BGS View Summer 2015

View THE BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Summer 2015 Issue 30

Year 9 in

MAGICAL MOROCCO CHARITY CHALLENGE

for Upper Sixth friends

COOKING UP A STORM BGS Masterchef 2015

PIRATES AHOY!

The Middle School Play

JAZZ BARBECUE • WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR • LITERARY EVENTS

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From the Headmaster The end of the academic year is always a time for reflection and, looking back on 2014–15 I feel we have shared a particularly standout year, with so much being accomplished – and it is no wonder! Wherever I go in the school I am surrounded by busyness, energy, fun and a great sense of purpose.

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rom Reception to Upper Sixth, students have been enthusiastically engaged in a stunning range of events and activities, all accomplished alongside a rich and challenging programme of learning. You can read about some of their adventures and achievements in the following pages.

I am sure our students who have taken their GCSEs or A Levels are particularly looking forward to an enjoyable and deserved summer break and we wish them all the very best of luck come results time in August.

Of course, for those sitting A Levels, the end of this year also marks the end

of their time at BGS; something that creates both a sense of pride in all they have achieved but also sadness at saying farewell to the School.

Our Upper Sixth joined Year 7 as I joined BGS in 2008 and they have been an exciting group of young people to work with. They have raised the bar high, bringing a great sense of fun and vitality, including spearheading fundraising initiatives such as the project for the girls’ boarding houses in Morocco, which recently reached the amazing landmark of £50,000.

We hope they – and their families – will stay in touch with the School and remain very much a part of our community.

2015-2016 PARTNERSHIP WITH DICK LOVETT BMW & MINI BRISTOL We are delighted to announce a new partnership between Bristol Grammar School and Dick Lovett BMW & MINI Bristol.

Dick Lovett will be investing significantly in the School to help fund the purchase of new sports kits for the children, supplying

new sports safety equipment for our Failand Sports Ground and also assisting with our fundraising activities throughout

So, here’s to a wonderful summer for all and I look forward to the beginning of what I am sure will be an equally fantastic new school year in September.

Roderick MacKinnon

the year. The Dick Lovett team will also be present at Failand for many of our key fixtures and events in the 2015–2016 academic year.

In addition to supporting the School in any way that they can, they would also like to offer all Staff and Patrons of BGS preferential benefits on a wide range of New and Approved Used BMW & MINI vehicles.

If you would like more information on the preferential offers available through the Bristol Grammar School ‘Affinity Scheme’, then please visit www.dicklovett.co.uk/affiliates/bgs or you can contact a member of the Affinity Team by email bgsaffinity@dicklovett.co.uk Alternatively call 0117 905 0285 for BMW Affinity or 0117 905 0286 for MINI Affinity.

We are very much looking forward to developing this partnership.

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News

BGS GOES TO THE POLLS

jazz ALL THAT



Congratulations to Shanuk and the Conservatives on their victory, claiming what had been a seemingly safe Green constituency by the narrowest of margins – just seven votes! The Greens can take some comfort from their victories in the Junior School, Staff Room and School Office, with a surprising victory for the Communists in the Senior School.

However, solid support across many areas of the School saw the Conservatives home, with a particularly strong showing among Year 11 and the Sixth Form.

Congratulations and thanks go to all the candidates and the staff who supported running the election, particularly the Library staff for counting and double counting with speed and precision.

Sunshine may have been in short supply so far this summer, but it made a very welcome appearance on Friday 19 June for the Friends of BGS Jazz Barbecue.

Good food, great music and excellent company greeted the 200 guests who came along to this very enjoyable evening.

A big thank you to everyone who gave their time to organise, cater or perform at this event, the audience most definitely appreciated your efforts.

AN EPIC UNDERTAKING The Great Hall was the scene of a Homeric epic performance in April when two hundred students, teachers, Old Bristolians, parents, university staff and students, joined together to read sixty lines each of Homer’s Odyssey.

Lasting over fifteen hours, the reading began at 6.30am and continued throughout the school day – complete with a Greek-themed lunch accompanied by the reading of Books 10–12.

BGS staff and all students in the Senior and Junior Schools had the chance to vote in the BGS Mock Election held in April. The six candidates, representing the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Communists, Green Party and UKIP, each took part in hustings to make their case for election.

BGS students from Year 4 to the Upper Sixth took part, joined by visiting students from four other schools, plus several from Bristol University. More than ten Old Bristolians returned to read and many BGS parents and grandparents; one family even had representatives from three generations reading!

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News

ll A for

EDUCATION

A PIECE OF CAKE

THIS EASTER, BGS ASSISTANT HEAD DR DIMBERLINE TRAVELLED TO MOROCCO AND VISITED THE BOARDING HOUSES RUN BY THE CHARITY EDUCATION FOR ALL, WHICH BGS HAS SUPPORTED SINCE ITS INCEPTION.

The end of Senior School exam week saw students at BGS get the chance to step away from their desks and books and try something new. While Year 9 headed out for their World of Work day, those in Years 7, 8 and 10 enjoyed Activities Day.

Since helping to dig the foundations of the first boarding house, which allows girls from rural families to continue their education after the age of eleven, back in 2007, the School has raised more than £50,000 for the project. The latest donation paid for solar water heaters to be fitted to two boarding houses, providing them with hot water. With abundant natural sunlight in Morocco, the solar water heaters will reduce the boarding houses’ dependence on expensive electricity and bottled gas.

Speaking about his visit, Dr Dimberline said:

Seeing the project develop to the current position has been very rewarding.

Raising funds for charity is not easy and the fact that we have averaged almost £7,000 per year in support is impressive.

“By this autumn there will be five boarding houses and over 130 girls supported. Some of the first girls to benefit are now at university in Marrakech; without the project their education would have finished when they were eleven.

With its focus on educating girls the effect of the project is long-term as improving the education of girls is shown to have a positive impact on the educational achievements of their children, helping the next generation as well.”

