Private School News

Worcester Warriors Charity Challenge – Tues. 11th May

Following its success last year, the Warriors Charity Challenge (Worcester Warriors Staff v Worcestershire Teachers) will take place on the main pitch at Sixways on Tuesday, 11 May 2010, KO 7pm.

All proceeds will be donated to The Matt Hampson Trust.

Come along and cheer on our teachers and hope they can even the series.

Messrs Hughes, Moffatt, Bee, Friend and Taylor will be representing RGS and will be joining senior and primary school teachers from around Worcestershire for the charity match

Tickets are only £3 and are on sale from Mrs Sturdy in Whiteladies on 01905 613391. Tickets are also available from the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183.

Parking is available at Sixways for £2 per car, payable as you drive in.

Corporate boxes are available at a price of £20 per head which will include a 1 course meal, great viewing point and a current 1stXV player who will act as the host.

Last year’s game was hugely entertaining so we hope to see as many of you there as possible this year for a really fun evening.
Please book quickly to avoid disappointment and support two great charities.

Rugby Background / RGS Teachers –

Gareth Hughes (Fly Half) – ex Saracens
Jon Moffatt (Back) – ex Northampton
Jonathon Friend (Back Row) – ex Bath
Ben Taylor (Back Row) – ex Bedford
Simon Bee (Hooker) – ex Broad Plain Bristol

Behind the Seams Fashion Show – raises £2,600 and eco-awareness at RGS Worcester

A Fashion Show with a recycling theme entertained 600 visitors at RGS Worcester and raised £2,600 for charity.

Some 110 Royal Grammar School students, aged from 13-18, took part in the show, which featured more than twenty collections with an Eco Fashion theme. The students produced garments with ethical slogans, recycled fabrics in innovative ways and moved away from fast (disposable) fashion toward items with a long life.

Among the clothes shown was a dress made out of old ties, dungarees from recycled denim and belts, a fancy dress fairy costume with three different options and a wetsuit given a new lease of life as daywear. One collection consisted of clothes from the Age Concern shop in Worcester. They were updated and renewed into stunning new designs.

“Many of the collections were aimed at delivering an ‘Eco’ message whether it was through using slogans on ‘hoodies’, recycling garments, or products designed to have a multi-purpose,” said Jo Dutfield, Head of Textiles at RGS. “Our students are becoming even more environmentally aware and are hopefully having a positive impact as young designers. Many of our students go on to have careers within the fashion industry, whether researching new industrial processes or working as fashion designers. This show is an excellent way for them to start on the ladder.”

There was also a special appearance from A Level Art Student Hannah Evans. Under the guidance of Head of Art Emma Dukes, Hannah created and produced her dress made entirely from glow-sticks, an inspirational design which caused a buzz of excitement when the lights dimmed.

The proceeds of the show are being given to The Noah’s Ark Trust, which supports children who may have experienced the bereavement of a close relative or friend.

Photo: Josie Jackson in her dress, made entirely from recycled ties.

RGS Worcester, School elections – including the Jackson Boogie Party

The last opportunity for electioneering at a Worcester school was grabbed by candidates representing nine political parties.

Each candidate was allotted a three-minute slot to win over voters from The Royal Grammar School Worcester, who go to the polls alongside the rest of the country on 6 May. Candidates ranged in age from 13 -18 and each looked to secure votes with winning policies.

“All the candidates had clearly put lots of time and thought into their policies, not just copying the published manifestos,” said Joe Lyons, Head of the RGS Politics Department. “This is an excellent platform for pupils with an interest in the election to become involved and has sparked off some sensible debating among the students around the school.”

The parties represented were:
Labour
Liberal Democrat
Conservative
Communist
Plaid Cmyru
Green Party
UKIP
Jackson Boogie
Monster Raving Loony

“I think it’s excellent that the school is running elections to time in with the General Election,” said student Amelia Newland. “It has been the first time that anyone in school has talked about politics and we’ve had some good arguments about various policies such as defence spending and the NHS. The funniest policy came from the Monster Raving Loony candidate who said his party would introduce a 99p coin to save everyone time in shops.”

