The Wheatleyan 2017-18

The Wheatleyan C e l e b r at i n g 2 0 1 7/ 1 8

bablake school

co n t en t s

Welcome...

With thanks to: Editorial Team

Table of contents

Staff Editor: Mr Mark Woodward Editor: Adam Dickinson Deputy Editor: Charlotte Park News and Features: Adam Dickinson and Charlotte Park

All of us associated with Bablake are privileged to be part of a ‘learning’ community, endlessly re-invigorated by the joy of discovery and the fun of being young.

This means there is no such thing as a ‘normal day’, nor is there ever a dull moment! Every school year brings fresh cause for celebration and a novel set of challenges, and we are forever considering how we can improve and adapt the education we offer to pupils to best prepare them for life both now and in tomorrow’s world.

We opened 2017-18 with some excellent new facilities to support our pupils’ learning and care, as well as a new timetable and curriculum, including the Sixth Form Bablake Advantage. We closed the year with phenomenal GCSE results, which placed the school 18th co-educational independent nationally in The Times’ ranking. Such outstanding achievement is certainly not a result of hothousing, but rather stems from a culture of aspiration, from a mutually supportive community and the co-curricular activities which help our young people strike a healthy balance in their lives.

The richness and diversity of this experience radiate from these colourful pages, and I am very grateful to our editors for capturing so well that transformational ‘Spirit of Opportunity’.

John Watson Headmaster, Bablake School

The Wheatleyan

Beyond the Classroom: Mehreen Kazmi, Ayesha Riaz and Saambavi Thavakumar Flair Art and Design: Stephanie Ashton, Molly Harkin and Niveetha Sivaruban

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n e w s a n d f e at u r e s Information about 2017/18’s academic successes, Headmaster Mr Watson’s insight into the year and the latest staff news.

Edited by Adam Dickinson (Editor) and Charlotte Park (Deputy Editor).

Flair Literature: Beth Elford, Tess Lillicrapp and Ashleigh Stonier Performing Arts: Emma Blackett, Enya Bowe, Oliver Brindley and Joshua Lowe Sport: Kare Adenegan, Ellie Herniman, Amrit Gill, Rory Meechan, George Parker and Prabhjote Sahota Former Pupils: Lauren Cox, Georgia Ementon and Svetlana Kim

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Photography: Lauren Cox, Farrah McEvoy, Ravi Mody and Esha Vasisht

b e yo n d t h e c l a s s r o o m Achievements outside the curriculum including reports on charity work, highlights from the House system, a moving account from our Holocaust ambassadors and examples of academic extension. Edited by Mehreen Kazmi, Ayesha Riaz and Saambavi Thavakumar.

Marketing: Hana Dhanani and Lorna Williamson Production Design: Mustard Design (mustardhot.com) Print: W&G Baird Ltd Acknowledgements Bablake PE department, Mr Paul Cleaver, Ms Nadine Ahya, Mrs Alexandria Hargreaves, Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt, Mrs Alison Tumber, Mr Chris West, Mr Mark Woodward (photography); Mrs Kiley Brown, Mrs Sarah Harris, Mr Joe Harty, Mr Terry Patchett, Miss Lauren Woodward (proof-reading); Bablake’s staff and pupils (written articles).

Front and back cover images: Dan Mousley, T20 Star and Sports Day by Mr 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 750 pupils shares the site with the Bablake Junior School of some 230 pupils which now includes a Pre Prep, with a capacity of around 120 pupils, located near Coventry railway station at what was Cheshunt School (founded in 1909). King Henry VIII School, founded in 1545, is also part of the Foundation.

Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU t +44 (0)24 7627 1200 e info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk w www.bablake.com f www.facebook.com/bablakeschool i www.instagram.com/bablakeschool p www.pinterest.com/bablakeschool t www.twitter.com/bablakeschool This publication is printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

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flair A showcase of our students’ impressive creative work, from Art and Design Technology to original writing. Edited by Molly Harkin and Niveetha Sivaruban, with assistance from Stephanie Ashton.

performing arts A medley of theatre productions, solo recitals and class experiences from the Drama and Music departments. Edited by Emma Blackett, Enya Bowe, Oliver Brindley and Joshua Lowe.

sport A round-up of Bablake’s sporting year, with profiles on star performers in athletics, cricket, hockey, netball and rugby.

Also featuring many of our students excelling outside team sport.

Edited by Kare Adenegan, Amrit Gill, Ellie Herniman, Rory Meechan, George Parker and Prabhjote Sahota.

former pupils Catching up with Bablake’s Old Wheatleyans, with feature interviews and standout achievements from the last year. Collated by Lauren Cox and Georgia Ementon with support from Svetlana Kim.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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News and Features Edited by adam dickinson (Editor) and charlotte park (Deputy Editor)

“It was an honour — and a surprise — to be appointed editor of The Wheatleyan, and it’s incredible to think we’re one link in a chain of more than 200 issues of a magazine charting Bablake’s history.” adam dickinson (Editor)

“The reports on our students’ many talents showcase Bablake’s success, spirit and community over the last 12 months, and the process of creating this edition of the magazine has been very enjoyable. I would also like to say how grateful I am to Mr Woodward for giving me the opportunity of being Deputy Editor, and thank him for all his guidance over the last 12 months.” charlotte park (Deputy Editor)

Through the eyes of the student editorial team, The Wheatleyan celebrates the best of the academic year it represents, complementing the material published in our excellent termly newsletter The Lion and the regular news and images posted on our website, official Facebook and Instagram pages, Twitter feed and other social media platforms.

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

“Appointing Adam and Charlotte as my two key editors was an easy decision. Adam has a reporter’s eye for a story, and has already written a number of high-quality, published articles. Meanwhile, Charlotte is a natural leader whose talents should not be underestimated.

Always positive, full of humour, she is an excellent problem-solver, keenly organised and is both liked and respected by the rest of the team.” mr mark woodward (staff Editor)

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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h e a d m a s t er’s r e v i e w Lauren Cox receives her prize from Guest of Honour Mr Andrew Edmiston

Headmaster’s Review As England kicked off in its World Cup group stage fixture versus Belgium, Headmaster Mr John Watson began his Prize Giving speech with a jibe at FIFA

“Madam Chair, Mr Edmiston, Guests, Members of the Bablake community, it was most inconsiderate of FIFA not to have consulted us before making the World Cup draw! Never has there been a prize-giving when pupils have actually been reluctant to win a prize.” mr john watson (headmaster)

“So much has changed, yet so much remains the same.”

So said a former pupil when visiting the school after a gap of several decades. He was grateful for the values he had learned at Bablake, and, coming from a modest background, very appreciative of a heavily subsidised and outstanding education which had transformed his opportunities in life.

He was amazed by the facilities which now so richly enhance our pupils’ learning and, talking to our young people, relieved that the school was a kinder place where we no longer administered ‘the whack’ — delivered by the cane and that’s an allusion to the version spelt with a small ‘c’ rather than a capital ‘K’ for the England football captain.

Every school year is refreshingly different, but this year in particular we have seen and celebrated some really significant changes. I have never subscribed to the philosophy “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”, as it’s vital we anticipate some of the opportunities which lie just around the corner.

Govian reforms have ushered in huge change and are now almost fully implemented, with more content and challenge at both GCSE and A level. I pity employers in years to come when they try to understand the mix of letters and numbers which will appear on CVs, and the addition of grade 9 for the top 3% of candidates seems counter-intuitive at a time when society is talking so much about stress and mental health. And the 18% required for a standard pass on the higher tier Maths paper last year can hardly affirm a child’s learning or be cause for celebration! However we measure it, our pupils fortunately excelled in last year’s GCSEs: they achieved a record proportion of A*/8/9 grades and 69% A*/A/ 7-9, and that 6

The Wheatleyan 2017/18

placed us as 37th co-educational independent nationally, and top co-educational day school in the West Midlands. There were tears of joy rather than distress for our A level students, who all secured very good places at university or for higher level apprenticeships in a very favourable universities market where our HE institutions need the money to fund research and sustain their ambitious building plans — just take a look at the Coventry skyline! Entry to the most competitive courses remains, however, as fierce as ever, so I’m very pleased to say that eight of this year’s nine prospective medics, dentists and vets are all holding offers for September.

We’re very proud of our pupils’ achievements, but we’ve never been accused of hothousing. Those achievements stem not from excessive data-crunching and target-setting, but from a culture of aspiration and high expectations. So we’ve had a real emphasis this year on how our pupils learn most effectively and how we can best prepare them as teachers not only for their examinations but for life-long learning. They tend to do very well at GCSE, but don’t always develop the independent thinking to do their abilities full justice at A level.

Those spaces on the Sixth Form timetable between lessons are study periods (not, as some like to think, free periods), and our students need to develop the skills and confidence to make the most of them. You will know that we began the year with the mantra ‘Excellence without excuses’, and Mrs Skilton, our Teaching and Learning Co-ordinator, supported

by Mr Wright (Deputy Head, Academic) has been working with others to develop a Teaching & Learning framework, with the theme of excellence running throughout. And, lest @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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h e a d m a s t er’s r e v i e w

you think that Bablake will become some sort of ‘excellence’ projects on the way in. In addition, over 20 of our pupils boot camp, our previous motto of ‘Excellence through care’ gained their CREST award for an advanced scientific project, continues to underpin all our efforts. and we have had two teams this year working with ARUP I can’t help thinking that Govian change, whilst laudably and Unipart as part of the Engineering Education Scheme. aspiring to excellence, will in fact end up being regressive on Technology plays a huge role in the lives of our young people, the national scale. Much in education seems to be cyclical, but and I was very grateful to all those parents who came in to a a return to more traditional exams for all, with a real squeeze parents’ forum a couple of weeks ago, enabling us to talk to in the state sector on the arts and minority subjects, isn’t you about our digital strategy and to hear your thoughts on necessarily the way to prepare young people for tomorrow’s our plans. It’s another area where we should be on the front world — a world where they will need to think for themselves, foot, with portable technology and artificial intelligence be resourceful and frequently apply their learning to novel undoubtedly at the centre of our pupils’ futures. situations. You will have heard me say before that education At a time when they are under increasing pressure in should be life-changing, and, in the words of one of my state school curricula, opportunities for the Arts and for sport heroes, Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful remain to the fore of our pupils’ education. The Art and DT weapon which you can use to change the world.” exhibition and the Summer Concert showcased some of our So that’s why we’re focusing with pupils and with pupils’ kaleidoscopic talents, and I was amazed earlier in the staff on how we learn. Two strands of this are literacy and year to hear that a Shell Former had passed three Associated oracy, with silent reading for enjoyment now the norm in Board music exams in two days, on piano, flute and trumpet! extended registration weekly and with an expansion of our We staged two very successful drama productions (Anything opportunities for debating and public speaking. The challenge Goes and Holes), and I have made a new appointment, for a for this year’s Felicity Chapman Poetry Prize was to write a Director of Performing Arts, beginning in September. I’m poem inspired by Lost Words — or words which had vanished used to being asked to play the tambourine or bash some from children’s dictionaries. Judged by former English unheard of instrument in concerts, but I wasn’t expecting to teacher, Mrs Chapman, the winner was Third Year pupil be shot or called a rat the evening I attended Holes.

Madeleine Gallon, whose poem was entitled ‘Typewriter’.

Our commitment to the Arts and to sport is reflected in Returning to our our introduction theme of change, last year of GCSE PE, we chose to review to be followed in a our timetable year’s time by Drama. and curriculum Many children have to coincide with enjoyed proudly national reforms, to representing their nelson mandela best prepare our school in sport, with pupils at Bablake. They can, of course, be more conservative our youngest pupils especially successful, and with an overall (small ‘c’) than the staff. I love my annual tea parties with win-rate throughout the school of about 75% of fixtures Fifth Formers — and not just because I enjoy cake! In 2016, against our nearest rival. Just in case football’s coming home, when I asked them about moving to 50-minute lessons, they we also introduced football fixtures in the second half of the felt that 35 (or 30 minutes, as it often turned out) was often Spring Term (when large-scale rugby fixtures dwindle) — and, long enough to concentrate, and they also enjoyed the variety rain permitting, these proved both popular and successful. of lessons that ensued. When I asked pupils last Autumn We have forged closer links with Wasps, both for rugby and what they thought about the change, they were almost for netball, hosting a hub for local school children in the latter unanimous in their approval. Whilst, unsurprisingly, they sport. As he retires, Mr Chowne can cherish the memory felt that 50 minutes was more limiting than the old double of two very successful years for our chess-players, and our period for practical subjects (especially Food), they liked the newly formed badminton team won all its fixtures. As it opportunities for more extended thinking and the variety increases in popularity, we shall also be trialling girls’ of approach to both teaching and learning — precisely what cricket next year. we were aiming to achieve. The new Sixth Form Bablake Our pupils thrive on change to their routine, and this Advantage contains several strands: academic core, academic includes the various trips and expeditions they enjoy, even enhancement, co-curricular enrichment, life choices and taking in the beauty of Bruges, in that tiny country north of leadership, community service and charity fundraising, France. I was very impressed by their resilience and good work experience and careers guidance. We expect our humour as Fourth Formers navigated their way (not always Sixth Formers to benefit from every aspect, for success and successfully) through the beautiful Peak District on Bronze happiness in life equate to far more than a string of grades.

Duke of Edinburgh, and I am always struck by the way in The ‘academic enhancement strand’ has this year included AS which staff and pupils enjoy working so very well together.

Law and Accountancy, GCSE Astronomy and Business French.

I mentioned earlier ‘excellence through care’. Our Many have chosen the Extended Project Qualification; in the care for our pupils remains our foremost priority, as past, it has tended to be our brighter students who undertook we continue to focus on positive mental well-being in a the EPQ (with 17/ 24 gaining A*/A last year), whilst this year’s world of changing values and norms. We want them too projects will contain greater variety, including artefacts to care for each other, and we give them opportunities for rather than the more traditional 5,000 word piece of research. responsibility: peer supporters, digital defenders, mental Certainly one of my most inspiring highlights this year has health ambassadors (whose chocolate and chat sessions have been the junior extended project, with pupils displaying proved very popular!), as well as peace and reconciliation exciting intellectual curiosity and talking eloquently about ambassadors. You know how important those values are for their findings. I hope you enjoyed some of these Symposium us as a community, and we are looking forward to holding a

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

Harpist Avni Kant, Headmaster Mr John Watson with Guest of Honour Mr Andrew Edmiston (top right) and Chair of Governors, Mrs Julia McNaney

conference (with Coventry Cathedral) on ‘How to be a Peacebuilder’ for both Sixth Formers and teachers in November. We also want our young people to care for the world around them and I have been impressed by our Shell pupils’ desire to do more for the environment by reducing plastic in school and to support the homeless through a forthcoming sleep-out; I trust it will be a bit warmer than when some Upper Sixth students wrapped themselves in cardboard in sub-zero temperatures in December!

I always say to our leavers that they will change society for the better, or, in the words of Mahatma Ghandi: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” There has been very considerable positive change this year in our facilities, with the stress on guidance and care: the Sixth Form Centre has been completely transformed; there is a new Medical Centre and better and enlarged Learning Support Centre; and, at a time when it’s more important than ever to make the right options choices, a new Careers Centre and programme. I am very grateful to Governors for their support of these projects, all of which significantly enhance our children’s education. Thank you too to you, our parents, for your support as you work as co-educators of your children, and especially to our Parents’ Association for their work to raise funds and to organise enjoyable community events. We are always keen to listen to

parents and forever make improvements where we can.

In our pre-inspection questionnaire, you had to respond to 17 statements, either ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’; we were obviously very pleased that almost 98% of responses were ‘Agree’.

The Headmaster concluded his speech, praising the school’s dedicated, loyal support and teaching staff — ‘our most precious resource’ — and wishing colleagues retiring or moving to new schools much happiness for the future.

Before a short musical interlude from the school’s woodwind ensemble and the issue of this year’s prizes, the Headmaster welcomed Guest of Honour, Mr Andrew Edmiston, managing director of IM Group, praising his principled and ethical leadership which had been strongly influenced by a Christian faith and values. As a former pupil (1981-1987) and Bablake parent, Mr Edmiston had previously kindly credited his Bablake education for preparing him for a successful career and life.

