Society Magazine | October 2022

WElCOME fROM MR TOTTMAN

Welcome to the very first edition of our new Dunottar Society magazine, Reflections.

This publication has been designed to bring you news about life at Dunottar School today, alongside Dunottar Society news, views, events and a full review of the previous academic year.

The Dunottar Society has taken over from where the alumni left off, welcoming pupils, former pupils, parents, local residents, staff and supporters of the school to be part of this diverse community.

It is our ambition to continue to reconnect with former pupils and grow The Dunottar Society over the forthcoming years to reflect the diverse and dynamic community of school supporters. We also look forward to inviting you all back into school for a regular programme of events, including the annual school production, seasonal concerts, scholarly performances and reunions.

We hope you enjoy this publication and welcome any feedback or feature ideas you may have for future editions.

Please do spread the word and encourage anyone interested in supporting Dunottar School to register their details on the Society pages of our website.

With best wishes

Mr Mark Tottman HEADMASTER

THE REUNION ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-2022

On Sunday 3rd October 2021, we welcomed back over 200 alumni members for afternoon tea and a tour of the school’s new facilities.

Guests were treated to sandwiches, scones and jam and a chance to network with old teaching staff and peers, alongside current teaching staff and pupils.

I just want to thank all those responsible for organising such a very successful and welcoming visit to Dunottar…it was one of the most memorable and enjoyable reunions that I have ever attended. I was so impressed with all the recent major structural additions as well as the encompassed warm atmosphere and enthusiasm.

Wendy Forster née ROE (1949-56)

We look forward to hosting a similar Dunottar Society event this academic year. Details will be posted on the Society pages of our website and an invitation will be sent out in the summer of 2023.

It was one of the most memorable reunions I have ever attended

“ ”

DUNOTTAR PICTURE SHOW ‘ ‘

On Thursday 26th May our Lower School pupils took guests on a tour through the wonderful world of films, with their production ‘Dunottar Picture Show’.

The show took place in the Outdoor Theatre, set in the beautiful woodland grounds of our school, where guests were treated to extracts from a variety of movies and genres that included Hocus Pocus, Psycho and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

GREASE

AN ElECTRIfYIN’ PERfORMANCE Of THE HIGH-ENERGY MUSICAl

The annual school production

On Thursday 24th and Friday 25th March, the Drama and Music Department staged an electrifyin’ production of Grease The Musical.

Complete with immersive pre-show entertainment, our cast of 85, from Year 7 through to Sixth Form, took to the stage with high aplomb, to deliver a toe-tapping musical extravaganza.

Many guests from The Dunottar Society attended the show, enjoying an evening of high-energy entertainment in our new state-of-the-art Castle Theatre.

“This year’s production of ‘Grease’ was a wonderful experience for the whole school community. Every member of the cast was outstanding; their generosity, talent and spirit shone through, and we could not be more proud of them. The final performances were outstanding, with rapturous applause, laughter and cheering right till the very end! We take pride in the inclusivity of our annual school musical, and we cannot wait to see how we top this success next year!”

Tarani Jago HEAD OF DRAMA

This year’s inclusive production of ‘Grease’ was a wonderful experience for the whole school community

“ ”

GREASE THE m USI c A l

FRO m THE AR c HIVES

fROM THE

ARCHIVES

We are excited to announce that we have undertaken a comprehensive archiving project to digitalise our wonderful collection of historic literature and artefacts illustrating the rich history of Dunottar School and its community. The items have been scanned and made available for you to search and view.

You can find the archive on The Dunottar Society pages of our website, where among many other things, you’ll be able to search for old school programmes, look at air raid reports, and indulge in photographs showing the school grounds, year groups and school productions dating back to the 1930s.

If you have anything you would like to donate or lend to the archiving project, please get in touch with the team dunottar.society@dunottarschool.com

We will return any precious artefacts once they have been scanned.

SCHOOl NEWS…

The last academic year was action packed, the summer term alone included over 90 cricket fixtures, the District Athletics Championships, a Ready Steady Cook competition and The Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions for Bronze, Silver and Gold participants, alongside the first public exams since the Covid pandemic for our Year 11 and 13 pupils.

We are excited to be back on track, with a busy calendar and a thriving school community, packed with learning, extra-curricular activities and school trips.

Here are a few highlights from the year:

YEAR 9 CROSS-CURRICUlAR

WWI DAY

On Thursday 17th March 2022, our Year 9 pupils participated in a cross-curricular World War I day.

The aim of the day was for pupils to learn more about the history of war through a full day of engaging activities, including a coding treasure hunt in maths, rationing, and making Anzac biscuits in food and nutrition.

