Dear Parents,
| ACADEMIC |
Three teams distinguished themselves in the National SciCast Competition: Relativity and Warp Drive by Will Ouldridge, Ben Glover, Michael Walker, Jon Evans, Andrew Clay and Michael Snell, was nominated for 'Flipside Most Entertaining Film 2009'. How Wavelength Affects Pitch by Hugh Collins, Brittany Harris and Fiona Mabin, achieved 1st place in the South West region and was nominated for an 'Award for Technical and Artistic Achievement 2009' and 'The Institute of Physics' Best SciCast Physics Film 2009'. Static Electricity by Adam Jackson, Dan Betney, Alex Helliar, Chris Towl and Matt Allen, which came second in the South West and was highly commended.
Kirsten Berggren and Jethro White have been awarded prestigious Arkwright Scholarships for Technology.
The results of the Chemistry Olympiad were very good. Bronze: Josh Johnson, Silver: Hannah Partridge and Izzy Smith, Gold: Andrew Melzer (who was placed in the top 200 out of 2165 candidates).
4th formers Tilly Gilbert, Katie Taverner, Laurie Kirkcaldy and Marcus Buechel finished second at the Salters' Festival of Chemistry at the University of Plymouth.
The Institute of Biology ran 'The Biology Challenge' for pupils in Years 10 and 11. 25,000 entries were made nationally and Gold Awards were given to the top 300, and Highly Commended to those in the top 2-3,000. The results were as follows: Gold Award: Cathryn Buechel, Tom Gaisford and Stevie Granados. Bronze Award: Bethany Cowling, Jack Gorton, Eleanor Moore, James Rampersad and Daniel Wride. Highly Commended: Freddie Ashford, Chris Clay, Aja Garrod-Prance, Cameron Starling and Clemency Tilley.
In the UKMT 2009 Junior Mathematical Challenge there were 19 Gold, 29 Silver and 48 bronze awards amongst our 3rd and 4th Forms. "Best in school" was Tom Grant and the other Gold winners were; Ben Stone, Michael van de Noort, Tom Poustie, Freddie Crowley, Alfie Norton, Emily Boother, Michael Twomey, Laurence Powell, Theo Thomson, Thomas Carr, Ben Choy, Michael Walker, Peter Doane and Gillam Crouch (4th Form) and Lloyd Stait, Angus Creer, Marcus Hoddinott and Edmund Whelan (3rd Form).
4th former Alex Staniforth was selected as a runner-up for the Geographical magazine Young Geographer of the Year award.
The school has received two Good Schools Guide awards following the accumulated results of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 examinations: we have been selected as the British independent school in which boys have performed best at A level in Electronics and at AS level in World Development.
CROSSING CLUB
Local poet and Exeter University lecturer, Andy Brown, gave a two-hour workshop. Mr Keyes spoke on Greek Mythology, and Mr Baker led a Politics workshop. A group of Crossing Club members and other pupils met at the library to challenge themselves in a hunt for knowledge.
| THE ARTS |
Drama
The A2, AS and GCSE Theatre Studies set text and devised performances were very well received in the Drama Studio. The two A2 groups played out scenes from Blithe Spirit, Le Misanthrope, Twelfth Night, Hamlet and Top Girls and also performed their own outstanding work, which was based upon numerous techniques, genres and insights that they have gleaned during their studies.
Music
The Associated Board results for the spring examination session were good. Our pupils secured 36 passes, including 11 distinctions and 13 merits. Particularly impressive results include: Jessica Honey Grade 5 distinction singing, Lucy Swain Grade 5 distinction theory, Harry Parham-Connolly Grade 7 distinction flute. Hattie Davies Grade 8 piano pass, Hugo Marino Grade 8 distinction trombone, Hannah Partridge Grade 8 distinction violin: an exceptional mark; her third Grade 8 (singing, viola, violin), Rowena Caine Grade 8 distinction singing. In the summer session there were 33 passes, including 10 merits and 9 distinctions. The most noteworthy were: Michael Brailey's Grade 5 distinction on violin, Marcus Colville's Grade 5 distinction on oboe, Lauren Clark's Grade 6 distinction on flute, Michael Dawson's Grade 6 distinction on the organ, Katie Clark's Grade 8 violin pass and Rowena Caine's Grade 8 merit on violin.
