news & views from bablake school issue 58 summer 2012
In this issue
Tropical Rainforest
Amnesty International 2 Recognition for Bablake’s successes 3 ‘Bombardia Maxima... Levitate... confringo!’ 4 News shorts 5/6 Charitable actions 6 Fun, flying and friendship 7 Awarding the Arts 8 ‘4Pip’ 9 House Photography Competition 2012 10 Finding Fousseau 12 Short breaks 13 Sport 14
As part of our Geography curriculum this year, we have studied the tropical rainforest. To get more of an insight into this fun and exciting topic, our geography teacher, Miss Butler, organised a day for us to learn about some of the species found in the rainforest. Tropical INC is a company that specialises in educating children all over the country about the tropical rainforest and we were introduced to Glenn, who had brought animals in for us to see. Firstly, he showed us a green parrot named Charlie. Charlie flew impressively across the hall and then returned to Glenn when he called him. We learned more about the green parrot, and how it survives in the rainforest. He then showed us a snake and various other animals, including a tarantula, a coatimundi, a genet, another snake, a skunk and a meerkat. One of the animals that stood out to us was the snapping turtle. This particular turtle had been rescued from the Birmingham canal last year having been dumped there by its previous owner. The company rescues animals all over the country and takes them into its care. Two brave Second Year pupils had the opportunity to lift the snapping turtle, to see just how heavy it was. Glenn then went on to tell us about the habitat of the turtle. We really enjoyed this experience as it was very educational and helped with our understanding of species found in the rainforest. It was different from classroom work and we very much appreciated the chance to see these animals. Article by Kate Stidworthy, Samantha Sidhu and Unmohl Gill (2W)
‘One of the animals that stood out to us was the snapping turtle’
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Making a noise at the Big Bang
Amnesty International Beth Rowland (L6KJT) and Bablake Junior School pupil Lorna Williamson proudly received their framed certificates as runners up in the prestigious 2012 Amnesty International Young Human Rights Reporter of the Year ceremony in London.
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he judges had been so impressed with Beth’s essay on tasering and Lorna’s writing on homelessness that the girls were two of just 12 pupils invited to the awards ceremony, chosen from over 3000 pupils who had submitted entries for the 2012 competition. For Beth, this was the second year running that her views had been officially recognised, as she also made the shortlist of 10 last year. As she reached one stage further this year, the final shortlist of three pupils in the Sixth Form category, we are certain she will be setting her sights on hitting the top spot next year as well
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as hoping to shadow some of the inspiring journalists who were present at both the workshops and the awards ceremony. Despite a very early start from Coventry for the ceremony, our Bablake journalists of the future were still full of enthusiasm when they arrived home over 12 hours later. Both Beth and Lorna had enjoyed a fabulous day which had served to whet their appetite for even more journalism as well as exposing injustices. Our thanks go to Amnesty International and its sponsors SecEd and the Guardian Teacher Network for a fantastic day.
Beth Evans, one of a record 11 aspiring Bablake scientists presenting their Crest project work at The Big Bang: The National UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair at the NEC, has won two national awards...
The prestigious E.ON Best Use of Mathematics for most advanced Maths research prize and nomination for the London International Youth Science Forum. For the latter, Beth will represent the UK at a two week conference in London where she will meet and listen to Nobel prize-winners and visit research centres. She may also have the opportunity to visit CERN and meet leading international Physicists and Mathematicians who are involved in cutting edge research. Alongside Beth, fellow Upper Sixth Formers Smriti Aojula, Anuriti Aojula, Helen Porter, Kurt Ibberson and Jonathan Welling were also selected to present their Gold Crest projects, and Lower Sixth pupil Chandni Patel and a group of Fifth Formers (Aaran Patel, Jacob Williams, Marcus Judge and Marco Ciao) qualified to present their silver Crest award projects.
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Recognition for Bablake’s successes Georgia wins prestigious scholarship Congratulations to talented linguist Georgia Powell in the Lower Sixth who has won a prestigious German government scholarship (Internationales Preisträgerprogramm) to tour and study in Germany this summer. There was fierce competition this year with only eight places available, despite hundreds of applicants. She had to write an essay in German on the Olympic Games and the positive and negative impact they will have on London and Great Britain. Georgia also had to submit an A level essay and a reference from her German teacher. The programme provides a unique opportunity for pupils to get first-hand experience of German life and culture and improve their German language skills at the same time. Georgia will spend a month, all expenses paid, travelling around Germany visiting places such as Bonn, Berlin, Cologne and Munich. She will visit schools and undertake project work, as well as spending time living with a German family. On her return to the UK, she will share her experiences with primary pupils at St. Osburg’s, where she volunteers once a week teaching the pupils German. She will also talk to pupils learning German at Bablake. Look out for a full report of Georgia’s trip in the next issue of The Lion. For more details and to read the winning essay, visit www.ukgermanconnection.org/scholarships Daniel Cotton Congratulations to Daniel Cotton on being named winner of the 2012 British Computer Society-Coventry Branch-ChallengeIT Competition. Daniel’s design for Massey Ferguson’s Junior Football Club impressed judges from university Computer Science departments and major IT employers and he won the category for Mobile Phone App Design.
