The Wheatleyan 2008-9

www.bablake.com

Celebrating 2008/09

Issue 195 | ISSN 1759-0302

inthisissue

Highlights ‘Visitors to Bablake will frequently comment on their strong sense of a warm and vibrant community, and this initial and striking impression is amply reflected in the pages which follow. Each of our young people is different, but it is their diverse gifts which, nurtured and shared, bring such a dazzling richness to the life of the School. Children who are happy and inspired achieve great things – both in the classroom and beyond. They all have this potential, and I am sure they will never cease to amaze me!’ john watson, headmaster

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News & features

Headmaster’s annual review 5 Prize winners 7 Achievements 8 Beyond Bablake 9 Alumna Focus 16

Beyond the classroom 10 D of E moments 18 Charity support 19 House activities 2008/9 20 Extra-curricular snapshot 22 Business activities 23

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Flair

Jonathan Smith Former Students Ami Shirley Former Students Nadine Minty Advertising and Distribution Roya Ziaie Advertising and Distribution George Skalka Technical Wiz Design Mustard Design www.mustardhot.com Print Windrush Group Contributors Thanks especially for the photography to Abhimanyu Bhose, Paul Cleaver, Coventry Telegraph, Carol Davey, Rob Dougall, Paul Hollingsworth, Sue Smith and the PE department, Chris West, Mark Woodward and many more.

Front cover photograph ‘The Public Speakers’

by Mark Woodward

Bablake School, founded in 1344, is a school within the Coventry School Foundation (registered charity No 528961) and exists to provide quality selective education for boys and girls. The senior school of around 850 pupils shares the site with the junior school of some 190 pupils. A language study centre at Le Fousseau, an 18th century manor house near Fougères in northern France, is used by pupils of the Foundation schools. King Henry VIII School founded in 1545 and Cheshunt School founded in 1909 are also part of the Foundation.

Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU t+44 (0)24 7627 1200 f+44 (0)24 7627 1293 einfo@bablake.coventry.sch.uk

Printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

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Performing arts

West Side Story 34 Drama 35 A date with Melissa 36 Finale 38

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Sport

Netball nationals 40 Varsity hockey 41 Sports galleries 42

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Former pupils

www.bablake.com

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Watching the creatives 26 Art & Design 28 The Bablake Sessions 29 Photography 30 Stretch 6 31

Student Editorial Team Abhimanyu Bose (Editor) News and Features Nadine Naguib News and Features Emily Brett Beyond the Classroom Jayson Parmar Beyond the Classroom Harriet Carter Flair Jess Elliott Flair Clare Jepson Flair Paramjit Uppal Flair Marie Low Performing Arts Devan Pankhania Performing Arts Elliot Bates Sport Emily Burns Sport

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Obituaries 45 Bablake Memorial Garden 46 Major John Maddison 48 Last word 50

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news& features

Edited by abhimanyu bose and nadine naguib A Word from the Editor “If you look around every corner of Bablake, you come across talents from a vast variety of backgrounds embodied by the very students who have walked through its corridors. Bablake never ceases to celebrate the success of its students, through the countless achievements that have been attained over the demanding school year.

Once again, The Wheatleyan aims to recapture these memorable moments in this year’s more pictorial issue. Through our editorial team, we hope you all can experience the excitement of another eventful year and be inspired to advertise and make use of the wonderful opportunities that are accessible here at Bablake.”

Abhimanyu Bose, Student Editor New Kids in Town “Many would agree it’s never nice being the new one, the one everyone is eager to judge. I disagree since when I joined Bablake 6th Form as a ‘new kid in town’, it was a lot warmer than I could have anticipated.

I was nervous, of course – who wouldn’t be? First anythings – schools, jobs, dates – are never straightforward. My first day passed without a single unfortunate occurrence and smoothing the path of a ‘new kid’ like myself was helped by the presence of six others also joining the Sixth Form. But any relief at the discovery of companionship soon gave way to doubts: the seven of us would have to make a dent in a year of over one hundred... even those of us not proficient at mathematics could see the odds were not in our favour.

We were slightly daunted, put in separate forms completely spread out across the school. It did not take us long to discover that the reasoning behind this was part of tested Bablake logic... to allow us to mix with those veteran pupils who wanted nothing more than to welcome the new kids into town.

That rowdy clamour known nationwide as a 6th Form Common Room was certainly loud, but jovially so. And our first days mirrored our first year. It’s hard to accept now that I myself am not one of those ‘veterans’ who learnt to toddle in Bablake’s halls.

All the new kids splashed out: as a valued member of Bablake’s rugby team, with lead roles in the school’s production of West Side Story, winning ‘Bablake’s Got Talent’, being chosen for the Engineering Education Scheme that resulted in a Gold CREST Award, being part of Bablake’s ‘Shares for Schools’ team, which came fifth nationally… and as for me? This article is hopefully evidence enough.”

Nadine Naguib, Assistant Editor

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Highlights Headmaster’s annual review 5 Prize winners 7 Achievements 8 Beyond Bablake 9 Alumna Focus 16

Bablake Prize Giving for 2008/09 Headmaster’s annual review A glance at the highlights from the Headmaster’s Annual Review at Prize Giving. Mr John Watson celebrates achievements and enrichment We’ve become all too used to the annual media tirade (although not, I’m sure, on BBC News) about declining standards, grade inflation and inadequate teaching. I’ve no doubts that the work itself in some subjects is actually more challenging than in the past. In no way should we detract from our young people’s achievements, when their accolades have been earned through perspiration as well as inspiration; and nor should we detract from the support and commitment of their teachers. We shall continue at Bablake to offer a range of options which appeals to diverse aspirations and aptitudes, but which nevertheless maintains the academic rigour so necessary for entry into the top universities.

At the same time, it’s vital that we retain the spark and creativity beyond the examination syllabus. That’s why, for example, the Shells went to the Black Country Museum in June, and returned to school to work in several subjects on what they had learned that day: from Victorian recipes and toys in Home Economics and Design, to an interactive map in ICT, to foreign language advertisements and a study of child labour in History, English and PSHCE. That’s why we’ve reviewed the General Studies programme in the U6th, and replaced it with a non-examined Enrichment Programme.

It’s also why we have enhanced our Gifted and Talented Programme, and have introduced the Extended Project alongside the challenging Crest Awards to stretch

our brightest pupils in the 6th Form. It’s why we continue to encourage a variety of learning and teaching strategies as we share imaginative ideas amongst the staff.

The fulfilment of education isn’t actually in league tables, but in the development of human potential and the encouragement of personal growth. Last year’s U6 will return to school in December for their own graduation evening, and, as a staff, we really look forward to that, and not purely because it will mean it’s almost the end of term! No two year groups are the same, and we, as much as they, find it hard to say farewell.

Not only do our leavers tend to emerge with tremendous exam results, but they are also fabulous young people, who leave us with a sense of optimism and with a generosity of spirit.

I wanted to thank you as parents for your support of the school, and for the very considerable financial sacrifice which that often entails. Our aim remains to give your children the best possible start in life, and that’s why we continue to review and refine what we do. I again invite you to be part of the consultation process as we continue together to shape a bright future for the school and for your children. And it is at this stage that I wish to extend my thanks to our Parents’ Association for all their support, and to the governors of the school for their advice, as well as their commitment of energy, time and expertise.’

The full speech can be found online at www.bablake.com/headmasters_notes.php

‘Not only do our leavers tend to emerge with tremendous exam results, but they are also fabulous young people...’

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prizewinners

Martine Croxall’s reply

Prize Winners

Praised by Headmaster Martin Barker, for her ‘intellectual strength and personal presence’ and by the late Joe Rolfe for ‘never lacking animated conversation’, BBC newsreader Martine Croxall, a University of Leeds Geography graduate, said:

The most prestigious of over 200 individual prize-winners this year included:

‘A broad Bablake education comes in useful all the time’ It’s an honour to be back among so many friends again to recognise your effort, your application, your achievements. That it’s me standing here speaking to you tonight rather than one of my more academically gifted peers is quite a wonder to me. When I first came to Bablake, I was the girl who would blush crimson if I had to speak in class, even though I was burning to answer questions. But my parents had chosen the right school for me, one that had seen my potential, nurtured it and my confidence grew. I now present television news programmes to millions of people around the world without a trace of embarrassment.

I’m not sure whether we realise at the time how fortunate we are to be at Bablake. If we want to learn and are prepared to apply ourselves, then our committed teachers will share their enthusiasm and give us all the support we need, whatever the subject. I was inspired

by Mr. Rhodes and his printed sheets, eagerly describing ‘irrigation for onions in the Vale of Evesham’. Mr. Long, the then Head of Classics and my form master for four years, somehow managed to make declining Latin nouns and conjugating Latin verbs fun. Mr. Prescott coaxed us through to the final of a drama competition with a play called ‘Hero’ we’d devised ourselves. Mr. Barker invited me to read in front of full assembly, even though it terrified me. Mrs. Thomas spent hours with her tape measure, encouraging me to jump further into a sand pit and to Fosbury Flop higher over a bar onto a crash mat. This is how they nurture us.

I am not pretending that we don’t have difficult times at Bablake – after all, we are teenagers while we’re here and those years are hormone-ridden, if not angst-ridden.

But it’s a time and a place where we can decide on the kind of person we want to be, on how we want to face the world. I’m not one of those people who can say, ‘Oh, I knew I wanted to be a newsreader when I was an embryo.’

But there’s no rush – you have more time than you realise.

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I took advantage of the countless opportunities Bablake put my way to find out what really suited me: I’m so glad I kept an open mind.