There was fun at Thorpe Park, music composition, track cycling, Banksyinspired artwork, climbing in the beautiful Dartmoor National Park and more to choose from, including this year, the chance to bake BGS. A day of cooking, icing and building saw a team of bakers create the Great Hall entrance, PA Block and Art School in cake form. It looked (and tasted) great.

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MASTERCHEF 2015

A FLYING START THE NEW GREENPOWER RACING SEASON GOT UNDERWAY AT ROCKINGHAM OVAL ON WEDNESDAY 13 MAY AND IS ALREADY SHAPING UP TO BE ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL ONE FOR THE BGS TEAM.

We were delighted to welcome owner Sarah Arikan and sous-chef Leon Smith from Berwick Lodge to judge the final of this year’s BGS Masterchef competition.

They faced a tough job choosing a winner from the delicious dishes prepared by finalists Issy Lilly Harriet Nicola Finlay Lottie Chloe and Inigo Each had to

prepare a two-course meal and, as ever, the standards were impressively high with Leon declaring Finlay’s lemon posset the best he had ever tasted.

Unable to pick just one winner, first place was awarded to both Lottie and Nicola Lottie cooked pan-fried cod on minted peas with broad beans and pancetta, followed by a mini chocolate cappuccino-style mousse and a chocolate brownie with raspberry coulis. Nicola prepared tandoori-style chicken with accompanying Indian-inspired salads, with cardamom and rosewater ice cream for dessert. The judges found it so hard to choose the winners that all the finalists will be invited to Berwick Lodge for afternoon tea to celebrate their achievements.

Buzzing!

BGS IS

Thanks to a grant from the Barry Theo Jones fund of just over £3,000, the School has been able to establish two beehives on the roof of the Science department.

The money was used to purchase all the necessary specialist equipment, including suits, gloves, the hives themselves and, of course, a nucleus of bees for each hive.

The project has been extremely popular with students who have been able to work

directly with the bees, seeing how the hive operates, how the beekeeper works to ensure the safety, health and productivity of the bees, and the honey-making process itself. We eagerly await the first crop of honey this autumn!

Despite a failed battery forcing them out of the second race, a great first race performance saw Megazord claim victory in the kit car category, qualifying them for the International final. Gigazord finished a respectable sixth and its mileage looks likely to see them into the final too.

The cars will be on the track again at Goodwood in June, before BGS unveil their third car, Terazord, on the return to Rockingham in July. We wish the team the best of luck for the rest of the season.

OUR BAAA-RILLIANT GUEST Bristol Grammar School is proud to be sponsoring a Shaun the Sheep as part of the Shaun in the City Bristolwide sculpture trail. We can’t wait to discover which Shaun will be joining us and spending the summer on the plinth previously occupied by Vincent van Gromit. Do pay him a visit when you are out-and-about in Bristol this summer; we’d love to see your pictures with him; tweet them to us @BGSBristol.

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Wildlife PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Overall Winner

A huge thank you to everyone who entered this year’s BGS Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. Judge and wildlife photographer Sam Hobson had his work cut out selecting the winners in each of the seven categories.

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Congratulations to this year’s winners, especially Sam Morgan, winner of the Years 7–10 category and BGS Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2015.

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1. Sam Years 7–10 and BGS Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2. Tito , Image Evolution Junior School 3. Amber 4. Isabel Infant School 5. Dan Joliffe, Old Bristolians 6. Radu Moldovan, Parent and staff 7. Tom Year 11 and Sixth Form

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Infants & Juniors Mr Huckle writes …

I am extremely proud of BGS Infants and Juniors and am always delighted to welcome visitors who invariably comment on the enthusiasm, politeness and friendliness of the children. They also notice how proud the children are of their School and the way they demonstrate this through their smart appearance and care for their surroundings.

I feel particularly proud of the children when I see them perform. The recent Year 6 musical The Lion King Jr was a quite outstanding example with the winning combination of fantastic singing, vibrant dancing, superb characterisation and wonderful teamwork with every Year 6 child making a significant contribution to the achievement of something special.

The Infant Summer Concert was a further source of pride and provided a clear illustration of how much the children enjoy performing together and how quickly they develop their confidence.

I feel similarly proud when I see the children on the games field. Our Infant Sports Day was a superb family occasion and it is always uplifting to witness the way in which the children support each

other and are genuinely delighted by each other’s achievements and successes. We hope the weather will allow the Junior School to enjoy an equally successful Sports Day before the end of term. The spirit with which our children play matches against other schools is also uplifting – it was a great moment when a Year 5 boy received spontaneous applause in assembly for volunteering to field for the opposition in a cricket match and running out one of his classmates!

Finally, I am very proud of the whole staff team at BGS Infants and Juniors and the way in which they go the extra mile to ensure that our children have the best possible all-round education. I hope you enjoy reading about just some of their many activities in this publication and that

The Lion King Jr The whole of Year 6 should be incredibly proud of this year’s Year 6 play, The Lion King Jr. Everyone contributed, whether on stage or behind the scenes, to what was undoubtedly an impressive performance.

Thanks to the wonderful costumes and make-up, the audience was transported to the African Savannah and enjoyed some outstanding singing, dancing and acting from the whole cast. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you to Mr Marsh, Mrs Cullen and Mrs Whitehead who have worked so well with the very talented Year 6 children.

it helps you appreciate why I feel the way I do about the children and the School.

Peter Huckle Headmaster, BGS Infants & Juniors

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Sunny seaside

Concert season The ever popular Teatime Concerts have seen children from Year 1 through to Year 6 perform in front of an audience of family and friends. From classical to more contemporary, the musical style varies, but the dedication and enthusiasm of the performers does not. Well done to everyone who took part, it was a pleasure to listen to you.

r i a f e h t fun of All the

Year 1 not only got to see the amazing sand sculptures on their trip to Weston-super-Mare, they also had the chance to make their own, with lessons from a sand sculpture expert.

The visit, at the end of their At the Seaside topic, also contained all the traditional elements of a day out at the seaside: lunch on the beach (complete with added sand), eating delicious ice creams, and creating sandcastles with bucket and spade. After a long, sunny day on the beach, the children returned to School very happy, but very tired!

