Private School News

Budding young Golfer on course for prestigious Loretto Golf Academy

For the day, he was the most famous sportsman in the world.

Golfer Louis Oosthuizen had just won the British Open at St Andrews, witnessed by millions across the world.

But the South African was still able to take the time only hours after his triumph to chat to and be pictured with a budding Edinburgh youngster hoping to follow in his footsteps.

Talented golfer, David Li Ferguson had already impressed onlookers at St Andrews with his natural ability before meeting the South African.

It was already shaping up to be a memorable day for five-year-old David Li Ferguson, whose father David Snr was covering the event for Chinese media.

David Li Ferguson was then invited to participate in the prestigious Loretto School Golf Camp.

Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs at Loretto School said, “Loretto School’s Golf Academy were so impressed with his credentials they have asked for David to join them at the next Golf Camp. Loretto Golf Academy is recognized as the top Golf School in the U.K. What better place for David to have his obvious talent nurtured. ”

David’s father said, “It would be great. I know they have a very good golf school at Loretto and he is at the stage where he would certainly benefit from a bit of quality coaching.”

Photo: Five year old David Li Ferguson with Open Championship winner, Louis Oosthuizen

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

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

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

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

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

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

RGS WORCESTER pupil Dan Staines – determined not to go up the creek without a paddle

After only 18 months in a new sport, Worcester Canoe Club member Dan Staines is making rapid progress in the canoe world, but his hopes of future success depend upon securing sponsorship for a kayak, which can support his weight and decrease drag in the water.
Dan, who is a sixth former at RGS Worcester, has made tremendous strides, competing in the top half of national marathon kayak races as well as in individual and team sprint events around the country. But if the course becomes wavy, his current kayak ships water with obvious drastic consequences. In short, he’s a 90kg athlete in a kayak built for only 85kg.
It all started in January 2009 when Dan was selected by Canoe England as part of the Talent Identification scheme to match talented sportsmen to sports that fitted their physical attributes. Since then, Dan has been coached by Nick Fowler, who represented Great Britain for 10 years as a canoeist, and he sees huge potential in his protégé.
“Dan has tremendous promise,” said Mr Fowler. “I sometimes forget that he’s only been in the sport 18 months. As an old philosopher used to say ‘if you shoot for the moon but miss, you still land amongst the stars!’ and this really applies to Dan. There are no limits to his ability in this sport, he will be as good as he wants to be. An immediate goal is to compete at the U23 Championships in 2012.”
Dan trains for 1-1.5 hours on the water everyday, whatever the weather, which means layers and layers of clothing during the worst of the winter. Off the water, he develops stamina through running and puts in tough gym work 3 or 4 times a week at the RGS fitness suite.
“We build strength and endurance during winter and put it into boat speed during spring,” said Dan. “Paddling in the winter can be very difficult as ice builds up on the boat in very cold conditions. But it is worth it as I climb the national rankings. There is the added bonus of warm weather training this summer in Hungary.”
Dan is hopeful that he can raise sufficient funds from sponsors to purchase a more suitable kayak, as he approaches key races, the National Marathon Championships in July and the National Sprint Regatta in September. He needs to find sponsors if he is to maximise his potential and would be delighted to talk to anyone who can help him. Please check out his website to find out more.

BEDFORD MODERN SCHOOL FIRST VIII WIN MARLOW REGATTA

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

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

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

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

Photo: BMS First VIII win Marlow Regatta

BROMSGROVE SCHOOL WORCESTERSHIRE – SENIOR SCHOOL GIRLS REACH NATIONAL FINALS FOR 3RD TIME THIS YEAR

Not satisfied with being National Netball Champions and qualifying for the National Cross Country Finals earlier this year, Bromsgrove School’s Senior Girls have now completed a hat-trick and reached the Field and Track National Athletics Finals where they will represent the Midlands.

After comfortably winning the first round of the English Schools Track and Field competition before half term, the intermediate girls went into the Midlands finals feeling quietly confident. All girls competed extremely well, demonstrated great support and encouragement for each other and pulled together well as a team. By amassing a superb 416 points Bromsgrove beat strong competition from Edgbaston High School for Girls, Loughborough High School, Rugby High School, Shrewsbury High School, Arden School, Stratford upon Avon Grammar School for Girls and RGS Worcester.

