KINGSWOOD NEWS

Kingswood House School, 56 West Hill, Epsom, Surrey, KT19 8LG

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NEWS & NOTICES

Spring 2018

February 1st 2018

Dear Parents

It was a great honour to have my contribution published in the latest edition of the prestigious Independent School Parent magazine as one of their featured “Talking Heads”.

Typically, the editor poses a topical educational question and Heads are invited to submit their responses. This is a summary of my answer, which reinforces the need for a school to have strong core values, as we do here at Kingswood House:

“In light of Brexit, 2017’s horrific terror attacks and the backlash of Donald Trump’s presidency, we have had to wrap our heads around a lot of big news stories in the last year. But how can we engage and explain these kinds of events to Prep School-age children (who will inevitably have lots of questions) without confusing or alarming them?”

I advocate the significance of building a relationship with one’s pupils based on trust and respect. Consequently, rather than distancing oneself from difficult subject matter, I consider that it is more perceptive to seize the initiative and use adversity as an opportunity to reinforce a school’s core values because these are ultimately transferable from school to society; it is in all of our interests for young people to grow up with a deep understanding of how and why they can make a difference to others. For example, when the Paris terrorist attacks occurred in November 2015, I wrestled with the dilemma of whether to draw attention to them in my assembly the next morning - I was mindful that some children might have family or friends who lived or worked in Paris and it would have been the easier decision to omit any reference of the news story. However, this notion did not sit comfortably with me, either as a professional or a parent, so I thought long and hard about how to present the topic without creating any distress. I displayed the now iconic ‘Peace’ image of the Eiffel Tower (below), by artist Jean Jullien, that was viral on social media and simply asked: “What does this image represent and why is it important?” I was genuinely proud to note that almost every child raised their hand. I did not have to enter into gratuitous detail because, with a little guidance at apposite moments, the older pupils were able to articulate, in their own words, a summary of what had occurred, how the image was symbolic and why the school’s shared values were so relevant. This example served as a precursor to addressing the London attacks of last year and is now the template I use as a default for presenting traumatic current affairs because it offers both a safeguard for my own professional integrity as well as reassurance and transparency for the children. In the light of a rapidly changing world beyond the school gate, as well as an equally dangerous virtual one, I believe that there has never been a more pressing need for schools to offer a rounded education that equips our charges with the character traits and life skills necessary for them to become responsible and tolerant citizens.

Yours sincerely

Duncan Murphy

Headmaster

@KHSprep

Well done to all

the cast and

staff involved in

this week’s

production!

French Lessons

In their French lesson this week, Reception class

enjoyed learning about animals and the sounds they

make. The boys learnt the French words for cat, dog,

rabbit, duck, cow and chicken. They were also able to

recall the French words for some of the colours of

the animals. At the end of the lesson, there was a

race to see who could find the most cut out animal

pictures, which were hidden around the classroom.

They all did very well.

Meanwhile, Years 1 and 2 have been

rehearsing a little play about a caterpillar and

how it changes into a butterfly. They have

learnt the French words for lots of mini beasts

including; bee, ladybird, ant, spider and snail.

Arun was a great narrator, Benji a lovely

butterfly bursting out of its cocoon and Jack

played the caterpillar who ate too many cakes!

The rest of the boys were great insects and

children.

The boys enjoyed wearing their creature masks

and were all very convincing in the parts they

played. Well done! Madame Swift

Science Year 1 and Reception

In science, Year 1 and Reception boys experimented with different objects to see what would float and what would sink. They all enjoyed taking turns at putting different objects into the water and watched anxiously to see what would happen to the object they put in. Would their prediction be true or not?

Maths Year 1 and Reception

In maths, the boys have been learning about time; a tricky one! They all made a clock using a paper plate and they had lots of fun in telling each other what the time was. They all wanted it to be lunch time!

Mrs Marskell

Reception and

Year 1

Reception and

Year 1 have been

having fun

measuring

themselves to see

if they have grown

since September -

it appeared they

had!

