HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016 Arts Week 2016 Top Marks for Caterham Pupils National Recognition for Caterham Science Teaching Team GB Sporting Success for Caterhamians
Ceri Jones joined Caterham School as Headmaster in September 2015 following 10 years as Second Master at Tonbridge School. Mr Jones read History at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and is married to Kay Moxon; they have two daughters. In 2013 he was seconded as Executive Principal to The Marsh Academy in New Romney, which is a maintained academy that Tonbridge School co-sponsors. In 2012, in collaboration with The Sutton Trust, Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and a number of independent schools in Kent he launched an access programme for disadvantaged but academically bright Year 9 students from nonselective maintained academies in Kent
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Headmaster’s Welcome The start of the new academic year brings new opportunity and a fresh start for all of us and it is always great to have our pupils back in School ready for the exciting possibilities that lie ahead – there is nothing quite like the start of term ‘buzz’ you get in that first assembly of term! School is a strange place to be over the summer without the added vibrancy, optimism and enthusiasm of youth to energise the place. September always reminds me what a great (and really important) job teaching is – a Sports Hall full of energy and potential that needs (and deserves) the best from all of us all the time. Expeditions to far flung corners of the world, not to mention visits to historical, geographical and scientific wonders within our own shores, have kept staff and pupils active and challenged both mentally and physically. The end of summer brought the ritual of examination results and I was delighted with the results our pupils achieved. I am particularly delighted that our young people have ensured that their time at school has been spent not just focusing on how to pass an exam but also on developing themselves as individuals, developing their own interests and passions and making lifelong friendships. The physical School itself has been transformed with the completion of the Centre for Performing Arts and the new Innovation Centre, a technology hub within which our pupils will be able to experiment and collaborate on IT and STEM projects. I look forward to welcoming you to Caterham School for one of the many events that lie ahead this term. Whether at a sporting fixture, a Caterham Lecture, a drama, dance or music performance I know you will find a warm welcome here. Ceri Jones, Headmaster
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Top Marks for Caterham Pupils
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Summer A Level results saw a quarter of all grades achieved at Caterham School the top A* grade with over 57% at A*/A grades. These results place Caterham School as one the top performing co-educational independent schools in the country, based on the percentage of A*/A grades and A* to B grades achieved. Mr Ceri Jones, Headmaster said: “Congratulations to our Upper Sixth who achieved such a strong set of exam results. I am equally delighted that they have ensured that their time at school has been spent not just focusing on how to pass an exam but also on developing themselves as individuals, developing their own interests and passions and making lifelong friendships. We believe that all our pupils are capable of great things and support all of them to become the best that they can be, and it is great to see the variety and range of university destinations and courses which they are moving on to. As ever, there are some stunning individual performances in these results and from an academic point of view I am particularly pleased that another dozen or so pupils will be joining the fifty Caterhamians that we have sent to Oxford and Cambridge over the past three years. This strong set of results is underpinned by the hard work and commitment of both pupils and teachers, and also by an approach to education that encourages pupils to think and not just to regurgitate.� At GCSE, for the second consecutive year, half of all results were graded A* and over one third of our candidates (40 pupils) achieved eight A* grades or better. 13 academic departments celebrated 90% or higher A*-A grades including Physics, Biology, Maths, Latin, Greek and Astronomy.
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Politics Presses On Sixth Form politics magazine Preview was launched to wide acclaim in the heart of Whitehall.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
A keynote address by the Rt Hon Crispin Blunt, MP for Reigate, praised the pupils for their enthusiasm and the depth and breadth of the magazine’s articles. Sixth Former Charlotte Kail thanked the many special guests who attended the launch, including Mrs Sally Marks, Chairman of Surrey County Council, and overviewed her own predictions for the US presidential election before aiding Crispin Blunt MP in unveiling the cover of 2016’s Preview.
