Chronicle 2010/2011 Part 1

2009/2010 vol xxxiii no 660

St EDWARD’S

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St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10 | 1 St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10 | 1

Editorial 2009-10Youhaveopenedthemagazinefromthe‘science’cover.Thatmeansfromthispointon,youwillbereadingabouteventsoftheacademicyear2009-10.Halfwaythroughthis‘double’edition,thepageswillflipupsidedown,andyouwillbeatthebackendof2010-11.IfyouarelookingfortheOSEsection,youwillfinditdeepinthecentre:adeliberatelymetaphoricalpositioning.Foramoredetailedexplanationofthereasonsforthisdoubleissue,andabriefintroductiontosomeofthenewcontent,andwhysomeoftheoldcontentismissing,gotothe‘other’frontcoverandstartfromthere.Ihopeyoudiscoverthingsyoulikefromwhicheverdisciplineyoufavour.

Simon Larter-Evans

St EDWARD’S

Contents

2 Leavers’ destinations

4 Gaudy 2010

8 CCF

10 D of E

14 School trips

20 Events

22 Serious Science

24 Biodiversity

26 The dangers of a scientifi cally illiterate society

27 Why study Chemistry?

28 Novel ways to save the planet

30 The Arts

36 Henry V

38 Around the Houses

42 A glimpse into just some of the departments…

43 Art

44 Academic Awards

47 The Pillars on which the School Rests

55 Common Room

58 Rugby

66 Hockey

72 Netball

77 Harriers

78 Football

80 Rowing

87 Cricket

96 Tennis

98 Athletics

100 Squash

101 The Enhancement of Learning

102 Mind Games

TheChroniclemagazinehascopyrightandallrightsarereserved.Reproductioninwholeorinpartwithoutwrittenpermissionisstrictlyprohibited.TheopinionsandideasexpressedinthearticlesarethoseoftheauthoranddonotnecessarilyrepresenttheviewsoftheSchool.

Anyquestions,commentsorrequestsforreproductioninwholeorinpartshouldbedirectedto:TheEditorChronicleStEdward’sSchoolWoodstockRoadOX27NNorbyemailto:

[email protected]

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2 | St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10

Leavers’ Destinations

Brennan Luke ABWTHAgriculture 2010

Morten Robert John BATHPoliticswithInternationalRelations 2010

Sergiyenko Iryna BIRMMathematicalEconomicsandStatistics 2010

Bowen Lucy Clementine BRISLEnglishandPhilosophy 2010

Jennings Alex BRISLEconomics 2010

O’Sullivan Peter BRISLGeography 2010

Thomson William Kenneth Alex BRISLPhilosophy 2010

Kilner Michael Desmond BRUNLProductDesign 2010

Sinclair Nathanael BRUNLBusinessandManagement 2010

Blanchard Giles BUWEGeography 2010

Davidson Alexander Jamie BUWERealEstate(Valuation&Management) 2010

Evans Henry BUWEBusinessStudies 2010

Hopkins Oliver BUWEBusinesswithManagement 2010

Coats Edward CambridgeClassics:GreekandLatin 2010

Joyce Jasper CambridgeGeography 2010

Mansfield Imogen CambridgeNaturalSciences 2010

Vaughan-Fowler Olivia Patricia CambridgePhilosophy 2010

Withers Green Joseph CambridgeMedicine 2010

Hull Jessica CardiffSpanish 2010

Robinson Samuel CardiffPhilosophy 2011

Amatanon Atsila CityAeronauticalEngineering 2010

Burrows Christopher Archibald DURMusic 2011

Head Rosamund DURModernLanguages 2011

Marriott Jessica DURChemistry 2010

Ogston Tomas DURModernLanguages 2010

Richardson Joshua DURGeography 2010

Touschek Xaver Bruno DURGeneralEngineering 2011

Matthews Georgina Jayne Melissa EANGLHistory 2010

Smith Stephanie EANGLSciencewithaFoundationyear 2010

Anastassiou Sebastian EDINBNeuroscience 2010

Boyle Lucie ESSEXPhilosophy,PoliticsandEconomics 2010

Bentall Sophie EXETRGeography 2010

Creed George Arthur EXETRGeography 2011

Davis Annabelle EXETRDrama 2010

Morgan Rachael EXETRArchaeologyandAnthropology 2010

Speir Antonia GLASGFrench/History 2010

Deane Paul Richard HULLLogistics(withProfessionalExperience) 2010

Amatanon Pattanan IMPElectrical&ElectronicEngineering 2010

Amatanon Watanya IMPInformationSystemsEngineering 2010

Humphreys Harry IMPZoology 2010

Lee Ka Yu IMPChemicalEngineering 2010

Saito Genki IMPElectrical&ElectronicEngineering 2010

Sang Tian IMPMaterialsScienceandEngineering 2010

Nahhas Nina Hare Duke KCLInternationalStudies 2010

Pain Oliver KCLBiomedicalScience 2010

Perrone Federico KCLGeography 2010

Popham Samuel KCLReligion,PhilosophyandEthics 2010

Brooke-Hollidge Anna KENTPsychology 2010

Bowden Elliot LBROIndustrialDesignandTechnology 2010

Jackson Elizabeth LBROInternationalRelations 2010

Burridge Laura LEEDSDesign(Textile) 2011

Edwards Eloise Belinda LEEDSSocialPolicyandSociology 2010

Edwards Thomas LEEDSInternationalBusiness 2010

Garnier Olivia Caroline LEEDSHistoryofArt 2010

Grace William LEEDSGeography 2010

Hargreaves Oliver LEEDSFrenchandSpanish 2010

Krajnyk Sophie LEEDSSpanish 2010

St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10 | 3

Leavers Destinations

Lankston William Euan Frederick LEEDSSocialPolicyandSociology 2010

Tetsell Jonathan James William LEEDSBusiness&FinancialEconomics 2010

Webster James LMUSportBusinessManagement 2010

Small Benjamin LVRPLSociology 2010

Brown Minty MANUHistoryofArt 2010

Caio James Charles Wakefield MANUItalianandSpanish 2010

Cope Nicholas MANUEnvironmentalScience 2010

Fitzgerald Madeleine MANUHistoryandSociology 2010

Gardner Sophie MANUSociology 2010

Hicks Amy MANUBiology 2010

Johnson Lucy MANUHistoryofArt 2011

Lewis Huw Luke MANUPsychology 2010

Lewis Laura Elizabeth MANUPhysiology 2010

Maitland Thomas MANUPoliticsandModernHistory 2010

Warner Rosalie MANUEnglishLiterature 2011

Wade Jonathon MMUMediaTechnology 2011

Calder Will NEWCEconomics 2011

Cole Victoria NEWCMedicine(stage1entry) 2010

Cowan Chris NEWCElectricalandElectronicEngineering 2010

Harding Tom NEWCGeography 2011

Siggers James Duncan NEWCGeography 2010

Skeen Christopher NEWCGeographyandPlanning 2010

Smith Alexander NEWCGeography 2011

Speir Richard NEWCHistory 2010

Hustler Edward John NORTHEstateManagement 2010

Woollcombe Fergus NORTHEstateManagement 2010

Streatfeild Henry NOTTMAncientHistory 2010

Abdoo Ben OXFHistory 2010

Davies Olivia Mary OXFLaw 2010

Posada Carlos OXFMusic 2010

Holyland Matthew Jeffrey OXFDGeography/SportsandCoachingStudies 2010

King John OXFDFoundationBuiltEnvironment 2010

Perry Charlotte OXFDAnthropology/HistoryofArt 2010

Sarper Can OXFDEconomics,Finance&InternationalBusiness 2010

Jackman Ashley PMSMedicine 2010

Arnott Katherine PORTCreativeandMediaWriting 2010

Dardis Jack RHULClassicalStudies 2010

West Rosanna Mary Norridge RHULFrenchandSpanish 2010

Edwards Victoria Jane SHEFDPhilosophyandPsychology 2010

Roberts Peter Ross Varnden SOTONPoliticsandInternationalRelations 2011

Williams Matthew Frederick SOTONMedicine 2010

Heartfield Francesca Scarlet Rose STAArtHistory 2010

MacRitchie Arabella STAArtHistory 2010

Donaghy Alex SUSXPhilosophyandEnglish 2010

Chambers Sam SWANGeography 2010

Lighter Eleanor UCLPsychology 2010

Cartwright Gabrielle Ann Clare WESTCommercialMusic 2010

Evans Patrick YORKHistory 2010

Laura Mallows FALMOUTHArt 2010

Jack Mortimer FALMOUTHArt 2010

George Lloyd-Jones FALMOUTHArt 2010

Lucy Bibbings CANTERBURYArt 2010

Spencer Bernard CAMBERWELLArt 2010

GaUDy 2010

Gaudy 2010


Gaudy 2010

Thankyou,Chairman. IhavewrittentoMrStephenJonesand congratulated him. I have assured him that he willhavemyfullsupportandthehandoverwillbeverysmoothindeed.HeandIhaveschoolstorunandwewilldothat

without any loss of focus or commitment. Two weeks ago, IwasshadowedbyasixthformerfromaschoolinLeicestershireon work experience. We encourage and help our pupils toseek placements, so why not host someone who wants to be aHeadmaster? He attended all of my meetings, sat in on a ShellEnglish class and met three prospective pupils and parents for2012and2013.Now,Iknowourpolicemenaregettingyounger,butIwasamusedwhenoneofmycolleaguesaskedifhewasoneoftheprospectiveWardensalsovisitingatthattime!

In September, when I spoke to this year’s new Shells andtheirparentsontheirfirsteveninginSchool,ItoldthemaboutthebookthatIhadjustreadbyWilliamFiennes.Hisnovel,“TheSnowGeese”,isabouthistriptoAmericaandCanadatofollowthenorthernmigrationofthesnowgoose.Itisadeeplypersonalbookwhichisasmuchabouttheauthor’srecoveryfromillnessasitisacelebrationofthescientificmysteryofmigration.WilliamFiennescametoStEdward’stomeetmeandmycolleaguesintheEnglishDepartmentandwillreturnsoontotalktopupils.IsaidthattheShellshadlandedinanewplacethateveninginSeptemberandthat they would soon establish themselves and grow. They willthenflyasaflocktonewlandsandnewgrounds.Astheschoolyearends,Iamconsciousthattodaywewillsaygoodbyetosome140pupilsandstaffwhoembarkonthenextstageintheircareer.Theywillhavemixedemotions,Iamsure,astheyremembertheyearsthattheyhavespenthere.Ofcourse,Icannotrecalleverymomentforthem–mystoriesarebutaselection–butIwouldliketoreflectforatimeontheyearthathaspassedandtellyoualsoofsomechangesaheadforthisdynamicandever-improvingschoolcommunity.

The year began with a celebration of the School’s A Levelresults–thebestonrecordandthehighestnumberofA/Bgradesawarded. Following on from that success, eight of our current

Upper Sixth, together with a few recent leavers, were awardedplacesatOxfordandCambridge.Suchplacesareincrediblyhardtocomebyanditwasgoodtoseethenumberofoffersupthisyear.Comparisonwithschools likeours (largeboardingschoolsoftheRugbyGroup)showsthistobeverypositive.Alluniversityplaces are becoming harder to achieve. This is the inevitableconsequence of the significant cuts to the Higher Educationbudgetandtherewillbeincreasingpressureintheyearstocome.

International BaccalaureateOurIBresultsthisweeksaysomethingabouttheopportunityandexcellenceof IB. Itkeeps apositive focus and takespupils intonewwaysofthinkinginabroadrangeofsubjects.Ourfirstsetofresults issuedonTuesdaywereverygood indeedwithoveraquarterofthepupilsachieving38points(equivalentto4AgradesatALevel).HeadgirlLilyFrenchandEdwardCoatswereplacedinthetop1%worldwide,scoring43and44pointsoutofapossible45.CongratulationsalsotoAndrewDavisandGarrettNaglefromthe Biology and Geography Departments who have written atextbookfortheIBcourse,EnvironmentalSystemsandSocieties.

Oneformerparentmadeamostgenerousofferthisyearhavingheardmestresstheneedtoimproveacademicperformance.Hehas put up a significant sum of money to pay the tuition feesfortwoyearsatuniversityforthehardestworkingpupil intheUpperSixthwhoachievesaplaceatatopuniversity.Theawardwill be made after A Level and IB results next summer so thattheincentivewillbetheretomotivatepupils.Thiswillbecalledthe “Port Meadow Prize”. The Lower Sixth have had the prizeexplainedtothemandtheyalsounderstandhowimportantitistokeeptheirstudiesgoingduringthelongsummerholiday.

InSeptember,IsaidthatIwantedtoinvestigatewaystoimproveperformanceatGCSE.MycolleaguesstudiedtheexamresultsofotherschoolswiththesameALevelprofileasours.There isnoquickfix,butinadditiontotryingtoraiseeveryone’sawarenessoftheneedtoworkharderandtopraiseachievement,someofmy

GaUDy 2010


colleagueswenttovisitthoseotherschools.Wasittheirtimetable?Was it the timespent inprep?Was it thepossibleadvantageofhavingtheirownjuniorschoolwithatrulyintegratedcurriculumfrom8-16whenwerecruitfromsome70differentschools?

IthasbeenamoststimulatingandchallengingexerciseandI am grateful to my colleagues and Governors who have beeninvolved. I am particularly indebted to the Director of Studieswhowaskeentoreflectcarefullybeforeinitiatingchange:“Timespentinreconnaissanceisneverwasted”friendsofmineintheArmy say. The new programme will be sent to all parents forimplementationinSeptember

Key to successKeytothesuccessoftheSchoolisourteachers. Iwouldliketothankthemfortheireffortandcommitmentoverthisyear.Ialsourgeallofthemtorisetothechallengeaheadandcontinuetobetheverybestintheirprofession.StEdward’shasbeengaininga strong reputation for training and developing teachers overrecent years. This year, five teachers have been involved in aninitialtrainingprogramme,andtutorsfromtheuniversitybodymonitoring them visited St Edward’s and were full of praise.We were commended as the “best school” in their programme,recognising our inclusive, innovative approach to teaching andlearning.WehavealsobeentheregionalcentrefortrainingnewteachersfromschoolsinOxfordshire,Berkshire,GloucestershireandBuckinghamshire.Wehaveheldtrainingdayshereforstafffrom some of the prep and senior schools in the region andI can tell you that I have been impressed to see the quality ofthosejoiningtheprofession.Aneducationjournalistwhovisitedrecently was struck by the lively atmosphere in School on aSaturdaymorning.Shewasalsoquicktosuggestthatwepatentthe system that we are using to record performance in lessonswhichallowsustoencourage,praiseandcajolewherenecessary.

OurinternationalschoolexchangeswiththeDoonSchoolinIndia,RolandParkCountrySchoolandGilmanSchoolinBaltimore,

USA,arewellestablished.Someofourpupilsspendtimeoverseasand theexchangepupils joinus formuchof thesummer term.For the first time this year, the exchange expanded to includeWelhamGirls’SchoolnearNewDelhi,India.AlthoughonlyafewpupilsfromStEdward’stakepartintheexchange,theinfluenceinthehostschoolissignificant.IhopethatwecangentlyexpandourexchangeprogrammeandIknowthatMrAskewislookingformorepartnerschoolsabroad.

The IB programme alongside A Level has also continued toattract new Sixth Formers to the School. Pupils have joined StEdward’sfromschoolsalloverBritainandtheworld.Inlinewithourstrategicplan, it isgood tosee thediversityof recruitmentthatwillenhancetheSchool’sinternationalreputation.

In September last year, I set the School another challenge:to improvethecommitmentandperformanceinsport.RichardHowittembracedtheopportunityasHeadofSporttohelpleadcolleaguesandpupilstoraisetheirgame.Wehavesomeimpressivefacilitiestowhich,lastSeptember,weaddedtheMartyrsPavilionwith the Lord Sandberg Long Room. I am so grateful to LordSandbergandDavidParnwellwhohavegivensogenerouslyandencouragedotherformerpupilstodosoinsupport.

My one regret this summer is that two very special peoplewere not able to see the new pavilion in use. Our cricketprofessional, Bob Jones, died this term. In his memory, HughColes organised a 20/20 match in June. David Drake-BrockmanretiredfromStEdward’stwoyearsago.HewasformerlymasterinchargeofCricket,DirectorofSport,HousemasterofCorfeandteacherofClassics.HisfuneralinSchoolonableak,colddayjustbeforeChristmaswasfollowedbyamemorialserviceandcricketmatchonabrightsunnydayintheJunehalftermwithfriendsandformerpupilsreturningtotheSchool indroves.DavidandBobwerethereinspirit.

I shall not try to summarise the sporting year but specialpraisegoestothegirls’rowingseniorIV,NicolaMason,ImogenMansfield, Sigourney Waibel, Emma Cadoux-Hudson and LottieMitchell,whowonaSilverMedalattheNationalSchoolsRegatta.


NicolaandEmmaalsowonSilverintheladies’pair.Iwishthemluck as they row for Great Britain against France tomorrow inNantes.ItwaspleasingtoseethevastimprovementintheFirstVIII,J16IVandJ15overtheseason.Theboys’1stXIHockeyteamwasunbeaten.Theyplayedwithimmenseskillandpace.Inanumberofgames,theopeningsessionsawthemdominatingandscoringquicklyfollowedbylongspellsofdoggeddefence.Theyweregreattowatch.TheShellgirlsplayedsomegenuinelyexcitinghockey,too,anditisclearthatwehavestrengthanddepthforfutureyears.

The1stXICricketteamisamarvellousmixtureofseniorandyounger players. They played some good cricket all term withaggressivebattingandaccurateanddeterminedbowling.Notonlydid a Shellpupil,MilesHammond, commanda regularplace intheteambuthewasselectedtoplay,alongsideprofessionals,forGloucestershire’s2ndmen’sXIagainstKent.TheYearlingsweresimplyoutstandingandrichlydeserved their success, so toodidthe Junior Colts – both teams winning seven fixtures this term.Thereweregreatperformancesfromoursquashandtennisteamsand some real success for our football and netball teams in thespringterm.

AsIwatchedsportthisyear,Iwasawareofagrowingconfidenceandagreaterprideinappearanceandthisallcontributedtobetterperformancesfromourteamsandcrews.Iamconvincedthatwecandoevenbetter.Wehavesomeexcellentcoaches insomanysports who have encouraged and enhanced the skills of yourchildrenwithhearteningresults.MayI thankonyourbehalfallthosewhohavecoachedandtrainedourpupilsovertheyearandgiventheirtimeselflessly.

OneofthechallengesforRichardHowittandSarahGee,HeadofGirls’Games,wastovisitourprepschoolstofindpossiblesportsscholarsforthefuture.TheyhavebeenparticularlysuccessfulandIamsogladthatourformerpupilshaveagreedtofundaMartyrsSportsScholareachyear–ourfirstscholararrivesinSeptember.

Isaidearlierthatthereareincreasingpressuresonpupilstoachieve theirhighestpossiblegrades. Interestingly, theevidencecoming from those studying graduate recruitment has repeatedtheclaimthattheDukeofEdinburghAwardisoneofthestrongestindicatorstomeasurethepotentialofacandidate.Iwaspleased,therefore,tobeinvitedtoStJames’Palaceintheautumntojoinsome400Goldawardwinners(includingsixfromStEdward’s)andtopresenttheyoungpeopletotheEarlofWessex.IwaspleasedtoseeourBronzegroupinactionontheirexpeditioninJune:40orsoShellstookpart.Ihadaletterfromateacher,MissBoast,praisingtheSilverDofEgroupfortheirdeterminedattitudeandcourtesyaftertheirexpeditionontheriverWyelastweek. Ialsoenjoyedthe presentation by this year’s Gold group who put together amost lively evening for parents and guests, sharing with us thehighs and lows of their mountain trek in the Lake District andtheircanoeexpeditionontheTayinarcticconditionsoverEaster.

The CCF Inspection brought great credit to the School thisterm.IamsopleasedtoseethesteadyprogressofourContingentunder the leadershipofKeithShindlerand Iamproudof theirachievement.Thevisitingofficerconcludedhisreport,“I foundStEdward’sCCFinexcellentheart,wellledandwithtrainingofahighstandard.Itplaysasignificantpartindevelopingyoungsterswithleadershipskills,self-confidenceandresilience”.

Last summer, I remember telephoning our new Director ofMusicwhenhewasstillatUppinghamSchool.Iwantedtogivehimthenewsthatwithinafewweeksofhisarrivalhere,hewastotaketheSchoolChoirtotheAlbertHallastheguestchoirfortheBritishLegionFestivalofRemembrance.TheservicewastobebroadcastliveonTVandradioworldwidetoanestimatedaudienceof80million.“Nopressurethen,Warden”.Theexperienceforourpupils and staff was amazing. Rehearsing and performing withmilitary and professional musicians of the highest order wasan experience that they will not forget and they received thewarmestpraisefromthemusicaldirectorandorganizers.AmongthechoirwereanumberofShellboysandgirlsintheirsixthweekat StEdward’s.MrTesterhasbeena revelationand inspirationasDirectorofMusic.TogetherwithhisverycapableteamintheMusicDepartment, theyhaveproduced theGaudyConcert, theChoralConcertwiththeStEdward’sSingers,thesoloists’concertand springorchestral concert, theBandsConcertandcountlessmusical soirées. Music at St Edward’s continues to be a majorstrength.Inaddition,thepupilsinthecongregationarebeginningto sing with energy and increasing skill in Chapel Services astheyhaveshownalreadythattheycandoinItinerariumandtheHouseSingingcompetition.PleasecomeandheartheBandwhentheyplayinthemarqueebeforelunch.IsincerelyhopethattheprospectofanewmusicschoolinadditiontosomerefurbishmentoftheNewHallwillgivefurtherencouragementtoourmusicians.

TheArtGalleryintheNorthWallhascertainlycontinuedtoinspireourartists.Pleasedogoandseetheirwork(andtheworkof our Design pupils) in the Gallery and in the Art and Designbuilding. Special congratulations go to George Spencer whoseportrait, “The Old German”, has been selected for the onlineexhibitionbytheRoyalAcademy.

Last night, before the Gaudy Concert, there was a DanceShowcase.Dancecontinuestobesopopularand,likethelargerDance Show in the spring term, this was a highly professionalevent. The dancing was stunning; so, too, was the lighting andstagecraft.IknowthattheteamofpupilsandstaffwouldwantmetosayaspecialthankyouandfarewelltoaSixthformleaver,JamesAdkins,whohasbeenbothdedicatedandinspirationalasastagemanagerandleaderoffellowtechnicians.

TheShellplaysgaveaplatformfortheentireyeargrouptotakepart.Thequalityofwriting,directionandperformancewaseven better this year and is a great collaboration between the

As I watched sport this year, I was aware of a growing confi dence and a greater pride in appearance and this all contributed to better performances from our teams and crews.

GeorgeSpencer.“OldMan”


ShellsandtheLowerSixth.Therewasamajorplayeachterm.“LittleShopofHorrors”ranthistermunderthemusicaldirectionofEdwardBell.Heisagraduateassistant–whatatalentedman.IhaveofferedhimapermanentjobbutheisdeterminedtodoaDoctorate in composition.Rememberhisname–hewill gofar.TogetherwithBethanySteerandKatrinaEden,theyputonamostlivelyproductionwithpupilsofallages.“Touched”wasdirectedbyKatrinaEdeninthespringterm.Itwasatenseplay,lacedwithhumour,reflectingonthechangingsocialcanvasofapost-warBritain. Itwasgoodtoseesomanypupils involvedinaschoolplayforthefirsttime.HenryVhadalargecastandMs Maycock cleverly used a number of inexperienced actorsas the raw recruits in Henry’s army. It was a powerful andoriginal production. I remember particularly Miranda Stewartand Maxine Mackintosh bringing to life the scene in FrenchpreparingtheprincesstomeetHenry,herfuturehusband.Itwasgoodtoseepupilsonstagewithtwoofourseniormembersofstaff:MrQuartleyandMrSnell.SebastiandeSouza’smercurialperformance as the troubled, energetic and decisive king wasjustmagnificent.YouwillbepleasedtohearthatSebastianhasapartinamajorChannel4TVdramatobefilmedlaterthisyear.Congratulations.

Oneofthebestinitiativesoverthepasttwoyearshasbeenthe creation of the peer listening programme in the School.Under the guidance of Phoebe Brookes, the group has gonefrom strength to strength. They have counselled individualswith troubles and worked to find a route to help them. Theyhave also recently met with prospective parents at our twiceweeklyminiOpenMorningsandhaveshownthemselvestobegreatambassadorsoftheSchool.Therehavebeenanumberofparticularly impressivepupil-led initiativesover theyearbut Icannotmentionthemall.IhavesaidthatHughColesarrangedtheCelebrity20/20;CarlosPosadasatinabathwhichwassteadilyfilledwithwaste food inan impassionedplea toconserveourresources;JackWadeandtheHeadsofSchoolworkedwiththecharity‘HelpforHeroes’andranafancydressdaytoraisefunds.TworepresentativesoftheServicesCharitycametoStEdward’sfollowinganinvitationfrompupils.Ayoungfemaleuniversitycadetwhowasrecoveringfromsevereheadinjuriestoldusofthecareshehadreceived.Anofficerfromouraffiliatedregiment,the Rifles, struggled on to the stage in Assembly and told usof his experiences in Afghanistan and his rehabilitation sincehis return. One weekend, Sing’s House cycled, ran and swamthroughoutthedayandnightforcharity,raisingnearly£7,000.Thesightofthepupils,staff,Housemaster,Housemaster’swifeandchildrencompletingthefinallapoftheQuadafter23hoursand59minuteswasmostmemorable.

Itdoesnotstopthere.LastweekaLowerSixthformer,GeorgeParris, saw me to ask support for an initiative in the autumnterm. Over the weekend of 14th-16th October, the School willhost anElgar Festival.Georgehas arranged forguest lecturers,includingthecomposerAnthonyPayne,plannedthreeconcertsandbookedaNorthWallscreeningoftheKenRussellfilm,Elgar.Pleaseputthedatesinyourdiary.

Last month, the Headmistress of a most successful schoolsaid that she was leaving Britain and said to the newspaperthatshewasmadetofeelashamedofrunninganindependentschool.Well,Iamnot.Workingwithyoungpeoplefullofenergy,innovationandindependence,howcouldIbe?Withadedicatedandskilledstaff–howcouldIthinkthat?

Returningtomystaff.MayIsayfarewellandthankyouonyourbehalftothefollowingcolleagues:

To our Language Assistants and Graduate Assistants whohavegivenloyalsupportovertheyear.OurAssistantChaplains,Rev Bushyager who moves to London and Rev Simpson to theUSA.ToDrBurkittwhomovestoCheshamHighSchool.ToMrPlayfairwhoreturnstoMarlboroughCollege.ToMrMitchellwhobecomesDirectorofTeachingandLearningatForestSchool.ToMiss JoneswhobecomesHeadofArtatClayesmoreSchool.ToMissHillierwhotakesovertheModernLanguagesDepartmentatStHelenandStKatharine’s,Abingdon.ToMrCopelandwhowillbeHeadofMathsatLeysinSchoolinSwitzerland.ToMrArnoldwhowillbeHeadofDesignTechnologyatSedberghSchool.MrJolleyisnotleavingbuthestepsdownfromTilly’safter11yearsofdedicatedleadershipforwhichIoffersincerethanks.

MrsGreavesretires.ShehasbuiltthemostrobustandcaringLearningSupportDepartment,theenvyofourcompetitorsandadmiredbyourprepschools.Iamgratefultoyou,notonlyforguidingsomanyyoungpeopletolevelsofachievementtheymayhave thought beyond them but for advising and directing myteacherstohelptheseindividuals.

Robert Hughes joined St Edward’s in 1978 and has been amostinfluentialcolleague.Askilledmusicianwithanamazingabilitytodemandthehigheststandardsandthemostfunfrommusic and the musicians in his care. Housemaster of Cowell’sfrom1987-1999andthemostaccomplishedorganiserofoverseastrips.Asa tokenofmyappreciationonbehalfof theSchool, IshallinviteMrHughesinamomenttopresentourprizes.

Forallthoseleaving,thereisplentyofhotairinthetenttodaytogiveyouliftasyoubeginyourunchartedjourney.IhopethatyouarenotgroundedbyfurtherashcloudsfromtheIcelandicvolcano, Eyjafjallajokull, nor by persistent action from BritishAirwayscabincrews.Iwishyoueverysuccessandhappiness.

Godblessyouall.

CCF

CCF

CCFGrowthhasbecomethenormintheCCFnow:ourregularprogrammeofeventshasbeensupportedbyevenmorecadetsandstaffthisyearandsupplementedbymanynewthings.Ourteamofstaffandseniorcadetsisthestrongestit’sbeenforalongtime,andstaffandcadetsareregularlyattendingawholevarietyofcampsandtrainingcoursesrunbytheRegularArmyandCadetForces.BTECcontinuestothriveandthefollowingallcompletedtheirFirstDiplomainPublicServicesthisyear:MaxHolder(Distinction),PatrickHinton(Distinction),MaxNarula(Distinction),StephenMacFarlane(Distinction),GeorgeSimon(Distinction),PaulDeane(Pass),ChrisHatton(Distinction),CharlieMander(Distinction),MatthewWilliams(Distinction)andJamesAdkins(Distinction).

AfortunaterunofgoodweatherinSeptemberhelpedtogettheyearofftoagoodstartandNavy,ArmyandRAFsectionsenjoyedarangeofnewchallengesontheirfirstfieldweekendattheendofthemonth.TheNavySectiontooktothewaterforacanoeingdaybasedatWolvercoteandthendidraft-building,sailingandHighRopesatWillenLake.TheRAFdidteamtasksatHillingdonOutdoorActivityCentre,spentthemorningatRAFHaltonandvisitedtherecentlyrestoredFirstWorldWarTrenchMuseum.TheArmySectioncompleteda24-hrfieldexerciseincludingescapeandevasion,paintballingandpatrolling.

Straightafterfieldweekend,theCadreandseniorcadetstookpartina48-hrexerciseatNesscliff.TheprogrammeoftrainingandfieldcraftwascontinuousandsupportedbrilliantlybyOSEandmembersofBristolUniversityOfficerTrainingCorps.Theweekendincludedreconnaissanceandfightingpatrols,ambushesandsectionattackswhichgaveeveryoneachancetotesttheirskillsandleadershiptothefull.Overnightaccommodationwasindisusedbuildingsandundertarpsinaplatoonharbour.

AttheAnnualServiceofRemembranceheldintheChapelQuad,thereadingandthelayingofthewreathrepresentingthefallenOSEwasbyLieutenantColonelBillWright(OSE).WreathswerealsolaidbyTheWarden,MaxNarula(NavySection),ElliotBowden(ArmySection),MatthewWilliams(RAFSection),andalsobytheHeadsofSchool,FergusBibbyandLilyFrench.TheServicewasaccompaniedbymembersoftheConcertBand.Followingthis,membersoftheCCFmovedontoWolvercotefortheParadeandMarchPast,wherewewerejoinedbymembersofthelocalRoyalBritishLegion,CubsandBeaversAssociations.

Formanycadets,thehighlightoftheCCFyearistheSpringfieldweekend;it’sthepointintheyearwhenthenewly-trained5thFormCadrecantakealeadingroleinthefieldwiththe6thFormactingasseniorinstructorsalongsideCCFstaff.Everyonecanputintopracticetheskillstheyhavelearntsofar.

The leap of faithTheRAFSectionspentthetwodaysoftheField

Weekendtestingtoseewhethertheyreallydidhavenervesofsteel.OnSundaytheyreturnedtoYoulburyScoutActivityCentreatBoarsHilltoexperiencethethrillsofhighleveladventureincludingazipwire,theleapoffaith,3Gswingandanewaerialtrek.Allentailedadegreeofconfidencebuilding,riskawarenessandlearningnewskills,andmanyofthecadetsweresurprisedbytheirabilitytoovercometheirinitialfearandcompletethetasksinonepiece!OntheseconddaytheSectionwassplitintotwogroups.25visitedRAFBrizeNorton,theUK’slargestandbusiestRAFstationthatfortunatelyalsohappenstobeourclosestneighbour.Thecadetswereabletovisitthebase’sthreeflyingsquadrons:101SquadronwiththeVC10,216SquadronandtheTriStar(bothnowageingaircraftthatareduetobephasedoutoverthenext6yearsorso)andfinally,perhapsthehighlightofthedayformany,theC-17of99Squadron.ThecadetswerealsoshownaroundJADTEU,theJointAirDeliveryTestandEvaluationUnit;herevehiclesaretestedfortheirsuitabilityforairdeliveryandtherangeofequipmentawaitingdespatchfromthehangarstoAfghanistanraisedthecuriosityofmany!TherestoftheSectionwenttotheRAFMuseuminHendonwhichhousesover100aircraftfromaroundtheworld.DouglasBader’slogbookwasondisplayaswellasanexhibitionofphotographsfromtheRAF’sPhotooftheYearcompetition.

TheArmysectionspentonedayatLongmoorCampshootingonthe25mBarrackRange,.22range,


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CCF

LaserRangeandalsopractisedfireandmanoeuvrewithpaintballguns.Wedidanightpatrollingexercise–whichprovedtobeverychallengingforsome–andspentthe2nddayonleadershipandteambuildingactivities,finishingwithsomequad-bikingtotestthenervesanddrivingskills.

The Royal Navy sectionTheRoyalNavysectionheadeddownto

PortsmouthontheSunday,installedthemselvesaboardHMSBristolonWhaleIsland,andthendrovetothehistoric“2Basin”tomeetHMSTracker,apatrolvesselnormallyusedfortraininguniversitystudents.Leavingtheharbour,cadetssalutedandreceivedsalutesfromofficersaboardothershipsinharbour,includingthenewType45destroyer.WethenspentafewhoursintheSolent,tryingourhandsatnavigation,takingthehelm,andpractisinga“manoverboard”exercise.Thehighlightformostcadetswasmotoringat28knotswhich,combinedwiththewindyconditions,madeforavery“refreshing”experienceontheweatherdeck!Onthesecondday,weweregivenaharbourtourandvisitedthesubmarinemuseum,whichinvolvedaguidedtourofarealColdWarsubmarinebyaveteranofthatvessel.Afterlunch,wevisitedHMSVictoryandhadfunattheinteractivefacilitiesatActionStationsintheHistoricDockyard.

OnInspectionDayinMay,StEdward’swaspleasedtowelcomeColJohnWLewis,OfficerCommanding,DSDABicester.AfterhehadinspectedtheQuarterGuard,hepresentedprizestothefollowing:C/SgtElliotBowden(SwordofHonour),P/OMaxNarula(SultanTrophy,Navy),SgtGeorgeSimon(WakelingStick,Army),Flt/SgtChristopherHatton(HopesAward,RAF).Duringtheafternoon,ColLewisvisitedmembersoftheCCFwhowereinvolvedinawholerangeofactivitiesaroundschool:Orienteering,AssaultCourse,TyrePush,MountainBiking,IndoorRange,LowRopes,FirstAid,CommandTaskandClimbingWall.Asunnybutchillydayhelpedtoensurethatthiseventwentoffwellandthatallthepupilsinvolvedhadanenjoyable,yetinstructive,time.ItwasgreattobeabletowelcometheparentsofourprizewinnersforthedayandonceagaintheConcertBandperformedbrilliantlyintheQuad.

TheSnowdoniaAdventureTrainingWeek,basedforthesecondyearatCapelCurigTrainingCamp,wasonceagainagreatsuccess.ThenewcadetsgottheirfirsttasteofCCFactivitiesandallundertookanactivitiesdayandamountaindaywithmosttryingtheirhandatthedelicateartofscrambling.

OnSaturday12thJune,fourL6ArmyCadets(EdLea,PatrickHinton,JohnO’HaraandGeorgeSimon)werehonouredtotakepartintheQueen’sBirthdayFlyPastandflewwith160othercadetsinanRAFTristarfromBrizeNorton.Onceonboard,wefleweastandwerejoinedinspectacularstyleby3TornadoG4sfromMarham.Twooftheseescortedusthroughout,flyingjustoffthewingsoftheTristar(thethirdcircledaroundcheckingtheentireformationandthenpeeledoffasweapproachedBuckinghamPalace).WethencontinuedeastandcircledoverthecoastofNorfolkwherewegotintoformationwiththerestoftheaircraft.Ourtimingprecise,wethenheadedoverBuckinghampalaceanddidtwofurtherfly-pastsoverRAFHaltonandBrizeNortonbeforelandingatBrize.Theflighttook3hoursintotalandofferedsomespectacularviewsofformationflyingoversomeveryfamiliarLondonlandmarks.ThiswaspartoftheCadet150celebrations,sotrulyaonceinalifetimeexperience.

Wade TrophyAtGaudy,theWadeTrophyforCCF,DofEand

PublicServicewaspresentedtoChrisHatton,aworthywinnerwhohasbeenaleadinglightintheRAFsection,helpingtoorganiseandrunthetrainingprogramme.

AfterGaudy,anintrepidteamof13cadetsfrom4th,5thandL6headedWesttoPenallyforCCFArmySummerCamp.Theweekwastoughandaction-packed.TheRoyalEngineersranateambuildingandwatermanshipday,andStEdward’sshoweditscompetitivespiritandrowingpedigreetowinbothraftraces.Thentherewascoasteering,kayaking,climbingandanightexercisewhichinvolvedsettingupcampinpouringrain,reconnaissancetasks,avoidingparachuteflares,ambushesandfast-movingassaults,sentrydutyandclearancepatrols.Asever,thiswasafantasticwaytofinishtheacademicyear,onewhichprovedhighlysuccessfulfortheCCF.

1 OnpatrolduringCadreCamp

2 Paintballattack

3 Comingdowntoearthonthe3Gswing

4Ifitfloatswecanpaddle

5 ChrisHattonwithTheWadeTrophyawardedatGaudy

6 FightingontheLeapofFaith

7 Dinnerforone

8 TheRAFSectionatBrizeNorton

9 ViewfromTristar


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10 | St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/1010 | St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10

Wombles

HelenBaddeley

MeganBrittan

HebeHoworth

MollyLangman

RebeccaMason

ClairaMiesegaes

KatherineTroeller

Moomins

EllaJohnsonWatts

EmmaMarriott

JosieOwen

AnnabelleSimpson

ElizaTaylor

AliceEckett

HonourWainwright

Smurfs

JemimaJolley

FrankiePotter

OliviaDeslandes

NancyPurle

TobyBaring

JoeNeville-Rolfe

Clangers

HarryKeen

TheoSmith

TomCutbill

FinKettlewell

JohnLeighton

WillSpooner

Fimbles

PeterSliwinski

CharliePreston

AlexCarter

JackGarrod

AlexGittos

Bronze D of E WalkingOnThursday10thJune,31ShellsweredroppedoffnearWoodstocktostarttheirBronzeDukeofEdinburghExpedition.SomegroupsbegantheirjourneybywalkingthroughthegroundsofBlenheimPalace,enjoyingsomeglorioussummerweather.

ThegroupsallcampedtogetherinCharlbury,wheretheypitchedtentsandcookedtheireveningmeals.Afteragoodnight’ssleep,theysetoffonthereturnjouney.Onceagain,theweatherwasgloriousandtheyallfinishedingoodtimeandingoodspirits.

Manythankstoallthestaffwhogaveuptheirtimetotrain,superviseandassessthegroups.Susan Buchan


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AlexKnott,FreddieAtkinson,NickdeKlee,SamBaring,TitusMorley,EllaClarkeandLiveyMcHughengaginginsometeambonding

Attheendofthesummerterm,twoteamssuccessfullycompletedtheirSilverDofECanoeExpeditionontheRiverWye.ThepupilssetofffromGlasburyinbeautifulsunshineandcompletedajourneyofapproximately100km,beforefinishingatRoss-on-Wyethreedayslater.Atoughpaddlewasmadeallthemorechallengingbyarecentspellofdryweather:muchdepletedwaterlevelsmadewadingtheorderofthedayattimes.Bothteamsdemonstratedfirst-classcanoeskills,faultlesscampcraftandexceptionalteamworkoverthecourseofthetrip.

Participants:

JosephBarr

AngusSpratling

RuairiO’Hara

SamMacdonaldSmith

LizzieGrant

TomLord

AlexHayes

HesterKing

MikeyDicks

RobynFairhurst

LilyHinton

AlexSullivan

DomBaker

GeorgeBurt

D of E Silver Qualifying ExpeditionExmoor, June 2010

Team 1

LiveyMcHugh K

FreddieAtkinson K

EllaClarke D

TitusMorley A

SamBaring H

NickDeKlee H

AlexKnott A

Team 2

LukeStevenson E

JoshHillier E

MadsEdwards J

WillSargent E

VanessaWaibel K

AnnaSchroder M

AfolabiAyoola F

Team 3

FergusMcAloon B

CameronCockburn B

JohnBethell E

HarryKennedy G

RonnieBulford G

NikoRayner E

Team 4

MattHavey G

CharlieMerson A

CharlieRoberts A

FreddieSimon F

EdwardGibson F

Team 5

GeorgiePaling K

KatieMcGirr K

JosieWilliams K

ImmyGore M

JoethiOlive M

EmilyHiggins D

AntoniaWebb M

Team 6

PhoebeBates D

LucyRitchie K

AmiraSerhani J

LeoHartley-Russell B

TedChristie-Miller B

RobinAtkins E

BarneyCook E

The2009-2010seasonwasabumperyearforSilverDofEwithatotalofsixwalkinggroupscompletingthe10weektrainingcourse,anavigationtrainingdaynearWinchcombeintheCotswoldsandapracticeexpeditionintheWyeValley,therebybeingeligibletotakepartintheassessedexpeditiontoExmoor.

TheWyeValleypracticehadprovedtobeaconsiderablechallenge:thegroupshadtocontendwithpersistentlightrainandsomeawkwardwoodlandnavigation.However,havingsurvivedmanymilesofmuddytrack,vanishedrights-of-wayandunexpectedforestryworks,theteamswerewell-preparedfortheExmoorventure.

Unlikethepreviousyear,whichhadbeenmarredbyextremelyheavyrain,thisyeartheExmoorexpeditionwastreatedtoalmostperfectweather,withjusttheoddlightshowerrollinginbetweenlengthysunnyintervals.Thegroupshadplannedvariedthreedayroutesincludingsomestretches

alongthecoastline,morestrenuoussectionsrisingtothetopsoftheExmoormoorland,andoccasionallypassingthroughchocolateboxvillagesandacrossfarmland.Asalways,theventurebeganatNorthHillcampsiteaboveMineheadand,asthegroupspreparedtodepart,spiritswerehigh.

Thisyearstandsoutasonewhereveryfewmajordifficultieswereexperienced.Thegroupswerewell-preparedandmanagedtofollowtheirrouteswithfewnavigationalerrors.Theweatherhelped,ofcourse,withExmoorlookingatitsbestinthesunshine.Mostofthegroupscamebackwithfondmemoriesoftheexpeditiondespitefindingitphysicallychallenging,withmanyintendingtoprogressthroughtotheGoldlevelintheLower6th.Allthegroupspassedwithflyingcolours:theteamwork,campcraftandnavigationseenbytheassessorswereofaveryhighstandardindeed.Verywelldonetoallconcerned!

Silver D of E Canoeing 2010


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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Walking ExpeditionApril 2010

InApriloflastyear,thirtySixthFormersfromStEdward’sgaveupthefirstweekoftheEasterholidaystotraveltotheLakeDistrictinordertocompletetheirDofEGoldawardqualifyingexpedition.Leavingschoolbycoach,everyone’sspiritswerehigh,andremainedsouponarrivalatalovelylittleyouthhostelinConistonwhereweweretreatedtoadelicioushotsupper.Itwasbusinessasusualwhenwesetoffonouracclimatisationwalkthenextmorning.However,whatmostofushadassumedtobenomoreofacardiacchallengethanwalkingtolessonsfromFieldsideatschoolturnedintoapreambleforthefollowingdayswhenwewouldbeonourownwhilemakingourwaythroughtheLakeDistrict,attemptingtofollowourrespectiveroutes.

The40mphwindspeedsandrainwereenoughtodampenanyone’sspirits;yetthefollowingday,afteranotherexceptionalmeal,everyonewasbackonahigh,albeitwithalittlemorecautionthanwhenwefirstarrived.Eacharmedwithamap,compassand13–19kgpack,wesetofffromtheyouthhostel.Forsomeofus,thiswasthelastwewouldseeofanymodernfacilitiesforseveraldays,aswewererequiredtospendaminimumofonenightina“wild”location.Theextremelyhighwindspeedspersistedthroughoutthefour-dayexpedition,joinedbyrain,mud,sleet,hail,fog,andevensnow!Thenightswereextremelycoldand,sinceeveryone’sgearbecamesosoddenandmud-soakedthroughouttheday,stayingwarmwasachallengingtask.Nevertheless,thepromiseofamugofhotchocolateorporridgeinthemorningswasenoughtogetusthroughthelongnights.Astheexpeditionproceeded,navigationalerrorsbegantodiminish;butthepositiveattitudesofthosetakingpartdidnot,asweeachbegantorealiseinourselvesadeepabilitytomotivateandempathisewithoneanother.Astheblistersgrewsodidoursheerexhaustion,andbothmentalandphysicalstrengthswerepushedandpulledtotheirabsolutelimits–aswasthegeneralhygieneofthosetakingpart!

Onthelastday,eventhesunfinallymanagedtomakeanappearanceand,howeverfleeting,itwasenoughtospureveryoneontothefinishline;despitepreviousdifficulties,allbuttwomanagedtocompletetheexpedition.Theassessorswereallextremelyimpressedbyhoweachpersonhandledthemselvesinbothgoodtimesandbad,andwepassedwithflyingcolours.Uponarrivalattheyouthhostel,backinthefamiliarterritoryofConiston,awaveofreliefwashedoverusall,asdidanexhaustedyetsatisfyingfeelingofrelease:wehaddoneit.Aftershowers,thefirst“proper”mealforseveraldaysandagoodnight’ssleep,anyill-feelingtowardstheexpeditionhadmeltedaway,andwewereallabletoreflectupontheweekintermsofthegoodratherthanthebad.Itwasatrueexampleof“Teddiesspirit”atitsabsolutebest.Welldoneandcongratulationstoallthosewhotookpart.Camilla English (L6)


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Gold DofE Completions

JamesAdkins

ElliotBowden

ChrisHatton

SophieKrajnyk

RachaelMorgan

NinaNahhas

GraceRobinson

StephanieSmith

GeorgeSpencer

MelissaTuckett

MatthewWilliams

JoeWithersGreen

LizzieHeeley

Shell Snowdonia Trip June 2009

The6thyearoftheShellSnowdoniatripwasbiggerandbetterthanever.Thisyearwetookthewholeyeargrouptogetherandcombinedoutdoorpursuits,DofEandCCFLeadership,PersonalDevelopmentandAdventureTrainingbasedatCapelCurigTrainingCamp.

Theyeargroupwassplitintothreegroupsanddida‘roundrobin’ofactivities.

OnceagainthemountaindaywasspentonSnowdonorTryfan.Withthegoodweather,theviewsfromthesummitofSnowdoniaweremagnificentandwellworththeeffortoftheclimb.TheviewsfromTryfanarelessspectacular,itbeing200mlower,butthefunofscrambingonthemagnificentrockymountainmorethanmadeupforit.

PupilscouldchoosewhattheydidonthePersonalDevelopmentday.Gorgescramblinghasprovenverypopularovertheyearssowedecidedtoincludeanotherwater-basedscramblingactivity–Coasteering–whichtookplacenearHolyhead.Greatfunwashadbyall,whethertheydidcoasteeringorgorgescramblingandabseiling.

Thethirddaywasspentdoingaminiexpedition.For24hrsthegrouplefttherelativecomfortofCapelCurigcampandmovedtoGwernGofIsafcampsite,wheretheysleptundercanvasandcookedforthemselves.Thefollowingmorning,theysetoffinsmallgroupsforawalkthroughtheAfonLlugwyvalley.ThosedoingBronzeDofEusedthisastheirpracticeexpeditioninpreparationfortheirqualifyingexpeditionattheendofterm.

IntheeveningsatCapelCurigCamp,theCCFstaffranfieldcraftandleadershiptrainingincludingthetrimtrail,cookingandsurvivinginthefield,improvisedsheltersandleadershiptasks.ThiswasthefirstyearthatwehadruntheseactivitiesaspartoftheSnowdoniatrip.Thepupilswereenthusiastic,hard-working,andseemedtoreallyembracetheopportunityofdevelopingandtestingtheirCCFskillsinsuchfantasticsurroundings.

Theweatherwasexcellentforalmosttheentiretrip,whichcontributedtothesuccessofthetripandtheenjoymentfeltbystaffandpupilsalike.

Canoe Expedition in Scottish Highlands May 27 – June 1, 2010

TheStEdward’sGoldDukeofEdinburghcanoeteamcompletedadistanceofover100kmontheRiverTayforthisyear’squalifyingexpedition.UndertheleadershipofEdLea(H),theteamcompletedtheentirelengthofLochTayinarecordtimeofsixhours,thankstothefollowingwindsandthecannyuseofcanoesailsandraftingtechniques.TowardstheendofthefirstdaytheteamvisitedthemonasticremainsonPrioryIslandandthereconstructedNeolithicCrannogattheeasternendoftheloch.Thesecondandfourthdaysoftheexpeditionhadthemostexcitingstretchesofwhitewater,andconditionswereespeciallychallenginginplaceswherelowriverlevelshadexposedrocksandotherfeaturesnormallybeneaththesurface.Withnounscheduled“swims”reported,perhapstheonlyaspectoftheexpeditionwhichdidnotgoaccordingtoplanwerethesleepingarrangements:oneofthepairs—experiencedarmycadets,fortunately—foundtheyhadmislaidtheirtentonthefirstnight,andspenttheremainingfournightsbivouackingand,whentheraindemanded,takingadvantageofthefishermen’ssheltersfoundalongthebanksoftheTay.TheteamcompletedtheexpeditionpaddlingthroughPerthBridgeunderacloudlesssky.TheDukeofEdinburghAssessorreportedthathewas“overthemoon”withtheirperformance,addingthatitwasadelighttoseesuchaprofessionalandcompetentgroupattemptingtheriver.Jason Clapham

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award – Expedition PresentationsInordertocompletetheexpeditionsectionoftheaward,everyonemusttakepartinapresentationabouttheirexperiences.Inordertofulfilthisrequirement,latelastJune,anaudienceinTheNorthWallre-livedthe“DofE”experiencesofsixgroupsofSixthFormstudentswhohadundertakenbothwalkingandcanoeingexpeditions.TheyweretreatedtomultifariousPowerpointpresentationsdepictingthehighs,lows,hardshipsandamusementsthatweendured.Eachpresentationwasextremelywell-structuredandenjoyable.Pictures,anecdotesandevenaDVDfilledthestageforwhatwasalovelyeveningandtheperfectconclusiontoourGoldqualifyingexpeditions.Camilla English (L6)

School Trips

sPort

China 2009

School Trips

InDecember2009,thirty-sixmembersofStEdward’stravelledtoChinaonaculturaltrip.

WestartedoffinBeijingwithacitytour,beforetravellingtotheBadelungsectionoftheGreatWall(anawe-inspiringexperience)andtheMingTombs.

AlongcoachridetookustoChengde,north-eastofBeijing.WevisitedtheSummerPalace(usedinthefilmCrouchingTiger,HiddenDragon),andthenwenttobogganingonthefrozenlakessurroundingthePalace.AtriptothePuningTempleXumifushougaveaninsightintoreligiouspracticesinChina,whilstavisittoalocalschoolallowedustomeetpupilsandtoseeademonstrationofChinesewatercolourpainting.

AshortreturntoBeijingallowedustimetovisittheSummerPalacewithitsmarbleboat,andalsoBeijingZoowithitscollectionofpandas,aswellasthemassiveaquarium.

AnovernighttrainrideinsoftclasssleepingcompartmentstookustoXi’anwherewehadthehighlightofthetour–thefamousterracottawarriors.Thesewerediscoveredin1974andformedpartofthefuneraryarrangementsoftheQinEmperorShiHuan;theyareover2200yearsold.Excavationsofthewarriorsarestillinprogressasonlyaboutaneighthofthesitehasbeenexcavatedsofar.WhilstinXi’anwemanagedtosqueezeintripstotheHuaxingHotSpringsandtheBigWildGoosePagoda.

OurfinalreturntoBeijinggaveustimetovisittheOlympicsite,includingtheBird’sNestStadium,aswellashavingafunrickshawridearoundtheHutongsandvisitingalocalfamily.

WealsomanagedtofindtimetovisittheForbiddenCity,TiananmenSquareandMao’sMausoleum–notforgettingatriptoSilkAlleyforsomelast-minuteshoppingandbartering!

Thiswasaonce-in-a-lifetimetrip,thememoriesofwhichwillremainwithusformanyyearstocome.ThanksareespeciallyduetoMrHughesforallthecomplexarrangementswhichwentoffwithoutahitch.

RobHugheswouldalsoliketothankJaneCrudassandChrisPollittfortheirinvaluablesupportduringthistour;aspecialthankyouislikewiseduetoDavidMoorewhohashelpedhimruntheseworldwidetoursoverthepast20years.

