Boys Lent 2023 Newsletter

Headteacher’s Lent Reflection

This has been another busy term for all the boys after the Christmas break. The freezing temperatures back in January didn’t stop the boys from throwing themselves into all the activities that have been on offer over the term, being adventurous and ensuring that they were making the most of the opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

From the academic perspective there was much to celebrate and with 111 Academic Commendations at the point of writing, there has been some outstanding work to celebrate. Some of the highlights from the Academic departments were the number of enrichment activities that were taking place, including the Modern Foreign Languages Readfest, the Year 10 and Year 11 Art trip to Barcelona, the Spanish play for Years 7, 8 and 9, the Theatre trip to see Othello for our English GCSE students, the Year 7 Music concert with the collaboration between the Science and Music departments, the Geography trip to the River Chess and, of course the Student-led Academic Gala. The Gala itself remains a highlight of the year with pupils from the Boys, Girls and Sixth collaborating to celebrate academic enquiry and interest with a formal dinner and speeches from the pupils, but also this year from one of our former pupils, Bevan Jones, sharing his own academic journey and his reflections on his time at Berkhamsted.

Among the new initiatives this year have been the Parent Engagement Dinner for Year 9 parents and a range of online parent webinars for all years. The school community is built around the partnership between school and parents and the number of instances where we can offer opportunities for parents to be informed to support them in navigating some of the challenges is key. We benefit from our in-house School Psychologist, Dr Kenefick, and our partner Dr Kathy Weston, at Tooled Up Education who have been instrumental in engaging with parents, as well as the members of staff offering advice on the digital life of our pupils, GCSE Options and supporting your sons through their exams. If you would like to view some of the videos, please use this link.

On the sporting side there have been some outstanding performances from individuals and teams across the school, with many receiving County and National recognition. We continue our strong reputation on the Fives courts with a record number of boys reaching the end stages of National Finals in all forms of the sport, with a number of boys winning National titles. We have strong County and National representation in Cross-Country, Swimming and Equestrian, with some great performances also in Squash and Basketball.

Some competitions are still to reach their culmination. There have also been some excellent displays from our Rugby teams in our block fixtures, as well as some outstanding performances in the National 7s tournaments. Our footballers continue to perform well each week, with some outstanding team performances. It has been pleasing to see so many of our teams show the determination and character fighting back when going a goal, a point or a try behind to go on to win or draw the game. A fantastic example is our U13 Footballers who reached the ISFA Final, after winning a tense semi -final where they were a goal behind for some of the match. The benefit of sport is not the result but the performance in building character and appreciating the sense of learning from the experience.

I have seen character demonstrated in a number of other areas in the school too over the past term, with the boys taking a very central role to the life of the school. The newly established ‘Duty Week’ allows each House to take a lead and contribute to the community in a range of tasks. Boys offer readings in Chapel, the House Captain and boys lead the Assemblies, but not only that the boys also contribute by tidying and sweeping the dining room at lunch, engage with litter picking on the site and reunite lost property with their owners. The sense of serving others is a key value for the school and we continue to understand how we can contribute to the lives of others. One of the most recent pleasing aspects has been in the awarding of handwritten ‘Glimpses of Brilliance’ postcards by the pupils each week in Assembly, recognising one member of staff and one pupil who have made a difference over the past week. They have recognised members of the support team, administration team and teaching staff over the term as well as boys across the year groups. It has been heart-warming to see the boys recognise sometimes unnoticed support with gratitude. Assembly themes have included: kindness; the importance in reviewing your work; managing time; hygiene; friendships; tackling vandalism and crossing the road safely. We have also been fortunate to hear from staff on a number of topics including: an explanation of multiple intelligences, including AI (Mr Hadcroft); the importance of listening (Mr Cale); improving

your memory (Mr Ford); Ecology (Mr Wilkes); the importance of coaching (Mr Anker); the uses of ChatGPT (Mr Ford) and the impact of CMT disease (Mr Backhouse).

