Private School News

Model United Nations Conference in Edinburgh

Miss Mann and Mrs Huntley escorted 11 girls from Years 10 to 13 to the Model United Conference which was held at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. It was attended by five hundred students from countries as diverse as Poland, Greece and Iran. Each of the girls represented Columbia on a different committee, discussing topics such as Human Rights, Disarmament and Economic and Environmental issues. There was a wealth of lively debate, with various countries evicted for libellous activities.

It was the most successful year yet for Malvern St James, with three girls winning awards. Congratulations to Maria Goryaeva who was nominated as a ‘Highly Commended’ delegate and also to Elizabeth Utting and Victoria Jackson, who were both ‘Commended’.
Miss Mann said, ‘We are so proud of our girls – every girl in the team had spoken by break time on the first morning and they made an amazing team. New friends were made throughout the weekend and some girls had their first experience of bagpipes and Scottish Dancing. Overall, an outstanding conference and we cannot wait until next year!’

Judo Silver Medal Success

Matthew Sexton, a pupil at the Royal Alexandra and Albert School has beaten opponents up to two years older, to achieve a silver medal at the British Schools Judo Championships. The contest, which took place in Sheffield saw 12 year old Matthew compete against 16 pupils in his category and he was only beaten by one opponent who was two years his senior.

Matthew, who has been doing judo since he was four years old, takes weekly lessons at school as well as two other weekly sessions with his local club, Westcroft Judo Club. He puts his success down to regular training and doing the sport since he was young. “I was uncertain about whether I would win a medal as so many of the other competitors were older than me, but I focused on one fight at a time. I tried not to think about their advantages or disadvantages – I just thought of them as an equal” says Matthew.

Headmaster Paul Spencer Ellis comments “As a Sports College, we encourage all types of sport and judo is very popular amongst both boys and girls. Matthew has worked hard to achieve this medal and he can be justifiably proud of his success.”

New Sports Hall is Under Starters Orders

Merchant Taylors’ Schools are delighted to announce the building of a new £5.5 million sports centre, to be completed for the new school year starting September 2011. The Schools’ Governors gave the final go-ahead for the project last week and the contractor is due to begin work in April.

To mark the commencement of this exciting period of development an official ceremony was held on Wednesday 24th March. Ex-England rugby international World Cup star and Old Boy of Merchant Taylors’, Ben Kay MBE, joined us to cut the first sod.

Leo Coligan, Chairman of Governors, said: “This exciting build underlines our confidence in the future of Merchant Taylors’ Schools and their pursuit of excellence in all areas, academic and sporting, and our determination to provide the very best facilities for our boys and girls.”

Located at the Boys’ School site on Liverpool Road, this ambitious development designed by Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams Architects, will benefit all pupils from the family of Merchant Taylors’ Schools, and will include a dance studio, fitness suite and a large indoor facility equipped to provide state-of-the-art facilities for rugby training, football, hockey, tennis, badminton and many other sports.

Bardsley Construction, a £70m turnover business that specialises in such partnering contracts with the public sector, has been contracted by Merchant Taylors’ Schools to construct the sports centre.

Wayne Bardsley, the chairman of Bardsley Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such a blue chip client as Merchant Taylors’ Schools on this excellent project that will help to enhance our reputation and presence on Merseyside and indeed throughout the wider North West.”

This important next step in the Schools’ development programme, following on from the award-winning Vitreum main entrance at the Girls’ School, will be underpinned by the two year ‘Sporting Start’ campaign of fund-raising and programme of activities.

More ‘Golds’ for Christ College pupils … this time in the Chemistry Olympiad!

Gold Awards at the RSC Chemistry Olympiad

Christ College sixth formers Andi Tao and Lukas Fischer-Wulf are celebrating a gold medal haul at the Chemistry Olympiad.

Head of Chemistry Dr Paul Smith said: “With only the best candidates in the country even entering the Olympiad, to secure 2 Golds is a superb achievement. We have had individual Gold’s in the past but this is a first ‘double’ at Christ College.”

Head of Christ College Mrs Emma Taylor said: “Together with Sean Mui who recently obtained a Gold award in the Biology Olympiad, it proves we have some exceptionally talented young scientists at Christ College. The teaching of science at Christ College has always been a key strength, but the recent investment in new science laboratories is already paying dividends.”

Organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, approximately 2400 candidates entered this year’s Olympiad with Gold Awards given to the top 200 students.

African Art Workshop a big hit at Worcester school

Pupils at a Worcester junior school have just enjoyed a rousing visit by Kenyan artist, Gakonga.