The Middle School Concert in late April was Mrs Williams' valedictory concert directing the Middle School Choir and Junior Orchestra and she was rightly fêted by an appreciative audience. There were some delightful solo items, from Marcus Colville, Michael Brailey and Hannah Connolly. Matt Clarke's rendition of Rachmaninov's Vocalise on the clarinet was sublime and violinist Fionn Connolly gave a stunning performance of two Kreisler pieces. Several GCSE compositions were performed, including Hugo Marino's I don't want to die, sung by Brittany Harris and Noah Mosley, Michael Dawson's arrangement of I've got you under my skin sung by Ed Pocock, and Beth and Ellie Partridge's version of Ellie Clark's I'm not that girl. There were polished major contributions from Jazz Band 2 and the Senior Jazz Band and the evening finished with a triumphant Sibelius extract and a Grease medley from the Concert Orchestra.
In the informal Brass Concert Matthew Hills of the 3rd Form showed what a promising trumpeter he is. Molly Parham-Connolly gave a sensitive performance of a Mozart concerto movement on the horn and Aidan Dominy brought the concert to a conclusion with a rousing performance of Tango Argentino.
Two of the most stunning performances came from trombonists Hugo Marino and Alex Wesson.
At the Vocal Concert Brittany Harris showed genuine virtuosity in her Scarlatti performance. Hannah Partridge sang a Tippett piece with stunning control and sensitivity. Noah Mosley was as engaging as ever singing an aria from Mozart's Don Giovanni. The famous Flower Song duet was given a sensational performance by Hannah and Bethany Partridge. Alice Tolson gave a remarkably mature and assured account of a Gershwin song.
The WaterAid concert at Exeter Cathedral was Dr Foxall's public swansong. This was the eighth annual concert in aid of the charity. The Symphony Orchestra performed excerpts from John Williams' Star Wars sound track and several items from Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite, concluding its first set with an excellent rendition of Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, featuring John Baldock on the piano and teacher Mr Greenwood on the clarinet. Mr Sutton's Chamber Choir gave a very subtle performance of Allegri's Miserere Mei Deus, using soloists in the Quire behind the main altar to stunning effect. The second half of the concert was opened by the Brass Ensemble, directed by Mr Moore, with the stirring Canzona XII by Gabrieli played across the main aisle. The Chamber Choir's Lay A Garland, O Waly Waly and Spread A Little Happiness offered a balance of exquisite timing, volume and diction, with great artistic precision. The Chamber Orchestra then played excerpts from Don Giovanni.
The Middle School Chamber Concert featured many of our leading younger players under the direction of Mr Gillett. The middle school string quartet excelled, showing the advanced listening and interactive skills required in this type of music. The players were Hannah and Fionn Connolly, Lulu Chrupek and Alice Greenwood. The Connollys played an impressive violin duet and Alice was remarkable in a solo 'cello piece. There was an excellent Jazz Concert in the main hall on 27 June, featuring Mr Painter's Senior Jazz Band and Mr Bowen's Impro Group.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
Visiting speaker Mrs Elizabeth Burton-Phillips made a strong impression upon a large audience of parents and staff when she spoke regarding the loss of one of her twin sons to a heroin addiction. There is a copy of her book, Mum, can you lend me twenty quid? in the library.
The L6 Higher Education evening on 30 April kicked off the university application process. Mrs Judy Mead spoke about Careers prospects, Ms Liz Murphy of Exeter University spoke about Admissions matters and Mr Chitnavis addressed student funding.
A local chiropractor, Dr Neil Cox, gave a very energising talk about genetics, lifestyle and health to an appreciative audience of 70 pupils, parents and staff on 12 May.
Professor Philip Stott spoke to the L6 about environmental awareness and the impact of changing climate. The L6 also had a very useful talk from Samantha Lister, of the Admissions Office of the University of St Andrews, about degree courses, application processes and student life there.
EDUCATIONAL EXCURSIONS
Mrs Murrin took the U6 RS set to an Ethics conference in Yeovil in May.