Photo: The RGS candidates, after making their final speeches to gain election.

Triple Distinction for Francesca Hill

Francesca Hill, Year 13, is celebrating this week, having attained Distinction at Grade 8 for Percussion, French Horn and Singing. Francesca has played both the French Horn and Percussion for six years and has been singing since the age of six. She plays percussion in the National Schools Symphony Orchestra and has been a member of the Malvern Priory Choir from the age of seven.

Francesca, who was delighted with the results, said, ‘I plan to study music at university. It has always been a very large part of my life and I hope to pursue a career in music for film and television. I have been very lucky and given many opportunities to experience different aspects of music, which has certainly increased my love of music.’

Director of Music, Mrs Lindner, said, ‘Francesca is an extraordinarily versatile and talented musician and her contribution to Malvern St James has been exceptional. She is a role model for all our girls. We offer her every good wish for her future’.

National Lacrosse Excellence for Lottie and Sophie

Lottie Van-Praag, Year 10, and Sophie Coombes-Roberts, Year 11, represented Wales in the Women’s U19 Lacrosse Home International Championship at Cardiff University in March. The girls both played extremely well, resulting in their selection to play for the Wales Senior Women’s B Team at the Home Internationals in Edinburgh on the 17th and 18th April. Sophie scored twice against England and they both achieved hat-tricks against Ireland. Lottie won 80% of the centre draws in both matches. The girls were the youngest ever to represent Wales in a Senior International game.

Head of Sports, Mrs Karen Bevan, said, ‘Both Sophie and Lottie have exceeded all expectations in their first full season competing at this very high level. We are very proud of their achievements so far and look forward to following and supporting their progress in the future’.

RGS Worcester pupils at Radio 5 Live Debate

Worcester pupils at Radio 5 Live Debate
15 students from RGS Worcester were among an invited audience at the recent Radio 5 Live debate, titled ‘Trust and Politics’.

Hosted by 5 Live’s Victoria Derbyshire, there were MPs from all the major parties, including Hillary Benn, Labour’s Environment Minister and Simon Hughes of the Lib Dems.

Quotes from attendees.

George Painter, aged 17, attends The Royal Grammar School, Worcester.
“It was a great experience being part of the audience. People asked tough questions of the politicians, and the depth of feeling about the expenses scandal was passionate. I study politics, so hearing both sides of the debate gave me lots to think about.”

Toni Johns, aged 16, also from RGS Worcester.
“The thing that amazed me was the skill of Victoria Derbyshire, who hosted the programme. She had to field questions, get her cues right for the travel, weather, sport and news bulletins and keep the debate on track. If she ran as an MP, I’d certainly vote for her!”

Joe Lyons, Head of Politics at RGS Worcester.
“This was a great opportunity for students to put direct questions to politicians from the main parties. It energised them to think much more deeply about the real issues facing the country. It also raised the interesting issue of whether the voting age should be reduced to 16, an age at which you can be taxed, but unable to vote. All in all, a tremendous learning experience.”

Quick thinking teacher beats volcanic ash

Where so many other schools have failed, a quick-witted teacher from a Worcester school managed to get 20 pupils back from a German exchange trip.

Dr Dan Beer, Head of German at RGS Worcester, was in Kleve, near Cologne, with the pupils. He faced a catalogue of problems when he realised the extent of the travel chaos caused by the Icelandic volcano eruption. “I initially thought that the pupils were playing a practical joke, by saying that all the Ryanair flights were cancelled and that we could not return for the start of the new school term!

“But as soon as I caught up with events on the Internet, the alarm bells sounded. Our flights were cancelled, no ferries were available, all the coaches were booked solid. So I enlisted the help of our German counterparts. We eventually found a large coach with just enough room for us to squeeze on with another school. We transferred first from Kleve to Goch and then managed to get an overnight journey to catch the Eurostar at Calais.”