Engineering Education Scheme Assessment and Celebration Day After starting work on their design brief in October, the group finally showed off their hard work at the Midlands Area celebration day in Solihull. Working under the enthusiastic and encouraging guidance of their engineering mentors, Mauricio and Chris from sponsor company Arup, the group displayed a detailed model backed up by a comprehensive written report. The team of Lower Sixth pupils impressed judges with their confidence and a thorough understanding of technical details. Their solution showed how Network Rail could improve sustainability and also included a novel and attractive design for a new style of overhead gantry for the electrification of a viaduct in Manchester. The team also managed to win a quiz on the day to identify famous engineers and inventors from their photographs. Congratulations to all the team and link engineers for their hard work and persistence over the last two terms. Gold CREST awards were awarded to the team. Cicero competition In March, eight Sixth Form pupils travelled to Malvern for the annual Cicero competition. This is a competition which brings together students from all over the world in their study of Latin and Classical Civilisation. Latin students were asked to translate an unseen passage of Latin under examination conditions, whilst Classical Civilisation students had to answer a series of questions on the journey of Aeneas. All our pupils are to be highly commended for giving up a Saturday at a very busy time of year to answer examination questions. Particular congratulations go to Marlie Cummings, whose achievement in being placed fourth nationally of all the Lower Sixth Latin students, was outstanding.
Checkmate The Bablake chess teams have had another successful season. In the Coventry Chess League, the A team finished third with Daniel Rowlands leading the team; playing against international players, he scored a very credible 6.5 out of 12. George Esworthy had the best record, scoring 9.5; he also finished second in the League Lightning Tournament. Shell Former Rajen Parekh scored 8 and the rest of the team contributed well, with Matthew Rowlands and Jonathan Leong scoring 6 and Tom Hingston 5. In the B team, top scorers were Albert Jie with 5.5, Arun Nahar with 5 and Vikesh Puri with 4.5. Alongside George, Daniel Rowlands, Matthew Rowlands, Jonathan Leong, Harriet Rowlands and Tom Hingston also played in the Lightning Tournament. At the end of the season George Esworthy won the Rowlands Cup, beating Daniel Rowlands (winner of the event for the last two years) in the final.
Sam strikes gold... Congratulations to Sam Yang, who has won a Gold Award in the 2012 RSC (Royal Society of Chemistry) International Chemistry Olympiad. This competition aims to identify the best Chemists in British schools and Sam scored very highly on a paper that covered topics as diverse as cholesterol-lowering pharmaceuticals, the causes of curly hair and a ‘nano’ car. Sam, who has kept UCAS offers to read Chemistry at Imperial College (London) and Durham University, is obviously delighted with his performance while Dr Patrick Knight, Head of Chemistry, said: ‘I have had the pleasure to teach a continual flow of superb Chemists over the last 15 years at Bablake but Sam deserves particular credit for being just the second pupil to have received this particular accolade.’ Sam follows in the footsteps of former pupil Hitesh Bansal who won this award in 2010.
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news shorts
‘Bombardia Maxima... Levitate... confringo!’ Hogwarts has arrived at Bablake’s Classics Club! Whose House will you be in? A tricky one… he shows courage, could do well... in either Slytherin or another... has talent... it has to be... Gryffindor!
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hese were some of the musings of the Sorting Hat at the welcome ceremony for new students at Hogwarts Academy of Magik at Bablake’s Classics Club this term. Professor Dumbledore told the students that, on their journey at Hogwarts Academy, they would learn that the truth is a beautiful and terrible thing, and should be treated with caution; that it is their choices that show what they truly are, far more than their abilities, and that what they were about to embark on was the stuff of dreams, happening only in their heads but still a reality. From there on, the students have
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experienced a whirlwind journey of potions, charms and spells of the Dark Arts lessons, using their wands and Latin spells to create fire and fire balls, to turn clear water yellow, blue, purple and red and to make things fly! At the end of term, they will be searching for the Philosopher’s stone, solving Latin clues and discovering the secrets of Hogwarts Academy. Finally, they will graduate in June as Apprentice Alchemists (AA), Bachelors of Alchemy (BA with honours) or Masters of Alchemy (MA with honours) with Professor Dumbledore-Watson (MA Alchemy; Head. Sorc; D.Warlk; Head Conf. Alch. Teach.) presiding.
