The Cheltonian 2015-16

THE

C H E LTO N I A N AN ANNUAL MAGAZINE

EDITED BY

MEMBERS OF CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

“ F L O RU I T , F L O R E T , F L O R E AT ”

VOL. 150 – 2016

THE 150TH COMMEMORATIVE EDITION

Cover based on the first edition of The Cheltonian published in 1866

Chapel then

Chapel now

175 years, we celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday, we’ve seen the introduction of our Floreat adolescent wellbeing programme, we’ve celebrated the best Oxbridge results for 8 years and gained very strong exam results again across the board – for example, 57 pupils achieved 5 or more top A* grades at GCSE. I’ve been able to travel to meet parents and OCs representing our truly global College family in Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Moreover, I’m immensely proud that the inspection of College awarded us ‘excellent’ in all nine areas including quality of teaching, learning, attainment, pastoral care and extra-curricular provision.

Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster

2016 has been a very special year for College: 175 years ago, on 29 July 1841 College opened its doors for the first time – the summer holidays were clearly a little shorter in those days!

The oldest of the Victorian Public schools, College was founded with 120 boys ‘strictly for the sons of gentlemen’. Each boarder was to have a horsehair mattress and a feather bolster and pillow. Fastforward 175 years and we find ourselves in very, very different times. The College (both Prep and Senior) is 10 times bigger for a start, and what would the handful of Masters appointed in 1841 make of nearly 300 girls in College, not to mention nearly 50 female teachers?

One thing the founders of College were absolutely clear about was the value of all-round education and this, along with the importance of academic effort and achievement, are still very much the foundation stones of our College ethos today. Sport was a big part of College life from the beginning - Rugby was introduced in 1844 and College hosted one of the first ever inter-school Rugby matches here. Our first recorded cricket match was against Birmingham in 1847, and apparently the hockey flick was first invented here at College by the Master in charge of Hockey, SH Stevens, in the 1920s.

This year we’ve also had some of the more unusual experiences I’ve had in my time here. It snowed on the morning of the cricket matches against Radley, we had the excitement of a flu outbreak to contend with, and the first ever female Bishop of Gloucester in over 500 years came to College for Confirmation.

College remains committed to allowing individuals to flourish in a hugely broad and richly diverse range of different areas. Yes, it is about individual success, support and encouragement, but College is also a community, a set of living values through which we are seeking to give our young people the very best possible preparation for the multiple challenges of adult life. We seek to develop independence, resilience, resourcefulness and good judgment as well as the importance of plain old hard work and sticking at a task, and the pages which follow encapsulate this nicely.

I pay compliments to the hard work of so many Cheltonians and the dedicated teachers who make all of this happen. I hope you enjoy the magazine.

Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster

Introduction from the Headmaster. . . . . . . . . . . . 01 Reflections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 150 years of The Cheltonian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04 The Cheltonian covers through the years. . . . . . . 06

Academic Academic Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 09 Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Oxbridge News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Classics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Design and Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Economics and Business Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 English. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Geography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 History and Politics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 History of Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Mathematics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Modern Foreign Languages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Psychology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Sports Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Theatre Studies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Theology, Philosophy and Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Speech Day Prizes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Co-Curricular CCF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Drama. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Duke of Edingburgh’s Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Leadership and Coaching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Music. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Societies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sports Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Third Form Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

College Community Archives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Charities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Chatfeild Roberts Library. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Community Links. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Internationalism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Houses Ashmead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Boyne House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Chandos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Christowe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Hazelwell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Leconfield. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Newick House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Queen’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Southwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Westal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

So I do wonder what those of yesteryear would make of College in 2016 and our vast array of co-curricular opportunities? We now offer over 20 different sports – from shooting to equestrianism, water polo to badminton; concerto concerts at Cadogan Hall London, to the House Singing competition, and plays ranging from wholeschool musicals such as the brilliant Les Mis with a cast of a hundred, to small scale Theatre Studies productions and House plays.

Sport Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Badminton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Clays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Cricket. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Equestrian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Hockey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 Netball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Polo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Rackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Rowing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Rugby. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Shooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Squash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Swimming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Tennis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Water Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

It’s also been a year of significant milestones: we finally re-laid the Chapel Quad stones after

Cricket in 1869

Contents

Girls' Cricket 2016

Valete Our fond farewells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

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1

REFLECTIONS Create memories that will take you through life College. College is far more than just a place to learn a subject or a skill. Whether you are musical, academic, artistic or sporty, it may be hard to appreciate right now, but it’s not only the qualifications that we gain from our time here; it is also the invaluable life skills that make us confident, independent and well-mannered Cheltonians. We are indeed fortunate to have all these opportunities.

Heads of School, Yvie Seville (Ch) and James Battishill (NH) reflect on the past 175 years and make a bit of College history… together.

Yvie: You may be wondering why James and I are addressing you together. Well, we decided that we wanted to celebrate the progress College has made in becoming a fully co-educational school.

James: In order to demonstrate the significance of how far College has progressed in its 175 -years, it is worth remembering the journey so far. In 1841 Cheltenham College was established to educate the sons of gentlemen and military families.

Somewhat different from the school we inhabit today, nearly two centuries earlier, I would be writing this on my own, not just as Head Boy but as the only Head of School.

Yvie: If we fast-forward through history, past the invention of the telephone, two World Wars, the social revolution of the ‘60s and then Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of Britain in 1979, we arrive at the year 1981; the year a revolutionary step was made when a girls’ boarding house was opened at College.

James: The wheels of continue to turn: the Internet era begins and in 1997 Yvie and I are born. A year later, in 1998, girls are fully integrated from Third Form to Upper Sixth Form: College is finally, a fully co-educational school and in 2013 the fabulous new Westal opens.

Yvie: Rather than being ‘separate but equal’ authors, by co-writing this speech, James and I want to demonstrate that co-education is far more than sharing a school; it is about working together.

James and I have spent many hours working on this speech and in so doing, we have learned a lot about each other. So too in the classroom are Cheltonians able to learn from each other. In music and drama we work alongside each other: imagine what hymn singing would be like without the angelic harmony of the girls or the roar of the boys; imagine Les Misérables without the lead females. Imagine not being able to sing ‘we’ve got girls at our school’ at the Radley fixture! The support all of us give to both genders’ sports teams is a special strength of the community we have here at College. What we are trying to say is that as a result of the combination of different perspectives, ambitions and qualities offered by the girls and boys and men and women in our community, we learn to work together, respect our differences and use each other’s strengths. In short, we are stronger, and that’s not even mentioning the lifelong friendships!

James: Girls and boys alike, we should all be equally grateful for the privilege of going to

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Yvie: But it is hard to be grateful all the time. Often we get swept up in the business of our day-to-day lives at College and forget just how fortunate we are in comparison to other people. Let’s face it, we have all, at some stage, thought things must be better elsewhere…

James: You awaken in the cold and dark of a winter morning. The alarm rings relentlessly in your ear.

Your Housemaster and his kids kick you out of bed and off to breakfast. Forced on your way to the Dining Hall, you soldier on through the sub-zero temperatures. Minutes feel like days: only Newick House and Westal really know what this truly feels like. Battling on through the pain, you finally reach the relief of the Dining Hall. On entering, the pain eases. It is warm and the waft of a cooked English awakens your senses. Your mood is improving. You shuffle forward in the queue and now all seems well. You set your eyes on the glorious tray of bacon, eggs, beans and then... There’s something wrong.

Your eyes dart back across the rest of the trays. You check again, hoping to be mistaken. No, you’re not. You start to murmur. Your lip quivers. Your fists clench and anger surges from you in the form of a desperate cry, ‘Where are the Potato Smileys?!’

Yvie: James, let’s just step back a moment. A bit of a long walk and no Potato Smileys at breakfast: are those really catastrophic problems? If we carry on with your day, let’s see if it’s all that bad. You have a tutor who looks out for you; you sing in our beautiful Chapel and you have the opportunity to be educated by enthusiastic teachers. In the afternoon, hopefully now over the Potato Smileys, you enjoy cricket, followed by another evening in House, living with all your friends. So if you reflect on your day, it’s really been pretty good hasn’t it?

James: In life, always remember to keep a sense of perspective on what we have in comparison to other people.

Yvie: We are some of the most fortunate humans on the planet and despite our problems, in the grand scheme they often are really quite small. However, losing perspective is natural and when it happens it is important to find an outlet within College.

James: Whether on the hockey pitch, football in the yard, the gym or even just spending time with friends, let off steam, unwind and gain a fresh outlook on life.

Yvie: Really, we are the lucky ones.

James: So just be glad.

Yvie: Rules.

James: A lesson. The endless hoop jumping of passing exams.

Yvie: Perhaps the 2/3rds rule.

James: Whether you are a Third Former, soonto-be-leaver, or even a headmaster, undoubtedly

you may still feel a bit down now and again. But remember, we must live and I mean, live well…

Yvie: Turn off our phones, and turn to our friends.

Be adventurous and enjoy the small things: BBQs

by College Field, House plays, pillow fights or even jovial pranks involving helium balloons.

James: In essence, we have to find the moments in life where we can be a child and do the things that make us happy. These are the memories we will carry forever. So, create memories that will take you through your life.

Yvie: With a sense of how short our time at College is, we can also learn to take ourselves less seriously and face adversities with a sense of humour.

James: Whether you have turned up to Speech Day with fake tan gone wrong…

Yvie: …failed to pass a driving test for the fourth time…

James: …been mistakenly called ‘Head Boy’ in front of 1,500 people…

Yvie: …or having to resort to plead for a girlfriend in a Chapel talk, try to be the first one to laugh at your mistakes and move on. Not only will you simply be a more pleasant person, you will also learn to not let the fear of failing stop you from achieving your goals. So find dreams and dare for them to be different. Dream big.

James: We now leave you with our final thought: Yvie: …wherever the future is taking you, to university, on a gap year, to a job or even if you still have some years left here at College, there is one thing we can all do…

James: …look beyond ourselves at the bigger picture. It will allow us to live in the moment and enjoy everything we have.

Yvie: By finishing the year addressing you together, we hope to have shown you how we should embrace equality; not just by co-existing but by working together.

Yvie and James: Together we can all achieve far more than anything we could alone.

Floreat: College’s new programme of wellbeing

College is committed to an education that has the wellbeing of pupils at its heart. It aims to offer a holistic educational experience that enables pupils to flourish in the fullest sense. In September 2015, a new wellbeing programme, Floreat, was launched, reaffirming College’s goal that pupils should develop and be guided by strong values, be confident and open to opportunities, and be ambitious in making a meaningful contribution in the world. We want pupils to leave College with characteristics and self-belief that will enable them to live full and meaningful lives. Pupils should thrive not only in respect of their chosen careers, but also as individuals, sharing worthwhile relationships and engaging positively with the wider world. We consider wellbeing to be ‘…a dynamic state, in which the individual is able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships BACK TO CONTENTS

with others, and contribute to their community. It is enhanced when an individual is able to fulfil their personal and social goals and achieve a sense of purpose in their society.’* Young people encounter an increasingly complex and technologically demanding world, in which mental health issues are increasing. Floreat’s core aim is to equip pupils to thrive by guiding them in grounded decision-making, in developing resilience, resourcefulness and a growth mindset.

This underpins everything we do at College, in our educational, pastoral or sporting capacity. It is a fundamental part of spiritual, moral, social and cultural education. Floreat thus suffuses practice in and out of the classroom; all play a crucial part in supporting the development of skills to be happy and confident, to enjoy good relationships with others and to become autonomous and manage emotions.

The FLOREAT acronym (see below) encapsulates key messages, and is in evidence in classrooms, Houses and other parts of College. Tutors play a fundamental role in the weekly programme that runs during tutor periods and complements the broad Floreat ethos. The way tutors interact with tutees is crucial, as the programme is not about ‘delivering content’ or ‘telling’ tutees, rather it draws on tutors’ skills in eliciting the engagement of tutees so that ideas and attitudes develop through personal relevance. The coaching training that many staff have undertaken supports this enabling approach.

The tutorial programme draws on recognised wellbeing programmes as well as elements of the previous Physical, Social, Health and Citizenship Education programme. In Lower College, the Autumn Term theme is ‘Myself’, the Spring Term theme ‘Myself and others’ and the Summer Term theme ‘Myself and the world’. Upper College students develop greater understanding of how to remain balanced in the demanding and potentially stressful circumstances they face with public examinations, making important decisions about university and managing changing relationships as they become increasingly independent. In 2015-16, the programme was introduced to Third Form and Upper College, and it will be implemented across all year groups from September 2016. In Lower College, Miss Kirstie Naish is the Floreat Co-ordinator and Miss Claire Rowland will be coordinating the Upper College programme.

Staff in the Health Centre (formerly the Medical Centre) are involved in delivering some parts of the programme in Houses, such as talks on healthy eating. The College counsellors will also be involved in discussions on topics such healthy relationships and ‘mindfit’, College’s own approach to relaxation and mindfulness techniques. The number of optional parent information meetings has increased and further information will be made available to parents on a regular basis via the College website.

Two conferences with the theme of Wellbeing took place in College this year. The Education Conference, attended by many Prep School Heads,

focused on ‘Mindfulness in Education’. The ‘Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing’ conference, run in conjunction with Gloucestershire Education and to which independent schools in the South West region were also invited, was also well attended and well received.

As the Floreat initiative introduced in 2015-16 continues to be embedded in coming years, College is equipped and dedicated to prioritising wellbeing and to helping pupils to realise their full human potential. I am hugely indebted to my colleagues for their willingness in embracing this initiative, bringing to it their wealth of experience and creativity, and I look forward to its on-going development.

Dr Mary Plint, Deputy Head, Learning and Wellbeing * Foresight Report from The Government Office for Science (2008)

FLOREAT: Cheltonian characteristics Failing is feedback for learning Look after health and wellbeing Open to opportunities and to others Resilient: reflect and improve Effort brings reward Ambitious to grow in all areas Trusted and learn for themselves

Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize for Best Address: Harry Ferris (NH, U6) puts adversity in its place.

As a white, heterosexual, public school, protestant, male, adversity is not a term about which I feel entitled to speak at any great length. Like many of you, up until now my life has been fairly privileged.

From the tender age of 13, I have been enjoying all the creature comforts Cheltenham College has to offer. Amongst other things, these include teachers who are mostly pleasant, the Chapel organ’s magnificent 32 foot double ophicleide stop, a swimming pool that is, often, very clean, a trip to the Galapagos Islands and of course, delicious food from...Bath Road.

Yet, on reflection, I think it’s safe to say that despite our good fortune, we at times would not be best pleased to be told that our lives are devoid of adversity. In fact, it was only a few weeks ago that I endured a very strenuous and emotionally crippling ordeal of my own: A Level History coursework. Now, it is impossible in the meagre space I have been allocated here to properly convey the utter trauma and agony of those final days preceding the deadline. The History library, my favourite working area, was teeming and the cramped conditions were made all the more intolerable by mounting hysteria and the pungent odour of sweat. There was not a spare seat in sight: perched on shelves, jammed into corners, splayed across the floor or squatting under desks, students were all working frantically. So much for a quite and calm workplace; this was more commuter train than library. Worse still, those final few days

had seen the return of the curse of the phantom book thief (name withheld for fear of libel). With many of the library’s crucial volumes mysteriously unaccounted for, students ran howling through the department in forlorn pursuit of that allimportant reference or quotation. In the midst of this apocalyptic delirium, my head began to throb as I desperately tried to make the best of it and, with the clock ticking, mounted a last ditch rescue operation on my essay. Others, quietly sobbing and resigned to their fate, simply looked out of the window. It was impossible to conceive a more horrible experience. ... or so I thought.

Still half-dazed, I spent that evening aimlessly floating around the internet. Usually, this kind of activity is wholly unproductive. However that night, whilst trawling through YouTube, I saw something that completely changed my perspective and I’m confident that it will change yours too.

The film clip was of Jonathan Pitre, a 14-year old boy born with a genetic condition called Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). It’s very difficult to get across to you the complete trauma and agony that he goes through every day but I’ll do my best. This is a condition that causes the skin to peel off and blister at the slightest touch or increase in heat. With chronic wounds that will never heal and that must be disinfected and dressed every other day, 80% of his body, including his oesophagus, is severely damaged.

Consequently, Jonathan is constantly in pain, he cannot stand for any great length of time, eating is excruciating and the pressure from clothes on his raw skin makes it painful to move. He admits, ‘I have never known a day without pain’.

Coming from a medical family, I’m not usually terribly fazed by unfortunate medical conditions, however, the harrowing suffering endured 24/7 by people with EB, especially during baths, where raw and blistered skin must soak in salty disinfectant water, was deeply upsetting. Now, I cannot conceive a more horrible experience.

With these facts alone, the reality of Jonathan’s adversity is wholly depressing, but the defiance he exhibits in the face of it, however, is truly inspiring. When EB made it impossible for him to play sport any longer, he took up an active role in coaching and sports team management; when his wounds became deeper and the treatment more time consuming, he devoted more of his time to building awareness of EB online. Now he has become a national ambassador for his condition.

He sums up his ability to cope in the following words: ‘I think not about what I do not have, but what I do have. I think about all the happiness and love around me and not the negative things, only the positive things. If you do this too, you’ll be a very happy person.’

I think that this reflection coming from a young boy living with chronic pain is truly admirable and I would really encourage all of you to view his story for yourselves.

Now, my intention in relaying this to you today is not to make any of your own struggles seem insignificant. I only hope that, by appreciating the ability of a human body, mind and soul to endure and thrive, even under as cruel a condition as EB, you will be see your own adversities for what they truly are and that seeing this, you will be able to face them with a sense of courage, positivity and purpose.

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The Cheltonian Celebrating 150 years

The first magazines: Tiroconia and The Triad A previous school magazine, Tirocinia, ran to at least two editions, but only issue No 2 of April 1847 has survived. The title, Tirocinia, is the Latin plural of tirocinium, meaning a soldier’s first service or inexperience. Perhaps it was implying that the first editors, who would have been pupils, were just setting out in life and their first attempt may show their inexperience.

In the early 1860s it was felt that Cheltenham should, like other ‘great’ schools, have a magazine. The Triad was first published in November 1861 and the introductory address states, ‘In many great educational institutions, Periodicals have been established. Why should we be behind them?’ It continued by saying that some did not prosper, ‘simply because they aimed at too much … or were not properly supported’. They looked to the town to whose prosperity College had contributed, and to Old Cheltonians; ‘with such supporters, we must succeed’. The second edition the following month contained an appeal for pupils past and present to write articles over the Christmas vacation. ‘Will the Cheltenham College allow its periodical to fail for want of contributions, when other public schools zealously support theirs? We can hardly think so.’ But fail it did, as no further issues were published.

Published 1861 Published 1847

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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The Cheltonian The Cheltonian was first published in May 1866 with a twofold objective: ‘first, to publish a Magazine which shall contain sound and sensible papers on various subjects, in which it may fairly be presumed the School generally takes an interest; secondly, to shew that Cheltenham College is fully as competent as any of her rivals to produce a paper of her own’. The preface of that first edition continued, ‘if that esprit de corps, for which … College will ever be celebrated, and which, during so many years, has kept at so high a pitch of excellence its [Rugby] Football Club and its Eleven, be also shewn in literary pursuits, we cannot but feel certain that The Cheltonian will long be found among us. We hope that in the future numbers the Masters and old Cheltonians will lend their assistance; for if the task of writing be confined to a few members of the school, there will be no variety … and a certain monotony will ensue’.

It did change its name to The Cheltenham College Magazine in November 1869 but in October 1874 reverted to the title The Cheltonian, under which title it has continued virtually uninterrupted to the present day.

I say ‘virtually’ because there was no issue in 2000 and there was a two-year issue covering 2004-2006.

Sketch by EPJ Burrow which was often used for the editorial pages in the 1890s

Originally there were 10 issues a year – monthly with a single issue for January and February and another for two months in the summer. During the Second World War the frequency of issues reduced each year: ten in 1939, seven in 1940, six in 1941, five in 1942 and four in 1943. They then stayed at four issues (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter) until 1956, when the Autumn edition was dropped. It remained termly until it became an annual publication in 1955. It was originally sent out on subscription, though it has not been possible to ascertain the cost, nor when subscription ended. Occasional sketches were included from the late 19th century and the first photograph, of the 1st XV, appeared in 1896.

From the start, it was a publication for Old Cheltonians as well. Reports from the Cheltonian Society, which had been founded in 1868, first appeared in 1869.

During the South African War and First World War, the pages of The Cheltonian filled up with Old Cheltonian war appointments, honours and casualties. Despite being evacuated to Shrewsbury School in 1939, The Cheltonian continued to be sent out to subscribers.

Mrs. Christine Leighton

The first edition of The Cheltonian. We have replicated this historic cover in today's commemorative edition

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The Cheltonian: covers through the years

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May 1866: the cover of the first edition of The Cheltonian

Nov 1869 – Sep 1874: The Cheltenham College Magazine

Oct 1874 – Dec 1896

Jan & Feb 1897 – May or Sep 1935

June 1935: working cover, version one, described as a ‘funguscovered trapezium’

June 1935: working cover, version two

October 1935: The final cover design

1937 – 1940

Autumn 1955 – Winter 1961

The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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Summer 1951: a special one-off cover for the royal visit

Spring 1962 – Summer 1966

Winter 1966 – Winter 1972

© the estate of David George

1991: the cover used to celebrate College’s sesquicentenary

1996

Winter 1977

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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Academic Review

The new academic landscape

A Levels in the format we have known them for the last 15 years are changing.

There has been a return to the ancien régime of linear A Level examinations, assessed in their entirety at the end of the Upper Sixth. Until recently, AS examinations have been taken at the end of the Lower Sixth and have accounted for 50% of the final A Level grade. For the new linear courses, 100% of the A Level grade will be determined by the examinations taken at the end of the Upper Sixth.

AS exams still exist but they are decoupled from the overall A Level. In the academic year 2015-16, we used the new AS examinations where we

Examination results: an endorsement of excellence A Level results from the summer of 2016 have maintained the high levels from the last two years. Despite the decrease in top grades nationally reported in the press, our impressive Sixth Formers actually improved on last year’s A*-A ratio; over 40 pupils gained at least one A* and 12 pupils achieved two A*s or more. Maths and Biology were the most successful departments in that respect with 11 and 6 A*s respectively.

saw their completion as useful for the current Lower Sixth: Business Studies, Economics, History and Psychology. In Art, Science and English, where sitting AS examinations was not possible because the teaching material for AS and A Level is so different, pupils sat rigorous internal exams instead. We will not continue with the new AS examinations in the coming academic year 2016‑17; internal examinations will be scheduled for all other linear subjects.

A return to linearity is a positive move and we welcome the rigour associated with the demanding new A Levels. Universities have indicated that their future offers will continue to be based on pupils completing three A Levels.

All pupils beginning the Lower Sixth Form in September 2016 will study three or four A Levels.

Those on three will also undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Some of our pupils complete this every year, though for this year interest seems to have risen significantly. Readers will be aware of the College’s Independent Project and some of the excellent work produced, though an EPQ is much more than a final product. It is a process with three key strands: deepening understanding; broadening skills; and widening perspectives. Whilst the end product is of course an assessment objective, the other objectives are about project management, the use of resources and critical self-reflection or review. The project relies on self-motivation and self-direction; it is thorough preparation for university and it complements A Level study very well indeed. Alongside this we offer a programme of academic extension and enrichment, which fulfils the guiding aims of College in promoting intellectual curiosity, independent learning and academic rigour.

Changes are also taking place with GCSEs. In the summer of 2017 pupils will sit the new GCSE English Language examination. Grades for this qualification will no longer be alphabetical; they will appear in numerical format. Pupils will receive a grade from 1-9, with 9 being the highest grade attainable. So what we have ahead of us is a few years of significant change.

By the summer of 2019, if all goes to plan, all of the government’s reforms at GCSE and A Level will have taken their full effect; the Fifth Form will receive GCSEs with numerical grading, and our Upper Sixth will be the first year group to have sat fully linear A Levels.

These examination reforms are of course essential to understand, but we mustn’t lose sight of the very core of what education at College entails. Inspirational, challenging and engaging teaching is excellent teaching; independent, inquisitive and active learning is excellent learning; these features will remain central to our academic ethos.

ACADEMIC

ACADEMIC

A review of the last academic year

The breadth of offer that Cheltonians encounter in their academic life has always been a defining feature of education at College; the opportunities for pupils to be involved in such a range of academic pursuits are often the start of a passion that remains with pupils well beyond their time at College. It has been pleasing to see that academic leadership is going from strength to strength; the leading of academic societies and seminars by pupils is a quality that we love to see developing in our pupils.

There are some wonderful highlights from the year from both a departmental and wholeCollege perspective. In the Sciences we have seen some excellent Olympiad results, and an examination of the brain via the dissection of a pig’s head was particularly memorable.

This year’s A C Bradley Lecture, given by Professor Peter Holland on Shakespeare’s First Folio, intrigued pupils from College as well as from other local schools. There was

GCSE results from the summer of 2016 are the best ever recorded at College.

This was a year group who worked with consistent determination and with the highest of expectations; as these pupils pass into the Sixth Form they are in an excellent academic position to begin their A Level courses. The number of top grades is utterly impressive: 40% of all grades were A*, and 70% of grades were A*-A. 5 subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Latin, Greek and Music) recorded 100% A*-A grades. A record-breaking 57 pupils (nearly half the year group) achieved 5 A*s or more, and out of these, 10 pupils achieved at least 10A*s. This is a year group with huge potential.

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academic innovation with the Modern Languages Department’s Career Speed-Dating event, and the Art and Design & Technology Departments came together to showcase fashion, product design and artistic creation in an unforgettable end of year exhibition. Pupils have continued to show much interest in external affairs, and have had the opportunity to take part in a number of debates, for example on the EU referendum.

The winning Lower Sixth Independent Projects, carried out in the summer of 2015, demonstrated exciting and innovative thinking, and exceptional academic merit. Jess Ottley-Woodd’s (U6, Q) winning essay explored the role of women in the films of Pedro Almodóvar. Others

published include: ‘The psychological reasons behind internet trolling and mobbing’ (Max Winfrey, U6, H); ‘”No man is born without sin.”

Psalms 42 v 4: Is evil innate?’ (Charles Brooksbank, U6, L); ‘Can we cure Alzheimer’s disease?’ (Douglas Spencer, U6, S); and ‘Is our appreciation of art determined by our unconscious?’ (Hayley Tam, U6, W). The winning multi-media presentation was that of Poppy Alltimes (U6, A), who undertook a project entitled ‘To what extent do external factors affect the mortality rate in lambs and ewes?’ Essays entered into national competitions were likewise impressive, and included topics such as: ‘Who benefitted from the French Revolution?’ (Katherine Stanton, U6, A) and ‘Should fracking be allowed and, if so, who should benefit?’ (Alison Lau, U6, W).

Ambitious Extended Project Qualifications were also undertaken. For instance, Inés Oliver’s (U6, A) investigation into whether the female characters in Homer’s Odyssey were more of a help or hindrance to Odysseus, involved reading original texts and interviewing a Cambridge professor via Skype.

Involving complex calculations and economic projection, Fraser Neal’s (U6, H) analysis of America’s wars in Afghanistan helped him explore whether proxy wars are economic.

This year’s Fifth Form essay submissions evidenced exemplary independent thought and research in response to a wide variety of titles comprising the Arts, Humanities, Sciences and Mathmatics.

This year saw joint winners: Alena Gorb (L6, A) who wrote on the ethics of medical research into mitochondrial disease, and William Hardy (L6, S) whose timely essay investigated the economical consequences of the UK leaving the EU. In the Third Form, The Headmaster’s Prize followed the theme of Floreat, which gave our

pupils a chance to interpret it in many ways.

Producing a fantastic array of essays, paintings, drawings, collages, presentations, songs and models, they certainly rose to the challenge. The aim is to engender independent learning and every pupil is required to write an evaluation at the end. The overall winner was Sophie Morton, (Q) who produced a fantastic piece of origami with a detailed description of its production and evaluation.

Standing out in Latin on the College’s coat of arms is the inscription labor omnia vincit. The legacy of this maxim from the late 19th century resounds in 2016 as pertinent as ever. The shifting academic landscape and its associated challenges, the breadth of academic opportunities and the necessary studious application, demand academic rigour and discipline. These are precisely the traits that lead to the academic excellence of which Cheltonians will be deservedly proud, and a reflection of the mind-set that the difficulties we face can so often be overcome through hard work.

Mr Simon Brian

Art

Once again, the Art Department has had a highly successful and very busy year.

In August, our AS students received the best exam results in College, and now, as Upper Sixth students, they have grown into being amongst the most conceptually creative and independently exciting group of students we have had the privilege to work with. Many congratulations go to Kristy Chan (U6, W), who in the face of very fierce competition of

Katherine Stanton (U 6, A), Prefect Chair of Academic and Library, argues the case for intellectual pursuit Academia is about ideas, theories, and research, but these lie forgotten if not communicated well. Communication is an art form, which, both in its written and oral form, is constantly evolving. Texting on our smartphones, posting on Facebook, and tweeting on Twitter have all become part of our daily lives, ever simplifying our communication. However, we should rally against the simplification of our ideas, whilst at the same time supporting the simplification of how our ideas our communicated. To that end, we have set up an in-House prep mentor system, where pupils in younger years can ask for help from those in older years; not to be given answers but in order to better understand their learning. Through the Headmaster’s Prize for the Third Form, the Fifth Form’s essay prize and the and Lower Sixth Form’s Independent

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Project, Cheltonians have been introduced to the world of research projects and are gaining new insights into how to effectively present their own ideas and the ideas of others. We have also introduced a wider debating programme to build pupils’ confidence in public speaking. Every Third Form pupil took part in a balloon debate on ‘The Best Fictional Character’, which produced varied and truly engaging speeches. The Lower College Society enjoyed a Model United Nations event, and, as part of the Upper College Lecture Programme, four Upper College students debated whether Britain should remain in the EU. At an age when many teenagers are accused by parents of being poor communicators, as speakers and writers, Cheltonians are excelling as communicators; excellence that is surely essential in the Age of Communication?

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In September, the Department was very proud to exhibit the new body of figurative paintings

by Mr Peter Lelliott, part time Art teacher and our Artist-in-Residence. His painting techniques were a real inspiration, especially to our exam groups, who were able to investigate at first hand the complexities of multi-layering and the diverse processes that Peter uses in his paintings.

The paintings are available to view at www. cheltenhamcollege.org/Peter-Lelliott-at-TheWhite-Gallery

moved into a larger studio to accommodate its ever-growing success. Ceramics is now the area that we are focusing on developing. All Third Form pupils are being taught basic and more advanced ceramics skills in their threeweek rotations. Alongside more traditional investigations, other areas of study include printmaking and Photoshop.

So as I bid farewell to Cheltenham College, having just co-organised the first collaborative Art and DT show for many years, I leave on a

real high: the Summer Exhibition 2016, held in TLG, The White Gallery, Rotunda and the Sixth Form Studio, showed just how much has been achieved in my four years at College.

The opening night on 20 May was packed full of pupils, staff, friends and family, all joyfully appreciating the creative achievements of the full range of our pupils. For me personally, this was a truly energetic, inspirational and overwhelming way to conclude my time here.

Miss Juliet Wallace-Mason

ACADEMIC

over 700 applicants for about 70 places, gains her place to study Fine Art at the Slade School of Fine Art, UCL, and to Rosie Pratt (U6, A), and Georgia Taylor (U6, Ch), for both winning unconditional places on the prestigious Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at the Leeds College of Art. We are very much looking forward to receiving their A Level results this summer, as we have high hopes they will all be rewarded well for their achievements.

The White Gallery then hosted our second annual College-wide photographic competition, sponsored again by our friends from Red Savannah, the Cheltenham-based bespoke holiday company (www.redsavannah.com).

This year we saw over 60 independent entries from across our pupil body. Our pupils dealt empathetically with the thought-provoking theme, ‘The juxtaposition between wealth and poverty’, showing that our young people are both observant of and sensitive towards the divisions and injustices in society.

Our third major exhibition was another milestone for the Art Department: our first 3D show with the nationally renowned woodcarver Natasha Houseago (www.natasha-houseago. co.uk) who creates contemporary, abstract and figurative sculptures in green wood. The show, featuring her extraordinarily tactile and organic woodcarvings, was a huge success and every Sixth Form artist made a personal response to her work. Natasha said she was amazed and delighted by the quality and diversity of the artwork, which clearly took so much inspiration from her own pieces.

This year saw the launch of Art Colours; a programme of independent study encouraging all College pupils to get creative. Pupils’ endeavours are then awarded points, which go toward earning their Art Colours. The award holders in Art are now able to attend weekly workshops to investigate and develop new and personal areas of study. They also continued to produce weekly designs for the front covers of our Chapel pew sheets. Another initiative this year was that each of our award holders created an independent piece for the Summer Exhibition 2016.

Printmaking continues to expand, and has been

Isabelle Winstanley

Anne-Marie Bowring

Jana Bourhill

Katherine Stanton

Oxbridge Success Many congratulations to the following students for winning places at Oxford and Cambridge: Jana Bourhill (U6, Q) to read Medicine at Brasenose College, Oxford Anne-Marie Bowring (U6, Q) to read Veterinary Medicine at Jesus College, Cambridge

Isabelle Winstanley (U6, Q) to read Classics at Christ Church, Oxford Old Cheltonians Will Donlan (2010-2015, S) and Eric Robinson (2010-2015, S) have been offered unconditional places to read Economics and Management at St Hugh’s College, Oxford and History at Homerton College, Cambridge respectively.

Katherine Stanton (U6, A) to read History at Corpus Christi College, Oxford

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Shirley Lo (4th, A)

Third Form Ceramics project

Yuriko Fukuda (3rd, A)

Abby Aitken (4th, Ch)

Forth Form Still Life project

Peter Lelliot

Natasha Houseago

Izzy Kemp (4th, A) - Winner of the Red Savannah College Photography Exhibition 2016

Romy Bodington (3rd, A)

NEEDS NAME OF ARTIST

Peter Lelliot

Natasha Houseago

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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ACADEMIC Rose Jones (5th, Q)

Isobel Turner (5th, A)

Paola Ramos Contreras (5th, W)

Paddy Christopher (5th, H)

Dasha Romanyuk (5th, Ch)

Tiffany Wong (5th, W)

Phoebe Janes (5th, W)

Finlay Logan (5th, BH)

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Jack Burns (L6, NH)

Edward Johnston (L6, L)

Vanessa Keung (L6, Ch)

Araminta Ramsay (L6, A)

Shauna McLaren (L6, Ch)

Shauna McLaren (L6, Ch)

Jack Burns (L6, NH)

Harriet White (L6, Ch)

Jasmine Ng (L6, W)

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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Tashia Suleyman (U6, Q)

ACADEMIC Rosie Pratt (U6, A)

Tashia Suleyman (U6, Q)

Kristy Chan (U6, W)

Rosie Pratt (U6, A)

Georgia Taylor (U6, Ch)

Anna Kvasnikova (U6, W)

Georgia Taylor (U6, Ch)

Hailey Tam (U6, W)

Emily Wilford (U6, W)

Emily Wilford (U6, W)

Kristy Chan (U6, W)

Hailey Tam (U6, W)

Anna Kvasnikova (U6, W)

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Classics

This was a vintage year for Cheltenham College Classics, with best or second best ever results in all 10 of our public exam classes. The 20 A* and six A grades from our twenty-six pupils at GCSE provided the highlight.

Slickly running the Classics Society, president Isabelle Winstanley (U6, Q) led by example, galvanising and encouraging the younger years to perform, and still finding time to win the Galahad Cup for academic excellence and a place to read Classics at Christ Church College, Oxford.

For the first time, long-standing enthusiasts Inés Oliver (U6, A) and Dmitrii Usynin (U6, NH) formed a Classics Committee to write quizzes, rehearse the presentations of the pupils in younger years, and give individuals such as Dougal Rees (5, Xt) an opportunity to challenge ‘Just a Minute’ aficionado Edward Winstanley (5, S). We thank our superb Upper Sixth for their excellent contribution over the years; new President Lucy Hall (L6, Ch) and her team, which now includes Lower College representation, have big shoes to fill!

This year saw Classics trips to a production of Oedipus Rex at New College, Oxford, and offsite lectures on ‘Monsters in Antiquity’, ‘The Odyssey’, ‘Aeneid Book II’ and ‘Greece’s Next Top Model’.

Spoken Greek and Latin were brought to life by our crack ‘County Classics’ squad, led by previous medallist Yuri Kovalev (U6, Xt) and Robert Madeley (U6, Xt), and featuring up and coming talent such as Max Pemberton (4th, H), Izzy Kemp (4th, A), James Wheeler (4th, S), Giuseppe D’Istria (5th, H) and Shakhin Zamani (5th, NH). However, the squad was sadly grounded by a flu outbreak on the eve of the Gloucestershire Classical Speaking Competition. College pupils enjoyed Cheltenham Literature Festival talks on Greek Tragedy and Roman Emperors, and pupils such as Benjamin Adams (L6, BH) even had the chance to represent the school by meeting and greeting the public at Harry Mount’s lecture on ‘The Odyssey’.

Next year, new courses in A Level Latin and Greek create seven weeks of new teaching time, giving pupils the opportunity to explore Classics even more broadly and deeply. We are excited about the new top 9th grade at GCSE, which will play to the strengths of the many pupils who topped 95% in Classical examinations each year. We wish Lucy Hall (L6, Ch), William Jury‑Simpson (L6, BH) and Daniel Wong (L6, L) all the best with their applications for Classical degrees, and hope that all our pupils will continue to maintain Cheltenham College’s traditional interest and success in Classics.

Mr Tom Lambert

Design and Technology

This year the Design and Technology Department have been involved in many activities across both the Prep and the Senior schools. Year 8s enjoyed building mechanical acrobat toys as part of the Third Form Induction Day and as part of the Cheltenham Science Fair, DT staff lead an activity in which Prep School pupils were given the opportunity to build water rockets and test the distances they travelled.

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

This year Design and Technology celebrated pupils’ achievements by collaborating with the Art Department for the end of year show. With parents and pupils queuing outside the doors to catch a glimpse of the fashion show and exhibits on display, this event was extremely successful. All Resistant Materials pupils displayed their pieces around TLG, with some of their design work receiving huge praise from onlookers. The Textiles Department showcased their first fashion show with garments from Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Form, modelled by Cheltenham College pupils. The music and lights added to the electric atmosphere in the room.

Mr David Lait and Mrs Kirstie Naish Isobel Turner (5th, A)

In Resistant Materials, pupils made a wide range of diverse and highly creative projects again this year.

These included: farming machinery, gun cases, wine racks, sports equipment and multi-functional seating. There were many projects that made pupils and staff think outside the box. One project in particular required a student to make a large sphere to produce a modern take on a traditional drinks’ globe. To create this we used a gym ball and some fibreglass. We were all thrilled with the superb outcome! The Fifth Form designed and made lights and storage this year and many projects scored very highly for originality. In order to inform their choices for their own products, pupils enjoyed visits to both the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum to investigate the key factors behind good design. The AS group also visited an established iron castings and machining group in the Midlands: Castings PLC, where the students were able to witness the production process from raw material to machine-finished parts.

This year welcomed a new Head of Textiles, Mrs Kirstie Naish, and teacher of Textiles, Miss Noleen Farmer. Bringing with them a wealth of experience and exceptionally high standards, both have injected a new lease of life into the department.

With final products finished to the highest standard, pupils have excelled across all year groups. In the Fourth Form, pupils learned how to pattern cut and adapt commercial pattern pieces as they designed and made waistcoats. The results, based on the theme of ‘Pop Art’, were highly creative. In Fifth Form, pupils’ folders evolved throughout the year, with many achieving the highest grades due to their sheer determination and dedication. With final pieces including a leather dress with pin-tucks down the side‑seam and LED lights inside a peplum around the neck, to a dress inspired by South America with an intricate laser cut Monarch butterfly cut into the skirt, we have seen some highly original pieces.

At AS, students wrote their own design brief and completed products that built upon the skills they learned at GCSE level: the laser cutter was utilised to its full extent and metallic threads and glow-inthe-dark piping were notable features. At A Level, students created outstanding final pieces of the highest quality and we are delighted that many have chosen to study fashion and textiles beyond College next year. Students enjoyed visits to The Bath Fashion Museum, where they were able to see exhibits of costume and fashion through the 20th and 21st centuries. We also took all pupils of Textiles to The Clothes Show Live at the Birmingham NEC. Here pupils were able to see a live fashion show including dancers, current trends, singing by celebrity Ella Eyre, more music and great lights. There were also stands from universities and colleges exhibiting some wonderfully and inspiring innovative work in fashion. We are also really looking forward to taking 10 AS and A Level students to New York in October next year!

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ACADEMIC

Jasmine Ng (L6, W)

Milly Fair (L6, A)a

Millie Broom (L6, W)

Cassie Too (L6, W)

Marta Elliott (5th, W)

Paola Ramos Contreras (5th, W)

Georgina Pinchard (5th, Ch)

Georgia Taylor (U6, Ch)

Camila Sarkeeva (5th, W)

Georgia Taylor (U6, Ch)

Paola Ramos Contreras (5th, W)

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Tom James (5th, L)

Sophie Mathews (U6, A)

Viktor Reznikov (5th, L)

Harry Corbett (U6, Xt)

Ben Hilditch (5th, S)

Kristy Chan (U6, W)

Charles O’Bryan (5th, BH)

Monty Chapman (U6, BH)

Lavinia Fairlie (L6, W)

Orlando Giuseppetti (U6, BH)

Cameron Terry (5th, NH)

Mitry Zonenko (5th, Xt)

Jack Gibson (5th, L)

Harry Piggott (5th, Xt)

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the very topical issue of Brexit, who were judged by the College’s Senior Management Team.

The academic year 2015-16 has been one of exciting expansion for Economics and Business at College.

As in 2014-15, the year for the Departments is drawn to a close with a trip to the University of Bath, to meet and hear talks from academics in both the School of Management and the Department of Economics, and also to the soft drinks manufacturer Bottlegreen, where students are introduced to that booming industry.

The Departments hosted a conference of the London-based Institute of Economic Affairs in October, during which students from both College and a range of other schools across the region engaged in lectures given by visiting academics on topics such as the Eurozone Crisis and the Impact of the Sharing Economy. The additional enthusiasm engendered that day was subsequently bolstered by the creation of a new Advanced Study Group in each discipline, which meets weekly for lunchtime discussions about more sophisticated issues that go beyond the confines of the A Level specifications.

A highlight from the years is the afternoon with OC Mike Smith (1973‑1975, L), the former Chief Executive Officer at ANZ Bank; a panel of students had the opportunity to interview him about issues such as the causes and ramifications of the 2007 financial crisis, the likely effects of Brexit on the UK’s financial sector and the behavioural economics of banking. With equally exciting events planned, including a subject expedition to Cuba in the Autumn Term, and with the impressive Lower Sixth progressing into their final year of the new specifications, the coming academic year promises even more.

Those in the Business Study Group have examined the three behaviours that underpin exceptional business performance and the global changes affecting every business, whilst those in its Economics counterpart have explored the idea of the post-capitalist society and various microeconomics lectures from the London School of Economics.

Dr Graham Mallard

The joint society, now in its second year, has further strengthened interest in the subjects by hosting presentations by Jaime Marshall, the former Managing Director of Palgrave Macmillan, about the future of the publishing industry and by the Departments’ 2015-16 Bank of England team (Daniel Stoianov (L6, Xt) U6, Chuen Leik Low (L6, Xt), Alexander Thorpe (L6, BH), William Hardy (L6, S) and Alex Sickmueller (L6, Xt)) about

English

The 2015‑16 academic year has been an extremely exciting one for the English Department, firstly because we began teaching one of the new 1‑9 GCSEs in English Language, and secondly because September marked a return to a linear course in A Level English Literature. Both of these changes have had a profound impact on learning and teaching in English at College,

though particularly the move to linearity in Sixth Form. Now that A Level students are examined at the end of two years, students and staff enjoy in Lower Sixth a blissful reprieve from the assessment treadmill. Time that would otherwise be dominated by preparations for looming AS examinations can now be devoted to wide and rich study of texts within their unique contexts, and to reading beyond the syllabus. Staff have found this has not only reinvigorated their enthusiasm for their subject, but also for their profession, and the students certainly seem to be enjoying themselves. The introduction of the new A Level may have been messy, with a staggered transition across subjects, but early indications are that the changes themselves are very well conceived.

ACADEMIC

Economics and Business Studies

Co-curricular events and activities continue to constitute a very important part of the Department’s contribution to College life.

Thus, this year’s second annual Cheltenham College Creative Writing Prize was eagerly anticipated. Once again, entries - poetry or prose - were invited from any current pupil on any theme and their work was judged by the English Department. The standard was super, once again; creative writing is a real strength at College. Though it was very difficult to come to a decision, after much deliberation Lucy Hall (L6, Ch) was named the winner from Upper College, and from Lower College it was Annabel

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Merheim-Kealy (5th, Q); the runners up were Isabelle Winstanley (U6, Q), Harry Byrne (L6, XT), Mimi Haycraft-Mee (U6, Q), Verity Peterken (4th, W), Henry Dowding (5th, S) and Phoebe Janes (5th, W).

Staff and students alike also looked forward with excitement to the second A C Bradley Memorial Shakespeare Lecture, all the more so because Professor Peter Holland, McMeel Family Professor in Shakespeare Studies at the University of Notre Dame and former Director of the Shakespeare Institute, agreed to be the speaker. Professor Holland spoke vividly and humorously on the subject of the First Folio, to a Big Classical packed with students and staff from not only College, but also Cheltenham Ladies’ College, All Saints’ Academy, Pate’s Grammar, Dean Close and St Edward’s. It was another brilliant lecture that succeeded in being extremely entertaining and accessible whilst still pushing members of the audience out of their intellectual comfort zones; next year’s speaker has big shoes to fill.

Finally, the department’s Literary Society (‘Lit. Soc.’) has enjoyed another successful year with a range of stimulating meetings, supported by a loyal group of students willing to give up part of a Friday evening to learn more about the world of literature outside the curriculum. As always, the Society is immensely grateful to the members of staff who share with students their enthusiasm for literature. This year, these included Mr Byrne, on satire, Mr Straiton, on ‘Second-Person Narrative’, Mr Delbrooke-Jones on ‘Moby Dick’, Mrs Cutts on Seamus Heaney and Mr Faulkner on adventure narratives, while Dr Davidson’s sessions included an exploration of the passionate poetry of EE Cummings.

field trip’, the 46 AS geographers spent a moving and engaging two hours with survivors of the landslide: Jeff Edwards, who was the last pupil to be pulled out alive and was only spotted due to his bright white hair, and Belinda Madgwick, who lost two siblings.

Each gave a heart-rending eye‑witness account of the moments before and after the landslide struck. Education is so much more than rote learning of content and concepts, and I hope that we will continue to produce emotionally intelligent and empathetic students.

Earlier in the year, Mr Dobney organised a fantastic field trip to Iceland, along with Miss Hartley and Mr Gasson. As the group scrambled across lava fields, through lava tubes, summited volcanoes and donned the crampons for a day of glacial-

trekking, witnessing incredible geological power at first hand was a humbling experience. The pupils were all fantastic company and such good ambassadors for College that the tour guide ended up buying them a leaving present!

Back in College it was very much business as usual with the annual field trips to the iconic locations of Sand Bay, the Honeybourne Line walk into Cheltenham, Cadbury World, Oxwich Burrows and, of course, to Lydney. We were blessed with good weather and good company and the value of the trips are evident in the excellent results!

Always keen to engage with external speakers, the Geography Department was delighted to welcome Mr Robert Naylor to speak on the issues of globalisation and how Starbucks addresses these through fair trade and partnerships, and also Dr Jo Chambers who addressed us on ecology and hydrology as well as judging the best debates at the Upper Sixth Geography Leavers’ Dinner. By the time this goes to print I will have been succeeded

In summary, English at College continues to thrive, both in the classroom and beyond. The coming academic year promises to be something of a reckoning given that our first cohorts of students will sit the aforementioned new GCSE and A Level qualifications, but we are confident that each girl and boy will do so having enjoyed an extremely high standard of learning and teaching during his or her time in this excellent school.

Mr Tim Brewis

Geography

In the year of the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan landslide, it was fitting to see out our old specification and my five-year tenure as Head of Geography with an incredibly memorable visit to the former Pantglas Junior school site and cemetery. Described very accurately by a colleague as ‘our best and worst

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Mr Richard Penny

History and Politics

The introduction of the first swathe of new A Levels has been a major part of the academic life of the History Department this year, with Government and Politics to follow suit in 2017. We have found these new courses to be deeply engaging, both as a fresh challenge, and to build the students’ academic muscles from the very outset.

Students become real experts on the periods they are studying, as the requirement for breadth and depth in partnership has been significantly enhanced. Just as they study postwar America much more ‘in the round’, and can thus see more clearly why Kennedy, in October 1962, sought phone calls to the ‘loony Governor’ Ross Barnett of Mississippi, over any more overt intervention (he was just slightly distracted by the possibility of nuclear Armageddon at the time), they have begun tracing a full arc in British History from 1485‑1603. We continue to study an exotic variety of themes across the rise and fall of the British Empire, covering the 18th to 20th centuries, for coursework.

Annabella Kohler (U6, C), who won this year’s Morley Essay Prize for her Upper Sixth coursework on British versus Australian identity, with Lt Col Arthur Vanrenen, at Helles Memorial

The Upper Sixth, having already met Niall Ferguson through the pages of his much debated Empire (2003), elected to spend a Sunday lunchtime in October hearing him deliver the Cheltenham Lecture on Henry Kissinger, on the publication of the first volume of his biography of the ‘legendary but controversial’ American statesman. As Ferguson held the stage in the Town Hall in a manner thought by some to be close to Olivier or Branagh, the students gasped with real delight to see how flawlessly Ferguson ‘hit his mark’ by coming an immaculate full circle in seemingly uncontrived discussion, to end exactly where he’d started.

Meditating on other ‘idealist’ dilemmas as to how one has ‘to bear witness… you cannot just look away’, Don McCullin, one of the greatest of war photographers, was a personal top pick of the festival, and, only months after, an extract from his memoir Unreasonable Behaviour featured in the 16+ Entrance paper. Fifth Formers through to Upper Sixth were similarly impressed by Rachel Billington, Carl Bridge and Peter Hart’s investigation of ‘Gallipoli: Australia’s Western Front’, in the run up to our October commemoration of the 41 OCs who lost their lives serving in Gallipoli, or died on their way home of wounds. Twenty intrepid current Cheltonians (Fifth, Lower and Upper Sixth) and staff spent October 2015 honouring the OCs’ memory on the peninsula. We found and thanked every single one, both with poppies and by taking out ‘memorial plaques’ based on the research completed by this year’s Third Form.

The teaching of Government and Politics has been enriched this year by a similar ‘tangibility’ of the subject, via the controversial and at times slightly surreal ongoing debate surrounding the

Mr Hayden, Henry VIII and Mrs Eldred: Mr Evans, representing History of Art as well as ‘straight’ History, assures us that ‘Tudor portraits never smile’

College staged a hectic and hilarious re-enactment of the historic cricket match first held at the site of Shell Green Cemetery by the 7th Light Horse Regiment, attempting to divert German and Turkish attention away from the imminent evacuation, 17 December 1915

progress of an American election year, and with the build up to the UK’s historic EU referendum.

The History and Politics Morley Society has as ever been active throughout the year, closing events just a few weeks ago at the Annual Dinner. Joseph Grimaldi, a peasant who’d made it barefoot from Ashmead to Newick House, Rosie the Riveter, one Roman, a remarkably unpious pilgrim, and Henry VIII were amongst the illustrious guests. The fact that the Hungarian revolution of 1956 had brought its Nerf gun did, additionally, enliven proceedings.

We were also lucky enough to be visited earlier in the year by Hunter Treseder Esq, PoliticalMilitary Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, who delivered a fluent contextual précis of US foreign policy, and the multiple domestic and foreign forces guiding it from 1945, via Suez, Cuba, Vietnam and Afghanistan, into the early 1990s. Issues of morality, political pragmatism, the economic self-interest of states, geopolitics, the ‘war on terror’ and the emotion surrounding race and immigration all begged a torrent of questions and a hard core of Upper Sixth historians and politicians remained well beyond the allotted hour, utilising this unique opportunity to the utmost, leaving Mr Treseder sprinting for his train.

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as Head of Department by Miss Hartley, who will doubtless do an excellent job continuing the geographical legacy at College. We wish her every success.

The Departments have seen a fair amount of migration themselves this year, with Mr Moore, to howls of displeasure from his Fifth Form in particular, leaving us after eight full years of unstinting service to teach History and Politics at Epsom College. Our loss will be very much their gain and his great joy taken in a collaborative study of the past, his unwavering ability to find the story in any cemetery, and his unending supply of Haribo will all be hugely

Third Form Memorial Plaques were delivered by Fifth and Sixth Formers to every Old Cheltonian’s grave and memorial across the Gallipoli peninsula, October 2015

Joseph Grimaldi (who won a Morley Essay Commendation for his Upper Sixth coursework on racism and the British Empire this year) meets Kenyan Independence at the Annual Dinner

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missed. Mr Hands leaves us for The Gambia, and Mr Hayden, who arrived to take over Newick House at the start of the year, thankfully stays put, despite the travails of a year spent exploring the complexities of the Middle East for the first time.

