Private School News

CORE SUBJECTS ON THE RISE AT ROSSALL

Core subjects of English and Maths scored particularly well for Rossall School, Fleetwood, in this year’s GCSE results and science A-grades were also encouraging, as more students opted for the traditional subject areas for GCSE. In English, the school recorded a 51% pass rate A*-A grades, 40% A*-A in Maths and 43% A*-A across all three science subjects.

The school scored very well overall with a 99% pass rate A*-G grades. Although A*-C grades were down from the 2008 high of 92% to 85%, the reduction is due to changes in the BTEC in Public Services, grades for which were last year included in the GCSE figures. The Diploma is now a post-sixteen study option, only available to year twelve students.

Individual performances were also impressive with 42% of students achieving A*-A grades across all subjects. Within the ‘A’ team are local students Bethany Clarkson and James Harkness of Poulton, Swie Joo Liem of Thornton Cleveleys- all with ten passes, which is the maximum to sit at Rossall, and Aaron Lee of Larkholme, Fleetwood, who gained nine A* grade in nine subjects. Local songstress, Steph Fraser, also hit the right note with 9 GCSEs, five of which were A* and A passes. Understandably for a youngster already with an album on the market, she sailed through her music GCSE with an A* grade and looks destined for a career in popular music once she completes her studies.

Rossall choir member, accomplished pianist and CCF band drummer, Swie Joo Liem who has been at Rossall for 13 years is “delighted” to have got ten out of ten in GCSEs and will now sit A-levels in Rossall’s Sixth Form, where she will follow her goal to study Philosophy in preparation for a university degree in the subject. Older brother Sing, graduated from Rossall Sixth Form last term with A-levels and looks set for a career in medical science. Said Swie Joo: “I don’t know what my career path will be, but I know that philosophy will play a key part, which is why I’ve opted for A-levels next year rather than International Baccalaureate. At the moment though I’m just happy to celebrate the GCSE results with my family, before getting back to study next week.”

Commenting on the results, Rossall School Senior Mistress, Jean Briggs, said: “It’s unfortunate that the change in the age for BTEC Diploma caused an anomaly in our A*-C grade percentage this year, but our overall performance is as strong as ever and I’m particularly proud of the number of A* and A grades achieved in core subjects of English, Maths and the sciences.

“Many of our pupils chose to take three separate science subjects and our pass rates in these areas reflect the hard work put in by the pupils, and the quality of teaching here at Rossall. We are a non-selective school and pupils are not dissuaded from taking GCSEs in their weaker subject areas, so our results reflect well on our policy, which gives every pupil, whatever their ability, a real opportunity to achieve their goals.”

RARE CHANCE TO SEE STONYHURST’S HISTORIC COLLECTIONS

WHERE can you see a real Egyptian mummy, a lock of Mary Queen of Scots’ hair and Arthur Conan Doyle’s school desk, all under one roof this summer?

Well the answer of course is Stonyhurst College, which is once again opening its doors to the general public for guided tours during August.

Originally a 16th century manor house, it is home to the famous Catholic Independent boarding and day school, near Clitheroe, Lancashire.

Visitors to this historic building can see many treasures held in the Stonyhurst Collections, some of which have not been on display for many years.

On show will be an exquisitely beautiful prayer book, thought to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots, which she is believed to have taken to her execution.

Other items on display this summer include:
a lavishly illustrated ‘Book of Hours’ – an illuminated manuscript made in Paris in 1430, a 15th century Italian Liber Festivalis which is a book of religious feasts, a 16th century illuminated Koran, a 17th century Persian astronomical calendar, vestments from the 15th to the 18th century, a hat belonging to St Thomas More, African, Indian and South American clothing, pottery and ornaments, many natural history specimens including eggs, butterflies and birds.

The Egyptian mummy has recently returned to Stonyhurst from Manchester Museum, where it has undergone forensic tests to discover more about it.

Many of the items were displayed last year at the exhibition ‘Held in Trust’ at Saint Francis Xavier’s Church, Liverpool.

Stonyhurst also provided inspiration for two of the world’s most celebrated writers. J.R.R Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings, wrote part of his epic trilogy during his stay at the College and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the Sherlock Homes detective stories, was a pupil between 1868-1875.

During the tour of Stonyhurst visitors can see the desk on which Sir Arthur Conan Doyle carved his name, the table on which Oliver Cromwell slept before the Battle of Preston and Jacobite pistols found hidden in a priest hole. Visitors will also see how present day pupils live, work and play, and have the opportunity to see the chapels and historic rooms including the Great Hall with portraits of the seven former pupils awarded the Victoria Cross

“Visitors are in for a real treat this year; it will be a rare opportunity to see artefacts that are both sacred and secular,” said Katherine Walker, Marketing Director at Stonyhurst College.

“Stonyhurst is a Grade I Listed building and renowned for its magnificent towers and gardens. It is regarded as the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of Lancashire’s beautiful Ribble Valley, so well worth a visit.”

The college is open every day 1-4.30pm inc. Bank Holiday Monday (closed Fridays) from 27th July 2009 until 31st August 2009. Admission charges apply – House & Garden £6.00, Child (4 -14) £5.00 (Under 4 free), senior citizens £5.50. Gardens only £1.00.

