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 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’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

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 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 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

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 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

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 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, 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

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 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 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

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 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

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, 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 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

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

Bedford Modern School students and brothers, George and Harry Thurstance have reason to celebrate after they both scored undefeated centuries in the School’s cricket match away at Haileybury School on Saturday 24th April.

Year 13 student, George who joined the School in Year 4, plays for Bedford Modern School’s 1st XI Cricket Team. “”Scoring 133 not out was my highest ever score for the BMS 1st Team. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at BMS, especially the sports and would recommend other students to try all the sports available and see what suits them most,” said George.

15 year old brother, Harry, scored 100 not out and plays for the BMS U15 Cricket Team. Harry, who is in Year 10, joined the School in Year 3, and in 2008 was awarded the Tour Award for Batting whilst taking part in the School’s U13 Cricket Tour to Dublin.

Paul Woodroffe, Director of Cricket at Bedford Modern School commented, “This event is unique in my experience. George and Harry have worked really hard over the winter on their batting and hopefully this is just the start of a fantastic summer for them both.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s budding cricketers, Harry (left) and George (right) Thurstance

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Matthew Wong has been selected for this year’s International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE) and shortlisted for the Sir John Thompson Memorial Sword where a Sword Award is presented to the best CCF (RAF) Cadet. “I will be attending IACE in July flying to Hong Kong and China as an Ambassador for the Air Cadet Organisation in the UK and would ultimately like to train as a fast Jet Pilot,” said Matthew.

The aim is for ambassadors from the UK Air Cadets to travel abroad to places such as Israel, Canada, New Zealand, Ghana, Turkey and Hong Kong to encourage better relations with cadets. BMS student, Matthew will be joined by cadets from other nations, so will be with Americans, French, Belgians, Germans, Australians, Singaporeans and others. Cadets will spend two weeks visiting local sights, military bases and studying aviation-related matters.

During his last five years in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Bedford Modern School, Matthew has attended various cadet camps at RAF bases both home and abroad including Rheindahlen and Ramstein in Germany and Akrotiri in Cyprus. In 2009, the RAF awarded Matthew a Sixth Form Scholarship.

Matthew, who intends to join the Royal Air Force in October, has already obtained a Distinction in his Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAFC Cranwell, in addition to completing an Officer Selection Regiment Course at RAF Honington and a Drill Instructor course at RAF Brize Norton.

“Bedford Modern School Combined Cadet Force has been very supportive throughout my time in the Corps, giving me numerous opportunities, as they do with all the cadets and I fully encourage all Year 9 students at BMS to join the Combined Cadet Force.

Steve Harvey, Contingent Commander with Bedford Modern School’s Combined Cadet Force said: “Matthew has been an exceptional CCF Air Cadet from his very first day in the Section. He has shown excellent leadership ability and taken over as senior RAF Cadet this year. He richly deserves his Sixth Form Scholarship and International Air Cadet Exchange place – both of which show the great opportunities open to all cadets within the CCF.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Cadet Matthew Wong

Bedford Modern School Year 8 student Jordan Semmens recently had her cut to raise money for charity. Up until a few weeks ago, Jordan had considerably long hair before taking the drastic decision to have 22 inches cut off for charity.

“My mother saw a feature on GMTV informing viewers that hair donations were welcome by the Little Princess Trust and this made me think about having my hair cut. Having had long hair for so long, I felt ready for a change without being too drastic and settled on a shoulder-length haircut at a Toni and Guy salon in Stevenage. My hair was tied in a pony-tail before it was cut and then bagged up ready to be sent off to be made into a wig to help those suffering hair loss due to cancer treatment”, said Jordan.

Generally, hair needs to be at least ten inches long before it can be used in making a wig and around 12oz hair is required for each wig. “I think that by donating my hair in this way, it is part of an ongoing legacy as a small part of me will be going someway to helping someone else,” added Jordan.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 8 student Jordan Semmens who undertook a charity haircut

Bedford Modern School students will be performing a Classical Showcase on Wednesday 5th May at 7.30pm in the Howard Hall. The concert will feature BMS senior school musicians performing works from the orchestral and choral repertoire including Coronation March “Crown Imperial” by William Walton, Violin Concerto by Max Bruch, Karelia Suite by Jean Sibelius and, in the second half, Gloria by Vivaldi featuring student vocal soloists. Tickets are priced at £4.00 Adults / £2.00 Concessions and can be obtained from the Bedford Modern School Box Office on 01234 332664.

Year 13 student, Rachel Cullum, is just one of the many students taking part. “I joined Bedford Modern School in Year 9 as a Music Scholar which carried the expectation of becoming heavily involved in music and being a music ambassador for the School,” said Rachel.

Having performed in numerous concerts and musical productions at BMS, Rachel now leads the School Orchestra as violinist. “I come from a musical background as my family are great lovers of music and I fell in love with the violin when I was about seven years old,” added Rachel.

Rachel will be taking part as violin soloist at the Classical Showcase on 5th May. Rachel said, “I will be playing the first two movements from the Bruch Violin Concerto. This is a very popular and well known Concerto and although it is relatively short, it combines technical difficulty with lyrical playing.

“By performing as violin soloist I will obtain great experience of playing as a soloist with an orchestra, especially at a relatively young age, alongside my peers and also under the direction of Mr John Mower, Director of Music at BMS. I think this will be a good way to end my school career,” said Rachel proudly.

Rachel is currently studying English Literature, History, Religious Studies and Music A Levels before going to Cambridge to study Archaeology and Anthropology. “Cambridge is renowned for its music at University and I am confident that music will continue to be a big part of my life.

“The Music Department at Bedford Modern School is welcoming and friendly and has given me so much support. No matter what genre or style your music is, the Department always encourages its students to achieve the best they can and this is what I have appreciated most during my time at the School,” said Rachel.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Rachel Cullum

Bedford Modern School parent, Tracey Smith, will be participating in the London Marathon on Sunday 25th April in order to raise funds for Keech Hospice Care’s children’s service.
The hospice looks after children with a life-limiting illness in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes, which is a huge area to cover.

Tracey, who has two sons at Bedford Modern School, Aaron in Year 3 and Kieran in Year 7, began working for the charity two years ago by working in the Keech Hospice Care shop in Kempston. “I had an induction day at the hospice and was so impressed with the wonderful care and support they provide for patients and families all year round. I was informed that the Government provides 25% of the funding and the charity must raise the rest. This inspired me even more to try and “do my bit”, said Tracey.

Having completed two midnight walks for the charity, Tracey wanted to set herself a true challenge and raise vital funds and so the London Marathon became an ideal target. “I applied to enter the London Marathon and obtained one of the gold bond charity places for Keech Hospice Care. The charity has to buy these places, which I did not realise, and I have guaranteed to raise at least £1,500,” added Tracey.

Serious training for the London Marathon began in January for Tracey when she received the official marathon magazine together with a 13 week training guide. “Having not run since I was at school, training has been quite tough at times,” said Tracey. “Sometimes it is hard to be motivated to go out on a dark, cold evening after a day at work. I worked out a circuit of half a mile and repeated this on numerous occasions in order to build up my stamina. As the weeks progressed I found I could run 5, 10, 13, 15, 18 and finally 21 miles, before beginning my three week taper phase.”

The London Marathon is 26.2 miles long starting at Greenwich and finishing in The Mall. Bedford Modern School wishes Tracey Smith every success with the London Marathon and anyone wishing to sponsor Tracey and help raise funds for Keech Hospice Care can donate at www.justgiving.com/tracey4keech

Photo: Bedford Modern School parent Tracey Smith who will be competing in the London Marathon to raise funds for Keech Hospice Care

Bedford Modern School’s Old Bedford Modernian (OBM) Club editorial team (Peter Boon, Paul Middleton and Richard Wildman) are launching an updated edition of “School of the Black and Red: A History of Bedford Modern School”. First published in 1981 and written by former pupil and teacher, Andrew Underwood, the original book told the story of BMS from 1764 up to the Royal Visit in 1976.

Bedford Modern School will be launching the new publication on Thursday 22nd April in the Refectory where Michael Hall, Headmaster, members of the OBM Club editorial team, and previous Headmasters Stephen Smith and Peter Squire will also be in attendance. Former BMS pupil Dr Vaughan Southgate, President of the Linnean Society and former High Sheriff of Bedfordshire will be the guest speaker at the book launch. The Linnean Society is named after Carl Linneus (or Linnaeus) of Sweden, who was the first to classify plants scientifically. It is the world’s oldest biology society.

This exciting new edition is published in a larger format, with extra photographs, and new appendices and indexes. Additional chapters describe the period from 1977 up to the present, covering the Headships of Peter Squire and Stephen Smith. These years have seen many changes, of which the most momentous was undoubtedly the School’s move to co-education in 2003.

The publication is the third in a series published by the OBM Club, the others being The BMS We Knew: A Book of Memories 1930-1974 (2006) and Bedford 50 Years Ago: The Architecture of a County Town by the late Victor J F Farrar (2007).

“School of the Black and Red: the History of Bedford Modern School” is fully-illustrated, containing 320-pages and is available from retailers or direct from the OBM Club Secretary at Bedford Modern School. The book is priced at £18.00 paperback or £26.00 hardback (post-free in UK). Cheques should be made payable to OBM Club. Further information can be obtained from Richard Wildman, OBM Club Secretary on 01234 332543 or by email at obmclub@bedmod.co.uk

Photo: “School of the Black and Red: A History of Bedford Modern School”

12 Bedford Modern School Politics and History students visited Washington DC for four days over the Easter holidays. The BMS students visited key sites to do with U.S. Government and Politics and the Vietnam War.

After arriving in Washington on Wednesday 7th April, the BMS students travelled to the National Mall before walking from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial. Students were able to see the site of the Martin Luther King ‘I Have A Dream’ speech and Vietnam protests. The nearby Vietnam Memorial was very striking and the Bedford Modern School students were able to see the 56,000 names of U.S. soldiers killed in action.

On Thursday 8th April, the students visited the White House and were able to look around the interesting “Visitor Center”. The students then visited the George Washington University to meet Professor Shawn McHale, who gave a very informative talk on the Vietnam War and the state of U.S. Politics today. The students also met Dik Daso, Curator of the National Museum of American History who guided them round the ‘Price of Freedom’ exhibit and talked about how the Vietnam War material was put together for the exhibition.

A visit to the US Supreme Court was also on the itinerary with students being able to tour the building and hear a lecture in the actual courtroom where many landmark cases have been decided. The students then visited the U.S. Capital building for a view down the National Mall and to see where President’s are inaugurated. There was also an opportunity to view other sections of the National Museum of American History, particularly the original Star-Spangled Banner made during the U.S. Wars of Independence which inspired the U.S. national anthem. The next stop was Arlington National Cemetery to see various monuments to key historical figures like President Kennedy and the Tomb of the Unknowns from each war the U.S.A. has been involved in. The size and scale of the cemetery was vast and showed how each war had affected the nation.

