TAKING STOCK

Stockport Grammar School Newsletter

Issue 59 Winter 2014/15

REMEMBRANCE The SGS community marks the centenary Page 6

OUTWARD BOUNDYear 5s have fun at RobinwoodPage 10

MAKING MUSIC Musicians showcase their talentsPage 4

LITTLE ANGELSInfants perform at Christmas timePage 11

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IT’S A WRAP A group of Lower School pupils were given a taste of film stardom during the October Half Term when they volunteered to be film extras for the day. The First and Second Years were charged with providing a busy school atmosphere in the historic SGS Quad as a backdrop to scenes being filmed for new drama series The Jackson Five.

Fourth Year pupil Niamh Clarke, who plays one of the leading roles in the drama, was filmed talking to a friend, while the younger girls and boys walked and mingled with each other as if it were a normal break time on a school day.

LITERARY LUNCH On the eve of the Man Booker Prize Ceremony, a panel of Sixth Formers spoke about the six shortlisted books in front of fellow pupils and teachers in the school library. Once all six books had been put forward, the audience voted for the title they felt deserved to win, based on what they had heard. The Sixth Formers all made their cases eloquently and Liza Vul, Leah Allcock and Abi Roskilly’s engaging and articulate presentation on Howard Jacobson’s dystopian love story J, was awarded the largest number of votes by the audience. The winning group enjoyed cutting the Man Booker-themed cake before chatting about all the books with the rest of the group over refreshments.

Just a few weeks later, Howard Jacobson was so thrilled to discover he’d won the school’s alternative prize that he sent signed copies of his book to the girls who championed it. Liza enjoyed the experience thoroughly:

“Taking part in this gave me a chance to catch up on the hottest new novels and I enjoyed exploring Howard Jacobson's dystopian world in J. We had fun defending the book's surreal plot against strong competition in the presentations and were totally taken by surprise to receive the

SPEAKING OUTSPEAKING OUT

signed copies. Having contact with the author made this all the more memorable!”

The Man Booker Prize event was one of many lunchtime happenings hosted by the school library. The first Café Sci meeting of the year welcomed the University of Manchester’s Professor Helen Gleeson who delivered a fascinating talk entitled Understanding the Physics of Modern Materials—Inventing Devices for the Future.

Inspirational author and archaeologist Nick Brown addressed girls and boys from the Fourth Year through to the Sixth Form, about “filling in the blanks of history” and his new series of fictional books set in classical Greece. Head of Caretaking Mr Croft spoke to pupils about recycling and School Bursar Mr Watson led a discussion on a sustainable, greener school, all making for a varied programme of Library events this term.

“The pupils had to do exactly the same walk, gesture and facial expression several times over for the same shot – very unlike a normal break time!” said Head of Lower School, Mrs Lawson. “They were very patient though, and enjoyed their few seconds of fame. It was a fascinating insight into the world of TV and film.”

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SPEAKING OUT

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DEBATING IN FOREIGN LANGUAGESThe SGS team of German debaters won this year’s Northern Schools Modern Foreign Languages Debating Competition on a day where overall we recorded our best ever results in the contest.

Six Sixth Form pupils debated on a range of complex issues in their respective languages, with David Edgley and Liza Vul beating 16 other teams to take home the German prize, confirming SGS’s place on the winners’ shield for a third year in a row.

Their fellow debaters also did very well with the French team, Ana Krywonos and Anna Madden, being narrowly defeated in their final, and Eleanor Gowrie and Jake Sanders reaching the semi-final in the Spanish category. French teacher, Mr Lorentz, was delighted with our pupils’ performances:

“Our school was the only one to have representatives in the three semi-finals and we’re very proud of our pupils for the quality of their arguments, their linguistic ability and their determination in what is a very daunting and demanding task.”

