SHERBORNE NEWS Michaelmas 2018 ISSUE 29
Comment
I write this a few hours after the Carol Service in the Abbey, which was another feast of choral singing, readings, prayers and fanfare brass playing — this year taking place in the morning immediately before pick-up for the holidays. There were undoubtedly some very effective moments in the large Choir’s singing of Vaughan Williams and Mendelssohn, and some musical beauty when the Chamber Choir was joined by Sherborne Girls in Herbert Howells and John Rutter. There was extraordinarily loud congregational singing from the School and, overall, an atmosphere of strong community and spirit. What better way to start the holidays.
Particularly striking, I thought, was the solo singing in five of the carols — starting with the traditional treble Once in Royal David’s City by ex-Winchester Cathedral Head Chorister Angus Williams (3c) and ending with The Three Kings by ATCL saxophonist and A level musician Freddie Graham (U6c) who sang the opening solo, in unbroken voice, four years ago. Performing like this, in front of 110 other choristers, not to mention the whole School and many parents, staff and governors, takes significant mettle. Reading in the Abbey, too, is a big moment for any individual — and a source, I know from having watched it many times, of considerable nerves and apprehension — but singing (and being considered quite ‘cool’ for so doing) is something which unfailingly impresses. Our large 111 strong Choir enjoys a privileged position within the School insofar as it leads the worship twice a week in the stunning surroundings of Sherborne Abbey, has two Choir Practices a week and has a waiting list for membership. Our almost uniquely strong tradition of male voice choral music allows for an exploration of repertoire spanning the whole canon of the music of the English Church, from the polyphony of 16th century masterworks to bespoke contemporary music written specifically for the boys of the School. Being a member of it requires organisation and commitment. Asking a busy person to get something done well is very much the case with these choristers, and then there is the fact that almost all of them play one or two musical instruments — and indeed those who do not play an instrument when they join the Choir invariably end up revisiting an abandoned Prep School instrument or taking up a new one. And that, of course, brings with it a commitment to practise — which involves even more organisation of time, especially when you consider that nearly all members of the Choir, orchestras, wind band, chamber music ensembles and jazz groups, lead full sporting lives, too. There are many studies which suggest that singing regularly and playing an instrument — when to a high level such as that achieved at Sherborne — contributes to academic success. Of course that argument works both ways, but there is no question that reaching the highest level of excellence takes immense concentration and demands a lot of extra
time. Music is not really a measurable part of the curriculum — the conventional testing of MidYIS and others cannot evaluate playing an instrument and singing — and it is tempting to consider it an obstacle in the way of achieving academic targets. But getting young people excited about being in the Choir, and overcoming the prevalent national image that classical music is not deemed to be cool, is crucial to the overall educational development of a Shirburnian. It’s not just about hitting the right note or playing a nice tune; it is about being a team player, adding an extra dimension to the whole educational experience, and possessing a great attribute for life. Singing is a national heritage, an art form of great benefit, and it is good for both physical and mental alertness: above all it is a gradual builder of self-confidence. In order to build on the singing experience of Shirburnians, we are next summer launching the first ever ‘Sherborne Choral Course’ for 15-18 boys and girls from 21-28 July. We are fortunate that both John Rutter and Bob Chilcott will be visiting the course, working with participants, and conducting the Evensong Choir in the Abbey. We are fortunate, to have the use of the Abbey and its glorious acoustic for worship each evening that week, as indeed we do during the academic year; and we have the support of Canon Eric Woods, Rector of the Abbey and a School Governor, who has described the course as being “all about passing on the passion for choral singing to the next generation in a glorious, vibrant and ancient place of worship”. Participants will have rehearsals in the School Chapel, with its two fine organs, tuition in the award-winning 2010 Music School with its recent extension, and tutoring from our outstanding team of excellent Visiting Music Teachers. To continue into the holidays what we do during the term, and to open it to national participation, will be a defining moment for Sherborne. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we anticipate that many of those who elect to take part will be those who aspire to Oxbridge. So far, of those Shirburnians who have already applied to return to their School in the summer holidays, that very much seems to be the case. James Henderson, Director of Music
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Academic Enrichment News INSPIRATIONAL LECTURES
CHEMISTRY SYMPOSIUM In September, two of our Upper Sixth Form boys, Eric Chiang (U6a) and Polo Xin (U6f), together with Sherborne Girls, King's Bruton, Millfield and Clayesmore gave a presentation at the Chemistry Symposium. Polo gives his account of the day: “We chose to speak about biodegradable plastics, which we felt captured the zeitgeist and is certainly an important topic in today’s ever more polluted environment. We needed to give some background knowledge on biodegradable materials, so we gave examples of these substances, and one of the most unbiodegradable materials: plastic. We also looked at the current situation with “White Pollution” (the pictures which are constantly in the press of mixed plastics floating on and in water illustrates this, as does the damage that such substances do at all stages in the degrading process to wildlife and the wider environment) and some special molecules which are designed for plastic synthesis, such as Phthalates. We talked about how to synthesize Protocatechuic Acid from Phthalates. We explained some differences between materials that are biodegradable and the ones that are not. We started with the bonding and functional groups that are common among these biodegradable materials, which then leads into how to synthesize those compounds and the different pathways we can use to create them. We looked at why they are different and how they can be decomposed by microbes. Then we looked at the mechanism of decomposition of these molecules. Indicating that in most situations, microbes will tend to use either aerobic or anaerobic biodegradations.”
