The Lion - Issue 41

THE

LION

NEWS & VIEWS FROM BABLAKE SCHOOL ISSUE 41 AUTUMN 2006

Bablake Diary Monday 27 November – Friday 1 December Book Fair – School Library

Tuesday 14 November Autumn Concert – 7:30pm Theatre Block Saturday 2 December Parents’ Association Christmas Fayre Tuesday 5 – Saturday 9 December School Play – The Threepenny Opera Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 December Senior School Carol Service Thursday 14 December 1st XV Rugby v KHVlll Friday 15 December Autumn Term ends Wednesday 3 January 2007 Entrance Examinations Thursday 4 January 2007 Spring Term begins

New Head on the block

In this issue News Creative Travel Music Action Sport

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‘The pupils are bright and sparky. They are obviously encouraged to grow in selfesteem and selfconfidence, but without arrogance or pretension’.

John Watson began as Bablake’s new Headmaster in September. He has moved with his family to the Midlands from South London, where he was Deputy Headmaster of Trinity School in Croydon. He is a Modern and Classical linguist, who previously taught at Millfield and Sevenoaks. He is also an erstwhile athlete and rower, and is already enjoying watching the many different sports at Bablake.

He was immediately struck by the friendly and vibrant atmosphere of the school: “The pupils are bright and sparky. They are obviously encouraged to grow in self-esteem and self-confidence, but without arrogance or pretension. They are conspicuously happy to be here, and that seems to apply to the staff too! A real sense of pride and purposefulness pervades the community.”

His beginning of term assemblies were about ‘dreaming dreams’. He challenged pupils to dare to dream exciting dreams, both for themselves and for others. They should believe in themselves, believe that they can make a difference, and believe that they can change the world.

Mr Watson is excited about the school’s future: “Today’s world and society continue to change at a frenetic rate. Bablake is a school on the move, and we shall ensure that our pupils are both inspired and well prepared for a life of learning and discovery.”

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Bablake School

Bablakenews Getting a Head

SHELL ACTIVITY MORNING The seventh Shell Activity Morning took place as usual on the first Saturday of the new school year.

This year, however, it was an extra special occasion because the Sixth Formers, who were running the events, had stood in exactly the same place as the new Shells, at the inauguration of the event seven years ago! It was also special because it was Mr. Watson’s first school occasion in his new role as Headmaster, and we were very happy that it was a House event.

Once again the sun shone and great fun was had by all as each of the Shells had a go at welly wanging, netball and hockey shooting, a penalty shoot out, a relay race and obstacle course. In fact we were very surprised that the Sixth Formers running the latter event, (Ben Cave, Paddy Hyslop,

Mr Neil Price has recently arrived from rural Shropshire and has happily settled into Balsall Common and more particularly Bablake Junior School.

“Bablake is a fantastic place to be,” he said. “If people are not familiar with The Junior School, they should be aware that our school offers an outstanding environment for young people to develop and learn. Pupils enjoy coming to school, and are given many opportunities to acquire skills and interests that will equip them both for their future and also life in general.

Bablake Junior School is also a small school where boys and girls are nurtured as individuals.

This helps them to achieve all that they are capable of academically, artistically and on the games field. Most of our pupils continue their education through Bablake until they complete their A Levels. Throughout the school we ensure they make the most of the outstanding opportunities that exist.

I would welcome the opportunity to show interested parents around our school. Please telephone Ruth Mohamed to arrange a visit. I look forward to meeting you.”

Richard Perry, and Jenny Bullas) had any voice left at the end of the morning, after all the enthusiastic encouragement they gave to each and every competitor that undertook the course, including Mrs Yates, House Head of Crow, who completed the course, though not in record time!

Although the morning is an introduction to the House system at Bablake for the Shells and their parents, and is all about having fun, the different events are also scored, and this year there were joint overall winners. Fairfax and Wheatley shared the honours and were jointly awarded the trophy by Mr Watson.

Award-winning author visits Bablake Shell Formers were entertained on October 5 by a visit from award-winning children's author Stuart Hill who spoke to them about his writing career and signed copies of his books The Cry of the Icemark and Blade of Fire.

The Lion | Autumn 2006

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Bablake prize giving 2006

KEY SKILLS AT WORK This popular and successful event was held at the end of the Summer Term for all the Fourth Year. Three delegates came in to lead the seminars run by the Business Dynamics Company, in partnership with the Coventry and Warwickshire Learning and Skills Council. The Fourth Year completed various exercises designed to test their understanding of the qualities needed to be successful in the world of work. Inevitably they are the same qualities that universities and we, at Bablake, are promoting.

Pupils were given problems to solve that stretched their innovation and creativity. They had to work as

members of a team and to communicate successfully, whilst showing initiative, drive and determination, enabling their ideas to come to fruition.

There was a real buzz of activity and excitement when the last exercise, building the roller coaster, occurred. Here, the laws of physics and aesthetics, combined with practical skills, produced some outstanding team efforts.

Well done to all pupils who listened attentively and responded enthusiastically throughout the day, receiving much praise from the delegates!

On the 15 September, 226 Prize Winners, supported by family, friends, teachers, governors and invited guests, filled the Coventry Methodist Central Hall for the annual Prize Presentation, a celebration of endeavour and achievement.