I can pinpoint one of the moments that helped me decide who I wanted to be. Mr. Jackson had set us a 3rd year weather map test – I got completely lost and was bottom of the class. I didn’t like that feeling of failure and humiliation. I was determined it wasn’t going to happen again. The next week, I really applied myself. My book got passed round the class – this time because it was so good.

That feeling I did enjoy.

Thankfully, Bablake still rewards talent and excellence. So congratulations to everyone who’s received an award – here it really does count for something. It’s heartening that even at such an academic school, you can win a prize for outstanding service or for sporting ability.

There’s room while you’re here to be part of a team and to stand out from the crowd.

I could have earned more money in other careers but I’m very lucky to be paid to do a job I enjoy as much now as I did when I started in broadcasting 18 years ago – it rarely feels like a chore to go to work, even if the hours can be horribly anti-social. Every day is different. I interview opinion-formers all over the world on every subject under the sun. A broad Bablake education comes in useful all the time.

Novelist Stephen King said, ‘Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.’ I’ll vouch for that. It hasn’t always been easy. I started at the bottom, the days were long, the pay lousy. But if you want something badly enough, you’ll persevere. I’ve been told by more than one boss that I couldn’t do certain jobs. What nonsense! I’d thank them for their advice, ignore their negativity and go on to prove them wrong. I still love learning new things for the sake of it, so enjoy your time at Bablake – I wish I could have mine again. Be bold. Make your mark!

Shell Scholars 2009 – 10

6th Form Scholarships

Academic Scholars Thomas Betts, Madison Cotteret, Mej Farid, Ruby Griffin, Jake Morton, Ananya Nair, Manvir Thandi

Academic: Isobel Ferguson, Aaren Healy, Amelia Ross, Christopher Starkey, Oliver White Elizabeth Allen: Rosie Gaunt, Oliver Towlson Whitehouse: Daniel Richards, Katie Timms Music: Emily Chomitzki, Jonathan Evans, Matthew Lewis, Samuel Lewis Sport: Alice O’Connor, Alexander Popplewell

Art Scholar Emily White Music Scholars Roisin Bowe, Benjamin Powell, Christopher Tuttle

William Townsend Form Prizes Shells Attainment: Francesca Bellingeri, Brogan CoulsonHaggins, Connor Putnam, Danujan Sivanesan, Alexander Towlson Progress: Jake Dolphin, Blake Hatfield, Hayley Smith, Robert Tuckey, Rebecca Williamson 2nds Attainment: Ellie Davies, Tina Feng, Aaran Patel, Kalika Puri, Joshua Rowe Progress Kathryn Jones, Kara Dosanj, Harry Pashley, Makhan Bhinder, Adam Clements 3rds Attainment: Marlena Cummings, Chandni Patel, Georgia Powell, Jennifer Scoular, Maneesha Sehgal Progress Benjamin Evans, Craig Easton, Robbie Gibbens, Eleanor Morris, Rebecca Taylor 4ths Attainment: Anuriti Aojula, Bethany Evans, Kurt Ibberson, William Kenney-Herbert, Nicola McIntyre, Georgina Poyda-Williams, Robert Vallance Progress: Jonine Bains, Sophie Bullen, Hannah Elsy, Kimberly Jamison, Hannah Johnson, Ryan Kent, Daniel Riley 5ths Attainment: Georgina Haselock Excellence at GCSE: Jay Brahach, Luke Briggs, Lauren Deeth-Kelt, David Dwyer, Shannon Easterlow, Rees Herrod

Lane Scholarships awarded to L6th Formers for outstanding academic achievement: Jim Chen, Tom Chen, Martyn Gray, Daniel Lawrence, Daisy Twigger, James Vallance The J V Rattigan Cup for Merit: Paramjit Uppal The Jackson Progress Prize: Holly Payne The Leonard Ward Trophy for Sportswoman of the Year: Lauren Boon The Seabourne Trophy for Sportsman of the Year: Paul Best Best Contribution to the School by students new to the 6th Form: Sunera Nawab The Chris Ashworth Trophy (Outstanding Achievement): Thomas Hine Former Pupils’ Association Prize for Merit: Matthew Drage, Faith Hannon, Katherine Hull, Victoria Martin The H Curt Prize for Service: Ira Kleine The Hawley Cup for Service: Lara Jackson The Humberstone Prize for Character and Scholarship: James Ross This prize is awarded each year by the Trustees of the Humberstone Memorial on the recommendation of the school staff, in memory of F W Humberstone, Headmaster of Bablake School 1870 – 1890. bablake school

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achievements

finaldestinations

Achievements

Beyond Bablake >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Comments on some notable achievements from Bablake pupils over the year ‘Academic prizes again abounded, ranging from Maths Challenge awards, to Crest Awards for in-depth scientific research, to another Arkwright Scholarship for Design Technology (this year to Luke Briggs), to success in the English Speaking Union and the Model United Nations.

James Ross won first prize in the European Cicero Competition for his Latin translation. A group of 5th Formers won the Coventry Heritage Challenge, and a team of L6th Formers was placed 5th nationally in the Shares4Schools competition. Starting with £1500 worth of shares in October 2008, they bucked the trend in the depth of recession, ending up after nine months with a profit of £750. Some 4th Formers entered the UK Memory Championships, with striking success achieved by Eva Ball (1st nationally), Tom Calderbank (10th) and Beth Evans (regional winner). You may have seen Eva on Midlands Today, as she went on to compete in London at the UK Open Memory Championships against adult champions from many different countries. She achieved a staggering two Silver medals and one Gold. She even beat the world champion in the Names and Faces round, and was invited to compete in the World Championships. If only I had her gift as I try to remember the names of all our pupils and parents!’

Mr John Watson, Headmaster, ‘Seven Bablake pupils took part in a two week enterprise course, a Future Leaders programme, run by The Progressive Educational Tools Learning company. Over the two weeks, we were given the chance to develop skills such as leadership and our problem solving abilities. Some of the challenges included fundraising and organising an event at the Herbert Art Gallery. We gained a real insight into the world of business.’

Alex Clarke Congratulations to: Anshu Sachdev who received 1 of 2 national awards after her project was judged the best in the West Midlands at the Gold Crest awards ceremony.

Simon Archer, Michael Goldfinch, Kyle Gurney, Lijana Kaziow, James Lambert and James Ross: Senior Maths Challenge Gold award winners.

Paramjit Uppal and Daniel Lawrence: school captains for 2009 – 10.

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Once again our U6th pupils are embarking upon an impressive array of courses at first-rate establishments...

UK Universities

‘We gained a real insight into the world of business.’

7 Leicester 6 Birmingham 5 Bath, Nottingham 4 Exeter, Leeds, Loughborough, Manchester 3 Cambridge, Cardiff, Oxford, Sheffield, University College London, Warwick, Birmingham City University, Coventry, Imperial, Keele, York 1 Aberystwyth, Bedford College, Bristol, Durham, University of Gloucestershire, Goldsmith’s College London, King’s College London, Lancaster, Leeds College of Art, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Newcastle, Nottingham Trent, Oxford Brookes, Queen Mary College London, Reading, Royal Holloway, St Martin’s College London, University of West England

Degree Disciplines Health & Social Sciences – 22 6 Medicine 3 Biology (inc Human 1) 3 Biomedicine 3 Psychology (inc Neuroscience 1) 2 Natural Sciences 1 Dentistry 1 Medical Genetics 1 Mental Health Nursing 1 Optometry 1 Pharmacy Business Related – 20 10 Economics (inc Finance 5, Law 2, Politics 1) 4 Accounting & Finance 4 Management (inc International & German 1) 2 Marketing (inc Design & Communication 1) Science, Engineering, Environment & ICT – 19 7 Engineering (inc Mechanical 3, Chemical 1, Mining 1) 4 Mathematics 2 Geology 2 Physics 1 Chemistry 1 Design with Engineering Materials 1 Geophysical Sciences 1 Real Estate Creative Arts and Languages – 17 8 English (inc Drama 1, French 2, French Studies 1) 2 Architecture 2 Foundation Art 1 Creative Advertising 1 Dance & Professional Practice 1 French with Japanese 1 Games Technology 1 Performing Arts Humanities – 6 2 Geography 2 Law 1 Classics & French 1 Theology & Religious Studies Sports – 3 2 Sport (inc Exercise Sciences 1) 1 PE Addendum 31 pupils took advantage of a gap year and 1 is studying Medicine in the US. bablake school

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staffnews

staffnews

Valete

all the peaks of the Lake District will direct his retirement!

His dry sense of humour, infectious laugh, calm and balanced approach and sense of perspective were all much appreciated by staff and pupils. He had the ability to couple honest appraisal with measured support which enabled his tutees to face the challenges that lie ahead, both academically and pastorally.

We sincerely wish him a long, happy and fulfilling retirement with his wife Chris. That ‘tableau’ in China will remain long in the memory, Emperor! It was a privilege to work with you.

Mr Bernard ‘Bernie’ Sutton ‘The Man’ by Mr Mark Woodward

Mr Derek Faulkner

by Mrs Gill Thomas

When appointed in January 1983 as Head of Economics, Warwick School’s loss was definitely Bablake’s gain.

Derek sought to raise the profile of Economics at A level and develop the department both inside and outside the classroom. He also brought a new perspective and dimension to the Staff Common Room. As a dedicated schoolmaster, Derek offered more than excellent teaching in Economics; he taught Junior Mathematics, became an exemplary 6th form tutor, kind, caring and approachable, and contributed significantly to the extra-curricular programme throughout his 26 years at Bablake. His greatest joy was the opportunity to stimulate and challenge so many young, inquisitive minds.

