Sherborne School Shirburnian 2017/18 by Shelleys the Printers Ltd

SHIRBURNIAN THE

2017/18

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WELCOME TO

THE SHIRBURNIAN documented in these pages will

surroundings and to have the

have equipped them well for the

confidence to effect and embrace

next stage of their lives and I wish

novelty and innovation.

them all continued happiness and

Sherborne is so much more than

success in the future. For them,

the sum of its parts. The boys

The Shirburnian chronicles their

achieve a tremendous amount,

final year at this unique school.

but what defines the School is a

For others it is a memory of their

deep and abiding sense of

first taste of Sherborne life.

community and a shared set of

Perhaps above all, it is a reflection

values.

of what sets Sherborne apart and the enduring values by which it is

It is wonderful to hear the whole

Academic curiosity, inquiry and

underpinned.

School join together in song in

Sherborne life, alongside a vast

The publication of The

culmination of our year. Every

range of co-curricular pursuits.

Shirburnian marks an important

time an Old Shirburnian returns to

milestone for our community, a

visit the School, it bridges the

accomplishments is remarkable

time to pause and reflect, to take

generations, honouring the ethos

stock of the successes and

of kindness, consideration and

their seemingly limitless

experiences of another year and

ambition that binds together the

to celebrate all that we stand for.

School of past and present.

sporting talents. The following

From record-breaking A level

success sit firmly at the centre of

The scope of our boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

and I continue to be struck by

scholarly, musical, creative and

the Abbey as we mark the

pages attempt to capture the

results and success in national and international academic

of the year with you and hope

exceptional year at Sherborne.

competitions, to outstanding

that this will allow you, as it does

Associate of Trinity College

me, the opportunity to reaffirm

scope and scale of another

I am sure you will join me in

feeling enormously proud of this generation of Shirburnians.

I am delighted to share our story

London (ATCL) and Licentiate of

the innate goodness of this

Trinity College London (LTCL)

special place.

diploma results and national-level The 2018 leavers certainly led

sporting achievements, you will

from the front, making their mark

see a diverse, energetic and

through great individual and

ambitious community. It is a

collective achievement. They also

community that looks forward,

left a legacy of kindness,

towards a world of endless

compassion and generosity of

challenge, change and

spirit that will live long in the

complexity, as we seek to

memory of younger boys and staff

empower boys to think big, to

alike. The experiences

look beyond their immediate

Dr Dominic Luckett (Headmaster and Chief Executive)

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2017/18... -

Year in Review

Head Boys

Music

Commemoration

Creative Writing

Academic

Co-Curricular

Houses

Sport

10 Years On

Farewells

YEAR IN REVIEW

Our boys have enjoyed an incredible year of both collective and individual experiences, challenges and achievements. Here you will find a selection of these highlights, ranging from academic success, sporting victories, musical prowess to engagement in co-curricular activities, amongst many other pursuits centred on the Sherborne community.

September

October

The 2nd XV got off to a triumphant start to the season

The 1st XV experienced their greatest margin of victory

with a 34-0 victory over Bishop Wordsworth’s School’s

with a score of 22-12 win away to Abingdon. Meanwhile

2nd XV. This was followed by a run of three further

Henry McCosker (U6c) played rugby for the Irish Exiles

victories, including a closely contested 12-10 win over

whilst Max Ayling (U6m) was selected for the Welsh

Queen’s College Taunton, in which Bryn Jones (L6e)

Exiles on the way to securing a professional contract

scored a memorable breakaway try. The Colts A, B and

with Newport Gwent Dragons.

C XV also notched up a number of victories, including matches against Blundells, Marlborough and Bishop

Sherborne put in a brace of fantastic performances to

Wordsworth’s.

win the first two swimming galas of the academic year. The team were overall winners against the likes of

In Sailing the Sherborne A team of Tima Malikov (L6f),

Canford, Winchester and Milton Abbey. Led by captain

Ollie Croft (4g), Freddie Last (4f), Nick Burt (U6f),

James Foulger (U6e), there were especially strong

Oli McGill (L6b) and Jenny Guy (SG) convincingly beat

performances from Ollie Charles (3m), Sam Massey (4c),

the Clifton A team two races to zero in lively conditions

Guy Purbrick (U6g) and Freddie Glassborow (L6f).

at home at Sutton Bingham. A Sherborne B team with the addition of Barney Miller (L6d), Ben Fuller (5f), Theo

The Chamber Choir, which included four Salisbury

Banks (L6m) and Otto Jonas (4c) went on to beat the

ex-choristers – Peter Folkes (U6a), George Jefferson (5e),

Clifton B team a further two races to zero.

Monty Westall (5c) and Jonathan Post (4a) – once again sang Choral Evensong in Salisbury Cathedral.

On the last Friday in September, it was the turn of the Woodwind Department, under Clare Jackson (Head of

The nine-man Sherborne team of Royal Marine cadets

Woodwind), to give the lunchtime recital in Cheap

proudly returned from The Pringle Trophy, Lympstone

Street Church, with accompanists Benjamin Davey (Head

with the prestigious map-reading trophy and a top ten

of Keyboard and Assistant Director of Music) and Martin

finish from the competition. The Pringle Trophy is

Walker. The concert opened with William Loughlin (4d),

named after an Old Shirburnian, Lieutenant General Sir

on the flute, performing his first ever solos at Sherborne

Steuart Pringle KCB (f46), a former Commandant

in Christopher Norton’s Nobody Knows.

General of the Royal Marines. At the start of half term some 40 Fifth Formers headed to Berlin, for the annual History trip to explore many of the significant sites of Weimar and Nazi Germany.

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2017 - 2018

November

December

42 young people from Dorset schools took part in a much

For three nights running, the Powell Theatre handed

enjoyed and very successful Music School Woodwind Workshop

over its stage for our joint schools’ musical, The

in the Tindall Recital Hall. The aim of the day was to learn and

Secret Life of Walter Mitty. There were outstanding

perform two large wind ensemble works, The Hall of the

performances from Freddie Graham (L6c), Ben

Mountain King by Grieg and The Magnificent Seven by Elmer

MacLean (U6b), Henry Jones (U6g), Charlie Barker

Bernstein.

(U6b), William Banks (L6b), and William Loughlin (4d). Not the least remarkable aspect of the

The 3rd XV delivered some memorable moments during the

production was that the songs were all written by

season, including a 42-14 victory over Radley, where their sheer

our Director of Music, James Henderson, and the

determination and superior fitness helped them to score 28

incidental music by music scholar, Sam MacDonald

points in the second half. The 4th XV rugby team won a number

(U6c).

of games without conceding, including a truly mesmerising 51-0 victory over Clayesmore in which Archie Macintosh (U6a) scored

A number of boys participated in the regional heats

a well-taken brace. The 5th XV rugby team experienced two

of the Cranmer Awards in which they were required

major wins against King’s Bruton (41-12) and Radley (19-5).

to recite a short passage from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Louis Lindsay (4d) won the junior

Billy George Mutoti (4e), Jackson Shine (4m), and Harry Cook

heat and Bently Creswell (L6a) the senior category.

(4d) joined an equally strong cast from Sherborne Girls in a chilling joint production of George Orwell’s 1984.

The 2nd XV season ended with a tight victory 25-24 against Cheltenham, with Barney Stannah’s (L6m)

In hockey, Charlie Collinge (3f), Felix Northover (3f) and Angus

exemplary kicking proving the difference between

Bushby (3m) joined the England Hockey Player Pathway. An

the teams. The 3rd XV season ended with a stunning

impressive number of boys were also selected by the Dorset

31-10 win over Cheltenham College – the inspired

Hockey Academy to attend training at the England Hockey

Charlie Millar (L6c) helping steer the team to a

Performance Centre in Taunton: Tom Ewart-Smith (3d), Arthur

dominant display that saw Sherborne nurturing a

Green (3g) and Oliver Carr-Smith (3m) as under 14s; Sam Usher

19-0 advantage by half time.

(4m), Will Usher (4m), Will Brown (4c), Olly Westmacott (4c), Jacob Schwandt (3f), and Tom Rotheroe (3f) as under 15s; and

The Football Development A team was announced

Seb Baldwin (5b) for the under 16s.

as the Football Wessex Independent Schools League winner and of their 12 games, they won nine

International pianist Clare Hammond gave a recital as part of

matches and scored an outstanding 55 goals. Harry

the Visiting Artists’ Tindall Recital Series. Three Music Scholars,

Fisher (U6m) was the top-scorer, with a total of 15

Isaac Bingley (4e), Freddie Graham (L6c) and George Jefferson

goals.

(5e), had the opportunity to play to her in a masterclass. The Choir performed particularly well in the three Benedict Mercer (5b) became the first player ever to retain the

Carol Services (Advent, early Christmas and

Colquhoun Fives Trophy. Benedict came top of his group,

Epiphany) with moving performances and technical

winning all five of his games convincingly.

brilliance in abundance.

YEAR IN REVIEW

January

February

Sam MacDonald ATCL (U6c),

The Joint Schools’ Choral Society gave a superb performance of Bach’s

playing the Rhapsody in G minor by

St John Passion, in the Abbey, with the added coup of having international

Brahms, scooped the Halliday Music

tenor James Gilchrist as the Evangelist.

Cup, Upper School Piano Class, and the Lower School Piano Class was won by Ciaran Smith (4b) with another rendition of Remote Xianggelila. Lower School singing was won by Edward Eve (4c) and Alexander Hobbs (4c). The organ class was won by Josh Cook (5f) with Bach’s demanding Fugue in F minor, BWV 534. Congratulations to

Lazar Lukic (U6e) took part in Round 1 of the British Mathematical Olympiad and was awarded a Distinction, putting him in the top 25% of entrants. Equally impressive was the performance of Calin Profir (L6g) who, having won Gold in the first round of the British Physics Olympiad, progressed to the second round where he again achieved Gold – a truly remarkable performance. Six boys secured places in the Dorset and Wiltshire Under 16 rugby squad: Sam Reynolds (5c), Tom Carr-Smith (5m), Nathanael Fagerson (5c), Hal Little

Charlie Smith (U6g) who won the

(5a), Felix Connolly (5e) and Lorcan McLoughlin (5g).

overall Halliday Music Cup

Four of Sherborne’s Cross Country Runners medalled in the challenging

Competition as a singer. In hockey the 1st XI won 3-0, the 2nd XI 5-1, the 3rd XI 7-0, Junior Colts A XI 10-1, Junior Colts B XI 4-1 against Clayesmore. The 4th XI had

Studland Stampede: Aidan Dure-Smith (3g) (silver medal, juniors), George Case (5m) (gold, inters), Jack Bodenham (5d) (bronze, inters) and William Crosthwaite Eyre (U6a) (gold, seniors). In each case, the performance was down to hard training, which helped ensure the boys’ fitness when they turned up on race day.

a brilliant 7-0 victory over Taunton

Skiers put in some impressive performances at the Downhill Only (DHO) Ski

School.

British Schoolboys’ Competition in Wengen. The U16 team achieved a silver medal in the dual slalom, while the U18 team of Toby Jones (5b), Ignacio

The Joint Schools’ Concert saw the

Rivero Anglada (5a), Tom Perkins (U6a) and Will Perkins (L6a) went one better

collaboration of five schools –

and secured gold.

Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls, the Gryphon, Leweston and, for the first time, Sherborne Prep School. There were two excellent, if contrasting, House plays, ‘Allo ‘Allo by Abbeylands and The Government Inspector by The Green.

51 pupils competed in the Linguistics Olympiad and the results were the School’s best result to date: 92% of boys achieved Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates, putting them in the top 35% of all entries in the whole of the country. Michal Dvořák (L6g) and Malhaar Shah (L6a) won Gold (placing them in the top 5% of participants) and Freddie Robinson (L6f) and Daniel Berry (L6a) achieved Bronze awards. Lower School boys met with equal success in the junior section of the Linguistics Olympiad. Of the 45 Third, Fourth and Fifth Form boys who entered, 16 achieved Bronze awards and 21 Silver whilst Hugh Ridgway (4a), Isaac Bingley (4e), Kai Miles (4d) and Nicholas Morris (4a) won Gold awards, being placed in the top 5% nationally. International violinist and teacher Laurence Kempton attended the Strings Festival and Masterclass. The day was filled with creative solutions to musical problems, of both interpretation and technique, where boys were encouraged to find freedom in connection and communication, whilst developing an acute awareness of each other’s lines and realising intent. Freddie Robinson (L6f) came top of all the UK’s entrants in the EU’s Juvenes Translatores competition and was awarded a special commendation.

2017 - 2018

March

April

Despite heavy snow, the Music Scholars and

Concert in the Courts took place, one of the largest

Exhibitioners put on an outstanding Scholars’ Concert in

RocSoc events in the academic year, with over 400 boys

the Tindall Recital Hall. It was an evening of first rate

attending and some acts teaming up with Sherborne

music making.

Girls.

The sun came out for Sherborne’s CCF Biennial

The hockey season came to an end with the Mini Colts

Inspection on the 14th March. The Inspecting Officer

and 1st XI both playing in the National Finals at Lee

was Major General Rupert Jones CBE who is the

Valley Park. Despite some wonderful performances,

Assistant Chief of the General Staff and an Old

neither side made it through to the finals, but they

Shirburnian himself.

showed great strength and skill throughout.

The Junior Play, The Complete Works of William

School House began Trinity Term with another

Shakespeare (Abridged), was both tremendously

phenomenal fundraising event in aid of Cure Parkinson’s

impressive and extremely funny.

Trust and St David’s Hospice as they took on a climbing challenge. A climbing wall was erected in the Courts and

The Mini Colts hockey team won the West of England

the boys challenged themselves to climb the equivalent

Championships, after a nail-biting day that tested their

height of Mount Everest.

skills to the limits. Seven of our boys took part in the Pink/Grey Kangaroo The Dramatic Reading Competition was won by Jack

contest after winning their Gold certificates in the 2018

Pyman (3e) with Charlie Fairclough Wood (3m) and Finn

Intermediate Mathematics Challenge (IMO).

Grammaticas (3f) in joint second place. Our Fourth Formers, Kai Miles (4d), Nicholas Morris (4a), Freddie Banks (4b) and Harry Johnson (4e) came away as Champions in the Maths Feast competition at Blandford School. The competition was designed to test a wide range of mathematical and communication skills and we were delighted that our team took first place. In the last week of term, School House teamed up with Sherborne Girls to put on a fantastic Strictly Come Dancing fundraising event in aid of The Cure Parkinson’s Trust and St David’s Hospice.

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YEAR IN REVIEW

May

June

Lyon House and the CCF Ten Tors teams

Sherborne’s Polo team, comprising of Yanis Hammick (L6m) (captain),

completed the notoriously tough 35-

Tom Dubois (5a), Ralph Loveys Jervoise (5m) and Sam Yorke (5m), won

mile Ten Tors Challenge. Both teams

the novice section at Longdole Polo Club, without conceding a single

made it over the finish line in excellent

goal over all four chukkas in the tournament (1-0, 4-0, 1-0, 4-0).

times and most importantly they did so as complete teams.

A group of 16 boys and parents met at the Mendip Shooting Ground for the Sixth Annual Parents’ and Sons’ Clay Shooting

40 Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards from all

Competition. The parent and son competition was a highlight of the

levels were presented, including nine

day, which was won for the second year by the Cooper team, hotly

Gold – our highest number to date.

pursued by the Case, Parsons and Hurrell teams.

William Gracia (f17), James Dixon (U6g), Kit Delamain (c17), Matthew Hetherington (U6b), Louis Drake (b17), Henry Stone (U6d), Oscar Leach (U6e), Jordan Berry (U6a) and Felix Storer (U6g)

Jai Thompson (4m), Charlie McCaig (4b), Oscar Jones (L6m) and George Ingrams (3d) all won their athletics events and qualified for the South West Championships, alongside Jonathan Post (4a). Six boys, including the 2017 champion, competed in the National

received their Gold Certificates at a

Schools Fleet Racing title in Fireflies. Congratulations to Ben Childerley

ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

(U6f) and Freddie Last (4f) for crossing the finish line in first place in

Sherborne School hosted an LTS Grade

race four.

4 and 5 level tennis tournament. Up to

A highlight of the cricket season came with a victory over Bryanston for

forty juniors and adults in all enjoyed

the Mini Colts A XI in the Dorset County Cup Final. Sherborne won by

extremely competitive matches in the

37 runs and will go on to represent Dorset next year in the national

glorious sunshine on six courts at the

competition.

School and six more at Sherborne Tennis Club. Four more pupils joined the list of Sherborne School musicians who have achieved their ATCL Performance diplomas, making seven in total. Music scholars William Thorne (U6e) and Ben MacLean (U6b) celebrated their new

Sherborne School hosted the 2018 Year 10 Mathematics Circle, where a total of 27 top mathematicians from 11 schools immersed themselves in various non-GCSE mathematics for two days. The annual Patrick Shelley Music Competition for advanced instrumentalists (Grade 7 and above) took place with the acclaimed conductor, former Organ Scholar of Clare College, Cambridge, and Guildhall Head of Opera Dominic Wheeler (h88) judging.

ATCL diplomas, while Joss Nelson (U6e)

After finishing exams, the Fifth Form embarked on an expedition to

and Sam MacDonald (U6c) increased

Brownsea Island to hone their teamwork and leadership skills.

their considerable success by also achieving rare Distinctions. The much acclaimed five-day Sherborne Abbey Festival went into full swing. Opening the Festival was Sherborne School’s Chamber Concert, held in the stunning backdrop of the Abbey. The Swing Band’s dinner dance was a wonderful evening of music, together with a superb supper, provided by our catering team.

The Leavers’ Concert took place at the end of Trinity Term. Amongst the performers there were no fewer than six music scholars with diplomas. Musicians were in full force at this year’s spectacular Gala Concert, featuring the Radio Orchestra and the Wind Band, amongst several other ensembles, totalling well over one hundred performers. The sun was certainly shining on Commemoration. Congratulations to Ollie Palmer (U6d) who was both a highly deserving and extremely popular winner of the highly acclaimed Bow Award. A beautiful service was held in the Abbey in the morning, followed by Prize Giving, Speeches, a wonderful lunch, cricket on the Upper, the Leavers’ Service and the much anticipated Leavers’ Ball with Sherborne Girls.

2017 - 2018

July

August

20 boys from Harper House headed off to Dartmoor

This year’s Upper Sixth leavers secured another

straight after Commem to undertake an overnight

impressive set of A level results with 43% graded A* and

marathon, known as The Harper Hike, raising over £7,500

A and 74% A*, A or B.

for Help for Heroes. The boys walked for 15 hours over challenging terrain, with unpredictable weather and

22 boys secured straight A*s and As. Among the top

showed tremendous determination throughout.

performers were Douglas Hickling (U6e) and Archie Macintosh (U6a), each with 3A*s and an A; George

The morning after Commem, 16 members of the CCF

Clifford (U6a) and Peter Folkes (U6a) with 3A*s; Lazar

and four staff took a trip to Norway. They spent a week

Lukic (U6e), Simon Rose (U6b) and Felix Storer (U6g) who

immersing themselves in the culture of this stunning

each achieved 2A*s and 2As; and Nicholas Burt (U6f),

country, from foraging and hiking to making camp fires.

Toby Grammaticas (U6f), Sam MacDonald (U6c) and

It was a phenomenal experience, enjoyed by all.

Harry Vincent (U6g), each with 2A*s and an A.

The Swing Band flew to Barbados for their annual ten-

With the phased introduction of reformed GCSEs, this

day tour, consisting of eight concerts. To view the

was the second and final year with a mixture of numeric

performances, please visit our YouTube channel:

and alphabetic grades and our boys rose magnificently

www.youtube.com/user/TheSherborneSchool

to the academic challenges presented by the new assessments. Over a third of their exams were awarded the top grades of A* or the equivalent grades 9 and 8. Just under 60% were graded at A* to A or 9 to 7. Over 95% were graded A* to C or 9 to 4. Particularly impressive was the number of grade 9s awarded. This new top grade is equivalent to the upper end of the old A* grade band and was awarded to only 4.3% of GCSEs nationally. Among Sherborne’s reformed GCSE results, the grade 9 percentage is a superb 13.8%. Within this, it is particularly noteworthy that in Mathematics we scored 26.8% at grade 9.

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Head Boys

“Looking ahead to September, I am delighted to have appointed Tom Stagnetto (L6a) as Head of School. I am sure he will do an outstanding job and set a fine example to the other boys, just as his predecessors George Sutton (U6m) and Peter Folkes (U6a) have done. I am most grateful to George, Peter and their team of House and School prefects for their excellent work and wish them all well as they embark upon what will, I am sure, be very successful and fulfilling careers.” Dr DOmInIC LuCkETT (HEADMASTER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE)

Music It has been a year of extraordinarily good musicmaking. Perhaps it may seem strange to begin an overview with the end of the year, but the 2018 Leaversâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Concert was such a high calibre musical occasion that it stands out, over the many years that these farewell concerts have been taking place, as having been quite exceptional.

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JAmES HEnDErSOn (DIRECTOR OF MUSIC)

Amongst the performers there

It has not solely been about the

(U6a), who ably combined the role

were no fewer than six music

talented Music Scholars and

with being Head of School, and

scholars with diplomas – ATCLs for

Leavers, though, as the 106-strong

Jordan Berry (U6a).

Sam MacDonald (U6c, piano and

Choir, the magnificent Wind Band,

saxophone), Charlie Smith (U6g,

and the feast of ad hoc music

flute), Joss Nelson (U6e, French

which takes place in the evenings

horn), Ben MacLean (U6b, French

on a daily basis in the Music

horn), Peter Folkes (U6a,

School, testify to the continued

saxophone) and William Thorne

‘music for everyone’ ethos at

(U6e, saxophone) and a Level 6

Sherborne. The number of Grade

LTCL for Charlie Smith (U6g, flute)

Eight Distinctions has continued

who, perhaps unsurprisingly, had

to be on the up and there were

won the Halliday Music Cup

many lower grades too. The Choir

Competition in February as a

performed particularly well in the

singer. Their programme that

three Carol Services (Advent, early

evening was a showcase that was

Christmas, and Epiphany) and of

both virtuosic and moving. Equally

course at Commem, but it was

impressive was the Scholars’

their regular Wednesday and

Concert, held in March during a

Sunday services in the Abbey – all

snow-fall, which sadly prevented

complete with cathedral-style

most parents and audience from

liturgical music, which stood out

actually hearing and seeing the

for the large commitment made

music. It was an evening of first-

by so many and for the sheer

rate music-making, that I believe

quality of their singing. This huge

would bear favourable comparison

team was this year ably led by

with any school in the world.

Music Scholars Peter Folkes ATCL

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It has not solely been about the talented Music Scholars and Leavers, though, as the 106-strong Choir, the magnificent Wind Band, and the feast of ad hoc music testify.

The Joint Schools’ orchestras had another excellent year, though it was disappointing for all that the planned concert in Bristol, at the end of March, was snowed off. Well-rehearsed performances would have included Beethoven’s Symphony no 7 and the fourth movement of Dvořák’s Symphony no 8. The Joint Schools’ Choral Society, back in the Abbey after its performance in Poole the year before, gave a superb performance of Bach’s St John Passion in February, with the

For those interested in quantity as

Chambers and St George’s

added coup of having

well as quality, it’s interesting to

Hanover Square in London,

international tenor James Gilchrist

note that there were eighty

informal settings such as the

as the Evangelist. The Visiting

concerts over the academic year –

Barbershop’s singing and All Stars

Artists’ Tindall Recital Series

quite a feat for the Music School

jazz in the Dining Hall, and of

enjoyed a similar coup when

and its very hard practising

course Cheap Street Church, the

baritone Roderick Williams, of

musicians. They included

Tindall Recital Hall, the Abbey and

Radio 3 Sunday afternoons, gave a

performances in the Sherborne

the BSR.

packed recital with pianist Susie

Abbey Festival, Quadrant

Allan. The Radio Orchestra, which rehearsed in the Trinity Term, bears special mention for its three Frank Sinatra performances in the Gala Concert (which is available to watch on ‘Sherborne TV’ in the music channel). With the Swing Band’s two music scholar vocalists Harry Vincent (U6g) and Charlie Barker (U6b), and a special appearance from Charlie Smith LTCL (U6g), the luscious sounds of strings and swing combined to make memorable takes on You do something to me, You make me feel so young and New York, New York.

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The Lent Term’s piano recital started with Ciaran Smith (4b) playing the exotic Remote Xianggelila by Zhang, followed by Tom McCaig’s performance of Scharwenka’s Scherzino. Hector Fiennes (L6a) played the folk song-inspired Slow Air by Vaughn Williams and we were delighted to hear Marcus Bradley (3e) making his piano debut playing Norton’s Forcing the Pace. Another Third Former to play, but this time on his second outing at Sherborne, was Ranco Liu playing the second movement of Beethoven’s Op 14, No. 1 Sonata. The Fifth Form was represented by Jordan Mwangola (5e), playing a movement by Carlos de Seixas, and Nathanael Fagerson (5c) with a

Pianists

BEnJAmIn DAvEy

Humoresque by Absil. The last two items were a family affair: Matt MacDonald (4c) played Silver’s

(ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC &

Song of my Father, an improvised jazz piece, and was

HEAD OF KEYBOARD STUDIES)

followed by his brother, Sam (U6c), playing the

The Michaelmas Pianists’ Recital in Cheap Street Church was a typically varied programme with every year group of the music award-holders represented. Isaac Bingley (4e) opened the

virtuosic Rhapsody in G minor by Brahms. Pianists also had the opportunity to play in the Soloists’ Recital, which included Brahms’ Intermezzo in A minor played by Isaac Bingley.

programme with Bach’s D minor Prelude and Fugue which was followed by Ranco Liu’s (3e) performance of the 1st movement of Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 14, No.1. We then heard Tom McCaig (L6b) playing Burgmüller’s everpopular Orage and George Jefferson (5e) with Grøndahl’s romantic Sommervise. More Beethoven followed with the 2nd movement of the Pathetique Sonata played by Sam MacDonald ATCL (U6c) and the 3rd movement of Op.14, No. 1 played by Peter Folkes ATCL (U6a). Freddie Graham ATCL (L6c) then wooed the audience with his thoughtful and expressive playing of Chopin’s posthumously published C sharp minor Nocturne. Later in the term we were fortunate to hear international pianist, Clare Hammond, give a recital as part of the Visiting Artists’ Tindall Recital Series and in the afternoon three Music Scholars, Isaac Bingley, Freddie Graham and George Jefferson, had the opportunity to play to her in a masterclass.

