Bromsgrovian 2018 by Bromsgrove School

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Contents

Editorial

Headmaster’s Introduction

Pre-Prep and Prep Introduction

Pre-Preparatory School

Preparatory School

Senior School

Activities

116

Trips and Tours

176

The Arts

198

Sport

256

Staff Leavers

320

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Editorial As we approach the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, our thoughts and prayers will turn to Old Bromsgrovians, former School Masters and fellow soldiers from the Great War. As many people hold the School in great affection, we too will remember the individuals who sacrificed their lives for the benefit of those in the present and future. A key quote from an Old Bromsgrovian soldier, Lieutenant R Hartley, will always stick out in my memory: ‘Bromsgrove School - the one place where I most want to be remembered, for my heart was in it’ As you read some of the accounts of OB soldiers in our Archive, it is clear that School had an impact on the person they became, whether it be from the discipline taught on the rugby field or the skills learnt in the classroom - Bromsgrove made them the dedicated soldiers they were.

Looking through the pages of this Bromsgrovian, it is clear to see that our School continues to shape current pupils into outstanding young citizens of tomorrow. From those first steps at PreSchool, undertaking service in the local community or helping African children during a school trip to Madagascar, the experiences that our pupils are given can only help shape and influence their path in life. As we look back during Remembrance Week in November 2018 and remember those lost, we will also look to the future, ensuring that we continue to learn from the past, challenge our own views and enjoy every new experience that comes our way. Enjoy this 2018 edition. Megan Griffiths Editor

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Headmaster’s Introduction

Prep and Pre-Prep Headmistress’ Overview This has been another very busy and eventful school year for both the Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory Schools.

Welcome to the 2018 Bromsgrovian, an impressive record of a fulsome year in the life of the School. A unique edition, but not exclusive. In my case, it will now join thirty other similar volumes that reside on my bookshelves, one from each year of my teaching career. In the School archives too, this Bromsgrovian will take its place alongside 101 predecessors. Each one, a comprehensive record of the trials and triumphs that defined a year. A printed showcase of all that was achieved by the young people who were educated at Bromsgrove in the preceding twelve months. Literally, an annual. Gazing at the row of past editions, I cannot help wondering how many more volumes will take their place on this shelf. Futurists warn that the days of my profession are numbered; that my colleagues and I will soon be replaced by Artificial Intelligence, with schools disappearing, as personalised, computer-based learning becomes the norm. Somehow, I think not. Artificial Intelligence may prove to be smarter than humans one day, but I struggle to imagine software that could replicate the empathy and compassion required to make teaching successful and engaging. What may be more of a threat to the continued production of volumes like this Bromsgrovian is not the end of schools, but the end of books. We already inhabit a world awash with digital imagery. Every device is a camera, photos are shared instantaneously, video clips record everything from the awesome to the banal. Perhaps future editions of the Bromsgrovian will simply exist in the Cloud? I hope not. My collection of thirtyone yearbooks is not just an aesthetic addition to my library. They are palpable, a concrete record of my life in schools. Each is a time capsule that I can lay my hands on. The joy of pulling one from the shelf and leafing through pages packed with memories, photographs of past pupils, accounts of their accomplishments, is physical.

The Year 8 Outward Bound Expedition’s tag line, “You are capable of more than you know - aim high and be persistent,” sums up all we ask of our pupils. They have certainly been offered opportunities aplenty in sport, drama, music, outdoor education, as well as the academic sphere. They have been challenged, developed teamwork skills, grown in confidence, as well as maturity, and represented the School with pride.

Our junior Bromsgrovians have all been impressive and give cause for great optimism for the future. The pupils are led by the staff in both Schools who always go out of their way to ensure that every child has the best possible education both in and out of the classroom. We do not forget that we are a preparatory school, with traditional values, but our children also need to be educated and prepared for an ever-changing world. The many opportunities and activities available to them can only enrich their education.

As in previous years, The Bromsgrovian affords us a glimpse of the myriad of exciting events in both the Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory Schools. It is a record of just some of the things that the pupils and staff have engaged in. As ever, many of the best moments, personal triumphs and highlights are captured forever within the following pages. This busy school year has drawn to an end and so we reflect on the memorable moments we have experienced and celebrate the achievements of the pupils. We say goodbye to our impressive Year 8 leavers and wish them every success in the Senior School. We welcome the current Year 2 pupils into the Preparatory School for an exciting year ahead. In my Preparatory School Prizegiving speech, I quoted the late Professor Stephen Hawking for our leavers: ‘Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist – be curious’. I wish them every continued success.

I have a hard drive of digital photos, yet when I reminisce of an evening, it is the hard copy of a yearbook for which I reach. May that also be true for your copy of the 2018 Bromsgrovian. May you keep it safe, add it to a collection, and reach for it in years to come. Whatever happens to books in the future, may this one continue to sit weighty in your hands, bringing a smile to your face, as you recall a marvellous year. Peter Clague Headmaster

J Deval-Reed Headmistress

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Pre-School Pre-School started the year learning about themselves and their family. Pupils enjoyed creating their own portraits and looking at photographs of their own families. They also learnt about Harvest Festival, healthy foods and ways to keep our bodies healthy. Pupils enjoyed learning about different occupations and celebrations from other cultures. They have particularly enjoyed their visits to Forest School and meeting Mrs Dunlop for cooking around the campfire. Another popular topic during the Michaelmas term was ‘Sparkle and Shine’ where the children explored many sensory experiences and learnt all about space. Mrs Martin, our music teacher, taught the children some lovely songs to accompany the topic. The term ended with a Christmas story, decorating our beautiful Christmas tree and participating in festive craft activities. During the Lent term, Pre-School children enjoyed the ‘Big Freeze’ and ‘Enchanted Wood’ topics. They participated in activities, which helped to improve their fine and gross motor skills. During our Nature Rocks activity, the children delighted in making their own volcanoes using lemons and bicarbonate of soda. They were very excited when their volcano started to fizz and bubble, promoting lots of descriptive language. During the Enchanted Wood topic, Pre-School pupils engaged in various imaginary play activities. The Lent term finished with a fantastic performance to parents based on The Enchanted Wood, where the children sang beautifully, danced to songs and performed with confidence.

Across the Summer term, children have enjoyed ‘Splish, Splash, Splosh’ and ‘Up, Up and Away’ topics. They have learnt about capacity, floating, sinking and using mathematical language. The children have particularly enjoyed the travel agent role-play. Each key worker group has participated in Forest School activities, nature walks, cooking, PE and visits to the library. The children have loved learning French with Mrs Symonds, where they learnt songs and tasted new foods.

Our many fun days this year have included May Day where the children made arts and crafts to buy and sell at the PrePrep craft fair. We made the children aware of pollution in our oceans when we dedicated our ‘Nature Rocks Friday’ for World Ocean Day. We also had a visit from a baby lamb called Squidgy and two Burmese mountain dogs called Yogi and Ernie. Pupils have learnt about growth and planted sunflowers, pumpkins and flowers to decorate the outside environment. The Summer term ended with the Pre-School and Reception Sports Day and a visit from Magic Russ. What a busy year! S Draycott and K Banks

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Nursery The children in Nursery have enjoyed another exciting and fun-filled year, punctuated by seasonal celebrations and events such as: • • • •

decorating our Christmas tree together; celebrating Chinese New Year going on an Easter Egg hunt performing our Happy Hat Land concert for very proud families • re-enacting the tale of St George and the Dragon in the outdoor classroom • taking part in some very exciting activities as part of Pre-Prep Science Day • participating at Wacky Races and Sports Day

For our Nursery pupils, every day is filled with fascinating learning, fun and new discoveries through a careful balance of child-initiated play and adult led activity sessions. This year has seen the introduction of specialist-taught music sessions, led by Mrs Edmonds, which have been of great benefit to our pupils. During the Summer term, we have been All At Sea with a close look at what we might find under and over the sea, on the beach and in rock pools. We have considered what happens on seaside holidays and the children and staff have shared their experiences. We rounded the term off with a swashbuckling pirate adventure! The children have enjoyed using and exploring the School environment with trips to the main hall and library, to the outdoor classroom and stage, to the adventure trail and play lawn, and to the woodland areas for forest fun sessions. We would like to thank the Nursery staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, and we all wish our Rising 4 pupils a very happy and productive time as they move into their new Reception classes. We will miss you, but look forward to seeing you around the School and will be following your progress with great interest. Finally, we would like to wish Mrs Ormonde every happiness and success as she moves to the Preparatory School to take up her new role working in the Junior Department. She will be missed by all Nursery staff, children and families. S Symonds and R Ivison

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Reception Reception started the year with a topic called All About Me. Pupils learnt about themselves and every child gave a talk to the rest of the class. Dylan (along with his mum) brought in his baby sister, Ava, so that everyone could learn about babies. Mrs Symonds came to talk to the class about being a grandparent to Alfie and Jake. The Michaelmas term closed with a wonderful performance of the Nativity, Angel Express. The children sang beautifully, danced, spoke their lines clearly and performed with enthusiasm and we were very proud to perform the play to parents, grandparents and special visitors. During the Lent term, pupils learnt about animals and their habitats. Charlotte from The Dog’s Trust came to visit and taught everyone how to care for dogs and, more generally, about the work she does for the charity. On our visit to Umberslade Farm, Reception pupils held the pets, fed the lambs and calves and went on a tractor ride. They also enjoyed a Keeping Safe and Healthy week when they learnt all about firefighters, paramedics and police officers, which included visits from Phil Richards as a firefighter, Mrs Albutt with her ambulance and Police Officer Salisbury. Mrs Fuller visited with her assistant and talked about keeping teeth healthy in her role as a dentist.

During the Summer Term, pupils learn all about London and its famous landmarks, even receiving a visit from Lenny the Lion who usually lives in Trafalgar Square. Many children then visited the city with their families and were able to recognise many landmarks that they had been learning about. Angie’s Animal Antics came to visit with a host of cockroaches and Hettie the hedgehog, who loves eating mini beasts. In Forest School, pupils went bug hunting and pond dipping. They observed caterpillars as they transformed into butterflies while studying the stories of Eric Carle. The butterflies were then set free in our outdoor area to start the lifecycle all over again. Gethin Walpole’s daddy came in to tell them all about beekeeping and everyone tried some of his delicious honey. The term ended with the Early Years’ Sports Day and a visit from Magic Russ.

Every Tuesday this year, each class has had a rotation of Forest School, ICT, PE and Expressive Art and Design activities. In Forest School, pupils have cooked over the campfire, used tools, searched for bugs and made dens. In ICT, they have used iPads, computers and beebots to support their topic work. They have learnt how to use these independently and had great fun in the process. In Expressive Art and Design, creativity has been at the forefront when using paint, charcoal, collage and clay. Everyone has enjoyed performing on their musical instruments, singing songs and dancing to a variety of music. In PE, the large apparatus has been used to jump, balance and roll. This year, children have received specialist French and Music sessions each week. They have learnt basic French vocabulary through practical activities and songs. In Music, they have enjoying making tunes with various instruments, tapping out the syllables. Many Reception children have enjoyed after-school activities this year too. The children have been offered Football and Ballet clubs. I hope that this gives a flavour of how hard we work in Reception while having great fun! C Dunlop

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A popular annual activity for the year group is always our Grandparents’ Day, and we were delighted to welcome so many in to School. The children and their grandparents participated in a carousel of fun and interesting activities, which culminated in an assembly for their special guests.These wonderful days were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved. A scrumptious time was had at Cadbury World, learning about the chocolate bean journey from Ghana to Bournville. A thrilling 4D cinema experience on the rollercoaster took them through a fantasy chocolate land. The children enjoyed writing their names with melted chocolate and the highlight was definitely sampling the sweet treat with their favourite toppings! In the final term, Year 1 welcomed back Chef Chris Micklewright for a taste test. The children had great fun learning about different vegetables, watching a variety of foods being cooked and tasting a range of root, stem and leaf vegetables.

Year 1 At the start of the new academic year, Year 1 set out as scientists, mathematicians and fashion designers. The children learnt about data handling using coloured teddy sweets, tested different materials to find the most suitable for teddy’s umbrella and designed a t-shirt for their new furry friend. In the afternoon they all had a scrumptious picnic and sang lots of teddy bear songs. Chef Chris Micklewright led a fantastic educational experience about healthy eating, vitamins and the benefits of milk in our diets. This was followed by instructions on how to make the most delicious porridge (not too hot or lumpy) for the forty-seven hungry bears in the dining room. They were encouraged to try a variety of healthy toppings and raised money for the charity, Mary’s Meals. Not stopping there, later in the term, Year 1 ventured out into Forest School for an outdoor cookery lesson. The children sat around the fire waiting, watching and listening while the corn popped in the pan. They all enjoyed the popcorn accompanied by a mug of delicious hot chocolate.

To celebrate Australia Day as part of their Voyages of Discovery topic, pupils participated in a range of themed activities including singing traditional songs, emailing a new pen-friend in Adelaide, finding out more about the Antipodean culture from our resident GAP Student and even receiving a surprise package all the way from Australia! The highlight for many was the BBQ lunch. During the term, Year 1 turned into intrepid explorers as they imagined they were climbing Mount Everest. The journey began by spinning the prayer wheels before being clipped into their safety harnesses ready for their adventure. The children showed courage, strength and perseverance to reach new heights, cheered on by their class mates. During the morning, they enjoyed a range of travel-themed activities, including performing a dance using prayer flags brought back from Mount Everest Base Camp by Mr Airston. The children arrived safely back from the summit of Everest (Bromsgrove Clip ‘n Climb) exhausted but elated!

Linking to their topic, Food, Glorious, Food, Year 1 witnessed the process of how ice cream is made from cow to cone – from the milking parlour to stroking the friendly calves, the children thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Perhaps the most enjoyable part though, was when the children chose their favourite flavour ice cream. A perfect trip to end a perfect year!

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Year 2 Year 2 had a wonderful day as part of their We’ll Meet Again topic when they were evacuated on a steam train to the Severn Valley Railway. During the day, they carried out household tasks in a WWII parlour, went inside an Anderson shelter during an air-raid drill, made a bucket chain and played traditional wartime games. It was a thought provoking and great experience for everyone. Back at School, pupils enlisted in the Home Guard and practised their drill, led by Staff Sergeant Jeff Farnes from Bromsgrove School CCF. The children delighted in using a stirrup pump and hose, dancing to Glen Miller and becoming part of ENSA to entertain the teachers with some marvellous WWII singing. From the Army in WWII to Mythical Legends, Year 2 embarked upon their wizardry training with great gusto. This involved taking part in Snape’s Potions Class to create a magical growing spell and making sensational slime. They also enjoyed a Sublime Science workshop with a variety of magical experiments, such as making sherbet, tornadoes in a bottle and smoke bubbles. As part of their Famous Five topic during the Lent term, pupils studied Her Majesty The Queen and put on a thoroughly good Royal Variety Performance, showcasing their talents by performing music, dance, magic, comedy, poetry and sporting skills. Jamie Oliver is another of Year 2s Famous Five role models. Learning about Mr Oliver’s Feed Me Better campaign and in his ongoing commitment to promote healthy eating, Chef, Chris Micklewright gave an informative presentation about the sugar content in fizzy drinks and Year 2 sampled a healthy fruit juice alternative. For Shrove Tuesday, there was a pancake making demonstration with delicious pancakes for all of the children to enjoy.

Year 2 took part in an exciting Rocket Day where they made and launched their own air-compressed rockets that all reached spectacular heights. In the afternoon, the children learned more about space technology and explored space-themed artefacts. During the Summer term, pupils had a close encounter with a variety of African animals to enrich their learning about Africa. They had the opportunity to hold giant bullfrogs, an African grey parrot, monitor lizard and African pythons. They loved meeting the meerkat and genet, African pygmy hedgehog and her sister, as well as closely observing a scorpion.

As the Marvellous Middle for their Out of Africa topic, pupils played authentic African instruments including the distinctive djembe drums and the big djun djun bass drums. All of the children learned traditional rhythms and techniques and created a stunning piece of music as a finale. Towards the end of the term, pupils dressed as wild animals to raise funds to help support WWF’s work to tackle growing threats to the natural world and our precious wildlife. They enjoyed animal themed activities throughout the day such as modelling clay hippos, making 3D snakes and going on an animal safari treasure hunt in the School garden.

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Year 2 Prizegiving

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Pre-Prep Activities Chinese New Year Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a morning of celebration learning all about Chinese New Year with Senior students from Bromsgrove School.

May Day Shopping Event Pre-School organised a May Day shopping event, with pupils making items such as nature rocks, sensory bottles, shakers, dream catchers and play dough. They then sold them to each other using plastic pound coins.

Pre-Prep Survivors At the end of the Summer term, members of the Upper Sixth (all survivors themselves) visited Pre-Prep to reminisce about their time at the School - some even brought their hats and jumpers along from when they first joined us.

Harvest Service The Harvest Service was a wonderful way to celebrate this important festival. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the fantastic display and a big thank you must also go to the parents who helped to decorate the Chapel. The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and each year group performed their parts superbly. Year 2 led the service extremely well. The Pre-Prep retiring collection raised almost £500 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

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Royal Wedding

World Book Day

A Union Jack flag was hoisted up the PrePrep Forest School flagpole in recognition of the Royal Wedding.

Pre-Prep celebrated World Book Day in style, filling the School with a range of different storybook characters. During assembly, there was a grand parade of all the costumes and everyone enjoyed guessing who each other was.

The Pre-Prep courtyard, adorned with bunting and flags was the perfect setting for the Street Party to celebrate the wedding of HRH Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle. The children, dressed in red, white and blue, enjoyed a wide array of wedding themed activities, from making flags, designing mugs and wedding dresses to sending cards and competing in Royal quizzes and games.

Sport Relief Years 1 and 2 children completed their Sport Relief challenge with energy and enthusiasm. They collectively ‘Swam the Channel’ and then followed this with a mile run.

The author, Cat Weatherill, visited PrePrep as part of the celebrations earlier that week. Cat worked with each class and told them a traditional story, as well as showing them the books she had written herself.

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Year 3 What an exciting and busy time it has been in Year 3 this year. The Michaelmas term took us on a journey back in time as we learned to Walk Like An Egyptian. Pupils became real-life history detectives when they tried their hand at piecing together the past through an archaeological excavation and by cracking the code to decipher hieroglyphic messages. The children learnt all about the rituals and beliefs surrounding mummification at Birmingham Museum. A highlight of the term for most was a visit from a time-traveller, Professor McGinty. The topic was finished with the very entertaining Walk Like An Egyptian Extravaganza in the newly opened Cobham Theatre.

During the Lent term, we were transported to the Polar Regions with our topic, Ice Worlds, which was kick-started by the children’s discovery of some mysterious items encased within blocks of ice. We enjoyed a trip to the Snow Dome, enjoyed a visit to the Old Chapel to view Scott’s sledge and received a puzzling package containing a penguin’s egg. The children took great care of the egg and contacted the RSPB to ask for help. Eventually they received an email to say that the egg would be collected, but they would have to package it carefully, prompting The Great Egg Challenge 2018. Finally, the children invited their families to join them at their Penguin Café and visit their twinkly ice-themed classrooms. The children also enjoyed Science Day as part of British Science Week, learned about climate change and dressed up for World Book Day.

In the Summer Term, we all contracted Jungle Fever. We visited Bristol Zoo to discover the vital role that rainforests play in the survival of life on Earth and enjoyed a visit from ZooLab to learn about creatures, conservation and fair trade. We also learned about the great Mayan love for cacao, which was followed up by a delicious trip to Cadbury World. We were fortunate to enjoy a trip to Malvern Theatre to see a stage production of The Jungle Book, kindly funded by the Parents’ Association. The children performed an assembly to parents, where they shared the depth of their learning, displayed their filmmaking skills by screening their nature documentaries, demonstrated their drumming talents with a Samba band and delighted everyone with two rainforest songs. Thank you, Year 3, for being so wonderful; we have loved every minute of teaching you. R Ivison

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The final term found the year group delving to the depths of the Blue Abyss. The children discovered the different layers of the ocean and the variety and range of creatures that live there. They researched the challenges facing deep-sea explorers and produced stunning information pages about the Mariana Trench. They expressed their understanding through a range of beautiful pieces of artwork, including plastic bottle fish made entirely from recycled materials: a reminder to us all about the dangers of plastic to our oceans and seas. They thoroughly engaged with studying the tragedy of the Titanic and creating their own information pop-up books. As a fabulous finish, the children enjoyed a fun morning at Upton Warren Aqua Park, followed by a picnic and a viewing of James Cameron’s Challenger Deep film. R Laurenson

Year 4 Year 4 explored Pathways to the East as their first Creative Curriculum topic, kicking off with an indulgent and energetic Bollywood dance workshop. Throughout the term, pupils engaged in exciting experiences, including the designing and flying of their own kites, creating henna designs and studying the art of verbal Indian storytelling, prior to the writing of their own traditional tale. They spent an unforgettable day in the kitchens at Little Bangla restaurant in Oldbury, cooking and eating their own starter and main dishes, whilst learning more about Indian cuisine. Restaurant owner, Zak, joined the children at School for a Fabulous Finish, where the children were able to share their learning (and some freshly cooked onion bhajis) with their parents.

The Lent term saw Year 4 step back in time to the Tudor era. Our Stunning Start was a Tudor banquet, which involved the children, dressed in Tudor costumes, dining on ‘swan pie’, vegetables and crusty bread, whilst entertaining a very special guest. The children progressed to re-enacting the Battle of Bosworth and researched many interesting facts about Henry VIII and his six wives. A trip to Selly Manor Museum enabled the children to explore Tudor architecture and learn more about everyday Tudor Life, relishing opportunities to partake in traditional games of the period. Their learning culminated in a vibrant performance of the musical production The Tudor Rose in our new Cobham theatre.

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Year 5 In the early part of the Michaelmas term, Year 5 were visited by Titus Lustus, a soldier from Ancient Rome. The children learnt all about the life of a Roman child and brought this to life by dressing up as different characters. Some of the boys became Roman soldiers and were surprised by how heavy and cumbersome the armour was. They commented on how difficult it would be to fight and defend themselves whilst wearing it. The girls were shown some of the traditional female roles during Roman times, but soon decided they were happier living in more modern times. During the Lent term, pupils visited the Roman Baths to consolidate their learning of this fascinating topic. Once again, they stepped back in time and discovered how the elite bathed and socialised together. They took part in a variety of workshops where they had the opportunity to create mosaic artwork and dressed up in Roman clothing. At Safeside in Birmingham, the children learnt all about staying safe. In small groups, they were taught some very important life skills, including how to look after themselves in unknown situations.

During the Summer term, Year 5 enjoyed learning about Aztec people and took part in role play situations, which provided them with first-hand experience of what their life was like. Just before the enrichment days, pupils were able to experience what it was like in Year 6. They met their new form friends as well as their Form Tutor. Everyone enjoyed the activities and they are both ready and excited to embrace all the challenges that await them in their final KS2 year. As the term ended, we had our visit to Blackwell Outdoor Adventure Centre. It was a great day and the weather was kind to us. It was such a lovely end to what has been a super year. S Keynes

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Year 6 It has been an absolute pleasure to spend time with Year 6 this academic year. They have had a busy, successful and happy year. As tutors, we have been so impressed with how the pupils have matured on their journey through Year 6. They arrived in September quite small and lost, but have emerged with much more independence, confidence and in many cases, height. We are sorry to say goodbye to this group of funny, caring, kind children, but look forward to watching them continue to blossom in Year 7. Our year started as we meant to go on, with a day of kindness. The 52 Lives project visited our School to help us produce gifts and messages of goodwill for a young girl who is not as fortunate as many of us. The children also produced sunshine boxes, which were delivered to the nurses and patients of Myton Hospice - these were received with great appreciation. In true Year 6 tradition, we visited Hartlebury Museum, where the children spent the day in a very strict Victorian classroom with a rather ominous teacher; played with Victorian toys on the cobbled streets and worked as scullery maids and boot boys. The trip is always an enjoyable experience, but it really does enhance the pupils’ historical understanding and writing in English.

Christmas is a favourite time at School, especially when trees begin to appear on site. Years 5 and 6 visited the Palace Theatre in Redditch where they enjoyed Snow White starring Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowal and children’s television legend Dave Benson Phillips. Unfortunately, Mr Jones was unable to attend this year, so staff and pupils alike sorely missed his now traditional taking to the stage for a dance routine. During the Lent term, pupils took part in swimming galas and made important decisions about their language choices for when they move further up the School. Many of the pupils spent four days in France savouring the French food and culture. They also enjoyed a visit from the Loudmouth Theatre group where they learnt all about the trials and tribulations of growing up. Half of the year group spent a very enjoyable night out at Birmingham Hippodrome, mesmerised by a performance of Wicked. The senior Words and Music Competition was a lovely evening of music and poetry. All of Year 6 learnt a classic poem and performed in front of their peers - a daunting task for some. The standard on the night was exceptional and the final decision about the winners was a difficult one for Mr Norton. In celebration of the Royal Wedding, Years 3 to 6 enjoyed a street party on the concourse. The happy couple spent the afternoon with us and various celebrities joined the celebrations from Mrs Taylor’s office. As always, Chris Micklewright (School Chef) produced a fantastic picnic buffet for us all to enjoy. During the Summer term, Year 6 spent the day at Bromsgrove Fire Station where they learnt all about staying safe around water, electricity, on the road and in a case of fire. This was an extremely useful day of learning and will benefit the children for years to come.

It always amazes us how quickly the School year goes by, but this year especially seems to have flown by. At the end of the Summer term, eighty-four Year 6 pupils travelled to the Jurassic coast in Dorset to spend three days at camp. This year we were blessed with exceptional sunshine and I think that we all were in holiday mode from the moment that we stepped on to the coaches. Unsurprisingly, the journey down was punctuated with laughter and talk of the great adventure ahead. Monday night involved camp games and a much needed water fight. An early start on Tuesday and a hearty cooked breakfast at camp set us up for the day ahead. Activities included kayaking, mackerel fishing and ice-lollies on Sidmouth beach. The mackerel were not particularly forthcoming, but one boat of children, (with the expertise of Tom the skipper and his twenty-five years as part of the R.N.L.I) helped to rescue two kayakers who were struggling at sea. The following morning, the group headed off to Dorset Water Park, where all of the children enjoyed playing on the inflatable playground and bathed in beautiful sunshine. It was a brilliant few days together and the children were a pleasure to be with - a great way to end what has been a fantastic year. Perhaps the highlight of the year for many pupils and parents were the Year 6 form plays. Each of the forms performed a story of their own and did so with great confidence, humour and skill. We wish all of Year 6 the greatest of success as they continue with their journey through the School. For those pupils who we sadly said goodbye to, we will miss them, but hope that they are just as successful in their new schools. S Cadwallader and the Year 6 team

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Year 7 Year 7 have enjoyed a range of activities this year, from arranging football and netball mini-tournaments during Charities Week to the many visits they have been on. Some highlights have included a ‘trashion’ fashion show at the end of term, producing flora and fauna inspired artwork at the Botanical Gardens, and watching Twelfth Night at the RSC. As part of their enrichment days, Year 7 pupils also visited two local farms to learn about egg production and dairy farming. During the Lent term, Year 7 classes visited Berkeley Castle. They learnt about the history of the castle from Norman times to the present day and how medieval castles were defended. They also took part in a challenging activity: to plan and produce a working drawbridge made from just newspaper, cellotape and string. Pupils went to the RSC in Stratford-uponAvon to see a performance of Twelfth Night, with Adrian Edmondson taking the role of Malvolio and Kara Tointon as Olivia. The students were impeccably behaved and, as they had been studying the play, were able to follow along and appreciate the performance – particularly the ‘statue in the garden’ scene, which caused much hilarity. For Science Week, the year group attended the Big Bang Fair at the NEC. Students enjoyed the interactive workshops and exhibits which celebrated Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The highlight of the day was the exciting Royal Institution’s theatre show which featured ‘The “not at Christmas” lecture’. Year 7 had a great time drawing from primary observation at the Botanical Gardens. Their studies informed their textiles project, where they generated vibrant silk paintings and then dyed their own material, constructed cushions and used a cut and fray decoration to finish it off.

Some of you may have had the pleasure and honour of visiting the poppy display at the Tower of London in 2014. The Wave and Weeping Window installations were described as both captivating and poignant and they certainly were. To mark the Centenary of the Armistice, six venues were chosen to host the poppy displays, one of which was Hereford Cathedral, to which the whole of Year 7 paid a visit. The pupils were able to empathise with the plight of the soldiers on the front line; writing letters and poems based on their experience. They have also been producing an Art project, inspired by the display. It was an inspiring day out. G Clark and the Year 7 team

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Year 8 This academic year, Mrs Webley, Miss Barron, Mr Pover, Mr Perry-Evans, Mr Woollhead, Miss Roskell and Mrs Hepburn, alongside the Pastoral Assistants to the year (especially Mrs Judson), have genuinely enjoyed and felt proud to watch each and every Year 8 tutee grow and excel in many different ways. This year group have been perfect role models for the younger years, taking part in their extra responsibilities with dedication and care. The responsibilities have spanned across many areas, including looking after others, the School and global environments, as well as promoting educational facilitation. We have had an action packed curriculum and a multitude of extra-curricular activities. Whether they have raised money for charity, sung in the award-winning choirs, taken part in sporting events, or played a role in helping to generate our School plays, there is not one pupil who has not given the year their best shot. PSHEE, in particular, aided in the Year 8s learning of techniques to recognise and deal with their own stresses and strains. They developed positive mental habits and greater emotional intelligence via Stressbox. Through the combination of exercising the mind as well as the body, pupils took part in three bespoke sessions. The three components were boxing techniques, relaxation and mindfulness. The feedback received from the Year 8 pupils was extremely positive. In addition to the exciting and inclusive methods used by our teachers this year, activities in the classroom were supported by educational trips. This lovely year group visited many places and experienced a host of different events, all positively impacting upon their personalised development within teaching and learning. One such trip was the History excursion. All the pupils were actively involved in their historical learning in some way or another. At the Commandery, the Royalist headquarters for the last battle of the Civil War, Year 8 learnt about the weapons and battle tactics, what life was like for civilians and the gruesome details of battlefield surgery.

Of all the trips, the end of year, outward bound trip was an experience that can never be forgotten. In glorious sunshine, and amidst dreamy scenery, our Year 8 pupils, once again, revealed their true colours. They were mature, loyal, caring and thoughtful. Their respect for one another was clear to see, as they wholeheartedly battled fears, overcame challenges and thoroughly enjoyed the trip that Mrs Webley and Mrs Holden spent the year planning. We cannot forget to mention our Heads and Deputy Heads of School. Mrs DevalReed mentioned how proud she was in her end of celebratory speech, and that feeling is mirrored by all staff this year. Alex Holroyd, Olivia Whitfield, Elliot Evans and Hannah Hunt reflected our School mission statement with pride during every activity they undertook. We know our younger pupils looked up to them with awe and inspiration. We are sorry to say goodbye to our Year 8s - what a tremendous year it has been. The Senior School calls to them and their Houses await. We wish every one of the cohort the best of luck on their educational and life journey, as they progress through our beautiful School and beyond, into their own autonomous futures. V Barron

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Page House It has been another fantastic year in Page House, one that has passed far too quickly. Together, we have a year of memories filled with fun and laughter - our House is always a busy, noisy home from home for the children. Our boarders have enjoyed trips to places such as Waterworld, Harry Potter World, shopping in Birmingham and Cheltenham, as well as the more energetic paintballing, go karting and trampolining activities. We would like to thank all the teachers who gave up their Sundays to enable these trips to happen. We have again enjoyed so many birthday, Hallowe’en and Christmas parties. Even the weather could not spoil our Easter egg hunt. We received two very special visitors to the House this year, the Easter bunny and Father Christmas. The tooth fairy is delighted that the summer holiday has arrived as she is exhausted collecting the childrens’ teeth. The weather has not stopped the children playing outside. Even on the coldest days, they were outside playing in the snow and building igloos and snowmen. Prin and Sern, our visitors from BIST, enjoyed their first experience of snow. The summer evenings have allowed the children to play outside on the green, partaking in football, cricket and rounders. The go karts are always out around campus and sometimes you may even see Mr Jones or Mr Cummings taking charge of these, with the children waiting their turn patiently.

Many of our boarders were rewarded at Prize Giving for their academic excellence, attainment, effort, sports and achievements in School. We watched our boarders take part in music concerts and some were in the many drama productions. We, as a House, are so proud of them all. We would like to thank our Heads of House, Thando Best and Eve Sewell, who this year have led Page with such dedication and enthusiasm. They will be greatly missed and a hard act to follow. They have led a team of Monitors who have worked hard and have been a great help to all the children and staff. We wish our Year 8 boarders the very best with their move to the Senior School. Although this is a sad time for us, we know they are ready to move on and are going to flourish in their new Houses. They have been a pleasure to have this past year in Page and we hope they will visit and remember their time with us with fond memories. Caroline and I would like to thank everyone who has given their time and do so much for the boarders in the House. Mr Paul Sutherland and Ms Jo Bowett (Assistant Houseparents), Miss Kelly Smith and Mrs Josie Wheeler (Housemothers), tutors, weekend staff, graduate teachers, gappies, housekeepers, Mrs Taylor for keeping us updated on all School matters and the nurses at the Health Centre. Without their support, Page House would not run as efficiently as it does. T and C Windo

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Year 8 Prizegiving

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Year 8 Prize Winners

Year 8 Valete

Subject Prizes

Year 8 Form Prizes

School Prizes

Lynch Cup for Mathematics Sally Sun

Attainment: Sophie Pover, Jessica Whitlock, Grace Warren, Hannah Hunt, Veronika Nikolaeva, Emily Shen

Donovan Plate for Head of Boys’ Boarding Thando Best

Cockin Cup for English Sophie Pover Lee-Smith Cup for Science Harry Draper-Barr English as an Additional Language Neil Cai Geography James Humphries History Fyodor Shashkin Religious Education Cameron Owen French Angelina Sanghera German Hannah Hunt Spanish Suani Tamang Talbot Cup for Latin Imogen Thomas Llanwrtyd Wells Cup for Art David Corcoran Design Technology Harrison Philpott Warne Cup for Textiles Nitya Pun Cuckson Cup for Music Sophia Meadows Holland Cup for Performing Arts (Drama) Charles Cooper

Engagement: Louise Osborne, Anya Sanikop, Paris Wu, Imogen Thomas, Chloe Reijmer, Verity Slater

Sport Prizes

Donovan Plate for Head of Girls’ Boarding Eve Sewell

ADAMOV, VLADIMIR, 8KP. I enjoyed the outward bound trip the most. ARMSTRONG, ZACH, 8CR, Form Captain, rugby, athletics, new School athletics record. I loved the rugby tour because it was really fun and exciting. My proudest moment was breaking a School record.

Walford Cup for Social Awareness (Charities) Bryony Lowe

ARNOLD, BROMLEY, 8DH, Grade 3 violin, swimming. I have enjoyed learning new subjects and making new friends. My proudest moment was winning the swimming gala.

Webber Bowl for Endeavour (Effort) Annaliese Rice

AU YEUNG, MARCUS HEI, 8CR

Bentley Cup for Greatest Contribution to Boys’ Sports throughout the year Louis Upton

The James Young Bromsgrovian Cup for Best All-Round Contribution Jessica Whitlock

Staff Cup for Greatest Contribution to Girls’ Sports throughout the year Louise Osborne

The Wingfield Cup for Outstanding Academic and Music Achievement Alexander Ranger

Pritchard Plate for Commitment to Boys’ Sport Billy McDonough

Deputy Head Boy Prize Elliot Evans

Pritchard Plate for Commitment to Girls’ Sport Abigail Barker

ABRAHAM, ALEC, 8SW, Form Monitor. I enjoyed spending time with my friends and my proudest moment was when I got into the Geo Champs Finals.

Deputy Head Girl Prize Hannah Hunt Head Boy Prize Alexander Holyroyd Head Girl Prize Olivia Whitfield

Headmistress’ Special Prizes Grace Warren Frederick Hanson Jamie Lewis Thando Best

BAHRA, TASH, 8CR, IAPS, PE Monitor, Hymn Book Monitor. I enjoyed the outward bound activity, the ski trip and the Spain and Gibraltar tour. BARKER, ABIGAIL, 8DH, IAPS National Finals (hockey), IAPS National Finals (netball), most improved in cross-country, colours in hockey, tennis, cross-country, rounders and art. In the Prep School, I have enjoyed Sports Day and playing in the A team for hockey. My proudest moment would have to be coming third in Sports Day. BEST, THANDO, 8DH BHANDAL, TARAN, 8SW, Deputy Head of Telford House, winners of the Port Regis competition. I enjoyed the Ireland rugby tour and was most proud of becoming Vice-Captain of Telford House. BLACK, MORGAN, 8SW, Monitor. The highlight for me was when I joined the School and I was met by lots of new friends. BOARDMAN, ELEANOR, 8SW, Form Captain, chapel choir, Prep choir, jazz band, orchestra, Deputy Head Chorister, eco committee, semi-finalist in the poetry competition, Music Scholarship, music colour, tennis colour, French, German, A netball (Years 6-7), A hockey, IAPS netball, IAPS hockey, engagement grades, attainment, subject commendations. I have enjoyed playing music and doing sport, especially playing netball in the Prep School, as well as spending time with my friends. My proudest moments were going to IAPS netball in Year 7 and when I found out I was awarded a Music Scholarship.

BOND, TALLULAH, 8DP, Monitor, Vice House Captain, Prep choir, chapel choir, Spanish badge, academic commendations. I have enjoyed the experiences and opportunities given to me by going to this School. The skills and talents I have developed now make me feel ready to continue them at a greater level. My proudest momement was learning how to use resilience in cases where I thought I was not able to do well.

CORCORAN, DAVID, 8DP, Librarian, Page House Monitor, Vice Captain of Boulton House, Deputy Head Chorister, buddy, Art Scholarship, House Music (singing), solo in chapel, participated in the Barnardos Choir in london, Art Exhibition, Form Xaptain. The thing that I have enjoyed the most is the arts and I like how anyone is welcome to express their emotions. My proudest monment was achieving an Art Scholarship.

BOONNAK, TARA, 8CW, Form Monitor, charities committee, IAPS netball, Cheltenham netball tournament. I enjoyed the Year 6 French trip, outward bounds. I was most proud when I received an Art Scholarship, and colours for art and academics.

DERBYSHIRE, EVIE, 8CW, Head of Telford House, Monitor, A team for sports. I have enjoyed being with my friends in form. I am proud that I am Head of Telford House.

BOX, JAMES, 8SW, most improved swimmer (2017). I have enjoyed the support and education I have been given. My proudest moment was when I was awarded a trophy in Year 7. I have enjoyed the lessons and I won a trophy once. BRADLEY, RYAN, 8KP BREITHAUPT, GABRIELLA, 8CW BROWN, HARRISON, 8CW, Form Monitor. I have enjoyed the classes, as teachers often make the lessons different and interesting. BROWN, WILLIAM, 8CW, PE Subject Helper, rugby 7s final, A team for every sport, hockey National Finals. I enjoyed the opportunities we were given. My proudest moment has been winning Sports Day two years in a row.

DRAPER-BARR, HARRY, 8CW, athletics, academic colour, kangaroo, best in year, best in school maths challenge, two School athletics records, winner of the best throw cup, ESAA National athletics, IAPS Nationals (athletics), IAPS Nationals (swimming). When I leave, I will miss the people. They made me laugh and feel happy. The teachers are irreplaceable and there will be noone person who I will forget. EDWARDS, LIV, 8KP, hockey competition. I enjoyed the outward bounds trip and I am most proud doing the ‘leap of faith’. EVANS, ELLIOT, 8SW, Deputy Head Boy, Cricket Scholarship, cricket colour. My proudest moments in the Prep School were becoming Deputy Head Boy and playing in the National Cup for the year above. I enjoyed going to Bushcraft and taking part in the Ireland rugby tour the most.

CAI, ZHONGYI, 8CR, winner of House Music (piano), most improved athlete, academic commendation, ESAA, music badge, athletics badge, winner of the cup for piano, EAL prize. My proudest moment was when I scored six tries in a rugby match and getting the EAL prize. I have enjoyed rugby, science, DT, athletics and music the most.

FOULDS, JOSEPH, 8DP, House Monitor, A rugby. I have enjoyed the sporting events.

CLARE, AMELLIE, 8DP, Monitor, IAPS National Finals (hockey U13A), regionals (hockey U13A), hockey colour. I have enjoyed the sporting facilities at Prep School. My proudest moment has been competing at the National Finals for the U13A hockey team.

FUNG, JUSTIN, 8DP, House Music finalist, senior academic colour, linguist of the month (three times). I really enjoyed using the sports facilities.

COOPER, CHARLIE, 8DH, drama colour, charities committee, drama scholarship. My proudest moment was achieving a drama scholarship. I have enjoyed taking part in the Year 7/8 play. I loved performing in the new Cobham Theatre.

FRYER, HEIDI, 8KP, Subject Monitor, academic colour. I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow pupils better and I was most proud when I was awarded the academic badge.

GALLAGHER, RAF, 8KP, Vice House Captain, rugby 7s, A rugby, A hockey, A cricket. I was proud to receive a Rugby Scholarship. GILBERT-BIRCH, THEO, 8DH, Library Monitor, drama colour. The thing I most enjoyed was being part of Arabian Nights in Year 8, and being part of the Goblin Car was great. My proudest moment was being awarded a senior drama colour.

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Year 8 Valete GRAESSER, JOSH, 8CW, Prefect, second round of academic scholarship, maths challenge (second round). I enjoyed the trips outside of School. They were really fun and helped establish my ‘sense of adventure’. GREAVES-HALL, ARCHIE, 8CW, House Captain, Prefect, Form Captain, U12A and U13A cricket (captain), U13A hockey (vice captain), U13B Rugby (captain), Sports Scholar, National English Schools’ Cup Finalist (cross-country), U13 hockey ISHC National Champions, U14 Notts Sport National Finals Day (hockey), U13 IAPS Finals (swimming), U12 County Cup Champions (cricket), U13 County Cup Runners Up (cricket), U12 National Cup (fourth in country for cricket), half colours (cross-country), hockey colours, most valuable hockey player (Year 8), linguist of the month (french - awarded twice), Summer Concert (percussion), County cricket selection (U12 and U13), County hockey selection (U12 and U13), Midlands hockey trials. I have enjoyed the opportunities provided to me, both academically and sports, to engage and contribute to the best of my ability. My proudest moments in the Prep School are being appointed a Prefect, as this is an acknowledgement from staff that they believe I am suited to leadership, and also winning the U13 Hockey ISHC National Finals, which was a huge achievement for the School. GUO, ALAN ZHIGAO, 8CR HALLOWS, LOUISA, 8SW, Monitor. I have enjoyed science and doing the practicals. My proudest moment was when I became a Form Monitor. HALLOWS, REBECCA, 8CW, Library Monitor, buddy. I enjoyed going to Wales for the outward bound trip and setting up boot camp. My proudest moment was when I helped set a School record in swimming for the 4x4 relay with friends. HANSON, FREDERICK, 8SW, Form Monitor, Head Chorister, winner of the poetry competition (Year 7), Drama Scholarship. I enjoyed going on the Ireland rugby tour. My proudest moment was scoring 78 not out as captain of the U12A team. HEPTINSTALL, LOUIS, 8KP, second place in the County final (discus). I enjoyed the sport the most. HOBBS, WILL, 8KP, cross-country, crosscountry finals, ESSA athletics, IAPS athletics. I really enjoyed the outward bound trip.

HODGSON, CHARLIE, 8SW, Deputy Head of Page House, Vice Captain of Darby House, Year 3 Form Monitor, charities committee, art colour, drama productions - Mulan and 1001 nights, poetry competition, House drama competition, linguist of the month, backstage helper during Twelfth Night. I have enjoyed having more opportunities at this School, making new friends and learning skills I will carry on to Senior School. My proudest moment was being made Deputy Head of Page House and being Vice-Captain of Darby House. HOLROYD, ALEX, 8DP, Head Boy, charities committee, House Music finalist for three years in a row, finalist and semi-finalist in the poetry competition, B rugby, A hockey, A cricket, athletics, IAPS athletics, half colours (hockey), half colours (drama), academic colour, Year 6 play, HMCs, effort prize in Year 4, academic commendations, Academic Scholarship, Port Regis rugby tournament, IAPS National Final (hockey), County cup winners (cricket), Grade 6 drums, Grade 3 piano, AR points quiz winner, winner of high jump on Sports Day, Head Boy prize. I have loved every moment of Prep School as so many opportunities have been handed to me. My proudest moment was definitely being chosen as Head Boy. I also enjoyed going to London and visiting the Houses of Parliament. HUMPHRIES, JAMES, 8CR, golf competition. I have enjoyed making friends and taking part in the presentation. HUNT, HANNAH, 8DP, Deputy Head Girl, IAPS National Finals medalist (swimming), IAPS finals (netball), Academic Scholarship, academic commendations, ESSA National Finals (swimming), double academic senior colours, music senior colour, music junior colour, swimming junior colour, academic prize winner (Year 4 to 7), House Poetry double semi-finalist, junior House Music competition double finalist. I have most enjoyed the sporting opportunites, along with the teams that I have been in. My proudest moment was definitely when I found out that I was going to become Deputy Head Girl in Year 8. JAGADISH, AYRAN, 8DH, IAPS hockey, National winners (cricket), cricket league winners, qualified for the Bunbury Cup (cricket). What I enjoyed most in the Prep School was qualifying for IAPS Hockey. My proudest moment in the Prep School was winning the Nationals in cricket.

JEYS, HENRY, 8DH, Pupil Voice co-leader. My proudest moment was being welcomed into the Prep School. JINKS, HENRY, 8CW, National hockey champions, County athletics, National crosscountry, winner of the poetry competition, Rosslyn Park 7s (unbeaten), A rugby, A hockey, A cricket, County cricket final. I am most proud about winnining the National hockey championships. JOHANSEN-BERG, MILO, 8CR, rugby 7s, rugby A team I enjoyed the outward bound trip. My proudest moment was getting into the A team. JONES, FAYE, 8DH, Grade 2 clarinet. I have enjoyed learning new languages and trying new sports. My proudest moment was when my photo was used in the School calendar. JONES, HENRY, 8DH, Year 6 Form Monitor, co-chairman of Pupil Voice, charities committee, hockey A team goal keeper, National Cup winners (hockey), Year 4 poetry prize and I have reached the final ever since, hockey colour (Year 8), hockey colour (Year 6), drama colour (Year 6). My favourite thing about the Prep School is the high level of sports that we play throughout the year. My proudest moment was helping the hockey team win the National Cup. I also enjoyed music concerts with Harry Draper-Barr. KANDA, RAHUL, 8DH KEDEM LIMBU, AYUSH, 8CR, Form Captain, most improved award (rugby), second place at the Rugby 7s (Millfield). My Proudest Moment has been representing the Prep School in rugby union and rugby 7s matches. I have really enjoyed competing in all sports. KERSHAW-CROMBIE, ELLA, 8CR, Form Monitor, IAPS triple jump qualifier, ESAA athletics team, athletics colour, most outstanding athlete, cross-country (captain), cross-country colour, most outstanding runner. I have enjoyed making friends. My proudest moment was qualifying for the National Finals in triple jump. KHAIRA, KHERAM, 8SW, Form Captain. The thing I enjoyed most was making friends with others and learning new things all the time. My proudest moment was being a Form Captain.

LAMB, GEORGE, 8DH, Monitor, I have reached the poetry final six years in a row, cross-country colour, most improved crosscountry runner, House Drama winner, rugby 7s final, Grade 3 clarinet, IAPS Final (hockey), Prep drama productions (Mulan, Twelfth Night, Arabian Nights). I have enjoyed the sport at Prep School and my proudest moments were winning House Drama and being a cross-country runner. LEWIS, JAMIE, 8KP, Prefect, charities commitee, drama colours, sound technician for drama productions, took part in art galleries and projects, helped with charities week, HMC, academic commendation. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Prep School. I have many memories which I shall never forget. My proudest moment was when I was awarded my HMC. LOWE, BRYONY, 8DP, Monitor, charities committee, House Vice Captain, IAPS Finals (swimming). I have enjoyed taking responsibility through the School and carrying out jobs for teachers. My proudest moment was when I received an academic colour for my grades. MCDONOUGH, BILLY, 8CR, Prefect, rugby colour, hockey colour, athletics colour, crosscountry half colour, cricket half colour, three rugby 7’s finals, ESAA National Finals, IAPS National Finals. I enjoyed the people and all my friends at Prep School. My proudest moment was winning the National Finals for hurdles in Year 6 and being given the role of Prefect. MCGETTRICK, ALEX, 8KP, Subject helper. I have enjoyed how well the teachers taught the lessons. My proudest moment was when I got the subject helper badge. MCKINLEY, MORGAN, 8CW, Monitor, Rosslyn Park 7s, ESAA athletics finals. I most enjoyed the rugby tour and my proudest moment was being in the rugby 7s team. MCLEAN, FREYA, 8DP, Monitor, athletics. I have enjoyed the experience of going to this amazing School, and having amazing friends and opportunities around me.

MEADOWS, SOPHIA, 8KP, Prefect, Form Monitor, junior music competition (overall winner), senior music competition (brass winner twice), IAPS National Finals (netball), IAPS National Finals (hockey), two senior academic colours, cross-country colour, senior music colour, Music Scholarship, Academic Exhibition. My favourite time at the Prep School was going on the outward bounds trip in Year 8. My proudest moment was when I won the music competition. MIRTCHEV, ALEXANDER, 8DP, athletics. I have enjoyed being with my friends and playing sport together, as well as being in the same classes for different subjects. MISKIN, EMILY, 8DP, Prefect, Form Captain, senior academic colour, junior music colour, junior art colour, Words and Music finalist, academic commendations. I have most enjoyed the sport at the Prep School. My proudest moment was becoming a Prefect. MITCHELL, HENRY, 8DP, Year 3 Form Monitor, Year 8 House drama final. What I have enjoyed most during my time at the Prep School are the opportunities that I have been given, for instance, going to Italy on the ski trip. MITCHELL, LOCHLANN, 8DP, Prefect, swimming competitions, IAPS Finals (hockey). What I enjoyed most was taking part in School sport competitions, such as swimming and hockey fixtures. MOBERLEY, JAMES, 8CR, I have enjoyed the rugby season the most, especially the tour to Ireland. MORGAN, JOSEPH, 8DH, Form Monitor, rugby 7s team, medal at the IAPS National Final (athletics). I have enjoyed the learning facilities and the opportunities given to me, as well as the amount of sports on offer. My proudest moment was winning a medal at the IAPS National Final. MURRAY, KATIE, 8SW, A hockey, B netball, hockey colour, participant in the Cheltenham Festival, attainment prize (Years 3-6), linguist of the month, mini hockey (Years 5-7), IAPS hockey (Years 5-7), IAPS National Finals (hockey), Academic Exhibition. I have enjoyed playing hockey for the A team and going on the outward bound trip. I am most proud of playing hockey both in my year and the year above.

NIKOLAEVA, VERONIKA, 8KP, House Monitor, maths certificate (silver), linguist of the month (German), end of year activity award, pastoral commendation, three academic commendations, tea party with the Headmistress. OAKLEY, ISABELLE, 8CR, art colours, academic colours, IAPS. The proudest moment I have had during my time in the Prep School has been receiving my colours. I have enjoyed taking part in several art activities including one with Parkside School. O’DONNELL, NIAMH, 8DH, Monitor, participant in the Cheltenham Festival, Nelson’s Mass. I have enjoyed making new friends and playing on the field. I am most proud of getting into the chapel choir. OSBORNE, LOUISE, 8CW, Prefect, Form Monitor, hockey, tennis, cross-country, athletics, music colours. IAPS National Finals (swimming), IAPS National Finals (hockey), IAPS National Finals (netball), ESSA swimming final, ESAA athletics final, House Music final. I have enjoyed all of the sporting and academic opportunies offered to me. My proudest moment was reaching the National Finals with the hockey and netball teams. OWEN, CAMERON, 8KP, Prefect, House Captain, IAPS Nationals (hockey), rugby 7s, County final in cricket, A rugby, A hockey, A cricket, County doubles (U14 tennis). I enjoyed the opportunities given to me in both sport and academics. I also liked taking part in School trips. My proudest moments were receiving the Prefect award, getting two academic colours and being in the A team across three sports. PASSMAN, CYRUS, 8SW, Rugby 7s final (four times), rugby colour, swimming colour, ESSA Finals (swimming), IAPS Nationals (swimming). I have enjoyed playing in the A rugby team and swimming for the Prep School. My proudest moment would have to be holding the trophy for the Bromsgrove 7s tournament in Year 6. PHILPOTT, HARRISON, 8SW, Performing Arts trophy, activity certificate, art colour, medal for the Goblin Cart in D.T. My most enjoyable time was spent in D.T and art because we were allowed to let our creative side shine. My proudest moments were when I was selected to for the goblin cart and when I was chosen for an art project.

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Year 8 Valete POVER, SOPHIE, 8SW, Prefect, Monitor, Form Captain, charities committee, linguist of the month (spanish and french), winner of Geo Champs, finalist in the poetry competiton, engagement end of year prize, attainment end of year prize, English subject commendations. I enjoyed being more relaxed and spending time with friends, as well as playing netball and helping the charities committee. My proudest moment was winning Geo Champs. POWELL, DYLAN, 8DP, semi-final of poetry competition, A rugby. I have enjoyed the sport and the academic subjects. PULSIRIVIT, PONGSAKORN, 8SW. I have enjoyed making friends, playing sports and science classes. My proudest moment was when I moved up sets and moved up teams. PUN, NITYA, 8KP, Subject helper, activity award, academic commendation. I am proud of myself for winning an award at Prizegiving. PURVIS, SEBASTIAN, 8DH, National crosscountry (ninth), cross-country colour, athletics colour. I enjoyed going to Bushcraft in Year 6. My proudest moment has been getting the School record in the 1500m. RAI, TAMIKA, 8SW, Prefect, House Monitor, Monitor, academic colour, poetry competition, athletics, drama production - Twelfth Night. I have enjoyed meeting new people who have affected my life in a positive way, and being given opportunities that have taught me skills which I will develop in the future. My proudest moment in the Prep School was when I was given the title of Prefect. RANGER, ALEX, 8CR, Prefect, rugby 7s, House music final, ESAA athletics, IAPS athletics, Maths Challenge (gold). I enjoyed the rugby tour and outward bounds trip. My proudest moment was when I received a rugby colour. REIJMER, CHLOE, 8CR, House Monitor, IAPS Netball, athletics color, ESAA athletics. I have enjoyed a lot of things in the Prep School. I’m happy I settled in quickly and easily. RICE, ANNALIESE, 8CW, eco committee, buddy, first place at Cheltenham Festival (chapel choir). I have loved being a buddy and helping others. I was proud to play A team tennis, and B team hockey and rounders. I enjoyed being in the Year 6, 7 and 8 plays. My overall experiences at Prep School have been amazing and I will remember everyone forever.

