KA Newsletter Summer 2022
CONTENTS 4-7 News
10-13 Drama, Music & Sport Highlights
14-15 Development at King’s
16 Friends of King’s
17 Arthur Wellesley Society
18-19 Old King’s Club
20 Law Society
22-23 In the Spotlight...
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WELCOME W
e are delighted to present a new edition of the King’s Association newsletter, bringing together news from across the whole school community including current and former pupils, staff, and parents. After the pandemic-enforced hiatus, this has been the first ‘normal’ summer term for three years. Examination desks and ‘quiet please’ signs have returned, but so has the normal summer term programme, and a sense of the familiar rhythm of the year. The pupils sitting examinations this summer have had to withstand a great deal of disruption, and deserve every success. For our leavers, there has been unprecedented competition for university places and I am grateful indeed to the many old boys and old girls who have offered time and advice to our pupils as they navigate this highly competitive marketplace. As ever, it has been a remarkably busy term, and I hope that you will enjoy reading a selection of the many highlights from the past few weeks. The school has also been responding to global events, first running two collections of essential goods and materials which were transported to the border with Ukraine and into Ukraine itself, and more recently running a school programme for a group of pupils who had recently fled the crisis. In the past half term, 10 pupils have come into King’s for a full-time programme of English lessons, Maths, and other activities. We have hosted a weekly coffee morning for Ukrainian families and their sponsors, and have been able to provide some help and guidance for families who have arrived in the area having fled the conflict. I am delighted that the school is also able to offer financial support to some pupils in order to take up places with us from September. Such support would not be possible without the generosity of the King’s community. Since our last edition, it has been a real joy to Cover photo: Summer Orchestral Concert 2022
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s the school year drew to a close, I reflected on a transformative year for the Junior School. As well as a new headmaster, we have embraced a new structure, operating as a school of four year groups (Transition to Third Form) for the first time. Our senior pupils are now two years younger than they would have been in yesteryear, yet they have risen admirably to the challenge of fulfilling the roles and responsibilities held by their older predecessors.
host events for the wider community, including the Arts and Media networking event at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) and the official naming of the new music school (‘The Andrew Halls Music School’). The development office is working on a busy programme of events for next year, and we look forward to welcoming back former pupils and parents and these opportunities to bring our community together.
We have placed a great deal of emphasis on our new core values of kindness, inclusivity, patience, honesty and bravery, remaining highly aspirational but focussing less on what we achieve and more on how we achieve it. As ever, I could point to examples of excellence in every sphere but participation has been equally impressive, with every child afforded the same opportunity to discover and pursue new passions. Gardening has proved especially popular this year and we have a wonderful new facility for this.
I hope that you enjoy catching up on the news in this edition of the newsletter, and encourage you to keep up to date with all that is taking place at King’s via our website.
Jude Lowson Acting Head of King’s College School
As the pandemic has eased, we have reestablished our busy programme of concerts, plays, and fixtures, and it has been wonderful to welcome parents and visitors back on site after a long hiatus. The year ended with a week of cocurricular enrichment, featuring collaboration days with pupils from The Study and Wimbledon High Juniors. We look forward to building on these relationships moving forward and to continued collaboration with our overseas partners. It is always a pleasure to be in contact with former members of the Junior School community and I warmly encourage anyone interested to come back and see us.
Ted Lougher Headmaster of King’s College Junior School
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NEWS ISI INSPECTION
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he Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), who report to the UK government’s Department for Education, visited King’s in January to conduct a week-long inspection on the quality of education and compliance at the school. Both King’s College School and King’s College Junior School were awarded the top grade of ‘excellent’ in all areas. Jude Lowson, Acting Head, said: “The reports detail the astonishing achievements of our pupils in their academic and co-curricular pursuits, their superb work ethic, balanced with a mature sense of normality and confidence to be themselves, their outstanding commitment to the wider community and their loyalty and support to the school. The reports
also praise the contribution of our incredibly committed common room of teachers and support staff; seen through the array of activities on offer, the genuine care and support for pupils and the lively and fast-paced lessons. I am sincerely grateful to my colleagues for all that they do in the service of our school, and as ever am in awe of our pupils and their talents, their character, and their commitment. The reports are testament to a great deal of hard work happening every day at the school. We will continue to build upon and sustain the strengths identified and will strive to make every lesson, every activity, every interaction, and every experience at King’s as positive as it can be.” You can read the full reports here.