It has been great to see other forms of leadership over the term. Two of significance include the development of the Year 8 Rising Allies group, who have been led by Mrs Gledhill, the Head of Personal Development, to deliver sessions to the Year 5 pupils in the Prep School. Also, the Positive Masculinity Student Group, consisting of boys across the school who met to discuss the concept and then form a survey which they have shared with all the boys across the school. It was striking that the group are committed to defining the term for the boys within the school, understanding the importance of determining positive behaviours to share and highlight role models that support those behaviours. We continue our work in this important area, but ensure that the boys are at the heart of the discussion.

It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to celebrate as a community and whether that was Chinese New Year, International Women’s Day, Neurodiversity Week or Children’s Mental Health Week, celebrations allow important reflections on important areas. Celebrations are also opportunities for the community to come together and we organised the inaugural Berkhamsted Boys Pancake Race a few weeks ago. This was a terrific opportunity for boys to have some fun, running in relay with their frying pans and flipping at the handover points and offering another House competition. We have also seen the House Debating competition take place this term, and the House Media competition was launched this week. We look forward to the entries.

As we move towards the Easter holiday and the continuation of Ramadan, I wish you all a wonderful break with the boys and look forward to hearing from them about their experiences on their return.

Tom Hadcroft Headteacher

Aim high

Exceptional Performance “Bright. Young. Things.”

Lent term saw Year 9 perform Georgia Christou’s play Bright. Young. Things. Following six young people who are competing on a reality show to be crowned “Britain’s Brainiest Child”, the play is funny, fast-moving, and full of moments that allow all actors involved to shine. It was a challenge to take on but, over three nights in March, the Year 9 pupils involved certainly rose to that challenge.

This was in no small part due to the hard work of Director Miss Jarvis and Assistant Directors Amelia and Maddy (Year 12), who spent many hours running rehearsals and ensuring that the cast were as prepared as they could be. Fast-paced shows like Bright. Young. Things. require close attention to detail, to ensure that no jokes or important details are lost in delivery; this required close focus from the cast and those playing main roles. With cast members on stage throughout the show – seated to one side of the stage or in the case of those playing the sinister Producers, on a platform at the back – focus had to be maintained at all times.

The hard work of the directors and the persistence of the cast certainly paid off. The Centenary Theatre audience were treated to a show that not only produced plenty of laughs, but also got those watching to think about more serious matters such as the price of success, the pervasiveness of reality TV, and themes of self-doubt and individuality. The whole cast, but especially those in the main roles (Eliza K, Jemima S, Poppy D, Izzy M, Lewis G and Genevieve G), did very well in balancing these more serious themes with the show’s many humorous moments – no easy task. Many of those humorous moments were provided by the actors playing the Presenters (Euan T, Molly B, Oscar H and Will A), who also did an excellent job of maintaining the show’s energy and pace.

Bright. Young. Things. took place within a simple but highly effective set created by theatre technician Mr Cross. A large platform at the back of the stage – from where the Producers looked down on proceedings – served as a projection screen onto which the names of each scene could be displayed, while plenty of LED lights on stage helped add to the game show feel. Six simple blocks and clever use of the theatre’s lighting allowed scenes to swiftly switch between locations in a way that felt fluid and dynamic. With a student-led tech team, the show once again illustrated the range of opportunities available in school productions. Involvement is not just confined to the stage!

With over 30 pupils involved onstage and off, Bright. Young. Things. was a real showcase of the depth of talent in Year 9, and a meaningful, humorous and highly relevant piece of theatre; all involved can be very proud of themselves.

Follow Berkhamsted Drama Department on Twitter @berkodrama for the latest information

Be Adventurous

Outstanding Challenge F1 in Schools Regional Final

Lent term saw three teams from Year 10 travel to Harlow College to present their Formula 1 in Schools projects at the Regional Finals. The pupils – under the watchful eye of their Sixth Form mentors – have spent the last term preparing their projects, which include car designs, posters, merchandise and technical information.

The Regional Finals gave pupils the opportunity to present their work to a panel of judges as well as get a sense of what other schools – some of whom had up to fours years’ experience in the competitions – had created. As this was the first time Berkhamsted had attended a Regional Finals, it was an excellent learning opportunity and offered plenty of potential on how to improve for next year. While Berkhamsted did not progress to the National Finals on this occasion, our three teams all came away with credit. Peregrine Racing won the award for Fastest Car, Sennamatic picked up the award for Best Research and Design, while Inferno Wheels achieved the second fastest start.