ROGERS, NOAH, 8KP. I enjoyed the shooting and climbing acvtivities, as well as taking part in Beachcraft and the outward bound trip. ROSE, MILLIE, 8KP, buddy. I enjoyed the outward bounds trip the most. RUSLING, ISABELLA, 8CR, charities committee, buddy, ESAA athletics, IAPS athletics, Drama Scholarship. i really enjoyed the outward bound trip and the ski trip. I was most proud when I received the Drama Scholarship. SANGHERA, ANGELINA, 8CR, Prefect, House Vice Captain, charities committee, athletics competitions, sports colours, maths challenge (bronze). I was very proud to become a Prep School Prefect. I have enjoyed the ski trip and outwood bound trip the most. SANIKOP, ANYA, 8KP, Prefect, drama trophy, drama colour, semi-finalist in the poetry competition, House drama finalist, winner of best actor (House Drama). I’ve enjoyed all the opportunities that were given to me and the friendships I have made, I will never forget. My proudest moments were winning the drama prize and becoming a Prefect. I also received the best actor prize. SCHULZE, HAMISH, 8CR, Page House Monitor. I have enjoyed the sports fixtures and activities the most. My proudest moment in the Prep School was when I got a hat trick in a cricket match. SCOTT, HENRY, 8CW, Year 4 Form Monitor, Academic Scholarship, Music Scholarship, poetry competition overall winner (2017), poetry finalist (2018), music colour, brass group (Prep and Senior), orchestra, Grade 5 cornet, linguist of the month (Spanish, 2017 and 2018), B rugby, B hockey (captain, 2017 and 2018), most improved B team player (Ireland rugby tour). I have thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of life at Bromsgrove Prep School. My proudest moment was receiving an Academic Scholarship in Year 8. SEWELL, EVE, 8DH, Head of Page House, Year 5 Form Monitor, reached the semi-finals of the English poetry competition, Grade 1 flute. What I have enjoyed most about my time in the Prep School is taking part in Sports Days as I can cheer my friends on. I also enjoy spending time with my friend at Page because in the summer we all go out and play on the field and you get to known everyone better. My proudest moment was when I got chosen to be Head of Page House - I feel it has helped me to form many friendships with the younger students in the House.

SHASHKIN, FYODOR, 8DP, Deputy Head of House, Words and Music finalist, Headmistress’ commendation for history essay. I have very much enjoyed my year in the Prep School, especially the wide range of sports facilities and the balanced curriculum, which made me a better person. My proudest moment was when I was nominated as Deputy Head of the Boarding House. SHAYLOR, FNLAY, 8KP, Prefect, buddy, IAPS hockey, County U13 hockey, winner of best goalkeeper at Dean Close hockey tournament. I have enjoyed the School trips (ski trip and outward bounds). My proudest moments were becoming a Prefect and a buddy. SHEN, EMILY, 8SW, Subject helper. I enjoyed doing art. I am most proud of my art and maths grades. SINGH, DEEP, 8CW. The Prep School was really good. SINGH, KAHIL, 8DH. The things I have enjoyed most about the Prep School was getting good grades and test scores. I also enjoyed doing after school activities. SIVITER, PARIS, 8SW, Library Monitor, drama half colours. I have enjoyed my drama lessons, which have built my confidence. My proudest moment was when I received half colours in drama. SLATER, VERITY, 8KP, charity committee, effort prize. I enjoyed meeting new teachers and making new friends. I am most proud of my prize in Year 7 for effort and being in the charity committee. SMITH, CAITLIN, 8DP SMITH, CHRISTOPHER, 8DH, Year 3 Form Monitor, Grade 3 jazz trumpet. I enjoyed going to Beachcraft in Year six. My proudest moment was being a Form Monitor for Year 3. SPURGEON, JARED, 8CW, ICT subject helper, most improved swimmer (Year 6), drama colour (Year 8), semi-finalist in the poetry competition (Year 8), lighting for Year 7-8 and 9-10 plays. I have taken part in drama productions, helping back stage. I have also enjoyed rugby and cricket. I was most proud of doing well in the maths test at the end of the year. SUMMERS, TOMAS, 8CR, I enjoyed the ski trip and I was proud of conquering my fears in outward bounds.

SUN, SALLY, 8KP, maths certificate (silver). I most enjoyed being in the maths class during my time at the Prep School. TAMANG, SUANI, 8DP, House Monitor, I have enjoyed doing new things outside my comfort zone. TANG, YI, 8CW, House Music final, orchestra, wind band. What I enjoyed the most were the football sessions. My proudest moment was when I knew that I was in the House Music final. THOMAS, IMOGEN, 8CR, Prefect, Form Captain, Library Monitor, Stage Director for drama productions, Art Scholarship, Talbot Cup for Latin, Engagement Prize, HMC, Academic Commendation, Drama Colour, two Academic Colours, Art Colour, Parkside textiles workshop, drama production - 1001 Nights. My proudest moment in the Prep School would probably have to be when I helped direct backstage in the School plays. I guess that’s more than one proud moment! THOMPSON, LEIA, 8DH, linguist of the month (German), ESAA athletics (shot putt). I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and sitting on the long field, talking to friends in the summer. I’m proud of being in the A team for athletics and rounders. UNDERWOOD, JASMINE, 8CW, Form Monitor, IAPS National Final (hockey), Grade 3 flute, fourth in NSEA Showjumping, second individual and third team in NSEA dressage, hockey colour, IAPS athletics, Sports Scholarship, Art Scholarship. I most enjoyed the outward bound trip, and my proudest moment was getting through to the IAPS hockey National Final. UPTON, LOUIS, 8DH, unbeaten at the Rosslyn Park 7s tournament, second place in Millfield rugby 7s, winners of the National Final (hockey), National champion for hurdles. My proudest moment was winning the National hurdles title. What I enjoyed the most was Rosslyn Park rugby 7s. VAUGHAN-HAWKINS, JEMIMA, 8KP, IAPS National Finalists (five times), ESSA Finalists. I have enjoyed being with my friends and achieving the very best I can. WARNER, JACK, 8SW, Form Monitor, Cricket Scholarship, National champions (hockey), hockey colour. I enjoyed going on the rugby tour to Ireland. My proudest moment was winning the National Championship when I was captain.

WARREN, GRACE, 8DH, charities committee, participant in the Grand Opening of the Performing Arts facilities. I am most proud about getting the main part in the Year 6 play. WHITFIELD, OLIVIA, 8SW, 1. Head Girl, charities committee, jazz band, music colour, art colour, drama productions - Mulan and 1001 nights, tennis team. I have enjoyed making many friends that I will keep all through Senior School. I have also really enjoyed having laughs throughout my time at the Prep School. Most of all, I have enjoyed being given opportunities that will help me progress my learning and hopefully take me into a career. My proudest moment was definitely becoming Head Girl, as it was a complete shock and I wasn’t expecting it. WHITLOCK, JESS, 8CW, House Captain, Head Chorister, buddy, charities committie, singing cup, final of House Music, runners up in House Drama. I have enjoyed the various oppotunities given to me and singing in competitions. I was most proud of being awarded a Drama Scholarship and the Singing Cup. WILKINSON, CALLUM, 8DP, A athletics National Final (cross-country). I have enjoyed my time here a lot and I have tried to make use of the facilities provided. WU, PARIS, 8KP, academic commendation, maths certificate (bronze), alpha prize, activity award, enterprise day certificate for sign language, Art Wxhibition. I enjoyed my time in Year 8 and I studied lots of new things. YONG, LAURA, 8CW, athletics, gold medal in Sports Day, IAPS athletics (winner of the 100m and came second in 200m), ESAA athletics (second in 100m), winner of lots of sports competitions. Prep School was very nice and I liked it very much.

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Year 8 Leavers

Elmshurst Our time in Elmshurst has been fantastic this year. As always, the annual dinner at Ardencote Manor was a huge success, with the boys and attending parents thoroughly enjoying their evening.

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It is with a heavy heart that we must wish our Upper Sixth Form a fond farewell. This year group have travelled on their School journey together, many from the Prep School as good friends and have always been there to support each other. I wish them all the very best of luck for their required grades in the summer and for their future beyond Bromsgrove. Bipin Gurung (Head of House) and Joseph Downes (Deputy) have served the House, along with the House Monitors, to a very high standard and have set a benchmark for what is expected - I know next year’s Monitors are already looking forward to moving the House forward. We also say goodbye to a number of tutors - Mrs Collins, Mr Moore, Mr Vernon, Mr Corns and Mr Harris. We wish you all well and look forward to you calling in to see us soon.

Highlights of the year included celebrating Chinese New Year with the usual feast, fun and games at the Hog Roast, tug-o-war - a favourite as usual. The House has voted already for which events they want next year; there will be the usual favourites and a number of new occasions planned.

School wide – Lower Fourth loved camp, there was much to celebrate at the Cultures Connect Concert, impressive musical moments, numerous performances in House and School drama productions, talented sportsmen, CCF and DofE expeditions, and the RAF boys actually flying a plane. The list goes on.

As we welcome the new academic year, it will be a year of change; the House is undergoing a huge refurbishment, which will be a challenge for twelve months, but come September 2019, Elmshurst will look amazing. We celebrate Timofey Abbasov as a School Monitor; Tim will be an excellent ambassador and servant of Bromsgrove. Within Elmshurst, Ivan Raspopov will be Head of House and Rufus Hulbert as Deputy Head of House. I look forward to the House continuing to go from strength to strength.

The House honours board awards go to the following for 2017/18:

My deepest thanks should go to a number of people who have contributed heavily to the success of the House; Mr Perry-Evans and his wife Harriet for all of their help and support, the House tutors again for all of their hard work and encouragement, and the most important people in Elmshurst Mrs Fallows and Miss Heard for keeping me on task and for their devotion to the House. My final thank you is for the “Men of Elmshurst” for just being themselves.

House Endeavour

D J Fallows

Our ninety-four fantastic boys have got it right far more often than wrong and developed nicely over the year. They enjoy and celebrate each other’s individual successes, yet know we have the unity and togetherness as one Elmshurst family.

Joseph Downes

House Best Newcomer Vasil Yosifov House Spirit

Alex Wong

House Contribution

Bipin Gurung

A large number of boys received their Junior and Senior House Colours.

Elmshurst Leavers BREDE, N.L., Elmshurst, 2015, House Monitor, 2nd golf, 2nd tennis, 2nd hockey, Group 4 Project Winner, Bromsgrove Service: Charity Shop, Design and Technology, Model United Nations, Cultures Connect Concert. CHERNEGA, T.K., Elmshurst, 2015, House Monitor, cross-country, CREST (Silver), Senior Maths Challenge (Gold), Intermediate Maths Challenge (Gold), Senior Biology Challenge (Silver), Intermediate Biology Challenge (Bronze), Maths Challenge (fourth place as a team), robotics semi-finals, DofE (Gold), Bromsgrove Service (Prep School science club and gardening), climbing, biodiesel project, Academic Scholarship. CHOW, M.Y.H., Elmshurst, 2014, House Monitor, 1st badminton, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Bronze), DofE, Bromsgrove Service. DOWNES, J.P., Elmshurst GOLDBERG, L.I., Elmshurst, 2016, U18A cross-country, CCF. GROVE, J.G., Elmshurst, 2011, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, CCF, DofE (Silver and Bronze), Blue Cross. GURUNG, B.G., Elmshurst, 2011, School Monitor, House Monitor, Head of House, Senior Boarder, 1st hockey, 1st athletics, 1st basketball, 1st golf, 2nd rugby, U15A rugby (captain), Ireland rugby tour, Wales rugby tour, County athletics, County rugby, U15B cricket, Lower Fourth camp helper, learning mentor, Prep School boarding, CCF, Chemistry Olympiad, CREST (Silver), DofE (Silver and Bronze).

LAI, C.W.T., Elmshurst, 2016, table tennis academy. LAROIYA, K.L., Elmshurst, 2015, House Monitor, 1st squash, 1st and 2nd tennis, 2nd football. LEE, G.S., Elmshurst PETZ, A.R., Elmshurst, 2016, 1st basketball, UKMT (Gold), Biology Olympiad (Highly Commended), Intermediate Biology Olympiad, Biology Olympiad (Bronze), House Drama, House Rugby, House Table Tennis, House Athletics. QIN, Y.L., Elmshurst, 2013, 1st badminton (captain), UKMT (Silver), Bromsgrove Badge, DofE (Silver and Bronze), CCF, Prep Boarding. SFRANTZIS, N.S., Elmshurst 2013, House Monitor, 1st rugby, 1st golf, Sports Scholarship. WONG, A.H.C., Elmshurst XIE, J.L., Elmshurst

Hazeldene Hazeldene girls’ talents are far ranging, with sports champions, academic high-flyers and artistic talents galore among their number.

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Ellen Ashton (Lower Fourth Spanish), Nell Stone (Lower Fourth Classical Civilisation) and Ciara Hughes (Upper Fourth Drama) won individual academic prizes, with Isra Suleman, Aggie Warner and Sadie Gardner each awarded a School prize for endeavour and progress. Gemma Calthorpe was awarded the Upper Fourth prizes for English, Chemistry and Latin, and also the School prize for Best Student in the Upper Fourth - an outstanding achievement. In the Upper Sixth, Rachel Weller ended her time at Bromsgrove with the School prize for Best Extended Project, and the Vivian Anthony Cup for musical contribution. Members of the Upper Sixth were also awarded several Hazeldene prizes: Holly Peplow received the art award; Megan Longden was awarded the Sports Cup; and Elise Spurgin received the Quaich trophy for her hardworking and selfless commitment to the House.

Building on Hazeldene’s proud history, this year has seen artistic and dramatic success in Inter-House competitions. Polly Dakin, Ciara Hughes, Hafsah Suleman and Aggie Warner won the junior House Drama competition, and an ensemble of girls from every study in the House was declared runners up in the House Music competition. In the House Song competition, the girls once again gave their performance their all and came away as thoroughly deserving winners of Best Creative Performance for their rendition of One Direction’s Olivia.

Hazeldene girls have also excelled in their sporting prowess. House teams have been named junior cross-country and junior netball champions and came close runners up in the senior badminton competition and the 1.2 relays. Once again, the girls also put in superb individual and team performances on Sports Day. They were named both junior and intermediate winners, and as such, were declared the winning girls’ House overall. Claire Humphries, one of our House Sports Monitors, was awarded her School caps for both athletics and hockey. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Swatkins Trophy for dedication to School sport - it was wonderful to see Claire’s efforts recognised. Academic successes have echoed those sporting triumphs, with over 500 academic commendations being awarded to Hazeldene girls over the course of the year. Special mention must go to Sadie Gardner, who achieved forty-three commendations - the most of any Hazeldene girl. The Hazeldene team also came runners up in the first Inter-House quiz, demonstrating extensive knowledge of Disney films, in particular.

This year has been packed full of House events. The girls loved hunting for Easter eggs in the Parents’ Association’s nowannual event. The PA also organised a summer garden party, held on the lawns outside Hazeldene in the mid-June heat. Everyone particularly enjoyed cooling off by visiting the ice cream van, before playing a very competitive game of staff versus students rounders. House breakfasts have proven very popular, with Zoe and Dr Whitbread becoming ‘dab hands’ at serving sausages, bacon and baked beans! A gorgeous meal at the Queen’s Head marked the end of the year for the Upper Sixth, as staff wished them well in their future endeavours. As ever, a high point of the 2018 event calendar was undoubtedly the Hazeldene Ball, a very enjoyable evening of good food, dancing, and charitable fundraising. Thanks to the hard work of the Parents’ Association who organised the event, and the very generous donations by guests on the evening, the Ball raised £1,300. This will be divided between Hazeldene’s two charities this year: UNICEF and St Basil’s.

Hazeldene Leavers DURIE, N., Hazeldene, 2014, House Monitor, 1st hockey, GCSE RM Prize, DofE (Gold), Bromsgrove Service, Windband, Academic Scholarship. FOSTER, H.C., Hazeldene, 2002, PrePrep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 2nd tennis, tennis colour, CCF Sergeant. GORE, M.G., Hazeldene, 2016, DofE (Gold), Literary society, Debating Society, House Drama, House Music, House Swimming. HUMPHRIES, C.E., Hazeldene, 2011, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st hockey, 2nd netball, athletics, National indoor hockey finals, DofE (Gold). LONGDEN,M.,Hazeldene, 2007, Prep School Survivor, Head of House, 1st hockey, 1st athletics, U16 indoor hockey nationals, U18 indoor hockey nationals, 1st team captain, 1st team player of the year 2016-17, hockey Cap, hockey minor colours, athletics minor colours, CCF Sergeant, DofE, Sports Scholarship. MITCHELL, T.L., Hazeldene, 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 1st swimming, 2nd netball, swimming Cap, colours for hockey, tennis, netball and swimming, Warwick 100s Breast stroke trophy, awarded most valuable swimmer three times, Endeavour and Progress Prize, DofE (Gold).

This year’s House Monitors have been wonderful, leading from the front and welcoming me when I was new to the House in January. I would particularly like to thank our Head of House, Megan Longden, and Deputy, Anna Murray, for their support and leadership. Madelaine Bache, Isabella Breithaupt, Cara Houlcroft, Tabatha Nicholas and Lina Schlinkheider have been appointed as House Monitors for next academic year, while the Head of House will be Mollie Trow and the Deputy will be Hannah Jones. I know the team will do us proud.

MURRAY, A., Hazeldene, 2013, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 2nd hockey, DofE. PEPLOW, H.J., Hazeldene, 2013, House Monitor, Arts Prize (Lower Sixth), Textiles Prize (Upper Fourth and Fifth), Graphics Prize (Fifth and Lower Sixth), Alupro Finalist, Starpack Finalist, Inspire 16 and 17 Finalist and Judges Appreciation, CCF Senior NCO, CCF Sergeant, DofE (Gold). SCOTT, A.M., Hazeldene, 2016, School Monitor, House Monitor, DofE (Gold), debating, 2nd netball. SPURGIN, E., Hazeldene, 2003, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Silver DofE, Bromsgrove Service, Prep School Art Mentor. WELLER, R.A., Hazeldene, 2007, Prep School Survivor, 1st swimming (captain), swimming Cap, GCSE English Language, History, Latin and Spanish Prizes, Grade 7 Eb Bass with Distinction, music Minor Colours, CCF, DofE (Gold), Orchestra, Choir, Brass Group, World Challenge, Academic Scholarship. WILLIAMS, H.E., Hazeldene, 2016, House Monitor, 2nd hockey.

I would like to thank our Housekeeper, Zoe Paling, for her unfailing dedication to the House, and the Hazeldene tutor team for their support. We sadly say farewell to Mrs Golightly this summer, who has been a lynchpin of the House ever since joining Hazeldene in 2012. She has been unfailingly supportive of the girls and will certainly be missed. Finally, I would like to thank this year’s leavers wholeheartedly for all that they have done for the House throughout their time at Bromsgrove. I know that they are keen to get out into the world – but they each know that they are welcome to return to Hazeldene at any time, to tell us of their adventures beyond the Bromsgrove School gates. R Whitbread

Housman Hall As the House stood on Chapel Green, waiting for Callover, I took the time to look at the people standing there. Many smiles, laughter and the odd tear, showed me how important this moment was for our Sixth Formers.

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The emotions present were a reflection of the connections they had forged during their time in Housman Hall, as well as a sense of pride of the accomplishments made and challenges they had faced. Pupils and staff were in celebration together and I could look upon them with a feeling of deep satisfaction of what we, as a House, had achieved over the course of the year.

Housman Hallian’s reached many new heights this year, especially with regards to the House competitions. It was fantastic to see the whole House come together for the House Song competition and our rendition of Run Around Sue was truly outstanding. It was wonderful to see so many of the Sixth Form pulling together and there was a real belief in the song and its potential within the competition. Sadly, it was not to be on the night, but the House, and I, were proud of what they achieved. Throughout the year, we continued to put in strong performances across all competitions, winning the girls’ House hockey plate, House badminton, House table tennis, girls’ athletics and the House music ensemble. If we did not gain the top accolade in something, we were often within the top few Houses. A highlight for me however, was when a number of our international boys volunteered to play in the House hockey competition, none of whom had ever picked up a hockey stick before. The spirit and camaraderie of that team won the day and the hearts of the spectators and PE staff.

Numerous events helped forge positive relationships between the community and highlights for me were the Hallowe’en party, Chinese New Year, the hog roast and ice cream evening, the Christmas party at Stanbrook Abbey and the leavers’ meal at Grafton Manor. Despite the snow’s best efforts to stop us getting to Stanbrook Abbey and a bout of illness delaying our celebrations at Grafton Manor, both formal events were a great success and pupils enjoyed dressing up for the occasion. Our annual Champagne and Strawberries event made for a wonderful evening. The weather was great and it was lovely to meet so many of the parents with whom I had only had email correspondence with. Housman Hallian’s were exemplary and represented the School well. It was also great to make more of our gazebo at Commemoration Day, with many families enjoying the festivities. The antipasti board and prosecco was a success and I hope that this grows from year to year.

The Upper Sixth have truly been a fantastic year group and supported the new intake of Lower Sixth immensely well. The whole House has been well led and managed by our Monitor team with Meilis and Vlad at the helm. It was evident throughout, how close the team was and I have never enjoyed playing LazerTag as much as I did with these wonderful Monitors (possibly, partly because I came out on top). We also had a delightful Monitors’ meal in the Old Chapel that highlighted once more, how polite and interesting our young adults are. We chatted about all sorts whilst listening to music they had selected based on their nationality or of personal meaning. It was wonderful to come together one final time on the Thursday evening before Commemoration Day to share food and drink from our homeland and culture. Mr Mullan (with a little help from Mrs Mullan) brought steak, Yorkshire pudding and gravy; washed down with some cold Guinness. Mr Holdsworth brought some delicious Haggis, which although not to everyone’s taste, it was great for people to try for the first time (I had seconds). All national delicacies were a great experience and it was a wonderful way to say thank you and goodbye to our Monitors. As we edged closer to the start of Call Over, and as I watched pupils taking photographs of each other, their tutors and Housemothers (all of whom have made numerous sacrifices for their charges), I was able to breathe a sigh of relief but also acknowledged, with great gratitude, how lucky I am to be in this role; the community sprit of Housman Hall being witnessed in that one moment. All of what we had achieved as a House was down to the collective efforts of the staff and pupils within it. I am very fortunate to have Angela and Jayne guiding me on a daily basis and their care for the pupils should not be underestimated. Mr Mullan and Mr Holdsworth have been an incredible support too and both go above and beyond to ensure that the House is performing to its best.

As boaters are taken off, and pupils move along the line shaking the hands of the staff team, I hold onto the moment of completing my first year. This tradition is a superb way of recognising the bond that is formed between pupils and staff within the House setting and it is evident how important it is for all of us. As I shake the hands of some of the most incredible young people I have had the pleasure of working with, I can see that they are ready to move on and face their next challenge, but a part of them will always belong to Housman Hall. Once the last hand is shook, I take a deep breath and walk with great pride up the stairs of Chapel Green. S Noble

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Housman Hall Leavers AGAFONOV, A., Housman Hall, 2013, maths feast participation, GCSE maths tutoring, Lower Fourth Camp DofE (Gold), CCF for four years. AKERS, K.J., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, winner of the Bromsgrove Research Competition, MUN, debating. ANTSIFEROVA, E., Housman Hall ATTAH, O.M., Housman Hall, 2016, School Monitor, House Monitor, Hairspray drama production, participant in the opening of Routh Concert Hall, Upton Jazz Festival, debating, literary society, Pop and Jazz, Bromsgrove Service, Chapel Choir, Housman Hall Social Enterprise Group, NCS. BASORUN, S. O., Housman Hall, 2016, Archive Club, created costumes for Hairspray, MUN, Literary Society, Housman Hall Social Enterprise. BEDOV, N., Housman Hall, 2016, British Biology Olympiad 2017 (Gold), Intermediate Biology Olympiad 2017 (Gold), British Biology Olympiad 2018 (Gold), Chemistry Olympiad 2018 (Silver), Organiser of World Wildlife Day (2017 and 2018), Marmite Society member, DofE (Gold), Tech crew for Hairspray musical, Stage Manager for The Pierglass drama production, House Drama 2016 Special Award, Chairman of the Natural Sciences Society, Madagascar Expedition, House Blog, twenty-three Commendations, Academic Commendation for highest grades in year group throughout IBDP. BOICENCO, N., Housman Hall BONDARENKO, V., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, Head of House, 1st football, 2nd rugby, 1st swimming CHABANIAN, A., Housman Hall CHAN, L.S., Housman Hall, 2016, 1st badminton, 1st fencing, British County Fencing Championships 2018 (Bronze). CHILDS, E.J., Housman Hall, 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, 1st hockey, 1st athletics, 2nd netball, indoor hockey regional runners up 2014 and 2017, indoor hockey national finals 2015 and 2018, achilles relays 800m (Gold), Minor Colours (hockey, athletics and netball), hockey Cap, Lower Fourth subject prize for graphics, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Bromsgrove Badge, Sports Scholarship.

CHITNIS, E.P., Housman Hall, 2016, 1st rugby CHONG, A.C., Housman Hall 2016 CHU, K.C., Housman Hall, 2014, 1st badminton, 1st table tennis (captain), table tennis county champion, table tennis National Finalist, DofE (Bronze), Maths Challenge (Bronze), RAF Corporal, Grade 8 Piano. DANIELYAN, D., Housman Hall DAVIES, R.D., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, Hairspray drama production, The Pierglass drama production, Young Enterprise 2017, Choir, Big Band, the Martin Sykes Resistant Materials Award. ELLIOTT, G.E., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st athletics, 2nd rugby, winner of all javelin competitions throughout School career, debating. FAULCONBRIDGE, I.G., Housman Hall, 2016, 1st netball (captain), 2nd place at netball National Finals 2018. GILROY, M.G., Housman Hall, 2016, Head of House, Young Enterprise. HUNG, A.C., Housman Hall, 2016, weights. KHASHIEV, O., Housman Hall KHASHIEV, S., Housman Hall KIM, M., Housman Hall, 2016, Senior Biology Olympiad, biodiesel project, charity shop volunteer, recreational volleyball, swimming, badminton and fitness suite, set up of Christmas carols event for local care home resdients. KIRYAKOVA, M-L., Housman Hall, 2016. LAM, H.L., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, 1st badminton - Major Colours, School Cap, DT Community Projects, Maths Support, Chapel Choir, Volleyball. LEE, B., Housman Hall, 2016 MAKHMUTOVA, M., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, Cultures Connect concert, participant in all House sport competitions, MUN, debating. MARCHENKO, S., Housman Hall MIAH, F., Housman Hall, 2016, Biology Olympiad (Bronze), involved in Maths Olympiad, involved in Chemistry Olympiad, Bromsgrove Service (Prep School Maths).

MINDERMANN, T.J., Housman Hall NEGI, M., Housman Hall, 2016. NEUHAUS, E.L., Housman Hall, 2015, House Monitor, MUN, U18B tennis, Bromsgrove Service. OBI-UMAHI, S., Housman, 2016, volleyball, Young Enterprise, School drama production. OKUNBO, OSARIEMEN.M., Housman Hall, 2016 OKUNBO, OSARUMWENSE.M., Housman Hall, 2016 PARISI, N., Housman Hall PETERS, T.M., Housman Hall RASKINA, M.M., Housman Hall, 2016, Chapel Choir, Bromsgrove Service. SERRA, G.M., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, fourth in the world in the IB International Chemistry competition. SUN, S.Y., Housman Hall, 2016 TAVAREZ, J., Housman Hall TIMRALIYEVA, A.T., Housman Hall, 2016 TSONG, R., Housman Hall, 2016, House Monitor, 1st badminton, volleyball, House music, House badminton. VALERO, D.M., Housman, 2016, House Monitor WANG, H., Housman Hall, 2016, Senior Biology Olympiad (Bronze), Intermediate Biology Olympiad, Senior Maths Challenge, Chemistry Challenge (Bronze). WANG, S.F., Housman Hall, 2016, UKMT (Gold), Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Silver). WEI, Y., Housman Hall, 2016, House Crosscountry, House Music. WILLIAMS T.W., Housman Hall, 2016, 1st rugby, 1st cricket, 1st rugby sevens (captain).

Lupton After many years of running year teams and Mathematics departments in various educational establishments across the country, the role of Housemaster to seventysix boys in Lupton House has certainly been my most rewarding and enjoyable year in education to date.

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In other competitions, Lupton played their part to perfection in House Music and the House Band competitions, and were impressive on stage in the junior and senior drama events. We also made an impression in the House debating and ‘A Question of House’ competitions, without threatening the top spot in either event. During the summer term, Aled Luckman won the Housman Verse prize for an impressive piece of writing entitled The Shropshire Tree.

A very proactive Monitor team led by Edward Shinner and Dominic Gardner, and assisted by George Hatfield, Aled Luckman, Oliver Plummer and Gabriel Thornton, have supported me wonderfully. It was also an honour to have Head Boy, William Nadin, as part of the Upper Sixth cohort.

On the academic front, Henry Stone gained a place at Oxford to read Classical Archaeology, as well as receiving the subject prize for Classics at the final Mark Reading of the academic year. James Bayliss and Charles Costello received Lower Fourth Endeavour and Progress Prizes and Joshua Lawson was awarded the Upper Fourth Academic Prize for Music. The Bernard-Hall Mancey Cup for the Most Improved Musician this year went to Lower Sixth student Archie BathamRead. Aled Luckman was awarded the Overall Contribution to Extra-Curricular Life Prize and George Hatfield won the Outstanding Contribution to Boys’ Games Award. Aled Luckman did a sterling job as the main guest speaker at Pre-Prep Prizegiving. On Commemoration Day, George Hatfield was awarded the Tony Limbert trophy for an outstanding sports career at Bromsgrove School and Dominic Gardner was awarded the Kelly Bicknell trophy for his services to the School. Keeping the Lupton spirit alive are the various House competitions that take place throughout the year. On the sporting front, we finished a creditable fourth place in the junior boys’ swimming event, battled hard in the badminton, table tennis and basketball competitions and finished third place in the senior tennis tournament. In the three rugby competitions that took place, we finished runners-up in each. This year’s Sports Day took place on a day when the weather made it feel like January, rather than the end of April. At the awards ceremony at the end of the proceedings, Lupton won three trophies. In the final two sporting events of the year, the junior cricket team beat Elmshurst and Lyttelton but lost in the final to Walters, and the junior tennis team won all of their games to be crowned champions.

School Caps went to Gabriel Thornton for hockey and George Hatfield for football and cricket. Gabriel Thornton was also awarded The John Downey Cup for his contribution to hockey and received major School Colours for cricket. It was also great to see Frederick Owen (cricket), William Nadin (hockey and rugby) and Oliver Plummer (rugby and athletics) receive their major School Colours. Theo Gardner (hockey), Sebastian Mehjoo (swimming), Finley Morgan (rugby), Nicolas Jakobsen (rugby), Awais Mohammed (cricket), Elliot Mason (cricket) and Joshua OsbornPatel (badminton) all received their minor School Colours. Lower Fourth student Stuart Shannon must also be commended for an outstanding year of tennis. In drama, Dominic Gardner was awarded his School Cap, while Aled Luckman and Alexander Spurgin received their major Colours. In music, William Bellamy, Freddie Harvey-Gilson, Benjamin Hollingworth and Joshua Osborn-Patel received their minor Colours and Edward Shinner was awarded his major Colours. My thanks must go to the Lupton Parents’ Association committee for helping to maintain a calendar of events. The Lupton Ball continued the tradition of charitable donations from the PA, with proceeds from the Heads and Tails round, raffle and auction split between St Basil’s and The Mockingbird Trust charities. In a week of charity events for the Neuroendocrine Tumours research charity, the Lupton boys raised a staggering amount of money to support such a worthwhile cause.

Lupton Leavers DAY J.G., Lupton, 2013, U16A rugby, 3rd rugby, CCF Sergeant, Lupton House Band, Academic Exhibition Scholarship. FINNEMORE, T.P.J., Lupton, 2006, Prep School Survivor. GARDNER, D.J., Lupton, 2004, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, Stage Manager in Performing Arts Technical Crew, technical crew for senior play in F5, LVI, UVI, technical crew for most concerts in Sixth form, all Audio Visual tech for the Whole School in LVI, DofE (Bronze, Silver and Gold), CCF WO2 (CSM), Drum Major in CCF Band. HATFIELD, G.H., Lupton, 2013, House Monitor, 1st cricket (captain), 1st football (vice-captain), 2nd rugby, Headmaster Commendations, CCF, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Sports Scholarship. LUCKMAN, A.R., Lupton 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st swimming, 2nd rugby, Hong Kong Salver Award 2017, Performing Arts Award 2017, DofE ((Gold, Silver and Bronze), participant in the drama productions every year, CCF Seargent, House drama winner 2017, House debating 2017, Fourth Form play (Connections), 201 School Magazine Editor, Greenpower Race Team (captain), Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Consort Choir, International Greenpower Rave Team (runner up). NADIN, W.O.F.S., Lupton, 2011, School Monitor, Head of School, 1st rugby, 1st hockey, CCF, DofE (Silver and Bronze), Honorary Scholarship.

Our Head of House for next academic year is Archie Batham-Read, assisted by his Deputy, Morgan Bennett and a well-motivated Monitor team of Thomas Anning, Andreas Frangeskou, Jonathan Green, Joseph Harper, Jack Hughes and Ben Humphries.

OWEN, F.P., Lupton, 2015, 2nd rugby, 2nd cricket, 1st rugby sevens 2017, U16A rugby, U16A rugby sevens, U15A cricket, DofE (Gold and Silver). OWEN, H.D.J., Lupton, 2009, black belt in karate, CCF Sergeant, DofE (Gold). PLUMMER, O., Lupton, 2011, School Monitor, House Monitor, 2nd rugby, 2nd hockey, 1st athletics, Natwest Cup semifinalist, Senior Maths Challenge (Award), CCF sargeant, DofE (Silver and Bronze). SHINNER, E.P.O., Lupton, 2013, School Monitor, House Monitor, Head of House, CCF, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Chapel Choir, Hairspray (Link Larkin), Sweeney Todd (the Beadle), Debating, Greenpower team ‘The Chicken’, Junior Colours. SPURGIN, A. J., Lupton, 2003, CCF, Performing Arts technical team, DofE. STEPHENS-JONES, T., Lupton, 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Bronze), Senior Member of the Greenpower Team ‘The Chicken’ and integral in getting ‘The Chicken’ to second best kitcar in the world two years running, DofE (Bronze). STONE, H.D., Lupton, 2004, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, Academic Scholarship, 3rd rugby, CCF, DofE (Gold), House Debating, House Rugby, Sumner Cup. THORNTON, G., Lupton, 2011, House Monitor, 1st hockey, 2nd rugby, 2nd cricket, DofE (Gold).

Finally, I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and professionalism of my tutor team and thank Angela Cotterill, our housekeeper, for ensuring the boys of Lupton are well looked after. Without her support, the House would not function as well as it does. I also wish Mrs Partridge the very best as she takes a year out of teaching while on maternity leave. I wish all Lupton leavers well and now look ahead to another exciting year in the House. G Evans

Lyttelton Since joining Lyttelton, the most endearing quality has always been the House spirit and mutual respect the boys (and staff) have; always looking out for each other and having pride in their House.

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On the sporting front, there have been some great successes. True commitment to the House has ensured some strong teams fielded in all House competitions, resulting in many top performances and some overall victories. Our junior Sports Day squad won overall, with Ethan Hart winning the 100m, 200m and the 4 by 100m relay to be awarded the Victor Ludorum. The junior cross-country team not only ran consistently well to win the team event, but also had Mitchell Hare winning the individual competition. The one the boys are most proud of though is House rugby: The junior A team made it to the semi-finals, the junior B team won, and the senior team retained their title as champions for the fifth consecutive year. Away from House competitions, many pupils have been part of our hockey and cricket teams getting through to National Finals.

Throughout this year, the friendly and family nature has developed even further. Without any specific reason, but a cumulative effect of factors including the Upper Sixth Monitors leading with confidence and thoughtfulness, the new Lower Fourth settling together better than any I can remember, and boundless enthusiasm for House competitions. Whatever is driving their loyalty and enjoyment in Lyttelton, it is contagious and made my year most enjoyable.

Our annual trip to watch Worcester Warriors always proves to be a good social event to commence the academic year, and hopefully next season we’ll be seeing current Upper Sixth pupil Oliver Lawrence playing professionally in the squad, possibly with another old Lytteltonian Justin Clegg who has also signed for Warriors. The Pizza and Quiz evening, organised solely by the Upper Sixth, was most entertaining with some very witty Lyttelton-based questions. The Lyttelton PA did a fantastic job organising a wellattended and successful Casino Night, Burns Night Ball and our Summer Event involving zorb football, fish and chips, an ice cream van, and a big screen showing the World Cup. With money raised from these events, we have bought a new table tennis table to complement the existing pool table, various equipment and awards, and House breakfasts of sausage and bacon baps have continued to be served. We are currently looking to purchase new music kit which will be a great help just before the House Song competition.

Not to be outdone by sport, we have been runners-up in House debating, performed well in senior House drama, got through to the finals of the inaugural House quiz, and were runners up in the individual House music contest. A new House Arts Award has been introduced this year to encourage participation in all areas of the arts; this was given to Vincent Li, who earlier in the year won the EPTA UK Piano Competition Final 2018. Our Upper Sixth Leavers have made a really positive influence in Lyttelton this year. With such a range of talents, ambitions and qualities, the variety of destinations they are heading for reflects the broad diversity. IB, BTEC and A-Level have been studied and all have achieved much whilst sharing their home in Lyttelton. To list but a few future paths; Medicine at Cardiff, Aerospace Engineering with Global Politics at Georgia Tech, direct entry into a career in sales, professional rugby contract and England hopeful, British Politics and Legislative Studies at Hull, Sport and Exercise Science at Birmingham, Law at Sheffield and Agriculture at Harper Adams. Despite their different interests, they have gelled perfectly and formed bonds that will last a lifetime.

Lyttelton Leavers ASTON, R.J.K., Lyttelton, 2011, House Monitor, 1st swimming, 2nd rugby, Hong Kong and New Zealand Rugby tour, U16 North Midlands Rugby Final, Senior House rugby champions twice, Minor Colours (swimming), U15A football (captain), DofE (Gold), CCF cadet, UKMT 2013 (Gold), awarded economist of the week twice, biologist of the half term 2016. BUTTERFIELD, M., Lyttelton, 2009, House Monitor, 1st hockey, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), CCF Flight Sergeant, MUN, Biology Challenge (Gold), UKMT (Silver), Chemistry Challenge (Bronze). COULSON M.C., Lyttleton, 2013, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, 2nd rugby, Academic Scholarship. COURT, L., Lyttelton, 2003, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, CCF cadet for four years, 1st debating, DofE (Gold), House Monitor, U16 rugby 3rd team, Bromsgrove Model United Nations representative, Head of the Politics Society. FIRMINGER, J.V., Lyttelton, 2008, 2nd hockey, DofE (Silver). GITTOES, O.M.J., Lyttelton, 2011, House Monitor, 1st rugby, 2nd hockey, 1st athletics, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze). HADLINGTON, J.J., Lyttelton 2013, House Monitor, Head of House, 1st rugby, 2nd rugby, U16A rugby, U15A rugby, U14A rugby (captain), U15A football, U14D hockey, U14 rugby sevens, U15 rugby sevens, U16 rugby sevens, Lambs Midland rugby, Black Country County rugby, Worcestershire County rugby, U15 athletics, Lyttelton Star of the Week, Lyttelton Endeavour Award, National Biology Challenge (second round), Maths Challenge, CCF, DofE (Silver), House Rugby winner, Squash, Badminton. HAWKESWOOD, T.J., Lyttelton, 2011, 3rd rugby.

Whatever advice the younger pupils have needed, there has been an Upper Sixth to offer it. Of them all, two have stood out in House. Harry Nichols and Joe Hadlington as Deputy and Head of House respectively have done a grand job together, encouraging others, driving new initiatives, proactively solving problems, and being an invaluable help to myself and the House team of Tutors and Housekeeper.

HEGARTY, M.K., Lyttelton, 2010, School Monitor, House Monitor, Junior Staff Reading Prize, CCF RSM, debating, debating National Finals, A Winter’s Tale drama production, Sweeney Todd drama production, Hairspray drama production, The Pierglass drama production, DofE (Gold), Honorary Academic Scholarship. HILL, J.O., Lyttelton, 2013, House Monitor, 2nd hockey, U14C rugby, U14C cricket, junior House cricket winner, House Song winner 2014, House hockey top goal scorer, Intermediate Maths Challenge (Silver), Prep School maths tutor, golf team, CCF for two years, Classics trip, Fifth Form Biology Olympiad certificate. JAMES, K.A., Lyttelton, 2016, 3rd rugby, awarded biologist of the term twice. LAWRENCE, O.L., Lyttelton, 2016, 1st rugby, rugby sevens, Sports Scholarship. NICHOLS, H.A., Lyttelton, 2014, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st athletics (400m), 2nd rugby, Hong Kong and New Zealand Rugby Tour, U16A rugby North Midlands finalist, House rugby winner twice, U15B hockey, winner of the staderace at Olympia in Greece on the Classics Trip 2017, Highly Commended Delegate Award at Haileybury MUN 2017, Junior House debating 2015 (1st Place), Midlands debating finalist, awarded biologist of the half term twice 2015/2016, Chemistry Olympiad participant 2017, Sweeney Todd drama production, Hairspray drama production, The Pierglass drama production, Passed CCF RAF Part 1 and 2 Exams, CCF Sergeant (RAF), DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), debating, Marmite 2015/2016, Honorary Academic Scholarship (2016). SMITH, A.S., Lyttelton, 2016, Rugby Scholarship, rugby 7s, U15 rugby, dodgeball winning team. SYMONDS, H.W., Lyttelton, 2013, House Monitor, CCF, DofE.

As individuals and a whole, they will be missed, but leave in the knowledge that their input has motivated and developed year groups below them that cannot wait to lead the House as they have. A great year, a rewarding finish and a bright future; well done to all the boys in Lyttelton this year. M Giles

Mary Windsor When I look back over another year to write this review, I find it hard to believe that the girls have managed to accomplish so much in such a short time.

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The House music competition, held this year in the newly renovated Routh Concert Hall, provided an evening of entertainment as well as competition. Maria Senft, Anastasia Korovina and Lauren Milburn sang Diamonds by Rihanna, and Anna Huang accompanied them on the piano for the ensemble competition. Emily performed Handel’s 4th movement on her flute during the solo competition.

We have soldiered through several large snowfalls that kept us on campus and delayed our Christmas party, the inevitable grey skies and English rain but more recently the driest and sunniest June that we can remember. Led by a strong Monitor team who have shown just how to inspire and motivate the girls in a positive way, our “families” have worked and played hard. We have had yet another amazing year in Mary Windsor.

On appointing our Head of House Viktoriia Rybak, she said “I will not let you down”. True to her word she has been simply marvellous. Assisted by Katie Palmer-Reid and Michaelia Yeung we have enjoyed many events such as the welcome party and now traditional lip sync battle, our Christmas formal at Grafton Manor, a Disney party, afternoon tea to celebrate the Royal Wedding and our summer garden party, where this year we had pizza baked fresh in an outdoor wood fired oven. Other House events have included pizza and pop nights and the formal leavers’ meal at the Ewe and Lamb. There has been plenty of baking and a huge effort put into our invention cake for the Bromsgrove Bakeoff led by Ruby Ngan. The Monitors have also put forward some good teams for Inter-house competitions. A highlight this year was winning the Senior cross-country competition. This was a team effort where each member ran a good race to accumulate the highest amount of points to win. Special mention goes to Olivia Corcoran, who came third in the Senior race, and Natasha Malam who came third in the Junior race. We also came a very close second on Sports Day, showing that the Mary Windsor spirit can work wonders.

Finally, the three girls who came with me for a meeting at the Chateau Impney where they arranged a superb Ball along with Wendron-Gordon. The Grand Ballroom was a wonderful venue, the food excellent and company even better. They and the rest of the seven strong Monitor team have gained the respect of staff and pupils alike. On the charity front, Mary Windsor made a major contribution to the overall School donation from Own Clothes Day for Save a Child’s Heart. This was a charity chosen by Alia Derriey who delivered a very poignant speech in Chapel accompanied by Lauren Milburn leading the prayers. In addition, Emily Lou and Ruby Ngan drew beautiful pictures of our House pets and made them into cards for sale in aid of local animal rescue centres. The House Song theme this year was girls’ names and we performed Mary Did You Know? by Pentatonix, accompanied by the violin (Helen Zheng), flute (Emily Schmid) and piano (Nicole Zhou). Anna Huang conducted a very beautiful performance. Both senior and junior House drama continued to be strong with Patricia Blessing (playing Charles), Lauren Milburn (Ruth), Anastasia Ovchinnikova (Madame Arcati) and Maria Senft (Elvira) performing an extract from the play Blithe Spirit. The initial nervousness soon disappeared as they took their first steps on the stage. The performance was impressive and we were very proud of them. As we were of our courageous junior girls – Gerry Georgieva, Teya Ilieva, Niya Popova, Anissa Tam, Elsa Tsai and Sara-Maria Popescu performing a scene from The Visit.

Our Lower Fourth A and B teams won the House badminton – it was a very proud moment when Nicole Fildes-Smith and Nancy Roberts were awarded the silver trophies. The juniors also won the House tennis. Laetitia de Belgique and SaraMaria Popescu took part in junior House bebating, both arguing a good case and competently answering questions from the floor. Alia Derriey and Scarlett Bond represented us in the senior category. Both teams narrowly lost in the final. This year we welcomed Miss Popescu onto our tutor team, although we are already saying ‘au revoir’ as she and her dog ‘Paddy 2’ move within the School to take up a resident post in the new Webber House. I thank all the team and our Housemother, Miss Fletcher now in her thirty-second year. The girls and I owe them a huge debt of gratitude. Our tutors work extremely hard to ensure that the girls perform to the best of their ability as well as helping to make our House a home. Academically, the girls proved themselves with strong effort grades throughout the year. At the Fourth Form assembly, prizes were awarded for athletics to Tash Malam, drama to Anissa Tam, fencing to Elsa Tsai (who also achieved second in the county), and tennis to Borislava Mekushina. At Mark Reading, Viktoriia Rybak won the TOK prize, Laetitia de Belgique won the T.E. Godwin Cup for the Most Improved Junior Speaker and Olivia Corcoran was awarded the Best Army Cadet. Roxanne Lette was awarded a prize for French at Commemoration.

Mary Windsor Leavers BLESSING, C.B., Mary Windsor, 2016, School Monitor, House Monitor, MUN, Bromsgrove Service, Cultures Connect, Director for House Drama, School Newspaper. CHEN, J.Y., Mary Windsor HOLOWINSKA, M.H., Mary Windsor, 2016, Young Enterprise, drama productions. HOU, A., Mary Windsor, 2016, charity shop volunteer. JAUGIELAVICIUTE, M., Mary Windsor, 2016, 2nd hockey, Cultures Connect 2017 and 2018, Flourishing Fiver, Prep Boarding, School Charities, Pop Choir, Christmas Concert, Jazz Concert, MUN. LETTE, R.L., Mary Windsor, 2016, Biology Olympiad (highly commended), Debating, MUN, Bromsgrove Service, recreational art, Pop Choir. OVCHINNIKOVA, A., Mary Windsor, 2014, School Monitor, House Monitor, Senior Boarder, DofE (Bronze), Debating, Cultures Connect, MUN, Bromsgrove Service. PAKHULSKAIA, P., Mary Windsor, 2013, House Monitor, Biology Olympiad, MUN, Bromsgrove Service.

At our final assembly, House cups were awarded this year to Olivia Corcoran for Sports, Lauren Milburn for Drama, Emily Schmid for Music and Emily Lou and Ruby Ngan for Art. Senior Contribution to House Life went to Maria Holowinska, the Langdale Cup for Fourth Form Contribution went to Gerry Georgieva, Katie Palmer-Reid won the Wallis Bowl for Effort in the House Community, the Musgrove Award went to Kate Knopp and the Fazel Cup for Upper Sixth who has achieved academically and contributed to House life was given to Anastasia Ovchinnikova. Our Head of House next year will be Lauren Milburn, assisted by Harriet Fuchs and Ruby Ngan. We also celebrate three School monitors, Alia Derriey, Kate Knopp and Anna Huang. Our congratulations to Alia Derriey who has also been appointed as Head Boarder.

PALMER-REID, K.R., Mary Windsor, 2011, School Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st athletics, 1st rounders, 3rd hockey, 3rd netball, second in the County for discus, LAMDA Grades 1-4 with distinction, Warwick University Global Sustainable Development Competition, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), CCF SNCO, MUN, Prep Choir, The Winter’s Tale drama production, Sweeney Todd drama production, Hairspray drama production (hair and make-up team), Fourth Form play. RYBAK, V., Mary Windsor, 2016, House Monitor, Head of House, 2nd hockey, Cultures Connect 2017 and 2018, MUN, Flourishing Fiver, Prep Boarding, Pop Choir, Jazz Concert, Christmas Concert, Boarder Catering Rep for MW 2017, Easter Carol Service, School gardening. TAN, L.T.T., Mary Windsor, 2015, Student Investor Challenge, Maths Olympiad, Math Challenge, Bromsgrove Service. YAU, K.H.L., Mary Windsor YEUNG, C.H., Mary Windsor, 2014, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, Bromsgrove Service, DofE. YEUNG, S.T.S., Mary Windsor, 2013, House Monitor, 1st badminton, 1st athletics, DofE, CCF.

This year’s leavers have had a very close and strong year group identity. Fifteen strong, each one has been enthusiastic and influential in the House, talented and inspirational in School. They have forged lifelong friendships. Boasting a wealth of academic and extracurricular ability, their contribution to the House, determination, spirit and care for those around them, many for the full five years, will be sorely missed. They have led a very happy House and been excellent role models to the younger girls who show such promise under their tutelage. They should be happy in the knowledge that they have made their mark upon Mary Windsor and I personally thank each and every one. I wish them love, success and happiness as they embark on an exciting future in their chosen field. T Tweddell

Oakley For many, Oakley is their House, for most it is their home. I am proud of the fact that Oakley House is the biggest and most diverse in the School and our girls are blessed to be part of its warm and welcoming reputation.

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We were thoroughly entertained by a number of talented Oakley students in Grimm Tales, the Fourth Form Play, on the new Cobham Theatre stage. Such a witty and varied performance was surely an indicator that they will follow in the senior girls’ footsteps. We are extremely proud of the many Oakley girls who were awarded prizes at Commemoration, Mark Reading and Fourth Form Assembly. It did seem as if the Oakley girls rather dominated the Lower Fourth awards; Sophia Eaton won subject prizes for English, Drama and best overall year’s work. At Commemoration, the Upper Sixth prizes included Nuna Kwak and Caroline Antpöhler who won Wattell Prizes for Economics and Politics respectively. Claudia Moberley won the Wattell Prize for Business Studies and Physical Education. Emily Evans won the Turner Memorial Prize for Music and has received an organ scholarship at St David’s Cathedral.

We have had an extremely strong cohort of Upper Sixth this year who have contributed across every aspect of School life with four School Monitors, representatives in the Chamber Choir, CCF, Gold Duke of Edinburgh, National debating finalist, along with accomplished performers in the Grand Opening of Routh Concert Hall and Cobham Theatre.

With an elite runner, swimmer, tennis player and netballer in our midst, we have been well represented in the sporting arena. The Oakley Monitor team has been expertly led by Dichhya Pun and Meghan McIntosh; their genuine warmth and charismatic energy has contributed much to our successes this year. Congratulations are also due to the new Monitor team who have worked hard this year and throughout their time in the Senior School to impress, and I am positive that the team I have chosen for next year, under the lead of Jasmine Chan, supported by Lilly-May Fowke, will do a fantastic a job.

We have had a run of success in House competitions over the year. In Abigail Saker’s final outing in the 1.2 relays, the team achieved first place. Our juniors were also victorious in House badminton, table tennis, netball and rounders. The seniors brought home the House tennis trophy and it is no wonder that Georgie Jeynes-Cupper was named as this year’s Sportswoman of the Year; she has secured a tennis scholarship to study in America. Charlotte Campbell was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Girls’ Games. I was delighted that our dramatists were awarded the top prize of Best Play in the senior House Drama competition. Their mesmerising performance of Under Milk Wood, under the lead of Madeleine Barber Fray and Anna Martins, was a remarkable piece of theatre; Madelaine went on to win the Most Improved Drama Award at Commemoration.

I would like to thank the Oakley House Parents’ Association for their time, enthusiasm and contributions this year. We are very grateful for their ongoing support. I am sure parents are as proud as I am for our notable charity work this year. Oakley students have raised hundreds of pounds for charities including Days for Girls, Sense UK and Primrose Hospice, along with kind donations to shoebox appeals.

