The Canfordian - 2023/24 edition

Canfordian The 2023/24

This is an abridged version of the speech delivered by the Headmaster at Speech Day on 28 June 2024. The sections omitted dealt largely with matters and events that are reported elsewhere in this issue of The Canfordian.

Without wishing to sound like a play on the title of a certain Jane Austen novel, I want to focus my address today on the theme of Stability and Instability. Our world at the moment is deeply unstable in so many ways, and that certainly creates an intense sense of anxiety and concern – both for those of us who are more advanced in years and for those who are earlier in their journey through life.

Climate change and environmental breakdown threaten the sustainability of our planet. Political turmoil and disruption, exacerbated by economic hardship and social polarisation, with an apparent shift to more extreme ideas and solutions to problems, are on the rise across the democratic world. Increasingly, this is exploited by aggressive regimes and radical ideological groups as they seek to challenge and divide those who promote the cause of mutually supportive and respectful unity. A tendency to regard difference as a cause for separation and hostility, rather than embracing and celebrating it as something that makes us stronger together, is stoking tension, confrontation and conflict.

Technology has brought and continues to bring great benefits to humanity when used wisely and well. But there is a flip side and there is no doubt that social media and other technological developments have provided significant openings for negative manipulation by those whose intentions are questionable.

With the landscape rapidly changing around us, it is critical that we look up and look around and recognise that all of this is real and impacts on each and every one of us – the world is too interconnected now to think, as Neville Chamberlain did in 1938 during the Sudetenland crisis when he said, ‘How horrible, fantastic, incredible it is that we should be digging trenches and trying on gas-masks here because of a quarrel in a faraway country between people of whom we know nothing.’ That insular and introspective thinking and approach did not end well, even then! We need to be upstanders, not observers, in our attitude and approach.

My apologies for the rather downbeat opening on what is a day of celebration and positive recognition. So let me move from that to a more upbeat focus, and to what gives me greater hope: the emerging desire I see in the younger generations to actively engage with the challenges we face and to make a real and positive difference where they can.

The Canfordians here before me, soon to be Old Canfordians, have certainly given me that sense of

hope both in our immediate context and also in terms of what they have the potential to do in the years to come to effect meaningful change in our world.

Of course, it is easy to look at that broader canvas of gloom, put your hands in the air and give up, but it is essential that we move beyond the general sense of ‘It’s all too much, so why bother?’

Two short quotations point the way in terms of having a ‘can do’ mindset. The first is from the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi: ‘Have a bias toward action – let’s see something happen now. You can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.’ The second is from Oprah Winfrey, presenter and author: ‘The key to realising a

dream is to focus not on success but on significance – and then even the small steps and the little victories along your path take on greater meaning.’

What I have seen from this group over the past few years is a genuine commitment to Canford’s stated mission and values and they have been walking the walk in this regard in terms of moving things forwards, often under some pretty tough conditions. I am confident that their outlook and energy will continue as they go out and seek to make that difference in the wider world. I thank them all for everything they have given to help positively shape and develop our school community. I truly believe in their capacity to do the same beyond Canford.

This was Ben Vessey’s penultimate Speech Day as he intends to step down as Headmaster at the end of Summer Term 2025. In June 2024 the Governors announced that his successor will be Mr Chris Wheeler, currently Principal of Monkton Combe School, Bath.

Speech Day The Headmaster speaks

French

Chloe Markham

Spanish

Clare Robinson

Modern Languages

Millie Jeffries

Classical Civilisation

Molly Peacock

Latin

Imi Marley

English

Grace Mansfield, Lara Crorie

Philosophy and Theology

Eddie Quick, Bee Andrews

Geography

Daisy Cullinan

History

Noa Armstrong

Business Studies

Olivia Joll

Economics

Will Branston

Jones Prize for Politics

Lara Crorie, Abigail Crossley

Chemistry

Louis Pearson

Hankinson Prize for Biology

Eddie Quick

Halahan Prize for Natural History

Charlotte Kersey

Physics

Thomas Herbert

Sports Science

Ruby Batt

Mathematics

Laura Edwards

Further Maths

Thomas Herbert

John Gilhooly Quaich for Computing

Thomas Herbert

Fine Art

Ella Guy

Painting

Emelia Butler

Tom Webster Art Prize

Amber Peake

Design Technology

William Lowbridge

Acting

Johannes Bishop-Weston, Chloe Markham

Drama

Millie Jeffries

Theatre Studies (Technical)

William Lowbridge

Michael James Prize for Singing

Thomas Sparkhall

Eddy Prize for Music

Thomas Herbert

School Prize for Music

Lukas Svedberg

Prize for Journalism

Ella Guy

Creative Writing

Ella Guy, Jasmine De La Haye

Edna Adams Trophy for Debating

Sophia Whelan

Sports Awards

Edward Schuster Bruce, Maya Doubleday

Clive Mayer Memorial Trophy

James Hornung

The CCF Benner Award

Abigail Crossley

FCS Community Outreach Prize

Dominic Bates

The Peter Dugdale Cup for Community Partnerships

Overseas

Sam Reeve

The Peter Dugdale Cup for Service to the Local Community

Kerry Gunu

Hardie Prize for Academic Excellence

Jessica Burke, Finn Janaway, Ivor Ritson, Jimmy Johnson, Janae Ng, Lucy Stephenson, Ed Timberlake, Tara Hogan, Lara Witter, Jorgia Holtby

Headmaster’s Prize for Academic Achievement

Charlotte Gibbons, Albert Blackburn, Will Fountain, Harriet Farthing, Thomas Kiff, Isla Knatchbull and Madeleine Spraigue

Tom Nash Memorial (Gap Year)

Clemence Petard

The Sam Wolstenhulme Travel Fund

Anouska Loveridge, Ed Timberlake, Tara Hogan

Sophie Johnson Prizes

Millie Davey, Ntemi Ngwenya, Alice Denby, Alice Butler, Sophie de Veulle, Summer Hookey, Bella Rose, Allegra Gamett-Griggs, Sophia Westberg-Orton, Tiegan Hulbert, Daisy Pinner, Ellie Paget, Elle Mowbray

Holford Prizes

Zac Ashby-Rudd, Theo Snell, Dill Howell, Sam Janaway, Osacar Bailey, Ross Jemmett, Dan Coupe, Johnny Walster, Henry Stear, Julian Newell, Adriano Hedley, Guy Marton, Tom Hopwood

Heads of School

Tara Hogan, Jimmy Johnson, Abigail Crossley, Eddie Jack

PUPIL LEADERS

House Leaders

Harriet Farthing, Theo Snell, Sophie De Veulle, Sam Janaway, Lara Crorie, Thomas Kiff, Bella Rose, Jansci Motsi, James Hornung, Ellie Paget, Ed Timberlake, Olivia Fordham, Tom Hopwood

Academic

Amelia Davey, Kit Blomfield, Ella Guy, Louis Pearson, Lara Witter, Jessica Burke, Luca Freeman

Global Connections

Evie Liddell

Equality

Janae Ng, Sophia Whelan, Teleola Okubanjo

Wellbeing

Clemence Petard, Ivor Ritson

Drama

Johannes Bishop-Weston, Chloe Markham

International

Clare Robinson

Bourne Academy

Tiegan Hulbert

Environmental

Lucy Stephenson, Hattie Jinks, Imi Marley

Creative Arts

Charlotte Gibbons, Daisy Pinner

Sport

Dill Howell, Dominique Hudson

Food

Lara Edsall

Community Service and City Reach

Kerry Gunu, Dominic Bates

Selection

Will Fountain

Social

Isla Knatchbull

Music

Michael Campbell

CCF

Charlotte Kersey

Speech Day

Salvete and Valete

MEMBERS

OF THE ACADEMIC STAFF WHO JOINED IN 2023/24

Greg Davis

Greg joined Canford from East London, South Africa, as Assistant Director of Hockey and stepped up to become Director of Hockey for 2024/25. Greg has played provincial hockey and was also a member of the South African over-40 Masters team in 2019. Greg will be assisting with all age groups, with particular focus on the U14 teams. Greg is a SAHA Level 2 coach and a qualified Level 2 umpire. Greg enjoys most sports and was also a South African indoor cricket player.

Andrew

Farbridge BA, MA, PGCE

Before joining Canford as Head of Support for Learning, Andrew held the position of Head of Learning Support at Parkstone Grammar School in Poole for 17 years. Before this he was Head of English at All Saints School in Weymouth, and started his career in education in the early 1990s as a teacher of English and Drama in Bedfordshire. His MA in Education provides the necessary qualification to allow him to assess children for access arrangements when sitting GCSE and A Level examinations. Andrew also holds certified accreditation as a qualified mental health therapist, specialising in working with children and adolescents. As well as leading the Support for Learning Team, Andrew also teaches English.

Ellie Gibbons BSc, PGCE

Ellie joined Canford as Head of Netball. She is a current Surrey Storm Vitality Super League player and in her previous role at RGS Worcester drove the development of the netball programme which saw huge success in recent seasons, including finishing in the top four nationally.

Tom Owens MA

Before Tom joined Canford in the English Department, he was an academic. His research focused on 18th- and 19thcentury literature, and he held positions in the English faculties at Cambridge, UCL and Stanford. Tom enjoys hillwalking and cycling.

Matthew Pringle BA

Matt studied at Canford before going on to the University of Durham to read Economics.

After a brief stint working for a church he took up teaching, initially at Canford, before going on to teach at boarding schools in Oxford, Eastbourne and Bath. He has held a variety of roles including head of department, head of careers, and assistant housemaster. He returned to Canford in 2023 to take up the position of housemaster of Monteacute and teacher of Economics and Business. Outside the classroom he enjoys almost any form of watersports and outward bound activities, and is actively involved in the boat club and CCF.

MEMBERS OF THE ACADEMIC STAFF WHO LEFT IN 2023/24

James Aiken

I asked James’s colleagues and pupils how they would describe him, using what one of the sixth-formers said, after their essay-writing lessons, should be known as JWAdjectives. An eclectic range of praise tumbled quickly into my inbox: gentlemanly, debonair and charming were words near the top of the list. Not far behind came thoughtful, tactful, kind and caring. Others described him as enthusiastic and inspirational. These fulsome responses to my query tell of a powerful impact on staff and pupils alike. His commitment to the pupils and his colleagues is one of his most commendable attributes, and it is not surprising that other replies described him as tranquil, warm, benevolent, zealous and considerate. His lessons have undoubtedly achieved the tricky twin aims of both quality education and fun. Beyond this, James’s musical credentials and academic ability have been a vital part of the success of Canford’s music during his time here, and my own choice of adjectives would include intelligent, creative, determined and excellent.

James, being self-effacing (and a perfect gentleman), may find all this well-earned praise embarrassing, but his twelve years as a teacher at Canford have made a huge impression on pupils and colleagues, and we wish him well as he moves to new challenges at QE Barnet. I know they will quickly recognise his many qualities, just as we have.

Christopher Sparkhall

Alex Graham

Alex Graham has been a valued colleague and friend for his entire time at Canford. Able to teach both the ancient languages and the historical context, he is a true scholar yet wore this learning lightly. His subject knowledge is nothing short of profound, and it has been evident in every lesson he’s taught and beyond. He likes nothing more than to sit at lunch and consider a knotty grammar problem, and I for one loved learning from him about the Akkadians and their culture – it is rare to have a colleague who can read this somewhat obscure language.

In the classroom Alex has a remarkable ability to bring even the most complex ideas to life, and his passion for the subject has inspired countless pupils. But it’s not just his expertise that stands out –Alex has always been deeply

committed to sharing that knowledge with others. His consistent innovation in his teaching methods has pushed us all to think more creatively. His practice has been consistently forward-thinking, and many of us have learned a great deal by working alongside him. As a former boxer, he also enjoyed coaching the pupils in this sport, giving them more confidence and a sense of achievement as their fitness increased.

His pastoral care is equally exceptional, and it is no exaggeration to say that there are some pupils at the school who would have struggled to make it through without him. He was an essential member of his house teams. Whether guiding a pupil through a difficult time or supporting a colleague, his empathy has left an indelible mark on all of us. Although he will be missed in the department, it is his presence as a deeply loyal, honest and warm friend that will leave the greatest gap.

Anna Berry

Felicity Johnson

We say farewell to Felicity, our remarkable Head of Politics and dedicated Geography teacher, with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. Since joining the school, she has brought warmth, infectious enthusiasm and an unwavering passion for education. Whether in the classroom or through the many initiatives she spearheaded, her impact has been felt far and wide.

Felicity’s boundless creativity and energy were evident from the start. She set up the hugely successful Eco Club, fostering environmental awareness in our pupils, and introduced a fantastic new trip to Parliament, giving pupils a hands-on experience with politics. Her classroom was always full of ideas, engaging discussions and a genuine love for learning.

Beyond her formal roles, Felicity has been a supportive colleague and an inspiring figure within our community. Her kindness and optimism will be missed by both staff and pupils alike.

As Felicity takes up a full-time Geography position at Windsor Boys’ School, we wish her every success. They are incredibly fortunate to have her, and we know she will continue to thrive and inspire many more young minds. We will certainly miss her, but we are excited for this next chapter in her journey.

Alex Boulton

Verity Jones

It is with both sadness and fondness that we bid farewell to Verity Jones, our dedicated librarian, as she embarks on an exciting new chapter studying at Bath Spa University. Verity’s two years with us have left an indelible mark on the school, particularly through her passion for reading, organisational prowess, and innovative approach to making the library an engaging space for all.

From the moment Verity took the reins of the library, it was clear that she had a genuine love for literature and a clear vision for how to inspire that same passion in pupils. Her many creative ideas to encourage pupils to use the library were nothing short of remarkable.

Her fantastic organisational skills were evident in everything she did, but perhaps most notably in the way she used statistics to track and improve library usage. Under Verity’s leadership the library became a hub of activity, with noticeable increases in traffic. Her strategic thinking even led to the library being open on Sundays, a significant change that gave pupils greater flexibility to access resources at their convenience. Her warmth, leadership and camaraderie were appreciated by all who worked alongside her. She was never just a manager but a true mentor who valued and uplifted her team, ensuring that everyone felt part of the library’s success.

Beyond her role in the library, Verity was deeply involved in wider school life. As a live-in tutor in Beaufort, she made a meaningful impact on the boarding community, offering support and guidance to pupils. Additionally, she brought her enthusiasm and energy to extra-curricular activities, including her involvement in girls’ rugby.

Verity’s legacy is one of warmth, inspiration and innovation.

Richard Baldwin

Dylan Lloyd

Dylan Lloyd has left Canford to take up the post of Head of Art at Sherborne School for Girls. He made an indelible mark on the Canford community during his time here. As housemaster of Monteacute and a dedicated member of the Art Department, Dylan’s enthusiasm, passion and warmth touched the lives of countless pupils and colleagues alike.

Dylan joined Canford as Head of Art in 2000, shaping the department into a hub of creativity and innovation. His love for the subject was contagious, inspiring pupils to push boundaries and to explore new artistic techniques. His boundless energy in the classroom encouraged pupils to think creatively and express themselves with confidence. It was not just his skill as an educator that stood out, but his ability to instil a genuine love of the arts in those around him. Dylan’s own painting practice is a testament to his passion for Art. His vision

and mastery of technique have not only enriched our school’s artistic landscape but have also inspired pupils to explore their own styles. Amongst the very busy day-to-day life of Canford and bringing up his own family, he has managed to develop his artistic profile and exhibit regularly both locally and nationally.

Beyond the classroom, Dylan’s contributions to the school were multi-faceted. Dylan is a talented and competitive sportsman, and he served as a long-standing coach of the rugby 1st XV, where his dedication to the sport and his players was second to none. Dylan was also instrumental in leading the boys' 1st tennis team, where his strategic insight and enthusiasm helped develop many strong players over the years.

Dylan has a love for music, often attending local gigs and performances. He shared this passion with his pupils, encouraging them to explore the musical opportunities at Canford and beyond. As housemaster, Dylan worked tirelessly to foster a strong team spirit, always encouraging pupils to seize every opportunity that boarding school life presented. His door was always open for a chat, and he was known for his sense of humour, kindness and approachable nature, as well as his yellow Crocs!

Dylan leaves behind a legacy of creativity, leadership and friendship, and we wish him the very best in his new role at Sherborne.

Nicola Hunter and Nicola Will

Lee Mahony

Lee Mahony has been an integral member of the History Department from 2022 to 2024. His background as a former mariner has captivated pupils, who found his stories of life at sea both fascinating and inspiring. He has been keen to immerse himself fully within the department, demonstrating this commitment through his active involvement in the battlefields trip. Beyond the classroom, Lee also contributed significantly to the school’s co-curricular life, notably in his contribution to the CCF and hockey, where his enthusiasm and dedication left a lasting impact.

Lee’s thirst for knowledge was always evident, whether in his constant reading or his thoughtful discussions with colleagues. He never shied away from exploring new ideas and expanding his understanding. His intellectual curiosity and passion for learning have undoubtedly inspired both pupils and staff alike.

As Lee embarks on his new role at Westminster School, we wish him all the best. His contributions and presence will be greatly missed.

Rachel Lines

Richard Salmon

Richard arrived at Canford 22 years ago and quickly proved to be multi-talented, like all the best schoolmasters: historian, musician, artist, comedian, sportsman (hockey, water sports), adventurer. Most recently he has carried the title ‘Assistant Head (Pupils)’, a perfect title as it sums up what Canford is about and sums up what Richard was about.

The role meant that he was in charge of discipline, and there could not have been a better man for the job. Many pupils who have been caught misbehaving have come out of a conversation with Richard chastened but also feeling better about themselves and who they might be and certainly respecting and liking him. That is an art that few if any of us can do as well.

He has been deeply respected by his colleagues. One referred to him as ‘a dying breed of teaching staff, someone who is able to offer across the board, with enthusiasm and skill’. Another said, ‘In regard to his total dedication to the pupils and their development, he is one of the most exceptional people I have worked with over 30 years in education.’

One of Richard’s most notable characteristics is his relentless cheerfulness, whether hiking in relentless rain across a boggy Dartmoor or working through the depths of Covid. It is such an important gift in a school where we are all pulling together: when things go wrong or get tough, you need to encourage everyone to keep going and feel good.

With it, of course, goes the gift of laughter. When Richard was a housemaster there was a course advertised as ‘What’s going on in my house?’ He, Cathy Byng and I all quickly signed up in a vague hope of finding out what was going on in our houses. In the evening there was a dinner but none of us had read the joining instructions, so we turned up in our jeans to a formal black tie dinner under the chandeliers in the great hall at Wellington College. Cathy and I were going to run but Richard is made of sterner stuff and persuaded us to brave it out. Then at dinner we were all laughing so much that Richard started choking on some food, but Cathy and I were so consumed by mirth that we didn’t notice. Fortunately for us all, he survived. Thank you, Richard, for all the times you have made us laugh. We will miss you and your enthusiasm immensely.

Henry Bishop

Frank

Shon

The English Department is very sad to say goodbye to one of our muchloved teachers. Having taught in the department for almost thirteen years, Franky has been an integral part in not only generations of pupils’ English education but also the creation of the English Department as the vibrant place that it is. Franky was particularly involved with supporting the lower-attaining GCSE pupils and his mix

of rigorously high expectations, highly effective resources and a teaching methodology crafted over years of experience launched many of our lower end to excellent results.

Beloved by the pupils, Franky’s influence from the Shells to the Upper Sixth was, and still is, palpable and memorable, with many pupils and OCs recalling his unwavering support with their literacy in ‘Extreme English’ and ‘Learning Skills’ classes, and his calm and structured approach to difficult analysis. Franky’s legacy is one of deepest care for the pupils: nothing that could improve a pupil’s wellbeing or academic achievement was ever too much effort for Franky (nor anything too small to be rewarded with a midget gem!).

Franky always found the most engaging way to teach his classes: it will be a less lively department without the cacophony of chanting, hammering on desks and enthusiastic answers that often drifted down from Sandbourne, causing pupils in other lessons to look wistfully up the stairs and wonder why their classroom wasn’t exploring Macbeth in quite the same entertaining way.

We wish Franky all the very best for the next adventure in his life, and look forward to trying to tempt him back whenever we need a good dose of enthusiasm and creativity!

Jennifer Plater

Jane Skellett

Jane joined Canford in April 2019, originally to teach EAL (English as an Additional Language) to two pupils. During the five years she was with us, the number of pupils receiving EAL support from her grew steadily, reaching 25 last year, and totalled 59 overall. Jane was a superb teacher and mentor to her pupils, inspiring them to achieve above and beyond their linguistic targets and fully embrace their academic and cultural studies. Thanks to her specialist support, all her pupils went on collectively to achieve a level of bilingual or near-native academic English, as well as excellent GCSE English Language and IELTS results.

As a colleague, Jane did a terrific job to introduce a wide variety of materials to specifically target the pupils’ academic English. She was hugely respected and admired by those who worked with her and she provided valuable help and advice to HoDs and subject teachers on how best to support the EAL pupils whom they were teaching. A regular presence at academic and cultural events, she also immersed herself in Canford life and was a wonderful advocate for all the International Society events held during her time with us. I will personally miss her kind and engaging personality, talking with her, hearing her stories and her reassuring and warm presence.

We give Jane our sincere thanks for her stellar work and wish her a thoroughly deserved retirement.

Richard Wilson

&

Christopher Sparkhall

Chris arrived at Canford under the then Director of Music, David Warwick. ‘DJ Dave’ and ‘MC Sparks’, as they affectionately became known, brought their musical might to bear in the early 2000s before Chris was appointed Director of Music in 2005 and the department continued to evolve and flourish under his leadership.

Chris is a skilled educator. His rigour in understanding the vast music syllabuses and his eye for detail are second to none. Imaginative ways of delivering the complex courses give confidence to both pupils and staff alike. He delights equally in finding that solution to an A Level Bach chorale as he does in finding a way of engaging the least likely Shell, when not dispatching them on fast walking practice. Take away: Never be late to a lesson with Mr Sparkhall (whether a Shell or an Upper Sixth!).

When not timing Shell walking speeds, he can be found in front of a choir or the Jazz Band, who enjoy repertoires that professionals would break a sweat at. It is impressive how his slick and purposeful rehearsal style sees his ensembles consistently rise to challenges and come to share his love for pieces they perform. He is a particular champion of choral singing, and the choirs have enjoyed some superb events in his time: evensongs, tours, recordings. Last year, the service marking the school’s centenary saw a feast of choral repertoire which will last long in our memories, together with the rehearsal where singing was abandoned in favour of a military-style procession practice around Beaufort lawn because ‘these things matter’!