Mrs Emma Buckingham, Head of Girls’ Games says “Well done to the team which consisted of Libby Thornton, Simone Thompson-Smith, Jenny Moore, Rachel Elt, Megan Humphreys, Pascale Massey, Sarah Hawkley, Rebecca Straw, Hannah Trow, Tara Thorpe, Lydia Trow, Ellen Lockhart and Georgia Meredith. We now look forward to the National Finals up in Gateshead at the beginning of July.”

Photo: Winning athletics team

RGS WORCESTER – WORCESTER ROWING CLUB PAIR WINS AT STRATFORD REGATTA

Two girls representing Worcester Rowing Club swept to victory in the Under 14 double sculls competition at Stratford upon Avon Regatta at the weekend.

Grace Baker and Izzy Friedlander (both aged 13) attend RGS Worcester and achieved their success in only their third event together.

They beat Gloucester Rowing Club in the first round, then Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club in the semi-final before overcoming stiff opposition from Evesham Rowing Club in the final to win by a hard-fought one length.

The Peter Chadwick Memorial Cup was presented to them by Nadhim Zahawi, the MP for Stratford-upon-Avon.

Photo: Nadhim Zahawi, MP for Stratford upon Avon presents the cup to Grace and Izzy.

Inventor Frank steps nearer £50,000 prize

Former King’s School Ely student, Frank Thorogood is in line for a prize worth £50,000 for his invention that could change the way cricket is practised the world over.

He was a keen cricketer during his years at King’s in the 1990s and has created a simple throwing device that recreates the style of a professional bowler.

With endorsements from some famous names, it’s now ready for production.

Frank has entered the device – named Sidearm – in Barclays Business Take One Small Step competition which aims to find people with ambition, passion, and, most importantly, a great business idea.

The winner will be decided by an on-line vote. Frank, an eastern region contender and already in the top three, is rallying support for his invention. Votes must be cast by 15 July.

“My dream is to change the way in which cricket is practised the world over,” he says.

He revealed he had been working on the idea for about 15 months, but it was only when he took it down to Essex CCC at the start of April and Graham Gooch and Grant Flower both gave it rave reviews that he plucked up the courage to invest the money needed to get it into production.

Frank’s day jobs are running a horse feed delivery company and an indoor cricket school as well as working on the family farm during the summer.

You can check out the Sidearm in action and vote for Frank by logging onto

https://www.takeonesmallstep.co.uk/Entry/View/2065

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo: Marek Behnke

British athlete has MOUNT ST MARY’S COLLEGE pupils jumping for joy

One of Britain’s best long-jumpers has put a spring in the steps of pupils at a Derbyshire school after teaching them the tricks of his trade.

Nathan Morgan, 31, who won the long jump gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games, is holding regular workshops with lucky pupils at Mount St Mary’s College.

The first two hour workshop was a practical session focusing on strength and conditioning exercises that Nathan uses everyday as part of his own training regime.

Nathan, a former British record holder and third on the all time long jump list, also stressed the importance of getting this conditioning right before starting any sporting activity.

Nathan will be visiting the school once a month to continue the sessions, which take place on Mondays in the pavilion.

Paul Scott, director of Sport at Mount St Mary’s, said: “The whole workshop was of great benefit to both athletes and coaches and stressed the need for basic strength and conditioning to safeguard the development of young athletes.

“Unsurprisingly the session was extremely well-attended and I’m sure this trend will continue for the upcoming workshops.

“Everyone is very grateful to Nathan for giving up his time and it is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn from one of the best long-jumpers this country has ever seen.”

WORLD CUP ANTHEM TO SCORE FOR HEROES

To coincide with England’s bid for World Cup glory, a Lancashire junior school teacher has penned a personal musical tribute to England’s football heroes, which he hopes will score big for Britain’s injured armed forces’ heroes returning from Afghanistan.

With the help of pupils at Rossall School in Fleetwood, Lancashire, sports teacher and aspiring musician, Lawrence Condon has released a World Cup song, with the title: ‘England, My England’, in a bid to highlight the sacrifices being made by the nation’s soldiers abroad and to raise valuable funds for the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity.

