Private School News

Teddy Bears’ Picnic at St Hugh’s School

On Wednesday 13 May, St Hugh’s Prep School, in Old Hall Green, held an Open Afternoon and a special Teddy Bears’ Picnic to welcome the new Nursery and Reception children who will be starting in September.

The children (and parents) enjoyed their picnic bags, whilst Mel the Magician kept everyone entertained with spinning plates, balloon characters and magic tricks.

Current parents, families and friends from all year groups were also invited to look round the school and the children were proud to show them their work.

Mrs Jacqueline Hart, Head of St Hugh’s School said “It was a really fun afternoon and all the children had a wonderful time.”

Prep School Pupils help plant Hedge

On Friday 22nd May 2009 pupils from Kilgraston Preparatory School Upper Two class (P5) completed landscaping the ground around the school’s recently finished swimming pool complex. The girls planted the final shrub completing a hedge consisting of hazel, hawthorn, dog-rose and holly along the boundary with the neighbouring farm field, immediately behind the new pool.

Speaking at the occasion, Upper Two Form Teacher, Mrs Judith Carmichael said “the pupils were able to plant the hedge from the proceeds received from a sale of spring flowering bulbs, such as snow drops, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths, which took place during the autumn term. We sought advice from a local conservation expert as to which shrubs should be planted and we were able to start the planting process during the spring term prior to Easter. Hedges are an important part of our eco system. They encourage wildlife, birds and insects as they provide perfect habitats for these creatures. With farmers increasingly digging up hedges and removing other boundaries to extend fields and allow access to heavy agricultural machinery, we have seen in recent years a complete change to the rural landscape. The Government is keen to see as many new hedges planted as possible and Kilgraston is delighted to play a role in helping to enhance the environment.”

Success with the Howell’s Equestrian Team – winning at Gadlas Inter Schools Show Jumping Competition.

The annual Gadlas Inter-Schools Challenge, held at Southview Arena in Cheshire, saw the ‘Howell’s Horrors’ taking first place in the hotly contested 2’3″ class. The team consisting of Georgina Clark (riding Sinva), Abigail Bevan (Cyril) and Charlotte Rowlands (Wilma), beat 11 other teams from schools in Cheshire, Shropshire and Wales, to take first place on a remarkable score of zero jumping penalties. Howell’s Hoppers (Lucinda Harris, Nicole Evans, Alexa Rowlands and Robyn Cannell) were 5th in the same class, narrowly missing out on the prizes.

The 2’9″ class was contested by an amazing 24 teams and the Howell’s Hooligans missed 4th place by a few time penalties, with only one fence down between them. Well done, Beatrice Jones, Natalie and Stephanie Hughes and Naomi Adey-Jones! The Howell’s Heroes (Hanni Frankland, Francesca Bradley, Katie Kent and Megan G Jones) also finished 8th with onlty2 fences down in a very close and exciting competition.

It was a great day, with fantastic team spirit and great performances for all. Well done to all horses, ponies and riders!

The Great Balloon Race

Following the release of balloons for the The Great Balloon Race on Howell’s School birthday party on May 11th, reports have been coming in from Holland and Ireland of balloons tickets being found there.

There is a prize for the balloon which travels the furthest.

Lancing College: Open Farm Sunday 7th June

Sunday 7th June, 1.00 – 3.00pm

A rare opportunity for members of the public to take a tour of the Lancing College Farm Project

Lancing College is one of the few schools in this country to include a working farm on its estate. Derek Cleaver, the Farm Manager, a farmer with forty years experience, is on the board of the Sussex Farmers Association. He also runs the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Lancing. The farm is integral to this: vet work is used to teach skills and conservation and general farm work provides students with service. The Duke of Edinburgh himself considers this farm project to be unique.

On Open Farm Sunday Derek Cleaver will personally guide visitors round the Lancing College Farm, explaining in detail how it is run. They will see how food that we eat is grown and produced, as well as learning about pupil involvement in this scheme.

The Lancing College Farm is set on 40 acres of the estate, in countryside designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are chickens, sheep, pigs, ducks, rabbits and goats – and even alpacas.

The Lancing College Farm Project gives students a unique opportunity to take subjects such as Biology, Geography and Business Studies out of the classroom, and offers real ‘hands-on’ experience of a working farm. Students can broaden their interests within agriculture, ecology and veterinary science and learn about food sourcing, animal care and sustainability.

