park
the
the Leighton Park School newsletter
125 Peace Pole Music for a Summer’s Evening Cricket Week
Summer 2015
Headlines new students starting in September. Some of the end of term trips enjoyed sunshine as warm as Spain in both Dorset (Year 8 Bushcraft and Year 10 iGCSE Geography) and Pembrokeshire (Lower Sixth Biology) as well as in Malaga (Year 10 Spanish). Although the focus has necessarily been on revision and examinations for much of the term, there has been plenty of seasonal sport and opportunities for cross-curricular working. Projects which have promoted the values at the heart of our community include the Year 9 Global Mindedness Week on Peace, Conflict and Resolution, Cricket Week and the Fryer Festival, which this year expanded to showcase art and textiles in an admirable exhibition of talent.
Having been treated to a heatwave for the final week of term it feels like summer has finally arrived; just in time for a whole series of outdoor events including the magnificent Music for a Summer’s Evening, the enthusiastically competed House Athletics and three orientation days for our
Celebrations for our 125th anniversary year have continued and many of you will have noticed the splendid Peace Pole, hand carved from one of our own fallen oaks, and a new feature of the Park landscape. The 125th Anniversary Film, premiered at Final Collect, brings together the history of the school with the vibrant life of its current community. We are looking forward to burying the 125 Time Capsule next term for future students when it is unearthed decades hence. The launch of
Developing Leighton Park
Exam Results our Bursary Appeal will also contribute to the education of generations to come and will be a highly effective way of sharing all the school has to offer with a broader community. I am delighted that the commemoration of the school’s longevity has been embraced wholeheartedly by everyone from the oldest OL to the youngest student and look forward to continuing to create positive educational experiences in all that we do at Leighton Park for the next 125 years.
A Levels
With best wishes, Nigel Williams, Head
Star performer, Harry Day, was thrilled with his fantastic A*A*A* results and received well-deserved congratulations from Academic Deputy Head, Karen GracieLangrick.
Contents News
pages three, four, five and six
Global Awareness page seven
Learning Adventurously pages eight and nine
125 Commemoration page ten
Library
Nervous chatter was replaced by laughter, hugs and tears of relief on 13th August as students were delighted to discover the reward for all their hard work was a fantastic set of results. 62% of candidates achieved A*-B grades, an increase of 6% on 2014’s results, and the average points per student rose by 7% to 301 points per student.
Economics and Management, commented “I was convinced I was going through clearing; I’ve been up since the early hours. It’s such a relief to get my results; I’m so pleased!”.
A Levels 2015 % A*-A grades % A*-B grades % A*-C grades % Overall pass rate A*-E Average points per student
35.5% 62.3% 81.8% 99.5% 301
Celebrating his outstanding AAA grades, Theo Burges is looking forward to reading International Relations and Politics at the University of Bristol in September. “I’m really surprised actually,” said Theo, “I don’t know how I did it but I’m delighted!”.
International Baccalareate
Sarah Reed, whose great score of AAB will take her to the University of Leeds to read
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) students received their results on 6th July with their sights set on a global future.
GCSEs
page eleven
Hugh Macdonald, whose musical talents have been regularly showcased at school events and on the Reading music scene, was delighted that his 37 points will be taking him to Boston, Massachusetts having secured a place to read music at Berklee College of Music,
Science in Action
pages twelve and thirteen
Creativity in the Classroom page fourteen
Music & Drama
Also off to the States is Carlotta Paone, who with 34 points, has a place at New York University to read Biology. “I’ve lived in Texas before but never in New York city,” enthused Carlotta, “It’s going to be such an adventure!”
page fifteen
Sport
pages sixteen and seventeen
Sixth Form
page eighteen We are grateful for the response we have had from parents of Upper Sixth Form students who have supported the Leaver’s Gift – Class of 2015. Thank you so much to everyone, particularly as it is the first year we have invited parents to participate. Almost £8,000 has been raised towards the Bursary Fund as well as donations going to specific departments of parents’ choices. As a result, items such as annual Drama and Biology prizes have been funded, as well as electric guitars and library books. Other departments have been supported too.
Celia Blakeway-Phillips, Development Manager says “The variety of support has been fantastic and we are thrilled to have launched what will be an annual appeal in our 125th anniversary. The Bursary Fund is a major focus for the school as we aim to improve accessibility to those students who on financial grounds would otherwise be unable to benefit from an education here. However, we felt it was important to give parents the opportunity to support a department of their choice too.” Celia goes on to say “£7,830 has been raised so far so thank you!”
2
Old Leightonians page nineteen
PTA
page twenty Visit www.leightonpark.com for up-to-date news. The front cover picture is from the Year 7 Ecology Project. Special thanks go to The Park Prefect, Alex Granville (Upper Sixth) for all of his help during 2014-15.
With 90% A* to C grades, there were plenty of delighted students collecting GCSE results on 20th August. This year’s cohort of 104 students has been particularly successful in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), which traditionally have a reputation for being the most academically challenging. Sophie Rowe (3A*s, 6As), one of four girls to have achieved purely straight A*s and As, commented “It’s a huge relief after all the hard work to actually have the results in my hand. It’s great!.” Another top scoring student, Kara Ellis (7A*s, 3As), added, “I’m just really pleased.” High flier, Lia Hale, who was up every hour through
the night worrying can relax now that she has collected her 5A*s and 5As. Aliaksei Pilko (5A*s, 3As, 1B) is delighted that his results will secure his place to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography in the Sixth Form. Twins, Helga and Peter Polz, are planning a double celebration with both Peter and Helga scoring 5A*s and 4As.
GCSEs 2015 % A*-A grades
37%
% A*-B grades
68%
A*-C grades any subject
90%
% Overall pass rate A*-E
99.3%
3
Deputy Head and IBDP Co-ordinator, Karen Gracie-Langrick added, “In times of considerable and unsettling A Level reform, the IBDP continues to provide an excellent, broad and relevant apolitical educational experience.”
Sixth Form Evening Monday 12th October 2015 6pm-8pm Email HelenTaylor@LeightonPark.com to book your place
Headlines new students starting in September. Some of the end of term trips enjoyed sunshine as warm as Spain in both Dorset (Year 8 Bushcraft and Year 10 iGCSE Geography) and Pembrokeshire (Lower Sixth Biology) as well as in Malaga (Year 10 Spanish). Although the focus has necessarily been on revision and examinations for much of the term, there has been plenty of seasonal sport and opportunities for cross-curricular working. Projects which have promoted the values at the heart of our community include the Year 9 Global Mindedness Week on Peace, Conflict and Resolution, Cricket Week and the Fryer Festival, which this year expanded to showcase art and textiles in an admirable exhibition of talent.