At the dress rehearsal for Bugsy Malone in the summer, he leaned across to me to mutter, ‘This is what it’s all about.’ The Layard became something of a second home for him. Other than loving a good show, a talent for staging and directing has seen him annually involved in productions where he has championed pupils to be front and centre both on stage and in the pit band.

As well as the serious business of running a large department, laughter has accompanied daily life: pianos replaced by fruit, Darth Vader conducting orchestras, organs wheeled to the Assembly Hall in the style of ‘Wacky Races’ and topical comic songs have all oiled the wheels of day-to-day life.

As Director of Music for 19 years, he nurtured a department and community where many have found their niche. He has been a consummate friend and a dedicated Head of Department whose influence through his teaching, conducting, guidance, support, clarity of vision, fun and sense of educational purpose will long remain part of those who were taught by or worked with him.

James Aiken

Graduate Assistants

Sam Dudley coached the U14s cricket team with commitment and passion. He not only guided the players with skill and knowledge but has also instilled a love for the game and a sense of teamwork that will resonate for years to come.

As a competent athlete and proficient in single sculling, Ben Furley was more than qualified to give accurate and precise judgment to Canford’s budding rowers. Often sitting in crews to make up the numbers, Ben was able to coach and give immediate feedback to those around him.

The charisma and positive energy of Charlotte Jones, netball graduate assistant, truly left their mark and made her incredibly well-liked by the pupils.

Charlotte’s knowledge of netball, and her remarkable ability to share her passion for the sport with the pupils, will be missed.

Thanks must go to Connor Macmillan for his contribution to Canford’s lacrosse programme. He faced a big coaching challenge with the girls having such a large range of skill and experience, and we wish him well for his new role in Germany.

DESTINATIONS OF LEAVERS

(This is the best information available at the time of going to press.)

Arts University, Bournemouth

Charlotte Gibbons

Bath

Lauren Corn, Maya Doubleday, James Johnson, Edward Quick, Arun Samra

Birmingham

Yiyang Shao, Elodie Stacey

Bournemouth

Ellie Paget

Brighton and Sussex Medical School

Luca Freeman

Bristol

Zachary Ashby-Rudd, Ruby Batt, Abigail Crossley, Alice Denby,

Harriet Jinks, Anouska Loveridge, Chloe Markham, Ntemi Ngwenya, Amber Peake, William Pickard, George Roche, Edward Schuster Bruce

Cambridge

Thomas Herbert, Elliot Hilton, Charlotte Kersey, Janae Ng, Clare Robinson

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Max Firth, Samuel Martin

Cardiff

William Branston, Charlotte Cross-Court, Isaac Gill, Freya McDonagh, Sarah Norris, Zachary Oaten, Teleola Okubanjo, Ivor Ritson, Henry Stear, Ella Webb, Hayden Weedall

Durham

Beatrix Andrews, Jessica Burke, Daisy Cullinan, William Fountain, Ella Guy, Jorgia Holtby, Finlay Janaway, Olivia Joll, Thomas Kiff, Evie Liddell, Zhongmou Yuan

Edinburgh

Lara Crorie, Laura Edwards, Harriet Farthing, Wai Si Vic Lee, Clemence Petard, Ranulph Raymond, Lara Witter

Exeter

Isabella Barham, Albert Blackburn, Christoper Blomfield, George Burnell, Thomas Clark, Jasmine De La Haye, Laura Edsall, Olivia Fordham, Nathaniel Harlowe, Jacob Holtby,

Exeter (cont'd)

Summer Hookey, Thomas Hopwood, Oliver Peters, Louis Potts, Samuel Reeve, Thomas Sparkhall, Satchel Thurston, Kai Wang Tsang

Falmouth

Daisy Pinner

Glasgow

Amelia Spicer

Imperial College, London

Anthony Leung

Lancaster

Arthur Brooke, Flynn McMillan

Leeds

Sophie De Veulle

Liverpool

Inés Jankovich-Besan, Madeleine Nickell

Loughborough

Emelia Butler

Manchester

Allegra Gamett-Griggs

Manchester Metropolitan

Otto Lawrence, Sophia Westberg-Orton

Newcastle

Daniel Coupe, Oliver Fox-Pitt, Samuel Janaway, Samuel Symes

Nottingham

Dominic Bates, Honore Cutler, Millicent Heyman, William Howell, Guy Marton, Zhuoer Zhao

Oxford

Rex Batt, Louis Pearson, Dan Sanchez, Lukas Svedberg

Oxford Brookes

Oscar Bailey, Rose Baldwin, Frederick Bowater, Alice Butler, Felix Church, Arthur Keen, Eleanor

Mowbray, Poppy Speers, Barley Whitley, Max Williamson

Plymouth

George Johnson-Jones

Queen Mary, London

Adriano Hedley

Reading

Kerry Gunu

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

William Lowbridge

Sheffield

James Balasubramaniam

Solent

Elizabeth Laker

Southampton

Dila Aslan, James Hornung, Julian Newell, Molly Peacock, Nathan Sloley, Kitty Wright, Giorgio Wyatt, Chunxi Zhou

St Andrews

Edward Martch, William Oliver, Lucy Stephenson

Surrey

Edward Porter

University of the Arts, London

Lauren Boyd

University College, London

Sophia Whelan

Warwick

Johannes Bishop-Weston, Ching Lok Fung, Millie Jeffries

West of England

Charles Gibson, Henry Hancock

York

Tiegan Hulbert

Overseas

Dominique Hudson (Bellarmine University, Kentucky), Isla Knatchbull (American University of Paris), Elisabeth Koppert (University of Antwerp), Lara Le Quesne (applying to a US university), Rong Liu (New York University)

Professional cricket contract with Hampshire CCC

Edward Jack

Applying/re-applying next year

Noa Armstrong, Michael Campbell, Hector Courtenay, Tara Hogan, Ross Jemmett, Evie Johnstone, James Kelly, Henry Lane, Oscar Lineker-Bennett, Grace Mansfield, Imogen Marley, Jansci Motsi, Isabella Rose, Lin Shi, Theo Snell, Madeleine Spraigue, Edward Timberlake, Mia Ulyett, Jonathan Walster, Zhuoshi Zhao

Once again, Canford pupils have demonstrated remarkable commitment and dedication this year both inside and outside the classroom, culminating in an impressive set of examination results at A Level and GCSE. There were numerous outstanding individual performances across all levels, with exceptional results among our top achievers. The strength of our academic and pastoral systems, the commitment of our teaching staff, and the resilience and hard work of our pupils have all contributed to these successes.

With 24% of grades awarded at A*, 54% at A*-A and 81.8% at A*-B, Canford’s A Level results remain well above the national and independent school averages. These results are among the best in our school’s recent history, particularly when ignoring the grade inflation years caused by the Covid pandemic.

Our pupils’ successes have translated into strong onward destinations, with 72% of our Upper Sixth securing places at Russell Group universities and 82% at Russell Group and Sunday Times Top 12 universities. Additionally, seven pupils have been accepted onto medicine and veterinary science courses, and nine will be attending Oxford or Cambridge. The vast majority of our pupils secured their preferred university placement and this cohort are going on to read a wide range of academic degrees across the spectrum of creative arts, humanities, sciences and languages.

Our Fifth Form pupils were not to be outdone. They achieved outstanding GCSE results, with this year’s outcomes ranking among the very best that we have ever had. Notably, 27.2% of grades were awarded at 9 (higher than the old A*), and 53.9% at grades 9-8 (A*). Impressively, 95.8% of grades were between 9 and 5 (A*-B), demonstrating the breadth of excellence across the cohort. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the challenges faced by this year group, whose foundational years were disrupted by the Covid pandemic. Four pupils achieved straight 9s, and over a fifth of the year group gained at least nine 9-8 (A*) grades. Our pupils’ determination to excel, coupled with the collaborative spirit and mutual support within the year group, has been exemplary. This cohort can look forward to a stimulating adventure in the Sixth Form, where they will be joined by 40 new pupils to begin their A Level studies.

Whilst the 2024 examination results underscore Canford’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, mere examination outcomes can’t and shouldn’t be the only measures of such excellence. Our extensive academic enrichment programme is designed to help promote intellectual inquiry and stimulate creative independent thinking. In particular, the pupil leadership element of this academic area has been a triumph. Our senior academic pupil leaders have played a major role in helping to shape the academic supra-curricular programme and have given scholarly talks to juniors, breakfast enrichment lectures, keynote speeches in our own Festival of Ideas, as well as running ‘University Challenge’ house competitions, to name but a few examples. It is our pupils, as well as our staff, who are consistently engaging and encouraging the whole Canford community to be

cademic

open-minded, inquisitive, intellectually curious, interesting and interested people. Consistently

strong academic outcomes are never the result of pure chance. ‘The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing’, to quote Stephen Covey, the American educator and writer. We extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues, governors, parents and, above all, our hardworking pupils for their collective efforts.

As a community, we take pride in fostering an educational environment characterised by high expectations, balanced pressure and significant support, ensuring that our pupils have every opportunity to excel both inside and outside the classroom. So we are proud of what our pupils have accomplished and remain committed to fostering an environment where they can continue to thrive. As we look to the future, we know that maintaining our academic strength is vital for the continued success of Canford. The skills and character virtues developed here – organisation, resilience, planning, determination, critical thinking, and multitasking – are not only pivotal in achieving academic success but will also serve our pupils well in all their future endeavours.

Ieuan Weir, Deputy Head (Academic)

'If there's one thing a Biology department should have, it is life.'

Biology

Another year of success in the Canford Biology department came to pass in 2024. Our Upper Sixth cohort delivered some of the best A Level results in our history, with over 40% at A*, nearly 75% of entries graded at A*-A, and 90% at A*-B. We again had success with pupils gaining places at top universities and medical schools. The collaborative spirit of our biologists and the deeply ingrained Canfordian academic culture of dedication and determination came together to deliver some truly remarkable results, despite the further raising of the grade-boundary drawbridge as the public examination machine continued its withdrawal back towards pre-pandemic business as usual. Our GCSE results, while not as stellar, nonetheless saw marked success for many of the Fifth Form.

The academic year just gone saw us welcome Dr Juliette Topping to our team as a full-time teacher. She has made the transition from her previous role as Chemistry technician seamlessly and has already made a huge impact with her pupils and the department in general. Her expertise in marine biology (the field in which she earned her PhD) will no doubt be invaluable to pupils with an interest in studying our oceans and seas – an environment that we are still yet to fully explore and understand, but which stands in many ways at the front line of the increasingly urgent issue of climate change.

With the new academic year comes more return to preCovid normalcy, with our first overseas diving trip in the pipeline for 2025-26 under the experienced and passionate guidance of Mr Hooker. We also have some new arrivals in department, including our first community of axolotls taking up residence in our mangrove aquarium, and a young bearded dragon on his way as I write, both supplementing our established colony of cichlids. If there is one thing a Biology department should have, it is life!

I would again take this opportunity to thank all of my colleagues in Biology for another year of tireless commitment to providing an elite education to all our budding life scientists from Shells to Upper Sixth, and for making the department a great place to work and learn.

Nick Warde

Chemistry

This year I received and processed the A Level results in a little cottage on the Isles of Scilly, where the fishermen know that there are always times of surfeit and times of dearth, but the world carries on and you can’t judge a season by one catch – or one’s time at Canford by a few letters.

The A Level results were as strong as ever with over one in five pupils achieving an A*, and almost 60% an A or A*. As academic departments are primarily judged on output, I was relieved that the hard work of so many pupils and dedication of staff culminated in such an excellent performance.

The GCSE results were even better, with almost 30% achieving the highest grade and over 60% achieving a 9 or an 8 (equivalent to the old A*), over 80% 9-7 (equivalent to an A). This was a phenomenal effort from the pupils and the best percentage of 9s and 8s in the department’s history when pupils have sat external exams.

Perhaps unfairly to many others in their peer group, I would like to single out two leavers in particular. Louis Pearson has lived and breathed chemistry since he arrived in the Shells. He has always known that he wanted to read the subject at university. He completed a whole raft of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) on advanced chemistry topics, far beyond the A Level curriculum, and was awarded a place at Oxford. Charlotte Kersey was equally passionate about medicine and excelled at chemistry and is now off to Cambridge.

A number of pupils took part in the prestigious and challenging national chemistry competitions; the RSC Chemistry Olympiad (aimed at Upper Sixth) and the Lower Sixth Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. For the second year in a row, Charlotte Kersey achieved a gold award in the Olympiad. We also had six silver awards. Four Canfordians achieved a gold award in the Lower Sixth Cambridge Challenge and four achieved silvers. All the Lower Sixth chemists took part in the RSC Schools’ Analyst Competition, which consists of a series of practicals to hone their skills.

All these achievements in both academic examinations and prestigious competitions are the tip of the iceberg. However, even in more mundane everyday lessons, pupils’ commitment to excel and explore new ideas through hard work and practicals makes the department such a lovely place to work. Finally, I thank my colleagues for their expertise, tireless dedication and passion.

Gary Shaw

Classics

The past year has been an exciting one for the Classics Department, filled with enriching experiences and memorable events that brought ancient history to life. Year 9 pupils kicked off their exploration of the classical world with a visit to Fishbourne Roman Palace. Walking through the mosaics and gardens, they gained a hands-on understanding of Roman life in Britain with workshops on the Roman army, ancient schooling and handling artefacts from the site itself. This was followed by a trip to the British Museum by both GCSE and A Level Classicists, where pupils were captivated by the Roman Army exhibition, featuring armour, weapons and artefacts that revealed the military might of the ancient empire.

Academically, our pupils were as hard-working and highachieving as ever. In particular, the Classical Greek course shone brightly with seven distinctions and one merit, marking another year of hard work and success for our pupils.

Classroom learning was complemented by several events that deepened our appreciation of classical culture. The annual Classics Dinner was an ever-popular highlight, with both pupils and

staff dressing in Roman and Greek costumes for a night of food, ancient-themed entertainment and lively conversation. As ever, the event provided a unique opportunity to embrace classical traditions in a fun and engaging way.

In addition to social events, the department continued its commitment to intellectual growth. Throughout the year, we also hosted a screening of a modern take on a Greek play, allowing pupils to experience the drama and tension of ancient tragedy in a cinematic format – and realise its ongoing relevance to their world. Additionally, the department screened lectures from guest speakers, covering everything from the use of modern literature to reveal the ‘hidden voices’ of women and enslaved people to the place of ancient law and law-givers in the modern world and the relevance of classical philosophy to modern life, which also sparked critical thinking and discussions.

As we look ahead, excitement is building for the upcoming trip to Rome, where pupils will walk in the footsteps of emperors, senators and gladiators. It promises to be the perfect culmination of an unforgettable year in the Classics Department, combining learning with travel and a deeper immersion in the ancient world.

Anna Berry

...the Classical Greek course shone brightly with seven distinctions and one merit, marking another year of hard work and success for our pupils.

A hypocaust at Fishbourne Roman Palace, visited by Shell classicists

Computer Science

Computer Science is the art of the possible, and there has never been a better time to embark on its study. The emergence of AI has really highlighted many issues around the creation of software – some call it another Industrial Revolution. We should all be invested in this transformational technology in order to shape its development and control its excesses. That is why it is so pleasing to see pupils starting to get to grips with this emerging technology in their projects.

The Upper Sixth did very well again this year, producing not only fantastic A Level results but also wonderful projects that showcased their talent, creativity and knowledge. These included computer-generated procedural planets; Pac-Man re-imagined into a 3D world; a game similar to Fortnite, with perhaps the best wave simulation I have seen; and a multi-level procedural dungeon game. Special mention must go to Thomas Herbert, whose Age of Sail project was nearly flawless and whose final result was amongst the top 100 in the country for Computer Science; he also had the

best score in our history in terms of points. Overall A Level results were excellent with two A*s, two As, two Bs and a C.

Using our-state-of-the-art 3D printer, the Fourth Form Coding Club has had great fun creating 3D printed parts to support their LED Matrix programs using tiny £3 computers called ESP32s.They wrote code in C++, displaying all sorts of different patterns as well as simple games to flags and images. The challenge was that they all had to auto play as input was limited and the idea is that they will be displays on the wall. It was fantastic to see such energy and enthusiasm in code.

Simon Rood

Design

Technology

‘Design is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration’ –Thomas Alva Edison. The actual quote is ‘Genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration’, but it has been misquoted many times and is a very apt to the design process.

When starting out on their coursework, pupils first find a problem they wish to investigate, and then work towards a prototype that could solve this problem. Inspiration hits at different stages for each pupil: some early in the process, where the client’s or user’s needs are clearly understood and empathised with. For others it is the magic moment in development when an idea suddenly makes everything clear and everything clicks into place. The rest of their time is graft, often interesting and informative, but still working through problems and iterating designs until the solution is proven to work.

It is this drive and determination to keep going that really sets apart those at the top end, where they keep exploring options, trailing mechanisms and overcoming difficulties. During 2023/24, with a short Easter Term, pupils demonstrated this determination and character in abundance, keeping the momentum going. Examination results both at A Level and GCSE were very pleasing, with many of our pupils gaining top grades.

Throughout his time at Canford, Will Lowbridge has been a stalwart of both Design and the theatre, taking on many technical roles backstage from stage helper through management to running the entire technical side of productions for most, if not all, of the school’s productions. It was this passion that inspired him to

Some Upper Sixth Computer Science projects

The Fourth Form Coding Club: ESP32 controlling an LED grid

look at props tables and how the functionality can be improved. His was an outstanding A Level folio and he was a worthy winner of the Design Sixth Form prize.

Olly W and Zoe H shared the Fifth Form prize, and both also gained Arkwright Scholarships. This is the premier scholarship for design and engineering and only a few of the top pupils in the country reach this standard, having been selected after a threehour Design paper and a challenging interview. To say that CAD is one of Olly’s strengths is underselling his ability and interest, while Zoe is an aesthetic designer and came up with an elegant shape for her vertical garden, designed to allow users to utilise small spaces.

Jonathan Martin

Economics and Business

It has been another great year in the Economics and Business department. Teachers and pupils alike have worked tirelessly, but a special mention must be given to our exam year pupils, who worked incredibly hard and showed great determination.

Last September, a dozen of our sixth-formers accepted the challenge of creating a new business that would equally consider profit and society. In the Christmas Term these pupils formed a couple of teams and pitched their ideas. Both teams had compelling arguments and were given the green light to set up and run their business activities.

The first team, headed by Charlotte Gibbons and Ntemi Ngwenya, organised a charity gala ball. It was a fantastic evening – some would say the highlight of the Sixth Form social calendar. All of the sixth-formers, dressed in their best, enjoyed the pre-ball drinks, fine dining, mock casino, close contact magician and the dance.

The second team spotted a gap in the Saturday afternoon refreshments market at school. They worked closely with the catering department and opened the Canford catering truck on busy Saturday sports afternoons. The team, led by Theo Snell, served a range of drinks and snacks to hungry and thirsty pupils and parents alike during the Easter and Summer Terms.

The teams of wannabe entrepreneurs were able to donate £3000 to the Children’s Garden Home, a school and orphanage in Kenya to which we had donated some of our profits from the previous year. The donation has been used to fund the building of a classroom. The whole experience allowed these pupils to gain first-hand, practical understanding of the challenges faced by businesses.

In November we were fortunate to be joined by OC Ben Gibbons, CEO of Circular 11, a social enterprise recycling plastic into all manner of outdoor and sustainable building products. His

Filament dispenser created by Olly W

Zoe H’s vertical garden

interactive presentation to our Sixth Form Business pupils was thought-provoking and engaging.

The Upper Sixth Business pupils also enjoyed our annual day out to the Mini factory in Cowley. A full tour of the car builder’s factory allowed them to relate their classroom learning to real-life business operations.

To the Young Economist of the Year competition Rose O submitted an essay considering the merits of the government taxing unhealthy foods, and Thomas L entered the LSE-SU competition with his essay, which analysed how election cycles influence policy-making and financial markets. These are just a couple of examples of how our economists are using their academic study to engage in real-life issues.

We look forward to the coming year and a new member of the department, Miss Alice Frost, joining our teaching team. We are again fortunate to enjoy an increased number of Canfordians showing real interest in the economy and business environment.

Steve Emery

English

The English Department is reflecting on another successful, vibrant and engaging year of study and exploration.

In October 2023, we launched the year’s activities with a trip to the Globe Theatre, where the entire Fifth Form watched a powerful performance of Macbeth. Experiencing Shakespeare’s work in such an iconic setting brought the text to life, deepening pupils’ understanding and appreciation of the play and providing them with valuable insights for their literature coursework.

October also saw the visit of poet Ash Dickinson for National Poetry Day. Ash delivered captivating performances to

Having

our lower year groups and also conducted poetry workshops with our Sixth Form, encouraging them to explore their own poetic voices and experiment with creative expression.

The Sixth Form Literary Society has been a highlight for many of our sixth-formers, with screenings of filmic versions of key texts happening throughout the year, accompanied by pizza and fizzy drinks. Dr Owens engaged English-degree-leaning pupils with a thought-provoking lecture on the origins and evolution of poetry. March also saw us celebrating another LitSoc dinner, where pupils dressed up as characters from their texts, engaged in revision games and delighted in a three-course meal.

Additionally in March, we welcomed the arrival of manga artist and novelist Sonia Leong for World Book Day. Sonia’s unique fusion of visual art and storytelling provided our pupils with fresh insights into the world of literature. Her workshops were particularly well-received, inspiring pupils to explore new and creative ways to tell stories.

We also celebrated the success of two of our Canford Shells, who reached the regional finals of the ESU Performing Shakespeare competition. Their performances were highly commended, a reflection of their talent and hard work.

As the year drew to a close and exam classes departed on study leave, the Shells enjoyed a special outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet, bringing to life the text they had been studying during the term.

Finally, we are thrilled to report our best exam results to date with 56% of A Level grades at A*-A, and 92% A*-B, 67% of our GCSE Language grades at 8-9, and 64% of our GCSE Literature grades at 8-9: a testament to the hard work of our pupils and the dedication of our excellent teaching staff.

We look forward to building on these successes in the coming year.

Jennifer Plater

studied Romeo and Juliet all term, the Shells were able to enjoy a special outdoor performance.

