The Lion - Issue 42

THE

LION

NEWS & VIEWS FROM BABLAKE SCHOOL ISSUE 42 SPRING 2007

Helmets and parachutes

Bablake Diary Tuesday 17 April Summer Term Begins

Monday 30 April – Friday 4 May GCSE Art Exhibition Monday 7 May May Day – School Closed Tuesday 8 – 11 May House Drama Festival AS & A2 Art Exhibition Saturday 19 May PA Collection Day for Plant Orders 10.30am – 12 noon Monday 29 May – Friday 1 June Half Term Wednesday 20 June New Parents’ Familiarisation Evening Sunday 1 – Tuesday 3 July The Three Penny Opera Theatre Block 7.30pm Thursday 5 July Summer Term Ends

In this issue News Travel Creative Events Action Charity news Sport

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RAF cadets visit Cosford

The RAF cadets had their first taste of flying in January when 12 students visited RAF Cosford. They were blessed with good weather on arrival and soon found themselves being fitted out with flying overalls, helmets and parachutes. The team was allocated three aircraft, each with a highly experienced instructor. The students were briefed on safety, basic instruments and control of the aircraft before taxiing out to the main runway. Each student was then taken on a 20 minute flight that included a loop the loop and several barrel roll turns, and all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. All the students had a go at flying the aircraft themselves and are now looking forward to gliding sessions later this year. The trip finished with a quick tour around the aircraft museum. Our special thanks go to all the instructors and ground crew of RAF Cosford.

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Bablake School

Bablakenews ENGINEERING EDUCATION SCHEME

IT’S AN HONOUR WE ARE DELIGHTED TO CONGRATULATE MR APPLEBY ON BEING AWARDED AN MBE IN THE NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST. IAN APPLEBY, OUR FORMER HEAD OF ENGLISH, WAS AWARDED THE MBE FOR HIS SERVICES TO YOUNG PEOPLE. WHETHER AS INSPIRATIONAL TEACHER, DIRECTOR OF NUMEROUS PLAYS AT BABLAKE AND THE EDINBURGH FRINGE (WHERE HE LED A RUN OF 20 YEARS) OR AS A PHAB HOLIDAY ORGANISER, LEGIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INDEBTED TO HIM.

This year’s dynamic team for the Engineering Education Scheme are Natalie Box, Clare Stoker, Chris Walters and Paul Wye The project is Wilstone Reservoir in Tring. The pupils have to: measure the amount of water leaking/seeping through the northwest embankment; design a way of collecting the leaking/seepage and overflow from the weir. This project is linked with British Waterways and Morrison plc through Arup.

Since October the team has had regular meetings to discuss and analyse the problem with the Arup engineers, Chris Furneaux and Chris

Jackson. They have also made a visit to the reservoir to see the problems first-hand.

Once the team had arrived at a possible answer, they were asked to make a model of their solution at the annual residential course at Birmingham University. They managed to complete the majority of the model, and are now finishing it and writing their report for assessment at the end of April.

Speaking in tongues The new Language Laboratory is now in use and all those pupils who have used it would agree that it has been well worth waiting for. As well as the usual Language Laboratory functions, pupils have access to on-line language resources and can download listening and speaking exercises directly from their work station to their area on the school network for access at a later date. They can also e-mail the exercises to themselves at home, or download either to an MP3 player or I-Pod so that they can work on their listening and speaking skills at home or on the move.

Pupils in the Fourth and Fifth Year can record their GCSE speaking preparation, to which their teacher can add verbal corrections and comments without speaking over the original recording. The only subject for debate seems to be the kneeler chairs – most pupils love them, but some are definitely not in favour – we have heard talk of shin pads for French lessons from one Shell group!

The Lion | Spring 2007

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CAREERS SHORTS 1 Congratulations to the following: 5th CV CHALLENGE – Ira Kleine BEST CV (U6th) – Suzanne Smith BEST MOCK INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE – Rhea Morgan 2 Plans are afoot for the 2008 Careers Convention on Thursday 31 January.

Please contact the Careers Department should you wish to act as a delegate at this event or if you can nominate a willing colleague.

3 Bablake’s Careers Department joined forces recently with Woodside High School in White Hart Lane, London. Phil Barnwell (left ’97) is now Head of Years 10 and 11 there and invited Mr Woodward to set a CV challenge for the best students in Year 11 and also talk about how to sell themselves to future employers or universities.

