Private School News

Bedford Modern School brings early festive cheer to local senior citizens

Bedford Modern School hosted their annual Christmas Party for senior citizens at the School on Saturday 28th November. The Christmas Party is part of the rich and long tradition that BMS has of serving the local community.

From midday to late afternoon, BMS Sixth Form students and staff donned full seasonal attire, to provide food, drink and entertainment to over 130 guests. Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon, commenting particularly on the high standard of Bedford Modern School student performances which included dancing, choral singing and a festive sing-a-long at the piano with BMS Headmaster, Mr Stephen Smith.

One of the guests thanked Bedford Modern School for the entertainment provided adding, “This is by far the best Christmas dinner I’ve ever had!” A raffle, hosted by Santa Claus himself, with donated presents from BMS staff and students to be won, rounded off a brilliant day.

Bedford Modern School also run a regular “Drop In” for senior citizens on certain Friday afternoons during term-time at the School. Whilst not on the same scale as the Christmas Party, tea and cake and entertainment are provided and the visitors always have a very pleasant afternoon socialising with each other and BMS Sixth Form students.

The next “Drop In” will take place on Friday 8th January 2010 at 2.30pm in the Rutherford Building at Bedford Modern School and more details can be obtained by contacting the School on 01234 332500.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Christmas Party brings festive cheer to local senior citizens

Student awarded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

Evie Paterson, student at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and member of the British Junior Eventing Team in 2009, has been awarded the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS). Her seven year old horse, Direct Supreme, has also been put on the Equine Pathway.

TASS is a Government funded programme which supports and fast-tracks young sporting talent. Evie submitted her application to the British Eventing Federation in August 2009 who in turn recommended Evie to be considered for TASS. Evie learnt that she had been awarded the TASS at the end of November. The award runs until the end of 2010 and will provide Evie with financial support for Eventing together with a tailored package of services and training facilities. The Equine Pathway looks for world-class and medal winning horses and identifies horses through results linked to different age groups or through viewing of the horses. Its aim is to have horses compete and challenge for medals at the 2012 Olympic Games, 2014 World Equestrian Games and 2016 Olympic Games. Evie and Direct Supreme will benefit from free support and training with the Olympic trainers in order to reach their full potential.

Evie successfully combines her busy Eventing schedule with her life at College where she is an Academic and Sports Scholar. She will be taking A Levels in English, French, History and Maths next summer, is a keen member of the College Debating Team and regularly represents College at Hockey.

Evie said, ‘It is such an honour to have been recognised as a talented athlete worthy of the award particularly because I had heard that TASS were reducing the number of awards given to Eventers this year. I am absolutely thrilled. Next season I will be aiming Direct Supreme at his first Two Star and at the British Junior Team for the Junior European Championships in 2010.’

Photo: Evie Paterson on Direct Supreme at the British Junior Championships in Norfolk

Green Awards help children grow Staines Preparatory School wins Gold for Middlesex

Staines Preparatory School, in Staines, Middlesex has been awarded their gold award by the Woodland Trust for getting involved in green activities including tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling.

The new initiative launched this year by the Woodland Trust offers schools the opportunity to bring the great outdoors, the wonderful world of wildlife and green issues into the classroom with a range of resources and a new award scheme.

The Green Tree Schools Award scheme rewards schools every time they participate in inspirational learning events, projects or initiatives provided by the Woodland Trust. Schools win this award for participating in green activities, which include tree planting, reducing carbon emissions and recycling. Staines Preparatory School has planted new trees in their school grounds and the children have grown trees from seeds, as well as recycling Christmas cards, visiting a woodland, reducing their carbon emissions and joining in various other Woodland Trust activities.

Karen Letten, schools development officer, said: “The scheme promotes a range of opportunities, each designed to stimulate a child’s imagination and sustain their interest in nature. The achievements of the school are recognised through an awards scheme in which they receive points for taking part in activities. As they reach milestones within the project they will receive bronze, silver and finally an attractive wooden plaque which acknowledges they’ve achieved the environmental accolade of a gold award.”