Geography

We are incredibly proud of our exam results. At A Level, a remarkable 65% of our pupils achieved A*/A grades, demonstrating their dedication and hard work. Our GCSE cohort also excelled, with 75% earning grades 9 or 8. These results reflect both the high standards of teaching and the hard work of our pupils. My personal thanks go to my wonderful team for their unending commitment to the pupils.

Beyond the classroom, our department has had a busy and exciting year of fieldwork. Our traditional trips to Southampton, Swanage and Studland provided invaluable practical experiences, allowing pupils to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. These trips are always a highlight for pupils, bringing Geography to life through hands-on learning and observation.

A major highlight this year was the A Level trip to Iceland. The pupils were treated to incredible weather conditions, making their glacier walk a truly memorable experience. Although we narrowly missed witnessing a volcanic eruption, the breathtaking landscapes and geological wonders of Iceland left a lasting impression on everyone. The trip provided an unparalleled opportunity to study glaciation, tectonics and geothermal energy up close in one of the world’s most fascinating environments.

In addition to fieldwork, pupils enjoyed a variety of

enrichment activities. Our in-house Earthshot competition inspired pupils to think creatively about sustainability and environmental protection, while A Level pupils benefited from expert talks. We were fortunate to host BCP Council flood protection managers, who shared their insights into local environmental challenges and solutions, linking perfectly with our curriculum.

We continue to engage with local prep and junior schools through a number of initiatives from competitions to quizzes and, as I write, we are preparing for another Junior School Geography quiz. This is a great opportunity to reinforce links with teachers from local schools and to meet pupils, many of whom make their way to our classrooms a few years later.

This year has truly showcased the diverse and engaging nature of Geography, both in the classroom and beyond. We look forward to another successful and exciting year ahead!

Alex Boulton

The pupils were treated to incredible weather conditions, making their glacier walk a truly memorable experience.

Geography pupils walking on a glacier in Iceland

History

The History Department has had an outstanding academic year, marked by exceptional examination results and a vibrant co-curricular programme. At A Level, the department celebrated remarkable success, with 56% of pupils achieving grades A*-A, a testament to the hard work and dedication of both pupils and staff. Meanwhile, at GCSE, 36% of pupils achieved a coveted grade 9, further highlighting the department’s strong academic focus and commitment to fostering a deep understanding of history in pupils across all levels.

Beyond academic success, the History Department remains at the heart of the school’s co-curricular life. One of the highlights of the year was the annual Keith Hay History Dinner, which brought together staff and pupils for an evening of intellectual discussion and camaraderie. This year’s event featured a fascinating talk from Professor Mark Stoyle on ‘Women in the English Civil War’, an often-overlooked aspect of the period that sparked engaging debate among those attending. The dinner was not only a celebration of the department’s achievements but also an opportunity for pupils to explore historical themes in a relaxed yet stimulating environment.

Another cornerstone of the department’s activities is the much-anticipated Battlefields trip. Pupils embarked on a poignant journey to the battlefields of World War 1, visiting key historical sites such as Ypres and the Somme. The trip proved to be an emotive experience for many, as pupils reflected on the sacrifice and tragedy of war while standing on the very ground where history was made. Pupils found the experience both moving and enlightening, with many noting the deep impact it had on their understanding of the human cost of conflict. In lighter moments, a delicious Ypres burger has become something of a tradition on the trip.

The department also saw a significant change this year, as long-serving History teacher Richard Salmon retired after many years of dedicated service. Mr Salmon has been a pillar of the department and will be remembered for his passion for teaching and his profound impact on generations of Canford pupils. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the department is delighted to welcome James Leigh, the newest addition to the team. Mr Leigh brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm, and in addition to his role in the History Department, he also serves as housemaster of Lancaster.

Rachel Lines

Mathematics

As well as celebrating plenty more pupil success during the 2023/24 academic year, we were delighted that Miss Craig and Mrs Ralph each welcomed her own ‘cutie pi’ into the world during the latter part of the school year. We wish them all well and, during their temporary absence, we have been joined by Mr Jon Cumberlege.

With exams (and the grading of them) having now returned to pre-Covid standards, our mathematicians continued to excel at both GCSE and A Level, out-performing nationally, regionally and sector-wide. At A Level, over 55% of our pupils obtained an A/A* grade and the number of pupils also studying Further Maths remains very healthy, with over 63% of these pupils securing an A/A* grade. It was a similar success story for our Fifth Form GCSE mathematicians, with over 50% of the year group achieving a level 8/9. One of our candidates, Cammy C, scored 100% in both GCSE exams!

Yet again, our mathematicians have also continued to excel beyond GCSE/A Level exams. Numerous pupils achieved gold, silver or bronze awards in both the Intermediate (Shells to Fifth Form) and the Senior (Sixth Form) UK Maths Challenges, with many of our best-performing pupils being invited to take part in exclusive follow-on rounds. Furthermore, eleven Canfordians

pupils who gained Independent School Mathematician of the Year awards

There were some sombre moments on the History Department’s visit to the World War 1 battlefields

The

entered the Independent School Mathematician of the Year (ISMOTY) award this year, the first entry by the school into this prestigious national competition. Pupils entered both the KS4 and KS5 categories and were required to answer 45 increasingly difficult questions in an hour. We were thrilled to learn that Canford was the winning school in the KS4 category, with all pupils taking part scoring highly. That included Johnny G, who took the top spot with an incredible 275 out of 300 marks. He received a trophy and £500 prize for winning the national competition. Finally, we are particularly proud of the following pupils who leave us to study mathematics at university: Thomas Herbert (Cambridge), Laura Edwards (Edinburgh) and Elisabeth Koppert (St Andrews).

Stuart Gordon

Modern L anguages

The department was a hive of activity throughout the past academic year, and we were delighted to see our pupils’ enthusiasm and their appreciation of the various languages on offer at Canford.

The French Department was lively, and many activities were organised not only to enhance pupils’ language skills but also to deepen their appreciation of French culture. In January, we celebrated the Epiphany with a French food tasting event for the Shells. Pupils had the opportunity to sample the traditional ‘galette des rois’ and some ‘bottereaux’, both sweet delicacies enjoyed during Epiphany in France. Later in the term, a group of Fourth Form pupils embarked on a language trip to Bordeaux. The trip provided pupils with the chance to immerse themselves in French culture while improving their spoken French in a real-world setting. Pupils attended language workshops in the mornings and explored the beautiful city of Bordeaux and its surrounding area in the afternoons. Highlights included climbing the Dune du Pyla, visiting Saint-Emilion, and a cooking class, where we learnt how to make a traditional ‘gâteau basque’!

In May, a Fourth Form and Lower Sixth class submitted their entries to the French Pop Video Competition, a national contest organised by Francophonie UK in conjunction with the Institut Français du Royaume-Uni. They not only had to compose a song in French but also create a short video to accompany the song. Many thanks to Madame Harrison for organising this amazing experience – no win this year but we might try again in 2025!

All year, some of our sixth-formers also visited a local school, Heathlands Primary, where they taught younger children basic French. This outreach project allowed our pupils not only to practise their own language skills but also to inspire an early interest in French among the primary school pupils.

In the Spanish Department we had a vibrant and culturally enriching year for all groups as we celebrated various important dates in the Spanish-speaking world. A particular highlight was the celebration of El Día de la Hispanidad, where pupils from all year groups engaged in activities that explored the rich and diverse history and heritage of Spanish-speaking countries. Likewise, El Día de los Muertos allowed pupils to gain a deeper understanding of the customs and traditions associated with this iconic Mexican festival.

In early December, the Shells indulged in the delightful tradition of Chocolate con Churros, providing them with a sweet and memorable way to wrap up the term while exploring Spanish culinary traditions.

During the October half-term break, nineteen fourth and fifth-formers embarked on an unforgettable trip to Granada, Spain. This immersive experience included staying with host families, morning lessons and afternoon cultural visits. The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the visit to the breathtaking Alhambra, where pupils were able to appreciate the splendour of Spain’s Islamic architecture. They also enjoyed authentic Flamenco in the caves of the Albaicín and Chocolate con Churros, which added a delicious touch to the cultural experience.

The Lower Sixth demonstrated their creativity and depth of understanding through the production of a new issue of Hispanista Magazine, titled Personajes. This edition focused on influential figures from the Spanish-speaking world, such as Francisco Pizarro, Dolores Huerta and Astor Piazzolla, giving readers a wide-

Fourth Form pupils on their visit to Bordeaux

ranging view of key historical and contemporary personalities.

The annual Upper Sixth lecture by Professor Stephen M Hart on Gabriel García Márquez’s Chronicle of a Death Foretold was as inspiring as ever, providing pupils with new insights into one of Latin America’s most celebrated works of literature.

We were proud to celebrate another year of strong examination results, with special recognition going to Clare Robinson, who will be pursuing Spanish and ab initio Arabic at Clare College, Cambridge.

Examination results in IGCSE German were excellent once again this year, with 75% of pupils obtaining grades 9 or 8. For the first time the Shells engaged in project work in the Summer Term, producing an amazing range of high-quality and insightful presentations on German culture, including Bayer Leverkusen, volleyball, food in German-speaking countries, native animals, Formula One, the national football team, rock music and the career of Otto von Bismarck.

In Other Languages, Marisa Silva achieved an A* in A Level Portuguese a year early in the Lower Sixth and the results in GCSE Russian and GCSE Chinese obtained by our bilingual pupils were very strong as always. We want to thank our team of peripatetic teachers – Tzu-Ling Shao in Chinese, Cereangel Urbaneja in Portuguese and Rita Schweers and Maria Forrest in Russian – for their superb work and continuous support in preparing our pupils for these challenging exams. Similarly, we also want to express our admiration to the pupils for their exemplary effort and level of independence in working for these exams as extra subjects outside their main timetables.

Culturally, the Modern Languages Department has directly benefitted from close ties with the International Society and the range of events taking place during the year. Clare Robinson, as well as being an exceptional hispanist and a bilingual speaker of Chinese, was an outstanding international pupil leader, ably supported by an excellent multi-national team of house reps. Finally, it was with great sadness that we learned that Maria Forrest passed away from lymphoma in February 2024. Maria taught GCSE and A Level Russian at Canford for fifteen years

to many pupils who all achieved outstanding results. She was particularly close to one family of Canfordians, Beatriz, Sasha and Connie Mowat, whom she had taught brilliantly at Canford for a combined period of eleven years. We will miss Maria dearly and include a tribute here from Connie, her last pupil at Canford: ‘Mrs Forrest was not only one of the most talented teachers I ever had the pleasure to learn from, she was also sweet, thoughtful and caring. Over my six years with her she became much more than a teacher to me. I loved her like a granny and enjoyed hearing funny stories from her past and present, and sharing experiences and presents with each other from holidays and birthdays. We chatted about everything together, from her love of mushroom picking to the health benefits of carrying a cat with you. She introduced me to the Russian cinema and literature that she enjoyed and entertained me with a passionate love of Russian culture. I will always cherish my memories of Mrs Forrest and will always miss her sorely. I hope she will be remembered as the kind and funny woman whom I loved and that she would be proud of me as her last pupil.’

Francisco Compán, Head of Modern Languages and Spanish Esther Saurel, Head of French Richard Wilson, Head of German and Other Languages

Philosophy and Theology

This year, our GCSE and A Level pupils have achieved exceptional results, a clear testament to their commitment, hard work and academic resilience. From long hours of revision to engaging deeply with complex philosophical and theological ideas, our pupils have shown remarkable determination to excel. We are incredibly proud of their academic maturity and dedication, which has ultimately led to such outstanding success.

In January, we hosted an exciting Sixth Form formal debate in collaboration with the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, featuring Stephen Woodford (Rationality Rules) and theologian Paul Copan. The debate, ‘Is belief in God reasonable?, sparked engaging discussions, with our pupils actively participating by asking insightful questions.

At the start of the Easter Term, our Shell pupils participated in an essay competition. Each pupil critically analysed one of five challenging ethical questions, covering topics from performanceenhancing drugs and pacifism to genetically modified bodies and environmental responsibility. Congratulations to Tommy W (third place), Grace A (second place), and the overall winner, Lucie van W, for her thought-provoking essay on the moral obligation of religious people to be pacifists.

The Philippa Foot Society had a vibrant and eventful year, featuring talks from prominent thinkers such as Sharon Dirckx on ‘Am I my brain?’, Michael Burdett on ‘Religion and science,’ and Anil Seth on ‘Consciousness’. Additionally, our GCSE pupils enjoyed

Authentic Flamenco on the Spanish trip to Granada

a fascinating trip to London, visiting the Central Mosque and Westminster Abbey. Our A Level pupils had the opportunity to attend two conferences in Oxford.

Congratulations to Millie M, who was shortlisted for the Philosophy category of the 2024 John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize. Her essay, entitled ‘Should I be held responsible for what I believe?’, critically analyses moral responsibility, free will and determinism.

As our Upper Sixth pupils prepare to embark on the next chapter of their academic journeys, we wish them all the best. A huge thank you is due to our dedicated Philosophy and Theology mentors – Bee Andrews, Jansci Motsi, Lara Le Quesne, Janae Ng, Eddie Quick, Emily Shi, Theo Snell, Lara Witter and Aggie Zhao – whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts have been crucial in organising and running numerous events throughout the year.

Finally, I thank Mr Weir, Miss Wright, Rev. Jack, Miss Perkins and all our pupils for their energy and enthusiasm, which continues to drive the Philosophy and Theology Department from strength to strength.

Sam Leiper

Physical Education

2023/24 saw another bumper crop of top grades at both A Level and GCSE. The headline figures were that over 50% of our A Level grades were at A* or A, and no one scored below a C. At GCSE 88% of our grades were in the 9-7 range with half of them being 9s. On top of that, during the moderation process both groups were highly praised by the exam board for the quality of their work. Both groups achieved very well on the MidYIS (Middle Years Information System) and ALIS (A Level Information System) baseline testing data, indicating considerable value added brought about not only by the excellent input from teachers, but also by the superb attitude of our pupils towards striving for academic excellence.

Overall numbers in the subject continue to grow. We had

three sets in the Upper Sixth for the first time and in 2024/25 we have three groups in the Fourth Form for the first time. 109 pupils in the school now study PE at A Level or GCSE.

We welcome Ellie Gibbons to our teaching staff. Her primary role at Canford is to head up our netball programme, but she is also putting her sports science degree from Exeter University to good use and contributing to both the GCSE and A Level programmes.

This will be my last Canfordian report for PE as I step down from running the department after 27 years. It is now time for the department to come into the 21st century and replace the decrepit leader with one who has more youthful vigour! Having taught A Level PE part time, Matt Collison steps across from his role heading up the hockey programme to run the PE Department. I have every confidence that he will do an excellent job and will continue to grow the numbers of Canfordians who take their passion for sport and turn it into an academic qualification.

Nick Baugniet

Physics

It has been another busy year in the Physics Department. We continued our commitment to providing pupils with a vehicle to explore the world of Physics and problem-solving. Speaking of vehicles, the Formula 24 club carried on the development of its chassis. The aim is to build a working rolling chassis and then to give the future F24 pupils a budget to allow them to further develop the car. So, if one year the team build an aerodynamic shell, the shell would be removed, the chassis returned to stock and the team given the option to use part of their budget to buy the shell. Hopefully over time we will create many different components, from the steering system to the quality of the electric motor, and the car will get better and better.

The Physics Book Club met twice this year after reading Surely You’re Joking, Mr Feynman by Richard Feynman and Forces of Nature by Professor Brian Cox. The pupils enjoyed articulating their thoughts on a variety of ideas and there was some fantastic debate

Sharon Dircx gave a talk to the Philippa Foot Society under the intriguing title, ‘Am I my brain?’

about the unfinished business in the world of Physics. The evenings are accompanied by talks on research topics that the pupils have chosen, and we were treated to some excellent presentations.

One of our many highlights of the year took place at Bournemouth University in March, where Canford entered two Shell teams into the annual STEM Challenge. The aim of the competition is to encourage girls to see that there is a place for them in STEM fields and that they can have a big impact on creating a sustainable future for future generations. The task each team must solve is to find a solution to a problem experienced by people living in some of the poorest parts of the world. The girls had to demonstrate a prototype of their idea and answer questions from a panel of judges during the evening.

The two Canford teams acquitted themselves well on the night and were both given a Bronze Crest Award. ‘Happy Hygiene’ presented a DIY sanitary pad kit utilising local materials and focused on Vietnam. ‘Waterpack – journey on your back’ introduced a rucksack made of ethical materials for women and children to collect water, focused on the Horn of Africa.

Throughout the six-month project, the girls developed skills of communication, teamwork, problem-solving and resilience, amongst others.

John Allison

Politics

Christmas Term started off on a strong note with Upper Sixth pupils attending the Politics conference, ‘Congress-to-Campus’, in London. There was the opportunity to learn from former members of the US Congress with a meet-and-greet in between sessions. Of particular interest was hearing about the day-to-day personal accounts of working with the different presidents of the United States and some insightful comments on the (then) presidential candidate hopefuls. This type of anecdotal, in-person knowledge cannot be obtained from textbooks nor reliably from the media. Pupils were impressed at the demands on fund-raising for members of Congress, the time spent away from Washington DC, and some of the weaker party ties potentially resulting from these factors.

Easter Term ended on a high as Lower Sixth pupils had the opportunity to complete work experience with our local MP. Activities such as a debate, canvassing and in-depth discussions with members of the MP’s office and Mr Tomlinson himself led to experiences that were discussed in-class and shared on social media.

Younger year groups have also had the opportunity to experience Politics with the Vox Populi carousel (Shells), where pupils were able to analyse the ideal questions to be asked by reporters. They also practised their ‘pitch’ when in the role of a politician. Finally, they justified the strengths of several known UK and US political players with a ‘Why you should vote for me’ presentation.

Presentations continue to remain strong in this subject as pupils practise their debating and analytical skills. Summer Term saw the Lower Sixth taking part in the online House of Lords A Level student session with Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate. They took a lead role in asking questions about the activities of the Lords. Additionally, Lower Sixth pupils have had the opportunity to submit work to the Libra Essay competition in the Politics category. It has been a busy and successful year as pupils embraced their understanding of Politics more fully.

Felicity Johnson

S upport for Learning

It has been a busy year for the Support for Learning and Special Educational Needs Department. Over time, the number of children and young people identified as having Special Educational Needs has grown in all types of educational settings, including Canford. We see ever-increasing numbers of parents requesting specific access arrangements (such as extra time, laptop use or rest breaks) for pupils sitting the Canford entrance test – usually supported by professional reports identifying the need for such arrangements.

As reported frequently, the numbers of young people and adults being diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is also increasing on a national level, resulting in a much publicised lack of the medication used to support the condition. We have continued to develop the Open Minded Group at Canford, which offers our ADHD pupils a safe space for talking about their difficulties and receiving down-toearth advice from their peers. As a staff we had bespoke in-depth training in January on how to effectively support a pupil with ADHD in and out of the classroom, and the SFL Department is currently working to achieve accredited status as an ADHD Friendly School.

Our aim is to reframe what ADHD means to pupils, staff and parents, to remove any thought of it meaning ‘limitation’ or ‘barrier’, to offer effective support when required, but also –importantly – to build on and celebrate the strengths that every pupil has. It is a working model built on high pupil/staff/parent expectations, high levels of challenge in and out of the classroom –but also high levels of support when required.

We continue to develop the Emotional Literacy Support Assistance (ELSA) teams; our ELSAs work to understand the barriers to learning that some children and young people might have and can help them with issues such as loss and bereavement, self-esteem difficulties, problem-solving, managing relationships, managing stress and anxiety.

This year we appointed Canford’s first-ever pupil leader for Support for Learning. She will aid the department in the next year by providing essential pupil insight and feedback, allowing us to develop further the support that we offer.

Andrew Farbridge

ENRICHMENT

The development of our enrichment programme is one way that we ensure that our pupils are curious, broad-thinking and inquisitive. There is a wide offering of supra-curricular activities for our pupils to engage with and we are extremely proud, both of the quality of our provision and also of the level and quality of engagement we see from the pupil body.

October saw the return of our flagship enrichment event, the Festival of Ideas. Fifteen speakers visited the school in total, with each year group having its own bespoke programme of talks. Given the huge events of the last few years, there has been significant discussion around both global and local stability, and therefore our theme was ‘Security’. Our speakers included OC David Cherrett, who delivered a lecture challenging traditional views of global energy supply, and Emmanuel Jal, a former child solider and now successful musician from Sudan. We also continued with the new tradition of inviting a number of Upper Sixth scholars to deliver talks to the Shell year group. For a number of years our senior scholars have delivered talks to junior scholars as part of our scholarship programme, but with the aim of opening up this experience to a wider audience, the pupils that delivered three of the strongest lectures from the previous year were invited to speak at the festival.

The annual Baynham Essay Competition also took place in October. The competition sees every member of the Lower Sixth write a short essay on a topic of their own choosing. The standard of these essays is always impressive, with pupils demonstrating their extensive interests outside the standard confines of their A Levels.

The end of the academic year saw the Fifth Form return to school following their GCSEs. As part of this return,

the whole year group attended an ‘Inspire Day’. The purpose of this was to expose the pupils to some slightly ‘out of the box’ ideas regarding futures beyond Canford. The pupils heard from three visitors, all with different stories to tell via their careers. Former The Apprentice finalist Kathryn Burn spoke of her experience in starting her own businesses, while renowned war photographer Rick Findler talked about the trials and tribulations of his exciting career in conflict zones including Ukraine. The final speaker was the adventurist, explorer and OC, Alex Hibbert, who left pupils feeling inspired to consider their own potential expeditions in the future.

Our ongoing Fifth and Sixth Form enrichment programme also continued this year. Pupils spent two weeks with each subject of their chosen five, exploring the disciplines beyond the confines of the standard exam curriculum. This course enables pupils to extend their learning in new and exciting directions, largely determined by the specialities of our fantastic teaching staff.

James Ings

Colin Stuart talked at the Festival of Ideas about whether humans could live on Mars

OC Alex Hibberd spoke to the post-GCSE fifth-formers

Global Connections

‘We are not solitary creatures; we need connection to thrive,’ observes writer Johann Hari. This sentiment encapsulates Canford’s Global Connections initiatives and achievements this year.

