KHS Summer Newsletter 2023

DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Words by Ms Cassini, Head of Chemistry
This term saw pupils in Years 9 and 10 develop their camping, hiking and navigation skills on Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. The
Year 9 group braved some very wet conditions in the Surrey Hills at the end of April to gain the Bronze level of the award. The
Year 10 group faced some demanding terrain and muggy weather in the New Forest at the end of June to achieve their Silver
expedition. Despite the challenging conditions and some painful blisters, all groups demonstrated excellent teamwork and kept
morale high.
Congratulations to all Bronze and Silver participants who completed their qualifying expedition, and best of luck to the students in
Year 12 who are embarking on their Gold expedition at the start of the summer holiday!
British Library Trip
Words by Harry, Isaac and Emily - Year 7
On 23rd June, a group of librarian assistants went
on a trip to the British Library as a reward for our
hard work this year. Once we arrived, we split into
groups of three and searched around.
While most of the exhibits were off limits to under
18-year-olds, we still saw some amazing stuff such
as the real Magna Carta in the Kings Library.
Formula 1 Work Experience
BLOOD BROTHERS
Words by Ms Milgate, Head of English
Year 9 were fortunate enough to have a Blood Brothers workshop in English this half term. The workshop gave pupils a chance to
explore the complex world of Blood Brothers with Mike, an actor who has played Sammy for 11 years in the West End. He guided
pupils through the various skills performers require to be successful on stage and shared tips and tricks about how to achieve a
believable Liverpudlian accent. Despite some questionable new voices/accents from our pupils, it’s safe to say the year group still
had lots of fun; a wonderful way to end an enjoyable unit of study.
Words by Paloma, Year 10
In June, I had an incredible opportunity to join the Alpine F1 Team for a week of work experience. I spent three days in the
Aerodynamics Department learning the basics of Catia 3DX design software and working on a project to redesign various
aerodynamic components of an F1 car. I worked with another student and we formed a great team, constantly giving feedback on
our designs. We presented our work to the Aerodynamics Department after days of hard work, which was nerve-racking but very
exciting.
I spent the following two days in the Model Shop department, where I had the task of building a model of Fernando Alonso’s 2006
R26 championship car. It was a lot of fun, and I learned about rapid prototyping and the processes involved in model-making to
prepare components to be sent for wind tunnel testing. Spending a week at Enstone with Alpine confirmed my desire to become
an F1 engineer. I gained valuable skills, and my aspiration to work in Formula 1 has grown.
Later, we had our lunch outside and took a detour
to a shop called Forbidden Planet and had lots of
fun. After that we went to the largest Waterstones
bookstore in London to read and buy books.
Levelling out Year 13 History Revision
Words by Mr Cook, History Teacher
Before half term, the Year 13 historians explored some local history
visiting the battlefield of the Battle of Turnham Green (1642) and the
site of the Putney Debates, St Mary’s Church, Putney. By varying their
revision, the history department wanted to highlight to our students the
possibilities for review right on our doorstep.
Whilst standing on the remnants of Turnham Green we discussed the
extreme significance of Charles I’s failure to capture London in 1642,
the year the first English Civil War began. Prior to this we consolidated
our knowledge of the Leveller movement and their influence within the
New Model Army visiting the site of the Putney Debates, a famous
episode in the political history of Britain, back in the winter of 1647.
Year 13 enjoyed the refreshing change to conventional revision and
commented on the value of seeing first-hand the places, plaques and
fields associated with the English Civil War and Revolution (1642-1660).
LAMDA Exam Success
Words by Ms Mannion, Head of Drama
Congratulations to our pupils who successfully passed their LAMDA examinations this
year. We are so proud of their achievements – particularly the 19 Year 7s sitting their first
ever exams. Overall, 17 Distinctions and 10 Merits were achieved. Special mentions
must go to Ava, Year 11, awarded distinction in Grade 8 Acting; Daniel, Year 13 - Merit
in Grade 8 Acting; Kira and Seth, Year 9, both awarded distinctions in Grade 6 acting;
Monty, Year 9 - Merit in Grade 6 Acting; and Isis, Year 9 – merit in Grade 5 Acting.
LAMDA continues to go from strength-to-strength at KHS under the tutelage of Mrs Anita
Borge, who works tirelessly across all four schools in the group. We are so grateful for
her unfailing support of our pupils.
Seth (Year 9) - Distinction in Grade 6 Acting
6 7