Out of the
Box
Newsletter For Old Boxhillians
Issue 01 | Spring 2016
Welcome A very warm welcome to the first issue of the Old Boxhillian newsletter, ‘Out of the Box’.
I am delighted to introduce Samantha Bushell, who joined just before Christmas and who will be working on organising events and reunions and managing all things alumni related.
I
am pleased to take this opportunity to mention the Development Office, based in the wonderful surroundings of Dalewood House, here at Box Hill School. Our role in the Development Office is to maintain and grow our links with the wider community, whose friendship and
support we so greatly value and appreciate. Whether you are a former pupil, current or former parent, member of staff, friend or partner we welcome your connectivity and involvement.
We’ll be publishing the newsletter twice a year and are already starting work on the next issue. Alison Vernon Development Manager
Sam Bushell Development and Alumni Relations Officer
Do you have your free Old Boxhillians pin badge yet?
Get In Touch Please do get in touch and let us have your news, comments, memories and suggestions for items you’d be interested in reading about, alumni@boxhillschool.com or contact Sam on 01372 384258. We really hope you enjoy the newsletter and look forward to hearing from you.
Have Your Say We are conducting a survey of as many Old Boxhillians, former parents and friends of Box Hill School as possible to ensure that we are providing the very best service we can to our community. Please do take a few minutes to complete the survey, it should only take 5-10 minutes and you can return it in the freepost envelope enclosed, or complete online at https://www.surveymonkey .co.uk/r/FC3GYBP
Out of the
Box
Newsletter For Old Boxhillians
Thank you to Majid Algouneh (1983 – 1987) who came up with the new name for our newsletter.
Alison Vernon
Contact Alison or Sam and we will send one out to you in the post: alumni@boxhillschool.com Share a photo on our Facebook page of you wearing your badge if you already have one!
What’s Inside events Up & coming OB events and reunions.
from the archive: 1960 Film of Box Hill School from the 1960s.
Reunions Pictures and reports from the latest reunions.
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Out of The Box | Issue 01
Archive Film from the 1960s.
When Nick Price (1962–1966) was at Box Hill School, back in the 1960s it was a far cry from the place it is today.
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eople forget what life was “ like after the ‘50s, when the country was still trying to find its feet after the Second World War. Even in the ‘60s, we were still coming out of the doldrums.” The ‘60s weren’t exactly ‘swinging’ for 66-year old Nick, who spent four of his formative years studying at Box Hill School while the rest of Britain was getting switched on to the sounds of the Beatles. A self-confessed ‘non-academic’, the highlight of his week would be learning about various small creatures and insects in biology and zoology – or trying to dream up new and creative reasons why he couldn’t participate in sport. “I absolutely hated sport, especially rugby. I would try everything I could to get out of doing it. It was only the girls who played hockey and football wasn’t allowed for boys back then.” One distraction, which helped fuel Nick’s creative streak was helping to make a six foot square representation of the school and its grounds along with a number of other pupils. The project was based on a survey of the entire school estate, using a theodolite, carried out by his Chemistry teacher, who then together with other pupils
produced a detailed map. The Headmaster, Rory McComish, built a balsa wood model of the main building to complete the project. But Nick’s real highlight was acting as cameraman on a 30-minute film of life at the school, entitled ‘Yet Another School.’ Together with Anne Pearson and David Korn, the trio put together a fairly accurate record of what school was like back then. Today’s students would probably be horrified! Originally recorded on 8mm film reel, Nick has recently had the film put onto a DVD – and it is a remarkable record of life in the early days of Box Hill School. With help from Girl Guardian, Deborah Popper “We went into the classrooms, filmed the students, the Sixth Formers and the staff, all kinds of sport and activities.” “It was a pretty strict regime,” remembers Nick. “The boarders had cold showers, had to go on an early morning run then endure lessons from 8.30am to 6.30pm – as well as school on Saturday mornings. They were long days and not easy ones.” Even though Nick was a day boy and thus escaped some of the regime, pupils were expected to carry out the school routine – including the early morning run – before arriving at school each day.
Archive
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View an edited version of Nick’s film on the Old Boxhillian Website, Facebook pages and on YouTube.