The JISPA Summer Fair was once again a huge success and a wonderful family day out.

Under the sea Year 2 had an exciting trip to Bristol Aquarium as part of their Sea Creatures topic this term. After a lovely walk in the sunshine down Park Street, the children enjoyed a tour of the Aquarium and even got

to feed the tropical fish! The children had chosen to learn about stingrays, sharks, jellyfish or whales as part of the topic and the visit gave them lots of great information about life under the sea.

There were maypoles, Morris men and donkeys, as well as all the usual stalls, raffles and, most importantly, ice creams.

Sunshine and blue skies added to the summer feeling and to the enjoyment of all who came.

A big thank you to the JISPA members and volunteers who worked so hard to organise and run this great event.

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Infants & Juniors

Parlez-vous Français?

FOR YEAR 5, AFTER RUNNING THEIR FRENCH CAFÉ, THE ANSWER MUST SURELY BE “OUI!”

Going the extra mile Members of BGS Infants and Juniors have been hard at work again this term, raising money for their three chosen charities: Holly Hedge Sanctuary, Somerset Air Ambulance and

Fruit of their labours

Inspired by their Maths lessons, when they were looking at business skills such as understanding money and buying and selling, Year 2 children came up with a great idea which raised more than £175 for the three charities chosen by BGS Infants and Juniors.

With a little help from their parents, the children made and sold fruit kebabs. As well as a stall in the Infant School playground, travelling salesmen took their wares to the Senior School, where the kebabs proved very popular. Well done Year 2 on such a fantastic idea.

Toilet Twinning. Alongside House cake sales and egg decorating competitions, Year 6 took on the challenge of a sponsored mile walk and raised an impressive £991.

The children used their French to welcome customers to their café, and serve French snacks to the other classes and visiting parents. The afternoon was a great success, helping them gain confidence in using their French language skills. They also had a competition to see which class could sell the most and so raise the most money for the BGS Infants’ and Juniors’ three charities.

The French theme continued with the BGS Infants’ French morning which began with a very continental breakfast of croissants, fresh juice and fruit.

This was followed by building spaghetti Eiffel Towers, games of boules in the garden and some French singing. The whole thing was given an air of French sophistication thanks to the red, white and blue-themed outfits, with prizes being awarded for the best dressed.

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All

Star

BIG TRIP TO

Big Pit Year 5 travelled back in time with a visit to the Big Pit mining museum this term.

They discovered lots about life in a Victorian coal mine, including just how hard and dangerous a miner’s life could

Show

be. They also were seemingly transported into another world, thanks to a trip into the mine itself, where it was so dark they couldn’t even see their hands in front of their faces!

Roman Invasion

Year 3 have been learning all about the Romans and, as part of the topic, they went on an exciting trip to Caerleon, where they explored both the Roman ruins and the museum.

They learnt lots of interesting facts about Roman life and were particularly fascinated to see a real Roman loo!

They also got to experience life in the Roman army, when General Claudius Maximus arrived at Failand to subdue the native Celts and teach Year 3 about Roman military life.

He was a very strict leader and there was considerable pride amongst those selected to fight in the Roman legions.

THE INFANT CHILDREN PROVED THEY ARE ALL STARS OF THE STAGE WHEN THEY PERFORMED IN THE INFANT SCHOOL SUMMER CONCERT IN THE GREAT HALL. All the classes had been hard at work, practising their performances and preparing some fantastic supporting artwork to decorate the Great Hall, and the audience was clearly impressed by their efforts.

From Reception’s mini-beasts and Hungry Caterpillar inspired art, to Year 1’s singing and dancing version of The Wizard of Oz, to Year 2’s very funny performance of one of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and the Oompah Loompah song, the hard work, enthusiasm and talent of the children was clear

for all to see. What a brilliant way for BGS Infants to end the year.

The Great Outdoors

Years 3 and 4 have been enjoying themselves in the woods at Failand in Forest School this term.

Year 4 wrote and acted their own versions of Hansel and Gretel, filming them on iPads.

Despite being inspired by the same story, no two versions were quite the same, with plenty of imagination on display.

Year 3 made themselves at home in the forest. After building nests for birds, they turned their hand to shelter for humans, working together to put up tents. They really enjoyed this challenge, so if you are off on a camping trip this summer, you know who to ask for help!

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Sixth Form

TOP AWARD FOR BGS CADET Congratulations to BGS Sixth-former Doug Woodrow who was recognised as the top student on the Air Training Corps Qualified Aerospace Instruction Course (QUAIC) this Easter. Over 200 cadets applied for the course with Doug one of just forty awarded a place.

s e c a F ew

N

NEW YEAR

As the Class of 2015 says farewell to BGS, the next group of students is preparing to take their place at the top of the School.

With AS Level exams out of the way, next year’s Prefect team underwent a day of training at Failand. 85 students

will be a part of the prefect body, led by new Head of School Jack and his deputies Cara and Shanuk Congratulations to them all on their appointments.

The nine-month course develops teaching and presentation skills; the final week, held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, saw Doug make a 40-minute group presentation to an audience including Air Marshals and Air Vice-Marshals. The week ended with a celebration dinner where Doug was presented with a glass trophy and a framed picture and was also presented with the Pooley sword as top student.

Having completed the course, he is now qualified to train cadets in the use of ATC and flight simulators.

After completing his A Levels, Doug hopes to study Aeronautical Engineering at Sheffield and we wish him all the best for the future.

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Mont

CIRQUE DE BGS

Blanc to the

M AT T E R H O R N

Six members of the Upper Sixth are preparing to take on an amazing challenge this summer, trekking from Mont Blanc to the Matterhorn to raise funds for St Peter’s Hospice.

The Upper Sixth brought all the fun of the fair to BGS for their Leavers’ Breakfast, enjoying a good- natured circus-themed water fight in the sunshine before they departed for the more serious matter of study leave and A Levels.

We thank them all for their contribution to the life of the School and wish them all the very best for the future. Don’t forget to keep in touch, we always love to hear news from OBs.

They begin their eight-day adventure on 4 August and will climb some 6,500m along the 120km route.