In November it was Stockport Grammar’s turn to host MUN and over 150 delegates from local schools took part. The girls and boys took on the roles of delegates representing different countries, debating a variety of issues such as the Gaza strip, human trafficking, organ donation, Ebola and other important topics.

Visiting speakers included Linda Bacon who explained the role and ideals of Amnesty International, giving the delegates much to think about. During the closing ceremony, Old Stop Arian Nikkhah (OS 2008) spoke about his experiences with the UN after leaving school.

The weekend was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of Mrs Suttle, Mr Browne and the organising team of Upper Sixth Form pupils who were: Secretary General - Jennifer Kent; Deputy Secretary

General - Jeremy Dunn; Organising Committee - Leah Allcock, Anna Madden, Alex Mayo, and Amber Reece-Greenhalgh.

Jeremy was very pleased:

“The conference was really enjoyable and it was good to have delegates who were so enthusiastic. We got great feedback from the representatives from the other schools.”

HOSTING MODEL UNITED NATIONS

At the time of going to press, the Upper School cast and crew of Blunders and Bloomers were busy putting the finishing touches to their performance which ran over two nights. Look out for a full report in the next issue!

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MUSIC

MAKING MUSIC

Fifth Year musician Alex Jones is thrilled to have been appointed Co-Principal of the National Youth Orchestra. Having joined three years ago as one of the youngest participants when he was aged just 13, the double bass player is loving the experience:

“Playing music is just part of my life – I’ve always enjoyed it and it helps me to relax.”

He has taken part in performances and residencies with the youth orchestra and is very much looking forward to playing in Berlin with them this summer after the Proms.

Playing at Grade 8 level in piano and double bass, and performing with school orchestras and bands plus playing the bass guitar in the SGS jazz band, Alex manages to squeeze in the required amount of practice plus working hard at school. He hopes to continue his musical studies at university.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSICWith two concerts, a recital evening, performances at Open Days, Remembrance Day and a carol service at St George’s Church, the second half of the Autumn Term was busy as ever for the Music department.

The Autumn Concert showcased the impressive musical talent at SGS - beginning with the Junior Band, who grabbed the attention of the audience with the well-known Wallace and Gromit theme, as well as some great Latin-American pieces. Sisters Zoe and Elsa Shah performed Bach’s Largo from Concerto for Two Violins and flautist Hannah Clayton captured the expressive quality of Clarke’s Hypnosis.

The Jazz Band gave a lively rendition of Metheny’s Phase Dance. This was followed by Second Year pupil Sarah Callow’s Swingin’ Shepherd Blues on clarinet by Koffman. First Orchestra, conducted by Mr Dow, performed a stirring medley from West Side Story.

The Second Orchestra treated the audience to Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture and Persian March by Strauss II. First Year pupil, Joshua Furtado-Mendes, captured the audience’s hearts with his passionate interpretation of Massenet’s Méditation from Thaïs, finishing to rapturous applause.

The String Orchestra performed the beautiful Adagio for Strings by Barber before accomplished double bassist Alex Jones gave a remarkable performance of Eccles Sonata: Largo and Allegro con Spirito.

The delightful evening concluded with the Chorus performing a spirited and uplifting rendition of songs from Mamma Mia, which had the audience swaying in their seats, and saying “Thank you for the music.”

GET INVOLVEDThis year the school has added to the already extensive musical opportunities for pupils of all ages and abilities. Several new ensemble groups have also started this term, such as Beginners Brass Ensemble; Guitar Group for all abilities and Junior and Senior Percussion Ensembles; adding to the existing Chorus and Chamber Choir, we have also introduced separate vocal groups for First and Second Year girls and boys and a Junior Chamber Choir.

Some of the girls and boys have also been busy forming their own smaller groups or practising solo items for lunchtime recitals and morning assemblies, enabling everybody in school to enjoy the efforts of our musically talented pupils.

Every pupil in the First Year is now learning to play a brass instrument during the timetabled academic Music lessons. They have the chance to continue lessons in this or any other instrument on a one-to-one basis. An advanced Theory Club for grades 6-8 is also now on offer in addition to the group for grades 1-5.

