KENT COLLEGEDay & Boarding for Girls and Boys from 3 - 18 Years

No. 12 • Summer 2011

Magical Musical

Inspiring InspectionR

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Reaching OutSummer Term

July 2011Dear Readers,

The theme of this edition of the Kent College Times is ‘Reaching Out’. An

excellent example of this would be the tremendous Cathedral Concert which raised £10,800 in aid of the East Kent Breast Cancer Mammography Appeal. The concert featured the Kent College Choristers and Junior School Choir as well as our chamber choir Sedecim. In addition, singers from a number of different local primary schools, trained through an outreach programme of regular visits by Jackie Spencer, came together to create a massed choir of over 230 singers which when joined with the Betteshanger Brass Band raised the roof and the spirits of the capacity audience.

Kent College reaches out in many ways: through the excellent charity work focused both locally and in the developing world; through outreach programmes and visits from local primary schools; through our continued links with Old Canterburians; and

through open days at the farm and sporting events at the Junior School. Our students too reach out, to be the best they can be, and this can be seen by their involvement at such a high level in sports and the arts, and in their academic studies.

At Speech Day, the audience heard from the Chair of Governors how we are investing in the future of Kent College. In my report, I reflected on improvements over time and how we are looking forward.

Following the successful achievement of a School Development Plan set out in 2007. We started work this last year on a new plan with 4 major objectives:

• To create success for all students - through the focus on the individual and the variety of curriculum pathways which we provide from 3 - 18.

•To celebrate a cohesive Methodist community - through our links locally and in developing countries with Methodist charities and by renewing the House system.

•To extend the Kent College brand - throughout extensive outreach work and recognition of Kent College as a centre of excellence for all ages and

•To build a sustainable school for the future - by investments and activities which reflect fair trade and which are eco-friendly.

I was also pleased to report that Kent College remains a popular choice for families. Boarding across the College has been full this year and has been full for next year for some time. We have the biggest Y7 intake for a number of years - including the usual number from our own junior school but exceptionally, a majority from a wide range of local primary schools which have been included in our extensive outreach programme. We have also added an extra teaching group into Y9 for September as Kent College becomes the school of choice for more students from local prep schools. The nursery is also set to be fuller than in recent years and some other year groups are full and have a waiting list. A good number of students are already signed up for September 2012.

A number of students have spent their last Summer at Kent College - some have been with us for 14 years, others only a matter of

terms. We thank them for all that they have contributed to the school and wish them and their families all the best for a bright future and trust that they will keep in touch with us through the Old Canterburians Club.

A number of College and individual achievements should also be reported and many are featured in this publication:

Alder Beano has been successful in securing a degree related work placement through The Year in Industry, run by EDT. He will be working for Cambridge Consultants before he goes on to read Engineering or Mathematics.

Charlie Hayward and Matt Townsend, OCs, currently 3rd year Birmingham University students, along with 4 others, canoed from Birmingham to London – approximately 148 miles, in 3 days along the Grand Union Canal which links the two cities to raise funds for the charity ‘Help for Heroes.’ Elizabeth Letley, Francesca Crowther, (Y8) Helen Sotillo, Josie Frappart, Georgina Crowther and Katharine Letley (Y10) performed as members of the Ripieno Choir in Bach’s ‘St Matthew Passion’ at the Thanet Festival.

Russell Greenhill finished 4th in the Kent School County Golf Competition. Grace Balsdon (Y13) and Rebecca Weston (Y12) were both selected for England U18s to play in the 4 nations competition in Valencia over Easter. They performed well and made a big contribution in their matches with Grace captaining the side during the tournament.

Tamiya Griffiths (Y7) Took part in the Bedfordshire athletics championships and won U13 golds in both the 100m and 200m. She then went on to win golds in the U15 100m and 200m - she is presently awaiting her UK ranking as one of the fastest girls in the country.

U13 Girls’ Hockey Team won the National Minis Championships in Cannock in May. Sophie Wilson, Lilly Wren, Maddie Young, Hannah Griggs & Susannah Reekie (from years 6 and 7) made up 5 (out of a squad of 10) U12 girls which represented Canterbury Hockey Club at the Club nationals in Cannock where they came 4th.

Eva Harris (year 9) was selected as a finalist in a national art competition called True

CONTENTSFrom the Head Masters desk 1Global Partnership 2France 3Spain 2011 3Head Boy Meets Nobel Laureate 4Charitites Events 5Science & Engineering at KC 7Go4Set 8Engineering Group 8Music News 9Old Canterburian Club 11Junior Boarding 12Confirmation - Bishop of Dover 12Rowing 13Other News 14Staff News 14‘A’ Level Art Exhibition 15Summer Slam 15

From theHead Master’s Desk

Colours. Many entries were received from schools all over the UK. Her work has been published in a special portfolio.

(Y13) Alder Beano and Joe Hou entered the Chemistry Olympiad and performed at a high standard to achieve Silver awards. Lamberd Beano achieved a Gold award and this placed him in the top 5% of A level chemists in the UK.

Ahead of the first county cricket match for the U13 girls v Sussex, it was announced that Marina Barwick is the captain for this season and opened for the county. Kent won the inter-county JDA tournament competing against 7 other teams, Marina is also the captain for the U13 girls Kent Hockey squad and has been selected for the regional hockey trials and the only player in the squad to receive a ‘D’ ranking, the highest ranking.