Having been treated to a heatwave for the final week of term it feels like summer has finally arrived; just in time for a whole series of outdoor events including the magnificent Music for a Summer’s Evening, the enthusiastically competed House Athletics and three orientation days for our
Celebrations for our 125th anniversary year have continued and many of you will have noticed the splendid Peace Pole, hand carved from one of our own fallen oaks, and a new feature of the Park landscape. The 125th Anniversary Film, premiered at Final Collect, brings together the history of the school with the vibrant life of its current community. We are looking forward to burying the 125 Time Capsule next term for future students when it is unearthed decades hence. The launch of
Developing Leighton Park
Exam Results our Bursary Appeal will also contribute to the education of generations to come and will be a highly effective way of sharing all the school has to offer with a broader community. I am delighted that the commemoration of the school’s longevity has been embraced wholeheartedly by everyone from the oldest OL to the youngest student and look forward to continuing to create positive educational experiences in all that we do at Leighton Park for the next 125 years.
A Levels
With best wishes, Nigel Williams, Head
Star performer, Harry Day, was thrilled with his fantastic A*A*A* results and received well-deserved congratulations from Academic Deputy Head, Karen GracieLangrick.
Contents News
pages three, four, five and six
Global Awareness page seven
Learning Adventurously pages eight and nine
125 Commemoration page ten
Library
Nervous chatter was replaced by laughter, hugs and tears of relief on 13th August as students were delighted to discover the reward for all their hard work was a fantastic set of results. 62% of candidates achieved A*-B grades, an increase of 6% on 2014’s results, and the average points per student rose by 7% to 301 points per student.
Economics and Management, commented “I was convinced I was going through clearing; I’ve been up since the early hours. It’s such a relief to get my results; I’m so pleased!”.
A Levels 2015 % A*-A grades % A*-B grades % A*-C grades % Overall pass rate A*-E Average points per student
35.5% 62.3% 81.8% 99.5% 301
Celebrating his outstanding AAA grades, Theo Burges is looking forward to reading International Relations and Politics at the University of Bristol in September. “I’m really surprised actually,” said Theo, “I don’t know how I did it but I’m delighted!”.
International Baccalareate
Sarah Reed, whose great score of AAB will take her to the University of Leeds to read
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) students received their results on 6th July with their sights set on a global future.
GCSEs
page eleven
Hugh Macdonald, whose musical talents have been regularly showcased at school events and on the Reading music scene, was delighted that his 37 points will be taking him to Boston, Massachusetts having secured a place to read music at Berklee College of Music,
Science in Action
pages twelve and thirteen
Creativity in the Classroom page fourteen
Music & Drama
Also off to the States is Carlotta Paone, who with 34 points, has a place at New York University to read Biology. “I’ve lived in Texas before but never in New York city,” enthused Carlotta, “It’s going to be such an adventure!”
page fifteen
Sport
pages sixteen and seventeen
Sixth Form
page eighteen We are grateful for the response we have had from parents of Upper Sixth Form students who have supported the Leaver’s Gift – Class of 2015. Thank you so much to everyone, particularly as it is the first year we have invited parents to participate. Almost £8,000 has been raised towards the Bursary Fund as well as donations going to specific departments of parents’ choices. As a result, items such as annual Drama and Biology prizes have been funded, as well as electric guitars and library books. Other departments have been supported too.
Celia Blakeway-Phillips, Development Manager says “The variety of support has been fantastic and we are thrilled to have launched what will be an annual appeal in our 125th anniversary. The Bursary Fund is a major focus for the school as we aim to improve accessibility to those students who on financial grounds would otherwise be unable to benefit from an education here. However, we felt it was important to give parents the opportunity to support a department of their choice too.” Celia goes on to say “£7,830 has been raised so far so thank you!”
2
Old Leightonians page nineteen
PTA
page twenty Visit www.leightonpark.com for up-to-date news. The front cover picture is from the Year 7 Ecology Project. Special thanks go to The Park Prefect, Alex Granville (Upper Sixth) for all of his help during 2014-15.
With 90% A* to C grades, there were plenty of delighted students collecting GCSE results on 20th August. This year’s cohort of 104 students has been particularly successful in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), which traditionally have a reputation for being the most academically challenging. Sophie Rowe (3A*s, 6As), one of four girls to have achieved purely straight A*s and As, commented “It’s a huge relief after all the hard work to actually have the results in my hand. It’s great!.” Another top scoring student, Kara Ellis (7A*s, 3As), added, “I’m just really pleased.” High flier, Lia Hale, who was up every hour through
the night worrying can relax now that she has collected her 5A*s and 5As. Aliaksei Pilko (5A*s, 3As, 1B) is delighted that his results will secure his place to study Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Geography in the Sixth Form. Twins, Helga and Peter Polz, are planning a double celebration with both Peter and Helga scoring 5A*s and 4As.
GCSEs 2015 % A*-A grades
37%
% A*-B grades
68%
A*-C grades any subject
90%
% Overall pass rate A*-E
99.3%
3
Deputy Head and IBDP Co-ordinator, Karen Gracie-Langrick added, “In times of considerable and unsettling A Level reform, the IBDP continues to provide an excellent, broad and relevant apolitical educational experience.”
Sixth Form Evening Monday 12th October 2015 6pm-8pm Email HelenTaylor@LeightonPark.com to book your place
News
Polling and Propaganda
Matthew Pott Peace Award
Congratulations to Max Jennings (Lower Sixth) for being awarded the Matthew Pott Peace Award in Leighton Park’s 125th Year. The Matthew Pott Peace Award was launched in memory of Old Leightonian, Matthew Pott, and encourages students of all ages to ‘promote peace through creative expression’. Entries this year included collaborative works from two Year 7 classes which involved each individual creating a section of a portrait of two famous peacemakers, Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, before being placed together. A work from Vlada Evtusenko (Year 11) featured an intricately drawn hand, which prompted much discussion amongst the judges. Max’s own work was a painting which included the word ‘peace’ translated into a variety of languages, including Russian, Swahili and Vietnamese.
Mathematical Masterminds
Throughout the preceding week students had been witnessing and participating in the campaigns of three Leighton Park political parties. From the right-leaning ‘United Kingdom Liberation Party’ championed by Jack Collins (Upper Sixth), Theo Burges (Upper Sixth) representing the leftist ‘Leightonian People’s Party’ and Daniel Veitch-Scoggins’ (Upper Sixth) centralists party the ‘Leightonian Social Democrats’. With each party canvassing the school and representing distinct political stances, students were drawn into the campaigns and encouraged to research each party’s policies before voting in a digital ballot. With a total of 191 votes and holding a majority of 58.2% John Woodings announced UKLP as the winning party.