In 1992 Derek was appointed acting Head of 6th Form, a role he was to adopt permanently from 1996 until 2000.

In this capacity and as a member of SMT his common sense and analytical approach were matched by his desire to ensure decisions were always made in the best interests of the pupils, whose challenging minds he felt privileged to be near. He had a firm grasp of the present but kept an eye on future education initiatives, with a vision of how these might need to be responded to. In 2000 he relinquished Head of 6th Form to focus again on the Economics and Business Studies Department and continued to encourage pupils to have an awareness of global perspectives, organising trips to New York, Peru and China.

Under his leadership, numbers for Economics grew considerably and impressive results led to increased interest and a self-perpetuating cycle of success. In 1992 he introduced Business Studies at A level and this appealed to a wider range of pupils. Numbers rapidly increased with excellent results. Derek’s direct, positive teaching had considerable classroom impact and his primary objective was always to ensure each student achieved his or her potential whether the aim was Oxbridge or to maximise the predicted grade.

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‘He had a profound impact on my school life. He commanded the appropriate respect, but once under his tutelage, the soft centre quickly became evident.’

Rachel Mitchell (née Copper) ‘Derek did not just teach the subject, he encouraged critical thinking and discussion and these are invaluable skills that have driven so many of his students onto success.’

Chris Harding Always looking to stimulate and challenge those he taught, he encouraged pupils to take on extension competitions. In 2006/7 a Bablake team achieved remarkable success gaining a place in the National Bank of England/The Times Target Two Point Zero Final from an original field of 265 schools.

Derek generously always gave time outside school hours to teach and to encourage. Pupils responded positively and this was reflected, not only in terms of results, but in their love of the subject. In his final year more students went on to study Economics and Business Studies related subjects at university than any other discipline.

Highly respected by pupils and staff, Derek ran the U15 XV until 1990 and supported the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Assessment trip to North Wales on many occasions right up until his retirement. He assumed responsibility for the golf option on Wednesday games, taking a senior team to the National Schools Competition. Never wishing to see the pupils disadvantaged, he also oversaw 6th Form football when need arose.

Derek was keen to play bridge and organise tennis evenings for the staff. He took on the role of Chair of the Common Room representing the staff and providing a valuable link between the staff and the Headmaster.

Derek’s clear thinking and balanced approach was much appreciated by both parties. In the Common Room his affinity with the Lake District was a frequent topic, shared with other staff. His love of walking and desire to conquer

Yes, it seems every concert started with Bernie’s respectful entrance and soon after, his swift exit to find the necessary ‘score’ then, later in full view of the audience, his eyes would be closed appreciating the music. Wipe away the veneer of eccentricity and forgetfulness, which a trail of minibus keys across Europe proves, and there was a sturdy man of culture, great humour, undying humility and excellent spirit – a character you could happily spend many hours with socially and never tire of. A musician of the highest calibre, also a cricketer of county standard still keeping wicket for the staff well into his 50s, an imperious and elegant batsman, adroit hockey player… Bernie will be most missed as the calm amid an educational storm.

‘The Colleague’ by Mrs Patricia Tatum

Bernard Sutton was appointed as Director of Music straight from university in 1972.

In anyone’s estimation 37 years is, without doubt, no mean feat and quite unusual now. It shows his loyalty and commitment to this very special institution. We can safely say he is a legend in this school and obviously highly admired and appreciated by many of his past pupils who came so willingly and enthusiastically to his retirement concert from far and wide to make it a very special occasion for everyone but in particular for Bernard who was instrumental in awakening their passion for music.

As a young 20 something I wonder whether Bernard realised how his life would be mapped out and shaped by his career as Head of Music at Bablake. He has evidently been happy in his job and not many teachers can say that they have taught under four different headmasters during their teaching career, but Bernard has done just that with an equanimity that is legendary. It has been my privilege and pleasure to have worked with Bernard for 18 years now and during that time I think I have come to know him pretty well.

Music, along with cricket, is his passion and that passion has been constantly conveyed through his skills as a first rate pianist, clarinettist and singer. He has impressed all with his skills of improvisation, his ability to compose and arrange fluently (even whilst listening to the test match), his wealth of knowledge and his calm demeanour coupled with gentle, positive encouragement.

Bernard does not do ‘worry’; he is the ultimate smooth, laid back musician who seemingly effortlessly displays

this wealth of talent that constantly amazes and entertains. Bernard doesn’t do worry because, as I am sure he will admit, I do it for him! The organisational and administrative side of being Head of Music are aspects I feel sure he will not miss and I rather think that our relationship is like a marriage. I fill in all the things he doesn’t do and he fills in all the things I can’t do. Hopefully we have made a good team!

His ways and foibles are the stuff of legends. Only Bernard can fall asleep at the back of a bus whilst mayhem is going on around him or be ready to start a concert and realise that the key to the piano is still at home. Lost music is a regular occurrence but then Bernard can manage without. We have lost music in Leipzig, keys to the minibus in Prague; I have been stranded on the top of a hill when the minibus ran out of petrol in Ernée, u-turns have been miraculously undertaken when Bernard realised half way to Disneyworld Paris that he had come without the tickets. Even ‘ladies of the night’ on the road to Prague have been accosted by Bernard for directions to the city. Oh and then there was that time he left Sue behind in Fousseau and what about the gate there… it did not seem quite wide enough for the minibus. There was also that keyboard covered in a wooden case that looked to everyone like a coffin and incurred excess baggage on the way to Budapest. I have picked up his credit card left in a garage in Prague, shouted in vain as he backed the minibus into an unsuspecting car but… Bernard sails through all these hiccups with that endearing quality that is peculiarly his.

His genuine kindness and warmth shine through; Bernard is one of those few people who would drop everything to help you in any circumstance, with never a trace of self gratification and that is a very rare trait. Like all good musicians before him, Bernard will never retire from music, it is, and always will be, an integral and focal part of his life. Have a very happy and restful retirement Bernard – you certainly deserve it.

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staffnews Miss Caroline Hall

by Mr Mike Masters

Caroline Hall leaves to take up a post at Barnard Castle School, nearer to her roots. She made a very significant contribution to the lives of pupils at Bablake during her nine years, not only as a Biology teacher and Shell Form tutor, but also as Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator, Contingent Commander of a thriving CCF and Head of Wheatley House. As someone passed comment, ‘I’m really sorry to see ‘Cazza’ leaving, the place just won’t be the same without her, but it has certainly ‘freed up’ lots of jobs for other people!’

It’s hard to remember Bablake without her, such has been her impact in so many areas. She arrived as a young, enthusiastic, optimistic, fresh faced NQT in September 2000, after a degree at Lancaster and then a PGCE at Warwick. We soon saw she was no stereotypical Northerner; she didn’t wear a flat cap, and despite the odd ‘look’, ‘book’ and ‘rite’, we could mostly understand what she said.

She very quickly established herself as a key member of the D of E team and, until very recently, coordinated bronze, silver and gold awards, overseeing a huge increase in popularity of the schemes. She rarely, if ever, missed any of the six yearly expeditions and brought a unique mix of superb organisation and hard work, along with a bit of superstition! I’m sure many of us remember ‘lucky chicken’ and even ‘road kill Ted’ that no D of E expedition or CCF camp could be without, if good weather was to be ensured!

She was a founder member of Bablake’s Combined Cadet Force, having been a keen cadet at School, a member of Lancaster University Officer Training Corps, and a member of the local TA and Special Constabulary.

She took over the CCF, rose to the rank of Major, was invited to attend a Royal garden party at the Palace and then act as the Duke of Edinburgh’s equerry in chief and

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staffnews help him present Gold D of E certificates.

Those of us who have toured with Caroline have, no doubt, shared some wonderful experiences- army billets, block houses, tents, minibuses, caravans, log cabins, youth hostels, the ‘horse stalls’ at Bisley, the luxury of ‘B and Bs’, her sleepwalking and even sitting in the girls’ loos on a freezing farm campsite in Shropshire trying to keep warm whilst marking Biology coursework.

She has been a staunch supporter of the House system and being Head of Wheatley has been the post she has relished most, not just for the free bacon and mushroom ‘toastie’ – ‘two crusts, no butter’– on a Friday morning!

As a keen horsewoman, competing at club level in show jumping, dressage and cross-country, she started the Bablake equestrian club. Owning her own horse she still was in school by 6.45 am or even earlier. In her limited spare time she enjoys distance running and can also never be found wanting for a night out with friends – clubbing and socialising.

Teaching and her pupils remain her priority. She has been devoted to Bablake, is undoubtedly one of the most professional, organised, hardworking and inspirational teachers I have ever known and her pupils love her! She has her lessons planned for the year ahead and spends hours adding that extra ‘zing’ to her teaching which can only be described as exemplary. She has the great knack of explaining complicated concepts in ways pupils readily understand.

The offer from Barnard Castle- a school near ‘home’ that her brothers had been to- was too good to turn down. She immediately liked the place, its warm, supportive and friendly atmosphere, free meals and lodgings with no heating bills!

She will find her new position more relaxing although we’ll spare her a thought teaching on Saturday mornings!

We’ll remember Caroline being first off the coach and beating all the pupils to the first ride at Alton Towers, eating Braeburn apples in their entirety, being boundless fun and someone you can rely on to say ‘yes’. Caroline will be sorely missed as a highly valued colleague and friend, with an immediate knowledge of all the school gossip, but we are sure it is the right move for her and look forward to hearing of her new successes and adventures. It has been a privilege to know her!