The film captures some of the teachers – including the head’s wife Barbara McComish playing the organ for morning assembly and English teacher Chris Burkinshaw. “He was an amiable chap but liked to make us do ‘lecturettes’ – standing in front of the class talking for about 10 minutes on some subject or other,”. The eagle-eyed viewer might also spot a young Jamie Sharpley in the film, now one of the school’s governors and who was Boy Guardian at the time. The film certainly played an important part in forming Nick’s future career, and its value cannot be underestimated. He went on to spend 40 years working very successfully in the film industry, primarily on children’s animated films. Nick’s happiest memories of his school days are centred around the friends he made. Sadly, his closest school pal Nigel Curry passed away a few years ago and he is no longer in contact with any of his old contemporaries – but always looks forward to the occasional reunions at School. “I didn’t think my school days were so great at the time – but looking back, I don’t think they were so bad”. Thank You A huge thank you to Old Boxhillian Bruce Rutland (1979-1983) who used his skills to transfer Nick’s original cine-film into a digital format and to edit the shorter version – www.rutlandproductions.co.uk
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Mr McComish was very good in giving us a free rein to film the school as it was, warts and all.
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Out of The Box | Issue 01
Profile An introduction Our Headmaster, Mr Cory Lowde.
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ppointed as Deputy Head of the school in January 2011, Mr Lowde became (only) the school’s fourth Headmaster in January 2014. Describing himself as ‘left of centre’ and ‘a global citizen’, Mr Lowde has always maintained that education is a lifelong experience where academics are important, but just one of many key areas of personal development. A teacher for over twenty years, Mr Lowde has experience of state, independent, boarding, international and day schools. A graduate of international management, he is fluent in French and was previously the Deputy Headmaster of the British International School of Boston, MA.
We have to teach good character by example. Headmaster, Mr Cory Lowde writes in The Independent.
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was interested to read the article by Hilary Wilce “Lessons for life” (9 April). As the Headmaster of Box Hill School in Surrey, I often have cause to paraphrase the words of the victorian educationalist J F Roxburgh when I say that our ideal Boxhillian will be “useful at a dance and indispensable in a shipwreck”. Most of us don’t really want to work with someone who can decline bellum in Latin or expand mathematical brackets, but being on a team with someone kind, resilient, insightful and hard-working, well, that is always going to be another matter.
Ms Wilce asks some important questions about character education and whether we can actually teach it at all. The point about respect – for yourself and for others – being the “wellspring of character” is well made. Faults of character tend to stem from a lack of self-esteem and an egocentric narcissism which obscures the needs of others. However, I feel that two crucial elements of analysis were missing, as we seek to look at what schools can do to continue to place character development at the top of their educational agendas. The first is what I refer to as “intelligent doubt”. The idea, born from critical thinking – which incidentally can be taught in schools and is a thriving part of the curriculum at Box Hill School – that differing views may be equally valid and that truth can sometimes be subjective is an important part of understanding that received thinking (even from the Headmaster) can be wrong.
Profile
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Happiness, compassion, tolerance and a feeling of purpose are equally important, and come about through experience of holistic education which generates a sense of self-worth; a message very similar to the Hahnian principles on which the school was founded.
South Africa 2014 WANT TO KNOW MORE If you have any further questions please contact Emma at the Round Square Worldwide Team. emma@roundsquare.org
Mr Cory Lowde
The second, and perhaps more important point is that character has to be modelled in order to be learned. If we surround ourselves with weak, sly or unkind people, we in turn will become devious and uncharitable.
50 years of Round Square. We are delighted to celebrate Round Square’s 50th Anniversary!
W
e have an exciting year ahead, what better opportunity to re-engage with other Round Square alumni.
But if the leaders, friends and teachers in our lives consistently model kindness, steadfastness in times of difficulty, forbearance and a sense of duty and moral focus, these traits will be instilled in those around us. It is not a phenomenon limited by age or gender. Staff can learn from students, who “keep us young” and on our toes. Children can learn from seniors, and we can all become better in IN THE the community. PAPER That has been the This article, Box Hill School published in way for 55 years the Letters section of The and will be so Independent, for many more Friday 10 April to come. 2015.
Peru 2009
Leaving a Legacy Your gift to future generations The generosity of parents, alumni, governors and friends, providing the opportunity to unlock potential.
Your Support You can make a gift to Box Hill School in your will. development@boxhillschool.com
Round Square is currently developing an alumni programme and looking to offer new initiatives across the globe. In order to make these available they would like you to connect with them and share any ideas you might have. You can register to join the website on the following link www.roundsquare.org/our-alumni Finally we would love to hear your stories, what did the Round Square ethos inspire you to achieve? What are your memories? Please include - your name, picture and year of leaving. alumni@boxhillschool.com
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Out of The Box | Issue 01
Reunions
Reunions London
New York
Class Of Class Of
87
Majid Ali, Mireille Willett (née Lawrence), Ali Reza Khatau, Sarah Jochums (née Lüttgen), Dom Silver, Sarah Johnson, Dominic Beaubrun.