New school captains Liam Duggan and Iz Hemus offered a vote of thanks, before Lower Sixth student Lauren Cox introduced a final musical moment from our fundraising concert for Harrismith Secondary. Pianist Alex Hyde and our String Quartet entertained guests at the start of the evening. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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pr i z eg i v i n g Kogulan Vipulan receives his prize from Guest of Honour Mr Andrew Edmiston

Arguably, the most prestigious of our individual prize-winners this year included the following:

Shell Scholars 2017/18 Academic: Henry Chislett, Emily Fisher, Sophie Jackson Art: Sophie Jackson, Maria Spisak English: Daniella Bleach William Townsend Form Prizes Shells Attainment: Bezalel Akinkoye, Elizabeth Akinkoye, Rhea Cherrington, Avneet Hayer, Alisha Jahangir Progress: Jack Barsby, Kiran Bharaj, Freya Casey-Talbot, Daniella Freeman, Caal Walber Second Year Attainment: Sadie Aspinall, Bianca Booth, Katie Hart, Erin Keeling, Charisma Oko, Harry Scott-Burt Progress: Freya Goldberg, William Hamilton, Emily Haywood, Connor Jones, Ethan Wragg Third Year Attainment: Eleanor Baird, Celestine Dal, James Fraser, Adrian Judge, Lucia Macheta, Harinija Vicnakumaar Progress: Cayman Bhatti, Olivia Gosling, Eve Morton, Eleanor Paxton, Abarna Sivanesan Fourth Year Attainment: Bhavan Amar, Freya Bennett, Charlotte Bull, Dominic Reeves, Harry White Progress: Edward Crossley, Luke Edmiston, Narankar Sehmi, Jay Senghera, Livia Turnock

Prize Giving 2017/18

Fifth Year Form Prizes: Ben Harrison, Zahrah Jahangir, Neelam Marwaha, Thomas McCormick, Kogulan Vipulan Contributions to School Life: Katy Davis, Ashley Kabue, Sathvika Krishnan, Charlotte Merry, Abinaya Muraleetharan

Scholarships awarded on entry to the Sixth Form Academic: Sophie Arora, Ellie Biddle, Dhru Bodalia, Will Canning, Fiona Chung, Matthew Cooper, Jack Crinigan, Rebecca Dodd, Alex Hyde, Ashley Kabue, Sathvika Krishnan, Jasmine Marajh, Hattie Morris, Abinaya Muraleetharan, Henry Pilley, Areej Raza, Danica Shah, Kelly Turnbull, Kogulan Vipulan, Zien Zhou Honorary Academic: Anastasia Jeffcoat Mathematics: Agsharan Rajavarothayam Music: Ellie Aitchison, Sathvika Krishnan, Edwin O’Brien Sport: Daniel Barnes, Ben Barwick, Lucas Bennett, Mollie Bradley, Will Canning, Sandeep Dhaliwal, Ben Harrison, Jessica Horton, Christopher Romano Whitehouse: William Bastock, Tim Henderson, Caragh Shaw Miscellaneous Awards Chris Ashworth Trophy (Outstanding Achievement): Avni Kant Best Contribution to Magazines: Adam Dickinson, Charlotte Park Best Contribution by a Student New to Sixth Form: Jack Poppitt Bert Bissell Trophy (Contribution to Charity): Imogen Pemble Felicity Chapman Poetry Prize: Madeleine Gallon Philippa Chowne Prize (Charity): Enya Bowe Cricket Scholars: Thomas Mordey, Daniel Mousley H Curt Prize (Service): Ria Patel Hawley Cup (Service): Luke Wyman Humberstone Prize (Character and Scholarship): Julian Wreford Jackson Progress Prize: Jack Poppitt Jenkins Cup (Shells): Giacomo MacGibbon, Natish Nyamayaro Lane Scholars: Beth Elford, Jack Green, Ramkishan Muralidhar TW Patchett Award (Scholarship and Courtesy): Kare Adenegan, Amrit Gill Peace and Reconciliation: Mehreen Kazmi, Tess Lillicrapp JV Rattigan Cup (Merit in the Lower Sixth): Lauren Cox Seaborne Trophy (Sportsman of the Year): Julian Wreford Leonard Ward Trophy (Sportswoman of the Year): Hannah Sweeney

Public Examination Fact File 2017/18

“We’re very proud of our pupils’ achievements, but we’ve never been accused of hothousing.

Those achievements stem not from excessive data-crunching and target-setting, but from a culture of aspiration and high expectations.” mr john watson (headmaster)

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

A Level

GCSE

• 17% of all grades at A* (National average: 8%).

• 46% of all grades A* or A (National average: 26%)

• 18th co-educational Independent School nationally — The Times 01/09/18

• 74% of all grades A*, A or B (National average: 52%)

• 50% of all grades were at 9, 8 or A*

• 29 students achieved 3 or more A* or A grades.

• 76% of all grades were at 9 — 7 or A*/A (National average: 20%)

• 28 of 34 Extended Project Qualifications (EPQ) were graded A* or A grade (82%)

• 16 pupils gained at least ten 9, 8 or A* grades

• 99.7% pass rate

• 62% of pupils gained at least eight 9 — 7 or A*/A grades

• 97 students

• 41% secured the highly elusive 9 grade in English Language (National average: 2%) • 98.7% pass rate • 103 pupils

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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f i n a l d e s t i n at i o n s

Where are they now?

78 university

14 gap year

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direct employment/ apprenticeships

Students from our outstanding Class of 2011 left Bablake excited about their plans beyond school, but with everlasting memories of friendships made and stellar achievements. The year group’s final day was delightfully themed around ITV’s I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here.

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

DEGREE APPRENTICESHIP/ SCHOOL LEAVER PROGRAMMES To the especial pleasure of our Careers departments (Apprenticeship Champions), a significant and growing number of students investigated alternative Post 18 routes and were accepted for highly competitive schemes.

2 Deloitte BrightStart 1 AECOM 1 IBM Futures 1 Specsavers UNIVERSITY SPOTLIGHT Where are they studying?

10 Nottingham Trent 8 Nottingham 6 Birmingham, Leeds, London (3 King’s College, 2 Imperial, 1 St George’s) 5 Leicester 3 Coventry, Durham, Manchester 2 Bangor, Loughborough, Oxford, Sheffield Hallam 1 Aberdeen, Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, Aston, Bristol, Brunel, Cambridge, Cardiff Metropolitan, Exeter, Harper Adams, Keele, Kent, Liverpool, Manchester Metropolitan, Reading, Southampton, Surrey, UWE Bristol, Warwick, Worcester, York.

What are they studying?

The Arts, Humanities and Languages 8 Students 3 English (inc with History 1) 2 History 1 Journalism (with a Foundation year) 2 Modern Languages (inc with Culture 1) Engineering, Mathematics, Science and Technology 41 Students 1 Biological Sciences (Neuroscience ) 2 Biology (inc Environmental 1) 3 Biomedical Sciences (inc Foundation year 1) 2 Chemistry (inc Medical and Biological 1) 1 Chiropractic 2 Computer Science (inc with Maths 1) 1 Dental Technology 1 Dentistry 6 Engineering (inc Aeronautical 2, Chemical with industrial placement 1, Foundation year 1, Mechanical 1, Mechanical/ Automotive 1) 1 Food Technology with Nutrition 1 Genetics 1 Geography (Physical) with a sandwich year 1 Geology with Planetary Science 2 Mathematics

1 Medical Sciences 6 Medicine 1 Pharmacy 4 Physics (inc with Astrophysics 1, Philosophy 1) 2 Sport and Exercise Science 1 Sports and Exercise Technology 1 Veterinary Science Social Sciences 29 Students 1 Accounting and Finance 3 Business (inc with Finance 1, Management with year in industry 1) 1 Criminology 5 Economics (inc Financial 1, Management 1, with placement year 1) 1 Finance (inc Real Estate 1) 1 Human Resource Management 6 Law 2 Philosophy (inc with Religion and Music 1) (See Physics too!)

1 Political Science and International Relations 1 Property, Finance and Investment 5 Psychology 1 Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management 1 Real Estate

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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gninruT

the tables

Adam Dickinson and Charlotte Park

In the 2011/12 edition, Bablake Junior School captains Iz Hemus and George Parker interviewed our Senior School captains. six years on, we thought we would turn the tables on Iz and George, now Senior School Captain and Senior Prefect respectively, asking them their own questions.

“The freedom in the Senior School has definitely been a benefit.” iz hemus (senior school captain)

What have you enjoyed in your roles as senior prefects?

Iz: I’ve enjoyed helping with major school events and setting an example to the lower school. I’m also looking forward to organising the Crystal Ball for our Fifth Years.

George: I am honoured to have been recognised by both staff and students as a reliable member of the student body. I have also enjoyed representing the school with prospective parents.

What is the best thing about Senior School?

George: I love the wide range of opportunities available to us as students and being able to get involved as much as possible.

Hockey and music have been my favourite activities outside the classroom.

Iz: The freedom in the Senior School has definitely been a benefit. Also, as George said, there’s so much to take part in from Shells up to the Sixth Form.

Did you settle into Shells well?

Iz: At first, I found it all slightly scary and the school seemed like a big place, but after a week or two I was completely settled in, with new friends. You just need to remember everyone is in the same position in a new school!

George: Although the first couple of weeks felt like a big step up, the warm and friendly environment created by staff and students easily helped me settle. Attending activities helped me meet new people.

Which are your favourite lessons?

George: I’d have to say Biology. I’ve found it really interesting throughout my time at school and it has inspired me to apply for a scientific degree at university.

Iz: Mathematics or Design Technology have to be my favourites! DT is great fun because of all the practical projects you do and the work done in the workshops. I find Maths really interesting, even though I used to hate it until about Third year.

Which clubs did you enjoy and why?

Iz: Throughout my time at Bablake I’ve been going to the hockey and netball clubs, as I love playing sport. I also found this was a great way to make new friends in Shells, as many of the people would have the same interest.

George: I think being involved in as much as possible from so early on is really beneficial, as you discover things you have a real passion for. I’ve enjoyed being part of hockey teams and music groups, such as our Wind Band and Orchestra.

What is the best school trip you have been on?

George: Travelling into Europe on music tours has been a great experience and performing to passers-by in the streets of France and Germany was great fun. It was something I’ll never forget!

Iz: For me, it was definitely the Design Technology trip to Bologna in Italy in 2017. We toured the factories at Ducati, Ferrari and Pagani, as well as having a go at making our own ice cream.

Any top tips for young Bablake pupils starting at Bablake?

Iz: Definitely become involved with lots of co-curricular activities and try to keep up with your work!

George: I’ll have to agree with Iz on this one. Put the effort in early and it will make the rest of your time a lot easier.

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

Iz and George prepare for their interview

“I love the wide range of opportunities available to us as students and being able to get involved as much as possible.” george parker (senior prefect)

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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s ta f f n e w s

Valete We thank these colleagues — four of whom are retiring after accumulating 116 years’ service to Bablake — for their outstanding loyalty to our community and wish them happiness and good health in retirement or for new adventures. This tribute from former pupils, parents and staff has been collated by Mr Mark Woodward.

Mrs Diana Booth (Mathematics)

“If you don’t use something, it will drop off.” mrs diana booth

Mr Tim Crompton, Director of Music, applauds his musicians

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

Diana has taught at Bablake for 37 years with dignity, class and grace, latterly teaching Sixth Form part-time, and it will be no surprise to former pupils that her remarkably agile mathematical brain still challenged our most advanced students with the toughest of questions right up to retirement.

While her love has always been the classroom, she also served as Bablake’s Hospitality Co-ordinator for evening events, a role she performed with characteristic care and pride. Diana drank the elixir of youth and serenity before she came to Bablake and has been an outstanding colleague and friend to all. Her autobiography would be a gripping read and the Common Room does not seem the same without her marking Maths books late into the evening and regaling colleagues with engaging tales of domestic drama. Happily, Mrs Lisa French — who was not her daughter as the students thought — is doing her best to carry on the marking tradition and indeed has been mistaken for her by your loyal reporter!

Louise Hill was taught by Mrs Booth in the lower school and then for Maths A level. ‘I remember two things clearly — she was always chewing gum, and she gave us some advice about practice when we were in the Shells: “If you don’t use something, it will drop off!” I suspect my children could tell you her name — as I quote her so often. She was a fabulous teacher and a very kind and caring person.’

Her excellence is perfectly summed up by these students: ‘Mrs Booth was a genuinely brilliant teacher.’ (Javed Khan) ‘Mrs Booth is made of magic!’ (Clare Barry) ‘Mrs Booth is a rock star!’ (Charlotte Malbasa) As is the mark of only the most excellent teachers, her especial ability to draw the best out of those who did not see themselves as top Mathematicians was legendary: ‘She was so good, she almost got me through Maths O Level.’ (Tim Russell) ‘She got me an A in GCSE Maths, when it really wasn’t my strength... she was a super teacher! (Jane Cook).

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Madame Marine Field (French) Marine has taught at Bablake for 31 years, always aspiring to the highest standards for her pupils, expecting them to respond accordingly. In this time, she has organised and accompanied numerous school trips and has given selflessly of her time during lunchbreaks to support individuals.

Director of Marketing and Admissions, Mrs Sarah Harris delivered a superb A-Z guide to Marine for the staff, complimenting her natural style, nutritional advice, healthy lifestyle and love of wine (French of course) and real coffee. She also revealed her real name to be Marie-Cathérine and news of her status as a secret, glamorous grand-mère, before cheekily suggesting retirement had been sped forward in a bid to avoid the new Digital Learning era!

Students stampeded to post glowing comments: Jonny Lawrence began: ‘When I was applying for Oxford, she gave me such confidence when she said that if I could not gain a place for French, no-one could. Her GCSE and A Level teaching inspired my lifelong love of French and I will never forget what a wonderful, kind, warm, encouraging teacher she was, fostering in all of us a quasi-obsession with language generally, but French specifically. She is one of my biggest inspirations.’

Amy Dewe (née Corrigan) says her career as a French teacher was influenced by Marine, especially her love of the language and all the insight about French culture. Funny and knowledgeable, she opened an exciting secret world which made the subject come alive. ‘She also knew me better than I knew myself.’

Michael Douglas commended her patience steering him to an acceptable GCSE grade, Kondwani Mhone regrets not taking her advice to study the subject further, while Chloe Whittle recalls she was always so stylish, so much fun and in control of the class as well as saying how ‘she used to horrify us with how quickly French people could speak, rendering all our hard work to learn the language useless once it was sped up to full speed!’

Her teaching has stood the test of time for Paul Coleman too: ‘I’ve spent half of the last 10 years working alongside 18

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French oil company Total and been pleasantly surprised by how much comprehension has remained considering what an awful student I was; this can only be a reflection on the very high standard of her teaching!’

Many like Victoria Merrick wish her well for her retirement, commending her kindness as a Shell tutor, while Lauren Putnam said: ‘Madame Field’s enthusiasm for teaching from the 2nd year through to the Upper Sixth shone through in each lesson. She was the perfect teacher and we always looked forward to hearing her anecdotes, going on trips to Café Rouge and even battling the rigours of her grammar lessons. Bablake will miss her infectious personality as much as we do!’

Hannah Allroggen praised her encouragement and thanked her for enhancing her French learning experience, while Katerina Jackson confirmed Madame Field always managed to brighten up the classroom and put a smile on everyone’s faces, saying: ‘Even when she was telling one of my friends her writing was too small and employers might think she were a psychopath, Madame Field was always there for us!’

The final words of praise go to Joel Venson: ‘Before GCSEs, I had hardly any interest in languages whatsoever, but Madame Field kept persuading me to continue with French for A-Level. I now have a degree in French and Russian, and currently live in Moscow. All thanks to her and the rest of the French department at Bablake, I fell in love with languages which are a huge part of my life.’

Mr Andrew Chowne (Mathematics) Andrew came to Bablake in 1994, and has been forever keen to impart his love of Mathematics to his pupils, stretching them at the highest levels. He also led the way for his department in the use of new technology — he has left his legacy in coaxing colleagues into sharing his love of the interactive whiteboard, while his worksheets and mini tests live on in the archives of the Maths Staff Room. As well as very efficiently coordinating initial teacher training for our staff new to the profession, he has also led school Chess, attracting many eager and talented players after school on Fridays, with our teams enjoying conspicuous success.

Mrs Amanda Jones on a Shells’ visit to the Black Country Museum

No-one will ever forget the courage and resolve Andrew (and his beloved wife Lisa and son Robert) demonstrated when faced with the sudden tragedy of daughter/sister Philippa dying in December 2011. No words could do justice to his dignity and professionalism, the amazing fundraising and awareness he continues to create for CRY, and the most amazing spirit and support from all our pupils. His resilience has been inspirational and given every member of the Bablake family an example of how best to approach life positively.

Please forgive the indulgence of quoting Andrew, but his words about Philippa say more than we ever could: ‘I miss her every moment of every day. Our friends and colleagues have been so supportive and we are very grateful to them. Pip’s friends have been so loyal and generous. I have enjoyed following their adventures on Facebook. The amount of money raised for CRY has been staggering. Thank you! Pip is our guardian angel and I know she is watching over us and helping us through life. She made us proud every day.’

Mr Inderpal Kalsi commends Andrew’s passion for chess and the pride he always took in selecting the best team and coaching the players. ‘He was always positive with our players regardless of the result. This naturally led to the creation of a very strong chess team and a large number of trophies. He was a very good player and although many tried to defeat him at chess club, no one succeeded. He is hugely missed.’

Tom Hingston is one of many students with a debt to Mr Chowne: ‘I have excellent memories of Friday Chess Club! I remember him picking me for the B Team initially and then playing me in the As for a game — he was surprised I could play so well as a Shell. Unfortunately, I peaked a bit too soon and seven years later I had to beg him to play me Board 6 in the As in my final game! He was a great chess coach and a real asset for Bablake.’

Amrit Gill captured Mr Chowne’s excellence as a teacher in these words: ‘Sir’s mantra — “Diagram, Label, Formula, Substitute, Solve” — is one none of us have any trouble remembering! His guide on how to face mathematical problems most definitely had deeper significance for how to approach future life decisions.’

Mrs Amanda Jones (Psychology) Amanda began at Bablake in 1994, initially as a Teacher of Biology, who then helped to introduce Psychology to Bablake. Much to Mr Hyde’s surprise, having escaped to ‘God’s Country’, she returned from her brief interlude in Yorkshire to teach Psychology and Science. Yorkshire’s loss was most definitely Bablake’s gain and she was latterly Head of Psychology. From 2007 to 2015, Amanda was also a very successful, serene, patient and caring Head of Shells. We wish her all the very best for retirement, where we know she will indulge her love of walking.

‘Mrs Jones was a warm form tutor, full of life and loved her bird watching.’ (Harriet Rowlands) ‘She always had time for every question, however trivial it may have seemed, and would always put in extra time with you to make sure you were comfortable with your knowledge for exams! She made learning fun and enjoyable and was always looking for new and different ways to explain the hardest parts.’ (Emily Wainhouse) ‘Psychology was my favourite subject in Sixth form because of Mrs Jones. I will always remember her birthday to be the 10th July, after she drilled it into us one lesson as part of some psychology trick!’ (Laura Hutchison)

Miss Caroline Daley (Administration) Caroline began in 2005 as Art and Textiles Technician, supporting both pupils and staff. She then worked in the school office, taking attentive responsibility for the workings of the office during the school holiday when the office manager was away. She showed herself to be both flexible and efficient, and applied for the role of Admin Support Secretary (primarily for members of the Senior Leadership Team) when this became available.

She positively and effectively supported the Deputy and Assistant Heads with safeguarding records, the school diary, options choices, departmental reviews and appraisals, detention records and many other aspects of important administration and events organisation.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Mrs Jo Davidson (Head Caretaker)

Mr Tim Crompton (Director of Music)

Jo worked at Bablake from 2006, initially in the role of Cleaning Supervisor, and since December 2015 as resident Head Caretaker, a role she knew inside out having shadowed Mr Malcolm Martin for so many years. She managed a large team of cleaners, and in the latter role had full responsibility for the cleanliness and tidiness of the school site, including minor repairs and security. She was a loyal member of our support staff who worked with others to ensure the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of our very busy school. Her warmth and friendship to everyone at Bablake will be sorely missed.