Colleagues back at The Royal Grammar School in Worcester had laid on another coach to collect the students from Maidstone services at 5am the next day, as the German coach was not prepared to make the complete journey to Worcester. This meant that the students arrived back in school less than a day behind schedule.

“When I first told Dr Beer about the volcanic dust, he didn’t believe me,” said Jodie Palmer aged 15, who was on the exchange trip. “Everything happened so quickly as plans had to keep changing. It was actually pretty exciting and an experience that I’ll never forget.”

Worcester teacher has designs on Excellence Award

A dedicated Worcester teacher has won an Excellence Award and received national recognition at a ceremony in London for his Maths and Design and Technology work.

David Cotterill has taught at RGS Worcester for 29 years and has received due reward from the Design and Technology Association, by winning his category at the Excellence Awards 2010.

The award follows a lengthy process of evaluation by the Association’s judging panel, which consists of leading figures from the world of design and technology. Competition for the award is fierce, with submissions from teachers all over the UK.

Mr Cotterill’s experience is vast, and in 2008 he won funding from the Winston Churchill Trust Fund to spend time in America researching space travel at NASA. His ability to help students understand the complexity of everything from simple engineering principles, through to high-tech computer aided design software, has paid huge dividends to the students at RGS.

Pupils from his department have regularly won national design and engineering awards, which has resulted in the school’s D & T department becoming nationally recognised.

Andy Rattue, Headmaster at RGS Worcester sums up. “David Cotterill has truly been an inspirational teacher at the school for an exceptionally long time. It is absolutely right that his passion, knowledge and expertise have received such an important accolade. Along with all the students who have benefitted from his teaching, I add my gratitude for his dedication.”

The awards were made at a glitzy ceremony held at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, Savoy Place London. Sir John Sorrell, who is a past chairman of the Design Council and one of the foremost creative designers in the country, made the presentation.

Photo: David Cotterill receives his award from Professor Celia Hoyles OBE, Director of the National Centre for Excellence in the Teaching of Mathematics, and Sir John Sorrell CBE.

BROMSGROVE PRE-PREP DO THEIR BIT FOR SPORT RELIEF

Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory & Nursery School has been busy raising money for Sport Relief today.

Pupils and staff at the Hanbury Road School came dressed ready to play their favourite sport on Friday 19th March and raised money for the charity amounting to £225.
Mrs Kate Western, Year 2 teacher says “throughout the day, all year groups took part in a Sport Relief challenge. Year 2 children and their teachers were very proud to have completed a mile. Following in the spirit of celebrity relay challenges, Year 1 pupils took part in a continuous relay event and the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge was the inspiration for Reception children who enjoyed a circuit of obstacles. In addition, Nursery pupils motivated by the recent Sport Relief celebrity cycle ride, cycled ‘laps’ around the Nursery grounds

CHORAL SOCIETY OF BROMSGROVE SCHOOL PERFORM AT BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL

On Saturday 20th March The Choral Society of Bromsgrove School took to the stage in the magnificent surroundings of Birmingham Town Hall
Comprising of current pupils, Old Bromsgrovians, parents and past parents of the School, members of staff and Governors, as well as friends of the above and augmented by West House and Winterfold Prep School pupils, the Choral Society performed the masterpiece “The Creation” by Haydn.
The Creation is an oratorio written between 1796 and 1798 by Joseph Haydn. The oratorio depicts and celebrates the creation of the world as described in the biblical Book of Genesis and in Paradise Lost.
The Director of Music, Jonathan Kingston conducted a brilliant performance of this mightily uplifting work, with the Orchestra – many of them Bromsgrove School’s music teachers and pupils – and Assistant Director of Music Richard Knight playing the 6,000-pipe organ. Paul Bradley plus visiting members of the music department Angela Kazimierczuk, William Coleman and Upper Sixth pupil Chloe Deval-Reed were outstanding soloists and all forces closed the performance with a triumphant ‘Sing the Lord, ye voices all’.
Mr Philip Bowen, Deputy Headmaster says “As an audience member I was very proud to see our School on this stage and visually and acoustically it was a most satisfying spectacle. We congratulate everyone involved. The Choral Society rehearsed on dark nights all winter and such a production only comes to such a glorious climax after the most painstaking work over many months.”