Box Hill School
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Philippa Biggers, Jessica Flagg, Pippa Milne (née Burls), Ann Wheeler (née Rowland).
Summer picnic
Mickleham picnic Attendees
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Over 32 Old Boxhillians joined together on a sunny day in May here at school, we were thrilled to have so many OBs back for the first time in years and there was great enthusiasm for exploring the school, revisiting old haunts and seeing new additions such as the state of the art Winthrop-Young building.
Claudia Adams 1989 • Suresh Bharwaney 1977 • Robin Board 1994 • Asif Clay 1993 • Geoff Douglass 1982 • Raymond Duns 1968 • Leila Gibbs (née Bischoff) 1966 • Nicky Green (née Bartlett) 1990 • Robert Gregory 1977 • Jonathan Hays 1963 • Matthew Howard 1990 • Oliver Huntley-Robinson 1987 • Stuart King 1987 • Fred Masters (former teacher) • Fiona Nunn (née Billinghame) 2006 • Joanna Painter 1970 • Anne Pearson 1967 • Andrew Pearson 1973 • Helen Platt (née Dicker) 1998 • Joanne Pudan (née Gajda) 1986 • Emma Purdy (née Pope) 1985 • Jeremy Raine 1971 • Jenny Rawle (née Binyon) 1970 • Philippa Rose 1989 • Roger Scott 1971 • Jamie Sharpley 1966 • Belinda Sully 1970 • Simon Thorpe 1988 • Annebet van Veerelt-Grefe 1987 • Ann Wheeler (née Rowland) 1972
Hong Kong
Class Of
12
13
07
Beatriz Arregui, Bora Cem Brahimi, Paula Brinkhege, Felix Eckert, Caro Heuell, Taylor Wharton, Jacqueline Mozanowski, Harry Ramdin, Simon Schiller, Sophia Trafojer, Moritz von Waldenfels, Maria Wernitz, Andre Yoleri, Carla Buzzo, Matthew Eagers, Africa Tous.
Having a Reunion?
Share with Us!
Please send us news and pictures of your Box Hill reunions. We would be delighted to help you organise any of your reunions here at school or internationally - alumni@boxhillschool.com
If you just can’t wait to share your event and snaps, share it on our facebook page.
Susanna Lee, Kit Lai, Young Jae Kim, Jake McHugh, Leslie Tang, Marco Cheung.
Box Hill School
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news
Out of The Box | Issue 01
To serve them all my days
News
Round-Up
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I think teaching is not just a job, it is essentially a vocation and you have got to genuinely have the best interests of the children you look after at heart. They have to know you are on their side.
Marianne Sunter (Miss Riley) leaves Box Hill School in style after 33 years of service.
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n 1982 a young teacher from Birkenhead took up the post of chemistry teacher at Box Hill School. Little would the Headmaster at the time, the founder, Roy McComish, have known that this teacher, Miss Marianne Riley, would be a pillar of Box Hill School and a major figure in the school’s development over the next three decades. Marianne joined Box Hill School from Upton Hall School in Birkenhead, where she had learnt her profession over the previous five years. Upon her arrival Marianne was quickly given duties beyond her teaching role, taking up the post of Assistant Housemistress of Dalewood House – the first of many pastoral roles that she would fulfil in her time here. After three years in Dalewood, Marianne set up the first girls’ day house at the school, Swallows. She then returned to Dalewood House in 1986, this time as Housemistress. In the late 1980s Marianne was given more management responsibilities, notably the organisation of Speech Day, a role that she loved and continued to be responsible for right up until her retirement. In 1998 Marianne was promoted to the Senior Leadership Team by Rodney Atwood, where she became the inaugural ‘Head of
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OB Wins ‘America’s Got Talent’ Congratulations to Old Boxhillian Paul Zerdin (1986-1989) who won America’s Got Talent in 2015.
The Divine Curse Intrepid former English teacher Pat Smith.
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Share your Memories Please do share your memories of being taught by Mrs Sunter with us and her on the Old Boxhillian Facebook page!