Tim joined Bablake as Director of Music in 2009 and has since worked energetically with others to raise both the quality and participation in this crucial creative area; this has been apparent in the splendid music we have enjoyed over the last few years and in particular as the concert programme within school and outside — e.g. St John’s Lunchtime recitals — has been expanded. We wish Tim and his family well as they relocate to Devon, where he inherits a Music department in Teignmouth from a former Bablake musician, Rachael Mohomed. His legacy is best summarised by the super wishes from parents after this year’s Summer Concert.

‘Congratulations, everyone! It was a wonderful evening Mr Crompton.’ (Mrs Sue White) ‘We will miss you, Mr Crompton!’ (Mrs Rosemary Shipley) ‘Superb as usual! Such variety and talent on show.’

(Mrs Avril Ementon) ‘It was a wonderful concert. Thank you so much, Mr Crompton, for your brilliant teaching! You will be greatly missed. And good luck in your new school, they’ll be delighted to welcome you.’ (Mrs Amanda Carter) ‘Fabulous as always. You have been a wonderful inspirational teacher. Your new school is very lucky.’

(Mrs Deborah Bruton)

Mr Preet Chahal (Senior IT Technician) Preet arrived on a free transfer in April 2008 from our neighbours KHVIII as we expanded our ICT support. Mr West, Head of DT, reports ‘he arrived with little fanfare but an impressive reputation and it was not long before he justified it, becoming the go-to person for quick problem-solving with ICT troubles.

As well as being a maestro with software and computing, it was not long before his other talents were utilised and appreciated. He soon became a fixture on trips to Le Fousseau, where his early morning starts were not always appreciated by staff and pupils alike — at least the 2016 Fringe Festival minibus departure time of 2am evened that particular score a little! This early rising habit was soon established on D of E overnight trips, but it was tolerated in exchange for his no nonsense approach to safety and expertise in map reading, achieved through years of scouting and taking trips overseas for mountaineering and walking.

Eventually his knowledge led him to become the first Expeditions and Visits Co-ordinator at Bablake and his advice to trip leaders became essential before any trip left school.

His sense of humour, not to everyone’s taste, was often instrumental to him forming excellent working relationships with pupils as very few escaped being wound up by him at some stage of their Bablake career and rarely did anyone get the upper hand, despite many trying. He used to spend many an hour after school — his working day finished at 4pm — helping Design and Technology pupils with their coursework folders and practical work or being a tester for their ideas; he also bailed out many on deadline day, as they struggled with ICT problems and last minute printing.

Preet was also the mastermind behind forming an unofficial Sporcle quiz club and there are many Sixth Form pupils who ‘worked’ late on their coursework — at least that’s what they told their parents! — but seemed to improve their Sporcle quiz levels even more.

He was also well known for his running exploits and he frightened many pupils on a regular basis when he returned from a run after school dressed in his fluorescent and snug fitting lycra. His fitness craze was well intentioned and not without reason as for many years he had harboured a desire to become a police officer and this is his reason for leaving.

He is now a police officer in Staffordshire where his main ambition is to catch a Bablake minibus speeding — look out, you have been warned! It will be many years before the effect and impact of his time at Bablake wear off, but it is with appreciation and affection we send him off and wish him well.’

Our Careers department would also testify to Mr Chahal’s excellent advice, humour and company, while perhaps not quite forgiving him for enticing its leader into the phenomenon of Coventry’s Saturday Park Run. 20

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Mr Tony Jones (Electrician) Tony has been a valued member of our maintenance team since September 2009 — a return to the school he remembers completing contract work at, as an electrician, back in the 70s. He will be fondly remembered too for his 2015 Head Shave that raised a significant amount of money for Corley Centre and enabled him to sport a number of famous follicular looks, including Russ Abbott, in the process! While colleagues like Tim Parker may not forgive him for leaving them at the mercy of Mick Gardner’s sharp wit, we wish Tony all the very best for his retirement. His new leisure time will surely soon be put to excellent use assisting his family with their ventures, as his electrical skills will be in high demand.

Mr Richard Sewell (Head of Economics) Richard arrived in 2009, as Head of Economics and Business Studies. Highly rated in his former school, so he continued.

In the classroom, he has always been innovative in his approach, while leading both Sixth Formers and pupils lower down the school in significant social enterprise and charity activity. Richard is a contemplative, modest man, with a clear interest and aptitude for strategic thinking and we congratulate him on his appointment as Deputy Head (Academic) at a school near Coventry station!

We asked former school captain and Oxford PPE graduate Millie Ross, one of Mr Sewell’s first Economics students at Bablake, to identify his strengths as a teacher and leader: ‘In teaching Economics and Business Studies, subjects only available in the Sixth Form, students in his classes arrived with the apprehension and excitement that accompany a new direction. Mr Sewell had a unique way of retaining this enthusiasm throughout their studies.

He treated his students as the young adults they were, and, by the same token, had high expectations in return.

The lines between what falls within the curriculum of his subject and the world around us are blurred, and Mr Sewell encouraged us to push the boundaries of the course in order to develop opinions and understanding of the political, economic, and business domain.

Mr Tony Jones (right) with colleague Mr Mick Gardner

His clear passion for his subject has ignited an interest in many, leading to high numbers pursuing further study in this area both within Bablake in the form of EPQs and extension classes, and via further related study in higher education and beyond.’

Mrs Judy O’Regan (Common Room Assistant) Judy worked initially as one of the cleaning staff, always completing her duties to a very high standard. For almost five years, she was Common Room Assistant, not only providing a personal and friendly service when serving refreshments at break and lunchtime, but also taking great pride in the production of sandwich lunches, salads and teas. Her evident care, knowledge of everyone’s individual whims and her calm, supportive nature were highly valued by staff in the hectic busy-ness of their school day.

Judy’s convivial company, immense warmth and unfailing generosity will be sorely missed, but just as swiftly welcomed by eager mouths at Dunlop RFC every match day, and as she enjoys her new role as a grandmother!

Mr Rob Shiers (DT Technician) Rob was ready for a new challenge when we were looking for a DT technician in 2014, according to Mr West: ‘Things clicked instantly with both parties knowing this was a good move. Although he had no experience in the role, such was his enthusiasm and talent for picking up new skills and his ‘can do’ attitude, that he quickly gained the trust of pupils and staff alike. Within weeks he was better than competent at laser cutting and operating 3D printers and CNC machinery; this, allied with his previous amazing range of plumbing, electrical and workshops skills soon made him indispensable to DT and many other departments.

There are few departments who did not call in and make use of his skills in some way or another and he never let them down. Rob was never one to let a moment pass without being occupied — a factor appreciated and remarked upon too by Wheatleyan Editor Adam Dickinson, who also noted he was always ready to drop what he was doing to help you — and

this also extended outside school where he was a legend on the local darts scene too.

Any spare time outside work has been spent renovating houses for his family, whom he is totally devoted to.

Eventually he spotted an opportunity too good to miss, accepting a post as a junior school caretaker where he will be a huge success both in terms of doing the job, but also being a popular and well respected figure for the children. His tenure as our DT techie was relatively short, but his impact and appreciation will be remembered for a long time to come.’

Mrs Kayleigh Lacey (Alumni Liaison) Kayleigh is a former pupil, who worked in Alumni Liaison and latterly Learning Support from 2015, after previously completing a temporary post with our Alumni team. She brought with her all the qualities of a typical impressive Bablake student. Her excellent humour, relentless pursuit of former pupils for reunions, welcome assistance for our Careers department and outstanding encouragement of pupils in Learning Support are very much missed, but we appreciate the excitement and full-time nature of life as a young mother needed to be a priority.

Mr Tom Clayton (PE Assistant) We thank Mr Tom Clayton for his excellent work as PE apprentice and wish him well as he moves to Kenilworth School as a teaching assistant. Tom’s enthusiasm for rugby and cricket in particular shone through and he worked extremely well as part of the PE team, assisting greatly in the development of our pupils from Junior School through to Senior School as well as helping keep the Department ticking over thanks to his assistance in everyday admin. We wish him well!

Addenda Mrs Marilyn Prowse retired a few years ago, but has given invaluable support to the Chemistry Department ever since, working part-time where required and covering maternity leave. We also thank Mr Jim Cregan (Astro Groundsman) and Mr Rohan Kular (IT Technician) for their service to Bablake. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Salvete

We welcome the following highly talented new members of staff to Bablake.

Mrs Joanne Barratt (Teacher i/c Psychology). Mrs Barratt is a former pupil (1993-2000) with a Psychology degree from the University of York.

She has been Subject Leader of Psychology, Head of Year and Head of PSHCE at Stoke Park and was Sixth Form Head of Year and Teacher of Psychology at Arden Academy.

Miss Kate French (Teacher of Mathematics). Miss French attended Bablake between 2007 and 2014, was Deputy School Captain in her final year, and left us with an outstanding academic record. She has since studied for an MMath degree at Durham University whenever she was not on the river rowing.

Miss Coral Billingham (Biology and Science). Miss Billingham is a former pupil who graduated in 2017 with an MSc in Paleontology and Evolution from the University of Bristol. She has been working this year in Learning Support and now joins Bablake as a part-time teacher.

Mrs Gemma Heath (Teacher of Mathematics). Mrs Heath left Bablake in 1996, and graduated with a First Class Master’s degree in Engineering from Cardiff University. She worked as an engineer until 2015 before taking a Mathematics PGCE via the University of Warwick. She joins us from Kenilworth School and Sixth Form.

Ms Victoria Bradley (Director of Performing Arts). Ms Bradley has a joint honours degree from the University of Hull in Drama and Music. She has taught both subjects to A level, and most recently has been Head of Drama and Teacher of Music at St Joseph’s Institution International School in Singapore, subsequent to leading the Performing Arts at Sherburn High School.

Ms Nicky Brass (Teacher of Music).

Ms Brass is an oboist who plays regularly with the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Birmingham Symphonic Winds and is principal oboe in the Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra.

She is a former Head of Music at St Thomas More, Nuneaton. She has a MMus in Performance from Birmingham Conservatoire.

Mr Todd Freemantle (Teacher of Boys’ PE). Mr Freemantle undertook his PGCE with placements at President Kennedy and Coundon Court. He has a degree in Sports and Exercise Science from Coventry University, has worked as a professional rugby and sports coach, and has played amateur and professional rugby to a high level.

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Miss Carolin Pfennig (Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages). Miss Pfennig has a Master’s in Education (German and English) from Munich University.

She has worked as a marketing assistant and as a German Language Assistant at Watford Grammar School and Bablake, where she has also worked in the School Library.

Mr Peter Scanlon (Teacher of Economics and Business Studies).

Mr Scanlon joins us part-time from the Focus School in Atherstone. Prior to this, he was Assistant Head, Sixth Form Head of Year and Head of Department at Cardinal Newman School.

Miss Molly Taylor (Teacher of History).

Miss Taylor completed her PGCE in History at the University of Warwick, following a degree in History and American Studies at the University of Leicester. A former pupil of KHVIII, she joins us as maternity cover, after placements at Blue Coat C of E School and Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School.

New Support Staff Mrs Kiley Brown Marketing Manager (maternity cover) Mr Mark Carvell Caretaker’s Assistant Mrs Nicky Cooper Admin Support – SLT Mr Kieran Hazell PE Apprentice Mr Alex Lambert ICT Apprentice Mrs Jennie Ormsby Common Room Assistant Mr Richard Pallister Senior ICT Technician, from KHVIII where he worked in a similar capacity Mr Gurdev Reyat Design Technology technician Mr Andrew Stringer ICT Technician. He has spent much of his career in telecommunications and digital technology, having worked most recently as a Training Consultant for Vodafone.

New responsibilities Mrs Louise Alderson Head of Economics and Business Studies Mr Steve Cooper Head of Instrumental Studies Mrs Jennie May Professional Mentor for Trainee Teachers and Students Mr Michael Spencer Head of Shells (maternity cover) Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt Teacher i/c Music Curriculum Other news Congratulations to Mr Lakbir Atwal on representing Wales at this year’s Over 60s Hockey World Cup in Barcelona. He was also part of the Celtic Cup in Lille and 4 Nations in Dublin.

We thank Mr David Brett (Business and Maths) and Mr Paul Creighton (Food Technology) for their voluntary assistance and maternity cover respectively. Thanks is also extended to Mr Joe Harty for his volunteering with our Careers department and excellent work as scorer for our Shell and 1st XI teams.

Congratulations to Mrs Kayleigh Lacey, Mrs Alison Learmont-Henry, Mr Andrew Phillips, Mrs Jo Solomon and Mr Michael Spencer on new arrivals.

Artist Mrs Cathy Renken led silk painting workshops and saw publication of her second colouring book (Coventry’s St Mary’s Guildhall). There is talk of a third volume which would feature Coventry’s Cathedrals.

Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt, Mr Ben Wall and Mr Bruce Wilson have moved to part-time.

Mrs Alison Tumber once again trod the boards in St Augustine’s MTC’s production of Fiddler on the Roof, and is currently rehearsing for Hairspray.

Former Staff news Mr Ian Appleby returned to Bablake’s Theatre to direct our Autumn drama production, Anything Goes.

Bablake Weather Station 40th anniversary. On 19 September 2017, Mr Steve Jackson’s excellent initiative celebrated another remarkable milestone. Space limits publication of an outstanding document detailing the fascinating history of this excellent project.

Mrs Alison Tumber

Mrs Kiley Brown

Mr Mark Carvell

Mrs Nicky Cooper

Mr Kieran Hazell

Mr Alex Lambert

Mrs Jennie Ormsby

Mr Richard Pallister

Mr Gurdev Reyat

Mr Andrew Stringer

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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m ee t t h e t e a m

Creatively speaking Adam Dickinson and Charlotte Park

Without the professional expertise and enthusiasm of various teams who, behind the scenes, offer such outstanding support to our academic staff and pupils, Bablake would not run so smoothly or so successfully. This year, we turn the focus on four staff — some of the loveliest and ‘smiliest’ ones too — who support the Art, DT and Food Technology departments so ably.

Editors Adam Dickinson and Charlotte Park were eager to find out more about Miss Robyn Brandrick (Art), Miss Sarah Moore (Art), Mrs Cathy Renken (Food Tech) and Mr Gurdev Reyat (Design Technology).

From left to right: Mr Gurdev Reyat, Miss Sarah Moore, Mrs Cathy Renken and Miss Robyn Brandrick

Here’s our icebreaker! We would like to start with you telling us an interesting fact about yourself.

Miss Brandrick: I once found seven four-leafed clovers in a field in one day. So I decided to turn them into a piece of artwork for a degree project and promptly ruined them all in the process.

Not so lucky!

Mr Reyat: I worked as a Performance Faculty technician for 18 years.

Miss Moore: I studied Textile Design at Falmouth University, which was amazing!

Miss Brandrick: You have neglected to mention you are an excellent freelance illustrator, Sarah!

Mrs Renken: I trained as a graphic designer and illustrator, so love painting and running textiles workshops. I have had a series of educational colouring books published about the history of Coventry, with another on its way next year, I hope!

I love to keep fit, go to yoga and often walk to work.

How long have you been working at Bablake?

Miss Brandrick: Just over five years.

Miss Moore: Just over three years for me.

Mrs Renken: I have been at Bablake 12 years, during which time I have worked with three Heads of department and seen the team renamed Food Technology.

Mr Reyat: I arrived in March this year.

It’s fair to say that, while Mr Reyat may appear very much the new kid on the block, the DT department did not know what had hit it within days of his arrival, since the stores were reorganised in a flash. Imagine what he could do for our Archivist or the Careers department!

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What support role do you play?

Mr Reyat: I help students use our specialist machinery and, in particular, the laser cutting machine.

Mrs Renken: I assist the teachers by preparing classroom resources for food and textiles demonstrations, often in several classrooms at once! I also work alongside pupils in lessons, take care of classroom displays and order supplies.

Miss Brandrick: My role is quite complicated as I am part-time Art technician but also training as a teacher, which means I have classes in our Junior and Senior schools. Being both teacher and technician is greatly rewarding, but challenging; one minute I can be supporting a pupil, fixing a sewing machine or finding materials, and the next I am marking sketchbooks and planning lessons. Not one day is the same though, which is what I love!

Did you always want to work in a school environment?

Miss Brandrick: Not always! As a child, I had so many ideas about what I wanted to be when I grew up, from a fashion designer to an archaeologist — Indiana Jones was a massive inspiration — however my creative side took over. I studied Fine Art at university and was lucky enough to work as an artist in residence in a school straight after. I really enjoyed working with the pupils and decided it was a great environment to be in.

Miss Moore: Not really, but Bablake is a very nice environment to work in.

Mrs Renken: I have always helped in schools when my children were growing up or found myself organising summer holiday clubs or creative workshops. Working in a secondary school has given me the same pleasure.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Miss Brandrick: At the end of the academic year, we hold an art exhibition in the Main Hall and it is so rewarding to see the artwork created by our pupils displayed there. It makes all the hard work worthwhile for both the pupils and teachers.

Mrs Renken: I love working with pupils, encouraging them to believe in themselves. Sampling some of the lovely recipes our GCSE students make is always fun too!

Miss Moore: Yes, I also love helping pupils gain new skills and seeing how grateful they are. Our free staff yoga sessions each week with Laura Needham are great too!

Mr Reyat: Helping pupils with projects is definitely the best bit.

Is there one occasion that stands out most from your time at Bablake?

Miss Brandrick: There is never a day when something bizarre or funny isn’t happening in the Art department; it is a weird and wonderful place! There are too many occasions to pick from.

Miss Moore: Currently, the cat that seems to have adopted the Art department is creating the most humour.

Mrs Renken: Cake towers, Bablake Bake Off and House Ready Steady Cook are always fun as the pupils have a chance to show what they enjoy about cooking. We also see some quite bizarre experimental pieces in Textiles when they are dyeing, painting, felting and stitching fabrics — often the wrong way round!

Would you like to say anything else about Bablake or to our pupils?

Miss Brandrick and Miss Moore: To the pupils it would have to be wash those paint brushes and remember your pencils for lessons! Oh, and don’t forget to have fun!

Mrs Renken: I think Bablake has such a lovely atmosphere, so make the most of your time studying here. You have such a golden opportunity to discover more about yourself, so don’t waste that!