It is fantastic that this selfless work continues into the holidays; Mulan Yang and Vivianne Zhang Wei organised a trip over the summer to Yang Yuan in Northern China for ‘Project Takeoff’, an EAL initiative. Finally, I would like to thank the strong Oakley House staff team. Although we have said farewell to Dr Whitbread, Miss Barton, Mrs Matthews and Miss Aldridge this year, we are delighted to welcome Ms Boonnak back into the fold. This year’s tutor team has been outstanding in their pastoral and academic support of the girls; a more friendly and supportive group of teachers I would struggle to find. With Mrs Ascough and Miss Honey encouraging and inspiring me every day, I am proud of the team we have become. And we all depend upon the unwavering assistance of our superb and caring Housemothers, Mrs Astill and Mrs Pugh - we couldn’t do it without them. At the start of the year, I likened the beginning of term at Bromsgrove School to “the shock of capture”. I am delighted that the Oakley girls have proved themselves time and again to be hardy warriors and I am already looking forward to the new recruits joining us for the ride in September. V Adams

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Oakley Leavers ANTPOEHLER, C., Oakley, 2015, House Monitor, CCF, DofE (Gold). BARBER FRAY, M.F.M., Oakley, 2004, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, Academic Scholarship, colours (music and drama), debating society, Literary society, The Pierglass drama production, Hairspray drama production, A Winter’s Tale drama production, Sweeney Todd drama production, Fourth Form plays, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), CCF, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Girls’ Choir. BENNETT E.M., Oakley, 2016, House Monitor, 1st netball, 1st place regional netball tournament (gold), 2nd place netball national finals (silver), 1st cricket, netball scholarship. BROADHURST, J.B., Oakley, 2016 CAMPBELL, C.C., Oakley, 2004, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 1st hockey, 1st golf (captain), 1st tennis, Junior Colours (hockey, tennis, and golf), Junior and Senior House colours, Senior Colours (hockey), DofE (Bronze). DA COSTA MARTINS, A.C., Oakley, 2011, School Monitor, House Monitor, Art Scholarship, drama colour, House colours, Fourth Form drama productions, Senior drama productions, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), CCF. DONG, X.D., Oakley, 2015, drama productions. DUNLOP, I.F., Oakley. EVANS, E.I., Oakley, 2016, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Director of Sixth Form Consort, Routh Opening Concert Choir, Girls’ Choir, Haydn’s Nelson Mass, Evensong at Hereford Cathedral, Worcester College, Oxford and Worcester Cathedral, Informal Concerts, Pop and Jazz Concerts, Flute Group, Wind Band, Big Band trip to Cheltenham, Hairspray drama production, CCF, CCF Band, Oxbridge Physics, CERN trip, ABRSM Grade 8 Piano with Distinction, ABRSM Grade 8 Singing with Distinction, Music Scholarship. GARDNER, E.G., Oakley, 2002. JEYNES-CUPPER, G.L., Oakley, 1st tennis, 1st hockey, Sports Scholarship.

KWAK, A.K., Oakley, 2016. LAU, I.K.T., Oakley. LEE, C.T., Oakley, 2014, FMSP Year 10 Maths Feast 2015 (participation), Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad and Kangaroo 2016 (Certificate of Qualification), UK Senior Mathematical Challenge 2016 (Bronze Certificate), UK Intermediate Mathematical Challenge 2016 (Gold Certificate), Student Investor Challenge 2017 (SemiFinalist), Student Investor Challenge 2018 (Participation), CCF (2014-2016), Bromsgrove Service (2017-2018), Chinese Concert 2015 (participation). LEUNG, T.P.Y., Oakley. MCINTOSH, M.J., Oakley, 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, Honorary Academic Scholarship, Art Scholarship, House Drama, research competition, House Debating, The Pierglass drama production, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Chapel Choir, participant in the opening of Cobham Theatre, Senior House Colours, Art GCSE Prize. MERRITT, L.J., Oakley, 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st tennis, 2nd netball, 2nd hockey, Colours (netball and tennis), GCSE Business Studies Prize, UKMT (Silver), DofE (Silver), House Colours, Oakley Junior House Cup, Academic Scholarship. MOBERLEY, C.M., Oakley, 2003, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, 1st hockey, 1st tennis, 2nd netball, National Indoor hockey finals U16 & U18, Junior Colours (hockey, tennis and netball), Major Colours (netball), School Cap (hockey), hockey player of the season, Junior and Senior House Colours, DofE (Bronze), Sports Scholarship. PUN, D., Oakley, 2011, Head of House, DofE (Gold), CCF, 2nd Rounders, 3rd Netball. RANGER, A., Oakley, 2009, Big Band, Chapel Choir, DofE. RODWAY. H-L., Oakley, 2010, House Monitor, DofE (Gold), CCF, Junior and Senior House colours, drama production make-up team, 4th netball.

SAKER, A.M., Oakley, 2008, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st cross-country (captain), 1st athletics, 1st swimming, 1st hockey, National Independent Schools’ Triathlon Champion 2017, ESAA National Cross-Country Competition, ESAA National Athletics Finals, King Henry VIII Relays (3rd place), House Colours, athletics Colours, swimming Colours, cross-country Colours, hockey Colours, crosscountry Cap, swimming Cap, DofE (Gold), Sports Scholarship, Academic Scholarship, GCSE EPQ prize, GCSE Chemistry prize, UKMT (Silver), Chemistry and Biology Olympiads. STARIKOVA, M., Oakley, 2009, House Monitor, 1st athletics, 3rd netball, CCF, DofE (Gold), Cambridge Chemistry Challenge (Bronze), Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad (Silver). TAYLOR, G.T., Oakley, 2011, House Monitor, CCF until Upper Fourth, Model United Nations activity in Lower Sixth, DofE (Silver and Bronze). WU, A.H., Oakley, 2014, CCF for two years (RAF), DofE (Bronze), Mathematics Challenge (Gold), CREST (Silver), Biology Olympiad (Silver), Bromsgrove Service. YING, P.Y.A., Oakley, 2014, Maths Challenge (Silvers in Senior and Junior competitions), Piano Grade 7, Young Enterprise individual journey award, Sweeney Todd drama production, Bromsgrove Service (Folk Group), CCF, DofE (Bronze), Young Enterprise.

School House I have been honoured to share this year with a fine group of young men. Throughout each term, each student has shown humour; integrity and commitment towards School House.

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Major colours in cricket went to Anders Giles and Liam Holland-Bunch, with Tom Maidment receiving another Cricket award, this time for fielding. The highest honour of a School Cap was awarded to two of our School House boys; Harry Liversidge (athletics) and Harrison Wright (tennis). Lastly, an incredible achievement was given to Euan Vaughn-Hawkins who was the sole recipient of the Challenge Shield (U16) for his commitment to swimming throughout the year. School House has been equally impressive in their representation of performing arts. Minor colours were awarded to Ethan McLean, with major colours to Sam Ison, Dan Moore and Harry Ruben. In music, Tom Chapman was awarded his minor colours, and Edward Mooney and Daniel Moore gained major colours. As if that was not enough, Sam Ison was presented with the title of Best RAF Cadet. These are all incredible achievements, ones that I hope the boys are proud of.

House spirit has been at an all-time high, clearly demonstrated by the amazing achievements of each individual young man, and the successes we have seen as a collective in House competitions.

The boys have accomplished so much throughout the year. Whether it be through their consistent hard work in lessons, or their participation in sport and service activity, School House have made a fantastic name for themselves. As a House, we have competed well, with successes in House debating, hockey, A Question of House, music ensemble and swimming. All these triumphs demonstrate the true breadth and depth of ability that the boys have. In the final Routh Assembly, a large number of School House were commended for their incredible contributions to Bromsgrove School. Ed Mooney was congratulated for his fantastic effort and commitment to Bromsgrove Service this year; in addition, Ed Mooney and Joe Houlcroft were awarded their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award; a fantastic achievement which highlights their dedication and enthusiasm to the activity. In the sporting arena, minor colours went to Jacob Redden for athletics and Dan Meredith for cricket. Dan also received one of the three 1st XI Cricket awards for best bowler.

I must also take time to mention the young men who have been representatives of School House outside of the School gates. Sam Osbourne continues to excel in the pool, representing the nation at several swimming meets and competitions. In addition, Freddie Draycott has also been able to find time to participate nationally in karate against some of the toughest competitors in the country. The team of seven House Monitors have served the House well this year, and I have been particularly impressed with how they have led from the front as responsible and inspiring young men. As a group, they have been dedicated and measured, and their commitment to House Song in the Michaelmas term exemplified this; getting seventy boys to attempt to sing in tune is no mean feat! However, no task is too great and the Upper Sixth worked well together to make sure this happened.

School House Leavers CARMALT, B.H.B., School, 2011, 1st rugby, DofE (Silver and Bronze). FAPOHUNDA, T., School, 2016, 1st basketball, 2nd football (captain), DofE. GILES, A.F., School, 2003, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st basketball, 2nd hockey (captain), 2nd cricket, HMC, CCF, DofE. HOLLAND-BUNCH, L., School, 2009, House Monitor, Head of House, 2nd hockey, 2nd cricket, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), CCF. HOLLIS, J.S., School. HOULCROFT, J.D., School, 2007, 1st hockey, 1st cross-country, DofE (Gold), CCF.

MOONEY, E.P.F., School, 2011, House Monitor, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Windband, DofE (up to Gold), CCF for one year, Bromsgrove Service (Gardening), Recreational Swimming. MOORE, D.C.J., School, 2005, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, GCSE Physics Prize, Minor Colours (music), Choir, Chamber Choir, Sixth Form Consort, Choir participant for the Routh, Nelson Mass, tech crew for Cobham opening, backstage for Sweeney Todd and Hairspray drama productions, lead sound design for The Pierglass drama production, technical crew for many events such as Cultures Connect and Pop and Jazz, CCF Colour Sergeant , DofE (Gold). PEUTHERER, J.J., School.

ISON, S.G., School, 2013, House Monitor, 14C rugby, 15C rugby, Junior Colours (drama), drama productions - A Winters Tale, Sweeney Todd, Hairspray, The Pierglass and The Lottery, CCF Sergeant (RAF), DofE (Silver and Bronze). ISON, Z.R., School, 2013, 1st rugby, U15A football (captain), athletics, DofE (Silver), rugby Colours, biology, BTEC, House swimming, Regional Rugby Player. LIPERY, A., School, 2013, 2nd football, sports leaders. LIVERSIDGE, H.G., School, 2011, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st athletics, debating, MUN, Academic Scholarship (13+), Sports Scholarship (16+).

My final words are about the Head of House: Liam Holland-Bunch. Liam has been a great leader this year; he is personable, responsible and always prepared to do what is right. He has grown into a confident yet humble person; and has represented his peers and the lower years well. School House thanks you for your service. This has been a memorable year, one that will be hard to follow. I look forward to seeing the boys next year and hope that they will relish new opportunities to shine. T Clinton

RANDALL, W.A., School, 2003, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, 1st hockey (captain), DofE (Bronze, Silver and Gold), Sports Leaders Level 1, Poetry Competition Winner 2010 and 2011, Participation Medal for U11 Chess, Prep School Prefect. RUBEN, H., School, 2005, Prep School Survivor, Minor Colours (drama), backstage crew for Cobham opening, House Music, Sweeney Todd and Hairspray drama productions, lead stage manager for the The Pierglass and 1001 Nights drama productions, DofE (Silver), CCF Lance Corporal. WRIGHT, H.O., School, 2000, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 1st tennis (captain), 1st crosscountry (captain), Major Colours (crosscountry), School Cap (tennis), DofE (Gold).

Thomas Cookes We have come to the end of another wonderful year. The girls have been brilliant. Brilliance does not have to come from the sports field, the music department, or even the academic sphere; it can just be the nicest word that makes someone’s day.

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Lucia Goodwin has performed well in the spoken word. She won the Junior Staff Reading Prize and was commended for her Housman Verse Prize entry. Drama has impressed me this year. This has been the most intensive year for House events as there have been so many new ones incorporated for both drama and music. I had my doubts that everything was going to go to plan as there did not seem enough hours in the day in a day house. However, thanks to your efforts and of Elina Agrawal and Isabel Kemp, I know we have performed well. I particularly recall going to see Senior House Music where the voices were beautifully put together and the accompaniment superb. The girls involved were Elina Agrawal, Layla Raine, Emily Lyle and Isabel Kemp. In junior drama, we again competed well. Many hours were spent over practice and rehearsal. Special recognition should go to Francesca Mellor for Best Actress. Those who supported her were Lucia Goodwin, Emily Clark, Tori Kemp, Anna Connell, Mia King, Anaiya Sunner and Iris Tang.

TC girls have all worked incredibly hard to achieve the best results, win the most competitions and contribute to the House as a whole. The energy, focus and determination shown has been exemplary. Within the House, we have the most amazing diversity of talents. At times it is difficult for me to keep up with everything your daughters do, but if I do not make it, I know Mrs Gill (Assistant Houseparent), the tutors, or Lorraine (our Housekeeper) will make every effort to help.

The year began with welcoming the new Lower Fourths to TC and baking cakes for charity. We raised over £200 for Macmillan and the girls all worked together to provide and sell the cakes. The highlight of the year was our win in House Song. This was very much a whole House event and everyone contributed greatly to this fantastic achievement. The conductor was Rhea Lester-James, ably accompanied by Isabel Kemp. We have really excelled in sport this year. TC girls have volunteered for teams and performed at their best. Many of the Monitor team and others have organised a team, which takes considerable time and effort. For the second year running, we won both the senior and the junior swimming competitions. This shows the strength and depth TC has in swimming.

In many of the other sports this year, TC has shown the ability to compete but sometimes were just pipped to the post by one of the other Houses. This is very much in the balance of how the games go on the day, as I know many of the girls compete to outstanding levels in sports such as Hockey and Netball, inside and outside School. Special mention has to be made here of Lauren Neilson-Watts and Hannah Barwell, both of whom were involved in the Senior VII netball and came second in the Nationals. Debate is another of those areas in which we excel. We have a fantastic junior team in particular, with Francesca Mellor and Elizabeth Aston. They have won the junior debate competing against all the other Houses for two years running. This is a marvellous achievement and takes a considerable amount of time to prepare for.

Cross-country and athletics are actually areas where we have some strong athletes. Our performance in the 1.2 relays was brilliant up until the last lap, as the strongest runner from Oakley took the title. TC had some wonderful performances on Sports Day, in particular Isabella Walters, Lauren Elliott and Lucia Goodwin. Special mention must go to Natalie Hatfield who has performed outstandingly all year, both in and out of School. She most recently became the Women’s U17 Biathle European Champion. I have to just mention a few talented girls who succeed outside of School. Firstly, Isabella Walters competes to a very high standard in shooting and equestrian activities; she has finished in the top three of a number of clay pigeon shooting competitions this year. Megan Langford has performed outstandingly on the golfing circuit. I believe she even beat Mr Higgins, one of our tutors. Fantastic achievements for both girls. The Summer term has been full of House activities, rounders and tennis being the primary sports where the girls competed well. We definitely did deserve to win the Bromsgrove Bake-Off competition this term. We had the best design, the best chefs and it was obviously very tasty, as it had all gone by the time I got to the kitchen.

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Sadly, we have a few leavers from the House this year. Obviously, we would like to wish the Upper Sixth a fond farewell. However, to those also leaving us from the Fifth Form, Maisie Hucker, Sarah Pickering, Freya Harper and Alice Oliver, I would like to wish them well and hope that they enjoy their further education. I would like to thank all the tutors. They work hard to give the girls direction and advice. They also support me in everything I do for the House. Ms Ross is leaving to go on to pastures new. Mrs Boonnak is going back to work with the international girls in Oakley and Mrs Green has decided to concentrate on her role as Head of GCSE. All three tutors have played a very important role in the life of TC over the past few years. I would personally like to thank them for all their good humour, advice and support. I would also like to thank Lorraine, TC’s housekeeper, for her support. Lorraine is someone the girls can turn to. She provides them with everything they need and more.

Thomas Cookes Leavers AGRAWAL, E., Thomas Cookes, 2016, House Monitor, Hairspray musical, The Pierglass drama production, directed Junior House drama, performed in Senior House drama, informal concerts, recital for IB, photography for some informal concerts, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Girls’ Choir, Sixth Form Consort. BOLGER, H.E-M., Thomas Cookes, 2016, House Monitor, 1st hockey indoor, 1st hockey outdoor, 1st netball, County tournament winners for netball 2016, Regional Indoor Finals for hockey 2016, Headmaster’s Commendation, Academic Scholarship 2016, Sports Scholarship 2016. BROOKES, E.A., Thomas Cookes, 2009, School Monitor, Head of School, 1st hockey, 1st tennis, athletics, hockey indoor national finalists (U16 and U18), DofE (Gold), CCF Sergeant, Sports Scholarship, Academic Honorary Scholarship. CROWDER, O.L.E., Thomas Cookes, 2011, U14B hockey, U15B hockey, U14B netball, U15B netball, U14B tennis, U15B tennis, DofE (Bronze), CCF, Bromsgrove Badge, hair and makeup for Hairspray drama production.

Our Head of House, Katie Taylor, has led TC with the best interests of all at heart and has always been friendly in and around the House.

DONOVAN, N.D., Thomas Cookes, 2002, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st swimming, 2nd/3rd netball, athletics, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze).

Finally, I would like to thank the Parents’ Association. They have worked very hard to provide us with financial help to support Pizza and DVD nights and House Breakfast. They also worked very hard on the Ball this year.

ELLIOTT, L.E., Thomas Cookes, 2016, 1st athletics, 2nd rounders, netball, sports day 200m and high jump winner, sports day 2nd in 4 x 200m relay, House rounders, House netball, House song, CCF.

K Hannah

JENKINS, I.F.A., Thomas Cookes, 2002, PrePrep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Headmaster’s Commedation, CCF, DofE (Bronze), Hairspray drama production (hair and makeup team), helping with charity events e.g. setting up a bake sale. KEMP, I., Thomas Cookes, 2016, House Monitor, Grade 7 Piano, House Song, House Music, Hairspray drama production (behindthe-scenes), House Drama, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Girls’ choir, Nelson Mass. LESTER-JAMES, R., Thomas Cookes, 2016, House Monitor, 1st and 2nd netball, 1st athletics, House Song conductor and winners 2017, general house events such as hockey, netball and swimming.

NEILSON-WATTS, L.N.W., Thomas Cookes, 2016, House Monitor, 1st netball, DofE (Gold). SHAW, L.F., Thomas Cookes, 2011, School Monitor, Deputy Head of School, 1st tennis, CCF, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Senior House Colours, Flourishing Fiver. TAYLOR, K.M., Thomas Cookes, Head of House, 2nd hockey, MUN, Hairspray drama production (hair and make-up). TURNER, O.M., Thomas Cookes, 2007, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 1st athletics, 2nd hockey, 3rd netball, cross-country, National corss-country, Junior Colours (athletics), Upper Fourth CCF, DofE (Gold), Flourishing Fiver. WALKER, M.L., Thomas Cookes, 2002, PrePrep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 1st hockey, hockey indoor national finals, 1st tennis. WALTERS, S.G., Thomas Cookes, 2016, The Pierglass drama production, DofE (Gold), Chapel Choir, U18 swimming, debating. WILLIAMS, E.I., Thomas Cookes, 2016

Walters How the time flies - another year passes and so much has been achieved. The Walters boys get better and better and the spirit in the House gets ever stronger.

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Throughout my time in the Senior School, there have been many highlights and fond memories, but it is safe to say that without being in Walters for the last five years, I would not have enjoyed Bromsgrove as much if I had not been in Walters. The constant House spirit and community has always helped the entire Upper Sixth thrive during our time at the School.

A man much wiser than me once said it takes three years to make a House your own. The first year they fear you, the second they hate you, and the third they understand you. Although I would hope that this is not the case (being the second year), there have been times when I have tested them, but I am sure overall, we are well on our way to year three. The outgoing Head of House summarises the year opposite.

The first highlight was the annual House Song Competition. We went modern with an Ed Sheeran classic, Nancy Mulligan, conducted by Nathan Buckley (wearing an Irish Leprechaun costume). It was safe to say our singing was not the best but in typical Walters fashion, the House put its heart into giving a strong, bold performance with some superb dance moves from the Upper Sixth. Throughout the year, there has been some commendable House achievements with both the senior and junior boys putting in positive performances in all House events. The junior boys were able to beat some strong opposition and win junior House rugby, swimming and athletics competitions. Cross-country across the board was also a highlight, particularly with the help of Toby Hill, Jake Lowe and Morgan Hammond, all of whom ran in the 1.2km relay. The victory in the 1.2km relay puts Walters on the trophy for the ninth successive year - a great achievement for the boys and the House. The Stokes brothers helped secure Walters a second place finish in the senior House hockey competition with a valiant performance from Sam Morrice in goal, only conceding two goals in the whole tournament.

The senior House football team finished first with a superb win in the final, helped by some of the key 1st team players in the House. In many of the competitions, the Walters boys equipped themselves well, willing to put on the shirt and play for their House. During the inaugural Inter-House quiz, captained by Nathan Buckley and Kieran Brinn, Walters were able to progress through the group stage, but came up short in the final to some very strong opposition. The House has had notable music contributions including Jude Winter’s superb piano performance in the solo House music competition and George Bingham’s powerful drum solo with the Big Band. Not only in music but also in drama, the boys were able to show off their theatrical skills in both House drama and the School production. Within the House, the second pool competition took place with Evan Stokes retaining his title along with Sam Amos, soundly beating each pair who challenged them. The PA has worked hard and has supported the House, putting on some great events including the House quiz, comfortably won by the teachers with Housemother Lesley carrying the team to the trophy, and the annual football competition and BBQ. A key highlight was the Walters Ball, held at Grafton Manor, which was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Although the boys are a huge part of the House, there are many people working behind the scenes to make sure that House life moves smoothly. I would firstly like to thank our Tutor team this year, with new additions of Mr Tasker, Mr Coleman and Mr Kingston all fitting into the House superbly well, and our existing tutors providing support for everyone in Walters. I would also like to thank our housemother, Lesley, as without her the House would quickly fall into ruin. Lesley works tirelessly every day to deal with problems that arise and she is always a person you can turn to ask for help in a time of need. Therefore on behalf of the boys of Walters, thank you Les for all that you do. Last but not least, we come to Housemaster, Mr Bell. The House has gone from strength to strength with Mr Bell in his second year leading Walters and it continues to grow with the pride and spirit he tries to instil into the boys. He has been able to take charge of seventy or so boys this year, with what seems to be a fair amount of ease. Mr Bell has supported the boys, especially the Monitor team and me, and I hope that the House will continue to grow in the years to come with Mr Bell in command. Being in Walters has had its highs and lows, but I have many memories over the last five years. I wish everyone in Walters the best of luck in the future and hope that it continues to be a place of enjoyment and success during a busy School year. Toby Davis (Walters Head of House 2017-2018) As you have read in the report from my Head of House, Walters House has had a tremendous year. We have welcomed many new boys to the House and they have been joined by some new tutors, Mr Tasker and Mr Coleman, who have been the perfect addition to Walters. As for my old friend, Mr Kingston, it has a pleasure to work with you. When I asked you to join me in the House, I knew that we would work well together and this year has proved just that. To the “old hands” thank you for your continued support. I really do think that the quality of pastoral care in the House is second to none.

Walters Leavers ALLELY, J.C., Walters, 2010, 3rd rugby, Upper Fourth Chemistry, Upper Fourth Biology, Upper Fourth Best Year’s work, DofE (Silver and Bronze), Academic scholarship BAXTER, C.R., Walters, 2012, Prep School Survivor, Deputy Head of House, 1st Rugby, Athletics (captain). BINGHAM, G.W.H., Walters, 2011, House Monitor, Academic Scholarship, Music Scholarship, DofE (Silver), The Pierglass drama production, Big Band, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Hairspray Pit Band, Sweeney Todd Pit Band. BLAND, T.T.B., Walters, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st hockey, 1st athletics, 1st Swimming and Swimming Captain, Gold DofE, 1.2 Relays winner. BOOTHROYD, N.J., Walters, 2007, Prep School Survivor, 1st football, football Cap, DofE. BUCKLEY, N., Walters, 2013, House Monitor, U14A rugby, U15A rugby, U16A rugby, U16B rugby, 4th rugby, U14A hockey, U15A hockey, 3rd hockey, 2nd football, 1st football, U14A cricket, U15A cricket, 2nd cricket, Lower Fourth Classics prize, GCSE Maths prize, Biology Olympiad, Chemistry Olympiad, DofE (Bronze), Foundation Scholarship, Honorary Academic Scholarship. COX, J.A., Walters.

I know that most of the boys will rarely realise this at the time but I am sure that as they look back they will be grateful. The same can be said for the huge work that Lesley does behind the scenes. She is not just a housekeeper, she is part of the fittings; her efforts are not measured in the immaculate condition of the House, that is just one factor. Her real contribution is in the way that the boys trust and confide in her. On behalf of everyone, I give my sincere thanks and hope that Lesley can take some pride in the strength of the Walters spirit that she helps to build.

CRAVEN, J.C., Walters, 2016, 2nd rugby. CUTRESS, W.C., Walters, 2013, rugby. DAVIS, T.D., Walters, 2013, House Monitor, Head of House, 1st squash, 2nd cricket, 3rd rugby, CCF, DofE (Silver and Bronze). HALES, B., Walters, 2011, 1st rugby. HALL, H.E., Walters, 2016, 1st tennis. HUBSCHER, E., Walters, 2010, 1st hockey, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), CCF, Choir, Orchestra, Grade 6 Piano, Grade 5 Clarinet. JANJUA, F.J., Walters, 2016, Cricket Scholar, 1st cricket, Batting award 2017. MORRICE, S.G., Walters, 2011, U14A rugby, U15A rugby, U16A rugby, 1st rugby, U14B hockey, U15B hockey, U16B hockey, 2nd hockey, 2nd cricket, DofE (Silver and Bronze), endeavour effort award, CCF. PAYNE, B.S., Walters, 2011, 1st crosscountry, Minor Colours (drama), mostimproved award (cross-country), Winter’s Tale drama production, Sweeney Todd drama production, The Pierglass drama production, Fourth Form plays - The Wardrobe and The Accordion Shop, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze). STOKES, E., Walters, 2013, House Monitor, 1st hockey, U15A hockey, U14A hockey, 1st Indoor hockey, U16 Indoor hockey, second place in the Nayan Cup, 3rd cricket, U15A cricket, U14A cricket, DofE (Gold, Silver and Bronze), Sports Leaders.

Lastly, I thank Toby Davis and his Monitor team. As I always say to the boys, the success of a team is not down to the captain. He is there to lead and guide those around him. He is there to recognise the strengths, and importantly, the weaknesses. He is there to pick those people up when they are down or disheartened. However, the success of the team is down to each member playing their part and this year Toby, Cameron and the Monitor team have been the cement that has kept the bricks in place. I am a proud man and I love my job, but the true reward is seeing the young men that I have the pleasure of looking after leading others, showing the pride and passion to see Walters not only winning but doing it with style. Thank you. H Bell

Wendron-Gordon Another very busy, enjoyable and rewarding year has flown by in Wendron-Gordon, with so many highlights to look back on.

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House events over the year included a wonderful Chinese New Year party, which was largely organised and run by the Upper Sixth. A delicious menu followed by quizzes, games and very good company, whilst a number of our lads gave talks about the customs associated with the New Year in China. This hugely enjoyable evening made up for the cancellation of our Christmas party, which fell victim to one of the three prolonged bouts of snow that we saw (and enjoyed) over the year. Another super evening was enjoyed at Chateau Impney, where virtually all of W-G’s Sixth Form boys and the girls of Mary Windsor held a ball in beautiful surroundings.

As ever, the boys competed strongly in Inter-house competitions, with good wins in the junior hockey, senior cross-country, and junior table tennis and very strong performances in junior basketball, senior swimming and senior rugby, where a largely Fifth Form team showed real pluck and skill throughout the competition.

TThe performance of the year was undoubtedly in the Unison House Song competition, where Wendron-Gordon produced the best performance by a boys’ House in many years. Their ambitious and colourful rendition of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean was the result of many weeks of dedicated practice, led by joint conductors Xaver and Vinzenz Freigassner. Whilst the adjudicator did not seem to agree with the majority of the audience, only awarding the runners-up prize to W-G, the performance itself, and the many plaudits the boys received afterwards, were reward enough. The House drama competitions were also real highlights in the calendar. The junior competition saw a largely Lower Fourth cast put on an excellent scene from Comedians by Trevor Griffiths, whilst the senior drama company won the adjudicator’s special award for their extract from Civil Rogues, which was another audience favourite on the night. Both competitions were worthy productions to take place on the new Cobham Theatre stage. The House Music ensemble competition also saw a lively performance of Shake it Off in the newly refurbished Routh Concert Hall.

We bade farewell to three House tutors over the year. Mr Taylor left at Easter to take up a new role at Warwickshire CCC, whilst Mr Burton and Miss Bayliss both moved on to other roles within School. All have contributed significantly to the House in their time here and we wish them every success for the future. The Upper Sixth leavers will be sorely missed next year; they were a very friendly, supportive and talented group who led the House excellently over the past three terms. The boys were delighted to hear of Roger Zhao’s offer to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge; Roger was also the recipient of the Wattell Prizes for Physics and Mathematics at Commemoration. Special thanks should go to Head of House, Xaver Freigassner and Deputy Head of House, Harry Pugh for their sterling efforts over the year. We wish next year’s Head of House, Tommaso Vago and Deputy Head of House, Henry Köhler, as well as new School Monitor Andrii Iermolaiev, the best of luck in their roles for the year ahead.

Wendron-Gordon Leavers AVDOI, D., Wendron Gordon, 2013, House Monitor, 1st football, 1st tennis, 3rd rugby, CCF, Robotics. BADITESCU, S., Wendron-Gordon, 2016, climbing, 3rd football, UKMT Senior Maths Challenge (Gold), Economics Society, Economics in Action, British Sign Language lessons, Far Forest Dog Rescue activity, Easter Tea Party, Primrose Hospice volunteering, Student Investor Challenge, Music Practice - Drumming, Prep School Maths Support. CHANG, R.Z., Wendron-Gordon, 2014, House Monitor, 1st football, U15A football, U16A football, 1st badminton (captain), 1st table tennis (captain), Young Enterprise, DofE (Bronze). CHONG, K.C., Wendron Gordon, 2013, CCF, Young Enterprise. FAN, J.Y.C., Wendron-Gordon. FREIGASSNER, V., Wendron-Gordon, 2015, School Monitor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of School, athletics, House cross-country, House Music, House Drama, House Song conductor, Bromsgrove’s Got Talent (winner’s award), Cultures Connect Concert, Chamber Choir, Chapel Choir, Sixth Form Consort, Informal Concerts, Grade 7 Piano, Drama Productions - Sweeney Todd, Hairspray and The Pierglass, DofE (Gold), CCF Flight Sergeant. FREIGASSNER, X., Wendron-Gordon, 2015, House Monitor, Head of House.

The biggest contributor to the House over the past two decades departed at the end of the Summer term, with the hugely popular Mrs Batchelor leaving at Commemoration ahead of what will hopefully be a long and very happy retirement. She has given unstinting service to Wendron-Gordon as Housemother over the past eighteen years, and boys and staff were all very sad to see her leave – although we hope to see much of her on visits to W-G in the years to come. ‘Mrs B’ was celebrated at a lovely farewell event on the lawn in the last week of term where the boys were able to hear the thoughts of the four Houseparents that she worked alongside – Mr Langlands (one year), Dr Johns (nine years), Mr Bell (six years) and Mr Wilkins (two years).

KHRYPUN, V., Wendron-Gordon, 2016, House Monitor, 2nd football; MUN (Haileybury Conference), Student Investor Challenge (top 10% of the country), member of the Economics Society. LEE, S.H., Wendron-Gordon, 2016, House Monitor, 1st swimming, 1st basketball, 3rd football, invitational relay swimming champion. LONG, M., Wendron-Gordon, 2010, DofE, CCF (RAF). MA, L., Wendron-Gordon. MURADOV, G., Wendron-Gordon. NG, M.N., Wendron Gordon, 2016, 1st swimming, Invitational Relays (first place), 1st badminton, coding, robotics, climbing, Bromsgrove Service (Charity Shop), Chess Club. PUGH, H., Wendron-Gordon, 2007, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st athletics, 1st hockey, rugby, athletics county champion (110m hurdles), CCF Senior NCO, DofE (Gold), IFS Student Investor Challenge (semifinalist). TAM, M.C.Y., Wendron-Gordon. TSE, A.T., Wendron-Gordon, 2014, 2nd Football, EAL prize (GCSE). ZHAO, Y., Wendron Gordon, 2015, 3rd football, Physics Olympiad (Gold), Maths Challenge (best of the year).

A memorable and emotional final assembly of the year saw Mrs B present the newly created Batchelor Cup (an award for the Best Contribution to the House over the year) to Vinzenz Freigassner, who combined his roles as School Monitor and Deputy Head Boy with helping to lead the House superbly since September. Best wishes to all for the year ahead. D Wilkins

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Upper Sixth Leavers 2018

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Thomas Cookes Sermon The annual Sir Thomas Cookes Sermon was preached on Commemoration Day 2018 by the Archdeacon of Dudley, The Venerable Nikki Groarke. In joining the list of ‘learned ministers’ invited to fulfil this task, as stipulated by Sir Thomas himself, she only hoped that his soul would rejoice as much in seeing a woman perform the role, as it no doubt would in recognising the successes of both male and female students in today’s Bromsgrove School.

Commemoration Day The Headmaster welcomed guests and extended a vote of thanks to Mr Matthew Horton, recently appointed as the new President of the School, for delivering an eloquent review of the Senior School year, highlights of which had included the opening of the new Performing Arts facilities, academic results which set new records for the School and numerous sporting and cultural triumphs. The Headmaster briefly added his own gratitude for all the loyalty, talent and dedication that lay behind each of the successes in the Senior School, before offering some thoughts to those who were graduating from the Senior School. Noting that Prizegiving speakers often sought to impart lists of inspiring advice to leavers, he chose instead to “un-advise” the Upper Sixth. That is, to confess that some of the motivational messages fed to young people setting out in the world may not be entirely true. The four myths he debunked were: #1. The World Is Your Oyster. The Headmaster suggested that telling young people that a pearl awaits them somewhere out there in the world, if only they search hard enough, was a recipe for a lifetime of discontent. The world is full of tasty things and people should savour as many as they can. However, they are not all our sole possessions and not a single one of them is perfect. He also pointed out that a pearl is an oyster’s natural response to irritation, encouraging pupils to let adversity make them resilient and lustrous.

Myth #2. These Are The Best Days Of Your Life. The Headmaster doubted that, on their deathbed, pupils would look back and think that doing Chemistry Prep, sitting examinations, surrendering their phone, or ducking behind trees to hide their wardrobe malfunctions, were the best days of their life. He hoped their Bromsgrove days were great days, but not the best they would see. That title should be saved for the day you witness your first child arrive in the world. Or the day you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and suddenly realise you have finally become comfortable in your own skin. Or the day that all your kindnesses to others are repaid. Myth #3. Mum and Dad Will Always Be There. The fridge that never empties, the personal laundry service, the 24-hour chauffeur. Lives on hold, while their children’s got started. Leavers were warned that when they head off to university in September, their parents were already booked on a Caribbean cruise and their bedroom is listed on AirBnB. The good news was that most Bromsgrove parents adhered to the philosophy that the Headmaster holds dear. Namely, that we should: “prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.” Most had parents who prepared them well for their newfound independence.

Myth #4. You Can Change The World. Finally, the Headmaster suggested that any inference that an individual alone could change the world was fake news. However, he strongly believed that each leaver could change a bigger part than they might think. By way of an analogy, he described a small engineering device called a trim tab, which was capable of changing the course of a 600 tonne aircraft. Like a miniature flap built into the main flap, the trim tab only had a small surface area, so it was quite easy for a plane’s hydraulics to move it against the massive resistance of air pressure. As soon as that happened, airflow beneath the wing was disrupted. Not completely, but just enough to relieve some of the pressure. Without all that pressure, the main flap was then able to move and the entire plane could change course.

Hence, the Upper Sixth were encouraged to leave Bromsgrove and become trim tabs. Each was encouraged to be a catalyst to relieve some pressure, to start a movement. The intern who does the groundwork that leads to a medical breakthrough. The midfielder, never scoring a goal but setting every single one up. The understudy who makes it possible for the star to shine. The family member that everyone knows will pour oil on troubled waters when relationships get strained. In farewelling a year group of outstanding Bromsgrovians, the Headmaster implored them all to continue to enable others, making many small, subtle, resonating differences in the world

The text for the Ven. Groarke’s address was from St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 3: 14-21, a passage that emphasises the importance of being grounded in God’s love, which surpasses knowledge. At a time of transition for leavers, with the possibility of mixed emotions (e.g. thankfulness, hope, sadness, vulnerability and excitement), she pointed out that the promise of unconditional love, whether from families or God himself – neither of whom are swayed by actions in the past or future – is a powerful basis to enable one to live life to the full. In doing so, this should involve embracing both the ups and downs of reality, learning from one’s mistakes and integrating such learning into the people we become. Rather than trying to be someone else, we should excel at being ourselves, following the advice of St Catherine of Siena: “Be who you were created to be and you will set the world on fire!”

The Ven. Groarke urged the leavers, as educated and loved young people with so much potential, to put their unique and God-given skills to good use, not just to conform or to be accepted. She quoted the Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzi, who continues to do just that by campaigning for girls’ education around the world: “The terrorists thought that they would change our aims and stop our ambitions, but nothing changed in my life except this: weakness, fear and hopelessness died; strength, power and courage were born.” In summary, leavers were encouraged to give thanks for the privilege of their own educational experience and use it positively, to find out what they are made of and called to be and do, and to ask God through his Spirit to empower and equip them to do it. The final thought was a pertinent one for all in the congregation: “As you go, be blessed, and be a blessing.” A McClure

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Senior Prize Winners 2018

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Senior Prize Winners 2018 Wattell Prizes English Holly Bolger History Sidikat Olatundun Basorun Religious Studies Imogen Faulconbridge

Other Academic Prizes

Special Prizes

William Ledbrook Prize for Biology Nikita Bedov

Senior Boarders Bipin Gurung and Anastasiia Ovchinnikova

Amphlett Prize for Chemistry Timofei Chernega John Hedley Memorial Prize (CCF) Matthew Hegarty

Geography Elouise Brookes

Turner Memorial Prize for Music Emily Evans

German Dzhemal Avdoi

Alison Bramley Memorial Prize for Mathematics Katherine Jo Akers

French Roxanne Lette Spanish Rachel Weller Latin Rachel Weller

Chaytor Pepper Prize for Classics (Classical Civilisation) Henry Stone Jeffery Lewins Prize for Technology Robyn Davies

Economics Nuna Kwak

Housman Verse Prize Aled Luckman

Business Claudia Moberley

Staff Reading Prize Hannah Jones

Physical Education Claudia Moberley Politics Caroline Antpöhler Graphics DT Holly Peplow Art Holly Peplow Art (Textiles) Elise Spurgin Mathematics Youyang Zhao Physics Youyang Zhao

The Paul Sawtell Trophy (Contribution) Lisa Shaw

Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl Vinzenz Freigassner and Lisa Shaw Head Girl and Head Boy Elouise Brookes and William Nadin

This award is intended to acknowledge a pupil who typifies the School’s values of humble confidence, moral principles and the generous encouragement of others. This year’s recipient surely does all of that. She possesses an air of sophistication, grace and kindness that have endeared her to all. Warm, approachable and unfailingly modest, many are already thinking how much they will miss her presence next year. Throughout her time here, she has always involved herself fully in the life of the School, whether that be in sport, CCF, or in recently receiving her Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. A mainstay of her House, she has led and contributed without hesitation. Likewise beyond the School gates, where her work for charity, in particular the Flourishing Fiver, demonstrated a willingness to give to the wider community. Unsurprisingly, she has also held a number of leadership roles, each of which has required considerable responsibility, yet all of which she takes in her stride. Colour Sergeant of the CCF and Deputy Head Girl, but more importantly, a young woman of optimism, compassion and an everpresent smile. The Kelly Bicknell Award (Service) Dominic Gardner Another award that honours the attributes of a former pupil, this prize is intended to acknowledge someone who contributes selflessly to the Bromsgrove community across a range of extracurricular areas. That certainly describes this year’s recipient, whose dedication and reliability have marked him out as an utterly dependable and loyal servant of the School, forever working for the greater good without thought of personal praise.

His calm, quiet authority and great sense of humour have made him a great asset in any team, particularly in what are often potentially stressful environments, where his contributions have been wide-ranging. An outstanding member of the School’s Performing Arts technical crew, supporting many productions and concerts, including significant efforts last year to construct a number of temporary performance venues around the School while Routh Hall and Cobham Theatre were being re-developed. A highly competent lighting and sound operator, he has also spent many hours, both at the Artrix and in different venues at the School, tackling the less glamorous jobs backstage. Appointed as CSM in the CCF, he has led his NCOs with aplomb and by personal example. The same high standards have benefitted his House, where, in his role as Deputy Head, he is known as ‘Mr Reliable’- humble, loyal and generous of spirit. The Tony Limbert Trophy (Sport) George Hatfield Tony Limbert was a pupil who made the most of the sporting opportunities available to him at Bromsgrove and the trophy dedicated to his memory is awarded to someone who has endeavoured to do the same in their time here. The winner this year is a true gentleman, who goes out of his way to support others. He has carried out his role of House Monitor superbly, demonstrating leadership qualities and providing a fine role model for the younger students. He has successfully completed all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as being a key member of our CCF contingent, leading younger pupils with sensitivity. In House, his is the first name on any team sheet, encouraging others to participate, no matter their ability. Throughout his five years at Bromsgrove, he has regularly represented the School, whether it be in the 1st XI for cricket or football. He has been an excellent captain in both codes.

A tireless trainer, committed player, example to his peers and, above all, a player dedicated to his team. An unbeaten century in his last Saturday fixture and a choice of two caps to wear today is a fitting end to a Bromsgrove career that has exemplified participation, commitment and excellence. The Ben Showell Memorial Rose Bowl (Performing Arts) George Bingham Like the Old Bromsgrovian it commemorates, this award is for a pupil who has made a significant contribution to the Performing Arts during their time here. Since joining in the Preparatory School, this person has not only been a talented performer but also an avid supporter of the arts. With a mind that is as interested and inquisitive as it is absorbent, they only ever need teaching once. A multi-instrumentalist of great skill, this person has graced the stage in performances more times than anyone in recent memory and has inspired future generations of musicians through dedication and artistry. Yet there has also been an outstanding contribution to drama as well, with memorable roles in Hairspray and, this year, The Pierglass. More recently, the recipient took directorial responsibility for their House’s entry in the Fourth Form Drama competition and a lead acting role in their Senior House Drama piece. As if that were not enough, add in a strong positive influence in House debating, both through participation and encouragement of others. Inspirational to his contemporaries and unfailingly supportive of much younger members of the School, many of whom will have had the opportunity to play alongside him in several concerts. There is no finer honour to bestow upon him as he leaves us to pursue new musical opportunities at Manchester University.

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The Cookes Prize Elouise Brookes

The Housman Trophy Nikita Bedov

The Cookes’ Prize, named after our Founder, is our ultimate award and goes to one who has enjoyed an outstanding career throughout their time at the School, both in terms of a broad range of significant contributions and attaining excellence in each.

The new Housman Trophy is named after, arguably, our most famous Old Bromsgrovian, A. E. Housman, and reflects his legacy as a renowned academic. It seeks to celebrate our outstanding scholar, one who is highly able, disciplined, and an exceptionally deep, inquisitive or creative thinker.

This year’s winner has the impressive résumé that you might naturally expect of such a person. A breath-taking list of sporting commitments, including participation in no fewer than seven, some at the first team level. Teamwork and dedication are hallmarks of their involvement. Those attributes also account for Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and continued membership of the CCF since joining in the Upper Fourth.

Blessed with a strong intellect, curiosity and an enthusiasm for the natural world, this year’s winner is just that. He has taken academic opportunities as they have arisen, but has also pro-actively sought new ways to educate his peers. As a result, he leaves the School significantly richer than he found it.

Equally able academically, there are predictions of an IB Diploma score in the 40s.

He single-handedly set up a Natural Sciences Society, instigated and led two World Wildlife Days in School and has started his own Conservation organisation. He wants to empower others in his beloved subject to share his commitment, make a real difference and influence the preservation of the planet.

In House, more of the same, with their Houseparent saying they are “not only accomplished but also possessing humility, generosity and good humour”.

His enthusiasm is infectious, his commitment undeniable. He has rightfully earned a place at Pembroke College, Cambridge to read Natural Sciences.

Normally, when a committed and talented all-rounder of this calibre comes up through the ranks, their potential is easily spotted and they are snapped up for leadership roles in the Sixth Form. Ironically, though, giving them that sort of responsibility often curbs their involvement. The burdens of office reduce their ability to be so involved or to stay focussed upon personal excellence. But not so this year. It is a rare thing to be able to fulfil the ultimate responsibility of being Head of School and still attain Sir Thomas Cookes’ vision of enabling young people to excel on all fronts, but this year’s remarkable recipient has done just that. She is, quite simply, the epitome of what it is to be a Bromsgrovian.

Academic Awards IB Language A2 German Vinzenz Freigassner IB Language A2 Russian A Mahmutoe Mariam Psychology Alexandra Scott Environmental Systems and Societies Nikita Bedov Theory of Knowledge Viktoriia Rybak Extended Essay Vladyslav Khrypun CAS Trophy Oluwatosin Attah Extended Project Qualification Rachel Weller

Arts Awards The Bernard-Hall Mancey Cup for Most Improved Musician Archie Batham-Read The Vivian Anthony Cup for Musical Contribution Rachel Weller The Janet Cockin Debating Cup Matthew Hegarty The T.E. Godwin Cup for Most Improved Junior Speaker Laetitia de Belgique Most Improved Drama Award Madelaine Barber -Fray The Page Cup for Drama Matthew Hegarty Staff Junior Reading Prize Lucia Goodwin Outstanding Contribution to Bromsgrove Service James Allely

CCF Awards Best Army Cadet Olivia Corcoran Best RAF Cadet Sam Ison Overall contribution to Extra-Curricular Life of the School Aled Luckman

Sports Trophies and Awards The Cosier Cup (Best Team) U19 Netball Team The Swatkins Trophy (Girl) This award goes to someone who has represented the School in hockey, netball, swimming, athletics and rounders. This pupil always gives 100% effort during both training and matches, and always has a positive approach. She is a role model for others to follow. This year’s Swatkins Endeavour Award goes to Claire Humphries. The Swatkins Trophy (Boy) During his time at Bromsgrove, this pupil has participated in an impressive number of fixtures in many different sports. In every competitive situation, he has displayed an exemplary attitude for all to follow. He has represented the School superbly in all that he does. This year’s Swatkins Trophy goes to Bipin Gurung. Outstanding Contribution to Girls’ Games The winner of this award has represented the School at 1st team level for hockey and tennis and at junior level in netball and rounders. During her Senior School career, she has represented Bromsgrove in 226 fixtures. She has captained both the tennis and golf teams. This year’s Outstanding Contribution to Girls’ Games award goes to Charlotte Campbell.

Outstanding Contribution to Boys’ Games This pupil has competed for the School across four different sports. He has focused on, and excelled in, football and cricket. For the football team, he was present in defence and helped the team to secure an unbeaten season. Most recently, he captained the School 1st XI to a fine season, leading a young team with confidence and determination. This year the Outstanding Contribution to Boys’ Games goes to George Hatfield. Sportswoman of the Year This year’s sportswoman of the year is awarded to someone who is playing at an elite level in her sport. She is the U18 Hereford and Worcester County Tennis Champion and she has secured a tennis scholarship to America. This year’s sportswoman of the year goes to Georgina Jeynes-Cupper. Sportsman of the Year During his time at Bromsgrove, this pupil has made a significant contribution to 1st XV rugby, with some outstanding performances across two seasons. He has also matured into a superb leader on the field, guiding the team through a successful year. He has been recognised outside of School for his games with Worcester Warriors and international selection for England at both U18 and U20 level. He was also included in the Senior England training squad before their recent match against the Barbarians – all whilst still at School. This year’s Sportsman of the Year is Ollie Lawrence.

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Salvete

Mark Reading Mark Reading Michaelmas 2017 Summer 2018 English Language Alia Derriey English Literature Holly Heslop English as a Second Language Adrian Ka Chung Tse Religious Studies Jonathon Green Mathematics Samuel Osborne French June Lec German Lily-Rose Faulkner-Schütt Geography Benjamin Turner Spanish Timofey Abbasov Art Isabella Breithaupt Textiles Lily-Rose Faulkner-Schütt Business Studies Rufus Hulbert Economics Zewei (Eltham) Lin Biology Samuel Osborne Chemistry Harry Whitfield Physics Tristan Hall Dual Science Yuet Yee Ngan Latin Tristan Hall Classical Civilisation Holly Heslop Design & Technology Graphic Products Emily Lou Resistant Materials Harry Fussell Drama Holly Nicols History Iain Simmons Music Christiana Lloyd PE Jules Gwinnutt

Elmshurst Yelnur Hans Long Hei Tristan Wai Yin Cheuk Him Ming Sun Thomas Jin Heng Tsz Tik Chi Him Daniil Andrian Paul Hanrong Elliot Sungyoon Henry Joshua Alexandar Théodore Daniil Lai-Chun George Benjamin Haoyu Ethan Wingshun Qifan Chung Sum Max Oliver Qianning

Aliyev Braasch Chan Chan Ching Choi Chu Chu Chun Dulko Filipov Gabard Ge Hall Hong Hopkins Howell Krastev Lagonico Mintc Mok Rawlings Schickel Song Tang Wang Wong Wynn Xu

Art - Textiles Portia Gallagher

Hazeldene Jessica

Smith

Design Technology Mikayla de Gouveia

Housman Hall Aida Vladislava Wang Chung King Yunn Bryant Jun Yew Catharina Maxwella Oyintare Lisa Martin Aina Michail Dariia Tsz Hin Mariia Kyrylo Tom Yeuk Tung Kwan Ho Mingze

Binti Hassan Bogatyreva Cheng Chiang Chong Dahmen Fakrogha Gäbelein Gochev González Serrano Harmandjiev Hromyk Hung Krutova Kulebiakin Langheim Lee Liu Liu

Upper Fourth Subject Prizes

Lower Fourth Subject Prizes

English, Chemistry and Latin Gemma Calthorpe

English and Drama Sophia Eaton

Mathematics Vladimir Averin

Mathematics Andrew Wong

French Max Opengeym

French Joelle Booth

German Lauren McLean

German Isobel Scott

Spanish, Geography, Biology and Physics Lucia Goodwin

Chemistry, Physics, Geography and Business Mayaz Shabab

History Elizabeth Aston Business and Classic Civilisation Matthew Cheng Art, Craft and Design Cherry Fung Art - Textiles Liberty Smith Design Technology Ian (Joaquim) Pang Drama Ciara Hughes Music Joshua Lawson Religious Studies Eleanor Rea English as an Additional Language Kate Stepanova Physical Education Eloisa Borriello Prizes for Endeavour and Progress Sadie Gardner, Chloe Derbyshire, Francesca Mellor, Radu Polschi, Murat Shafigullin, Toby Hill

Spanish Ellen Ashton Latin Toby Hill Biology Mikhail Strelkov History James Chen Art, Craft & Design Chantall Wong

Classical Civilisation Fenella Stone Music Ian Chan Physical Education Annabel Crowder Religious Studies Zoe Law

Prize for the Best Student

English as an Additional Language Arsenii Steshenko

Gemma Calthorpe

Prizes for Endeavour and Progress Esme Elwell Thomas, Isra Suleman, Agatha Warner, Thomas Cosh, Charles Costello, James Bayliss Prize for the Best Year’s Work Sophia Eaton

Qingying Ohigbai Oghovese Erin Jiaqi Yuvraj Oluwamayowa Carolina Yelyzaveta Polina Maxim Ronda Matei Cheng I Sum Yin Shirley Charlotte Jaren Kit Taymour Boris

Luo Omo-Eboh Pela Petrescu Pu Singh Soyannwo Tatò Tkachenko Vagner Vashkevich Villar Carrero Voicu Wong Wong Woo Yeung Zaazou Zhak

Lupton Samuel Sonny Zade Charlie Mateusz

Grimmett-Bate Morgan Simmons Vincent Wiewiórski

Mary Windsor Ming Wai Klara Cheuk See Hei Tung Yu Hei Nik Zarea Nazmeen Ching Wing Jih-Shan Daria Mariia Anna Xiaoye Ioana Julia Junfei Felicitas Maxima

Chan Floricic Ho Hong Kam Kamil Leung Lo Morozova Sinhaievska Skorokhod Tang Voicu Winners Yin Zahlbruckner Zieschang

Oakley Anna Pilar Yana Aishah Antonia Caroline Claire

Chudinova Contreras Peinado Dulko Elnaggar Gavriiska Gracey Gracey

Juliia Gabrielé Ruyi Kelly Louisa Jiayin Noor Alanna Jiewen Ruilin Beini Marta Xinwen Yilin

Kozhaeva Krevneviciute Li Lin Maynard Min Montacer-Shilvock Pullen Shen Song Tong Wiewiórska Zhang Zhu

School Thomas Joel Jake

Nicholson Redden Wingfield

Thomas Cookes Rosie Cally Julia Grace Gabrielle

Butts Buxton Len Richardson Walker

Walters Matthew

Walker

Wendron-Gordon Constantin Nic David Caden Sheung Hon Chi Man Stanley King Laam Thiago Kwan To Ajton Artem Chi Oleksii Cheuk Lok Kornkrist Yann-Nicholas Joy Hoo Gaoxuan Paul Sergei Tsz Hin Ho Lam Yuet Ka

Aletsee Bamberger Bucur Chan Cheng Chung Egner Hui Kalaci Khodachuk Lam Li Liu Mahathorn Meister Mo Pei Pöhl Tcikunov Wan Wu Wu

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Destination of Leavers 2018 University

Subject

University

Subject

Apprenticeship Arizona State, US Bath Bath Bath Bath Bath Bath Bath Spa Birmingham City Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Birmingham RG Bocconi Bocconi, Italy Boston, US Bristol RG Bristol RG Bristol RG Bristol RG Bristol RG Bristol RG Bristol RG Bristol RG Brunel BUWE BUWE Cambridge RG Cambridge RG Cardiff Met Cardiff Met Cardiff RG Cardiff RG Cardiff RG Cardiff RG Cardiff RG Cardiff RG China China Courtauld Institute Courtauld Institute Coventry

Aston Martin Degree Apprenticeship Pre-Veterinary Medicine Mechanical Engineering Biochemistry Management with Marketing Management with Marketing Economics Sport and Social Sciences Music Fashion Design Medicine History Chemistry Sport and Exercise Sciences Engineering Business Management with Marketing Sport and Exercise Sciences Law Medicine Accounting and Finance International Business Economics Economics Astronomy and Physics Law Law International Business Management Applied Anatomy Aerospace Engineering Engineering Design Law English Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences Computer Science Sports Rehab Natural Sciences Natural Sciences Sport and Physical Education Sport Management Economics and Management Studies Medicine International Relations Business Management (International) Civil Engineering Occupational Therapy Pre-university course for Chinese Pre-university course for Chinese History of Art History of Art International Disaster Management

De Montfort Durham RG Durham RG Durham RG Durham RG Durham RG Durham RG Durham RG East Anglia Edinburgh RG Edinburgh RG Erasmus, Netherlands Essex Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Exeter RG Georgia Tech, US Harper Adams Hull IE, Madrid IE, Madrid Imperial RG Imperial RG Imperial RG Imperial RG Imperial RG King’s RG King’s RG King’s RG King’s RG King’s RG Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster Lancaster Leeds Beckett Leeds RG Leeds RG Leeds RG

Game Art History Economics Anthropology Music Accounting and Finance Finance Economics with Management Philosophy International Relations Spanish and Classics Economics Business Management and Spanish International Relations Economics and Politics Economics with Spanish Business Management with Marketing Mathematics Flexible Combined Honours Exercise and Sport Sciences Business and Management Economics Geography Exercise and Sport Sciences Ancient History and Archaeology Business Management Exercise and Sport Sciences Aerospace Engineering Agriculture British Politics and Legislative Studies

Mechanical Engineering Biological Sciences Chemical Engineering Molecular Bioengineering Chemical Engineering International Relations Physics International Relations Biomedical Science Economics Marketing Theoretical Physics with Mathematics Ecology and Conservation Earth and Environmental Sciences Physical Activity, Exercise and Health Management and Human Resources Law History & History and Philosophy of Science

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Destination of Leavers 2018 University

Subject

University

Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Liverpool RG Loughborough Loughborough Loughborough Loughborough Loughborough Loughborough LSE RG LSE RG LSE RG LSE RG LSE RG LSE RG LSE RG Maastricht (LSE) Manchester RG Manchester RG Manchester RG Manchester RG Manchester RG Newcastle RG Newcastle RG Northeastern, US Northeastern, US Norway Nottingham RG Nottingham RG Nottingham RG Nottingham RG Nottingham RG Nottingham RG Nottingham RG Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Nottingham Trent Oxford Brookes Oxford Brookes Oxford Brookes

Geography Physics with Astronomy Law Mathematics with Finance Architecture Law Architecture History Accounting and Financial Management Industrial Design and Technology Economics International Business Business Psychology Physics with Astrophysics and Cosmology Philosophy and Economics Management Law Economics Law Politics and International Relations International Relations and History International Law Music Psychology Politics and International Relations Architecture Life Sciences Mechanical Engineering Marketing Business Administration Computer Science

Penn State, US Queen Mary RG Queen Mary RG Queen Mary RG Queen Mary RG Queen’s, Charlotte, US Queensland, Australia Reading Roehampton Royal Holloway Royal Holloway Royal Holloway San Francisco, US Sheffield RG Sheffield RG St Louis, US Surrey Surrey Surrey Swansea Swansea Swansea Toronto Trinity St David UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCL RG UCLA, US Warwick RG Warwick RG Warwick RG Warwick RG Westminster York RG York RG York RG

Law Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Finance, Accounting and Management Classical Civilisation Politics and International Relations Natural Sciences Accounting and Finance Business Psychology Business Management/Accounting & Finance Economics with Business Business Management/Accounting & Finance Business Management (Second Year in Company) Product Design Real Estate Management Motorsport Engineering Sport Coaching & PE/Business Management

Subject

Mathematics with Finance and Accounting Electrical and Electronic Engineering Human Geography Economics and Finance Veterinary Science Real Estate Zoology Economics, Politics & International Relations Management with Marketing Management with Entrepeneurship Law International Relations and Politics Chemical Engineering Biomedical Sciences Politics and Economics International Relations Sociology Chemistry Life Sciences Automotive Engineering History, Politics and Economics Management Science Anthropology Urban Studies Social Sciences with Quantitative Methods History, Politics and Economics European Social and Political Studies Arts and Sciences Economics Civil Engineering Statistics, Economics and Finance Information Management for Business Biotechnology Nutrition and Medical Sciences English Biological Sciences Management Law Fashion Buying Management Chemistry Politics Biotechnology and Microbiology

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The Upper Sixth Form is a busy time for our students applying for university and preparing for the ‘Next Step’ after Bromsgrove School. As you might expect, much of our Head of Year time is devoted to this important aspect of sixth form life, with tutors helping to prepare effective university applications, further advice from Ms Leech about the UCAS process and international applications with Mrs Bateman. We did, however, pause throughout the year for some interesting and thought provoking lectures about student finance, drug awareness and online safety. In the Lent term, events included the senior House debating competition, before the all-important examination preparation, departmental support sessions and revision period in the early part of the Summer term.