Model United Nations Conference in Edinburgh

Miss Mann and Mrs Huntley escorted 11 girls from Years 10 to 13 to the Model United Conference which was held at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh. It was attended by five hundred students from countries as diverse as Poland, Greece and Iran. Each of the girls represented Columbia on a different committee, discussing topics such as Human Rights, Disarmament and Economic and Environmental issues. There was a wealth of lively debate, with various countries evicted for libellous activities.

It was the most successful year yet for Malvern St James, with three girls winning awards. Congratulations to Maria Goryaeva who was nominated as a ‘Highly Commended’ delegate and also to Elizabeth Utting and Victoria Jackson, who were both ‘Commended’.
Miss Mann said, ‘We are so proud of our girls – every girl in the team had spoken by break time on the first morning and they made an amazing team. New friends were made throughout the weekend and some girls had their first experience of bagpipes and Scottish Dancing. Overall, an outstanding conference and we cannot wait until next year!’

African Art Workshop a big hit at Worcester school

Pupils at a Worcester junior school have just enjoyed a rousing visit by Kenyan artist, Gakonga.

The class at RGS Springfield was able to bring its Kenyan topic to life during the artist’s workshop. Gakonga is a very popular artist, working in watercolours, creating a contemporary take on traditional African images.

In addition to painting the pupils a picture about life as an artist in Kenya, he also taught the younger pupils some Kenyan dance rhythms.

“It was marvellous to bring such an inspirational character into school,” said RGS Springfield’s Headmistress, Marion Lloyd. “ Gakonga bought Africa to life for the children in a fascinating way. They learned so much about the Kenyan culture and art.”

Point Guard waiting on England call-up

A RGS Worcester pupil, Max Whittle, is eagerly awaiting the results of his trial for the England U18 Basketball team, where he was one of 80 players put forward for possible selection.

Max attends RGS Worcester and trains with the senior Worcester Wolves team, which currently sits 9th in the British Basketball League, the supreme level in the UK. He also plays for their U18 team, which competes in The National League, Midlands Conference.

Playing at Point Guard, 18 year old Max also suits up for Worcester, playing in Division 1 of the West Midlands League.

Last week, Max’s side won the Regional Final in an epic encounter, 80-75, against the Birmingham Blazers. In spite of sustaining a vicious poke in the eye, Max played a full part in the victory.

“Getting selected for the England trials was just brilliant and an experience that I won’t forget,” said Max. “I’m very grateful for the training and playing opportunities that I’ve had with the Wolves, particularly the coaching I’ve had from Chris Lowe and Chris Mayes. My personal coach Tom Perkes has also been fantastic to me.”

He has secured a place at Big Bend Community College, Moses Lake, Washington State for life after RGS. His dream is to make an impact with The Runnin’ Vikes and then transfer to one of the major basketball-playing universities in the USA.

Oh yes, as well as making the England squad!

U12 NETBALL TEAM 4TH BEST IN THE COUNTRY

U12 Netballers from Bromsgrove Preparatory School travelled to Brighton (on Friday 12th March) to compete in the IAPS National Netball finals at Roedean school

On the day, 68 teams took part in the U11, U12 and U13 competitions and it was a fantastic spectacle of netball to watch in a stunning setting.

Having qualified as Regional winners, Bromsgrove’s U12s were in a good position placed in a group with Greshams, Hazlegrove, Westbourne House, Port Regis, Godstowe and Cranleigh. In their first game against Greshams school, the girls had a tentative start with the first half score being 2 – 1 to Greshams, finally winning the first game 6 – 2. In the second game, Bromsgrove faced Hazlegrove School and again were ahead 5 – 3. Unfortunately the following game waslost 6 – 2. Undeterred, Bromsgrove focused on their next match which was against Port Regis who had also lost to Westbourne House, so we needed to win. We started well with U12 pupils Georgina Horsley-Gubbins, Anastasia Brantingham and Imogen Sapstead attacking brilliantly, supported by Alice Vaughan in defence and we were ahead 3 – 2. When the half time whistle should have gone, our team tactics weren’t allowed to be put into action as the umpires didn’t hear the central timed ‘hooter’ and they played on until the full 12 minutes were played! Unfortunately that game was then lost 5 -4.