Charles Olivier was chosen as one of 6 students from the UK to meet Professor Sir Harry Kroto (Nobel prize winner in Chemistry, who gave a lecture at the Royal Institution of Great Britain on 24th June).

Helen Sotillo won the Crowther Music Competition, beating a very fine field which demonstrated the depth of musical talent at Kent College.

Our recently formed Kent College Riding Team attended the National Schools Equestrian Association, Kent Country Dressage Championships at Bedgebury Park. As a team, the girls came 4th and achieved the following placings individually: Charlotte Hearnden & Maisy- 3rd; Lucie Bourne & Peaceful Tal - 5th; Anna Lee & Ellesse - 6th. This achievment was even more notable as it was the girls’ first competition as a team. Hannah Cobb also represented the Kent College Riding Team at Mayfield School with her pony Sweet Razamataz.

Rebecca Weston Y12 has qualified for English Schools Athletics Event in Gateshead.

Four athletes have qualified for the National Independent Schools Athletics Championships in Birmingham: Tamia Griffith, Elizabeth Neal, Anna Weston and Emily Hamlyn. Not only did they all win their individual events at the Regional round but they also won the relay final.

Kent College Sports Day was also an opportunity for every pupil in the school up to Year 10 to compete. A wonderfully sunny day saw some excellent performances and school

records broken. Marlowe House lifted the trophy and Eva Barwick, David Cain, Emily Hamlyn, Will Heywood and Frank Radcliffe Adams were worthy champions.

The highlight and culmination of the athletics season was the District Team Championships, where Kent College lifted the Team trophy for the first time in 25 years.

It is no wonder that the students will all be looking forward to a well deserved break following the wonderfully busy and exciting Summer term. With long runs in district, county and national competitions and school sports days; countless performance opportunities

including concerts, recitals, band night, tours, runs of plays and shows and the sponsored walk ; Activities week and work experience; tea parties, receptions, picnics and the Summer Ball; hundreds of examinations; trips underground and overseas; all celebrated with Prize Givings and Speech Days and recorded in this splendid edition of the Kent College Times.

My thanks to you all for supporting such a full educational and enjoyable programme and I wish you all the chance of some fine weather and a good rest at some point over the Summer.

Dr D J LamperHead Master

Global PartnershipMrs Janet Glass describes our Global

School Partnership with Klerruu Secondary School, Iringa, Tanzania

Our Global School Partnership continues to flourish and we have recently been delighted to receive a visit from 2 teachers- Mr Mafwriri and Madam Matola- from Klerruu who spent a week at KC during June. Mr Mafwiri completed the work he started with Mr Knapp last October at Klerruu and Madam Matola started to work with Mrs Webber, and this will be completed during October half term.

The overarching topic that is being explored in the classroom is Climate Change and the students of both Kent College and Klerruu have had the opportunity to hear first-hand how climate change is impacting people in different parts of the world and how we can all make a difference by thinking differently about how we do things. Visits to a number of classrooms, the farm and speaking in chapel gave many students the opportunity to meet them and ask questions.

Mr Mafwiri and Madam Matola also took the opportunity to do some sight-seeing on what will almost certainly be their only visit outside of Tanzania. They spent some time at the beach, visited London and enjoyed a guided tour of Canterbury and the Cathedral.

Plans are already underway for the Summer 2012 Cultural Exchange visit to Klerruu by students currently in years 10-12 and many of those selected were able to hand over letters to be given to students at Klerruu in anticipation of getting to know a student at Klerruu before meeting them next year.

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Most of the year 9 Spanish class went on an exchange with students from

Apostol Santiago which is the main school in Vigo. When we arrived in Spain and got off the plane, the heat really hit me. There were virtually no clouds, blue sky and the sun beating down on us. The perfect day for sight-seeing.

The first stop on our itinerary was the city of Santiago de Compostela. Here, there were plenty of historical sites including the huge cathedral which had doors 3 times the size of any of us! This was a prime opportunity for us to take photos. After this, it was time

to meet our host families. I think this was the most terrifying thing of the whole visit. When the meeting was over, we had the whole afternoon to spend time with and to get know our exchange hosts.

The next day we went on a visit to Vigo to get a sense of what the city has to offer. During this visit, we tasted a Spanish speciality called Churros which we dipped in hot chocolate sauce, it was really delicious. Then came the weekend. This was our first two full days spent with our host families. In this, we did what our exchanges would normally do.

In the next few days, our class visited neighbouring towns and cities to visit the local points of interest such as museums and aquariums which were very interesting. Also on one of these days we went to the beach which had the coldest sea I had ever been in but this was the Atlantic Ocean! So cold in fact, that as soon as I managed to get my body adapted to the temperature and get waist deep I could no longer take it so ran straight back out! The beach itself was beautiful. The white glistening sand stretched along the coast for as long as I could see.

On the last two days of our ten day itinerary, we went shopping for our families and lastly, met our exchanges for the last time. Until they came to us in England that is.