It’s all in the past This year, the Junior History Society has tried to bring the First World War to life, by researching trench warfare and then constructing a model trench system. To make the model as authentic as possible, Shell and Second Year pupils found images of trench warfare using the Library and Internet and also made a study of the weapons and tactics used during the 1914-1918 war. The model itself was constructed from cardboard, papier-mâché, chicken wire and duckboards cut out of MDF on the DT department’s laser cutter. Airfix kits were used for the tanks, aircraft, soldiers and horses. This project is perhaps our most ambitious yet, following on from the success of last year’s trebuchet. Many thanks to members of the Lower Sixth, who assisted with the project, and to the D.T. and Art departments for their invaluable advice and resources. driven to succeed After a successful debut year for our F1 in Schools programme, the team for the 2012/13 season has recently been selected from a number of strong applications, and preparations will soon begin. The new team of Will Banfield, Robert Tuckey, Bradley Pinkham, Scott Spencer, Simran Bansal and Jake O’Sullivan will be spending the next 8 months designing and manufacturing the new car whilst trying to secure sponsorship deals before the Regional Final in February 2013. As well as this new team of Fourth Year pupils, last
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season’s team was so inspired coming away from the 2012 Regional Finals that they have chosen to enter again, so we’re looking forward to some friendly rivalry between the two teams! Terrible Tudors During the Easter holidays, a group of 30 Second Year pupils went to see the Terrible Tudors from the Horrible Histories series, at the Belgrade Theatre. I thought it was informative and exciting at the same time. The show was based on the Kings and Queens of England during the Tudor era, and some of the Stuart era. In the first half we saw Henry’s punch up with the pope, along with discovering the fate of Henry VIII’s six wives! The section I enjoyed the most was the second half when the show became 3D. This part covered the different medicines and remedies they used for the sick. It also showed the Spanish Armada, and there were some great effects used such as firing cannons from ships and showing how Elizabeth led her army to victory. We also saw Elizabeth’s death before the production ended with 3D fireworks! Minnie Klesnik–Edwards
While attending to her official royal duties, the Duchess met a group of scouting members from Leicestershire who had been specially invited to attend by the Queen and the Duchess. The members gathered at Leicester Cathedral to be part of the first Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Jacob Baines (3W) was one of four members from Hinckley District. He had been chosen to attend for his commitment to scouting since joining the movement as a Beaver Scout. Jacob has also recently gained his Chief Scout’s Gold Award and is a Young Leader for local scout groups. Jacob had a fantastic time and is looking forward to meeting the Royal Party again at Windsor when he completes his Queen’s Scout Award. Library Book Club Congratulations to Hannah Davies, Annie Honess, Jess Hunter and Samantha Samson who made up the winning team at our Spring Term Book Club Quiz. The book under the microscope was The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, our most popular read so far in 2012. Having enjoyed the first book in the Hunger Games trilogy, we were then inspired to read the sequel, Catching Fire, in the Summer Term. At Book Club we read approximately four books of contemporary teenage fiction per term and all are chosen by the members. At the end of each session we give the book a mark out of 10. The highest scoring book then becomes the subject of our End of Term Quiz. Pupils also write short book reviews, in reader-to-reader frames,
for display in the Library to inspire their peers to pick up a book! Joining Book Club is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to discover a wide range of books from genres they may not have sampled and to get to know pupils from different year groups. We have read dystopian science fiction (Uglies by Scott Westerfeld), supernatural romances (Fallen by Lauren Kate) and action thrillers (People’s Republic by Robert Muchamore) to name but a few. who had all the pi’? The symbol for Pi has been used regularly in its mathematical sense for the past 250 years, and Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th every year. The official celebration begins at 1:59pm, to make an appropriate 3.14159 when combined with the date. To celebrate, Mr Memon’s Second Year Mathematics set researched Pi to 28 decimal places. Other ways of doing our bit for Pi Day included having a competition to see who could recite Pi to the most decimal places. Thomas Nelson was overall winner and although his performance was great, it was nothing compared to Hiroyoki Gotu who, in 1995, memorized Pi to 42,195 places and is the current Pi champion. Pupils returned home to watch The Pi-rates of the Caribbean, and enjoyed a feast of Pi-ella, apple Pi and Pi-napple! Imogen Hayley & Katerina Jackson
‘The symbol for Pi has been used regularly in its mathematical sense for the past 250 years...’ A Royal engagement During the first official engagement of the Diamond Jubilee calendar, the Duchess of Cambridge accompanied the Queen and Prince Philip on a visit to Leicester. The royal trio met representatives of faith groups, charities and local community projects and attended a multi-faith service at the cathedral. bablake school
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Charitable actions Mrs Debby Lapworth, our school receptionist, has been very busy this year training for the London Marathon, which took place in April. She managed a very credible time of 4 hours 29 minutes and ‘would highly recommend it to everyone!’. Debby raised over £2,500 for the ‘Children with Cancer’ charity. Mention should also go to Ollie Given, who took part in a sponsored skydive for Cancer Research in memory of his father, to Alice Haywood, who participated in a 24 hour swim, and to Anu Bose, who swam 5km for Marie Curie Cancer. Our largest fundraising event last term was in memory of Pippa Chowne. The Fifth Year put on an amazing concert (see the 4Pip article), sold wristbands, bought T-shirts and held a cake raffle and a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale and 4W held a sponsored stay awake. As well as all of this, Megan Evans (5F) recorded and released a CD which already has raised over £1,000 through voluntary contributions. The total so far for Pip stands at a very impressive £3,492.18, but there is more to come.
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A group of staff and pupils will be taking part in the ‘Race for Life’ event in memory of Pip, to be held in Stoneleigh on Sunday 24th June. Finally, we ended the term with our own Bablake Fun Run in aid of Sports Relief. It was the warmest and sunniest day of the year and there was an excellent turnout with some very bizarre fancy dress outfits. We raised £1,136.89. The grand total for the Spring Term was £6,136, bringing the total for the school year so far to £12,436.