Councillor Nigel Lee welcomed everyone, especially our new Headmaster John Watson, who was then invited to give the Headmaster’s report.

Academic, dramatic, musical and sporting successes were applauded, as was the wide range of other extracurricular activities provided by Bablake’s enthusiastic and dedicated staff. The commitment of students and staff to the wider community was also highlighted, with an amazing £17,000 raised for local and international charities during the year.

At the start of this new era, Mr Watson stated that, as a vibrant, forwardlooking school, Bablake can look to the future with confidence and excitement.

We were left in no doubt that each individual at Bablake, not just those present at Prize Giving, will be enabled to discover and nurture his or her individual gifts and abilities.

This was also the ethos of Bablake when our Guest of Honour, Melissa Kite, attended the school. Having presented the Prizes, Trophies and Certificates, Melissa, who is currently Deputy Political Editor of the Sunday Telegraph, gave us insightful glimpses into her time at Bablake. She encouraged us not only to dare to dream, but also to dare to be different.

Melissa’s descriptions of her current role as a journalist were engaging and entertaining. School Captains, Mark McKelvie and Kiranjit Juj, gave the vote of thanks, which brought an enjoyable and inspiring evening to a close.

ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY BRONZE LIFE-SAVING AWARD The following pupils were successful in the examination at the end of last term’s 10 week course and have been awarded the Royal Life Saving Society’s Bronze Award: Mayanka Patel 2A, Amy Thompson 2A, Clare Greevy 2I, Helen Porter, 2H, Matthew Overton 3H, Will Thornhill 3H, Jemma Williams 3H, Declan Jones 3H, Rory Moynihan 3B, Christopher Lee 3D, Roseanne Elkington 3L, Conor Jones 4F, Max Goodyer 4F, Charlotte Smith 5H.

Bablake Reunited over 1,075 members Register online today for regular updates on school activities, news and forthcoming events. Just use the link on the school website: www.bablake.com

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Bablake School

Bablakecreative In the picture...

THE ART DEPARTMENT AND THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT HELD THEIR ANNUAL EXHIBITIONS OF GCSE AND A LEVEL WORK, WHICH WERE ATTENDED BY STAFF, STUDENTS AND PARENTS. THE DISPLAY OF WORK IS A CULMINATION AND CELEBRATION OF THE HARD WORK AND CREATIVITY WHICH THE STUDENTS PUT INTO THEIR WORK. THERE WAS, AS USUAL, A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS ON DISPLAY INCLUDING TEXTILES, PAINTING, PHOTOGRAPHY, SCULPTURE, CERAMICS, PRINTING AND FURNITURE. THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUR UPPER SIXTH PUPILS WAS FULLY RECOGNISED IN THEIR EXAM RESULTS. LAUREN IRWIN (GCSE)

SIMRANJIT ATWAL (GCSE)

GARY GREWAL (A LEVEL)

CHUN HO (GCSE)

HANNAH ELLIOTT (A LEVEL)

JENNIFER MAUDSLEY (GCSE)

ELEANOR DONALDSON (GCSE)

AMANDA HUXFORD (GCSE)

FRANCESCA MALHUISH (GCSE)

ADAM FRAY (A LEVEL)

MERVYN TASKER (A LEVEL)

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The Threepenny Opera

DEAN HESSON (GCSE DT)

This year will prove to be a busy time indeed for Drama within the school. The auditions for the end of term play revealed a strong and enthusiastic, and thankfully, large group of talented students. A cast of thirty was chosen and they are now well into rehearsals. The early readings and character rehearsals are very promising, and the signs are good. The play is Brecht and Weill’s The Threepenny Opera, and will be performed in the school theatre from the 6th to the 9th of December. Watch out for news about tickets and dates after half term.

Next term will see the House Drama Festival, with all four Houses producing a short play, and also our involvement in the School Shakespeare Festival. We will be performing The Tempest, and casting will take place at the very end of term. Sixth Form students will also be involved in the National Theatre’s Connections Programme, performing a new play, specially written for the project. Work on this will begin in January.

So, with a total of seven new productions this year, we are entering a very active period.

Last year’s production of The Merchant of Venice got Bablake and other schools into the Guinness Book of Records!

Leamington Festival 2006 JESS BLAKE (GCSE DT)

JAMES PLESTER (AS LEVEL DT)

On the morning of Friday 23 June, 24 pupils from the Chorale took part in the Leamington Festival in the school choir section. The singers gave a lively performance of For the Beauty of the Earth by John Rutter and Five Eyes by Armstrong Gibbs, achieving 86 marks and receiving a certificate for second place.

The adjudicator particularly singled out our pupil accompanists, Michelle Jie and James Ross, who acquitted themselves admirably. The contrasting programme was appreciated, and the performance regarded as commendable and enjoyable in every respect.

Mrs Tatum would like to thank everyone who took part.

JENNY BULLAS (AS LEVEL DT)

To the point “While I was on holiday in Ypres, Belgium, with my family in mid-August, I had the pleasure of listening to the Bablake School orchestra and choir in the market square.

They were very good. In the evening at the Menin Gate, where the last post has been played at 8pm each evening for the past 80 years, the choir sang three solemn songs and finished with the national anthem.

At the end of the service, the very large crowd applauded them and I felt so proud to be a Coventry kid abroad.