HUMANITARIAN AID APPEAL
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ince March, King’s has organised various fundraisers, collections, and initiatives to aid people and organisations in Ukraine, and has been overwhelmed by the support of the King’s community. Key activities have included: the donation and delivery of a huge number of supplies to a refuge in Poland for women and children fleeing the conflict; a concert organised and performed by lower sixth formers to raise funds for the Save the Children Ukrainian Appeal, which you can read more about on page 11; the King’s English Language School opening its doors to give 10 Ukrainian boys the opportunity to undertake English, Maths and Geography lessons, as well as the opportunity to take part in co-curricular activities such as football, basketball, table tennis, Design and Engineering, Art and Music; and staff and parents hosting coffee mornings for Ukrainian families who had just arrived in the UK, and their sponsors, so that they
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could meet with others in a similar position. In order to support people suffering from conflict, the King’s Charity Committee has set up a permanent JustGiving page. Should you wish to give, all money donated will go directly to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) which brings together 15 leading UK aid charities to raise funds quickly and efficiently at times of crisis overseas.
VE DAY COMMEMORATION
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unday 8th May marked 77 years since the end of World War II in Europe. The school remembered, celebrated, and honoured the many brave members of the King’s community who served, including the 147 who were tragically killed – they are commemorated on the memorial plaque, which was unveiled by the Archbishop of Canterbury during a remembrance service in November 1949. The plaque still stands in pride of place in the Great Hall today. The school remained operational throughout the war, closing only for a short time in 1944 due to the threat posed by flying bombs.You can read records of correspondence, school magazines, and letters here, all of which provide a real insight into school life during that time. There are recounts of building bomb shelters, notifications of OKs who had been killed or taken prisoner, bomb damage during air raids, the aftermath of the war, and much more.
THE HISTORY SOCIETY TALKS
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ay and June were busy months for the History Society, as it welcomed both Mr Giles Udy and Sir John Nott to the school. Mr Giles Udy, a historian who writes and lectures on Soviet history, the Gulag, and the influence of Marxism on British Politics, gave a talk on the Gulag system in the Soviet Union. The system lasted from the end of World War 1 until the 1950s. Ben (L5) said: “The talk was fascinating and provided a lot of context for topics that we have covered in class, such as the Cold War.”
Sir John Nott, who served in Margaret Thatcher’s first government, most notably as Defence Secretary between 1981 and 1983, took part in an engaging Q&A with pupils. Sir John spoke about his experience in politics, vigorously defending the valuable work most MPs do for their constituents. He also spoke about Harold Wilson’s holidays in Sir John’s constituency, the leadership style of Margaret Thatcher, and the foreign policy thinking of Henry Kissinger. A truly wide-ranging discussion prompted by many perceptive questions from pupils.
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LOW ENERGY DAY
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ing’s environmental group, Blue Marble, led a Low Energy Day campaign in March, which saw pupils and staff minimise their energy usage. Simple changes were implemented, such as reducing the use of electronic equipment and working in communal spaces, but they had a phenomenal impact – data showed an overall energy
reduction of 18%, which is the equivalent of boiling 4,035 kettles! There was also a CO2 emissions consumption reduction of 107kg. Alongside the tangible impact, the campaign also raised awareness of energy consumption and helped promote a conscious change in energy and water usage.
THE QUEEN’S GREEN CANOPY
THE PLATINUM JUBILEE BEACONS
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ollowing on from the success of Low Energy Day, the school joined The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), a national tree planting initiative in celebration of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee. The aim was to encourage individuals across the UK to actively contribute to enhancing their environment, an initiative that aligns with the school’s ongoing endeavours to take positive action and rise to the challenges presented by climate change. The school received 105 Hawthorne, Rowan, Blackthorn, Silver birch, hazel tree, and oak tree saplings which were planted across the school and Kingsway site by staff and pupils. Phoebe (L6) said: “I was delighted to be involved in the school’s effort to reduce our carbon footprint. The habitats these trees will provide for a variety of native wildlife are vital. It is a pleasure to be setting this legacy for pupils in 20 years time and beyond.”