Year 7 and 8 students had their numerical knowledge put to the test on the 30th April as they participated in the UK Junior Mathematical Challenge. Over 250,000 pupils from across the UK sat the Junior Maths Challenge with roughly the top 6% receiving a gold certificate, the next 13% silver and the subsequent 21% bronze. 74 Fryer students took part in the challenge and seventeen of them achieved merit certificates with six silver and eleven bronze awards. Congratulations to Andy Ouyang (Year 7) for achieving silver and Best in Year 7 certificates and Xiaotian Weng (Year 8) for achieving Silver, Best in Year 8 and Best in School certificates. Well done to all who took part!
Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions 21 students embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition for the bronze award this term. Testing their map-reading and tent-building skills, students walked between 15 and 20 miles in preparation for their final expedition. “It was good fun and helped getting to know the people in the group. It was useful to have a practice to know what we could do better.” - Jess Gorton (Year 10) “It was thoroughly enjoyable. Despite the fact we had to walk so far we still had good fun!” - Nicholas Cameron (Year 10) “The practice expedition was quite a lot of fun but very hard. It was helpful to
As the country awaited the final results of the General Election, the results of Leighton Park’s own mock election were announced during Collect. Having cast their ballot, students and staff looked on as “Chief Returning Officer” and English Teacher, John Woodings invited party leaders to the stage to hear the results.
Premnath Samyrao, Maths Challenges Co-ordinator discover what the real expedition will be like and what we could improve on. It was good to learn to work as a team and figure out challenges together. Even with some disagreements it went well and we all survived.” – Samantha Coombs (Year 10) This term also saw six Upper Sixth students being presented with their silver awards and sixteen Lower Sixth and Year 11 students with their bronze awards.
4
Growing Enthusiasm at Leighton Park Led by greenfingered Biology teachers, Gemma Sims and Emilia Hicks, the vegetable patch behind Fryer House has been re-invigorated by a group of Year 7 students and is now bearing fruit and veg. Following a five year period of relative neglect the enthusiastic gardeners met every Friday afternoon during the Autumn term to clear the beds and recover the paths. The soil was dug over, weeded and planted with a huge variety of seeds. Throughout the Spring and now into the Summer the students have worked diligently to tend their crops of asparagus, strawberries, broccoli, gooseberries, carrots, leeks, rhubarb, chillies, maize, onion and potatoes and even some exotic cucamelons and spaghetti squash. “The plot is south facing so it is absolutely perfect for growing things,” said Gemma, delighted that the plants are thriving so successfully. “We are putting our energy into getting things to grow here, not waiting for the paths to be perfect or the conditions to be totally right, and it’s so satisfying to watch them come up.” Gemma and Emilia have involved groups across the whole community in the project with Year 12 biologists, tutor groups and presixth students all participating in the nurturing
of the plot. Many of the gardening activities have linked directly back into the curriculum and the beds have been a great learning resource. Thinking about plans for the future, Gemma commented,
“We could have our own vineyard here or grow peaches! I’d really like to get a bee hive and keep bees here, and I know our Librarian, Chris Routh, would love a storytelling area here too. We want everyone to be able to get involved and for the area to be as sustainable as possible.” 5
News
Polling and Propaganda
Matthew Pott Peace Award
Congratulations to Max Jennings (Lower Sixth) for being awarded the Matthew Pott Peace Award in Leighton Park’s 125th Year. The Matthew Pott Peace Award was launched in memory of Old Leightonian, Matthew Pott, and encourages students of all ages to ‘promote peace through creative expression’. Entries this year included collaborative works from two Year 7 classes which involved each individual creating a section of a portrait of two famous peacemakers, Nelson Mandela and Malala Yousafzai, before being placed together. A work from Vlada Evtusenko (Year 11) featured an intricately drawn hand, which prompted much discussion amongst the judges. Max’s own work was a painting which included the word ‘peace’ translated into a variety of languages, including Russian, Swahili and Vietnamese.
Mathematical Masterminds
Throughout the preceding week students had been witnessing and participating in the campaigns of three Leighton Park political parties. From the right-leaning ‘United Kingdom Liberation Party’ championed by Jack Collins (Upper Sixth), Theo Burges (Upper Sixth) representing the leftist ‘Leightonian People’s Party’ and Daniel Veitch-Scoggins’ (Upper Sixth) centralists party the ‘Leightonian Social Democrats’. With each party canvassing the school and representing distinct political stances, students were drawn into the campaigns and encouraged to research each party’s policies before voting in a digital ballot. With a total of 191 votes and holding a majority of 58.2% John Woodings announced UKLP as the winning party.
Year 7 and 8 students had their numerical knowledge put to the test on the 30th April as they participated in the UK Junior Mathematical Challenge. Over 250,000 pupils from across the UK sat the Junior Maths Challenge with roughly the top 6% receiving a gold certificate, the next 13% silver and the subsequent 21% bronze. 74 Fryer students took part in the challenge and seventeen of them achieved merit certificates with six silver and eleven bronze awards. Congratulations to Andy Ouyang (Year 7) for achieving silver and Best in Year 7 certificates and Xiaotian Weng (Year 8) for achieving Silver, Best in Year 8 and Best in School certificates. Well done to all who took part!
Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions 21 students embarked on their Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition for the bronze award this term. Testing their map-reading and tent-building skills, students walked between 15 and 20 miles in preparation for their final expedition. “It was good fun and helped getting to know the people in the group. It was useful to have a practice to know what we could do better.” - Jess Gorton (Year 10) “It was thoroughly enjoyable. Despite the fact we had to walk so far we still had good fun!” - Nicholas Cameron (Year 10) “The practice expedition was quite a lot of fun but very hard. It was helpful to
As the country awaited the final results of the General Election, the results of Leighton Park’s own mock election were announced during Collect. Having cast their ballot, students and staff looked on as “Chief Returning Officer” and English Teacher, John Woodings invited party leaders to the stage to hear the results.
Premnath Samyrao, Maths Challenges Co-ordinator discover what the real expedition will be like and what we could improve on. It was good to learn to work as a team and figure out challenges together. Even with some disagreements it went well and we all survived.” – Samantha Coombs (Year 10) This term also saw six Upper Sixth students being presented with their silver awards and sixteen Lower Sixth and Year 11 students with their bronze awards.
