Competitive nature
I often hear the phrase ‘it’s not that we are competitive at King’s, it is just that we like winning!’ in the midst of all those term time conversations around our beautiful campuses. The ironic self-deprecation is always part of the King’s psyche, but there is also the principle, central to the underlying ethos at King’s, that kudos, credit and praise are given to all pursuits across the broad brush tapestry of endeavour. The prize winning research project for Astronomy is as equally celebrated as the exciting victories that the boys 1st rugby XV and the girls Under 16 hockey XI enjoyed against Eastbourne College on Saturday.
The outstanding playing of our Symphony orchestra and the singing by our Crypt Choir in the Cathedral are nationally, and sometimes internationally, recognised, but there are many other aspects of the King’s education as illustrated by the debating team’s successes, the drama (particularly as we embark on the ground-breaking Malthouse Performing Arts centre), the very high numbers of pupils involved in the Partnerships programme and the CCF Contingent. We like competing across all aspects of co-curricular life at the highest level, for that is one of the things that makes us different. And ‘NO’: we are not going to introduce non-contact sport on health and safety grounds, for we are very proud and highly professional in making sure that all our sporting and outdoor challenges are very carefully monitored and regulated. What we cannot do is wrap up our children in cotton wool.