The Music department is buzzing with activity. For full details of the concert schedule, rehearsal and music lesson details, please visit the school website.

ALL ABOUT THE BASS

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TRIPS

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OUT AND ABOUT

A few weeks into the Autumn Term, all the First Years took part in a three day adventure to Ilam Hall Youth Hostel in Derbyshire. The Victorian manor house provided a comfortable base from which to explore the area and undertake specially designed tasks, working together with teachers from the Art and English departments as well as their own Form Tutors.

The girls and boys walked through Dovedale, visited Trentham Monkey Forest, spent time at Chatsworth House and ascended the Heights of Abraham via cable car.

Existing friendships were cemented, new ones were begun and group challenges brought the pupils and teachers together.

FIELDWORK IN SHROPSHIREThis year’s A Level Biology field trip took the students to the Field Studies Council’s centre in Shropshire. The five day course was designed to cover all the practical ecology components of the A2 Biology specification. During the trip the group studied hydroseral succession, heather moorland management and freshwater ecology, returning to school with a good deal of new practical knowledge.

ALL CHANGEVisitors from Städtisches Gymnasium in Bad Segeberg visited us for a week on the UK leg of the annual German Exchange, staying with SGS Fifth Year host families. The girls and boys were made very welcome, attending special lessons in Biology, Chemistry and languages and being given tours around some of the key visitor attractions in the north-west.

The weekend gave our hosts the chance to get to know the visitors even better, with some heading down to London and others staying more local for cinema and shopping trips.

The new friends will be reunited in February when SGS pupils visit Germany. Ellen Mobley is looking forward to it:

“I got on really well with my partner – we had lots in common. It was a great experience and we’ve been in touch plenty since she left. I can’t wait to go over there!”

POLAND TRIPForty one Fifth Year Historians and Religious Studies pupils travelled to Kraków for two days to learn more about the Holocaust. The girls and boys spent the first day exploring the old Jewish Quarter and discovering much about the history of the Jewish population of Kraków; visiting synagogues, the ghetto in Kazimierz, the Oskar Schindler Factory Historical Museum and rounding off their packed day with a traditional Jewish meal and entertainment from lively Klezma musicians.

The following day involved a sobering visit to Auschwitz I and II, where the group were given an informative and moving tour of both sites.

ADVENTURE IN DERBYSHIRE

After some time to reflect and take in all that they had seen and heard that morning, they were taken to the fascinating Wieliczka Salt Mines 135 metres below ground. Pupil Francesca Bailey found the trip very worthwhile:

“Visiting Auschwitz was a moving experience which brought to life the images I learnt in lessons. I found the trip very interesting and it was incredible to see the conditions the people had to live in.”

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SPORTS NEWS

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS…AGAIN!

The First XI hockey team have qualified for the National Finals of the Schools Championships after winning the North of England title for the second year in a row. A 2-0 victory against the Grammar School at Leeds in the final saw the girls win the tournament and secure their place in the National Finals at the Olympic Park in February. Team Captain, Meghan Myers is delighted:

“The pressure was on after the first team had won last year. Winning those games was really hard work – we have bonded really well as a team. We are over the moon and so excited to be playing at the Olympic Park – it’s a massive opportunity!”

NET GAINThe U13 netball squad are through to the quarter finals of the U13 Independent Schools Netball competition.

It is the first time SGS have entered this age group to the competition and they did exceptionally well in their wins against Bromsgrove School (38-20) in the second round and then Withington Girls’ School 36-27.

We now look forward to supporting the girls when they face Bedford School at home in the quarter final which will be played in January.

GIRLS' SPORT

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RUGBY

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53 girls from the Senior School played netball at Condover Hall in one of the first tournaments of the season. The U13s and U14s won their competitions, going undefeated all weekend.