Head of Year The Lower Fourth have had a varied and informative programme of events in Head of Year, including e-safety, citizenship, relationships, finance, first aid and racism with follow-up sessions allowing pupils the opportunity to explore issues in greater depth. External speakers have also given presentations to the year group from the Teenage Cancer Trust, PC Neil Sharpe on personal safety, and Loudmouth (a theatre in education company). Pupils were also treated to an academic lecture by Dr Matt Pritchard on ‘Surprising Science’, taking them on a journey through magic, Physics, Chemistry and the natural world. It was lovely to welcome back Mr Bowen who delivered his History of Bromsgrove School presentation, with pupils thoroughly enjoying the photographs and artefacts from bygone days and discussing afterwards how much the school has changed. Academic and sporting achievements continue to be celebrated at the end of term Fourth Form assemblies. As always, a highlight of the year was the falconry display. The weather stayed fine and pupils enjoyed watching a variety of birds of prey dive and swoop overhead. Miss Diver would like to thank Mrs Holdsworth Assistant Head of Year for all of her hard work over the past year and wishes her all the very best as she goes on maternity leave.

The Upper Fourth team would like to thank Ms Woolley for her assistance and for organising and delivering sessions on drugs and smoking. She would also like to thank Miss Leech and Ms Green for organising study skills and PHSE sessions.

The Upper Fourth have also experienced an interesting and wide-ranging programme of presentations this year from the risks of sexting; diversity and the importance of challenging gender stereotypes; to facts on smoking and drugs; improving organisation and study skills; and mental health. The Deputy Headmaster, Mr Ruben, gave two interesting academic lectures including a very apt history of the European Union. Dr Rimmer spoke on the topic of finance and career aspirations, giving students an overview of salaries and budgeting. We had a number of external visitors presenting on a diverse range of subjects including Gender and Identity by Berkeley Wilde and an interactive presentation on Human Rights by Amnesty International. Like the Lower Fourth pupils, the Upper Fourth also found Dr Pritchard’s Magical Science presentation astounding and imaginative.

Our Sixth Form students were excellent role models during the Head of Year sessions. The Monitors thoroughly researched and prepared for the highly entertaining, fast-paced “Question of House” quiz event, which kept the Fourth Form on the edge of their seats. In addition, the IB CAS students gave a mature, sensitive and articulate presentation about Holocaust Memorial Day. Inter-House debating was held at the end of Michaelmas and, as always, the standard was high; it was pleasing to see so many pupils represent their Houses. Celebrating individual success, the range of pupils awarded Headmaster’s Commendations at Fourth Form Assembly and subject and endeavour prizes at Mark Reading is impressive.

Over the course of the academic year, much of the PSHEE programme delivered to the Fifth Form is through sessions dedicated to cyber bullying, welfare and safeguarding by Julie Wilkinson from Brave the Rage. Old Bromsgrovian, Simon Bucknall always gives an entertaining presentation on public speaking, where pupils learn top tips on how to present themselves at interviews. Our Chairman of Governors, Paul West, presented on diversity in policing and Mr Challoner considered the idea of ‘what it means to be British’. As thoughts turned to the impending GCSE examinations, the group began to consider their future plans. Study skills are explored to help pupils to prepare for their mock examinations and information on studying the IB or A levels is dissipated alongside what to expect from Sixth Form life. We invited back A Star Future to enlighten pupils on what they might gain from studying abroad; they are often surprised at the opportunities available to them.

The Lower Sixth started the year with great promise and they have not disappointed since. Their contribution to all areas of School life, be it academic, creative, sporting and service, have been outstanding and I am sure their leadership at the top of the School next year will be equally impressive. To be able to welcome our Lower Sixth into the new Routh Concert Hall at the beginning of September was a special privilege and it has really helped to support the depth and breadth of our HOY programme. The Next Step remains a key focus for the Lower Sixth year group, and with the support of Bromsgrove Futures, pertinent talks from Surrey University, Kings College London, the University of British Colombia and New York University, helped students to consider the many options available to them. A new initiative this year allowed students to choose from a range of super-curricular lectures hosted by School departments. Lectures ranging from Shakespeare is Dead – the birth of critical reading to The Exchange Rate Mechanism Fiasco/ Miracle of 1992 to Genocides of the Twentieth Century, were but a few of the very inspirational talks, allowing students to delve beyond their examination subject areas.

To our Upper Sixth Form leavers, we thank you for being such a terrific year group and your vibrant contribution to School life at Bromsgrove. We wish you every success and happiness. Do stay in touch; especially through the Old Bromsgrovians’ Network, which we commend to you, it is always a pleasure for us to hear how everyone is getting on. F Diver, E Johnston, S Ascough, F Bateman and T Johns

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The achievements seen in the exam rooms, should be recognised within the context of the considerable achievements the same students have achieved on the sports field and on stage – equally, our leading cadets and musicians are also dedicated academics.

Academic Review Bromsgrove remains a large school. Our students took just under 1700 GCSE examinations and just shy of 1000 qualifications in the Sixth Form. Our science teachers support students taking their subject at Higher and Standard Level within the IB, A Level, as both a standalone IGCSE and as part of a dual award science qualification. The School caters for those who have joined the Senior School in the Lower or Upper Fourth, Fifth or Lower Sixth and come from one of fortyeight international educational systems. This scale and variety seen within the School requires us to offer a genuinely personalised and bespoke education – our students each have unique needs. A recent attempt to articulate the breadth of our Sixth Form offer highlighted that we are currently running eleven discrete Sixth Form curriculums, with a multitude of subject choice combinations within them.

Examinations are not the end point or even the goal of an education, but serve only as a marker, helping to articulate and clarify what knowledge and skills have been mastered up to that point. The last academic year was a good one that saw the School successfully nurture our students’ intellectual lives for the adult world that awaits them. P Ruben

This summer, once again, it was reassuring to receive confirmation that what is being taught and learnt is being undertaken so successfully. In the Sixth Form, almost three-fifths of all entries scored at least an A Grade. By far the most popular subject remains Mathematics with half the cohort taking the subject and almost 90% gaining at least a B grade, whilst of the score who took English, all, at least matched this benchmark.

A Levels remain the bread and butter qualification for most Sixth Formers, although in the last decade, their overarching dominance has declined. A third of all our Sixth Form qualifications are now achieved within other systems. We were delighted by the results achieved by our largest ever cohort of IB students, as fifty-six candidates scored an average of 38.4 points, equivalent to more than 4 A*s at A Level. Meanwhile, forty-four of the forty-eight BTEC entries achieved at least a Distinction. Most students successfully demonstrated that they had academically extended themselves beyond their ‘main’ subjects, with the IB pupils averaging a superb 2.1 in their Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay core programme, and all, bar three, of the ninety-three Extended research Projects gained at least an A grade.

Meanwhile our Fifth Formers, faced with a confusing mix of GCSE letter and number grades, achieved the highest proportion of top A* (8 or 9) grades achieved by any cohort of Bromsgrovians, whilst matching past record performances at A*/A and A*/B rates. Whilst the staggered rolling out of the new GCSE grading system slightly muddies the water, overall, the Fifth Form achieved the School’s best ever results at this level. The University of Durham allows schools to measure students’ ability at various ages so that their later achievements and rate of progress can be judged against those studying in other schools. Their analysis suggests, as is invariably the case, that Bromsgrovians last year outperformed the majority of students in other schools at all age levels, whether it be in GCSEs, A Levels or the IB Diploma.

To an extent, the headlines above hide the significant achievements of many of our students. Our pupils continue to gravitate towards what many consider the most challenging of subjects – Maths and the Sciences at A Level, whilst our IB students often take a disproportionately large number of subjects at the more challenging Higher Level. Our teachers continue to take great pride in the fact that the vast majority of students have not merely been prepared to work away in a utilitarian sense to get their heads around the requirements of specific examination mark schemes, but they have worked with style, panache and flair. The results pupils achieved did not occur distinctly from the graft that went on before. Virtually all have shown not merely ambition and discipline over the last twelve months, but also the self-awareness and maturity to be constructively self-critical, so that they could make significant progress in developing their depth of understanding.

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Bromsgrove Challenge The Bromsgrove Challenge was launched to Prep pupils as a taster of Service in the Senior School. The students were encouraged to undertake several challenges including charitable work, writing a book review and going on a cultural visit. Fantastic entries were received from the following who have been commended for their efforts: Olivia Chester, Millie Goulden-Page, Alex Shakes, Anaiya Sunner and Rose Willetts.

Prep School Activities Overview of Prep Activities Activities continue to thrive at the Prep School thanks to both the extensive variety on offer and the commitment and dedication of the staff. As always, artistic activities prove to be some of the most popular, with jewellery making, cross-stitch, crafty masks and pottery being added to the always oversubscribed canvas painting, textiles, making history and sewing crafts. The fantastic pieces of work they produce are

displayed around School for all to see. We have also had a wide array of alternative sporting options this year including badminton, football, fencing, karate, clay shooting, horse riding, golf, Ultimate Frisbee and chess. The climbing wall has been opened up to Prep School pupils for those who are feeling particularly adventurous. Mr Sutherland’s Goblin Cart has had an exciting year culminating in a track day towards the end of June. Mrs Hepburn has also introduced a CREST Science program into Years 7 and 8 for those wishing to extend their skills with project work. With over fifty activities on offer, and even more in the works for next year, there is truly something here for everyone. M Turner

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Christmas Jumper Day Prep pupils spent a day towards the end of the Michaelmas term wearing festive jumpers, and in some cases hats, in aid of Save the Children. The Eco and the Charities Committees joined forces to raise money for children who are in desperate need around the world at this very special time.

The day was made complete with an amazing Christmas lunch. Thanks were given to the catering staff for all their hard work throughout the year. S Dakin

Charities It has been an incredibly busy year for Charities at the Preparatory School. Our industrious committee of eager Year 8 pupils worked together to organise and coordinate numerous different fundraising activities throughout the year. In the Michaelmas term, we were involved in the Birmingham City Mission toy collection. Pupils in all year groups donated new and nearly new toys, which were then distributed to families in the Birmingham area. Pupils enjoyed coming into School in their own clothes for Children in Need, as well as annual collections taking place during Harvest Festival and the wonderful Christmas carol services. The services raised money for The Children’s Society and Primrose Hospice. Pupils have adorned their uniforms with poppies for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and daffodils for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The most exciting part of the year for our Charities Committee has to be Charities Week, which took place in March 2018. The whole School (including the teachers) had the opportunity to vote for the charities they wished to support. Seven very worthy charities, most with a personal connection to our pupils, were shortlisted by the committee, while the rest of the School voted after listening to a short presentation. Two charities were chosen from the shortlist: JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and The Brain Tumour Charity. Charities week itself was a hive of activity – there were cakes a plenty, a soggy splat-the-teacher event, quizzes to puzzle us and other stalls and challenges based around the School. The pupils managed to raise a wonderful £3200, which was shared between the chosen charities. We were delighted to be able to welcome charity representatives to hand over the cheques in person. A special mention must go to this year’s committee: Sophie Pover, Charlie Hodgson, Jessica Whitlock, Henry Jones, Grace Warren, Angelina Sanghera, Jamie Lewis, Alexander Holroyd, Bryony Lowe, Charlie Cooper, Olivia Whitfield, Verity Slater, Tara Boonnak and Issy Rusling. S Cartwright

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Eco Committee The Prep School Eco Committee was extremely proud to receive the EcoSchools Silver award. This was achieved by our Committee working tirelessly to encourage every pupil to use a refillable water bottle and to recycle waste products whilst raising money for charity. They also organised an Outdoor Learning Day and a Den Day, as well as ensuring that environmental issues are covered in curriculum lessons.

The Committee has organised many eco sales, where Fairtrade and recycled products have been sold to pupils raising funds to allow us to purchase more recycling bins and a wormery. I would like to thank this year’s dedicated Eco Committee for all their hard work in leading the initiative which has enabled us to achieve much of our action plan. S Dakin

Cookery Pupils have enjoyed cookery activities throughout the year with Chef Chris Micklewright, particularly enhanced by the new Prep dining room facilities.

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Forest School Forest School has had an exciting year with two new Forest School Leaders and the development of a new site at the Prep School. Pupils from Year 3 and 4 have benefitted from their weekly sessions learning about the natural environment. The children have built a real connection with the world we live in and have developed an appreciation for adaption and change. The new Forest School Leaders have shown commitment and enthusiasm to scaffold pupils’ learning. Teamwork remains a key skill in Forest School for both pupils and adults alike. The fire continues to be the focal point during sessions and provides us with an opportunity for cooking, keeping warm or time for reflection. Pupils have shown that they can confidently build and light fires, with many children being able to use a flint and steel by the end of Year 4. With the extremely changeable weather, neither the pupils nor the staffs’ enthusiasm has been dampened. In fact, Forest School in the snow and torrential rain remains a highlight. The children have demonstrated a good understanding of the changing seasons and have appreciated the blooming bulbs that were planted last year. Bromsgrove Prep’s commitment to Forest School continues to build year on year, with sessions supported by Outdoor Learning Day, Den Day and many other activities that are in the pipeline for next year. The sessions are an integral part of learning in Year 3 and 4, and provide the pupils with skills for life. S Dakin

Gardening Club The new Gardening Club has been established at the Prep School, stemming from the enthusiasm that was generated from undertaking the Malvern Show last year. The pupils have worked hard to establish two raised beds, a greenhouse and planters full of a variety of vegetables. Throughout the year, they have been privileged enough to be supported by expert advice from Scott, a member of the School’s grounds team. He has passed on his knowledge to pupils, enabling them to learn how to take cuttings, grow potatoes from seed, germinate seeds and create compost. These plants will be watered during the summer holidays with a solar powered irrigation system connected to the water butts. The Gardening Club have been lucky enough to make use of a new greenhouse, which was kindly funded by the Parents’ Association. The children are very excited to harvest their hard work and to taste the fruits of their labours. S Dakin

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Geography Geography was brought to life when author, Joanna Grochowicz, visited the Prep School to discuss her new book, Into the White, Scott’s Antarctic Odyssey. The book, aimed at 9-13 year olds, gives the story of the Terra Nova expedition in a fresh and engaging way, capturing the achievements of the expedition juxtaposed with the resilience that was required to overcome the harsh climatic conditions. Joanna’s presentation introduced some of the more unfamiliar characters and highlighted their contributions to the adventure. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed dressing up in authentic costumes and acting out scenes from the book. This was a wonderful way to introduce the new topic of Weather and Climate to Year 7. J Holden

Heads of School Talk The Heads of Prep School, Alex, Olivia, Elliot and Hannah, delivered an excellent presentation to current Year 2 pupils. This will help our younger pupils with the transition to the Prep School and into their new Year 3 classes. S Webley

Kindness Day Years 5 and 6 pupils participated in the 52 Lives School Kindness Project, which uses the power of kindness to change people’s lives. Greig from the project gave an interactive presentation about the importance of kindness, including the emotional, physical and social benefits it can bring. He led a workshop introducing the charity and the child, Kitty, who the pupils were helping. The highlight of the day was making cards and gifts to send to Kitty and recording a message for her at the end of the day.

Alongside the workshop, every form group created a Sunshine Box made up of sunshine coloured items. These were given to Myton Hospice’s Rainbow Ribbons, a support network for the children who have lost family to cancer. Staff at the School created similar boxes for the nurses at Myton Hospice, Primrose and Macmillan as a thank you for their remarkable work. The pupils presented Mr Bob Newton with the boxes as he now volunteers for both Myton Hospice and Macmillan.

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Maths Challenge

Linguists of the Month

Bromsgrove Preparatory School hosted our own UKMT-style competition for the highest achieving pupils in the local area. Ten schools took part including a Bromsgrove team, plus representation from West House, St John’s, Holy Trinity, RGS The Grange, Wychall, Belbroughton, Solihull, Chaddesley Corbett and Newbridge. The day was designed as an extra challenge and to reward the most able mathematicians.

Congratulations to the following Prep School Linguists of the Month for 2017/18: September: Wilf Gilbert, Farah Croce, Neel Agrawal, Lauren Baker, Cameron Owen, Evie Derbyshire (French); Henry Scott, Sophie Pover (Spanish); Justin Fung, Louise Osborne (German). October: Ben Conroy, Ruby Broadhurst, Bijen Gurung, Maria Christodoulou, George Hastings, Eleanor Boardman (French); Charlie Bird, Lucy Walter (Spanish); Finbar Dinnen, Nancy Broadhurst (German).

During the morning, pupils took part in a group challenge followed by a shuttle task, and then in the afternoon there was a cross number followed by a mathematical relay. A fun and tiring day was had by all. The eventual winners, St John’s (A Team) were awarded prizes by Mrs Ison: A huge well done to everyone who took part. M Turner

November: Mackenzie Jones, Caitlin Pridden, Ethan Spurgeon, Catherine Dwenger, William Brown, Luci Broadhurst (French); Joseph Boardman, Saoirse Kelly (Spanish); Thomas Griffiths, Sophia Mills (German). December: Henry Foster, Grace Thompson-Brown, Leo Boonnak, Isla Sutherland, Hamish Schulze, Angelina Sanghera (French); Henry Jinks, Suani Tamang (Spanish); Archie Stone, Leia Thompson (German). January: Aoife O’Donnell, Sophia Bhardwaj, Seb Bullock, Riana Hunt, Ben Collett, Chloe Reijmer (French); Alex Ranger, Ella Kenward (Spanish); Cameron Owen, Veronika Nikolaeva (German). February: George Christodoulou, Olivia Faber, Aarush Thapa, Ava Colley, Archie Greaves-Hall, Katherine Sutherland (French); Hamza Suleman, Heidi Fryer (Spanish); Herbie Warner, Suani Tamang (German). March: Leo Boonnak, Lily Milojevic, Marcus Au Yeung, Anya Sanikop (French); Josh Coyne, Maddie Shorrock (Spanish); Ayush Gurung, Millie Barnes (German). April: Henry Greaves, Elina Patel, James Battelley, Romana Thompson, Cyrus Passman, Louise Osborne (French); Nicholas Hunt, Lydia Flynn (Spanish); Nukohma Gurung, Hattie Owen (German

Poetry

May: Beau Langford, Isobel Boardman, Henry Grey, Emily Collett, Henry Jones, Hannah Hunt (French); Tom Astle, Olivia Slater (Spanish); George Eccles, Emily Dyer (German). We are delighted at the pupils’ efforts and enthusiasm for their language studies this year. R Boardman

Local schools were invited to join four of our own pupils in Years 7 and 8 to enjoy poetry and afternoon tea with the Worcestershire Poet Laureate, Nina Lewis.

After venturing outside to write words and phrases that came to mind as pupils sensed the environment, the afternoon tea was very welcome.

The first creations were erasure poems. Artistic talents came to the fore and before long, the first pages of the new poetry journals were filled. The Poet Laureate then explained that words are periodically removed from the Oxford English Dictionary in order to make space for others. The doomed words were put onto the screen and a group poem was written incorporating those that resonated with them.

Returning to the theatre, fibonacci poems were constructed using the ideas gathered from outside. It was a challenge to write poetic lines in syllables following the fibonacci sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8. All too soon, the afternoon was over, but it is our hope that the young poets have been suitably stimulated so that they can add to their repertoire of inspirational poetry. C Leather

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Photography Club The Prep School Photography Club have had a busy and enjoyable year. Each half-term, they have embraced a different focus and have honed their editing skills along the way. Themes have included looking at living organisms in close-up, viewing inanimate objects from a different perspective, black and white portraiture and reportage-style sports photography. The highlight of the Michaelmas term was the chance for Prep pupils to participate in the Senior School Photography Competition. With the focus on nature in close-up, the group concentrated on defining texture and colour. Entries from Emelia Moberley and Faye Jones were among the twelve photos selected to appear in the Biology Department’s Calendar. In the Lent term, the group turned their attention indoors and enjoyed the creative challenge of viewing everyday items around them from an unusual angle. They used their imagination to create filters and add texture to images with some inspiring results. As the weather improved, pupils ventured outside once more to capture some of the athletes in training. This has given them the opportunity to work on maintaining image sharpness when taking action shots. Enjoying the afternoon sunshine has been an additional bonus. R Boardman

Philosophy Society

Pie Chart Competition

A lively discussion started the first Socrates Philosophy Society session. Led by Sixth Former Fion Tse, Prep School pupils discussed what makes things right or wrong. Morals and ethics were debated and various scenarios were outlined. This was an exciting session, which raised many questions for all involved.

Well done to all the finalists in Mr Turner’s Pie Chart Competition. Year 6: Lucy Cattell, Isobel Miskin, Shirley Sum, Elizabeth Philpott (overall winner), Luigi Li, Rose Davenport. Year 5: Imogen Kershaw-Crombie, Sophie Hinton, William Holroyd, Maanabi Limbu (overall winner), Charlie Collyer.

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Study Skills Study Skills days for pupils in Years 7 and 8 covered general advice on how to revise, including revision timetables, examination technique, revision myths and a variety of revision techniques. Andy Salmon, otherwise known as Sir Linkalot, spent part of the morning speaking to Year 8 as a whole, and then helped pupils in small groups to remember spellings and mathematical terms in an engaging and fun way.

UKMT Junior Maths Challenge

Royal Wedding Street Party Prep pupils celebrated the marriage of HRH Prince Henry of Wales to Ms Meghan Markle with a Right Royal Wedding Street Party.

RSC Workshop Year 8 enjoyed a workshop with the RSC to enhance their study of Romeo and Juliet, bringing Shakespeare to life. Here they are making a group oxymoron tableaux of love and hate. C Abrahams

The younger Prep School pupils enjoyed a street party style lunch to celebrate the Royal Wedding. With the sun shining down on everyone, the catering department produced a wonderful array of food and everyone had a great time. Many thanks to Miss Cadwallader and Miss Cartwright for all their hard work in organising this special event.

An excellent set of results were achieved by our Year 8 students who took part in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Junior Maths Challenge. This is a prestigious National competition run by the University of Leeds, aimed at top-notch mathematicians throughout the country. Solving highly challenging problems requires extensive mathematical knowledge and extremely good logical thinking skills; all of our students performed admirably attaining between them eight Gold Awards, ten Silver and sixteen Bronze.

The Gold medal winners were Harry Draper-Barr, who was also “Best in School”, Joseph Morgan, Joshua Graesser, Alexander Ranger, Hannah Hunt, Justin Fung, all of whom also qualified for the Junior Kangaroo stage of the competition which was held in June 2018, and Henry Scott and Cyrus Passman. Very well done and many congratulations to all who participated. C Roskell

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Words and Music Words and Music is a delightful event, highlighting the talents of pupils in Years 3-8. Parents and staff were entertained by wonderful music provided by the House Music winners. Everyone enjoyed listening to the poetry of William Wordsworth, Dylan Thomas, Emily Bronte and Siegfried Sassoon amongst many others. The competition was judged by Mr Norton, Director of Performing Arts, who commented on how difficult his job was. Well done to the following winners: Year 3 – Olivia Grove Year 4 – Rumer Evans Year 5 – Beau Vaughan-Hawkins Year 6 – Gabriella Billig Year 7 – Gabriel Brown Year 8 – George Lamb The overall senior winner was Eleanor Boardman. The overall junior winner was Alfie Leighton.

Wildlife Talk Prep School pupils were fortunate to receive a presentation about endangered species, with this year’s focus on Big Cats. IB students gave an informative talk followed by hands-on experience of unusual and interesting animals.

World Book Day Year 3 celebrated World Book Day with all of the pupils and staff dressing up as their favourite book characters, ultimately raising money for the charity, Book Aid. There were some incredible entries for the Junior Department’s Get Caught Reading Competition and we thank everyone for their submissions.

WWI Workshops School Archivist, Nikki Thorpe, has been undertaking WWI workshops with Year 8 pupils, as part of a creative writing project to commemorate the end of the Great War. The competition, also open to Lower Fourth students, culminates in a prize visit to the war graves of former Bromsgrove pupils in France. The School Archive has a wealth of information and artefacts relating to former pupils and staff who served and were lost during the war. With the anniversary of the end of WWI coming up in November 2018, the School has been planning a yearlong commemoration including an anniversary screening of the Battle of the Somme and an art installation to honour those lost in the Great War.

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Years 5 and 6 Dinosaur Houses Years 5 and 6 have been using nets of 3D shapes to design and create a dinosaur themed house.

Years 7 and 8 Marmite The new Marmite Gifted and Talented Society for Years 7 and 8 started the academic year with perhaps even greater energy and intellectual exhilaration than its Senior School counterpart. The Society is tremendously well attended, gloriously well fed, and bouncing with what they call ‘Zip Wire for the Brain’. Supported by IB CAS students, the group are using analytical and cinematic vocabulary to share opinions on their favourite (and least favourite) films, whilst exploring this year’s Whole School theme, Wonder Women and Super Girls. Prep School students have made considered contributions concerning cinematography, mise-en-scene, SFX, and CGI in movies ranging from Jaws and Pacific Rim to Fury and Avengers. ‘Marmite’ is where we talk about the things that matter. With both passion and kindness, new members demonstrated again that we may not match, but we do belong. M Ruben

Years 3 and 4 Den Day Years 3 and 4 pupils enjoyed building dens out of cardboard, tarpaulins, blankets and sheets.

The Den Day was organised to raise money for Save the Children, who help children to rebuild their homes when disaster strikes. Thank you to everyone for their support.

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Prep Chapel ‘Be still and know that I am God ….’ Psalm 46:10

Young Citizens Challenge School children from across Bromsgrove and Redditch were invited to take part in the Young Citizens Challenge, an initiative aimed to encourage young people to think about their personal safety and the safety of others as they face a range of different situations. Bromsgrove Prep rose to this challenge for the fourth year running. Our Year 6 pupils took part in a range of safety-related situations, such as how to get out of a smoke-filled house and learnt about the actions to take if they witnessed a crime. The Young Citizens Challenge is a fantastic way of getting these safety messages across.

Year 8 Enterprise Day Year 8 participated in a daylong project called Enterprise for Access. The 116 students worked in teams to design a theme park for people with multisensory impairment such as deafblindness. This involved the group creating materials to support their presentation to an expert panel.

The presentations were superb and the expert panels were very impressed with the details that had been included in the theme park designs. Year 8 contributed superbly to the day and this activity was a wonderful way to participate in Deafblind Awareness Week. J Holden and D Rimmer

Dr Dawn Rimmer, who designed and ran the day, has worked for the past eighteen years with the charity Sense (who support people with complex communication needs). Staff from Sense’s regional office in Selly Oak, led training on deafblindness for the students so that they could appreciate how deafblind customers may want rides, marketing, and information provision adjusted.

Children enjoy being away from the classroom and working in teams to find solutions to the various challenges put before them. It is a week we look forward to ourselves and hope that all those involved will take away some important life skills.

Over the years, one of the things colleagues have said that they appreciate most about our weekly Prep School chapel service is just the opportunity to be still and, at least, for a little while, do nothing. This is, of course, part of an ancient tradition that goes right back into the Old Testament. Psalm 46 verse 10 tells us to ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Jesus would often take himself away from the crowds and even his disciples, sometimes spending all night alone in the presence of his Father. The Christian spiritual tradition has also placed emphasis on the importance of quiet days, retreats and periods of reflection. There is therefore, I would suggest, a deep need inside all of us to look beyond the hectic nature of our daily lives, to have the opportunity to reassess our priorities and if necessary change direction. Those quiet moments in chapel can help us do just that. The reading, reflection, choir and prayers all provide us with the opportunity to have our hearts touched by the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is then, if we listen carefully enough, that we can begin to understand that God never talks at us but invites us into a conversation with him, one which, of course as with every true conversation, allows for a response. Sitting quietly in chapel offering our lives and experiences to God helps us to understand that he is not absent from all our trials and tribulations but he journeys with us as our brother and our friend as well as our Lord and God. As a result those moments in chapel become precious opportunities not only to reflect on our own lives but to see that we are surrounded by others with the same feelings as us who, at the same time, when we fall will catch us and surround us with a love that can only come from God. God’s limitless universal love is constantly poured out on all of us often in the most surprising ways, all we need are the eyes to see and the ears to hear, then when we reach out to God in response, that’s when everything changes. See you in chapel. Rev’ Dr S Loone Assistant Chaplain

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Senior School Activities 201 Magazine The student led magazine, 201, continues to go from strength to strength. Themes this year have ranged from Time, Rules and Equality, and these have inspired a wide range of responses from students across Houses and year groups, transcending all barriers. Leading from the front has been the impressive triumvirate of Alia Derriey, Aled Luckman and Will Edwards. As Aled comes to the end of his time at Bromsgrove, it is fitting that his final contribution to the magazine was his moving response to the rededication of Old Bromsgrovian, Lieutenant Leonard Cameron Kidd. My sincere thanks to Aled for his contribution to the magazine over the past two years. This year also saw the fantastic opportunity given to magazine contributors and budding journalists to visit the Guardian headquarters in London. In addition, the magazine was entered into the Shine Media Awards for the first time, culminating in an awards ceremony at Stationer’s Hall in London. After being shortlisted in two categories, Anya Butler was highly commended for Best Artwork/Illustration and Alia Derriey was announced as Most Outstanding Pupil and therefore their Shine Scholar for 2018. Alia’s prize was a day at a National Newspaper with Liz Hunt (Daily Mail Consulting Editor, Features). Whether contributors have been anonymous, regular or a one-off, the eclectic mix of articles and creativity continues to make 201 a unique and impressive publication and I would like to thank everyone who has taken part in it. V Adams

Archive Club Archive after-school club for Bromsgrove Service students in the Upper Fourth and Fifth Forms has continued to run this year, and I have had returning students who have been very helpful in supporting new pupils, particularly in developing their skills. They have confidently researched and answered external enquiries, assisted with draft listing and repackaging items and produced small exhibitions for the Headmaster’s Dining Room Exhibition Case. In December 2017, students selected and prepared material for a display on a Winter Season at Bromsgrove theme, featuring a recently discovered photo of Old Bromsgrovian Reginald Skelton just after he left School in 1909, a cap from the 1917 1st XV and a theatre poster for a Christmas School production of Romeo and Juliet starring Richard Dobson. The current exhibition in the HM Dining room entitled Bromsgrove School and Suffrage, features Suffrage activist and Old Bromsgrovian Laurence Housman, whose image appears on the Millicent Fawcett statue in London erected to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act in April of this year. The students selected extracts from The Bromsgrovian magazine, featuring the Debating Society on voting rights and captioned the material to put on display.

The group has been invaluable in responding to enquiries, using research skills to respond to the many and varied requests for information about the School in the past. The recently digitised Bromsgrovian Magazine has been an excellent help in research for investigations and for exhibitions. An ongoing task for an archivist is repackaging items to conserve and preserve them for the future and listing them on a catalogue. The students in Archive Club have de-framed and repackaged many photographs, listing them on a draft catalogue so that they will be accessible to future researchers and to the School community. Our most recent task has been visiting all the Houses on campus to make an inventory of the trophies, awards and Honours boards that are in each House. We have discovered some real treasures including The Challenge Cup for the Best “Field” first presented in May 1895. It was last presented in 1991 when the cup ran out of engraving space! It has been a fun, if slightly competitive task! N Thorpe

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Bromsgrove Badge The Bromsgrove Badge Award is an exciting programme undertaken by all Lower Fourth pupils. It provides participants with an introduction to a wide range of extra-curricular activities and a taster of the outdoor education pupils can expect later in the School as they embark on the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Furthermore, the programme seeks to develop pupils’ citizenship and key transferable life skills. September 2017 began with preparations for the annual Malvern Field Day. Pupils were taught how to read a map, use a compass and encouraged to develop their teamwork skills, all of which were essential as they set off on their challenging 17km walk over the Malvern Ridge. As ever, pupils completed the walk in excellent spirit and with some relentless energy. Such enthusiasm was, as is tradition, rewarded with chocolate given out by smiling members of staff along the route.

Intermediate Maths Challenge Many of our pupils took part in the Intermediate Maths Challenge, with a special mention to Johnson Shi who achieved the highest result in the School. Well done to the following Gold award winners. Fifth Form: Kalea Booth, Rorie Dodworth, Georgia Doohan-Smith, Abigail Hughes, Lucy Lyu, Mingzhe Lyu, Georgy Markov, Henry Marshall, Oleksii Moskalevskyi, Sakurako Nakamura, Joshua Osborn Patel, Johnson Shi, Jacky Wong, Helen Wu, Judy Wu. Upper Fourth: Vladmir Averin, Joaquim Pang, Murat Shafigullin, Likhang Yue, Huhang Xie. Lower Fourth: James Chen, Alex Collin, Donald Li, Vincent Li.

Biology Competitions Biology students across the School have taken part in a number of competitions this year. Upper Fourth pupils completed the Biology Challenge organised by the Royal Society of Biology. Congratulations to those who achieved Gold awards: James Bateman, Lauren McLean, Ruby BrutonGibney, Lucia Goodwin, Gemma Calthorpe and Edward Clews.

The Lower Sixth took part in the sixth form equivalent, the Intermediate Biology Olympiad, and are awaiting results. Two Lower Sixth students, Anna Huang and Clarence Chen, submitted excellent essays to the University of Cambridge’s Rackham Essay Prize for Biology and a number of Upper Fourth students submitted entries to the Annual Microbiology in Schools Advisory Committee Competition. G Wright

For the second half of the Michaelmas term, pupils embarked on a six-week course on respect, allowing for discussions surrounding gender, race and selfrespect. During the Lent term, pupils began a rota of eight activities, including photography, camp-craft, navigation and public speaking, alongside an off-site visit to Aztec Adventure for a test of their teamwork and problem solving skills. The final part of the year included preparations for Lower Fourth Camp. A Linehan

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Bromsgrove Bake-Off The Annual House Bake-Off competition was a hotly contested event in 30 degrees upon WG lawn. This year’s theme for the cakes baked beforehand and then decorated in situ was ‘Great Inventions’. There was the cog cake, the light bulb cake, the telescope cake, the train cake, the TV cake, the ‘best thing since sliced bread’ cake (actually a loaf of bread!), the international clock cake, the record-player cake (anyone remember them?) and the winner was – the telephone cake – in House colours, put together wonderfully by Hazeldene. The competition was judged by the Headmaster and Mrs Leversha-Clague just in time, before the icing melted off all the entries. P Hedworth

Bromsgrove Service With over 300 students taking part in a variety of different activities, it has certainly been a busy year for Bromsgrove Service. We have strengthened our ties with the Prep School; offering everything from Maths and English support to frantic crafting afternoons with Dr Werrett and the senior students. We have enjoyed huge success from our music group, who have been commended by local residential homes for their lively performances. Elsewhere, the DT community projects group has been very busy preparing a beautiful and poignant display, which will be revealed later in the year to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI. The Flourishing Fiver group have had another successful year of fundraising for Primrose hospice; Mrs Holdsworth has commended the group’s hard work but we know that it could not take place without her fantastic dedication. Mrs Golightly’s new crafting for the charity group worked hard to produce handmade Christmas cards, as well as a stunning range of handmade Mother’s Day gifts; hopefully this is the start of a new tradition from Bromsgrove Service students. Overall, it has been wonderful to see the wide range of students taking part in Bromsgrove Service this year – from Lower Fourth right through to the Upper Sixth. In addition, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the staff and students who have made this possible. P Woolley

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CCF Field Weekend 194 cadets attended Nesscliffe Training Camp for Exercises. All cadets undertook a round robin of first aid, RAF STEM activity, navigation and living in the field. Saturday night was spent outside under the stars in self-built bashers and feeding themselves for the next twenty-four hours with their army ration pack. As darkness fell, cadets received a demonstration about light and noise at night along with undertaking a 3km night patrol.

The Contingent Commander thanks the six NCOs who volunteered to support this exercise: RSM Hegarty, Company Sargent Major Gardner, Sargent Major Finnemore, Sargent Starikova, Sargent Shaw and Corporal Nichols. Furthermore, a significant thank you to all staff who supported this exercise fwithout whom it would not be possible to put on such an event: SSI Farnes, Captain Clinton, Flt Lt Kelly, Flt Lt Helmore, Lt Summerfield, Mr Pothecary, Mr Albutt, Mr Dowling, and Mrs Courtney.

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CCF Leadership Talk Two members of 4 Mercian Regiment, Captain Styles and WO2 Lamonby, visited the School to speak to Cadets about leadership in the British Army. Captain Styles gave an honest account of his road to becoming a Captain, having started as a Private solider, while WOII offered a Senior NCO’s viewpoint of leadership through the lens of some WWII examples. These talks have given the Bromsgrove Cadets much to think about and our thanks go to 4 Mercian for supporting our CCF.

Chemistry Award Lower Sixth Chemistry students took part in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge, which is an introduction to the Olympiad and tests the student’s knowledge above the scope of the AS. Well done to the following students who achieved awards: Gold: Youyang Zhao Silver: Sophia Wang Bronze: Max Butterfield, Marcus Chow, Dominic Gardner, Edward Mooney, Abigail Saker, Maria Starikova, Tristan StephensJones, Chloris Wang, Helen Zheng

Crest Science Crest Science has been a popular choice for senior pupils again this year, with students working on a variety of investigations ranging from the synthesis and analysis of common analgesics to the preferred crystal structures of ionic compounds. The students have demonstrated strong investigative skills alongside developing advanced practical skills, essential for all budding scientists. P Woolley

The Debating Society The busy inter-school debating circuit began this year with the first round of the Oxford Union Debating Competition. The Bromsgrove team of Madelaine BarberFray and Matthew Hegarty won through the Midlands round and went on to National Finals Day, hosted by the Oxford University Union. The team eventually achieved a respectable mid-table place amongst some of the best debating teams from around the United Kingdom - an outstanding result for both speakers. In the Lent term, Luke Court and Harry Nichols competed in the county final of the School’s Mace competition.

Speaking in opposition to the motion that ‘This House would add e-sports to the Olympic Games’, both Luke and Harry were narrowly beaten to the regional finals but acquitted themselves very well. The Sajid Javid Debating Competition, organised by the current Home Secretary, saw further success for a Bromsgrove team. Archie Holder and Grayson Leversha spoke with conviction on the motion that ‘This House would introduce a turnout percentage to validate election results’, and eventually came runners up. Well done and thank you to all the speakers who have represented the School this year.

The end of Michaelmas term saw the finals of the Junior House Debating Competition. The thoroughly deserving Thomas Cookes House won the final debate, on the harms of social media, with the Best Speaker award presented to Laetitia de Belgique of Mary Windsor. The Senior competition during the Lent term was won by the School House team of Archie Holder and Grayson Leversha, following a final debate on the payment of ransoms. Congratulations to both winning House teams. In recognition of his achievements in debating and public speaking, Matthew Hegarty received the Janet Cockin Debating cup, while the T.E.Godwin Trophy for consistent effort and improvement was presented to Laetitia de Belgique. R Whitbread

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about who should race next.

DTGP Team – The Chicken 2017 Kitcar and F24 Greenpower World Finals at Rockingham Raceway Chicken Lickin’ its wounds (Day 1 Kitcar Final) Getting up at 4.30am on a Saturday morning is never easy but when you have a GP race team who have the potential to become the world’s fastest and greatest, it’s a little hard to feel tired and resentful about working on a day like this. The team arrived at the ADT department at the crack of dawn and we made the journey to Rockingham for the first of a two day final weekend where we would be pitted against the best Kitcars on the Saturday and the best F24 cars on the Sunday. Scrutineering was easy and we had a successful test session where we saw our GP race car hit speeds of 30mph with ease. On this day, and unlike other heats, it was a one shot only race. We therefore prepared the best set of batteries, chose the lightest drivers and started the first race in high spirits. Scarlett raced first and stayed out for fifteen minutes before pitting and changing to Hamish for the second leg who again stayed in the car for another fifteen minutes. Nathan was then in for the last leg (as our lightest driver) and as we continued around, we swapped positions with our main rival for the lead on several occasions. Fifteen minutes into Nathan’s stint, there was a slight wheel to wheel collision with another team which bent our rear axle making the car undrivable for the rest of the race. The damage was a three-hour repair and this would have been impossible to come back from at Rockingham. We were looking at either a very comfortable second place or, if all would have been perfect for the rest of the race, we may have come first. The team went back to School a little earlier than planned, and the staff spent three and a half hours re-building the rear end whilst the students refreshed themselves and prepared for the Sunday race which was longer and much more involved.

Madrass Kickin’ Chicken….what goes around comes around, that is Korma! Day 2, and arguably the most important on the GP calendar, determines the seeding of your team for next year and provides you with the information as to whether you are the fastest and greatest in the F24 Series. The car was ready and rebuilt, and as we left at 6am, again with a team of drivers and engineers, we made plans about who was to drive and what strategies we should use. Arriving at Rockingham was again without fault and with the weather looking good and the wind slower than the previous day, things were looking good for Team Chicken. After the practice, we lined up with eighty other GP race cars from around the world including teams from Brazil,

Poland, Ireland and Portugal. We were sixteenth on the grid, which for a heavy weight Kitcar was astonishing, and this was determined by the distance we put in when we raced at Goodwood. The next Kitcar was in twenty-seventh and our ‘local rivals’ were in the thirties. Race one was a nail biter and in true chicken fashion, we fell to thirtieth overall and fifth Kitcar after the first twenty-five minutes but started to climb again as the team continued to move through the field. We spent most of the race moving from first Kitcar to second but managed to hold off our rivals until the last three laps where we noticed that they were starting to catch us; a carbon copy of the race at Castle Combe. On the last lap, as we rounded the final bend, our nearest rival was right behind us but we managed to hold them off with only a ten-second gap between us to finish top Kitcar and 14th overall. Race one was complete but the day was not over as we still had race two to complete which took place after the final round of the F24+ cars a couple of hours later. Cooling of the motor started its long process and the team made plans

Race two saw us move up the grid to fifteenth due to a non-attender, so we had even more of a chance of getting ahead than before. After the first lap of race two, we fell a lot quicker than in the first which suggested that all of the teams had turned their cars up to maximum. Team Chicken however remained unchanged. For us this race was even better as we spent most of it in the lead (Kitcar category) and, as we progressed, we felt confident that this was our year. The wind was slow and the weather perfect. It did mean that the car was going further but because of this it meant that our batteries were slowly draining on the last two laps - at this point we noticed that our rivals were catching and we were slowing. On the penultimate lap, we were passed and fell to a very comfortable second. We finished the race about half a lap off the pace in eighteenth place and the second fastest Kitcar, which for the team is yet another amazing result from a group of students who have only been racing for five seasons. The team were faultless and the car performed better than ever. We are still second fastest Kitcar on the planet and have now moved up from twenty-eighth seed in the world to eighteenth. The team members for the weekend were: Frankie McCaig, Lucy Jenkins, Jeffery Soo, Alek Florov, Will Edwards, Hamish Sutherland, Luke Weller, Scarlett Bond, Nathan Summers and Ellie Chan. We offer thanks to our main sponsors for this season: Gorilla Glue UK, Trumeter and BAL Aluminium. I would like to personally thank Mr Matthews for his engineering expertise on the car and for being the Kitcar transporter for each venue. Next year will definitely be our year! S Broadbent

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Emagazine Competition I entered the emagazine Close Reading Competition in the Easter holidays after being encouraged by my English teacher. She suggested it as practice for the IB HL English course, as the tasks and skills involved are similar. I thought it would be useful, and a great opportunity to analyse ideas and language in a text that I might not have otherwise come across. The experience was valuable, and I put a lot of effort into my entry; I did not apply just to win. It was certainly a pleasant surprise to find out I had! In a school like Bromsgrove, with so many opportunities for both sport and academics, I feel privileged to represent the arts. Hopefully this will encourage other students to enter competitions like this one. I plan to donate my prize money to the Book Trust, which funds reading support, helps families and designs books especially for children with disabilities. Alia Derriey

Expedition Club

Falconry

In October 2017, the Bromsgrove School Expedition Club made the trip to Wales to train direct entry Gold Duke of Edinburgh students in the basics of mountain navigation and survival. They had to quickly learn how to use a compass, read the finer details of a map and camp outdoors. For many this was a new experience, and, under the expert guidance of their instructors, all learned a great deal during these two days.

A beautiful day on Gordon Green was made even more spectacular with the Lower Fourth falconry display; an annual treat and a highlight in the Head of Year calendar. The Falconry Centre in Hagley paid us a visit with a range of different birds of prey, each with their own personality and background. The birds that were flown included a hawk owl, a hawk and spectacled owl. The bald eagle had to stand its ground against the local crows that are nesting in the trees by Routh Hall and tried to prey upon him. The end of the display was an impressive show from a falcon who circled Gordon and Routh Greens before punching his lure out of the sky; at one point he was joined by a local wild peregrine falcon. We look forward to their visit again next year.

Throughout the Lent and Summer terms, members of the club have been climbing regularly, both in and out of School. The climbing wall at the Prep School has been well used by senior students on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This year, this has been extended to the Prep students on Saturday mornings as well. Many of the Sixth Formers have also taken advantage of the opportunity to climb at Worcester RedPoint climbing centre on several occasions. The highlight for the climbing club is a trip to Snowdonia for a weekend of rock climbing and abseiling. With expert instruction, members developed their techniques and experienced the thrill of climbing in an outdoor environment. The combination of the outdoors, height exposure and awesome views made this an unforgettable trip. D Tamplin

F Diver

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Flourishing Fiver This year’s Flourishing Fiver team has been the most enthusiastic yet. The team of eight students comprising Fifth Form, Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth worked tirelessly to raise as much money as possible for a local charity, Primrose Hospice. The Hospice gives each student £5.00 at the start of the year that they can use in enterprising ways in order to raise more. Despite being the smallest team, their drive and determination meant they hosted more events than ever before, some of which they organised independently in their own time. There have been numerous film nights held in the LRC where snacks have been sold, they attended two Christmas trade fairs and co-ordinated a large scale Valentine’s Day rose sale. All of their efforts have led to a total of over £1100 being raised. All students involved should be very proud of their efforts.

Maksym Korotych, one of the students involved, said, “At the beginning of the year, it was difficult to imagine that we could earn £1000 having the session only once a week but now we are convinced that anything is possible with team spirit, hard work and some really good ideas.” Artem Veprev, another team member, said: “Flourishing Fivers was a valuable experience because it taught me entrepreneurial skills which I will definitely apply in my life. I strongly advise anyone with critical and creative thinking to take part in this activity.” The most satisfying thing to learn at the end of the year was that many of the students who took part this year have already registered their desire to take part again next year and have also recruited friends to join too. Their commitment and selflessness throughout the year really has been extraordinary. J Holdsworth

Futures’ Friends Futures’ Friends is a group of Year 12 students who are working with Year 7 pupils. The students are a friendly face for the younger pupils when they are on the Senior School campus.

The Prep School pupils enjoyed talking to the older students, and the Sixth Form recounted their experience of moving up from Prep to the Senior School.

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Geography Essay Competition Emily Lyle and Ellie Chan (both in the Lower Sixth) entered Warwick University’s Sustainable Development essay. Both were selected to attend the final at the end of June 2018, where Ellie was highly commended.

Geography Photo Competition The annual Geographical Association physical geography photo competition was open to all year groups in the Senior School and the department received a fascinating selection of entries from Somerset to South Africa. Pupils were set the challenge of telling a landscape story. First place went to Lucia Goodwin (Upper Fourth) for capturing the beauty of Banishead Quarry, Coniston, Lake District. Second place went to Olly Gittoes (Upper Sixth) for spotting the arêtes and u-shape valleys at 30,000ft over The Remarkables mountain range in Otago, South Island of New Zealand.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Third place went to Ben Humphries (Lower Sixth) who captured the glistening beauty of the glacial Lake Louise in Canada.

IB1 CAS pupils prepared and delivered a very thought-provoking presentation on Holocaust Memorial Day to Lower Fourth pupils during Head of Year.

Highly commended certificates were awarded to: Emily Lyle, Joe Houlcroft, James Bayliss, Seb Perry and Joshua Firminger.

The ‘power of words’ was the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day 2018.

E Gill

Spoken and written words from individuals, corporations, community organisations or the state, can have a huge impact, whether good or bad. The theme for HMD 2018 explores how language has been used in the past, and how it is used in the present day.

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IB CAS Events

LAMDA

IB CAS students hosted annual tea parties during Christmas and Easter for local care home residents. Guests enjoyed an afternoon of music, nibbles and good company, culminating in an enthusiastic raffle draw. For Easter, the decorations of origami flowers and crochet bunnies were suitably themed and lovingly created by the students themselves. They even managed an impromptu rendition of The White Cliffs of Dover in honour of Dame Vera Lynn’s 101st birthday.

The renowned LAMDA qualification (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) is in its second year at Bromsgrove School, and continues to be a successful addition to the students’ extra-curricular activities. The students all had to perform two monologues – one from the LAMDA selection and one of their own choosing, and both had to last more than three minutes. In addition, they needed to learn about staging types, acting techniques, character development and the context of the plays that their monologues came from. Miss Bradford taught the students throughout the first term and a half, giving them encouragement and positive feedback. The students were fabulous to work with, showing the commitment and flair needed to pass their examination.

The feedback from these events has been extremely positive. It gives CAS students a chance to engage with project management, event planning and team work. All of the guests as well as the staff who accompanied them, commented on how wonderful the “young people” had been, bringing many of the quieter residents out of their shells.

The exam took place at the end of January 2018, on a cold and miserable day, but the students refused to let that dampen their efforts, and all four achieved highgrade passes. The examiner was very complimentary about their stagecraft and knowledge, and gave constructive advice on how to move onto the next grade.

I am so glad the School has been able to continue the annual tradition of serving the community at Christmas and Easter it really does make a difference to both our guests and our IB students.

We are looking forward to teaching them again next year alongside a new set of keen and inspiring students.

F Jung

Anna Connell - Acting Grade 4 Merit Isra Suleman - Acting Grade 4 Merit Annabel Schulze - Acting Grade 4 Distinction Theresa Seisl - Acting Grade 5 Distinction J Bradford

Life Skills Life Skills is an important part of the education of our young people in preparing them beyond School. So many aspects of their day includes activities that they do without realising how they are growing and developing as part of such a diverse community. With over fifty nationalities and a thriving boarding community, sharing a campus with different cultures, languages, religions and races is a fantastic opportunity to share experiences and grow.