The lecture programme this term has been varied from the academic to the recreational, but all of them have been inspiring in their way. OS, Alistair Harris MBE (h92) led the way with a fascinating insight into the prosecution of war crimes. Ben Heason, pictured below, and Leon McCarron are no strangers to Sherborne and talked with great enthusiasm about their extraordinary physical feats of endurance, Ben with his expedition to climb Angel Falls in Venezuela, in the first team to do so, and Leon with his epic walks and cycles to the most remote parts of the world. Vicky Neale lectured on our fascination with prime numbers through the ages and how, love them or loathe them, they have become so indispensable in the field of cryptography. But with the advent of quantum computers, how exactly will our data stay safe in the future?
The well-known mathematician and speaker, Simon Singh, also touched on prime numbers but looked at how we know what we see and hear is true, and delved into the history of Fermat’s Last Theorem. OS, Miles Geldard (m77), talked with great insight and diplomacy about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Matt Whitfield talked about his experience as a Royal Navy fighter pilot and latterly trainer. He focused on the need to trust each other and how to get the best out of yourself. Ian KeableElliott (g73), another OS, trained as an accountant but, much to everyone’s relief, gave a talk about magic, interspersed with a few tricks - great fun on the last Saturday of term! Tim Dawson, Head of Scholarship
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STAND OUT MATHEMATICAL ACHIEVEMENTS We are extremely proud to share the news that our Senior Mathematics Challenge team consisting of Michal Dvorak (U6g), Calin Profir (U6g), Aaron Kim (L6b) and Abdulla Ahmadi (L6e) won the top prize in the regional final recently. These boys managed an outstanding 170 out of a total 182 points in three gruelling rounds where their mathematical, communication and teamwork skills were tested to their fullest. They will now progress onto the National Finals which will be held in London in February 2019. Our other Sixth Formers can be pleased with their achievement in the Senior Mathematics Challenge too. The challenge, targeted at pupils aged 16-19 studying mathematics and not yet at university, consists of a 90minutes paper aimed to stimulate mathematical problem solving. This year, over 86% of our boys who participated in this individual challenge walked away with at least a Bronze Certificate. Huge congratulations to Abdulla Ahmadi, Joe Xu (U6b), Calin Profir, Aaron Kim, Freddie Robinson (U6f), Simon Tu (U6d), Dylan Sun (L6e), Michal Dvorak and Kai Miles (5d) whom have all won the highly acclaimed Gold certificate. These boys, along with another 21 Silver and 10 Bronze certificate winners, made this year our best achievement so far at the Senior level. Siew-Chiang Lim Head of Mathematics
TEDxSHERBORNE Sherborne will be hosting its very own TEDx event on 9 May 2019, with a collection of powerful talks on the theme ‘Fit for the Future’. Some talks will relate to challenges and opportunities facing the Sherborne Community, whilst others will focus on the wider world. The overall aim of the talks will be to stimulate conversation and bring people together. Many of our boys are huge fans of TED.com and have been inspired, intrigued and fascinated by the powerful short talks they have discovered on the site. Together with Sherborne International School, Sherborne Girls, The Gryphon School and Leweston School, they have already been getting involved in the lead up to the big event next Spring, including a photography masterclass, briefed by photographer, Joss Barratt, with the theme ‘We are Sherborne’. Our best images will be put forward for an exhibition taking place in May. Rehearsals are now well underway to select who will be delivering talks on the 9 May. We wish our boys the best of luck! To keep up to date with news on TEDxSherborne, please visit: tedxsherborne.com and follow: Facebook: @TEDxSherborne Twitter: @TEDxSherborne Instagram: @tedxsherborne
EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS On 14 November, 13 Upper Sixth boys presented their EPQ in a joint EPQ/IB Extended Essay Presentation Evening with Sherborne Girls. The atmosphere was fantastic, with lively conversations and explanations as visitors (other pupils, teachers, and parents) looked at the displays and talked to the students. Prior to the displays being open to the public, the students formally presented their work to their supervisors for assessment. The presentations and displays were the culmination of a year’s hard work on independently chosen projects ranging from science-related projects, such as “Do the current challenges of operating a Space Elevator prevent us from building one in the near future”, to more philosophical projects such as “To what extent do cognitive linguist provide a strong argument against a generative model of grammar” and “To what extent should Americans regulate gun control”. A highlight was Sherborne School’s first artefactbased project, in which Freddie Graham (U6c), produced “A short film and composition to engage the audience to perform the act of stewardship towards nature”. The EPQ gives students the chance to develop research, writing and project management skills through doing a project on a topic of their choosing. It is valued by many universities as students with an EPQ are better prepared for university level work. Dr Shana Mertens EPQ Coordinator
Sherborne is often to be found at its very best when it comes together as an entire community to mark a special occasion. So it was when at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month a vast throng of boys, staff, parents and friends of the School gathered to mark the centenary of the Armistice. A fittingly sombre and packed Chapel service was addressed by Old Shirburnian Major General Patrick Cordingley (c63) before the entire company moved to the Courts where in bright Autumn sunshine the two minutes of silence was impeccably observed with great pomp and dignity. The Revd Dr David Campbell There is a short film, capturing the morning of Armistice Day: www.youtube.com/user/TheSherborneSchool/videos
Armistice Day
Co-curricular News NATIONAL POETRY DAY
TEN TORS TRAINING BEGINS
The theme of National Poetry Day this year was “change”. It was an inspired choice, and at Sherborne we were able to reflect on how poetry itself can bring real and vital change to people’s lives. Throughout the day, we were lucky to have Antosh Wojcik among us. Antosh is the Poet in Residence at the Roundhouse in Camden; his performances include a talk for TEDx East London. He joined us in assembly, calmly coaxed poems out of boys throughout lessons, and judged a competition held among boys in the Third and Fourth Forms for the best poem on the theme of the day.
Preparations have begun for next year’s Ten Tors challenge. On 16 September over 30 enthusiastic Fourth Formers set out for a gloriously sunny hike across the Dorset countryside. Starting from the School they walked a 13 mile circular route around Cadbury Castle. The Ten Tors event is scheduled for the weekend of 12 May 2019 and the arduous selection process will see two teams of six pupils navigate 35 miles over the barren terrain of Dartmoor. The second stage of the selection process saw slightly fewer than 30 pupils meet early on the morning of 18 November and practise micro navigation skills on Dartmoor, in 40 mile an hour easterly winds. This year’s cohort seems to be blessed with strength and depth, we’re confident they’ll embrace the wintry conditions of an overnight camp next term. Chris O’Donnell, CCF – Royal Marines
In the evening, he delivered a glorious performance to an audience that included pupils from Sherborne Girls and Leweston. The bold, properly surreal images he came out with revealed to us how a poet can take intimate, sometimes painful material and make it illuminating to the wider world. Not only that, but he spoke with compelling wisdom about the whole process. As a result, he made the stage less scary for other readers, and reminded us that poetry is something we can share beyond the classroom, so that it can become part of our lives, for the rest of our lives.
The Model United Nations group’s first conference at Clayesmore School proved a superb experience. Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls sent delegations from Ethiopia, Turkey and the UK. After the opening ceremony, pupils formed allies through a lobbying process within committee groups. This was followed by debates on selected clauses. Pupils had researched their country’s position and drafted operative clauses previously. Throughout the day a media team conducted interviews and screened highlights of the debates. The UK delegation, including Matthew Tse (U6e), Tom Wood (L6f) and Ollie Lampert (L6g), won 3rd place overall. Tom Wood was awarded best delegate on the Political Committee, which discussed ‘Gun Control’ and ‘the Role of Embassies’. He was also a speaker at the General Assembly. Ollie Lampert was commended for his contribution to the Economic and Social Council on the issues of ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Industrial Pollution’. Pupils are now looking forward to representing Japan and Nigeria at Bristol Grammar School.