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EU REFERENDUM
Politics pupils followed the summer’s big European story with avid interest. Head of Politics and well-known political commentator Mr Toby Cooper provided clear and unbiased information to a packed Rudd Hall at a special Caterham Lecture that preceded the nation’s vote. Mr Cooper dismantled arguments from both the Remain and Leave camps and reviewed information that the campaigns appeared to forget to mention. The School’s own referendum amongst pupils saw a large turn out across all ages with the end result drawing the opposite conclusion to the national majority which prevailed on 23 June.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
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National Recognition for Caterham Science Teaching
Cambridge Classics Award
Mr Quinton, Caterham’s Head of Science, was shortlisted as the UK’s ‘Science Teacher of the Year’ by renowned educational paper The Times Educational Supplement (TES).
from all over the country. The eminent judging panel was hugely impressed by Caterham’s Science department’s astonishing record of success under Mr Quinton’s leadership. Over the past two years alone, 86 pupils have chosen to read science-related degrees at university, including 20 at either Oxford or Cambridge.
Sixth Form pupil Matthew Lee so impressed the judges of Fitzwilliam College Cambridge during a recent competition that they awarded him a special Certificate of Commendation. Matthew’s entry to the annual Ancient World & Classics Essay Competition prompted Dr Sara Owen, Director of Studies for Classics at the College, to write and congratulate him.
Magna Carta Surrey Accolade
Matthew’s essay, submitted as part of a nationwide competition for Lower Sixth classicists, examined the extent to which it is meaningful to talk of ‘human rights’ in the Ancient World. Matthew has been invited to Cambridge to meet Classics dons at Fitzwilliam and to collect his award.
Following his TES shortlisting, Mr Quinton was feted at a wonderful evening of celebration alongside the finest teachers
An entry to Surrey County Council’s 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta essay competition resulted in Rory Moore receiving Highly Commended and awarded a cash prize of £150. Mr Kim Wells, Director of Learning & Teaching, said “Rory skilfully blended events from the English Civil War through to the current war in Syria to demonstrate the ongoing impact of Magna Carta on democracy today. He richly deserves this prize and has made his school very proud.”
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
The Centre for Performing Arts
Speech Day Celebrations
Caterham’s brand new Performing Arts Centre will formally be opened by well known British actor and director Simon Callow CBE, at a gala evening event in October.
The sun shone on Speech Day 2016 as the School welcomed guest of honour Anji Hunter, once described as ‘the most influential non-elected person in Downing Street’.
In addition to a purpose built full-sized theatre, the extended facilities will provide additional rehearsal rooms, a smaller theatre, reception area and an outdoor performance space. The music facilities include an additional general purpose studio in addition to a recording studio.
Teen Tech Win at the Royal Society Caterham’s young designers scooped the winning spot in the nationwide Teen Tech competition final, held at the Royal Society in London. The Year 8 pupils designed and prepared prototypes of ‘SensoSafe’, a bike light that also detects vehicles approaching the cyclist from behind alerting them to the danger. Teen Tech is a national competition that invites entries from across the UK in a multitude of different STEM disciplines. The event recorded its highest ever number of entries this year with an astonishing 1400 groups putting forward their innovative ideas. Judges from a variety of STEM backgrounds judged the shortlisted finalists on the day and awarded Caterham School the outright winner in the Transport category. Congratulations David Poolman, Ollie Wynn and Caspar Barton on a huge achievement!
Following a thought-provoking address by the Headmaster an inspiring speech by Ms Hunter, Head Girl Rhia Patel and Head Boy Jack Medlock took to the lectern to give heart-warming reflections on their time at Caterham School, and advised younger pupils to make the very most of the opportunities on offer whilst at the School.
Junior Maths Challenge A haul of medals was secured by the 98 Caterham pupils who participated in the Junior Maths Challenge. The First and Second Year pupils gained 16 gold medals, 29 silvers, and 22 bronze medals. Special congratulations to Ellen Carmona (2D) who qualified for the prestigious Junior Maths Olympiad, and to Olivia Lu (2R), Olivia, Lee (2H), Dan Blythe (2R), Ethan Lo (2R) and Esther Keyworth (2L), as well as Cameron Hudson (1P), who all qualified for the Junior Mathematical Kangaroo.