On the final day of the U.S. tour, Bedford Modern School Politics and History students were able to tour inside the U.S. Congress and see the rotunda where Presidents lie in state and U.S. Politicians make the laws. After lunch at Union Station, the final visit was to the National Archives which house the original U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at Bedford Modern School said: “The BMS students were a pleasure to be with – always enthusiastic about what they saw and keen to ask questions to U.S. citizens we met. Overall it was a very memorable trip for all those involved.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Politics and History students on their recent visit to Washington DC

Bedford Modern School’s Head of Speech and Drama, Mark Burgess, is one of three prestigious writers selected by BBC Radio 4 to help celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Tate Modern.
BBC Radio 4 has commissioned the three writers to each write a 15 minute short story inspired by some aspect of the art gallery entitled “Three Tales From Tate Modern.” “Three Tales From Tate Modern” is a Pier Production for BBC Radio 4, directed by David Blount.

Mark Burgess, who has taught at Bedford Modern School since 2004, is one of the most prolific contributors to BBC radio drama in recent years and has set his story against a backdrop of the building itself. Mark’s play is called ‘A MODERN LOVE STORY’ and will be read by Clare Corbett. The play will be recorded live in front of an audience at the Tate on Saturday 10th April and broadcast on Radio 4 in May.

Mark has also written and performed “The Man with the Golden Pen”, a superb one-man show about the life of Ian Fleming. In 2006, Mark produced a radio play entitled “From Father With Love” which examined Ian Fleming’s relationship with his only child, Caspar. The play was broadcast on the afternoon play slot on BBC Radio 4 and charted the distant relationship of Ian and Caspar. Ian adored his son and it was whilst recuperating in a London clinic that he started writing a book for Caspar; the result was “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.

Mark also wrote “Einstein in Cromer” which dramatised a little known episode in the life of the greatest scientist of the 20th century, and starred David Suchet as Albert Einstein. Mark’s fourth play to be broadcast on Radio 4 was entitled “Sam O’Bedlam”, closely followed by “The Wrong Hero” broadcast in April 2007.

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Head of Speech and Drama, Mark Burgess

Bedford Modern School Year 7 students undertake three modules during their Design and Technology course throughout the course of their academic year. The “Blister Packaging” module focuses on students creating a corporate image to market a stationery item of their choice.

As part of the research element of this module, BMS students undertook both discussion and presentation on environmentally friendly products. Students worked through the design process and produced computer generated images that formed the basis of their “Blister Packaged” marketing campaign before manufacturing the product.

On Thursday 18th March, the Year 7 students became young entrepreneurs for the day by entering into their own Dragon’s Den to present their final products to Michelle Upton, Director of Marketing and Admissions at Bedford Modern School.

After listening attentively to each student present and pitch their product, Michelle offered constructive and valuable feedback to the budding entrepreneurs. This included how much thought and creativity had gone into the design process including a number of logos featuring re-cycling and Stop Animal Testing badging. Michelle also commented on the imaginative names for some of the products and their unique selling points including:- A Monkey Keyring called “Fun-Keys!” and Tokyo Mascara – get the Tokyo lashes.

Other innovative products included a Planet Pen that was packaged diagonally to look like a rocket launching into space and Quick Cuts scissors that gave an idea of how sharp they really were. Unique selling points were also mentioned including promoting two items for £1.00 on the front of the packet and bright packaging that would attract a potential customer’s attention on a shelf in the supermarket ensuring their product stands out as opposed to rival products.

John White, Design Technology teacher, and Director of Sixth Form at BMS, said: “I have been particularly impressed with the innovative designs that this group of students have produced. They also coped extremely well with presenting their ideas, potentially a nerve-racking task!’

Photo: Rosanna Russell and Ruth Pyall with their Strawberrie Kiss and Shimmer Shadow products

Bedford Modern School Year 9 student, Ryan Isaacson has been selected for his performance throughout the winter season, to represent The East of England Team in the Virgin Mini London Marathon taking place on 25th April. The Virgin Mini London Marathon is open to anyone aged between 11 and 17 years and will take place over a course three miles long, stretching from London’s Old Billingsgate to The Mall.

Ryan competed at the English Schools Cross Country Event held at Heaton Park, Greater Manchester on Saturday 20th March finishing 12th out of 329 finishers. The top ten runners have been selected to represent England and it was only four seconds and two places that separated Ryan from achieving this.

Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at Bedford Modern School said: “I am delighted Ryan did so well at the English Schools Cross Country Event, just missing out on that elusive top ten spot and England selection by four seconds. I am sure that Ryan will continue to train hard and hopefully break into that top ten in the very near future.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School student Ryan Isaacson who has been selected for the Mini London Marathon

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 6 pupils were delighted with the arrival of the Young Shakespeare Company at the School on Tuesday 16th March. Pupils were transfixed by the enchanting story-telling and breath-taking production of “Hamlet”, providing most pupils with their first taste of Shakespeare.

A storyteller and four Young Shakespeare Company actors performed Shakespeare’s gripping drama with full costumes and props. The fast-moving production came to life with some scenes being acted around the children, as they formed an audience to create dramatic scenes.

The Young Shakespeare Company (www.youngshakespeare.org.uk/) is one of the most well-established and respected educational theatre companies in the U.K. The company was formed in 1988 and currently performs Shakespeare to over 100,000 young people every year and is led by artistic directors Christopher Geelan and Sarah Gordon.

Pupils were able to become actively involved in the integrated production whilst also exploring motives, thoughts and feelings of the characters and having an opportunity to speak short sections of Shakespeare.

Year 6 pupil Millie Cook said: “I played the role of the Queen and had to wear a crown. It was a brilliant production and a great way of interacting with the plot.”

Sam O’Meara, another Year 6 pupil added: “The production was fun and a good way of learning about Shakespeare. I felt part of the story as the scenes were being acted around me.”

Jane Thomas, the Year 6 teacher who arranged for the Young Shakespeare Company to visit BMS said: “The Hamlet production provided us with the most amazing morning and we have all had such fun. We have laughed and we have cried. The acting and drama that we have seen will inspire the pupils to read more Shakespeare and possibly become actors themselves in the future.”

Photo: Members of the Young Shakespeare Company with some of the Bedford Modern Junior School pupils

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.”

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

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

Bedford Modern School (www.bedmod.co.uk) is an independent day school for girls and boys aged 7 to 18 and combines excellent facilities, first class teaching and traditional values.

We are proud of our academic standards, our wide range of cultural and sporting opportunities and our exceptionally caring pastoral structure. We want our students to gain the confidence and academic results to stride confidently into a world where their talents will be recognised and fulfilled.

Bedford Modern School has the following Open Events planned for 2010:-

School “In Action” Day – Thursday 6th May

Small Group Tours at 9.00am, 10.00am, 2.00pm and 3.00pm
This is an opportunity to see the School “in action” during a normal school ay and tour the site whilst students are in lessons.

Junior School Information Evening – Wednesday 15th September

7.00pm prompt start (please arrive by 6.45pm)
Our Junior School Open Evening is an opportunity for parents and grandparents to find out about the Junior School, enjoy some cheese and wine and hear presentations from key staff followed by a Question and Answer session.

Whole School Open Day – Saturday 13th November

Morning Session – 10.00am to 12.00Noon
Afternoon Session – 2.00pm to 4.00pm
This is a chance for the whole family to look around our excellent facilities and meet some of the staff and students. The Headmaster, Michael Hall, will give a talk during the morning and one in the afternoon as will the Head of the Junior School, Nick Yelland. Group tours will take place throughout the morning. A crèche and face painter are also available in the Junior School.

For more information on any of these events, please contact Admissions on 01234 332500 or email admissions@bedmod.co.uk

Bedford Modern School Year 13 students, Rebecca Pye and Cristina MacKinnon, along with Sara Akhtar and Farah Irshad from Biddenham Upper School, will be addressing 60 mental health professionals at a conference to be held at the prestigious Tavistock Health Clinic in London on Friday 12th March.

The Conference is entitled “Culture, CAMHS (Child and Mental Health Services) and Evidence-based Practice: Do They Mix?” and will explore the criteria psychologists currently utilise in their work asking “Do all cultures fall within that remit?”

Rebecca and Cristina will co-present “From Bonkers to NICE: The complexity of Youth Culture” which examines issues affecting adolescents how these relate to music. Mike Solomon, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, will then lead the discussion that follows. Mike has worked with the students in their preparation for the Conference.

Rebecca and Cristina’s presentation opens with the Dizzee Rascal song “Bonkers”. Rebecca explains: “This piece of music was chosen because it was felt relevant to some of the issues being discussed at the Conference and also because the song connects with young people and therefore has a relevant perspective for both adults and adolescents alike.”

Both Rebecca and Cristina have been studying A Level Psychology since Year 12 at Bedford Modern School. “It will be a brilliant experience to visit the Tavistock Clinic where such high calibre psychologists who have shaped society, have worked, rather than just reading about them,” said Cristina.

By taking part in the 2010 Conference both Rebecca and Cristina agree that the experience will enrich, inspire and motivate their A-level Psychology studies at BMS.

Helen Kelly, Head of Psychology at Bedford Modern School said: “This is a fabulous opportunity for Sixth Formers to deliver their thoughts to a professional audience, operating in the mental health sector. All too often, professionals are removed from the groups they claim to represent and this is a wonderful chance for collaborative work between adolescents and professionals.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Sixth Form students Rebecca Pye and Cristina MacKinnon

Bedford Modern School A2 Politics students attended a revision conference on Wednesday 3rd March in London. The students heard from two notable authors and examiners, Anthony Bennett and Paul Fairclough on a variety of topics including The Presidency, Supreme Court and U.S. Political Parties.

As well as the lecture notes, students were given a free copy of a book each for revision – “U.S. Politics Update 2010″ which has the most up-to-date examples for students to use.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at Bedford Modern School stated: “The revision course has given a great start to BMS students’ preparations for their A2 exams in the summer and the resources they were given were superb.”

Photo: U.S. Politics Update 2010

Over two cold and wet Wednesday afternoons in February, Bedford Modern Schools’ Cross Country team competed in the North Beds District Championships and the County Cross Country Championships.

Over both events, all of the Bedford Modern runners competed well, with one Junior girl (Samantha Prentice) and one Senior boy (Alex Robertson) together with four Junior boys (Ryan Isaacson, Henk Kroon, Lewis Marshall, Tom Boulton) qualifying for the County Championships.

However, it is Ryan Isaacson who needs to take all the plaudits for his performances’. In the North Beds event, run around Biddenham Upper School’s fields and surrounding golf course, Ryan took the lead after the second corner and never looked back. He was comfortable in the lead and was never under pressure and came home first by a large margin.

This performance was then surpassed at the County Championships, run around Ampthill Park, where Ryan had a conservative start in the downhill section of the course but soon took the lead on the first uphill section on the first lap. Once in front Ryan extended his lead with every stride and eventually won the race by approximately 400 metres making him the County Champion.

This result means that Ryan has been selected to represent the Bedfordshire & Luton County Team at the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships held at Heaton Park, Greater Manchester on Saturday 20th March. Ryan becomes the second Bedford Modern runner to achieve this feat after Amy Lodder ran in the 2009 Championships.

Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at Bedford Modern School said, “I would like to congratulate Ryan on his recent success and wish him the very best at the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 9 student Ryan Isaacson

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 5 pupils took part in a Build a Tudor House workshop on Tuesday 2nd March. The workshop ran from 9.00am until 3.30pm in the Christopher Fry Hall at the School and was led by Charlie Lupton from Build a Tudor House(www.buildatudorhouse.co.uk) Materials were provided by Oakwrights, a multi-award winning company specialising in the design and construction of bespoke oak-frame houses.

Pupils were able to see history come to life with the Build a Tudor House workshop, specifically designed for Key Stage 2 History curriculum. The Year 5 pupils gained hands-on experience of building a piece of “living” history, using learning styles to solve problems as they worked as a team, enjoying themselves and learning history at the same time.

By becoming master craftsmen for the day, pupils assembled a Tudor House using 97 pieces of wood, measuring 3m x 2m. Once completed, the Tudor house was large enough for 30 children to sit inside. Part of the activities involved with the Build a Tudor House workshop included using carpenters’ marks to assemble the Tudor House from pieces of wood; making wattle panels and daubing them, tiling and thatching and shaping pegs used to pin the houses together.

Joanna Rex, Deputy Head of Bedford Modern Junior School said: “This was a wonderful opportunity to bring history alive for the children. To be given the chance to help build a Tudor House that is one third actual size was a particularly exciting prospect. Charlie Lupton was excellent!”

Charley-Ella Knights-Nizzardi, a Year 5 pupil said: “I really enjoyed building the Tudor House and using different beams that each had different names. I also liked laying the tiles and thatching. By taking part in the Tudor House workshop activities I learnt a lot about history instead of just reading about it in a book.”

Harry Beard, another Year 5 pupil added: “I used tools to strip away the wood and make pegs to keep the house together. Overall, the whole Tudor House workshop was fun and I learnt a lot about the Tudors and their lifestyle.”

Photo: Some of the Bedford Modern Junior School pupils taking part in the Build a Tudor House workshop

Over 750 children took part in Bedford Modern School’s Holiday Activity Courses which ran over five weeks of the School holidays last summer. Why not plan your 2010 holidays now and see what Bedford Modern School can offer your children?

Holiday Activity Courses at BMS will be running on the following dates during 2010:-

Easter
Week 1 – Tuesday 6th April to Friday 9th April
Week 2 – Monday 12th April to Friday 16th April

Summer
Week 1 – Monday 26th July to Friday 30th July
Week 2 – Monday 2nd August to Friday 6th August
Week 3 – Monday 9th August to Friday 13th August
Week 4 – Monday 16th August to Friday 20th August
Week 5 – Monday 23rd August to Friday 27th August

Whether your children want to join us for the first time or have been coming to our courses for many years, we are sure that they will have a fantastic time. The aim of Bedford Modern School Holiday Activity Courses is to ensure that all the girls and boys who attend, thoroughly enjoy themselves, make new friends and learn some new skills.

Booking for the Easter 2010 Holiday Activity Courses opened on Friday 15th January and we look forward to welcoming your children to Bedford Modern School Holiday Activity Courses this year.
For a copy of the Bedford Modern School 2010 Holiday Activity Courses brochure please contact the Holiday Activity Course Office on 01234 332667 or go to www.bedmod.co.uk
Courses include: Art & Craft, Art of Jewellery Making, Circus Skills, Cricket, Football, Eco Adventurers, Football, Photography, Roving Reporters, School of Modern Magic, Survival Adventure Skills and Youth Television amongst many others and full details and photographs can be found in the brochure.

“We have learnt some amazing magic tricks and lots of card tricks on the School of Modern Magic Course” – Jessica and Sam

“I really enjoyed playing the part of Shrek on the Drama Advanced Course” – Hannah

The Circus Skills Course was great fun; I tried juggling, feather-balancing, plate-spinning and diablo” – Harry

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 3 pupils learnt about life in Ancient Egypt through a variety of workshop activities and role plays that took place at the School on Thursday 25th February.

Pupils were visited by “History Off The Page”, who are a team of specialist teachers who travel from school to school. History Off the Page was started in 1996 by Peter Cornwell and more information can be found at www.historyoffthepage.co.uk.

History Off The Page have visited Bedford Modern Junior School for many years and previous Egyptian Days have included pupils dressing in Ancient Egyptian costumes and taking part in workshops including claywork, carving, jewellery-making, scribes and perfume-cone making.
Phil Cook from History Off The Page said: “The Bedford Modern School pupils have been delightful and worked very hard and hopefully will now have an experience of what life was like three and a half thousand years ago.”
BMS Year 3 pupil Grace Thornton thoroughly enjoyed the Egyptian Day. “I have tried lots of activities including soap carving and the Egyptian Day was a fun and exciting way of learning new things about Ancient Egypt.”
Tim Evans, another Year 3 pupil added, “I enjoyed dressing up in Egyptian costumes and have learnt more about Egyptian life whilst also having fun. I have been moulding clay into scarab charms and later in the day we will be having an Egyptian Feast.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 3 pupil, Seth Jayalath, enjoying the Egyptian Day

In 2009 The Times Spelling Bee arranged for students to compete against others to become the country’s spelling champion. This year, Microsoft is the official sponsor of the Spelling Bee, teaming up with The Times.

The 2010 Spelling Bee Championships are open to any student who will be 12 years old between 1st September 2009 and 31st August 2010 and Bedford Modern School have put together a team of Year 7 students keen to take part.

Johanna Ware, Head of Key Stage 3 English at Bedford Modern School said: “The BMS team consists of Bayley Hockham, Tope Fisayo, Samuel Butler and Jaffer Zaidi and they will take part in the Regional Heat of The Times Spelling Bee competition at Aspects Leisure Park in Bedford on Wednesday 10th March.”

Students will be pitched against two other teams and have to undertake two types of spelling test on the day. In the spelling play-off students must spell their words correctly to gain two points for their team. In the first round, students will not be eliminated if they get a word wrong. In the second round, however, the eliminations will begin!

The other part of the day will consist of the Quick Fire Challenge in which the team will have to spell as many words correctly as possible. Students can choose the difficulty level they wish with higher levels of difficulty attracting more points.

“Currently our students are practising on The Times’ website where there are lots of activities and tasks for them to hone their spelling skills before the competition begins,” added Johanna Ware.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 7 students (l-r: Tope Fisayo, Samuel Butler, Bayley Hockham and Jaffer Zaidi) preparing for The Times Spelling Bee Competition

21 Bedford Modern School AS Politics students attended a three day trip to Scotland as part of their studies into Devolution and the operation of the Scottish Parliament.

During the trip the students went to the University of Edinburgh to hear Dr E. Hepburn on Devolution and also Dr Swanson on studying Politics at University – both excellent talks and the students were able to ask lots of questions.

After a tour of the Parliament, students had a series of meetings with MSP representing Labour, Conservatives and Liberal Democrats plus the SNP who are in government. Each speaker provided valuable information on the current state of Scottish Politics and their plans for the forthcoming UK General Election. Students were also able to ask questions directed at each politician.

The BMS students were also able to attend a Committee Hearing on Scotland’s response to the Lisbon Treaty and their relations with the E.U. In the evening students went on a Ghost Walk of Edinburgh and explored the hidden side of the city.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at BMS said: “It was a fantastic trip for the students who learnt a great deal in a very busy programme of events.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School AS Politics students visit Edinburgh Parliament

Stephen’s talk, entitled Black Wind and White Fire: Ruskin’s visit to Sicily in 1874, was illustrated with letters and drawings by Ruskin and others, as well as photos taken by Stephen in Sicily last September.

Sicily was the furthest place ever visited by the great art critic, John Ruskin (1819-1900), who was born on 8th February, although he saw only Palermo, Monreale and Taormina in the north and east of the island. He was invited to Palermo by the family of Sir Henry Yule, a retired army officer and colonial administrator, whose vivacious daughter Amy, 33 years Ruskin’s junior, not only acted as Ruskin’s guide but corresponded with him and wrote about their friendship after his death in long footnotes in books about her father. At the time Ruskin was hoping to marry the ailing Rose La Touche, but, as Stephen was able to show in his talk, there is evidence that strong mutual affection may have existed between Ruskin and his “little Sicilian witch” (as he called her in other letters).

Only fragments of Amy’s and Ruskin’s correspondence have survived, but from these and other sources Stephen has reconstructed their friendship, focused on the 1874 visit, during which Ruskin commented on a “black wind” from the north, and observed the “white fire” of the volcano Mount Etna. He made drawings of the tomb of the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II in Palermo Cathedral, with its fusion of Classical and Gothic styles, and admired the Byzantine mosaics of Monreale.

Amy, who never married, eventually moved to Scotland and became a supporter of the revival of Gaelic, prior to her death in 1916. So far no photograph or other picture of her has come to light.

Professor Stephen Wildman is the brother of Richard Wildman OBM, Bedford Modern School Archivist and OBM Club Secretary. The BMS archives include records of the School’s pupils and history, including over 2,000 photographs since about 1860. It is Richard’s task to sequence, conserve and interpret the material – a mine of historical information – to current staff and students, as well as to OBM’s and their descendants.

Notes: OBM = Old Bedford Modernian

Photo: Former Bedford Modern School pupil, Professor Stephen Wildman

Bedford Modern School students will be performing West Side Story at the School on Monday 8th March, Tuesday 9th March and from Thursday 11th March to Saturday 13th March 2010.

Set in New York in the mid-1950′s, West Side Story explores the rivalry between two teenage gangs of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. When young American Tony falls in love with Puerto Rican immigrant, Maria, a tragic chain of events is set in motion that will rip apart their worlds forever.

This musical re-telling of Romeo and Juliet features some of the greatest songs of the 20th Century including Something’s Coming, Maria, America, Somewhere, Tonight, I Feel Pretty and Cool.

Tickets for the production are on general release priced at £5.00 for adults and £3.00 for concessions. To book, or for more information about this and other productions at BMS including Bugsy Malone and the Strawberries and Cream Concert, please contact the Bedford Modern School Box Office on 01234 332664.

Four Bedford Modern School students and talented Table Tennis stars have been selected by The English Schools’ Table Tennis Association (ESTTA) to represent their country at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World Schools’ Table Tennis Championships to be held in the Czech Republic between 25th and 31st March.
Bedford Modern School’s Table Tennis Team includes Year 11 student Alex Farmer, Year 10 student Joshua Robinson, Year 9 student Nishanth Narayanan and Year 11 student Harpreet Rupal.

Paul Birch, Bedford Modern School Table Tennis Coach said: “This is only the second time in the School’s history that BMS has been invited to take part in the ISF World Schools’ Table Tennis Championships. The last time the School competed was in 1995 and to be picked again this year is absolutely fantastic.
“This generation of BMS table tennis players can now experience the honour of representing their country and Alex, Joshua, Nishanth and Harpreet have all worked very hard to get where they are today.”
The Bedford Modern School squad will compete in the initial stages of the Tournament by playing teams from Ireland, Poland, Malta and Slovakia. The BMS team will be led by No. 1 player Joshua Robinson.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Table Tennis Team who will be representing their country (l-r: Alex Farmer, Joshua Robinson, Nishanth Narayanan and Harpreet Rupal)

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student, Garry Hendry, has been chosen to join an International Youth Project as part of the E.U. Youth in Action initiative. The programme will involve Garry spending a week in Spain, learning how to organise, market and recruit for voluntary organisations.