4
Growing Enthusiasm at Leighton Park Led by greenfingered Biology teachers, Gemma Sims and Emilia Hicks, the vegetable patch behind Fryer House has been re-invigorated by a group of Year 7 students and is now bearing fruit and veg. Following a five year period of relative neglect the enthusiastic gardeners met every Friday afternoon during the Autumn term to clear the beds and recover the paths. The soil was dug over, weeded and planted with a huge variety of seeds. Throughout the Spring and now into the Summer the students have worked diligently to tend their crops of asparagus, strawberries, broccoli, gooseberries, carrots, leeks, rhubarb, chillies, maize, onion and potatoes and even some exotic cucamelons and spaghetti squash. “The plot is south facing so it is absolutely perfect for growing things,” said Gemma, delighted that the plants are thriving so successfully. “We are putting our energy into getting things to grow here, not waiting for the paths to be perfect or the conditions to be totally right, and it’s so satisfying to watch them come up.” Gemma and Emilia have involved groups across the whole community in the project with Year 12 biologists, tutor groups and presixth students all participating in the nurturing
of the plot. Many of the gardening activities have linked directly back into the curriculum and the beds have been a great learning resource. Thinking about plans for the future, Gemma commented,
“We could have our own vineyard here or grow peaches! I’d really like to get a bee hive and keep bees here, and I know our Librarian, Chris Routh, would love a storytelling area here too. We want everyone to be able to get involved and for the area to be as sustainable as possible.” 5
Global
Busy Boarders
Boarders on Safari Ships and Shopping
A fun day of shopping for boarders through Portsmouth on 17th May during their visit to Gunwarf Quays. Students also took the opportunity to do some sightseeing; visiting the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see a range of ships, including the impressive HMS Warrior.
Camden Market
A taste of the quirky side of London as boarders meandered through the hustle and bustle of Camden Market during one weekend activity session in June; sampling the market’s widely renowned food stalls and exploring the alternative fashion stalls, vintage artefacts and unusual bric-a-brac, on sale at London’s most famous marketplace.
Students had an exciting trip to Longleat Safari Park on 21st June. A home-packed picnic on the grounds of the stately home preceded the students’ animal adventure. A highlight of the trip was witnessing monkeys clambering onto the Leighton Park minibus!
Rollercoasters and Rapids
A move from one Park to another at the end of June as students visited one of the United Kingdom’s most popular theme parks for a day of thrill-seeking. Putting their fears to the test students held on tight as they tested out some of the screamingly-good rides on offer.
A Night at the Movies
Three cinema trips this term gave students plenty of opportunities to catch up on some of the biggest blockbusters out this Summer. With a great selection of films this season, our boarding students were definitely spoiled for choice! Most popular with students was the seventh instalment of the ‘Fast and Furious’ series, the sequel to the 2012 musical comedy ‘Pitch Perfect’ and the recordbreaking ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’.
Awareness Whose Line is it Anyway? A key highlight for students from Leighton Park’s Sixth Form is the biennial trip to Africa, which involves travelling to one of three African countries to support charitable work in local communities. Over the years staff and students have developed some lasting friendships with individuals from these communities, with many return visits taking place outside of the Sixth Form trips to observe the work that has taken place over years and to see the friends they have made.
Baking Boarders
Taking full advantage of our Food Technology Facility, opened last September, boarders donned their aprons and got to baking with help from Oakview chef, Matt, during their weekend activity sessions. Some scrumptious scones were one of the tasty treats that were prepared!
Year 11 Ball
An evening of comedy entertained the Park community on Thursday 18th June as staff and students took part in a very Leighton Park edition of the classic improvisational comedy show ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’. Hosted by Finbar Aherne (Lower Sixth) with Danny Humby and Dan Barber (Lower Sixth) and Leighton Park Teachers, Mitch Whitehead and Damon Young, taking on the performing roles, the show featured an assortment of comedy acts. The evening was also supported by Reece Mowlem and Nat Dean-Lewis (Lower Sixth), who contributed the music to the closing act, ‘The Hoedown’. The event was held in support of Geography teacher, Eithne Laird, who is fundraising for the Dublin based charity, Lamha Suas, helping to support education in Uganda.
Global Mindedness Week
Elegantly attired in black tie and cocktail dresses, Year 11s celebrated the end of their GCSEs at the end of term with a glamorous Prom in Oakview. The Prom Committee did an amazing job with the decorations to complement the splendid spread provided by Thomas Franks. Head of Middle School, Pete Bulteel commented, “It all went very well and they had a lot of fun.”
6
Uganda Comes to the UK
This annual off-curriculum event for the whole of Year 9 is designed to challenge students to work independently, to think critically, to present their research creatively and to actively engage in a formal public debate. Each of eight teams was given a topic to investigate and present in the form of a website and a short film. Two teams worked on each of the four topics - chemical weapons, a nuclear deterrent, the world’s police and a just war - preparing to either support or oppose the related motion. Each student took on a specific role within their team (editor, statistician, graphic designer, researcher etc.) and together worked to meet the deadlines set over three days and to prepare for the final debate. Using the new Chromebooks students were able to work independently and develop their ICT skills. The resulting websites, short reflective
This term students were fortunate enough to meet Nelly Aleto, who was visiting Leighton Park School on her first trip out of Uganda. Nelly grew up in Uganda at Son Rise, an orphanage set up by the Jinja Educational Trust which takes in babies, young children and girls abandoned on the streets between the ages of 10 and 16. She now works full time with the Jinja Educational Trust on educational projects, helping teach children from surrounding villages, including enhancing their knowledge of English through the reading and study of literature. Speaking to students about the impact of their fundraising activities last year, Nelly noted that the money raised for a water tank has already had a massive impact on the school, with students now having access to clean running water.
films (showcased in a Collect the following week) and the final afternoon of debating were all outstanding and proof of the developing maturity and skills of our students.
7
Global
Busy Boarders
Boarders on Safari Ships and Shopping
A fun day of shopping for boarders through Portsmouth on 17th May during their visit to Gunwarf Quays. Students also took the opportunity to do some sightseeing; visiting the Spinnaker Tower and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to see a range of ships, including the impressive HMS Warrior.
Camden Market
A taste of the quirky side of London as boarders meandered through the hustle and bustle of Camden Market during one weekend activity session in June; sampling the market’s widely renowned food stalls and exploring the alternative fashion stalls, vintage artefacts and unusual bric-a-brac, on sale at London’s most famous marketplace.
Students had an exciting trip to Longleat Safari Park on 21st June. A home-packed picnic on the grounds of the stately home preceded the students’ animal adventure. A highlight of the trip was witnessing monkeys clambering onto the Leighton Park minibus!
Rollercoasters and Rapids
A move from one Park to another at the end of June as students visited one of the United Kingdom’s most popular theme parks for a day of thrill-seeking. Putting their fears to the test students held on tight as they tested out some of the screamingly-good rides on offer.
A Night at the Movies
Three cinema trips this term gave students plenty of opportunities to catch up on some of the biggest blockbusters out this Summer. With a great selection of films this season, our boarding students were definitely spoiled for choice! Most popular with students was the seventh instalment of the ‘Fast and Furious’ series, the sequel to the 2012 musical comedy ‘Pitch Perfect’ and the recordbreaking ‘The Avengers: Age of Ultron’.
Awareness Whose Line is it Anyway? A key highlight for students from Leighton Park’s Sixth Form is the biennial trip to Africa, which involves travelling to one of three African countries to support charitable work in local communities. Over the years staff and students have developed some lasting friendships with individuals from these communities, with many return visits taking place outside of the Sixth Form trips to observe the work that has taken place over years and to see the friends they have made.