A notable highlight was the launch of our GC360 Instagram page. Updated weekly by our Global Connections pupil leader, this platform has become a vibrant space for sharing school activities, achievements and global educational content. Among the featured events was the Canford/Castle Court/Bourne Academy Mini Model United Nations Conference, focusing on the UNHCR Refugee Crisis. Sixth Form Canfordians played a pivotal role in administering, drafting resolutions and chairing the General Assembly debate, which involved over 70 junior pupils.

Following this event, a series of mini MUN meets were organised

to support Sixth Form pupils in their preparation for our attendance at Gordon’s School annual MUN in March. Eleven Sixth Form Canfordians formed the delegations of Ireland and Algeria, with one Canfordian awarded Best Delegate in the Environment Committee – a truly impressive and well-deserved recognition – and another proposing a resolution on the Uyghur Muslim genocide in China. Building on this rewarding experience, our pupils welcomed scholars from the Bourne Academy during the Summer Term for a Mini MUN to debate the global issue of over-fishing. These initiatives not only enhanced pupils’ understanding of global issues but also strengthened pupil leadership and collaboration skills, reflecting our commitment to developing global awareness.

In addition to our growing Model United Nations programme, pupils have

become increasingly connected through a variety of enriching experiences this year as part of the Monday Global Connections provision. Assistant Director of Hockey, Greg Davis, led an insightful and energetic session on South African culture, focusing on education and energy. We also explored the power of language in the context of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, highlighting the significance of addressing controversial topics in the classroom to enhance pupils’ understanding of international relations and to break down stereotypes, fostering empathy for others’ situations.

Standout highlights in the Easter Term included OC Zac Prentice’s heartfelt talk about his decision to study in Japan and his efforts to understand Japanese culture despite the language barrier. This was followed by an emotional and highly informative talk from OC Bethan Burley, who discussed the unique challenges she faced as a female athlete applying for a sports scholarship in the USA and her experiences as a sports scholar at Southern Methodist University. Pupils were also fortunate to hear from Mary Boateng, our charismatic visiting teacher from our partnership school, Awutu-Winton, Ghana.

Political shifts, along with growing pressures on our global community and environment, underscore the need for young people to understand international dynamics and diverse perspectives. A global education, shaped by fostering connections, equips students with the knowledge and empathy to thrive with a sense of global citizenship.

Lenka Collison

The Mini MUN hosted by Castle Court and including pupils from Canford and the Bourne Academy.

Sixth Form pupils attending Gordon’s School Model United Nations.

Beyond the curriculum

A selection of the numerous activities in which pupils participated regularly during the year but which are not covered elsewhere in The Canfordian

Scuba Diving

Climbing

Shell Carousel

Watersports

Chaplaincy PASTORAL

‘To give life a meaning, one must have a purpose larger than self.’

So wrote American historian and philosopher Will Durant. One of the aims of Canford’s chaplaincy is to help us see that purpose in the Christian gospel. To that end, in our school chapels this year, speakers have helped us think about issues such as happiness, humanity, wealth, words, work, friendship, society and gratitude. We have also looked at Jesus through the eyes of women, questions that Jesus asked in his ministry and the timeless message of the Old Testament story of Daniel. I have been very grateful for a diversity of speakers, including a trainee police detective, an international aid advocate, an aviation insurance broker and a consultant surgeon, as well as pupil guests each week in our Sunday chapels.

The four weekly Bible study groups have been going from strength to strength this year. At some point around 130 pupils have attended one of the groups, with around 45 attending on average each week – which means a lot of brownies were baked! It is a great joy to see young people engaging in questions of faith so openly.

Joshua A-B, Thomas B, Lexi B, Rosie D, Jemima H, Xander J, Maria J, Leo J, Liv J, Ruby M, Amber P, Jack S and Iris W all

attended weekly preparation sessions for a joyful Confirmation service at the beginning of the Summer Term, led by the Bishop of Sherborne, Karen Gorham.

Finally, I would like to express my thanks to departing music staff, Chris Sparkhall and James Aiken, who between them have done so much to make our chapel services full of beautiful music, whether in accompanying weekly hymn singing, producing wonderful choral anthems or overseeing the brilliant special occasions like the carol or leavers’ services. They will be missed.

Rev. Philip Jack

With the Bishop of Sherborne after the Confirmation service

The barbecue for the senior Bible study group

Wellbeing

The strength of the Canford community continues, giving a solid foundation to the promotion of wellbeing for our pupils. This year saw the first-ever Wellbeing concert, named Wellbeing Fest. The wellbeing pupil leaders, Clem Petard and Ivor Ritson, did a tremendous job in bringing together bands, singers, and dance acts from all year groups. Alongside the fun acts were very powerful video recordings shining the light on management of mental health and wellbeing from pupils and staff. We were keen to deliver very important, somewhat raw and honest messaging about how people feel and how they have managed their mental health and wellbeing within our community. As Head of Wellbeing, one of my key aims is to encourage people to learn to offload their worries or troubles, to know that there are always people to support them. The Wellbeing Fest concert was a great platform to combat the stigma around mental health. It was ‘for the pupils from the pupils’.

The aim was to start a legacy whereby the event would help break down the stigma around mental health and wellbeing. It most certainly achieved this and the date for next year is already in the school calendar.

Our peer mentor programme continues to flourish, driven by the success of our pupil mentors helping offer younger years a relatable comrade for support. The year ahead boasts 60 successful applicants into the peer mentor training programme, 60% of whom were previously mentees themselves. Their positive experience of peer support and how useful they found it has made them want to pass this experience on to others. Their willingness to give back to the community is something that shows secure wellbeing. The act of giving to others and helping others has been shown to improve a person's mental health and wellbeing. The training involves learning key talking and listening skills that will benefit them in all walks of life while at Canford and beyond.

Melissa Clinton

One of the fantastically talented bands raising the roof with a superb performance at the Wellbeing Fest concert included Upper Sixth pupils Isla Knatchbull, Ivor Ritson, Ed Timberlake and Adriano Hedley

Wellbeing house rep Fred, talking about where people can access support for mental health at Canford, giving reassurance and options for pupils within our community.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This year’s pupil-led EDI programme aimed to celebrate diversity at Canford.

In October, during Black History Month, pictures of inspirational black women were displayed in the serveries. Menus based on choices made by the African Caribbean and Mixed Community group were devoured. Shaun Flores, one of the Festival of Ideas speakers, sparked conversations around intersectionality by discussing his ‘Search for masculinity whilst living with OCD’. Emmanuel Jal shared his journey from ‘Child soldier to award-winning musician’.

In November, our pupil leaders sought to raise awareness of common issues men face. We raised money for a men’s health charity who seek to develop new screening techniques for prostate cancer, create counselling groups for schoolboys and support LGBT+ men through the complexities of fatherhood. We launched a house competition where one champion was nominated from each house to grow a moustache.

In January, to mark World Religion Day, we invited the Many Faiths group to discuss with our Fifth Form aspects of different faiths. On Holocaust Memorial Day, we held a candle-lighting event around the fountain on the Sunken Lawn to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Holocaust. Once again, in February we marked the Chinese New Year. Our Chinese New Year cultural festival in the Long Gallery offered a range of activities for all pupils and staff, including calligraphy, music, Chinese chess and lion dance equipment.

In May, the International Society teamed up with the catering department to promote Canford World Map Day. Being international doesn’t have a set definition – it comes from your family, where you were born, where you’ve lived or where you live now. After enjoying the '7-continents’ lunch, pupils came to the world map in the Headmaster’s lobby

‘Celebrating black sisters’ – the Black History Month display that pupils saw as they collected their meals

On World Map Day, pupils place stickers on a world map in the Headmaster’s lobby to show the diverse nature of the Canford community

to place stickers on the countries that make up their international background and identity. In June, for Pride, we held a house competition where pupils produced an image, in house colours and Andy Warhol style, of a member of the LGBT+ community who was a role model of some description.

Richard Redwood

HOUSE REPORTS

BEAUFORT

Many of us are familiar with James Kerr’s Legacy, which looks at how resilience, teamwork and leadership have been key in the success of the All Blacks’ rugby. The Beaufort girls of 2023/24 have, more than ever, bought into the idea of commitment, collaboration and taking the initiative to ensure that each and every one of them did their bit to ‘leave the (pink) jersey in a better place’.

Whilst for the All Blacks the haka is used to bond and to intimidate the competition, for Beaufort it was Maroon 5’s ‘Moves like Jagger’! They sang and danced as one and came away victorious in the House Song for the first time in years.

Beaufort is a ‘team that passes’...one where everyone takes responsibility for improvement. This message was reinforced through the newly created house forums and our reinvigorated house families (named after Austen, Tabei, Parks and other inspirational women from around the globe). The most successful house families were rewarded with Domino’s pizza or Breakfast in Beaufort and other similarly appealing gastronomic delights.

The All Blacks learn that ‘champions do extra’, and so did those taking external exams. Hour after hour – in the library, house kitchens, the Beaufort quiet room, common rooms, the Geography Department office – ensured that our Fifth Form and Upper Sixth smashed their exams, allowing them to move on to the next phase seamlessly.

Our Upper Sixth leavers very generously left a parting gift of a set of Beaufort mugs (much needed!), a pot plant and some sun loungers. But they leave behind so much more: initiators of the inaugural Wellbeing Fest, organisers of charity balls, winners of girls’ house competitions in football, cross-country, tennis and squash, head of school, the voice of those who aren’t yet comfortable enough to express their own – these are just a few ways in which the Beaufort girls have made their mark.

Graham Henry (All Blacks coach) famously commented, ‘You don’t own the jersey... you’re just the body in the jersey at the time. It’s your job to continue the legacy and add to it when you get the opportunity.’ Beaufort have worn the shirt with pride this year and have built on the community with which they were entrusted. The future is bright, the future is pink!

Clare Jess

The mighty Court griffins soared this academic year, and while awe-inspiring in representation – they’re always there to support each other, whether in House Debating, sports competitions or in reaching out when times are tough – and achievement in house and school events, their most epic achievement is in strengthening their reputation as the gentlemen of Canford School. Armed with the knowledge that ‘manners maketh man’ and the motto ‘be couth’, they work hard to brighten the day of those around them.

Of course, they are also competitive griffins who want to win – graciously – in every arena. There have been disappointments, like our heavily favoured junior football team, packed with ballers, losing their semi-final on ‘shots on target’; or in failing to greenwash House Film, with only Gabe O rewarded with a statuette; or getting to the finals of both House Cricket competitions but not getting our hands on the silverware, especially in the Felix I-led junior team that lost by three measly runs.

But actually, these were wins. In House Football, for example, the Green Army support turned out in force, and it was beautiful to watch the boys play the game – and play it in the right spirit, with encouragement, positivity and a real sense of collective joy. And our House Film entry was superb: the Courtified remake of Saltburn was clever, witty, brilliantly shot and superbly acted and directed.

Of course, there was plenty of silverware too. There was the annual retention of the House Tennis trophy; the same in the Canford Gallop, with Isaac A blitzing that final leg; more glory in House Crosscountry, where Harry ‘Concorde’ P, Oli D and Tommy G won gold, silver and bronze respectively in their categories; the tremendous win of the contemporary category in House Music, where Kerry G gave us the most beguiling frontman since Freddie Mercury; and the rise towards the top of the assessment charts, which shows maturity and dedication, as well as resulting in sterling exam results across the board.

We build a lot of our community around the breaking of bread – marshmallow fire pits, waffle evenings, pupil-led house suppers, Court House Dining Society, and of course the legendary Pizza Fest™, to give a taster – and the well-fed Green Army marches happily on towards another year of joy and shared experience.

Sindre Vandvik

This has been another busy year for de Lacy as we had thirteen new girls join the house.

DE LACY

The new girls were quick to realise that energy levels needed to be high to keep up with Canford life, but also recognised that they were part of a community as the house welcomed them and provided space to relax, chat and make new friends. The house sister, peer mentoring and house family events all encouraged mixing between the year groups, with dancing to the Wii proving a popular ice-breaker.

It was not long until the new portable house speaker was put to use as House Music came together, with car park rehearsals becoming the norm. The girls have co-ordinated their own projects, be it collecting leaves for House Art, filming murders around the school for House Film or researching women’s rights as part of a wider debate. I love that

there are always volunteers for these events and no house competition was left without an entry; in fact, we ended on a high by winning both categories of the Canford Gallop.

Academic studies have been high on people’s minds. All years have had exams of one form or another, but GCSEs can always be a pressure test and our girls chose to use the house as a base, rarely leaving during their study leave. All year groups have helped each other to find a balance as they used spaces around the house. There has been a positive working atmosphere, whose productivity has allowed other moments to be used for fun and laughter.

It has been another great year which leaves the house team wondering how so much can be fitted in, but somehow we manage it and it is to the girls’ credit that they do it in such good humour.

Sascha Deblander

It has been a fantastic year in Franklin. The pupils have ensured that it remains a safe, happy and inclusive environment where every one of them tries their best in all areas of Canford life.

In September we welcomed fourteen new pupils to Franklin who settled in rapidly under the guidance of the house leadership team. House Music appeared on the horizon almost immediately. Oscar Bailey and Ross Jemmett arranged our entry and, in their fifth and final House Music, did wonderfully. The house song (‘What makes you beautiful’) was sung with typical enthusiasm and with a dedication towards a range of dance moves, approximately in time. The classical was beautifully brought together and the contemporary, George Ezra’s ‘Hold my girl’, was very unfortunate not to win. A win against Court in a ‘University Challenge’, a well-thought-out House Art entry and, after a term of house runs, some top-rate performances in House Cross-country capped off a fine first term.

Easter Term’s highlights included the best Sounds of Franklin to date with ten of the house performing their instruments to the rest of the house. Other notable moments include Oscar Lineker-

Bennett and Samuel Symes catching a huge pike, and a very thoughtful House Debating entry. It marked the end of the Upper Sixth’s tenure as leaders in the house and they left huge shoes to fill. Sam Janaway, Samuel Symes, Oscar Lineker-Bennett and all of the Upper Sixth have been the most phenomenal group of humans during their time here. They all look out for each other through thick and thin, and will be greatly missed next year.

Summer marked the most successful term with wins in the senior House Football, junior House Cricket and some of the rowing events. The new pizza oven, house parties, BBQs and trips made for some excellent summer activities. During this fun, much of the house prepared for the challenges of external exams, working incredibly hard throughout the year but particularly in the final term.

I am immensely proud of all that the pupils have achieved this year. There have been notable successes in all spheres of Canford life but I have been most impressed with the characters they have shown, looking out for each other and supporting each other when times are tough.

Will Linley-Adams

We are totally settled now in our new house and thoroughly enjoying the new facilities. Unity and participation have remained at the forefront of our mind and once more our contemporary piece for House Music, ‘Skyfall’, had pupils from all year groups within it. This united front culminated in our wonderful rendition of ‘Umbrella’ as our House Song and although we would have won hands down for both volume and enthusiasm, perhaps we didn’t quite get enough of the tunefulness marks –but who knew that that was a thing!

Continuing the musical theme, the house put together one of the best-ever charity concerts with three wonderful ‘boy-bands’ making enthusiastic appearances, five brilliant year group songs and some superb instrumental pieces.

Once more, Lancaster had stars in the theatre with Gianluca C showing us the way with a fantastic lead role performance in One Man, Two Guvnors. In Amadeus Gianluca went on to take ‘Wolfgang’ to new heights with an ever-changing role in this tricky play before starring once more in Bugsy Malone! Alongside drama, the house went about trying to make it three

House Film victories in a row but were just undone, finishing second. This omission of the usual ‘creative arts trophy’ was subsequently filled by the House Art team with a wonderful Green Lantern effect that quite literally caught the judge’s eye.

House sport has once more provided us with the opportunity to show our spirit, togetherness and fun. Although this is the bigger picture victory, actual victories came to us in junior House Football and the House Regatta. Dan C, Arun S, Archie J, Will F and Millie G can be delighted with the latter as it underlined their huge success at school level, too, where the entire coxed IV A boat was Lancaster!

We had a lovely evening at the Waterpark together in mid-May and one of our very best Christmas dinners with the entertainment being from the top drawer. Some great senior prefects have left their legacies, but we would all like to thank Tom Kiff and Lara Crorie for the huge amount that they did to promote, enhance and drive our team spirit. All that is left is to wish good luck to the new leadership team under the guidance of Izzy B and Woody W.

Owen Parkin

This year’s Upper Sixth have been a special year group. They missed their last term in the Shells in 2020 and spent most of their Fourth Form in and out of various lockdowns. As a result, over the last three years, they have done their best to catch up on all the lost opportunities Canford has to offer and have thrown themselves into life here. During those strange Covid years, different year groups could not interact at all and so this group lacked the ‘big sister’ element at a time when they needed it most. Those who joined them in the Lower Sixth will no doubt have missed out in the same way at previous schools. As seniors this year they have all fulfilled the older sister role with a passion and enthusiasm which have been a privilege to witness. The warmth of Marriotts at the moment is in large part due to their gentle kindness as a group. We wish them all the very best for their exciting futures.

In September 2023, we welcomed nine new Shells and two new fourth-formers, and in November another Shell. These girls settled extremely well and have benefited from the genuine friendliness and approachability of the Sixth Form girls.

This happy and supportive atmosphere has enabled the Marriotts girls to achieve great things in many areas of school life. We have those who excel in a huge variety of disciplines and this diversity of talents is admired and appreciated by all. It is always a triumph when a team wins a house competition, whether sporting, musical, artistic or dramatic. This year, our greatest house achievement was winning the House Film competition. We took three awards: best overall film, best actress and best director. Most of the Marriotts girls were involved in some way and so this was a happy and proud moment.

We are very lucky to have a strong and well-loved matron and tutor team. Having had a few changes over the last couple of years, I am glad to report that the present team will remain for next year. It is wonderful that they enjoy their duties in Marriotts; indeed, I don’t know anyone, staff member or pupil, who does not love being a part of the Marriotts family.

Katie Salmon

It has been a real year of change for Monteacute: fifteen new boys, three new house tutors, including Mr Scott, our assistant housemaster, and one new housemaster. However, the boys have taken it all in their stride.

As ever, House Music was a highlight. Alas, we could not make it four wins in a row, but it was such a joy to see the enthusiasm and effort across all year groups. It is often said that a boarding house is a big family, and this was really on show, with Upper Sixth choosing to hand over parts of this year’s entry to the fourth-formers to help them grow and develop, as well as in the way some new pupils stepped up to fill in gaps with just hours’ notice, despite being only a few weeks into their Canford career.

There have been whole house successes, including wins in House Tennis and University Challenge. In addition, Monteacutians have been active across the school with Monteacute over-represented in both the victorious Rifles’ Cup team and the Royal Marines’ Pringle Trophy competition, as well as playing key roles in various first-team sports and all the major school drama productions.

There have been too many outstanding

individual performances to list, but just a few that particularly bear mention are Kunwho’s UK top 50 finish in the Maths Olympiad, Jansci’s breaking of the school 100m record that has stood since my time as a pupil here, Felix’s highly successful writing of the school panto, and Seb’s excellent lead performance in Bugsy Malone

Despite all these amazing achievements, the most special part of my first year at the helm in Monteacute has been the way the boys, parents, and staff have pulled together to welcome so many new faces, my own family included. I am indebted to our amazing staff and pupil leadership teams, with particular thanks to Maz Charlotte, who has given so much to the house over the years and now moves on to do the same in Lancaster.

Like any family, it is not always plain sailing, but one only needs to look at the house volleyball court to take its temperature. Boys from all years, all playing and working together, with a healthy dose of competition. If this is the house at the end of the first year, I am very much looking forward to the next.

Matthew Pringle

Salisbury’s first full year in the Manor House began with a slam dunk in the House Music competition. We saw the return of the day house song bowl, and our classical and contemporary were once again superb, winning us the classical and overall House Music prize. While we might have grumbled at the hours of preparation, we all enjoyed the feeling of elation and the pizza slices that followed. Many Salisburians performed on the stage and behind the scenes this year. Daisy Pinner, Charlotte Kersey, Johannes Bishop-Weston and Darcey W performed in a production of Amadeus worthy of the West End and there was plenty of Salisbury representation in the panto, One Man, Two Guvnors and Bugsy Malone. A breadth of creativity and talent was on show for the annual charity concert in April, where the Salisbury family raised a whopping £1138.59 for the Meningitis Research Foundation and several Salisburians contributed to the fashion show as models and designers.

A good number of house competitions have been contested, including House Drama, for which Freya B won best script. An excellently researched presentation by Lucy V, Tim K and Tommy W for the proposition, ‘AI will solve more problems than it will

create’, saw them beat Wimborne in the House Debating competition. Our juniors did us proud in House Squash: the boys were overall runners-up and the girls came third – not an easy feat for a day house. Our netballers showed customary Salisbury spirit and clearly had fun while enjoying some quality netball play, and our junior team qualified for the play-off for third place. And House Football (girls and boys) brought different year groups together for some fun in the sun as we approached the dreaded exam season. As usual, it was wonderful to see so many red and black t-shirts on the water for the Annual Regatta, where once again, Darcey won the single sculling for her category.

We will miss our Upper Sixth leavers tremendously. Our outgoing Heads of House have been superb: Ellie Paget and James Hornung continued to foster our sense of house identity and can-do spirit. We wish all our Salisburian leavers the very best as they move on to exciting opportunities beyond the gates – they worked exceptionally hard and should be proud of all they achieved during their time at Canford.

Hannah Ryan

SCHOOL HOUSE

In the aftermath of Covid, thoughts nationwide turned ever further towards the importance of wellbeing, and this is no different within education and School House’s thoughts for its pupils. So I was very excited to hear our head of house, Ed Timberlake, talk so passionately about developing a more focussed plan for wellbeing, with a particular emphasis on men’s mental health.

Through discussion, research and planning, we identified the work of Dr Rangan Chatterjee and his 4 Pillar Plan as a suitable handrail to house wellbeing. In his work, Dr Chatterjee advocates a proactive approach to holistic wellbeing, balancing activity across the pillars of Eat, Sleep, Move and Relax. The house formed a wellbeing committee and identified initiatives across all four pillars, putting them into practice with the aim of improving the wellbeing of all. These projects have included anything from daily dingbats, monthly fitness challenges, talks on nutrition and sleep, gathering rubbish to review eating habits, peer mentoring, house family events and starting an annual wellbeing survey.

