Private School News

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL’s CHARLOTTE COOK WINS GOLD IN THE U23 DOUBLE SCULLS AT GREAT BRITAIN NATIONAL ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Bedford Modern School Year 12 student, Charlotte Cook and her doubles partner, Lucy Burgess from Runcorn Rowing Club won Gold in the Under 23 Double Sculls and Bronze in the Elite Womens’ Double Sculls at the Great Britain National Rowing Championships held in Strathclyde Park, Scotland over the weekend of 16th to 18th July.

17 year old Charlotte Cook and 16 year old Lucy Burgess led the Under 23 race from the first stroke to the last, winning comfortably ahead of their much older opposition. They then had less than three hours before they took to the water again – this time securing a Bronze Medal just three seconds off clinching another Gold Medal.

As a result of their achievements at the Championship the girls are now off to the Home International Regatta held in Cork, Ireland to represent England at Senior Level before departing for Hazewinkel, Belgium to represent Great Britain at Junior Level in the forthcoming Coupe de la Jeunesse.

Tristan Mayglothling, Head of Girls’ Rowing at Bedford Modern School said: “Charlotte has consistently proven herself against other athletes her own age but has again stepped up a level by taking on and defeating much older and stronger opposition. This highlights the talent Charlotte possesses whilst also giving an indication of the potential for her future rowing.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 12 student Charlotte Cook (left) who won Gold at the Great Britain National Rowing Championships

Bedford Modern School students participate in Channel 4’s live Pre-Budget television show

Bedford Modern School students participated in Channel 4’s Dispatches Pre-Budget television show – “How to Save £100 Billion – Live” in London on Monday 21st June.

Dispatches set out controversial cuts that could save Britain £100 billion. Krishnan Guru-Murthy presented a team of experts who believed their radical proposals could get Britain’s budget back in shape but can the nation take such swinging cuts or tax increases?
Ideas such as placing VAT on food and children’s clothing, reducing the pay of public service workers and closing down final salary pension schemes were discussed with a studio of 600 people voting for or against these cuts.
Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at Bedford Modern School said: “It was great for the BMS students to be able to participate in a live television debate on the eve of the Budget. Hearing experts argue over which solutions would be best to cut the deficit will simulate a great deal of discussion in class.”

Photo: BMS students attended the Channel 4 live pre-Budget television show

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL FIRST VIII WIN MARLOW REGATTA

Bedford Modern School’s First VIII won the Marlow Regatta at Dorney Lake on Saturday 19th June. This is the first time that BMS has won this event and the crews have shown a huge improvement in their performances since the National Schools Regatta.

Members of the winning First VIII included Robert Bell, Edward Munno, Alex Robertson, William Gale, James Powell, Thomas Sweeting, Matthew Bowman, Greg Edwards and Alistair Redman.

Alistair Brown, Director of Rowing at Bedford Modern School said: “After some disappointment at the National Schools Regatta, it is good to see that BMS confidence is sky high just a week before the Henley Regatta.”

The School competed in a number of other events at the Marlow Regatta on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th, with students ranging from Year 9 to Year 13.

Photo: BMS First VIII win Marlow Regatta

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL – FORMER PUPIL AND NEW BEDFORD MP, RICHARD FULLER, VISITS SCHOOL

Former Bedford Modern School student and newly elected Conservative MP for Bedford, Richard Fuller visited Bedford Modern School on Friday 18th June to work with the School’s Year 12 Politics students before addressing an Assembly for students in Years 7 to 9.

“I am enormously proud to be an OBM and grateful for my education at Bedford Modern School and all the opportunities this has provided me with in my life. I always felt, at all times, that the BMS teaching staff had my, and all the students’, interests at heart.

“Bedford is a wonderful town and I want to see the town fulfil its true potential. Always keep an open heart to the things you want to do in your life, and open to other people. I will keep my town at the centre of my heart too,” said Richard Fuller.

With a passion for his home town, particularly the diversity of its people, the beauty of its river and parks and the strengths of its schools and colleges, Richard wants to see Bedford achieve its full potential and is determined to use his parliamentary term to promote business and to bring back jobs to Bedford, making it an even better place for families to live.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at Bedford Modern School said: “It was fantastic to welcome Richard back to BMS as the new MP. For Politics students, Richard’s reflections on the campaign were an interesting way to finish their AS studies.”

