangement’ award for this and

the overall ensemble winner was Storrs with Johnny B.

Goode.

Finally, we moved onto the house songs, with

Whiston’s ‘I Want it That Way’ by the Backstreet Boys

starting the section.

This was a good

choice, but the boy

band singing range

tended to be a bit

low for everyone.

Next came another

boy band hit with

‘I’m a Believer’ by

the Monkees, with

plenty of Shrekinspired

references

in the staging. Next,

Crick took to the

stage with Miley

Cyrus’s ‘Party in the

USA’. This was a challenging song with lots of lyrics to

learn, but performed really brilliantly with some strong

choreography. Finally, Parker performed ‘Marry you’

by Bruno Mars, which had plenty of comedy value in

the production, not least Jamie Ford and Alfie Reeve’s

disappearance into the sunset at the end. The silly

songs took over whilst Sam Boden triple-checked his

addition. The results were revealed: the House Song

was won by Crick who were also overall winners, with

Whiston in a close second, one point below and Parker

in 3rd with Storrs finishing 4th.

An amazing evening of energy and music, most of all

the brilliant support given by the houses to each other,

and the standing ovations from other houses to various

ensemble and solo performances. For me, the best

moments are seeing the reaction of the audience to the

other house songs and ensembles which they’re seeing

for the first time. Let’s see if Parker, Whiston or Storrs

can topple Crick’s four year winning streak next year!

Jazz Sunday

On Sunday 19th November, the cathedral Eucharist

received a toe-tapping addition: King's Jazz Band, who

spiced up the music of the morning service. Notable

moments included Mr. Vinall's arrangement of 'Sing

of the Lord's goodness', which is usually sung to an

adaptation of Dave

Brubeck's Take Five.

The band wove the

original head melody

into the last verse,

which was an inspired

touch. It was great to

hear the band rocking

(swinging?) out for the

gospel procession,

which rather caught

the preacher off

guard! The cathedral

choir sang Chilcott's

Little Jazz Mass, ably

accompanied by Mr.

Lloyd on the piano and Bobby Langfield on the drums.

A fitting way to finish the cathedral's Festival of Jazz.

Thanks to Mr. Bawtree for masterminding it all and for

inviting us to be a part of it.

Morden College

Music Review

MACA award for John Fadare

Congratulations to John Fadare, who received an award

from the Medway African and Caribbean Association on

Saturday 28th October, in recognition of his prodigious

talent as a songwriter and performer. We look forward

to seeing John's great work continue to develop in the

coming years.

15 of the Senior School Music Scholars were pleased to

delight the residents of Morden College with a superb

concert on Thursday 23rd November. The concert

began with Purcell's Hail Bright Cecilia, in honour of

the passing of Saint Cecilia's day, the patron saint

of music, on 22nd November. Some wonderful solo

playing followed, concluding with the third movement

of 'Dumky', Dvorak's piano trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90,

played by Hugh, Isla and Charlie. It was a significant

visit for Hugh: his last of five visits whilst at King's,

and as a music scholar supported by Morden College.

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Music Review

Charlie also received support from Morden College as a

Rochester Cathedral chorister. The evening concluded

with Bob Chilcott's Be Thou My Vision, with soprano

solo from Elizabeth Knowles.

Christmas Concert 2023

The Senior School Music Department treated our

audience to a concert on Monday, 4th December.

Ensembles large and small performed a varied

programme spanning genres from Disney to Dvořák,

with a sprinkle of timeless Christmas classics. The

concert culminated in a performance of Howard Blake’s

The Snowman, which was a cross-school effort involving

both Mr Morgan and the year 8 choristers performing

alongside the senior orchestra.

A heartfelt farewell was extended to Mr. Lewis, who

dedicated eight years teaching trumpet and co-leading

Kings Brass. Mr. Mountford expressed our collective

gratitude with a poem.

Our congratulations go out to every pupil who

performed. A special thanks also to our dedicated

team of instrumental teachers—in addition to leading

ensembles and performing alongside student

musicians, they devote countless hours to ensure that

our students can perform with confidence, and enjoy

their stage experiences.

The night was a testament to the talent and

dedication in our music community. We applaud the

performers, bid adieu to Mr. Lewis with gratitude, and

extend our appreciation to the entire team for making

this concert a truly memorable event.

Choir CD

Recording

On Monday 27th

and Tuesday 28th

November, by kind permission of the Dean and

Chapter, the Senior Choir recorded a Christmas CD in

the cathedral. We were hugely lucky to be recorded

by Mr. Hewitt-Jones and Mr. Crozer, with Messrs Lloyd

and Bawtree on the mighty cathedral organ. The CD

included Ola Gjeilo’s O Magnum Mysterium, with cello

accompaniment by Isla Morgan.

La Providence Carols

On Friday 1st December, our Music Partnerships group

broke away from their usual primary school visits

and spent the afternoon with residents of the French

Hospital at La Providence. We enjoyed singing some

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traditional carols and the residents knew most verses

too! A lovely way to spend the afternoon and to share in

some festive cheer at the start of Advent.

Blüthner piano inauguration

polished up some of the numbers from the choir CD

recording and logged them into the memory banks for

some memorised a cappella fun. Our first set consisted

of Will Todd - My Lord has come, followed by John

Gardner's Tomorrow shall be my dancing day including

scatting the opening piano part. After some pizza, our

second set began with Stopford's Lully, Lulla, Lullay

with a solo by Lucy. We finished the evening with David

King's arrangement of Jingle Bells, compete with sleigh

bells played by Bobby. This was the first Christmas

event held by RBT and we hope to be invited back. Well

done to the singers on this excellent achievement at the

end of a very busy but rewarding week.

Music Review

Also on Friday 1st December, our pianists gathered

in the Conference Centre to celebrate the arrival of a

new grand piano, a 1903 Blüthner which has been

completely restored in Germany in 2010, including new

strings, hammers and felts, plus a total restoration of

the case. The piano is beautiful to look at, play and

listen to, as demonstrated by some of our pianists:

Nicholas, Lucy, Hugh, John, William and Alex, in addition

to some pieces played by Miss Roux, Mrs. Nathan and

Mr. Mountford. Charlie (violin) and Isla (cello) also

combined with Hugh to bring us a beautiful piano trio.

We are grateful to David Golding for his kind donation

of the piano, and for

Jenny Golding's help in

acquiring the instrument.

Our thanks are also due

to Tom Gurney for his

generous support of the

installation costs. The

piano serves to honour

the memory of John

Clarke (Chorister 1943-

44) and we hope that

today's choristers will

enjoy the instrument in

their rehearsals each

morning and also in

concerts held in the

Conference Centre.

Rochester Bridge Trust

On Thursday 7th December, eight members of the choir

and three singing staff members sang some festive a

cappella numbers for the Bridge Trust Christmas party.

The group met up after school that afternoon and

Bach St. Matthew Passion

On Saturday 24th February, 70 members of Rochester

Choral Society, 38 of King's Senior Choir, 23 Rochester

Cathedral Choir and 8 members of staff & ORs joined

forces with 25 members of Aurum Vocale Instrumental

collective and six professional soloists to perform

Bach's St. Matthew Passion. The piece narrates Jesus's

betrayal, arrest and crucifixion, and has a running time

of over two and half hours. Our performance used the

original language (German) and something close to

the original pitch (a semitone lower than usual concert

pitch), with historic instruments.

The occasion was a wonderful community

collaboration, and the Senior Choir and Choristers

performed incredibly well. Full performances of the

St. Matthew Passion

are relatively rare,

given the scale and

expense of performing

the work. No doubt

the performers will

remember the concert

for the rest of their lives.

A special mention goes

to those pupils and staff

who sang solo roles

alongside professional

soloists, helping to bring

the story alive.

Although the concert

was a resounding

success, it was

not without its challenges on the day: Our original

Evangelist (Sam Boden) and Jesus (Charles Cunliffe)

were unable to join us due to illness, but we were

very grateful to Ruairi Bowen and Sam Pantcheff who

stepped in at the last moment. Thank you to all who

made the concert possible and who came to support

us. We wonder what the next big collaboration will be....

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Music Review

Barcelona Choir Tour report

(Pupil's perspective)

Hola!

Inigo:

The Spanish tour to Barcelona started amidst the

biting cold of England as we waited for our coach to

the airport. As soon as we touched down, we felt the

Spanish heat - however, the encounter that would

change everything was

the meeting with Tessa,

our wonderful, very

talkative tour guide.

Our day continued with

the majestic summery

views of Spain as we

were getting to the hotel,

squeezing through the

tiniest streets that led to

Con Fisa hotel. We had

a dip in the pool, had a

rehearsal, and finally,

embraced the grandeur

of our first concert in a

local, quaint church.

Day two of the

unforgettable journey proceeded with the venture to

Montserrat. The mountains were breathtaking and

there was a real thrill of performing in such a majestic

basilica. Some of us left with visible tan lines as a

reminder of Montserrat’s hills. Evenings brought

another chance to share our music, this time in the

Basilica de Santa Maria. We tested our promoting skills

in giving out flyers to the Concert.

Day three greeted us with more breakfast churros

than we could ask for. Mr Mountford blessed us with a

solo during the morning announcements by using the

Allegri chant intonation. In Tarragona, there were vibrant

streets, which we explored with flyers in hand and ready

for our first flash mob. This day got us a taste of the

golden sands of the beach, the coolness of Tarragona

Cathedral, where several of our members, including

Mr Mountford and Mr Bailey got locked inside. As we

explored, our wallets grew lighter, Upper Fifth’s and

Remove’s hands became more and more covered in

bracelets, specifically Joseph’s.

Siia:

We tasted strawberries, paellas and dined in the local

buffets. Here, by the blue of the beach, we stumbled

upon the Roman amphitheatre in pursuit of ice cream

and Fanta Lemon. Some individuals had a take away

Panna Cotta, which was looking rather… suspicious.

Thanks to the two Spanish pupils, Alice and Mariam,

the choir was able to sell the box of CDs brought from

England.

Day four got us deeper into the streets of Barcelona.

Amidst the sun-soaked streets, tragedy struck. There

were nosebleeds, fainting spells, an odd electronic

scooter incident all in the suffocating heat with more ice

cream - all before our biggest concert. But, against all

odds, we took to the stage, a testament to our resilience

and the unbreakable bond forged through music. We

also had standing ovations from parents and audience

after which we were

promised a day off we

desperately needed.

On day five we met

Barcelona again, this

time with a restful pace

in mind. A battle waged

over breakfast plates

- Priya aimed for an

orange a day, whereas

the war with churros

was bravely fought by

Nic, Bobby, Ludo and

Chester. Amongst the

modernist buildings,

Gaudi's architectural

wonders awaited—Casa

Mila and Parc Guell. Some bought presents, or got their

first sunglasses like Inigo. Besides the sightseeing,

there was time for relaxation—a dip in the pool, and

Sarah, Frankie, Liz and Amy were blessed by the henna

drawings.

Claire:

As we gathered for dinner at the hotel, a lighthearted

contest of prized cheap souvenirs such as the Ding

Dong, and the Spanish Starbucks cup. At this point

‘HOLA’ has become an absolutely interchangeable

expression, used widely among the choir. We enjoyed

the cheerful dancing classes and the laughter filled the

air as unexpected pairs took to the floor, Mr. Mountford

and Mr. Bailey joined in the merriment. Some argue that

the sound of Siia’s heels can still be heard within the

walls of Con Fisa. And amidst it all, the familiar crunch

of Pringles and the sweetness of Haribos served as the

soundtrack to our shared joy.