With Ed’s focus on men’s mental health, we also decided to raise money for the charity Movember, running a five-a-side football tournament one Sunday between the different houses. The day was a huge success and meant that the house chose to continue its charity drive. A community effort to ‘travel’ to Kyiv raised £930 for the British Red Cross Society – Ukraine Crisis Appeal, and then six of the Lower Sixth took part in a sponsored sky dive, raising £3464 for The Hub – Bridging the Gap. This charitable focus has been a positive addition to the house calendar and output, and is an area I hope we will continue to promote in the future.

School House continues to go from strength to strength, with a wonderfully caring and positive community which provides the supportive conditions for the boys to thrive and reach their potential across a plethora of fields. As ever, it is the people that make the house community so special, so it has been wonderful to welcome in a new crop of Shells, as well as wave goodbye to a first-rate group of Upper Sixths as they complete their A Levels and walk away from Canford full of optimism for their futures – Godspeed to all!

Ben Coward

Another year to be proud of in Wimborne! We stormed to second place in University Challenge, seeing off Salisbury decisively. First prize in House Art was collected with an incredible tribute to Mother Nature involving a sculpture illuminated in the woods. House Debating was based around the thorny topic of AI, and Arthur de L walked away with the star speaker award. House Poetry saw us win an overall house prize as well as Oscar G being awarded second place for his poem ‘8 minutes’, based on the theme ‘Refuge’.

When Wimbornians put on the maroon Wimborne jersey, they give it their all, no matter what their level, no matter what the outcome. The Christmas Term ended with the annual House Crosscountry race, where our Fourth Form boys won their category with Ethan Y running home to a podium finish! Overall, Wimborne placed fourth, which is one of our strongest historically, but the best thing is the sideline support and festive community feel of this event. House Football really gathered momentum this year with both boys’ and girls’ teams being fiercely competitive. The girls maintained their stellar record, walking away with the bronze position. Great to see all years involved here!

The re-imagined charity concert in February, now The Greatest Showquiz, was great fun and particular thanks must go to the musicians who performed in the ‘Guess the song’ round. Overall, over £1000 was raised for the Teenage Cancer Trust and I am immensely grateful for your support of this cause and the event.

On the stage we have been truly spoiled for choice and Wimborne have thrown themselves into everything going, from the brilliant and side-splitting One Man, Two Guvnors, to the intense emotional journey of Amadeus, to the Christmas Term finishing off in true panto style with Wimborne juniors doing the house proud in Treasure Island, many of them reappearing in Bugsy Malone!

Our Upper Sixth all leave us to take up places at excellent universities, head off on exciting gap years, or step up into the world of work. I am indebted to them for the leadership, support and fun that they have provided the house with, particularly Tom Hopwood and Liv Fordham as the heads of house.

Naomi Ings

MUSIC Creative Arts

‘How do you keep the music playing?’

So goes the opening line of a song by Legrand and Bergman and as I write this, my final Canfordian article, I find myself pondering those words. After all, for the last 25 years, 19 of which have been as Director of Music, that question has been at the heart of my working life. If I have encouraged five generations of Canford’s musicians to nothing else in the pursuit of an answer to that question, I hope I have encouraged them to excellence.

At the risk of hubristic pride (I am writing this considerably before the 2024 exam results), one might dwell momentarily on the fact that our academic music results have always been terrific, with top grades substantially in the majority. Results from music examinations of instruments and singing have similarly been more than a little favourable compared with those in other schools. The current Upper Sixth leave while holding between them seventeen grade 8s and nine diplomas. Given that a letterbearing diploma is equivalent to first-year university study, this is excellent – and then some.

Results, though, are just the splendid icing on a well-baked musical cake (and we do like cake in the Music Department). We have, through the year, enjoyed the talents

of these top-notch performers as well as those of their younger peers. From Lara Witter’s expressive piano playing in the A Level recitals to the dramatic singing in the ‘Night at the Musicals’ concert from Millie Jeffries, Chloe Markham and Lottie CrossCourt; from the superb saxophone solos in ‘Mass in Blue’, which Charlotte Kersey played so commandingly, to the terrific carol service solos from Thomas Sparkhall, Johannes Bishop-Weston, Thomas Herbert, Laura Edwards and Imi Marley; from Michael Campbell and Ed Timberlake’s shapely orchestral solos in Schubert’s ‘Unfinished’ Symphony to the last of many ‘Last Posts’ (at least, at Canford) from Julian Newell; and from the accomplished and musically stunning leadership of the orchestra from Lukas Svedberg to the myriad of committed contributions from Ross Jemmett, Maddie

Spraigue, Mia Ulyett, Lara Crorie and Will Lowbridge (at this point, I am really hoping I haven’t forgotten anyone), these single snapshots of individual moments risk suggesting that this was all these fine pupils have done. Of course it is not. All of them have done so much more, having contributed to several ensembles and countless concerts, performed many more solos and enriched the music-making of the department throughout all that they do. They have also been unfailingly enthusiastic and good-humoured. ‘How do you keep the music playing?’ Answer: ‘With pupils like this’. Noting that a couple of fifth-formers also leave us this term, Connie Mowat and Felicity Alston are to be mentioned for their similarly dedicated contributions to our musical life.

In a year that was as packed with

The success of the Music Department is built on the talents of an exceptional team of visiting and full-time staff.

concerts as any, some of which are more fully reviewed separately, a few personal highlights beyond the major events included the Chamber Choir Evensong at Winchester Cathedral, where they tackled, and performed with panache, some exceptionally demanding repertoire. I’ve heard worse cathedral and collegiate choirs than Canford’s chamber choir. In the summer concert they took on the challenge of Walton’s ‘The Twelve’: nothing gives me more pleasure than to hear my singers literally skipping out of the building, joyfully singing the fugal subject from this kind of obscure choral repertoire. In similar vein, the choice of the Jazz Band to work on ‘Whiplash’ reflected their ambition and drive to be excellent. I can’t imagine why they referred me to the film of that name, featuring as it does a brutal Musical Director whose rehearsal techniques include making the drummer play until his fingers bleed and throwing a chair at him when he’s out of time. It’s a tough play, with an irregular metre and even more irregular rhythmic groupings, but the pupils loved

every minute of the learning and, even more, loved the success of mastering it.

However, the pupils do not achieve all of this very considerable success without the input of their teachers. The success of the Music Department is built on the talents of an exceptional team of visiting and full-time staff. They are all accomplished professionals as both teachers and performers. What marks them out for me, though, is their singular commitment to and care for the progress of their pupils. Every time I see a lesson, I watch this dedication and, of course, a dedicated teacher tends to bring about a dedicated pupil. Katie Salmon, Ali Hardie, Sarah Holloway and James Aiken are superb colleagues and the success of the department and of the pupils is shared between them and the visiting teachers in equal measure. Here are teachers who stretch, inspire and always ask their pupils to be even better.

I am reminded of a Speech Day some years ago when the then Headmaster, John Lever, spoke warmly of the teaching staff. He described his most important

role as being to appoint the best staff he could and indicated that doing so would allow him the luxury of sitting back to let them get on with it! I have been fortunate to have had the best team of staff I could imagine. I have been similarly blessed to have had five generations of Canfordians who have been the best pupils. I’m not so good at the ‘sitting back’ and I know I have often, perhaps always, been a demanding Director of Music, but I think that staff and pupils alike have largely shared my drive for excellence. Has everything here been a bed of constant roses? Well, yes. Because roses also have thorns and the bushes have, in recent years, produced ever more thorns. To pretend otherwise would be disingenuous. Nonetheless, there is much I shall miss about this place, and the people with whom I have made music and constantly striven to be better will be chief amongst that.

The song with which I started has an equally apt ending.

‘How do you keep the music playing… If we can try with every day to make it better as it goes with any luck then, I suppose the music never ends’

Christopher Sparkhall

A Night at the Musicals II

When it is your last one, your swansong, your final voyage to the edge of harmonic ecstasy, then the temptation tends to pull you in one of two directions: either revisit past glories and review/replay the ‘best bits’ from all those previous triumphs. Or be bold, be brave, be courageous and break new ground yet again. Now I have come to know the departing Christopher ‘Sparky’ Sparkhall over the years, and when I heard that I would have the privilege once more of casting my inexpert ear over his musical mélanges, I had no doubt as to the path he would tread. ‘Strap yourself in,’ (I said to myself) ‘it’s going to be a radical ride.’ And I wasn’t wrong.

The concert started smoothly enough as Mr Hardie guided the Orchestra through a selection from Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera. The audience were given no warning (some were still idly conversing with neighbours) when that strong opening chord abruptly grabbed them by their ears, followed by the descending chromatic scales in orchestral unison. Then off through a whirlwind of such recognisable melodies, both gentle and bittersweet, then dark and threatening. Then on to a rather more recent stage offering, the sublime Wicked! by Stephen Schwartz and the show-stopping duet, ‘Defying gravity’.

Next, the Concert Band with Mrs Salmon performed a wonderful shimmy through that Shakespearian wannabe, West Side Story, from the first chords announcing the arrival of the Jets and the Sharks, through the poignant melody of the lovers’ lament of ‘Tonight’, to the ironic homage to the migrants’ new home, ‘America’, where, as everyone hopes and believes, ‘There’s a place for us’.

To follow, James Aiken conducted the Imperial Guard (aka the Wind Orchestra) through some fine melodies – some sad, some touching, and others downright militaristic –from Les Misérables. But after that stirring Gallic fare, we were transported back stateside, to a deceptively edgy show called Hairspray; the Wind Orchestra gave us a fine, bouncy rendition of an upbeat number, ‘You can’t stop the beat’. Jazzy James was in his element.

As the concert moved towards its climax, the Head Honcho took the baton as the Jazz Band came onto the stage. Over the next half hour, we all learnt something about this band leader: that when he finally shuffles from the orchestra pit of this musical theatre to a new realm, he wants to be reincarnated; but actually going backwards in time to take on the life of Cole Porter. And as his parting gift to us, he let us see, or more accurately hear, what he is going to get up to, with a succession of some of Cole Porter’s most enduring and toe-tapping, larynx-humming greatest numbers. Sparky invited some of his favourite vocalists to join him and the Jazz Band on the stage. It was easy to see how popular these musical gems have been over the years, and how memorable they are with so many of the audience mouthing along (or perhaps just a little sotto voce singing as well?) to every verse and chorus.

What a splendid addition to the evening, to send us all home with a shimmy and a shake to go with our croaky rendition of the lyrics.

But Sparky was holding his pièce de résistance back for the final two numbers: ‘Blow, Gabriel, Blow’ and ‘Anything Goes’. As Gabriel blew, six young ladies gave us a splendidly choreographed routine that paid homage to the chorus lines of Broadway at its best. I don’t know how they felt inside; possibly a little nervous, given this first outing with the Jazz Band? But if they were, it didn’t show one jot. This troupe of hoofers were excellent, supporting the chanteuse and they also performed a fine group routine. Even better, as all the vocalists returned to the stage, the dancers stayed out with them to give the final number a really joyous and ensemble feel. What a splendid addition to the evening, to send us all home with a shimmy and a shake to go with our croaky rendition of the lyrics. So the end has come and a new hand will soon be on the tiller. As for Sparky, his commitment to the encouragement of excellence amongst our senior musicians has been evident and profound for the decade I have been attending these concerts. They love what they do, they appreciate the improvements that he has inspired in them – and they still have a laugh at the most extraordinary dancing spider routine he manages when he conducts.

Jo Toy

Concert at St John’s Smith Square

While we are blessed with our own dedicated concert auditorium at Canford, nestled in the arboretum, it is indeed lovely to be able to nip into town on a Sunday and perform in a venue as gorgeous as St John’s Smith Square (now Smith Square Hall): an experience that will doubtless be treasured in the hearts of many a Canfordian who has had the opportunity to play there. Canfordians young and old(er) were there in number: current pupils in the Combined Choirs, Wind Orchestra, Concert Band and Orchestra, who were rehearsing most of the day and then performing in the concert itself, and Old Canfordians, parents, staff and former heads of school and colleagues, who came to listen, including the Friends of Canford Music, who helped to ensure the smooth running of the event.

The Orchestra, under the baton of Alistair Hardie and bow of Lukas Svedberg, kicked off proceedings with the two finished movements of Schubert’s Eighth (Unfinished)

Symphony. The first movement (allegro moderato) was full and rousing, and the second movement (andante con moto) was sensitive, full of emotion, with notable and outstanding woodwind, crowned by some beautiful oboe solo moments from Ed Timberlake. For the audience members watching and listening, the timing of the concert was such that the percussion section was rather dramatically silhouetted in front of the west window as the sun set behind them.

Following this, the Concert Band, conducted by Katie Salmon, gave an entertaining performance of ‘Dem Bones’ (by James Weldon Johnson, arr. Michael Story). Alexander G’s trombone solo was magnificent, and as tongue-in-cheek as one can be whilst trying to play a brass instrument! Mrs Salmon stepped aside, and the Concert Band was then joined by the Wind Orchestra for a delightful rendition of ‘Clouds that sail in Heaven’ by Todd Stalter, directed by James Aiken, which had those of us that know it (silently!) humming in the aisles to the familiar ‘All creatures of our God and King’.

The Wind Orchestra then gave us a confident and hearty rendition of Ralph Vaughan Williams’s Folk Song Suite (1. March – Seventeen Come Sunday, 2. Intermezzo – My Bonny Boy and 3. March – Folk Songs from Somerset), with the silhouette of Jon A scampering from side to side to make sure all percussion bases were covered!

And then a treat for which we have had to wait four years;

in March 2020 we were due to hear Will Todd’s ‘Mass in Blue’ at the Lighthouse, Poole, but we all know all too well what happened then. Fast forward four years (something I’m sure many of us would have wanted to do in 2020) and we finally got to hear Grace Gammell (OC) hitting some unbelievably sublime notes as she effortlessly sang over the solid and syncopated foundation provided superbly by the Combined Choirs, our own Mr James ‘Jazz Club (Nice!)’ Aiken on piano, a couple of professional friends on bass guitar and drums (modestly hidden almost offstage), and Charlotte Kersey on saxophone playing with Jan Garbarek-ian sensitivity. As it transpired, this was not only to be one of Charlotte’s final concerts with the school, and Mr Sparkhall’s last ‘away’ fixture, but Mr Aiken’s (an OC once already!) too as they now join Grace as musicians formerly of Canford School. For those of us in the audience, however, it was quite simply a beautiful and a moving end to a wonderful concert in a heavenly venue, featuring many, many Canfordian stars.

Al Tyndall

...it was quite simply a beautiful and a moving end to a wonderful concert in a heavenly venue, featuring many, many Canfordian stars.

Having left Canford in 2016, it was with some sense of trepidation that I returned for the summer concert this year. So many things about the place have changed: new faces on the staff, new buildings and of course an entire cohort of pupils I had never encountered. I worried, as I am sure anyone naturally would have done, that perhaps it would be too different or that I had somehow painted the glorious days of my time here as with too rose a tint. I could not have been more wrong.

From the exceptional lighting, production values and – of course – confetti cannons through to the beautifully produced souvenir programme, filled with insightful and thoughtprovoking content, this was an exceptional event that helped to bring Christopher Sparkhall’s 25-year stint as Director of Music to a close in the most appropriate possible way.

And then, of course, there was the music.

We began with an electrifying rendition of Marquez’s Danzon No. 2 performed by the school orchestra under the direction of Alistair Hardie. The complex and intersecting Mexican rhythms were delivered with intense Latin passion and there were some extraordinary solos, articulating the more tender and poignant moments.

The Wind Orchestra combined with the Concert Band delivered the second two items – Katie Salmon conducting Terry Gilkyson’s playful ‘Bare necessities’ (which had the audience tapping their feet and fighting back the urge to sing along) followed by that old Manilow standard, ‘Copacabana’. We may have been missing Lola the showgirl, but Sarah Holloway and Chris Sparkhall provided an excellent cowbell

obligato throughout. The need for careful rhythmic accuracy in pieces like this is often overlooked and while it was certainly fun and enormously enjoyable to listen to, James Aitken’s careful ministrations at the helm ensured that pitch and pace were perfection throughout.

hardly ever performed, let alone by schools. Its rhythmic complexities and jagged harmonic landscape require of the choir not only talent by the bucketload, but also an awareness of each other and of the general texture and feel of the whole work. It was a mesmerising moment in the concert and, once again, there were some outstanding solo moments from both male and female voices.

...the Chapel Choir delivered an exhilarating rendition of Stanford’s

‘For lo I raise up’.

After a brief interval which allowed the audience a much-needed moment to cool off and rehydrate on what was a very warm June evening indeed, the Chapel Choir delivered an exhilarating rendition of Stanford’s ‘For lo I raise up’ – a powerful piece in its own right and performed here with remarkable attention to detail, the light and shade being brought out expertly by Chris, who has always been able to make the musical work relevant to the particular voices in each ensemble.

Having had barely a moment to pause for breath in the wake of this outstanding piece, the Chamber Choir proceeded to do full justice to Walton’s ‘The Twelve’. This exceptionally difficult piece (indeed, Chris once described the organ part to me as ‘more or less unplayable’ – I noted that he had left this particular privilege to James on this occasion) is

The evening culminated with four items from the Jazz Band – the theme from Monster’s Inc, and the devilishly difficult theme from the film Whiplash (and here I feel the drummer ought to be singled out for special mention – no chairs were thrown at this performance) before the two vocal numbers that closed out the evening.

The first of these was ‘New York, New York’ – delivered powerfully and with a rightful sense of joy and optimism by Thomas Sparkhall, whose dulcet tones blended perfectly with the brass and strings behind him to brilliantly evoke the golden age of Hollywood. The final piece – a reworded version of Jule Styne’s ‘Don’t rain on my parade’ saw four soloists join in a truly joyful and uplifting performance that was exploding with their clear sense of enjoyment well before the confetti cannons went off.

Chris may be leaving Canford this year – and James too – but I am convinced that their ability to help pupils find fun and enjoyment in their music-making while at the same time doing it to a quite exceptional standard will go on. There are very few schools where one can look at any member of any ensemble and see them performing with as much joy and enthusiasm as talent. That is quite the legacy to be leaving behind.

Maurice Walters

Summer Concert

DRAMA Creative Arts

We have a very clear plan when it comes to the Drama Department.

We want to excite, engage and entertain not just those that take part on and off stage but also our hugely supportive audiences. Putting together an annual programme of productions takes much deliberation as we think about all the different year groups who participate and the various demographics who make up our audiences: Canford staff, pupils and parents, and of course the wider Layard community.

2023-24 was as varied a year as we have had, with the hilarious One Man, Two Guvnors, the re-imagined contemporary staging of Amadeus, the chaotic, messy Bugsy Malone and our latest panto, Treasure Island. Alongside these mainstage productions, we had smaller performances of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Grimm Tales, Doctor Faustus and a variety of devised and exam performances. There was certainly something for everybody to watch or be a part of.

Friday Foyers continued to grow in popularity with attendances sometimes reaching 70 pupils.

Friday Foyers continued to grow in popularity with attendances sometimes reaching 70 pupils (was it just the cans of Coke and donuts on offer? Surely not!) and Kevin Wilkins’s tech club added even more to the numbers of pupils who are the army of backstage helpers operating and designing sound and lights and completing scene changes with the utmost ease. One Man was a particularly complex set, designed by Upper Sixth Will Lowbridge, and Bugsy Malone created the sort of mess stage crews have nightmares about!

In November we were joined by Daniel Ings, who gave a fascinating insight into the life of a jobbing actor as well as working with the cast of One Man, having been in the play in the West End himself. Pupils have since enjoyed watching Dan in The Gentleman and spotting him in a variety of other programmes and films.

This year we bade farewell to Jonathon Ledger and Karina Smith, two of our performing arts technicians. Although with us for only a year, Karina’s gentle, calm and positive manner meant she was a joy to work with in the theatre. Her artistic flair and eye for detail brought much to the props and scenic design elements of the job. Jonathon, an Old Canfordian, returned to the school after completing an engineering course at Cambridge. His brilliant mind, with an eye for technicality, coupled with his own creative ideas and a work ethic which was nothing short of machine-like, means he will be sorely missed by the Drama and Music Departments and by the school as a whole. We wish them both well.

We also said goodbye to an Upper Sixth who gave huge amounts to the department during their five years at Canford. They wrote pantos, they performed in hundreds of roles, some big, some small. They designed sets, they designed lights, they mixed and operated sound, they performed in the bands for various musicals. As a year group these young men and women led by example and will be sorely missed. Big boots to fill but I know that the present cohort of drama students will give it a real go in 2024-25!

Rikki Jackson

One Man, Two Guvnors ‘S

taging a farce is a very serious business,’ my old drama teacher used to say. One Man, Two Guvnors is not a farce in the Whitehall, Brian-Rix-droppinghis-trousers tradition, but there is a lot of physical action that has to be perfectly timed and executed. Alongside the action is dialogue which is much crisper and funnier than anything the Whitehall had to offer and deserves to be put across skilfully to bring out its cleverness and to maximise the audience’s enjoyment. On both action and dialogue, this production scored close to full marks.

It was a brave choice because it depends so heavily on the actor playing Francis Henshall, who is onstage for almost the whole play and surely has as many lines and as much stage business as the rest of the cast put together. Bravery was rewarded because Gianluca C’s performance was a tour de force.

The supporting cast lost nothing by comparison.

The ineffectual, histrionic Alan, the dumb blonde Pauline,

Little of the dialogue is hampered by good taste and the more outrageous lines were greeted with great glee.

her almost as thick father, superior Stanley, the efficient feminist Dolly, the grandiloquent Harry, lovesick Rachel, and Alfie, who took over-the-top decrepitude to new heights: they were all established as believable and (mostly) likeable characters.

For those who were thrown by the fact that a play replaced the conventional Christmas Term musical, the piece does in fact include plenty of music. It was provided by a girl group, the Crazettes (the Craze in the original), who sang with verve and polish at the start of each act and to cover the scene changes.

Little of the dialogue is hampered by good taste and the more outrageous lines were greeted with great glee; references to Stanley’s time at boarding school were particularly appreciated. The play was a perfect choice for its audience, one of the production’s many merits that together made for a riotously enjoyable evening.