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INNOVATION CENTRE OPENS
Caterham School is one of only three independent schools in the UK to be formally accredited as an Apple Distinguished School.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
A ground breaking Innovation Centre has opened at Caterham School. Designed to support and enable pupils to get ‘under the skin’ of the digital world, the centre will support coding, designing, and building computer hardware both within and beyond the academic curriculum. Pupils will collaborate and innovate, developing their own ideas and self-led projects with expert guidance. Mr Ceri Jones, Headmaster, said: “Given the School’s strength in digital learning and the enthusiasm that exists here for engaging with Computing, from pupil initiated coding clubs to Raspberry Pis, this was a natural next step. The centre offers the space, the equipment and expert support for pupils to extend vital knowledge and skills.” The Innovation Centre follows hot on the heels of Caterham’s Apple Distinguished School status, with the School one of only three in the UK to be recognised by the global technology company for its ‘innovation in technology and learning’.
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Arts Week 2016
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
The Art and 3D Design Summer Exhibition ushered in a week of inspirational artistic and cultural activities, displays and performances, all comprising Arts Week 2016. All the events drew on the talents of our pupils, our staff and of professional artists who chose to come and be part of the School’s Arts Week. Everyone’s energy and enthusiasm, and the amazing skills on show, made it a remarkable and exciting week. Fresh from the London stage, Horrible Histories’ Arts Week performance welcomed over 300 primary school children to Caterham School as part of the School’s growing outreach programme, spanning sport, creative and performing arts, science, and modern languages.
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Learning and Teaching
Parents Revision and Memory Skills Workshop A well timed Revision and Memory skills session attracted almost 100 parents who listened to Mr Kim Wells, Director of Learning and Teaching, talk about practical tips on the importance of reviewing, creative timetabling, and memorising. An external trainer, professional coach Ms Tracy Sinclair, showed parents how using other methods can help memorise information, for example, by location, visual accessing clues, and positive mind sets.
The evening was one of an ongoing programme of skills sessions, run as part of Caterham’s unique focus on Learning and Teaching which also embraces the partnership between school, pupil and parents.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
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Adventures Near and Far
Return to the Mountains Breath-taking mountain views greeted pupils as they arrived in Nay on the return leg of the French Exchange Trip. A friendly welcome marked the reunion which saw the English pupils spend the weekend with their language partners’ families with some visiting the nearby ski resorts whilst others enjoyed the beach in Biarritz or St Jean de Luz. Monday brought lessons at St Joseph’s School where the Caterham linguists rose to the challenge. The trip also included visits to a cheese making farm, to the nearby “Grottes de Betharram” and the city of Lourdes.
Ansbach Exchange Following on from the highly successful week in Ansbach, Bavaria in October 2015, the time came for the German pupils to take the plunge and immerse themselves in the Caterham way of life for a week. The programme of activity was action packed and included a couple of days visiting lessons and clubs with partners, time spent with host families at the weekend and exciting trips to Hever, London and Brighton. A firm favourite was the exhilarating ride on London Duck tours, despite the cold! The ice had already been broken back in October so friendships between German and English partners were well and truly established.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Spanish Trip to Valencia
Time Travel
Evenings spent eating tapas and playing beach volley ball followed full days of sight-seeing and were the perfect recipe for a successful languages trip to Valencia. During the day pupils enjoyed boat rides through rice fields, a bike ride through Valencia, a trip to the local water park, and a visit to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences centre which was filled with many interactive visual displays such as a machine that blasts you with air at the speed of a sneeze, and a machine that measures a person’s strength.
A dozen intrepid History pupils set out on the Revolution, Republic and Restoration Roadtrip under the able direction of Mr Salem and Mrs James. A brief stop on the ridge that overlooks the site of the Battle of Edgehill was followed by a visit to Worcester Cathedral where the group explored the Cathedral’s extensive 17th century archive and handled original copies of letters, manuscripts and books including the 1637 Scottish Book of Common Prayer which in itself was a principal cause of the Civil War. From Worcester the group travelled east to the site of the Battle of Naseby before heading north to the Queen’s Sconce and the castle in Newark.
Romania Road Trip Bucharest was the starting point for senior pupils’ trip to Romania where they studied the amazing architecture and evidence of the communist Ceausescu Regime. The hard work then began as pupils worked for the Betania Foundation Project helping Roma communities improve their living conditions. This aspect of the trip was a real eye opener as pupils saw how impoverished this community and the remarkable difference the charity is making. The trip finished with off-road trekking providing jaw dropping mountain views.