Science This week, as part of our Plants topic, 8C have welcomed a visitor, Sir Jeremy Jericho (JJ) Tumble to Science Lab 2. Sir Jeremy (named by 8C), is a “Rose of Jericho” plant and related to the tumbleweed seen in many a western movie. The plant lives in arid regions such as desert. When the soil dries up, the plant drops leaves and curls branches, to form a tight ball, protecting its seeds and remaining dormant for up to years at a time. Once wet again, the plant uncurls and begins to grow. Here are some photos of Sir Jeremy taken before being placed in water, 15 minutes after being placed in water and again 2.5 hours later. As well as the photos taken with 8C, Harry and George in 9H made time lapse videos, showing the plant uncurl during the course of their lesson.

This week, Year 9 boys have been

learning about ionic compounds.

Here is a photo of three of them

playing the ever-popular ionic

bonding card game. This round of the

game was won by Max!

Mrs Callaghan

7 hours

after being

watered.

Year 2 Artwork

We are so impressed by the quality of art work produced by Year 2 - what fantastic apples all displayed

in the Office. They are good enough to eat!

6M Funfair Descriptions

6M have been writing descriptions of a funfair - but imagining what it would be like in the dead of night! They worked together to write their descriptions. A commendation was given to Tommy and Alex who worked brilliantly as a pair and were so enthusiastic when sharing their ideas. Marcus and Ted Hartley used excellent vocabulary in their work - they really brought their ideas to life. All the boys were given the opportunity to share their thoughts which will be written in neat next week, ready for display.

Miss McSweeney

Sports Report

Due to the weather last Wednesday all of the fixtures were cancelled against Parkside, Tower House and Ripley Court. We are trying to reschedule these matches for a space later on in the term.

On Thursday, the U8 A & B teams went to their first rugby festival at Aberdour. Both teams enjoyed lots of running rugby against seven other schools. It was a great experience for all, and something that we will look to get all age groups attending.

U15

Last Tuesday the u15’s had their first ever 7’s rugby match

verses The Hall School. The game was a very entertaining

game to watch and the boys played their part in a thrilling

game. Unfortunately the result didn’t go KHS’ way with

the end result being 29-22 to our opponents. However

considering 5 of the 11 boys playing had never played

Rugby before, they showed excellent team work and

desire to do their best and this was seen in their

performance. No one performance stood out, with all the

boys contributing brilliantly to an excellent team

performance.

Aberdour U8 Rugby Festival

On Thursday our U8 A&B teams were invited to

Aberdour’s annual rugby festival held at their school. Each

team participated in 7 games each against a variety of

different schools and the boys thoroughly enjoyed the

day, apart from when they got cold near the end. There

were some brilliant performances throughout the day,

Ben Schumacher showing excellent skills when running

with the ball, Rueben Tomb proving to be a formidable

tagger and Rex Tredwell showing brilliant running and

dodging skills. However all the boys who took part

were brilliant and should be very proud of how they

performed and how they represented the school.

Upcoming Fixtures:

Tues 6th Feb

U14/15 A v. The Hall (H)

Wed 7th Feb

U10 & B v. Ewell Castle (H)

U11 A & B v. Ewell Castle (A)

1st & 2nd v. Willington (A)

Congratulations to Jenson!

Jenson Anderson 6R (3rd from the left) took part in the County Foil Fencing competition at Epsom College yesterday representing Epsom Fencing Club.

It was a tough competition and Jenson was delighted to come away with a bronze medal. The next hurdle is the Regionals in March to qualify for the British Championships.

We look forward to hearing how Jenson gets on!

Distinction for Louis!

Louis Carpenter was delighted to achieve a distinction in his recent Initial Grade Guitar Exam, obtaining 95%!!

He has lessons in school with Steve Bradfield (pictured below) and owes his success to Steve’s great tuition and a lot of practice!

So thank you to Mr Bradfield too!