Baking Boarders
Taking full advantage of our Food Technology Facility, opened last September, boarders donned their aprons and got to baking with help from Oakview chef, Matt, during their weekend activity sessions. Some scrumptious scones were one of the tasty treats that were prepared!
Year 11 Ball
An evening of comedy entertained the Park community on Thursday 18th June as staff and students took part in a very Leighton Park edition of the classic improvisational comedy show ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’. Hosted by Finbar Aherne (Lower Sixth) with Danny Humby and Dan Barber (Lower Sixth) and Leighton Park Teachers, Mitch Whitehead and Damon Young, taking on the performing roles, the show featured an assortment of comedy acts. The evening was also supported by Reece Mowlem and Nat Dean-Lewis (Lower Sixth), who contributed the music to the closing act, ‘The Hoedown’. The event was held in support of Geography teacher, Eithne Laird, who is fundraising for the Dublin based charity, Lamha Suas, helping to support education in Uganda.
Global Mindedness Week
Elegantly attired in black tie and cocktail dresses, Year 11s celebrated the end of their GCSEs at the end of term with a glamorous Prom in Oakview. The Prom Committee did an amazing job with the decorations to complement the splendid spread provided by Thomas Franks. Head of Middle School, Pete Bulteel commented, “It all went very well and they had a lot of fun.”
6
Uganda Comes to the UK
This annual off-curriculum event for the whole of Year 9 is designed to challenge students to work independently, to think critically, to present their research creatively and to actively engage in a formal public debate. Each of eight teams was given a topic to investigate and present in the form of a website and a short film. Two teams worked on each of the four topics - chemical weapons, a nuclear deterrent, the world’s police and a just war - preparing to either support or oppose the related motion. Each student took on a specific role within their team (editor, statistician, graphic designer, researcher etc.) and together worked to meet the deadlines set over three days and to prepare for the final debate. Using the new Chromebooks students were able to work independently and develop their ICT skills. The resulting websites, short reflective
This term students were fortunate enough to meet Nelly Aleto, who was visiting Leighton Park School on her first trip out of Uganda. Nelly grew up in Uganda at Son Rise, an orphanage set up by the Jinja Educational Trust which takes in babies, young children and girls abandoned on the streets between the ages of 10 and 16. She now works full time with the Jinja Educational Trust on educational projects, helping teach children from surrounding villages, including enhancing their knowledge of English through the reading and study of literature. Speaking to students about the impact of their fundraising activities last year, Nelly noted that the money raised for a water tank has already had a massive impact on the school, with students now having access to clean running water.
films (showcased in a Collect the following week) and the final afternoon of debating were all outstanding and proof of the developing maturity and skills of our students.
7
Learning Adventurously GCSE Geographers Visit the Seaside On the hottest July day ever recorded in the UK Year 10 Geographers travelled to the Dorset coast to explore the urban and coastal landscape. Using research, visual assessment and questionnaires they investigated the success of the Overstrand and Surf Reef Regeneration Project at Boscombe. Students also identified and mapped the contrasting settlement of Bournemouth; challenging and developing their understanding of how urban areas vary.
A Taste of Spain
In the afternoon they took the Sandbanks chain ferry to the dramatic chalk cliffs at Old Harry Rock in Studland taking in the dramatic views across to Poole Harbour. With the best view being from atop a neighbouring cliff students had time to appreciate the fantastic scenery. David McElvenny (Year 10) commented
“To stand on the clifftop with the view of Old Harry Rocks was unbelievable.” Robin Longworth, Head of Geography
Bushcraft for Fryers
It is now a tradition in the Spanish Department to celebrate the end of regular lessons and the start of study leave with a feast of Spanish food cooked by MFL teacher, Pablo Gorostidi. This term Year 11 students enjoyed the very famous and internationally acclaimed ‘Pablo’s tortilla de patata’, a Spanish omelette consisting of eggs, potato, onion and olive oil, and pan con tomate y embutidos (toasts with tomato pulp, olive oil and Spanish serrano ham).
Year 8 enjoyed an adventurous residential week in June on the Jurassic Coast with The Bushcraft Company. Trying everything from learning how to make survival bracelets out of paracord to leaping off Durdle Door into the sea, their action packed week also included an exciting day of canoeing, some relaxing fishing and coasteering along the Swanage coastline.
8
“Students have put in a lot of effort to complete their Controlled Assessments and to be ready for their Reading and Listening paper. I am very proud of them and I wish them all the best.”
said Pablo.
Malaga Study Tour Ten Year 10 Spanish students jetted off to Malaga in June where temperatures reached over 32 degrees; perfect summer weather! The study tour gave students an intensive four hour Spanish lesson each morning at the Don Quijote Language School with the opportunity to practise the language out and about in the afternoons and squeeze in a bit of sunbathing by the pool. The group enjoyed the beautiful beaches, a trip to Costa, a paella party, and a visit to the stunning palace city of Alhambra, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. “It was so good when we finally got there and had such a nice view around it.” commented student, Catrina Mulvihill. “It had really amazing patterns on all the walls inside the palace.” classmate Harry Sullivan added, “It was such a great trip and I was with some really great people who made it enjoyable. It was the best trip I’ve ever been on.”
Travel Scholarship Being fortunate enough to be awarded the Travel Scholarship this year helped me to fund a hiking trip across the Isle of Skye. The five of us; Joss Lazenby, Alex Rae, Michael Otty, William Lewis and Alex Granville were able to travel through some of the most remote areas of the British Isles allowing us to cross over ridges, under waterfalls, climb into the clouds and camp below them. With the unpredictability of the Hebrides not everything went completely to plan as the arrival evening presented us with weather warnings for the next few days. Looking out of the tents the following morning past the midgie clouds, the weather was proved right. Not to be disheartened we headed to the Old Man of Storr, a famous rock formation several hundred meters high, which, through the thick fog and pouring rain, we climbed. As the rain continued, paths became smaller, the gradient became larger and we were forced to all fours sliding and leaping between the most stable looking rocks. Finally we collected into an alcove at the base of the large structure allowing a moment of rest from the elements around us. The following day could not have been more contrasting offering the clear sky allowing you to really see the beauty of the island. Having trekked along the high coastal paths, eating lunch on the cliff tops overlooking the Sound of Raasay and the fish farms below, we were on our own with some of the best views in Britain. The remainder of the trip was followed mainly to plan, even with boots full of water crossing through a river or your head full of midges while on all fours climbing Bla Bheinn, we
camped in a bothy, sat isolated on a pebble beach looking out onto the North Atlantic and found areas of the wild you wouldn’t believe exist. The Isle of Skye offered its challenges, however it’s beauty and isolation was the reward. It was a trip that was a long time in the planning and to work around obstacles to gain as much out of it as we did was hugely satisfying. I want to thank the school for helping me to fund the trip and those who ventured out into the wild with me creating a brilliantly supportive and memorable team. Alex Granville (Upper Sixth)
9
Learning Adventurously GCSE Geographers Visit the Seaside On the hottest July day ever recorded in the UK Year 10 Geographers travelled to the Dorset coast to explore the urban and coastal landscape. Using research, visual assessment and questionnaires they investigated the success of the Overstrand and Surf Reef Regeneration Project at Boscombe. Students also identified and mapped the contrasting settlement of Bournemouth; challenging and developing their understanding of how urban areas vary.