Tom Payne English Teacher
INAUGURAL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE
Claire Greenrod, EAL Teacher and Nikola Bowerman, Theology Teacher
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CULTURE & LINGUISTICS HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CCF It’s been a busy term for the CCF. We were all incredibly proud of William Bond (U6b) for being appointed as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dorset which marks him out as the leading cadet in the county. The Freedom of Rifles Parade was a real highlight for the CCF and School. Major General Jones CBE (g87) said some very kind words about the Contingent as he addressed the public about the history and role of The Rifles. The CCF marched behind troops from 1 and 6 Rifles and then we had the privilege of witnessing the Band and Bugles of The Rifles play in the Courts. That same evening a team from our Army section competed in the Rifles Cadet Cup in Aldershot and acquitted themselves superbly. The Royal Marines’ Pringle Trophy, an annual competition between all schools with RM cadets, is named after an OS, Lieutenant General Sir Steuart Pringle KCB (f46). This year our young team represented the School with distinction and gained much from the experience. Both competitions saw some impressive acts of leadership from a number of boys including Hector Hamilton (U6c) and Christian Johnson (L6d). We also enjoyed our termly Field Trip to the Army Training Regiment, Winchester
and the Britannia Royal Naval College. We were superbly hosted and our cadets were given experiences that will stand them in good stead for the future.
The CCF also played its part on the more sombre occasion of Remembrance Sunday. We had cadets marching with the Town Parade with Oscar Chandler (L6c) laying the wreath on behalf of the School and Barney Miller (U6d) leading the entire parade as the Standard Bearer. He was ably supported by veterans and to add to the poignancy of the centenary commemorations, Barney wore the medals of his Great Grandfather who had been a General in the Great War. The majority of the CCF played their part in the School’s Act of Remembrance in the Courts including senior cadets starting and breaking the silence with a rifle volley. Rob Le Poidevin Housemaster of The Digby and CCF Contingent Commander
On Thursday 22 November the motto of the European Union, United in Diversity, rang true in the MFL Department. The Sixth Form were engaged in translating texts set by the European Commission about Europe’s cultural heritage. Languages used ranged from subjects studied at A level, such as French, German, Italian and Spanish to languages spoken at home, such as Dutch. The aim of the official competition is to raise awareness of the importance of translation skills and to show how translation can be used as a way of communicating cross-culturally. It is precisely for this reason that the MFL Department encourages boys to learn more than one language. The Third Form had their appetites whetted through the celebration of the European Day of Languages in September. On this day, they all had the chance to sample a new language, such as learning how to order local delicacies in Malay, enjoying the story of the Hungry Caterpillar in Dutch and looking for clues around the School in the multilingual treasure hunt. The most memorable component, though, was the lesson planned and taught by our Upper Sixth linguists. Deconstructing the latest chart-topper from France supported by older members of the School is an experience which underlines a simple message – despite uncertainties in the U.K.’s relationship with Europe, the boys at Sherborne are playing their part in learning about and contributing to the cultural and linguistic richness of Europe. Judy Thurman Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Housewarmings
Three of our Boarding Houses will be warmly welcoming new Housemasters over the forthcoming terms.
The Housemasters elect are already well established within the Sherborne community and are hugely looking forward to taking up the helm in House with their families.
HUGH TATHAM
RHIDIAN MCGUIRE
NICK SCORER
ABBEY HOUSE
ABBEYLANDS
HARPER HOUSE
At the end of Michaelmas Term, we welcome Hugh Tatham, who is currently our Assistant Head (Co-curricular) and a member of our Religious Studies Department, to Abbey House. Hugh joined Sherborne in Michaelmas 2015 and is well known for his expert coaching of Rugby and Cricket. Hugh will be starting his new role as Housemaster, alongside his wife Claire (teacher of Mathematics at Sherborne School) and their two sons, Will and JP in January 2019.
At the end of Trinity Term 2019, Houseparent’s of Abbeylands Steve and Victoria Clayton will be handing over to Rhidian McGuire. Rhidian is our Head of Physical Education, he is a keen rugby player, having played in the Welsh U18 International team, gained a Blue for representing Cambridge in the varsity match in 2009 and went on to become Head of Rugby and teacher of Physical Education at Prior Park College in Bath.
Having completed a hugely
We will of course be saying farewell to Michael McGinty, as he leaves to take up his new position of Director of Pastoral Care at Sherborne International. Michael has been an outstanding Housemaster for the past eight years and is owed an enormous amount of gratitude for the exceptional care, guidance and support that he has devoted to our boys.