Photo: Former BMS student and new Bedford MP, Richard Fuller (left) with Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at BMS

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL’S MEDIAEVAL DAY FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS

Bedford Modern School Year 7 students took part in a Mediaeval Day at the School on Wednesday 9th June. The event, which was organised by the School’s History Department, was led by Arriere-ban Historic Enterprises Ltd.

Arriere-ban Historic Enterprises Ltd., visited BMS last year re-creating activities for Year 7 studies and the day was such as success that it was decided to host another event.

Sarah Wright, Head of History at Bedford Modern School said: “Last year, the Arriere-ban team were excellent, and both knowledgeable and entertaining. The students learnt lots of interesting details about the mediaeval period that cannot be covered in lessons. It was a great day for all involved and something we wanted to repeat in 2010.”

Students were able to take part in practical activities such as building a trebuchet, archery, jousting and weaponry.

Arriere-ban Historic Enterprises Ltd., are a team of professional living history interpreters who specialise in visiting schools and museums to enhance knowledge and a better understanding of history. More information can be found at www.arriere-ban.co.uk/

Photo: Mediaeval Day at Bedford Modern School

BEDFORD MODERN JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 5 PUPILS ENJOY DJEMBE DRUM WORKSHOP

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 5 pupils took part in an exciting Djembe Drum Workshop on Wednesday 9th June. The workshop was held in the Christopher Fry Hall under the expert guidance of Chris Puleston.

Chris Puleston has been playing drums and percussion for over 45 years. He has played in over 30 musical projects and bands in genres as diverse as jazz, rock, progressive, blues, classical, experimental and world music.

He sings and plays a diverse array of instruments including guitar, zither, tamboura, kalimba, tabla, djembe, didgeridoo, flutes, balafon, darabuka, various tuned percussion instruments and drum kit. The interactive Djembe Drum Workshop at Bedford Modern Junior School enabled pupils to try something they would not normally have an opportunity to do, whilst also having fun. Chris frequently leads drum, percussion and didgeridoo workshops around the country.

The Djembe, that originates from West Africa, is a skin-covered hand-drum shaped like a large goblet that literally means “everyone come together”. The Year 5 pupils also had an opportunity to try their hand at playing the Didgeridoo, which is a wind instrument of the indigenous Australians usually made from hardwood such as eucalyptus.

Hazel Farrow, Bedford Modern Junior School Music Teacher said: “We’ve always been inspired by Chris’ fresh and down-to-earth approach. He communicates directly with the musician in each and every one of us.”

Photo: Some of the Year 5 pupils taking part in the Djembe Drum Workshop

The Victorian Era is brought to life at Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern School Year 9 students took part in an Academic Enrichment programme at the School on Thursday 17th June learning more about the Victorians. The programme was designed to go beyond the confines of the curriculum and build connections between topics. Students were encouraged to work together as a team, develop their presentation skills and combine learning with having fun.

After an introductory session by Dawn Costello, BMS Academic Enrichment Co-Ordinator looking at “What the Victorians did for us”, students were split into different groups to undertake research into various aspects of Victorian life.

The Victorian period was described as a particularly exciting part of history with so many innovative ideas that have now helped shape our society including electricity, communication systems and transport.

Sessions covered included Music Hall, Crime, Literature, Photography and the role of Women/Fashion in the Victorian era. Students discovered more about the Victorians by listening to expert speakers within their groups, undertaking research on the internet in order to plan short presentations to deliver to the rest of the year group later in the morning.

Students attending the “Marie Lloyd Group” looked at what the Music Hall was all about and learnt the words to a typical song from the Victorian era. Marie Lloyd was a famous music hall act.

Another session, entitled “Sweeney Todd Group” concentrated on Victorian melodrama proving that the 19th century was the age of the great actor rather than the great dramatist. Melodramas thrilled their audiences with lurid tales against a backdrop of ruined abbeys, dark dungeons and mysterious temples. But melodramas touched more and more upon the lives of ordinary people of all classes in contemporary England.