Dressing up was on the cards with a visit to the new National Civil War Centre in Newark which offered Cavaliers and Roundheads dress plus the opportunity to handle original objects from the Civil War, in addition to exploring the museum and attending a session with one of the Centre’s experts on a core topic from the course. Throughout the trip, pupils gave talks on different parts of the 1629-67 course to aid their and their peers’ revision.
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Tanzanian Summer 20 Sixth Form pupils and five staff travelled to Tanzania visiting Mount Meru, Ngoro Ngoro National Parks and partner school Lerang’wa School, on the northern edge of Mt Kilimanjaro. The pupils spent their mornings teaching lessons and in the afternoon divided their time between cultural visits, including to a local Maasai settlement and maintenance projects in the school. They then embarked on a four day hike to the summit of Mount Meru which tested the group physically and mentally. The trek went through the beautiful forests of the Arusha National Park, before climbing above the clouds to the summit.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Nicaragua Expedition Sixth Formers enjoyed a Central American summer with an 18 day trip to Nicaragua combing charity work, teaching, culture and geographical wonders. The group stayed with host Nicaraguan families with mornings spent improving their Spanish and afternoons teaching English. Exploring the country, the pupils learnt Latin American dancing, took a visit to a cigar factory and ended the tour with three days on a beautiful volcanic island beautiful that was full of butterflies and howler monkeys.
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Outdoor Learning
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Brecon Branding 15 Geography pupils and five teachers headed off to Swansea and the Brecon Beacons to boldly go where no Lower Sixth has gone before. The aim of the trip was to investigate rebranding in Swansea and the Brecon Beacons and evaluate to what extent it has been a success. To do this in Swansea the pupils surveyed multiple areas including everything from buildings to benches and in the evening we presented our data for the different areas. In addition to investigate rural rebranding we took a trip into the Brecon Beacons and considered ways that the area could be rebranded into anything, including turning a disused quarry into an amphitheatre or a railway station into a cafĂŠ. The trip forms an important part of the syllabus and proved its worth with questions on collecting and presenting data featured in summer exams.
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Outdoor Learning
CCF Bushcraft 60 cadets from across five year-groups participated in an action-packed weekend training day held in the School’s woodland. The morning brought the cadets to our backwoods camp, complete with roaring fire and parachute canopy, as they learnt the skills of survival in the wilds from military and civilian instructors. In small groups, armed only with flints, they attempted to start and build a fire, learnt how to use knives, saws and axes; had a chance to gut and butcher fish and fowl, spatchcocking and steaming their quarry for a hearty lunch. Cadets were presented with several first aid scenarios by St John Ambulance staff, dealing with conscious and unconscious casualties in difficult terrain. The highlight of the afternoon was laser tag wherein the cadets played out various scenarios throughout the woodland.
Diamond Anniversary Celebrations As part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’s (DofE) sixty years celebrations, Caterham School took part in a landmark presentation held at Buckingham Palace Gardens. 1,000 successful Gold Award participants from around the country gathered in the stunning Palace Gardens for a memorable ceremony. Daisy de Meester, who left Caterham School in 2015, was presented with her award by BBC presenter Sian Williams. The BBC presenter then awarded the Headmaster and Ben Wilkinson, the School’s DofE manager, with a special plaque celebrating our status as an Independently Licenced Centre. After the presentations, the Earl of Wessex came to chat to the Gold Awardees and Centre Leaders.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
CCF Summer Camp A week of adventure across two sites challenged members of the CCF’s Army Section as the summer holidays dawned for the rest of the School. First it was off to Longmoor, Hampshire, for a demanding two-day military package, comprising lessons in marksmanship, weapon handling and fieldcraft, a 100m live range shoot and a 24-hour battle exercise: junior cadets, under the leadership of their Sixth Form NCOs, cleared woodland, fields and dunes of the enemy threat. When the final foe had fallen, it was off to Crickhowell on the edge of the Brecon Beacons to spend five days immersed in adventurous outdoor pursuits. A canoeing expedition saw many enjoying the beauty and tranquillity of the Wye Valley, an idyll which Cdt Zonfrillo did his best to corrupt, capsizing his and his friends’ boats in a desperate flight from a menacing looking swan. At Porthcawl the cadets climbed and abseiled on coastal cliffs, established themselves as surf dudes (or duds) in the summer sea, and competed heartily in platoon sports before a fish and chip supper brought another day to a close. On the next day, as the juniors were introduced to dry and wet caving and gorge walking up the beautiful River Mellte, senior cadets were put through their paces in vertical-entry caves and canyons, hurling themselves head first down 10foot drops into raging torrents.