Day six brought with it grim skies, low UV and a

sense of farewell as we bid ‘adios’ to Barcelona. Liz

and Amy, who desperately tried to get some tan, were

disappointed by the number 3 in the forecast of the UV

index. However, we were promised Placa Espanya and

one last glimpse of the beach before our departure.

Despite the low UV, many still managed to burn. And so,

with heavy hearts and sunburns, we made our way to

the airport, the journey home marred by turbulent skies

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and the biting chill of British weather, our memories of

Barcelona a beacon of warmth amidst the cold.

We thank everyone involved in the trip and will keep

the memories of this trip forever.

Barcelona Choir Tour report

(Staff's perspective)

The group were delighted to arrive in Hotel Can Fisa

at Corbera de Llobregat after a cold start at 5am in

Rochester. We greeted our amazing tour guide, Tessa,

at the airport. Her amusing commentary throughout

the coach rides was both interesting, informative and

above all, hilarious.

The family-run hotel proved to be a real hit, with

panoramic views from the balconies and plenty of

time in the schedule for chilling out in the pool. The

trip was crowned by the most amazing weather: clear

skies every day and top temperatures between 20-28.

Our first concert took place just six minutes’ walk from

the hotel at Iglesia Santa Maria de Corbera. We were

warmly welcomed and the choir seemed unfazed by

their 18 hour day. Alex’s soprano saxophone earned

its keep with the beautiful obligato line to accompany

Byrd’s Ave Verum. Our two Spanish pupils, Alice and

Mariam, put their

Spanish to work selling

CDs before and after

the concert, which

was a particular hit in

Tarragona where they

managed to empty the

box completely, giving

us some ice cream

funds for the coming

days. We learned

quickly that concerts

in Southern Europe

never interfere with

the timings of dinner,

so our earliest evening

performance time was

to be 8pm, our latest start time 9:30pm.

Day 2 saw our first breakfast in Hotel Con Fisa, with

a mountain of Churros in the spotlight. Morning swims

and trips to the local supermarket became a regular

feature due to the relaxed departure times. Our bus

driver this morning was Juan-Pablo, whose deep tones

on the microphone saying ‘Hola’ in the morning gave

rise to a meme which lasted the week. We took in the

amazing sights of Montserrat (Mont = mountain, serrat

= serrated) which is home to a spectacular Benedictine

order Basilica, and whose famous Boys’ Choir sing at

two services each day, both to a packed church. Our

choir assembled in their casual clothes and processed

in following Tessa through the crowds to the front of the

wonderfully decorated church, with its famous statue of

the black virgin. After our short recital of three pieces,

the boys’ choir filed in and sang their daily repertoire,

which was impressive and at times split into four parts.

The day progressed with time in Igualada, the

central market town of a rich agricultural and wineproducing

district. After some shoe shopping for those

with concert wardrobe malfunctions, and handing

out concert fliers to everyone we met, we gave our

second very successful concert in Basilica Santa Maria,

Igualada, again to a strong audience, with the church

more than half-full.

Day 3 took us to Tarragona, a stunning city about

60km down the coast from Barcelona. By this point,

the weather was hotting up, and Mr. Mountford’s

morning announcements on the coach were given

using the Allegri chant intonation, including the mantra

‘hydrate, hydrate, hydrate’. There was plenty of time

to give a flash mob performance in the town square

(including Bobby on tambourine) and find somewhere

for lunch. Having explored the Roman amphitheatre,

the group settled down for an ice cream. After dinner,

the choir gave a concert in Taragona Cathedral, our

most jaw-dropping venue yet, with a spectacular

organ, played by Alex Mathie. The group arrived back

at Corbera at midnight,

exhausted but delighted

after a great performance.

A particular highlight of

this performance was the

Allegri Miserere, which

we performed in every

venue, splitting the choir

into four groups in order

to give two solo quartets

the opportunity to sing

the ‘top C’ phrases. A

group of four boys plus

Mr. Bailey sang the

schola cantorum chant

parts, and for ease

of identification, they

became known as ‘the monks’. Throughout the week,

we made subtle tweaks to the Allegri and it improved in

confidence each time. Well done to Claire and Elizabeth

for their flawless top Cs, which came out perfectly each

time.

Day 4 took us to Barcelona, where we explored its

most iconic street: Las Ramblas. Some ventured to

Barcelona Beach, and others to the amazing covered

market, with the most incredible food. At 3pm, we

transferred by coach to the Sagrada Familia, where

we explored the amazing four facades of the basilica,

awestruck by the sheer size of the structure. A quick

Music Review

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Music Review

flash mob in the park adjacent, followed by dinner at

a Restaurant took us on to mass at Sagrada Familia,

in which we sang four pieces. The experience was

totally incredible, and the space was more cavernous

than any of us had ever seen. The sound of the choir

was amplified by microphones to account for the sheer

vastness of the basilica. We were able to follow the

service sheet via QR code. Grateful thanks to Tessa for

filming us discreetly during one anthem. Immediately

after the mass, we were ushered to the crypt to give our

45’ recital. The audience were ecstatic - the choir had

certainly reached its peak in terms of preparedness.

We had a standing ovation and gave two encores. We

were relieved to get home to the hotel after Mr. Smith’s

medical first response had been put through its paces

with five incidents within the space of four hours!

An ambulance was involved in one case, but luckily

our patient caused them less trouble than locking

themselves out of their vehicle.

Day 5 was spent at leisure, exploring the amazing

Modernist architecture of Barcelona, first in the Gracia

quarter, and secondly in Parc Guell. Shortly after having

been dropped in Barcelona and released for some free

time, many of us stumbled upon a ‘Castel’ attempt.

This is an organised Catalonian activity which involves

building a human tower in the street, seven people high.

A huge crowd had gathered and our breath was taken

away as row after row climbed on top of each other,

with a small child on the very top reaching their hand in

the air as they completed the challenge. After another

wonderful lunch, we met the coach and transferred

to Parc Guell, which overlooks the city from the North.

This park was designed by Gaudi and is home to the

famous salamander, which was a great site for selfies!

We found a beautiful underground cave where a

spontaneous rendition of Locus Iste was needed. The

day finished back at the hotel, where after a relaxing

afternoon in the pool

/ on the terrace, the

group enjoyed their final

evening meal together,

followed by speeches,

presentations and a

ceilidh. At midnight,

we called it a day and

flopped into our beds.

Day 6 was a second

day of rest, with some

leisurely packing

and another relaxed

start. Today, Tessa

had arranged for us to

spend the day at a small

coastal town just a few

minutes from the airport, called Casteldefels, which

boasts a 2km sandy beach which was almost deserted

at this time in April. The weather was perfect for a three

hour beach stay: Cloudy and around 24 degrees. Many

of the group spent the time in the sea, warming up on

the terraces of restaurants serving paella. The final

coach journey to the airport was again driven by Juan-

Pablo, who delighted us with his gravelly ‘Hola’ before

changing the atmosphere with a poignant ‘Adios’.

The week will live long in the memories of those

who attended. Of course, the music, venues, culture,

food and weather were each wonderful, but above all,

the people really define a trip. The staff team of Miss

Roux, Miss McKeever, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Smith and the

wonderful Tessa were a slick and caring unit, constantly

looking out for the best interests of the pupils and the

group as a whole, with all of the King’s staff singing

for their supper. No task was too big or gruesome for

them! Above all, the pupils were completely amazing

all week, and really entered into the spirit of the week.

They showed great resilience with some late concert

start times and a few occasions where they had to be in

concert dress for several hours in the heat. The level of

care between pupils was absolutely incredible and the

group thoroughly looked after each other and seemed

to cherish every moment of the week. Memories were

made and hopefully a precedent for a regular music

tour at KSR.

Opera trip to Glyndebourne

On Monday 24th June, we were pleased to take our

6th annual trip to Glyndebourne Opera House to

see Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte in a new production by

Barbe & Doucet. The production was a really zany,

crazy interpretation which was set in a hotel, but the

producers were absolutely committed to the idea and

the cast saw it through with great authenticity. We

marvelled at Aleksandra

Olczyk’s acrobatic Queen

of the Night aria, and

the profundity of James

Platt’s Sarastro. The

Orchestra of the Age

of Enlightenment were

crisp and beautifully

fresh-sounding. Weather:

perfect; company:

superb; luxury picnic

from our catering team:

divine. We also had the

chance to chat to chorus

member Charles Cunliffe

in the interval, which

was an inspiring extra for

the hard-core classical singers amongst our group! My

thanks to Miss Roux for her help in leading this trip.

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Summer Concert

At 7pm on Tuesday 25th June, the curtain went up on

my final concert at King’s. The programme took its

usual course, with a varied palette from our esteemed

ensembles. The enjoyment on the faces of the pupils

was palpable, most especially in Jazz Band, where

saxophonists Alex and Mr. Johnson seemed to be

daring each other to nail the next phrase, laughing as

they played. The concert was blessed with over 20 Old

Roffensians, and it was wonderful to reconnect with

all of them over our shared love of music in a venue

as special as Rochester Cathedral. I was delighted to

count at least one OR from each of the last seven years,

which made the evening feel ever more special.

with a grand performance of the Medway Hymn, the

last movement of Thomas Hewitt Jones’s Regards from

Rochester which sums up so much about my time here.

Having been seen seven Upper Sixth years through,

and now becoming a leaver myself, it seems that the

words of Sarah & Francesca’s duet echo most strongly:

‘we have been changed for good’.

Open Mic Nights

Music Review

The first half drew to a close with the first of our

solos, from Hugh on the mighty cathedral organ, playing

Saint-Saens’ finale from Symphony No. 3. Is there a

cathedral with a better placed or more beautiful organ,

with proportions, acoustic and warm light so perfect for

performance? If there is, I haven’t found it yet - I doubt

one could. We are so lucky at King’s to have use of

such an amazing cathedral.

The second half began with the choir, augmented by

many ORs, with a stunning opening solo from Chrystie.

Then, the first of two surprise interruptions to mark my

leaving: John Gardner’s Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing

Day, which Miss Roux had organised conspiratorially.

Anastasiia then brought us The Kiss of Life by Sade,

a beautiful ballad which she accompanied herself on

guitar. The evening flowed on with two heart-stopping

duets: Elizabeth & Chris with The Prayer and then

Francesca and Sarah with For Good from Wicked.

Both of these had us in tears. Then onto William and

his beautifully executed Spider and the Fly by Britten,

before Nathan took to the stage on his A clarinet with

Schumann’s Fantasiestücke Op. 73, no. 3. Priya

then brought us a stunning Venetian boat song by

Mendelssohn on the very freshly and hastily tuned

piano.

Speeches for leavers then proceeded, with a chance

for us to convey our thanks and some fond memories

about the wonderful young musicians that we are

about to send into the world. We also bade farewell to

Mr. Lloyd, Mrs. Rowley and Mr. Hewitt Jones, who have

been instrumental in developing so much talent during

their years here. A special mention too, to Chloe, Inigo,

Nic and Nick, who weren’t able to be present for the

speeches - you’ve each given a huge amount to music

at King’s over the years and we’ll miss you.

Chris and Elizabeth then surprised me with two

beautiful and very kind speeches, before Miss Roux

and the team gave a hauntingly beautiful performance

of Eric Whitacre’s Sing Gently. The evening closed

The Open Mic nights gathered pace this year. The first,

a Christmas-themed extravaganza drew items from

across the school, including a santa-clad, saxophonehonking

Mr. Stevens. Both evenings were brilliantly

hosted by Chester and Ludo, whose comic timing and

enthusiastic support of each act were fantastic. For

the summer Open Mic, Bobby Langfield formed a house

band with Nicolas Weir, Massimo Mitchell, Alex Scott

and Miss Roux, giving the evening a great atmosphere

and loads of energy. The second of the Open Mic nights

was used as a fundraiser for Cancer Research.