Next year we will be joined by Mr Nelder and Mrs Dawson, and we are excited to welcome them, as we know they will both bring with them the deep love of books that has typically characterised the denizens of Rooms 1 and 2 in New Block.

Miss Jo Doidge-Harrison

History of Art

We began the academic year in fine fettle due to some excellent A Level results in summer 2015. All candidates attained A at AS, and we managed 100% A-B at A2, with the majority gaining A Grade. All bar one of our A2 students went on to study History of Art at university, where they will thrive, I am sure. Subject take-up in September 2015 was most encouraging, warranting two sets in the Lower Sixth.

The academic year 2015‑16 has seen an unprecedented number of Sixth Formers enter art historical competitions: Emily Wilford (U6, W) entered AHA’s (Art History Abroad) Sir Trenchard Cox competition for a scholarship to Italy; Alexander Cove (L6, Xt) entered the SPoKE Art Documentary Competition established

by St. Mary’s School Ascot, with his excellent interactive documentary on Bill Viola; and Isabelle Stannett (L6, A) and Lucy Kirkpatrick (L6, A) both submitted extended essays as part of Cambridge University’s Peterhouse Vellacott History Prize, on the ‘Renaissance’ and ‘Neo-Classicism’ respectively. In addition, Emily Wilford (U6, W) was highly commended by the adjudicators of the ARTiculation Prize Competition for her presentation on Piero della Francesca’s Baptism of Christ, entitled ‘Theology through Geometry’. A second airing of this talk secured her the Upper College Society Presentation Prize later in the term.

A thriving lecture programme this academic year inspired creative minds. It commenced with sculptor Natasha Houseago’s presentation on her carvings, and was followed by an illustrated talk by Dr Jacqueline Cockburn (formerly Head of History of Art at Westminster School) entitled ‘Velásquez Reinterpreted’. Mr Nelson covered four key syllabus works in a talk dubbed ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ and the students strutted their stuff in a fascinating cross-curricular evening on the Fibonacci Sequence for Upper College Society.

Our students enjoyed the first-hand experience of art history with an informative curator’s tour of the Wallace Collection, alongside further visits to the British Museum, National Gallery and Tate Modern in London, and to the Christchurch Picture Gallery in Oxford. A visit to Oxford Brookes University offered Lower Sixth Form students the opportunity to meet faculty staff, and to enjoy a tour of their new History of Art facilities.

However, the highlight of the academic year has to be the Easter trip to Rome, run by Mr Evans.

The visit started with a tour of the supposed spot of Julius Caesar’s assassination and a look at the stupendous Fountain of Four Rivers in the Piazza Navona. The Pantheon was the next port of call, followed by the classical sculpture and architecture of the Capitoline Museums, the Forum and the iconic Colosseum. The breath-taking sculpture by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the realistic painting of Caravaggio at the Galleria Borghese cemented the students’ appreciation of these seminal figures, previously understood only by reproductions at home. A magnificent church crawl from the top of the Quirinal Hill down to the Piazza del Popolo and then back to Centro Storico ensued, followed by a visit to the very plush Galleria Borghese and Velásquez’s inimitable painting of Pope Innocent X. The final full day was spent gazing at the mammoth works in the Basilica of Saint Peter, taking in spectacular views over the Caput Mundi and The Vatican. Inevitable visits to the Sistine Chapel, the Trevi Fountain and the Villa Farnesina capped off a stunning cultural visit. My thanks go to Miss Doidge-Harrison and Mr Evans for their unstinting enthusiasm and excellent organisation when running this trip.

Subject stalwart Emily Wilford (U6, W) was the highly deserving winner of the Sixth Form subject prize for History of Art, as awarded at Speech Day.

Tashia Suleyman (U6, Q) shone this year also, and like Emily, has gained excellent university offers to read History of Art from a wonderful range of excellent universities.

The success of our internal Arts programme and accompanying brochure for parents and pupils continues next term, with ‘Deceiving the Scholars’

by Mr Evans, ‘English Painting: Englishness, tradition and change, responses to War’ by Ms Fiona James, formerly Head of History of Art at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, and a cross-curricular evening on World War 1, which is set to coincide with an archive exhibition in Thirlestaine House.

Mr Nick Nelson

Mathematics

The Department continued to enjoy success in national Mathematical Challenge competitions. Every year we enter the UK Mathematics Trust challenges, where papers are designed to test not only mathematical skills but also ingenuity. At the Senior level, 42 received certificates for creditable performances; the second best results ever. The top College place was achieved by William Hardy (L6, S) who, along with four others, gained Gold certificates for being placed in the top 6% nationally. At the Intermediate level an unprecedented 87 achieved recognition with the award of certificates, of which 14 featured in the top 6% nationally and received Gold awards; a new record. Particular credit and congratulations must go to Olly Hill (5th, L), Finbar McConnell (4th, Xt) and William Gibson (3rd, L) who were placed first in their year groups in College with scores which put them in the top one quarter of a percentage nationally. Three pupils were also invited to compete in the follow-up rounds in which they did very well. Special mention needs to go to William Gibson who was placed third in Lower College, quite an achievement for a Third Form pupil.

The Department continued to support the Gloucestershire Mathematics Association at talks given by academics, the highlight being a talk held at Dean Close School by Martin Cox, Director of the John Locke Institute, Oxford, entitled ‘Mathematics in Game Theory’. Martin covered

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The College Mathematics Society is going extremely well, with talks from pupils, members of staff and external speakers. The highlight of the pupil presentations was a talk by Chuen Leik Low (L6, Xt) on artificial intelligence and the impact of technology on our lives. Special thanks must go to the outgoing president, Dmitrii Usynin (U6, NH), who did an excellent job of promoting the society and Mathematics in general; the way that he encouraged the younger members of College to become involved was particularly impressive.

The relatively new Computer Programming Monday Activity was very successful, with pupils working on a variety of different problems.

Those who were relatively new to programming were learning to program with Python. They used their new skills to write games such as Guess the Number, Hangman, and Battleships.

The more advanced programmers took on their own challenges, including writing a simulation of the Monty Hall problem to present at Mathematics Society. Another group of five worked with a representative of the company Raytheon UK in building and programming a cube of LEDs so that patterns and letters could be displayed.

Mr Jonathan Card left College for a position at Malvern College after an outstanding seven years of service. He is replaced by Dr Victoria Hawkins who is at the very start of what I am sure will be a very successful career in teaching.

Dr Brendan Enright

MFL Department The summer of 2016 marks an important point for Cheltonian linguists, not only due to the European Union referendum, but also as the end of another successful academic year in the Modern Languages Department.

Our Upper Sixth students have accepted offers at top Russell Group Universities to study a range of courses from Modern Languages and History at Durham University to Philosophy and French at the University of Bristol. Illustrating the breadth of interests of our linguists, other courses chosen

by Cheltonians include: Hispanic Studies at the University of Kent; Linguistics at UCL; and French and Film at the University of Manchester.

The academic year started with a number of Modern Languages Society meetings aimed at enriching pupils’ learning and extending the breadth of their cultural knowledge. Third Form pupils enjoyed the showing of the film Les Choristes and Sixth Form students were French, Spanish and German detectives hunting the murderer in the MFL Murder Mystery evening.

In order to extend our pupils’ academic breadth, 10 Fifth Form and Lower Sixth Form students tested their language skills in the extremely demanding advanced rounds of the UK Linguistics Olympiad competition, in which pupils are required to get to grips with complex and unfamiliar languages by using their understanding of language structure. For instance, this year, pupils had to spot patterns and answer language questions in a range of languages such as Estonian, Kaqchikel, Somali, Nhanda and Nung! Commendably, two of our candidates achieved the bronze award, placing them in the top 20% nationally in this tough linguistic competition. Our Sixth Form students also attended lectures on A Level topics (‘Le multiculturalisme en France’, ‘La desigualdad en España; las mujeres y los jóvenes’, ‘Das Leben junger Leute in Deutschland’) at the University of Bristol.

a number of Prep School Taster Days, running sessions on beginners’ Spanish and Italian, and French poetry!

At Easter, pupils studying German welcomed their exchange partners from Berlin, and, in the last week of the Summer Term, Third Form pupils visited Salamanca. In addition, two Lower Sixth pupils, Kiana McDonald (L6, W) and Polina Kulish (L6, Ch) were awarded Calvert Memorial Scholarships to undertake a research project in their country of study. Over the summer a number of pupils will be attending language schools or going on exchanges of their own.

This year we said goodbye to Mr Duncan Byrne, Senior Master, French and German teacher, and great linguist, who left Cheltenham College to take up the Headship of Loughborough Grammar School. We also said goodbye to our fantastic Spanish Language Assistant, Miss Cristina Hernandez-Moscoso, who has moved on to new challenges. We look forward to the opportunities that the new academic year 2016‑17 will bring, and in particular to welcoming our new Head of French, Mr Ben Page, who joins us from Cranleigh School.

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some fascinating areas such as game theory in military warfare, decision-making and the probability of getting into top universities. It was a wide-ranging and excellent talk that was enjoyed by all.

Mrs Ester Leach

Our pupils also enjoyed a fantastic ‘Languages in Journalism’ workshop with Chris Dennis, a sports broadcast journalist. The pupils had a chance to consider the advantages of being fluent in a modern foreign language when considering a career in journalism, and were able to practise some of the techniques used in reporting. In addition, our pupils attended our Languages in Careers Speed Dating evening. At this event, our pupils talked to professionals in a wide range of jobs and industries, all of whom had in common their use of a variety of languages at work. We have also played an active role in

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Music

Academic Music lessons have continued to be full and varied, with Music Technology now woven throughout the curriculum in all year groups.

The Third Form has followed a new course featuring music of all styles, and particularly the key areas of classical music, world music, pop music and music technology.

A talented Third Form with a range of musical

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interests and experiences, and a large take-up for Fourth Form GCSE will make for an exciting and diverse GCSE cohort and lots of practical music making and activities. The current Fourth Form is a particularly large group, and have enjoyed exploring a broad range of musical styles and compositional techniques. Many have taken advantage of the superb Music ICT facilities and have written and arranged music for film as well as standalone pieces using a combination of Sibelius, GarageBand and Logic software systems. Some pupils have written music that has been featured on College films and are looking at ways of further integrating music technology into their work.

As accomplished musical performers, there is a wide range of instrumental and vocal ensembles that can be formed, and pupils have enjoyed the opportunity of rehearsing and performing in a variety of traditional and contrasting styles.

Particularly accomplished in the performance of traditional and classical styles, the Fifth Form has been a small and hardworking group. There have been a number of fine performances given as part of the Lunchtime Recital programme and the highly successful coursework composition work will feature in the Autumn Term’s Composers’ Concert.

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The Upper Sixth have enjoyed considerable success in the advanced study of harmonic techniques and stylistic composition as well as detailed study of the most influential English Choral works of the 20th Century. The demanding and extended Performance Recital has been a pleasure in its development, and has afforded numerous public performance opportunities throughout the year.

Mr David McKee

Psychology

Psychology continues to be a very popular choice in the Sixth Form at College, with 40 Lower Sixth students starting the course in September. It provides an excellent foundation for those choosing to study it at university and a quarter of our students achieved places for Psychology degrees following their results last summer.

This year we started a new linear course covering a broad range of topics, a few of which include: how attachment affects later friendships and relationships; why we forget; factors affecting conformity and obedience; and explanations and treatments of phobias, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Part of the course has taught our students why Psychology is a science and they have developed skills as practical psychologists, such as learning how to design and carry out research. This year the current Upper Sixth Form have studied a range of topics including: Relationship Formation and Breakdown, Explanations of Aggression, Causes of Anorexia and Obesity, and Explanations and Treatments of Schizophrenia. Teaching takes a varied and practical approach and students have found themselves as participants in replications of famous research studies and have also had a variety of opportunities to carry out and analyse their own research.

The Psychology Society met half-termly and students benefitted from some excellent talks from internal and external speakers. In particular, the talk on the Psychology of Film delivered by two of our Upper Sixth Form, Anna Birkett and Inés Oliver (both U6, A), was informative, interesting and very well delivered.

The Psychology and Philosophy Societies joined together to attend a talk delivered by Dr Ema Sullivan‑Bisset at Cheltenham Ladies’ College on the links between Psychology and Philosophy.

We also had a film night where we watched Room, an excellent film about the effects of being deprived, which allowed us to move beyond the traditional A Level curriculum whilst maintaining the link to the topic of attachment.

We say goodbye to our Upper Sixth Form students, a number of whom are going onto university to study Psychology; we are delighted to have enthused so many of them to continue their pursuit of this subject. We wish them all the best for the future.

Dr Tricia Norman

Science

The Science Department welcomed three new members of staff this year: Mr Dan Townley as Head of Chemistry, Mr Pip Ash in the Physics Department and Mr Ben Rees in the Biology Department.

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The Lower Sixth have impressed with the energy and commitment they have brought to the significantly more academically rigorous A Level Music course. The enthusiasm they have shown in delving deep within the genre of Baroque Choral Music and their musical analysis of set works has been impressive and highly enjoyable. Another gifted year group in terms of performance, many have embarked upon solo recitals to great acclaim and are looking forward to extending this to the more rigorous A2 Recitals next year.

Once again we celebrated excellent academic results, which included posting our best ever IGCSE Triple Science results. This year has seen the introduction of the new linear A Level Science courses, which staff and students have tremendously enjoyed. With interesting topics such as ‘The Decline of Biodiversity’, ‘Schizophrenia’, ‘Evidence Based Medicine’, ‘The Use of Epigenetics in Diagnosing Disease’ and ‘Green Chemistry – Catalysts’, we have also witnessed the first Science Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) projects being undertaken by students. These were all fascinating pieces of work and the students are to be commended on producing such sterling projects.

As ever, the Academic Evenings have been successful and pupils have been exposed to areas of Science outside of the curriculum. In particular, the Third Form enjoyed a day out at the Big Bang Exhibition in Birmingham, which showcases new technologies and highlights careers in Science.

We take leave of Miss Poppy Hoskins and Mr Tom Carpenter this year. I thank them for their support, guidance and superb teaching over the years and wish them very well in their new positions.

Mrs Isabella Mech

Biology

The academic year 2015‑2016 saw more fantastic developments in the Biology Department. The Autumn Term saw our Upper College biologists embarking on several trips to gain a better understanding of the wider world of Biology.

In September the Upper Sixth battled the ever-changing British weather on a residential trip to Dorset. There they investigated different ecosystems, using practical techniques in order to analyse species distribution, estimate population sizes, and calculate biodiversity. In November, 39 Lower Sixth Form students attended a fascinating seminar at the University of Warwick.

Science experts, such as Professor Nessa Carey and Dr Kevin Fong, provided much inspiration and excellent insights into many developments from epigenetics and the science behind ‘deextinction’, to genome editing, and the incredible ability of the human body to survive in extreme conditions. The talks certainly enthused our students and provided a lot of inspiration for their Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs).

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Fourth Form pupils also enjoyed an Academic Evening with Mrs Sarah Ramsay, which focused on the brain and gave insights into its function and how neurological disorders can arise. The brain dissection was especially well received and sparked much excitement in the lab.

During the Spring Term, 32 Upper College biologists took part in the annual British Biology Olympiad, organised by the Royal Society of Biology to stretch participants beyond the A Level syllabus. More than 6,000 students from schools and colleges across the UK take part in the competition and Aiko Fukuda (L6, Ch) and Guy Beynon (U6, Xt) both achieved silver medals by scoring in the top 15% nationally, whilst Anne-Marie Bowring (U6, Q), Sam Mendis (L6, Xt), Douglas Spencer (U6, S) and Georgina Hacker (U6, Ch) all achieved bronze medals. In addition, we had a record number of certificates with 10 students being awarded highly commended and 11, commended. In addition, our Fourth Form pupils took part in the Society of Biology’s ‘Biology Challenge’ competition. With seven gold, eight silver and 13 bronze awards and 15 highly commended and 21 commended, they achieved outstanding results!

In May the Pallister Library hosted a visit from Bristol Zoo, with pupils getting ‘hands-on’ with tortoises, rats and cockroaches in order to discuss the importance of conservation. Bristol Zoo impressively runs 75 endangered species programmes, allowing visitors to appreciate the importance of ex situ conservation. Our Third Form pupils undertook a Crime Scene Investigation‑style project to solve a crime using a combination of fingerprint technology, investigations into the soil content on trainers and pollen grain and hair analysis. The event allowed pupils to appreciate the wider uses of Biology, and generated much interest. With prospective pupils extracting their DNA and capturing it in a DNA necklace to take home, the Department also contributed to the highly successful 24Hours event.

The year came to a close with Upper College students who are planning to read degrees in Biological Science subjects heading to the Science Museum in London to gain an insight into where their degree could take them and give them added enthusiasm for their Independent Projects and EPQs. What a wonderful way to end this successful year!

Miss Charlotte Knowles

Chemistry

The Chemistry Department celebrated another excellent set of Lower Sixth form results in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Competition.

The demanding written paper explores chemical content in context, and stretches the pupils well beyond the confines of the exam specification.

Patrick Payne (U6, S) won a gold award, and Ethan Dowling-Membrado (U6, L), Alexander Grutter (U6, Xt) and Jacqueline Nussbaum-Lapping (U6, A) were awarded silver. This puts them in the top 15% nationally of an already select group of Year 12 students. The Department also had 12 others receive copper awards. Such academic achievements contribute significantly to our efforts to propel students to good university places, and we are hoping to see similar academic success with the current Lower Sixth cohort. Whilst the Department did not have any success for Chemistry at Oxbridge, we do have students with offers from other top universities: Patrick Payne (U6, S) to read Chemistry at Durham University; Toon Luanguthai (U6, NH) and Alexander Grutter (U6, Xt) to read Chemical Engineering at Imperial College, London; and Aiym Kopbayeva (U6, W) to read Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at University College London. This year also saw the return of the Chemistry Olympiad following a three-year hiatus and we had a number of successes, with a silver award for Jacqueline Nussbaum-Lapping (U6, A). Having been awarded silver in the Olympiad in Lower Sixth, Chuen Leik Low (L6, Xt) is deserving of a special mention; we look forward to seeing his performance in the Upper Sixth.

Our second year in the newly refurbished Department has seen many further improvements.

The Department is now the proud owner of six branded periodic tables for teaching, which are certainly wonderful additions to our fresh new laboratories. We have also seen further changes in the curriculum with the re-introduction of linear A Levels and the removal of the practical assessments. The Chemistry staff and pupils have certainly enjoyed the ‘freedom’ from exams in the Lower Sixth and we are looking forward to seeing the first cohort perform in Summer 2017. GCSE reform is also on the horizon, and from September the Department will be teaching a new IGCSE

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The Department continues to forge strong links with the University of Bristol, and pupils were involved in a number of events during the year. In September all of our Upper Sixth Form chemists attended a Spectroscopy workshop, where they learned about various modern analytical techniques including NMR, Mass Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography. This helped students to understand the real-life applications of the various techniques they learn about in the A2 course. We also entered teams

into the Royal Society of Chemistry’s ‘Top of the Bench’ and ‘Young Analyst’ Competitions.

Whilst our team members Aiko Fukuda (L6, Ch), Alena Gorb (L6, A) and Sam Mendis (L6, Xt) didn’t win, they enjoyed their trips and got a lot from working with other aspiring chemists from around the country.

This September the Department will welcome two new members of staff: Mr James Jordan who joins us from Huxlow Science College in Northamptonshire, where he has been acting Head of Science; and Miss Sarah Henderson who joins us following her undergraduate degree at Cambridge, and PGCE at the University of Bristol.

We also welcomed back Mrs Jo Smith following the birth of her daughter Phoebe, and Miss Lara Beere will return from maternity leave this coming September, following the birth of her son Iago. We will be saying goodbye to two key members of the department: Mr Tom Carpenter, who leaves us to head to Bristol Grammar School as teacher of Chemistry following eight years of service, and Miss Poppy Hoskins who is off to be Head of Chemistry at the Wetherby Senior School in London following three years at College.

Mr Dan Townley

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specification. The pupils will benefit from the removal of much of the ‘factual recall’ that was prevalent in the old syllabus.

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Physics

This has been an important year for the Physics Department. We have been one of the first departments to go fully linear with the new A Level specifications and, rather than being offputting to students, we have recruited a bumper crop of A Level candidates. These students were the first also to experience College’s new Bridging Courses, which run at the end of the Summer Term and are designed to give students a feel for the demands of their subjects at A Level. The high uptake has also meant that Mr Jon Morton has been drafted into Physics to inspire the Third Form with his own particular brand of magic. Mr Pip Ash has settled in to become a firm favourite with the students.

The Physics Society has enjoyed meetings with lectures on ‘Feynman’s theory on quantum

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aelectrodynamics’ and ‘An assessment of the UK’s current and future energy requirements’. Members of the Sixth Form also presented to GCSE students on topics both relevant to and suitably diverse from their syllabus. Budding engineers visited ‘the biggest company you’ve never heard of’, Delphi Automotive, in the Stroud Valley. Giving the students a real insight into the levels of precision and dedication required in world-leading high technology industries, this was a fascinating experience for all concerned.

Mr Stuart Cooper

Sports Science With results rising and pupil numbers increasing, the Sports Science Department has continued to go from strength to strength. Our Fourth Form have benefitted enormously from the new improved Strength and Conditioning Gym. This facility gives our pupils the opportunity to learn the basics of weightlifting and to further their understanding of the variety of fitness tests they can participate in, in order to measure their level of fitness against national standards. Taking part in an extensive testing programme on the Wattbikes, the Lower Sixth Form have enjoyed the new gym too. The Wattbike programme provides them with useful data to interpret and include in their A2 coursework. The Strength and Conditioning Gym is continually being improved under the guidance of Mr Henry Davies, who teaches the majority of

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The Fifth Form has trialled the use of exercise trackers as part of their personal exercise programmes. The visiting moderator commented on their enthusiasm and up-to-date research methodologies. This year we enjoyed having a large cohort of Lower Sixth Form girls who have brought a degree of cheeriness (noise!) and energy to their classroom, H3.

Once again we have performed extremely well practically and have benefitted from using the sports professionals on a one to one basis.

The Sports Science Society has had a number of lectures this year including talks from Rob Thomas, the director of Sporting Elite, a

sports scholarship agency and Elisha Hande, who graduated from North Carolina State University in May. These talks covered the sports scholarship process in America and how pupils could benefit from such programmes. We were also extremely fortunate to have a morning with Jamie Tout, co-developer and a director of VX Sport, who has worked with the All Blacks, developing ways to monitor physiological responses to exercise. Our Fourth Form pupils took part in a fitness session wearing GPS and heart-rate monitors. Jamie then talked them through what this data showed in terms of the physiological responses to exercise. This led nicely to a lecture at the Literature Festival about wearable sports technology and its role in reducing sports injuries.

The upcoming academic year 2016‑17 sees the Department embark on new specifications for

both A Level and GCSE. The new courses appear far more dynamic and are much more closely linked to Sports Science courses at university. In both GCSE and A Level we see the introduction of more Biomechanics, Kinesiology and Sports Psychology.

Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

Theatre Studies

It was another fulfilling and successful year for Academic Drama.

The A Level practical moderations effectively showcased the outstanding talents of our many students. In the A2 moderation some exceptionally creative adaptations of the novels Us, and The Children’s Act were presented.

All students gave thoughtful and mature performances, with many being rewarded with A* practical marks. Performing a diverse range of plays, from Simon Stephen’s thought-provoking Punk Rock to Lucy Prebble’s The Effect, the AS performances were equally accomplished.

We also experienced great success during the GCSE moderation. Our production of Two by Jim Cartwright was particularly praised, with all pupils involved being awarded full marks.

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Lower College practical lessons. Henry continues to further his knowledge in the field of Strength and Conditioning and is looking forward to an EXOS Phase 1 Performance Mentorship course in San Diego this summer.

As always, excellent learning in the classroom has been enriched and developed by an extensive programme of trips to over fifteen high quality live performances. We have seen traditional musicals, comedies and cuttingedge contemporary theatre. We have travelled to see productions in the West End, Malvern, Oxford, Coventry, Bristol and at the RSC in Stratford‑upon‑Avon, to name but a few.

These performances have served as invaluable inspiration for our pupils as they embark on the process of devising their own work.

Highlights this year have included the innovative adaptation of Of Mice and Men, the highly amusing 39 Steps and the National Theatre Live screening of our A2 set text A View from a Bridge.

Mrs Sian McBride

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Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

The TPE department welcomed Mrs Mace in September from Cheltenham Ladies’ College. She joined a thriving department, keen to nurture the rich and diverse intellectual pupil talent. To this end a weekly evening discussion group was formed, which was open to philosophically and theologically curious pupils in the Lower Sixth and Fifth Forms. Each week, a theological, philosophical or ethical issue was introduced by a pupil and followed by an open discussion, always accompanied by cakes or cookies. The aim is to develop and strengthen the conversational and debating skills of pupils applying to Oxbridge. The group included Joshua Dowley (L6, L), Ankita Mediratta (L6, W), Harry Byrne (L6, XT), Shaista Sosrowardoyo (L6, CH), Jack McClure (5th, L), Oliver Cook (L6, S), Jemma Robson (L6, W), Alex Sickmueller (L6, Xt), Theresa Grafin Pachta (L6, W), Rodrigo Peralta Martin (5th, L) and Andrew Luk (L6, Xt).

The Ethics meetings, chaired by Mrs Mace, focused on the following issues: the ‘selfie’ culture and the role of image and authentic existence in the context of social media; tying neatly back to the notion of virtual reality and hyper reality, pupils explored the concept of ‘perfect’ and the differences between objective and relative realities; the principles of a ‘just war’ were debated in relation to Syria; and the topic of feminism led to a passionate discussion about embodied gender. In relation to this topic, the group also looked at some of the work of Butler on performative femininity and De Beauvoir on the real self/false self. The Philosophy meetings, chaired by Dr Samuel, explored the following: ‘Is there an enduring self?’; ‘What is real?’; ‘How do we encounter the world?’ and ‘Do we have free will?’ Finally, Dr Dunning chaired the Theology meetings, and robust discussions were had on heaven and hell, miracles and the themes of redemption and fall.

The Philosophy Society, held in conjunction with Cheltenham Ladies’ College, included debates on the legal rights of artificial intelligence and metaethics. Dr Samuel has also continued to run the weekly Philosophy Club, which, through modern cinema, engaged pupils in philosophical themes from the Pre‑Socratics right up to modern physics.

Films have included Blade Runner and Ex Machina on the nature of artificial intelligence.

Dr Adam Dunning

Theatre Studies' pupils

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ACADEMIC

Speech Day 2016 - Prizes House Academic Shields

The Robertson shield for Lower College girls: Chandos.

Collected by Lucinda Gardiner

The Hart shield for Lower College boys: Christowe.

Collected by Felix Stevens

The Lldarin shield for Upper College girls: Chandos.

Collected by Annabella Kohler

The Marsden shield for Upper College boys: Southwood.

Collected by Patrick Payne

Duleepsinhji Cup (girls): Yvie Seville (Ch)

Stidworthy Cup (boys): Joe Warner (S)

Sloan Cup (girls): Annabel Mundy (A)

Games

Duleepsinhji Cup (boys): Josh Dell (H)

CCF prizes

The Army Leadership Prize Jana Bourhill (Q)

Academic Excellence

The Millennium Trophy Antonia Stuckey (Q)

All-round contribution

The Cadbury Cup Arabella Knowles (A)

The John Bowes Cup Harry Steel (Xt)

The Galahad Cup Isabelle Winstanley (Q)

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College does co-education in a school production from 1888 32

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Jamie Chadwick: Teenage Racing Champion Jemma Robson, (L6, W) Prefect Chair (elect) of the Sport Committee, interviews Jamie Chadwick (U6, Ch)

18 year-old Jamie Chadwick has a unique talent for motorsports. In 2015 Jamie was signed for Beechdean Aston Martin Racing (AMR) to race an Aston Martin V8 Vantage in the prestigious British GT Series, and became the youngest ever and only ever female to win the title. In addition to her exciting exploits outside the classroom, Jamie’s success has also been acknowledged by College, who, in recognition for her outstanding extra-curricular commitment, awarded her the inaugural Gasson Cup at this year’s Speech Day. I was lucky enough to speak to Jamie about her journey.

So Jamie, how did you develop an interest in motorsports?

Almost by accident really. My brother, Ollie, (2009-2012, H and previously S), was racing in karts, which is the natural starting point for young drivers, and my Dad suggested that I should have a go. Although, at the age of 11, I started relatively late, I immediately loved it: the sensation of speed and racing was something that felt quite natural to me. I received lots of encouragement, began to learn about the technical aspects and became eager to start winning trophies.

When did you first realise you wanted to

be a racing driver?

As soon as I sat in the go-kart, that was it for me: I wanted to be a racing driver! Initially, I was only 11, so I didn’t begin with a career in mind, but every time I sat in the kart I wanted to win races and that was my goal. However, at the age of 14, live on ITV and in front of huge crowds, I won the 2013 Ginetta Junior Scholarship and it was then that I started to see the bigger picture and that a career as a professional racing driver could be possible. However, there is much more to the role of a professional racing driver than just being fast in the car; my abilities outside of the car to work with engineers on a technical level and with the media and sponsors, are also vitally important.

So what does it actually feel like when you’re racing, what goes through your head?

Absolute focus. As a driver, I have to be quick and consistent. I have to protect the car for the duration of the race, which can be from 2 to 24 hours. And, sometimes in the heat of the racing action whilst passing slower cars or fending off faster cars, I have to talk with the team over the radio about strategies: you have to remember to breath!

How did you become involved in driving Aston Martins?

After I’d completed in the Ginetta Junior Championship in 2013 and 2014, there was the question of whether we made the more natural progression into single-seaters, which most young drivers do in the quest to try and reach Formula One, or, to consider another side of motorsport: endurance and GT racing.

Looking at it with a career in mind, and where it’s easier for drivers to access fully-paid drives with manufacturer backing, it was much more realistic to go down the GT option, which I was also told would suit my driving style. I tested with Aston at the end of 2013, and after several conversations with my coach, Aston Martin Factory Driver, Jonny Adam, we decided to take the big step up into GT4 in British GT with

Beechdean Motorsport, which is Aston Martin Racing-backed. We managed to win the title in our first ever year, which was awesome, particularly as I was still trying to concentrate on my school commitments!

What do your friends think about you driving Aston Martins?

I’ve known most of my friends for many years, so they’ve followed my progress with interest and have always been very supportive. This year, we’ve all been taking our driving tests, so I’ve been asked for tips and advice. But racing is a very different discipline and probably not ideal for trying to impress the examiner!

How does your career in racing affect your life at College?

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I think, over the years, it’s been a big part of my life trying to balance the two but I’ve been very fortunate that College has been very supportive in allowing for my racing commitments as they often take me out of school at weekends.

I personally see College as much more than what goes on in the classroom and my best experiences have often been on the sports field or in Chandos; they have allowed me to develop some great relationships with both pupils and staff. Obviously, it’s taken a lot of time out of my school life but I’ve really loved my time at College over the years!

What are you working on at the moment?

Currently, I am racing in the British GT Championship (endurance racing) which I won in my debut season, last year. There’s a slight difference this year because I am racing with Paul Hollywood (from the BBC’s Great British Bake Off). This means that we will be racing in a Pro-Am line up, where I am the professional (pro) and Paul is the amateur (am). It therefore brings a whole new dimension to racing. Along with the team, I’m helping to coach Paul along his motorsport journey, whilst also having to perform myself. For me, I look at racing as a potential job now, not a hobby and so I have to work hard to improve and to perform to the best of my ability both on and off the track.

Have you found that being a woman in motorsport is an issue?

Not really. I think in junior racing, people noticed it more in terms of boys racing against a girl.

But as I’ve progressed into more senior racing, I haven’t noticed any stigma attached to it. Like any other driver, I make no excuses for using my USP to my advantage, but at the same time, I’d never want to be doing something if I wasn’t doing it to win. The competitive side of me will always want to do well in terms of success and ability rather than anything else. I am a racing driver because I want to be the best in the world, not the best female in the world.

What is your proudest moment?

Probably my achievements last year; the highlight of my career so far is winning the

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Britcar 24HR Race at Silverstone. To finish any 24hour race, is an achievement on its own, so to win it overall was an unbelievable accomplishment.

However, to also win the British GT Championship, my first championship win in my first year, with my team mate Ross, was unimaginable.

Do you have a role model?

I am my own hero (laughs)… no, do not say that! I would say Leena Gade. You may have never heard of her, she is a top Audi engineer, and she was the first female to win Le Mans as an engineer. In motorsport, that’s a huge achievement.

What do you aspire to achieve in the future?

I think for me Le Mans has to be the goal. Although Formula 1 is the glitz and the glamour of the sport, it comes with a huge financial commitment; far beyond what anyone would expect. So, for me, Le Mans is possibly the most viable option; it’s the pinnacle of sports car and endurance racing, and it’s a legendary historic event. I went there last year and it was unbelievable. But there are so many cool sports car races around that I’d love to do: the 24 hours at Daytona (USA), the endurance race at Bathurst (New South Wales, Australia), the race at Sepang (Malaysia), and many more. There’s a lot on ‘the bucket list’ for me, and obviously any driver wants to achieve it all during their career.

Fortunately I’ve still got time on my side!

Finally, what are your plans after you leave school?

This year, racing had to take a back seat to A Levels, but I will pick up in July, where I have my first race with Paul (Hollywood) at the fabulous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium. After that I have a few other races lined up: some testing, some meetings with potential sponsors. I’m very keen to work with new companies and backers: PR work, etc. I will then decide on my university plans or whether to spend some time working in the motorsport industry.

Thanks Jamie, I wish you the best of luck!

CCF

lost seven former pupils and by the end of the battle in November a further 59 had paid the ultimate price.

In addition to the annual pilgrimage to our memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum with the Third Form in October, senior cadets joined the commemoration with their own act of remembrance; the planting over 40 trees at Reeves Field. These were provided by the Woodland Trust as part of their Living Legacy scheme and will provide a constant reminder to current pupils of growth, hope and memory.

In October, Cheltenham College CCF had their Biennial Inspection. This is a critical report that looks at the value of the yearly programme: what the cadets contribute and get out of the CCF movement. We were very pleased to be inspected

by Group Captain Nick Hartley on our Field Day in Caerwent and, despite the very changeable weather, the cadets were in a positive, buoyant and resilient mood. We were delighted to be ranked in the top 10% of all CCFs in the South West, but even more pleased that the enthusiasm, leadership, discipline and commitment of the cadets was to the fore in the report.

Finally, it is important to note two significant events from the Summer Term, which reflect the success of the CCF beyond College life. The first was the award by the Lord Lieutenant of the Armed Forces Covenant, which recognises the work of the CCF in the wider community. This is an external validation of all of the work conducted over the recent past to help support the ACF, other fledgling CCFs and also former military staff and families. The last event was a very fitting and humbling way to end my five years as Contingent Commander; the Headmaster and I were invited to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to meet two Old Cheltonians currently undergoing their officer training. The invite was in recognition of the high numbers of both male and female cadets that Cheltenham College continues to provide to the Army. Rishi Ahluwalia (2005-2019, L) was to commission into the Light Dragoons later that week, and Will Charlesworth

(2007‑2012, BH), who was my first Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and Head of Corps, will commission later in the summer. We wish them, and all Old Cheltonians currently serving and yet to commission, the very best of luck in their service and leadership. I now hand over the legacy of the CCF to Maj Ben Rees, and know he will be keen to continue the development of the Cheltenham College Cadet Force.

Major Richard J Penny, Contingent Commander 2011‑2016

Army

It was another busy year for the Army section of the CCF, which started with the Autumn Field Day to Caerwent training area. The new recruits continued their introduction into basic field craft, which included camouflage and concealment and shelter making.

Some fantastic help from the 1st Battalion, The Rifles (1RIFLES) meant that the senior cadets received a full day tutorial on section attacks. They made great use of the paintball guns and the session culminated in a platoon attack onto targets in front of the recruits.

The Spring Term concentrated on the important skill of navigation, which was then tested during a day’s expedition into the Forest of Dean. Some challenging terrain meant the cadets had to plan their routes well to get their team around the checkpoints in good time. Thankfully, there was no need to send out any search parties.

As ever, the year culminated with the Summer Camp, which this year was based around the area of Penally, South Wales. Over 80 cadets attended the camp and took part in a wide range of activities: rock climbing and abseiling, kayaking, raft building, range shooting and a 36‑hour field exercise. The cadets had to endure some pretty austere weather conditions but their enthusiasm was fantastic and they received some great encouragement from the senior cadets who volunteered to join the camp. Of particular note was the rock climbing and abseiling, which really challenged some cadets to face and conquer their fears.

This year has been one of continued reflection, as we remember those from Cheltenham College who have gone before us in the First World War. The academic year ended with an incredibly poignant Somme Service of Remembrance on Friday 1 July, with the service starting at 07:30; the time the whistles blew to order the men over the top. By the end of the day, College had

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weapon handling but also in communication, controlled aggression and fitness. It is fair to say the activity was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

However, the highlight for some was the chance to fire live rounds, including an automatic light support weapon (LSW), at targets up to 200m away. Special acknowledgement should go to Christian Campbell (4th, BH) who scored 96 out of 100 to achieve the award for Best Shot on Camp; a fantastic result. In all, there were over 11 First Class or Marksmen awards achieved, which is credit to the cadets’ hard work and training.

The past year and Summer Camp has been an excellent opportunity to see cadets perform in unfamiliar surrounding and challenge them in ways they had not thought possible. As with previous years, there were a number of pupils who showed themselves to possess leadership qualities and, consequently, received promotion. These pupils were: Emily Drysdale (4th, W), Max Pemberton (4th, H), Oscar Keene (4th, S), Hugo Bailey (4th, BH), Charles Meecham-Jones (4th, Xt) and Annabelle Rigg (4th, Q), who also received the award for Best Cadet in Section. Finally, many thanks to all the staff for their continued hard work and good luck to Jemma Robson (L6, W), who takes over as Head of Army Section next year.

Major Ben Rees, Contingent Commander Elect

Navy

Weekly parades have included kayaking, first aid, communication, drill, knots, map work, leadership tasks and chart-work. In the Autumn Term, a sailing crew enjoyed a Sunday sail on the Solent in the Sigma 38 CCF yacht. The senior cadets organised a Trafalgar supper for the evening before a successful day afloat at Portsmouth.

The cadets enjoyed crewing the yacht, a motor cruiser, rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) and smaller powered boats.

On the Spring Term Field Day, we visited HMS Collingwood, where all the cadets completed the obstacle course or the low ropes course, and had many enjoyable challenges. The senior cadets visited the amazing Bridge Trainer where computer simulations enable trainee officers to take control of a variety of ships in all weathers.

Then the recruits had a tour of the frigate HMS Lancaster, whilst the seniors went to HMS Victory and the historic dockyard. One recruit wrote ‘I had a really fantastic time on the Naval Field Trip; the best parts were walking a tight-rope over a pool of freezing cold water and sitting in the Captain’s chair of an active ship! There was constant laughter, encouragement and teamwork. It was an unforgettable experience.’

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In a change from last year, the field exercise brought another dimension to the camp.

Cadets were given leadership positions in their platoons and had to deploy into the area surrounding Pembrey Sands. After an initial march into their overnight sleeping area in the woods, the platoons then set about a number of reconnaissance patrols to gain information on the fluorescent-green-coverall-clad enemy. The day finished with a brilliantly executed ambush, led by Jemma Robson (L6, W), Benjamin Wood (L6, NH) and Jack Burns (L6, NH) who all received high praise from the instructors. An early rise and tiring march the morning after, took the cadets to their next activity, section attacks, led by members of the Cadet Training Team and volunteers from the Regular Army. The activity not only challenged the cadets in terms of safe

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In the Sword of Honour Parade, Coxswain Freddie Lyle (U6, S) was awarded the Anthony Nash Sword of Honour for his leadership of the section and Petty Officer Orlando Giuseppetti (U6, BH) was awarded the Nelson Bust for his commitment.

Special mention should also go to Chief Petty Officer Dmitrii Usynin (U6, NH) and Petty Officer Jeffrey Kwong (U6, BH), who have also given invaluable service to the section, particularly when helming power boats on Field Days.

During the Summer Term, the recruits enjoyed afloat training at South Cerney, completed their basic proficiency test and a novice crew sailed on the CCF yacht at Portsmouth. At the end of term, they had a challenging week at HMS Raleigh,

where they experienced training given to recruits of the Royal Navy, including an assault course, firefighting, a visit to HMS Bulwark, (a landing platform dock ship recently used to rescue migrants), sea‑survival and harbour training. The highlight of the week was the visit to the Damage Repair Instructional Unit (DRIU) which simulates a sinking ship at sea; as the tank is flooded with water, the cadets have to repair the damage whilst being tossed about. In the words of one cadet, “It was amazing; I was petrified, but so happy that I did it!”

During this year cadets and officers have attended a total of 19 CCF courses including: junior or senior leadership, scuba diving, power boating, first aid, adventure training, National Pool Lifeguard

Qualification and motor cruising. These courses, heavily subsidised by the Ministry of Defence and held at Dartmouth, Plymouth, Portsmouth and Loch Lomond, provide excellent opportunities for cadets to increase their skills, have fun and become independent. Therefore, I encourage more cadets from any CCF section to apply.

Finally, the section is grateful to Dr Paul Gibson, for his expert kayaking instruction, and the enthusiastic support of S/Lt Wells and S/Lt Aitken.

Lt C Harrison (RNR)

RAF

It was another exceptionally productive, interesting and fun year for our RAF cadets. As ever, a variety of life and service section specific skills were developed over the course of the year. Cadets gained certification in the British Heart Foundation’s Heartstart course in which they learned CPR and other emergency lifesaving skills. Other knowledge areas and skills covered included: navigation and map reading theory and practice; knowledge of the badges of rank; the history of flight and aircraft recognition; history of the RAF; basic airmanship; principles of leadership; practical command tasks and teamwork exercises.

Cadets also enjoyed a number of trips and Field Days this year. The Autumn Term began with the annual visit to the National Memorial Arboretum with Third Form pupils and cadets from the other two service sections. The day was as moving and inspiring as ever. Caerwent training area hosted our junior cadets and section officers who, along with the Army section, learned a number of survival skills and undertook teamwork exercises in chilly conditions. The senior cadets enjoyed a trip to the RAF Museum Cosford, where they learned a

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The Spring Term saw the cadets trying out their recently acquired navigation and map reading skills in the Forest of Dean on ‘Exercise Ice Warrior’; the designated codename for the exercise. It was a challenging day for many of the cadets, but provided valuable practical experience.

The Sword of Honour parade on Wednesday 9 March, gave the cadets the opportunity to turn themselves out in their best blues. It is always a good occasion and one which gives recognition to pupils who have served their corps

exceptionally well. The RAF Sword of Honour award went to Alexander Grutter (U6, Xt), with Yury Kovalev (U6, Xt) receiving the Chocks Away Award and Barnaby Harris (5th, H) collecting the Adjutant’s Cup, the award for best Fifth Form cadet in the Corps.

The week long camp in the Summer Term is another highlight every year and this year was no different. This included two days at RAF Brize Norton doing low ropes activities, teamwork and leadership games as well as experiencing flight and parachute simulators. Day three was spent at Head 4 Heights in South Cerney, where cadets unleashed their inner daredevil on 10m climbing poles and high ropes. A visit to RAF Colerne followed, with cadets taken up in Grob

Tutor aircraft by professional pilot instructors and shown first‑hand how to fly an aircraft and carry out manoeuvres and even stunts. The week was concluded with a visit to the Ministry of Defence’s Defence College of Management and Technology where the cadets were hosted by Group Captain Hartley and given presentations on RAF capabilities and military systems.

At the final parade of the year, Thomas Hartley (4th, H) and Evie Webb (4th, Ch) were announced Best Cadets in Section, while Nathan Wong (4th, NH) received the inaugural Cummins Gurkha award. This award will henceforth be presented annually to the Fourth Form cadet who, in the view of the Contingent Commander and in memory of Lt Harry Cummins, (1900‑1907, L) and 5th Gurkha Rifles, demonstrates the values exemplified by the Gurkhas, ‘pride in professional skill, intelligent and humane discipline, sympathy and understanding between all ranks and concern for the individual and for his welfare.’

Very well done to Nathan! There were a number of promotions: Jack McClure (5th, L) and Mitry Zonenko (5th, Xt) to Lance Corporal; Lance Corporal Barnaby Harris (5th, H) to Corporal; and Corporals Joshua Stanton (L6, NH) and Benjamin Wood (L6, NH) to Sergeant. Joshua was also named Head of Section for 2016‑17, with Benjamin appointed Head of Corps.

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great deal about the Cold War. They marvelled at the museum’s store of aircraft from both sides of the Iron Curtain, at the museum’s aero-science displays and a 4D cinematic experience.

Civilian Instructor Mr Beren-Dain Delbrooke-Jones

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Co-Curricular Drama This year saw three high quality productions: G.A.S, Blackadder and Les Misérables. There are too many to name here, but College is immensely grateful

to all those pupils and staff who have trodden the boards, worked behind the scenes or in the orchestra! Special thanks go to Mrs McBride, Mr McKee,

G.A.S

Mr Ffinch, Mrs MacInnes, Miss Withers and Mr Reader, Mr Kelway, Mr Brewis and Mr and Mrs Coull for achieving the impossible; making time to put on a show!

G.A.S

G.A.S

G.A.S

Blackadder

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Blackadder

Blackadder

Blackadder

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Commissioned by College and written by Mrs Katherine MacInnes, G.A.S was performed by pupils from across the year groups in October as part of College’s commemorations of the centenary of the First World War and to remember the Old Cheltonians who fought and fell for their country. For a full review, please visit www.cheltenhamcollege.org/GAS

Hazelwell’s Blackadder

In Februray, Hazelwell brought great hilarity to College with their performance of three episodes from Blackadder, set in the Elizabethan, Victorian and First World War eras. For a full write up, please visit: www.cheltenhamcollege.org/ Blackadder-comes-to-College

Les Misérables

A whole College production of Les Misérables in March was the theatrical highlight of the year!

For more information, please see the Summer Term edition of College News, available at: https://issuu.com/cheltenhamcollege/docs/ college_news_summer_2016

Les Misérables

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G.A.S

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Duke of Edinburgh

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award once again acquired a large following with over 60 Fourth Formers and 35 Sixth Form students enrolling for Bronze and Gold respectively. The award acknowledges the independent efforts of young people to develop themselves and to increase their effectiveness as citizens and leaders of the future.

While boys and girls began preparing for the most well known part of the award, the expedition, other sections involving physical recreation, skills and volunteering also got underway.

While many College activities provide a vehicle to complete the award, there is still a huge emphasis on self-reliance, discipline and organisation to keep a conscientious record and to follow-up sectional assessments. In our drive to increase the number of Bronze Awards completed this year, we encouraged participants to keep logbooks up to date before embarking on the practice expedition. Consequently, it’s good to report that the majority of Bronze

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candidates are on target to receive their awards before they enter Sixth Form.

The expeditions got underway early in the year. The Bronze Award qualifying event in the Cotswold Hills, this year, moved its place in the calendar, to October. The boys and girls headed out on Field Day with a spring in their step and loaded up with kit to be self‑sufficient for the duration of the two-day exercise. At least six hours of journeying, and much more in the case of some groups who found the navigation still a major challenge, produced weary children ready to cook and bed down in tents in the village of Cranham.

The following day, better weather lifted spirits and, distributed in remote locations throughout the Cotswolds, all groups completed their walks strongly. The Fourth Form group underwent map skills and navigation lessons in their CCF activity and these were tested on the Spring Term Field Day in the Forest of Dean. Many early evening route-planning sessions followed throughout the Summer Term leading up to the Summer Term practice expedition, again in the challenging navigational environment of the Forest of Dean.

The pupils mustered at College’s Sports Hall and a convoy of nine heavily laden, vehicles departed before 09:30. The camp was held at Biblins, near Symonds Yat and the groups completed their event expeditions at various locations from Mitcheldean to Tintern; some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK. Meanwhile Sixth Form Gold Award groups were preparing and undertaking their expeditions.

Encompassing windswept and high beacons, the Lower Sixth had their three-day practice event in

the remote west of the Brecon Beacons. We arrived at the starting point in what we considered in April to be unseasonably heavy snow and proceeded to experience every kind of British weather at its worst: hail, rain, gale-force winds, with the odd smattering of sun thrown in for good measure.

This is the element that makes the award such a challenge. The resilience required to keep going to plan, against the challenges of route finding and the prevailing conditions, is substantial and our students dug deep to get to the end. We finished our training walk in the beautiful area of Ystradfellte, famous for its waterfalls, which in the persistently heavy Welsh rain, were full to the brim.

It is fair to say that the kit, as well as the boys’ and girls’ strength of character was tested fully! The same party set off for Wales and Snowdonia in the first week of the summer holiday for the qualifying expedition. Good fortune enabled the students to make camp and meet their assessor, Gill Beazely, for the detailed expedition briefing on Sunday evening but rain (once again) ensued for a damp and difficult start early on Monday morning. With navigation in low cloud and rain (what else?), this was to be a very difficult first day. Tuesday proved a better day and provided an opportunity to correct route-finding errors and dry out before poor weather set in again on the third and fourth days.

So, our students experienced the Welsh mountains in their full majesty both in glorious sunshine and blue skies but also in intimidating, dark and foreboding cwms, with streams in full spate. All our groups camped ‘wild’ and reported the joy of the wilderness in all conditions; that said, four days away from city streets and social media proved to be a trial and rarely had Mr Jones seen such a joyful reaction to a welcome and a cold bottle of

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Of course the expeditions are but one part of each pupil’s DofE Award which touches the College life of a great many staff who run games, co-curricular, community service and CCF. As always, our great hope is that the experiences that our boys and girls have on the awards programme, especially on expedition, spur them on with confidence and enthusiasm to undertake their own adventures and travels at home and abroad in the future.

2016 is the DofE’s Diamond Anniversary year and Mr Jones and Mr Gasson were privileged to represent College at the celebratory garden party at Buckingham Palace, in the presence of HRH Duke of Edinburgh and their royal highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex.

They were happy to receive a commemorative plaque in recognition of College’s contribution to the award over many years.

Mr John Jones

Leadership and Coaching Leadership

There is a view that young people are more inclined to flourish and develop if they are given the opportunity to lead and serve others. Pupils need to be given the chance to volunteer to take on responsibility and to have a degree of autonomy where they can test problem solving and creative thinking skills.

What we believe about Leadership at College • All individuals have leadership potential • Leadership skills can be learned and developed; therefore all individuals can demonstrate more effective leadership with training, experience, coaching and personal reflection • Leadership is about inspiring followers (influencing) and achieving a task (completing a goal) • Leadership involves service • Leadership should be exercised in a way which is consistent with the values of Cheltenham College • Our long-term vision is for every member of the school to contribute to making College a place that celebrates excellence (in the form of cognitive and character development) and the acquisition of skills, underpinned by personal relationships and where everyone is encouraged to lead, coach and serve others.

• The main leadership training this year was promoted through the following activities: • College Prefect Leadership and Coaching Training Day • House-based leadership and coaching training facilitated by College Prefects in partnership with their Housemasters and Housemistresses • Regular meetings for the College Prefects and for the Heads of Houses Thank you to all colleagues at College who provide leadership guidance to so many pupils on a daily basis.

Coaching

What is Coaching? With origins dating back to Socrates, is not a new fad! Coaching comes partly from performance coaching in business and industry, and also partly from athlete-

centred coaching in sport. In both highly performance-oriented environments, coaching thrives due to the measurable performance gains. Coaching is an empowering communication and development technique, which promotes self-awareness, personal responsibility and action in yourself and those you engage with. Coaching is the opposite of instructing or telling: by asking the right questions a coach can enable change to be made and action taken because the person being coached has taken ownership and responsibility. The coaching principle is that all individuals have the ability and resources to achieve desired results. Coaches use active listening, effective questioning and observational feedback to help individuals and groups clarify their goals and visions.

Fundamentally, coaching encourages and enables people to take action and overcome obstacles.

After giving the College Prefects coaching training over the last two years, it was decided to run staff sessions this year. Two Foundation courses were run by Graydin (www.graydin. com), a professional development organisation, driven to improve leadership, communication and wellbeing in schools through coaching. The courses were well received by the 30 attendees.

Another two courses are planned for the next academic year.

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pop, as the students rolled in to the finish point at Capel Curing. Detailed, constructive and successful debriefs followed from Gill Beazley before all weary parties made their way back to Cheltenham for the prospect of the long summer holiday. We look forward to reliving the highlights when the participants make their group expedition presentations in September; a key component to sign-off the expedition before completing the award.

Mrs Sarah Enright reflected, ‘Coaching is an effective reminder of the fact that as teachers it is vital to remain grounded and real. If all staff members understand what coaching is, then it can be implemented through tutoring and teaching. It is essential that we use these skills for the benefit of staff and pupil wellbeing in our increasingly busy lives at College.’

Mme Wandrille Bates, Housemistress of Queen’s had the following to say: ‘Coaching has helped me to understand myself, others and to listen to the girls in a more supportive way. I have the tools to let them find their own solutions, rather than impose my own thoughts. It is gentle and yet incredibly effective. It has changed so much and I use it on a daily basis.’

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Mr John Mace, Housemaster of Christowe reflected, ‘In addition to its impact on me personally, I am looking forward to implementing coaching across the House from September 2016.