This year, we started a new initiative for the Lower Fourth during camp week.Those that remained in School learnt cookery skills, took part in team building activities, CV preparation, race and diversity, mental health, drugs and alcohol awareness. Staff and organisations involved commented on their engagement, maturity and openness to learn. We were incredibly proud, and look forward to making this an annual event. Z Leech

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Live Screening of Macbeth At the start of the Summer term, 120 Upper Fourth Formers joined thousands of others from schools around the UK in watching the Royal Shakespeare Company’s live schools’ broadcast of Macbeth. Over the course of the morning, pupils enjoyed an especially gripping and sinister production of the Shakespearean tragedy, which they are currently studying. With opportunities to hear cast members and creatives explain their artistic choices and readings in response to questions from pupils, they explored a memorable interpretation of the play, and developed their understanding of stagecraft and dramatic techniques.

Marmite From Year 6 to UVIth, members of the Marmite Society were inspired by Wonder Women and Super Girls – from super heroes, Malala, Mary Jackson, and Emma Watson to girls and boys in the Society. As the year progressed, and the topic became increasingly immediate and embattled in the media, students returned to the idea that ‘feminine’ values – above all, kindness and taking care – are what the world needs. With this in mind, we have nearly raised enough money to send a girl in the developing world to school for a year. Regular seminars for Year 7 and 8 Prep students were fantastically well-attended and enthusiastic. Discussions ranged from ‘best and worst movies you’ve ever seen’, to ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ and ‘What’s more important – feelings or knowledge?’ New Year 6 seminars asked ‘Are cartoons just for kids?’ Supported by IB1 CAS students, it was a privilege for Dr Ruben, Mrs Holden and Miss Diver to see such engagement and altruism.

Ideas included the unnatural culture of millennial America; high and low culture – what is the difference? 20th century feminine beauty; monsters, mothers and madwomen – science and progress; and science fiction and the imagination of other worlds. The Upper Sixth participated in pre-university interview sessions – with responses which were speedy, expert and subject-specific prompted, perhaps surprisingly, by a clip from Armageddon. IVth and Vth Formers, on the theme of organisation, read texts from Emily Dickinson (Faith and Science), learnt about the Pantheon, debated tastes on Marmite and watched clips from the Incredibles. We began the year by discussing love and hate – ‘No one is born hating… people can learn to hate and if they can learn hate, they can be taught love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite’ (Nelson Mandela). The Lent term focused on great writing The Nine Billion Names of God (Arthur C Clarke), The Happy Prince (Oscar Wilde), Life on Mars, (David Bowie), There is No God, (Penn Jillette), and How to Be a Woman (Caitlin Moran), works which challenged normalised views on gender, class, religion and social organisation, whilst allowing us all to celebrate the diversity of our own opinions, our inner rebel princesses, and the power of the pen.

As we entered the Summer (examination) term, aptly, discussion became even more profound as we considered ‘Why am I at school?’ To answer this, we watched film clips from Dead Poets’ Society, Mean Girls and Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire. Ultimately, whether from teachers, peers, misfortunes or experiences, we agreed that learning, and using learning to make a difference, matters. Lower Sixth Formers attended the yearlong Nature and Culture course. Critical theory from Roland Barthes, Karl Marx, Virginia Woolf and Catherine Belsey underpinned discussion of The Tempest, by William Shakespeare, Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, the ballet Giselle; the ballet and brothel paintings of Degas; Vogue, Planet of the Apes, Blade Runner, and The Matrix; Donnie Darko and The Hours.

Film nights, fuelled by garlic bread and pizza occurred. A quotation from Doctor Who - ‘Without hope, without witness, without reward’ sparked discussion of social stereotypes and the motivations and consequences of the protagonist and antagonist. Our conviction that we are ‘All the same, all different…diverse and united’, was highlighted by Syndrome in The Incredibles ‘Because when everyone’s super…no one will be’. Whilst watching this and The Day the Earth Stood Still, Wonder Woman, Beauty and the Beast and Hidden Figures, we had conversations about the double standards of being told ‘everyone is special’ yet to ‘stop acting as if you’re special’ and debated superpowers, individuality and the art of being ‘normal’, all whilst enjoying a relaxing break from ‘normality’.

The annual Oxbridge trip in June, organised by Mr Beet, was gratifyingly well attended and unusually sunny. The sights, colleges, students and gallery of Oxford, as ever, provided relaxation, fascination and, for some, a steely determination to make that their university destination. Our annual ComicCon was postponed until October – fittingly, because students have been so busy and achieved so much that we had to rethink and take care of ourselves. Members will watch The Martian and enjoy panel discussions, food, awards and a guest speaker. Put simply, the main character embraces all the characteristics we have celebrated throughout the year – care giving, intelligence, expertise, kindness, reactivity, humility and sheer persistence… You just begin. You do the math, you solve one problem. Then you solve the next one, and then the next and if you solve enough problems you get to come home. Our mascot, the Marmite skeleton, reflecting our every-changing world, has taken on a number of guises, and has been gender, and possibly species–fluid. Whilst celebrating this flexibility, we have retained the universal standards of kindness, hard work and shared cake. Zoe Law, Esme Elwell-Thomas and Dr Ruben

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Project Take off During the summer holidays, Mulan Y and Vivianne Z travelled to Yang Yuan in northern China for a special project they designed and initiated themselves. Forty fifth grade students, who had not attended any summer courses before, were given free English lessons over a two-week period. Mulan and Vivianne put their lesson plans together and were thrilled that within this short space of time, the children had their curiosity awoken and now have the confidence to find new ways of approaching things. The girls would like to thank Mr Mullan and Mr Windo for letting them arrange a Prep School games night to help with their fundraising and all of the Oakley House staff and pupils for their support.

Mathematical Model United Olympiad for Girls Nations (BroMUN) Ruby Ngan and Nicole Zhou took part in the Mathematical Olympiad for Girls; a selection of challenging mathematical problems aimed at enthusiastic young females. Special mention goes to Ruby who attained a Distinction.

Model United Nations gives students the chance to debate global issues from different perspectives, as they take the opportunity to role-play countries and debate pertinent international crises. In an international school such as Bromsgrove, this adds an exciting new dimension to debating, as students enjoy researching and arguing from specific perspectives and viewpoints. This year, Bromsgrove MUN society (BroMUN) has expanded the training on offer to students, with both junior and senior activities running twice a week. Delegates at each practice were invited to select a global ‘problem’ and then challenged to solve these through teamwork and co-operation, from the perspectives of their respective countries.

Physics Olympiad Perhaps the most thought-provoking crisis debated this year was the situation faced by the Rohingya people of Rakhine State, Myanmar (previously known as Burma). Students represented countries including India, Myanmar, China and the United States to debate possible solutions to the current humanitarian crisis on the Myanmar border. MUN allows students to discuss issues and suggest possible resolutions in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, and it has been wonderful to see how well they have developed their speaking and listening skills throughout the year. R Whitbread

Robotics Club This year’s Robotics team achieved the best results in the last three years, getting to the semi-final of the regional competition at Goldington Academy. This was particularly impressive as the tournament, held at the end of January, was almost a month earlier than usual, putting the group under greater timepressure than in previous years. The event was part of VEX Robotics’ annual international contest, which features a different challenge each year, and requires designing, building and programming a bespoke robot purely for that task. This year’s In The Zone game was a particularly taxing one, involving manipulating small plastic cones, scoring points for accurate placement, as well as the greatest height achieved. Our students got an edge over most of their opponents due to maximising their points in the autonomous phase of each match.

This takes place during the first fifteen seconds of each game, and during this time, players are not allowed to directly control their robot. Instead, all robots follow pre-programmed code written by the team. Most robots fail to score at all during this phase, but we managed fairly consistently to get the highest cone points, which helped us immensely. We look forward to building on the experience gained, and hope to fare even better at next year’s fixture. Well done to Timofei Chernega, Radu Polschi, Maksym Korotych, Artem Veprev, Marcus Ng and Gabriel Wong. D Atkinson

Congratulations to Youyang Zhao who achieved a Gold award (top 50) in the British Physics Olympiad this academic year.

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Sign Language This year over seventy students learned basic sign language in Deaf Culture and Communication activity sessions. They can now hold basic conversations with those that use BSL/SSE covering topics such as introductions, family, work, food and drink, shopping, colours, animals, questions, and comparative opinions. Students made YouTube videos, posters for Deaf Awareness Week, created poems and stories in sign language, along with playing plenty of guessing games to build vocabulary. Kahoot proved to be the most popular way to end the sessions.

Rowing During the Summer Term, Senior pupils were involved in a rowing experience day in Henley-on-Thames, home to the prestigious Henley Royal Regatta. This experience was generously gifted to the School by Matthew Taylor (Foundation Trustee and Old Bromsgrovian, Cookes/ Walters 1968-1973), to whom we give our most heartfelt thanks. The event itself was organised by Legacy 300. The pupils had the opportunity to hear a motivational talk from Matt Langridge, Olympic Rowing Champion from Rio 2016, before being coached on the rowing machines by Alan Sinclair, European Champion and Olympic Finalist. The highlight of the day was when our pupils took to the water, rowing in three quadruple sculls with the addition of Polly Swann, Olympic Silver Medallist from Rio 2016. It was a valuable experience for the pupils, whose enthusiasm for the sport was stimulated, in no small measure due to the gloriously sunny weather. H Popescu

With three years of success, plans are in place to develop this program such that a buddy programme can be established between our students and people with complex communication needs who are supported by the charity, Sense. Regular Twitter posts are made using #BromsBSL – so follow along to find out what the students have been doing. Our most recent project was to learn the lyrics to Katy Perry’s song, Roar. Now our students, aged 8-18, are ready to perform at a venue near you! D Rimmer

World Wildlife Day Senior pupil Nikita Bedov planned and organised a presentation for World Wildlife Day, held at Bromsgrove for both Prep and Senior pupils. As well as a talk, a variety of animals were brought along which included the Asian palm civet, a red fox, a raccoon, an opossum, a group of meerkats and tenrecs. In addition, there was a large Madagascan ground boa, a tarantula, two spur-footed tortoises and an Argentinian tegu for people to handle. About the initiative, Nikita said, “We must save wildlife not just because it is beautiful, but because the ecosystems that exist on Earth are there for a reason and we, ourselves, as the human race, would perish with their collapse. Our economy, our health and our future all depend on the natural world and the creatures within it. And even if saving an animal won’t change the world, it will change the world for that one animal.”

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World War One Competition To mark the 100-year anniversary of the end of WWI, and to honour the memory of Old Bromsgrovians who died in the Great War, a prestigious competition was held across Years 8 and the Lower Fourth. Every Lower Fourth student spent an English lesson looking at our School archives and were asked to respond creatively. A host of diaries, poems, letters and stories were all submitted to the judges, Mr Bowen (Former Deputy Headmaster) and Ms Thorpe (School Archivist). The winners will be travelling to the Battlefields in October 2018, visiting sites in Belgium and France, all with a significant connection to Bromsgrove School. Overall Winners Year 8: Henry Mitchell, Henry Jinks Lower Fourth: Ellen Ashton, Seb Harrison Runners-up Year 8: Harrison Philpott, Milo JohansenBerg, James Box Lower Fourth: Will Evans, Sara Maria Popescu, Poppy Summers Highly Commended Year 8: Louisa Hallows, Harry D, Hannah Hunt, George Lamb, Alex Ranger, Harrison, William Hobbs, Noah Rogers, Paris Siviter, Natasha Bahra, Eleanor Boardman Lower Fourth: Rosie Willetts, Maxim Edger, Luke Bond and Charles Costello, Mayaz Shabab, Aggie Warner, Keira Sehdeva

Young Enterprise This year the School’s Young Enterprise activity has seen significant success from its team, Ki Moments. The students, who were selected on their potential in interview, decided to create a product based on the fact they are boarding students who wanted a way to treasure memories of their families. They then combined this with market research, which suggested that losing keys was a common issue for people and hence a winning product came to fruition. Their very first trade fair at Worcester Cathedral proved a success, with the team coming second place out of a competitive pool of companies. The team progressed through to the Regional Finals after a very strong performance in the area competition, where they won an amazing four awards: Best Product, Best Finance, Best Trade Stand and Best Overall Company.

Taking on the advice from their success at the areas, the team continued to thrive winning Best Trade Stand at the Regional Finals, being highly commended for their attractive stand with clear branding. However, they did not stop there, Ki Moments have since gone on to have their unique product of a photo frame combined with a key rack stocked in Webbs Garden Centre, showing just how far they have progressed throughout the year. The students have walked away from this experience with not only money in their pocket, but also a wealth of knowledge that will help them not only in their university applications, but also in their future careers. J Holdsworth and A Webb

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Chapel Matters Sometimes in Chapel, we have times of silence - but time is often short - and we fill it with words. Hopefully, the words we speak are more meaningful than the silence, but I’m not always sure – and as the one who speaks most in Chapel, perhaps I should speak much less!

Remembrance

As I reflect upon how much we should develop silence as a worthwhile exercise, in Chapel and elsewhere, I reflect upon the words of some people much wiser than me on this subject:

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.”

Jean Pierre Camus – ‘Mere silence is not wisdom, for wisdom consists in knowing when and how to speak and when and where to keep silent.’ William Ward – ‘The greatest ideas, the most powerful thoughts, and the most beautiful poetry are born from the womb of silence.’ Coventry Patmore – ‘In love and divinity what is most worth saying cannot be said.’ However, a lot has been said in Chapel this past year and I would say that so much of it has been very worthwhile. So many members of staff and students have spoken and shared their beliefs, their ideas, their experiences and their lives; and many have taught, challenged or reassured the School with their words. Perhaps there may have been many hours of silent, thoughtful, preparation before their words have been shared. Speaking to over 700 students and staff at a time is, for many people, a very daunting thing to do and I am really grateful to all those who have so willingly shared with me in this part of our School life together.

Where else in life do we have the opportunity, but also the great responsibility, to say the right things to so many others? I have often tried to make time for silent reflection after the spoken words, otherwise they are soon lost in what follows in the busyness of our life together in School. It’s good to be silent – to be still. Psalm 46 verse 10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” Be still – be quiet, be silent – and you never know what or who we might hear. Perhaps we might have a few more silences in chapel this next year. Rev’ P Hedworth School Chaplain

As we get older, we often begin to lose our ability to remember certain things, particularly people’s names. I struggle to remember the names of all the pupils I teach, let alone all those who are present Bromsgrovians. As for remembering Old Bromsgrovians, it is an even bigger problem. I often recognise their face before I can recall their name. Within the space of five years, the whole of the Senior School student body has changed and within thirteen or fourteen years the ‘Survivors’ from Pre-Prep through to the Upper Sixth have moved on. As for staff, some stay a very long time but the fact of life is that within thirty years or so, the whole of Bromsgrove School’s personnel have changed. It is a completely different School, or is it? Many traditions continue from one generation to another. A hundred years ago at the time of The Great War, the School was a very different school but it was still Bromsgrove School and those who were pupils here were Bromsgrovians like those who are here today. It is fitting that from one generation to another we still remember, if not by face maybe by name, those who have gone before us, those whose footsteps, like in the story of Good King Wenceslas, we place our feet in. Many of them will not be remembered for any special achievement but we endeavour to honour their memory by continuing to be ‘their school’.

At Remembrance each year, we meet around the flagpole at 11 o’clock on the 11th day of the 11th month, or on the nearest Friday to that date, as well as meeting for two services on Remembrance Sunday. Attendance at one of the Sunday services is compulsory and many parents and Old Bromsgrovians join us. Wreaths are placed under the stone plaques in ‘The Choir’ and the Sanctuary area of the Chapel which have the names of all those Old Bromsgrovians who died in the First and Second World Wars. We also ensure a representative is present in Llanwrtyd Wells, the small Welsh town where we were evacuated to during World War II, to lay a wreath on behalf of the School. ‘We will remember them’. We will continue to remember them in our School and especially in our Memorial Chapel that was built in their memory. Many in our nation have questioned whether these services and ceremonies should continue. Now, as we are one hundred years on after The Great War, there is no one who was there at the time still alive and few who can remember any who were. Even so, we should surely ‘remember’ what they did and why, and learn from history. If only we could learn from history and make it possible that present and future Bromsgrovians will not have to fight and in many cases die like those whose names are on our chapel plaques. As a School now, of a large number of nationalities, we remember and pray for all nations and for peace throughout the world. I finish with one of the prayers that is used in our Remembrance services every November. Father God, we remember today that freedom is sometimes bought at a terrible price. We remember today that war, though it demands courage and sacrifice, is cruel, destructive and hateful. We remember today that ordinary men and women, including those who were pupils of this school, were prepared to give their lives for their country. Father, may we guard our peace with as much devotion as those who fought for it. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Rev’ P Hedworth School Chaplain

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Futures It has been another busy year for Futures, supporting our students to make decisions about their ‘Next Step’. The team are trying to keep up to date with technology, and you can now follow @BromsFutures on Twitter. This year has been jam packed with the usual lunchtime lectures from universities who are keen to talk to Bromsgrove students, and visits from OBs and parents who are willing to impart advice and share their stories with current pupils. We are ever grateful to all those who give their time so freely – the Futures department is always happy to host guests and pupils are pleased to learn from the experience of others. More students than ever are contacting OBs to find out about universities and courses they may wish to study. This gives an invaluable insight and our current Bromsgrovians find out much more about the institution than going on a planned open day. Our annual Higher Education Fair saw over forty-five universities and providers packed into the Hospitality Suite – we need a bigger venue for next year! The providers commented on how well presented our students are and the great questions they were asking about their future studies. This is supported by the fact that in just three years, we have doubled the universities that attend – they are asking to come along after hearing about Bromsgrove School and our students. The MedVet and Law Societies have seen lunchtime sessions on preparation for entrance tests and talks from visiting professionals; so many quote these super-curricular lectures in their personal statements.

Many Sixth Formers are also realising the benefits of studying a MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) in their spare time; this super-curricular activity is a great way of boosting your application to university. We are also promoting opportunities to carry out voluntary work, something that charities and HE providers are looking for evidence of in applications. Giving back to your community and contributing are important qualities for Bromsgrovians, and can be developed across many areas of the School. Students are also encouraged to be part of the National Citizen Service programme, which can lead into the International Citizen Service. Mrs Bateman has an increasing number of students making successful and varied applications overseas. It is great to see the choice extending from the US and Canada to Australia and Europe. The world really is your oyster, with superb scholarships and bursaries available. Degree Apprenticeship applications are also on the rise with students making great decisions about the best route ahead for them as individuals. Whether travelling, reading, studying, doing some paid work or voluntary service, Bromsgrove students realise the importance of making themselves stand out from the crowd, and we love to hear their stories. We offer every best wish to our leavers; stay in touch and we look forward to hearing your story – make it the best you can. Z Leech

International Centre Our three day induction for new international students began in late August, helping new students settle in the their boarding houses, meet their Houseparents and teachers, sort out their timetables and make new friends during fun excursions to Warwick Castle and Birmingham. Students also enjoyed a night of bowling and a night of team building activities with the PE department, and many of our existing students, both day and international, came along to help and support. During the Lent term, international students organised Cultures Connect 2018, a concert for pupils to show off their talents in their first language, or to display a skill from their home culture. We loved the Chinese violin and the Russian poetry performed to music. The German folk songs and the international dance troupes were also incredible to watch.

Also during this term, our Upper Fourth pupils went into local primary schools to teach them about Chinese New Year. Local pupils learned the customs and traditions of the festival, made a Chinese lantern and learnt how to use chopsticks. One Year 4 child used chopsticks for a week at home after the lesson as he was so adept at it! Later in the year, it was time for the English language examinations. Eight Year 8 pupils took the Preliminary English Test for Schools (PET) - a full day of reading, writing, listening and speaking to an external examiner. They performed outstandingly. Sixth Form students prepared for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination, which is essential as evidence of English ability for UK universities. We are pleased to report that all Upper Sixth students achieved the band scores they needed for their chosen universities. J Boonnak

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Housman Verse Prize

CCF

It was genuinely hard to choose one poem from the range of beautiful and thoughtfully-crafted work submitted, and many different poems were the personal favourites of different judges. However, we all agreed that the winner wrote a most deserving and impressive piece. In a slight break from tradition, we decided that two runners up also deserved special mention.

Water raised me, Coursing through my veins. Swirling sap engorged my pride till, Bursting bright, I grasped the light. High on the hill, the wind sang songs in my halls And swollen with heady blooms, I brought bright bird and humble bee To worship at my leafy altar.

A world of opportunities, or better known as, the CCF.

Congratulations to the 2018 Housman Verse Prize winner, Aled Luckman, and runners up, Fion Tse and Lucia Goodwin. This year’s theme was ‘the land of lost content’, a phrase take from Housman’s A Shropshire Lad, XL, accompanied by a landscape photograph of the Shropshire hills, also inspired by the same line of poetry.

Time is not my master. Life is laid before me, A quilted down of fields is spread before On which the warp and weft of life is woven, Plague and plough, funeral and fayre. The seasons stitch their stories there, Summer’s lease but winter’s prison too. Stone shelters crumble but woody heart still beats.

You can read Aled’s winning entry, A Shropshire Tree, below. P Dinnen A Shropshire Tree Air bore me, Conception an entwining of currents, Life’s labour a chance press that carried me Floating feather-like, free as a mayfly Dancing in the sun, An ephemeral infinite, A moment in eternity, Cherry blossom before the fall. Earth nurtured me, Cleaved to its bosom by the hobnail boots Of shuffling shadows, weary wanderers. Deep in its heat, a shooting spark Inflamed my green fuse. No tomb, but cloying clay, A stifling love that grasps me tight Sustaining but pregnant with expectation.

I have seen kings and beggars and priests. Sad soldiers have doffed their caps and walked to war The hunters never to return from the hill. Budding lovers entwined beneath my boughs And cut undying passion on my heart. Passing poets have sought my shade In blue remembered days that are no more Than words on dry paper, not living leaf. Fire shall be my end. Cut and broken, I shall bow To an all-consuming flame. Cracked with heat, my heart shall give Its loves, and a thousand years Of memory shall turn to dust and smoke, Whilst slumbering in the golden glow A dog dreams of fields and groves of oak. Aled Luckman

This remarkable organisation is set up to enable the development of personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline of both the cadets and adults by offering a bewildering array of opportunities. What follows is a chronological description of the main events where Bromsgrove Cadets have been engaged and this is only a fraction of what is on offer by the organisation. I feel confident that, like me, you will agree it has been one busy year! Last summer, Matthew Goodwin (RAF Section) attended a weeklong MultiActivity package run by the Cadet Centre of Adventure Training (CCAT) in Bavaria, Germany. Matthew’s reflections were that “it was one of the best weeks away that I have ever had. I met a whole load of new people and I got to try out new and exciting activities”. We encourage you to challenge yourself, pick a course and have an amazing time. Furthermore, during the Easter break, Cadet Christian Parris attended a weeklong Basic Rock Climbing course, also run by CCAT. Fifth Form and Lower Sixth Army and RAF Sections teamed up for their September Field Day on Nesscliff Training Area where they received a diet consisting of survival training. Two weeks later, some two hundred Upper Fourth Cadets deployed for three days to Nesscliff with one night in camp accommodation before spending the second under a basher and feeding themselves using the British Army’s twenty-four hour ration pack. Numerous activities were on offer including First Aid training, STEM problem solving, navigation training, night walking and how to live in the field, all of which developed teamwork and personal responsibility. 2Lt Summerfield, new to the Contingent in September, made a significant contribution in his first Field Day, as he has continued to do so all year.

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Upper Fourth Cadets enjoyed an overnight Field Day at Swynnerton, undertaking air rifle and clay target shooting, survival and first aid training. The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) played host to a STEM day aimed at encouraging females into such career areas and fourteen Bromsgrove Cadets attended this most interesting day. May half term camp was set up to enable cadets from North and South High Schools to attend a Summer Camp. This year, the cadets opted for a field exercises training camp giving them two nights and three days outside on the training area with prior training occurring in camp.

Cadet Cpl William Roberts (Army Section) attended the Brigade weeklong Cadet Leadership Battle Course. Cadet Alex Spurgin (Army Section) was engaged with the Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) national weeklong Cadet Force Course. Congratulations to both of them for their efforts. The October half term camp at Nesscliff was attended by Cadets Aston, Savage, Kemp, Weller, Goodwin, Clark, Mills, Walters, Stanney, LCpl Johnson and Corcoran. Orienteering, vehicle night navigation, DCCT Shooting and obstacle course training were amongst some of the activities undertaken. CI Purdie and CI Courtney’s attendance enabled this inaugural camp to proceed. In February 2018, under the cover of darkness and challenging conditions, the Fifth Form Army mounted a successful blank firing ambush proving the worth of prior preparation. North and South Bromsgrove High Schools, who make up Bromsgrove CCF with our School, each had a day shooting the No.8 rifle at the local Army Reserve Range, and Bromsgrove cadets attended a DCCT range day at Parsons Barracks. All Cadets learnt about rifle safety, marksmanship principles and the personal responsibility that comes with being on a range.

Biennial Inspection fell on Wednesday, 14th March with Colonel Knutton inspecting the Contingent in fine form on the School grounds. With over three hundred Cadets, the day was full on with team leadership at Blackwell Adventure through to the Bomb disposal team. Easter Shooting Camp took place with seven Cadets enjoying a high quality and personalised experience. Cadets used the issued GP Rifle on the indoor electronic shooting range, 25M Barrack range and ultimately, competently engaging targets from as far away as 300m. Thanks must go to 2Lt Jude and Capt. Brant for delivering these courses. Throughout the year, the RAF Section, ably lead by Flt Lt Kelly, have taken full advantage of the Air Experience Flying offered by RAF Cosford, where Cadets take to the air in a Grob Tutor. RAF Cadets got to both shoot and sore in the sky above Shropshire. My thanks to Flt Lt Kelly for all his efforts in developing the RAF Section. Sprinting to the end of term, an excellent CCF Guest Dinner Night at School and a successful CCF Bronze DofE expedition in the Peak District were both orchestrated by SSI Farnes who, next year, becomes the Contingent Commander as 2Lt Farnes. Best wishes for his tenure.

This year’s Lower Fourth received a halfday introduction to the CCF, which has set them up for success next year. Thanks goes to Capt. Clinton, Flt Lt Helmore, 2Lt Summerfield, Miss Hanson and Mr Pothecary for delivering this event. Clearly, it has been another busy and highly successful year for Bromsgrove CCF. Major A Quentin Contingent Commander

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Duke of Edinburgh Award This has been another successful year for the Duke of Edinburgh award at Bromsgrove. Over seventy pupils participated in both silver and gold awards, clocking up hundreds of hours of volunteering service, and challenging themselves to develop their chosen skill and physical activity. Weather has been especially kind this year with sunshine offering some spectacular views of the great British countryside. Indeed, whilst eating lunch on the top of a hill, one pupil even commented that views in the Lake District were comparable to those of the Himalayas! The heatwave this summer proved challenging for pupils on their qualifying expeditions. Litres and litres of water were decanted to keep pupils hydrated and sun cream, sunhats and shade seeking proved their worth to see all pupils successfully complete their expedition section.

101 pupils set out early in the morning for the peak district to complete their Bronze DofE expedition. Proving that teenagers can function first thing when motivated, we left at 0735. The coaches then went to two separate start points at Teggs Nose Country Park and Leek leisure centre, with the aim of reaching Gradbach Scout Camp. The evening was spent peacefully at the campsite. After a dry night, the groups set off for day two in high spirits, and proceeded to their relevant finishes. The weather was very hot, which slowed everyone down, but the pupils pulled out their Bromsgrove spirit and completed the expedition on time. We then headed south for CCF Field day. Having booked the weather already, we look forward to next year’s season kicking off in September. A Baker, R Short, J Farnes

It was fantastic to see so many Bromsgrovians past and present receive their gold awards at Buckingham Palace this spring in recognition of their continued commitment and perseverance.

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Prep School Trips U13 Rugby Tour During the first week of October half-term, thirty-eight pupils from Year 8 and five staff departed on a six-day rugby tour of Northern Ireland. This was an action packed trip that took in three matches. The U13B team faired better on the pitch than the A team, winning their match versus Ballymena and played well in large patches versus two very strong schools in Methody College and Campbell College. The U13A team were decimated with injuries before departing and this had a profound effect on the pitch, as all three matches were lost. Based in the coastal town of Portrush for the first leg of the tour, the boys were able to enjoy the beach. They also visited The Giants Causeway on the north Antrim coast. We trained at Coleraine University and took in a feature film at the local multiplex. A quiz, organised by Mr PerryEvans, went down very well in the evening. The second leg of the tour saw us based in Belfast, recently voted the number one city in the world to visit. Across the twodays, the boys were involved in a coaching clinic with Brian McLoughlin (ex-Ulster first team coach), enjoyed a guided coach trip around the city, went bowling and played pool at the SSE Arena, visited the historic Titanic Quarter and went on a tour of the Kingspan stadium.

The last night featured an awards evening, with the following prizes distributed: Tour Captain: Rafferty Gallagher (U13A), Hamish Schultz (U13B) Best Tackle: Morgan McKinley (U13A), Alexander Holroyd (U13B) Best Forward: Alexander Ranger (U13A), Neil Cai (U13B) Best Back: Louis Upton (U13A), Sebastian Purvis (U13B) Most Improved: Thando Best (U13A), Henry Scott (U13B) Outstanding Tourists: Billy McDonough, Milo Johansen-Berg, Cameron Owen, Finlay Shaylor, Elliot Evans. Tours in general are not just about how the results go on the field of play, they are much more than that, and the boys will have many fond memories. A big thank you to all colleagues who enabled the trip to run successfully: Mr Munn, Mr Perry-Evans, Mr Kippax and Mr Sutherland. Moreover, thank you to the army of parents who made the effort to come over and support the tour. G Jones

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Year 3 Trip to Bristol Zoo Our brave Year 3 explorers began their adventure into the rainforest with a trip to Bristol Zoo to start their new learning theme, Jungle Fever. Pupils enjoyed an interesting and informative education session, where they learnt lots of fascinating and useful information about rainforests, the importance of rainforests and how they can help to conserve them. They also participated in some fascinating activities, and encountered some live rainforest creatures as part of this session. Every child was invited to hold a hissing cockroach, introduced to a Lampropeltis Triangulum (who is more commonly known as Coco the Milk Snake) and a giant rainforest stick insect.

Ski Trip For our weeklong trip, we all felt like Olympic Skiers! Sestriere certainly is a beautiful venue, well suited for a group as diverse as ours and it was well worth the move to a new location. Italy certainly had a lot to offer and we hope to return in years to come. Once the logistics of moving in to our accommodation, fitting skis and boots was over, the group embarked on six days of skiing. Skiing down the Olympic downhill run on a beautiful wintery day was certainly a highlight for many students. Sun was aplenty, however the mountain has two sides, and on our last day we were all covered in thick snow. Our evening entertainment ranged from sledging to a delicious pizza evening. The students were excellent which made the trip a thoroughly enjoyable week for both the students and teachers alike. My heartfelt thanks goes out to all the teachers who made this trip possible. P Sutherland

Year 3 also had a great time exploring the Zoo, looking out for all the different rainforest creatures; firm favourites included the baby gorilla, the tropical butterflies and the sloth. The children received compliments from both members of the public and Zoo staff regarding the exceptionally good standard of their behaviour and manners. R Ivison

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Year 6 Trip to France During half-term, fifty Year 6 children travelled with Prep School Modern Languages staff to Étaples, near Boulogne, for an exciting residential stay. The children spent a morning in a local French primary school, L’École Antoine de St. Exupéry, and conversed with the pupils they had previously written to as pen pals. They also had the chance to practise their French in a market and spend time on the beach in Le Touquet (albeit in sub-zero conditions).

The trip to France was thoroughly enjoyed by the children and my thanks go to the MFL department who gave up part of their half-term in order to provide this exciting and enriching opportunity to the pupils.

The pupils enjoyed a traditional French games evening, a trip to a biscuit making shop, a visit to a crêperie and making their own kites. There was an excursion to a local supermarket and a trip to the sea life centre, Nausicaa, in Boulogne.

C Kippax

This trip, as with others this academic year was electronics free and the staff again commented on the increased communication between the pupils and the greater engagement with group activities and games.

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Year 7 Farm Visit As part of their Geography and Farming topic, Year 7 visited two farms in the final week of the Summer term. Pupils were shown free-range egg production, beef cattle rearing, sheep farming and some animal husbandry and welfare. In the afternoon, the pupils moved onto a dairy farm and learnt about dairying, ice cream making and the production of salt from the Droitwich brine water supply. Pupils asked a wide range of questions at both farms and much was learnt from the two visits. On a very hot summer’s day, it was a welcome relief for everyone to sample an ice cream from one of the thirty-two flavours on offer! R Widdop

Year 8 Outward Bounds

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Senior School Trips Boarders’ Trips and Activities

Biology Field Trips IB and A-Level

This year the boarders’ trips have included many firm favourites, as well as a number of new excursions. A large number of pupils took part in midweek and weekend trips throughout the year, with Page House and Senior School boarders mixing well. This offers a great opportunity for both sets of students to socialise together.

Lower Sixth biologists across both IB and A level, enjoyed trips to Margam Field Studies Centre during the Summer term. The 850-acre park, along with the local rocky shore and sand dune systems, provide a wide range of ecosystems for students to explore. IB students planned and carried out their own investigations for their Independent Assignments. A-level students learnt about a range of sampling techniques and completed two of the practical investigations required for their course.

Pupils have participated in various shopping trips, Laser Tag, trampolining, the cinema and much more. Pupils of all ages enjoyed Harry Potter World – they were mesmerised whilst they wondered around the different rooms used in the films. All the trips and activities have been huge successes and continue to play an important part in the boarding community. They offer the pupils the chance to socialise with other Houses, relax outside of School and try new experiences. Thanks must go to all of the boarding tutors for their assistance. L Mullan

The University of Oxford Natural History Museum Mr Tasker and a group of Upper Sixth students attended an event organised by the British Society for Gene and Cell Therapy, at the University of Oxford Natural History Museum. They attended a series of talks regarding the future of personalised medicine, as well as potential treatments for hereditary conditions that would involve editing our own DNA. G Wright

Biology Trip to Madagascar The biodiversity in Madagascar is something that should be witnessed by every biologist, as more than 90% of species are endemic to the island and in July, eighteen students travelled to Madagascar for a truly unique experience. The first week was spent camping in a remote Mahamavo dry forest, assisting scientists with collecting data on a range of endemic animals. Surveys of herpetofauna, lemur routes and birds using mist netting, captivated the students, even when many of the surveys started at 5am. Lunches based on rice and beans, long drop toilets and outside palm leaf covered showers (bucket and a cup) helped students appreciate the luxuries of home. The students were quickly absorbed into the Malagasy philosophy as they travelled half the length of the country and completed a series of lectures on their wildlife and culture. A trek between the main camps kept fitness levels high and gave time to recognise the Malagasy value of zebu. This coincided with a visit to a local school, where the students sang songs, played football with the local children and gave an opportunity to practice their French.

The Island is large, and the roads rough. Students developed patience travelling from the North West to the island of Nosy Be. Here they learnt more on the endemic species through an additional series of lectures, this time marine based and focussed on the local reef. Students dived in the Indian Ocean and visited the local reef systems, including the protected tiny Island of Nosy Tanikely. Under the supervision of PADI instructors, students dived twice daily to learn the skills required to achieve the Open Water PADI scuba qualification. Those already PADI qualified took part in the ecological reef course and assisted the marine scientists with collecting data on the marine organisms. Dolphins, turtles and rays were spotted and students developed their ID skills, as well as a variety of specialised organism dive signals. The students primarily joined the expedition to enhance their biological understanding and help with the conservation efforts, and these aims were fully accomplished. The additional cultural appreciation and life skills gained on the Madagascar expedition was to many, an unexpected yet priceless bonus. G Wright

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Geography Field Trips While it is possible to learn geographical concepts in class, there is no substitute for genuine experience in the wider world. Field trips provide a fantastic opportunity for students to gain such experience and face a range of challenges that can contribute significantly to their personal development.

Compton Verney Art Thirty-nine Upper Fourth Art and Textile pupils visited Compton Verney in Warwickshire to see The Art of Perception exhibition. They saw works ranging from Seurat to Riley. Students were impressed by the effects of Optical Art, where the curving lines in Bridget Riley’s work seemed to move across the canvas and the small multi-coloured dots of paint in the Pointillists’ work blended to create a landscape. The whole group was wowed by Liz West’s work, Our Spectral Vision, which incorporated light with dichroic glass so as the viewer walked past the piece, the colour changed depending on the angle of observation. The effects of light in the gallery, and on the individual entering the space, was discussed as an interesting idea to explore in our current topic of Environment. In the afternoon, pupils took part in a workshop creating their own collage pieces in response to the exhibition. Before departure, pupils were able to explore the beautiful grounds and consider the natural aspects of the environment as well as finding liminal spaces to explore. S McWilliams

With this in mind, it has been a busy academic year for students in the Geography department. The Lower Fourth started their three-year GCSE course with the introduction to ecosystems. They studied local woodlands within the School grounds, measuring the impact of sunlight on plant diversity and growth. Students also enjoyed the chance to calculate the age and growth rate of trees in this area. Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire provided a stunning setting for the Upper Fourth to collect their river data. Students spent the day studying the velocity, bed load size and cross profiles for their physical geography projects. They completed their data collection efficiently and were not fazed by the varying weather throughout the day. It was also a great chance for IB students to investigate the theory underpinning parts of their Freshwater topic.

As part of the GCSE Urban Challenges topic, the Fifth Form visited Longbridge. Students learned about the area’s impressive heritage and its vision for the future. They assessed the environmental quality of several sites and recorded land use for their human geography data. The academic year was not complete without the A level field trips. The Upper Sixth students stayed close to home, visiting the second largest metropolitan economy in the UK, Birmingham. For their Contemporary Urban Environments and Changing Place topics, students investigated the Lee Bank area of the city, looking at the varying housing styles and demography. The trip ended with a fantastic tour around the National Trust back-to-back houses, a must for anyone visiting the area. Finally, the Lower Sixth travelled to Betwsy-Coed in Wales for their residential field trip. Students visited the sand dunes in Harlech and the beach in Criccieth to collect their individual data for their non-examined assessment projects. Time was also spent at Llanberis National Slate Museum understanding the reasons behind the declining industry and the need for flood defences on the river Conwy. During all the trips this academic year, Geography students have behaved impeccably and were a credit to the School. R Doak

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Exchanges

Spanish

German For the seventeenth year running, Bromsgrove School took part in a German Exchange with the Gymnasium Hermannswerder School in Potsdam - a beautiful school, which is almost entirely surrounded by the river Havel. After spending some time getting to know our German exchange partners, and saying goodbye to our Bromsgrove friends, we went back to our partners’ houses for the evening. It was an early start the next morning and there were a few tired faces, but the fatigue soon diminished when everyone started to explore Berlin. We learnt about the incredible history of the Berlin Wall, and the numerous heroic attempts that were made to escape from the Communist East to the Capitalist West. There were iconic sights along the way, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and segments of the Wall that remain intact. The following day gave us a very welcome lie in, later meeting at the famous Neue Palais for an intriguing tour around the eighteenth century palace and grounds. After the tour, we made our way to Potsdam and looked around Nikolaikirche, which offered panoramic views of the beautiful town. Before we knew it, the time had come for the School Sports Tournament that included football, basketball and table tennis. The tournament gave us a great opportunity to meet some more German pupils from the school, as well as children from other countries such as Poland, France and Holland. Somewhat surprisingly, Bromsgrove came second in the football tournament with some great performances from all, especially Dan Grove who put his life on the line by volunteering to go in goal. However, combined with our performance in the basketball and table tennis tournament, we finished fourth overall.

Thursday saw us back in Berlin, this time focussing on museums, where we had a thought-provoking tour of The Jewish Museum before spending the rest of our day with our exchange partners. On Friday we split up, with the Fifth Form visiting Neuer Garten and Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Conference was signed, and the Lower Sixth looking around Hohenschönhausen which was a prison used by the Stasi up until 1989 to detain and interrogate political prisoners. We then strolled around Potsdam, taking in all the unique architecture and visiting the Glienicke Bridge - the site of hundreds of ‘spy swaps’ between the East and West. The bridge has been made even more famous by the film The Bridge of Spies. We spent Saturday with our host families before we flew back on Sunday. Having spoken to those on the trip, everyone enjoyed the time that they spent with their exchange partners and families. In summary, the 2018 Bromsgrove School German Exchange trip was thoroughly enjoyable - a truly exceptional, enriching experience that none of us will ever forget. On behalf of everyone who went on this trip, I would like to thank the teachers for organising the exchange and for making it such an amazing experience - Vielen Dank! Oli Owen

This year the Spanish department visited Barcelona and joined Enforex language school giving pupils the opportunity to attend intensive revision sessions before their exams. Pupils found the lessons with native teachers refreshing, fun and informative. The combination of lessons and cultural activities worked well, and pupils enjoyed long fun-packed days incorporating trips to La Sagrada Familia, Parc Güell and Casa Milá (magnificent examples of the extraordinary imagination of Catalán architect, Antoni Gaudí) and the Nou Camp football stadium. Pupils also enjoyed sampling the delights of the catalán cuisine and ordered their own meals in Spanish. The weather was glorious and we all appreciated the Spanish sunshine at the end of a long term. M Smith

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Global Politics Study Tour The Upper Sixth Global Politics tour commenced bright and early with a trip to Derry/Londonderry. Once there, we met up with a Loyalist ex-political prisoner now engaged in community work in the city who walked with us around the seventeenth century town walls of Derry. From a vantage point next to the first ever Protestant Cathedral built in Europe, we looked out over a small working-class district of 300 inhabitants chequered with the flags of St George. This was the Fountain Estate, a tiny Protestant enclave, all that was now left in the main part of the city, of a community that once numbered 17,000 only 45 years ago. As we walked further and saw the ten-metre high fencing that in the eyes of the Protestant minority was their only protection from the Catholic minority, it became clear that the idea of peace in Northern Ireland was very much a definition open to interpretation. Further on, the group had their first view of the Bogside Estate, a vast Catholic housing site, bedecked with all kinds of flags, the Irish Tricolor alongside the EU flag, and more poignantly the Palestinian and Catalonian flags. It was only on descending to the Bogside itself that the sense of identity became so much more real. `You Are Now Entering Free Derry` spoke the sign, a reference to the times during the troubles when the area was a no-go area for all but those who the IRA deemed could enter. Closer inspection saw wall paintings of Bobby Sands, the martyred hunger striker, next to Nelson Mandela. The symbolism of the struggle was everywhere, and amidst it all was the lesson that each community had its own version of the past.

The group then proceeded to the Museum of Free Derry, a recent addition to the city. Our visit began with a brief introduction to the events of Bloody Sunday in 1972. An account of the day was told by the grandson of Paddy Doherty, who had died on that day, and his emotional account had a moving effect on us all – the group were visibly moved by his testimony and the awareness that these events had happened in the United Kingdom, not some far flung corner of a foreign field. However, how far could the pursuit of justice actually help heal the wounds of the conflict? These questions were discussed as the students observed the contextual account of the events of Bloody Sunday in the museum exhibition.

The afternoon saw us meet up with two protagonists in the conflict who were both now working towards reconciliation. The first was a Protestant academic and outreach worker who explained to us the importance of the marching bands as a network for community leadership in the area. This insight into the micro level was hugely significant. Poor working-class communities had been let down by their political leaders and young boys especially needed to be led away from the attraction of violence and paramilitary activity that still overshadowed the city. We then spent an hour in the presence of Raymond McCartney, an ex-Hunger striker and political prisoner, now a leading member of Sinn Fein and the Stormont Assembly. He invited questions and responded to all aspects of the situation, notably the likely impact of Brexit and the earlier mentioned issues of truth and justice. The students’ questions were insightful and hugely articulate, making a tremendous impression on both the speaker and our guide, Paul.

Day two and after a brisk walk into Belfast, the group focused on the city centre between 1971-1975. Our guide stood us in various doorways and explained events; a bombing in this nightclub, a shooting on that spot, three British soldiers lured to their death in this bar, innocent civilians killed when a IRA bomb went off before the police could evacuate the building. The catalogue went on. How the city centre was only accessible through airport style security by 1972, how 496 died in one year, sixty-four bombs in Belfast in the month Of October 1972 alone, eighteen car bombs in one summer afternoon spreading panic throughout the city. Yet, where were the memorials? Signs to the Titanic exhibition and the newly built shopping centre were scattered around the city, but there was no reference to The Troubles. The final trip was along the infamous Falls and Shankill Road to once again see how two communities had two completely different versions of the same events. At the end the group returned home profoundly moved by the emotional rollercoaster they had been on. Clearly, the province had made some sort of peace since the terror of the 1970s and 80s, but the reach of history and collective memory seemed to stand as a barrier to further progress. Little by little was the mantra, a band march going off without incident, July 30th bonfires now being sited away from residential Catholic areas, maybe opening those gates until 7.30pm and then maybe 8.00pm…Peace in Northern Ireland. G Delahunty

Lower Fourth Camp Lower Fourth Camp is the final stage of the Bromsgrove Badge programme. The entire year group spend four days camping in the Forest of Dean and this year we enjoyed some excellent weather. A wide range of challenging outdoor activities was undertaken, including kayaking, caving and raft building alongside the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award practice expedition. Far more importantly, pupils had the chance to relax, play games and have fun with their peers after a challenging first year in the Senior School. Once again, this year, the activities were undertaken in excellent spirit: pupils challenged themselves to go into the caves and there were desperate attempts to stop the staff and Sixth Form raft winning the competition.

With such heat throughout the week, the walkers were pushed to their limits and the sheer determination of so many students to complete their expedition was outstanding. Mention must be made of the twenty-four Sixth Form students who accompanied the Lower Fourth, and without whom the camping trip would not be the same. Their guidance and enthusiasm was invaluable to the Lower Fourth and staff. As pupils look back at their time away on camp, I hope that they will be proud of their achievements and look forward to completing their Bronze Award next year. R Simmons

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Marmite Trip to Oxford Towards the end of the academic year, twenty ‘Marmite’ pupils set off for a trip to Oxford accompanied by Dr Ruben and Mr Beet. The main aim was to visit the town and colleges to get an idea of what it might be like to study at Oxford. It was also a fun day out, a welcome end of term reward and a chance to visit the Ashmolean Museum, home to a huge range of ancient and modern art and artefacts. Our first stop was New College, an imposing fourteenth century college with magnificent cloisters and a huge chapel. It is where many scenes from the Harry Potter films were shot. Indeed, the pupils saw exactly where Malfoy was turned in to a ferret (for the Potter fans reading this!) An excellent student guide showed us around and answered many questions, as well as telling us what it is like to be a student at Oxford today.

At Christ Church, another college founded by Henry VIII, we saw more Harry Potter locations, but also got a chance to see the cathedral (England’s smallest) located within the college. After a much-needed ice cream stop, we made our way to the Ashmolean Museum. As the museum is so vast, containing everything from Egyptian mummies to modern painting, the pupils had already done some research and targeted areas of specific interest to them. Excellent weather made the day complete and the pupils both enjoyed the experience and left with some ideas about their own future higher education pathway. M Beet

Sixth Form History Trip to Berlin Sixth Form historians travelled to Berlin, Germany, to learn more about sites they had learned in class. On our first morning, we visited the Sachsenhausen concentration camp – it was a moving and eye-opening experience for all. We then had lunch at a traditional German restaurant before embarking on tours of the Olympic Stadium and the Reichstag dome, both old buildings with a rich history and considerable relevance to our courses of study. Our teachers kindly allowed us free time to look around the Potsdamer Platz and have dinner by the river. We started the next day with a visit to the Jewish Museum - many found the exhibitions and installations, led by our animated tour guides, poignant. After lunch around Checkpoint Charlie, we toured the Topography of Terror Museum (including the open-air former Gestapo cellars), the Deutsches Historisches Museum, and the German Resistance Museum. That evening, we were given time to explore the lively neighbourhood of Wilmersdorf, where we got a feel for Berlin’s nightlife and culture – some even tried the city’s famous currywurst and weren’t disappointed!

On our final day, we went to the Berlin Wall Memorial on Bernauer Strasse, where we learnt about the wall’s eventful history and appreciated a magnificent view of Berlin. After this, we were given the opportunity to look around and shop in a large flea market, lunching in a vibrant Berlin neighbourhood before heading off to the airport for our flight back home. The trip was informative and fulfilling; I cannot speak for the others in the group but even though I had visited Berlin before, our experiences and visits enriched my learning and appreciation of this country’s history that we are studying. I cannot thank our teachers enough for making this trip such a special one. Alia Derriey

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U15 Rugby Tour The U15 rugby team travelled to Ireland for their tour this year. With Storm Brian still raging over Ireland, their first fixture against Cistercian College was littered with mistakes from both teams as the attacking teams struggled against the strong wind and wet conditions. Bromsgrove eventually lost a very close game 5-0. After the match, the boys travelled a little further to Limerick and Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby Club. Munster were playing Racing 92 in the European Cup. After a recovery session on the beach, the pupils enjoyed a tour around the Aviva Stadium. The final day of the tour was also the second fixture against Blackrock College. The boys definitely played their best performance with the final score a win, 38 – 19. A great finish to a superb tour for both staff and pupils.

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Pre-Prep Drama

Year 2 – Little Red Riding Hood Cast Wolf Maya Tindal Red Riding Hood Gabrielle Kavanagh Grandma Tobias Crabtree Pigs Darcy Sutton, Isabelle Ballard, George Cutter Spiders Isabella Wright, Jake Jeff-Johnston, Anreet Dhami, William Jones, Sakina Porbanderwalla Ravens Isabel Gibson, Sagar Wood, Sebastian Langton, Archie Lea, Priya Giles Foxes Elliot Hill, Edward Nuttall, Eric Li, Charlotte Ascough, Harry Helmore Rats Eva Thorpe, Gethin Walpole, Edith Stones, Lachlan Halls Beetles Sofia Cooper, George Greathurst, D arcie Jackson-Adams, Jack Pritchard Rabbits Lucas Ashurst, Milo Ellson, Leo Fuller, Alfie Smith Bees Hayden Baker, Daniel Duffy, Louis Albutt, Henry Shirley Butterflies Ariya Oozageer, Ella Cunningham, Lily-May Mullan, Freya Kettle Ladybirds Amber Edwards, Tabitha Downs, Saiya Sehmi, Daisy Slater Deers Ben Barnes, Joshua-Austin Schirwing, Bertie Fountain, Dylan Jones

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Year 1 Nativity – It Started With A Baby Cast Mary Isla Hibbert-May Joseph Edward Sollars Carol Singers Harry Thompson, Max Zhao, George Grey, Jai Bajwa, Rowan Laurenson, Amelia Wright, Lillian Bennett, Arianne Thorpe Angels Amelia Hughes, Darcey Conroy, Olivia Ward, Gigi Gilbert, Seren Daly, Annabelle Knowles, Florence Martin, Tabitha Singleton Shepherds Billy Stockdale, Harry Wilson, Roshan Kotekar, Mohammed Porbanderwalla, Maejor Samrai, David Odinstov Innkeepers Samuel Collins, Joshua Bhardwaj, Oliver Wheale Innkeepers’ Wives Isla Halford, Avani Bhandal, Penelope Higgins Stars Robyn Duffy, Amara Ratra, Sophie Jones, Maisie-Jo Read, Chloe Greathurst, Avani Patel, Pippa Malpas, Chloe Head, Vanshika Sopariwala, Eloise Warman, Zoe Foster

Reception Nativity – Angel Express Cast Mary Constance Foster Joseph Tommy Thompson Angel Conductor Remi Mais Angel Paper Girls Lily Heath Star Har-rai Samra

Kings Manav Mahal, Samuel Ivison, Zakariya Afzal

Kings Daniel Wang, Simon Kettle, Harrison Salisbury

Pages Rocco Gallagher, Thomas Reid, Max Hinton

Shepherds Joshua Langton, Tobias Nuttall, Daniel Rose Innkeepers Sepehr Maleki, Milo Malpas, Austin Stiley

Angels Zoya Ali Baig, Eva Busby-McVey, Laura Davidson, Stephania Demetrios, Purdey Evans, Alana Fuller, William Jones-Elliott, Isabelle Kesterton, Amelia Tamplin, Theo Siviter, Connor Abel, Joseph Albutt, Evie Ashurst, Tom Barnett, Savannah Billings, Isla-Blu Evans, Freddie Helmore, Aaliyah Jackson, James Jones-Elliott, Philippa Stephens, Lamia Vejzovic-Wilson, Walter Wood, Alice Williams, Eleanor Ballard, Miela Evans, Darcey Hackett, Emily Kesterton, Jemima Lea, James Oatridge, Disha Ramaswamy, Edward Sutton, Alfie Webley, Amelie Rea

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Prep Drama Why should we be encouraging children to study Drama? At School, we emphasise the importance for children to read and write. Rightly so, as these are fundamental skills which are the cornerstone to a solid education, but how much importance do we put on communication? Communicating clearly and confidently is of such high importance to us as people. Good communication skills are an essential part of life, helping us to make friends, maintain relationships and even land that dream job. What job does not demand their employees to have good communication skills? Drama at Bromsgrove School is flourishing in 2018, with a good uptake at GCSE and there is a real buzz in the air. The new Cobham Theatre opened its doors to visitors and the Preparatory School was well represented during the Grand Opening.

1001 Nights February 2018 saw the Preparatory School’s inaugural production in Cobham Theatre, following hot on the heels of The Pierglass by Senior School students. The Arabian Nights or The Thousand and One Nights, is a collection of Arabic short stories.

The utmost concentration is needed to make sure that all of the cues are picked up at the correct time. This, of course, wouldn’t be possible without George Elliott and Tom Jude, our School Technicians, who helped guide the pupils every step of the way.

The production was the first full Prep School performance in Cobham Theatre we used the space to our full advantage, changing the adaptable seating to a thrust formation so that the seating could be on three sides, allowing for a fully immersive experience. In the past three years, we have performed in the round (Alice) and in traverse (Twelfth Night) so performing in a thrust was a natural progression.

Dancing and music are two things that help to make a production exciting and fresh. Dr Mel Ruben helped to create Bollywood dance routines, which the children perfected. Gabriel Brown provided live violin music, which he sourced himself.