Rhidian is very much looking forward to joining Abbeylands as Housemaster, alongside his wife Helen and 19 month old son, Osian in September 2019. We cannot thank Steve and Victoria enough for their unprecedented level of support and care that they have dedicated to the boys, since they joined the House in 2008.
successful tenure as Housemaster, Jeremy Wadham will be leaving Harper House at the end of the Trinity Term 2020, and will be succeeded by Nick Scorer. Chemistry teacher Nick is an old Shirburnian and his Co-curricular involvement is wide-ranging. Nick is Master-in-charge of Fives, organises Crossfire, the School’s Christian meeting, and runs the Army section of the CCF. Nick will be joining Harper House with his wife, Kate, who teaches History at Sherborne Girls, and their daughters, Annie and Tilly. Jeremy and his family will be greatly missed and we are extremely grateful for all the care and support he has offered Harper House boys.
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Music
The Swing Band, despite having lost six of its players when they moved on to university after the tour to Barbados in July, was the first of the ensembles to perform this year – so that the sounds of Charlie Shavers’ Undecided and Sy Johnson’s The Subtle Sermon were heard by capacity audiences during ‘open rehearsals’ in the Tindall Recital Hall as early as the second week of term for Sherborne at Work. This is quite a remarkable feat, given that otherwise the Music School’s early weeks of the new academic year are always dominated by endless rounds of auditions for the Joint Schools’ Symphony and Sinfonia Orchestras, the Choir, and the many chamber music ensembles. More Third Formers successfully auditioned for the Choir than for many years – and this upward trajectory has been evident, too, in the number of instrumental musicians new to the School. So while the Choir is limited by the number of people that can fit into the Abbey choir stalls (which is currently 111), the Wind Band has this year been subdivided into a smaller Wind and Brass Ensemble of some thirty players, leaving sixty-two or so in the Wind Band. The Music School has never been so busy, with the new practice block extension (a further four spacious rehearsal and teaching rooms) in use at least once a day during the busiest times.
The Choir’s singing in the Abbey has this term been remarkable, with the regular Wednesday and Sunday evening services providing an avenue for the performance of a huge repertoire of choral music ranging from the sixteenth century to the present day. Marshalling over 100 boys through the intricacies of formal procession is a vital part of the discipline which results in an exceptional quality of music-making in this most stunning of buildings. For those who want to take their singing even further, the Chamber Choir (and of course the Barbershop and Close Harmony groups) has been singing a range of introits for the evening services – some of which are now available on a new CD collection of performances called Exsultate. Evensong in Merton College, Oxford, joint with the College’s choir and Director of Music, Benjamin Nicholas, was one of two opportunities to sing alongside semiprofessional choirs, the other being in early October when the Chamber Choir joined forces with Sherborne Girls Madrigal Society in a concert with Bath Camerata of music by Rachmaninoff, Parry, Brahms and Elgar. This culminated in the two stunning carol services which rounded off a busy term of singing.
Musical highlights next term: Sunday 20 January
Joint Schools’ Concert
Friday 8 February
Choral Society: Verdi Requiem
Friday 15th February
Charlie Parker Tribute Evening (Freddie Graham Quartet)
Sunday 3 March
Halliday Music Competition (pianists, singers and organists)
Sunday 24 March
Symphony Orchestra concert
Sunday 10 February
Friday 29 March
Wind Band Workshop
Dinner and Jazz (Swing and Jazz Bands)
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Under the baton of Clare Jackson (Head of Instrumental Studies) and Andy Fawbert (Head of Brass) the Wind Band gave a stunning afternoon performance of ‘Music for the Movies’ in the Powell Theatre as part of the Festive Shopping Day in early December. Following hours of editing by Music Teacher, Elliott Park, squeezed between GCSE and A level Music teaching, relevant sections of the film were screened behind the band and it was to the great credit of the musicians and their conductors that the music was so well synchronised with the movies. Two forty minute film sessions saw the Powell Theatre nearly filled to capacity with parents and public, precipitating much interest in there being a similar event in the not too distant future.
3.00pm
Big School Room
7.30pm
Wells Cathedral
Electronic music and rock took centre stage in an Electronic Music Workshop in October, led by Mike Lehnert (Music Technology and Rock/Pop), where a group of young people from several different schools learnt the art of DJing. The Autumn Ball – formerly known as RocSoc – in the BSR provided the perfect avenue for this year’s groups of eager rock musicians. Bands have continued to rehearse in the Music School right up to closing time and increasingly there is a shortage of space to accommodate such enthusiasm across the board.