The latest names to join the list of rugby players who are representing their county are Tom O’Mahony, Mark Ray and Max Lederwerg, with Tom and Mark also attending a North U18 assessment weekend.

George Chatterton is representing Cheshire in the U16 games and is attending a North U16 assessment weekend.

Several other players have been picked to train with Cheshire and East Cheshire U15s and U13s, while Max Gilbert and Seb Walker have also been selected for this season’s Independent Schools RFC Northern Lambs U13 squad.

Check the website for the most up-to-date information on selections.

REPRESENTATIVE HONOURS

The rugby U15s are a step closer to Twickenham after a thrilling 24-22 NatWest Schools Vase win against QEGS Ashbourne.

Alexander Brooks, Max Wood (2) and Alexander Bielinski got the tries to send the team through to January’s area semi-final.

The First XV are also through to the North A semi-final in the U18 competition and, like the U15s, are now just

four wins away from a national final at Twickenham.

The boys beat Sale Grammar 63-10 and St Ambrose 46-29 to reach the sixth round.

The school would like to thank Gemstone Management Services, Buxton Magazines and Periodicals and Great Holiday Rentals for their continued sponsorship and support of the U15s.

NATWEST PROGRESS

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THINKING OF OTHERS

It's been a busy term for charity work.

First Year pupils made and sold hundreds of cakes during their bake sales at break and lunch, raising an impressive £606 for child bereavement charity Reuben’s Retreat.

Food parcels and warm clothing were also donated to The Wellspring Homeless Shelter by the Juniors and Seniors, and the whole school supported Key 103’s Mission Christmas campaign, collecting gifts and money for children in Greater Manchester who would not otherwise receive anything on Christmas Day. This will be reported

in more detail in the next issue.

Twenty pupils entertained Christmas shoppers by singing Christmas Carols at Handforth Dean retail park on a busy Saturday afternoon, raising over £200 for Clic Sargent. Senior Prefect Jennifer Kent organised the performance:

“It was a great success; besides the money raised, it gave us the opportunity to sing acapella in four-part harmony, along with giving the shoppers something to smile about and enjoy.”

In the run up to Remembrance Day, librarian Mrs Illingworth researched the lives of 52 Old Stopfordians who died in the Great War and who are listed on the memorial in the Hallam Hall. A great deal of information was made available to pupils, giving them a true appreciation of the sacrifice made by young people.

The information compiled will be held permanently in the Library and in the school archives. Other exhibits included photos of the battlefields trip and costumes and paintings donated by the Art department. There was also a display of old school photos, information about the school at the time, and war memorabilia.

ZERO TOLERANCE In Life Studies lessons during National Anti-Bullying Week, girls and boys looked at how to challenge inappropriate behaviour, and also considered society’s treatment of disabled people.

First Year pupils spent a week carrying out random acts of kindness, reporting back on the positive effect this had on those concerned. In the Junior School, children talked about how “it’s cool to be kind” and learned how it is good to be different. They wore blue to show their solidarity with the anti-bullying cause. Year 4 also turned into superheroes for their anti-bullying assembly in which they showed how conquering negativity and jealously helps boost everyone’s self-esteem.

THE LIBRARY COMMEMORATES THE FALLEN

FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING

WE WILL REMEMBER THEMPupils and staff were joined by Old Stopfordians at a Remembrance Day service, during which Upper Sixth Former Ben Carthy played The Last Post to signal the beginning of two minutes of silence.

Afterwards, Old Stopfordians who left the school between 1930 and 1960 gathered for a reunion lunch in the Hallam Hall and were shown the school’s newly-restored war memorial boards. School Chaplain Reverend Leaver read a prayer of dedication before Third and Fourth year pupils who had visited the French and Belgian battlefields of the First World War spoke about their trip. Run by the History department, this annual trip takes the pupils to historical sites including the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme, the Menin Gate, the trenches at Newfoundland Park and at Sanctuary Wood, the beautiful town of Ypres and the In Flanders Fields Museum, which all complements the pupils’ history classwork and serves as a timely reminder of the importance of remembrance.