Aston Martin – power, beauty and soul Sixth Form Design and Technology students were fortunate to pay a visit to the Aston Martin production facility at Gaydon recently, and to question the Manufacturing Manager, Mr Frank Grimley. They were able to see the complete range of production and assembly methods, and were impressed by the high standards of work and the costs involved. Students had previously visited the Browns Lane facility, where they had seen the wood trim being produced for the DB9 model.

LEADING THE WAY BABLAKE IS COVENTRY’S LEADING SECONDARY SCHOOL IN THE GOVERNMENT’S A LEVEL AND NEWLY REVISED GCSE LEAGUE TABLES. IN ADDITION, THE TIMES PLACED BABLAKE 30th NATIONALLY AMONG ALL INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS. THESE ACCOLADES FOLLOW BEING RATED 3rd BEST VALUE MIXED CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN THE SUNDAY TIMES LISTINGS FOR 2006.

OXBRIDGE SUCCESSES THIS YEAR’S UPPER SIXTH FORMERS WHO HAVE BEEN OFFERED PLACES AT OXFORD OR CAMBRIDGE: JACK PRESTON, SUZANNAH SMITH, REBECCA LANE, MARK MCKELVIE, SOMEIT SIDHU, MARCO ORSINI-JONES.

4 5th Form careers reviews have been completed and the L6th Work Experience programme, run by Mrs Scott, is well under way.

A MEANINGFUL LIFE Rasheed Ogunlaru, an esteemed life coach, who has worked with performers, entrepreneurs, politicians and creative artists, delivered a presentation to the Sixth Form. His visit was an excellent tonic since the students were about to tackle more public exams.

Rasheed’s ideas for a happy and successful life were warmly welcomed.

STOP PRESS! Parents interested in the possibility of a bus service to cover Burton Green, Eastern Green and Westwood Heath should contact: Mr Bob Wildman on Coventry 02476 302656 or email bob@decourceytravel.com The cost would be £1.20 day return.

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Bablaketravel

BETH SHALOM

The Lion | Spring 2007

WE ARRIVED AT BETH SHALOM, THE HOUSE OF PEACE WRITES CAITLIN EDWARDS Once we had settled down, we were given a brief talk about why the holocaust memorial centre had been built and what it was designed to teach us. It is firstly a memorial centre but it is also a place to educate us on genocide.

We then watched a film which summarised what the centre contained. It also had some video footage of the Jews in the ghettos and heading towards the death camps. It explained how the holocaust wasn’t about numbers but people.

We were split into groups and I went into the underground exhibition. One of the first things we saw was a Jewish star. The star was made up of many photographs of Jews. Many were children: they had all been killed. It really hits you when you actually see the faces of people, not just a number.

It makes you remember that they were just ordinary people with hopes, dreams and fears.

After lunch Bernard Grunberg, a holocaust survivor, talked to us. He explained how when the Nazis came to power, his life changed.

As the only Jewish boy in his senior school he was targeted and bullied. Once a week a Nazi officer came into his school and gave a talk to the other pupils. This fuelled their hatred for Jews and Bernard. Bernard was excused from these talks and he says that it was the only time he could safely go home.

Bernard was in a way lucky. His mother sent him to England on the Kinder transport when he was 14 and he managed to find work as a dairy farmer. He learned that his family had been sent to a concentration camp. They never left.

The talk was very interesting and moving.

Although Bernard’s experiences were not the worst, it made me realise that every single person who lived during the holocaust period has had traumatic, life changing experiences.

The trip taught me to appreciate how lucky I am.

‘It really hits you when you actually see the faces of people, not just a number’

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Bablakecreative

MUSIC NON STOP!

Promising local talent and enthusiastic audiences – an overview of the flourishing music scene at Bablake A number of top professional artists have played in front of select and enthusiastic student audiences.

Jane Taylor and Claire Toomey headlined in support of Ovacome while Broken Dolls helped raise £250 for Testicular Cancer. The Academy (now known as Elliot Minor) and effervescent local band The Satin Dolls have begun to build a following not just at Bablake but also nationally with their first official releases looming.

Not only have we been able to host professional artists but we have also showcased some of the best Bablake performers. Jessica Blake

and Kirstie Logan have amazed audiences with their original compositions. Jessica is now representing the school in a regional music competition on June 5th at the Leamington Spa Centre while Kirstie is being courted by the music industry. The immensely popular Zain Ali (part of Vinni Valentino) has also continued to impress us.

We are expecting Mr Hudson and the Library to perform next in our Acoustic Lunchtime series and a Big Gig is planned for Comic Relief. With Battle of the Bands early in the Summer Term, music and performance are flourishing.

From Weber to Webber...