Pastoral Care’, a vitally important role in the modern school. Whilst responsible for introducing much of the safeguarding and inspection legislation to the school, her real strength was in ensuring the wellbeing of pupils. In all her years here, Marianne has had a positive influence on almost every part of Box Hill School life and that has been borne from a deep love of the school. “When I came to Box Hill School I quickly realised that it was a place that I’d want to dedicate my life to. In the words of RF Delderfield’s novel, I wanted ‘to serve them all my days’.” Not only has Marianne served Box Hill School, but she has been pivotal in ensuring that the school has faithfully kept to its original ethos, as set out by Roy McComish. “I am the only
academic member of staff with a link to the founder. I’d like to think that I have kept his vision alive through my work here, but importantly, evolved it, so it is relevant in a 21st Century context”. Marianne not only worked here but was an active member of the Mickleham community. She was a local councillor when Mickleham famously declared independence in 1989 and it was in Mickleham (at The Running Horses, to be precise!) where she first met her future husband, Jim and later became Mrs Sunter in 1993. After 33 years, Marianne left in a way that befitted such a stellar career – she was picked up in a helicopter and waved off by all her colleagues. We wish her every happiness in her retirement.
ormer English teacher Pat Smith, who taught at the school for 19 years (1984 -2003) came back to school earlier this term to update us on her recent adventures. When Pat retired she embarked on an adventure to Africa, and typical of her spirit was that she travelled in a lorry with a group of strangers as her companions. When she was at School Pat held many high profile responsibilities and roles including Head of Year and Head of English, but she was equally
willing to track through mud and rain accompanying Round Square expeditions. Pat’s most recent adventure has been writing a trilogy of books – The Divine Curse – “Three chilling historical novels of treachery, deceit, love and war in medieval France and England” which have recently made their debut on Amazon. Not one to be standing still Pat is now embarking, in February this year, on a 9 month bike ride around the British Isles – asking wherever she goes “our elders to share a piece of their wisdom and a story that makes it come to life” – she will be detailing her adventures on her blog – www.patsmithwrites.co.uk. Good Luck Pat in your latest adventures!
He first performed as a magician on the BBC’s Tricky Business show before going on to host Rise and Shine for GMTV. He was inspired to go into ventriloquism when a family friend made him a puppet theatre at the age of 10.
Fun In The Sun Maria Radford, former Box Hill School teacher (1977-1979) is now Professor of English at Polk State College, Winter Haven, Florida - former students, welcome to the Sunshine State!
Personalised Bricks Gift a permanent reminder of your association with Box Hill School. Name a brick on our dedication wall.
Building Blocks
For Future Generations www.boxhillschool.com/ Box-Hill-School-Bricks
A Boxhillian Wedding Carol Mann (née Gotell 1972–1978) and Mike Sebbage (1969–1973) tied the knot in true BHS style, celebrating their wedding with OBs Paul Gurney, Charles Prendergast, Jackie von Kuhn (née Sparkes), Kay Lyons, Kande Bonny and Fay Kazemi (née Shah).
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Out of The Box | Issue 01
Events
Events W
e are busy developing a series of Old Boxhillian events and reunions that we hope you will be able to join us at, as well as giving you the opportunity to come and join school events with us.
01 Summer Exhibition Private View
Who attended?
alumni@boxhillschool.com
Emma Lynn 1988-1991 UK Director of Communications • P fizer
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Box hill Day Walk oin us for the annual school walk up Box J Hill, with a coffee and a chat at the top.
11th March 2016
22nd March 2016
cComish Hall, M Box Hill School 6pm – 8pm
alewood Reception D 2:15pm
ome and join Sam Bushell and C Alison Vernon from Alumni Office for an informal drink.
A chance to catch up with Old Boxhillians and to meet members of staff Mr Baker and Ms Appleton.
7th April 2016
2nd July 2016
Dry Martini London Melia White House, Albany St, Regents Park, NW1 3UP 6pm – 8pm
Frankfurt 6pm – 8pm
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If you are interested in helping and offering advice about your current career then please get in touch.
Box Hill School Carol Service Join us to celebrate this special time of year at the end of term service at St Martin’s Church.
6th Oct 2016
11th Dec 2016
ox Hill School B 6pm – 8pm
orking D 3pm
Open DayS
School at work days
4th Mar 11th May
Box Hill School 11am or 2pm
First Careers Fair proves a huge hit! Box Hill School hosted its first ever careers event.
04 Reunion in Germany
05 Careers Fair
Nicholas Booth 1972-1979 Linux Web Engineer •R eed Business Information
You are always welcome to visit us here at School any time please just get in touch.
chance to view our IB (International A Baccalaureate) artist’s exceptional work.