2.00pm
BSR and Music School
7.30pm
Dining Hall
9.30am
Tindall Recital Hall and Chapel
3.00pm
Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford
7.30pm
Dining Hall
As always, the backbone of the Music School’s programme has been the weekly lunchtime recitals in Cheap Street Church. The quality of music has been outstanding. Particularly exciting is the continuing success of chamber music at Sherborne, not least with the Lower Sixth Music Scholar Wind Quintet – George Jefferson (L6e), Nathanael Fagerson (L6c), Cassian Blackburn-Enever (L6e), George Lewis (L6d), Benedict Mercer (L6b) – and the 23 November recital dedicated to chamber music, which included brass ensembles, trios and a duo, was a highlight of the term. Several of these ensembles will be entering the National Pro Corda Chamber Music Competition.
James Henderson, Director of Music
Drama
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The Drama Department has been very busy this term with two wonderful House plays and the much anticipated Joint Schools Musical. The Lyon House play, “The Fire Raisers” certainly raised the bar in terms of intellectual pedigree and audiences were then treated to another comedy which raised the bar in terms of its absurd humour with School House’s, “Catch 22”. The notable factor in the production of both plays was that they were directed by Sixth Form students, and it is to be hoped that other boys will follow in their shoes as they progress through the School. The Joint Schools’ Musical, “Evita”, which, for the first time combined members of staff from both Sherborne School and Sherborne Girls in its production in the BSR, was a huge success and one which is certain to be talked about for years to come. Congratulations are due to all those who performed in the show for affording the audiences such a riveting evening’s entertainment and one which was realised to truly professional standards. Whilst it is invidious to single out particular individuals from such a high quality ensemble, special mention must be made of Sam Reynolds (L6c), William Banks (U6b) and Sam TalbotWilliams (L6a) for their extraordinarily mature, confident and powerful performances.
D&T
THE MICHAELMAS TERM HAS SEEN BOYS WORKING ON DIFFERENT ENDS OF THE
SPECTRUM OF THE DESIGN PROCESS. The Fifth Form have been set the design contexts of
‘comfort and storage needs, whilst travelling’ and ‘the promotion or experience for festival
goers’ by their exam board. Ignoring the pupils’ calls for the department to run a ‘field day’
to Glastonbury or Reading the boys have been interviewing older sisters, brothers, uncles and
parents who have relived their experiences of the festivals they have attended and have been
analysing all the research data on the web about the issues that arise at events. They are now
all hard at work designing products to help solve the problems they have heard about. Sixth Form pupils recently took a break from UCAS personal statement writing
and concluding their own project work to travel to London to hear Graham Potts,
the creative lead at ‘forpeople’ who talked to us about how they have recently
completely redesigned the First Class
experience for British Airways. His talk was all about the fine details in design which affect this experience. In contrast we also heard from Sam Rogers who spent his year in industry with Gravity Industries, makers of the world’s first human flying suit and has yet to find the time to return to Loughborough to finish his Design degree! Sam showed our pupils how 3D printing through selective metal laser sintering is enabling Gravity Industries to help make Marvel Comic’s Iron Man a reality. Designing through attention to the emotional experience of a product and through trial and error mirror our own A level pupils’ experiences of Product Design as they conclude work as diverse as efficient combustion field cookers for Indian families, to a field caving equipment drying compartment, designed to be quickly assembled to help dry wetsuits and rope overnight when caving in remote areas. It has been a very busy term. Peter Chillingworth Head of Design and Technology
Art The Art department’s programme
season in Observational Drawing;
Ceramics workshop. For some this
of Visiting Artist workshops proved
a long and intensive day that saw
was the first time they have had
very successful for all those who
pupils from Sherborne School and
the opportunity to work with clay
attended. The workshops are
Sherborne Girls produce an
to create sculptural forms and
designed to introduce, practise
astonishing amount of work. The
Henry Kauntze (L6f) for one will be
and extend skills and also give
two schools came together again
adding this to his list of creative
boys the opportunity to enjoy
later in the month for a workshop
successes. The workshop season
making art in their own time.
in Oil Painting and Colour mixing.
concluded with a Portrait
Working alongside current
Both Oscar Welchman (4b) and
Photography masterclass with Joss
practitioners is invaluable. For
Toby Jones (L6b) discovered that
Barratt in the Oliver Holt Gallery.
