News and Events

Second World War Evacuation Theme Day for Year 4

King's College Murcia — 2012-05-18T09:25:55+00:00

Evacuation Day- 17th May 2012

This term Year 4 has been studying the home front in Britain during the Second World War. In order to add value to their curriculum and engage in interactive learning, the class took part in a Second World War themed evacuation day.

The children were invited to come to school dressed as evacuees. They also carried a suitcase holding all of their belongings for the long journey from the cities to the countryside. On arrival, the children made ID cards, tags for their necks and were issued with ration and clothing books for them to fill in throughout the day.

Once they were well and truly transported back in time, they took part in a blackout and listened to an air raid siren. They described the sound of the siren as ‘scary’ and imagined what it would be like in real life. Afterwards, in true British spirit, the class enjoyed a calming cup of tea and a biscuit. For some of the children it was the first time they had had a cup of tea out of a tea-pot and it received mixed reviews.

In order to further empathise with children during the Second World War, Year 4 were given a talk about the concentration camps in Poland and watched a diluted version of the film ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, with Señorita Maravillas.

During play time the children were encouraged to play 1940’s games. These games included skipping and running alongside a hoola-hoop and keeping it upright with a stick. It was a lot trickier than they had originally envisioned!

During the afternoon, Nurse Ann Sinclair joined the class to talk about rationing and nutrition during the War and beyond. The children were surprised to find that children during the Second World War and even into the 1950’s had so little to eat. It was further explained that even though they had so little to eat, children were healthier then as their diets were more nutritionally balanced than our diet today. Food for thought indeed!

Lastly, the Headmaster brought all his great grandfather´s and his grandfather´s medals, badges and buttons to look at. Mr Silk explained the story of them, including the Iron Cross 1st Class that his greatgrandfather had torn from the neck of a dead German soldier on the first day of the Battle of the Somme; a battle for which he received the Military Cross. They were grusome times indeed!

Overall, the day was both enjoyable and educational. The objective was for the children to empathise and to understand what life was like for children in the Second World War, by living it. I believe that we achieved this objective and that the children will be talking about it for many years to come, lest we forget.

Charity Clothes Collection, May 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-05-17T14:59:02+00:00

Due to the inspiration of one of our parents, Mrs Tatjana van der Plank, over the past few weeks we have been having a charity clothing collection for our local homeless and for Caritas. The collection is ongoing, but at last count (14^th May 2012), according to Tatjana: “To give you an idea: the parents have donated, up until now, 280 shirts, 130 trousers, 85 dresses, 63 coats and some other items such as shoes. Four complete families have been helped out now and the rest went to Caritas. I saw they had hardly any clothes on stock, so they are very happy with the contribution of the school.”

The clothes collection will continue into June, so if you still have unused clothes in your cupboards then put them in the beautifully designed box in the reception. Well done to everyone for being so generous and thinking of those less fortunate than us.

Key Stage 3 Inter-House Debating Final, 3rd May 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-05-08T09:13:04+00:00

Over the last couple of weeks a number of Years 7 to 9 pupils have been learning how to debate and compete for the Inter-House Debating Trophy. With the help of a supporting teacher pupils have first researched a topic and followed this up by debating a motion. The boys and girls put in a superb effort to debate a series of challenging topics and the arguments and questions presented from the floor really added to the occasions.

The final saw a vigorous debate over the motion: “This house believes that Spain should abandon the Euro and return to a national currency”. The event was scored by two judges, Mr Silk and Miss Joanne Shreeve, with 15 marks available from each judge for the proposer, 10 marks for the seconder, 5 marks for the response from the floor and 10 marks for the summariser. While Gaudi Hose performed especially strongly in response to the floor, it was the overall lucidity of delivery and coherence of argument that ensured Newton House Triumphed in the event by 60 pts to 52 pts.

Well done to all the competitors, but especially to the Newton Team of Gregor Heath (Y9), Alba Morgan (Y9) and Aimée Stanton (Y7).

Costa Blanca Performing Arts Awards, 29th April 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-05-08T08:48:16+00:00

On Sunday 29th April 2012, the budding Stars of the region descended on King’s College to perform their audition in front of the judges for the Costa Blanca Performing Arts Awards. King’s College teamed up with the Ghost Academy for the first time to see young musicians, dancers and singers compete for a series of awards. There was some great talent on show and everyone enjoyed the day. The team of technicians and judges arrived before 8am to set up and performances began at 9.30am and went on right up to 5.30pm, when the winners were announced.

King’s College pupils managed to triumph in all the categories they entered for. Well done to Lily Hewson (Y10), and Esperanza Saura (Y8) and Daniel Carrión (Y7) who were winners in their categories. Well done also to Kayln Coleman (Y10) who finished a close second to Lily. The full list of winners can be seen below. We look forward to entering more participants in the event next year and hope it can be held at the school again.