Thank you! We speak for all the pupils and staff, when we say how much we value your worldly wisdom, excellent humour and superb support during our time at Bablake.

“There is never a day when something bizarre or funny isn’t happening ...” miss robyn brandrick

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Beyond the Classroom

Mr Roberts (in ‘Joseph’ guise) swaps his DT dreamcoat for an amazing technicolor blanket!

Edited by mehreen kazmi, ayesha riaz and saambavi thavakumar

“Increasingly, with students gaining such excellent results at GCSE and A Level nationally, employers are looking at what candidates have achieved or seen outside the classroom. Bablake pupils stand out for the outstanding range of activities they are involved with and this section celebrates a few of those areas. Our termly newsletter, The Lion, and Bablake’s comprehensive social media portfolio complement coverage of the huge co-curricular advantage our students have.” mr mark woodward (staff Editor)

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Charity highlights

“I was very impressed with the girls’ leadership and teamwork skills, and I am delighted we raised a record total for this event.”

15, 896 Collated by Saambavi Thavakumar

mr lakbir atwal talking about bablake’s diwali celebrations

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Amount raised in school for various charities which include: Guide Dogs Harrismith (Bablake’s partner school in South Africa) Macmillan Cancer Support Marie Curie Save The Children India The Royal British Legion

“Once again Bablake also supported many smaller, lesser known charities, both local and further afield, and last year saw the creation of a Shell Charity team that worked tirelessly throughout the year selling poppies, organising a Shell Easter Charity week and selling refreshments at school productions. As well as raising money, Bablake pupils donated food for Harvest Festival which was shared between the Coventry Food Bank and Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre. Pupils also helped organise and host two successful parties for local senior citizens.

Apeksha Chohan and Jasneet Grewal, key members of our Sikh and Hindu society, raised an outstanding £1119.52 for Save the Children India. Many new Shell students participated in a lunchtime celebration of the Diwali festival of light, where cultural performances included Kiran Bharaj on the harmonium, Dhol performances by Jay Singh Sandhu and Dylan Singh, Bhangra dancing by Biran Singh Deol, Punjabi/Hindi singing

by Seeya Lakhanpal and Tia Sadh, and Krina Mistry’s final traditional dance at Bablake. There was also plenty of food to enjoy, including the Indian sweet delicacy, jalebi.

Apeksha commented: ‘We believe every child deserves the best chance for a bright future and Save the Children India is fiercely committed to ensuring children not only survive, but thrive. Our Diwali celebration was enthralling, and the Shells who performed and helped with the beautiful henna designs were the heart and soul of the event.’ Teacher Mr Lakbir Atwal said: ‘I was very impressed with the girls’ leadership and teamwork skills, and I am delighted we raised a record total for this event.’ Jasneet Grewal added: ‘I am so proud of everyone involved and thank you to everyone who supported a Krispy Kreme donut sale and the school’s Christmas Jumper Day, which also raised funds for our nominated charity.’

Upper Sixth student Lorna Willamson has put a Sixth Form Charity team together for 2018-19 and they will be looking to organise our very successful annual Macmillan Coffee Morning and other charity events including a Shells BBC Children in Need Charity Week.”

Mrs Hayley Bamforth

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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The Magic of Music Sixth Form student Enya Bowe organised another exceptional charity concert, this year in aid of Harrismith School. Over ÂŁ1600 was raised at her The Magic of Music evening, which had a Disney theme to inspire the performers and thrill the audience.

Thank you to everyone who helped, performed and supported!

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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ac a d em i c e x t en s i o n

A significant day Earlier this year three Lower Sixth students had the opportunity to visit Auschwitz for a day and become Ambassadors for the Holocaust Trust. Here is the summary of the day and the poignant reaction of svetlana kim, edelle pyke and lorna williamson.

When you hear the word Holocaust, what comes to mind is images of concentration camps with malnourished, neglected human beings, mainly Jews, behind barbed wire. The figure of six million Jewish deaths is well known, though would it make you feel any different if it were five million or even seven million? Yet that is a million people, each with a story, a family, each individual was a human being. One of the primary aims of our visit was to re-humanise this figure and understand further what books and textbooks can simply not convey through words alone. Whilst everyone has an understanding of the suffering that occurred in the death camps, the reality can never be fully comprehended without visiting one.

We all attended two seminars before our trip to prepare us and give us more information before we visited the camps, as well as a follow-up seminar where we were able to reflect and talk about how it had affected us, which we felt was crucial.

Our trip was organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust, a charity dedicated to the education of young people and the important lessons to be learned for today. The charity has created over 28,500 HET ambassadors across the country and our responsibility now as ambassadors is to share our experience within our community and teach others the lessons we gained.

Alexey Soucho on Unsplash

“I went into the trip with an expectation to gain further insight into what I believed was a tragic enigma, hoping to understand more about how something that violated human rights to such an extent could be allowed to happen.

It would be ignorant to imply any of us are able to empathise truly with what the prisoners went through, but simply witnessing the camps was enough to stir horror and fear. The whole process was dehumanised and detached — everything from the categorisation and separation of families as they left the train, to the division of labour where people replaced machines.

Our guide informed us of how those inside Birkenau were lucky if they got the job of scraping up faeces from the hugely unsanitary toilets, which would be better described as ‘holes in the ground’. This was because of the extra warmth and the stink distracted prison guards who would have otherwise physically abused them. The trip confirmed for me that understanding such human cruelty was impossible and there can be no excuse for the suffering that Jews and other minorities have had to endure.”

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“We can only ask that you do what is in your power to minimise discrimination and hatred — we cannot make up for the past, but we can learn from it and never make the same mistakes.” edelle pyke (lower sixth)

Svetlana Kim

“We visited Auschwitz 1 and Birkenau, two of the three main camps. Auschwitz 1 has been converted into a museum containing all the items found upon liberation on 27 January 1945 and Birkenau has been left completely as it was, dedicated as a memorial to those who perished. The combination of the two camps was an indescribable feeling, however I found Birkenau the most upsetting purely due to the vastness of the camp. It is measured at 24 square miles and, walking in, you physically could not see from one end to the other, so could not visualise the full area.

The main reason I seized the opportunity to visit was to make sure the Holocaust is never forgotten and that all the victims and survivors are talked about and remembered as individuals. This is crucial as it also reminds us of what mankind is capable of when someone else is able to take the blame for their actions, which is a truly daunting fact. Furthermore, through this experience, I have become aware of Holocaust deniers, a troublingly large group of people who refuse to believe the Holocaust ever happened, despite the damning evidence and survivor testimony which I had the privilege to listen to first hand from Rudi Oppenheimer.”

“The personal belongings, for me, were the most shocking and emotionally stimulating image. There were around 80,000 pairs of shoes, each of them personalised and piled high, exhibited in vast glass displays that extended down a long corridor. It was emotionally draining, standing surrounded by mountains of possessions each representing a human being that had their own family, their own story — many of which have been lost forever.

Jews came to the camps from all over the world, even buying their own tickets as many believed they were going there for a better life, so they brought pots and pans and other homeware with them that they believed they would need, yet many of them barely survived two hours after leaving the train.

It was a privilege to witness a survivor testimony and hear an educational talk from Rabbi Barry Marcus MBE. Both invoked a very strong emotional response; in fact, after the Rabbi’s talk at the end of our visit, many people broke down in tears as he spoke so passionately with such anger and fire at the defilement of his people, yet at the same time stressed the positive importance of our role as ambassadors of peace.”

Lorna Williamson

Edelle Pyke

Preconceptions of Auschwitz as the only place of the Holocaust limit our understanding, when it actually encompassed 45 satellite camps: the three main camps were Auschwitz , Birkenau and Monowitz. Therefore, as ambassadors, we are now responsible for sharing our knowledge and experience with those around us and increase people’s understanding of the Holocaust as a whole.

We can only ask that you do what is in your power to minimise discrimination and hatred — we cannot make up for the past, but we can learn from it and never make the same mistakes.”

Footnote: Channel 4 aired Night Will Fall which documents all the footage from liberation day at Auschwitz, which had been previously archived. This may now be viewed on YouTube.

The Wheatleyan 2017/18

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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ac a d em i c e x t en s i o n

Miss Kate Blackie (Religion, Philosophy and Ethics) has submitted an essay — edited by The Wheatleyan team — written by Lucia Macheta about the death penalty, from discussion about ‘what is right and what is wrong’ in this year’s Ethics and Morality module.

At the scene of the crime

The Death Penalty an RPE discussion

Academic extension beyond the classroom is warmly encouraged to feed pupils’ intellectual curiosity. 2017-18 saw exceptional evenings showcasing work by our Symposium and Extended Project Qualification students and demonstrating independent research.

Many other pupils across all year groups were involved with CREST projects and Insight days with employers or universities.

‘They have been developing crucial skills of critical evaluation, clear articulation of their argument, robust justification of their opinion, respectful debate and, importantly, empathy.

To conclude this unit, students devised their own question and spent a good deal of time independently researching and evaluating an ethical issue that interested them.’

Miss Kate Blackie, RPE

Lower Sixth student Lauren Cox reports on her Smallpeice Trust Forensic Science course, held at the Defence Academy in Shrivenham.

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We also interviewed three suspects, which proved to be a very frustrating task when they ‘couldn’t remember’ things we asked them!

As the lab results gradually came in, we began to construct a timeline of events using the findings from the interviews. Eventually we came to the correct conclusion and presented it in a courtroom scenario to parents and judges. Although my team lost, I learnt a lot from the experience and made some great friends too.

It was great to be so involved in the whole process from start to end, as usually you would specialise only in evidence analysis or crime scene investigating, so I would encourage anyone with an interest in forensics to attend similar courses that are available.

“I disagree with this statement, because there are many flaws in trying to bring back a form of punishment that has not been used for over 54 years, and does not actually deter people from committing crimes. A report by the National Research Council — ‘Deterrence and the Death Penalty’ — stated studies claiming the death penalty has a deterrent effect on murder rates are ‘fundamentally flawed’ and should not be used when making policy decisions. The 2016 FBI Uniform Crime Report showed the south of America had the highest murder rate and accounted for over 80% of executions. The North East, with less than 1% of all executions, had the lowest murder rate.

These statistics show that, while the death penalty may reduce the amount of offenders reoffending, it is hopeless in trying to cut murder rates. So, why would you reintroduce something that doesn’t actually work?

Anyone who disagrees with me would say re-establishing capital punishment would free money spent on police force and prison costs for more important things, such as the NHS or improving terror security. Currently the UK Government allows £270 million to be spent on improving the police force, and £2.71 billion on prisons to keep criminals behind bars, whereas, if capital punishment were reinstated, there would be very few criminals to keep behind bars. I don’t believe it would cut costs.

“We took many photos and gathered lots of evidence ...”

(Here, Lucia explained the American death penalty costs in detail, concluding more is spent than without it. Using excellent statistics, she then argued the majority of the general public do not want the death penalty restored.)

Robert Hickerson on Unsplash

First of all we attended six mini lectures where we learnt how flies are used to determine how long a body has been dead for, how we match tools to the marks they leave and how to decide whether a strand of hair is human or not!

Next we learnt how to take fingerprints using aluminium powder and then got to enter our ‘crime scene’.

We took many photos and gathered lots of evidence — such as fibres, footprints and fingerprints — to be taken for analysis at the lab. We learnt some evidence can be examined at the scene, for example suspicious substances can be tested with ‘hemastix’ where a positive result indicates blood; for anyone who is worried, potato and beetroot both give a false positive for blood!

The next day we were let loose in one of the forensic labs to test all of our evidence. We took DNA swabs of anything that could contain it — e.g. the glove and coke cans we found — and analysed hairs and fibres under a comparison microscope, drawing on what we had learnt in the lectures.

Do you agree the United Kingdom should reintroduce the death penalty?

To justify my argument further, a recent 2014 poll commissioned by DPIC found even police chiefs in America ranked the death penalty last among ways to reduce violent crime, considering it the least efficient use of taxpayers’ money. Surely these polls suggest that capital punishment is ineffective, highly expensive and not actually popular among the general public in America?

Finally I believe that the methods used to execute prisoners are totally barbaric and highly unnecessary. 32 American states, plus the US Government, use lethal injections as their primary method, others — chiefly Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia — use electrocution as their main authorised method, but, worst of all, six states — Arizona, California, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Wyoming — still use the gas chamber to execute their offenders. Why would the British Government reinstate such brutal punishments that 85 years previously were condemned as ‘ruthless, pitiless, heartless acts of Satan himself’? I know those opposing my view might argue murderers, rapists or abusers in prison deserve everything they get. But, do they really deserve to be electrocuted or gassed to death?

In conclusion, as you can clearly see, although capital punishment would prevent people reoffending, would it really stop people from actually committing crimes in the first place? Do some of the British public want the death penalty reinstated, because crime rates are rising? America has the death penalty and yet its general public does not truly want it to be legal anymore. I feel the reasons are not strong enough to regenerate a punishment people were once given life sentences for committing. As the political activist, professor and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel said: ‘I told him I did not believe that they could burn people in our age, that humanity would never tolerate it.’”

We look forward to featuring Miss Kate Blackie’s new Minerva societya discussion forum for our Sixth Form students — in next year’s edition of The Wheatleyan.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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“Whilst elemental fluorine has shown to be a hazard, compounds containing fluorine and fluoride can be beneficial.”

A

s the ninth element, fluorine is an often overlooked element, but offers up some incredible chemistry. Its considerably high electronegativity, multitudes of uses and dangerous history makes it one of the most fascinating elements. Before its recognition and eventual isolation, fluorine was still being used in compounds, due to its presence in minerals such as fluorite.

Later than this, fluorine could be found in hydrofluoric acid, and, in time, would be used to isolate the element itself through electrolysis.

Fluorine was finally discovered in the 1800s and isolated with some difficulty, as its dangerous and toxic nature created a hazard for the scientists trying to isolate it, causing painful and often gory symptoms, such as inflammation of the eyes, pain under the nails and the spitting of blood. After its discovery, the element was being put to use in compounds so it was able to help in everyday life.

Fluorine proves to be very useful in different compounds, for example in chlorofluorocarbons, which have a multitude of uses as refrigerants and solvents. Of course, CFCs are well known for their breaking down of the ozone layer through free radical substitution using the Cl in the CFCs, but fluorine is not the cause of this because of the strong bond it forms. As well as the useful but sometimes harmful CFCs, fluorine is also included in the less harmful alternatives of hydrochlorofluorocarbons and hydrofluorocarbons, which can also be used as refrigerants without the negative effects on our atmosphere. The element is also used in industry, with an important compound being polytetrafluoroethylene which is more commonly known as Teflon and used in many cooking utensils.

The element has the highest electronegativity of any, thanks to its 5 electrons in the 2p orbital. This means that it is highly reactive due to its willingness to gain an electron so it can create bonds and because of these bonds being created and energy being released, it can be rather explosive.

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Laura Vinck on Unsplash

is for fluorine The following essay was a finalist for the 2018 Foxcroft Essay competition which is open to all pupils across Warwickshire and Coventry. Lower Sixth student Tess Lillicrapp responded to the following brief: ‘Pick an element from the current Periodic Table, then write about its discovery and uses, and say why it is your favourite.’ She has kindly submitted an edited version of her essay.

tess lillicrapp (LOWER SIXTH)

The element reacts readily with metals releasing plenty of energy creating flames and sometimes explosions when it reacts; it is also the most reactive non-metal on the periodic table, being able to bond with almost any other element, apart from three of the inert noble gases — He, Ar and Ne. An example of fluorine’s extreme reactivity is when it is in hydrofluoric acid, a weak acid compared to the other halogen acids, due to the strong bond that fluorine creates with hydrogen, meaning the acid does not release as many H+ ions as they are so strongly bonded. However, it is extremely corrosive with the ability to quickly erode through organic tissues, which of course contributed to the deaths of many chemists during fluorine’s isolation.

Fluorine has been found to have many positive effects for the human body when in compounds. Whilst elemental fluorine has shown to be a hazard, compounds containing fluorine and fluoride can be beneficial. Fluorinated drugs represent around 5- 15% of drugs launched worldwide and is only getting more common, being used for a variety of treatments, ranging from antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs to psycho-pharmaceuticals.

As well as this, fluoride — an ion of fluorine — is used in dental products such as toothpaste and has been added to water supplies by many governments across the world due to its abilities to prevent cavities in the teeth. Compounds containing fluorine can also be used as anaesthetics, as they can be volatile so can be inhaled. One of the first inhalable anaesthetics is called methoxyflurane, leading to more effective advancements in the modern day.

Fluorine is fascinating due to its dangerous power as an element and multitude of uses when in compounds. As an element, it is extremely reactive and tends to attack metals around it violently, however when in compounds, or even as an ion, we have found it becomes safe and even helpful with its versatility and many uses, from medicinal uses to manufacturing purposes, therefore making it one of the most captivating elements.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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h o u s e ac t i v i t i e s

House Activities 2017/18 A literary and visual compilation of the House year. Information collated and reported on by Ayesha Riaz

Bayley

House events are a key aspect of Bablake life This year’s House cultural festival turned to public-speaking and debating, while there was a new music competition for students playing or performing below a certain ABRSM grade. These and all other House events remain a key aspect of Bablake life and the rivalry very clearly goes beyond the students. Bayley’s captains particularly recall their leader Mr Sahota and Mr Kalsi (Head of Fairfax) becoming very intensely competitive during House hockey, much to the entertainment of all pupils present.

This made us wonder which were the 10 most popular House events. The general consensus in Bayley House was the following list, ranked in no particular order of preference: • • • • • • • • • •

Badminton Dodgeball Drama Music Pumpkin Carving Quiz Scrabble Spelling Bee Sports Day Tennis

House Officials Staff Mr Sukki Sahota (Head) Mr Clive Mohamed (Assistant) Captains Steven Floyd, Alex Hamilton, Sophie Hollinrake, James Sawyer

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h o u s e ac t i v i t i e s

Our House

Crow article by Ayesha Riaz

“I am a big fan of the House system as it gives pupils a sense of belonging and purpose.”