Mr Craig Wiles

by Mr Chris West

Craig only spent a year at Bablake but we were all privileged to see the beginning of what promises to be a committed, creative and stimulating career. He was quick to understand and recognise the basics of the subject whether introducing work to the Shells or making demands on examination groups to challenge themselves and produce work which many thought not possible of themselves. His 6th form group’s coursework showed originality and quality not seen before and reflected Craig’s background in furniture design at university.

Beyond the workshop Craig soon became known for

his fundraising exploits and in particular his support of Barnardo’s, for whom he completed the London Marathon.

His creativity encouraging pupils to raise money was never quite matched by his ability to count it as quickly as it came in and there was often the sound of clinking coins at lunch and break times as he played the role of banker.

He also took on a role in the CCF and his responsibilities as form tutor revealed his caring, considerate nature. As colleagues, we also saw his fun side and his exploits at social events became the stuff of legends. The positive impact he had on the department will be long lasting and we wish him well as he moves on to take up Head of Department responsibilities at his old school.

at working with us all in an educational setting and, whatever her future career path, she will be welcomed with open arms by any employer In the meantime she will be equally content settling into the new home she and Ian have moved to in Swindon. Chrysanthemums, cabbages, celery, and (possibly) chickens replacing computers, and spinach, sweet peas and saxifrage replacing SIMS! We wish them happiness, good health and every success in their new location.

Miss Claire Connelly

by Mr Mark Woodward

Mrs Karen James

by Mrs Gill Thomas

Out went FileMaker Pro and in came SIMS and with it the challenges and gremlins which Karen sought to master and conquer. All who asked questions were treated with equal respect and even the system, despite its resistance, recognised that it should lie down and give in gracefully to someone who could expose its weaknesses and explore its strengths.

In her two years with us, Karen was unflappable and unassuming; we admired her expertise, quiet determination, ability to keep a sense of humour and whether with the timetable, tracking, reports, admissions, training staff or supporting staff her success rate in finding a way round any difficulty. She understood every individual’s needs and instilled great confidence.

Karen, along with Erica, established an excellent, efficient database and I will always be grateful for the countless hours Karen gave me reinventing reporting and creating systems to ease the workload for us all. Her wonderful dry sense of humour also allowed us to share and disperse the pressure. Karen was exceedingly good

Claire leaves for teacher training and the classes that encounter her will enjoy the experience. She has been a fantastic Art and Textiles technician, popular with staff and pupils alike and highly effective in her support role.

She has been a wonderfully happy presence in school and we will miss her infectious love of life and vibrant smile!

Thank you also to our Language Assistants, Mr Thomas Allard (French) and Miss Nicole Brunner (German) for their enthusiastic preparation of our linguists, to Mr Peter Sidwell and Miss Emily Power for their assistance in the PE department and to Mr Craig Lawlor for his time spent coaching the Football 1st XI. bablake school

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staffnews

spotlight

Salvete

In the spotlight...

A warm welcome to the following highly talented new members of staff...

Mr Stephen Cooper (Music) Stephen joins the Music department part-time in both the Senior and Junior Schools. He is already well known since he has been teaching brass instruments at Bablake as well as directing our brass group.

Mr Tim Crompton (Director of Music) Tim joins us from Myton School in Warwick, where he has been since 1998. During this time, he presided over a very significant expansion of the school’s musical life (both curricular and extra-curricular). He is a pianist, organist and bassoonist, and a graduate of the Birmingham Conservatoire.

Mr Richard Sewell (Head of Economics and Business Studies) Richard has a degree in Economics and Social Policy from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne and a PGCE in Economics and Business Studies from Leeds University. He joins us from a similar post at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield.

Mr Sam Williams (Design Technology) Sam studied Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University before proceeding to a PGCE in Design and Technology. He has recently completed teaching placements at St Paul’s School, Leicester and Uppingham. He is a keen sportsman.

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Mr Colin Parsons, a former pupil, joins as Database Manager, Miss Joanne Price as Art and Textiles Technician and Mrs Lucy Allen as Assistant Librarian. Mrs Anne Warren will be covering maternity leave in History and teaching some Religious Studies while Miss Laura Watts will provide cover in PE and Mr Tom Jackson will act as PE Assistant. the wheatleyan 2008/09

Congratulations: Miss Nicola Beasley Duke of Edinburgh coordinator, inc Bronze.

Mr Ken Binsley Duke of Edinburgh coordinator, inc Gold and Silver.

Mr Julian Bunce Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) coordinator.

Mr Simon Enstone Head of Enrichment Studies.

Mrs Lisa French Second in Mathematics.

Mr Steve Jackson biennial Royal Meteorological Society Michael Hunt Award (2008).

Mr Malcolm Martin, Coventry Telegraph’s Pride of Coventry and Warwickshire Community Awards Local Hero nominee (2008) and Schools Awards Support Staff runner up (2009).

Mr Mike Masters Contingent Commander CCF. Mr Clive Mohamed RAF Section Commander.

Weddings: Miss Amy Jones now Mrs Cassell.

Miss Suzanne Symonds now Mrs Webley.

New Arrivals: Mr Paul Cleaver and Miss Caroline Daley, Mr Shoyeb Memon, and Mrs Louise Yates House changes: Mrs Lorainne Alexander and Mr Paul Shelley Heads of Crow and Wheatley; Miss Nicola Beasley, Mr Clive Mohamed and Miss Jayne Simmons Assistant Heads of Fairfax, Crowe and Wheatley respectively.

Ross Parnell and Ciara Wyman, Bablake Junior School captains, interviewed their senior school counterparts, James Ross and Lara Jackson, about their time at Bablake.

Which clubs did you enjoy and why?

J: Several in the Music department. It was great meeting people with the same interests and I’ve enjoyed giving time back accompanying the Chorale and Chamber Choir.

The amount of time the teachers devote organising all the clubs is amazing and my advice is ‘get involved in as many clubs as possible’. Play as much music as you can and if you don’t already play an instrument, take one up!

L: My clubs were dominated by sport: netball, hockey, rounders and athletics. In the lower school, I went to drama and Chinese and then in L6th I was a part of Young Enterprise. I also wrote for the Wheatleyan and Stretch magazines in the 6th Form.

Have you enjoyed the lessons?

James: The best lessons are in the 6th Form when everyone has chosen to be there. You can have some really interesting discussions with excellent teachers. I look forward to Latin most but really miss Music lessons.

Lara: Geography has been my favourite as it spans across so many different subject areas. It has always been the most interesting and relevant and I cannot wait to study it at university. I absolutely love games – sport has been a massive part of my life here and I have many fond memories of competitive sport but games lessons were always fun with everyone taking part, whatever the ability, in so many different activities. I also love English!

Did you settle into the Shells well?

L: I thought it would be daunting suddenly going from being the oldest at Primary! Would being towered over by so many older people be intimidating? Bablake, though, really isn’t as big as it seems and everyone’s in the same situation, with similar worries, looking to make friends. If you throw yourself into school life and work hard, there are no problems.

What is the best thing about the senior school?

L: The mix of people. You will meet so many extremely different people in your time here. I don’t think the school or its pupils fit any stereotypes. Finding everyone is openminded and respectful of others was important.

J: The best thing is how Bablake prepares you for what’s to come, both higher up in the school and beyond. There’s a huge amount of support for every over where to go after 6th Form.

What is the best school trip you’ve been on?

J: Both the Classics tours, one to Greece and one to Pompeii and Sicily; it was fantastic to see the physical remains of the great civilisations we had studied.

L: The Netball and Hockey Tour to South Africa! Safari at dawn and dusk, experiencing the culture and food, living with host families, playing sport and being with friends throughout made for an absolutely amazing experience.

So do you know where you want to go?

J: I sometimes envy all those medics who know exactly what they need to do to progress, but not everyone has their mind made up by the U6th. I have a general direction but am going to enjoy a few more years doing my degree first.

Are you glad you went to this school?

J: Extremely. It’s been a wonderful experience. I’ve made some really special friends.

L: I really am! I love Bablake, it’s like my home and I can’t imagine ever having gone anywhere else. It has made me who I am today and has given me so much confidence.

What will your best memory of the school will be?

J: That’s hard to say! I have so many memories from the last seven years but I hope I never forget all the people who have made it such a great time, including the teachers, but above all my friends.

L: There are far too many to pick one. I’m so grateful for all the people I have met and the opportunities I’ve had. I will never forget being named School Captain, touring South Africa, making the National Schools Finals for Hockey in 3rd Year and Netball in the L6th, the last few weeks of the U6th, but mostly the guarantee of coming to school knowing that I had great friends and each day would be different and challenging. bablake school

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alumnafocus

beyondtheclassroom

Alumna focus

beyondthe classroom

Jack Kelly and Abhimanyu Bose interviewed former pupil, Rachel Mitchell (née Copper) (1984- 1991) about life beyond Bablake.

Edited by emily brett and jayson parmar

‘Keep your eye on the ball and remember you governing your future is never out of bounds…’

Golf conjures up images of excessive sun, big sporting names, a variety of famous courses with spectacular views, and TV commentaries with mystifying technical terminology that will talk about an approach shot with a 5 Iron leading to a double bogey, two over par and then praise the same player for a birdie putt or eagle at the 12th!

Former pupil Rachel Mitchell, who always had a keen eye for the green and the ability to play successfully close to par, currently works for one of the most diversified sports, entertainment and media enterprises in the world the sporting industry giant IMG. Her current position in the company is in Marketing Communication. When she joined IGM in 1997, she began with marketing roles in the David Leadbetter golf academies and further marketing management in European and Asian academies.