The class at RGS Springfield was able to bring its Kenyan topic to life during the artist’s workshop. Gakonga is a very popular artist, working in watercolours, creating a contemporary take on traditional African images.

In addition to painting the pupils a picture about life as an artist in Kenya, he also taught the younger pupils some Kenyan dance rhythms.

“It was marvellous to bring such an inspirational character into school,” said RGS Springfield’s Headmistress, Marion Lloyd. “ Gakonga bought Africa to life for the children in a fascinating way. They learned so much about the Kenyan culture and art.”

Hoop, hoop, hooray at King’s School Ely

There were thrills and a few spills at this year’s Hoop Trundle as King’s and Queen’s Scholars – all sixth formers at the King’s School Ely – bowled traditional wooden hoops along a 100 metre course by the south door of Ely Cathedral.

The Hoop Trundle is one of the most fiercely contested events in the school calendar. Four heats preceded each final and in their bid to be first to cross the finishing line a few of the scarlet-gowned sixth formers came a cropper. But every one of the 16 completed the course, their hoops and dignity intact.

Jonathan East won the King’s Scholars’ race and Queen’s Scholar Rosie White won the girls’ race.

The Hoop Trundle commemorates the re-founding of The King’s School Ely by King Henry V111 in 1541. Having dissolved Ely monastery, which had educated children for centuries, he gave the school its first royal charter and established the 12 King’s Scholars (boys). One of the privileges he allowed them was to play games, including the bowling of hoops, in the Cathedral precincts.

In 1970, the school admitted girls for the first time in its 1,000-year history, and three years later the King’s Scholars were joined by Queen’s Scholars (girls) at the request of Queen Elizabeth 11 during her visit to the school in 1973.

Pupils are nominated as scholars in the Sixth Form for their academic achievement. They become members of the Cathedral Foundation and also qualify for other privileges.

Caption: Hoop Trundle winners Jonathan East and Rosie White with the wooden tankards which are theirs to keep for the year.

King’s Ely pupil selected for RADA summer school

Sixteen-year-old King’s School Ely pupil Sally Cheng has been awarded a place on RADA’s (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) prestigious Musical Theatre summer school.

Sally, who was selected from among over 100 applicants for one of the 16 places on the course, will work on solo and choral pieces with professional musical directors, exploring the diverse styles of musical theatre. She will also work with the Academy’s staff in movement and acting classes.

Adella Charlton, the King’s School’s director of Performance Studies, wrote a glowing testimonial in support of her application.

“She has a passion for musical theatre. She has real talent, dedication and the ability to take direction,” said Miss Charlton.

Sally has taken leading roles in spring term productions of The Exam and Jekyll and Hyde –The Musical the first productions to be staged in King’s new £3.5m Arts Complex.

She has appeared in numerous other school productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Our Country’s Good and A Night at the Musicals for which she did much of the choreography.

“I am really excited about the RADA course,” said Sally. “It will be a wonderful chance to build on all the opportunities I’ve been given in dance and drama at King’s,” said Sally.

Point Guard waiting on England call-up

A RGS Worcester pupil, Max Whittle, is eagerly awaiting the results of his trial for the England U18 Basketball team, where he was one of 80 players put forward for possible selection.

Max attends RGS Worcester and trains with the senior Worcester Wolves team, which currently sits 9th in the British Basketball League, the supreme level in the UK. He also plays for their U18 team, which competes in The National League, Midlands Conference.

Playing at Point Guard, 18 year old Max also suits up for Worcester, playing in Division 1 of the West Midlands League.

Last week, Max’s side won the Regional Final in an epic encounter, 80-75, against the Birmingham Blazers. In spite of sustaining a vicious poke in the eye, Max played a full part in the victory.

“Getting selected for the England trials was just brilliant and an experience that I won’t forget,” said Max. “I’m very grateful for the training and playing opportunities that I’ve had with the Wolves, particularly the coaching I’ve had from Chris Lowe and Chris Mayes. My personal coach Tom Perkes has also been fantastic to me.”

He has secured a place at Big Bend Community College, Moses Lake, Washington State for life after RGS. His dream is to make an impact with The Runnin’ Vikes and then transfer to one of the major basketball-playing universities in the USA.

Oh yes, as well as making the England squad!

Caterham School Student Achieves Duke of Edinburgh Gold in Rapid Time

Caterham School student, Eleanor Budge (Lower Sixth), was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award certificate at the Tandridge Award ceremony on Monday 22 March.