In a full programme in last year’s Autumn Concert, the orchestra started proceedings with selections from Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. The first half also included various wind ensembles and some excellent piano solos by Matthew Weeden, Nadine Minty and James Ross, before the closing item, Pachelbel’s Canon, sensitively played by violinists, Simone Willis, Laura Dean and Rachel Powell.

The second half featured choral items by the Chorale and Chamber Choir which were interspersed with solos, Chris Walters on flute, Michelle Jie piano, Jess Blake singing Lloyd Webber’s Pie Jesu and a splendid performance on the clarinet by Paul Jordan of a set of Variations by Weber.

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way...

A young and most definitely enthusiastic cast performed a version of The Tempest at Solihull Arts complex as part of the Shakespeare Schools’ Festival. The emphasis at the festival is always on making the text come alive, with minimal props and costume, and The Tempest gave great visual opportunities for the cast to create the storm that dramatically opens the play, and to variously ‘be’ spirits, harpies, gods, and smelly fish people (I think that you had to be there). It had been hoped to perform the play again at school this term, but there are so many trips out that it has proved impossible to assemble the cast. It is intended to find a date to present ‘The Tempest’ in school later in the Summer Term.

House Drama Daisy Pulls It Off The Demon Headmaster Hot Cakes The Canterbury Tales Rehearsals for the House Drama Festival are well under way – it is a challenge now to find any time and any space when there are no students rehearsing for their production. The performances run from 8 May. A2 Drama and Theatre Studies The Upper Sixth drama group will be performing their play, ‘DNA’ by Dennis Kelly, as part of the National Theatre’s Connections project, at the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton on Thursday 12 April. Tickets are available form their theatre box office and it will be a good experience for the group to perform on a professional stage.

The Lion | Spring 2007

THE THREEPENNY OPERA – NOT ‘EASY’ BUT STILL A SUCCESS

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STRETCHING IT AGAIN...

ISSUE 3 HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND CREATED A LOT OF INTEREST AS ALWAYS. ISSUE 4 IS ALREADY BEING PLANNED AND WE WOULD LIKE QUESTIONS FROM STUDENTS FOR ENGLAND RUGBY INTERNATIONAL AND FORMER STUDENT, SHANE GERAGHTY. PLEASE EMAIL QUESTIONS TO mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk

At the end of last term there were good audience numbers to see The Threepenny Opera in the school theatre At the end of last term there were good audience numbers to see The Threepenny Opera in the school theatre. Not an ‘easy’ piece, but with a clear moral, the play raises many questions, and points an accusing finger at society – both the hypocritical society of Victorian England where the play is set, and the parallel hypocrisies of our modern age. The ensemble opening, with a threatening rendition of Mack the Knife, set the tone, and the chorus of beggars, police and harlots were indeed vital in setting the scene throughout the play. The cast were consistently strong in their performances, and handled the sometimes complex music of Kurt Weill with maturity and style. The band, stashed away in a claustrophobically tiny space off stage, moved the piece along at pace and with talent.

An adapted version of the play, with a smaller

cast and other alterations, will be going to Edinburgh this summer. The venue (Diverse Attractions) is already confirmed, and all other arrangements are falling into place. We will be in Edinburgh from August 12 – 19, and if any of you are in the area during the Fringe Festival, please come and see us.

This will be the 21st consecutive production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, probably unique for any school

GCSE PRIVATE VIEWING WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 5.00pm – 7.00pm MAIN SCHOOL HALL

A LEVEL PRIVATE VIEWING THURSDAY 10 MAY 5.00pm – 7.00pm MAIN SCHOOL

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Bablake School

Bablakeevents All sewn up Last December one of our parents, Mr Clive Hushon, gave a fascinating presentation to the GCSE Textiles pupils on some aspects of his work in the textiles industry, particularly working with denim. His talk finished with a challenge: to design a textiles product in denim for teenagers. The exciting part of this challenge was that the winner would have their product made up for them by Lee Cooper with whom Mr. Hushon works.

The denim projects are now complete and the winner has been chosen, with her design now winging its way over to Tunisia where it will be made up. Watch this space for photographs of the finished item. The winning design was created by Laura Fellows in 4B.

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

LET THERE BE LIGHT On March 2, a group of pupils learning Chinese enjoyed a traditional Chinese tea-making ceremony, together with tasty ‘nibbles’ direct from China to celebrate the Festival of Lanterns. Mrs Chiang, who teaches Mandarin Chinese twice a week, says there has been an increasing interest shown in the subject as people begin to appreciate the advantages and the enjoyment of learning about the language and culture of the world’s fastest-growing economy.