The trip is a chance to escape modern life and spend time with friends, forging lasting memories before they go their separate ways in life beyond BGS. The boys will be documenting both the experience and the amazing scenery which they will record using both camera and a pair of GoPros.

The team – Dylan Joe Alex James Alexander and Doug – have been given the School Travel Award, worth £1,000, which will cover the cost of their expedition, allowing all funds raised to go to St Peter’s Hospice. You can support them at <www.justgiving.com/ Walking-the-Alps>

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BGS

beyond AND

Six members of the Sixth Form reflect on their time at BGS, life in the Sixth Form and their plans for the future.

BRODIE WALKER

MICHAEL HU

EILISH CONVERY

I JOINED BGS IN YEAR 9, BUT I DEFINITELY NOTICED A DIFFERENCE WHEN I PROGRESSED TO THE SIXTH FORM.

I’M REALLY PLEASED I MOVED TO BGS. I CAME HERE IN YEAR 9, BUT LOOKING BACK I WISH IT HAD BEEN IN YEAR 7, ESPECIALLY AS I’M NOW A YEAR 7 PREFECT AND CAN SEE WHAT A GREAT TIME THEY HAVE.

I JOINED BGS IN THE SIXTH FORM LAST SEPTEMBER. I WAS KEEN TO DO AS WELL AS POSSIBLE AT A LEVEL AND KNEW BGS WAS A GOOD SCHOOL, SO IT FELT LIKE THE RIGHT PLACE TO COME TO BE PUSHED TO SUCCEED.

The biggest thing about BGS for me is all the opportunities here, not just in terms of facilities like the squash courts and the climbing wall, but the range of activities offered. I’m a Peer Mentor and involved in Model United Nations, but there are so many things to choose from.

Moving into the Sixth Form is a definite step up in terms of your role in the School.

You are more involved in your House, organising events and sports teams. We are already planning for next year’s House singing competition which I really want Catchpole’s to win.

I’m studying Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics and hope to go on to Medicine after BGS. The Careers Department here are so helpful; through the Medical Society, which I am chair of, they pass on so much great information on work experience and courses for aspiring Medics.

I feel BGS is preparing me really well for university. The teaching style in the Sixth Form helps you to be more independent, but the teachers are always there for you if you need them. I’ll miss BGS when I leave, I think the school will always be a part of me, but I know I’ll be ready to move on.

I was also keen to expand my social circle and changing schools seemed like a great way to make new friends.

I’m studying Psychology, Biology, Drama and Music and I think I’d like to be a Clinical Psychologist. As well as doing drama at BGS – my A Level class has just put on a play called A Handbag in the Mackay Theatre – I do a lot of drama outside of school. Because it can take up so much time, I need to be organised to keep up with my work load.

It was a little bit daunting when I first started, because I was joining a group of people who already knew each other. But there were so many other new joiners and everybody was so friendly that actually it was very easy to settle in. I’d definitely recommend BGS to friends.

The main thing that stands out for me is that there is so much offered here. The choices seem unlimited and everyone gets really involved in the activities and opportunities outside the classroom. I feel the teachers treat us more like adults too in the Sixth Form, which is a great step towards life after school and being in a work environment. I am very glad I moved to BGS.

You have more independence and your teachers put more trust in you, but at the same time they have high expectations, both in terms of your work and behaviour.

I am a tennis player – I've represented my County since I was 10 and I have a British Ranking at Under 18 – and it has been hard at times to balance that commitment with my school work. I think I manage my time well and BGS have always supported me with time off for training and tournaments.

I’m studying PE, Spanish and English Literature at A Level and when I leave BGS I’m interested in International Relations, Politics, or possibly Law. I’ve found the Careers Department at BGS to be really helpful when I’ve been considering my university options, with information on experience days and work placements.

Next year I’m going to be a House Prefect. I applied to be a prefect because, cheesy as it sounds, I wanted to give something back to the School. I also think being a prefect will be a rewarding experience for me.

BGS has given me a lot of great experiences. The highlight so far was the Sports Tour to South Africa. Everything about it – the travel, the sport, the friendships – was amazing and will stay with me beyond BGS. I am looking forward to university and the next stage of my life, but I’ll be sad to say goodbye to BGS and all my friends next year.

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SCOTT MATTHEWS

TOMMY SOPPITT

GRACE FIELDER

I’VE BEEN AT BGS SINCE YEAR 3 AND IT WOULD BE HARD FOR ME TO PICK ONE “BEST THING” ABOUT THE SCHOOL.

FOR ME, THE BEST THING ABOUT BGS IS THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY. THROUGHOUT MY TIME HERE, IT’S BEEN PRACTICALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO FEEL ALONE OR THAT THERE IS NO ONE THERE TO HELP YOU. THE SUPPORT YOU GET, ACADEMIC OR OTHERWISE, IS ENDLESS.

THE SIXTH FORM IS DEFINITELY A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE FROM THE REST OF THE SCHOOL, PARTICULARLY YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEACHERS WHOM YOU GET TO KNOW REALLY WELL.

The close relationships I’ve formed with my teachers are one thing that stand out. I really trust my teachers and feel comfortable asking them for advice, support and help.

Another real positive for me about life at BGS is the range of opportunities it offers. I’ve loved all the sport and the expeditions; I went to Morocco in Year 9 and last year I went on the Sports Tour to South Africa. If I had to pick one favourite experience, the Sports Tour would be it.

The tour spirit was fantastic and South Africa was amazing; our visits to an orphanage and the townships made a lasting impression on me. I’m hoping to do some charity work overseas, either in a Russian orphanage (I’m studying Russian) or on a gap year in South America after I leave BGS. Next year I’ll be Senior House Prefect for my House, Goodman’s. The House system is great. It helps you make friends with people you might not otherwise get to know and there are lots of opportunities to develop confidence and leadership skills through things like debating, compering concerts, or organising events.

As a competitive person, I enjoy all the inter-House competitions and Sports Day. House singing is my favourite as everyone gets involved and the atmosphere is incredible. I really want Goodman’s to win next year.