Dawn Costello commented: ‘All of our Year 9 students entered into the spirit of the morning and demonstrated the strength of their research skills in producing a series of professional presentations in a short space of time. They worked effectively in teams to pass on the information that they had assimilated to the rest of the year group, resulting in a variety of interesting and engaging presentations.’

Photo: Left to right, BMS Year 9 students, Samantha Prentice, Vicky Shacklock, Tania Fulford and Sophie Rowe.

THE “EAGLES” OF BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL BEAT THE “SNOW LEOPARD” AT EASTERN REGION SKI ASSOCIATION RACE

The “Eagles”, Bedford Modern School Year 13 student, Marek Behnke and Year 10 student, Ed Fenton Fowler claimed an impressive scalp at the recent Eastern Region Ski Association race held on 20th May at Milton Keynes Xscape.

The two students, members of the BMS Ski Team beat the Olympic star, Kwami Na, known as the “Snow Leopard”, who skied for Ghana in the recent Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It crowned a great couple of weeks for Marek who is in his final year at Bedford Modern School, before he gets down to the serious business of preparing for his A Level examinations.

In the British Indoor Grand Prix ski race on 9th May, also held at Milton Keynes Xscape, Marek gained Gold in his age group and finished 2nd overall behind former GB star, Georgie Hunt. In this week’s race Marek was again in the medals gaining Silver.

Not to be out done, following a first ever podium finish in the recent British Indoor Grand Prix Series Ski Race, also held on 9th May at Milton Keynes Xscape, up-and-coming star and Bedford Modern Junior School Year 3 pupil, Dominic Barton achieved a second Bronze medal finish in Sunday’s race.

Further fine performances by Bedford Modern School students came from Year 7 student, Daniel Barton, and Year 9 students, Joe Gee and Oliver Chalkley.

Photo: Marek Behnke

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL HOSTS “TECHNOLOGY WEEK” FOR LOCAL LOWER SCHOOLS

Bedford Modern School invited pupils from Bromham Lower and Castle Lower Schools to attend a Technology Week at the School between Monday 7th and Friday 11th June.

In 2009, 56 pupils from Bromham Lower School visited Bedford Modern School over the course of two days, spending time in the Design Technology Workshop undertaking practical projects. Due to the success of last year’s Technology Days, BMS decided to extend the Technology Days into a Technology Week this year.

Paul Kennington, Head of Design and Technology at Bedford Modern School said: “Bedford Modern School are always keen to forge better links in the community and, in particular, with local schools. By extending our Technology Days into a Technology Week, we hope to enable more pupils from nearby schools to be able to participate in our workshop and learn new skills, whilst also having fun.”

Bromham Lower School Year 3 pupils visited BMS for three days during the Technology Week whilst Castle Lower School visited for two days with their Year 4 pupils. Pupils gained workshop experience manufacturing a key fob, mainly involving hand-tool skills but additionally some supervised work with the Laser Cutter. Pupils were also able to watch demonstrations of other machinery such as the CNC Router.

Bedford Modern School are intending to invite local lower schools to take part in technology workshops on a regular basis and this is something that will be repeated again next year.

Photo: Bedford Modern School hosts “Technology Week” for local lower schools

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL U16 WATERPOLO BOYS’ TEAM WIN ENGLISH SCHOOLS’ PLATE FINAL

Bedford Modern School repeated the success of last year by reaching the Final of the ESSA (English Schools’ Swimming Association) U16 Waterpolo Plate Competition recently and went one better this year by winning the competition and becoming Champions.

In a revamped format there were six teams from around the country competing at the Final. Two leagues of three were played out to find the semi-finalist and then the competition changed to a straight knockout. In the League, Bedford Modern School finished second having to come from behind in both games to secure draws. With 40 seconds left in the second game against Monmouth School, BMS were two goals down and out of the reckoning until Bedford Modern School Year 10 students, Jason Attwood and Sam Lourensz both scored excellent goals.

The Semi-Final was against the winners of the other League, Canon Slade School from Bolton. They boasted the England U16 goalkeeper but without a decent defence he was no match for the BMS shooters and the School quickly raced into a four goal lead and ran out comfortable winners 8-4.