If you would like to sponsor the school team taking part in the ‘Race for Life 4Pip’, please log on to: www.raceforlife sponsorme. org/4Pip
Crystal Ball gazing The Fifth Year would like to thank Senior Prefects for organising a fabulous Crystal Ball at the end of last term. Everyone looked fantastic in their outfits and had a wonderful evening. It was a great way to round off a busy Spring Term. We wish the Fifth Form all the best in their GCSE exams. Photos by Scott Morgan (U6CM)
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Fun, flying and friendship
On April 10, both Army and RAF cadets from Bablake CCF set off to Nesscliffe Camp for their Easter Camp. Tuesday saw the cadets moving into the accommodation and either completing their shotgun safety skills or their weapon handling tests on the L98A2 rifle. After dinner all cadets and some staff took part in their first part of the section competition and had a chance to fire on the DCCT (Dismounted Close Combat Trainer). An early start on Wednesday saw cadets doing the Sergeant Major’s fun run before breakfast. The RAF cadets then set off for Cosford for a day’s flying and the army cadets completed a round robin of stands including shot gunning, canoeing, the assault course and a battle first aid lesson. After dinner, cadets competed in their sections in an orienteering exercise and military knowledge quiz, scores from which helped form two more parts of the section competition.
Thursday morning started with another fun run, followed by a day of activities. It also hosted the Bablake CCF Biennial Inspection, which was assessed by Colonel Caruthers and Captain Huyton. It was an excellent camp, with cadets enthusiastically taking part in all tasks and in all weather (sun, wind, rain and hail!). Sections worked incredibly well together and new friendships were formed. The top section was won by 3 section, enthusiastically led by Colour Sergeant Joe Barr. Cadets are now looking forward to the Summer Annual Camp at Penally, which promises to be the most action packed yet!
‘It was an excellent camp, with cadets enthusiastically taking part in all tasks.’ bablake school
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creative shorts
Awarding the Arts
We are pleased to report that all four of our pupils who took their Bronze Arts Award qualification in March have passed with flying colours! Avni Kant (Shell S) came in for particular praise for her fantastic art work on the life of Rachmaninov (now on display in the Music department) and the moderator was really impressed by the scope and standard of the work that all four pupils (Bethany Carter, Albert Jie and Aron Sood as well as Avni) had produced. Courses are now beginning again, and we are very pleased to have some new pupils interested in the Bronze Award, as well as our current Bronze holders who are moving on to Silver level. Watch this space for news on their next projects and creations or come and get involved in the workshops and classes they will be putting on!
A spectacular concert The Brass Spectacular concert at St. John the Baptist Church opened with Joshua Rowe’s Fanfare for Brass Quintet, followed by the Brass Ensemble (all 23 members from the combined forces of Bablake junior and senior brass players ), with Charpentier’s Te Deum reverberating tremendously amongst the crenulations of this magnificent building. Three soloists contributed to this feast of brass goodies: Joshua Rowe on piccolo trumpet playing La Réjouissance, Nick Evans on trombone performing the jolly Dances with Bears, and a superb rendition of Over the Rainbow beautifully interpreted by James Bullen. The Junior School Brass Ensemble performed three light blues numbers which were enthusiastically appreciated by the audience. The ensemble played with subtle control and attention to detail, and this paved the way for the newly formed Brass Quintet playing the Hallelujah Chorus, again a truly memorable performance and such a difficult piece to play with only five members! The finale was left to the full Brass Ensemble performing The Medallion Calls (Pirates of the Caribbean) which received great applause from the ever enthusiastic audience. The concert was a truly wonderful experience for all performers and met with a great deal of praise from the audience and local press. It’s clear to see that brass music is very much alive and well at Bablake.
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Easter – a musical Celebration This year’s Easter Concert got off to a fantastic start, with the orchestra performing the mysterious theme from Jurassic Park, enhanced by the acoustics of the Main School Hall. This received a wonderful reception from the audience, and the evening continued with a beautiful rendition of Quilter’s June by Hattie Ryland, followed by a couple of seasonal songs from the Junior Choir. Mr Cooper and the Brass Ensemble entertained everyone with a lively recital of Te Deum and the Senior String Ensemble closed the first half of the concert with the magnificent St Paul’s Suite by Holst. The second half opened with the Senior Brass Ensemble, a cello solo, and the Junior Strings. Mr Cooper then led the Wind Band in an animated Latin Party, and Mr Crompton conducted the upbeat Eye of the Tiger and the jazzy Basin Street Blues with the Swing Band. The concert concluded with the Chamber Choir singing Steal Away, Tragedy and a grand performance of Zadok the Priest by Handel. They were accompanied by the String Ensemble, comprising Music scholars led by Mrs Scott-Burt, and a trumpet. This was a truly enjoyable evening! Aron Sood The Fringe take 26 At the time of writing, preparations are progressing well for Bablake’s 26th annual Edinburgh Fringe adventure. We will be performing notable author Ali Smith’s (The Accidental) play Just: a darkly comic play about the perversion of justice. There may be a chance to see some of a rehearsal at Open Evening and we hope to see as many of you as possible in Edinburgh.
An Arty Party The Lower Sixth were recently visited by Michala Gyetvai who will be returning to run a practical workshop in the school. Michala specialises in felting and heavy embroidery in her work and produces pieces which are full of colour and vibrancy, with some on a very large scale. She has recently held a very well acclaimed exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery and has had her work featured in a number of publications. The Sixth Formers will be learning new techniques and producing their own work based upon the theme of landscape.