I’ve studied Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Biology in the Lower Sixth, but may drop Biology next year.

After BGS I think I’d like to do something related to Maths or Physics. I don’t know what yet, but Mrs Guy and the Careers Department have been a really great source of advice to help me decide.

I’ve been at BGS since Year 7 and being in the Sixth Form definitely brings more independence in terms of organising your own time and work. There is so much you can get involved with too – there are lots of things to do all the way through school but in the Sixth Form you can take on more responsibility. I help run maths and science clubs, as well as Model United Nations and junior school activities. This year I've had the responsibility of editing the science magazine. I'm also a leader amongst Scott’s house, and next year I'll be a Peer Mentor and Senior Prefect.

I enjoy working with the younger students and having the chance to help them. I joined BGS half a term into Year 7 and the Peer Mentors really helped me settle in; I’m looking forward to the chance to give something back and being involved in a unique part of BGS life.

Because the A Level curriculum is more in-depth, the teaching really develops your interest in each subject and inspires your learning.

I think the House system at BGS makes a real difference to life at the School; through it I’ve made some really strong friendships with people I might not have otherwise got to know. There is also a great sense of friendly rivalry between the Houses which makes for a lively atmosphere at events like Sports Day and House Singing.

I’ve studied History, Philosophy and Ethics, English Literature, and Russian in the Lower Sixth. After BGS I’d like to study Russian, probably alongside another language. In Year 10 I went to St Petersburg on the Russian exchange, and I’m going again this summer. I didn’t feel like a tourist, because I was living with a Russian family and in some ways the trip was hard; Russia is an unbelievably different culture and it was hard to get used to the Russian traditions and beliefs.

Despite the challenge, the trip was worth it for the insight it gave me into what is, currently, quite a vilified country.

All the Russians I met were incredibly generous and welcoming and getting the opportunity to go there was a real highlight of my time at BGS.

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Literary Events SARAH LEAN Sarah started her talk to Years 3, 4 and 5 by asking them what they thought a hero was.

PHIL EARLE

In May we were delighted to welcome author Phil Earle to BGS. He spoke to a combined audience of BGS Years 4 and 5, as well as Year 5 classes from other local schools.

Phil was launching his latest book, Demolition Dad. It was inspired by Phil’s favourite book, Danny the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl. Phil wanted to write about a father and son who loved each other. Jake and his Dad (a demolition worker) are very close, but Dad has a secret identity at the weekends! Phil really enjoyed writing the book, as it is very funny, and also working with an illustrator to create the pictures which punctuate the book.

Later that same morning, Phil ran a creative writing workshop involving the Year 9 Scholars. Drawing on ideas used

in the opening chapters of his teen novel, Being Billy, he ran a session on how to write a prologue in different genres.

As a writer, he claims your number one goal should be to make the book as ‘unputdownable’ as possible and the opening of the story is the authors chance to suck readers in. Perhaps the most important advice he gave was “you should write the kind of book you would like to read: anything else is pointless”. It was a fabulous session, which the Year 9 students greatly enjoyed, growing in confidence and creativity as it went on.

Many thanks to Phil for taking the time to come to BGS.

“Someone who has done something special”, “someone who inspires you”, “someone who does something for the benefit of others”; these were just some of the responses she got. The focus then switched to animals; could a donkey be a superhero? This seemed unlikely as we tend to think of heroes having super powers.

The children were keen to share what superpowers their pets had, from 180 degree turns when catching a ball, to break dancing. Sarah then told us about some very special animals: Magic the horse who helped a patient to speak after three years, inspiring her to write her book, Homeless; Scarlett, the stray cat, who carried all four of her kittens from a burning building; and Ningnong the elephant who rescued eight year old Amber Mason from the waves of the tsunami. It was stories such as these which inspired Sarah to write her books.

We were introduced to her book, Harry and Hope, with Kieran and Molly helping to perform a short extract. Sarah is also writing a book called The Last Snow Leopard about a lone snow leopard in Nepal that needs to be transported to a different country to breed with other snow leopards.

Her talk to the children was very inspiring and I am sure the children are looking forwards to reading her books.

Steve Marsh

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PUFFIN SHORT STORY COMPETITION

Spellbinding TALES

It all started when Tracey Corderoy was a little girl and truly feared that the wrinkly old lady with a wart on her nose who sat on her rocking chair and watched her through the window was really a nasty, wicked witch.

Now, some years on, Tracey has written a series of books sparked by that memory, about a little girl called Pandora with a granny who’s a witch, a rather nice one at that. Some of their adventures were vividly brought to life in BGS Infants with the help of illustrator Joe Berger.

Both Year 2 classes listened spellbound as Tracey read two of her books – Hubble Bubble Granny Trouble and Spells-aPopping, Granny’s shopping – with tales of frog-poop soup, a broomstick instead of a car and bats for pets.

Joe explained how the drawings of Granny were based on his own rather stylish grandmother and how, after several weeks of preliminary sketches, it takes him about a day to complete each of the final versions of the twelve double-page illustrations.

After Joe sketched Tracey and then turned her into a witch with his pen, the children drew some pictures of themselves before making mini-cauldrons and magic frogs to take home.

Tracey, an award winning writer who has had more than 45 books published, then headed off with Joe to weave her magic with the Year 1 and Reception classes.

Tracey read No!, the very entertaining tale of a toddler rhino who discovers the word ‘No’ and then can’t stop saying it.

The children then drew and designed their own T-shirt for him.

Ben Whitehead, Head of Infants, said:

This year’s Puffin Short Story competition once again generated some impressive entries courtesy of the pens of Years 6–9. The pile of short stories, each precisely a hundred words in length and written on the back of a postcard, was whittled down to a short list of just fourteen by Head of English David Briggs, before Puffin Editorial Assistant Emma Jones had the tricky task of choosing a winner.

Congratulations to first-placed Remi Tatlow-Stokes, who wins his choice of Puffin or Penguin books to the value of £125, and runners-up David Hazon and Sarah Routley, who each win £30 in book tokens.