The diploma holders 2018 (ATCL)

Chamber Music and Strings Players LuCy-AnnE ALAn

(HEAD OF STRINGS) The academic year has held chamber music at its core for the Shirburnian Strings. The Chamber Orchestra gave its first concert of the year in December, offering an The Halliday Music Cup for Pianists and Singers in January was our annual opportunity to hear many of the School’s pianists in a competitive atmosphere. This year the adjudicator Frederick Brown – répétiteur of Hamburg Opera at the Staatsoper, had been our gap year Organ Scholar in 2007/8 and was therefore ideally placed to encourage and support all of the performers. The Upper School Piano Class was won by Sam MacDonald playing the Rhapsody in G minor by Brahms and the Lower School Piano Class was

invigorating programme in the Tindall recital Hall, which included works by vivaldi, Sibelius, and Greig. Corelli’s famous Christmas Concerto closed the concert, performed ably by violinists Jacky Zheng (L6e) and Alex Colville (L6m), with James Pyman (u6e) who, despite recovering from injury, matched the violinists’ energy, playing with great understanding of style on the ‘cello.

won by Ciaran Smith with another rendition of

Late February brought an incredibly busy

Remote Xianggelila. The organ class was won by Josh

weekend for our Strings, kicking off with the

Cook (5f) with Bach’s demanding Fugue in F minor,

first Strings Recital of the academic year in

BWV 534. Sam’s winning piano performance formed

Cheap Street Church. This was a concert of

part of his Level 4 ATCL diploma programme which

committed playing from all participants,

he took later in the same term, and in which he was

particularly from violinist Jack Pyman (3e)

awarded a Distinction. We were treated to a

whose exacting performance of Telemann’s

performance of his complete programme in the week

Sonatine in A preceded his brother James’s

before the examination.

innately musical interpretation of Elgar’s Salut d’Amour on the ‘cello. How fitting that

The Summer term’s Cheap Street recital saw Ranco

the brothers should share this first recital –

Liu complete his playing of the entire Beethoven

one a familiar and accomplished performer

Sonata Op. 14, No. 1 with the 3rd movement as well

at the end of his school career and the other

as Schubert’s G flat Impromptu. This was followed by

a rising star at the start of his.

Kai Miles (4d) playing a rarely heard Nocturne by the composer-pianist and one-time Prime Minister of

Earlier in the Lent Term, two new ensembles

Poland, Paderewski. The recital introduced three boys

were formed: the Piano Trio – Jack Pyman,

as pianists to our regular concert-goers: Jack Pyman

Marcus Bradley (3e) and Ciaran Smith (4b),

(3e) played Schumann’s Merry Peasant, Fergus Burtt

and a Violin and Piano Duo – Alex Hobbs

(4c) played Cool by Wood and Nicholas Van Kan (L6b)

(4e) and Isaac Bingley (4e). Two days after

performed Debussy’s The Little Shepherd. A highlight

the February Strings Recital both groups

was George Jefferson’s performance of two pieces

had the opportunity to work with

from Op.19.

- 19 -

international violinist and teacher

violin, by Charlie Barker (U6b),

as did the solo instrumentalists,

Laurence Kempton at the Strings

and every boy rose to the

and this exciting recital offered

Festival and Masterclass. This

occasion, committing to every

playing of real authority and

was a day filled with creative

note, filling the Abbey with

integrity from all.

solutions to musical problems,

glorious sound. This was soon

of both interpretation and

followed by another Strings

It is good to see the progress of

technique, where boys were

Recital, which provided the new

each pupil throughout the year

encouraged to find freedom in

ensembles – the Piano Trio and

and for many this was shown in

connection and communication,

the Violin and Piano Duo, with

exams both for the ABRSM and

whilst developing an acute

their first public performance,

Trinity boards. Special mention

awareness of each other’s lines

playing Frank Bridge’s Valse

should be made of Music Scholar

and realising intent. Other

Russe and Dvořák’s Sonatina

Isaac Bingley, who gained an

participants included Sam Berry

respectively. The chamber

outstanding 140 mark distinction

(3a), Kai Miles (4d), Alex Colville

musicians relished the challenge

for Grade 8 Guitar.

(L6m), Gary Xu (L6b), and the

of playing to a larger audience,

Chamber Orchestra, who rounded off this successful day with an animated workshop on Bartók’s Roumanian Dances. The Chamber Orchestra also gave a majestic performance of the hymnic Andante Festivo by Sibelius in the 2018 Sherborne Abbey Festival. This was not only led, but also directed from the

Wind Music

CLArE JACkSOn (HEAD OF WOODWIND) Amongst the many Cheap Street Church recitals of the year, every Friday lunchtime during termtime, five were devoted to woodwind players and three to brass. If anything, five for the woodwind proved not to be quite enough: they were undoubtedly the longest individual recitals of the year! Perhaps this is because, of the eight diploma holders at Sherborne this year, five were woodwind players and two were brass. In November, forty-two young

of Shirburnians, other participants came from the Gryphon School,

people from all over Dorset came

Thomas Hardye, Blandford School, Sherborne Preparatory School, Port

to the Music School to take part in

Regis, Sherborne Girls and Leweston.

a Woodwind Workshop using arrangements from Wonderful

The Music Scholar Wind Quintet – Cassian Blackburn-Enever (5e, flute)

Winds. The aim of the day was to

George Jefferson (5e, oboe), George Lewis (5d, clarinet), Nathanael

learn and perform two large wind

Fagerson (5c, bassoon) and Benedict Mercer (5b, french horn), has

ensemble works, The Hall of the

continued to work at and perform some demanding standard works from

Mountain King by Grieg and The

the repertoire, such as Danzi’s Quintet in G minor and The Italian Girl in

Magnificent Seven by Elmer

Algiers by Rossini arranged by Graham Sheen. The boys dazzled the

Bernstein, both arranged by Alfie

audience at the Gala Concert with the latter, and also gave exceptional

Pugh. The owner of Wonderful

performances to the relatively small but very appreciative audiences in

Winds, Mel Orriss, and Alfie Pugh,

the snowy Woodwind lunchtime recital and Scholars’ Concert in March.

who kindly brought his

The Wind Quintet also gave up some of their time to perform some

contrabassoon to play, arranged

solos and Christmas carols to the residents of the Yeatman hospital, who

the parts so that all playing levels

were extremely appreciative of their efforts.

were accommodated. During the rehearsals players were encouraged to ‘keep going whatever happens’, even if the odd note is missed out, and the more experienced performers were reminded of the finer details of notation and performance. In addition to the core membership

- 21 -

The new Lower School Woodwind

(4a, oboe), Freddie Palmer (3b,

sounded exceptionally polished

and Brass Ensemble rehearsed

tenor saxophone) Richard

and the ability of over seventy

every Tuesday throughout the year

Pemsing (3f, flute) Pu Haoqing (3f,

boys, all of whom were at different

and consisted almost entirely of

euphonium) Toby Talbot-Williams

grade levels, to play quietly in the

boys at relatively early stages of

(3a, trombone) and Bertie Wilson

slower middle movements was a

their musical development. Such

(4a, clarinet) are likely to continue

highlight. Leavers Harry Gibbs

has been their progress that a first

performing as an ensemble in the

(U6m), James Foulger (U6e),

performance was possible in the

future.

Edmund Botes (U6m) and Angus Gantlett (U6c) were particular stars

Trinity Term Woodwind recital on Friday 19 May and, needless to

The largest instrumental ensemble

in these performances. The recital

say, their performance of Those

in the school, the Wind Band,

ended with Abba Gold and, whilst

Magnificent Men by Goodman

gave a lunchtime recital

it could be argued that I had

was excellent and so Edward

conducted by Andrew Fawbert

influenced this programming

Brooks (4f, oboe, Exhib.Mus),

(Head of Brass) and Clare Jackson

decision, it was much loved by the

Frederick Cole (3g, saxophone)

in the BSR to a large and

performers and the audience

Max Coltart (3g, trumpet) Tom

appreciative audience. This year

alike!

Ewart-Smith (3d, trombone),

two pieces by Holst were included

Matthew Findlay (3a, euphonium)

in the programme, the Suite in E

Finn Grammaticas (3f, flute),

flat and the Moorside Suite,

Arthur Green (3g, trumpet) Jamie

originally written for brass band.

Jones (4b, tuba) Nicholas Morris

Both of these demanding works

- 23 -

RocSoc, DJSoc and Unplugged mIkE LEHnErT

(MUSIC TECHNOLOGY, ROCK AND POP)

The year began with a number of discos held in the Powell Theatre, popular with Shirburnian DJs as the evenings are bustling with pupils excited to be with their peers for the first time since June. Pupils from Sherborne Girls, Sherborne International and Leweston were packed onto the dance floor to watch Alex Andrews (5d), Bertie millar (5f) and James Garrow (u6e) perform throughout the evening. A number of popular songs were performed and mixed together in music ranging from classic ‘house’ tracks to ‘trap’.

large number of talented

(5c), Sam Reynolds (5c) and Jamie

musicians from both schools.

Rawlings (5m), played a blinding

The youngest member of DJSoc,

These events consisted of

version of Iron Sky – watch out for

Luca Bryant (3m), played his first

performances by both soloists and

this band in the future! Another

set in the Lent Term with his set of

pupil-rehearsed groups, featuring

first-time performance was given

modern music, while we sadly said

traditional songs from popular

by duo Louis Down (U6m) and

goodbye to long-term members

artists as well as some less known

Mercedes Daniel (SG) playing a

of DJSoc Theo Li (U6g) and James

‘indie’ hits. Hosted by Head of

great cover of Angels of

Garrow (U6e) who have performed

School George Sutton (U6m), the

Montgomery that had the

regularly throughout the last four

October Unplugged event began

audience silenced with enjoyment.

years. James’s attention to detail,

with a stunning performance from

The night was rounded off

mastery of effects on the decks,

a new group featuring Fourth

perfectly with two performances

and the ability to switch

Form pupils: Tom O’Sullivan (4d,

from Hosanna Serukenya (L6c)

seamlessly between songs, shows

Exhib.Mus), Alex Warland (4m) and

who sang and played acoustic

the talent and dedication that he

Charlie McCaig (4b) were joined

guitar, and Charlie Smith ATCL

has for the genre.

by Bebe Fender (SG) who wowed

(U6g) who wowed the audience

the audience with Georgia by

with his skills on vocal and guitar

Two Joint Schools’ Unplugged

Vance Joy as well as a particularly

looping.

concerts took place in the Tindall

exciting version of Counting Stars

Recital Hall this year, featuring a

by One Republic. Thomas Talbot

...

SHERBORNE CHORAL COURSE

21-28 July 2019

15-18 year old singers and organists Chamber Choirs Opera Chorus Masterclasses Barbershop Close Harmony Choral Evensongs and Complines in Sherborne Abbey with special guest conductors John Rutter CBE and Bob Chilcott

choralcourse@sherborne.org sherbornechoralcourse.org

- 25 -

... In the Autumn and Spring Balls, eight acts played throughout the events with a mixture of classic rock, modern indie rock and electronic music. In Concert in the Courts, James miller (5a) and Sam Talbot-Williams (5a) provided one of the best sets of music in recent years â&#x20AC;&#x201C; definitely one of the highlights of the evening. The upper School did not disappoint in their performances: vocalist Daniel Berry (L6a) led his band, Haze, through a variety of songs, one of which featured the song-writing talents of Freddie Graham ATCL (L6c). Drummer Billy Slim (u6m) was relentless on the kit and gave the audience a thrilling drum solo, while Hector Lea (u6d) proved his fluency and prowess on the electric guitar. Sadly this was the last time we saw this band play at Sherborne and they will be missed!

Jazz and Swing

JAmES HEnDErSOn Jazz and swing continue to be immensely popular. In recent years this part of the music School’s activities has seen considerable growth, not just in the organised ensembles – Swing Band and Jazz Band – but also in pupil-led music in the late evenings. As an instrument the saxophone’s popularity has now been matched by the numbers of those playing the trumpet, and indeed the trombones are increasing. Space had run out in the evenings when jazzers and rock musicians used the larger rooms to rehearse their own music, so four new practice rooms (housed in a smart portakabin, which looks like an extension) were installed in April. Improvisation is dominating the jazz as Shirburnians get to grips with this most impressive skill. Two masterclasses, both followed by Tindall Recitals, saw young jazzers being coached and supported in this art and it is interesting to note that the new jazz grades will be including improvisation in the specifications. Our in-house jazz and funk composer – Anthony Ingle, who also runs the Jazz Band, again The arrival of even more practice rooms in April

- 27 -

enabled the Jazz Band to achieve

group, and the increasingly

in Hanover Square, at Commem in

great musical heights, with Horace

flamboyant improvising on the

The Courts and finally in Barbados,

Silver’s Song for my Father being a

clarinet by Fergus Burtt (4c,

during a ten-day tour consisting of

particular winner, even if The

Schol.Mus) gave the band a

eight concerts. The characteristic

Pleasure Principle featured heavily

spectacularly exotic sound,

sound of Henry Jones (U6g,

in popularity yet again! Anthony

described by its director (who led

Exhib.Mus) on his bass trombone

Ingle’s own music particularly

from the keyboard) as “the first

became as well known in

displayed the talents of guitarist

real jazz band at Sherborne for

Barbados as it was in Sherborne

Hector Lea (U6d) and upright bass

some time”. The Swing Band

concerts – as indeed was his

player Gary Xu (L6b, Exhib.Mus),

performed throughout the year, at

enthusiasm and obvious love of

who held their own in this talented

two Prep School events, a concert

the music as he danced from the

back row of the brass section – while Hori Byrne (U6a, Schol.Mus) characterised the trumpet solos with a flair and colour which is evident in the several YouTube uploads made during the tour. Concerts in the Turtle Beach Resort at St Lawrence Gap (the band’s residence for the entire Barbados Tour), The Beach House restaurant in St James, The Crystal Cove Hotel and the Frank Collymore Hall showed the band to be on outstanding form and the new CD Sherborne Swing Band Live in Barbados at the Collymore Hall 2018 is a lasting memory for all involved. Peter Folkes ATCL (U6a, Schol.Mus) led the band in Barbados every bit as much as he did the Choir back in the Abbey, and trumpeters Jonathan Post (4a, Exhib.Mus) and Aaron Kim (5b) proved their mettle with William Banks (L6b, Schol.Mus) taking the strain of the highest Dizzie Gillespie-esque moments. Few will forget the mighty opening of Charlie Mingus’ Fables of Faubus with William Thorne ATCL (U6e,

performances for several years

nonetheless spectacular in all

Schol.Mus) on the baritone sax,

now. Retiring drummer Billy Slim

drum breaks and none more so

during that hot summer’s evening

(U6m) was unable to be on the

than in the crowd-pleasing Sing,

in the Collymore Hall, while the

tour, and was much missed after

sing, sing!

thrilling improvisations by Freddie

his huge four-year contribution to

Graham ATCL (L6c, Schol.Mus)

the band, but rising star Tom

have enlivened the Swing Band’s

O’Sullivan (4d, Exhib.Mus) was

For the latest news on all our music perfomances, please visit our website: www.sherborne.org/news-calendar/latest-news/

- 29 -

Commemoration We had a beautiful day for the annual Commem celebrations this year and marked the end of a remarkable academic year with a very special series of events. Proceedings began with a stunning Service in the Abbey, which included the premiere of Jordan Berryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (U6a) anthem O Sacrum Convivium and some powerful singing from almost 1,000 parents, pupils and guests.

Prize Giving and Speeches followed, with Head boys Peter Folkes (U6a) and George Sutton (U6m) giving a humorous, rhyming review of the year. Our guest of honour this year was Professor Michael Proctor, the Provost of King’s College Cambridge, where Alan Turing studied after leaving Sherborne. Each House provided much needed refreshment, with a wonderful lunch in the House gardens, before the 1st XI ended their season against The Pilgrims on The Upper. The Leavers’ Service took place in the chapel, which was a wonderful moment of reflection for our Upper Sixth boys, teachers and parents. The day came to a close with the much anticipated Leavers’ Ball with Sherborne Girls. We wish the Sixth Form leavers continued success and happiness as they embark on the new chapter of their lives. Tom Rimmer, Head of Sixth Form, commented on the lasting impression the 2017/18 leavers have made:

“The impact they have made over the last five years is truly immeasurable and their legacy of kindness and compassion will live long in the memory of younger boys and staff alike. I wish them all the best in their various endeavours and have no doubt they will go on to extraordinary successes. I just hope they’ll come back and tell us all about it!”

- 31 -

A COLLECTION OF POEMS THE FOLLOWInG POEm WAS

Twisting, right, left flying away to

WrITTEn AS An AnSWEr TO THE

Twisting through hills, one then two

2018 SCHOLArSHIP ExAmInATIOn, In WHICH CAnDIDATES WErE

The business of the city in its light. In the inky blackness of the night. Whilst watching the pastures empty of cattle And twisting past trees in the dreary dark, The fallen leaves, the scattered bark

InvITED TO WrITE ABOuT A

As if felled in some terrible battle.

JOurnEy EITHEr In THE STyLE OF OF

Suddenly we see the glow of a city

DH LAWrEnCE Or PHILIP LArkIn. THE AuTHOr CHOSE LArkIn. HE IS, SO FAr AS WE knOW, THE FIrST BOy TO BE rEPrESEnTED In THE SHIRBURNIAN FOr WOrk HE HAS WrITTEn BEFOrE ACTuALLy BEInG A SHIrBurnIAn.

And statuesque steeples, staring Up at the sky. The workmen glaring And birds glancing down at us with pity. This is where great things are made, But bad deeds are often cruelly done. Suddenly the aura starts to fade, The darkness begins to weigh a ton. Fumes of alcohol and tobacco invade Our nostrils. Litter piled on the ground. The city cries for want of aid, Although there is never any sound. A once grand place, now in despair As it had been neglected, Never again to be perfected, A desolate island alone and bare. Barney Crawford (3b from September 18)

- 33 -

The following poems were among the best of the submissions for the Sir John Weston Poetry Prize, which in 2018 was won by Joss nelson (u6e).

WESTOn PrIZE EnTrIES 2018

Untitled, February Its presence was felt over a number of weeks, perhaps months. I’d heard stories, of course, and viewed examples close by Of when it had taken someone I thought I knew And imposed new regulations, new terms and conditions. I only considered it because it was suggested to me, hinted at Over coffee one morning; my focus then was more captivated by the sight of milk Sinking into my Americano than by what she was saying. It withdrew any suggestion of newfound motivation. It urged me to ignore any feeling of ‘yeah, ok, I can do this now’. August’s passions became December’s assignments. It was simple, obviously, I was being ridiculous, obscure, ‘too casual’- I should Work around it, through it, or wait it out, and I did (in the end). Things remained much the same, I learned that people don’t have time for The serious stuff. It’s better, probably, if we ignore that. Apparently, it wouldn’t be so Intense that way. It was. It continued to be exactly that. Behind the disrespect for everything that They had done remained an intense, spiralling continuum of Nothing. Joss nelson (u6e)

...

... WESTOn PrIZE EnTrIES 2018 Remembrance Shirburnians waited in the courts, A quiet hum of voices. But they waited to go over the top, With the deafening roar of gunfire. They shall grow not old. Late Spring 2018 Shirburnians watched the dark, grey sky,

Early evening

A boy grinned at his friend.

shadows lengthening.

But they watched grey smoke rise from friends

Delphinium blue cut by radio chimes.

Whose grins are now but skulls.

Kitchen voices.

As we that are left grow old.

The clink of ice. Pool cover drawn.

Shirburnians saw the trees’ red leaves,

Cool water tumbles swimmers.

And felt the raindrops fall.

Drone of bees weary with pollen.

But they saw red explosions and blood,

Hiss of hose and rainbow droplets sprinkle.

The drops were mothers’ tears.

Above.

Age shall not weary them.

Tiny arrows.

Shirburnians shuffled their tired feet, And someone coughed behind. But they marched on through cold and strain, A choking cough heard through gas. Nor the years condemn. Shirburnians heard the seagull’s cry, And heard the trumpet call. But they heard cries of limbless men, And the trumpet before they died. At the going down of the sun. Shirburnians heard three full gunshots, And chiming Abbey bells. But three shots were the last thing that they heard, They heard no ceasefire bells. And in the morning. Shirburnians stood in still silence, And heard nothing but wind. But they could not hear the silence they left Because they; were not. We will remember them. Freddie Graham (L6c)

Soaring, swooping, shooting-star swallows. Fluid. Criss-crossing the sky. Closer now dipping, diving. Isis flash of heaven red and glimpse of tail feather. Rememberings. Beginnings. Endings. Constants. The same. Felix Ormrod (5b)

- 35 -

I quite often am fed up, about poets who rhyme, almost all the time, and in my opinion it crosses the line I also think we should baN

In the secluded cloisters of crumbling brick,

Really tacky poets, who stick like a nazI

In a concealed garden half forgotten,

Onto certain words to make a poem acrostiC

Stand two cherry trees amidst the grass.

and I hate poets who make it extremely obvious

One stands proudly, straight and tall,

that they have plagiarized

boasting beautiful buds and careful pruning,

(the practice of taking someone else’s work or ideas

a masterpiece in blossom and bark.

and passing them off as one’s own) The other stoops, hunched to one side, and yet most of all, I hate poets which try too hard

its flesh scarred by a many dozen cuts,

to be ironic.

as neglected as its archaic surroundings.

Tobias ross (3b)

However when the cycle of the seasons inverted and the gilded sun cast out its true glow, and the time to blossom came at last The neglected tree took new beautiful form,

I follow suit in the dreamy night.

branches exploding into a flurry of blossom,

You must be there surely?

each twig adorned with feathery petals.

He cannot reach our light, We’re connected together so purely.

The other was a pitiful comparison,

You and I without them

its blossoms withered and wounded,

They, who again?

suffering a mortal blow to its pride.

I, who am I

And yet the now beautiful tree still outstretched its

You, who are you?

branch towards it

He’s here, We are not free. You, come with me They’re here now. Let’s cease to be. Alex Gibbs (3e)

Tobias ross (3b)

Beginning’s End Africa, land of warm, orange sun The glorious place where we begun. What of the Zebra, Whose stripes once dashed across the red, earthy hills, Whose dark, deep eyes looked at us, sadly, accusing? Those stripes now lay on the floor, foot-trodden, a moth-ridden rug, And those eyes still watch us, but from a hunter’s wall. What of the Mountain Gorilla, Whose raw muscle rippled as he pounded his chest, Whose powerful paws leaped from the strong, thick branches? That muscle is now mere bush meat, fed to meagre mouths, And those branches now lie dead, as logs for a fire. What of the Black Rhino, Whose tough dusty hide battered objects like a shield, Whose sharp, long horns charged the predator away? That hide is a suitcase, it only shields clothes, And those horns are now daggers, sitting useless on a shelf. What of the African Elephant, Whose distant calls rang out over the plains, Whose great, majestic tusks patiently paved a path?

The Reassurance of a Pencil

The only call made is the phone beside her head,

Unlike ink, lead can be erased.

And those tusks are now piano keys, impatiently played.

Mistakes forgotten in an instant, Moving on as if nothing has happened. But are they forgotten? Once written down can we forget the possible trauma of the past?

What of the Lion, Whose mighty roar once trembled the land, Whose strong bones once powered its hunt for prey? That roar is frozen in time, on its wooden mount, And those bones are now powder on a doctor’s desk. Africa, slayed by man’s merciless gun, All its life will end where we begun.

No one talks about them anymore Like the shavings of the rubber swept away. Hiding the fact they have ever happened. -STOP WRITING IN PENCILGeorge Sutton (u6m)

Freddie Graham (L6c)

- 37 -

THE LESSON The Naïf I want to create. I don’t want to sit in a classroom Dong. The chair’s vibration

looking down at his feet.

And have to appreciate

echoed around the room. There’s

Whenever he looked up he

The post-war boom.

always one. It was the boy with

scowled at anyone who even

the black buzz, gelled at the front

glanced at him.

I want to make art.

like a cliff’s edge. No one dared

I don’t want to hear a vocal drone,

to make a sound especially the

Then the middle of the lesson.

Or learn why tectonics move apart

blondie in the back row. He was

Everyone, but one. Everyone was

At different zones.

too busy trying to spell out the

working with their heads down

longest German word in history.

and the teacher was patrolling

I want to play music.

From memory. The white walls

the desks like an animal on the

I don’t care about big businessmen

behind him made his pale skin

prowl. His eyes darting from left

Or advanced arithmetic

look a little darker. Plain walls,

to right. The boy at the front was

All over again.

that glared at you in a dull sort of

making the work look easy while

a way. Just how the teacher

the rest of the row was in a

looked in fact and how he kept

factory line of copying. The pale-

his desk area. He was half bald

skinned boy dropped his pen as

and always wore a cashmere

loudly as he possibly could, just

jumper, square glasses and had

to make sure that everyone knew

the one coffee cup on his desk,

he was finished. He sat there with

black with stain.

a smug smile, watching, listening for the next one to finish. On the

I want to do something Other than work to become One more puppet on a string Controlled by a thumb I want to live. Not sit in front of a computer As technology’s captive; An eternal commuter.

Beginnings are always the most

other side of the room it was a

stressful part of the lesson.

very different atmosphere. The

Thunk. There goes another bag

boy was rocking on his chair,

hitting the floor. The typical boy

trying to see how far into his skin

But I’ll be ignored no doubt

who sits at the front, with his

he could get. His only interest

Amongst society’s throng.

books spread out, and posture

was the clock. The dull clock.

perfect in his seat, raring to go.

Nothing to look at. The same

I just want to say

The door yawned open as the

white and black clock that every

We’ve built a society that

boy who is always late rocked in,

teacher had in the whole school.

Throws our short lives away

his hair scruffy and his shirt half

He watched it. Tick, tock.

And constricts us like a thermostat

I want to call out. And show that something is wrong.

ripped. No one dared to make a Freddie Graham (L6c)

sound. The pale young boy in the back had his head over his desk

Lucas Gardner (3c)

The shifting landscape of academic grading brings with it an inevitable sense of uncertainty. The phased move to new specifications and linear assessment, combined with the fact that the School achieved record results in 2016, meant that we approached August results with some trepidation. We shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have. 2017 results were among the Schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very best performances. Particularly impressive was that the A* pass rate has gone up significantly, increasing from last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record of 17.5% to 19.2% this year. That around a fifth of our A level entries were graded A* is, by any standards, a significant achievement by the boys and a tribute to all those colleagues who taught and otherwise supported them. It is also a very clear indication of our ability to stretch and challenge the very brightest boys, a fact of which I am enormously proud.

Academic Review

- 39 -

It cannot be coincidental that these impressive academic achievements coincide with outstanding value-added results. For the second year running Shirburnian Sixth Formers have achieved within the top few percent of UK independent schools for the A level grades they secured relative to their base-line predictions. In English, this means that boys at

Dr TIm FILTnESS

Sherborne reliably finish with better grades than most

DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMIC)

other students of the same ability in independent education across the country. And this year, a very large percentage of those results were A or A*. Such strong performances allowed our 108 UCAS applicants to capitalise on the 417 UCAS offers they had sitting in the bank, and I was very pleased to see

our dedicated teaching

Supporting this, Pupil

the vast majority of the boys heading off to their first-

staff in tailoring their

Voice are taking on a

choice universities in September. This included four

approach in the

project on literacy, with a

boys securing places at Oxford; two going to LSE and

classroom to bring out

view to help develop the

Imperial; five to Durham; eight to Edinburgh; and a

the very best in the

opportunities the Third

large number of other boys heading off to study at

boys… but you can’t do

Form have to develop

other first-rate UK universities. Well done them.

that unless you know

their skills and

them very well to begin

experiences, in this key

with.

area when they first join

This year, we hope to continue this success with a School-wide focus on differentiation. Sherborne has

the School. I am very

long been regarded as a School that provides every

The focus on

much looking forward to

boy with the opportunity to find his niche and excel in

differentiation continues

working with them on

it. The ability of teachers and tutors to pay close

next year. We kick off

this: it is an exciting

attention to each and every individual, helping

with a September INSET

project and something

identify their strengths and plot their unique path

session, looking at our

that has the capacity to

through the School, is something special and

most effective practice

help us further develop

something that takes practice, refinement and

and we also resume our

our individualised

feedback. I believe that this is one of the key

weekly programme of

approach to boys’

ingredients to Shirburnians’ success: their teachers

‘drop-in’ lesson

learning, which might

know them as individuals and coach them in that way,

observations – the ‘Open

just be the clincher that

helping to bring out their individual talents in a way

Door’ sessions, in which

moves us to the very top

not possible in a larger, less personal setting. Small

colleagues observe each

of the value-added

classes obviously help, but the relationships forged

other in the classroom

league table next year.

through living and working with the boys in a 24/7

and feed back on the

boarding environment are really the key to this

things they thought were

unique arrangement. That and a lot of hard work from

most effective.