Staines Prep science teacher Derek Heath said “we are very grateful to the Woodland Trust for their support and would recommend their excellent website to all who are interested in teaching children about woodland habitats. It is great to see the children actively involved in a project which will go on growing for many decades to come and to see their pride in being given a gold award for their efforts”.
To take part schools simply register at www.naturedetectives.org.uk/award and can start earning points immediately. These are a few of the many different ways to do this:

• Participate in a tree planting event
• Receive free trees for your school grounds
• Recycle Christmas cards, mobile phones or inkjet cartridges with the Woodland Trust
• Reduce CO2 emissions
• Register with Nature Detectives
• Join the Ancient Tree Hunt

Karen continues: “This is pick ‘n’ mix conservation. Teachers and children choose from a range of activities to suit their interest and priorities at any given moment.

“Schools embark on a real journey of discovery with us and, along the way, will also be working toward achieving other recognised environmental awards such as Eco Schools.”

The Woodland Trust’s learning team provides a range of resources for both primary and secondary schools. Most activities are available free of charge and further details can be found at www.naturedetectives.org.uk

Fine art on display for launch of new school facility

Music from the String Ensemble at Mount St Mary’s College greeted guests at the opening of the school’s stunning new Art and Design department.

Visitors enjoyed refreshments at the launch before watching a performance of Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art’ by three members of Mount St Mary’s Senior Drama Society.

The new department, officially opened by headmaster Mr Laurence McKell, features light-filled studios designed to inspire pupils to engage in a wide range of artistic endeavours including fine art, textiles, 3D design and photography.

Mr Laurence McKell, head teacher of the Derbyshire school, said: “It was wonderful to see our three creative arts departments combining for a wonderful evening showcasing the wealth of artistic talent at Mount St Mary’s.

“As well as studying art and design as exam subjects, pupils are encouraged to explore their artistic talents through the many activities run by members of the department.

“This means that all pupils can continue to enjoy art even if they have chosen other subjects at GCSE or A Level. Former pupils have gone on to a variety of careers in the design world, often after studying for art degrees at college and university.”

Photo: (L-R) Art and design technology teachers Mrs Clare White, Mrs Penny Woodhouse and Mrs Lynn Lovatt-Jones.

BILTON GRANGE PREPARATORY SCHOOL TO OFFER 100% BURSARY

Subject to the Headmaster’s discretion, the value of the bursary could rise to 105%

The Headmaster of Bilton Grange Preparatory School, in Dunchurch, Warwickshire announced today that a bursary of 100% of the school fees will be available, subject to assessment, to families of children entering the school in September 2010. This is in addition to existing bursaries, which are available to cover a percentage of the school fees. Families with children aged from 4 years old, who believe they would benefit from an education at the school or who might have a flair for Music, Drama, Sport or Art are encouraged to apply.

Furthermore, subject to the discretion of Peter Kirk, the Headmaster of Bilton Grange, this bursary may be extended to 105%, to ease the financial burden of uniform or the cost of extra curricular activities.

Full details of how to apply are available in the first instance on the school’s website www.biltongrange.co.uk, or by contacting Jonathan Hewat, the School Registrar, however, candidates’ skills in certain academic subjects will be assessed, and the award will be made according to financial need through a confidential means testing process. This will be undertaken by the Finance Manager at Bilton Grange, and will be in accordance with the Independent Schools’ Bursars’ Association guidelines.

Wednesday 3rd February 2010 is the closing date for bursary applications, which may be made by any family with a child over the age of 4 at any school in the country. Successful applicants will be asked to attend a bursary selection day on Saturday 6th February 2010, where academic tests and interviews will take place, together with a tour of the school and an opportunity for parents to meet school staff, current pupils and the Headmaster.

Peter Kirk, Headmaster of Bilton Grange commented;

“The announcement of this bursary underlines our commitment to children being able to realise and fulfill their potential at Bilton Grange, whatever their family’s financial circumstances. Bilton Grange is one of the few private schools in the country to offer a full fees bursary, and with a discretionary additional 5% also available, it demonstrates that we are acutely aware of the financial pressures families can be under during a child’s education.