We are in a good position to benefit from what coaching has to offer.’

How will we apply Coaching at College?

Coaching can have a major impact on tutoring, staff personal and professional development, conflict resolution, pastoral work in Houses, leadership development, pupil-centred learning in the classroom and sports coaching. As we continue to seek ways to unlock people’s full potential, we are very excited about the impact coaching can have at College.

For more information about coaching, visit www.graydin.com

Mr Mike Todd

Co-curricular Music

The wonderful variety of music on offer at College means that there is something for everyone. For some, this will simply be joining in the hymn singing in one of our daily services or Congregational Practice. For others it will mean taking a lead in any or all of College’s ensembles, delivering top quality performances to an international audience. The pupils’ hard work, commitment, and above all, enthusiasm and passion are what make music at College great, and their versatility and determination continue to impress and even exceed expectations. Music has continued to flourish, with more pupils than ever

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learning instruments, voice or music technology in individual lessons, as well as participating in College’s various ensembles. The amazing team of visiting music teachers continues to inspire and support College’s musicians in their weekly lessons as well as organising concerts, running ensembles, playing alongside the pupils and of course supporting them by attending their superb performances.

Chapel Choir

As always, the Chapel Choir has sung for the College Sunday services, and has had several pieces of music written for it. The important Battle of Britain Memorial Service in September saw a commission by up‑and‑coming composer Hannah Kendall. Her setting of ‘Their Kingdom, the Air’ evoked the drone of the aircraft engines, the tenors and basses provided the plaintive crying of ‘Britain on Earth,’ and the soaring angelic voices were captured by the sopranos and altos.

Following the traditional and inclusive tradition of College singing and emulating the unique and wonderful English heritage of Choral Evensong, the Chapel Choir has also performed sets of responses and a new College Eucharist setting, both of which have now been woven into the regular pattern of worship. In addition to the regular Sunday worship, The Chapel Choir provides the music for some of College’s most important occasions, and this year has been no exception. The list includes: Remembrance, Advent Carol Service, Christmas Carol Services, Passiontide Service, Confirmation and Speech Day. The Chapel Choir has also had the opportunity to sing several services of Choral Evensong, most in our own wonderful Chapel, but on one occasion at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. By some way the largest musical ensemble in College, the Chapel Choir is also unique in that it has to prepare new or different music for each service rather than working over a long period towards a final performance.

Chamber Choir

Under Mr Alexander Ffinch, the Chamber Choir has had great success, and this year, in addition to the normal run of Choral Evensongs, it has embarked on two particularly ambitious, and in their execution, highly successful performances.

The first was the liturgical performance of Maurice Duruflé’s Requiem for All Souls’ Day. This beautiful and atmospheric service took the form of a sung mass, with the notoriously difficult organ part sublimely played by Mr Alexander Ffinch.

Particularly notable solo performances were given

by Jacqueline Nussbaum-Lapping (U6, A) and Guy Beynon (U6, Xt).

The second formed part of one of this year’s Subscription Concerts, and saw the Chamber Choir, together with a few friends, joining with the world-famous Tallis Scholars for a once-in-a life-time opportunity to perform Thomas Tallis’ 40 part motet Spem in Alium. Rehearsals were challenging, as the opportunity to complete the ensemble only came on the day. Nonetheless, a tremendous performance under the direction of Peter Phillips to a full Chapel was certainly one of the musical highlights of the year and possibly for some members of the choir, of their lives.

Organ Recitals

The setting of our glorious Chapel is the perfect venue for our regular Choral Evensongs, which, this year, have been paired with a series of organ recitals. The Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir and Staff Choir have all contributed to the services, and the

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term will see a similar union, this time in Elgar’s masterpiece The Dream of Gerontius, which will coincide with Leconfield’s 150 anniversary as well as College’s 175 year celebrations.

Choral Society

Les Misérables

The annual Choral Society performance this year took place in January, and again saw a coming together of the entire College community in a performance of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem and Haydn’s St Nicholas Mass. Students, staff and parents comprised the chorus, while some of College’s best instrumental players combined with local professionals to form the orchestra.

The acclaimed performance also saw impressive solo performances from pupils, notably Verity Peterken, (4th, W), Taya Sellers (U6, W), Isobel Salmond Smith (L6, A), Guy Beynon (U6, Xt), Fergus McNeile (U6, NH) and Frederick Foster (U6, NH) in the Haydn, and from Jacqueline Nussbaum‑Lapping (U6, A) in the Brahms. Next

The whole-school production of Les Misérables is already well documented, however, musically, it was especially impressive given the amount of new talent it uncovered. There were exceptional performances from well‑known College musicians, but the discovery of fine, previously unheard singing voices was an absolute joy.

Significantly, the famously difficult orchestral parts were played by a number of College pupils, alongside staff and professional musicians.

Instrumental Ensembles Instrumental ensembles have continued to expand and deliver exciting and polished performances from a challenging and varied

repertoire. The main orchestral works this year have included Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 and Slavonic Dances, as well as music from the films How to Train your Dragon and The Dam Busters.

In addition to their usual orchestral concert in January, the players also took part in a College Gala Performance in London’s Cadogan Hall, alongside the Chamber Orchestra, Wind Band, Chapel and Chamber Choirs, Chamber Ensembles and Jig,

Jazz

Jazz at College has gone from strength to strength. Under the direction of Gill Mew there have been numerous notable performances, ranging from playing in Quad for College to performing at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and in the Cadogan Hall. The amalgamation of Big Band and Jig has meant that there has been an increase in protected rehearsal time, leading to a huge range of repertoire, and

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Organ Recital Series has seen some of the UK’s foremost organists, including of course our very own Mr Alexander Ffinch, play in College on our superlative instrument.

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even a recording using the recording studio in the Music Department. Jazz Band gave some superb concerts during the year and, with a great array of talent in Lower College, who will in due course move on to Jig, the future for jazz is very bright indeed!

Music Technology

The introduction of music technology as an individual discipline has led to an increase in music production and modern techniques. This has revolutionised composition for some, and allowed

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others to record themselves or others in the studio.

During very successful Monday and Wednesday afternoon Activities, there has been great interest in the new opportunities this state of the art facility can provide.

as well as an opportunity for the experienced players to try new repertoire and practise performance technique. This will continue next year, although a change of venue may soon be required as Studio 1 is fast running out of space!

Lunchtime Concerts

Music is one of life’s great privileges and I look back on the year’s achievements with great pride in what we have achieved, sadness for what talent we will be losing from the departing Upper Sixth, and excitement at what is to come.

The highly successful and increasingly popular Lunchtime Concert series takes place on Thursdays, and sees a series of themed performances throughout the year. This provides a safe platform for those new to public performance,

Mr David McKee

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Lower College Society

The Society enables pupils to develop vital interpersonal skills, academic leadership, and an ability to think on their feet. Pupils have shown curiosity, independence, and a spirit of enquiry that will prepare them well for Upper College and life beyond.

The Lower College Society continued its broad programme of evening lectures and enrichment events. We aim to explore cross-curricular issues and topics, in order to draw attention to the interconnectedness of otherwise apparently disparate subject disciplines. Pupils present papers on an area of investigation of their choice; a process designed to introduce them to research skills and to sources of information and opinion that they might not ordinarily encounter in the course of their studies.

In the Autumn Term, with the help of Dr Graham Mallard, pupils enjoyed running some social economics experiments, designed to test how companies manipulate consumer spending through the deliberate structuring of options or wording. Next, pupils prepared a highly successful evening event on the subject of ‘Emotional Intelligence’. Papers covered a range of perspectives: the biology of emotion; child development; gender; medicine; and political leadership.

In the Spring Term, Chuen Leik Low (L6, Xt) introduced an event on the Golden Ratio and Fibonacci Sequence. Lower College pupils followed with talks on the Golden Ratio in art, nature, architecture, sculpture and music.

Pupils then, during the course of the evening, investigated the ‘golden’ proportions of eggs and peacock feathers and measured each other to find out who was the most ‘golden’!

painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. In the Spring Term we hosted a former Royal Navy Officer and Defence Intelligence expert, who spoke to an excellent number of pupils about the nefarious world of cybercrime and cyber warfare. Next, Helen Plint, an ITV weather presenter and journalist, entertained pupils with some behind-the-scenes secrets about forecasting and broadcasting the British weather.

The last formal session was a Model United Nations event, expertly put together by Upper College students Katherine Stanton (U6, A), Neil Hacker (U6, H), and William Hardy (L6, S).

Lower College pupils had great fun testing their diplomatic, lobbying and public speaking skills as their delegations negotiated a resolution in response to North Korean aggression.

We ended the year with a hotly contested endof-year quiz and we are all looking forward to an exciting 2016‑2017!

Dr Liz Gerry

Upper College Society

Under the presidency of Upper Sixth students Antonia Stuckey (Q), Harry Ferris (NH), Katherine Stanton (A) and Annabella Köhler (Ch), the Upper College Society had a fascinating year. It is one of the school’s oldest societies and brings together students from a range of disciplines to learn from each other. One format for the Society events was the presentation of papers by students on a shared theme from a range of academic perspectives, after which questions were taken from the floor and invited judges then gave helpful feedback on all the papers, and awarded cash prizes to the best academic

papers as well as the best questions asked. On a more light-hearted note, there was a cheese and wine tasting evening, with Mr Lyle generously instructing students on how to judge wines. A popular event was the lively and incisive debate with Cheltenham Ladies’ College (CLC) on the themes of conscience and artificial intelligence, in which Emily Morton (U6, Ch) and William Hardy (L6, S) confidently sparred with the ladies from CLC. His Honour, Judge Michael Chambers, QC, led a particularly informative evening, presiding over a mock trial that is used in law schools to instruct aspiring lawyers. College students played the parts of barristers and witnesses, giving us a real insight into how court cases are conducted. Oyinkansola Oladapo (U6, W), acting as prosecuting counsel, was formidable, and the defendant Dmitri Usynin (U6, NH), was found guilty by Judge Chambers.

Another highlight was an evening on the Fibonacci Sequence, in which this mathematical series was explored through the lenses of Biology, Music, Architecture, Art History and, of course, Mathematics itself.

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Academic Societies

To end the academic year, Harry Ferris (NH) chaired a hilarious Have I Got News for You in which two teams of students wittily discussed the news topics of the day. Overall, it was a fun and engaging year, giving students the confidence to speak in a public setting, and to present and defend their ideas as well as broaden their intellectual outlook.

Dr Adrian Samuel and Antonia Stuckey (U6, Q)

In our lectures, we drew on the expertise of speakers from outside school, as well as the knowledge and talents of staff within College.

First, pupils heard Dr Graham Mallard speak on how to make the best, most rational, decisions.

That was followed by Mr Dan Evans’ lecture on the story behind Michaelangelo’s extraordinary

Lower College

SOCIETY THURSDAY 3 R D MARCH

ð OPEN TO ALL LOWER COLLEGE STUDENTS

Model United Nations ð TLG– THURSDAY 3RD– 7:00PM This Thursday, Lower College Society will be hosting a Model United Nations event, where countries have to work together to solve a world crisis. Expect some international tensions!

REFRESHMENTS SERVED. SCHOOL UNIFORM. AWARD HOLDERS MUST ATTEND.

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Sports Leaders

This year seven 5th Form pupils began the Sports Leaders Level 1 Award in September; a certified and nationally recognised qualification.

This involved Wednesday Activity sessions to complete the planning and evaluation of coaching sessions and to learn about sportsmanship and leadership.

The course also covered topics such as activities to promote a healthy lifestyle, fair play in sport, the role of the official and opportunities for sport and recreation. During the Monday Activity slot, the pupils planned and led coaching sessions with some pupils from the Prep School. They all experienced leading different sections such as the warm-up, skills learning and small games.

They interacted well with the Prep pupils and built respectful working relationships with them.

They all enjoyed the experience and learned a lot about themselves. At the end of the course they submitted their work and evidence to Sports Leaders UK and were all awarded the Sports Leaders Level 1 Award. This means that they can lead sports sessions with an adult in charge; for example, they can lead a warm-up as part of a games session.

being divided into groups and working with local businesspeople in designing, marketing and costing a product of their own, which they then pitched to a small panel of local business experts. The winning team of Edward Ferris (NH), Anna Kuptsova (A), Gus Milton (Xt), Piers Morgan (Xt) and Duncan Pinchen (Xt) went forward to represent College at the Young Entrepreneurs’ Competition at GCHQ. In the weeks leading up to the competition, they perfected their pitch about their product Helm-i. Helm-i; a helmet with integrated smartphone, GPS and interactive visor.

On arrival at GCHQ, they met their guide, who had helped the team, and found out that they had been drawn to go first. The team stood up confidently, handed out a detailed flyer, designed

by Anna, and then delivered a slick presentation covering target market, marketing, costings and possible future developments, which was then followed by some tricky questioning.

Once all the teams had finished, there was a talk from an employee about the changes in global technology and then the judges retired to discuss their thoughts. This gave the pupils a chance to wander around a few GCHQ stands that highlighted their work on cybercrime, combating international crime, languages, coding and military hardware. The teams were then called back into the main hall where the judges awarded third and second places before

announcing Cheltenham College as the winners.

It was reward for a great deal of hard work!

The Coding Day saw representatives from GCHQ, Raytheon, a technology and innovation company specialising in defence, national security, and other government and international commercial markets, Google Apps and College staff introduce the pupils to different elements of coding. By the end of the day, Raspberry Pi, HTML and Makey Makey had become familiar terms and pupils had learned how to build webpages, had constructed a flashing cube of lights or designed a simple computer game.

In the final term, the focus was on preparing for the end of term trips. Pupils learned kayaking skills in the pool, camping and simple map reading skills. Those doing the Three Peaks Challenge had several practice walks in the local area and a Sunday walk on Pen-Y-Fan in the Brecon Beacons.

For more information on the end of term Third Form trips, see the Summer Term edition of College News.

Mr Simon Conner

Pupils who were certificated this year are: Sam Cook (NH), Jack Mitchell (NH), Roger Mortimore (S), Edward Winstanley (S), Olly Hill (L) and Toma Zinovyev (NH).

Mrs Kate Hornsby

Third Form Challenge

As in previous years, the Third Form took part in the weekly Third Form Challenge on a Wednesday afternoons.

This helps the year group bond, as they take part in a range of activities with different people each week. The activities are designed to introduce the pupils to the opportunities at College whilst also nurturing important skills.

The year began with fitness testing which was then repeated in the Summer Term. After that there was a round‑robin of activities including climbing, introduction to College history, dancing, introduction to Italian, team-building exercises, debating and communication skills. These were interspersed by talks from Mr Dominic Faulkner on his experience of climbing Mount Everest, Dr Enright on Cryptology and the Cheltonian Society’s Endowment Trust Upper College Travel Award winners, on their travels over the summer holidays. There were also two full days of Dragons’ Den- style competition and coding.

The Dragons’ Den Day saw the whole Third Form 46

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The heart of our community: Chapel in construction c.1895 48

The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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Archives

The phone rang; somebody from the Museum of London (MofL) asked, ‘Can you tell us about a Bible, burnt in the Fire of London and presented to Cheltenham College Museum by a Mrs Walker?’ Short answer, ‘No!’ We searched through the entries in the Museum Accession Register and eventually came across the entry for 14 October 1870. It simply stated that Mrs Walker had presented a ‘Bible from Fire of London’.

How come it was now in the possession of the MofL? Under the ‘Loan’ section of the Accession Register, an entry referred to a bust of Oliver Cromwell, which had been lent by Mrs Walker in 1870 and returned to her in 1878. Her address was South Kensington; perhaps she gave things to the London Museum when it was in Kensington? But they had no record of such a bust.

but had no reference to such a Bible arriving in Liverpool and then being transferred elsewhere.

A Bible expert at the British Library has confirmed that it was a Geneva Bible dated c.1620. From checks on pagination, chain lines and collation, he identified the Bible as one printed by Robert Barker and dating to 1608.

Finally, as a last twist in this intriguing tale, some very faint writing in pencil was discovered inside the front cover, ’This Bible was at Mr Harding St Martin’s Lane in the Fire of London’.

I speculate Mr Harding was Samuel Harding (fl.1722; d.1755), bookseller, based at Post House on the Pavement, St Martin’s Lane, London, in 1724, and later as a print-seller at the Bible & Anchor on the Pavement, which he had inherited from his father John in 1734. Perhaps he sold it to an antiquarian who perhaps resided in Cheltenham ... we shall never know. What we do know is that the Bible features in the MofL’s exhibition to mark the 350th anniversary of the Fire of London, which is open to the public until 17 April 2017.

The College Museum was packed away in September 1939 when the Government requisitioned College buildings and the school was evacuated to Shrewsbury School for two terms. The College Museum never existed to the same extent after the war, and finally closed in 1976, the items being dispersed to various places. The geological collection went to what is now Portsmouth University, but most of the items went to the Merseyside Museum, now the World Museum Liverpool (WML).

We ascertained that we still had the Bible in 1976, and that it was on a list of items going to Merseyside - albeit with the annotation ‘in PJM’s briefcase’! [PJM was Peter Morgan, Keeper of Vertebrate Zoology, Merseyside County Museums, who oversaw the transfer of items to Liverpool in 1976.] Perhaps the reason it was taken away in his briefcase was so that it did not get absorbed into the museum in Liverpool along with everything else. Perhaps, being in the museum business, Peter knew of the new museum being set up in London and thought it would be better if the Bible went there. Or maybe he knew Tom Hume, who had been Director at City of Liverpool Museums until 1972 before joining the London Museum (which joined the Guildhall Museum to become the Museum of London in 1976).

The MofL contacted the WML Documentation Department. They confirmed purchasing material from Cheltenham College in May 1976

© Museum of London

But the Burnt Bible was not the only item from the former College Museum that came to the fore in Archives during the year; there were two other Museum-related enquiries.

Firstly, an historian of the ancient Near East wanted to know about a letter dated 7 February 1934, from Sir Reginald St Johnson (1892‑1897, Day Boy), Governor of the Leeward Islands, to Reginald Thompson, archaeologist and curator of the British Museum. It concerned a pair of bronze armlets from the excavations at Nineveh (which St Johnson thought he had presented to Cheltenham College Museum) plus some cuneiform tablets, which he thought ‘must have been dispersed and lost at Cheltenham many years ago’. We were asked if we still had the armlets and indeed whether we also had the tablets. Unfortunately we no longer have any of the items but, checking the Accession Register, we found the armlets and Assyrian cuneiform were amongst a list of items presented by St Johnston in August 1910. In 1976, two Assyrian cuneiform tablets were among the items which also went to Liverpool.

COLLEGE COMMUNITY

COLLEGE COMMUNITY

© Museum of London

© Museum of London

Cuneiform tablet Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative [cdli: P405515] © Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool: World Museum

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The third College Museum enquiry concerned the Courage collection. In 1870, one of the old ‘racquets’ courts as they were then named (now half of the kitchens) had been roofed and made into a museum (at a cost of £700) to hold the Geological collection donated to College by Charles Pierson (College Council, 1856‑1883).

Always open to the boys, the museum was also open to the public one afternoon a week. In 1897 The Cheltonian reported that the ethnological exhibits had been removed into the Old Chapel (now the Dining Hall), and the old museum kept for natural history objects.

The first donation of birds, mostly originating from Egypt and the Sudan, had been presented to the Museum by the Courage family in 1897.

But a lot more came when Harold Courage (1874‑1878, BH), a member of the brewing family of that name, bequeathed the contents of his natural history collection, which had been housed in a museum in the grounds of his estate in Surrey. (A huge collection of British Birds had also been donated by Harold Courage to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery in 1900.)

Cuneiform tablet circa 2340-2200 Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative [cdli: P3881880] © Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool: World Museum

As for the armlets, they appear to be mentioned in a letter from Hugh Wright (Head of Classics and Housemaster of Boyne House, 1964‑1979) to David Ashcroft (Headmaster, 1959‑1978) as items of value. In the mid 1970s the Chapel organ was in desperate need of renovation at an estimated cost of c.£20,000. The minutes of Council, its Finance Committee, and its Finance and General Purposes Committee, mention College Museum contents, getting valuations and selling items. For example, College received £2,500 from the sale of a pair of elephant tusks; the Bursar, thanking the saleroom, said, ‘I like to think [that] will provide appropriately at least the keys of the rehashed organ.’ Generally speaking, it seems that the Merseyside Museum got what was considered not worth selling, though, as far as I can make out, they paid £1,400.

It has not, as yet, been possible to ascertain whether the armlets were sold off with the family silver or went with the bulk of the material to Merseyside.

Although not the armlets, other fragments from Nineveh had been presented to College by a Mrs Rolland who had received them from her friend, Sir H Layard, who had discovered the ancient city in 1849.

The collection was accessioned into the College Museum on 14 June 1902: ‘The collection of the ‘Bramley’ Museum, containing British and Foreign birds, mammals, shells, eggs, butterflies, moths and relics of the Boer War.’ Consisting of some 7,000 items, it was valued at £8,000; sadly, nothing has survived detailing the collection.

The other old racquets court (the other half of the kitchens) had remained an open space and was used as an Engineering Corps bridging shed in the late 19th century. To house the bequest, it too was roofed and incorporated into an enlarged museum, which was formally opened on Speech Day, 20 June 1902. The report on the event in the July 1902 edition of The Cheltonian added, ‘The Museum has also received a handsome addition in the shape of some large stuffed bears, given

by Mr E Gibson, whose son is at the College.’

Douglas Gibson (1901‑1905, BH).

As stated above, the museum closed in 1976 and the natural history collections went to Merseyside. Although we have a rudimentary list of the items that went (their reference: 1976 - 159), it only seems to detail about 230 birds, etc., so it is unclear what happened to the rest. There is certainly scope for a lot more investigation into former College Museum items.

Chapel

The Headmaster was the preacher at the first main Sunday service of the year. He developed the theme of servant leadership, which he articulated in his address. He exemplified with reference to the sacrificial service of those who perished in the Penlee lifeboat disaster of 1981; a tragedy unknown to most of the current generation of Cheltonians.

Sacrifice remained a theme of Chapel throughout the Autumn Term. Late September saw an act of worship to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in which 14 OCs fought. To mark and celebrate this anniversary, College commissioned the composer Hannah Kendall to write an anthem, Their Kingdom, The Air, to be performed during the service. A former Royal Air Force Chaplain, the Reverend Stephen Ware, preached a sermon drawing on his experience of conflict in the Iraq War 2003-2011. In November, we welcomed the Reverend John Witheridge, formerly the Headmaster of Charterhouse and a Conduct of Eton, as our guest preacher. Grounding his sermon in the sacrifice of OCs during the battles of 1915, principally of Arras and Gallipoli, he preached memorably. 2015 concluded with a busy run of Carol Services, for College, The Prep and local charities. Of these the RNLI Carol Service was the most memorable; it was heartening to welcome those from the local emergency services, who continue to embody a different but equally valuable form of sacrificial service.

Emmaus Gloucester, a charity that works with the local homeless community in Gloucester, was the focus of fundraising activity in Chapel during the Christmas season. Because of the very generous level of giving, it was possible to send this fantastic local charity £5000 in the new year. At the end of the year, the total amount raised for charitable causes had exceeded £10,000.

On Sunday evenings we have been fortunate to hear sermons from the following visiting preachers: the Reverend Dr James Saunders, the

Postscript: the transfer of all the birds and eggs even raised concerns from the RSPB that we were illegally selling birds’ eggs!

Mrs Christine Leighton Courtesy of National Museums Liverpool: World Museum

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During an atmospheric, evening Candlemas Compline service in February, we celebrated the installation of a new organ‑gallery lighting‑system, which had been paid for from a donation in memory of Brigadier David Martin, a former College parent and member of Council.

In a Chapel lit only by minimal candle-light, the new light system was activated and, for the first time in 110 years, the beautiful carvings, stone bosses of the ceiling and the tracery of the organ console could be seen in all their glory by the congregation.

During the Spring Term, College experienced a serious flu outbreak and Chapel was suspended for nearly two weeks. The rhythm of College was disturbed and there was a common sense, articulated by pupils and staff alike, that something had been lost from our corporate life.

On Saint George’s Day, I took a small number of boy choristers to Stanway House to sing

Prefect Chair of the Chapel and Spirituality Committee, Jaqueline Nussbaum-Lapping (U6, A)

The main aim this year for the Chapel and Spirituality Chair was to increase the number of pupil talks in Chapel and as can be seen from Dr Dunning’s Chapel report, the aim was successfully met! Ranging in tone and topic and involving pupils from Third Form to Upper Sixth, the sheer number of talks and their quality has encouraged pupils to sign up quickly for next year, despite the fact that speaking in Chapel is a somewhat daunting experience. Particular mention must go to Harry Ferris (U6, NH) who won the Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize for best address for his outstanding talk on adversity. Since moving from Monday to Friday, Holy Communion has also experienced increased attendance.

This service provides a calm and spiritual way to reflect on the week, and has proved very popular amongst all year groups and Houses. In an effort to increase spirituality and mindfulness, we have also put plans in place for meditation sessions in Houses, which will give pupils a time to reflect during their busy school lives.

Evensong for members of the Prayer Book Society. The boys in the choir were under the musical direction of Frederick Foster (L6, NH). Our other main Chapel celebration centred upon the 20 candidates who were confirmed on Trinity Sunday by the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek; the new Bishop of Gloucester. This marked the first visit to College of Bishop Rachel who, significantly, is the first female diocesan bishop in the Church of England. Nearly four hundred friends, relatives, teachers and supporters poured into Chapel on Sunday 22 May to witness this significant rite of passage.

Pupils have volunteered to speak in Chapel services this year more than ever before. Having a theme upon which to ‘hang’ their thoughts certainly encourages members of the pupil community to step forward and address their

peers. This remains a truly distinctive feature of College life and this year we have heard fantastic talks from: Yvie Seville (U6, Ch), Emily Morton (U6, Ch), Sophie Morton (3rd, Q), James Battishill (U6, NH), Harry Steel (U6, Xt), Jana Bourhill (U6, Q), Antonia Stuckey (U6, Q), Arabella Knowles (U6, A), Gianluca Mech (U6, Xt), Patrick Payne (U6, S), George Cook (U6, Xt), Katherine Stanton (U6, A), Ankita Mediratta (L6, W), Theresa Grafin Pachta (L6, W), Yury Kovalev (U6, Xt), Ethan Dowling‑Membrado (U6, L), Annabella Kohler (U6, Ch), Freddie Lyle (U6, S), Yasmine Ellis (U6, Ch), Harry Ferris (U6, NH), Jacqueline Nussbaum-Lapping (U6, A) and Thomas Bond (U6, NH). Furthermore, small groups of Upper College students from five different Houses collaborated to present a House Chapel: Queen’s on Political Engagement; Westal on Legacy; Hazelwell on Optimism; Ashmead on Penitence

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COLLEGE COMMUNITY

Chaplain at Uppingham School; Mr Roland Martin, Headmaster at City of London Freeman’s School; the Reverend Canon Dr Tudor Griffiths, the Rector of St Mary and St Matthew Cheltenham; the Reverend Canon Dr Andrew Braddock, from Gloucester Cathedral); the Reverend Nick Scott, a teacher at Cheltenham Ladies’ College; the Reverend Richard Horner, Chaplain at Rugby School; the Reverend Alice Monaghan Chaplain at Westonbirt School; and the Reverend Canon Dr Michael Brierley from Worcester Cathedral. During the year our own Chaplains have also been busy representing College, preaching at Eton College, Stowe School, Rugby School, Dean Close, Clifton College, and Beaudesert Park School.

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and Hope; and Southwood on Loneliness. This very rich offering meant that immediately before Speech Day, the judges adjudicating the prize for the Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize for best address had their work cut out for them; they eventually chose Harry Ferris’s (U6, NH) witty and challenging talk on the subject of Adversity, worthy of the accolade. This address can be found in the opening pages of this publication.

Another distinctive feature of Chapel is that it functions as a gathering place for the whole community. In other schools it is rare for members of the Common Room to attend Chapel daily and to experience what the pupils are experiencing.

Not so at College and I think this highlights an important contribution that Chapel makes to create the unique community atmosphere of the school. Members of the Common Room who spoke in Chapel this year were Mr Karl Cook, Mr Graham Cutts, Mr Andrew Straiton, Mr Richard Penny, Mrs Rachel Melville‑Thomas, Mr Tim Brewis, Mr James Coull, Mr Dan Townley, Mr Jonathan Mace, Mr Jon Morton (memorably with his daughters, Emily and Sophie), Mr Crispin Dawson, Mr Nick Hands, Dr Luke Davidson, Mrs Tammy Penny, Dr Gill Ward, Mrs Alexandra Eldred, Mr Jonathan Whybrow, Mr Duncan Byrne, Mr Stephen McQuitty, Mrs Julia Hande and Mr Nick Nelson. In addition, Mr Charlie McKegney, Mr Andrew Straiton and Mr Dan Townley all volunteered to be interviewed as part of ‘Chapel Island Discs’.

result of meningitis in February 2015. The prefects decided to reduce the event to 12 hours and include the whole Upper Sixth Form student body. In shifts, the prefects ran and cycled for 12 hours and exceeded 3,000km; the target had been 1,500km. The Upper Sixth Form student body joined the prefects in the last hour of the event, which culminated with the prefects running into Chapel. Earlier in the afternoon the Houses ran stands as part of a Charities Fair; this was coordinated by Heads of Houses and was run by the Upper Sixth students. A JustGiving page was set up which raised £8,000. Overall this charity drive raised £9,000. Money has been used

by Meningitis Now to ensure that all children are given access to the new Men Z vaccine and to provide much needed funds to further research into the development of additional vaccines for meningitis. Furthermore, the annual Valentines Day fund‑raiser and Prefects Charity Ball was held in aid of CRY, a charity which aims to assess Cardiac Risk in the Young.

Looking forward, a significant development in September will be the adoption, by each House, of a specific local charity. Once each House has selected its charity, the hope is that a lasting relationship will be established. This will be mutually beneficial and enriching. Other charitable

Chapel continues to be a place of celebration for many members of the College Community.

Mr James Stubbert and Mrs Jo Smith brought their children for baptism. Mr Rod King of the Estates Department was present for the baptism of his grandson and Miss Lisa Olive in Accounts and Miss Rubeeya Masood of the Prep School, were both married in Chapel.

One final event of note took place in October.

As part of the Literature Festival, Chapel hosted a stimulating evening of discussion and music.

The Reverend Lucy Winkett, Rector of Saint James’ Church, Piccadilly, and the author and choirmaster Andrew Gant, discussed the evolution of church music with the BBC Radio 3 broadcaster, Christopher Cook.

Dr Adam Dunning

Charity College, the Prep and the Cheltonian Association and Society have collectively raised in excess of £38,000 for charitable causes in the year from Speech Day 2015 to Speech Day 2016. This is an impressive amount of money and should be celebrated. This sum is the product of both collective and individual efforts and the list of fundraising activities undertaken includes quiz nights, a charity ball, cake sales, car washes, sponsored events and theatrical productions.

The principal beneficiaries have been Meningitis Now, Emmaus Gloucester, The Royal British Legion and Gloucestershire Bundles, as well as our three sponsored schools: the residential school for children with special needs in Bradet, Romania; Shamrock School in Nepal; and Gogar Primary School, In Kenya.

Meningitis Now was chosen by the prefects as a result of the tragic loss of Abigail Kelly (W) as a

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Parry, Mrs Kate Hornsby, Mr Matt Walton and Mr Steve Apps for making this trip so fantastic. As a result of fundraising, this year we donated:

Further plans for 2016‑17 include the development of a Servant Leadership gap-year programme, a Community Day in February 2017 for senior citizens, and the introduction of a Charity Cup for Speech Day.

• Dental treatment for 22 children • 100 mattresses • Curtains for the girls’ and boys’ accommodation • Poly tunnel covers • £1,600 of DIY and craft equipment • A sound system • Clothes and shoes

The Residential School for Children with Special Needs in Bradet, Romania.

In June, Miss Elizabeth Rawkins led another post-GCSE trip to Bradet, in which 24 Fifth Form pupils (six girls and 18 boys) had five fantastic days of play, DIY, craft, cuddles and of course, the hokey-cokey! College is indebted to Miss Elizabeth Rawkins, Mr James Chaloner, Mrs Fiona

Special thanks to the following for their fundraising contributions: Mrs Fiona Parry, who completed the Cheltenham Half Marathon, and Finlay Milton (L6, XT) and Elliott Napier (L6, XT), who completed the Three Peaks Challenge in aid of Bradet.

Produced with the kind permission of the childcare department of Brasov, Peter Svolis and Victor Eckhold of Hotel Galaxy Films shot and edited a short film to document and celebrate the very special experience of College pupils spending time with the children of Bradet. The film is available to view on the College website:

http://www.cheltenhamcollege.org/BradetResidential-School-Video Images from Bradet reproduced with kind permission from the Childcare Department, Brasov

Gogar Primary School, Kenya

Through the Vanessa Grant Trust, we are working to secure sponsorship to pay for the secondary education of one girl and one boy from Gogar Primary School. We have currently agreed to sponsor a bright and disadvantaged boy, Ernest Mwangi, who is one of three children in a family whose father has died and whose mother only earns enough money for the absolute basics, including food but not education for her children. In his words, the sponsorship will enable him ‘to achieve my dreams and become a better person in the future.’

To find out more about sponsorship, visit the Vanessa Grant Trust website: http://www.vanessagranttrust.org

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COLLEGE COMMUNITY

fundraising initiatives for the next year include supporting Toilet Twinning, IT4Kids, and a joint school Santa-fun run with the Prep.

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Shamrock School

Due to financial support secured from College, Shamrock School has remained open for another year!

For more information about Shamrock School and how to donate, please visit: http://shamrockschoolnepal.org Special thanks go to all who contributed to the grand total of £1298.94 at the Cheltonian Association and Society Les Misérables Charity night in aid of our three supported schools in Romania, Nepal and Kenya.

Dr Adam Dunning and Miss Jane Brodigan

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Chatfeild-Roberts Library Attendance was consistently high, with pupils from all year groups making use of the space to carry out research projects, independent work and supervised study. Evening Prep sessions were very popular amongst Upper College, while a number of Lower College classes, across a range of subjects, made regular use of the space, its resources and services, through subject‑run projects and extended reading times.

There was a slight change in staffing, with particular aspects of Library management falling to each of the four team members: Miss Danielle Joyce joined us from the Research Collections at the University of Worcester, working partly as a Library Assistant and partly as the Archive Assistant. Her enthusiasm, technical ability and keen eye for detail have been invaluable in developing the Library’s aesthetic and driving its promotions. Mrs Sarah Merheim-Kealy ensured that our periodical and newspapers collection was second-to-none and serviced all departments and Houses in College. The collection expanded to take in three Modern Foreign Language publications (Stern, Le Point and El Pais), as well as Minerva, a magazine focusing on the classical world. Indeed, all departments are now represented through the collection, much of it with online and archive access, while

popular lifestyle and sports magazines also feature. Further, Mrs Merheim-Kealy has worked closely with Heads of Upper and Lower College to make Supervised Study the well-attended and beneficial programme it now is. Mrs Meribel Cluer, our weekend librarian, continued to develop our social media presence on Facebook and Pinterest, along with crucial cataloguing and display work.

Meanwhile, this writer continued to do his best impression of someone busy with the rest!

Several projects and initiatives got underway during the year. The Armchair Club was launched as a Monday activity: reading a good book with a cup of cocoa and a biscuit is not a bad way to spend an afternoon! The seating and book stacks have been slightly reconfigured to provide a comfortable leisure‑reading space beneath our beautiful window. Audiobook and classic fiction collections were created to keep up with the growing interest.

Colour-coded ‘collections-within-collections’ were trialled in certain sections of the library to make them more browser-friendly and tie in more effectively with syllabus topics. Increased display spaces were set up to draw attention not only to new books or fun themes, but also to segue with work being carried out in academic departments.

We hope to develop that further in the year ahead, as well as our support for the new EPQ programme to be launched in September 2016.

Our third annual Third Form Inter-House Literature Competition took place in front of the entire year group for the first time, with Westal emerging comfortable victors over a determined and fancily-

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enjoyed hearing stories from the past. The residents also came to College for a meal at Easter, which was very much enjoyed by all.

Abbeyfield Care Home

Abbeyfield is a residential home for elderly people, with room for only a few pupils to visit.

Mrs Sarah Ramsey and the pupils involved have

been extremely creative in producing enjoyable activities for the residents, ranging from playing music to charades. The residents attended the Carol Service at the end of the Autumn Term and Mrs Anna Cutts also invited them to Ashmead, where they had afternoon tea with teachers and pupils. The pupils also enjoyed helping the residents with their garden.

Mr Beren-Dain Delbrooke-Jones

Community Links Nearly 50 pupils volunteered to take part in the ever-growing Community Links programme. The six placements on offer enabled College to give a wide range of support to people, including adults and children, from across Cheltenham.

Here are some of the highlights:

Windsor Street Care Centre

Pupils went through an induction programme at the home, where they learned about dementia and how to deal with, and help, patients suffering from it. Each week they visited the home, where they talked to the residents and

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COLLEGE COMMUNITY

dressed Ashmead. The quiz questions were fantastically deployed by our compere, Katherine Stanton (U6, A), Prefect Chair of the Academic and Library Committee. Many thanks must go to her for her excellent management and a very convincing Jeremy Paxman impression! Thanks must also go to all of the participants, House Prefects, and Messrs Simon Conner and Paul Provins for their assistance and impetus. We now very much look forward to the year ahead!

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Hop, Skip and Jump

Located in Seven Springs, Hop, Skip and Jump is a centre for children with learning difficulties. Each week Miss Jo Doidge-Harrison took a group of Fifth Form pupils and Lower Sixth students to the centre to help the children build their confidence by involving them in active play and activities.

Naunton Park Primary School

Fifth Form pupils helped to run an after-school club for children aged from 4 to 11 years old. Mr Andrew Straiton devised innovative games and craft activities and, whether from Naunton Park or College, all the children enjoyed playing them!

Thirlestaine Park Care Home

Thirlestaine Park Care Home is a state-of-the-art care home for the elderly, situated near College.

Since starting the placement two years ago, College pupils have enjoyed meeting the residents and learning about caring for the elderly, including those who suffer from dementia. Most of the time was spent speaking to residents and engaging them in activities such as painting and playing music. We were also delighted to take part in their world record‑breaking attempt at the world’s largest cream tea party. We hope to have the residents from Thirlestaine Park Care Home visit College next academic year.

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Bay Tree Court Care Centre

College began visiting Bay Tree Court this year.

Although new to the programme, the centre enjoyed meeting the pupils and hearing about their interests. They particularly enjoyed hearing Alex Sickmueller (L6, Xt) play a medley of both old and new pieces on the piano. We look forward to growing this link further and hopefully hosting some of the residents at College for a lunch.

Mr James Stubbert

Development 2016 is a very special year for College with us celebrating 175 years of providing excellent all-round education. To mark this anniversary, we are keen to build on the success of our existing Regular Giving programme and have launched The 1841 Society. Through The 1841 Society, all regular donors will enjoy the benefits of receiving regular updates from the Development Office, an invitation to an annual event, as well as being named on a new donor board in the entrance to The Chatfeild-Roberts Library. The first event for members of The 1841 Society took place at College in June and provided an opportunity for people to see how regular donations have contributed to a variety of different projects at College.

Sport at College continues to play an integral part in pupils’ lives. Participating and competing in sport is a key part of any good education and

College is able to deliver a sports programme that caters for a wide variety of different sports and abilities. Investment in sports facilities at College is an ongoing process, and we are hugely grateful for the generous support received from OCs Neil Harvey (1979-1981, NH) and David Noble (1976‑1981, NH and current Prep parent) for the resurfacing of the tennis courts and major improvements to the squash courts. The work on the tennis courts was completed in 2015 and the work on the squash courts was completed during the summer holidays.

Away from the College campus, the Boat Club is now enjoying the benefits of a launch site on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, in addition to the existing Boat House at Tewkesbury. Further development of the site at Gloucester is currently under discussion alongside refurbishment at Tewkesbury. With both sites operating, the Boat Club will be in a position to benefit from shorter journey times and more time on the water at Gloucester, but still have the ability to host events and train on the river at Tewkesbury when conditions are favourable.

A new estates building behind the Sports Centre has freed up an important area between the Science Centre and Chandos. We hope to be able to use this newly created space to start work on exciting plans for the future: the Business and Economics Hub for Innovation and Enterprise (BEHIVE). This facility will provide the next generation of Cheltonians with state‑of‑the‑art teaching facilities and the best possible opportunities for linking with businesses and OCs, to develop workplace skills in advance of leaving

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Department was integral to the programme’s success, most notably evinced via Miss Helen Davies’ excellent contribution.

School fees pay for the running costs of College alone. For us to be able to develop our facilities, expand into new areas of teaching and learning and to provide increased extra curricular opportunities, the support and involvement of parents and OCs is crucial and most welcome. Please do contact Christiane Dickens, Development Director, on 07881 850206 or email c.dickens@cheltenhamcollege.org to find out more or if you would like to get involved.

We are also always keen to show some of our recent developments to parents, so please don’t hesitate to contact her to arrange a tour.

During the Autumn Term, our first pair of Cheltonians took up the inaugural exchange visit to Groton School in Boston, founded by Endicott Peabody (1871‑1876, NH). Abby Aitken (4th, Ch) and Rob Caesar (4th, S) enjoyed a month immersed in the culture of Groton School, boarding and attending all lessons and activities as per their contemporaries at Groton.

Reciprocally, we hosted George Zhai and Layla McDermott from Groton, in Christowe and Chandos respectively. Abby and Rob kept us abreast with their endeavours over the pond, via blogs and Facebook updates.

Mrs Christiane Dickens

Internationalism For the academic year 2015‑2016, College’s International Society got off to a flying start with a very successful Induction programme in early September 2015. 32 delegates were ably supported by six student helpers and four staff during an action-packed programme, comprising a trip to Oxford, bowling at The Brewery, movie-making and an introduction to various activities, including rowing and rackets.

Hosted in Westal and Hazelwell, the pupils were organised most efficiently by Yury Kovalev (U6, Xt) as Chair of the International Committee.

The English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Meanwhile, our active and thriving International Committee got underway in Cheltenham, and we enjoyed an international buffet for pupils in September, designed to welcome our new College recruits. With a new emphasis on celebrating the cultural events of the different nations at College, we held a thoroughly enjoyable celebration of the mid-autumn festival for Chinese pupils in late September, replete with national music, dancing, and, of course, delicious Chinese mooncake. Inevitably, in February we had great fun celebrating Chinese New Year, marked by both a themed meal for the whole College in the Dining Hall and a trip to the Golden Mountain restaurant in town for our Chinese pupils. During the Summer Term, we celebrated the Thai Songkran Festival in midApril with a themed Thai meal for College pupils

and a more exclusive event for our Thai pupils.

In order to celebrate the diversity of talent within our international community and to encourage overseas pupils to get involved at College, we held an inaugural entertainment evening in late November, featuring musical performances and readings by pupils from both Lower College and Upper College. To traverse from live rock music to First World War poetry, made for an eclectic and compelling evening of entertainment, which served to showcase our myriad talents as a body.

We also held two language days in April and June, for Chinese and Russian respectively. In May we enjoyed the much-anticipated annual International Dinner, postponed from the Spring Term because of the flu outbreak. This provided an opportunity for me to thank the staff and pupils who have enabled this important committee to thrive at College and to witness a number of great performances by pupil bands in the Upper College Social.

Reflecting on what we achieved during the year, with a growing contribution to our Chapel programme being just one example, our focus shifts to the formation of a new committee, the training up of new international peer supporters and the appointing of a new Chair of the International Committee.

Mr Nick Nelson and Yury Kovalev (U6, Xt) Prefect Chair for the International Committee

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COLLEGE COMMUNITY

College. We are in the very early planning stages but please do get in touch if you would like to find out more.

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Ashmead

House Editors: Lily Stewart (L6) and Leah Shiu (L6) September saw the beginning of a very busy and eventful year in Ashmead. Here are a few memories of the past year...

Life in Ashmead

A great trait Ashmead possesses is its unconditionally friendly ambiance. This is helped by year groups being integrated with the ‘family’ set up; cross year group families are able to enjoy leisurely activities such as bowling or going out for a meal. These family events are incredibly pleasurable and enable bonding across all year groups. With BBQs, outdoor movie nights, trips to Cabot Circus, cinema viewings, quiz nights, Easter egg hunts and outdoor obstacle courses, there is never a dull moment in Ashmead. We can easily say that Ashmead girls enjoy many treats in Ashmead, especially with our evening snacks that include: ‘Toasty Tuesdays’, ‘Waffle Wednesdays’ and ‘Fish-finger Fridays’ not to mention the wonderful in-House lunches for each year group that Matron provides us; delicious! The Christmas dinner is an evening that everyone looks forward to; all House members, including House tutors, matrons and Mrs and Mr Cutts come together for a special and exciting pre-Christmas holiday soirée. This year the House was treated to a delightful meal at Hatherley Manor – complete with a dance floor!

The night consisted of dancing, speeches, prize giving of House Half Colours and Full Colours and, of course, lots of eating and laughter!

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House Singing

House Singing is an annual competition where every House gathers to compete for the longedfor title of ‘House Singing Champions.’ This year it was Ashmead, skilfully and attentively led by the Upper Sixth team of Arabella Knowles, Leonora McCaldin and Jaqueline Lapping, who stole the title with a fun and beautifully harmonious Beach Boys medley. This was a well-deserved achievement for the House, but most of all it showed how Ashmead can work so well together to create a memorable and enjoyable experience!

Sport

Ashmead has proudly participated in and cheered along supportively all House Pots events including House hockey, netball, swimming and tennis. We may not have won many, but we have embraced each competition with enthusiasm and positivity.

We are especially proud of having the biggest turnout of supporters of all the Houses.

A Third Form perspective, from Violet Shorthouse

When I first arrived in Ashmead, I was extremely apprehensive about the prospect of making new friends and the worry about if I would fit in.

However, after spending my first night in Ashmead, I felt completely relaxed and safe; there is such a sense of community and I find it really comforting that I can go to talk to anybody about anything and everything. I love the fact that Mrs Cutts’ door is always open for a chat about homesickness or any issues you are having. Ashmead is so close; everyone gets along and everyone always seems happy, which tends to lift people into a better

mood. Anyone who came to Ashmead would definitely feel welcome and happy.

Goodbyes

Ashmead is a very close-knit community and therefore we are very sad at the retirement of Mrs Light, who has doted on Ashmead since the very beginning, the year 2000, when Ashmead opened its doors. Her kindness and loyalty will never be forgotten; she has offered invaluable advice and support over the years as well as a caring arm-around-the-shoulder and words of support to what must be hundreds of girls. We wish her well in her retirement and we are delighted that she will continue to be a frequent visitor. We also say goodbye to Mrs Osborne who, for many years, gave up her Saturday mornings to come in and look after us! We have much appreciated her kindness and great sense of humour. We are also very sorry to say goodbye to Mrs Smith and her family, who are off to Chandos. Mrs Smith has been a constant provider of practical help with preps (especially Science!), cheery support and of course an endless round of wonderful waffles!

She, Mr Smith and of course, the gorgeously smiley Phoebe, will be much missed. We wish them all every happiness in their new home!

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HOUSES

Speech Day Prizes:

Dagley-Morris Prize (Chapel Music): Leonora McCaldin (U6)

Third Form Attainment: Bridget Fong

Marcan Prize for Music: Jacqueline Nussbaum-Lapping (U6) and Isobel Salmond Smith (L6)

Huge Congratulations to all!

Third Form Endeavour: Anna Kuptsova Fourth Form Attainment: Isabelle Kemp

Games

Fifth Form Endeavour: Isla Flint and Kiara Sakaguchi

Sloan Cup: Annabel Mundy (U6)

Sixth Form Endeavour: Eleanor Jones-Perrott

Prefects Elect

Lower Sixth Subject Prizes: Bingen Human Geography: Bethany Adams Spanish: Alena Gorb

Upper Sixth Subject Prizes: Tanner Biology: Arabella Knowles Hornsby French:Katherine Stanton

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes: Classical Civilisation: Inés Oliver (U6) History: Katherine Stanton (U6)

Cadbury Cup: Arabella Knowles (U6)

Congratulations to Eleanor Jones-Perrott on becoming the new Head of House, as well as Bethany Adams on becoming Deputy Head of House. They will lead a prefect team consisting of: Milly Fair, Alena Gorb, Araminta Ramsey (Head of Fourth Form), Izzi Stannett , Lily Stewart, and Leah Shiu (Head of Third Form).

Further congratulations go to Milly Fair, who will be Deputy Head of School!

Congratulations: Massive congratulations to Katherine Stanton (U6) who has been offered a place at Corpus Christi, Oxford, to read History.

Headmaster’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Anna Birkett (U6) and Leonora McCaldin (U6)

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Boyne House

House Editor: Benjamin Adams (L6) As ever, this year in Boyne has been diverse and exciting. Incorporating numerous academic, sporting and social activities, the year has seen the successful introduction of the new Third Form, whilst Fourth and Fifth Form have begun to assume larger roles in House. In Upper College, the Lower Sixth have seamlessly adapted to the relative pressures and freedoms of Sixth Form life, whilst the Upper Sixth have continued to flourish in all aspects of House life as they look ahead to life beyond College. Notable events from the past academic year include the Christmas Dinner at the Green Dragon, the annual paintballing excursion, the joint Boyne-Chandos pantomime and the House’s retention of the Eminson Cup, all of which are explored in further detail below. With a huge number of academic and sporting achievements crowning the year, the future looks bright indeed for the ‘Home of Standards’.

Boyne and Chandos House Pantomime:

The end of the Autumn Term saw Boyne House take part in a joint House play with Chandos, a venture which saw many thrive in creative roles, far from their comfort zones. Warmly received, the play, “A Budget Cinderella”, provided a refreshingly unique twist on the classic tale and came to be representative of the House’s collective spirit and effort. Of course, the House could not have carried out such an endeavour without the perseverance and commitment of Mrs Penny, whose enthusiasm and directorial skill helped bind the production together.

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‘After all the hard work and commitment all the cast and staff had put in, it was an awesome feeling when it all came together in the performance.’ (Max Taylor-Baggs, 5th)

The House Christmas Dinner at The Green Dragon

The Autumn Term was brought to a truly enjoyable climax with the annual House Christmas Dinner, which, this year, was masterminded by Mr. Delbrooke-Jones. After witnessing the clash of the table tennis titans, Jason Soames (5th) and Jamie Thorley (L6), the House went on to the Green Dragon for its usual high-quality fare and some very entertaining speeches by the House prefects, matrons and the mastermind himself: much laughter and pleasure was had by all. Finally, the evening was rounded off with an excellent, if brief, cameo performance by yours truly!

By Dr G Mallard (Boyne House Tutor).

Eminson Cup:

The annual Eminson Cup is a six-a-side football competition waged between all six of the boys’ houses. This year, Boyne House entered the competition as reigning champions, striving to retain the title. A team of Jason Soames (5th), Eduardo Capelastegui (5th), Max Taylor-Baggs (5th), James Palmer (L6), Jeffrey Kwong (U6), Henry Morshead (U6), Monty Chapman (U6) and Simon Oliver (U6) managed to retain the title for the second year running! The House passed through the group stages with a draw against Southwood and then a convincing win over Hazelwell. In the

semi-finals the House faced Leconfield, who were no match for a strong, skilful and precise Boyne House team. Following Leconfield’s semi-final dismissal, it came down to a tense Christowe versus Boyne House final. With both sides having barely any shots on goal, the outcome remained hugely suspenseful. The stalemate was finally broken in the last 90 seconds when some fantastic Boyne House team-play created a superb counter-attacking goal. In the way they conducted themselves both on and off the field and the exceptional sportsmanship they exhibited, all of the team were well-deserving winners and a credit to the House. Come on boys: a hat trick next year!

By James Palmer (L6)

Paintballing

Being fun, if somewhat painful, paintballing was one of the highlights of the Spring Term. Pitting Lower College pupils against teachers and Upper College students, one could consider the set-up of teams as being slightly unfair. However, the sheer numbers of Third, Fourth and Fifth Form pupils allowed the lower years to experience some success. As ever, the rounds were fast-paced and full of action, most notably the final round, which saw Lower College defending the helicopter and taking out key players. In the end, however, the lower years found themselves overrun by a ‘respawning’ Sixth Form. Overall, this was a great day and a hugely enjoyable event to seal the term.

By James Kirk (3rd)

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I arrived at HMS Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall on 11th July 2015. As this was a senior leadership course, much of the week-long course was based on drill; the organised movement of large numbers of people. In addition, we completed the obstacle course, as well as the assault course, twice, and the low ropes course. We also had the privilege of experiencing the Damage Repair Instructional Unit or HAVOC, which simulates the stressful environment of a sinking ship, in which the cadets had to stem the strong flow of icecold seawater to save the ship. We learned and perfected the art of presenting and had to give timed presentations as well as several smaller talks in front of our peers. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and learnt several valuable life lessons. It was an experience that I am sure none of us will forget.

By Mahmoud Ismail (L6)

Benedict Schallamach (5th) was awarded Academic Half Colours, and Leo Shen (L6), Full Academic Colours.

James Palmer (L6) led the Gloucester U17 Cricket team in Sri Lanka, and was awarded Hockey Full Colours.

