HEADMASTER’S LETTER FEBRUARY 2020
T0 PARENTS
Dear Parents As the following pages indicate, pupils and staff have packed a great deal into the last six weeks. We continue to believe that a range of opportunities within and beyond the curriculum is important to the development of the whole person, and hopefully it enriches life at school.
Contents Page 1
Mr Brian Wilson
Page 2
The Visit of Harry Olmer
Page 3
Choral Concert
Page 4
Staff Pantomime
Page 5
Drama
Page 6
Drama
Page 7
University Applications Meet the Furure Music
Page 8
Improving your Diversity IQ Wellness Workshop Staff News
Page 9
Boys’ Hockey
Page 10
Boys’ Hockey
Page 11
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Page 12
Linguistics Olympiad Sixth Form Induction Careers Convention Bad Weather
Page 13
Girls’ Netball
Page 14
Girls’ Netball
Page 15
Visiting Theatre
Page16
Helen of Troy Dinner
Page 17
Remove Prom UCAS Presentation Evening Brass Monkey Competition News From Chigwell
Page 18
Summer 2020 Public Exams Debating And Finally
Page 19
Message from the Chaplain
Page 20
Message from Ms Ros Serrelli Chair of Governors
Mr Brian Wilson During Brian’s tenure, Chigwell developed a great deal and many of his innovations
are still important today. For example, he introduced the current house system and
the existing format of Speech Day and the Ball; he established the Senior School library in its current location; built the art
school and created the existing Junior School. In addition, Brian planned other extensions to cater for the needs of the
School which expanded during his time and also became co-educational in the Sixth Form.
Brian ended corporal
punishment which had, until then, been
administered by both teachers and praefects.
We were delighted when in 2009, Brian
came back to Chigwell to open the Wilson
Building which houses the Modern Foreign Languages Department and form rooms for the Third Form.
Last Saturday, I attended the funeral of
Mr Brian Wilson who was Headmaster at Chigwell from 1971 to 1989. He was 93.
1
Visit of Mr Harry Olmer
Pupils in Years 8 and 9 had the rare
more concentration camps, Teresienstadt
testimony of 95 year old Holocaust
British Army liberated him. The British
and Buchenwald, where eventually the
privilege of being able to listen to the
Red Cross took him and several rescued
survivor Mr Chaim (Harry) Olmer. Mr
Jewish teenagers to Lake Windermere,
Olmer was born in Poland before the
where they recuperated. Later he pursued
Second World War and lived during the
a career as a dentist, became a proud
increasingly violent persecution that the
father and then a grandfather.
Jewish community suffered after the German invasion in September 1939. He
Mr Olmer is physically fragile yet he is
was separated from the rest of his family
almost unbeatable in his passion for
when he was taken to his first Labour
reflection, for tolerance and for the futility
Camp in Skarzysko Kamienne. Here he
of hate. He is a victorious man who
lied about his age to avoid execution for
proved that despite being subjected to
being too young therefore useless in the
incomprehensible cruelty, you can go on
production of ammunition for German
living if you work hard, if you forgive and if
troops. Mr Olmer was transported to two
you have a goal.
2
Choral Concert Last month, the choirs travelled to West London to perform at the prestigious
Cadagon Hall where, for the first time, the annual
Choral
Concert
included
performances from Year 4 upwards. The concert featured a broad repertoire, back
to the Baroque period with Vivaldi’s Gloria, all the way up to 1960s pop with a
rousing Beach Boys medley. Last year’s
Head Boy, Lucas Abrami-Gill, returned to sing excerpts from Mozart’s Nozze di
Figaro and Don Giovanni, accompanied by
a professional orchestra and joined by peripatetic teachers Mr Alex Garziglia and Mr Matthew Duncan. We were honoured
to have Old Chigwellians back, from either end of the country, to give us a most
beautiful recital including Tavener’s ‘The Lamb’. Meanwhile, the Choral Society entertained the audience with a rousing performance of Vivaldi’s Gloria.
This
featured contributions from staff, parents
and pupils, past and present. It also provided opportunity for our own young soloists, Anika, Rosie, Lisa and Nadya to
shine. We would like to thank the pupils
of Woodford Green Prep and their Director of Music Mrs Sarah Henderson
who joined the Choral Society. The finale of the evening was a powerful rendition of Handel’s ‘Zadok the Priest’.
3
Staff Pantomime
At the beginning of term, staff took to the
stage to raise money for charity in a version of Jack and the Beanstalk that
contained the usual mix of slapstick comedy, audience participation and in-
jokes that was greatly appreciated by the two packed houses. Sixth Form drama
scholars Immy Peck, Rosie Singha and Emma Jones bravely undertook to direct the twenty or so members of staff and,
through ticket sales and the generosity of
the audiences, over ÂŁ2,000 was raised for charities Haven House and Smiles With Grace.