Students are also taught about wild life, their habitats and conservation as well as the importance of recycling. Paths, animal bedding and farm buildings have been created from disused materials from the College, including shredded paper, pallets and wood scraps.

As well as supplementing students’ studies, the farm presents exciting opportunities beyond the national curriculum. Lancing College runs an outreach programme in partnership with two special needs schools. Lancing sixth form students pass on their knowledge of animal care by assisting pupils from the special needs schools with simple tasks on the farm in weekly sessions.

Tim Loughton, MP for East Worthing and Shoreham, who has a particular interest in agriculture, will launch the occasion at 1.00pm.

Open Farm Sunday at Lancing College is part of a national initiative, organised by LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

Advance booking is essential for your visit on 7th June. Please contact Derek Cleaver, Farm Manager on 01273 465947 or 07979522638 to book your place.

Lambing
There are about 50 lambs this year. During lambing, Derek stays on site around the clock and he involves as many pupils as possible. The lambs grow strong from milk produced by grass rather than artificial food.

Rabbits
Lancing’s first rabbits came from the Rabbit Rescue Centre in Crowborough. The farm now gives its many baby rabbits to the Rabbit Rescue Centre, who sell them on, either as show rabbits or as pets. The money raised from these sales goes directly into rescuing more rabbits. Lancing College now boasts some magnificent breeds including Continental Giants, Lionheads, Lionhead Lops, Dutch and the rare Sussex breed.

Alpacas
There are currently seven alpacas on the farm. The fleece is sold to various spinning guilds all over the country, and the money raised goes back into the upkeep of the farm.

Sustainability and Conservation
Sustainability and conservation are key to Derek’s farm management. In a recent study, 43 species of plant life were found on a square metre untreated with chemicals on the Lancing College estate. This compares with 3 species found on a square metre of the same type of soil which has been treated.

Through the conservation of the Lancing estate, many species of wildlife are returning and flourishing.

Staines Prep Pupils Take Spelthorne French Twin Town Trip

Fourteen pupils represented Staines Prep School as part of the annual ‘Semaine Européenne’ in Spelthorne’s French twin town Melun, from the 3rd to 11th May with Claire Eastaugh, French co-ordinator at the school and Deputy Headmaster Malcolm Amiss.

The week in Melun is a European project which coincides with the commemoration of the end of the second World War, VE day, on May 8th.

The Year 5 Pupils attended a French school for two days, visited Paris for a day and worked on the theme of this year’s project, ‘La Musique,’ which culminated in a concert involving all the children in a Melun Theatre. An exhibition was also held to show work on the theme from each country – Germany, France, Italy, Spain, England, Slovenia, Poland and Greece.

Chief executive of Spelthorne Council Roberto Tambino and Mayor Simon Bhadye and his wife Candy were also present during the week, attending the ceremony, visiting the centre where the children stayed, and the show.

Ms Eastaugh said, “The children had a wonderful time, practising their French, Spanish and Italian amongst other languages and exchanging addresses with their European counterparts. The week is a wonderful opportunity to remind us of the importance of cultural exchanges and of solidarity with our European neighbours.”

Picture: Pupils from Staines Prep celebrate VE Day outside the Town Hall at Melun, Spelthorne’s twin town:

Left to right: Staines Prep School (SPS) Governor Bob Davies and his wife, Cathy Davies, SPS French Coordinator Claire Eastaugh, Mrs & Mr Roberto Tambini (chief executive of Spelthorne Borough Council), Mayoress and Mayor of Spelthorne Candy and Simon Bhadye.

SCIENCE SUCCESS AT NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

Science pupils at Nottingham High School have been celebrating after winning an array of awards in the first round of the International Chemistry Olympiad and the British Biology Olympiad – a national competition from which to select a team for the International Biology Olympiad.

Star pupil, Ted Pynegar, 18, gained a gold certificate in both biology and chemistry, the first gold in chemistry for four years, and received a special prize in recognition of this performance. Ted’s accomplishment in the biology competition also led to him being selected as one of four students, from over 1800 that entered, to represent the UK in the International Biology Olympiad in Japan this summer.

The International Chemistry Olympiad, run by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), saw over 2000 pupils take part nationally and involved a challenging written test of chemical knowledge, designed to stimulate debate, raise awareness of chemistry and help develop some of the skills required for university. In addition to Ted, Nottingham High School pupils Wenhao Li, 18, William Gee, 18, and Kieron Kumar, 18, walked away with silver awards.