“Beyond the excellent facilities, small class sizes and specialist teaching staff, I believe that a Bilton Grange education provides the best possible all round education for our pupils, whether in the classroom, the music room or on the sports pitches. We are extremely fortunate to be able to offer this exceptional bursary to a child who would benefit from such an education, but whose family may not otherwise be able to afford it. “

Stonyhurst stages Sweeney Todd musical

Stonyhurst College’s major production this year was Sweeney Todd, the award-winning musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim. David Mann (17, from Hurst Green) was a darkly menacing ‘Demon Barber of Fleet Street’, who returns to London after 15 years’ transportation on false charges and vows revenge. His grisly throat-cutting activities were lightened by a hilarious Mrs Lovett, brilliantly played by Natalie Crouch (17, from Hurst Green) and the entire cast acted and sang with skill and energy. An excellent set, lighting and costumes all created a macabre corner of Victorian England. The show’s Director, Miss Johanna Egar, Head of Theatre Studies at Stonyhurst said, “They’ve all worked very hard and I’m very proud of them all.”

Recyclable Fashion

Hurst Lodge School, Ascot encourages environmental awareness through their Green Team of Form Representatives. Each academic year the pupils are set challenges to ensure the School remains eco-friendly and the pupils are aware of sustainability. The latest challenge was to produce an article of fashion from recyclable materials. The competition was fierce between the years and entries were received from across the age ranges. The designs were sometimes outrageous, sometimes demure but always inventive. Old newspapers, material, carrier bags, foil, paper and numerous other materials were used in these creations.

The whole school watched the show during assembly and the event was such a success that later in the school year Hurst Lodge intends to host a workshop for local schools to encourage creativity and environmental awareness. Parents of the children taking part will then be invited to an evening fashion show where the work created during the day will be on display.

Winners of the fashion show were Year 11 although all entrants deserve praise for their endeavours.

Miss Smit the Principal congratulated everyone on their hard work and their ingenuity and said that she believed that this would have to become a regular occurrence in the school diary. She was particularly fascinated by the shoes that had been created out of old bits of carpet, woven plastic bags, tin foil and old bras.

PUPILS PERFORM FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY IN LONDON AS SPECTACULAR PLANS ARE REVEALED

Astronauts sending messages from on board the International Space Station, The Bootleg Beatles headlining, thousands of children performing, HRH Princess Michael of Kent opening the festival weekend and a world’s first with ground-breaking multi-media rock concert technology…

This will be Odyssey – a two-day festival spectacular taking place at Windlesham House School, in Washington, West Sussex, on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th July 2010 all in aid of the children’s medical research charity, Sparks.

And, the journey has now begun as pupils from the school have been invited to perform carols at the charity’s Christmas Ball in London on Thursday 10th December 2009. Taking place at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane, the event will be hosted by impressionist Rory Bremner in the presence of HRH Princess Michael of Kent.

Odyssey organiser, Jane Denman, said: “I can’t begin to tell you how thrilled we all are that Odyssey’s journey has begun. The Sparks charity ball and our participation in it signifies the start of an exciting relationship between Windlesham House School and Sparks that will continue with a number of events being held throughout the year.”

Director of Music at Windlesham House School, Anthony Hutchings, said: “Sparks is a children’s medical research charity so it makes sense for our children to support this organisation – children doing something for other children.”

Log on to the website www.odyssey10.com over the coming months for further details of these charity events and other information including ticket sales, sponsorship and line-up.

ROOSEVELT VISITS NOTTINGHAM HIGH SCHOOL

Haven Roosevelt, the grandson of former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, has visited Nottingham High School to speak to its History and Politics Societies.
Mr Roosevelt, discussed his younger days, particularly those associated with his grandparents, including his grandmother Eleanor’s active work in social and welfare reform in the United Nations in the aftermath of the Second World War. He also talked about ‘Conflict or Consensus’, questioning which approach is the better method to adopt in the political arena when pushing through reforms. To illustrate this, he chose examples of his own grandfather introducing reforms as part of the ‘New Deal’ to combat depression in the United States after 1933 and also drew parallels with modern day American politics where President Obama is currently attempting to push health reforms through Congress.
“It was great to have Mr Roosevelt to come and speak to the boys”, said Peter Cramp, head of economics and politics at Nottingham High School. “Both the pupils and teachers found it fascinating to hear stories of his childhood as well as his opinions and views on current politics. It was an extremely valuable experience.”
Mr Roosevelt was on a visit to Nottingham as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the creation of the Nottingham Roosevelt Travelling Scholarship – a unique programme which enables men and women aged between 21 and 30, living and working in Nottinghamshire, to visit the USA for between four weeks and three months to investigate a work related topic of their choice.