Air Experience Flying Day The RAF Air Experience Flying day began with a 7.00am start and blue sky above. Four cadets and seven recruits stepped on the minibus with the moderately experienced Sqn Ldr Armitage on their way to RAF Benson in Oxfordshire. After a quick safety briefing and a demonstration of how to jump out of an aircraft, the cadets were suited up and ready to go. Shortly after take-off the instructor gave the first pupil full control, flying up to 4,500ft. No stomach was left unturned as the cadets experienced full acrobatics with loops, stall turns, barrel rolls and many more manoeuvres, ranging from 3.5Gs to zero gravity. An incredible and memorable day for all involved.
Passing Out Parade To celebrate the completion of training syllabuses by Third and Fourth Year cadets the CCF put on its annual Passing Out parade on Home Field in front of over 100 parents and friends. As is the established custom, a former pupil who has progressed from CCF to a career in the Armed Forces was invited back to give out awards and to address the parade. Captain Oliver Jones (class of 2004) has enjoyed a distinguished career in the Scots Guards, serving as a platoon commander in the upper Gereshk Valley in Afghanistan. He inspected the parade which marked the progression of Third Year recruits to fully fledged cadets, while Fourth Years marked the completion of their advanced infantry or airmanship training.
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Art Summer Exhibition The 2016 Art, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design Summer Exhibition received much acclaim from a large number of parents, pupils and visitors to the School who enjoyed the wide range of work on show. Pupils’ GCSE, AS and A Level work showcased the talent and application of the School’s senior artists.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
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MUSIC Music at Caterham School incorporates a busy and broad programme of performances. The close of the Summer Term meant the inevitable farewell to established Caterham musicians as they move on to university and beyond. With so many talented younger musicians coming up the ranks we look forward to them taking centre stage over the coming months.
Spring Concert Caterham’s Spring Concert featured all of the School’s instrumental groups who performed an eclectic variety of music from Albinoni to Bizet. The Symphony Orchestra began the concert with a forceful performance of In The Hall of The Mountain King. The string orchestra and the wind ensemble gave wonderful performances of Baroque masterpieces by Vivaldi and Albinoni. The latter section of the
concert featured music inspired by dance and a Touch of Brass gave a dramatic performance of Bizet’s Habanera and Overture from Carmen. Strad String Orchestra played an energetic medley of Celtic folk songs whilst the woodwind ensemble performed a contemporary setting of a Brazilian Samba. The final item was provided by the Latin Orchestra: a highly uplifting and energetic piece, Danzon No. 2.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Piano Masterclass The School’s pianists enjoyed a day of piano events, including piano masterclasses from Birmingham based pianist, Andrew Thayer, whose valuable tuition provided hints and tips on how pupils could develop both their technique and musicality. A Lunchtime Live concert was performed between the masterclass sessions during which Andrew Thayer gave an exceptionally impressive performance of Widmong, by Schumann/Liszt. The benefits of the masterclass were in evidence when pupils performed at the School’s annual Pianoforte Recital.