The M5 geographers went to Bristol to study the urban regeneration at the docks and edge-of-town developments at Cribbs Causeway. Our L6 Geographers went to Studland in Dorset to undertake a coastal study. The department took the 3rd Form to Dartmoor to undertake field work at Grimspound.
Mrs Fenner and Mr Keyes took a group of M5 and U5 GCSE Spanish pupils to Barcelona for a 'Homestay' visit at Easter. The Spanish families gave them a very warm welcome and excellent food. They had 3 hours of total immersion tuition in a language school every morning. In the afternoons they visited some of the cultural highlights of the city, including the Barrio Gótico, the amazing Sagrada Familia, the Picasso Museum, the Olympic Stadium and the Park Güell.
Mr Willson's Middle School ski trip was much enjoyed, as ever. Forty two pupils and seven staff spent a week in Alpe D'Huez.
The English department took L6 pupils to London to see Waiting for Godot at the Haymarket Theatre. They also had a backstage tour of the National Theatre and visited the Tate Modern.
A number of our L5 Geographers attended a Gifted and Talented study day at St Peter's HS. They heard a presentation from two Antarctic experts, then had to prepare their own talks. Tommy Lyon-Smith was a member of the winning team.
Field Day took place on 19 June. The Duke of Edinburgh award ran three expeditions, in very warm weather: there were Gold and Silver practice walks, the former of which saw 33 L6 formers completing a challenging route, and a testing Silver qualifier. The CCF was out on manoeuvres at Woodbury and Exmouth, where they were joined by Brigadier Steve Hodder (OE), the Commander of 43 Wessex Brigade, for some of the day. The RAF and RN sections also ran Bronze Duke of Edinburgh practice expeditions over the weekend. The 3rd Form explored and orienteered around Exeter Quay, led by the Geography Department, and the 4th Form went to the Eden Project, led by Mr Wybrow. The L5 either went to London or on Dartmoor History walks, led by Mr Trelawny and Mr Porter. The Community Service group took elderly local people on a river trip from Totnes to Dartmouth, led by Mr Hunt. Dr Foxall took a group of musicians to entertain children at St Sidwell's Primary School.
Mrs Francis and Ms Knight took a group of M5 modern linguists to Exeter University to a one-day conference about the career benefits of studying Modern Languages. Dr Chapman took leading mathematicians to a one-day Further Mathematics conference, also at the university. Mrs Sail has just led a L5 and M5 Geography trip to Chamonix.
| SPORT |
Athletics
Following the Exeter Area v East Devon Athletics match on Thursday 21 May, the following athletes competed in the Devon Championships on June 13. Junior Boys: Harry Thomas 100m, and Relay, Henry Thompson Triple Jump, Nick Litten Shot Putt. Intermediate Boys: Ollie Bedford 100 metres, Long Jump and Relay, Chris Needs Javelin. Intermediate Girls: Helen Smith 800 metres, Kirsten Berggren Javelin.
The L6 inter-House sports event was won by Goff. The Victrix Ludorum was Ginny Faulkner and the Female Athlete of the Day was Izzy Tilley, the Victor Ludorum was James Collett and the Male Athlete of the Day was Rob McLaverty. The 3rd Form inter-house Athletics was won by Acland. The Victrices Ludorum were Lizzie Godwin and Rebecca Anderson. The Victor Ludorum was Tor Ziegler-Evans and the Male Athlete of the Day was Sam Boddington. The 4th Form inter-House sports day was won by Acland, the Victrices Ludorum were Laura Stacey and Katie Taverner. The Victor Ludorum was Harry Thomas and the Male Athlete of the Day was Harry Thorne. The M5 was won by Acland. The Victrix Ludorum was Chloe Collin and the Female Athlete of the Day was Helen Smith. The Victores Ludorum were Tom Gaisford and Alec Wheatley.
Canoeing
Mr Scott led a kayaking expedition to Wales to paddle the tidal rapids between Ramsay Island and the mainland at St David's in Pembrokeshire (known as The Bitches) over Easter. The group is now in training for its Summer trip to Ladakh.