Pupils have learned, for example, about the Chinese New Year, as well as getting to grips with Chinese characters, which they learn alongside Pinyin, a phonetic language which represents the sounds of Chinese in the Roman alphabet. It is hoped that Shell and Second Year pupils will join the new Chinese club which will run on Tuesday lunchtimes, in the Summer Term. Watch out for details in the bulletin!

The School celebrated the end of the Autumn Term with the traditional Bablake carol service at St.John’s Church, Fleet Street. This year, a selection was made of favourite items from the previous twelve years, including a haunting opening in Latin from the Bablake Chamber Choir, very appropriate for the medieval setting of the church, as well as many more modern congregational favourites. The standard of music and reading was very high and there were delightful solo performances in singing, playing and drama.

The Lion | Spring 2007

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TALKING OURSELVES UP Bablake’s debaters and public speakers have made a fine start to the year, progressing in no fewer than four separate competitions

THE SCIENCE OF SUCCESS Bablake successes at Nuffield Science Celebration Day On 9 November seven budding young scientists from Bablake were invited to the Great Hall at Birmingham University to present their Gold CREST (Creativity in Science and Technology) awards. They had received bursaries from the Nuffield Foundation to carry out research in hospitals and universities during their summer holidays.

After putting up posters to illustrate the research project completed last summer, each pupil gave a presentation and was then gently cross-examined by three judges. There were 73 projects from the West Midlands and the competition was tough. The Bablake projects were: Reena Panchal Someit Sidhu Aradhna Sachdev Kiran Desai Helen Price Imran Ahmed Suzie Smith

Clostridium Difficile (a hospital superbug that is very topical) Coronary Stents Release of Adenosine and the Control of Sleep Effectiveness of Eye Protection Against Optical Radiation Effect of Foot Rot on Ewe Productivity Obesity and Type II Diabetes Production of Hydrogen Sulphide from the Heart

Someit’s and Reena’s projects were both judged to be in the top five in the region and Reena was further judged to be the best in the West Midlands. All of the pupils received their much deserved Gold Awards. Overall it was a thoroughly enjoyable day, and the chips in the university canteen were much appreciated. The pupils would like to express their gratitude to the project mentors and the Nuffield Foundation for providing them with such a great opportunity to experience real scientific research so early in their lives.

Anyone who has followed the development of this activity at school over the last three years will recognise many of the names mentioned below, but fresh talent has also emerged in the shape of Lower Sixth debating partners Jamie Stefaniak and Will Chamberlain. They won the first round of the BMI debates in November.

More familiar are the names of Someit Sidhu, Mark McKelvie and Liam Collins-McIntyre. Together they have won local heats of both the BPW and the Rotary Club ‘Youthspeaks’ competition; Bablake has won the latter of these for three years out of four now, and the former for two years out of three.

The boys approach the next rounds – the District Finals – with high hopes: in the last two years they have, in various combinations, come within one place of qualifying for the National finals of both these prestigious competitions.

Someit has also continued to enjoy success with his debating partner, Marco Orsini-Jones. Shortly

before breaking up for the Christmas holidays they defeated three other schools to progress into the next round of the country’s premier schools’ debating competition, the ESU Mace.

Many of our younger public speakers have also performed admirably: Pam Upall, Chris Lamb, Jonathan Smith, Sareena Kainth, Chris Starkey, Frank Sackey and Elizabeth Stefaniak have all represented Bablake. Collectively, they represent a very strong ‘squad’ to carry the school’s debating tradition forward, when some of the ‘old hands’ hang up their cue cards.

Alongside the competitions mentioned above, the lunchtime debating competition has been progressing well. More than thirty pupils have participated in this activity, which takes as its model the format of the ESU Mace, thus nurturing talent to represent the school in future years. The standard has been pleasingly high and at time of writing the competition has reached the semi-final stage.

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Bablake School

Bablakeaction

CAMOUFLAGE CONCEALMENT MOVEMENT Bablake CCF Autumn Camp 2006 For many, the two week October half-term provides a welcome break from the normal buzz of Bablake life

For the Combined Cadet Force, however, it was an opportunity to mobilise the troops and deploy to Gamecock Barracks, Bramcote.

Almost three days in the field gave the cadets a chance to practise a variety of the essential skills required to become a successful CCF cadet, including camouflage and concealment, movement with a weapon, camp craft and patrolling. The camp craft involved learning how to survive in the field and provided an opportunity for many of the new cadets to try army rations for the first time.

