Dear Parents,

Thank you very much for your attendance at so many school events. The Spring Term calendar is enclosed with this mailing.

ACADEMIC

This summer’s public examination results were very pleasing: at A level, there was a 100% pass rate for the sixth successive year, with 63.7% of entries at grade A (a new record) and 85.1% at grades A and B. 31 candidates scored three or more A grades. The great majority of pupils met their university offers comfortably.

At GCSE, there was a record A*/A score of 66.8%, of which 32.8% were A* grades. 46 candidates scored 8 or more A*/A grades and 18 scored 10 or more. The top performers, all of whom secured 10 A* grades, were Michael Dawson, Wilf Gilbert, Bethany Partridge, Tim Thorne and Lizzie Walker.

Our mathematicians have had great success in the Senior Maths Challenge, with 7 Gold, 19 Silver and 21 Bronze awards. Michael Dawson was Best in School and qualified for the British Mathematical Olympiad, with Will Ouldridge, Michael Walker and Adam Jackson. The other Gold winners were Dan Betney, Ben Glover and Eoin McCarthy.

Miss Marshall and Mr Reynolds took our team of Michael Walker, Will Ouldridge, David Sheehan and Michael Dawson to the Senior Maths Team Challenge at Exmouth Community College. The team finished 8th out of 16 schools.

Mr Dawson and the Modern Languages department hosted the South-West Linguafest competition; this brought over 70 pupils from King’s Bruton, Plymouth College, Truro, and West Buckland schools to compete in an enjoyable day of foreign language activities. Our U5 team won the intermediate German category.

OPTION CHOICES
The new Sixth Form and M5 option choices booklets, explaining AS and GCSE courses beginning in September 2010 are enclosed, for present U5 and L5 pupils respectively.

TRIAL AND MODULAR EXAMINATIONS
The trial examinations for U5 pupils begin on Tuesday 5 January.  Most U6 formers will be sitting AS and A2 modules.

ARTS

DRAMA
Crazy for You played to over 1,000 people over 4 days in November. It was an enormously ambitious undertaking, both in terms of its performance elements and as a technical and artistic piece, with countless complex set and costume changes. It showed all that is best about Exeter School: it brought together about 100 members of the pupil, parental and staff bodies with ambition, determination, industry and teamwork, sometimes in adversity and always under time pressure.
 
Ed Pocock was the consummate showman, who led various numbers with great pizzazz and flair and showed a very strong musical and comic range. Leading lady Rowena Caine was Ed’s singing and dancing partner throughout the show. She reminded us of the range, power and delicacy of her singing voice and acting ability, and also of her capacity for rapid and regular costume changes! Will Parslow gave a beautifully judged performance as the impresario Bela Zangler and combined with great poise and comic timing with Ed, who was impersonating his character for much of the show. Seb Sutcliffe was a menacing villain as Lank Hawkins until he was seduced and calmed down considerably by the sassy vampish charms of Helen Hoddinott, whose allegiances changed during the play. Rob McLaverty, Annabel Clark, Emmie Giles and Sophie Hopkins all carried off their roles with imagination and gusto.

The large chorus of Follies girls tapped, danced and sang their way most impressively through a series of numbers and speedy costume changes and provide the feel and colour of a Broadway musical. Lucy James and her assistant Robyn Lockyer are to be congratulated upon their excellent choreography. The cowboys were a huge hit, too, whether they were in sleepy, gunfight or song and dance mode. Hugh Collins as Moose was a great delight and his singing with Jon Schranz, Ollie Wannell and Billy Gore would grace many a redneck saloon bar. Lily Davies’ and Leander Crocker-Digby’s inspirational Chin Up routine might be used every morning to galvanize the community!

The stage crew was calm and industrious, making numerous adaptations to the excellent set designed by Mr Chrupek and Miss Doyle, and expertly built by Mr Neal, Mr Deacon and the maintenance team. The make up and costumes, masterminded by Miss Doyle and Mrs Giles respectively, were imaginative and creative at their usual high standard. The technical crew, which was composed of most of the Lines family, Mike Snell, Julian Frazer, Mark Endacott, Aidan Dominy and Mr Fryer, excelled themselves.

Particular congratulations must go to Mr and Mrs Chrupek and Musical Director Michael Dawson and his ensemble, which included Mrs McLean. Their work accompanied and supported the cast admirably and their contribution to the overall outcome was immense.

ART
Seb Sutcliffe has mounted a display of his photographs and poetry, entitled New Light, in our new Art gallery.