Eleanor may have set a record in completing the Gold Award so quickly. She was a Direct Entrant to the Award Scheme at Gold level and the longest section of the Award was Volunteering was completed just 18 months to the day and just in time to make it to the ceremony. Eleanor is planning to pursue a career in medicine and so she was pleased to be able to volunteer at Tillgate Ward, East Surrey Hospital.

Her Skill has been to continue to develop her singing, and she is presently awaiting the results of her Grade 8 singing examination, while she has enjoyed learning Latin American and Ballroom dancing for her Physical section and reached Bronze level in all ten dances.

With university not too far ahead, a week-long course in the preparation of healthy three course meals using inexpensive ingredients seemed a fitting way of completing the Residential section of the Award.

Eleanor said: ‘’The expeditions in the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains of Wales were the toughest part of the Award but the sense of achievement made the experience worth while.’’

Headmaster Julian Thomas said: ’Eleanor is a credit to the School in so many different ways; her all-round efforts are much appreciated. I am delighted, but not surprised, that she managed to complete the Gold Award in record time. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is thriving at Caterham School. It is just one of the many co-curricular activities that we offer pupils. It is popular because it is enjoyable and challenging, whilst remaining one of the best programmes for the personal development of young people.’

Photo: Eleanor Budge receives her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award from Mr Geoffrey Marlow, Chairman of Surrey County Council.

TRENT COLLEGE ART STUDENTS EXHIBIT AT CHATSWORTH HOUSE

On Sunday 7th March, Trent College’s Year 12 Art students held a Private View exhibition of their work in the Carriage Restaurant at Chatsworth House.

After an onsite educational visit in the Autumn to Chatsworth House, which involved drawing and painting in the house and grounds, artwork was then developed in the department’s studios at Trent College. It was a wonderful opportunity for the students to use the architecture and landscape of the Chatsworth Estate as a source of inspiration for their drawing, painting and printmaking.

The private view was a great success and was well attended by students, parents, alumni, governors and staff. It was also a great privilege to have owner of the Chatsworth Estate and President of Trent College, His Grace The 12th Duke of Devonshire CBE attend, spending time talking to the students about their work and techniques used. He was very impressed by the standard and accepted our gift of one of the exhibited pieces of his own choice.
From Sunday 14th March, a selection of the work will be on display for several weeks to the public within the Conservatory of the Carriage House Restaurant.

Tate Gallery chairman opens new King’s School arts complex

Lord Browne of Madingley, a former pupil of the King’s School Ely, returned to the school to open a new £3.5m arts complex.

He was invited by the governors and the Head, Sue Freestone, in his capacity as chairman of the trustees of the Tate Gallery.

The arts complex is housed in a magnificent new two-storey building in the same quadrangle as the Music department with views of Ely Cathedral.
There is now designated space for textiles, fine art, photography and ceramics, all under one roof.
The Performance Studies department now has two fine new studios one of which is housed in an extension to the Hayward Theatre. The extension has also provided costume and other storage space.

A gallery has also been created at the back of the theatre to house sound and lighting equipment for use during productions.

Photo: Lord Browne and Sue Freestone, Head of the King’s School Ely, tour an exhibition of students’ work following the opening of the school’s new £3.5m arts complex.

King’s awarded a ‘first’ for ‘inspired’ teaching

THE King’s School Ely is the first independent school in Cambridgeshire to achieve the prestigious NACE Challenge Award for excellence in provision for able, gifted and talented pupils.

The award is given by NACE (the National Association for Able Children in Education) for high quality work throughout the school in challenging all pupils, including those with high abilities, to achieve their best.

Assessors observed lessons, interviewed pupils, teachers, parents and governors and looked at the pupils’ work.

“Parents value highly the extensive range of ways in which a child can excel and the inclusive approach where every child is seen as special,” said their report.

“At King’s Acremont, King’s Junior and King’s Senior School, teachers’ subject knowledge is exceptional and pupils are offered challenging contexts for their learning.

“The curriculum is broad, balanced and enriched, drawing on both the school’s facilities and those of the city of Ely. The ‘Ely Scheme’ (King’s outdoor pursuits programme) is used to help the development of pupils’ leadership, entrepreneurial and team-building skills.

“In lessons observed, exceptionally high levels of challenge and inference were expected from pupils who were motivated to wrestle with concepts and high order applications. For example, pupils at a chemistry master class demonstrated high levels of problem-solving and co-operation.