The daytime routine consisted of a variety of lessons delivered by both officers and senior cadets, and was conducted entirely in the field,

giving the younger cadets the opportunity to put into practice what they had just learnt. The opportunity came in the form a ‘jungle lane’, which tested the cadets’ patrolling skills, observation and marksmanship. Each member of the contingent, armed with a paintball gun, was tasked with moving through a forest, avoiding trip wires and booby-traps, whilst simultaneously destroying enemy targets and bunker positions.

The evening activities were designed specifically to develop the skills learned earlier, and included Exercise Skeleton Scare and Exercise Ball Drop. Both provided opportunities for the cadets to hone their patrolling and section level tactics in a more realistic arena of operations.

Exercise Skeleton Scare was a much anticipated opportunity for the troops to conduct night time patrols, followed by close target reconnaissance on an unknown enemy. Pulses raced in nervous but excited anticipation as the cadets embarked through the evening chill on a journey into the unknown. Following what seemed like miles of ‘ghost walking’ and ‘leopard crawling’ through forests and under trip wires, the cadets returned to camp triumphant!

The camp taught the cadets many valuable lessons which will assist them in their cadet force careers but most importantly it was wholeheartedly enjoyed by both cadets and officers.

Each member of the with a paintball gun moving through a fo wires and booby-tra

e contingent, armed n, was tasked with forest, avoiding trip aps.

The Lion | Spring 2007

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Bablake School

Charitynews

CHLOE AT WORLD BOOK DAY

THIS YEAR, AS WELL AS RECEIVING BOOK TOKENS, PUPILS ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SHORT STORY COMPETITION ON THE THEME: A DAY IN MY LIFE...

CELEBRATIONS IN THE LIBRARY REACHED THEIR CLIMAX ON MARCH 1 WITH A VISIT FROM CHLOE OF MIDNIGHT STORYTELLERS WHO ENTERTAINED THE SECOND FORM WITH A VARIETY OF STORIES BOTH TRADITIONAL AND NEWLY CREATED. THEY PARTICULARLY APPRECIATED HER DANCING AND HER PERCUSSIVE SKILLS. IN ADDITION THE LIBRARY RAISED £335 FOR BOOK AID INTERNATIONAL WITH CONTRIBUTIONS FROM OUR BOOK FAIR.

Charity News Our main charity for the Autumn Term was Send a Cow. Through weekly collections and many other events we were able to send £3,500.

I hope you will look at the web site info@sendacow.org.uk, to learn about the fantastic work that this charity is doing with the very poorest communities in Africa.

As well as all this action, we were able to support MacMillan Nurses, Children with Leukaemia, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Children in Need and the Air Ambulance.

Locally, our elderly neighbours were treated to a Christmas Party, and the Jesus Centre received gifts of food and drinks.

Thanks go to everyone who gave money, and especially individuals who held extra fundraising activities. Special congratulations go to L6 SCRT who raised £219.53 and 3B who raised £211.87. Tutor groups who raised over £100 were Shell J, 2I, 2P, 2M, 3D, 4F, 5F and L6 AJT.

Charity at Christmas At the beginning of December, pupils started to put together shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Boxes contained small toys, games, pencils, crayons, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and many other items suitable for a child in severe need.

Over 60 boxes were collected by the end of the term, and were gratefully received by Nuneaton Fire Service, who had never had so many boxes from a single organisation before.

Next year, we will be starting earlier, so please keep all those small toys and gifts, hats and gloves and other suitable items – including shoe boxes! We are aiming to more than double the number of boxes sent next year. Many thanks to all who contributed in any way.

Christmas Fayre In December we held our Christmas Fayre, with activities spread across the Junior and Senior schools and well over fifty different stalls. There was no shortage of Christmas gifts to purchase, competitions to enter, tickets to buy or food to consume.

After months of planning and hard work, the Parents’ Association committee members were exhausted but thrilled. There was a sense of excitement and a genuine community atmosphere.

The total raised was £5,142 plus

around £500 to benefit various charities and good causes. This is a magnificent result, and certainly a record for recent years. A huge thank you is due to everyone who attended, donated, served, set-up, cleared away or bought raffle tickets, including all the students who made so many of the activities happen.

Special mention has to be made of Mrs. Surjit Vraitch, who, as an employee of Barclays, registered under their ‘pound for pound’ scheme and therefore added an additional £356 to the total. Thank you Barclays, Raj Khanna Associates and all other prize sponsors. Are there other parents who work for companies running a ‘pound-for pound’ or similar scheme? Perhaps you will let us know.

Just for your diary – our next Christmas Fayre will be on Saturday 1 December 2007.