“I have been involved with the International Youth Project, working with YouthCast for the last two years,” said Garry. YouthCast is something that Garry initially helped set up through the Youth Action network, with the purpose of providing new media skills training for young people in Bedfordshire. The training takes places at external organisations, recent examples being Connexions and Luton Council Groundworks.

“My role is that of general adviser and media trainer. I create, plan and edit audio and video podcasts. I have always been interested in the media and was delighted to be able to combine this with my youth action work. I first joined the School’s Youth Action programme when I was in Year 10,” he added.

Between 1st and 7th March, Garry will be travelling to Isla Cristina, in Spain along with representatives from several other organisations across Europe. “The invitation to take part in the EU Youth Scheme really came off the back of my Twitter marketing on YouthCast. Everyone participating in the European scheme will come together at this event to discuss issues affecting young people and how it affects them.

“Problems may include poverty, drugs and homelessness and we will be looking at ways to solve these issues through media solutions. Media solutions apply through advertising, marketing and giving people the tools they need to express themselves. This is an exciting opportunity to meet young volunteers from all over Europe and is sure to assist my personal development,” said Garry.

Whilst at Bedford Modern School, Garry has also been involved in re-developing the School’s Outreach website and designing a new website for the Development Office. After taking his A Levels this summer, Garry intends to study Advertising and Marketing at Bournemouth University.

Dr Andrew Rowley, Community Service Organiser at BMS and School Chaplain said, “Garry has worked very hard for Youth Action at Bedford Modern School over a number of years. He has made a commendable contribution in a number of ways, including inspiring and supporting younger students in their voluntary work. This project sounds made for him.”

In 2005, Garry also launched his own radio station. This is a small on-line community station that operates during half-term and school holidays. The station provides a blend of music, chat and general discussion topics and can be accessed at http://radio.gazzainc.co.uk/

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 13 student, Garry Hendry

Gary Jones, Head of Faculty – Art Design Information Technology at Bedford Modern School together with the school’s Academic Enrichment Co-ordinator, Dawn Costello, arranged for 25 BMS Year 9 students to take part in a session designing and constructing wind turbines as part of their Science, Maths and Technology syllabus. Students were selected based on their performance and potential in at least two of the three disciplines.

The event, known as a Smallpeice STEM day, took place on Thursday 11th February. Smallpeice Trust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) days provide short introductory sessions for students to enhance their understanding of, and aptitude for, problem solving, creativity, design and engineering.

Following an introductory session from the Smallpeice Trust, students were invited to design and construct a wind turbine to produce the greatest amount of energy. The Trust was set up by Dr Cosby Smallpeice, a self-taught engineer and founder of the Trust promoting. “Big things happen with the Smallpeice Trust including simplicity in design and economy in production.”

As part of the project, students learnt about renewable energy, wind power and wind turbines, electricity and circuits, structures and forces. The session concluded with the testing of each team’s model. A winning team was then selected based on points awarded for product performance, team working, aesthetics, cost and marketing. Members of the winning team won a small prize with two lucky BMS students gaining places on a Smallpeice Trust residential course at the University of Portsmouth.

“We are always looking for ways in which we can bring the curriculum to life. Experiences like the ones offered by the Smallpeice Trust and Network Rail are exactly what, as educationalists, we need. We are very pleased to be able to offer BMS students the opportunity to experience real world challenges, especially when they contextualise critical issues like sustainability and energy production. They also reinforce the cross-curricular nature of education, which the Faculty structure within Bedford Modern School was established to facilitate and promote,” said Gary Jones.

Maddie Reece, Year 9 student said, “The wind turbine session was enjoyable and presented a good challenge. We learnt the importance of teamwork and being able to compromise on ideas sometimes when working on projects.”

Edward Handford, another Year 9 student said, “We worked in small groups in order to pool our ideas. I have learnt the importance of going green to help the environment.”

Photo: Some of the Bedford Modern School Year 9 students constructing their wind turbines

Bedford Modern School Staff Instructor (SSI) Captain Brian Simpson is a volunteer Caseworker for The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help. SSAFA have been serving the Armed Forces and their families for well over a 100 years and last year alone provided a reliable, caring and trusting service to more than 50,000 people.

Captain Brian Simpson has six medals for Army and CCF Services lasting over 40 years, as well as being a recipient of the Malaysian People’s Medal for chivalry, gallantry and sacrifice. Bedford Modern School has one of the oldest Combined Cadet Forces in the country, having been formed in 1863. Brian began his role at BMS as the S.S.I. (Corps RSM) and was commissioned in 2003. His role now, although still S.S.I., is more as the Adjutant with responsibility for the Army section.

SSAFA’s reputation has been built on the excellent work carried out by their professional staff and trained volunteers working with both the serving and ex-service communities they make a real difference to people’s lives. From the provision of Health and Social services, to supporting the ex-Service community, from running a confidential support line, to delivering holidays to children with additional needs, SSAFA cover a very broad spectrum of issues.

Captain Brian Simpson first started volunteering as a Caseworker for SSAFA in 2006. “Being an ex-member of the Forces I was very aware of SSAFA and the good work the organisation does. Prior to 2006, I was Secretary of a Working Men’s Club in Bedford and wanted to continue my voluntary work by giving something back to society whilst also undertaking a fresh challenge,” said Brian.

After completing a three day course at SSAFA’s Headquarters in London, Brian was qualified to become a SSAFA Caseworker and now routinely makes home visits to applicants in Bedford and the surrounding area. Home visits follow a set criterion that involves completing a comprehensive analysis about the candidate and their request for financial assistance. Typically, an initial home visit will last for 1 ½ to 2 hours. An applicant’s request for financial assistance may include “brown goods” such as furniture, carpets, curtains, mobile phones, bicycles or “white goods” such as cookers, or fridges that will be purchased through an approved list of suppliers.

“Some of the purchasing power is conducted through other organisations. For example, if an applicant was ex-Army and previously employed as a printer, SSAFA may approach the Printers Union for initial assistance in addition to the relevant unit that the applicant served in within the Military e.g. The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund. The biggest donators to the SSAFA cause are the Royal British Legion and I may spend anything between two weeks to two months working on an individual case,” said Captain Brian Simpson.

“Being a Caseworker with SSAFA brings me a great deal of satisfaction both in terms of personal and professional satisfaction. I get a real buzz out of trying to make a difference to someone’s life and for a lot of people SSAFA is their lifeline. Each case I investigate is different; no two cases are ever the same because all personalities are different and I get to meet some real characters,” added Brian.

A Caseworker does not necessarily have to have served in the military and SSAFA frequently advertise for volunteers in a variety of national newspapers. For more information about SSAFA please visit www.ssafa.org.uk

Photo: Bedford Modern School’s Captain Brian Simpson

Approximately 70 Bedford Modern School students took part in the Hampton Head races on the River Thames, by Hampton Court, on Saturday 6th February. The BMS squads ranged from the Junior 14s up to the Junior 18s, with a strong support team to match.
From the amount of red and black that was present at the event, it was clear that Bedford Modern School meant business; even the new Headmaster, Mr Michael Hall, came to support the day’s events.
At Hampton Head, for the first time in Bedford Modern School history, there were almost an equal number of girls to boys, with the J14 Girls achieving commendable success at their first away event.

With Hampton Head being the first major event of 2010, the BMS 1st VIII had a superb win, beating Hampton School by five seconds. Well done to Todd Cartwright (cox), Will Gale, Alex Robertson, Greg Edwards, James Powell, Andy Taylor, Tom Sweeting, Matt Bowman and Ed Munno.
This sets the BMS squad in good stead for future events. With the season not even halfway through, this promises to be an “oarsome” season for Bedford Modern School.
Alistair Brown, Director of Rowing at Bedford Modern School said, “For me, the real success was not just winning the Hampton Head, but also making School history by entering the first BMS Girls’ Octuple at the Hampton Head.

Photo: The winning BMS 1st VIII

The Angers Film Festival took place between 22nd and 31st January. Michael’s award-winning film, “Whore” runs for 10 minutes and the prize for winning the European Short Film category was 1,500 euros offered by Scania.

Michael, who attended Bedford Modern School between 1995 and 2004 directed his first short film ‘Thief’ as a 14 year-old student at BMS, casting the then-headmaster in a cameo role alongside school mates.

He began his professional career in film while a student at Oxford University. “I began by helping out as a runner on big screen movies during my university holidays but when I graduated in 2007 it gave me the time that I needed to move into producing.

“Alongside my job as Projects and Development Assistant at arts agency, B3 Media (www.b3media.net) in London, I am now a serial short film producer. I am currently planning my debut micro-budget feature film, a psychological drama called Christie, which I hope to be shooting in October.”

Winning the Grand Prix means a higher profile, more opportunities to work with talented directors, and more exposure to my existing portfolio of work. All of this will hopefully help me make the jump into feature film-making!

“ I’m ecstatic about winning this prize. The Angers Film Festival is one of the oldest and most highly regarded of all the international film festivals. Even to get your film picked for showing there is and honour. But to go on and to win the Grand Prix when you are competing against high quality films from all over the world is incredible.”

“Whore” (www.b3media.net/whore) is a gritty, urban drama set in a London school. My director, Fyzal, cast unknown young actors in the leading roles playing a young couple unable to communicate properly. I cast my mother, Wendy Berliner, a former BMS governor, in the role of a teacher!

Michael is no stranger to awards. The first film he produced professionally, “The Beachcombers”, won the ITV Local/Film London Best of Boroughs Viewers’ Choice Award in 2008. His second film “Looking for Marilyn”, was shown on TV as a Channel 4 Three Minute Wonder after winning the Straight 8 short film making competition, and “Whore” was selected for the 2008 “Life is Short” UK Film Council Talent DVD, and has also screened at Gijon, Warsaw, Cork and Bangkok film festivals. “In Passing”, which he produced last year, is a WWII drama starring Lesley Sharp, Sean Pertwee and Russell Tovey, which has been picked up by BBC HD for exhibition on the HD channel and on iPlayer in HD. Michael also has two brand new UK Film Council Digital Shorts out, Big Tingz and My Dad the Communist, which recently premiered at London Short Film Festival and have both been picked for the 2009 “Life is Short” UK Film Council Talent DVD – a selection of ten of the best UK Film Council funded shorts.

Photo: Michael Berliner, winner of the Grand Prix du Jury in the European Short Film Competition at the prestigious Angers Film Festival

Competing for the first time in 2010 at the Burns Meet in Sheffield, Bedford Modern School Year 12 student, Adam Ingledew took convincing wins in his age group (Males 15/16yrs) in 50m, 100m and 200m Freestyle, together with a 4th place in 100m Butterfly – all in personal best times.

In addition Adam’s 100m Freestyle time was a qualifying time for the British Championships and Commonwealth Trials to be held at the end of March.

The Burns Meet was held at Ponds Forge Pool, Sheffield and took place over the weekend of Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st January. The event was a preparation meet for the Commonwealth Trials.