Lawrence’s pupils were the inspiration for the song and urged him to write one for the last World Cup. Four years on and just in time for South Africa 2010, ‘England my England’ has been created in a collaboration with British folk, rock band ‘Steeleye Span’ guitarist, Ken Nicol, who produced the song from its raw acoustic version, adding orchestra, drums and chorus. He hopes the song will become an anthem and find its way onto the football terraces of South Africa, but if not, he’ll be more than happy if the public buys the song and it generates cash for Britain’s injured heroes, returning from conflict in Afghanistan.

To help promote the single, a DVD featuring Lawrence and his pupils has been produced by children at Rossall, one of the North West’s oldest independent schools, with some help from the School’s IT department. The backing track features melodies from the early 1960’s hit ‘Telstar’, giving it its infectious chorus that would make an excellent football chant during the current World Cup. And, the children at the school provide a seventy-strong choral backing when the song is played live for visitors to the 166-year-old campus.

Commenting on the launch, Lawrence Condon said: “The children cajoled me into doing something for the World Cup, even though I’m not a professional musician. The result might not be likely to hit the heights of Frank Skinner’s ‘Three Lions’, but if there’s a chance that the public like it and want to support our lads in South Africa then they’ll also be making a valuable contribution to the lives of our servicemen and women in Afghanistan, so hopefully we score either way.”

DVD’s will be on sale at Rossall School from this week with all proceeds from the strictly not for profit song going straight to Help for Heroes.

Photo: Lawrence Condon with some of Rossall School Juniors

RGS WORCESTER pupil – From Friday night club training to England selection

A 14 year-old Worcester schoolgirl has realised a sporting ambition, following selection for the full England under 16 Hockey Team.

Sally-Anne Smith, who attends the Royal Grammar School Worcester, has been chosen to play in goal against Scotland, following a rapid climb up the hockey ladder. In only 12 months Sally-Anne has gone from playing local club hockey to reaching the giddy heights of representing her country, in a story that reads like a Hollywood script.

Her first love was football and she has spent the last three years playing in the Kidderminster Harriers Centre of Excellence Academy. At her primary school, RGS The Grange, she used to be an outfield player for her school hockey side. As no-one was keen to play in goal, she filled in for a school match. Following an exceptional performance, Liz Bussey, her coach of the time, immediately saw real potential and started to help develop her goalkeeping skills.

From those early days Sally-Anne has enjoyed a meteoric rise, winning entry to the County’s Junior Development Centre at Nunnery Wood, playing for Dudley Hockey Club and latterly Stourport Hockey Club.

In May 2009 Sally-Anne was selected to attend the U15 Junior Performance Centre, which selects hockey players nationwide. From here the players were whittled down to the best eight goalkeepers in the country. They attended a Hi-Performance weekend camp at Leeds University last October, under the exacting eyes of the England selectors.

In May 2010 Sally-Anne received an invitation to train with the U16 England Team, even though she’s still only 14. “It was nerve-racking when I attended the training session at Lilleshall, because I was the youngest there,” explains Sally-Anne. “But I put my whole heart into it and during the day I played well and became more confident. I received an email three days later to say I’d made the team and I was over the moon. I feel privileged to represent my country in a sport I love.”

Stuart Davis, Head of Hockey at RGS Worcester put her achievement into perspective. “Many people don’t appreciate the deep pool of talent in girls’ hockey, which Sally-Anne has battled through to reach the highest level. Her progress has been staggering. I wish her further success in the future and we all look forward to seeing her play against Scotland at the end of June.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rydal Penrhos Prep girl Ellie is set on Tennis Success

Ellie Scarff, a local girl from Colwyn Bay has hit the big time with a personal invitation from the Lawn Tennis Association to join their training camp this week and potentially start a future as a serious British contender in tennis. Nick Lawrence, a North Wales Performance Manager for the Welsh National Tennis Centre recently described her as “one of the emerging young talents in North Wales”. Her coach for three years Martyn Lewis , who is an LTA professional says of Ellie “She is No 1 ranked player in Under 12 in North Wales and is very likely to be a Welsh Finalist this year”.