Well done Bablake School; tears were shed by many a nationality that night as well as by some of the choir.”

A Coventry Resident

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Bablake School

Bablaketravel

IN FROM THE COLD

ICELAND EXPEDITION DIARY 2006

Day 1: Sunday 25 pupils and three staff arrived at school at 12.30am to set off on an opportunity of a lifetime.

Our guide for the week, Ragnor, met us at Keflavik International Airport and we proceeded on a tour of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital. On our arrival at our overnight stop, Reykjavik City Hostel, we feasted on lasagne and then 16 of us decided to walk down the road with Mr Enstone for a quick swim in the geothermal swimming pool. Our greatest shock was the changing rooms, which I think we will always remember, as the sign in the showers read: ‘Every guest is required to wash thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the pool.

Please respect this Icelandic custom.’

Day 2: Monday Despite the light coming through the curtains all night, we all slept well and were raring to head east into the highlands. We travelled over the only part of the Mid Atlantic Ridge that can be seen above the sea. As our tour continued we began to realise why our bus looked like a 4x4. Our driver,

Siggy, took us along some rather small steep twisting tracks (referred to in Iceland as ‘roads’), before we crossed a river. The next thing we knew we found ourselves driving along the riverbed against the flow of water.

We stopped for photos of the volcano, Mount Hekla, before another stop to collect pieces of lava from a lava field. We finally found other life at Landmannalaugar where we stopped for lunch by a campsite, which had piles of rocks to hold your tent up because the ground was simply too hard to plant pegs in.

Day 3: Tuesday Glacier day! Everyone was eager to start today’s expedition. On our journey to the Ice Lagoon we passed the world’s largest moraine. Despite the disappointing weather, most of us made the most of an amazing photo opportunity on the Ice Lagoon where films such as James Bond, Batman Begins and Tomb Raider have been filmed.

As the rain got heavier we put on orange lifejackets and ventured out onto the lagoon in an amphibious boat. As we travelled around the many

The Lion | Autumn 2006

icebergs we looked for seals but had no luck. We spent a whole five minutes at Iceland’s smallest HEP station (literally one room of loud machinery), which in Mr Enstone’s very own words was ‘cosmic’. But we did learn from our guide that the Vikings in Iceland didn’t have electricity. Our next stop was at Skaftafell, another waterfall.

Day 4: Wednesday We headed westwards along the southern coastline. We each made cairns to represent our past, present and future, before lots of running up and down mini volcanoes as a warm up for our next climb. We struggled against the strongest winds we’d ever experienced. We enjoyed more climbing up columns on the beach near Vik whilst taking photos of the basalt needles in the sea. The sulphurous smell got stronger as we approached a glacier, but it didn’t put us off as we walked right up onto its edge.

For a change of scenery, we were guided round the Skogar folk museum by the eccentric curator.

He sang us an Icelandic song whilst playing an interesting string instrument. At the nearby Skogar waterfall, the spray soaked us, and we took the 378 steps to the top of the waterfall for an impressive view.

Day 5: Thursday Our main attraction of the day was Thor’s Wood.

To get there we had to cross several rivers, which had strong currents due to recent rainfall and glacial melt. Before we tackled the rivers again, we took a scenic walk up through Thor’s Wood with views at the top of the rivers we had crossed. On the way back we stopped for a walk along the narrow gorge of Stakkholtsgja, a u-shaped valley formed by a previous glacier.

After a short bus journey, we were at another impressive waterfall. This time we could walk behind it to cleanse our souls of past bad things we had done. Back at Reykjavik City Hostel, where we would spend our last three nights, we were in luxury accommodation, as everyone’s room had an ensuite!

Day 6: Friday We got on the coach ready to leave for the Golden Circle, the classic Icelandic tour. We arrived at Nesjavellir Power Plant, and then we walked in the pouring rain and strong winds along the wall of the North American tectonic plate. On the coach we passed from ‘No man’s land’ (between the two plates) to the Eurasian plate.

We then went to Geysir, the geyser from which all are named, but we didn’t see it spout as it only does so twice every 24 hours. However, we did see Strokkur, the world’s most active geyser, spout to a height of about 30 metres. It took some skill to catch it on camera, especially as the rain soaked our cameras as we waited for the sudden spout.

Day 7: Saturday We walked along a path through steam holes and bubbling mud, before a walk onto lava that jutted out into the sea, to look at the breaking waves.

Most of the group got too close to the edge, and they got drenched! It wasn’t long before we reached the world famous Blue Lagoon, a bright blue mineral-rich geothermal pool in the middle of a large lava field. We all enjoyed natural lumpy facemasks and relaxed in the cloudy warm water, despite the wind and rain on our faces above the water.

Day 8: Sunday If the contrast between Icelandic and British summer was not great enough, we returned to particularly high temperatures in the UK. We all took off the jumpers and ski jackets that we had lived in all week and found ourselves back on the usual congested motorway, rather than a narrow track with no other vehicles in sight.

‘Every guest is required to wash thoroughly without a swimsuit before entering the pool.

Please respect this Icelandic custom’

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Bablake School

Bablaketravel The Fringe The school’s production of Sondheim’s Assassins which was performed at the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh this summer sold out for most performances. It proved a very successful final trip for Mr Appleby and the Upper Sixth students involved. The group of 29 Bablake students also saw a range of plays themselves, ranging from classical opera to cutting edge controversial stand up comedy. Will we go again?