I asked new member of staff Mr Nicholas Fontana (Classics, Crowe) for his perspective on Bablake’s House system and to compare it with his experience as a student in Italy: “Before coming to England, I was new to the school House system; my only knowledge of it was derived from the Harry Potter movies. I wish we could have had the same system in Italy. I particularly love the positive competition and team spirit that encourage each individual to do their best for the House. I am also fascinated by the idea that, although being random, the allocation to a House always seems to be a perfect match for the pupils.

In one of my previous schools, the commendation and House systems were linked. This meant that pupils were motivated twice to gain commendations as, by doing so, they were helping their own House as well as receiving their own individual gratification.

The House system also allows for ‘vertical co-operation’ through the school. Not being divided by year group allows pupils of different ages to have the chance to meet and socialise with older and younger pupils, which helps create a very positive environment within the school.

Overall, I am a big fan of the House system as it gives pupils a sense of belonging and purpose. I would like to see more and more pupils involved in games to earn points for their Houses just as they contribute to sport. It is such a wonderful thing for the whole school to play an active role and engage in a healthy competition to bring the trophy home for the House.

It is even more wonderful to see everyone understands that, after all, De Coubertin — the French educator and historian, and founder of the International Olympic Committee — was right when he said the most important thing is not winning, but participating!”

Mr Nicholas Fontana

House Officials Staff Mr Andrew Phillips (Head) Miss Lauren Mullan (Assistant) Captains Yasmin Hobrow Avni Kant

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h o u s e ac t i v i t i e s

New years and new opportunities

Fairfax article by Ayesha Riaz

“Every new week or year is always full of new opportunities. I would like to encourage you to take any opportunity that comes your way...”

Mr Inderpal Kalsi (head of house)

House Officials Staff Mr Inderpal Kalsi (Head) Mrs Joanne MacGibbon (Assistant) Captains Shivani Bodalia, Baht-Ammi Francis, Ed Guest, Harriet Rowlands, Dan Smith

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Being a member of Fairfax means I am always treated to one of Mr Kalsi’s excellent Buzzfeed-style ‘Top 10’ assemblies.

In the past, these have included inventions and optical illusions, but one of his most intriguing lists was about ‘open gates’, where he showed a series of slides that featured landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe (Paris), Arcade du Cinquantenaire (Belgium), Golden Gate (Jerusalem), India Gate (New Delhi), Siegestor (Berlin), Tiananmen (Beijing) and Bablake’s Main Reception! He then explained: “Many of you will have visited new places during your holidays. You may have visited or heard of some of the gates I have shown you from around the world. Gates come in all different shapes and sizes. The ones on the slides are very well-known, but even this morning you will have passed through several gates. Think about your journey to school this morning. How many gates did you pass through? Maybe it was a gate at home, the park gates and the school gates.

Most of the gates we pass through every day are familiar to us. We know what to expect when we pass through our school gates or our gate at home. However, in our lives, there are ‘gates of opportunity’ that we all experience.

As we start a new school year, we all receive opportunities to try new things. It may be we are starting secondary school for the first time, so everything is new.

Maybe we have been at a school for a while, but this year, we have the opportunity to get to know a new teacher, try a new sport or activity, meet new people and make new friends.

Each new opportunity we are given is like a gate. We can choose to keep the gate shut rather than walking forward and passing through it. If we do this, we will never take the opportunities given to us.

Alternatively, we can open the gate and walk through it, experiencing whatever the new opportunity has to offer. Sometimes, what we find on the other side may be difficult and we may decide that we don’t like it, but at least we have had a new experience to take with us into the rest of our lives. Every new week or year is always full of new opportunities. I would like to encourage you to take any opportunity that comes your way and to try lots of new things, whether it is a new sport or House event.

I would like you to reflect and think about the following: do you remember a time when you tried something new?

Perhaps it was your first day at school, your first swimming lesson or the first time you tried to ride a bike without stabilisers. How did you feel? You probably felt a bit worried.

Trying new things takes courage, you have to be brave enough to step forward and have a go, even though you are uncertain what will happen.

Why not make a decision that this week or next week you will try as many new things as possible? If you are new to the school, you will have plenty lots of opportunities.

Business author Tom Peters said: ‘If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade’.”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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ho ouse u s e ac activiti tivities

Wheatley proudly retains the House Trophy!

Wheatley article by Ayesha Riaz

Wheatley wins the 2017-18 House Trophy

Wheatley proudly retained the House Trophy this year and it was a richly deserved triumph. The House offered fierce competition throughout the year and its performance at Sports Day was an emphatic reflection of this. Its House prefects commented: ‘Our success in winning the House Trophy was a reflection of the hard work, commitment and positive spirit shown by all our students. Throughout the year, we were able to sustain a high level of participation and enthusiasm which resulted in many positive results in competitions such as dodgeball, table tennis, and the school quizzes. The announcement of our victory in the final assembly was a very proud moment.’

They will surely be keen to maintain their dominance over 2018-19 too — Shell House Olympics and Scrabble are two of the first events of the year, but they are also the ones you remember most all the way through the school.

Newer House events, like pumpkin carving and gingerbread decorating, are also proving very popular and entertaining House competitions, with a more light-hearted atmosphere and relaxed competitive nature, apart from between certain Heads of House on the staff!

Wheatley: 200 points Fairfax: 163 points Bayley: 160 points Crow: 156 points

House Officials Staff Miss Laura Watts (Head) Mrs Nicola Green (Assistant) Captains Olivia Kelly Sam Lowe

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Izzy Harris sits for Harriet Rowlands’ A-level Art project

Art and Design Edited by Molly Harkin and Niveetha Sivaruban, with assistance from Stephanie Ashton

“Art and Design subjects have the greatest scope for creative possibilities. Right from Shells, Bablake pupils are encouraged to express and develop these creative skills, exploring a variety of media before leaving school. Art and Design strengthen your attention to detail and strategic thinking – two of the most important skills employers seek in their workforce! Our Art and Design showcase, including once again outstanding GCSE and A Level art, demonstrates just how far pupils have advanced their creative potential.”

Niveetha Sivaruban (Editor)

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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yo u n g a r t

young art

Niveetha Sivaruban

Prepping it Now pupils opt in to study Art in the Third year, they are taught GCSE skills earlier and this year they produced ‘prep sheets’ — an A1 board showcasing their artwork, photography and research skills — on a Tea Party theme. Pupils began with a lesson filled with cakes and sweet treats, to help develop their food photography skills. They soon got to explore how different angles and items would be better, in terms of composition, and they used the best photos on their prep sheet. Of course, none of the delicious food was wasted either!

Most prep sheets consisted of three artworks, a few photos and artist references. They had great fun experimenting with Brusho — a highly-pigmented, water-based, powder paint — and watercolours to create bright and colourful backgrounds.

The pupils used many different methods, including collages and acrylic painting, to produce their colourful sheets.

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‘Art is such an interesting subject; one of the only subjects that allows students to express their individuality and actually encourages people to be themselves.’

Paige Bachra

Workshops with Emma O’Brien and Michala Gyetvai A number of our pupils were also able to attend workshops led by soft sculptor Emma O’Brien (@emma_monster1 — Naughty Monsters) and artist Michala Gyetvai (@kaylacoo), which inspired them to create some amazing work.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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gcse

examportfolio

chosen by Niveetha Sivaruban

A selection of our pupils’ GCSE Art work, which was on display at our annual Art and Design Technology exhibition, chosen by Niveetha Sivaruban.

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Namuun Batkhishig 4

A trip to Oxford’s Ashmolean Museum — known for its impressive collections that range from the Ancient Egyptians to the recent America’s Cool Modernism exhibition, dedicated to 1930s artists inspired by the uncertainty of America’s future after the Great Depression — was a great opportunity for our GCSE groups to find inspiration for their projects.

Artwork by: 1. Alicja Wisniewska 2. Alfie Shields 3. Caragh Shaw 4. Rosie Evatt 5. Zaynah Raza 1

‘The Art department is like a home away from home.

There are only two things you need to be, if you want to excel in art: creative and willing to work hard.’

Artwork by: 1. Ellie Aitchison 2. Piraveen Thayaranjan 3. Grace Giles 4. Simran Bassi 5. Imaan Turudi 6. Elizabeth Hayes 7. Meridith Womble-Lancaster 8. Angel Ma 1

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‘Art is an outlet to express my creativity. As most lessons are theory-based, it is important to have a variation, to help reduce stress whilst learning.’

Nithisa Sivaruban 50

The Wheatleyan 2017/18

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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A

examportfolio

‘Art has provided an opportunity to pursue a creative path in addition to studying two essay-based subjects; it has been a chance to delve into new projects related to my own interest in Art.’

chosen by Niveetha Sivaruban

level

A selection of our pupils’ A Level Art work, which was on display at our annual Art and Design Technology exhibition.

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Beth Elford

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‘Taking art has allowed me to develop my creative thinking, which can be very helpful in other subjects. Also, we have lots of cake!’

Ashleigh Stonier Artwork by: 1,2. Eavey Laws 3,4. Mollie O’Sullivan 5,6. Harriet Rowlands 7,8. Rachel Worthington

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‘Art is a great way to have an outlet of creativity in school, that my other subjects don’t allow me to explore.’

Isabel Hillyer

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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d e s i g n t ec h n o lo g y

Design tech

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reviewed by mr chris west

After three years of altering lower school courses, the big plan came to fulfilment this year as the Design and Technology section of the department embarked on new syllabuses at GCSE and A level. The changes in Design and Technology have been significant with the introduction of many new topics and projects over the last couple of years, in fact there are over 35 new or revamped projects introduced. Pupils are now able to present work in a range of media, experience electronics, work with new materials such as concrete, have access to an impressive array of 3D printers, and model in industrially compatible 3D software, all within an ethos that says failure is acceptable and necessary as pupils try to seek out solutions to everyday problems.

The fabric and atmosphere of the Food Preparation and Nutrition areas have also been altered significantly as the school invested in refurbishing one of the kitchens to bring it up to modern standards and reflect the importance of this demanding subject. A new syllabus began last year and the excellent GCSE results this year reflected good understanding and planning. Staff also invested considerable time and planning to bring through new projects which were accessible to pupils in the new 50 minute lessons. We also welcomed a new technician, Mr Reyat, into the department in the Spring term and his positive impact and enthusiasm are already being appreciated.

Pupils had considerable success in the Rotary Clubs of Coventry annual exhibition of DT and Food. Kelly Turnbull was awarded the prize for best food project at GCSE, with the judges mentioning her work was more A level standard than GCSE. She also gained a DT prize, while Zahrah Jahangir won the prize for best Design and Technology (Resistant Materials) project at GCSE. In the Upper Sixth, Rob Tyas and Harry Loud continue to impress through their Arkwright Scholarships.

The department also organises the very successful Engineering Education Scheme. This year, we had two teams participating — the 18th year of sponsorship and links with Arup continued, but we also had a successful second team this year sponsored by Unipart Eberspacher.

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Examination projects by: 1. Matthew Needham 2. Danishan Sivaraj 3. Peter Cusack 4. Lucie Barnes

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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c el eb r at i o n s

Crystal Ball

Student photographers Lauren Cox, Farrah McEvoy and Esha Vasisht were on hand to record Bablake’s 13th Crystal Ball, an event immaculately organised once again by our Senior Prefect team. For full photographic coverage, please see www.facebook.com/CrystalBall2018

Leavers’ Ball At Nailcote Hall, our highly impressive Class of 2011 enjoyed an excellent final formal evening together before embarking upon exciting adventures beyond Bablake. For a fuller pictorial record, search for ‘Class of 2011 — Leavers’ Ball’ on Facebook.

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Literature and Creative Writing Edited by beth elford, tess lillicrapp and ashleigh stonier

“Lock up your libraries if you like, but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt you can set upon the freedom of my mind.”

A Room of One’s Own Virginia Woolf

2018 Felicity Chapman Poetry Prize Typewriter’ Tick, click, tick, click You press the key, the lever moves, Printing the ink onto the page.

Every word glints and shines on the paper, While the fresh ink dries.

Ribbon touching the paper

Every word sparkling on the page Repeat, repeat, repeat This year’s winning poem was written by Madeleine Gallon

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

Florian Klauer on Unsplash

Ink drying Tick, click, tick, click

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r eco m m en d ed r e a d i n g

1. Does My Head Look Big In This?

Randa Abdel-Fattah Following the life of 16 year old Amal, as she navigates teenage life and everyday struggles, as well as honouring the Islamic faith in her daily life.

2. The Miseducation Of Cameron Post Emily M. Danforth Following the death of her parents, Cameron Post’s life gets worse after she is caught kissing the prom queen and sent to a gay conversion camp.

Diversity Annie Spratt on Unsplash

of the best

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Tess Lillicrapp, one of our Senior student Librarians, recommends six novels that have delighted and inspired members of Senior Book Club —one of the excellent reading groups our Main Library has nurtured — when they have been looking to read novels that celebrate diversity.

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3. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Jenny Han The book behind the popular Netflix movie, of the same name, follows Korean American Lara Jean after her private love letters to her previous crushes are sent out.

4. Leah On The Offbeat Becky Albertalli From the author of the book that inspired the film Love Simon, this novel follows Leah, the only child of a single mother, who is trying to muster the courage to tell her friends she is bisexual.

5. If I Was Your Girl Meredith Russo As the new girl in school, Amanda wants to fit in and find friendship and even love, but as a transgender girl, she fears her secret could get out.

6. The Hate U Give Angie Thomas Inspired by the ‘Black Lives Matter’ movement, this novel focuses on 16 year old Starr after her unarmed best friend Khalil is fatally shot by a police officer, and the repercussions from this event.

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Romeo & Juliet “Don’t waste your love on somebody, who doesn’t value it.” romeo and juliet, william shakespeare (act 1 scene 1)

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Pixelsteve on Pixabay

our students enjoy many cultural opportunities outside the classroom and considering our location, there are regular visits arranged to the region’s leading theatres. Here, Ashleigh Stonier reviews her night at the RSC Theatre in Stratford, watching Romeo and Juliet with her peers.

eading to see what had been described as a ‘youthful and energetic’ contemporary version of Romeo and Juliet, I and my fellow English Literature A level students did not know quite what to expect. As we excitedly took our seats, we noticed the minimalist set consisting of an oxidised cube which we later learnt was used as the foundation of this intense Shakespearean play.

The large black cube was used as the balcony, the apothecary as well as the wedding bed of Romeo and Juliet.

The versatility of the set allowed the scenes to transform seamlessly and created a sense of intensity which the passionate actors took on from their characters. Blood was also used to create a sense of realism and, while it could have disturbed the younger audience, it emphasised the loss of lives caused by the ‘ancient grudge’.

The casting of five women in traditionally male roles may have shocked many of the audience, but added a new interpretation of the characters. This multi-cultural and youth-oriented cast reflected the fresh performance of Shakespeare’s play. While the set and costume took on a modern twist, the plot remained identical excluding the presence of the dead characters. Tybalt and Mercutio featured emotionless as ghosts to act as a disturbing reminder of the tragedy in the play.

The play even took a humorous turn as my peers noticed individual actors showing their expected characteristics in the ballroom scene: the Nurse fulfilled her role as the comic relief, alongside the female Mercutio, with her crude jokes.

Even the side character Benvolio provided comic relief with some swooning over Romeo’s touch. Although the modern approach typically worked in this play, the loud rock music which jolted everyone in their seats replaced the slow-paced ballroom scene and may not have agreed with those who did not wish to be swayed from their traditional view of the play.

Instead of the minimalistic set lessening the play’s intensity, it emphasised the talent of the performers. All of the attention was on them and their voices which certainly made the death scene more harrowing. Karen Fishwick played Juliet with such emotion and passion that when the starcrossed lovers took their lives, the audience couldn’t help but feel moved and empathetic. Many of the students on the trip commented that Juliet was their favourite actress in this particular performance due to the emotion in her voice and one of the staff described her as ‘phenomenal’.

Although one may not have expected Romeo and Juliet to work in a modern setting, the Royal Shakespeare Company certainly achieved this. The street-style costumes and rap-like diction presented this famous play in a way which made it more accessible to a younger audience. I am sure the pupils who went on the trip with the English department thoroughly enjoyed the performance and now have a better understanding of the play which will aid their learning. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Performing Arts Edited by emma blackett, enya bowe, oliver brindley And joshua lowe

“We celebrate the exceptional involvement of our pupils in the Performing Arts which are a crucial area of their education where they can fashion or experience new opinions and perspectives, give and receive constructive feedback, demonstrate commitment and perseverance, practise and improve, burn calories, release energy, develop innovative problem-solving and enjoy the reward of completing tasks as a team.” joshua lowe (Editor)

“Music can name the unnameable and communicate the unknowable.”

Leonard Bernstein

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a bablake musical medley collated by Joshua lowe

“Music in performance is a type of sculpture. The air in the performance is sculpted into something.”

Sounds fantastic!

Concerts and recitals As well as providing an exceptional contribution to the full school Carol Service on the final day of the Autumn term, our wonderful musicians were offered a very busy concert programme to display their musical talent throughout 2017/18. While the traditional termly concerts were once again the most ambitious ventures, the sheer number of events was staggering: for example, in the 12 week Spring term, there were eight school concerts, as well as regular CSV performances from our older pupils. The commitment from both staff and pupils should be noted!

As well as expanding the St John’s Lunchtime Recitals to include solo recitals, the Music department introduced a series of informal twilight concerts where audiences have enjoyed guitar, piano, strings and woodwind concerts.

This series gave our musicians the chance to perform in a supportive environment and develop public performance skills, before playing in some of the larger school concerts.

We were also able to showcase our new Steinway grand piano in the Rehearsal Room.

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ABRSM exams Bablake hosted ABRSM examinations at the end of January, and as ever we had a wide range of ages and different stages, from Prep tests to Sam Lowe’s grade 8 on the saxophone.

Congratulations to Sam for gaining his final exam with Merit, and to Shell pupil Beth Akinkoye who gained her grade 3 flute exam with a Distinction. Congratulations also to Music scholar Enya Bowe who has gained her Diploma of The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM).

Well done to Shivani Bodalia on reaching grade 8 for Musical Theatre; Ellie Aitchison and Darya Sutton also reached the same level, for violin.