“Last weekend’s result was a big confidence boost and I am looking forward to swimming even faster in March at the British Championships and Commonwealth Trials,” said Adam.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Year 12 student Adam Ingledew

Bedford Modern School Year 10 students, Jason Attwood and Ruaidhri Meghen are following on from last year’s waterpolo success by having been selected for the England Talent Group for Boys born in 1995 and 1996.
Jason, along with Year 12 students, Matt Leydon and Ben Jarman, represented the East Region in the National Division 2 Championships recently. All played well with Ben Jarman managing to net twice in the Tournament and Matt Leydon making a string of fine saves in the goal. The Region finished 4th, winning one and losing three games. BMS Master in Charge, Tim Whitwham, was the Team Manager.
The Girls’ Waterpolo Competition will be taking place over the weekend of 13th and 14th February. The Region’s team boast three Bedford Modern School girls in Year 10 students, Billie Scholten, Holly Rooney and Ros Latham and two former students in Amy and Rebecca Ennion who learnt to play waterpolo at BMS. Tim Whitwham has been invited to coach the team.
All the players have been, or are presently involved in, the National Development Programme run through the Regional Training Centres. Bedford Modern School hosts one for the Region and the scheme is part of the build up to and legacy of the 2012 Olympic Games

Photo: Some of the BMS Waterpolo players who have been making waves

Bedford Modern School Year 12 student, Hannah Hurley, is delighted to have been awarded this year’s Robert Luff Medical Scholarship. Overall nine students from Bedford Modern School entered the competition with Year 12 students, Susannah Odell and Christien Fortune, finishing as runners-up.

The Scholarship, which offers £1,000 per year remission of fees in the Sixth Form, was set up by former pupil, the late Robert Luff CBE. It is open to any BMS student in Year 12 intending to pursue a career in medicine or an allied discipline at University and is decided by an essay competition. Hannah’s winning entry, entitled “The Next Great Plague”, was set and marked by Mr Crispin Southgate. Mr Southgate is a Consultant Surgeon and attended BMS 30 years ago.

Winning entrant Hannah, who only joined BMS in September 2009 said, “We had to prepare a 1,500 word essay on one of three subjects. I chose The Next Great Plague as this seemed a more scientific option as opposed to the other two options which were “If I could cure just one disease” or “What would Aneurin Bevan think of his health service today?”

“As part of my composition I considered the possibilities of what the next plague might be including a flu pandemic, a malaria pandemic or an HIV pandemic. My essay discussed the likelihood of each eventuality, how serious each pandemic might be and the projected death rates.”

Hannah says that in order to prepare for her winning essay she spent months reading various scientific journals and periodicals to compile a good research base. “I was really excited when my name was announced as the winner of the 2010 Robert Luff Medical Scholarship, as I didn’t expect to win and it still hasn’t sunk in,” she said

Ultimately, Hannah would like to go on and study Medicine at Cambridge University.

Photo: Bedford Modern School student, Hannah Hurley, winner of this year’s Robert Luff Medical Scholarship

Bedford Modern Junior School pupils wanted to try and do something to help the people of Haiti after the recent earthquake that struck the country on 12th January 2010. The devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake occurred approximately 16 miles from Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti causing a humanitarian crisis. Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world and more than half of the country’s 9.6 million people are under the age of 21.

Junior School pupils decided to spend the weekend of 16th and 17th January raising money for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal by offering to undertake a variety of jobs around the home.

Several Junior School pupils explained what it meant to them to be helping raise money for the people of Haiti. Year 3 pupil, Maisie McIntyre said, “I offered to wash up after dinner and did lots of housework. I raised £10.00 and it felt good to have helped.”

Year 3 pupil, Edward Forrester said, “I donated my £5.00 pocket money to the Haiti Appeal and my Mum matched this amount. I also earned £10.00 by doing some jobs at home over the weekend.”

Claudia Johnson, a Year 6 pupil commented, “I helped by changing the beds at home and putting on new sheets. It was good to get some sponsorship money and put this in the envelope to send to someone who is struggling.”

Year 6 pupil, Talis Harris added, “I did lots of jobs including cleaning my room, emptying the dishwasher and walking the dogs. I was very proud to be able to help people who are not so lucky.”

Alice Inskip, Year 5 pupil, raised money for the Haiti Appeal by washing all seven of the family cats whilst Year 6 pupil, Rohan Kumar tidied his room and carried out some gardening tasks.

Bedford Modern Junior School are extremely proud of their pupils who managed to raise the sum of £1,014.42. The money raised will be distributed through the SOS Children in Haiti / Haiti Emergency Relief Appeal as they are a well established charity in Haiti.

Photo: Bedford Modern Junior School pupils who have raised money for the Haiti Earthquake Appeal

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student, Greg Edwards, was delighted to receive a letter from the Dean of Admissions at Harvard College, USA, stating that a “formal letter of admission to the Class of 2010 would be issued to him on 1st April”.

Such an early positive indication to join Harvard College is only issued to outstanding applicants. “The opinion of the Admissions Committee is not merely that Greg’s accomplishments – academic, extracurricular and personal – are impressive, but also that Greg would be a good match for the opportunities and challenges at Harvard”, said the Dean of Admissions, Harvard College.

“The main reason that I thought about applying to Harvard was that after my A Levels I did not want to take a GAP year but did want to try and see a bit of the world and this seemed to combine the two options. I will be taking a Liberal Arts Degree, over four years, majoring in Physical Sciences. As part of my Liberal Arts Degree I will be studying Maths, Physics and the History of Sciences,” said Greg.

“During my first week at Harvard I will be able to attend any class in order to decide my likes and dislikes. Majoring is made up by taking different classes, for example, it would be possible to take a language whilst also studying physics. The American university system seems more diverse than the U.K. system.”

Greg Edwards will join Harvard College at the end of August reading for the beginning of the Fall Term on 2nd September. Initially, Greg will be known as a “Freshman” and be housed by the college in Freshman’s Yard. “Freshman’s Yard is a lovely tall red brick building built around a quad with a park in the middle. Harvard is located in Cambridge, which is part of Boston, and similar to the layout of Oxford and Cambridge in the U.K.

“There will be lots to see and do in Cambridge and Boston and I intend to watch some baseball games and maybe American football. Another thing I am looking forward to is seeing New England in the Fall,” he added.

At the end of the four year degree, Greg intends to return to the U.K. “Although I am excited about attending Harvard College and think that it will be a great experience and adventure, I intend to return to England. After Harvard I would like to study a Graduate course in the U.K. before embarking on a career in the City.

“Although it was my choice to apply to a college in America, I have been supported by staff at Bedford Modern School in making my application,” he added.

Photo: Bedford Modern School student, Greg Edwards, who will be embarking on an American adventure at Harvard College later this year

Bedford Modern School Year 13 student Marek Behnke won a Gold Medal in the Giant Slalom whilst competing in the British Schoolboys’ Skiing Races held in Meiringen, Switzerland from 24th to 26th January.

Marek has also been selected by the British Skier Cross co-ordinator to ski Europa Cup this season which is a great honour. Europa Cup is the level below the World Cup that is seen on television and is the first step to getting into the GB Squad for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Another success for the School was BMS Year 10 student Edmund Fenton Fowler who took second place in one of the two Giant Slalom races in his age group. Amazingly, his run was so fast that he was sixth fastest overall beating all but four of the junior category racers (aged 15-18) who were racing the same course. Those he bettered included one already in the National Squad, so in his first outing in a European Alpine Competition, Edmund has certainly proved his talent.

David Orton, Head of Games at Bedford Modern School said, “I was delighted by Marek and Edmund’s personal successes, as both of them are totally committed to their sport. However, it was also a wonderful experience for all the BMS boys who competed and I was very proud of them, as the poor visibility and persistent snow made for very difficult conditions.”

Photo: Edmund Fenton Fowler in action

Bedford Modern School’s Year 10 student, Edmund Fenton Fowler will be watching the action in the Winter Olympics closely next month. Ed spent last winter training with the prestigious Red Mountain Racers Ski Racing Academy in British Columbia and came home with a clutch of medals, including winning the 2009 British Columbia U15 Male Ski Cross Championship and reaching the quarter finals of the Western Canada U15 Male Ski Cross Championships.
However ski cross, a new sport in the Winter Olympics for the first time this year, was just a fun distraction for Ed who had never tried it before. Ed, whose favourite alpine skiing disciplines are Giant Slalom and Super G, trains locally at Xscape Milton Keynes with the Bedford Modern Ski Club and the SkiMK Race Team and in the Alps with a former England children’s team coach and selector and he has a busy schedule of competitions lined up this winter in Europe with the aim of qualifying for selection to the England Alpine Team.
Ed and his colleagues in the Bedford Modern Ski Team are heading for the mountains of Switzerland this weekend to compete in the British Schoolboys International Races in Meiringen. Ed will be racing in the English Championships in Italy over the half-term break hoping for some excellent results to lead into the British Championships in France in April.
Patrick Jerram, Director of Sport at Bedford Modern School said, “Edmund has worked really hard over the past 12 months which is starting to pay dividends. I am confident he will be able to transfer his recent good form into success both for the School next week and in his personal quest to make the national team. I wish him and all our excellent young skiers at BMS the best of luck in Meiringen next week.”

Photo: Edmund Fenton Fowler in action in Canada doing speed training

Bedford Modern School is delighted to announce that six of their Sixth Form students have been offered places at Oxbridge Colleges for 2010 entry. Additionally, BMS Sixth Form student Greg Edwards has been offered a place at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

Peter Hall (Engineering at Robinson), Rachel Cullum (Archaeology / Anthropology at Emmanuel); Lawrence Smith (Veterinary Medicine at Emmanuel); Rosie Keep (English & Education at Homerton); Calantha Coulton (Classics at Murray Edwards) were successful in their application to Cambridge Colleges.

EmilyRose Scott has been successful in being offered a place at St. Hugh’s College, Oxford to study History.

Greg Edwards will be studying Physical Sciences at Harvard University. He said, “I will actually be taking a Liberal Arts Degree but majoring in Physical Sciences. Being offered a place at Harvard University is really exciting; I wanted to see a bit of the world but did not want to take a GAP year and studying at Harvard seemed an ideal way to combine the two.

“The application process for Harvard was different to the UK system and I had to sit the American Standard Aptitude Test (S.A.T.). I sat my exams at The American School in London and I am sure that being part of Harvard University will be a great adventure”, said Greg.

John White, Director of Sixth Form at Bedford Modern School said, “As an institution we are always extremely proud of the number of students who achieve their first choice university, clearly gaining Oxbridge entry is very special particularly in such competitive times; congratulations to all.”

Photo: L-R BMS Sixth Form students, Peter Hall, Rosie Keep, EmilyRose Scott and Lawrence Smith

A large snowman stood at the entrance to Cranfield University sports hall to greet the Year 9 badminton squad as they embarked on their quest to become county champions for the second successive year.

He may well have had cold feet but the Upper 4 girls remained undaunted and warmed to their task in a flurry of activity as they took on Stopsley and Stratton.

Hana Staddon showed the value of hitting long and hitting down in her singles matches. She moved her opponents around the court to good effect and had two impressive singles wins.

Alice Devaney made good use of the drop shot in her doubles matches and punished the short clearance with unerring regularity. They were well supported by Harry Elston, Georgina Hind and Louisa Cocksedge as they ran out 5-0 winners against Stopsley and 3-2 victors against Stratton.