Junior School Headmaster Mr Wheeler also led a special Junior School Remembrance assembly on the significance of the poppy, featuring moving readings from the House Captains.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

POLE POSITIONNine year old karter Harley Haughton received the ultimate encouragement after winning the Manchester and Buxton Kart Club Honda Cadet Championship on the same day that Lewis Hamilton became Formula One World Champion for the second time in Abu Dhabi.

As Harley was being interviewed on the BBC 5 Live Breakfast Show, he told the presenters of his dream to meet Lewis Hamilton, and was left speechless when the man himself came into the studio to congratulate him on his win! Hamilton told Harley: “I won my first championship when I was 10, so you’re even younger than me – you’ve got a bright future.”

Congratulations to Harley on his win, and thank you to the BBC and Lewis Hamilton for providing him with a day that we hope will help inspire him to emulate the new world champion!

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORTS STARSAs well as the Junior School’s sports teams enjoying plenty of success, pupils are also busy pursuing their interests at high levels outside of school.

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE10 year old Daisy Keigher was the fastest of 80 runners at the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) North West Cross Country Competition at Stonyhurst College, while Darcy Breen from Year 4 also showed great potential in finishing fourth.

These results meant that the SGS U11 girls team finished in second

place overall, in very tough weather conditions. Congratulations to the whole team; Daisy Keigher, Darcy Breen, Mia Hutchinson, Lizzy Griffiths, Amy Jack and Libby Wolstenholme.

The boys’ team also finished a very respectable eighth in their event, in spite of William Finnie losing a shoe halfway around! Finishing the course of steep and slippery hills

while wearing just one trainer was no mean feat and showed real determination and team spirit. He told the teachers:

“I didn’t want to ruin the team’s chances of finishing well up the field!”

SGS runners also did well at the latest Stockport Schools Cross Country League race at Woodbank Park, where Year 4’s Dominic Hanson finished first in his race. Darcy Breen beat over 100 runners to win the Year 3 and 4 girls’ race, with Katherine Alexander finishing 68th, while Daisy Keigher won the Year 5 and 6 competition with Amy Jack and Lizzy Griffiths completing the run in 18th and 22nd place respectively.

Year 3 pupil Ben Lavender finished 10th in his race. Ben’s talents are not confined to the track; when competing in Marple Swimming Club’s annual gala, he impressively broke a 20 year record in freestyle and another in backstroke and finished first in the breaststroke heat. Well done Ben!

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

GAME SET AND MATCHCharlie Clarke in Year 6 was selected to play for Cheshire U10 boys in the Twelve Counties Tennis Competition, at Corby Indoor Tennis Centre.

Charlie played three matches against equivalent ranked players, helping Cheshire to finish third overall, meaning that they remain in the top division.

He also went on to win the Hull Open Under 10s competition the following week.

In more tennis news, Year 6 pupil Mason Dace (above) won both the Wrexham Boys’ Open and Shropshire Open Tennis Tournaments, as well as a regional round of the David Lloyd Tennis All Stars Competition. He then went on to win the play-offs, coming third at the national final in London – a fantastic achievement.

Year 6 Sam Curwen and older brother Alex, who is in the Second Year in the Senior School, both continue to excel in their chosen sport of canoeing, having raced at the famous Stone Slalom Canoe event during the half term holiday. Alex won his division and Sam won the U10s. Mr Johnson, ex-professional Canoeist and teacher in charge of Canoe Club, congratulated the boys:

“They are both very good paddlers: agile, quick and most importantly, determined. I am also pleased to say they are a real asset to our canoe club, always keen to help newcomers and make them feel welcome.”