Individual performance Lower Sixth Music scholar Anna White took part in an excellent City of Birmingham Symphony Youth Orchestra course — it was very intensive and culminated in a concert at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Harpist Avni Kant has also been a CBSYO member this year and enjoyed a similar course in October. Charlotte Bull opened a Theatretrain show at the Royal Albert Hall with a rendition of ELO’s Mr Blue Sky.

Frank Zappa

House music The inaugural solo House Music competition took place in February, with entrants from all Houses taking part in brass, guitar, strings, percussion, piano, vocal and woodwind classes. The overall winner was cellist Lara Pennell (Bayley), who performed a beautiful rendition of Music for a While by Henry Purcell and runners up were Ben Harrison (drums, Fairfax), Erin Keeling (woodwind, Crow), and Anna Shirley (vocals, Wheatley). Well done to all who took part!

Return of the Gamelan Everyone, even Mr Wyatt who had the dubious pleasure of transporting it from our car park, was delighted to see Bablake once again host a Javanese Gamelan, a beautiful collection of Indonesian percussion instruments, which joined us in the Rehearsal Room for the two weeks before February half term. Our Second Years, studying different areas of World Music this term, enjoyed practical lessons playing the gamelan and took some great photo for their World Music projects too.

Arts Award Shell pupils Avneet Hayer and Pranani Karthikesu led most enjoyable and well planned music and dance workshops for our Junior School pupils, while working successfully towards their Bronze Arts Award.

Farewell In our Spring concert, traditionally we say goodbye to all our A level musical students who have been performing in these concerts since Shells and once again this was a moving moment. At the end of the Summer term, we saw ABRSM scholar Harry Scott-Burt move to Uppingham School as winner of the Junior Royal Academy Cello Prize, an amazing achievement for a first year Academy student and following in some very exciting footsteps, for previous winners include Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the latest winner of the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition. There was also another farewell that term, as we wished Director of Music Mr Crompton all the best for his future, in South Devon, with a revised Swing Band fanfare of We are Family.

In summary It has been another great year for Bablake Music, as we turn over a new page to welcome Ms Bradley, new Director of Performing Arts, and Teacher of Music Ms Brass. We are sure they and our stalwarts Mr Cooper, Mrs Scott-Burt and all our instrumental teachers will keep the spirit of Bablake music alive! @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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excited though, and glad to have the opportunity to share my hard work with my friends and family. I think it would have been a shame to work so hard on a recital programme and only perform it to the examiners. When I first started playing, I was still quite nervous, but as I got into it, the nerves went away and I reminded myself I knew the pieces really well and should just enjoy myself — which I did! It was such an intense experience though, so even though I enjoyed it, I was a bit relieved when it was over. I could finally relax after days of worrying about it.

“The true beauty of music is it connects people. It carries a message and we, the musicians, are the messengers.”

Roy Ayers

Anna White (left) and Enya Bowe (above)

This summer, two of our Senior Music Scholars each organised and performed a solo lunchtime recital at St John’s Church, Coventry to raise money for their chosen charities. Emma Blackett interviewed anna white and enya bowe for the wheatleyan.

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Anna White ARSM, who was one of the first students to gain a distinction in her performance diploma, chose to raise money for ‘Pro Corda’, a charity that aims to equip young people with important teamwork and communication skills through music; Enya Bowe DipABRSM, who gained her diploma this summer, dedicated her performance to SKIP (Supporting Kids In Peru), helping her sister Roisin raise money for a charity, which helps economically-disadvantaged kids gain access to education and counselling.

Across both recitals, Anna and Enya raised over £600.

Why did you choose to perform in a solo recital?

Anna: I wanted to raise money for Pro Corda and it’s also a really good way of gaining performance experience.

Enya: I took my diploma in July, part of which was a 35 minute recital. To prepare for the exam, I decided to do a practice recital at St John’s. It also allowed me to raise money for SKIP.

How did you prepare?

Anna: I did an enormous amount of practice for the actual performance, but to be able to organise the event, I had to communicate with the church to arrange the venue. I also designed my own advertising leaflets and set up a Just Giving page for donations.

Enya: It took lots of practice!

Mr Crompton, who accompanied me for the recital, was very generous with his time, so we rehearsed quite a bit together. It was important for me to not only know the flute part really well, but also be familiar with the piano part.

What were your feelings before, during, and after the recital?

Anna: Before, I was extremely nervous, but also excited. In the end however, I loved it — it was super fun and the audience reacted really well, which was encouraging.

Enya: Beforehand, I was really quite nervous! I felt a bit unprepared, and was second-guessing whether I had practised enough. I was also

Was it a useful experience for you, as a performer?

Anna: It was really useful because it gave me experience of organising a concert. I had to work out which pieces would make a good programme, and in what order, as well as take care of all the necessary administration, but playing to people and getting nervous actually proved quite beneficial!

Enya: It was useful, because it helped me to prepare for my diploma exam, but more importantly it is the first of (hopefully) many solo recitals I will perform. Now I know what it will be like, so I’ll be less nervous and be more informed about the preparation.

Would you do it again?

Anna: Yes, absolutely, but maybe when I’m not so busy!

Enya: Definitely! I hope to be a professional musician one day, so ideally I’ll be doing lots of solo recitals then! I have actually been thinking about organising another recital to perform my college audition pieces, so you might be hearing about that soon!

Have you any advice for people who might want to do the same?

Anna: Just enjoy it and make sure you’ve prepared everything in advance, so then you can just focus on the performance and achieving your goals.

Enya: My advice would be: go for it!

It was a really enjoyable experience, and it raised money for charity as well.

I think the hardest part is deciding to do it — and of course all the practising!

Try not to get too nervous. When you’re performing, just enjoy it!

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Anything

Goes

by Oliver Brindley

With former Head of English Mr Ian Appleby kindly returning as director, an excellent group of musicians, a talented cast and an exceptional support team, drawn from across the school, had the opportunity to take part in Cole Porter’s popular 1934 musical Anything Goes.

From the start of the audition process to the end of the final performance, the whole company rehearsed and performed with impressive energy and permanent smiles.

New friendships were formed and existing ones became even stronger! As we all left the theatre for the final time, it was crushing… until we remembered Bablake’s next production would soon be announced.

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Holes

by Mr Mark Woodward

With Mrs Carrie Martlew and Miss Kate Blackie at the helm, supported by an excellent technical team of staff and pupils and outstanding stage management crew, Holes was always going to be a phenomenal, professional show, with its message of injustice righted.

“Holes, however, like all Martlew productions, had a strength, a voice and a lesson for those that needed it — drama at its very best!” mr mark woodward

For me, refreshingly, it was also the perfect antidote for Anything Goes, a show that had been excellently performed but had reneged on a chance to challenge and readdress the abhorrent racism and sexism dominant in the period of history portrayed in the production. Holes, however, like all Martlew productions, had a strength, a voice and a lesson for those that needed it — drama at its very best!

Not only was Holes outstanding in every respect, but the excellence and professionalism shown by such a young cast and crew should be especially noted. Correctly, Bablake’s dramatic legacy has always been the envy of any school in the UK, and with productions of this quality, the legacy lives on.

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Behind the scenes

Depending on your demographic, films such as Saturday Night Fever, The Graduate, Baby Driver and Guardians of the Galaxy receive as much critical acclaim and attention for their soundtracks as their plots, writes Mr Mark Woodward.

Our Junior production Holes entered similar territory this year with its meticulously curated, dramatic soundscapes both for the production and front of house entertainment.

Holes playlist

“I like digging holes and hiding things inside them.

When I grow old, I hope I won’t forget to find them.” alice merton (no roots)

Katey Sagal ft. Blake Mills: Strange Fruit Johnny Cash: A Boy Named Sue (Live) Moby: Honey Ennio Morricone: For A Few Dollars More Johnny Cash: Hurt Shaggy: It Wasn’t Me Baha Men: Who Let The Dogs Out? Ennio Morricone: For A Few Dollars (Titles) Dorothy: Gun In My Hand TV Soundtrack Orchestra: Sex And The City Theme Madonna: Music Larry Chesky & Pappa Cheskys Polka Band: Too Fat Polka (Shes Too Fat For Me) The Killers: All These Things That I’ve Done Alice Merton: No Roots Moby: Body Rock Ennio Morricone: The Ecstasy of Gold

Front of House playlist Muse: Dig Down Groove Armada: I See You Baby (Fatboy Slim Radio Edit) Bon Jovi: These Days Living Colour: Cult of Personality Skunk Anansie: Weak House Of Pain: Jump Around Louis Armstrong: What A Wonderful World Ariana Grande: No Tears Left To Cry Bruce Springsteen: Born In The USA (Live at ICC SAAL 1, Berlin) Beyoncé, Jay Z: Crazy In Love Playlists compiled by Mr Michael Spencer

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Sport Edited by kare adenegan, amrit gill, ellie herniman, Rory Meechan, george parker and Prabhjote sahota

“Jump into the middle of things, get your hands dirty, fall flat on your face, and then reach for the stars.� ben stein (ACTOR)

What are the benefits of sport?

Climbing wall by Ravi Mody

1. Teaches life lessons 2. Reduces anxiety and stress 3. Increases confidence and self-esteem 4. Reduces obesity 5. Improves sleep 6. Improves cognitive abilities 7. Builds stamina 8. Teaches children about values 9. Helps to build resilience 10. Increases cardiovascular fitness 11. Teaches respect 12. Teaches emotional control 13. Builds strength 14. Helps children learn from failure 15. Improves communication skills 16. Improves problem-solving skills 17. Reduces tension 18. Stimulates growth of brain cells 19. Boosts immune system 20. Reduces depression (Info via believperform.com)

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CricketReview Prabhjote Sahota reports on Bablake’s exciting season of cricket.

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Daniel Mousley England Young Lions (U19s) player, selected for 2018 winter tour of India

Bablake’s 1st XI enjoyed another successful season across a set of challenging fixtures. Early in the season, in the HMC trophy, on a cold April Sunday, Wrekin College set an imposing total of 184 which we could not chase down. Later in the season, the 1st XI enjoyed an 8 wicket win against KES Stratford in a well contested T20 fixture despite the loss of two early wickets in the run chase, thanks to mature 50s from captain Daniel Mousley and Julian Wreford.

We were invited to and won the new Stratford Sixes tournament. Playing five overs a side, we lost our first fixture but bounced back to win our second group match and then beat a well-drilled Nottingham High School off the last ball of the semi final. The final was a fitting finale for a very exciting tournament — needing 11 runs to win from the last over against KES Stratford, Manav Jaspal took the responsibility of hitting three consecutive boundaries to secure the victory.

The season finished with the annual Bablake T20 tournament which saw a few stellar performances, including two well-crafted hundreds and over 300 runs for Daniel Mousley on the first day and two half-centuries for Tom Mordey. Unbeaten in all three games on the first day, Bablake peaked too early and the final saw Wellingborough defeat Wrekin College.

Bablake’s other sides all enjoyed pleasing seasons, and it was good to see us preserve our permanent grip on the Coventry School Foundation Cup with wins over KHVIII at all levels bar the 1st XI. Thanks to the continued support for Bablake’s cricket scholars, excellent wickets and outfields prepared by groundsman Mr Kilroy and his team, and fine coaching from our cricket professional Nick James and team managers, Bablake’s cricket is in a very strong place.

sporting highlight Young Lions and Warwickshire CCC 2nd XI selection Sporting hero Andrew Flintoff, a matchwinner Sporting ambition Play professional cricket for Warwickshire and England Best advice Back your own ability and yourself, no matter the situation

“Captaincy is something you get better at through experience. You’ve got to trust your instincts.” andrew flintoff

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Girls’HockeyReview Ellie Herniman reports on a very successful season for our girls.

The U12As completed the season with a goal difference of +61!

Winning 25 of their 30 games, they defeated sides such as KHVIII, King’s High and Nottingham High School. It was an amazing season which will be a challenge to surpass, but their spirit suggests they will endeavour to do so.

Beginning the season with a 4-0 win against Newcastleunder-Lyme, the U13s, led by Zara Edmonds, played a great season. Communication and teamwork skills helped the side to a runners up place in the Warwickshire 7s tournament.

They defeated King’s High and Stratford, only losing to Princethorpe. Early in the season, the girls lost 2-1 to King’s High, although later they managed to beat them comfortably (3-1). The U13Bs also beat King’s High 3-1.

With Millie McCamley as captain and Emilia Scimeca as vice-captain, the U14s played consistently well during this season, securing wins versus King’s High (2-0) and Loughborough Endowed Schools (2-1). As well as a convincing win against KHVIII (4-0), there was a narrow defeat to Kenilworth School (2-1), but an end of season highlight with Bablake beating Nottingham Girls’ High (4-3). The U14s finished their season by winning the Coventry Schools hockey tournament.

The U15 girls notably excelled throughout the season.

With Emma Allroggen as captain, the squad went from strength to strength, winning 12 out of 13 of their fixtures.

This included a 3-1 win against Solihull School early in the season and a 12-1 win versus KHVIII. In March, they won both the Coventry Schools and Warwickshire tournaments. With our U15Bs savouring a win against KHVIII (1-0), it was a very positive season for this age group.

The U16s also had a very successful season, starting with wins against Kingsley (5-1) and Northampton High (1-0).

The progression in both field and indoor hockey tournaments was particularly impressive. The girls proceeded through both the Warwickshire tournament and the Midlands Zonal round. Despite their great hockey, they were narrowly beaten at the Regional Finals in November. The indoor hockey team also won the Warwickshire tournament which was a great achievement as this was many of the girls’ first experience of playing indoor hockey.

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Sophie Hollinrake captained the girls’ First XI hockey squad, leading the team confidently and holding a solid back line of defence throughout the season. The team lost narrowly to Solihull School during the beginning of the season and drew with KHVIII (1-1). However, through perseverance in training, they managed to beat Solihull (1-0) and KHVIII (2-0) later in the season. Other strong games included wins versus Wolverhampton Grammar (3-0) and King Edward VI (1-0). Our 2nd XI had a challenging season, with a wide range of results, although with a significant correlation of improvement throughout the year. During the final months of the season, the team beat schools such as Princethorpe (5-2), Solihull School (2-1) and KHVIII (5-0).

“Have fun and treat any game or training session as if a club game to be enjoyed with friends.” emma alLroggen

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Emma Allroggen England U16 squad Sporting Highlight Playing in the Futures Cup this year which we won on a penalty shootout Sporting Ambition Play for England and Great Britain in the Olympics and other World Championships Sporting hero Lily Owsley Best Advice Feel no more pressure. Have fun and treat any game or training session as if a club game to be enjoyed with friends

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Boys’HockeyReview George Parker reports on the boys’ hockey season.

Short corner from Danveer Ghata-Aura

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Danveer Ghata-Aura Midlands U17 Performance Centre Sporting Highlight Selection for the Midlands U17s a year young

The first XI enjoyed a great start to the season with victories over Lawrence Sheriff School (4-2) and Queen Mary’s (3-0) in the first half term. A 3-2 win against Adams Grammar school was also pleasing as it was the first time we had beaten them in three years. This positive set of results within the first few weeks of the year gave confidence that the team could gain victory over some of the tougher opponents we face on a yearly basis. A 3-0 win over Bromsgrove School secured the first three points of the season in the Warwickshire league and in the New Year the side enjoyed a run of five successive wins which included victories over King Edward Camp Hill (5-1), Lawrence Sheriff for the second time (4-2) and scoring seven past Loughborough School. February was a frustrating month for the team as a tough second round draw in the National Cup saw us pitted against Trent College; although we had positive spells in the game, we ended up losing 7-1.

In the final half term of the season, we travelled to Fleetwood to play Rossall School in the National Plate and while we ended up losing the match, it was a great experience playing a school we had never faced before. The season ended with a comfortable victory over Newcastle-under-Lyme School (6-0) in a season that saw us win marginally more games than we lost.

The win percentage for our 2nds, 3rds, U16s and U15s was higher than the defeats experienced, which suggests pleasing depth for future seasons. The latter, like all sides, worked hard in pre-season training and started its league campaign unbeaten. A narrow defeat (3-2) against King Edward’s Five Ways knocked confidence, but the side ended the season strongly, winning five of the league fixtures.

Our Junior sides will take comfort from seeing improvement over the season and, as the teams play more games together and train regularly, results will improve.

Sporting Ambition To play national league and at international level Sporting hero Lionel Messi for his control of the ball and inspirational play Best Advice Sport is about attitude and if it is not perfect, however skilful or talented you are, then you will not reach anywhere

“You have to fight to reach your dream. You have to sacrifice and work hard for it.” lionel messi

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NetballReview Ellie Herniman reports on a very successful season for our girls.

The U12s had an amazing season and just as they were prolific goalscorers in hockey, they ended the season with a goal difference of +131, beating sides such as Loughborough (13-0) and Nottingham (23-7). Let’s hope these high standards are maintained next season and beyond.

The U13 squad played consistently throughout the season with strong wins against Kingsley (23-8), Loughborough (1410), Nottingham (26-15) and Solihull (19-16). A second match against Solihull was a tight, nail-biting defeat (8-9), but we won (13-11) later in the season.

Grace Cox captained an U14 team that completed the season with an impressive goal difference of +38. Their determination and tenacious attitude throughout led to strong wins against Kingsley (36-7), Wolverhampton Grammar (31-15) and Princethorpe College (20-16). Narrowly losing to Nottingham (35-38), the season overall was incredibly positive. The U14B team was led by Freya Perkins and they had a very successful season including wins against Coundon Court (12-0), KHVIII (10-0) and Whitley Academy (9-4).

With a long string of wins against teams such as Kingsley, King’s High and Nottingham, the U15 team, captained by Imogen Al-Dabbagh, had a very successful season. They also secured a convincing win against Worcester (15-9). Winning 7 of their 12 matches, the team improved throughout the season and finished with a positive number of successes.

The 1st VII had a tough season playing high calibre teams such as Loughborough and Newcastle-under-Lyme, however, they managed a convincing win against Alcester Grammar (30-22). The team, led by Hannah Sweeney, also managed to place high enough in the Coventry Schools tournament to progress to the Warwickshire tournament, where, despite their determination, they were unable to move forward to the next stage. Our 2nd VII also had a difficult season, although they were very successful against teams such as KHVIII (19-12) and Alcester Grammar (24-6).