Please do pop in on our Open Days and say hello.
Paul Gurney 1971-1976 Owner •T heGraphicDesignShop.co.uk
Visit us
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03 Informal London Drinks
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With over 25 different stands, we were pleased to welcome back a number of our alumni. Emma Lynn, who left the school in 1991, and hadn’t returned until this day said: “It was great to be back and feeling involved in some way with the school and the pupils. A lot has changed, but it felt exactly the same and I have very happy memories of my time there. There was a great buzz and energy from the moment the event started until it closed. Pupils and parents alike were really engaged and inquisitive, and I was impressed by how confident and motivated the
ox Hill School B 6:15pm
Alexis Rodney 1991-1994 • Actor and Director Andy Fairweather 1991-1998 Director • Brand Aspect.co.uk
pupils were to initiate conversation and hear more about how to pursue their interests and career ambitions. I really hope this is the start of a regular initiative for the school and that it serves pupils well in making these first choices”. Collectively all our pupils agreed that this experience has definitely benefitted them, every pupil left knowing far more than when they had arrived and all agreed it was an opportunity to speak to a varied group of successful Alumni. We were delighted to welcome so many old Boxhillians back to school to make these presentations, as well as current parents and governors. We actively encourage our pupils to investigate different industries and potential careers and alumni play a vital role in this. Thank you again to those who attended.
CareerS FAir
Open evening 13th June
O
ctober 2015 saw Box Hill School welcoming students in Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 in the Winthrop - Young building where they gained a valuable insight into the vast array of future career paths possible.
It was great to be back and feeling involved in some way with the school and the pupils.
The next Careers Fair will be on 6th October 2016. If you would be willing to volunteer your time to share your expertise and insights with our pupils please do get in touch – alumni@boxhillschool.com
Jonathan Morton 1995-2000 Lead Consultant •C omradis Limited Andrew Jolliffe 1998-2003 Director •N U Currencies Hannah Davis (née Dick) 1999-2006 PR, Marketing and Advertising Manager •A spinals of London
Jonathan Boulton 2001-2008 •P arliamentary Researcher House of Commons Melaine Thorn 2005-2012 • Physiotherapist Emily Blackwell 2007-2012 • Gapforce
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Out of The Box | Issue 01
school A Royal Opening
One last show for our senior students.
HRH Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece opens our new Winthrop-Young Building.
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amily and friends of Box Hill School came together for the grand opening of the Winthrop-Young Building on Tuesday 27th January 2015. The new multi-million pound Sixth Form Centre and classroom block was opened by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pavlos of Greece, son of our Patron, King Constantine. Our other distinguished guest was Mrs Sophie Weidlich, who is the daughter of the late Jocelin
Winthrop-Young, founder of the Round Square association of schools and after whom the new building is named. The new Sixth Form Centre includes a large ‘Independent Learning Centre’, a fully stocked careers office as well as a common room of over 1,000 square foot, where pupils are able to study and relax as well as watch live streams from the RSC and National Opera on a 90 inch HD screen!
Good Schools Guide
Record Breaking Results
Box Hill School has won the Good Schools Guide Award for ‘The Highest Performing English Independent School for Boys taking Mathematics’.
Sixth Form students once again achieved record breaking IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma results in 2015.
The prestigious annual awards, which are in their 8th year, are based on a detailed analysis of the most recent examination results, and are designed to highlight consistently good teaching. Read the full 2015 review here. goodschoolsguide.com
The results gave the school an average points score of 32.4 per student, well above the world average and the equivalent of over 3 A*s at A level (as per UCAS conversion).
Get in touch Please let us have your latest contact details via alumni@boxhillschool.com
Singin’ in the Rain
Connect with Us Old Boxhillians facebook.com/oldboxhillians
Address: Box Hill School, Old London Road, Mickleham, Dorking, RH5 6EA
The 2015 winter performance of Singin’ in the Rain was a joyous production, and the swan song for 6 of our senior students who leave after 7 years at the school, having performed in every show produced during their time at School.
A huge thank you to Old Boxhillians: Sam Earnshaw (2010–2013) Ted Harrison (2008–2013) Becci Sage (2007–2012) who helped backstage with the sound, lighting and make up.
who to Contact Alison Vernon Development Manager Sam Bushell Development and Alumni Relations Officer
01372 384258 www.boxhillschool.com