William Jury-Simpson (L6) became Captain of Shooting and Head of Naval CCF. Mahmoud Ismail (L6) was awarded the RYA Level 2 Power-boating qualification.

Christian Campbell (4th) won the Novice Gun Competition and has been selected for the Olympic Development Pathway.

Charles O’Bryan and James Drysdale (5th) achieved Gold in the UK Mathematical Challenge.

Orlando Giuseppetti (U6) was awarded Rowing Full Colours.

Jude Clayton (3rd) represented both the Yearlings A Rugby and Junior Colts A Hockey teams.

Speech Day Prizes

Dan Beachus (U6) won the Victor Ludorum award at Sports Day and participated in the Bannister Cup race.

Lower Sixth Prizes:

Looking ahead to the next academic year:

Fifth Form Attainment: Benedict Schallamach:

Classical Civilisation: William Jury-Simpson Rea English Literature: Benjamin Adams:

Upper Sixth Prizes:

HOUSES

Lower Sixth Royal Navy Senior Leadership Course

Head of House: Darren Hague

Deputy Head of House: Alexander Thorp

Jeffrey Kwong (U6) receives special congratulations for being awarded: Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize for Design (Resistant Materials) Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize for Mathematics Headmaster’s Award for Outstanding Commitment

Other Notable Achievements Jason Soames, Max Taylor-Baggs, Benedict Schallamach and Charles O’Bryan (all 5th) obtained 16+ Scholarships.

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Chandos

House Editor: Lucy Hall (L6)

House Singing

After last year’s stellar medley of Disney tunes old and new, which won us the House Singing cup, a similar approach was taken this year in order to retain a grip on the coveted prize. This year, after much debate and changing of songs, Chandos performed another medley – a mashup of Just the Way You Are and Just a Dream from the hit film Pitch Perfect. Conducted by Yasmine Ellis (U6), the song gave Chandos third place in the competition.

House Prefects

Budget Cinderella, directed by Yasmine Ellis (U6) and Pippa McKerron (U6) and written by Lucy Hall (L6), drew in large audiences on both nights.

Starring Imogen Williams (5th) as Cinderella, Pippa McKerron (U6) as the Fairy Housemother, Charlotte Ball (L6) as Matron, Georgina Blumer (U6) as the evil Stepmother, Emily Morton (U6) as the Head Girl, and a multitude of cameos from Chandos girls, the play tells the story of Cinderella as she attends a Social in disguise and is subsequently sought after by the handsome Head Boy. Particular highlights included the dancing during the Social scene, including a very impressive moonwalk by Evie Webb (4th), and the ugly stepsisters, played very convincingly by Monty Chapman and Henry Morshead (both U6, BH). All in all, the whole thing was carried off successfully.

Swansong

We say farewell to our current Upper Sixth as they depart into the light of the wide world outside school and into their futures. We also say farewell to our resident tutor, Miss Hoskins, who leaves us to teach in London. You shall all be sorely missed.

Thank you to all our Upper Sixth prefects who have worked hard in House this year: Head of House, Annabella Köhler; our three deputies Georgina Blumer, Georgia Taylor and Araminta Lawson-Smith; and the rest of our prefect team: Karina Lai, Alicia Williams, Georgina Hacker, Nicola Francombe, Pippa McKerron and Yasmine Ellis. Tara Percival (L6) takes over the role of Head of House for 2016-17, with Pippa Hickey (L6) and Lucy Hall (L6) as Deputies.

House Pots

Sport went well this year for Chandos it seems: the Seniors came seco nd in Hockey, the Juniors won Netball and brought to the House a whopping great monster of a trophy so big that it has its own gravitational pull and the Seniors won the Tennis Pots. Finally, the House was also proud to win the Girls’ Swimming, Badminton and Squash Pots.

House Events

For the first time for all of us, Chandos was finally able to perform a House play. A performance with Boyne House of a version of the pantomime A

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HOUSES

Speech Day Prizes:

Congratulations to the following who all won prizes at Speech Day: Third Form Attainment and Hannam Clark Orchestra Prize: Emily Heardman Third Form Attainment: Min Pantisoontorn Third Form Endeavour: Claudia Conquero

Upper Sixth Prizes: Many congratulations to Yvie Seville for being awarded The Bateman-Chapman Prize for Heads of School as well as the Duleepsinhji Cup for excellence in girls’ games.

Huge congratulations also to Jamie Chadwick for being awarded the inaugural Gasson Cup for excellence in co-curricular commitments.

Fourth Form Endeavour: Judith Gibitz

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes:

Fifth Form Endeavour: Lucinda Gardiner

Design (Textiles): Georgia Taylor (U6)

Fifth Form Endeavour: Libby Haddock

English Literature and Psychology: Karina Lai (U6)

Fourth Form Attainment: Abigail Aitken

Lower Sixth Subject Prizes: Art: Vanessa Keun Tanner Biology: Aiko Fukuda Design (Textiles); Physical Geography (John Morse): Theresa Schäff Psychology: Shauna McLaren

Modern Languages and Spanish: Araminta Lawson-Smith (U6) –

Academic Shield Winners!

We are, finally, very proud that as a House, Chandos also won The Robertson shield for Lower College and The Lldarin shield for Upper College.

Theatre Studies: Charlotte Ball Marcan Prize for Music: Pippa Hickey

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63

Christowe

House Editor: Harry Byrne (L6) Christowe continues as a happy and welcoming environment this year under the new leadership of Mr Mace as Housemaster. Whilst bringing some changes to the House, Christowe has maintained its status as a well-rounded House, successful in a wide range of fields, rather than simply excelling in one. To demonstrate the wide-range of talent we have in Christowe, I have listed a number of standout performances by the House as a whole and by particular individuals.

Sport

This year saw some great achievement for Christowe. Lower College came first in both the House Hockey and Water Polo Pots. Lower College also shone with a number of individual efforts: Ali Pearce (4th) for his England Rugby trials; Tommy Ladds (4th) for rowing at Henley, and Danyaal Choudhary (4th) and Denis Antonov (4th) for making an excellent contribution to College polo. Spurred to victory by the efforts of Andrew Chan (L6), who plays first team badminton this year, Upper College came first in the Badminton House Pots competition. In addition, Gianluca Mech (U6) represented Christowe well in first team cricket this year, as did Barnaby Napier (U6) in first

team rugby, and Daniel Stoianov (L6), who played both first team squash and tennis. Outside of the school, we congratulate Jeremy Wahome (L6), on qualifying for Formula 3 racing and coming ninth at Silverstone. We hope to see him excel further in his sport next year.

Art, Drama and Music

Art, Drama and Music continued to be areas in which Christowe shone. In Drama, Christowe was extremely well represented in the school production of Les MisÊrables in which Guy Beynon (U6), Harry Steel (U6), Robert Madeley (U6) and George Cook (U6) had leading roles, and Felix Stevens (5th), Oscar Bromage-Henry (4th), and Duncan Pinchen (3rd) excelled in supporting roles. In Art we saw Oliver Pritchard (5th), make it as a finalist in the Red Savannah photographic competition, as well as some great work by Alexander Cove (L6), whose pieces were on display repeatedly in the Thirlestaine Long Gallery. Despite not being placed in this year’s singing competition, Christowe put in an admirable level of effort. With our rendition of 21 Skinny Balls of Fame, it was generally agreed that the House was robbed of the rightly deserved victory. With Guy Beynon (U6) leading the orchestra, as well as singing multiple times both on stage and in Chapel alongside Alex Sickmueller (L6) and Harry Steel (U6), despite the injustice of House Singing, there was still much individual talent and success this year in music.

Staff

As mentioned before, Mr and Mrs Mace joined us this year. Being very welcoming, generous with food and open to chat, all of us in Christowe can agree that they have done an excellent job.

Sadly, this year Christowe says goodbye to a

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wonderful matron, Ms Wakely. We thank her for her perennial patience and helpful support throughout her time in House. We also look forward to gaining Mr Chaloner as Resident Tutor next year. Finally, we congratulate current Resident Tutor Mr Packer who got married this year and also somehow managed to keep it a secret from any of us in House for several weeks!

Final Words

Above all else, I believe Christowe has excelled in being the most friendly and spirited House in College this year. With academic stars, excellent sportsmen, actors and artists, there is an enormous mix of characters and abilities in the House. With greater cohesion between the year groups and a continuation of our positive attitude, this year has only seen our friendliness increase. In sum, this makes me and many others in the House very glad we chose Christowe.

Speech Day Prizes

Pulling in a variety of different academic accolades, the House was again extremely well represented at Speech Day this year.

Winning The Hart shield for academic attainment for Lower College boys, our younger years continued to succeed. In particular, we commend: Duncan Pinchen and Piers Morgan, for winning the Third Form Attainment and Endeavour prizes, respectively.

Finbar McConell for continuing his academic excellence and being rightly awarded the Fourth Form Attainment prize.

Lower Sixth Prizes:

Upper Sixth Prizes:

Business Studies: Jeremy Wahome

Harry Steel was awarded the John Bowes Cup in recognition of his tremendous all-round contribution to College this year.

Many congratulations for being awarded the following prizes:

Marcan Prize for Music: Alex Sickmueller Politics: Daniel Stoianov Chuen Leik Low, who despite having only been in College for one year, was awarded a trifecta of prizes: the Chemistry, Physics, and Abbott Mathematics Prizes, as well as being made Deputy Head Boy next year!

Sir Frederick Page Fellowship of Engineering: Harry Stevens

Guy Beynon’s musical talent and contribution was recognised with the Hannam Clark Orchestra prize.

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65

Hazelwell

House Editor: Jono Jamieson-Black (L6) September 2015 saw some new arrivals to the Hazelwell staff body: Mr Townley and Miss Huckle as new Resident Tutors; Mrs Slark as Assistant Matron; and Mr Walton and Miss Farmer as House Tutors. Fitting in with the family ethos that Hazelwell prides itself on, they instantly all became well-established members of the House. Action-packed, busy and one filled with many great achievements from my fellow Greenites, Hazelwell’s second year under the Housemastership of Mr Coull was another fine one!

Sport

House Pots continued to be a major success. Josh Dell (U6) and myself, Jono Jamieson-Black (L6) breezed through the Senior House Rackets competition. We were also victorious in the House Tennis competition. A special mention must go to ‘Oscar’ for leading the team. Finally, after being bowled out for a cheap ‘96,’ the closely-fought game in the cricket against Leconfield looked pretty bleak.

However, Hazelwell’s team spirit and cracking fielding left Leconfield just shy, meaning that the Greenites did the treble: a thoroughly deserved victory and one we hope to retain in the upcoming year.

Recently, the Hazelwell Lower Sixth Form and Third Form participated in the Cheltenham Challenge, a cross-country five or ten kilometer run, which proved to be no mean feat for all involved.

However, Mr Coull set the example as Housemaster by being the quickest round, completing the 10k in forty-eight minutes. Everyone else completed in good time, with no hiccoughs along the way.

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The House Play

It wasn’t just on the sports field that Hazelwell members were a shining light. A fantastic production of Blackadder was put on and a massive thanks must go to Mrs McBride, Mr Brewis and Mr Kelway for directing the play. Max Pemberton (4th) who played Blackadder, said, “I, along with the rest of the group, thoroughly enjoyed the process and would definitely do it again.” For me, it was a night to remember and, thankfully, on both nights we powered through with flying colours. Judging by the reaction of both audiences, everyone had an excellent time and a great laugh, which is just what we intended.

An Experience with the Air Cadets

Many Greenites participated in adventures throughout the year but one in particular to catch our attention was that of Thomas Hartley (4th). As one of 100 cadets selected from across the UK, he attended the Air Cadets camp in Cyprus. He says, “The trip was a great experience and I definitely developed my communication and leadership skills as a result of working alongside the Air Training Corps (ATC). I was also able to learn about the specific things they do as well as teaching them about the way we do things in CCF. The aircraft visits were extraordinary and have certainly motivated me to stay in the CCF and to further my education about how the RAF operates and what kind of full-time jobs it has to offer.” This is a great example of a boy taking himself out of his comfort zone; something much encouraged in Hazelwell, as Greenites believe that this is when we learn most about ourselves.

Fond Farewells

Farewell to Mr Hands, Mr Isaachsen and Mr Moore as House Tutors. Mr Hands heads off to London, Mr Isaachsen to Berkshire and Mr Moore to Epsom College. Mr Rice also leaves us as he takes up a new role as Upper College Tutor. We wish them all the very best of luck and thank them for their service to the Hazelwell over the years.

Speech Day Prizes

Fourth Form Endeavour: Max Pemberton Fifth Form Attainment: Paddy Christopher Sixth Form Endeavour: John Marabayev (L6)

Upper Sixth: Borchardt Mathematics: Neil Hacker Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize for Business Studies: Benjamin Parker Duleepsinhji Cup (Boys’ Games): Josh Dell

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Leconfield

House Editors: Harry Byrne (L6) and Jack McClure (5th)

House Spirit

Leconfield is known through College as a House of great character and bravado. No better time exemplifies this Leconfield quality than the House Christmas Dinner. Indeed, this year saw an extremely entertaining speech given by Head of House, Ethan Dowling-Membrado (U6), which along with the traditional reel of House photos from the Autumn Term and fantastic food, created the high-spirited atmosphere that Leconfield is so famous for. Leconfield has always provided many opportunities for bonding between the years in House. Indeed, the annual football competitions in the yard and the friendly table tennis, darts and pool competitions each year give Leconfield a unique ‘home from home’ feel, which is vitally important. The House Singing competition is also an excellent time to witness the spirit of Leconfield.

Although we are not the most musically talented House, the Leconfield songs are always sung with such great heart and volume that they are

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matched by no other. All of us in Leconfield are extremely proud to be part of a House with such an upstanding reputation and great character.

have a few tricks up our sleeve to ensure that Leconfield takes its rightful place as House Singing champion next year!

A statement from Roderick Philips, Head of Leconfield (elect)

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs Lambert for everything she has done as Day Matron for Leconfield and wish her all the best in the future. With Mr Reid, the House Prefect body and our outstanding matrons, I hope to make the academic year 2016-17 successful and enjoyable for all in Leconfield.

First of all, I would like to say how privileged I am to have been appointed Head of House for the coming year and I also thank Ethan DowlingMembrado (U6) for his dutiful leadership of Leconfield in the past year. Following in the wake of my two Porcherite brothers, I arrived in Third Form, and I can confidently say that every day spent in Leconfield since has had a positive impact on my peers and myself. I am thoroughly looking forward to my new role.

As always, Leconfield has shown its impressive sporting capability this year. We competed in the finals of all three major boys’ pots and although we came second again in yet another historic Leconfield versus Newick House Rugby final, I am sure that 2016-17 will be our year. The House Singing competition this year saw the House give a fantastic rendition of Uptown Funk and we already

Academics

This year saw three Fifth Form pupils attain prestigious Sixth Form Scholarships: Rodrigo Peralta Martin, Jack McClure and Pablo Espona.

At the very beginning of term Clarence Koo (U6), Edward Johnston (L6) and Bogdan Shulzhenko (L6) were awarded their Academic Half Colour ties along with Jack McClure (5th). The House performed well in the national UK Mathematical Challenge and, achieving the Gold award, Intouch Ruckpanich (L6) represented Leconfield and College particularly well. In Lower College, Oliver Hill (5th) and William Gibson (3rd) achieved first and third place respectively, and took first place in their year groups. Their achievements here,

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Speech Day Prizes

Hannam Clark Reading: Thomas Kinsella (3rd) Fifth Form Attainment: Jack McClure Sixth Form Endeavour: Joshua Dowley (L6) Design (Resistant Materials): Roderick Philips (L6) The Wilson Prize (for best travel award): Thierry Gasser (L6)

Sport

Sport at Leconfield has been a story of success if not victory this year. In Rugby House Pots we were strong enough to triumph over Boyne House to enter the final with Newick House.

However, our luck had run out and the team lost to Newick House in a torrential downpour. But Leconfield was valiant in defeat, both in terms of the entire team playing their hearts out to the bitter end and in the sterling support given by the rest of the House. We were proud enough to triumph in Hockey House Pots. As Oliver Ruthven (5th) said: ‘No one knew quite what to expect from Boyne House and the first half seemed fairly disappointing from both teams. In the second half, tension began to rise, but Fabian Chess (U6) stepped in to score a storming goal, which brought Leconfield to victory. Reaching the finals in both the Junior and Senior cricket teams, Leconfield also showed its prowess in Cricket House Pots. However, fortune denied us a victory in either. Harrison Ottley-Woodd (5th) managed to come second in the Gloucestershire Schools’ Golf Championships during the Easter holidays, which then qualified him for the South West Schools’ Regional finals. His biggest feat to

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combined with the hard work of Leconfield Lower College, led to us picking up the Lower College Mathematics shield from the Headmaster. Charlie Brooksbank (U6) was commended for his essay discussing the idea that “Evil is Innate” for the Lower Sixth Independent Project. Despite our team of Fabian Chess (U6), Clarence Koo (U6), Intouch Ruckpanich (L6), Jack McClure (5th), Jude Parsons (4th) and Gaurav Mediratta (3rd) having lots of fun showing off their arcane knowledge, the stiff opposition at the House Quiz proved to be too challenging this year.

date is coming sixth in England Golf’s prestigious junior competition, The Fairhaven Trophies, which includes the best junior golfers in Europe.

At the Gloucestershire Clay Pigeon Shooting Association’s AGM, Oliver Palmer (U6) received his Junior Champion Double Trap award. Over the Easter break, he also took part in the UK Double Trap Championships, scoring a personal best of 113/150. He came second in his class.

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Newick House

House Editor: Fergus McNeile (L6) It is hard to fit onto one page the whole year of success and achievement from Newick House.

The new academic year welcomed not only a new Third Form, but also a new Housemaster. With Mr Hayden new to College, the large Upper Sixth prefect body helped to support him as he took the reins, and they have worked as a team to ensure a great year.

Scholars

The year started with the inaugural presentation of ties to the Third Form and Lower Sixth scholars.

In the Third Form, ties were awarded to Dominic Kelly, Edward Ferris and Max Sutton for Music, All-round and Sporting talent respectively. To

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Lower Sixth, ties were presented to Jack Burns for Art and to Edward Courtman and Fergus McNeile for Academics. Now the home to scholars from a wide range of disciplines, from sport to academics and the arts, Newick is quickly becoming an allround House with great strengths in all aspects of College life.

Prefects

As always, the reliable prefect team did a sterling job running the House smoothly. Head of House, Jonjo O’Neill (U6), represented the House in many aspects of College life and constantly led from the front even after an unfortunate injury. His deputies, Tom Bond and Simon Hazeldine (both U6), stepped up to support and keep the House running smoothly while Jonjo was away. Tom Bond, a dedicated Cheltonian, was appointed College Prefect during the Spring Term, a role into which he has thrown himself wholeheartedly.

Newick House has once again been the proud home of the Head Boy; leading by example and helping to improve and develop many aspects of College life, James Battishill (U6) has done a brilliant job as not only a leader for College, but also within Newick House itself. Thanks to the rest of the prefect team, the House has been able to see significant improvements in the form of a new kitchen and Sixth Form common room. Next year the role of Head of House will be taken over

by Benjamin Wood (L6) who will be supported

by Fergus McNeile (L6) and Jack Burns (L6) as his deputies. Luke Knudsen (L6) has been appointed as Head of School and two other Newick House boys are College Chairs: Frederick Foster (Cocurricular) and Joshua Stanton (Pupil Voice)

Sport

Newick House has once again been able to enjoy a successful sporting year, the highlight of which has been winning the Senior Rugby House Pots for a third successive year, despite having to play in dreadful conditions and once again facing a strong Leconfield team. Outstanding performances from Daniel Ali (U6), Fergus McNeile (L6), James Battishill

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Co-curricular

It has been a very busy year for Newick House boys in co-curricular activities around College.

With a broad range of different talents in the House, the boys were involved in everything, from the whole school production of Les Misérables to Art and DT exhibitions. The House’s musical talent was showcased at the House Singing competition: conducted by Angus Sinclair Maddocks (U6) and put together

by Thomas Bond (U6), Newick House performed

the well known Abba song Mamma Mia. Newick House boys are a mainstay in the music department with the Lower Sixth boys taking part in almost every group, including Jig, orchestra, the Chapel Choir and Chamber Choir, to name but a few. Performing at various concerts and even for the Newick House boys in the summer, Jack Burns (L6) and Tiger Chan (L6) also formed a very successful band with Ankita Mediratta (L6, W). Thomas Bond (U6) and Angus Sinclair Maddocks (U6) both played leads in the production of G.A.S (Gallipoli. Afghanistan.

Somme), as part of College’s commemorations of the Great War. From this, Thomas was recruited for Les Misérables, and, amazingly, having not sung in public before, he went on to land one of the lead male parts; the leader of the revolution, Enjolras. Fergus McNeile (L6) starred in the lead as Jean Valjean and played a decisive role in putting the musical together.

Jack Mitchell (5th) and Jack Burns (L6) were also heavily involved on stage and Luke Knudsen (L6) and Frederick Foster (L6) played in the orchestra.

Frederick Foster entered the Third Form as a choral scholar and he has gone on from there to sing numerous solos in both Chamber Choir and Chapel Choir and to put together a male-voice choir that has sung Evensong at Stanway House.

His hard work and dedication has earned him a yearlong choral scholarship at Truro Cathedral following his A Levels. Frederick will also be the prefect chair for Co-curricular next year.

Speech Day Prizes

Third Form Endeavour: Max Sutton Fourth Form Endeavour: Nathan Wong Fifth Form Attainment: Oliver Ferris

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(U6) and Matthew Baker (U6) saw Newick House retain the trophy. We have also seen the House win the cross country competition, with Benjamin Wood (L6), Jack Mitchell (5th), Dmitrii Usynin (U6), Joshua Stanton (L6) and Edozie Ajogwu (5th) all finishing within the top 15 and Joshua in fourth place, only just missing out on a medal. Newick House boys continue to represent College at a high level in sport: Daniel Ali (U6) captained the 1st XV, was the Sport Prefect and obtained a place in the Lambs rugby team; Tiger Chan (L6) captained the badminton team and represented the first pair for the fourth year running; Luke Knudsen (U6), Daniel Ali (U6), Paddy Portsmouth (U6), Joshua Stanton (L6), Matthew Baker (U6), Jonjo O’Neill (U6) and Cameron Terry (5th) all represented the 1st XV. During the hockey season, Max Dymoke (L6), Joshua Stanton (L6) and Frederick Foster (L6) all played for the 1st XI. Max Dymoke (L6) and Daniel Ward (5th) also played for the 1st XI cricket team. Captained by Oliver Baker (4th), the Junior tennis squad won the House Pots and, led by captain Angus Thomson (4th), the Juniors also won the athletics trophy. It should also be noted that at Sports Day, Angus won the 100 meters and 200 meters, with the former being the fastest time this year, including the Seniors!

Lower Sixth Prizes: German: Benjamin Wood Music: Frederick Foster Marcan Prizes for Music: Fergus McNeile and Luke Knudsen -

Upper Sixth Prizes: Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize (for best address) and the Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize for German: Harry Ferris Davenport Drama Prize: Thomas Bond Headmaster’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Thomas Bond and Simon Hazeldine The Bateman-Champain Prize for Heads of School: James Battishill

Fifth Form Endeavour: James Lewin -

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Queen’s

House Editors: Juliette Lamden (L6) and Maia Tacey (L6)

Family Competitions

Our six Queen’s families mix up the year groups to enjoy inclusive, relaxing and fun activities - but we do not forget the competitive aspect! Every year Mme Bates awards a trophy to the family that gained the most points through the year for the various events. We kicked off with an ‘Articulate’ and board games night, which was hilarious and placed the Opals and Diamonds ahead.

Later on, families gained points from a range of achievements, from getting Commendations, to attending society meetings and reading in Chapel.

A special mention must go to Fourth Form’s Hattie Prothero of the Emerald family, who has attended all evening lectures, including the Geography Society, even when she does not study the subject! The family Easter egg hunt seems lovely but is fiercely competitive; Sapphires were top dogs there. Our Lower Sixth leaders introduced a family Rounders competition this year, which all the girls enjoyed. But nothing can rival the girls’ favourite competition which takes place in the summer: the Family Garden Olympiad, beautifully

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organised this year by our Deputy Head of House elect, India Blake (L6). It gets messy but is the climax of team bonding and laughter. After four years, for the first time, Pearls came out on top, with 219 points, and Sapphires were runners up, with 202 points. Not only do these House events get better and better every year in terms of fun, but they also genuinely bring the House together.

Let’s hope Rubies wake up next year!

House Trips and Socials

From the start of the year Queen’s girls were given the opportunity to participate in lots of different House trips, socials and other events. The year began with an inspiring talk given by James Shone, about his charity I can & I am. There were a few tears shed, as he really touched a chord, but we all walked out with a big smiles on our faces, feeling confident and ambitious. The Third and Fifth Forms were the lucky year groups to attend the Foodworks Cookery School, where House staff and parents were treated to a delicious menu prepared by our budding chefs. In November some lucky Queen’s and Ashmead girls went to StratfordUpon-Avon to watch the magical Wendy and Peter Pan. All girls were amazed by the outstanding sets and moved by the depth of the plot. Later in the year, there were some great in-House events such as the Alpine themed dinner for Upper College,

the Valentines’ dinner date and the Safari dinner for Lower Sixth, with their guests from Newick House. Of course, Queen’s social events are often organised around our all-time favourite board game: les Loups-Garou, also known as “Werewolf”, where we use our debating skills to survive. It is spooky and fun at the same time! In April, girls hosted their biannual Grandparents’ Afternoon in House for cream tea; this made for a very enjoyable afternoon with our families! Hosted by Chloe Holliday and Pippy Kohler (both U6), the Queen’s Performance Evening was another great success; a great show of 20 acts ranging from dancing, violin and piano playing, to sketches, singing, dubsmash and video star projects. It was great to see all year groups represented on stage. We love it!

Charity Fundraising and Individual Achievements

There have been a huge number of team and individual achievements for charity! In October we all contributed to a bake sale, raising over £280 in support of Meningitis Now. Then in December, we raised a further £250 for CLIC Sargent with the House Quiz for Queen’s girls and their parents. It was great fun as well! On top of this, four of Queen’s Lower Sixth students took part in a swimathon in support of the Acorns

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Sport

The Senior girls were delighted to win the House Hockey competition this year: their excellent hockey skills and ability to work together as a team made them fully deserving of winning the House Pots trophy. Queen’s also had a very successful House Netball competition, with our Juniors winning overall and our Seniors coming runners up to Westal. Throughout the competition we displayed excellent determination and team spirit, which was definitely prominent on the court. In the Spring

Speech Day Prizes:

Many girls were rewarded for their effort and attainment on Speech Day: Third Form Attainment: Maja Matschey Third Form Endeavour: Sophie Morton Fourth Form Endeavour: Georgia Rattigan Fifth Form Endeavour: Ella Owens Elmslie Drama: Jessica Steel (5th)

Lower Sixth Prizes: Hornsby French: Georgina Rigg

Term, we competed in the House Swimming competition, which resulted in the House claiming first place for the Seniors and runners up for the Juniors. Some exceptional athletic ability was shown throughout the House on Sports Day, with Queen’s winning four cups: the Junior and Senior trophies for the second year running and special congratulations go to AnneMarie Bowring (U6) and Megan Knight (3rd) who were both awarded individual trophies for their outstanding performances.

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Children’s Hospice Trust, organised by Alicia Burd (L6). Rose Jones (5th) ran the Bath Half Marathon in support of a multiple sclerosis charity over Easter. Jess Ottley-Woodd (U6) was pivotal in organising the Upper College Charity Ball and the Valentines’ chocolates for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in February and she also ran a five kilometre mud run in July to raise over £1000 for the fight against breast cancer. Additionally, there were many individual achievements outside school that we are very proud of. These include: Rose Jones (5th) for making history for College by winning the U16 Girls’ Doubles Rackets Championship; Alicia Lee (L6) for winning her dressage competition; Meg Knight (3rd) for going to the National Finals with Hucclecote Netball Team; and, of course the indomitable Sophie Morton (3rd) for becoming national champion of the England Boxing Schools and Minors Championship; she’ll soon be training with Team GB!

Academics

Always willing to contribute to College and House life, Queen’s girls have been awarded the following House awards this year: Half Colours went to Fourth Form’s Phoebe Barnes, Georgia Rattigan and Annabelle Rigg; Fifth Form’s Charlotte Burnett and Georgie Baillie-Hamilton; Lower Sixth’s Alicia Burd, Zara Wynne and Emily Lowde; and Upper Sixth’s Tashia Suleyman. Full Colours went to Mimi Haycraft Mee, Isabelle Winstanley and Chloe Holliday of the Upper Sixth Form. In May, Lower Sixth formers Sophie Baillie-Hamilton, Juliette Lamden and India Blake received their prefect ties. Upper Sixth’s Jess Ottley-Woodd, Antonia Stuckey and Pippy Kohler were awarded the prestigious Crested Tie for their outstanding commitment. Well done to our Third Form, who achieved high rankings in the Headmaster’s Project on the theme of FLOREAT and we are especially proud of Sophie Morton, who was the overall winner.

Oxbridge Success for Queen’s

On the academic front, we were very proud of the following Queen’s girls, who have been offered places at Oxford and Cambridge: Jana Bourhill to read Medicine at Brasenose College, Oxford; Isabelle Winstanley to read Classics at Christ Church, Oxford; and Anne-Marie Bowring to read Veterinary Medicine at Jesus College, Cambridge.

India Blake: The Adams Prize for progress

Theatre Studies: Chloe Holliday

Upper Sixth Prizes:

Headmaster’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Antonia Stuckey

Ronald Marsden Classics: Isabelle Winstanley Saville Classics: Genevieve James Allen Divinity: Pippi Kohler Sixth Form Endeavour: Jess Ottley-Woodd

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes:

CCF Prizes: Army Leadership Prize: Jana Bourhill Millennium Trophy: Antonia Stuckey

Academic Excellence: Galahad Cup: Isabelle Winstanley

Politics: Antonia Stuckey Science: Anne-Marie Bowring

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Southwood

House Editor: Olly Evans (L6)

House Singing

Southwood had an eventful Autumn Term as the boys all returned and hit the ground running, whether it be their last year or their first!

Southwood’s first major event of the year came in the form of the annual House Singing competition, an event in which Southwood has consistently been the best performer, despite never achieving first place. In my time in Southwood the boys have always thrown 100% at the competition, from Rick Astley to Aerosmith the House has produced some outstanding renditions, and this year was no different with a creative rendition of I see Fire/Misty Mountains. However, yet again, Southwood was victim to a severe injustice as three girls’ Houses stole the top spots.

Sport

However, Southwood followed the pattern of recent years on the rugby field, delivering a victory (shared with Boyne House) in the Junior Boys’ House Rugby tournament, a trophy that has seen ‘Southwood’ engraved upon it four times in as many years; a spectacular achievement in which the House takes immense pride. Unfortunately, this failed to translate into success for the Senior Boys’ Rugby, as we lost our first match against Boyne House, despite going on to win the Plate after defeating Christowe in the second round. In addition to inter-House events, Southwood also had a strong presence in the College 1st and 2nd XV, with some outstanding seasons from players such as Joe Warner (U6) for the 1st XV and Harry Potter (L6) for the 2nd XV.

Sports Day

The highlight of the Summer Term was Sports Day, with the vast majority of boys taking part in events. Southwood narrowly missed out on victory in Lower College, despite the efforts of Louis Hillman-Cooper (3rd), who performed outstandingly on the track and in the field to win the award for Best Lower College Male Athlete.

Upper College claimed a hard-fought victory, with an incredible effort from everyone involved, a victory undoubtedly helped by winning the prestigious 8x100m relay, which was finished off by Alex Hewer (U6) in a spectacular fashion.

Co-curricular

On a co-curricular note, two Southwood College prefects took part in the 24-Hour prefect run for Meningitis Now supported by a ‘beat the keeper’ stand, which we ran as a House contribution to the charity. The term closed with a fantastic Christmas dinner at the Spice Lodge, followed by the traditionally humorous speeches, led by the Upper Sixth. As the new year began and the boys returned to Southwood for the Spring Term, it was not long before they were given the opportunity of the first ever Southwood Music Exhibition Evening. This was definitely one of the highlights of the term and revealed what an incredible pool of musical talent exists within the House. The event took place in TLG and saw a large crowd of parents and boys alike enthralled by Southwood’s

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variety of talented musicians, both boys and teachers. Highlights included the acoustic duo of George Wells (5th) and Dr Morton as a dynamic combination, and the Fourth Form duo of Rob Caesar and Lucas Tanir stole the show with their unbelievable synchronicity and fluidity on the bongos! Solo acts provided a number of incredible piano and cello pieces from across the year groups.

The very enjoyable evening was an overwhelming success and finished on a high with a mildly rusty rendition of the House song.

Socials

Later in the term came Southwood’s premier social evening in the form of the annual House Dinner, in which Southwood Upper College boys invite a guest of their choice to join them for a themed dinner and an evening of socialising.

The event organized by Freddie Lyle (U6) was on a Through the Decades theme and the evening saw appearances from characters from Grease, to hippies of the sixties and rock stars of the eighties.

Headmaster’s Prize

The Third Form were given the chance to shine in the annual Headmaster’s Prize, in which the focus of this year’s prize was FLOREAT; the new College initiative to encourage a positive attitude to learning and well-being. This year Southwood excelled: Tom O’Bryan came runner up with his creative street art portrayal of evolution and Harry Lyle won a prize with his collage of FLOREAT’s letters. With offerings ranging from sculptures to paintings, other Southwood projects were also highly commended. It was great to see the creativity of the third form exemplifying the breadth of talent in the House.

Mathematics for Science Prize Patrick Payne (U6) won the Ian Marsden Chemistry and Lionel Wells Physics prizes Harry Boyce (U6) won the Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize for Sports Science Joe Warner (U6) was awarded the Stidworthy Cup for his outstanding contribution to boys’ games.

Southwood was also awarded the Marsden shield for the excellent academic achievement of all the Upper College boys this year.

Last Words

This year has been an overwhelming success for Southwood, and the extensive awards and credits received by the boys from the classroom to the sports field have been an incredible testament to their commitment to each other and their House and of course, the immense pride that we all take in Southwood. Finally, I would like to end by thanking all the Upper Sixth who leave Southwood this year: on behalf of everyone in the House, we are infinitely grateful for everything you have done for the House as leaders and friends; you have transformed and enhanced its reputation and you have set an example that Southwood boys of the future will follow.

Academics

Finally the Summer Term came, bringing with it the fatal combination of exams and good weather.

For the Fifth Form, GCSEs loomed large - the only obstacle standing in the way of their longest summer holiday in their school lives, while for the Lower Sixth, the chance to excel at AS came along and was relished as always. However, the main event was the A Levels faced by the Upper Sixth, following a number of fantastic university offers received by all of the deserving Upper Sixth boys. The atmosphere of the House was tense, as always during exam season, but all the boys were incredibly supportive of one another, in and between year groups. The House became a versatile environment, a great place to get away from the stress of exams, as well as a place for last minute revision when required!

Speech Day

Finally, the term drew to a close with Speech Day. We send our congratulations to the following: Fourth Form Attainment: James Wheeler Fourth Form Endeavour: Jack Clement Fifth Form Attainment: Edward Winstanley Sixth Form Endeavour and The Adams Prize for progress: Freddie Lyle (L6) Special congratulations to William Hardy, who won an incredible three academic prizes: the Ronald Guthrie Bedford Economics Prize, the Ronald Guthrie Bedford History Prize and the Abbott BACK TO CONTENTS

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Westal

House Editors: Amy Small and Florence Channing (L6)

House Music

This year, the House Music competition had three separate rounds: House Singing, Quartet Vocal and Quartet Instrumental. For House Singing this year, we performed “Cups” from Pitch Perfect, which, coming a close second to Ashmead, proved extremely popular amongst both the girls and the judge. This year both of our quartet groups dedicated their pieces, “Danny Boy” (vocal) and “See You Again” (instrumental), to Abigail Kelly.

The pieces were performed beautifully; a moving tribute to a young lady, much missed. Additionally, Tilly Fletcher (4th) made a huge contribution to the Meningitis Now charity by cycling to raise money in memory of our friend Abigail.

Sports Day

Westal’s Lower College did tremendously well this year at Sports Day. Coming a close second to sporting rival Queen’s, Westal successfully came first in a number of events such as javelin, the 1500m and the 4x100m. We are proud of Molly Clarke (3rd) for setting a new Lower College record for javelin. In addition, many of our Lower College girls showed enthusiasm as they took part in a variety of events in which many were successfully placed in the top three. However, coming a close four th to our three other competitors, whose talents were unforeseen, our Upper College was somewhat less successful. That said, coming first and second in their events, a handful of our Upper College did manage to triumph.

Netball and Tennis

Although Sports Day was not a day to remember, the Netball House Pots was spectacular: Westal was able to win both the Lower College and Upper College competitions! Organised brilliantly by Jessica Powell (U6), everyone came together to lift our team spirits as we battled the other Houses to victory. Winning their tournament, tennis was once again a victorious arena for our Lower College girls and this went some way to make up for our Upper College placement at close fourth.

Cross Country

Many of the Westal girls seemed very hesitant at the idea of running 10 kilometers up and down Leckhampton Hill. However, in true Westal spirit, we formed a team and once again thrived and succeeded. We are especially proud of Grace Wackett (5th) who, coming tenth overall and first in the Senior Girls competition, outperformed many of the boys. To top this success, the Lower College team claimed first, second and third places, proving the House to be a competitive force.

House Activities

Westal weekends are far from dull. This year, we have experienced many fun activities, including laser tag, a high ropes course and, to boost our Christmas spirits, we visited the pantomime to watch Cinderella. This was a hugely exciting play full of dynamism, a twist at every turn and an unexpected ending!

Lower Sixth Hollywood Themed Dinner The Westal Lower Sixth hosted our invitational dinner on the theme of Movie Characters and

Speech Day Prizes

Upper Sixth Prizes:

Fourth Form Endeavour: Verity Peterken

The Wilson Prize (for best travel award): Kristy Chan

Fourth Form Attainment: Varvara Konyaeva and Florence Needham

Fifth Form Attainment: Daria Romanyuk Anthony James Art: Paola Ramos Contreras (5th)

Celebrities. Kiana McDonald, ably supported by one of the editors, was given the task of providing food, but after we were unable to find a caterer at a reasonable cost we decided to make it ourselves. We had a lot of fun baking brownies and cheesecake and making the soup and salad to accompany the lovely lasagnes provided by College’s catering team. As our night was going to be Hollywood themed, we thought we ought to decorate the room in a very extravagant way.

Ankita Mediratta, Florence Channing and Rosa Bond were given the task to find decorations for the room and, after looking intensively on Amazon for things to match our theme, we ended up with balloons, Hollywood inspired confetti and movie props such as toy guns and hats. Throughout the room we also had mock-ups of paparazzi, which were created by Cassie Too, Jasmine Ng and Lavinia Fairlie. We thought it would be a good idea to have an awards ceremony, so Tara Wasdell and Theresa Grafin Pachta awarded the prizes for categories such as ‘Blondest’ and ‘Oxbridge Candidate’. We had decided, from an early stage, that having a photo booth would be important as it would emphasise the Hollywood theme and make us feel as though we were on the red carpet, so Jemma Robson and Millie Broom organised props and the photo booth. Everyone went all-out with their costumes and there was a wide range of celebrities and movie characters - from Katy Perry and Russell Brand to Mr and Mrs Smith. We had a red carpet, starting outside and going into the House so that on arrival, everyone felt like celebrities. Everyone had an amazing evening!

Academics

Although sport is very much at the heart of Westal, our academics never fail to impress.

This year, our Third Form brilliantly won the annual House Literature Quiz. We have also

Anthony James Art: Kristy Chan

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prizes: Economics: Oyinkansola Oladapo

Elmslie Drama: Libby Barnes (5th)

Geography: Taya Sellers

Sixth Form Endeavour: Chloe Ward (U6)

History of Art: Emily Wilford

Lower Sixth Prizes:

Music: Taya Sellers

Sports Science: Jemma Robson TPE and Marcan Prize for Music: Ankita Mediratta

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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HOUSES

had girls in both the Language and Biology Olympiads, who performed within the top 34% of the country. At Speech Day this year, Westal girls received many prizes for academic achievement and endeavour, (see below).

Many of us have also received awards at the Headmaster’s assemblies throughout the year.

Recently, we have also seen Old Cheltonian Sofia Fominova (dates) return to her old House, Westal, in order to talk to us about setting up and running her own business. This talk was extremely informative and gave us Westal girls a great insight into the business world.

Fond Farewells

Although this has been a fantastic year for Westal, we are sad to see our much loved resident tutor, Mrs Leach, and her family move on to Ashmead, where in September 2017 she will become the new Housemistress. We wish her and her family the best of luck, while we welcome Miss Willey with open arms.

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B oxing: A College sport in 1891 78

The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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With pupils from Third Form all the way through to Upper Sixth participating, the 2016 Athletics season was another successful one.

It was especially encouraging to see a larger number of Lower College pupils competing this year, which is a positive sign for the future of College Athletics.

The season started with a top quality competition at Bromsgrove School. Competing against 10 high-calibre teams including Rugby School and Repton School, the boys did fantastically well, coming fourth overall. With a

very small squad taking part, the girls also put in some fine individual performances to be placed seventh overall.

Team highlights this year included coming second in the mixed medley relay event at the Millfield School Super 8s against some heavyweight teams; winning the 4x100m event at the Radley Relays and the Senior girls gaining third place at Marlborough. As a squad, we took part in seven competitions, and were able to participate in the ESAA Track and Field Cup with a Lower College team, who performed very well indeed. Individually, there were some outstanding performances, most notably the selections of Angus Thomson (4th, NH), Louis Hillman-Cooper (3rd, S) and Paddy Christopher (5th, H) for the SouthWest regional competition.

This bodes well for the future!

We were blessed with the weather for this year’s Sports Day, and it was brilliant to see more participants taking part, and an even better atmosphere in the stadium. There were nine new records set on the day, with Meg Knight (3rd, Q) setting two new records in the sprints alone. A major highlight of the day was the new Bannister Cup showpiece event, a mixed House 4x400m relay team, aiming to break the fourminute mile. Roared on by the whole of College, the team of Henry Morshead (U6, BH), Joe Warner (U6, S), Paddy Christopher (5th, H) and Dan Beachus (U6, BH) beat a 40 year old College record by 0.2 seconds with a time of 3:40.86.

SPORT

Athletics

SPORT

The now regular Afternoon Tea on College Field was a lovely way to end the season and to say thanks to all for their efforts this year. Special thanks must go to the brilliant Athletics staff, and to the two captains, Anne-Marie Bowring (U6, Q)

Daniel Ali (U6, NH), Prefect Chair of the Sport Committee Ever since I arrived at College in Third Form, sport has been a huge part of my life and it is an area I am extremely passionate about. In holding the position of Chair of Sport this year, I have had an excellent opportunity to enhance sport for other College pupils.

We also contributed to the addition of three sports options for the Summer Term. Basketball, Equestrian and Clay Pigeon Shooting all proved successful and really added to the breadth of sports available at College. We hope to see further additions in 2016-17.

My committee and I have met regularly throughout the year to deal with pressing issues regarding College sport. These varied from collecting opinions from Houses on the current sports kit, to developing ideas and schemes to improve the sporting experience at College.

One of our most successful schemes was encouraging Senior first team players from the major sports to run warm-ups and basic drills with Junior teams. This was a great way to build unity within the individual sports and enable Junior teams to gain first-hand experience of what it is like to play sport at a the highest level in College.

To add to this, this year I was able to meet with the PE coordinator at Naunton Park Primary School. My aim was to set up a link with the school to enable them to use some of our facilities for their sports practices next year. This would give Sports scholars and exhibitioners the opportunity to gain coaching skills by assisting the Naunton Park staff in coaching their pupils. Sharing such resources will also be extended to All Saints Academy.

I have thoroughly enjoyed holding this position; it has given me the opportunity to leave College sport in a better place for pupils in years to come.

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and Dan Beachus (U6, BH). Arabella Knowles (U6, A), Anne-Marie Bowring (U6, Q), Douglas Spencer (U6, S), Dan Beachus (U6, BH), Daniel Brown (U6, S), Tom Bond (U6, NH) and Robert Madeley (U6, Xt) were all awarded their full Colours. This year’s Upper Sixth was a stellar year group for the Athletics team, and there will be big shoes to fill next year!

Moving forward into next year, we are excited to be adding a full cross country fixture list into the calendar, which should provide a fantastic opportunity for our budding runners. Furthermore, to allow a greater number of athletes to participate throughout the season, we are hopeful of including more midweek fixtures.

Massive thanks to everyone, both staff and pupils, who have contributed to the season and we all look forward to more success in 2017.

Mr Henry Davis

Badminton Coach: Mr Sol Griffiths

It was another successful year at the Badminton Club. Led admirably by Tiger Chan (L6, NH), who received his Colours, it continued to be full to bursting each term with a range of boys and girls. The enthusiasm of the pupils was wonderful to see. It was common to see players from all levels choose to stay after the official end of a session to finish games, or start new ones. It was my desire in 2015/2016 to extend the fixture list to give wider match

experience to all players. Alas, that was only partially successful, either because other schools struggled at their ends, or because the flu outbreak at the end of the Spring Term led to four fixtures being cancelled. Having seen off our usual competitors, including the oncefearsome Abingdon School, however, we did play Magdalen College School, Oxford for the first time and were narrowly beaten, 54, in a thrilling match.

That shocked us out of our complacency and showed us the importance of producing our best badminton during matches. We also beat the University of Gloucestershire.

Arguably fielding the strongest first two pairs in its history, Andrew Chan (L6, Xt), who won his Colours, Tiger Chan (L6, NH), Carman Ma (U6, Ch) and Nicholas Siu (5th, Xt) gave College’s Badminton Club a tremendous platform upon which to build our season. All those players enjoy impressive techniques and game awareness, first developed in their native Hong Kong. However, what was also encouraging was the way in which younger players took on roles in the 1st and 2nd VIs, including Ken Leung (5th, NH), who won the Bygrave Trophy for the Most-Improved Player of the season, Pumi SuNgan (5th, BH), Chuen Leik Low (L6, Xt) and Wyii Pornpipatpaisan (5th, NH). Derek Bakri (U6, H) was fantastic throughout the year, being both mustard-keen to play in the 1st VI, and in helping me and Mr Sol Griffiths, work with less experienced players.

Under the coaching of Mr Griffiths, the whole club was introduced systematically to the key shots and tactical aspects of the game. Thanks to his contacts, Andy Chan, Nicholas Siu and Carman Ma spent an afternoon training with the badminton coach at the University of Bath, which gave them a taste of high-performance practice at a leading sports university. They came back exhilarated and absolutely exhausted, which suggests that we may need to work on fitness in the year ahead!

My thanks to all the pupils for the exemplary way they have conducted themselves in training and in matches. They can be proud of themselves.

Clays

Despite having to withdraw from the Marlborough Sporting Clay Shield competition and the Warwick School Challenge due to Field Day and the flu outbreak, with clays becoming an official sport at College and most importantly the school becoming a partnership school with British Shooting, the club has enjoyed its best season to date, culminating in three members of the club featuring on British Shooting’s Talent Pathways: Oliver Palmer (U6, L), Christian Campbell (4th, BH) and Thomas Hartley (4th, H).

The first match of our season was the Millfield School Invitational Challenge, which saw the club field three sides for the first time. The new regime of practising between College’s Main Games on Tuesdays really paid off and the A team of Killian Hughes (5th, S), Thomas Hartley (4th, H) and Pat Euarchukiati (L6, BH) achieved our best result to date: 9th from a field of 19. The B team of Henry Johnson (5th, H), Jago Skelding (5th, BH) and Tommy Haddock (3rd, H) were snapping at their heels in 11th place and the C team of Jack McClure (5th, L), Shakhin Zamani (5th, NH) and Eduardo Capelastegui (5th, BH) coming a respectable 15th, did not disgrace themselves.

Harrow School’s Fido May clay pigeon shooting competition in February provided even more encouragement for our efforts to become an official sport, as for the first time in a decade, the club fielded a girls’ team as well as the two boys’ teams.

Dr Luke Davidson

Jemma Robson (L6, W), Prefect Chair (elect) of the Sport Committee As Chair of the Sport Committee, my responsibility is to improve provision for all sports, to ensure equality when it comes to opportunities to take part and to introduce new activities that will enhance the health, fitness and wellbeing of College students. It is also my duty to act as a role model for good sportsmanship and leadership within sport and advertise our school sport as being skilful and fair. At the beginning of the academic year my aim is to send out a questionnaire to the whole school to gather a consensus on what the students would like changed or kept the same. One of our main targets for the year is to adapt the Gym opening times to best fit the athletes. Also, I hope to establish a Sports Cup, which will be awarded at

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Speech Day for the house that has been most successful overall in House Pots events over the year. Furthermore, I would like to encourage the lower teams to play matches more often against more local schools to give them more opportunities to play competitively. Additionally, I aspire to introduce competitions within the school which involve both boys and girls, for example, a mixed doubles tennis tournament in the summer. Moreover, I am interested in further developing the Talented Athlete Programme (TAP), so that more performers are benefiting and receiving the specific training and help needed for their sport.

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The traditional Nationals warm up of the Rugby School Challenge saw us enter two teams and with the club coming second in the boys’ team competition as well as second in the combined team competition, it was our best ever result in this competition. Injury and exam preparation saw the regulars joined by Oliver Palmer (U6, L), Alfie Weston (4th, BH), Ben Southall (4th BH) and Kieran Thorley (5th, BH).

The culmination of the target season is the British Schools and Young Shots Championship.

College was able to field two boys’ teams but unfortunately injury meant that the girls were not able to build on their success at Harrow School. The A team of Oliver Palmer (U6, L), Thomas Hartley (4th, H), Killian Hughes (5th, S), Alfie Weston (4th, BH), Ben Southall (4th, BH) and Shakhin Zamani (5th, NH), all shot well and came a fantastic seventh place, with Oliver coming 19/92 and Thomas 40/92. The B team of Henry Johnson (5th, H), Tommy Haddock (3rd, H), Christian Campbell (4th, BH), Pat Euarchukiati (L6, BH) and Jack McClure (5th, L) came a joint seventh in their respective competition. Despite illness striking one of the team on the morning of the competition, meaning they had to travel light, the team did especially well!

Olympic disciplines and that more hot shots can join Oliver, Thomas and Christian on the various Talent Pathway programmes being run by British Shooting. Confirmation of our partnership with British Shooting was received during the Summer Term when we were visited by Christian Schofield, Pathway Co-ordinator and Talent Coach, to see how our new Down The Line (DTL) coaching programme was developing.

Mr Chris Reid

Cricket Cricket Tour

Over the course of Easter holidays, we took 14 pupils to Dubai to take part in the ARCH U19 Trophy at Emirates School as part of our pre-season preparations. The focus of the trip was very much on development, as the squad contained players from the Fourth Form upwards. We played four 40 over matches in the main competition and two T20 games against local club sides. All the games were played at first class facilities and proved to be excellent preparation for all those involved. The standard of opposition was strong and the boys were challenged in all areas of the game. The honours were even in the T20 games and the squad won 2 and lost 2 in the main competition.

1st XI

Record: played 13; won 6; lost 7; abandoned 8

Usually the British Schools and Young Shots Championship would have been the end of the season but the exciting declaration of clays as an official College sport for the Summer Term meant not only that the club could continue to develop its sporting target skills but also that it could now ensure that pupils are exposed to the

to play. They posted a strong total of 257 for 6 from their 40 overs, with Alex Mason (2006-2001, H) scoring 88. Josh Dell was once again in fine form with the bat, scoring 80, but despite his efforts, we fell short of the target by 34 runs.

The following day saw a fine victory over the Gloucestershire Under 17 side. Half centuries from openers James Palmer and Matt Ward put us in a strong position before a fine 90 from Jono Jamieson-Black helped us to set the County 304 to win from their 50 overs. They were always under pressure to keep up with the required run rate and they were eventually bowled out for 231. A thrilling last ball defeat to Clifton College followed but 149 from 35 overs was always going to be difficult to defend; the boys stuck to their task and kept the pressure on Clifton but they snuck home with one ball to spare.

SPORT

Coming 10th and 20th from a field of 23, the boys’ teams continued their progress. Special mention should go to Christian Campbell (4th, BH) who replaced Pat Euarchukiati (L6, BH) and scored a respectable 36/50. But the performance of the day must go to the girls’ team of Lucy Cieslik (L6, Q), Alisa Sedova (4th, W), Molly Corbett (3rd, W) and Daisy Broughton (3rd, W), who came second to the very strong Wellington College team by only nine.

The game against Abingdon School was again rain affected but it failed to overshadow a magnificent 135 from Matt Ward. We then reduced the opposition to 72 for 6 before the weather closed in. A nine wicket win over Sherborne School followed, which included a strong all round performance from Josh Dell; 85 not out and 3 for 21 from his 10 overs. Further frustration then followed against Rugby School when rain intervened after James Palmer’s commanding 89 left us stranded on 142 for 3 after just 22 overs.

The format then changed to T20 on the Friday evening before Speech Day, when we welcomed the University of Bristol Cricket Club. Batting first, we posted 146 from our 20 overs; Matt Ward top-scored with 53 not out. The game went down to the final over, with 13 needed to win.

