News

Raphael Samuel was a student at the King Alfred School in the early 1950s. He died in 1996. He spent most of his working life at Ruskin College, Oxford and was the author of several books such as, for example, ‘Theatres of Memory’ and ‘Island Stories.’ For the last seven years the History Department has organised an annual lecture in his memory and to keep alive his very particular ideas about history. We have had a number of historians, such as Barbara Taylor, Peter Claus and Toby Young, associated with the Raphael Samuel Archive, Bishopsgate Institute, in recent years. Before Ed Webb, former Head of History, left for the Demoratic Republic of the Congo, he asked  if I would like to give the 2012 talk as part of saying goodbye to the school. I am very happy to accept this invitation.

Dermot Allen.

The following news is from the architects of the Fives Building, Walters and Cohen:
‘We have some good news to share. The Fives Building has been shortlisted by the BCSE for Excellence in Design for Teaching and Learning – Independent and International.The award ceremony  is on the 21st June.’
Best wishes
Michal
Michal Cohen

Sandrine Rodrigues  (Modern Foreign Languages) has sent the following up-date ;

‘Hello everyone,
I just wanted to say a big thank you to the people who have already made a donation. The race is in less than a month now and my training is going well. If you haven’t done so yet, please take a minute to visit my page and help me raise more money for Cancer Research UK. Thank you for your support.’

http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sandrinerodrigues

Kat Grant (Head of ICT and Computing) is advertising the following clubs:

The Art work of the GCSE students will be on display on the 17th May between 17.30 and 19.30 in the Middle and Upper School Art Room. All are welcome.

Today is the last day before the GCSE exams for Year 11 students.They have all turned up in fancy dress and have had a special breakfast. Later at the end of the day there will be a BBQ and a rounders match with the staff.

‘The Writer’s Pen’ – The creative writing group for Upper School students had its first meeting on the 10th May and will be meeting on a monthly basis.

The annual Year 9 Rowing Trip will be from the 17th May to the 19th inclusive; the students will be rowing from Abingdon to Reading accompanied by staff.

Sandrine Rodriguez (Middle and Upper School Modern Foreign Languages) has forwarded the following message:
‘I’ve decided to enter the Race for Life taking place in a month in Hampstead to help raise money for Cancer Research UK. Over the last few years I have lost close friends and we’ve also lost colleagues to cancer and I have felt very useless so that it why I’ve entered the race and will be running in their memory. I am hoping to raise money to help with the research so please visit my page, http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sandrinerodrigues, and help if you can, any donation is welcome.
Thank you for your support.’

Sandrine.

Following recent parental requests, Council members are pleased to make themselves available to answer questions about Council or the King Alfred School Society on a drop-in basis.  Meetings will be held during the summer term on the first and third Friday of each month. The May meetings will take place in the Old Library on:  May 4  9:00 – 10:00 May 18    3:00 – 4:00  As always, Harriet Wilson, chair of Council, is happy to answer questions or arrange to meet with parents by appointment.  She can be contacted at harrietw@kingalfred.org.uk.

Cynthia Rousso.

On Saturday 3oth June Grace Davidson (Old Alfredian) will be singing in a choral concert in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubiliee as part of the Proms at St. Jude’s (Central Square, London NW11 7AH). The following information has been forwarded:

‘The Cavendish Singers and Ensemble of the John Lewis Partnership with Manvider Rattan, conductor, and Grace Davidson, soprano, will give a concert to honour Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee with music from her coronation and others. ‘

‘Grace represents the new generation of outstanding Baroque singers.’ (David Sonin)

Miffy Wilson (Middle and Upper School P.E) has sent the following report on an event that allowed the successful mixing and interaction of year groups; the kind of activity that is very much part of our ethos (see page 9 of the Framework).

‘Yesterday my form (8CM) ran a ‘KAS has talent’ event for Year 3 and 4. The afternoon was a total success.  The variety and level of talent was excellent, including singing, dancing, gymnastics, comedy acts, magic tricks and playing musical instruments. Special thanks goes to our presenters for the afternoon – Jessica Leeney and Hope Palmer. The judges were Leah Gavshon Sarah, Louis Starkey and Anais Thomopoulou, who were very positive throughout. We reaised around £100.00 for Ratu Meli Memorial School in the Yasawas, Fiji!. Well Done to everyone involved.’

Miffy Wilson (Middle and Upper School PE) has demonstrated how our avoidance of competition does not preclude success in sport:

‘After fifteen plus matches over two terms, both Year 7 and 8A Netball teams have finished first in their league. As a result of this, both teams entered the league play offs on Tuesday the 27th of March 2012. For the first time ever, both teams won all their matches to gain the title of Barnet Team Champions 2012. It was a fantastic afternoon, and the girls were the perfect in play, attitude, and sportsmanship!’

And special thanks to Kat Grant for support and coaching on the day.

Anouskha Morrison, Year 13, has organised a number of friends to walk and raise money for the The North London Hospice She has provided the following details:

‘Thanks for taking the time to visit our JustGiving page.

A bunch of us are grouping together to take part in North London Hospice’s ‘Big Fun Walk’ on Sunday 1st April 2012 to raise money and show our support for The North London Hospice.

Noush, Kieran, Alex and Josh’s Story: Our Mum and Kieran’s wife passed away at this Hospice on the 13th February 2011. She spent her last 10 days there and we would not have been able to get through it without such loving staff and wonderful facilities they offer.

www.justgiving.com/remembering-tania

Dylan Viljoen (Middle and Upper School, Science) and Katharina Grant (Head of ICT and Computing) will be raising money for cancer research. Dylan has provided the following information:

‘In October, Kat and I will be running the NIKE Run to the Beat half marathon in Greenwich.

Over the past year, I have lost an aunt, a close family friend, and we have all lost Joan (Former Head of Geography) to Cancer. In memory of them, I will be raising funds for the World Cancer Research Fund on my page here: www.justgiving.com/dylanv

I know there is always fundraising going on, but any little amount you can help with will be a great contribution!’

Lula Ashdown in Year 7 has been succesful in a short story competition organised by the Leukemia Society and has come first in her category. The story will be included in a book to be published by the Society in order to raise funds for research into leukemia. Mia Young who is also in Year 7 was shortlisted for the same category. They have both been invited to an awards ceremony on the 20th of April in Enfield.

This project was originally organised and guided by Debby Turner, the former head of Drama.