Ewan Harvey’s work was featured in the 4th Open Studio Exhibition by the Farringdon Society of Arts from 5-20 September.

MUSIC
Hannah Connolly has had a busy musical year, playing with the Main Orchestra of the National Children's Orchestra at the Brighton Dome and the Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, opening a concert at St George's Hall, Bristol, in which she and her brother Fionn later played in some ensembles, and playing with NCO at Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The Chamber Concert was very well attended by an expectant musical public, who were not disappointed! Mr Sutton’s powerful Chamber Choir opened and closed the proceedings with well judged performances of Byrd’s Iustorum Animae, Victoria’s O Quam Gloriosum and Gorecki’s beautiful Totus Tuus. Mathis Stier played his bassoon twice with great poise and confidence, showing just what athleticism is required to bring the best out of the instrument. Mr Tamblyn’s Chamber Orchestra gave spirited renditions of Elgar and Mozart, led by Katie Clark. Mr Gillett’s Junior Chamber Orchestra, playing a Handel piece, showed the talent that is rising up the school. There were impressive strings trios and duets trained by Mrs McLean, notably involving Will Sarjeant. Michael Dawson distinguished himself by playing the organ, cello and electric guitar, as well as singing. The solos included stirring Rachmaninov piano playing from Hugh Collins and Katie Clark; Brittany Harris sang one of her own compositions and played the guitar. Bethany Partridge gave a powerful version of Purcell’s Sweeter than Roses, Ed Pocock sang a Gershwin number, Luke Hamlin played a delicate Kessell piece on the electric guitar, Ollie Stephenson played Debussy’s Clair de Lune, Eleanor Dawson reminded us of the versatility of the recorder and Sophie Hopkins sang Automne by Fauré. Mr Bowen’s Impro Group was recast as “Swunk” (Swing meets Funk) and the String Quartet gave a confident version of Tchaikovsky’s Finale from Quartet op.11.

Michael Dawson gave a solo cello concert to prepare for his Diploma and played four pieces with immense skill and sensitivity. A series of informal concerts on Wednesday afternoons has provided intimate performance opportunities for many pupils throughout the 7-18 age range.

The National Trust Christmas Concert is always an annual highlight in our musical calendar. The cathedral was packed and the congregation much enjoyed the chance to appreciate our major groups and to sing carols. The Symphony Orchestra opened with a sprightly rendition of Jupiter from Holst’s The Planets Suite. Mr Sutton’s Chamber Choir performed twice, combining Christmas cheer through arrangements of In Dulce Jubilo and The Holly and the Ivy with the sublime Totus Tuus. Mr Tamblyn’s Senior Choir followed the nativity theme with arrangements of De Virgin Mary Had a Baby and Away in a Manger. Various soloists made a huge impact: Mathis Stier played Bozza selections on bassoon, Bethany Partridge sang a Purcell aria and Hugo Marino played a Sulek sonata on the trombone. Several Crazy for You numbers were reprised joyfully by Ed Pocock, supported by Brittany Harris, Sophie Hopkins, Beth Partridge and Artemis Crowley. At the younger end, Mrs McLean’s String Quartet played Mixing the Malt with great aplomb and Mrs Mitchell’s Middle School Choir showed great composure in singing That First Nowell and Glory to God with a flute solo by Hannah Francis. Mr Moore’s Brass Ensemble trumpeted the good news that a child is born from Schütz. Mr Keyes arranged readings for Lucy James, Seb Sutcliffe and Leander Crocker-Digby. Mr Daldorph was an expert accompanist throughout the evening.  It was a very special evening that was thoroughly appreciated by NT members, parents, Governors and staff.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME
This has been a busy term and preparations have begun for equally busy spring and summer terms.  The M5th completed all their expedition training, successfully completed their Bronze exped and are now fully engaged in their 3 month Red Cross First Aid Course.  The U5th have now fully completed their aims following their Silver expeditions last summer.  Three U6th groups have also finished their aims following their Lake District expedition whilst the remainder of theU6th, and the entire L6th, have began their planning and preparation for their Gold Practice expedition on Dartmoor in April. Planning for the exciting back to back 6th Form expeditions to Morocco next July are well advanced and will involve about 35 pupils.  Training has commenced for those pupils who have joined DofE in the 6th Form but have had no previous experience of expedition work.