John Newth

One Man, Two Guvnors

Aplay driven by strong characterisation and irreconcilable conflict, Canford’s spring production of Amadeus certainly pulled no punches. When the upand-coming Mozart, whose music is much admired by the court composer Salieri, arrives in Vienna, there is much excitement and anticipation. But Salieri’s deep disappointment, which soon turns to revulsion, at the visitor’s immaturity and lack of charm engenders a determination in the court composer to destroy Mozart’s reputation. A mixture of the ageing Salieri’s narration and reconstructed

Amadeus

...the talented backstage team, whose sound and lighting expertise in particular ensured that it was slick production from start to finish.

scenes, the play keeps the bitter and manipulative Salieri on stage throughout – this highly demanding role was played with astonishing nuance.

Mozart in this production was an irritating and imbecilic character full of an energy that made uncomfortable yet compelling viewing, while Constanze’s giggly immaturity masked a steely core in facing the Machiavellian Salieri’s demands. A naïve Emperor Joseph was touchingly bemused by the genius composer and the group of court officials and diplomats were amusingly disapproving of such an

unconventional approach, although the initially humourless Van Swieten was soon won over. Meanwhile, the convincingly gossipy Venticelli helped keep up the dramatic pace and all were supported by a strong ensemble.

Kevin Wilkins’s brilliantly designed set, with traditionally elegant chandeliers over giant falling sheets of curled paper on which the changing scene was projected, encapsulated the sense of disruption to the status quo that comes with the genius Mozart’s arrival on the Viennese music scene. The awkward angles of the shifting backdrop underlined, too, the unreliability of Salieri’s increasingly questionable narrative before the final twist when the full extent of his desperation to be remembered – and its futility – is revealed. In a play where music is of course integral, special mention needs to be made of the live reminder of the sublime nature of music and of the singers who contributed through recordings, as well as of the talented backstage team, whose sound and lighting expertise in particular ensured that it was slick production from start to finish.

Kathryn Watts

Bugsy Malone, the spoof gangster story set during prohibition-era New York, is a risky choice for a school musical due to the extreme popularity of Alan Parker’s 1976 movie, supported by Paul Williams’s fantastic soundtrack. Luckily the acting, singing, dancing and musical abilities of the cast and band were more than able to do justice to the story’s reputation and provide an entertaining and action-packed performance, with support from the slick stage crew, wonderful set and attention-grabbing choreography. The cast used whipped cream instead of bullets, adding a slapstick tone to the performance – and looking like a lot of fun!

The play ends with a fantastic, chaotic splurge gun fight, covering everyone.

Set in 1929, the, action-packed story opens with Dandy Dan terrorising the district with his splurge-gunwielding hoodlums. His rival, Fat Sam, proprietor of the Grand Slam Speakeasy, has only old-fashioned pies for his gang. With the help of Bugsy Malone (who is more interested in wooing Blousey, a wannabe singer), Fat Sam attempts a frame-up. The action swings back and forth between the two rival gangs with songs, splurging, daring escapes and romance galore, not to mention the monkey puppet that is becoming a long-standing cast member of Canford productions! The play ends with a fantastic, chaotic splurge gun fight, covering everyone. Emerging from the mess, Fat Sam and Dandy Dan realise that they need to become friends.

Whilst this production had plenty of veteran Canford performers, some of whom were making their last appearance on the Layard stage, it was also very appropriate for a play famous for featuring child actors that the four main parts were played by fourth-formers (three of whom were in the class of this proud reviewer). Just as peace is finally declared in the Grand Slam, so the baton of star performances is passed on from one talented group to the next.

Sam Crouch

Bugsy Malone

Bugsy Malone

There is a tree outside the Art School and every year the leaves turn a bright crimson colour in autumn. It appears to glow and almost burst into flames overnight, the leaves drop and it’s all over in a moment. This year, as we return to school after the summer break, I notice that the fiery red colours are already starting to bleed into the green leaves. It is a flamboyant goodbye to the summer, and a flourish and a bow to a cycle of growth. Reflecting on the past year, I feel our creative work deserves this kind of majestic recognition and if not a flourish and bow, a deep curtsey. Projects have enlivened and celebrated the people and places within the school, offering new opportunities for expression and joy for our community.

Our Creative Arts pupil leaders, Charlotte Gibbons and Daisy Pinner, organised many opportunities for pupils to join workshops, to express themselves and to make artwork with canvases placed around the school at points where a quick drawing or splash of colour could be added to large collaborative artworks. They were instrumental in the lighting, sound production and stage management, working alongside the Wardrobe Foundation and the year’s artist in residence, Laura Buckle (aka Flora Bucket), in designing, making and modelling for the Canford Fashion Show. Their talents continue as Charlotte leaves to pursue her degree in Costume Design and Daisy her BA Hons in Illustration. Having a professional artist in the department – introducing new ideas and ways of working, raising awareness and challenging us to consider aspects of our existence alongside learning new techniques and processes – has been the most exciting and valuable aspect of the year, for both pupils and staff. Laura affected so many people across the community with group workshops, a huge school weave, lectures and projects. She will be sorely missed. We are now more aware of the harmful practices of the textile industry and the issue of textile waste. Considering how we engage with consumerism, shopping and recycling is continuing to influence our thinking.

For 2024/25, we are excited to be welcoming Jeroen Cavents (b.1992, Belgium) a visual artist and art mediator. He graduated with a BA in Fine Arts at LUCA School of Arts Brussels as well as Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, and holds a master’s degree in Curatorial Studies from the Academy of Fine Arts (HGB) Leipzig. In the realm of artistic expression he emerges as a versatile creator, incorporating a spectrum of analogue photography, installation

Creative Arts

ART

Alice Butler

and sculpture. His work explores the aesthetics of the overlooked, revealing beauty in places often dismissed as unsightly, reminding us that aesthetics can thrive in the most unexpected corners of our existence. His oeuvre encourages us to recalibrate our perspectives, revealing the profound interplay between the repulsive, the unacknowledged and the lustrous.

Throughout the year he will be working on various projects, open to all pupils, including alternative photographic printing techniques that utilise the natural resources of the Canford grounds. These projects encompass dyeing techniques using plant substances, anthotype printing with flowers as an emulsion, and salt printing with seawater. Ultimately, these efforts will lead to the development of a specific polychrome silkscreen printing technique that reflects both the history of Canford and its contemporary context in south-west England. Additionally, he plans to carry out several artistic interventions on the school grounds to highlight and invoke the presence of art within the campus. The result of his residence will pinnacle

The range of work was exceptional, including animation, painting, installation, textiles, ceramics, printmaking and photography amongst a very broad range of other specialisms.

Ella Guy

Kekoa (Fifth Form)

in the form of an exhibition at the end of the Summer Term.

We have been very lucky this year to have had the chance to host many practical workshops that brought a new way of working to our remit, including contemporary anodised aluminium with Caroline Parrott and a full day investigating and responding to the landscape, drawing, photographing and writing with artist Simon Lee Dicker. The latter formed part of our residential trip to Portland, Dorset. A group of Fifth and Sixth Form spent time over Easter visiting artist David Buckland, creator of the Cape Farewell Project at his private studios, having a tour and lecture at B-side Gallery, and visiting the Sculpture Park, the Verne prison and the Verne High Angle Battery on Portland, where we drew and collected objects to work with back in our accommodation. Our living space was a truly beautiful converted chapel opposite Chesil Beach and for a school trip the most amazing home from home. Unusually for Portland, the sun shone and skies were blue, providing a spectacular backdrop for our activities.

This year our end of term exhibition in the

Emilia Butler

Canford community weave

Ella Guy

Freya (Fifth Form)

Art School showcased GCSE and A Level work, reflecting the personality of a vibrant and creative department. The range of work was exceptional, including animation, painting, installation, textiles, ceramics, printmaking and photography amongst a very broad range of other specialisms. It was fantastic to see the progression from GCSE to A Level and the high quality and skill of our pupils. Feedback from our Art and Design external examiner highlighted the vision of the pupils, and that the collection of work clearly presented the individual ‘voices’ of each artist. This is an aspect of our ethos that we are rightly proud of and keen to champion for every pupil that works in the Art School. Creating a positive space where people feel comfortable and confident to share their differences and passions is so valuable in our society and we are honoured that we can provide a space for Canford staff and pupils to flourish in this way.

Nicola Will

Right and below: The residential trip to Portland

COMMUNITY ACTION COMMUNITY AND PARTNERSHIPS

Monday Enterprise programme

The Monday afternoon programme has been a real success this year, the best ever in my opinion, for two reasons:

1. The Upper Sixth – they had a good year last year and were even better this year. They were perfect role models for the Lower Sixth.

2. The Lower Sixth – they really bought into the programme and activities on offer and made the most of the opportunities they were given.

By doing this, both year groups had meaningful and enriching experiences, finding out a lot about themselves and how they respond to unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations, and learning vital people skills and how to think on their feet and to troubleshoot. Feedback from the organisations we work with really was exemplary, ranging from ‘Perfect role models for our pupils’ to ‘We would quite happily give them a summer job if they would like one’ to ‘Please don’t let them go on holiday, we need you!’

City Reach

It was great to welcome City Reach, a youth group that runs on the Northam Estate in central Southampton, back to Canford at Christmas for their annual party and lunch. John o’Gaunt’s and the pool felt very full, but it was a wonderful occasion. We also ran our sponsored walk in March, raising over £1500 for City Reach – money that we hope will buy a portable outdoor light to allow them to use their sports facilities in the evening in winter. We ran a joint trip to the PGL centre on the Isle of Wight, thanks to a generous grant from the Friends of Canford School. We also visited a few times in the term on a Monday evening; it is always good to see City Reach in situ, having had links with this community project for at least sixteen years. I would like to thank Dom Bates and Kerry Gunu, our pupil leaders for Community Service, for all the help they gave me in running the City Reach activities.

Shine

Shine is a series of academic enrichment lessons for Year 6 gifted and talented pupils from the surrounding area. It takes place for a term on a Saturday morning. Pupils are brought to Canford by minibus, have a delicious cooked breakfast and then have two academic lessons taught by a rota of staff. We are particularly proud of two things this year. The first is that we have been running the programme for fourteen years. This means that pupils from the first cohort are 25 years old. It also means (taking out two years for Covid) that about 300 pupils have benefited. The second is that we were delighted to double the programme this academic year. We put on a programme of activities for three new schools in the Easter Term, which means that around 50 pupils per year will now benefit. I am very grateful to all the staff who generously gave up their free time to deliver these lessons to the pupils.

And finally…

I would very much like to thank all staff who have been involved in the programme in one way or another this academic year. The pupils make the most of the opportunities provided to them but it is the staff who generously provide this opportunity. In particular, I thank our team of bus drivers. I would also like to thank Clive Jeffery for all his help and support in helping to run the programme and to troubleshoot the problems that come our way on a Monday afternoon.

David Allen

THE BOURNE ACADEMY

In October 2023 I was appointed Chair of Governors at the Bourne Academy, taking over from Henry Bishop, who skilfully oversaw the smooth governance of the Academy for several years and to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for his time and commitment. For a non-educationalist, the learning curve has been steep, but I have been expertly (and patiently!) supported by Mark Avoth, the Bourne Academy Principal, his team and other members of the governing board, to whom I myself owe much appreciation.

The 2023/24 academic year has brought its fair share of challenges, as is to be expected with most schools still recovering from the Covid years. However, the partnership between Canford and the Bourne Academy remains as solid as ever and a beacon of success in UK education.

Whilst we have always understood the significance of our unique partnership, it was thrilling to see the partnership featured in the 2023/24 ISC Celebrating Partnership Report, launched at the House of Lords in the presence of government ministers, independent school leaders, industry figures, heads and senior leaders. This report offered a spotlight on schools such as ours, who are leading the way in cross-sector partnerships and helping to widen access to educational opportunities, to fill gaps in provision, and to support the overall development of students and staff.

The Bourne Academy remains a thriving, over-subscribed school, with a flourishing Sixth Form that routinely secures university places at Russell Group universities. The Bourne Academy continues to embrace the mnemonic ASPIRE to

develop citizens who are ambitious, self-confident, physically (and emotionally) literate, resilient and able to learn independently. These values can be seen throughout the Academy and it is a real privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and committed team.

Over the past academic year, Canford and the Bourne Academy have continued to share ideas, provide support, and – most importantly – offer students from both schools unique opportunities to expand their horizons beyond their own immediate environment and experiences.

The Bourne Scholars initiative, launched in 2022, continues to flourish. Bourne Scholars, from year 7 upwards, identified for their academic potential, regularly visit Canford to engage in workshops, debates and other academic and sports activities, enriching their curriculum. Alongside these visits, the scholars have also attended trips and other residentials, designed to offer fresh and inspiring opportunities outside their local community. This initiative has gone from strength to strength, overseen by Ashley St John, Vice-Principal at the Bourne Academy and David Neill, Deputy Head (Co-Curricular) at Canford.

Further opportunities to work collaboratively this year have included the Careers Convention and advisory panels when students were given the opportunity to meet with industry professionals during small group seminars and one-toone consultations at both Canford and the Bourne Academy. Furthermore, Canford’s Sixth Form bursary programme continues to have a truly transformational impact on the lives of eligible Bourne Academy students.

...with Lord Lloyd Webber and Gareth Malone in attendance on the evening, the students performed with aplomb, making lifelong memories for themselves and their families, and inspiring fellow students.

Bourne Scholars flourish through partnership activities at Canford

Staff from both schools collaborate on the third highly successful joint INSET day, sharing best practice

The

Academy is oversubscribed: all students thrive and ASPIRE

In April 2024, the Bourne Academy was delighted to host our third joint INSET day but the first held at the Academy. The day was all about celebrating the successful partnership between the two schools and sharing best practice. The event provided all staff with a renewed energy and a deeper appreciation of the unique bond between our schools.

Also in April, the Academy was once again both thrilled and proud to take eight students up to the Roundhouse in Camden, London, to rehearse and perform in the 11th Annual MiSST Concert. As one of only 29 schools nationwide to be part of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber’s programme for Music in Secondary Schools Trust, with Lord Lloyd Webber and Gareth Malone in attendance on the evening, the students performed with aplomb,

making lifelong memories for themselves and their families, and inspiring fellow students. We remain extremely grateful to David Levin, previous Chair of Canford’s Governors, for his original introduction to this brilliant programme.

Looking to the future, there is no doubt that the education sector will face new challenges and that we will need to protect our unique partnership from external forces and pressures. However, in the meantime the Bourne Academy looks forward to welcoming Canford’s new Headmaster, Chris Wheeler, in 2025. We will, however, remain forever indebted to Ben Vessey, whose unfailing support of our partnership has been invaluable.

Heidi Leavesley, Chair of Governors

MiSST students performing in London at the Roundhouse with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber

Bourne

GHANA

Having been forewarned countless times by Dr Neill about the Ghanaians’ relaxed attitude to time, we waited patiently for our bus from the airport. The bus, it transpired, was not in fact a bus but a metal tissue box on wheels. Piling into this alarming contraption, we began our long journey on the Ghanaian motorway (a poorly constructed dirt track). Weirdly, this was one of the highlights for me, as I felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation about what was to come. We would soon discover it was often the insignificant moments like these that would give us the most pleasure.

Having arrived at Awutu Winton High School, we went to meet the students. Never has anyone been this excited to see me, not even Madame Harrison finding out I had finally done my prep, due two weeks previously. We were hugged, touched and pulled hurriedly into large groups of girls and boys, where we learnt dances (the only shred of cultural exchange we could offer them was a very sketchy rendition of ‘Cotton Eyed Joe’) and attempted games of French cricket, cheat and football. All this while facing impossible levels of attention from the Winton pupils, which was something utterly new – and not entirely unwelcome.

Our days were so action-packed that it’s impossible to list everything we did. I can say with certainty, however, that visiting the local schools and orphanages was a really moving

part of the trip. We had been prepared for the disparity we were to see in Ghana, but we had not been prepared to see the makeshift schools in slums, to listen to all the awful stories about the 100% abandonment rate for children with disabilities and to be so warmly welcomed into these people’s lives, when our own lives are such a stark contrast to

It feels weird to say that I feel homesick for a country in which I only spent two weeks, but I really believe that they were the best two weeks of my life.

theirs. It may sound clichéd, but I have never felt more grateful for the things I have in my life. Our time at the schools and orphanages was so successful that we sent minibuses to collect them and bring them back to Winton for an afternoon of games. Two years of GCSE Drama had prepared me well for the hours of splat, wink murder and stuck in the mud.

Sunday Chapel with Rev. Jack is always the highlight of my Canford week, but I am strongly in favour of introducing some Ghanaian traditions to our Chapel curriculum. There was a lot of dancing and a lot of singing (not the usual Shine Jesus Shine), which was by now something we had come to expect. It was slightly daunting when six of us were invited to go up to the front of the entire church to explain why we were in Ghana and to do a very unrehearsed dance. That’s another, rather random skill I have learnt in Ghana: a lack of embarrassment for my very poor dancing.

There were so many other new and different experiences, including a lunch with crocodiles (safety measures felt rather nonexistent), a trip to the last decorative coffin maker in Ghana, a mushroom farm, a karaoke bar (apologies to anyone who was present), a walk across seven bridges in the rainforest, trips to the beach, a lot of hunting for tropical frogs while avoiding the scorpions, visits to Accra and Cape Coast.

It feels weird to say that I feel homesick for a country in which I only spent two weeks, but I really believe that they were the best two weeks of my life.

Finally, I want to make sure that the hard work of Dr Neill, Ms Gibbons and Mr Smith does not go unnoticed. The task of babysitting a group of twelve teenagers would be my idea of a nightmare, and the trip would not have been the same without them.

Amelie W

ARGENTINA

As we sat in the Layard Theatre and were presented with a short summary of a previous volunteering trip to the Hogar el Alba orphanage in Argentina, we didn’t quite know what opportunities awaited us, yet we were persuaded enough to sign up for the experience. We had been informed about the basics, like painting houses and playing with the children, but we didn’t realise the emotional impact it would have on our lives and, more importantly, the impact it would have on the children.

Our first favourite experience was helping host the ‘Mega Festival’, an annual significant children’s festival hosted by the orphanage and open to anyone living nearby. We helped run the festival by leading activities like face painting, bouncy castles, trampolines and more. We also dressed up as Disney characters, which was clearly the highlight of most of the children’s day because as soon as they saw one of us, they would run up and greet them with a big hug and a high five.

Another core memory was on the first day, only a couple of hours after we had just arrived. After a short tour around the grounds, we were waiting for the children to get back home from school. We all stood and watched down the long avenue of trees and one by one the little children with their oversized backpacks sprinted

towards us and ran into our open arms. We had never met these children before, but the excitement radiating off them as they realised we would be new people to play with for the next three weeks confirmed to us that this was going to be an emotional yet enjoyable time.

Every afternoon this experience would repeat and every day the games of ‘mancha’ and ‘policía’ would start sooner, with each child sprinting and giggling all around. The language barrier at first seemed like a problem, but as we began to pick up the ‘important’ Spanish words from the children, there was no need to communicate via long sentences.

A final favourite moment of the trip was when we watched the kids celebrate Independence Day at their school. Seeing them being so excited to show off to us the dances that they had learnt was extremely moving. As we took our seats, the children from the Hogar started to wave in our direction. Initially we thought that they were waving at Millie (a lady who worked in the Hogar) but we soon realised that they were waving at us. This was the first moment we personally felt a proper connection with the kids and

The lessons we learnt from the children were incredibly inspiring. They really taught us the difference between needs and wants, which we felt like we had forgotten.

that we were making a difference in their lives. The other children at the school waved at their families and celebrated with them after the show, but the kids from the Hogar celebrated with us. This moment made us realise how important the partnership trip was and that the relationship between Canford and the Hogar is unbreakable.

The lessons we learnt from the children were incredibly inspiring. They really taught us the difference between needs and wants, which we felt like we had forgotten. We re-learnt that love, laughter and community are vital in our lives. We never thought that such young children, with whom we couldn’t directly communicate, would teach us such important life lessons. We hope that this link between Canford and Hogar el Alba continues far into the future as the impact that we can leave on each other’s lives is immense. This experience has been life-changing and for that we are forever grateful.

Layla S, Lottie H, Eliza M

BUILDING DEVELOPMENTS

Keystones and cornerstones

Modern English is littered with metaphors derived from the language of more ancient times, many of which need further explanation to understand fully. Take JJ Pryor’s ‘Life is a peanut butter tuna sandwich’, for example. Without his subsequent ‘All messed up, but delicious’ add-on, most of us would be still scratching our heads for a very long time.

By contrast, the vocabulary of traditional architecture and the built environment perhaps lends itself most readily to modern metaphorical description. We all know what is meant by the phrase ‘building on firm foundations’ and the education lexicon is littered with references to cornerstones and keystones.

The functions and roles of cornerstones and keystones are distinctly different. A cornerstone, typically placed at the corner of a building, does not directly contribute to the stability of the structure. Instead, it signifies the foundation and origin of the construction project, and the word ‘cor nerstone’ is now used figuratively to mean an idea or feature upon which a theory, philosophy, process or system is based. We would probably all recognise the cornerstones of a Canford education as being high academic standards, true breadth of opportunity to express and excel and a global outlook, all underpinned by the core values of courageous attitude, gracious leadership, humble ambition and purposeful engagement.

A keystone, on the other hand, is the wedgeshaped stone at the apex of a masonry arch. Its primary function is to distribute the weight of the structure evenly across the arch, preventing the arch from collapsing under its own weight. The keystone achieves this by acting as a lock, holding the other stones of the arch in place and allowing the arch to

bear weight without crumbling. Metaphorically, the term ‘keystone’ is often used to refer to something that is central or crucial to a larger whole, indeed it is the element that holds everything else together and it is in this context that Canford’s Sixth Form College concept has been described as the keystone to Canford’s Strategic Capital Plan.

I explained in a previous edition of The Canfordian how the plan to increase Canford’s capacity across all pupil categories (day, boarding, boys and girls) required a complex, interlinked matrix of moves and building projects that will culminate in the building of the Sixth Form Hub and the Upper Sixth accommodation blocks. If we liken the strategic plan to a gothic arch, those other projects, now completed, can be seen as the individual stones that form the arch’s vertical sides. Over the next two years or so we will slide the all-important keystone, the Sixth Form College buildings, into place to form the lock that holds the plan together.