- 41 -

Mathematics This has been a busy year for the mathematics Department following a strong performance in 2016/17. Our Sixth Formers embarked on the new linear A level mathematics course which sees a major change from the current modular system. For the first time, our Fifth Formers sat the new IGCSE mathematics 9 – 1 examination. As with any changes,

boys were awarded a merit

lectures this year. The Fifth Form

there is always uncertainty.

certificate in the much harder

mathematicians attended a lecture

However, I believe that with the

BMO (British Olympiad) and IMO

at the Girls School; the Lower Sixth

support of their dedicated

(Intermediate Mathematics

boys had an interesting evening

teachers, the boys who put in the

Olympiad) respectively.

with Dr Tony Gardiner, learning

effort will be handsomely rewarded at the end of the day.

how to make sense of the use of In team events, we participated in

Pythagoras on a sphere and,

all the regional challenges. Our

more recently, our Further

Outside the classroom, whilst the

Third Formers, Hugo Ricketts (3d)

Mathematicians, together with

weaker pupils are supported

and Jack Wang (3e) teamed up

pupils from Sherborne Girls,

through various programmes we

with Sherborne Prep and came

Leweston and The Gryphon

put on, the more able

third in the Junior Team Challenge

participated in a STEP problem

mathematicians continued to be

at Millfield School. Our senior

solving workshop, run by our very

challenged. With a total of 155

boys, Lazar Lukic, Ben Lock (U6g),

own Miss Rees.

entries in both the Intermediate

Calin Profir (L6g) and Michal

(106) and Senior Mathematics

Dvořák (L6g) also came third in

A two-day Maths Circle for 40 Year

Challenges (49) this year, we were

their competition at Poole High

10 pupils from schools across

both delighted and proud when a

School. However, our Fourth

Dorset, including Sherborne Girls

total of 22 Gold certificates, 37

Formers, Kai Miles, Nick Morris

took place during Trinity Term. The

Silver and 43 Bronze were awarded

(4a), Freddie Banks (4b) and Harry

aim of the sessions was to

– our best result so far. Also, a few

Johnson (4e), did even better

challenge those wanting to study

went on to do very well with merits

when they came away as

mathematics at university. It has

in the second round, the Kangaroo

Champions in the Maths Feast

been an exciting year and we are

Challenge. However, Lazar Lukic

competition at Blandford School.

looking forward to an even more

(U6e) and Kai Miles (4d), deserve

Our boys were also fortunate to be

eventful year in 2019.

special mention, as both these

treated to several Mathematics

Siew-Chiang Lim (Head of mathematics)

English STUDYING ENGLISH

ENABLES PUPILS TO

ENCOUNTER DIFFERENCE,

IN VOICE, EXPERIENCE AND FORM. AT ITS MOST

POWERFUL, SUCH EXPOSURE LEADS TO PUPILS GAINING CONFIDENCE IN

QUESTIONING THEIR OWN THINKING, AND THE

THINKING OF OTHERS. AS A PUPIL OF BOTH ENGLISH

LITERATURE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN THE SIXTH

FORM, MATTHEW TSE (L6E)

HAS FOUND HIS OWN VOICE, EXPRESSED WITH

CONVICTION IN THE WHOLLY INDEPENDENT PIECE OF WRITING BELOW.

When the world talks about gender equality, most people think of how women are treated negatively in society. However, the confined stereotypes of how a man should behave are often neglected but should also be an issue we should focus on, in order to achieve actual gender

muscular, is he then unqualified

their peers. In my opinion,

to be a man?

drawing a link between being attracted to the same sex and

equality.

Growing up, I was never the

looking “feminine” is tenuous

stereotypical “masculine” man;

at best. Since when did our

According to the Oxford

I was described as “short”,

world restrict our behaviour so

“pale skinned” and as having

much that we need to be

Dictionary, the definition of masculinity is the “qualities or attributes regarded as characteristic of men.” In the sample sentence which follows, the definition of masculinity is located thus: ‘handsome, muscled, and driven, he’s a prime example of masculinity’. If a man is neither handsome nor

“emo hair”. Some of my

moulds of each other? Former

behaviour was teased too, from

NFL quarterback Don

looking in the mirror too much,

McPherson agrees, “We don’t

to having a great interest in

raise boys to be men. We raise

fashion. Even my lack of ability

them not to be women or gay

to play a “man-sport” like

men”. From a young age, boys

rugby was criticised. Indeed

are taught to be aggressive at

such characteristics can lead to

all costs, and to be

people being called “gay” by

embarrassed by their emotions.

- 43 -

when masculinity and dominance are combined, we support a culture in which, for example, the rate of successful prosecutions for rape remains astonishingly low. We must also remember that men, too, are raped by men. According to Rape Crisis, 12,000 men are reported to have been raped every year in England and Wales; something that is perhaps harder to address in a world of domination, control and silence. Other consequences of the pressure on men to be ‘masculine’ include mental and sexual illness. The male need to demonstrate sexual promiscuity by “trophy hunting”, has been linked to rises in both HRV and Monthly magazines show a

such as the humiliation or

“handsome” male on their

domination of others, from fairy

covers, but what percentage of

tales, such as Snow White,

the population actually looks

where a prince can come and

like that? The most recent GQ

kiss a girl without her consent,

magazine cover shows Naomi,

to modern pop music such as

one of the most famous female

Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke,

wrestlers in the world, seemingly

with assertive lyrics, such as I

‘enjoying’ being under an ‘alpha

know you want it. The gender

male’s’ sexual assertiveness,

theorist Raewyn Connell argues

suggesting tacit support of

that toxic practices, such as

negative masculine behaviour.

physical violence may serve to reinforce men’s dominance over

These stereotypes can be

women and that such behaviour

classified as toxic masculinity. It

is born when men are restricted

is often linked to characteristics

by traditional norms. Indeed

skin cancer. Studies have also shown that being repressed and self-reliant, can lead to an increased likelihood of depression and substance abuse. Such emasculation prevents our society from reaching true gender equality. Men should be able to express themselves freely, to show emotion without being pressurised. As a society, we should be more openminded about what a real man is. I, for one, want to be truly who I am.

Chemistry

CHEmISTry BEHInD A CrImE SCEnE At the Chemistry Symposiums run in the michaelmas and

Lent terms, pupils from Sherborne School, Sherborne Girls,

Leweston, kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bruton and Clayesmore prepared short

presentations, which they shared on an area that has

interested them in their wider reading. At one of these

Petch Pibuldham (L6a), Wynn Thomas (L6m) and Hosanna

Serukenya (L6c) looked at the chemistry of a crime-scene. William Buckley (Head of Chemistry)

- 45 -

Petch writes: When we think of forensic science

finger pores which cover the

form a high energy intermediate,

being used at a crime scene, we

ridges of our fingers; when it

which breaks down releasing the

tend to think of fancy machines

comes into contact with a smooth

blue light.

and fluorescent chemicals that you

surface it leaves a film of these

may have seen in several TV shows

substances. These three types of

The final technique I will be

such as CSI and Law and Order. Is

fingerprints can become more

considering is mass spectrometry.

this anything like what actually

visible using copper, colloidal

This is a scientific method that

happens? Well, actually, yes! The

carbon, aluminium and zinc. These

analyses a sample of material to

techniques used by forensic

metal, and non-metal, powders

determine the chemical

scientists play a very big part in

make fingerprints more visible for

composition. By firing electrons at

crime scenes and in this article, I

the investigators.

will look at what types of approaches that are used.

a sample, a scientist can cause it to separate into ions. This allows the

Investigators also uses a chemical

scientist to isolate these ions, by

called ninhydrin to reveal

virtue of their mass and their

fingerprints. Ninhydrin is dipped or

charge and so to determine the

process sound so simple, when it is

sprayed onto a surface, which

sampleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s composition. Mass

much more complex. There are

reveals a blueish print. The main

spectrometry has become a

three ways of detecting

drawback with investigators using

valuable tool in forensic science,

fingerprints. The first one is patent

ninhydrin is the reaction being very

where it can provide clues left by a

prints which are visible prints that

slow. To speed the reaction up, the

suspect. Mass spectrometry is

occur when a foreign substance on

surface can be heated above 25ÂşC.

Dusting for fingerprints makes the

the skin of the finger comes into

useful in analysing trace evidence: investigators at a crime scene may

contact with the smooth surface of

The next chemical that helps in

find microscopic materials like

another object. These prints leave

investigations is luminol, which is

carpet fibres, glass splinters or

a distinct ridge impression that is

the bright fluorescent blue/purple

paint flakes, the components of

visible with our own eyes, without

colour that catches your eye in

which may be analysed using mass

any enhancing materials. The

most crime scenes in films.

spectrometry.

second type is plastic prints, which

Luminol is a substance that reacts

are visible prints that occur when a

with human traces to help

Thanks to the chemistry of crime

finger touches a soft, malleable

detectives solve crimes. Luminol is

scene investigations, more guilty

surface which results in an

known chemically as 5-amino-2,3-

people get caught and more

indentation. Soft materials include

dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione.

innocent people are freed. It is

wax, gum, soft plastic and fresh

Investigators spray a solution of

definitely one of the more

paint etc. The final type of

luminol onto a surface, which

important advances when it comes

fingerprint is the latent print, which

reveals a light blue outline if traces

to criminal justice and, as our

are fingerprints secreted on a

of blood, feces, urine or bleach

technology and knowledge

surface or an object. These are

are present. Luminol works

increases, it will only become more

usually invisible to the naked eye

because of a process called

reliable and even allow for the re-

and rely on technology to become

chemiluminescence which is the

evaluation of cold-cases and in the

visible. These prints are caused

production of light from a chemical

investigation of miscarriages of

from grease and sweat from our

reaction. Two chemicals react to

justice.

History Tripping the light fantastic How can one use moments outside the classroom to shed light on the material being studied? The History Department has tried to use films, trips, festivals and books to do that. As the anniversary of the end of the Great War draws near, the Third Form was taken to see the film version of

Journey’s End, which captured superbly the tension of trench warfare and its effect on soldiers’ minds. Six months later, after this basic training, the year group was in Poperinge at Talbot House, a place behind the lines where soldiers reluctant to succumb to the bars and prostitutes of the town could relax with cups of tea, variety performances and church services. One of the boys struck up Lili Marleen on the piano and the others clustered round to listen to the wistful tune, capturing perfectly the camaraderie of the time. More chillingly, we visited the execution post, where soldiers who had deserted or lost the will to fight were killed by firing squad. The Fifth Form trip to Berlin equally showed terror at work, however visits to the Olympic Stadium and Tempelhof Airport also revealed the power of propaganda in buildings. It would have been hard for many Germans not to have felt an enormous sense of pride in the magnificence of what was the start of the creation of a Third Reich. The extraordinary model we saw of Hitler’s proposed Great Hall in the German Historical Museum, would have housed 180,000 people indoors – what an extraordinary way to convince people with the medium Hitler most preferred. If one thinks that this is all modern History, then think again. A lecture for a Lower Sixth group by Jonathan Phillips about his new book on Saladin showed how medieval monarchs were able to shape their images equally effectively, creating an image that it has been hard to dislodge of the perfect chivalric knight. A visit to Russia centred on Moscow and St Petersburg is a new addition to the department’s educational visits list. This is particularly relevant to the Sixth Form, where Russia from 1854-1964 is one of the in-depth study

- 47 -

options, but is also useful for IGCSE students who look at the origins of the Cold War. The Winter Palace in St Petersburg gives ample evidence of the luxury of the Tsars, yet also a strange sense of their isolation from their fellow countrymen. Likewise, in Moscow it is still possible to get a feel for life under the Commissars from the architecture and monuments from the era of Stalin and Khrushchev. A walk around St Petersburg also provides a sobering reminder of the violence and suffering of the past: across the city war damage has been deliberately left unrepaired as a reminder to its citizens of the 900-day siege in World War Two. Although trips and talks can stimulate the imagination, it is rare that the two can be combined. The Fourth Form and Lower Sixth were lucky enough to go to the Chalke Valley History Festival, where displays of Tudor gunnery and Crusader code-breaking put flesh on the bones of History. This was combined with lectures by historians, as eminent as David Cannadine, on wide issues such as the Importance of History and by Michael Ohajuru, on as specific a subject as a single black trumpeter at the court of Henry VIII and what this might tell us about race relations at the time. It is also possible for boys not to even leave school to hear challenging talks – one assembly by the department on the Representation of the People Act’s centenary presented four different views on the event from each member of the department. Finally the issue of reading is crucial to help stimulate the mind and make it dance to the music of time. Boys vary in their enthusiasm for and ability in reading and so the Junior History Reading List issued to boys and parents ranges widely in difficulty, from historical novels to more heavyweight history tomes. If you read, you will live longer according to a recent Yale study, but that is not to say boys can’t watch a good historical film as well, in fact they might have more time for it….

Giles Reynolds (Head of History)

Geography

David Attenborough’s

Geography at Sherborne,

Blue Planet series has

we actively encourage

THOmAS mASOn (HEAD OF GEOGRAPHY)

also resonated with many

boys to look at the world

of the boys this year. The

today and not the one

If I could recommend one book to read to a young

health of the oceans is

teacher taught about ten

budding geographer it would be Hans rosling’s,

another aspect of the

years ago, or learnt at

Factfulness (Ten Reasons why we are wrong about

environment that is

university to try and

the world and why it is better than we think). His

determined by

avoid these

approaches to Global wealth, health and inequality

Geographies of

misconceptions.

and helping you make sense of the world are

population growth,

unrivalled. rosling’s work has inspired me as a

production and

Teaching Geography at

teacher and the type of geographers that we as a

consumption. It would

Sherborne and trying to

department want to create at Sherborne. Boys who

be very easy to make

help better inform pupils

are prepared to think, criticise and challenge, but

assumptions that the

about the challenges and

more importantly take interest in the global

planet is in greater

opportunities faced by

challenges such as climate change, migration and

danger now than it has

future generations has

environmental degradation.

ever been. Rosling

been my greatest

identifies in his book The

ambition over the last six

The Geography curriculum at Sherborne has

Negativity Instinct the

years. Geography has

developed in a way to take account of these changes,

misconception that the

changed a huge amount

moving from historically teaching topics such as

world is getting worse.

as a subject in the last

Glaciation or Tourism, towards a thematic approach.

With all the major

decade. Nick Crane

This allows the boys to explore the interdependence

challenges facing us, it is

(president of the RGS)

of factors that contribute to the issue. Most recently

easy to forget that

couldn’t describe the

the Fifth Form have been studying variations in global

Population Growth Rate

Sherborne approach any

energy demand, the potential new sources of energy

is falling, Life Expectancy

better: ‘Geography helps

and their impact on ecosystems. Case Studies have

is increasing and across

us understand the world.

included the Athabasca Tar Sands and Palm Oil

the developing and

It gives us the science,

plantations in Borneo. Allowing the boys to link their

emerging countries,

the data, the insights to

understanding of the environmental issue to the

many billions of people’s

plan for the future. It is

socio-economic makeup of the country is vital in

lives have improved

an incredibly exciting

developing strong geographers, who are able to

dramatically over the last

subject.’

think, criticise and take interest in global challenges.

two decades. Within

Modern Foreign Languages Linguistics can be

Bronze certificates,

defined as the scientific

putting them in the top

study of language and its

35% of all entries in the

PHILIP mOrrOW (HEAD OF SPANISH)

methodology is that of

whole of the country.

I wonder if any of the pupils who take languages at

the Scientific Method:

There were some

observation, hypothesis,

outstanding

experiment and analysis.

performances: Freddie

Sherborne will have asked themselves at some point whether their knowledge of the French pluperfect

would come in handy in an Indiana Jones situation? Daydreaming, they might wonder how they would

cope if their lives depended on rapidly solving some Sumerian script, a snippet of Sanskrit or a bit of

Babylonian. Perhaps they wonder what it would

have been like to work alongside Alan Turing and his

Linguist codebreaking colleagues, solving ciphers at Bletchley Park.

The United Kingdom Linguistics Olympiad aims to challenge young linguists in this way, safe, fortunately, from the dangers of an Indiana Jones film. Every February, pupils from across the country are put through their paces, deciphering codes, scripts and other linguistic puzzles. The top scorers might find themselves competing at a second round at a British University Linguistics department, or representing the

Working like this is the

Banks (4b) achieved a

only way to solve some

Silver award, despite

of the more challenging

working on his own in a

questions in the

group challenge and the

Linguistics Olympiad.

top performing group in

Normally, candidates are

the 3rd Form were Andre

presented with a dataset

Cheung (3e), Fabian

from another language,

Mercer (3b), Jack Wang

usually one they won’t

(3e) and Gavin Ngan (3f).

have encountered

Six boys achieved a Gold

before. The challenge is

award: at Advanced

to analyse aspects of the

level, a gruelling two and

dataset, to come up with

a half hour individual

hypotheses about the

exam, Michal Dvořák

structure of the

(L6g) and Malhaar Shah

language, test and then

(L6a); at intermediate

prove them by applying

level Hugh Ridgway (4a),

the rules they have

Nick Morris (4a), Kai

You don’t need to have a burning passion for

posited on new

Miles (4d) and Isaac

Baudelaire to be a linguist. You don’t even need to

examples.

Bingley (4e). This means

who work in Universities only speak their mother

This year 51 pupils from

amongst the top 5% of

tongue, but spend their time working out how

Sherborne competed

the country. Why not

children acquire a first language, examining fMRI data

and the results were the

have a go at the problem

to see how the brain processes language, or positing

School’s best result to

below to see if you have

theories as to what Language can tell us about

date: 92% of boys

the skills?

human nature. Indeed, as an academic discipline

achieving Gold, Silver or

country at the International Linguistics Olympiad.

speak another language. Many academic Linguists

they find themselves

Drinking ყავა in a Georgian Café Georgian is a language, unrelated to English, spoken by just over 4 million people, mostly in Georgia, but also in Ukraine, Russia, Turkey and Azerbaijan. It is written in the beautiful Mkhedruli alphabet which is recognised in UNESCO's List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Can you match the Georgian words and phrases to their English translations and then write sugar spoon in Georgian? 1. ჩაი a. coffee 2. შაქარი b. sugar 3. საშაქრე c. tea cup 4. საყავე d. spoon 5. ყავა e. coffee-pot 6. კოვზი f. tea 7. ჩაის ჭიქა g. sugar-pot The British Academy cosponsors the UK Linguistics Olympiad, a competition for schools. Information and the problem solution at: http://www.uklo.org/problems

- 49 -

â&#x20AC;¢ Felix Storer (U6g)

- 51 -

• Joss Nelson (U6e)

• Tom Ackerman Fereira (U6d)

Olim fuit monachorum schola nostra sedes; puer regius illorum fecit nos heredes;

Classics

The Third Form Classics Project Classics is currently studied by all students in the

world, such as ‘lotto-democracy’, the Athenian

Third Form, whether it be in the form of Latin, Latin

principle of distributing political offices by lottery,

combined with Greek, or Classical Civilisation. As

rather than election, but also the happily

well as enthusing and engaging a boy about the

abandoned practices, such as slavery, child-

classical world, our aim is to educate more broadly

exposure, blood-sports and ‘garum’, and explore

and encourage good working habits. It is widely

their connections with and influences on the

recognised that Latin is an efficient way to learn and

modern world, however strange and foreign they

understand English grammar and vocabulary, the

might be. We study literature in a way that

result of battling such grammatical behemoths as

encourages boys to read with a greater awareness

the Gerundive of Obligation or the Dative of

of language, vocabulary and style. Each year the

Possession. It not only fills pupils’ minds, but forms

boys complete a project over two weeks, on a title

their minds, encouraging a logical, ordered,

chosen from a broad range of classical topics. This

disciplined and structured approach to language in

initiative is designed to encourage independent

general, as well as attention to detail, accuracy,

learning and show boys how to research using

patience, precision, and hard work. Latin is also the

books, as well as the internet, how to respond to

key to the modern languages studied here, such as

source material and how to structure an essay and

Spanish and French, and, particularly when

offer evaluation.

combined with Greek, is rigorous and stretches the most able, often in a way no other subject will. Our

To evidence the imagination and creativity that this

Classical Civilisation course in the Third Form offers

course encourages, as well as the preparation

a background to the various aspects of the Greek

involved, opposite is the submission of Tom Ewart-

and Roman worlds, its history, culture and literature

Smith (3d). Neither Nero nor The Jeremy Kyle Show

(in translation), that are later developed at GCSE.

forms any part of the curriculum.

Knowledge of the classical world increases cultural literacy more generally, offering a greater

understanding of literature, art and music. Through literary and archaeological evidence, we look in on a different world, examining what some may

consider to be the ‘good’ ideas of the ancient

Stephen Heath

(Head of Classics)

- 53 -

Q. Write the script for The Jeremy Kyle Show where the Emperor Nero has to answer complaints from his victims and critics. JK - Jeremy Kyle

EN - Emperor Nero

A - Agrippina

T - Tacitus

(Theme tune comes on and Jeremy enters) Jk: Good evening ladies and gentleman, and welcome to the Jeremy Kyle Show! Now, tonight’s guest, all the way from Rome is corrupt, he’s compulsive, tyrannical and extravagant. Yep, you guessed it… Emperor Nero, everybody! (Enter Nero, crowd boos) En: Oy, stop that, or I’ll have all of your heads cut off – you know I’m not a fan of the public. Jk: Right, calm down all of you, we’ve got a show to get on with and many victims to see. Up first we have a very angry mother, by the name of Agrippina the Younger… (Enter Agrippina, in tears) A: Why did you have to murder me, son? I cared for you and loved you. I’m glad you’re dead. Jk: Ouch. Doesn’t look like you had a very stable relationship, Nero. En: Actually that’s not correct. My mother and I enjoyed each other’s company, and I was content to be guided by her. Jk: Then why kill her? En: I’m sorry mother, but you dominated too much of my early life and when I became emperor you tried to dictate so many of my decisions. Five years into my reign, I’d had enough. You even tried to seduce me to strengthen your hold over me! (Gasps from JK and crowd) A: How dare you! (Agrippina screams at Nero, and runs at him. Security Steve steps in) En: Yeah, that’s right, she tried to seduce me. I abandoned the idea of poison, since my mother was alert to the danger and took careful precautions. I eventually decided to choose the ‘accident at sea’ scheme. I have to say, it was rather clever. Jk: Mmm, well that is news – doesn’t seem like Agrippina was the caring mother we all thought her to be. Anyway, Nero, it does seem like you were extremely unpopular with the public. Why was this? En: To be honest, I never really knew why my unpopularity occurred. A: I know why. When he was introduced to politics, he made public appearances as an actor, poet, musician and charioteer. In the eyes of traditionalists, this undermined his authority and dignity. From then on my son’s eagerness to appear in public so often was his downfall.

Olim fuit monachorum schola nostra sedes; En: What!? But… but, I thought if I interacted with the public, they would trust me more and appreciate me. (Throws a chair into the audience, in his anger) A: And then all of these extravagant, empire-wide programmes of public works had to be funded by a rise in taxes which was obviously resented by certain people. Plots were made to execute Nero, but their plans were revealed and most of Nero’s courtiers were executed. (Agrippina slaps him and walks off. Courtiers enter, screaming at Nero and threatening him. Security Steve breaks the fight up and courtiers leave.) Jk: Wow, they were certainly out for revenge! For us to really find out how extravagant your reign was, we have Tacitus here – one of your many negative assessors. (Tacitus enters, smiling and waving) Jk: So, Tacitus, my first question for you is, your opinion of the emperor? T:

The real Nero was indeed a cruel man. He murdered two wives, a step-brother and a mother. Also he coldheartedly killed others and condemned them to exile. But what people don’t know, is that he was, for a certain time, very pleasant. His first five years were looked back to as a golden age of responsible government.

En: Why thank you, Tacitus. T:

You’re welcome, but don’t get too big-headed.

Jk: Tacitus – the Great Fire of Rome has been discussed for many centuries, and blame has been laid upon many people. But what is the truth about the fire? T:

Well in my many accounts, the cause of the fire was never established. However, my fellow critics believe that the fire was a creation of Nero, for his own amusement, so that he could rebuild his own Palace the Domus Aurea – the Gold Palace. However, I do not believe this. We know for certain that the disaster began in shops where flammable goods were stored, near the Caelian and Palatine hills. In my accounts, I describe the night as being a windy one, contributing to the rapid spread of fire. As the fire spread across the Caelian and Palatine slopes looters and arsonists were said to have spread the fire by throwing matches and torches onto it.

Jk: So, Nero wasn’t to blame? T:

Well no, but he did blame the Christians for the fire, and this led to the persecution of the Christians in Rome. This little deed certainly puts him in a bad light.

(Christians shout out from the crowd, hurling abuse at Nero. Nero looks guilty.) Jk: Yes, and that leads us onto the next dispute, concerning Emperor Nero – his disgusting behaviour towards the Christian community.

- 55 -

puer regius illorum fecit nos heredes; En: Oy, I wasn’t that nasty! T:

We’ll see about that, young man.

(Nero lunges towards Tacitus. Security Steve separates them) Jk: Break it up you two, you’re acting like children. Let’s get back onto the subject. Nero, I have heard that you covered Christians with beasts’ skins and they were then torn to death by dogs. Or they were fastened on crosses and when darkness came they were burned to serve as lamps of the night. Is this correct? En: Yes and they deserved these punishments. Jk: Why is this? En: They caused the fire! Jk: Emperor Nero, stop messing around and tell us the truth. They clearly didn’t start the fire. (Christians come down from the crowd, hurling stones at Nero. Nero hides, Security Steve drags Christians off.) Jk: Nero, mate, I’m trying to help you and you’ve got to be honest with me. En: Alright, alright. T:

Well, a gradual change came over his reign as the year’s passed. After the death of Burrus – the Commander of the Praetorian Guard – his tutor, Seneca, whom he greatly trusted, slipped into the background of his life. Poppaea, his wife and Ofonius Tigellinus, the successor of Burrus, were now the dominant figures in his life. Tigellinus was later regarded as the evil genius behind many of Nero’s later actions. Treason trials were resumed, money began to run short meaning taxes were raised, and wealthy men had estates stripped away. All contributing to his rising unpopularity. Nero started to punish his victims with the utmost refinements of cruelty and the citizens of Rome became frightened.

En: Aarghh, such lies. I was a magnificent emperor. (He lunges again at Tacitus. They fight on the floor, Security Steve sorts them out.) T:

Yes you were certainly respectable at the start of your reign. But eventually the power got to you. Rumour has it that you would roam the streets at night with friends, mugging people, attacking women, thieving from shops and stalls and you were accused of abusing married women and freeborn boys.