Did you know that a British oak tree can support an estimated 2,300 species? Or that a mature tree can absorb up to 150kg of CO2 a year?
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nd on the topic of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, the King’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) came together on the evening of Thursday 2nd June to light a beacon in celebration of the Jubilee. Harry (U6) played the trumpet call to ask everyone to gather around the beacon, which was lit at exactly 9.45pm. The CCF’s beacon joined thousands of other beacons lit by communities, charities, and groups across the regions of the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and UK Overseas Territories.
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS AT WIMBLEDON
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n 1897, the school moved from Somerset House on the Strand to Wimbledon, as it desperately needed outdoor space for organised games. Rev Charles Bourne, Headmaster, turned rooms into classrooms, an outbuilding into a science laboratory, and a corrugated iron building into a gymnasium and dining hall! Staff and pupils seemed happy in their
new surroundings – in the first issue of the school magazine following the move, the editor wrote: “The smoke of London has been changed for the sun of Wimbledon. We have now abundance of room to stretch our legs after School is over, on a first-rate cricket field, and we ought, in consequence, to have a very good cricket eleven this season.”
1897 The school moves from the Strand, where it opened in 1831, to a new site opposite Wimbledon Common.
1912
1929 New buildings are officially opened at an event held to celebrate the school’s centenary.
1939 1945 1949
The Priory, a neighbouring house, is purchased for use by the junior school (it is rebuilt and modernised in 1954).
1984 1989 1997
The school celebrates 100 years in Wimbledon. A Centenary Challenge 2003 appeal is launched to raise money for improvements to the school and bursaries.
2010 Girls are admitted to sixth form for the first time.
2016 2019 2022
From September, the school will have its first permanent female head of King’s: Dr Anne Cotton.
A dedicated junior school is established. This move secures the eventual financial recovery of the school.
The school remains open during World War II. Over 1,100 old boys and staff serve in the war.
A new sports hall, theatre (Collyer Hall) and sixth form building (College Court) are opened.
Teacher Heather McKissack sets up the Wimbledon independent-state schools partnership.
A new classroom block, music school (‘The Andrew Halls Music School’) and sports centre is opened.
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VOCES8
Instrumentalists’ recital
Munich International Junior Regatta
Coy16 Ice cream during Mental Health Awareness Week
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Sir John Nott history talk
Fou
The Climate Change Challenge CCA at the Natural History Museum
Human Rights Watch Society
Fourth Form Art exhibition
King’s English Language School
undation of Totalitarianism History Essay Prize
Jerusalem Drama trip
Henley Regatta
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DRAMA HIGHLIGHTS ROALD DAHL’S FANTASTIC FICTION
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he lower and middle school drama and technical theatre clubs immersed themselves in the magical and mischievous world of Roald Dahl, weaving together a collection of tales devised, scripted, directed, designed, and performed by
pupils. Audiences were treated to The Witches,The Landlady, Genesis and Catastrophe, William and Mary,The BFG, and Danny Champion of the World. There was also a performance of an original piece based on Dahl’s own life entitled The Garden Shed.
MATILDA
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he lower and middle schools re-immersed themselves once more in the world of Roald Dahl, in order to celebrate one of his most beloved stories, Matilda. The musical production took audiences on a mesmerizing journey that blended dynamic music and daring movement.
WHAT A KNIGHT BY CRAIG HAWES
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ot to be outdone, the boys of Rushmere took to the stage for their version of the musical production What a Knight. It was a highlight of the theatrical calendar and was, for many of the boys, their first experience of performing in a real-life theatre. What a night indeed!
1984 BY GEORGE ORWELL
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rom a world of imagination to one of dystopia, sixth form pupils directed, designed, and performed a production of 1984, based on the novel by George Orwell, and adapted by Ike and Macmillan for the stage. If you would like to be added to the Drama mailing list to receive the termly Drama Calendar, email development@kcs.org.uk.