On Friday we left school about 9am to go to France for some fun activities at

Acorn Centre. We went by coach through the Channel tunnel on a train. As we went through the tunnel we got out of the coach and played a game of wink murder. As we came out of the tunnel we saw France and it was a lovely sight. We then went to the beach near Calais, where we had lunch and made tunnels in the sand. After we arrived at the Acorn Centre in Ardres we were put into groups. We were greeted by the members of staff and taken to our tents where we started to unpack.

My first activity was raft building. It was good fun but hard work, but some times I like hard work. We built our rafts and headed out on to ‘smelly lake’ as we called it. As we were facing the girls , Henry Maylam and I jumped off our raft and swam towards the girls’ raft, where we managed to pull all the girls into the water except Hayley, one of

the staff. After raft building we showered and got changed. It was great fun. We had dinner, chilli con carne, it was ok! After dinner we had a treasure hunt but didn’t win. I was very tired but very happy.

On Saturday we played volleyball before breakfast and then went canoeing, one of my stronger abilities. I enjoyed this a lot even though I got a bit wet, but as we came in our instructor Sam pushed our boats over and then we got really wet. After lunch we did the leap of faith, it was quite hard, but some of us didn’t make it to the top but I was one of the stronger ones. I jumped but I missed the rope. We played another game of volleyball and then it was time for dinner. Then we had some chips and walked back and turned in for the day.

On Sunday we got up early and had breakfast and then headed to the theme park in Belgium. We were all really excited

and went on lots of good rides. Some that we thought would be boring were brilliant, but the ones that scared us most gave us the most adrenalin. We went back to the bus for our lunch and then went back into the park. In the afternoon I went on all the fast rides. At the end we went to the shop and I brought my family some souvenirs. We then went home and we started to pack.

On our last day we packed in the morning and then went for breakfast. I then did my last activities of fencing and archery. I really enjoyed these and I was quite good at both but better at fencing. We had a last bag check and got on the bus for home. I had a brilliant time and everyone enjoyed themselves.

France

Spain 2011

Year 5 Adventure Trip to France - 27th to 30th May as described by Tom Evans , Year 5

On Friday, 24th of June, I had the incredible opportunity of meeting

Professor Harry Kroto, winner of the 1996 Chemistry Nobel Prize for his discovery of fullerenes (new allotropes of carbon – especially C60). I had been selected previously out of six students nationally to interview the Laureate and attend a Friday Evening Discourse at the Royal Institute.

Here is an extract of the interview:

Me: In recent years, scientists have been pushed to publish a greater number of papers, as an indicator of productivity, and maybe at the expense of quality. What are your views on pure science and commercialism?

Prof. Harry Kroto: I think that today there is a real issue about young people and Science. Science is at the heart of society but is being neglected at the expense of footballers, models, etc., who are becoming the new role models for young people. I have great concerns about the future of civilised society if we continue down that road. I have met incredibly motivated students in China, who had been queuing since the morning to attend my evening lecture. They have a much stronger motivation for Science, as

this is a way out of poverty, and therefore their society will flourish.

Me: Do you believe that we will ever be able to measure experimentally astronomical chemistry and physics, instead of doing only earth, satellite based research?

Prof. Harry Kroto: I don’t think we will ever be able to do that kind of “Star-Trekian” research, in other words, being out there! This is a definitive “no” but your question is interesting as most people believe that the methods of doing research will expand exponentially...

Me: Given the proliferation of communication in the world today, what are your views on information sharing? Would you advise me to err on the side of confidentiality and commercialism or alternatively, benevolence and scientific contribution?

Prof. Harry Kroto: I will tell you an anecdote from my own experience, as I lost the credit for discovering C70 as I shared my discovery of C60 with other scientists, which led to them publishing the

discovery of the new allotrope before I committed my research to print. I remember being grieved at the start but then getting over it and congratulating and praising my fellow colleagues.

I was genuinely impressed by Prof. Harry Kroto, by his charisma and wisdom that came out of what people would call aura and his understanding and appreciation of everyday life and the context of science within the perspective of society and humanity. I would still like to learn a secret underpinning his Nobel Prize: how did he make the connection between his discovery of C60 and radioastronomical identification? Inspiration? I hope to have this myself one day.

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The return fixture: The Spanish students of Apostol Santiago in Vigo had a packed itinerary when they came to us just last month. This included a visit to Chatham Dockyards, Oxford and many more exiting places. At the weekend we organised amongst ourselves a trip to go paintballing. This was a new experience for the Spanish students, but they thoroughly enjoyed it.

I would recommend this exchange to anyone who is interested. The whole adventure has definitely inspired me in so many ways and has shown me how the cultures in different countries can be so different.

By David F CainYear 9

Next year’s Head boyCharles Olivier Nobel Laureatemeets

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Two ex-Kent College Sixth Formers undertook an arduous canoe trip from

their University to London.

The Idea: On a long, snowy, miserable and traffic-bound journey from Canterbury to Birmingham along the M25 and M1 a discussion started about how much easier it would have been to use the canal waterways for this particular journey - the idea of absent traffic and attractive countryside stole the mind.

From this the idea for a charity challenge started to emerge for the 6 Birmingham University Students, two of whom were KC old boys and had lived in Canterbury all their lives.

The Challenge: Charlie Hayward and Matt Townsend (see insert) who had attended Kent College since the age of 8 wanted to undertake a challenge a bit different from the norm with the priority of raising money for a worthwhile cause. Many groups have cycled or run to destinations but these 3rd year Birmingham University students thought that people don’t hear a lot about charity canoe challenges and so decided to do something about it.