Joe Warner held his nerve with the ball and won by 4 runs.

The traditional Speech Day fixture against the Gloucestershire Gipsies then followed, when the teams play for the Martin Stovold Cup. The Gipsies, captained by M. P. Briers, proved too strong on this occasion and won by four wickets with an over to spare. Fittingly, Kyle Stovold (2001-2006, NH) hit the winning runs after a magnificent 85 not out from Jack Dymoke (20072012, NH).

Josh Dell (Captain, U6, H)**, James Palmer** (L6, BH), Matthew Ward* (U6, L), Jono Jamieson-Black** (L6, H), Daniel Ward (5th, NH), Jason Soames (5th, BH), Gianluca Mech* (U6, Xt), Max Dymoke (L6, NH), Benedict Frisby (L6, L), Joe Warner* (U6, S), Max Hickman* (U6, H), Edward Cutler (U6, S) Coaches: Mr Matt Coley; Mr Mark Briers ** denotes Full Colours * denotes Half Colours The regular season was unfortunately marred by some extremely poor weather (snow on the morning of the Radley College fixture!), but despite having eight fixtures abandoned, the XI still managed to complete 13 matches, winning six and losing seven. The season began with the visit of Wellington College for a 30 over match.

Josh Dell batted superbly to score 101 not out as we posted a total of 156 for 4 from our allotted overs. The rain then intervened and sadly no further play was possible.

The Old Cheltonians were the next visitors to College and a number of recent OCs turned up

A trip down to Taunton for a new fixture against Kings College proved to be a tough lesson for the XI. Kings have become somewhat of a force to be reckoned with on the schools’ cricket circuit, and their side contains a number of players on the books at Somerset County Cricket Club. Our bowlers fought hard and restricted their scoring during the early part of their innings, however, the opposition’s depth showed and they scored quickly at the end, posting 266 from their 50 overs. We then became bogged down and the pressure led to wickets falling at regular intervals. A spell of 4 for 11 from one of their spinners ripped the heart out of our middle-order and we eventually fell for just 100; a tough lesson in all areas of the game.

The John Harvey Cup is a 50 over competition contested between ourselves, Radley College, Bradfield College, Winchester College, Marlborough College, and St Edward’s School, Oxford. Points are on offer in each game for batting, bowling and then winning the matches.

Having lost the Radley fixture to rain, we faced Bradfield in our first match. We scored 235 but

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once again the weather intervened and Bradfield were left chasing a revised target of 174, which they managed far too easily. Our failure to get enough runs on the board was once again our undoing.

However, a fine victory away at Marlborough by 19 runs put us back in contention. This was another rain-affected game but some fine bowling by Max Dymoke and Joe Warner prevented the opposition from reaching their revised target of 184 from 40 overs. Victory against St Edward’s Oxford was a must to keep our chances of winning the trophy alive, but a poor batting display undid the good work in the field and we were all out for 117, chasing a very getable target of just 213 from 50 overs. Sadly, the final match against Winchester was abandoned before a ball could be bowled, which left us in fourth place overall. St Edward’s, Oxford were the overall winners.

Jamieson-Black scored 109. James Palmer also played his part with a solid 68. Haileybury could only manage 100 in reply with Gianluca Mech taking 3 for 14 with his leg spin. He then opened the batting in our second innings and scored 65 alongside another 50 from Matt Ward. This meant that, chasing 402 to win, Haileybury had to bat out most of the day. Some early resistance was soon overcome and Jono Jamieson-Black completed a superb all round performance by taking 7 for 43 to add to his century in the first innings.

So the 2016 season came to a close. The players deserve great credit for battling with the almost weekly frustration of abandoned matches and rain delays. This led to a feeling that the season never really got going and players struggled to find consistent form with the bat and all too often our batsmen got a start, only to give their wickets away. That said, there were some fine individual performances with bat and ball and the experience gained will be invaluable for the six players who return next year. For the leavers, I wish

The final match of Cricket Week is the two-day game against Haileybury. Batting first, we posted 323 for 4; Jason Soames scored 98, narrowly missing out on his first century for the XI, and Jono

them every success; they must continue to play and develop as they have much to offer at both university and club level. Special mention must go to this year’s captain, Josh Dell. He sets off on the road to a possible professional cricket career this summer with Worcestershire County Cricket Club; he is as good a batsman as we have seen at College and we will follow his career with great interest over the next year or so.

As always, all of the above would not have been possible without the dedication and technical expertise provided by our cricket professional, Mark Briers. He remains hugely committed to the all round development of all the cricketers at College and I am enormously grateful for all the hard work that he puts in. I must also thank our Head Groundsman, Christian Brain and his team for the work that they have done this term, at times in appalling conditions, to keep our fields playable.

College remains one of the finest places to play cricket anywhere in the country.

Mr Matt Coley

2 nd XI

Record: played 6; lost 5; won 1; abandoned 3 James Battishill (Captain, U6, NH), William Lait (L6, H), Barnaby Napier (U6 Xt), Fabian Chess (U6, L), Harry James (U6, L), Hugo Bradshaw (L6, L), Finlay Milton (L6, Xt), William Clayton (L6, H), Patrick Payne (U6, S), Piers Norton (U6, S), George Cook (U6, Xt), Matthew Baker (U6, NH) Coach: Mr Richard Moore

1st XI Batting Averages Batting (100+ runs)

Innings

Not Out

Runs

Highest score

100s

Average

J. Jamieson-Black

15

2

604

130

2

46.46

J. Dell

14

3

601

101

1

54.63

J. Palmer

14

1

496

89

0

38.15

M. Ward

17

2

465

135

1

31

J. Soames

15

3

227

98

0

18.91

D. Ward

11

2

172

53

0

19.11

G. Mech

9

1

145

65

0

18.13

B. Frisby

8

0

116

50

0

14.5

1st XI Bowling Averages

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Bowling (10+ wickets)

Overs

Maidens

Runs

Wickets

Best bowling

Average

J. Jamieson-Black

105.3

8

379

26

7-43

14.57

M. Dymoke

79.7

9

319

23

4-31

13.86

J. Warner

75.7

4

356

13

3-35

27.38

G. Mech

73.7

4

276

12

3-14

24

B. Frisby

68

13

290

11

2-3

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

The best parallel to draw for the 2nd XI cricket season is that they were as unpredictable as the weather that they faced. Amongst the overs played they could play some magnificent cricket, as they did against Bradfield College in a super win. Finlay Milton, bowling his handy leg spin, skittled the opposition in his silent, but deadly manner, taking five wickets for very little return, whereas the side could play the game in quite the opposite fashion as they demonstrated in losses against Sherborne School, Abingdon School and Clifton College.

The crux of the matter was that the essence of the batsmen applying themselves at the crease, waiting for bad balls and building a defendable total, was not part of their game plan. Whilst there were flashes of what the openers William Lait and the skipper James Battishill were capable of, it was not sustained and the middle-order were then exposed. Barnaby Napier provided much-needed runs with some clean hitting, but too often he ran out of partners or time. The bowling attack led by Piers Norton and Patrick Payne and ably supported by the probing left arm medium pace of George Cook, could produce some handy spells.

But again, problems arose in the field where some creative fielding positions, and an inability to close a game out, often meant that the opposition was let off the hook after some good work. Dot balls and held catches often make the difference and I hope that these lessons were learned, albeit the hard way. A rain-affected game against Rugby did not help the side build any kind of consistency and they lost heavily to King’s College, Taunton.

The Gloucestershire Gipsies provided a sterner challenge on Speech Day than they had in the last few seasons and perhaps the temptations of the activities on the boundary were a bit of a

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Mr Richard Moore

3rdXI

Record: played 4; won 3; lost 1; abandoned 2 Harry Steel (U6, Xt), Charles Turk (5th, NH), Jimmy Daly (5th, H), Charlie Holloway (L6, L), Jamie Thorley (L6, BH), Edward Johnston (L6, L), Sam Mendis (L6, Xt), Merlin Miller (L6, L), Jack Burns (L6, NH), William Cooper (5th, L), Thomas Maclaren (L6, S), Parth Patel (L6, H), Tom James (5th, L), Freddy Horlock (5th, L), William Clayton (L6, H), Kieran Brown (5th, Xt) Coach: Mr Nick Runciman With the 3rd XI consisting of only one Upper Sixth Form student and appearances from six Fifth Formers, it was a season of real maturity from the youthful XIs. Winning three of their six games and only losing two games to the weather, with victory in our grasp it was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful season.

With all three victories coming away from home, against St Edward’s, Oxford, Sherborne School and Kings College, Taunton, the squad certainly showed its quality and commitment.

Consistent batting displays, direct and economical bowling and smart game understanding to protect their score proved key contributors to the 3rd XI’s success. A special mention should go to Sam Mendis for his standout performances: backtoback 50s against Abingdon and Sherborne and a season average of 46. All in all, it was a season which will stand all involved in good stead for their cricketing future at College.

Mr Nick Runciman

4 th XI

Colts A

Henry Kirk (U6, Xt), James Lewin (5th, NH), Oskar Elliott (L6, L), Elliott Napier (L6, Xt), Alex Hewer (U6, S), Edward Brown (U6, S), AJ O’Neill (L6, NH), Dougal Rees (5th, Xt), Oliver Pritchard (5th, Xt), William Cresswell (L6, BH), George Stubbs (L6, NH), Parth Patel (L6, H), Charles Turk (5th, NH), Freddy Horlock (5th, L), William Cooper (5th, L), Christiaan Bruins (L6, BH).

Theo Taylor (Captain, 5th, Xt), Olly Hill (5th, L), George Wells (5th, S), Cameron Terry (5th, NH), Kieran Brown (5th, Xt), Jimmy Daly (5th, H), Edward Winstanley (5th, S), James Webb (5th, H), Jack Mitchell (5th, NH), Benedict Sutton (5th, H), Sam Cook (5th, NH), Tom James (5th, L), Thomas Stanton (5th, H), Barnaby Harris (5th, H)

Coach: Mr Ben Rees

Coach: Mr Gwyn Williams

It was a rather rain-affected season for the 4th XI but a season where the usual high levels of effort and team spirit were not quelled by the weather.

Never an easy place to play a first fixture, the team travelled to Sherborne School to face a very strong U6-dominated side. It was clear that our competitors had spent considerable time as a unit and managed to restrict College to 106-9 despite a very strong innings from James Lewin, who finished with 34 from 31 balls and AJ O’Neill who battled to 25. Sherborne reached the total with 7 wickets in hand but strong bowling performances from Edward Brown and Oliver Prichard, who clean-bowled the batsman just short of his 50, ensured the match was competitive until the end.

Seeing snow and ice force the cancellation of the Radley College fixture was a bizarre beginning to the term but as we looked forward to the rest of the season and the prospect of a tour to York to finish the season, the weather did not dampen the spirits of what is a very promising and passionate Colts A squad. With their summer exams pressing ever more upon them, these boys demonstrated their maturity and love of the game by committing to the training and matches. This was their time to showcase their talents for possible elevation as cricketers to the XI next season. Some did rise to this challenge but what has been very creditable is that all members of the squad continue to add value to the cricket club as a whole.

Rugby School away was next and played in some pretty austere conditions against, again, a very U6-heavy side. Put in to bat, the 4th XI posted 106 off the 20 overs but struggled to build partnerships after the openers of Charles Turk and Parth Patel put on 40, 35 of which coming from the latter, including three huge sixes. There were also some nice shots from Dougal Rees, who played sensibly for his 25, and a late bludgeoning of the ball by Elliott Napier.

Despite a pretty strong bowling attack, Rugby knocked off the runs needed but not before Charles Turk grabbed a brace with some quality swing bowling in the overcast conditions.

At various stages of the season, different players stepped up to the plate when needed. When our top-order all faltered in our second match against St Edward’s, Oxford, a solid innings from George Wells was then superseded by a powerhitting score of 55 not out from James Webb, to post a modest 196 off our allotted overs. James then followed his batting display with some intense bowling to finish with figures of 3-10.

This was backed up by Theo Taylor with 3-19 to dismiss the opposition for 112. This got the season going and the boys took this momentum into their next match with Abingdon School, where they recorded a dominant six wicket win.

The bowling unit worked together to reduce Abingdon to 163, which was then chased down by notable contributions from Olly Hill (61) and Theo Taylor (71). Next up was a tricky test down at Sherborne College, where a poor batting display saw the Colts post a below par score

Record: played 2; won 0; lost 2

Played in the correct spirit, the 4th XI had an enjoyable season and we wish the leavers all the best for the future.

Mr Ben Rees

Record: played 7; won 6; lost 1

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distraction. The season ended as it began, with rain. The Marlborough College side arrived, the heavens opened, we shook hands and they departed. What is important is that the boys, who committed to the cricket club and represented the second team, enjoyed their cricket and whilst their devil-may-care approach to playing the game did not necessarily reap the rewards that they could have revelled in, nevertheless, they played the game.

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of 136 and Theo Taylor once again the top scorer with 75. Defending this total was a tough test of character and the boys responded well, applying pressure to Sherborne with some tight fielding and terrific fast bowling from both James Webb (4-13) and Cameron Terry (4-16), to produce a very credible win by 35 runs. Confidence was running through the team and a visit to Bradfield College saw a one sided affair with the hosts posting 82.

This time, picking up 3-23, it was Benedict Sutton who was the top bowler. Chasing down this small total was made very easy by a 54 off 42 balls from Olly Hill and we finished with a nine wicket win.

Unfortunately, the final two matches succumbed to the weather but there was still the prospect of the tour to York to look forward to.

On arrival the boys were hosted by York Cricket Club and played a T20 match against a strong U19 York district team. The boys are new to this format of the game and, despite good contributions from Sam Cook (38) and Olly Hill (42), took their time to get going and posted a modest 129-3 off their 20 overs. James Webb made early in-roads into their top-order but their experience in this format came to the fore and the district team passed the total in the 15th over. Next up was a trip to St. Peter’s School, York and a battle with the weather and, even though the weather tried its best to ruin things, we managed to complete a very enjoyable match. With the game reduced to 30 overs midway through our innings, it was a great effort to post a score of 232-3, with notable scores coming from Olly Hill (89), George Wells (71) and Theo Taylor (40).

Through some tight bowling and again the early wickets of James Webb with 3 victims, St. Peter’s reached 203-6. Our final match was at the fantastic setting of Ampleforth College and we were not let down with the quality of cricket on display. A tough batting track, affected by the previous day’s rain, made it tough for College and players looked like they were in only to get themselves out. Sam Cook, looking like he had mastered the conditions, became the backbone of the innings, only to fall short of his maiden 50. But he contributed massively to the total of 145 in our 30 overs. It was

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once again left to the bowlers to galvanise the team and they did not disappoint! Taking wickets at important stages kept Ampleforth in check, but, going into the last over, they needed six runs and College only needed one wicket. With only two balls remaining, Jack Mitchell bowled Ampleforth’s number 11, to win the match and claim his Man of the Match figures of six overs: 5-27.

I would like to take this opportunity to, firstly, thank Mr Moore and Mr Walton for coming to York and assisting with the tour, and, secondly, thank all the players involved in what has been a special group to coach and be part of. With its players as they now look, ready to make the step up to the Senior game, cricket is certainly in a healthy position.

Mr Gwyn Williams

Junior Colts A

Record: played 12; won 9; lost 3; abandoned 2 Alexander Sharam (Captain, 4th, NH), Jonnie Gunn (4th, BH), Ali Pearce (4th, Xt), Jack Clement (4th, S), Oscar Butcher (4th, H), Oliver Isherwood (4th, L), Yusuf-Ali Perwaz (4th, NH), Jude Parsons (4th, L), Felix Watson-Smyth (4th, Xt), Harvey Edwards (4th, S), Oliver Baker (4th, NH), Lucas Harrison (4th, L), Ollie Frisby (4th, L), George Elliot (4th, NH) Coaches: Mr Will Packer; Mr Matt Walton The season started with the much-delayed County Cup final against Newent School. After numerous postponements, due to the weather, College comfortably retained their title by 120 runs thanks to half centuries from Ali Pearce and Oliver Isherwood. This result saw College progress into the National competition and a bye in the first round meant the team were effectively into the last 16 in the country. Unfortunately, the game, which was away against King Edward VI School, Southampton, saw College succumb to a disappointing defeat and a big opportunity to reach the quarterfinals was missed.

The only other defeats in the season also happened on the road: at Abingdon School and at King’s College, Taunton. The latter of these was by a mere seven runs to the eventual national champions.

Despite these losses there were plenty of excellent results against traditional rivals.

Strong performances included Lucas Harrison’s five wicket haul against Clifton College, Oscar Butcher’s unbeaten 80 against the Cheltenham and Cotswold District side and also Jack Clement’s four wickets versus Bradfield College. A superb all round performance from Jonnie Gunn took care of Sir Thomas Rich’s and Ali Pearce’s batting ensured that Sherborne College was also comfortably defeated.

It was also pleasing to see many players improving and adapting their games as the season progressed: Felix Watson-Smyth reinvented himself as a useful slow left arm spinner; Harvey Edwards complemented his medium pace bowling with some aggressive lower-order hitting; and Oliver Baker returned to side as a useful wicket to wicket bowler.

The season ended with an unbeaten festival at Trent College, Nottingham, with wins over Oundle School, St Peter’s School, York and also the hosts.

Highlights included Jonnie Gunn scoring his maiden century for College, Ali Pearce hitting a 50 on each day of the three days and Alexander Sharam’s leg spin yielding seven wickets.

Jonnie Gunn ended the season topping the batting averages with his 543 runs, averaging 67.88.

Wicket Keeper Ali Pearce, also had a productive season with the bat, averaging 52.22 and scoring six half centuries in just nine completed innings.

With the ball, the wickets were shared around between the three main strike bowlers: Alexander Sharam, Jack Clement and Jonnie Gunn each claimed 19 scalps.

Looking back on the season, it was without doubt a successful one but perhaps one which could have been a little better, had the game

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Mr Will Packer

teams have – in the spirit of the game: ‘Clap the batsman in!’ was a constant refrain, while complaining, easy amidst rain breaks and disruption to the batting order, was minimal.

All that was needed for better results was ruthlessness: catching chances, converting starts and creating opportunities. Trevor Bayliss would have been very pleased with this year’s JCBs.

Junior Colts B

Mr Nick Hands

Ben Anton-Smith (4th, S), Christian Campbell (4th, BH), William Dyke (4th, NH), George Elliot (4th, NH), Lucas Harrison (4th, L), Thomas Hartley (4th, H), Joseph Hughes (4th, L), Jonnie Kite (4th, H) Sebastian Lee (4th, NH), Ariya Patel (4th, H), Max Pemberton (Captain, 4th, H), Ben Southall (4th, BH), Thomas Styler (4th, H), Evie Webb (4th, Ch).

Record: played 4; won 1; lost 3

Match Record: played 7; won 4; lost 3

Coach: Mr Nick Hands Impressive potential and mixed results meant that the Junior Colts B team of 2016 mirrored the England men’s side. Highlights included a magical start to the season against the Crypt School, Gloucester, the team catching excellently and defending a large total, and a disciplined win away to Rugby School. Max Pemberton shone as a captain who was prepared to put his own success, especially as a batsman, second to the team’s.

Junior Colts C

Alfie Weston (4th, BH), Ben Anton-Smith (4th, S), Ben Southall (4th, BH), Charles MeechamJones (4th, Xt), Danyaal Choudhary (4th, Xt), Demilade Edwards (4th, H), Eddie Nelson (4th, BH), Edward Shaw (4th, L), Henry Foster (4th, NH), Hugo Bailey (4th, BH), James Burden (4th, BH), Max Williams (4th, NH), Nicolas Hill (4th, BH), Sebastian Lee 4th, NH), Zac Robertson (4th, NH) Coaches: Mr James Chaloner; Dr Adam Dunning Rain restricted the team to just four fixtures over the course of the season, but all of these produced much drama and entertainment. The

first game resulted in a heavy defeat against a strong Abingdon School side. Edward Shaw led by example with a highly resilient batting display when wickets were tumbling around him. It was a wake-up call for the team and they learned a lot from the defeat.

In glorious Sherborne sunshine, College secured an excellent 62 run win. Ben Southall, Ben AntonSmith and Henry Foster all impressed with the bat. A disciplined bowling display, led by the excellent Eddie Nelson, and supported by the spinners Alfie Weston and Charles MeechamJones, paved the way for victory. Danyaal Choudhary produced the most menacing bowling spell of the season with three quick wickets. The fielding was sharp and the boys thoroughly deserved the win.

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gone differently down in Southampton.

Alexander Sharam captained the team well and Jonnie Gunn, Jack Clement and Ali Pearce all represented Gloucestershire Under 15s. I hope to see many of the squad listed above graduate to the College XI in seasons to come.

A compelling four innings contest at Rugby School in continuous drizzle, resulted in a narrow four wicket defeat. Once more, Edward Shaw, Ben Anton-Smith and Ben Southall all batted superbly. The season ended with a four wicket loss against Bradfield College, but the boys all progressed brilliantly over the course of the term.

Mr James Chaloner

The England parallel works well for our batsmen; George Elliot was our Alex Hales. Aggressive as opener, his best knock was a gutsy 29 against Rugby on a green wicket. Lucas Harrison starred in that game, constructing an intelligent 77 with lusty hits down the ground. His housemate Joseph Hughes displayed terrier-like temperament and twice saved us from toporder collapses, leaving his highest score (55) for Bradfield. Thomas Styler was our Joe Root. The only player to score over 200 runs, he has real potential if he bats with the skill he showed on the way to 75 against Wycliffe College late in June.

Of the bowlers, William Dyke played Jimmy Anderson. Capable of swing, sharp fielding and solid batting (underrated by his coach?) his laidback manner helped glue the team together.

Evie Webb – Stuart Broad – saved her best to last; scything through the Wycliffe top-order with four wickets to take the season’s tally to 15.

Jonnie Kite generated pace and bounce unusual for his age, while his highest score (43 against the Crypt) showed his batting talent: Ben Stokes.

The team were a happy bunch. This was thanks in part to those who kept us stoked: while Ariya Patel left us longing for the vicious innings of which he’s capable, he improved as wicket-keeper and talisman. Sebastian Lee put a miserable start behind him with a rapid 36 to keep us in the game at King’s College, Taunton.

Christian Campbell, our Chris Jordan, grew in stature to take 3-21 in the same game. Ben Anton-Smith stood in stoically when injuries deprived us later in the season, while Thomas Hartley was an enthusiastic sub when not away shooting. Ben Southall justified Mr Chaloner’s confidence, with a brave 22 against King’s College, Taunton.

Best of all, the team played the game not just as this England side play it, but as previous

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Yearlings A

Record: played 16; won 12; lost 4; abandoned 4

Sebastian Blake (3rd, BH), Max Sutton (3rd, NH), Louis Hillman-Cooper (3rd, S), Gus Milton (3rd, Xt), Harry Jinks (3rd, S), James Boyle (3rd, S), Harry Stewart (3rd, L), Gaurav Mediratta (3rd, L), Abbie Whybrow (3rd, Q), Edward Ferris (3rd, NH), Guy Beazley (3rd, NH) Coach: Mr Charlie McKegney In a season that was largely ruined by the rain, the Yearlings A team still managed to finish 16 games, winning an impressive 12. The first impression I had of the team was that they had an abundance of talent, and, crucially, a handful of match-winning players. As the season unfolded, my assessment would prove to be correct.

The opening two games versus Radley College and the Vale of Glamorgan were snowed off (!), but the season got off to a bang with three consecutive wins over Sir Thomas Rich’s School (9wkts), Clifton College (4wkts) and Pate’s Grammar School (6wkts). Guy Beazley set up the first win, taking a season-best 4/29 before Sebastian Blake hit 56 in reply off 113. Sebastian would carry this good form on in a bitterly cold day against Clifton in Bristol, where he lambasted 74 in the chase of 175. However, the match winners would be Louis Hillman-Cooper and Gaurav Mediratta who held their nerve to see the game out scoring 29 and 31 respectively. Pate’s Grammar School gave us our first glimpse of spin-twins Gaurav Mediratta and James Boyle, who took a collective 5/28 of their eight overs to put the game to bed.

A fantastic eight wicket win over the Cheltenham and Cotswold District would follow, made even more impressive with the absence of our two county players. Abbie Whybow’s keeping was a standout performance as well as Louis HillmanCooper’s four wickets. Max Sutton batted well in reply with an elegant 21, but Louis would cement his all-round status with an unbeaten 52; not without a life! We also saw Gus Milton’s ability to rotate the strike and give able support, ending up with 32 off 33. This would be the last success for a while, as we fell to a 116 run defeat at the hands of Sherborne School and then a day later, to the full County U14s. The defeat to Sherborne was a dramatic one. Ripping it sideways, James Boyle

bowled his spell of the season here and he was unlucky to not get better figures. Also unlucky was Harry Stewart, who did not quite make his 50, but showed his ability with the bat against the county.

With Harry’s promise and Abbie Whybrow showing true grit, chasing 166 seemed very doable but this was sadly not the case and we were reduced to 12/6. Game over! But lessons were learned and three wins on the trot followed; the re-scheduled Radley fixture (11 runs), The Crypt School (34 runs) and Bradfield College (5wkts). Sebastian Blake hit 266 runs during these games, including a maiden ton versus Radley (124) and then again versus Bradfield (102). The Radley game went to the wire, with them needing 16 to win; it was a super advert for school cricket. At 110/0 chasing 200, Radley were in control until Edward Ferris struck in his first over (a trait he took with him all season) to pull us back into the game and a mixture of daft running and superb fielding made sure of the win.

The season finished with a superb Cup run, eventually beating Sir Thomas Rich’s (for a second time) in the final, by six wickets when James Boyle starred with a match winning performance of 6/1 off his 4 and 31 off 22 balls. During this run, Harry Jinks unearthed his hitting ability against Chipping Campden when he scored 116 off just 60 balls and in the same game Gaurav Mediratta took 6/10 in just 2.4 overs, including a hat-trick!

The pinnacle of the Yearlings A team season is always the annual tour, which this year was hosted at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich. The squad were fantastic tourists and a credit to College.

Throughout the season, the team competed in the 3-2-1 competition, where in each game the Player-of-the-Match is awarded three points, the next best performer two and so on. Louis HillmanCooper won the competition with 16.5 points, just pipping Sebastian Blake on 16 and Gaurav Mediratta on 15. The whole squad were a pleasure to work with and I look forward to seeing how they progress in the years to come. Finally, I must offer my thanks to Mr Nick Runicman, who gave great support to our training all season, as well as Mr Mark Briers and Mr Matt Coley, for all their work behind the scenes.

Mr Charlie McKegney

Yearlings B

Match record: played 7; won 1; lost 6 Squad: Paddy Scudamore (Captain, 3rd, BH), William Stanton (3 rd, NH), Izzy Crossland (3rd, W), India Turner (3rd, W), Ethan Harney (3rd, L), James Kirk (3rd, Xt), Dominic Kelly (3rd, NH), Will Buttress (3rd, S), James Whittal, (3rd, NH), Sid Mitchell (3rd, NH), Thomas Kinsella (3rd, L), Bryn Fair (3rd, BH), Freddie Scott (3rd, S), Theo Kace (3rd, BH) Coach: Mr Will Bates The season got off to an excellent start with a resounding win against The Crypt School. The team put in an excellent fielding performance and bowled them out for 59. It is fair to say that after this point we found things a little harder going against some excellent opposition. That said, I was impressed throughout the season with the team’s perseverance and attitude. Moreover, there were some notable individual performances including William Stanton’s innings against Sherborne School and Sid Mitchell’s destructive knock against

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Mr Will Bates

Yearlings C

Record: played 4; won 1; lost 3; abandoned 2 Bryn Fair (Captain, 3rd, BH), Maximilian Pini (3rd, NH), Edward Hitchins (3rd, NH), William Westlake (3rd, S), Piers Morgan (3rd, Xt), Jago MacInnes (3rd, S), Milo Watkins (3rd, H), Harry Lyle (3rd, S), Jonathan Chai (3rd, Xt), Timur Guliev (3rd, L), Kenechukwu Ajogwu (3rd, H), Theo Kace (3rd, BH), Frankie Russell (3rd, S), Hamish-James Anderson (3rd, H), Freddie Scott (3rd, S), Thomas Kinsella (3rd, L), Fedor Sokolov (3rd, H) Coach Mr Fraser Dobney Mid-April snow(!) and incessant rain meant that our first two fixtures were cancelled or abandoned, which is not exactly what you hope for at the beginning of the season. The first fixture we were able to play was against Sherborne School and although it was slightly cold and damp, we managed to get to play out a decent fixture, which ended with our opponents securing a victory by 75 runs. Next up was Radley College, which we always expect to be a tough fixture. It was a closely fought match and through excellent fielding we narrowly beat them by 18 runs. This was a superb result against a school that has so much depth to its squads.

Unfortunately, this was to be our only victory of the season, in which we came off second best against Bradfield College and St Edward’s School, Oxford, losing by 9 wickets and 89 runs respectively.

Be it battling with the weather or individuals suffering injury, the boys endured a tough season. However, despite these challenges, they have acquired an improved understanding of the game; something that they will be able to develop further next year when they become Junior Colts. I wish them all the best for the future.

at the weekly coaching sessions to improve their skills and knowledge of the game and with four fixtures in the offing it was clear that they would be very competitive in the heat of the battle. Alas, the good old British weather conspired against the team and our first fixture against Gloucestershire Girls U13 was abandoned halfway through the game. Our subsequent two fixtures were cancelled due to rain and frustrations were starting to creep in due to the lack of competition. Nevertheless, the commitment to training continued and spirits remained high. The girls’ fortitude was rewarded with a 20/20 match versus Dumbleton Cricket Girls U15 team and a chance to test all they had worked on all season in a pressurised environment. The team did not disappoint: College scored 104 in their innings and then bowled Dumbleton out for 79. This was a thoroughly deserved victory and just reward for all their efforts throughout the season.

The girls should be immensely proud of their achievements and they have been an absolute joy to coach and work with this term. Here’s to a successful 2017 season!

Mr Matt Walton

Equestrian

We have had a great year in Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing. For the first time we have run Equestrian as a Sport in the Summer Term, allowing consistency in training, which has really reaped rewards.

The year started with the Inter-Schools One Day Event held at Stonar School in Wiltshire. On a beautiful day in September, five riders from College pitted their wits in Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. Tom O’Bryan (3rd, S) started the day well on his pony Tyger, posting the 3rd best Dressage. With many poles falling, Show Jumping was tough, but Isabella Channing (4th, W) on Mystic Merlin pulled out a fine clear.

Storming rounds of Cross Country followed but the time was tight and all of our riders were on ponies or small horses, making it very difficult to

beat the bogey time. Annabel Slatter (4th, A) did well on Comet to come home with a great clear within the time. Eleanor Jones-Perrott (L6th, A), also took all in her stride on her borrowed pony.

In the final reckoning, the College team came 9th out of 19, and coming 8th in her Section, Isabella Channing was our best individual.

Whilst there were some wistful ‘if onlys’, it is really difficult to perfect three disciplines on the same day. Showing great promise, Octavia Slatter (4th, W) was out for the first time representing College on her new horse; this is another exciting combination to look out for in the future.

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King’s College, Taunton. This group has bags of talent and I am sure that they will develop into top cricketers. Paddy Scudamore should be thanked for his efforts as Captain and he really developed his field placings over the course of the season. I have genuinely enjoyed coaching this side and look forward to watching them progress as they move through College.

In the New Year, Alicia Lee (L6th, Q) won her class of the National Schools Equestrian Association Pop-up Dressage competition on her horse Bonita, which qualified her for the Nationals, where she came 6th. This was a new class and we look forward to perfecting our tests next year!

The College Show Jumping team earned 4th place in the inter-schools Show Jumping in Worcestershire on 31 March, with Honor McFarlane (4th, W) gaining 6th individual place; a great start to her Spring campaign. Others involved were; Isabella Channing (4th, W) on her lovely new horse, Molly Corbett (3rd, W) and Laura Bingham from the Prep (Y7).

Over the first May Bank Holiday weekend, the horse-riders were out in force. For the first time we qualified a team from the National Schools Equestrian Association Dressage competition, at a qualifier held in Worcestershire for the National finals in October. The team comprised of Alicia Lee (L6th, Q), Isabella Channing (4th, W), Tom O’Bryan (3rd, S) and Archie Garbutt (3rd, S). Tom O’Bryan and Alicia Lee also qualified individually.

Harriet White (U6th, Ch) was also placed second at the Inter-Schools One Day Event held at Swalcliffe at the 1m level that day.

We all held our breaths the following week as Honor McFarlane competed in the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. What an experience for one so young to have a double clear and a memory that will stay with her forever.

Then we were back again at Stonar for the 14 and under Inter-Schools Event with Honor McFarlane, Poppy Pitt (3rd, W), Octavia Slatter,

Mr Fraser Dobney

Girls U15

Record: played 1; won 1; abandoned 3 Evie Webb (Captain, 4 th, Ch), India Deakin (4 th, W), Emily Drysdale (4 th, W), Abbie Whybrow (3rd, Q), Izzy Crossland (3rd, W), India Turner (3rd, W), Olivia Elliot (3rd, A), Amelia Kitson (3rd, A), Annabelle Rigg (4th, Q), Romy Bodington (4th, A), Emily Heardman (3rd, Ch), Florence Needham (4th, W), Molly Clarke (3rd, W), Hannah Wood (3rd, W) Coach: Mr Matt Walton The 2016 season promised to deliver a successful summer of cricket for this talented squad of players. The girls worked extremely hard

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Annabel Slatter, Tom O’Bryan, Archie Garbutt and Violet Levinson (3rd, A). We came third as a team (our highest ever placing) and had individual sixth for Honor McFarlane, eighth for Poppy Pitt and ninth for Tom O’Bryan.

Poppy Pitt, who only joined College in the Summer Term, was busy over the Summer Half Term and won the 80cm Show Jumping at Keysoe, North Bedfordshire, and was seventh in the 90cm.

This means she will join the Dressage team at the national championships in October.

In June the Gloucestershire Schools Games were hosted at Hartpury College and proved to be a happy hunting ground for College. Honor McFarlane won everything she entered: Dressage and Combined Training. The Dressage team of Honor McFarlane, Harriet White, Octavia Slatter and Tom O’Bryan won the competition by over eight marks; a great margin! In Show Jumping, the team of Honor, Octavia, Tom and Archie came fifth. At 90cm, the Show Jumping team of Joanna White (U6, Ch), Harriet White, Octavia Slatter and Archie came second in the 1m class and pleasingly, Joanna was placed third.

The Equestrian team of Honor, Annabel, and Octavia earned third place at Dean Close School’s show at Rectory Farm, narrowly missing out on national qualification at the 1m height. Another team of Archie, Annabel, Honor and Octavia came fifth in a separate class.

My thanks go to the parents who transport the horses and give enormous amounts of time (and picnics!). We look forward to the time in the Monday Activity session in September and our preparations for the National Schools Equestrian Championship over half term in October, so watch this space!

Mrs Jenny O’Bryan

Golf Max Hickman (U6, H), Intouch Ruckpanich (L6, L), Harrison Ottley-Woodd (5 th, L), Parth Patel (L6, H), Edward Ferris (3rd, NH), Finlay Milton (L6, Xt), Tom James (5th, L), Olly Evans (L6, S), Chuen Leik Low (L6, Xt), Jamie Orme (L6, S) Captains: Max Hickman (H); Intouch Ruckpanich (L) Colours: Intouch Ruckpanich Half-Colours: Harrison Ottley-Woodd; Max Hickman

Record: Played 13; Won 6; Drew 2; Lost 5 College golf had another very good year. For the second consecutive year, the Golf team won the SW Region in the

Independent Schools Golf Association (ISGA) Matchplay Tournament. This qualified the three-man team of Harrison Ottley-Woodd, Intouch Ruckpanich and Parth Partel to play in the ISGA National Final. This year’s final was held at the Torrance Course and Eden Course, St Andrews Links, the home of golf, on the 25 and 26 April 2016. The conditions were particularly brutal this year. Over 130 schools across the UK entered the regional events with 19 qualifying for the final. Overall, College finished 12 th out of 20 schools with Harrison OttleyWoodd finishing third on the first day.

Please refer to www.isga.co.uk/nationalfinals-2016 for more details.

We have been involved with the West of England Public Schools tournament at Burnham for many years and College normally comes away with an impressive performance. This year’s team of Max Hickman, Intouch Ruckpanich, Finlay Milton, Tom James and Edward Ferris made it into the Plate event after losing against a strong team from Radley College in the first round. We then had a good win against Downside School (5-0) and then after some tight matches, we lost to Monmouth School 3-2 in the Plate final.

The Morgan Cup is now a regular fixture on the golfing calendar and long may it last. Team Golf is a fine format and the boys look forward to this Ryder Cup-style match against Radley on their picturesque course. This year we lost quite heavily, as we weren’t able to match our rival’s depth.

We have had a few new faces joining College golf from the four corners of the world, including Chuen Leik Low, who had this to say about golf at College: ‘It’s fun and engaging and there is a very supportive environment for both seasoned and beginner golfers.’ Throughout the academic year, we have had numerous competitive and friendly fixtures against strong opponents such as Radley College, Stowe School, Marlborough College, Monmouth School, Malvern College and Uppingham School. The match against the OCs is also a highlight on the calendar and this year’s House Pots (the Wild Cup) was won by Leconfield.

Colours this year were awarded to Intouch Ruckpanich for his performances and contribution to College golf over the years. Intouch has represented College in three national finals over the last few years. Other significant achievements: Harrison Ottley-Woodd continues to enjoy success at a national level, his most recent major success being to finish sixth in the Fairhaven Trophy, a prestigious under 18 amateur event.

It is a real pleasure working with the College golfers. They have a wonderful attitude and work ethic, which should stand them in good stead in many walks of life. What is most pleasing about this year is the way in which the golf has improved and seeing players develop into quality young people. I enjoy their company.

Thank you to Dr Brendan Enright and Mr Jonathan Mace for their assistance during the year and also to Mr Gary Pendell for his help with transport.

Good luck next season!

Mr Mike Todd 88

The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Boys Hockey

The boys Hockey Club was able to put out 15 playing teams, and when all teams were in action on a Saturday there were around 210 Cheltonians representing College in a competitive fixture. Away from the Independent Schools Hockey League (ISHL) and block fixtures, the club had representation both in England Hockey’s Player Pathways for Junior Regional Performance Squads and in Cheltenham Hockey Club’s U14 squad, with Sebastian Blake (3rd, BH) and Frankie Russell (3rd, S) qualifying for the National Finals for their age group.

The boys were also very fortunate to have two Beijing Olympians visit College for master-classes in differing aspects of the modern game: Ben Marsden, Head Coach of Wimbledon Hockey Club, focused on the attacking third and how to create scoring opportunities, and Simon Mantell spent the day working with the players on goal-scoring technique. Both players have represented England and Great Britain at every age group level, as well as both having experience of playing hockey overseas, so had much to share with the players.

The ISHL programme saw College involved in six titles heading into the last weekend of fixtures.

It was a great testament to how strong the club has become and the effort put in by the coaching teams and style of play executed by the players.

Three titles were secured: one for the 4th XI, and then the 3rd XI and Junior Colts A team, who were both unbeaten in winning their respective titles. The 2nd XI was third in their league – but only one point behind the winners; unfortunately the cancellation of the Marlborough College fixture robbed them of a chance to win the title.

Other notable positions in the leagues were a good third place for the Junior Colts C group and, although the Yearlings A team finished fourth, they did produce some notable performances in a 9-0 win over St Edward’s School, Oxford, and a 4-0 win over Bradfield College. The test for such a talented group is to find consistency in their play. Both the U14 and U16 teams were county runners up; unfortunately, because of injury and age restrictions, the U14 county squad was very different to its ISHL make up. Although that gave other players the opportunity to experience the knockout Cup games, they were not able to progress past the west preliminary finals.

House Pots always brings with it a new sense of drive and competitive edge for the players involved. Both Senior and Junior competitions were run on two pools of three and then crossover classification matches. The Junior competition was an extremely tight and tense affair but Christowe managed to come out on top over Newick House. At the Senior level, it was also very

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The 15 teams managed to complete 93 games through the term, recording a win/draw figure of 54%. The standard of play continued to increase and the levels of competition produced some very good matches and performances. Out of the 10 matches against St Edward’s School, Oxford, College managed seven wins and a draw. Pangbourne College forms part of the St Edward’s fixture and a notable achievement came from the 2nd XI, with a professional and clinical display away from home to beat Pangbourne’s 1st XI 62.

When playing Abingdon School, all Senior and Colts teams remained undefeated with wins for the 2nds, 3rds and Colts B teams, and creditable draws for the 1sts and Colts A team. One major highlight from the day was the Junior Colts B team managing to secure a 3-1 win. It was their final fixture of the season and a great reward for the squad, who had had a difficult season. The Wellington College block produced five wins and three draws. The 2nds again showed their worth with a 5-1 win, and the 3rds a 6-0 win, but the performance of the day went to the Yearlings B team, who produced a marvellous display in the

late game and a 2-1 away win. The 11 matches against Rugby School produced five wins and a draw. Within that fixture it was good to see both Colts teams do well away from home, especially the A team with a notable 3-2 win. Other standout performances came from the Junior Colts C team with a 4-2 score, and the Yearlings A team with a 4-1 win. But both teams were pipped by the 3rds for the outstanding display, as they defeated their counterparts with a comprehensive 13-1 score line. The Marlborough College fixture was split over two dates and the Senior and Colts matches had to be cancelled because of the flu outbreak at College, but within the Junior fixtures there were some good signs for the future. The Junior Colts A team produced a good display of counter-attack hockey and a 3-1 win, the Yearlings A team won 3-0 and the Yearlings B team put in their best display of the season in a hard-fought 2-2 draw.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the players involved. Their commitment to practices and their willingness to place themselves out of their comfort zones was a great credit to them and the results, at times, reflected that. Hockey remains in a good position at College and has much to look forward to in the future. One major reason is the work and effort put in by each member of

the Common Room to their respective team. It is a fantastic environment that the staff creates for their players and the boys responded to the challenges and excelled. Once again, my thanks to the coaches for their time spent out on the training paddock, umpiring their matches, and working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure College has 15 competitive teams out for their fixtures.

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intense, with Leconfield regaining the title from Boyne House. Both finals were decided by a single goal.

1st XI

Record: played 7; won 1; drew 2; lost 3; goals for 11; goals against 13; goal difference -2; Independent Schools’ Hockey League (ISHL) position: 6th James Palmer (L6, BH), Thomas Stanton (5th, H), Josh Dell (U6, H), Monty Chapman (Captain, U6, BH), Joshua Stanton (L6, NH), Alex Hewer (U6, S), Roger Mortimore (5th, S), Joe Warner (U6, S), Jamie Thorley (L6, BH), Max Dymoke (L6, NH), Jamie Orme (L6, S), Jono Jamieson-Black (L6, H), Frederick Foster (L6, NH), Oscar Butcher (4th, H), William Clayton (L6, H) Coaches: Mr Gwyn Williams with Mr Will Packer

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Preparations for the season started with an intense two-day training camp at College, staying at Christowe. My thanks go to Mr Jonathan Mace for allowing the boys to use the boarding house. The culmination of the camp was attending a festival held at Rugby School to play three games in a day.

That was a good test of the boys’ conditioning and also an opportunity for the group to put into practice the principles of play we wanted to instil for the term. The XI at times played some fantastic free-flowing hockey but also demonstrated their tenacity and willingness to play the game at a high intensity, both in offence and defence.

Their reward was to win the tournament, beating Rugby and Gresham’s Schools and drawing with Sherborne School.

Under Monty Chapman’s leadership, the squad were in buoyant mood heading into their first game in the ISHL against Radley College. The mood was reflected in their play and College went into half-time 2-1 up. Unfortunately, Radley hit back with two quick goals and a penalty stroke took the game away for the XI and resulted in a defeat, but there were certainly many positives to take from the match. Away to St Edward’s School, Oxford, was the next match and the team responded in the best possible manner: within the first two minutes of the game they were up 2-0 and were implementing the game plan to perfection.

Although St Edward’s pulled a goal back, the XI showed their resolve and managed to score again to ease the pressure and come out as deserved winners. A break from ISHL action and a return to Rugby School provided a close game that could have gone either way but was decided with a penalty corner in the dying minutes. The squad was very unlucky not to come out as victors.

Back into ISHL action, the last match before Half Term was against Wellington College. Unfortunately, a poor performance from the XI did not reflect the hockey they had been demonstrating in training.

Playing two of the top teams in the league, the run to the end of the term was very tough. A shaky start away to Bradfield College saw the team go down 0-2 and at half-time some honest conversations were had as a group and the boys went out to show their true capabilities and flipped the game on its head. With five minutes to go at 1-2 down, an extra forward was placed and from the resultant penalty corner the second goal was scored. The final score was a 2-2 draw. Penalty corners had been a strength for the squad and when they needed it the most, they delivered. A bout of flu took out the Marlborough College fixture but the squad carried the momentum through to their final match against Abingdon School. With both teams taking the initiative and the lead changing hands, it was a true battle. The hockey on display was of a high standard and, with only a minute to play, the XI were 3-2 up and looking to cement a well-deserved and famous victory. Unfortunately, a loss of concentration resulted in a turn-over and the boys conceded to see the final score line stand at 3- 3.

A pleasing aspect for the team was its strength and depth for such a young group (11 of the squad being available for next season) and how, at various stages of their matches, they had dominated play against three of the top schools in the ISHL. My thanks go firstly to the boys for trusting in the style of play we created and what we wanted them to do as players, for buying into what we as a group had decided to achieve for the term, and expressing themselves at both

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training and match day; secondly, to Monty and his leadership, ensuring the squad always kept up the intensity and enjoyment levels both on and off the pitch; and finally, to Mr Will Packer for his involvement as part of the XI. He brought much added value and a sense of stability and reflection when needed for both the boys and myself.

4th XI

Record: played 3; won 2; lost 1; goals for 10; goals against 1; goal difference 9

Full Colours: Monty Chapman; James Palmer; Josh Dell; Alex Hewer Half Colours: Roger Mortimore; Jono JamiesonBlack; Joe Warner Players’ Player: Roger Mortimore Clubman of the Year: Monty Chapman Coaches’ Player of the Year: Josh Dell England Hockey: Junior Regional Performance Centres, Tier 1: Harvey Edwards (4th, S), U17; Roger Mortimore (5th, S), U18 Wales U18: James Palmer U14 Club National Finalists - Cheltenham Hockey Club: Sebastian Blake (3rd, BH), Frankie Russell (3rd, S)

Independent Schools Hockey League (ISHL) Roll of Honour 2016:

3rd XI, 4th XI and Junior Colts A: Champions 2nd XI and Junior Colts C: Third place ISHL Super League: Fifth place

Freddie Lyle (Captain, U6, S), William Cresswell (L6, BH), Charles Tombleson (L6, H), Laurie Davies (L6, S), Jack Burns (L6, NH), Revie Wood (U6, H), Alex de Wesselow (U6, Xt), George Stubbs (L6, NH), Grigory Karagulakov (L6, Xt), Parth Patel (L6, H), Jeremy Wahome (L6, Xt), George SymesThompson (L6, BH) Coach: Mr Ben Rees Although this league did not contain as many teams as the other leagues, it still remained very competitive and required the 4th XI to be focused at all times. There were two standout performances. In their first competitive match of the season they set down their intentions for the season with a 7-0 win over Radley College, then backed that up with a 4-0 win over Bradfield College to secure their title.

Junior Colts A

Record: played 6; won 5; drew 1; goals for 20; goals against 5; goal difference 15

Selected reports below on the Champions:

3rd XI

Record: played 5; won 5; goals for 25; goals against 5; goal difference 20 Max Hickman (Captain, U6, H), Henry Kirk (U6, Xt), Benedict Frisby (L6, L), Thomas Maclaren (L6, S), James Battishill (U6, NH), Thomas Bond (U6, NH), George Cook (U6, Xt), Thomas Harney (U6, L), Harry James (U6, L), Barnaby Napier (U6, Xt), William Lait (L6, H), Fraser Neal (U6, H), Fabian Chess (U6, L), Guy Beynon (U6, Xt), Okker Leenart (U6, NH), Merlin Miller (L6, L) Coach: Mr Nick Nelson Averaging five goals per game at ISHL level, it was a fantastic season for one of the strongest 3rd XIs I have witnessed in recent years. A major strength of the squad was their free-flowing playing style and their ability to score when they needed to do so. It was a shame that they had two games cancelled that could have seen further domination in their league. Although they did not start in such flamboyant style, they soon got into their stride with comprehensive wins of 7-2 against St Edward’s School, Oxford, a 6-0 victory over Wellington College, and secured the title with a 4-1 win over Abingdon School. It was a marvellous term and a fantastic achievement to remain unbeaten not only in the ISHL but also in their other fixtures.

Squad: Ali Pearce (Captain, 4th, Xt), Jude Clayton (3rd, BH), Sebastian Lee (4th, NH), Robbie Carson (4th, S), Alexander Sharam (4th, NH), Max Pemberton (4th, H), Harvey Edwards (4th, S), Oliver Isherwood (4th, L), Ollie Frisby (4th, L), Jonnie Kite (4th, H), Jonnie Gunn (4th, BH), Angus Thomson (4th, NH) Coach: Miss Charli Roberts It was a tremendous term for this age group and a notable achievement not just to win their league but to do it as unbeaten champions. There is some talent within the group and the way they play, and four of them were even included in the U16 Cup squad. A sign of a good team is their consistency of form and the group demonstrated this throughout the term. At the start of the term the decision was made that one of their players was to be elevated to the 1st XI but that seemed to energise the group and bring them together. They BACK TO CONTENTS

England Hockey Junior Regional Performance Centres Tier 1: Max Pemberton (4th, H), U15 Oscar Butcher (4th, H), U16 Roger Mortimore (5th, S), U17

Mr Gwyn Williams

Girls Hockey

The summer months of 2015 saw a vast array of activity from College hockey.

There was the completion of our two new premier astro-turf surfaces; 18 hockey players went on tour to Malaysia; Head of Hockey, Gwyn Williams, worked with Wales U18 Boys at the European Championships in Calais; and was then joined by James Palmer (L6, BH) for the UK School Games in Manchester.

The tour to Malaysia proved to be a great success, not only in terms of the hockey played, with the girls winning 4 and drawing 1 out of their 6 matches but also in the experiences and memories that the girls brought home. Their matches and training were held in the hockey stadia, including an evening match in Ipoh at the 15,000 seater Azlan Shah Stadium. Off the field the girls were able to sample the delights of this vibrant country as well as develop a link with a Tamil school in Ipoh. The girls were able to donate some hockey sticks and equipment for the school hockey programme and also a selection of books to expand their school library. The girls were also very fortunate to be hosted at a reception especially for them by an array of Old Cheltonians in Kuala Lumpur at the Royal Selangor Golf Club. My thanks must go to Miss Charli Roberts and Mrs Alexandra Eldred for all their help with the tour and also to Mrs

Christiane Dickens for her involvement in the OC event out there.

On arrival back to the UK, pre-season soon arrived and a buoyant mood continued in the club from the tour. The 1st XI girls were able to experience a day of coaching with Georgie Twigg (England and Great Britain) on their three day camp, whilst the other age group teams benefitted from a day of coaching from Hollie Webb (England and Great Britain). Both players had just returned from winning a Gold medal at the European Championships with England. The 1st XI and Junior A teams also benefitted from coaching sessions from current Great Britain international Chris Griffiths, former Olympian Ben Marsden as well as a specific goalkeeping session run by former Welsh International Lee Ible.

Girls hockey was once again able to field 13 teams and completed 121 fixtures, of which there were 48 wins and 15 draws, giving the club as a whole a positive result outcome of 52%. In addition to the fixtures, the U16 and U14 teams competed in the inaugural ISHL 6s competition. In the national competitions the U18 got through to the West preliminary finals.

Both the U16 and U14 teams got through to their West finals, though unfortunately they did not manage to get out of their pool stages. All girls that were involved in hockey managed to represent their House in the Pots competition in which each House fielded two teams in each competition. In the Seniors Pots, Queens were the winners, whilst Chandos won the Plate Competition. In the Junior Pots, Westal managed to do the double in winning the main and Plate Competition.

The first fixture of the season was St Edward’s School, Oxford and with 7 wins out of the 11 matches, including a win for all Yearling teams (with two 4-0 wins and a 3-0 win recorded), the club certainly started well. A memorable day was had also by Meg Knight (3rd, Q) who scored a hat-trick in her College debut. The Colts A team also demonstrated their worth with a solid 4-2 win. There were some good performances in a strong Wellington block, which saw results for the Colts A team, with a 5-3 win and the 4ths producing a credible 6-1 scoreline. All credit must go to the girls in terms of how they responded to these defeats and Bloxham

School and Dean Close School certainly felt the backlash! Only one loss was suffered to Bloxham School in the seven matches. The Yearlings A produced a stellar performance to win 5-1 whilst the 1st and 2nd XIs demonstrated their strength in play, with a 5-0 and 7-0 win respectively.

Although the first game against Dean Close School was cancelled, the rest of the Senior teams either won or drew their games and the Colts A team once again proved their worth with a 4-0 win. Finally, the Yearlings B team emerged with a strong 5-1 win.

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started with a bang and defeated Radley College 4-0. That was no fluke and was backed up with a comprehensive 6-0 win over Bradfield College.

