An Easter term roundup from the Houses

March 21st 2024

Community House Activities and Competitions

An Easter term roundup from the Houses...

Arion House

There is one major highlight that will be in all our memories forever, from this Easter term, winning the much-coveted Inter-House Music Festival. It was an unforgettable night, we entered the evening Final in 2^nd place and after our best performance to date of ‘Dear Future Husband’ we were crowned overall Champions, what a night! We have also argued our way to another debating semi-final this term, our juniors took the overall cross-country title and it would appear that 90% of the netball team of the term were pink ladies! Within the House, we have also kept incredibly busy, we have 4 girls continuing to train for Ten Tors and 11 girls undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh expedition training. For House nights, we have moved from pancakes and nacho nights to guess the baby and Pictionary championships. I think we are all ready for a little rest this Easter. Once again though, a successful, a busy and a tiring term, making the most of our opportunities.

Bethany Griffiths - Arion Housemistress

Arion House X Twitter

Blackford House

This term, Blackford has been at its fullest in my 13-year tenure - 61 young men have been proud to be called Blackford Boys, and a full House is a happy one! In January, we welcomed Isaac from New Zealand as our hockey exchange from St Bede’s in Christchurch and Louis from Versailles, who will be with us for two terms. They, along with everyone else, have thrown themselves into the many varied activities on offer. Blackford did very well in the Inter-House Cross Country winning the senior event (which was run on the foulest of days), we performed admirably in the Inter-House Music Competition (with Head Boy, Charlie, coming second in the Senior Soloist round) and we won a very tense Inter-House Chess competition, courtesy of a Final win by Otto (after many drawn matches). It was also a source of great pride that Blackford won the new award for the Best Behaved House - which takes into account smartness, punctuality, politeness and having the least general concerns.

It has been a hugely busy term with both A Level and GCSE trial examinations going on. A great deal of academic work has been done but there is still plenty to do as we approach the ‘business end of the academic year’. A total of seven Blackford boys have played in a strong 1^st XI this term, which Mats has captained. As I write this short overview, there are a total of 18 Blackford boys involved in Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions and a further three carrying out Ten Tors training. Three of our boys will be travelling to Rosslyn Park to play in the world-famous festival. As if to underline how busy it has been, every Blackford boy has represented the School at something this term.

At the end of this term, we say goodbye to Isaac who has played a key role in a very good 1^st XI hockey team. We will sadly also say goodbye to Mr Thompson who has been a wonderful tutor and chemistry teacher for his five years at King’s. He will be greatly missed by pupils and staff alike. This has been a hugely busy but successful term for Blackford, and I am proud of the boys who have achieved so much and, always grateful to all the staff, Matrons, Tutors, Domestic Staff, and my wife Gilly, who continually support me and have done so much to ensure that this term has been such a success.

Nick Bunday - Blackford Housemaster

Blackford House X Twitter

Lyon House

The Easter Term has been typically busy for Lyon House. The boys have worked hard throughout, and they have represented the House and the School in many spheres. We have had Lyon House boys taking part in various hockey cup matches, across the age ranges, and as I write this, those in the 1^st XI are on the verge of a semi-final up in Reading. We have had boys who have represented the School, at the Rosslyn Park Sevens and we have had others striving for County and Country honours. The inter-house competitions have been typically, fiercely competitive. In the Cross Country, we had first places for Samuel and George, and the Juniors went on to win it for Lyon. The boys came an incredibly close 2^nd place, in the Inter-House Debating, led by Head of House Joe Walsh, to a very good New House team, and we were really pleased with achieving 3^rd Place on the night of the Inter-House Music Competition, with a fantastic rendition of 'One Day Like This', by Elbow. As you can see from the pictures, the important point is that the boys had fun doing it.

I am pleased to say that academic standards have also improved in the House and there has been a noticeable increase in Commendations as well. Which I am sure will be borne out when the GCSE and A Level results come out. But as well as all that, we have had some brilliant House nights, both with Arion and on our own as well. Not forgetting some fun theme nights as well. All-in-all, Lyon House has worked hard and played hard, and I know a lot of the boys will be looking forward to the summer term; with afternoons spent in the cricket nets, BBQ’s and sunshine, bring it on!