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MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS VOCES8 PERFORM
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he world-renowned Acappella group VOCES8 visited the school to perform alongside the junior school Chorale and Junior College Singers (JCS). VOCES8 is a British vocal ensemble originally founded in 2003 by brothers Paul and Barnaby Smith, former choristers from Westminster Abbey. The octet ensemble has a diverse repertoire including early English and European Renaissance music, traditional folk song, class jazz, pop, as well as their own arrangements. During the concert, VOCES8 performed Look at the World by Rutter with the junior school Chorale and The Bright Field by Chilcott with JCS. VOCES8 then went on to
perform songs from their recent albums including Fly Me to the Moon and Danny Boy.
LOWER SIXTH UKRAINE FUNDRAISER
SUMMER ENSEMBLE CONCERT
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even lower sixth pupils, Sassan (L6), William (L6), Izzy (L6), Phoebe (L6), Xavier (L6), Lucas (L6), and Oscar (L6), organised and performed a concert to raise funds for the Save the Children Ukrainian Appeal. The pupils played a wonderfully varied programme on voice, viola, violin, guitar, piano, flute, and clarinet, with pieces ranging from Handel and Bach through to Tarrega and Muczynski. One audience member said: “It was a remarkable display of talent; I can only describe the performing standards of the pupils as jaw-dropping! It was inspirational that the children of our future care about the vulnerable elsewhere in the world.” The fundraiser was a great success, raising over £3,300 for the Appeal.
he Concert Band, Lower School Choir, Cambiata, two guitar groups, and smaller chamber ensembles came together and performed to a packed audience. A lovely variety of music was presented, with a rousing start from Concert Band, and some subtler moments from the choirs and string quartets. The evening concluded with a performance of Evening Prayer from Hansel and Gretel.
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MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS THE CHAPEL ROYAL
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he Chamber Choir resumed the annual tradition of singing during Evensong at Hampton Court’s Chapel Royal, after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Pupils sang an array of songs including Stanford’s powerful anthem For Lo, I Raise Up before finishing with the National Anthem – particularly fitting for the Platinum Jubilee month.
SUMMER ORCHESTRAL CONCERT
BBC YOUNG MUSICIAN
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his year’s summer concert saw something of a first with two orchestras combining for a massed performance of Holst’s Mars from The Planets. The concert also included Barber’s evocative Adagio for Strings, film music from Superman, and a Stevie Wonder medley – it was a real end of year celebration of exciting classics!
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t was recently announced that Lucas (L6) has made it through to the finals of BBC Young Musician 2022. Lucas has been selected to play in the woodwind category final of this prestigious competition, taking place this month. The competition will be televised later in the year, and we do hope you will join us in cheering Lucas on. If you would like to be added to the Music mailing list to receive the termly Music Calendar, email development@kcs.org.uk.
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SPORT HIGHLIGHTS BASKETBALL
CRICKET
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he U18s team made King’s history in March, securing the school’s first-ever U18 championship title with a 59-53 victory against Whitgift.
FOOTBALL
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he first XI won the London Cup final at the beginning of the term, beating Dulwich College 5-4 on penalties. The second XI was also celebrating, after winning the Trinity Cup – their match against City of London also came down to penalties., and was a courageous game played largely with 10 men.
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reat success has been had for King’s cricket sides.The U15A team became double Surrey champions, winning both the County Cup and the U15 English Schools Cricket Association T20 cup. In the T20 they went on to represent Surrey in the regional rounds, where they beat the Sussex champions, Eastbourne College.This took them to regional finals day at Billericay Cricket Club where they were knocked out by Norwich. Further good news came from the U16As and the U13As – the U16As retained the King’s Cup after defeating Hampton and Dulwich College, and the U13As won the Reigate 6s over 24 other schools!
TENNIS
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he U14, U15, and U16 age groups all finished with a very respectable 3rd place in Surrey for the Independent Schools League.The Surrey Festival results were equally impressive with semi-final places for the U12s, and all the way through to the U18s. You may also have seen Joe Salisbury (Class of 2010) and Arthur Fery (Class of 2020) playing at Wimbledon this year. Joe made it to the men’s doubles semi-finals, and Arthur made it to the second round of the qualifiers – a fantastic achievement.