Participants:DominicBaker,RoseBarry,FreyaBerkin,SamuelBest,ElliotBowden,JaneCrudass,HenryDardis,LilyDavies,AlexDickens,NedDonovan,MathewEdwards,AlexHamilton,ChristopherHatton,EmilyHiggins,JoshHillier,HarryHumphreys,MerrynHurley-Rawlings,WilliamKinman,PeterLeslie,DavidMoore,WilliamMorgan,JoethiOlive,EllaPhillips,ChristopherPollitt,DavidSansom,MarkSaville,AnnaSchroder,PeterShannon,DavidStone,AlexSullivan,JonathanTetsell,IlyaUliyanov,MatthewWilliams,FrazerWorboys,EdwardYeatman.


somelast-minuteshopping

This was a once-in-a-lifetime trip, the memories of which will remain with us for many years to come.


sCHooL triPs


sCHooL triPs

Namibia

OnFridayJuly10th2009,agroupofthirteenstudentsandtwostaff(KirstyJonesandmyself )metupatHeathrowairportwithourtripleader,MikeWynne,fromourtourcompany,SchoolsWorldwide,himselfanOSE.Thetriphadbeensome18monthsintheplanning,andlikemanysuchventureshadexperienceditsfairshareofdifficultiesduringthattime,principallyfrompupilswithdrawingatvariousstages,thuscompromisingtheveryviabilityoftheentireprojectonoccasions.Thefinalproblemoccurredwhenourcarrier,AirNamibia,suddenlystoppedallflightsfromtheUK,andconsolidatedtheiroperationsfromtheirEuropeanhubofFrankfurt;soitwasthatwefoundourselvescheckingintoaBAflighttoFrankfurt.AllourcheckedbagswerebrightpurpleandemblazonedwiththeSWlogowhichmadethemverydistinctiveandhardtolose–orsowenaivelythought!Goodbyesweresaid–tearfullyinsomecases–andoffwewentonthe1645flight.

Frankfurtairportwasstrangelyghost-likeonarrivalandnotespeciallyeasytonavigatefortransitpassengers.AnespeciallybizarremomentoccurredwhenoneofficialclaimedthatAirNamibiadidn’texistasitwasn’tonhislist!Sufficeittosaythatafterastopoverofthreeandahalfhours,thejourneyseemedtobeginproperlywiththe2240departureofAirNamibiaflightSW286toWindhoek.

Theovernightflightpassedtolerablywell,anditwaswithagrowingsenseofexcitementandnotalittletrepidationthatwelandedintoabrightAfricansun,withthedistinctiveAfricansmell,at0740.Ourliaisonmanwastheretomeetus,aswas

ourdriver,cook,guideandall-roundstarman,Johannes,forwhom,aswewererapidlytodiscover,nothingwastoomuchtrouble!Soagreatwelcome–exceptingthefactthatoneofthehighlydistinctivepurplebagsfailedtoarrivewithalltheothers;butatleastitwasdealtwithefficientlybythecompanyandtheairportanditdidarriveonthefollowingday’sflight.

TheitinerarywastotakeusthroughmostofthisvastcountrywiththeexceptionofthefarNorthandthefarSouth.ThefirstweeksawusintheEastofthecountry,closetotheborderwithBotswanaontheedgeoftheKalahariDesert.WethenwentNorthviatheWaterbergPlateautoreachoursafaridestinationofEtoshaNationalPark.ThenitwasSouth-WesttoreachthecoastatSwakpomund,beforecontinuingfurtherSouthandinlandtocrosspartoftheNamibDesertandtoseethedunesclosetoSesriem,beforeafinalcampintheNamib-NaukluftNationalPark,andreturntoWindhoekthreeweekslater.Itisaverylarge,sparselypopulatedcountrywithanastonishingvarietyofsceneryandfaunaandflora.

YetthefocalpointofthetripwastheprojectattheremoteruralprimaryschoolofMorukuto.ThisisaverysmallruralcommunityschoolintheOmahekeregionofthecountry.Theschoolhas8classroomsinthreeblocksplusakindergarten.Ithasabout260learners,aged7-13,whoaretaughtby8teachers;about80ofthechildrensleepinveryrun-downdormitories.WewerethefirstgrouptovisitfromtheUKandindeedformanyofthepupilsthere,wewerethefirstnon-African

peopletheyhadeverseen.Itwasthereforeareallypioneering,substantialandmeaningfulprojectforusandthem.VariousplanshadbeenmadeintheUKovertheprecedingmonths,andonthefirstdayinWindhoekwevisitedthelocalhardwaresuperstore,boughtalltheequipmentwethoughtwewouldneed(paint,brushes,ladders,wood,hammers,saws,etcetera)andloadeditallontoourtruck/bus/homeforthreeweeks,lovinglycalledSid(afterSidVicious!!)byJohannes.Inadditionwehadtoworkoutmenusandbuyourfood,aswewerecampingandself-cateringforthemajorityofthetrip.AfteronelastnightofcomfortonaWindhoekhotelandarestaurantmeal–formanyofusourfirsttasteofkudusteaks–weleftearlyforthe5hourjourneytotheschool.OurarrivalwasslightlydramaticinthatSidboggeddowninsomesoftsand,andforcedustowalkthelastkilometre;thiswasbrilliant,asitturnedout,asfromoutofthebushlotsofpeopleappearedandbythetimewearrivedalotoffriendshipshadbeguntoform.

Heating provided by campfi reAfteraninitialwelcomingitwastimetoestablishcampquitequickly.Darknessfallsrapidlyandsuddenly,andthetemperaturedropstofreezinginafewshortminutes.Therewasnorunningwaterattheschool,onlyalargetank,andcertainlynoelectricity.Bizarrelytherearepylonsinplace,evensomewithcables;but,despitemanypromisesfromlocalandnationalpoliticians,nothinghasbeenconnectedtothemainsupply.SoourcookingwasonthegasburnersstoredonSidandlightwasbytorch,withheatingprovidedbythecampfire–itwasquiteashockformanyofourpupils!

Ourdaysattheschoolwerelongandhard,butalwaysproductiveandrewarding.Thelearnersarrivedaround7a.m.andwespentthedaysdecoratingtheboys’dormitorybothinsideandout,includingsomereallybrilliantartwork;establishingafootballpitch,includingmetalgoalpostsandlinemarkings;constructingavolleyballcourt,includingposts,netandmarkings;puttingupacovered,shadedareabetweentwobuildings;andcreatingalargeropeseatsuspendedinatree.Inaddition,anydowntimethatwehadwasusuallyspentplayinggameswiththechildren,perhaps‘SimonSays’,orfootball;


sCHooL triPs

The next day took us up onto the plateau itself, a highly protected and sensitive area, for which we had been lucky to obtain permits. However, the route was more arduous and longer than we had been led to believe.

orpossiblyjustspentquietlytalkingwithagroupofthechildren.Wehadtakenquiteanamountofeducationalmaterialswithus(forexamplebooks,pencils,aglobeandrulers),aswellasclothesandsomemorefunthingslikeballoonsandfootballs;theseweregratefullyreceivedatanincrediblywarmwelcomingceremonythattheyhosted–lotsoflocaldignitaries,plusfamiliesofthechildren,andalsothelocalchurchchoir.Wehadtorespondanditallendedwitheveryonedancingtogether.Onedaytherewasavisitfromoneofthegovernmentministers,butIhavetoadmitthiswasratherlessthanoverwhelming.Eveningswerespentaroundthecampfire,reflectingontheday’sactivities,planningthefollowingday’swork,andthinkingaboutanddiscussingwiderissues,suchasworldpovertyandthedistributionofwealth;inadditionweplayedafairnumberofgames,toldjokesandenjoyedthepeaceofadeepAfricannightaroundafire.Ourdeparturegaverisetoafarewellceremonyandtherewereveryfewdryeyesaroundoneithersidewhenweleftafteraveryintenseweekattheschool.Theywereextremelygratefulforalltheworkwehadcompletedandwehadallgainedmuchmoreunderstanding–andperhapsalittlemorehumility–havingseenhowtheMajorityWorldlives.

ItwasaboutathreehourtriptoouridylliccampsitebelowtheWaterbergPlateauandwewere

abletorestockinthecampshopwithafewluxuries–evenice-cream!Wehadtheafternoonatleisureandwereabletowandersafelyinthesurroundingarea,observingsomeveryinterestingavifauna,aswellasbeingentertainedbytheactivitiesofvariousmongoosefamilies.Someofusmadeittothelocalgraveyard,consistingmainlyofpeoplefromtheHerrerotribe,killedbytheGermansinwhatisarguablyanearlycaseofgenocide;itwasasombreandmovingsightinthebeautifullandscape.Thenextdaytookusupontotheplateauitself,ahighlyprotectedandsensitivearea,forwhichwehadbeenluckytoobtainpermits.Howevertheroutewasmorearduousandlongerthanwehadbeenledtobelieve,andasleaderswewerenotwhollyconfidentintheabilitiesofourguide,soafteranightunderthestarsandhavingseenanextraordinarysunrise,wetookthedecisiontoreturnthatday.Afterseveralhours,sometransportwasorganisedandwebouncedourwayofftheplateauinthebackofalargejeep.

WethenmovedfurtherNorthagaintothewellknownsafariareaofEtosha,includingthevastsalt-panthatwevisitedandwanderedontointheblinding,reflectedlight.Wewereabletostayupintothesmallhoursofthenightandobserveanimalswanderinginandoutofthewatering-holes;particularlypopularwerethemanysightingsof

elephant,giraffeandrhino.Duringthedaywewentoutonseveraldrives,andsawalargeamountofwildlife.Thecampsitestoowerecivilised,withshowersandevenaswimmingpool,aswellasacaféandrestaurant–achangefromcampsitefood.WethenhadsomerealdowntimefortwonightsinahotelatthestrangetownofSwakopmund–potentialfortumblingweeddowntheroad,left-overhippies,andsandboarding–fortunatelynottoomanyinjures,andnothingtooserious!Itwasatleastachancetobecomecleanaftertwoweeksofdust,sortoutourkit,andletourhairdownabit.

WeleftthecoastafterabriefstopatWalvisBaytoseeflamingosandthencrossedtheNamibdesertonalongdrivetoreachSesriem,havingcrossedtheTropicofCapricorn,followedbyaverycoldpre-dawnstarttoreachthecelebratedDune45andclimbittowitnessthesunrisethefollowingday–atrulymemorableexperience.WepenetratedfurtherintoSossuvleitowanderintheuniquePetrifiedForestbeforereturningtocamppriortoaneveningtripandwalkthoughtheSesriemCanyon.

AnotherdriveSouthfoundusintheoneofthelargestNationalParksinAfrica,theNamib-Naukluft,andaday’strekalongthe16kmcircularWaterkloofTrail–onememberofthepartygettingabittooclosetothewater!!AlongdriveonthefinaldaytookusthroughfurtherremoteterritoryandbacktoWindhoekwherewewereabletousethefacilitiesofaguesthousetobecomecleanagain,andputonfreshclothesforthe1900flightbacktoFrankfurt.ItwasaverysadfarewelltoJohannes,whohadbeensounbelievablydependable,knowledgeableandfun–hereallymadethetripsomethingspecialforallofus.WearrivedinFrankfurtat0540andhadalongtransfer,notleavinguntil1120.ItwasatiredbutultimatelyverysatisfiedpartywhoreachedLondontobereunitedwiththeireagerandexcitedfamiliesatnoon.

Ifirmlybelieveinthetransformingpowerofsuchtripsforboththeparticipantsandthehostcommunities,andIdofeelthatallofusgrewasindividualsinmanywaysinthecourseofourthreeweekstogether–inevitablynotalwayswithoutfrictionbetweenindividuals–butultimatelyallofusreturningasstrongerpeople,moreawareoftherichworldinwhichwelive,andseeinglifebeyondtheprivilegedconfinesofNorthOxford.Mygratefulthankstoallwhoparticipated:Kirsty,MikeandJohannes;ourcoordinatorfromSchoolsWorldwide,NickJoynes;alltheparentswhohadconfidenceinusandbeliefinthevalueofthetrip;andespeciallyallthestudents–OcéaneBonnet-Deravin,LydiaBowden,GullyBurrows,LauraClifford,CharlieHarnden,AnnabelHay-Jahans,EmmaHudson,RuairiKeeley,EdLea,JohnO’Hara,GadShawcross,FreddieShelton,SophieSlemeck.James Askew


sCHooL triPs

Krakow

‘Itisneitherpleasantnoreasytodelveintothesedepthsofblackness,andyetIthinkwemustdoit’,wrotePrimoLevi.

DuringtheLentleaveweekend,25SixthFormersvisitedtheMedievalcityofKrakowwiththeintentionofvisitingtheAuschwitz-Birkenaucamp,thenotorioussceneofNazigenocideduringtheSecondWorldWar.

Inthicksnowandsub-zerotemperatures,thepupilsweregivensomeideaoftheconditionstheinmatesfeltandexperienced.

WalkingthroughtheAuschwitzlabourcampwasachillingexperienceaspupilssawtheclothesofJewishchildren,thehairofJewishwomenandseeminglyendlesspilesofshoes.Theyvisitedtheonlyremaininggaschamber,thecellwhereZyklonBgaswasfirstusedandthewallofexecution.

InBirkenaudeathcamp,thescaleofthecomplexwasthehardest-hittingelementalongwithstandinginthenotoriousjunctionwherethetrainsrolledinandthedecisionsregardinglifeanddeathweremade.

OntheSaturdayeveningpupilsvisitedKazimierz,whichwastheJewishquarterofKrakow,andateinatraditionalJewishrestaurant.OnSundaytheyvisitedWawelcathedral,thespiritualhomeofJohnPaulIIbeforehebecamePope.

Thetripwasthought-provoking,challengingandpowerful;informative,elucidatingandenlightening.

Thoughfewlessonsareeverlearntfromhistory,maytheawfulreminderofAuschwitz-Birkenaueverbeawarningtotheworldthatthosewhoforgetthepastareoftendoomedtorepeatit.Michael Gray

Anyearlymorningdepartureisunpleasantatbest,andourswashardlyanexception.Despiteasomewhathecticjourney,wearrivednoworseforwear.Onceatourdestination,LaCoruñainGalicia,north-westernSpain,wewereintroducedtothefamilieswithwhomwestayedthroughouttheweek–oneoftheuniqueaspectsofthisparticulartrip.Thoughmanyofuswouldbesomewhatnervousbeforemeetingourallocatedfamilies,theyall,Ithink,provedtobefantastichosts.

OverthecourseoftheweekwegottoexperiencethecolourfulGalicianculture,withitslocalflavours(includingtheiconic“pulpo”:octopus),splendidatmosphere,andfascinatingheritage.OneofthehighlightsofthistripwascertainlythedayspentinSantiagodeCompostela–thethirdmostimportantcityinChristendom–visitingitshistoricuniversityandcathedral,thoughthiswasinterruptedbyunfortunatelytimedboutsoftorrentialdownpour.Ourvariousotheractivitiesincludedvisitstotheworld’soldestoperatinglighthouse;anaquarium;amasterclassinSpanishcookingbyarenownedlocalchef;atourofthepicturesqueAtlanticseafront;ajourneytothehighestpointoverlookingLaCoruña;andshoppingintheolddistrictofLaCoruña.ThoughitwastheEasterholidayswecouldnotfullyescapetheworldoflessons,andwereceivedoverthecourseoftheweekninehoursoftailoredtuition,muchtooureducationalbenefit.

Assomethingofafinaletoourtrip,onthepenultimatedayweweregiventheopportunitytoattemptsurfingattheOrzánbeach,adjoiningtheAtlantic.Thoughaccomplishedsurferswearenot,itwasassuredlygoodfun.Alltold,itwasaweekthatweallthoroughlyenjoyed.ManythankstoMissHillier,Albertoand‘AtlantikEnglish’fororganisingthisgreattrip.Lars Gladhaug

La Coruña, Galicia, Spain


sCHooL triPs


Iona retreatEaster2010

AsmallgroupofstudentsandstaffventureduptothefarNorthWestofBritaintotheIslandofIonainScotlandtojointheEastercelebrationsintheabbey,toreviseforGCSEsandtoenjoythebeautyandtranquillityofthisstunningisland.Thejourneyuptook20hourscombiningtwobustrips,twoferrytripsandtwotraintrips,oneofwhichwasonthesleepertrainovernightfromLondontoGlasgow.Thiswaspartlyforthefunofit,butalsotokeepourCarbonfootprinttoabareminimum.Despitesnowonthewayup,theweatherwasstunningforalmosttheentiredurationofthetrip.HighlightsincludedaboattriptotheislandofStaffawithitsuniquehexagonalrockformations,whitesandy

beacheswheregameswereplayedandwheretwopupilsevendaredtoswim(forashortperiodoftime),golfintheduneswithgreensthatweremowedbywanderingsheepandcattle,thelocalSpar(happytimes),thebeautifulEasterdayserviceintheAbbey,aggressivegamesofMonopolyinthehostel,andlovelysharedmealsintheevening.ThejourneyonthewaybackwasalittlemoretraumaticwithstrongwindsontheIonaferry,butasweawokeat7aminEustonandtrudgedbacktoonepupil’shouseforaslapupbreakfast,weallknewwe’dbeenblessedwithgoodcompany,goodweatherandbytheworshipofGodintheabbeyonthisbeautifulandholyisland.

the ArchivesTh e School’s archive collection is at present half way through a complete overhaul, including re-cataloguing and labelling the boxes and loose larger items, updating the contents and, wherever possible, items are being scanned to digital storage.

Th e archives have been carefully built up over the past 100 years, commencing with Wilfrid Cowell’s fi rst eff orts in 1900.

Included are a comprehensive range of photographs, paintings, cartoons, crucial correspondence, records of all kinds, school lists and rolls, newspaper cuttings, O.S.E.

memories, trophies, tapes, building plans and so on.

We need to continue building and enhancing the collection. Any additional memorabilia, ephemera, photographs or simply personal memories are welcome at any time.

Originals can be returned, if required, to the sender.

Th ank you.Chris NathanArchivist & O.S.E.


St.Edward’spupils,HarryStansfield,EdwardBloomfieldandJohnO’Haratakealookattheexhibition.

Café des Sciences – ‘Science in a new light’OnWednesday20thJanuary,68A-LevelandYear11pupilsfromStEdward’s,Cherwell,andMagdalenCollegeSchoolweresplitintosmallgroupsforaCafédesScienceseventheldintheNorthWallTheatreandLifeSciences.Thepupilsworkedwithtop-levelresearcherstoexaminearangeofscientificprojectsandwereaskedtodiscusswhichscientificschemesdeservedtoberesearchedattheDiamondLightSourcefacilityatHarwell.Thepupilsweregivenrealresearchprojectstoanalysewiththeassistanceofscientistsbasedatthepioneeringresearchcentre.

TheyworkedagainstabackdropofanewexhibitionofartworkinspiredbytheDiamondLightSource.

DiamondbeamlinescientistDrThomasConnolleysaid:“Alltheprojectsthattheywereevaluatingarerealanditisimportantforustogetfeedbacksuchasthis.”

“Wegotadebategoingand,althoughobviouslytheydidn’thavethescientificknowledgethatapanelwouldhave,theywereaskingtherightquestions.”

ProjectsthepupilswereaskedtoexaminerangedfrommetalerosionontheMaryRose,toGMcropsandanalysinghowTurnerpaintingsfade.EstherPang,whoisstudyingPhysics,ChemistryandBiologyattheCherwellSchool,said“Itwasveryhelpful.Welookedatsciencefromanother

pointofviewanddiscussedtheprosandconsofrealscienceprojects.Ithashelpedmetounderstandtheapplicationsandethicsofscienceintherealworld.”

FellowpupilImanAwadhsaidhewassurprisedhowmanyapplicationsforresearchprojectstheDiamondLightSourcereceivedandthatmanyhadtoberejected.

Hesaid:“IhavetouchedonDiamondLightSourcebeforeinchemistryandthishasdefinitelyhelpedmyunderstanding.”

TheCafédesSciencesformatisaimedatgivingyoungscientiststhechancetominglemorecloselywithexpertsintheirfield.Thehopeisthatbybeingmoreengagedwiththesubject,theywilltakemoreawayfromit.JohnO’Hara,whoisstudyingGeography,Economics,BiologyandChemistryatStEdward’s,said:“Itwasverygood.Therewasn’ttoomuchsittingdownandlistening.IthoughtIwouldn’tunderstandmuchofitbutthatwasnotthecase.”

TheCafédesScienceseventsarethebrainchildofDrKendallWilliams,HeadofScienceatStEdward’s,inassociationwiththeOxfordInternationalBiomedicalCentreinCulham.DrWilliamssaid:“Itwasverysuccessful.Byhavingacaféatmosphereandachancetotalktoscientistsfacetofaceaboutrealissues,itgivesthemasenseofhowexcitingsciencecanbeintherealworld”.

DrNeelBurton(centre)surrounded(lefttoright)byRosalieWarner,SebastianAnastassiou,JoshuaRichardsonandRachaelMorgan.PicturecourtesyofDavidMoore.

Woodstock LectureTheSpringTermthemefortheWoodstockGroup(ourSixthFormScholars’Society)was‘TheMeaningofMadness’.Studentsanalysedanddebatedissuesrelatedtomentalhealth.Thehigh-pointoftheterm’sprogrammewasthevisitofDrNeelBurton,apsychiatristandphilosopherfromOxfordUniversitywhohasalsoworkedatthecity’sWarnefordpsychiatrichospital.HisbookTheMeaningofMadnessrecentlywontheBritishMedicalAssociationPrizeforBestYoungAuthor.Hespokepowerfullyandengaginglyaboutmentaldepression,elicitingaparticularlyanimatedresponsefromthe100WoodstockGroupmemberswhoattended.

TheWoodstockGroupmovesoninthesummertermtoconsidertreatmentsofShakespeare’sAMidsummerNight’sDream,culminatinginaperformanceofBenjaminBritten’soperaoftheplayatGarsingtonOpera.

Events


events

End of term Art Show

Spring Symposium ‘The Human Brain’InMarch2010StEdward’sSchoolScienceFacultyandtheOxfordInternationalBiomedicalCentre(OIBC)heldtheirsecondjointSymposium,togetherwithOxfordUniversity’sDepartmentforContinuingEducation(OUDCE).ThesesymposiaareorganisedjointlybyDrKendallWilliams,HeadofScienceatSES,andProfessorCharlesPasternak,PresidentoftheOIBC.Atotalof100visitingSixthFormstudentsjoined40SixthFormstudentsfromSt.Edward’sand50scientiststolistentopresentationsanddiscussthehumanbrain.Schoolsattendingincluded;HeadingtonSchool,Cherwell,AbingdonSchool,MagdalenCollegeSchool,DidcotGirlsandBanburySchool.

Thebrainisthelastunchartedterritoryinthehumanbody.Howdoits100billionnervecellsinteracttoproducesensations,movementofourlimbs,speechandunderstanding?Anagilemindhelpsyoungsterstopassexams;afailingbrainisthemostseriousoutcomeofgrowingold.Howtopromotethefirst,andpreventthesecond?

ThesearesomeoftheissuesthatwerediscussedbyexpertsfromOxfordUniversity:ProfJohnStein(authorityondyslexia),ProfPeterSomogyi(headofUK’sforemostresearchgrouponthewaynervecellscommunicatewitheachother),ProfChristopherKennard(chairofClinicalNeurology,oneofthecountry’stopmedicaldepartments)andDrHeidiJohansen-Berg(outstandingresearcherintheworld-classOxfordCentreforFunctionalMRIoftheBrain).

ThesymposiumwasopenedbyAndrewTrotman(WardenofStEdward’sSchool)andCharlesPasternak(PresidentofOIBC).ThemorningsessionwaschairedbyProfAngelaVincent(WeatherallInstitute,OxfordUniversity)andstudentsheardlecturesby:

ProfJohnFStein(DeptofPhysiology,Anatomy&Genetics,OxfordUniversity):Neuroscienceanddyslexia

ProfPeterSomogyi(MRCAnatomicalNeuropharmacologyUnit,DeptofPharmacology,OxfordUniversity):Co-operativeneuronalsocieties

ProfChristopherKennard(Head,DepartmentofClinicalNeurology,OxfordUniversity):Thevisualbrain

DrHeidiJohansen-Berg(FunctionalMRIoftheBrainCentre,DeptofClinicalNeurology,OxfordUniversity):Remodellingthebrain

Followingthemorningtalksandabuffetlunch,studentswereabletoquizeachspeakerandputtheirownideasforwardinawide-rangingdebatechairedbyDrKendallWilliams.Studentshadclearlyengagedinthetopicasdiscussionshadtobehaltedafter1½hours!

“Selfportrait”byWatanyaAmatanon,6’x4’,oiloncanvas “Jethro”byLauraClifford,4’x4’,oiloncanvas

“Sunflowers”byGeorgeLloyd-Jones,4’x12’,oiloncanvas

“Oceane”byNettleGrellier,4’x5’,oiloncanvas

Serious Science


sPort

Youngchildrenhaveaninnatecuriosityandtendencytoaskquestionsandseekexplanationsabouttheworld.“Whyistheskyblue?”...”Whydocloudshaveedges?”...“Wheredoesallthewatergoatlowtide?”...“Dogermsgetsick?”...“Whydon’twefallofftheEarth?”...“Whatiscolourmadeof?”...“Whydiddinosaursgoextinct?”...“Whydon’thippossunburn?”...“Whydoesadayhave24hours?”Takeatriptoasciencemuseumandyouwillseemanyparentswithyoungchildren;however,veryfewwithteenagers!Sciencepervadeseverycornerofourcultureand,despitecurrentthreatstoourplanetsuchasreductioninbiodiversity,HIV,avianfluandglobalwarming,mostadults,includingpoliticians,haveverylittleunderstandingofthesciences.

AnarticleinTheTimesrecentlyreportedMicheleBachmann’splantorunfortheRepublicans’presidentialnomination.HerbeliefthatglobalwarmingisahoaxandherinsistencethatcreationismbetaughtinschoolsIfindquitedisturbing.It’sjustover50yearssinceCPSnow’sfamous‘TwoCultures’essay;however,istheolddividebetweentheartsandsciencesasdeepasever?Thisquestionwasre-examinedbyTimAdamsinTheObserverin2007,whoreportedthatSnow,whowasbothanovelistandaphysicist,usedtoemployatestatdinnerpartiestodemonstratehisargument.“Agoodmanytimes,”hesuggested,“Ihavebeenpresentatgatheringsofpeoplewho,bythestandardsoftraditionalculture,arethoughthighlyeducatedandwhohavewithconsiderablegustobeenexpressingtheirincredulityattheilliteracyofscientists.Onceortwice,Ihavebeenprovokedand

haveaskedthecompanyhowmanyofthemcoulddescribetheSecondLawofThermodynamics.Theresponsewascold;itwasalsonegative.YetIwasaskingsomethingwhichisthescientificequivalentof‘HaveyoueverreadaworkofShakespeare’s?’

In2011,following50yearsofexponentialscientificadvances,wouldtheresponseofdinnerguestsbeanydifferent?Snowargued:“Thereisonlyonewayoutofthis;itis,ofcourse,byrethinkingoureducation”.PeterCotgreave,directorofSaveBritishScience,believesthatthetwoculturesproblemhasbeenencouragedthroughtheA-levelsystemthatforcespeopletochoosebetweenartsandsciencestooearly.Headdedthatthegovernment’sattemptstorectifythisbyintroducingAS-levelshadnotbeenasuccess.InSeptember2006,inresponsetoaperceivedcrisisinscienceeducation,anewScienceGCSEwasintroduced.ThiswasdesignedtopersuademorestudentstotakeScienceatA-levelanduniversitybymakingitmoreinterestingandrelevant.Biology,ChemistryandPhysicswereconflatedas‘scientificliteracy’andstudentswereencouragedtodiscusstopicalissuessuchasglobalwarmingandMMRvaccines,withparticularreferencetomediacoverage.However,manyscienceteacherscriticisedthisapproachandmostindependentschoolsarebailingoutofthenewGCSEinfavouroftheinternationalGCSE.

LawrenceKrauss,atheoreticalphysicistatArizonaStateUniversity,commentedin2009;“Snowhopedforaworldthatisquitedifferentfromhowwelivetoday,whereindifferencetosciencehas,throughreligiousfundamentalism,sometimesmorphedintoopenhostilityaboutconceptssuchasevolutionandthebigbang.”

The‘TwoCultures’controversyhasbeendebated,turnedoverandpulledapartbymanycommentators,bothacademicandpolitical,overthelast50years.However,inBritainandAmericaweareseeingaworryingtrendoffewerstudentssigningupforSciencedegreesatuniversity.Scientificignoranceandilliteracyisnotamajorimpedimenttosuccessinbusiness,politicsandthearts.RecentpollsinAmericarevealthat52%ofadultsbelievethatearlyhumanslivedatthesametimeasthedinosaursandarecentUKsurveyindicatedthat20%ofpeoplebelievethatthesungoesaroundtheEarth!

serious Science

“Snow hoped for a world that is quite different from how we live today, where indifference to science has, through religious fundamentalism, sometimes morphed into open hostility about concepts such as evolution and the big bang.”

Dr Kendall Williams


sCienCe

In2004IstartedapopularandaccessiblestrandofscienceeventatSEScalledCafédesSciences;themedsessionsbringingtogethertopscientistswithpupilstoconsidertopicalandengagingscientificmatters.Theoriginalideawastocreateadiscussion-basedforumwherestudentshadthechancetoconsiderscientificissuesinacafé-styleenvironmentreminiscentofthebranchéSaint-Germain-des-PrésareaofParis,oncethenervecenteroftheliteraryandintellectualworld.ThecaféculturetherewasoncethehauntfortheintellectualcrèmedelacrèmeanddrewthelikesofSartre,deBeauvoir,Picasso,Hemingway,BretonandCamus.OneofthesuccessfulfeaturesofCaféisthatstudentsresearchthetopictobediscussedpriortotheeventand,inmanycases,prepareposterdisplayswhichformabackdroptodeliberations.Inthiswaystudentsarealready‘experts’whentheyentertheCaféandareabletoquestionandarguewithmuchmoreauthority.ThismakesCaféverydifferenttonormallecture-basedmeetings;thestudentsareactiveandinteractwitheachotherandthescientists.RecentvisitingscientistshaveincludedRichardDawkins,SteveJones,GeorgeMcGavinandKateLancaster.IthinkthatoneofthethingsthathavemadeCaféveryexcitingandsuccessfulisthat,whilstrootedinscience,itoperatesattheinterfacebetweenartsandscience.Cafécarefullyadherestothemantra,“Nulliusinverba”,themottooftheRoyalSociety,thepremierbodyofscientistsinBritain,foundedin1660.Thistranslatesinto“notinwords”.AsJohnEllispointedoutin2010,“Thismottoencapsulatestheviewthatyoushouldbaseyourbeliefsonyourownassessmentofthebestavailableevidenceandnottakeanyone’swordforit.Thereisnoroomfordogmaorforanappealtoauthority,traditionorancienttexts.”

Whereisthebestavailableevidencetobefound?Theansweristhatthebestavailableevidenceisinthepeer-reviewedliterature.Scientistswritepaperstodescribetheirobservationsandexperimentsinsufficientdetailforotherstorepeatandextendthem.Eachpaperispeer-reviewed;thereviewersbeinganonymousexpertsinthefield.Usuallythepaperisreturnedforimprovementandthengoesthroughthepeer-reviewprocessagain.Evenafterthisprocessthebestjournalsrejectabout80%ofthepaperssenttothem.Evenafterapaperhasbeenacceptedintotheliterature,itsassessmentbyotherscientistscontinuesasitsconclusionsarecriticallydiscussedatscienceconferencesandinlaboratoriesaroundtheworld.Eventuallyageneralconsensusonagiventopicemerges.Scientificideasarealwaysopentochallengeandarereviewedinthelightofnewevidence.Tobeagoodscientistyouneedcuriosity,imaginationandskepticism.

Charles Pasternak, director of OIBC, commented in 2007:

“Judges in criminal cases seem incapable of

understanding the rudi ments of probability.

Lawyers have diffi culty in coping with

pretty straightforward DNA technology.

The president of the United States does

not comprehend global warming, and his

counterpart in South Africa for long denied

any connection between HIV infection and

AIDS (a million Africans died as a result).

Lord Adonis (Under-Secretary of State at

the Department of Education and Skills)

has authorised schools to teach Intelligent

Design, despite rejection of this ridiculous

idea by the Roman Catholic Church itself.

The editor of the Daily Mail considers

genetically-modifi ed crops to constitute a

threat of ‘Frankenstein’ dimensions, and the

manufacturers of health products persuade

millions of people to spend their last penny

on pills and capsules that are without benefi t

of any sort. Is this just part of the rich fabric

of life, or can we do something about it? I

believe we can. The solution, of course, is

to ensure that everyone is better educated

in the basic principles of science. We need

to enthuse more youngsters to continue a

study of science until they leave school. The

proposed baccalaureate will do this, but few

in the state system are able to follow this

course. So the opposite is happening. Fewer

students are applying for university places

in Physics and Chemistry, which means that

departments are closing down, which means

that there will be fewer scientists to teach

youngsters. It is a vicious spiral.”

In a 2005 survey of British teenagers at

school conducted by the exam board OCR,

more than 50% said they thought science

classes were ‘boring’, ‘confusing’ and ‘diffi cult’.

Is this to do with the way science is taught

in many schools or are students becoming

generally less motivated to address diffi culty?

The huge number of students consistently

choosing to study sciences in the Sixth Form

at SES would suggest the former.

Café des Sciences How can we enthuse more young people into science?

The main features of Café are:

Café environment

Meeting of minds

Interactive activity

Opportunity to meet scientists and exchange ideas

Opportunity to interact with older pupils (peer mentors)

Enthuse young people into science

Stretch gifted and talented

Some of the popular topics at Cafés have been:

Climate Change Challenge

Evolution

The Deep

Shark Attack

Parasites

Biodiversity

Nuclear Fusion

Arts and Science – never the twain shall meet?

Mid-Summertown Murders

Mass extinctions

Science at the Movies

Science of Cooking

Science of Attraction

Viruses – wanted dead or alive?

Mimicking the sense of smell

AteachCaféparticipantsareprovidedwithamenuwhichaimsto

provokeandguidethestudentsthrougha

numberofdiscussionpoints;theseare

designedtoemulatecoursesinarestaurant.


Wearelivinginaprofoundsciencecultureandthebigeventsthatareaffectingpeople’slivesarescientificones.Itisvitalthatstudentsinsecondaryschoolsareexposedtorigorouscoursesandinspirationalscienceteachingifwearetoseenumbersselectingsciencesubjectsatuniversityincrease.

In2007Istartedworkingcloselywiththe‘OxfordInternationalBiomedicalCentre’,whereIbecamechairmanof‘EducationalProjects’.TogetherwiththedirectorofOIBC,CharlesPasternak,IhavebeenrunningoutCaféstoYear8,9and10pupilsatotherOxfordshireschools,stateandindependent.Morerecently,CaféhasgoneontheroadandinDecember2010travelledtoChelmsfordGrammarSchool,whereapopularCafé,‘SharkAttack’,wasrunforfourEssexschools.

Theincreasingreliabilityof‘Skype’hasopenedupnewpossibilitiesfortheCafésinthefuture.InNovember2011Iamrunningalargeinter-schoolCaféatSEScalled‘CoralReefCrisis’,duringwhich,thestudentswillbeabletotalktoscientistsatthe‘ScrippsInstituteofOceanography’inSanDiego,the‘HawaiianInstituteofMarineBiology’andon‘PalmyraAtoll’inthecentralPacific!Meetingandtalkingtopassionateandinspirationalscientistscanbealife-changingmomentforchildren.Ifwearetosolvethemajorglobalissuesfacingmankindwemustraisethegenerallevelofscientificliteracyinthepopulationandwemustcontinuetostrivetobridgethedividebetweenartsandsciences.Asawriterpointedoutin1960,“EverygreatagehasbeenshapedbyintellectualsofthestampofHobbes,Locke,Berkeley,Leibnitz,Voltaire,Montesquieu,Rousseau,Kant,JeffersonandFranklin–allofwhomwouldhavebeenhorrifiedbythepropositionthatcultivatedmenandwomencoulddispensewithagoodgraspofthescientificaspectofthecontemporaryworldpicture”.

Biodiversity

OnFebruary11th2010,120OxfordshirestudentsfromYears10-13participatedinaCafédesSciencesheldatSt.Edward’sSchool.StudentsfromSt.Edward’swerejoinedbypupilsfromCherwell,DidcotGirls’,andHeadingtonSchools.SpecialguestattheCaféwasDrGeorgeMcGavin,worldfamousscientist,explorerandTVpresenter.Dr.McGavin,leaderoftheteamofscientistsintherecentexpeditiontoNewGuineaandfeaturedintheBBCseries‘LostLandoftheVolcano’,joinedDrKendallWilliams,HeadofScienceatStEdward’sSchool,totakethestudentsonawhirlwindjourneyoftheworld’sspecies,encouragingthemtoconsideranddebatethecriticalrolebiodiversityplaysinscience,theenvironmentandfutureofmankind.

ThisspecialCafédesScienceseventwasruntocoincidewiththe‘InternationalYearofBiodiversity’.TheUnitedNationsdeclaredtheInternationalYearofBiodiversity(IYB)globalinitiative,withthefollowingaims:• toincreaseawarenessoftheimportanceofbiodiversity

forourwellbeing

• tohaltthelossofbiodiversity,whichiscurrentlyupto100timesgreaterthanthenaturalrateofextinction

• tocelebratesuccessstories

EachschoolpreparedposterdisplaysonthethemeofBiodiversityand,followingatalkbyDr.McGavinintheNorthWallTheatre,theyeagerlydiscussedtheirworkandideaswiththescientists.

DrGeorgeMcGavincommented:“ThisistheInternationalYearofBiodiversityandallovertheworldwearedoingmoretoraiseawareness,especiallyamongtheyoungergenerations,abouthowimportantitistolearnaboutandconservealltypesofspecies.IdeassuchastheCafédesSciences,wherestudentsgetoutsidetheclassroomandaregivenachoiceoftopicstheycandiscoveranddebateforthemselves,areagreatwaytoexcitetheirenthusiasm.”

WithintheCafé,a“MenuofTopics”,devisedbyDr.Williamsformedabackdroptothediscussion.

Starter

Human population soufflé (guaranteed to rise!)

Habitat humus (served with an alarming reduction)

Climate change crudités (if in season!)

Main Courses

Biodiversity hot spot (only if available)

Bleached coral reef salad (suitable for vegetarians)

Overfished ocean pie (a real mish-mesh of a meal)

Battered cod (served very rare)

A medley of aliens (with a native species

reduction)

Dessert

Rainforest gateau (with a prolific extinction

of species)

Food web fondue (with a monoculture dip)

Honey bee cheese cake (with a sharp reduction)

DrGeorgeMcGavindiscussesBiodiversitywithDrKendallWilliams.

Café des Sciences – ‘Biodiversity’

Café des Sciences is run by Dr Kendall Williams at St Edward’s School and

is supported by the Oxford International Biomedical Centre, a registered

charity which promotes healthcare, research and education. Each Café

has its own theme and the format is based on the traditional coffee house,

whereby students sit in informal groups, discussing a ‘menu’ of ideas. Eminent

scientists have taken part in previous Cafés, including Professor Richard

Dawkins and leading geneticist Professor Steve Jones.


BioDiversity

Themenualsoincludesthought-provokingquotesonthesametopic.

“The bulldozer and not the atomic bomb may turn out to be the most destructive invention of the 20th century.” PHILIP SHABECOFF

“In the end, our society will be de� ned not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy. “JOHN C SAWHILL,

“In the � nal analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet.”JOHN F. KENNEDY

“When I hear of the destruction of a species, I feel just as if all the works of some great writer have perished.”THEODORE ROOSEVELT

“What would the world be, once bereftOf wet and of wildness? Let them be left,O let them be left, wildness and wet;Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet.”GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest.It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”SIR DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” MAHATMA GANDHI

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The dangers of a scientifi cally illiterate society The dangers of a scientifi cally illiterate society


ManyseemsurprisedwhenIsaythat,despitestudyingscienceatuniversity,Idonotwanttobeascientist.Tome,thisisnodifferenttoahistorystudentstatingthathe/shedoesnotwanttobeahistorian.Contrarytopopularbelief,doingasciencedegreedoesnotbindyoutoalifeinalab.Iblamethisonnegativestereotypeswhichseemtouniversallydominatetheperceptionofscientistswhethertheyareresearchers,businesspeopleorteachers.

Societyisfullofstereotypes–positive,negative,accurateandinaccurate–andscienceisnoexception.Lastterm’sthemeinChapelwas“stereotypes”andmembersofstaffandpupilsbravedthepulpitanddiscussedvociferousevangelists,thesmall,quiet,sociallyineptchurchattendeesandthechunky-knitwear-cladbishops’daughters.Thereareevidentlysomanystereotypesofreligiouspeople,someaccurate,otherspurelycomic.However,thereseemstobeonlyoneforscientists.Instantlyattheword“scientist”manyofyouwillconjureupanimageofaskinnybeing,withcrazyhairandglasseswhichfillhalftheirface(eventhecoverofthisissueplaysuptotheseideas).Youcannotignorethesnortinglaughterornasalmannerofspeakingand,ofcourse,thewhitecoat.

BothmyparentshavePhDsinsciencesyetneitherofthemismalnourished,hasmadhairorwearsalabcoatonadaytodaybasis.Butthenagain,neitherofthemisaresearchscientist.

Sowhyisscience,asawhole,burdenedwithsuchundesirableassociations?Sciencehasmadeenormouseffortstoriditselfofitsnegativestereotypes.ForexampletheChemistrylabsarecoveredinpostersofmenwithshimmeringmusclesnexttolargediggersandscubadiverswithphrasessuchas,“Notallchemistswearwhitecoats”bubblingfromtheirsnorkels.True,manychemistsdonotwearwhitecoats,butthereisusuallyatleastthreeyearsofheavywhitecoatwearingatuniversitybeforechemistscanridthemselvesofthegarment.Butwhyisthewhitecoatsuchabadthing?Itreturnstothestereotype.Generalperceptionsofscientistsmeanthatbeingascientistissynonymouswithabeinglabresearcher.

Thisisthepointwherethescientificstereotypefallsdown.Noonecandenythattherearethosewhoepitomizethescientificstereotype,aswithouttheexistenceofsuchpeople,thestereotypewouldnotbesowellestablishedinthefirstplace.Butthisstereotypeonlyportraysatinyaspectofanenormous

field.TheareaofscienceIwanttoworkinoperatesontheonehandtocreateinterestintheworkthefundamentalscientistscarryout,butalsotodispelthepopularmythaboutwhatallscientistsarelike.Businessinscienceisthenextbigthing,andhasbeenforthelastfewdecades.Inanerawhentechnologyandsciencedominateoureverydayactions,marketshaveexploded.Thisnotonlyincludesimprovementson“machinesthatgoping”butaftertheGenomeProject,aninfinitenumberofdoorswereopenedonpersonalisedmedicines,geneticsandthesecretstoeternallife,tonameonlyafew.Toworkinbusinessinthescienceindustryrequirespeopleskillsaswellasscientificliteracy.However,withoutscientificliteracyamongstthegeneralpublic,thosedoingbusinessinsciencehaveamuchmoredifficulttask.

Thisbringsmeontomybiggestfearandconcernforthefuture:scienceilliteracy.Therearenumerouscasesofthedetrimentaleffectsofscienceilliteracy.ForexampleGMfoodsortheMMRscandalwhichfoundasupposedlinkedbetweenthevaccineandautism.Whetheritisalackofunderstandingormediahype,itisnothelpfultoseeheadlinessuchas“Frankensteinfoods”or“ThedarkartoftheMMRvaccine”.GMfoodsoffera

the dangers of a scientifi cally illiterate society

Maxine Mackintosh Upper Sixth

Why Study Chemistry? Why Study Chemistry?


sCienCe

why study Chemistry?Chemistryisthestudyofthepropertiesand

reactionsofsubstancesandtheirapplications

inourlives.Humanexistenceisreliantupon

Chemistry:medicines,drugs,dyes,pigments,

foods,flavours,vitamins,antioxidants,

fireworks,explosives,atomicbombs,fuels,

fertilisers,plastics,diamonds,batteries…the

scopeisboundlessandthestudyandpractice

ofChemistryhaveplayed,andcontinuetoplay,

amajorroleinshapingourcivilization.Itis

thecentralscience.Atthephysicalendofthe

spectrumittiesinwithagreatdealofresearch

intraditionalPhysicsandEngineering,andatthe

biochemicalendthereisvitaloverlapinareas

suchasmedicinedesignandsynthesis.

Itisalsovitaltoconsidertheglobalnatureof

theproblemsandissuesfacingmankind,andthe

roleallscienceshaveinsolvingthem.Whether

researchingandstudyingthecausesandeffects

oftheverytopicaldilemmaofclimatechange,

orthechemistryinvolvedindrugsynthesisand

testing,thesharingofideasandtheneedto

adaptsolutionstospecificglobalenvironments

ensuresanexcitingandinternationalaspectto

thesubject.

Chemistryisasubjectthatdemandsacademic

rigourandtheneedtoacquireanddevelophigh

levelpracticalskills.Itwillalsoinstilthefacts,

methodsandtechniquesneededtounderstand

thesubject,butitalsodevelopstheabilityto

usethematerialandmethodstaughtandapply

theminunusualcircumstances.Alliedtothe

developmentofthisadaptivethinkingwillbe

thegrowthofskillsintermsofanalysingand

evaluatingscientificinformationpresentedina

rangeofformats.

Itisalsoimportanttorememberthe

investigativenatureofChemistry.Whilstit

canbemaddeningwhenacarefullythought

throughplandoesnotgeneratetheresultsordata

expected,thebeautyofthesubjectisinrealising

youhavelearntsomethingdifferentbymistake,

ashavemanyillustriouschemistsbeforeyou.

ThestudyofChemistryisthoughtprovoking,

challengingandstimulating.Whereitleadsyou

isuptoyou!

potentialsolutiontofeedingourboomingpopulation.Andno,theMMRvaccinehasnolinktoautism;itwasmerelyaflawedexperimentwhichcametoill-foundedconclusions.Thebottomlineis:scientificignoranceinanagewheretechnologydominatesourworldandscienceplaysanever-growingroleinourdaytodaylifestyleisnotmerelyundesirablebutdangerous.Furthermore,itmakesadvancesmadeatthesource,inthelab,almostimpossibletobeacceptedorexplored.Withoutpopularsupportfromthegeneralpublic,politiciansareswayed,thosemarketingnewtechnologiescannotsellandthereforethosecreatingtheinnovationscannolongercreate.

Tostepbackfromthemediahype,however,andtolookatthesetwoexamplesinanunbiasedfashionrequiressomescientificliteracy.TohavethecourageandbackgroundtogobeyondtheheadlineswouldhaveallowedawholegenerationtoreceivetheMMRvaccineasscientificeducationalsohelpstoexplainthatnotallexperimentsareequallyvalid.Scientistsnowcomeinallshapesandsizessothepopularimageoftheestrangedintrovertinthelabshouldceasetoexist.Scientificevaluationshouldbecomeabasiclifeskillinthe21stcentury;otherwise,thediscoveriesattheforefrontofthefieldcanneverbefullyappreciatedandexploited.

Iendwithanextractfromthisweek’sTheWeek(11/06/11)onE.coliandGMfoods.“Butit’sEurope’spoliticiansandactivistswhohaveblockedprogressonthisissue[E.colioutbreak]…Itispossibletogeneticallymodifyplantssoastostopbacterialtoxinsgrowingwithinplantcells,yetinEuropethisproventechnologyhasrepeatedlybeenvilified,despiteitshugepotentialtohelpsafeguardfoodsupply.Perhaps“science,commonsenseandcivic-mindedness”willnowatlast“trumpideology”.”ThisisaperfectexampletosupportwhyIworryaboutscienceilliteracysomuch.Imakeitapersonalaimtoremaininthescientificfield,dispellingpopularmythsormisconceptionsaboutsciencesothateachindividualhasthecapabilityofevaluatingnewtechnologyordiscoveriesintheirownright,socasesliketheonementionedaboveneverreoccur.


In‘ThroughtheLooking-glass’,sequelto‘Alice’sAdventuresinWonderland’,Alicestepsthroughamirrorinherlivingroomandfindsherselfinaworldthatisamirror-reflectionoftherealone.Inthisworldthingsappearback-to-front,andtimeworksinreverse(sothatapersoncommittingacrimefindsthat“thetrialdoesn’tevenbeginuntilWednesday,andthecrimecomeslastofall”).Oneoutcomeofthismirror-worldisthatobjectsinitareexactlyreversed,andthatifyouwanttogoanywhereyouhavetoturnroundandwalktheotherway.Ontryingtoreturntothehousewiththelooking-glass,Alicefindsshemustwalkawayfromthehouseratherthantowardsit.

Thisparadoxofwalkingawayfromsomethinginordertoactuallymoveclosertowardsitisanallegorythatworksinscienceaswellasfiction.AlexanderFlemingdidn’texpecttodiscoverpenicillinbyleavingoutabacterialcultureinhislab,andshouldhaveclearedawaythepileofdirtydishesonhisworkstationtoavoidcontamination.Scientistsworkinginthe1800’stoimprovetheefficiencyofsteamenginesdidn’texpecttheirworktoresultinthediscoveryoffundamentalphysicalprinciples–thefirstandsecondlawofthermodynamics(thatenergycanneitherbecreatednordestroyed,andthatthetransferofenergyisinefficientandsystemsbecomemoredisorganizedovertime).InterestsinX-raysandnaturalfluorescenceledHenriBecquereltodiscoverradioactivitywhenuraniumrocksleftimprintsonphotographicplateshewasusingforhisX-raystudies.These‘Looking-glassHouseparadoxes’enabledestinationstobereachedwhilstwalkinginastraightlinetowardsthemmayactuallylead

youfurtherawayfromthem.Inmanycasesthediscoverieswerenotpredicted,andwereexamplesof‘chancefavouringthepreparedmind’(LouisPasteur),butallillustratethepointthatbyfollowingunpredictableoutcomesitispossibletocreateopportunitiesthatwouldremainoutofreachusingmorepredictableorlogicalmeans.

Theplanetiscurrentlyfacingabiodiversitycrisis.Deforestation,withanaverageoffourfootballpitchesofrainforestlosteveryfourseconds,andthedestructionofcoralreefthroughincreasesinseatemperaturesandacidification,haveledtotwoofthemostdiverseecosystemsbeingseverelydamagedoverthepastfewdecades.Humanpopulationgrowth,theintroductionofinvasivespeciestoareaswheretheyarenotnative,pollutionandoverharvestingofwildpopulationshaveallresultedinwhatscientistsarecallingthe‘sixthmassextinction’(thefifthone,65millionyearsago,wipedoutthedinosaurs).LogicsuggeststhattheonlywaytopreservetheEarth’sbiodiversityistostopallhumanactivitiesandputhumanexpansiononhold.Butperhapseffectivewaysofconservingtheplanet’srichescanbefoundbyapplyingtheprincipleoftheLooking-glassHouseparadox–byheadingoffinadirectionnotseeminglysuggestedbytheproblem,butonethatdoesultimatelyleadtoachievingthefinalgoal.OneofthemostsuccessfulconservationareasinSouth-eastAsia–theDanumValleyConservationAreainMalaysianBorneo–wassetupbytheloggingcompanythatwasexploitingtheforestsfortimber.

Novel ways to save the planet: the Looking-glass House paradoxDr Andrew Davis


Thiswouldnotsuggestthefoundationforasuccessfulandcomprehensiveconservationpolicy,yetthewealthofwildlifeintheareaandurgencyofstudyingtheecologybeforeitwaslostledtheUK’sRoyalSocietytosetuparesearchprogrammethere,whichinturndrewintouristsandfinancialrewards,createdemploymentandencouragedlocalinterestintheforest,whichledinturntoglobalpublicity,andultimatelytothelong-termsecurityforanareaofirreplaceablelowlandrainforestthesizeofSingapore.ThelessonfromDanumValleyisthatconservationwillonlyworkiflocalpeopleareinvolvedandhaveaninterestinpreservingbiodiversity–educationprogrammes,research,andlocalaswellasinternationalfundingallhelpwiththis.Apragmaticapproachhasthereforeledtoconservationsuccesswhereasamoreconventionalapproach(e.g.fencingofftheareaandpreservingtheforestasonewouldpreserveexhibitsinamuseum)wouldprobablyhaveledtotheultimatelossofthisuniqueresource

“…Where is the voice of nature calling us? Back to a pre-modern age? Or forward to a saner future?” Theodore Adorno

TheDisneyCorporationisnotautomaticallyassociatedinmostpeople’smindswithconservationandthefighttosavetheplanet.WhenvisitingDisneyWorldinFloridaoneisconfrontedbyaplethoraofMickeyMouse-themeddisposables,plastictoysfromChina,andconsumptiononavastscale.Golfcoursesreplacenativeswampforest.However,bydevelopinga

world-classattractioninanotherwiseundevelopedareaofFlorida,drawingintouristsfromaroundtheglobe,financesbecomeavailabletoconservelargeareasoftheremainingFloridaforestsandthebiodiversitytheycontain,andtosetupafoundationthatfundsconservationprojectsaroundtheworld.Italsoenablesthecorporationtoeducatethepublicaboutconservationissues,viatheirAnimalKingdom(whichhasanimpressiveconservationcentre),Epcot(withitsprogressivemessageofsustainabilityandtheuseoftechnologicalinnovationtohelpsolvetheworld’sfoodcrisis).EventheMagicKingdom,showpieceoftheDisneyWorldcomplex,sendsaninspirationalmessageofwhatcanbeachievedthroughthevisionofoneindividual–WaltDisney.ThepayoffofthecommercialjuggernautthatistheDisneyCompanyistheproactiveanddynamicconservationoftheEarth’sresources.SomemayarguethatDisneyisonlyusingconservationasa‘cover’(or‘greenwash’)forlesspositiveeffectsitishavingontheenvironment,butthepositiveimpactsthatsuchamajorandpubliclyvisibleinstitutioncanhaveshouldnotbeunderestimated.