Individual Successes

A Win for King’s at the National Rotary Young

Musician Vocal final

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Music Review

On Sunday 21st April, Elizabeth Knowles (L6)

competed at Chethams School of Music in Manchester

in the National Stage of the Rotary Young Musician

Competition, performing music by Gluck, Cole Porter

and Andrew Lloyd Webber, accompanied by Miss

Roux. The running order of performances was chosen

randomly with Elizabeth the first of twelve to perform.

After a tense adjudication, Elizabeth was announced

the winner and is now the Rotary National Young

Musician Vocalist of the Year 2024 in Great Britain and

Northern Ireland.

Massive congratulations to Elizabeth for this

amazing result and huge thanks to Elizabeth’s singing

teacher Miss Green and her accompanist Miss Roux

for their support of Elizabeth towards this exceptional

achievement.

Charlie Binney NCO

Success

Violinist Charlie

Binney (Music Scholar,

Remove) has performed

his debut concert with

the National Children’s

Orchestras of Great

Britain, Main Orchestra.

He was thrilled to have

been selected by audition

among some of the UK’s

finest 13 and 14 year old

musicians. A capacity

audience at Bristol Beacon was treated to spectacular

and joyful performances of Britten’s ‘Young Person’s

Guide to the Orchestra’ and ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’

by Mussorgsky/Ravel. This extraordinary musical

teamwork was the result of intensive orchestral training

during a week’s Spring Residency. There were also

workshops in collaborative composition, well-being for

musicians, and even elite performance psychology by

an Olympic fencing gold medallist! Charlie observed, ‘I

feel incredibly lucky to be studying violin with Mr Milone

at King’s - I have been given all the tools I needed

to make a good contribution and to really enjoy the

musical challenges of

NCO.’

Alex Scott - Tun Wells

Arts Festival category

win

I thought you’d like

to know that Alex had

a successful Sunday

afternoon at the Tunbridge

Wells Arts Festival. He

came 2nd in the Advanced

Recital class and won

the Advanced Woodwind and Brass class. He received

some really useful feedback from the judges and it was

a great opportunity to perform all three of his Grade 8

clarinet pieces.

Because it is the 75th Anniversary of the TWAF, they

are running a Bursary competition and we heard last

night that Alex is one of seven that have been selected

for the finals. This finals competition will be held as part

of the festival concert at Trinity Theatre Tunbridge Wells

on Sunday 17th March.

Er…hello? Bobby’s

new album goes live

online

Bobby Langfield, aka

OBOST, has released

his first full dance

music / Indie electronic

album ‘Er…hello?’ on

the streaming site

Bandcamp. Bobby has been developing his

skills as a DJ and composer whilst at King’s and has

spent a week with composer Thomas Hewitt Jones,

learning a few tricks of the trade and finding out more

about pathways in the music industry. We look forward

to seeing where Bobby’s talents take him in future.

Hugh Davies Competition success and

conservatoire place

Congratulations to Hugh Davies for his success

at the Kent County Organ Competition in April at All

Saints Church, Maidstone. Hugh's programme of

Bach and Duruflé drew praise from the adjudicator, Dr.

David Flood (former Organist of Canterbury Cathedral)

and Hugh was jointly awarded the Reginald Adams

Memorial Prize. Hugh played brilliantly, rising to the

challenge of a very demanding instrument. Thanks to

Miss Roux for her expert page turning and registrations!

We look forward to hearing more of Hugh's successes

as he looks forward to studying the organ at the Royal

Academy of Music in September.

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Music Examination Results

Forename Surname Instrument Grade Result

Lauren Allen Piano Grade Initial Distinction

Emily Carpenter Piano Grade Initial Merit

Giovanna Ofori Piano Initial Merit

Zara-Grace Donald Piano Initial Distinction

Shen Zikai Piano Initial Merit

Joshua Walker Piano Pre Grade Foundation Distinction

Layla Fitzgerald Piano Pre Grade Foundation Distinction

Zara Grace Donald Piano Pre Grade Foundation Distinction

Luis Binning Piano Pre Grade Higher Merit

Giana Patel Piano Pre Grade Higher Distinction

Layla Fitzgerald Piano Pre Grade Higher Merit

Stawell Luna Piano Pre Grade Higher Merit

Bennett Grace Piano Pre grade Introductory Distinction

Elizabeth Allen Piano Prep Test N/A

Erin Lidl Piano Prep Test N/A

Malachi Solomons Acoustic Guitar Step 2 Distinction

Fowode Ezra Guitar Step 2 Pass

Emily Carpenter Piano 1 Pass

Ethan Hughes Piano 1 Pass

Sophie Luedecke Flute 1 Pass

Samuel Linnet-Charles Cornet 1 Merit

Donald Zara Grace Viola 1 Merit

Saheed Tomi Violin 1 Pass

Albert Brighouse Piano 1 Merit

Savanna Mason Violin 1 Distinction

Henry Morgan Acoustic Guitar 1 Distinction

Seth Gould Rock Guitar 1 Pass

Oluchi Ofodile Violin 2 Pass

Ellora Ogunbayo Violin 2 Pass

Joelle Ozorewor Viola 2 Pass

Romy Jungling Piano 2 Pass

Elvers Dylan Piano 2 Merit

Hothi Kyan Guitar 2 Merit

O'Connor Luke Flute 2 Merit

Scadeng Henry Piano 2 Merit

Scadeng Charles Piano 2 Merit

Thomas Kelley Drum Kit 2 Pass

Amelie Lau-Fuller Violin 2 Pass

Chi Ting Lee Acoustic Guitar 2 Distinction

Music Review

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Music Review

Forename Surname Instrument Grade Result

Henry Morgan Acoustic Guitar 2 Distinction

Thomas Newell Acoustic Guitar 2 Merit

Romy Jungling Oboe 3 Pass

Elizabeth Knowles Piano 3 Pass

Ruaraidh Mathie Viola 3 Distinction

Gabrielle Ofori Violin 3 Distinction

Sophie Luedecke Violin 3 Merit

Toby Sell Piano 3 Pass

Emma Hargrove Piano 3 Pass

Rika Gray Piano 3 Merit

Amin Devish Flute 3 Pass

Carpenter Emily Guitar 3 Pass

O'Connor Luke Piano 3 Merit

Albert Brighouse Clarinet 3 Passass

Ben Herbert Acoustic Guitar 3 Merit

Kyan Hothi Acoustic Guitar 3 Distinction

Ruaraidh Mathie Singing 4 Merit

Alex Mathie Organ 4 Merit

Rika Gray Flute 4 Merit

Albert Brighouse Clarinet 4 Pass

Zara Aggarwal Singing 4 Distinction

Alex Scott Organ 4 Distinction

Chris Handel Singing 5 Distinction

Ava Millar Piano 5 Merit

Clay-Bertolo Daniel Flute 5 Merit

Elvers Dylan Singing 5 Distinction

Anastasia Rodrigues Amaral Piano 5 Pass

Tiffany Sylvester Piano 6 Merit

Alex Mathie Piano 6 Distinction

William Lister Organ 6 Pass

John Fadare Clarinet 7 Merit

William Lister Piano 7 Merit

Charlie Binney Violin 8 Distinction

Nicholas Weir Piano 8 Pass

Nicholas Weir Singing 8 Distinction

Hugh Davies Violin 8 Merit

Lucy Millar Piano 8 Merit

Nathan Dicken Clarinet 8 Merit

Francesca Titmuss Singing 8 Pass

Scott Alex Clarinet 8 Distinction

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Michaelmas

Bentley Photographic


1st XV Team

2nd XV Team U15A Team U14A Team

Rugby

T

he 1st XV, captained superbly by Jamie

Ford, had the most successful season.

Their campaign started in August with

pre-season training and this dedication

paid dividends with notable wins against

St. Lawrence College, Ashford School and Colfe’s

School. Our annual trip to the Isle of Man saw us beaten,

narrowly, by an unlikely drop goal; a result that didn’t

do justice to the performance by the team facing such

hostile weather conditions. The Upper Sixth core of

this team will leave the school with great pride for their

efforts throughout their time here. The U14’s and U15’s

both showed skill and determination in equal measure,

congratulations go to Jack Wormald and Happy Oboh

from Remove, and to Daniel Adesioye, Jack Seager and

Vinnie Thompson from Lower Fifth for their selection

in the Kent Saracens DPP squads. Next year will see a

talented group of U15 players cut their teeth in senior

rugby for the first time, and we look forward to them

contributing significantly to our 1st and 2nd XV’s.

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1st XI Team

2nd XI Team U15A Team U15B Team

Girls Hockey

The Girls season is always full of laughter and cheer at

Holcombe Hockey club, and this year was no different.

The 1st XI had a great season, seeing them win 5 of

their 8 games. Sarah Watmough captained the side

with enthusiasm and high skill level. Highlights from

the season must be the 4 comfortable wins against

St Edmunds, Duke of York’s, Claremont and Ashford

School. The girls developed their skills hugely throughout

the season and successfully transferred these into the

matches. A huge thanks to the Upper Sixth dream team

who have represented the school in hockey for most of

their time here at King’s; Sarah Watmough, Elizabeth

Caithness, Maggie Deng, Annabelle Omotayo, Dusita

Prucksachatrut, Chloe Rackham and Frankie Titmuss.

The 2nd XI and two Junior teams were also promising

and hard working throughout the season. All teams took

victories and showed great progress in their skill level

and team cohesion. Every single player that stepped out

onto the astro turf to represent KSR made the school

and themselves proud. I look forward to the future of

Girls Hockey with the passion that our King’s players

show.

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Rowing

Michaelmas

We started the term with some new additions to our

team which has changed the dynamic of the whole

group. Felipe Lange from Germany has joined our

school and inspired the rowing squad, everyone has

started to work harder and improve massively.

Because of the quantity of rain that we had for the

whole term the river was red boarded quite a lot which

forced us to train indoors and some of our competitions

were cancelled.

We had scheduled 4 races

Molesey Junior Head 17/02/2024 (cancelled)

Maidstone Spring Head 03/03/2024 (cancelled)

JIRR South East Trials 25/02/2024

J16 2x Chester Crozer / Taylor Mason

J16 4x- Taylor Mason / Alex Hawkins / Gabriel

Hussain / Will Lister

J15 4x- cox Freddie Roberts / Reuben Drewell / Alex

Scott / Ben Rackman / James Greason

National Junior Indoor Rowing Championship

This year was the first time when we took Prep School

pupils to a rowing competition we had 16 pupils (8 girls

and 8 boys) from Prep School and 33 pupils(10 girls

and 23 boys) from Senior School.

Our senior relay team(Felipe Lange / Nahum Fisher /

Toby Sell / Taylor Mason) got a bronze medal very close

to the silver medal and Nahum Fisher came 4th in the

individual race.

As so many races were cancelled we scheduled a

training/racing session at King’s Canterbury School

on 02/02/2024 which was a very successful day with

some nice racing against KCS and Maidstone Invicta

Rowing Club.

I am very pleased with the squad this term, all rowers

have made some nice progress.

Midsummer

Midsummer term has been a season of hard work,

dedication, and growing momentum for our rowing

team. As we reflect on our performance over the past

few months, we are pleased to highlight several notable

achievements, including a few impressive wins in the

summer regattas and a stronger team dynamic. Our

efforts have paid off with victories at a couple of the key

summer regattas. These wins are a testament to the

hard work and discipline the team has put into training.

Chiswick Regatta (London - Thames)

J18 4x- Chester/Toby/ Alex H. / Taylor 1st place

Ball Cup (Eton Dorney)

J15 4x+ cox Reg / Reuben D. / James / Ben /

Freddie 2nd place

J18 4x- Nahum / Felipe / Toby / Ruben G.