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Maria Savage / Hannah Denton Wasps U17 Academy / Loughborough U15 Academy Sporting Highlight First tournament for our academies Sporting Ambition Play for an Australian team / Play for a New Zealand team Sporting hero Bongiwe Msomi / Jo Harten Best Advice Focus on yourself and strive to be the best you can be

“Focus on yourself and strive to be the best you can be.”

Maria Savage (left) and Hannah Denton

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RugbyReview Rory Meechan reports on the 2017/18 season for our rugby teams.

Overall the 2017/18 season was very successful. Our 1st XV began the season brightly winning its first five matches, including impressive victories over Leicester Grammar and KES Aston in the National Vase. However after the strong start, the 1st XV struggled to find its form again. Avoidable errors and unfortunate injuries took their toll and in the annual fixture against KHVIII, a disappointing first half performance ultimately led to defeat. The season began again in the second half of the Mike Hibbert Memorial Trophy match where the team fought back to make a real game of it.

Bablake’s rugby future looks very bright as the U16s were convincing winners (40-0) in the Coventry Schools Cup final versus KHVIII. Many of these players will step up and strengthen our 1st XV in 2018/19.

The best rugby however is being played in the lower school. Both our U12s and U13s had incredible seasons winning 13 of their 14 matches and ending the season as Coventry Schools champions. Our U15s also reached the Coventry Schools final, where they lost to Coundon Court.

Our U14s made excellent progress, executing impressive victories against Warwick and KES Five Ways, as well as reaching the semi final of the Coventry Schools competition, which they lost by just two points.

spo r tsfile Will Canning

Will Canning Wasps Academy Sporting Highlight Representing Wasps at last season’s National Academy Tournament Sporting Ambition Play at the highest representative level possible Sporting hero Jonny Wilkinson Best Advice Just enjoy it. At the end of the day, that’s why we do it

“What I am proud of is I have searched for the best of me and I have been a team man without fail.” jonny wilkinson

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Girls’AthleticsReview World T34 100m record holder and 2018 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year winner Kare Adenegan reports on our girls’ athletics season.

Freya Bennett gets off the blocks

There has been some great success for Bablake on the athletics track. The Inters (4ths/5ths) and Juniors (2nds/3rds) championship was the first competition to be held, followed by the Year 7 and 8 qualifiers. Our teams faced some tough opposition from around the city, but in both age groups we had individual winners — Grace Cox (javelin), Hattie Evans (discus), Lucy Green, Erin Keeling (1500m), Maria Savage (800m) and Emilia Scimeca (200m).

Many congratulations to Farrah Al-Dabbagh, Lily Allison, Freya Bennett, Katie Hart, Erin Keeling, Lauren Matkin and Jaya Minhas, who represented Coventry at the West Midlands finals. Lily won the discus for Coventry and went on to represent the Midlands at the Mason Trophy, where she finished 4th. Freya Bennett, despite returning from injury this season, also won a bronze at 800m where she was competing against the top 2 athletes from 11 other counties. She had won both the 800m and high jump at the West Midlands.

The English Schools Track and Field Cup was just as successful; our girls competed with grit and determination, once again finishing 1st in the city in both age groups. Both teams then went on to the regional finals where they finished 4th and 8th. Our Shell (Y7) team finished 1st in the City Athletics Championships and the 2nds (Y8) finished runners up. Shells Hannah Elliott, Libby Harrison, Shannon Holder, Imogen Pemble and Libby Stinton represented Coventry at the West Midlands.

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spo r tsfile

Freya Bennett West Midlands 800m runner Sporting Highlight My Mason Trophy bronze medal, when competing against 11 counties, returning from injury and being one of the youngest runners Sporting Ambition Initially improve my personal bests, but ultimately compete internationally Sporting hero Laura Muir, Jakob Ingebrigtsen and Paula Radcliffe for their determination, achievement at a young age and outstanding record Best Advice Stay in the sport as athletes peak when older, and remember one bad race doesn’t matter in the long run

“Never set limits, go after your dreams, don’t be afraid to push the boundaries. And laugh a lot — it’s good for you!.” paula radcliffe

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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s p o r t s ta l k

Sportstalk Amrit Gill, influenced by the spirit of Mr West’s 3rd XI hockey reports, covers some of the other team sports on offer during 2017/18. Termly newsletter The Lion will always have the most current updates.

Rounders What a summer it turned out to be! Our girls had a phenomenal A* worthy success rate and every year group demonstrated first class play and decision-making throughout the season. Often in the official fixtures, every team member scored a rounder. With such strength and depth in our squads, it is therefore no surprise that Bablake completed a clean sweep in the Coventry School tournaments, winning all 4 age group trophies from U15s through to U12s.

Chess Undefeated! It’s not often Bablake has its very own ‘Invincibles’, but with the likes of Chess 1st VI veteran stalwarts Jakevir Shoker and Leshanth Uthayanan amongst the ranks, as well as serial winner Rajen ‘The Boy-Wonder’ Parekh, all under the expert tutelage of Chess legend Mr Chowne, this particular Bablake team may just have immortalised itself in the history books. Wrapping up the Division 1 title by January, a 5-1 defeat of Warwick School in the Cup final and without a single loss, to say it was a season to remember is like saying that our current Head of Maths is a little sarcastic!

On the individual front, lightning has struck not thrice but four times now as Rajen Parekh, in his final year, seized a record-equalling 4th Lightning Chess trophy. He also secured the Rowlands Cup for the 5th year running to add to his already impressive accolades. Despite this, his season was not all sunshine and rainbows, with it somewhat tainted by Wheatley, so often the House of Chess Titans, doing their Goliath reputation injustice after capitulating to a unprecedented last place finish in this year’s House Chess Competition. Something to be more celebrated however, was the 2nd VI/B team improving upon its 3rd place position last year by narrowly missing out on the Division 2 league title in spite of posting several strong performances.

Well done to all those involved and thank you to Dr Casey and Mr Kalsi for their commitment. However, from the many pupils graced by Mr Chowne’s exceptional and unparalleled guidance, as he retires, we are abound with gratitude and fear no words could ever quite do him justice. May his legacy ‘live long and prosper’.

Football Famously outlawed by King Henry VIII, football has never naturally been the game of private schools nor monarchs. Encouraged by our Junior School, ‘the beautiful game’ had been reserved only for those in the senior years, an inordinate amount of time to represent the school in the sport they loved. However, no more will these students have to suffer, for the footballing spirit in Bablake has finally been recognised. Our very own ‘King John’ passed a historic bill, in the spirit of opportunity, to promote the footballing community within Bablake and liberate the lower years via the introduction of several, inaugural fixtures in the Spring Term — a reassuring moment reminding us the voice of pupils is listened to. Finding your own voice is a fulfilling and empowering moment; it is a shame how some lose this at the first face of inevitable challenge. Those that vied for more football have found that they could actually make a positive difference. Next season we trust the Spring term will bring more clement weather to allow more fixtures and training opportunities than this year.

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The passion, the waistcoat, the man-management, but maybe not the hair. All ways in which Gareth Southgate seems to have emulated his life-long mentor, the honourable Mr Grantham, whose renowned and refined managerial methods are the product of many years’ invaluable experience. But what places our very own coaching maestro a cut above the rest is undoubtedly his tactical prowess. It is believed Mr Grantham has been approached by the likes of Ancelotti, Mourinho and Allegri, who all wish to be enlightened by his unique footballing philosophies; when pressed on these rumours, Mr Grantham offered nothing but a usual assay into the current failings of Aston Villa.

Whilst the 1st XI had a mixed season winning as many games as it lost, there was evident improvement as the year went on.

Starting with a 1-10 mauling at the hands of Lawrence Sheriff, they faced the same opposition a month later where a more competitive 0-3 loss was played out. By March, the team had evolved to embody Mr Grantham’s vision, through which they earned a 5-0 defeat of local rivals KHVIII, and remained unbeaten from the start of the month until the end of the season. Under strong guidance, players such as Lewis ‘I don’t just drive a Ford, but also the heart of midfield’ Carroll and Daiwik ‘More hat-tricks than David Blaine’ Jagatia transformed into world-beaters and were certainly a force to be reckoned with.

Badminton The depth of our current Badminton squad is enviable, making Mr Kalsi’s selection process a very difficult task. Likewise the enthusiasm shown by all our senior players has made the Sports Hall on a Wednesday afternoon a vibrant, competitive arena, with or without any competitive fixture. With Jakevir Shoker tirelessly rallying both players and staff, the sport has enjoyed an excellent season. Ravi Bodalia has remained undefeated in all school competitions, but credit must also go to every player for their enthusiasm, energy and spirit of fair play. We lose a number of senior players this year, but thank them for the legacy they have established and wish them all the best for their future involvement in the game.

Footnote We celebrated the 2017/18 season at our annual Sports Social.

It was an outstanding evening, gull of fun, some social (yet competitive) rounders and excellent company — fine reward for such excellent commitment and play this year from all our teams. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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i n d i v i d ua l e xc el l en c e

Individual excellence Bablake students strive to excel both academically as well as away from the classroom in several different sports. BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Kare Adenegan interviewed some of these pupils to take a closer glimpse into the life of those who juggle school life and sporting life at a high level.

Abby Barnes

Lucas Bennett

Emma Allroggen has just been selected for the England U16 hockey squad after training camps at Lilleshall National Sports Centre. Not only is she highly skilled, but her physical fitness is a key strength. It is no surprise she also came 28th in the National Schools cross country, whilst representing the West Midlands.

Abby Barnes competed in Ireland last year in an international Tang Soo Do martial arts tournament. She competed in three categories: empty hand forms, weapon forms and contact sparring, placing 1st, 3rd and 2nd respectively.

She also hopes to progress to the next stage of her black belt, already having achieved 1st Dan. Lucas Bennett participated in the 51st Children’s Games held in Lithuania in 2017. He represented Coventry in 1500m and came 25th out of 56 international competitors. He also represented Great Britain at the Laser Run World Championships in Dublin this year. The race involved running 4 x 400m and shooting 4 rounds from 10m; Lucas and the GB team came 4th overall.

Bryony Camwell achieved equestrian success this year, being placed second at the Osberton International Horse Trials and coming third at area eventing qualifiers.

Shell pupil, Sofia Clark, became British Champion in Novice B ice-skating and balances school life with a tough schedule of six training days per week; often these sessions are between 6.30 am and 8.00 am.

She enjoys the freedom of gliding on the ice and of course the feeling of winning more trophies.

Wheelchair basketball player Peter Cusack enjoyed further success with Team GB and looks set to establish himself in the England team.

Swimmer Georgia Ementon shared some wise words on balancing the student-athlete life. She stated it is important not to overlap activities, for example she advised not to stress about school when training and vice versa.

Georgia also alluded to the excitement that competition brings and believes the rush of adrenaline creates extra enjoyment in the sport.

“Sameer Rehman had a breakthrough year, being part of the GB U23 wheelchair basketball programme and was also a member of the Wheelchair Basketball Junior Nationals winning squad.”

Hattie Evans enjoyed a double clear and team victory with Atherstone at the Rockingham Horse Trials.

Izzy Hemus represented her riding club at the eventing nationals in August and despite the heavy schedule of both Sixth Form studies and training enjoys the chance to find an active outlet away from the school routine.

Rhodes Mitchell-King has enjoyed an England U15 ice-hockey camp and U18 involvement with Coventry Blaze.

Sameer Rehman had a breakthrough year, being part of the GB U23 wheelchair basketball programme and was also a member of the Wheelchair Basketball Junior Nationals winning squad (CWBA). He acknowledges the difficulty of balancing both sport and academic work, but states that if time is managed effectively and a few sacrifices are made, both can be achieved.

Bablake’s PE department fully supports the achievements of all individual and team sports players. We are very keen to celebrate successes in sports that may not be offered currently in our curriculum, while The Wheatleyan team also asks parents to send information about such successes to Staff Editor Mr Woodward (mgw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk) for inclusion in future editions.

Sameer Rehman

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Former Pupils Collated by Lauren Cox and Georgia Ementon with support from Svetlana Kim

“2017/18 has been another busy year in the Alumni office — our network of former pupils is growing fast and we now have over 2,000 in our Facebook group who enjoy sharing news, stories, memories and photographs.”

Mrs Sylvia O’Sullivan (Alumni Liaison OfficeR)

“A lot of work was carried out during the lead up to GDPR in May to ensure we kept in touch with lots of former pupils and hopefully we did not lose many during the process!

We have settled in to our new ‘home’ in school, conveniently close to the school’s Careers department and near the Dining Hall; on reflection, this may not be such a good combination, especially on ‘Fish Fridays’ when fish and chips are served, as there are lots of gorgeous smells and temptations all around.

In February we hosted a ‘London Drinks’ gathering. This was a new event for us and we were delighted it was so well attended; so much so that this will now feature as an annual event on our calendar. The informal evening took place in a lovely pub in Belgravia, London. Former pupils from all year groups — ranging from the Class of 1939 to the Class of 2010 — who live and work in and around the area shared drinks, nibbles, lots of chatter and hopefully did some networking. Since the evening, we have received lots of requests to host another, possibly somewhere further north.

After Christmas, we arranged our Spring Coffee Morning, which is always a lovely event. This year we were missing some of our usual attendees, but the event gives us an opportunity to reflect, reminisce and remember. Once again we were delighted to have some of our Second year pupils join to chat with our guests and help eat the delicious cakes on offer. Our former pupils always enjoy meeting current students and swapping notes on the Bablake experience!

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In May, basking in the glorious summer sunshine, we held our Class of 1998 reunion, an event full of fun and laughter.

Former pupils, some with their young families — possibly future Bablake pupils — enjoyed an excellent day with their peers and an impressive selection of former and current teaching staff.”

Footnotes Archives: Mr Peter Burden, who is currently updating The Lion and the Stars, is always delighted to receive artefacts related to Bablake’s history or offer former students a nostalgic tour of the school.

Newsletter: The Alumni Office produces two excellent newsletters a year, which are emailed to former pupils and added to Bablake’s publications posted online on Issuu. Please email news for inclusion to sosullivan@bablake.coventry.sch.uk.

Scholarships: Former pupils in higher education, looking for financial assistance, towards the cost of related projects, expeditions or travel, are asked to submit applications in writing to Headmaster Mr John Watson for either the Coventry School Foundation’s Sage (any subject) or Colonel Sir W F Wyley (science subjects) scholarships. Students embarking upon a gap year are encouraged to apply for a Bulkeley-Evans scholarship: www.gap-year-the-bulkeley-evans.co.uk

Former pupils from all year groups — ranging from the Class of 1939 to the Class of 2010 — who live and work in and around the area shared drinks, nibbles, lots of chatter and hopefully did some networking. ” Mrs Sylvia O’Sullivan

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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100y e a r s o n

Over a century later it is strange to find the reaction of many Bablake boys to the outbreak of war in 1914 was one of excitement.

This was certainly true of the School’s Cadet Corps, in camp at the time at Warwick Castle Park. Some pupils seem to have sensed an opportunity for distraction from their rather dry and relentless school routine. Many no doubt thought at first that the war simply had little to do with them.

100 Bablake and the First World War

“It is hard to imagine the effect it must have had on the staff and pupils of those years to hear so relentlessly of the loss of another of our own.” mr peter burden

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Thomas Quaritsch on Unsplash

by Bablake’s archivisT, Mr Peter Burden

A

s the war went on, it was to have more impact on the School. Some of the changes were minor ones, such as a Sports Day that was less of a social event or certificates replacing books at Prize Giving or the loss of summer boaters for boarders or the shortage of paper for the school magazine or the unavailability of confectionery to celebrate a boy’s birthday. Sacrifices had to be made in the boarders’ diet, with much less in the way of roast beef meals and instead less than generous helpings of fish and swede.

The Matron also had to contend with difficulties in finding young maids to help on the domestic side.

It was increasingly apparent that Bablake boys themselves could play their part in the war effort. Some worked on the School’s kitchen garden or on the potato patch made from half an acre of the field near the railway line.

Many gave up evenings and Saturdays, as well as some school time, to produce shell bases in the metalwork shop. Some gave up their holidays to work at the White and Poppe factory producing munitions.

The war had more and more impact on the School’s academic work, as more and more of the younger staff were called up to fight. Temporary appointments had to be made, but, of course, suitably qualified men were hard to find. Those who did join Bablake often found they were required to teach well beyond their specialist subjects. Even then there would be what were known as budget lessons, when boys would get on with their homework because there was no one available to teach the timetabled subject. In September 1915, the Headmaster, Dr Hodson, took the dramatic step of appointing as replacement teachers two experienced women, Miss Dorothea Birt and Miss Pattie Hanson. These were to be the first of several women to teach at Bablake in the next three or four years. It would seem that — like their male counterparts — they did so with varying degrees of success.

I still remember quite vividly the rather eerie experience of being in an empty school looking through the names and photographs in our Book of Honour, kept in a display cabinet at the base of the lectern on the stage in the hall. This was some 30 years ago, when I was putting together material for The Lion and the Stars, my history of Bablake. 96 former members of the School are recorded there, all having died in the First World War. They include a young member of staff, Harold Adcock, who had done sterling service as Officer commanding our Cadet Corps, another teacher, Harold Brown, who had been appointed to teach Chemistry in 1914 but joined up before he could do that, and John Murray, who

had left the staff in 1913 to study French in Paris. The other 93 are former pupils, often looking still younger than they were, in their service uniforms or best suits. Trevor Harkin’s painstaking research for his book Bablake School and the First World War revealed there are three other former pupils who should be included there. These Old Boys are also, of course, listed in the central section of the Memorial Board at the back of the hall.

It is hard to imagine the effect it must have had on the staff and pupils of those years to hear so relentlessly of the loss of another of their own. The first to give their lives had been two brothers, H J and G E Barker, sons of a Fillongley farmer, who both died in action near Armentieres on October 23 1914.

The initial excitement of the boys at the beginning of the war had soon given way to a more sombre tone. In May 1915 the editorial of the school magazine had said ‘We all hope and pray that it may not be so, and yet there is the lingering doubt that the war will not be finished for some time yet, and that the generation now uprising will be called upon to finish it.’

It was a privilege, in the late 1980s, to meet two people on whom the war had had a devastating effect. When I looked through that Book of Honour one photograph which leapt out at me was of a young man called Harry Craven. He looked remarkably young, even in that context, and was wearing what I recognised as a Bablake football jersey. I decided to try to find out more about him and his story to put in the book.