TEACHER GROWS A TASH FOR MEN’S HEALTH AWARENESS

A teacher at Windlesham House School in Washington has been inspired by a moustache movement to raise money for a brain tumour charity.

Alex Armstrong, who was also a pupil at the school, got involved with Movember, a moustache growing charity event held every November that raises funds and awareness for men’s health.

Alex has now raised more than £200 for the Hugh McDermott Childhood Brain Tumour Charity. 16 year old Hugo died after battling against a high grade brain tumour.

Hugo’s brother, Ed, set up the organisation and enlisted the help of his friend, Alex Armstrong, to help raise funds.

Headmaster of Windlesham House School, Richard Foster, said: “This is a wonderful charity and we are delighted that Mr Armstrong has been raising money and awareness for such a worthwhile cause.”

More details can be found at www.braintumourtrust.co.uk.

Sporting Schoolgirl of the Year

Talented Farnborough Hill student, Georgia Peel, has been named ‘Sporting Schoolgirl of the Year’ in the School Sport Magazine awards. This follows her award of the Michael May Cup for the single outstanding performance in 2008/9 by the Hampshire Schools’ Sports Federation.

Georgia’s achievement was to win the English Schools’ Athletics Association national 1500m title for Intermediate girls. What was remarkable about her achievement was that she smashed a 30 year old record by running the race in a time of 4 minutes 16.24 seconds, beating the record by almost 8 seconds. Georgia’s time represents a phenomenal 2 seconds a lap improvement on a record that has stood the test of time from famous athletes who have gone on to win medals many times on the World stage. All of this from an athlete who is still young for her age group in the competition and so has the chance to improve again on her record next season.

The Hampshire Schools’ Sports Federation write ‘This is quite an outstanding achievement, probably the best performance by any young athlete last season across the whole nation.’ Phil Tusler, publishing editor of School Sport Magazine said: “This has been a remarkable year for competitive sport in schools and the awards are a celebration of that. We had hundreds of nominations this year and deciding the winners has been a difficult but very rewarding endeavour. Georgia is a real talent for the future.” Sarah Buckle, Headmistress of Farnborough Hill, says ‘We are incredibly proud of Georgia’s achievements. She is immensely talented but also extremely modest. She trains very hard and the whole school cheered when her award was announced in Assembly this morning. Georgia is at present in Qatar having been selected to run in the ISF World School Athletics Championships. This is a great opportunity for Georgia and the whole school wish her well.’

Old Mountaineers down under!

A Derbyshire school has set up a new educational partnership in Australia providing sixth form pupils with the chance to head ‘down under’.

Mount St Mary’s College has developed an exchange programme with St Aloysius School, in Sydney, whereby every year two leavers can travel to Australia for a gap year.

As part of the exchange programme, Mount St Mary’s will also be welcoming gap students from St Aloysius.

Daniel Westmoreland, Mount St Mary’s Head Boy from 2007-08, was one of the first pupils to benefit from the schools’ links with St Aloysius – spending his gap year at the Jesuit grammar school.

Murray Happ, St Aloysius’ director of development, recently visited Mount St Mary’s for a tour and to meet and answer questions from some of the hopeful candidates.

Mount St Mary’s headmaster, Laurence McKell said: “We are delighted to be able to formalise this arrangement, as the Australia gap year experience is a wonderful way for our pupils to take a worthwhile year out between school and university.

“We are proud of our connections with other Jesuit schools and committed to developing similar links with schools from around the world. Daniel spent a thoroughly enjoyable year in Australia and we hope many more pupils can benefit from this exchange in the future.”