There are some performers that we are very sad to see leaving the Preparatory School, but we hope to see them treading the same boards in the Senior School next year in the Fourth Form production. This, therefore, leaves room in the cast to see the younger performers now take on much larger roles as they move into Year 8. There was another first for 1001 Nights as all technical aspects of the production were completely controlled by pupils. Our fantastic technical team of Jamie Lewis, Jared Spurgeon and Imogen Thomas were in the production box throughout rehearsals and performances.

Theatre is a wonderful meeting place of different art forms, showing how they can work together and produce something magical that can delight all our senses. It also shows the power of collaboration, each skill set working together in harmony. C Woollhead From earliest records, human beings have told stories - it is how we conjure perspective from the past, treasure the present and present the possibility of change for the future. The whole world over, throughout all of time, within every culture, we tell ourselves one story. We tell ourselves the story that one day we will be free. You can wipe slates and burn books, but you cannot take away the stories we tell, whether a parent to their child or a prophet to their people. Our production of 1001 Nights shares ideas from many narrative and dramatic traditions, visual and dance styles, cultures and eras. In doing this we hope, like Shahrazad, to entertain but also to leave behind injustice and prejudice and embrace fairness and understanding. Today, in a world where so much progress towards equality has been made, but so much more is needed, we are telling 1001 stories… stories to give a voice, a chance, a future. M Ruben

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Year 4 The Tudor Rose The Year 4 production of The Tudor Rose was thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience of parents and grandparents. The children were able to demonstrate how much they have learned about the Tudor period through song, dance and drama. It was obvious to all that the pupils really enjoyed themselves and there were many memorable individual performances. It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon.

Years 7 and 8 House Drama This was the second year of House Drama and the first time that we were able to perform in the Theatre. We had a wide range of performances from the highly comic to the deeply moving. Pupils entered duologues and eight pairs made it through to the final. The addition of costumes, lighting and sound added an extra level to the performance. Notable performances were by Theo Gilbert-Birch (runner up - Best Actor) and Anya Sanikop (Best Actor). Jessica Whitlock and Natasha Bahra (runner up - Best Performance) and Charlie Cooper and George Lamb (Best Performance). Mr Robert Madely from Malachite Theatre Company adjudicated and was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the students and the wonderful facilities on offer.

Year 6 – An Evening of Story Telling Year 6 were set the challenge of performing one play per form group. This would act as an end of Key Stage 2 as the children move into Year 7. The stories which were chosen were; Lightning Larry (A good cowboy, who shot light into the hearts of bad cowboys), Daisy Head Maisie (a story about a girl, who sprouts a daisy on her head), Goldilocks and the Three Bears (a girl who gets hungry and eats a baby bear’s porridge) and Macbeth (a soldier becomes king following a supernatural prediction, with gruesome consequences). This is a wide range of stories, which we hope allowed for high levels of engagement.

Throughout the rehearsals, everyone managed to experience what it is like to put on a production from lighting, costumes and props through to getting on stage in front of a live audience. Every child from Year 6 was included, which is a fantastic achievement. We hope that some children have enjoyed the experience so much that they will put themselves forward to be part of the Years 7 and 8 play, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, next academic year. A production that seems to be highly anticipated by everyone at the Preparatory School.

Drama Scholars 2017/18 is the first year that the Preparatory School has awarded Drama Scholarships. Children performed a monologue and wrote an essay on Macbeth. Scholarships were awarded to Jessica Whitlock, Fred Hanson, Isabella Rusling and Charlie Cooper. These children are the first Prep Drama Scholars awarded and we hope that this will have an impact in the future.

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Senior Drama Grand Opening of Performing Arts Facilities 2017 On the 22nd November 2017, almost 250 students from our Senior, Prep and PrePrep Schools, plus pupils from Winterfold and several eminent Old Bromsgrovians, were brought together in a spectacular showcase of talent on a scale worthy of the new Performing Arts buildings themselves. After the unveiling of a plaque by Lord Cobham, the capacity audience of 280 guests were treated to a non-stop cavalcade of theatrical treats on the stage of the new theatre. From the electrifying opening sword fight from The Pierglass, the performers had the audience utterly captivated. With the entire cast costumed to the hilt, lit atmospherically with replica Victorian footlights and dramatic side lighting, we were served a feast for the eyes and ears. Here was a drab, old-fashioned theatrical setting of painted backcloth and wings, suddenly ‘blown away’, disappearing magically into the flies, to reveal the vast empty expanse of the new stage; a terrific theatrical coup to highlight some of the technical capabilities of the new stage and a perfect metaphor for the new dramatic opportunities the School now offers. In mere seconds, an enormous panelled room appeared, complete with flickering candles and dominated by a vast table stretching the full width of the stage; the School’s student technical crew and cast pulling off yet another breath-taking transformation.

When this sequence ended, the rear of the stage opened to reveal a stunning Indian sunrise, a backdrop to Year 7 and Year 8 students’ spectacular, noisy and vivid dance sequence from Tales from The Thousand And One Nights. The delightfully comic excerpt from The Little Beggar scene that concluded the dance was further evidence of the huge talent that is being nurtured in the Prep School. The mood in the theatre changed again as the stage flooded with tiny spots of dappled light while Timofey Abbasov and Plato Kotchetkov gave us a lyrical and beautifully choreographed extract from Beckett’s Waiting For Godot. From the poignant clowns of Vladimir and Estragon, we were lead effortlessly into the mime and visual comedy of Year 9 performers who appeared in full-face Trestle masks in their own piece, Everyday. Anya Butler and Holly Nicholls then gave us a witty, improvised Commedia dell’Arte until the sounds of the battlefield engulfed the auditorium, the stage picture changed once again and we saw a heart-stopping display of live explosions and thunderflashes to transport us back to the trenches of World War One. In full battle dress and dripping with theatrical gore, Year 10’s extract from Oh What A Lovely War! not only had the audience jumping out of their seats, but also showed us the true power of theatre, leaving not a member of its audience without a tear in the eye.

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With the Cobham Theatre well and truly opened, it was time to commence similar proceedings for the music department. As soon as the curtain fell, Bromsgrove’s elegant and efficient monitors conducted the audience out of the theatre across the newly paved pathway towards the refurbished Routh Concert Hall. Our guest of honour, Julian Lloyd Webber, unveiled a plaque in the foyer of the Hall and then the pyrotechnical wizardry continued, this time with a powerful line of Senior percussionists stretched across the concert hall in front of the platform and drumming out the stomp inspired piece, Fresh Trash by Ed Argenziano. The date for the opening concert had been carefully chosen by the Director of Music to fall on the feast day of St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, so it was entirely befitting of the occasion for the Senior Choir and Orchestra to perform Henry Purcell’s dedication to St. Cecilia: Welcome to All The Pleasures. Originally written for its initial performance on 22nd November 1683, the poetry of the piece, supplied by Christopher Fishburn, includes the line “Hail to this happy place, this musical assembly, that seems to be the ark of universal harmony.” A more fitting tribute to the evening would have been difficult to supply, with over 140 singers and instrumentalists ranged across the magnificent concert platform and in the aisles of the auditorium.

The baroque delights of Purcell, sung with extraordinary accomplishment by the Senior Chamber Choir, and accompanied by the String Orchestra, was a joy to the ear; with the acoustics of the hall now perfectly tuned just for music, every note rang out with crystal clarity. With similar quality and energy, the next piece could not have been a greater contrast in style and dynamics to the Purcell, as the combined Jazz Bands of Bromsgrove and Winterfold Schools burst into the Big Band sound of Bill Reddie’s Channel One Suite. This is a very challenging piece for even a seasoned player, but the large ensemble played with great confidence, verve and skill. Showcasing the human voice, the combined choirs of Pre-Prep all the way up to the Upper Sixth Form presented two a cappella works, one an African chant which was richly atmospheric as the call and response nature of the piece sent voices echoing around the hall in the most magical way. The Chilcott arrangement of the shaker tune, The Gift to Be Simple, was equally impressive and revealed the extraordinary talents of the singers particularly in the accuracy of the harmonies and dynamic range.

The challenge of bringing the extraordinary performing arts opening to a close was taken up by the Assistant Director of Music, who composed a finale, All Kinds Of Music, that was a masterpiece of inclusivity, not only combining every performer but also a diverse range of musical talents, instruments and voices while embracing as many different musical styles, periods and genre. Beginning with a military fanfare from the rear of the auditorium which was then taken over by the orchestral brass on stage, the strings introduced a Russian Waltz. An unexpected fusion between this and the jazz bands modulated into a chorus of young voices accompanied by the woodwind section, until percussion then introduced a Brazilian-inspired dance section before the whole was brought to a rousing finale combining oratorio, motet and music theatre. It was a triumphant finish, in every sense, with the Performing Arts firmly planted at the heart of School life. With over eighty-six performances already planned for the next Academic year in Routh Hall and Cobham Theatre, it seems that the new buildings were long overdue. T Norton

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The Pierglass With the grand unveiling of the new theatre just days before the first night of the Senior Play, it seemed only fitting that the new Director of Performing Arts should have chosen to produce The Pierglass. This award winning play about the transformative power of theatre tells the story of a troupe of Victorian travelling players, who arrive in a remote town bringing life, love and laughter to their small, disused stage after many years of neglect. The irony was not lost on the Bromsgrove audience who arrived into the magnificent new auditorium only to be faced with a very dingy looking stage hung with old painted cloths, wings and borders, illuminated across the front of the stage by a row of old-fashioned tin footlights. As the small off-stage orchestra, ably led by the Assistant Director of Music, played its first notes however, the lights lowered until a singly tiny lantern picked out the glittering crown of Orlando Ballyvicks, actor, manager and theatrical maestro. This was a role that seemed to fit Matt Hegarty like a glove. With his taste for the grand gesture, both literal and metaphorical, Hegarty quickly established the highly theatrical tone of the piece and led us all into the magical world of actors and acting. In a magnificent piece of theatrical wizardry, at the end of his opening monologue he seemed able to ‘blow away’ the old scenery, which disappeared in a cloud of dust. A vast gothic window then descended from the flies and we found ourselves in the closeted chamber of Charlotte Bratton. Pheobe Fletcher, her face framed with a cascade of Victorian ringlets, perfectly epitomised the frail young heiress, capturing the hearts of her audience from first to last, who sees life only through the small leather bound editions of Shakespeare smuggled to her by her faithful doctor. Reading the title of the latest tome he has just handed her, Fletcher uttered the words ‘Romeo and Juliet’ with such thrilled awe, we were infected by a similar sense of excitement as the stage burst into life with the arrival of the theatricals.

Miss Elizabeth Lovage, Mr. Frederick Bonneville and Mr. Icarus Nevergeddit magnificently played by Anna Da Costa Martins, Vincenz Freigassner and Timofey Abbasov, respectively, at once filled the theatre with terrific energy, confidence and razor sharp timing in their highly athletic fencing routine. Dazzled we may have been by their brilliance, but this was hilariously undercut with the re-entrance of Matt Hegarty patronisingly telling his actors to ‘just take care with their positions in the second tableau’. From the grand matronliness of Lauren Milburn’s Eustacia Ballyvicks to the superior hauteur of Lily Rose Faulkner-Schuett’s vile Robina Leers (whose magnificent comeuppance, courtesy of Robyn Davies, was a particular highlight), every actor must be congratulated for creating such a diverse array of carefully delineated comic eccentrics.

Ellie Johnson as Martha Fletcher, the House maid, and Tom Anning, the gardener, brought a touching affection to the stage, as did the final resolution for young Ralph Ballyvicks, performed with just the right amount of awkward charm by Matt Goodwin. This was a remarkable ensemble production with over 60 students in the cast, crew and orchestra. The new theatre was pushed to its limits; set changes included a 16 foot high panelled room suddenly descending from the flies and there were some brilliantly choreographed sequences where we found ourselves alternately ‘on stage’ and then suddenly in the chaos of ‘the wings’ behind the scenery, with each switch happening in the blink of an eye.

The antics of the Orlando Ballyvicks Company provide the colourful contrast to the much darker world of Bratton Hall and its inhabitants. The true melodrama of The Pierglass is the unfolding nightmare of young Charlotte, her stepmother and the rest of the Bratton household. Eight local widows, a nightmarish vision of rustling black crinolines and veils, completed the other inhabitants of Bratton Hall. Sewing perfectly in unison and biting their cotton thread with frighteningly sharp teeth, Elina Agrawal must be credited for drilling her team with expert precision. Mention must also be made here of Archie Holder’s wonderfully villainous Nicholas Thornhyde. With curly moustache and horrid greasy hair, he brought the play to a stand-still as he entered; no one has removed a pair of white gloves with such comic malevolence. His scenes with Madelaine Barber-Fray were a joy of duplicitous scheming and quivering, supressed desire.

The two minute long standing ovation at the end of the last night was richly deserved. Whilst the play offers a cynical view of actors and acting as ‘just a bunch of ponces’ it was reassuring that the audience seemed to have sided with the alternative perspective, uttered with wonderful simplicity by Sam Ison earlier in the evening:“Cor! Theatre! Innit’ marvellous!” T Norton

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Cast The Theatre Company Mr. Orlando Ballyvicks Matthew Hegarty Miss Elizabeth Lovage Anna Da Costa Martins Mr. Frederick Bonneville Vinzenz Freigasser Mr. Antony Hawk Aled Luckman Mr. Icarus Nevergeddit Timofey Abbasov Miss Robina Leers Lily-Rose Faulkner-Schuett Mrs. Eustacia Ballyvicks Lauren Leigh Milburn Ralph Ballyvicks Matthew Goodwin Patience Clippins Ciara Hughes Miss Flora Fidden Holly Heslop Miss Perpetua Ballyvicks Patricia Blessing The Pump Inn Francis Boiler James Gill Dan Pargeter Ben Payne Violet Fludden Meghan McIntosh Mrs. Fludden Robyn Davies Old Mr Fludden George Bingham George Hobbs Sam Ison The House Charlotte Bratton Phoebe Fletcher Sarah Bratton Madelaine Barber-Fray Adeline Switcher Suzannah Walters Joseph Porter Tom Anning Martha Fletcher Ellie Johnson Ivy Turnbull Tomi Ilori Annie Powell Holly Nichols Dorcas Belling Heidi Collie

The Visitors Dr. Septimus Collinson Harry Nichols Nicholas Thornhyde Archie Holder Cousin Rebecca Francesca Mellor Cousin Geraldine Anya Butler Mrs. Rooker Elina Agrawal Miss Pargeter Anna Bashkirova Miss Stimp Lauren Court Miss Gaunt Olivia Dalby Miss Tite Christie Lloyd Mrs Treyer Ada Tylova Band Soprano Saxophone Tom Martin Alto Saxophone Archie Batham-Read Trumpet Charles Sapwell Violin Kalea Booth Cello Jenny Pearson Production Credits Theatre Technician George Elliott Drama Technician Sophie Purcell Costume Design and Construction Simone Jones, assisted by Claire Whitfield Set and Additional Furniture construction Theatre Technicians Owen Matthews, Colin Abbott, Rob Brunt and Steve Kingston Backdrop Painting Emma Densem and Charlie Woollhead Stage Manager Dom Gardner Deputy Stage Managers Harry Ruben and Nick Bedov Additional Set Design, Construction and Flying Will Edwards Lighting Operation Ethan McClean

Deputy LX Paulo Romanengo Sound Design and Operation Dan Moore Assistant Stage Managers Alia Derriery, Ellie Fung, Fion Tse, Emily Williams Dressers Nadya Durova and James Beattie Running Props Khoi Nguyen and Georgia Groves Additional Direction Charlie Woollhead Directed and Designed by Tim Norton With very grateful thanks to the following, without whose support this production would not have been possible: Sarah Ascough, Paul Mullan, Spike Jenkins, Steve Clarke, Martin Heard and John Tilt

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Fourth Form Play – Grimm Tales Twenty-two students from the Fourth Form took part in two highly entertaining performances of Grimm Tales during the Lent term. From the very opening, the audience were lured into a strange half world of sleep, bedtime stories and children’s nightmares. As the dim blue moonlight rose on stage, every cast member appeared to be sleeping soundly on chairs, makeshift beds or on the floor in a variety of colourful pyjamas and contemporary nightwear. Were they on a bizarre School camping trip? Had they all run away from home? Why were they in a room with a leaky roof where the water drips dropped disturbingly into buckets downstage? As one member of the company (cheekily played by Lewis Osborne) was awoken from his slumbers, we followed his antics until pandemonium reigned on stage and every child was wide-awake and causing noisy mayhem at having been so rudely awoken. Beautifully choreographed, this riotous pillow-fight came to a swift end when a tall and commanding governess appeared (played with great confidence by Heidi Neuman) and with one loud shout sent them hurrying – terrified – back to their beds, thereby establishing a very different atmosphere on stage.

From this effective premise, the cast, now unable to sleep, began to tell each other a series of fantastical stories, each one of which came to life as fully staged pieces of theatre. From George Vaughan’s hilarious vegetarian big bad wolf in the delightfully quirky Little Red Riding Hood, to the magical staging of Hansel and Gretel, the eponymous heroes of which played movingly by Freya Tweddell and Daniel Goodwin, four stories were staged in a different theatrical style, often with a decidedly contemporary twist. The audience loved Frankie Mellor and MollyJo Sword’s catwalk- crazy ugly sisters in Cinderella, and Rosie Willets brought tears to the eyes with her foul-mouthed Rumpelstiltskin, but the unexplained appearance of Jessica Rai as Snow White “in the wrong story” was an inspired touch of lunacy. In a production that kept its tongue firmly in its cheek much of the time, it still managed to bring out the dark and disturbing side of these classic fairy tales.

With a strong visual impact, created by the huge creepy forest that appeared magically upstage, judicious use of minimal props and costume gave the piece a raw energy that worked remarkably well in this fast-paced series of plays. Many congratulations must go to a cast for committing to a truly ensemble piece that showed terrific focus while remaining on stage throughout the performance. There was some real performing talent to watch out for in the future and a magnificent technical team of just three students: Anissa Tam, Jared Spurgeon and Jamie Lewis, who operated precisely and cued almost 200 separate effects in the hourlong piece. Grimm Tales they might have been, but our enjoyment of them in the theatre was anything but. T Norton

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Cast

Senior House Drama

Elmshurst - Metamorphosis by Steven Berkoff Timofey Abbasov – Gregor Samsa Akseli Ilmanen – Greta Samsa Platon Kochetkov – The Clerk Alin Petz – Mrs. Samsa Cristian Salagor – Mr. Samsa

The 2018 Senior House Drama Competition was a most inspiring and highly entertaining event. For the first time since House drama returned to Bromsgrove, all eleven Houses produced a play and almost 80 students were involved as performers, directors or technicians. It was also very encouraging to see so many young actors taking to the stage for the first time in their careers at Bromsgrove. Professional actor, Mr. Ed Sayer gave a fine adjudication, commenting particularly on the authenticity, focus and commitment of every performer. Perhaps because it was taking place in the sophisticated environs of the new theatre, or perhaps our actors and directors are just getting better each year, but there was a marked raising of standards in the quality of each production from last year. Each piece presented us with an entirely different stage picture when the lights rose, the transformation having taken place in a matter of seconds; and what a terrifically varied programme we were given. Each play chosen seemed perfectly suited to each House: from the intense, highly charged final scene from A View From The Bridge produced by Thomas Cookes House to the hilarious, chaotic maelstrom of Arnold Wesker’s The Kitchen -a magnificent, large-scale ensemble performance from Housman Hall – the chosen texts brought out the very best in every performer. Most Houses steered clear of presenting pieces in a naturalistic style, nearly all opting for something with a heightened theatrical style, often the most successful tending towards physical theatre, keeping the stage filled with the ensemble to create an Expressionistic whole. This was especially true of this year’s runner up for Best Play, Elmshurst, whose performance of Steven Berkoff’s Metamorphosis was breathtakingly imaginative, presenting us with a series of memorable, exaggerated, choreographed sequences and macabre distorted shadow projections on a vast screen behind the actors.

Hazeldene - A Woman of No Importance by Oscar Wilde Directed by Holly Peplow Lauren Court - Lady Stutfield Olivia Dalby – A Maid Holly Foster - Lady Hunstanton Millie Gore - Mrs. Allonby Megan Longden - Mrs. Hester Worsley Holly Peplow - Lady Caroline Pontefract

The award for Best Play, which went to Oakley House, just tipped the balance by combining a tightly directed cast, adding both physical and vocal comment to every line of Dylan Thomas’ masterpiece Under Milk Wood lending the text a highly sensitive and sophisticated lyricism. Every House must be congratulated for the high standard of work shown this year, but a special mention should go to the boys from Wendron-Gordon House, for their brave and hilarious performance of Civil Rogues who managed, not only to navigate their way elegantly around a stage in huge 17th Century Farthingales, but also to keep a faithful focus on the narrative and characters. The adjudicator agreed and presented them with a special award. The runner up prize for best Actor was awarded to Phoebe Fletcher for her utterly spell-binding performance as Lily Smalls in Under Milk Wood and Timofey Abbasov gained the best actor award for his outstanding portrayal of Gregor Samsa in Metamorphosis. For his vision, dedication and achievement, Timofey also was awarded the Performing Arts Prize. T Norton

Housman Hall - The Kitchen by Arnold Wesker Directed by Tomi Iliori with Hannah Brock Anna Abramova - Daphne Leah Asghar-Sandy - Monique Max Balin - Peter Anna Bashkirova - Susan Maria Brega - Francesca Karan Dhanjal - Raymond Kiren Doyle - Head Waitress (Magi) Tumba Katanda - Anne Daniel Kwok - Nicholas Taf Nyamaswe - Hans Chizi Ogbu - Gaston Ejo Pela - Sexy Waitress Paolo Romanengo - Paul Fion Tse - Hettie Ada Tylova - Mabel Lupton - Travels With My Aunt by Giles Havergal Directed by Aled Luckman Theo Gardner - Henry 1 Will Bellamy - Henry 2/ Taxi Driver Tom Anning - Henry 3 Ben Hollingworth - Aunt Augusta Lyttelton - The Final Revelation of Sherlock Holmes Matt Hegarty - Sherlock Holmes Harry Nichols - Dr. Watson Mary Windsor - Blithe Spirit by Noel Coward Directed by Charlotte Blessing Patricia Blessing - Charles Lauren Milburn - Ruth Anastasiia Ovchinnikova - Madame Arcati Maria Senft – Elvira

Oakley - Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas Madelaine Barber Fray - 1st Voice (and Director) Anya Butler - Wife, Mother, Mae Rose Cottage Anna Da Costa Martins - Polly Garter, Mrs. Beynon Phoebe Fletcher - Lily Smalls, 2nd Neighbour Ellie Johnson - Miss Price, 2nd Woman, Little Boy Meghan McIntosh - 1st Neighbour, 4th Woman School House - Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind Directed by Grayson Leversha Archie Holder - Melchior Sam Ison - Moritz Thomas Cookes - A View From The Bridge by Arthur Miller Elina Agrawal - Beatrice (and Director) Katie Burke as Louis Paulina Geus - Marco Holly Heslop - Rodolpho Holly Nichols - Eddie Suzannah Walters - Catherine Walters - Journey’s End by R. C. Sheriff James Beattie - Mason (and Director) George Bingham - Osborne James Gill - Rayleigh Ben Payne- Trotter Wendron-Gordon - Civil Rogues by Tim Norton Directed by Sam Foulds and William Roberts Nasser Al-Daajani - Extra James Bradley - Baxter Cristian Cires - Gout Moritz Farny - Charles Oleksii Moskalevskyi - Lump Georgy Muradov - Gascoigne Senior Winners Timofey Abbasov - Best Actor Phoebe Fletcher - Runner up Best Actor Timofey Abbasov - Performing Arts Prize Wendron-Gordon - Special Adjuducators Prize Oakley House - Best Play Elmshurst House - Runner-Up Best Play

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Fourth Form House Drama This year saw the first ever House Drama competition performed solely by members of the Fourth Form. It was a great opportunity for younger members of the Senior School to display their dramatic talents in pieces that they had also chosen. Our Head of English, Mr Dinnen, brought the event to a fine conclusion with his wise adjudication. We were treated to a highly varied programme of periods and theatrical genres ranging from the hilarious opening piece, the absurd anarchic comedy The Ninth Wonder of The World, to the very challenging and directly confrontational, Face by Benjamin Zephania. Remarkably, with ten Houses taking part in the competition, proceedings passed very efficiently, with never more than twenty seconds elapsing between each presentation, giving the whole event a very professional and well-organised energy. Special mention must be made for the efforts of Elmshurst House. Theirs was the only piece directed by a member of the Lower Fourth, Dan Goodwin. Highly ambitious in its scope and involving the largest number of performers, Goodwin gave us not one but four scenes from a dramatization of The Machine Gunners. For his efforts and the dramatic success of the piece, Dan was awarded the Special Adjudicator’s prize. The runner-up for best actor went to Ciara Hughes for her wonderfully brash but intelligent portrayal of Bernadette in Stags and Hens, while Francesca Mellor was a worthy winner of the best actor prize for her fragile characterisation of Mary Warren from Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. There were several plays worthy of the top prize but the honour went to Hazeldene for the excellent comic timing displayed in Stags and Hens, with Oakley coming a close second with Face, a piece dominated by a very sensitive and intelligent performance from Rosie Willets.

This was a superb occasion and a highly successful inaugural Fourth Form competition, which bodes very well for the growing future of drama at the School. T Norton Fourth Form Winners Frankie Mellor - Best Actor Ciara Hughes - Runner up Best Actor Dan Goodwin - Special Adjudicator’s Prize Hazeldene House - Best Play Oakley House - Runner-Up Best Play Cast School - The Ninth Wonder of The World by Damian Trasler Directed by Sam Ison Chair - George Vaughan Treasurer - Hugh Abraham Martin - Harry Richards Secretary - Jack Maydew Mary Windsor - The Visit by Friedrich Dürenmatt Directed by Charlotte Blessing and Anastasiia Ovchinnikova Claire Zachanassian - Gerry Georgieva Alfred III - Teya Ilieva Mayor - Sara-Maria Popescu The Butler - Anissa Tam Jakob Chicken - Niya Popova Louis Perch - Elsa Tsia Walters - Romeo & Juliet Directed by George Bingham Assisted by Kieran Brinn Mercutio 1 - Arjai Sunner Mercutio 2 - Hamish Cross Romeo - Lewis Osborne Benvolio 1 - Samuel Amos Benvolio 2 - Leo Mellor Oakley - Face by Benjamin Zephaniah & Richard Conlon Directed by Madelaine Barber-Fray & Anna Da Costa Martins Narrative Martin - Esme Elwell-Thomas Present Martin - Rosie Willetts Natalie/Street Voice - Charlotte Holden Dad/Mark/Simon - Polly Green Mum/Form Tutor/ Vikki - Freya Tweddell Margaret/Street Voice - Sophia Eaton

Wendron-Gordon - The Comedians by Terry Griffiths Directed by Andrii Iermolaiev Mr Waters - Ian Tong Pang Ged - Arsenii Steshenko Samuel - Donald Li Mc Brain - Steve Nguyen Connor - Connor Mills Phil - Kostya Chistyakov Challenor - Mayaz Shabab Caretaker & Price - Howard Goldstraw Hazeldene - Stags & Hens by Willy Russell Directed by Hannah Jones Maureen - Polly Dakin Bernadette - Ciara Hughes Carol - Aggie Warner Frances - Hafsah Suleman Lupton - Stags & Hens by Willy Russell Directed by Tom Anning Peter - Sebastien Adams Kav - Sebastian Harrison Robbie - Alexander Williams Billy - Tashin Moodley Eddy - William Walker Thomas Cookes - The Crucible by Arthur Miller Directed by Elina Agrawal; Assisted by Holly Nichols Mary Warren - Frankie Mellor Reverened Parris - Lucie Goodwin John Proctor - Emily Clark Deputy Governor Danforth - Tori Kemp Judge Hathorne – Anaiya Sunner Mercy Lewis - Mia King Suzannah Walcott - Tavleen Toor Abigail Williams - Iris Tang Elmshurst - The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall Directed by Dan Goodwin Carrots - Roman Geller Cem - Gordon Wong Liddel - Guy Wagstaff Hardy - Murat Shafigullan Rudy - James Cameron Boddser - Andrew Wong D.O. Sanderson - Vasil Yosifov Nicky - Tom Cosh Clogger - Dan Goodwin Chas - Matt Hill Audrey - Artem Balam

Prep Music Prep House Music Competition The Prep House Song Competition was a fantastic whole School event, which was enjoyed by all. The four Houses all sang superbly and the adjudicator, Mrs Hilary Holland praised the children for the quality of their performance. Congratulations to Darby House who emerged as victors, with a lively rendition of Blue Moon sung with added harmonies, greatly enhancing the performance. However, this year all four Houses had ‘pulled out all the stops’ to submit an entry of the highest standard. Watt’s performance of Yellow, a popular Coldplay song, Telford’s Somewhere over the Rainbow and Boulton’s True Colours were all confidently sung by staff and pupils and thoroughly enjoyed by an appreciative audience of parents. M Corrie

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Cheltenham Festival for Performing Arts Singers from Years 6-8 took part in the Cheltenham Competitive Festival of Music and Arts at the Town Hall. This was a wonderful occasion of extremely high quality music. In the first category, the singers competed for the Joan Bell Junior Challenge Trophy, performing Look to this Day by Bob Chilcott and The Ash Grove arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram. Both pieces were performed extremely well and the children were complemented by the adjudicator on their excellent three-part harmony and joyful singing. It was with great delight that the Choir was awarded first prize. In the second class for choirs 13 years and under, our choir performed Sting’s Fields of Gold followed by the Heavenly Aeroplane composed by John Rutter. The adjudicator, who was particularly complimentary of the choir’s amusing actions which enhanced Rutter’s song, said that it was one of the most difficult competitions she had ever judged.

Bromsgrove was thrilled to be awarded another first place and the cup was received by the Chapel Choir’s two delighted Head Choristers. It was a truly memorable occasion for all the performers and the Music department was extremely proud of all they had achieved. M Corrie

Year 3 String Scheme Now in its fourth year, the String Scheme continues to go from strength to strength. Since September, every Year 3 pupil has had the opportunity to learn the violin, viola, cello or double bass in group lessons each week. With their teachers, they have been learning a range of pieces to develop their playing technique and reading skills, practising and preparing for their performances in Routh Hall in November 2017 and March and June 2018; all three concerts were a huge success, a very proud moment for teachers and parents alike. A number of our Year 3 pupils will be continuing their instrumental lessons and have joined the Prep Junior Orchestra. We look forward to continuing their musical journey as they move up through the School. M Corrie

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Prep Jazz Group

Preparatory School Summer Concerts Prep School musicians treated parents, teachers and friends to a variety of performances in their annual summer concerts. The occasions gave several ensembles valuable opportunity to play to an audience and share their musical talents. Congratulations to all those who took part and a big ‘thank you’ to the music staff who work so hard to teach and inspire their pupils. M Corrie

The Prep Jazz Group have enjoyed a successful year, with a flurry of new members giving the band an exciting new dynamic. Notable performances this year were at the Jazz Workshop held at Winterfold School, where the band played alongside the Groove Diggers in a study of South African music by Hugh Masakela. The Prep Jazz Group were also invited to the Senior School’s annual Pop and Jazz event, performing tunes from Miles Davis to Marvin Gaye, and combining with the Big Band for a roof-raising finale of We Are Family. M Corrie

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Prep Chapel Choir 2018

Year 5 Woodwind and Brass Scheme This year has seen a new wind and brass initiative in which all of our Year 5 pupils had the opportunity to learn a woodwind or brass instrument. The pupils worked hard at learning flutes, clarinets, oboes, fagonelli (mini bassoons), trumpets, trombones, French horns, euphoniums and tubas. After the first term of lessons, pupils performed in a presentation, and at the end of the year, put on a splendid concert. The standard achieved in both performances was exceptional but most remarkable, was the improvement seen from those very early stages to the final concert. Some of the new players joined the Year 3-5 Orchestra and we hope that many of them will continue to develop their exciting new skills. M Corrie

Barnardo’s National Choir Competition During the Lent Term, the Preparatory School Choir learned that they had been selected from hundreds of schools in the country to compete in the finals of the prestigious Barnardo’s Choir Competition at the Royal Festival Hall. It was a memorable and exciting experience for all the children. M Corrie

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Senior Music We welcomed the return of Routh Hall, reinvented as a truly fabulous 300-seater concert hall, and with the added boon of a state-of-the-art Music School next door. Bromsgrove’s Music department has a home to be proud of and we welcomed all kinds of music, and musician, to the stage this academic year.

Choral Music At Bromsgrove School, we love to sing. The sheer joy and sense of community when we sing is overwhelming at times, and this year we have enjoyed plenty of occasions to get together to dust off the vocal chords. From the entertaining Big Sing Day in September, through the opening concert’s vocal performance in the round, to Choral Evensong at Worcester Cathedral and some hearty carol-singing at Christmas. A return to choral and orchestral concerts was most welcome this year in the form of Haydn’s Nelson Mass, a work scored for soloists and large chorus - made up of seventy-five pupils aged 11-18 - and orchestra. We also enjoyed two concerto movements by Mozart, and an engaging performance of Haydn’s Clock Symphony by the combined Fourth Form GCSE Music sets.

Music Scholars’ Concerts Two recitals by Music Scholars were given this year, ensuring there was a platform for the thirty-four award holders between Years 7 and the Upper Sixth. Many congratulations to each performer for sharing their talents on these evenings; it was fantastic to see our Scholars shine on the Routh stage again! All the performances can be seen on our YouTube channel.

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Senior House Music Competitions This year, the House Music Competition made its way back to our fantastic new concert hall. Seventy-eight performers entered the Ensemble Competition and we enjoyed hearing an array of musical delights from Stevie Wonder, Guns ‘n’ Roses and The Beach Boys. Congratulations to Housman Hall winning first prize for their in-house jazz arrangement of Michael Bublé’s Feeling Good. Congratulations go to Jude Wynter from Walters who took the Solo Competition by storm in a beautiful performance of Rachmaninov’s Prelude in D, which won first prize in the evening’s Solo Competition. The competition was judged by Mr Steven Legge, Head of Instrumental and Vocal Tuition at Gloucestershire County Music Service. All the performances can again be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Inter-House Song Competition The theme for the hotly contested annual Inter-House Unison Song Competition was girl’s names. There were a variety of songs, many of which were rousing and creatively-choreographed for all to enjoy. Thomas Cookes emerged triumphant with Juliet and Wendron Gordon in second place with a fantastic arrangement of Billie Jean; Hazeldene picked up Best Creative Prize and Oakley received the Best Conductor’s Prize. The competition was adjudicated by Mr Jonathan Brown, Director of Music at Malvern College. If you missed the live stream, all the performances can still be seen on our YouTube channel.

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String Chamber Day The string chamber music course, now in its second year, involved Years 7-13 musicians from Bromsgrove Prep and Senior Schools and Winterfold. Six groups of trios and quartets worked with our specialist string tutors, developing their ensemble skills, listening, playing together and leading; to produce a varied programme of music by Schubert, Elgar, Fauré, Pachelbel, Schmidtt and Scotson. It was a wonderful occasion to see every performer contributing their individual lines within each chamber group, gaining so much enjoyment and confidence from this experience.

String Extravaganza The String Extravaganza concert in March was a celebration of string playing from Years 3 to 13. The concert opened with our youngest performers from the string initiative playing a variety of pieces in small groups and as a sixty-piece string orchestra. The Years 6-8 string orchestra performed Jupiter from Holst’s The Planet Suite, celebrating its centenary this year. The afternoon finished with the senior string orchestra performing Fauré’s Pavane and the spirited, but challenging Dargason from Holst’s St Paul’s Suite. Year 3 pupils were transfixed by the older pupils’ performances and we hope they will be inspired to continue their musical journey. It will be interesting to see them ten years from now.

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Jazz at Bromsgrove This has been one of the most successful years for Jazz at Bromsgrove, with more than fifty students participating on a weekly basis in small improvisation groups as well as in the Big Band. We have had the opportunity to develop links with Winterfold School, both at the Opening Concert and at the annual Pop and Jazz event. The Big Band participated in the regional heat of National Concert Band Festival in Cheltenham and their superb performance granted them entry to the finals, this year held at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The band performed with style to a full theatre, achieving a gold award.

Informal Concerts The Informal Concert series continued this year with five concerts for soloists and smaller chamber groups – these are open to all performers of any age and ability, and are a fabulous way to welcome musicians to take to the stage in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The audience, usually numbering forty to fifty people, are treated to an array of musical talents from various styles, cultures and genres, new music and old favourites, and are always appreciative of anyone who steadies their nerves to communicate musically from the concert platform. All performances can be seen on the School’s YouTube channel.

Small band jazz is also being encouraged with participation in events throughout the calendar year. In particular, a group made up of IVth and Vth form performed at the drinks reception of the Prep School Spring Ball, held at Grafton Manor. The IV form jazz group also performed at the Thomas Cookes House Jazz and Pimms event. The Big Band returned to the Upton International Jazz Festival for a second year, playing an hour set of jazz music from 1940s swing through to modern funk in the Best of Young Jazz tent.

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Academic Music

Cultures Connect Concert

Academic musicians have been treated to many opportunities this year, in and outside the classroom. Activities such as a lecture on the music of Zoltan Kodaly and Hungarian folk music, an evening at the opera (Mozart’s famous comic opera The Marriage of Figaro), a masterclass given by American trumpeter James Thompson and a choral taster day in Oxford with a fabulous recital evening, all of which have helped to enrich the learning journey of our musicians. We wish all our leaving Upper Sixth musicians well as they prepare for their university music courses.

We were very excited to watch the Cultures Connect concert this year, because many of our friends who went to see it last year were amazed, and we have to admit that we were surprised by the quality and variation of the performances. As a special guest, the Headmaster of Bromsgrove came to watch the show.

It was great to feel such a sense of community, even though most people came from different backgrounds. The atmosphere was just wonderful and the audience cheered the whole time. Our personal highlight was our physics teacher, Dr Thompson, performing on stage with some of his students.

On Saturday 3rd March 2018, we went into the brand-new Routh Concert Hall around seven o’clock. Before taking their seats, everyone had the flag of their country painted onto their cheek - because Bromsgrove is such an international school, there were so many different ones on show.

In the end, the whole Cultures Connect committee, comprising of thirty Sixth Formers who had planned, organised and executed the whole event flawlessly, went on stage and performed the song, We Are The World. The whole audience joined in, and it was at that moment that everybody understood what Cultures Connect was all about - We are the world: no matter our ethnicity, gender or race.

Two student hosts opened the evening in a funny and welcoming way. A short video was shown of students talking about their own culture and what it means to them in their own language, with subtitles in English. The first performance was a perfect start to the evening. It was four girls dancing; the music was very energetic and everybody watched excitedly. There were several more performances, from ballad singing accompanied by a girl playing a Chinese instrument, to more dancing and even Russian poetry rap.

We would definitely recommend attending such a fun concert if you have the opportunity, to celebrate cultural diversity and just have a fabulous night with your friends. Millie Göbl and Dasha Puchkova (IB1)

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Leavers’ Concert An increased IB cohort who take study leave in late April and a general exam pressure all too exerted on teenagers these days might indicate in various establishments a relenting of the extracurricular calendar, so it is all the more commendable that a dozen Upper Sixth musicians took to the stage to give one final solo performance in mid-May. The audience was left overwhelmed by the good humour, spirited communication and innate musicality of these musicians, and we know they will continue to take musical opportunities available to them at university and beyond. We wish them well and hope to hear their news upon their return to School in the future. Many congratulations to all Bromsgrove musicians – the future is clearly bright for those who continue to impress us with creativity, energy and passion for their art, and we are certain that the new Routh Concert Hall and Cobham Theatre will provide just the right settings for their music to be heard. J McKelvey, F McCanlis, J Dunlop, T Martin, F Swadling

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Prep Art Art Monitor Morgan Black has been a wonderful art monitor this year. We really appreciate all the help and support he has given to the art department. “I enjoyed my time as an art monitor as I had the privilege of knowing that everything was done right. I was given the responsibility of being in certain rooms on my own and I got to know the art staff better as each term went on. It has been a fun year.”

Bags and Bunting Year 7 and 8 made wonderful bags and bunting with our creative Headmistress. Reversible summer bags to carry sun hats and cream and tasteful bunting to enliven the garden or home have made the pupils very happy indeed.

Canvas Painting Pupils have enjoyed their painting activities this year. Canvases sized from A5 through to A1 have been used to generate a whole manner of figurative, naturalistic and abstract paintings using acrylic paints. Pupils honed their creative skills within the freedom of activities and allowed their true colours to shine.

Felting

More Able Artists

Textiles is amazing. Working with felt fabric, and working in the surroundings, helps to create an artist’s atmosphere. With the expert assistance from Miss Read and Miss Barron, I have understood how to create a textiles piece effectively. We also explored different colours and shades of directional mark making, to achieve a well accomplished final piece. I, like many others, hope to fulfil my Senior School life by taking art for GCSE.

We have had an especially talented group of pupils in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 called More Able artists. Everyone has worked together in teams to produce three independent pieces of art. They have made a mermaids tail in life size proportions, the ruins of an old bridge next to a river and an underwater scene. These projects were devised and constructed by the pupils in their teams.

Jamie Lewis 8KPE, 8LY – ART

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Pottery During Saturday activities, pupils had the time to learn how to make thumb pots, coil pots, decorative tiles, Christmas decorations and lovely slab pots. It was a lot of fun to make all these and the pupils loved seeing the transformation as glazes brought their creations to life.

Sculptor Steve Eastwood, a renowned sculptor from Staffordshire, has been teaching Year 8 how to develop line and form into clay. Mr Eastwood sculpts anything from naturalistic and figurative forms, to abstract and more unusual items. This masterclass has proved useful for their sculpting projects this year.

Art Collaboration Year 8 pupils from Parkside Middle School and Bromsgrove Prep School joined forces to create an exhibit piece for the Summer Art Exhibition. Sarah Cheuk, Head of Art at Parkside Middle School and Victoria Barron, Head of Art at Bromsgrove Preparatory School, have been collaborating on a group art project, with twenty-one Year 8 pupils from the two schools. Using the theme ‘Sealife’, the pupils worked together to create a twenty-piece ceramic tile display. The work featured at Bromsgrove’s own Art Exhibition at the end of term, and was at Parkside during July 2018 and Bromsgrove Town Library throughout the summer.

SATIPS Exhibition We were very proud to host the prestigious SATIPS art event and we were delighted to welcome fellow artists from a range of schools across the country. The art that students submitted was displayed in an exhibition which was staged in the heart of the School in our Hospitality Suite. Our own pupils were thrilled to have their work chosen for public display. We are looking forward to hosting the same event next year.

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Year 7 Trashion Day Year 7 designed and made flamboyant outfits and matching accessories out of newspaper, tape and string. The pieces were then recorded on School iPads and presented to the rest of the year group. We think they have definitely made catwalk worthy creations! G Clark and A Read

Year 5 Drawing After Year 5 completed their drawing studies at the start of the year, they were lucky enough to venture off to the National Sea Life Centre. There they studied the marine life and completed some primary observations. The children then used their drawings, coupled with inspiration from the artist Scarpace, to create some beautifully crafted ceramic fish and mixed media layered collages. These exciting outcomes have all been a complete delight to watch evolve. Year 5 then created some phenomenal landscapes as part of a group task. Every child created an element of these highly successful pieces of work.

Inspired by Annie Taylor, the children used watercolours and oil pastel to develop textural work emulating the memories of the English countryside that she holds so dear. These images re-created by the pupils hold a lot of beauty and there is always something else to discover or admire in the pupils’ rendition of the landscapes.

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Year 6 Prints Year 6 have had a fun and messy time this year, whilst creating their own mini masterpieces. They started off wowing us with their secondary observation skills when drawing from human anatomy. We were super impressed with their Leonardo da Vinci inspired art work. Their mastery of the formal use of tone alongside excellent analytical skills were great to see. They then moved onto working with print. We looked at collagraph printing and they were inspired by a local printmaker in Malvern, Sue Brown. Pupils generated their own drawings, added texture, applied a layer of glue to hold the texture in place and then applied printing ink to their plates to print some exquisite images. There are some very sensitive and well generated images that I hope you love as much as we do. Year 6 went on to look at architecture and used images from the Avoncroft Museum of Buildings to inspire a crazy town. They designed their own building layouts and applied mod roc to give texture where needed. The tricky bit was learning about impasto. Year 6 used thick wet paint on the surface of their board and blended the colours onto the surface of the image. This means we see blended colour and texture at the same time. Next, the blue sky was painted in a glaze technique. The application of thin colour, pre-mixed in the palette gives a type of control not afforded by impasto. Then they had creative rein and were asked to fill in the rest of the buildings in a way they enjoyed.

Year 7 Textiles

Year 8

Year 7 started off the year looking at Leonardo da Vinci’s human anatomy drawing. They used his ideas to inform their own secondary observation of the human form. We were very impressed at Year 7s ability to draw from the human form with such accuracy and beauty.

Year 8 began by observing Leonardo da Vinci’s human anatomy. Pupils were taught about the formal application of tone, whilst paying great attention to scale, proportion and sensitivity of media use. They were amazed when they realised that da Vinci had such a range of skills and talents, which informed science, engineering and the arts from many perspectives, all through his understanding of movement, observation and recording through drawing.

Next, Year 7 pupils drew imagery from artists such as Hokusai and Japanese textile designers. These were placed onto A3 pieces of silk using a pencil. Pupils applied gutta very carefully over the pencil lines, so as to outline each element fully. They were able to use translucent and opaque colour, ensuring they allowed it all to bleed into each other. Lastly, they had to sew tiny sequins onto their silks. Finally, Year 7 constructed their cushions. They dyed their material, embroidered their Japanese design onto it, using free hand machine embroidery, and then cut out their top layer of material and frayed the edges. Pupils chose harmonious colours and contrasting ones for the top two layers depending upon the creative effect they liked the best. They then created their cushion with traditional sewing machine construction methods and stuffed their cushion. The last thing to do was to hand sew the opening they had used to fill the cushion.

Secondly, pupils worked with the artist and sculptor, Steve Eastwood. He suffered a stroke at the age of 18 and used therapeutic art methods to help him rehabilitate. With the use of one hand, he sculpts figurative and abstract creations out of multiple types of sculptural media. Steve demonstrated how to create a clay tile with perfect lines and patterns that related to our chosen artists this year: Diebenkorn, Kandinsky, Miro and Mondrian.

Next, the pupils took their patterns, shapes and composition from their tile, which helped inform their textiles piece of MOLA. The pupils had to layer five pieces of material, and think about how and where they wanted to chop out patterns, thinking about colour and composition of the overall piece. They used both free machine embroidery and traditional construction methods. The final part of the project included using the elements of composition they liked best. This informed a textural base on a canvas, which needed a layer of paper, utilised as a skin to hold the materials fast to the canvas. After that, the pupils blended colours to generate a block of colour with shifting tones and finally used a dry brush technique to pick out the texture and composition that informed the beginning of the canvas preparation. As you can see, the boards are vibrant and show each pupil’s skill development alongside their own slant of creative insights. We are all very proud of our Year 8 pupils’ work this year and we wish them the best of luck for their future in the Senior School and other places. V Barron

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End of Year Exhibition

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Senior Art Senior Art and Textiles Activity sessions in Art and Textiles have been busy and fruitful this year. Many pupils have been concentrating on continuing or extending coursework but work has not been restricted to portfolio enhancement. We have seen pupils tackle sculpture, painting, fabric manipulation and matrix mono-print in their recreational endeavours. Some pupils have been involved in completing personal projects; birthday presents, decorations for Christmas and Easter cards. Others have enjoyed exploring the possibilities offered by short exercises provided by the department. A favourite has been the Fantastical Insect project where pupils created half a fantastical creature in collage and paint then photocopied it as a mirror image to create a symmetrical animal. Other projects have been driven by Duke of Edinburgh commitments and CAS responsibilities. Pupils have been very motivated this year as the understanding of the value of creativity to all other subjects grows amongst pupils. S Morgans

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IB2 Art Exhibition IB2 Visual Arts Students Anna Da Costa Martins, Stefan Baditescu and Maili Negi held their end of course exhibition in the ADT building. The exhibition showcased two years of hard work, investigation and realisation for the students. It was a proud moment for both the students and their teachers to see their exceptional body of art works displayed together. S McWilliams

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End of Year Exhibition

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Sport Prep Boys’ Athletics Fourteen of our Year 8 boys kicked off the season in the first round of the National ESSA Track and Field Cup. Blessed with fantastic weather, the boys produced a total of 432 points. Louis Upton became the first Bromsgrove boy ever to run under the magical twelve-second mark when he ran a phenomenal 11.9 seconds in the 80 metres hurdles. Zach Armstrong set a new School record in the 3.0kg shot put, with a throw of 11.67 metres. Fyodor Shaskin became our second best ever hammer thrower with 29.39 metres. In June, the Year 8 boys’ athletics team became Midlands Champions at the regional round of the ESAA Track and Field Cup. This is a fantastic achievement and the first time ever in our history that the boys have qualified for the National Final two years in a row. The day could not have started any better as Neil Cai and Fyodor Shaskin both threw new lifetime best performances in the hammer, scoring over fifty points between them.

All our track events were strong, with Cyrus Passman running a big personal best by five seconds in the 800 metres and Louis Upton scoring twenty-eight points in the 80 metres Hurdles. There were personal bests also for Morgan McKinley in the 200 metres, Thando Best in the 80 metres Hurdles and Harry Draper-Barr in the 300 metres. Our throwing events were incredibly strong with Harry Draper Barr breaking a twenty-one year old School record in the discus, with his best thrown of 33.45 metres (scoring twenty seven points). Zach Armstong extended his own School record further in the shot, Louis Upton threw a lifetime best in the javelin of just under thirtyfour metres, and with Alexander Holroyd jumping a new personal best in the high jump, it was becoming inevitable that we would win the competition. This is a very special achievement indeed and many congratulations to the team.

During the summer holidays, our Prep School boys’ athletics team capped off a truly memorable year, as they represented ten counties from across the Midlands at the prestigious English Schools’ National Cup Final. From the start, it proved to be a successful day - Louis Upton won his heat and came third overall in the 80 metres Hurdles. He even ran the fastest time ever by a Bromsgrovian in a National Cup Final. Billy McDonough ran the fastest time ever by a ‘B’ string hurdler, and Louis and Billy amassed a staggering fifty-two points.

Sebastian Purvis ran the race of his life and led for most of the first 1500 metres heat, to clock a huge new lifetime best performance of four minutes forty-seven seconds, coming fifth overall and third on the Prep School all time list. William Hobbs also ran well in the 1500 metres and was close to his fastest time. Sebastian and William between them became the first Bromsgrovians ever to score over forty points jointly in this event. Joe Morgan, Neil Cai, Morgan McKinley and our only Year 7 representative, Joe McLoughlin, all ran well in the 100 and 200 metres, and Callum Wilkinson and William Brown both ran two big personal bests over 300 metres.

In the field events, the boys continued to record many impressive performances with the highlight being Harry Draper Barr winning the discus and breaking his own Prep School record. Zach Armstrong came third in the shot put, just two centimetres short of his own School record. Fyodor Shaskin, who had shown great commitment to the team flying back from Moscow the previous day, threw a big new lifetime best performance in the hammer, finishing third. Louis Upton also finished third in the javelin and equalled the Prep School record of fifty-five points in the competition for two events. Alex Ranger, despite carrying an injury, still managed to finish seventh in the javelin. It was amazing that so many families rearranged their holidays to enable us to contest the National Final a full week after term had ended. When all the points had been tallied, the Prep boys finished in eleventh position as a team from an initial entry of 540 who contested the first round back in May.

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Mason Trophy Louis Upton and Harry Draper-Barr represented the Herefordshire and Worcestershire county U15 track and field team at the English Schools’ Inter Counties match at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. Harry broke his own School record with the 1.25kg implement, with his best throw of 31.83 metres enough to secure him a silver medal. Louis Upton achieved something special in that he was competing in two events, the javelin where he threw a new life time best distance of 33.86 metres coming eleventh, and in his strongest event, 80 metres hurdles, placed fourth overall.

Years 7 & 8 District Championships In June, the Prep School took a full strength Year 7 boys’ athletics team and a B strength Year 8 boys’ team to compete at the annual District Championships. A total of twenty medals were awarded, with gold medals for Joe McLoughlin, Daniel Vassell, Hanli Yang, Sebastian Hall, Callum Wilkinson, William Hobbs and Louis Heptinstall. Herefordshire and Worcestershire Championships Six Preparatory School boys in action at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Track and Field Championships. Louis Upton was our leading performer, picking up a staggering three individual medals. Harry Draper-Barr was unable to compete as he was in action at the IAPS National swimming finals in London but his performance at the District Championships earlier in the season would have been good enough to win the county final, so he was also selected for the Mason Trophy county team. Our other boys in action at the county championships were Zach Armstrong (fourth place, hammer and seventh, shot put), Sebastian Purvis (seventh, 1500 metres), Henry Jinks (eleventh, 800 metres), Callum Wilkinson (thirteenth, 1500 metres) and Morgan McKinley (thirteenth, long jump).

IAPS Regional Round Fifty of our leading boy athletes from Years 5 to 8 made the trip down south to Abingdon to take part in the annual IAPS athletics qualifier. All athletes who finished in first place gained automatic qualification for the National Finals, with the possibility of athletes who finished in second place also gaining qualification. This turned out to be an incredibly busy, exciting and rewarding day for many of our Bromsgrovians. National Preparatory School’s Athletics Finals There were seven boys in action at the National Preparatory Schools Finals at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham. Our stand out performer was Louis Upton as he won not only the 75 metres hurdles, and therefore defended his National title, but also the 300 metres (a new School record) to become the first Bromsgrove pupil ever to win two individual track finals. Our other boys all did well and finished as follows; Harry Draper-Barr (fourth, discus), Zach Armstrong (fifth, shot put), Sebastian Purvis (ninth, 1500 metres), Joe McLoughlin (ninth, high jump). The Year 8 boys 4 x 100 metres relay team of Billy McDonough, Louis Upton, Joe McLoughlin and Joe Morgan were in second place in the heat up to the final changeover but we were unable to get the baton all the way round safely. Many thanks to all the staff who have coached the boys during the term; Mr Kippax, Mr Skipp, Mr Perry-Evans, Mr Pover and Mr Shone. It really has been a great team effort. G Jones Prep Boys’ Athletics Awards Most Outstanding Athlete Louis Upton (Senior), Oliver Dieppe (Junior) Most Improved Athlete Neil Cai (Senior), Hugo Blackwell (Senior)

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Prep Girls’ Athletics This has been an excellent year for Prep School girls’ athletics. In the ESAA athletics competition, our Years 7 and 8 team were County Champions. They went through to the regional round, where they amassed 354 points in total and came third overall. An improvement from the County round by twelve points and many personal best scores contributed to this achievement. In the IAPS competition, seven individual athletes qualified for the National IAPS Finals and we had many athletes come inside the top six at this event. At the KS3 and KS2 District Competitions, twelve athletes achieved the gold medal, fourteen were placed silver and thirteen received bronze.