“Celebration of achievement is a strong feature with vibrant displays showing what is being achieved and what everyone can aspire to. Social and successful learning skills are valued equally alongside academic achievements. There are highly effective systems to meet the pastoral needs of all pupils. The monitoring of pupils’ progress is robust and personalized. As a result, pupils have very good attitudes to learning.”

King’s is the fourth independent school and the one hundred and seventieth school in the UK to achieve the NACE Challenge Award for able, gifted and talented pupils.

Famous author, Robert Muchamore visits Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern School students from Years 7 to 9 received a visit by award winning author, Robert Muchamore, on Thursday 18th March. Students from John Bunyan School and Rushmoor School were also invited to attend the session where they were able to hear Robert Muchamore speak, and had the opportunity to purchase some of his books and get them signed by the author.

Robert Muchamore is the author of the hugely popular CHERUB book series that are published in 28 countries. The CHERUB series consists of twelve books including Shadow Wave that will be published in September this year. More information can be found at www.muchamore.com

For anyone who has not read any of the CHERUB series, the CH in CHERUB stands for Charles Henderson, the man who founded the organisation. The rest can be worked out by reading the Henderson’s Boys books!

Jane Chumbley, Head of English Key Stage 4 at Bedford Modern School said: “We were delighted that Robert Muchamore was able to visit BMS. Many of our younger students are avid fans of his books and had dozens of questions about what will happen next to his fictional characters. Meeting an author and learning about the writing process was a fantastic opportunity for them.”

BMS Year 7 student Charlie Gale said: “I have read the whole CHERUB series and it was thrilling to meet Robert Muchamore today.”

Bayley Hockham, another BMS Year 7 student said: “Robert Muchamore’s books really make you want to keep reading and turning over the next page to find out what is going to happen next and I can identify with the characters.”

Spelthorne Junior Chess Championships 2010

The second Spelthorne Junior Chess Championships took place at Staines Prep on Saturday 13 March. The competition, which was open to all children living or attending school in Spelthorne, is part of an initiative led by Mike Basman (organiser of the British Land UK Chess Challenge) and local organiser Dr Noel Stewart.

The tournament comprises three age categories, U9 (9 year olds), U11 (11 year olds) and U14 (14 year olds). It puts contenders through five rounds to find a champion in each group.

The Spelthorne event attracted entrants from eight different schools. Alex Leeks of Staines Prep won the U9 competition with straight victories. Sam Hase, also of Staines Prep, was runner-up in the group.

Sam Freeth (Halliford School) won all his U14 games, with Lyndon Kindred-Robinson (Hampton School) finishing second in this category.

The U11 competition was the most fiercely contested. After many close matches, the fifth round proved to be the decider. Ritansh Kathuria (Kingston Grammar School Preparatory Form) clinched victory, with Angelo Umashangar as runner up

All competitors received a Certificate of Participation. Those who won at least three of their games were also awarded a rosette. The winners were presented with their trophies by Councillor Malcolm Royer, who was pleased to see chess being played so enthusiastically in the borough.

Photo(L-R): Alex Leeks(9 yrs), Malcolm Royer(Councillor), Samuel Freeth(12 years) – former pupil, Ritansh Kathuria(11 years) – former pupil, Dr Noel Stewart(local organiser)

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils present “The Menu Bites Back”

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils from Years 3 and 4 presented “The Menu Bites Back” on Thursday 18th March in the Christopher Fry Hall at the School.

“The Menu Bites Back” was a short musical for children in which the basic theme was diversity. During the Spring Term all the pupils in Years 3 and 4 worked on songs, dance and drama and also embraced some of the School’s PSHE (Personal Social Health Education) curriculum.
The plot involved pupils representing different food groups, parading into the arena like a circus. The universal question, “What are we here for?” leads to the horrifying conclusion that, being food, they’re here to be eaten and they must find a way to defend themselves against such a fate.

Enter the Ringmaster, Bella Salmonella, Vinderlulu and Pepperoni, who each try and persuade the food that they would give them the best protection. However, the food finds its own solution: to unite in such indigestible combinations that the diners will be deterred from eating it. The diners finally capitulate and join the food in celebrating the diverse nature of life and how we must all learn to live together despite our differences.
Jane Thomas, the Year 6 teacher who produced “The Menu Bites Back” said: “We chose this particular musical because of the lively and rhythmic songs which allowed the children to sing and dance in a variety of styles from a march to the tango. The lyrics were very clever and the children had fun thinking of weird and wonderful food combinations. We hope they also learnt a little more about getting on with each other!”

Photo: Some of the characters from The Menu Bites Back

Derbyshire school hosts orchestral extravaganza

Some of the finest school musicians in the country created a symphony of sound during a musical weekend at Mount St Mary’s College.