Daniel was not the only Old Mountaineer to enjoy an exciting adventure abroad courtesy of the school’s international connections.

Adam Gaskell, last year’s Head Boy, spent the summer in Hong Kong where he gained valuable work experience working for Old Mountaineer Geoffrey Chan – a lawyer in a major firm.

Adam said: “The work placement was the experience of a lifetime and I am very grateful to Mr Chan for giving me this opportunity.”

Mr McKell added said: “Both boys had wonderful experiences and we look forward to maintaining and strengthening our international connections so all our pupils can have the opportunities Adam and Daniel did.”

Photo:(L-R) Mount St Mary’s pupils James Proudfoot, Abbie Shearstone and Frances Clarke with Murray Happ, St Aloysius director of development.

Bedford Modern School raise funds for Prostate Cancer Charity

Bedford Modern School Staff Instructor (SSI) Captain Brian Simpson who has six medals for Army and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) services over the last 42 years, in addition to the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal (Malaysian People’s Medal) for distinguished chivalry, gallantry and sacrifice, has been raising money for prostate cancer.

Movember is the annual, month-long celebration of the moustache or “mo”, highlighting men’s health issues, in particular prostate cancer. The Prostate Cancer Charity was set up in 1996 to increase investment in prostate cancer charity research and is now the UK’s leading voluntary organisation working with people affected by prostate cancer.

“I believe that all men over 60 should be screened for prostate cancer and Movember is a way of bringing this lesser-publicised disease into the public eye. I decided to raise as much money and awareness as I could and Bedford Modern School always takes pride in supporting worthy causes.

“Staff and students at BMS have kindly sponsored me to grow a moustache during November, and the Bedford Modern Junior School Christmas production, taking place this week, are planning to have a collection and donate any money raised to the prostate cancer charity.

“The School will be arranging a cheque presentation to one of the Oncology Nurses from Bedford Hospital in the next week or two and I would like to thank everyone who has donated to this worthy cause,” said Captain Brian Simpson.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Staff Instructor Captain Brian Simpson with his moustache supporting the prostate cancer charity

Kingswood Prep School Christmas Fayre – another great success.

Despite the rain, nothing dampened the festive fun and cheer at the Christmas Fayre at our Prep School which was an amazing success.

Mr Simon Morris, Principal of the Kingswood Foundation, cut the ribbon and promptly at 2.00pm declared the event ‘open’. Children and parents rushed in to see all the exciting stalls and join in with all the fun and activities. Delicious hot dogs delighted children and mulled wine kept parents warm and everyone had a marvellous time!

Our special thanks to Norine and all the team from the ‘Friends of KPS’ for their magnificent efforts in putting on such an amazing event which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

RGS Worcester’s gym gets the Warriors seal of approval

RGS Worcester’s state of the art fitness suite has been officially opened by the Worcester Warriors.

Jonny Arr, Aussie legend Chris Latham and All Black sensation Rico Gear cut the ribbon at the school’s modern Butler Fitness Suite in front of pupils and sports staff today.

The players, accompanied by Keir Hansen, Warriors Strength & Conditioning Coach, – who had just led a seminar with pupils in regard to strength and conditioning training – were clearly impressed with what had been achieved at the school post merger with The Alice Ottley School and the vast £6.3 million development.

After the visit ex pupil of RGS Worcester Jonny Arr said,

“The new Fitness Suite is fantastic, I wish this facility had been in place when I was here.”

“The school has changed a lot in a very short space of time. RGS gave me so much during my time here, not just benefiting my rugby, but also my education. I know these new additions will be a great help to future pupils and who knows, with a suite like this, future Warriors stars as well!” added Jonny Arr.

A delighted Tim Curtis, RGS Worcester Director of Sport commented,

“We are all extremely proud of the Fitness Suite and how it is used throughout the school.”

“RGS Worcester already has a national reputation for sporting excellence, but to have a facility like this is a real privilege. Kier has inspired us today with the importance of strength and conditioning. This facility enables all our pupils (and staff!) to put his words into practice.”