COMMENDATIONS

Arthur Wickham Jackson Worth James Wang Thomas Adams

Ben Huang Cameron Edwards Ross MacKinnon Haaken Nelmes

Alex Hone Marcus Glen Ted Hartley Antoni Miernik

Noah Seager Jayden Eddy x2 Jestico Seemampillai Ben Wright

Tahil Rana x4 George Harvey Theo Moffatt x4 Tayyab Siddiqui

James De Selincourt

DIARY DATES February 2018

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Pesto Pasta Fresh

fruit with yogurts

Chicken Curry with

brown/white rice

Chocolate Chip sponge

with Chocolate

sauce

Homemade Lasagne

with Green Beans

Pears with Chocolate

sauce

Sausage mashed

potato and baked beans

Jelly

Fish Fingers smiley faces, peas

Cornflake Crunchie

LUNCH MENU w/c February 5th 2018

Homemade Vegetable Soup is available daily. Varieties include Mushroom, Tomato, Parsnip and Cauliflower.

In addition to the menu items detailed below we always offer a vegetarian main meal option.

We have a daily choice of fillings for Jacket Potatoes and wholemeal or white baguettes, also including a vegetarian option. Ham,

Cheddar Cheese and baked beans are available every day with both Tuna Mayonnaise and Coronation Chicken offered on occasion.

Our Salad Bar has a wide selection of ingredients including green salad leaves, tomatoes, beetroot, sweetcorn and coleslaw.

Additionally there may be Italian Sun Dried Tomato and Mozzarella salad, a Greek Salad with Olives and other seasonal specialities.

Break time snacks of ham or cheese sandwiches, fruit or vegetables should only be brought in to school in named, reusable

containers. A reminder that no nuts or sesame seeds in any product, including bread, should be brought to school. No plastic

wrapped items, please.

Mon. 05 All day

1530-1630

Years 3 and 5 History Workshops in the Hall

KHA Second Hand Uniform Sale in the Dining Room

Tues. 06 0900

1500

1830

Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 trip to Pizza Express

U14 and 15 VII v The Hall (H)

Year 7C Parents’ and Boys’ Evening

Wed. 07 0845

1430

1430

1430

1830

Year 5 Love Languages Assembly Parents are welcome to have coffee in the office before assembly

U10 A and B v Ewell Castle (H)

U11 A and B v Ewell Castle (A)

1st and 2nd XV v Willington (A)

Year 7L Parents’ and Boys’ Evening

Thurs. 08

p.m.

1430

1430

Year 10 Vaccinations

U9 A and B v Ripley Court (A)

U8 A and B v Ripley Court (H)

Fri. 09 0445 Ski Trip departs for Fiesch Friday 9th –Friday 16th Feb

Half Term Begins

Looking to buy or sell a trumpet, drum

kit, violin, cello? www.schoolstrader.com - the #1

independent school community trading platform – is the

place to go. All are welcome to use the site to buy/sell/rent

anything from sports kit, uniform, bikes, musical

instruments and holiday homes, to cars, boats and even

houses. All free. Schoolstrader has been established for 10

years, has tens of thousands of users

and has featured in the Times,

Telegraph, Mail, BBC, ITV, Guardian

and Country Life – and as a Sunday

Times ‘Top 10’ website. Happy trading!

KHA UPCOMING EVENTS

UNIFORM SALE Monday 5th Feb 3.30 - 4.30pm in the Dining Hall Any donations of good quality uniform welcomed. QUIZ NIGHT Thursday 22nd February 7pm Come and join in the fun at our annual KHA Quiz; a chance to reclaim the Trophy from the 2017 winners: The Teachers! Plenty of fun, and an opportunity to catch up with or Kingswood community, whether or not you are a serious quizzer. Fish and chip supper and KHA Bar. Further details and booking forms will be coming out soon!

LOST ITEMS

Max Lopez - named black short PE

trousers and football shorts.

Tai Bobo - Please double check your son

is not wearing a blazer with Tai Bobo’s

name in it as Tai currently has a blazer

not belonging to him.

Drake House Day - Date Postponed.

Drake House Day will now be on Friday March 16th, not

Thursday 8th February, due to clashes with sports matches.

Open Mornings - fast approaching!