En: No! No! More lies. Jk: Well, this certainly is interesting and I don’t know who to trust, but to end our show we are going to allow Agrippina, Nero, and Tacitus to have a right go at each other. Besides it is the Jeremy Kyle Show! (Theme tune comes on, and scene ends with all three shouting at each other and fighting.) Tom Ewart-Smith (3d)

Economics nExT yEAr WE ArE ExCITED TO BE

InTrODuCInG THE BTEC LEvEL 3 nATIOnAL

ExTEnDED CErTIFICATE In EnTErPrISE AnD EnTrEPrEnEurSHIP. This is going to be a first for the School and one of three offering

something truly different for the boys. I am hoping that in this short article, I can explain the benefits of the course and how, exactly, it differs from an A level.

rOBErT HArrIS

(HEAD OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS) It’s so much more than

So what does this

The Certificate offers an introduction to a

just a certificate. BTEC-

qualification cover? The

vocational sector, through applied learning.

qualified students will

content of this

However, taking this qualification does not bar a

keep applying what they

qualification has been

boy from going to university. More and more

learn on their BTEC

developed in

students are applying to universities with BTECs,

course as they progress

consultation with

which is a clear sign that institutions have

to university or a job and

academics, to ensure that

recognised the value of a BTEC qualification. In

throughout their future

it supports progression

fact, the number of students getting into university

career.

to higher education. In

addition, employers and

with a BTEC and A levels rose by over 300% in the last decade. In 2016, nearly one in four students

More employers and

professional bodies have

who got into a university did so with a BTEC. With

Higher Education

been involved and

the qualification we are going to be running, boys

institutions than ever

consulted in order to

will be able to get UCAS points equivalent of an

before are choosing

confirm that the content

A or a C grade at A level. The BTEC is

BTEC-qualified

is appropriate and

complementary to A levels, running on the same

candidates. In the most

consistent with current

timetable and similar examination times. There is

recent information

practice for learners

therefore, the opportunity for boys to take Business

published, it showed that

planning to enter

or Economics A level alongside Enterprise and

90% of BTEC students

employment directly in

Entrepreneurship.

are employed full time

the enterprise sector.

after graduating. This is

Learners taking this

BTECs are high quality, hands-on qualifications,

probably because today’s

qualification will study

grounded in the real world of work. BTECs are all

employers are looking for

three mandatory units

about learning by doing and that means BTEC

confident, work-ready

covering the following

students put what they learn into practice straight

candidates who have the

areas:

away. Throughout the course, they work on a series

practical knowledge,

• Personal and Business

of assignments set in real-life scenarios, developing

experience and skills that

Finance (external

the practical knowledge and skills employers and

BTECs provide.

examination)

universities are increasingly looking for.

- 57 -

• Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (coursework on an

So how does the qualification provide employability

entrepreneur and a presentation on a student’s

skills? In the BTEC National units there are

business idea)

opportunities during the teaching and learning phase

• Developing a Marketing Campaign (research-based examination – designing a marketing campaign for a firm) The two optional units available enable learners to decide which one complements their study programme best. They cover units such as: • Entrepreneurship and Intrapreneurship in Practice • Social Enterprise (this is the option we are running and will involve planning and running a charitable event) One crucial difference between this course and Business A level is the weight given to coursework. For students who might fear examinations or favour a less frenetic pace of work, this will be a real bonus. The two externally examined units also have a retake opportunity, something now not available in traditional A levels. One of the examined units contains a research topic. This should again favour a certain type of learner and provide some reassurance going into the examination.

to give learners practice in developing key employability skills. The skills they will develop can be grouped into three main categories: • Problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology • Intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, selfpresentation • Interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development. I hope this gives you a flavour of this course and its benefits. It is exciting to be introducing it at a time when the nature of employment is so up in the air. Will it be for everyone? No, but that does not stop it being an excellent choice for an increasing number of students both at Sherborne and nationally.

What is a healthy Theology JAmES CrAWFOrD (HEAD OF THEOLOGY)

ONE OF THE MOST COMMON

The first was a trip to Exeter

religious belief, these articles

GRUMBLES I HEAR AS HEAD

university to attend a Philosophy

tend to be either rants against

OF THEOLOGY IS ‘WHY DO I

and Ethics conference. One of

religion, or frantic denials that

HAVE TO STUDY RS? I’M IN

the speakers, a well-known

anything is wrong.

ABBEY ALL THE TIME.’ I’D

academic called Grace Davie,

HATE TO ACCUSE

gave an excellent talk on the way

Professor Davie was keen that

SHIRBURNIANS OF SLOPPY

religious belief in Britain changed

public debate should be based

THINKING, BUT THERE IS A

between 1994 and 2015 (the

on good data. She said that the

WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

dates she published the two

proportion of the uk population

BETWEEN RELIGIOUS

editions of her book, Believing

that is muslim is often over-

INSTRUCTION AND RELIGIOUS

Without Belonging, which she

represented (it currently stands

EDUCATION AND THERE HAVE

shamelessly plugged throughout

at 5%). London, often portrayed

BEEN A COUPLE OF

her talk). One of the points she

as a hotbed of atheism, actually

OCCASIONS THIS YEAR THAT

made was how ill-informed the

contains a far lower proportion

HAVE REALLY BROUGHT THIS

debate about religion has

of non-religious people than the

HOME TO ME.

become in this country. She

rest of the country. And while the

highlighted the tension between

uk is becoming more secular,

the growing secularisation of the

there is no sign that it is being

uk (with belief in God dropping

followed down this road by the

dramatically in Wales and

vast majority of the other

Scotland in particular) and the

countries in the world (including

growing prominence of religion

the uSA).

in public debate. While there are endless newspaper columns

As a teacher of religious studies,

about the role of Islam in the uk

I try to ensure that the debate

and the supposed irrationality of

that goes on in the School is well-

religious debate informed. The boys have a wide

fortunate in being able to teach

diversity of beliefs and enjoy

almost all of the boys in the

expressing them, but they are

School and this gives us the

often based on statistics found

opportunity to not just test the

on a blog from the far reaches of

evidence that boys base their

the internet, and need to be

beliefs on, but also to help them

tested. However, that was not

improve their ability to articulate

the case in the two public

those beliefs. If the boys are able

debates that happened this year.

to engage in these debates in

First Henry Dixon-Clegg (u6d)

class, and base them on reliable

and then Lleyton Sweeney (L6f)

evidence, then my hope is they

took on rev Campbell and

will improve the quality of

myself and proved themselves to

religious debate when they enter

be well-read and articulate young

the outside world. And that

men, who had done their

might be enough for an entry

research. The questions that

in the Third Edition of

followed from a range of Fifth

Professor Davieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book.

and Sixth Formers were equally insightful. But the people who came along to these public debates were not generally prone to ill-informed opinion. Where the battle really lies is in the rest of the School population. We are very

Spirituality & Reflection

Living in the spirit Sherborne places great importance on spirituality

and reflection. Two Chapel Wardens – Tom

Dudgeon (u6d) and Henry Dixon-Clegg (u6d) –

talk about what that means with the Chaplain,

rev Dr David Campbell.

DC: When I’m asked what spirituality means in a

school like Sherborne, I tend to think it’s about

giving young people a chance to “stop and

stare”. It’s about creating space, in which pupils

can think about the important things in life,

perhaps through meditation or quiet time. But it’s

not about forcing religion on people. Compulsory

religion leaves me cold, even though I can see the

benefits of having a beautiful building such as the

Abbey as the focus for our spiritual growth

together.

- 61 -

HD-C: I agree. The Abbey can

more boys speaking in Chapel, for

services, and organising talks and

provide different things for

instance. It’s always much more

Chapel events. DC: You also have a role in helping

different people. If you’re a

interesting to be spoken to by your

Christian, as I am, then it’s a place

peers.

in which to worship. But if you’re

TD: Actually, I think that would

not religious, it’s just a space, to think, or sit quietly. That’s something that we can all benefit from.

to shape my thinking, as Chaplain. Your input helps me work out how

show that Christian belief is quite

best to hold the School’s spiritual

strong in the School. If you listen

life, to create the right

carefully, and open your eyes, you’ll

opportunities for the whole

see that a lot of people are

community to have that space to

TD: Having said that, Henry, I think

interested in faith. They don’t

reflect, and grow, and (if they want

there’s something quite powerful

necessarily shout about it, but

to) pray.

about gathering the whole School

some kind of belief is there.

TD: That speaks of something

community in the Abbey, and doing something together like hymn singing. That’s a great opportunity for older boys to give a strong lead in something that’s not directly related to School life. It helps to form us as a community. DC: Yes, I believe firmly that a community makes spirituality. An important feature of spiritual growth is coming together with other people, and music is great at creating an appropriate atmosphere for that. But we also need to make space for questioning. I think Mr Scorer’s Crossfire group is great for that: it’s a group of young men reflecting together on the important things in life, without being forced into a Christian perspective. Anyone can learn a lot from experiences like that. HD-C: It’s true: boys go to Crossfire because they’re interested in finding out more about the stuff of life. But they don’t necessarily see themselves as Christian.

HD-C: It’s definitely more than

you’ve done since arriving, Rev.

you’d think, but I think Christians

Campbell, which is to adopt a more

are a minority. That said, even boys

informal approach to the Chaplain’s

who aren’t actively Christian still

role.

enjoy time in the Abbey.

DC: You mean because I don’t wear

DC: It’s my perception that

a dog collar?

Sherborne has a better atmosphere

TD: Partly that, but mainly because

for set religious observances – by which I mean services in Chapel or in the Abbey – than other schools I’ve worked in. There’s a good sense of engagement with what’s happening, and with the preacher. Sherborne does “set pieces” like

your style is engaging. You’re alongside us, but command our respect. And by extension, I think Chapel Wardens also have the respect of the rest of the School. HD-C: I think that’s true. And

choral evensong very well indeed.

people see that, for example,

But you have to remember the

giving a talk in front of 50-odd

range of ages in these services,

people, which is something Chapel

from 13 year olds to 18 year olds.

Wardens may well do, is a big ask,

They’ll all be in a different place

and a great thing to carry off. So

spiritually. We must always

there’s some good formation going

remember that. TD: I think there’s a wider point

on, regardless of the religious element.

here, about how senior boys set an

TD: Yes, and that engagement then

example to younger boys.

makes it easier to have deeper

Interestingly, I think the role of

conversations with people. If they

Chapel Warden is one that people

respect us, and see the value of our

aspire to, even if they’re not

role, they’ll engage more readily. I

especially religious. It’s seen as a

think people at Sherborne are

DC: I think we need to do more of

leadership role in the School. You

happy to raise difficult questions

this in schools: open discussions in

have a pastoral responsibility for

about religion and spirituality. I

which young people are free to

other boys, as well as helping with

think they’re really engaged with all

speak their minds. I’d like to see

the planning and delivery of

that sort of stuff.

Design & Technology Shaping our future Change brings its challenges and with the recent overhaul of the curriculum we have started to teach new specifications for both GCSE and A level Design &

Whilst we might expect the

V&A gave us all the

Technology this year. The consultation

new specifications to

opportunity to explore the

and debate which has surrounded the

update references to

very near and emerging

current technology and

future for all aspects of

introduce emerging

design.

subject development over the past few years has given us all the opportunity to consider what is significant, important and valued in the teaching of Design & Technology. With a subject whose core content revolves around the application of technology, the new specifications are welcome, challenging and exciting.

technologies, it is also welcome to see that studies

Understandably the

of twentieth century design

exhibition at the V&A

have migrated out of the A

initiated the greatest

level and into the GCSE.

debate, as the products and

We wanted to reflect the

concepts illustrated how the

changes which are in the

fields of art, design, science

new D&T specification in

and technology are

this year’s Fourth Form

intrinsically linked. The

GCSE field day to London.

boys had very different views about the ways in

PETER CHILLINGWORTH

(HEAD OF DESIGn AnD TECHnOLOGy)

In booking time in the

which ground-breaking,

Design Museum’s excellent

emerging technologies

‘Designer/Maker’ twentieth

might affect our lives in the

century exhibition, the boys

near future and how these

experienced some of the

have been integrated and

value of the history of

have inspired the future-

Design and how designers

facing design concepts on

have responded to

show. In an area titled

technological change in the

Public, the exhibition

past. Popping into the

picked up on the era of

Conran flagship store in

post-truth politics and

Fulham enabled the boys to

asked ‘how does

experience contemporary

democracy function in this

themes in design and talk

new world?’ Related to this,

to their creative director

and dominating the

about the rise of LED

exhibition, was a 42-metre

lighting technology and a

suspended carbon-fibre

visit to an exhibition titled,

wing. Designed to fly

The future starts here at the

independently at

- 63 -

which use water to convert absorbed carbon-dioxide into oxygen. The boys learnt how genetically modified chloroplasts have boosted the levels at which photosynthesis occurs within these silk leaves by almost 50% and that artificial plants were now being developed to scrub carbon dioxide from the air. Using chemistry and Biology to manipulate biological systems to help counteract the harmful effects of previous leaps in technology, really got the boys talking. This exhibition had deliberately been set up to both question and challenge the boys, as it invited them to consider the benefits and perhaps the potential hazards new technology can offer. Whilst this exhibition encouraged the boys to see technological development as an opportunity, it also helped them to appreciate societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 18,000 metres over remote areas

the Cambridge Analytica data

anxiety over topical issues, such as

for months at a time, this carbon-

harvesting controversy! We are all

increased surveillance, genetic

fibre pilotless drone has been

aware of the historical rise of the

profiling, housing and

developed by Facebook to

Industrial Revolution and its

transportation, right at the point

provide Internet access to those in

influence upon industry and

where they are about to start to

remote regions, connecting them

transportation. The boys are also

develop their own design

to the Internet for the first time.

aware of the increasing levels of

proposals and solutions.

The dominant scale of this wing,

atmosphere-warming carbon

its matt black colour and the fact

dioxide which the fossil fuels have

that it was nearly hidden above

released and so the work of Julian

provided a better introduction to

the lights of the exhibition,

Melchiorri drew the interest of the

the creative opportunities that

perhaps acted as a counterpoint

boys, particularly as some had

interdisciplinary design can offer,

to the potential benefits of

watched his TED Talk. Melchiorri

nor could it have done a better

bringing the Internet to all of

has used biomimicry (new

job of helping to explain why

society, particularly as the

category of modern technology in

these new topics have emerged in

newspapers read on the tube that

the D&T specification) to develop

the new specifications the boys

day were covered with details of

silk protein-based artificial leaves

are studying.

This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s field trip could not have

Drama... mILO CLESHAm (L6f)

... has been one of the best things

about being at Sherborne School since I

joined it in the Third Form. I am now in

the Lower Sixth and coming to the end

of the first year of my A level course. In

addition to the fun, creative lessons

that have offered me a great insight

into contemporary and classical drama,

I have also been in some brilliant

shows.

- 65 -

The department is situated in the newly converted Drama School, which has a black box studio and the latest technical equipment. The building is very welcoming and fun most of the time, although we do have to do a lot of written work to accompany the course, both at GCSE and A level. The written work is demanding, but it is based on things we have practically experienced in the studio a lot of the time, so in this sense it is easier to get to grips with than some of the other subjects I study. This year we have covered Antigone by Sophocles, which is a great play, containing many of the elements of modern drama. I also enjoyed its themes and issues that are, incredibly, as relevant today as they were then. We have also studied Our Countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good, which we performed as a whole School play in the Powell. This is a really good example of how the practical study informs the academic, as we are going to now write about this play at the end of next year for our final examination.

...

- 67 -

... My teachers provide a fun

environment, whilst maintaining a

high level of work ethic, that combines to create a great work ethos, that the students enjoy. Through my years participating in Drama, I have gained the confidence and skills required to improve my public speaking, creativity and the way I look at theatre in general. The skills required in the writing have also helped with my other subjects, particularly history, as it has helped me build analytical and evaluative skills alongside purely practical skills, such as spontaneous improvisation and public speaking, to give just two examples. I would therefore state that Drama has been pivotal to my time at Sherborne, and more than that, I have loved every bit of it: from the struggles of putting on a devised piece of theatre based on an idea, to the great feeling of success after our group finishes the performance and hears the applause of the audience. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested or just curious about drama, as it has given me some great moments that will live on in my memory.

- 69 -

Co-

Curricular

CCF

Whilst Sherborne School offers a

ever done, with the two-day event

through as a team, carrying our

huge range of Co-curricular

including 10 individual

slowest member with us to finish

activities, the Combined Cadet

competitions, ranging from First

strongly together. The Royal

Force (CCF) certainly stands out

Aid to Section Attacks. Starting at

Marines commended us on our

as the most unique. There is no

6am and ending at 6pm, without

teamwork and also our ability to

other activity that can offer

any time for a break is hard

laugh in the face of adversity.

sweat, exhaustion, happiness,

enough, but doing this whilst

Unfortunately no such trophy is

gladness, heartbreak and reward,

carrying a rucksack and a rifle, is

available to the team with the best

in such a manner that the CCF

certainly not for the faint-hearted.

‘banter’, however this year we

does.

The second day involved having

achieved an admirable ninth

our heads shoved underwater

position overall, as well as a first in

The most intense challenge that I

through tunnels that were barely

the highly desirable Map Reading

have ever faced would certainly be

wide enough to fit a person, as

section and in the Royal Marines

through the CCF Royal Marines

well as having to complete a

speak, we all put in a ‘hoofing’

competition: The Pringle Trophy. I

timed four mile run. Whilst most

effort.

often describe this event as both

schools normally end up splitting

the worst and best thing I have

up during this run, we carried

- 71 -

The military history of Sherborne is

main rivals at Canford (whom we

certainly numerous and highly

rich with commendation from

defeated at Pringle too).

respected, and I understand that sleeping in a ‘bivvi bag’ (sleeping

ranking officials, notably the report Field Marshall Montgomery gave

The CCF has certainly been one of

bag and poncho) out on Dartmoor

us in 1959, saying that the

the largest events of my life, and

in torrential conditions, is not

Sherborne Cadets had been the

whilst I’m sad to leave, I’m

everyone’s cup of tea, but it can

best school he had ever seen, and

appreciative for all the memories

teach you that if you take these

whilst inspecting Winchester he

and life lessons it has provided me

challenges head on and full of

told them: ‘I want all schools to be

with. The friendships that were

heart, you can complete things

like Sherborne!’

forged in the heart of gruelling

you thought you never could.

conditions and what seemed like This past year we had our Biennial

hell, as well as memories of the

Inspection by Major General

inter-section banter, are certain to

Rupert Jones CBE (g87). He was

be taken with me as I leave

impressed by the parade itself and

Sherborne. The opportunities

apparently one upped us over our

offered from the Cadets are

Tom Ackerman Ferreira (U6d) Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major

CCF TrIP TO NORWAY

The morning after Commem, while most people had

times, including several

finished hydroelectric

gone home, a group of 16 members of the CCF and

hikes in the steep and

power plant; and many

four staff were lucky enough to have been given the

rugged Fjellene of the

others.

opportunity to travel to the idyllic village of Osa, at

Hardanger region; a half-

the tip of the stunning Hardangerfjord, the second

day guided kayak tour of

The trip was, it seems, for

longest fjord in the world, where we stayed for a week

Ulvik, a town with a rich

many people, both

in surprisingly comfortable yurts, hosted by a team of

history stretching back

physically and mentally

very hospitable and knowledgeable guides.

centuries; workshops on

exhausting, while others

Surrounded by dramatic and breathtaking scenery in

finding edible plants and

slipped comfortably into

all directions, we were welcomed with an introduction

insects in the wild; a visit

the different lifestyle,

to fire-making and a tour of Hardanger basecamp.

to the thirty kilometres of

thriving on the activity

Over the following days, the group enjoyed many

tunnel, dug by hand and

and the simplicity of a

diverse activities that many found challenging at

dynamite for a never-

more natural,

- 73 -

Harry Harvey (5b)

The trip was, it seems, for many people, both physically and mentally exhausting, while others slipped comfortably into the different lifestyle,

harmonious existence. Whether they’d want to live like that forever or not, I think it would be very hard to find anyone who wasn’t blown away by the region’s coarse beauty, or who failed to learn something about nature or themselves from the phenomenal experience.

TEn TOrS “I’d rather you crossed the line as a team of six, five minutes past the deadline, than get in five hours earlier with an incomplete team.” So ended my brief to the teams the night before they set off on the Ten Tors challenge this year. As well as the practical skills the boys need to have, a key part of the training and selection process is to watch and grow that sense of teamwork. It is, after all, what will ultimately get some of the boys around the route, and what makes it so valuable an experience, even for those who are physically stronger. Despite cancelled training due to the snowy conditions on two weekends, we’d seen plenty of evidence of teamwork already. On the final training weekend, I’d

To get along with everyone else, even with those you would not

watched one such example from

naturally, is one of the key things a boarding house environment

afar, as the Lyon team helped one

allows individuals to develop. As we sat in base camp on the Friday

of their group (he had his hand in a

evening, we gave the teams the opportunity to talk about each other’s

sling), cross a river. They carried his

strengths and weaknesses, sensing that we were at a point when they

rucksack for him, before then

could take such praise and criticism. It worked really well as the boys

advising him of the best stones to

heard their peers give them encouragement, and alerted them to

use and all the time poised to grab

some things to be aware of over the next 48 hours. “X is great fun on

him at the exit point, in case he

good form and can carry a lot of kit for the group, but he gets grumpy

slipped.

when he hasn’t eaten enough.” “It’s called hangry,” added someone else. Mr Kimber expertly enabled the teams to see how they could

This teamwork should not be taken

help individuals in each of the areas they found challenging.

for granted; I have heard stories of teams on the event turning up at

As the Artillery Gun fired, the teams set off at 7am on Saturday

checkpoints, with a group member

morning with 3,000 other youngsters. Were our teams going to stick

missing, because that individual has

together? Could they complete the challenge? I heard a report that

gone off in a huff, with the map,

one of our groups had been spotted walking together as a tight knit

exclaiming “I’ve had enough of

team. The boys themselves described carrying the rucksacks of those

that lot!”

who were struggling and propelling them up hills. Could they do it?

- 75 CCF TEAM Charlie McCaig (4b) Team Leader • Crispin Newman (4c) • Charlie Wills (4c) Kit Beilby (4d) • William Loughlin (4d) • Harry Johnson (4e) LYON HOUSE TEAM Jonathan Post (4a) Team Leader • Harry McGinty (4a) • Oliver Croft (4g) Harry Hurrell (4g) • Tom Pettifer (4g) • Sam Vincent (4g)

Both teams gave us their final answers the next day as they crossed the finish line, still as teams of six and still smiling. The answer from both was an emphatic “Yes!” They might have done it in a very quick time, but did the staff care? No! The key was that they did it as a complete team. Teamwork had kept them going and it had got them to the finish line. Very well done to them all.

nICk SCOrEr (m00) (CCF HEAD OF ARMY)

Duke of Edinbur JAmES HuLL (DofE AND EDUCATIONAL VISITS)

ghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award Another busy year for the boys who have signed up for the Award, but what a year it has been! 45 boys signed up to undertake the Bronze Award, six the Silver and nine the Gold. The scheme requires the participants to commit to four activities, each involving a different set of skills: a Physical Challenge, a Skill-based Task, Voluntary Work and an Expedition. The Gold Award has an additional section, involving a placement in a Residential setting. The boys can include activities they are already pursuing outside the main school curriculum, or use this as an opportunity to try something new. It has been great to see such a wide range of activities being undertaken both in school and further afield: from horse riding to scuba diving; from helping with the library to supporting children in a local primary school; from working on projects connected with national organisations such as the National Trust to preparing the outdoor spaces for local Forest schools.

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THE ExPEDITIOnS Readers may remember that, at the end of last year, an Expedition was cancelled due to a mini heat wave. There could not have been a greater contrast as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Expedition season began with a trip to North Wales for the Gold participants, in what seemed akin to arctic conditions with ice on the inside of the tents and snow on the ground! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad to say that by the time the Bronze Expeditions in Cerne Abbas and Ansty came around, the weather had improved and we were blessed with almost perfect Expedition weather. The Silver team spent three days in the Brecon Beacons, followed by the Qualifying Expedition in the Peak District. At all levels, the boys are expected to fend for themselves for the duration of the Qualifier, with only the slightest exchange of pleasantries with the supporting staff on their way round the chosen routes. 45 boys completed their Bronze Expedition, five completed Silver and the Gold group are well on their way to finalising the planning of their Qualifier in the Brecon Beacons which will take place during the holidays.

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ACHIEvInG THE CErTIFICATE One of the main principles of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is that it is designed to be pupil-led and non-competitive. Some boys like to progress through the sections quickly, whilst others prefer to spend a little more time considering their choices. All levels must be completed before the participant’s 25th birthday and it is a pleasure to hear from, and support, past Shirburnians who are keen to complete their award and to whom the value of the award still appeals. This year we have been delighted to present 40 Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards from all levels, including nine Gold - our highest number to date! William Gracia (f17), James Dixon (U6g), Kit Delamain (c17), Matthew Hetherington (U6b), Louis Drake (b17), Henry Stone (U6d), Oscar Leach (U6e), Jordan Berry (U6a) and Felix Storer (U6g) will receive their Gold Certificates at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Many others are on course to complete their awards in the near future and we very much hope to see The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at Sherborne go from strength to strength.

LEADERSHIP & TEAM BUILDING COURSE, BROWNSEA ISLAND When we got off the first bus at Poole

Harbour, we were faced with four canoes, one

for each team. The staff then told us that we had to canoe to the

island and that it would take 25 minutes to get there. I think it is safe to say that at this

moment the boys were perhaps less than

pleased with this idea,

but they could not turn back.

Tom Dubois (5a)

When we arrived at the Island, we

Each morning, Mr Maguire and Mr

collected our bags and waded

Mason, just being Mr Mason,

through the mud and sand to get on

patrolled around the campsite with a

to the land. Our mentors then led us

megaphone and loud music playing to

deep into the Island to our campsite.

wake us up at 7am. We were then

We then had a short briefing from the

made to run in circles and dance,

National Trust staff and went straight

which was not great, as we were all

into our first task. For my group this

still asleep and very tired! The second

seemed to be more of a challenge

day consisted of yet more tasks for us

then we first thought, as we were just

to do including building rafts, helping

starting and we were thrown right into

with conservation and tackling a rope

the deep end.

course. On the last day it was a competition to see which groups

After each task, we sat down as a

would leave the island first, but also

group with our mentor and discussed

on a ferry instead of canoe. So, all the

what went well and what didn’t, and

groups were running around the

we then came up with ways to

Island going to different teachers to

improve for the next task. Through this

complete as many tasks in the time, so

we learned the strengths and

they could get off the Island first.

weaknesses within the group and how to combat those with different

On the Saturday after we arrived back

strategies and ‘key learning points’.

from the trip, we gathered together

Within our groups, we learnt that

with the teachers that went on the trip

some people are natural leaders and

to talk about what we learned about

would try and lead from the front and

ourselves and each other, discussed

be quite loud when speaking. Others

the results of our communication

we learnt that they are much quieter

styles questionnaire, and how we can

and do not like to say much even

take these lessons into the Sixth Form

though their ideas may be quite

and beyond. At the end, prizes were

useful. Learning this helped us

given out to those who stood out

understand what we had to do, to

during the trip and performed at a

make our group perform better in

high standard within their groups.

future tasks.