For the British Biology Olympiad, 10 year 13 High School boys took part in round one of the competition which, like Ted, saw Richard Cassidy, 18, and Wenhao Li, 18, win gold. In addition, Simon Durrant, 18, Nick Johal, 18, and Craig Woods, 18, all gained silver while Ayan De, 18, won bronze. Having performed exceptionally well, Ted and Wenhao were then selected for round two of the competition at Birmingham University where they joined young biologists from across the UK. The three day event involved undertaking a series of theoretical and practical tests. From this stage, Ted was selected to represent the UK in Japan.

Gold, silver and bronze medal winners have been invited to receive their medals from Professor Steve Jones at Imperial College London in June.

“These are high profile competitions that attract a lot of tough competition and the boys have done both themselves and the school proud,” said Kevin Fear, headmaster Nottingham High School. “Ted in particular performed outstandingly and now faces an exciting challenge at the International Biology Olympiad. He is an asset to the school and we wish him and the rest of the UK team good luck in Japan.”

“I never imagined that I would get as far as I did in the Biology Olympiad competition, but now I have it really is a dream come true,” said Ted. “I am also interested in Japan as a country, so I am really looking forward to the international competition there in July.”

Year 9 camping challenge at Shiplake College

Selecting a spot amongst the nettles and flourishing vegetation to settle down for the night on Shiplake College’s very own mid-Thames Island has presented a challenge for Year 9 pupils this term.

Every House has taken the opportunity to bed down for the night after Mr Foakes has transported them across the river in his narrow-boat. With just tarpaulins and string boys have had to use their engineering skills and imagination to create a shelter that will keep them dry and warm for their overnight stay.

Cooking supper, sausages, loins of pork and jacket potatoes, on a BBQ is also part of the survival exercise. As the light fades the boys sit around the camp fires. Sometimes they chat, occasionally they sing but often they like to revive the age-old art of story-telling. Then next morning it is back to school for a shower and breakfast.

Thames Ditton Regatta success for Shiplake College

Shiplake College’s J14 octos had an excellent day, amongst the squally showers, at the Thames Ditton Regatta. The J14B octo put in a very strong performance and received a lot of acclaim on the day from onlookers. They convincingly beat Whitgift School in the first round and then drew Kingston Grammar School A crew in the Semi Final. Unfortunately they lost but not without a fight and they maintained good style and determination throughout the race.

The J14A octo were a true credit to the College. The timetable was very drawn out with 3 races set over 8 hours but the young rowers maintained their concentration and focus throughout a long day, looking well-turned out too.

In the first round they dominated Tiffin A and took an easy victory. In the Semi-Final they drew a very strong crew from Dulwich College. They soon realised that Dulwich were not going to be an easy adversary to beat and yet the boys rose to the challenge with both crews level down the whole course. A final burst from Shiplake guided them to victory by a canvas.

In the final Shiplake drew St George’s College, second-placed crew at the Schools’ Head. Again the boys realised this would be tough and again they raised their game. They produced a spectacular race to beat St George’s by half a length, resisting an impressive push from St George’s in the final 100m. To quote the commentator, ‘the St George’s crew looked incredibly good; but the Shiplake crew looked exceptional’. The boys have won their first ever rowing pot and have had a confidence boost for National Schools Regatta at Nottingham.

Flt Lt Kate Simmonds from RAF Shawbury visits Howell’s School

Howell’s was visited by Flt Lt Kate Simmonds, a helicopter flying instructor from RAF Shawbury recently. Kate has held the rank of Capt in the Army, where she was also a helicopter instructor. She provided the girls with a fascinating insight into her career to date, including mountaineering in the Himalayas, and ski instructing in the Alps for the Army during the winter season.

Every pupil was able to sit at the controls of the Squirrel training helicopter and individually explained how the helicopter flew.

Salter’s Chemistry Competition success for Howell’s girls.

Four Year 8 pupils recently attended the Salter’s Chemistry Competition at Bangor University, one of 15 North Wales schools competing for the prestigious title.

The pupils are judged by not only their ability to do the experiments, but also their Chemistry knowledge, teamwork and efficiency.