Picture captions:
STN Building – The exterior of Stonyhurst College

NON-SELECTIVE SCHOOL’S SOLID PERFORMANCE IN A-LEVELS

Despite growing numbers of students opting for the International Baccalaureate Diploma at Rossall School, Fleetwood, the independent school returned a solid performance in this year’s A-level results with a percentage pass rate of 91% A-E grades and a 6% rise in A-B grades to 63%, a rise which is significant given the school’s non-selective policy, which means that students of all abilities are allowed to sit the examinations of their choice.

Forty nine sixth form students sat a total of 23 subjects in this year’s examinations with the remaining sixth form population opting for International Baccalaureate in which the school excelled with a number of students amongst the highest points achievers worldwide.

Among the straight ‘A’ students this year was outgoing school captain, James Cross of Stanley Park, Blackpool who took three subjects – English Literature, Geography and History, and achieved the top pass rate in each, which means he is now on his way to study English at Oxford University. Also among the ‘A’ grades with four top passes was Garstang student, Toby Ma, who joined Rossall in 1994. His father Ken is owner, manager of Garstang’s prominent town centre Chinese eaterie the Ken Ma Restaurant. He is “delighted” that Toby will now achieve his ambition to study medicine at Sheffield University. Toby gained his straight ‘A’s’ in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics.

Rossall teacher’s son, Alex Alonso of Thornton will head for York University and an English degree course following his three A’s in Chemistry, English Literature and Mathematics, and a ‘B’ in Further Mathematics. Mum, Sharon, who teaches Spanish at the School is overjoyed by his results. She said: “Alex has put in a tremendous amount of work, as have all students, so to see him get such high marks is very rewarding.”

Thornton student, Charlotte Armstrong, 18, has double reason to celebrate today, with two A grades in English Literature and Music and a B in religious studies paving the way for her acceptance by Durham University, where she’ll study music in an attempt to emulate her cousin, Jane Wilkinson, also a former Rossall pupil, who is now one of Britain’s up and coming operatic sopranos. However, she won’t take up her place at Durham until next year, because she is also one of only 35 UK students to have gained a scholarship to a top independent school in America through the English Speaking Union, and in September she’ll take a place at the prestigious Tabor Academy in Massachusetts.

Commenting on this year’s performance, Rossall’s senior mistress, Jean Briggs said: “Although our pass rate overall was similar to last year it is particularly encouraging to see that we have more students achieving higher grades, as illustrated by our 6% increase in A-B grades, taking us to 63%.

“As a non-selective school we believe that even those pupils with weaker academic backgrounds should be given every opportunity possible, and our improvement in the A-B grades is proof that our policy is successful for the school and more importantly, for the pupils. Some students have achieved beyond their expectations.

The full results are:
Five Passes: L MAMANI
N TRAN

Four Passes: A ALONSO
Z BAI
L CHU
K LAM
S LEE
S LU
T MA
M NGUYEN
F PARKER
J SHUI
A SUN
J XU

Three Passes: H ANDERSON
C ARMSTRONG
H BENNETT
J CATER
S CHELTON
J CROSS
K DAVIES
R DOCHERTY
F FAN
X FU
L GILLESPIE
S HARDIE
H INGLE
T KENYON
S SALNIKOV
J THOMPSON
T TSUI
P TUNG
M WONG
J YU

Two Passes: M CHEN
T CHEN
J CHEN
S HUANG
W WANG
B WU
A ZOU

One Pass: L LARK
J LIAO
P EISSEN
F MEUER
T NGUYEN

International Baccalaureate Diploma Passes
In addition to A-levels, 32 students studied for the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma in Rossall School Sixth Form. Many candidates passed with scores above the international average, increasing the School’s pass rate by 10% to 84.38%, which takes it above the world average.

Rossall is one of a select number of school’s in the UK with lengthy experience in IB. The school’s dedicated IB department has been working with Diploma students for twelve years and the school’s experience is reflected in the performance of its IB graduates, many of whom will now go on to study at some of the top universities in the UK and overseas.

The School’s top scoring student, Isabell Mencher from Stuttgart, Germany, achieved 44 from a possible maximum points total of 45 for six subjects (the maximum number of subjects permissible), but also added an extra seven points by passing a seventh subject, Spanish, which regrettably won’t be counted in her total. She is joined in the high pass grades by local student, 18-year-old, Sam Ireland of Bispham (42 points) and local golfing sensation, Jenna Birch, also 18, of Larkholme (33 points). Anh Vu, a Vietnamese boarder at the school achieved the school’s second highest total with 43 points. Last year, there was not one recorded pass in the world with a full 45 points and only 0.03% of all students achieved 44 points. There were similar percentage passes for 43 and 42 points totals. .

Stonyhurst pupils achieve 100% Oxbridge Success

Once again Stonyhurst is celebrating a strong performance at A-level. 100% of the students who have offers to study in Oxford or Cambridge have achieved their dream to attend one of the top universities in the country. Students have gained a clutch of A-grades to secure places on courses as diverse as Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Theology and History of Art at both Oxford and Cambridge.