Cricket
|
P |
W |
L | |
|
1st XI |
12 |
2 |
10 |
|
2nd XI |
4 |
0 |
4 |
|
U15 |
8 |
4 |
4 |
|
U14A |
11 |
6 |
5 |
|
U14B |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
U13A |
11 |
10 |
1 |
|
U13B |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
U12A |
10 |
10 |
0 |
|
U12B |
4 |
2 |
2 |
The 1st XI has recently had some exciting fixtures against both the MCC and Krugersdorp, a South African touring side. Unfortunately the boys came short of the 205 total set for them against the MCC. The game against Krugersdorp looked a foregone conclusion when Exeter only made 105, but some great work in the field restricted the South Africans to 80 for 7. However, the tourists steadied themselves to win by 3 wickets. The 1st XI experienced a good win against Plymouth College with David Binns putting in a captain's innings, scoring 50 with the bat included a hat-trick.
The end of the cricket season has brought much success lower down in the school. In particular the school has experienced one of its best seasons in the Devon Cup for many years. The U13 team got through to Finals day at Cornwood Cricket Club by beating Mount House in the quarter Final. In the semi finals they defeated Blundell's before losing to Torquay Boys Grammar School in the final. The U14 team improved on their quarter final position last year but unfortunately lost to West Buckland in the semi final. Most notably the U12 team, captained by Marcus Hoddinott, became Devon Cup champions by beating Torquay and Blundell's in the quarter and semi finals and defeating Mount House in the Final. The U12 age group holds the best overall record with an unbeaten season, winning all 10 of their games played. Next year will be hopefully strengthened by a current U11 team who have recently won their regional finals qualifying for the Nationals. Overall, from the U15 age group downwards the school has finished the cricket season with a 75% win rate which augurs well for the future.
Golf
The school team beat West Buckland convincingly by three matches to zero. However, they were less fortunate in the South-West regional final of the HMC competition, losing to Millfield. It is the first time in 20 years that we have reached the regional final. The team has recorded further victories against school opposition. In the School Championship which took place at Exeter Golf and Country Club in torrential rain, Harrison Thorne was crowned overall champion and Alex Dudley took the Handicap Challenge.
Hockey
At the West of England mini-hockey championship finals on Sunday 26 April, our boys' U13 team performed very well, finishing 4th in the region. They beat Forres Sandle 3-0, Clifton College 6-0, Truro JS 2-0 and Kingsland School 4-0. They drew 2-2 with Millfield and lost 1-5 to Dean Close and 2-4 to Chafyn Grove. Tom Poustie scored 7 goals and Michael Walker 5. Will Marsh, Tom Poustie and Mike Walker played for the U13 West of England hockey team in the national championships at Nottingham at the weekend. They acquitted themselves very well and finished as runners-up to the Scotland team in the final.
Lifesaving
Our lifesavers have again won the Royal Navy Cup, in recognition of our being the school in Devon which has trained the most life savers in 2008, and have been placed 3rd in the East Area Shield and 2nd in the Royal Air Force Shield. Congratulations to our trainers Mr Davidson and Mr Smith.
Rounders
(Incl. tournaments) |
Shooting
Mr Donne's shooters continue to distinguish themselves! They have competed in large numbers over the last term at county, national and Commonwealth levels, in prone target rifle and air pistol shooting events. 8 pupils took part in the South and West Youth Smallbore Championships before Easter, with some success: congratulations to Mr Donne and the following, who won medals: Mike Snell (1st place, A Division), Sam Huish (2nd place, B Division), Emily Chamberlain (3rd place, C Division) and Sammy Rahman (1st place, D Division). The RAF cadet team of Sam Huish, Matt Warner, Tobi Herpoldt-McCrone, Mike Snell, Dave Rowell, Mike Ladhams, Sammy Rahman, Charles Richards and Tom Watts took part in the Commonwealth Ffennell match, finishing 2nd overall and they won the Mere Cup full-bore trophy for shooting at 300, 500 and 600 yards, for the third successive year. Dave Rowell and Sam Huish came 1st and 2nd respectively in the individual event. The civilian teams have also done well, with the A team winning Devon Division 2, the B team being runners-up in Division 3 and the C team winning Division 6. Seven shooters also won awards in the National Eley small-bore championship: Sam Huish, Matt Warner, Mike Snell, Emily Chamberlain, Mike Ladhams, Tom Watts and Mike Walker.