The former Worcestershire Country Cricket Club captain and England International adding,

“The Butler Fitness Suite has the specification of a top professional gym but it doesn’t just look good, it is user friendly. Separate air-conditioned areas house aerobic machines, rowing ergometers, free and controlled weights as well as there being a stretching, warm down area. This makes workouts safe, highly effective and hugely motivating for all our pupils and staff from 7.15am till going home time.”

UK’s top achieving school loses Chaplain to head Kingham Hill School

Magdalen College School, Oxford, that topped this years ‘A’ Levels result table, has lost its chaplain and house master to Kingham Hill School, Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.

Nick Seward, 38, took over as headmaster at Kingham Hill at the beginning of the new school year, following five years at Magdalen College School. He brings with him an enthusiasm to build upon Kingham Hill’s founding principles – broad intake, well-rounded education, strong pastoral care, and all in the context of a vibrant Christian ethos.

He has a very eclectic background. Born in Zambia, Nick Seward spent his formative years in Papua New Guinea, where his father managed the national football team. His education continued at Millfield School, Somerset, before he read aeronautical engineering at Imperial College, University of London and theology at Cranmer Hall, St. John’s College, University of Durham. He was ordained in 1999 at Canterbury.

As the School’s new headmaster, Revd. Seward looks to the future with keen anticipation: “Kingham Hill has a fine tradition and a great heart. Generations of students have benefitted, flourishing and going on to make their mark in the world. I feel privileged to be taking over as Headmaster at a time when schools like Kingham Hill are needed more than ever.”

Nick Seward is married to Hannah, a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford, and a German linguist. They have two young children and share a love of the English choral tradition in worship.

Photo: aerial view of Kingham Hill

Kingham Hill School Launches Organ Scholarship

The splendid organ in the Chapel at Kingham Hill School will soon reverberate to the efforts of the school’s first organ scholar.

A new scholarship has been established at the Cotswold school, inspired by Headmaster’s wife, Hannah Seward – a former organ scholar of Jesus College, Oxford. She and Director of Music, Gill Holliday, have constructed a programme that will offer one young musician each year a chance of a lifetime to explore their musical gift and open up exciting higher education and career opportunities. All this in a Christian community where the scholar’s faith will be nurtured and ministry opportunities encouraged.

Organ scholars will gain experience in choral accompanying and conducting, and in accompanying congregational singing. The Organ Scholar will have free music tuition – tailored to individual requirements, but it is expected that they will take singing lessons in addition to other lessons.

Candidates must be over 16-years old on 1 September of the year of entry and should demonstrate a love of and commitment to music, particularly the Anglican choral tradition. They will normally offer more than one instrument and have achieved Grade 6 level or higher. It is desirable for candidates to have some experience of accompanying.

The Scholarship offers thorough training to candidates who may wish to apply for Organ Scholarships to Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Headmaster, Rev’d Nick Seward is delighted: “The Kingham Hill organ is a wonderful instrument, recently refurbished at great expense through the affection and generosity of former pupils. I would love to see it used to its full extent in the worship of our school, and in encouraging the English choral tradition here.”

Early interest should be directed at Kate Harvey, Registrar – 01608 658 999, admissions@kingham-hill.oxon.sch.uk

David Cameron is thanked by grateful pupil at Kingham Hill School

When Hector Mahony (11) learned that David Cameron was to visit Kingham Hill School, he determined to thank him personally for helping to overturn an LEA decision in 2002 that threatened to bar him from joining the same primary school as his two brothers.

Hector approached David Cameron minutes before he officially opened the two new day houses at Kingham Hill School, four miles from Chipping Norton. David Cameron was visibly impressed with Hector’s heartfelt gratitude and the eloquence with which it was expressed. It only took him moments to recall the circumstances, and he and Hector chatted about how good it was that Hector had eventually been offered a place at Kingham Primary School where his brothers and friends were so happy.

Hector’s brothers – Seb and Oskar – were very settled at their local school, the ever-popular Kingham Primary School. It hadn’t crossed anyone’s mind that Hector would not be able join his brothers. However, against the wishes of the headteacher and the school’s governors, the Local Education Authority decided to remove a temporary classroom and reduce the school roll. Hector and several other children who also had siblings at the school were told that they would have to find another school.