The Lion | Spring 2007

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Bablakesport Ju Jitsu senior black belt achievement Sam Clarke of 5G recently achieved his Senior Black Belt in Ju Jitsu. Sam has committed over 10 years to the martial art, and he is the only student at Coventry Ju Jitsu Club ever to progress from Junior Black Belt to Senior Black Belt 1st Dan.

1st XV rugby

BOYS’ SPORT Bablake 1st XV The 1st XV completed the season with a determined 10 – 10 draw in atrocious conditions at Shrewsbury School. This completed an excellent term, which has seen superb wins against Leicester Grammar School, King Edward’s, Birmingham and Bromsgrove Development Team.

U13 County Hockey Champions!

The U13 boys’ hockey team produced some fantastic hockey to win the Warwickshire County Championship. The achievement was even more significant as the competition included club sides as well as schools in Warwickshire.

Michael Johnson, Head of Boys’ Hockey said: “The side has worked hard for this competition and I am pleased that they performed so well during the day. They are a very talented group of players and deserve their success”.

Hockey Report A record number of boys have achieved County honours.

U14 Development Squad Ronan Jones, William Hine U14 County Squad William Kenney-Herbert, Alex Popplewell, Oliver White, Declan Jones U15 County Squad Conor Jones, Robin White, Chris Haidar, Saawan Patel, Chris Reynolds, Andy Timms U17 County Peter Sidwell, Matthew Hall U18 County Ben Horn

Coventry Cups Bablake Rugby teams continue to have an excellent season in the Coventry Cups. The U13 team completed a fantastic 15 – 5 win over King Henry’s to reach the final at the Butts Arena. The U14 team beat Woodlands in the final. The U12 and U16 teams are also through to the semi-finals.

U13 hockey

Representative Rugby A number of boys who have been selected to represent Warwickshire and Coventry this term: Warwickshire U15s – Dominic Ainsworth, Harry Gogarty, Max Goodyer, Kai Hartshorn.

U14s – Adan King, Killian Kleine.

Coventry U15s – Kristian Ostrowski, Alex Myers, Daniel Lawrence.

U14s – Rory Moynihan, Lloyd Connell, Alex Newbold, Lutalo Lennox, Ben Stansfield, Chukka Ogbuneke, Sam Jack, Mathew Storey.

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Bablakesport

GIRLS’ SPORT A winter of achievement for Bablake’s girls on the national and international sporting front Individual Achievements Jessica Thompson has been selected for the U19 West Midlands Talent Netball squad to play in a spotlight match against East Midlands Talent squad at Loughborough University.

Rebecca Sewell is also playing some excellent hockey and has been selected to go to Holland at Easter with the U15 Midlands team.

Pippa Collison and Emily McNeice have been selected for the International Children’s Games in Iceland this summer. Pippa is competing in high jump and relay and Emily will be competing in 100m and relay.

Since the last newsletter, more girls have gained county representative honours: U17 hockey Lijana Kaziow, U16 netball Beth Hushon, U14 hockey Beth Evans and U13 hockey Louise Poole.

Bablake Team Achievements All the teams have been working hard and this has enabled Bablake to achieve much success.

Congratulations to the U14 netball team. This team won the Coventry Schools tournament, the Warwickshire/Solihull/Coventry Schools tournament and the West Midlands tournament.

This has given them a place in the U14 National Schools Netball Finals in Bournemouth.

The U16 netball team has also performed well, winning both the Coventry Schools and the Warwickshire/Solihull/Coventry Schools tournaments. This team reached the semi-finals at the West Midlands tournament.

The U16 hockey team played exceptionally well to win the Warwickshire tournament and reached the semi-finals in the Midlands round, where they lost 1-2 to Ecclesbourne, the eventual winners. The U16 indoor team won the Warwickshire tournament, were runners up in the Midlands zone round and enjoyed competing in the indoor Midlands finals at Lilleshall.

Both the U18 netball and hockey teams reached the semi-finals in their county tournaments as did the U14 hockey team.

The U12 hockey team went one stage further in their Warwickshire tournament and finished runners up to Princethorpe.

The U13 hockey team also finished runners up, this time to King’s High in the Bablake Invitation tournament.

The U15 netball team won the Coventry Schools tournament.

Bablake’s first female international junior caps

Rebecca Sewell

Lucy Horn and Holly Payne were members of the U15 Midlands hockey team that won the U15 Regional tournament. At this event they were selected to go to Portugal in the New Year to train with the U16 England squad, followed by training and matches against Ireland during February half term. Through hard work and determination Holly and Lucy have now been selected to play in the 4 Nations in Spain at Easter for the U16 England hockey team. They are the first girls from Bablake School to gain international junior caps. We wish them every success.