Squash
The highlight of this year's squash was the performance of the U15 team in reaching the quarter finals of the National Schools Tournament, losing to Wycliffe. In the Devon Junior Leagues, our U17 team were runners up to Crediton and the U15 side were runners up to Bude. The U13 side struggled in the league games, but all those who represented their team showed a considerable improvement by the end of the season. Sam Webber, who will be next year's Captain of Squash, has gained a first level coaching award.
Swimming
Training continued throughout the winter in St Luke's pool. During the summer term we have reverted to 4 sessions a week with the morning sessions being very well attended. Recent galas have taken place against Queen's College, Taunton and Wellington School.
Boys' Tennis
This has been one of our best seasons with the prospect of next year being even better. The Lower Sixth have dominated the first team. Sam Webber generally partnered Miles Ashton as first pair. Patrick Shaw and Andrew Clay played as second. Against Blundell's the first teams played mixed doubles, losing both sixes. The Queen's, Taunton match was much more competitive, although the final score did not reflect this. Freddie Ashford and Richard Keay played for the first team. It was pleasing that the first boys' six beat Plymouth. The second and mixed teams played particularly well and fought hard all afternoon in tight matches. In the Glanville Cup, the school beat Trinity School 4-2.
Girls' Tennis
It has been a most successful season for girls' tennis. The senior girls played two matches before exam leave. In the Aberdare Cup, the team lost 1-5 to Maynard and in matches against West Buckland the 1st VI lost 2-4 and the 2nd team won 4-2, resulting in an overall draw.
The U12, U13, U14 and U15 teams have played friendly matches against West Buckland and St Margaret's. The U14 team won 8-1 and the U15 team won 7-2 against St Margaret's but the U12 and U13 teams lost narrowly 4- 5 but were playing up an age group. We lost to West Buckland in the U14 and U15 age groups.
The U13 and U15 tennis teams have had a most successful run in Division 2 of the AEGON League with both teams reaching the Devon final together for the first time. The U13 team had decisive wins against St Margaret's 4-2, Stover 6-0, Blundell's 6-0, Stoodley Knowle 4-2 and Trinity 4-2 to qualify for the semi-finals. A close and exciting semi-final versus St Peter's, Lympstone resulted in 3 matches all but Exeter School won 29-26 on games. In their league, the U15 team beat St Margaret's 6-0 and Blundell's 4-2 in their group. The highlight of the season on Friday 3 July to host the Devon final at Exeter School with both our U13 and U15 teams playing against Stoodley Knowle. The U13 team drew 3 matches all with Verity Ashford and Emily Ackland winning their singles and Emily and Annabelle Clay winning their doubles. Unfortunately, we lost by just 2 games on count back. However, becoming Devon runner up was a real achievement. The U15 players excelled themselves in the final, It was a very tense and exciting match. It was most satisfying to win both doubles matches, in which Georgia Reece in the 1st pair and Becky Glover in the 2nd pair ably assisted Alice Tolson and Amelia Sydenham for the U15 team to become Devon champions of Division 2.
| OTHER ACTIVITIES |
TEN TORS
The School's own 1633 Challenge as the final training event went very well in late April in some pretty challenging weather conditions! Mr Lines and the large staff and parental training team deserve our thanks and congratulations for training a significant group of walkers and for enabling all those named below to complete the main Ten Tors Challenge on 9-10 May:
35 miles: Oliver Foxlow, Jack Hunter, Elli Lee, Gaby Smallwood*, Amelia Sydenham, Andrew Woodward. Thomas Gaisford, Sophie Hines, Robyn Lockyer*, Jake Stuart, Richie Wilkinson, Daniel Wride. Thomas Boother, Tom Grennan-Cruise*, Harry McMahon, Anna Ripper, Cameron Thorne, Clemency Tilley. 45 miles: Matthew Allen, Daniel Betney, Annabel Clark*, Adam Jackson, Oliver Jenner, Alexander Partridge. Brittany Harris*, Alexander Helliar, Andrew Lines, Harrison Thorne 55 miles: Matthew Franklin, Joshua Johnson, Tom Rainey, Alasdair Sherry, Max Taylor, Freya Young*.