Throughout her sporting years at Bablake and her combined honours degree at Newcastle University majoring in Psychology, Rachel could never fully place a finger on what she aspired to be, but she knew in her heart that the end result revolved around golf. Over the years she successfully participated in competitions bringing her handicap down to 4, she was active with regular county matches and had a possibility to turn professional after training with the C National Squad.

Rachel decided to take a year out after university

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and spent it playing golf in Florida. After many rounds, matches and lectures on irons and wedges, she decided the professional life was not for her. Enrolling with Sheffield University, she studied for a two year MSc in Sports Management, eventually landed a job with IMG and has never looked back since. She met her husband, who shared a similar passion for sport, at the company and is now enjoying balancing life as a mother of two energetic children with her marketing communication post. When Rachel says, ‘I can sit at a desk, read Golf World and genuinely say it’s research for work’, it is clear to see why she has never woken up not wanting to go to work.

Rachel’s main message was her emphasis on time, and how it is so important and valuable to us, especially as students. Evidently for those thinking of universities or even gap years, planning is essential so we make the most of the time we have doing what we have chosen to do. A year out is never less than beneficial; for Rachel, it allowed her to realise less who she was or what she wanted to be but rather more importantly what she didn’t want to have as part of her lifestyle. Rachel also confirmed that eventually landing the right job, which you enjoy and receive a genuine fulfilment from, is the vital part. Life for her, refreshingly, is not all about the money; it’s more about doing what you love!

“Most of our pupils’ highlights related to breaks to their normal routine or to times when they were actually out of school: expeditions day, sports day, Fousseau, being part of the hockey team, beating KHVIII at the Butts, sitting end of year exams, receiving exam results which showed how they had improved, going into new classes in the 4th year where they got to know lots of new people, being in the 6th Form, author visits, and, predictably, school being cancelled because of snow.

The Design Technology Department went to Barcelona, and Business Studies and Economics to New York. Some of our girls endured an arduous sports tour to Trinidad and St Lucia. Other visits stayed closer to home, and we are very aware of the need to offer not only value-for-money but also some more affordable opportunities for all our pupils during a time of economic recession.

There are indeed many sporting stars in Bablake, but the house system continues to afford all pupils the opportunity to participate healthily and enthusiastically and every pupil between Shells and 4th Year had a part to play under cloudless sunny skies in our annual Sports Day in July. From scrabble to debating, music, drama, basketball, swimming, spelling bees and Shell Olympics, the house system thrives on interaction between the different year groups.

I asked pupils what their favourite place was in school. Mentioned most frequently were the EDM with its comfy blue chairs (great for peoplewatching) and the Field, where they could rest and play and realise how pretty the school was. Someone rather liked the grand entrance and I was waiting for some wag to say that their favourite place was the exit. Someone did say the Turning Circle… but because it was near the ice cream van!”

Mr John Watson, Headmaster

Highlights

10 D of E moments 18 Charity support 19 House activities 2008/9 20 Extra-curricular snapshot 22 Business activities 23

The following pages look through the camera lens at a number of the opportunities shared by pupils outside the classroom both within and beyond Bablake. bablake school

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beyondtheclassroom

D of E moments

beyondtheclassroom

Bablake pupils were fortunate enough to enjoy skiing in France, Disneyland Paris, sport in the Carribean, a Design Technology trip to Barcelona (that took in the Camp Nou, and a speedy lap at Formula 1 Circuit de Catalunya) and various Midlands locations on the trips day that ended the summer’s examination week.

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Rain! The single cause for most D of E problems?

Pouring rain is inevitable and D of E rarely passes without it. I recommend good waterproofs and the ability to not care how you look. Everyone looks just as bad… honest!

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Eating so much pasta that you never want to see it again in your life. By day 4 of eating yet another pasta dinner, it’s amazing how much pasta can lose its appeal.

Here Emily Brett describes one of the less exotic but no less worthwhile expeditions endured by potential Duke of Edinburgh award winners.

1 Arrival at the campsite. Spirits are high and you spend

some time finding your way round the campsite and putting the tent up. You then notice the large looming hill next to the campsite which the teachers cheerfully announce you will be climbing later that week. Fantastic!

2 That first night where you just don’t sleep. You want to but you can’t and with every hour that passes you know you are that little bit closer to your first day of walking.

3 Lifting your bag onto your shoulders and feeling

its dead weight. Followed by wondering whether you absolutely need everything in it.

4

Getting lost! Yes, we’ve all done it, even those groups that smugly say they never get lost. You have no idea where you are and tempers start to fray. Due to typical D of E luck, it’ll probably start raining too. This brings me to…

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7 Blisters and other injuries. Blisters are never as bad as

on an expedition. And if you’re ever likely to get stung/ cut yourself/ sprain an ankle, it will happen in the middle of nowhere with little that can be done. Keep walking, though, it’ll be over soon.

8 General lack of showers and hygiene. Needless to

say, you won’t win any fashion contests or look your best on expedition and chances are you won’t have access to showers every single day either. It’s all part of the experience. Don’t worry about it.

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The incredible scenery that you won’t appreciate. Who knew that a hill that beautiful could cause so much pain?

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That long, hot shower when you get home followed by the meal that definitely isn’t pasta. And the time you spend realising how much you’ve enjoyed your walk, for reasons you can’t quite understand.

After five expeditions and assisting with another, I cannot recommend D of E enough though. You will be surprised how far you can push yourself! Even if you think it isn’t for you, you’ll never know until you’ve tried. Make sure you have decent walking boots, more blister plasters than you think you could possibly need and remember to enjoy yourself!

Charity support ‘Pupils, parents and staff again raised funds for a rich variety of charities, through stay-awakes, staff humiliation in the stocks, cake sales, skipping and racing for life.

Three members of staff, Mr Mohamed, Mr Enstone and Mr Wiles, raised significant sums by running marathons.

The total raised was £16,200, an impressive figure for a time of recession and over £3,000 more than last year.

More pupils than ever completed the service sections of their Gold, Silver or Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and we received many glowing reports of pupils’ Wednesday afternoon community service. Our Harvest Festival and Christmas boxes and Senior Citizen parties at Christmas and in the summer were thoroughly appreciated by the local community.’

Mr John Watson, Headmaster Local, national and international charities supported included: Barnardo’s, Book Aid International, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Comic Relief, Ethio International School, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Haematology Development Fund (inc £3000 from Orme School of Dance), Joe Homan Society, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Meningitis UK, Red Nose Day, Teenage Cancer Trust, Ward 16/34, University Hospital and many more. bablake school

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beyondtheclassroom

beyondtheclassroom

House activities 2008/9

House officials Bayley Mr Jeremy Hobday, Miss Lynsey Cheffings Captains: Zain Ali, Charlotte Weaver Crow Mrs Lorainne Alexander, Mrs Ceri Rees Captains: Luke Smith, Roxy Ziaie Fairfax Mr Martin Rhodes, Mrs Pam Marchant Captains: Ira Kleine, Katherine Hull Wheatley Miss Caroline Hall, Mr Clive Mohamed Captains: John Haidar, Lara Jackson

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A Year in the House system in the words of the various House Heads “This was the first occasion in a very long time where the weather had well and truly beaten the Shell Olympics.

Spirits were not dampened and it was a morning of very intense competition.”

“The dark, cold winter nights can signal only one thing – senior House hockey! Here we excelled. The boys played brilliantly to win and the girls did fantastically in a tense final match but were pipped at the post by Bayley.”

“In the Basketball, we were at a disadvantage from the start when Mr Rhodes revealed his secret Fairfax weapon… Matt Wood, a basketball genius! We were pretty pleased to come second!”

“If December had started well for us, Fairfax would certainly be the Team of the Month – not quite invincible but almost.”

‘House officials are gluttons for punishment!’

“Our unbeaten run in the Chess competition continues.

Tom Chen saved us by pulling off a magnificent win under pressure when Jonathan Smith ran out of time.”

“House officials are gluttons for punishment! We decided to fit another event into the already gruelling schedule; so House Spelling Bee was born.”

“The Junior Public Speaking and Debating team of Francesca Bellingeri, Marcus Judge and Becky Carter performed brilliantly.”

“Well-organised, willing, flexible – we could tick all the boxes but we just seemed to run out of steam on Sports Day.”

“Ready Steady Cook, now firmly embedded in the House calendar, didn’t disappoint. It is an event particularly enjoyed by the Headmaster and Mr Burns, two of the judges, especially if there is a very tasty Spanish omelette on offer!”

“The many pupils involved over the past year have all given 100% commitment and enthusiasm. I have felt very honoured to be House Head.”

“Ira Kleine had a real contest to bring the Hemsley Rose Bowl back to Fairfax, but she did in some style while Rees Herrod won the magnificent Browne Cup. One house rarely wins both prestigious squash trophies.”

“Sports Day took place on a glorious summer’s day with Crow overall winners, inspired to greatness by their year captains. ”

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beyondtheclassroom Extra-curricular snapshot

beyondtheclassroom Extra-curricular snapshot BUSINESS ACTIVITIES Bablake pupils are heavily involved with practical business activities, e.g. Future Leaders, Make Your Mark, Young Enterprise and Target Two Point Zero, but the most impressive performance came in Shares4Schools where our L6th team, which was featured in the Daily Telegraph, reached as high as 3rd before finishing a very respectable 5th nationally from almost 300 schools. Jayson Parmar explains more about the Shares4Schools experience:

There is a Society for every Bablake pupil. Check online at www.bablake.com/extra_curricular.php to see the range of extra-curricular activity offered.