Commenting on Remi’s winning story, My Masks, Emma said: “The narrative voice works well, really making the reader feel that they are the person being operated on. A second reading gives the story even more weight…A very well structured piece which absolutely delivers on build-up and impact.”

Tracey and Joe were fantastic with the children and really brought the books to life in a truly compelling and inspiring way.”

READ ALL ABOUT IT! LOVE BOOKS? Then keep up-to-date with all the latest goings on in the BGS Literary Events programme on our dedicated blog: http://literaryevents. bristolgrammarschool.org.uk/

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Performing Arts

A DIVINE EVENING On Monday 27 April a massed choir, including all of Year 5 and Year 7, took part in the Pop Medley Concert at Colston Hall.

A HANDBAG

Before the medley of songs by the Irish band The Divine Comedy, the Bristol University Symphonia performed the Symphonic Dances from Bernstein’s West Side Story, complete with narration written especially for the concert. There was also a scratch samba band made up of staff and students, and songs from the Year 7 girls’ choir.

This term Lower Sixth Drama and Theatre Studies students took to the stage in the Mackay Theatre to perform A Handbag, written by acclaimed author Anthony Horowitz for the National Theatre’s New Connections programme. It follows a group of young people rehearsing The Importance of Being Earnest, in a setting which eventually becomes clear is an institution. The play presents some challenging themes that the students clearly understood and outstanding characterisation was displayed by a very strong cast in this excellent production.

Well done to everyone who took part on providing a wonderful evening of musical entertainment.

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BANG ON

! y o h a

PIRATES

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Middle School Play was Pirates; a ridiculous, fun and colourful comedy which tells the story of Jimmy, a boy in search of adventure, and his voyages with the Long Nail Gang.

Cast and crew faced a hard task with only three weeks to get the show ready, but they rose to the challenge and all was shipshape in time for opening night. The dress rehearsal, in the outside theatre, was a great success; passing students made an audience and lots of laughs were shared. The cast proudly wore their knitted beards and were clearly having fun sailing the seven seas. Special mentions must go to Harrison and Sam who made a hilarious double act as the Mario brothers but congratulations go to all who were involved in this very entertaining show.

Friday 12 June was a very noisy day for Year 7, as they enjoyed a junk percussion workshop in the Owen Room. Pipes, buckets and even empty milk cartons were transformed into musical instruments for this Stompstyle extravaganza. Our thanks go to Fab Drumming who ran the workshops and all of Year 7 who embraced the experience so enthusiastically.

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Exploration

Morocco MAGICAL

This year’s Morocco Expedition saw 89 Year 9 students embark on an eight-day expedition to the Atlas Mountains.

The students had spent six months fundraising to support their travels and many car washes and cake sales later, more than half the year group left London Gatwick airport for Marrakech, very excited to be finally heading to Morocco.

On their arrival, all six school-teams spent the night in a hotel. In the morning, farewells were shared and buses loaded before all groups departed for the long drive to their trek location. Though stories vary, most groups stayed the next night in a hostel and then enjoyed a scenic four-day trek, camping each night. Swimming in rivers, football against the locals and sleeping under the stars all provided memories which will last a lifetime. The exploits of each group have been compiled into a collection of diaries, written by the students. This is available for £1 from the main school reception, all proceeds go to The Royal National Institute for the Blind.

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OFF TO

SUNNY SPAIN AT THE START OF THE EASTER HOLIDAYS A GROUP OF ENTHUSIASTIC HISPANISTS FROM YEARS 7 AND 8 EMBARKED UPON AN ACTION-PACKED AND FUN-FILLED TOUR OF SPAIN’S COLOURFUL AND CULTURALLY RICH REGION OF ANDALUCÍA. Travelling from an icy Bristol to a 30 °C sun-soaked Málaga they were blessed with glorious sunshine throughout their stay.

First stop was a visit to the somewhat quirky yet exciting theme park of Tivoli World; with no queues in sight our students enjoyed a non-stop adrenalin rush on the rides with the fearless braving the renowned Pasaje del Terror. No trip to Andalucía is complete without some appreciation of the Moorish influence; a day trip to Granada gave the students the chance to view the stunning architecture of the Alhambra Palace and wander through the old narrow streets in the Albaicín, the old Arab quarter.

A day in Málaga was dedicated to appreciating the colourful local cuisine: students bartered for fresh fruit, olives and jamón in the local Atarazanas market and feasted on a delicious range of tapas for lunch in a traditional bar in the heart of the old town. They were also lucky enough to see some of the Holy Week processions in

BELLA ITALIA the early evening; the dramatic costumes of tunics and hoods of the participants created quite an impression on our students. Andalucía is a vibrant region and this whirlwind five-day tour gave our students a flavour of this unique part of Spain.

Two action-packed days of volcano climbing, Roman ruin exploring, and adventure awaited our Year 7 Classicists on their trip to the Bay of Naples at half term.

On their first full day in Italy they managed to fit in climbing Vesuvius, pizza and ice cream for lunch, and a trip to the ruins of Pompeii. While there was disappointment that some areas of Pompeii were closed, there was still plenty to discover and marvel at; the Forum in particular drew gasps from the students as they entered it.

To quote one of those on the trip: “Today was amazing”.

Day two dawned and was just as exciting as its predecessor. A trip to Solfatara volcano, where they saw steam rising from cracks in the earth, ‘enjoyed’ the distinct smell of sulphur in the air, and photographed the amazing coloured rocks, proved fascinating. The students particularly enjoyed discovering that the ground was so thin they were able to make it vibrate. After retreating from the volcano back to town, they tried out volcanic mud as a beauty product, to great amusement.

The next day saw our students return to Bristol, tired but happy, and with memories of Italy which will last a lifetime.

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Exploration ÉDUCATION, AMITIÉ ET AVENTURE À VIE This Easter eighteen Year 10 pupils travelled to Bordeaux to take part in a very successful exchange with our partner school, Saint-Genès.

BATTLEFIELDS TOUR Exactly 100 years after the German recapture of Hill 60, midway through the Second Battle of Ypres, a group of Year 10 students set out on their own journey to the Western Front.