Bryony Mann walked with a Maynard 35 mile team. Josh Barlow with Bramdean 45 mile team. (* leader)
CCF
Brigadier Steve Hodder, the OE Officer commanding 43 Wessex Brigade and i/c Ten Tors, visited the school with his wife Rachel for a tour and lunch with some of the CCF officers on 3 June.
Michael Ladhams has been awarded a Royal Air Force Sixth Form Scholarship.
The RN section was well represented on both the Adventure Training camp in Snowdonia at Easter and the 1633 Challenge and Ten Tors Expedition. Senior RN cadets took key leadership roles and younger recruits showed considerable promise for the future. Two cadets, Fiona Mabin and Brittany Harris, completed the Bronze Level of the D of E Award.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
Mr Clark ran a silver practice expedition from Dulverton to Drewsteignton. It was a busy term particularly with arrangements for the major expeditions for the L6 and M5 this summer. The Dartmoor trip was our biggest-ever single expedition involving 35 L6 students from 18 -21 June and there is a Gold qualifying expedition for 18 students to the Lake District during the second week of the summer holidays. The M5 are currently in the Swiss Alps on their Silver Expedition.
CHARITIES
A number of our boys raised almost £2,000 for charity in the Great West Run. Ewan Harvey recruited the group of Bevis Bowles Bray, Rob McLaverty, OE Harry Tincknell, James Collett and Ali Sherry to run in aid of 'Useful Vision', a charity established to help blind children and their families. Mufti day raised £345.
CHAPEL
Chaplain Mr Allan organised and led the Leavers' Service for the U6 pupils and parents on 4 May with assistance from Mr Chitnavis and the Heads of School.
ESPA
Succeeding FOES, a new Parents' Association has been launched, under the chairmanship of Mrs Jo Ashdown, whose son is in U1. It ran a Junior School fête on 19 June and a Pimms and strawberries evening on 3 July.
| OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST |
Founders' Day was a successful event for the school. It was the first time in many years that the whole 7-18 school and staff had been assembled together to celebrate our foundation and the service and logistics went very smoothly. The music was of very high quality and the Bishop of Plymouth reminded us of the essence of what the school should be trying to achieve.
The annual Design Technology exhibition showcased the work of the senior three years at the school. There were some impressive and innovative practical solutions to storage problems from GCSE pupils in a range of materials and some interesting and well-crafted design responses to more architectural questions from the L6. The Art department held a splendid display of the examination work of our senior artists in the Andrews Hall.
The Lower Sixth Special Programme offered a very successful and stimulating set of activities for the returning examinees. The Ethics Conference, planned and led by the Chaplain, with six visiting seminar leaders and various staff advisers, had as its working title When I'm 64 and encouraged pupils to examine and discuss ethical issues relating to the future. There was a carousel of activities including presentation and networking skills and interview preparation. The UCAS application process was started. Professor Janice Kay, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Exeter University, gave a very practical and constructive keynote address. The sessions on Healthy Lifestyles were presented by Mr Chitnavis, Mrs Hawkins, Mr Trelawny, Dr Morris and Dr Arshi. The Business Game led by Mr Walker offered an interesting challenge and was much enjoyed by the participants.
Pinder and Tuckwell will be holding an Open Evening in their shop for Exeter School on Tuesday 28 July from 5 - 8pm. They are also selling a new Sports bag with an Exeter School embroidered logo.
| STAFFING |
I am most grateful to the following members of the teaching staff who are leaving the Senior School at the end of the Summer Term 2009 for all that they have done for the school.
Retirements
Dr Foxall (Director of Music) after 27 years' distinguished and inspiring leadership of school academic and performance music.
Mrs Tarleton (English Teacher) after 16 years of expert and joyful academic teaching.
Mrs Williams (Music Teacher) after 9 years' dedicated service to school music, especially Junior Orchestra, Junior Singers and Middle School Choir.
Departures to other posts
Mr Rodgers (Biology Teacher, Head of Hockey, formerly Head of Games and Collins House) after 30 years, to become England Hockey's Head Coach at the National Performance Centre Hockey West.