The Final proved to be a re-match of the opening game against City of London School. This time Bedford Modern School scored first to settle the nerves and although City pulled level, BMS turned round 3-1 courtesy of goals from student, Darren Norman (Year 11) and a sweet penalty from Jason Attwood. By the last minute, City were back in it with scores level at four apiece. Thankfully both Jason and Darren were on target again and Bedford Modern School deservedly won 6-4.

Jason who top scored with hat-tricks in two of the four games is currently in the England Youth Academy squad whilst goalkeeper, Ruaidhri Meghen (Year 10) has been selected to represent Ireland at Youth level.

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s winning U16 Waterpolo Boys’ Team: William Lowerson (Captain), Robert Lowerson, Andrew Turner, William Simpson, William Stupple, Lawrence Kedward, Howard Friman, Jason Attwood, Sam Lourensz, Darren Norman and Ruaidhri Meghen.

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL’s CRICKET CAPTAIN SELECTED TO PLAY FOR BEDFORDSHIRE

Bedford Modern School’s Cricket Captain, George Thurstance, has been selected to play for the county against Buckinghamshire. This is fairly unique and the last Bedford Modern School student to achieve this feat was Monty Panesar, who later went on to play for England.
18 year old George, who lives in Silsoe, has been in great form this season, scoring two unbeaten centuries and taking wickets with his leg spin.
Nigel Chinneck, Bedford Modern School Master in Charge of the First XI said: “As a School we are delighted for George who thoroughly deserves his chance as he has worked very hard to achieve this high level of performance, also it is pleasing to see the selectors are putting faith in the county’s younger players.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Cricket Captain, George Thurstance, who has been selected for Bedfordshire

Grandparents’ Days at BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL

Bedford Modern School’s first Grandparents’ Day was held in 2006. The aim of the event was to involve grandparents in the academic and pastoral lives of their grandchildren. The response to the event was outstanding and, as such, it was decided to make Grandparents’ Day a bi-annual event.

This year, Grandparents’ Days took place on Friday 14th and Friday 21st May and the School once again welcomed large numbers of grandparents.

Grandparents participated in lessons with their grandchildren before having a school lunch in the Refectory. This was followed by entertainment in the Christopher Fry Hall presented by the pupils, a tour of the Junior School or a trip to the Sports Field to watch their grandchildren in action and finally a Question and Answer session with the Head of Bedford Modern Junior School.

Grandparents’ Days at BMS are an ideal way for grandparents and their grandchildren to spend some quality time together at BMS and have fun.

Nick Yelland, Head of Bedford Modern Junior School said: “These days more and more grandparents are involved in the everyday lives of their grandchildren. A day like today gives them a chance to do more than simply deliver or collect them on behalf of busy parents. It gives them a chance to sample the excitement and variety of a day at Bedford Modern Junior School.”

Photo: Grandparent’s Day at Bedford Modern School

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL THROUGH TO NATIONAL FINAL OF MATHS CHALLENGE

Bedford Modern School students made up the winning team in the regional Maths Challenge competition held at the Centre for Mathematical Sciences in Cambridge recently.

The successful BMS team comprised Year 9 students, Alexander Jeacocke, who is 13 years old and Matthew Wrigley, who is 14 years old together with Year 8 students, Sam Hosegood, who is 13 years old and Simon Whitaker, who is also 13 years old.

The regional Maths Challenge competition involved 30 schools from the area and consisted of five rounds including a Mathematical Relay, a Cross-number and a Head to Head round.

The team was led by Bedford Modern School Maths Teacher, Andrew Grounds, and the four successful students will take part in the National Final of the Team Maths Challenge to be held in London on Monday 21st June.

Nick Shackleton, Head of Mathematics at Bedford Modern School said: “The boys performed exceptionally well and deserved to win the event. They are only the second team from BMS to reach the National Finals and we look forward to seeing them take on the other regional final winners in London.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School students, Simon Whitaker, Matthew Wrigley and Alexander Jeacocke, who are part of the BMS team through to the National Final of the Maths Challenge

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL HEAD BOY OFFERED PLACE AT BIRMINGHAM CONSERVATOIRE TO STUDY MUSIC COMPOSITION

Bedford Modern School Head Boy and Year 13 student, Segun Akinola, has been offered a place at the Birmingham Conservatoire to read music composition. The Birmingham Conservatoire is an international conservatoire that is a full faculty of Birmingham City University and a major concert venue based in the heart of the city centre.