A Taste of Spain
In the afternoon they took the Sandbanks chain ferry to the dramatic chalk cliffs at Old Harry Rock in Studland taking in the dramatic views across to Poole Harbour. With the best view being from atop a neighbouring cliff students had time to appreciate the fantastic scenery. David McElvenny (Year 10) commented
“To stand on the clifftop with the view of Old Harry Rocks was unbelievable.” Robin Longworth, Head of Geography
Bushcraft for Fryers
It is now a tradition in the Spanish Department to celebrate the end of regular lessons and the start of study leave with a feast of Spanish food cooked by MFL teacher, Pablo Gorostidi. This term Year 11 students enjoyed the very famous and internationally acclaimed ‘Pablo’s tortilla de patata’, a Spanish omelette consisting of eggs, potato, onion and olive oil, and pan con tomate y embutidos (toasts with tomato pulp, olive oil and Spanish serrano ham).
Year 8 enjoyed an adventurous residential week in June on the Jurassic Coast with The Bushcraft Company. Trying everything from learning how to make survival bracelets out of paracord to leaping off Durdle Door into the sea, their action packed week also included an exciting day of canoeing, some relaxing fishing and coasteering along the Swanage coastline.
8
“Students have put in a lot of effort to complete their Controlled Assessments and to be ready for their Reading and Listening paper. I am very proud of them and I wish them all the best.”
said Pablo.
Malaga Study Tour Ten Year 10 Spanish students jetted off to Malaga in June where temperatures reached over 32 degrees; perfect summer weather! The study tour gave students an intensive four hour Spanish lesson each morning at the Don Quijote Language School with the opportunity to practise the language out and about in the afternoons and squeeze in a bit of sunbathing by the pool. The group enjoyed the beautiful beaches, a trip to Costa, a paella party, and a visit to the stunning palace city of Alhambra, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1984. “It was so good when we finally got there and had such a nice view around it.” commented student, Catrina Mulvihill. “It had really amazing patterns on all the walls inside the palace.” classmate Harry Sullivan added, “It was such a great trip and I was with some really great people who made it enjoyable. It was the best trip I’ve ever been on.”
Travel Scholarship Being fortunate enough to be awarded the Travel Scholarship this year helped me to fund a hiking trip across the Isle of Skye. The five of us; Joss Lazenby, Alex Rae, Michael Otty, William Lewis and Alex Granville were able to travel through some of the most remote areas of the British Isles allowing us to cross over ridges, under waterfalls, climb into the clouds and camp below them. With the unpredictability of the Hebrides not everything went completely to plan as the arrival evening presented us with weather warnings for the next few days. Looking out of the tents the following morning past the midgie clouds, the weather was proved right. Not to be disheartened we headed to the Old Man of Storr, a famous rock formation several hundred meters high, which, through the thick fog and pouring rain, we climbed. As the rain continued, paths became smaller, the gradient became larger and we were forced to all fours sliding and leaping between the most stable looking rocks. Finally we collected into an alcove at the base of the large structure allowing a moment of rest from the elements around us. The following day could not have been more contrasting offering the clear sky allowing you to really see the beauty of the island. Having trekked along the high coastal paths, eating lunch on the cliff tops overlooking the Sound of Raasay and the fish farms below, we were on our own with some of the best views in Britain. The remainder of the trip was followed mainly to plan, even with boots full of water crossing through a river or your head full of midges while on all fours climbing Bla Bheinn, we
camped in a bothy, sat isolated on a pebble beach looking out onto the North Atlantic and found areas of the wild you wouldn’t believe exist. The Isle of Skye offered its challenges, however it’s beauty and isolation was the reward. It was a trip that was a long time in the planning and to work around obstacles to gain as much out of it as we did was hugely satisfying. I want to thank the school for helping me to fund the trip and those who ventured out into the wild with me creating a brilliantly supportive and memorable team. Alex Granville (Upper Sixth)
9
125
th
Anniversary
Carnegie Award Author Event
A Lasting Monument
Fryer Book Club visited Bulmershe Secondary School in Woodley to hear author Geraldine McCaughrean talk about her latest book ‘The Middle of Nowhere’ which had been shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Award this year. During her fascinating talk, Geraldine shared some of the techniques she uses as a writer. She involved the audience in creating a fabulous creature and connecting with the sensory experience of a knight going into battle.
Nigel Williams, Head, always had in mind the idea of a peace pole, “I wanted Leighton Park to have a lasting reminder of our 125th anniversary, something that reflected our Quaker heritage and was also in sympathy with the character of the community and the beautiful park land within which the school resides.” Current parent, Fiona Mowlem, suggested a specialist wood carver, Simon Hedger, who had experience of similar commissions.
“I had seen Simon’s work before and from Nigel’s description of the project I knew Simon would be the ideal craftsman for the commission and would produce an empathetic carving in line with the brief”. Students of the school were asked to contribute to the design and Vlada Evtushenko’s (Year 11) drawings were taken forward to form the inspiration for the final piece. Simon commented,
Films for the Future Two films have been made to commemorate the 125th anniversary by groups at opposite ends of the school roll. Year 8s created a wonderful introduction to launch the 2015 Fryer Festival with a visual guided tour of the school and the Sixth Form produced a documentary style retrospective, featuring vintage film captured on the Park and new footage produced this year. The Sixth Form reel was the official 125 Film Project, spearheaded by Charlie Young (Upper Sixth), Assistant Director of Music, Chris Mitchell, and independent Film Director, Indy Nottage. It has taken a year of inspiration, development, production and editing before its premiere at the Summer term’s Final Collect. Warmly received by an enthusiastic audience, the film showcases a variety of activities across the years and shows that the values at the heart of Leighton Park remain the same, despite the constantly changing community and the evolution of the site.
Library
Comic and Graphic Novels Over the last few years, there has been a steadily growing collection of comic books and graphic novels in the library; and with the recent introduction of a Comic Club for senior students it seemed a good time to create a new area in the library. The section includes the titles shortlisted for this year’s Stan Lee Excelsior Award which was established to celebrate and promote comics and graphic novels for young adults both as an art form and as works of literature. We are now looking forward to getting involved in the award process next year.
We are delighted to announce that Tanya Landman, the author of the eventual winner, Buffalo Soldier, will be visiting Leighton Park in March to speak at our annual Writing for Teenagers Conference.