Malcolm Jeffrey - Lyon Housemaster

Lyon House X Twitter

New House

It has been a very successful term for New House; winning the House Song round of the Inter-House Music Competition and placing 2^nd overall followed by a celebration pizza party has been a particular highlight of the term as it involved all the boys, ably led and encouraged by Louis, our Music Coordinator for the academic year. We have enjoyed a variety of House night events on Thursday evenings including one-minute plays, joint events with Priory House playing bingo and s’mores around the fire pit, karaoke, evenings in the sports hall playing football or dodgeball and the odd film night all mixed with doughnuts, cookies and hotdogs!

The Easter Term culminated in winning the Inter-House Debating Competition in a closely fought final with Lyon House; the debating team have been brilliant throughout the competition and James and Sebastian have been superb captains for the team. All this has happened alongside the daily rhythm of life at King’s with lessons, examinations, sport, matches, music, drama, trips, activities, a 6^th Form Dinner and more - I am very proud of all the achievements of New House.

Ashley Marshfield - New Housemaster

New House X Twitter

Priory House

The first half of term was dominated by the Inter-House Music competition. Rehearsals increased their frequency and the girls stepped things up a gear as we neared the performance. First place in the Senior Soloist and Ensemble categories, and some somewhat surprising final placing for House song. Special mentions to Jenna who wowed all with some exceptional vocal skills.

Most schools would cancel Cross Country as the rain lashed down and the wind blew in, but not King’s. Slipping and sliding and battling the elements, Priory finished first in the senior girls’ race (Harriet crossing the finish line in the quickest time for Priory, but it was a true team effort) and second in the junior girls’ race.

In brighter, sunny conditions just a couple of weeks later, Priory hosted a charity Easter hunt around school, whereby all contestants had to find as many tiny ducks as possible which were strategically hidden across the campus. One singular golden egg was also much sought after. Together, the House raised just over £100 for Horatio’s Garden which adds to the £500 donated by Dr Larsen’s tutor group, friends and families over February half-term for running, cycling, skiing, riding, walking 500km.

As the term came to a close, Priory finished on a real flourish. Our long-awaited pantomime of Cinderella finally came to fruition in week 9, after a dedicated 6 months of hard work. Jenna and Ellie did an outstanding job co-ordinating the entire production, which brought together the whole House with roles from hospitality, lighting, sound, backstage and of course the main cast. My personal stand out performances included Beryl and Cheryl the two ‘ugly stepsisters’ and Prince Charming as played by our lovely Ellie.

The girls entered the Inter-House Photography competition with gusto. Entries from all ages with lots of special mentions in assembly, but 2^nd place awards were given to Alexina (Seniors) and Molly (Juniors).

To finish the term Inter-House Netball was played and won by Priory. A fitting end to a successful term in so many ways. Another ten weeks of experiences that have brought the House closer, and great memories made for life. The whole of Priory should be so proud of what they have achieved this Easter.

Georgina Kingstone - Priory Housemistress

Priory House X Twitter

Wellesley House

It has been a fantastic term of activities for Wellesley ranging from 3^rd Form Cinema trips, joint socials with Blackford, Arion and Priory as well as the Sixth Form Dinner and theme nights. Despite the rain and wind, the girls rallied and encouraged each other through the Inter-House Cross Country, and the Inter-House Netball was another opportunity to come together as a team and enjoy some healthy House rivalry.

We are very excited to announce that we will have a new House colour next year of teal and we have redesigned our House crest and values.

There have been many individual successes this term in Music, Drama and Sport but the highlight was the House Song where the girls performed Mamas and Papas 'California Dreamin’' beautifully. Well done to the House Prefects for leading this and all the girls for their hard work.

We look forward to the summer term, despite exams looming, when we can enjoy lots of outdoor time together.

Emilie Loveless - Wellesley Housemistress

Wellesley House X Twitter

Flickr album: House Twitter Compilation - Easter Term 2024 | Height: auto | Theme: Default | Skin: Default Skin