Their guide, Neil, brought the stories to life: the valiant actions of the Canadians at Vimy Ridge, the tragic story of the Newfoundland troops on the Somme, and the stories of individuals commemorated at the memorials and cemeteries we visited.

They tracked down the grave of Stanley Booker M.C, an OB who died rescuing a fallen comrade, and visited the graves of relatives of some of the group. This truly brought home the number and variety of people who died in service during the war. The trip also gave the students a deeper understanding of the front line, partly through their visit to the preserved trenches at Sanctuary Wood where they experienced some of the gruesome conditions of trench warfare.

The moving daily Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate gave them all a chance to remember those lost in war, and the ongoing remembrance, even outside of the centenary years.

Reflecting on the trip, student Benedict said “None who were part of this trip will see the War in the same way again. I would urge all those given the opportunity to take it up.”

Now a well-established link, pupils enjoyed spending time with their correspondents and families, experiencing lessons in the French school and going on various trips throughout the week.

A very pleasant morning was spent exploring the underground vaults of the monolithic church in the ancient village of Saint-Emilion before learning about the wine-making process at Château Montlau for the afternoon; another day involved working up a sweat climbing the Dune du Pyla (the highest sand dune in Europe) near to the Bassin d’Arcachon. Here we also had a fascinating insight into the world of oyster farming at the Maison de l’Huître followed by a delicious dégustation of this regional speciality.

Other highlights of the week for pupils included learning how to make authentic macaroons à la meringue française, strolling around the historic centre of Bordeaux and, of course, improving their French. Many clearly struck up very solid friendships with their exchange partners and greatly benefited from the experience.

Vive BGS-Bordeaux!

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Sport

Kayaking

It was second time lucky for BGS Infants for their Sports Day, after the weather forced a week-long postponement. It was worth the wait however, with sunshine and enthusiasm aplenty on display at Failand in an energetic morning of running, jumping and throwing. It was lovely to see the enjoyment, enthusiasm and support for their friends displayed by all the children.

An ominous weather forecast also forced the postponement of the Junior School Sports Day, sadly until after the printing date for this magazine. Let us hope the weather was kind to them for their second attempt on 29 June.

Kayaking is a new addition to the Year 10 Games rotation this year and those taking part have enjoyed some glorious sunshine while taking to the water of Bristol Harbour.

BADMINTON

RAIN STOPS PLAY

Following their success in the regional round of the Center Parcs schools’ national badminton championship, BGS’s U14 team, consisting of Siddharth and Aabhas (both Year 9), Alex and Om (Year 7) and Shashwat (Year 8), competed in the finals at Center Parcs in Nottingham on 10 May. The team produced some excellent performances against tough opposition (including the eventual competition winners) to finish sixth in the country out of 1,500 original entries, the highest ever finish by a BGS team.

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Sport

T R O P S R O F ORT

P W NE

The Senior School travelled to Newport Stadium on Wednesday 24 June for a day of athletics and inter-House rivalry. The weather was glorious, warm and sunny, and the level of enthusiasm remained high all day.

Congratulations to overall winners Diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House, Junior Victor and Victrix Ludorum Christian and Rosie and to Mark and Adaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ora who were named Senior Victor and Victrix Ludorum respectively.

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RECORD BREAKERS Ada’ora Imogen Emma Rosie Ben Catherine Ado'ra Charlie Christian Christian

Senior Girls’ high jump (1.70m) U12 Girls’ 300m (43.33s) U15 Girls’ long jump (5.03m) U13 Girls’ 800m (2mins 24.50s) U15 Boys’ javelin (39.98m) U15 Girls’ discus- (31.27m) Senior Girls’ shot put (11.22m) U14 Boys’ 200m (24.24s) U13 Boys’ 200m (25.53s) U13 Boys’ long jump (5.28m)

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Sport

EQUESTRIAN

CRICKET

Alex who represented BGS at the inter-schools’ one-day event on 17 May. Alex and her pony Clonboo Sam were clear in showjumping and had no faults on the cross country course, resulting in her finishing in ninth place and in the ribbons at her first 90cm event.

With exams limiting the availability of senior players, the First XI has won just two (Prior Park and KES Bath) of the eight games played. In contrast the junior teams are excelling and the future looks bright. From U12 to U14 we are yet to lose an A team game. In the Junior School the U11 boys have enjoyed an outstanding season to date, with the U11A and U11B teams beating Millfield for the first time ever! In the National Cup Competition the U11 team were successful in winning the Bristol and Bath regional tournament, beating Christchurch School and Monkton Combe School before defeating King Edward’s School in the final. They now progress to the South West England finals representing the region against the winners of Somerset, Cornwall, Devon, Wiltshire and Dorset.

TENNIS

GIRLS’ CRICKET The School is running teams from U12 to U15 and the girls have taken to the game with gusto. The girls’ teams have played twelve matches so far, and lost just one: the U14A squad lost by 14 points against Red Maids’, a game they really should have won. In the same fixture the U13 squads both recorded wins, with Anna taking some impressive wickets.

The U13A were impressive, with some good bowling demonstrated by Megan and India Alysia scored the only six of the game and Rosie and Izzy were a great pairing, scoring a number of points. We look forward to continued success in the girls’ squad.

Jay played for Avon County in the South West regional tournament. They qualified for the national finals where they finished third. Jay’s current LTA ranking for his age group is in the top 10 for the UK. Arthur has been selected for the U12 Tennis County Cup Squad and is currently ranked seventh in the County.

Tobey who finished the season ranked in the top ten in the UK in the U10 category. He is now in the U12 age group and has been selected for the U12 South West LTA training squad.

CONGRATULATIONS RUGBY Andrew (Year 11), Will (Year 10) and Jonny (Lower Sixth) who were selected to represent Scotland U16, Welsh Exiles U16 and Irish Exiles U18 respectively over the Easter break.

CYCLING Oliver who raced in the Tour of Pembrokeshire for his road club and came first in his age category. He completed the fifty-mile course in just over four hours, which is a very impressive result.