Oh, but most certainly.

BABLAKE INVADES FRANCE AND BELGIUM After a long, but not so hot summer, staff and pupils from the Fifth Form were desperate to return to Bablake

At 5.30am on Sunday 3 September we assembled inside the School gates and waited expectantly. We were not confused about when the new term would commence; we had forsaken the final few days of the summer to experience some additional learning.

The aim of our three day excursion was to familiarise ourselves with the conditions of life on the western front during World War One. Our guides, Mike Salt and Murray McVey, would help to recreate the scene, entertaining us with tales of heroism but also bringing home to us the harsh realities of war. Some of the staff had made the trip before, but old and new alike were eager to get underway.

Having arrived in Calais we quickly over-ran the meagre resistance offered by the local authorities and continued our steady progress towards the Allied lines.

Over the next three days we explored trenches, glimpsing the last remnants of a system of fortifications that stretched from the North Sea to Switzerland. We examined artefacts, visited museums and cemeteries.

This was the sixth year that the battlefields trip has been offered to our GCSE students and once again they upheld the character of our School.

With our invasion of mainland Europe a success, avoiding casualties and loss of life, we were able to return to school in time for the new term.

Bablake’s invasion party: Field Marshall M Salt, General M McVey, Sergeant-Major J Grantham, Sergeant-Major C Imber, Captain J Drury, Captain A Chowne, Captain C Friebe, Captain R Blattner, Captain P Tatum, Captain C West, Captain B Bramley, 86 GCSE Privates.

Inspired by the past Geology has this year returned to Bablake as a full A Level, bringing lots of extra fieldwork with it.

This summer’s trips visited Derbyshire twice, Shropshire and Park Hall at Stokeon-Trent.

Ancient reef environments, sea floor ripples and river beds choked with huge pebbles, all in old quarries, quickly captured the imagination of this small group of intrepid staff and students.

The Lion | Autumn 2006

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Charitynews

PLAYING THE GAME IN AFRICA BABLAKE CHARITY UPDATE

Bablake’s rugby tour to Namibia and South Africa The first matches against Windhoek High were a tough baptism for the players, the 1st Team losing 20–3 and the 2nd going down 14–0, but both were very spirited performances against two very good sides.

The second day of matches was against Moria School and Edugate Academy; this was a single game, that Bablake led in the first half 6–5, but, let down by handling errors, ultimately lost 15–6.

There was then a two night stay in Etosha Game Reserve after which we drove to the spectacular west coast and the sand dunes that run along the coast line.

The final match in Namibia was a 2nd team game against Senior Secondary De Duine in Walvis Bay. The opposition were not big but were very swift on their feet and the close game finished in a draw 12–12.

The party then flew into Cape Town and straight to Strand High School, which looked a formidable force. The 2nd team, who were largely U16 players on tour, won 8–0 in a very tough game.

This victory led to the opposition rolling out an enormous side containing U18 and U19 players against Bablake Firsts who were only U17. The team

put up great resistance but went down 36–3.

Brett Chatwin, Mark Lam and Ashley Coles played extremely well in this fixture and deserve special mention.

The second match in Cape Town against Bosmansdam High School was reduced to a single fixture because of injuries. The match was won 12–10.

The final match was against Nianga Township in a very fast and entertaining game which Bablake led until the last 15 minutes; some extremely fast legs were our undoing and the game was eventually lost 33–22.

Our visit to Cape Town ended with a visit to Robben Island and Cape Point, and a stroll up Table Mountain.

This was a great tour experience which was made very enjoyable by the good behaviour of the players and most of the staff.

This year we are supporting ‘Send a Cow’. In this our Harvest Term we like to think of people who are much less fortunate than ourselves, people for whom hunger and thirst are an everyday occurrence.

‘Send a Cow’ provides direct practical, tangible help to some of the poorest families in Africa.

Help has a long-term impact, enabling families to bring about permanent changes in their lives.

As I will be in Rwanda at half-term, I hope to visit some of these projects.

ICT DEPARTMENT CHARITY NEWS “What does happen to all the used computers, monitors and keyboards we upgrade?” This is a question often heard around school.

Well, the ICT department donates them to the ‘Inside Out Trust’ which carries out project work in prisons.

The equipment is delivered to the computer workshop at HMP Stafford and HMYOI Swinfen Hall, where it is overhauled and refurbished. The prisoners are skills trained in computer building; they rebuild the machines which are then sent to Bulgaria, Romania, Africa and schools in this country.

The Trust is very grateful to Bablake for providing this equipment to enable it to run this project for inmates while providing essential IT equipment for charities in the UK and abroad.

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Bablake School

Bablakemusic

BREAST CANCER GIG

An email just over 24 hours before our first charity gig of the term left us without a headline band and PA system.

As ever, the special spirit of the school salvaged the gig with hours to spare. The Upper Cuts (led by James Aucutt) stepped in with a rousing set of punk covers while Mike Murphy, father of former student, Luke, donated his time and equipment, allowing us to raise nearly £200 for Breast Cancer charities.