CHESS
House Chess was the biggest event ever, with over 200 participating in Chess Club and half of those also playing in the Jamborees in the Andrews Hall.  Tom Senior, last year’s Devon U14 Champion became Devon U15 Champion on 5 December.  We drew our only league match 2-2 with Seaton.

CCF
Hugo Marino has been awarded a Sixth Form Army Scholarship.

On Field Day, the L6 camped overnight in Cornwall and carried out survival training with a private company of ex-soldiers, accompanied by Capt Moon and Lt Ricketts. On Field Day, this group carried out a challenging overnight navigation exercise on Dartmoor in wet conditions, led by 2Lt Daws, Lt Murrin, 2Lt Anderson and WO2 Smith. 

The School fielded the Devon Junior team for the inter-County Shield at the Devon Smallbore Open meeting and Devon subsequently beat Cornwall and Dorset for the Chris Burrow Shield. Well done to Mike Snell and David Rowell.

Mike Snell has again been selected for the British Schools’ Smallbore team competing against New Zealand in November

Five RAF cadets completed their Silver DoE expedition. Two Cadets completed the National Leadership Course at Cranwell – Ollie Stephenson and Ben Lock and 6 cadets completed Gliding Scholarships to get Full Silver wings.

At the RAF Lyneham competition  the team performed really well with three top three finishes. 1st in Shooting, 2nd in RAF Knowledge and 3rd in Fitness. The team came 3rd in the SW

CHAPEL
The Advent Carol Service in the school Chapel was a very pleasant occasion, with a congregation of over 100. Mr Allan and Ms Barnard, his assistant, designed and led the service. Mr Naish, a local barrister and parent of OEs James and Tim, spoke thoughtfully about the messages of reconciliation and peace in the scriptures. Mr Tamblyn’s Brass Ensemble  played very well to accompany the hymns. Mr Goldsworthy stepped in to play the organ very well at short notice. Bethany and Ellie Partridge sang beautifully.

ABBOTS’ WAY WALK
The annual Abbots’ Way walk from Buckfast Abbey to Tavistock College was well organised by Mr Lines and his large staff and parental team, which included Mrs Chamberlain, Mrs Clark, Mrs Cloke, Mrs Dunlop, Mr Harris, Mrs Lines, Mr Mason, Mr Porter and Mr Shorthouse. Sixth Formers Katie Clark and Georgina Snowdon-Brett also led groups. Over 60 children walked impressively and completed the distance. 3rd former Ben Lines deserves particular credit for finishing the demanding 23-mile event.

DEBATING SOCIETY
House Debating is now scheduled to run for its second year. Exeter School has also entered a number of national competitions, including the ESU Mace and the ESU Public Speaking event. The opportunity to debate against other schools is a valuable educational experience and it has been enjoyed by the pupils involved, a number of whom have been commended by the judges for their performance. We hosted the regional round of the ESU Mace competition.

CHARITIES
This term’s charities are: Lord Mayor’s Appeal –‘Dream-A-Way’ (holidays for disabled children and adults), Whipton Community Hospital for Elderly Care, Help for Heroes, Poppy appeal. Mufti Day raised £520 for these charities.

OTHER INFORMATION

TRIPS AND VISITS
Our German visitors from the Scharnhorst Gymnasium in Hildesheim arrived in half-term for their England leg of the annual exchange.

Professor Dunne, who is an international relations theorist and the Head of Humanities at Exeter University, spoke for half an hour on the movement of international liberalism in global politics from 1918 through to the present day as well as its possible future course.

The Autumn Field Day involved the usual range of trips and activities; the CCF was active in various locations, with the M5 and U5 contingent overnighting at Okehampton Camp, led by Mr Keyes, and the senior Army cadets experiencing survival training in Cornwall, led by Mr Moon. The Navy section went banana boating with the Royal Marines at Exmouth and Mr Scott took his paddlers on the River Dart. The RAF went shooting. Members of the section undertook their Silver DoE expedition in quite testing conditions on both Friday and Sunday. They covered around 60km over the three days. The Duke of Edinburgh Bronze group of M5 pupils successfully undertook their qualifying expedition in the Woodbury Common area, led by Dr Houghton and Mr Clark and another group went dry slope ski-ing at Plymouth, led by Mrs Metcalf. The Community Service volunteers undertook placements in old people’s homes, primary schools and in helping to tidy the Heavitree churchyard. Mr Tamblyn took a group of musicians to entertain patients at Whipton Hospital. The 3rd Form walked from Beer to Branscombe, visiting Beer caves, led by Mrs Cloke. The 4th Form went to Bath to see the Roman Museum, led by Mr Mason. Members of the L5 Form went to the @ Bristol Science museum and visited the SS Great Britain, led by Mr Boddington.