ROWING one of the event saw the pupils win several medals, including Gold and Silver. You can read more here. The King’s rowing teams also took part in the National Schools’ Regatta and the Henley Royal Regatta. At the National Schools’ Regatta, the 1st VIII won a bronze medal in an incredibly tight battle for the championship eights. At the Henley Royal Regatta, the King’s 1st VIII team made history for the school by qualifying for the semi-finals of the event for the first time. Despite a brilliant performance from King’s, victory went to St Paul’s School. Read more about Henley here.
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ay saw a return to international junior racing in Munich, with 30 athletes representing Great Britain, four of whom were King’s pupils. Day
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DEVELOPMENT AT KING’S HELLO FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Jen Russell Development Manager J.Russell@kcs.org.uk
Cheng May Ang Development Assistant C.Ang@kcs.org.uk
Sarah Gault Development Administrator S.Gault@kcs.org.uk
Lucy Inglis School Archivist L.Inglis@kcs.org.uk
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his past year has seen a return to in-person events and activities, and we have been delighted to reconnect with so many members of the King’s community. There is much more to come, so do ensure that you keep your contact details up to date with us.
ARTS AND MEDIA NETWORKING RECEPTION
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embers of the King’s community, from the Arts and Media sectors, came together in March to attend a special networking reception at the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in London. The evening began with an engaging and inspirational talk from Mr Edward Lucas on: “The New Cold War: Ukraine’s Agony and the West’s Response”, and finished with networking over drinks and canapés. We will be holding more receptions in the autumn and spring terms for other sectors. Invitations will be sent out in due course, so do keep an eye on your inbox.
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FELLOWSHIP DAY
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he music school has officially been named ‘The Andrew Halls Music School’, memorialising the contribution of former Headmaster, Mr Andrew Halls OBE. The occasion was incorporated into this year’s Fellowship Day, which gave fellows and governors the chance to visit the school for a day celebrating King’s. Guests were treated to an array of performances by pupils, and a recital by concert pianist, Siqian Li. Christopher Luscombe, theatre and opera director, alumnus, and King’s Fellow said: “The various musical items, both in the Concert Hall and the Great Hall, were absolutely extraordinary.”
BENEFACTORS’ DRINKS
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ver the past decade, the generosity of the King’s community has contributed to the development of world-class facilities at King’s, which are a fitting match for the talents and ambition of its pupils. It has also contributed to the growth of the King’s Bursary Fund, making it possible for the school to open its doors to so many brilliant and bright pupils who would not otherwise have been able to benefit from a King’s education. Those who have supported the school in this way were invited to a special thank you event in May. Guests mingled over drinks and canapés, and were treated to musical performances from pupils, and an address from Ms Jude Lowson and Mr Andrew Halls OBE. Please do get in touch if you would like to discuss how you can support the school.
“We are so grateful to you for giving our daughter access to a world-class education that we could never have dreamed of providing her with. Thank you for giving her the opportunity of a lifetime, and for giving us breathing space to watch her progress without anxiety.”
“I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed to bursaries at King’s. Please believe me, it makes a difference.”
“The new hall is an incredible upgrade. The rehearsal rooms are incredibly spacious, and the acoustic of the hall has made performances much more enjoyable. Many rooms now have grand pianos in them, which has really improved practising and rehearsing.”
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FRIENDS OF KING’S E
stablished in 1978, the Friends of King’s is the school’s parents’ association. The Friends organise social and fundraising events throughout the year, with the aims of enriching the education of pupils, and fostering a strong sense of community. Below is a snapshot of past and upcoming events.
SUMMER BALL
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n April, the Friends held a Roaring Twenties themed Summer Ball at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham. Over 700 guests attended to revive the glamour of a bygone era. They enjoyed an evening of food, music, and dancing, whilst also raising a phenomenal £44,000 for the school!
FIREWORKS
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ave the date for the Friends annual fireworks display, which will be back with a bang on Saturday 5th November.The fireworks are a muchloved local tradition, attracting many spectators from across South West London and Surrey. Further details will be made available in due course.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
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ave the date for the Friends Christmas Fair, taking place on Saturday 26th November. The Fair attracts over 2,000 visitors and is the only public event where the school opens its doors to the community. Visitors will have the chance to soak up the festive atmosphere whilst enjoying the many market stalls selling a range of items such as clothing, jewellery, toys, food, and drink. Further details will be made available in due course.