Along with 4 other University of Birmingham students Charlie and Matt paddled in three 2-man canoes from Birmingham to London

in a target of four days along the Grand Union Canal which links the two cities.

The Event: The start location was the canal-side of the University of Birmingham campus and the finish at Westminster Bridge on the Thames. The journey was approximately 148 miles meaning that an average of 37 miles was needed to be achieved each day and they camped each night alongside the canals. Something they managed with only a few hours to spare.

Previous groups and teams who have undertaken this challenge have completed it in an average of five days or more and so this was a big challenge i.e. Four days starting on very Good Friday and ending on Easter Monday this year. Adding to the difficulty of the challenge was the fact that they were all ‘paddle sport’ novices with only the occasional holiday recreational experience.

The Good Cause: Their chosen charity was the Help for Heroes foundation. As Birmingham University students, three of the six study medicine including Matt whilst Charlie studies Geography but they all currently live in Selly Oak, the Selly Oak Hospital is where many of the injured soldiers returning from operations currently receive treatment and rehabilitation. Therefore the chaps wanted to do all that

they could in helping the aid that our war heroes receive.

There is still time to dig deep into those pockets and please donate for a hugely worthwhile cause, any donation made is extremely appreciated so thank you. Please visit:-http://www.justgiving.com/brumstudentscanoe

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - we raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Charities Events

Canoe Trip - Help for HeroesLIFE SAVING IN THE COMMUNITY

Charities EventsCathedral in the Pink

Charity walk 2011

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On Wednesday the Cathedral was flooded with pink. Pink roses,

pink programmes and 230 singing children dressed in shocking pink T-shirts. This fantastic event was the dream child of the East Kent Breast Cancer Mammography Appeal. The Betteshanger Colliery Band was led by David Cutting and the combined choirs of 5 local schools enthusiastically directed by Jackie Spencer of Kent College. The children had been practising for weeks for this joyous event. The Cathedral was standing room only and raised the roof as they joined in the community singing. The children came from Blean, Challock, Petham, St Stephen’s and Kent College. Mrs Jackie Spencer who had the task of keeping the 230 youngsters in

tune said that the children had been a delight to work with and is already planning a similar event for next year. Any youngsters interested in joining the community choir which is open to children between the ages of 7 and 13 should email jspencer@kentcollege.co.uk. Early indications indicate that the hard work raised in the region of £9,000.

On July 7th the school again ventured into Blean Wood for the annual

Charity Walk in support of the Teenage Cancer Trust walking in memory of Jamie De Min, a former Sixth Former at Kent College who died of leukaemia in 2003. The day went well and many students took part. The walk was also enhanced by a tree spotting exercise and an entertaining briefing by Mr Waltho the Deputy Head Master.

Staff supervised and manned the checkpoints deep into the forest. Known locally as The Blean, it is one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in England – over 11 square miles. Many students took part in fancy dress and a the proceeds will be donated to the charity in the Autumn Term.

A fantastic year of fund raising for Charity at Kent College was topped

off by a visit by a patrol team from Canterbury Police Station. Earlier in the year pupils had raised over £1,000 for the British Heart Foundation whose Kent branch had an appeal to provide mobile defibrullators around the county. One of these life saving machines has been placed in a Canterbury patrol car. The Police showed the pupils how the machine was used and told them about how important it was to have one on board. Over the year the school has raised over £15,000 for a number of charities ranging from Pilgrim’s Hospice and Smile, Train to War Child and Comic Relief. It is seen as a vital part of the school’s mission to reach out to its local community and around the world.

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During this last term the we have taken Junior scientists on a number of exciting

trips out.

On 10th March we took a group of Year 7 and Year 8 students to ‘The Big Bang’ at the ICC London ExCeL centre. This was a major science fair; our experiences there are summed up by Robbie Whittaker Yr 7 “The whole fair was an interesting fun and interactive experience. Hundreds of stalls were all packed with clever, hands-on activities. I particularly enjoyed the ‘Lab in a Lorry’ which had been kitted out with three experiments all to do with physics. In the lorry, I learned many things I never knew before!”

In addition we were able to secure tickets for us all to see a show by BBC’s ‘Bang Goes the Theory’ in the auditorium. This was a really exciting show involving audience participation. The teachers (Mrs Rutland, Mrs Haines and Mr Worth) were very relieved not to be chosen to eat various cooked insects live on stage. However, we were really excited when Maddy Young was chosen go to Astronaut school and do a series of challenges on stage to see if she would pass the test. It was fantastic to see her up there and she did really well.

On 17th May we took a group of 4 students (Hannah Watton, Rosie White,

Hunter Stuart and Sam Hines) to the Salters Festival of Chemistry held at the University of Greenwich (Medway). They spent the morning trying to crack the Salters Challenge using a range of scientific techniques including metal and non-metal testing and flame tests to try and solve the fictional murder of Great Salterstown resident Mrs Flossie Chops. In the afternoon they took part in a University challenge trying to create the bounciest polymer ball. The day finished with a demonstration by Professor John Nicholson of optical illusions and dry ice effects.