Our top Year 8 athletes competed against Year 9 pupils in the District Competition and we had some fantastic performances, with seven athletes qualifying for the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Championships. Chloe Reijmer and Angelina Sanghera competed in the high jump. Chloe achieved a height of 1.30m. Chloe also competed in the 300m and achieved a time of 49.7 secs and qualified for the final but pulled out because of injury. Laura Yong competed in the 100m and ran 14.0 secs and came fifth. Louise Osborne ran in the 800m race and achieved a time of 2.51 mins and came seventh. Louise also threw the discus 14.49m and came fifteenth. Angelina Sanghera competed in the 75m hurdles and came fourth in a time of 13.6 secs.

Well done to Sophia Meadows who ran a personal best of 5.39 minutes in the 1500m. The best result of the day was Abigail Barker who ran 13.5 secs in the 75m hurdles, achieved second place and a place in the National Mason Trophy Final, where she came eighteenth in the Country. J Danks Prep Girls’ Athletics Awards Most Outstanding Athlete Ella Kershaw-Crombie (Senior) Teah Petrova (Junior) Most Improved Junior Athlete Abigail Barker (Senior), Ava Colley (Junior)

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Senior Athletics Once again, athletics has continued to improve with a large number of competitors having participated in fixtures throughout a successful summer term. Pupils began with a home fixture at the Ryland Centre, which proved to be a great start to the season. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams won the event against strong opposition, including Stowe and Repton. Further success came before half term at our other home fixture and at Rugby School. There have been a huge amount of positive performances throughout the athletics season and all of these are underpinned by the hard work and effort that the pupils have demonstrated during training sessions. There was more success in the English Schools’ Track and Field Cup with both teams performing well in the first round to progress to the Regional Final. Unfortunately, they did not manage to progress to the National Final. The girls finished third and the boys narrowly came second by the smallest of margins. Congratulations to the following pupils who were chosen to represent Hereford and Worcestershire County at the Mason Trophy, having qualified at the County finals: Intermediate Age Group Kieran Valley, Sam Roberts, Jamie Wood, Orla Walker, Emily Gittoes, Daisy Mai Clements, Lena Siller, Hannah Sahota and Corey McGlynn Junior Age Group Josh Leonisio, Andrew Wong, Alex Collin, Oliver Brown and Matthew Burke

Special mention should go to Matthew who threw a personal best of 40.01m, coming second in the competition. Due to this, Matthew was selected for the ESAA National Championships in July 2018 alongside Natalie Hatfield. Daisy-Mai Clements and Hannah Sahota were also selected to represent Hereford and Worcestershire in the Multi Events National Final following their impressive performance at the County final. E Buckingham and L Mullan

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Senior Badminton The Bromsgrove School Badminton Academy proved extremely popular this year. Selection began in early September, where a squad of talented pupils who showed promise were selected. The majority of these players were selected from Upper Fourth to Sixth Form. There were, however, two pupils chosen from the Lower Fourth, making a total of thirty-four pupils. The aim of the academy was to improve players’ individual skills and develop their game sense. Hard work, determination and perseverance paid dividend, as overall, a record fifteen out of twenty-five friendly fixtures were won throughout the season. These wins were spread across the U18 boys, U18 girls and U18 mixed teams. Nearly all the players registered in the academy got the chance to represent Bromsgrove School. A great success story has been the competition teams that represented the School at District, County and Regional levels. The U18 boys and U18 girls both narrowly missed out on progressing to the Nationals by finishing in second place at Regionals. The U14 boys had a fantastic run and managed a respectable placing in the Regional round. The U14 girls came third in the District round. To conclude - a triumphant, inclusive and enjoyable season was had by all. J McKay

Senior Basketball Thirty-four fixtures over the course of two terms shows what an incredibly busy season it was for the basketball team, in which we saw two sides get to the knockout stage in the National Cup, including the 1st team’s journey to the last sixteen. The season started with close contests but narrow losses for the U18s against local rivals Alcester College and Shrewsbury School. The squad put in brilliant performances against DSFC Welbeck before winning against Shrewsbury in the National Cup. The ‘Fantastic Five’ of Anders Giles, Alex Wong, Jack Duan, Alin Petz and Edward Aston often moved the ball in a scintillating fashion to carve open the oppositions’ defence and were a brilliant backbone of the National Cup run that pushed the side all the way to the last sixteen in the country. Daniil Tiktinskii, Max Balin, Ivan Raspapov, Max Lee, Amin Makkawi, Andrei Vashkovich, Theo Bell, Taf Nyamaswe and Marky Prakaisriroj ably supported them in their journey. On this voyage, they put in magical performances against Stoke on Trent College and William Brookes’ School before unfortunately coming un-done again against local rivals Alcester Grammar in a nail biting contest. The squad showed cohesion and a brilliant work ethic and Mr Miller was always complimentary about their superb attitude.

The Upper Sixth have continued to work tirelessly as leaders and are superb role models to the younger generation. I would like to commend Anders Giles, Alex Wong, Alin Petz and Max Lee as leavers who have conducted themselves superbly and achieved so much for basketball over the last three years. The U16s followed a similar path with a large number playing in the senior squad too. With this maturity, the group managed closely fought wins against Sibford and Waseley Hills, before they too embarked on a National Cup run. Unfortunately they were matched against an incredibly strong Nottingham Academy side. However, they followed this up with the performance of the season, beating a resilient Shrewsbury side where the game ebbed and flowed throughout. Bromsgrove took the lead in the final few minutes, 61-58. This result meant they had a trip down to North London to play St Martin’s in Brentwood, where the team, against all the odds, showed a tremendous amount of character but ultimately came out on the wrong side of the 82-50 score-line. The boys trained superbly throughout the year and basketball is in a very promising place given the talent that these fine young men have.

Both the U14s and U15s competed in the local Worcestershire leagues, playing with passion, enthusiasm and maturity beyond their years. The listened to Mr Miller’s advice and tactical guidance to make progress throughout the season. We are likely to see the likes of Jack Ma, Sam Kwan, Adrian Wong, Kody Chik and Sam Sung pulling on a 1st team jersey sooner rather than later. My final thanks must go to Mr Challoner for his continued support of basketball, helping to referee all the home matches and to Mr Miller, the basketball coach, who puts in an enormous amount of effort, time and energy into training, allowing the boys to make huge strides into becoming fantastic players. Thank you all for your hard work. C Moore

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U13A

U11A

This has been a good year for the U13A team, with excellent performances against KES, The Elms and Trent College. We did have some disappointing results, however, losing to Solihull, King’s Worcester and Monmouth. Overall, the team have made excellent progress over the winter and throughout the season, with a number of individuals showing signs of having the potential to be outstanding young cricketers. Despite the season not finishing in the way everyone would have hoped, having lost the County Final, the boys should be proud of their achievements and I hope they continue to enjoy their cricket whilst at Bromsgrove School.

The U11A boys had an enjoyable season and, despite not the best in terms of results, improved in confidence, ability and developed their all-round knowledge of the game. Good wins were recorded against Wolverhampton Grammar School and the Old Swinford Hospital U12A team. In the County 6-a-side competition, we played some good cricket throughout the day and came 4th out of eight schools. In the County 8-a-side competition, we lost to RGS The Grange in the semi-final. Thomas Ashton represented Worcestershire County U11s. Well done to the whole squad and continue to enjoy your cricket. G Jones and K Perry-Evans

U13A Results Magdalen College - won by four wickets (Archie Greaves-Hall 3-9-3)

Prep Boys’ Cricket Awards

Hereford Cathedral School (National Cup) – won by nine wickets (Ayran Jagadish – 45*)

Best Batsman Archie Greaves-Hall (Senior), Thomas Ashton (Junior)

Packwood Haugh (National Bunbury Cup) – lost by three runs (Jack Warner 6-25-2)

Prep Boys’ Cricket It was a slow start to the cricket term due to the poor weather meaning many block fixtures were cancelled. As a result, there were seventy-one games played as a whole, with the highlight being the U12 winning the County Final. The U13As played very nice cricket this year, unfortunately just finishing three runs short against Packwood Haugh in the National Cup. Special mentions must go to Archie Greaves-Hall, Jack Warner, Nathan Jukes, Tom Astle, Oliver Holden, Lucas Ingram and Seth Rogerson who have all represented their respected age groups and the year above. Extra special mention goes to two Year 4 boys who have not only represented the School one year up but two; Seth Benjamin and Alfie Higgins. We have fielded nineteen teams, with over 200 boys having the opportunity to play the game competitively.

King Edwards School, Birmingham – won by forty-three runs (Fred Hanson – 62) Hanley Castle – won by 131 runs (Louis Upton and William Brown - 50*) Trent College – won by 31 runs (Archie Greaves-Hall 50* and Henry Jinks 4-1-92) The Elms – won by 34 runs (Jack Warner 52 and Oliver Holden 5-16-3) Bilton Grange - won by ninety runs (Fred H 50* and Rafferty G 2-7-3) Monmouth School – lost by fifteen runs Bredon Hill (County Semi-Final) – won by seven Wickets (Fred Hanson 56*) Solihull School– lost by thirty-four runs (Fred Hanson 47 and 3-40-3) Foremarke Hall– won by twelve runs (Fred Hanson 51) The King’s School, Worcester (County Final) – lost by 8 wickets (Archie GreavesHall 84*)

Best Bowler William Brown (Senior), Jai Bushell (Junior) Best Fielder Elliot Evans (Senior), Jack Gilbert (Prep)

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Back in England, we had a tough start to the season on Saturdays, with defeats to Clifton College and Millfield School. Against a very strong Millfield School side, there were many positives to take out of the game with Henry Marshall and Dan Meredith the pick of the bowlers and Fahd Janjua and Alex Hinkley the pick of the batters with 50 plus runs each. This was followed up by another three defeats to Magdalen College, Malvern College and Shrewsbury School, which whilst teaching us some hard lessons, also gave many positives that helped us in the second half of the season.

Senior Boys’ Cricket The 1st XI started with a very enjoyable and successful tour to Dubai where they played against some strong opposition. The team managed to win three out of their five games. The first match (T20) was versus the Just Cricket Academy, where Bromsgrove batted first and posted 155 off 20 overs, George Hatfield with 50 and Awais Mohammed with 38 from seventeen balls with a strike rate of 186. Tight bowling from Bromsgrove saw us win the match restricting our opposition from reaching the target of 155. The second T20 game saw us play the ICC warriors where, overall, Bromsgrove were very impressive with the ball, bowling them out for 97. This was followed up by a good batting performance, with Jasper Davidson getting 33 and Ben Fitzmaurice getting 17, to win the game by three wickets with nine balls to spare. It was a great experience to play at the ICC academy for the first two games on tour. Throughout the trip, the team enjoyed a sightseeing, including the Palm Islands, Jumeirah Beach, Burj-al-Arab, the Gold and Spice Souks of the Old City, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and Dune Bashing in the desert in 4x4 jeeps and sand surfing with a BBQ and entertainment.

The third game (40 overs) was against the UAE National Side, who were very strong with six U19 UAE players. Bromsgrove batted first and started well with George and Fahd on 95 for no wicket, however, the batting collapsed leaving us 140 all out. The UAE team showed us how to bat by knocking the runs off under 20 overs with only five wickets down; Henry Marshall taking three of them. This was a hard lesson for the team but there were positives to take out of it. The fourth game (T20) was played in Eden Gardens Ajman where Bromsgrove batted first posting 160-4. Special mentions go to Dan Meredith scoring 60, Mo Talukder 31 and an unbeaten 29 from Alex Hinkley. Bromsgrove restricted the AEG select team to 126-7 off 20 overs, with Dan Meredith also taking a great four wickets for twentythree runs. In the final game of the tour (40 overs), there was some good cricket on display at the Zayed Cricket Academy Stadium in Abu Dubai. Bromsgrove batted first and despite Fahd Janjua scoring 50 and Alex Hinkley 30, it still resulted in a five-wicket loss, but what an experience it was for the boys. The team finished off the day by cycling around the Dubai Autodrome.

Following the half term break, we had three out of three victories against Monmouth Boys’ School, Solihull School and a strong Stowe School. A special mention to the 100-run partnership against Solihull School from Fahd Janjua and Dan Meredith, which helped us to a comfortable win with our opposition being bowled out for 60 runs. Our season was brought to a close with a fantastic win over Stowe, posting 261 in the first innings with Captain George Hatfield scoring an unbeaten 126. This was then backed up with a solid bowling performance restricting Stowe to 237-9 off 50 overs to win by twenty-four runs, with good bowling from George Hatfield (four wickets) and Dan Meredith. At the end of the academic year, we hosted a very talented Sedbergh side who outplayed us in both games; however, it was nevertheless a great social event, with the team making many new friends. In the T20 National Cup, there were great wins against Wolverhampton Grammar School and Wrekin College. In addition to this, in the T20 competitions, the team reached the Chesterton Cup Finals Day at New Road, playing King’s in the semi-final and winning by sixteen runs. In the final, Bromsgrove beat a very strong Malvern College side by seven wickets, thanks to great performances by Fahd Janjua with an unbeaten ninety runs and Tom Maidment with five wickets.

A special mention must also go to the U15 side who had a great win in the Regional Final at the end of the year, which sees them qualify for the National T20 Finals Day in September at Arundel Castl. There was outstanding fielding across the team, highly disciplined spin bowling and outstanding contributions with the bat from Mo Talukder and Ed Clews. This is an exceptional achievement from the boys, indeed, it is the first time in the School’s history. Overall, it has been a tough season but we have dug deep to see us get some good wins and there are many positives to take out of the season. The side will lose two players from the Upper Sixth this year, and consequently significant first team experience. However, looking ahead to next year we seem to be leaving the side in more than capable hands, with a lot of talent emerging from the younger year groups, which I am confident will stand the side in good stead for seasons to come. Whilst our performances on the pitch were the most important part of the season, it has to be said that the boy’s commitment and camaraderie this year is what stands out for me, and has made it the most enjoyable during my time at the School. To end, I would like to thank Mr Fallows and Mr Tongue for guiding the side through the winter training schedule as well as through a tough and tireless season. I would also like to thank Mr Fallows, Mr Higgins, Mr Tongue and Mr Moore for a great tour to Dubai, and to Mr Riley for his support on match days, along with the Head of Grounds, Mr Hare, for preparing the ground each week for us to train and play. George Hatfield (1st XI Captain)

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Senior Girls’ Cricket Throughout the season, girls’ cricket has developed tremendously. The girls have shown great willingness to learn and hone their skills. A particular strength has been their bowling attack. The U15s have had a series of very close matches and triumphed against a strong Malvern College in the latter stages of the season. Key highlights were Emily Clark’s captaincy to see the team through to their first win of the season. Threatening opening bowling from Claudia Bullock and Emily Clark ensured a slow start for Malvern. In addition, Sadie Gardner picked up two wickets, including their top scorer. This was further backed up by a very strong fielding effort from the whole team, including a great catch from Corey McGlynn. The girls finished the season strongly against Shrewsbury School who they beat by twenty-four runs. With Bromsgrove opting to bat first, Lauren McLean and Captain, Emily Clark, topped the scoring of the season on 21 and 15 not out respectively. This was backed up by a strong bowling performance from opener Claudia Bullock who took two early wickets. This was a season where all of the girls have improved tremendously and one that they should all be immensely proud of. K Collins

Senior Cricket Tour

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Worcestershire County Cross Country Championships Five boys from Year 8 represented the Year 9 District team at the annual Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Cross Country Championships at Sander’s Park. Sebastian Purvis came 6th and represented the County U15 team at the English School’s Championships, a very special achievement. William Hobbs came home in tenth place, Henry Jinks in fifteenth, Callum Wilkinson in twentythird and Jack Warner in thirty-seventh. The boys secured a District Team bronze medal, an even greater achievement given that the boys were running against Year 9 students.

Prep Cross-Country ESAA National Cup The first round of the ESAA Cross-Country was hosted at Bromsgrove. For the girls, Ella Kershaw-Crombie ran a fantastic race to come in fourth, Abigail Barker in seventh, Louise Osborne in ninth and Sophia Meadows in fourteenth place. Well done also to Jemima Vaughan-Hawkins who came twenty-sixth and Chloe Reijmer twenty-seventh. Our guest runners included Hannah Hunt, Jessica Whitlock and Angelina Sanghera who also ran extremely well out of a field of eight-one girl runners. The scores combined put Bromsgrove in first place in the County and they qualified for the Midlands Round. The Year 8 boys won the county round of the ESAA National Cross Country Cup with Sebastian Purvis in first place, Henry Jinks in second, Callum Wilkinson coming home fourth, Billy McDonough in eighth, Jack Warner in eleventh, Milo JohansenBerg fifteenth and the two guest runners, George Lamb (eighteenth) and Rafferty Gallagher (nineteenth). During the regional round, the boys’ crosscountry team took part in the Midland Final and qualified for the National Final in Kent. All the boys ran superbly and finished in the following positions: Sebastian Purvis in fifth place, Henry Jinks in thirteenth, William Hobbs in fifteenth, Louis Upton in twenty-second, Archie Greaves-Hall in thirty-first and Billy McDonough in forty-eighth.

It is very rare that we get boys from one-year group qualifying for the ESAA track and field cup and the ESAA crosscountry cup national finals in the same calendar year and so this is a wonderful achievement and we wish the team every success at the next week. On a cold November day, our Year 8 boys’ cross-country team took part in the 37th ESAA Cross Country Cup National Final at Sevenoaks School. All six boys ran incredibly well to finish in twelfth position as a team out of the twenty-seven teams, from an initial entry of 650. Individual positions were as follows: Sebastian Purvis (tenth), only our second boy ever to finish in the top ten at a National Final, Callum Wilkinson (sixty-fifth), William Hobbs (sixth-ninth, Henry Jinks (ninetysecond), Archie Greaves-Hall (136th), Billy McDonough (151st). The boys should feel immensely proud of their achievements as this is the highest team placing we have ever had as a School.

Later in the Lent term, boys from Years 5, 6 and 7 represented the North Worcestershire District Cross Country team at the County Championships. This turned out to be a very successful and enjoyable morning. Oliver Dieppe won the U10 boys’ race to be crowned County Champion. William Pridden was sixth, Tom Fullard tenth and James Hobbs twelfth in the U11 boys’ race. Oliver and William represented the county team at the National Final. In the U12 boys race, Finbar Dinnen finished tenth, Lucas Ingram twenty-eighth and Rohan Adams twenty-ninth. Many congratulations and well done to all our runners.

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District Cross Country Championships In December, Bromsgrove hosted the annual District Cross Country Championships. Forty-eight boys ran from Years 5, 6, 7 and 8, with the following positions achieved: Year 5 - Oliver Dieppe (first place) Year 6 - William Pridden (second), Tom Fullard (fourth), James Hobbs (fifth), Jack Barnett (eighth). Year 7 - Rohan Adams (second), Lucas Ingram (third), Finbar Dinnen (sixth), Oscar Bridgewater (ninth), Toby Lewis (tenth). Year 8 - Sebastian Purvis first place, and the first ever Prep School boy to win the District Year 9 race), Henry Jinks (third), Callum Wilkinson (sixth), Jack Warner (seventh), William Hobbs (twelfth). The Year 8 boys were then selected to represent the District U15 team at the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Championships where they finished as U15 District Champions. Our Years 5 girls ran exceptionally well for their first time around the course and the positions were as follows: Tilly Wilkins in seventh place, Megs Higgs in eleventh, Jessica Fox in thirteenth, Phoebe Dinnen in twenty-fifth, Ruby Foster in twentyseventh, Lauren Whitby in twenty-ninth and Abigail Lamb in thirtieth place.

In the Year 6 girls’ race, Scarlet Preston came in second overall, Teah Petrova in fifth, Honey Bo Luscombe in sixth, Elizabeth Smith in fourteenth, Lily Milojevic in eighteenth and Isabelle Kavanagh in twenty-first place. In Year 7, Ella Kenward came fourth, Charlotte Jones in fifth, Emelia Moberley in seventh, Freya Lawton in fourteenth, Katherine Sutherland in seventeenth, Sophia Sellers twenty-seventh, Harriet Owen in twenty-eighth, Emma Dunnaker in thirty-first, Emily Dyer in thirty-second and Libby Rolph in forty-first place.

National Preparatory Schools’ Championships We had two very strong teams this year lined up to go to the National Preparatory Schools’ Championships at both U11 and U13 level but unfortunately the event was cancelled due to waterlogged grounds. This was a huge disappointment to everyone involved but we hope that the teams will be able to reach the same level again next academic year. J Danks and G Jones Prep Cross Country Awards

In the Year 8 girls’ race, Ella KershawCrombie came fourth, Abigail Barker in fifth, Louise Osborne in sixth and Sophia Meadows in eighth. The top four runners were selected to compete in the County round, which is a significant achievement. Well done also to Jemima Vaughan-Hawkins and Angelina Sanghera who came seventeenth and twenty-second respectively.

Most Outstanding Runner Sebastian Purvis (Senior), Ella Kershaw-Crombie (Senior), William Pridden (Junior), Scarlet Preston (Junior) Most Improved Runner Archie Greaves-Hall (Senior), Sophia Meadows (Senior), Hugo Blackwell (Junior), Teah Petrova (Junior)

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Senior Cross-Country Cross-Country running is a joyous test of oneself, not just against other competitors, but against the course, countryside and weather; challenges made even more fun this year by the ‘Beast from the East’. The usual busy fixtures calendar consisted of various races in the East Midlands Independent School’s Cross Country League (EMISCCL), the prestigious King Henry VIII Road Relays, and the Attingham Park Relays. Despite a number of our talented Upper Sixth males leaving last year, the boys this year have been fully committed and shown some terrific efforts and improvements. The girls have remained very competitive, working well as a team and achieving a number of medals. In the EMISCCL, the U15 boys finished as the third team overall, and the impressive performances of William Hobbs and Callum Wilkinson (Year 8 Prep School pupils) finishing eighth and ninth respectively in their debut race for the Senior School deserve mentioning. The U18 boys showed true grit and determination on some very testing courses, and Charles Sapwell narrowly missed an overall individual medal with his best three results of fourth, eighth and ninth position. The U18 girls were the first and second team at Worksop and Bromsgrove, but a lack of numbers meant that they did not have a third team finish to get them a team medal. Abigail Saker (second and third position) and Orla Walker (second and fourth position) were favourites for individual medals, but again did not manage a third fixture.

Senior Equestrian

The King Henry VIII Relays, initiated in 1972 and now regarded as one of the most competitive inter-schools crosscountry relays in the UK, consist of a team of six boys or four girls completing a 2.3 mile course. Bromsgrove has been attending for many years, and with some considerable success. The U18 boys finished a respectable thirty-third, and the U18 girls finished a fantastic fourth after beating Sedbergh in a sprint finish by just two seconds. The girls’ overall time of 58:39 was only seconds slower than last year, which gained them third place. Special mention should go to Charles Sapwell for a top ten lap time, and Abigail Saker for the fifth fastest lap time. The final fixture of the season was the Attingham Park Relays, set in the beautiful National Trust Grounds of Attingham Hall. The U18 boys finished seventh, and the U18 girls made it to the podium in third place. A pleasant race to finish the season.

This year the Bromsgrove School riding team has gone from strength to strength. The group kicked off the year by competing in the National Schools’ Equestrian Association show jumping competition. We had team in the 90cm, comprising of Isabella Walters, Victoria Moberly, Jasmine Underwood and Evie Derbyshire. As a team, they qualified for the NSEA county showjumping championships. Bromsgrove was out in force at the NSEA dressage qualifier for the National Championships. The team in the prelim was made up of Jasmine Underwood, Evie Derbyshire, Shawni McColgan and Amy Pinfield. A huge well done should go to Amy for qualifying for the Championships. Two individuals rode in the novice category, with both Chloe Derbyshire and Victoria Moberley putting in a great performance but just missing qualification. Over the winter months, members of the team got out despite the artic conditions. Chloe, Evie and Victoria all took part in the Bloxham School arena eventing; this was great fun for the girls. Chloe and Victoria both qualified for the finals.

During May half term, two of our riders, Evie and Chloe Derbyshire, went to Princethorpe College to take part in the NSEA two-day event. This involved competitors completing dressage, show jumping, tracks and roads, steeplechase and cross-country. Princethorpe is a prestigious event and is one of only a few in the country to hold such an event in long format (with roads and tracks). Both girls performed outstandingly and particular congratulations go to Chloe for winning the 90cm and securing best dressage. Finally, and most recently, Victoria and Chloe competed in the NSEA qualifier for the eventing championships, with both riders going double clear. Chloe finished tenth and Vicky sixth to qualify for the championships. We would like to thank Mrs Buckingham, team manager, for her support throughout the year. We are also very grateful to the parents who support us at these events we could not do it without them. Next year, we are hoping to expand the team and continue our great form. Chloe Derbyshire

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Prep Fencing

Senior Fencing

There has been lots of activity and ongoing training in the Prep School Fencing Club this year, with a few members making the step beyond the club to attend competitions.

Fencing at Bromsgrove School has enjoyed another successful year, with good numbers attending the club and most members competing in at least one competition or event.

Early March saw us back at Worcester for the West Midlands Foil Age Groups. This was a good day with Sam Sung finishing second in the U16s and Atticus Chan third in the U18s.

During the Michaelmas term, three teams competed in the Gala event at RGS Worcester where Tristan Shaylor and Alfie Higgins finished in first place and Jasper Page and George Ascough came second in the U10 Foil, with Grace Warren making up half of the team that won the U12 category. In addition, Grace was in action at the West Midlands Age Group Epee where she finished a credible seventh place in the U14 girls’ Epee.

The Michaelmas term saw our fencers in action at the Cocks Moors Woods Épée event where Artem Veprev achieved third place in the U15 boys’ épée, Ada Tylova finished sixth in the U15 girls’ category, with Tatiana Morikova in eighth position.

Members of the club travelled to Crystal Palace for the largest event in the fencing calendar - the Public Schools’ Fencing Championships. Elsa Tsia finished sixteenth in the Mount-Haes Épée and twenty-sixth in the Foil. Sam Sung finished twenty-fifth in the Junior Foil and thirty-sixth in the épée. Tatiana Morikova finished twenty-ninth in the Junior Foil and forty-first in the épée. Artem Veprev finished thirty-fifth in the Junior Épée. Atticus Chen finished thirty-seventh in the Senior Foil and sixty-fifth in the épée.

February saw our fencers in Birmingham for the King Edward’s Fencing Competition where George Hastings finished twelfth and George Ascough nineteenth in the U14 Foil. George also took part in the Warwick Age Group Epee, where he finished in second place in the U10 Epee, his first go at an Epee competition. During the Summer term, Prep fencers took part in our own Bromsgrove Pairs Competition with the Senior School and other local teams. Grace Warren and Tallulah Bond finished third in the U14 Epee, while George Ascough teamed up with a boy from Hereford to come second in the U14 Foil. Siena Ward and Amina Mouldersheva, both in their first competition, finished sixth in the same event. This year’s Prep School internal Foil competition was won by Leo Boonnak with Oliver Glaze in second place. The Prep School Fencing Club has seen a number of fencers develop well over the academic year and they show great potential for the seasons to come. N Chapman

In December, two teams competed in the Gala event at RGS Worcester, where Elsa Tsia and Kingston Fung finished fourth and Paul Xue and Andy Chuang came in fifth place. At the start of the Lent term, our fencers took part in the West Midlands Age Group Épée. Artem Veprev finished second (U16 boys), Ada Tylova finished third (U18 girls) and Elsa Tsia and Tatiana Morikova finished fifth and ninth respectively in the U16 girls’ category. In addition, Charlie Costello travelled to Birmingham for the King Edward’s Fencing Competition, where he finished fifth in the 14+ Foil.

In April, the destination was Warwick School for the Warwick Age Group Épée, where Tatiana Morikova finished an incredible second place in the U19 girls’ category, and Ada Tylova finished third. The Summer term saw us travelling to the England Institute of Sport in Sheffield for the British Youth Championship National Age Group Finals, where Sam Sung finished forty-fourth in the U16 Foil, with Atticus Chan forty-first in the U18 Foil and Ada Tylova finished twenty-ninth in the U18 girls’ épée. In June, it was our turn to host the Pairs competition. Thirty-five fencers attended the event from seven clubs, competing for nineteen medals in three events. Artem Veprev and Tatiana Morikova teamed up for the 14+ épée and finished in fourth place, whilst Ada Tylova teamed up with a girl from King’s High to finish eighth in the same event. N Chapman

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Senior Golf Golf continues to thrive at Bromsgrove School. Over the academic year, the team played ten fixtures, took part in two practice days, competed for the School Championship and the ISGA National Plate final. Bromsgrove professional Robert Laing continued as our coach and his advice has been invaluable. In fixtures versus other schools, we won three and drew one. Unfortunately, the snow during March meant that three fixtures were cancelled including the Old Bromsgrovians match. The staff match made a welcome return to the calendar, with the School winning 2-1.

Senior Football To announce an undefeated 2018 1st XI is a perfect start to a summary of the football season. The results are a tremendous reflection on these special players; in matches and training, they invariably played with a smile on their faces. As captain and playmaker, James Cox epitomised the inclusivity and camaraderie within the senior training squad. He was ably supported by leading lieutenants George Hatfield (vice-captain), Nathan Buckley, Nathan Boothroyd and Joe Downes; who were each outstanding role models to their younger teammates. Vlad Bondarenko’s enthusiasm and commitment must be noted, whilst goalkeeper Dzhemal Avdoi spent long periods spectating due to the efficiency of those in front of him. Performing with a sense of style is often associated with French rugby flair – ‘Jouer’, yet, this can suitably be applied to the 1st XI: convincing victories over St Edwards (5-2); Clifton (5-2) and BMS (4-0) highlight their prowess with the ball. Skill and composure in matches was equally facilitated with the emergence of ‘gun’ Fifth Formers Jack Gibson and Dan Meredith; plus twin new recruits Olli and Tom Gibbs, both of whom brought a tenacity and competitive edge to the team.

In many respects the team deserved to win every game; 1-1 draws versus Princethorpe and Hereford failed to demonstrate the technical superiority and amount of possession against combative opponents. Indeed, sport can be cruel sometimes: in the final fixture, we were trailing to HCS with five minutes remaining, despite conceding a fluke goal and besieging the opposition for 90% of the game. However, good teams always finds a way to salvage a match, hence, sporting justice prevailed. The baton of leadership now passes to the Lower Sixth who must strive to emulate this success and spirit in 2019. Louis Groß Honebrink will be the calming mainstay in defence, whilst Freddie Edge will pose threats with his pace and delivery on the flanks. Individually and as a squad, Mr Brighton and I cannot speak highly enough of the 2018 1st XI. New coaches, Mr Unterhalter (16A), and Mr Wilkins (15A), as ever, produced competitive teams against strong opposition, developing future talent. For example, U16s Maksym Korotych, Ash Kandola, Tom Martin and U15s Ed Clews, Ewan Guy and Aman Laroiya. Mr Delahunty’s 3rd XI played with vigour and no little skill, whilst Mr Vernon’s 2nd XI were competitive in tight games against all opponents.

A key component of the 1st XI success was the competition for places within the wider squad encompassing the 2nds. Hence, the hope is that Ben Humphries, Archie Batham-Read, Tom Siller and Tom Borriello will take the next step in 2019. All Bromsgrove footballers owe a debt of gratitude to the tireless enthusiasm, encouragement and commitment of their coaches, as an outlet for their talents, often with limited space to practice. As ever Mr Brighton ensured that Bromsgrove football was played in the right spirit but with a competitive edge. S Matthews

We were unfortunate to draw very strong opposition in the first round of both the HMC and ISGA competitions. We battled well against Warwick and Bedford respectively, with a new look, young side but sadly lost both. However, this led to entry to the ISGA Plate competition. With convincing wins against Loughborough Grammar and Solihull School in the Midlands semi-final and final, we progressed to the National Finals at Collingtree Park in Northampton. On a sweltering day, the team played well to finish seventh out of seventeen teams. Special mention must go to Megan Langford, who carded a gross five over and was placed fourth individual overall.

Blackwell Golf Club hosted our School Championship on a fine May afternoon. Nine pupils competed. After nine holes, Charlotte Campbell held a two shot lead over Megan Langford and Richard Vaughan. Richard then carded three consecutive threes to move into the lead. However, with an eagle at the sixteenth and par at the seventeenth, a bogey at the last was enough for Megan to lift the trophy by one shot from Charlotte and Richard. N Riley

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Prep Hockey

Boys’ U11A

Boys’ Hockey

The U11As played twenty games during the season, winning five, drawing four and losing eleven. The first game was against Cheltenham College, where the boys lost 3-0. As the season progressed, the team started to develop a new tactic and a better understanding of the game.

It has been another busy season for boys’ hockey at the Preparatory School, playing 150 fixtures in ten hectic weeks. Despite having to put up with two weeks of adverse weather, thanks to ‘the Beast from the East’, all boys from Years 5 and 6, and the vast majority from Years 7 and 8, have relished the opportunity of representing the School, as we continued to travel far and wide to test our skills against some of the best in the country. The highlight of the season has to be the U13A team qualifying for the IAPS National Finals and the ISHC National Finals, something we have not achieved before. The only disappointment was that both finals were on the same day. For the U13A team to go on and win the National ISHC Final was a very special achievement indeed. The strength in depth of our teams was very evident throughout all year groups and perfectly illustrated by the incredible performance of our U13B team at the IAPS National Finals. The Year 7 and 8 teams collectively had a winning percentage of just over seventy percent, while the U12B team won all their matches. At the junior end, the U10A team lost only two matches and the future looks promising, especially considering that this was their first season ever playing the game.

The U11s played an invitational tournament at Foremarke Hall. This started to show how they had improved and took in the new philosophy of playing. The boys played extremely well and had to go into a shuffle for a semi-final spot due to goal difference. Our three players stepped up and just missed out, finishing 2-1 on shuffles.

Boys’ U13A The U13As season started well with the team playing some great hockey to come runners-up at the Dean Close 11-a-side Invitational Hockey Tournament. We were entered in two cup competitions, the IAPS and ISHC. We qualified for the IAPS National Finals day at Millfield School, after coming fourth at the North and Midlands qualifier at Repton School. In the ISHC, we progressed through to the National Finals Day beating Ratcliffe College, Queen Mary’s Walsall, a very good Bristol Grammar School side 3-1 on flicks after the game ended 2-2 and Bradford Grammar in the quarter-final. The ISHC National Finals Day at the University of Birmingham saw us drawn against Blundell’s School in the semi-final, which we won 7-1, before winning the National Final 8-2 versus Calday Grange. Given that the IAPS and ISHC National Finals were both on the very same day, we were able to send our U13B team to the IAPS event, which was an incredible opportunity to reward the boys after a great season. They acquitted themselves extremely well to come third in their group from six teams and eventually finished in fifteenth position out of the twenty-four schools who had qualified (and against all other A teams).

Our regular matches produced wins versus Princethorpe College, The Down’s Malvern, and KES Birmingham, although we found Dean Close and Foremarke much tougher opponents to beat. Archie Greaves-Hall developed into a quality centre forward and was our leading goal scorer (indeed, he was was very close to Maxim Edger’s tally of forty-three goals last season). Louis Upton made a timely return to form after injury to help us secure qualification for the National IAPS Finals, Henry Jinks made great progress in defence since Year 7, Rafferty Gallagher was a rock in defence and Henry Jones in goal won us the game versus Bristol Grammar in the ISHC Cup. William Brown was a key part to the team down the right hand side of midfield and in attack and captain, Jack Warner led the side very well. Many thanks to our Director of Hockey, Mr Gooderham for coaching the boys. This is a very special group of Bromsgrovians and I wish them every success for the future. G Jones

The biggest part of the boys’ seasons was the IAPS qualifier at Clifton College. The team had a very hard group but played exceptionally well throughout, competing confidently in every match which led to a nail biting conclusion in the final game of the group against Kingswood. The boys lost this 2-1 with us hitting the post twice during the game. Overall the team finished third in the group on goal difference. In the final tournament of the season at Rugby School, the boys played some great hockey but ended up drawing Cheltenham College in the semi-finals (again down to goal difference). They lost the fixture 2-0 and proceeded to play Bilton Grange. The game was very close, finishing 1-1, and went to shuffles. The boys had learnt from their previous encounter and won 1-0 with Neel Agrawal being fantastic in goal throughout. Overall, the boys had a mixed season; however, the results do not do justice to the performances on the pitch. J Harris Prep Boys’ Hockey Awards Most Valuable Player Archie Greaves Hall (Senior), Neel Agrawal (Junior) Most Improved Player Henry Jinks (Senior), George Hollingworth (Junior)

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Junior Teams The U11As played fourteen games, winning six, losing six and drawing two. The highlight of the season came at the very end, playing the hardest fixture and being told that we were the strongest team they had played all year. The team improved every week through the season, initially being a group of girls to becoming a fluent and hardworking hockey squad. Unfortunately, the girls lost six games, however, each match was extremely close and they created lots of chances. The girls have been fantastic this year, listening to everything they are told and taking it into their matches.

Girls’ Hockey Season U13 and U12 Girls’ Teams The U13A girls had an impressive season as they reached the IAPS National Finals. Having finished third in the Regional Finals the girls headed back to Repton confident of leaving a mark on the tournament. Unfortunately, the girls left the competition after losing in the plate quarter final, however they were the only team on the day to beat the eventual champions, Millfield. In their regular matches, the girls made outstanding improvement and competed in every match. They showed an impressive togetherness and work rate to ensure each one of them made progress. This was highlighted in their final game against Cheltenham College where they came back from 2-0 down at half time to win 3-2. The girls have made this term one of the most enjoyable ever in my time at Bromsgrove School; it will live fondly in the memory for some time. The U13B team have had a good season, with their ability and confidence growing with time. I have been incredibly impressed with their attitude and determination to gain lost goals back. They have improved on their game play in every match and I wish them all the best as they move into 11-a-side hockey next year.

The U13C, D and E teams have shown great enthusiasm and determination to improve and win. Their skills and confidence have come on in leaps and bounds, and this was reflected in their improved results as the season progressed. Congratulations to the U12As on a very successful season of hockey. The girls have worked very hard in training, with each game improving their styles of hockey and building on their individual talent. Overall, the girls have won six games, drawn one and lost two. Furthermore, they put in a strong performance at IAPS National Finals and demonstrated some brilliant teamwork. The U12B hockey squad have all grown as individual players. They played ten matches of which they won three, drew one and lost six. Despite this, the teams were evenly matched and their attitudes towards hockey have been positive and they have shown many qualities of being good sportswomen. The U12C and Ds were very enthusiastic about match play and developed with every match. Once they got used to how much running there was up and down the pitch, the teamwork became more successful. By the end of the season, the team were pulling together and there was a more solid defence and some good goalkeeping.

It has been a strong and consistent season for the U11Bs, only narrowly losing one match. All players pulled together, creating super teamwork. The defence tackled and challenged any oncoming attackers and the midfield and attackers took it to goal beautifully. It was noticeable that the whole team had made massive improvements as the season progressed. Well done the ‘Dream Team’. The U11C team have worked well together trying to master a skill during Squad and putting it into the game situation on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We have had plenty of match time, giving the squad an opportunity to become a real team. The girls can be very proud of their wins and not too downhearted at their draws or losses, as most results were closely contested. The U10A team have enjoyed a successful hockey season; winning six matches, drawing two and losing two. The girls have

made excellent progress with their skills and tactical awareness throughout the term and have enjoyed many competitive matches. They started the season well, with an excellent win against Foremarke Hall and continued to make good progress with wins against Abberley Hall, Arnold Lodge, Birchfield Preparatory School, The Elms and The Downs Malvern. Bromsgrove displayed excellent team spirit and determination in our own U11 invitational tournament, with the highlight being a draw with Abberley Hall’s U11A team. All the girls have worked hard throughout the season and should be commended for their outstanding commitment to practices. Similarly, the U10B team have had an excellent season; winning seven matches, drawing one and losing just one. They have worked hard to develop their individual skills and put in an impressive team performance to beat Cheltenham College Prep 3-0 in their final match. Other highlights include a 6-0 win against Birchfield Preparatory School and two victories against U10A teams from RGS Springfield and Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School. It has been pleasing to see all the girls in Year 5 representing the School in hockey fixtures and the U10C and D teams have enjoyed a number of fixtures this term. The U10C team have made good progress with their skills. Their highlights include a 3-0 win over Dean Close Preparatory School and a 3-1 victory against Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School’s U10B team. The U10D team also enjoyed an excellent 4-1 win against Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School’s U10C team. Prep Girls’ Hockey Awards Most Valuable Player Jemima Vaughan-Hawkins (U13), Lily Falahee (U11) Most Improved Player Jasmine Underwood (U13), Lauren Baker (U11)

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Senior Boys’ Hockey Teams

Senior Girls’ Hockey Teams

2018 was a good year for boys’ hockey in the Senior School. The U16s competed well during the regular season, with a different squad each week. When it came to competition level, they eased through the Midlands zonal round held at Bromsgrove School. We were drawn in a tough group in the Midlands Finals and finished a disappointing third in our group after three close and hard fought matches. The U15s performed very well all season and reached the quarter-final of the Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup, just losing a close game to Reeds School 1-0, after failing to convert a penalty corner after the final whistle.

The U16 team lost a close Midlands semi-final to Repton. The U15s have had a very good season, with a run of six straight victories enabling the girls to build momentum. The U15s also competed in the Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup, a knockout competition that runs throughout the year. The girls made it to the semifinals, where they unfortunately lost 2-0, with a goal that was not given and a backhand strike hitting the bar.

The U14 boys had an excellent season and were crowned Midlands Champions, comprehensively beating Uppingham 6-2 in the Final. This qualified them for the National Final held at Lee Valley. The Nationals went well and there were three close fought matches. The boys finished third in their group after a loss and two draws. On another day they could have ended with three wins, showing the competitiveness of the competition. The U16 and U15B teams sadly had a few games cancelled but both teams came out of the season with a 50/50 win ratio. The U14B and C teams played with enthusiasm and enjoyed an unbeaten season. A Gooderham

Boys’ 1st XI The 1st team boys worked extremely hard throughout the year and their team work and togetherness made them a joy to work with. The majority of the squad played games over two terms, competing against local schools in the Warwickshire League in the first term and then on a Saturday in the traditional hockey term. They had a hard fought loss on penalties to Solihull in the England Hockey Cup after a 1-1 draw in normal time. This meant a plate run was possible, but unfortunately, we failed to convert chances in our plate game, narrowly losing to Queen Mary’s 3-2. During regular Saturday matches, the boys worked exceptionally hard, with a tough fixture list. The results did not reflect the commitment and dedication the boys showed throughout the year. The team played some very good hockey and, with a number of younger players making appearances throughout the year, the future is looking positive. Player of the season was awarded to Gabriel Thornton

Indoor Girls’ Hockey The girls headed to the county round having trained since the start of term and a group of very good indoor players meant that hopes were high. After qualifying with ease for the Midlands’ Finals, the team were placed in a tough group and an opening match with tournament favourites Repton. The girls produced an exceptional display of defensive determination and discipline to draw 0-O. Three group wins followed meaning a semi-final against Malvern College who had beaten Bromsgrove 3-0 in the County Final. Taking a two-goal lead in the opening stages, Malvern then managed to convert two penalty corners of their own to level at 2-2, which meant penalty strokes. Ellie Childs scored the first and Claudia Moberley scored the second, with Malvern missing both their penalties, putting the Bromsgrove girls through to the National Finals. The National Finals was hosted at Bromsgrove School and the girls performed well in front of a home crowd. Although they did not register a win, the girls competed well throughout; they showed a togetherness and work ethic that really typifies team sport.

The core of the side have spent a large number of hours training to perfect their indoor game over the years, clearly showing a passion to improve whilst doing so. It has been a bumpy ride but what learning journey is not, and when you overcome challenges such as this, there is every reason to enjoy the success.

The U14 team have made the most improvement of any team this year. Their season has had a mixture of results but has had plenty of positive performances. They unfortunately finished third in the County Tournament on goal difference. With some of the girls making the step to play with the U15s in the ISHC, the future is looking bright for this group of talented hockey players. The U16 and U15B teams had a competitive season and the U14Bs only lost one game throughout. A Gooderham

Girls’ 1st XI The 1st XI girls’ team had a mixed season. A positive performance during the first weekend back enabled the team to set their sights high. A few losses followed leading into the county tournament, but the girls managed to put these losses behind them and put in an excellent display of defending to qualify for the Midlands Zonal round. Some good performances followed, however the results did not match the effort and improvement the girls had made throughout the first half term. After half term, the team headed to the Midlands Zonal round and after a close contest against Shrewsbury School, the girls missed qualification to the Midlands Finals by one goal. The team continued to work hard at training and went into their last game full of confidence. They took the lead, only for the game to be abandoned, with Bromsgrove winning 1-0 with ten minutes left to play.

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Prep Girls’ Netball

U11 and U10 Netball Teams

The 2017/18 season has been a historic one. For the first time ever in the School’s history, the U11, U12 and U13 netball teams all qualified for the IAPS National Finals. Shooting was a particular highlight of the netball term, with the efforts made during break time practices becoming more noticeable during games. We also marked the first U12F team fixtures – a testament to how the School is growing in size and our teams just keep getting better and better.

The U11As have been unbeaten in the friendlies, winning every game. They played extremely well in the IAPS competition, making it through the regional round to the National Finals. This is the first time ever an U11 side from Bromsgrove has achieved this result. The U11Bs have really come together this season. They play well as a team and always support one another. They have learned very quickly that they are all netballers who can play in varying positions, rather than just position players. The team are very reflective of their performance which makes them proactive players, rather than reactive. Some superb wins have kept morale high.

U13 and U12 Netball Teams The U13A girls have played well this season winning six out of eight school matches. The highlights of the term were winning the Cheltenham Ladies’ College Invitational Tournament and qualifying as runners up to go to the IAPS National Finals in Basildon. It has been a good season for the U13B team, as they have made a great leap forward in their skills and game play. We have had some excellent wins and very narrow losses. This has been a short but largely successful season for the U13Cs, playing five matches, winning three and losing two. Having lost narrowly to Foremarke Hall at the start of the season, with only one goal difference, they later went on to win a clear 21-6 victory when they met again a few weeks later. Their skill level and spatial awareness has improved significantly and they have shown excellent team spirit throughout. The U13D girls’ skills have improved immensely and they now play as an impressive and cohesive team unit. Overall, they won two and lost two.

The U12A team have had a very successful season with highlights being crowned District Schools’ and Regional IAPS Champions. They also represented the North at the National IAPS Finals coming fifth in their group and placed in the top twenty schools in the country. Including the National Finals, the team has played thirty-eight matches, winning twenty-eight of these and drawing one, scoring 433 goals and conceding 234. The U12B and C teams made huge improvements in their skill level over the term, as they listened carefully to the advice given by coaches. The girls put this into practice with each match they played, showing fantastic play down the court. They have consistently worked hard throughout the season and made good progress. Despite a lot of cold weather this season, the U12Ds were mainly successful as they drew or won many of their matches. There were some closely fought matches and the girls rose to the challenge; they were especially pleased with their defeat of the Dragon team - in fact, this was their highlight of the season. The U12E and F girls have worked hard this season to improve their skills each week. They have approached both training sessions and matches with enthusiasm and determination.

The U11C team have played their matches with resilience and commitment and we have seen progress with all players. We often played teams that were of a higher level and the girls rose to the challenges this brought them. The U11Ds had a mixed netball season but finished on a high with a win. Improvements in team spirit and determination helped them get better over the course of the term.

The U10As have continued to play as a team, regardless of the score line. At the U10 tournament they fought hard to gain 4th place, and worked well as a squad, switching positions in order to gain the best for the team. The U10B girls had a wonderful season this year, winning seven of the twelve games they played, many very convincingly. The girls were dedicated in squads and showed great spirit and enthusiasm. The girls have improved their skills tremendously over the course of the netball season, working tirelessly on their footwork, passing and tactics. The U10D team have played well this term. They enjoyed every match and showed great improvement both in training and in matches. They demonstrated their enthusiasm and their new skills particularly well in their match against The Dragon School, which they won. J Danks Prep Girls’ Netball Awards The Most Valuable Player Angelina Sanghera (Senior), Honey Bo Luscombe (Junior) The Most Improved Player Laura Yong (Senior), Ava Broadhurst (Junior)

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Senior Netball 1st Team The 2017/18 netball season has been hugely successful for the 1st VII netballers. The year started with a convincing victory at the Sheffield Tournament, giving the team morale to build and improve further. The early stages of the season were decorated with high scoring wins against Monmouth School for Girls (69-18) and a title defending (54-15) against the Old Bromsgrovian Netball Club. The strength and commitment shown by the team allowed us to go on and win the County and Regional tournaments, undefeated in all our games. The final finished 18-10 against a strong Wrekin side, seeing us progress to the National Finals. The team had an injection of new blood, which added extra tenacity to our more experienced members. Skill and strength runs through the whole court, with Lauren Neilson-Watts and Taylor Watson in defence, flying and jumping for every interception. Ellie Preece and Hannah Barwell brought healthy competition to the team, challenging every opponent; while Kitty Luscombe and Rhea Patel added speed through the mid court. Rhea’s abilities were rightfully recognised and she was rewarded with the title of ‘Player of the Season’. Ellie Bennet’s eagle eyes ensured direct feeds into the shooting circle, allowing Tumba and myself to shoot with accuracy, meaning the efforts of the whole team were realised. It has been a great season for the departing Upper Sixth, and remaining members will undoubtedly have an equally successful season next year. Thank you for making captaincy an easy task; it has been a pleasure - good luck for next year! Imogen Faulconbridge 1st team captain

Netball National Finals The National Finals in March 2018 was the pinnacle of the season with all the hard work throughout the year coming to fruition. The day was bound to be tough with the best eighteen teams in the country, along with the added snow, freezing temperatures and high winds. Ellie Preece’s last minute injury before the tournament brought us down to eight players, meaning that everyone needed to work twice as hard with limited rests. Our group stage was tough, with a close win against Leeds Grammar School (9-8), who had recently won the Independent Schools’ Cup.

With gallant effort, we were able to win all of our group stage matches leading us to the semi-final. Our fate was to play a strong Queen Ethelburga’s team, who managed to pick up their pace in the second half, ending in an unfortunate 9-16 loss. Despite this disappointing defeat, the team remained positive, coming together for one final huddle before closing the season. The teamwork and friendship displayed throughout the day perfectly depicted the unity of this year’s team, which allowed us to be as successful as we were. Well done girls! Imogen Faulconbridge 1st team captain

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Prep Rounders The U11A team have been very successful in their matches this term. They have received many compliments on their fast accurate throwing to second post and their strong batting performances. The highlight of the season was winning the King’s Hawford Tournament. The team played superbly all afternoon and, with amazing batting, were a tough squad to beat. The girls were rewarded with medals and a trophy. They have won some matches and indeed lost some but what has impressed me the most is their team spirit and their ability to encourage each other.

Senior Netball Teams The 2nds were a young team this year and included numerous strong Fifth Form players, including Katie Burke, Catie Ranger, Jade Jenkins and Hannah Pover who will certainly be challenging for a 1st team spot next season. They were guided wisely by the ‘old hands’ of Claudia Moberley, Laura Merritt and Claire Humphries, who have represented the School superbly well in netball all the way through the age groups. The team started the season well with a good win against the Old Bromsgrovian side, and then notched up further victories against Rugby, Trent College and King Edward VI School, Stratford. Bromsgrove’s strength in depth was demonstrated once more with some good victories for our 3rd, 4th and 5th teams too. Our U16 Cup team won the District Tournament, qualifying for the Regional Tournament with a nail-biting 10-9 win against old rivals RGS Worcester, but narrowly missed out on a place in the National Finals. The team won four out of six pool games but only failed to progress through to the semi-final on goal difference alone. An excellent effort from a combined Upper Fourth and Fifth Form team.

The U15 cup side had two national trophies to defend this year. Defending the National Schools’ Sports Magazine Cup was easy, as the tournament did not go ahead. However, the Independent Schools’ Cup proved more challenging. After an excellent victory in the first round against Wycombe Abbey School (47-11), they were knocked out in the second round to a very strong Berkhampstead School. In regular School fixtures, the 15As proved very strong once again, winning all of their matches with the exception of Rugby School. They were supported by some excellent results from our 15B, 15C and 15D teams along the way. The 14A team had a superb season, winning all bar one of their domestic matches (losing only to Oakham who were National Finalists). They won the District and County Tournaments to qualify for the Regional Finals held at Bromsgrove School. Here, the girls played some excellent netball to win all six of their group matches; however, they lost to a very strong Solihull side in a tense and nervewracking semi-final, sadly missing out on qualification to the National Finals. Praise should also be given to the rest of our U14 teams who worked hard all season and produced some excellent victories along the way. E Buckingham

The U11Bs have gelled as a team and all the girls have looked out for each other on and off the pitch. They are a formidable team to play against but with that comes a sense of pride and a clear sense of empathy. We finished the season on a high beating The Dragon 14 to 9.5. A fantastic end to the season. The C and D teams this year have been a dream to coach as they have worked intently on bonding as a unit and received many compliments alluding to this from various opposition

Their strike rates have all improved over a short period and many can place a hit to excellent effect. I have also been very impressed with the combination of bowler, backstop and both first and second post play. That is not to say that any player has slacked in their commitment to fielding as all nine players have worked tirelessly on improving anticipation of where the ball is going to be hit and getting there to hinder the opposition’s run rate. This has been a very enjoyable of season for U10A rounders, aided by the superb weather we have enjoyed during most of the matches. Whilst we have not won any fixtures, the girls have progressed significantly in the skills demonstrated from game to game. In particular, they have been highly successful at stumping out the opposition at both first and second, whilst fielding. The girls have grown in confidence and are starting to think strategically about the game. Overall a very enjoyable season.