Going into the Marlborough College fixture there was a great sense of confidence in the club. However, again, although there were some good performances on show, only the 5ths, Colts A and Yearlings A teams managed to secure a result, with a 3-3 and 1-1 draws respectively. The same can be said for the Rugby School fixture, where only three teams were able to produce performances that produced results: the 2nd XI won 4-0, the Colts A team drew 2-2 and it was nice to see an away team victory with the Junior Colts C team, who won 1-0. In some tough matches in the previous weeks, the girls knew they had not played to their potential and the mood changed for the Malvern College fixture.

Of the nine matches, there were wins for the 2nds, 3rds, a considerable win of 6-0 for the 4ths, 5-0 for the Junior Colts B team and again the Junior Colts C team produced another sterling show with a 4-1 win. The Yearlings A team drew 1-1.

Playing Repton School has always presented a unique challenge for the girls and one that they responded to. Unfortunately, in miserable conditions, only the 3rds and 4ths were able to get wins at home and it was left once again to Mrs Rebecca Mace and her Junior Colts C team to bring some sunshine with a very credible 2-1 away win. Yet, only losing one match in five against Cheltenham Ladies’ College and one match in nine with Clifton College, the girls showed their true worth in their next two fixtures. The Yearlings A and B teams took centre stage with considerable 4-0 and 5-0 wins. The Emily Sumaria Memorial Match, the annual match between the 1st XI of Cheltenham Ladies’ College and College 1st XI and held in her name, was itself a true testament to how Emily would have played the game; with spirit and intensity.

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College hosted this year, with an evening game that proved to be a great success and the 1st XI raised their game for the occasion to win a closefought battle 2-1.

win. After the joys of the previous week, the fixture proved to be a slightly damp squib for the Junior section, as only the Junior Colts B team managed a win, with a 6-1 score line.

The Clifton College fixture demonstrated how far all the teams had progressed over the season with their hockey, as they dominated the fixture. All the Yearlings teams won, with Meg Knight (3rd, Q) again scoring a hat-trick in their very intense 3-2 win. The B team produced their best performance of the season with a 4-1 win and the C team came away with a 4-0 win. The 2nds and 4ths both drew 2-2 and the 3rds won 2-0. In addition, both the Junior Colts A and B teams won, as did the Colts A team in their final game of the season. The final fixture of the term was Bradfield College and, with all four teams winning, the Seniors were the teams taking the lead. It was great for the 1st XI, who had had a torrid term, to finish on a high with a 4-3 win to go alongside a 5-0 win for the 2nds, 3-0 for the 3rds and the 4ths completing the sweep with a 3-2

I would like to use this opportunity to thank all the players and especially the hockey staff for all their effort over the term. At training and on match day they have a willingness to go that extra mile, ensuring the girls are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential as well as to enjoy their hockey experience here at College. The girls and I are very fortunate to have such a passionate and committed team of hockey staff backing us all the way.

1st XI

Record: played 10; won 3; lost 7; goals for 19; goals against 24; goal difference -5, ISHL position: 4th

Mr Gwyn Williams

Yvie Seville (Captain, U6, Ch), Charlotte Ball (L6, Ch), Arabella Knowles (U6, A), Antonia Stuckey (U6, Q), Zara Wynne (L6, Q), Jemma Robson (L6, W), Millie Broom (L6, W), Araminta Lawson-Smith (U6, Ch), Ella Mayes (L6, A), Emily Drysdale (4th, W), Georgina Blumer (U6, Ch), Sophie Baillie-Hamilton (L6, Q), India Blake (L6, Q), Emily Campbell (L6, Ch), Jamie Chadwick (U6, Ch) Coaches: Mrs Rebecca Faulkner and Miss Charli Roberts The 2015 season started with Georgie Twigg, Olympic Gold Medallist, leading an inspirational yet demanding day of pre-season training.

Her messages were key: ‘train hard, be brave and work together’. Looking at the statistics for the season, one could think it was less than successful considering the win/loss ratio. In terms of outcome, that would be correct, but when we consider performance and individual development, then the story is much brighter.

In sport, games can be won or lost by narrow margins and in five of their matches, the girls lost narrowly by one goal. With two defeats in the first two matches, the girls were determined to show that they could play hockey to win and able to convert opportunities.

Having had so many opportunities, the girls were beginning to doubt themselves. Yet, a very

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The defensive pack of Antonia Stuckey, Jemma Robson, Zara Wynne and Georgina Blumer worked tirelessly throughout every match to defend their goal and move on the ball. The game against Cheltenham Ladies’ College was an important turning point and it certainly helped to have a supportive crowd behind them. A first goal for Emily Campbell was quickly followed by a superb short corner conversion from India Blake. A 2-1 victory confirmed the coaches’ belief and their knowledge that the girls were a good side. The final game of the season was rewarded with another victory: 4-3 over Bradfield. With our fourth goal being scored in the last few minutes of the game and then Bradfield being awarded a penalty corner in the final minute, there was no doubt that the girls played their hearts out right until the end.

The girls never made life easy for themselves.

Looking at the overall picture, every single one of them developed as a hockey player, both physically and mentally. At times they demonstrated some of the best hockey I have seen at College but unfortunately that was not always the case on match day. The ethos surrounding the club is improving and the girls now understand that there is no short cut to success; training is playing. In her fourth year in the XI, the leadership, passion and drive from Captain Yvie Seville was first class; she was a

superb role model for the team and an excellent ambassador for the club. The girls who leave us after years of service to the club, both on and off the pitch, have certainly taken the team forward and now leave a challenge for those left to take on their mantle and ensure they inspire the next generation of 1st XI players.

title with a resounding 5-0 win. What a great way for Mr Tom Carpenter to end his Girls Hockey days at College!

Colours re-awarded to Yvie Seville Full Colours: Jamie Chadwick, India Blake, Millie Broom, Antonia Stuckey

Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

Jemma Robson

aISHL Roll of Honour 2015:

Half Colours: Araminta Lawson-Smith, Arabella Knowles

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impressive 5-0 win against Bloxham School lifted their spirits and reinforced that they can play a good standard of hockey when it all comes together. Emily Drysdale scored two of the five goals and proved to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, despite hard graft and superb defending, there were more defeats: to Marlborough College, Wellington College and Repton School. The latter was particularly frustrating, as the girls held a 0-1 score line throughout the whole second half, to avoid the current national champions scoring a second goal. The Repton coach commented afterwards, ‘We were rattled there; you put us under a lot of pressure.’ Although that did not comfort some upset and disappointed girls, it did reflect the season and the hard work and dedication put in by so many of the squad.

Players’ Player: Jemma Robson Club Player of the Year: Yvie Seville Coaches’ Player of the Year: Antonia Stuckey

2nd XI: Champions 3rd XI: Runners Up

England Hockey Junior Regional Performance Centres Tier 1:

Junior Colts C: Third

Emily Drysdale U15

ISHL Super League: Third

Millie Broom U17

Selected report below for the Champions:

Jemma Robson and India Blake U18

2nd XI

Record: played 5; won 3; drew 1; lost 1; goals for 15; goals against 5; goal difference 10

Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

Netball 1st VII

Record: played 7; won 3; drew 2; lost 2

Leonara McCaldin (Captain, U6, A) and Annabel Mundy (Captain, U6, A), Jessica Powell (U6, W), Isabelle Winstanley (U6, Q), Lily Stewart (L6, A), Jess Ottley-Woodd (U6, Q), Georgina Blumer (U6, Ch), Eleanor JonesPerrott, (L6, A), Sophie Mathews (U6, A), Florence Channing (L6, W), Rheanna Hopkins (L6, Q), Mimi Haycraft Mee (U6, Q), Genevieve James (U6, Q), Tara Percival (L6, Ch), Emily Campbell (L6, Ch), Ella Mayes (L6, A), AnneMarie Bowring (U6, Q) Coach: Mr Tom Carpenter Securing their ISHL title was a fantastic achievement by the 2nd XI and to do so in such a dramatic fashion was a true testament to the positive way the girls had played throughout the term in all their fixtures. With five of this squad at some stage playing for the XI, the term saw some movement of players. The team got off to a tremendous start to the season by being unbeaten in their first three games: a scrappy 2-1 win over St Edward’s School, Oxford, followed by a frustrating away draw at Wellington College and then a compelling 7-0 victory over Bloxham School. Unfortunately, a 3-0 loss to Marlborough College put a dent in their title hopes, as this put both teams at the top going into the last set of matches. Whilst Marlborough succumbed to the pressure and lost their final match, the College 2nd XI rose to the challenge and secured the

Jessica Powell (Captain, U6, W), Yvie Seville (Vice-captain, U6, Ch), Louise Hall (5th, W), Zara Wynne (L6, Q), Holly Graveney (L6, A), India Blake (L6, Q), Juliette Lamden (L6, Q), Annabel Mundy (U6, A), Anne-Marie Bowring (U6, Q) The 1st team selection saw a fairly new squad come together and included a mixture of athletes from the Fifth Form through to the Upper Sixth. Facing Clifton College in their first match of the season, the 1st VII started nervously against a physical and strong side, who chased down every ball. College found themselves four goals down and did well to stay composed.

They came back determined in the second half and drew the game 22 goals each. Their next fixture was a double header, at home, against Bromsgrove School and Malvern College.

College certainly began to dominate and took an exciting 2115 victory over Bromsgrove with some great passages of play, particularly in the second half. Outstanding shooting provided

by Zara Wynne and Louise Hall helped secure the win. Their fixture with Malvern continued in much the same way and, defensively, College really stepped up with Anne-Marie Bowring turning over many interceptions to produce a stunning performance. India Blake connected

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well through the court in her new position at Centre. That helped them secure their second victory of the day by 18 goals to 8.

Their next two fixtures, against the Royal Grammar School (RGS), Worcester and St Edward’s School, Oxford, saw two losses, 1316 and 1732 respectively.

With both sides playing consistent netball, they were both tough and competitive games. Facing Rugby School next, College knew the match would be extremely tough and challenging.

They started the game with confidence and this enabled them to take an early lead, leaving Rugby stunned. Defensively, the unit of Yvie, Anne-Marie and Annabel Mundy continually pressured Rugby and their 6’0” shooter and, with all three taking many interceptions, provided opportunities for our shooters, who converted consistently. Rugby had the advantage of being on home turf and fought back hard; in the last remaining seconds of the game they equalised to pull off a 27-goal draw. Demonstrating exciting netball end to end, this was one of the best-contested games that the College team produced in the season.

Bradfield College was the final game of the season and it proved to be another nail-biting game.

India contested well at Centre against a fast and talented Bradfield player whilst, in attack, the mixed combinations of Holly Graveney and Juliette Lamden kept the shooters well fed. Captain Jess at GK turned on the pressure at the back end and stole some well-timed interceptions. Although Bradfield hit back hard to close the gap, College ran out winners by 30 goals to 29.

The squad grew in confidence and skill throughout the season and, surpassing expectations and earning some amazing victories and draws, they should be very proud of their results and achievements. With five of the nine players remaining at College, it bodes well for the College 1st team next season.

Miss Gilly Salter (Coach)

2nd VII

Record: played 9; won 2; lost 7

Georgina Blumer (U6, Ch), Florence Channing (L6, W), Lavinia Fairlie (L6, W), Rheanna Hopkins (L6, Q), Arabella Knowles (U6, A), Araminta Lawson-Smith (U6, Ch), Sophie Mathews (U6, A), Ella Mayes (L6, A), Leonora McCaldin (U6, A) The first fixture of the season was against Clifton College. The girls played well and narrowly missed out on the win. There was some great fast-flowing netball but unfortunately we were playing too fast and making poor decisions, which inevitably lost us the game. More control and better decision-making was the focus for the following week of training.

The next fixture was a triangular against Malvern College and Bromsgrove School. The team had a great start, beating Malvern 24-6. They put everything that we had worked on in training into the fixture. After a break, the girls played Bromsgrove and came close to beating them but a lack of composure through court resulted in the team being unable to convert turnovers.

However, the following week, that loss was soon forgotten as the girls played in a nail-biting game against Wycliffe College. In the final quarter we were goal for goal until the final minute, when we went a goal up. All that was left for the girls to do was to keep control and maintain possession of the ball. In a frantic final minute, with some interesting play by both teams, the 2nd VII managed to hold on to their one-goal lead and came out the winners.

We were not so fortunate in the next two fixtures.

The Royal Grammar School, Worcester had a tall shooter whom we struggled to mark effectively and our defence through court was not as effective as it had been in previous weeks. The following week we played St Edward’s School, Oxford, and were unlucky to lose against them.

After the Half Term holiday, we had two tough fixtures: Rugby School and Bradfield College. The girls were challenged and played some of their best netball of the season but the other teams were stronger and more consistent.

Overall, the girls had a mixed season but they showed great spirit and work ethic in all of their training sessions and fixtures. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching them and for the Upper Sixth who are moving on, I wish them the best of luck in the future.

Miss Betsy Willey (Coach)

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Record: played 8: won 7; lost 1

Jess Ottley-Woodd (Captain, U6, Q), Chloe Holliday (U6, Q), Tara Percival (L6, Ch), India Kirkness (L6, Ch), Eleanor Jones-Perrott (L6, A), Joanna White (L6, Ch), Tashia Suleyman (U6, Q), Harriet White (L6, Ch), Mimi Haycraft Mee (U6, Q), Genevieve James (U6, Q) From a coaching and personal point of view, the 2016 netball season was brilliant fun and full of

rewards, including plenty of half-time sweets.

The feeling of cohesion, evident from the start of the term, made the team a pleasure to coach.

Jess Ottley-Woodd’s collaborative, motivational and reliable leadership style helped to generate a positive feeling and competitive team spirit.

Great results and a fabulous atmosphere are the standout features of the season.

The season commenced with a resounding fivematch run of victories. Our first fixture was against Clifton College and the team won 23-8. It was a particularly impressive victory as not everyone yet knew each other. Matches two and three formed a triangular fixture against Malvern College and Bromsgrove School. The scores were 24-6 and 13-10 respectively. The fourth match, a midweek fixture at home against Wycliffe College, was won easily 31-11. This victory was followed only a few days later by another of 26‑11 against the Royal Grammar School, Worcester, in front of a crowded College Sports Hall.

was building. It was sadly not to be as we lost 14-25 away at St Edward’s School, Oxford, on the Thursday afternoon. The most frustrating thing about the defeat was that we were, on a skills level, the better team. Half Term fatigue (or perhaps Half Term-itis) had got the better of us. Happily, the break did what it should and we regained our winning form. Rugby School was dispatched, 30-20, in an impressive and competitive match. Tara Percival fell during the third quarter but valiantly played on; she learned the next day that she had broken her wrist, which put her out for the rest of the season. Our last fixture was a hard-fought friendly against Bradfield College. After such a great season, the victory of 24-20 was fully deserved.

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3rd VII

Mrs Alexandra Eldred (Coach)

4th VII

Record: played 6; won 6

By the week before the Half Term holiday we were feeling confident: our spirits buoyed by our successes and the hope of an unbeaten season

Sophie Baillie-Hamilton (L6, Q), Charlotte Ball (L6, Ch), Georgina Hacker (U6, Ch), Jemma Keefe (L6, Ch), Jasmine Murphy (L6, Ch), Zoe Robbins (L6, A), Taya Sellers (U6, W), Emily Wilford (U6, W), Milly Fair (L6, A), Leah Shiu (L6, A) An unbeaten season! Opening with a resounding 30-8 win against Clifton College, fantastic performance after fantastic performance ensued from the team. Wins against Bromsgrove School, St Edward’s School, Oxford, and Bradfield College showed a level of creativity in their play, with some fast-paced centre court action and a strong work ethic within the girls. Although with nail-biting play right down to the final few minutes, the challenging match against Rugby School eventually saw the team gain a margin of three goals. They were clearly determined to win, but not at all self-absorbed in doing so; each member of the team, from defence to attack, looked to support one another. The team also proved versatile in position, with outstanding shooters being prepared to play in defence positions and centre court players showing themselves to be strong in the circle.

The girls were clearly not interested in gaining individual status through their play but were genuinely looking out for one another. Most notably, throughout the season, they remained gracious in victory and demonstrated excellent sporting play.

Mrs Rebecca Mace (Coach)

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5th VII

Record: played 2; won 0; lost 2

The girls should take great pride in their overall performance. They worked with commitment and enthusiasm throughout the season and their team spirit and exemplary attitude is a credit to all of them.

Mrs Phoebe Aitken (Coach)

6th VII

Record: played 1, drew 0, lost 1

whom should be aiming to play in higher teams next season.

Although the statistical summary of the season left a lot to be desired, the team can be proud of the united and enthusiastic way they approached their netball; they were a joy to work with. With a number of Lower Sixth in the squad, we should be well placed to avenge our narrow defeat to Rugby when we reconvene in Spring 2017.

Mr Andrew Straiton (Coach)

Colts A

Record: played 8; won 5; drew 1; lost 2 Poppy Alltimes (U6, A), Jaime Carter (5th, A), Isla Flint (5th, A), Lucinda Gardiner (5th, Ch), Lucy Kirkpatrick (L6, A), Laura Morris (5th, W), Kiara Munn (L6, Ch), Georgina Pinchard (5th, Ch), Isabelle Stannett (L6, A), Olivia Talbot Rice (5th, A), Grace Wackett (5th, W) The team’s first fixture away against Rugby School was late on in the season and saw Kiara Munn representing College at Netball for the first time.

The squad gelled immediately and good team play was evident but Rugby’s excellent goal scorers outclassed us. Grace Wackett, Isabelle Stannett and Jaime Carter played extremely well in the centre, getting the ball powerfully and swiftly up the court. The girls kept their heads high on a very cold day and persevered throughout the game.

The final fixture against Bradfield College, at home, was energetic and involved plenty of end-toend play. Lucinda Gardiner defended the centre of the court, confidently keeping the Bradfield Wing Attack out of the game. Georgina Pinchard, Lucy Kirkpatrick and Poppy Alltimes defended extremely well, ensuring the Bradfield shooters found it difficult to find the net. Despite successful shooting by Olivia Talbot Rice and Jaime, Bradfield emerged victorious.

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Charlotte Jones (Captain, L6, Ch), Jess Steel (5th, Q), Alicia Burd (L6, Q), Rosie Mahoney (L6, Ch), Ankita Mediratta (L6, W), Chanelle Moller (5th, A), Vivi Radway (L6, Ch), Adelaide Shields (U6, W), Catriona Zimmern (L6, Ch) After several cancellations, the team only played one match during the season. A strong College performance resulted in an agonisingly close defeat to Rugby School’s 7th VII. Ankita Mediratta was exceptional that day, working tirelessly to limit the efforts of a very physical Rugby shooter.

Although the training squad was much larger, the team was led through the captaincy of Charlotte Jones, who was excellent in a range of mid-court positions. She was ably supported by Vicecaptain Jess Steel, who was a highly-effective and aggressive presence in defence. Elsewhere, Rosie Mahoney, Alicia Burd and Vivi Radway combined to form an impressive attacking triumvirate, all of

Phoebe Janes (5th, W), Sascha Taylor (5th, Ch), Martha Elliott (5th, W), Amber Beachus (5th, W), Maddie Moorsom (5th, Ch), Stephanie Symcox (5th, Q), Cordelia Shorthouse (5th, A), Georgie Baillie-Hamilton (5th, Q) The team started the season with a one-goal victory over Clifton College. Despite it being early in the year, the girls showed real determination in what was a close goal-for-goal match and, with tight marking down court, managed to secure the win.

The next match was against Malvern College, in which the girls took a storming victory of 32-1.

With numerous defensive interceptions, the match

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The only draw of the season came against Wycliffe College’s talented U16 A squad, who were preparing for the South-West Regional tournament that weekend. Despite the narrow score line, the girls played with great determination, with centre court players moving the ball well. They were unfortunate with the result against a strong and experienced team.

Arguably the best match of the season was against the Royal Grammar School, Worcester, where the girls played some outstanding netball leading to a 25-14 goal victory. With a few positions changed, the girls adapted extremely well and worked in their units to put great pressure on the opposition. The ball moved efficiently down court with very few self-inflicted errors and every opportunity being taken to take the ball to goal. Their teamwork was exemplary, with excellent communication bringing about some great tips from all players. Another strong performance was against St Edward’s School, Oxford, with a victory of 28-23.

With a squad of seven, the first loss of the season came against Rugby School. Even though some great netball was played, College were outperformed by a taller, stronger team, the final score being 15-26. The last fixture of the season saw the girls play Bradfield College in a friendly match. Although the final score was a 22-30 loss, the girls played with outstanding skill and circle defenders Phoebe Janes and Sascha Taylor played some fantastic netball, turning the ball again and again.

In all, the girls had a truly commendable season and were a pleasure to coach.

Miss Anna Martin (Coach)

Junior Colts A

Record: played 6; won 5; drew 1

Paige Baker (4th, A), Annabelle Rigg (4th, Q), Kaela Wilson (4th, Ch), Florence Needham (4th, W), Holly Keefe (4th, Ch), Abby Aitken (4th, Ch), Olivia Mitchell (4th, W), Emily Drysdale (4th, W) Captained by Florence Needham, who was a fantastic role model and leader, the team demonstrated a huge amount of determination to achieve in all matches. Winning five out of six games and displaying a real sense of pride

in developing their game, they managed to score a total of 145 goals and only conceded 83.

Both Annabelle Rigg and Paige Baker worked excellently as shooters, with mid-court being dominated by Olivia Mitchell, Florence Needham and Kaela Wilson. The defenders, Emily Drysdale, Holly Keefe and Abby Aitken, improved every game, gaining a better understanding of how to limit the amount of space to give the shooters.

A match that stands out from the rest is the 22-21 win over Rugby School. The team never gave up and all the fitness and hard work in training paid off. They finished the season at the May Dent Tournament, where they played with flair and just missed out in getting to the final by one goal. It was a great season with some very talented and hard-working girls.

Mrs Annette Poulain (Coach)

Junior Colts B

Record: played 8; won: 2; lost; 6

Honor McFarlane (Captain, 4th, W), Verity Peterken (4th, W), Annabella Bifulco (4th, Q), Ellie Davies (4th, Q), Yasmin Mayes (4th, A), Georgina Grimwade (4th, A), Romy Bodington (4th, A), Holly Keefe (4th, Ch), Isabella Barber (4th, A), Phoebe Barnes (4th, Q) For a team that showed so much potential and included some able netballers, the results of the season seem a little unfair. In summary, the girls won two of their eight fixtures, with many of the defeats being by just a couple of goals.

The shooting combination of Verity Peterken, Honor McFarlane and Annabella Bifulco was useful but at times a little inconsistent. They lacked the necessary height needed for shooters, especially when against some six foot tall GKs! The defence was strong and worked tirelessly to turn over balls and make successful interceptions. Holly Keefe’s promotion to the A team left Phoebe Barnes and Isabella Barber working hard against the strong opposition of Rugby School and Bradfield College, who had a 100% shooting statistic. Romy Bodington, Ellie Davies, Yasmin Mayes and Georgina Grimwade showed some pleasing performances in centre court. Individually they all made significant improvements but together they still looked as if they were running erratically around the court each weekend. Spatial awareness and timing was not always their forte! Their team spirit was commendable and, despite losing most of their matches, they stayed positive and enjoyed the competitiveness that comes with school fixtures.

Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

Junior Colts C

Record: played 6; won 5; lost 1

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showed the team reacting to turnovers and carrying the ball through court. The match against Bromsgrove School showcased the squad’s ability to effortlessly move the ball down court; with some clinical finishing from shooters Cordelia Shorthouse (GA) and Georgie BaillieHamilton (GS), they won 20-6.

Olivia Ladkin (4th, Ch), Caroline Daly (4th, W), Hattie Prothero (4th, Q), Octavia Slatter (4th, W), Annabel Slatter (4th, A), Isabella Channing (4th, W), Emma Hechle (4th, W), Georgia Mitchell (4th, Q), Rebecca Smith (4th, A) The team had an incredibly successful season, winning all of their matches bar one, and this was a narrow loss by just one goal. Throughout the season the girls worked hard, whatever the weather, and went from strength to strength.

A particular highlight was seeing the girls neck and neck against Malvern College in a triangular tournament with Bromsgrove School, until the third quarter, when the rain started to get the better of us. Going into the final quarter eight goals behind fired the girls up and it was fantastic to see their determination and focus.

The girls’ hard work was rewarded and they fully deserved their win by two goals. It was an amazing achievement and one I do not think they realised they were capable of! Special mention must go to Emma Hechle for her leadership and superbly consistent shooting every week. As the season progressed, they pulled together as a team and individually improving their netball skills significantly. It was a pleasure to coach the girls and I thank them for their enthusiasm.

Miss Robyn Stovold (Coach)

Yearlings A

Record: played 9; won 6; lost 3

Katya Jennings (Captain, 3rd, Ch), Jennifer Carson (3rd, A), Honor Skelding (3rd, A), Meg Knight (3rd, Q), Georgia Jones-Perrott (3rd, W), Jemima Rees (3rd, A), Abbie Whybrow (3rd, Q), Megan Message (3rd, Q), Beth Jenkins (3rd, Q) The netball season started in November for the Yearlings A team with the Gloucestershire County Tournament at Cheltenham Ladies’ BACK TO CONTENTS

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College. The girls won their group convincingly with wins against Katharine Lady Berkeley’s School 10-1, The Cotswold School 8-0, Cheltenham Bournside School 11-2 and the High School for Girls, Gloucester 10-2. This moved them comfortably into the quarter-finals. There the girls played a tough Stroud High School team but won 7-4. The semi-finals saw them face Dean Close School and the girls dug deep to come out victorious with a 6-3 win. In the final they faced Wycliffe College, who have a number of talented club players, but College played fluid netball and won 8-3. Reaching the finals secured the girls a spot at the South-West Regional finals at the end of January.

After productive pre-season training, the team were ready to continue their winning streak into the Spring Term. The season began with a home game against Clifton College. The opposition were physical and strong and the team struggled to keep their heads up as the match remained slightly in Clifton’s favour for the first half of the match. Some much-needed ‘tough love’ at halftime saw the team come out fighting and they surged into a lead from which Clifton could not recover, winning 25-17.

A double header against Bromsgrove School and Malvern College was the next fixture. Against Bromsgrove the girls lost confidence and let a few more challenging players get into their heads, losing 12-24. However, a big 20-13 win against Malvern saw them come back into their own and some fantastic netball was played.

The following week was the big run-up to regionals and so we played County Tournament finalists Wycliffe College in a friendly warm-up match. As coach, I was able to play with some combinations and see what worked against different players. A close game followed but we maintained our top spot with a 22-19 win.

On 30 January the team travelled the long way down to Cornwall to play in the South West Regional finals at Cambourne and they knew it would be a tough day. We started in the rain and played against teams in our group about which we knew little. Tight wins kept us on our toes against South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, Parkstone Grammar School, Poole, Truro School and The Maynard School, Exeter, and put us in a good position for the semi-finals. However, an exceptionally talented, and tall (and eventual regional and national winners) Millfield School team put an end to our winning streak. We moved into our final group game against King Edward’s School, Bath, with the promise of a semi-final place if we won. The game was neck and neck from start to finish and only a final goal, almost as the whistle went, saw us progress to the semi-finals. There the girls took on a strong Marlborough College side and unfortunately the mistakes crept into our game as fatigue started to hit and we lost out on our place at nationals by a whisker. The day was a fantastic experience for all girls involved and made more special by the support from parents, who had travelled the four hours to join us for the day. It was the furthest any U14 netball squad has ever got in this national tournament and an achievement for which all the girls in the squad should be very proud.

Back at College, training continued and we shuffled the team about because of Goal Keeper Abbie Whybrow’s ankle injury, sustained in

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Cornwall. Jennifer Carson demonstrated her flexibility and rotated from her usual GA position into the defensive circle along with Jemima Rees and Meg Knight. A tough match against Royal Grammar School (RGS), Worcester followed but the girls had not quite recovered from the previous weekend or settled into the new team structure.

They worked hard in training to rectify the errors being made and some work on moving the ball through court made a huge difference in the next match against St Edward’s School, Oxford, where they won 33-7 and were able to swap the team about completely in the final half of the match.

The following weekend the squad travelled to Bromsgrove School for their annual U14 tournament. It was always going to be a competitive day with some big netball schools present such as Repton School, Uppingham School, Oundle School, Rugby School, Bromsgrove School and RGS, Worcester. Our group matches started with big wins over Denstone College and the 2013/2014 winners, King’s High School for Girls, Warwick. Unfortunately, in the third match, the team were unable to contain Oundle with their severe height advantage in the shooting circle. College came back fighting in the final matches, beating RGS Worcester, Bablake School, Coventry, and Rugby School in close games. We progressed to the semi-finals in second place, facing the Group A winners, Bromsgrove, to whom we had lost heavily earlier in the season. At the final whistle the teams were 8-8, meaning extra time was played to decide the winner. The girls increased the intensity of play and came out the winners to progress to the final.

There Oakham School was the opponent and the girls dominated the game, steadily increasing their lead from half-time. At full-time we were three goals ahead and the tournament winners.

Captain Katya Jennings was outstanding throughout the afternoon; leading the squad by example and playing out of position when Jenny Carson was injured. Centre court players Meg Knight and Honor Skelding worked tirelessly to get the ball from defence through to the shooters and Honor’s defence and feeds into the circle in the WA position was outstanding all day. This earned her Coach’s Player of the tournament.

The final match of the season saw a flu-recovering team, without their flu-suffering coach, travel to Bradfield College. Disrupted training in the previous week and girls’ lower than normal energy levels, meant they struggled to maintain pressure against a very strong Bradfield side and lost 28-34.

I was so fortunate to coach such a talented, upbeat and motivated team. Every girl progressed so much, with some having played little netball before coming to College. The outstanding defence of Abbie Whybrow overturning so many balls and the steadiness of Meg Knight in the centre, helped move the ball through the court and into the shooting circle. Katya Jennings was flawless all season and her shooting statistics were over 90% in the majority of games. Player of the Season went to Katya Jennings and Most Improved Player went to Honor Skelding.

With three of the squad playing in the U14 Regional League for Hucclecote Netball Club, and Meg Knight being the youngest player selected for England Netball’s U17 Regional Academy, the future of College Netball is incredibly exciting!

Miss Poppy Hoskins (Coach)

Yearlings B

Record: played 8; won 4; lost 4 Tabby Barnes (3rd, Q), Olivia Elliot (3rd, A), Yuriko Fukuda (3rd, A), Charlotte Maddinson (3rd, Q), Georgie Maclaren (3rd, Q), Taya Suleyman (3rd, Q), Cassia Thynne (3rd, Ch), India Turner (3rd, W) The season started strongly with an excellent 23-9 victory over Clifton College. The girls worked well in their first competitive match together and produced some lovely passages of play, both in attack and defence. Full of confidence, the girls headed away for a double-headed fixture against Malvern College and Bromsgrove School. There were some super passages of play and, in the final quarter of the second match, the attacking tactics really started to gel. However, time was not on the girls’ side and they lost both matches by just one goal. The team returned to winning ways for the next three fixtures, achieving convincing victories over Wycliffe College, Royal Grammar School, Worcester and St Edward’s School, Oxford. Unfortunately, the season ended with defeats against Rugby School and Bradfield College, where the girls could not find their earlier attacking pizzazz and were affected by the loss of key players. Congratulations to Yuriko Fukuda, who was awarded Player of the Match a number of times over the season for her hard-working performances as Goal Attack. Taya Suleyman and Tabby Barnes also deserve recognition for their tireless performances in defence, especially in the final two fixtures. The team has a great deal of potential and should go from strength to strength in the coming years.

Miss Claire Rowland (Coach)

Yearlings C

Record: played 6; won 2; lost 4 Emily Aitken (3rd, Ch), Lily Cutts (3rd, Q), Mia Naylor (3rd, Ch), Arabella Hoodless (3rd, A), Maja Matschey (3rd, Q), Bella Wilkinson (3rd, Q), Marina Pitman (3rd, A), Mary Foster (3rd, W), Matilda Dunkerton-Bennett (3rd, Q), Jemima Piggott (3rd, W), Sanaya Gheewala (3rd, W) The team found it a challenging season in many ways as they came up against some tough opposition. However, they always demonstrated great resilience and determination and showed an overwhelming team spirit and support for each other in all the matches they played. The season started with a good 14-9 win against Clifton College. With the centre court players linking well with the shooters and the defence standing firm in the face of strong attacks from Clifton, this was a great result for the team and one that was deserved. In the triangular match against Malvern College and Bromsgrove School the team was unlucky to lose both games by two goals; they were very close matches, which could have gone either way. The next match, against St Edward’s School, Oxford, was probably the best game of the season, with the team playing some very good netball to win a convincing 28-10. The defence were strong, despite the fact that we had different girls than usual playing Goal Keeper and Goal Defence. The mid-court players and the shooters dominated the attacking third of the court, moving the ball with purpose and showing accuracy when shooting. With both Rugby School

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Mrs Kate Hornsby (Coach)

Yearlings D

Record: played 6; won 1; lost 5 Bridget Fong (3rd, A), Molly Sanders (3rd, Ch), Min Pantisoontorn (3rd, Ch), Miu Pantisoontorn (3rd, W), Claudia Conquero (3rd, Ch), Stephanie Wong (3rd, W), Bibi LewinSanderson (3rd, Ch), Violet Shorthouse (3rd, A) The season started with a match against Clifton College. Despite the disappointment of losing 4-6, all of the players worked with both determination and a strong sense of team spirit to perfect their match play. They also had a run of bad luck in matches against Malvern College, Bromsgrove School, Rugby School and Bradfield College, but they did not let this dampen their resolve to show that they had true team spirit.

It was also impressive how they maintained a balance between being competitive yet always respecting all members of the opposing teams.

In a 16-11 win against St Edward’s School, Oxford, the highlights were their newly-learned passing skills, excellent defending, superb attacking and Molly Sanders’ excellent shooting. The team should be congratulated on their resilience and commitment to the sport. There was a huge improvement in play because of a willingness to take advice. The improvement in the skill level of individual members is to be commended as many of them had never played netball before.

In many respects they carried on the tradition from the previous year of providing an excellent example of true sportsmanship. The team will be remembered as the most willing, well-mannered and most improved.

and Rugby School to win the Novice section.

Georgia was presented with the award for Most Promising Player.

Daisy Broughton and Georgia Jones-Perrott were joined by Denis Antonov (4th, Xt) and Danyaal Choudhary (4th, Xt) for the SUPA Championships at Kirtlington Park Polo Club in June. The team was entered into the Intermediate section against much older and more experienced players. It was a difficult division with chukkas against Marlborough College, Stowe School and Heathfield School but the team played well, upped their game and finished fifth.

The highlight of the season was the College Polo Day at Longdole Polo Club. A team of Thomas Severn (L6, H), Charles Turk (5th, NH), Danyaal Choudhary (4th, Xt) and Denis Antonov (4th, Xt) played Marlborough College.

College had to give one and a half goals as a handicap advantage but the teams proved very equal, with Marlborough leading 7 1/2 to 7 after three chukkas. The fourth chukka was dominated by Thomas Severn, who scored two more goals to win the match, and who subsequently picked up the award for Most Valuable Player. Congratulations should go to Danyaal Choudhary, who despite his relative inexperience in such fast and furious polo, showed skill and determination despite a smattering of nerves!

Mrs Sarah Styler

Rackets

The year proved a productive season for the Rackets club, where there was a degree of consolidation for the boys, some super successes for the girls and the court had its busiest season to date.

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and Bradfield College fielding strong teams and winning by good margins, the last two matches of the season proved to be real tests for the team. However, the girls should be very proud of their efforts throughout the term. They played some high quality netball and really gelled well as a team, supporting each other well even when they were playing much stronger teams.

At no point did they ever let their heads drop, they were determined and did all I asked of them. Over the term they made a lot of progress in their skills and enjoyed training and playing matches.

Boys Rackets

Under the leadership of Josh Dell (U6, H), and with the racket-handling support of Rhodri Hande (U6, S), Jono Jamieson-Black (L6, H) and Max Dymoke (L6, NH), the First Pair produced a number of encouraging victories over the course of the two terms. Other than defeats at Tonbridge School, Eton College and St Paul’s School, our first-choice First Pair looked secure without ever really sparkling. The real challenge seemed to be ensuring that whichever combination was selected, they would play as a pair. When they did, it was excellent to witness, not least in the first round of the National Schools Doubles, where Josh Dell and Jono Jamieson-Black put up a tremendous fight against the much-fancied Pauline pair, only to lose 4-3 after over two hours of rackets.

Given the ever-changing nature of the top pair, the Second Pair had many guises, and was where Max Dymoke (L6, NH) and the promising Junior Colt, Oscar Butcher (4th, H), in particular, flourished. Other Seniors to grace the court, including representation at Queen’s Club were Douglas Spencer (U6, S), Hugo Bradshaw (L6, L), George Cook (U6, Xt), Finlay Milton (L6, Xt) and Max Hickman (U6, H). Our Colts amassed some impressive victories over the course of the season, including an impressive little run of victories against Rugby School, Harrow School and Eton away from home. Theo Taylor (Xt) was the pick of the Fifth Form, often ably supported

by Sam Cook (NH), Olly Hill (L) or Jason Soames (BH). Sadly however, other than a quarter-final appearance by Jono Jamieson-Black, none of our Senior players was able to progress beyond more than two rounds at the National Singles Competitions, this year held at Eton and Queen’s

Mrs Sarah Ramsay (Coach)

Polo

The Cheltenham College Polo Club has enjoyed another exciting year, with a new, enthusiastic influx of players joining our Monday and Wednesday practice sessions at Longdole Polo Club.

The three arena teams unfortunately had to withdraw from the SUPA Championships at Rugby School due to the bout of flu that hit the school in March. However, the girls had a second opportunity to play and our Third Form team of Daisy Broughton (W), Georgia Jones-Perrott (W) and Yuriko Fukuda (A) represented College at the SUPA Girls Arena Championships at West Croft Park. The girls won all three of their chukkas against Heathfield School, Wycombe Abbey

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Club, West London. However, at the Doubles, there were quarter-final showings for both our Seco nd Pair and our Colts Second Pair, giving all concerned some valuable experience for next year.

Our Junior Colts, Oscar Butcher (4th, H), Oliver Baker (4th, NH), Max Pemberton (4th, H) and Ali Pierce (4th, Xt), ably supported by some promising Yearlings, Max Sutton (3rd, NH), Sebastian Blake (3rd, BH) and Gus Milton (3rd, Xt) to name but three, offered much determination and secured one or two impressive victories. However, at crucial stages in the closer matches, College failed to deliver. Yet, there is a bed-rock of decent rackethandlers in Lower College which should ensure healthy competition higher up as the pupils move through the years (and the gears?). At the National Schools Doubles, Oscar Butcher, and Oliver Baker could not progress beyond the quarter-finals.

Domestically, Josh Dell (U6, H) won the Bridgeman Cup for College Singles, Hazelwell I won the KA Cook House Doubles Cup beating Hazelwell II in the final for the third year in succession, and Oscar Butcher won the COAL Plate for Junior Singles.

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

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Further pleasing progress was made with the squad this season: indeed, if we are looking for national finalists, College’s U16 Girls would deliver! Rose Jones (5th, Q) reached the final of the U16 National Singles competition at Queen’s Club in March, only losing to a tough-serving Marlburian. Together with U15, India Deakin (4th, W), however, College went one better as they won the U16 Doubles title in December, beating Rugby School. This silverware is much deserved as it is testimony to the immense hard work all the girls have put in over the course of the year, meaning that the court is busier than ever. Annabel Mundy (U6, A), Tabitha Burt (5th, A), India Blake (L6, Q), Georgie Baillie-Hamilton (5th, Q) and Millie Broom (L6, W) have taken the lead set by Catriona Brown (2013-2015, Q) and Rebecca Perry (2010-2015, A). Indeed, all these girls contributed to a fine exhibition of girls rackets on Speech Day, as well as competing superbly in a record number of girls rackets fixtures, against Wellington College, Clifton College, Haileybury and Rugby School, as well as setting the bar for our Junior girls.

Within College, the inaugural Girls Open Doubles competition was won by Westal, beating Queen’s in a fine final and next year we will have a Girls Singles Cup competition together with the very first Girls OC Rackets event. This again reiterates the enormous progress that this comparatively new girls’ sport has made.

Exciting times.

As ever, we continue to appreciate the support of other sports; and, inevitably, the extraordinary hours put in by our professional, Mr Mark Briers is at the core of our success.

coaching team, with clear passion for the sport, aim to guide our young rowers to develop as people and athletes and are fully committed to the long-term development and future success of the Boat Club.

Highlights have included one of our most successful National Schools’ Regatta to date, and an incredible training camp to the World Championship venue, Lake Aiguebelette at Easter.

I offer my huge thanks to our incredible coaches who bring passion, enthusiasm and insight to every session: Mr Edward Fenn (Head Coach), Mr Daniel Evans (President of the Boat Club), Mr Jed Greenhouse (Boathouse Manager), Mr Graham Cutts, Mr David Lait, Ms Ruth Kramer, Mr John Jones, Mr George Maitre, Ms Heidy Parks, Mr Ben Jackson, Miss Meghan-Rose Rigby, Mr Bruce McLaren, Dr Helen Taylor.

Boys 1st VIII

Benedict Schallamach (5th, BH), Sebastian Villars (5th, S), Luke Knudsen (L6, NH), Euan Bourhill (5th, S), Daniel Sham (U6, NH), Tommy Ladds (4th, Xt), Edward August (5th, H), Max Hindmarch (L6, S), Dmitrii Usynin (U6, NH), Guy Lloyd (U6, Xt), Isobel Salmond Smith (L6, A) Having put in solid performances at Bedford Amateur Regatta, Worcester Regatta, Reading Amateur Regatta and the National Schools’ Regatta, and with the majority of oarsman having finished their exams, the College 1st VIII arrived in Henley excited about their week of

training leading into the qualifying races for Henley Royal Regatta. With many of our rowers training on the famous Henley stretch for the first time and having the opportunity to train alongside international athletes, the crews made good progress.

The 1st VIII went on to compete in the qualifying races against the best Junior crews in the country. After giving their best and putting in a tough performance, they narrowly missed out on a place in the regatta. With seven rowers and cox Isobel Salmon-Smith all returning to College for the 2016-2017 academic year, the young crew are sure to be back stronger and hungrier than ever.

SPORT

Girls Rackets

Boys Colts IV

Benedict Schallamach (5th, BH), Sebastian Villars (5th, S), Edward August (5th, H), Euan Bourhill (5th, S), James Drysdale (5th, BH) Having trained and competed as part of the College 1st VIII all season, on the third and final day of racing at the National Schools’ Regatta, our Colts boys took to the water bright and early for their 8am time trial. With a solid row, and qualification into the A/B semi-finals it looked to be an exciting day of rowing ahead.

In an incredibly closely fought semi-final, with four crews separated by less than a second, the boys qualified for the A final of the competition.

Reaching a National Schools’ final is an incredible achievement, and something that has not been seen from a College crew in over a decade.

Mr Karl Cook

Rowing

Throughout the 2015- 2016 season, our vision in the Boat Club has looked to embrace an understanding that our athletes come first. This enables each of our rowers to have the opportunity to achieve their potential in sport, alongside striving for academic excellence and making the most of all that life at College has to offer. Our

Rowing in 1873

Rowing now

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Girls 1st IV and Quad

Arabella Johnson (5th, A), Tara Wasdell (L6, W), Shauna McLaren (L6, Ch), Isobel Turner (5th, A), Olivia Mitchell (4th, W), Harry Corbett (U6, Xt) The 2015-16 season has been an incredibly exciting one for the future of girls rowing at College. As a very young squad, with all five oarswomen returning to College next year, our female athletes have certainly made their mark on the local, regional and national circuits this regatta season.

Competing across the country, and gaining valuable experience at Reading, Bedford and Worcester, the girls headed to the National Schools’ Regatta to race across two days in the coxed four and quad sculls event. Reaching the A/B semi-finals of the coxed four event and finishing in the top 20 crews in the Championship Quadruple sculls, our girls showed us just how much there is to come from the squad moving forwards. Following the National Schools’ Regatta, all five girls and cox Harry maintained a busy training schedule in their pursuit of success on the Henley course, alongside completing their GCSE and A Level examinations. At Henley, the entire squad made huge progress and posted results of which the club are very proud. At Henley Women’s Regatta, our IV finished in the top 20 crews, narrowly missing out on a place in the top 16. A week later, having trained on the Henley course for a week, the girls made College history and were the first ever female College crew to compete in the qualifying races for the Diamond Jubilee Challenge Cup at Henley Royal Regatta. These girls have certainly been an inspiration to the Boat Club and it really is an exciting time for girls rowing!

Junior Colts Boys IV

Tommy Ladds (4 th, Xt), Rory Pleydell (4 th, S), Taliesin Kauffmann (4 th, S), William Whittal (4 th, H), Lucas Tanir (4 th, S), George Wilford (4 th, Xt)

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

From January, the crew showed impressive commitment to improving their boat speed.

Giving no less than 100% to every session, the boys prepared both their technical skill and fitness well. At Bedford Regatta, the boys won through their initial rounds to reach the semi-finals, where they lost in a close battle. At the National Schools’ Regatta, the boys gained valuable experience on the national stage. After an early 8am time trial, the boys qualified for the A/B semi-finals of the competition, which was a pleasing result for the future of the boys’ side of the club. Tommy Ladds (4th, Xt) went on to compete at Henley Royal Regatta as part of the College 1st VIII: a fantastic achievement.

Junior Colts Girls VIII

Izzy Kemp (4th, A), Chloe Degnan (4th, Ch), Florence Needham (4th, W), Paige Baker (4th, A), Georgia Rattigan (4th, Q), Jilly Woodward (4th, Ch), Judith Gibitz (4th, Ch), Holly Keefe (4th, Ch), Sumaya Dowling-Membrado (4th, A), Penny Salmond Smith (4th, A) As an impressively enthusiastic squad of younger girls, our Junior Colts girls VIII have gained valuable experience racing on the regional and national circuits this year. To kick off their season, the girls headed to Monkton Combe, where they dominated the private match and returned as the fastest crew on the water. At the beginning of May the girls then travelled to the Bedford Regatta, where they raced in a coxed four and gained valuable racing experience. In their final outing ahead of National Schools’ Regatta, the girls raced at Worcester and showed their true grit and determination, finishing ahead of a number of university crews also racing in their category.

At the National Schools’ Regatta, against tough competition, the girls were ranked at 14th place.

The season of racing experience at national level was invaluable, and their enthusiasm, passion, and motivation to succeed on the water is sure to return to the Boat Club next season.

Yearlings Boys VIII

Charlie Callon Hine (3rd, S), James Taylor-Kimmins (3rd, BH), Cameron Stevens (3rd, BH), Max Morris (3rd, S), Tommy Haddock (3rd, H), George Kemp (3rd, S), Jacob Schmidt (3rd, S), Jack Cunningham (3rd, H), Paddy Merheim-Kealy (3rd, S) The Yearlings boys’ octo, led and coached by Mr David Lait, have had a great start to their rowing careers. The crew of eight, coxed by Paddy Merheim-Kealy, developed a good understanding of how to move a boat effectively and made huge progress both technically and physically. With very little racing experience, the boys headed to the National Water Sports Centre in May to compete at the National Schools’ Regatta. In a weekend of racing for College rowing, they finished ranked in 20th place. It was a very promising performance to conclude a strong first year of rowing.

Yearlings Girls VIII

Sophie Morton (3rd, Q), Bella Wilkinson (3rd, Q), Georgie Maclaren (3rd, Q), Katya Jennings (3rd, Ch), Daisy Broughton (3rd, W), Tabby Barnes (3rd, Q), Mia Naylor (3rd, Ch), Molly Corbett (3rd, W), Emily Fowler (3rd, Ch), Annabel Watkin (3rd, Q) The Third Form girls’ octo started their rowing careers off well. A committed, motivated and very enthusiastic group of girls formed a technical platform to use to improve their rowing moving forwards. Following a friendly with Monkton Combe and some racing at Worcester Regatta, the girls went on to race at the London 2012 Olympics rowing venue, Dorney Lake, where they gained valuable side-by-side racing experience to move forwards in their rowing journey.

Miss Victoria Huckle

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1st XV

Record: played 11; won 3; drew 1; lost 7; points for 148; points against 189; points difference -41

Daniel Ali (Captain, U6, NH), Monty Chapman (U6, BH), Harry Boyce (U6, S), Lincoln Mok (U6, L), Patrick Payne (U6, S), Piers Norton (U6, S), Fernando Capelastegui (U6, BH), Benedict Frisby (L6, L), Jonjo O’Neill (U6, NH), Paddy Portsmouth (U6, NH), Cameron Terry (5th, NH), Luke Knudsen (L6, NH), Okker Leenart (U6, NH), Henry Morshead (U6, BH), Joshua Stanton (L6, NH), Thomas Stanton (5th, H), Matthew Baker (U6, NH), Joe Warner (U6, S), Matthew Ward (U6, L), Ethan DowlingMembrado (U6, L), Dan Beachus (U6, BH), Barnaby Napier (U6, Xt), Jamie Thorley (L6, BH) Coaches: Mr Olly Morgan, Mr Ben Woods, Mr Matt Coley

With a long summer off for many of the 1st XV, it was vital we blew the cobwebs away with a tough pre-season. The fact that 35 boys turned up to College ready for fitness testing at the start of a five-day camp, suggested their commitment. We were also fortunate enough to be able to plan around the Barbarians visit to College ahead of their match against Worcester Warriors. That was a great spectacle for the school but also for the pupils to witness the training intensity of some of the best players in the world.

With a high load of tactical and technical drills, it was important that the boys had time to switch off ahead of their first pre-season match against St Peter’s RC High School, Gloucester.

This was done by way of team building exercises on the lakes at South Cerney, which seemed to go down very well! Our first warm up match, against St Peter’s, was a great chance for Mr Matt Coley and me to witness the players in a competitive environment. There were some great performances and a few well-worked backs moves to set up the team for victory. That then was followed by a match against the Old Patesians RFC on the last day of pre-season, which gave others a chance to impress ahead of our first match against Monmouth School.

Fielding a young team, the Old Patesians really struggled to deal with the pace and power of College, which resulted in a comfortable victory.

Our first match away, to Monmouth, was always going to be a challenge. Renowned as a big powerful team, we performed exceptionally well in the first half and went into the break 127 up. Some nice touches from Matthew Baker at fly-half and some powerful carriers from our

captain Daniel Ali put us in a great position.

Unfortunately, a 20-minute spell in the second half that saw us lose a few line-outs and kick poorly resulted in a loss. However, there were plenty of positives to take into our second game.

College’s next match was against Uppingham School in the first round of the U18 Schools Champions Trophy, which sees the top 34 rugby playing schools in the country compete in a knockout competition. A fantastic start saw Daniel Beachus race down the right wing to go over for the first try. It was also a big occasion for Cameron Terry and Thomas Stanton, who were involved in the 1st XV for the first time as current Fifth Form pupils. Jonjo O’Neill stole the show with two individual tries, and a comfortable 3110 victory saw us through to the second round.

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Rugby

The next couple of matches, against Sherborne School and Pate’s Grammar School, proved a tougher challenge. Both had very strong packs and were clinical. College unfortunately were second best and it highlighted areas, such as the set piece, that needed to be improved.

At Abingdon School we saw a reaction and started the game with great intensity and precision. A nasty injury to Luke Knudsen, and a number of other College boys during that weekend, meant we lost a bit of momentum.

Poor defending in the second half saw Abingdon take the lead and, whilst College kept the score board ticking with a great try from Jamie Thorley, it was just too little too late. Nonetheless, the performance seemed to spark the XV and our improved performances continued into the match against Radley College on the Thursday before Half Term. That ended in a comfortable

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win, with some great individual tries from Matthew Ward and Joe Warner, which enabled us to retain the Jamie Waters Cup. All were ready for a wellearned rest during Half Term.

However, during that period it was College’s first time to host the Oldest Four competition, which sees the oldest rugby playing schools (St Paul’s School, Sherborne School, Durham School and Cheltenham College) play a round-robin tournament. It was a great spectacle, with 200 people present over the two days. It also included a formal dinner with guest speaker David Trick and a closing presentation by England’s Jonny May. St Paul’s were the eventual winners but a spirited College team, made up largely from the U16s, performed exceptionally well throughout and showed good promise for the future.

After the holiday, many of the injured players returned fully fit, and College visited Rugby School.

It was an exceptional game (despite the 33 final score!). The 1012 partnerships of Thomas Stanton and Matthew Baker really made inroads throughout the game, as did the physical presence of Paddy Portsmouth and Lincoln Mok. Thereafter the confidence seemed to rise and, apart from the slight blip against Marlborough College, we went to Stowe School knowing it would be the toughest game of the season. We were simply outstanding.

The 1st XV performed exceptionally well and a great length-of-the-field try from Matthew Baker set the tone for the game. Leading 10-7 with 15 minutes to go indicated how well we performed but Stowe unfortunately sneaked in at the end. The relentless attitude of the payers was something Mr Coley and I had not seen in a long time and we were very unlucky not to come away with the win.

Unfortunately, the end of the season was upon us.

With the last match against Uppingham School we really hit our straps and again performed very well, most notably Matthew Baker coming away with a hat-trick and our pack showing great dominance in both scrum and line-out. With a progressive season under our belt I would like to thank the coaches, Mr Ben Woods and Mr Matt Coley, as well as Stuart Fossella, our physiotherapist, for all their support. A huge ‘thank you’ also must go to Daniel Ali who led the team superbly throughout. Well done!