Pupils also created aeroplanes in art and, using the ‘Virtual Reality’ (VR) headsets, experienced the terrifying reality of life in a trench.

The day also included a military drill competition and an inter-house football tournament.

THE DUNOTTAR TASTER DAY

We’re delighted that Dunottar continues to grow in popularity, with an ever-increasing number of applicants each year, making the selection process very challenging!

In May 2022, we hosted our annual Taster Morning for a fantastic cohort of Year 5 pupils, hoping to join us in September 2023.

They took part in an exciting Harry Potter themed science lesson, creating potions from witches’ warts and shredded lizard gizzards amongst other delightful ingredients. Pupils were then able to choose another fun activity including art, cricket, photography, cooking, geography (using VR technology) and Lego robotics.

One parent commented: “Thank you so much to all the team for today! My daughter had a brilliant time. You can’t get more of an endorsement than her saying ‘I wish I could have continued’ as soon as we got out the gate! Don’t suppose you fancy running it every Saturday.”

CHARITY WORk

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•

•

Supported

YEAR 9 HOlOCAUST PROjECT

During the last academic year, 30 of our Year 9 pupils were involved in a project organised by Royal Wootton Bassett Academy, supported by the UCL Centre of Holocaust Education. The project is based on the two-part BBC documentary ‘My Family, the Holocaust and Me’ where five secondgeneration British Jews embark on a journey to discover the Holocaustrelated past of their families.

Our pupils interviewed families impacted by the Holocaust, and learned the truth behind the suffering of the Jews.

GlASS BlOWING WORkSHOP

On 4th March, our art scholars attended a workshop at the studio of one of Britain’s leading glass artists, Adam Aaronson.

At the West Horsley studio, pupils chose what they wanted to make, either a bird, circular or abstract paperweight, or tumbler. After choosing their colours, pupils had the opportunity to work with Adam and his assistants to make their individual pieces. They dipped, pulled, spun and twisted the hot glass as it slowly cooled, moulding their designs using specialist tools and materials.

The experience was thrilling, and all pupils produced some impressive work.

Next time you pay a visit to the school, please make sure you drop into the orangery/reception area where you will find the glass pieces on display.

CAREERS

NATIONAl APPRENTICESHIP WEEk – fEBRUARY 2022

In February 2022, we welcomed a series of guest speakers into our classrooms to highlight the wealth of growing apprenticeship opportunities in the workplace.

Our pupils heard from Max Rayner, a Level 6 apprentice at local architectural practice WS Planning & Architecture, about his ‘learn as you earn’ degree level alternative to university.

Sue Taylor of ALPS (Association of Learning Providers Surrey) also highlighted the vast number of local opportunities available with well-known brands and corporate blue-chip corporations.

Robert Harper MD of CBSbutler, completed the series, showcasing the growing number of apprenticeship opportunities available in the IT sector.

NATIONAl CAREERS WEEk – MARCH 2022

During National Careers week we hosted a selection of STEM focused guest speakers across three days, including Mobile App developer, Sonin; IT recruitment specialist, CBSbutler and freelance game developer, Mark Hardisty.

Our pupils gained valuable insight and industry knowledge during these sessions, and as we continue to build our careers programme, we would love to hear from you if you would like to host a careers session.

If this sounds of interest, please email the team at dunottar.society@dunottarschool.com with any thoughts and ideas.

We are also interested in hearing from any ex-pupils enjoying a gap year or work placement to talk about their experiences.

CElEBRATING

SUCCESS

After five years of hard work and a series of Year 11 mock exams, our Year 11 cohort were able to sit their GCSE exams in May and June of 2022.

And what a fantastic job they did, 12 percent of all grades attained were grade 9 and 50 percent the top grades 9-7. This is especially impressive as our students comprise a range of academic abilities.

Headmaster, Mr Mark Tottman, said: “I am delighted with this outstanding set of GCSE results and our positive value-added scores demonstrate that students studying at Dunottar are likely to achieve better exam results than if they had studied the same course elsewhere. Despite the uncertainty of the last two years, students have displayed true Warrior Learner characteristics to navigate these challenges. These results are testament to their commitment to learning, resilience and positivity, the belief and dedication of our teaching staff and the support of the Dunottar community.

I am incredibly proud of Dunottar students for their individual achievements. They have not only enjoyed academic success but have triumphed in sport, are talented musicians and performers and enthusiastic participants in the school’s extensive co-curricular programme. Equipped with a strong set of values and self-belief, these young adults are role models and leaders. I look forward to welcoming them, along with our new Sixth Form joiners, to the next stage of their education.”