4
Drama
The Upper Fifth GCSE drama sets went
into London to see the acclaimed “A
Comedy About A Bank Robbery” by Mischief Theatre. This was an hilarious
performance in Piccadilly’s Criterion Theatre involving a constantly evolving
set, live music and much slap stick comedy
for which Mischief Theatre are now renowned. Students loved the production
and have written some excellent Live Theatre Review work.
5
.
Drama
Lower Fifth drama students performed their assessed devised pieces. Two of these took the theme of suicide and were entitled ‘It’s Not My Problem’ and ‘It’s
Killing Me’. ‘What If?’ asked what would
be different if the trend towards gender equality
had
not
taken
place.
Congratulations to all the students involved, both on stage and behind the scenes working on the sound, lighting, costume and make-up.
6
University Applications
Between them, Middle Sixth students have made 454 university applications and to date
74% of these have led to conditional or, in a small number of cases, unconditional offers. Chris Collins (Classics, Corpus Christi, Oxford), Aine Nikookam (Classics, Homerton, Cambridge),
Filip Novakovic (Land Economy, Downing, Cambridge) and Jacek Podlaski (Biomedical Studies, St John’s, Oxford) have all received Oxbridge offers and Filip has also received an offer from Stamford University.
Meet The Future
The Sixth Form Centre hosted Old Chig Josh Cheetham for a ‘Meet the Future’ talk. Josh talked about his career to date and his
current fascinating role in the BBC, where
he works as a journalist, covering stories from across the world. Josh explained why he loves his job, the role of fake news in his industry, and how to get into journalism.
In another talk, Bradley Raines O.C. spoke about his work as a football agent and Kathryn Ward from LSE spoke about applying to study there and university application more generally.
Music
We have begun our series of morning
month provide an opportunity for pupils to
enthusiastic music students. Further to our
have been working on with their
present performances of music that they
breaktime recitals to a warm audience of
instrumental teachers.
Prom Concert series, these recitals once a
7
Improving your Diversity IQ Dr Julie Humphreys gave a fascinating talk
There was plenty of debate and it was
about awareness of diversity issues in the
present that this was an issue of
clear from the enthusiasm of the students
after school on Thursday 6th February
considerable interest to them.
workplace. Dr Humphreys is the Group
Head of Diversity and Inclusion at Compass Group plc (which includes our caterers Chartwells’), and has over 20
years’ experience in HR, specialising in Diversity,
Inclusion
and
Talent
Management. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel.
Dr
Humphreys looked at issues including micro behaviours and unconscious bias
and at recent examples like the
controversial Peloton TV advertisement to consider how important modern companies’ awareness of diversity now is.
Wellness Workshop
Parents of Remove and Lower Fifth pupils
attended a very useful session led by psychiatrist Dr Kiran Nijabat. The aim was
to share experiences with parents who
support young people through the pressures of teenage life. There will be a further session for Upper Fifth and Lower
Sixth parents on 18th March and further details will follow.
Staff News
We send our congratulations to Mrs Samantha Lawrence and her husband Creag on the arrival of their baby daughter, Zara Louise.
8
Boys’ Hockey
It has been a fantastic and fast-paced start
the Junior School, the U12s have been
weather being a little kinder than in
many learning hockey for the first time.
committed to after-school training, with
to the boys’ hockey season. With the
Both the Third and Fourth Forms have
previous years, there has been very little
their county tournaments just before the
disruption to training and fixtures. In the
half term break.
Junior School, the pupils’ progress and ability has been quite simply outstanding.
This has been witnessed not only with the
In the Senior School, the 1st XI has made
by their performances on the pitch. All
competitive fixture list, despite several
attendance at after-school clubs but also
sound progress this term. With a very
pupils in Lower Two and Upper Two have
very determined and hard fought
had the opportunity to play competitive
performances, their results have not
fixtures against local schools including
reflected the development the young
Woodford Green Prep, New Hall and
men have made. The team now face
Forest, whilst the A teams for each age
Haberdashers’ School in the second round
group remain unbeaten. At the top end of
of the England Hockey Association
9
Boys’ Hockey
Schools’ Plate competition. The 2nd XI have continued their tradition of being one of the most successful teams across
all
sports. They have qualified for the second successive year to the regional rounds of the
Hockey
Association’s
2nd
XI
tournament at the University of Norwich and we also wish them well in the next round.