From joining Rydal Penrhos Prep school from the age of three Ellie has been a keen tennis player and swimmer. At four she added ballet and tap to her portfolio and then at six progressed to hockey and netball. At present Ellie puts around 16 hours a week into training, which is supported in school and through outside organisations.

Ellie has been with the junior academy of the Colwyn Bay Hockey club for three years and regularly plays for the girls u11 team and the boys u11 team (as they are allowed two girls to play). Indeed last year she was voted best u10 girl for the season by her coaches.

It was in 2007 when at the age of just seven the Rydal Penrhos Prep girl started to take tennis to a new level when she was asked to play both singles and doubles for the U10 North Wales girls team. She started to win and got a taste for competitive sport. By 2008 Ellie played for the county again and started to play for the Rydal Penrhos Senior girls tennis team despite the fact she was only eight. By 2009 Ellie was ranked no 1 player for North Wales County team 10U.

Ellie says “My sports are a huge part of my everyday life, and I am at my happiest when I am out on court or on the sports field.” Ellie’s mum goes on to say “She is a lovely bubbly girl who tries hard at everything she sets out to do. She balances her sport with academic studies and I am delighted to say she had straight A’s across all subjects in her last school report.”

Ellie who is the head girl at the Rydal Penrhos Prep school at present has just won a sports scholarship to Rydal Penrhos senior school and sets her ambitions high. This year she would like to move up the GB and Welsh rankings at 12U level and feels with the continued support of both the school and the LTA coaches Martyn Lewis and Nick Lawrence with whom she is working very closely that she can continue to improve and develop as a player.

British Inter-Schools Skiing Championships – success for RYDAL PENRHOS SCHOOL pupil

Up and coming ski talent Ella Ward capped a fantastic team performance by Rydal Penrhos School with a third place at the British Inter-Schools Skiing Championships in France last week.

Ella, 11 was joined on the prize-winners’ podium by younger sister Olivia, 9, who came home in fifth place, while the Rydal Penrhos team as a whole finished a hugely impressive eighth out of the 140 schools taking part.

The annual championships, which take place in Les Houches near Chamonix, feature more than 350 of the best young British skiers from across the UK, France and Switzerland.

Rydal Penrhos team coach Craig Bonnington, who has raced internationally for the RAF, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Ella, Olivia and the whole team. The competition is incredibly tough because a lot of skiers at the top end of the field are based permanently in the Alps for the ski season.

“Meantime Rydal Penrhos manages one training session a week on the John Nike Leisuresport artificial slope in Llandudno. It’s a great facility to have on the doorstep and the instructors there are very supportive of the team, but it’s not quite the same as race training day in day out on the real stuff all winter.

“Ella’s third place, Olivia’s fifth and the team’s eighth places are a tribute to a lot of hard work and no little talent.”

The team immediately dedicated their result to Rydal Penrhos teacher Ken Jones, who organised the trip. Mr Jones broke his leg in an accident at the end of the first day’s racing and is still in hospital in France recovering.

Mr Bonnington added: “It’s such a shame for him. He’s been organising the team all year and getting ready for this competition. We’re all thinking of him and looking forward to seeing back home soon.”

OSWESTRY SCHOOL Snowsports

41 pupils and 6 staff enjoyed a fantastic week on Oswestry School’s annual snowsport trip to the Aosta valley in NW Italy.

Throughout the week snow conditions were perfect for beginners, intermediate, advanced skiers and boarders alike. The 4* Hotel Norden Palace was a welcome haven for rest and recuperation for tired bodies at the end of each day and it provided excellent silver service restaurant facilities. A busy après-ski programme was enjoyed by everyone, highlights being ice-skating, bowling and the ever popular disco.

Two year 12 pupils have been selected to attend the Interski Scholarship selection day at Chill Factor, Trafford Park, with the possibility of going on to take an instructors’ course.

PARKSIDE SCHOOL’S sporting prowess secures them success in athletics, swimming and tennis tournaments

Parkside School, based in Stoke D’Abernon, has regained the Epsom College Super Teams trophy for the 10th year in a row. The school entered teams in the U9, U11 and U13 age categories with all boys performing extremely well, notching up points in the swimming, football, hockey, distance running, sprints, basketball and gym tests. Parkside took 1st place in the U9 and U11 age groups, 2nd place in a competitive U13 age group and finished in 1st place in the overall competition.