TheEarth’snaturalresourcesarerapidlybeingdepleted–ifactionisnottakenrapidlythedamagemaybeirreversible.Perhapswe,likeAlice,needtousetheLooking-glassHouseparadoxtoouradvantage,andbemorecreativeandlesspredictableinthewaywetackleenvironmentalissues.Novelwaysmayinthiswaybefoundtosavetheplanet–theshortestroutebetweentwopointsmaynotalwaysbeastraightline.

The Arts


sPort

Lower School Musicians’ Recital: September 2009, Sixth Form Musicians’ Recital: Concert for Vale Housenovember 2009

Thefirstsetofthreeconcertsintheyearenabledthemusicawardholderstopulltogetherasagroupanddeviseaprogrammetoshowcasetheirstrengthsandinterestsasperformers.Formany,thismeansofferingsoloitems,butforothers,ensembleitemsorlarger-scalechoirsorchambergroupsareencouraged.TheLowerSchoolmusicianstookonthechallengetoperforminaconcertjustfourweeksintoterm.Wellsupportedbyanaudienceoffamilyandfriends,musiciansfromthefirstthreeyears,includingthenewShellmusicscholars,performedworksrangingfromTchaikovsky,PoulencandSquireminiatures,toJerryRaffertysaxsolosandLloydWebbertheatresongs!Similarly,theSeniormusicianscameupwithaverywellbalancedprogramme,endingwithawindquintetdevisedbyL6musicscholarGeorgeParris.

ThebestitemsofferedwerethenputforwardtorepresenttheschoolatthesecondeverconcertforValeHouse,thelocalAlzheimer’scharity,heldintheChapelinearlyNovember.

Choral and Orchestral Concert: Haydn Nelson Mass, Beethoven Piano Concerto no 3october 2009

ThefirstmajorchoralandorchestralconcertoftheyeartookplacejustbeforeOctoberhalf-term,afterjustsixweeksofterm.TheChapelChoircombinedforceswithStEdward’sSingersinperformingHaydn’sNelsonMass.WrittenatthetimeoftheNapoleonicwars,andthereforesubtitledMissainangustiis(Massinthetimeofwar),itstillmaintainsthejoyfulspiritofHaydn’spraisetoGod.ThechoralforcesworkedstronglywiththeaugmentedforcesoftheSchoolSymphonyOrchestra,inbringingouttheenergyandmomentumofthework.Fourprofessionalsoloistsjoinedthechorus:CarysLane,LucyBallard,WilliamBalkwillandGilesUnderwood.TheperformancewasdirectedbyStEdward’sHeadofCulturalActivities,NevilleCreed.

Inthefirsthalfoftheconcert,thetalentsofoneofStEdward’sUpperSixthstudentswereabletoshine.ChristopherBurrowsplayedthefirstmovementofBeethoven’sPianoConcertono3,conductedbyAlexTester.Chrisplayedwithmusicalityandsensitivity,workingwellwiththeorchestratobringouttheclassicallystructuredlinesandthebeautifulmelodicstylewithconfidence.

Thiswasasuperboccasion,especiallysoclosetothestartoftheyear–awonderfuldisplayofthestrongmusicalpotentialoftheschoolatpresent.

Music at St Edward’s: A Review of the Year 2009-2010 How wonderful to come in as the new Director of Music, and fi nd St Edward’s in such good spirit. The year 2009-2010 showcased every style of music, and it was good to see how many of the school were getting involved in choirs, orchestras and bands, as well as performing in the fortnightly Soirées. The following tries to encapsulate the year’s main musical events: from small chamber concerts to the more major public platforms. Thank you to everyone – staff , students and parents – who got involved. Alex Tester

The Arts


arts


Chapel Choir sing for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance: Royal Albert Hallnovember 2009

Itisrarethatanopportunitycomestoaschoolchoirtotakealeadingpartinanationalfestival,performedinfrontofHMTheQueen,andtelevisedtomillionsonBBCTV;butitwasanhonourwhichcametoStEdward’sinearlyNovember2009.Membersfromtheschool’sChapelChoirtravelledtoLondon,havingpreparedindetailthemusicforboththeconcertandserviceheldattheRoyalAlbertHallon7November.

ThechoirsanganarrangementofYou’llneverwalkaloneduringthemainpartoftheFestival,toaccompanytheentryoftheWarWidowsandRelatives,beforechangingfromuniformtocassocks,toleadthemajorreligiouspartoftheFestival:theDrumHeadServiceandtheActofRemembrance.Here,theChoirwereparticularlyinvolvedinsingingtheresponsesfortheprayers,inconjunctionwithdifferentChaplainsforthevariousmilitarysections,aswellassomepartsreadbythePrincessRoyal.MusicforthewholeoccasionwasaccompaniedbytheMassedBands

andOrchestraoftheGuardsDivision,theBandofHMRoyalMarinesandtheCentralBandoftheRoyalAirForce.

TheafternoonperformancewasbroadcastonBBCRadio2,andtheeveningperformancewasshownonBBC1.TheeveningeventwasinfrontofacapacityaudienceintheRoyalAlbertHall,whichhadinvitedguests,HMTheQueen,otherroyaltyandpoliticiansinattendance,aswellasatelevisionaudienceof6million.OtherperformersonthenightincludedjazzstarJamieCullum,mezzo-sopranoFaryl,andArmedForcessweetheartVeraLynn.

Itwasauniqueandmovingexperience–aneveningtoremember.Thechoirworkedveryhardtosingtoprofessionalstandards,andweregreatambassadorsfortheschool.Itwasalongday,leavingat6am,andbackatmidnight,butthere’slittledoubtthatitwasamazingtobepartof.Welldonetoallstudentsinvolved.

It was a unique and moving experience – an evening to remember. The choir worked very hard to sing to professional standards, and were great ambassadors for the school.


tHe arts

Jazz Hournovember 2009

AspartoftheweekendofShellplays,manyflockedtotheHalltoseethefirstoutingofourmajorwind,brassandjazzensembles.TheConcertBand,JazzBandandBigBandplayedwithflairandenergy,interspersedwithchamberitemsfromEllaPhillipsandJosieWilliams(singers,IVForm),PatrickBurrows(clarinet,VForm),RosalieWarner(harp,U6)andStEdward’sresidentHouseBand–ledbyourinimitableGaryHowarthontrumpet.Agreatwayofendingwhatwasamemorableweekendofperformancesbothdramaticallyandmusically.

Fiorini Piano Trionovember 2009

ItwasajoytowelcometheFioriniPianoTriotoStEdward’sforachambermusicmasterclassandrecitalinlateNovember2009.Anall-AustralianpianotriobasedinLondon,thegroupincludedVictorSangiorgio(oneofStEdward’sleadingpianoteachers)andcametousnightsbeforeperformingamajorrecitalataLondonconcerthall.Theirrecital,includingworksbyRohanStevensonandSchumann,wasprecededbythetrioworkingwiththeschool’sstringquartetsandtrios.Thestudentsenjoyedgainingadvicefromthisveryexperiencedgroupofperformersandeducationalists.

The Bands Concertfebruary 2010

Thesuccessfulformulafrom2009wasrepeatedthisyear,astheNewHallwastransformedon28Februaryintoanightclub/restaurant,withtheaudiencesittingatcandlelittablesandrefreshmentsavailablethroughouttheevening.ConcertBandsperformedfromthemain“theatrestage”whileBigBandsandjazzensemblesplayedfromeitherside.

Oneoftheperformers(EleLighterUVI)sanghersoft-focusjazzfromthelightinggallery,givingherangelicvoiceanappropriateloftylocation.TheheavenlythemecontinuedwithsomemellifluousharpplayingfromRosalieWarner(UVI)positionedatthecentreoftheaudiencearea.

StEdward’swasdelightedtowelcometheConcertBandandBigBandoftheDragonSchoolunderthedirectionofDavidSmith.Theeveningopenedwitharousingrenditionofthe‘StarWars’musicplayedbybothschools’ConcertBandsunderthedirectionofRobHugheswhomastermindedtheeveningwithhisusualflair.

Theaudiencewastreatedtoexcellentplayingfrombothschools’BigBandsandsomebrilliantvirtuosityfromavarietyofStEdward’sJazzBands.

TheeveningclosedwiththeModernJazzEnsemblegivinganintenseperformanceoftheStarskyandHutchthememusicwhichprovidedopportunitiesforthethreeConcertBandLeaderstodisplaytheirimprovisatoryskillsinthishigh-poweredgroup(AidanIrwin-Singer–saxophone;CarlosPosada–guitarandGeorgeCreed–trombone:allmembersoftheUVI).Asthefinalitemprogressed,guestsjoinedinandweweretreatedtoawesomeimprovisationsbytheDragon’sDavidSmithonaltosaxandStEdward’sGaryHowarthontrumpet.

Thismagnificenteveningofentertainmentalsoraisedover£350fortheHaitiEarthquakeAppeal.

The Orchestral Concertfebruary 2010

Inanewdeparture,theSymphonyOrchestraandChamberOrchestraweregiventheirownplatformtoimpress,inanewOrchestralConcerton7February.TheChamberOrchestraopenedtheprogrammewiththeIntermezzofromHaryJanosSuitebyKodalyunderthedirectionofMusicGraduateAssistantEdBell,aswellasthefirsttwomovementsofBeethoven’sSymphonyno1underGabsDamiani.Bothitemsweredeliveredwithskillandprecision,findingarealvoicewithintwoverydifferentstyles.

TheSymphonyOrchestrathencompletedtheprogrammeunderthebatonofAlexTester,withfourcontrastingitems:theOverturefromTheMagicFlute–Mozart,MarchtotheScaffoldfromSymphonieFantastique–Berlioz,TheBlueDanube–Strauss,andtherousingRadetzkyMarch–Strauss.ThispopularbutdemandingprogrammegavetheOrchestraachancetoraisetheirgame,andrisetothechallengeofsustainingalengthyprogrammeforthefirsttime.Thistheydidadmirably.Collectionsweretaken,raising£650fortheHaitiEarthquakeAppeal.


tHe arts

Battle of the Rock Bandsmarch 2010

It’sjustasimportantforrockandalternativemusicianstostriveforthebeststandardsandresults,anditwasjoytowatchanewlyformalisedBattleoftheBandscompetitionintheHallon20March.Here,fivebandscompetedfortheprestigiouscupandtheprizeofrecordingtimeinaprofessionalstudio.ThecompetitionwasjudgedbyRobStevensonandSpencerWalker(OSEs),bothofwhomweremembersofASilentFilm,abandwhosesingleYouwillleaveamarkshottonumber1inthePortuguesecharts.

Thefivestudententriesrepresentedalmosteverygenreofpopandrock:“Suspect”playedhitsbyOasisandLedZeppelin,“TheBand”playedtwosongsbyArcticMonkeys,“Bustickettonowhere”playedanoriginaltrackandacoverbyGreenDay,and“Kyennis”playedtwoexperimentaltracksincorporatingcomputer-drivenbeatsandelectronicaguitarsandkeyboards.

Butthesefourwerebeatenby“InvisibleVicars”,abandofferingpolishedperformancesoftracksbyFightstarandAvengedSevenfold.ThethreemembersofthebandweredrawnfromtheIVformandL6inSing’sHouse.

Chapel Choir: Music for Passiontidemarch 2010

TheChapelandChamberChoirsgaveanatmosphericandsemi-liturgicalperformanceinChapelon21March,offeringanexcellentrecitalofchoralmusic,interspersedwithreadingsforPassiontidedeliveredbyseveraltalentedpupils.ThejuxtapositionofreadingsandmusicwasveryeffectiveanditwasparticularlypoignanttohearHannahRead’sreadingofthebiblicaltextGreaterlovehathnomanandthentohearitsunginthemellifluoussettingbyJohnIreland.TheChamberChoirtackledsomedemandingrepertoire:Bach’sintricatemotetJesu,meineFreude,Tallis’SalvatormundiandLotti’sindulgentCrucifixuswhichwasbroughtintofocusbyClioChartres’Crucifixionreading.TheChapelChoirsetthemselvesahugechallengeinperformingFinzi’scomplexyettellingextendedanthemLo,thefullfinalsacrificeaswellastheFiveNegroSpiritualsfromTippett’sAChildofourTime.BothitemsweregivenfineperformancesandtherewereexcellentsolosfromanumberofUpperSixthpupils:RosalieWarner,OliviaDavies,AmyHicks,GeorgeCreed,AidanIrwin-SingerandChrisBurrows;andMaxNarulaandGeorgeParrisintheL6th.

House Singing Competitionmarch 2010

TheusualrivalrieswereinplaceastheschoolembarkedupontheannualHouseSingingCompetitionon26March.Thecompetitionwasofahighstandard,asever,andjudgedthisyearbyProfessorMartinStokes(OSE)fromStJohn’sCollegeOxford,andMrsElizabethCohen,aDirectorofMusicfromCroydon.

Followingatightly-foughtcompetition,thefollowingpositionswereannounced:Unisons–1stSings(AidanIrwin-Singer),2ndAvenue,3rdOakthorpe,4thSegar’s,5thCorfeHarmonies–1stTilly’s(TomMitchell),2ndSegar’s,3rdMac’s,4thOakthorpe,5thFieldHouse.

Welldonetoalltheschoolfortheirinvolvementandcommitment.

Upper Sixth Leavers’ Platformmay 2010

ItwasajoythisyeartocelebrateandthankourUpperSixthmusiciansfortheirfiveyearsofmusic-makingatStEdward’s.Elevenperformerswereinvitedtoperforminaleavers’platformon2May.TheconcertwasheldattheJacquelineduPréMusicBuildingatStHilda’sCollege,acityrecitalvenuewhichwasperfecttoholdanaudienceofover120friends,familyandschoolsupporters.Amongstthesewerestudentsandstaffwhomtheperformershadpersonallyinvitedinordertothankthemfortheirsupportovertheirtimeintheschool.

Theprogrammewasasuperbvarietyofconcertomovementsandmajorsoloworks.TheeveningincludedthefirstmovementofMozart’sFluteandHarpConcerto,amovementfromMessiaen’sQuartetfortheendoftime,aChopinFantasieImpromptuandthreesongsfromaBrittensongcycle.

Choral and Orchestral Concert: Tippett A Child of our Timemay 2010

It’sveryunusualforaschooltoundertakeamajorworksuchasthis,butthereissomuchdepthandmusicalpowerwithinTippett’sAChildofourTimethatitwaswortheverymomentofhardworkforsingers,orchestraandaudience.Over120singersfromtheChapelChoirandStEdward’sSingersjoinedtogetheron16Maytoperformthisdramaticandhighlymovingwork.

Fourguestsoloists,SusanYoung,KateSymonds-Joy,DanielNormanandRoderickWilliamstooktheaudienceonajourneythrough“shadowandlight”inthis,aworkinspiredbyNaziatrocitiesinwar-timeGermany,andfocussedupontheimageryandoppressionofwartimefromapacifistcomposer’spointofview.Itwasadelighttowelcomeaprofessionalorchestra,MusiciansoftheDreamingSpires,ledbyourviolinteacherOlivierBonniciwhoaccompaniedthechoirinthehauntinglypowerfulscore,whichlinksindividualrecitativeviewpointswiththefivewell-knownspirituals.TheperformancewasconductedbyNevilleCreed.


Little Shop of Horrors: musical theatre productionmay 2010

Anadrenalinejunkydentistoverdosingonlaughinggasbeforebeingfedtoagiant,man-eatingplantisnottheexpectedplotlineforapieceofmusicaltheatre.YetasDentist(TomBell)hystericallypassedaway,TheNorthWallstagewassetforthemoreorthodoxromancebetweentheBeauty(GooseCharlton)andtheGeek(BenStreet).Yes,thisterm’sshowwas‘LittleShopofHorrors’–ownedbytheunlikelyfloristMushnick(GeorgeSephton)whosecomicandconnivingaccentneverfaltered.Thedirection(KatrinaEden,EdBellandBethSteer)wasintelligentandsubtle,allowingBenStreetandGooseCharlton(bothpictured,right)totrulyflourishinboththeirvocalanddramaticperformance.

OtherhighlightsincludedXaverTouschek’schillingappearanceasAudreyII,thefingersnappingtrioofViolaHazlerigg,MaxineMackintoshandEllaPhillips,adelightfulcameofromHamishBrewsterandalivelychoruslinesportingafabulouslyretrowardrobe(mypersonalfavouritewasAnnaSchroder’scoat).Itwasafantasticperformance,colourfulandmemorable,bringingtogetheranenjoyableunionofmusicandlyrics.

Chamber Choir sing at Corfe Castlejune 2010

ItwasajoytotaketheChamberChoirtotheParishChurchofStEdwardatCorfeCastleon20June.TheysangwiththelocalparishchoirataspecialservicetocommemoratethestoryofStEdwardKingandMartyr,andwerethentakenaroundthecastle.Thechoirsangverywellinaselectionofhymnsandanthems.

Tippett Quartet lecture and recitaljune 2010

Theworld-renownedTippettStringQuartetvisitedtheschoolon29June,givingarecitalintheNorthWall,aftergivingalecture-recitalformanyofourstringplayersandacademicmusicians.TheirprogrammefeaturedquartetsbyBritten,BorodinandRavel,andinadditiontotheiramazingperformance,theirinspiredworkshopincludedapottedhistoryofthestringquartet.

Whenthepupilswereaskedifanyofthemcomposed,IBmusicstudentBenStreetmentionedthathehappenedtohavehisrecently-completedquartetonhimandwasecstaticwhenthevisitingquartetsaidtheywouldliketoplayit.Theygaveasuperbperformancewhichwealsomanagedtorecord.Ben,anenthusiasticcellistaswellascomposersaid,‘WhenIshowedthemmyquartetIdidn’tbelievetheywouldplayit!’

tHe arts


Gaudy Concertjuly 2010

Asistraditional,theGaudyConcerttookplaceonthelastFridayofterm,andinvolvedasmanyoftheschool’smusiciansaswasphysicallypossible!TheprogrammeincludedtraditionalfarefromConcertBand(TheGael,includingpipersHamishAtkinsonandCameronMacRitchie),closeharmonyfromChapelChoirandVox,aVivaldiconcertogrossofromtheChamberOrchestra(includingsolospotsfromHenryBickers,CharlieHarnden,PatrickBurrowsandMaxNarula),andotherorchestralworksbyRavel,WarlockandMussorgsky.

Afterwards,therewastheusualjazzjamintheHall,withModernJazzEnsembletakingcharge,aswellasthreerip-roaringstandardswiththeBigBandtofinish.Anothernighttoremember,closingastunningyearofmusic.

tHe arts

The Dance Show, School Hall february 2010

TherichdiversityofdancetalentatStEdward’swasgivenanexcellentopportunitytoflourishinthe2010DanceShow.Oversixtypupilswereinvolvedinawidevarietyofgenres.SomememorableindividualballetperformancesweredeliveredbyCharlotteAvern,AntoniaWebb,JosieWilliams,CeliaHigsonandEmmaPreston.ThisseriousanddemandingartisgrowingatStEdward’sandmorepupilsarenowenteringfortheRADexams.TherewerenumerousensembleitemsfeaturingTap,Acro,HipHop,MusicalTheatre,Cheerleading,ContemporaryandStreetJazz.AnewcolourfulitemthisyearwastheFlamencodancechoreographedbyMariannaVellopoulou.Attheendoftheshow,seniordancerCharlotteAvernthankedtheexpertteamofdanceteachersunderthedirectionofLisaElkinsforcreatingsomehighlyimaginativechoreographythroughouttheevening.ThedancersweresupportedbysomewonderfulsoundprovidedbyJamesAdkinsandlightingprovidedbyMaxNarula.

Dance Showcase – Time – North Wall july 2010

Inanewventurefor2010itwasdecidedtoaddaneventtotheGaudyConcertonthefinalFridayoftheSummerTerm.TheDanceShowcasewasthereforescheduledtorunimmediatelybeforetheconcert.Astheschoolincreasesitsartisticactivitiesattheendofthesummerterm,itseemsincreasinglylikelythataGaudyArtsFestivalwillemergeinthesummerof2011.TheShowcaseopenedinfinestylewithtwentypupilsperformingaContemporaryitementitledNightoftheDancingFlame.OthergenresondisplaywereTap,Cheerleading,StreetJazz,HipHopandBallet.WithLisaElkinsawayonmaternityleave,MelissaAllenwasgiventhetaskofproducingtheperformancesandshesteppedintotherolemosteffectively.SoundandlightwereprovidedbyAntoniaWebb,MilesFisherandCliveStevenson.TheshowwasalsoenhancedbysomeexcellentprojectionsprovidedbyJamesAdkinsandCamillaEnglish.


sCHooL PLay

Henry VCast

SebDeSouza(Henry)

MirandaStewart(Princess)

HughColes(Dauphin)

AlexBurns

AlexDonaghy

AlexHayes

AntoniaSpeir

BenjaminLebus

BenStreet

EllieJohnson

EmilyMarshall

FreddieCrossley

FreddieStrickland

HamishBrewster

HarryHumphreys

JamesCaio

JamieJay

JessieStevenson

JosieWilliams

KitLloyd

LaurenceEllis

LucieBoyle

MattWilliams

MaxineMackintsoh

NaomiLawson

PaulDeane

SamRobinson

SiohieNeal

TomField

XaverTouchek

GooseCharlton

DavidSansom

CarlosPosanda

BarneyHughes

NickQuarterley

TonySnell


sCHooL PLay

Around the HousesAround the Houses

Avenue HouseAvenuehadagoodyear,undertheleadershipofHeadofHouseHarrietConafrayandhertwodeputies,HarrietteBrownandLucyJohnson.HighlightsoftheyearincludedtheShellplays,underthedirectorshipofVickyStorey,SophieSlemeckandRosieHenriques,withHarrietMaindsperformingparticularlywellasafairygodmother!TheSteeplechasewasalsoahighlight,withClairaMiesegaeswinningthejuniorevent.TheinauguralAvenue/Cowell’sChristmasDinnerwasanenjoyableblacktieoccasionatOrielCollege.Throughouttheyear,manygirlsperformedwithdistinctioninavarietyofmusicalandtheatricalproductions–includingOliviaDavies’movingsolosinChapelandSophieNeal,AntoniaSpeirandLucieBoyletreadingtheboardsinHenryV.AvenueShowcasewasarelaxedandentertainingevening–withallofthegirlsshowcasingavarietyofart,music,dramaanddance.TheYouTubephenomenon“Crazybacon”gavetheirdebutperformancetoopentheevening;musicalhighlightsincludedthesolosofLilyDaviesandLauraMallows,aswellastheduetbetweenBobbieFairhurstandEllaJohnson;“CeciltheCaterpillar”and“theOwlandthePussyCat”werealsoverywellreceivedbytheaudience.ThegenerosityofAvenueparentsledtoseveralhundredpoundsbeingraisedonthenightfortheJohnRadcliffehospital.TheHousepulledtogetherwellforHouseShout,withastirringperformanceoftheBeatles“ComeTogether”,leadingtoarunners-uppositionintheunisoncompetition.Inthesportingarena,anumberofgirlsperformedwithdistinction:inparticular,HarrietConafrayas1stXIhockeycaptainledtheteamtotheregionalfinalsandImmyMansfieldasRowingCaptainwonamedalattheNationalSchools’Regatta.InHouseChallenge,theteamofOliviaDavies,KatiePleming,LizzieGrantandKatherineTroellerensuredthatAvenuecontinuedtheirimpressiverun–winningeverymatchtoretainthetrophyforthethirdyearrunning.Academically,AvenuehadaverygoodyearwiththeFourthFormandFifthFormregularlywinningthePrepEffortprizes,aplethoraofexcellentGradeCardsinallyeargroupsandimpressiveGCSE,IBandALevelresults.Insummary,allofthemembersofAvenueHousein2009-10canlookbackontheirachievementswithprideanditwasaprivilegetoworkwiththegirls.Rachel BellamyHousemistress

Cowell’s and Oakthorpe High Ropes Courseseptember 2009

AtthestartoftheAutumnTermtheLowerSixthfromCowell’sandOakthorpespentasunnySundayafternoonleapingoffplatforms30feetupintheair.Throughaseriesofadrenaline-filledactivitiesattheCotswoldWaterPark,theirteambuildingandcommunicationskillswerepushedtonewlimits.Whetherthroughthe‘LeapofFaith’(whichsimulatesjumpingoutofanaeroplane),the‘SingleTotem-PoleChallenge’orthe‘StairwaytoHeaven’,thetwogroupssuccessfullynegotiatedtheirwaythroughultimatetestsofcourage.


Around the Houses


aroUnD tHe HoUses

Cowell’s House (and Guests!) Sponsored Parachute Jump: may 2010

OnSunday16thMay,7intrepidmembersoftheSixthFormbravedrainandwindtojumpoutofaplaneat13,000ftoverRAFWestonontheGreentoraisemoneyfortheirfavouritecharity.Betweenthemthepupilshavereachedtheirtargetof£4,000after45secondsoffreefallandagentledescentthroughthecloudsthereafter.

Luke Farrant–forStichtingMedicalActionMyanmar–acharitythatfliesmedicalaidintoBurmaMiles Fisher–fortheNystagmusNetworkGeorge Chetwode–forKidneyResearchJade Wilkinson (Avenue)–fortheJohnRadcliffeCharitableFunds(includingtheheartcentre,cancerfundandthefundforchildren)Katie Pfeiffer(Avenue)–forActionAidHarry Stansfi eld (Field)–foraRomanianOrphanagethathewillbevisitingoverthesummerEd Strong (Segar’s)–forMalawiDreamChris Hatton–LinkEthiopia

Field House MaxDavieswasappointedHeadofHouse,ablyassistedbyDeputyRhuariBinning,whosebrotherhadbeenHeadofHouseafewyearsearlier.FergusBibbywasappointedHeadofSchool,thethirdFieldHouseboyinarowtoholdthisposition,whileJamesAdkins,SebastianAnastassiouandXaverTouschekwereappointedSchoolprefects.

TheAutumntermalsosawFergusBibby,inadditiontohisroleasHeadofSchool,beingappointedasCaptainofRugby,aroleheperformedwithcommitmentandintelligence.TheHouse,asusual,suppliedmorethanitsfairshareofplayersfortheRugbyteamsthroughouttheschool,AlexHargreavessharingthecaptaincyoftheJuniorColtsAwithhiscousinandfellowFieldHouseboyJamesConnolly.OurShellplaywasveryamusingandofexcellentquality,andthoughwedidnotwin,RobertFletcherwaschosenasthecompetition’sbestactor.OurhouseconcertwithKendallwasajoyousoccasionwithmanyoutstandingpiecesplayedbyboysofallages,includinganexcellentbandcomprisedentirelyofShellsandaparent!IntheHouseRugbymatcheswewontheIVthFormcompetitionandfoundourselvesinthefinaloftheVIthFormagainstaTilly’steamwhich,onpaper,wasfarstrongerthanus.Athalftimewehadscored,thankstoamagnificentrunbyFergusBibby,whereastheyhadnot;theTilly’scrowdwasabsolutelysilent.Sadlyforus,theirsuperiorityeventuallyshowedthroughandwecameoutsecond.ThetermendedwithawonderfuldinneratTrinityCollegewiththegirlsofCorfeHouse.

TheSpringtermbeganwiththeappointmentofRichardSansomasCaptainofBoats,aroleheperformedwithdistinctionandwit.TheUVIthputonadinnerforwhichtheyeachinvitedagirlfromtheiryear.Theydidallthecookingfortheoccasionandentertainedtheirguestsmagnificently.TheHouseHockeycompetitionbroughtmixedresults.Theseniorsweren’tstrongenoughtomakemuchheadwaybutthejuniorswereunrivalled,scoring17goalsandconcedingnone.Inevitablytheywonthecompetitioningloriousstyle.Thoughwehadastronghouseshoutandharmonywedidnotmanagetoconvincethejudgesofoursuperiority.

TheSummertermbroughtusgreatsuccessontheRiver.Wewonboththejuniorinterhouserowingandtheseniorinterhouserowing.Thiswasthefirstyearforaverylongwhilethattheseraceshadbeenheldanditwaslovelytoseetheirresurrection.WewerebeateninthefinalofthejuniorhouseCricket.Givenalltheseresults,weendedupgainingtheoverallhousecompetitionwinners’cupinthejuniorsandcomingsecondtoTilly’sintheseniors.OurHouseDinneratthebeginningofthesummertermwasagreatsuccess,everyoneincludingourmanyCommonRoomguestshavingawonderfultime.TheWardenwasgenerousenoughtosponsortherefurbishmentoftheprefects’commonroom,andanotherquarterofthehousewasrefurbishedinexcellentstylebytheschooloverthesummerholidays.

AttheendoftheyearGarethPlayfair,ourinspirationalAssistantHM,leftuswithhiswonderfulwifeEmmaandtheiryoungsonOlivertobeHeadofRSatMarlboroughCollege,hisplacebeingtakenbyMichaelGray.SimonArnold,averylongstandingtutoranddevotedfriendofFieldHouseboys,lefttobecomeHeadofDesignandTechnologyatSedbergh.Bothgreatmenhavebeenmuchmissed.

MaxandhisprefectswereawonderfullykindandthoughtfulUVIthandcouldnothavebeenmorehelpfultomeasaHousemaster.Itismuchowingtothemandtothepeerlessministrationsofoursaintedmatron,JennieHill,thattheHousewasinexcellentheartthroughouttheyear.WithbestwishestoallFieldHouseboysbothpastandpresent.


In2009-10,Segar’sexperiencedayearofcaringandgenerallyoutstandingleadershipfromahard-workingandcommittedgroupofUpperSixthprefects.

TheseniorHousePrefectsweremodest,unassumingandhugelytalentedyoungmen,withanadvancedlevelofmaturityandcapacityforempathy:WillThomson,aphilosopherwithadeepsocialandmoralconscience;SamChambers,afriendtoallandanoutstandingrolemodel;MatthewWilliams,apeerlistenerwithaheartforthelonelyorsidelined;andGeorgeCreed,our

Segar’s House SchoolPrefectinvolvedatthehighestlevelinsportsandmusic.Thelegacyofthisyear-groupwillbearedefiningoftheroleofHousePrefect:caring,helpfulandgenuinelyinterestedinthelivesandhappinessoftheyoungerboys.AlreadyIhavenoticedthenewPrefectsfulfillingthisrole,andthenewShellsbeginningtolookuptothemwithadmirationandaffection.

OtherhighlightsincludetheexcellentIBandA-levelresultsachievedbythiscohort,alongwithasatisfyingsetofGCSEresultsfromtheFifthForm.OurShellsandFourthFormimpressedwiththeirGradeCards,theShellswinning£200duringthecourseoftheyearforprepeffort,andtheFourthsnarrowlymissingout(IblamethedubiouscountingalgorithmemployedbytheSeniorTutor!).TherewassuccessintermsofHouseSpiritandparticipationineventsliketheSteeplechase–somegreatindividualperformancesfromthelikesofCharlieHarrisandJoeBurrows,Interhousesport–runners-upinthelower/middleschoolrugbyandcricketcontests,ShellPlays–bestscript,HouseSinging–4thintheunisonand2ndintheharmony,tonameafewhighlights.TheboysarehappyandathomeintheHouse,andthisbringsmethegreatestjoy,withoutbeingtoocomfortable–theyareconstantlyencouragedbytheirteachers,tutorsandbymetomeetandexceedtheexpectationswehaveofthem,particularlyintheareaofacademicachievement,andalsoinsports,music,drama,etc.

TheacademichighlightsoftheyearincludedWillThomson’s40pointsintheIBdiploma,andfouroutofnineA-levelcandidateswithstraightA-levelAgrades(WillCalder,GeorgeCreed,EdwardPontiandMatthewWilliams).ThebestGCSEresultscamefromTonyLea,whoachievedanexceptional8A*sand2As.

St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10 | 41St Edward’S ChroniClE 2009/10 | 41

Sing’sSegar’s Housea selection of highlights of the year

• Very good prefecting from the U6, good house spirit, happy hard-working boys

• Inter-house sport – 2nd in Rugby (juniors), 2nd in Cricket (juniors) – the future looks promising

• Shell plays – best script (and of course we were robbed not to win best play!)

• House Singing Competition – 2nd in harmony and 4th in unison

• Shells, Fourths and Fifths consistently at the top of the average eff ort ratings for class and prep boys’ houses; in addition our Shells won the £100 eff ort prize for prep twice

• Segar’s House News – a regular House newsletter produced by the boys. Edward Ponti tried his hand at editing, with great success.

• As ever, the regular gatherings in our kitchen have been very popular, so good for the morale of the House, and for keeping the boys in close contact with me and Astrid. The aim is for every boy in the House to come into our kitchen almost every week for something. We have had Saturday night food (every Saturday for every year group), birthdays by year group, Waffl e and Cocoa Nights, Pancake Evenings, Dominos Nights, BBQs, and a few themed evenings (e.g. Xander’s Israeli evening)

• Environmental awareness and sustainability: nine laying hens and a vegetable garden – sowing and reaping by the Shells and Fourths

• House Shop – run by the Fifths

• The Leavers’ Ball was a highlight this year – because most of our leavers were such good role models to the younger boys

Themomentouseventsof2009-2010werenotconfinedtothecataclysmsoftheoutsideworld:nosoonerhadthedustsettledonthesagaoftheIcelandicvolcanothanMrPollittannouncedhiswell-deservedappointmenttoSegar’sasAssistantHM.InhisrelativelyshorttimeinSing’s,hewonhugeaffectionandrespectfromeveryoneinthehouse.Shortlyafterwards,thenewscamethatMrHugheswasretiringafteralongschoolcareerofdistinctionandutterdedicationasteacher,AssistantHeadofMusicand,latterly,asabrillianttutortoSing’s5thform.EithermanwouldbedifficulttoreplacebuttolosebothishardertostomachthananOscarWildeaphorism.Andthen,thedramaoftheGeneralElection….Thecompromiseofthefirstpeacetimecoalitiongovernmentfor70yearswasnevergoingtoappealtoSing’s,thehousewhoseprefectdutyclipboardcontained,amongsttheusualanatomicallyimplausiblegraffitiandludicrousexhortations,theuncompromisingandferventlyright-wingline“No!tofurtherEuropeanintegration”.

Thedefiningeventoftheyearthough,wasour24-hourtriathlonwhichraisednearly£10,000fortheWelshGuardsAfghanistanAppealandfortheHaitiEarthquakeFund.NoneofthosepresentwillforgettheimpromptuDJ-ingofHarriAdcockandBillyBrooksduringtheearlyhoursofthemorninginthesteamyandraucousatmosphereofEsporta’soutdoorpool,northecamaraderieanddramaofthelastfewlapsofthemainquadaswecounteddowntheremainingsecondsof24hours’continuousrunning,cyclingandswimming.

ImustmentiontheU6leavers:EdwardYeatmanandElliotBowdenwererelaxedandeffectiveasjointHeadsofHouseand,asanexampleofthevirtuesofthehousesystem,thisyeargroupcouldn’tbebettered.Notalwayshighprofileinthewiderlifeoftheschool,theywereafinegroupofprefectsandattheheartofhouselifeineverysense.Alevelresultswereexcellent,highlightsbeingthoseofThirdAmatanon(A*,3A);ChrisBurrows(4A);HarryHumphreys(2A*,2A);AidanIrwin-Singer(2A*,A).AidanIrwin-SingerandDannyParrottgainedplacesatCambridgeandOxfordrespectively;AidantoGonvilleandCaiusforHistory,DannytoStHilda’sforChinese.

ManyreaderswillwanttoknowhowSing’sdidinthebigdramatic,musicalandsportingspectaclesthatmarktheprogressofeveryschoolyear:Shelldrama,housematches,inter-housesinging.Iamdelightedthatafteryearsof2ndplacesintheinter-housesingingcompetitionwefinallywontheeventthatIbelieveotherhousescalltheHouseShout;musicalvirtuositywasalsoevidentintheannualhouseconcert,wherealmostalltheperformerswereutterlyproficientmusically:prominentamongstthemwasChrisBurrows,whoorganiseditasefficientlyasever.MusicallifeinSing’sisflourishing;ChrisBurrowsandAidanIrwin-Singerhavebeenmainstaysofthemusicdepartmentfor5yearsandtheirtimeendedonahigh:ChriswithanassuredaccountofaBeethovenconcertomovementwiththefullschoolorchestra,AidanwithTheGreatTrainRacebyIanClarkeandLesCycladesbyTomasi,bothplayedbeautifully,intheJacquelineduPréroomatStHilda’s.Onthesportsfield,wewonagoodshareofrugbyhousematches,virtuallynothinginhockeyandcricketbutsneakedaquiettriumphinthejuniorcross-country.Oursportingfuturelooksassuredassomefinesportsmencometothetopofthehouseoverthenexttwoyears.Watchthisspace.

aroUnD tHe HoUses

Heads of House: ElliotBowden

EdwardYeatman

School Prefect: ChristopherBurrows

Salvete: JackDardis

LarsGladhaug

TurkelKarimli

TedChristie-Miller

FergusMcAloon

JonathanBarrie

HarrisonBlyth

JakeBucknall,

DanielGolubchenko

RoryHiggs

FreddieMooreHobbis

ChanonNinnoennon

FelixOgdon

AlexanderRamos

PeterSliwinski

IvanVasylevskyy

CharlesWright

MrCSandbachMsRGrange

MrsSNorton

Valete: BeerAmatanon,

ThirdAmatanon

ElliotBowden

ChristopherBurrows

JackDardis

HarryHumphrey

AidanIrwin-Singer

CharlieMander

CharlieMaynard

EddieYeatman

MattyEdwards

IlyaUliyanov

MrCSandbach

MrCTPollitt

MrRMcAHughes


ChemistryTheChemistryOlympiadbronzeawardsweregiventoHarryHumphriesandPattananAmatanonandcommendationstoImogenMansfieldandRobertBosman.TheChemistoftheYearAwardwenttoSebAnastassiou,awardedinOctober2009attheOxfordUniversityChemistryDepartment.Seminarsonthefollowingweregiven:TheDevil’sElement,OLR;ControlofCellDeathbyCellularRedoxConditions,MJB;and‘Whatonearth?’,DrClaireVallance,OxfordUniversityChemistryDepartment.

ClassicsTheLyneSocietycontinuedtoflourishandwasparticularlywellsupportedthisyear.Ithaditsannualcomplementof6lecturesanddinners,includingthisyearajointproductionwiththeBoatClub.ThefocusofthismeetingwastoanalysewhatmadetheAtheniantriremethesupremewarship-cum-ExocetoftheMediterraneaninthe5thCenturyBC.Atthehelm(astrierarch)wasBoatRaceveteranProf.BorisRankov,RoyalHolloway,mostfamousforleadingOxfordtovictorysixtimes,andmorerecentlythree-timesumpire.SittinginthethranitepositionwasOSE,WilliamShepherd,managingdirectorandwriterforOspreybooks,whopresentedonhisnewbook:TheastonishingAtheniannavalvictoryatSalamis.Othertalksintheyearincluded“Cicero’sWorld”(DrAnnaClarkfromChristChurch),“ClassicsatUniversity”(DrCressidaRyanfromOxford’sClassicsFacultyOutreachProgramme)andformembersofthelowerschool,DrElenaTheodorakopoulos(Birmingham)onAncientRomeattheCinema:StoryandSpectacleinHollywoodandRome,plus“ZerotoHero:HerotoZero;insearchoftheclassicalhero”.

ThedepartmentalsohelditssecondsymposiumforIB/ExtendedProjectcandidatestopresenttheirresearchmaterialsforpeergroupdiscussion.Wetookvarioustheatretripsthroughouttheyear,focusingparticularlyonAlevelandGCSEsettexts,inOxfordandtoLondon.SixthFormersalsoattendedanAlevelconferencelinkedtotheirspecificationslocallyaspartoftheOxfordAreaClassicalAssociation.

MathsInNovember,theMathsDepartmenthostedtheJuniorMathsTeamChallengeandtheSeniorTeamMathsChallenge.TheJuniorChallenge,organisedbyDouglasButler(recentlyretiredfromEagleHouseSchool),hasbeenrunningsuccessfullyformanyyearsandcontinuestogrowinpopularity–thisyear,over140childrenfromprepschoolsandprimaryschoolsalloverOxfordshiretookpart.Itisgreatfun,andthechildrenreallyenjoyit–notleastforthesausageandchipsmatchteathatweprovideafterwards.TheSeniorChallengeisamuchmoreseriousaffair,andonceagain,averywell-drilledteamfromAbingdonSchoolwerethewinners,withtheCherwellSchoolcomingaclosesecond.TheStEdward’steamwashitbyinjuries,butmanagedacreditableperformance.

IntheindividualMathsChallenges,astrongoverallperformancewasledbyMarkSaville,whoqualifiedfortheEuropeanKangaroopaper.

Inthesummerterm,LowerSixthstudentsstudyingmathsorphysicsenjoyedtheannualvisittoThorpePark.Aswellasexperiencingtheforcesandaccelerationsatfirsthand,theyalsoenjoyedaveryinterestinglectureonthemechanicsofridedesign–areallyfascinatinginsightintothisveryspecialisedbranchofengineering.

History of ArtHistoryofArtwasequallybusy,withitsU6TriptoLondonon3rdDecember2009totheRoyalAcademytoseetheexhibitionofworkbyAnishKapoor;theWhiteCubeGalleryforworkbyDamienHurst;andatourofTateModern,takinginmuchofthe20thcenturypaintingandsculpturecoveredintheA2Syllabus.LecturesincludedFrPeterGroves,fromStMaryMagdalen,onGothicRevivalArchitectureandPeterHowellontheUniversityMuseum.AjointL6/U6triptoParisincludedawalkingtourofImpressionistParis,avisittoNotreDametoreviseGothicarchitecture,avisittotheMuséed’OrsaytoreviseImpressionismandPostImpressionismandavisittothePompidouCentretolookattheworkofExpressionist,CubistandDadaartists.Laterintheyear,theU6visitedtheUniversityMuseumandStPhilip’sandStJames’,againtoinvestigateGothicRevivalArchitecture.Asisnowtradition,theU6Leavers’DinnerintheSummerTermseestheU6arthistoriansandartistsandassociatedstaffcomedressedasanartistorasafigureorobjectfromaworkofart.

A glimpse into just some of the departments…

Art


art

“AluminuiumFoilandtheMcChurch”byEdPonti(U6),3’x4’,gouacheonboard

“Sweets”byLauraBurridge(U6),2’x2’6”,oiloncanvas

“TheRadcliffeCamera”byEleLighter(U6),3’6”x3’6” “RedBus”byHarrietteBrown(U6),5’x4’,oiloncanvas

“SwimmingPool”byHarrietteBrown(U6),5’x5’oiloncanvas


Academic Scholarships

september 2009

TheScholarshipBoardmeetsthreetimesayeartoconsidertheacademicperformanceofeverypupilintheschool.ItmetinSeptembertotakeaviewoftheLowerandUpperSixth.TheBoardconsistsofseniorHeadsofDepartmentandischairedbytheSeniorTutor.AllteachersareinvitedtosubmitrecommendationsforAcademicScholarshipsandExhibitions.Weseektorewardnotonlypupilswhoarehard-workingbutalsothosewhoshowintellectualcuriosityandsetthehighestacademicexample.Wearedelightedtoannouncethefollowingpromotions:

LOWER SIXTH

Simon Barrington-WardPromotedfromAcademicExhibitionertoAcademicScholar

Patrick HintonPromotedfromAcademicExhibitionertoAcademicScholar

William BlowfieldPromotedtoAcademicExhibitioner

UPPER SIXTH

Sebastian AnastassiouPromotedtoAcademicScholar

Patrick EvansPromotedfromAcademicExhibitionertoAcademicScholar

Rosamund HeadPromotedfromAcademicExhibitionertoAcademicScholar

Josh RichardsonPromotedtoAcademicExhibitioner

Victoria EdwardsPromotedtoAcademicExhibitioner

Sam RobinsonPromotedtoAcademicExhibitioner

Chris BurrowsPromotedtoAcademicExhibitioner

PupilsaspiringtotheseawardsareinvitedtospeaktoMrRowleytofindoutmoreaboutthecriteria.

Honorary Academic Scholarships

january 2010

TheScholarshipBoardmetinJanuary2010toconsiderrecommendationsfromteachersforHonoraryAcademicScholarshipsandExhibitionsintheFifthForm.WealsotookintoaccountperformanceintheDecemberGCSEtrialexams.Weweredelightedtomakethefollowingpromotions:

Katie BurridgePromotedfromAcademicExhibitionertoHonoraryAcademicScholar

Abigail HughesPromotedfromAcademicExhibitionertoHonoraryAcademicScholar(inadditiontoherexistingAllRounderAward)

Patrick BurrowsPromotedtoHonoraryAcademicExhibitioner(inadditiontohisexistingMusicExhibition)

Tony LeaPromotedtoHonoraryAcademicExhibitioner

Sophie NealPromotedtoHonoraryAcademicExhibitioner(inadditiontoherexistingDramaExhibition)

Prize Essays – 2010 Thesearetheresultsofthisyear’sPrizeEssayCompetition.ShellsandFourthFormerswhobelongtoOX2(theScholars’Society)wereinvitedtosubmitanextendedessaywithatitleoftheirchoosing.TheessayswerereadbyMrRowley,MrElzingaandMsLloydandcandidatesthenhadavivavocewithMrRowleytodiscusstheiressay.ThisprocessisverymuchinlinewiththeexpectationsoftheA-levelExtendedProjectandIBExtendedEssayandallthecandidatesaretobecongratulatedontheirwell-researchedandwell-writtenpieces.

Theprizeswereawardedasfollows:

1st Prize Nicola Mason (Fourth Form)MuslimandWesternculturesaretoofundamentallydifferenttobereconciledwithoutconflict.Discuss.

2nd Prize John Bethell (Shell)TowhatextentcanitbearguedthatBritishcitizenshavefewerfreedomsnowthantheydidin1997?

3rd Prize Joseph Barr (Shell)ModernGreece:whateverytravellershouldknow.

Academic Awards


aCaDemiC awarDs

Class & Prep Individual Effort Prizes

autumn term 2009

Thisterm,prizesgotothetoptwoeffortscorers(takingintoaccountclassandprep)ineachformoftheShellsandtothetopeffortscorerperhouseintheFourthsandFifths.Nextterm,prizeswillalsobeawardedforpupilswhomakethegreatestsustainedimprovementbetweentheSeptemberandMarchgradecards.

Class & Prep Individual Effort Prizes

spring term 2010

Thisterm,prizesgotothetoptwoeffortscorers(takingintoaccountclassandprep)ineachformoftheShellsandtothetopeffortscorerperhouseintheFourthsandFifths.Nextterm,prizeswillalsobeawardedforpupilswhomakethegreatestsustainedimprovementbetweentheSeptemberandJunegradecards.

Shell FFrancescaPotter D

BryonySpensley K

Shell FRobertFletcher C

ThomasIsola C

Shell KSamLebus E

LucyPoffley D

Shell KMeganBrittan M

HenryNarula A

Shell PHarrietMainds M

IvanVasylevskyy B

Shell SHelenBaddeley K

RebeccaMason M

FOURTHSHamishBrewster&HarveyDu A

HenryDardis B

AlexDickens C

CeciliaHunt D

JohnBethell E

BillyMetcalfe F

ThomasLord G

SamMacdonald-Smith H

LottieMitchell J

EllaPhillips K

LizzieGrant&EllaJohnson M

FIFTHSLouisHopson A

MatthewEdwards B

OliverSmith C

ClaireVainker D

BeerKawatkul E

MarkSaville F

KathaOsathanugrah G

HarryHollingworth H

KatieBurridge J

NatalieChong K

PollyMainds M

Shell CFrancescaPotter D

BryonySpensley K

Shell FRobertFletcher C

FrederickMoore C

Shell HKatherineTroeller M

LucyPoffley D

Shell KTallulahKyle D

HenryNarula A

Shell PBenTavener C

IvanVasylevskyy B

Shell SHelenBaddeley K

FrazerMartin F

RebeccaMason M

FOURTHSNickdeKlee A

AliSullivan B

AlexDickens C

CeciliaHunt D

JohnBethell E

GuyPearson-Gee F

AlexLindsay F

JustinFiroozan G

NedCarr H

ChantelleEndeley J

KatieMcGirr K

HesterKing K

LizzieGrant M

FIFTHSSamParkinson A

MatthewEdwards B

OliverSmith C

ClaireVainker D

BeerKawatkul E

MarkSaville F

KathaOsathanugrah G

NicholasWomersley H

NicolaMason J

NatalieChong K

PollyMainds M


aCaDemiC awarDs

Sixth Form ‘Academic Example’ Prizes

autumn term 2009

HMswereinvitedtosubmitthenamesoftheLowerSixthFormerandUpperSixthFormerwho,intheeyesoftheHMandthose(s)heconsulted,setthebestacademicexampleinhouseduringtheterm.HMssettheirowncriteriaindecidingonthenames.

LOWER SIXTHMaxNarula A

LarsGladhaug B

AlexIng C

OliviaBrickman D

AlfieMacGibbon E

GeorgeSimon F

ZhongNie G

JamesFenner H

FatimaPerbellini J

ClaudiaDay K

JadeWilkinson M

UPPER SIXTHEdCoats A

AidanIrwin-Singer B

XaverTouschek C

NinaNahhas D

CharlieTang E

MatthewManners F

WillThomson G

JasperJoyce H

RosalieWarner J

AmyHicks K

ImmyMansfield M

Sixth Form ‘Academic Example’ Prizes

spring term 2010

LOWER SIXTHGeorgeParris A

BenStreet B

CharlesHarries-Jones C

MirandaStewart D

WilliamBlowfield E

CharlesBlanchard F

EdwardStrong G

FreddieCrossley H

MillieEdwards J

FionaShajko K

JadeWilkinson M

UPPER SIXTHJoshRichardson A

ChrisBurrows B

FergusBibby C

SophieKrajnyk D

CharlieTang E

GeorgeSpencer F

GeorgeCreed G

JohnKing H

MaddieNeckar J

LydiaSmith K

LucyJohnson M

Academic Scholarships

july 2009

TheScholarshipBoardmetJuly2009toconsiderpupilsintheShellsandFourthForm.Inadvanceofthemeeting,teacherswereinvitedtomakerecommendationsforpromotionintoAcademicScholarshipsandExhibitions.Theserecommendationswerefullyconsideredalongsideexamresultsandgradecards.

TheScholarshipBoardisdelightedtoannouncethefollowingawards:

Promotion from Academic Exhibition to Academic ScholarshipSamMacdonald-Smith

Promotion to Academic ScholarshipElizabethGrant

CeciliaHunt

ClaireVainker

Promotion to Academic ExhibitionJohnBethell

LilyHinton

EllaJohnson

NatalieChong

Prep Excellence Prizes

autumn term 2009

Theseareawardedtoyear-groupsinhouseswho,collectively,achievethehighestdensityofexcellencegradesforprep.

Eachwinninggroupreceivesaprizeof£100,transferredintohousefunds,tobespentatthediscretionoftheHM,tutorsandpupils.Acertificateisalsoawardedfordisplayinhouse.

CongratulationstothewinnersoftheprizesinAutumnTerm2009:

SHELLSSegar’sHouse(boys)

CorfeHouse(girls)

FOURTH FORMAvenueHouse(girls)

FieldHouse(boys)

FIFTH FORMSing’sHouse(boys)

AvenueHouse(girls)

The Wardens and their Common Rooms –The Early Years (1863-1913)

The Pillars on which the School Rests

BetweenTheReverendThomasChamberlain foundingStEdward’sSchoolin1863andthearrivalofThe ReverendAlgernonSimeon asHeadmasterin1870,onehundredandthirtytwoboysattendedtheschool,requiringanattendantteachingstaffoffourmastersat any one time. In the first seven years it is estimated thatseventeen such staff were engaged, most in holy orders andwithoutmuchearlierteachingexperience.Indeed,therewerealsoincludedaproportionofundergraduatesattheUniversity,who fitted in their school responsibilities around their ownlecturesandworktoobtaintheirdegrees.

Chamberlain’s own deeply held religious beliefs, en-trenched within the controversial and unpopular ‘OxfordMovement’ofthetimes,undoubtedlyswayedhischoiceofthefirstteachers,withthemajoritybeingofthesamepersuasionashimself.Hisintentionfortheschoolwasclearlysetoutandleftnooneinanydoubtthathisexpectationwasthatthemainpurposeof thenewschoolwas ‘tocombinecareful religiousteaching under a clergyman and graduate of the Universitywithafirstclasseducation’.