We really enjoyed both these days out as opportunities to try out science beyond the classroom. We look forward to new adventures and experiences next year.

Last week, a few Year 10 students, including myself, attended Salter’s

Chemistry Camp at Nottingham University, where we stayed for 3 days and spent the nights in the University dorms. The camp was focused towards pharmaceutical chemistry and while there, we did multiple experiments and attended several lectures. We worked with some students from other schools and the University and attempted experiments that were at A-Level or even University standards, such as clock reactions and titrations. The whole point of the camp was to allow us to experience and practise higher level chemistry and get a feel for what working in this field would be like, which I found really interesting. It wasn’t all work though. We attended a lecture one night that contained wild explosions and crazy noises and there was also time for a social evening, when we went ten pin bowling. Overall, I think everybody, including me, had a good time and enjoyed the camp. Salter’s was a good host and the camp was a great experience to see what pharmaceutical chemistry and the real world is all about.

Nolan Stuart

Science & Engineering at Kent College

Salter’s Chemistry Camp

Salters Festival

Big Bang!

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The Year 9 Go4SET team (Eva Harris, Conrad Laversuch, Simon Moore, Robert Rampton,

Jake Todd, Sebastian Van Eerten with Daniel O’Shea as helper) were set the task of designing an Antarctic summer E-Base (ecologically-sound work, research and living quarters), sponsored by N-Power. The team decided to concentrate on 3 aspects: Insulation, Power generation, and Ecological Opportunities. All have had great fun carrying out the research, and building a model of their design during the 10 week period started in April. The presentation and assessment of the report took place on the 13th July at Littlebrook Power Station (Dartford).

During the research period, the team visited the Buildings Research Establishment in Watford to see different environmentally friendly building

solutions for use in any climate and condition. This proved a fascinating experience, and very helpful for the eventual design. Included in the design, the team decided to use sheep wool for wall insulation, triple glazing for the windows, photovoltaics and wind turbines for power generation, and ecological toilets (using dried ‘poo’ as a source for extra power generation...lovely!!!), together with moveable ceiling drying rails for the ecological opportunities.

Two engineers (Chloe and David) from N-Power have been our mentors, and during their visits to KC were really impressed by the standard achieved.

The photograph shows the team at the Go4SET launch in April at Littlebrook Power Station in form of the generator turbines.

More news of the outcome in the next KC bulletin. Watch this space.

David Montague

This term has been another significant one for KC engineers taking part in the Engineering Scheme associated with the Royal School

of Engineers: Engineering Education Scheme (Year 12), and Go4SET (Year 9).

Chris Fell, Connor Humphreys, Charles Olivier, Thomas Sayer (Year 12 team) completed and presented their project report to a team of professional engineers at the University of Kent just after the start of term. The outcome was most successful. The project entitled ‘The problem of Little Holes in the Sky over Kent College Farm*’ concerned researching and planning more efficient ways (economically and environmentally) of collecting and using rain water on the school farm, and so reducing the problems of farmyard flooding and the consequent frequency of emptying the cess pit (costly!). Also, by collecting more rainwater less mains water would need to be used…good for the purse and environment. Out of the several possibilities which were proposed, researched into, and reported upon, the eventual solution was basically simple…to position a much larger collection tank for the roof runoff, and divert the excess into storm drains beside the farm. The report itself was judged to be one of the most outstanding produced by a team of 6 engineers, scoring maximum marks in the assessement. Really good news! All the more impressive because we did not have an external engineering company to sponsor and provide engineering support or advice throughout the six month project period. It was ENTIRELY home grown. In fact I believe that our participation under such conditions was unprecedented. The team proved that it can be done!

Hopefully, the solution produced will be implemented at the Farm to improve the present situation.

Each member of the team was presented with a certificate from the Engineering Education Scheme, and achieved the Gold Crest Award (British Association for the Advancement of Science). The report has also been entered for the Exscitec Platinum Award (equivalent to university undergraduate standard).

The photo shows the team in front of their stand during the assessment day in April, showing the scale model of the Farm buildings with the little Hole frame above to simulate rainfall…somewhat torrential during the experimental measurements!

Our thanks go to the Bursar for providing the funds enabling us to take part in the scheme, and to Beatrice Boyle (Farm Manager) for setting the project in the first place, keeping an eye on things and being such a friendly helpful assessor.

*The title was inspired by a poem written by Spike Milligan concerning the origin of raindrops (water through little holes in the sky). David Montague

Go4Set Engineering Group

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17 members of Sedecim plus four staff went to Vienna for a long weekend

in April. We nearly didn’t get there, as Mr Spencer got the check in time wrong and we literally had to run for the plane!

After that, all our arrangements went smoothly and we were soon masters of the very efficient underground train system. After checking into our hotel, the Don Bosco Haus, we had a pleasant dinner and then set off for the centre of town. The “Wow” feeling of coming out of the subway and being confronted by the floodlit Stephansdom, set the mood for the entire seventy two hours.

In the morning we found our way to Maria am Gestade, a church originally built on the old city walls. We rehearsed for our Concert and Service in these beautiful Gothic surroundings with a wonderful acoustic. Then, the highlight of the visit – a concert in the Stephansdom, heard by hundreds of visitors.