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Full Colours: Matthew Baker; Henry Morshead; Daniel Ali Half Colours: Matthew Ward; Monty Chapman; Harry Boyce; Paddy Portsmouth Coaches’ Player: Matthew Baker Players’ Player: Joe Warner Most Improved Player: Lincoln Mok

Mr Olly Morgan

2nd XV

Record: played 10; won 4; lost 6; points for 145; points against 200; points difference -55

Harry Potter (L6, S), George Cook (U6, Xt), Freddie Lyle (U6, S), Nikolay Alexandrov (L6, NH), Christiaan Bruins (L6, BH), Simon Oliver (U6, BH), Oliver Cook (L6, S), Lucas Bonfante (L6, H), Patrick Payne (U6, S), Piers Norton (U6, S), Benedict Frisby (L6, L), Okker Leenart (U6, NH), Thomas Severn (L6, H), Joshua Stanton (L6, NH), Charlie Holloway (L6, L), Gianluca Mech (U6, Xt), Jono Jamieson-Black (L6, H), James Battishill (U6, NH), Edward Cutler (U6, S), Harry James (U6, L), Andrew Chan (L6, Xt), Oliver Palmer (U6, L), Jamie Orme (L6, S), Barnaby Napier (U6, Xt), Thomas Bond (U6, NH), Ethan Dowling-Membrado (U6, L) Coaches: Mr Stuart Cooper; Mr Ben Rees The season started with some of the toughest fixtures on the card: Monmouth School and Sherborne School, away. The team acquitted

themselves well and actually finished the stronger team after some early errors had given Monmouth an initial lead. Likewise, against Sherborne, the boys were the better team for large portions of the match but ended up coming a little short. The losses brought out a lot of positives but if there were ever fixtures to make the team realise the requirements of this level of rugby, these were they.

Pate’s Grammar School were next up, at home.

A much better performance by the pack set the conditions for a good win. A great defensive performance ensured that time was always against the visitors and the victory was seen out. With spirits high but injuries taking their toll, the team travelled to Abingdon School. The Abingdon team had recently come back from a tour and their time away was clear, as Abingdon ground out a victory, highlighting the need to work on our game management.

St Edward’s School, Oxford, and Radley College made the trip to Cheltenham next in some of the most physically demanding and gritty matches of the season. St Edward’s had some good and aggressive players but the boys matched them blow for blow. In a low-scoring game, St Edward’s just edged it. Charlie Holloway grabbed a welldeserved try in a match we probably should have won. The game against Radley was also close but unfortunately it was the visitors who once again came out eventual winners in a thoroughly entertaining match.

The Half Term break brought new energy and players returning from injury just in time for Rugby School, away. The match was undoubtedly one of the best of the season. A dominant, mobile performance from the forwards was backed up by some superb running lines and support in the backs controlled by Gianluca Mech at fly-half and Tommy Severn in the back row in one of our best performances. In what had become typical fashion, the victory was cemented by a strong defensive performance.

With spirits high, the team saw off Marlborough College at home in a pleasingly, very well managed match. Breakaway tries from Jono Jamieson-Black ensured a victory more comfortable than the score line suggested. Stowe School, away, was a fantastic

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The season came to a close with a victory against Uppingham School at home. Again, a solid forward performance gave space for the backs to run in the two tries needed.

With the level of performances probably not reflected fairly on the scoreboard, overall, it was a very encouraging season. The boys were a pleasure to coach and thoroughly deserved their various Half Colours and end of season awards.

Mr Ben Rees

3rd XV

Record: played 10; won 5; lost 5; points for 172; points against 141; points difference 31

Fabian Chess (U6, L), Hugo Bradshaw (L6, L), Thomas Bond (U6, NH), Roderick Philips (L6, L), Charlie Holloway (L6, L), Jamie Orme (L6, S), Guy Beynon (U6, Xt), Fergus McNeile (L6, NH)

Coach: Mr Matthew Walton The season, as the record suggests, was a pretty even affair. The squad was full of characters with an abundance of flair, passion and skill.

On match days their commitment to the team was outstanding and their effort was never in question. Each and every member of the squad should be extremely proud of his individual and team performances throughout the campaign.

The team had some fantastic encounters, with the most exciting win coming against Rugby School where the boys scored two tries in the last three minutes to nick the match at the death. However, the performance of the season had to be against Stowe School. With a depleted squad against a team who finished the season unbeaten and despite losing in the dying minutes, the courage, teamwork and effort on display were commendable. The team also narrowly lost battles against Marlborough College and Radley College; wins against those two would have turned a hugely successful season into an outstanding one. It must be said that with a bit more application on the training ground throughout the term, the results in those two games could have been reversed.

It was an absolute pleasure to be part of the squad. To work with such an eclectic mix of characters was a hugely enjoyable experience, even if a little testing at times! Gents, well done on your season; you deserved your success.

Mr Matthew Walton Sean Lee (U6, H), Freddie Lyle (U6, S), Simon Oliver (U6, BH), Siji Abudu (U6, L), Orlando Giuseppetti (U6, BH), Ben Parker (U6, H), Thomas Harney (U6, L), Guy Lloyd (U6, Xt), Olly Evans (L6, S), Alex de Wesselow (U6, Xt), Ben Santhudkijkarn (U6, BH) Edward Cutler (U6, S), Max Roper (U6, H), Daniel Brown (U6, S), Frederick Foster (L6, NH), Fraser Neal (U6, H), Michali Asprou (L6, S), Elliott Napier (L6, Xt), Max Hindmarch (L6, S), Edward Johnston (L6, L),

4th XV

Record: played 8; won 6; lost 2; points for 173; points against 81; points difference 92 William Hardy (L6, S), Samuel Burgess (U6, NH), Darren Hague (L6, BH), Charles Tombleson (L6, L), Siji Abudu (U6, L), John Marabayev (L6, H), Orlando Giuseppetti (U6, BH), Harry

Ferris (U6, NH), Edward Flower (L6, Xt), Grigory Karagulakov (L6, Xt), Sam Mendis (L6, Xt), Fergus McNeile (L6, NH), Campbell Gaston-Penny (U6, Xt), Harry Steel (U6, Xt), Harry Corbett (U6, Xt), William Lait (L6, H), Merlin Miller (L6, L), Edward Brown (U6, S), Daniel Brown (U6, S), Alex Sickmueller (L6, Xt), Jeffrey Kwong (U6, BH), Henry Fong (L6, H), Revie Wood (U6, H), Stanley Moorsom (U6, H), William Cresswell (L6, BH), Frederick Foster (L6, NH), Jack Burns (L6, NH), Olly Evans (L6, S), Guy Beynon (U6, Xt), Laurie Davies (Captain, L6, S)

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match that saw the boys produce some of their best spells of rugby. After going down to an early score, the team rallied and dominated what should have been the better team on paper. It was only when the team was reduced to playing with 14 men for 20 minutes that victory slipped away, but it was another great match to watch.

Coaches: Mr Jason Gwynne; Mr Antonio Leonardis The 2015 rugby season saw some new and some familiar faces for the team. As was reiterated from the start to the finish, the season was very much going to be about the collective spirit and contribution of the whole squad, rather than a small notch of players to be chosen each week.

With over 30 individuals who represented the team during the season, it is understandably hard to identify players who contributed to the success of the season because there were so many outstanding performances across the board.

Most importantly, the whole squad can take a huge amount of credit for their commitment and determination during training and match days.

The season got off to a relaxing start with Monmouth School not being able to field a team. However, the following week the season started fully with a well-deserved away win against one of our toughest opponents: Sherborne School. Wins then seemed to follow week after week: Abingdon School, St Edward’s School, Oxford, and then the final game of the first half of term against Radley College. The Half Term break clearly had an impact, as we lost the first match back against Rugby School.

Thankfully, winning ways returned for the next two games, before we slipped up again away to Stowe School. The remaining game saw us on level-pegging with another of the College teams to have the best return during the season for matches won and points for. Thankfully, the 4th XV headed home for the Christmas break with a win against Uppingham School.

Rugby in 1870

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Overall the season was a great success, most of which was down to the desire of the squad as a whole to play for each other. The coaches would like to thank Laurie Davies for his commitment as the team captain, but, more importantly, to the whole squad, as they were a pleasure to coach throughout the season.

Mr Antonio Leonardis and Mr Jason Gwynne

5th XV

Record: played 4; won 1; lost 3; points for 60; points against; 118; points difference -58 William Jury-Simpson (L6, BH), Alexander Grutter (U6, Xt), Jasper Ng (L6, Xt), George Wyatt (L6, Xt), Oskar Elliott (L6, L), Clarence Koo (U6, L), Plai Sukhum (U6, L), Daniel Wong (L6, L), AJ O’Neill, (Captain, L6, NH), Angus Sinclair Maddocks (U6, NH), George Stubbs (L6, NH), Benjamin Wood (Vice Captain L6, NH), Ramiro Medina Morales (U6, S) Andrew Luk (L6, Xt), Stanley Moorsom (U6, H), Matthew Chye (U6, NH), Campbell Gaston-Penny (U6, NH), Simon Hazeldine (U6, NH), Finlay Milton (L6, Xt), Harry Steel (U6, Xt), Revie Wood (U6, H)

Senior teams meant that there was great depth in the squad and, as a result, College scored early points. The margin narrowed as more and more players were called to higher teams. However, the keen desire to win was evident and the boys scored another two tries in the last ten minutes, which took them to a clear victory.

Subsequent matches against Stowe School and Uppingham School were again blighted by injury, resulting in a change of captain and some games being played with only 12 men. Yet, ever keen for competitive game time, the team played with consistent good spirit and enthusiasm, creating excellent opportunities and scoring some welldeserved points.

Mr David McKee

Colts A

Record: played 10; won 5; drew 1; lost 4; points for 229; points against 148; points difference 81

Coach: Mr David McKee In a term when the odds seemed stacked against playing any fixtures, the team was delighted with a swing of luck after Half Term, when a return to fitness for both College players as well as opposition sides meant that a number of 5th XV fixtures were able to take place.

The first outing was a combined U16C/5th XV against Rendcomb College, where the boys met some stiff opposition against a team with several games already under their belt. Nonetheless, expertly captained by AJ O’Neill, they fought back stoically and, despite being the wrong side of the points difference, were brave going forward and tenacious in their ball retention.

The second fixture, against Rugby School, saw the full team come together for the first time in a game situation. The return to form for the other

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Joshua Pimlott (5th, L), Thomas Stanton (5th, H), Paddy Christopher (5th, H), Barnaby Harris (5th, H), Daniel Ward (5th, NH), Zeno BurchiKhairy (5th, Xt), Charlie Boyce (Captain, 5th, H), Max Taylor Baggs (5th, BH), Cameron Terry (5th, NH), Olly Hill (5th, L), Jordan Pemberton (5th, H), Oliver Ferris (5th, NH), Oliver Ruthven (5th, L) Tom James (5th, L), Aiden Ali (5th, S), William Cooper (5th, L), Finlay Logan (5th, BH), Gus Roberts (5th, Xt), Benedict Schallamach (5th, BH), Edward Winstanley (5th, S), Oliver

Pritchard (5th, Xt), Roger Mortimore (5th, S), Harrison Ottley-Woodd (5th, L), Sam Cook (5th, NH), Jimmy Daly (5th, H) Coaches: Mr Nick Runciman; Mr Will Packer After reaching the latter stages of the NatWest Cup as Junior Colts the previous season, the Colts A team entered the 2015 season with high expectations.

The first match of the campaign involved a trip over the border to Monmouth School. On paper it was a tough opener, having lost to their Welsh counterparts the previous year. However, after an impressive pre-season and week of training, College outscored their hosts, eight tries to one, which resulted in a 54-7 score line. A brace of tries was scored by Cameron Terry on his College debut, and wingers Zeno Burchi-Khairy and Joshua Pimlott shared a further four scores between them. Barring the broken foot sustained by tighthead prop Max, it was the perfect start to the season.

Sadly for the team, that was the last time Cameron Terry wore the Colts A shirt as news of his impressive performance found its way to the ears of the College XV coaches. With injuries to key individuals and Thomas Stanton also being promoted to the 1st XV, the squad was severely decimated at times. The boys who were called into the side, however, did not let themselves down at all and confronted every challenge that was thrown at them. Strong wins were achieved against Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School, Abingdon School and Rugby School, as well as a midweek draw away at Radley College, in the traditional pre half-term fixture.

The biggest highlight of the season for me was the home encounter versus Stowe School. The game was played in ghastly conditions and, although College were far from their convincing best, the boys showed great character to secure victory.

With the scores level and the game entering the final play of the match, the side claimed a famous win with the returning Max Taylor Baggs scoring a fantastic team try.

Charlie Boyce led the team fantastically well throughout the season and was a real loss in the middle period of games, which he missed because of concussion. Joshua Pimlott was leading point

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The successes in the Colts were mainly down to an excellent team ethic but there were also some individuals who consistently produced notable performances. The team was given a superb platform of line-outs via the dynamic Benedict Schallamach; creative centre Daniel Ward produced some superb moments both in attack and defence; and Aiden Ali gave the team excellent go-forward as the loosehead prop.

Overall, the team can look back on a positive season, which, with a little more luck, could have been an excellent one. I hope to see the majority of the squad listed above appearing in either the 1st XV or 2nd XV next year.

School was a major highlight of the year. Playing a smart brand of rugby and seeking to build pressure, the boys showed grit and played with real desire. That in itself was proof that they had developed their ‘rugby brains’ and were able not only to execute exciting rugby but also to play it in the right areas of the field.

Looking at the faces in the team huddle before the final game in the howling winds at Uppingham School, the team was hardly recognisable from the first game at Monmouth School. That is, however, testament to how much talent the year group has, as boys seamlessly transitioned from the C Team into positions with which they were not necessarily familiar. In total, 30 boys represented the side throughout the course of the season. Playing across the backline and finally at outside half with real class, Freddy Horlock in particular, showed his versatility.

Special thanks must go to Jack Mitchell for leading the side so well, and I wish all of the boys the best of luck as they progress to Senior rugby.

Mr Will Packer

Mr Henry Davies

Colts B

Colts C

Jack Mitchell (Captain, 5th, NH), Joshua Berry (5th, BH), Freddy Horlock (5th, L), Oliver Ferris (5th, NH), Rodrigo Peralta Martin (5th, L), Harrison Campbell (5th, L), Izzuddin Tunku Nasiruddin (5th, Xt), Eduardo Capelastegui (5th, BH), Euan Bourhill (5th, S), Killian Hughes (5th, S), Benjamin Hilditch (5th, S), Charles O’Bryan (5th, BH), Henry Johnson (5th, H), Roger Mortimore (5th, S), Jason Soames (5th, BH), Benedict Sutton (5th, H), Felix Stevens (5th, Xt), Edozie Ajogwu (5th, NH), Sam Cook (5th, NH), Jimmy Daly (5th, H), Edward Winstanley (5th, S), Barnaby Harris (5th, H), Harry Piggott (5th, Xt), Oliver Pritchard (5th, Xt), Nikita Chernov (5th, L), Kieran Thorley (5th, BH), Max Chan (5th, H), William Cooper (5th, L), Jack Gibson (5th, L)

James Webb (Captain, 5th, H), Jago Skelding (5th, BH), Dougal Rees (5th, Xt), James Lewin (5th, NH), Sam Hamilton (5th, S), Shakhin Zamani (5th, NH), Nikita Chernov (5th, L), Harry Piggott (5th, Xt), Benedict Sutton (5th, H), Henry Johnson (5th, H), Edozie Ajogwu (5th, NH), George Wells (5th, S), Jack Gibson (5th, L), Wyii Pornpipatpaisan (5th, NH), Kieran Brown (5th, Xt), Max Chan (5th, H), Toma Zinovyev (5th, NH), Tom Smith (5th, BH), Benjamin Kinsman (5th, S), Thomas Maddinson (5th, S), Joshua Berry (5th, BH), Charles Turk (5th, NH), Viktor Reznikov (5th, L), Kieran Thorley (5th, BH), James Drysdale (5th, BH), Nikita Shpirt (5th, NH), Oliver Message (5th, S), Izzuddin Tunku Nasiruddin (5th, Xt), Thomas Anderson (5th, S)

Coach: Mr Henry Davies

Coach: Mr Andrew Straiton

After a very successful pre-season, the boys started the term with a real bang. Any side that can win by scoring 40 points away to Monmouth School is a force to be reckoned with and the sheer depth of talent in the year group was on full display that afternoon. Jason Soames showed superb running lines to score four tries, as well as being on form with the boot, to take away a massive personal haul.

The team began their season with a fine home win against Sherborne School, a result that was to remain one of the highlights. The pendulum swung throughout the match but tries from Kieran Brown, Henry Johnson, Nikita Shpirt and James Webb kept College ahead.

Excellent kicking from Kieran Brown proved the difference between the two sides, as our full back successfully converted under high pressure late on in the game.

Record: played 10; won 5; lost 5; points for 154; points against 157; points difference -3

With such a positive win in the bag, the remainder of the first half of term was played at good intensity, with the boys keen to play an expansive brand of rugby. Wins against St Edward’s School, Oxford, and Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School built momentum, but the team was desperately unlucky to lose to a last-minute try against Abingdon School. The injury list began to take its toll towards the end of the first half of term and so, to only narrowly lose to Radley College was an impressive display of resilience in the circumstances.

Feeling rested and with the team bolstered by the return of several key players following the Half Term break, a substantial win against Rugby

Record: played 7; won 2; lost 5; points for 63; points against 207; points difference -144

In the following weeks the team was outclassed by a strong and organised side from Abingdon School, and beaten by Radley College, after selecting a team from an injury-stricken squad that was well supported by the Boat Club. It was not until early November that they recorded their second win of the season, producing a dominant performance against Rugby School, characterised by attacking flair from all involved.

Jago Skelding and Dougal Rees combined in metronomic harmony to provide the centres with excellent service throughout a damp and blustery affair. Two runaway tries from the quick feet of Joshua Berry and another two scored

by the powerful George Wells at inside centre ensured the victory.

That result was followed by three further losses: two well-contested affairs at home against Stowe School and Marlborough College (including a sublime ‘show-and-go’ try from Dougal Rees) and a tough fixture away at Uppingham School in the final week before Christmas. Though statistically the team did not have the most successful season, the boys can be proud of the united and perseverant manner in which they approached their rugby. The team was lead through the captaincy of James Webb, who was ever present at number eight and was ably supported by ViceCaptains Jago Skelding and Dougal Rees.

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scorer with 65 points and the award for top try scorer was shared by centre Thomas Stanton and full-back Paddy Christopher. Over the course of the 10 games, 25 different players were utilised with only six players appearing in every match: Barnaby Harris, Paddy Christopher, William Cooper, Aiden Ali and half-back pairing Olly Hill and Jordan Pemberton.

Mr Andrew Straiton

Junior Colts A

Record: played 12; won 6; lost 6; points for 238; points against 244; points difference -6 Sebastian Lee (4th, NH), Harvey Edwards (4th, S), Jack Ward (4th, L), Felix WatsonSmyth (4th, Xt), Oliver Baker (4th, NH), Aryia Patel (4th, H), Taliesin Kauffmann (4th, S), Jonnie Kite (4th, H), Ben Southall (4th, BH), Boris Pustoshinskiy (4th, Xt), Tommy Birch (4th, Xt), Jude Parsons (4th, L) Ali Pearce (4th, Xt), Thomas Styler (4th, H), George Elliot (4th, NH), Eddie Nelson (4th, BH), Angus Thomson (4th, NH), Alexander Sharam (4th, NH), Jonnie Gunn (4th, BH), Lamar Moller (4th S), Max Williams (4th, NH), Jack Clement (4th, S) Oscar Butcher (4th, H), Max Pemberton (4th, H), Oscar Keene (4th, S), Diben Dodo (4th, L), Naut Rodanant (4th, BH), Lucas Tanir (4th, S) Coaches: Mr Richard Moore and Mr Matt Kelly This really was something of a season of two halves. The Junior Colts A played an exciting and fearless brand of rugby, they trained hard and were always eager to learn. With a strong set of forwards, featuring the talismanic Number 8, Jack Ward, a sturdy front row and the foraging abilities of the mobile second row forward Felix Watson-Smyth, the pack gave the electric backs a great deal of ‘go forward’ and quick ruck ball. In the run up to Half Term, the boys scored freely and Angus Thompson was particularly impressive, running great lines from centre. Both good footballers with an eye for a break, the half back pairing of Jonny Gunn and Alexander Sharam was creative. Big wins came against Monmouth School 22-5, Sherborne School 43-17, Pate’s Grammar School 42-20 and Abingdon School 43-12, setting a strong platform for the rest of the season. Sadly, the season turned on an afternoon at St Edward’s School, Oxford, when the boys lost 15-46 to a side who had arguably too many decisions go their way. What followed after Half Term was a series of injuries, concussions and some stiff opposition, all of which hampered progression and continuity. The season became increasingly de-railed; Radley College 5-17, Rugby School 7-17, Marlborough College 7-17 and Uppingham School 10-44 had size and fitness in their favour. An impressive result against Stowe 25-5 was nonetheless the one bright light in the December gloom. What was a real pleasure was BACK TO CONTENTS

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the manner in which the side looked to play the game and the sheer undaunted determination that they showed. As they progress through College they will develop into a very good XV. My thanks also go to the ever-faithful support that the boys received; an afternoon as wet, cold and windy as it was against Marlborough College, summed up the stoic parental commitment.

Junior Colts B

Record: played 9; lost 9; points for 83; points against 310; points difference -227 Danyaal Choudhary (4th, Xt); George Elliot (4th, NH); Yuwakar Gurung (4th, L); Taliesen Kauffmann (4th, S); Henry Parsons (4th, BH); Henry Foster (4th, NH); Oscar Keene (4th, S); Lamar Moller (4th, S); Max Pemberton (Captain, 4th, H); Ollie Frisby (4th, L); Jude Parsons (4th, L); Rob Caesar (4th, S); Lucas Tanir (4th, S); Naut Rodanant (4th, BH); Tom Maber-Jones (4th, H); Diben Dodo (4th, L); Eddie Nelson (4th, BH); Harvey Edwards (4th, S); Christian Campbell (4th, BH); Thomas Styler (4th, H); Yusuf-Ali Perwaz (4th, NH); Thomas Hartley (4th, H); Tommy Ladds (4th, Xt); Tommy Birch (4th, Xt); Charlie Carpenter (4th, NH); Rafal Dovgialo (4th, L); Oscar Bromage-Henry (4th, Xt) ; Charles Meecham-Jones (4th, Xt); Alfie Weston (4th, BH); Hugo Bailey (4th, BH).

Coaches: Mr Beren-Dain Delbrooke-Jones and Mr Fraser Dobney Simply put, it was an incredibly tough season for the team. The win/loss record is certainly one to forget, and yet, as is always the case when it comes to sporting statistics, the record does not tell the whole story.

The season began with the usual daunting fixture, at home, against Monmouth School. It was an exhilarating to-and-fro affair with superb running rugby played by both sides. In the end, a single point separated the sides, with College on the receiving end of a defeat. In spite of this, coaches and players had good reason to feel optimistic for the season ahead. Unfortunately, that proved to be the team’s best result.

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The Cheltonian 2015-2016

Injuries plagued the year group throughout the season, meaning constant shuffles in selection were required with players moving up and down between the A, B and C Teams on what must surely have been an unprecedented scale. Each Saturday became a test of resolve and focus, and the team can take great heart in the fact that, for large portions of the matches they played, they displayed such admirable quality. Sadly, playing the kind of opposition found on College’s circuit will often require more than sheer grit; nous and preparedness are required too.

Sherborne School boxed clever in spite of immense pressure from College; Abingdon School made the most of College’s slow start and feeble defence to play wide and quickly. The second half against Radley College was arguably the finest half of the season, but more in terms of the sheer character shown by the team in keeping a powerful Radley side scoreless for the last 30 minutes. Unfortunately, after Half Term, they could not repeat those heroics against Rugby School and, although the Marlborough College match began brilliantly, it ended poorly in horrendous conditions. The match against Stowe School, again in terrible weather, was a titanic struggle and extremely entertaining, with College showing their customary doggedness and spirit.

The last match was away, against Uppingham School. While the Monmouth School match provided the best result, the Uppingham match was undoubtedly the team’s finest and most complete performance. Down 12-0 after 15 minutes, College threw caution to the wind and began to take on a big Uppingham team. Gaps began to open up in the home side’s defensive line and College’s runners were making good yards every time they carried the ball. It was exhilarating to watch. By the end of the half, the scores were level at 12-12, and Uppingham were reeling. The second half brought more of the same from College, with the added bonus of a wind at their backs. However, poor decisions, the bounce of the ball, and some determined defending by the hosts kept them out. Careless penalties from College then allowed Uppingham to rally and, in the final minute, College conceded.

It was a disappointing end to a wonderful occasion, but the boys knew that they had finally shown their quality. Mr Fraser Dobney and I wish them all the very best and we hope they will transform the season’s lessons into future successes.

Mr Beren-Dain Delbrooke-Jones

Junior Colts C

Record: played 8; won 1; drew 1; lost 6; points for 102; points against; 300; points difference; -198 Squad: Ted Kim (4th, H), Nicholas Hill (4th, BH), Adrian Szeto (4th, Xt), James Burden (4th, BH), Tom Creed (4th, H), Yuwakar Gurung (4th, L), Finbar McConnell (4th, Xt), Artem Smykovskii (4th, L), George Wilford (4th, Xt), Joseph Hughes (Captain, 4th, L), Denis Antonov (4th, Xt), Thomas Styler (4th, H), Robbie Yan (4th, BH), Ben AntonSmith (4th, S), Rafal Dovgialo (4th, L), Edward Shaw (4th, L), William Dyke (4th, NH), Hugo Bailey (4th, BH), Charles Meecham-Jones (4th, Xt) Coach: Mr James Chaloner The season began with a hard-fought draw against Sherborne School where both teams fought hard and never gave up. Sherborne took the advantage in the first half with some lovely running rugby. At half time College were down by five points, but an inspirational team talk from their captain, Joseph Hughes, inspired the boys. The game ended with a 22-22 draw; a very fair result.

The physicality of Abingdon School proved too much for College, who did not find themselves with much possession and spent most of the game camped in their own half. One memorable moment, though, was a great breakaway try from Artem Smykovskii, who received the ball on the halfway line before beating several defenders with power and pace.

The team enjoyed the fixture away at St Edward’s School, Oxford, especially the backs, who had the chance to play some exciting running rugby.

Joseph Hughes pulled the strings at fly-half, whilst Ben Anton-Smith and Robbie Yan impressed with their quick feet and sidesteps. Hugo Bailey’s

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Unfortunately, as injuries and illnesses took their toll, that was the high point of the season. Games against Radley College, Rugby School and Stowe School resulted in some heavy defeats for the boys.

However, in the swirling winds and pelting rain at Marlborough College, albeit losing narrowly, College produced their gutsiest display of the season. It was not a day for expansive rugby but instead the forwards battled hard up front and the whole team tackled ferociously. Charlie Meecham-Jones smashed over the line for a try and Yuwakar Gurung followed suit. One of the team’s best tries of the season came after a number of phases before Denis Antonov handed-off two defenders in the corner.

The final fixture of the season, away at Uppingham School, was made difficult by a howling gale. Robbie Yan crossed the line after just seven seconds but College did not manage to finish off any more chances, despite enjoying plenty of possession. It may have been another defeat but huge improvements were made with tackling and defence.

Mr James Chaloner

Yearlings A

Record: played 11; won 6; lost 5; points for 287; points against 155; points difference +132

Sebastian Blake (3rd, BH), Tom O’Bryan (3rd, S), Cameron Stevens (3rd, BH), Matvey Strepetov (3rd, L), Frankie Russell (3rd, S), Archie Garbutt (3rd, S), Harry Jinks (3rd, S), Edward Hitchins (3rd, NH), Jude Clayton (3rd, BH), Max Sutton (3rd, NH), Edward Ferris (3rd, NH), Gus Milton (3rd, Xt), Louis Hillman-Cooper (3rd, S), Harry Stewart (3rd, L), Henry Tarrant (3rd, H), Sid Mitchell (3rd, NH), James Whittal (3rd, NH) Joshua Naylor-Higgs (3rd, S) Coaches: Mr Charlie McKegney; Mr James Hayden A winning record on the 2015-2016 fixture list was not an easy feat, but the team ensured they did that with an incredible win in the gloom in the foothills of the Malverns, against a team the home side more than rated.

After a very productive pre-season, the regular season got off to the perfect start with a convincing 46-5 home win over Monmouth School. Number 8, Jude Clayton, showed good strength to bundle his way over for a hat-trick, and several length-of-the-field tries were run in with Harry Stewart (2), Edward Ferris, Louis

Hillman-Cooper and Sid Mitchell all getting debut tries for College. The jubilation of the win was short-lived, and a week later an aggressive and destructive side from Sherborne School brought us back down to earth with a bang.

It was an important lesson for the boys, and showed them the demands of senior school rugby and how important the physical battle is. To their credit, the boys did work hard in training and were open to new ideas, especially when looking at structure and how to be more competitive at the breakdown.

Frustratingly, before Half Term that win/lose pattern would continue, but we did record convincing wins over Pate’s Grammar School (whose rugby in recent years has really come on) and an uncharacteristically weak St Edward’s School, Oxford. Well over 100 points were scored between those games and particularly impressive performances were put in up front by Sebastian Blake, in the loose, at the breakdown from Edward Hitchins and out wide by Louis Hillman-Cooper and Sid Mitchell.

The losses in between those two wins were, as I said, frustrating, as we felt we could have won both – especially against Radley College. We started slowly against Abingdon School, gifting them three tries and were not physical enough in midfield nor at the breakdown. However, showing good fighting spirit, we did not roll over. A well-worked backs move put Harry Stewart over and nearly started a come-back but sadly it was too little, too late. The Radley fixture was far and away the most exasperating loss of the season. We did not ‘get off the bus’ and found ourselves 12-0 down within five minutes. Then, the next 55 minutes of rugby were all played by College and just before the break Louis Hillman-Cooper scored a superlative individual try to make it 12-7. The second half was solely played in the Radley half; some patient and well-structured build-up play was well led by Henry Tarrant, who was having his best game to date. We created many chances but a mix of white-line fever and some desperate defending denied us any joy and gave Radley their first win at this age group for six years.

After Half Term we played some splendid rugby and all the hard work in training, and for a core of players gaining experience of playing U15 rugby in the NatWest Cup, really paid off and shone through. In atrocious conditions, the 17-0 away win against Marlborough College was a demonstration of intelligent, percentage rugby that in dry conditions would no doubt have been a lot more.

As mentioned at the start of the report, the season’s crowning moment was the away win to Malvern College. Played in the wind and rain, Malvern had the better of the opening exchanges but some heroic defence only let them through for one try. It looked as if it would be the only score of the half but in a sole visit, up the hill into their half, Cameron Stevens led the charge and went over. Harry Stewart nailed the conversion and the score was 7-7 at the break. Playing down the hill now, Gus Milton led the game with great maturity and some thundering runs from Sebastian Blake (who had his game of the season) eventually led to a kickable penalty, but in those conditions that was no formality. Harry Stewart made no

mistake and we led 10-7. A ten-minute period of indiscipline and interesting interpretations of the law let Malvern back into the game; a well struck penalty and an unconverted try just five minutes later gave them a 15-10 lead. With just minutes left on the clock, Louis Hillman-Cooper went 40 metres to put College on the front foot and some aggressive rucking led to a penalty under the posts. Despite the calls from the touchline, Edward Hitchins tapped himself and, doing what he had done so well all season, proved impossible to stop and went over. At 15-15 Harry held his nerve to slot the conversion and the dying minutes were negotiated maturely and the final whistle was reluctantly blown, to give College victory by the narrowest of margins.

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immense work rate brought him a brace of tries and College ran away winners 53-7.

The boys were great fun to work with all year, and I firmly believe they have laid solid foundations that will only help them as results get closer and games get tougher as they get older. If they keep working hard in training, but also learn how start games better, there are definitely results that they can turn around next year. To finish, I would like to thank Mr James Hayden for all his help and support, as well as all the parents who have given invaluable support in wind, rain and (a little) shine!

Mr Charlie McKegney

Yearlings B

Record: played 10; won 5; lost 5; points for 220; points against 164; points difference 56

Kenechukwu Ajogwu (3rd, H), Hamish-James Anderson (3rd, H), Guy Beazley (3rd, NH), Games Buri (3rd, NH), Will Buttress (3rd, S), Charlie Callon Hine (3rd, S), Oliver Coker (3rd, H), Jack Cunningham (3rd, H), Bryn Fair (3rd, BH), Charlie Gardiner (3rd, NH), William Gibson (3rd, L), Tommy Haddock (3rd, S), Ethan Harney (3rd, L), Tom Hartley (3rd, Xt), Theo Kace (3rd, BH), Dominic Kelly (3rd, NH), James Kirk (3rd, BH), Sid Mitchell (3rd, NH), Max Morris (3rd, S), Joshua Naylor-Higgs (3rd, S), Tom O’Bryan (3rd, S), Frankie Russell (3rd, S), Freddie Scott (3rd, S), Paddy Scudamore (3rd, BH), William Stanton (3rd, NH), Matvey Strepetov (3rd, L), Max Sutton (3rd, NH), James Taylor-Kimmins (3rd, BH), James Whittal (3rd, NH) Coaches: Mr Tom Lambert; Mr Jonathan Mace The team blew away Monmouth School in their first fixture; every aspect of the game went well.

Making many strong runs and an impressive number of turnovers at the breakdown, Bryn Fair was Man of the Match. As he smashed his way

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to two tries, Games Buri left bodies in his wake.

Slick handling by Guy Beazley and William Stanton saw Jack Cunningham skip through the midfield for a score; determined offloading by forwards like Charlie Gardiner and James Kirk saw Will Buttress sneak over from short range. The following week saw a great match with Sherborne School: Games Buri was once again rampant, Joshua Naylor-Higgs showed his natural finishing ability, Sid Mitchell was outstanding in defence and James TaylorKimmins in the line-out, but it was not enough to prevent us coming second in a see-saw battle. Our up and down results continued as we thumped Pate’s Grammar School and St Edward’s School, Oxford, but lost to Abingdon School and Radley College. Hamish-James Anderson was an excellent runner and tackler throughout and Charlie Callon Hine a stalwart in the rucks. Matvey Strepetov and Max Sutton made outstanding progress, deservedly winning A Team places.

As the ‘rainy season’ arrived, outstanding matches against an unbeaten Rugby School XV and a very strong Marlborough College side brought two more close losses. Tommy Haddock and Frankie Russell showed excellent resolve in breaking through for fine tries, Joshua Naylor-Higgs continued his try-scoring streak, and the duo of James Taylor-Kimmins and Bryn Fair became more and more destructive. The end of the season brought two satisfying wins, as the team delivered on its strong promise: James Whittal and Games Buri proved too elusive and too strong for St Peter’s RC High School, Gloucester, while the whole team’s defensive line-speed and all-round aggression even had the parents of the opposition purring on the touchline when we played away to Malvern College.

This was a talented B Team full of future 1st XV and 2nd XV players. With more self-belief and composure in tight games, they ought to produce even better results next season, and I look forward to tracking their future success.

Mr Tom Lambert

Yearlings C

Record: played 7; lost 7; points for 48; points against 250; points difference -202 Victor Lee (3rd, Xt), Oliver Coker (3rd, H), Joshua Read (3rd, Xt), Piers Morgan (3rd, Xt), Oscar Stevens (3rd, Xt), Harry Lyle (3rd, S), William Gibson (3rd, L), Max Morris (3rd, S), Paddy Merheim-Kealy (3rd, S), William Westlake (3rd, S), Freddie Scott (3rd, S), Milo Watkins (3rd, H), Maximilian Pini (3rd, NH), Elliot Wilcox Routledge (3rd, L), Tom Hartley (3rd, Xt), Kenechukwu Ajogwu (3rd, H), Duncan Pinchen (3rd, Xt), Giorgio Iamoni (3rd, BH), George Kemp (3rd, S), Ethan Harney (3rd, L), Dominic Kelly (Captain, 3rd, NH) Coach: Mr Simon Conner The statistics above are in no way reflective of the season. The team never got into the habit of scoring and as such were always going to be up against it. Unfortunately, Monmouth School pulled out of the first match and so our actual first match was an away game at Sherborne School.

The long trip and strong opposition meant that the first game knocked the confidence of the team. The next two games, at home against Abingdon School and St Edward’s School, Oxford,

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were very close affairs with the opposition taking their opportunities whilst we did not. The skills of Dominic Kelly at 10 and the power of Max Morris in the pack produced outstanding performances.

The final game before Half Term, against Radley College, was a difficult affair against a much stronger team but the boys showed great heart.

After Half Term the team played an unbeaten Rugby School side; they dominated the first 25 minutes and should have scored several tries.

Against Marlborough College the team did not turn up and only William Gibson showed any real determination. With trepidation the team went to Malvern College for the final game.

They dominated the first half and were feeling confident at half-time. Playing into a strong wind in the second half, the team were generally on top and Victor Lee, who went on to be the most improved player of the season, bursting through their whole team, scored a stunning try. However, the opposition had a strong runner in the centre, which turned out to be the difference. Overall, the boys trained hard and with a few early breaks next season, there will be many better results.

Mr Simon Conner

Yearlings D

Record: played 5; lost 5; points for 5; points against 266; points difference -261 Gaurav Mediratta (3rd, L), Duncan Pinchen (3rd, Xt), Timur Guliev (3rd, L), Oscar Stevens (3rd, Xt), Piers Morgan (3rd, Xt), Imaan Khyra (3rd, H), Jasper Lowde (3rd, S), Fedor Sokolov (3rd, H), Ivan Kornev (3rd, Xt), George Gusakov (3rd, BH), Patrick Brown (3rd, Xt), James Barltrop (3rd, Xt), Jacob Schmidt (3rd, S), Jonathan Chai (3rd, Xt), Giorgio Iamoni (3rd, BH), Victor Lee (3rd, Xt), Paddy Scudamore (3rd, BH), Javier Peralta Martin (3rd, L), Harry Lyle (3rd, S) Coach: Mr Nick Hands In a World Cup year, the team’s results might appear as bleak as England’s. But for a side considerably less experienced than Stuart Lancaster’s, and without the comfort of regular home matches, the side acquitted themselves excellently. Ably led by Gaurav Mediratta and Duncan Pinchen, their perseverance was most impressive. Several players, including the industrious Giorgio Iamoni and Victor Lee, deserved their call-up to the C Team; others, notably George Gusakov and Ivan Kornev, threw themselves into the sport despite a lack of experience. There were some excellent team performances, with a close match against Radley College the highlight.

excellent advice, we struggled to be as aggressive in matches as in training. Nonetheless, the side showed valour in the sheeting rain at Marlborough; Jasper Lowde, James Barltrop and Harry Lyle stood out for their refusal to give up.

The side was a pleasure to coach, with Imaan Khyra and Fedor Sokolov a creative backline pair, Piers Morgan adding muscle to the pack, and Oscar Stevens coping well with a variety of positions.

Jonathan Chai was a quietly determined hooker and Paddy Scudamore, when fit, a classy half-back.

I wish them the very best for seasons to come.

Mr Nick Hands

Shooting

Slightly down in numbers this summer, the College team departed for Bisley on Sunday 10 July. We spent the evening settling into our shared accommodation (The Inns of Court) with Wellington College and St Albans School and preparing for the start of the annual NRA Schools Meeting: four days of individual and team competitions at the home of target shooting in the UK. The format for each day involves shooting at three distances (300, 500 and 600 yards) where the course of fire requires two sighting shots, which can be converted to scoring shots and seven scoring shots to count (scores ex 35).

Monday was ‘practice’ day, where most teams were using their 7.62mm Cadet Target Rifles (CTR) for the first time since their exams earlier in the term. Despite not having many chances to practise with the CTR during the academic year, the team performed admirably, especially given the volume of rain that fell during the afternoon sessions at 500 and 600 yards. Although Monday is a ‘practice’ day, the scores and results still count for individual matches, and with 515 entries it was pleasing to

We began with a loss against a well-drilled Abingdon School, and turned in an improved performance the following week against St Edward’s School, Oxford. That brought our try of the season, which culminated in Jacob Schmidt offloading to Javier Peralta Martin, our most dangerous runner, who stretched over the line – just – for his first try. Against Radley College, the game was evenly poised at half time, only for us not to capitalise on an excellent start that had seen Timur Guliev show his potential with a rampaging try.

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Tuesday saw similar wet conditions punctuating the day, with the rain so heavy that shooting after the lunch-break was delayed because the targets could not be seen at 500 yards! Lightning appeared in two dramatic forms: firstly hitting a tree at the rear of the range and secondly in the form of a low-flying F35 Lightning II jet fighter on its way to the Farnborough air show! Despite the far-from-ideal weather conditions, scoring continued to improve, and three of the team appeared in the Tuesday Aggregate: Andrew Luk (L6, Xt) at 77th, William Jury-Simpson at 95th and Joshua Dowley at 100th.

Wednesday saw extremely challenging wind conditions where the direction varied quickly from the front. This required quick decisive coaching and fast shooting, and the team were able to rise to the challenge! All team members were able to shoot scores between 30 and 33, which gave a great deal of confidence before the main team competition for Thursday! In the daily aggregate, Josh Dowley managed 39th place and William Jury-Simpson in 49th. In the Iveagh Trophy, Andrew Luk was the only team member to feature in the top 100 (37th place), and in the Wellington competition, William Jury-Simpson (56th) just edged out Joshua Dowley (58th). The Victoria Tankard (600 yards) was also just as close, but the result swapped, with Joshua in 41st place and William in 43rd. In the Victoria College Team Match (best four at 600 yards), we finished in 11th place out of 44 schools competing.

Thursday is the main team-match day, where schools compete in the Ashburton match, however having only six team members, we

focused instead on entering the Ashburton Fours with William Jury-Simpson, Joshua Dowley, Sam Mendis (L6, Xt) and Andrew Luk, and the Schools Pairs with Thomas Hill (L6, BH) and Charlie O’Bryan (5th, BH). Conditions were tricky again, and scoring was slightly lower compared to previous days, but after 300 yards, we were within two points of the best score in the fours, and within four points in the pairs’ match. Unlike previous days, we then shot at 600 yards, and the team’s experience of shooting quickly with accurate coaching meant that we stayed nicely in touch. Only Sevenoaks School were able to out-score our Four (by four points), and the matches were nicely set for the final distance (500 yards). At this stage, the team had no idea how we were placed, and we could concentrate on firing good shots to finish off the match.

We saved our best performance for last, and our Four managed to score eight points better than any other team. In a result that was rather unexpected, our Ashburton Four had won by a margin of four points from Sevenoaks. Our Schools Pair had managed a highly creditable fifth place (11 schools competing), managing to beat the ever-consistent Epsom College and Marlborough College. Our Senior shooters, Joshua Dowley (Vice-Captain) and William Jury-Simpson (Captain) were placed 51st and 62nd respectively in the Schools Hundred (best scores overall from Monday to Wednesday). The team thanks SSI Jason Gwynne, without whose help this event could not have taken place. In the Imperial Meeting (National Championships), William Jury-Simpson and myself, the shooting coach, remained to compete.

Mr Jonathan Cload

Squash Boys Squash 1st V

Record: played 10; won 3; lost 7 Jono Jamieson-Black (L6, H), Douglas Spencer (U6, S), Max Dymoke (L6, NH), Daniel Stoianov (L6, Xt), Edward Cutler (U6, S), Josh Dell (U6 H)

Shooting in 1872

The Senior boys team was one full of talent and endeavour, with notable

wins over Radley College, Bromsgrove School and Berkhamsted School proving their calibre. Jono JamiesonBlack played some exceptional squash, with victory over Radley being achieved despite playing a full rugby match beforehand. Douglas Spencer worked tirelessly at his game to become an extremely formidable opponent, and Daniel Stoianov deserves much credit for winning the vast majority of his matches in the season. Indeed, it was only against those schools where students play at a club level, Tewksbury School and Wycliffe College, that they were ever outclassed. The team deserves credit for the spirit with which they played each fixture, and I am sure that those members who are leaving us this year will find much enjoyment from the game outside of College.

SPORT

find the more experienced shooters featuring in the top 100 shooters for the Monday Aggregate: William Jury-Simpson (L6, BH) at 30th and Joshua Dowley (L6, L) at 57th.

Girls Squash 1st V

Record: played 6; won 4; lost 2 Nicola Francombe (U6, Ch), Jamie Chadwick (U6, Ch), Annabella Kohler (U6, Ch), India Deakin (4th, W), Annabel Mundy (U6, A) The Senior girls team enjoyed a successful season, achieving some impressive results, and with each member of the team making significant progress in their personal game.

Nicola Francombe enjoyed training with the Senior boys team, consistently beating those in the 2nd V, and this helped her succeed when faced with tough opponents. Annabella Kohler’s wild serve, a style she stubbornly (and perhaps rightly) refused to be coached out of, proved the undoing of many of her victims, and Jamie Chadwick played some great matches, notching up important wins. The team’s two victories over Cheltenham Ladies’ College, and wins against Marlborough College and St Edward’s School, Oxford are deserved evidence of their talent.

Boys U16

Record: played 4; won 1; lost 3 Freddie White (5th, BH), Oscar Butcher (4th, H), Jack Clement (4th, S), Javier Peralta Martin (3rd, L), Pei Toh Chung (4th, H), George Elliot (4th, NH) The boys played with real passion and spirit this season, and were unlucky not to record more wins. Freddie White made exceptional progress in the course of the season, playing with an increasingly impressive technique and showing a developing understanding of the game. Oscar Butcher, too, is becoming a formidable squash player, capable of dispatching opponents with a ruthlessness that leaves one feeling somewhat sorry for the opponent. Jack Clement was involved in some epic clashes, some of which went his way, and some of which didn’t, but all of which gave great entertainment to those on the balcony. Pei Toh Chung, Javier Peralta Martin

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and George Elliot all contributed well in their fixtures, and the team’s victory over Marlborough College must serve as their benchmark for next season.

Girls U16

Record: played 3; won 0; lost 3 India Deakin (4th, W), Georgia Jones-Perrott (3rd, W), Charlotte Maddinson (3rd, Q), Annabelle Rigg (4th, Q), Jennifer Carson (3rd, A) India Deakin led the team with great skill this year, marshalling a team purloined from other sports with a tactful authority. Her victory at Wycliffe College was a clear highlight of the season, and underlines her natural talent for the sport.

Annabelle Rigg’s victory against Kenilworth School was another highlight, showing how a calm head can lead one to success. Despite being rusty, the other girls performed admirably in their fixtures, often facing county-level opponents, but always playing with gusto.

Mr Jack Kelway

Swimming

With some pleasing wins and many fantastic performances both for the team and also at an individual level, swimming has enjoyed another successful year at College.

From a House perspective, we saw early victories in the Third Form galas for Queen’s and Hazelwell, with Westal and Southwood as runners up. House Pots however saw change this year, with increased College numbers making separate boys and girls competitions an attractive option. The Senior Girls competition was won by Chandos and there was a tie for first for the Junior Girls between Chandos and Queens. Unfortunately, we ran out of opportunities in the calendar to host the Boys gala and so this has been carried over to the next academic year.

We have seen commitment, passion and wonderful team spirit as always. We saw nine trophies awarded for school records that were broken over the course of this year, with Cindy Lai (4th Form, Ch) securing five of these, which is an amazing achievement.

For the Swimming Club it has been another very busy year. We have travelled to Stowe School, Marlborough College, over to Cheltenham Ladies’ College and hosted St Edward’s, Oxford, Monmouth School and Haberdashers Monmouth School to name but a few. We have participated in the Abingdon Sprints and the Warwick 100s as well as our annual pilgrimage to the Aquatic Centre in London for the Otters national schools event.

Mrs Zoë La Valette-Cooper

We have faced tough competition, often rich with club swimmers, but in spite of this we have held our own. The Third Form girls won the District Schools event at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, the Senior girls and boys won their events at Stowe School, the Senior Boys won their events in the Medley Relay at the Cheltenham Ladies’ College District Relay competition and also won their section of the Monmouth gala. The girls also won their part of our match up with St Edward’s School, Oxford.

We extend our thanks to all our swimmers this year.

Finally, I would like to mention our wonderful coach Andy Osborne and our captains Alison Lau (U6, W) and Kelvin Lai (L6, BH), who have led superbly: I thank them for their work and look forward to Kelvin’s continued leadership for the coming year and Andy’s on-going support for College swimming.

Tennis

The Tennis Club is in a strong place.

Again this year, the uptake from girls, in particular, was most pleasing and just under 200 pupils play the sport as part of their games sessions. The girls 1st IV performed very well in the winter LTA Senior Students competition, reaching the national last 16 stage. In March, 21 pupils departed on tour to the Vale do Lobo Resort in Portugal, where they enjoyed three hours of coaching per day, in addition to a triangular tournament against other schools.

The Senior girls House competition was closely contested, with Chandos eventually triumphing over Ashmead. Westal secured the Junior tournament for the second year running. For boys, a young Newick House team took the trophy off last year’s winners, Hazelwell, in a match that was much more closely contested than the 3-0 score line would seem to suggest. The Senior competition was an upset in the form book, with Hazelwell narrowly winning all three of their matches, 2-1, eventually winning against Christowe.

Senior boys tennis fixtures have moved exclusively to Saturdays and our Junior boys enjoyed midweek matches overseen by Mr Nelson. Our girls blocks in the Summer Term have been extremely successful, both at 1st team level and with our younger C and D teams. Mr Chris Warner takes over as Head of Tennis in 2016-17 and will be, I’m sure, a great success in that role.

Mr Stephen McQuitty

Senior Girls 1st VI

Record: played 9; won 7; lost 2

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Coach: Mr Stephen McQuitty With many girls returning to play for their second season, the girls 1st team continued to build on the success of last year’s side. We again enjoyed success in the LTA Senior Students competition, reaching the last 16 of this national competition and learning much about singles tactics along the way. We only lost one block fixture in the Summer Term for the second year in a row. The season’s highlights include fine wins over our neighbours, Cheltenham Ladies’ College 6 – 3, Malvern College 7 – 2 and a nail-biter against Rugby School, 5-4.

Displaying good sportsmanship, determination and encouragement for their teammates, the girls continue to represent College sport in the finest way possible.

Annabel Mundy, as Captain, was unfortunate with injury but remained resolute and unstintingly supportive of the side. Tabitha Burt and Sophie Mathews then formed a very effective Ashmead pair in Annabel’s absence, with Tabitha’s consistency on the baseline complementing Sophie’s tenacity at the net. Charlotte Ball and Georgia Taylor were the most successful partnership statistically and could always be relied upon to perform well whatever the match situation was. Georgina Blumer and India Blake, as third pair, battled well throughout the term, recording fine wins against higher ‘ranked’ opposition. Araminta Lawson-Smith made a late charge and represented the first team with great aplomb; her final match, alongside good friend Georgina Blumer, secured our overall win over Rugby School, with the game tied at 4-4. The leavers, Annabel, Sophie, Georgia, Georgina and Araminta, have contributed a huge amount to tennis, but also to all College sport. I wish them all the very best for the future and hope that they will continue to play sport for many, many years to come, whatever university they go to or career they end up doing. I would like to thank the parents whose support, humour, and company I greatly appreciated by the side of the court. Finally, my thanks must go to Mr Chris Warner for his company, tactical nous and support in coaching the squad.

Martha Elliott (5th, W), Nicola Francombe (U6, Ch), Mimi Haycraft Mee (U6, Q), Pippa Hickey (L6, Ch), Rose Jones (5th, Q), Eleanor JonesPerrott (L6, A), Annabella Kohler (U6, Ch), Kiara Munn (L6, Ch), Theresa Schaff (L6, Ch), Sascha Taylor (5th, Ch) Coach: Mr Stephen McQuitty The girls 2nd VI lost only one match all year, narrowly going down 5-4 against Rugby School. Many of the girls benefitted from the winter training that we run from September to March, under the guidance and tuition of Mr Chris Warner. Bromsgrove School were comprehensively dispatched 9-0 in our opening match of the term, which was followed up with Bloxham School (8-1) and performing strongly in a triangular tournament with Dean Close School and Kingswood School. Two other wins against Cheltenham Ladies’ College (6-3) and Malvern College (7-2) was a fitting way for the season to end. The girls all displayed admirable flexibility with pairings, with our leavers Nicola Francombe, Mimi Haycraft Mee, Annabella Kohler and Araminta LawsonSmith leading from the front and playing a high standard of tennis throughout the term.

The girls can feel very proud of their season; they were good-humoured, great company and all had a willingness to try new things and take advice on board from the coaching staff. A healthy number of the squad will return again next year, ready to challenge the First Team and achieve their undoubted potential.