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Music and Dance Live (MAD Live) is a highlight of the School year and 2016’s extravaganza did not disappoint.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
MADlive Over 100 pupils from the First Year to Upper Sixth took part with highlights including Tap Club performing to Earth Wind and Fire’s Boogie Wonderland, fronted by the vocal talents of Henry Chappell (L6H2) and Tom Mason (4H); our boys’ choir, Close Harmony, singing Black Street’s No Diggity accompanied by Urbanized, our all male dance crew; as well as beautiful ballads sung by Hugo Soer (L6H1), Tom Gardner (U6R1), Megan Davies (L6N2), Natalie Goodwin (L6A1) Gaurav Malhotra (L6L2) and Megan McGlashan (5L), to name but a few. Dance genres ranged from breaking to ballet and the audience were also treated to an incredible gymnastics display to the accompaniment of Eurythmics’ Sweet Dreams. The evening raised £300 for the Yellowmen of Kadongdong. The Yellowmen are local Rotarians and their friends from Hastings, Rother, and beyond who work in Northern Kenya, building and refurbishing clinics and s chools and helping to develop medical and educational services in the area.
ETS on Record Members of Caterham’s choir, the Eric Thiman Singers (ETS), spent a whole day recording in the Wilberforce Hall. The project, run by the Eric Thiman Collection based at Southwell Minster, has been organised to preserve and celebrate the music of Eric Thiman, Old Caterhamian. ETS were delighted to have the experience of recording with a professional engineer and producer and the fantastic acoustics of the Wilberforce Hall provided the perfect location. The album was released to the general public in July at a special event attended by dignitaries from the Church and classical recording industry.
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Musical Theatre Evening A spectacular array of musical talent was on show at the Musical Theatre Evening. 20 pupils, ranging from First Year to the Upper Sixth performed with an energy and enthusiasm beyond their years. Special mention must go to Raymond Ho (L6A2) for a spectacular debut performance of Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera. He gripped the character of the piece and had the audience at his mercy! Charlotte Bridson (5H) and Josie Branson (L6A2) sang stunning ballads from Blood Brothers and A Little Night Music with great emotion, whilst Tom Gardner (L6R1) gave us a powerful rendition of Lost in the Darkness/ I Need To Know from Jekyll and Hyde.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
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Choral Concert St John’s Church in Caterham provided a beautiful setting for the Choral Concert. The concert’s eclectic programme reflected both the passion and diversity of singing at the School with Vocalpoint performing a unique jazz setting of a Latin Mass. Chamber Choir sang beautiful motets including Purcell’s Thou Knowest Lord, The Beauty of Our Hearts whilst the Eric Thiman Singers paid tribute to Old Caterhamian Eric Thiman by singing three of his upper-voice pieces.
Fond Farewell The Summer Term’s Leavers Recital was a wonderful evening of classical music, performed by two Upper Sixth pupils, Lucie Prego and Rachel Galvin. Oboist Lucie, who recently received a distinction in her ATCL diploma, performed an impressive programme of music from Bach to Hindemith. Rachel, on both the soprano and alto Saxophone, took us through a musical tour of the saxophone world, ending the evening with a stunning performance of Light of Sothis by Amy Quate which left the audience mesmerized.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
House Music As the Summer Term drew to a close, the entire Senior School came together for a day of creative music making. The Houses picked their song from a choice of 12 with the theme of ‘Summer Anthems’. After a day of hard work, Harestone House kicked off the competition with a wonderful rendition of Pharrell’s Happy. The audience was also treated to Underwood House’s haunting performance of
Titanium, and Newington House’s upbeat version of Lovers on the Sun. Ridgefield House were crowned winners for their brilliant mash up of Uptown Funk and Thriller, with Boarders and Aldercombe House joint second performing fantastic covers of Happy and Troublemaker respectively, and Lewisham House third with their stylish version of ‘What Makes You Beautiful’.
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DRAMA It has been a packed yet exciting few months for Caterham School’s actors, writers and producers. From winning and participating in festivals to performing Shakespeare on the London stage, it is hard to pick one highlight!
Pupils Perform English Premier of La Mordaza Caterham actors performed a new interpretation of Sastre’s powerful political play La Mordaza (The Gag). We were honoured that this award winning playwright gave permission for our linguists and performers to produce and perform the first English translation of his famous play. The Sixth Form translators, Rhia Patel (L6L1), Izzy Blake (U6H2), Sophie Nye (U6L2), and Emma Coleman (U6H2) were delighted to see the 20 actors bring their words to life. Special mention must go to Seb Kensey (4N) and Niamh Kelly (4U) for their phenomenal performances of complex and powerful characters.