In the middle school, the U15s have yet to
achieve their form from last season.
a great deal of promise and must now
the Essex U16 tournament, they have
following the half term break. Fantastic
strive for a little more consistency
Despite this, competing a year young in
results against Haberdashers’ and Harrow
gained valuable experience for the season
highlighted their ability and the squad
ahead. I hope that an improvement with
narrowly missing qualification for the
injuries and availability will see them
regional finals in the final seconds of the
achieve their potential following the half
county tournament.
term break. Finally, the U14s have shown
10
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Thank you to our Lower Sixth boarders who organised an excellent evening of food and entertainment to celebrate the start of the Chinese Year of the Rat. The event was well attended by boarders, day pupils and staff.
11
Linguistics Olympiad Over thirty students in the Upper Fifth and
Sixth Form took part in the International Linguistics Olympiad. The competition challenged them to decipher structures
from a variety of languages including Chintang (a Sino-Tibetan language spoken in Nepal) and Lingurian (an Italian dialect).
Sixth Form Induction A reminder that Sixth Form induction day will be on Wednesday 17th June when students will be given a taste of the work that they will be covering in their chosen A level subjects.
This is an important day in itself but also the occasion when a unit of A level work is set to
be completed over the summer holidays. This work will then be reviewed with an initial assessment early in September 2020
Careers Convention
Bad Weather
We are holding our annual Careers
I hope that this is the last time I will be
still
as always, in the event of heavy snow or
Convention on Monday 23rd March and have
a
few
spaces
left
including this item for a few months but,
for
volunteers. If you would like to volunteer,
ice please consult the school website
please contact Miss Roxanne Darkin
(www.chigwell-school.org) for confirmation
(rdarkin@chigwell-school.org); we are
of arrangements for the school day. We
especially keen to hear from people from
would always be very reluctant to close
the creatives arts, engineering or science
the School, but are mindful of the safety of
industries.
pupils and staff.
12
Girls’ Netball The netball term has got off to a flying
the 1st and 2nd VII finished fourth in their
participating in the netball programme.
court. The day displayed some top level
start with more girls than ever before
groups and both squads got all players on
Netball officially started last term with the
netball from all schools involved.
early rounds of the Independent Schools’
Netball Cup and the U19 National Schools’
The seniors have enjoyed four match
the U19 squad make it as far as the third
The 1st and 4th VII enjoyed wins against
fixtures against Bancroft’s and Brentwood.
Competition. The ISNC competition saw
round in the plate competition. An away
Bancroft’s and the 2nd and 3rd VII only just
narrowly defeated 34-39. The players gave
fixtures is a real testament to the
lost. Having all the senior girls involved in
fixture to Haileybury saw Chigwell
programme that has been building over
100% effort and played very well. This is a
the past few years, ensuring that everyone
very talented squad with many of the
has the opportunity to play competitively.
players new to the seniors this year.
With numbers at a record high, we can look
This half term netball has started positively
forward to five match fixtures against
with the senior netball tournament. Both
Forest School and Highgate School in the near future.
13
Girls’ Netball The U15s and U14s have also started well.
Both age groups have seen A, B and C fixtures take place, ensuring that as many girls as possible get to experience match
play and competitive environments. The squads are showing a real commitment to
training and with plenty of promising players involved, future matches look set to be just as thrilling after half term.
The younger year groups are also part of
the growth of netball at Chigwell with
regular matches involving five squads
across Third and Fourth Form and all girls playing in fixtures at U10 and U11 level.
their core skills and techniques. The
exciting to watch with players developing
and IAPS all still to come after half term.
The netball talent coming through is
future looks promising with more fixtures
14
Visiting Theatre The Lower Fifth enjoyed the performances
Similarly, Redheart Theatre gave a stirring
recently. The aim was to bring to life the
life, war experiences and influences of
of Macbeth delivered by Quantum Theatre text that they had been studying.
performance to the Removes relating the World War I poet Wilfred Owen.
15
Helen of Troy Dinner Following a seminar on Horace, the Classics
Helen of Troy.
celebration and exploration of the myth of
well as a small number of Old Chigwellians.
department held the Helen Dinner, a
The event was well
attended by current students of Classics as
16
Remove Prom Seventeen pupils performed twenty-two items both individually and in small groups in this
excellent after-school concert. The standard was first class, as was the enthusiasm and support from other members of the year group. The event is designed to provide an opportunity to perform in front of others in a more informal setting. Congratulations to all involved.
UCAS Presentation Evening There will be a UCAS presentation evening for Lower Sixth students and their parents on Thursday 30th April at 6.30pm. This will be a talk explaining the details of the process for applying to UK universities next academic year.