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Resilience resilience: a 21st century virtue Senior Deputy Head matthew Jamieson

explains why resilience is crucial to healthy development at School SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OUTCOMES OF EDUCATION CANNOT BE TAUGHT IN DISCRETE WAYS. THEY ARE NOT EASILY IDENTIFIABLE AS FALLING INTO ONE CURRICULUM AREA OR ANOTHER. THEY ARE OFTEN HARD TO QUANTIFY, STILL LESS EXPLAIN. AND THEY CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T BE TAUGHT BY A SIMPLE PROCESS OF INSTRUCTION. THEY HAVE TO BE HABITUATED, SO THAT THEY BECOME A PART OF THE INSTINCTS A BOY DEVELOPS AS HE MATURES.

- 83 I believe resilience is one such outcome. It is something that I want all of our pupils at Sherborne to develop. I believe it is one of the most important characteristics for life in the 21st century. If he has resilience, a boy will be able to cope with life’s ups and downs, have a sense of his place in the world,

next big concert, or

Meanwhile, as staff we do

deal confidently with others, and know when the time

tramping over Dartmoor

everything we can to

comes to hunker down and get on with the job at

in pursuit of the Ten Tors –

model resilience in our

hand.

boys will have their

own ways of being, to

equivalents to my

signpost it when boys

For me, this trait was formed in my early years at

experiences. They will be

demonstrate it and

boarding school. When I arrived in my boarding

formed, and it will stand

identify opportunities for

house, I joined a family of 55 boys. I had to learn

them in good stead for

boys to develop their own

quickly that I was not the centre of the universe, that I

the future.

resilience in community

wouldn’t always get my own way. It made me focus on the things I could control, and not fret about the things outside of my control.

with others. We A resilient person is able

understand that, just like

to cope with change.

us all, boys will have good

They can withstand the

days and bad days; that

Of course, that is only one aspect of resilience. Like

slings and arrows of life,

sometimes they’ll be

all the virtues, it is impossible to pin down precisely

and take joy in small

bursting with positivity

what we mean by the word in the abstract. We can

pleasures. They know how

and feel anything is

only really understand it by example. As I sometimes

to lead and how to follow,

possible, and other times

say to the boys, you know resilience when you see it,

and appreciate the

they will be plagued by

or when you feel yourself exhibiting it. But trying to

strength of the collective.

self-doubt. Our task as

explain that feeling to others without reference to

They’re not loners, even

teachers is to help them

concrete examples is very difficult indeed.

though they have the

through those moments,

strength sometimes to go

encourage self-belief but

it alone. It takes time to

never arrogance, and

Upon leaving university, I joined the Scots Guards, and spent much of my twenties in command of

develop such a

celebrate their

platoons and companies in Iraq, Bosnia and

disposition. It doesn’t

achievements.

Afghanistan. When I think of my own resilience,

happen overnight. I

I often locate it by reference to these experiences:

believe it starts the

As we used to say in the

moving through enemy territory in Musa Qala,

minute a boy arrives in his

Army, the key thing is to

Afghanistan, for example, when we came under

House.

keep moving.

heavy fire and travelled on foot for days on end in 50-degree temperatures, or leading dawn raids on

Developing resilience is Parents may be eager to

part of the five-year

Taliban strongholds. These experiences help bring

show him ongoing love

journey a boy undertakes

my understanding of resilience to life. They give me

and support through

at Sherborne. It is a

a way of identifying who I am.

constant text or email

feature of his preparation

contact, but my advice is

for the future. With

At Sherborne, we embed resilience in every aspect of

always to give him space,

support, encouragement,

the education we provide. Of course, not every boy

let him develop

and the right

will end up in the military, or even serve in the CCF

independence in those

opportunities, it emerges.

(although I’m bound to say it is a great context in

precious early days at

And then he is ready for

which to develop resilience). But in their own ways –

School. Let him be

the next phase, ready to

in the mud and muck of the rugby pitch, say, or in the

himself, and find out who

enter the world and make

music school, practising to be note-perfect for the

he’s becoming.

a difference.

Radio Sherborne When radio Sherborne started in

2014, the intention wasn’t only to

MAKING WAVES ON THE AIRWAVES

give boys a chance to experience the exciting world of broadcast

media. It was also about giving a

THERE’S A NEW SOUND AROUND SHERBORNE, AND IT’S COMING FROM THE RADIO

cross section of the School

community a voice, a chance to

contribute to its common life in

their own distinctive style. Harry Case (L6g) and Barney Trumper (L6d) are a fine example of this

philosophy in action. Their show, Playtime, blends wry humour, satire and irreverence. They

review the School’s events, and

give a sense of what’s happening in the week ahead. But their real aim is to pull the leg of teachers and fellow pupils, poking gentle

fun at the more humorous aspects of School life.

“Part of the excitement of radio is

follow. The ability to think on one’s

that presenters and their guests

feet and remain articulate and

tend to speak off the cuff,” he

poised is crucial in a whole range

says. “While they may have an idea

of careers. And while neither of

of what they’re going to say, it

them had thought about a career

brings a frisson of excitement to

in radio prior to their involvement

any broadcast. You never know

with the show, both Harry and

“We’re getting better at judging

quite what will happen – especially

Barney now see it as a viable

the appropriate tone for our

when Barney and Harry are

option.

output,” reflects Harry. “Our basic

involved!”

rule is that there must always be a

“It’s a tricky industry to make a living in,” says Mr Crawford. “But

level of respect for teachers and

The two Playtime presenters feel

other boys. We wouldn’t ever do

they have grown in confidence as

it’s hugely rewarding. By giving

anything that people felt unhappy

their presenting partnership has

boys experience of broadcast

about. That’s simply not the way

evolved over the past year. “We

radio, we’re helping them refine

we do things at Sherborne.”

learnt pretty quickly that the trick is

their talents. Who knows? One of

That said, Mr Crawford, Head of Theology & Philosophy and founder of Radio Sherborne, says the show must have a bit of edge. A former radio producer, Mr Crawford believes the purpose of

to be as natural as possible on air,”

this pair could end up as the next

says Barney. “That takes time to

John Humphrys. And it all started

learn, but now we’re able to work

here.”

with a rough plan of our content, and riff with one another on that basis.”

By “here”, Mr Crawford means the studio that he has set up for Radio Sherborne. It’s a small space, but

the medium, especially in a show

It is easy to see how this skill will

uses professional equipment. He

like Playtime, is to hold a mirror up

stand the young broadcasters in

usually sits behind the producer’s

to the world, enabling people to

good stead for the future,

desk, with help from the Chaplain,

laugh at its absurdities.

whatever professional path they

Rev Campbell. But he’s keen to

- 85 -

assert that the real talent is on the other side of the screen. “We have a good amount of control over content,” says Harry. “Mr Crawford trusts us to build our own show, and I think that’s the case for everyone who broadcasts on the station.” Their producer concurs: “I’m a firm believer in the maxim ‘high risk, high reward’. We have a rich diversity of formats across our weekly broadcasts, including a jazz show, a programme called Intergenerational Song Wars in which a staff-member and a pupil go head to head with their favourite music, and a new show from the Fourth Form that is all about fake news. We’re up for anything, and over three and a half years of broadcasting, have covered the whole gamut of radio genres.” That’s certainly something to be proud of, and has created an enjoyable soundtrack for Sherborne life since 2015. Over that time, Radio Sherborne has become a part of the fabric of the School – at least for its loyal listeners. “People make a point of tuning into our show now,” says Barney, by way of example. “We have a loyal fan base. And all we’re really doing is chatting to one another, just as we would do in the common room or refectory. I suppose that’s what makes it good radio. It’s not forced, and people seem to like that.”

School House

THE HEART OF THE ACTION

f you step across the Courts, you’ll soon find

of worthy causes each year (see p. 100). It’s just a part

yourself in the shadow of School House. Of all

of who we are as a House.”Another part of the

Sherborne’s boarding houses, it is located closest

to the main school buildings – and that ensures it has

House’s identity is the strong bonds that exist between year groups. “Lots of boys have brothers in

a busy vibe throughout the day, as boys come and go

other year groups,” Tom reports. “The whole

to collect belongings between classes.

community feels like an extended family, where we all look out for each other and encourage success.”

“My parents chose School House for my older brother precisely because of its proximity to everything else,”

Shared common areas across year groups help

says Peter Folkes (U6a). “He is terribly forgetful, so

reinforce this mindset, as do formal structures such as

they knew it would be handy for him to pop back if he

the Fourth Form mentoring programme for incoming

left something behind.”

Third Formers. The Lower Sixth puts the Third Form to

That’s as good a reason as any to sign up to School

for the wellbeing of everyone.

bed each night, and of course the Prefects look out House, but Peter and his housemate Tom Stagnetto (L6a) can think of plenty more. “School House has a

“I think we’re all aware that the five years we spend at

really special atmosphere,” Tom reflects. “It’s pretty

Sherborne pass in the blink of an eye,” says Peter.

amazing to be surrounded by so much stunning

“We’re always moving from one thing to the next, so

architecture, with the Abbey just over the road and

it doesn’t feel all that long since those of us in the

the Courts right in front of us. And while our central

Sixth form were new to the School, trying to find our

location means we don’t have the biggest garden,

feet. I think that shapes our desire to help younger

we’re more than compensated by the sheer beauty of

boys. We recognise that it won’t be long before

our surroundings.”

they’re walking in our footsteps.”

What is more, Peter points out, School House is

Perhaps that sums up the attitude that dominates in

characterised by its vibrancy. This isn’t only because of

School House. There’s a tangible sense of history

the stream of pupils coming in and out. It is also to do

here, meaning residents see themselves as

with the culture of the House, which he believes is

participating in a living tradition, stretching back for

thanks in no small part to the proactive and can-do

hundreds of years. “We are a part of something far

attitude of Mr Kester Jackson, the Housemaster.

bigger than us,” concludes Peter. “Our identity is

“Mr Jackson is an example to all of us, and his

means being reminded every minute of our history,

formed by our surroundings. In School House, that positive attitude undoubtedly rubs off,” reflects Peter.

and of our responsibility to live it anew for this

“For example, he really encourages our charity work,

generation.”

and School House raises a lot of money for a number

Abbey House arly mornings in Abbey

“Music is very strong in this

of the House, and the lengths

House follow a predictable

House,” Iranola remarks. “We

everyone went to, to help me

pattern. At a half-past

have boys performing at the

settle in. That’s stayed with me

seven, Mr Michael McGinty, the

highest levels, with a number of

throughout my time at Sherborne.”

former naval officer who now

them already achieving Trinity

serves as Housemaster, starts

College Diplomas and performing

singing. It’s his inimitable method

alongside professionals. It is

for stirring sleepy teenagers from

inspiring to see their dedication,

their beds, and it appears to work

and as a House community we’re

a treat.

very proud of their success.”

“Most of us make sure we’re

That is a good encapsulation of

Now Iranola is a senior boy, he is keen to pass on this culture of friendliness to the next generation. “It’s a nice feature of Abbey House that all the boys mix readily,” he says, “whether it’s in

awake by the time Mr McGinty

the overall atmosphere in Abbey

the barge yard or around the

starts up,” says Iranola Folorunsho

House, helped in no small part by

common areas, or for a special

(L6b), a lower sixth former who

Mr McGinty’s warmth and

project like the House Play [a

has been in Abbey House since

hospitality. It’s a friendly house,

typically amusing adaptation of

joining Sherborne in the Fourth

where everyone celebrates

Cinderella this year]. There is a

Form. “It’s a way of preparing for

everyone else’s achievements,

real sense of community here, of

the shock of his singing, and

and no one takes themselves too

everyone pulling together.”

means that we can be ready for

seriously.

All that sets up the perfect

registration at 7.40am.”

“Humour is very much a feature of

In fact, if any Sherborne boys can

our House,” reflects Iranola. “We

afford to cut things fine when it

relish our renowned uselessness

comes to their morning routine,

in House football, for example. It’s

it’s those who live in Abbey

something everyone laughs

House. The House is just a stone’s

about, even me, who plays for the

throw from the refectory –

First XI. We have a good sense of

meaning, as Iranola puts it, “We

perspective on life.”

can simply roll out of bed and across to breakfast at weekends.” Another benefit of Abbey House’s location is its proximity to Sherborne’s state-of-the-art Music School – something many of the boys take full advantage of.

This cheery vibe was a great source of comfort to Iranola when he joined the school from his home in Nigeria, where his parents continue to live. “I was struck immediately by the warmth

conditions for a House in which all-rounders tend to flourish – especially if they have a streak of eccentricity running through them. “I think Abbey House encourages people to be fully themselves, and to relish their individuality, while enjoying a sense of belonging,” says Iranola. “We are a very close-knit group that pulls together when the need arises. How else would we survive Mr McGinty’s morning recitals?”

The House photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers and can be re-ordered by visiting www.gsimagebank.co.uk/sherborneschool and using token login sherborneschool2018.)

A SONG IN THEIR HEARTS

The Green

A MATRON’S VIEW

rs Nicola Tayler is ensconced in her living room in The Green. It’s a comfortable space, vases of flowers on the sideboards and pictures on the walls. It is the sort of place you’d come if you were missing home, fancied some quiet time, or simply had something to get off your chest. In short, it is exactly what a Matron’s Lounge ought to be: welcoming, calming, caring. Of course, it is a person who makes a space, and Mrs Tayler has a very special set of skills, highly valued by everyone in The Green. She’s a straight-talking downto-earth mother, who knows the ways of teenage boys. “Nothing surprises me,” she remarks. “The boys can tell me anything, and while I may roll my eyes, they know they’re on safe ground with me.” That’s partly thanks to Mrs Tayler’s length of service. She has worked in The Green for six years, which means even the oldest boys have known her throughout their time at School. Initially joining as a domestic, she rapidly progressed to the role of Assistant Matron, and then took on the Matron’s job. “I love this role,” she states. “Of course, there’s the official aspect of it: liaising with the Medical Centre to dispense drugs and take care of the boys’ wellbeing. But the really interesting part is the relationship you establish with the boys during their time at Sherborne. You get to know them inside out.” All of The Green’s support staff pay close attention to the boys, and are quick to spot signs of unease or discontent. “This is a very happy house, where everyone looks out for everyone else,” she remarks. “If someone’s not quite right, either physically or emotionally, we can usually identify it quite quickly.

“As you’d expect, I have a lot of contact with parents,” she continues. “It’s crucial to trust each other. We hold dinner parties and other events to build relationships with parents. We work together at every turn.” A strong feature of boarding life at Sherborne is the pastoral care boys exercise among themselves, and that’s very much the case in The Green. “We have a lovely family feel,” says Mrs Tayler. “It happens through the Prefect system, but also informally. The Sixth Formers are a crucial part of the support system in House, looking out for younger pupils and each other.” In the midst of such a supportive community, it is little wonder that boys in The Green do so well when it comes to School competitions. “We do like to win silverware,” Mrs Tayler smiles. “We used to be known as a very sporty house, and while that’s still an area we excel in, it’s lovely to see our boys doing well in music and drama, too, and academic work. I think the crucial thing about The Green is that boys here will be what they want to be, and the whole House celebrates their achievements.” Mrs Tayler says that one of her personal highlights from the past year was the Christmas dinner, for which the boys made a real effort. “The House Play is another great event,” she says. “You get to see the boys in a whole new light when you see them out of context.”Out of context or not, it’s fair to say Mrs Tayler has an unrivalled understanding of what makes The Green’s residents tick. “This is a House full of love and happiness,” she concludes. “For the boys, it’s their home. A place where they can feel comfortable, relaxed, and encouraged to do their very best.”

Harper House

“Being a Tutor in Harper House is a wonderful privilege,” she remarks. “You get to walk alongside boys as they grow through their five years at Sherborne, sharing in the joy of their achievements, and helping them through hard times.” A mutual sharing of experiences is a feature of the whole School, but Ms Broughton says it typifies the culture in Harper House. “There’s a real sense of it being a community that pulls together,” she says. “The boys talk to each other across year groups, and there is a great spirit of friendship between older boys and their younger housemates.” When asked to identify Harper’s strengths, Ms Broughton points out that it’s a House renowned for

its variety. “We have a lovely selection of boys who have a range of talents,” she says. “For example, there are some who are extraordinarily creative and excel at art, others who are outstanding academically, and others who are brilliant on the sports field, or thrive amid the discipline and rigour of CCF.” Such a mix makes for a lively atmosphere, and the sense of Harper House having a distinctive culture is enhanced by geography. Located at the end of Hound Street, a good five minutes from School, it is a place that takes some getting to. “It feels like a community within a community,” says Ms Broughton. “While it is very much a part of School life, it also has an independent spirit, helping it to stand apart and carve its own niche.” Asked to identify those characteristics that define Harper, Ms Broughton doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the people that make Harper House,” she enthuses. “There’s a place for everyone here.” In practical terms, that plays out in a warm, welcoming atmosphere in which everyone is encouraged to find their strengths. In a sign of

Harper’s depth and breadth of talent, the past year has seen success in the Interhouse Literary Quiz, the Third Form Swimming Gala, the Ten Tors and Ollie Palmer (U6d) receiving the prestigious Bow Award. Another highlight was the charity expedition involving a 24-hour, 42km north-to-south crossing of Dartmoor that raised more than £5,000 for Help for Heroes. It is the little things that make a big impact on the culture of a House, and Ms Broughton says Harper’s social events play a valuable role in shaping its common life. “For example, the whole House gathers for a barbecue on Sunday evenings during the Trinity Term,” she reports. “This is an important opportunity to come together, enjoy a treat, and mix across year groups.” Ms Broughton’s enthusiasm for Harper House is plain. She’s clearly smitten. So it’s little wonder that she has mixed feelings about moving on. “It is a unique community to be a part of,” she concludes. “I’m not sure I’ll experience anything like it again.”

s Sarah Broughton is at one of life’s crossroads. After three very happy years as a Tutor at Harper House, and even more as a member of Sherborne’s IT support staff, she has decided to leave the School and complete a PGCE in Southampton. And while she’s excited by the new challenge, she says she’ll be very sorry to leave Sherborne, and Harper in particular.

SPACE FOR EVERYONE

Wallace House

A PLACE TO CALL HOME

ander down from School through

equally pleased with the boys’ exploits in extra-

Sherborne’s friendly streets and you’ll

curricular areas such as music and drama, because he

eventually find yourself gazing at the gates

believes they evince the breadth of achievement in

of Wallace House. A gravel drive runs invitingly towards the front door, and you’ll most likely hear the excited woof of a dog (Jango, the Housemaster’s miniature Labradoodle) as you stroll towards the side entrance. It’s a pleasing scene: a welcoming home from home for the boys who live there. A place of comfort and cheer, with plenty of room to breathe. That is the view of Mr Andy Nurton (m95), who took over as Housemaster at the start of this academic year. He greatly appreciates the extra space afforded by Wallace’s position slightly away from the main School campus – not least the huge garden in which boys can relax and enjoy informal sporting contests. Moreover, Mr Nurton says the daily walk through town gives pupils a valuable reminder of the School’s location in the midst of a busy community. “They see real life every time they step out of Wallace’s door,” he muses. “I think that helps ground their learning and formation at Sherborne, ensuring they have a healthy perspective on their education.”

the House. “There is a huge amount of evidence to show a relationship between academic success and success in other areas of School life,” he opines. “If students learn how to thrive on the rugby pitch, say, or by performing in a string ensemble, they will carry the same habits through to their academic work, and thrive in that realm, too.” Such a philosophy pretty much sums up Wallace House under Mr Nurton’s care. It is all about helping boys identify the rich array of opportunities available at Sherborne, then make the most of whichever ones most fire them up. “This year has seen some standout moments,” he continues. “The house play, Accidental Death of an Anarchist, was wonderful, and the U6 formal dinner with guests from Sherborne Girls was very impressive. The boys also undertook a sponsored triathlon challenge for their charity appeal this year, with everyone pulling together to complete the equivalent

Mr Nurton is proud of Wallace’s reputation for

of five Ironman triathlons, and raising more than

academic excellence. “Wallace boys have a desire to

£2,000 for The Children’s Trust in the process.”

do well, and they know how to work,” he reports. “But we’re also a very sporting House, with great strength and depth across a variety of disciplines including swimming, rugby and cricket.” The prowess of Wallace boys on the cricket field is a source of particular pride for Mr Nurton, who also serves as Master in Charge of Cricket. That said, he is

Wallace House is clearly a hive of activity, with a real culture of encouraging its boys to make the most of every moment. It seems as if the dog is not the only resident with reasons to be cheerful.

Abbeylands here is a cliché about Abbeylands, that it is one of Sherborne’s happiest Houses. And like many clichés, it happens to be true. Even a fleeting visit to the beautiful old building, with a Wisteria-clad front door that opens directly onto the town centre, reveals its charm. The boys are genuinely very cheerful. That’s partly down to the efforts of Mr Steven and Mrs Vicky Clayton, who share Housemaster duties. Both are also on Sherborne’s teaching staff, and have been around the School and town since the late 1980s. They took the reins at Abbeylands a decade ago, and will hand over to Mr Rhidian McGuire in September 2019. They’re not looking forward to leaving. Abbeylands is their home. As they point out, “Being a Housemaster is not a job. It’s a lifestyle.” This attitude goes a long way to explaining the sense of peace, cheer and goodwill in Abbeylands. The boys know that virtues like kindness, integrity and excellence are encouraged in every sphere of life, and they strive to live up to expectations. “We don’t want Abbeylands to be known as a House that focuses on

any one thing, apart from forming good characteristics in our residents,” Mrs Clayton explains. “We celebrate every individual’s achievements and talents. We are proud to have outstanding musicians, fantastic sportsmen and wonderful scholars in our midst. Our boys are an eclectic mix of high achievers, who pull together, look out for each other, and make the most of the opportunities that come their way.” These opportunities are many and varied. In the past year alone, three Abbeylands boys secured places at Oxbridge, and 92 per cent of the Upper Sixth received offers from their first-choice university. At the same time, the community celebrated boys playing the organ in Sherborne Abbey, appearing in the House production of ‘Allo ‘Allo, and performing out of their skins on the sports field. “The most important thing is that our boys realise how lucky they are to be at a school like Sherborne,” says Mr Clayton. “It helps that Abbeylands is very much a part of the town community. We impress upon boys a sense that, although they enjoy a privileged education, they

are no more and no less important than anyone they see on the high street outside. We’re part of a wider community, and that shapes our shared existence.” Talking of a shared existence, Mr and Mrs Clayton always strive to make the physical space feel as homely as possible. “We’re conscious that this is home for the boys during term-time,” says Mrs Clayton. “We ensure it is nicely decorated, and offer hospitality like toast in our kitchen for Sixthformers when they come home on a Saturday evening. We also encourage everyone to help care for their surroundings, by working in the garden, for example. It gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership that ensures they treat the House with respect.” This attitude comes through in the boys’ interactions with the wider world, including their annual charity efforts. This year, they raised money for Lawrence’s Roundabout Well Appeal, paying for a children’s roundabout-cumwater pump in an African primary school. “This is a great example of Abbeylanders looking out for the wellbeing of other people,” concludes Mrs Clayton. “That’s what success looks like for us.”

IF YOU’RE ABBEY AND YOU KNOW IT...

Lyon House

BREATHING SPACE

or the first-time visitor, Lyon may seem as if it is in a different town altogether from Sherborne’s other boarding houses, such is the walk to

find it.

For Head of House, Harry Vincent (U6g), this is one of the great appeals of Lyon. “We have a fair degree of autonomy, simply by virtue of our distance from the main School campus,” he reports. “That’s not to say we aren’t bound by the usual School rules. But we do have a sense of being something of a self-contained community. We have a bit of breathing space from the day-to-day rub of School life.” That manifests itself in a variety of ways, but the most potent is the depth of inter-year relationships in the House. “There is a very clear sense of connection between boys in different year groups,” Harry reports. “I think that’s partly a result of the walk between here and School, which gives lots of opportunity for informal chatting between boys. But it’s also to do with our character as a House: we’re committed to the community of which we are a part. We like to do things together.” Fortunately, thanks to its more suburban location, Lyon offers plenty of space for boys to live, work and play together. The barge yard and garden are generously proportioned, and there are tennis courts and sports pitches close at hand. “We have a great deal of space to unwind in,” Harry says. “I think that enhances the sense of freedom that Lyon residents tend to enjoy.” None of which is to say that the House fails to participate fully in the wider life of the School, mind

you. “If you know the shortcuts, we’re only a fiveminute walk away from the centre of Sherborne,” Harry reports. “We feel very much as if we are a part of the School and town community. For most of us, our day is oriented around the main School.” In Harry’s case, that is largely because of his passion for music. A tuba player and outstanding singer, Harry hopes to win a choral scholarship to read English at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. This is an example of the sort of success that is celebrated by the whole Lyon House community. “We have a culture of valuing everyone, in all their glorious diversity,” Harry remarks. “Lyon is a House that values achievement, and has a particular reputation for academic prowess.” Lying behind that reputation is a strong work ethic, which is clear the minute you pass through the front door. A studious, though never dull, atmosphere permeates: there is a sense that the people living here don’t struggle to focus. That focus has yielded some impressive achievements in the last year, most notable of which is the £25,000 raised for Great Ormond Street Hospital by the Lyon to Lyon charity cycle ride (see p. 98). Harry points to that as a great example of the spirit of shared purpose that dominates the House. “We pull together, and enjoy the closeness of our community,” he concludes. “That’s the Lyon way, and it yields results.”

The Digby

That is a crucial feature of the Digby, renowned for its successes in a variety of sporting endeavours as much as for its lively atmosphere. “We stick together, across year groups,” reports Lower Sixth former Humphrey Graham (L6m). “Perhaps because we are slightly out of the main School campus and town, or because we have plenty of room to mix, we enjoy really strong relationships with our housemates of all ages.” As with other Sherborne Houses, this is formalised through the Prefect system and by the Lower Sixth supporting the boys in

house. There is also a subjectmentoring scheme through which A level students help younger boys with their work. But it is the informal networks underscoring The Digby’s common life that really stand out: careful attention to the wellbeing of every individual in the community, a work-hard, play-hard culture that has mutual thriving at its heart, and a willingness to celebrate everyone’s successes, whatever area they fall into. For Humphrey, the last characteristic is most significant: “While we have a deserved reputation as a very sporty House, it’s important to note that there are plenty of non-sporty people in The Digby. For example, drama is a big thing for me – and everyone in the House takes as much pleasure in achievements like this as they do in sporting prowess.” Humphrey has appeared in a number of School productions, including some memorable performances alongside pupils from Sherborne Girls. He has carved something of a name for himself treading Sherborne’s boards and hopes very much to

continue acting if he achieves his goal of a place at Oxford to read History. “One of the great things about growing up in an environment like Sherborne is that your ambitions are nurtured, and you’re given every encouragement to develop your talents,” he remarks. “The Digby is a microcosm of that. Everyone here – staff and students alike – encourages everyone else. It’s what [outgoing Housemaster] Mr Brooke models in his leadership, and it’s what the Prefect team and senior boys try to live up to, setting an example for the younger boys to follow.” If that makes it sound as if The Digby is a place of high virtue, Humphrey is eager to point out that life in the House is also an awful lot of fun. “Christmas is a really good time of year, for example, and Mr Brooke’s speech at our turkey dinner has always been a high point. It feels like the end of an era with his departure. But we know we’re in good hands with [incoming Housemaster] Mr Le Poidevin. The Digby has a strong character. There is something fundamental to our shared life here that endures across generations.”

here is an interplay between a community’s physical surroundings and its character, and that’s never more apparent than when you visit The Digby. Located on the outer edges of Sherborne’s centre, the former hotel is extremely spacious, both inside and out. With a population of 85, it accommodates the largest number of boys of any House, but the extensive grounds provide ample room for year groups to mingle, play and form bonds of friendship.