The U10Bs and Cs have worked hard to improve and develop their skills both in training and in matches. They have also shown great determination and enthusiasm in each of the matches they have played, both home and away. J Danks Prep Rounders Awards Most Valuable Player Scarlet Preston Most Improved Player Simar Puna

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U11A Played: 17, Won: 9, Drawn: 4, Lost: 4

U11 squad members:

The U11A team have shown improvement over the season. They were open to coaching advice and picked up new skills in training. The boys played with purpose, always displaying a sense of pride in the jersey. Even in the more difficult matches, they played for one another and rarely became disheartened. My thanks go to James Hobbs, who always led from the front. Their fixture list was sizeable, thirteen inter-school fixtures and two festivals at Port Regis and Wolverhampton Grammar, both of which provided valuable experiences against many different schools. Our most notable victories were against Cheltenham, Blundell’s, Port Regis, King’s Hall and Packwood.

James Hobbs, Thomas Ashton, Joseph Kippax, Jack Gilbert, Frazer Jones, Ethan Spurgeon, Hugo Blackwell, Hriyaj Gurung, George Hollingworth, Tom Fullard, Joshua Collett, William Pridden, Bobby Riley, Jack Wilkinson.

C.Kippax

Prep Rugby U13A Played: 19, Won: 8, Drawn: 0, Lost 11 The U13A rugby team had a very frustrating season due to an unprecedented amount of injuries throughout the term. Over half of the first choice team missed a fair proportion of the season. With the strongest fixture list ever, we were regularly on the wrong side of 30/40 points. On the positive side, it gave plenty of opportunities for boys to step up - Thando Best and Ayush Kedem Limbu who were playing C team rugby at the start of October ended up keeping their places in the A team.

The boys enjoyed a tour to Northern Ireland but found the matches tough going against three very good, physical sides. Notable performances during the season were victories against local rivals Warwick School 25-15 and Solihull School 30-10, whilst we narrowly lost in two other very competitive games to Caldicott and Sir Thomas Richards by just one score. Congratulations to Rafferty Gallagher and Alex Ranger who played in every match whilst Louis Upton, William Brown, Cyrus Passman and Billy McDonough were outstanding in the matches that they did play.Thank you to all the boys who had to fill in throughout the season. C Munn

U13A squad members: Rafferty Gallagher, Joseph Morgan, Alexander Ranger, Louis Heptinstall, Zach Armstrong, Joseph Foulds, Henry Jinks, George Lamb, Louis Upton, Cyrus Passman, Harry Draper-Barr, William Brown, James Humphries, Thando Best, Archie Greaves-Hall, Billy Mcdonough, Henry Jones, Milo Johansen-Berg, Cameron Owen, Morgan McKinley, Ayush Kedem Limbu, Sebastian Purvis.

Prep Rugby Awards Most Outstanding Player Louis Upton (Senior), James Hobbs (Junior) Most improved Player Ayush Kedem Limbu (Senior), Thomas Ashton (Junior)

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Prep Rugby 7s Our U13 Rugby 7s campaign kicked off in fine style on a lovely sunny but cold day on the Welsh border at Packwood Haugh. Bromsgrove were drawn in a tough group against some reputable rugby schools but the boys were up for the challenge right from the start. We defeated Ellesmere College by nine tries to nil in an impressive first game, then scored eight tries in a more physical game against Stonyhurst, winning the group by running in another five tries against The Downs School. The final two matches were against the other groups’ winners. In the first one of these, we defeated Sedbergh by four tries to one meaning that the last game against St Olave’s was effectively the Cup Final. Despite a fantastic start going into a 2-1 lead, St Olave’s were just too strong in all areas and came back to deservedly win the trophy. Credit must go to our boys for their commitment and hard work in training, for playing some superb rugby throughout the tournament and for the professional way they conducted themselves during the day. Their headmaster complimented us and stated at the presentation that the overall standard had been much higher than in previous years.

Special mention must go to Ayush Limbu, who despite being new to rugby, especially 7s, played a main part throughout the day - he has a fantastic attitude and hence always takes advice in areas where he needs to improve. Well done to the whole squad. In March 2018, the U13 7s squad enjoyed another successful day out, this time at the prestigious Millfield School Tournament. Starting in a tough group, the side had no problem overcoming Downsend School by five tries to one, made light work of defeating Cathedral School by eight tries to nil, and then in a highly competitive game against Caldicott Prep School, just managed to defeat them two tries to one with the last play of the game. This meant we were placed in a new group with three other league winners. In the first game, we completely outplayed the hosts Millfield to win by five tries to nil, which was then followed by a closer win against a more physical QEH Bristol team by three tries to two. The last game was effectively the cup final against St Olave’s, York. Unfortunately, we were pressured into making too many errors throughout the game and for the second final in succession just missed out on the silverware.

Well done to the whole squad who all made valuable contributions during the day and can hold their heads up high to be proud runners-up of a high-class tournament.

Bromsgrove completed their successful 7s season in style by winning all of their matches at the Rosslyn Park tournament on the last day of the Lent term. Unfortunately, due to the new RFU regulations at this age level, there is no knockout stage to produce an overall winner. We were tested throughout the day by playing teams who all seemed to have strengths in different areas. In the first game, we came back to to win 35 – 10, despite conceding a couple of early tries against Wycliffe College. Packwood Haugh were small but quick and in a close second game, we won by five tries to two. Lord Wandsworth College and Aysgath were both bigger and more physical sides but we fronted up well to beat these 20 - 5 and 30 - 15 respectively. In the final game, IAPS Kenya had a couple of real fliers and after an end-to-end battle in the first half, we eventually ended up winning by eight tries to their four. Well played to the whole squad who all made valuable contributions throughout the day. Special mention must go to Louis Upton who was absolutely outstanding in all tournaments. C.Munn

Prep Rugby Teams ‘Always evolving, always looking to develop our players season after season’ has continued to be the philosophy behind our rugby. A total of 217 fixtures have been played (99 at senior level and 116 at junior level). The U13A and U13B teams toured Northern Ireland during the first week of the October half term and as well as playing three tough fixtures, the boys had a great time visiting some iconic places such as the Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic quarter. The U13 fixture list was extremely tough and was based on how strong the year group had been at U11 and U12 level over the previous two seasons, but an unprecedented spate of injuries to key A team players for long periods had a big impact on results. The U13B team had four matches versus opposition schools’ U13A teams and acquitted themselves very well. The U12A, U12B and U12C teams had a triangular fixture with Solihull School and Caldicott School for the second year running, with the U12B and U12C teams doing exceptionally well. The U12B team had a phenomenally successfully season, as indicated by their results, and the U12C team had their best ever season, which included being the only Bromsgrove Prep School team to beat Caldicott during the season.

The U11A, B and C teams enjoyed a triangular with Monmouth and QEH, Bristol. The theme of triangulars and tournaments was also very evident at U10 level, indeed at the Warwick Festival; the U10A and U10B teams faced Warwick, The Croft, QEGS Wakefield and Bedford Prep, all on the same afternoon. Additionally, the U10D team went unbeaten and we twice fielded an U10E team. The introduction of a games afternoon two years ago to Year 4 is now starting to show its benefits, as the U9A team went the entire season undefeated, which included playing some traditionally very strong schools. G Jones

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Senior Rugby 1st XV

Senior Rugby Teams

The day after Commemoration Day, the 1st XV embarked on a three-week tour to Hong Kong and New Zealand, arriving in NZ just in time to watch the third and decisive test match between the British and Irish Lions and the All Blacks. Playing a total of five matches whilst on tour, the Bromsgrove side won three games and played some very entertaining rugby against some strong schools.

Once again, rugby has continued to thrive, with many pupils regularly representing the School during both Michaelmas and Lent terms. With sixteen teams regularly fielded on a Saturday, this resulted in almost 250 boys playing rugby. Unfortunately, several of the 7s tournament were cancelled during the Lent term due to poor weather conditions.

The 1st XV had a pleasing season recording sixteen wins and only three defeats from nineteen matches played. For the first time, the School entered the NatWest Champions Trophy, with excellent results in the early rounds against Monmouth and RGS Gilford. 1st XV captain, Ollie Lawrence, was in outstanding form against RGS Gilford scoring thirty-two of his team’s points in an impressive away result, ending 37-22. Unfortunately, the team underperformed in their quarter-final match, losing to the eventual winners of the competition, Dulwich 19-37. Throughout the course of the season there were a number of boys who made their 1st XV debuts. Morgan French towered in the lineout all season, Max Buckland showed an excellent work rate and Marley Finn became a lethal finisher on the wing, as well as Sam Foulds, Ben Carmalt (who at tighthead became the cornerstone of our scrum) and Fifth Former Nic Jakobsen who enjoyed an excellent season with ball in hand. The result of the term was a resounding away victory to Oundle School 38-11. In the traditional end of season match against King Edward’s School Birmingham, the team retained the Siviter Smith trophy with an impressive 45-12 victory. Congratulations to 1st XV captain, Oliver Lawrence who played for England U18s and U20s during the season and for his inclusion in the England Senior squad who played against the Barbarians at Twickenham at the end of May 2018.

The U16A team enjoyed a very pleasing season, winning ten of their matches, drawing twice and losing twice. The team also reached the North Midlands Regional Final for the third consecutive season. In a closely fought match, the boys ran out 17-12 winners against local school, Solihull. The U16 VII side produced some excellent 7’s rugby to reach the quarterfinal of the Rosslyn Park National Sevens Tournament, narrowly losing to the eventual winners. Our U16Bs also enjoyed a successful season, recording seven wins and one draw. Our U15A team’s only defeat in all fixtures was a narrow 12-15 defeat to Warwick in the NatWest Cup fourth round. Unfortunately a missing kick with the final play of the game being the difference in the team progressing to the next round. It was also pleasing to see both the U15B and C teams winning over 70% of their matches. Throughout the season, it was also nice to watch our U15Cs playing some great rugby with a smile on their face.

Our U14A team experienced a difficult season losing some very close matches and finishing the season having won four, lost four and drawing once. It was, however, very pleasing to see the team develop as the term progressed. This development continued into the Lent term, following a disappointing 7s tournament at Prior Park, the boys worked hard and were rewarded for their improvement during the Rosslyn Park National Sevens Tournament. The boys recorded some excellent results and progressed to the Plate Semi-Final. The U14B, C and D teams also had positive seasons, with many boys enjoying playing rugby, some for the first time. T Windo

Senior Boys’ Squash The boys’ squash team worked hard during their academy and gym sessions and developed well throughout the year. This was demonstrated by winning fiftythree percent of their fixtures this season - a huge improvement on the last two years. The boys have won multiple friendly fixtures against Welbeck College, Stowe, St Edward’s Oxford and Cheltenham College. The National Cup demonstrated the players’ progression, as many of the fixtures were decided by one or two games. The team ended up qualifying for the plate competition, as they were third in their group, but unfortunately lost in the first knockout round.

The junior boys were hugely committed to training and have improved significantly from the start of the season. They did not progress in the National competition but played against some strong schools, which enabled the players to see the level of performance that they need to strive for. It bodes well for School squash that we have an engaged and committed group of players who are keen to develop and excel in this sport. J Harris

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IAPS Swimming Seventeen of our leading swimmers followed the World’s greatest Olympians when they competed for the first time at the London Aquatics Park. It is fair to say that all swimmers who competed were in awe when walking through the doors to see the Olympic pool for the first time. Representing Bromsgrove School were the following teams: U10: Oliver Cattell, Henry Foster, Oliver Dieppe, Beau Vaughan-Hawkins and William Davidson. U12: Kingsley Reid, Toby Lewis, George Hastings, Ben Collett, Robbie Bayliss and Oliver Holden.

Prep Swimming “People shouldn’t think I’m not normal, I’ve got a disability. Overcome that, go out there, and achieve something” - Ellie Simmonds. OBE. British Paralympian swimmer. It is only apt that the above sentiment heads this final swimming report for this academic year. Throughout the academic year, there has been a comprehensive fixture list including all year groups from Year 3 upwards against twenty different schools.

ESSA Primary School Relays The U11 girls and boys competed in the English Schools’ Swimming Association National Relay Finals. The girls swam in the Open Schools’ Freestyle, finishing twelfth in the country. In the medley relay, the girls also swam brilliantly but failed to reach the finals. The boys qualified for the B final medley relay, which they won, finishing ninth overall in the country. The boys went one better in the freestyle relay winning a place in the ‘A’ final and eventually finishing eighth in the country. Well done to Honey Bo Luscombe, Isabelle Kavanagh, Lucy Cattell, Meghan Higgs, Jessica Fox, William Pridden, Jack Wilkinson, Robert Riley, Oliver Dieppe and Beau VaughanHawkins. For the first time ever, Bromsgrove entered an individual into the para team representing the West Midlands. The team consisted of eight swimmers, boys and girls, from around the Midlands, who competed in the mixed stroke relay and the freestyle relay. It was an incredible achievement in more ways than any of us could imagine. Elizabeth Ruben demonstrated amazing determination, technique and overcame many fears before the event and during the day.

U13: Cyrus Passman, William Brown, Harry Draper-Barr and Archie Greaves-Hall. All relay teams swam extremely well finishing in the following places.

Oliver Dieppe competed in the U10 25 metres breaststroke. Oliver experienced a very quick start from the officials and finished thirteenth overall. Robert Riley swam extremely well in the U11 50 metres breaststroke achieving an unbelievable personal best time of 42.61 seconds, finishing ninth overall, and moving up from being ranked sixteenth going into the competition. George Hastings competed in the U12 25 metres butterfly finishing eleventh overall. Ben Collett competed in the U12 50 metres freestyle finishing nineteenth overall. Cyrus Passman competed in the U13 50 metres freestyle. Cyrus swam incredibly well with a brilliant time of 29.24 seconds finishing twelfth overall. William Brown competed in the U13 25 metres butterfly finishing eighteenth overall. Toby Lewis competed in the U12 50 metres breaststroke finishing sixteenth overall

U10 Medley: 6th overall (New School record. 1.12.56) U10 Freestyle: 13th overall U12 Medley: 11th overall U12 Freestyle: 14th overall U13 Freestyle: 7th overall

Representing Bromsgrove School for the girls was Meghan Higgs. Meghan swam extremely well, finishing twelfth overall.

In the individual races, the results did not disappoint with Beau Vaughan-Hawkins leading the way and having the swim of his life. He came away with gold in the U10 25m butterfly making him the 2018 National Champion for this event. In doing so, Beau set a new School record of 15.96 seconds.

Prep Swimming Awards

The Bromsgrove boys as a team finished seventeenth in the country.

Most Outstanding Boy: Cyrus Passman (Senior), Beau Vaughan-Hawkins (Junior) Most Outstanding Girl: Bryony Lowe (Senior), Isabelle Kavanagh (Junior) Most Improved Boy: Kingsley Reid (Senior), Alfred Leighton (Junior) Most Improved Girl: Katherine Sutherland (Senior), Elizabeth Ruben (Junior)

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Senior Swimming Teams The younger age groups benefitted greatly from a great influx of new swimmers.

Senior Swimming 1st Team The 1st team has had another fantastic season, which marked the end of the School swimming careers for six key members of the team. The boys had a consistently good year, with memorable performances at the annual Bromsgrove School Relays, in which they won the gold in a breathtaking race to the finish. There were also notable performances at the prestigious St Paul’s School swimming meet, in which Samuel Osborne broke the ten-year School record in the 50m butterfly. Tristan Bland, Marcus Ng and Ivan Lee will be missed at the swimming galas and in School training sessions.

The girls maintained their good form this year, with the experienced squad remaining a consistently impressive relay team, as well as producing outstanding individual performances. Without the consistent presence of Talia Mitchell on breaststroke, Abigail Saker on front crawl and Rachel Weller on butterfly, the upcoming swimmers have great shoes to fill. The stand out event of the season was undoubtedly the Bath and Otter Relays. With a girls’ team consisting of Rachel Weller, Talia Mitchel, Paulina Geus and Abigail Saker, the squad put in a strong effort to come sixteenth overall, out of over 140 schools. Likewise, the boys’ team of Tristan Bland, Euan Vaughan-Hawkins, Marcus Ng, Ivan Lee and Samuel Osborne came fifteenth overall.

Having started a strong year with bronze at the Stowe Relay Championships, the U16 boys continued to excel throughout the year. Not to be outdone, the U16 girls won all the galas that they competed in, and both teams reached the finals of the Bromsgrove School Invitational Relays. Likewise, the U14 boys’ team won gold at the Abingdon Sprints gala, which was a stunning way to finish off their first year competing for the School. The U14 girls also had great success in a number of tournaments and galas, including the ESSA qualifiers.

Both competed in a number of galas in which their strength and determination shone through, and it shows that the School has plenty of up and coming swimmers to produce successes in the future. Undoubtedly, the greatest congratulations go to Samuel Osborne, who competed at the World School Games in Morocco earlier this year. Rachel Weller Swimming Captain

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Senior Table Tennis 2017/18 was a special season for Bromsgrove pupils. Karen Chu Kiu Yan and Jade Ngan Lok Yee excelled as they reached the U19 English Schools’ Team National Finals. The girls faced some stellar opponents, including the previous year’s champions from Warwickshire and the champions elect from West Yorkshire. Karen and Jade played some great table tennis, which included taking a game in the doubles from the West Yorkshire champions. Karen, Jade and Vladimir Averin reached the English Schools Individual National Finals. Here, Jade reached the last sixteen in the competition. Jade represented Worcestershire County playing against Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Warwickshire. She was Worcestershire’s best player winning three of her six matches. Alvin Choi Yang Wang, Linus Tsao, Murat Shafigullin and Vladimir won the U19 English Schools’ Team County Championship and Zone Finals reaching the Regional Finals.

Karen, Jade, Vladimir and Murat were members of the ‘Littleton Dolphins’ team that competed in the Evesham & District League Division 2. They were crowned league champions, winning twenty, drawing one and losing none. Vladimir finished the season with a 100% record.

Table Tennis Awards

The team completed a historic league and cup double winning the EDTTA Handicap Trophy. In the first round, Vladimir, Murat and Jade caused a major upset, inflicting the only defeat of the season on this year’s Division 1 Champions, the Littleton Cubs, by 123 points. In the quarterfinals, Karen joined Jade and Vladimir to defeat the Kington Bulldogs (again from Division 1) and was star of the show when she amassed 135 from 338 points in a 69-point win. Their efforts allowed their teammates with more advantageous handicaps to go on and win the semifinal by eight points and the final with 96 points.

Most Improved Player Trophy – Katie Ho

Girl’s Player of the Year Shield Jade Ngan Lok Yee Boy’s Player of the Year Shield Vladimir Averin

Prep Girls’ Tennis A record numbers of girls represented the Prep School at tennis this year, and it has been pleasing to see the standard rising as a result. The U13 team had two pairs entered in to the LTA Team Tennis competition, which comprises of singles and doubles. The girls played extremely well to be crowned County Champions after beating King’s Worcester. The U13 and U12 B and C teams have had, at times, forty-two pupils playing at once. The junior teams also enjoyed matches against a number of local schools with the U11A and U10A teams against Malvern St James, Dean Close and Warwick Prep. The girls have worked hard on their skills and demonstrated a lot of power in their shots. They are thinking more about when to play different types of hit, with excellent examples of smashes and volleys regularly seen in matches.

All the U10 girls have worked on their over arm serves and they are becoming more confident, using these in matches with great accuracy and power. The girls have represented the School with pride and have been a credit to Bromsgrove, showing great sportsmanship and impeccable behaviour. A highlight of the season was when fiftyfour girls (who have all represented the School at tennis), took part in a trip to the Nature Valley Classic LTA tournament. The girls were inspired by the tennis played by the top seeds around the world on Centre court. J Danks Prep Girls’ Tennis Awards The Most Valuable Tennis Player Abigail Barker (Senior), Honey Bo Luscombe (Junior) The Most Improved Tennis Player Jessica Whitlock (Senior), Ava Broadhurst (Junior)

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Trent College followed, and the team remained strong. The boys fought hard and played well resulting in a welldeserved victory for the 1st team. I was also pleased to see that we could honour our penultimate fixture with Bloxham. Here the boys played well, especially after losing half the 1st team due to exams, we managed to pull off the victory. Our final match was against Cheltenham, who we lost to last year. However, with a stronger and more developed squad this time around, we were able to pull off the win for both the 1st and 2nd team.

It has been a record-breaking season for tennis. The team has been one of the youngest teams we have put out, so this gives us a great opportunity to build and improve over the next few years and maintain our unbeaten performance. Thanks must go to Richard Lawton and his team for the outstanding coaching and organising of the matches including the first ever Bromsgrove School Tournament, but above all else the boys are what make it. Even during study leave, there has been a court full of happy players, all willing to represent the School.

The junior boys also had the opportunity to play in the U15 County Tournament, which they won and progressed to the Regionals.

Harrison Wright (Captain)

Bromsgrove School Open Tennis Championships On the final Saturday of the Summer term, the School ran its first internal Open Championships. Any player in the Senior School could take part, with four trophies up for grabs. On a blistering hot June day, the boys and girls played some exceptional tennis and all tournaments went to the wire. The results were as follows: Open Girls’ Singles Winner Bobby Mekushina Open Boys’ Singles Winner Stuart Shannon Open Girls’ Doubles Winners Gemma Calthorpe and Katharina Knopp Open Boys’ Doubles Winners Luke Lau and Alex Collin

Senior Boys’ Tennis Boys’ tennis at Bromsgrove has been stronger than ever this year due to its continued development and growth in the younger years. This has meant a number of talented pupils introduced to the tennis teams. The team, captained by Harrison Wright, opened with their first match against Rugby School, where the boys made an excellent start to the season, with the team working and playing well, resulting in a win for Bromsgrove. This set the tone for the rest of the season, as the 1st and 2nd teams were unbeaten. This has been unheard of at Bromsgrove in over ten years, so it makes it an even more outstanding achievement for the boys. Clifton College followed, and the boys remained strong, with every pair winning their match. Some of the boys from the 1st team had the opportunity to take part in the Old Bromsgrovian tennis match, where they played ex-pupils of the School. This was an excellent opportunity for them to gain more experience and talk to them about how Bromsgrove has changed since they were here.

Later in the season, selected players took part in the Hereford and Worcestershire LTA County Tennis Tournament, which started with the U14 doubles tournaments. Stuart Shannon and Cameron Owen won the tournament, beating players from the Downs School. This meant that the pair were crowned boys’ U14 Doubles County Champions. Following this, Harrison Wright, Vasili Borisov, Luke Lau and Stuart Shannon were in the draw for the Scott Cup (boys’ U18 singles). The four boys did very well - from the draw of sixteen, three out of the four semi-finalists were from Bromsgrove School. The final was against a pupil from Malvern College vs Stuart Shannon from Bromsgrove. Stuart won the match 4-2, 5-3 and was crowned the Scott Cup winner. This proved to be an outstanding weekend for Bromsgrove tennis, showing that over the last four years it has strengthened and has resulted in success that has not been seen in over twenty years. There were fantastic performances by the team, especially from Stuart Shannon, who not only won the U14 doubles, but also the U18 singles, which is two age groups up.

S Franks

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Senior Girls’ Tennis The girls’ 1st tennis team, consisting of Charlotte Campbell, Isabelle Dunlop, Georgie Jeynes- Cupper, Laura Merritt, Claudia Moberley and Lisa Shaw, have had a successful and highly enjoyable season, building on the excellent performances of previous years. They also had strength in depth, being ably supported by Katharina Knopp when players were absent. After a disappointing loss against a strong Rugby School side in their first match, the girls worked hard on their serve and ground stroke consistency during training. The team then gained an outstanding victory against Clifton College (9-0), followed by convincing wins in the following two matches against Cheltenham Ladies’ College and Wycliffe College (both 8-1). The next match against Trent College proved more challenging, but the girls kept their focus and went on to a 5-4 victory. Overall, with six wins and just one loss, the 1st team played a high standard of tennis, demonstrating skill, determination and commitment. The 2nd team also had a successful season showing tremendous strength in depth with a squad of twelve including Elouise Brookes, Emma Dolan, Phoebe Fletcher, Holly Foster, Fleur Gallagher, Eileen Habermeyer, Maisie Hucker, Katharina Knopp, Catriona Ranger, Mollie Trow, Coco Wallentin and Lydia Wright. Despite losing their first match against Rugby School, the squad went on to record significant victories against Clifton College and Cheltenham Ladies’ College (both 8-1), followed by comfortable wins against Wycliffe College and Trent College (both 6-0). All of the girls worked hard to improve their game and they should be congratulated on their flexibility and teamwork, which led to their overall success. The 2nds won six and lost just one of their matches.

The U15A team, captained by Claudia Bullock, built on their previous success, winning eight out of their ten matches, with notable wins against Malvern College (12-0) and King’s Worcester (10-2). The core team of Claudia plus Eloisa Borriello, Gemma Calthorpe, Ella Kiely, Bobby Mekushina and Victoria Moberley, played with great flair and ability throughout and we look forward to following their continued success in the future. The U15B team have improved throughout the season, winning five out of their seven matches; the 12-0 victory against Prince Henry’s High School being the most outstanding. The U14A team worked hard this season to improve their game play tactics to good effect, winning seven out of their nine matches, with excellent wins against Rendcomb College (7-1) and Trent College (7-2). The U14B team showed good progress throughout the season and won four out of their five matches, their best being the victory against Trent College (7-2). A team of Bromsgrove School players competed in the County Championships in May 2018. Georgie Jeynes-Cupper played superb tennis throughout the competition to become the U18 Singles Champion. The U16 pairing of Claudia Bullock and Bobby Mekushina played a very high standard of tennis to win the U16 Doubles competition and Isabelle O’Connor, playing alongside Lucy McLoughlin, came away with the U14 Doubles title. Congratulations to all the girls on these wonderful achievements. Charlotte Campbell Girls’ Captain

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Prep Sports Day Years 7 and 8 Sports Day Year 8 Girls’ Victrix Ludorum: We had a three-way tie between Angelina Sanghera, Ella Kershaw Crombie and Laura Yong on 23 points. Year 8 Boys’ Victor Ludorum: We had a tie for first place between Louis Upton and Harry Draper-Barr on 24 points with Zach Armstrong 3rd on 23 points. Townsend Cup: The 20 x 100 metres relay was won by Darby Strong Shield (Years 7 and 8 boys and girls combined): 1st Telford 2nd Darby 3rd Boulton 4th Watt Murdoch Cup (Years 5- 8 Joint): 1st Darby 2nd Boulton 3rd Telford 4th Watt Years 5 and 6 Sports Day Year 5 Girls: 1st Meghan Higgs 2nd Jessica Fox 3rd Ruby Foster Year 5 Boys: 1st Oliver Dieppe 2nd Jasper Gallagher 3rd William Broadhurst Year 6 Girls: 1st Teah Petrova 2nd Scarlet Preston 3rd Ava Colley Year 6 Boys: 1st Jack Gilbert 2nd Tom Ashton 3rd James Hobbs House Results: 1st Darby 2nd Boulton 3rd Telford 4th Watt

Haffner Cup: Tom Ashton won the cup with a distance of 48 metres in the cricket ball throw (two metres further than his brother back in 2013). Years 3 and 4 Sports Day Year 3 Girls: 1st Sophia Bhardwaj 2nd Caitlin Pridden 3rd Isobel Boardman Year 3 Boys: 1st Edward Head 2nd William Siviter 3rd Nahum Benjamin Year 4 Girls: 1st Alice Wilson-Marsh 2nd Rumer Evans 3rd Isla Goold Year 4 Boys: 1st Alfie Higgins 2nd Seth Benjamin 3rd Henry Greaves (Alfie Higgins set a new School record of 47.70m in the cricket ball throw) Class result: 4RL House Results: 1st: Darby 2nd Telford 3rd Boulton 4th Watt

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Senior Sports Day We were lucky enough to have blue skies and sunshine for the Senior School Sports Day, which meant that the event was enjoyed by all. There were a number of positive performance and Sports Day records achieved. The individual Victor and Victrix Ludorums went to the following: Junior Age Group Alex Collin (Wendron-Gordon) and Tash Malam (Mary Windsor) Intermediate Age Group Ethan Hart (Lyttelton) Senior Age Group Charles Sapwell (Lupton) and Abbie Saker (Oakley) Special trophies were awarded to: Senior Girls 100m winner Taylor Watson (Housman Hall) Girls’ House 4 x 200m winners Hazeldene Boys’ House 4 x 100m winners Lupton Boys’ House 4 x 400m winners Lyttelton The overall House winners were Walters and Hazeldene

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Honours Awards 2017/18 Athletics

Badminton

Senior School Caps: Claire Humphries, Abbie Saker, Harry Liversidge, Harry Pugh, Georgy Muradov, George Elliott

Senior School Caps: Heather Lam, Tiffany Leung, Tony Qin, Roy Tsong

Major Colours: Megan Longden, Lauryn Elliott, Ellie Childs, Maria Starikova, Katie Palmer-Reid, Olivia Turner, Ollie Plummer, Bipin Gurung, Cameron Baxter Minor Colours: Rodena Bernthal, Scarlett Bond, Mary Kuvaeva, Gabbi Brown, Matilde Giles, Kitty Luscombe, Pippa Nisbet, Orla Walker, Jonathan Burke, Ash Kandola, Artur Levashov, Jake Lowe, Jacob Redden, Dan Tiktinskii, Kieran Valley and Adrian Wong Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Louis Upton, Alexander Ranger, Billy McDonough, Sebastian Purvis, Zach Armstrong, William Brown, Joe Morgan, Harry Draper-Barr, Thando Best, Henry Jinks, Morgan McKinley, Louis Heptinstall, Neil Cai, Callum Wilkinson, William Hobbs, Cyrus Passman, Fyodor Shaskin, Laura Yong, Louise Osborne, Chloe Reijmer, Angelina Sanghera, Abigail Barker, Amellie Clare, Ella Kershaw-Crombie, Jemima Vaughan-Hawkins, Evie Derbyshire Full Colours (Junior): Oliver Dieppe, Teah Petrova, Scarlet Preston, William Pridden Half Colours (Senior): Alexander Holroyd, Frederick Hanson, Ayush Kedem-Limbu, Joseph McLoughlin, Isabella Rusling, Jessica Whitlock, Jasmine Underwood, Sophia Meadows, Ella Kenwood, Lily-Mae Wood Half Colours (Junior): Jack Gilbert, James Hobbs, Thomas Ashton, Ava Broadhurst, Alexandra Wright, Meghan Higgs, Elizabeth Smith, Honey Bo Luscombe, Ava Colley, Tilly Fountain, Isabelle Kavanagh

Major Colours: Shirley Yeung, Marcus Chow, Marcus Ng Minor Colours: Maria Karicheva, Beth Hambling, Michelle Mok, Figo Man, Josh Osborn-Patel, Shams Ali-Baig, Adrian Wong, Jacky Wong Junior Commendations: Cherry Fung, Jonathan Chan, Leo Hemberg, Jack Ma, Jason Yiu (WG), Sam Kwan

Half colours (Senior): William Brown, Alexander Holroyd, Louis Upton, Cameron Owen, Billy McDonough, Rafferty Gallagher, Henry Jinks Half Colours (Junior): Jai Bushell, James Battelley, JJ Whitlock, Kaashif Ali Baig, Jack Barnett, Jack Gilbert Cross-Country Senior School Caps: Abbie Saker Major Colours: Leonid Goldberg, Ben Payne, Harrison Wright

Basketball

Halstead Cup: Leonid Goldberg

Senior School Caps: Alex Wong, Ander Giles

Minor Colours: Orla Walker, Henry Marshall

Major Colours: Alin Petz

Commendations: Luke Weller, Jamie Wood, Ian Chan, Nikita Sazonov, Emily Gittoes, Lena Siller, Natalie Hatfield

Minor Colours: Edward Aston, Marky Prakaisriroj, Danill Tiktinskii, Amin Makkawi

Prep School Full colours (Senior): Isabella Rusling, Fred Hanson, Imogen Thomas, Marcus Au Yeung, Charlie Cooper, Jessica Whitlock, Theo Gilbert-Birch, Anya Sanikop, George Lamb, Grace Warren, Jamie Lewis, Jared Spurgeon Full Colours (Junior): Jack Wilkinson, Amelie Jackson Football Senior School Caps: James Cox, Nathan Boothroyd, Joe Downes, Nathan Buckley, George Hatfield Major Colours: Vlad Bondarenko, Richie Chang, Dzhemal Avdoi 1st XI player of the season: James Cox Minor colours: Dan Meredith, Jack Gibson, Ash Kandola, Tom Martin

Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Sebastian Purvis, Callum Wilkinson, William Hobbs, Henry Jinks

Junior commendations: Aman Laroiya, Roman Gurung, Cody Chik, Bolu Adegbonmire, Oliver Trigg, Ewan Guy, Ed Clews (U15s) Golf

Cricket

Full Colours (Junior): William Pridden, Tom Fullard, James Hobbs, Oliver Dieppe

Senior School Caps: George Hatfield, Fahd Janjua

Half Colours (Senior): Archie GreavesHall, Jack Warner, Billy McDonough

Major Colours: Ben Hales, Nathan Buckley, Anders Giles, Gabriel Thornton, Freddie Owen, Tommy Williams, Liam Holland Bunch

Half colours (Junior): Jack Barnett

Hockey

Drama

Senior School Caps: Joe Houlcroft, Evan Stokes, Gabriel Thornton, Will Randall, Claudia Moberley, Elouise Brookes, Megan Longden, Ellie Childs, Claire Humphries, Charlotte Campbell

Commendations: Andrew Wong, Sam Kwan, Jack Ma and Gordon Wong (U14); Kody Chick, Sam Sung and Daniel Wan (U15)

Minor Colours: Alex Hinkley, Henry Marshall, Dan Meredith, Awais Mohammed, Jasper Davidson, Elliot Mason, Seb Atkinson, Callum Lee, Jack Gibson, Dan Ashton Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Archie GreavesHall, Elliot Evans, Frederick Hanson, Jack Warner, Ayran Jagadish Full Colours (Junior): Thomas Ashton

Senior School Caps: Anna Da Costa Martins, Madelaine Barber-Fray, Matthew Hegarty, Dom Gardner Major Colours: Vinzenz Freigassner, Robyn Davies, Aled Luckman, Sam Ison, Dan Moore, Harry Ruben, Alex Spurgin, Nikita Bedov Minor Colours: Will Edwards, Matthew Goodwin, Patricia Blessing, Phoebe Fletcher, Ellie Johnson, Georgia Groves, Ethan Maclean

Senior School Caps: Charlotte Campbell Major Colours: Nick Sfrantzis

Major Colours: Tristan Bland, Edward Hubscher, Will Nadin, Bipin Gurung Minor Colours: Pearce Childs, Tom Reynolds, Siena Horton, Tily Giles, Fleur Gallagher, Liv Corcoran, Daniel Ashton, Theo Gardner, Jack Stokes, Euan Vaughan-Hawkins

Junior Commendations: Josh Leonisio, Sebastian Harrison, Oli Vaughan, Luke Dudfield, Tashin Moodley, Guy Wagstaff, Luke Bond, Derray Bulchandini, Leo Hemberg, Ben Whitby, Alex Collin, James Doohan Smith, Toby Hill, Kian Lau, Stuart Shannon, Tom Cosh, Oliver Tucker, Elliott Willetts, Charlie Bridgewater, Leo Mellor, Oliver Brown, Maxim Edgar, Teddy Broadhurst, Freddie Fallows, Matthew Hill (U14s); Nikhil Gour, Toby Hill, Jude Wilson, Thomas Ward, Matt Bull, Tom Holroyd, Callum Savage, Rhys Evans, Oliver Walker, Mitchell Hare (U15s) Prep School: Full Colours (Senior): Henry Jones, Archie Greaves-Hall, Jack Warner, Rafferty Gallagher, Henry Jinks, Will Brown, Louis Upton, Billy McDonough, Cameron Owen, Robbie Bayliss, Jemima VaughanHawkins, Jasmine Underwood, Issy Rusling, Abigail Barker, Amellie Clare, Louise Osborne Full colours (Junior): Neel Agrawal, Joseph Kippax, Tom Fullard, Jack Gilbert, Lily Falahee, Lauren Baker, Honey Bo Luscombe, Scarlet Preston Half Colours (Senior): Jess Whitlock, Eleanor Boardman, Evie Derbyshire Half colours (Junior): Hriyaj Gurung, James Hobbs, Kaashif Ali Baig, Lexi Wright, Teah Petrova, Emily Collett Music Senior School Caps: George Bingham. Emily Evans Major Colours: Elina Agrawal, Tosin Attah, Madelaine Barber-Fray, Robyn Davies, Vinzenz Freigassner, Xaver Freigassner, Edward Hubscher, Izzy Kemp, Edward Mooney, Daniel Moore, Anna Ranger, Ed Shinner, Rachel Weller Minor Colours: James Beattie, Theo Bell, William Bellamy, Tom Chapman, Lauren Court, Olivia Dalby, Freddie Harvey-Gilson, Ben Hollingworth, Eleanor Johnson, Josh Osborn-Patel, Anya Sharma James, Jude Wynter

Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Niamh O’Donnell, Henry Scott, Neil Cai, Jemima VaughanHawkins, Sophia Meadows, Eleanor Boardman, Fred Hanson, Jess Whitlock, Hannah Hunt, David Corcoran, Grace Warren Full Colours (Junior): Henning Wu, Neil Agrawal, Isabelle Kavanaugh, Niamh Goold, Gabby Billig, Ffion Wright, Simar Puna, Rhianna Hodgson, Teah Petrova, Isla Sutherland, Lauren Baker, Olivia McKelvey, Luci Meadows, Benedict Harrison Netball Senior School Caps: Imogen Faulconbridge, Lauren Neilson-Watts, Ellie Bennett Major colours: Rhea Lester-James, Claudia Moberley, Claire Humphries, Alex Scott, Laura Merritt, Dichhya Pun Minor Colours:, Kitty Luscombe, Kate Morrice, Katy Burke, Catie Ranger, Freya Harper, Jade Jenkins, Hannah Pover, Phoebe Fletcher Junior Commendations: Joelle Booth, Mikayla De Gouveia, Hannah Batham, Assica Thapa, Nicole Fildes-Smith, Prabhneet Sondhi, Fenella Stone, Holly Kenward, Katie Rolph, Tash Malam, Lucy McLoughlin, Hannah Lawson, Darcy Pearson, Alice Anderson, Emily Clark, Ellen Ashton, Emily Langford, Brady McGlynn, Megan Langford, Eva Freer, Anabel Crowder, Isabelle Jones, Isabella Lloyd (U14s); Hermione Lawther, Elizabeth Aston, Meredith Atkinson, Liberty Smith, Farah Anjum, Lucy Day, Ciara Hughes, Lucy Jenkins, Sadie Gardner, Joely Smith, Claudia Bullock, Victoria Moberly, Ella Kiely, Cerys Boothroyd, Lucia Goodwin (U15s) Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Angelina Sanghera, Jemima Vaughan-Hawkins Full Colours (Junior): Honey Bo Luscombe, Teah Petrova, Ava Colley

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Honours Awards 2017/18 Half Colours (Senior): Chloe Reijmer, Sophia Meadows, Abigail Barker, Hannah Hunt, Louise Osborne, Tara Boonnak

Squash

Table Tennis

Senior School Caps: Toby Davis

Senior School Caps: Karen Chu

Half Colours (Junior): Emily Collett, Scarlet Preston, Elizabeth Smith, Lexie Wright, Luci Meadows

Minor Colours: Figo Man, Will Upton, Keshav Laroiya

Commendations: Jade Ngan, Vladimir Averin, Murat Shafigulin, Solomon Wong, Vincent Li, Saki Tsubouchi

Rounders Prep School Full Colours: Teah Petrova, Scarlett Preston, Honey Bo Luscombe, Lily Falahee Half Colours: Elizabeth Smith, Emily Collett, Ava Colley, Alexandra Wright, Luciana Meadows Rugby Senior School Caps: Ollie Lawrence, Tom Williams Major Colours: Cameron Baxter, Edward Chitnis, Sam Morrice, Oliver Gittoes, Sergey Marchenko, Will Nadin, Oliver Plummer, Alex Smith Minor Colours: Sebastian Atkinson, Nick Jakobsen, Artur Levashov, Finley Morgan, Jacob Redden, Cameron Ritchie, Jacob Harris, Jonathan Burke Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Alexander Ranger, Rafferty Gallagher, Cyrus Passman, Billy McDonough, Louis Upton, William Brown Full Colours (Junior): James Hobbs, Thomas Ashton, Joseph Kippax, Jack Gilbert, Frazer Jones Half Colours (Senior): Ayush Kedem Limbu, Morgan McKinley, Milo JohansenBerg, Joe Morgan, Zach Armstrong, Cameron Owen, Louis Heptinstall, Henry Jinks Half Colours (Junior): Hriyaj Gurung, Ethan Spurgeon

Commendations: Aman Laroiya, Daniel Grove Swimming Senior School Caps: Rachel Weller, Talia Mitchell, Abigail Saker, Marcus Ng, Ivan Lee, Tristan Bland Major Colours: Richard Aston Minor Colours: Alice Oliver, Paulina Geus, Catrin Carter, Euan Vaughan-Hawkins, Jacob Redden, Charles Palmer, Sebastian Mehjoo Commendations: Isabella Walters, Elizabeth Aston, George Wiggins, Natalie Hatfield, Katie Rolph, Hamish Cross, Sebastian Perry, Oliver Brown, Joelle Booth Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Cyrus Passman, Louise Osborne, Bryony Lowe, Hannah Hunt, Jemima VaughanHawkins, William Brown, George Hastings, Ben Collett Full Colours (Junior): Beau VaughanHawkins, Robert Riley, Isabelle Kavanagh, William Pridden, Lucy Cattell, Honey Bo Luscombe, Oliver Dieppe, Meghan Higgs, Jack Wilkinson Half Colours (Senior): Libby Rolph, Katherine Sutherland, Robbie Bayliss, Kingsley Reid, Toby Lewis, Harry DraperBarr, Archie Greaves-Hall Half Colours (Junior): Fraser Jones, Gabriella Billig, Jessica Fox, William Davidson, Teah Petrova, Darcey Dines, Riana Hunt

Tennis Senior School Caps: Georgie Jeynes-Cupper, Claudia Moberley, Laura Merritt, Issy Dunlop, Charlotte Campbell, Lisa Shaw, Harrison Wright, Hugo Hall Major Colours: Holly Foster, Elouise Brookes, Kesh Laroiya Minor Colours: Catie Ranger, Phoebe Fletcher, Maisie Hucker, Fleur Gallagher, Emma Dolan, Judy Wu, Paulina Torner, Kelvin Liu, Will Upton, Georgy Markov Prep School Full Colours (Senior): Abigail Barker, Jemima Vaughan-Hawkins, Angelina Sanghera, Louise Osborne Half Colours (Senior): Amellie Clare, Jessica Whitlock

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Prep Staff Leaver

Senior Staff Leavers

Jess Burrell (2017-2018)

Lucy McKee (2008-2017)

Jess joined us in September 2017 as maternity cover and has done such a fantastic job in her time at Bromsgrove Prep. She has made a fantastic impression on staff and children alike, and her tutees in particular are sad that she is leaving.

At the end of the Michaelmas term, we bade a fond farewell to Lucy McKee, who served the English Department with distinction for eight years. To her English students, she was a genuinely learned academic who demanded they aspire to the same scholarly standards whilst also taking great care to support them individually. Her technical know-how immediately set her apart from the rest of the English department, who marvelled at her introduction of departmental spreadsheets almost as much as the artistic vision and flair she brought to her unparalleled classroom displays.

The School is an incredibly busy place to work, but Jess takes everything in her stride – especially as she became a form tutor not long after joining us. Jess is exceptionally good at French; her vocabulary, her accent, her grammar, you could be forgiven for thinking she is a native speaker. There are such exciting times ahead with the little one on the way and, Jess; I know that you and Ben are going to love becoming a family of three. Although family is going to be the focus for the foreseeable future, we all genuinely think it would be a huge loss to the teaching profession if you didn’t return to it in the near future. K Finnegan

Lucy’s artistic talents had impact far beyond walls of H5, and as well as adding her fine soprano voice to the ranks of both the Chapel and Chamber Choirs in her time at the School, she oversaw the creation of the stirring memorial poppy mural and, of course, contributed to many of the School’s drama successes in recent years; Hairspray in 2017, was a typical McKee production, strikingly bold, highly professional and, most importantly, a joy to take part in and therefore to watch.

In her last few years at Bromsgrove, she dedicated herself especially to the welfare of the girls of Hazeldene as their Houseparent. Students remembered her commitment to all aspects of their life in the House, from an uncanny knack for sniffing out a pair of hair tongs without even having to leave her desk, to her unwavering enthusiasm for all their House activities. She tirelessly turned up to cheer for every event - often with a skilfully knocked up banner to rally the troops. Lucy’s zeal for education in every sense of the word will be sorely missed in many quarters of the School, and we wish her and Dan every success and happiness in the future. P Dinnen

Cornelia WedelichNiedwiedz (2009-2018) In 2009, the year the School first taught the IBDP, Connie joined us to teach German first language to IBDP students. She is the first teacher in the history of the School to teach a non-English first language course, and her expertise has paved the way for our other first language courses. Connie joined us from Malvern College where she had already gained a considerable wealth of IBDP experience and was, therefore, the most experienced and “go-to” IB teacher in the School for some time. Her knowledge of the IB has been invaluable and this has been a key part in creating the IBDP success we have today. From the outset, results in first language German have been outstanding and Connie is frequently cited as the students’ favourite teacher. She has also been an integral part of IB core, supervising German students within the extended essay and teaching of the theory of knowledge course. As in German, her results in the core element of the IBDP have been exceptional. Connie will be a big loss to the School but we wish her all the best in her new role. M Thompson

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Hollie Barton (2010-2018) Since arriving at Bromsgrove School in her first teaching role, Hollie transformed a very good Textiles Department into an exciting and stimulating centre of excellence. She has always had great enthusiasm for her subject, and the teaching thereof, so fitted the profile of a great teacher from the start. Hollie started as a tutor in Elmshurst and other staff often witnessed a bunch of happy boys playing quizzes or hunting for Easter eggs alongside being tutored in serious target setting and planning. She moved to Thomas Cookes House in Michaelmas 2012, but missing the extended community of boarding life, moved most recently to Oakley where she became a strong, positive role model for the day girls. Possibly, as a result, takeup in textiles rose significantly in Oakley House! Hollie’s involvement in the wider School has been considerable. A great triumph and demonstration of her continued commitment to Bromsgrove was her conspicuous contribution to the production of CATS. As Costume Project Manager, she worked long into the night following the teaching day right up to the production. She managed a costume construction team, as well as instructing and supervising a student team of make-up artists. Also in her legacy, is the makeup for School for Scandal - and who can forget Edna Turnblad’s dazzling dancing gown in Hairspray?

Jackie Golightly (2010-2018) Outrageous hair and makeup was a tradition in Hollie’s annual Fashion Show along with lighting, direction and music compilation. As you walk up the stone stairs in Kyteless, you pass enormous recycled mosaics developed by Hollie and completed by her tutor groups (along with a few pupils who wished they were in her tutor group). As Assistant in Bromsgrove Service, Hollie’s influence stretched far into the wider School and she was influential in the development of the Bromsgrove Service Blog, taking photographs and writing reviews for a variety of activities. Developing links with the Stroke Association and inviting clients to work with CAS students on a textile project was a particular success. More recently, she gained a Distinction in her MA in Education at Oxford Brookes University and it is this achievement that has led her to broaden her horizons. A huge hole has been left in the Art Department but it echoes with laughter, singing and the fondest of inextinguishable memories. S Morgans

It is a great pleasure to be able to congratulate Jackie on her thirty-two years of service as a teacher. Jackie has worked at a numbers of schools in the Midlands, including King Edward’s Five Ways, King’s Worcester and St Martin’s Solihull, so we were delighted when she agreed to come to us as a part-time French teacher. Jackie is someone for whom teaching is a vocation rather than just a job and she was totally committed to imparting her love of French and Spanish to the pupils and encouraging them any way she could. Her lessons were meticulously planned and, impressively, she was keen to try out new ideas and experiment with new technology right up to the end of her career. For Jackie, nothing was too much trouble; she would give hours of her own time to help pupils who were struggling or to practise orals with exam candidates. She accompanied many trips to France and encouraged pupils to speak and try out their language as much as possible. Within the department, Jackie always found time to help people in difficulty and had a friendly word of advice or support, which will certainly be missed. She even made excellent cakes for departmental meetings!

Katie Collins (2015-2018) As well as the languages department, Jackie’s other home from home was Hazeldene where she served as Assistant to a number of Houseparents. I am sure they all appreciated her helpful nature and encouragement, but above all her genuine care for the girls in her charge. She wanted the best for all the pupils and supported them in their various activities; indeed, I do not think Jackie ever missed a major School concert and was present at every House event. Jackie’s initial part-time contribution quickly became full-time as she took over the School’s community service program. Jackie was passionate about taking the talents of the Bromsgrove pupils out into the community and led this important area of School life with a real sense of purpose. Her charity work for Primrose Hospice must also be mentioned, particularly the Flourishing Fiver initiative. Jackie herself is extremely talented at a whole host of craft activities and used these talents to raise money. I know many colleagues enjoyed her wreath making sessions and other craft activities she ran for the Common Room. With all of these talents and interests, we are certain that Jackie will not get bored in retirement. She is already planning a pottery course and trips to see various friends and family. We just hope that she finds time to come back and visit us, preferably with some more of those cakes! M Beet

Katie joined us in 2015 after completing her qualified teacher status at Shrewsbury. She has developed well as a new teacher, bringing many innovative technological ideas to the department. During her time at Bromsgrove, Katie has taught the socio-cultural aspect of A level Physical Education, alongside the GCSE and BTEC courses. Pupils in her classes have valued her knowledge and input to such lessons. Katie has coached various hockey teams during her time here, both outdoor and indoor, with her greatest accolade as 15A coach when the team got to the last stages of the National Cup. On top of hockey, Katie has competently coached the girls’ cricket, netball and tennis teams and organised all the sports team photos. Katie’s flexibility and approach to get stuck in has been one of her major assets. She also enjoyed partaking in the girls’ hockey tour to South Africa last summer.

Over the three years at Bromsgrove, Katie has been a boarding tutor in Elmshurst, building up a great rapport with her tutees and providing the boys in the House with a great support network. She has very much enjoyed participating in many outdoor extra-curricular activities throughout her time with us. She has attended numerous Duke of Edinburgh trips to various national parks around the country, and has been an enthusiastic helper on Lower Fourth field days and on the Lower Fourth Camp. Katie now moves on to be a Physical Education teacher at Bloxham School. We look forward to seeing her on the pitches as opposition and we wish her well and every success and happiness in the future. E Buckingham

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Andrew Quentin (2016-2018) Since day one, Andrew has been the archetypal Army Officer; positive, charismatic and hard-working; he has thrown himself into everything that he has done, and always put the needs of the cadet force at the forefront of what he wants to achieve. Andrew manages staff and cadets well under the time pressures that come with the job. His expectations of his staff are just right, he supports and facilitates them, so that they can maintain focus on teaching, and enjoy the CCF for the activity that it is. He will always thank his staff, and they all feel greatly appreciated by him. Andrew has always had a clear vision for Bromsgrove CCF and strives to provide the best experience that is possible within the resources available. He is meticulous with his preparation - field and range days are planned with detail and the execution of them is always spot on. Andrew has worked tirelessly to develop the shooting within the School, and has arranged numerous trips for members of both our School and North and South Bromsgrove High Schools. Every week he informs the cadets of extra opportunities available, and is constantly promoting external and internal trips.

Andrew has conducted himself with the utmost professionalism throughout his time as contingent commander, his knowledge and understanding of policy and procedures is fantastic, and due to this diligence, he has always kept the School safe when conducting training. We wish him all the best at his alma mater, Ellesmere College.

Craig Moore (2016-2018)

David Harris (2016-2018)

Jennifer Ross (2016-2018)

Craig arrived at Bromsgrove in 2016 and soon found his feet. He seemed at home with the practical side of Physical Education invariably leading exciting, fun and engaging lessons for pupils of all abilities. During the two years he has been here, Craig has contributed to the teaching of both GCSE PE and BTEC Sport, as well as applying himself admirably on the games field.

David joined Bromsgrove School in September 2016. Diligent and enthusiastic, he helped to establish our new BTEC Business qualification. An approachable and well-liked member of the department, staff and students warmed to his style. David willingly participated in a range of activities including Bromsgrove Badge and cross-country.

Jen first joined Bromsgrove as a Graduate Sports teacher, fresh from a similar role out in Australia. From the outset, her enthusiasm and love for the teaching profession were profound. Jen quickly established herself as a key part of the Physical Education department and as a result, she was offered the opportunity to complete her PGCE during her second year.

An avid supporter and enthusiast of all sports, he has regularly been seen watching and supporting rugby, hockey, basketball, football and cricket fixtures alongside coaching his own teams. He has always found new ways to help, support and develop pupils’ love for sport – be it in, or outside of, lessons. Both pupils and colleagues are very appreciative of his efforts and always speak highly of him.

As a boarding tutor in Elmshurst, his warm and friendly manner enabled him to be an excellent role model, who showed real empathy with his tutees. We all wish him well in his new job.

Jen took full advantage of such an opportunity to develop and hone her teaching craft, whilst gathering advice and guidance from those around her. She is always looking for ways to improve and better the pupils’ learning experience. Jen has been a great asset to all aspects of Bromsgrove, but moreover the cocurricular strand of School life. Just some of her many highlights include coaching the U12A hockey team to the IAPS National Finals and playing an important role in the successful boys’ and girls’ hockey tour to South Africa.

P Mullan

Craig has been a valued member of the Elmshurst boarding team and he has enjoyed getting to know the boys in the House, playing pool or Fifa at every possible moment. House events were always keenly attended, especially if there was food involved! Craig leaves Bromsgrove to join Sevenoaks School, Kent where he is keen to take on the next challenge in his career. L Mullan

S Cronin

Jen has been a key part of the tutor and House systems in her two years, both within Page and Thomas Cookes. She nurtures her tutee’s passions, from sport and music, to drama and the services, so that they become well-rounded individuals, able to enjoy everything that Bromsgrove School has to offer them. Jen leaves us to take up a new and exciting post at The Mary Erskine School in her heartland of Edinburgh, Scotland. I have no doubt that she will shine and flourish as a key member of the school. K Collins

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Senior School: Pre-Prep Survivors

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Senior School: Prep Survivors

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Senior School: Monitors

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With thanks to The School Photography Company and Tempest for the team photographs.

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