J18 1x Ruben G. 3rd place

TVP Regatta (Reading-Thames)

J15 1x Harry Goodwin 2nd place

J15 2x Ben / Alex 3rd place

One of the standout aspects of this term has been

the development of the team's cohesion. Every training

session has been marked by commitment and a sense

of shared purpose. The rowers have pushed each other

to higher standards, creating a positive and dynamic

environment. The improvement in teamwork and

communication on and off the water has undoubtedly

contributed to our success in competition.

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House Cross Country

The 97th running of the Senior School Cross Country

Race saw 89 pupils taking to the slopes of the

Nashenden Course to battle it out and earn valuable

points for their house. Despite some rainfall in the

week leading up to the race, the course was in good

condition. Occasional puddles on Hill Road along with

some softer and muddy terrain on the long downhill

track after the pub ensured this was still a genuine

cross-country course, however neither of these features

offered too much of an additional challenge to most

of the runners in the field. In fact, it was the fine

conditions that contributed to U6th Storrs pupil; Alfred

Osborne winning the race for the 5th time and yet

again, breaking his own record. There’s no doubt that

Alfred’s strong training programme for triathlon (which

has led to him qualifying for the GB team) prepared him

perfectly for this year's event. Despite carrying a minor

injury, Alfred took the lead from the start line and there

was no looking back for him. Having run the course

many times in recent years, his excellent knowledge,

coupled with a fantastic long distance running style

allowed him to finish in an incredible time of 27:03.

Alfred will without doubt, go down as one of, if not the

most talented long distance runners the school has

seen! Charlie Vowles (U5th Crick), Nik Hebden (U6th

Storrs) and Chester Crozer (U5th Storrs) made up the

top 4 for the senior boys race resulting in a strong and

comfortable win for the Storrs team.

In the Senior Girls competition Maggie Deng (U6th

Crick) ran an excellent race to finish in a time of 42:46,

followed by Chloe Rackham (U6th Parker), Sarah

Watmough (U6th Whiston) and Fiammetta Ficicchia

(Lower 6th Crick). Crick were well deserved winners with

a total of 19 points. Unfortunately Parker and Storrs

were both unable to field a full team, meaning penalty

points were awarded.

In the Junior Girls category Storrs edged a very

competitive race, beating Whiston by just one point.

Storrs top runner; Annice Crozer came third, with Amelie

Vowles (Remove Crick) taking the win and previous

winner Erin Heddershaw (L5th Whiston) coming in

second.

Without doubt, the most convincing team win of

the morning came in the Junior Boys race with Crick

storming it, winning by 17 points. Their top runner was

Billy South (Remove), but he was narrowly beaten by

Thomas Kelley (Remove Storrs).

It was incredible to see 89 pupils take part in a noncompulsory,

challenging race on a Saturday morning

and we look forward to the 98th running next year.

House Results 2023

Senior Boys Senior Girls Junior Boys Junior Girls

1. Storrs 17 pts 1. Crick 19 pts 1. Crick 17 pts 1. Storrs 29 pts

2. Crick 27 pts 2. Whiston 24 pts 2. Storrs 34 pts 2. Whiston 30 pts

3. Parker 40 pts 3. Parker 52 pts* 3. Whiston 35 pts 3. Crick 40 pts

4. Whiston 57 pts 4. Storrs 72 pts* 4. Parker 67 pts 4. Parker 42 pts*

Overall Score *penalty points issued

1. Crick 103 pts 2. Whiston 146 pts 3. Storrs 152 pts* 4. Parker 201 pts*

Badminton

Badminton at King’s offers a development and a

competitive/selective term, and in each of those

different types of fixtures allow pupils with a range of

abilities to play.

In the Michaelmas term pupils played friendly fixtures

against our usual competitors, Sutton Valence School,

St Lawrence College, St Edmund’s School and Ashford

School. During the home and away fixtures took place

and a variety of pupils had an opportunity to play.

The development term focused on basic skills and

shots, technical development, tactical awareness and

general match play.

In the Lent term the competitive fixtures began

and King’s hosted the KSR badminton Tournament.

Unfortunately King’s did not fare well in a number

of the fixtures where the combined wins and losses

of the A and B team often meant an overall loss.

However, when matched against more evenly able

teams some very close matches were played and all

pupils benefitted from the process.

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Lent



1st XI Team

2nd XI Team

3rd XI Team

Boys Hockey

We were able to put out 3 teams representing Senior

hockey this year. The passion and ambition from all of

these players was outstanding throughout, especially

as it was a tough season for the players. The 1st XI

faced some good teams and were unable to gain a win.

However, they always played with their head held high

and developed their teamwork and skill level to hold the

losses to narrow margins. Two games in particular were

against Gravesend Grammar and Claremont where the

whole game was head to head until the last few minutes.

Thank you to Captain Alfie Reeve and to the Upper Sixth

leavers Freddie Taylor, Eren Suzgan, Jamie Ford, Oliver

Howard and Bold Dickson.

The 2 Junior teams were mixed between Year 9 and

Year 10 players. They really came together and worked

well in both training and matches. There was some

outstanding potential from many of the young players

and this showed in the last two games of the season

against Claremont and Gravesend Grammar, with a win

and draw.

This was unfortunately the last season of Boys hockey

in the Senior School. Hockey has been a key part of

the schools sporting programme and it will be missed.

There have been some incredible hockey players who

have represented the school and come back as Old

Roffensians. I am sure that some form of fixtures will

continue and I thank everyone who has been involved

with KSR hockey.

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1st VII Team

2nd VII Team

3rd VII Team

Netball

The Netball season this year has been extremely

successful across the different age groups.

1st VII, captained by Chloe Schick, won 7 of their 11

matches. Wins against Sutton Valence, Maidstone Girls

Grammar, Colfes, DOYRMS, Radnor House, St Eds and

most notably St Lawrence, who we have not beaten at

this level since 2013!

2nd VII, captained by Chloe Rackham had an up and

down season winning half of the matches they played.

3rd VII were given lots of opportunities to play this

season but didn't manage to secure a win.

Our U15 and U14 teams had an outstanding season.

Our U15a team only losing one game and our U14a

didn't lose a game all season. It was unfortunate

that the U15 annual tournament was cancelled

due to rain, as it was a good chance that we would

have been victorious! Netball is looking good at

King’s, with strength and depth coming through from

the lower years, over 120 matches were played in

this season and over 1400 goals scored. We have

more girls playing out of school in local clubs, and

more girls gaining places at Kent County and Pulse

pathways.

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U18 VII

U15 VII

U14 VII

Rugby Sevens

Our U18 VIIs Squad kicked off their 2024 campaign

at the Kent Schools competition, once again hosted

at Gravesend Rugby Club. During the group stages the

team faced strong opposition from Chislehusrt and

Sidcup GS, Maidstone GS, Eltham College and Sutton

Valence School. Despite not being able to grab a win,

the squad had 2 very close games against MGS and

Eltham finishing 7-12 and 12-14 respectively were the

highlights. The Plate Semi-final saw another narrow loss

against Ravenswood; 17-22.

As always the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens

provided the highlights of the season and it was

fantastic to see a KSR team back competing at the

world's largest school rugby tournament. In their first

game against King’s College Taunton, the squad came

up against a strong side who were extremely accurate

with the ball. They went on to have a brilliant game

and narrowly lost 21-26 against Morrison’s Academy,

Scotland which was streamed live from one of the show

pitches. The squad saved their best performance for

the final game which led to an excellent win against

Llanishen High, Wales. It was a good outing for the

squad and a great way to finish the 7s season.

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Midsummer


1st XI Team

Boys U15A Team

Girls U15A Team

Cricket

Whilst several blocks of fixtures were lost to poor

weather the cricket that was played was done so in

fine spirit and increasing levels of skill. Girls’ cricket

continued to flourish with 7 fixtures for the U15’s

yielding 5 wins. The U15A team had a particularly

successful season, a good run in the Kent Cup saw us

bow out to eventual winners Eltham College and 6 of

this squad represented the school’s 1st XI during the

season. The 1st XI also had a strong year, with notable

victories against Maidstone Grammar School and a very

strong Old Roffensians. This team made chasing down

huge scores on the Paddock their hallmark in a season

which saw chases of 185, 196 and 227 in T20 fixtures.

A spirited showing against The MCC which climaxed

in a thrilling draw, having at one point been ahead in

the game, before a flurry of wickets led to Lower 5th’s

Thorsten Millgate facing 36 balls for 5 runs to draw the

game 9 wickets down. In the annual Cathedral Schools

T20 tournament a win over King’s Gloucester took us

to a semi-final the following morning, losing to worthy

winners Wells’ School. Skipper Fred Taylor was star with

both bat and ball (411 runs at 45.67 and 10 wickets at

27.13) in his final season for the school but the future

is a bright one with the current crop of Upper 5th and

Lower 6th featuring 8 regional players and looking

forward to the season ahead.

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Croquet Match Report

As is often said in life, it’s not what you’ve got, it’s

what you do with it. Wise words for the annual croquet

competitors who once again tried to unseat the

Principal’s unbeaten record, held since Henry VIII first

brought his set over to Oriel House from Hampton Court

in 1552. The students were in good spirits to take on

the staff team over a nail-biting two-day tournament.

Day one. King’s Scholars verses the Headmaster’s

IV. Conditions were not ideal, as players faced wet

balls and damp shafts due to the lunchtime drizzle.

The weather for day two was a pleasant change.

A drier pitch meant that the balls behaved as they

should. The novice staff team, however, was more of

a mixed bag, albeit with a wealth of life experience

that they put to good use. Miss Pine adapted her

sporting prowess to get the team off to a strong start.

Madam O’Kelley displayed excellent ball control, and

the students, spurred on by the ever-enthusiastic

Christopher Nutt and understated play of Liz

Caithness, engaged in a plethora of strategies.


The first match saw Maggie Deng and Chloe Rackham

pitted against Mr Snoswell and Mrs Miles. Despite the

inclement conditions, Maggie displayed remarkable

accuracy, navigating the heavy grass with precision.

In contrast, Mr Snoswell adopted a "hit and hope"

strategy, with mixed results. Chloe faced additional

difficulty with the slope towards the second hoop,

adding an extra layer of complexity to her shots. Mrs

Miles took an early lead, showcasing her skill lead the

staff to an early 6-4 win.

The second match was tense and competitive. Mr

Mountford, donning his distinctive burgundy trousers,

showcased a perfect pose with his French grip, adding

a touch of flair to the game. Fraser Shimmins and

Rob Gainsford both made impressive shots, with Rob

occasionally punting his ball too far, utilizing power

over precision. Mr Charles played tactically, displaying

a no-nonsense approach. Rob attempted to use the

slope by the Faraway tree to his advantage. As the

match progressed, the players gained confidence,

making for an increasingly competitive game. Mr

Charles' elite playing skills left Fraser stunned, who

none the less displayed great resilience. The match

ended in a 5-all draw, bringing the overall score on day

one to 11-9 in favour of the staff.

Tactics abounded in the first game, leading to Mr

Charles to worry that there would not be enough time

to play the second round. Speed was suddenly the

name of the game, but the staff team held it together,

thanks in part to Mrs Parren’s impressive knowledge

of the laws of physics. The first round ended in a nailbiting

6-4.

The second round was a whole new ball game.

Harry Snoswell, James Miles, and Nathan Dickin

brought their muscular A-game. James, in particular,

proved to be the most tactical player the school has

seen in many years, orchestrating impressive ball

combinations around the second hoop. Balls were

flying across the pitch with students zeroing in on Mr

Charles’ blue ball, determined to unseat the staff lead.