Rhian Beesley, Francesca Bradley, Sarah Stewart and Caitlin Jones- Fullerton were thrilled to come first, and take the title as winners. Interestingly, Howell’s was the only all girls school in the competition.

Marist Preparatory School Support Childhood Cancer Charity

Pupils donate funds from their Easter Egg Raffle to the charity ‘Christopher’s Smile’
Sunninghill, Ascot, Berkshire, 12 May, 2009

Pupils at the Marist Preparatory School have donated a cheque for £226.62 to Mrs Karen Capel who, with her husband Kevin, is a founder of the childhood cancer charity ‘Christopher’s Smile’.
Infant and junior girls participated in an Easter egg raffle to support the charity which took place at the end of the spring term. Mrs Capel visited the school this week to speak to the girls about Christopher’s Smile and to thank them for all their hard work in raising the donation.

Christopher’s Smile was set up in October 2008 by Karen and Kevin Capel following the tragic death of their only son Christopher from medulloblastoma, an aggressive childhood brain tumour. The charity works in partnership with the Institute of Cancer Research to help find effective treatments for children who suffer from childhood cancers. Current treatments are designed for adults and can leave the children that survive cancer with devastating side effects. The money raised by the Marist Preparatory School will help fund a ‘Higher Scientific Officer’ who will test new drugs that may be suitable for providing more effective cancer treatments for children.

Mrs Capel explained that ‘25% of children diagnosed with cancer fail to survive as adult therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not targeted and were originally developed to treat adult cancers which behave differently to childhood cancers. Christopher’s Smile hopes to raise enough money to assist the paediatric drug development team at the ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) to develop the world’s first drug specifically for treating childhood cancers. This will mean improved survival rates and will limit the crippling side effects of current treatments.’

Mrs Jenny Peachey, Headteacher at the Marist Preparatory School said “As a school for young children, we have all been very moved by Christopher’s story and are full of admiration for the work Mr and Mrs Capel are doing in order to benefit young cancer sufferers. The pupils and staff at the school have been very glad to contribute to Christopher’s Smile and it has been a pleasure to welcome Mrs Capel to the school to hear more about the much needed work that the charity is involved in.”

Photo (from left): Karen Capel (founder of Christopher’s Smile), Jada Brevett, Hannah Brayshaw, Elizabeth Burn, Katie Walsham and Marist Prep teacher, Sue Johnson.

STONYHURST CHOIR BRIGHTENS A WET MAY DAY BANK HOLIDAY

STONYHURST’S choir cheered up a damp May Day Bank Holiday with an early morning concert, performed for parents, pupils and other members of the public.

In spite of the early hour, the 8am concert drew a good audience who listened to a variety of pieces in the college’s Top Refectory, after the wet weather forced a change of plan from the usual open air venue within the college’s amphitheatre.

The Schola Cantorum choir traditionally sing on the May Day Bank Holiday and this year their repertoire included: ‘Tanzen und Springen’ a German madrigal by Hassler; ‘Pastime with good company’ attributed to King Henry VIII; ‘Now is the month of Maying’ and ‘My bonny lass she smileth’ by Morley; ‘The silver swan’ and ‘Eternal ruler of the ceaseless round’ by Gibbons; ‘Cum decore’ by Susato and ‘Amor Vittorioso’, an Italian madrigal by Gastoldi.

The choir was conducted first by Yoann Belon, 15, from the Isle of Wight, and then by the Choir’s musical director and college organist, Dr Kevin Morgan.

After the concert the singers and audience sat down to a special breakfast in the refectory.

“Everyone enjoyed the early morning concert, it was a great way to start the day!” said Dr Morgan. “All the singers love to perform ‘Music for a May Morning’, it’s a very special part of the choir’s calendar.”

Picture caption: The Schola Cantorum choir performing at Stonyhurst College.

Student actresses scoop five trophies at the Maidenhead Drama Festival

Student actresses scoop five trophies at the Maidenhead Drama Festival and qualify for the All England Theatre Festival

Eleven students from the Marist Senior School have won five awards at the Maidenhead Drama Festival, which took place recently at the Norden Farm Centre for the Arts, Maidenhead.

The Year 12 students used both naturalistic and abstract styles in performing the drama ‘A Memory of Lizzie’ by David Foxton which explores the story of Lizzie Borden who was tried for the murder of her father and stepmother during the late 1800s. Although Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murder, she was believed by the majority of society to be guilty of the crime and her story has since become an infamous legend. The all female cast unwound the dark story of Lizzie through their focused and realistic portrayal of a range of characters from taunting playground children to adult witnesses relaying disturbing evidence during Borden’s trial.