There have been some outstanding personal success stories. Two students achieved 6 A-grades each and three more achieved 5 A-grades. A further thirteen pupils achieved three or more A-grades each.

The percentage of A-grades was up from 35% last year to 38%. The national average is 26.5% so once again Stonyhurst has far outstripped national results.

More than three quarters of the candidates in Mathematics got an A grade and almost two thirds got A grades in Economics. There were also outstanding performances in English, Chemistry, Latin, German and French with more than 75% of these pupils achieving A or B grades. The UCAS points per student has also risen from 317 last year to 330, a 4% increase.

Headmaster Andrew Johnson commented: “We are very proud of all of the achievements of our Sixth Formers and their teachers who have worked extremely hard to gain these excellent results.’

‘There are some tremendous top results, and many of those who didn’t make straight A’s have performed well beyond expectations too.’

“It is encouraging that our students have once again performed strongly in a whole variety of subjects whilst also taking part in the wide ranging extra curricular activities on offer here at Stonyhurst. We wish all the students well as they go out into the world to be men and women for others.”

STONYHURST PUPILS BEAT THE CREDIT CRUNCH

A TEAM of pupils from Stonyhurst College took up the Young Enterprise challenge and showed even they can beat the credit crunch and run a profitable company.

Twelve pupils from Poetry launched ‘Entity’ earlier this year and have successfully been selling personalised T-shirts and promotional items for school productions.

Their closing accounts showed a healthy net profit of £205.01, which represents a 100% return on investment – a significant achievement for any firm in today’s economic climate.

Entity are now planning to pass on the entrepreneurial skills by setting up a mini-enterprise programme, so pupils at St Mary’s Hall can experience for themselves what it’s like to run a business.

In the spirit of social enterprise, Entity is going to donate £50 from their profits as start-up capital, to help get the new company going.

Mrs. Kate Wright, Head of Business Studies said: “Right from the start the pupils were very enthusiastic about forming a company and learning how to run it. They did everything from think of a company name, deciding what they were going to sell, production and marketing. They are now passing on those skills to other pupils and I’m sure they will be just as successful.”

The new company at St Mary’s Hall will start trading in September and will donate its profits to the Friends of St. Mary’s Hall.

Picture caption:
Adaobi Anah, Gustavo Ranera, Olamipo Ogunsanya, Oreoluwa Akinkunmi, Adaeze Egwuagu-Chijioke, Jason Kwok, Karl Sullivan, Tejiri Ziregbe, Olisa Nwokedi, John Wade and Allan Wu, with Advisor Rachel Eccleston and Link Teacher Kate Wright all holding their Young Enterprise Achievement certificates.

BLAST OFF! – LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN LEARN ABOUT OUTER SPACE AT STONYHURST

TO celebrate the 40th anniversary of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon, more than 40 local primary school children attended the annual ‘Physics Fair’ at Stonyhurst College, to learn about outer space.

The children from the schools of St Michael and St. John’s RC, Clitheroe, and St. Joseph’s RC, Hurst Green, were split in to four teams for the day.

The teams: ‘Buzz Aldrin’, ‘Apollo 11’, ‘Rockets’ and ‘Astronomers,’ visited various ‘space stations’ around the college grounds.

Each space station had a different activity such as making and firing rockets, powered by Alka-Seltzer, and learning about telescopes.

One of the ‘space stations’ was the famous observatory in the grounds of the College, where the children enjoyed watching a film about the first manned space missions and moon landings by NASA’s Apollo 11.

As a special treat at the end of the morning, a large engine powered rocket was launched from the Jesuit gardens, to the delight of the pupils, who watched it blast-off in to the clear blue sky. The rocket has been made by a group of Lower Grammar pupils at Stonyhurst College and launched by member of staff Mr Hunter. The rocket safely landed back inside the grounds of the college.

After the excitement of the rocket launch, the visiting school children walked back to St. Mary’s Hall via ‘Brothers Walk’, to have lunch in the prep school.

To conclude the action packed day, pupils watched an end of term performance by college pupils of ‘The Pirates of Penzance’, in the Centenaries theatre.

“The visiting pupils really enjoyed their day at Stonyhurst, and learning about outer space. It’s a fascinating subject that caught their interest,” said Katherine Walker, Marketing Director at Stonyhurst College.

“Many of the children had not been in a real observatory before so it was a great place to have a ‘space station’. This year is also the 400th anniversary of Galileo inventing the first telescope, so it was very topical. Also, our observatory is well known internationally. Many famous astronomy events have been recorded here.”

Picture:
“Blast Off!” Rocket launched by Mr. Hunter at Stonyhurst College.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE RESULTS UP AT ROSSALL

The eagerly awaited International Baccalaureate results are out and the area’s longest-established study centre for the prestigious Diploma, has recorded a 10% overall increase in pass rate, taking it above the world average.