James Miles overtook the headmaster’s ball to peg

out first. An unprecedented outcome for the student

team, which left the second game at 5-all. Final score

for day two was a narrow 11-9.

The matches this year were a thrilling mix of skill,

strategy, proving once again that in croquet, as in life,

anything can happen. End result. 22 to the staff, 18

to the students. Mr Charles rests easy for another

year.

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Sport & Games Review / Friends of Kings

Whole School Swimming

Swimming at King’s school this year has seen

numerous pupils achieve great things. The

beauty of swimming is its ability to offer pupils

the opportunity to perform as an individual.

Giving them a very real sense of fulfillment.

The distance challenge is a particular highlight

as all pupils in years 2 and 3 of the pre prep

take part. The prep school pupils also take on

the challenge. They are offered the pool on

a Saturday during Open morning, this gives

them an open ended time frame to achieve

that ultimate aim. This event is fantastically

supported by parents all diligently counting the

lengths for hours on end.

The House Swimming Competitions span the

whole academic year, with the Year 7 and 8

competitions being right at the very beginning

of the Michaelmas term Junior and Senior

taking place in the Lent while the year 4, 5

and 6 had to wait for the last week of term.

The enthusiasm and effort that everyone put

into all of their races was simply fantastic. The

competitive spirit to perform well for your house

is something that you see across all the sports

at King’s.

We have also competed against other schools

both home and away. A highlight was a trip

down to King’s Canterbury, where we lost, but

only by one point. A fantastically fought match.

Lanre Dada's performance was a particular

highlight. He is a hardworking and ambitious

swimmer who has recently moved clubs to

support his progression. Let’s hope one day we

will see him in the Olympic pool as we did Eva.

'Friends'

September always comes around very

quickly after the summer holidays. This

year had a different feel for some of The

Friends team as many had children in U6

and were heading into their final year. We

started to plan for the Fireworks Event straight away. The

night was so much fun, the rain held off and Ghengis

Fireworks gave us a wonderful display that lit up the sky.

This event is so well supported and seeing everyone

enjoying a hot chocolate, donuts, burgers and hot dogs

was so lovely. The fabulous team of Friends worked so

hard on the night alongside the teachers and support

staff to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves.

The uniform shop received many donations throughout

the year for which we are very grateful. The Friends worked

incredibly hard to make sure the clothes were sorted and

hung up for the sales, ensuring that anything we couldn’t

use was donated to local charities. Thanks to the Friends

team for all their hard work over the years.

The year went by very quickly and preparations for the

Summer Ball were soon upon us. It was lovely to see the

marquee go up on the Paddock as we all looked forward to

the school speech days and the end of term celebrations.

The Ball for the Kings School Community and our U6

leavers was all the more special for me this year as my

daughter Sarah was an U6 leaver. The night was wonderful

as the leavers, parents, friends, family and teachers all

enjoyed the night together. The band were amazing and

the dance floor was packed, the sign of a successful night.

I'm proud to say that over the years we have used funds

raised to buy new mini buses, resurface and revamp

sports facilities, purchase cricket nets, help with funds

for hoodies and rucksacks for school trips and recently

purchased new gazebos for the whole school to use.

I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you.

Thank you to The Friends of Kings for being my actual

friends. I joined The Friends over 12 years ago when my

three children started at Kings. I didn’t know anyone and

joined up after meeting some lovely ladies in the prep

school playground. It was my way of giving something

back to a school I love. Along the way I've made friends

with some amazing people who will be friends for life.

It's been lovely to meet and work alongside the support

staff at Kings and the teachers. But my biggest thank you

has to be to the parents and children for supporting and

attending the events over the years. Without your ongoing

support these events wouldn’t be successful and I hope it

continues.

As I am now leaving the school, I wish nothing but the

best for the continued success for The Friends of Kings

School Rochester.

Helen Watmough

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Prize Winners

ART

Remove Franklyn Rogers Prize Rika Gray

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Dorothy Darbyshire

GCSE 2023 Mayor’s Prize Florence Robson

Sixth Form Timothy Ward Memorial Trophy & Prize Siman Deng, K.S.

Painting

Richard Dadd Memorial Prize

(donated by Brian Nolan)

Anastasiia Smilianets

Improvement Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Sarah Watmough

Prize Winners

BIOLOGY

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Maia Sanghera, K.S.

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Divine Obi

GCSE 2023 Howlett Prize Bianca Rebeque De Brito, K.S.

Sixth Form Howlett Prize Christopher Nutt

BUSINESS ECONOMICS

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Priya Chahar, K.S.

CHEMISTRY


Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Azzurra Mitchell

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Sebastian Lawrence, K.S.

Sixth Form Dr Colin Woodard Chemistry Prize Ruben Gordon

CLASSICAL CIVILISATION

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Rebekah Norman

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Oscar Chattaway

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Henry Presland

COMPUTING SCIENCE

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Daniel Clay-Bertolo

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize James Greason

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Nicholas Rogers

Sixth Form Thomas Prize Fraser Shimmins, K.S.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Zara Aggarwal, K.S.

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Reuben Drewell

GCSE 2023 Andrew Bligh Prize Rupert Bown

Sixth Form Andrew Bligh Prize Siman Deng, K.S.

Sixth Form CAD Prize Phoebe Farrell

DRAMA

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Elizabeth Savage

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Abraham Madir

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Melissa Cagan

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Elizabeth Caithness

Acting Nash Prize for Drama Yasmin Holland, K.S.

Theatre Production Nash Prize for Drama Chloe Schick, K.S.

ECONOMICS

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Mariana Pryianchuk

EXTENDED PROJECT

QUALIFICATION

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Siman Deng, K.S.

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Prize Winners

ENGLISH

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Elliott Landsborough

Lower Fifth Dean Storrs Prize Azzurra Mitchell

GCSE 2023 Claude Toke Dooner Prize Ella Jeavons, K.S.

Sixth Form Professor Murray Biggs Prize Joanna McCabe

FRENCH

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Zara Aggarwal, K.S.

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Isabella Kilfoyle

GCSE 203 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Massimo Mitchell

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Roan Staley-Brown

GEOGRAPHY

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Matthew Hargrove

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Isla Morgan, K.S.

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Ben Smith

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Alfred Osborne

GERMAN

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Daya Sanghera, K.S.

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Mariana Pryianchuk

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Jemima Partner

HISTORY

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Barney Elrin

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Oscar Chattaway

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Lucas Rushton

Sixth Form Albert Dews Memorial Prize Anastasiia Smilianets

LATIN

Remove Dean Scott Prize Daniel Clay-Bertolo

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Daya Sanghera, K.S.

MATHEMATICS


Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Ruoke Wang

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Yahya Fiaz

Sixth Form George Dixon Tripp Prize Priya Chahar, K.S.

Endeavour Darwin Cup and Prize Fraser Shimmins, K.S.

Progress Andrew Jennings Cup Taylor Mason

MUSIC

Remove Hylton Stewart Prize Alexander Mathie

Lower Fifth Hylton Stewart Prize Benjamin Handel

GCSE 2023 Hylton Stewart Prize Toby Sell

Sixth Form Hylton Stewart Prize Sarah Watmough

Commitment Hylton Stewart Prize Lucy Millar

Strings Hylton Stewart Prize Charles Binney

Woodwind Hylton Stewart Prize Alex Scott

Brass Hylton Stewart Prize William Lister

Choral Barton Wills Memorial Prize Chrystie Tolhurst

Progress Marion Legg Cup & Prize Nathan Dickin

Organ Dr. Crofe Memorial Prize Hugh Davies

Extraordinary Commitment and all Hylton Stewart Prize

Christopher Nutt

round Excellence

Commitment to Choir and Orchestra Chambers Cup Elizabeth Caithness

Peter Rogers Music Prize

Hugh Davies

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Harry Goodwin

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Yahya Fiaz

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Charles Craig-Lucking

PHYSICS

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Annie Crozer, K.S.

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Azzurra Mitchell

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Sebastian Lawrence, K.S.

Sixth Form Archdeacon Cheetham Memorial Prize Fraser Shimmins, K.S.

PSYCHOLOGY

Sixth Form Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Chloe Schick, K.S.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize William South

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Octavian Humphreys

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Ella Jeavons, K.S.

Sixth Form The Dean's Prize Oliver Howard

SPANISH

Remove Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Tristan O’Keefe

Lower Fifth Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Jack Seager

GCSE 2023 Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Bianca Rebeque De Brito, K.S.

WHISTON PRIZES FOR ENDEAVOUR

Removes Matthew Hargrove Crick

Robert Hassell

Parker

Isla Luetchford

Storrs

Alexander Mathie

Whiston

Lower Fifth Emily Jones Crick

Isabella Kilfoyle

Parker

Thomas Kelley

Storrs

Harry Goodwin

Whiston

Upper Fifth Cara Jackson Crick

Nathaneal Matarutse

Parker

Taylor Mason

Storrs

Oliver Dencker

Whiston

6TH FORM

Debating & Public Speaking John Collier Prize Gilbert Hill

Links with Industry D.G. Croxon Industry Nicholas Rogers

Community or Charitable Service Old Roffensian Masonic Lodge Molly Evans

Consideration & Cheerfulness Richard Turner Memorial Inigo Bottomley

Kindness & Charisma Augustine Carnell Trophy Anastasiia Smilianets

Notable Contribution to the Christian Woodard Board Prize

Hugh Davies

Ethos of the School

Outstanding Conduct Northover Cup & Prize Ruben Gordon

Endeavour Collacott Prize Sarah Watmough

Leadership Martin Shaw Memorial Prize Jamie Ford

Service by Stealth The Jack White Prize Dusita Prucksachatrut

Unrewarded Service Justus Prize Amy West

Service Old Roffensian Prize Annabelle Omotayo

Heart of King’s Award Ajayi Family Cup & Prize Harry Snoswell

Chapel Prefect Prize Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Nathan Dickin

Head Server Prize Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Robert Gainsford

Lead Scholar Prize Sir Malcolm Stewart Prize Siman Deng, K.S.

Deputy Heads of School Cooper Prize Chloe Schick, K.S.

Heads of School The Bishop’s Prize Elizabeth Caithness, Christopher Nutt

OR Bursary Old Roffensian Bursary Fund James Miles, Chloe Schick, K.S.