The Sixth Form Hub, formed from the 1930s building that previously contained Wimborne day house and Monteacute boarding house, will open in the Easter Term of 2025. The following year will see the opening of the Upper Sixth accommodation: 120 single ensuite study-bedrooms in two separate blocks (one for boys and one for girls) centrally located close to the Hub and other key facilities. Together, the new accommodation and the Hub will create a college-like facility that will encourage collective and individual study and bring together all of our sixthformers in an inspirational setting, ideal for helping them make the transition from school to the worlds of university and work – veritably the keystone of a Canford education.

David Brook Managing Director and Bursar

The Sixth Form Hub atrium

Careers and Future Life Centre

The teaching kitchen

THE COLLEGE Canford Sixth Form Development

‘An inspirational, innovative, integrated Sixth Form experience at the heart of the School.’

The latest illustration of Canford’s forward-thinking educational approach is the College, a new dedicated building for the whole Sixth Form, enhancing existing opportunities for academic study, personal development and preparation for the future for all Sixth Form pupils.

The College facilities will include the Hub, an exciting educational and social space for the whole Sixth Form with seminar rooms, a Future Pathways careers and networking centre and life skills spaces including a teaching kitchen and private dining area. The feel of the building will be similar to modern workspaces, with opportunities for hot desking, conference facilities for webinars and lectures and two areas for socialising.

The College concept will also see the Upper Sixth year group moving out of their existing houses into the new College. Day pupils will have dedicated workspace within the Hub building, while boarders will be in single-sex wings in ensuite accommodation. The Hub and the two wings will form three sides of an attractive quad in the heart of the school, close to the library, Layard Theatre, Music School, Sports Centre, Manor House and academic teaching areas.

The current build timeline is for the Hub to open in spring 2025, Upper Sixth day pupils to move into the Hub in September 2025 and the boarding accommodation to be ready for September 2026.

Find out more on the website: www.canford.com/sixth-form

Work under way on the Sixth Form accommodation

An artist's impression of the completed College

Canford The Community

Over the past year, we’ve taken time to reflect on Canford’s centenary and have been able to return to a more balanced workload. Our work with Old Canfordians and parents has continued to thrive, with new events introduced and improvements made to our alumni platform and website. The support and enthusiasm from the Canford community is essential, and it’s always a pleasure to see everyone come together to celebrate the spirit of Canford.

Our centenary celebrations concluded in October with OC London Drinks at the Lansdowne Club, where over 200 Old Canfordians gathered to mark Canford’s 100th year. As we moved into 2024, we hosted another OC London Drinks Party at the Royal Thames Yacht Club in May, with support from Tom Montgomery (S98).

This year, our involvement with the Friends groups remained strong, starting with the Friends of Canford New Parents’ Lunch in September, welcoming Shell and new Fourth Form parents. Other events followed, including a Canford history tour, the annual quiz night, a golf day, and the spring lunch with sculptor Zoë Wilson. The Friends of Canford Music had another successful year, highlighted by a packed audience at the annual Jazz Concert.

We hosted a drinks party in Jersey for OCs and parents and introduced the ‘Clink & Connect’ event for OCs who left within the last ten years. Reunion lunches for the classes of 1984, 1994 and 2004 were well-attended, and a special 50+ reunion in April brought together over 100 OCs who left Canford more than 50 years ago for coffee, a short tour and lunch in the Great Hall.

OC sport groups have been active this year, with the Old Canfordian Football Club completing its first official season. We hosted an OC hockey day in March, the first OC tennis day in June, and welcomed more than 80 guests to our annual lunch at Henley Royal Regatta.

Over the summer, we upgraded the Canford Global Connect platform, making it easier for alumni to access events and news and to stay connected with one another. If you haven’t yet joined, please visit www.globalconnect. canford.com to explore the new features.

Our work raising funds for pupils to access bursary places has continued and we are incredibly grateful, as are our recipients, for all who have joined us to support the Martin Marriott Foundation – thank you.

Rowena Gaston

Centenary OC London Drinks, Lansdowne Club

Class of 2004 reunion lunch

Friends of Canford School

Not only did 2023 mark the centenary of Canford’s foundation but, given that the Friends of Canford School was incorporated on 22 November 1943, it also heralded our group’s eightieth anniversary.

We kicked off the new academic year with our most popular event, Quiz Night. Once again, the wonderful turnout meant that great fun was had by all. February was all about fashion, with Canford hosting a sustainable fashion show in collaboration with the Wardrobe Foundation.

Spring saw Zoë Wilson, renowned sculptor and creator of the school’s centenary sculpture, capture the imagination of our lunch guests when she spoke passionately about her work, while summer was all about outdoor activities. We were blessed by wonderful weather for our annual charity golf day

and for our history and arboretum tours, which always prove so popular. This year, we hosted a Commando Quest activity, a unique afternoon combining paintball target practice, shooting range, assault course and room clearance activities: a taste of what the children get up to at

Friends of Canford Music

In the first term of another busy and successful year, the Christmas concert brought with it a plethora of festive pieces from across the ensembles, ranging from ‘Christmas Festival’ to ‘Crazy for Christmas’. The Friends bar was in full swing

with Christmas cheer and the atmosphere was buzzing.

In the Easter Term, after the orchestras and choirs had performed in the beautifully acoustic and aesthetic surroundings of St John’s Smith Square,

the school’s outdoor education facility. Most importantly, we were delighted to welcome so many parents to our events, while raising funds for those causes Canford pupils hold dear.

Tiffany Fleming

the annual Friends of Canford Music jazz concert was named ‘A Night at the Musicals 2’. The Music School was decorated with theatrical drapes and the Ministry of Flowers provided the stunning array of table decorations to add to the sense of occasion. Canapés were served during the intervals, and the bar was staffed by the Friends of Canford Music committee. The evening was a great success and a fine tribute to all the pupils and staff who took part.

At the Summer Concert, a varied programme paid tribute to the departing Chris Sparkhall (Director of Music) and James Aiken (Assistant Director). Both leave behind a legacy of brilliant musicianship, a striving for excellence in the pupils and a real sense of welcoming in all pupils and parents to get involved with the music at Canford.

Martin Hancock

Friends of Canford Rowing

Our stretch of the Stour may be comparatively short, but the lengths our rowers go to in determination, hard work and effort are the very essence of Canford’s values: courageous attitude, humble ambition and purposeful engagement. They have these by the boat-load!

Following on from last year’s excellent sponsored twelve-hour ergo, staff, parents and rowers threw themselves into action and another one took place in February. The money raised was again matched by a generous anonymous donor and enabled the boat club to buy a new boat over the summer.

Feeling that a more obvious presence

on the riverbank was needed, FCR designed and had made the perfect summer accompaniment: a panama in Canford colours. It has been a great success in helping Canford parents locate each other amongst the crowds and more will be on sale this year through Development and FCR.

At the Boat Club Dinner following the House Regatta, our guest speaker was the captain of Cambridge University Boat Club, Sebastian Benzecry. Everyone enjoyed his insights into life as a student rower both at Cambridge University when competing for three years in the Boat Race and also when rowing in the USA.

Alex Crowhurst-Jones

Old Canfordian Society

The Old Canfordian Society, formed in 1923, continues to promote ongoing friendship and connections between Old Canfordians and the school, in the spirit of ‘Once a Canfordian, always a Canfordian’. Communication with the school is through the Development Office team, who ensure we keep up to date with current social networking and engagement, and offer events and activities relevant to a wide range of interests and to the school. Rowena Gaston and Rachael Daniel are the face of our Society and we thank them for all that they have done over the past year. With their support, OC sport is thriving and all OCs are welcome to take part or spectate at events regardless of their prowess in the sport.

Last year we told you of the OC Society’s proposal to transfer its accumulated funds to the school. Plans have progressed and members of the society will be voting in November on the proposal to donate the funds to the Martin Marriott Foundation, where they will be invested to provide transformational bursaries to deserving pupils who would otherwise be unable to access all that a Canford education has to offer.

Sheila Way

Outdoor Activities

CCF

The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) remains a staple of the Canford experience, with excellence being achieved both collectively and on an individual level. Numbers remain exceptionally high, with all three detachments enjoying healthy numbers of new fourth-formers keen to challenge themselves in an outdoor setting. The Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) cadre course continues to grow, with the coming year looking likely to involve over 50 fifth-formers bidding to be selected to continue as NCOs for the contingent into the Sixth Form. The quality of these NCOs is the real strength of our contingent and is fostered through training and mentorship. It then provides meaningful opportunities to lead and prepare themselves for such roles in the future.

This last summer has seen some of our cadets pursuing careers in the military, taking the form of successful applications for Army Scholarships. The process for these is rigorous, with interviews and multiple day selection boards deciding on

deserving recipients. Over the last few months four Canford pupils achieved such scholarships, of which only approximately 35 are handed out each year – it is a testament to the pupils that they have stood out amongst their peers in such a competitive pool. Our congratulations go out to Imo W, Harriet D, Elliot W and Jemima C, and we wish them the best of luck when the time comes to take up these scholarships.

Canford also continued to excel in the two national CCF events in which we take part every year. The Pringle Trophy is contested by the nation’s Marine cadets across a variety of military skills. These include section level attacks, camouflage and concealment and observation, before concluding with drill and a best effort through the endurance course used by the regular Marine recruits. Our team performed well in all stands, including narrowly missing out on winning the coveted section attack trophy. It led to a strong placement in the top tier of the competition. The Rifles Cadet Cup is open to all cadet units that are

The growth on display by all the pupils is a testament to the guidance provided by the staff volunteers who oversee all the training and my thanks go to them especially.

affiliated to the Rifles (48 CCFs with 18,000+ cadets). The team of nine cadets took part in the two-day competition at the end of September. The competition was run across the arduous terrain of Sennybridge Training Area, on the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons and home to the Infantry Battle School. With stands of the same type as at the Pringle Trophy, the Canford team were able to go one better than last year and recaptured the Rifles Cup. The challenges involved in these competitions are significant and will no doubt live long in the memory and be of great benefit to the participants well into the future.

The entire contingent was also able to run field exercise weekends in October and May. These took place in Woodbury, Braunton Burrows, Isle of Wight and Minley training areas, allowing the Fourth Form to practise in a new environment the skills learned on a Monday afternoon and to venture outside their comfort zones. With Sixth Form NCOs guiding them through various training stands and serials, the Fourth Form cadets were able to make significant strides in their skillsets, but more importantly their confidence. The growth on display by all the pupils is a testament to the guidance provided by the staff volunteers who oversee all the training and my thanks go to them especially.

The Annual Parade serves as the grand finale of a cadet’s CCF career as we say goodbye to our outgoing Upper Sixth NCOs. This year was once again bathed in sunlight, allowing the parents to see first-hand the various activities their children have been engaged in. Magnificent performances in the Field

Gun Challenge, stretcher races, command tasks and assault course sent off the leavers in style.

As always, the contingent aims to include several opportunities for adventurous training. The Norway cross-country skiing expedition was once again overwhelmingly popular. Despite some logistical issues involving reorganised flights, the cadets were able to quickly absorb the content from the lessons on skiing, mountain awareness and adverse weather survival. The three-day expedition once again provided breathtaking scenery amongst extreme physical demands, but the cadets showed they were up to the challenge.

Other trips in the summer holidays also saw strong numbers, with adventure training opportunities in the Wye Valley (kayaking) and Forest of Dean (mountain biking). The Canford Battle Camp ran for its third and largest iteration. The five days give the opportunity to engage in platoon level training, a true rarity in the cadet world. Along with the ability to converse with regular soldiers and officers, the freedom to run a whole day of battlefield scenarios is a unique opportunity. There were also cadets taking part in a range of MoD-run camps, including the cadet Marine camps with pupils from other schools.

Major W A Moreland

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme

‘We woke up to drizzling rain and found my boots had filled with water…. Once we got walking I started to warm up…. As we reached the high point of the entire expedition the pain in my feet started to clear, as did the clouds, and suddenly we could see the view, stretching from our start point in the east to the west coast of Wales…. Suddenly it became clear to me why it’s so worth keeping going when it’s tough. If I’d given up earlier or not even bothered in the first place I would never have realised what I could work through, nor would my friendships have become so much deeper from what we overcame together….’

These words, abridged from a recent Gold Expedition presentation, pretty much sum up the value that our pupils gain from doing Duke of Edinburgh: the individual and collective realisation that sticking at it and going the extra mile are worth far more than the prize at the end or the increased distance covered – since they change us and our relationships for the better.

Demand for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at Canford continues to rise, with some 100 Sixth Form pupils currently doing Gold and 20+ fourth-formers doing Bronze. We were delighted that nearly 40 of the current Upper Sixth completed their expeditions this past summer, using a mix of walking in mid-Wales, sailing both sides of the English Channel, and canoeing across the wilds of the Cairngorm National Park. They are now well set to finish off their remaining sections of Volunteering, Skills, Physical and Residential before the end of the school year, and subject to doing so can look forward to their Gold Awards being presented at Buckingham Palace –with a rather lower likelihood of getting wet feet.

Rob Hoey

Sport

2023/24 saw another extremely busy year for Canford sport with just short of 1000 fixtures being played across sixteen different sports, ensuring that we give the Canford pupils continued opportunities for them to explore, express and excel and strive to be the best they can be.

Participation is the most important thing as our pupils enjoy the benefits that exercise can bring.

This is in evidence particularly on Thursday and Saturday afternoons, when we are often in friendly competition with other schools. We regularly compete strongly against the best in the country across many sports. 95% of all our pupils represented the school in at least one fixture during the year. 75% of all pupils played in more than five fixtures and we continue to look to create more opportunities for all. Memories were made on tours to Spain for cricket – our cricketers’ first overseas trip for over a decade – and to France for Real tennis.

Cricket continued to grow in strength with both girls and boys reaching the last 16 of their National Cups. Our rowers won bronze medals for the third year running at the National Schools’ Regatta and our U14 boys’ rugby team made both the National Cup quarter-finals and day 2 at the National Schools’ 7s (both the furthest ever reached by the school at this age group), which bodes well for the future. Hockey and netball both made the latter stages of their respective national competitions and our golfers returned to the National Finals stage. Individually, cricketer Eddie Jack continued to rack up appearances for Hampshire and represented England U19s. He has also recently been called into the England Lions squad for the first time. Lower Sixth pupil Archie J was called up for the Welsh National Squad in rowing and Shell Harry R took the bronze medal in the hurdles at the National Schools’ Athletics Championships. Many of our pupils continue on performance pathways in their sport and balance the commitment well alongside their academic endeavours.

Unfortunately, this year saw Canford say goodbye to some sports staff who have given hugely to the school over a number of years. Steve Ives has performed several roles in his time at Canford and most latterly has been our sports administrator, making sure that all behind the scenes runs smoothly. His presence will be hugely missed by all. Julian Shackleton also finishes his time as cricket professional and huge thanks are due to Shack and his family, who have given so much to the Canford community. The Pavilion, now known as the Shackleton Pavilion, is a fully justified honour for Julian and the family. Exciting new recruits and replacements are in place, and I am looking forward to them continuing to drive Canford sport forward.

Wellbeing continued as a constant theme of the sports programme and it was amazing to see the pupils embracing this year’s inaugural wellbeing concert. Linked with a growing athletic development programme and physiotherapy service, we continue to aim for the cutting down of the number of injuries occurring in school sport.

It has been a strong year for OCs with Martha Taylor continuing her progress with England and GB women’s hockey: Los Angeles 2028 perhaps? In cricket, Tom Prest has been a regular part of Hampshire’s 1st XI alongside fellow-OC Felix Organ and joined on occasions this summer by Eddie Jack. Will Butt and Arthur Cordwell continue to make regular appearances in the 1st XV for Bath Rugby in the Premiership, Archie Van Der Flier continues to develop at Leicester Tigers, and Luke Mehson has also represented the GB 7s team this year.

Tony Diprose

The 2023-24 rugby season at Canford proved to be one of grit, development and some remarkable victories. Led by captain Sam Janaway, the 1st XV competed in a series of thrilling matches, with several games going down to the wire. It was a season defined by tight contests and unwavering determination, with five of the eleven matches decided by a single point. Despite some ups and downs, the team finished the season on a high note with two standout performances in the final weeks.

The first highlight came in a dominant 32-13 victory over Sherborne, where scrum-half Will Fountain delivered a stellar performance, scoring a hat trick. The following week, the team travelled to face National Cup semi-finalists Blundell’s and managed to secure a narrow 17-16 victory in a dramatic finish. Jasper B’s brilliant individual try in the closing stages sealed the win, marking a thrilling end to the 15s season.

The 7s season brought further success, as the boys came away with two pieces of silverware. They won the plate competition at both the south coast and collegiate sevens tournaments, showcasing their adaptability and talent in the faster, more dynamic format.

This season also saw a milestone in Canford rugby history with the introduction of the school’s first-ever

competitive girls’ team. Under the leadership of captain Poppy Speers and vice-captain Alice Butler, the girls put in an impressive performance, reaching the plate final in their debut tournament. Their success has paved the way for future girls’ rugby teams at Canford, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

Lower down the school, the U16s had a solid if somewhat inconsistent season. They were unable to build fully on their excellent form from the Fourth Form, but they delivered some noteworthy victories, including a tight 10-7 win over Marlborough. They also celebrated their first-ever victory over Blundell’s as a year group, showing their potential. A key highlight for this group was the debut of Ralph B for the 1st XV as a fifth-former. He made a strong impression, particularly in games against Seaford and Sherborne, and is certainly a player to watch in the future. The U16s also performed admirably at the prestigious Rosslyn Park Sevens, narrowly missing out on advancing to the second day after losing in the final play of their play-off match. With the talent in this group, the next two years in the Sixth Form are sure to bring exciting opportunities.

The U15s had a standout year, bouncing back strongly from a tough U14s campaign. They turned previous losses to teams like Sherborne, Seaford and Bishops into victories this

season, reflecting their hard work and improvement. The boys can be proud of their efforts and are on a great trajectory for future success.

However, the real stars of the year were the U14s. Their season included reaching the National Cup quarter-finals and advancing to the second day of the Rosslyn Park Sevens. The A team won ten out of their twelve games, losing only their season opener and the National Cup quarterfinal. Led by captain Hector W, the boys performed incredibly. The U14s have set the bar high, and the future of Canford rugby looks exceptionally bright.

Lastly, we bid farewell and give special thanks to Dylan Lloyd, who is leaving Canford after a remarkable tenure. Dylan’s leadership saw the 1st XV achieve a historic victory over Sherborne in 2016, the first in 20 years, and this year, he guided the Under 14s to the National Cup quarter-finals. His contribution to Canford rugby has been immense, and we wish him the best in his future endeavours.

In summary, this rugby season has been one of hard-fought battles, memorable victories and clear signs of a bright future for Canford rugby at all levels. The talent and spirit displayed by our players this year leave us with great optimism for the years to come.

Tomas Roberts

Throughout the 2023-24 season, the Canford girls’ hockey teams displayed remarkable growth and resilience, both as individual players and as closely knit teams. The 1st XI, led with distinction by Dominique Hudson, navigated a season filled with both triumphs and challenges, leaving a lasting impression with their determination, maturity and dedication to the sport. On the field, they played with passion and skill, reaching the semi-finals of the National U18 Tier 2 Cup and the last sixteen of the U19 ISHC. Memorable victories demonstrated not only technical excellence but also increasingly strategic mindsets. Their impressive performance throughout the season was a testament to the hard work invested during training sessions and a collective determination to push their boundaries.

Meanwhile, the other four senior teams also enjoyed a commendable season. Despite a challenging fixture list, the teams consistently exhibited tenacity and a never-give-up attitude, maintaining strong performances throughout the season.

The U15 and U14 year groups

were equally significant, with numerous opportunities to develop their core skills and tactics. Engaging in a series of competitive matches that tested them both physically and emotionally, they showcased great potential for the future of Canford’s hockey programme. The tireless efforts of the coaching staff were pivotal, imparting not only technical skills but also invaluable life lessons that will resonate with the players for years to come. The growth of the players stands as a testament to the influence of their coaches.

Additionally, the unwavering support from parents played a crucial role. Their encouragement and presence at matches fostered a sense of unity and community within the hockey club, providing the players with the confidence to excel.

The boys’ hockey season was both challenging and rewarding, with impressive levels of engagement and enthusiasm for training and competition. Over 140 boys proudly donned the Canford royal blue in matches across all levels, reflecting the sport’s popularity and the dedication of players and coaches alike.

A standout feature of the season

was the character, quality and unity demonstrated by the 1st XI. Expertly led by captain Dill Howell, this talented group of players had a memorable season, facing tough competition with resilience and determination. Reaching the quarter-finals of the National U18 Tier 2 Cup was an excellent achievement, as well as some pleasing performances in the U19 ISHC. There was a buzz around the team and they set an inspiring example for the younger players.

The collaboration among the Fifth Form to Upper Sixth boys in the senior teams resulted in a strong season, with notable successes against tough opposition. Together, the four senior teams took victories and defeats in their stride, a testament to their hard work, discipline and team spirit.

The U16 team showed great promise, reaching the last eight of the National U16 Tier 2 Cup. Their tenacity, improvement and dedication translated into impressive performances. Additionally, the U15 and U14 teams delivered eye-catching displays, competing in closely contested games. While there is still room for improvement, their progress in tactical

understanding, fitness and core skills positions them well for future success.

The boys can reflect with pride on their achievements and look forward with excitement to future hockey endeavours. The dedication of the players and coaches, and the unwavering support from the school community and parents, made this a fulfilling season for all involved.

Both the girls’ and boys’ 1st XIs were fitting year groups to bring to a close my eight years as Director of Hockey at Canford, before I move on to a new challenge as Head of Academic PE. It has been a pleasure working with such talented players.

Matt Collison

NETBALL

It has been an incredibly exciting year for netball at Canford. There has been action all the way from our super Shells to the impressive turnout of our seven senior teams competing week in and week out in with an abundance of spirit and enthusiasm.

For the U14s it was a spectacular year, studded with masses of talent and a real sense of teamwork – a mixture that produced a wealth of success for the Shells. Notable achievements from the U14s were reaching the Sisters in Sport national semi-final under the guidance of Mrs Wilson, as well as personal achievements from Sinachi O, who earned herself a place in the Dorset County U15 Academy.

Our U15 squads showed great promise this year, with our U15As also having a strong run in the Sisters in Sport national competition, as well as reaching the county finals, where they finished as the second-highest team in Dorset. It was a pleasure to witness the pupils develop a real sense of team spirit across the term.

The U16s had a phenomenal season, with our U16As being crowned as county champions – despite a very rainy day at Budmouth – and being our only team this year to progress through to the south-west regional finals. They truly went from strength to strength under the guidance of Mr Effick, and we look forward to watching them develop even further next year.