Rossall School, Fleetwood, which is now in its twelfth year of teaching IB, has increased its pass rate to 84.38% and has a number of the world’s top scoring Diploma students, in what is recognized as a more challenging alternative to A-levels. The School’s top scoring student, Isabell Mencher from Stuttgart, Germany achieved 44 from a possible maximum points total of 45 for six subjects (the maximum number of subjects permissible), but also added an extra seven points by passing a seventh subject, Spanish, which regrettably won’t be counted in her total. She is joined in the high pass grades by local student, 18-year-old, Sam Ireland of Bispham (42 points) and local golfing sensation, Jenna Birch, also 18, of Larkholme (33 points). Anh Vu, a Vietnamese boarder at the school achieved the school’s second highest total with 43 points.

Last year, there was not one recorded pass in the world with a full 45 points and only 0.03% of all students achieved 44 points, and there were similar percentage passes for 43 and 42 points totals. Those statistics show that this year’s figures indicate a remarkable performance from a non-selective school, and IB supporters will also suggest that the consistency of annual pass rates indicates that, unlike A-Levels, there is no grade inflation with the International Baccalaureate. This they argue is because the IB is free of political interference.

Developed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, a non-profit making educational foundation in Switzerland, the Diploma is built around a strong intellectual philosophy of breadth, depth, personal study and community/international awareness. The IB Diploma involves students gaining a number of points from the study of six subjects and the ‘Core’. The ‘Core’ comprises three additional areas where students study the Theory of Knowledge; produce an Extended Essay of around 4,000 words under personal tutelage and involve themselves in a programme of Creative, Action and Service, to encourage community involvement and to develop themselves as people and members of the wider community. They must also study sport or art related activities.

With more than a decade’s involvement with the International Baccalaureate, Rossall’s experience has been the key to its successful year. Commented Rossall IB Co-ordinator, Dr Doris Dohmen: “Although we have a percentage of overseas students coming here specifically to study for the IB, the number of local students taking the Diploma is on the increase. Many take the IB because of its acceptance by the world’s leading universities, but equally they are taking it to stretch themselves and because they know it will improve them in so many ways. It’s an extremely demanding two-year study, but I’m delighted with the application of our students this year who have reaped the rewards for their efforts with outstanding pass scores.”

Local student Sam Ireland, whose points score was equivalent to 6 A grade A-levels, is now off to study medicine at University College London and is pleased with his achievement. He said: “I’ve been studying really hard for the Diploma and keeping up a part-time job during evenings and weekends as a waiter at the Imperial Hotel, to try to get some money behind me before I go to university, so it’s great to get the results and the score of 42 out of 45. It was worth the effort and I hope I can now achieve my goal of becoming a doctor. That would really please my mum who’s a district nurse in Blackpool!”

Following its experience with the IB Diploma for Sixth Form students, Rossall is now one of only a handful of schools in the UK to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which prepares junior school pupils for IB study.

Photo caption: Sam Ireland, pictured with Rossall headmaster, Dr Stephen Winkley at the School’s Prize Day, where the top International Baccalaureate student also scooped five of Rossall’s most coveted awards.

2,500 YEAR OLD EGYPTIAN MUMMY RETURNS TO STONYHURST

AN Egyptian mummy, discovered by a Jesuit missionary and archaeologist in 1850, has returned to Stonyhurst College.

Since the 1970s the remains of the unidentified young boy, aged five or six, have been cared for at Manchester Museum.

It has been part of the museum’s world famous collection of Egyptian artefacts and, over the last 30 years, a series of forensic science investigations including scans and x-rays have been carried out, to learn more about the boy’s health and living conditions.

Now Stonyhurst College has the necessary facilities in place for conservation of the mummy, so it has recently returned to its former home.

The mummy has created a lot of interest with the pupils.

The relic will now be part of a display in the Long Room, which is dedicated to the study of science, the natural world and human anthropology.

Jan Graffius, Curator at Stonyhurst College said: “Human remains are not like any other museum object and need to be treated with respect and dignity.

“We can learn a great deal about our own past from them, but we should never forget that they were once living human beings like ourselves and treat their remains accordingly. That is why the case containing the mummy has a cloth cover.

“It will be part of a new display that will clarify our need to ‘collect’ and display material, and we understand some people may be sensitive to seeing human remains.”

Very little is known about the boy’s background. No name is recorded, but investigations have indicated he was from a wealthy high status family, as gold leaf was discovered on his head.

Picture caption: Close up of the mummy

STONYHURST TEAM STRIKES GOLD IN FENCING COMPETITION

STONYHURST pupils displayed remarkable speed and skill when they won gold and silver medals at a fencing tournament.

Twin brothers Simon and Magnus Whittle (14) and Yoann Belon (15) took on more than 150 competitors to defend Stonyhurst’s honour at the Bromsgrove School Fencing Challenge earlier this month.

The Stonyhurst fencers fought exceptionally well, with Simon and Magnus taking both gold and silver medals in the under 14s Foil final.

This was repeated in the under 14s Epee, where the boys fought the other fencers in a ‘Poule Unique’, again winning gold and silver medals.

The final results were:
Under 14 Foil: gold medal, Simon Whittle, silver medal, Magnus Whittle.
Under 14 Epee: gold medal, Magnus Whittle, silver medal, Simon Whittle.

Under 16 Foil: 10th place Yoann Belon.
Senior Epee: 13th place Yoann Belon.

The competition was strong as some of the other competitors are Great Britain fencing cadets.

Other schools also in the tournament included Bromsgrove, Warwick, Abingdon and the Royal Grammar School.