& GOOD lUCk! GOODBYE

Students at Dunottar School celebrated outstanding A-level results, in which 44 percent of the grades attained were A*/A and 18 percent the top A* grade.

Our 2022 leavers secured places at leading universities, with 90 percent gaining their firstchoice university in a range of courses, including Economics, Psychology, Liberal Arts, Politics & Sociology, Engineering and Arts.

Since Mr Mark Tottman took over the helm, with his vision for creating a collaborative and dynamic learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities, an impressive IT infrastructure and a holistic view of success, Dunottar has become a thriving co-educational school with students joining from over 40 schools. The Good School’s Guide recently referred to Dunottar as “a small school with a big heart”. Students are at the heart of everything we do in our friendly, caring and creative community. We believe our students are capable of great things and look forward to celebrating their continued success as they leave knowing that with the education, skills and values learnt at Dunottar, their possibilities are endless.

Music at Dunottar continues to thrive with a cohort of talented musicians and performers hosting regular showcases. These events are an opportunity for our pupils to experience the thrill of performing to a live audience and provide a fantastic opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in the arts.

DUNOTTAR SPRING

CONCERT

Our Spring Concert took place back in March with more than 30 pupils taking to the stage to perform an eclectic mix of performances, from Beethoven, to Blur and Elmer Bernstein.

2022 SUMMER

SHOWCASE

The Spring Concert was followed by the Summer Showcase in June 2022, where the Chamber Ensemble, Training Orchestra and various other soloists took to the stage to perform a collection of classical, contemporary, and rock pieces, that included Hamilton, The Lion King, Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides Overture and a toe-tapping AC/DC classic. A strong showcase from our uber-talented performers.

UNOTTAR

ART DUNOTTAR

ArtcontinuestothriveatDunottar,withacohortoftalented youngartistswhocanoftenbefoundinthestudios,working independentlyusingavarietyofmediums,showcasing exceptionallevelsoftalentandcreativity.Lastyear’skeythemes

A fOCUS ON

CRICkET

As you may or may not be aware, we are in the top 100 schools for cricket in the country, judged against an extensive set of criteria, which includes a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

In the spring 2022 season, our Under 13 players maintained their winning streak and reputation as key players, winning 3/3 of their finals day matches, to become deserved county champions in the Lord Taverners Indoor County Cup.

Stand-out performances on the day upheld the school’s runaway reputation as the ‘ones’ to watch when it comes to this exciting game.

We are highly committed to inspiring our pupils to discover a love of cricket

“ ”

SPORT PTA

The summer term saw the school celebrate even more success, with the U12 boys beating Royal Russell School and Reigate Grammar School to make it through to the last 16 of the Cup, whilst the U13 boys’ team made it into the second round of the Cup, following a comprehensive win over Lingfield School.

Our girls’ teams are also beginning to make strong headway, having competed in the hard ball County Cup for the first time in the school’s history, making it through to the last 16, beating Caterham School in the second round.

The summer ‘Team of the Term’ went to the U12B team who were unbeaten, winning five out of five matches.

“We are highly committed to inspiring our pupils to discover a love of cricket. It forms a central programme on our sports curriculum, so we’re delighted to receive recognition for our dedication to the sport”.

Jack Myers DIRECTOR OF CRICKET AT DUNOTTAR

DUNOTTAR SCHOOl PTA

Led by Carol Scopes, our PTA has continued to support the school magnificently. We are very grateful for their contribution and numerous parental initiatives including: • Picnic tables and garden benches

Do-nutter Day!

Storage sheds, compost and tools - for gardening club

Two Big Start tents - for events

Board games - for the Sixth Form

Additional resources - for various departments

Easter eggs - for everyone!

At the end of the last academic year, we marked the end of an era with Carol Scopes stepping down as Chair and Justine Morris, Melissa Jones, Mark Davies and Vanessa Turpin all moving on after many years of service.

Their work has made a huge impact to school life and they leave a legacy that will be hard to follow.

ARE THEY Where now?

Joe Ke R ven Dunottar School 2016-2021

What have you been up to since leaving Dunottar?

I applied for deferred entry at university and decided to take a gap year after leaving Dunottar. I have been lucky enough to gain my Surf Lifesaving and Instructor qualification. This meant I was able to work as a surf instructor down in Cornwall over the summer after A levels. I had the most amazing time down there. I lived in a van and surfed every moment in my time off.

Instructing allowed me to explore other teaching opportunities and led to me working as a ski instructor in Canada for the winter! I gained my CASI Level One Ski Instructor qualification after four weeks of intense training. I lived in Banff for five months and worked at Lake Louise. Despite taking lessons and operating lifts in temperatures that were sometimes as low as -40° Celsius along with 5.30am starts, it was such an incredible experience. I learnt many valuable life skills and I have some amazing memories.