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ARTHUR WELLESLEY SOCIETY T
he Arthur Wellesley Society is a cultural society that organises a series of events each year. It is open to all members of the King’s community so if you would like to join, email AWSociety@kcs.org.uk. Below is a selection of past events; upcoming events can be found here.
DR MICHAEL LYNCH TALK
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n May, the Society welcomed Dr Michael Lynch, honorary fellow of the University of Leicester, to the school where he gave a talk on: “China under communism 1922-2022: from international plaything to global superpower.” Dr Lynch’s sweep through 100 years of Chinese history was informative and enlightening, with guests held captive by his complete command of the subject. After the talk, Dr Lynch took questions from the audience. The evening was officially brought to a close by an excellent vote of thanks from Mr Weimin Khoo, though guests stayed for a little while longer to continue talking to Dr Lynch about many and varied ideas and topics!
VISIT TO STRAWBERRY HILL HOUSE
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busy month for the Society saw a second event in May, with members and friends gathering for an evening at Strawberry Hill House. Built by Sir Horace Walpole in the eighteenth century, the house is a magnificent confection of Gothic architecture. Guests enjoyed a buffet supper followed by a talk on the Grand Tour. The Tour was popular from the seventeenth to the nineteenth centuries not only with the aristocracy, but with artists, writers, and others hoping to obtain patronage by meeting those who might support their work – it resulted in many new ideas and fashions.The evening concluded with a guided tour of the House where guests viewed a selection of artefacts that Sir Horace Walpole brought back from his own Tour.
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OLD KING’S CLUB T
he Old King’s Club is the school’s alumni association. It seeks to promote united action amongst former pupils of King’s for the good of the school. Below is a round-up of past and upcoming events.
DUEL DAY DINNER
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embers of the Old King’s Club met at the Savile Club on Thursday 24th March, to commemorate the anniversary of the duel fought between the Duke of Wellington and the Earl of Winchilsea. The duel was fought on 21st March 1829, and came about because of religious differences between the Duke of Wellington and the 9th Earl of Winchilsea, George Finch-Hatton. Winchilsea had denounced Wellington’s support for Catholic emancipation. He accused the Duke of using his role in founding King’s as a way of hiding the ‘introduction of popery’ into the country (although founded as an Anglican institution, King’s was intending to award degrees to Catholics and other non-Anglicans). Wellington promptly challenged him to single combat to defend his honour and the college’s name.The two men, accompanied by their seconds and a physician, met on the asparagus fields that would later become Battersea Park (on the south bank of the River Thames, opposite Chelsea). As
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reported in The Guardian at the time: “The Duke of Wellington and Lord Winchilsea met at the appointed place. The parties having taken their ground, Lord Winchilsea received the Duke of Wellington’s fire (he is believed to have deliberately aimed wide) and fired in the air.” A written apology from Winchilsea was then enough to resolve the matter. A royal charter granted by King George IV in August that year, established King’s as a legal entity. Two years later, in October 1831, the college opened its doors to students for the first time.
ANNUAL DINNER
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ollowing on from the success of last year’s Annual Dinner, held at the East India, Devonshire, Sports and Public Schools’ Club, save the date for the 2022 Annual Dinner, taking place on Friday 25th November at the House of Commons. Guests will have the opportunity to visit one of the world’s
most iconic buildings, whilst reconnecting with former classmates over food and drink. Dr Anne Cotton, the school’s incoming Head, will be guest of honour. Further details will be made available in due course.
ANNUAL CAREERS EVENING
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he Old King’s Club, in conjunction with the Careers and Higher Education department, held a virtual careers evening in June for lower sixth pupils. The evening provided pupils with an invaluable opportunity to hear from members of the King’s community who work within the sectors
they aspire to enter. The advice and insights shared made a real difference to pupils as they prepared for university and the workplace. If you would like to be involved with the 2023 Annual Careers Evening, please get in touch by emailing info@ oldkingsclub.org.uk.
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THE LAW SOCIETY E stablished in 2012, the Law Society aims to provide support and mentoring for King’s pupils interested in pursuing a career in the law, and facilitate links between members of the King’s community working in the law. Due to the pandemic, the Society’s activities have been restricted over the last two years, however it did hold a successful virtual careers evening for fifth and sixth form pupils. It also continued to provide individual guidance to pupils when requested.