FULL OF LIFE

â&#x20AC;¢ Joe Vandeleur (5m)

- 95 -

â&#x20AC;¢ Jasper Pring (5g)

| 97 - 97 -

A NEW

CHAPTER THE GREEN - STEPHEn ByrnE

The Green’s incoming Housemaster can’t wait to get started in his new role Ask The Green’s Housemaster-elect mr Stephen Byrne

Such an experience clearly shapes a person’s moral

why he and his wife Stitch are returning to such a role

compass, and Mr and Mrs Byrne are keen to share

for a third time in his 28-year teaching career, and you

their values with The Green’s residents. “Outgoing

receive a straightforward reply: “We miss the buzz of life

Housemaster Mr Hatch has done a wonderful job in the

on the other side of the door,” he remarks. “That’s how

House, instilling a genuine sense of compassion among

we know this is what we want to do.”

the boys,” Mr Byrne says. “We know it to be a place where people look out for each other, and are keen for this

As you’ll discern, the Byrnes are by no means going into

culture to continue as a hallmark of our community.”

their new roles blind, even though this is Mr Byrne’s first appointment as a Housemaster at Sherborne. “We’ve a

Another feature of The Green that Mr Byrne admires is its

total of 13 years of service in Houseparent roles,” he says,

status as what he terms an “all-rounder” House. “We’re

“comprising of eight years in a boys’ school and five years

very interested in the role boarding education plays in

in a girls’ school. We know what to expect, and feel

helping people live life to the full,” he says. “We want The

excited by the prospect of living alongside the boys at the

Green to continue being a place where everyone’s talents

top of the hill.”

are celebrated, nurtured, and allowed to take flight.”

This final comment refers to The Green’s setting at the top

To help make that happen, Mr Byrne sees the importance

of Hospital Lane, giving it a bird’s-eye view of Sherborne’s

of a Housemaster who is fully present to the boys. “I will

honeyed streets. It is certainly a different outlook from one

be around the House on a day-by-day basis,” he

of the Byrnes’ previous posts, during which they spent a

concludes. “Simply being there is the best way to find out

happy five years teaching in Kenya.

what’s going on in the boys’ lives, and offer appropriate support, challenge and encouragement. It’s a vocation to

“We were at an independent school over there, and it was

take on this role. Stitch and I share it. We can’t wait to get

an amazing experience for the whole family,” Mr Byrne

started.”

recalls. “Two of the most striking features were the abundance of wildlife that we grew accustomed to living alongside, including lions and zebras, and the extreme poverty that was in evidence just beyond the school gate.”

Lyon House’s epic charity cycle ride through France raised a huge £24,500 for Great Ormond Street Hospital HERE’S WHAT WENT INTO MAKING IT HAPPEN...

Lyon to Lyon The heart of Lyon

... It is often said that we stand on the shoulders of giants in our personal achievements, that any

individual feat is only completed with the help of

and helped to bring the ride in at much less than

apposite than for the 10 boys and two teachers

team effort,” says Harry

the allotted budget by

Case (L6g). “Those of us

negotiating camping

who put ourselves

locations for each night.

forward to ride, and

As a result, even more of

who put in the hours of

countless others. never has that seemed more

from Lyon House, who set out last summer on a 777km cycle ride in aid of Great Ormond Street

Hospital.

“This was every inch a

the money raised found

training, were

These boys, who trained for months in advance of

its way to Great Ormond

supported and

their epic ride to Lyon in France, were well aware of

Street.

encouraged at every turn by scores of people

the effort that had been put in by others to facilitate their journey. Their housemates raised money to fund

So while those 10 boys

the trip, including by cycling the entire distance on

who cycled up to 130km a

back home.”

exercise bikes and through activities such as a

day, sometimes in almost

It was this esprit de corps

sponsored pizza eating session during the Six

40 degrees of heat,

that sustained the boys

Nations rugby, sales of a charity Christmas card, and a

deserve a huge amount of

during some of the harder

challenge in which they were given £5 each and

credit for their heroic

moments in the ride,

tasked with maximising their profit.

effort, they are the first to

when the sun was beating

admit that they were by

down and the hills

Likewise, a number of parents went the extra mile to

no means alone as they

seemed to last forever.

help them prepare. Paddy Kerr’s (U6g) father, Philip,

pushed on across France’s

But there was another

deserves particular credit: he recce’d the whole route,

molten asphalt.

reason to keep pedalling

- 99 -

Everyone pulled together, for every single kilometre travelled.” and James Dixon (U6g)

and determination that

and his brother Ollie (5g)

got him through.”

The trip had plenty of high points, too. James remembers a stunning ride along the banks of the

felt it more keenly than Because of the profound

River Rhône on the penultimate day, before all the

sense of community

families stayed together in a gîte. “We knew the

“In 2009, our younger

shared by Lyon boys,

following day would be an easier ride,” he says,

brother was diagnosed

everyone felt motivated

“so we were able to relax and enjoy the sense of

with severe disabilities,

by James’ and Ollie’s

being almost there.”

and was cared for by

personal connection to

Great Ormond Street

the challenge. “It kept

Thanks to a GPS tracker and regular social media

Hospital until the end

us all going, through

updates, everyone at home was keeping updated

of his life,” says James.

thick and thin,” says

about their progress south. So as the tenacious

“It was my idea to

Harry. “If people were

twelve crossed the line in Lyon, their mission

nominate the hospital

struggling, with sore

accomplished, they did so with the spirit not just of

as our charity for the

knees, say, or fatigue,

Lyon House but of the whole School behind them.

year, and Ollie decided

they went into the

These boys had become giants in their own right –

quite late in the day to

middle of the peloton

but not without the encouragement, practical

most.

join the Lyon-to-Lyon

and rested up. There

assistance and generosity of a whole army of

team. He hadn’t trained

was a real sense of

supporters. Many were the shoulders on which they

as hard as the rest of

team-working

stood.

us, and it was sheer grit

throughout the journey.

Charity Fund SCHOOL HOUSE A COmmunITy OF FrIEnDS

School House organised three highly successful fundraising events this year. For Charlie

Peele (L6a) and milo Stampa Orwin (u6a), it was a very personal achievement.

There was a special moment during the School House Concert this year. Every single boy in the House was on stage, joining in a lusty rendition of Randy Newman’s Toy Story classic “You’ve Got a Friend in Me”. And while it may not have been the most tuneful performance in the song’s history, it was definitely one of the most heartfelt. There was an important symbolism to the song choice for the boys in School House. The concert was the first in a trio of

Jeremy died just before Christmas

was almost tangible.” The concert

fundraising activities that would

and Milo wanted to give

was a highlight for all sorts of

ultimately raise more than £10,000

something back to St David’s

reasons, including the high-

for the Cure Parkinson’s Trust and

Hospice in recognition of its care

quality musical talent on display

St David’s Hospice Care in

for him. “It was very emotional to

among School House’s

Newport. It mattered to each and

witness my friends on stage,

population. An orchestra

every one of them: their charity

making fools of themselves for a

performed, as well as various

choices were inspired by two of

cause that I care deeply about,”

bands and soloists, ensuring the

their housemates, who nominated

Milo remarks. “It showed

audience enjoyed a varied

them for very personal reasons.

Sherborne, and School House, at

programme that combined

their very best. The words of the

serious music with moments of

One of these boys was Milo

song are meaningful, and the

profound levity.

Stampa Orwin (U6a). His father

spirit of camaraderie on display

- 101 -

draising

Finalist,” explains Milo, who took

a backstage role in the

competition. “So he was able to

train the couples to a very high

standard in dances like the

Foxtrot and the Cha-Cha.”

Thanks to months of preparation

and a huge amount of support

from across the School community, the event raised

£3,600 for the two charities. But

there was more to come, as the

whole House embarked on yet

another fundraising effort in late

April. Between them, the boys

climbed the height of Mount

Everest in just seven hours, using

a temporary climbing wall that was erected in the Courts. “Each person climbed the wall an average of 40 times,” Charlie reports. “It was an epic group effort that involved pupils and staff: something we could all get behind as a final flourish in our Next up was a Strictly Come

because he hopes that one day a

Dancing special, in which eight

cure will be found. He says he

boys from School House teamed

soon got over his initial

up with eight pupils from

awkwardness about the world of

Sherborne Girls to strut their stuff

ballroom: “I was a bit stiff and

for a memorable evening of

starchy to begin with. But I got

entertainment in the Powell

into it, and actually really enjoyed

Theatre. One of the contestants

it. I even wore sequins!” It turns

was Charlie Peele (L6a), who lost

out the boys were in expert hands

his father Nick in the New Year

when it came to their training.

and nominated the Cure

“Mr Pardoe, Resident Tutor in

Parkinson’s Trust in gratitude for

neighbouring Abbeylands, is a

its support during his illness, and

former British Junior Ballroom

charity activities.” It certainly made for an impressive achievement, which inspired everyone in the School. “Our classmates were so supportive for all three events,” says Milo. “It was humbling to see friends getting behind us, willing us on, and celebrating our success.” Sounds like the cue for a song…

Food glorio On the day we catch up with Catering

They need to know what they’re

Manager, Adrian Williams, and Front

serving, and be happy interacting with

of House Assistant, Caz Guppy, they

boys about the choices available.”

are overseeing production of a

Ever wondered

what it takes to

feed hordes of hungry

teenagers?

Sherborne’s

catering team

know the answer.

barbecue outside Sherborne’s

Make no mistake, the work of the

refectory. Boys queue in the spring

kitchen is no mean feat. As well as a

sunshine for their sausages or burgers,

cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner,

while the chefs and serving staff work

the boys have a late-afternoon snack

quickly, efficiently and with good

to keep them going. And the rhythm

cheer.

is seven days a week during term time, with conferences during the holidays.

The scene is typical of Adrian’s approach to catering at Sherborne.

“It’s certainly a busy place to be,”

He’s keen to give the boys seasonal

laughs Caz. “There is plenty to do,

experiences that enhance their

and a great variety of experiences,

enjoyment of food, create

from formal dinners and wedding

opportunities to relax, and ensure

breakfasts through to the hotel-style

they are well nourished with fresh

meals that we serve the boys.”

produce and a balanced diet. This speaks of another innovation

For Caz, meanwhile, the focus is on

Adrian has introduced: choice. “Boys

making sure 550 boys, plus staff and

don’t necessarily want to eat the same

visitors, are fed as expeditiously as

thing every morning, or be restricted

possible. Judging from the scene

by a set menu at other mealtimes,” he

before us, she and her colleagues

says. “So we offer a choice of cooked

achieve their objective with no small

food and cereals, yoghurt and fruit for

amount of aplomb.

breakfast, and there is always a salad

“One of the things I’ve tried to do

bar at lunch and dinner time, as well as main and vegetarian options.”

since joining Sherborne as Catering Manager in 2000 is make mealtimes

The key challenge in a busy boys’

more informal,” says Adrian. “We

school like Sherborne is ensuring

want boys to feel comfortable asking

there is enough fuel for the pupils

about the food they’re being served,

throughout their long day. “They are

to work out what they like and don’t

extremely busy from dawn ‘til dusk,”

like, and to have new experiences. So

says Caz. “If they were living at home,

I want the front-of-house team to be

they’d have lots of opportunity to

approachable and knowledgeable.

snack. So we have to give them

us food

- 103 -

enough calories to sustain their

and Adrian agree that the kitchen

It’s always a joy to see mealtimes go

level of activity. That’s why we top

and refectory are rarely quiet, but

well. And the boys are so good

them up with something like a

they both thrive on the heady

about expressing their gratitude to

sausage roll or a pasty in the

atmosphere. “I love to be at the

us all. We find them to be polite

afternoon – it helps maintain their

heart of things,” says Adrian.

and courteous at all times. They are

energy for the next part of the day.”

“Sometimes I’ll be hands-on in the

a pleasure to feed.” Judging by the

kitchen, and other times I’ll be

satisfied faces tucking into

By the sounds of things, it is not

supervising service or simply

barbecued treats, the appreciation

only the boys who need energy. Caz

keeping an eye on things out front.

is mutual.

Spo

ort

- 105 -

“Facilitating a lifelong love of sport and an appreciation of the benefits of a healthy active lifestyle” DAvID Guy (DIRECTOR OF SPORT) “Winning isn’t the most important thing, it’s the only thing” is a quote often attributed to Vince Lombardi, the great Green Bay Packers

American Football coach who led his team to

two straight Superbowl victories in the 1960s. In

commitment. We are determined to take a

longer term approach to our boys’ sporting

journeys and are keen to emphasise the

important role we have in facilitating a lifelong

love of sport and an appreciation of the benefits

fact, rather than coming from someone from the

of a healthy active lifestyle.

‘red’ Sanders, who first made that comment in

And active they certainly have been this year.

professional ranks, it was a college coach, Henry 1955, and he also remarked on a local derby

game for his Californian university that “It’s not a

matter of life and death, it’s more important than

that”. In many respects, times have changed.

Even in the modern world of professional sport,

where winning is undoubtedly still hugely

important, the media and their increasingly

demanding public want to win with style. rather

than parking the bus to ensure victory, fans want

goals, they want to see tries and they want

victories with excitement, flair and razzamatazz.

Throughout 2017/18 the boys at Sherborne

School have trained and played with real passion

and determination, be it on Carey’s pitches, The

upper, on the tennis courts or on the water at

Sutton Bingham. Ably supported by a fantastic

team of academic staff and external coaches,

both for School and House, and in the individual

arena, they have been fully committed come

rain, wind and even snow. Whether at a

recreational level for the 5th xI or achieving

national recognition for the mini Colts A Hockey

squad, we can be suitably delighted with the

School sport, however, and especially here at

successful outcomes.

direction. Our emphasis is not on pure, simple

As you read through the following pages of

Sherborne is heading in a slightly different

results. Of course we (boys, parents and staff)

would prefer successful outcomes, but these are increasingly based on other key Performance

Indicators, such as skill based achievements and enjoyment. The overarching principles behind our sporting provision do not centre on the external publication of outstanding results against other schools, but do include the

development of individuals, including their creativity, resilience, decision making and

highlights and events, there is no doubting that

sport continues to play an important role in the

lives of the boys here at Sherborne. But, unlike

the world of Lombardi and other professionals,

sport fits neatly alongside the other key

components of life at a full boarding school in

helping to shape the fine young men we are

helping to prepare for the big wide world.

- 107 -

RUGBY With a memorable tour of new Zealand in July, including the chance to watch a British and Irish Lions Tour match against the mighty All Blacks in Auckland, Sherborneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rugby players were in fine spirits at the start of the season. As ever, the pre-season camp helped them prepare for the matches ahead, and it shaped up to be an impressive year for many of our teams.

2nd XV A brilliant season got off to a dream start with a thumping 34-0 victory over Bishop Wordsworth’s School 2nd XV. This was followed by a run of three further victories, including a closely contested 12-10 win over Queen’s College, in which Bryn Jones (L6e) scored a memorable breakaway try. A punishing game against Radley College saw the team slump to a 5-22 defeat in November, but they bounced back with a physical display against Canford School to win by just three points. The season ended with an even tighter victory: 25-24 against Cheltenham College, with Barney Stannah’s (L6m) exemplary kicking proving the difference between the teams.

1st XV

3rd XV

The 1st XV, following a successful tour to New Zealand, had an

The 3rd XV delivered some

enjoyable season. Always striving to produce entertaining rugby, the

memorable moments during the

fact they averaged at least three tries a game, against very strong

season, including a 42-14 victory

opposition, demonstrated their success. They enjoyed six good wins

over Radley College in

versus Bishop Wordsworth’s School, Kirkham Grammar School,

November where their sheer

Marlborough College, Abingdon School, Bryanston School, Radley

determination and superior

College, and a draw versus Hampton School. Although clocking up a

fitness helped them to score 28

number of wins, it was in defeat that the 1st XV produced their finest

points in the second half. This

display of rugby, versus a strong Wellington College XV. There have

was a sharp contrast to an earlier

been three U16 boys represent the 1st XV this term, with Sam

match against Marlborough

Reynolds (5c), Nathanael Fagerson (5c) and Tom Carr-Smith (5m)

College, where the boys were

gaining valuable experience. Tom has been a mainstay in the 1st XV

roundly beaten by a much more

this year and shone with a number of high quality displays. Four

physical side. Four of the

players received their full colours this season. Captain Nick Jonas

Marlborough players weighed

(U6f), Vice-Captain Hugo Pralle (U6a), William Morris (U6m) and Felix

more than the entire Sherborne

Storer (U6g) all led by example, both on and off the field,

team put together, and the 5-31

demonstrating fantastic spirit, energy and leadership.

score line reflected that

- 109 -

5th XV difference. The season ended with

There is good reason for the Fifths

a stunning 31-10 win over

to be known as “The Gentlemen’s

Cheltenham College – the

XV”: as a team, they consistently

Colts A XV

inspired Charlie Millar (L6c)

demonstrate the very best of Sherborne in their courtesy,

The Colts A xv notched up an

helping steer the team to a dominant display that saw

courage and good humour. Never

Sherborne nurturing a 19-0

was this more in evidence than in

advantage by half time.

the 52-5 defeat to King’s College Taunton that belatedly started their season in October: the King’s

4th XV

squad had superior pace, but

Few teams enjoyed more

Sherborne’s team kept enjoying

emphatic success this year than

their rugby and played with grace

Sherborne’s 4th XV. They won a

and humility. As it happened, this

number of games without

was to be the team’s only defeat,

conceding, including a truly

with victories against Radley

mesmerising 51-0 victory over

College, King’s Bruton and

Clayesmore in which Archie

Cheltenham College making for

Macintosh (U6a) scored a well-

an impressive season.

taken brace. The same player

Captain Harry Gibbs (U6m) was

opened the season in style, with a

often the hero, scoring tries and

hat trick of tries against Blundell’s

inspiring his teammates with

in a 46-0 win.

words and deeds that caught the

This was a tougher match than the

attention of the whole School.

score line suggests, but set the

The Tweed Army (so-called

tone for a series of team

because of their penchant for

performances that were bold,

turning up to matches in tweed

tenacious and never less than hard

blazers) have attained legendary

working. These characteristics

status in Sherborne this season, as

were borne out in the 17-7 victory

much for their antics off the pitch

over Millfield in November, where

as on it.

the boys showed real determination to maintain their lead in difficult conditions. Man of the match was Olly Minchin (U6g), who scored a welldeserved double.

impressive quantity of victories this season, showing their potential as the First xv of the future. The season started with a tough match against Bishop Wordsworth’s School in which a brave second-half performance was enough to secure victory. man of the match Hal Little (5a) showed particular commitment to the cause – refusing to give in even when the Salisbury team looked to be in the ascendancy. Those same qualities were observed time and again in other games, including in impressive wins over the likes of Blundell’s, marlborough College and millfield. Throughout the season, even when losing, the team showed a brilliant work rate, and grew in their ability to plan tactics and be patient in pursuing them.

Colts B XV

Junior Colts B XV

A sluggish start to the season, with

The Junior Colts B enjoyed seven

a 10-12 loss to Queen’s College

wins out of nine games, including

Taunton, was soon forgotten when

some resounding victories over

the Colts B XV achieved a slender

strong opposition. The 52-0 win

17-14 win against Gillingham

over Queen’s College Taunton in

School just a week later, Harry

September was one such result, as

Jackson (5a) played well in

was the win against Marlborough

defence and attack, while “captain

College two weeks later, which

fantastic” Luke McLaughlin (5c)

had the same score line. A hard-

put in an inspiring performance.

fought 22-12 win over Gillingham

This set in motion a run of

came in between – showing that

victories, with the team playing at

this team has grit and character in

terrific pace to beat Marlborough

spades. Such grit was firmly on

College 21-5 and Abingdon

up to the mark and put in a 24-19

display in the disappointing 29-31

School 36-0. A mix of defeat and

win against Abingdon School the

loss to Millfield: the boys came so

victory followed, but even when

very next week. Particular credit

close to beating this impressive

losing, the team showed grit,

went to scrum half and man-of-

side, but just couldn’t edge it. A

determination and a genuine

the-match Matthew Allen (5g),

season-ending victory over

desire to keep playing until the

who not only scored twice, but

Cheltenham College (36-3) helped

final whistle. Standout players

was strong in the tackle and

restore pride after an

included Ben Beach (5c), Felix

helped prevent Abingdon’s power

uncharacteristic 10-39 defeat at

Chillingworth (5m) and Felix

players from dominating.

Harvey (5f) – but the season as a whole was very much about the team effort.

the hands of Hampton School the previous week.

Junior Colts A XV An impressive season saw the

Junior Colts C XV

Colts C XV

Junior Colts A impose themselves

It was a tough season for the

on most of their matches and

Junior Colts C, who won only one

A 27-0 win against Blundell’s gave

emerge victorious. A memorable

of their seven matches. This was

the Colts C XV an encouraging

53-19 victory against Cranleigh

the season-ending 31-10 victory

start to the season, but some

showed real quality, with a try-

over Cheltenham College, which

sloppy handling and lack of

saving tackle from Olly

enabled them to end the year on a

physical intensity meant nothing

Westmacott (4c) proving decisive

high note. But the team struggled

was taken for granted for future

in turning the game to

against the likes of Canford,

fixtures. As it happens, the team’s

Sherborne’s advantage. The

Abingdon and Bryanston, who

doggedness, exemplified by

season climaxed with a 20-0 win

simply had more firepower. Even

players like Chris Haworth (5e) and

over Cheltenham – a result that

so, the boys kept their heads up

Jamie Buckley (5f), made for some

was especially pleasing by virtue

and showed the determination

inspiring performances. Coming

of being a genuine team effort.

and tenacity that characterises

off a 0-41 defeat at the hands of

Sherborne’s sportsmen. They have

Marlborough College, for

the potential to grow, and the

example, lesser teams would have

character to dig in and improve

crumbled. But the Colts C stood

next season.

- 111 -

Junior Colts D XV

Mini Colts B XV

Three wins out of five gave the

The Mini Colts B struggled for much of the season, achieving three

Junior Colts D a sense of

wins out of 10 matches. When they won, they tended to do so in

achievement for the 2017 season.

emphatic fashion: the 32-14 victory over Marlborough College is a

Things got off to an impressive start

case in point, as is the 17-0 win over Canford. But with losses against

with a 42-29 victory over

the likes of Radley, Millfield, Hampton School and Clayesmore, the

Marlborough College, but the team

team has a clear sense of where to improve for the season ahead.

slumped to a 15-45 loss against Abingdon just a week later. Their only other loss came in early November against Radley College, before a two-match winning sequence against Canford then Cheltenham College saw them close out the season in style.

Mini Colts A XV It was a tough season for the Mini Colts A, opening with a closely-fought 7-10 loss to Blundell’s in which they showed real character. George Duignan (3c) was assured at full back, while Ollie Carr-Smith (3m), Arthur Green (3g) and Ollie Charles (3m) showed their potential as a midfield unit. A creditable draw with Marlborough College followed before a run of losses with score lines that didn’t do justice to the hard work and grit shown by the players. Better was a brace of wins against Canford School and Hampton School, but the season ended with a loss to bighitters Cheltenham College, whose prowess preceded them and led to a jittery first half from a Sherborne team that gradually found its stride to score a consolation try in the closing minutes.

Mini Colts C XV A mixed season saw the Mini Colts C XV notch up as many victories as defeats, including a memorable 35-0 win against Canford School and a 25-0 victory against Warminster School a week later. The potential of the team had already been on display, with a convincing victory against Blundell’s at the start of the season that saw George Ingrams (3d) score a fine individual try. A run of back-to-back losses followed against tough competition including Marlborough College, but the boys continued to work on their movement and were rewarded with a 36-5 win in a 25-minute game at Millfield that included a fine solo effort by Will Jonas (3d). The rest of the season was similarly mixed, but culminated in a superb victory against Cheltenham College. The score 57-0, with Jack Pyman (3e), Charlie Gattie (3b) and Jack Wang (3e) (recently promoted from the Mini Colts D XV) deservedly sharing the accolade of Man of the Match.

Mini Colts D XV The team struggled to achieve positive results this season, but that doesn’t detract from the strength and determination shown in their performances. A case in point is the final game of the year, a 0-57 defeat to the giants of Millfield. Although the score line suggests a drubbing, the game was more balanced, with Toby Ross (3b) and Marcus Bradley (3e) deserving particular credit for their courage and commitment. There was one victory – the first ever for this team – against Abingdon School: a 27-17 score made all the more impressive by virtue of being achieved away from home. Toby Talbot-Williams (3a) proved an inspiring captain, and the augurs are good for this team. It has spirit in abundance.

Mini Colts E XV An inspiring and hard-fought 15-12 win over Marlborough College got the season off to a positive start, with the boys showing particular tenacity to fend off an onslaught by the opposition in the final minutes. Similar determination was shown by a number of ‘E’-team players who turned out for the Mini Colts D XV against Millfield. This is a group of players that refuses to lie down, even when the opposition appears stronger and more experienced.

Representative Honours Max Ayling (U6m) and Bryn Jones (L6e) played for Wales Exiles, and Henry McCosker (U6c) represented Ireland Exiles at U18 level. Max has gained a professional Academy Contract with The Dragons in South Wales and will play alongside his studies in Cardiff. Will Morris (U6m) represented England South West Counties at U18 level. Many Sherborne boys represented Bath Rugby at Academy level with Olly Westmacott (4c), Theo Irving (4g), Jai Thompson (4m) and Pere Serieke-Dickson (4m) all playing for Bath at the U15 Cleve and Harrow festivals. Charlie McCaig (4b) represented Exeter Chiefs in the same competitions. The U16s had seven boys represent Bath Academy at the National U16 Academy festival at Wellington College; Sam Reynolds (5c), Tom Carr-Smith (5m), Lorcan McLoughlin (5g), Felix Connelly (5e), Ollie Noble (5m), Nathanael Fagerson (5c) and Hal Little (5a). Fin French (L6d) and Will Bailey (U6e) also represented Bath U18 in a number of their National Academy league games.

- 113 -

Rugby Sevens Before the exploits at rosslyn Park in the final week of

term, the 7s season could have been described as a

disaster, with a large number of cancelled tournaments

and lack of playing time. Dean Close and Sherborne 7s

tournaments were cancelled due to bad weather, so our

u14s had very little preparation for the nationals. That

being said, they did well, winning 2 of their 4 matches,

and had a great experience. The u15s played just one

tournament, winning the Bryanston 7s, going unbeaten

throughout. The u16’s had millfield and Canford

tournaments cancelled, again due to poor weather.

With such little preparation, they did superbly at the

national 7s, reaching the last 8 in the country, beating

the likes of Gordon’s, kES Birmingham, monmouth and

Pocklington School in the group stages. They then beat

Cowbridge in the last 32, to set up a tasty fixture

against Whitgift School, which they won in extra time

22-17. A few missed chances against Wellington

College cost them, but they can be very proud of their

achievements.

The u18s played at the millfield 7s and won 3 out of 4

practice matches there. They then travelled to

Portsmouth for the South Coast 7s and had some

success beating Lord Wandsworth College and Christ’s

Hospital. The u18s also played at the Bryanston 7s with

a depleted squad, due to Exeat, but still came away

with the Plate. The u18s had a fantastic two days at the

nationals, winning their group on day one, beating

Coventry College, Ivybridge and Samuel Whitbread

Academy. This put them into the final 12 schools in the

Cup competition and into a new pool of 4. First up we

played Harrow, where Sherborne got off to a fantastic

start leading 12-0 at half time. Harrow fought back well

and ended up taking the win in the last play of the

match. Sedbergh, the eventual champions, were just

too strong but the boys showed great pride by winning

the second half of that game. The last match versus

St Joseph’s College was won 19-17 in a great match on

the showcase pitch, to cap off a fantastic two days for

the squad.