U15 netball team

Continuing success for Chris Brooks

U16 hockey team

Chris Brooks continues his dominance in the schoolboy 10 Mile Time Trials to remain the Schoolboy Champion of the Hinckley and Lutterworth region for a second year in a row. His winning time was 1 minute 22 seconds faster than last year. Next year Christopher moves to the Junior Class where he is already over 4 minutes faster than the winner of that Category.

“I also intend to compete in different regions for the 2007 season, to widen my perspective and have a go at the 25 Mile Time Trials, where 1 hour 15 minutes should be achievable,” says Chris.

Pippa Collison and Emily McNeice

The Lion | Spring 2007

Running in the family

CONGRATULATIONS GO TO REENA PANCHAL, WHOSE PROJECT ON HOSPITAL SUPERBUGS WAS JUDGED TO BE THE BEST IN THE WEST MIDLANDS AT THE GOLD CREST AWARDS CEREMONY. JAMES LAMBERT, BABLAKE’S FIRST FIFTH FORMER TO ACHIEVE A GOLD CERTIFICATE IN THE NATIONAL SENIOR MATHS CHALLENGE. MARK MCKELVIE, SOMEIT SIDHU AND LIAM COLLINSMCINTYRE FOR WINNING THE ROTARY CLUB YOUTHSPEAKS COMPETITION. BABLAKE HAVE BEEN COVENTRY CHAMPIONS FOR THREE OF THE LAST FOUR YEARS. PAUL AND MARK BEST, FOR RECEIVING CRICKET AWARDS FROM WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB. OLD BOY, JONNY THOMPSON, ON BEING SELECTED TO PLAY FOR CAMBRIDGE AGAINST OXFORD IN RUGBY LEAGUE. NADINE MINTY, WHO ACHIEVED A DISTINCTION IN HER GRADE 8 PIANO EXAM, WHICH IS MADE EVEN MORE OUTSTANDING AS SHE IS ONLY IN THE FOURTH FORM. MATTHEW WEEDEN, IN THE SIXTH FORM ON PASSING HIS GRADE 8 PIANO AND CHRIS WALTERS WHO ACHIEVED A MERIT IN HIS GRADE 8 FLUTE EXAM.

The Horn children have gained a hat-full of representative honours showing that sporting excellence runs in their family. Ben, the oldest, is Bablake 1st XI hockey captain and has represented Warwickshire hockey at all age groups.

Lucy has gained a place on the U16 England hockey team. Georgia plays county hockey and is a member of the county netball squad. She has also attended an England Talent Netball camp. Jessica, the youngest, who joined Bablake senior school this year, is already showing her potential and is playing county hockey as well as being involved in the Midlands development squad.

SIMONE WILLIS WHO GAINED A PLACE IN THE CBSO YOUTH ORCHESTRA. SOMEIT SIDHU, BECKY HEALEY, MALCOLM THOMAS AND JODIE-LEIGH ANGUS ON REACHING THE FINALS OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND/TIMES INTEREST RATE CHALLENGE (TARGET TWENTY TWO POINT ZERO).

By permission of Ben Duffy

Shane’s a star CONGRATULATIONS TO SHANE GERAGHTY (LEFT 2001) WHO HAD HIS FIRST TASTE OF SENIOR LEVEL INTERNATIONAL RUGBY AGAINST FRANCE. COMING ON AS A SECOND HALF REPLACEMENT, HE KICKED A CONVERSION AND A PENALTY, AND HIS INVENTIVE PLAY AND ONE STUNNING 60 YARD BREAK HELPED ENGLAND TO A MORALE-BOOSTING VICTORY. THIS PERFORMANCE BROUGHT AN INTERVIEW ON BBC 1 AFTER THE GAME AND A PHOTO, THE MORNING AFTER, ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THE TIMES!

Crackshot Josh Joshua Baines won the Hinckley District Air Rifle Competition for the second year running. Joshua only dropped 2 points with his 25 shots giving him a score of 98. This score puts him in the top 1% of shooters in the country for the U16 age group. Joshua will now go forward and shoot in the National Finals to be held at Bisley in October.