‘Pillars The

on which theSchoolRests


Chris Nathan, OSE, School Archivist

The Wardens and their Common Rooms –The Early Years (1863-1913)


tHe PiLLars on wHiCH tHe sCHooL rests

AtawrittenMusicexamIwroteattheendthat‘thisisthebestIcando,Sir’andthepaperwasgivenbacktomebearingthecrushingcomment–‘thenyourbadisyourbest’!

In1870ChamberlainatlastrealizedthattheuncomplainingandwellmeaningbutincompetentFryerhadtogoandinhisplaceheappointedtheReverendAlgernonSimeon,agedonlytwenty-three,butalreadybuildingagoodreputationinthecitywithhisorganizationalabilitiesandhisexperienceininstructing‘roughlads’.EducatedatWinchesterCollegeandChristChurch,Oxford,hewastoproveaninspirationalchoicewithhisenormousdrive,enthusiasm,intuitionandaveryclearvisionofwhathewantedtoachievefortheschoolandforhimself.BeingaChamberlainappointeehewasalsoinvolvedintheOxfordMovementandhadbeenacloseconfidantforsometime;additionallyhesharedtheFounder’sobjectivesfortheschool,albeitwithyoungerandmoremoderneyes.

Onarrivalhefoundtheschool‘withabadnameandataverylowebb’;schoolnumberswerefallingwithmostpupilsstayingforonlyonetermortwo.SimeonwashorrifiedatthestandardofteachingaswellastheteachersemployedandveryquicklysetaboutrebuildinghisCommonRoom.Inthenexttenyearshehiredtwenty-fivenewteachers,allfullyfledgedgraduateswiththirteenfromtheUniversityandalmostallwithpriorteachingexperience.HealsosawthevalueofemployingappropriateO.S.E.whowouldalsobringaknowledgeoftheschoolandhowbestitcouldbeimproved.Remunerationwaspoorastheschoolwasstillnewwithinsufficientfinancialresourceswithwhichtohirethemostdesirablecandidatesandnotallstayedforverylong,usingtheschoolasatrainingexperienceratherthanacareer.Thefirstofthelongerservingmasters(whichtheschoollaterproducedinabundance)arrivedin1872‘forafortnighttocoveranemergencyandstayedonforeightyears’–thiswasTheReverendArthurCowie,apersonalfriendofSimeon’swhosework‘bothmovedandfascinated’him.

HisfirstappointmentasHeadmasterwasTheReverendFrederickFryer, oneofhisowncuratesandverymuchinagreementwithChamberlain’sbeliefs.Thefactthathehadnopriorteachingexperienceseemedtobeofsecondaryimportance.HetookovertheschoolinNewInnHallStreetintheCityofOxfordinbuildingsthatweretotallyunfitforthepurposeintended,beinginsanitary,rat-riddenandwitharottinginfrastructurewhichshouldhavebeencondemnedyearsbefore.Theearlymasters,notsurprisingly,preferredtosleepoffsiteandthosewithnootherchoice‘sleptincupboards’duetothechronicshortageofroom.Astheschoolgrew,sodidthemagnitudeoftheproblems.

Theteachingstaffoversawclassworkwhichborelittlesimilaritytolaterpractice,beingmostlyrepetitionsinLatinandGreekand‘Latinaccidence’;religiousinstructionhoweverwasundertakenbyChamberlainhimselfathisownchurchSt.ThomastheMartyrclosetoChristChurch.AlltheboyswouldtroopinlineeveryeveningtothischurchtobeexposedtolongandoftenintricateservicesfollowedlateonbyComplineattheschool’sownOratory.Forastudentpopulationwhichvariedfrom9yearsto19yearsofage,mostoftheritualsinvolvedmusthavebeenbothrepetitiveandoftenincomprehensible.

ThefoodservedwasbyallaccountstrulydreadfulandoneoftheearlymastersTheReverendF.W.Davis ‘resignedbecausehecouldnotstomachit;naturally,theboyshadnochoiceinthematter’!Disciplinewas,bytoday’sstandards,veryharshwiththecanebeingusedregularlyforevenminoroffences,oftencombinedtheremovalofprivileges,suchasbeingdenieddessertatmealtimesorbeinggatedfromboththeplaygroundandleavingtheschool’spremises.Despitethisdauntinglifestyle,socommonintheVictorianera,someofthepupilslaterlookedbackwithsomefondnessoftheirschooldays. JamesMitchell, the49thboytojointheschool,laterrecalled:‘AllmyrecollectionsaretotheeffectthatIwaskindlytreatedbymastersandboys.

Above:TheReverendFrederickFryer

Below:NewInnHallStreet1872withSimeonandCowieseatedcentre



WithSimeon’sarrivaltheschool’sfortunesbegantorecover–whichcouldnotbesaidforthebuildingsinNewInnHallStreetwhich,inthewinterof1870/1,literallyfellapart,withpartoftheouterwallcollapsingintothestreetduringastorm.TherefollowedasevereoutbreakofScarletFeverandDiphtheria‘duetotheunhealthinessoftheplace’,whichallcombinedtoenforceachangeofpremiseswithoutdelay.

AtthiscrucialstageChamberlain‘didnotfeelequaltoenteringintoanytypeofnewarrangement’andsoldthewholeenterprisetoSimeon‘ashispersonalproperty’.Eventuallyanew5acresitewasprocuredinthe‘miserable’villageofSummertownnorthofthecitywheretheschoolstillsitstoday.Simeonsankhisentirefortuneintotheventure,‘seldomgoingoutandoftenworkingtillmidnight–thedailyanxiety,financialandotherwasenormous’.Evenwhenstruckdownwithdiphtheriahecontinuedtoworkfromhissickbedto‘directtheaffairsathand’.Hiseffortswerenotinvainandin1873theschooltransferredintoapartlyfinishedbuildingsite,carryingovertheexistingclasssplitofsixformswithprizesawardedeveryyearforDivinity,Classics,Mathematics,GoodConductandBestinForm.Threeyearslatera‘Modern’sidewasaddedcoveringlanguagesandtheSciences.WiththetransfercamenewCommonRoomappointmentsincluding TheReverendErnestLetts,‘nominallyamathematicsmaster’whoarrivedin1874–‘aburlyIrishmanwithagreatbeardandasunnytemperamentwhomadenoclaimstobeascholar,butflunghimselfintothemostdiverseactivitieswithinfectiousenthusiasm’.Amongsthismanyclaimstofame,LettswasresponsibleforestablishingthefirstBoatClub,forhelpingwiththeinitialpublicationsofthe‘Chronicle’(forwhichhedesignedtheheraldicheading),forinstigatingthefirstschoollibrary,fordesigningaltarpanelsforthechapel,forthedesignofacaseforthedining-roomclockandforoverseeingtheexcavationoftheoutdoorpool–heevenfilledinforSimeonin1889duringthelatter’sleaveofabsence!

By1876theChroniclewasabletoreport:‘Thankstotheenergyofthemasters,thestandardoftheVIthForm,atleast,hasforsometimesatisfiedtheTutorsofthosecollegesatwhichourmenhavematriculated.ThishasbeenachievedbyincreasedpowerinthetuitionandbyacarefulorganisationoftheSchoolCurriculum’.Toachievethistherehadbeenanecessitytoincreasethenumberofformsandalsomasters.‘TheVthhasgrownintothreesections,andtheIIIrdnowcontainsupperandlowerdivisions,bywhichmeansthesuccessiveroundsintheladderoflearningarerenderedlesssteep,andmoresurelypressedbytheclimber’!‘Onegreatelementinoursuccesshithertohasbeenacordialunityofpurposeinbothmastersandboys’.

By1877prizeswereadditionallypresentedforLatinVerse,EnglishVerse,EnglishEssay,Physiologyand,fortheLowerSchoolonly,PhysicalGeography.In1879theformationofaLowerSixthFormmeanttheabolishmentoftheFirstForm–‘althoughthereisnoentryexamination,itishopedthatboyswhocomeinthefuturewillbeuptothestandardoftheSecondForm’.

HaroldPeake,astudentatSt.Edward’sfrom1877-1884,recalledtheteachingstaffthus:‘Theirmethodswereperhapsoldfashioned,butsomeweregoodscholars,theyheldthereignsofdisciplinewithalighthandandgovernedbyloveratherthanfear.Theywereakindlylot,perhapsalittlebehindthetimes,andinsomecasesrathereccentric.WelearntourgrammarbutlittleelseandbecameextraordinarilyfamiliarwiththedrybonesofClassics;Frenchwastaughtsobadlyitwasworsethanuseless.ForHistory,ourtextbooksweredullandbadlywritten.Overallmyintellectualsidewaspiningforopportunitiesforobservation,reasoninganddeduction,andIwasmetonallsidesbyamostrigiddogmatism.IwasutterlyboredanditwasalwaysamysterytomethatImanagedtoobtainmypromotiontotheSixthFormbeforeIwasfifteenyearsofage’.PeakewentontobeaFellowoftheAnthropologicalInstitute,electeditsPresidentfrom1926to1928,aswellaswritingseveralpublishedbooks.

CommonRoom1878


Anotherareainwhichsomeoftheearlymasterswereinvolvedwasbolsteringuptheschool’ssportsteams.Thiswasaperfectlyacceptablepracticeandusedbyotherschoolsregularlyundertheguiseof‘guest’orsomethingsimilar.TheearlypicturesofSt.Edward’ssportsteamsshowthatmostoftheboyswereusuallyveryslight,evenemaciated,andwithoppositioncomingfromthematurecollegesidesofOxfordUniversity,thecontestswereoftenratherone-sided.Mastershelpedprovidebothbulkandexperiencethoughitwasacceptedthatthiswasashorttermmeasureandindeedgraduallydiedoutinthelate1880s.

In1877Simeon,weigheddownwithawholemyriadofadministrativedutiesandconstantlyworriedbyimpendingfinancialdisasters,appointedhimselftheschool’sfirstWardenandhiredTheReverendHerbertDaltonasHeadmaster,ayoungmanoftwenty-fiveyears.ThisrelationshipwastobeanunhappyonewiththetwomenunabletoagreeonmosttopicsandinspiteofDaltonmarryingSimeon’ssisterMabelin1883,hewastodepartaftersixyearsinpost.

OneoftheirmainbonesofcontentionsurroundedthecalibreofstaffengagedinSimeon’stime,whoDaltonfeltweretoooldandnotuptostandard.Cowie,heldinhighesteembySimeon,wasconsideredbythenewHeadmasterto‘beunableintakingresponsibilityandlackinganyrealsenseofcharacter’andanotherstaffmemberTheReverendRobertHutchinson was‘agoodscholarbutveryeccentric’and‘whoseeminentadministrativeability,ifnotaspopularasitshouldhavebeen,was,atanyrateeffective’!Dalton,whohadlittlepatienceatthebestoftimes,quicklydismissedthreeofSimeon’sappointeesandreplacedthemwithhisownbrother,A.E.Dalton,balancedupbyTheReverendGeoffreySimeon,theWarden’sbrother!OtherarrivalswereF.G.G.Jellicoe,brotherofTheFirstSeaLordintheGreatWar,anOxfordCricketBlueandcountyplayerwithHampshirewhoalsopossessedarichbaritonevoiceusedtogoodaffectbothinthechoirandschoolconcerts–‘atowerofstrengthwhoruledtheFourthFormwitharodofiron’. AubynTrevor-BattyeO.S.E.,apupilatNewInnHallStreetwherehehadbeenapoorscholar,wastakenontheschoolstaffin1882‘asakindofassistantmasterandwassupposedtobetheWarden’ssecretary’.Hewasveryactiveteachingdrawing,organisingconcertsaswellasacting(verycompetently)inthreeschoolplays.Inreturn,hereceivedcoachingfromothermasterstoenablehimtoreachthedesiredstandardtoenterChristChurchatOxfordUniversity.Heeventuallysucceededinhisgoalsandlaterinlifebecameanotableexplorer,zoologist,naturalistandauthor.

In1880thereappearedaslimyoung‘retiring’teachernamedWilfridCowell, whowouldbeanintegralpartoftheschoolscene

forthenextfifty-sevenyears,arecordneversurpassedintheschool’shistory.Hewastoservetheschoolinawholerangeofroles,butisbestrememberedfordirectingandproducingforty-fiveschoolShakespeariantheatricalproductionsinsuccession.Heestimatedthathehadattended25,000servicesintheSchoolChapelduringhistimeattheschool!

TheReverendG.M.Vaughan-Hughes becamea‘model’forotherstoaspiretowithhissuccessinteachingtheSecondForm.Hestayedonlythreeyearsbeforeinheriting‘estatesinWales’wherehewasalsoappointedasSheriffofMonmouth.Anotherclergyman TheReverendW.BealWhitewasundoubtedlythemostunpopularteacherofthistime,duetohisregularpracticeofcontinuingtoteachafterthebellwhich‘usedtokeeptheShelloutoftheirroom’.Eventuallyhewaspinnedagainstawalluntiltheclasswasreleasedandadmittedtotheirrightfulplace–hiseffigywaspulledacrosstheQuadand,unsurprisingly,helastedonlytwoterms!

HeadmasterDalton’stime,thoughshort,wasaperiodwhentheschool’sscholasticstandardsimproved,forwhichhewasgivenlittlecreditowingtohispoorrelationshipwithSimeon.DesmondHill,inhis1962SchoolHistory,aptlydescribedtheirdoomedrelationshipbeingdownto‘twomenconvincedatalltimesthatwhattheydidwasright,bothapparentlyinflexibleinresolve,bothinsistentuponapositionofunchallengedauthority’–sufficienttosaythatwithDalton’sdepartureforarelativelyminorroleatWinchesterCollege,theschooldidnotrefilltheHeadmasterrole.Manyyearslater,perhapsinamoodofreconciliation,atleastfortherecordSimeonwroteofDalton:‘Hedidadmirableworkfortheschool,andmaywellbesaidtohavelaidanotherfoundation,thatoffinescholarship’.

1881sawthecompletionofthe‘CentralBlockofBuildings’includingBigSchool,TheLibraryandMathematicalRoomandthefirstMasters’CommonRoom(18by24feet)whichwasopenedon23rdMarch.

InthetenyearsafterDalton’sdepartureandSimeon’sownresignationin1893,anotherthirty-fourmasterspassedthroughtheschoolincludingeightclergyandthreeO.S.E.Inthisgrouping,themostinfluentialwasJohnMillingtonSing,afutureWarden.Francis Wylietheschool’s‘firstO.S.EDon’stayedverybrieflyonthestaffbeforegoingontoabrilliantacademiccareerandlaterservingfortwentyyearsasaSchoolGovernor.J.B.Partington wasanothernewarrival,destinedtobeoneoffourmasterskilledinTheGreatWar.GeorgeSayerwasplacedinchargeoftheFifthForm,alsoheadingaSetfrom1893-6,andwasEditoroftheChronicleforsixyearsfrom1890.Hewasdescribed

F.G.G.Jellicoec1885 WilfridCowell,c1900 J.B.Partington JohnMillingtonSing



as‘acheerfulpessimist,butwasapoordisciplinarianandhabituallyspokeinparablesandmetaphors’–despitehismanyidiosyncrasies(orbecauseofthem)‘hisboysweregenuinelyfondofhim’.

CommonRoomremunerationatthistimewasfelttobe‘meagre’andthisnaturallycontinuedtoaffecttheabilityoftheschooltoattracttheverybestcandidates.Detailsofcontractualagreementsthatstillexistshowawidediversityinsalariespaidandthereappearstohavebeenlittlelogicinvolved.Thisdidn’thelptostemtheregularandsteadyturnoverofstaffthroughouttheschool’sfirstfiftyyearsanddespiteeveryone’songoingefforts‘Educationallytheschoolwasgainingapoorreputation’.TherewerealsorumourscirculatingaroundtheOxfordareathattheschool’sreligiousethicwasoverdone(‘poperybeingpractised’)andsuggestionsthatSt.Edward’swasakintoamonasterywiththepupilstreatedas‘littlemonks’,thisatthesametimethatThePublicWorshipRegulationActwasbeingpassed,making‘theuseofritualaciviloffence’.Simeonvigorouslyandeffectivelysawoffthecritics,someveryhighrankingclergy,butabadodourlingeredandintimechangesweremade.

In1890Simeonplacedtheschool’sfortunesinthehandsofTrustees‘ashadalwaysbeenintended’andthreeyearslatertenderedhis‘totallyunexpected’resignation.Hewasexhaustedandunwell,havingputhiswholelife’seffort(andfortune)intoestablishingtheschoolasabonafideeducationalinstitutioninverydifficultcircumstances.Evenafterhelefttheschoolhecontinuedtotakeaverykeenandcloseinterestrightuptohisdeathin1928,ofteninterveningatcrucialtimesfrombehindthescenestoaffectkeychangesbothinpersonnelandexpansionplans.

SimeonwassucceededasWardenbyTheReverendThomasFrederick Hobson,previouslyAssistantMasteratRadleyCollege,whoarrivedwithanoutstandingreputation–‘hehaswongoldenopinionsfromeveryonewithwhomhehadhadtodo’.AsitturnedoutHobson’sstaywastobeashortoneofonlythreeyearsduringwhichtimetherewasonlyasmallturnoverintheCommonRoomwiththreenewintroductions,oneduetothedeathoftheschool’sorganist.Hobson,consciousofSimeon’sstatureattheschool,initiallychangedlittleintermsofinfrastructurebutwasresponsiblefortheintroductionofthe‘SetSystem’.Thismajorreform(originalsourceEtonCollege)wasmuchneededandmeantthateachpupilwouldbeplacedinaspecificgroupingunderaSetMasterwho‘wouldfollowhisprogressthroughouthisschooldays’.ThefirstSetsnumberedfourintotalwithtwo,Cowell’sandSing’s,choosingtheletters‘A’and‘B’astheiralphabeticalidentification,aninnovationwhichstillexiststoday.TheSetSystemalsohadtheeffectofpromotinghealthycompetitionbetweenthevariousgroupsofboys,especiallyonthesportsfield,anditwastheprecursorfortheHousecompetitionswhichfollowedinlateryears.In1892theLodgewasbuiltandincludedroomsforassistantmasterswho‘hadpreviouslylivedinGroveHouse’.

AsecondnotableachievementofHobson’stimewasariseintheoverallacademicstandardtoapointwhen,in1894,St.Edward’s‘wasacceptedformembershipoftheHeadmasters’Conference,beingthusnumberedforthefirsttimeamongstthepublicschoolsofthecountryandhavingthesealfinallysetuponitseducationalefficiency’.Hobson’sinspiration,coupledwith‘Sing’slabours’,resultedinnolessthaneightscholarshipsorexhibitionstouniversitiesbeinggainedin1894,a‘recordinoneyearbeingproportionallybetterthananyschoolinthecountry’.Foraschoolaveragingonlyeightyfourstudentseveryyear,thiswascertainlymajorprogress.

Elsewhere,Hobsonwasfoundwanting–lackingawinningorevensympatheticpersonality,hefound‘itdifficulttounbend’.Hewasatoughdisciplinarianbutwasnonethelesspopularboth

withtheboysandtheO.S.E.HisrelationshipwiththeformerWarden,withwhomhemaintainedalongandusuallycourteouswrittencorrespondence,eventuallybegantowaverduemainlytoSimeon’sconcernthatthefinancialstatusoftheschoolwasdeteriorating,somethingthatwasalsopreoccupyingtheschool’sTrustees.Additionally,schoolnumberswerealsofalling,furtherunderminingHobson’spositionespeciallyasheappearedunabletofindthenecessarysolutions.InevitablytheTrustees,withSimeonverymuchinvolvedinthebackground,begantolookforasuccessorcapableoffindingimmediateresolutions.

The ReverendThomasWilliamHudsonwasselectedfromashortlistoffivecandidatestobetherightmantotakeHobson’splace(thiswasevenbeforeHobsontenderedhisresignation).HewastheHeadmasterofQueenElizabethSchool,Cranbrookwhichhadgainedareputationforincreasingitsschoolnumbers,especiallyboarders.Hewasalsoamarriedman,whichwasseenasadecidedadvantageoverthebachelorHobson.EventuallyattheeleventhhourbeforetheannouncementofHudson’sarrival,hispredecessorwasadvisedofthesituationandimmediatelyresigned.Hobson’swholedemeanouratthistryingtimewasonethatdidhimmuchcreditandhisfinaldeparturewasmoreacutelyfeltthanhadbeenexpected.

ThethirdWardenquicklysetaboutwhatheconsideredneededtobedoneandwasnotslowatstatingthathispredecessor’sprospectuswas‘shockinglyinefficient’–anargumenthisthreepredecessorshadusedontakingover!Tosucceedquickly,HudsonrecognisedthatheneededtheimmediatesupportofCowellandSing,nowtheschool’smostrespectedandexperiencedmasters.Thisdesiredalliancewasslowtobuild,especiallywithCowell,who‘wasinevitablyviewingasecondchangewithsometrepidation’.Eventuallyaworkable(butneverclose)relationshipwasestablishedbetweenthethreemen.WithSimeonappearing,atlast,torelinquishhisphantomhandontheschool’saffairs,Hudsonseemedtobeinamuchstrongerpositionthanhispredecessorhadeverachieved.

Inthesevenyearsthatfollowed,theCommonRoomincreasedtotwentywithfourteennewnamesincluded,sevenofwhomwereinholyordersandthreebeingO.S.E.NoneofthesenewcomerswouldremainattheschoolforanextendedperiodbutdidincludesomeSt.Edward’snotables.TheReverendWilliamHaroldFergusonspentthreeyearsinhisfirstspellwiththeschool

CommonRoom1894


George Sayer ... described as ‘a cheerful pessimist, but was a poor disciplinarian and habitually spoke in parables and metaphors’ – despite his many idiosyncrasies (or because of them) ‘his boys were genuinely fond of him’.


atthistime,returningasthefifthWardenin1913.Hewasahighlytalentedmusicianandasportsmanofsomestaturewhowasincludedasan‘honoraryplayer’bytheO.S.E.cricketteams’varioustourseachsummer.Inateachingcapacity,hewasset‘tolabourwiththeinfantsintheThird’aswellasbeingtheschool’sorganist.AnothernewmasterwasTheReverendChristopherdeLabatO.S.E,aNewZealanderbybirth,whowithhisolderbrotherwaswellknownandrespectedespeciallywithinsportingcirclesandinparticularcricket.Hewasknownforhis‘ponderoussenseofhumour’which‘enlivenedmorethanoneOSEtour’.HerbertWrightwasanothershorttermO.S.E.whojoinedtheteachingstaffin1899andwhoseoutstandingscholarship(withatempertomatch)earnedhim‘ahealthyrespect’.MillingtonSingsaidofWrightthat‘hewasoneofthatsmallcompanyofwhomonefeelsthatbeinghumanhepresumablyhadfaults–butIforoneneverdiscoveredtheminhimwhetherasapupilorcolleague’:highpraiseindeed.

WithHudson’sinvolvement,schoolnumbersstartedtoincrease,justifyingoneofthemainreasonsforhisbeingchosenforthejob.Atthesametimehewasactiveintighteningupdisciplineandintroducingawholeraftofnewrulesandregulationswhichdidlittletomaketheaveragestudent’slifeanymoreenjoyable!Hewasdescribedatthetimeasbeing‘amanofcharm,urbanityandknowledgeoftheworld,butwithneitherthefinescholarshipnordrivingenergyofhispredecessor’.Hewasalsohadthereputationofnotbeingonetobecrossedand‘thecaneroseandfellwithregularity’.HisrelationshipwasneverthelessamoreharmoniousonewiththeSchoolCouncil,encouragedattheoverallimprovementinfinancesandschoolnumbers.

Hudson’stenurestartedtofalter,nothelpedbySimeononceagaingivinghisviewsfromadistancethrougholdfriendsamongsttheTrustees.WhileHudsonwas‘notunpopular’withtheboyshehadneverbeenreadilyacceptedbyhisCommonRoom,leastofallCowellandSing,thelatterofwhomhadstartedtolookforfreshemploymentelsewhere.Hudsonhimselfafter‘nineyearsofsuccessfulbutwearisomestruggle’hadbeguntohavethoughtsofacareerchangeanyhow.Hewasnowthefathertonolessthantenchildren(fivewereeducatedattheschoolbetween1896and1917)andhadbeenhavingsecretnegotiationsofhisownwithBrasenoseCollegeattheUniversity.TheseprovedfruitfulandheresignedasWardenin1904totakeuptheRectory

ofGreatShefford,acollege-backedincumbency.Hisdeparturewasgenuinelylamented,despitehisdetractors,astogetherwithhiswifehehadprovidedagenuineandoftensympatheticfacetotheboys.‘AllofuswillmisstheWarden’spresence,hisgeniality,hisheartinessandthepatriotismthatledhimtotakeakeeninterestintheschoolfootballandothergames’.

Hissuccessor,notaltogetherunanimousamongsttheselectioncommittee,wasJohnMillingtonSing,thefirstWardenpromotedfromwithinandthefirstnotinholyorders.Thereservationsamongsttheselectionboardwerealittlevague,includinghopesthat‘hewasnotanextrememan’.Hehadbeenattheschoolforsixteenyearsandhadoftenbeenfelttobethe‘real’powerbehindthescenesbymostmembersoftheCommonRoomandhadbeenaconfidantofallthepreviousWardens.Singwasascholarwhichwasnaturallyimportant,but‘ofinfinitelygreaterimportancetotheschoolwasthathewasthefirsttobeabusinessman’.Hewasfortyyearsofoldwhenappointedandknewthewaysoftheschoolandwherehewantedtotakeit.AswellashisWardenduties,hewasalsotheBursarandoneoftheSchoolGovernors.Hewastosteertheshipforthenextnineyearsintocalmerwaters,financiallyspeaking,astheVictorianeramovedintoitsEdwardiansuccessorwhilethewarcloudsstartedtogather.

DuringSing’syears,twentynewnameswereaddedtothestaff,allofshortservicedurationwiththeexceptionof H.E.W.Phillipswhobeganathirty-threeyeartenureas‘avisitingart-master’,oftenfailingtofindhispupilswhoweremovedaroundtheschoolwithoutwarning.OfthenewCommonRoomintakesixwereO.S.E.,threeofwhomwereordained,includingCharles Gillett whosemanyrolesattheschoolincludedSetleadership,rugbycoachingandChronicleeditorship,butwhotookanearlyretirementduetoillhealth.In1908‘thenearlegendary’JohnBussellO.S.E.returnedtotheschool,averyillustriousandpopularpupilandprobablythebestrugbyforwardeverproducedbytheschooluptothistime.HehadgoneontoOxfordUniversitywherehehadwonaRugbyBlueandalsocoachedthevarsityforwards.Heplayedforthegreatpre-warHarlequinssideforsomeyearsduringwhichtimehewasselectedfortwoEnglandtrialsin1909-10.Earlier,whilestillatSt.Edward’s,hehadvolunteeredfortheBoerWarandonhisreturnre-visitedtheschoolwherehewascheered‘totherooftops’.Whilehistimeontheschool’steachingstaffonlylastedfiveyearshecoveredagreatdealofground,beingordainedin1906,takingonSetleadership1909-14andbeingappointedthefirstO.T.C.officerin1911aswellascoachingtheschool’stopXV.Hewasuniversallyadmiredbyallattheschoolandwhenhisdeathwasannouncedin1915ontheWesternFront‘ahugesadnesswasfelt’.

Accommodationfortheunmarriedlive-inmasterssincethemovetoSummertownhadbeenvariedandmoreoftenthannotwas‘tuckedin’variouscornersoftheexpandingnumberofbuildingsincludingunuseddormitories.Otherslivedinrentedroomsinadjoiningstreets.In1910moremasters’roomswereprovided‘intheOldSickhouse(TheHollies)’.

Aninepagereportissuedaftertheschool’sfirstBoardofEducationinspectioninJuly1911givesthelaterresearcherauniqueviewofwheretheeducationalstandardsnowstood.TheWardenreceivedhighpraiseforhisdedicationandbusinessaptitudewhiletheAssistantMasters‘receivedmorepraisefortheirco-operationthantheirqualifications’.Theschool’sfacilitieswerefeltsatisfactory‘thoughtheclassroomsseemedsomewhatscattered’.Theabilityoftheschooltoprovide‘educationofthehighestclasswasnotinanydoubt’andtheteaching‘isinthehandsofmenofscholarlyattainmentandvigorousteachingpower’.

LatinwastaughtthroughouttheschoolwithGreekbeingintroducedintheLowerFourth.Mathematicswasanother

TheReverendThomasWilliamHudson TheReverendWilliamHaroldFerguson


Earlier, while still at St. Edward’s, he (John Bussell OSE) had volunteered for the Boer War and on his return re-visited the school where he was cheered ‘to the rooftops’.


compulsorysubjectthroughoutbut‘duetothesmallnessoftheschoolwasnotconsistentlywelltaughtatalllevels’.EnglishGrammarandLiteratureshared‘twohoursonlyperweek’takenbytwoexcellentteachers,CowellandGillett.HistorycameintoitsownintheThirdFormwithFrenchandGermanundertakenas‘voluntary’subjectsbyafewstudentsonly.NaturalSciencewasenteredintoattheUpperFourthandShelllevels.

O.S.E.memoriesofthisperiodinclude:‘YourplaceattheschoolwasdeterminedbyClassics,Frenchwasajoke,Englishwelltaught,Mathswaslookeduponasbeneaththenoticeofgentlemen’.‘ThehaplessMathsmasters–smallbeerinoureyesaftertheClassics,wereonlytoogladtoleaveusalone,providedwebehaved.Frenchwasthesame’!‘TheModernside(thosestudyingthenewersubjectssuchasZoology,NaturalScienceetc)wasregardedashalf-wittedandthoseinvolvedcertainlynotnicetoknow.Eveninmylastterm(1903)therewasnearlya“strike”amongtheschoolprefectsbecausea‘Modern’wasmadeSeniorPrefect’!Thedescriptionofthevariousformswerepepperedwithgeneralities-‘TheShellunder‘Poif’Cowellwasashockerconsistingofpermanentlyresidentandbrainlesslouts,withclevereryoungstersendeavouringtopiercethegloomandreachthemorescholarlywatersoftheFifth,inmydaythebestformintheschool’.‘GillettactuallygottheSixthtoworkbecausewelikedhim’!

TheUpperandLowerThirdFormsconstitutedtheJuniorDepartment‘withtheCurriculumandaimsofaPreparatorySchool’.Forallsubjects,exceptLatin,thisjuniorgroupingagedfrom9to14weretaughttogether.TheReverendL.F.Harveytookalltheirsubjects,exceptforForeignLanguagesandArithmetic.Strangelyenough,throughoutthisperiodnomentionismadeofDivinityasataughtsubjectwhichwaseitheranoversightornotconsiderednecessaryduethisbeingtheschool’scorevaluewithnofurthercommentrequired.

Sing’stimeasWarden(1904-1913)wasamostprogressiveone,rememberedmainlyforhisabilitytoreorganiseandmoderniseandforfinallynegotiatingtheacquisitionoftheplayingfields,thusestablishingtheschoolonamuchfirmerbasis.Histenure

deservesamuchfullerthesisthanspaceallowshere;sufficetonotethatbeforehetooktheWarden’smantle,noTeddiesboyhadeverwonaClassicalScholarshipnorenteredWoolwichorSandhurst,butonhisdeparturenolessthanfortystudentshadattainedoneorotherofthesehonours.Intheimmediateyearsfollowinghisdeparture,hewastoexperiencegreatandunexpectedsadnessduetothelossoflifeintheGreatWar.HiscorrespondencewiththeO.S.E.inthetrenchesstillsurvivesintheschool’sarchivesandgivesampletestamenttothegenuineaffectionheldbetweenthisWardenandhischarges.

FourmembersoftheteachingstaffwerekilledintheGreatWar,allofthemhiredbySing.JohnBussellandJ.B.Partington(whotaughttheFourthFormfrom1913tothecommencementofhostilities)havealreadybeenmentioned.LeonardDavies,aClassicalScholarandLeanderoarsmanwhotooktheFifthandSixthFormsfrom1911to1915,was‘hugelypopular’attheschoolandheadedSetEforthewholeofhistime.Hewouldneverhavebeenremotelydestined,innormaltimes,toenteranyformofmilitarylife–butansweredthecallandwaskilledtwoyearslater,in1917,‘commandingaCompany’.Onhisgravewerethefollowingwords‘HereresttheremainsofLeonardDavies,Scholar,Musician,AthleteandRifleman’.ThelastmasterinthissadgroupwasLeonardCass –‘abigman,acricketerandscientist’.Hehadanuncertaintemperbutwasdescribedasamanofinfinitehumour,‘withawholesomecontemptforanythinginthenatureofcantorhypocrisy’.Duringhistimeattheschoolfrom1909-1915,hewasanofficerintheembryonicO.T.C.andhadtakenovertheCorpswhenJohnBussellleftforthefront.OncethenewscamethroughthatBussellwaslost,Cassimmediatelyvolunteeredforthesameregimentandcompanyashisclosefriendandcolleagueandwashimselfkilledwithinsixmonthsintheidenticalmanner–byasniper’sbullet;theywereburiednexttoeachother.BeforehehadleftforFrance,Casslastwordstotheschoolwere–‘IwanttobewitholdBussell,he’sthebestmanIknow’.

Soendedthefirstfiftyyearsoftheschool’slifeinwhichapproximatelyonehundredandfortymastershadbeenengagedineducatingonethousandandfifty-nineboyswhohadattendedtheschool’stwosites.Surprisingly,onlythirtyfivewereordained


The last master in this sad group was Leonard Cass – ‘a big man, a cricketer and scientist. He had an uncertain temper but was described as a man of infinite humour,

‘with a wholesome contempt for anything in the nature of cant or hypocrisy’.

CommonRoom1913


whichappearslessthanmighthavebeenexpectedwiththeemphasisplacedintheteachingoffaithasthe‘raisond’etre’fortheschool’sexistence.Thisbeingsaid,thereisampleevidencetoshowthattheschoolhadneverretreatedfromChamberlain’soriginalintentionsandgoalsfortheschool,althoughthemethodsusedweretunedtofitthetimes.ThevastmajorityoftheCommonRoomatSt.Edward’sinthisinitialerawasmadeupofdeeplyreligiousmen,whetherordainedornot,andthusthepartthestaffandchapelplayedinallthepupils’religiouslivesremaineddominantthroughouttheirschoolcareers.OnehasonlytoscantheschoolChroniclesandotherarchivematerialoftheseyearstosensetheeverpresentprioritygivenandreverencepaidbyallattheschooltowardstheirChristianfaith.Nevertheless,therehadbeenarealisationasfarbackasHudson’stimethattheschool’sreligiousethicwassooverwhelmingthatit‘wasactivelyputtingoffpotentialparents’.SubsequenteffortsweremadetoemphasiseotherattributestheschoolhadtoofferbutitwasprobablynotuntilWardenKendall’stimethatthefullrangeofopportunitieswasexplained,circulated,understoodandappreciated.

QuiteapartfromthescholasticsideoftheschooltheWardensandtheirCommonRoomstaffsalsoplayedacrucialpartintheestablishment,encouragementandcoachingofthevarioussportsplayedbytheboys.UptoHudson’stime,therewaslittlementionmadeinthearchivesofhowtheadultcoachesinteractedorinfluencedtheteamsandrowers,althoughtherewerefleetingcommentsmadebytheallpowerfulcaptains,usuallyintheformofthanksattheendofterm.Wehaveseenthatsomemastersactuallyplayedinsomeoftherugbyandcricketsidesintimesofshortageorjusttomakeupformissingbulkontherugbyfield,buttheseweresimplyexpedienciesratherthandesirablepractice.Thefirstmentionofamaster-coachreallymakingadifferencewaswhenC.S.GillettO.S.E.returnedtotheschoolasastaffmemberin1905.HehadbeenafinesportsmaninhistimeattheschoolandatOxfordUniversity,andthishenowturnedintoanabilitytocoachtherugbyXV‘withgreatenthusiasmandskill’.Onhisretirementin1910duetoillhealth,theChroniclestated‘thescientificforwardplayofthemoderntypebeganatSt.Edward’sunderhiscoachingandtheexcellentXVsofhislastfiveyearsowenotalittleoftheirexcellencetohim’.AnotherO.S.E.turnedmaster-coach,JohnBussellwhotookoverfromGillett,usedhisexperienceintheforwards’playandbroughtabouthighpraisefrom‘TheMorningPost’ofJanuary1914:‘St.Edward’sSchoolhascomeoutstronglyinrugbyoverthepastfewseasonsandinthatitispermissibletotracetheteachingofTheReverendJ.G.BussellofBrasenose’.

Cricketwasleftlargelyinthehandsof‘Professionals’hiredinOxford,whosetasksalsoincluded‘preparingthegroundandforwardingtheColts’.Rowingattheschoolsufferedmanyfalsedawnsdespitehavingthedecidedadvantageofa‘riverfrontage’atitsdisposal.ItwaslefttosomepowerfulandnotedoarsmenO.S.E.suchasTheodoreGarnettandPercyUnderhill,exCaptainsofBoatsandbothUniversityBlues,toregularlypromotethesportbothinprintandbygivingcoachingtoschoolrowersintheirowntime.JohnSing,inbothhistimebeforebeingappointedWardenandevenafterwards,addedhisrespectedreputationtotheencouragementofrowingattheschoolandhisownSetregularlywonthe‘Bumpers’eventsheldannually.Acoreof

wellmeaningandresilientstaffmemberstriedtheirbesttogivewhattimeandexpertisetheyhadtocoachthefewboysrowingatthetime,ofteninfoulweatherandwithlittlepublicrecognition.WardensSimeonandHudsonalsolenttheirweightinencouragingboystorow,sometimesevenindefianceoftheCaptainsofCricketwhoseinfluenceonsummersportswasdominantandoftenmorethanalittleunreasonable.

ThelaterresearcherisleftwiththeimpressionthatAssistantMastersofthisearlyera,whetherintheclassroomoronSimeon’sandSing’shard-wonplayingfields,wereoftenofthe‘veryunsungheroes’category–happytolettheWardensandtheboystakethelimelightwhentimesweregoodandjustascontenttokeepalowprofilewhentheheatwasturnedon!ManywereyoungandusedtheirtimeatTeddiesasagoodgroundingforfutureteachingcareers,andotherswereelderly,maybepasttheirbestandcomingtotheendoftheirteachinglife.TheoverallaveragecareerforamasteratSt.Edward’swasthreeyearsonlyinthistimebuttheirimpactontheschool’sveryexistenceandprogresswasvitalandoftenexemplary,producingsomeoutstandingpupilsascanbefoundintheRolls.St.Edwardswas,byallaccounts,atough,disciplinedanduncompromisingplace,similartomostpublicschoolsofthetimeandatypicalexponentof‘themuscularChristianity’voguewith‘itsgrowingcultofgamesandmanliness’manifestedby‘asmallChristiancommonwealthofboysandmasters,workingandplayingtogether,butaboveall,prayingtogether’.

Disciplinewasharshlybutfairlyenforced,aimedatcharacter-buildingandobedienceensuringthateveryoneknewtheirplace;physicalfitness,skillatgames,toughness,companionabilityandleadershipwereexpectedoftheschoolpopulation.Thiswasclearlyunderstoodbyallattheschool,pupilsandstaffalike,andseemstohavebeenacceptedaspartofthe‘developmentprocess’.Theschool’soutputwereexpectedtobe‘gentlemen’implyinghonesty,loyalty,self-disciplineandmoralintegrity.

Thereisfarmoreevidenceinarchivalmaterialsupportingthethensystemthanopposingit,despitehowitmightbeviewedtoday.ThefactthatfollowingtheGreatWartheschoolexpandedandblossomeddramaticallyseemstohavejustifiedtheearlierpracticesandintentionsratherthantohavecondemnedthem.Inashort‘memoir’ofSimeonwrittenin1929byhiswifeBeatrice,fourofthemastersofthiserawereclassifiedthus:‘theystandbythemselves,aspillarsonwhichtheschoolrests’.TheillustriousfourwereTheReverendH.A.Dalton,F.G.G.Jellicoe,JohnMillingtonSingandWilfridCowell.

Anotherview,takeninthesameyear,statedthat‘therewereasuccessionofmasterswhogaveungrudginglyoftheirbest,withazealanddevotionthatwaseveraverymarkedfeatureinthosewhoworkedatSt.Edward’sSchool,atraditionnoblycarriedontothepresentday’.

SOURCES:

‘AHistoryofSt.Edward’sSchool(1962)byR.D.Hill

‘ComeonTeddies’bythisauthor(2006)

‘ComeththeHour,ComeththeSchool’bythisauthor(2004)

‘St.Edward’sSchool1863-1992.AnhistoricalessayonEducationalvalues’

byMalcolmOxley(1992)

SchoolChroniclesandarchives



Simon ArnoldSimonArnold,wholeftlastJulytobecomeHeadofDesignandTechnologyatSedberghSchool,hadbeenteachingatStEdward’ssince1996.InrecentyearsSimontookagreatdealofresponsibilitywithinthedepartment,runningtheworkshop(includingHealthandSafety),thesupplyofmaterialsandtechniciansupport.

Simonisatopclassteacherwhoinspiredhispupils,bothboysandgirls,toaveryhighlevelofcommitmenttothesubject.ThiswasborneoutbythededicationwithwhichtheycametotheDesignCentreintheirfreetimeandbytheexcellentexamresultsthatheachieved.

Heisamanofhugeenergywhomyouwouldbetontogetthejobdone.Hetookonsupervisionofasuccessionofmajordepartmentaldevelopmentprojects,devotingthebetterpartofhissummerholidaystogettingthingsright.Hewasalsopreparedtoenterfullyintothelifeoftheschool,beitinsport(RugbyandCricketteamcoaching),academictutoring,hobbyclubs,schooltrips,scholarshipinterviews,competitionentries,charitablework,playsets…thelistisfarlonger.

Withinthedepartmenthemadeaverymajorcontributiononallfronts.Forexample,hetookonthetaskofdevelopingadedicatedjewelleryfacilityandintegratingthisintoourGCSEresistantmaterialsprogramme.WenowhavefacilitiesthatIamconvincedareunmatchedatschoollevelanywhereinthecountry,andseveralpupilshavenowgoneon,underhistutelage,toachievehighgradesinAleveldesign,withjewelleryastheprimaryfocusoftheirprojectwork.Twoofhisex-pupilsarenowfollowingthepathtowardsbecomingprofessionaljewellers.

Hispersonaldesignskillsareexceptionallyhighlevelandbroadlybased.Hewasalwayshungrytolearnnewthingsandinvolvehispupilsandcolleaguesinthediscoveryprocess.

Icountmyselfveryluckytohavehadhimasacolleague,anditgoeswithoutsayingthathewillbesorelymissed.Wewishhimthebestofgoodfortuneinthisexcitingnewphaseofhislife.Ben Pyper June2011

Dr Mark Burkitt DrBurkitttaughtintheStEdward’sChemistryDepartmentfortwoyears(2007-8&2009-10),aftermanyyearsasaresearchChemist.Hehasagreatpassionforthesubjectandhisknowledgebaseisincrediblybroadanddeep.Heplannedhislessonswithgreatcareandthought,andwasalwayslookingfornewwaystomakethesubjectaccessibletoallhispupils.InhistimeattheSchoolhegotinvolvedincoachingcricket,communityservice,gardening,rockclimbingandtheDukeofEdinburghAward.Hewasalwayslookingtogetthebestofthepupilsheworkedwithandwewishhimwellathisnewschool.

Dr Sinead KeeganDrSineadKeeganwaswiththeMathematicsDepartmentfromSeptember2009toApril2010.Anexcellentresearchmathematician,shecompletedherPhDattheDublinInstituteforAdvancedStudiesandtookafurtherMastersdegreeinFinancialMathematicsatTrinityCollegeOxford.ResistingthelureoftheCity,shejoinedSt.Edward’swhereshequicklybecamewarmlyappreciatedforherexcellentworkwithourbestMathematicsstudentsandforhercontributiontotheBoatClub.Butmathematicswasalwayshermainlove,andwhenaresearchpositionaroseinDublin,itwastoogoodanopportunitytomiss,andshenowspendshertimedoinghardsumsattheInstituteofAdvancedStudies,SchoolofTheoreticalPhysics.

Rob HughesIamhonouredandslightlydauntedtobeaskedtowriteafewwordsaboutRob’stimeatStEdward’s.Quitesimplyafewwordswillnotbeenoughandthingswillbemissedoutthatweretrulysignificantinpeople’slives.RobarrivedatSES10yearsbeforemeandinthattimewasatutorinSing’s,FieldHouse,Segar’sandthenCorfeAnnexe.HerannumeroushouseandschooltripstoRoyalOperaHouse,RoyalFestivalHall,othermusicalsandtoParis.Healsostartedorganisingskitrips,eventuallyrunningnearly30!HeoversawSaturdayeveningeventstoonumeroustomentionand–oh,yes!–heevenfoundtimetoteachMusicandrunthenumerousChoirsandBandsrequiredinathrivingMusicDepartment.

Common Room

IarrivedayearafterRobhadtakenoverasHousemasterofCowell’sandalreadyhehadmadehismark.Hehadthetime,whichperhapsonlybachelorscanhave,tospendtalkingtokids.Hisdoorwasalwaysopenandhisfreezersstockedwithwhateverwasrequired.Evenwithatutornominallyondutyhissittingroomwasinvariablyfullof‘hisboys’(andgirlsofcourse!)talking,laughingandjoking,butaboveallbeinglookedafter.Robgave12yearsofhislifetotheboysandgirlsinCowell’s,andthedeepaffectiontheyfeelforhimisobvioustoseeatanyreunion.

AfterleavingthehouseRobthrewhimselfbackintohisfirstloveofmusic.Whocanfailtorememberhimarmsflailingpassionatelyasheconductedonebandoranother.HemastermindedtheHouseShoutforyears,makingitfunforall,butalsoensuringwhatevermusicaltalentwastherecametothefore.Healsofoundtimetodirectandco-directmanymemorableshows:KissmeKate,Godspell,WeWillRockYouandanunforgettableproductionofLesMisérables.

RobwasalsoagreatsupporteroftheCCF,organisingandconductingatalltheAnnualInspectionsaswellaseveryRemembranceDayService.HealsoconductedeachyearduringtheGaudyLunchParty.

RobrantheUSA/UKHarryHardieexchangeforover25years.Hetaughtcookery,ranapre-breakfastrunningclub,waswinememberfortheCommonRoomandorganisedjointschoolventureswithnumerousschools.

Hisorganisationwaslegendaryandneverwasthisbetterseenthanonhisforeigntrips.GenerationsofO.S.E.havetouredtheworldwithhim,fromSouthAmericatoChinaviaIndia,Israel,RussiaandtheU.S.A.Whetherculturalormusical,histripsranwithprecision.HeranchoirtourstoFrance,Florence,Vienna,Baltimore,WashingtonDCandNewYork.HisScottisheyeforabargainflightandhisknowledgeoftheareashevisitedledtomemorableexperiencesforallhischarges.Notforhimtheofftheshelfschoolpackages:eachitinerarywasindividuallyresearchedandorganised.ThisledtoconcertsattheMoscowConservatoire,whitewaterraftingintheAmazonaswellas5starhotelsallovertheworld.

OntopofallofthisRobwasatrueboardingschoolman.Afterthemusicwasfinishedandhisteachingdonehewasoftentobefoundsupportingsportingeventsorcookingmagnificentmealsforallsortsofpupils.Robgavethirty-twoyearsofhislifetoTeddiesandcountlessex-pupilsareindebtedtohim.IalongwithmanyotherswishhimalongandhappyretirementinhisbonnieScotland.Charlie Baggs


Common room

Ruth BushyagerRuthisnotthesortofpersonyouwantasanAssistantChaplain.Why?Sheisfartooable,andshemademefeelandlookinadequatemostofthetime!Havingbarelyevertaught,shewalkedintotheclassroomasifshewasbornforit;herpupilswereintenselyloyaland,asfarasIcouldtell,lovedher.ShealsotooktheSchool’sPublicBenefitagendatoanewlevelofenergyandefficiency.Irememberseeingherreportandrememberingthat,yes,therewasareasonwhyshehadbeenahigh-flyingcivilservantadvisingtheDeputyPrimeMinisterbeforeshehadtakenHolyOrders.HersermonsalsowerealwaysmeticulouslyplannedandbeautifullydeliveredandshehadanambitionthatallherchargesshouldhaveacleargraspoftheChristianGospelandbeledtogrowindiscipleshipandfaith.

Ruthisverydefinitelylowchurchcomparedtomymellifluousoccupationofabroadmiddleground,butIwasalwaysimpressedbyherabilitybothtoacceptyetquestionadifferentmodusoperandi.Sheistrulyhumbleandsheputtheneedsoftheschoolandthecontextbeforeherown.Neverwasthismoreapparentthaninthetragicsummerof2009whenGraceHadmandied.IwasawayonholidayinFranceatthetime,andRuthwasonthefrontlineaspupilsbegantogatherinschoolandinOxfordtoexpresstheirgriefandangerforthewayinwhichthisyounglifehadbeenrippedawayfromus.Iwillalwaysbegratefultoherforthemasterfulwayinwhichshecopedandministeredtopupilsandparentsinsuchdireneed.

AbidingmemoriesofRuth’spositiveimpactonthecommunitymightbesummedupinher‘cando’spirit;anEnglishgirlmarriedtoanAmerican,shehadnonethelessdrunkdeepfromthewellofAmericanoptimism.Irememberforoneofour4thformers,whowasnotbaptisedbutwhowishedtobeconfirmed,Ruthofferedthepossibilityoffull-immersionbaptism.Theofferwasenthusiasticallytakenupandalargepaddling-pool/smallswimmingpoolwaserectedontheChancelsteps.InhoppedRuthfortheBaptismproper...Anothermemoryinsimilarveinwastheenthusiasticwayinwhichshethrewherselfintothe’Shout’ProjectfortheWaterways.Ineveractuallysawherinaction,butIknowshesetupdanceclassesforlocalgirls.Iwassoimpressedbyherabilitytochangegearsoquicklyandtothrowherselfwholeheartedlyintowhateverchallengescameherway.

Iwillalsomissherstrongopinions;shewasalwayschallengingmeontheologicalissues,withanadmirablezealandpassionfortruth.HerCollegeprincipalapparentlysaidinherfinalreferencethat“sheheldstrongopinionslightly”.ThisisawonderfulsummaryofRuth’sstrengths:enthusiasmandvigoursupportedbyabeautifulhumilityandwillingnesstoserve.

Iamalreadymissinghergreatly,butIamdelightedthatsheandRonhavefoundsuchanexcitingchallengeinworkingfortheBishopofKensingtonandIwishRuth,Ron,ZoëandPhoebeeveryblessingintheirnewlifeinLondon.Charlie Kerr

Tom CopelandTomarrivedatStEdward’sinSeptember2003.Withinaveryshorttimeitbecamecleartothoseworkingwithhimthathewouldmakehismarkhere.ThemoststrikingthingInoticedabouthimwasthatheisvery,verysoftlyspokenandvery,verycalm.Itdidnottakethepupilslongtorealisethattheyneededtolistenverycarefullytohearhiminclass.Thiswasahugelyeffectivetechnique.Hisclasseswerealwaysextremelywell-disciplinedandcalm.Heexpectedhispupilstoworkindependentlyandtofindoutthroughexplorationratherthaninstruction.

TomadoptedthesesamestrategiesinhisRugbycoachingandhequicklyestablishedhimselfasasuccessfulandwell-likedcoach.Hetalkedtohisplayersratherthanshoutingatthemandheneverappearedruffled.

TomwasappointedHeadofMathematicsin2007andhequicklymadehismarkmanagingtheDepartmentwithhisnormalgentlebutactuallyquitesteelymanner.Hewasparticularlyinterestedingoodclassroompractice,andagreatproponentofbeginningeachclasswithathought-provoking‘lessonstarter’.

TommadearealcontributiontoStEdward’sinalltheareashetouched,notonlyasaMathsteacherandRugbycoach,butalsoinSegar’sasatutorandonnumerousDofEexpeditions.

ItwasagreatpleasuretoallofuswhoknewTomtowatchasheandAlexstartedtheirfamilyhere;andheisclearlyadeeplydevotedfather.Wewerealldisappointedtoheartheywereleaving,butrecognisethattheopportunitytoliveinthehillsinSwitzerlandwillsuitthemwell.

Sheila D. GreavesIfirstmetSheilain1997whensheaccompaniedmetoWardenChristie’sinnersanctumforaninterview.Afterabriefchatwithherwhilewaiting,herfriendliness,warmthandspontaneousgigglemademefeelquiteatease.Amongmany,thiswasoneofhergreatstrengthsasateacher,ashernumerouspupils,overtheyears,willendorse–acrucialqualityfortheone-to-onesituationofLearningSupportandthedepartment.