The girls won the Maidenhead Youth Drama trophy for best performance in the under 21 age group, the Aubrey Harding trophy for best short play, the Frank Richard’s Cup and the Maidenhead Advertiser trophy. To cap all of these successes, the girls were delighted to hear that they had also won the Walter Rivers Cup plus the Roy Bates Memorial Fund and the chance to compete in the semi-finals of the All England drama competition taking place at the end of May.

The Marist actresses are a highly motivated and dynamic group at A-level and used varied styles and practitioner influences and techniques during their rehearsal process. Mrs Jane Harris who is head of drama at the Marist Senior School said “the Maidenhead Festival is such a big event with so many different competitors of all ages, the girls are really amazed to have done so well. They sustained their focus and characterisations throughout the performance and I really am very proud of each and every one of them.”

NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL PUPIL MAKES ENGLAND U16 INDOOR CRICKET SQUAD

Nottingham High School Pupil Anuj Dal, 12, has been selected to join the England U16’s Indoor Cricket Squad.

Invited to attend the U16 trials after having played in the National League Indoor Games at the U19 level, Anuj’s performance took the selectors by storm and led to his inclusion in the squad.

Anuj will now have the opportunity to be trained by an international coach over the next few months and, if he continues to impress, has the opportunity to represent England at the U16 Indoor Cricket World Cup which is being played in Australia in October.

Scott Boswell, director of cricket at Nottingham High School said, “This is a fantastic achievement for Anuj and we are all very proud of him. It’s particularly exceptional because he is still only 12 and half years old. The next few months are going to be very exciting for him.”

Lancing College hosts Science Challenge for Preparatory Schools

Lancing College has an outstanding Science Department, which gains excellent academic results and fosters links with major engineering companies and industry in the locality. It also hosts, annually, the very popular Science Challenge for Preparatory Schools. This year, 130 children, aged 10 – 11, from 11 preparatory schools will take part. The project is being masterminded by Dr Giles Preston, Head of Science at Lancing.

On arrival, the pupils will be welcomed by Jonathan Gillespie, Head Master, in Great School. They will then be divided into three groups to specialise in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. To make the venture more exciting, children from different schools will make up each team, so that the afternoon will involve both teamwork and individual effort.

The activities, which cannot be revealed at present, will challenge and entertain the pupils as well as encourage them to work together in solving spatial, analytical and communication problems.

After an hour, the teams’ results will be compiled by the Science department in order to come up with a winning team from each discipline. Each individual will also be graded and, by totalling these results, Dr Preston can also ascertain which school has produced the best budding scientists. The Science Challenge Shield will be presented to the winning school.

As a finale to the occasion, Dr Wendy Swarbrick, who teaches Physics and Chemistry at Lancing, will give the children a lecture on ‘Cool Science’ in Great School, ending with the creation of ice cream with liquid nitrogen. At the end of a very busy and memorable afternoon, the young scientists will be able to tuck in!

The preparatory schools taking part this year are Lancing Prep, Brambletye, Broadwater Manor, Dorset House, Feltonfleet, Great Walstead, Pennthorpe, St Aubyns, St Christophers, Sompting Abbotts and Vinehall schools.

GHANIAN DRUMS LAUNCH NEW PROJECT AT LWC

An inspiring Ghanaian drumming workshop led by Abass Nii Dodoo helped to launch Lord Wandsworth College’s partnership with a Ghanaian school.

Working under the guidance of Sabretrust charity, the project will see pupils and staff developing links with a school in Ghana. In the summer of 2011, a group from LWC will spend three weeks in Ghana working with the school and the local community.

Project leader Dave Machin said, ‘This exciting project will give pupils a chance to learn a great deal about life in Ghana. The drum workshop was excellent and Abass also gave an inspiring twist to morning assembly.’

The school held a Mufti Day to raise money that will be used for a specific task in Ghana in 2011.

Diana Awards

The Founder’s Day prize-giving ceremony at The Royal Alexandra and Albert School was particularly special this year. In addition to celebrating the achievement of pupils who received the School’s prizes, three pupils were presented with the nationally recognised ‘Diana Award’. Year 11 pupils, Calum Spink, James Ascough and Nadia Howell each received a Diana Award for their outstanding and selfless contribution to their community and for being positive role models.