Festival Winners Five Caterham pupils were awarded the accolade of Overall Festival Winners at the 2016 Southern Counties Drama Festival for their work as part of the Glow Theatre Group. Congratulations to Charlotte Bridson (5H), Tom Gardner (L6R1), Matthew Starbuck (L6L2), Esme Driscoll (5H) and Katie Colquitt (4N) and Mrs Driscoll, part of Caterham School’s Drama Department, who runs the Glow Theatre Group and who also picked up the ‘Best Director’ prize.
English Speaking Union Accolade Six Caterham pupils were selected to travel to the English Speaking Union in Mayfair, central London, to perform in the regional final of the Performing Shakespeare competition. Congratulations to Misha Grinberg (3H), Chloe Conway (3A), Caitlin Mear (2R), Caspar Barton (2R), Zoe Kirk (3R) and Morgann Bloquet (2B) whose performance was a credit to them and the School.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
Leatherhead Drama Festival Young Rep actors closed the Leatherhead Festival Junior Programme with style and panache presenting two contrasting comedies. The first, The Imaginary Invalid by Molière, saw the large group of pupils work as a tight ensemble, displaying a breadth of skill, along with an ease and confidence in their stage presence that kept the audience gripped and fully engaged with the advanced nature of the dialogue. The second, A Handbag, a modern comedy drama by Anthony Horowitz, featured a smaller cast of only six
performers. This play within a play follows a disparate group of would-be actors grappling with adverse circumstances to rehearse their version of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest. We only gradually become aware of the horror that lies in the real life pasts of these incarcerated youngsters. The Caterham cast received no less than four special mentions from the adjudicator. Congratulations to Leela Ahuja-Hofheiz, Becca Wright, Jack Lloyd and Ross FurleySmith for their well-deserved accolade.
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Lively Up Shakespeare Festival Caterham’s actors took to the stage at London’s City Hall as part of the international ‘Lively Up’ Shakespeare tour. Lead by the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, the Lively Up performance featured an evening of 30-minute Shakespeare shorts showcasing the work of international youth groups. The evening journeyed from a comedic performance of The Tempest, to a traditional Romeo
and Juliet (performed by Caterham pupils Hana Peacefield (L6L2) and Callum Chaney (5A), and finishing with an amazing Jamaican interpretation of Macbeth. The event was hosted by Lindsay Johns, who gave a very insightful welcome speech, in which he talked of his passion for Shakespeare, and his belief that Shakespeare is, and should be, accessible to children of all ages, and from all over the world.
The Lively Up project was part of Caterham School’s growing outreach programme with the School hosting fellow participating actors from Jamaican school Campion College.
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
House Drama
Elizabethan Festival 2016
House Drama is renowned for a celebration of enthusiasm, fun and creativity and this year’s event did not disappoint. All seven houses staged original devised productions, written and directed by talented Sixth Formers. In addition to the selection of props they had to use in their play, including a feather duster, a whistle and a shower cap, each house was given the opening line of a book they had to use to start their drama. Themes included crime solving – CSI style, a Faustian tale of obtaining people’s souls and Donald Trump’s political views.
Part of Arts Week 2016, the Elizabethan Festival saw audiences entertained with abridged versions of two Shakespeare plays and an extract from a modern play offering a fresh look at playing Lady Macbeth. Alas, the 48 performers had prepared for sunshine, but performed just as well in the surrounds of the Rudd Hall. Romeo and Juliet told the story of a deadly feud and the tragic deaths of our star-crossed lovers – Romeo (Jeremy Chang 3H) and Juliet (Morgann Bloquet 2B and Caitlin Mear 2R). Much Ado About Nothing brought a lighter tone to the evening as the audience willed the sparring duo Beatrice (Charlotte Cross 4U) and Benedick (Ed Statham 3U) to fall in love against the background of a sinister plot to ruin the wedding of Hero (Charlotte Roberts 4A, Krista Goodwin 3A) and Claudio (Joseph Haynes 4U). Our final performance was an extract from Rob John’s ‘Living with Lady Macbeth’ relating Lily’s (Mia Kelly 4U) plans to audition for the role of Lady Macbeth in a school play. The play’s humour balanced beautifully with the experience of being a teenager.