I mentioned his name in one of several interviews I did in the local media. It seemed a forlorn hope that anyone still alive then would remember him. If he had lived, he would by then have been 98 or so. He had not lived long enough to have children. I was thrilled to receive a phone call from his sister Mabel, 10 years his junior. I was still more thrilled to realise how delighted she was to be able to tell me about a brother whose memory she had treasured for so long. I was privileged to visit Mr Leonard Chinn, then 94, and hear some of his vivid memories of his Bablake schooldays. Not wanting him to think that was the only part of his long life I had any interest in, I asked him whether he had served in the First World War. He had not, as this would not have been compatible with his religious beliefs. Knowing something of what happened to conscientious objectors at that time, I asked if he had been imprisoned. His one word ‘Yes’ conveyed most powerfully that this was something too painful to be probed further.

In this centenary year, perhaps we may say still more clearly: “We will remember them”.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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r ef l ec t i o n s

Looking

kcab

Lauren Cox, daughter of Alan (1989- 1996), interviewed her father’s friends who recently celebrated their 40th birthdays.

The replies make a fascinating summary of Bablake life!

Who was your favourite teacher?

Mr Appleby, Mr Burden, Mr Dougall and Mr Prescott (mentioned by many) — ‘I loved English and Drama’.

Mr Drury (Maths) — ‘nicest guy ever, with a magnificent moustache’, Madame Field (French) and Mr Woodward (Latin).

Mr Duerdin — ‘helped turn my Physics grade around at GCSE.’ Mr Faulkner (Business Studies) and Mrs Wilton(French), who ‘always had a kind word to say about everyone’ were ‘both excellent’.

Mrs Goodyer and Mr McConaghy (History) — ‘really inspirational and supportive’.

Mr Ron Jones (Deputy Head, PE) — ‘It was a real inspiration to have a former Welsh international as a rugby coach’.

What was your favourite memory?

• So many mentioned attending the Edinburgh Fringe Festival — ‘seeing Trainspotting and more; everyone dressed in tights, as ballet dancers, singing The Lion King numbers or bawdy songs in the streets, while handing out leaflets for their production.’

• ‘Probably playing in our band, Scruffy, (with Alan Cox on bass) in the Drama Studio one Friday night. Think that might have been our only gig!’

• ‘Hearing the Head Girl Lorna’s speech in the Shells and thinking I’d like to do that!’

• ‘Going to Railway Club to watch Neighbours on the TV!’ • ‘The first time we walked up to the playing fields as excited little Shells for Games, I felt so grown up! The novelty soon wore off when we had to do it every week!’

• ‘Playing rugby at Coundon Road.’

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• ‘Finding out the school had its own social club in town and nipping to ‘Spin A Disc’ at lunchtime to buy some (now) classic albums which we then heard for the first time in the 6th Form Common Room.’

• ‘Seeing my friends every day.’

• ‘Difficult to think of just one — staying with a family in Arras on the French exchange and performing at the Edinburgh Festival are both great experiences to look back on though.’

What were your favourite subjects?

A full range of subjects was praised: Biology (‘We had a fantastic teacher’), Business Studies, CDT (‘I got to do practical stuff’), Classics, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Music, PE. ‘I have found History more interesting as you get older.’

What did you study at university?

American Studies (Sheffield) and later a Master’s in Librarianship; Business Economics and Science (Loughborough, after starting at Cardiff); Film and Video (Surrey Institute of Art and Design) — ‘a conscious decision to do something completely different’; Genetics (Liverpool); Medicine (Leicester); inspired by a PHAB camp, Nursing (Nottingham) after starting a Geography degree and travelling round Australia; Psychology (Royal Holloway, University of London); Recreation and Leisure Management (initially at UWIC, Cardiff, with a placement year coaching basketball in school for Coventry Crusaders and then a final year at Coventry University).

“Bablake taught me to be understanding of others, polite, open-minded, respectful and to believe in my own ability.” alan cox

I asked about their current employment?

There was a great range of jobs: civil servant — ‘I have done a wide amount of stuff, like helping to brief COBRA everytime it met. My current role is changing the law to make living in a leasehold home cheaper and fairer’; clinical psychologist; dance teacher with a dance school that just represented England in the Dance World Cup, and cover supervisor at a local secondary school; GP Partner, also working as a prison GP; nurse team leader in mental health with the NHS; head of a global software business travelling all around the world; subject librarian (Health) at Keele University; team leader, working for Whitefriars Housing, a social landlord in Coventry.

What advice would you give to your 6th form self?

Many of those interviewed said: ‘Don’t worry especially about what people think of you — you are good enough whatever happens. Don’t take life so seriously as you are still so young.

Also, do what YOU want to do, not what everyone thinks you should do. Go with things you enjoy, are passionate about or feel rewarded by.’ ‘University isn’t the be all and end all, there are other options! Take a couple of years out before university and travel, as once you are on the treadmill of “grown up life”, it’s hard to get off. It’s OK to seek help, it’s OK to be yourself, and trust your instincts.’ They also said don’t rebel for the sake of it, but enjoy it all every day, even if it doesn’t go to plan.

The most significant comment though was ‘there is no worse feeling than looking back and wondering what if …?’

Is there a song that reminds you of 6th Form and Bablake?

• ‘The Beach Boys Sloop John B — recalling nights singing this in The Old Boys drinking kangaroos!’

• ‘The Beatles Hey Jude — this was mentioned by so many people it must have been on permanent repeat.’

• ‘The Connells 74-75 — memories of lunchtimes in a Sixth Form room in Modern Languages where we found the TV was tuned to foreign channels including MTV and VH1 with all their music videos.’

• ‘Deep Blue Something Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’

• ‘Oasis Wonderwall.’

• ‘The Outhere Brothers Boom Boom Boom.’

• ‘Underworld Born Slippy.’

What would you do differently if you were to do it all again?

Reassuringly, many said they would do it all again the same and really enjoyed their time at Bablake. Some wished they had tried harder in some subjects, taken a gap year before starting university and travelled more when younger. A few regretted not looking at other options rather than a degree, like an apprenticeship where they could have worked alongside getting their qualifications. One pupil said: ‘Keep acting

alongside my degree. Keep doing what I loved and not getting distracted with boys and life stuff, staying true to myself. But I’m doing those things now, so I’ve no regrets!’

‘Not to worry so much and just go with the flow.’ Another significant reflection was: ‘I should have just been myself and had more faith in myself!’

What aspect of Bablake helped you the most?

My father said: ‘Bablake taught me to be understanding of others, polite, open-minded, respectful and to believe in my own ability. Confident, but not arrogant.’ Other powerful statements included: • ‘I had a really solid grounding in assessing my options in life and making the right decisions based upon rational thought.’

• ‘Bablake certainly helped me academically. I found Sixth Form was where I got most out of school, as we were able to think for ourselves much more and question things. I was lucky to meet so many great people at school, many of whom are still friends to this day. Bablake has helped me adapt to different situations and fit in with different people as well as giving friendships for life. It also makes me a pushy parent in Maths!’

• ‘I loved school and made some lifelong friends there. I learnt to fight my own battles and perfect my evil glare — mostly with Games teachers! — both of which have come in handy working in a prison!’

• ‘Getting into acting again, helping me see there was more to life than academia, helping me be well rounded and giving me confidence.’

• ‘It helped me find my creativity. Also, since I found out a school friend lives five minutes down the road, I have spent hours reliving stories from our schooldays over a few pints!’

• ‘Having amazing experiences with fabulous friends, such as hockey tours to Holland, English long essay writing in France and PHAB Camps.’

Our Headmaster always talks of the memories of friendship that Bablake students take away when they leave and all these comments confirm this. Current students have been prompted to travel as much as possible while they can, cherish time at Bablake, remember to consider options other than university to find the right path and take every opportunity offered as they may end up being their favourite memory when looking back in years to come. It is also satisfying to know Mr Drury’s moustache is just as magnificent in 2018 as it was in 1989!

Thank you to Alan, Charlie, India, Jamie, Kelly, Lisa, Michael, Paul, Steve and others for the replies and making the memories. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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g r a pe v i n e

Lauren James

Malala by Simon Davis

Mike Godwin outside school reception

Grapevine News of our exceptional alumni/ae is regularly reported via our social media platforms, often using the following hashtags: #BablakePupilsEverywhere, #OldWheats or #RealisingTheirPotential

Manchester); Jessica Phillips (With Open Wings); Beth Rowland (Let’s Talk About Loss); Rosie Tressler (Comic Relief funding received for Student Minds).

Coventry Building Society: Gary Hoffman appointed as Chair.

Designs on a Beer Can: David Hill (Tiny Rebel).

Designs on the Catwalk: Supriya Lele.

Heard, Mentioned or Spotted Audio Downloads: Roger Worrod.

Authors: E A Clark (Lay Me To Rest); Allan Hailstone (Berlin in the Cold War); Lauren James (Loneliest Girl in the Universe); Roger Parkes The Phoenix Project; Alex T Smith (Mr Penguin — on The Guardian’s Best Books for 2018 list et al); Anthony Wells (A Tale of Two Navies); Mel Wells (Hungry for More).

Award Winners: Angelo Abela (Emmy for Free Rein — Netflix); Jonah Ogbuneke (10 Downing Street’s Points of Light award: no 932); Katy Payne (Katherine Hamilton — New Business of the Year); Ameena Tahir (Henna by Ameena won its second British Asian Weddings Henna Artist of the Year — Midlands award).

Bablake Weather Station: Celebrated its 40th anniversary (17 Sept 2017) — thank you to all the BWS student helpers. #BablakePupilsEverywhere, #OldWheats, #RealisingTheirPotential: see Instagram and Twitter.

Back at Bablake: Andrew Edmiston (2018 Prize Giving Guest of Honour); Rajan Sheth (visiting from the US).

Celebrity Signing: Taylor Swift (Sarah Rubridge, Kristina Cheng); Vanilla Ice (Michael Douglas).

Charitable and social enterprise action: Zain Ali (i/c comms and events, RISING — Global Peace Forum); Michelle Beckett (ADHD Action); Sarah Darley (Manchester Rape Crisis volunteer/ fundraiser); Jason Douglas (Coventry Park Run); Michael Douglas (Movember via Touch Rugby Coventrians RFC charity day); Joe Haigh (Action against Hunger — Everest Base Camp trek); Charlie Marriott (Running Down Dementia); Jonah Ogbuneke (Big Change, Love for the Streets — 100

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Jonah Ogbuneke social enterprise project

At the Edinburgh Fringe

On your Podcast: Daniel Friebe (Telegraph Cycling Podcast).

On the Radio: Rosie Tressler (World at One, Radio 4).

On Song: Kathryn Corrigan (arranged a Junior Trinity Showcase at Handel and Hendrix at London); Will Hine (Drum and Bass Arena awards nominee).

On your Telly: Nicky Beards (Pointless); Michelle Beckett (BBC News); Josh Buggea (‘Plenty of zip in Buggea’ BT Sports coverage of Bedford RFC); Darren Carnall (The Chase ITV); Chris Cooke (Genius BBC 2 — nemesis finder); Frankie Hobro (The Strait BBC Wales featuring Anglesey Sea Zoo); Andrew Monaghan (Cinderella BBC 1); Beth Rowland (Pointless BBC 1; BBC3 documentary); Alex T Smith (Claude on Disney Junior EMEA); Mel Wells (Loose Women ITV).

Expanding: Not Dogs (co-owner Katie McDermott) opens at Chessington World of Adventure.

Promoted: Coventry City FC (to League 1) and Coventry RFC, with a sizeable number of former pupils enjoying successful days out at the Ricoh Arena and Wembley (League 2 Play Off Final) and the Butts.

Found: David Smith’s programme for Uneasy Head, the 1961 school play; Roger Worrod’s OB Colours blazer pocket.

Featured in Promotional Material: Nick Payne (Bablake Junior School).

In Parliament: Michelle Beckett, meeting the Minister for Mental Health. (Michelle also addressed the Labour Party Conference).

In the Skies: Joel White (Ryanair).

Marathon Runners: London — James Coulsey; Sam Grey.

Most likely to wear John Motson’s coats better than himself: Richard Drury, Kai Hartshorn, Richard Lowe.

National Press: Michelle Beckett (The Guardian); Katie Carlson (writing for The Times); Ryan Cornall (Kerrang); Simon Davis (photograph of Malala Yousafzai, during an interview with her, was used on cover of Newsweek); Matthew Drage (Lawyer Monthly interview); Ben Duffy (photo of ‘Talisker Race’ on The Sunday Times cover; Supriya Lele (‘culture clasher’ The Guardian); Andrew Monaghan (in photo with The Observer review of Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella); Beth Rowland (Independent re Let’s Talk About Loss); Katy Townshend (Psychologies magazine, TES et al).

Old Wheatleyans RFC: the threat of relegation lingered throughout a tough season, although the ‘great escape’ almost occurred.

The spirit for gaining promotion is very strong and the Mini Wheats on a Sunday morning is a fantastic initiative that is growing stronger season by season. The club once again hosted two excellent VP Days.

On the List: Rosie Tressler (CEO Student Minds) — Higher Education Power List: no 46/50, one place above Malala Yousafzai.

Representative Sport: International — Rugby, Frank Sackey (Ghana); Club — Ice Hockey, Chris Blackett (captain of Coventry Blaze EIHA U20 champions); Club — Rugby, Josh Buggea (Bedford RFC), Ben Cooper (Nuneaton RFC).

Reunions: Class of 1998; Lauren James’ book launch (Kenilworth Books); London Drinks; Spring Coffee Morning. Also lovely to see former pupils return for the Carol Service and Lunchtime at St John’s recitals.

Stage Life: Chris Cooke (comedian); John Haidar (produced Disco Pigs); Guy Kelly (Letter of Last Resort); Andrew Monaghan (starred in Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella); Alan Pollock (directed Godiva Rocks at The Belgrade Theatre); Daniel Wye (performing comedy show Myself and Wye in Coventry; Edinburgh Fringe).

Streaming: Both EP (Olivia Broadfield); Hannah Elsy’s cast album for The Quentin Dentin Show — The Musical; Craig Lawlor album; Painted Day EP (Emily Jackson); Will Hine (Sunday Grunge EP) TED-X / Google Talk: Jenny Tasker (Living In a Van –University of Bristol); Mel Wells (Hungry for More).

Twitterazzi: Clare Barry (Everyone’s a Copywriter and other articles for Medium); Alex Critchley retweeted and mentioned by BBC Radio 6 and Mary Ann Hobbs; Robbie Stowers — over 106,878 retweets and 232,459 likes for a single tweet, plus thousands more for the 32 long thread.

Old Wheatleyans RFC

Women’s Rugby: Emily Robinson (Aston Cobras RFC); Millie Ross (Streatham-Croydon Ladies RFC — team manager and captain).

In Memoriam We are very sorry to inform readers of the deaths of the following former pupils: David Amery (Class of 1943) Hubert Bower (Class of 1939) Roger Davies (Class of 1950) Roger Deaner (Class of 1953) Thomas (Jim) Dix (Class of 1934) Douglas Hirons (Class of 1929) Terrance Jarvis (Class of 1966) Alan Jephcott (Class of 1959) Antony (Tony) Mahon (Class of 1973) Ronald Morris (Class of 1941) Robert Netherwood (Class of 1953) Ian Shoesmith (Class of 1974) Charles Stickland (Class of 1970) Trevor Twigg (Class of 1949) James Wales (Class of 1948) Captain Bob Ward RN CBE (Class of 1936) Roger West (Class of 1936) Harold Whitehead (Class of 1953) Mark Whitehead (Class of 1967) Thank You For… • Posting so many photographs, comments and news items on the Former Pupils Facebook Group.

• Returning to Bablake for Alumni reunions or to assist our current pupils (e.g. helping with U6th mock interviews, 2018’s Careers Convention, tips on surviving university, working lunches).

A good number have also been featured in our new fortnightly Careers Newsletters.

Please submit news for inclusion in the 2018-19 Wheatleyan by email (mgw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk) to Staff Editor, Mr Mark Woodward, by 1 September 2019.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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fa m i ly m at t er s

Relative talents Nadine and Stefan Ahya are a perfect example of Bablake siblings who have challenged themselves and moved away from their comfort zone. Nadine is living and working in Berlin, while Stefan has opted for a degree apprenticehip with Jaguar Land Rover rather than a more traditional engineering degree. Georgia Ementon reports further.

Snowscape by Nadine Ahya

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The Wheatleyan 2017/18

Stefan has just completed his first year as a degree apprentice at Jaguar Land Rover and left Bablake’s Sixth Form in 2017. Last year he was at college completing a foundation degree in engineering and during college holidays worked at Gaydon in Project Analysis Verification (PAV). His job entails running rigs which test a vehicle and check for any faults. From September 2018, he will be at Gaydon four days a week and college one day, then for his third year, he will have his degree (BEng in Applied Engineering) paid for at The University of Warwick. The apprenticeship is six years long and he will end up employed by a very successful company with a prestigious Warwick degree to his name.

Nadine, who left Bablake in 2008, is currently a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ambassador. She says she started using Instagram seriously when she moved to Berlin in 2015 as it was a way to get to know the city and to share it with friends and family back home. Berlin is considered a city of creatives and has one of the largest Instagram communities in the world. Inspired by photographers there, she started to capture beyond the city’s tourist spots, using her phone — a Samsung Galaxy S6. Samsung noticed her and contacted through Instagram to offer a sponsorship.

This means she is sent the latest Galaxy products in exchange for creating content — images, Instagram posts and stories — and mentioning their brand. On top of this, she is given a personal travel budget to go abroad with them and attend exclusive events. This makes her an ‘influencer’ for Samsung, and while it may not be a full-time career, it certainly helps her add a huge global brand to her CV, very helpful for someone working in Marketing. It also demonstrates how having a committed hobby can sometimes lead to much bigger opportunities.

O n e o f t h e co u n t ry’s l e a d i n g co -ed u c at i o n a l i n d epen d en t s c h o o l s i s c lo s er t h a n yo u t h i n k… #BePartOfIt #DiscoverYourPotential #RealiseYourPotential #SpiritOfOpportunity

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