The benefits of the CCF

By Mr Mike Masters

Pupils have the opportunity to develop responsibility, self-reliance, resourcefulness, endurance, perseverance, self-confidence, self-discipline, leadership and teamwork. How to analyse problems, manage resources, develop communication skills and organise, instruct and motivate others is all learnt in a practical and realistic setting. Above all there’s fun, enjoyment, satisfaction, excitement, challenge and the chance to do things that are simply not possible in virtually any other society.

Activities include handling currently operational weapons and shotguns and firing them on realistic exercises or ranges, flying gliders or single engine aircraft up to solo level and gaining recognised qualifications, attending advanced residential training courses and lots more (e.g. abseiling, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, trekking, mountain biking, air gunning, archery etc., all laid on during camps) and all at a heavily subsidised rate.

All the skills and expertise gained do prove extremely valuable throughout the rest of life in all sorts of situations and a number will go on to join OTCs at university, the TA or even consider service careers.

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‘With an initial fund of £1500, we were able to try our luck at investing on the FTSE, in the midst of the economic downturn, purchasing shares in any company listed on the stock exchange. Under the watchful eye of Mr Faulkner, we achieved a fantastic 50% return on the initial £1500, coming 5th nationally overall and even winning one of the monthly rounds.

As Mr Faulkner said the investment was a “rollercoaster” of ups-and-downs, learning from our own mistakes and enjoying the entrepreneurial spirit. Two of our highlights included buying Rio Tinto at £14 and then selling at £29 per share, and buying Angel Biotechnology at 14p and seeing units rise to 74p.

Originally we bought ‘recessionproof shares’, for example HSBC, a foreign bank likely to be unscathed by the banking crisis, National Grid and Rolls Royce, who provided the new airbus engines and had a good few orders on the bill. When HSBC plummeted we turned to Rio Tinto, tinged by an executive scandal but placed well to benefit from the Obama infrastructure spending.

With further US fortune from companies supplying for embryo experimentation, we rose to the top

fell but American pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer’s interest in a takeover brought us back to 5th nationally at close of investments!

In previous years, the national winners had made under 25% profit so our 50% plus return showed the strength of the competition this time. Our gain can also be compared with the FTSE100 index, which actually fell by 10% in that same period.

We were able to make a donation of £200 to the British Heart Foundation, and the rest will help future teams at Bablake School in the competition.’

10 and even 2nd place but holding on too long saw us drop to 20th before we decided to go all in on Angel Biotechnology, due to rumours of new discoveries, and increased investment from hedge funds, and Rio Tinto. With a 60% profit, we reached 2nd place again!

In the closing fortnight we had the choice of keeping our profits or going for the top spot. We aimed for the first prize, rolled in our investments and invested in a clinical company ready for a takeover, linked to the Swine Flu vaccine. Fear of an epidemic over the bank holiday weekend never materialised and we

Fund total (£000) £3k

£2.8k

£2.5k £2k

£2k £1.65k £1.5k £1k

£2.3k

£1.5k

Oct

£1.7k

£1.7k

£1.35k nov

dec

£2.3k

jan

£1.1k feb

mar

apr

may

jun

jul

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flair

flair

flair

Edited by harriet carter, jessica elliott, clare jepson and paramjit uppal

Waltz

Rachel Powell ‘Well, quite,’ he says from his chair, Ensconced in the corner and moulded to his form.

The blinds, blanched from daily glare Hide a grey sky emptying its contents in a steady stream.

‘It’ll be over in an hour or so’, he says.

Highlights

Watching the creatives 26 Art & design 28 The Bablake Sessions 29 Photography 30 Stretch 6 31

Darling, Street Art, Hardy and Wagner All distract me from the procession of the minutes, And five o’clock comes as a surprise.

The grandfather reminds us of its presence, Its stately clunk pushing the afternoon

‘Djenne Market and Mud Mosque, Mali’ by Rob Dougall

On. I return home having achieved nothing, Read the paper, have a bath.

Dinner at eight, walk the dog at half past.

Television, tea, bed, cereal, Frosty morning, crowded bus, ten past nine.

And all the while my wearisome waltz Is partnered by time’s dogged footwork, A routine honed yet far from perfect, Vulnerable to a foot I misplace, and My partner falls from view.

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bablake school

25

alumnaefocus

alumnaefocus

Watching the

Former pupils Lorna Syson (1997 – 2004), Katie Ingram (1999 – 2004) and Sarah Kendall (1998 – 2005) all graduated from Loughborough University this summer in Multimedia Textile Design, Fine Art and Woven Textiles respectively, eager to establish their excellence in a highly competitive world. Lorna graduated with a 1st, Katie and Sarah with very good 2.1s.

Clare Jepson and Harriet Carter met them to discuss their future careers.

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What did your course entail?

Lorna: Based on textile ‘concepts’, it pushed us to create unique and new fabrics and techniques to challenge preconceptions made with traditional textiles.

Sarah: The degree show was a range of lightweight contemporary fabrics designed for interiors using a vibrant colour palette.

Katie: My final year degree show was photography work and a dissertation.

What are your future plans?

Lorna: Since graduating I have exhibited from London to Cornwall as well as on the internet. I have become a member of a number of organizations including The Design Factory, Textiles and Paper, Hidden Art and The Society for Designer Craftsmen, all of which involved interview reviews of my work. Over the next couple of months I am involved in more shows.

Sarah: To work as an interior designer or stylist or trend predictor. I am enrolling in an Interior Decoration course at Chelsea School of Art & Design in January to gain experience in interior design whilst working for a company alongside. I would like to work as a freelance designer or stylist. I am interested in the renovation of old property and would like to get into the property business to use my artistic and creative skills as it would be great to have a job you really get excited about.

Katie: I am setting up as a freelance photographer, specialising in weddings.

What advice would you give pupils interested in art and design?

Lorna: Art becomes a passion and some of you is exposed to the public for review in each exhibition.

Sarah: Be positive and determined.

Art and Design degrees are hard work; you are working a full week. If your course offers a year in industry, this can be very beneficial helping you find a job after you graduate.

The Arcardian group offers good placements in London and Next is based in Leicester; both are very good if you want to be a buyer or merchandiser. Make sure you choose a degree you really love and feel passionate about. Use all your holidays to find work experience to boost your CV. Fashion jobs are very difficult to obtain, so the more experience you have the better your chances.

Katie: Be independent with your work; don’t rely on anyone else. Keep focused on the ideas you believe in; work hard and it will show through your grade. Don’t worry if different tutors tell you different things about your work – Art totally depends on taste, which differs from person to person. You have to believe in yourself! Try and be involved in as much as possible, but above all… enjoy it! bablake school

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art&design

bablakesessions

20 artists, all with a connection with Bablake (former pupils or performers at our charity or acoustic gigs), some very famous, others about to be so, kindly contributed to a CD created to raise money for Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity close to Bablake’s heart.

Former pupils, Claire Harris and Cassie Leedham provided the artwork. To date over ÂŁ500 has been raised for TCT once costs of production and licences have been covered.

A selection of work from our Art and Design pupils in 2008/09

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photography

stretch

str e t c h bablake | issue 6 | summer 2009 | £5 | issn: 1758-5236

the food issue

Stretch 6 The Food Issue

Content for Issue 6 of Bablake’s student magazine, Stretch, was created in Work Experience Week by Editor Beth Hushon, Assistant Editor Jack Kelly and their team of L6th pupils before being designed by Luke Dibbens (www.mustardhot. com). You can view this and previous issues at www.bablake.com/ publications.php

Portrait images from Neil Baker (left column), whose photographic excellence is being nurtured by Ben Duffy (1986 – 93) and Richard Smith (2000 – 07) (right column)

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With thanks to Claire Harris, Clare Lee, Indigo, Ben Duffy, Paul Hollingsworth, Richard Smith, Alex T Smith and models Jamie, Laura, Sasha, Shilpa and Siobhan for their artistic input. bablake school

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celebrations

performingarts

Celebration nights at bablake

A pictorial record of the evenings enjoyed by our U6th and 5th year pupils. (More formal photographs by Richard Smith (2000-7) are online at www.ras-photography.co.uk)

performing arts Edited by marie low and devan pankhania “Drama continues to flourish, with a 23rd visit to the Edinburgh Fringe this time with the play DNA, as well as very convincing performances earlier in the year of West Side Story and Dracula. In Mr Sutton’s final year as Director of Music, the musicians toured London, and many of our talented soloists played in Coventry and Warwickshire youth orchestras; Sam Lewis has played for the Birmingham Junior Conservatoire, and Matthew Lewis for the City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Orchestra.’’

Mr John Watson, Headmaster

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Highlights

West Side Story 34 Drama 35 A date with Melissa 36 Finale 38

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onstage

onstage

WestSide story

By Mr David Prescott

Further drama productions : DNA (23rd year at The Fringe, Edinburgh) Dracula (Junior Play) Handbag

How did we get there? Well, Mr Sutton’s energy, and his much mentioned ‘unflappability’ saw us through.

This was certainly an ambitious choice, and a risky one.

But Mr Sutton had said that it was his favourite musical, and this was his last year before retirement, and it was the play’s 50th anniversary, and various other items of emotional blackmail. I honestly thought that we would never get the copyright for the show, as there was a West End production on at the time, and amateurs usually get booted out in that situation, but... the man at Joseph Weinberger said ‘Yes!’ and that was it.

Hundreds of hours’ rehearsal time later, there was actually a show that played at our school theatre to full houses – well done Mr Dougall’s publicity, and Mrs Billings’ marketing. How did we get there? Well, Mr Sutton’s energy, and his much mentioned ‘unflappability’ saw us through. His ability to encourage and support, to assure everyone that they could actually do this, was inspiring for the cast. To realise that you could rely on him to know every word (not always the right words in the right order), and he definitely could reach the high notes in some form even if you couldn’t, was reassuring.