Brass Monkey Competition Congratulations to all the scouts who participated in the Brass Monkey Competition at the
beginning of the month. The camp at Thriftwood lived up to its name and all those involved contributed well.
News From Chigwell
The latest edition of News From Chigwell is available to read here
17
Summer 2020 Public Exams
Please can parents of pupils in the Upper Fifth and Middle Sixth check the current exam timetable and exam entries for their child on Chigwell Gateway via the Pupil Profile. Any changes in the spelling of the name or date of birth need to be brought to our attention, as well as any other
errors or omissions. Please do not worry about any exam clashes as these will be dealt with at a later date. As a reminder, please make sure your child is available to take exams on the contingency day (Wednesday 24th June), should the need arise.
Debating
Congratulations to the pupils who have been competing in various debating competitions
this term. Following a competition at Trinity School, the intermediate team of Lucy Aliker, Lucas Goddard and Francesca Hallett, and the senior team of Ziyad Chaudhary, Nichita Mitrea and Matthew Punt progressed to the next round of Rotary Youth Speaks.
And Finally We hope that those going on the school trips to India and Austria over half term have a wonderful time and we look forward to hearing about their experiences on their return. In the meantime, thank you for your continued support of your children and indeed the School as a whole. With best wishes Yours sincerely
Michael Punt
18
Message from the Chaplain
I never cease to be impressed by the
The Committee tries where possible to
wide variety of issues and charities. The
respond to issues which arise through
be flexible in allowing the School to
genuine concern our students have for a
the year. As a result of an initiative by
Student Charities Committee has drawn
the Praefects, our non-uniform day on
up a list of causes to support this year
February 14th will raise funds for the
and money raised will be shared among
relief of those caught up in the
the following: •
Rickshaw Run Challenge
•
Cystic Fibrosis Holiday Fund
• • • •
Australian bush fires.
Streets2Homes
Thank you to everyone at home for your ongoing
Smiles with Grace
of
our
various
charitable causes and appeals.
Hounds for Hereos
Your
generosity is very much appreciated and
MIND
makes a tangible difference to the charities we support.
Our charitable support is mainly in the
form of cash donations, raised through different collections through the year.
With all blessings
This year, however, the Committee also suggested a collection of ‘treats’ for the homeless at Christmas.
support
The Chaplain
With typical
generosity, a vast selection of biscuits,
cakes, chocolates and sweets were
donated by students and distributed by Streets2Homes in Harlow to those spending Christmas on the streets.
19
Message from Ms Ros Serrelli Chair of Governors I am honoured to take up the role of Chair. I
We will seek to encourage independence and
Aliker for her encouragement and thank her
relevant today as it has always been. We
am indebted to the outgoing Chair Susie
innovation; our school motto being as
for her dedication and enthusiasm over the
know that innovation and curiosity follow
past seven years. She is a hard act to follow
when a child feels safe, nurtured and
but I am delighted to be doing so. Thank you
confident.
also to the Headmaster for his time and
More than anything, therefore, we believe in
support as I have found my way.
the strength of our whole school community
Governance is about guardianship: our duty is
including parents, staff and students. We
to protect Chigwell and its ethos. It is also
believe in a community that is inclusive and
incumbent on the Chair and the Head to share
kind above all else. That was Samuel
a vision for the school. The Headmaster and I
Harsnett’s ordinance and it is fundamental to
have spent a good deal of time together
our ethos today.
discussing that vision and we are very much
Chigwell is fortunate to be governed by an
aligned - and also with Governors which
exceptional group of people who give a great
makes for exciting times ahead.
deal of their time to the paperwork,
As you will know, we enter a decade in which
committees and activities required of
we will reach the 400th anniversary of
Governors. This can sometimes be many
Chigwell. The heritage of the School, its
hours and evenings each month. They each
tradition and ethos are fundamental to our
bring their specific experience, skills and
vision. So, too, is the future and ensuring
knowledge to the benefit of the School.
that Chigwell’s curriculum, extra-curriculum
I look forward to meeting
and facilities reflect the modern world and
you at school events and
global economy. We will strive to ever-higher
at Speech Day.
goals academically and yet recognise too that success at work and happiness in life depend also on harnessing a range of soft
and transferable skills.
20
TERM DATES 2019 Half term: Term ends:
Saturday 15th February to Sunday 23rd February Friday 27th March
Trinity Term 2020 (Easter Day is 12thApril) First day: Monday 20thApril Half term: Saturday 23rd May to Sunday 31st May INSET Day Monday 1st June Term ends: Wednesday 8th July