Both Calum and James became Young Leaders when they left Scouts and have helped with organising activities and assisted with the meetings of Cubs and Scouts for 8th Reigate Scout Group. Scouter-in-Charge, Steve Robinson explained “Calum and James have provided invaluable support for the Scout Group. Nothing is too much trouble and they have been an excellent role model for the younger children in the Group.”

Nadia Howell has chalked up many achievements during her 9 years at the School. She is a talented singer, musician, and dancer and has also been an active participant in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. She is a ‘Peer Listener’ (having received training about how to listen to fellow pupils who have problems) and has helped many through difficult times. Housemistress, Ruth Turner says “Nadia shows great consistency, reliability and understanding and pupils know they can trust her.”

Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis said “Nadia is an inspiration to all young people at our School and, as Young Leaders in Scouts both Calum and James have earned the respect of those around them. The Diana Award is fitting recognition of their contribution to the community.“

The Diana Awards were presented by Councillor Peter Martin, Executive Member for Schools, Children and Youth Services at Surrey County Council.

STONYHURST PUPILS REPRESENT GREAT BRITAIN WITH WAR CEMETERY MEMORIAL DESIGN

PUPILS from Stonyhurst St. Mary’s Hall have been given the proud task of designing a fitting memorial at a new World War One war cemetery, in Fromelles, Northern France, created for the soldiers killed in a long forgotten battle.

Stonyhurst St. Mary’s Hall has been chosen to represent Great Britain in submitting artwork for the displays, along with schools from Australia and France.

The new cemetery has been in the headlines nationally this week. It is being created for individual graves of up to 400 British and Australian soldiers, who were killed in the 1916 Battle of Fromelles and buried by the Germans in mass graves.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) contacted Paul Garlington, Head of History at St. Mary’s Hall, the prep department at Stonyhurst, when they needed a memorial designing which will eventually be on permanent display in a new visitors’ centre at the cemetery.

This new war cemetery is being built after several years of painstaking research and investigation. Six mass graves – or burial pits – dating from the First World War have been identified at Pheasant Wood, near Fromelles in northern France. The pits, which have lain undisturbed since July 1916, are believed to contain the remains of between 250 and 400 British and Australian soldiers, buried behind German lines after the battle.

The British and Australian governments have asked the CWGC to oversee the operation to recover the remains and to create a new military cemetery at Fromelles for the soldiers’ reburial. The CWGC are also using DNA investigation techniques hopefully to track down families of the soldiers buried on the site.

“The panels will be fitted around the hoardings of the construction site of the new war cemetery and then moved to the permanent exhibition in the visitors centre when the work is finally completed,” said Paul Garlington. “The pupils are designing one large piece of artwork that will be viewed as a montage over 10 separate panels.”

Jacqueline Hines, Head of Art at St. Mary’s Hall, has been overseeing the design process undertaken by the pupils in Year 7. She said: “The brief from the CWGC focuses on ‘remembrance’ and the pupils have been reflecting on a tragic event and creating images that are dignified and respectful – a fitting memorial to the men whose lives were lost.”

Photo: Pupils at St. Mary’s Stonyhurst with their artwork.

ISGA UK Silver for RGSAO

RGS Worcester & The Alice Ottley School made Golf history recently at St Andrew’s, as the dynamic school came second in the Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA) UK finals.

Competing on the Fairmont St Andrew’s Pittocks Course as Regional Champions, the RGSAO team – Rudy Hercik, Jamie Hodges and Jake Payne – faced the very best UK competition and the elements to pull together and narrowly miss out on the team title and individual awards.

The best two gross scores from each team were added together to give the team score. This left RGSAO in second place at the end of day one, with a combined score of 159 (Hercik 76, Payne 83).

On the second day players went out in reverse leader board order. This meant that Rudy Hercik, the school’s number one, was in the final group. With a second round 74, Rudy came second in the individual competition by only one shot.

Jake Payne added a second round 82 to his first round 83 to give the school a final overall total of 315. This was good enough to beat two schools with golf academies – Millfield and Loretto – but not quite good enough to pip Wellington College to the title.

It was a magnificent achievement by the Worcester school in their first visit to the finals and an accolade that has put RGSAO golf on the national map.

The school has also now earned an invitation to next year’s finals.