Richard Crane (U6b) it has helped
painting with oils requires
Felix Chillingworth (L6m) and Alex
him develop a confidence and
resilience, however, ultimately the
Andrews (L6d) worked with pupils
fluency in both drawing and
handwork paid off for both of
from Sherborne Girls, Sherborne
painting as a result of the work he
them.
International, Leweston and Gryphon School on the finer points
did with Painter and Printmaker Georgina Clapham. Ms Clapham
Just before half term, Sculptor
of setting up and taking portrait
led our first workshop of the
Harriet Moore delivered a
photographs. Emma Drake, Art Teacher
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Sport
The sporting journey of a Shirburnian often starts before he arrives in September of the Third Form! Visits for Sherborne at Work, Discovery Day, even Taster Days for those who may apply for a Sports Award, give fledgling Sherborne boys a taste of what is to follow. Fun, choice and competition are words that crop up time and again as we seek to sow the seeds for five further years of enjoyment in the sporting world of Sherborne School. And then, once they have departed the Courts for the final time as a pupil, they inevitably return on a Saturday afternoon in September to cheer on the 1st XV on the Upper, or to play against the school as a Pilgrim in one of the numerous sporting contests. This year alone, OS ‘Pilgrims’ have challenged the current crop of boys in Hockey, Football, Cross Country, Golf, Sailing, Squash, Fives, Cricket and Tennis, with more planned for the future, as they continue their lifelong love of sport and enjoy the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. David Guy, Head of Sport
RUGBY
SKIING
Rugby at Sherborne has always proved a popular option for boys in the Michaelmas term and 2018 has been no different. Whether playing the game for the sheer pleasure of playing with ones peers, to those who are looking to represent their School for the County, Region or Academy; rugby provides that platform.
During October half term, a number of boys travelled to Tignes in France, with Mr Guy and Mr Wilson, for the Sherborne Ski Racing Training Camp, hoping to win a place in the squad to represent the school in the DHO British Schoolboys Championships in Wengen (Switzerland) in January.
Boys have been successful both on and off the pitch with three year groups demonstrating success in the final stages of the their County or National competitions. The U14s are Dorset Champions for the fifth year running after beating Canford, the U16s play in the Dorset Cup Final in January after their semi-final victory over Bryanston. The 1st XV are through to the semi-final of the Schools Cup National Plate competition, to be played in March against Christ’s Hospital.
The conditions were difficult on the Grande Motte glacier, but the boys rose to the challenge and worked hard to improve their skills in gates (Giant Slalom) and poles (Slalom), benefitting from the coaching from Remy PoccardMarion, former coach to the French Olympic Ski Racing squad.
With 13 current boys involved in Academy Rugby for Bath and Exeter, from U15-U18, the future looks bright for Sherborne School Rugby.
FOOTBALL This has been another busy term for Sherborne football. The 1st XI team progressed through to the second round of the ISFA Boodles National Cup competition, with an emphatic win over Bristol Grammar School. However, unfortunately we fell in the next round, after a combative match against Ardingly College. Congratulations to three boys, namely Brandon Bray-Sackey (U6e), Robert Hoare (L6c) and Harry Lampier (L6m), who have recently been selected for the Dorset U18 County team and await their first representative match in the forthcoming week. The Sherborne A team, comprising of both Fifth and Sixth Form boys, has also performed well throughout the term, playing in the Wessex Independent Schools League. The boys have played some fantastic football but find themselves mid-table after drawing too many matches and failing to convert good performances into wins. However, this is undoubtedly a beneficial platform from which the boys will launch into a busy Lent Term, where football takes over from rugby as the major sport.
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SAILING
HOCKEY
CLAY SHOOTING
The sailing cohort have as ever had a busy and varied programme both at Sutton Bingham and at Portland. With 28 boys and two girls participating, there continues to be a focus on both competitive action and introducing pupils who are completely new to the sport. The School fielded both a senior and junior team at the Nationals Youth and Junior Team Racing Finals in October at Farmoor Reservoir in Oxfordshire. The senior team captained by Tima Malikov (U6f) came ninth which was an excellent performance. More locally we have had wins over Millfield and Clifton but a loss to Winchester and the Old Shirburnians.
After a highly successful and challenging tour to India, the U18 and U16 indoor Hockey teams continued the excellent start to the year with some fine team performances in the Dorset Indoor Finals at Canford. After only a small amount of time to prepare, the U18 boys won two very tight games against Clayesmore and Bryanston to qualify for the West Finals, before losing to Canford in the last game.
Clay Shooting is a regular Thursday afternoon sport and the highlights this term have been competing in two big multi-school events; the Marlborough Clay Shield and the Millfield Invitation Shoot.