The Whittle brothers are no strangers to fencing success. Last year Simon won gold in the North West 2008 Regional Epee Championships at Arnold School, Blackpool, and a silver medal in the Bath Leon Paul Under 13 Boys Epee, held at Millfield School, Somerset. Magnus also won a bronze medal for third place in the Under 14 Sabre, at the Arnold school competition.

Simon and Magnus also took part in the Manchester Cadet Tournament at Bolton Arena last September where they competed against fencers from around the world, some more than three years older.

“We are very proud of the boys’ success. Bringing home gold and silver medals is a huge achievement in the face of such tough opposition. All three boys should be commended for their endeavours,” said Mr. Andrew Johnson, Headmaster at Stonyhurst College.

HALF-WIT CELEBRITIES TO BLAME FOR ILL-EDUCATED CHILDREN

The cult of celebrity, shocking parenting and appalling public values are to blame for the thousands of poorly educated children in Britain, according to a former chairman of the Boarding Schools’ Association, now head of one of the North of England’s leading independent schools.

Speaking to an audience of British and overseas parents, and dignitaries at the 165th annual prize day presentations at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire, Headmaster, Dr Stephen Winkley called for an end to the appalling public values promoted during a decade of Labour rule and slammed the Government for its constant interference in education. He also called for the media to end its incessant promotion of half-wit celebrities, which, he said, “were creating terrible role models for children.”

Commented Dr Winkley: “What’s wrong with education at present is not schools; the problem is shocking parenting and appallingly low public values. Indeed, all our public values are against getting a good education. At a time when half-wits win talent contests, half-wits appear as celebrities, and the role models offered to our children are shopaholic bimbos, footballers and drug fuelled pop stars, the antique role models of the church, the law, doctors and even MPs are not admired, but are expected to behave well.

“The anti-intellectualism in Britain is now so strong that the new role models are admired and expected to behave badly, and the people lauded most are those successful entrepreneurs who left school at the age of 14. So, what message is that sending to our young people?”

In the address Dr Winkley quoted American First Lady, Michelle Obama’s speech delivered in London on her recent visit in which she said she had never cut school, loved getting A’s and thought that being smart was the coolest thing there was. “Wow, wouldn’t it be wonderful if some one in English life said something as positive and inspirational as that, because without it how would a gifted and ambitious child from an unsupportive background learn that it was cool to be smart,” he added. He went on to say: “The media, both the mainstream, and the plethora of gossip based magazines, must shoulder much of the blame for the promotion of the cult of celebrity to the detriment of real achievement. An example of this came at another school where I taught a girl who was the Edexcel Student of the Year, with 12 ‘A’ stars at GCSE. She was a mountaineer, a trainee pilot, a grade eight horn player and a fine singer, yet the single fact that the media identified to link her to the lives of their readers was that she supported Fulham FC! It’s incredible.”

Dr Winkley, a strong advocate of boarding and independent education, also spoke out for independent schools, telling his audience that the independent education sector was responsible for a huge amount of foreign investment in the UK – over £500 million each year – yet this alone, he said, did not protect it from the eyes or the clutches of a Government hell-bent on stifling choice and lowering values. “Independent schools now have to pass a charitable status test to guarantee their existence by showing use of their facilities for the good of the community. However, I welcome opening our facilities for wider use. In fact, I encourage it in the same way that the school encourages and subsidises local children who would benefit from a Rossall education. Sadly, we haven’t enough space to offer as many as we would wish, and entry is still competitive, but we do have a proud record in this field and as a result we have some outstanding pupils who pay nothing for their education, which proves that we don’t need a Government edict to play our part in the community…we already do it.”

In summary Dr Winkley told the gathering that parents investing in such a special form of education should be proud, because British independent Schools are recognized by the Organization for Economic Development and Co-operation as the best in the world, which, he stated, was a tremendous achievement in a country with such an anti-education climate.

OXBRIDGE BECKONS FOR SEVEN AT STONYHURST

SEVEN Stonyhurst pupils have been offered places this year at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Sixth formers Joe Lea from Stonyhurst, Gabriel Cohen for Hebden Bridge, Lucy Wang from Shanghai and Sarah Whitehouse Chichester, have conditional offers at Oxford.

Joe will read Mathematics, Gabriel will study History, Lucy Engineering, and Sarah will read Theology.

Cambridge University has offered places to Elizabeth Graffius and John Watts. Elizabeth from Stonyhurst is looking forward to studying the History of Art and John from Clitheroe will read Social and Political Sciences.

One other pupil has also gained a place at Cambridge, studying Natural Science.

Andrew Johnson, the Headmaster, said: “We are delighted to have seven places offered, it’s the highest number for some years. They have all worked extremely hard and Stonyhurst pupils have been successful in this most competitive of intellectual ordeals. It is a great credit to them and we wish them every success with their studies.”

Picture Caption: Left to right, some of the Oxbridge successes – Gabriel Cohen, Elizabeth Graffius, Joe Lea, Lucy Wang, Mr Andrew Johnson Headmaster and John Watts.

MTS CCF Shooting Team wins yet more trophies.