ROWING Sam Ned and Jamie who took part in the National Schools’ Regatta on 22–24 May against schools from all over the UK. Sam, coxing the J14 girls’ quad won bronze in the final.

Ned, coxing the J14 boys’ ‘A’ quad, had a resounding victory taking gold in the final.

Jamie, rowing a double, just missed out on a medal in the final, coming fourth by less than one second. Jamie also rowed in the J15 ‘B’ quad that finished sixth overall.

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OBs A SCHOOL REUNION WITH A DIFFERENCE Mark Avery Old Bristolian (1969–1975)

Tony Warren on the right. Photo: Hugh Brazier

I spent a very pleasant weekend at a school reunion with a difference: in fact with two differences.

First, although this was a group of people with whom I had learned Latin and Maths, and rugby and cricket, and something about growing up, the main thing we had in common was not academic or sporting but ornithological. The dozen or so of us were all members of the Bristol Grammar School Field Club; we had learned to identify birds together.

Second, although we did get together and enjoyed each other’s company (very much, as far as I was concerned) the main purpose of our gathering was to thank, and to honour, one of the masters who had provided us with the opportunity to learn about birds at local sites such as Chew Valley Lake, Steart, the Somerset Levels and Slimbridge all those years ago. Two masters, Derek Lucas and Tony Warren, had been our main guides and mentors, and had driven a bunch of spotty teenage boys around in a minibus on alternate Sundays in term time.

Appropriately enough we started at Chew Valley Lake on Saturday lunch time.

There were a few people whom I had never seen before, a few with whom I had kept in touch over the years but a majority whom I had not seen for between 40 and 35 years, since school or university.

The plumage, in terms of hair length, coverage and/or colour may have changed but those subtle diagnostic features, the movement of the head or the extravagant waving of both hands, or the calls, were still very much the same. Identification was pretty easy. And it was striking that

we had all aged, but none had changed very much. The critical components of jizz were very much intact.

It was fun. I’m glad we did it. It was good to see each other again, although the fact that we had managed without each other for decades was clearly true, but it felt important that we had done something to show our individual and collective appreciation for the opportunity that we had all been given to get to know birds all that time ago.

MY YEARS AT BGS WERE INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO ME. I HAD AN EDUCATION THAT PROPELLED ME TO CAMBRIDGE AND ONWARDS INTO A CAREER IN SCIENCE AND THEN NATURE CONSERVATION. But those BGS days also fostered a love of birds and the camaraderie of birders.

I am immensely glad that the sparks of interest that were present when I entered the Grammar School gates as a nervous eleven-year old were fanned into flame in those days, and that they still burn brightly now.

Are today’s spotty teenagers having the same experience, I wonder? If they aren’t then I’m not sure they themselves will be any the less happy, but I do feel that society will be a bit poorer for the loss of that perspective. So, in case you are reading this Tony, Mr Warren, thank you again for all that you did for us, and for many others too.

OBS’ LONDON DINNER Over forty OBs attended the Society’s London Dinner which was once again held in the magnificent setting of Painters’ Hall in the City. Painters’ Hall is the home of the Worshipful Company of Painters and their first hall was built in 1532. The evening was hosted by Nick Levens who generously supported the event. A convivial evening was topped off with a speech from the new President of the Society, Mike Burmester, reinforcing his message about the importance of networking events and highlighting his theme this year of setting up a mentoring programme for young OBs at the start of their careers.

The Headmaster thanked the Society for their support this year and summarised news from School. Robert Lacey also spoke, emphasising the great relationships that the pupils of the School build up with their teachers. He remembered the great characters from the Common Room during his days at School.

It is hoped that Nick will allow us to hold next year’s dinner at Painters’ Hall, if you are interested in attending please contact Peter Jakobek or Anna Freeman in the Foundation Office.

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View 28 Summer '15 Issue 30 Bristol Grammar School University Road Bristol BS8 1SR Senior School 0117 973 6006 Junior School 0117 973 6109 www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk

ENQUIRING EYES This September the GuildGallery will be hosting Enquiring Eyes, an exhibition showcasing the huge diversity of creativity and work made by this year’s Bristol Grammar School A Level Fine Art students.

5–26 SEPTEMBER

at GUILD GALLERY, 68-70 PARK STREET

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND HODDER INVITE YOU TO AN EVENING WITH

LINDSEY DAVIS DEADLY ELECTION TALKING ABOUT HER NEW BOOK

Tuesday 13 October | 6.00 for 6.30pm BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND LITTLE, BROWN INVITE YOU TO THE BOOK LAUNCH OF

BURNT PAPER SKY BY

GILLY MACMILLAN Wednesday 16 September | 5.30 for 6.00pm BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL BS8 1SR Reading | Q&A | Live Music | Refreshments RESERVATIONS lshepherd@bgs.sch.uk

Bristol Grammar School are delighted to announce a new partnership with Dick Lovett Bristol.

The partnership will allow you to take advantage of a collection of exclusive promotions and discover more about the latest BMW and MINI models at events at our Failand sports ground.

To find out more call 0117 905 0285 for BMW or 0117 905 0286 for MINI. Alternatively please visit www.dicklovett.co.uk/affiliates/bgs or email bgsaffinity@dicklovett.co.uk

Design: adartdesign.co.uk Printed on 100% recycled stock using vegetable inks

THE GREAT HALL BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL BS8 1SR Book sales by Durdham Down Bookshop

TICKETS £7.00 including live music and light refreshments ONLINE BOOKING www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/events.aspx

BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND SHORT BOOKS INVITE YOU TO AN EVENING WITH THE NATURALIST AND SPORTS WRITER

SIMON BARNES TALKING ABOUT HIS NEW BOOK

TEN MILLION ALIENS Wednesday 11 November | 6.30 for 7.00pm THE GREAT HALL BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL BS8 1SR Book sales by Blackwell's

TICKETS £7.00 including live music and light refreshments ONLINE BOOKING www.bristolgrammarschool.co.uk/events.aspx

Bristol Grammar School is a Registered Charity No. 1104425