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‘4Pip’ A concert to pay tribute to a very special young lady
We were all very shocked and upset just before Christmas by the sudden death of Pippa Chowne. When we returned to school in January, 5H (Pip’s tutor group) discussed what they could do in a positive way to remember her. Bradley Gill suggested a concert and very quickly it all fell into place with many members of the Fifth Year wanting to contribute in some way. Our pupils then produced as perfect, emotional and uplifting a tribute concert as you might be able to imagine for their much missed friend. The audience was moved by a wonderful mix of original poetry, dance, film and contemporary music and a special photomontage put together by Anu Bose. Shiksha Gill made heart shaped biscuits using Pip’s own recipe to sell during the interval.
The evening was brilliantly led by Marcus Gill, Andrew Dobson and Charlotte Cooper, who introduced each act, and it was a huge success. We chose to support Cancer Research UK, because Pip used to volunteer in its shop in Leamington Spa, and CRY (research into Cardiac Risk in the Young). Well done to everyone who supported this event; we have so far raised £3,380 for the two charities. Headmaster Mr John Watson summed the event up perfectly after the Don’t Stop Believing encore, saying: ‘We are so proud of all of you.’ Thank you to everyone who has been so helpful and supportive during this very difficult time. Mrs Alyson Heath (Form tutor to 5H)
A short dedication ceremony was held to reveal a clock that has been hung in the EDM Foyer in memory of Pippa Chowne. The clock, made from slate and brass, was designed and made by Pippa’s grandfather, whose hobby is clock-making. It will now hang in the foyer of the EDM, as a lasting tribute to Pippa, who loved both music and drama, and who lived every moment to the full. Later the same day, there was a chance to view a DVD recording of the ‘4Pip’ concert.
Fantastic Mr Fox At the end of the Spring Term, the Junior Dramatic Society performed a very successful run of Fantastic Mr Fox. It was an ambitious production, with over 40 pupils involved, whittled down from over 150 auditionees. As well as the acting, tireless work was undertaken behind the scenes to produce costumes, original songs and sock puppet-chickens, amongst other things! The production was well supported and it was particularly gratifying to be able to attract a younger audience on this occasion. We look forward to seeing you at the next show. Becoming Prince Arthur In November 2011, I was one of a few hundred boys who auditioned for the part of Prince Arthur in Shakespeare’s King John to be staged as part of the World Shakespeare Festival at the Swan Theatre in Stratford. I had a final audition in front of the assistant director, and the next day I found out that I had got the part. I had voice and movement coaches from the RSC; I did exercises such as speaking while carrying chairs to try and vary my volume and learning how to walk and stand like a prince. Before each performance I arrive early to do vocal warm ups and I do physical exercises at home. By mid-March rehearsals had moved to the RSC’s rehearsal rooms in Stratford and then we did the technical rehearsals on stage at the Swan Theatre. Here the ‘Arthurs’ have their own dressing room, and we each have our own dressing gown and slippers! Finally, I did my first performance and I was a bit scared, but very excited. I went to the opening night party with my parents, who talked to the director and assistant director and congratulated the other actors on their performances. Best of all I received many good luck cards, sweets and chocolates from the cast, stage managers and director. It has been the most amazing experience. I have learnt how to fall, cry, faint, move and act, while the professional adult actors have been so friendly and encouraging. Do I want to be an actor?! Yes, but I have seen how precarious it can be, as my friends look around for their next job, so I still intend to work hard for my academic qualifications first. Matthew Hayhurst bablake school
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House Photography Competition 2012 Jess Betts
Amelia Brook
Rebecca Brown
Kirat Johal
Sophie Lilly
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Ashni Desai
Ellie Hutchinson-James
Beth Mordey
Mayanka Patel
This competition was open to all age groups and the categories were nature, relationships, using a zoom and ‘the Spirit of Bablake’. The pictures were judged by the Headmaster and Miss Djikowska and we are assured that the two judges ‘very much enjoyed judging’ and were ‘remarkably in accord’. Wheatley was overall winner, with Bayley and Crow coming a close joint second. Congratulations to everyone who took part.
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‘Le Mont St Michel also deserves a mention. After a long journey, we reached the base and began the long climb to the top.’
Finding Fousseau... Waking up at 3am isn’t exactly my cup of tea, but the rest of 2W didn’t seem to mind. After weeks of anticipation, it was time for us to leave our classrooms and join Ludovic and his fine cooking in France writes Joshua Farenden-Sharp.