Bromsgrove were extremely fired up for the next match against Godstowe which took them to victory 5 – 3. The last match should have been the toughest and an opportunity to get their own back against Cranleigh School, who won the U12 IAPS National Hockey Finals earlier in the academic year. Bromsgrove played their best netball of the season and it all came together, cruising to victory 9 – 2.

Bromsgrove had tied on points with Port Regis so they had a nail biting wait to hear whether they had done enough to get into the semi-finals, finally relieved to hear their name being called out over the PA system.

In the semi’s Bromsgrove sadly lost 7 – 5 against Brighton College. In the third/ fourth play off match, Bromsgrove took on Westbourne house – a team they had already lost to in the group stage – but after the excitement of the semi-finals, Bromsgrove’s play was a little flat and they lost 7 – 4.

Miss Jennifer Danks, Head of Prep School Girls’ PE and Games says “It was a strong whole squad performance but player of the tournament goes to Year 7 pupil Imogen Sapstead for her consistent shooting and excellent attacking play. A great achievement after coming back from 6 weeks rest after injury. The girls should not be too disappointed as fourth in the country is a fantastic result. They have medals and the memories to hold onto ready for next year’s challenge where I’m sure they will go one better!”

Worcester school links up with local business to try and win car race

A monumental challenge, to build an electric car able to race in just 13 weeks, has been undertaken by a team of sixth form pupils from RGS Worcester, backed by local company, Superform Aluminium.

The students have to construct the car from scratch, and see how far it can be driven in 90 minutes, in a national event called the Greenpower Formula 24.

They join over 200 other teams, all aged 16-24, including schools, universities and also several from carmakers, Jaguar Land Rover and Bentley. There are series of regional rounds, leading up to the national final in October.

The pupils from RGS have secured the backing of Worcester-based Superform Aluminium, a company with great expertise in supplying technically advanced hot formed components to leading car companies such as Aston Martin, Bentley Morgan, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini as well as parts for many Aerospace and Rail applications.

The car is currently a wooden prototype, but the final model will be produced in aluminium and other lightweight materials. All the cars in the competition use identical batteries and motors, which means that innovative design and engineering is required to produce a winning car.

“This is not something that we normally get involved in,” said Simon Tarmey, MD of Superform. “But the passion of the students for the project, plus their obvious engineering skills, soon changed my mind. We need more of this enthusiasm, because manufacturing industry has taken a terrible battering. Anything that pushes pupils in this direction has to be applauded and supported.”

Superform Aluminium will allow the RGS pupils, Robin Hearn, Doug Wilkie, Joe Perry, Dan Staines and John Horne, access to their computer aided design software and will also offer technical advice and support on the purchase of key components. Dave Edwards, an Automotive Concept Engineer, is assisting the pupils with his expert knowledge.

There are three drivers, who will be responsible for both testing and the race-days.

Photo: left to right – Joe Perry, John Horne, Doug Wilkie, RGS Team Leader shaking hands with Simon Tarmey (Superform MD), Dave Edwards (Superform Concept Engineer), Dan Staines.
Drivers: Gabby Radford & Charlotte Emms (kneeling), Pippa Cusack (in the car)

BROMSGROVE’S U16A RUGBY TEAM NAMED N.MIDLANDS CHAMPIONS

After an exciting and successful season, Bromsgrove Schools’ U16A rugby team have been declared the North Midlands Champions (on 3rd March 2010).

Their opponents, Adam’s Grammar, put up a good fight and it was all square at full time (3 to 3), however it came to the boot of Fifth Former James Widdop to put Bromsgrove ahead with a well struck drop goal with 2 minutes left to play.