The Society’s last social event was in January 2020, and saw many members of the King’s community come together for a networking evening at the Houses of Parliament. Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés, as well as a talk from King’s Fellow, Lord Grade. Post-pandemic, the Society hopes to return to a more regular cycle of events, currently being developed by the Society’s Committee. Further information will be communicated in due course.
PAST LAW SOCIETY EVENTS
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Chapel Royal
Mr Giles Udy Talk Mental Health Warrior training
At the table with...Rob Bentley
Wimbledon Charter event
Matilda
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IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH... ... ALUMNUS HARRY RICHARDS (CLASS OF 2016) the drama productions directed by Adam Cross. He created an incredibly open and welcoming environment at rehearsals and set a very high standard for each line of dialogue, musical number or set piece that we were expected to deliver on stage. There was always an electric atmosphere in the Collyer Hall Theatre during performance week – the whole cast knew that we were part of something very special! Adam’s attention to detail and ability to nurture emerging talent are two disciplines that I have sought to develop myself since leaving King’s.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you have been up to since leaving King’s? I am Harry Richards, writer/director of three short films: SANTI (2021), Glass People (2019) and Year 13 (2016). I left King’s in 2016 and then studied Spanish and History at the University of Edinburgh. Following a year abroad working in South America, I wrote a 90-minute feature film set in Colombia and the UK, which I intend to shoot next year. My current 10-minute short film, SANTI, is a proof of concept for this feature project, and has recently been selected for the BFI Future Film Festival and Kingston International Film Festival! What is your favourite memory from your time at King’s? My favourite memory from King’s was acting in
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Who or what inspires you? I am particularly inspired by feature-length film dramas with a unique visual style. Recent favourites include Roma (2018) by Alfonso Cuarón and God’s Own Country (2017) by Francis Lee. Both films had a profound impact on me, with moments of incredible on-screen tension, beautiful cinematography, and concise screenplays. I have also recently been watching This is Going to Hurt on BBC iPlayer – this is similarly harrowing but a wonderful reflection of the humanity that upholds the NHS. Despite being a very slow reader, I also loved two particularly emotive books: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. What has been your proudest moment or achievement to date? My proudest moment to date was directing a cast and crew of 30 people on set for SANTI, over one weekend in June last year. Due to the pandemic, we were forced to delay the shoot originally scheduled for early February, after an intense
Working with language schools and film-making societies around the country, free SANTI screenings and Q&As will be held for students. The tour intends to directly engage our 18-24 target audience and demonstrate to prospective feature film investors that the feature-length project is commercially viable. I will then be moving to Colombia for six months from January to June next year to begin scouting SANTI locations, casting the key Colombian characters, and building relationships with Colombian production companies.
month of pre-production whilst crowdfunding our £10,000 budget from over 125 backers during the third national lockdown. Stan StottHall (Producer and fellow alumnus) and I spoke to each cast or crew member individually via FaceTime to explain the delay; it was extremely disheartening for everyone that had been working so hard. We lost the location at this point too and I was forced to painstakingly re-draw the storyboards to fit a new location. Three months later, one actor also caught COVID-19 the week before our new June shoot dates, meaning we had to train up a new actor at the last minute. All these hurdles made it extremely gratifying when I finally stepped onto the SANTI set in Archway, North London, surrounded by a team determined to create a beautiful film.
HAMILTON SUCCESS
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urther alumni success in the arts has been demonstrated by Alex Sawyer (Class of 2011), who is currently starring in the title role of the hit musical Hamilton. Three of Alex’s teachers, Philip Swan, Adam Cross, and James Trapmore went to see him give an outstanding performance and caught up with him afterwards...
What’s next for you? While we continue promoting SANTI through film festivals, reviews, and interviews, I will be embarking on a university tour this autumn alongside other members of Team SANTI.
If you would like to share your news, and let the King’s community know what you have been up to, email development@kcs.org.uk.
KA NEWSLETTER | SUMMER 2022 | 23
King’s College School Southside Wimbledon Common London SW19 4TT The Development Office +44 (20) 8255 5390 development@kcs.org.uk 10