Congratulations to all the girls on becoming COUNTY CHAMPIONS for 2010!

They will now represent Bedfordshire in the Regional Round on 5 March in Cambridgeshire.

Bedford Modern School is delighted to welcome Mr Mike Hall, BA (Hons), MA as the new Headmaster with effect from 4th January 2010.

Mr Hall has been the Principal Deputy Head of the fully co-educational and independent Kingston Grammar School since 2004. Prior to that appointment he was at Arnold School, also co-educational and independent, for almost 11 years, including periods as a Boarding Master, Head of Department, Head of Faculty, Head of Sixth Form and member of the senior management team.

Mike Hall is married to Emily, a professional singer and teacher; they have two young children.

Mr Hall said, “It is a privilege to join and lead BMS at this exciting stage in its development. Under the leadership of the former Headmaster, Stephen Smith, the School has made significant progress. My aim is to strive to continue the raising of academic standards, maintain the excellent pastoral care and co-curricular provision; as well as developing and improving on the impressive facilities.

“I look forward to working within the special atmosphere that exists at Bedford Modern School, where boys and girls from a variety of backgrounds happily co-exist and derive mutual benefit from each other both in their academic work and co-curricular activities.

“BMS is receiving increasing national recognition in a number of areas; Rowing and Waterpolo being two recent successes. I hope to firmly establish the reputation of the School both in Bedford and further afield.”

Photo: Mike Hall, Bedford Modern School Headmaster

Bedford Modern School staff and students sponsored BMS Staff Instructor (SSI) Captain Brian Simpson to grow a moustache, for “Movember”, in aid of Prostate Cancer, and have raised £1,500 for the charity. “Movember” is the annual, month-long celebration of the moustache or “mo”, highlighting men’s health issues, in particular prostate cancer.

Captain Simpson, who has six medals for Army and CCF services, as well as the Malaysian People’s Medal for distinguished chivalry, gallantry and sacrifice said, “Awareness is the big word as far as prostate cancer is concerned. Women are routinely screened for cancer whereas men are not and I believe all men over 60 should be screened for prostate cancer.

“Bedford Modern School always takes pride in supporting worthy causes and I would like to thank everyone who has helped raise money for this needy cause including Year 8 students, Charlotte Fox and Poppy Hawkins who raised over £40.00,” added Brian.

A cheque for £1,500 was presented to Norma Smith, an Oncology Nurse from the Primrose Unit at Bedford Hospital who specialises in prostate cancer in a presentation ceremony held at the School on Thursday 10th December.

“£1,500 is a considerable sum of money to raise and for Bedford Modern School students to think about others in this way, really makes a difference. So often in today’s society, young people get a bad press, but that certainly should not be said for all young people. It is not uncommon now for young couples getting married now, to forego a wedding gift list, and for them to donate their wedding fund money to the Primrose Appeal”, said Norma.

“The money raised by BMS will assist in trying to find new treatments for prostate cancer without so many side effects. Prostate cancer is hugely on the increase and can affect any man over the age of 45 years. I deal with patients from their first consultation through to the end of their treatment plan and affectionately call them “my boys” as I have known some of them for 10 years or so,” added Norma Smith.

Captain Brian Simpson added, “Treatment through the Primrose Unit is second to none and Norma is worth her weight in gold. Norma does a wonderful job and support is always there.”

Photo: Captain Brian Simpson with Oncology Nurse Norma Smith and BMS staff and students

Bedford Modern Junior School Year 6 teacher, Karen Johnson set up the Junior School Council in January 2006 after realising that pupils should have a voice and that this was something that would benefit both them and the School overall. 12 pupils are currently on the Junior School Council representing Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 and meetings take place every fortnight.

Ideas that are discussed in the Junior School Council are relayed to other class members as, without class communication, the whole process would not work. An agenda is discussed at each meeting where council members make notes and then feedback the information to their classmates.

There is a suggestion box in each classroom for pupils to put their ideas in. The Junior School Council members then go through the box and discuss the ideas with their classmates, “weeding out” the weaker idea. A list of ideas is then passed to the Chairman who prepares an agenda for the next Council Meeting.

In previous years, the Junior School Council has been involved in raising money for a clock in the Junior School playground and sought funding for a new playground bench. Additionally, the Junior School Council successfully negotiated for pupils to be allowed to eat their lunch outside, at picnic tables, in summertime. Other ideas implemented include a twice weekly tuck shop in the Junior School, a new House Dodgeball Competition that was started in 2008 and a summer Santa where children buy other children in their class a small present at the end of the Summer Term.

In 2007, the Junior School Council was responsible for initiating the Citizenship Prize. This prize is awarded to a pupil in each class who has made a big contribution to the life of the Junior School, trying hard and doing well across the board.

The Junior School Council is currently seeking to provide more re-cycling bins around the School and discussing the possibility of getting a goal marked and painted on one of the walls in the Junior School playground.

“We can all help to make our school better and pupils on the Junior School Council work extremely hard. The children have some great ideas and the Junior School Council meetings bring all those ideas together. Pupils have brought about some major initiatives and it is very rewarding for them to see the fruit of their labours.

“I believe that being part of the Junior School Council provides pupils with a greater sense of belonging, more confidence and the opportunity to learn more about co-operation,” said Karen Johnson, Junior School Council organiser.

Photo: Some of the Bedford Modern Junior School council members at one of their committee meetings

Bedford Modern School Year 9 student, Dom Chandler, aged 13, has recently been awarded the Cutting Edge Gold Youth Development Award and Platinum Competition Licence for 2010 by British Waterski, the highest level available to youth skiers under the age of 16.

His main objectives for 2010 are to improve both his slalom and trick ski disciplines and beat his slalom personal best.

Dom started skiing two years ago shortly after the new lakes at Box End Park opened, occupying 100 acres in rural Bedfordshire. He progressed from two skis to one (mono) ski and mastered the difficult deep water start. In May of this year he first attempted the slalom course which he can now fully run. He attended a summer water ski school at South Lake Ski School where he was introduced to trick skiing. He has also trained at Ellingham ski club near Ringwood with Dutch slalom champion, Jamie Bloemsma.

The Youth Development Award acts as the gateway to competitive water skiing for young skiers in this country and qualifies you to enter for all British Water Ski sanctioned competitions including the British Nationals.

Dom said “Waterskiing is a great sport where everyone helps each other. I would like to especially thank my slalom coach, Nigel Munn (Box End Park) for all his help, advice and encouragement. I hope one day to be as good as him. “

Bedford Modern School Director of Sport, Patrick Jerram said “I am really pleased for Dom and it is impressive that he has achieved the top award available to the U16s within two years of taking up the sport. I hope Dom continues to develop at such a rate and wish him the very best of luck in his upcoming competitions.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School student, Dom Chandler, who has recently been awarded the Gold Youth Development Award and Platinum Competition Licence for 2010 by British Water Ski

Stephen Smith, Bedford Modern School Headmaster, retires on Friday 11th December, at the end of the Autumn Term, after 13 years’ distinguished service at the School.

1996 saw the opening of the Robert Luff Centre by Robert Luff, CBE (OBM) and Lenny Henry and in 1998, Dr Christopher Fry (OBM) visited BMS. The same year also saw the 1st VIII reach the quarter-finals of the Princess Elizabeth Cup at Henley.

Co-education began in 2003, and girls form 25 % of the School community today. In that year HRH Prince Edward officially opened the Christopher Fry Hall in the Junior School. 2005 saw the restoration of the Writing School Gates and in 2006 the Rutherford Building came into use as a Refectory and Sixth Form Centre, and the following year the new Library was opened. 2008 saw the official opening of the BMS Boathouse extension by Olympic Champion, Mark Hunter, and BMS became co-educational in all year groups.

Stephen Smith describes Bedford Modern School as “the School of choice for both boys and girls; the natural place to send your children to if you want independent education. We want our young people to be well rounded, fulfilled and able to be a real contributor to society. They have to be part of society as well as leading it and that’s the attraction.

“Bedford Modern School is a powerhouse of activity and discovery, with a brilliant set of relationships between staff and students and a pastoral system of immense power and effectiveness.

“The School, as I leave it at Christmas is, I believe, in a strong position, a place of stability especially at a time when education in Bedfordshire is changing. I have been privileged to have been a mere steward of BMS for a very short time in history, but believe that the future is even brighter. As the students here say, “Modern ’till I Die!” and I share that sentiment entirely.”

The Headmaster, and his wife, Jan, intend to stay in touch with the School. “Jan and I have made some very good friends both at the School and through OBMs and had some excellent times. The friendships that have been developed can continue because that is what Bedford Modern School is all about.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as Headmaster of Bedford Modern School since 1996 and I am sure the School has an exciting future ahead including 2014 which will see its 250th anniversary,” said Mr Smith.

Photo: BMS Headmaster Stephen Smith with his wife, Jan

Bedford Modern School staff and students have been raising money to assist communities affected by the Tsunami, through a number of fund-raising activities, partly initiated by Old Bedford Modernian (OBM), Mark Bullerwell.

Mark and his wife had been in Thailand on Boxing Day 2004 and stood on the beach and watched the sea go out and recalled vividly the deathly silence of a beach without the sound of crashing waves, little realising this was the first stage of a Tsunami. Fortunately they were able to get to a place of safety moments before the tide returned carrying with it death and destruction.

“When I returned to the UK, I decided that I needed to do something to help and proposed the Bedford Modern School / OBM Tsunami Appeal Fund,” said Mark. Through recommendations the School made contact with a small organisation called “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” (RSL) which was set up by Claire Allen who was also caught up in the Tsunami.

In May 2009, BMS donated a cheque for £8,000 to enable RSL to continue to develop the Community Facility in Uragasmanhandiya which has a Pre-School, English School for adult learners and a Library.
Bedford Modern School former Year 13 students, Matthew Palutikof, Katie Kedward and Daniel Hall, who left BMS in the summer, are currently in Sri Lanka helping the charity and also undertaking some teaching work with other BMS students planning to visit in the future.
“A month volunteering in Sri Lanka is certainly one of the best ways to begin a gap year. Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country and the people are incredibly warm-hearted and welcoming. Apart from teaching English to pre-school children, as well as a variety of other age groups, we have also been involved in delivering books, equipment and uniforms to schools in the area,” said Katie.
“Rebuilding Sri Lanka acts as an invaluable link between the determination of the Sri Lankan people to rebuild their country and western aid, such as that given by Bedford Modern School. Being able to volunteer for the charity was a hugely fulfilling and rewarding experience.
“Matthew, Daniel and I implore any BMS student considering a gap year to volunteer for RSL in order to strengthen the ties between the School and the charity and gain an experience they will never forget”, added Katie.

Photo: Matthew Palutikof helping Sri Lankan pupils in the classroom

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

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

Bedford Modern School’s PSHE (Personal Social and Health Education) programme works alongside the academic curriculum to allow students to develop the skills necessary for adult life. PSHE has a number of key aims including the development of social skills; helping students make decisions and choices; raising awareness of social issues; helping students discover their own values; developing a sense of community and increasing self-esteem.

BMS teacher and PSHE co-ordinator at the School, Mike Cooper, organised a Parenthood Session on Wednesday 25th November for Year 10 students. As part of the parenthood session, local parents and their babies were invited into Bedford Modern School to talk to students and offer their advice on parenting.