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When we finally arrived at Fousseau, we were allocated to rooms. That was the easy part, but who’d have thought that making a bed could be sooo hard? When we saw our empty beds and stripped bed sheets, we knew that a mountainous task lay ahead of us. Luckily, after a few bribes here and there, we managed to get our rooms spick and span. A high point of the week was our trip to Saint Malo and it was here that we attempted to conquer the Super Sanchez ice cream. Few have completed such a mighty challenge. Honourable mention should go to Albert Jie and Mrs Webley for actually managing to finish. Le Mont St Michel also deserves a mention. After a long
journey, we reached the base and began the long climb to the top. We took to it at different rates; some falling way back, some walking at a less leisurely pace, and some practically running to the top. However, by the end of the climb, we were all equally tired. We took it easy on the way down, which allowed us time to stop off at different shops. Thursday evening was a pleasant surprise: our form talent show. Albert was brilliant! He played the piano, one of his many talents, and played so well as to win. Ellie sang accompanied by an iPod, and after overcoming initial nerves, sang well. The fact that Josh performed surprised a lot of us, but, after seeing mere seconds of his ‘dancing’, we were rolling round the floor laughing. Thomas
solved a Rubik’s Cube in under a minute. As I’ve had one for four years, and it’s still scrambled, I thought this was amazing! After Mrs Hill had finished reciting her poem about our time in Fousseau, the teachers sent us off to bed so we could wake up early in time for our ferry. On Friday morning, we dragged ourselves out of bed, cleaned our rooms and stripped our bedding. We then went downstairs, bags in tow. We arrived back at Bablake at half past nine, just as happy to leave the coach as we were to have got on it in the first place, and, of course, speaking much better French.
Bablaketravel
shortbreaks Descriptions of some of the many memorable foreign expeditions and adventures undertaken recently by the School. Sunday River ski trip Bablake School returned state-side for the 2012 ski trip which incorporated two fantastic days sightseeing in Boston. Pupils had the opportunity to view this incredible city from the 52nd floor of the Prudential Towers before discovering Boston at ground level, on land and water, boarding the famous Boston Duck Tour. In the evening we
were treated to a traditional American dining experience at the Hard Rock Café which boasted music memorabilia from artists from all over the world. The following day was spent in the glorious sunshine shopping and enjoying the multicultural food on offer at the Faneuil Food Hall. We then transferred to the Sunday River Ski resort where we were based at the 4* Jordan Grand Hotel. The east coast of America had experienced the warmest winter on record for 20 years; however, we were told how the resort had made extra snow for the Easter break when other nearby resorts had closed early for the season. The resort manager explained how each of the 15 snow makers costs $2000 an hour to run and they had been churning out snow for the whole week prior to our arrival! The resort even had to inform the power company when making snow so that 750,000 homes were not plunged into darkness due to the massive energy demand! We enjoyed five fantastic days of skiing in the resort, which included an excellent snow jump park that our advanced skiers particularly enjoyed. We enjoyed returning each evening to the fabulous hotel to relax in the outdoor heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi. Après ski activities also included a mini golf competition, laser quest, zip lining, DVD nights and the traditional ski trip quiz hosted by Miss Simmons. A brilliant trip was made even more enjoyable by the praise we received from the ski instructors and the hotel staff on the politeness and behaviour of our pupils.
snowy Snowdonia The annual Lower Sixth geography field trip to north Wales enjoys notoriously variable weather. Last year we were basking in glorious sunshine, the year before knee deep in snow! What was the Welsh weather going to throw at us this year? Our Cwm Idwal day saw us battling with near blizzard conditions and several feet of snow at around 400m. Other FSC groups had to abandon their day, but Bablake was lucky enough to have Helen and her search and rescue dog Cluanie to guide and teach us about (rather aptly) the glaciation of Snowdonia just 18,000 years ago. Helen also works for the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team (the busiest in the UK) so there was never any danger of us getting stranded! We also studied the River Conwy, and it was a pleasure to spend time in such inspirational surroundings with Sixth Form geographers who not only worked hard in the field and the classroom, but were also excellent company.
‘Our Cwm Idwal day saw us battling with near blizzard conditions and several feet of snow at around 400m.’
Bablake invades Belgium At dawn on 20th April, 35 Third Year pupils and four staff went on a two day sortie to analyse the battlefields on the Western Front from the Great War. Commanding the Bablake Pals Battalion was Captain Grantham, ably assisted by Sergeant-Majors Ormsby, Young and Chahal who maintained order amongst the ranks and prevented mutiny. Having arrived at Calais, and having extended our chain of command to include a real life Major, we quickly over-ran the meagre resistance offered by the local authorities and continued our progress towards the Allied lines near the Ypres Salient in Belgium. During our deployment we explored trenches, the last remnants of a system of fortifications that stretched from the North Sea to Switzerland. We examined artefacts, visited museums and cemeteries. Our campaign, unlike World War One, was over well before Christmas, as promised. We returned to Blighty on Saturday 21 April. Unlike Field Marshall Haig’s troops from World War One, we all made it back fighting fit. We sustained no casualties. No-one went A.W.O.L. and a good time was had by all.