Mr Trelawny’s L5 History department trip to the WW1 Battlefields of Northern France and Belgium from Thursday 8-Sunday 11 October was most worthwhile. The group visited a range of battle sites, cemeteries, memorials and museums.

A GCSE French group went on a home study visit with Mr Dawson, Mrs Francis and Mrs Gimber to Nice from 18-24 October. They had morning lessons and made cultural visits, including Vieux Nice, the hilltop village of Eze, the Musée Matisse and Monaco!

Mr Baker, Mr Daws and Mrs Murrin went to Washington with our senior politicians from 19-25 October. Notable highlights included a Secret-Service guided tour of the White House, a march around the Pentagon under military escort, an in-depth tour of the Capitol that enabled us to witness the debates taking place in the two chambers, a lecture on the workings of the Supreme Court, a boat-trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon home and a visit to the US National Holocaust Museum. 

Mr Mason, Ms Doyle, Mr Frampton and Mrs Goswell led our senior artists on a study visit to St Ives from 30 October-1 November. They visited the Exchange Gallery in Penzance, Penlee House, the Tate St Ives and Barbara Hepworth’s Studio.

Our Remembrance Service was a most worthwhile and memorable occasion. Our speaker, Lt.Col Sharpe, made a strong impression with his reflections upon the importance of remembrance and the relevance of the values of the British Army. Later in the morning we held a simple ceremony in the Chapel to commemorate the installation of two new plaques: one in honour of OE, distinguished soldier and Chairman of Governors Mr Mackay and one in honour of OE Jack Sadler.

Mr Porter and Mrs Murrin took our U5 Religious Studies pupils to visit Exeter Mosque and Islamic Centre.

Mr Baker welcomed Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer as part of the Peers in Schools programme. Baroness Miller is a Lib Dem peer and a former leader of South Somerset District Council. Her interests include the environment, agriculture and rural affairs and civil liberties.

STAFF NEWS

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Daybell, on the birth of their daughter Kate, and to Mr and Mrs Wilson on the birth of their son Zachary. Mrs Daybell’s classes are being taught by Ms Seward and Mrs Wilson’s by Mr Marshall. Mr Fawkes has taken over Mrs Daybell’s duties in Buller House.

Mrs Price retires today after 9 years. She has been an excellent School Librarian who has run a wonderful facility and who presided over the establishment of the new School House Library in 2006. She has also assisted with school trips and netball and run the staff Reading Group.

Brigadier Williams also retires today after 16 years as Bursar and Clerk to the Governors. He has made an enormous contribution to the success of the school, managing its finances with great skill in sometimes difficult periods and running our site with efficiency and imagination. His legacy is a much-improved campus with countless major and minor enhancements and refurbishments. The school is considerably in his debt. We wish both colleagues a long and happy retirement.

I have appointed Mrs Taylor to succeed Mrs Price as School Librarian with effect from January 2010. She is currently Librarian at Newton Abbot College and has worked in various school, college and university libraries.

CHORAL SOCIETY
Next term’s Choral Society Concert will be a performance of Haydn’s “Nelson Mass” (Missa in Angustiis) and John Rutter’s Magnificat on March 18th in Exeter Cathedral.  The first rehearsal will be at 4pm on Tuesday 12th January in the Music Centre hall, and rehearsals will carry on weekly throughout the term.  There are 4 additional rehearsals, on Sundays 28th February, 7th and 14th March (4:30 – 6:15) and on Thursday 18th March at 1:30 in the Cathedral.   If you would like to join the Choral Society as new or existing members, and are prepared to commit to these rehearsals, then please let the Director of Music, Mr Tamblyn, know as soon as possible, by phone or on pt@exeterschool.org.uk. We have copies of the music for members of the Society to buy.  All are welcome. 

UNIFORM
Pinder and Tuckwell Schoolwear have asked us to notify you of a special offer of 20% off all schoolwear purchases made between 27 December 2009 and 2 January 2010.

ESPA
The Christmas Fayre was a great success and raised over £3,000. The association’s annual quiz takes place on Friday 12 March 2010.

REGISTRATION
Can I please remind parents that the school needs a phone call, e-mail or letter to explain every absence in order to comply with government registration requirements.

It has been a very busy and successful term. May I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year?

Bob Griffin

18 December 2009