Mrs Bowen (History Teacher, Deputy Head of Drake House) after 2 years, to teach at Ardingly College.
Mr Kennedy (Classics department) after 2 years
Mrs Whitton (Modern Languages department) after 2 years.
Mrs Boorer (Classics department) after 2 years.
Mr Baker-Hytch (Chaplaincy Assistant) after 1 year.
Mr Holmes (English) after one term.
New appointments to the teaching staff with effect from September 2009:
Mr Tamblyn (Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield) as Director of Music.
Mr Charters to teach Spanish and French from September 2009.
Miss Trica to teach Classics
Mrs Dunlop (Bradfield College) to teach English.
Miss Murphy (Blundell's School) to teach History with Politics.
Miss Marshall, to teach Mathematics.
Mrs Waters, to teach Chemistry and Physics.
Mr Skinner as Hockey Performance Coach
Mr Jones to teach PE and Games
Mr Harris will take over the role of Careers Adviser and step down from his role as Head of Buller House after 13 successful years. Mr Boddington will head up Buller House and his Deputy will be Mrs Daybell. Mr Boddington is succeeded as Director of Science by Mr Ricketts. Mr Sims has joined us as our new ICT Assistant. Mr Lowles has decided to step down from his role as Head of Design Technology after 7 years in post. He will be succeeded by Mr Moon, who will relinquish his role as Head of Daw House from that time. Mr Daws will become Head of Daw House from September 2009. Mr Chitnavis steps down as Head of Sixth Form after 11 successful years in the post. In September he becomes Chairman of ASE (the Association for Science Education) and takes up the new post of Universities Adviser. Mr Armstrong will succeed him.
Other Staff News
To Mrs Brook and Christian, a son, Hugo on 6 April.
To Mr Strugnell and Bridget, a son, Rowan Joe, on 22 April.
Miss Pegg married Mr Murrin on Sunday 24 May
SUMMER TRIPS
The programme of summer trips is exciting and varied:
RN section: camp at Stoke Gabriel (10-17 July)
Army section: camp at Penhale (11-17 July)
RAF section: shooting at Bisley (12-17 July)
DoE Gold Expedition to Cumbria (14-21 July)
Mr Moon's adventurous trip to Namibia (22 July-20 August)
Mr Scott's kayaking trip to Ladakh (4-29 August)
A number of 6th formers are on BSES expeditions: they are: Hattie Davies and Matt Allen (Himalaya), Annabel Clark, Daniel Betney, Alex Helliar, Brittany Harris, Adam Jackson and Ali Sherry (Amazon).
NEXT TERM
All new pupils will report on Tuesday 1 September: Sixth Formers at 9.00am, younger pupils at 10.00am. In addition, some ex-Middle and Lower Fifth pupils will be re-taking certain exams. On Wednesday 2 September all ex-Upper Fifth pupils now entering the Lower Sixth attend from 9.00am - 12 noon. The U6 arrangements for 2 September appear in a separate letter. The start for the whole school is 8.40am on Thursday 3 September. Normal lessons will be under way after break, following form meetings and assembly. M5 must come equipped for Games.
GCSE, AS & A LEVEL RESULTS
The A level results are published at school on 20 August and the GCSEs on 27 August. All stamped-addressed envelopes left with my secretary will be posted on the day the results arrive. If you would like results emailed, please leave your address with my secretary. AS level results will also be available for the L6 on 20 August but not until 10.15am. I am most grateful to our examination officers, Mr Beckwith, Mr Fryer and Mrs Chamberlain for their outstanding work in the administration of the examination system.
The Guest of Honour at Speech Day, which takes place on Thursday 17 September at 5.30 p.m., will be Kate Hoey MP. Kate has been the MP for Vauxhall since 1989. She has served in various parliamentary roles and was the first female Sports Minister. She has recently been the subject of much media comment following her exchange with the outgoing Speaker regarding MPs' expenses. She is the Chairman of the Countryside Alliance and the Mayor of London's Commissioner for Sport in preparation for the London 2012 Olympics.
May I wish you and your families a happy and restful summer?
Bob Griffin
9 July 2009