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Bablake School

Bablakeupdate HEADMASTER’S NOTES

STAFF NEWS & ACADEMIC NOTES

Spring is very much in the air, and we are beginning to enjoy longer, brighter days. However, as you have read in this edition of The Lion, Winter has by no means diminished the endeavour of Bablake pupils and staff. Much has been achieved, both by individuals and by teams; I congratulate them all, for they have harvested the fruits of their efforts. As we work through the final stages of the admissions process for September, I am reminded that a place at Bablake is, for many children, a dream come true. Our pupils are fortunate to enjoy a privileged education, and the best organised and most enthusiastic live their school days to the full. Others perhaps need a little more encouragement, so please support your children in their choice of extra-curricular activities. Each and every individual has something to contribute, in diverse ways. Some represent the school by playing in teams, or in other competitions, such as subject-related ‘challenges’ or public speaking or debating. However, all have the opportunity to participate in a variety of house events, including Scrabble, quizzes, sports and drama. Charity fundraising also allows Forms or Tutor Groups to use their imagination, as they devise ways in which to support those less fortunate than themselves.

The Spring Term is a time of intensive study for those preparing for public examinations. They should derive full benefit from study skills advice, workshops and extension classes. Motivation must come from within, so that pupils can emerge from their examinations with the feeling that, whatever the outcome, they have done their very best. We wish them understanding and good recollection as they rise to the challenges of the final few weeks. May they work steadfastly and cheerfully towards their goals; staff will support and guide them.

Congratulations to all those who arrived at school on time during the snow just prior to half-term. Some, I know, had impossible journeys, but those at school thoroughly enjoyed an organised snowball fight at lunchtime; they had tremendous fun with their friends. The qualities of friendship, mutual support, respect for others and considerate behaviour, both in and outside the classroom, are to be highly valued.

I wish you all a bright and happy Easter.

John Lawrence, our Archivist and erstwhile Head of Science and Bablake pupil, died tragically after a very short illness in January. A tribute appears below.

In December, we bade farewell to Mrs Janet Critchley, who worked in the School Office since 1992. She enjoyed a long association with Bablake, as both her children attended the school. She has been replaced by Mrs Anne Gough. Miss Zoe Allen, our Reprographics Technician, has also left us, to take up a post at OCR in Coventry. Miss Allen was both calm and efficient, and her design flair enhanced many of the school’s publications. She will be replaced next month by Mrs Tracy Mair.

The following appointments have been made for September: Mrs Helen Skilton, Head of History. Mrs Skilton studied Modern History at Oxford, before qualifying as a solicitor. She retrained as a teacher in 1997, and is currently Second in the History Department and i/c Law at St Ignatius College, Enfield.

Mr Shoyeb Memon, Mathematics. Mr Memon studied Mathematics and Computer Science at Aston University. He worked at IBM in Winchester, before beginning his teaching career at Lutterworth Grammar School. He is a qualified table-tennis coach.

Mrs Lisa French, Mathematics. Mrs French studied Mathematics at Exeter University, and is currently teaching at Arnold Lodge in Leamington Spa. Prior to this, she was Maths Innovator at Bilton High School, where she also acted as Assistant Head of Department.

Miss Jayne Simmons, Physics. Miss Simmons is an ex-Bablake pupil, who has a Master’s degree in Chemical Physics and Industrial Experience from Bristol University. She is currently studying for her PGCE at Warwick.

Mr John Pease, English with Drama. Mr Pease is a graduate of Manchester University, where he took a Combined Studies degree in English and French. He has subsequently gained a PGCE in English and Drama from Warwick University, and is teaching at Royds Hall High School in Huddersfield. He will make a significant contribution to drama productions.

Mrs Carol Davey, Home Economics. Mrs Davey is currently responsible for Food Technology at King Edward VI Five Ways in Birmingham, where she has also been Assistant Head of Sixth Form.

She is a graduate of Oxford Polytechnic, where she studied Food and Nutrition/Biology.

The following are internal appointments: Mrs Sarah Harris, Director of Marketing and Admissions. This is a new and very important Senior Management post. Mrs Dianne Surgey, Head of Home Economics. Mr Julian Bunce, full-time Classics.

John Watson, Headmaster

JOHN LAWRENCE John or JRL as he appeared on the school timetable, grew up in Coundon, attended Moseley Junior School and then transferred to Bablake.

After Bablake, John studied Chemistry at Imperial College London but in 1958 he returned to Bablake as a Chemistry teacher. He quickly became involved with the Film Society, the Railway Society and the National Trust Group. In time he held the positions of Head of Chemistry, Head of Science, Head of Wheatley House and Examinations Secretary, whilst supporting school plays, concerts, carol services, re-union dinners, geography and biology trips and, of course, aspects of the Bablake Reunited site.

John was absolutely dedicated to Bablake. He was kind, thoughtful, reliable, engaging and a tremendous inspiration to many. We miss him greatly and our thoughts are with his wife, Vivien, and his family.

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