Two Year 10 pupils, Charles and Amber, offered their thoughts on the experience and what they have learned from it.

Charles, Amber, what did you have to do to prepare for the Regional Finals?

Charles: To prepare for the Regional Finals we had to design and make a car and a pit display. We had to write two five-page portfolios about our enterprise and our design and engineering processes. At the start, our main focus was designing the car; however, as we progressed with the car design our focus shifted to other aspects such as the pit display and the portfolios.

Amber: Our team went on a trip to University

College London where we got to test our reaction speed so we can send our car down the track as quick as possible. We went through sessions throughout the day learning about 3D printing, the design rules and general tips for making our car. This allowed us to understand more about the competition beforehand. We used Autodesk Fusion to design the car – this was the first time the team and I used this software. It is a design software focused on creating 3D images and models. We 3D printed many different models before our final one and took into account the aerodynamics and wind drag that could factor the cars performance. We also found a sponsor, who helped us by donating money for our team uniforms and stickers for the car.

What do you feel you have learnt from being involved in the F1 in Schools project?

Charles: I feel that as Project Manager I have learnt how to work and lead a group of people to make something with deadlines. I have also developed my communication skills further, as I have had to reach out to possible sponsors to try and get support for our project. As a team we have learnt that it is better to leave issues in the past and instead of dwelling on them learning from them and moving on as if you get bogged down in it, it can have a large impact on what you are doing and the overall quality of what we produce.

Amber: I feel like this project has developed all our skills in designing as well as figuring out as a team what were the best options for our car to be successful. We can apply this software in the future in our DT GCSE and it will help elevate us above our peers in terms of skills using a design software. We have also learnt how to promote ourselves online to gain sponsorship and be noticed by companies. Overall I recommend F1 in Schools to anyone who wants to give it a try!

Follow Berkhamsted Physics Department on Twitter @BerkoPhysics for the latest information

Serve

Others

Supporting Each Other Shoe Aid

This term saw the Boys School play their part alongside the Girls School and Sixth Form in collecting unwanted footwear for the charity Shoe Aid. It was all part of the “Berko Shoe Drive” which took place from Monday 27th February to Friday 3rd March.

Shoe Aid are a UK-based charity who source and supply free footwear to those who do not have access to suitable footwear in over 15 countries around the world. Shoe Aid estimate that over 1.5 billion people worldwide go without shoes, whilst around two million pairs of shoes are thrown into landfill each week. Meanwhile one pair of shoes is estimated to take over one thousand years to biodegrade.

All of this meant there was plenty of reason to support the Shoe Drive, with collection points being set up throughout the week at both the Kings and Castle campuses. Donations of shoes that had been outgrown or were unused but still fit for purpose were encouraged and in total, 1, 100 pairs of shoes were collected by the Berkhamsted community. At the Boys School, pupils helped to load the Shoe Aid van, as the shoes were taken off to be used by those who need them.

A big thank you goes to all those who donated and to all those involved with the collecting of the shoes at the different campuses.

Sixth Form Opportunities

This term saw 45 Year 12 students, accompanied by their teachers, visit the Royal Institution in London to attend Maths Fest 2023. This annual event sees a packed programme of events presented by top mathematicians and aims to broaden the horizons of A Level Mathematics students, encouraging and inspiring them to take Maths in directions they had perhaps not yet considered. Organised by stand-up mathematician Matt Parker and maths author Rob Eastaway, Berkhamsted have been attending the event for a number of years and it is a highlight of the Berkhamsted Maths calendar, always promising an engaging and interesting variety of speakers. This year was no exception.

Highlights this year included two talks on environmental issues, looking at how maths can be applied to solve real world problems such as plastic pollution in the oceans and the melting of glacial ice, as well as a talk on the way mathematics is used in the news, and how there is the potential for numbers to be manipulated to suit particular agendas. Other talks focused on exam skills and advice, meaning that the Berkhamsted pupils who attended not only came away with an enthusiasm for the real-world applications and potential for maths but also some useful tips and tricks they can use in lessons and exams.