In the afternoon, we walked round the city and found our way to the main art gallery. For us adults, it was great to be with a group of teenagers who really appreciated the grandeur of the city with its array of buildings from the time of the Hapsburg emperors. After visiting the gallery, it was home for supper and back again for the Concert. We relaxed afterwards, with ice cream, although Ollie hasn’t yet mastered the art of getting the ice cream to his mouth!

Sunday morning, up bright and early for the Mass in church, home for lunch (some of us even finding time to visit the Albertina on the way) and then to Schönbrunn, the Summer residence of the Hapsburgs, where we had a guided tour and then walked round the enormous gardens. Half of the choir gave an impromptu concert up by the Gloriette, an imposing monument at the end of a sweeping drive. After supper, a longer train ride to the Prater amusement park. Great fun was had by nearly all on the gravity defying rides!

Monday morning saw us in the centre of town, looking at the Strauss and Bruckner monuments in the Stadtpark and generally soaking up the atmosphere. All too soon it was time to head to the Airport and catch the plane for Gatwick.

All 21 of us agreed that we had a fantastic time.

Music NewsSedicim in Vienna

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Crowther CompetitionThe annual Crowther Music Competition

took place in early July and a wide range of excellent performances were seen. Each finalist performed a 10 minute programme and what a splendid evening of music the audience were treated to. All the performers presented their programme with confidence, technical assurance and musical maturity. This was a stunning showcase of the musical talent at Kent College and there was no doubt that adjudicators Deborah Porro and Ian Crowther were left with a very difficult decision in choosing an overall winner. After much deliberation, Helen Sotillo (voice) of year 10 was declared this year’s winner and Caitlin Shaughnessy (violin) the runner up.

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Although usually the setting for sporting accomplishments, on Sunday May 8th,

the Sports Hall was transformed into a concert hall, becoming the venue for a truly magnificent evening of music. The concert was given by the Senior Choir, along with the newly formed Choral Society and several senior soloists, accompanied by a full orchestra under the direction of new Director of Music, Julian Ross.

The large choir, totaling over 100 voices, was made up of pupils, parents and friends of the College. The evening opened with a rousing rendition of Handel’s splendid Coronation Anthem, Zadok the Priest. This was followed with Danni and Kirsty O’Neill singing a

beautiful duet from Israel in Egypt by the same composer. Violinists Caitlin Shaugnessy and Charles Olivier followed with Vivaldi’s concerto in A minor then Alastair Blackwood and Debbi Clarke gave a spritely performance of a clarinet concerto by Franz Krommer. These six young soloists demonstrated musical excellence and a special talent that we are truly proud of at Kent College.

In the second half, soloists Genevieve Hamilton, Catherine Parkin, Clifford Lister and Jonathan Brown joined the choir and orchestra for a stirring performance of Mozart’s Requiem.

Spring Choral Concert

Old Canterburian Club OBE - Col. John PowellIn the New Year’s Honours List Lieutenant

Colonel John Powell was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). A member of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, he has spent the last few years working for the Chief of the General Staff in the Ministry of Defence.

John was a boarder at Kent College from 1971 to 1978. On leaving school he joined the Territorial Army before joining the Regular Army in 1981. Having completed his officer training at Sandhurst in 1982, he was

commissioned into 1st Battalion The Queen’s Regiment, which at that time was stationed in Canterbury. He is also a graduate of the Army Staff College.

During his 29 years of service Colonel Powell has been deployed on operations for nearly 10 years including in Northern Ireland (for which he was previously decorated), Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq. This year he moved to Afghanistan and is currently involved in training the Afghan army and police.

Dr. G D Colson

OC David Vaughan, a freelance writer and broadcaster, whose association

with Radio Prague goes back nearly two decades, visited his old school earlier this term after some thirty years.

David was a dayboy at KC from 1979 to 1984, studying modern languages in the sixth form and gaining a place at Balliol College, Oxford. He spent his year abroad in Berlin which he describes as a fascinating time to be there and he was fortunate to travel back in November 1989 to witness some of the extraordinary events as the Iron Curtain crumbled.

In 1991 David moved to Prague initially on a six month contract with the Architecture Faculty of the Czech Technical University where he taught English and German. He had little choice but to learn Czech quickly, as he was given texts to translate from almost the first day.

David’s original intention was to return to Britain to do a postgraduate MA in the History of Modern Architecture at University College, London but he stayed in Prague and started making regular programmes on architectural themes in English for Radio Prague. Later he worked for several years as the BBC correspondent in Prague, filing mainly for the World Service and covering the

Czech Republic, Slovakia and sometimes Ukraine.

In 1998 David became editor-in-chief of Radio Prague, the international service of Czech Radio, a challenge which he relished. For the last 4 years he has been working freelance for Czech Radio and the BBC, and has taken the opportunity to write “Battle for the Airwaves” which looks at the role of the media, especially radio, in the run-up to the Second World War. In addition, he has begun teaching course in media history at two of the universities in Prague.

It was while he was a pupil at Kent College that David took part in the French exchange with the Lycée Saint François de Sales in Dijon. He has remained in contact with Romain, his exchange partner and last May he took his family to Paris to celebrate the First Communion of Romain’s son Arthur, to whom he is godfather.