Harestone retained their title winning first place again this year. Their opening line ‘It was the day my grandmother exploded’ was developed into an entertaining retelling of each grandchild’s contribution to grandma’s explosion. Tom Mason (4H) played a lively grandmother able to withstand whatever his grandchildren threw at him. Our judges this year were Jackie Driscoll (Director and Drama Teacher) and Mark Mear (Performer and Director).
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CATERHAM SCHOOL COMMUNITY The Caterham School Community’s inaugural Family Day welcomed hundreds of pupils, parents, friends and former pupils for whom the School remains a point of connection. The Caterham School Community’s inaugural Family Day welcomed hundreds of pupils, parents, friends and former pupils for whom the School remains a point of connection.
Circus Club entertaining visitors whilst they tucked into local fayre on Eothen Quad. Younger members of the community took to the School’s high ropes course or bounced along on the inflatable assault course.
Classic cars, Caterham 7s and historic Harley Davidsons flanked the Main School with the School’s
Family Day ran alongside the Old Caterhamians’ Association’s ‘All the Sixes’ reunion which
saw former pupils return to catch up with old friends before enjoying the annual Old Cats v 1st XI cricket match. Congratulations to the Old Cats on their sporting win!
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
OCA Golf Day Around thirty Old Caterhamians, current parents and teachers came together to play golf in the beautiful surroundings of Woldingham Golf Club. This was the second OCA Golf Day and was hosted by the OCA President, Stephen May. The day proved a real success and, despite some rain in the afternoon, all players enjoyed the opportunity to meet with new people whilst playing a few holes of golf!
Stephen has set a challenge for each player to bring back one additional player for next year, and the event is now assured as an exceptional social event in the Caterham calendar. Some outstanding golf was played with the overall OC Golf Team Winners in the morning being Barrie Hall, Paul Brushett and Gordon Wilkinson.
PA Ball
2017’s event will introduce an OC Ladies’ Trophy, to extend the visibility of the ladies’ game at the event.
The Summer Term closed in celebratory style with the ‘Casino Nights’ themed Parents Association Ball.
CATERHAM SCHOOL
SPORT Sport is a vital part of life at Caterham School – whether pupils are an elite sportsperson or enjoy sport for fun, fitness and to represent the School.
Team GB Sporting Success for Caterhamians
District Champions Congratulations to Caterham’s Under 12 and Under 14 Boys’ Athletics Team who were crowned district champions following strong performances against stiff competition from local rivals.
Congratulations to Sixth Form pupil Sam Talbot and former pupil Rosie Clarke who both achieved country call ups this summer. Sam was called up to Team GB for the European Youth Championships in Georgia for decathlon and Rosie Clarke flew out to the European Championships on Sunday after being crowned British champion in the women’s 3000m steeplechase in Birmingham. We are delighted that Caterhamians have been part of this summer’s Team GB sporting success.
Surrey Schools Track and Field Championships 23 athletes represented the School at the Surrey Schools Track and Field Championships at Kingston’s Kingsmeadow Stadium. Competition was fierce but the team did not disappoint, spurred on by the promise of a place on the Surrey Team available for strong performers.
Outstanding results came from: Lauren Hunt-Williams who became County Champion in the Senior Girls Triple Jump; Amelia Watson who qualified for the for the Surrey Team in Hurdles after coming third and Catherine Lewis-Or who secured first place in the Junior Girls High Jump and sealed her spot on the Surrey team for the impending South East Championship.
Keep up to date with all of the School’s sports news via Twitter @CaterhamSport or the website: caterhamschool.co.uk
HIGHLIGHTS AUTUMN 2016
New Pavilion for Hill Fields A new pavilion will transform the space and accommodation available at Caterham’s Hill Fields sports fields following the granting of planning permission. The pavilion will provide improved viewing of sporting activity when it is completed in
late summer 2017. Preparation work has already begun including the levelling and improving of the current pitches. Hill Fields provides additional space for School fixtures and is also home to Old Caterhamians RFC.
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Caterham School Harestone Valley Road Caterham Surrey CR3 6YA 01883 343028 enquiries@caterhamschool.co.uk caterhamschool.co.uk