Preserving Our Heritage

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I was delighted and honoured to join KES this September as the School’s archivist. I knew that the archive collection of one of the oldest schools in the country would be fascinating, and it has not disappointed so far!

Mrs Suzanne Keytes
KES Archivist

INTRODUCING OUR ARCHIVIST:

It is always a privilege to work with original and unique historical records. Having studied History at Warwick University, and then qualified as an archivist, I have worked in some major heritage institutions in my career, including the Houses of Parliament, the Women’s Library, Tate Britain and, most recently, as the Archivist at the Royal Albert Hall.

The KES archive collection includes letters, minute books, admission registers, photographs, pictures, books, over 100 years of The Edwardian magazine and much, much more. We also have the original charter, signed by Edward VI, which currently resides in the Bath Record Office.

It is my responsibility to ensure that the collective history of the School is preserved and looked after. I am now cataloguing the collection to identify any objects for conservation and to make the archives accessible to the wider school community – the pupils, the staff, the parents and to Old Edwardians.

One of the most thrilling things about being an archivist is opening boxes, not knowing what they contain, and discovering the stories that lie within. It is fascinating to see how the School (and education) has changed over the years.

I am keen to involve the pupils in bringing to life some of the fascinating stories that are in the KES archives. Archives are never boring, and there is lots of repackaging, cataloguing and research that needs to be done. Fantastic experience for those pupils thinking of studying History at university or interested in a career in heritage!

As we approach the School’s 475th Anniversary in 2027, it is important that the School can both appreciate and utilise these unique archives and the benefits they can bring to the School.

Mrs Suzanne Keytes
KES Archivist

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARCHIVE

FORMATION OF THE CADET CORPS

9TH MARCH 1900

126 years ago, at a meeting of the School Governors, the Headmaster, Edward Symons, produced a petition to request the formation of a Cadet Corps at the School, stating that forty-seven parents had signed it. This was partly influenced by the patriotic fervour of the Boer War.

The Governors agreed and the Cadet Corps at KES became one of the first in the West of England.

future prime minister opens new building

8TH MARCH 1974

52 years ago, the Multi-Purpose Hall at North Road was opened by Margaret Thatcher MP.

TECHNICAL THEATRE CLUB

Many people do not realise that there is a career in technical theatre. In fact, there are a wide range of jobs behind the scenes in theatre. In Tech Club we try to learn as much as possible about these career paths, and then in school productions, we put these roles into practice. We learn about the design process in lighting, sound, set and costume, as well as being able to explore the skills required to become a professional member of the stage management team.

Pupils involved in shows can take up assistant stage management or operational roles, which is a realistic starting point in theatre. These roles help enhance key skills such as time management, teamwork, organisation, knowledge of health and safety and problem solving. We learn about lighting and sound design and their operation, with many pupils then taking on associated roles during school events throughout the year to support our Upper and Lower School main productions, as well as Open Day events. Many of the skills learnt in tech club transfer to other clubs. For example, many of our members also join the CCF, where working together and problem solving are crucial key skills. Pupils have also used tech club as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award, or as part of their UCAS application form.

Technical Theatre Club

DRAMA FACILITIES

The Rose, our state-of-the art drama centre, incorporates two full-size studios and additional teaching/rehearsing spaces. The two-storey facility provides a hub for Drama at the Senior School and is used in conjunction with the established Wroughton Theatre as a specialist teaching setting for Drama and LAMDA lessons, as well as a performance venue in its own right.

Drama Facilities

GET IN TOUCH:

The Archive at King Edward’s School collects and preserves records relating to the School. Containing documents, photographs, newspaper cuttings, programmes, magazines, objects and records relating to the history of KES and its staff and pupils.

Our archivist is always keen to hear from people who have school materials or recollections that they wish to add to the School archives.

For any queries or donations to the archives, please contact:

Mrs Suzanne Keyte
Archivist
King Edward’s School
North Road, Bath BA2 6HU
Telephone: 01225 464313 Extn 212
Email: archives@kesbath.com