Students were informed that parenthood involves totally commitment, willingness to work up to 24 hours daily, including weekends and that occasional holidays were possible, but subject to cancellation at short notice!

Key parenthood skills were described as stress management and conflict resolution, negotiation and problem-solving, communication and listening, budgeting and time management, decision making, ability to set boundaries and priorities as well as provide loving support.

Mike Cooper commented, “Bedford Modern School have been running this event for a number of years now and it is always well received. We are grateful to Tessa Brocklehurst and the National Childbirth Trust for making it possible.”

BMS Year 10 student Jason Attwood said, “I learnt a lot about what parenthood is really like by talking to real parents today.”

Billie Scholten, another Year 10 student at the School added, “The parenthood session was brilliant. I was able to ask lots of questions and found out about all the different tests available during pregnancy.”

Photo: A Lesson on Life for Bedford Modern School students

30 Bedford Modern School students from Years 7 to 9 performed “The Tempest” at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage as part of the Shakespeare’s Schools Festival on Tuesday 10th November,

After rehearsing for six weeks, the BMS students had the opportunity to perform their 30 minute abridged version on a professional stage as part of a performance evening alongside three other schools.

The story was told by a selection of talented and passionate main characters. BMS Year 9 student, Chris Edge who played an incredibly powerful “Prospero”, obtained a personal round of applause from the Festival’s Director for contributing greatly to the overall high standard of this year’s production.

As well as many other brilliant interpretations, BMS Year 9 student, Pierre-Marcel Yamfam who played “Stephano”, along with his gang of comedy misfits, brought the house down with their unsuccessful plot to assassinate Prospero and crown Stephano as King! The love between ‘Ferdinand’ and ‘Miranda’ was also sensitively played by BMS Year 9 students David Hall and Elspeth Keep.

While the narrative flowed, the ensemble were continuously on stage and with utter focus and conviction, they created the atmosphere and environment using huge sheets of material and long wooden sticks, in order to create scenes such as the infamous shipwreck that opens the play. The whole cast replaced the opening narration with a visually stunning piece of physical theatre that captivated the audience.

The Festival’s Director, Chris Grace, attended the performances at The Gordon Craig Theatre this year. In his address to the audience he explained that the Festival is celebrating 10 years of existence this year and now involves over 600 schools performing in professional theatres all over the country every year. He ranked this year’s Bedford Modern School production in his top five of all the performances he has seen, and his favourite “Tempest”. High praise indeed for such a young BMS cast!

Photo: BMS students performing “The Tempest” at this year’s Shakespeare Schools Festival

Bedford Modern School was represented when OBM and former staff member Andrew Underwood (1945-51 and 1966-89) organised the unveiling of a plaque in memory of the Revd Hugh Reeve (c. 1566-1646), Rector of Ampthill for 46 years from 1600.

Andrew Underwood, who founded the Bedford Modern School Archives in 1972, and is the author of a biography of Hugh Reeve, presented the plaque to the Feoffee Almshouses next to Ampthill parish church, because Reeve lived in the building, when it was the “Town House”, for the last six years of his life.

He asked Miss Patricia Bell, former Bedfordshire County Archivist, to unveil the plaque on 17th November 2010, in the presence of the Feoffees (trustees) of the Almshouses, who include Peter Mears (OBM) and Mrs Julie Mower, wife of the Bedford Modern School Director of Music, John Mower. Amongst others present were Andrew Sewell (OBM), Richard Wildman (OBM) and Simon Houfe.

Andrew composed the wording on the plaque, which was lettered by Ron Gazeley of Maulden, and reads “Hugh Reeve, Priest, Rector from 1600, lived in this Town House from about 1640 (when the Rectory was burnt down) until the time of his death in 1646.

Photo: Andrew Underwood with the plaque

Bedford Modern School Sixth Form students were awarded their V Award Certificates for making a difference in the local community at a special Assembly held at the School on Monday 23rd November.

Community Service is an option for Sixth Form students at BMS. Placements take place weekly and there are currently 26 students at the School volunteering in local charity shops and hospices as well as visiting local schools to help pupils with I.T. (Information Technology), reading, drama and art.

Dr Andrew Rowley, Community Service Organiser at BMS and School Chaplain commented, “BMS have a terrific group of students volunteering for community service. Every year I am bowled over by the amount of effort BMS students put into this and the rewards they get out of volunteering.”

Bedford Modern School students are also involved in producing a prison newsletter for relatives of prisoners at Bedford Prison. The newsletter is designed by the students with the intention of providing a support network to families.

Photo: Bedford Modern School Sixth Form students who received their awards for assisting in the local community

Bedford Modern School students competed in the British Indoor Rowing Championships held at the NIA Birmingham on Sunday 22nd November.

In the Junior 18 heavyweight category, BMS Year 13 student Greg Edwards won Silver in a time of six minutes and 17 seconds which was a new Bedford Modern School Boat Club record.

In the Junior 18 Lightweight category, BMS Year 13 student Alex Robertson won Gold for the School. Alistair Brown, BMS Director of Rowing commented, “It was fantastic to have Alex, BMS Captain of Boats, crowned the British Indoor Rowing Champion.”

Bedford Modern School rowers also achieved success at the Star Head rowing event that also took place on Sunday 22nd November. The School won six events, with the Junior 14 boys, Henk Kroon, Connor Hayward, Nick Clark, Josh Webley and cox, Gavin McWilliams winning their first ever race.

The BMS girls (Isabelle Hodgkiss, Charlotte Bell, Bethan Thomas, Milli Ballard and cox David Sillars), won the Women’s Junior 15 Coxed Quad event against very strong competition.

Additionally, BMS Year 12 student Emma Brocklehurst won the Women’s Junior 17 Single Sculls, the Senior 3 Quad (James Cook, Alex Holbrook, Alfie Pang and David Glasspool), won in the second fastest time of the day and strong performances also came from the BMS Junior 15 Quad.

BMS Director of Rowing, Alistair Brown added, “I loved this weekend’s achievements which showed real strength in depth from both boys and girls at Bedford Modern School.”

Photos: Greg Edwards (left) and Alex Robertson (right) with their medals at the British Indoor Rowing Championships

Bedford Modern School’s Harpur Window, which is a memorial to all OBMs (Old Bedford Modernians), was dedicated on Remembrance Sunday 1959, in the School Hall of the old BMS site in Harpur Street. The window was transferred to the current BMS site in Manton Lane in 1974 and this year celebrated its 50th anniversary.

A Rededication Service of the Memorial Window, conducted by The Revd Dr Andrew Rowley, Bedford Modern School Chaplain, took place at the School on Wednesday 11th November 2009, following a Service of Remembrance held in the Howard Hall.

Several OBMs including Roger Kirkpatrick, Colonel Robbie Robinson, Norman Swaffield, Ashley Knight, Vice-President OBM Club and Robin Wills, were invited as guests of the Headmaster in recognition of the tremendous support they have shown Bedford Modern School.

The Revd Dr Andrew Rowley, Bedford Modern School Chaplain said, “The Memorial Window represents Sir William Harpur, Dame Alice and new College Oxford, who still nominate two governors of the Bedford Charity. As we contemplate the beauty of the window, we should ponder on the sacrifice of those whose names are herein inscribed, the generosity of our benefactors and all that has been achieved by so many because of it.

“This window was intended to honour all Modernians and we remember all the OBMS who gave their lives in conflict, those who paid the highest price of all and made the ultimate sacrifice that others might have their tomorrow.”

Lucia Limb, BMS Development Director said, “Today was a special opportunity to pause and reflect on the lives of OBMs past and present and those yet to come, and their place in the Bedford Modern School family.”

Photo: BMS Headmaster with staff, students and OBMs at the Rededication Service of the BMS Memorial Window

Bedford Modern School 1st XI Football Team are through to the last 16 of the National Independent Schools Football Association Boodles Cup, after their thrilling 3-2 victory over the much fancied Ardingly College, Sussex in the last round.

As rugby is played at the School in the Autumn Term, Bedford Modern School is the only school left in the competition playing football during the School’s rugby term and therefore the achievement of reaching the last 16 is even greater. Bedford Modern School now face Bradfield College, who defeated them in the final of the ISFA national 6-a-side competition earlier this season, and the match will take place at 2.00pm on Thursday 12th November at Bedford University.

This year’s Final of the ISFA Boodles Cup will be held at the Stadium MK, the home of the MK Dons and Bedford Modern School are certainly looking forward to seeing how near they can get to this prize in March next year. However, Bradfield College will be a very stern test and they have an impressive nine wins, two losses and a draw this season already, not to mention schools such as Millfield, Charterhouse, Hampton, Repton and Brentwood – real footballing hotbeds who are still left in the competition.

Peter Bignell, Head of Physical Education at Bedford Modern School said, “At present I am extremely happy with all the senior players who are training and playing. Their commitment and determination cannot be faulted. I am sure whatever the outcome of the match on Thursday against Bradfield College that our run in the ISFA Boodles Cup this year will be a good springboard to another successful season come January 2010.”

Bedford Modern School students from Years 10 to 13 took part in the Upper Thames Small Boats Head on Sunday 1st November, in extremely windy and wet conditions. Crews from around the country competed on the famous Henley Royal Regatta course over 3,000 metres.

BMS won the U18 Coxed Fours (Greg Edwards, Alex Robertson, James Powell and Andrew Taylor), U18 Coxless Fours (Jack Pooley, Lewis Cleaver, Matthew Harris and Matthew Bowman), Senior Three Quadruple Sculls (Greg Edwards, Alex Robertson, Edward Munno and James Powell) and Coxed Fours (William Gale, Matthew Bowman, Tom Sweeting and Andrew Taylor) as well as Junior 18 Pairs (Lewis Cleaver and Robert Bell).

Alistair Brown, BMS Director of Rowing said, “It was a successful day for the School rowers although very cold and wet for the BMS parents supporting. Congratulations to all BMS rowers on producing a very strong set of results at the Upper Thames Small Boats Head.”

The next main event that Bedford Modern School rowers will take part in is the Fullers Fours Head of the River taking place on the River Thames in London on 14th November. The new Year 9 rowers are looking forward to their next competitive race at the Star Head in Bedford on 22nd November and spectators are most welcome.

Photo: Senior Coxed Four (l-r Cox: Callum Mackay, Matthew Bowman, Andrew Taylor, William Gale and Tom Sweeting)

Bedford Modern School are delighted to announce that Michelle Upton has been appointed Director of Marketing and Admissions at the School.

Before joining BMS on Monday 19th October, Michelle was previously employed as Marketing Manager at St Margaret’s School, a day and boarding school for girls in Bushey, Hertfordshire.

Michelle Upton commented, “Coming from a single sex, traditional educational environment, I’m really looking forward to working in such a contemporary, thriving, co-educational school. Bedford Modern School has the ideal mixture of a modern, exciting education with a proud tradition and strong links with the local community.”

Photo: Michelle Upton, new Director of Marketing and Admissions at BMS

Bedford Modern School Year 8 student, Alex Meade, has reason to look pleased! Having won the Burton-on-Trent Open U13 Table Tennis title last month, Alex has now added the Grantham U13 Open Title which took place recently.

Alex had a relatively easy passage to the Final, where he faced local Grantham boy Matthew Leete, who is ranked 13 in the England U13’s.

However, Alex was not fazed by Matthew’s higher ranking nor the vociferous local support and produced a very convincing three sets to one victory to take the Open Title.

Last month, Alex’s national ranking rose an incredible 21 places from 60 to 39 and with results such as this, Alex will be climbing even higher when the next ranking list appears at the end of the month.

Paul Birch, BMS Table Tennis Coach said, “It is so nice to see the BMS young table tennis players improving so rapidly and getting the success they deserve.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School student Alex Meade is pictured alongside Mike Willars, Chairman of the Grantham Table Tennis Club

The Fours and Small Boats Head took place on Sunday 11th October with a record entry of over 420 crews. Bedford Modern School had 32 Year 9 students (Project Lightning) competing alongside dozens of other BMS rowers from Year 10 (Project Legend) and Year 11. There was ample support from parents who were very excited, cheering “Come on Modern!”

BMS Year 10 student, Glenn Tamkin, won the J15 Singles Scull against a lot of strong competition from all around the country. However, the result of the day for Bedford Modern School was the Year 9 Girls’ Coxed Quads Scull who in their first ever race for the School achieved a First Place win. The winning crew were Hannah Milburn, Bea Skingsley, Emma Lord and Jess Goodman.

“Well done to Tristan Mayglothling, Head of Girls’ Rowing at BMS in securing his second win for the School in as many weeks. Congratulations to everyone who competed in the Bedford Small Boats Head and also to all BMS parents whose support was incredible. There were a number of other very significant results throughout the day for BMS as well as the two wins,” said Alistair Brown, BMS Director of Rowing.

Photo: The BMS Winning Crew (left to right) Hannah Milburn, Emma Lord, Bea Skingsley and Jess Goodman

On Tuesday 6th October, 17 Bedford Modern School Politics students attended the “Nick Clegg meets … Bedford” Question and Answer session at the Harpur Suite in the town.

Nick Clegg was there to support their Mayoral candidate and to answer questions from the 100 strong audience. Bedford Modern School students asked questions about child poverty, electoral reform and the position of the party towards independent schools. Nick Clegg then spent some time with the students after the public meeting answering more questions about Lib Dem plans for the forthcoming election.

Stuart Baker, Head of Politics at BMS said, “We have been fortunate to see two of the three main party leaders in a month. It has been a great start to the academic year for Politics students at BMS.”

Photo: Bedford Modern School students with Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MP

Bedford Modern School are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Tristan Mayglothling as Head of Girls’ Rowing at the School. Tristan was previously the Community Rowing Coach at the Star Club in Bedford for three years.

“I heard about the position from Alistair Brown, Bedford Modern School’s Director of Rowing, who spoke to me about how BMS Rowing was evolving and the fact that the School were looking to appoint a Head of Girls’ Rowing.

“I was interested in the position as I believe that by employing a full time coach for girls’ rowing, the School is showing its commitment to developing equal opportunities amongst both girls’ and boys’ rowing at BMS”, said Tristan. “I very much believe that there is an exciting time ahead for everyone involved with the BMS Boathouse”, added Tristan.

Photo: BMS Director of Rowing Alistair Brown (left) welcomes Tristan Mayglothling to Bedford Modern School

Bedford Modern School Archivist and OBM Club Secretary, Richard Wildman’s book about Bedford in the series Britain in Old Photographs, first published in 1994, has just been re-issued in a new format by The History Press, price £12.99. The new full-colour cover shows celebrations in Greyfriars Walk on VE Day, 8th May 1945.

The book contains around 220 photos of Bedford, mainly from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each photo has a detailed caption, and Richard has brought the captions up to date for the new edition. Sites and buildings associated with Sir William Harpur, John Bunyan, and John Howard the Philanthropist are included.

There is a section in the book devoted to Bedford Modern School on its former site in Harpur Street, where the Harpur Centre now stands. Four of the photos, which show the rebuilding of the area known as ‘the Quad’, behind the tower of the Blore façade, were taken by the School Secretary, Alfred Burns, in 1906-08. Two of the photos were printed in the School magazine, The Eagle, at the time, but the others were not discovered until the 1980s.

Other sections include Bedford at War, Church and Chapel, the High Street, Vanished Pubs, the Riverside, Entertainment, and Royal Occasions.

Richard Wildman said, ‘I am very pleased that this book (my fifth collection of old photographs of Bedford and Bedfordshire), has been re-issued. Many people will recognise the streets and buildings shown in the book, quite a few of which have since been altered or demolished, and I hope they will find the captions, which I have carefully researched, to be interesting and informative.’

(The book is now available from booksellers, price £12.99. ISBN: 978 0 7524 5321 7).

Photo: Front Cover of Bedford in Old Photographs

Bedford Modern School Year 12 student Adam Ingledew was selected for the second year running to compete in swimming events at the UK School Games, having won two Bronze Medals last year. This year, the Games were held in Wales between 3rd and 6th September. The swimming events were held at the new 50m pool complex in Swansea.

The UK School Games are an opportunity for school-age athletes to be part of a multi-sport event and to have an insight into competing at the highest level against some of the best athletes from around the U.K.

Adam was delighted to be awarded two Silver Medals at this year’s Games, having come second in the 100 Metre Freestyle and also obtaining a Silver in the 4 x 100 Medley Relay whilst swimming for the England East Team.

“I was very happy with my performance at this year’s Games, especially after the summer break. This is a great start to my season and I am looking forward to it immensely,” said Adam.

“It is great to see Adam competing and winning medals and I am sure he can push on to even better things this year,” said Rob Hardwick, Director of BMS Sports Academy.

“Adam thoroughly deserves his recent success. He is incredibly hard working and demonstrates a level of professionalism rarely seen in such a young man,” said Patrick Jerram, Director of BMS Sport.

Photo: Adam Ingledew with his two Silver Medals

Community Service at Bedford Modern School is an option for Sixth Form students. Placements take place weekly and there are currently 26 students at the School volunteering in organisations such as the Red Cross Charity Shop, Salvation Army and Save the Children Shops in Bedford and Willen Hospice Charity Shop in Milton Keynes. BMS students also visit local schools helping pupils with I.T., reading, drama and art.

Dr Andrew Rowley, Community Service Organiser at BMS, School Chaplain and Head of Philosophy said, “BMS has a terrific group of students volunteering for community service. Every year I am completely bowled over by the amount of effort students put into this and the rewards they get out of volunteering.”

The Community Service volunteers all register to receive nationally recognised awards through the V scheme. V awards recognise and reward the positive impact students make through their volunteering. A special V50 award is available to students who complete 50 hours of volunteering in any twelve month period.

BMS Sixth Form students, Stephen Hartill, Stephen Bone and Madeleine Bogacki are currently volunteering at the Salvation Army Charity Shop. “It is definitely a worthwhile experience. I enjoy seeing how the charity works and it is nice to feel that I might be making a difference,” said Stephen Hartill.

“It is inspiring to hear stories from other volunteers. Undertaking community service helps students realise what is going on outside their comfort zone,” said Stephen Bone.

Madeleine Bogacki added, “Having weekly placements means volunteering is consistent. I would encourage other students to get involved and not be afraid of trying something new.”

BMS community service students are also involved in producing a prison newsletter for relatives of prisoners at Bedford Prison. The newsletter is designed by the students with the intention of providing a support network to families of prisoners.

After last week’s record A Level results, Bedford Modern School is again celebrating after achieving its second best ever GCSE results. Students achieved a pass rate of 98% A*- C of which 62% were A*- A grades which is up nearly 7% on last year and 88% were A* – B grades. In Mathematics & English students achieved outstanding results with 100% at grades A* – C.

Ian Orton was the highest achieving boy with 10 A* grades plus an A grade in Additional Mathematics and Alex Lonergan and Elke Stocks were the highest achieving girls with 9 A* and 1 A grade.

James Coleman also gained 9 A* grades and 1 A grade and Matthew Bowman, Ben Gardner, Afo Olowolafe and Stephanie Scott all achieved 8 A* grades and 2 A grades and Matt Stanley gained 8 A* grades.

The Headmaster, Stephen Smith commented “The School continues its reputation for academic excellence. Boys and girls are doing equally well in our co-educational set-up. Congratulations to all students on their hard work over the last two years”.

Photo: James Coleman, Stephanie Scott and Ben Gardner

After a full winter of selection trials at the indoor cricket school, Anna Monk (Upper 4) and Maya Thrasher (Lower 5) were selected to play for the Northamptonshire U-15 cricket team.

They made their debuts on Sunday for the Northamptonshire U-15 cricket team. They both played their part in a fine victory against Warwickshire in very cold and windy conditions.

This was a very innovative production at the end of our first ever focus week for Upper 4.

Masterminded by Jane Leitner and with staff support, Upper 4 students managed to complete the production from beginning to end (marketing, directing, choreographing, designing and creating the set, etc) in just five days.

It culminated in an absolutely stunning performance to friends and family

On Wednesday May 13th a team of lower four girls represented the school at the annual Salter’s Festival of Chemistry: Zayneb Fahroud L4W, Aylie Scanlon L4W, Sophie Wallace L4L, Kathryn Evans L4L.

The event was held at Southbank University in London. In previous years our teams have done well in the practical challenges and this team was no exception. In fact they surpassed all previous efforts by gaining ‘Highly Commended’ in the Salter’s Challenge and a coveted first prize in the University’s Calllenge.

The latter required great precision and attention to detail coupled with the ability to think on their feet and work quickly. In all aspects our team was superb and worthy winners.

Well done everyone!

Congratulations to all the girls and teaching staff who have worked hard to achieve the Good Schools Award.

Bedford High School for Girls has won the 2009 Good Schools Guide A Level Award for both:

Girls taking Music Technology at A level – for the fourth consecutive year, an outstanding achievement
Girls taking English Language and Literature at Advanced Extension Award.
The awards are made on the basis of the data underlying post-16 performance table results for the three years 2006, 2007 and 2008 combined, and in particular on the basis of the popularity of each subject relative to similar schools, and of the success that pupils achieve relative to the other examinations that they take.

Since September, the Year 8 team have done just that every Wednesday night under the guidance of Colin Pearson, the County Badminton Coach.

This was our first visit to the County Finals and the girls got off to a flying start with a Bedford High 5-0 win against Ashton School. Stopsley School provided a sterner test and Alice Devaney showed the value of a well-executed drop shot during her doubles matches.

Hana Staddon used her tennis experience to great effect in her singles to move her opponent around the court and secure a 21-10 victory as the team took the match by 4 games to 1 and move into the semi-finals!

Harry Elston played a real cliffhanger and narrowly lost 20-21 but she rallied in her doubles match with Lucy Page and the girls eased their way through to the final! Application, perspiration and inspiration were the ingredients of a nail-biting 3-2 victory.

Georgina Hind, Alice Devaney, Lucy Page, Harry Elston and Hana Staddon had played it, loved it, lived it and WON IT!

Bedford High School for Girls are the 2009 County Badminton Champions. Congratulations to all the girls and a very special thanks to Colin Pearson for his coaching expertise.