Exemplary All-Round Contribution The Lord Chadlington Prize Jamie Ford, Nicolas Hebden

Prize Winners

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Salvete/Valete, House Officials and Scholars

Salvete/Valete,

House Officials

and Scholars

Salvete

G. Bamgboye, E. Bellringer, H. Brooks, L. Carter,

H. N. Chia, L. Dladla, B. Elrin, R. Fard, O. Humphreys

A. Kang, A. Katolik, A. Khan, E. Knowles, A. Korkmaz

J. Lakanu, B. Langfield, L. Maclean, S. McCormack

R. Norman, N. Oboh, T. O'Keefe, D. Onuh, J. Palmer, R. Plant

O. Rider-Walters, E. Russell, E. Savage, A. Sheikh,

S. Shojeizavareh, J. Shubrook, J. Skillen, C. Sylvester,

R. Wang, N. Weir, J. Wormald, G. Wright, Z. Zhao.

Valete

J. Adenle, K. Akinkunle, T. Andonova, E. Bakare

I. Bottomley, L. Bule, Z. Burke, E. Caithness, P. Chahar

T. Chidzvondo, G. Cooper, C. Craig-Lucking, H. Davies

O. Dencker, M. Deng, A. Dhaliwal, S. Dhaliwal, N. Dickin

B. Dickson, M. Disarili, J. Domland, B. Donald, P. Farrell,

M. Faseru, B. Fautley, J. Ford, R. Gainsford, J. Gillespie,

R. Gordon, Z. Hansford, A. Hawkins, N. Hebden

L. Helsdon-Barry, O. Howard, A. Hunter, Z. Hussain

E. J. Marques, D. James, S. Kapesa, M. Konuralp

F. Lange, W. Lister, P. Lukasik, J. McCabe, M. Merryweather

J. Miles, S. Neseyif, C. Nutt, A. Olabanji, E. Olaitan,

O. Omoba A. Omotayo, A. Osborne, J. Partner, A. Petter,

E. Place, D. Prucksachatrut, M. Pryianchuk, N. Pyrke

C. Rackham, A. Reeve, C. Schick, A. Sharma, F. Shimmins

A. Shoker, H. Siddiqui, A. Smilianets, H. Snoswell, D. Sontan

S. Sorour, R. Staley-Brown, J. Stickings, A-E. Suzgun

V. Taak, A. Taylor, F. Taylor, F. Titmuss, C. Tolhurst

Y. Virdee, S. Watmough, A. West, M. Yildiz, A. Zaman.

Scholars

King's Scholars

P. Chahar, M. Deng , F. Shimmins, C. Schick

E. Jeavons , Y. Holland, S. Lawrence, B. Rebeque de Brito

C. Barnard, C. Crozer, R. Jungling, E. Heddershaw

I. Morgan, D. Sanghera, A. Crozer, A. Hunter, M. Sanghera

Z. Aggarwal.

Housemasters, House

Tutors and House

Officials

CRICK HOUSE

Housemaster

House Tutors

PARKER HOUSE

Housemaster

House Tutors

STORRS HOUSE

Housemaster

House Tutors

WHISTON HOUSE

Housemaster

House Tutors

Dom Taylor

Callum White

Jason Jones

Lisa Rogers

Callum Carroll

Cecile O’Kelly

Rachel Oliver

Kirsten Thomson

Christie Ransom

Sam Fish

Nadege Wiltshire

Emma Parren

Emily McCarthy

Yvonne Jackson

Ingrid Coetzee

Josh Johnson

Vic Burgess

Yvonne Jackson

Steve Owen

Alice McKeever

Tony Robson

Paul Stevens

Morag McIntyre

Amelia Pine

Boarding - SCHOOL HOUSE

Housemaster

House Tutors

Chris Coetzee

Ellie Hookway

Caroline Keep

Mikey Grice

Julia Daniels

Boarding - ST MARGARET’S

Housemaster

House Tutors

Lizzy Hanson

Eloise Lewis

Cecile O’Kelly

Renee Dobson

Jackie Buckley

Chris White took over as HT of RS from Yvonne Jackson, Emily McCarthy took over as HT of U6S from Yvonne Jackson

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Historical Events across

the School

450th Anniversary at Satis

Richard Watts (1529-1579) was a

merchant and businessman and was

appointed Deputy Victualler of the Navy.

Queen Elizabeth the First appointed

him Paymaster and Surveyor of Works

at Upnor Castle where work started in 1560 and in the

same year he became Paymaster of the Wardens of

Rochester Bridge. He served as Member of Parliament

for Rochester from 1563 to 1571. He was responsible

for a number of charitable ventures including the

almshouse on the High Street known as the Six Poor

Traveller’s House and almshouses on Maidstone Road,

Rochester.

Watts purchased a house on Boley Hill in 1554. On

21 September 1573 and during a four-day visit to the

city, the Queen came to the house. Asked to comment

on the hospitality she received she replied, satis. The

house, which was completely rebuilt in the mid-18th

century, has retained the name, Satis, ever since.

On the 450th anniversary of the Queen’s visit and

heralded by a declaration by Rochester’s Town Crier, a

plaque was unveiled on the front of the house by the

Principal of King’s School, Rochester, Mr Ben Charles,

and in the presence of representatives of the City of

Rochester Society, the Mayor and Councillors, the

Halpern Trust, Richard Watts Charity, Rochester Bridge

Trust, King’s School governors, staff and pupils and

neighbours resident along Boley Hill, all of whom had

earlier been entertained to tea in the garden of the

house.

Lord Chadlington Lecture

31 January 2024 was another proud day in the

history of King’s School Rochester. Thanks to the

generosity of Lord Chadlington OR we were able to

host our latest Chadlington lecture for King's pupils

in Upper 5th, and Sixth form and our guests from

Walderslade & Greenacre Schools Partnership.

They were treated to an inspiring and meaningful

talk from Baroness Scotland, currently the

Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

Our Pupils, Guests, Parents and students were in

awe at her achievements, and ambitions for the

future of our young people in the Commonwealth

which she shared during some informal

discussions in the Hall.

After the lecture members of the U6th were able

to meet the Baroness and Lord Chadlington over

lunch in Oriel House.

Historical Events across the School

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OR Society

OR Society

We continue to witness unrest

throughout the world with ongoing

conflicts still raging and natural

disasters causing devastation

around the globe. Closer to home

we feel the ever tightening squeeze of a newly elected

government and the impact this could have on our

School.

Nonetheless, this year has seen a continued effort

to bring Old Roffensians together and strengthen the

community the Society serves. We have been very

proud and honoured to welcome Old Roffensians back

for the various sporting events held this year; well

attended Netball, Hockey, Cricket and Rugby matches

have encouraged OR’s from across the country to don

the School strip once more and prove that age is but a

number, this edition brings you the match reports and

photographs from each event.

It was wonderful to see returning OR’s for

Commemoration day this September; a crowd of ’84

leavers got together to reminisce times go by ending the

evening with a visit to the Coopers – which goes to show

old habits die hard!

The OR Dinner, held in School Hall, again was well

attended bringing together leavers ranging from 1950’s

to the mid noughties. This year saw the first ever joining

together of the Rochester Cathedral Old Choristers

Association and Old Roffensians; a mix of traditions was

introduced with Grace being sung for the first time at an

OR Dinner. Shortly after this, a special reunion dinner

organised by Penny Maas and Jenny Miller was held in

School House to host leavers from the Ford years – and

what a triumph this was! It was honour to be invited to

this intimate event and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing

the stories from School days of the 70’s. This dinner

welcomed OR’s from across the globe, some as far

as Australia, reinforcing the sense of community the

School has created.

Many of these events would not be possible without

the dedication of Committee and Society members, our

ever growing membership enables us to support OR

events, helping to fund and organise events throughout

the year. We have been able to continue to provide little

extras across the School and maintain an awareness of

the OR Society amongst current pupils.

As we move into 2025, we hope that our community

continues to grow and you are encouraged to return

to School and take part in the various events held

throughout the year, whether that be taking part in OR

sports matches, attending School functions or simply

enjoying a drink at the OR pub nights, you are always

very welcome!

Zabrina Wilton OR

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PPS

PPS

The Pre-Prep. Supporters (PPS) team have

had another amazing year. As you know,

the PPS are a volunteer group of parents

who support King’s School Rochester

Nursery and Pre-Preparatory School with

additional support and funding to enhance education

and the school experience for the children.

The school year started with Harvest assembly,

where all the children were encouraged to help make

the decorations. Chadlington was delightfully decorated

with handcrafted autumnal wonders such as pine cone

hedgehogs and hand painted leaves.

The 2023 Christmas theme was a ‘Winter

Wonderland’ with giant inflatable snowmen,

gingerbread people and a gingerbread arch. Alongside

the Christmas music and cool DJ, there was a quiet

play area, arts and crafts, letters to Santa and the

ever-popular Santa’s Grotto. The PPS-elves were out en

masse!

The PPS and the Easter Bunny were busy at King’s

School over Easter! It started with PPS-donated Easter

treats after Easter Assembly, followed by a

scavenger hunt after school.

One new group of events this year was PPSled

after-school clubs. These were held in the

last week of terms where teacher-led clubs

were not available and were a welcome relief

for children to run around, play games, dance

and make themed-crafts after school.

Another new set of PPS-led events were

to encourage the children to give thanks

and loving wishes for loved ones, such as

mothers, grandmothers, sisters etc during the

‘Lovely Ladies’ event. Or to celebrate fathers,

brothers, uncles etc during the ‘Dashing

Dudes’ event. The children were invited to

view and make choices and purchases of gifts

for their loved ones.

The school year wouldn’t be the same

without some treats! The PPS donated French

sweets for the Christmas Epiphany event, the

Easter treat bags, and ice lollies at the annual

Pre-Prep Sports Day!

To round off a wonderful year, the PPS

managed the Year 3 Leavers Yearbook, taking

time to include favourite memories, pictures

and customised pages for each child. This

was a great treat and the Year 3 leavers

thoroughly enjoyed signing each other’s book

on their last day of Pre-Prep before moving up

to the Preparatory School.

The final events of the academic year were the two

end of year discos; one for the younger children in

Nursey through Year 2s. And a final Leavers’ discos

for the Year 3s- to send them off in a flourish as

they move to the Prep school to start year 4! ‘The

Spectacular Neon Disco’– with brightly coloured

streamers and glow in the dark decorations had lots of

laughter, dancing and Pizza. What a wonderful end to

the year.

Lieu Dada

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Staff and U6 Photos

Staff and U6 Photos

Thanks to Bentley Photographic

Staff

House Officials with Principal

Heads and Vice Heads with Principal

Prefects with Principal and and Head of Sixth Form

Upper 6th with Principal

Lifers with Principal

Full Colours and Awards with Principal

Servers with Principal

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Staff News

Inevitably, there are staff departures at the

end of any academic year. This summer, the

following staff are leaving us:

Magnus Caithness, Head of Preparatory School

Science - Moving to Packwood Haugh School,

Shropshire.

Fiona Cross, Pre-Preparatory Colourstrings

Teacher - Retiring.

Rennay Dobson, Graduate Sports Assistant.

Sam Fish, Head of History & Politics - Moving to

St John Fisher School, Rochester.

Thomas Hewitt-Jones, Peripatetic Music Teacher.

Jeremy Lloyd, Cathedral Assistant Organist -

Moving to Ely Cathedral.

Marnie Martin, Pre-Preparatory Teacher.

Harriet Mountford, Pre-Preparatory Teacher -

Moving to Oakham School, Rutland.

John Mountford, Director of Music - Moving to

Oakham School, Rutland.

Claire Overal, Nursery Teacher.

Stephen Owen, Teacher of DT, Housemaster

(Whiston) - retiring.

Jacquie Pilkington, Pre-Preparatory Teacher.

Victoria Rowley, Peripatetic Music Teacher.

Verity Singleton, Laboratory Technician.

Louise Whittles, Preparatory School Teacher -

Moving to The Mead School, Tunbridge Wells

We thank them all for their service to our school

and wish them well as they embark on new

adventures beyond King’s.

Tributes

Aije Barnes

I’m grateful and privileged to pay tribute to Aije by drawing

together some of the thoughts and reflections made by

her friends at King’s School Rochester, although I realise

that this will never do justice to Aije’s experience or the

richness of her life beyond the school; but I hope it gives

a flavour of what she meant to so many people at our

School.

Aije worked at King’s for 12 years. She was known for

her unwavering desire to help others, always offering a

helping hand and always with a dazzling and genuine

smile. Colleagues fondly remember her as one of the

kindest individuals they had the pleasure of knowing.

Her generosity meant that she often shared sweets and

biscuits with those around her - Aije, it seemed, had a

very sweet tooth!

Aije was a devoted wife to her husband Albert and a

loving mother to her sons Ashley, Aaron, and Alex and

to Mabel and Samuel and Grace. Aije's family meant

the world to her. She took immense pride in her boys'

achievements and cherished every moment spent with

them. Aije's faith was a guiding light in her life, providing

her with strength and comfort during challenging times.