In November, pupils from both the Senior and Junior School took part in a canoeing taster day at Manchester Canoe Club in Marple. Amelia Rosenberg Powell, Morgan Broome, Lily Amet and Matthew Harbridge, all in Year 5, attended having only tried canoeing once or twice in the school pool. Brothers Sam and Alex along with Senior School pupil David Paterson, were also there to help with the paddling. Club coaches put the paddlers through their paces on the fast flowing water and were impressed with what they saw. Joshua Mathew and Finley Nolan, from the Senior School, also took part and demonstrated their ever-improving skills.

THE GREAT OUTDOORSThree days at the Robinwood activity centre gave the girls and boys in Year 5 a real adventure away from home. The children enjoyed many fun activities which put their physical agility, mental ability and teamwork skills to the test.

A brilliant time was had by all, with Harry Brown enthusing:

“When we arrived we had to walk up a long steep hill, through the woods, until we arrived at the castle. Some activities required special equipment like harnesses, helmets and waterproof clothing. For one activity, Quest, you had to work as a team and solve puzzles.”

The trip produced a group of very tired children but they went home with a whole host of fantastic memories.

PADDLE POWER

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

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COUNTING SHEEP The foundation stage Nativity, The Sleepy Shepherd, told the tale of a shepherd who was always too sleepy to count his sheep but woke one night to see a bright light in the sky telling him to go to Bethlehem to see a special baby born in a stable.

The children from the Nursery and Reception classes treated the mums and dads to a wonderful performance with plenty of singing and dancing, complete with an animal percussion band.

OH HOLY NIGHT

Two sparkling performances of a traditional Nativity featured the girls and boys from Year 1 as the shepherds and angels, with the Year 2 narrators telling the story beautifully. Mary was played by Holly Batey and Alaqmar Potia was Joseph (both in Year 2).

Teacher Miss Jeans told us:

“The children had such a great time! They did very well to learn all their lines and dances, as well as lots of songs."

Zara Niven from Year 2 enjoyed every minute:

"My favourite part was getting to say my lines and seeing the donkey lead Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, but I also enjoyed watching all my friends."

Visit the website to read about the Junior and Senior Carol Services, along with the Christmas Concert.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

CHILDREN IN NEEDThis year the children were challenged to be creative and swap one item of their uniform for something spotty and they responded brilliantly with spotty ties, shirts and all sorts of other accessories. The morning’s assembly encouraged the children to think of others who are less fortunate, to try to help them and not take things for granted. They watched a short BBC video which showed some of the children helped by Children in Need. An impressive £522 was raised for this worthwhile cause.

Kaitlin Dignan from Year 4 said: “Children In Need helps us to learn about other children. Every year we dress up in something wacky. This year we are spotty!”

“It is nice to help other children.” added Viola Phillips from Year 1.

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIROn Saturday 29th November the school was bustling with parents and pupils enjoying the Christmas Fair. From Santa’s Grotto to face painting, the teddy bear tombola, book sales and mulled wine, there were stalls too numerous to mention and plenty of fun for all ages.

The SPA would like to thank everyone for their donations, help and support. An impressive £10,600 was raised, which will go to nominated charities and school projects.

ENCOURAGING YOUNG ARTISTS

Fifty self-portraits submitted by pupils from ten local primary schools were displayed at the final of the annual external Year 5 Art Competition. Judging the competition was renowned figurative artist Mark Demsteader along with SGS Head of Art and Design Mr Davies, who were both full of praise for the quality of the work produced by all the finalists.

Before the winners were announced, the children admired each other’s work and took part in drawing and mono-printing workshops with our own Sixth Form artists. Charlie Fitzgerald from Gorsey Bank Primary won the first prize of a £50 art voucher for her school and a watercolour painting set for herself, with Emma Guest from Torkington Primary School and Bjorn Dickson from The Ryleys being named as the two runners up. Every finalist also took home a goody bag.

The event was kindly supported by leading wealth management company Brewin Dolphin as part of their community sponsorship programme.