Having obtained 10 GCSEs, Segun is currently studying for his English Literature and Language, Economics and Music A Levels. “I joined Bedford Modern School in September 2003 and have had a passion for music since playing the piano at the age of five. I began drum kit lessons at BMS when I joined the School in Year 7,” said Segun.

Segun, who has a Distinction in Grade 8 Drum Kit, has also played in the School Concert, Jazz and Dance Bands, as well as the School Orchestra, and was one of ten national finalists who competed in the 2009 Young Drummer of the Year Competition. Earlier this year, Segun won the School Prize for Composition at the Senior Music Prizes.

“The music technology facilities at Bedford Modern School are second to none and I would encourage younger pupils at the School to get behind an instrument and be creative. The difference between BMS and many other schools is that BMS uses industry standard music software. By this I mean software that is used by top recording artists such as Lily Allen and The Killers,” said Segun.

Segun is looking forward to taking up his place in September. “I will be studying Music Composition with a view to being a film composer. After watching the Transformers film, I was attracted to the music and this encouraged me to investigate film music and film composers, eventually sparking an interest in classical orchestral music.”

The Music Composition course will last for four years and is very much a practical course. “I intend to obtain experience in writing for different ensembles, different styles, and have the opportunity to experiment with manipulating different ensembles to create different effects, ultimately writing music for Hollywood films,” added Segun.

“I have been very proud to serve as Head Boy at Bedford Modern School and my time at the School has been filled with numerous opportunities. I can honestly say that at BMS students can try everything and will be supported by staff in whatever choices they make,” said Segun.

John Mower, Director of Music at BMS said: “Segun has made a huge contribution to the life of the School and I know he will enjoy his time at the Birmingham Conservatoire.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Head Boy, Segun Akinola

New Pupils Cause a Stir at BEDFORD MODERN JUNIOR SCHOOL!

Bedford Modern Junior School has been home to a large Teddy Bear wearing a BMS boy’s school uniform for the past ten years. The bear is known to Junior School pupils as “Mr McIver”, as he was presented to the School by Ian McIver, a committee member of the OBM (Old Bedford Modernians’) Club.

As Bedford Modern School is a fully co-educational school, the bear has now been joined by another Teddy Bear dressed in a BMS girl’s uniform. This new bear was bought at Peacocks Auction Centre in Bedford recently, and is a gift to the school from the OBM Club. School uniforms for both bears have been made by Mrs Leonie Zdziarski, a dressmaker and former BMS parent.

Richard Wildman, Bedford Modern School Archivist and OBM Club Secretary said: “Knowing that Mr Yelland, Headmaster of Bedford Modern Junior School was keen to add a teddy bear in BMS girl’s uniform to accompany “Mr McIver”, the OBM Club was very glad to donate the new bear. The Club is grateful to Mrs Zdziarski, a very skilled dressmaker, for making the uniform.”

Photo: A selection of Bedford Modern Junior School Year 3 pupils with the Teddy Bears wearing school uniform

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL’S “Oarsome” rowing success continues at Munich and Ghent Regattas

Bedford Modern School Year 13 students Greg Edwards and James Powell, who are part of the School’s 1st VIII crew, were selected to represent Great Britain at the Munich European Regatta that took place over the weekend of Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May.

For 18 year old James, this was the first time he had represented Great Britain. Greg and James won Gold in the VIII in a closely fought race against Spain on Saturday. They also won on the Sunday, in a Coxless Four, against strong European competition.

Whilst Greg and James were competing in Munich, Bedford Modern School Year 12 student Charlotte Cook was selected to compete in the Ghent Regatta in Belgium. 17 year old Charlotte managed to scoop two Golds on consecutive days’ rowing in the Women’s Junior Quad.