In April sharp shooting Merchants’ marksmen won the prestigious Red Rose Challenge.
The eight-strong team won the blue ribbon County of Lancaster Rifle Association annual event competing against 32 other teams from Combined Cadet Forces and gun clubs across the North-West.

Coached by Regimental Sergeant Major Simon Brett, the Merchants’ team proved to be the golden shots of the region. RSM Brett said: “Above all you need to be calm and focused and always prepared to develop your skills to the next level.” He added: “No one takes shooting a rifle lightly in the Merchants’ CCF. The cadets must learn to treat their weapons with respect and consider every safety precaution before they are allowed to complete target skill practice drills.”

The only girl in the team and a Petty Officer in the Navy section of the CCF, Sarah Irwin said: “I wouldn’t like to think I was one of the lads, just one of the team.” Team captain Colour Sergeant Stephen Williams said: “Sarah doesn’t get any special treatment and is expected to train hard, practice and be cool under pressure on the day.”

Merchants’ celebrates record admissions to top medical schools

Merchant Taylors’ is celebrating a record number of admissions to the nation’s top medical schools with 14 young men and women gaining offers to study Medicine and Dentistry.

Medicine is traditionally one of the most competitive degree courses nationwide. Head of the Girls’ School Sixth Form, Mrs Peppin, said: “I am sure the nation’s health will be in good hands with this contingent of young doctors coming from Merseyside.”

Alex Fleming, 18, who has offers from Imperial and University Colleges London, sees his offer to study medicine as a gateway to the world. “Medicine is a fascinating and varied career, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to enter into such a respected and stimulating profession that I am passionate about.” Alex, 18, has already completed an internship at the prestigious medical research and development organisation, The Mayo Clinic, in the United States and has been a volunteer in local Accident and Emergency wards.

Emma Fay, 18, wants to put a smile on everyone’s face and has won an offer to study Dentistry at Newcastle University. She said: “Your smile is part of parcel of your self image and ensuring people have healthy, attractive teeth does so much for their confidence as well as their physical well being.” Her ambition is to own and manage her own dental practice.

Senior Boys’ School Deputy Headmaster Mr Craig said: “Medicine remains one of the most competitive degree courses and to have 14 students poised to go up to Britain’s top medical schools is a great achievement.”

PUPILS GET AN INSIDE VIEW OF PARLIAMENT

PUPILS studying A Level Politics at Stonyhurst College travelled to London recently to experience first hand what life is like inside the Palace of Westminster.

The pupils were greeted by Nigel Evan’s researcher (MP for Ribble Valley) who took them to a private room to observe Prime Minister’s Questions, in the House of Commons.

Afterwards, they were joined for lunch by Nigel Evens MP, in a restaurant near Westminster Hall.

During a guided tour of parliament the pupils were in awe of the magnificent architecture and richly decorated corridors, where great English monarchs from the past such as Richard I and Henry VIII, are depicted in huge portraits. This gave them a real sense of English history, as did standing in the place where Anne Boleyn and Charles I were condemned to death.

Sitting in the public galleries of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords, they were again overwhelmed by the stunning opulence of the architecture and the huge amount of gold used on the ceiling and throne where the Queen sits during the state opening of parliament.

They were given a unique experience of observing the Public Accounts Select Committee, chaired by Edward Leigh MP. The pupils were fascinated to watch one civil servant being questioned about statistics. The pupils commented that as they were leaving they could still hear the shouting down the corridor!

Upon leaving the Palace of Westminster, one pupil John Messent aged 17 from Amersham was lucky enough to meet his local constituency MP. Cheryl Gillan, MP for Amersham and Chesham, is also the shadow secretary of state for Wales.

They chatted briefly before she happily agreed to pose with the pupils for photographs. Mrs. Gillan was with Nigel Evans and other MPs looking at the ‘Lightening’, a new electric car with ultra low carbon emissions. One pupil, Joey Barnett aged 17 from Blackpool, was tapped on the shoulder an asked if he wanted his photograph taken with the car. The volunteer photographer turned out to be Lord Peter Mandelson, secretary of state for business, innovation and skills!

John Messent said: “It was an unforgettable day and thanks must be given to Mr Ridout who is Head of Politics at Stonyhurst, for arranging it. Stonyhurst politics students have the opportunity of a Parliamentary ‘placement’ during their sixth form study. So perhaps some of us may be working there one day.”

CAPTION: David Ridout (left) Head of Politics at Stonyhurst and John Messent aged 17 from Amersham, present Nigel Evans MP (right) and Cheryl Gillan MP, with the Stonyhurst book.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES STARTS OFF WITH ‘HEADMASTERS CONCERT’ AT STONYHURST COLLEGE

THE first in the series of free summer concerts has been held by pupils and teachers at the ‘Headmaster’s Concert’ at Stonyhurst College.

The Stonyhurst Music Scholars performed instrumental solos, duets and ensembles to a packed audience. The concert also included two singing performances.