Mr Hugh Bell, U16A Coach says, “This win marked a tremendous end to the U16’s season and I would like to thank everyone involved for their help and support”.

CELEBRATING WORLD BOOK DAY

Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School held a celebration for World Book Day with a visit from children’s author, Cat Weatherill.

All the children from Nursery to Year Two had an interactive Storytelling session with Cat who brought her stories to life with music, props and audience participation. Aswell as telling the pupils stories from other countries she shared her very latest book, ‘By Lantern Light’ with us.

Mrs Kate Western, Year Two teacher says, “The children were captivated and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. They are now also looking forward to other activities across the school to encourage a love for reading and books”.

Naval surgeon receives Help for Heroes donation from his old school

An old boy, who is an acting surgeon at Selly Oak Hospital, made an emotional return to his old school to receive a £2,050 cheque on behalf of Help for Heroes

Will Sharp, Surgeon-Lieutenant, Royal Navy, returned to RGS The Grange to accept the cheque from Simon Howkins, who is the deputy head at the Worcester school. He was accompanied by Dawn Turner, the County Volunteer for the charity.

The money was raised from a series of fund raising activities by the school over a 10 week period.

“I was absolutely delighted to return to The Grange on behalf of Help for Heroes,” said Mr Sharp. “The school has always been quick to help good causes and this money will be very gratefully received by the charity. It has been a fantastic effort by the school.”

Will Sharp was an active member of the RGS CCF Naval unit. He then trained as a doctor at Manchester University, sponsored by the Navy. This led to his work at Selly Oak Hospital.

Also shown in the photo are head boy, Duncan Drew, and head girl, Carys Selvey.

Model pupils engage in winning tactics at RGS Worcester

Four Worcester schoolboys, who came 4th in the 2009 National Warhammer gaming tournament, are in full training to improve on last year’s performance.

Led by 13 year old Sam Paget, the team of four all attend the Royal Grammar School in Worcester. They are the current Regional Champions in the 11-18 year age group. After winning that round, they progressed to the Nationals, coming 4th, out of an original entry of 60 teams, which included teams from schools and clubs.

The team is completed by Matthew Cross, Ed Watkins (all 13) and Andrew Dodd (aged 12). They practice regularly and have their own dedicated room at RGS, where they hone and develop their skills.

“The thing I love about Warhammer is that when an army is fully painted, fighting each other on the tabletop, it’s a beautiful thing to see,” said Sam Paget. “It felt really good to come 4th in the nationals last year, as it was our first year in the competition. We are constantly improving our game and I’m sure that with our new tactics we will be able to win the nationals!”

The Regional Finals are in March, with the National Finals held at the Game Workshop HQ in Nottingham in July.

RGS Worcester doubles ‘£10,000 in one week for Haiti’ target

Pupils at a Worcester school have smashed their target of raising £10,000, in just one week, for the children of Haiti, by banking £22,923.

The goal set at RGS Worcester for the week 8-12 February, looked very ambitious, particularly as the end of day one had raised only £101. But the whole school met the challenge in great style.

“There were some concerned faces when the £10,000 in one week was set as our objective, as we did not want egg on our faces,” said Andy Rattue, headmaster of RGS.

“I am immensely proud of the way that the pupils, supported by staff and parents, rallied to Haiti’s aid in such an extraordinary way. It shows that today’s schoolchildren are deeply concerned about the disaster. We’re delighted to pass on such a substantial sum to Save the Children.”

Pupils dreamt up a host of fund raising ideas, which included schemes collecting litter, a shoe-shining stall, a nail bar, an assault course, a bring & buy sale, a sponsored rodeo ride, teacher sponging, as well as the sale of all kinds of food, from waffles, to pizza, sweets and cakes.

A major success was called Running to Haiti’s Aid. A 4,070 mile marathon, the distance from Worcester to Haiti, which added up all the miles walked, run, cycled, rowed and swum by the students. A total of 5,080 miles was achieved, which would have reached Mexico. There was also a closing night auction, which made a large contribution to the target.