What is your highlight?

It is very difficult to pick one particular highlight from my gap year. So far, I would have to say that nothing can beat surfing. It is a feeling that does not come close to anything I have ever experienced before, I cannot get enough of it!

What are your plans for the next 6 months / year?

I am currently living down in Cornwall again, but I plan to travel to Croatia in July for a month on a conservation expedition. I will be living for two weeks in Krka National Park, monitoring and studying native wildlife. I will then be spending two weeks on Silba island, learning to scuba dive and collecting data on Mediterranean biodiversity. After this, I will, of course, be back down to Cornwall to work and surf some more!

In the Autumn, I start at Exeter University where I will be reading Conservation Biology and Ecology. However, this will be at their Penryn Campus, which is close to the coast. This means, yes… I can surf whenever I have the chance!

What one piece of advice would you give pupils leaving Dunottar this year?

I am so glad I have taken a gap year and I would highly recommend it. It is such a precious time that you will never have again, and although it can be hard work to organise and a challenge raising the money to fund it, the life experience you gain is so worth it.

I loved psychology when I was at Dunottar. It was such an interesting subject to learn about

“ ”

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

What was your favourite subject at Dunottar?

I loved psychology when I was at Dunottar. It was such an interesting subject to learn about, one which I readily relate to in everyday occurrences. I also had a wicked teacher, Mr Kokott, who made my lessons exciting and engaging.

What’s your fondest memory from being at Dunottar?

I loved my time in the Sixth Form at Dunottar the most. It was very exciting to be based in the new Sixth Form Centre. I have some happy memories: playing pool with my friends, laughing at one of Mr Manning’s excellent jokes, and enjoying chats over a hot chocolate with Mel. It was always a place of kindness and there was a wonderful community spirit.

Ji LL T WAML ey (née D A nie LS ) 1945 -1956 Pupil, 1965 - 1993 Staff

A pupil, teacher and active chair of the original ‘Old Girls’ Association, Jill Twamley is a familiar name among former pupils and teaching staff alike.

An active member of the alumni since 1956, she leaves a legacy of fundraising and networking that is the foundation for the new Dunottar Society.

you joined Dunottar in 1945, when the school was much smaller and single sex - what was that like?

Jill is standing in the centre.

What are your fondest memories?

My year was very small... I have so many memories I could write a book, but the overriding one is that we were a big happy family, all the pupils knew each other and the staff (who were very caring) treated us like siblings.

I have a funny memory of trying to eat peas at lunch, they were always so hard. When we had lunch in the ballroom, we would put them down the grills in the floor where they’d fall through to the cellar. I also have a very fond memory of picking fruit in the kitchen garden in the summer.

How did you become involved in the

old Girls’ Association?

In 1956, Mr Elliot Pyle organised a meeting at the school to re-instate the ‘Old Girls’ Association which had lapsed since before the war. At that meeting, Miss Sweeting (staff) became secretary, Margery Aarons the chair and I became treasurer. My father was an accountant, so Mr Pyle thought that would help me.

What sort of activities were you involved with?

In the autumn of 1956, we organised a bring-and-buy for luxury items, including a hairdryer for the boarders and a video camera for the main school. A few years after that I took on the role of chair and we continued to organise some kind of autumn fundraising sale each year.

What do you think of the modern Dunottar?

The new Dunottar is excellent. Every time I come into school I say, ‘I wish I was here now!’ The facilities are exceptional. It reminds me of when the art studio once doubled as the science and chemistry lab. On one occasion, the biologist couldn’t find the frogs for a dissection lesson because the art teacher had let them lose into the garden, saying it was cruel to keep them locked up!

DUNOTTAR SCHOOl STAff & GOVERNING BODY

We would like to take a moment to pay tribute to some of our brilliant teaching staff who moved onto pastures new in the 2022/2023 academic year:

Mr Simon Manning - Director of Sport

One of Dunottar’s most vibrant teachers, Simon made a huge impact on sport at Dunottar, championing inclusion, elite level playing and team sports with enduring popularity amongst both pupils, parents and staff alike. His will be big football boots to fill.

Miss Lianne Purvis

A relative newcomer to Dunottar, Lianne was instrumental in encouraging the girls to get more involved in sport. She left Dunottar last year to take a senior PE role at a school in Wimbledon.

Sylvie Machacek

A technician in both the art and science departments for more than 10 years, Sylvie was an invaluable support system to the teaching staff here.