The trip was a real showcase for the wide and varied applications of Maths, and an inspiring experience for Year 12 to take into their A Level studies and beyond.

Developing remarkable people

Pupils Meet HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

On Thursday 9th March, pupils from Berkhamsted Girls, Boys and Sixth were fortunate enough to meet with His Royal Highness Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, at Ashridge House. Berkhamsted pupils were kindly invited to join local dignitaries, pupils from Little Gaddesden Primary School and Ashridge Staff to celebrate the planting of a memorial tree by the Duke of Edinburgh to commemorate His Late Royal Highness Prince Philip. As part of this visit, twentyseven pupils who are all involved with the Duke of Edinburgh Award (D of E) at various stages spoke with the Duke to talk about their experiences of it.

Berkhamsted School has a long-running association with the Award, it having run at the Girls School since 1957 and the Boys School since 1958. The meeting with the Duke, who is one of the Trustees of the Award, proved an excellent opportunity to celebrate this. In addition, it allowed pupils to reflect on their involvement with the Award so far, and discuss this with the Duke. With groups from the Bronze, Silver and Gold stages of the Award all attending, it was a highly memorable and meaningful afternoon. Many thanks to the team at Ashridge House for providing Berkhamsted students with the opportunity to be involved in such a memorable afternoon.

Principal’s Message

It is an oft-repeated idea that the hardest part of a long-distance race is the middle period. The early energy and adrenaline rush of the race’s start has worn off, the extra motivation that comes from having the finishing line in sight is yet to be realised. Determination and persistence – not always the mostcelebrated of qualities but invaluable nonetheless –are needed to continue.

The Lent term is the tricky middle period of the race, and the determination and persistence needed to navigate it have been on evident display from Berkhamsted pupils this term. Whether it is in the fundraising efforts of the Burpeethon at the Girls School, the Nationals triumph of our 1st VII Netball team, or the excellent performance of Year 9 girls and boys in Bright. Young. Things., pupils have continued to apply tremendous energy and effort to all that they do. Of course, these pages cannot provide an exhaustive list of all that has taken place this term, but I hope they offer an insight into Berkhamsted life and all that pupils have achieved.

Now spring and the Easter holidays beckon before the sprint finish of the Trinity term. Plenty more determination and persistence will be needed between now and the summer, especially for those of our school community who have public exams. I hope however, that in between the revision, time can be found to rest, and moments of calm enjoyed before the resumption of school life next month.

I look forward to seeing what next term holds but before that, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all in the Berkhamsted community a happy and restful Easter period.

Richard Backhouse Principal

Berkhamsted Society

On the 19th January, the Berkhamsted Society had the pleasure of welcoming Reverend Richard Coles to Centenary Theatre for what was a truly memorable evening. Richard spoke to a capacity community audience about his journey so far, and what a rich tapestry of a journey that has been. Through recollections of his pathway through the world of 80s music to his life as a Reverend, Richard captured us all with his warmth, humility and humour. He will always be welcome in Berkhamsted.

For most, Spring officially started on Monday March 20th this year. However, for those who attended our Spring Wreath Making event on March 14th, the brightly coloured, personally designed door wreaths were proof enough that Spring had come early! Laura and Sally were tremendous as they guided guests through the process of wiring moss, creating the base and adding the finishing touches using a mixture of fresh flowers and foliage. Refreshed with a lovely Chartwells charcuterie, those who attended said farewell to the winter months. A Christmas wreath making workshop will be next on the cards.

In the New Year, we shared our first Annual Sustainability Report Annual Sustainability Report not only for the benefit of the school community but also the local town and wider communities. We hope that the steps we are taking will make a difference and will, perhaps, encourage others in the local and wider communities to start their own paths to a more sustainable future.

Our work in this area continues and we have recently engaged with the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust with specific focus on Biodiversity Enhancement, providing a significant area for student engagement and exploration. More news on this will follow in due course.

We continue to work closely with local business groups, including the Berkhamsted and District Chamber of Commerce, and local charities. The Berkhamsted Society plays an important role in the Town’s events, now looking forward to helping in the May Coronation celebrations, and also in the strategic thinking of the Town.

To book: tickets.berkhamsted.com and to join the Society mailing list please complete the form here