Featured performers were:

Natalie Crouch aged 17 from Stonyhurst, Alex Johnson aged 13 from Stonyhurst, David Mann aged 17 from Stonyhurst, Elizabeth Robinson aged 14 from Preston, Caroline Shorthouse aged 17 from Balderstone and Genevieve Turner aged 11 from Stonyhurst, clarinet ensemble: ‘Divertimento on Three Blind Mice’ arranged by Michael Brand, directed by Mrs. J Barlow

Yoann Belon aged 15 from Isle of Wight and Pawel Rzemieniecki aged 18 from Poland, piano duet: ‘Spanish dance’ by Mozkowski.

Gregory O’Connor aged 17 from Stonyhurst and Teresa Mak aged 15 from Hong Kong, violin duet: ‘Concert in D Minor, First Movement’ by J.S. Bach.

Matthias Turner aged 13 from Stonyhurst, cello solo: ‘Prelude from Suite No. 1’ by J.S. Bach.

Charlotte Leach aged 17, from Longridge, vocal solo: ‘Love’s Philosophy’ by Roger Quilter.

Samantha Leach aged 17, from Longridge, vocal solo: ‘Widmung’ by Schumann.

David Mann aged 17, from Stonyhurst, clarinet solo: ‘First Movement from Sonata’ by Saint-Saens.

Mary Anne Wootton aged 15, from Longridge, piano solo: ‘O Polichinello’ by Villa-Lobos.

Lucia Turner aged 14, Stonyhurst, violin solo: ‘Prelude from Partita No. 3’ by J.S. Bach.

Lydia Fisher aged 16, from Chipping, Lucia Turner aged 14, from Stonyhurst and Grace Mercer aged 14, from Chipping, flute ensemble: ‘Cantique de Jean Racine’ arranged by Trevor Wye and directed by Mrs. C. Lorriman.

Before the concert, Stonyhurst’s headmaster Mr Andrew Johnson held a reception for special guests.

Mr. Johnson said: “The performance was truly exceptional. All the musicians displayed amazing skills with their instruments. Many pupils are in the middle of their exams and had taken time out from their studies to rehearse for the concert. Their dedication is a credit to them.”

Other concerts in the series throughout June will include a vocal concert by ‘Serenata’ on the 19th before closing with the ‘Heritage Opera’ on the 26th. All concerts are free and anyone can book tickets by ringing 01254 827086 or email g.mann@stonyhurst.ac.uk. All concerts will also hold a raffle and retiring collection.

The next ‘Headmasters concert’ will be held Friday Nov 13th at 7.30 pm in the Top Refectory. To book seats please telephone 01254 826345.

PICTURE: The Clarinet Ensemble in the Top Refectory at Stonyhurst during the Headmaster’s Concert.

STUDENTS FIND FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

Laboratory skills, knowledge and team work proved to be the catalysts for success for three students from one of the area’s oldest independent schools when they found the formula for success in the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools’ Analyst Competition.

Rossall School Sixth Form students, Nicola Blythe, Thanh Dong and Daniel Stone have triumphed in the North West Finals of the prestigious national science competition, staged in the University of Central Lancashire’s pharmacology laboratories; beating eleven other schools from Lancashire and Cumbria to qualify for the national final in Plymouth on the 29th and 30th June.

The trio of budding scientists had to undergo testing of their chemistry knowledge and also a three hour practical laboratory test during which they had to use forensic skills to identify the purity of three test substances. And, to their delight, they were crowned regional champions, collecting a trophy, WH Smith gift vouchers and booking their place in the final where they’ll compete as one of the top 15 schools in the country.

Rossall School’s head of Science Mark Schofield is delighted for the school’s regional success and believes his students have the ability to do well in the final. He commented: “It’s a great honour for Rossall to have students in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s final, because it’s a very tough competition demanding of entrants a very high degree of knowledge and laboratory skills. There was also a great deal of pressure added by competing with such strong regional schools, but I’m proud of Nicola, Thanh and Daniel who have acquitted themselves admirably and the whole school will be rooting for them when they take on the best in the country next month.

“By winning regionally they have already demonstrated Rossall’s strengths in the sciences, but to add the national award would be really special.”

Photo: Rossall School’s winning students, Thanh Dong (left), Daniel Stone (centre) and Nicola Blythe (right), get their hands on the North West trophy, flanked by Dr Gary Bond, principal lecturer in chemistry at UCLAN (left) and Mark Schofield, head of science at Rossall School.

Stonyhurst pupils VISIT THE HEART OF WELSH POLITICS

A-LEVEL pupils at Stonyhurst College completed their learning curve of British politics when they travelled to Wales to meet politicians at the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff.

The pupils were honoured to meet First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who gave a brief account of his experiences and told the pupils that he would be retiring soon after 10 years as leader.

He said he wanted to retire with dignity unlike some other leading politicians who were forced to leave.

The pupils were impressed by the Senedd – the main building – designed by Richard Rogers and opened by the Queen on March 1, St David’s Day, in 2006. It features tall glass windows – to represent openness and transparency in the new era of Welsh politics.

They also met the youngest Assembly Member Bethan Jenkins (Plaid Cymru) who talked to them about different voting systems.

After lunch in the Assembly Members’ private dining room, the pupils observed First Ministers Questions in the main chamber, where Rhodri Morgan confronted the Conservatives over prescription charges.