All three BMS students are now very much looking forward to competing in the 147th Bedford Regatta taking place on Saturday 15th May and, more importantly, the National Schools’ Regatta held in Nottingham at the end of the month.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 13 student, James Powell, with his Gold Medal from the Munich Regatta

Bedford Modern School’s Year 9 Rowers win Bedford Regatta

Around 100 girls and boys from Bedford Modern School took part in the Bedford Regatta on Saturday 15th May. The support from staff and parents was outstanding and definitely contributed towards some great BMS performances.

The result of the day came from the Year 9 BMS boys competing in the U14 Octuple who, against tough competition, made it through to the Final to race against Bedford School. The Final was watched by a very interested Bedford community and saw Bedford Modern School winning in style. The U14 Octuple comprised Owen Thornton, Joe Bennison, James Berry, Nick Clark, Adam Dingley, Josh Webley, Henk Kroon, Connor Hayward and Gavin McWilliams (cox), coached by Doug Barrell.

This is the first ever win for the Year 9 boys who were ecstatic at their victory and hence, as a rowing tradition, threw their cox through the air into the River Great Ouse.

Other notable Bedford Modern School victories came from the Year 10 boys in a Coxed Quad who fought very well against tough competition. The Coxed Quad consisted of Jack Lundgren, Matthew Smith, Glenn Tamkin and Robin Harvey and David Sillars (cox), coached by Alex Chetwynd. “I would also like to draw attention to the number of BMS girls competing at the Bedford Regatta. The atmosphere was amazing and it was a great day for BMS Rowing”, said Alistair Brown, Director of Rowing at the School.

The support at 3.00pm for the BMS versus Eton race in Junior 18 VIIIs was incredible and it was a real boost for all the Bedford Modern School squads. The BMS squad consisted of Greg Edwards (Year 13), Matthew Bowman (Year 12), Thomas Sweeting (Year 11), James Powell (Year 13), William Gale (Year 12), Edward Munno (Year 11), Andy Taylor (Year 11), Robert Bell (Year 12) and cox, Alistair Redman (Year 12). “This was one of the most anticipated races of the day and this win took Bedford Modern School through to the Final. Thank you to all supporters,” added Alistair Brown.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 9 squad who competed in the U14 Octuple (L-R: Owen Thornton, Joe Bennison, James Berry, Nick Clark, Adam Dingley, Josh Webley, Henk Kroon, Connor Hayward and Gavin McWilliams (cox)

FORMER BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL STUDENT CLIMBS MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Former Bedford Modern School student, Alex Hoppenbrouwers, has successfully climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Alex reached the summit via the Machame route as opposed to the easier Marangu route.

“I landed at Kilimanjaro airport and was taken to Moshi, a small town in the foothills of Kilimanjaro. The next day, after being taken to the Machame gate at the bottom of Kilimanjaro, I started my ascent to Machame Camp. As it was the rainy season, there was torrential rain for the majority of the day but it is far less busy in the rainy season, with approximately 3% of those people who climb at high season,” said Alex.

The ascent to the first camp took six hours through the rainforest before reaching Machame Camp at 3,000m and sleeping in tents. By the end of the second day, Alex had managed to climb above the cloud level thereby no longer being affected by the rain but sacrificing an absence of rain for a considerable drop in temperatures.

On the third day, Alex began the ascent to Lava Tower at 4,600 metres before descending to the camp at Baranco which stands at 3,940 metres. It is important to ascend and then descend as this aids acclimatisation to prevent altitude sickness.

Day four saw an ascent through the alpine desert to Barafu Camp at 4,600m which was an extremely barren and cold landscape solely comprised of rocks. Later that night there were a few hours of sleep before beginning the final ascent to the summit. “When we started the ascent it was the hardest thing of all and took every ounce of strength. A colleague compared it to walking on the moon as you struggle to take every breath and your pace is terribly slow”, said Alex.

“We finally reached the summit which was a great feeling of elation at 6.50am to see the sunrise which was an awe inspiring sight. From the summit at Uhuru peak you could clearly see the whole of Mount Meru which is 45 miles away from Mount Kilimanjaro. I would highly recommend climbing Mount Kilimanjaro but certainly do not underestimate it!” added Alex.