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Boys’ sport Rosslyn Park Sevens This season, both the Bablake Senior VII and the U16 VII took part in the prestigious National Schools Sevens at Rosslyn Park. In soaring temperatures, the boys travelled to London to take part in one of the biggest school boy rugby tournaments in the world, where over 7000 players compete over four days. The U16s faced Millfield in their first match and started in fine style, taking an early 12-0 lead. Unfortunately Millfield, traditionally one of the strongest sporting schools in the country, rallied to win the game. Bablake won their remaining games comfortably to finish second in their group. The senior seven began their tournament against reigning champions Filton College. Unfortunately, a poor start gave the team too much to do and, despite an excellent second half, the team suffered defeat. A draw in their second game meant victory was required against Davenant Grammar School to finish the group as runners up. In a tense game the team finished 21-14 winners. U16 Rugby Congratulations to the U16 rugby team on winning the coveted Robert Askill Memorial Trophy in a bruising encounter with Woodlands School at the Butts Arena. Coach Mr Hall reported: ‘The game was very competitive at the breakdown and both defences appeared impenetrable for most of the game. A neat jink by fly half Jack Webber, in one of his final games for the school, opened the scoring and as well as a conversion. Jack also chipped in with penalties throughout the game to keep Woodlands at bay. A defensive lapse, when under pressure near our line, allowed a retaliatory score and the half ended 16-7 in our favour. In the second half we began to dominate the lineout and drive which led to Andrew Haughian seizing his chance to nuzzle over in the corner. To Woodlands’ credit, the game was only fully in our grasp when a Webber penalty later in the second half gave us a cushion of more than two converted tries. This is how the game finished – a 24-7 win.’ Well done to the U16 squad for such an excellent performance. Boys’ Hockey – @bablakehockey Phil Gooderham, our professional hockey coach, presented our 1st XI with a rare opportunity to play Birmingham University Women’s 1st XI in a warm up game before his squad competed in the final of the Investec England Women’s Cup. The Birmingham 1st XI team consisted of a squad of 16 players, 14 of whom had played at international level during their careers, including ex-pupil Holly Payne. Many of the Birmingham 1st XI girls will be competing in
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the London Olympics this summer. In an excellently contested game, Birmingham took the lead late in the first half with an expertly worked short corner. However, Bablake 1st XI fought back strongly in the second half, soaking up long periods of pressure before responding twice with two break away goals to lead 2-1. Incredible determination and outstanding fitness levels from the university side saw Birmingham snatch a late equaliser (2-2). The Bablake 1st XI enjoyed the challenge of playing such talented elite athletes and I’m sure they’ll be looking out for some of the girls competing for their countries in the summer on television. Birmingham University Women’s 1st XI went on to win the Investec England Women’s Cup against Surbiton 4-1. Highlights and interviews from the game can be found at www.fieldhockeytv.com. Boys’ athletics Boys’ athletics at Bablake continues to thrive and prosper. More boys, across all age groups, have been attending Monday after school athletics club and performances have improved as a result of this extra work. For many years we have produced some fine individual athletes without achieving success as a team. 2012 will, we hope, be seen as a watershed year where all that promise was finally realised. In the City Championships, both the intermediate (4th /5th year) and junior (2nd /3rd year) teams recorded resounding victories in their respective competitions to emerge as worthy champions. Reflecting this, James Faulkner, Robert Faulkner, Marcus Judge, James Tumber, Chimdi Ogbuneke, Adam Newton, Chris Tuttle and Troy Gahrs have accepted invitations to represent Coventry at the West Midlands Championships.
Well done to all the boys who have represented the school this season, and let’s hope and work for even more success in the future.
Bablakesport Boys’ Cricket The 1st XI competed in the prestigious National T20 Competition for the first time this year. Drawn in a group with Denstone (who hosted the round), Wrekin College and Wolverhampton Grammar School, competition was going to be tough, which certainly proved to be the case in the first fixture against Denstone. On a Friday evening in freezing and overcast conditions, Bablake started the competition slowly and bowled poorly, which enabled Denstone to set a challenging target of 202 in their 20 overs. A batting collapse and lack of application saw Bablake skittled for 32 all out, which left plenty to think about on the long drive home. The boys returned to Denstone on the Sunday and were completely rejuvenated, excellently led by captain Ben Davis. The 1st XI played high quality cricket throughout the day and secured two well-deserved victories against Wrekin College and Wolverhampton Grammar School. Excellent individual performances on the day with the bat came from cricket scholars Mark Best (49*, 40) and Matthew Clements (37). Matthew Payne (37) hit a quick fire innings to secure victory against Wrekin College. Dhyan Patel (2-20) and Mark Best (2-7) bowled tight spells and returned the best bowling figures. Overall, the 1st XI finished 2nd in the group, which was an excellent effort after a slow start.
Girls’ sport Girls’ sports teams finished the season on a high last term; in netball, the 1st VII have competed in the West Midlands South Netball League during the winter terms and finished in 1st place. The girls should also be congratulated on their victory in the West Midlands South tournament. The U15 A and B teams were both victorious at their Coventry Schools tournaments and at the prestigious Uppingham Invitation tournament. The U15 A team demonstrated some excellent netball to win their group, and then beat Greshams in the semi-final. After extra time in the final against Northampton High, they were crowned champions. The U14 netball team enjoyed its weekend in Basildon for the National Netball Finals; the girls demonstrated excellent attitude and determination during their matches and relished the opportunity to play at such a high standard. The hockey season also ended with success; the U15 hockey team defeated King Henry VIII in the Coventry Schools Trophy after a tense penalty flick competition and the U13s produced their best hockey of the year to qualify for the Warwickshire final, where they were narrowly defeated by King’s High.