S CH oo L Gove R no RS

it is with huge thanks that we pay tribute to the members of the Local Governing Body who left last year. Their commitment, time and energy will leave an undisputable legacy of growth at Dunottar, providing a solid foundation on which to continue to develop our ever-popular school.

Ros Given-Wilson - Chair of Local Governing Body (LGB) 2014 - 2021

Ros joined the LGB at Dunottar School in 2014, taking up the role of chair when Dunottar School joined the United Learning Group.

Working alongside the Senior Leadership Team, Ros has been instrumental in providing invaluable advice and consultancy throughout her seven year term.

Ros will be succeeded by Andy Porteous, who takes up the role of chair of the Governing Body, providing consultancy to the school as it continues to grow.

olivia Gadd - Parent Governor from 2014 - 2021

Olivia was instrumental in helping save the school in 2014. Networking with the Love Dunottar group to forge a united campaign to keep Dunottar alive.

Kari Hale - Parent Governor from 2014 - 2021

Kari sat within the original panel of Trustee Governors alongside Olivia Gadd and Andy Porteous. Kari worked with Olivia to help re-imagine Dunottar School as the thriving co-educational success it is today.

i

n TR o D u C in G TH e ne W ADD i T ion S To ou R B oARD o F Gove R no RS:

Andrew Telford

With a philosophy that focuses on helping the world’s best companies do more good for the world, Andrew will be bringing his unique vision to help shape the future of the school.

Dan Hawker

Entrepreneur, advisor and investor, Dan Hawker will be supporting Dunottar, helping shape our plans with a clear focus on sustainability.

Suzanne Laird

Business lawyer, natural (and learned) entrepreneur, Suzanne Laird, brings a unique vision and skill set that will help us build on our solid strategy to continue improving the school.

HEADS Of SCHOOl

At the beginning of the summer term, our Year 12 pupils took part in the Heads of School Hustings. The candidates wrote a letter of application, presented their leadership ideas in the Castle Theatre and completed a 30-minute interview with the Senior Leadership Team.

Following their extensive campaigning, Abi G was awarded the title of Head of School, supported by two deputies, Rohan C and Isabella G.

OUR THRIVING SCHOOl

T H e LAT e ST u PDAT e S T o ou R FAC i L i T ie S

Many of you may not have had the chance to visit the school since CoviD. As a result, there may be a few new facilities you may not have been able to tour yet...here’s a quick introduction to the fantastic new additions to the school.

T H e Pe RF o RM in G A RTS Cen TR e

in January 2021, we opened our £4.5million Performing Arts Centre. This state-of-the-art facility hosts a 500-seat theatre equipped with all the latest lighting and acoustic technology, large drama studio, along with multiple music classrooms and practice rooms. This fantastic new facility provides a unique performance space to motivate and inspire our pupils.

THE NEW COURTYARD GYM

With thanks to you!

it is with huge thanks to The Dunottar Society, that we were able to fund and build our first modern gym.

Opened in October 2021, the gym is located exactly where the school’s original gym was situated off the cobbled courtyard.

The Courtyard Gym, as it is now named, offers a complete cross section of cardio equipment, including running machines, upright bikes and rowers, plus a wide range of free weights, resistance equipment and machines. This facility has proven a real hit with both pupils and staff alike for lesson time and co-curricular activities.

SIXTH fORM THE NEW CENTRE

In April 2019, our new Sixth Form Centre was completed.

This £2.2 million building provides a modern working space, giving pupils a taste of university life, with silent study and collaborative study areas, plus social spaces, including a patio, cafeteria and ‘rec room’ complete with pool table.

Energy efficient, with lots of natural light, an LED lighting system and environmentally considered heating system, the building was designed to integrate perfectly with the school’s Grade II listed buildings.

WE NEED YOU...

HElP US TO BUIlD OUR NETWORk

It is our ambition to continue to grow The Dunottar Society, so if you are in contact with any former pupils, staff or ‘friends of the school’ please invite them to visit The Dunottar Society pages of our website where they will be able to sign up to receive news, view events (and reserve tickets) and receive a copy of our annual magazine. www.dunottarschool.com/dunottar-society-alumni

WHAT’S NEXT!?

We have some very exciting plans for 2022/2023, including the launch of our new archive, alongside a calendar of school events and Dunottar Society events we will be inviting you to attend.

To stay up-to-date with the latest news, please follow us on social media or visit the Society pages of the school’s website, where you can reserve tickets for events, update your details and view the archive.

Scan this QR code to access The Dunottar Society pages of our website

www.dunottarschool.com

Follow us on @Dunottarschool @DunottarSchool @DunottarSch

Dunottar School, High Trees Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7EL Tel: 01737 761 945 Email: Dunottarsociety@dunottarschool.com