It is hoped that the Music department at Kent College will be able to establish a link with The Thomas Mann Grammar School in Prague, which David’s son attends. More information can be sought here: http://www.radio.cz/en/author-articles/david-vaughan

Dr. G D Colson

The Rev. Jim Bates

David Vaughan - Radio Prague

When a pupil at Kent College the present Chairman of the Governors was greatly influenced by a number of the Masters, in particular Revd Jim Bates who taught Religious Studies, then known as Scripture. He also supported Mr.Shipton in setting up a religious discusion group which met fortnightly each Sunday morning, before worship in Canterbury or Harbledown, in what was then and still is to-day the room of the Deputy Headmaster. The club was called the Aquarium after the fish symbol of the early Christians. Jim and his wife Jean were excellent artists and were very much involved in the life of the School.

Their quiet influence will have been appreciated by many. Jim went on to be the Chaplain at Southlands for many years before retiring to Ilfracombe from where they are now moving to Horsham.

a reflection by Chairman of the Governors Dudley Shipton

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The Rev. Jim Bates

Junior Boarding

As we come to the end of another year it is lovely to look back and

see all the fun our boarders’ have had throughout all the seasons.

It is now Summer and this past weekend we celebrated the year with our annual boarders party at Tides Swimming Pool in Deal. Friday night saw 20 boarders and 20 day pupils head off in a coach. We had full private use of the pool and slide followed by a yummy meal. It was great fun surfing the waves of the pool and having fun all together. It was wonderful to have so many day pupils join us, most of whom have had a boarding experience of some sort throughout the year.

Our other big excitement this term was our trip to Legoland. Our adrenaline junkies were extremely enthusiastic to embark on yet another fantastic opportunity to join the senior boarders on a trip.

We had the pleasure of having breakfast at the Senior School on the Sunday morning before setting off in coaches to Legoland, Windsor. It was impossible to contain the excitement and with two hours of traveling there were plenty of ‘are we there yet’ mutters throughout the coach!

The park was very exciting and there was just not enough time to enjoy all it had to offer! However, the children did what they could in the time they had and absolutely loved it.

Many enjoyed submerging themselves in the new underwater adventure ‘Submarine Voyage Atlantis’ where they were amazed by the many real fish swimming about. Others enjoyed the ‘Pirate Falls Dynamite Drench’! The boat started a steep ascent and with a big

bang and an even bigger splash there was only one way down!

‘The Driving school’ and ‘Boating school’ were also a highlight, many were very proud to get their Legoland driving license at the end of those ‘rides’.

We returned that evening with very exhausted staff and very hyperactive children, but everyone had a great time.

We look forward to more seasonal fun when we return in September!

On a very warm Summer’s evening five students took an important step

in their lives and were confirmed in a wonderful service in the school chapel.

The Bishop of Dover, Right Reverend Trevor Wilmott and Chair of the South East District of the Methodist Church, Revd. John Hellyer joined us for the worship. After preparation classes where the students had learned, amongst other things, that a major principle of Christianity is reaching out to those in need, hands were laid on in the service and they were made members of the Methodist or Anglican Church.

After the service there was the cutting of a magnificent cake and congratulations were given to those who had made this important step in their journey of faith.

Confirmation - Bishop of Dover

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Rowing has gone from strength to strength this year with 17 members

of Years 11, 12 and 13 coming down to the river either as novices or experienced members of the quad crew. Demand is such that we rotate groups each term and so are able to welcome newcomers to the sport in manageable numbers throughout the year.

Sarah Healey of the University of Kent Rowing Club has been our expert coach: beginners and those more practised have all benefited from her excellent instruction. Her calm, no nonsense approach and ruthless coxing have enabled our quad crew to improve its technique and achieve some decent times over the 1 km course.

We are also very grateful to Mike Kennedy, Boatman at Pluck’s Gutter (the picturesquely named University and KC rowing HQ) for his experienced guidance and technical support. In particular, he has been very helpful in the sourcing of new craft appropriate for intermediate level rowers.

This year the fleet has been augmented by 4 double and 1 single Aldens which were an instant hit with the KC students. These useful boats are perfect for the vagaries of the winding River Stour and

less likely to plunge the unsteady novice into its waters! With Mike’s help the doubles were brought all the way from the Welsh Rowing Centre on Cardiff Bay – the bargain price made the long drive a very worthwhile one.

Our last outing of the year was a memorable one; not just for impressive rowing by the quad crew shown above, nor for the spectacular unexpected

immersion of a member of staff who rashly decided to return to rowing after many years absence, but also for the dramatic appearance of the River Stour’s resident seal! This friendly creature popped its head up right next to one boat and then proceeded to race the quad, dog-like, up and down the river. We look forward to meeting up with her again next September!

Rowing “Tales from the River”

Other News

In March the Head Master visited a snowy Moscow to meet with educational agents

from 10 countries and 21 cities across the Russian Federation. Whilst there he and Mrs Lamper met with parents and former students at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, over-looking the Kremlin.

Talking of school days, led to fond memories of life in the boarding houses and inspirational teachers, in particular Mr Burnage, Mrs Caplen- Spence and Mr Stuart Williams. Many friendships made at Kent College have continued to present day.

In fact Yuri Provkin met his wife Rezeda Idrisova while they were both students at KC and they are now the proud parents of Neva.