At the summit of our netball programme, the senior teams produced some fantastic performances which truly left their mark. With many new faces amongst the teams, it was a year for cementing new combinations on court with lots of opportunity for development across the board. Thanks must go to the senior leadership team, who did a stellar job in providing guidance as well as being great role models to our younger aspiring netballers: Isla Knatchbull (captain), Bella Rose (vice-captain) and Dominique Hudson (vice-captain). Special congratulations also go to the following pupils who received netball colours and netball caps for their outstanding commitment and contribution to netball at Canford: Bella Rose, Isla Knatchbull, Anouska Loveridge, Imi Marley, Maya Doubleday and Dominique Hudson.

None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of our coaching staff and officials, whose shared knowledge and enthusiasm are truly invaluable to our pupils. Thank you to the Canford teaching community and parents for all the support you have given our netball teams this year – we look ahead to another successful season in 2025!

Ellie Gibbons

CRICKET

For the girls’ 1st XI the early signs were good with a convincing eight-wicket win against King’s Taunton, but this was to be a highlight as we did not really get any momentum through the season. Subsequent losses tested their resolve, with injuries sidelining key players and tough opponents pushing them to their limits. Despite setbacks, the team stayed positive and supportive of each other and was well led by Emelia Butler and Clare Robinson.

The U15 girls won the indoor and outdoor county cup and reached the last 32 in the Nationals. Caitlin W led the side as well as being the main strike bowler. There is lots of potential in the squad and with the Shells having now experienced a first season, they will know what to expect next year.

The boys’ 1st XI had a stellar season, beginning with a productive pre-season trip to Desert Springs in Spain, where they finished as runners-up in the prestigious 100ball tournament. This early exposure to competitive play set a positive tone for the season ahead. Back at home, the team continued to build on their momentum, achieving an outstanding record of nineteen wins and only three losses out of 22 matches. Their consistency and determination were evident, particularly in tightly contested games. The squad showcased remarkable depth, with key performances from players like captain Dill Howell and newly christened all-rounder George G, who played crucial match-winning roles with both bat and ball.

The team’s hard work culminated in a long run in the National T20 Cup, where they reached the last eight. This achievement highlighted their ability to be a cohesive unit and perform under pressure against opponents who play on much tougher circuits. As the season concluded, the players reflected on their growth, both individually and as a team. We are looking forward to building on this success next year.

Leavers Sam Martin, Kit Blomfield, Dill Howell, Oscar Bailey and Eddie Jack have each left an indelible mark, not just through their performances on the pitch but also as role models for younger players. Beyond their skills, their camaraderie and sportsmanship fostered a supportive environment, making our team feel like a family.

The rather soggy end to April and beginning of May saw the cancellation of the U15s’ first few open-wicket practices, so the team was slower than usual to pick up the concepts of quick singles and saving singles, which is the biggest difference between U14s and U15s cricket. This, combined with a few bowlers trying a bit too hard, saw a rather sluggish start to the season and hence an early exit from the cup. But the team remained positive throughout the rain and cancelled fixtures and some budding cricketers are developing.

It was a good season for the U14s, winning nine and losing only three. They reached the county cup final, losing out to a strong Poole Grammar side. The team showed depth in both batting and bowling, and the potential for this group is exciting.

Matt Keech

ROWING

Racing at many provincial and national head races and regattas, our Canford crews acquitted themselves admirably, having fun as well as winning medals.

In the Schools’ Head of the River from Mortlake to Putney, the boys’ 1st VIII finished 5th, only 33 seconds behind the winners. The girls’ 1st VIII finished 16th and the girls’ J16 5th. Two crews were unable to race in London because the Port of London Authority deemed the river conditions too volatile. Instead, Eton College organised a J15 event at Dorney Lake, where the girls’ VIII finished 4th and the boys’ VIII 7th. It was a great experience for the youngsters to race at the Olympic venue.

The captain’s 12-hour ergo fundraiser in February was a very successful day with pupils, staff, OCs, parents and friends competing. The morning started bright and early at 7 am and metres were made at an eye-watering speed, thanks to great efforts by everyone from Shells all the way through to OCs. We even had a surprise visit from Mr Vessey, who contributed 30 minutes! At 2 pm there was a big push and an incredible amount of support, which led to a great turnout for the 100m sprint challenge with many taking part laying down impressive times. The metres carried on being made throughout the afternoon all the way until 7pm, by which time we had smashed our goal of 450,000 metres by 42,029 m – a great achievement by all who took part.

At the National Schools’ Regatta, which is held at Dorney Lake and, with over 8000 competitors, is the largest of the year’s regattas, Canford boated four crews. The J15 VIII finished 18th from 21 crews, the J16 VIII 10th from 12 and the senior coxless pair, having had very little time training in this class of boat, 20th out of 21. The senior boys’ coxed IV’s time trial put them in the A final, where after some exciting racing they crossed the line 3rd: another medal at the championships for Canford for the third year running, and a reward for all the crew’s hard work.

As usual, the House Regatta saw some fast and furious racing, plenty of supporters, and some great music from Poole Borough Brass Band. The overall winners were Lancaster after a dominating performance in the senior

As usual, the House Regatta saw some fast and furious racing, plenty of supporters, and some great music from Poole Borough Brass Band.

categories. The regatta was followed by the Boat Club dinner with special guest Sebastian Benzecry (CUBC President 2024) giving a speech that inspired every rower in the room.

Canford sent three crews to the prestigious Henley Women’s Regatta. The junior coxed IV qualified for the round of 16, but lost to an older, more experienced Scottish crew, while the single sculler was the fastest non-qualifier.

Dan C and Archie J were the nominated representatives from Canford for the junior international trials and had the chance to prove their speed in single sculls and coxless pairs. Having gone through the whole trial process, Dan and Archie finished just outside the cut for the final crew formation, but the boys came away with a wealth of experience and knowledge.

Archie also had an opportunity to trial for a seat on the Welsh team, which he gladly took. He competed in the home international regatta and finished 2nd in the coxless IV and 3rd in the VIII.

Ian Dryden

ATHLETICS

The season started at the Yeovil track in the pouring rain. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the senior relay team – Elle Mowbray, Megan M, Grace C and Martha F – ran a superb 4x100m relay in a time of 52.31s.

The Winchester meet was a highlight of the season, with the athletes excited about having the opportunity to compete at Winchester University’s athletics stadium. The scene was set for a promising afternoon and the Canford athletes did not disappoint. Strong performances were seen by junior Harry R, who has now replaced OC Adam Kwan’s 80m hurdle and OC Eddie Stirling’s 300m records, which were both set in 2017. Harry went on to beat the 2001 Dorset championship record for 80m hurdles and came an impressive third in the English Schools, which

TENNIS

It was a year filled with both challenges and triumphs. Our teams experienced a mixed bag of results, showcasing our resilience and determination on the court. We witnessed impressive individual performances, but also faced tough competition that tested our resolve. The senior girls’ 1st team managed to pull off some impressive wins against Sherborne, Blundell’s, Clayesmore and Godolphin. Having lost a few tennis players last year, I was really impressed with how some of the junior girls stepped up. As ever, our depth often enabled us to be victorious in the 3rds and 4ths, playing up against other schools’ 1st and 2nds; whilst these matches were harder, the teams performed well all season. The U15s had some great performances and only lost one fixture all season. The U14s as a group were fantastic, performed well in all the fixtures, stayed positive and all really progressed throughout the season, even after some tough losses.

is a fabulous achievement. Inter boys Harry W and Warren I both produced pleasing performances in the 100m, coming third and fourth respectively. Congratulations to Upper Sixth runner Jansci Motsi for his new school record in the 100m; he has been chasing this title for several years and it was heartwarming to see his celebration as he crossed the finish line. Isaac A had a great race in both the 100m and 200m, achieving personal bests across the board.

Congratulations should be passed on to the following athletes who represented Dorset in the south-west championships: Elsa K in high jump, Grace C in 200m, Elle Mowbray in long jump, Megan M in triple jump and high jump, Harry R in 80m hurdles, Jansci Motsi in 100m and Elisabeth Koppert in discus. The Mowbray sisters were a force in the jumping arena: Megan won both the high jump

There are some pupils to watch out for in the seasons to come.

The senior boys had a very pleasing year, including good close wins against Bradfield and Blundell’s. As ever, the will to win against local rivals prevailed in our favour. In the second half of the season, with the pressure of exams, some of the junior boys stepped up to become part of the senior squad and really showed their worth. From the 1st to the 4ths they all are very competitive, although at times under pressure we let the nerves get to us and focus was lost. Across the juniors there seemed to be a change in the landscape, with the rise of other sports being placed in the Summer Term. Most of the schools we faced couldn’t raise a U15 and U14 and needed to combine a lot more. Yet our juniors still managed to post some great results and picked up wins against local rivals as well as a good win at Dauntsey’s.

This year we had our first OC

tennis match in a while against our current first teams. It was a great event and something that we look forward to making a permanent feature in the last week of the Summer Term. It was good to see the OCs back and having a catch-up, and there was some wonderful tennis played.

Thanks to all the outgoing Upper Sixth, as they are a tennisloving cohort, and a special goodbye to Edward Schuster Bruce, who has been in the first team since Shells, and Maya Doubleday, who has played in the first team since Fourth Form. As ever, thanks to the Canford staff – I couldn’t run the club without your dedication.

Emma Bennett

and triple jump while Elle dominated in the long jump, jumping 5.55m. Both gained selection for English Schools in Birmingham.

This year’s House Athletics had both the seniors (Fifth Form and Lower Sixth) and juniors (Shells and Fourth Form) competing. With tight races taking place, it was not surprising that the results were exceptionally close. In the senior boys’ competition, School House took gold with 43 points, followed closely by Franklin (41 points) and the bronze position went to Monteacute (36 points). The junior boys’ competition was won by Wimborne (54 points), second School House (52 points) and third Court (49 points). The girls’ competition saw de Lacy claim gold in the senior age category with 42 points, Beaufort second with 37 points and Marriotts third with 29 points, and finally the junior girls saw Marriotts win with an impressive 68 points, second de Lacy with 40 points and closely followed by Beaufort with 39 points.

Natasha Wilson

In the second half of the season, with the pressure of exams, some of the junior boys stepped up to become part of the senior squad and really showed their worth.

FOOTBALL

Another great year for football, with 46 fixtures played across four teams. The Oaks competed in the WISL, ISFA Shield and county cup. The Acorns also competed in a league for the first time, challenging themselves against first teams of Warminster, Milton Abbey, Downside and King’s Bruton. The Gents played seven friendly fixtures through the year, and would have played more had it not been for the harsh weather.

2023/24 saw the start of girls’ football at Canford. The group competed in the county cup, playing tough fixtures against Parkstone Grammar School and QE Wimborne. Twenty girls appeared for the girls’ 1st XI, and even more came down to training across all year groups. Kurumi H scored Canford girls’ firstever goal, against Parkstone. In their second fixture, the girls came so close, battering the QE goal, but couldn’t get the goals that they deserved. Anouska Loveridge did manage to grab one, ending in a 3-1 loss.

The Oaks, led superbly by their captain, Will Branston, managed to win the WISL for the first time in years. A new-look squad, littered with Lower Sixth talent, combined with Upper Sixth students Thomas Sparkhall, Will Branston, Max Williamson, Zac Oaten and Isaac Gill, proved to be a tough team to play against. The group managed to win eight of their ten league games, only losing one. They also managed to reach the quarter-finals of the ISFA Shield, beating the previous year’s winners, RGS Guildford, 2-1 in the first round, then travelling to KES Witley and winning 3-0, before bowing out to the eventual winners, Reading Blue Coat.

Players’ Player of the Year was won by Jago H, a tricky number 10 who carries the ball like no other and also chips in with the odd goal (13 to be exact). Coach’s Player of the Year was won by Leo V, a stalwart at the back, stopping opposition scoring and starting many goals from the back for the Oaks.

REAL TENNIS & SQUASH

We have been lucky to quickly welcome new assistant professional Nat Cherry to Canford. He has trained as part of the new Investing in Professionals programme at the Oratory and MCC and has settled extremely well into Canford life.

The weekly carousel and activity sessions, as well as the Fourth Form having had Real tennis and squash as a games option over the last few years, have meant a significant increase in interest. We now have over 40 pupils taking Real tennis and squash in the first term, with the strength and depth improving as we get them on court from an earlier age.

We played thirteen squash matches across the year against local rivals Bryanston, Clayesmore and Sherborne. We also had a strong victory against a Dorset junior squad. We had some superb Real tennis battles with our usual opponents,

Radley, Oratory and Wellington. We have had lots of participation across all age brackets, particularly Fourth and Fifth Forms, and it will be exciting to see their development over the next couple of years. We continue to have a strong tie with our local club, The Hyde in Bridport, with our annual home and away fixture. Unfortunately, the home fixture was cancelled due to condensation and a slippery floor, but we managed to sneak the away tie 5-1.

We were thrilled to take four Fourth Form boys (Jack G, Lewis P, Will T and Hector C) on the school’s first Real tennis tour for over 20 years, getting a unique opportunity to play the Bordeaux and Paris courts. The success of the tour has meant that we hope to continue giving Fourth Form pupils this opportunity over the next number of years.

Four Canford pairs were involved in the National School Doubles at Radley and Queen’s. No

The Acorns had their own ground-breaking season. Entering a league competition for the first time provided some tough fixtures where the boys battled hard and came away on the wrong side of some tight scorelines. Despite this, the leadership of Esther Saurel and Kerry Gunu meant that attitude and application never wavered. And with many of the squad being in the Lower Sixth, they are looking a more experienced and determined squad heading into the 2024/25 season. Special mentions go to Upper Sixth students, Kerry Gunu, Oscar Lineker-Bennett, Olly Peters and Sam Symes.

The Gents trained and played in gentlemanly style, living up to their name, and were rewarded with wins over Bryanston and Milton Abbey. Like the Acorns, they also played in some tight games but came up on the wrong side, losing 3-2 away at Blandford and 3-1 at Milton Abbey.

James Crickmore

silverware this year, but as always it was a fantastic experience for the boys, who all put in a valiant effort for Canford.

Congratulations to Beaufort, who were crowned girls’ junior and senior house squash champions for a third year in a row. School House continue to dominate the boys’ competition, beating Salisbury and Court to win both titles.

A special mention to Albert Blackburn and Will Fountain, who were two of our top Real tennis and squash players. Both represented the school across numerous competitions and all age brackets. Albert captained both our Real tennis and squash teams in his final year and both achieved school colours. Fittingly, both had the honour of becoming school champion and lifting the Canford Royal Tennis Cup.

James Ryan

GOLF

The 2023/24 golf season has culminated in record numbers participating in golf as a school sport choice this summer, with over forty pupils involved.

We competed in the HMC Swift Foursomes and ISGA Matchplay competitions. The Swift Foursomes were used as a tool for players to gain some experience and find partners that they could gel with; it really brought out the best in our golfers, putting in a fine show against some of the best golfing schools across the south-west.

The ISGA Matchplay competition is where we put out our strongest team possible. This competition is a team of three and is singles matchplay with the winner of the knockout stage heading to the national strokeplay competition. Our squad was made up from Leo V, Yakov V, Suzy C and Ivo R.

In the first round we managed a solid win against Dauntsey’s. Elizabeth College (Guernsey) brought over a very strong side in the next round, but Suzy brought home the vital point with a very impressive 3 and 2 win. Our final match, against Winchester, was a very tightly fought affair, during which Yakov achieved an outstanding hole in one on the 194-yard 7th hole at Bramshaw GC. He managed a fantastic 1 up victory which sent us to the Players Club, Bristol, for the Nationals.

The Nationals consisted of both a team and individual competitions. Day 1 saw Leo fire a superb +1 score to put him third on the individual leaderboard. On day 2, each of the pupils competed with all they had, playing some exquisite golf. Leo managed a tied fourth finish in the individual competition, and we came in the top eleven schools in the team competition. This was a brilliant effort by Leo, Yakov and Ivo, a true credit to the school.

Joe Davis

LACROSSE

This year saw a mixed group of all years from Fifth Form to Upper Sixth participate in lacrosse. Across the year there was a good influx of pupils, many of whom had never played before this year.

We unfortunately missed out on the south-west rally due to timing, so our focus was almost solely on National Schools. Prior to the tournament, we had fixtures with Godolphin, St Mary’s Calne, St Swithun’s and more. Although Nationals was a tough weekend, the girls showed that they are indeed the hardestworking team with their attitude, ability and commitment, and that they embody a neversay-die attitude. They finished the season with a 5-5 record.

The second team had notable performances towards the end of the season. The improvement in their ability and belief saw some hard-fought wins throughout the year.

There was once again representation at county level with three Lower Sixth girls being selected for South-West and one of them is now joining the Wales U18 setup, showing the talent that is within the lacrosse programme. Many of the girls are now eyeing up the SouthWest trials next year, which showcases their desire to be the best they can be.

A massive thanks to Bournemouth University student Chloe Davey, who was able to help in sessions throughout the year, providing the support that was needed for the girls to develop in the best way. I wish the girls the best in their lacrosse journey and their time at Canford and beyond. They are an exceptional credit to the school.

Connor Macmillan

The atmosphere generated by Canford badminton players is always competitive and friendly. Finding opposition of the correct level and not travelling halfway across the country are the main difficulties in arranging fixtures. As a result, we have had most of our fixtures against Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls School. However, we have also managed to arrange fixtures against a local seniors team called the Thursday Boys Club, who regularly play at Canford Sports Centre on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. These are very talented older players who offer a mutually beneficial opportunity for the players on

both teams. Overall, we have won more games than we have played: in singles we have played 81 games and won 58 and in doubles we have played 88 games and won 43, so overall a reasonable season.

Our sessions in games periods are always played in a positive and sporting atmosphere and it is great to see our more able players regularly helping our newer players to develop their technique and their ability to assess other players’ strengths and weaknesses.

Dick Carpenter

SWIMMING

The swimming team’s commitment to training was rewarded with excellent performances in two friendly galas in 2024, competing against Winchester College at home and Sherborne Girls’ School as a visiting side. Both events highlighted the strength and determination of the junior and senior boys’ teams, as well as the junior girls’ team, showcasing their talent across individual and relay events.

In February, Canford faced Winchester College, where the senior boys, led by captain Thomas L, put up a valiant effort, finishing just ten points behind Winchester’s U18 team. However, the U16 team emerged victorious, with standout performances from Hamish B, who won the 100m individual medley and 50m butterfly, and Harry W, who triumphed in the 50m backstroke. The relay teams also excelled, winning both the medley and freestyle relays.

In May, the Canford team continued their success against Sherborne Girls’ School. Despite lower team numbers, the Canford swimmers displayed immense determination and team spirit. Senior swimmer Adriano Hedley finished his school swimming career on a high note, winning both the 50m fly and 100m individual medley. George Johnson-Jones also claimed victory in the 50m freestyle. The junior boys’ team once again impressed, particularly Hamish B, who secured wins in the 100m individual medley and 50m butterfly. The junior girls’ team also shone, with Georgie W taking first place in the 100m individual medley.

Across both events, the Canford swimmers demonstrated resilience, teamwork and great skill, earning well-deserved recognition for their efforts and commitment to the swimming team.

Fran Compan

Astrong cohort determined to work hard on improving their game made 2023/24 another fun year for Canford basketball. It has not always been easy to find fixtures for ‘The Towers’, but when they do get the opportunity to put their skills to the test, it is always great to see them on court.

The year started pre-Christmas with two challenging fixtures against Bishop Wordsworth’s (lost 31-47) and Winchester (lost 25-55), which showed up some areas to work on. In Winchester’s case, the opportunity to reverse the result came just two weeks later, and a 40-39 thriller away from home set a standard for the boys to try to continue to achieve. The Easter Term saw perhaps the best performance from the Towers for many a year with Sherborne being beaten 67-64. The score doesn’t tell the whole story: three-point shooting of the highest quality putting Canford well in front before a

The 2023-24 season started at a great pace with Canford hosting a PEDSSA event for around 450 runners from 25 local schools ranging from year 5 up to year 13. This set the scene for an exciting and enjoyable two terms of running, with Canfordians making full use of our Dorset location, including the big fan favourite Creech to Corfe Purbeck Stomp, trips to Wareham Forest, hills and twisty trails on Canford Heath, the beaches of Studland and Sandbanks, and the Castleman Trailway. Plus of course the whole school getting involved in the annual House Cross-Country in the final week of the Christmas Term.

In competition running we have had some superb results. At the Dorset county championships, sixthformers Abi Crossley and Jemima C led by example with a stellar 9th and 10th respectively in the senior girls, automatically qualifying for the regionals. Abi and Jemima went on to represent Dorset at the south-west championships, where the team came an impressive 2nd overall.

At our regular local races, our runners, including a number representing Canford for the first time, have done us proud at meets such as Downside, Sherborne, Bryanston and Milton Abbey.

On many weeks, our runners had to contend with sideways rain, strong winds and very wet underfoot conditions, and I was constantly impressed by the determination, courage and cheerfulness with which they approached every session, always seeing the positives and pushing their limits. There have been huge improvements for every member of the team and they have been a pleasure to run with this year.

late Sherborne comeback was foiled by the ring on a buzzerbeater attempt from halfway! With confidence high, a younger Winchester team were dispatched a couple of weeks later. A loss to Sherborne in our final fixture was probably foreseeable with injuries, late team changes and a challenging journey (roads closed) not helping the preparation or warming up! Three wins and three losses for the year was a fair reflection and the aim will be to build on that next season.

Particular thanks must go to Henry Hancock and Dom Bates for their unfaltering efforts for the team over the last few years. New leaders must now push forward to take the group on.

Finally, huge thanks to coach Luca Dronyk for his work and effort with the group across the year. He has been outstanding in his desire to help the boys.

Tony Diprose

Jamie Ings

Canford Explore –Broadening Horizons

Images of just some of the many trips, both overseas and closer to home, that were organised for pupils during the year.

Canford's hockey players in Spain

In Norway with the CCF

The Geography Department in Iceland

The History Department's tour of World War 1 battlefields

A Duke of Edinburgh's Award expedition in the New Forest

The Fifth Form scholars in Westminster Hall during their visit to the Palace of Westminster

Canford artists at the V&A

2024 LEAVERS’ BALL