The‘Department’,suchasitwaswaybackthen,startedattheendof1992whenSheilacametoschoolto‘help’acoupleofboysprivately.InNovemberof1993,theWarden,DavidChristie,askedifshecouldtakeonafewmorepupils.Thissoonmorphedinto17andfromthere,60orthereabouts,one-to-onepupilsperweek(!),allofwhomwerebeingtaughtbyMrsGinwhatwasstillconsideredapart-timeposition.ThiswaswhenIwastakenonboardandsaw2pupilsduringlunchtimes,andusedtheothercupboard,(nowGeographybookroom)oppositeSheila’sintheWorkBlock.

In1997Sheilawasofficiallymadefull-time,andIfollowedsometimethereafteratherrecommendation.In2004shewasappointedHeadofafittinglyrecognisedDepartmentwhichhadmovedfromtheWorkBlocktotheEnglishBlock.Underherleadership,andduetogrowingneed,two

morespecialistteachersjoinedLearningSupport,part-time,swellingthenumbersofthisverybusydepartmenttofourtothebenefitofthepupils,teachersandtheSchool.Sheilaranthedepartmentwithcommitmenttothepupils,frequentlygivingadviceto,andtakinginformationfromvariousteachers,HMsandtutorsonaparticularchildandmeetinghis/herlearningneeds.Sheachievedjusttherightbalancebetweencommunicatingasteacherandfriendwhereherpupilsfeltateaseenoughnotonlytoaskhowtostructureanessayorwhatevertheiracademicproblemwas,butalsotoshareajokeevidencedbythegalesoflaughterfrequentlyheardthroughthecommunalwallofourrooms.

Hermanydutiesincludedtalkingtoprospectivepupilsandtheirparents,makingthemfeelwelcomeandreassured.ThesameappliedwheninterviewingpupilswiththeDirectorofStudies,atthevariousassessmentmeetings,andputtingthemattheireaseatapotentiallynerve-wrackingtimesothattheycouldrespondwithoutbeingoverwhelmed.Inaddition,shehasinformedandadvisednewyoungteachersintrainingfortheirQTS,theintricaciesofmanagingdyslexiaandchildrenwithspecificlearningdifficultiesintheclassroom.Herdutiesinrunningthedepartment,toonumeroustolist,wereexecutedwithprofessionalismandagreatdealofhumour.Asacolleague,shewasajoytoworkwith,providingadviceandcommonsense,asoundingboard,aninstructorandaleadertakingalltheresponsibilitythisdepartmentdemands.

Sheilahadaveryimportantassistantuntilacoupleofyearsago–hehadfourlegs,limpidbrowneyes,wasveryhairy,andwouldwaghistailtowelcomepupilsuntilhebecamemoreseniorandhishearingfailed!Yes,manyofyouwillrememberthewonderfulBenwhocametoschoolmostdays;hewasaterrificice-breakertothemorenervouschildren,makingthemfeelrelaxedandhappy,especiallythosewhohadn’tboardedbefore.Healsohada‘walkon’partintheLowerSchool’sproductionoftheScottishplay!

Asa6thFormtutorSheilawasagreatsupporttohergirls;shelistenedattentivelytotheirvariousgrumbles,advisedwiththeirstudies,thrilledwiththeirtriumphs,commiseratedwiththeirwoesandmadecakesfortheirbirthdays!LifeSkillsandDofEcookingwasanotherareasheparticipatedin,bravelyallowingpupilstouseherbeautifulnewkitchen!DinnerpartiespreparedandcookedbysaidpupilswereanaddedbonusIwasfortunatetoenjoy,andIwasimpressedbytheirexpertiseandgentlemanlybehaviourfosteredandguidedbySheila.Overtheyears,shewasinvolvedinmanyco-curricularactivitieswithafirmbutfairhand.

AllgoodthingshavetocometoanendandDavid’simpendingretirement,anincreasingbandofgrandchildrenandatoughfewyearsatworkandoutofit,persuadedSheilathatitwastimetoretire.Sheismuchmissedbyoneandall,butwehopeshewillbeseenagainduringexamseasonasaninvigilator/scribeforsomeofherformerpupils.Thus,Sheila,it’snotgoodbye,butaurevoir!Charmian Downer


Common room

Leonie HillierAssoonasLeoniearrivedatSt.Edward’s,shemadeanimmediateimpactontheDepartment.Alwaysorganisedandmeticulousinthepreparationofherownlessons,shequicklyestablishedanorderandorganisationinthedepartment,ablyassistedbythecolleaguessheledsowell,intermsofworktobecoveredbybothteachersandstudents,resources,bothhardcopiesandincreasinglyelectronicanddigital,aswellaskeepingherselfandhercolleaguesup-to-datewithnewmethodologiesandinnovationsintheHispanicworld.ShewasagreatenthusiastforallthingsSpanish–dance,food,music,film,theatreandwine,tomentiononlyafew!ShewasevenpersuadedonoccasionstolendherconsiderableskillstoteachingaFrenchgroupthroughtoGCSE.Energeticandcreativeinherapproachestoteaching,shewasdemandingofherstudents,especiallythosewhomsheknewtobecapablebutwhowereinclinedtocoast,yetwasalwaysreadyandwillingtolendextrasupporttoanyonewhowasgenuinelystrugglingbutwhohadthedesiretolearn.Sheledmanysuccessfullanguagelearningtrips,usuallyintheEasterholidays,tovariouspartsofSpain,andalargenumberofstudentsshouldhavecausetobeverygratefultoherfornurturingtheirSpanishlanguageskillsandabilitiesatalllevels;shewasascomfortableteachingbeginnersasshewaspreparingcandidatesforOxbridgeinterviews.SheembracedfullytheintroductionoftheIBDiploma,correctlyseeingitasamajoradvantageforherownsubjectinparticular,andagreatadvanceforModernLanguagelearningingeneral.

TherewashowevermuchmoretoLeoniethanagiftedandhard-workinglanguagesteacher.Sheputinmanyhoursinthewardrobedepartmentforallsortsofdramaticproductionsattheschool,andshecouldinvariablybereliedupontoproducethemostunusualcostumeseeminglyalmosteffortlessly–thoughtherealitywasoftendifferent!ShewasalsoamuchlovedandhighlyrespectedHousetutorandshehasbeenthesourceofmuchcommon-senseadviceandsupportforalargenumberofgirlsaswellasbeingsupportiveofallHouseactivitiesandevents.Co-curriculartimealsofoundheractivelyinvolvedonthegamesfront–inshortshewouldneversaynotoarequestfromanyonetohelpoutintheschool.

ItwasinevitablethatshewouldmoveonandwewereluckytohaveLeonieamongstforaslongaswedid.ShehasonlymoveddowntheroadtocopewiththeHelKats,andsheremainslivinglocally.ItwasapleasuretoworkwithLeonieandenjoyhersenseofhumourandweallwishherwellinhernewroleasHeadofML.

Jonathan MitchellHavingpreviouslybeenHeadofDepartmentinMagdalenCollegeSchool,JonathanMitchelljoinedStEdward’sasHeadofEnglishin2007,aroletowhichthisquintessentialEnglishmanwaswellsuited.Fromtheoutset,Jonathanestablishedhimselfasanincrediblywarmandloveableteacher,tutorandmemberoftheCommonRoom.Heledthedepartmentwithadmirablededication,inspiringand

enablingthosearoundhimwithanenviablelevelofskillandcare.Hismanyinitiativesandinnovationsincludeestablishingtheschoolnewspaper‘TheQuad’,foundingacreativewritingjournal‘TheQuill’,enhancingourliteracypolicy,andvariousreformstomakestudyingEnglishintheLowerSchoolmoreexcitingandengaging.Thosewhoworkedalongsidehimwereoftenastoundedbyhisindustriousness;wewerealwayswell-informed,well-supportedandwell-monitoredinourteaching;inthosetaughtbyhimtherequicklygrewafondnessforMrMitchellwhosepresenceintheclassroomwascalm,organised,humorousanderudite.HismasteryoftheEnglishlanguagewasevidentinhisroleintheCommonRoomasthe‘CrosswordKing’,anditwasonlyJonathan’swinsomecharmthatpreventedothercompetitivestafffrombegrudginghimthetitle.

Althoughathomewithwords,itissafetosaythatthesportingfieldwasnotJonathan’smostnaturalhabitat.Hecouldoccasionallybefoundsupervisinga‘melange’gymsessioninnolessthanhis3-piecesuit,oneofhismanyfancydressentertainments.ForvariousschooldinnersJonathanknotteduphisexclusive-pro-monarch-dining-clubbowtie,whichcomplementedhiskiltedattireonmorethanone‘BurnsNightSupper’.Indeed,hewasunafraidofdonningaskirt;theschoolpantomimeprovidedthestageforJonathantounleashaquitebeautifuldamethatwilllivelonginourmemories–atestamentbothtohiscomedicabilityandmoretothelevelofaffectionthatsomanyofthestaffandstudentsheldforhim.

IamespeciallyindebtedtoJonathanforprovidingakeenbutcluelessundergradwithherfirstwork-experiencestintinaschool,supportingherthroughherfirstfewyearsofteachingandtheGraduateTeachersProgramme,withrelentlessencouragement,beliefandwisdom.IthinkitisthislevelofinvestmentandcareforindividualsthatmadeJonathansuchanassettotheschoolduringhistimehere:hewouldalwaysgotheextramileforsomeone.Thestaffsawthisintheeasewithwhichheinvestedinfriendshipsandthepupilssawthisincountlessways,throughsensitivepastoralcare,individualtutoring,impressiveresourcesforthosesittingEnglishexamsandcommitmenttosupportschooltripsandactivities.JonathanmovesontobeDirectorofTeachingandLearninginForestSchool.Hispeacemaking,humility,generosity,interestandhead-rollinghumourwillbesorelymissed.

Gareth PlayfairItisquiteadauntingtasktodojusticeinwordstothephenomenonthatisGarethPlayfair.Hewas,withoutdoubt,greatlylovedbythosehetaughtandthoseinFieldHousewherehewasAssistantHouseMasterfortwoyears.‘ACompleteLegend’washowmostofthepupilswoulddescribehim,andnohigherstudentaccoladecanbebestoweduponateacherthanthat.Whatlaybeneathhismythicalstatus?Well,GarethmustsurelyhavegiventheBlarneyStone(EireratherthanNorthernIreland,tobesure)alonglingeringkissasayoungman;thecraicinMrPlayfair’slessonsmadeanynormalteacherseemdullincomparison.

Gareth’sabilitytomoveseamlesslyfromconversationtotheological,ethicalorphilosophicalmusingswasalsoeffortless,andIknowforcertainthathewillhaveinspireddozensofpupilswiththehorizonsofthoughtandpossibilityheopeneduptothem.Personally,IfoundGarethinspiringtobearoundtoo.Hewasagreatloverofclassicalmusic,bothchoralandinstrumentalandwewouldhappilyandcarelesslywileawaytimesharingourloveofthefairmuse;IalwaysleftfeelingthatIwastheonewhohadbeenblessedbyhisinsights.Garethknowshowtoencouragepeople,tohelppeoplefeelgoodaboutthemselves,toseethebestandbringoutthebestinpeoplearoundhim,andhewillbemuchmissed.Wemust,ofcoursealsopayhomagetothehugeamountoftimehespentcoachingandsupportingsporthereatStEdward’sbothonthehockeyfieldandontheathleticstrack;hisenthusiasmisinfectiousandIcanonlyimaginethatteammoraleina‘GazzaXI’wouldbesecondtonone.UndoubtedlyhewouldhavehadsplitloyaltieswhenhecametoplayagainstMarlborough,becausehehadgivensomuchofhimselfinthepreviousnineyearstothatschool.ButhegaveinequalmeasuretoStEdward’swhilsthewashere,andhehasleftabigGareth-shapedhole.WhocanblameMarlboroughforwantinghimback?WeallwishGareth,Emma,OllieandGeorgiaeveryblessingintheirnewlifeandhomeandinthiswonderfulnewchapteroffamilylife.

Kirsty JonesKirstyJonesjoinedourArtDepartmentinApril2005.ThoughshehadconsiderableteachingexperienceinFranceandtheUKshewasengagedmainlyonthequalityofherportfolioandonthestrengthofherinterviews.

KirstywentstraightintoteachingourentireLowerSchoolyearsShellsandMiddleSchool,andlatertookontheL6.Thiswasadauntingtask,butonewhichshesetaboutwithexemplaryprofessionalism.Thegradesattainedbyherpupilsoverfouryearswerealwaysexceptionallyhighbyanystandardsandaretestamenttothestandardssheset.

Kirstywasquicktoadapttoourwaysbutwasalwayskeentobringinnewinitiativesandhelpthedepartmentdevelop.Herenthusiasminthisareawasinexhaustibleandourdepartmentremainsstrongerforit.Shealsodrewupaprogrammeofvisitingartistsandworkshops.

Herloveandenthusiasmforthissubjectisevidentinherownworkbutalsoshinesthroughinherteaching.Herclassesarelively,poignantandinteresting.

Kirsty’spublicexhibitionattheNorthWallwassensitiveandrevealing.Drawings,paintingsandcollectionsof“objectsfound”wereexhibitedtogetheralmostasasinglepiece,eachstandingalonebutalsocomplementingthewhole.Theshowwasvisitedbyourstaffandpupilswhowentawayinspired.

Kirstysupportedagreatmanyotherareasofschoollifebeyondherdutiesinthedepartment.Sheworkedwellbeyondherhoursandwasalwayspreparedtogotheextramile.IntimesoftroublebothpupilsandstaffwouldturntoKirstyforhersupport.


1st XV RugbyTheseasonforthe20091stXVofficiallystartedonSaturday12thSeptemberagainstBloxham.Itstartedsuccessfullywitha12-0win,butthefactisthat,forthisgroupofplayers,preseasonhadstartedinearnestonApril22nd2009.This1stXVmorethananyotherworkedtremendouslyhardforthesuccessestheyachievedandtheyshouldbeproudofthedevelopmentstheymadeaspeople,playersandasateam.

MrDalgleishandIwereacutelyawarethatthisteamlackedsizeandpower,tworathersignificantfactorsinmoderndayrugby.Wethereforedecidedthatthesummertermshouldbespentdevelopingsomecoreskillsandthatatourpreseasontrainingcampwewouldhavetobelongerandmorefocusedthanusual.OnTuesday30thAugust,30playersandthreestaffheadedofffor5daysintensivetrainingatStMary’sUniversity,Twickenham.Thedaywouldstartat7.30amonthetrackandfinishaftervideoanalysisat8.30pm,fivedaysinarow,finishingwiththePresident’sTournamentatEsher.Thepre-seasonprogrammewascompletedonWednesday2ndSeptemberwithasquadfixtureagainstWorksopCollege,fromNottingham.Thesquadgelledbothonandoffthefieldandalthoughfatigueandthecontinualrotationofplayersmeantwedidnotwinagameinpreseason,weallfeltwehadcompletedanincredibleamountofwork.

Bloxhamwereoneoftheonlysidesweplayedthatwereasimilarsizetooursquadandthisallowedustoactuallyputintopracticeallthehardworkfrompre-season.TheforwardsweredominantalldayandafterasuccessfulcatchanddriveXaverTouschekdivedoverforourfirstscore.Inthesecondhalfwecontinuedtodominatepossessionwithoutactuallycreatingtoomanyscoringopportunities.However,aftergoodruckingfromtheforwards,thecentresMatthewMannersandGeorgeCreedcombinedtoreleaseJoshRichardsontoscoreinthecorner.Thescorefinished12-0toTeddiesandtheseasonwasupandrunning.

ThesecondgameoftheseasonagainstRugbyprobablyoptimisedtheseasonforme.RugbywerehugeinthepackwithtwoEnglandU16internationalsintheirsideandanumberofverytalentedandquickbacks.However,withMrDalgleishexpertlycoachingthedefensivesideofourgame,Rugbywerecontinuallyhithardinthetackleandourlinespeedandpressureindefenceforcedcountlesserrorsfromthem.However,wheninpossession,weoftenfounditdifficulttopenetrateoroutflanktheirdefenceandeventuallywelostthegame3-6.Itwasaverycreditableperformanceandtheboysshouldbeproudofthewaytheyplayed;itwasunfortunatelygoingtobethestoryoftheseason.Wewerealwaysgoingtobeverydifficulttobeat,butalsoweweregoingtofinditveryhardtoscorelotsoftries.ShiplakeandMarlboroughwereournexttwofixtures.AsoundifunspectacularvictoryathomeagainstShiplake10-7withtriesfromHamishAtkinsonandanoutstandingfinishfromOrlandoFigg.ThiswasfollowedbyadefeatawayatMarlborough9-19.Westartedthegamewithrealintensityandpurposeandput

Marlboroughunderagreatdealofpressure,althoughwewereunabletocapitaliseonthisandlaterinthegamethiswouldcomebacktohauntus.Marlboroughweremuchmoreclinicalanddynamicinour22anddespiteapenaltyfromRupertShipperleywhichkeptusintouchforawhile,weeventuallylost3-19.

Thenextthreegameswouldreallydefinetheseasonasthefixturelistafterthehalf-termexeatlookedconsiderablymoredifficultthanthefirsthalf.FirstupwasPangbourneCollegeandhavingbattledhardallgameandwithfifteenminutesorsoleftourdefensivelinewaseventuallybreached,althoughitwasunconverted.Withthegameininjurytimeandtherefereehavingcalledlastplay,theTeddiesforwardssetuponeoftheirtrademarkdrivingmauls.Itwentafull30metresandwithonlytwometrestogoandthelineandpostsdirectlyinsight,itcollapsedandtheballcarrierbumpedittotheplayersinfront.Therefcalledaccidentaloff-sideandthegamewaslost0-5.Iamnotagreatoneforblamingbadluckonourdefeats,butthatwasouronechancetoscoreandonechancetowinthegameandtherewasanelementofbadluckinvolved.AwayatStowewewerecomprehensivelybeateninthefirsthalfandwerethirtyonepointsdownathalftime.Althoughwescoredfourteenunansweredpointsinthesecondhalfitwasalltoolate.TheteamthenmovedontoDeanClosewhichsawacompletelydifferent1stXVtakethefield.Thepersonnelwerethesame,butthedetermination,concentrationandtenacityofthissetofplayerswascompletelydifferenttothepreviousweek.Withintwentyminutesthescorewas20-3andthegamewasallbutover.WeturnedaroundhavingdrivenandscrummagedDeanCloseofftheballandscoredtwogoodtriesfromthebacks.However,despitethetremendousvictorythedaywillalsoberememberedforthehorrificinjurytoHamishAtkinson,ourveryinfluentialhookerwhosufferedafractureddislocationofhiskneeandtoreeveryligamentinit.WearealllookingforwardtowelcomingHamishbacknextseason.

SothesecondhalfoftheseasonstartedagainstourlocalrivalsMCSandtheboyscontinuedinthesameformastheyhadfinishedthefirsthalfoftheseason.TommyWebsterscoredtwogoodtriesincludingonescintillatingfinishandtheforwardsshowedtechnicalexcellenceasthesetpieceallowedustocreatesomepressurethroughmultiplephases.WegiftedMCStwoconvertedtriesinthelasttenminutes,tomakeitalittlenerverackingtowardstheend,butweeventuallyclosedthegameout27-20.TheCheltenhamCollegefixturewaslostacrossthewholeblocktoswineflu,leavingusthreefixtures–Radley,OratoryandAbingdon.Itiseasytogroupthesethreefixturestogetherbecausetheyfollowedasimilarpattern.Inallthreecasesweweremuchsmalleracrosstheteam,webattledhardandhadourfairshareofpossession,butinallthreegamesweonlymanagedtoscoreonetryanditwasthroughtheforwardsfromcloserange.Wetackledmanfullyandtheboysputtheirbodiesontheline,nevergaveupandplayedsomegoodrugby,butitwasneverenoughtoreallygetthescoreboardtickingover.Welost3-22toRadley,3-22toOratoryand0-28toAbingdon.Theseasonfinishedup

Mr Dalgleish and I were acutely aware that this team lacked size and power, two rather significant factors in modern day rugby. We therefore decided that the summer term should be spent developing some core skills and that at our pre season training camp we would have to be longer and more focused than usual.

Rugby

Vs Bloxham Won 12-0

Vs Rugby Lost 3-6

Vs Shiplake Won 10-7

Vs Marlborough Lost 9-19

Vs Pangbourne Lost 0-5

Vs Stowe Lost 14-31

Vs Dean Close Won 32-3

Vs MCS Won 27-20

Vs Cheltenham College

Cancelled – Swine Flu

Vs Radley Lost 3-22

Vs Oratory Lost 3-22

Vs Abingdon Lost 0-28

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7s RugbyThe 7’s season starts in earnest at The Christ College

Brecon 7’s on the second weekend in half-term, or it

usually does. The freezing temperatures meant that

the tournament was called off on Saturday evening

and with it our first competitive rugby of the season.

This left us with very little practice before heading off

to the Windsor 7’s. Our group games were as scrappy as

we expected and despite some good performances we

finished second behind Pangbourne College.

Finishing second in our group gave us a quarter

final against Latymer Upper from London. Tries from

Orlando Figg, Matthew Manners and Rupert Shipperley

gave us a quite a comfortable win 19-7. Rugby were our

next opponents and despite keeping the ball for quite

long periods of time we never really threatened their

line till the end of the game when Charlie Instone scored

a consolation try. Although perhaps not the final result

we had hoped for we had managed to get a number of

games under our belt and at times played some good 7’s.

Our next tournament was the Middlesex 7’s at

St Benedict’s Ealing. This always occurs on a leave

weekend and from time to time leaves us a little short of

our best players. The boys who played deserve a huge

amount of credit for giving up their leave weekend and

playing so competitively. In the end we lost to Dulwich

at the same stage of the tournament at Windsor, the

semi final of the plate. A tough group with Filton College

from Bristol and Eton pushed us in to the plate, but once

again we fell at the semi final stage.

The last tournament of the season is the National

Schools 7’s in London, commonly referred to as the

Rosslyn Park 7’s. The draw had not been kind to us,

Denstone College, Sherborne, Eastbourne and the Perse

School from Cambridge. Even some of the other schools

were calling it the group of death as any one of those

schools could go on to compete in the latter stages of

the competition. Denstone were very strong and with a

very powerful England winger they outscored us three

tries to one. It is possible to qualify from your group

having lost a game, but it is unlikely. Unfortunately we

lost to Sherborne, but then we picked up our game to

beat Eastbourne and The Perse. In these games Richard

Wise was outstanding at the kick off time and the nimble

and agile Rupert Shipperley made space and time

for Matt Manners, Orlando Figg and Oliver Hopkins.

The team was well supported by the hard working

Xaver Touschek, Tom Harding and Hugo Brister and

although the season did not bring any silverware it was

nevertheless very enjoyable.

‘Won4,Lost7’andthismarksanimprovementforbothyeargroupsfromtheirresultsasColts.RhuariBinning,AndrewFilmoreandHugoBristerformedasolidfrontrow,whoonanumberofoccasionsoutscrummagedmuchbiggermen.InthesecondrowthecompetitionforplaceswasstrongandHarriAdcock,CharlieInstoneandAlexSmithwereoftencommandinginthelineoutandeffectiveatthebreakdown.ThebackrowwentfrombreakdowntobreakdownasaunitandFergusBibby,TomHardingandtheeverpresentXaverTouschekgaveusfluencyinattackandwereaconstantpaintotheopposition.RupertShipperleywasthebestyoungplayerandhisthreataroundthebaseofthescrumandhiskickinghelpedpegbacktheopposition.JasperJoyceandPaddyMaynardcontrolledthegamefrom10andlinkedeffectivelywithBenEkberyat12andMatthewMannersat13.DespitenotgettingmuchballTommyWebsterandOrlandoFiggmaintainedpossessioninattackandfinishedwhentheopportunitiespresentedthemselves.JamieFraser’srefusalevertogiveupandhisthunderingtacklesindefencecontinuedtomotivatetheteamthroughouttheyearandwewereoftenindebtedtohislastditchtackling.

Itiseasytoplaysportwhenyouarethebest,ittakesverylittlecourageorbravery.Thisteamkneweverysinglegamewouldbeabattleandmostforthetimetheywouldbeconsiderablysmallerthantheopposition.Howevertheynevermoanedbutdevelopedtheirknowledgeandunderstandingofthegameandenjoyedplaying,whichistestamenttotheircharacter.Wealwaysworkhardtocreateateamthatispassionate,technicallyasproficientaspossibleandonethatweareproudof.Whentheoddsarestackedagainstyou,thesethingsaremuchhardertoachieve,butMrDalgleishandIwouldagreethatthe20091stXVachievedallthree.


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2nd XV RugbyThe2ndXVisoftenthemostdifficulttoplayinandcoach.Playersmovebetweenthe1stXVand3rdXVonaregularbasis,whichcanmakecontinuitydifficultandteamspirithardtoforge.However,thisisprobablynotthecasewith20092ndXV.This2ndXVhadteamspirit,perseveranceanddedicationinabundanceandalthoughtheschoolmayhaveproducedmoresuccessfulteamsintermsofresults,thereareveryfew2ndXV’sthatdisplayedtheTeddiesspiritquiteasmuchatthisteam.

TheseasonstartedinaverypositivefashiononasunnydayatBloxhamandalthoughthescorewasquiteclose,itdidnotreallyreflectthedominationoftheTeddiespackorthecleveranddynamicrunningofthebacks.Sixplayers(L.Farrant,G.Chetwode,TKnight,P.Deane,H.BesantandN.Shoji)hadattendedthepreseasontrainingcampatStMary’s,Twickenhamandthiswascertainlyafactorintheverysuccessfulstarttotheseason.

ThewinoverBloxhamwasfollowedupwithsuccessivevictoriesoverRugbyandShiplake.MrCopelandalongwithNicvanZyl,anOxfordBlueandvarsitysquadmemberforthatseasonhadcreatedaveryversatileandresilientteam.AsolidwinoverPangbournewassandwichedbetweentheteam’sfirsttwodefeats

oftheseason.MarlboroughwerefartoostrongbothinthepackandinthebacktriangleandsomeweakdefenceworkallowedMarlboroughtoscoreasignificantnumberoftriesandrunawaywiththegame.DeanCloseroundedoffthefirsthalftermandwerecomprehensivelydispatchedonaverywetdaywheresimplyholdingontotheballwasthehardesttask.

Thesecondhalfoftheseasonwassomewhatadifferentstory.AterriblegameatMCSthatshouldhaveendedinvictorytoTeddieswasregrettableandalthoughthereweresomeunusualdecisionsinthegametheinabilitytocapitaliseontryscoringopportunitiescamebacktohauntusaswelost15-19inthelastfewminutesofthegame.TheCheltenhamgamewascancelledduetoswineflu.ThedrawagainstOratorywashardfoughtandtheboysshouldbeproudoftheirefforts.AbingdonandRadleywerebothslightlytoostrongforus,althoughinbothgameswewereverycompetitiveandattimescausedtheoppositionsignificantproblems.

Athoroughlyenjoyableandrewardingseasonthathadanumbergoodvictories,afewnearmissesandacoupleofgameswhereweweresecondbest–atypical2ndXVseason.AnumberoftheL6thboysshouldcontestfor1stXVhonoursnextyear.


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3rd XV RugbyTheboyswhorepresentedthe3rdXVweregreattoworkwith;theyplayedwithspiritandtriedtoplayanopenrunninggamewhengiventhechance.Attimesthiswasnotalwaystherightoptionforthelessfitmembersoftheteamwhenplayingagainststrongopposition.MaxDaviescaptainedthesidefromfly-half,PhilPalumboleadthepackanditwasclearthatsomeoftheteamwouldplayatahigherlevelnextseason;GullyBurrowsandFreddieSheltonimmediatelyspringtomind.Thepackwassolidinthesetpiecebutdependingonavailabilitysometimesratherslowtothebreakdown.Therewasplentyofpaceinthebacklineandwithballinhandtheyoftenlookeddangerousbutattimesfailedtotakefulladvantageofscoringopportunities.Afrustratingseasonbutneverthelessanenjoyableonetoo.

Colts AThe2009ColtsAsquadprovedtobeasubstantialone,suchwerethenumberofpersonnelchangesrequiredduringthecourseoftheseason.Also,asisoftenthecaseatthisagegroup,therewasaneedtomoveplayersaroundintounfamiliarpositionsandittooksometimetoachievetheoptimumbalance.However,oncethatwasestablishedseveralpartnershipsstartedtogelandconstructsomeattractivephasesofplay.Burnswasavocalcaptain,ablydeputisedonvariousoccasionsbythebackrowtrioofKent,KinmanandStoneandthebacksweremarshalledbyHelsbyatflyhalf.

TheopeningfixtureagainstBloxhamindicatedthatthemidfieldneededtobebolsteredandthismeantSmithbecameacentre,muchtohisownsurprise!ThetriptoRugbytoplayonthehallowedfieldwherethegamebeganstartedoffpromisingly,butacoupleofbreakawaytriesquicklyputthegameoutofreach.ThensuccessivedefeatsbyShiplakeandMarlboroughandabruisingencounterawayatPangbournesuggesteditwasgoingtobeaverylongseason.

Itwastotheteam’scredit,however,thattheywerethenabletorallyandproduceastringofthreeundefeatedmatches.Thefirstwasaclosefoughtaffair(19-14)againstStowewherebothsideswerealwaysincontentionuntilthefinalwhistle.ThetripawaytoawetandblusteryDeanCloseonthefollowingweekendwasexpectedtobealowscoringcontest.However,theplayershadnotreadthescriptandproducedsomechampagnerugbywhichdefiedtheconditions.Inparticular,theballhandlingofthebacklinecombinedspeedandskillthatresultedinabraceoftriesforbothSimpsonandRobinsononthewingandamoraleboostingscore(45-0).TheconfidencefromthesetwovictoriescarriedoverintothelocalderbyagainstMCSonUpperOne.Despitebothsidescreatingseveralscoringopportunities,itwastheircommitteddefencewhichdominatedandthe5-5drawwasafairreflectionofakeenlycontestedmatch.

SomeenforcedpositionalchangesafterExeat,partlyduetoillnessandinjury,meantthatanumberofnewfacesjoinedthesquadincludingDuckworthandThompsoninthebacks,whichenabledSmithtoreturntohismorefamiliarforwardhaunts.Despitethesefreshrecruits,thethreeremainingfixturesagainstRadley,OratoryandAbingdonallresultedinheavydefeats.ThefinalmatchonUpperOne,againstaveryimpressiveAbingdonsidelookingtocompleteanunbeatenseason,showedhowfartheteamhadcome.Althoughthevisitors’superiorfirepowerultimatelyproveddecisiveandtheydeservedlyranoutconvincingwinners,the“neversaydie”attitudeofallthehomeplayerswasfantastictosee.ThisbodeswellfortheirfuturesonUpperOne,whereanumbershoulddevelopintostalwartmembersofthe1stXV.

Finally,IshouldliketothankJoeRobinson,thebackscoach,forhissupport,enthusiasmandhumour.Heprovedinvaluableindispensingadvicetotheplayers,sharinghisplayingexperiencesandregularlyleadingpracticesandteamstrategy.

Vs Bloxham Lost 9-38

Vs Rugby Lost 8-22

Vs Shiplake Lost 8-20



Vs Stowe Won 19-15

Vs Dean Close Won 45-0

Vs MCS Drawn 5-5



Vs Radley Lost 5-68




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thefastpaceandgameplanthattheoppositionimplemented.AfterthesebruisingencounterswefacedDeanCloseonUpperOne.Hereweregainedsomestructureandshapeanddominatedlargeperiodsofthematch.GeorgeBurt,TomHanscombeandTitusMorleyensuredourscrummagewassolidenoughtosupplygoodballtoourbacksandJamesConnellywasimpressivegoingforwardfromcentre.BothConnellyandAsemboscoredahattrickoftries.TheopennatureofthegamealsohighlightedAngusSpratling’ssublimeskills,andthesensiblewayinwhichAlexHargreavesmarshalledhistroopsfromflyhalf.

FollowingonfromthegoodwinonUpperOnewehostedMagdalenCollegeSchool.Thegamewasatightaffairbutwedidverywellindeedtoshowrealdeterminationinthefaceofsomestiffcompetition.SamBaringandGeorgeAnthony-Jonesbothscoredinthismatch,whichwasjustrewardfortheirendeavoursallseason.SamMacDonald-Smithalsoshowedthegoodformanddependabilitythathadmadehimaregularintheteam,andHugoAuergavenoticeofbothhiswillingnessandabilitytoplaywhereverhewasaskedforthebenefitoftheteam.

Theendoftheseasonsawtwotoughfixtures(RadleyandAbingdon)resultinlosses,butbothincompetitivematchesthatwereacredittothehardworkputinallseasonlongbytheboys.InboththesefixturesSimonagainhighlightedhisimportancetotheteamwithbravedefensivedisplays.

Theboysweregreatcompanyallseasonanditistobehopedthattheylearntagreatdealfromallthatwedid.Iamsureevengreatersuccessawaitsthemastheycontinuetodevelopasyoungmenandrugbyplayers.Finally,alargethankyoutotheteamofgroundsmen,caterersandHouseMatronswholookafterusallandensureourfacilitiesaresogood,andalsototheparentswhocomeandsupportusweekafterweek.

Junior Colts BItwasanimprovingseasonfortheJCB’s.UnderthewatchfuleyeoftheirUSAinternationalcoachWillJohnson,theircontactskillsimprovedconsiderably.TherewastheusualmixofinjuriesinJCA’sandJCB’scallingforreplacementsbutahappycoreofplayerdemonstratedskillanddeterminationeveninthefaceofadversity.Therewereanumberofverygoodvictories,particularlyoverRugbyandDeanClose.HugoAuerwasnotableforhishighspeedandhighimpactrunsthroughtheoppositionandDariusLauddominatedthescrum-halfrolewithgoodcaptaincyskills.Thepackwaseverwillingandalthoughmany,suchasWillMorgan,lackedsizetheycouldcompensatebyexcellenttacklingskills.

Junior Colts CTheJCCshadasomewhatmixedseason.ManyschoolsdidnotcompeteatCteamlevelandsowehadarelativelyshortfixturelist.Thesquadhadplentyoftalentbutnotmuchphysicalsize.TheforwardswerewellservedbyTeddieChristieMiller,RobinAtkins,JonGoddard,CharlieRoberts,BertieBarrell,BillyMetcalfe(wholaterconvertedtofullback)HarveyDu,FreddieGibbsandCharlieMerson.InthebacksJoshHilliermademanytearawaybreaks,andthereliablebootofPatrick‘St.Ronan’Naglekepttheteamwithinstrikingdistanceoftheopposition.OtherstoshineincludedLeoHartleyRussell,FrankZhangandAfolabiAyoola.ThesquadtrainedhardandtherewereferocioustacklesfromJackMorlandandBarneyCook.OtherstocatchtheeyethroughoutthetermincludedAlexHayes,TimHollandandWillSargent.Allinall,itwasaveryenjoyableseason.

Vs Bloxham Won 50-7

Vs Rugby Won 36-5




Vs Stowe Lost 8-67

Vs Dean Close won 40-17

Vs MCS won 31-16



Vs Radley Lost 0-39



Colts B TheColtsBhadtwoverydistinctpartstotheirseason.ThefirsthalfonhardgroundwithplentyofballinhandproducedsomefinewinsoverBloxham,Shiplake,DeanCloseandMCS.ThehighlightoftheseasonwasprobablythevictoryagainstPangbourne39-5.MrArnold,anincrediblypassionatestalwartofTeddiesRugby,producedasidethatcouldruckandmauleffectivelyinthetightandyetalsofeltcomfortablewiththeballinthewideopenspaces.SomesignaturefirstphasemovescausedthedefencesignificantproblemsandthedynamicandelusiverunningofCallumThomsonandRupertDuckworthoftengavetheteamgoodfrontfootballtoworkwith.JakeAldrichwasanexcellentlinkbetweentheforwardsandbacksatscrumhalfandwasalwaystenaciousindefence.

Thesecondhalfoftheseasonwasalittledifferent.ThegameagainstCheltenhamCollegewascancelledduetoswineflu.TheteamoftenlostplayerstotheAside,whichistestamenttothehardworkandtalentoftheseplayers,butitdidplayhavocwiththeteam’scontinuityandfluency.ApartfromthewinagainstMCStheseasonfinishedwithaseriesoflosses,albeitagainstmuchlargerboys’schools,suchasRadleyandAbingdon.Theteamcanlookproudlyontheseasonandaimnextyeartohavethesamesuccessinthesecondhalfoftheseasonthattheyproducedinthefirsthalf.

Junior Colts A Thiswasaseasonoftwohalves!WestartedwiththreeveryimpressivewinsagainstBloxham,RugbyandShiplake,withChrisAsemboscoring6triesinthesematches.Whilsttheoppositionwerenotterriblystrongwelookedgoodinpatches,particularlyfor15minutesinthesecondhalfagainstRugby.TheShiplakematchwasreallyquitedramaticwithustrailing26-29rightupuntilthelastscrumofthegame,inthelastminute,whenAsembocrossedforthewinningtry.

Marlboroughwasafrustratingfixture.Wedidnotreallyplayinthefirsthalfsowewere21-0downathalftime,butinthesecondhalfwewerefarmoredeterminedandrugged,NickdeKleeinjectingsomerealpassion,andthegamefinished7-26.AlexKnottandFinnJoynsonsecuredverygoodlineoutballforusandHenryPennydefendedstoutlyatalltimes,showinggoodfaithinthedriftdefencecomingfromhisinside.Hadwebeenatourverybestthroughtheentirematchitmightwellhavebeenadifferentoutcome.Thistendencytostartslowlymaterialisedagainlaterintheseasonandaffectedseveralfixturesforus.

NextupweretwoverystrongoutfitsinPangbourneandStowe.SeveralplayersdefendedverybravelyindeedincludingIvanTouloumbadjianandFredSimon,butwestruggledtolivewith

AlexKnott


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Yearlings AIt’snevereasytopaintapositivepictureofaseasonthatcontainedalargenumberofdefeats,butit’simportanttosaythatthissidewilldevelopintoaseriouslycompetitiveunitintheyearstocome.AnexcellentperformanceintheirfirstgameagainstBloxhamresultedinanemphaticwinby50-12.Someoftherugbythatthesideplayedsuggestedthattheteamhadtheabilitytoblendenterprisewithgenuineoffloadingskill.Spiritswerefurtherbuoyedbyanotherconvincingwinby44-12againstShiplake.Someoutstandingperformerswerebeginningtocometothefore,nonemoresothancaptainWillCornishwhosecommitmenttothecontactareawasinspirational.

Unfortunately,asisoftenthecasewithourcompetitivefixturecard,thingsgottougherfromhere.Aseason-endinginjurytoJamesD’AltonandotherlittlenigglesmeantswatheswerecutthroughourestablishedstartingXV.Adisappointinglossby7-21toPangbourne,andanotherinjurytohalfbackOllieButcheragainstalledourmomentumandwewereleftmuchinneedofthehalftermbreak.

GalvanisedbyrestandsomepositivetrainingsessionswegroupedtogetherinpreparationforatoughstringoffixturesagainstRadley,OratoryandAbingdon.Unfortunatelyallwerelost,butthespiritwithwhichtheboysrepresentedStEdward’swastrulycommendable.

Itreallyisveryimportanttoreiteratehowmuchprogressthesidemade.Inoftentestingconditionstheyroseabovetheparapetandfrontedtoanychallengethatwaslaidintheirpaths.Goodsideslearnfromtheirdefeats,turningnegativesintosubsequentpositives;Iamconvincedthatthissidewilldothis,andIhavenodoubtthattheywillgrowintoateamthatcomplementseachother’sstrengthsastheyprogressthroughtheschool.

Yearlings BWhatasuperbseason!Witha60%winrecordandanawayvictoryatRadley,itisnothardtoseethatthe2010YearlingsBrugbyplayersgavenothinglessthan100%effortbothonandoffthefield.Theteamhadtalentedplayersfrom1to15andIhavenodoubtthatanumberofthesewilldevelopintofirstfifteenplayersofthefuture.Theseasonstartedwitha50-7demolitionofBloxhamandatight15-12victoryoverRugby.DespitelosingtowellorganisedMarlboroughandAbingdonoutfitsandamassiveOratorypack,theboysrespondedwelltodraw28-28atShiplakeandfinishtheseasonstronglybybeatingPangbourne36-17,DeanClose76-0andRadley14-12.

Theoppositionattimesfounditdifficulttocopewithateamthathadstrengthsinallareas;thepacywingersofWright,Ball,CreedandChekalsky,thehardrunningcentresofRoxburgh,BowkerandVincent,thebrillianthalfbacksKeenandIsola,thesolidfrontrowofOlashore,Burns,Cutbill,FrostandMcKnight,thedynamic2ndrowofGolubchenkoandMooreandfinallythedestructivebackrowofKaye,Ogdon,CarterHughesandDavies.

Testamenttotheabilityintheteamisthelargenumberofplayerswhowerepromotedto,andfoundhomein,theAteam.Muchwillbeexpectedofthisseason’smostimpressiveBteamastheyprogressthroughtheschoolandIshallwatchtheirdevelopmentwithrealinterest.Finally,Iwouldliketothankalltheparentswhogaveconsistentandvaluablesupporttothesidethroughouttheseason.

YearlingsA

Vs Bloxham Won 50-12

Vs Rugby Lost 0-33




Vs Dean Close Lost 12-14

Vs MCS Lost 11-18



Vs Radley Lost 7-40




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Yearlings CTheYearlingsCsplayedwellandtheresultsdonotreflecthowcompetitivetheywere:played7,won5,lost2.Thetwowinswereverycomfortableandallthelosseswereclosesothepointsfor(132)weregreaterthanpointsagainst(117).Theteamhadsomegreatindividualtalentbutwereoftensmallerthattheopposition.ThepenultimatefixtureagainstOratorywasthebestwhere,eventhoughtheylostnarrowly,theyplayedsuperblytogetherasateam.

OscarAlberthadagoodseasonplayingflankerandwasalwayscheerfulandreadytoplay.WillArrowsmithplayedwellinthepackallseason.HarrisonBlythwasaverygoodscrumhalfwithniceballskills.JakeBucknallshowedgoodskillsathooker.DannyCellan-JonescameupfromtheDteamandwaseffectivewiththeballandhardtostop.JamesCokerwasthemostimprovedplayer.JacobColemanhadverygoodballskillsandwhengivensomespacecouldbeveryeffective,JackGarrodhadgreattalentandwasamazyrunner.AlecGittoswasaverysafepairofhandswhoveryrarelydroppedtheballandhadsomegoodruns.SamLebuswasthe‘supersub’,likingtocomeonafterhalftime.MatthewLewingtonwastheunsungherooftheteam,helpingtogettheplaygoinginthecorrectdirectionthroughruckingandmauling.LibanMao’Mahadwasaneffectiverugbyplayerandmadesomegoodchallengingrunsandsomelovelypasses.JoeNeville-Rolfeplayedinthepackandimprovedgreatly,withhisbestperformancebeingagainstOratory.AlexRamoswasaneffectiveforwardwhoseruckingandmaulinggreatlyimproved.TheoSmithwasaneffectiveforwardwhowasmissedwhenhewasoutforthemiddleoftheseason.CosmoLeighwasaneffectivefullbackwithgoodhandlingskills.

Yearlings DDespitewinningonlytwogamesthiswasapromisingseasonfromalovelybunchofboys.TheybeatRugbyintheirfirstgame,butofcoursethentheteamwentthroughinnumerablechangesasthestrongerplayersfoundtheirwaytothehigherteams.ThetruehighlightoftheseasonwasthehomewininthepenultimategameagainstRadley27-22;thiswasareturnfixturefollowingRadley’shomewin22-17.Twoequalsidesbattleditoutonthefieldofplaywithtruehonourandsportsmanship,andoccasionalskill.Specialmentionmustgotothefollowing:OllieCatchpolewhowasthefastestrunneroverabout30metresbutveryslowthenext20:histacklingcameonhugely;RoryHiggswhocaptainedmagnificentlyatfly-half:henevermissedatackleanddartedeverywhere.JohnLeightonandAlexRamoswerestalwartsinthebackrow;AlexpushedthetacklersasidetoscoretwogreattriesagainstRadley.FreddieMooreHobbisgavethehintastohisfantasticballskillswithhisall-roundvisionanddistribution,andagainhistacklingwasimmense.IvanVasylevskyyandChanonNinnoennonspeddownthewingsbutstoppedtheiroppositenumbersdoingsotimeandtimeagain.BenTavenerrippedtheballoutofaRadleyforward’shandsandjustaboutwalkedthrough8tacklestoscorethedecisivetryinthatfamousvictory.AlthoughsomeplayersweredwarfedbythelikesofMarlboroughandMCSforwards,theycouldhavebeengiants.Welldoneandgoodluckforfollowingseasons.

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deservedtheirhardfought1-0win.Cadoux-Hudsononceagainmadesomeincrediblesaves.

AttheU18countytournamentthegirlsdefendedtheirtitleinstyle.InthefirstpoolgameagainstHenleyCollegeittookawhiletowarmupbutthesidecamethroughwithgoalsfromLilyDaviesandBubbleBaddeleytowin2-0.NowwarmedupandusedtothecurtailedmatchesthesidebeatTudorHall3-1totoptheirgroupwithgoalsfromStevenson,BaddeleyandDavies.Inthesemi-finals,theyfacedBloxham.Teddiesknewthiswouldbeatoughmatch,havingdrawnwiththeminablockfixtureacoupleofweekspreviouslyandsoitprovedtobe.Thematchwasendtoendhockeybutthe1stXIfailedtocapitaliseonsomegreatopportunitiesandatthefulltimewhistlethescoreremained0-0.Thismeantthegirlsfacedthedreadedpenaltystrokebarrage.OnceagainitwasCadoux-Hudsonwhocametotherescue,makingtwofantasticsaves,andwithgoalsfromBubbleBaddeley,MelTuckett,LeonoraSkullandGraceRobinsonTeddieswon4-3.ThefinalagainstCokethorpewasahardfoughtandenjoyablematchwheretheteamshowedjusthowfartheyhadcomesincebeatingthesameopposition1-0justafewweeksbefore.TopgoalscorerLilyDavies,LeonoraSkullandGooseCharlton(onher1stteamdebut)allscoredinthe3-0win,forthesidetobecomecountychampionsforthefourthconsecutiveyear.

ThenextfixtureagainstRugbywasanothertightaffair.The1stXIcomingbackfrom1-0downtoeventuallywin2-1inanother‘nailbiter’.

Girls’ 1st XITherehadbeenmuchanticipationwithregardstoselectionforthisseason’s1stXIasonlyfourmembersoflastyear’steamremained.Butitwasnotaneasytransitionasthenewplayerswerequicklyhavingtoadapttothefastpaceandferocityof1stteamhockeyaswellaslearnnewformationsandsetplays.ItprovedtobeatoughstartagainstaWellingtonsidewho,havingjustreturnedfromatourofSouthAfrica,werelookingingoodshape.ItwasWellingtonwhotookanearlyleadandneverreallylookedbackastheywentontowin4-1.IntheirnextmatchagainstCokethorpe,thegirlsstooduptothephysicalityof1stXIhockeyfarbetter.Theylookedafarmoreconfidentunit,piecingpassestogetherandallowingformationstoflow.EmmaCadoux-HudsonmadesomefantasticsavesingoalandBubbleBaddeleyproducedsomeexcellentplayonandofftheballinmidfieldasthesidewentontowin1-0courtesyofaLeonoraSkullgoal.Intheirnexttwofixturesthegirlsbattledhardtotwowellearneddraws.Inthe3-3drawwithCheltenhamCollege,jointMostImprovedPlayersofTheSeasonHarrietteBrownandSophieSlemeckwereconspicuousandinthe2-2drawawayatBloxhamKatieWithersGreenwassuperbinmidfield.Thegirlsthenwentontolose0-3toastrongMarlboroughoutfitbeforegoingonasixgamewinningstreak.

AtOakhamthe1stXIplayedanextremelycompetitivematchagainstqualityopposition.Teddieswerereallybeginningtogelasateamandregardlessofrecentresultswereimprovingweekonweek.WithJessieStevensonoutstandinginmidfieldtheyplayedsomefantasticandattimesinspiredhockeyandthoroughly

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AnothertightmatchfollowedagainstDeanClosebutthistimethesidelost0-1toastrongsidebeforegoingontobeatCheltenhamLadiesCollege2-0andBradfield3-1intheirnexttwofixtures.WiththeStowefixturecancelledduetoswinefluthesidebeatPangbourne3-1totakeconfidenceandathreegamewinningstreakintotheDivisionalTournamentatBradfield.Here,ledbyCaptainHarrietConafrayandPlayerofTheSeasonMelTuckett,theyproducedsomesuperbperformancestobeatSeafordCollege,PangbourneandMillHill1-0,drawwithKingEdwardVISouthampton1-1andBeaconsfieldHigh0-0,beforelosing3-0toStGeorge’stofinishrunnersupandqualifyforthesemifinals.ThismatchtheylosttoNationalRunnersupKingstonGrammarSchoolwhowerejusttoostrongandexperienced.

ThelasttwofixtureswerealwaysgoingtobedifficultonesagainstsomeofTeddiesstrongestopposition.Unfortunately,the1stXInarrowlylostboth,goingdown1-0toOundleand2-1toCanfordintwohotlycontestedfixtures.

However,ithasbeenanotherenjoyableandsuccessfulseasonforthisyear’s1stXIwhoalwaysplayedwithtremendousspiritandcommitment.ThesideweresuperblyledbyCaptainHarrietConafrayandheroutstandingvicecaptainMelTuckett.Thoughwelosefourseniorplayersthisseasonthebulkofthesidewillremainanditishopedthattheycanemulatethesuccessesofthisseasonnextyear.

... it has been another enjoyable and successful season for this year’s 1st XI who always played with tremendous spirit and commitment.

The side were superbly led by Captain Harriet Conafray and her outstanding vice captain Mel Tuckett.

2nd XIThe2ndXIhadaspiritedifnotvictoriousseason.Althoughresultsdidnotgotheirwaythegirlswerealwaysacredittotheschoolandplayedwithdeterminationineverymatch.SophieKrajnykprovedtobeaverygoodcaptain,organisingandmotivatingeveryoneduringeachgame.Thehighlightoftheseasonwasthe0-0drawawaytoOakham.Thegirlsplayedexceptionallywellasateam,movedtheballaroundandalthoughtheyhadchancestowinwereunabletoconvertthoseopportunities.Theyhadtoworkexceptionallyhardindefencetoearnawelldeserveddraw.SophieTheakstonwasaconstantthreatinmidfieldandmostcertainlydeservedherplayerofthematchaward.

ThehardworkandeffortfromLauraMallowsfromstarttofinishineverymatchwasrecognisedbyherteammatesasshereceivedthePlayers’Playerawardattheendoftheseason.Hertenacityandspeeddowntherightwingmeantthatshewasoftentheproviderforthetop2ndXIgoalscorerChloeRead.EllieBarrywasconsistentlyfantasticindefenceandalongsideHannahForsythe,AmyHicksandKatieAustin,preventedtheoppositionfromscoringmanygoals.OliviaDaviesmustalsobegivencreditforhereffortsingoalandcommitmenttotheteam.

Itwasapleasuretocoachthisteam;theirattitudeandeffortswereexcellentandthestandardoftheirhockeyandawarenessofthegameimprovedthroughouttheseason.


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Dean CloseThiswasaverywetmatchonanextremelyslipperysurface,butthatdidnoteffectourplaying.Weallplayedverystronglyasateam,doingfastpacedpassesdownthepitchwhichouroppositionfoundhardtointercept.Inthefirsthalfwescored2grandgoals,withthescorestandingat2-0.InthesecondhalfDeanClosecamefightingback,butwekeptgoingandscoredothersmashinggoal.Towardstheendofthesecondhalf,DeanCloseputtheirdeterminationcapsonandfoughtthrough,scoring3goalsinthelast10minutes!Thefinalresultwas3-3.

Cheltenham LadiesThiswasaverygoodgameaswekeptourstrongplayconsistentthroughoutthewholeofthematch.Thefinalscorewas5-0tous,MillieEdwardsscoring(2)(whilstslippingoveratgreatspeedresultinginahugebruise),RosieHenriques(1),HelenaLewis(1)andKatieBattcock(1).

BradfieldAnothersoakingwetmatchwiththerainyweatherdefinitelydidnotaffecthowwellwedid.Wedominatedthismatch,withafinalresultof12-1.Withlotsofgreatstrongpassesandspeedydribblingdownthewing,wemanagedtokeeptheballinourhalfofthepitchforthemajorityofthematch.Wealltookintogreataccountthetrainingsessionwedidearlieroninthatweek,bydribblingtheballrightuptothegoalkeeper,thenpassingitacrosstoateammemberwhoflickeditinquickenoughforthegoalkeepernottosaveit.Asaresultofthat,wegainedourveryimpressivefinalresultof12-1.MillieEdwards(3)AntoniaSpeir(3),AliceRailton(2),JessPadgham(1),ClaudiaDay(1),KateFraser(1)andNaomiLawson(1).

Overall,the3rdXImadehugeamountsofprogressinskillandattitudethroughoutthehockeyseason.Wehadsuperbcoachingfromourheadcoach,MrsBaddeley.AlsoaspecialmentiontoCocoBartlettandVickyColefortheirhelpandpatience.Thankyouverymuchtothemall.