The campaign to overturn the LEA’s decision was determined and passionate. However, it wasn’t until David Cameron was asked to intervene, and the subsequent time and energy he gave in support, that a breakthrough was achieved and the decision reversed.

Hector’s mum, Liz Mahony, remembers: “I was delighted that David Cameron was able to overcome the bureaucracy of the LEA in favour of the needs of children like Hector. As a family we acknowledge that without his intervention, our children would have received a different primary education.”

“I have always wanted to thank Mr. Cameron myself for what he did”, Hector reflected after his exciting encounter. “I’m glad that he made it possible for me to be at school with my brothers because being at Kingham Primary meant that I had a really good start to my education. I will never forget what he did.”

Hector, Seb and Oskar are now all together at Kingham Hill School, Hector having recently joined Year 7.

RGS Worcester win Epic Encounter!

RGS Worcester took city honours as they defeated King’s Worcester 3 – 0 in the Modus Challenge Cup on Wednesday night (Dec 2).

Contrary to the score line, on the pitch the action lived up to the electric atmosphere with a resurgent RGS controlling the ball and tempo of the match during an extremely even encounter.

Both teams endured a hard fought contest that could have easily gone either way, using the kicking game to play for territory and hard defence in order to capitalise on opposition mistakes.

A first half penalty from the boot of RGS fly-half Bill Harling, proved to be the only points of the match.

It was a game where unity and teamwork counted; with the power of the RGS forwards making small gains and controlling the clock, while allowing space for the well-drilled backs led brilliantly by Captain Bill Harling to focus on their kicking game, find in-roads up the field and distribute the play – while also putting their bodies on the line to stop the occasional light footed King’s back from making a break.

Full Back Will Short also proved to be a constant thorn in the King’s side constantly looking to jink and side step his way up the field, supported magnificently by Winger Steve Ndumbe, who always seemed to be ready for the ball and the power of Lock Dan Staines.

With the final whistle gone, there was a clear divide of jubilation and despair in the camps, but both teams must be proud of the night and the spectacle they created. The crowd of 3000 supporters sportingly cheered both teams as they left the pitch.

Warriors scrum-half and ex RGS Worcester pupil Jonny Arr and Roger Marshall, Managing Director of Modus Creative awarded the Modus Challenge Cup to the winning RGS skipper, in front of his victorious team and the thousands in attendance. 



A great end to a thrilling evening of nail-biting rugby.

Octagon Academic Society at Kingham Hill School, Oxfordshire

The Octagon Academic Society was formally launched in September and has had a successful opening term. Alongside lessons which are designed to stimulate the mind into new and challenging ways of thinking, Octagon has also hosted debates in the Lecture Theatre including one led by a visiting speaker from Oxford University, Christopher Shields. His topic for discussion was ‘Why is there a mind / body problem?’ Years 11 to 13 asked some intelligent and thought provoking questions of Professor Shields and staff were impressed by the ideas and issues raised by the lecture. Many of the Octagon students have applied to top universities (both UK based red brick Russell Group and also American Ivy League) and one has recently been offered an interview at St Hughes College, Oxford.

The Octagon Academic Society enjoyed their inaugural formal dinner this December; in future to be an annual event. The Octagon pupils sat at tables with a mixture of students from all year groups and guest staff members in order to encourage discussion and socialisation. Pupils and staff were entertained by the competition to slip a secret sentence into the conversation during the evening without other people noticing, and by the brain teasing games which accompanied each course. Mr Stannard announced the Octagon Council as including the following members: President : Philippa Lane, Vice President: Jan Sindhar, Events manager: Katy Howell, Reporter: Bryony Parkinson, Junior Rep: Ellie Copsey, Intermediate rep: Josh Baxter and Senior rep: Guy Cable. These students will play key roles in developing Octagon throughout the school.

The Lent term sees a packed Octagon programme including the study of C.S Lewis, Tolstoy and G.K Chesterton, a visiting Oxford fellow and Chaplain to raise the debate about science and religion, a Gifted and Talented day trip for GCSE aged students, a school debate on politics and a 6th form ethics conference in Oxford.