John Francis Watts, President of the college’s Politics Society, said: “The debate appeared not so very different from Westminster as First Minister’s Questions seemed to be more of an opportunity for political point scoring than for constructive debate!”

After lunch, the pupils enjoyed an interesting talk by Professor Laura McAllister of Liverpool University. She is a staunch advocate of devolution and argued the case for the transfer of more powers to the Welsh Assembly.

Professor McAllister is no stranger to Stonyhurst College as she has talked to the Politics Society on many occasions over recent years.

Before leaving, the pupils had a brief question and answer session with Claire Clancy, Chief Executive of the Welsh Assembly.

The final port of call for the pupil’s trip in the Welsh capitol was a guided tour of the Millennium Stadium where they visited the Royal box and other VIP areas.
Mr David Ridout, Head of Politics at Stonyhurst College, said: “The pupils have visited the centres of political power in Scotland and Northern Ireland over recent months in preparation for their exams. The trip to the Welsh Assembly was the final element of our study of Britain’s devolution.”

CAPTION:Stonyhurst pupil Charlotte Leach presents Bethan Jenkins (Plaid Cymru) with a book on Stonyhurst College, at the Welsh Assembly.

STONYHURST COLLEGE PUPILS WIN PLACES WITH NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE

FOUR pupils from Stonyhurst College have been accepted to train with the prestigious National Youth Theatre (N.Y.T.) this summer.

All four boys successfully auditioned for the coveted places and Bradley Goss 15 from Burnley, Rashad Burns 17 from Fayetteville USA, Winston Obi 18 from Lagos Nigeria, and Conor Kennedy 18 from Maidenhead, will be heading for London during August. The boys will train for two weeks at Trinity Laban, the UK’s first conservatoire for music and dance at Greenwich, South East London.

Stonyhurst College have an excellent reputation for producing budding actors with ten pupils being awarded with places at the N.Y.T over the past six years. Places are limited and only a few applicants get through the tough application process.

“We are thrilled that four pupils have been accepted this year,” said Johanna Egar Head of Theatre Studies at Stonyhurst. “One of our pupils who attended the summer school a couple of years ago performed with the N.Y.T. in the handover ceremony at the Bejing Olympics last year. Other notable alumni from the N.Y.T. include Daniel Craig and Dame Helen Mirren, so they are in good company!”

Under the guidance of a professional director and specialist tutors at Trinity Laban, the pupils will learn skills and disciplines in voice work, movement, performance, improvisation and the course will close with a performance that is presented to other course members.

Once the pupils have completed their summer school training they will then be entitled to audition for any N.Y.T. productions until they are 21 years old.

Photo: Four pupils from Stonyhurst College who are going to the National Youth Theatre summer school this year. Clockwise from top left: Winston Obi, Conor Kennedy, Bradley Goss and Rashad Burns.

ANN WIDDECOMBE MP TO VISIT STONYHURST COLLEGE

THE Rt Hon Ann Widdecombe MP, will be the guest of honour at Stonyhurst College this weekend, when she will give prizes and awards to Upper Sixth form pupils who are about to leave.

This is the first official visit to Stonyhurst College by the MP who is known for her forthright views and lively opinions.

After the prize giving at the Great Academies, Miss Widdecombe will take to the podium to speak to an audience of pupils, staff and parents.

“It’s a privilege to have Ann Widdecombe taking an active part in the prize giving,” said Andrew Johnson, Headmaster at Stonyhurst. “The Great Academies is an important part of the school calendar and the last big event the Upper Sixth form pupils attend before leaving Stonyhurst.”

The prizes and awards are presented to pupils who have excelled in academic subjects throughout the year.

Ms Widdecombe has visited the college before, but on a private visit.

STONYHURST PUPILS TO REPRESENT LANCASHIRE IN NATIONAL GOLF COMPETITION

THREE teenage pupils have teed-off to a first for Stonyhurst College as they will be representing Lancashire at the 2009 English Schools Championships, at Thetford Golf Club, Norfolk, on July 8.

The three pupils: Callum Jones, 18 (team captain) from Birkdale, near Southport; Jack Milton 17, from Cadiz, Spain; and Sebastian Leigh 16, from Germany, played a series of knock-out rounds to qualify for a place in the Lancashire finals at Haydock Park golf club.

After winning their semi-final in the morning rounds, they were in the nail-biting County Cup finals in the afternoon.

All the teams were level after an exciting 18 holes, leaving the Stonyhurst trio with one match lost, one won and one halved.

They then played a sudden-death play off, finishing as runners up which qualified them for the prestigious national finals.

“This is a first for Stonyhurst golf and is a tremendous achievement,” said Tim Strain, Master in Charge of Golf at Stonyhurst. “The boys have put in a great deal of effort on the golf course and their dedication is paying off. We’ll all be cheering them on when they play in the finals.”

Team captain Callum Jones is no stranger to large golf tournaments. Earlier this year, he was part of team of eight-member team of boys from other independent British schools who took part in the Independent Schools’ Swifts American Golf Tour. The tour lasted three weeks and he played matches in North Carolina before travelling north along the eastern seaboard, including a visit to New York.

Picture caption: (Left to right)
Jack Milton, Callum Jones (team captain) and Sebastian Leigh.