A Matter of Conscience “Combining a design inspired by a student of the school, the spirit of the Quaker path spreading their hands around the world and the school emblem being an oak leaf, the sculpture designed itself! The wood provided for the piece was an oak tree from the Park. I used the twisting shapes of nature to embrace the straight edges of mans’ world.”
125 Bookcrossing Update
Following the release of 125 books in and around Reading at the end of February we have heard news of books being read locally in Woodley, Caversham and Henley and further afield in California and France. We are delighted that as a result of our fundraising efforts, we have been able to donate £600 to the Book Bus charity and a further £600 to CORD.
10
2015 Captured!
Two Year 11 students, Katinka Pim and Robyn Ellis, have been busy planning the creation of a 125 time capsule to be buried at the beginning of the Autumn term adjacent to the peace pole. Nearly a metre long and with a diameter of almost 30cm the cylindrical capsule will contain memorabilia specific to the school’s existence in its 125th anniversary year. Robyn and Katinka have sourced acid free paper and researched the optimal conditions for the contents to remain in a perfect state until the capsule is opened by future students.
A permanent record of the off-timetable event for years 7-11 which took place earlier this year has now been published in the form of a photo book. The publication effectively captures the amazing displays created by 24 vertically grouped teams of students, which explore the different choices made by Quakers during the First World War. Our Librarian, Chris Routh has been working with the Peace Education team at Friends’ House, London, who plan to feature Leighton Park’s project in their new online resources for schools due for publication later this year.
School Librarian of the Year Award
On the Write Path Congratulations to Henry Rolph (Year 10) whose short story has been published in an anthology called Write Path. Written during a workshop about digital storytelling led by Bev Humphrey at this year’s Writing for Teenagers Conference, Henry’s story is a thriller with a twist written in the style of Robert Muchamore. Henry also submitted an outstanding piece of journalistic writing to our online newspaper, The Day, during the run-up to the General Election.
Congratulations to Chris Routh who has reached the final stage of the School Library Association’s annual award. She is one of the three school librarians who will be attending the awards ceremony in London at the beginning of October.
11
125
th
Anniversary
Carnegie Award Author Event
A Lasting Monument
Fryer Book Club visited Bulmershe Secondary School in Woodley to hear author Geraldine McCaughrean talk about her latest book ‘The Middle of Nowhere’ which had been shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Award this year. During her fascinating talk, Geraldine shared some of the techniques she uses as a writer. She involved the audience in creating a fabulous creature and connecting with the sensory experience of a knight going into battle.
Nigel Williams, Head, always had in mind the idea of a peace pole, “I wanted Leighton Park to have a lasting reminder of our 125th anniversary, something that reflected our Quaker heritage and was also in sympathy with the character of the community and the beautiful park land within which the school resides.” Current parent, Fiona Mowlem, suggested a specialist wood carver, Simon Hedger, who had experience of similar commissions.
“I had seen Simon’s work before and from Nigel’s description of the project I knew Simon would be the ideal craftsman for the commission and would produce an empathetic carving in line with the brief”. Students of the school were asked to contribute to the design and Vlada Evtushenko’s (Year 11) drawings were taken forward to form the inspiration for the final piece. Simon commented,
Films for the Future Two films have been made to commemorate the 125th anniversary by groups at opposite ends of the school roll. Year 8s created a wonderful introduction to launch the 2015 Fryer Festival with a visual guided tour of the school and the Sixth Form produced a documentary style retrospective, featuring vintage film captured on the Park and new footage produced this year. The Sixth Form reel was the official 125 Film Project, spearheaded by Charlie Young (Upper Sixth), Assistant Director of Music, Chris Mitchell, and independent Film Director, Indy Nottage. It has taken a year of inspiration, development, production and editing before its premiere at the Summer term’s Final Collect. Warmly received by an enthusiastic audience, the film showcases a variety of activities across the years and shows that the values at the heart of Leighton Park remain the same, despite the constantly changing community and the evolution of the site.
Library
Comic and Graphic Novels Over the last few years, there has been a steadily growing collection of comic books and graphic novels in the library; and with the recent introduction of a Comic Club for senior students it seemed a good time to create a new area in the library. The section includes the titles shortlisted for this year’s Stan Lee Excelsior Award which was established to celebrate and promote comics and graphic novels for young adults both as an art form and as works of literature. We are now looking forward to getting involved in the award process next year.
We are delighted to announce that Tanya Landman, the author of the eventual winner, Buffalo Soldier, will be visiting Leighton Park in March to speak at our annual Writing for Teenagers Conference.
A Matter of Conscience “Combining a design inspired by a student of the school, the spirit of the Quaker path spreading their hands around the world and the school emblem being an oak leaf, the sculpture designed itself! The wood provided for the piece was an oak tree from the Park. I used the twisting shapes of nature to embrace the straight edges of mans’ world.”
125 Bookcrossing Update
Following the release of 125 books in and around Reading at the end of February we have heard news of books being read locally in Woodley, Caversham and Henley and further afield in California and France. We are delighted that as a result of our fundraising efforts, we have been able to donate £600 to the Book Bus charity and a further £600 to CORD.
10
2015 Captured!
Two Year 11 students, Katinka Pim and Robyn Ellis, have been busy planning the creation of a 125 time capsule to be buried at the beginning of the Autumn term adjacent to the peace pole. Nearly a metre long and with a diameter of almost 30cm the cylindrical capsule will contain memorabilia specific to the school’s existence in its 125th anniversary year. Robyn and Katinka have sourced acid free paper and researched the optimal conditions for the contents to remain in a perfect state until the capsule is opened by future students.
A permanent record of the off-timetable event for years 7-11 which took place earlier this year has now been published in the form of a photo book. The publication effectively captures the amazing displays created by 24 vertically grouped teams of students, which explore the different choices made by Quakers during the First World War. Our Librarian, Chris Routh has been working with the Peace Education team at Friends’ House, London, who plan to feature Leighton Park’s project in their new online resources for schools due for publication later this year.
School Librarian of the Year Award
On the Write Path Congratulations to Henry Rolph (Year 10) whose short story has been published in an anthology called Write Path. Written during a workshop about digital storytelling led by Bev Humphrey at this year’s Writing for Teenagers Conference, Henry’s story is a thriller with a twist written in the style of Robert Muchamore. Henry also submitted an outstanding piece of journalistic writing to our online newspaper, The Day, during the run-up to the General Election.
Congratulations to Chris Routh who has reached the final stage of the School Library Association’s annual award. She is one of the three school librarians who will be attending the awards ceremony in London at the beginning of October.
11
Science in Action Field work and Football
Spectroscopy Masterclass On 30th June, fifteen Lower Sixth Chemistry students visited the University of Reading to take part in a Spectroscopy Masterclass run by the University’s Chemistry Department staff.