There is a very promising cohort of junior sailors coming up through the ranks with Andre Cheung (4e) winning the intra school junior event in Fevas, with William Seabrook (4e) second and Henry Gadeke (3a), who is new to the School this term, coming third. A special mention must go to Petar Brinic (L6f) who joined the Lower Sixth this term and took up sailing in late October. He has already shown much potential.
The U16 team, the majority of whom were playing their first ever game of indoor hockey, stormed to an 11-2 victory over Clayesmore, before putting in a superb team performance to beat Canford 3-0 and become County Champions.
The Marlborough event comprised 23 teams with 115 guns with Sherborne placed 6th in the "Flush" and 11th in the "Sporting" Competition. The Millfield event comprised 32 teams and 128 guns, with Sherborne placed 11th and 13th in similar team events. The First V (Cameron Cooper (L6d), Hugo Hurrell (U6g), George Lewis (L6d), Thomas Wood (L6f), and Nico Christensen (4f) all shot respectable scores throughout the term and have gained a great deal of experience at the competitions.
TENNIS
SQUASH
Singles and doubles have been played competitively. The growth of School/Club links has remained a focus of the all year programme.
It has been a tough term for Sherborne squash. The start of the term began with a match against Sherborne Girls with debuts from Rory Nell (4b), Henry Kauntz (L6f) and Will Joyce (L6b). Although the team lost 1-4, they put up a hearty performance, showing character to emerge bloodied but unbowed. After a run of losses against Canford 2-6, Bryanston 2-8, Millfield 0-5, Canford 1-7, and The Jesters 1-3, there was a glimmer of hope after a solid 2-1 win over Sherborne Girls (a return fixture). Our last match against The Pilgrims presented the team with robust competition, ending in a 1-6 loss. Looking forward, there is definite hope for the team with players like Dylan Sun (L6e), David Martyr (L6m) and Joseph Eaton Parker (L6b) showing promise. We can only look positively into next term with excitement at the challenges to come.
An inaugural match versus East Dorset LTCC at Poole in October, gave the boys a challenge against Dorset senior league players. Following a committed performance, and positive comments a repeat match is on the cards! A timed singles match competition was played at Sherborne Tennis Club in November with entrants from the Club and School. Twenty four matches were played. Sam Vincent (5g) won the event, and Jacob Schwandt (4f) finished 3rd. Entrants from near and far have played at two hosted LTA Tournaments. Nick Morris (5a) came 5th in the U18 grade 5, with Ashley Horton (3a) winning a match in the U14. A young Sherborne side were defeated by a strong side from Ashton Park School in the U19 Senior students, with a match against Taunton School being postponed. The forthcoming La Manga Pre Season training trip will see 24 School team players develop further for the 2019 season.
To view more of a our sporting photography taken this term, please visit our Facebook and Instagram page: Facebook: facebook.com/SherborneBoysSchool Instagram: #sherborneschool
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CRICKET AND HOCKEY TOUR OF INDIA After six weeks of training, our cricket and hockey players enjoyed a fantastic tour of India over half term. They enjoyed some challenging opposition, on both the cricket pitch and hockey field, with both squads enjoying plenty of success, as teams and individuals. The India tour also included some incredible cultural visits, including a sunrise at the Taj Mahal, a visit to Agra Fort, Amber Fort, a National Park, an Elephant Conservation Centre, The Grand Mosque and a Sikh Temple where the boys helped make food for the worshipers. In regard to cricket, winter training has now shifted to focus on the season, with various sessions available for those keen cricketers seeking to improve their game.
LOOKING AHEAD TERM DATES TRAVELLING DAY Sunday 6 January FIRST EXEAT Friday 25 January (1.35pm) – Sunday 27 January (return by 9pm) HALF TERM Friday 15 February (1.35pm) – Sunday 24 February (return by 9pm) SECOND EXEAT Friday 15 March (1.35pm) – Sunday 17 March (return by 9pm) END OF TERM Saturday 30 March (after commitments)
SHERBORNE SCHOOL ABBEY ROAD SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3LF T: 01935 812249 E: enquiries@sherborne.org www.sherborne.org
facebook.com/SherborneBoysSchool twitter.com/SherborneSchool #sherborneschool youtube.com/user/TheSherborneSchool Thank you to all contributors. Image credits: Josie Sturgess-Mills, David Ridgway, Paul Brewer, Simon Jones, Elliott Park, Hasan Hamadto (U6e) and others Registered Charity No. 1081228