HOCKEY 1st XI

2nd XI A tough season got underway with

while a 1-5 defeat at Canford

a dispiriting 2-7 defeat at the

School was frustrating because of

hands of Bristol Grammar School –

the score line’s inability to reflect

a result largely caused by a poor

the closeness of the competition

third quarter that saw Sherborne

on the field. The team showed

slip 2-6 behind. A better

good spirit throughout the season,

performance a week later against

especially after a 1-2 opening

winner being a converted

Taunton School wasn’t enough to

defeat at the hands of Bristol

prevent a 1-2 loss, but there was a

Grammar School, and their

seconds. After this fixture,

sense of a team finding its feet.

tenacity was in evidence in every

This was borne out against

match. A 0-0 draw with King’s

Clayesmore, when despite

Bruton brought the season to a

conceding early, they enjoyed a

close in somewhat disappointing

comfortable 5-1 win, including a

fashion, both teams struggling to

fantastic individual goal by Finn

get going amid bitingly cold

Whitehead (L6g). The rest of the

conditions.

With regards to the main school season, we started very early on 3 January 2018 against

Bristol Grammar School, the 1st xI had a very close game and certainly did not deserve to lose, final score (3-4) BGS

Penalty Stroke in the dying Sherborne went on to win the next four games. notable victories against Taunton

School (4-2), Clayesmore (8-2) and king’s College, Taunton

(5-2). The national Cup did not go as planned and we lost

narrowly to Taunton School (3-4). However, we are

progressing nicely in the

national Plate and after a 270 mile round trip, the 1st xI

secured a solid victory against

Bloxham School (6-2). Always

one of the toughest fixtures is

playing king Edward vI School, Southampton. Again the 1st xI put in a superb display of

Hockey only to be thwarted in the last minute with a tied

match at (2-2). Whilst in the

grip of The Beast from the East and Storm Emma, the 1st xI

worked hard prior to defeating

Dauntsey’s, but the highlight of

season was a mixed affair, with a highlight being a 7-0 victory over Bryanston in which the boys

4th XI

turned around a poor first-half

A thumping 7-0 victory over

performance to deliver a

Taunton School got the season off

scintillating second half. Despite

to an encouraging start, but a

Seb Baldwin’s (5b) heroics in goal,

subsequent 2-2 draw with

the team slipped to a 1-2 defeat

Clayesmore proved frustrating, not

against King Edward VI School,

least because Sherborne

Southampton, before wrapping

dominated with 75 per cent of

the season up with a 3-2 win over

possession. The team bounced

King’s Bruton. Finn Whitehead got

back with a 3-0 win over King’s

the winning goal in the dying

College, Taunton – Henry Le

moments – bringing a happy end

Cornu’s (5f) brave goalkeeping

to many of his teammates’ last

ensuring the King’s challenge was

ever game for Sherborne.

blunted in the first half. This proved to be the pattern of the season, with Le Cornu preventing

3rd XI

a loss to King Edward VI School,

Three losses, three wins and a

Southampton, from being a

1st xI narrowly lost to

draw tell the story of a finely

whitewash by his cool shot

the season was undoubtedly

reaching the semi-finals of the national Plate and whilst the Charterhouse, the boys

balanced season for the 3rd XI.

stopping. The final result of the

thoroughly enjoyed the trip to

The highlight was a 7-0 win against

year was a 1-1 draw against King’s

Lee valley and playing at the

Clayesmore in which Angus

Bruton – a good outcome given

national Hockey Centre.

Gantlett (U6c) and Joe Vandeleur

the opposition team’s unbeaten

(5m) dominated from midfield,

status throughout the season.

- 115 -

Colts A XI The season got underway with a frustrating 1-4 loss at home to Canford School – a score line that failed to reflect the industry of the players. Sam Reynolds (5c) and Hal Little (5a)

Junior Colts B XI

typified the determination on display

An opening 2-6 loss to Bristol Grammar School showed both the

throughout the pitch, but couldn’t turn

potential of this team and the work that needed doing to improve.

around a one-goal deficit at half time.

One of the main factors was tiredness, exacerbated by a lack of

With Sherborne’s players tiring,

substitutes. The boys’ energy levels soon picked up, with a lively

Canford notched up a quick fire brace

performance against Taunton School earning them a 2-2 draw. The

that put the game well and truly out of

first win of the season came against Clayesmore just over a week

reach. A similar fate befell them

later, with Ed Clarke (4d) and Theo Irving (4g) scoring a brace each

against Prior Park College at the

to secure a 4-1 victory. Sadly, the only other win came against

University of Bath. 1-2 down and

Bryanston, during which the link play between Will Loughlin (4d),

pressing for an equaliser towards the

Will Martin (4m), Jonathan Post (4a) and Ed Clarke (4d) played a

end, Prior Park scored on the counter.

crucial part in creating the 4-0 score line.

Although Felix Harvey (5f) scored a second to reduce the deficit, it was too late to chase a third goal and level the

Mini Colts A XI

match.

Our Mini Colts A squad (MCA) took some time to gel, although it is clear that they are an extremely talented squad, with a number of quality players. Their first game against Bristol Grammar School

Junior Colts A XI

ended in a frustrating loss (2-5). But the signs were there and they

Dominant throughout the season, the

trained very well, showing a real determination to improve and this

Junior Colts A XI were defeated just

was clearly demonstrated in a hard fought game against Taunton

once, losing 3-9 to an impressive King

School, coming out on top (4-3). A narrow loss to Clayesmore (4-5),

Edward VI School, Southampton, team

demonstrated a lack of consistency and game management. The

that included two England players and

fixture against Kings College, Taunton was another close

one South squad representative. The

encounter and the MCAs came out on top (5-4).

largest margin of victory was a 10-1 win over Clayesmore, notable because of the absence of three key players. Will and Sam Usher (4m) gave the game

In the Dorset Cup the MCAs beat Gillingham school (1-0), Poole Grammar School (4-0), Bryanston School (3-0) and Canford School (1-0). However, they lost to Clayesmore (1-3) but finished second

considerable momentum, while Archie

and progress to the Regional Preliminary play offs in early March.

Hunt (4a) and Olly Westmacott (4c) did

Since the Dorset Cup Competition the MCAs have been in

well to convert most of their chances

excellent form, securing victories against Bryanston School (8-0),

on goal. Another highlight was the

King Edward VI School, Southampton (11-0) and Canford School

season-ending 3-2 victory over King’s

(5-0). The future looks bright for this talented year group. The

Bruton. The team turned the match

MCAs went on to win the Regional Final, the first time since 1992

around in the second half, battling

and like the 1st XI played at the National Finals at the Lee Valley

freezing conditions to dig out an

National Hockey Centre, whilst the results didn’t quite go their

impressive win.

way, the boys will remember the finals for many years to come.

Mini Colts B XI Undefeated. That’s the word to sum up the Mini Colts B XI’s performance in 2018. They won seven matches and drew two, giving an aura of invincibility that helped build confidence even against challenging opposition. The unbeaten run was secured in tough conditions at King’s Bruton on 17 March. The temperature was well below freezing, but the team went about their task with courage and determination, securing a 2-1 victory that ensured the season went into Sherborne’s annals as one of outstanding merit. Particular mention goes to George Perkins (3a) – man of the match against King’s, and coach’s player of the season by virtue of his unending energy and enthusiasm.

Mini Colts crowned West of England champs The mini Colts won the West of England Championships in march after a nail-biting day that tested their skills to the limits. The day got underway with a 4-1 victory against Exeter School, before a draw with Taunton School secured by Jacob Schwandt’s (3f) close-range effort, and a last-gasp draw with Bristol Grammar School in which Sherborne got two in the final two and a half minutes.

Mini Colts C XI An end-to-end encounter with Canford School ended in a narrow 1-0 victory for Sherborne, demonstrating the team’s tenacity and commitment. Finn

With the group won, the next competition was Dean Close, who were beaten 1-0 in a chess-like contest, thanks in no small part to Felix Nothover’s (3f) goalkeeping talent. With a place in the final secure, the team settled into their stride and dominated the first 20 minutes against Kingswood School.

Jones (3m) was the scorer,

They quickly went 2-0 up with well-worked goals that were

slotting home a deflection from

slotted home by Will Wolseley Brinton (3g) and Tom Rotheroe

his own attempt at goal to make

(3f). Things got tense when Kingwood levelled and the

the difference between the

tournament was decided by penalties. Charlie Collinge (3f),

teams. Sherborne’s defence was

Ollie Carr-Smith (3m) and Tom Rotheroe (3f) showed nerves of

especially strong, standing up

steel to flick theirs home, and when Kingswood’s fourth

well when legs began to tire in

penalty taker was saved by Northover, the victory was secure.

the final quarter. The team played with an encouraging cohesion

This was a great achievement for the team, with Arthur Green

throughout the match, showing

(3g) deserving particular praise for his tenacity, energy and

great commitment even as

sheer desire to win.

Canford pushed for an equaliser.

- 117 -

Lee Valley brings curtain down on busy season The hockey season came to an end in April with the mini Colts and 1st xI both playing in the national Finals at Lee Park. Despite some wonderful performances, neither side made it through to the finals, but they showed great strength and skill throughout. Speaking about the Mini Colts’ performance, Mini Colts Coach, Jeremy Wadham, said: “This has been a hugely successful season for this team, which has won recognition both within and beyond the School. The improvement in the individual players and the team as a whole since the start of the season is remarkable, and it is down to the drive and ambition of the players themselves. The captain, Charlie Collinge (3f), deserves credit for this: he demands high standards from his players, while fostering camaraderie and a positive attitude.” Meanwhile, the 1st XI got through to a third/fourth playoff against Worksop College in the National Plate. This proved a poignant match for many reasons, not least that it was the last game for many of the team, and for Director of Hockey, Chris Roberts. Speaking about the occasion, Mr Roberts said: “The 0-3 score line in Worksop’s favour doesn’t do justice to the quality of hockey that our boys played. We were incredibly unlucky on numerous occasions. Even so, appearing in a national final proved a fitting end to the Sherborne hockey-playing careers of Barney Humphrey (U6m), Peter Folkes (U6a), Tom Perkins

A number of boys have represented

Dorset County Schoolboy Hockey

Association this year, the start of the

England Hockey Player Pathway, which

again demonstrates how Hockey is

improving on a year by year basis: Otto Baldwin (5b) Archie Hunt (4a)

William Brown (4c) Sam usher (4m) Will usher (4m)

Oliver Westmacott (4c)

Tom Ewart Smith (3d)

Thomas rotheroe (3f)

Jacob Schwandt (3f)

Arthur Green (3g)

William Wolseley Brinton (3g)

Oliver Carr-Smith (3m)

Three further boys have achieved selection

for England Hockey’s Performance Centre,

which again is part of the England Hockey

Player Pathway. All three are performing

very well and attend sessions at the

(U6a), Tom Pope (U6m), Sid Gray (U6f), George Sutton

Taunton centre every two weeks;

(U6m), Paddy Kerr (U6g) and Ben Rainbow (U6c), and for

Felix northover (3f)

me. I’ve loved being in charge of a fantastic, committed and totally cohesive squad of brilliant hockey players.”

Charlie Collinge (3f)

Angus Bushby (3m)

Basketball The basketball team recorded two wins in a season that saw them lose by the narrowest of margins in a handful of other matches. Both victories were against Sherborne International: a season-

Athletics

starting 63-33 win in which Eric Chiang (L6a) scored 25 points, and

The athletics season got underway

coming from boys in both age

with trips to Millfield and

categories. It was a similar story at

a rather tighter 40-36 result in

Bryanston, where the boys gave a

Canford School, where the junior

which the boys turned around a

good account of themselves in hot

team scored another overall

deficit with a brilliant final-quarter

conditions. The seniors were at

second, and Exeter Arena, where

display.

Bryanston, where Nathanael

Sherborne came third out of a

Fagerson (5c) won in the shot and

field of eight in the South West

Other results didn’t quite go the

the U17 4x100m relay team also

round of the Track and Field Cup.

triumphed. At Millfield, a number

The fourth team retained the

team’s way, with a 42-47 loss to

of juniors secured personal bests:

North Dorset team event trophy at

Johnny Lye (3g) in the 200m, Chris

Bryanston, while the Third Form

Neville (4a) in the long jump and

team were narrowly beaten into

George Ingrams (3d) with a

second place.

winning throw in the U15 discus.

Further success came at the

Dauntsey’s proving hard to swallow after clawing back to within a point of the opposition in the third quarter. Likewise a 55-58 loss to Winchester College – a match in which the difference

At Sherborne’s Lutra Shield event

County Championships in early

the senior team performed well to

June, for which twenty-one boys

finish fourth in an incredibly tight

qualified: Jai Thompson (4m),

competition, though no doubt the

Charlie McCaig (4b), Oscar Jones

young team will be looking to

(L6m) and George Ingrams all won

(5e) and Brandon Bray-Sackey

improve on this next year. Next

their events and qualified for the

(L6e) excelled.

came a visit to Marlborough

South West Championships,

College, where the competition

alongside Jonathan Post (4a).

The season ended with a 44-48

included a number of London

Charlie was selected to represent

loss to Wells Cathedral School,

schools that are well known for

Dorset in the javelin at the English

despite having been 31-24 ahead

their prowess on the athletics

Schools’ Championships for the

at half time. This was a frustrating

field. It was therefore very

second year in a row, which was a

encouraging to see wins for Felix

phenomenal achievement.

outcome for the team, but Larry

Connolly (5e) (200m), Jai

However, perhaps the individual

Thompson (4m) (100m), and Pere

performance of the season came

Seriake Dickson (4m) (long jump).

in the last school event of the term

Harry Whigham (3c) (200m) and

at Marlborough, where Jai

Toby Davies (3e) (800m) recorded

Thompson ran the 100m in 10.99

PBs. The junior team came second

seconds, to break the School U17

overall in the Dorset round of the

record on his way to victory in the

English Schools’ Track and Field

senior race.

Cup with more PBs and wins

between the teams was never more than five points, and in which Eric Chiang, Andy Zheng

Won (L6e) played brilliantly to top the scorers’ chart for the first time. He scored 12 points, one behind captain Eric Chiang.

- 119 -

Fives Some hard-fought matches against experienced and often older competition proved a welcome chance for our young fives players to test their mettle. An outing to Winchester College was especially taxing, because they play a different version of the game from the one we are used to. Nonetheless, our players gave a good account of themselves, becoming tougher to beat as the day wore on. A team victory against the adult

FOOTBALL

Rugby Fives Association in January

1st XI

was a great confidence boost, with

The Football Academy Development team had a storming

every player winning his singles

michaelmas term and their hard work, bravery and positivity have

contest. Unfortunately, this was to

been very evident. The team were announced as the Football

be the only team victory of the year,

Wessex Independent Schools League winners; of their 12 games,

though it was a close contest

they won 9 matches and scored an outstanding 55 goals. Harry

against the Pilgrims team, made up

Fisher (u6m) was top-scorer with a tally of 15 goals.

of Old Shirburnians. Standout performances came from Benedict Mercer (5b), Harry Harvey (5b) and Archie Buxton (U6a), who all made an impression on their competition.

The football season is a long one for the 1st XI, but after two losses in September, the boys were undefeated all the way through to their last fixture in March. This is a hugely impressive achievement from a team that showed cohesion, depth and great skill. A number of the team’s victories involved clean sheets and a considerable margin of goals in

Other matches against

their favour. For example, a 9-0 victory against Milton Abbey gave the

Marlborough College and Blundell’s

team a big boost in confidence before a return trip to Taunton

were lost, but not without a good

School, whose team had beaten Sherborne 1-2 in September. That

fight. This was especially true of the

our boys won with a comfortable 6-0 margin shows how much their

three-way competition between

performances improved as the season wore on. This was a match in

Sherborne, Blundell’s and Kelly College, where four up-and-coming players – Jack Pyman (3e), Fabian Mercer (3b), Alec Williams (3d) and

which Sherborne showed real composure – a great team effort in which goals flowed with ease. The New Year brought a string of draws, but the team returned to

Freddie Banks (4b) – put in

winning ways in late January with an emphatic 4-2 win over Downside.

impressive displays to come second

Sherborne dominated the match and, despite Harry Fisher’s (U6m)

overall.

impressive hat trick, would have won by a larger margin with more ruthless finishing in front of goal. This result set off a string of victories that continued until the end of the season, with highlights including 5-2 against Sexey’s on a difficult surface and 4-1 away to The Oratory School. In every performance, the boys showed strength, courage and the sort of team spirit for which Sherborne is justifiably renowned. They are a force to be reckoned with.

2nd XI The 2nd XI were unbeaten this year, managing five

realised their potential with substantial victories over

wins and two draws against tough competition such

the likes of Downside (6-2), Milton Abbey (4-1) and

as Monmouth School, Shaftesbury School and

The Oratory School (5-0). Perhaps the biggest

Canford School. By far the most striking result was a

achievements were those matches in which

15-0 win over King Edward’s School in Bath, including

Sherborne had to grind out a result. The 2-1 victory

a rare double hat trick for Joe Watson (5a) and a hat

over Canford School is a case in point: the opposition

trick for Ben Besse (U6b).

seemed the stronger, more skilful team. But sheer

If this result was edifying, so too was the 3-3 draw with Malvern College five days earlier. The team squandered their lead twice in this closely contested game, but showed real grit to keep pressing right until the final whistle. The draw was well earned by

determination won the day, with Sherborne’s players defending as if their lives depended upon it. As a whole, then, the season shows the mix of grit and talent that makes this team such a tough nut for opposition players to crack.

Malvern, even if it left Sherborne’s players feeling frustrated at missed chances. Determination has been a feature of the 2nd XI throughout the season. Away to Canford School, they achieved a 5-0 win that was born from a tough opening 20 minutes in which the Sherborne goal was under constant assault. The team turned their performance around on a tricky pitch, and man of the match Tom Clark’s (L6a) majestic goal from midfield showed just how good they can be when it all comes together.

4th XI It was by no means a vintage season in terms of results, with just one victory out of six games. This was a 7-0 victory over Clifton College, played in arctic conditions in March. But it demonstrated the resilience that characterises this group of players, and was a fitting way to bring the curtain down on their season. Another satisfying result was the 2-2 draw with Shaftesbury School, where strong defending by

3rd XI

Sam Wilson (L6c) and intelligent attacking play by

With just one defeat throughout the season, the 3rd

Barnaby Trumper (L6d) gave Sherborne just enough

XI put in a strong showing on the football pitch. The

to level the game against determined opposition.

loss was the season opener, a 1-2 defeat to Queen

Even when results didn’t go their way – a 0-6 defeat at

Elizabeth’s Hospital, Bristol that nonetheless saw the

Clayesmore, say, or 1-4 at Canford School – the team

team produce some cracking chances. That set the

showed courage and great character, strong in the

tone for the rest of the year, where the players

tackle and fighting for each game right until the end.

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5th XI

Colts A XI

The team took a couple of games

The Colts A XI were unbeaten all

There were no such worries just a

to find their rhythm, and the

season, and kept four clean sheets

week later, when the team battled

resulting losses did not do justice

out of six matches. The biggest

to a hard-fought 4-3 win over

to the nascent skill on display, still

win was 6-0 away to the Oratory

Millfield in which every player kept

less the team’s commendable work

School. After a long drive, the

chasing right until the end. A

ethic. By the time of their third

team got off to a slow start, but

defeat to Milton Abbey

match, however, the players had

things soon started clicking and

interrupted their winning flow, but

found a way to win, and put in a

the players did well to maintain a

they eased to a penalties victory

brilliant team performance to beat

high tempo, even once they’d put

over Sherborne International the

Sherborne International 5-3. The

the match well beyond the reach

following week, after levelling at

highlight of the match was a

of their opponents. Joe Watson

3-3 in open play. Next came a win

wonderful goal from Billy Cripps

(5a) scored an impressive hat trick,

over The Oratory School, followed

(L6c), who benefited from

and was justifiably named as man

by an impressive 6-0 victory

outstanding build-up play by Toby

of the match. Watson had a prolific

against The Park School, in which

Hobbs (U6c), Will Jowett (L6e) and

season, putting two past Milfield in

Guy Romilly’s (5m) man-of-the-

Tom Wheeler (L6m). Another win

the 3-1 victory that got the season

match-winning defensive play

followed against Wellington

underway, and another in a 3-0 win

helped the team maintain its first

School, where the boys prevailed

over Wellington College. But every

clean sheet of the season.

4-3 – a score line that should have

match was a genuine team effort,

had a greater margin, such was the

with each player making a valuable

difference in quality between the

contribution to the resilience, skill

teams. Sadly, that was to prove the

and determination on display

last victory of the season, with the

throughout the season.

team drawing against a talented

The inclement winter meant

Malvern College team, and falling to a heavy defeat at the hands of Millfield. Even so, there is much to build on here, not least the outstanding spirit displayed throughout the team.

Colts C XI the Colts C had a disrupted

Colts B XI

season, and only played one

A thumping 1-10 defeat to

competitive match. This was a

Abingdon A may seem like a poor start to the season, but the score line belies a genuinely solid performance from the Colts B XI. Without a goalkeeper until close to kick-off, with George Pardoe (5m) gamely stepping in, the team had much less pre-season training than their opponents. In fact, the bulk of the goals came in the last 10 minutes, when Sherborne’s players simply ran out of steam.

6-2 win against millfield in march, which lifted the spirits, and gave a flavour of just what the team would have achieved with more fixtures. Here’s hoping for better conditions in the coming season.

Junior Colts A XI It was a frustrating season for the Junior Colts A XI, with no victories or draws to reward them for the determination and skill they displayed in every game they played. Sometimes, results simply don’t do justice to the team performance – and this group of players was unfortunate that the pattern repeated for every one of their seven matches. That said, there was plenty to celebrate about the team, including some standout performances by the likes of Sean Buckley (4a), Frey Hopkinson (4f) and George Flint (4m). Buckley in particular showed real pace along the wing, and proved a constant threat to opposition teams that included the likes of Monmouth School, Malvern College and Clifton College. Special mention must also go to Nicholas Morris (4a), who agreed to play out of position as goalkeeper in blizzard conditions at Clifton College. It is that sort of willingness to step up

Junior Colts B XI A 12-0 win over Sherborne International proved to be the highlight of the season for the Junior Colts B xI. Jack Leaf (4b) , max Pugsley (4d) and Will martin (4m) all bagged braces as the whole team reaped the rewards of hard work on the training pitch. The result was a wonderfully inspiring performance in which Sherborne’s players were afforded the luxury of ample time on the

and make a difference that

ball to think and perfect their game management.

characterises this team, and gives

no less impressive was the season-ending 3-2 victory over The

them their strength as a unit.

Oratory School. Despite being under pressure for whole swathes of the match, Sherborne held their nerve to see out the win. With fantastic interplay between Eudo Ashbrooke (4g), Bertie Wilson (4a), Theo ratcliffe (4e) and Jack Leaf (4b), the game showed this team at their very best: strong, resourceful, skilful and resilient.

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Junior Colts C XI

Mini Colts A XI

There is no way to talk about the

The Mini Colts A XI were unbeaten

strong Malvern College side as

Junior Colts C XI’s difficult year

in 2018, putting in consistently

valuable learning opportunities,

without referring to their

impressive performances against

from which they will definitely

unfortunate record of three losses

whatever opposition they came up

emerge stronger and wiser. Even

from three matches. But, as is

against. The season got off to a

against a mighty Millfield team

often the case, the results don’t

sensational start with a 4-1 victory

that seemed impossible to break

tell the whole story – for here was a

over Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital –

down, the boys showed verve and

team that showed skill, courage

a team that had itself been

determination, venturing with

and great enthusiasm for the task

undefeated for the past two years.

confidence into the opposition half

before them.

Johnny Lye (3g) scored twice in the

and trying at every turn to develop

Consider the opening match

dying moments to make the game

their technique and game

against Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital

safe, but the deciding finish was

management.

as a case in point. It ended in a 1-3

courtesy of a tap-in from a

loss for Sherborne, but provided a

deflected Lye shot by Anthony

great display of the team’s skill. By

Riley (3c).

the second half, it was a closely fought contest that could have gone either way, thanks in no small part to a well-taken goal by Ciaran Smith (4b).

With the wind in their sails, the team quickly dispatched Malvern College with a 5-2 win in which fancied striker Max Stephens (3c) scored a hat trick. They went on to

It was a similar story at Malvern

triumph over a strong side from

College in early February, when

The Oratory School, a tough team

the boys conceded three in the

from Gillingham School (this a

first half to give themselves a

game in which Lye scored three

difficult task in the remainder of

and Stephens two), and, to end

the match. They eventually fell to a

the year in style, Clifton College,

1-6 defeat, but strong

who went down 5-2 to the might of

performances by the likes of

Sherborne’s Mini Colts. The future

Dominic Timmis (4m) (in goal) and

looks bright.

goalscorer Mykhaylo Tabachnik (4g) showed the potential in the

Mini Colts C XI A 3-3 draw against Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital provided an encouraging start to 2018 for the Mini Colts C XI, especially as the game could have gone either way right until its dying moments. Unfortunately, it was to prove the team’s closest encounter with victory this season, and they fell to losses against strong opposition such as Shapwick School, Malvern College and King’s College,

squad. Sadly, they weren’t able to

Mini Colts B XI

capitalise on it in the final game of

Despite an encouraging 5-2 win

the season, falling for 0-8 at

over Sherborne International at the

Abingdon School. But as ever, they

start of the season, the Mini Colts

showed huge spirit and were

B XI couldn’t quite maintain their

unlucky not to get at least a

momentum for the rest of the year.

handful of goals past the

They slipped to four defeats, but

opposition.

used contests such as 0-6 loss to a

Taunton. Even so, they played with spirit and determination in every game, developing their skills for the future.

TENNIS 1st VI It was an impressive season for the 1st vI, who recorded just three team defeats in the course of the season. As ever, individual and doubles performances were crucial to the overall results for Sherborne, and every player stepped up to the mark with admirable determination. A 5-4 win over Canford School in may helped set a winning pattern in motion, with Wynn Thomas (L6m) and Sam Hutchinson (5d) winning a crucial match to seal overall victory for the team. may also saw a great victory against Bryanston. An excellent first round result came in the form of Jake Jackson (u6a) and niki Dembinski (L6c), who beat their second pair 6-2. Hugo Pralle (u6a) and Ben Liebenberg (u6a) performed particularly well, outclassing their opponent with power and

2nd VI The 2nd VI had a difficult year, managing only one victory. This was a season-ending thriller against Downside that saw Sherborne’s players dominate when it mattered the most. It provided a happy ending to a challenging season, in which the boys showed great promise, but didn’t quite live up to their potential. A finely balanced 4-5 loss to Bradfield College was the closest they came to another victory, but the boys didn’t quite have the finish to capitalise on some moments of brilliant tennis. Even so, there is clear potential in this group of players, and a genuine hunger to win.