Mr Stephen McQuitty

3rd VI

Record: played 3; won: 3; lost 0 Annabella Kohler (U6, Ch), Sascha Taylor (5th, Ch), Cordelia Shorthouse (5th, A), Georgie Baillie-Hamilton (5th, Q), Pippa Hickey (L6, Ch), Kiara Munn (L6, Ch), Theresa Schaff (L6, Ch)

4th VI

Record: played 1; won 1; lost 0 Jaime Carter (5th, A), Isla Flint (5th, A), Sophie Baillie-Hamilton (L6, Q), Eleanor Jones-Perrott (L6, A), Millie Broom (L6, W), Amber Beachus (5th, W), Pippa Hickey (L6, Ch), Kiara Munn (L6, Ch), Theresa Schaff (L6, Ch)

SPORT

Tabitha Burt (5th, A), Charlotte Ball (L6, Ch), India Blake (L6, Q), Georgina Blumer (U6, Ch), Araminta Lawson-Smith (U6, Ch), Sophie Mathews (U6, A), Annabel Mundy (U6, A), Georgia Taylor (U6, Ch)

Coach: Miss Claire Rowland The season started with a home fixture against Bromsgrove School, with Pippa Hickey, Kiara Munn, Sascha Taylor, Cordelia Shorthouse and Georgie Baillie-Hamilton all making their debut for the Thirds. The girls dominated the fixture, playing some lovely tennis as the pairs quickly gelled together. College dropped just one set and won the fixture 8-1. Next up was another home fixture, this time against Bloxham School.

Again, the girls quickly took control of their matches and racked up some impressive 6-0 and 6-1 score lines. The Thirds achieved a clean sweep against Bloxham. The Thirds’ final fixture was away against Cheltenham Ladies’ College.

The standard of play was excellent and all three pairs had to work hard. Despite a wobbly start, the girls managed to regroup and won the fixture 5-4.

Disappointingly, due to the weather and some cancellations, the Fourths only had one fixture this term, against Dean Close School. The girls turned in some superb performances and won their fixture 8-1. They have been a pleasure to coach this season, playing some super tennis and have all worked hard to develop their all round games during coaching sessions. There is real strength and depth in the squad, which bodes extremely well for next season.

Miss Claire Rowland

Coach: Miss Claire Rowland

Half Colours were awarded to: Georgina Blumer, Araminta Lawson-Smith and Sophie Mathews.

Full Colours were awarded to: Charlotte Ball, India Blake, Tabitha Burt, Annabel Mundy and Georgia Taylor.

2nd VI

Record: played 6; won 5; lost 1

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Junior Girls

Junior Colts A

Record: played 8; won 4; lost 4

Romy Bodington (4th, A), India Deakin (4th, W) Emily Drysdale (4th, W) Mollie Lyle (4th, Q) Poppy Pearey (4th, Ch) and Kaela Wilson (4th, Ch) Isabella Barber (4th, A) Georgina Grimwade (4th, A) Coach: Miss Betsy Willey What a difference a year makes! Last year, this team last year only won one match over the whole season and this year the team won 50%; testament to the hard work the girls have put into their training this term. Our first fixture was a tight fixture against Bromsgrove School; the girls played well. Special congratulations must go to Georgina Grimwade and Isabella Barber, who won the fixture for the squad in their final match. With everyone else finished and watching to find out the outcome, this was quite a lot of pressure for them. Following this we played Bloxham School, where the girls completely dominated despite the stop in play to allow the thunderstorms to pass.

We then went onto the triangular against Dean Close School and Kingswood School, who was new to the fixture card. There was a good standard of play and the girls finished mid-table, which was a great result. The next fixture was another close affair against our local rivals, Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Once again the match was decided on the final set of the afternoon, which unfortunately was played in unfavourable conditions but luckily the girls finished victorious. The final two fixtures were against Rugby School and Marlborough College. Being played around the girls’ end of year exams and the day after their Duke of Edinburgh expedition, there were some tired bodies playing, which showed in both of these games. Overall, the girls have had a much-improved season from last year and it has been a privilege to coach them. I wish the girls every success as they move up into the Senior ranks of the club.

Junior Colts B

Record: played 6; won 4; lost 2

Isabella Barber (4th, A), Tilly Fletcher (4th, W), Georgina Grimwade (4th, A), Emma Hechle (4th, W), Georgia Mitchell (4th, Q), Annabelle Rigg (4th, Q) Coach: Miss Betsy Willey Similar to the A Team, there has been a marked improvement for the B Team this year. From only winning three matches at under 14 level they have improved this year by winning four and only losing two. This improvement has been the result of significant endeavour in training and mental toughness in fixtures. The girls started the season very well, with comfortable wins over Bromsgrove School and Bloxham School. The next fixture was the new triangular, that involved a round-robin tournament against Dean Close School and Kingswood School, Bath. The girls played very well in a group that was of a very high standard. Georgia Mitchell and Annabelle Rigg won their matches, making the tournament a fantastic success. Next came the local derby against Cheltenham Ladies’ College, which once again, the girls won with relative ease at 6-3. The final two matches of the season came at a busy time for the girls: end of year exams loomed when we played Rugby School and the Duke of Edinburgh expedition took its toll on some of our girls when we played Marlborough College.

Thanks must go to the girls who stepped up from the C Team in the final match against Marlborough when we were heavily depleted due to illness and injury. Overall the girls had a great season, which in particular saw them playing some very good doubles. They were a pleasure to coach and I wish the girls every success as they move up into the Senior ranks of the club.

Miss Betsy Willey

Junior Colts C

Record: played 4; won 0; lost 4

Annabella Bifulco (4th, Q), Phoebe Barnes (4th, Q), Caroline Daly (4th, W), Isabella Channing (4th, W), Lanta Thynne (4th, Ch), Olivia Ladkin (4th, Ch), Verity Peterken (4th, W), Abby Aitken (4th, Ch) Coach: Miss Robyn Stovold

Junior Colts D

Record: played 1; won 0; lost 1 Georgie Elliott (4th, A), Yasmin Mayes (4th, A), Alisa Sedova (4th, W), Varvara Konyaeva (4th, W), Ronke Adetona (4th, Ch), Victoria Edwards (4th, Q), Valeria Popeta (4th, Q), Shirley Lo (4th, A)

have worked throughout the season and the improvement of their tennis. Watching both the C and D Teams play against a tough Marlborough College opposition in our final match of the season highlighted how far they have come. Stepping up to closely contest each point, the girls should not be disheartened by the results. With multiple matches cancelled thanks to a classic British summer, it was a frustrating season for the girls, but this did not stop them from turning up week after week with enthusiasm and a great team spirit.

Well done indeed girls!

Miss Robyn Stovold

Yearlings A

Record: played 7; won 5; lost 2

Molly Clarke (3 rd, W), Jennifer Carson (Captain 3rd, A), Megan Message (3rd, Q), Emily Heardman (3rd, Ch), Poppy Pitt (3rd, W), Honor Skelding (3rd, A) Coach: Miss Poppy Hoskins Unbeaten until the final two sets of matches, the Yearlings A tennis squad had a fantastic season.

Wins over Bromsgrove School (7-2) and Bloxham School (6-3) kick-started the season, despite playing around with some pairing combinations in lieu of a few poorly players. As the team settled, the girls grew in confidence and two big 9-0 wins followed against Malvern College and Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Before the Half Term holiday, we travelled to Clifton College, where the girls finally got to play in some sunshine. At 4-4 and with one rubber to play, it was a very close fixture.

The third pair of Poppy Pitt and Honor Skelding got to 5-5 in the final set and managed to seal it off at 6-5; clinching the win for College. The final two matches were against Rugby School and Marlborough College. Both sides were certainly more experienced than us but the girls went out with their heads high and gave both teams some very tight games. Despite losing both, the girls played an exceptional level of tennis. Most Improved Player went to Emily Heardman for her incredible effort during all training sessions and the improvement she made on her consistency and, most notably, her serve. Coach’s Player of the Season went to Megan Message for her attitude, energy and sheer determination on court; Megan’s consistency has been excellent and she always goes out to win every point rather than wait for her opponent to make a mistake. I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching this squad this year; they have certainly kept me on my toes with their quick wit and enthusiasm!

Coach: Miss Robyn Stovold Despite the final results, these two squads should be immensely proud of how hard they

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Record: played 7; won 4; lost 3

Yearlings C and D Yearlings C

Record: played 7; won 5; lost 2

Olivia Elliot (3rd, A), Taya Suleyman (3rd, Q), Violet Levinson (3rd, A), Charlotte Maddinson (3rd, Q), Beth Jenkins (3rd, Q), Sanaya Gheewala (Captain, 3rd, W), Georgia JonesPerrott (3rd, W)

Miss Charli Roberts

Coach: Miss Poppy Hoskins The Yearlings B team developed an enormous amount this term. Happily, all the girls had a chance to represent College in fixtures and a number also played in the A squad, as well for a few matches.

They played with determination and wanted to win everything. They started the season with three very clear wins over Bromsgrove School (8-1), Bloxham School (9-0) and Cheltenham Ladies’ College (9-0). Clifton College put up a good fight just before the Half Term holiday but, despite a few lapses of concentration, the girls powered through to win 7-2. Unfortunately, the toughest opponents were yet to come and the team was unable to stand up to a very tough Malvern College side (0-9), Rugby School (2-7) or Marlborough College (1-8). Most Improved Player went to Beth Jenkins as her effort during training cannot be faulted and she listened well to advice and took it on board wherever possible. Player of the Season went to Sanaya Gheewala; not only a fantastic captain, leading by example to her teammates, but also a very consistent and driven player, who was never over-faced by the opposition. This squad have been amazing to coach and I wish them every success for the future.

Miss Poppy Hoskins

were able to put a C and D team out every week for a fixture. It was very difficult not to select any of the girls when there was only a C team match but they all understood that I wanted to keep moving them around so that they all got the opportunity to represent the school at tennis. Comfortably winning all five games, the C Team had a great start to the season and all girls contributed to the successful performance.

The D Team unfortunately had one match out of the four cancelled. However, a convincing 8- 1 win over Malvern College gave them a boost and demonstrated their hard work in training and how much they improved. It has been an enjoyable, albeit wet tennis season and I know the girls were thrilled when they could play.

Thanks must go to Giles Elliot for coaching the girls this season. The girls have enjoyed the sessions and improved significantly from beginning to end.

SPORT

Yearlings B

Senior Boys 1st VI

Record: played 7; won 4; lost 3

Georgia Jones-Perrott (3rd, W), Min Pantisoontorn, (3rd, Ch), Miu Pantisoontorn (3rd, W), Jemima Piggott (3rd, W), Marina Pitman (3rd, A), Mary Foster (3rd, W), Yuriko Fukuda (3rd, A), Jemima Rees (3rd, A), Hannah Wood (3rd, W) Coach: Miss Charli Roberts

Yearlings D

Record: played 3; won 1; lost 2 Emily Aitken (3rd, Ch), Claudia Conquero (3rd, Ch), Molly Sanders (3rd, Ch) Mary Foster (3rd, W), Yuriko Fukuda (3rd, A), Bibi Lewin-Sanderson (3rd, Ch), Jemima Piggott (3rd, W), Hannah Wood (3rd, W)

Rhodri Hande (Captain, U6, S), Clarence Koo (U6, H), Oscar Allaway (U6, L), Daniel Stoianov (L6, Xt), Rodrigo Peralta Martin (5th, L), Charlie Boyce (5th, H) Coach: Mr Olly Morgan

Coach: Miss Charli Roberts It has been really encouraging that College

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2nd VI

Record: played 4; won 2; lost 2

Ethan Dowling-Membrado (Captain, U6, L), Harry Boyce (U6, S), Jamie Orme (L6, S), Freddie White (5th, BH), Alex de Wesselow (U6, Xt), Javier Peralta Martin (3rd, L), Giuseppe D’istria (5th, H), Henry Morshead (U6, BH) Coach: Mr Olly Morgan The boys’ tennis season was one of vast progression. Many having already played first and second team the year before made for an exciting season. Led superbly by the experienced Rhodri Hande, the commitment and endeavour in training was a remarkable improvement from previous years and this certainly showed on court. Turnout each week was fantastic and the coaching expertise from Mr Chris Warner allowed the players to develop and improve as the season went on. The first couple of matches against St Edward’s, Oxford and Dean Close School showed glimpses of what we can do, but we first really demonstrated our potential against Radley College. With the rain beating down and plenty of stoppages, it was difficult to build momentum, but some outstanding groundstrokes from Clarence Koo and Rhodri Hande meant a few wins against their lower pairs. Ethan Dowling-Membrado and

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Henry Morshead led from the front for the 2 nd VI, winning their first match before Radley clawed their way back. It wasn’t until the last game that Oscar Allaway and Charlie Boyce performed admirably and this eventually turned out to be the decider. A close tiebreak went the way of College and victory on the road proved significant for the season. Wins against Monmouth School and Malvern College highlighted our consistency from the back of the court and the strong partnerships formed. This continued into the matches against Bromsgrove School and Shrewsbury School, which meant we finished the season on a real high.

Notable performances were from Rhodri Hande and Clarence Koo, who only lost two matches as a doubles pair throughout the season; a great achievement. The new pairing of Oscar Allaway and Daniel Stoianov also proved valuable in gaining victories in the latter part of the season.

With many Fifth and Fourth Form players involved, it makes for an exciting season next year.

Full Colours were awarded to Rhodri Hande and Clarence Koo. Half Colours were awarded to Daniel Stoianov, Rodrigo Peralta Martin, Charlie Boyce and Oscar Allaway.

Mr Olly Morgan

Junior Boys Junior Colts

Record: played 3; won 1; lost 1; drew 1 Lucas Harrison (4 th, L), Harvey Edwards (4 th, S), Oliver Baker, (4 th, NH), Jack Clement (4 th, S), Max Pemberton (4 th, H), Tristan Conde Vidal (4 th, Xt), Oscar Butcher (4 th, H), Felix WatsonSmyth (4 th, Xt), Freddie White (5th, BH)

Yearlings

Record: played 3; won 1; lost 2 Javier Peralta Martin (3rd, L), William Stanton (3rd, NH), Sid Mitchell (3rd, NH), Guy Beazley (3rd, NH), Oliver Coker (3rd, H), Joshua NaylorHiggs (3rd, S) Coach: Mr Nick Nelson Using a new system, which enables Third and Fourth Form boys to play both Cricket and Tennis in the Summer Term, this has been a developmental term for Junior boys tennis. This change meant that we enjoyed success in a fixture on 3 May at home against Monmouth School and secured a clear victory at both Yearlings and Junior Colts level. Of particular note here at Junior Colts level, was the first pair of Oscar Butcher and Lucas Harrison, who lost just three games across the three sets played. Somewhat inevitably, given their depth as a boys’ school, our fixture against Radley College on 17 May proved more of a challenge.

Despite sterling performances by William Stanton and Javier Peralta Martin, we lost at Yearlings level 2-7. Losing a respectable 3-6, despite the valiant efforts of Lucas Harrison and Oliver Baker, our Junior Colts fell at the hands of a strong Radley VI. Our sojourn to the Malvern Hills to play Malvern College on a balmy, sunny day on Tuesday 21 June was most enjoyable. Our Junior Colts fought valiantly to draw 3-3, with a strong cameo from Freddie White, drafted in due to absence, who paired-up with stalwart Lucas Harrison. Malvern Juniors proved too strong for our Yearlings squad, and we lost this 2-4. Javier Peralta Martin emulated his brother’s power shots to enjoy 6-4 and 6-1 wins with partner Sid Mitchell. Yet lower down, we struggled to fully convert.

Mr Nick Nelson

Coach: Mr Nick Nelson

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This year both the U18 and U16 teams have shown their true determination and commitment to the sport. Led by our esteemed coach Mr Carpenter and with special coaching from ex GB player Mr Thomas, College’s teams have made themselves known nationally. Playing in the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) Water Polo Championship, as well as hosting friendly games in our own pool, it has been a busy year for the Water Polo Club but that has not affected our victory mind-set!

On behalf of the entire team, I would just like to say a tremendous thank you to Mr Carpenter who has always taken the positive out of every game and training session and has dedicated himself to improving our own self-confidence and ability in the sport. Mr Carpenter leaves College to teach at Bristol Grammar School and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours in teaching and in water polo.

U18

Piers Norton (U6, S), Joe Warner (Captain, U6, S), Archie Timmis (U6, H), Daniel Brown (U6, S), Dan Beachus (U6, BH), Fernando Capelastegui (U6, BH), Nikita Chernov (5th, L), Ben Santhudkijkarn (U6, BH), Darren Hague (L6, BH), Daniel Ward (5th, NH), James Lewin (5th, NH), Felix Stevens (5th Xt), Hugo Bailey (4th, BH), Boris Pustoshinskiy (4th Xt), Thomas Bond (U6, NH) It can be said that this year the squad faced some of its toughest competition to date but as a team we pushed to our limits, exceeded expectations and reached the semi-finals of the ESSA. Many of us began playing water polo in Third Form, which has made us a very tight-knit group of players who have developed tremendously over the years. For Fifth Form players Daniel Ward and Boris Pustoshinskiy to step up to the Senior level and show their talents is quite an achievement!

Having returned from a long summer holiday we were straight into the pool for the first round of the ESSA with our first match away against Torquay Boys’ Grammar School. It was a loss but a valuable learning experience which saw us then take three wins against Winterbourne International Academy, Charterhouse and the University of Gloucester, with notable performances from Daniel Ward and Thomas Bond. This saw us into the second round of the ESSA but with each match played the competition became tougher, but that did not hinder our ability to score goals! Our first match against our local rival, the Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club, allowed us to re-evaluate our style of playing. Our learning from this was evident a few weeks later, when we beat them. In the later part of the season we faced some tough defeats. These were difficult to digest considering the fact that we had given our all to the games and to training.

Nevertheless, our coach Mr Carpenter always encouraged us to push harder and to work as a team. In terms of teamwork and leadership, notable mentions should go to Archie Timmis, Joe Warner and Fernando Capelastegui, who led the Senior team in the face of hard times

and set the example for the U16 & U15 squads.

Reaching the semi finals of the ESSA and playing against teams who play internationally was a great achievement given our range of players from across the year groups in College. It was a tough three games against Warwick School, Stowe School and Bradford Grammar School but as a team we worked our hardest and our best water polo was played. Mr Carpenter never giving up on us gave us the encouragement to come out with a win. To finish, our goal keeper Piers Norton’s outstanding defence this season deserves considerable recognition as well as Hugo Bailey, James Lewin and Ben Santhudkijkarn for their excellent composure in attack and defence as well as retention of the ball. As a team, we will be sad to see our Upper Sixth depart but we look forward to welcoming new members to the club in September.

lessons based upon attack, defence, posture, shooting, tactics and communication. This year the U16s have really come to grasp the game as a team. Notable individual performers include Amber Beachus and Hugo Bailey. The team enjoyed victories against the University of Gloucestershire and the Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club. The top goal scorer was Boris Pustoshinskiy, who also captained the team with admirable diligence. Without a doubt, next year’s water polo season will be a prosperous one.

Full Colours have been awarded this year to Fernando Capelastegui, Archie Timmis and Joe Warner.

Darren Hague (L6th, BH)

SPORT

Water Polo

This year also saw another hotly contested Junior House Pots competition. Overcoming Southwood in the final, Christowe were the victors. The girls competition was very tightly contested and the final between Westal and Chandos came down to a penalty shoot-out in which Westal triumphed 2-1 to take the trophy.

Half Colours have been awarded to Daniel Beachus, Ben Santhudkijkarn, Darren Hague and Daniel Ward.

Player

Goals scored

J. Warner

17

B. Pustoshinkiy

14

A. Timmis

12

D. Ward

11

F. Capelastegui

9

U16

Squad: Boris Pustoshinskiy (Captain, 4th, Xt), Hugo Bailey (4th, BH), Nikita Chernov (5th, L), James Webb (5th, H), Amber Beachus (5th, W), Benedict Schallamach (5th, BH), Giuseppe D’Istria (5th, H), Cameron Terry (5th, NH) Water polo welcomed some new players this year, which has added to the firm foundations set by last year’s Fourth Form. For the U16s, this year has revolved more around training but also learning from and helping out with the Senior team. Coming from a background at international level, our specialist water polo coach, Mr Thomas, has taught us invaluable

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117

Invites you to a performance of

Invites you to

The Cheltonian Association and Society has an ever-growing network of over 8,000 members across 80 countries. All those with an association to College are automatically members and so includes College Parents, Staff and pupils.

HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA

FLOREAT

Wednesday 29th June 2016

16

Big Classical, Cheltenham College

To Book

THE CHE LTON IA N A S S OCIATION Card & S OCIE T Y MAG A Z IN E Payments: 01242 265694 JA N UA RY 2016 – IS S U E Cheques N U MB EPayable R N INto: E Cheltenham College

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We endeavour to organise events that appeal to all sections of our audience and hope to welcome you at one of our events in the future!

Post to: Rebecca Creed Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 7LD r.creed@cheltenhamcollege.org

Programme

Price - £10pp for Refreshments

6.45pm - Welcome Drink in Upper College Common Room 7.30pm - Curtain Up c 8.45pm Interval Drinks in Upper College Common Room 10.30pm - Curtain Down

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Friday 11th March 2016

Henley Cricket Club, 3DB Matson Drive, Henley on Thames, RG9

Invites you to join our Private Marquee at CHELTENHAM AT THE RACES ST PATRICK’S THURSDAY

The Pink & Black Anniversary Ball

CHELTONIA

Celebrating 175 years of College,in support The Cheltenham College Charitable

17h March 2016

of

Trust

Friday 1st July 2016

Catering - byWesley House,Winchcombe

Cheltenham Racecourse

Magnum of Champagne, Canapés and

Personal Waiter for each table

Tickets - £110 before 31st March,

£120 from 1st April, £80 for under 30s

Invites you to

Kindly Sponsored By

DRINKS OVER THE THAMES .

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Celebrating 175 years of Cheltenham College

The Walkway, Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, SE1 2UP

Thursday 16th June 2016 To Book Card Payments: 01242 265694 Cheques Payable to: Cheltenham College Post to: Rebecca Creed Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD r.creed@cheltenhamcollege.org

7.00pm - 10.00pm

Please see reverse for further details

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Price £45pp Includes: Welcome Drink Canapés Bowl Food Cash Bar

Cheltonian Association & Society Cheltenham College Bath Road Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 7LD Contact Details: Tel: 01242 265694 Email: r.creed@cheltenhamcollege.com www.cheltonianassociation.com Contact: Christiane Dickens, Development Director Rebecca Creed, Association Manager Malcolm Sloan, OC Administrator BACK TO CONTENTS

Duncan Byrne

It is difficult to overstate Duncan Byrne’s huge contribution to the academic renaissance of College in recent years. He was appointed in 2010, in large part because of his extensive experience of leading and managing academic matters in some of London’s top academic day schools, Whitgift and Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School. From the very start, he understood that did not mean we wanted College to turn into a highlyselective academic hothouse, but it did mean that we wanted a leader who brought with him a passion and drive for inspirational teaching, detailed knowledge of how to improve pupil attainment, and a clear understanding of how to use assessment data to underpin teacher planning, evaluation and improvement.

Duncan quickly adapted to life in a boarding school, gaining a sensitive understanding of how pastoral and academic support one another in a complex environment such as College. He knew about the importance of ‘stretch and challenge’ in the classroom and outside, reviving College’s academic societies, outside lecture programmes and driving the introduction of now wellestablished parts of College academic life, such as the independent projects in Third Form and Lower Sixth, and the vet, medicine, Oxbridge and engineering university preparation programmes. Yet it would be a mistake to presume Duncan’s focus was all on the most academically able – far from it. He was insistent on the importance of establishing a support network for pupils via tutoring and academic clinics for those finding academic matters more challenging. In his time, the learning support operation was completely overhauled and the Ben White Learning Centre was established, College’s reporting and grading systems were changed to promote effort and independent learning above all. Our academic facilities have improved significantly with the refurbishment of the main College library, the Chatfeild-Roberts Library and the transformation of the entire science block at the centre of a completely new academic environment at the school.

A born teacher, Duncan was not happy to be detached from the classroom, believing it to be crucial to his understanding of the academic life of the school, and unsurprisingly he was a very popular and highly respected teacher of French and German. He achieved fantastic results by setting high expectations and then giving pupils the confidence and knowledge to succeed – a method he promoted widely to all staff under his leadership. A measure of Duncan’s commitment to his work was that, before he was even under contract to College, he withdrew from the semi-final of the BBC’s prestigious

Mastermind series (where his specialist topic was some unfeasibly obscure piece of French literature and history) in order to lead pre-term staff training at his new school.

Duncan will also be remembered for his more colourful side: a fearless performer, a very talented tenor, who also set up his own barber shop singing group with the pupils, a marathon runner, six-a-side football enthusiast, a chef of Alsatian cuisine (which he would impose on his Upper Sixth guests) and the master of the bad pun at staff meetings. He will be sorely missed at College, as will his wife Marie-Claire who worked at College in the Higher Education and Careers office with scrupulous attention to detail and plenty of good humour.

Loughborough Grammar School are very fortunate indeed to have secured such a dedicated, proficient and professional Headmaster and we wish Duncan and his family all the very best there.

Dr Alex Peterken

Marie-Claire Byrne

Marie-Claire started her College career working in various roles including assisting in College Office, and as an exam invigilator, reader and scribe. In September 2011 she took up the part-time role of Headmaster’s secretary, working alongside Mrs Sue Baxter for just over three years, doing what Sue would describe as the ‘pastoral’ side of the Headmaster’s work. With her meticulous nature and forward planning, she arranged the annual Education Conference, co-ordinated the Headmaster’s schedule for entertaining and spent six months as acting Marketing Events Organiser.

Intelligent, efficient, totally reliable, highly capable and conscientious are just a few accolades you could attribute to Marie-Claire.

She has made a huge commitment to College since she arrived and, no matter what she was working on, always delivered to an incredibly high standard. As for proofreading, ‘eagle-eyed’ does not come close to what she picks up on; her attention to detail is legendary!

She moved on to the Higher Education and Careers Department in January 2015 and immediately added huge energy and enthusiasm. Countless pupils have benefited greatly from her calm and patient approach when discussing potential careers and university choices. Her meticulous eye for detail and ability to add extra polish to university applications has been a huge asset. In addition, she has streamlined the psychometric testing and profiling in the Fourth Form and has been instrumental in the smooth running of the Careers event and Pre-University Week. Marie-

Claire has a great ability to get on with people and much unseen liaison with housemasters and housemistresses, tutors and parents has ensured that our students have left College with a clear idea of their career path.

Approachable and dependable, her one-to-ones with pupils were informed and empathetic. She deserves great credit for displaying superhuman levels of patience with a number of the less forthcoming members of the student body.

VALETE

Our fond farewells

As she leaves her post to support Duncan at Loughborough Grammar School, we extend our sincere thanks to her for all she has added to the Higher Education and Careers Department in her time with us.

Mr Stephen McQuitty

Jonathan Card

Jon joined College from Wellington School in September 2009 and it became very clear from the start that we had employed a high quality schoolmaster.

Possessing excellent subject knowledge, he has the ability to teach across the full range of years and sets and, as an excellent teacher, he quickly became a key member of the Mathematics team. Jon was soon appointed to the position of Second in Department, where he led superbly. In particular, he led the Department on Flipped Learning, restructured the Department’s electronic resources, and was an invaluable source of advice and encouragement to me. Jon has a can-do attitude and is known for being proactive. For example, under his own initiative, Jon started College’s Computer Programming club, which is now a flourishing Monday activity and where, amongst other things, pupils learn how to program in Python.

Jon also played an active role in wider life of College. As a talented hockey player, he coached at the top level throughout his time at College and was known to be one of our very best coaches. He also brought his juggling skills to Third Form Challenge and was a respected tutor in Christowe.

Jon leaves College to move closer to his family and to take up a post at Malvern College. He is a very talented, highly professional and skilful teacher who will be missed by many. I would like to thank him for his very significant contribution to College over the last seven years and, in particular, for his loyalty, hard work and support as an outstanding Second in Department.

Dr Brendan Enright

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119

Tom Carpenter

Tom departs the Chemistry Department after eight hugely enjoyable years. A schoolmaster in every sense and involved in so many facets of school life, he has always had the best interests of his pupils at heart. Supremely well organised and efficient with his time, he had the neatest desk in the Department by far! Tom is a gentle, thoughtful individual with a passion for Chemistry. Despite having been involved in so many parts of College life, he is still happiest when devising and refining chemical demonstrations, and whole afternoons have been whiled away in the lab, innovating with chemicals and glassware.

Adding variety and a sense of the unexpected, his new ‘discoveries’, such as the ear-splitting methane rocket and Melanie the fire-breathing melon, always made it into his lessons! PSHCE has developed at College under Tom’s leadership and he shared his insight in the devising of the new the FLOREAT programme. Tom’s other passion is sport. As an unassuming individual, it took almost eight years to elucidate all his talents in water polo, cricket, skiing and hockey; few realise that, on occasion, he has been as handy with a bat for the Common Room XI as he is with a hockey stick in the mouth of the goal! He served both boys’ and girls’ hockey throughout his time at College across many year groups and propelled water polo forwards with vigour. Tom has been a stalwart of Newick House since his first day and he cut his teeth in the boarding community as Resident Tutor; a role he undertook with characteristic professionalism and commitment. A teaching laboratory practitioner first and foremost, he has been a strong advocate of innovative ideas in Science education. In addition, he has been a loyal and inspiring colleague and will remain a true friend. His long daily commute will gladly be curtailed as he moves to a new phase of his career at Bristol Grammar School, where he will thrive. He has been a tremendous servant to the Chemistry Department and to College. We thank him for all he has done and wish him well.

Mr John Jones

Nick Hands

The History and Politics Departments wish goodbye and good luck to Nick, a thoroughly nice man. In his short time at College, he has taken the time to get to know staff and pupils alike. He takes a genuine and personal interest in people and wants the best for all around him. Nowhere is this more evident than in his beautifully written reports.

The task of learning to become a schoolmaster has been an intense process for Nick but, with every challenge he has faced, he has displayed qualities of perseverance and graciousness. He is a perfectionist, even down to the tiniest of details such as choice of font for worksheets and

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presentations. Nick will be thought of warmly by his pupils but particularly by his tutees. He has provided a great guiding hand to them and has done all he can to get the best from them. Nick has a successful future ahead of him and he has been well set up by his year at College. He moves on from College to work in London, and to carry out volunteer work in Africa. Both places are very lucky to have him. We wish him all the very best.

Mrs Alexandra Eldred

Cristina HernandezMoscoso

Cris joined us three and half years ago as our Spanish Assistant.

From Cadiz originally, she bought with her a genuine passion in aiding pupils with their Spanish conversation for oral exams. Her calm and approachable manner has really helped pupils gain confidence with conversing in a foreign language, which is probably the most daunting skill to master! Pupils have really appreciated her flexibility in arranging lessons around their many daily commitments. She will be greatly missed by all at College but most of all by her colleagues in the Modern Foreign Languages Department and we wish her the very best of luck for the future.

Mrs Geraldine Fryer

John Horan

Cheltenham’s renaissance over the past few years, as endorsed in the recent Inspection, which found College to be ‘excellent’ in all areas, owes much to the leadership provided by the Headmaster and his team. Equally, it speaks volumes about the wisdom and the guidance of its retiring President of Council, John Horan. As a parent and then a governor, he knows College well, but his achievements as President ensured that College returned to its rightful place as one of the leading public schools in the country.

Taking over at a difficult time, he was not afraid to take tough decisions but all of those were always informed by the strong moral lead he gave and driven by his desire to ensure that the welfare and development of both College and its pupils lay at the heart of whatever Council did.

His understanding of the importance of creating effective teams was at the heart of his success. As a consequence, he built a highly effective governing Council, carefully matching its membership to the variety of skills and experiences needed in today’s world when it comes to running a school well.

Being a great listener with a keen analytical mind and a very compassionate man, he led the team firmly and decisively so that College now enjoys a stability of governance and policy implementation which is at the centre of its current success.

His well-earned retirement was marked by a Council Dinner in his honour and the presentation of an oak garden bench, made in College and suitably engraved with the words ‘From a grateful Cheltenham College Council’; words sincerely meant but which barely tell the story of his contribution to College’s unfolding history. He will be much missed.

Most of us live lives ‘writ in water’ but some create greater ripples and John is one such. I am sure you will all join Council in thanking him and wishing him well in the next stage of his life.

Dr R J Acheson Deputy President of Council

Poppy Hoskins

With her energy, vitality and infectious enthusiasm for the subject, Poppy made an immediate impact on the Chemistry Department. She has always kept her pupils’ enjoyment of the subject alive and their interests at heart and managed to merge traditional academic rigour with innovation and creativity. Poppy’s lab would often be adorned with magnificent crystals, artistic azo-dyed collages of animals (including a stunning Scar from The Lion King) and colourful displays of the chemical elements. She has even been known to ‘wear’ Chemistry in the form of our chromatography T-shirts. Poppy will be greatly missed in the department for her Chemical expertise. However, she is a woman of many talents and, such has been our love of her biscuits and cakes, we hope to see her next on The Great British Bake-Off! Over the last two years, Poppy has become an inspiration to the girls in Chandos and has forged fantastic relationships with them. This year, she has also demonstrated her ability to lead pastorally as Assistant Housemistress. Her academic flair enables her to enthuse the pupils to learn but she balances this with a healthy dose of her love of sport. From making paper chains to revising on the white boards, she is able to adapt her personality to fit in with whatever activities the girls are doing.

The Chandos team cannot thank her enough for the way in which she has enabled the House to develop academically. There is no better demonstration of this than Chandos winning the academic shields for both Upper and Lower College this year. As a keen and able sportswoman, her determination and commitment as tennis and squash coach and Head of Netball is evident and the girls are very grateful for all she has done for their sport. Always shining through, Poppy and her indomitable spirit will be sorely missed and we wish her all the best in her new venture as Head of Chemistry at Wetherby Senior School in London

Mr John Jones and Mrs Annette Poulain

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Alex came to College as Head of ICT in 2008 to oversee the teaching and infrastructure of ICT at both College and the Prep. At College he was highly committed to supporting departments to teach ICT in the classroom, alongside their subjects, rather than as a standalone subject. He was also a huge contributor to our Learning Lunches, which were vital to staff training. In my role as Head of Third Form, Alex was a great help in running our Film Day, introducing coding to Third Form Challenge and organising an annual Day of Code. As a tutor in Hazelwell, he was committed to his tutees and was valued by them. His coaching of C team rugby and tennis was also enthusiastic.

Whether in the House, in Head of Department meetings or in the world of ICT, his ability to see a problem, consider it and then to elucidate a solution were outstanding and highly valued by his colleagues. He leaves to follow Debbie as she takes up her new role as Headteacher at Heatherton House School and fulfils his longstanding to desire to set up his own educational consultancy company. We wish the whole family a successful and happy future.

Mr Simon Conner

Barry Lambert

Barry Lambert is moving on, after giving inestimable service to College for 21 years, 11 of which as Housemaster of Southwood.

Appointed in 1995 as Head of Design and Technology, he had already come to the attention of his new colleagues for the prize-winning work of his students. With a BSc and teacher training from Brunel University, London, and many years’ experience working in several schools and as an examiner, his remit was to move the Department on, assist in Southwood, and to take a cricket team. Under his leadership, Resistant Materials flourished and the Department was re-modelled for the wide range of studies to A Level.

In the late 1990s, College boarding houses had begun admitting day-boarders. This had a huge impact on Southwood, which changed from being the dominant sporting and academic House to having only 42 day boys, when Barry became Housemaster in 2001. However, on moving in with his wife Sue their two children, James and Hattie, a ‘home from home’ feeling was nurtured. Sleepovers became possible and enabled the boys to take part in all College activities more easily. Without the problems of late pick-ups or weekend transport, busy parents greatly appreciated the development, and now generations of boys have enjoyed and relied upon this change, including four members of Boyne House, who lodged at Southwood

for a term when their House was being refurbished! One of Barry’s earliest memories of an afternoon in Southwood, was the anguish of seeing the 9/11 attacks unfolding live before a visibly shocked House. As Housemaster for 11 years, Barry went on to deal with many more challenges and difficulties faced by his boys; his proximity to local families often making his involvement intense and crucially important.

As teacher, academic tutor, counsellor, career advisor and matron, together, Barry and Sue provided a complete support service. Able to adopt a dress-down mode in the House, to accept on occasion the comradeship of his Senior boys, while retaining the authority of teacher and Housemaster, Barry epitomised the model of schoolmaster. Those were his happiest years at College and after energetic recruitment over the years into the Third Form, on his departure in 2012, Southwood had 71 boys, a thriving Sixth Form, a vibrant record of academic achievement and competitive sporting prowess.

During Barry’s last few years in Southwood, he became Senior Housemaster, Child Protection Officer, and Director of Pupil Welfare, the role that has been full time since 2012. As the law changed, pupil welfare and mental health provision became a high profile and technically complex field for all schools. Barry was at the heart of ensuring College fulfilled the regulations and adopted the new criteria with efficiency and enthusiasm. Policies, and compliance with policies, had to be rigorous, robust and transparent. Never one to mention that the remit was growing exponentially, he saw to his task with his usual sense of duty to the pupils, which has been his lodestar always. Nevertheless, it is with a refreshed sense of purpose that Barry welcomes his forthcoming return to full-time classroom teaching, which is what he joined the profession to do in 1987.

Throughout his time at College, Barry continued to serve as examiner for one or other of all of the leading awarding bodies for GCSE and A Level. An established author, he published a new or revised edition of a book every year that he was Housemaster, besides qualifying as an Independent Schools’ Inspector and serving on three inspections; significant testimony to his expertise and energy, and a telling indicator of his contribution to his subject in College.

His entrepreneurial talent is prolific, shown for instance when he and Sue owned a floristry, transformed a house, installed kitchens and shared his DIY expertise generously with many colleagues who sought to follow his lead. He will be sadly missed from College by the Common Room and by generations of his pupils, but we shall all take pleasure in knowing that Barry, will enjoy taking a more active role at Trinity Cheltenham alongside Sue, doing the job that he loves and living in his own house! He and his family are part of happy memories of College’s past, and they have our warmest good wishes for the future.

Charlie McKegney

Charlie epitomises what all teachers strive to be: unfailingly generous in his approach to pupils, always having their best interests at heart and doing everything humanly possible (and it seems sometimes even more) to help them. This is certainly true in the DT Department in which his lessons are fun and exciting and where he spends many hours outside of lesson time helping pupils. Able to impart a love for the subject and the knowledge to get the best grades, it is therefore no surprise that his groups have produced the best GCSE grades for the past five years.

VALETE

Alex Isaachsen

On the sporting front, pupils know that Charlie’s assessment of both character and performance is extraordinarily well judged. In addition, whether opening the batting for the Common Room XI, returning a rackets serve on the forehand (certainly not the backhand), or playing the pivotal role in staff netball, he has supported College sport through and through.

For most mortals this would be more than enough, but where perhaps Charlie made the greatest impact at College is in his role as Resident Tutor in Boyne House. It is fair to say that Charlie played a major role in the renaissance of Boyne House, not least because he was instrumental in fostering the great House spirit that exists today. I dare say that many Brooksmithites will remember the ‘McKegney multi-throw’ more than anything else of their time at College. Having grown up in a boarding house, Charlie knows exactly what makes a cohesive and integrated House community, which is so fundamental to the success of a boarding school. No housemaster could have wished for a more loyal and supportive deputy and perhaps it should be said that ‘behind every great housemaster, there is a Charlie McKegney’.

Charlie has undoubtedly had a great impact on the lives of many Cheltonians, but he will be also remembered and greatly missed by all members of staff. Charlie brought youthful exuberance, and sometimes excess, to the Common Room, and he could not have been more accurate when he signed off his last email as manager of the Hadley Bar as Master in Charge All Things Important. One of Charlie’s great gifts is that he knows what does really matter.

Mr Sebastian Bullock and Mr Graham Cutts

Dr Martin Jones

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Anthony McNaught

Having previously been Director of Music at Perrott Hill Prep School in Somerset for eight years, Assistant Director of Music at Bishop’s Stortford College for five years, and Teacher of Violin at Hillingdon School, Anthony McNaught was appointed Assistant Director of Music and Head of Strings at Cheltenham College in January 1993.

His second year was spent as Acting Director of Music, before the arrival of Gordon Busbridge in September 1994.

He was a popular tutor in the boys’ day House, Wilson and later in Southwood, where he developed, led and directed numerous highly successful House performances and consequently created an enviable name for the musical talent of the day fraternity.

As a consummate musician of the highest calibre, Anthony has had many musical roles at College, the most important of which has been to inspire and enable pupils and staff alike with his talent, knowledge, gentle nature and innate musicality. This has manifested itself in numerous musical offerings, including solo performances in Chapel, the leading and directing of many orchestras, string and chamber ensembles as well, of course, as his inspirational work as a violin and viola teacher to pupils of all ages throughout College and the Prep School. Some of the most memorable performances from a myriad of music include the Mendelssohn Octet, music from Schindler’s List and Massenet’s Méditation from Massenet’s opera Thaïs.

In addition to his work as Head of Strings, he was previously the Junior School (as it was then) Organist and an accompanist, coach and teacher of Music Theory across both schools. As a traditional schoolmaster and in addition to his work as a tutor, Anthony was also a vital cog in the Third Form Challenge machine and, as such, knew pupils and staff from all areas of College, which proved essential in his intrinsic understanding of College, its pupils and students, their needs and aspirations.

Since September 2011 Anthony has continued as Head of Strings in a part-time capacity. This has enabled him to increase his prolific work as an examiner of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, on both the diploma as well as the main panels. He also teaches A Level Music at the High School for Girls, Gloucester and Violin at Pate’s Grammar School.

He can regularly be seen playing as part of Cheltenham Chamber Orchestra, and we hope very much that we will continue to see him playing with the orchestras of Cheltenham College, who in their various guises have benefitted so tremendously from his warmth, experience, expertise and unparalleled violin playing. Naturally modest, and always keen to help and inspire others, the pupils and staff of Cheltenham College owe him a great debt of gratitude for his uplifting performances, his skills as a coach and mentor, his ability through musical osmosis to engender the same beautiful tone on the violin as he

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demonstrates in his own playing, his deep-seated musicality and perhaps most of all, for his kind and gentle skill as an enabler, which he has offered to so many throughout his 23 years at College.

Mr David McKee

John Menzies

This summer saw the retirement of John from the Groundstaff.

John has been a valued member of the team for eight years, when he moved from Catering and into the Estates Department. John is a retired RAF electrical engineer who was based in many places in Britain and Europe. Operationally, he served through the Cold War and in the Falkland Islands and the Gulf. Those who met John recall his Scottish charm and candid nature.

He entertained us with stories of his travels and experiences with the RAF and his vast repertoire of silly jokes came out during a tea break.

I am very grateful to know John; the help and support he has given me since I have been at College has been invaluable and I will always be indebted to him. On his final day with us, which was the last day of this summer’s County Cricket Festival, he was presented with a Jack Russell print

by Will Brown, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. We were also able to say farewell with a traditional end of Festival pint and I know it won’t be the last! The Estates Department, and the Grounds team in particular, join with me to wish John well in his retirement. Thank you John; you are always welcome to visit.

Mr Christian Brain

Richard Moore

Rich joined College from King’s Bruton in 2008, following hot on the heels of his great mate Fergus Llewellyn, who had followed the same Somerset to Cotswolds route just two years before. ‘Mates’ or ‘pals’ were soon aplenty as Rich’s bonhomie and passion for sport meant he rapidly became an embedded and committed member of Common Room, as well as a magnet for the pupils and his many tutees, who have always treated his classroom as their own informal common room with Haribo on tap; working, chatting, amiably hectoring Rich or else absorbing his eclectic music tastes from 7.30am (when his first tutees clock in) until late into the evenings, as A2 History coursework comes to the boil. Rich’s shout of laughter and great glee taken in on-going jokes with both colleagues and pupils have always brought a lightness to New Block, no matter what stage of a long term it might happen to be.

There is a serious side too: Rich is deeply committed as an historian, and his genuine love of the past, and particularly the ‘isms’ of the twentieth century, is routinely explored via fat,

freshly published hardback tomes, avidly read from cover to cover. He was instrumental in devising a highly successful course on the rise, decline and fall of the British Empire, witness to his breadth of knowledge, as Rich firmly believes that it is not acceptable for any historian to attempt to claim ‘not my period’. As Head of Government and Politics he has latterly developed an abiding interest here too, running hard-fought Collegewide elections with all the political manoeuvring that such an endeavour can engender. Lively intellectual enquiry informs his creative teaching (Rich once somewhat mournfully observed, ‘does nobody create their own resources any longer?’) and feeds into his pupils’ routinely successful examination scores. Only last year Rich chose to teach a new unit on Vietnam in the last year of the specification’s life (and with no resulting need for re-sits): it is rare that a busy teacher will, for the simple pleasure and challenge of it, invest in educating themselves and planning and resourcing a course which can then only run a single year.

Rich has always taught large sets, and lots of them, with never a thought to the weight of his timetable, as being in the room with the children is what he thrives upon (along with, of course, being on the pitches, more of which later). Every new pupil entering Room 2 will typically receive a remoulding of their name within their first few weeks, usually an addition to their surname of an ‘s’, ‘sy’ or ‘er’, occasionally a ‘so’, or a truncation, and, for the lucky few, the definite article: on their departure, they will typically sign off thank you notes with these badges of friendship and mutual respect. The pupils commonly find that Rich has ‘supported me so much and given me confidence in myself… I can’t imagine not being able to pop into his classroom for a chat’; that he is ‘fun and amazing’; ‘fantastic’; and ‘the most memorable’ of all their teachers. Whether it’s teaching 23 Fifth Formers Wednesday period eight, herding reluctant Sixth Form ‘cats’ through future life choices, or destroying Father Dunning’s Nordsee fleet to the strains of The Hymn To the Fallen, as an epic Risk game plays out, Rich does it all with unique gusto and an irrepressible energy.

His energy on the touchline frequently resembles that of some caged big cat, as he is utterly committed to sport as a vital component of ‘schoolmastering’, and will visibly live every twist and turn of the game, arms folded and legs planted wide apart under the posts, along with his team. Rich loves the Cheltenham ‘circuit’ and its pedigree, and has taken the Junior Colts A for eight years and regularly seen them both unbeaten and through the Daily Mail Cup; he is a familiar face at Rosslyn Park Sevens and at Queen’s Club, supporting his beloved rackets; and he has maintained many friendships with Old Cheltonian cricketers via his membership of the wandering Free Foresters and Gloucester Gipsies, having coached them through long summer days on the square, in the Twos, The Eleven, and as Master in charge of Cricket. In Hazelwell, Rich always welcomed duty nights as further time well spent with the boys and housemaster ‘Coolie’, and his passion for College’s historic tradition of ‘yardage’ reflects how Rich is deeply sensitive to, and appreciative of, the impressive story of College. His love of all things military and his great experience in running school trips has meant he has been invaluable in both researching and paying respects at the last resting grounds of so many ‘sons of BACK TO CONTENTS

Miss Jo Doidge-Harrison

Adrian Reader

Adrian joined the College in May 2013 as an Audio-Visual (AV) and Theatre Technician and a member of the Estates Department. He was immediately plunged into the production week for our Lower College Play Lord of the Flies, when he was required to rig lights and smoke machines under our man-made mountain, in order to recreate the fires lit by the savage school boys. Since then, the Drama Department’s demands have ensured that Adrian has been increasingly innovative and creative; really kept on his toes! For example, for the Upper College production of Little Shop of Horrors, the dismantling and re-building of the giant man-eating alien puppet was necessary to get it through the door! For our Lower College production of The Railway Children, he built a working railway track that ran the length of Big Classical and then, to represent the steam trains, he constructed trucks to move along them.

Adrian has always risen to these challenges and his skill and commitment has ensured that the quality of productions at College has risen dramatically over the past three years.

However, the pinnacle of his achievements was undoubtedly acting as Technical Director for our recent (and epic) production of Les Misérables. As part of this production he was not only required to ‘mike’ 45 solo singers and a 21-strong orchestra but he also oversaw the construction of a huge rotating barricade. He has also helped ‘tech’ numerous productions in the Prep School, including Oliver and Private Peaceful.

He has juggled ably his dramatic commitments with those placed on him as AV Support for the whole of College, which includes supporting and maintaining the Chapel sound system. In his time with us, Adrian has earned the welldeserved reputation of being totally committed and he has always been willing to work long into the night or through the weekend to ensure College events, such as lectures or other co-curricular events have the AV support they need to run smoothly. He will be much missed by the whole of College and we wish him luck as he takes on his exciting new role as an AV and Theatre Technician at King’s College London.

Mr Sian McBride

James Silvanus-Davis

James joined College at the end of August 2016 as our first Film Intern, with responsibility for capturing highlights from the array of diverse events that happen each week at College and in the Prep. These highlights formed our weekly video communication, which was received very well by parents, staff, Council and pupils. With a First‑class degree in Film Production from the University of Gloucestershire, James was professional at all times, not just in the quality of his work but in his relationships with colleagues across both schools. His sense of humour, charm and creativity will be missed by all and in particular by the Marketing Department. We all wish him the very best and look forward to seeing him progress in the world of film.

Mrs Amanda Naylor

Juliet Wallace-Mason

Since Juliet arrived at College from Millfield, her creativity and energy have brought about a transformation of the Art Department.

Juliet is as much at home on a building site as in a school, and in addition to focusing on the curriculum and opportunities for students, she utilised her expertise to redecorate and improve the Art Department area and facilities.

Pupils entering the Art department are welcomed by the aesthetically pleasing environment her vision created, and work in well-ordered space.

The programmes developed for scholars and other pupils have immeasurably enriched their experience of Art. Those amongst us who have attended the many exhibitions in the White Gallery and other exhibitions of work would attest to our pupils’ excitement and sense of achievement. Under Juliet’s leadership of the Art Department, students of Art have gained entry to prestigious universities and have thus been enabled to continue their personal development in a subject they have clearly come to love.

Steph Withers

Steph joined us in January 2015 as our third Director in Residence. This relatively new post was created specifically to help expand the co‑curricular provision and raise the profile of Drama. Bringing with her a genuine passion for encouraging pupils to create original and innovative theatre, in her brief time with us, Steph certainly helped us achieve this and more. This was seen in her first large-scale production of The Railway Children with Lower College. She led the 30-strong cast in an exciting rehearsal process, which encouraged the pupils to explore physical theatre, ensemble work and imaginative ways of staging. This led to The Railway Children being the first production to be staged in traverse and to feature a working railway track. Undoubtedly her greatest achievement was as co-director of the whole College musical Les Misérables. She helped, supported and guided our 70-plus cast members during an intense six-month rehearsal period and a challenging production week, which was greatly disrupted by illness. Much of the success of this epic production was down to her hard work, commitment and innovation

VALETE

Cheltenham’ in Flanders and northern France.

Rich has a special talent for reading headstones and in so doing bringing alive these ‘empires of the dead’ for the hundreds of pupils he has taken out there, with his trusty and well thumbed Middlebrook Guide always to hand, increasingly battered through heavy use over the years.

His loyalty to the two Departments has been outstanding, and long will we also remember Rich, and his deep-seated love of College and all it stands for.

Mrs Sian McBride

STOP PRESS:

We extend a very big thank you and good luck to Mr Jon Cload, who has looked after us and our Health and Safety so well, been so committed to CCF and who has achieved such wonderful results in Shooting. We wish you all the very best for the future!

Juliet’s conviction of the importance of pastoral care has motivated her to devote a great deal of time to tutees to support them in their interests and experiences of College life. She has also been extremely generous in the time she has given to communication with parents. Juliet played a pivotal role in Chandos as Resident Tutor before moving into her own (very) special home; one in a series of unique properties she has remodelled.

Juliet’s involvement with areas of interest as varied as aspects of the Olympics and Art lecturing in Lacoste, is further evidence of the range of her interests, impressive accomplishment and zest for life. We wish Juliet well as she explores other ventures and know that, whatever she does, it will be anything but dull!

Dr Mary Plint BACK TO CONTENTS

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Editorial note

ize / ise suffix: please note that due to popular demand the ‘ise’ suffix has been chosen in this publication, despite the fact that the OED and Chambers’ spelling guidance recommends ‘ize’.

Apostrophe: please note that when a noun acts as a determiner rather than a possessive, the apostrophe has not been used.

Acknowledgements and thanks

The editor, Miss Jane Brodigan, would like to thank the following for allowing the use of their photographs in this publication: Andy Banks British Museum Liverpool Cheltenham College Archives Childcare Department, Brasov, Romania Jakob Ebrey for the fantastic photographs of Jamie Chadwick

*Note: the photographs on the Speech Day Prizes page have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame UK Ltd and can be ordered by contacting Gillman & Soame on 01869 - 328200 Too many to list here, but many thanks go to the great number of pupils, teachers, support staff and House parents who have kindly provided articles, information and high-resolution photographs for this edition.

On behalf of Cheltenham College, the editor, would like to express the school’s gratitude to Mr Mat Jolly of Jolly Good Design for his excellent graphic design and endless patience!

The editor would like to thank Dr Mary Plint for her attentive proof-reading and moral support.

Finally, the editor would like to extend special thanks to Mrs Christine Leighton, whose dedicated and superlative skill and professionalism as technical editor brought four high quality and impressively accurate editions of The Cheltonian (2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015) into publication.

The editor is especially grateful to Christine for all that she as learned from her, for her friendship and of course, all that soft fruit!

Gillman & Soame UK Ltd* Rob Hall Meningitis Now Museum of London National Museums Liverpool: World Museum Shamrock School, Nepal James Silvanus-Davis Peter Svolis Sports Leaders UK The Cheltonian Association Vanessa Grant Trust

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The Cheltonian 2014-2015

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