Further success came as Parkside won the Seven Schools trophy this year with a strong performance by the entire athletics team. The school took the title after five years of dominance from Frensham based school Edgeborough.

Eight individual winners and wins in the U10 and U12 relays ensured Parkside finished top of all competing schools at the event, held at The Spectrum Centre in Guildford. Aldro School was 2nd and Edgeborough took 3rd place.

Congratulations goes to Parkside’s winners: Harry Thursfield, U10 600m, Alfie Bloomfield, U10 Cricket Ball Throw, Sergui Celebidachi, U10 High Jump, Charlie Kerslake, U12 Shot Put, James Odunsi, U12 70m Hurdles, Oscar Newson-Smith, U14 Triple Jump and 800m.

Nick Embling also took 1st place in the 1500m, breaking the Spectrum record which was set in 1984!

The boys put in another exceptional performance at this year’s IAPS National Swimming Championships held at the K2 Centre in Crawley last month. Ian Stamp, director of sports at Parkside said, “We had more Parkside boys taking part in individual races at this national event than ever before, which demonstrates the depth of swimmers the school now has.” All Parkside boys swim every week in the school’s indoor swimming pool under the instruction of top class coaches.

Congratulations to the U12 team who came third overall to clinch the bronze medal in the Freestyle relay and Max Herne who took the bronze medal in the 25m Freestyle.
Parkside’s Tennis teams have also been outclassing their rivals with the U9 team through to the Surrey Schools League semi finals and the U10’s beating all opponents in their path to reach the finals at the end of June. The school’s U11 team will play Kings School later on this month to see who makes it to the final.

Parkside, renowned for its excellent sporting reputation, has also been hosting its own tennis tournament – ‘Road to Wimbledon’ which has seen boys taking part in matches during their break and lunchtimes. The final will see brothers, Ben and Jack Draper, go head to head. The winner will represent Parkside at county level.

Photo: Parkside School’s swimming team took part in the IAPS National Swimming Championships held at the K2 Centre Crawley last month.

PRIOR PARK COLLEGE STUDENTS WIN YOUNG JOURNALIST AWARD

Two budding journalists from Prior Park have bagged the title of ‘Tamezin’s Young Journalist of the Year Award 2010’.

This year’s theme was ‘Inspirational Interviews’, for which winners Tony Heaton, 14, and Emma Clague, 15, interviewed an individual with a fascinating story and wrote it up into an article. Tony Heaton interviewed Polish war hero, Lieutenant Witold Brocki, whilst Emma Clague spoke to Polly Bates, a paediatric oncology doctor who treats under 18 leukaemia and cancer sufferers.

The students were picked out of a large number of young writers across Britain. Toby Heaton won First Prize in the junior category and Emma Clague won First Prize in the senior section. Both winners were awarded certificates, cash prizes and Emma Clague has also won a work experience opportunity for this summer.

This annual competition is run by Tamezin, a national lifestyle magazine and aims to encourage the young writers of tomorrow. The Award Ceremony took place earlier this month at the Kensington Close Hotel and was presented by Cassandra Jardine of the Daily Telegraph and freelance writer Greg Watts.

Headmaster, James Murphy O’Connor, comments:
“The students were encouraged to enter the competition by our Head of English, Nigel Tattersfield, as we want them to develop their existing writing skills. Emma and Toby chose and interviewed two inspirational people and told their story compassionately; congratulations to them for their efforts. We hear that Emma may be going to BBC News 24 for work experience this summer, which is a great foot in the door, and we look forward to hearing all about it.”
 

STRATHALLAN SCHOOL – Swimming Sensation

Strathallan pupil Duncan Scott achieved outstanding results at the Scottish National Age-Group Championships at Tollcross winning eight individual medals and three relay medals.

Duncan who is pictured here with coach Elaine Johnston also achieved six personal best times and was Scottish National Age-Group Champion in the 100 fly, 200 fly and 200 individual medley for 11/12 age group.

“Duncan swam extremely well over the four day meet and his hard work continues to produce excellent results” said Strathallan swim team coach Elaine Johnston

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

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

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

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

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

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