The Estate Agents, an eclectic 4 piece, 75% of whom were ex-Bablake students, opened the evening. Cherry Bang Records, a label run by former student, Olivia Broadfield, provided the sass for the evening with Abi Lanagan and Suzy Indygo stunning the audience with their powerful vocals and exquisite guitar-playing.

The evening concluded with a Magic show from Ashley Hawkins (left 2005). His mix of card tricks and mind magic held the audience completely spellbound.

A fine evening of entertainment, everyone agreed, and just a taster for the concert being held on 23 Nov where Jessica Blake will be able to showcase her fine musical talent on the same stage as professional musicians Jane Taylor, Claire Toomey and the Ten O’Clock Scholars. Tickets (£5 each) are available from Mr Woodward.

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Bablakecareers THE TRISHA SHOW A party of 19 eager L6th students and 2 apprehensive teachers headed to Maidstone Studios to view the recording of Channel 5’s cult TV programme, the Trisha Show.

Thanks to Mr Sat Dhaiwal (Media4All), who has introduced a Media Project in Bablake this term, the party had a fascinating insight into the production of a live chat show and the real life dramas. With the theme of Families at War, a number of our students offered pertinent, astute solutions from the floor to the two families who had sought advice from the show.

The party now eagerly awaits the transmission of this particular show later in the term.

ASDA CHALLENGE Congratulations go to Katherine Hull, the proud recipient of the Killers’ new album, as a result of her narrowly winning the 4th Year ASDA Challenge. Eileen Hudleston, of the Walsgrave Asda store, once again stoically marked ‘Part-time job applications’ submitted by our 4th Year at the end of the Summer Term as part of their Careers PSHE.

MOCK INTERVIEW MORNING Our Interview morning for the U6th now takes place at the end of September, giving timely advice for UCAS applications and other routes, while also teaching students to view interviews as conversations rather than formal Q&A sessions. Most of the U6th attended the event and faced the expertise of 76 interviewers who kindly devoted a Saturday morning to fine-tune the skills of the students.

Stephanie Gardner from the U6th enthused about the event’s value, and offered some excellent advice to future interviewees: “Be prepared to think on your feet and justify your answers. Look and act confidently even if you don't feel it because interviewers pick up on the little details. Smile and make eye contact with them. Dress appropriately. Prepare well, know about current affairs and stay in the night before!’’

STRETCHING IT...

The 3rd issue of our student magazine has a particular political edge and is the product, as ever, of our L6th Work Experience week.

The team, led by Mr Woodward, held a press conference with Jo Cameron from the Apprentice (pictured left), visited ETC magazine in Harrogate and contacted a number of key figures for interviews. Student Editor, Claire Baldwin, wrote a fascinating article on Japanese culture and contributed one of her creative pieces. Fed eagerly by Laura Treharne, our food correspondent, key photographer Richard Smith and leading writers Imogen Hill, Rhea Morgan and Fiona Brown were all indebted to the sharp headlines of Sarah O’Donnell and rallying of Katie Weeden. The issue can be downloaded from www.stretchmag.co.uk and we are already planning Issue 4.

11 STEPS – STAYING AHEAD The Careers Department has developed its suggestions for how the L6th should stay ahead by producing a booklet for this year’s cohort. Students can record progress made on each of 11 key steps for staying ahead of their peers in and outside Bablake. The booklet will act as an aide-memoire as well as being closely surveyed before important applications and forming part of any portfolio taken to interview. Once completed then the booklet will be certificated by form tutors and the Careers Department.

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Bablake School

Bablakeaction Way back in January some U6th students were set a very important task.

They had to begin planning their Gold DofE Expedition

It was up to them in their walking groups to devise a route from the start point – the whale bone arch in Whitby, to the finish – Roseberry Topping in the North Yorkshire Moors. The route had to cover a distance of 50 miles, which the groups would walk in just four days. They also had to carefully plan their daily menus and organise what equipment each person in the group would carry.

Seven months later, with A2 exams completed and University places secured, the five Gold groups were waiting apprehensively at the whale bone arch to begin their expedition. Luckily the sun was shining and all pupils were in good spirits and raring to go.

Over the next four days, the groups carefully navigated their way across the bracken-covered moors. Some pupils had already developed blisters after the first day, but were determined to carry on. Their external assessors sporadically jumped out of bushes (where they were hiding) as the groups walked by, just to make sure they were walking the correct route!

Day four, the final day, was soon upon the groups. With spirits and morale high, every group crossed the finish line – some hobbled in with blisters the size of footballs on their feet, others even had enough energy left to run the last 50m!

DofE ON THE NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS

The final part of the expedition was the dreaded de-brief by the assessors. Up until this point the groups did not know whether they had passed or failed. The assessors soon delivered the good news – every group had been successful. The very happy, yet exhausted (and smelly) pupils then made their way back to Coventry for a well deserved rest.

Most of the pupils have now completed the four sections of the Gold Award and look forward to receiving an invitation to the Palace to meet Prince Philip who will personally present them with their certificate and badge.

‘With spirits and morale high, every group crossed the finish line – some with blisters the size of footballs on their feet’

The Lion | Autumn 2006

CCF ANNUAL SUMMER CAMP At the start of the summer holidays, twenty eight cadets and four members of staff set off for Nesscliff Training Camp, near Shrewsbury, to begin their week-long annual summer camp.