The Head Master with Yuri Provkin (1999-2002), Andriy Maryenko(1999-2003) and Andrei Zavaraev (1998-2005).

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New Sixth Form Block

A small number of staff will leave us this term. Marcus Feldman

completed a one year contract as teacher in charge of Economics. He has been a dedicated classroom practitioner, with excellent subject knowledge. Michael Saslawski, teacher of German and French for 2 years left to return to Germany. He contributed well to the MFL team in both the classroom and on trips to Europe. We also thank Sonia Chenais-Holloway for her contributions to the MFL department during last year.

Tristram Gardner completed his training at Kent College and after 4 years on the staff, leaves to become Head of French at Dulwich Prep School. Mr Gardner was a key member of a Modern Languages team which produces excellent examinations outcomes. He also contributed well to sports at the College, developing teams and individuals in both hockey and tennis and was most reliable Tutor in School House.

Val Warwick, who has undertaken a variety of roles over her 8 ½ years here at KC and started as a kitchen assistant at the Junior School, progressing to servery assistant and then to Tuck Shop Assistant. She is known by very many students and staff and will be missed by all.

Amy Macman: After 7 years as a teaching assistant in the nursery and infants, Amy left the school at Easter to take up a teaching post having gained her teaching qualification.

Marisa Parducci - who arrived at KC as an assistant school secretary for temporary maternity cover 9 years ago and stayed with us, later taking on a boarding duty in Wesley. Along with Marisa’s office talents, she has helped on a number of occasions undertaking silver service on special occasions. Words that continually appear in her reviews are: conscientious, caring and friendly. Words she should be proud of and attributes we will miss.

Hugh Pearce who joined Kent College 10 years ago as a young gap student from Zimbabwe, he later took up a

post as a class teacher at the Junior School. He contributed widely to the sporting success of the school, particularly hockey, where he regularly coached the boys and girls to become county champions and beyond. He has left to take up a full time post in the City Church.

Angela Mathews, who for 10 years was our dance specialist across the College - also teaching PE and girls’ games, who will now be able to spend more time with her young family.

Dorothy Everhart - initially as Director of Junior Music and more recently as a peripatetic music teacher Dorothy retired for the second time after 30 years of service to the College.

Shirley Billings - who started as Matron, and who became House Manager of Guilford House - who worked with a number of House Parents and looked after many hundreds of boys over the last 35 years. Many students will have cause to remember her with great affection and we thank all the above for their dedicated service to the school.

We would also like to thank: Cormac Daly and his wife Susan for 6 years as House Parents of Guilford House and are pleased to report that Mr Daly will continue teaching at Kent College in the Mathematics department;

Eleanor Humphreys, who has stepped down as Assistant Head of Sixth Form from September 2011 in order to focus on her new role as House Parent at Vernon Holme and Carol Baker (Senior Teacher) who has been released from teaching commitments from the second half of the Summer term to set up the Kent College Development Office.

I also offer a personal thank you to my PA since 2007, Deborah Beaumont who will take over as Office Manager from September - I am most grateful to her for her support over the last 4 years.

Dr D J Lamper- Head Master

Staff News

The Summer Term has seen a new development rising from the corner of the Quad. A new Sixth Form facility, classroom and servery has been built atop the old year 11 bag room. The building extended and re-modelled will form the nucleus of the Sixth Form study area, including a new Common Room and office accomodation for the Head and Deputy Head of Sixth Form. The frontage has been blended in to maintain the character and sensibilty of the existing buildings and sets the tone for a new standard of accomodation for this most vital group of students. The block will also house the newly refurbished and appointed Year 7 locker room and Year Head Office on the ground floor and this is welcomed by all. Year 7s in September will take occupation allowing for the redevelopment of the existing Y7 space as a new Drama Studio adjacent to the stage space of the Chapel

From Russia with Love

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End of Term‘A’ Level Art Exhibition 2011This years ‘A’ Level Art Exhibition was well

attended by students, staff, parents and Governors and there were many positive comments on the standard and diversity of the work on show; all helped along with canapes and wine, kindly provided by the schools Catering Department. Photographs of the exhibition and individual students work can be found on the Kent College Art web page.

Saturday, June 25th and something strange is happening on the Kent

College playing fields. Large coloured objects rise out of the morning and loud noises are heard. The sound of people running, shouting and shrieking are all around. Not a Close Encounter of the Third Kind but the setting up of the 2011 Summer Slam . The whole boarding community descended on the fields for an afternoon of mayhem, water, inflatables and fast food. The afternoon, organised and run by the tutor team, has become a firm favourite with the boarding community and this one had a very special atmosphere indeed. Music was provided by Mr Joel Copeland and his entourage. Sports events organised and adjudicated by the tutors from Guilford and School House (Mr Matsekeza and Mr Alli) and a mocktails provided by the other tutors. There was a fantastic level of participation by all and we were joined later in the afternoon, first by the junior boarders and later by the cricket team as they finished their match and couldn’t resist joining in the fun (Heaven knows though what state their whites were in after the water slides!) Chef and his team fed us with spicy BBQ food and we finished at 7pm, happy , tired, slightly reddened by the sun and with happy memories of an afternoon well spent. Thanks to Mr Stephen Fell for overseing this annual fixture. Roll on 2012.

Summer Slam