A big thank you to Mr Stefan Rumistrzewicz and Mr Ewen McIntyre who gave up their day to work as judges.

Junior dance Champion Tamara Anderson

Senior dance champion Ella Rainford

Actor of the year Rebecca Brown

Senior Vocalist Lily Hewson

Adult dance champion Natalie Bruce

Senior Dance Troups Julie Bruce Trio

Senior dance groups Julie Bruce group

Band of the year Lavery

Junior dance troup Louise Bremner troup

Senior Musician Jac Bentley

Junior Vocalist Daniel Carrion Santamaria duet with Esperanza Saura Gisbert

Dance Improvisation Ella Rainford

Most promising performer Ella Rainford

Highest mark of festival Lavery

Duke of Edinburgh´s Expedition, 13-15 April 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-04-23T10:21:02+00:00

Friday the 13^th April 2012 saw nine adventurous pupils from Years 9, 10 & 11 depart for a challenge of a lifetime on their Bronze qualifying expedition. Heading North East into the region of Valencia, the pupils caught their first sight of the 1408m mountain, Puig Campana, just across from Benidorm- the mountain they would climb the following day. It seemed an impossibility at this point, and several said that there was simply ‘no way’!

However, the following day, five hours after setting off, each and every pupil was able to enjoy the breathtaking view from 1408m, albeit slightly obscured by the bad weather, and relish in the success of reaching the summit. The descent was a daunting experience down a narrow path in high winds and heavy rain; but once on lower ground we were blessed with better weather and were able to dry out completely before making it back to the cars for the short drive to camp.

The second evening in camp was a slightly quieter affair, with everyone feeling tired yet exhilarated from the day’s challenge. Pupils prepared their evening meals, and checked routes for the following day, whilst the accompanying adults were able to appreciate the local paella.

The second day’s walking brought a different challenge, scrambling up to a height of 732m through shrub covered and rocky terrain. Yet again the pupils worked impressively as a team, looking for the best routes up, helping and encouraging each other all of the time. Miss Harrison even appreciated Zach’s helping hand up over the last rock to the summit. An easy downhill walk back to the cars followed and then it was off back to school.

Benidorm from the summit- come back clouds!

Well done to all those who took part and congratulations on passing the expedition section of the Bronze International Award.

Bronze qualifying participants: Shea Toomey (Y9), Zachary Begg (Y9), Lily Hewson (Y10), Caitlin Bennett (Y10), Hannah Muskett (Y10), Samantha Klein Reches (Y11), Kato Sumner (Y11), Harry Metcalfe (Y11). Bronze Practice participant: Gregor Heath (Y9)

A big thank you to accompanying adults: Mark Powell, Mark Shaw, Francisco (Paco) Jimenez Asencio, David Ward Campbell, Rachel Harrison and our assessor Mr Robin Silk.

2nd Art Exhibition at King's College, Thursday 19th April 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-04-13T08:57:25+00:00

THE SECOND ART EXHIBITION AT KING’S COLLEGE, MURCIA, 19^TH APRIL TO 26 JUNE 2012

Following on from the hugely successful exhibition by Eppo Cardelo, King’s College, Murcia launched its second Art Exhibition on 19^th April at 5pm. Drinks and tapas were served. The gallery will be open to the public on week days for the rest of the exhibition, until 26th June, with the exception of the holiday period 30 April-2 May. The gallery will be open every day from 10am until 5.30pm for visitors (come in and get a pass).

Here is a brief resume and some photos of the artists’ work:

PEDRO JOSÉ GARCÍA ANDREO – Sculptor

Pedro Jose Garcia Andreo is a local Sculptor from Cartagena who mainly works with metals and has exhibited in Spain and the rest of the world. His work raises at to its maximum expression and is polished, formed and deformed to give the required texture and extract a symbolism, according to the message. He is often inspired by nature and employs sources where the Italian Renaissance artists carried wisdom, aware that art redeems us, reflects sorrows and seduces us with images that could well be attributed to the gods.

STANISLAV MAJOROSI - Painter

Stanislav Majorosi is a Slovakian Artist now living and working in Algezares, Spain. This is going to be his first exhibition abroad (out of Slovakia) and one dedicated to pure painting. His art is full of colour, with elements of graphic techniques. It is urban-street art made in the interior. The art is exciting, modern and incorporates messages, simultaneously both youthful and sagacious.

A View from the Bridge, Wednesday 28th and Friday 30th March 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-03-30T11:44:43+00:00

In the forward to the play programme the Headmaster, Mr Silk wrote:

Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, first performed in 1955, brings to light the darker underside of life during the seemingly uninterrupted boom years of post-war America. Tackling the issues of illegal immigration, racism and the underworld of crime in this thriving city, the play highlights the juxtaposition of unbridled wealth and dire poverty so neatly encapsulated by that marvellous view from that most iconic of bridges. With the riches of Wall Street, and the art deco skyscrapers of Lower Manhattan on one side and the rather less salubrious tenements of South Brooklyn and the Lower East Side abutting the East River on both sides of the bridge the ‘big apple’ was, as ever, a world of distinctly contrasting images. Set in the South Brooklyn suburb of Red Hook the play is a roller-coaster ride of emotions and certainly not for the faint hearted. Key to all Miller’s plays, though, was the intensity of his characterization and I am absolutely sure you will be caught up in the tension of a gripping drama before the night is over. I hope you enjoy the evening.