She exemplified grace and resilience, relying on her

faith to navigate life's obstacles with unwavering trust.

Our colleague, Lisa, shares the following:

The most obvious memory of Aije for me will always

be the insurmountable love she had for her family.

She was proud of everything they did and wanted to

share this pride with others. From updates on the boy's

progress in football to the most recent performances

on stage, showing the world pictures of her cherished

grandchildren and of course all with her soul mate,

Albert, by her side. Although, if he was away travelling

to Africa he was under strict instructions to return with

some Soursop!

Over the years when faced with challenges, Aije

embraced her faith to help her through rather than

question why things were happening. This was even

the case during her last few months with us. Aije was

always thinking of others. On Mothering Sunday Aije

sent Lisa a message made of quotes from the Bible:

Everyday

"God loves you" Psalms 139:17,

Every hour

"God looks after you" 2 Thessalonians 3:3,

Every minute

"God cares for you" 1 Peter 5:7,

Because every second

"He loves you" Jeremiah 31:3.

This was just three weeks before she died yet she still

found the strength to send it. She was always thinking

of others.

Aije’s friend and colleague, Paula, remembers Aije

always joining in with the office charity events even if it

meant having to wear pink! Aije loved a night out with

the office girls and she always had a smile on her face.

And her friend, Claire, shares this:

Aije was a colleague that was always very kind to

me and was especially so when I went through a very

personal and difficult trial. She was a quiet strength,

Staff News

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Staff News

who knew that all I needed in this period was faith to

shine through. She offered up bold prayers for me and

my family and for this I will be forever grateful.

My own memories of Aije match everything that has

already been said, but I will always miss her saying

‘You’re welcome’ after someone had thanked her. I

remember her trying to catch up with Alex one day

outside Satis House. He was sitting under a tree in

glorious sunshine, earphones on, listening to music

and couldn’t hear her, shouting ‘Barnesy… Barnesy…

Barnesy!’ Finally, he saw her coming, stood up and gave

her a hug and a beaming smile. She so obviously loved

that - cuddling her boy in front of her boss! Aije had a

sweet and gentle disposition; she was eager to please

and always wanted to be helpful.

Once Aije had been diagnosed just before Christmas,

I stayed in weekly contact with her via whatsapp and,

even then, she was always thinking about getting back to

work and worrying about others. It was a job for me to try

and tell her to focus on herself and to get well. Of course,

sadly, that was not to be.

Father Stephen and I had the privilege of visiting her

in hospital the day before she died and whilst she was

obviously gravely poorly, the love in the room as we

prayed around her bedside was immeasurably moving.

So, we take comfort in the memories we share of

Aije; we remember her qualities of generosity, kindness,

grace, fierce faith and bravery. We are thankful for her

presence in our lives and we are happy that she is now

with her God.

Ben Charles

Jamie Carr

The School was saddened by the sudden passing of

Jamie Carr. Jamie was just 19 and worked as an evening

cleaner for us. He had been in this role only since

December 2023, but had made a big impression on his

colleagues. Jamie’s mother, Katie Aldridge, is a longserving

member of the catering department.

Natalie Gould AM

Ben Charles

I’m going to keep this short and sweet - like Natalie.

It would be fair to say that Natalie was the “grown up”

in our group of common room friends - she was the one

who would talk sense to us and calm us down when we

got a bit too uppity! She always seemed to know the right

thing to say and we have been quite lost without her.

But hopefully she has taught us a thing or two as well!

Natalie joined Kings in September 2013 on the same

day as the lovely Cecile O’Kelly from whom much of this

tribute comes. She came to us from Cornwallis Academy

and loved Kings straight away, especially so because she

could see her precious kids, Imogen and Seth, around

school. She was always talking about what Imogen

and Seth were up to and she was so proud of all their

achievements, her love shone through in all she said.

Natalie was a quiet and unassuming person, who

didn’t like to be the centre of attention but she had a

deep love for her friends and sharing a cup of tea and

a slice of cake with them. However, she was also feisty

and not scared to tell you when you were wrong! She

was good at making us laugh and looking on the positive

side, even when things looked bleak, she was emotionally

intelligent, and knew exactly what her friends and pupils

needed.

Natalie was of course a member of the ‘so-called’

Mighty Whiston clan. She was a well-loved form tutor and

a mother figure to them, even measuring their heights on

the door frame over the years. Yellow became her ‘colour’

and she loved her house, enthusiastically supporting

Whiston in as many of their events as she could, even in

the midst of her treatment, and no matter how tired she

felt.

Although diminutive in stature, she was stronger

than she appeared, having been a keen rugby player

and coach, even using her strength (and knowledge

of brickwork) to build a wall. She was also a ‘geeky’

geographer and passionate about the environment which

is how I first really got to know her - in the school eco

committee which was set up by the headmaster when

he joined us back in 2019. We enjoyed some very nerdy

conversations about sustainability over a pint or two, or

three of beer.

Lauren Costelloe says ‘Natalie was my rock in the

department and could always be relied upon in every

circumstance, whether it was picking up last minute

lessons, sorting paperwork or organising trips. Her

organisation shone through across all aspects of her

work. Her subject knowledge was second to none

and she was always aware of the latest research and

news that related to her subject content. We were both

extremely proud of the department we built together

over the last 11 years and extremely protective of it.

It was built through teamwork and passion. She will

forever more remain as a cornerstone of the Geography

department.’

Morag McIntyre says: ‘Alongside Geography, the EPQ

became Natalie’s pride and joy, and she was to go on

to nurture and encourage several cohorts of students

to achieve stunning grades in the qualification. In this

last year Natalie oversaw the student’s presentations

remotely via a video link and her unflappable qualities

were truly put to the test when faced with two

diametrically opposed projects. The first was on ‘the

science of attraction, can it be explained by karma and

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the powers of positive thinking’ followed by a project

entitled, ‘‘incitement to violence and murder through

rap’, complete with an expletive laden translation

from the rapper Young Thug’. Natalie watched both

presentations with the same level of gentle warmth as

she always did and gave both students glowing praise

and generous feedback. She made an indelible imprint

on the EPQ and her legacy and love for it will live on

through her students.

Natalie was one of the stalwart common room

members who always came up for a coffee at break

if she could, lamenting the slowness of the coffee

machine and wistfully remembering those days when we

had Alana to serve us tea and chocolate hobnobs! She

had a sofa that she always sat on and we kept it free for

her even when she was off having her cancer treatment.

She was a friendly ear to listen to her colleagues and

always championed the cause of fairness and equity,

even speaking up for other members of staff. She also

was a integral member of the world famous Nigel’s

Ninjas fitness class and completed the couch to 5K,

going on to become a coach for new runners. There are

so many more silly jokes and stories that I cannot share

today, as they either wouldn’t make sense, or are highly

inappropriate for a funeral!

Natalie will always be missed by her friends and

colleagues and the pupils that she has inspired along

the way. I hope that she knows how much her love and

friendship meant to us and that we are all better people

for knowing her, and in her (too short) time here, she has

made the world a better place.

Rest in peace, dear Natalie.

Emma Parren

Yvonne Jackson

My role is to pay tribute to Yvonne by drawing together

some of the thoughts and comments made by her

friends at King’s, although I realise that this will never do

justice to Yvonne’s experience or the richness of her life

beyond the school; but I hope it gives a flavour of what

she meant to so many people at our School.

Yvonne's arrival at King's School Rochester was met

with great eagerness, as she quickly endeared herself

to both her pupils and colleagues. Her positive energy

and diverse skill set - she’d had a life outside of teaching

before King’s which leant a certain perspective and

made her a valued member of our community.

As a teacher, Yvonne's passion for her subjects was

infectious, igniting a love for learning in her pupils. She

was a perfectionist, meticulous in her work, and always

went above and beyond to ensure the best for her pupils.

Yvonne's colleagues fondly remember her as a

thoughtful and caring friend, always willing to lend a

helping hand. Making a cheeky coffee when needed up

in Old St Margaret’s, using her emotional intelligence to

support others. She also showed remarkable patience

in learning to endure her Head of Department’s

saxophone playing on the days he was rehearsing in the

build up to last Christmas’s Open Mic Night. Qualities

that were clearly admired by all who knew her.

Yvonne remained committed to her work, offering

support and guidance to her colleagues whenever

needed, even when she was away from school.

Her colleagues remember her as the cornerstone of

the Mathematics department, but also in her pastoral

work. Her kindness, and unwavering dedication to her

tutees will be remembered by all who had the privilege

of working with her. One of our colleagues, with whom

Yvonne shared a tutor group says: ‘No matter what

pastoral issues were going down, Yvonne was always

so calm, yet never serious. The word that keeps coming

back to me, from my time with her at King's, is grace.

The woman carried herself with such extraordinary

grace. She was like a swan in this mad old pond.’

There was also a real steeliness about Yvonne. She

was tough - like Iron Bru - made from Scottish girders,

perhaps? When she came to see me to tell me about

her diagnosis for the first time, I remember saying to

her that I didn’t know how she was going to have the

strength to tell Cara about it but her retort was, ‘ Aye,

that’s because you’re a man…’ There was no messing

with Yvonne.

Yvonne's love for life extended beyond her work, as

she cherished her moments spent with her family, her

beloved cats, and her trips to Italy. She had a warm

and generous spirit, evident in her love for fine wine

and, another warm and generous spirit, her homemade

Limoncello, which was always a hit among her

colleagues (It made them cross-eyed as far as I can tell).

Even her style and fashion sense didn’t go unnoticed.

Our own fashion guru, Sue Webb, recalls: ‘My memories

of Yvonne were of her always looking immaculate. She

loved shopping and we shared many conversations with

regards to clothes and our favourite shop, LK Bennett.’

And, of course, she tirelessly supported her daughter

Cara's endeavours, particularly in swimming, and took

immense pride in her achievements. Indeed, as Tanya

points out: ‘Cara was her world and they attended so

many clubs and activities together, it seemed like it

was daily, even at the weekends, her schedule seemed

exhausting, but she never seemed tired and loved every

minute of it. She was so proud of Cara’s achievements

and the wonderful young lady she has become.’

So, we take comfort in the memories we share

of Yvonne and the impact she had on our lives. We

remember her qualities of generosity, kindness, grace,

patience, stoicism and bravery. And we are thankful for

her presence in our lives.