On the first training day the cadets enjoyed adventure training at Ellesmere Lake in bright sunshine. After passing a swim test and undergoing a capsize drill, they were launched from fishing jetties in a variety of Canadian canoes and kayaks. All who took part enjoyed paddling their way to the other side of the lake, where they took part in a number of games, which guaranteed each cadet a good soaking!

Monday was military day. After a ‘short’ jog onto the training area, cadets applied camouflage cream to their faces before spending the morning taking part in a series of lessons. Lance Corporal Tasker and Cadet Nolan proved to be excellent snipers, getting closest to the enemy in the tank stalk. The survival stand proved to be the highlight of the week. After being taught how to make a fire, collect water and build a shelter, the cadets began the task of making rabbit stew! First of all they had to skin, gut and cook the rabbits before stripping them of their meat. After adding a few herbs and spices – voilà! Gordon Ramsay would have been proud of our budding chefs! The casualty evacuation was also very entertaining.

Cadets had to rescue a casualty and bring him to safety. The only problem was the large gully of very sticky mud which separated him from them. The girls were very gutsy and were quickly sliding down the hill straight into the mud, where they all got well and truly stuck! Lance Corporal Bird proved to be the group’s saviour, however, and with judicious pushing and pulling, soon had all the girls freed. With not inconsiderable effort and teamwork, the casualty was eventually rescued and dragged to safety.

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followed by a 3.5 mile route march and then a 25m shoot. Because of the very hot July weather, it meant starting the competition at 7.00am.

However, after a thorough warm up with the PT instructor, all cadets were fully awake and raring to go. Bablake Team One made an excellent start and, after completing the assault course in record time, were soon on to the march. Team Two, led by Corporal Gardner, were next to go. They all attacked the assault course and route march with grit and determination, and, after a quick breather, were soon taking carefully aimed shots down the 25m range. The last group to go was Team Three.

Captain Hall made herself an ‘honorary’ cadet to make up the numbers and led her team over the assault course and around the march.

Despite the tough competition, Bablake CCF won the best overall room inspection, as well as being the fastest team over the assault course that year. We were also congratulated on the impressive range shooting of Corporal Gardner, Lance

‘After being taught how to make a fire, collect water and build a shelter, the cadets began the task of making a rabbit stew!’

Tuesday was our own contingent day and, by popular demand, we took our cadets to Alton Towers. The next day, cadets enjoyed activities at a local paint balling centre. They were split into two teams (naturally boys v girls) and each got a turn at being the attacking enemy, as well as playing the defensive role. It did not take the teams long to establish their roles and they were soon ‘blatting’ each other with paint. Top shot honours must go to Lance Corporal Raison, who managed to ‘shoot’ Sgt. Major Robson within the first few minutes of the game. Staff are still nursing bruises from the eagle eyed cadets who proved to be very good shots. Paintballs really hurt!

Thursday was probably the most important day on the camp: competition day. Cadets had to complete a team assault course, immediately

Corporals Woodward and Payne, and Cadet Dawes.

On the Friday, cadets enjoyed rock climbing and abseiling, as well as completing a series of exciting shoots on the simulated indoor range.

The shoot allowed cadets to take part in a series of different scenarios, including an ambush and village patrol. At all times cadets had to keep a close eye on the video screen and take well-aimed shots at the enemy.

The final day arrived all too soon, and, once our contingent had said their goodbyes to new friends, it was time to head home. Congratulations must go to all the cadets for their enthusiasm and willingness to give every activity 100%. Once again, they were all a credit to themselves and the School.

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Bablake School

Bablakesuccess CONGRATULATIONS GO TO

GIRLS’ SPORT The girls quickly got back into the routine of hockey and netball training, matches and tournaments. Congratulations go to Joanne Mitchell and Jessica Thompson on their appointments as senior netball captain and vice-captain and to Kathryn Brindley and Jade Payne on their roles as senior hockey captain and vice-captain.

The Chorale, for coming second in the school choirs section of the Leamington Festival.

The U14 teams enjoyed their trip to Millfield and performed very well in netball, with a competitive 14–23 loss to Millfield for the ‘A’ team and a well deserved fifteen all draw for the ‘B’ team. At the Loughborough Festival the U12 netball team played well and came fourth out of twelve teams.

Jamie Stefaniak, for gaining one of the five top marks nationally in five of his GCSE subjects, a remarkable achievement.

Someit Sidhu, Lee Harrison, Jodie-Leigh Angus and Amarpal Jandoo, for winning the Midlands section of the Shares 4 Schools competition, and for being placed third nationally. They increased the value of their shares by 20% over a six month period. They have donated their prize money of £100 to Cancer Research UK. Brothers Paul and Mark Best, on outstanding performances for Warwickshire cricket: see separate article.

Philip Walker, on competing for the Great Britain sailing team in the British, European and World Championships during the summer. His boat was placed third at the Worlds in the Silver Fleet, behind USA and Argentina.

The intermediate girls and the junior boys, on becoming Athletics Coventry Schools Champions, and winning through to the Midlands finals.

The U14 and U15 rounders teams and the Girls’ U14B tennis doubles team, on winning their respective tournaments.

U12 Team in action

The U15 hockey team reached the semi-finals, losing to Dame Alice Harpur 1-2 in the last minute.