3rd XISomeofourmemorablematchesincluded:

WellingtonThe3rdXIhadafantasticopeningmatchoftheseason,beingtheonlyStEdward’steamthatheldavictoryagainstWellington,withascoreof2-0.Wehadastrongattackingside,andtwogreatgoalswerescoredbyMillieEdwardsandRosieHenriques.Everyplayerwasputtingintheirfulleffortandmaintainingstrongpossessionovertheballforthemajorityofthematch.OurplayerofthematchwasMirandaStewartwhoplayedverywellwhilstrepresentingStEdward’sforthefirsttime.

MarlboroughMarlboroughisalwaysaverystrongteamsoweknewwewereupforachallenge.Marlborough’sattackerswereverypowerful,sogaveourdefenceagoodtest.ClaudiaDaydidasuperjobatsweeperandhitoutsomefasttravellingballsfromtheD.HattieGardnerhadherfirstmatchasgoalkeeperandshowedsomeverygoodskills.Ourattackersalsodidagreatjobatgettingtheballdownthepitch,butunfortunatelynotquitegettingintothegoal.Thescoreendedat0-8,butwefinishedwithourheadsheldhigh!

BloxhamBloxhamwasafairlyequalgameinstandards,andgaveusasateamsomefinecompetitiontoplayagainst.WeexhibitedsomestrongplaywithRosalieWarnermakingsomegreattacklesinthedefendingarea.AliceRailtonhadsomeexcellentrunsupthesideline,gettingtheballinourattackingD.Ourattackersandmid-fieldersincludingEmilyMarshall,MillieEdwards,JessPadgham,NaomiLawson,MirandaStewart,HelenaLewis,KateFraserandKatieBattcockalldisplayedsomesuperbteamworkinourattackinghalfandkepttheballinourDformostofthematch.2-1.

U16A Ithasbeenanexcitingseasonforthisseason’sgirls’under16team.Withthreefifthformpupilsplayingforthe1stXIthesquadhadtoquicklygelandgetusedtoplayinginunfamiliarpositionsinanewtacticalsystem.

ThegoalkeepingdutiesweresharedbyAnnabelFarrantandEleanorJohnson,bothperformingstrongly,Eleanorwasparticularlyimpressiveasshehadneverplayedingoalbeforethisseason.MillieTaylor,CamillaWeston,AnaRobinson,EmmaCrawfordandHarrietLunnonmadeupthedefensiveunit.Theirworkrateanddeterminationmadeitverydifficultforopposingteamstofindspacearoundthecircleandmeantthesideconcededveryfewgoalsduringthethirteenmatchseason.HarrietLunnonwasoneoftheoutstandingperformersthisyear,notonlymakingcountlesslastditchtacklesbutalsoprovidinganattackingthreatfromrighthalf.FreyaBerkinskipperedthesidefromtheheartofthemidfieldandledbyexample.Sheneverstoppedrunningandprovidedacruciallinkbetweenthebackfourandfrontsix.IwouldliketothankFreyaforhereffortsbothonandoffthefieldandcongratulateheronafineseason.AnnabelHay-Jahans,FreyaSwanandEmilyFletchermadeupthesidesattackingmidfield.Allthreewerepositivegoingforwardandtheirathleticismmeanttheteamwasveryeffectivecounterattackingfromturnoverball.FreyaSwanalsoprovidedarealthreatstrikingpenaltycorners.PollyMaindsandRachelSmithplayedasafronttwoforthemajorityoftheseason.Theforwardlineprovidedrealcuttingedge,Rachelshowedgoodreceivingskillsandwasabletoeliminateplayersonaregularbasis.Polly’sworkratewasoutstandingandherpacecausedproblemsforopposingdefendersallseason.RoseBarrywastheside’sutilityplayerwhoprovedtobeacrucialmemberoftheteam,playinginalmosteverypositionduringtheseason.

TheseasonstartedwithatoughmatchversusWellingtonwiththegirlseventuallylosingnarrowlyonwhatwasaveryhotSeptemberafternoon.AfteraslightlydisappointingresultinweekonethegirlsfoughtoutanexcellentdrawagainstanaccomplishedCheltenhamsideandcouldeasilyhavesneakedawin.Thegirlsthencruisedtoa6-0winagainstCranfordHouse,thevisitorsnotbeingabletocopewiththegirl’sfluidpassinganddirectrunning.Afterleaveweekendtheteamquicklygotoverthedisappointmentofnotreachingthedivisionalroundofthenationalchampionshipswithtwoexcellentperformancesagainststrongopposition.Adramatic3-2victoryatRugbywasfollowedbyafantastic5-1demolitionofDeanClose.AfterExeataveryunlucky0-1losstoCheltenhamLadieswasfollowedbyadominantandclinicaldisplayagainstBradfieldwhichendedinaconvincing6-1win.AverystrongandphysicalOundlesideprovidedtheoppositioninthefinalfixtureoftheseason.Thegirlsshowedtremendouscharacterandteamspirit,pushingOundlealltheway.SESdeservedsomethingforsuchadeterminedperformancebutthegameendedina0-2loss,aresultthatflatteredtheopposition.

Iwouldliketothankallthegirlsfortheireffortandcommitmentthisseason.Theyhaveapproachedtrainingandfixtureswithenthusiasmandawillingnesstolearn.IwishallofthesquadluckinthefutureandIamhopingtoseemanyofthemrepresentingtheseniorgirls’hockeysidesnextseason.


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1st XI Boys

Ithasbeenafantasticseasonforthe1stXIwhoremainedunbeateninschoolfixturesandwerethefirsteverwinnersoftheCharlieBarkerTrophy.ButwiththeplayerssettingthemselveshighstandardstherewasatingeofdisappointmentatnotreachingtheDivisionalRoundoftheNationalCompetition.

Marlborough (away): 1-1Thefirstfixtureofanyseasonisalwaysapotentiallydifficultencounter,especiallywitharctictemperaturespreventinganypre-seasontrainingbeforetermstarted.Marlborough,ontheotherhand,hadjustreturnedfromasuccessfultourandonhometurfwerealwaysgoingtobeconfidentofapositiveresult.Teddiesstartedslowlyandwere1-0downwithinfiveminutes,afterasuperblycraftedMarlboroughattack.Teddiesthenhadallthepressurefortherestofthefirsthalfbutcouldnotconvertchancesintogoals,withanumberofballsslidingpastthebackpost,beggingforanytouchfromaforward.ThetravellingsidefinallyconvertedanopportunityearlyinthesecondhalfwhenPlayeroftheSeasonandTopGoalScorerGeorgeCreedpouncedonadeflectionafterawellworkedpassingmoveontherighthandside.Teddieshadthemajorityofchancesfortherestofthefixturebutfailedtotaketheleadandthematchfinishedoneapiece,probablyafairresultgiventhetimeittookforTeddiestostartputtingtogetherfluidpassagesofplay.

Abingdon (home): 5-1TheAbingdongamewasanexampleofhowwellTeddiescouldperform.PerhapsthescorelinedidnotreflectaccuratelythepossessionthatAbingdonenjoyedbutthehomesidegavetheiroppositionalessoninhowtoconvertpossessionintochancesandchancesintogoals.Teddieswentintohalftimejust2-1up,concedingapenaltystrokeandscoringtwowellcraftedgoals.ThefirstgoalwasafinepassingmovethatsawStEdward’sbreakfortymetresdowntheleftwingbeforesquaringupandneutralisingtheAbingdondefence,slappingapenetrativeballtowardsthebackpostforCharlieBlanchardtofinish.MattMannersscoredtheotherfirsthalfgoal,asimilarlyclinicalstrike.Inthesecondhalf,TeddiespunishedAbingdon’srecklessendeavourtogainparity,scoringtwosmoothlyworkedgoalsonthecounterattackafterabsorbingmuchoppositionpressure.MostImprovedPlayerJonnyTetsellpouncedonadeflectionandMannersslidinhissecondafterthekeeperhadbeencommittedtochallengingthefirstwaveofonrushingattackers.Blanchardclaimedhissecondmidwaythroughthesecondperiod,TeddiesexecutingaslickpenaltycornermoveandBlancharddragflickingsweetlyintothebottomcorner.Thewinoverlocalrivalswasmadeallthe

moreimpressivebythefactthatTeddiesplayed15minutesofhockeywithjust10playersand5minuteswith9.

Bradfield (home): 2-2Thisencounterproducedanexciting‘endtoend’styleofhockeyasbothsidesattemptedafastmovingandexpansivestyleofplay.Teddiesstartedthestrongest,withCreedscoringasuperbreversestickstrikefromthetopofthe‘D’.Blanchardthenprovidedthehomeside’ssecondafterawellworkedattackingmoveforcedapenaltycorner.Unfortunately,asTeddiesraisedtheirattackinggameinthesecondhalf,theyalsolostsomecomposureindefence.WithanunfortunatestumblefromthefirstplayofthesecondhalfBradfieldgainedonegoalandthemomentumtodriveforanequaliser.AlthoughTeddieshadthebetterofthechancesintheremainderofthematchclinicalfinishingwasmissingandtheteamhadtobecontentwithadraw.

MCS (home): 9-0InthisencounteragainstlocalrivalsMCSthehomesidedominatedeveryaspect.Coleswassuperbingoalmakingsomeinstinctiveandstunningreactionsaves,thoughintruthhewasrarelycalledupontostamphispresenceonthegame.Thebackthreetransferredanddistributedwithconfidencewhilstthemidfieldpenetratedthe‘D’andfoundspacefortheforwardswithrelativeease.TheforwardcombinationofCreedandTetsellstoletheshowhowever,withCreedclinicallyfinishingfiveandTetsellpoachingtwo,whilstdoingtirelessworktoretainpossessiondeepintheMagdalenhalf.Shipperleyalsocontributedonegoal,afteraslickandspeedycounterattackbroughtaboutanequallyimpressivepenaltycornermove.Teddies’abilitytocounterattackwasthemostattractivefeatureoftheirplayagainstMagdalenastheyabsorbedpressurewhenitwasimposedonthemandthenbrokewithpace,stretchingthepitchtoitsfulldimensions.

Radley (home): 4-3Perhapsthemostmeaningfulofthelocalderbies,theencounterwithRadleywasalwaysgoingtobeahotlycontestedaffair.TeddiestooktheirformfromtheMagdalenfixturestraightintothiscontest.Teddiesplayedtheirmostattractiveandthreateninghockeyoftheseasonthusfarastheyscoredthreegoalsinthirtyminutes,concedednorealopportunitiesanddictatedthepaceandnatureofthegame.CreedslottedcalmlyhomeforthefirstafterTeddiesbrokequicklyandisolatedeachdefenderandfinallythegoalkeeper,leavingCreedwithanemptynet.ThesecondwasaperfectlytimedandexecutedshortcornerthatsawShipperleydrivetheballintothe

backofthenet.AsthehalfclosedCreedscoredhismoststunninggoalofall:receivingtheballfromalong,penetrativeslapatthetopoftheDheweavedhiswaythroughthreelungingtacklesbeforeslidingtheballbeneaththedivingkeeper.ThesecondhalfbroughtfifteenminutesofequallyimpressivehockeyasCreedgrabbedhisthirdandTeddiesheldoutcomfortablyagainstallRadleyattacks.However,inthefinaltwentyminutes,asTeddiestiredandthegamegrewscrappy,chanceswerecreatedatbothends.RadleyuppedtheirleveltoscorethreeinquicksuccessionleavingTeddiestodefenddesperatelyforsevenminutestoensurethewin,despitewavesofRadleyattacks.

Wellington (home): 3-0WithabonuspointwinneededtosecureaplaceatthetopoftheCharlieBarkerleaguetable,TeddiesneededadominantperformanceoveratraditionallystrongWellingtonside.TheathleticismandpaceofthevisitingsideslightlyoverawedTeddiesforthefirst20minutesbutoncethehomesidefoundtheirrhythm,thepaceandconfidenceinattackallowedTetselltofinishanimpressivepassingmovetoleaveTeddiesonegoalupatthehalfwaystage.Wellington,desperatetoequalise,attackedwithflairanddeterminationearlyinthesecondhalfandTeddiesdidtremendouslynottoconcede,afterabsorbing15minutesofcontinuouspressure.Thefitnessandabilityofthe1stteamshonethroughinthelasttenminutesofplay,withTeddiescreatingaseriesofchances,toensurea3-0scorelinebytheclose.TetsellsnatchedasecondandaslickandpotentcornermovesawBlanchardfireadragflickintothesidenettingfromthetopoftheD.ThisresultensuredthatTeddiescouldnotbecaughtatthetopofthetableandwouldbecrownedtheinauguralCharlieBarkerChampions.

Dean close (away): 2-2Thefinalschoolmatchoftheseasonwasalwaysgoingtobeacompetitiveandphysicalaffair,withTeddiesjustonematchawayfromanunbeatenseason.ThehomesidestartedthecontestformidablyanditwasclearthattwoparticularlyskilfulindividualsintheheartoftheirmidfieldwouldbeatthecentreofalltheattacksontheTeddiesgoal.Thefirsthalfwasascrappyperiod,withbothsidesstrugglingtogainaholdonthegame.Teddieshadthebestopenfieldchanceofthehalf,withanattackingmovedowntherightresultinginamissedopportunityjustfeetfromthegoalmouth.Thefirsthalfended1-1withbothsidesfinishingchancesfrompenaltycornerrebounds.Teddieswerethedominantsideatthestartofthesecondperiod.The1stXIcreatedanumberofchancesbeforeBlanchardand

Boys’ Hockey


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Tetsellcombinedtoseetheballcannonintothebackboardfromcloserange.Unfortunately,Teddieswereunabletoholdontotheirlead,withaseriesofdecisionsgoingagainstthemintheclosingminutes,DeanClosewonasuccessionofshortcornerswhichprovidedthemwiththeequaliser.Adrawwasprobablyafairresult,giventheabilityoftheopposition’sindividuals.However,thefixtureprovidedlivingproofthatTeddies’willingnesstoplayasateamratherthanasindividualswasthefactorthatsecuredahistoricunbeatenseason.B.Abdoo,HarryAdcock,F.Bibby(v.Capt),C.Blanchard,H.Coles,G.Creed,J.Cuthbert,J.Fraser,J.Joyce(Capt),M.Manners,R.Shipperley,J.Tetsell.

Ithasbeenanotherhugelyenjoyableandsuccessfulseason,andIwasespeciallypleasedwiththefinalthreeperformancesagainstRadley,Wellington&DeanClose.TheXIplayedapacybrandofattackingteamhockeytobecomeonlythe4thteaminhistorytogounbeaten,followinginthefootstepsof1977,2000,2005.AsalwaysabigthankyoutothecoachesandgroundstaffwhomakeStEdward’shockeypossible.AhugethankyoutoJasperJoyceforhiscalm&intelligentleadershipandtoFergusBibbyforhisboundlessenthusiasm&supportasvicecaptain.ThisyearweloseeightU6playerswhoseexperiencewillbesorelymissedbutwithfourqualityplayersremainingandagoodcropofyoungplayerscomingthrough,Iamconfidentboys’hockeywillcontinuetobesuccessful.

2nd XI BoysAfteraverysuccessfulseasonin2009,the2ndXIin2010wentthroughaseasonoftransition.Withthecoreofthe2009teamhavingleft,anumberofnewplayersjoinedtheteamandconsequentlythe2ndXItookawhiletoperformcohesively.ThepreparationsfortheseasonwerecertainlynothelpedbythesnowthatmadethepitchesunplayableatthestartofJanuary.Oncetheteamwereupandrunning,undertheleadershipofNickCope,theboysdidproducesomecreditableteamandindividualperformances.OrlandoFigghadastormingseasoningoalandcaptainCopeplayedwithdeterminationandtenacityatrightback.RupertSwanmademanybravetacklesandwasadifficultfiguretobeatatcentreback.CarlosPosadacontinuedtoplaywithpanache–oftenmakingcrucialone-handedtacklesandthenbeingabletobeatanumberoftheoppositionwhilststillonlyusingonehand!Withhistirelesseffort,CharlieInstonehadagooddebutseason;JohnnyRatcliffescoredsomegoodgoalsandFerdinandSchmidt-Thoméfinallyscoredareversestickgoalaftermanyattempts!

Colts AIthasbeenatoughseasonforthisyear’scoltssidewitheverygamebeingalearningexperience.Earlyonthesquadhadtoworkhardtounderstandanewtacticalsystem,meaningmanyfoundthemselvesinunfamiliarpositions.Theteamgelledrelativelyquicklyandshoweddramaticimprovementsbothtacticallyandtechnicallythankstosomehardworkandconcentrationduringthefirstfewtrainingsessions.

JackFairhurstplayedingoalthisseasonandwasundoubtedlyoneoftheoutstandingperformersin2010.Heshowedfantasticreactionsandprovedtobeaneffectiveshotstopperthroughouttheintenseseason.Jackalsocommunicatedwellwithhisdefendersanddidagreatjobofcommandingthecircle.GeorgeChaffer,OllieSmith,TheoLewis,OllieEdwardsandFreddieKerr-Dineenprovidedthedefensivecoreofthesquad.OllieSmithshowedgreatone-on-onedefendingskillsaswellasprovidingapotentattackingthreatfromrighthalf.GeorgeChafferandFreddieKerr-Dineenplayedavitalroleinthecentreofdefenceandwerebothconsistentlystand-outplayersinthisyear’steam.Georgeshowedanexcellenteye,makingvitalinterceptionsaroundourdefendingcircle.Healsowasakeydistributorfromtheback,showingtheabilitytopassaccuratelyoverlongdistances.Freddieshowedfantasticcomposureunderpressure,hemadecrucialtacklesatimportanttimesandorganisedthebackfourcalmlyandeffectively.TheoLewisandOllieEdwardsalsoplayedanimportantroleinthedefensiveunit,bothshowingexcellentworkrateanddeterminationmakingitverydifficultforopposingforwardstofindspace.GeorgeSymingtonandJakeGoldenplayedintheheartofmidfieldandprovidedthelinkbetweenthebackfourandfrontsix.Theyworkedtirelesslyandcreatedimportantturnoverswhichprovided

theopportunityforcounterattacks.EdJamie,HarryHollingworthandCosmoMcQueenplayedinthemoreattackingmidfieldpositionsandgavethesidemomentumgoingforward.CosmoandHarryweretwoofthemostimprovedplayersthisseason,bothshowingtheabilitytoeliminateplayersonevoneandcreategoalscoringopportunities.CharlieChristieandCharlieBowkerplayedashighstrikersandweregiventhekeyjobofstretchingoppositiondefences,aselflesstaskwhichforthemajorityofthetimeprovidedspaceandopportunitiesforothermembersoftheteam.Theybothworkedextremelyhardfortheteamandscoredsomeimportantgoalsinthe10gameseason.

AfterheavysnowmeanttheblockfixtureversusCheltenhamwascancelled,theseasonstartedwithatoughfixtureagainstastrongMarlboroughside.Afteraverycompetitivefirsthalfthepressurefinallytoldandwebegantoconcede.ThedisappointmentofalossingameoneprovidedthefuelforwhatwasundoubtedlytheperformanceoftheseasonathomeagainstlocalrivalsAbingdon.Thesideoverturnedaheavydefeatin2009towin2-1inapulsatingencounter.TheCountyChampionshipwasanotherhighlightoftheseason.Theboysnarrowlymissedoutonqualifyingforthedivisionalroundafterwinningonematchanddrawingtwo,concedingnogoalsaftermatchone.

Iwouldliketothankthesquadfortheircommitmentandwishthemthebestforthefuture.AspecialthankyoumustgotoFreddieKerr-Dineen,OllieSmithandGeorgeChafferwhoallcaptainedthesideatvariousstagesandwereagreathelponandoffthefield.Evenifresultsdidn’talwaysreflectourperformances,thegroupprogressedcollectivelyandindividuallyandIhopetoseemanyofthesiderepresentingtheSESseniorhockeysidesnextyear.


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Colts BForonereasonoranother,memoriesofthe2009seasonhavebeenallowedsixmonthsorsotodistil,followingvictoryinourfinalgameagainstDeanClosebackinMarch.Thisdistillationprocessraisesaninterestingquestion:doestimelendtrueperspectiveordoesitactasanindiscriminatefilter?TheIBstudentsinthesquadshouldbearthisTheoryofKnowledge-richthoughtinmindasmemoriesoftheseasonarerecalled.

Inanutshell,theColtsBswereadelightfulbunch,withenoughhockey-playingandathleticabilitytobecompetitiveonatoughcircuit.CoachedwithadmirableskillandsporadicpatiencebyWillK-D,playersthroughoutthesquaddeveloped.Somesteadydefendersemerged:Blowfieldbecameastylishrightbackwhodistributedwell;Chetwodewasanundemonstrativebutreliablecentraldefenderwhoreadthegameastutelyanddidthebasicseffectively;Osbornestormedintothesideatleftbackandbecamethemostimprovedplayeroftheseason.Sheltonworkedtirelesslyatscreenwithavarietyofpartners,includingTaylor,whoinjectedaggressionandstrengthintoourgameinthefinalfewmatches.Savageshowedsometouchesofclassassupportstriker,andbothHarndenandHarrisshowedindividualskillontheball.RaynorandStreetturnedintoourmosteffectivestrikingpartnership,Streetdisplayingaknackofgettingontheendofchances,whilstRaynorhadtheabilityoccasionallytopullsomethingspectacularoutofthebag.Kinsey,SimonandClokeputincameoappearancesfromthebench.

Therewasonemajordrawback:thesidehadnogoalkeeper.AlexDavies,volunteeringfromoutsidetheranksoftheoriginalsquad,didaheroicjobforawhile;GeorgeSimonalsohadaspiritedgo,butitwasn’tuntilHarryStansfieldpulledonthegearlateintheseason(havingdisplayednomeanabilityintheoutfield)thatwefinallyunearthedasecurelastlineofdefence.Inparticular,HarrykeptusinthegameagainstRadley,adisplaywhichhelped

tolifttheperformanceofthewholeside–andonewhichimpressedthe1stXIcoachhimself.

Thesideprobablyplayeditsbesthockeyanddisplayedsomeofitsmostadmirablequalitiesindefeat.Inthefirst20minutesatCheltenhamoursophisticatedsystemworkedtoperfection:atalentedCheltenhamsidebarelygotatouchandwecreatednumerouschances.Hadourfinishinghadbeensharperwewouldhavebeenthreeorfourgoalsup.AfortuitousCheltenhamgoal,whichcameoutofthebluelateinthefirsthalf,turnedthegameonitshead,sparkingthehostsintoaction.Thereaftertheywereclinicalinfrontofgoal.Butdespitebeingonthewrongendofasecondhalfbattering,Streetscoredawonderfulgoalofourownlateon,showingthespiritandcommitmenttoattackinghockeythatepitomisedtheside.

Forme,theBradfieldgameprovidedthegreatestsourceofpride,againinadversity.Wewere0-5downin7minutesand0-7athalftime,ourdefensivesystemintattersandmoraleonthepointofcollapse.Despiteourtacticaladjustments,Bradfieldscoredagainstraightfromtherestart.Wewerestaringdownthebarrel.Remarkably,theboyspickedthemselvesup,startedplayingwiththepositionaldisciplinethatwaslackinginthefirsthalf,andthefinal29½minutes,remarkably,wereplayedoutinacloselyfought1-1,whichincludedanothermemorablecounterattackinggoalbyRaynor.ThesideemergedfromthisordealwithremarkablecourageandI,forone,wasmightyproudoftheboys.

WiththeAshesregainedandthesummereveningsnowdrawingin,muchoftherestoftheseason–includingthewinsagainstStoweandDeanClose,andthedrawwithAbingdon–palesintoinsignificancealongsidethememoryofthesehigh-octaneencounters.Onthisevidence,itistemptingtosuggestthat‘history’sooftenignorestherelativelyundramaticepisodeswhichformthegreaterpartofourexistence.

Junior Colts A Despiteaslowstarttotheseasonduetotheweather,theJCAskickedoftheseasonwitha1-0victoryoverastrongMarlboroughsidethathadbeatenthem0-5thepreviousyear.ThegoalcomingfromArchieBlanchardlateinthefirsthalfwasenoughtoseeoffthevisitors.TheJCAsthenfacedRadley,narrowlylosingtothem2-3inatightendtoendgame.GoalsscoredbyAngusSpratlingandAlexHargreaves.IntheOxfordshirecountytournamenttheJCAs,despitehavingalotofmisfortune,nevergaveupandtheirbestresultwasa1-0victoryoverBloxham,withastandoutperformancecomingfromIvanTouloumbadjianwhosefantastictacklingandpassinghelpedsetupthegoalscoredbyPatrickNaglelateoninthesecondhalf.Welldonetoallboysfortheireffortsduringtheseason.

Yearlings CTheU14Cteamhadadifficultseasonthisyearwithonlytheonegoalscored,buttherewerenumerousexcellentindividualperformanceswhichmorethanmadeupforthis.

BillyMetcalfewasourintrepidandgutsygoalkeeperforallbutonematch(whenhewasmoveduptotheBteam),demonstratingsomeexcellentlytimedrun-outsanddivingsaves.WillSargentsteppedinforourfinalgameagainsttheDragonandshowedthathepossessesfantasticreflexeswithamassivenumberofkickinganddivingsaves.

AssistingatthebackwereMannKonuntakiet,FredManning,AlexHayes,StevenRheeandBarneyCook,whoallpatientlysharedthebacklineduringmatches.LeoHartleyRussellshowedsomeexcellentpaceatleft-mid,tryingtokeepopponentattackersatbay,whilstRonnieBulford’sgolfingabilitieswerewelldemonstratedbyhisshotsongoalandcornerflagsfromleft-forward.

CharlieEverettablycaptainedthesidefromcentre-midandcentre-forwardandwasalsothelonegoalscorerduringthematchagainstCheltenham.HisstickskillsandquickthinkingopenedupmanyopportunitiesfortheattackingrightcombinationofCharlieMerson,AlexLindsayandHenryDardis,allofwhomplayedsomeexcellenthockeyandworkedextremelyhardtokeepouropponentsontheirtoes.

DominicBakerandEdGibsonplayedinanumberofpositionstohelpouttheteamwhichwasappreciatedbyall.

OurmostimprovedplayerthisseasonwasHenryDardis,exemplifiedbyhisbeingmoveduptotheBteamtowardstheendofterm,whilstBillyMetcalfeandWillSargentwillalsogoontomakefinegoalkeepersinfutureyears.Aneducationalandenjoyableseason!

Netball

Running regular pre-season netball in the autumn term defi nitely paid off . It allowed us to sort out the Shells and get them into teams prior to the season. The U14 A’s trained regularly and won the county tournament, reaching the regional fi nals. The U15’s were runners up and the U16’s and 1st all reached the semi-fi nals. The junior Malta tour also ran very well and gave those girls in the 4th and 5th year lots of match play. Thanks should go to Miss Drury and Miss Holmes for making this trip possible.

There is much potential coming through the junior ranks and the prospect of netball looks very bright over the next few years. Emily Sandom was in the U16 Team Bath netball squad and is a real talent to look out for in the future. Chantelle Endeley made the Oxfordshire U16 Satellite academy and Jessica Henderson the Oxfordshire U14 Satellite development academy. I would like to thank all the girls who represented St Edward’s at netball, showing great commitment and camaraderie. Thanks must also go to all the members of staff who tirelessly give of their time to ensure that the girls receive quality and enjoyable netball.

1st VII Won 5, Lost 4The1stVIIhadaverysuccessfulseason.ThereweresomegreatwinsontheboardagainstStowe,Cheltenham,HeadingtonandTudorHall,andnotforgettingtheinfamousmatchagainstthe1stVIIStEdwardsstaff.TheStowematchdisplayedsomeremarkableperformances,areallytoughmatchwhichtestedtheperseveranceofplayers.MelTuckettandLeonoraSkullshoneintheshootingcircleandGraceRobinsonwasawardedplayerofthematchforhertremendouseffortsinattackanddefence(scoreW29-21).

AlthoughtheCheltenhammatchwascalledoffintheendduetoheavyrain,thegirlshadafantasticfirstquarter,highlightinganewfifthformeronthescene,BubbleBaddeley,whoplayedwithrealpassionandbouncedaroundlikeTiggersnatchinginterceptionsalloverthecourt.AfrustratinglosstoCheltenhamLadiesCollege(19-24)followed,whereNatashaHattinghwonplayerofthematchforhercomposurecomingon

athalftime.Thisgametestedourattack,particularlywhentryingtogettheballintothecircle,butdefensively,GooseCharltonandEllieBarryplayedsomefantasticnetball,drivingtheballthroughfromthebackcourtandintothecentrethird.OneofourbestmatcheswasagainstHeadingtonwhereweonlyjustwonthegame17-12.LeonoraSkullwasdeservingplayerofthematchforhergutsyattitudeanddetermination,jumpingforeveryrebound,andstandingstrongwhencontestingtheballwasneeded.JesseStevensonalsohadanoutstandinggameatWA/C;hersharpworkaroundtheattackingcircleedgewasfantastic.

Overallthe1stVIIhadagreatseason,andthefollowingwereawardedthesespecialawardsatourannualnetballdinner;Goose Charlton:MostimprovedplayeroftheseasonawardJesse Stevenson:Coaches’playeroftheyearEllie Barry:Players’playeroftheseason


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2nd VII2010wasapositiveseasonforthe2ndVIIwithplentyofsuccessandastrongsenseofteamspiritcarriedthroughout.InJanuary,freezingconditionsmeantthattheOakham/Oundletriangularmatchwascancelledsotheseasonstartedbelatedlywithasatisfying49-8winoverCheltenhamLadies’College.AgoodteamperformancesecuredthewinbutparticularmentionshouldgotoKrissyBradleyandMaxineMackintoshwhoconvertedalmosteveryshotandEmilyMarshallwholedtheteamablyinthisgameandthroughouttheseason.WelosttoMarlboroughbutaconvincingvictoryagainstHeadingtonthefollowingweekkeptmoralehigh.Towardstheendofterm,twomorewinsagainstStoweandTudorHallprovedthatthegirlshadformedastrongandeffectiveteamthroughoutthetermtoendonahighnote.

3rd VIIAlthoughtheresultsdidn’talwaysgothe3rds’way,theyhadaverygoodseasonshowingdedicatedandenthusiasmthroughout.

TheteamwascaptainedbyKittyColes,whowasabletoplayanumberofdifferentpositionstoahighstandard.

TheballwasfedintothecirclebyCeliaMallet(vicecaptain),HattieLakeandViolaHazlerigg.JulieSnow,aversatileplayer,switchedintoattackanddefencewhenrequired.LouisaStephensonandClioChartresdefendedwellandbroughttheballthroughthecentrecourt.

Theyallpulledtogetherwellasateamandastheseasonprogressedsodidtheirsenseofteamspirit.Thegirlsworkedhardandattendedtrainingandfixtureswithapositiveattitude.Theynevergaveupandperseveredthroughout.Thiswillforthefuturemakethemstrongerplayersbothindividuallyandcollectivelyasateam.

4th VIITheFourthsfacedsometoughcompetitionthisseasonandonoccasionsstruggledtoholdtheirownagainstsomestrongnetballschools.DespitethistherewassomeverystrongplayparticularlyinthecentrecourtfromJadeWilkinson,JenRobinsonandKateFraser.Astheseasonprogressedtheteamgelledand,withtheircommunicationandabilitytoreadeachotherimprovinghugely,thegamesbecamemuchmorecompetitiveandcloselymatched.Whatwasnotablethroughouttheseasonwasthegirls’exemplaryattitude:alwaysenthusiastic,alwayskeentoimprovetheirgameand–mostimportantly–alwayskeentosupportandencourageeachotheronthecourt.

EllieBarry©,GooseCharlton,LilyFrench,BubbleBaddeley,GraceRobinson,JessieStevenson,NatashaHattingh,LeonoraSkull,MelTuckett


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U16 A TheU16Aenjoyedasuperbandalmostundefeated2010season.ThesquadwasablycaptainedbyKatieWithersGreenwholedbyexamplewithdetermined,skilfulandathleticplay.ThesidebenefitedfromastrongteambondwhichwasforgedduringtheirprevioustwonetballseasonsandcementedinMalta.Thisfamiliaritywasevidentineverymatchastheyworkedtogethertobreakdowntheoppositioninallareasofthecourt.

AfteraslowandsnowystarttotheseasonthegirlsweremorethanreadytotakeonCheltenhamLadies’Collegeintheirfirstmatch.Aconvincing25-19winmarkedthebeginningofwhatwastobeaverysuccessfulterm.ThegirlswentontosecurevictoriesagainstMarlborough,TudorHall,CheltenhamCollegeandDeanClose.TheaccuracyandconsistencyofRoseBarryandKatieWithersGreen’sshootingwasajoytowatchineachmatchandtheirprolificscoringreceivedworthypraisefromspectatorsandoppositionalike.ItwasonlyinthefinalgameagainstBradfieldthatthegirlscameundoneandlosttheirunbeatenrecord.

Thehighlightoftheseasonwasundoubtedlythe23-19winagainstMarlborough.Excellentmid-courtmovement,linkingplayandenergyfromHarrietLunnonandBubbleBaddeleymeantthattheteamleadfromthefirstwhistle.ThecalmnessofFreyaSwanwascrucialinthethirdquarterasthegirlsresistedthecomebackfromtheiroppositionandtheshootersheldtheirnerveunderpressuretoextendtheleadinthefinalquarter.PollyMaindsreceivedtheplayerofthematchawardforhertirelessworkindefencewhichensuredMarlboroughcouldnotthreatentheleadthattheattackingplayershadbuilt;afantasticandfaultlessteamperformance.

ThroughouttheseasonPollywasablysupportedindefencebyBellaOgston,EmilyFletcherandEllieJohnson.Withmuchencouragementtheybecameincreasinglyassertiveandastheseasonprogressedtheirblockingbecamehardertobreakdown.Theypresentedadifficultchallengetoeachteamweplayedandalwaysprovidedanexcellentfoundationforvictoryastheywereabletoswiftlyturndefensiveplayintoattack.

Acombinationofhardwork,newtacticsandfunintrainingmeantthateverymatchwasplayedtoanexceptionallyhighstandard.ItwasaseasontobeproudofandIwasmostcertainlyproudofthisteam.

U16 B AftertheJanuarysnowhadclearedandwewereabletogetoutside,theU16Bsimmediatelysetthemselvesupasaverypromisingteam,suggestingfromtheirperformanceoncourtthatanumberofthemwouldbeahugeassettoFifthformnetballthatterm,andthatseveralwouldgoontoplayinthe2ndTeamatSeniorlevel.WefacedsometoughmatchesagainstMarlboroughandBradfield,where,whilsttherewasenergyinbothattackanddefence,wewerenotquiteabletosustainthisdeterminationforthefourquarters.ThestorywasverydifferentingamesagainstTudorHall,CranfordHouseandDeanClose,whereimpressiveshootingfromAnaRobinsonandCassandraCassidydeParry,andfacilitativeplayfromWAsEllieJohnsonandLilyDavies,ensuredthatthegirlssatatmatchteaswitharealsenseofachievementandanimpressivescoreinourfavour.TheteamwereparticularlyencouragedtoreceivepraisefromSarahGee(HeadofGirls’Games)aftertheirtrainingwiththeseniors,inwhichtheirpotentialtocontinuetorepresenttheschoolatahighlevelnextyearwasencouraged.

U15 A Won 5, Drawn 1, Lost 2Astrongseasonfromatalentedgroupofgirls,winning5outofthe8matchesplayed.SophieRice-PaytonandMadeleineEdwardsprovedthemselvestobeareliableandsteadypartnershipintheshootingcircle.BlondiesEllaClarkeandPhoebeBatesseemedtohavesomesortofsixthsense,knowingwhereeachotherwasonthecourtatalltimes,leadingtosomeunstoppablecentrepasscombinations.RobynFairhurstplayingatWDshowedgreatversatilityandhelpedstrengthenChantelleEndeleyandLucyRitchie’sexcellentcircledefence.Thegirlswereanextremelycompetitivegroupgellingwelltogetherfromthestartoftheseason.Theirpassiontowinandnever-say-dieattitudemadethemapleasuretocoach.AspecialmentionmustgotoMadeleineEdwardsforherstrongandoftenveryvocalcaptaincyfromtheendofthecourtatGS.

U15 B TheseasonstartedoffwithsometoughfixturesagainstOundleandMarlboroughbuttherewasstillplentytobepleasedwithdespitethelosses.Thedefencewereparticularlystrongandcommunicationclear.BythetimewewereplayingourfixturesagainstDeanCloseandBloxhamtheU15Bshadreallystartedtogel.ThecentrecourtwastightandHesterKingandDeyaWard-NiblettplayedverywellwitheachotherasCandWA.Thematchesafterhalftermbroughtseveralwinsandalthoughweweren’tabletowinourfinalmatch,theseasonhadcertainlyprogressedimpressivelyforwardtoawinningone.PlayeroftheseasonwenttoEllaJohnson,andmostimprovedplayertoEllieSchicht.

U15 C Althoughtheresultswerenotalwaysintheirfavour,theteamhadaproductive2010season.Theyenjoyedastrongteambond,whichshowedthroughthelevelofsupportandencouragementtheplayersgaveeachotherduringfixtures.Theaccuracyoftheirskillsandtheirgameawarenessimprovedwitheverytrainingsession,inwhichthegirlsalwaysworkedhard.TheteamwasagreatonetocoachandIamgladthatsomeplayersmovedontobepartoftheU15B.


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U14 AWon 3, Lost 3, Drew 2Itwasastrangeseasonwiththreefixturesbeingcancelledduetoadverseweatherconditions.However,itwasanimpressiveseasonforthetalentedUnder14A’sandtheyareateamtowatchinthefuture.Althoughtheylost3matches,thesematchescouldhavegoneeitherwayandwereverycloserightuntilthefinalwhistle.

TheseasonstartedforthemintheautumntermwheretheywerecrownedOxfordshireCountyChampions.Theirabilitytocommunicatewitheachotherandworkasateammadeithardtoimaginetheyhadonlybeenplayingtogetherforashorttime.Theyplayedintheregionalfinalsinthespringterm.Theyhad6matchesintheirgroupandthenetballwasofahighstandard.Theteamshouldbeveryproudofalltheyachieved,narrowlylosing3matches,drawing1andwinning2tobeplaced4thintheirgroup.ItwasagreatexperienceforallthoseinvolvedandtheyhopetogetthereagainatU16level.

ItwasanimpressivestartinthespringtermagainstCheltenhamLadies’College.Theyplayedwithmaturitytowin16-10andNancyPurlewasplayerofthematch.PerhapsthematchoftheseasonwasagainstMarlboroughwhichwasnailbitingandtenserighttothefinalwhistle,endingina22-22draw.Thefirsthalfwasextremelycloseandtensewithbothsidesdemonstratingsomeinspirednetball.Marlboroughledathalftimeby1goal.Thisgavethemsomemomentumandtheytookchargetopullawayby6goalsatthree-quartertime.Nottobeput

offbythis,StEdward’sduginandfoughthardtopullbackintothecontesttoevenupthescore.Itwasaphenomenalteameffort,butEmilySandomwasawardedplayerofthematch.

AgainstCranfordHousewetookanearlylead,stormingaheadandafterthe1sthalfled12-0.Theteamcontinuedwiththesameformandthematchendedwithaconvincingwin36-5.Despitetherain,theU14A’shadaveryclosefoughtmatchagainstCheltenhamCollegeanditwaslevelpeggingforthemajorityofthegame.Thewholeteamplayedgreatnetballwithsomegreatdefenceandattackingskillsdisplayed.Unfortunately,welost27-30.PlayerofthematchwasAliceEckett.

DeanClosesawyetanothertightmatchtoendina23-23draw.ItwasdisappointingtoendtheseasonhamperedbyinjuryandillnessagainstBradfield.Itwasnotafairrepresentationofthenetballtheteamhadplayedthroughouttheseasonanditwasashametoendsuchasuccessfulseasonwithaloss.

TheteamwasablycaptainedbyEmilySandom,whoseprowessonthecourtcanonlybedescribedasoutstanding.However,Emilywasablysupportedbyeveryothermemberofherteam.Itwouldbeunfairtonamejustoneortwooftheplayersaseachgirlinthesquadplayedacrucialrole.TheteamdemonstratedalevelofmaturetrainingandIhavehighhopesforthisgroupforthefuture.TheywereapleasuretobearoundandIthoroughlyenjoyedcoachingthem.

U14 B ItwasagoodseasonfortheU14B’sandtheyshowedthattheyhavemuchpotential.SeveralgirlsplayedupfortheAteamandshouldbelookingtopushforthosepermanentpositionsnextseason.HarrietMaindswasareliableshooterinthecircleandClairaMiesegaesandJessHendersonbothdidextremelywelltoplayoutofpositionasGoalAttack.MattieLittlehales,KatTroellerandFrankiePotterworkedwellbringingtheballfromthedefenceintoattacktofeedthecircle.MiaCharltonandCharleyFrenchgelledwellasateamandshowedsomeformidablecircledefence.Thewholeteamhadanexcellentattitudetobothtrainingandfixtures.Welldone.

U14 C DespitehavingrelativelyfewfixturestheU14Csgelledwellasateam.Theydidn’talwaysgetofftothebeststartinmatchesbutwereabletorefocusandplaysomelovelynetball.Giventhatsomeofthememberswereunfamiliarwiththerulesofthegameatthestartoftheseason,theotherswerepatientandsupportiveandultimatelymadeeverymatchanenjoyableexperience.


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DuringOctoberhalftermthefourthandfifthformnetballsquadsflewtoMaltaforpre-seasontraining,matchesandteambonding.Thefirsttwodaysconsistedofmorningtrainingsessionsandafternoontournamentswhichprovidedthegirlswithachancetoimprovetheirskillsandlearnnewtactics.Aftertwodaysofintensenetballandasuccessfultournament,inwhichtheU15teamfinishedasrunners-upandtheU16teamachievedthirdplace,thegirlshadawelldeservedbreakandsoakedupsomewintersunatthewaterpark.WithSPF50generouslyappliedsomeoftheteamtookonthewaterslides,whilstotherswerequitehappywiththelessenergeticoptionofthelazyriverortanning.FeelingrefreshedwedepartedthenextdaytotakepartinatournamentagainstU19Malteseclubsidesandthe

topfourseededEnglishSchools.Thiswasafantasticopportunityforbothteamstoplayagainstolder,stronger,andinsomecasesnationalplayersandourtwoteamsacquittedthemselveswellagainstsuchimpressiveandfierceopposition.Thefifthformfinishedthedayagaininthirdplace,butwithonlythetwoMalteseteamsaheadofthemtheycanconsiderthemselvesthetopEnglishteamofthetournament!

Inbetweennetballmatchesandtraining,timewasfoundtorelaxbyattendingavarietyofevents.Thegirlsfullyembracedthe‘MalteseNight’andcertainlymadethemostofaculturaleveningoftraditionalfoodanddance.RoseBarrymanagedtocelebrateherbirthdayfourmonthsearlyandwasluckyenoughtobeinvitedontothedancefloortojoinintheMaltesedancing.Bella

OgstonandPhoebeBatesalsoentertaineduswiththeirimpressiveMaltesemoves!Thefollowingeveningtheteamhittheracetrackforsomego-kartingfun.CassCassidymanagedtooutdrivethecompetitionfromotherschoolstoachieveapodiumplaceandsilverware.UnfortunatelyLucyRitchiedidnotgetonquitesowellwithhergo-kartandquiteliterallytoreupthetrackbysuccessfullyrearrangingtheblockadesandfindingthetrees.AttheendoftourHalloween-themedpresentationeveningthegirlscollectedtheirtrophiesandyetagainhitthedancefloor.TheU16andU15PlayersoftheTournamentwenttoKatieWithersGreenandChantelleEndeleyrespectivelyandPhoebeBateswasawarded‘BestTourist’.Wereturnedhomeafterasuccessfulweekofnetballandfun,readytotakeonthenewseasoninJanuary.

The Malta Netball Rally 2009


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HarriersAstheHarrierssetoffonasixmilerunthroughthesnowatthebeginningofJanuaryIdon’tthinkthatmanyofuswerequitepreparedforthedeterminationthatthisseasonwouldrequire.Thisyearhasbeensomethingofatransitionalperiod–welostacohortofexcellentrunnerslastyear–butwealsorecruitedaverypromisinggroupofL6th,5thand4thformers.TherehavebeentheusualbattleswithAbingdon,HarrowandWinchesterandalthoughwehaven’tfinishedatthetopoftheteamrankings,therehavebeensomesuperbindividualperformances.ThefirstmentiongoestotheFourthFormer,FergusMcAloon,whooftenfoundhimselfrunninginraceswiththesixthformandstillmanagingtokeepthepace.HealsorepresentedOxfordshirewithmeattheUKinter-countychampionshipsinBirmingham,whichwastelevisedonSKY.However,Ferguswasnottheonlyemergingtalent;JoeBurrowsputinsomescorchingperformancesduringthetermwithsomeimpressivesprintfinishes.CharlieHarrisisbestrememberedforhiseyeballs-outeffortontheschoolsteeplechasewherehisdeterminationtobeatMrFaulknerresultedinhimfaintingoverthefinishline.PatrickHintonandGeorgeSimonhavealsodistinguishedthemselvesasjointvice-captainsandhaverunwithconsistencythroughouttheyear–mostnotablynettingusafifthplaceoutofelevenschoolsattheWellingtonRelays.TheteamwouldliketothankMrFaulknerforhiscoachingandleadershipandalsoMrChitsengaandMrTesterfortheirencouragementandsupport.Joe Withers GreenCaptainofHarriers(2009-2010)

TheSeniorBoys’team:EdLea,JackFennell,CharlieHarris,JoeWithersGreen,GeorgeSimon,JoeBurrows,MatthewWilliams,PatrickHinton

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1st XIAsmanyoftheteamsarecurrentlyfindingintheworldcup,

footballcanbeacruelsport.Frequentlythe1stXIof2010

foundthemselvesinpromisingpositionsbutfailedtoabsorb

pressureorconjurelategoalswhentheywereneededmost.

Wesympathizewithyou,Italy!

Howeverthismustnotdetractfromtheeffortsofall

involvedinthe2010team,forwhichtherehavebeen

somesignificantindividualperformancesandnotable

teamhighlights.

OurfirstmatchoftheseasonwasagainstBicester

CommunityCollegeintheOxfordshireknockoutcup.

Thiswasanenlighteningexperiencewhichstartedwith

anintimidatingmarchacrosstheirplaygroundwherewe

werewelcomedwithcountlesswolfwhistles;perhapswe

shouldn’thavewornoursuits!Inspiteofthisweproduced

acommendableperformanceeventuallylosingby2late

goalstonil.

Ourearlyseasonfixtureswerestrewnwithneedlesserrors

andaculminationofthesemistakesoftenledtousconceding

carelessgoals.Wedidhoweverrecordaverypositive1-0

victoryoverWycliffeanditbecameclearthatGraham

Malcolm’scoachingmasterclasseswerehavingapositive

influenceontheperformanceoftheside.

Hisandtheothercoaches’workmeantthatplayerswere

establishingroleswithintheteam.EdYeatmanwasoften

exceptionalindefenceandhispartnershipwiththeimperious

AlexSmithwasattimesveryimpressivetowatch.Inmidfield

RichieMeredithandJoshRichardsonbegantoplaymore

positivelyresultinginthesidescoring3verygoodgoalsinour

nextgameagainstBedford.

Itwasabigdisappointmenttoloseournextmatchagainst

localrivalsMCS.Weundoubtedlycreatedmorechancesthan

ouroppositionbutexcellentcrossesfromSamMcGirrand

TomHardingwerenotcapitalisedonandwesuccumbed1-0.

Ourfixturecardgotnoeasierbutourperformances

certainlydid,arealhighlightbeingthedrawagainst

BerkhamstedwhereItalianimportFederico‘prettyboy’

Perronewasinstrumentalinscoringoneandsettinguptwo

otherverygoodgoalsina3-3draw.Thiswasagamewhich

personifiedeverythingwestoodfor:grit,determination

andunfortunatelyacapacitytoconcedelategoalsgiving

Berkhamstedashareofthespoils.

Asasidewewonveryfewgamesbuttheboyscan

honestlysaythatcollectivelytheynevergaveup.Wearingthe

cupanddaggerontheirshirtsmeantanawfullottothem,

andhoweversmallitmightbe,theteamhasaddedtheirown

littlechaptertothearchivesofsportatTeddies.

Football



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2nd XI OnceagaintheStEdward’s2ndXIprovedtobeanabsolutedelighttocoach.Itwouldn’tbeaccuratetostatethattheirfootballwasalwaysadelighttowatch,butforcommitmentandendeavourtheycouldnotbefaulted.TheteamwasledbytheinspirationalHugoBrister,arugbyplayerbytrade,butaneffective,ifratherunsubtlecentraldefendertoo!BenEkberyusuallypartneredhim,andbothwerekeptbusythroughouttheseason.KitLoyd,NayutaShojiandBasilBaileymadevaluablecontributionsfrommidfieldandtheindustriousJackDardisfulfilledautilityroleplayinginalmosteverypositiononthepitch.ThehighlightsofourseasonwereundoubtedlythewinsagainstWycliffeandMarlborough.GeorgeTelferprovedthecatalystinthesegames,andtwovaluablegoalsbroughtusthevictorieswe’dbeenpromisingtocollectthroughouttheseason.Welldonetoallwhocontributed,youhaveworntheshirtwithprideandshowngreatdedicationonthepitch.

3rd XICompetitionforplaceswasfierce;indeedtheSchoolcouldhavefieldeda4thXI.Knowingthis,theboysworkedhardandenthusiasticallyinthetrainingsessionshopingtosecureapositionintheside.Inevitablythereweremanydisappointedfaceswhentheteamsheetswerepostedinthecloisters.Ifcommitmenttothecause,enthusiasmandastrongsenseofcamaraderieweretheonlyprerequisitesforsuccessonthefieldofplaywewouldhavehadagloriousseason.

HeavydefeatsawayatRadley(thisresultwasveryhardtoswallow)andawayatOundlehighlightedveryclearlytheshortcomingsintheteam.Ourdefenderswerepronetoballwatching;allowingtheopposition’sattackerstopeeloffasourplayersweredraggedtowardstheball,leavingopponentsunmarkedatthefarpost.Andtypicallyatthislevelthroughoutthesideplayerslackedpatience,jumpingintothetackle,committingtothechallengetoosoonthusallowingtheforwardstodribblethroughthedefenceandontogoal.Itisworthnotingthat,despitebeingbehind,headsdidnotgodown.Weplayedonpositivelyandwithsomesuccess,oftenpickingupaconsolationgoalortwo.

Ourplayers,nevertheless,turnedinsomespiritedandattimesskilfulperformancesandearnedresults.Ifnotforourtallandathleticgoalkeeper,JJKoren,goalsagainstwouldhavebeenfarhigher.InfactafantasticperformanceagainstRugbyawayfromallourdefenders,O’Hara,Tuck,HaveyandIrwin-Singer,kepttheballoutandStEdward’sinthegamelongenoughforTeddiestosecureadraw.DuringthegameourmidfieldlinkedupsuccessfullywiththetwofrontmenAdamBurshanandGullyBurrows.AthroughballfromLebusneatlysplitthedefenceandBurshan,cuttinginfromtheright,wasontotheballinaflash.Lookinguphesawhehadonly

thekeepertobeat,andwithacoolhead,hechippedtheballclinicallyoverthedivingbodyofthegoalie.Burrowstoogothisnameonthescoresheet.BrooksreceivedtheballinmidfieldandlookingupsawCowaninspaceontheleftwing.CowanranontothesweepingpasstookonetouchandlaiditoffinsidetoBurrowswhodribbledpassedhismarker.Now25yardsouthefelthisbestoptionwastogoforgoal;hestrucktheballsweetly,curlingitintothetoprighthandcornerofthenetleavingthekeeperfirmlyrootedtothespot.Itwasapitywewereonlyabletoreplicatethisperformanceinafewofthematches.

Colts A The2010footballseasonwasasuccessfulonefortheColtsunderthecaptaincyofJoeyHelsby.Thesideplayedphysical,competitiveanddynamicfootball,typicallydominatingthemiddleoftheparkwithDuckworthandHelsbyinthecentre.WithTomassiupfront,therewereoftenbagfulsofgoals,twocominginathrilling3-3drawwithCherwell.Inthishotlycompetitivefixture,theColtsconcededinthefinalminutetopreventawin.

AgainstMCShowever,TeddiesU16AteambroketheoffsidetrapandHelsbyslottedhomealatewinnerinanexciting2-1victory.Otherhighlightsoftheseasonincludeda6-0demolitionofBromsgrove,withRuairiWillisscoringahatrick.Teddiesplayedattackingandexcitingfootballthroughouttheseason,butleakedtoomanygoalstowinthenumberofmatcheswhichthequalityoftheirplaydeserved.

As a side we won very few games but the boys can honestly say that collectively they never gave up. Wearing the Cup and Dagger on their shirts meant an awful lot to them, and however small it might be, the team has added their own little chapter to the archives of sport at Teddies.

Rowing

Senior Girls 2009-2010FollowingaglowingresultfromtheNationalSchoolsRegatta2009thegirls’SeniorSquad,withthenewL6facesofKatiePfeifferandSiggieWaibel,settheiraimshighfor2010.TrainingstartedinearnestinSeptemberwith7sessionsaweekandwithsomegoodsetgoalsalongtheway.UptoChristmastherewereafewdistanceprocessional‘Head’racesatWallingfordandWycliffewithawinfromImmyMansfieldinWJ181x.