The production team of Mr Prescott, Mr West, Mr Cleaver and Mr Smith, meant that the show had an adaptable set, with clearly delineated Sharks/Jets sides, and a ‘Concrete Jungle’ effect set of security fences, some of which marked out the orchestral playing area. The gritty urban décor and texturing made for an impressive framework for the adventurous and moody lighting to work its effect.

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But, of course, nothing could have happened without a large and spirited cast, prepared to mambo and strut to their utmost. This was a talented cast, Serena Westgarth as Maria has an excellent voice, and confidence on stage.

Lawrence Accardi had a mature and controlled presence, which made you really believe that he was a completely vital element of this gang. There were many young performers with great promise and years left at school, and amongst the most mentioned of this group were Alex Hoare as Riff, Chris Starkey, Leah Judge, Ben Wormleighton and Dan Wye. A highlight was most definitely the dancing. The choreography was managed by two key members of the cast, Victoria Wooltorton and Kate Byrne (Anita). Trained dance teachers, they not only raised the bar for talented girl dancers in America, but also cajoled and steered forward a group of inexperienced male dancers until they could convince on stage in Jet Song and Cool. The girls in America had real quality, and their energy was infectious, this had to be, and was, a highlight of the show.

The musicians in musicals often get a poor deal, and this was no exception. Caged and cooped, they were onstage throughout the performance. Yet they still managed to deal with the particularly demanding score with assurance, and at least the convincing look of control.

Nearly 100 students were involved in this production, and it is one which will be remembered by all those involved with affection and fond memory. bablake school

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onscreen

onscreen

‘I just feel so lucky and privileged to have this job in the first place. I’m just appreciating what I’ve got, because nothing lasts forever.’

Marie Low, Sam Rowe and Devan Pankhania report on meeting Melissa Walton (2001-6) (‘Loretta Jones’) on the Hollyoaks set in Liverpool.

As various actors and actresses wandered past, Marie Sam and Devan were obviously excited as they have a passion for acting. Melissa took a break from filming to give us a (VIP) backstage tour. Seeing how scenes were shot with a single camera and the compact studios was fascinating. Then in front of the ‘shops’, we began our interview.

Devan: Who was your favourite teacher at Bablake?

Melissa: I had a few, definitely Mr Drury; Mrs Friebe, I absolutely adored; Mrs Foster… and I really loved Mrs Timothy for French. Mr Prescott obviously, a complete legend. They were all brilliant!

Marie: What did you do with your time after Bablake?

Melissa: I went to Stratford upon Avon college, got myself an agent in London and used my free time to go back and forth to London for open auditions. I was planning to go to drama school or London, however this Hollyoaks audition was the only one not in London, so it’s a good job I didn’t move there.

a date with

Sam: Did you pursue acting alone or did you try other things as well?

Melissa: I always knew this was what I wanted to do.

At Bablake I always did plays, like Samurai, continued singing and dancing, and I was in the Chorale.

Sam: You obviously did Battle of the Bands.

Melissa: Yes, I loved that.

Sam: What was your reaction when you got the part in Hollyoaks?

Melissa: I was so shocked. I was shopping in the Bullring with a friend. We were standing outside H&M and my agent rang me. For general TV auditions, you either get a call or you don’t; if you haven’t got a part, you won’t get called at all, so I was very emotional and I ended up sitting on the floor with my friend also crying with happiness.

Devan: Which celebrity would you most likely want to be marooned on an island with?

Melissa: Easy question, Megan Fox. Devan and Sam: Yeah!! Pretty sure we would agree.

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Marie: How long do you spend on set every day?

Melissa: This week I’ve been in every morning at half seven and been finishing between half seven and half eight at night, which has been really tiring. Some people even come in for night shoots!

Devan: What do you most like and least like about your job?

Melissa: I just feel so lucky and privileged to have this job in the first place. I’m just appreciating what I’ve got, because nothing lasts forever. Hollyoaks is a soap about young people so they aren’t going to keep me forever! I’m trying to think about what I don’t like… it’s probably that I don’t know when I’ll have free time.

Marie: What are your least fondest and most fondest memories at Bablake?

Melissa: Oh, there’s so many, I really love Bablake and still do. I made some amazing friends who are still my best friends to this day, and I just buzzed from going to school every day. Loved every minute! I loved playing netball and had so much fun in our academic lessons. I worked hard and played hard!

Devan: What advice would you give to Bablake pupils who want to go into your profession?

Melissa: Definitely get your exams out of the way first and do as well as possible, then you can look at getting an agent and moving forward from there.

Sam: Where do you see yourself in five or ten years’ time?

Melissa: I have no idea to be honest, that’s the thing with acting, it can take you anywhere. I’m still considering drama school or university to get a degree. I’m kind of a geek really and miss the whole teacher/classroom feel and getting my book out!

Sam: What would a Bablake 6th former have to do to get your number?

Melissa: Well do you want it now? I can give it you now.

Sam: There you go Wheatleyan readers; I’m getting Melissa Walton’s number.

With Melissa’s permission we will be putting the ‘Either… or’ questions we asked her online soon… bablake school

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finale

After 37 years at Bablake, which also included meeting and marrying his wife, Sue, a fellow Music teacher, Mr Bernard Sutton, our Director of Music, laid his Bablake baton to rest after a final concert with a gathering of former and current pupils, all inspired to enjoy music by their beloved mentor.

sport

Sport

Edited by elliot bates and emily burns

Highlights

Netball nationals 40 Varsity hockey 41 Sports galleries 42

Photos courtesy of Abhimanyu Bose

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“Our Netball teams took a clean sweep in the Coventry Schools tournaments.

The U14 team reached the National Finals, finishing amongst the top 12 schools in the country, with the 16s and 19s reaching the semis of the West Midlands competition, 1 game away from the Nationals. The girls’ U18 hockey team won the Warwickshire final, beating Rugby School for the second consecutive year, and the U16s reached the last 16 schools in the National Plate competition. The boys’ U14 hockey players were Warwickshire champions and competed in the Midlands Finals. The U15 rugby team reached the 6th round of the Daily Mail vase, and were ranked 3rd in the Schools Rugby website national merit table.

The U13 cricket team lost just 2 matches, whilst the 1st XI enjoyed another excellent season.

England representative honours were won by Lucy Horn and Holly Payne for U18 hockey, and both girls also gained three A grades at A level. Jessica Horn has played hockey for the England U16s hockey and William Kenney-Herbert for Wales’ U16s. Lucy Smith was ranked no.1 nationally in her age group for the shot putt. Mark Best scored two centuries for school, including 164 n.o. one game, one for the county and one for his club. Brother Paul, who gained 3 As at A level, and will be going to Cambridge, captained Warwickshire 2nd XI, was selected for the English Lions and has recently won a summer contract to play cricket for Warwickshire. Ross Wilford fenced for GB in U18 sabre.

We’re very excited by the next stage of the Sports Hall refurbishment, as

by November, we should have a new small sports hall/ dance studio, a state of the art fitness suite and a climbing wall.”

Mr John Watson, Headmaster

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sportsfocus

sportsfocus

Netball nationals

Varsity hockey

Congratulations to our U14s who reached the National Finals and can consider themselves among the best 12 teams in the country after their performance at the finals.

King’s High, Warwick very kindly invited our U18s to play the warm up game before the Oxford- Cambridge Varsity match. A goal from Lauren Boon gave us just reward for our play in a 3-1 defeat.

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sportsfocus

sportsfocus

Boys’ sports gallery

Sports gallery

With another Twenty 20 final appearance and fine individual batting, an exciting win for the rugby 1st XV v KHVIII in the annual fixture at Coventry RFC’s ground, some rebuilding in football and very promising hockey being played, the boys’ sport was very healthy this year.

Here are some images from 2008-9…

As always a number of Bablake pupils enjoyed sport at international or county/ region level this year. This photo board celebrates just a few of the best individual performers.

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formerpupils

formerpupils OBITUARIES

former pupils

Former Staff

Edited by ami shirley and jonathan smith Former Pupils’ Association Officers President: Alan Partridge Secretary: Dave Parnell Committee: Bob Beere, Dean Bryant, Geoff Clamp, Paul Cowley, Dave Edwards, Mike Hibbert, Ted McQuilan, Simon Miles, James Paxton, Dave Sidworthy, Brad Thompson, John Watson The Former Pupils’ Association is always looking for new members. If you attended Bablake (or KHVIII), then for a small amount each year, you can become an official member. The membership revenue goes towards the running of The Old Boys Club, where you are always welcome. We also have rugby, football and cricket sporting subsections. Membership entitles you to a free copy of the school magazine and you will receive regular updates on what is happening within the association and at the school.

Please contact one of the following for more information or to become a member: Alan Partridge 02476 679095 (alanpartridge1945@tiscali.co.uk) or Dean Bryant 07712 877772 (dbryant@hbgc.co.uk).

Sage and Wyley Scholarship Scholarships The Trustees of the Coventry School Foundation Prizes Fund invite applications for: • The Sage Scholarship: tenable in any subject by a former pupil of the school at any university, college or other institute of further education (including professional and technical education) approved by the trustees.

• The Colonel Sir W F Wyley Scholarship: similarly available to former pupils but restricted to those studying science subjects.

The Trustees envisage offering assistance towards the cost of projects, expeditions or travel relevant to an applicant’s subject of study. Application should be made in writing to the Headmaster, Mr John W Watson, giving full details of the purpose for which a scholarship is being sought.