The girls have a made a successful start to the athletics season, with both the intermediate and junior teams winning their respective Coventry Championships. Our individual champions include: Amy Lilly (hurdles); Aimee Piercy (shot); Hannah Mordey (hurdles and high jump) and Grace Harrold (800m). With some fine performances in this competition, 17 Bablake girls have been selected to represent Coventry at the West Midlands Championships in June and we wish them luck! More recently, the teams took part in the English Schools Track and Field Cup, with the intermediates and juniors both finishing in first place; the girls are now training hard in preparation for the Midlands Finals. Tennis and rounders fixtures have been disrupted by the typically British summer! At the start of the season the senior tennis team competed in the Midlands Girls’ Lawn Tennis Tournament and our first pair, Katie Wainhouse and Jonine Bains, won 4 of their 6 group matches, beating Moreton Hall, King Edward’s High School, Wolverhampton Grammar and Shrewsbury School. They came 2nd in their section and played Ellesmere College in the semi losing 1-6. Our second pair, Beth Jepson and Jenny Tasker, won 4 of their 5 group matches, beating Shrewsbury, Malvern College, King’s High and King’s Worcester, but lost to Ellesmere College in the semi-final.
Outdoor Table Tennis The summer weather was greeted by the arrival of two outdoor table tennis tables which were kindly provided by the Parents’ Association. These have been welcomed by pupils throughout the school, who have enjoyed spending break and lunchtimes honing their skills.
Katie Wainhouse...
one of our key senior tennis players, entered the new 2012 season full of confidence after winning the 2011 Warwickshire LTA U18 Summer County Tour Leader board. Winning this accolade came as a pleasant surprise to Katie, who has impressive aspirations to win a university tennis scholarship and gain coaching qualifications. At the Gerrards Cross U18 tournament, Katie beat the No 1 seed, who was ranked in the national top 100. She also won both the U18s and Women’s Singles Tournament in Carisbrooke, Leicester. Katie’s excellent 2011 season moved her tennis rating to an impressive 7.1 but she has her sights on a 6.1 or 5.2 to give herself the best chance of a scholarship and open more doors for her coaching aspirations. She is currently in the national top 300 at U18 and sixth best player in Warwickshire.
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Headmaster’s notes Our new Alumni Relations Officer, Mrs Sylvia O’Sullivan, has been working hard to reinvigorate links with former pupils, enabling them to maintain contact with their school and each other. We recently held a lunchtime reunion for our 1990 intake, and there is a morning for those who attended Bablake in the 1930s and 40s at the end of this term. Contact has been made via letter, e-mail, Facebook and LinkedIn, and we also rely on members of the Old Wheatleyans’ Association to ‘spread the word’. If you know of anyone who would value updates from the school, please e-mail Sylvia O’Sullivan SOSullivan@bablake.coventry.sch.uk. Our Archivist, Mr Peter Burden PFB@bablake. coventry.sch.uk is also always keen to hear news and to arrange personal visits to the school. Mrs O’Sullivan has received many interesting responses, often containing news of the fascinating ‘journeys’ our former pupils have taken since leaving Bablake. Some relay happy and amusing memories of school days, whilst a few refer to the very harsh regime which characterised the all-boys’ school in the middle of the last century! A common theme is their gratitude that the school prepared them well for life, and not just for the successful careers which many were to pursue. As we bid a fond farewell to the class of 2005, our aspirations remain very similar. Not only would we like our pupils to leave Bablake ready to fulfil their academic potential in a very competitive world, but we also want them to be well equipped for life’s joys and challenges. The greatest tribute to these aims is indeed embodied in the well-rounded, generous young adults who are ready to embark with confidence on the next stage of their ‘education’ – an education which will continue to their dying day. Of course they need strong qualifications, but today’s world and today’s society also cry out for inter-personal skills, visionary leadership and altruistic ambition. In our leavers’ final assembly, I quoted Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” We hope our pupils will regard Bablake as a community for life, maintaining contact with those who made their experience special. So we wish our leavers every happiness and success, and look forward to welcoming them back to school for their Graduation Evening in December, when they will already be so much older and more mature!
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Staff news
Bablake diary dates
Two more new appointments have been made for September: Miss Ina Rengelink Temporary Teacher of History Miss Rengelink studied History and English at the University of Frankfurt. As part of her course, she spent a year as German Language Assistant at Rugby School. She has enjoyed some teaching experience in Germany, and is currently completing her PGCE at the University of Warwick. She is a keen cross-country runner. Mrs Amanda Bradshaw Teacher of Geography Mrs Bradshaw is an experienced teacher, whose career hitherto has included the leadership of two Geography departments, latterly at Headington School in Oxford. She grew up in Leamington Spa, took her degree at Lancaster University and returned to the area in 2009; she is currently Head of Sixth Form Development at RNIB Rushton School in Coventry, and will soon complete an MA in Education Management. She enjoys various sports, and is a qualified rowing instructor.
Sunday 12 August Edinburgh Festival Fringe trip departs Thursday 16 August A level Results Day Thursday 23 August GCSE Results Day Tuesday 4 September New Shells in School 9:00am – 1:00pm Wednesday 5 September Autumn Term begins Saturday 8 September Shell Olympics Morning 9.30am – 12 noon Thursday 13 September Prize Giving Coventry Central Hall 7.00pm Saturday 10 November Open Morning 9.30am – 12.30pm Saturday 24 November Year 6 Activity Morning 9.45am – 12.30pm
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