TheSpringtermstartedwithafocussedattitudeforthemaingoalofamedalattheNationalSchoolsRegatta(NSR)asthegirls’transferredforthefirsttimeintothe4+.Trainingwasgoingwellandallweretraininghard,provenwithwinsinWJ184+andWIM34+atWycliffe‘BigHead’(crew:NicolaMason,SiggieWaibel,EmmaCadoux-Hudson,ImogenMansfield,coxNickFay)insomeverychallengingenvironmentalconditionsandalsobeatingsomegoodseniorcrewsintheprocess.ThenextstepontheladderwastopreparefortheSchools’HeadattheendofthetermbyracingonthefirsthalfoftheTidewaycourseattheHammersmithWomen’sandJuniors’Head,andwithPatrickHintoncoxingthemtothewin,theypassedcrewaftercrewinquitespectacularstyle.Bynowthefocuswasreallynarrowingas2weekslaterthesamecrewreturnedtotheTidewayasnumber239racingagainst10otherJW4+crews.Frommyviewpointthegirlsrowedtheracebeautifully.Duetoadelayinboatingandassuchaslightlyalteredstartposition,theyhadcrewsaroundthemtoraceagainstandpushoffofallthewaydownthe22minuterace.Withnothingleftwantingwiththeirperformance,wecouldonlywaituntiltheresultscameouttoseeifitwasfast

enough…UnfortunatelyacrewfromlocalCityofOxfordRowingClub(CORC),containing3ex-GBrowers,hadcomeoutofthebluetowinbyasurprisinglylargemargin.

Asa2ndtargetforthetermEmmaCadoux-HudsonandNicolaMasonalongwithfourthformerFreddieAtkinsonjoinedforceswith2WJ16sfromCORCtotrialfortheJuniorInterRegionalRegatta(JIRR).Thegirlswonthetimetrialandgainedselectionforthesummertermregatta.

WiththeSHORRdefeatstillfreshintheirminds,theGirlsallattendedanendofEasterBreaktrainingcamptopreparethemselvesfortheSummerRegattaseason.StayingatalocalYHAweenjoyedperfectweatherandwaterontheHistoricShipCanalwhereImyselftrainedasaGBU23.Throughouttheyeartherehadnotbeenafixedcoxforthe4+soitcamedowntosmallerboattypesuntilthelastdaywheremyslenderhipssqueezedintotheboatfortheirlastsessionsbeforereturninghome.

ThefirstregattawastheJuniorInter-RegionalRegatta(representingtheUpperThamesregion)inNottingham.Thecrewmanagedagood4thplaceinthetimetrialtoprogresstothefinalandthenwentontobe1secondoffSilverbutafurther10secondsaheadof4th!DorneyLakewasthenextdestinationforWallingfordRegattawheretheSeniorgirlshadre-formedandwerejoinedbyfourthformerandcoxextraordinaireLottieMitchellforWJ18andWIM34+.WJ18sawthemfacetheirratherlargerCORCfoeswho,alongwithLadyEleanorHolles(LEH),pushedthegirlsinto3rdinastraightfinal.Howeverharditrainedthegirlsremainedingoodspiritsandmanagedtowin

Rowing

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theirfirstheatofWIM34+beatingWorcester’sseniorwomen.InthefinalitwasevidentthatthesetwocrewswerethefastestintheeventandweremorethanalengthaheadofthefieldwithWorcesterthistimecomingoutaheadby¾length.ThismatchwouldfollowthegirlstoBedfordwhereafterthrashingStarClubtheycameupagainstWorcesterinWIM34+whobeatourgirlsbyaslightlylarger1¾lengthsandthenwonthefinalbytheaptlytermed‘Easily’verdict(greaterthan4½lengths).However,inthehigherseniorstatusofWIM24+thegirlsenjoyedsomeexcellentracingagainsttheLeaClubandinthefinalBedfordRowingClubwherethecrewswereneckandneckallthewaydownthecourseuntilBedfordfoundtheextrapowerofmaturityandmanagedtoekeout½length.ThiswasthelastregattabeforeNSRandontheFridaybeforetheexeatSiggieWaibel,NicolaMason,EmmaCadoux-Hudson,ImmyMansfieldandLottieMitchell,alongwithallcrewsracing,travelledtoNottinghamtorace.Intheinitialtimetrialforsemifinalsthegirlsperformedwellandwithoutcomplicatedtactictoqualify2nd,0.6behindAberdeen(ASRA)and0.4aheadofCanford.TheSemiFinalwasexecutedwellandthegirlsquicklygainedclearwateraheadoftherestofthefieldandcruisedincomfortably.InthefinaltheysquaredupagainstASRAasthewinneroftheotherbutcloserheatfromPangbourne.Inthefirst500mfollowingthestartinggunASRApulledoutastrong1lengthwithPangbourneafurtherlengthback.Pangbournepulledoutamassive2nd500mandclosedonthetwoleadingcrewsbutdroppedbackagainastheSESgirlsmadetheirstrongeststeponatthe1000mmark.Unfortunately

theASRAcrew,howevermuchlackingintechnique,madeupforitinpowerandmanagedtomaintainthe1lengthgainedearlyonandthefinalverdictwasASRA(Gold)1LengthtoSES(Silver)1LengthtoPangbourne(Bronze).Afantasticachievement,particularlynotedastheSESgirlswerediminutiveinsizecomparedtotheothertwocrews.ThesunsetandroseagainatNottinghamonthe2nddayofracingwithEmmaCadoux-HudsonandNicolaMasonracingintheinauguralWJ162-.ThewindhadreturnedtoNottinghamfortheSunday’sraceswhichmadeconsiderabledifferencetolanedrawswithlane6beingadistinctadvantagetolane1.The2-wontheirfirstheatinLane3withease(21seconds)andpreparedtolineupagainsttheHeadingtoncrewwhomthegirlshadbeensizingupinOxford,justdaysearlier,astheirmainrivals.Thefinalbeganwithaclosefirst250mbutafterhittingaparticularlywindygusttheSESgirlsfellofftheirrhythmandwereunabletogainituntil750mgone.AtthispointtheHeadingtongirlshadcapitalisedandmovedontoalargelead.Thegirlspushedbackwellgainingalittletimeback,cominginSilverbutbyalargeleadaheadofBronze.AfterExeatthegirlshadtobalanceexamswithtrainingastheypreparedfortheprestigiousHenleyWomen’sRegatta(HWR).Asthecourseis500mshorterthanthe2kNSRcoursetheorderwasforsprintwork.OnthefirstdaytheydrewtheAmericanSchoolofWinsorGirlswhowereNewEnglandChampions.Alas,ifrowingwereadressagesport,theSESgirlswouldhaveexcelledbuttheir58kgaveragewascompletelyoutgunnedbylargeAmericanswhowereabletousemuscleoverfinessetobeatourgirlsfairly.


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GB TrialsAstheseasondrewtoaclose,attentionsweredrawntowardsotherchallenges.ImmyMansfieldtrainedwithHenleyRowingClubfortheNationalChampionshipsinStrathclydeScotlandwhereshewonawelldeservedBronzeMedal!EmmaandNicolaengagedtheireffortstowardsGreatBritainrepresentationintheUnder16team.BacktoNottinghamandagaininthe2-theylinedupagainsttheoldrivalsofHeadingtoninaraceoffafterqualifyinginaTimeTrial.Thistime,however,Headingtondidn’thavetheluxuryofabreatherat250-750mandtheSESgirlspushedthemto¾overthe1500mcourse.ItbeingtheNSRdistanceof2000mIcansafelysaywewouldhavegotthem.However…itwasn’t.Thegirlswouldhavetoformacompositecrewtotrialforthelast4slotsinthe8+.Thiswasdonewith2girlsfromHeadingtonwho,afteraTimeTrial,facedSirWilliamBorlaseandacompositeofWalton/KingstonGSinaraceoff.AtthehalfwaymarkasIcycledalongIhadwonderediftheirspeedintheTimeTrialhadbeenmisplacedastheWalton/KGScrewhadsprungtoanearly,andfairlylarge,clearwaterleadbutasthehalfway750mmarkpassedandtheSES/Headingtoncrewlaiddowntheirattackontherace,itprovedtoomuchfortherivalsastheyblewfantasticallyandendeduplimpingin3rdleavingSES/HeadingtontoromphomeandqualifyforGB.Thisputtheminthelastslotsforthe8+andasaresultofearlierracingitwasdecidedthatitwouldbeacompleteHeadington/SES8+composite.

GB – France matchTheGBvFrancematchisanannualfixtureandthefirstintheGBpathwaytowardsJunior/Senior/Olympicselection.ItalternatesvenueeachyearandthistimeitwasheldinNantes,France.Thegirlshadbeentraininginthisnewboattypefor2weeksbeforetheytravelledouttoFranceforafurther3daysofpreparation.Thiswasneededastheyhadlostabitoffocusinthechangeofvenueandseemedtobechasingthetechniquemorethantheywereathome.Alsoitwasabsolutelyswelteringwhichdidn’thelp.RacedayarrivedandwegotourfirstglimpseoftheratherlargeFrenchcrewwhowesworewerefullygrownwomen!TheracetookplaceontheriverEbresover1300mandinthefirst100mthecrewswerewaytooclosetocall,butasplitsecondlaterthegirlat5felloffofherseatandunfortunatelyslowed

theboatspeedenoughtogivetheFrencha¾lengthbreathingspacewhichgrewveryslowlyto1lengthbythefinish.ThiswasunfortunatelythesameforalloftheGBwomen’screwswhowerebeatenbyaphysicallylargerFrenchteam.AllfoundthetripanamazingexperienceandwilluseallthattheylearnedtoprogresstoGBtrialsinNovember.

Shell GirlsTheGirls’J14squadthisyearhasbeenoneofthelargesttheBoatClubhaseverseenandoneofthestrongestaswell.Variousabilitiesfromcompletebeginnertoexperiencedoarswomanturnedupatthestartofthesummerterm.Asmallergroupofgirlshadbeenrowinginsomecapacityfromthespringterm,albeitonapart-timebasis,butallhappilymergedtogethertoformacompetitivesquad.

Whatthegirlsachievedissomethingtobeproudof;infiveshortweeks,theyreachedthelevelwhereitwasdecidedtoenteranoctupleattheNationalSchools’RegattainNottingham,thebiggesteventintheBoatClub’scalendar.Havingracedtheinitialtimetrial,thegirlsweredisappointedtohavejustmissedqualifyingforthesemi-finalsbytwoplaces.Despitenotproceedingtothenextround,theninegirlsthatracedmadehistorybybeingpartofthefirsteverStEdward’sOctupletoraceatNationalSchools’.

Otherraceswereattendedduringtheterm,includingBedfordandTewkesburyRegattas,wherethegirlsgainedinvaluableracingexperience.Wealsohadanumberof‘Matches’againstlocalrivalsPangbourneCollege,whereagainsomegoodside-by-sideracingwashadwithouttheneedtotraveltoofar.

Itisalwayshardforthisyeargrouptocometogetherandconsistentlyperform,astheyaresonewtothesport,buttheyshouldbeproudtohavereachedacompetitivelevelatNationalstandard.Themajorityoftheircompetitorshavealreadybeenrowingandtrainingfortwoyearsormore.Everyoneofthegirlshasshownmassivepotentialandhasanextremelybrightfutureinthesport.TheJ14Squad:LottieMitchell,ImmyGore,FreddieAtkinson,GeorgiePaling,SophieRice-Payton,EllieSchicht,AntoniaWebb,BobbieFairhurst,LilyHinton,EmilyHiggins,CeciliaHunt,ElsieRoberts,HannahPackard,JoOlive,JosieWilliams.


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andexcitingracing.Thefirstracewasatimetrialwhereatoptwelvefinishfromtwentytwoentrieswasneededtoqualifyforthesemifinals.Thiswasachievedbutrankedeighthstillmeantthecrewwouldneedtoproducetheraceoftheirlivestomakethefinalsix.Drawingontheirpersonalimprovements,experiencesasacrewandtheirdesirenottolettheircrew-matesdowntheypoweredoffthestartandintotheleadat500metres.MonmouthtookoveratthispointbringingEtonupwiththem.At1000metrestheeightwerestillsecondbutEtonandnowShiplakewerepressinghard.Thecrew’sspiritkickedinagainandinthelasttwominutestheynotonlyheldEtonbutpulledawaytosecuresecondandaplaceinthefinal.Ameasureofthecrew’simprovementisthattheEtoncrewfinishedsixthintheSchoolsHeadtoourthirtyfifth.Etondidgoonandwinthefinal;maybewegavethemthekicktheyneeded,butforusitwasthreehundredmetrestoofar,thecrewbeinginamedalpositionforseventeenhundredmetres.Forme,thecrewputtogetherasetofthebestrowsI’veseenasacoachandIthinkgotmorefromthecrewasawholethanthesumofitspartswouldsuggestpossible.

WeracedatStarRegattaandwonJ18eights,ourfirstwinintheeight,againstKingstonGrammarSchool.Thismeanteveryoneintheseniorrowinggroupwonatleastoneevent.Anotheraimachieved.

AtHenleythecrewdrewRadleyyetagainandwerelookingforwardtoseeinghowtheirfaststartmightthrowRadleyofftheirguard.Unfortunatelysomemistakesinthefirstfewstrokesmeantthisdidn’thappenandRadleymarchedontothequarterfinals.

Iwouldliketothankallintheseniorrowinggroupfortheirtimeandeffort;betweenusweknowwereallyachievedalot.In 2009-10 St Edwards 1st VIII was represented by:RickySansom(CaptainofBoats),RobertBosman,PaulDeane,ElliotBowden,FaithHammond,CameronMacRitchie,EdBloomfield,StephenMacFarlane,HamishAtkinson,HarryHope-MorleyandHenryBickers.

Boys’ 1st VIIIForthe2010season,PeterRudgeandIdecidedtotraintheSeniorrowersasonegroupforlandtrainingbutseparatethegroupbyageonthewater.Thismeanta1stVIIIcomingfromthesixthformandaJ16coxedfour.Havingnorowersbackfromtheformidable2009VIIIwestartedtheseasonwitheightrowersandtwocoxes,differinglevelsofexperienceandtraining,confidenceprettylow,no-onehavingwonaracebeforeandsomeverybigshoestofill.

Wesetabouttryingtomaketherowingprogrammemoreefficient,ajobmadeeasierbyhavingtheuseoftheOldPavilionforourlandtraining.Useofthisfacilityconservativelytook5hoursoffthecommitmenttorowingeachweekwithoutaffectingthetimespenttraining.Weformalisedtheruntotheboathouseongamesafternoons,thuscuttingdownonwastedtimeattheriver.Thesemovesliftedspiritsamongsttheboys.Wepushedgrouptogetherness,developingtheimportanceofworkingforeachotherandnotwantingtoletyourcrew-matedown.Trainingwaskeptrelevanttowhatweweretryingtoachieve.So,onland,weighttrainingwasdroppedandreplacedbytheergo.Workoutswererepeatedweeklyandresultstakenreligiouslysotheboysgainedconfidencefromseeingtheirownperformancesimprove.

IntheAutumntermweracedcoxedfoursatBedfordandWycliffeSmallBoatsHeads.Thegrouprecordedthreewinsandsomestrongperformances.ApositivefeelingandselfconfidencewasdevelopingnicelycomingintotheChristmasbreak.

Afteralmostfourweeks’breakmomentumtookawhiletogetgoingagainbuttheinjectionofsomenewfaceshelpedandcompetitionamongstthegroupsteppedup,pushingupperformancesasaresult.WiththenewarrivalswewerenowabletoboataneightaswellastheJ16four.

TheSpringtermsawtheeightreturntoWycliffewheretheyracedhardbutunsuccessfullyagainstShrewsburyandRadley.HammersmithJuniorHeadfollowedandthecrewbouncedbacktoputinastrongperformance.Althoughnotwinning,alongtusslewiththeHampton1stVIIIdidwondersforselfbelief.TheSchoolsHeadwasdisappointingfortherowersbutcoxFaithHammonddidherbestforhercrewinlearningandexecutingagreatcourse.

Atthispoint,duetopersistentillnessandunavoidableacademicclashes,theeightbecameaseven.Fortunately,HamishAtkinsonwassufficientlyrecoveredfromaseriousrugbyinjurytostepinandfilltheseatandtheeightresumed.

AftertheSchoolsHeaditwasdecidedtoalwaystrytoachievesomethingpositivefromaraceandlooktobeatcrewsrelevanttous.ThecrewputthisintopracticeatWallingfordRegatta:blastingoutofthestarttheyledtohalfwaywheretheireffortscaughtupwiththem,butagainselfbeliefwasrestoredandtheylookedforwardtoBedfordRegatta.BedfordsawanotherwinincoxedfoursandanotherpositiveperformanceagainstRadleyintheeight,gettingoutoftheblocksquickerandthenholdingarathershockedRadleyeightroundtheoutsideofthebend.

NationalSchoolsRegattawasthehighlightoftheseasonforthe1stVIII.TheboyshadbeenpreparingallseasontotakeonthechallengeoftheChampionshipeightsevent,aprospecttheydidnotrelish.Itwasdecided,withthehelpoftheWarden,toracetheChildBealeCupinstead,aneventmuchmorerelevanttoourcapabilities.Thecrewnowlookedforwardtosomefierce FourfromtheVIIIwinningJ18coxledfoursatBedfordRegatta


J16 Boys’ coxed fourTheJ16fourofPatrickBurrows,GeorgeAdams,SamBreaks,AlexSimmondsandJakeMitsonhadatremendousseasoninwhichtheywonorreachedthefinalineveryeventtheyentered.TheygainedanearlywinatWycliffeSmallBoatsHead,theirfirsteventoftheyear,andthissetthetonefortherestoftheyear.DuringtheyeartheyracedagainstsomeofthetopJ16rowersinthecountryandemergedwithgreatcredit.Theyfinished3rdintheireventattheSchools’Headandwereabletoimprovecontinuouslythroughouttheyearfromthatpoint.TheirfirstregattaoftheseasonwasWallingfordRegatta,wheretheycame2ndinthenoviceeventagainstanadultcrew.FollowingthistheyracedatBedfordRegattawheretheywereratherfrustratedtolosetoatopclasscrewfromAbingdonhavingfluffedtheirstartinthefinal.TheyputthisbehindthemandtheirattentionsturnedtotheNationalSchools’Regatta.Heretheirseasonculminatedinasuperbperformance.Havingqualifiedstylishlyforthefinal,theyfoughtinanepicstruggleforthemedalswithWestminsterandSirWilliamBorlasethroughouttheentirerace,drawingwellawayfromtherestofthefield.Comingawaywithabronzemedalatthepinnacleofschoolrowingwasafinerewardfortheirsinglemindeddedicationandhardworkthroughoutthewholeyear.Followingthishighlight,theirfinaleventoftheyearwasatBedfordStarRegattawheretheywereabletodemolishaKingstonGrammarSchoolcrewintheJ16eventfinal.Thisemphaticvictorywasaverysatisfyingwaytoendaverysuccessfulseason.

Boys’ J15 AItookresponsibilityforthiscrew(whichhadnotenjoyedaparticularlysuccessfulwinter)duringthelastweekoftheEasterholiday.Illness,injuryandothercommitmentsmeantthatapromisinggroupwaswayoutoftouchattheSchools’Head,some2minutesbehindthewinners.Tomakeupthedifferenceinlessthantwomonthswasquiteachallenge.

WemetforatrainingcampatWallingford;techniqueinthemorningandlongdistancepaddlingagainsttheBalliolCollegeWomen’sVIII(latertogoHeadoftheRiver)intheafternoons.

J16Boyscoxedfourwithmedals

OnceacrewwasestablishedwesetatargetforthetermofreachingthefinalatMarlowRegatta.WefeltthatthelateformationofthecrewwouldmaketheNationalSchools’Regattaameresteppingstonetowardslatersuccess.

Isoonrecognizedthatthiswasgoingtobeachallengingcrew;theseboyshadhugepotential,werenaturallybigandstrongandwhengivenatask,settowithtremendousenergyanddetermination.Ontheotherhand,whennotracing,theylackeddiscipline,talkedtoomuch,concentratedonlymomentarilyandgenerallydrovemetodistraction.ThatsaidIwasprivatelyraisingthebaraseverydaywentby,believingthatbecomingacompetitivecrewintheiragegroupbyMarlowwasarealpossibility.

Thefirstcautioustestwasanentryinthe‘B’eventatWallingfordRegatta.EverycrewinthedrawhadbeatenthemattheSchools’Headbutbecauseofbadweatherthetwoheatswereracedoffastimetrials.IntheirracetheJ15ssurprisedeveryone,leadingbyalengthat500metresandextendingthattoaverycomfortable20secondsatthefinish.Thetimewas6secondsfasterthanthewinnersoftheotherraceandsothetrophyandmedalsweretheirsbutmoreinterestinglytheiroveralltimeputthemwithinstrikingdistanceofthefinalistsinthe‘A’event.Thecrewwasonitsway.

Orsowethought;butinevitablytherewerehiccups.Keyoarsmensufferedinjuriesandeventsatschooldisruptedtraining.PreparationforBedfordRegatta2weekslaterandoverashortsprintcoursewasunsatisfactoryandthedrawsawthemupagainstthoseverybestJ15‘A’VIIIs.However,defeatingEtonbyhalfalengthandlosingbyonlyonefoottoBedford’sJ16Acrewwasencouraging.ButgoingdownbyalengthtoRadleywasnot,andrevealedanunforeseenandsomewhatdefeatistattitudetowardsracingthatparticularschoolwhichneededtobeaddressedveryquickly.

WithtwoweekstogobeforetheNSRandbacktofullstrengththecrewseemedfastenoughtojustifyanentryinthechampionshipeventwiththeaimofreachingthefinalandjoiningtheexclusive‘topsix’club;atallordergiventhelackoftimetogetherbutwitheveryonebecomingmuchmorefocusedanddisciplinedimprovementswerebeingmadedaily.

CallumJones-winnerofthesilvermedalinJ15singlesculls;thefirstStEdward’ssinglescullertoreachtherostrumsinceMikeLambournadecadeearlier.


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Aweaknessneverquitesolvedwasalackofconfidenceoffthestart,simplyaproductofacrewnothavingenoughmilesbehindtheminthewinter.Intheheatthisnearlyprovedtheirundoingbutaconcertedandveryeffective‘push’at750metressawEton,AbingdonandShrewsburyalldisposedofandonlyRadleyinfrontbut,excitingly,muchcloserthanatBedford.Aplaceinthatfinalhadbeenachievedagainstcrewswhichlessthan2monthsearlierhadbeen2minutesahead.

Ihaverarelyseenanycrewbecomeasdeterminedastheypreparedforthefinal.Onceagainaslowstartmadeastrongmiddleessentialandthecrewfoughttheirwaythroughthefieldinquitebrilliantfashion.TremendouslywellledbyTitusMorleyandcoxedsuperblybyHamishBrewstertheyfoughtbackandattackedagainandagain,brieflyleadingRadleyandthreateningtheseason’sleadersHampton.Intheendbronze,butonlyawhiskeroffsilver,wasaterrificresultandoneofwhicheverymemberofthecrewshouldbeveryproud.

Andsotoaweek’shalftermbreakandthenbacktohardworkinpreparationforMarlowwheretherevisedaimwasverysimple;nothinglessthanvictorywoulddo.TrainingwentwellalthoughCallumJones,perhapsthekeyman,hadtodropoutwithanotherinjury.Perhapsthecrewwasweakenedmorethanitseemed.

AlthoughtheycamesecondintheMarlowsemifinalitwasabitofamuddle;yes,RadleywereatlastbeatenbutStPaul’slookedworryinglyconfidentwinningbyalength.Neverthelessthereseemedeverychanceofputtingitalltogetherforthefinal;theclimaxoftheseason.

Well,itisnotformetosaywhathappenednextbutclearlythiswasnottobetheirdaynortheircoach’sandtheyevidently,andperhapsunderstandably,underperformedwitha5thplaceinarelativelyslowtimeunseenbytheircoachwhohadbeenunavoidablydetainedelsewhere![Editor’sNote:Inanambulanceafteraheartattack!]

WhatisclearhoweveristhatinthiscrewStEdward’shasgenuinechampionshipmaterial.Itrowedatthehighestlevel,couldholditsownwiththebestandeveryboyhasshownhugepotentialforthefuture.Itisacrewthatcanbeveryproudofitsachievementsbuthasaverylongwaytogoandmuchtoworkon.Hugethanksgotoallthosewhocontributedtoandhelpedto

makeitsuchanenjoyableseason,supportiveandunderstandingcolleagues,othercoaches,boatmanandparticularlyparentswhoralliedsowellonthelastdayoftheseason.SamBaring(bow)MikeyDix,AlexKnott,GeorgeBurt,CallumJones,FinnbarrJoynson,SamMacdonaldSmith,TitusMorley(stroke)andHamishBrewster(cox).Notforgettingsub,HugoAuer.

Boys’ J15 BThe2010seasonwasarollercoasterridefortheJ15Bs,whostruggledtokeepupaconsistent8+duetotheinjuriesandillnessesrifeintheranks.ThroughoutmostoftheSpringandSummerterms,aB4+wasmaintained,racingatWycliffeBigHead,andlateratBirmingham,BASHERandBedfordinvariousformations.ManyofthesquadalsofoundthemselvesdraftedintosupporttheAboatwithverylittlenotice,andsothemajorityfoundopportunitiesforplentyofraceexperience,alongsidetechnicalandfitnesscoachingthroughout,andnumerousbreakstosinglescullortryoutsmallboats.Indeed,fourofthissecondsquadwereeventuallydraftedintoraceastheAboatattheSchools’HeadoftheRiverRace.Despitetheturbulentterm,bytheendoftheSpring,theBsformedaconvincing8+thatunitedtotakethesilvermedalatBedford,dominatingthehomecrewandlosingouttoOundlebyonlyasecond.

Tofurthertheboys’experienceofotherriversandcoachingintheSummerterm,wetookafullBsquadtoPangbourneCollegeandracedtheirJ15Bs.MuchofthedaywasspentinVIIIswithlateropportunitiesfora4+andsinglesculling.Theboysdemonstratedtheirmettlebothonandoffthewater,stilldrivingtowinspasttheboathousedespitebeinghandicappedbygreaterandgreaterdistancesatthestart.

Theseasonculminatedinafineday’sracingatTewkesburyRegatta,amidstavibrantTeddiescontingent.TheBcrewracedina8+,supportedadmirablybythelastminuteinclusionoftwoJ14boys,DannyGolubchenkoandJamieD’Alton,tryingtheirhandatsweeprowingforthefirsttime.Thecrewalsosplitfortwootherracesinbotha4+anda4x.Toseeouttheterm,theboyswerealsoincludedintheyearlyvisitofJ15stoHenleyRoyalRegatta,anopportunitythatmanyofthemseizedandgreatlyenjoyed.

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NationalSchools’Regatta(NSR)tofollowattheendofMay.AllcrewshadthetasteofsuccessthoughfortheBcrewsitwasdifficultracingothers’Aboats.WithBenfieldsteppingupintotheAquadforKelly,thevictoryinthefinalafteranunbeatensetofpreliminaryraceswaswell-justified.ThoughintheOctuple,someinattentiononthestartprovidedtoomuchearlyadvantagetoourmainopposition,Hampton,whojustheldontotheleaddespiteTeddiesclosingfast.

Riverracingthesedaysis,sadly,hardtocomebywiththedominanceofmulti-laneregattasbutBedfordRegattaremainsabeaconforthetraditionalside-by-side,knockoutcompetition.Itdoesmeanthatprogresscanbesignificantlydeterminedbythedrawbutalsobyavoidanceoferrors.TheBoctupleforexamplewouldhavehadagreaterchanceofwinninghaditnotbeenforapre-racecollisionwhichincapacitatedoneofbowsriggers.ThesevenremainingmenweremagnificentbutalwaysstrugglingagainstthefortunateBedfordcrew.TheA’shadaclearrunanddefeatedShiplakebeforecomingupagainstthemoreexperiencedandwell-drilledBMSeight.Then,splitintotwoquads,schoolboyerrorsagainplayedapart:withaninsufficientlysecuredrightscullhavingtobeputbackinplaceintheBboat,toomuchgroundwaslosttoStPaul’s.The‘A’halfofthecrewwerebetterpreparedandhadearlysuccessoverGreatMarlowandthenWinchesterthoughthiscouldnotberepeatedagainstRGSHighWycombe–thetopquadinthecountry.

ForNSR,wewerejustaboutatfullstrengththoughthebuilduphadseentheusuallotteryofminorinjuries(oftenself-inflicted)andailments.Withthevastexperienceofcoach(andOSE)DaveLambourn,theboysintheBOctowereupfortheracingonthebigstage.Theyexcelledtoqualifyforthesemisin10thplacefromtheirtimetrialthoughtheycouldnotfindanymoretoachieveafinaltopsix.TheAboatwentseveralbetterinthetimetrialwiththeirbestraceoftheyear.Thefourthplacerankingpossiblyflatteredandwithalossofrhythminthesemi-final,themuchsoughtafterfinalplacewasnottohappen.However,forbothcrews,thisshowedgreatimprovementsincetheNJSHinMarchandtohaveout-performedmanyotherconsistentlysuccessfulschoolswastestamenttothehardworkundertakenandtoughracingtheywereabletoproduce.

AtTewkesbury,thelastregattaoftheseason,wewereagainsonearlywinnersofthevictorludorumwithmanyfineperformancesfromboys’andgirls’crews.MostnotablewerethevictoriousAOctuple,fourofwhomgatheredsilvermedalsinthequads,butwemustalsocommendtheBOctupleformakinggreatprogressagainsttheotherAboatsandinsodoingbreakingthecourserecordforBcrews.

Imustcommendallofthoseboyswhoforthemostpartdedicatedthemselvestomakingtheirboatsgofasterthroughconcentration,determinationandhardwork.ThanksthenmustgototheircoachesDaveLambourn,TonySnellandMarcusJoy,allofwhomhavehelpedinstilthesequalitiesandinspiredanenthusiasmfortheriver.WithsomanybacktothesportintheJ15squadwemusthavedonesomethingright.

Shell Boys’ RowingAlargerthanusualsquadofshellboystestedtheorganisationalmettleoftheBoatClubin2010.Despitethegreaternumbers,virtuallyallwerecompletelynewtothesportanditwassomewayintotheyearbeforemostofthemwerereadytorace.ButracetheydideitherattheformalregattasorinoneormoreofthematchessetupwithWorcester,CheltenhamorAbingdon,providingalessbrutalintroductiontoracing.

ThoughtheboysgetanearlytasteofthesportthroughShellCircusinthefirsthalfoftheAutumnterm,therowingyeardoesnotgetunderwayuntilJanuary.Withthelargernumbers,moreattentionwasnecessarilyputintothelandtraining–inparticular,theexcellentergs(rowingmachines),asetofwhicharenowveryconvenientlybasedinthe‘OldPavilion’.TheergsshowedthatwehadsomemodestdepthandtwoteamscontestedtheSEIRCrunbyHinkseyScullingSchoolatWheatleySportsCentre.Wedominatedtheevent,comingawaywithGoldandSilvermedalsaswellasSchoolrecords.

Thefirstofourmatcheswasathree-wayfixturewithRGSWorcesterandCheltenhamCollegeontheSevernatWorcester.SwitchingbetweenOctuplesandQuadsinprocessionalracesover1000m,manyoftheboysproducedstrong,technicallygoodperformances,withtheAsquaddominatingtheday.IntheleaduptotheNationalJuniorScullingHead(NJSH)wewereabletovisitAbingdon(becominganannualfixture)forsomematchracinginOctuples.Thisyear,technicaladvancesdidnotstretchsofarandwewereunabletoraceaboys’Ccrew(givingthishonourtotheJ14Girls).Asissooftenthecaseatthisearlystage,mistakesareeasilymadeandsoitwasthattheA’sandB’seachcameawaywithonewinfromtheirtworaces.

Itwashopedthatthe500mracingatAbingdonwouldsharpentheboysfortheNJSHbuttheprospectoftwo2000mtimedpiecesfoundthemtoocautiousinthefirstandwithtoomuchtodointhesecondlegtomakeupthetime.Themarginswererelativelysmallbut16thwasourlowestfinishinthefiveyearsofthecompetition.FortheB’s,theirchancesweregreatlyrestrictedbylastminuteillnessandinjurythatforcedtoomanychanges.Buttheysteppedupandfoughtvaliantlyoverthe4000mrace.

ThetransitiontoracinginquadscullshadtobemadeforBedford,aweeklater.TherewasalsothechanceformanyoftheCgrouptotaketothewaterinTeddiescolours.Allracedbravelybutonlyoneofthecrewswasabletoshineandbringhomethemedals:theAcrewofD’Alton,Ford,KellyandCutbill,coxedbyGarsidetooktheGoldaheadofbothBedfordschoolsandAbingdon–agreatfinishtotheterm!

AdozenoftheJ14squadparticipatedenthusiasticallyattheEastertrainingcamp–afirstforthisyeargroup!Focussingmostlyonskillsandworkinginsinglescullsformuchofthetime,boat-movingefficiencyimprovedsignificantlyandthosepresentattheOxford-basedcampwereabletosetanew,higherstandardfortherestofthesquadwhentermresumed.VerysoonintothetermthesquadwasoffforitsfirstpublicregattaontheEdgbastonReservoirinBirmingham.The700mcourseandfrequentracingwasexcellentpreparationforthe

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1st XI

Played 23, Won 8, Lost 8, Drawn 7Captain:A.D.H.SmithVice-captain:J.L.Joyce.Squad:C.Asembo,H.Bhatti,F.Beg,G.Chaffer,S.Chambers,H.Coles,M.Davies,C.Everett,J.Fairhurst,J.Fenner,J.Fraser,M.Hammond,A.Hargreaves,E.Jamie,J.Joyce,F.Kerr-Dineen,O.Oakley,R.Shipperley,A.Smith,O.Smith,B.Taylor,J.Taylor,R.Willis,R.Wise.TheStEdward’sXIof2010wasayoungsideasissoobviouslyillustratedbythefactthattwoboysfromtheShellyear,MilesHammondandFerozBeg,madetheir1stXIdebutsinthefirstmatchoftheseason.FollowingtheXIsoftheprevioustwoseasons,whichbothchallengedschoolrecordsintermsofthenumberofvictoriesrecorded,the2010XIwasalwaysgoingtostruggletomaintainsuchloftyachievements.However,thefinalanalysisofeightvictories,eightdefeatsandsevendrawsconstitutesaverybalancedperformanceovertheseasonasawhole.Wecanconfidentlysaythatthisyear’sXImaximiseditspotentialinallthreeofthegame’sprimarydisciplinesandthatmuchcreditisdue.ThethreeUpperSixthboyswhoplayedregularlywerequitesimplyoutstandingrolemodelsfortheiryoungerteammates.AlexSmithledthebattingwithgreataplombandhistallyof901runs,whichincludedthreesuperbcenturies,wasthehighestaggregatesinceJohnBarratt’sbackin2005.Healsocaptainedthesidemostshrewdly:averitablemixtureofVaughanandCliveLloyd.AlexmustsurelygodownasoneofthefinestcaptainsatthislevelintheSchool’srecenthistory.Frequentlyheemployedtacticsconceivedbythecoachonlymomentsbefore.JasperJoyce’swicket-keepingwasimmaculateinhisfourthseasonintheXI.Hetookgreatprideinconcedingsofewbyesandalthoughperhapsalittleshortoftheruntallyexpectedbeforetheseasoncommencedhemustbecommendedonsomevitalknocks.JamieFraser,anotherstalwartsincethefourthform,ledthebowlingattackwellandhadtheknackoftakingvitalmatch-changingwickets.Itisashamethathiseffortswerenotnecessarilyrewardedwiththebighaulshisbowlingdeserved.Hewasalsovery

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athleticinthefield.Moreover,thesethreeboysnotonlyguidedtheteamonthefieldthroughtheirperformancesbuttheyalsorespondedextremelywellindifficultcircumstancesasthesadnewsofcoachBobJones’illnessandhissubsequentpassingcastaverydarkshadowovercricketatStEdward’s.

Followingaveryprofitableperiodofpre-seasonpreparationinLaManga,theregularseasonbeganwithamostsuccessfulrun.Bright,uncharacteristicallyhotAprildaysgracedthefirstgamestobeplayedsincetheopeningoftheMartyrsPavilion.RugbywasthefirstsidetosuccumbtotheXI’sgoodearlyseasonform.Havingwonthetoss,StEdward’sscoredapartotalof158withtheonlycontributionofnotebeing77fromthebatofAlexSmith.Victorybyamarginof47runswasachievedlargelythroughthebowlingofMilesHammondwhotook2for18and,evenmoreoutstandingly,AlexHargreaves’devastatingspellof4for7.ThesetwoboysfollowedsuchimpressivefeatsbysharingafurtherfivewicketsinthenextmatchagainstOxfordshireU16s,whichendedinadraw.FreddieKerr-Dineenmadeanimpressive36.Thefirstoutinginthe2010JohnHarveyCupwasatriumphbyjustsevenrunsatBradfield.StEdward’stotalof219offtheallotted50overswasinthemaindowntothecenturypartnershipbetweenHughColes(45)andJasperJoyce(61),whichnotablyincludedJasper’sfirsteversixfortheXIintotheRiverPang.InreplyBradfield’sXIwasrestrictedto212.AlexHargreavestookafurtherfourwicketsfor28runsoffhistenovers.HewasablysupportedbyRupertShipperley’s2for30.AnewfixtureagainstUppinghamresultedinabravely-foughtdraw.Havingconcededacolossal298runsandclaiming

onlyasinglewicketintheprocess,aredoubtablerearguardwasmountedbyMilesHammond’spainstaking48offasmanyoversandadelightful58fromHughColes.

AfteradisappointingdefeattoMCSinthefirstmatchofthelocalroundoftheNationalTwenty20tournament,whichwehosted,thesiderespondedeversopositivelybycomprehensivelydefeatingDauntsey’s,whoneverthelesswentthroughtothenextroundaftercalculationsmarketedasnetrunrate,butwhichweremoreakintoananalysisofrunsperwicket,tooktheirtoll.WherewereDuckworthandLewiswhentheywereneeded?Furthermore,therewasdisappointmentathometoBedfordinagameinterruptedbyinclementweatherarguablymoretotheadvantageofourvisitors.BedfordsurpassedStEdward’stotalof148forthelossofonlyfourwickets,yetittookouropponentsuntilthelastballofthegametoclaimtheirvictory.AcomprehensivedemolitionofTheOratoryfollowed.TheOratory’sXImanagedtoscoreameagretotalof114withthewicketsevenlysharedbetweenJamieFraser,RichardWiseandMilesHammond.InreplyAlexSmith’s42andHughColes’unbeaten22securedvictorybyamarginofsixwickets.ThefollowingdayasteelydrawwasattainedagainstTheCryptics.HighlightsinthisfixturewereAlexSmith’sinningsof71,GeorgeChaffer’spatient37andRichardWise’sreturnof3for29includingafieryandaccuratespellatthedeathwhichsawhimsplittheabdominalguardoftheunfortunatebatsman.AsecondmatchagainstMCSbroughtahard-earnedvictoryby22runs.ThiswasadequaterevengefortheTwenty20defeat.Itwasthebowlersratherthanthebatterswhoreallycametotheforewith


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MaxDaviestaking2for23,JamieFraser2for18,BenTaylor2for28andRichardWise3for18.Abingdon’sXIwasournextsetofopponents.Havingwonthetoss,StEdward’selectedtobatandpostedacompetitive228includingamaidencenturyfromAlexSmith,whoendedupwith126.Abingdoncouldonlymuster137inresponse.TheturningpointofthematchcamewithJamieFraser’sdismissalofAbingdon’stwocountyplayersinaspellof3for46offtenovers,aperformancewhichclinchedtheside’ssixthwinoftheseason.

However,thesuccessfulearlyphaseoftheseasonwasendedbytwocomprehensivedefeatsatthehandsofStJohn’s,LeatherheadandWinchester.Theonlyhighlightofthesegameswasapugnaciousinningsof46,fullofflair,byFerozBeg.Thefirstmatchafterhalf-termwasthesecondmatchoftheJohnHarveyCupcampaignatMarlborough.Ourhostsstruck240for3off50overs.TheXIsetaboutoverhaulingthisreasonablebutnotexcessivetargetverypositively.ThereweretwostartsfromAlexSmith(43),JasperJoyce(29),yetthemainpartnershipoftheinningswasbetweenFerozBeg,whomadeadashing41,andHughColeswhoswatted69.However,somepoorumpiringdecisionssawdefeatclutchedfromthejawsofvictory,arealopportunitylost.StEdward’sfellagonisinglyshortbythesmallmatterofeightruns.AfterthesethreedefeatstheshipwassteadiedbyarunoftwodrawsagainstStoweandTheFreeForestersandavictoryoverastrongMCRside.OliverSmithsteppeduptothemarktoclaimthreevictimsinTheFreeForester’sinningsof223(withRWJHscoringhisannualhundredagainsttheSchool)andBenTaylorhitaswashbuckling82notoutagainsttheMCR’sattack.InthisperiodoftheseasonitwasthemannerofthedrawwithStowethatstandsout.Havingbeenreducedtotheratherdesperatepositionof6for3,alateorderrallyfromOliverSmith(27),BenTaylor(24)andJamieFraser(16notout),sawtheXIscrambleto158.Whilstnotalargetotal,itwasatleastsomethingtodefendandneitherthefieldersnorthebowlersdisappointed.Somepiecesoffieldingwerequitesimplyoutstanding,mostnotablyRupertShipperley’sathleticandalertgroundfielding.WiththeballRichardWiseclaimedtheseason’sbestbowlinganalysisof5for35offtwelveovers.Onthisoccasionvictorywasalmostsnatchedfromthejawsofwhathadfeltlikeinevitabledefeathoursearlier,yet,alas,Stowe’snumbernineandtenbattedforovertwentyoverstodenytheXIanotherwin.

UnfortunatelytherefollowedsoundlossestoDenstoneCollege,RadleyandatouringsidefromRondebosch,SouthAfrica.NeverthelessthesideregroupedtoperformstronglyinthefinalthreefixturesofthetermonaparchedoutfieldonUpperOne;indeed,itishardtoimaginethatconditionshavebeenanydriersincethelong,hotsummerof1976.TwogamesthatassumedasimilarpatternwerecontestedagainstSouthOxfordshireAmateursandtheMCC.Inbothgamesourvisitorsbattedfirstandpostedchallengingtargetsof254and256respectivelywhilstthebowlersstucktotheirlineswithsomedegreeofdiscipline.AlexHargreavesreturnedtoformafterinjurytotake4for28againstSouthOxfordshireAmateursandRichardWiseandMilesHammondwerebothrewardedwithtwowicketsapieceintheMCCfixture.Moreover,inbothfixturesthebattingwaspleasingandearneddraws.AlexSmithcarriedhisbatforatrulyawesome134notout,includingasixoffthefinalballofthegametobringthescoresbetweenStEdward’sandtheSouthOxfordshireAmateurslevel.HughColes’72andJasperJoyce’s35enabledthedrawwiththeMCCtobesecured.Itwasmostfitting,giventhevicissitudesoftheseason,thatthe


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XIendedonawinningnotewithavictoryovertheMartyrs,whosesideincludedanumberofOSEfromrecentyears’XIs.TheMartyrsrattledupadaunting245for5,yetthebattersrespondedresplendentlytoexceedthistargetwithsixoverstospare.Thisdaysawtwofantasticperformances.AlexSmith,inhislastgameasaschoolboy,made107untilhisfatherdismissedhimwithjusteightrunsneeded.ThisfeatwasonlyeclipsedbyGeorgeChafferwhostruckaphenomenal110notoutoffjust99balls,asign,wehope,ofthenewguardmaturingasseniorplayers.Thepartnershipbetweenthesetwowasworth207andwasthefirstoccasiononwhichtwoStEdward’sbatsmenhavescoredover200sinceJohnBarrattandEdFremlin-Key’sstandonthe2005SriLankatour.

ItremainsforustothankallthoseparentswhohavesupportedthesidesoloyallythisseasonandwhohavehelpedtobringawonderfullyconvivialatmospheretothenewpaviliononUpperOneduringmatchdays.Theirencouragementisverymuchappreciated.WealsoexpressgratitudetoourleaversfortheirexemplaryserviceoverseveralseasonsandwelookforwardtoseeingtheminMartyrs’coloursinforthcomingseasons.Atthesametimeapromisingnewcropofplayersisworkingitswaythroughtheranksandweanticipatesuccessfulseasonsahead.Weaimtohaveindoorfacilitiesupgradedandtopurchasethestate-of-the-artMerlinbowlingmachinebeforethestartofthe2010-2011academicyear.WeallarelookingforwardtopittingourwitsagainstourveryownmechanicalMurali!FinalthanksmustgotoChrisSandbachforassumingapivotalrolewiththeXIafteritbecameclearthatBobJones’daysasourcoachwereover.Hehasdischargedhisdutieswithgreatenthusiasmandnolittledegreeofinsight.Bringon2011.

2010 Batting Averages Matches Innings N.O. Runs Highest Average

A. Smith 23 22 1 901 134* 42.9

H. Coles 22 20 2 488 72 27.11

B. Taylor 22 19 7 266 82* 22.17

G. Chaffer 24 23 2 393 110* 18.71

J. Joyce 21 20 0 350 61 17.5

F. Beg 13 12 0 210 46 17.5

R.Shipperley 21 13 5 103 17 12.88

F. Kerr-Dineen 17 15 0 176 36 11.73

O. Smith 23 20 6 158 27 11.29

M. Hammond 18 16 2 140 48 10

R.Willis 8 6 0 56 26 9.33

J. Fraser 17 15 4 89 16* 8.09

(Alsobatted:J.Fenner5,34;A.Hargreaves6*,5,0,9*,3*;J.Taylor14;

S.Chambers11;C.Everett0,0,3,6*;R.Wise1*,1*,1*,0,4*;E.Jamie5;

O.Oakley0*;H.AliBhatti0*;J.Fairhurst,C.Asembo,M.Davies,J.ConnollyDNB)

2010 Bowling Averages Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Best Average

R. Wise 110 8 429 24 5 for 35 17.88

A. Hargreaves 97 12 416 20 4 for 7 20.8

M. Hammond 148 20 573 19 3 for 50 30.16

J. Fraser 110 8 508 16 3 for 45 31.75

G.Chaffer 46 2 220 6 1 for 2 36.67

F. Beg 61 5 328 8 2 for 37 41

B. Taylor 42 1 220 5 2 for 28 44

R. Shipperley 144 15 649 13 3 for 47 49.92

O. Smith 71 3 386 7 3 for 58 55.14

(Alsobowled:M.Davies:4-0-23-2;J.Fairhurst:4-0-22-1;H.AliBhatti:6-0-28-1;

J.Connolly:12-0-43-1;C.Asembo:10-1-59-1;A.Smith:1-0-13-0;J.Joyce:1-0-13-0;

J.Taylor:1-0-17-0)


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2nd XITheshapeofthe2ndXIseasonisbecomingsopredictableperhapsIcouldstartmyreportfornextseasonbeforeitevenbegins.Aswithmanyseasonspreviously,the2010termwasoneoftwocontrastinghalves.Thesuccessandcelebrationsoftheearlyseasonsoonturnedintodisappointmentandbelowparperformancesasexamseasonandpostexamdistractionstooktheirhold.The2ndXIof2010hadarecordoffourvictories,twodrawsandfivedefeatsinschoolfixtures.

Withsuchayoung1stXItheearlyseasonsignswereverypositiveforthe2ndXIandtheboyswentintothefirstfixtureagainstBradfieldfullofconfidence.Choosingtobatfirst,StEdwardsscored175for5intheallotted35oversand,onwhatisusuallyabatsmanfriendly1stXIsquare,thebowlersreducedBradfieldto140allout.ThesignsweregoodwithSamChambersandJamesFennerbothscoringhalfcenturiesatthetopoftheorderandSamHunterprovidingacontrastingbattingstyle,scoring21*infewerthantendeliveries.WiththeballitwasMattMannerswhoprovedtobethedangerman-takingfourwickets.HewasablysupportedbyLoydwithtwowickets.AsuperbperformancefilledthecoacheswithjoybutunfortunatelyaweeklateragainstUppinghamcomposureandconsistencyfailedtomaterialiseanddefeatensued.Eachyearthereissomethingspecialaboutthe2ndXIfixtureversusBedfordthatbringsdramaandindividualexcellence.Inarain-reducedgameBedfordscored135for6off25overs.Arequiredrateofoverfiverunsperoveronalargeandwetoutfieldwasnotaneasytaskandthelossofearlywicketspushedtherunratetooversevenrunsperover.Itseemedthatanotherlosswasinevitable.HoweverSumaerSandhu,oneoftheIPLimports(viatheDoonSchoolexchange),strolledtothewicketanddecidedthatwiththeoutfieldsodamptheeasiestoptionwastousetheair.Hedidsowithgreateffectandsoontherunratelookedobtainable.HelpedgreatlybysomehugeandcompletelyrecklesshittingbyWillOakleyandSamHunterthetargetwasquicklyerodedandavictoryontheroadhadbeensecured.ThenextfixtureagainstOratoryprovedtobethelast‘great’performanceoftheseason.BattingfirstJamesFenner(42)andTomField(37)guidedtheteamtoatotalof164in30overs.WithearlywicketsKitLoydshowedwhyhehasthepotentialtobecomea2ndXIgreatanditbecameapparentthattheOratorywerenotgoingtogetneartotheStEdward’stotalandwithintwentyoverstheyweredispatchedfor82runs.Playedfour,wonthree.

Thisisperhapsanappropriatepointtostopcommentatingoneachgameasthelowsstartedtooutnumberthehighsandvictoriesbecamemoreelusive.Thatsaid,despitesomepoorresultstherewerestillsomestandoutperformers.MattManners,intwofullseasonswiththe2ndXI,alwayshadthepotentialtochangeagamebuthisbattingandbowlinglackedtheconsistencyrequiredtoplayinthe1stXI.Despitebeingplaguedbyinjuriesaffectedbyacademiccommitments,hegavesomegreatperformancesandhis19offfiveballsagainstMCSwillberemembered.JackTaylorandJohnnyRatcliffewerealsoveteransoftwoseasonsintheXI.Withoutthesuddenheadrushwhichusuallyinvolvedachiptomidon,Jackcouldhavescoredmorerunsinthisteam.His31againstMCSand80versusStJohn’swerehisstandoutmoments.Forhispart,JohnnyRatcliffewasexactlythekindofchapeveryteamneeds.Hemadevitalcontributionswithbothbatandballwithouteverstealingtheheadlinesaswellasprovidingendlesshumourandenthusiasminthefield.Couldhebeinductedintothe2ndXIhalloffame?Moreover,therewereanumber

ofplayersintheL6thwhowereconsistentlyintheteamandkeycomponentswithinit.SumaerSandhuandVihanKhanaweretheIndianexchangestudentsandbothhadgreatpotentialwiththebat.TheyscoredvitalrunsdespiteattimesstrugglingwiththeEnglishwickets.Vihanwasanexcellentwicketkeeperandhisstumpingswereofstandardnotusuallyexperiencedin2ndXIgames.Inthe2010seasonthemostconsistentbatsmanwasJamesFennerwhohelpedMattMannerstoleadtheside.Heopenedthebattingsuperblyandoftenprovidedasteadystartonwhichthemiddlecould,orcouldnot,build.AsaleaderhewassuperbandhehasmuchpotentialforhisfinalseasonatStEdward’s.Finally:ChrisTremlett,Imean,KitLoyd.Kitneverhadan‘off’dayandbowledexcellentlythroughouttheseason.HisexceedinglyeconomicalspellagainstMCS,ofonlyeightrunsofffiveoversinarunchase,wereremarkable.Hewasalsotheheartbeatoftheteamandquitepossiblythefunniestmanevertoplayforthe2ndXI.

2010wasathoroughlyenjoyableseasonanddespitethecontrastinghalvesoftermandnumberoflossesIwouldnotchangeit.The2ndXIisateamwhichgivesplayerstheopportunitytodeveloptheircricketwhilstenjoyingitandcertainlywithoutdeprivingthemoftheotheropportunitiesthatpupilsfaceintheirfinaltermofschool.Withoutthisslightlyrelaxedoutlooktheseasonandexperiencewouldnotbeasenjoyableforthepupilsorthestaff.Iwishalltheleaversgoodluckandurgethemtocontinueplayinginthefuture.Tothosewhoremain,Ilookforwardtoanothercampaignin2011.