Musicians from four schools combined their talents to perform as an orchestra and also enjoyed a choral workshop culminating in a rousing rendition of Mozart’s ‘Ave Verum’.

As well as pupils from Mount St Mary’s, in Derbyshire, pupils from Stonyhurst in Lancashire and St Ignatius and Wimbledon College in London took part in the weekend.

A total of 23 pupils were involved in the orchestra, with several, including ten from Mount St Mary’s, being selected for the Joint Jesuit Schools’ Concert in London on March 12.

But the weekend was not just about musical performances – there was time for a bowling trip, formal dinner and, for those not used to it, a chance to sample the Mount St Mary’s boarding experience.

Mrs Lucy Kitchener, Mount St Mary’s director of music, said: “The weekend was a wonderful opportunity for the top musicians from several Jesuit schools to come together and share their talents.

“All the pupils worked wonderfully well together and their performances were a pleasure to listen to.

“We were delighted to welcome pupils from other schools to what was an exciting venture and one we hope to repeat in the future.”

Bedford Modern School take part in Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama

Around 100 students who have their Speech and Drama lessons at Bedford Modern School took part in the annual Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech and Drama held at the Corn Exchange between 6th and 13th March 2010.

Students from all year groups were represented in 27 classes performing in front of students from other schools, parents, families, friends, teachers and, of course, an adjudicator. Regrettably, a number of experienced BMS Speech and Drama students were unable to perform due to a clash of commitments with the School’s production of West Side Story.

However, those that were able to perform did themselves, and the School, proud and are to be congratulated on their efforts. Particular mention must be made of the following who were placed either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in their particular categories:-

Duologues 9-11 Years
1st Albert Ensor-Clinch and Henry Bridge

Shakespeare Duologue (14 Years and Over)
2nd = Emily Williams and Aine Donnelly

Duologues – Any Age Competition
2nd Amy Smith and Jack Nicholls

Verse Speaking Solo (9 Years)
2nd Alexander Brand

Verse Speaking Solo (8 Years)
2nd Stephanie Radcliffe

Dramatic Solo (12-14 Years)
3rd Robert Joynes

Duologues (12-14 Years)
3rd Charles Goodman and James Berry

Photo: Year 5 pupils Albert Ensor-Clinch and Henry Bridge

Hospice fundraising at Farlington School

Farlington’s Prep School has recently been working hard to raise money for St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley. Girls in Farlington’s four ‘Houses’ – Aylward, Keller, Nightingale and Pankhurst (all named after prominent ladies, of course) all joined together in organising events which included non-uniform days, bun sales and raffles. These ventures, together with the retiring collection from the Christingle Service at St. Mary’s Horsham in December, raised a grand total of £1,125. Last week all the children gathered together to present Victoria Lawrence, the charity’s representative, with a cheque for this amount.
The Headmistress, Joy Baggs, reported that the school always receives tremendous support for fundraising initiatives from parents, grandparents and friends of Farlington. Money for various charities selected by the girls has always been generously donated, even in this difficult economic climate.
Farlington Prep School’s next initiative is to fundraise for CHASE (Christopher’s Children’s Hospice near Guildford). A parent at Farlington, Seni Glaister, is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and the girls are keen to sponsor her.

Stonyhurst wins Lancashire Schools Plate Final!

The Stonyhurst College U14s won the Lancashire Schools Plate Final at Rochdale RUFC on Sunday 21st March, beating Kirkham Grammar 38 -12. Kirkham provided strong opposition, and at half-time the score was 12-7 in their favour. Stonyhurst played extremely well and managed to take the lead in the second half.

The U14s are now preparing for a tour to Italy in April. Staying in Lido di Jesolo, they will have training sessions on the beach and play matches against Montebelluna, Piave and Paese. They will then visit Venice, the Gardaland theme park, and move into the cricket season with some beach cricket, no doubt consuming a good deal of ice-cream along the way!

Photo: Stonyhurst team with the Lancashire Plate, held by captain, Danny Fitzgerald (13) from Blackburn.

Stories come to life at Hodder House

Hodder House (Stonyhurst’s pre-prep department) celebrated World Book Week by coming to school dresses as their favourite storybook characters. Darth Vader rubbed shoulders with Mog the Cat, Sleeping Beauty and the Little Mermaid, and a variety of Knights in shining armour encountered King Henry V! Everyone looked wonderful as stories leapt out of their pages for a day, which inspired the creation of many new tales.

Photo: Year 2 in their costumes