3rd VI A heavy loss to Clifton College’s 1st VI ensured our 3rd VI had a tough start to the season. They soon bounced back, however, and didn’t lose another match all year. A 5-5 draw with Blundell’s showed just what the players were capable of, with Paddy Kerr’s (U6g) 6-1 6-0 win in his first single rubber a highlight of the day. They capitalised on this promise with a 54 win at Milton Abbey – a result that rewarded the hard work of players such as Oscar Leach (U6e) and Cameron Bowden (U6g), who won their final two sets 6-1 6-2, and Angus Gantlett (U6c) and Freddie Graham (L6c), who won theirs 6-2 6-1. The

consistency to win the match 6-0.

final win came at Bryanston, with a score of 9-0. With strong

The largest margin of victory was 8-1

individual performances under pressure, the result was a fitting

over Downside – a result that was especially impressive because a number of the team’s regular players were unable to turn out on the day. Barnaby Stannah (L6m) stepped up to form the third pair with niki Dembinski (L6c), and every player dominated on the court to help Sherborne achieve an emphatic win. A closely fought victory against Sherborne Tennis Club at the end of the season was similarly pleasing – not least because it showed that the boys can compete on level terms against senior players.

contrast to the season opener, which now felt like nothing more than a distant memory.

Colts A VI It was a mixed season for the Colts A VI, who scored three team losses to four wins. A 7-2 win over Clifton College set a promising tone in the first fixture of the season, but the boys’ second serves were sometimes rather nervy. That sense continued in a 2.5-6.5 loss to Millfield, but any doubts were then banished with an assured 6-3 victory over Canford School. With a couple of losses following, the boys came out for a brilliant 9-0 victory over Bryanston, with confident baseline rallying and effective volleying from the likes of Will Andrew (5d) and Monty Westall (5c) proving the difference between the two teams. A heartening season-ending 6-3 win over Kingswood School ensured things finished on a high – and there is already talk of this team doing great things next year.

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Colts B VI The Colts B VI only got two

Further evidence came from

the boys were fighting for points

matches this year, and their win

another run of victories towards

rather than sets, they kept their

rate was 50 per cent. The victory

the end of the season, including a

tails up and fought with grit and

was a 6-3 result against Canford

wonderful performance against

enthusiasm. Win or lose, these

School, with Charles Stagnetto

Poole Grammar School and an

defining marks of the team

(5a) and Jamie Rawlings (5m)

assured 9-0 win over Gillingham

endure, and help shape them for

winning all of their sets, and Fred

School in which every boy was at

the future.

Pettifer (5b) and Ed Jones (5d)

the peak of his powers. The

winning two out of three of theirs.

season ended with a repeat of this

The third pair of Freddie Durlacher

result – this time against

(5a) and Alex Rivers (5m) weren’t

Kingswood School, in which the

so strong, and won just a single

Sherborne players didn’t drop a

set – but the overall effort was

set. It was a fitting end to an

impressive, and justified the

impressive season for a young

Sherborne win. Alas, a tired team

squad with lots of talent.

stepped up against Bryanston in mid-May, and the players weren’t quite able to fend off a 4-5 loss

Junior Colts B VI

after a busy week of examinations.

Despite two early wins – against Millfield (7-2) and Clifton College

Junior Colts A VI The season couldn’t have got off to a better start, with the Juniors Colts A VI scoring an 8-1 win over Clifton College in April. George Flint (4m) and Bertie Wilson (4a) were lauded as pair of the day, not least because their early victory in the first round helped set the tone for Sherborne’s dominance throughout the day. A brace of 6-3 wins followed – one against Millfield and the other against Canford School – but a 3-6 loss to Bradfield College brought everyone down to earth. Even so,

(5-4), the team failed to make an impression on the rest of the season, and succumbed to defeat in their remaining fixtures. Even so, as the 4-5 loss to Canford School evidenced, the players have plenty of spirit. The pairings of Frey Hopkinson (4f) and Angus Macdonald (4g) and Max Fraser (4c) and Eudo Ashbrooke (4g) both delivered flashes of brilliance to level the match, while Louis Hawkes (4d) and Lawrence NemiClover (4b) showed dogged determination in their set, even if they weren’t quite able to win it.

Tournament Tennis Tournament tennis gives our young players the opportunity to compete against seniors from local clubs. Although they didn’t emerge from any of these events victorious, the experience of playing against opponents with big games is extremely helpful in our own players’ formation. And with plenty of close matches against the likes of Martock Tennis Club, Sherborne Tennis Club and Bridgewater Lawn Tennis Club, the boys can be proud

the courage and determination

These are the characteristics that

of their achievements in a

that was typified by pair of the day

define a team, and the Junior

variety of events throughout

Sam Vincent (4g) and Nick Morris

Colts B VI have them in

the South West.

(4a) showed just what this team is

abundance. Even in a 0-9 defeat

made of.

to Marlborough College, where

Squash The squash year can be deemed a success, with a number of emphatic wins and losses that resulted from closely contested matches. The season got off to a strong start with a 4-0 win over Sherborne Girls in which the boys didn’t drop a single game.

Mini Colts A VI Three out of the season’s six matches saw the Mini Colts A VI triumph, including wins against Clifton and Canford. A strong performance against Gillingham School ensured the

This set the tone for a run of positive performances before Christmas, where only one loss (against an inform Bryanston team) was recorded.

season ended with a win, but the real moment of interest was

By the New Year, the team were

when the Mini Colts A shared a hit with the Junior Colts. It

champing at the bit for more match

provided a wonderful inspiration for these young players, to

play. An inexperienced side fell 2-4 to

see what they may grow into. And the quality of tennis

a seasoned side from Sherborne

played by the likes of Jacob Schwandt (3f) and Alfie Davies

Girls, while a determined effort in the

(3m) show just what a remarkable 1st VI this current crop of

next fixture secured a 4-2 win over

Mini Colts could grow into.

Canford School. The Jesters lived up to their reputation for closing out matches by defeating us 1-2 just two days later, and the season ended with a 0-3 loss to The Pilgrims. Experience won over youth in this contest, but the boys proved stiff competition for their adult counterparts, and acquitted themselves well in some tough matches.

Mini Colts B VI It was 50/50 for the Mini Colts B VI this season: a convincing 7-2 victory over Clifton College to begin, in which Max Le Maistre (3g) and Dylan Trinkler (3g) were named pair of the day for a brilliant performance that saw them weather 16 deuces in the final game of their set against Clifton’s number one pair, and a 3-6 loss to Marlborough College in which the players struggled to contend with extreme heat. Even so, there were strong individual performances, and a sense that the group is gelling, and will benefit from further training.

- 127 -

Golf A highlight of Sherborne’s golfing calendar was playing Truro in the HMC Foursomes Regional Quarter Final, in which our boys won an impressive victory. Okehampton Golf Club was the venue, giving Truro something of a local advantage, but Sherborne’s players were uncowed. Tom (L6a) and Charles Stagnetto (5a) teamed up brilliantly to win their match on the 18th hole, showing the nerves of steel that are necessary to succeed in match play golf. Sid Gray (U6f) and Will Loughlin (4d) didn’t manage to win their match, but learned a huge amount from the experience. That meant Sherborne’s final pairing of George Sutton (U6m) and Johnny

Sailing

Hinde (U6g) had to perform if they

Sherborne’s impressive reputation in sailing was burnished this year with

were to keep the School in the

some impressive performances. The only loss recorded was during exam

competition. They played

season, when a rookie team struggled to make an impression as one of

magnificently through the turn,

20 teams in the Thames Valley Schools Sailing Championship.

emerging with a three-shot lead after 13 holes and utterly

With the School’s experienced sailors available, Sherborne proved

upending the form book. They

impossible to break down. A good example is the three-way match

held their nerve to play out the

against Millfield and Clifton College at Chew Valley Lake. With amazing

match, giving Sherborne a 2-1

performances from reigning Schools’ National Firefly champion Ben

victory that put them head to

Childerley (U6f) and his crewman Freddie Last (4f), the Sherborne team

head in a semi-final with the

beat both of its opposing teams 2-0.

Ladies of Millfield – a cherrypicked team made up of some of

The 2-0 result in Sherborne’s favour was repeated in a head-to-head

the UK’s finest young female

against Millfield later in the year, with a further 2-1 victory coming against

golfers.

Millfield in May. But things weren’t so straightforward against a strong Winchester College team. Our team went 2-1 down before recovering the final race at the last gasp and taking the match 3-2. All of which goes to show: even when things aren’t going their way, this group of sailors has the skill to get results.

Swimming Sherborne put in a brace of fantastic performances to win the first

two swimming galas of the academic year. In October, the team

were overall winners against the likes of Canford School,

Winchester College and milton Abbey. Led by captain James

Foulger (u6e), there were especially strong performances from

Ollie Charles (3m), Sam massey (4c), Guy Purbrick (u6g) and

Freddie Glassborow (L6f).

The School triumphed again at

(Breaststroke) and James Atwell

Dauntseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in November, with

(L6f) (Butterfly). James Foulger

the following winners: Guy

also recorded a significant

Purbrick (Individual Medley and

achievement, knocking five

Butterfly), Tom Hoare (U6e)

seconds off his 100m Individual

(Backstroke and Front Crawl),

Medley Personal Best.

Wills Wyatt (L6e) (Breaststroke), Oliver Charles (Breaststroke and Front Crawl) and Austin Marsh (5f) (Breaststroke). In addition, the Senior Team won relays in both the 4 x 50m Medley and the 4 x 50m Freestyle.

By the end of the season, both the U16s and the Senior Team were back at peak performance: the former came second in a gala at Canford School, while the former won. These boys were victorious at the event: Guy

Things got more difficult in the

Purbrick (Individual Medley),

New Year, when a depleted

Tom Hoare (Backstroke), Wills

team lost to Dauntseyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and

Wyatt (Breaststroke), Austin

struggled to make an impression

Marsh (Breaststroke), Ollie

during a gala at Sherborne Girls

Charles (Butterfly and Freestyle)

in April. Even so, the following

and Petch Pibuldham (L6a)

boys won their races: Austin

(Butterfly). The Senior Team

Marsh (Breaststroke), Theo

Medley Relay team of Tom

Ratcliffe (4e) (Butterfly), Tom

Hoare, James Atwell, Petch

Hoare (Backstroke and

Pibuldham and Wills Wyatt also

Freestyle), Wills Wyatt

won their race.

CRICKET 1st XI It was an inauspicious start to the cricket season for the 1st xI as they slumped to a comprehensive defeat at the hands of king’s College Taunton. They instantly bounced back with a 63-run victory over marlborough College a week later, but struggled again to overcome the might of king’s College, losing by nine wickets in the national Cup match. millfield gave the team a chance of redemption, and they took it by recording an excellent 46-run victory, while they lost by 48 runs to mount kelly College. A brace of victories followed: a comprehensive victory over The Pilgrims, and another against Bryanston. While Taunton School beat us by two wickets, the season ended on a high with a 41-run victory over Clifton College on The upper and excellent team performances in away wins against Canford and Blundell’s. Luke mcLaughlin (5c) scored a wonderful 100 against marlborough College; Harry Fisher (u6m) made a splendid 112 not out at Canford; and Charlie millar (L6c) raced to a hundred against the university of Birmingham. With the ball, Jonty Walliker (L6g) in the Lower Sixth took 6 wickets against Sherborne Pilgrims and 5 against Blundell’s which included a hat trick, and captain Tom Perkins (u6a) picked up 5 wickets against the university of Birmingham. There are now 5 different names waiting to go up on the Honours Board in the upper Pavilion for 2018.

- 129 -

2nd XI With just one defeat – the season

didn’t disappoint, winning by 41

(5g) made a crucial catch on the

curtain raiser against a typically

runs thanks in no small part to a

long-off boundary to send their in-

strong King’s College Taunton

sparkling 86-run innings from

form batsman to the changing

team – the 2nd XI showed good

captain Tom Pope (U6m). This has

rooms. With one more single

form in 2018. They beat Millfield

been an impressive year from a

clawed from the innings, Taunton

emphatically by nine wickets, with

team that shows strength and

needed just one from the final ball

Seb Carty (L6a) and Tom Pope

depth throughout.

to tie the match. But Sherborne’s

(U6m) notching up a 72-run

players kept their cool to run out

unbroken partnership. Carty was in

3rd XI

the batsman – securing a narrow

the runs again during a 119-run

A troublesome four-game losing

victory that will live long in the

win over Ryde School – a fixture in

run came to an end in March when

memory.

which Tadgh Patten (L6m) batted

Sherborne’s 3rd XI beat Prior Park

his way to an impressive 57. None

by a slender eight runs. It was a

4th XI

of that would have counted for

dramatic turnaround in the team’s

Although the season began with a

much without the skillful bowling

fortunes after multi-wicket defeats

six-wicket defeat at the hands of

of Harry Gibbs (U6m) and Felix

at the hands of King’s College

King’s College Taunton, there

Harvey (5f), who combined

Taunton, Clayesmore,

were signs of encouragement for

aggression with control to

Marlborough College and

Sherborne’s 4th XI. Max Findlay

dominate the wicket.

Millfield. But it set in motion a

(5d) had a dangerous-looking spell

marked improvement: they won

with the ball in hand, while Oscar

As the season approached its

by 83 runs against Bryanston and

Chandler (5c) hit an impressive 30

closing stages with a fixture

enjoyed a thrilling win over

with his bat. That promise almost

against Clifton College,

Taunton School. This game went

came to fruition in a close match

Sherborne’s 2nds were looking to

to the final over, with Taunton

against Marlborough College,

make it seven wins in a row. They

needing five to win. Louis D’Abo

where just four runs separated the

- 131 -

Colts B XI teams. And a win did finally come

This team enjoyed an unbeaten

against Taunton: Sherborne put

season, achieving a victory in their

136 on the scoreboard with

only game, against Marlborough

especially strong batting from Guy

College. The Colts B XI won by 11

Deverell (U6m) (63). Taunton

runs with eight overs remaining,

managed 127 in reply to give our

thanks in no small part to a

team the victory. What’s more,

wonderful opening stand of 61

their staff made a point of

between Jack Tucker (5c) and Ben

complimenting Sherborne’s boys

Wadham (5m). Max Findlay (5d)

on the manner in which they

then bowled well to record three

conducted the match.

for 16, before Ben Wadham took the vital wicket that led to

Colts A XI The Colts A XI beat Sherborne Town by three wickets in a thrilling match in April. They then went on to beat Marlborough College by seven wickets – a result that showcased the team’s strength at batting and bowling.

Marlborough’s middle-order collapse and ensured that a game which looked like it would be close finished in something of a hurry.

Junior Colts A XI

Junior Colts B XI

A disappointing seven-wicket

The dominance of King’s College

defeat to King’s College Taunton

Taunton continued for the Junior

three-match winning streak. The

in a match that may have had a

Colts B XI, who lost their opening

other contests were against

very different outcome with a

game of the season by 85 runs. It

Bournemouth School, beaten by

kinder opening wicket and more

was an experimental side that

nine wickets, and Ryde School,

disciplined fielding paved the way

played, having only enjoyed one

who Sherborne beat by 127 runs.

for a run of six straight victories.

training session in each other’s

A wobble against Bryanston

The team beat Clayesmore by five

company. Alex Hobbs (4c) broke

ensued, resulting in a three-wicket

wickets on a wet pitch that tested

his duck with a stand of 15, but

defeat, but the team turned things

their character before defeating

King’s had the day, despite

around with a solid win against

Marlborough by 24 runs two days

impressive resistance from

Canford School.

later. Another two days after that

Sherborne’s lower-order batsmen.

they beat Bournemouth School by

The team tasted victory against

The highlight of the season came

six wickets, and then recorded

Millfield in May, winning by 96 runs

with victory over Bryanston in the

their fourth win in a week, beating

after bowling the opposition out

Dorset County Cup Final.

Millfield by 37 runs. It was a

for 20.

Sherborne won by 37 runs, and will go on to represent Dorset next

challenging spell, but one that helped build the boys’ stamina,

over Millfield that established a

year in the national competition. It

and give them a good chance to

Mini Colts A XI

was a great end to an impressive

develop momentum. Two more

The King’s College curse struck

season for a team that is growing

impressive victories followed,

again for the Mini Colts A XI, with

all the time.

before a narrow defeat to Canford

a season-opening loss by nine

School in the final of a

wickets to the dominant force in

competition at the Ferndown

school cricket. Despite then falling

Wayfarers Cricket Club, having

30 runs short of victory at

won the semi final against Poole

Marlborough College, the team

Grammar School by 62 runs.

picked itself up for a 17 run win

- 133 -

Mini Colts B XI With just two defeats, the Mini

memorable bowling in a defeat to

the team’s performance. As this

Colts B XI played with verve and

Marlborough College. The longed

win showed, the team has guts –

determination, even managing to

for win came with a 56 run victory

and the players are always willing

beat their opponents from King’s

over Taunton School, in which

to go the extra mile when

College Taunton in the season

Charlie Gatti’s (3b) superb bowling

representing Sherborne.

opener. Will Jonas (3d), Oli

(four wickets for one run off 1.1

Brunton (3m) and Hugo Ricketts

overs) made a crucial difference to

(3d) won deserved plaudits for their performances, and were named as joint men of the match. Further wins followed – against Millfield (five runs), Ryde (10 wickets – with the team beating Ryde’s target of 48 runs in just six overs), Bryanston (92 runs) and Clifton College (42 runs).

Mini Colts C XI Despite a tough run of defeats in the early part of the season, the Mini Colts C XI seemed to be learning all the time. Charlie Fairclough Wood (3m) showed particular promise with the bat in hand, while Billy Stephens (3d) and Jack Pyman (3e) delivered some

Ski racing Sherborne participated in the DHO

because ski racing is inevitably a

Water polo

British Schoolboys Ski Racing event

high-risk sport. In pursuit of a third

The water polo team played in

in Wengen from 29 to 31 January.

successive title, Will Perkins

some tightly fought matches

Racing on the iconic Lauberhorn

crashed out of the slalom course.

throughout the season, including

provided a heady mix of

Tom Perkins also fell on the

a nervy game against Taunton School. It could have gone either way, but James Atwell’s (L6f) 10 goals help contribute to a healthy 18-13 win for Sherborne. Unfortunately, the momentum

intimidation for first-time racers

penultimate gate of his final run,

and exhilaration for all. It was

ending his chance of an overall

certainly an experience to be

medal. It is by such margins that

remembered, and the courses were

these races are won and lost, which

a real test of skill. Our boys’

is of course what makes for such an

excellent results were well earned.

exciting sport. Ben Farmbrough

Floodlit Dual Slalom - The first

(3a) Tommy Boylan (5c) and George

event was a dual slalom, which is

Perkins (3a) skied strongly to

team slipped to a 3-10 loss against

always a favourite with the boys

complete both of their slalom races.

Marlborough College. Given the

and the crowds. The U16 team set

relative inexperience of the team,

the standard with a fantastic silver

the DHO competition is the team

the performance was gutsy and

medal, losing to Reed’s in the final.

event: three racers out of the team

couldn’t be maintained, and the

Overall - The unique element to

suggested good things for the

Meanwhile, the U18 team, Toby

of four must complete each of the

future. A 10-10 draw at Taunton

Jones (5b), Ignacio Rivero-Anglada

four runs, including their

Deane Swimming Club showed

(5a), Tom Perkins (U6a) and Will

performances in both the Giant

some superb team play, with

Perkins (L6a), produced a series of

Slalom and Slalom. When a boy

Robert Kennedy (L6f) showing great courage in defence. A 4-4 draw against Marlborough College was similarly encouraging: last year, the team was well beaten, so it was a clear sign of progress to be level pegging with Marlborough’s experienced squad. A return match against Taunton Deane Swimming Club resulted in a 16-12 victory for Sherborne, with third formers Theo Jaratt (3b) and Oscar Welchman (3b) deserving

exceptional races to beat Reed’s in

falls, misses a gate or is

the final, earning the gold medal.

disqualified, it is up to the other

This is the first time a Sherborne

members of the team to forgo their

team has won this event.

personal ambition and ski selflessly

Giant Slalom - Sunshine over

for the good of the team. Ignacio

the Lauberhorn provided great

Rivero-Anglada and Toby Jones

conditions for the Giant Slalom.

exemplified this unselfish approach

Will Perkins maintained his form in

throughout the competition, and

the event to post two excellent

deserve great credit for that.The

times and lead the unregistered

Sherborne A team achieved

competition overnight. Frey

second in the team unregistered

Hopkinson (4f) also skied with

event, while the B team came

determination to post two great

fourth. The boys showed great

times. Tom Perkins achieved the

spirit throughout and were expertly

Bronze medal in the U21 Giant

led by Tom Perkins. He captained

particular credit for holding their

Slalom due to his consistency over

with great passion and was keen to

own against more experienced

two runs. Oli Brunton (3m) and

share his experience with the

opposition. As the last match

Edward Waller (3a) both put in

younger members. Every single

played by anything resembling the

strong performances on the first

member of the team did the

regular squad, this result showed

day of racing.

School proud with their

the young team’s development

Slalom - The challenge of a

over the season, and underscored

four-race championship is

their potential for the future.

exceptionally hard, not least

determination, commitment and positive attitude.

- 135 -

Cross Country Sherborne’s cross country runners enjoyed some memorable moments in 2018. There were strong performances at Kingswood School from Guy Purbrick (U6g) (8th place) and Will Crosthwaite Eyre (U6a) (12th place), while George Case (5m) came 10th out of a field of 120 at the Dorset Trials. He pushed hard over 6.5km, winning selection for the South West Championships as a result of his efforts. Aidan Dure-Smith (3g) also performed well at this event, coming 18th out of 130 in the 5km race and earning a place on the reserve list for the South West

Polo

Championships. In a further success, four runners

Two of our Fifth Form boys, Sam Yorke (5m) and Ralph Loveys Jervoise (5m), took up polo at the beginning of the year. They teamed up with Tom Dubois (5a) who had done the same a year ago and collectively, they have been attending Druids Lodge Polo Club for coaching on a weekly basis. In April, they took part in the Schools and Universities Polo Association (SUPA)

medalled in the challenging Studland Stampede: Aidan Dure-Smith (silver medal, juniors), George Case (gold, inters), Jack Bodenham (5d) (bronze, inters) and Will Crosthwaite Eyre (gold, seniors). In each case, the performance was down to hard training, which helped ensure the boys’ fitness when they turned up on race day.

Senior Schools Arena polo tournament. They played three chukkas, and won one, drew one and lost one. On Sunday 17 June, at Longdole Polo Club, the team comprised of Yanis Hammick (L6m) (captain), Tom Dubois, Ralph Loveys Jervoise and Sam Yorke. They won the novice section without conceding a single goal over all four chukkas in the tournament (1-0, 4-0, 1-0, 4-0).

Clay Pigeon Shooting 16 boys turned out with their parents to contest the sixth annual Parents’ and Sons’ Clay Pigeon Shooting Competition at the end of Trinity Term. There were three trophies available, for the highest scoring boy, parent and pair. Cameron Cooper (5d) took the high gun title for the second year in a row, with Harry Case (L6g) and Henry Parsons (4d) just behind. Hugo Hurrell (L6g) and Alexander Andrews (5d) showed their potential, with strong performances throughout. Piers Hurrell won the parents’ trophy, while Cameron Cooper and his father Chris won the parent and son prize.

10 Years on... Adam Ferris (d08)

After leaving Sherborne in 2008, I embarked on a gap year during which I volunteered at my local Citizens’ Advice Bureau and worked parttime, before spending two months driving a Skoda Felicia from Goodwood racecourse to ulaanbaatar with Charles Whitcombe (d08). After dusting myself off, I spent the next three years living in Camden and reading Law as an undergraduate at university College London. The London universities tend to be less

meetings and lots of time

contract gap and then

favoured by Shirburnians, however my

spent on the phone to

started my training

experience was very positive: the quality of the

financial directors. This

contract with CMS in

teaching, the social life and - most importantly

line of work did not lack

January 2016. My training

as far as my future was concerned - the regular

the commerciality that I

contract consisted of four

contact I had with individuals working at

desired during my time

six-month stints in

London-based law firms were all excellent.

with the Commission but

different departments

I found that it did not

within the firm, including

Upon leaving university in 2012, I was not

offer much by the way of

six months spent in the

convinced that I wanted to pursue a career in the

intellectual rigour. Thus,

firm’s Prague office

legal sector and had notions of exploring what

after a year and a half

advising banks and

else was on offer. I stumbled across and

with the brokerage, I

corporate borrowers in

accepted an interesting-sounding contract

decided that a career as

relation to the English

working for the Commission on a Bill of Rights,

a solicitor with a

law aspects of

an independent commission established to

commercial law firm

international finance

investigate the viability of creating a UK Bill of

would offer me the

transactions. In January

Rights (a written constitution of sorts). Based at

balance I was looking for

2018, I qualified into the

the Ministry of Justice, this was intellectually

and I secured a training

CMS “Banking

stimulating work, analysing the nation’s

contract with the City law

Litigation” team where I

understanding of fundamental rights. Whilst I

firm, CMS.

undertake a mixture of complex litigation work

enjoyed working with the Commission, ultimately I felt I would be better suited to an environment

I undertook the required

acting for banks,

with more of a commercial edge and so,

Legal Practice Course

contentious insolvency

following the publication of the Commission’s

during 2014/15 (and fully

work and general

report, I decided to take a position on the sales

enjoyed being a student

commercial litigation.

desk of a small currency brokerage in West

again), worked as a

London. In contrast to my previous work, this

paralegal for another law

environment was lively and fast-paced and my

firm called Linklaters to

days were characterised by financial targets,

fill the pre-training

- 137 -

Crispian Poon (m08) Compared to others in my year, I guess I was lucky in

one of the group

that I always knew I wanted to be in engineering. I

companies. Looking back,

have been tinkering with electronics and computers

Sherborne had a very

since I was in prep school, so naturally after leaving

important role in shaping

Sherborne in 2008, I read Electrical Engineering at

my life. Boarding school

Imperial College London with A levels in Electronics,

taught me resilience and

Physics, maths and Further maths. Engineering at

independence – whilst

Imperial was a shock to me - on one hand I was

7:15am starts were a

inventing everything with technology, but on the other

knowing how to rely on

mesmerised by my passionate classmates who loved hand the four-year course was academically

challenging – the workload was high, and the material

required intense self-study. Imperial gave me the

academic arsenal to unleash cutting-edge innovation in anything I wanted to put my hands on; it’s also a

very useful brand name to leverage for my career.

Sherborne taught me to be bold – in my four years of

gentle test of stamina, limitations it was very difficult to get in. Luckily my company was very flexible and helped me get a visa sponsorship. For the next five years I went on to design lots of exciting bits of

university, I regularly pushed myself out of my comfort

electronics, software and

zone. Unlike many Shirburnians, I never joined CCF and

systems for electric taxis,

regretted it – I joined the Officer Training Corps with

monster trucks and sports

the TA as soon as I started university. The three years of

cars. I had lots of fun

officer training was difficult to balance with Imperial’s

adventures driving around

workload, but the experience was life changing – it

test tracks and, in the case

pushed my limits to the extreme, taught me so much

of the taxi, around the

about teamwork and leadership, and most importantly

streets of London,

helped me bond with a wide variety of fellow students,

occasionally getting

with whom I shared many painful, exhausting, sleep

flagged down by

deprived, cold, stressful and fun memories. Apart from

unwitting customers.

running my own platoon as Platoon Sergeant, I also got

Currently I’ve been

involved in lots of fun projects at Imperial – I made