Footnote: The Former Pupils’ Grapevine will return in the 2009-10 issue.

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Highlights

Obituaries 45 Bablake Memorial Garden 46 Major John Maddison 48 Last word 50

Mr R ‘Joe’ A Rolfe

“There was a time when to be in the Staff Common Room at lunchtime was to be caught up in Joe Rolfe holding court. It was a different, less pressured age and Joe, with his trademark bow tie and confident, generally liberal (and indeed Liberal) opinions, his occasional renowned rants and his tall tales of short people, was never one to short change his audience. Some espied the whole performance from a wide berth, but many more gathered around to hear him.”

Joe, a refugee from the changing world of state education, was a character and one that many a previous age would have recognised. He was a scholar, well read way beyond the realms of French studies, a gentleman and a wit. Those who came to know him better found beneath the extravert exterior a sensitive man, one with a firm grasp on what was right, and absolutely devoted to his beloved Margo, and to their children and grandchildren. To be at his funeral up in the Wirral was to be reminded of what a lovable man Joe Rolfe was and how sadly we shall miss him.”

Peter Burden “My French A Level teacher was Mr. Rolfe, an atheist who sang in the school choir because he believed that God, not the Devil, had all the best tunes. He was a jolly man but nothing riled him more than pupils who appeared to be proud of their ignorance. “Don’t act the idiot, Christopher,” he said in a withering tone, one form period. “It’s cool to be clever here.” You could have heard a pin drop. Mr. Rolfe had an endless supply of interesting facts to share.

He liked to chat and debate. He encouraged us to ask questions, never pretending to have all the answers himself.”

Martine Croxall

David Scholar

“When I told Terry Patchett the sad news of David Scholar’s death, he at once said: “In his early days he was the face of humanity on the Bablake Staff.” It was a fitting response.

As one who was taught by him in those early years, I saw David from very early on as a teacher who was out of the ordinary for those days: friendly, open, indiscreet, never prepared to stand on his dignity and knowing more dirty jokes than we did. In a school just emerging from the strictness of the Seaborne regime he was the perfect

appointment to fit in with the spirit of the new age, but also paid for that at times when classes saw him as an easy target for antics.

Only gradually over my years as a pupil did I fully appreciate David’s love of literature, extraordinary breadth of knowledge and eagerness to share his enthusiasms with his pupils, whether in the classroom, in visits to local stately homes, in trips to Snowdonia and elsewhere, in the concert hall or even the swimming pool. It is certainly to David that I owe my winning a place at his own college, Selwyn, Cambridge, and it seems now oddly appropriate that our last meeting should have been at a Selwyn Reunion... He was one of those responsible for making me what I am and I only wish now I had told him that more explicitly.

At David’s Memorial Service, I heard a most emotional eulogy delivered by David’s younger brother Michael. Sir Michael Scholar’s words might have been spoken by any of us who were there to mourn the passing of such a warm and caring man. I know there are many Bablake Old Boys who will share in that sense of loss. We all have Frances and the family in our thoughts.”

Peter Burden Former Pupil

Peter Bush (1973 – 80)

Peter made his mark on Bablake as a scholar, sportsman and actor. After an Oxbridge education, he worked in the City before turning to teaching and making his mark as an inspirational Head of Economics at Sedbergh in Cumbria. Much loved son of Janet and the late David, loving partner of Alana, beloved brother of Richard and Debbie and the late Ian, Peter died suddenly at home on March 29th 2009, aged 46. A tribute fixture between Bablake and Sedburgh will be featured in the 2009-10 edition.

Also

John Crowther (1940 – 47) Jon Grote (1977 – 84)

Further information will be published in the 2009-10 edition. bablake school

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formerpupils

formerpupils ‘There is a Zulu proverb which says that a person is a person because of other people, and the quality of human relationships which characterises our community continues to make Bablake a very special place.’

In May, Bablake’s Headmaster’s Memorial Garden was dedicated by the Right Reverend John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick, in honour of the members of the Bablake Community who have died.

The Garden marks a restoration instead of a new creation, for one existed before the building of the EDM. The replacement is now placed at the heart of the Science Quadrangle-a haven of peace for the use of pupils, visitors and staff to reflect upon their days and collect their thoughts.

The day the garden was blessed was a beautiful one and the sunshine poured into the Quadrangle.

Proceedings were begun by the Headmaster. School Captain Pam Uppal, who gave a reading, stated the Garden would prove a ‘treasured memorial’ in the eyes of the Bablake community. At the ceremony, Zoë Clements and James Ross also gave moving orations.

Many of those who attended brought with them vivid memories of loved ones who had been a part of the Bablake community, and found solace in the tranquil setting, the readings, singing and words of the Bishop of Warwick.

Bablake Memorial Garden

Headmaster, Mr. John Watson commented: ‘Since the construction of the EDM, we have lacked a quiet space where pupils and staff can sit peacefully for a few moments at the heart of a vibrant school. Our spiritual lives are every bit as important as the intellectual and physical aspects of our make-up, and the new garden provides opportunities for reflection in tranquil and beautiful surroundings. We also have the opportunity to recall those who are no longer with us, but whose characters and futures were shaped by their days at Bablake.

There is a Zulu proverb which says that a person is a person because of other people, and the quality of human relationships which characterises our community continues to make Bablake a very special place. This is nowhere more evident than in the very poignant dedication of our Memorial Garden.’

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formerpupils

formerpupils

John Maddison received the investiture of an MBE at Buckingham Palace in recognition of his services as a Royal Marines Commando for 26 years and Commissioned Officer for 13. Mr Terry Patchett elicited the following information from John upon congratulating him on his award: In short, I left Bablake and joined the Royal Marines (now part of the Royal Navy, but when I joined it was a standalone service) as a rifleman in ‘82 and passed out for duty in July ‘83. I moved to Scotland with 45 Commando RM based in Arbroath and spent 11 years specialising as a Mountain and Cold Weather warfare expert, gaining an OND in electronic engineering.

Having risen in the ranks to Sergeant, I wanted more challenge and applied successfully for a commission. Badged as a Lieutenant RM in January ‘96, I have completed three appointments at Lieutenant Capt and a further two as a Major. I am now a senior Major expecting to be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel soon. To continue with the academic theme, I am also in the last year of a MBA course.

I have been involved in operations throughout the globe, with operational tours of Northern Ireland, Iraq, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan (most recently). I have about 70 countries under my belt and I am sure there are more to follow. The MBE was awarded for my contribution to RM current operations, in as much as I was responsible for the Force Generation of the RM contribution to Afghanistan; that is to say I put the 4500 RM personnel into theatre with the correct balance and equipment to ensure they sustained the level of Op Tempo that their predecessors had reached.

That work was carried out in the Fleet HQ in Portsmouth, and I have now moved to the Commando Training Centre near Exmouth as a Staff Officer, but always remain ready and willing to get back involved with Operations. I have a wife and 15 year old daughter and we have lived in Devon for about 9 years.

All hail to Allan...

As we enter the age where pupils have mobiles that can easily record school events, Allan Hailstone (1950-57), who now lives in Hampton Hill with his wife, contacted The Wheatleyan with a delightful series of photographs that captured Bablake over 50 years ago.

Major John Maddison MBE (1977 – 1982) For those interested in a more detailed account of John’s operations and reflections on the RM and operations in Afghanistan, please look online (www.bablake.com/former_pupils.php).

Should you wish to send ‘former pupil’ news for the website or a future Wheatleyan, please email text and a good quality jpeg to mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk or contact Mr Mark Woodward on Facebook (www.facebook.com/mgawoodward).

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If anyone would like to send similar images from other eras, please do get in touch; similarly if you want to comment on these photographs, we look forward to hearing from you.

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goodbye

lastword A message from Staff Editor, Mr Mark Woodward

Submissions for Flair and The Wheatleyan 2009/10: Please submit photographs and text digitally for inclusion to mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk

by November 30.

Please submit further reports of former students to mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk for inclusion in the next issue.

Last year I spoke to you about my new team of reporters facing what contemporary musicians will recognise as the difficult second album syndrome. They surpassed themselves and some of you may be thinking that dilemma had been passed onto the next batch. Let me reassure you the delay publishing this edition is entirely resting on my shoulders. The lead up to two close family bereavements and consequent administrative work have brought about the delay in producing this Wheatleyan.

I think though that you will be happy that we did not publish in a rush (or not at all) and the team has created a fantastic, mainly pictorial record of the 2008-9 year. There are stories and successes that the Lion and school website have celebrated and I apologise that space does not grant them all a place in this edition.

Abhimanyu Bose has been an exceptional Editor, ably assisted by his equally excellent co-editor Nadine Naguib. Both over their time at Bablake have been phenomenal in their support for the school magazines. Nadine is assured of a very bright future at a top University, while Abhimanyu will also succeed at a very high level. He has a modesty and an affability about all he does and is treasured by his peers. I trust he will pursue a future that draws on his charm and charisma and allows him to indulge his love of travel and charity work, while enabling his tremendous creative talents as a photographer.

The 2009- 10 issue will follow close on the heels of this edition and I hope it will not decry from the impact this edition and the achievements included deserve.

If a story needs to be told, don’t hesitate to contact me with ideas on how to ensure once again the representation of the Bablake experience is as interactive and vibrant on paper as in reality. mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk

‘A truly great school and one I am proud to be part of’ Former member of staff

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Around the world...

Images from three of our expeditions in 2008/09.

Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU t +44 (0)24 7627 1200 f +44 (0)24 7627 1293 e info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk www.bablake.com w