Alex completed the climb in six days and, so far, has managed to raise approximately £1,000.00 for Help For Heroes. If you would like to assist Alex in supporting the charity please visit the JustGiving website at www.justgiving.com/alexhoppy

The cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was raised by Alex himself whilst working as a waiter earlier this year which means that all funds raised will go direct to the Help For Heroes charity. Alex has been offered a place at University College London to read Pharmacology that he will take up later this year.

Photo: Former Bedford Modern School student Alex Hoppenbrouwers who successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro for charity

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL STUDENT, RAESHAN DOWNER, SELECTED AS MEMBER OF THE ENGLAND NATIONAL HANDBALL YOUTH SQUAD

Bedford Modern School Year 10 student, Raeshan Downer, has been selected as a member of the England Handball Association’s National Youth Squad’s programme. Raeshan will be involved in a preparation camp on 5th June in Warrington in readiness for the Olympic Solidarity Training Camp and Partille Cup, taking place in Sweden from Sunday 27th June until Monday 12th July.

The Partille Cup is the World’s largest Youth Handball Tournament. Preparation camps also allow members of the England National Youth Squad to train with other young players from as far away as China and Brazil.

“Handball is a mixture of four different sports including hockey, basketball, football and rugby. It is played on a court either indoors or outdoors. The hockey element is with the goal, the basketball element is in the dribbling, rugby brings the contact aspect and football brings the skill to the game,” said Raeshan.

Raeshan trains with the Bedford Hawks every Saturday morning and at Cranfield University on Sunday mornings. “Games last an hour and are split into two half-hour segments. At student level, matches are usually played over 25 minutes each way. A handball team consists of seven players; six outfield and one goalkeeper. Teams pass a ball to throw it into the goal of their opponent’s team. I really like the speed and adrenaline rush that comes from taking part in each handball game,” added Raeshan.

Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at Bedford Modern School said, “Representing your country is a great honour and I am delighted for Raeshan. Whilst handball is not one of our bigger team sports in this country, it is very popular around the world and hopefully Raeshan will get the opportunity to compete on this international stage.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 10 student Raeshan Downer

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL STUDENT OFFERED A PLACE AT THE NEW YORK CONSERVATORY FOR DRAMATIC ARTS

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Alex Bloch has reason to celebrate after having been offered a place on the Acting course at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. Each year, The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts searches for the most passionate and promising young actors from around the world with fewer than 200 special young people being accepted.

Talented student, actor and singer, Alex, joined Bedford Modern School in Year 12 and has had lead roles in the School’s recent productions of West Side Story and Blood Wedding. Alex, who has nine GCSE’s is studying Theatre Studies, English Literature and History A Levels. “Without a doubt, the Theatre Studies course at Bedford Modern School has improved my performing and I have received tremendous support from the School’s Faculty of Performing Arts. The Theatre Studies course has provided me with more discipline and understanding of what is required by the professional world of actors,” said Alex.

Obtaining a place at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts came about by accident for Alex. “I had auditioned for the Old Vic and several other major U.K. Drama Schools, and after speaking to my grandmother, she gave me the website address for The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. In some ways, being offered a place at The New York Conservatory will be like going home again, as I was born in America,” added Alex.

The New York Conservatory accepts foreign students into its programme providing they can prove they are academically capable of dealing with the course. Alex’s admission interview took place at the London Renaissance Fair Hotel in Chancery Court, Holborn during the Easter holidays. “My audition was conducted by Joan See, Artistic Director of The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. I performed two monologues, namely “Equus” by Peter Shaffer and “Another Country” by Julian Mitchell. The Americans have a different way of auditioning and although it was quite relaxed, the entire interview process was very purposeful.”

Alex had a two week wait before receiving a phone call on Wednesday 28th April offering him a place at The New York Conservatory starting in August 2010. “In some ways I will be sad to leave the U.K. but New York is the centre of the acting world and I am delighted to have such an opportunity to make a career for myself, hopefully leading to professional television and film work,” said Alex.

The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts have offered Alex an interim grant of $5,000 dollars to assist with transitional costs as schooling in America is quite expensive. Alex’s course runs for two years and Alex will be living in accommodation in Manhattan.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 13 student, Alex Bloch, who has been offered a place at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts