Private School News

A tree to be planted by every pupil at Rendcomb College

Every pupil at Rendcomb College is to plant a tree in the woods surrounding the school as part of an initiative set in motion earlier this year by our environmental committee under the leadership of our environmental co-ordinator, Michelle Lucas. Working with Pete Cairns our Works Manager and Will Wilkinson, Forestry Consultant from Charlton Abbotts Forestry Ltd, plans were drawn up to get the tree planting up and running. Rendcomb is blessed with over 100 acres of woodland and parkland and as part of an ongoing programme which will last many years, areas have been cleared as part of the process of continuous regeneration of the woods. Having removed some poorer formed and suppressed trees and undergrowth to create an “open window” in the canopy, pupils planted young Field Maple, Ash and Hazel trees (officially known as “whips”), protecting them with tree shelters, as the first stage in the planting programme. The aim is for all pupils at Rendcomb to have planted a tree in the woodland before they leave the school as part of our aim to encourage them to reduce their carbon footprint. Will Wilkinson, who is a former pupil at Rendcomb, remembered planting trees in the park during his time at the school and said “This was a great way of assisting continued regeneration of the woodland”.

We also plan to make our own charcoal, using specially designed charcoal burners which will be fed by wood from the older trees which have been removed. Pupils at the school will be involved in this process, particularly as the barbecue season approaches!

90 Years On : Founder’s Day at RENDCOMB COLLEGE

Celebrations at Rendcomb College.
Rendcomb College celebrated its ninety birthday with a celebratory Founder’s Day programme attended by well over 500 guests, including trustees, governors, parents, staff and pupils. Founded in 1920 by Noel Wills, the college still enjoys the generous support of its current trustees who are investing substantial funds this summer which will see a major internal refurbishment of boarding and day houses, as well as additional classrooms in the expanding junior school, which is also ten years old this September. The day also included displays of pupils’ work and exhibitions, two concerts performed to packed audiences and a falconry display organised by Mr James Stutchbury Head of Biology.

Guest speaker, The Rev’d Dr Ralph Waller, Director of The Farmington Institute for Christian Studies and Principal of Harris Manchester College, Oxford encouraged the pupils to continue to stretch their intellectual horizons and never take learning for granted. Highlights of the day also included reviews from the Head boys and head girls from the junior and senior school.

Gerry Holden
Headmaster

Photo: From left to right: Rev’d Ralph Waller, Sophie Musgrave , Oliver Heneghan, Eleanor Brealy and George Ord.

Praise for WYCLIFFE COLLEGE in inspection report

Pupils, teachers and leaders at Wycliffe College in Stonehouse, Glos, have been praised in one of the first of a new-style report by independent schools inspectors.

The inspectors found that the school was successful in meeting its aims. From the Early Years provision, described as “effective” and “outstanding” right through to sixth form, inspectors found reasons to commend the College.

In the Prep School the inspectors reported that “the quality of the education is good” while pupils in the Senior School “make good progress and achieve well, with some outstanding performances. This results from good teaching…and pupils’ well-developed learning skills.”

As well as academic progress, inspectors found that the “personal development of pupils is good, with a number of outstanding aspects” in the Senior School and reported that “links with parents, carers and guardians are outstanding.” In the Prep School, “the personal development of pupils of all ages is excellent” and “pupils’ personal qualities are outstanding and strongly fostered by the school’s open, friendly atmosphere.”

The inspectors found that “almost all parents are extremely pleased with most aspects of college life.”

In noting significant recent progress, the inspectors praised Wycliffe’s management which had “resulted in many improvements from which pupils benefit. The college has higher quality facilities and both senior and middle leaders have a better understanding of their roles than at the time of the last inspection.” The Prep School is “well led; leadership has a number of particularly strong features.”

Head Margie Burnet Ward said; “I am very pleased that the progress we have made has been recognised, as has the clear vision for the future that has been forged over recent years. As expected, there are recommendations to implement, but it is reassuring to know that these are all things we had identified through our annual self-evaluation and for which plans are already under way to bring about even greater improvements.”

Head of Wycliffe Prep School, Adrian Palmer said, “We are delighted that this report has reflected the progress the school has made since the last inspection.”
The inspectors were impressed by the College’s development plans saying, “The future direction is clear and all are striving to make the college the school of choice in the local community and further afield.”

A full copy of the report is available on the school’s website www.wycliffe.co.uk.

Science Challenge 2010 at Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Six schools from across Gloucestershire took part in the Engineering Development Trust’s ‘First Edition’ Science Challenge at the CLC Sports Centre on the morning of Thursday 13 May. First Edition is part of the Widening Participation programme which aims to encourage pupils who will be ‘first in family’, to consider higher education and courses and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Ro Kaye, Community Links Co-ordinator and Physics Teacher at Cheltenham Ladies’ College arranged the morning of activities in conjunction with Engineering Development Trust’s First Edition Days. 105 Year 7 students participated in a series of hands-on activities which encouraged aspiration, creativity and innovation. Boys and girls developed team building, problem solving and communication skills by working in teams of five or six. They undertook two challenges involving wind powered cars and rockets which developed their designing, building and experimenting skills. The pupils were also introduced to the wide choice of careers available to engineering graduates and discussed the different aspects of an Engineer’s job. At the end of the day everyone was presented with certificates.

Ro Kaye said, “This was a wonderful opportunity for boys and girls from a range of schools to work together to provide a fun hands-on programme where they gained insights into Science and Engineering. I am confident that events such as this really help them consider future careers in science and engineering. ”

Schools who attended: The Archway School, Cheltenham Bournside School and Sixth Form Centre, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Christ College, Cirencester Deer Park School and Winchcombe School

Photo: Back (l-r) Wesley Kaine and Cara Ainsley-Bridger, Cirencester Deer Park School. Middle (l-r) Chloe Burton-Tranter, Amy Rees and John Galpin, Winchcombe School. Front (l-r) Lucy Stephenson, Cirencester Deer Park School, Lily Stapleton, Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Conor Towle, Winchcombe School

13 year old to represent Australia at International Dressage Events

Jessica Blackmore, a Year 9 day girl at the Cheltenham Ladies’ College, is the youngest rider to have been given permission by the Australian Equestrian Federation to represent Australia at international dressage events in Junior Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) tests. She is currently the only junior rider Australia has on the International Tour. Jessica competed in the High Profile Dressage at Addington Manor over the weekend of 22nd to 24th January 2010 and came 3rd in the FEI Junior Individual.

Jessica has been riding since she was three years old and comes from a family with a reputation for success in dressage in Australia. Thekla Blackmore, Jessica’s mother, competed at National FEI level dressage for a number of years and trained Jessica in her formative riding years. The family moved from Australia to the UK in 2008 and Jessica now trains at the Talland School of Equitation with Pammy Hutton, Justine Sole and Richard Preston. Jessica manages to successfully combine her life at College with her rigorous dressage training schedule, which includes sessions at weekends and every afternoon after school. Don Romeo, her current international horse, and Jessica have only competed together at Advanced Medium and Junior FEI level twice. They have won or been placed in both competitions. Her second horse, Ventoux, is competing at Elementary level.

Jessica said, “College and my friends are very supportive of me and understand that I don’t have much spare time outside of school. I have always dreamt of riding internationally and it makes me very proud to know that I have now opened the door for other Australian juniors to do the same as me in the future.’

In April 2010 Jessica will compete at the Addington Manor International Dressage Competition and also hopes to ride at Hickstead in July 2010.

Film Star Joins Dean Close School Cast

HISTORY BOYS WORKSHOP WITH JAMIE PARKER

Drama pupils at Dean Close School, Cheltenham, who are putting on The History Boys by Alan Bennett this term, were thrilled to be given the opportunity of meeting and working with the actor Jamie Parker, who played the character of Scripps in the original National Theatre run of the play, as well as the film.

Jamie visited the School on a Sunday afternoon and gave the drama students an excellent and exciting workshop. Having worked closely with Alan Bennett, the author, and Sir Nicholas Hytner, the director, Jamie was able to communicate his ideas for performance and characterisation first-hand to our actors.

They looked at three key scenes in which eight bright and cynical would-be-Oxbridge boys – who think they probably know all there is to know – are suddenly challenged to think for themselves in new and unorthodox ways. The play’s big themes are about the ways in which we teach, think and understand – not just about history, but about our contexts and friendships. The play will take us beyond our comfort zones in all sorts of ways – and as Jamie said, “if it does not disturb us, it is not doing its job.”

Dean Close’s top actors received incalculable benefits from working with such a prestigious member of the original cast. Jamie is fast becoming a household name as a result of exciting performances in films such as Valkyrie (which also starred Tom Cruise and Kenneth Branagh) and theatre performances – most recently at The Globe Theatre as Oliver in As You Like It, and from the end of the month as Prince Hal in Shakespeare’s Part 1 and Part 2 Henry IV plays. Dean Close students will be there to see him, and thank him warmly for coming and working with us.

The cast of the play at Dean Close is composed entirely of pupils who are holders of Scholarships in Drama: the School is well known for its impressive standards in drama. Every year, its semi-professional group Close Up Theatre receives large audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, and 2009′s performance of AMADEUS was no exception. Last December audiences were wowed with an acclaimed Hamlet – one of six plays mounted that term.

All of the Senior Drama Scholars in The History Boys achieved the very highest marks in the country in their respective drama GCSE years.

Sir Richard Eyre CBE centre stage at The Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Sir Richard Eyre CBE, former director of the Royal National Theatre, and prolific director of television, opera and film, formally opened the Cheltenham Ladies’ College new Performing Arts Centre, known as the Parabola Arts Centre, on 3rd October 2009.

The Parabola Arts Centre, situated in the middle of the town of Cheltenham, opposite the main entrance to the College offers pupils outstanding facilities for drama and music together with art exhibition space.

Designed by the Architect Tim Foster and built by Bristol based Willmott Dixon Construction, the Parabola Arts Centre is 328 seat auditorium built with minimalist contemporary detail. Prior to purchasing the site, College consulted English Heritage who were enthusiastic about the potential of the building which involved the renovation of an important historic building and the removal of a large 1970s extension. The brand new auditorium, constructed using local Bath stone, is linked via a glass walkway to the grade 11* listed Regency stucco villa now beautifully restored to its former glory to provide teaching space, a dance studio, video-editing suite and reception rooms.

At a total cost of £12.5 million, funded in part through generous donations, investment in facilities such as these is testament to a belief held within College of the central place of music, drama and art in the education of women to foster self-worth, to understand the human condition and to appreciate beauty.

The Centre will also be available to the local community to use. The Cheltenham Literature Festival will be enjoying the facilities at this year’s Festival from 9 – 18 October.

A full year of performances by pupils will include Romeo and Juliet, The Importance of Being Earnest, West Side Story and David Foxton’s play Rabbit along with musical recitals, concerts and plays written and directed by staff.

HUSKIES AT RENDCOMB

Over 100 boarding pupils who returned to school at Rendcomb College, Nr Cirencester on Monday are enjoying the snow in this beautiful environment. Pupils were particularly excited by the opportunity to see a Husky Sled Racing Team in action today. The Tanglefoot Husky Sled Racing Team who are resident in the village were taken out for a run today by their owner Matt Hammersley. The colder the weather, the better the dogs run so this cold snap certainly suits them. Staff and pupils at the College helped him to set off and enjoyed seeing the Huskies in action at such close quarters. Some schoolwork is being done but there is still time for some tobogganing and snowman building in between! It is an excellent opportunity for everyone in the village and school community to join in and help where necessary, be it clearing snow, cooking and serving meals or doing the washing up!

ENVIROMENTAL ISSUES TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT RENDCOMB COLLEGE

Following the success of an Eco week last year, the College has been working hard this term to implement more “green” initiatives. One of the first jobs was to form Rendcomb’s new Environmental Committee under the leadership of Michelle Lucas, our newly appointed Environmental Co-ordinator.

Our latest green initiative is our tree planting campaign. Every student will have the opportunity to plant a tree in the school grounds which will offset at least some of their carbon footprint. The exact location of the tree will be recorded and the students will be able to track the progress of their particular tree. This follows on from the introduction of our own chickens and the cultivation of vegetables – all with major input from the students. The Junior School already lead the way on environmental issues with their outdoor woodland classroom and have Forest School and Green Flag Status. The school was awarded “Most Outstanding Outdoor Setting” in a major competition last year by EYE magazine.

Blessed with over 200 acres of stunning Cotswold countryside, the use and awareness of our environment is an integral part of our curriculum.

England Sweep

Three Dean Close pupils have this week achieved the highest sporting accolade – to be selected for the England team in their various sports.

Abi Porter is 15 years old and has just secured a place in the England U16 hockey team, having gone through various junior and regional performance camps. Abi, a Sports Scholar, plays centre forward in the Dean Close 1st XI. She was due to go on hockey tour with the School to South Africa next summer but is unable to go due to her new England commitments. These fixtures will include matches against top European sides such as Germany, Holland and Spain.

Sophie Watkiss has secured a place in the England U20 Rugby team, having gained her experience with the Worcester Warriors. She is also a Sports Scholar, in her final year and is the Dean Close 1st XI Hockey captain. She toured Holland with the 1st XI hockey team in September this year.

Tom Pinnegar, a Sports Scholar and also our Head of School, currently trains with Cannock Hockey Club, one of the top teams in the country, and played a key role in Dean Close’s winning of the 2009 National U18 Hockey Championships. After a rigorous selection process this autumn, Tom made the cut for the England U18 squad and cannot wait for his first cap when he becomes an international. He is particularly looking forward to travelling, which will give him the chance to see another country and visit a different culture. “I’m keen to play against a team that doesn’t speak the same language as I do” said Tom. His ambition is to move on to the U 21 category, then the England Seniors and his ultimate goal is to play for Great Britain in the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero. Watch this space!

Headmaster, Jonathan Lancashire, said: “These are all exceptional achievements. We are thrilled that their talent and incredible dedication have been recognised at such a high level. The experience of competing in international competitions cannot be underestimated and we look forward to the rewards that this experience will in turn bring back to the School.”

First Engineering Challenge in the South West

The first ever South West of England ‘First Edition’ Engineering Challenge took place at the CLC Sports Centre on the morning of Thursday 10 December. The Engineering Development Trust’s ‘First Edition’ is part of the Widening Participation programme which aims to encourage students from under-represented groups with a current focus on students who will be ‘first in family’, to consider higher education and courses and careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

Ro Kaye, Community Links Co-ordinator, Creativity, Action and Service Co-ordinator and Physics Teacher at Cheltenham Ladies’ College arranged the morning of activities in conjunction with Engineering Development Trust’s First Edition. 75 Year 8 students from state and independent schools participated in a series of hands-on activities which encouraged aspiration, creativity and innovation. Male and female students developed team building, problem solving and communication skills by working in teams of five or six. They were tasked with designing, building and demonstrating a model of a mechanical system, powered by electric motors, capable of recovering a crashed aircraft from a position in a sandy desert. At the end of the day students were presented with certificates.

Hannah Burne, student at Cheltenham Ladies’ College said, “I enjoyed the day enormously. I relished the opportunity to gain insights into the world of Science and Engineering whilst working with students from other schools and developing my communication and team-playing skills.”

•Schools who attended: Cheltenham College, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Cleeve School, Cotswold School, Ribston Hall and St Peter’s School, Gloucester

All female cast in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet

On 2 December, a production of the world’s most famous love story, performed by an all female cast, took place in the brand new Parabola Arts’ Centre at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Girls from Year 8 through to Year 13 took part in the production over three nights.

Dr Joanna Bratten, Director of the Extra-Curricular, Enrichment and External Programmes and Teacher of English, started work on the production in June and girls have rehearsed for twelve weeks since the beginning of term in September. Antonia Tootill and Hannah Beer, who played Romeo and Juliet, rehearsed nearly 150 hours in preparation for the production. They were supported by a cast of 36 other girls, a crew of five and a stage manager.

The production was minimalistic and stylised: not set in any particular historical period but not modern either. The exciting technical possibilities at the new Parabola Arts Centre allowed for the creation of a moody and dramatic lighting design. Thanks to the intimate space of the auditorium, the audience had an intense experience.

‘A Shakespeare play with a single-sex cast is always interesting because it is reminiscent of the original performance conditions, but challenging because audiences of today find it harder to engage with’, said Dr Bratten. ‘The girls in the production have worked incredibly hard and achieved something very special with this production. They have been incredibly generous and creative throughout the process which has made directing this production a great deal of fun. I always love directing Shakespeare because of the sheer brilliance of the language and the satisfaction that comes from making words that are over 400 years old seem so fresh’.

Photo:Antonia Tootill and Hannah Beer

Student awarded Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme

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

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

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

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

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

World Masters Games Sydney 2009

Kate Nimmo, Second in Department and Head of Swimming at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, competed in five swimming events at the World Masters Games in Sydney during the week of 10th October 2009. She won five gold medals.

Kate trained with the Cheltenham Swimming Club and the Gloucester Masters, in order to boost her fitness levels for the distance events. During the build up to the Games, she recorded a couple of life-time bests and came very close to breaking the British Record on the 400m Freestyle in the 30-34 year age group. Kate started the series of swimming races on 10th October with the 800m Freestyle followed by the 400m and 200m Freestyle and a 50m Backstroke later in the week. The final test was the 400m Individual Medley which involved swimming 100m on each of the strokes starting with Butterfly.

‘Competing in the Games has been an amazing experience, one that I will certainly look back on fondly and not just because of my success,’ said Kate. ‘Being one of over 28,000 athletes competing in 28 different sports at the largest multi-sports event in the world, bigger even than the Olympics, makes you feel very much part of something very big. Each morning the train going to the Olympic Park is full of competitors from a huge array of sports and countries and everyone is so friendly. The support of the ten other team-mates from my club and from College has been overwhelming.’

Kate is now training for the World Masters Swimming Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden in July 2010.

Photo: Kate Nimmo, Head of Swimming

Navy Day at The Cheltenham Ladies’ College

Students from ten local Gloucestershire schools were invited to attend a Navy Day held at the CLC Sports Centre on 15 October 2009.

The 133 boys and girls were split into teams comprising students from the ten different schools. Students were challenged to design, test and modify a model aircraft, powered by an electric motor, to be flown along a tight guide wire. The plane had to be capable of dropping a payload accurately onto a ground target. The day ended with a demonstration of the team’s complete system. Students were assessed on team working, design, manufacturing, testing and their overall performance. Lt James Tuhey from the Naval Recruiting Headquarters was on hand to offer advice and guidance. Mark Williams, Education Director and David Ozholl, Development Director at Engineering Education Scheme and Head Start also attended the event to experience at first hand the way in which projects such as these prove to be so successful.

Ro Kaye, Community Links Coordinator at The Cheltenham Ladies’ College, said, ‘This event has been a wonderful opportunity for students to work with other students from schools across Gloucestershire. It gave the Sixth Form students a chance to experience the sort of projects they might work on if they chose Engineering as a career.’

Ironman World Championship

Mrs Edwina Sutton, Director of Sport at The Cheltenham Ladies’ College successfully completed the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii on Saturday 10 October 2009. She finished in an incredible 10 hours 48 minutes and 15 seconds and came 15th in her division.

Edwina qualified for the championships when she was the second woman to finish in her age group at the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany on 5th July 2009. 10,000 people try for a place at the ironman event in Hawaii and only 1,800 competitors are successful in winning a place either at qualifying events or through a lottery system. To qualify as an official finisher of the Triathlon in Hawaii, competitors must complete the four mile swim, the 112 mile bike ride and the 26.2 mile marathon through tough ocean waves and lava-covered terrain within 17 hours. Edwina had a relaxed swim and completed this segment in one hour and six minutes. With a transition time of three minutes and 28 seconds, she finished the bike segment in five hours and 29 minutes. The long run around transition from cycling to running, which took two minutes and 22 seconds, meant that Edwina found her running legs for the marathon and completed the first mile in six minutes 44 seconds. In temperatures of around 50 degrees, the final time for the run was four hours and 6 minutes.

Edwina said, ‘I am overjoyed with my swim and bike combination and the first 20 miles of the marathon, although they were brutal, when I was definitely in the mix with the top five girls in the world. I had trained harder than ever before and I was in incredible form, which I proved in the bike segment, but the heat was intense.

‘The theme of this year’s Ironman World Championships was “new beginnings” and I am leaving this beautiful island with the recognition that I am very much a changed person’.

Photo: Edwina Sutton, Director of Sport

Two Teachers to compete in World Championships

Edwina Sutton, Director of Sport at The Cheltenham Ladies’ College, is soon to be competing in the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Kate Nimmo, Second in Department and Head of Swimming, has flown to Australia to compete in the swimming events at the World Masters Games in Sydney.

Edwina qualified for the championships when she was the second woman to finish in her age group at the Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt, Germany on 5th July 2009. The triathlon in Hawaii will include a four mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon run through tough ocean waves and lava-covered terrain. 10,000 people try for a place at the ironman event and only 1,800 competitors are successful in winning a place.

Kate will join 28,000 competitors competing in 28 different sports at the largest international multi-sports event, bigger even than the Olympics. Kate will start a series of five swimming races on 10th October with the 800m Freestyle followed by the 400m and 200m Freestyle and a 50m Backstroke later in the week. The final test will be the 400m Individual Medley which involves swimming 100m on each of the strokes starting with Butterfly.

Vicky Tuck, Principal, said, ‘This is a remarkable achievement for Eddie and Kate and I am thrilled for them both. Kate and Eddie have managed to combine successfully their rigorous training for their respective events with their responsibilities at College. They are an inspiration to us all and we wish them good luck.’

Photo(l-r): Kate Nimmo, Head of Swimming and Edwina Sutton, Director of Sport

Another Successful Year for Wycliffe’s Sixth Form Students

Among another great set of results for Wycliffe A level pupils this year were those of the six students who achieved all A grades. Included in this figure were Jeremy Fletcher of Eastcombe, Stroud with 4 As, and four others who achieved 3 A grades. These were Susie Jackson from Slimbridge, Dursley’s Ellie Chubb, James Norbury of Chalford, Stroud and
Head Boy Callum Wood from Carterton, Oxford who will be taking his place at Brasenose College, Oxford to study Economics and Management.

When he arrives at Oxford, Callum will be the first person from his family to attend university.

The college saw its overall pass rate again exceed 98% and there were 100% pass rates in 27 of the 30 subjects offered.

Head Margie Burnet Ward said, “Improving academic standards and rigour at Wycliffe have
produced another very pleasing set of results. These are a testimony to the dedication of staff and commitment of our students. As well as those who achieved so many very high grades are those whose lower grades are still for them a huge achievement against what might have been expected and I want to congratulate all equally for their achievements.”
!!

Sports Dinner at Wycliffe College

The annual Sports Dinner, held on Wednesday 24th June, proved yet again to be an excellent event enjoyed by all. The evening sun shone as members of all the senior teams arrived to be greeted by a chilled glass of cava before taking their seats in Wycliffe Hall. After the introduction by the Director of Sport, Mr Andrew Naish, diners tucked into a delicious meal prepared by the Catering Manager , Mrs Judith Johnson and her team.

After the meal, speeches were made by each captain who took the opportunity to acknowledge the impact of certain players, but also to pay tribute to the skill and devotion of the coaching staff.

Prizes were then awarded to the Outstanding Sportswoman of the Year (Sarah Barnes), the Outstanding Sportsman (Ben Rodgers), the Outstanding Junior Sportswoman (Sammy Blundell ) and the Outstanding Junior Sportsman (Jos Chillingworth). The ‘team of the year’ was the rugby 1st XV which reached the 4th round of the Daily Mail Cup and competed so successfully on their tour to South Africa.

Prizes were presented by our special guest speaker, Alastair Hignell CBE. Alastair captivated the audience with his tales of playing rugby for England and cricket for Gloucestershire whilst holding down a full time job as a school master. He then went on to describe his time as a BBC journalist and, most movingly, his determination to continue to live life to the full despite being struck down with Multiple Sclerosis.

It is here that Wycliffe Sport intends to lend a helping hand: Next year, all sporting charity events will raise money for ‘Higgy’s Heroes’ – a charity set up by Alastair to fund further research into this disease. To kick off, in October, several members of the Wycliffe staff and, hopefully, some students will be running the Stroud half marathon in aid of Higgy’s Heroes.

Inaugural Law Workshop

The Cheltenham Ladies’ College recently welcomed a group of trainees from the Worcestershire law firm Harrison Clark to host the first law workshop to be held in College. Twenty girls, from Year 12, who are looking to study law at university, were enthusiastic about taking part in the workshop.

During the morning, girls were introduced to the realities of being a lawyer. The team from Harrison Clark were on hand to guide and tutor the girls who either represented the Claimant or the Defendant. The workshop culminated in a mock trial in the afternoon and tasks involved either an opening or closing speech to the judge or questioning of the witnesses to take the stand. Harrison Clark provided a trial judge.

Allan Hodge, Head of Economics, who oversees Oxbridge law applications, said, ‘Sometimes students apply for law without a clear understanding of what it means to be a lawyer. The mock trial will give them a practical insight into the processes of collecting and weighing up evidence and presenting conclusions in a clear and logical fashion. They will really get a feel for the place of law in society and the impact its application has on people’s lives.’