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3rd XIThe3rdXIenjoyedcomprehensivevictoriesoverStJohn’s,LeatherheadandStowe.TheformersawStEdward’sbowltheoppositionoutforjust101,withseambowlerOllieFairhurstclaiming3for22.StEdward’soverhauledthetotalforthelossoftwowickets,thanksinlargeparttoanauthoritativeinningsfromdashingopenerCharlieBlanchard.AgainstStoweanumberofboysmadetheirfinalappearanceforthesideanditwasimpressivetoseeChrisCowanadopttheroleofoff-spinnertoclaimtwoimportantwicketsasthevisitorswererestrictedto151allout.Ifonlyhehadmaturedintothewilyoldspinnerearlier!Blanchardcametotheforeoncemoreinthereplythroughanotherfluentinningsof62.HewasablysupportedbyskipperCharlieHarries-Jones(32notout)andthescamperingCharlieHarris,whoseshufflingvigilanceensuredthatthesidecamehomeinthefinaloverofthegametowinbyamarginofsevenwickets.

SadlythetriptoBedfordwasawash-out,butforasalvagedtenoverspersidegame,whichwouldhavebeenclassedasafixturehadStEdward’sactuallywonit.ThatlittleissaidabouttheencounterwithRadleytellsitsownstory.Moreover,itwasfrustratingthatBradfieldandOratorywereunabletoraisesides,yetintheever-enigmaticworldof3rdXIcricket,suchislife.Theboyswerehappytoclaimthemoralvictoryoneachoccasion.ThefixturesagainstUppingham,Abingdon,WinchesterandMarlborougheachassumedasimilarand,withtime,anincreasinglyfamiliarpattern.Fieldingfirstoneachoccasion,theXIsimplyconcededtoomanyruns,despitesomeconsistentlygoodbowlingfromOllieFairhurst(whoeventuallyearnedapromotionintotheranksofthe2ndXI),Charlie-HarriesJonesandBasilBailey(theleadingwicket-taker),beforebattingwithspirittocomewithinashorttomoderatedistanceofclaimingtheruns.IntheseencountersCharlieHarries-Jonessparkledwithanunbeaten37againstUppingham,and61notoutinadoggedrearguardpunctuatedwithsomepugnaciousshotsofflooseballsatAbingdon.CharlieBlanchardscoredamagnificent65againsttightMarlboroughbowlinganditisashamethathedidnotgoon.Furthermore,asummeratthislevelwouldnotbecompletewithoutthelustyblowswellovercoverfromthebladeofBasilBailey.His51atWinchesterhadtheoppositionwonderingwhethertheyhadfailedtodefendwhathadseemedanunreachabletargetformostoftheinnings.

Therewassomeimpressivefielding.CharlieBlanchardtooktwogreatcatchesinthedeepatAbingdonandwasalsosharpwhenassuming‘keeping’duties.ReubenMynheer’sworkbehind

thestumpsyieldedsomefantasticallyathleticcatcheswhenstandingback.However,asidefromHectorBesant,thebest

fielderwasundoubtedlyCharlieHarris,whoclaimedthecatchoftheseasonatlong-onagainst

Winchester.Hewasassafeashousesunderhigh

ballswhenplacedin

variouspositionsaroundthefieldandhadthepresenceofmindtoruntowardsBenStreetatsquarelegintheRadleyfixturetogatheruptheballwhich,tosomecredit,Benhadatleastmanagedtoslowdown.Thisbizarreimage,whichwasrewardedwith‘caughtStreetandHarris’inthebook,willbeslowtoebbfromthememoryandisasufficientlyquirkykeep-sakeoflong,hotsummerdays,alongsidetheinfamousbanana-swingofTomBellandtheendlesschirpingsoablyledbyHarriAdcock.Mythanksgotoallthosewhohaveplayedapartthisseason.Mayyoueverholdyourselvesasgentlemenandneveroncethinkofhangingupyourboots(ifyouhaveapair).

Colts A Witharatherlimitedselectionofplayersduetheselectionofanumberoffifthformerstothe1stXI,theseasonwasnotassuccessfulashoped.WestartedtheseasonwithastrongtotalagainstBradfieldpostingover200runs;howeversomewaywardbowlingallowedthevisitorstoreachthetotalcomfortably.NextwetravelledtoUppinghamandhadahardtimeonaverybowlerfriendlypitch.ThislossmeantthenextfixtureagainstBedfordwouldbeaneventoughertask.Thevisitorspostedalargetotal,whichsadlywewereunabletochasedown.Wealsolostour“friendly”gameagainstthelocalteamWolvercoteCCwhichwasanexciting20/20encounter.OurlastgameoftheseasonwasplayedinwaterloggedconditionsagainstastrongMarlboroughside.Thedampconditionsmeantboundarieswerehardtocomebyandevenaftermuchimprovedandtightperformancesfromourbowlers,wewereunabletochasedownMarlborough’smodesttotal.

Colts BTheteamgatheredforthefirstnetsandfieldingpracticeoftheseasonjusttwodaysbeforethefirstfixtureagainstBradfield.TheXIwonthetossandelectedtobat.Theside’slackofbattingpracticewasapparentfromthefirsttothelastballreceived.Therewereafeweye-catchingcoverdrivestoadmire;nevertheless,all,onebyone,succumbedtothetemptationtoplayacrosstheline,failingtodefendthewicketagainstthegoodballwithastraightbat.SESwasalloutfor69.Thesidefarednobetterwiththeball.Ouropeningbowlers,desperatetogainearlywickets,sacrificedlineandlengthforpaceandtheireffortsweresummarilydispatchedtotheboundarywithdishearteningregularity.Bradfieldsecured72runsforthelossoftwowickets.

TwodaysafterthisdefeattheColtsBssetofftoUppingham.AgainStEdward’sopenedthebatting.SamParkinsonplayedhimself‘in’patiently;playingthebadballwithsomeflairanddefendingdoggedlythegood.Alas,histeammatesdidnotfollowsuitandtheopportunitytodevelopasignificantpartnershipslippedaway.DespiteParkinson’sresoluteeffortwiththebat(38notout)SESwerealloutfor81runs.Uppingham,facingsomeindifferentbowling,coastedtovictory,winningbyeightwickets.

ColtsB’sseasonisveryshortandtheside,althoughenthusiasticandwillingtolearn,didnothavesufficienttimeinwhichtoironouttheshortcomings.Onthe29thApriltheyplayedtheirthirdgame,athomeagainstBedford.Winningthetossthecaptain,OllieEdwards,senthisopenersintobatonceagain.AsolidcontributionbyEdwards(33notout)helpedhissideput129ontheboardbythetimethelastwicketfell.Thistotalwasnotenough,andBedfordwentontowinbyfourwickets.

Inthelastgameoftheseason,a20/20matchathomeagainstaWolvercote2ndXI,thesideputupagoodfight,determinedtoendtheseasonwithavictory.Theoppositionopenedthebattingandwasrestrictedto139for8owingtoamoredisciplinedbowlingattack.


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Wolvercotewereforcedtoworkhardfortheirruns.Thefieldingonpreviousoutingshadbeensomewhateccentricbutonthisoccasionmindswerefocusedanderrorsinthefieldfewer.InspiteoftheirbesteffortstheColtscouldonlymanage134allout,justmissingoutonendingtheseasonwithatriumph.Neverthless,thememoryremainsofanunlikelynear-battingherointheformofPaviVaswani.

Althoughtheteamfailedtoregisterawin,theboyswerealwaysgraciousindefeatandmaintainedasenseofpurposeandgoodhumourthroughout.

Junior Colts A The2010JCAteamwashighlytalented;nevercanIrecalltakingateamatthislevelwithmorepotential.IamsurethatmostofthemwillrepresentStEdwardsinthe1stXI,andsomeshouldgoontoplayatanevenhigherlevel.Twoofthisgrouphavealreadyplayedinthe1stXI,soitwasrareforustoplayafullstrengthteammakingitimportantforustohaveastrongsquad.Ithasbeenaverysuccessfulseasonwithsevenwinsandadrawinelevenoutings.ThesidewasverywellcaptainedbyOliverOakley,whoshowedamatureandintelligentleadership;hewasalwayspositiveandveryencouraging.Theearlypracticesshowedthatworkneededtobedoneonthecalling/runningandgroundfielding.ThegroundfieldingandthrowingimprovedtosuchanextentthatinthematchagainstMarlborough,thestandardwasbreathtaking(acommentIhavenevermadeinover40yearsofwritingendofseasonreports).

Oakleysetthesceneforourfieldingtriumphswithhiseverimprovingneat,unfussyandefficientwicketkeeping.RuairiWillisandFreddieSimonwereoutstandingoutfielderswithArchieBlanchardnotfarbehind.ThestandardsetbythosethreeplusOakleyuppedeveryoneelse’sgame.ThebowlingstrengthinourseamattackwasledbyJamesConnollyandAngusSpratling.Connollyinparticularbowledafulllengthwiththenewballallowingittoswing.Spratlingbowledusinghisfullheight,troublingbatsmenwithhisbounce.TwomemorableperformanceswereConnollybowlingelevenoversagainstWinchester,takingthreewicketsforsixruns,andSpratling’sspellagainstCareyGSfromAustralia,takingfourwicketsforeightinasmanyovers.ThosetwowereablybackedupinthenewballdepartmentbySimonwhobowledconsistentlywellforus.ChrisAsembo(4for17againstMarlborough)wasonlyavailableforusinacoupleofmatchesduetoinjurybutlookedpromising.ThespinbowlingwasinthehandsofWillis(offbreaks),JackMorland(slowleftarm)andwaiting-in-the-wingsBlanchard(legbreaks).Willisbowledintelligentlyandaccurately,takingfivewicketsinaninningsontwooccasions.Morland(3for6againstOratory)hadhismoments,andIamsurethathewillshowhisfullformintheyearstocome.Blanchard,aftertaking3for22intheopeningmatch,didn’tgetmanymorechances–butIamcertainhewillinthefuture.

WiththebatDariusLaudandCharlieEverettwereasoundopeningpartnership,notablyagainstUppingham(Laud43,Everett52).Willisscoredheavilyforus,particularlyagainstStJohn’swhenhescoredanexcellent79.However,probablyhisbestinningswasagainstM.C.S.Weneededtoscore112in17oversand,afterabrightstartbyouropeners,Willissmashedhiswayto56notoutleadingustoaninewicketwin–averysatisfyingvictorygiventhetimelefttous.Oakleyplayedanumberoffineinnings,scoringasuper60againstBradfieldandasolid43againstMarlborough.Simoninhisowninimitablecavalierstyleplayedsomefineinnings;neverafraidtoattackhewreckedmanybowlingfigures.Blanchardwasaverydifferenttypeofplayer.Hewasthe‘Boycott’oftheXI.Whenweneededaplayertoblunttheattackandstay

atthecrease‘Archie’wastheman.ThiswasshowninthematchagainstAbingdon,whereonalivelypitchheshoweddeterminationandcouragescoring42,aninningsforwhichhewas‘awarded’achocolatecake.HarryKennedyandTomLordalsoputinsomegoodperformanceswiththebatandinalmostanyotheryearwouldhavebattedmuchhigherintheorder.

Fourmatchesstandoutinmymind.ThefirstwasagainstWinchesteratWinchesterwhereonadifficultpitchwebowledouropponentsoutfor96(Connolly3for6,Spratling4for29).Onsuchawicketthiswasnotgoingtobeawalk-overbutthankstolustyhittingbyAlexHargreavesand‘Boycott’battingbyBlanchardwewonbysixwickets–acourageousperformance.ThenextwasagainstMarlboroughwhereour176onChestnutwasonlyparforthecourse.Weneededtobowlaccuratelyandfield(asImranKhanoncesaid)‘liketigers’.Wedidjustthat;itwasatrulymemorableperformance.LedbyWillisandSimonweputahaltontheoppositionscoring,forcingthemtotakechances.Almostanythingintheairnearafielderwascaughtandwewonby94runs.ThehighlightwasacaughtandbowledbySimonoffaveryhardstraightdrive,caughtaninchfromthegroundfromhisright.AgainstStowewelostbutwithnodisgrace.Webattedfirstandscored126,whichonChestnutwasapoorscore.EverytimebatsmenseemedtogetgoingtheythengotoutwiththeexceptionofSimonwhohitamighty32.Stowerushedto102for2(chasing127)wethenthought‘enoughisenough’andledbyConnolly(4for23)andWillis(4for21)reducedStoweto126for9.Theyremainedonthisscoreforfouroversandthenfinallyscrambledthewinningrun.WelostbyonewicketbuttheJCAsnevergaveupandasIsaidtherewasnodisgrace.

OurlastmatchoftheseasonwasagainstRadley.Weknewthatthiswasgoingtobeoneofourhardestmatches;wealsohadtwoofourregularplayersmissing:WilliswasplayingforIrelandandHargreavesplayinginthe1stXI.AgainstanaccurateStEdward’sattack,Radleycrumbledto112for8.Alwaysgrittyopponents,theythenputon34forthe8thwicketbeforebeingfinallydismissedfor146.ThestarofthebowlingwasSimon,whotookfourwicketsfornineruns.MentionmustalsobemadetotheexcellentbowlingspellbyMorlandwhocausedproblemswithhisleftarmspin.AgainsttightbowlingandalertfieldingLaudandEverettmadeasteadystartputtingon25beforeLaudwascaught.OakleysoonfollowedafterlookingingoodformandEverettinthemeantimewentfromstrengthtostrength,scoring41beforebeingcaughtontheedgeoftheboundary.‘Boycott’BlanchardlookedsolidatoneendwhilstSimonblastedawayattheother.Wewerejustgettingbackintothegamewhenwithintwooverstheybothgotout.ThevalueofBlanchard’scontributioncannotbeover-estimated.KennedyandConnollyarrivedatthecreaseneedingtoscoreatsixanover.KennedyranintelligentlyandkeptgivingthestriketoConnollywhoproceededtohitthebowlingtoallpartsofthefieldscoring37pricelessruns,hittingthewinningruninthepenultimateovertogiveJCAafivewicketvictory.

Soasuperseasonandaverytalentedsquadbutmoreimportantlyadelightfulgroupofyoungmen.Ihavereallyvaluedmytimewiththemandhopefullyhelpedtheircricket.IwouldliketothankRachelBellamyforherhelpandadvicethroughouttheseason.Finally,Iendwiththewordsofthatdearman,greatfriendandsupercoachBobJones:

‘Practicedoesn’tmakeperfect.

Practicemakespermanent,

Onlygoodpracticemakesperfect.’

ThankyouJCAs,Ihavehadaveryrewardingtimeandenjoyed(almost)everyminuteofthe2010season.IwillfollowyourcricketprogressatStEdward’sandbeyondwithgreatinterest.


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Junior Colts BItisonlyfairtosaythattheJCBXIhadmixedfortunesin2010.However,theresultsledgerdoeschronicleaclearimprovementduringthecourseoftheterm;afterapoorstart,verypleasingvictories.ThemostconvincingofthesecameagainstStJohn’sLeatherhead.StEdward’spostedasizeabletotalof235-4.MaxHollandscoredasuperbcentury,TomHanscombanunbeaten55andSaulGlick40.Inreply,StJohn’swerereducedto148allout.Someveryfinefieldingyieldednofewerthanfiverunouts.Beyondthis,thereweretwonail-bitingfinishesthatyieldednarrowvictories.Abingdon’sXIwasovercomebythemarginofjustsixruns,thankslargelytoafineall-roundperformancefromJackEdwards,whostruckafluent80withthebatandclaimedfiveAbingdonwicketsforjust28runs.Afine45offthebatofSaulGlickwasthemainstayofStEdward’stotalof183-7.Thistotalprovedsufficientasadisciplinedperformanceyieldedvictorybyfourteenruns.TherewasalsoaclosematchagainstOratory,butsadlythistimetheXIwasonthelosingendofatightencounter.Aswellastheindividualperformanceshighlightedabove,attentionshouldbedrawntoNickDeKlee’s43againstStowe(ablysupportedby42fromHarryKennedy)aswellasanotherpromisingknockof34againstMCSandTobyPleming’ssixwickethaulagainstBradfield.ItisclearthatthisXIhaspotentialtoimproveyetfurtherinthe2011season.

Junior Colts CTheJuniorColtsCcricketteamshowedgreatenthusiasmanddiligencethroughouttheseason,whetheritbeinthenetsorduringfixtures.ThereweresomeveryclosematchesagainstWinchesterCollege,UppinghamandBedfordandathoroughlydeservedvictoryagainstAbingdon.OliverSpencer-Berrellcaptainedtheteamwithmaturityandthoughtfulnessaswellasputtingincountlessheartyperformancesaswicketkeeper.LeoHartley-Russellsecuredsometremendousbowlingfigures,withGeorgeAnthony-Jones’paceandEdwardGibson’sspincreatingallsortsofproblemsforoppositionbatsmen.Theteam’srunswereoftenscoredthroughtheconsistentperformancesofCameronCockburnandthebig-hittingAnthony-Jones,whosehalfcenturyatAbingdonprovedtobeamatch-winningeffort.

Yearlings AAcricketer’slifeisalifeofsplendidfreedom,healthyeffort,endlessvariety,

anddelightfulgoodfellowship–W.G.Grace

TheYearlingsAXIof2010epitomisedeverythingthatagoodcricketteamshouldrepresent.InmanyrespectstheyhaveaccomplishedallthatIcouldhaveaskedfromthemandindoingsohavemadeW.G.Grace’swordsallthemorepoignant.

JEBCandIcouldnothavewishedforanicerbunchofboystocoach.Theywerededicated,enthusiasticanddetermined.Manyofthedynamicsinthesidehavecomplementedeachotherandafantasticsquadoffifteenverycapableplayersdevelopedfromwhatwasamerecricketingembryoatthestartoftheseason.Thesidewasveryablycaptainedbytwoextremelytalentedcricketersoverthecourseoftheterm.AtfirstwewereprivilegedtohavethemasterfulFerozBegpullingthestrings.Hedidthiswithextremepatienceandhelpedtomanufacturewinsfromdauntingpositions.Ferozdeservedlygainedpromotiontothe1stXIsoHaiderBhattisteppeduptotheplateandcontinuedtoleadfromthefrontbysettingcleverfieldsandchangingthebowlingtosuitdifferentscenarios.

OurseasondidnotgetofftothestartweintendedwithtwoconvincingdefeatsatthehandsofBradfieldandUppingham.Thesegamesprovidedvaluablelessonsandmadeclearthefactthatinordertostandachanceofwinningcricketgamestheindividualandteammustapplythemselvesaccordingly.Afterexperiencingthebitternessofdefeattheteammaturedandfromhereonintheseasonwasonlymarredbyonefurtherdefeat.Thisistestamenttothecharactersinthesideandthecohesionthattheboysdevelopedasaunit.

OurfirstsuccesswasregisteredagainstOratory.Battingfirstwecompiledarespectable133runsonaverygreenwicket.FerozBegandAlfieNickersoncontributedsignificantlywiththebatregistering45and52respectively.InreplywerestrictedOratoryto93runsofftheir32overswiththewicketsbeingsharedbetweennofewerthansixbowlers.

NextupwerelocalrivalsMCS.Wewonthetossanddecidedtobowlfirst;thiswasastrategythatserveduswellandwhetherwewonthetossornotweendedupbowlingfirstinourremainingsixfixtures.MCSscoredaveryrespectable149offtheir32oversdespitethefactthatHaiderBhattibowledsuperblytorecordfiguresoffourwicketsfor23runs.InresponseFerozBeggotusofftoawonderfulstarthitting23runsoffthefirstover.Afterhisdismissalfor59,WillCornish(21),WillBall(20)andThomasIsola(11notout)battedverysensiblytoleadushomewithnineballsremaining.WillBallalsokeptmagnificentlyinthisgame,takingtwoverygoodstumpings.

ConfidencewasnowhighandlocalrivalsAbingdondiscoveredjusthowgoodafieldingsidewecouldbewhentheyweredismissedforjust30runs.Ourcatchingandshapeinthefieldwasexceptional.JamieMachinbowledverytightlyandmayhavefeltaggrievednottohavetakenmorewicketsbuthistightbowlingwascrucialinsupportingHaiderBhattiwhoproducedoutstandingfiguresofsixwicketsforeightruns.WetooklittletimeinchasingthetotalandmanagedtopassAbingdon’s30runsinunderthreeovers.

Theboysthendemonstratedhowcohesivetheyhadbecomeandshoweddifferentqualitieswhenchasingadauntingtotalof163againstStJohn’s,Leatherhead.ThistotalwouldhavebeenunsurpassablehaditnotbeenfortheexcellentworkofThomasIsolawhoshowedgreataccuracyinhisfirstspellofbowlingfortheYearlingsAXI.Begcontributedagainwith64butitwasthebighittingofWillCornish(41)andthemasterfulplacementofIsola(12notout)thatguidedushomewiththreeoverstospare.


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InournextgameagainstWinchesterweplayedadeclarationformatforthefirsttimeintheseason.Theplayersrespondedpositively,bowlingouroppositionoutfor85.ThebowlingunitwasagainspearheadedbyBhatti(3for8)butitwasCornish(4for21)andIsola(2for10)whofinishedoffWinchester’sinningsimpressively.CornishcontributedagainwiththebatbutitwasMachinwhosteeredushomewithaverypatient19notout.

Inournextmatchwelostbyadisappointing85runstoMarlborough.ThiswasablipandIamconfidentthatsuchamarginofdefeatwillnotagainberecordedagainstthisoppositionastheyprogressthroughtheSchool.Valuablelessonswerelearnedandanycomplacencythathadcreptinwasquicklyeradicated.ThisdefeatmotivatedthesideandthisresultedinanemphaticsevenwicketvictoryagainstStowe.OnthisoccasionthestaroftheshowwasJacobSmithwhobowledmagnificentlywithfourwickets.MachinandNickersonthenbattedverymaturelytoregisteranunbeatenstandof110whichtookuspastthefinishinglinewithnineoverslefttobat.

ThelastmatchoftheseasonsawusfaceRadleyonourhomeground.Chestnutradiatedbeautyandtheboysproducedaperformanceofsupremequalitytoobliterateourlocalrivalsbysevenwickets.AnopeningspellofsupremefastbowlingfromBhatti(5for6)andMachin(2for24)leftRadleyreelingat15for5off11overs.SomestubbornmiddleorderresistancewasmatchedbybrilliantdivingstopsandFreddieMooreHobbistookacatchofrealqualitytohelpIsolatakeafurtherthreewicketsforjusttwelveruns.Radleywererestrictedto107intheir35overs.InreplyitwaslefttoBeg(58notout)andCornish(18)toguidethesidehomewiththelossofjustthreewicketsinsidetwentyovers.

Yearlings BTheYearlingsBXIwasaverygoodgroupofplayerswithanexcellentsetofdiverseskills.TheyachievedthreefinewinsagainstOratory,AbingdonandSt.John’s,LeatherheadandlosttoRadleybyjustonewicketinathrillingendtotheseason.ItdidnotbeginparticularlywellwhenwewerethrashedbyBradfieldandUppinghambutinthelatterfixturethecaptainHarryRoxburghshowedhispotentialasabatsmanbyscoring40well-craftedrunsonChestnut.Atshortmid-on,EdMeasey,promotedthefollowingweektotheAsforhisathleticismandall-roundability,tookanamazingone-handedquick-reactioncatch–surelythechampagnemomentofthesummer.SothingswerelookingupwhentheboysearnedacomfortablevictoryagainstOratory.ThiswasadayforthespinnersJoeNeville-RolfeandEdDaviswhobothflightedtheballsupremelywelltotakethreeforeightandthreeforelevenrespectively.FreddieMooreHobbisandAlexRamoscoollyestablishedastandof60toseethesidehomeby6wickets.MooreHobbiswasadelighttowatchwithhisgreatfootworkandnaturaltiming;hewouldsoonscoreabrilliant82notoutagainstSt.John’sandearnhispromotiontotheAs.AnotherplayertotakeadeservedstepupwasRandalLindsell.His57inaheavydefeattoMCSwasfullofaggressivedrivesandpullshots.OurvictoryagainstAbingdonwasprobablythemostsatisfying.AlexRamosimprovedrapidlyasanopeningbowlerandbyMaywasmanagingtoswingtheballintothebatsmanprodigiously;IhadnochoicebuttogivethreeLBWdecisionsinthefirstfewoversofthegame!RamosfinishedwithfourfortwelveandwasablyassistedbyJacobWallswhowasstartingtorackupthewicketsbybowlingjust

onthatawkwardspot,well-pitcheduponoff-stump.HetookthreefornineandrepeatedsimilarexploitsagainstStJohn’sandRadleytofinishasthetopwicket-takeroftheseason.JonathanBarriewasoftenouttothefaststraightballbutstoodfirmagainstStJohn’s,scoring46hard-hitruns.Hisfieldingwasexceptionalwithprobablythebestthrowonthecircuit.AdamLotterwasalsoafinefielderandabowlerwhoextractedusefulbouncefrommostpitches.AndsotothefinalgameagainstRadley:our140didnotseemenoughbuttheboyskeptuptheirenthusiasmandwithfocusedhostilityandgoodcaptaincymanagedtotakeaRadleywicketeverytenrunsorso.Unfortunatelyfromourpointofview,theirlastwicketpairputon25runstowinwithtwoballstospare.ThisisapromisinggroupofboysandIhopethattheycontinuetoworkhardasateamandenjoytheircricketinthewaythegameismeanttobeplayed.

Yearlings CThehighlightofthe2010seasonfortheYearlingsCXIwaswithoutdoubtaveryconvincingwinoverOratory.SomeimpressivebattingfromAdamLotter(39),JakeWalls(34)andDannyCellan-Jones(32)helpedStEdward’stoacommandingtotalof175-8.Inreply,Oratorymadejust96,thanksinnosmallparttoAdamLotter’shaulofthreewicketsforjusttworuns.Thisexperienceindicatesthatthisteamhaspotentialanditwouldbewonderfultoseemoreclosely-foughtcontestsbetweenthisgroupandotheropponentsonourcircuitoverthecourseofthe2011season.

Tennis


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BOYSWitharelativelyinexperienced1stVIthisyearwasalwaysgoingtobetough.

However,ledsuperblythroughoutbytheexperiencedpairingofJonnyTetsellandSebAnastassiou,theseasonstartedwellwithatight5-4homewinoverCheltenhamCollege.WithBradfieldrainedoffthe1stXIthenlosttheirnextthreefixturestoMarlborough,AbingdonandMCS.WithU6BenAbdooandshellEdHarries-JonesreallybeginningtoworkasacombinationandsupportedbythirdpairofSimonBarringtonWardandWillBlowfield,the1stVIproducedasuperbperformanceagainstastrongWinchestersidetowin5-4.TheythenlosttoEtonandbeatStowe5-4beforetheexamsbegantoexacttheirtoll.WithplayersregularlymissingafterhalftermourlackofdepthwasevidentasthesidestruggledintheOXISTtournamenttofinish4thbeforelosingtoStoweinamixedmatchandthenAbingdononceagain.IntheISTAYoullCupthe1stIVwereknockedoutinthefirstround,narrowlylosingthesinglesmatchwitheachpairhavingtakenadoublesmatch.ThisplacedthemintheplatewheretheybeatPortsmouthGSinthesingles,withbothdoublesmatcheshavinggonetoachampionshiptiebreak.ThisputtheminthequarterfinalwheretheyfinallysuccumbedtoastrongWhitgiftside.

The2ndVIalsoexperiencedatoughseason.Withlimitednumberstheyfoughtvaliantlybutwereforthemostpartoverpoweredbytheiropposition.Theclosestthesidecametoawinwasa3.5-5.5lossagainstCheltenhamontheopeningdayoftheseason.The3rdVIsufferedasimilarfate.Afterafantastic8-1wininthefirstmatchagainstCheltenhamtheyfoundthegoinghard,comingclosestintheirlastmatchagainstStowewheretheylost2-5-3.5.

3rdVIteamtenniscanbedescribedasveryCorinthianinitsspiritandessence.Alargenumberofboysrepresentedthisteamandenjoyedanumberofverycompetitivefixtures.Selectionwasattimesbydefault.Ifyoudonothaveanexam,thenyouareplaying.Theconstantchangingofpairsdidattimesleadtosomeinconsistentperformances,butalltheboysbattledhardandtherewereattimessomeverygoodperformances.Thehighlightoftheseasonwouldbethe8-1victoryoverCheltenhamCollegeandthenarrowdefeatwesufferedatStoweonablisteringlyhotdayinJune,whenaftersterlingworkbyAlexIng,TomColson,CharlieHarden,BenHaveyandFreddieCrossleyweeventuallylostthefixture2.5to3.5.BenLebuswasenergeticinbothdefeatandvictoryandheandAlfieMacGibbonformedavibrantdoublespair.Mythanksmustgotoalltheboyswhoplayedforthe3rdVIduringthisverybusyandhecticterm.

TheU16’shadamixedseason.TheA’sbeganwellwitha9-0winoverCheltenhamCollegeandalsoenjoyeda5-1winoverAbingdonbutlosttoMarlborough,WinchesterandStowe,whilsttheBteamrecordedtheironlyvictoryagainstWinchester.

TherewerehighhopesforthetalentedU15yeargroupwhoplayedmanytightmatchesthroughouttheseason.TheynarrowlylostatightencountertoMarlborough5-4,beforeproducingafineperformancetobeatWinchesterbythesamescoreline.NextthesidewerewellbeatenbyaqualityEtonoutfit,butdefeatedStowe5-4inbothboys’andmixedfixturesbeforelosingtheirlastmatchtoAbingdon,onceagain5-4.

Unfortunately,theU15B’sdidnotfairquiteaswelllosingalloftheirfixtures,butplayingwithcommendableenthusiasmandspiritthroughout.

IntheISTAThomasBowlcompetitionthe1stpairplayedsomereallygoodtennistoreachthe3rdroundwheretheydisappointinglylosttoMerchantTaylors.InreachingthatstagetheybeatRGSNewcastle,aswellasgainingsomemeasureofrevengeoverEton’s1stpairproducinganinspiredperformancetowin6-2,6-2.

GIRLSThroughoutthissummerterm,theseniorgirlsplayedtheirtennislikeNicolasMahutofFrance.Despitethefactthattheresultsdidnotalwaysfairlyreflecttheirgames,itcan’tbedeniedthatallthetennisplayersplayedtheirbestthroughouttheseasonandgavetheirall.The1stVIconsistedofJessieStevenson,HelenaLewis,RoseBarry,ChloeRead,LilyDaviesandHattieLake.KatieAustenandClaudiaDayalsomadeacoupleofappearances.TheydefinitelymadeprogressanditisencouragingthatapartfromthedepartureofChloe,therestofthegirlsremainandwiththeadditionofthe5thsintotheL6th,nextyearlookspromising.

The2ndshavehadasolidseasonlosingsometightmatchestoCheltenhamCollegeandBradfieldbutproducingsomefineperformancestorecordnarrow5-4victoriesoverbothMarlboroughandStowe.The3rdVIand4thVIonlyplayedonefixturewiththe3rdVIrecordingafine7-2winagainstStowewhilethe4thVIlost4-1.ParticularmentionshouldgotoKatieAustenandEllieBarryasfirstpairastheywonallbutoneoftheirmatches.

WithacurtailedfixturelistduetoexamstheU16slostnarrowlytoHeadingtonandCranfordHousebutbeatBradfield6-3.

AtthejuniorendtheU15splayedsomegoodtenniswinningthreeandlosingfourverytightmatches.Theylost5-4tobothCheltenhamCollegeandStowe,butbeatHeadingtonandStoweinthemixedbythesamemargin.Theyalsorecordeda6-0winoverCranfordHouseandlost3-6tobothBradfieldandRugby.UnfortunatelytheB’sandC’scouldonlyrecordonewinbetweenthem,theCteamearninga5-4winoverBradfield.

TheU15A’s1stpairofKatieMcGirrandMadsEdwardshavemadephenomenalprogressandshowmuchpotential.

Withonly17girlsplayingtennisintheshells,virtuallyeveryonehasplayedforthemajorityoftheseason.Aswitheverysport,theshellshavebeencommittedandshowngreatdeterminationtoproducesomefantasticwins.

TheU14A’shavehadasuccessfulseasonwithnotablewinsoverRugby,StoweandCheltenhamCollege.

Housetennisthisyearwasplayedfairlyearlyintheterm.Itwasafiercelyfoughtcontest.InthejuniorsandmiddlescombinedAvenuewerethewinners.Intheseniorsitallcamedowntothelastgame,withOakthorpecomingoutwinners.

IthasbeenanenjoyableseasonandthefirstoneintheU6th’stimeherethatwehaven’thadtocancelanyfixtures.

Tennis


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U14 AHonourWainwright/AliceEckett,NancyPurle/PhoebeBurch.EmilySandom/HelenBaddeley

U15 AMadsEdwards/KatieMcGirr,HesterKing/BobbieFairhurst,PhoebeBates/DeyaWard-Niblett

U16 AKatieWithers-Green/FreyaBerkin,EmilyFletcher/CamillaWeston.CassCassidydeParry/FreyaSwan

1st JessieStevenson/HelenaLewis,RoseBarry/ChloeRead,LilyDavies/HattieLake.


TheMarlboroughfixtureswereascompetitiveaseverbutIampleasedtosaythatthehardworkintrainingmostcertainlypaidoff.RelentlesspyramidsessionsontheIffleyRoadtrackmeantthattheTeddiesteamsecuredfirstplaceinmanyevents.ChantelleEndeleyandJJKorenwerevictoriousintheLongJump,andourfourhurdlerseachwontheirrespectiveraces.JamesCaionarrowlymissedoutonvictoryinthe400mbutstillproducedhisseason’sbesttimeof51.5seconds.

OnehighlightoftheseasonoccurredattheendofoneofthethreeMarlboroughfixtures.Theseniorgirls’teammanagedtoendthedayasrunners-updespiteonlyhavingfourteammembers.Superbteamspirit,dedicationandcommitmentfromBelleBurt,LeonoraSkull,AllanaghSpratlingandSophieSlemeckmeantthattheycompetedinalmosteveryeventandwonenoughpointstofinishin2ndplace.

Throughouttheseasontheboys’teamhavecompetedonnumerousoccasionsatRadley.Theeverimpressivejuniorboysfinishedasrunners-uptoHarrowinthe4x100mrelayandtheoverallcompetitionandtheseniorteamfinishedfourth.JamieD’Altonhadabusyafternooncompetinginfiveevents,taking1stplaceinthetripleandhighjump.TommasoPappagallowontheInterboys1500m,JJKorenwonthe100minaveryquickseason’sbesttimeof11.4secondsandJamesCaiowasproudtowinanextremelycompetitive400m.

TherearemanypromisingathletesintheteamandsomecameveryclosetoachievingtheNationalQualifyingStandards.HopefullythesuccessofthisseasonisasignofthingstocomeandathleticsatSt.Edward’swillcontinuetogrow,supportingtheathleticdevelopmentofmanypupilsandthereforeimprovingtheirperformanceinothersports.

Athleticsthisyearhasbeenverysuccessfulandtherehavebeenmanyimpressiveindividualandteamperformances.JamesCaiowasanenthusiasticandmotivatingcaptainandablyledtheteamalongsidethegirls’captainBelleBurt.

EarlyintheseasonthejuniorandinterteamscompetedintheCitySchoolsChampionshipsandaftermanyexceptionalperformancesSt.Edward’sendedthedayasoverallCityChampionsforthesecondyearinsuccession.Thedaygotofftoaflyingstartasgoldmedalswenttoallfourhurdlers:EllaJohnson-Watts,PeterSliwinski,PollyMaindsandRyanSavage.ThiswasthenfollowedbyindividualvictoriesforHollyOgdoninthetriplejumpand300m,ChantelleEndeleyinthe200m,MadsEdwardsinthediscus,CallumJonesinthejavelinandJamieD’Altoninthetriplejump.Afterwinningtengoldmedalsintheindividualevents,thefinalewaseachofourrelayteamscrossingthefinishlinein1stplace.Itwasafantasticdaythatdemonstratedhowindividualtalentandeffortleadstoteamsuccess.

AsaresultoftheireffortsattheCityChampionships,eighteenShell,FourthandFifthFormpupilswereselectedfortheCityteamtocompeteattheOxfordshireCountyChampionships.TheTeddiesathletessurpassedlastyear’stotalbyachievinganimpressivehaulof16medals.YasminHass-SinclairproducedagoldmedalperformanceinthehighjumpandsilvermedalswerewonbyRyanSavage(100mhurdlesanddiscus)andTommasoPappagallo(1500m).AspecialmentionmustalsogotoJoshRobinsonandHollyOgdonwhobothachievedbronzemedalsinmorethanoneevent.

Photos b

y Naveed

Barakzai

There are many promising athletes in the team and some came very close to achieving the National Qualifying Standards.

Athletics

Relentless pyramid sessions on the Iffl ey Road track meant that the Teddies team secured fi rst place in many events.


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Althoughthisyearwillnotgodownasavintageyearintermsofresults,ithasbeenanexcellentoneforpreparationandplanningforfuturesuccess.Onaverytough1stVcircuittheboysacquittedthemselvesadmirablyovertheseasonandIhopethatthisexperiencewillstandthemingoodsteadforyearstocome.Theoverallanalysiswasplayed8,won4andlost4.

The1stVstartedtheseasonwitha‘bang’bydefeatingastrongOratoryside4-1.CaptainJonnyRatcliffeandSamHunterhadparticularlyimpressivevictoriesinthisfixture.AfterlosingtoMarlborough,AbingdonandRadleywewere

SquashvictoriousinacloseencounteragainstCheltenham.ThisfixturewentdowntothefinalgameandawinforCharlieHarries-Jonesmeantanoverallvictory3-2.WefinishedtheseasonwithaflourishbybeatingEton2ndV4-1and(thankstoAlfieMacGibbon)Bradfield3-2inourfinalmatchoftheterm.

OurprofessionalRossGorecontinuestodevelopourpromisingyoungstersanditisverypleasingtonotethatourJuniorVdefeatedCheltenham5-0andthatShell1ststringMilesHammondisaverystrongplayer.Mileslostonlyoncealltermwhichincludeda3-1victoryoverhisRadleycounterpart.Ilookforwardtoreportingonmoreimprovementnextyear.

Information Technology: The Enhancement of Learning

Information Technology:

The Enhancement of Learning

Julian Baker, Head of IT

Informationtechnologyisarealenablerfortheenhancementoflearning.Wehaveinvestedincomputerssothattheyareavailablewhereandwhenyouneedthem.Infactnowwehavenearlytwiceasmanycomputersaspupils!Alltheclassroomshaveateacher’scomputerandprojector,andeverysubjecthasitsownclassroom,forthemaximumclasssizeof24,equippedwithcomputers.Somesubjects,suchasPhysics,benefitfromteachingwithinteractivewhiteboardsandsome,likeMaths,have‘tablets’withwhichtheteachercanroamaboutintheclassroomwhilststillbeingabletoshowthewholeclasssomethingontheprojector.TheInternet,despiteallitsfailings,offersatremendousopportunityforexploration,researchandlearning.WehavethisyearincreasedourInternetspeedbyafactorof10.

OneofthestrengthsofStEdward’sisthepersonalrelationshipbetweenpupil,teacherandHM.NowthewholeschoolcanbenefitfromthisspecialrelationshipwithseamlessinformationflowbetweenteachersandHMs.Sesame,ourregistrationsystem,supportsteachersbygivingthemtheinformationtheyneedaboutthepupilsintheirclass,andteacherscaneasilygivethepupilsmerits,blackmarksorevenprepdetentions.MinorincidencesintheclassroomcanbeconsolidatedtoabiggerpicturewhenviewedacrossallsubjectsandactioncanbetakenbytheSeniorManagementTeamtonipadevelopingissueinthebud.Pupilswhoareabsentfromschoolforanyreason(forinstanceontripsorsickness)arerecordedandthe

classteachercanseethattheyarenotexpectedintheirlessonandsopupilswhoarelateorwhomisslessonsarefollowedupandencouragedtochangetheirways.Theirexcellenceinextra-curricularactivitiescanberecordedtoo.TheHouseMasterorMistressthenseesacompleteviewofthepupilandiscompletelyuptodatewithanydevelopmentsastheyhappen.

SomeareaswhereITenableslearningwithexamples:

• ITenablespupilstoworkattheirownpace,unconstrainedorevenassistedbythosearoundthem.

• Thepersonalworkstationcanbeusedtochallengethepupiltoreachhisorherownlimitsofknowledge,andtoenablethepupiltosurpassthelimitsbyprovidingpersonalanswerswithintheirspecificrange.

• Teachersareabletocoachindividuals,understandingtheirspecificrangeofunderstandingandusingtheirknowledge,experienceandcreativitytoanswerorsolvethepupil’spersonalquestsforknowledgeandunderstanding.

• Itenhancesthequalityofteachingbyusingmoresenses.

eg: explaining the role of the white blood cell can be enhanced by showing a clip of a white blood cell seeking and destroying a bacteria.

• ITenablesthestudenttointeractwiththesubjectmatterandsoreinforcesthelearning.

eg: Scientists understand that a concept can be taught better if the student can experience the concept themselves.

• ITenablesthepupilstoexperiencedifficultanddangerousthingsinsafety

eg: Pupils can be in the volcano, or in the Nuclear reactor to understand what is happening.

• ITenablestheimpossibletobeachievedandtomakeapointmoreunderstandable

eg: Does the bouncing ball really accelerate at the acceleration due to gravity “g”? Try fi lming the ball, slowing time down and measuring the speed (distance/time) of the ball and then calculating the rate of change of the speed. Wow the acceleration is constant at 9.81m/s2 and that’s the acceleration due to gravity!

• ITenablespupilstotraveltodifferentplacestoexperiencewhatwouldotherwisebefinanciallyprohibitive.

eg: To see the Colosseum from the air, to see the Latin inscribed on Trajan’s Column, to see Saturn’s red spot as a whirling storm.

• Enablespersonalised,individuallearning eg: By working at the student’s own pace concepts

can be understood by building on the student’s own individual framework of understanding.

• Offeringaninteractiveviewcommandedbythepupilsthemselves.

eg: 3D walkthrough of the museum or seeing your design turned into a virtual 3D model.

• ITenablesthestudenttoseewhattheycan’t(perhaps)imagine.

eg: The Roman Colosseum in action, the building of the Parthenon

• IToffersresourcesofthelargestlibrariesandbestmindsatyourfingertips.

• IToffersavisualinteractivemediumthatenhancespupils’senseofwonder.

eg: To see the cuttlefi sh communicate with their pigmentation, to fl y through space to the event horizon of a black hole.

• IToffersveryfastsearchingandretrievalfacilities. eg: Finding a resource on Latin translation from

across the world



Philosophyhasacloserelationshiptoscience.Beforethescientificrevolutionwasproperlygoing,DescartesdescribedthesubjectastheQueenofSciences.Newton,andGalileoandotherswouldhavedescribedthem-selvesasnaturalphilosophers,sincethedistinctionwas

notthenpronounced.Locke,atthebeginningofthescientificrevolutiondescribedhisrolequaphilosopherwithoutvanityasan“‘underlabourerforscience’,clearingground,removingsomeoftherubbishthatliesinthewayofknowledge”.However,wewouldtodaymakeasharperdistinctionbetweenthedisciplines.Philosophyhasaroleinlayingthetheoreticalfoundationsforempiricalstudy,creatingaframeworkforunderstandingthewashofexperience.Withouttheconceptual,analyticalworkdonebyphilosophers,sciencemightmakelesssenseofitsdiscov-eries,ormightnotevenknowithadmadeadiscovery.Andwhenansweringthequestion:whatmakesaquestion,orfieldofstudy,apeculiarlyphilosophicalone?Onewouldhavetosayitisreallyonewhichsciencecannotanswer,orwherescienceorotherdis-ciplineshaveceasedtobeofuse.ItisoftensaidthatPhilosophyisanapriorisubject–andscienceisaposteriori.Ifyoucandealwiththeissuebyamassingdata,ordissection,oratom-smashing,orresearchintothehistoricalrecord,thenthequestionisnotphilosophical,itisbiological,orphysical,orhistorical.No–Phi-losophyasksstillmoreinterestingquestionsthanthese–itasksnotwhatcausedtheFirstWorldWar,butwhatisitforsomethingtobeacause;itleavesittothelexicographerstocompilediction-aries,butinquiresintowhatisitforsomethingtohavemeaning.Anartistmightask:whatmakessomethingbeautiful–propor-tion,colouretc,butaphilosopherwouldask:whatisbeauty?Alawyermightaskajurytodecidewhetheranactionwaslawful,aphilosopherwouldask:whatisitforsomethingtoberight,orwrong?Thesearehigherorderrealmsusuallypassedoverbytheinattentiveorthecasual,ordismissedbythequickandfunction-al,buttheseriousmindedmaynotdiscountthemsoquickly.

Turningnowtovalue,thefirstandperhapsmostutilitariananswertothequestion:whatisthevalueofPhilosophyis–itistheshapeofthemindthatpursuesPhilosophythatisthemosttransactableproduct.Ihavewrittenelsewherethat:everyPhilosophylessonexploresthelimitsofpossibility,weighsargument,debatesmeaning,challengesassumptions,launcheshypotheses,definesterms,exposesfaultythinking,andliberatesusfromallthewaysourintelligenceisbewitchedbylanguage.

Mind

I was asked to address the question: What is the value of Philosophy? Like Philosophy itself, the question has a second order nature: we need to ask what is Philosophy, and what do we mean by value? On the fi rst question, let me fi rst say what Philosophy does.

gamesThesearesurelytransferableskillstoanydisciplineorjob

wherebrainsratherthanhandsarerequired.Ineverywalkoflifeitisimportanttobeabletoidentifybadarguments,nonsequiturs,falsehoodsandfallacies.Ineverywalkoflifewherediscourseisinvolved,itisnecessarytohavecommonunderstandingsofconceptsused,ordebatebecomesimpossible.(Lookatthewaythewords‘liberal’and‘fairness’havebeenco-optedinAmericaandBritainandstretchedbeyondtheiroriginalmeaningstoactasbludgeonsoftheopposition.)Ineveryformoflife,andwheretherearemisconceptionswhichproducedifferencesinposition,ifthosemisconceptionscanbeshownup,perhapsthedifferencesvanishaswell.

what about the end product of Philosophy? Istheremorevalueinthisthanintheprocessitself ?Amongstthepractitionersofmysubject,therearemanywhowouldarguethat‘Philosophyleaveseverythingjustasitis.’Wittgensteinwrotethisandwasknowntohavewarnedpromisingstudentsofffurtherstudybyrecommendingthattheybecomecarpenters,dosomethingelseuseful.Thiswascontroversial,andmisunderstood.Contemporariesandothershavefeltthatthiswasintellectualsurrender.ButWittgensteinwasmakingthepointthattheactivityofphilosophyisnotagamechangerasfarastheissuebeingdealtwithisconcerned.TheprocessofdoingPhilosophyleavestheproblemintact,butchangesthephilosopher.

Well,Philosophyissurelybetteratquestionsthanitisatanswers;therearenotmanyoccasionswhenithasbeenthoughtthataquestionhasbeendefinitivelysolved,andnofurtherworkisnecessary.Sometimesworkhasbeenhaltedsinceitwasobviousthatnofurtherprogressmightbemadeinworkingoutthatseam.Perhapswecangetnofurtherforwardindecidingwhethertheworldiscomprisedofrealobjectsorifitispopulatedbybundlesofideasbeforethemind;orifrealityiscomprisedofmanythingsorjustone;orifconsciousnesscanbereduced,inexplanationorontologically,tobrainstates,orwhollyeliminatedinfavourofthem.Westillhavetodecideonaconceptionoftruth,tosaynothingoftheproblemsoffindingit.

Thisisafrustrationtosome,orpositivelyoff-putting.ButistheaccumulationoffactsanybetterastheproductoftwoyearsofALevel,orthreeyearsofdegreestudy?Factswhich

Robert FletcherHead of Politics and Philosophy


sPortsPort

maybesubverted,andceasetobefacts;factswhichceasetohaverelevancewhenthesurroundinganalyticframeworkshiftsitsfocus;factswhichneverhaveastrictapplicationinyoursubsequenteconomicactivity.(YoustudyGeography,andlearnthepopulationimplicationsofafailedmonoculture;butyoubecomeacivilservant.)InthissenseitmakesquiteasmuchsensetostudyPhilosophyoveranyothersubjectyou’llneverlookatagain.Soifaslash-and-burnfreemarketeerasksthequestion:‘Iknowitsprice,butwhatisPhilosophy’svalue,itsUSP?’Ishouldreply:itliesinthedoingofPhilosophy,inthepathwaysandpracticesworninthemind.Theoldlinethateducationiswhateverisleftafteryouhaveforgotteneverythingyouhavelearnt,ismoretrueofPhilosophythananysubject.

Asecondapproachtotakeaverypersonalline:whathasthesubjecteverdoneforme?WhydoIvalueitsohighly?Thebarbarianatthegatesisdangerousandshouldnotbeignored,butatrulyauthenticdefenceisnottolooktotheutilityofPhilosophy,butwhatitmeanstothisindividual.Therearetwolevelsofanswer.Forme,onevalueofthesubjectistobefoundsimplyinitshardness.Itrepresentsanintellectualchallengenoothersubjectwillorcanputtome.TherearemanyoccasionswhenImightlookatapaper,andwhileitmightnotbeentirelybeyondme,Iknowthattheeffortitwilltaketounderstanditwillhurt.Thismaynotappealtoeveryone,butforme,andlikeanymountainclimber,orathlete,pushinghimselftothelimitofwhathecapable,Ihaverelishedthesechallenges.

Thesecondvalueisinthekindofpersonitmakesme.IhaveinmindtheparableofPlato’scave.Thephilosopherbreakshischains,leavesthefakeandvirtualworldothersareconfinedto,andtravelstotheworldofenlightenment,illuminatedbytheformoftheGood.WhilePlatowaskeentofind,aboveall,asenseofmoraldirectionforthephilosopher,andthosethephilosopherreturnedtoredeem,theilluminationoftheGoodcanbeseeninabroadersense–initsprovisionofanintellectualcompass,andifIcanchangethemetaphor,asupplyoflitmuspapertotestoutwhatisfound,rejectthefalseandinauthentic.Whateverdefinitionofvirtueisapplied,theturnoutmustinsomesensebeabetterperson.

‘WhathavetheRomanseverdoneforus?’askedReg,theleaderofthePeople’sFrontofJudea,‘apartfromthewatersupply,lawandorder,sanitation,viniculture,theroadsandsoon’.WemightanswerinthesamewayforPhilosophy:‘Whathas

Plato opens the republic with a long discussion of what is to be understood by ‘Justice’ but does not say what it is, only what it is not

itdoneforus,apartfromthetoolsthatareneededtoarguewell,theclarityofthinking,theanalysisofconcepts,theprovisionofethicalandbehaviouralsignposts,theframeworkfortheapprehensionofnovelty,theaerobicexerciseforthemind,thecategoriesforaseriousreflectiononthehumancondition?’

Thisisn’tnecessarilygoingtomakeusfeelanybetter;Wittgensteinagain:properlyspeaking,whatcanbedoneinPhilosophyisnotsatisfyingtothenewcomer-hewouldnothavethefeelingthathewaslearningmuchandwouldfeelthattheproblemsofliferemainuntouched.PlatoopenstheRepublicwithalongdiscussionofwhatistobeunderstoodby‘Justice’butdoesnotsaywhatitis,onlywhatitisnot.Butinthedialogue(PlatoisrecordinganaccountofalessongivenbySocrates)itbecomesclearthatthepursuitofjusticeisthethingofvalue,nottheconclusion.Socratesisrecordedassaying:‘Theunexaminedlifeisnotworthliving.’Attheendofourexamination,wemaynothavereachedsatisfaction,butitisfarbettertohavedoneit,thantohavewallowedinsomeepicureanself-indulgence.

Iwillfinishwithamentionofoneofmyfavouritephilosophers:BertrandRussell.Hecommentedthat:‘Toteachhowtolivewithoutcertainty,andyetwithoutbeingparalysedbyhesitationisperhapsthechiefthingthatPhilosophyinouragecanstilldoforthosewhostudyit.’Therearemanywhomightthinkthattheendofallourendeavoursshouldbecertainty,afinalsolution,definitiveanswers.Butthestudyofphilosophyteachesusthatthereisnocertainty,noeliminationofdoubt,nothingdefinitive,noproof,onlyargument.Thisisnobadthing;indeeditisverygood.Certaintyclosesminds,finishesdebate,closesoffprogress,ceasestobetolerant.AstheChineseproverbhasit:deepdoubt,deepwisdom;shallowdoubt,shallowwisdom.Lookatthosewhoclaimpossessionoftruth,whoclaimamonopolyoffacts,andwhowouldsuggestthereisnoalternative.TSEliot,whoknewRussell,putitwell:‘Thebestlackallconviction,whiletheworstarefullofpassionateintensity’.

Perhapstheroleofthisdisciplineistoshowhowmistakenwearetoputsuchfaithincertainty–thecommonplaceisoftenoverturnedwiththeslightestPhilosophy–andthentoprovidethebasisandrationaleforaction.Wemaynotbeabletodefineinjustice,butwhenweencounteritwemustnotwaver.Philosophersmustnotsimplyinterprettheworld;theymustalsobepreparedtochangeit.

Illustrations b

y Tova Holm

es: Photograp

hs of exh

ibits from

her h

igh

ly acclaimed

exhib

ition at Th

e North

Wall, sp

ring

2011. Tova is a p

ractising

artist, and

a teacher of art. Sh

e is also Assistant H

ouse Mistress of O

akthorp

e House.

Chronicle 2010/2011 Part 1

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Transcript of Chronicle 2010/2011 Part 1