Ben Charles

Staff News

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Staff and Governors

Staff and

Governors

2023 - 2024 (as at September 2023)

The Governing Body

Chairman of Governors

Air Commodore J Maas, CBE, MSc, RAF (Ret’d)

Vice-Chair of Governors

The Revd Canon Dr P Hesketh, PhD, BD, AKC

Governors

Mr B Bell, BSc (Hons), CIMDIP, FCIM

The Revd Canon S Brewer

Mr M J Chesterfield OR

Mr Paul Coen, MBA, FCCA, FPFS

The Revd Canon C Dench

The Revd Canon G Giles

Dr A Gower, BA (Hons), PGCE, DMS(Ed), MEd, MPhil, PhD, FHEA

Mr A Marlow, OR, BSc (Hons), MArch, MSt, RIBA, SCA AABC

Mrs R A Olley, CEd

Mrs G B Opara, MSc

Mrs J E Shilling, BA (Hons)

Mr W E Smith, BA, DipEd

Mrs P M C Stewart, MSc, BSc

Ms E Whitlam

Senior Management Team

Principal of King’s Rochester and Headmaster of the Senior

School

Mr B P H Charles, BA (Hons), PGCE, Universities of Exeter and

Durham

Headmaster of the Preparatory School

Mr T H Morgan, BMus (Hons) RCM, The Royal College of Music

Headmistress of the Pre-Preparatory School

Mrs K Crozer, BEd (Hons), QTS, University of Greenwich

Senior Deputy Head of the Senior School

Mr O M Smith, MA (Hons), BA (Hons), Robinson College,

University of Cambridge

Deputy Head (Academic) of the Senior School

Miss N J Steel, BSc, PGCE, University of Sheffield

Director of Co-Curriculum

Miss H L Catlett, BA (Hons), MA, QTS, University College Chichester

and Canterbury Christchurch University

Second Deputy of the Preparatory School

Dr C Green, PhD, BA, PGCE, University of Sheffield

Deputy Head (Pastoral) of the Preparatory School

Mrs L A George, BA (Hons), PGCE, Canterbury Christchurch University

Deputy Head of the Pre-Preparatory School

Mrs L J Green, BA (Hons), PGCE, Universities of Sheffield and

Oxford

Whole School Director of Teaching and Learning

Mr P N Medhurst, BA, MA, Universities of Warwick and Greenwich

Director of Digital Strategy and Housemaster (School House)

Mr C Coetzee, BA, University of South Africa

Assistant Head (Head of Sixth Form)

Mrs S L Miles, MA, BA (Hons), PGCE, University of Kent

Bursar

Ms D J Godwin, BA (Hons), CIMA, University of Central England

Development Director

Mr M G Snoswell

Director of Operations

Mrs K J Simmons

Chaplain

The Revd S J Padfield, MA (Hons), Bristol University

Senior School

Academic Staff

Mr B W Richter, BA, University of Newcastle

Mr M E Drury, BSc, MA, University College, London, University of

Greenwich

Mr A J Robson, BA, Central St Martin's College, University of

Liverpool

Mr C J White MSc, BSc, University of York

Mrs A J Richter, BSc, University of Loughborough

Mrs L A Rogers, BA (Hons), University of Brighton

Mr B C Rivers, BA (Hons), Brunel University

Ms M McIntyre, BA, MPhil, The Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen

Mr S Owen, BEd, University of Wales Caerleon

Mrs E A Hanson, BSc, University of St Andrews

Miss L E Costelloe, BA, Royal Holloway College, University of London

Mr S J Johnson, BEd (Hons), Nottingham Trent University

Mrs E L Parren, BSc (Hons), University of Birmingham

Mr P G Stevens, BSc (Hons), University of Southampton

Mr D G Taylor, BA (Hons), University of Chichester

Mrs A J Warne, MA (Hons), University of St Andrews

Miss C O’Kelly, Licence Langues, Université Aix-Marseille 1

Mrs N Gould, MSc, BSc, University of East Anglia

Miss K L Hebden, BA (Hons) University of Newcastle, Hons Dip,

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Mrs E M McCarthy, BA (Hons), PGCE, University of Reading

Mr S Fish, BA (Hons), University of Westminster, London

Mrs Y Jackson, BEng (Hons), Heriot Watt University

Miss V Burgess, BSc (Hons), University of Greenwich

Mrs N Wiltshire, BA (Hons), PGCE, University of Pau and The Adour

Region and University of Lancaster

Miss F Lowe, BA (Hons), University of Exeter

Dr K Thomson, PhD, MA (Hons), Universities of St Andrews and

Edinburgh

Mr C J E Carroll, MA, PGCE, Universities of Swansea and Cambridge

Miss L J Williams, BA (Hons), The Open University

Mrs R J Oliver, BA (Hons), PGCE, University of Kent (KIAD), West

Surrey College of Art and Design and Greenwich University

Mr O Bailey, BA (Hons), Anglia Ruskin University

Mrs C Ransom, MA (Hons), Magdalene College, University of

Cambridge

Miss A McKeever, BA (Hons), Royal Holloway, University of London

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126

THE ROFFENSIAN

Mr J Jones, BEd, Mico University College

Mrs I Coetzee, BA, University of Port Elizabeth

Mr C M White, BSc, University of East Anglia

Librarian

Mrs X Guo, MA, Northwest Normal University, China

Combined Cadet Force Contingent Commander

Major S Short RE

Preparatory School

Academic Staff

Mr M Caithness, BSc (Hons), Bangor, University College of North Wales

Mrs N J Heddershaw, BEd, West Sussex Institute of Higher Education

Mr O Mahenga, AIEMA, BSc Ed, MSc, University of Derby

Mrs M Marshall, BSc (Hons), University of Southampton

Mr J Waite, BSc, University of Greenwich

Mrs S Walsh, BA, Canterbury Christ Church University

Mrs L Whittles, BA (Hons), University of London

Mr B Wilton, BSc (Hons), PGCE, University of Greenwich and The Open

University

Mrs E Cross, BA (Hons), University of Southampton

Mrs C Wright, BSc, University of Greenwich

Classroom Assistant

Miss S A Farris, OCR2

Wellbeing and Mental Health Coordinator

Mrs J Bolton, BA, Bath College

Head of Education Support/TEFL Co-ordinator

Mrs Y Z Harkin, MA, BA(Hons), DipSpLD, PGCE, Universities of

Glamorgan, York and Cambridge

Assistant Head of Learning Support – Primary

Mrs M Gower, BA(Ed), Canterbury Christ Church University

Education Support Staff/TEFL Staff

Mrs A Boyle, BEd, Cert Ed, OCR CertSpLD, CELTA, University of Rhodesia

Mrs C Keep, DipSpLD, DTLLS, Hornsby College and Canterbury Christ

Church University

Mrs O Fratczak, Dip., University of Poznan

Pre-Preparatory School

Academic Staff

Mrs E Baker, BA (Hons), Canterbury Christ Church University

Mrs F Cross, BA (Hons), PGCE, Universities of Bristol and Surrey, LTCL,

DipSpLD

Mrs S Desforges, BA (Hons), University of East Anglia

Miss L Govey, BA (Hons) QTS, Canterbury Christ Church University

Mrs E Johns, BA (Hons) QTS, Canterbury Christ Church University

Mr J M P Killoran, BA (Hons), PGCE, Birmingham and Canterbury Christ

Church Universities

Mrs H Mountford, BA (Hons), University of York

Mr A J Parker-Bruce, BEd (Hons), University of Wolverhampton

Mrs R Recardo, BA (Hons), Canterbury Christ Church University

Miss J Whalin, BA (Hons) University of Chichester

Teaching Assistants

Mrs N Bhat,

Mrs W S Black, NVQ2

Mrs L Burrows, City & Guilds Level 3

Miss L M Donnelly, City & Guilds Level 2

Mrs C Halmkan, NVQ2 and NVQ3

Mrs C Hummel

Mrs J Pilkington, NVQ2 and NVQ3

Mrs S Whalin, OCR2 and NVQ3

Abendschule Supervisor

Mrs H Kaur

Abendschule Assistant

Mrs C Hummel

Music Department

Director of Music

Mr J Mountford, BA (Hons), University of Bristol

Preparatory School Director of Music & Head of Strings

Mrs G Nathan, MA, Dip. HE, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire

of Music and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance

Head of Woodwind

Mr G Vinall, BA, LRAM, Colchester Institute

Assistant Music Staff

Mr C Barrett, BA (Hons), The Royal College of Music

Mr T Bettley (Brass)

Mrs N Dutton, MMus, BA (Hons) (Singing)

Mrs B Hanson, LTCL (Oboe)

Mrs J M Hines (Piano)

Mrs R Jackson LRAM (Flute)

Mr M Jamieson Smith ARCM DipRCM (Singing)

Mr J Milone, (Violin/Piano), RCM

Miss B Tin, BA (Hons, MMus (Piano)

Mrs J Walland (Violin)

Games Department

Director of Sport

Mr M J Hebden, BA (Hons), Lancaster University

Head of Girls Games

Miss S Pembroke, BSc (Hons), HND, QTS, Nottingham Trent &

University of Wales

Head of Rugby and Cricket

Mr J Whitnell, MA, BA (Hons), University of Birmingham

Swimming Instructor and CCF

Mrs A C Waite, BSc, Canterbury Christ Church University

Head of Rowing

Mr V Piticariu, BA. The University AL.I.Cuza lasi

Head of Athletic Development

Mr M. Grice, BSc, University of Bath

Teacher of Physical Education and Games

Mr G. Mitchell, BA, Sheffield University

Mrs K. Hooper, BA (Hons), University of Greenwich

Rowing Coach

Mr D. Trace, MEd, Manchester Metropolitan University

Graduate Sports Assistant

Miss G Snook, BSc, Loughborough University

Miss K Mclean, BA (Hons) University of Stirling

Staff and Governors

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127

THE ROFFENSIAN

Leavers 2024

Leavers 2024

Forename Surname Destination Subject

Krystal Akinkunle Gap Year

Tsvetelina Andonova Lancaster Chinese Studies & French Studies

Inigo Bottomley University of the Arts Cordwainer Bags & Accessories

Elizabeth Caithness York (After gap year) Social & Public Policy

Priya Chahar UCL Economics

Tia Chidzvondo Anglia Ruskin Computer Science

Charlie Craig-Lucking Plymouth Maritime Business with foundation

Hugh Davies Royal Academy Conservatoire - Organ

Maggie Deng University of the Arts Fashion Design Technology (menswear)

Sahib Dhaliwal -

Nathan Dickin Aberdeen (After gap year) History & International Relations

Bold Dickson ARU Pharmaceutical Science

Benjamin Donald Exeter Geoscience and Mining Geotechnical Engineering

Phoebe Farrell Apprenticeship with FFT

Morolake Faseru Reading Economics

Bonnie Fautley York St Johns Psychology & Child Development

Jamie Ford Cardiff Met (After gap year) Sport & Exercise Science

Robert Gainsford Military

James Gillespie Gap Year

Ruben Gordon York Engineering with renewable energy

Zak Hansford Loughborough Industrial Design

Nik Hebden Sussex Economics

Louisa Helsdon-Barry Apprenticeship with Fidelity

Oliver Howard Leicester Finance

Zak Hussain Reading Law

Enzo Jagielo Marques London Metropolitan Law

Destiny James Greenwich Business Management

Shona Kapesa Nottingham Law

Joanna McCabe Sussex Law

James Miles York Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Summer Neseyif LSE Politics and International Relations

Christopher Nutt BSMS Medicine

Ajibola Olabanji Aston Economics & Management

Annabelle Omotayo Essex Sociology

Alfred Osborne Cardiff Environmental Geoscience

Jemima Partner Sussex Law with politics

Dusita Prucksachatrut Kent Sport and Exercise Science with industry year

Mariana Pryianchuk Exeter Politics, Philosophy & Economics (year abroad)

Nicolas Pyrke Kent Business Management - year in industry

Chloe Rackham Southampton English

Alfie Reeve Oxford Brookes Construction Management

Chloe Schick Birmingham Psychology

Fraser Shimmins King's College Computer Science

Amryt Shoker Kantar Degree apprenticeship

Hibah Siddiqui -

Anastasiia Smilianets Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Law

Harry Snoswell Northumbria International relations and politics

Saifelddin Sorour Swansea General Engineering with Foundation

Roan Staley-Brown Liverpool History & French

Arda-Eren Suzgun London Metropolitan Business Studies with Foundation

Veeraj Taak Derby Foundation pathways programme

Freddie Taylor Aberystwyth Computer Science

Frankie Titmuss Surrey Sociology

Sarah Watmough Gap Year

Amy West Gap Year

Tsvetelina Andonova Lancaster Chinese Studies & French Studies

THE ROFFENSIAN

128

Upper Sixth with Principal

Upper 6th with Principal

The Roffensian 2023-2024

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