The following girls have been selected to represent Warwickshire: U16 Netball Academy: Lauren Carpenter, Lara Jackson, U13 Netball Roxana Ziaie, Rachel Blakemore, Emily Burns, Amy Harwood, Georgia Horn, Ella Morrell, Alice O’Connor and Shannon Thompson. U14 Netball Academy: Aisling Flanagan, Emily Mason and Beth Sargent. U13 Satellite Academy: Rebecca Appleton, Aiza Asghar, Eva Ball, Ashni Desai, Clare Greevy, Louise Poole, Victoria Aldridge, Ashleigh Green and Erin Hushon. U17 Hockey: U15 Hockey Team Lauren Boon, Lucy Horn, Jodie Neale, Holly Payne and Abigail Rewhorn. U15 Hockey: Rachel Hollinrake, Rebecca Sewell and Roya Ziaie. U14 Hockey: Aisling Flanagan, Georgia Horn, Jessica Horn and Alice O’Connor. Well done to all.

The U14 and U15 Boys’ hockey teams on a so far undefeated season.

Declan Jones, Oliver White, Alex Popplewell and William Kenney Herbert, on representing Warwickshire in U14 hockey.

The U14 rugby team for remaining unbeaten since March 2005.

Brett Chatwin and Ryan Birch, on representing Warwickshire U18s in rugby.

Lucy Horn and Holly Payne Dominic Ainsworth and Robert Thomason, on representing Coventry at the Children’s Games in Bangkok.

The numerous girls (see separate article) who have been selected to represent Warwickshire or the Midlands in netball or hockey.

Lucy Horn and Holly Payne, for being selected to play for U15 Midlands hockey at the National Regional Junior Championships, held at Millfield at half-term.

Jennifer Gardner, on representing the West Midlands in the pole vault at the United Kingdom Schools Games.

Many girls are involved in Midlands hockey: Jessica Horn in the U15 Development, Rebecca Sewell in the U15 Performance and Lucy Horn and Holly Payne in the U15 Squad. Both Lucy and Holly have been training hard for the Nationals, held in half-term at Millfield.

Congratulations go to Jennifer Gardner on representing the West Midlands in the pole vault event at the first United Kingdom Schools Games held in Glasgow at the start of this term. After their success last term, the U13 tennis team of Olivia Battle-Welch, Roseanne Elkington, Georgia Horn and Rebecca Wells, have made it to the Regional knockout section. They have been drawn against St Martin’s, Solihull.

Jennifer Gardner

The Lion | Autumn 2006

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Bablakesport BOYS’ HOCKEY The Boys’ hockey teams have made a great start to the term. New hockey manager, Mike Johnson, is delighted with their attitude, commitment and enthusiasm for the sport and is looking forward to developing their potential within the game. The 1st XI has made a sound start and continues to train hard to improve. The highlight so far has been an excellent match against Warwick School. A fast end-to-end game finished in a narrow 1-0 defeat.

A number of boys have been successful in gaining representative honours this term. Brett Chatwin and Ryan Birch have represented the County at U18 level.

At U16 level Robert Thomason, Dominic Ainsworth, Daniel Jack, Adam Simmonds and Sam Bristow were all selected for Coventry. Kai Hartshorn, Alex Myers, Max Goodyer, Harry Gogarty, Toby Donaldson and Kristian Ostrowski were all selected for the Coventry U14 team. Our congratulations go to all of these boys.

DOMINIC AINSWORTH Dominic reached the English Schools Athletics Finals at Gateshead for the 100m. He finished fifth in his semi-final and therefore reached the ‘B’ Final. He also represented Coventry in the Children’s Games in Bangkok along with Robert Thomason. Dominic reached the semi-final of the 100m and was part of the Coventry team that came fourth overall in the 4x100m relay. Robert was also a member of this relay team and reached the final of the high jump competition.

So far, both the U15s and the U14s are unbeaten. Highlights include the U15s 32 win against Warwick School, four goals scored by Philip Catherall (4H) for the U15s in a 6-2 win against Princethorpe College and four goals scored by Declan Jones (3H), for the U14s in a 10-1 victory, also against Princethorpe College. The U13s have also shown promise with one win and one defeat.

PAUL BEST Paul Best recently represented the Dominic Ainsworth Midlands Cricket team at the Banbury Festival. Despite averaging 73 for the tournament, he unfortunately did not make the final England U15 Squad. He captained the Warwickshire U15 team throughout the season. He also played for the U16s in one game scoring 101, and for the U17 Team, in 3 games, scoring 113. Paul was also selected to play for the County U19 team. He was one of the first players to be selected for the U19 as an U15 age group player since Ian Bell, nine years ago.

4 boys have represented Warwickshire at U14 level: Declan Jones, Oliver White (both 3H), Alex Popplewell (3C) and William Kenney Herbert (2I). Ronan Jones (Shell G) has also been selected as part of the development squad.

During the season, Paul has also played with success for the Leamington 1st and 2nd teams, as well as the U16s Club who reached the finals of the Lord Taverners Regional Cup. He is now about to start his second winter as a Warwickshire Academy player.

BABLAKE RUGBY 100% records for the 2nd XV and the U14s.