All certainly did enjoy the evening and morning performances put on by Year 9s and 10s, who belied their years to produce something spectacular. Certainly we were riveted to our seats, as a compelling story, brilliantly cast and directed, was played out on the stage in front of us. Led by Robbie Heath (Year 10), who played an outsanding Eddie, the performances of the 14 and 15 year old pupils were superb. A big congratulation to all the cast and stage crew and huge thank yous to respectively Mr Green for his work on the set and publicity and to our co-directors- Mr Ian Farnes and Mrs Rhiannon Williams. Well done to everyone and what an advert for the performing arts in the school.

Year 2 Trip To Granja Park, Wednesday 28th March 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-03-30T11:37:04+00:00

Y2 Visit to Granjapark

Y2 had a fantastic day out on Wednesday 28^th March, when they went to Granjapark in La Union. It was an action packed fun day with the children taking part in a wide range of activities including gardening and bread making. They also made a perfumed air freshener and learnt about the animals at Granjapark. Danny, Santi and Bea were the children’s monitors and were excellent with the children, making sure that all the children were listening and learning, as well as having fun!

The afternoon was finished off with some face painting and a disco, which was attended by a dancing cow! It was a fantastic day out which was enjoyed by all.

King's College Road Race, 27th March 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-03-30T11:20:12+00:00

CERVANTES TRIUMPH

What a superb event once again, with the colourful Road Race taking place on La Torre Golf Resort. The Primary children went once round the track, completing 3km and the Secondary pupils completed two laps of the rack: 6km in total. All the teachers were out there, keeping a close watch on proceedings and the local police were out in force to provide added security. Nurse Ann manned a first aid station and water station at the half way point and Mrs Williams welcomed the finishers with water and their time. In the meantime Mr Silk and Mr Rumistrzewicz were on their bicycles racing around meting out plasters and water to those in need. It was a hugely successful event and particularly impressive were the following pupils:

Matthew Marsden (Year 10)- overall winner and course record for the second year in a row.

María Teresa Cassinello Parra (Year 11)- first girl home

Harry Morgan (Year 7)- second and still only in Year 7

Connor Brall (Year 7)- third and still only in Year 7

Juan Carlos Peleato Ojeda (Year 6)- first in Primary

Lucia Doval Galíndo (Year 4)- first girl in Primary

Emilio de Teresa Sanchez (Year 3)- second and still only in Year 3

and

Charlie Hunt (Year 5) who halved his time from last year.

Interestingly, the house who produced the winners of both the Primary and Secondary event (Newton House) came last overall. The winner was Cervantes House, showing that it all boils down to the team who were able to demonstrate that 'you are only as good as your weakest member.' Another important outcome of the day was the sponsored effort of many children, raising money and awareness for a Skin Cancer Charity. Something in excess of €500 was raised for the skin cancer charity. Well done to those who made the effort to collect sponsorship money. Lastly, a big thank you to Mr Whitaker for organizing and running another excellent day.

Easter Fayre 2012

King's College Murcia — 2012-03-27T12:17:26+00:00

On Friday 23rd March 2012, exactly one week prior to the end of term, we had another superb community event, which raised over €800 for charity. A series of stalls, bouncy castles and other entertainments were on show and all the people involved seemed to really enjoy themselves. Particularly impressive and led by Rupert (Year 6) and Anna James (Year 5) was the stall raising money for sport relief- they raised €116 for Sport Relief. Rupert and Anna had, only the week before, given an excellent presentation in assembly on the charity and their plans. Impressively, overall, there was an additional amount in excess of €700 raised for our local Red Cross in San Pedro del Pinatar. Smaller amounts, unknown to us, were raised in collection boxes for our local animal rescue centres.

The event was concluded by an EYFS and Key Stage 1 Easter Bonnet Competition. The hats on display were simply superb and demonstrative of the vast efforts put in by parents and children alike. The winners were Lucía Cano Martínez, Daniel, Victoria and Mercedes Martínez Madrid (a family award), Ana Rayos Galindo, Luis Hernandez Wierzbicki, Alvaro Tortosa Pagan and Victoria Moreno Beltran. However, judged by the SLT of Mr Silk, Mr Rumistrzewicz and Mrs Wood, it was an almost impossible task. To be honest, there could have been 30 winners- the children looked superb.

A big thank you to all the parents who got involved and especially Horacio Alustiza and Lorena García for once again providing the bouncy castles and a huge thank you to Mrs Wood for her superb organisation.