MARK BEST Mark Best is following quickly in his brother Paul’s footsteps. He opened the batting for Warwickshire County U11s throughout the season. Mark produced the highest number of runs ever scored in a season by a Warwickshire U11 player. He captained the Bablake Junior School U11 team that won the County Hardball Competition and also captained the Leamington U11 team who reached the Final of the Warwickshire Club U11s competition. Mark has recently represented Bablake Senior School Cricket teams at U12 and U13 levels.

1st Xl in action

There has been much to celebrate in Bablake rugby over the first halfterm. Two teams, the 2nd XV and the U14s have maintained a 100% record, whilst the 1st XV has lost just one match, a narrow 14-5 defeat to Nottingham High School.

The 2nd XV has built on the foundation of a number of South African tourists together with a number of talented Fifth Year pupils. They have played with pace and skill to record some big wins.

The U14 team is now unbeaten since March 2005 and continues to record big scores, playing with 2nd XV versus KES Camp Hill athleticism and determination.

Bablake 1st XV versus King Henry Vlll 1st XV Thursday 14 December 7:00pm Coventry RFC – Butts Stadium Tickets: adults £1.00, pupils free

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Bablake School

Bablakeupdate HEADMASTER’S NOTES

STAFF NEWS & ACADEMIC NOTES

I have quickly discovered that Bablake is a very exciting place! It has been delightful to see the look of eager expectation and sheer enjoyment on the faces of our new Shells, as their imaginations are fired in the classroom, or as they partake of the numerous extra-curricular or house activities in their first few weeks. I have also witnessed the care and encouragement of staff and of our oldest pupils, as they have nurtured our new intake. The Upper Sixth are preparing for the next chapter in their lives, and I have been most impressed to read about their numerous and varied talents in their university references. I am sure they find it hard to believe that they will soon be leaving Bablake.

Such are the energy and vibrancy of our community, that halfterm is already upon us as I write, and a huge amount has been achieved by many individuals and groups, in myriad ways. There is also much to which we can look forward, and challenges will undoubtedly abound. It is therefore vital that we live experiences to the full, committed to the cheerful hard work and dedication which are the prerequisites of success.

In any education, there must also be space for quieter reflection, as we seek answers to those important questions about ourselves, about our lives, and about our existence in relation to others, both at Bablake and in the wider world. Many of the broadening and deepening experiences narrated in this newsletter, coupled with the PSHE programme and other opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, help our pupils on the next stage of this essentially ‘spiritual’ journey.

‘Carpe diem!’ (‘Seize the day!’) is sound classical advice to all of us as we aim to make the most of opportunities, and to support others through difficult times in their lives. This is the spirit of Bablake.

I have now met many of you in numerous contexts, and I thank you all for the warmth of your welcome. Please indulge me if I ask your name a second or third time; it is a formidable task for a new headmaster to get to know his nine hundred pupils and their parents! However, I look forward to working with you all, as we ensure that Bablake continues to move forward and to thrive.

STAFF NEWS

John Watson, Headmaster

Bablake School, Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU T +44 (0)24 7627 1200 F +44 (0)24 7627 1290 E info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk W www.bablake.com Designed & produced by Mustard: www.mustardhot.com

Miss Rachel East leaves at the end of this term, to become Head of A level PE at King Henry VIII School; we wish her every success in this role, and thank her particularly for her contribution to Girls’ hockey. She will be replaced by Miss Vanessa Hawkins, who is already working on Wednesdays at Bablake. Miss Hawkins is a graduate of Bath University, where she studied Sports Development and Coaching. She has coached hockey at Royal High School, Bath, and Repton School, and has herself played hockey to international standard.

Mrs Jane Price (Head of Home Economics), Mrs Pat Goodyer (Head of History) and Mrs Felicity Chapman (English) will all retire at the end of this academic year; they are all long-serving colleagues who have made a very significant contribution to the lives of Bablake pupils. Their replacements will be announced in forthcoming newsletters.

Mrs Judith Smith has been appointed to teach German and French during the maternity leave of Mrs Helen Billings. Mrs Smith has a Modern Languages degree from Exeter University. She was previously Head of German at an Essex school, and has more recently taught at Trinity School in Leamington Spa. She has lived in Switzerland, the United States and Turkey. We wish Mrs Billings well, and look forward to hearing good news in due course. Mr Rob Jeanes has been appointed as part-time General Assistant, to help with daily minibus maintenance and caretaking.

ACADEMIC NOTES This summer’s public examination results again placed Bablake amongst the highest performing selective schools nationally.

At A level, there was a 100% pass rate for the fourth consecutive year, and the proportion of A grades exceeded 50% for the first time. Over 80% of grades were at either A or B, and the vast majority of students have proceeded to their first choice of university.

On the basis of these results, we are again likely to be placed amongst the very top value-for-money schools in the country. At GCSE, all pupils again gained 5 or more passes at grades A* to C, with many individuals celebrating personal triumphs.

Jamie Stefaniak deserves special mention for gaining one of the five top marks nationally in five of his subjects, an unprecedented achievement for a Bablake pupil. Appeals have resulted in upgrades for several pupils; the most spectacular (and worrying) was in GCSE ICT, where 112 of the 131 candidates were upgraded by one grade.

We still await the outcome of another appeal, but a current full analysis of both A level and GCSE results is attached to this newsletter.