Salter’s Chemistry Festival
The day began with a preliminary talk on the basics of infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and an introduction to the concept of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which I found to be the most interesting of the three. Essentially, each of these is a method of analysing a sample of an unknown substance in order to provide information about the atoms, chemical bonding and functional groups present with the goal of being able to identify the substance’s chemical structure.
Having finished their exams Lower Sixth Biology students dived into their A2 practical work with a week of ecological investigation in Pembrokeshire. The trip was an opportunity to complete their A2 coursework and gain a hands on approach to learning about various ecosystems. Sessions in freshwater, sand dune, rocky shore and woodland ecology brought students into contact with a wide variety of wildlife, including crabs, starfish, limpets, clams, voles and shrimps.
We were led to the underground lab where the machines which perform these analyses are kept. Often costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, it was amazing to witness these machines first-hand. For me, one of the most memorable aspects of this experience was when one of the University’s chemists was demonstrating the magnetic field produced by the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer was roughly cylindrical, about the size of a fridge, and around it a circle about five metres across was marked in red tape to show how far back we had to stand from the magnetic field. The demonstrator showed how a penny could be balanced vertically on the edge of another penny if they were positioned in the air next to the spectrometer, held in place by the magnetic field running through them. He then took his keys (on a lanyard) out of his pocket, and the keys were drawn horizontally towards the machine from almost a metre away.
“I thought the trip was a great experience and I learned so much. My favourite part of the trip would have to be the river study as we got to see how diverse the river is.” Aaron Stewart (Lower Sixth)
After seeing the analysis machines, we were given a few unknown structures to identify given their infrared, mass and NMR spectra. This gave us an insight into the applications of the equipment we had just seen, and added all the more value and relevance to the experience.
After long days of sampling students also managed to fit in some recreation time, with a few games of football taking place on the stunning Orielton Estate.
Fryer Ecologists
School Physicist of the Year
Finally, the day ended with a general lecture on the wonders of Chemistry. This included strange reactions that changed colour back and forth tens of times, materials that could be broken apart and would heal themselves after being simply pushed back together for a few seconds, and, of course, explosions! All in all, it was a great day and a really useful transition as we move forwards to Chemistry in the Upper Sixth and beyond.
Thrilling Physics
“It isn’t just about achievement, although obviously that is important, it’s more about your attitude, about really wanting to know more about physics and reading around, finding out what you can on your own too.”
Year 7 made the most of the sunshine this term for lessons in ‘Measuring the Biotic Environment’. Students were set a variety of challenging and cross-curricular tasks, including working out the age of a tree and finding out what happened in the year it was planted. They also worked out how much a tree drinks in 24 hours by calculating the change in weight of a sapling left in water over night and scaling the experiment to a whole tree!
12
In the morning the two boys and two girls were pitted against the clock to solve a murder mystery, working with test tube reactions and chromatography. Seventeen teams participated in the challenge before being rewarded with a picnic. After lunch the students moved to a University Challenge scenario in which a meteorite had landed near the University and they had to identify what it contained by carrying out a series of different chemical tests. The afternoon ended with a fun lecture entitled ‘Fire, Brains and Everything’ by Dr Ben Littlefield. “Robert de la Fuente, Anton Miller, Emma Otty and Lihi Othnay performed very well at the chemistry competition” commented Head of Chemistry, Jo Payne, “They worked well as a team and were a credit to Leighton Park”.
Nat Dean-Lewis (Lower Sixth)
Congratulations to Manu Sidhu (Lower Sixth) and Duncan Klopke (Year 9) who were nominated as Leighton Park’s Physicists of the Year. The award, which was presented at the University of Reading, acknowledges the talent of exceptional students studying Physics around the UK. Speaking about his award Manu said,
A team of four students from Year 8 were delighted to come third in the Chemistry competition at the University of Reading, part of the nationwide Salters’ Festival of Chemistry.
Chemistry Olympiad This year the Chemistry department entered five students for the prestigious 47th International Chemistry Olympiad run by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This highly challenging national competition is designed to really stretch the most able Chemistry students in Year 13. With remarkable performances from all the students who entered, a special mention goes to Nat Dean-Lewis who achieved the top score of Leighton Park’s entries, despite being in Lower Sixth. Our other winners included Bolaji AkinolaAlli, Dan Wu and Ayesha Tandon (Upper Sixth) who were awarded bronze certificates and Manu Sidhu (Lower Sixth) with his certificate of participation.
65 Year 10 students attended a lecture at Thorpe Park on The Science of Rollercoasters this term. Students also had the opportunity to witness the theories in action, by testing some of the many rides. Students commented: “It was great to get out of the classroom and experience science in real life, not just on a sheet of paper.” “Experiencing first-hand the energy transfers, G-forces, and acceleration, before learning about how they are factored into the design of the rides was very interesting.”
13
Science in Action Field work and Football
Spectroscopy Masterclass On 30th June, fifteen Lower Sixth Chemistry students visited the University of Reading to take part in a Spectroscopy Masterclass run by the University’s Chemistry Department staff.
Salter’s Chemistry Festival
The day began with a preliminary talk on the basics of infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and an introduction to the concept of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), which I found to be the most interesting of the three. Essentially, each of these is a method of analysing a sample of an unknown substance in order to provide information about the atoms, chemical bonding and functional groups present with the goal of being able to identify the substance’s chemical structure.
Having finished their exams Lower Sixth Biology students dived into their A2 practical work with a week of ecological investigation in Pembrokeshire. The trip was an opportunity to complete their A2 coursework and gain a hands on approach to learning about various ecosystems. Sessions in freshwater, sand dune, rocky shore and woodland ecology brought students into contact with a wide variety of wildlife, including crabs, starfish, limpets, clams, voles and shrimps.
We were led to the underground lab where the machines which perform these analyses are kept. Often costing hundreds of thousands of pounds, it was amazing to witness these machines first-hand. For me, one of the most memorable aspects of this experience was when one of the University’s chemists was demonstrating the magnetic field produced by the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer was roughly cylindrical, about the size of a fridge, and around it a circle about five metres across was marked in red tape to show how far back we had to stand from the magnetic field. The demonstrator showed how a penny could be balanced vertically on the edge of another penny if they were positioned in the air next to the spectrometer, held in place by the magnetic field running through them. He then took his keys (on a lanyard) out of his pocket, and the keys were drawn horizontally towards the machine from almost a metre away.
“I thought the trip was a great experience and I learned so much. My favourite part of the trip would have to be the river study as we got to see how diverse the river is.” Aaron Stewart (Lower Sixth)
After seeing the analysis machines, we were given a few unknown structures to identify given their infrared, mass and NMR spectra. This gave us an insight into the applications of the equipment we had just seen, and added all the more value and relevance to the experience.
After long days of sampling students also managed to fit in some recreation time, with a few games of football taking place on the stunning Orielton Estate.
Fryer Ecologists
School Physicist of the Year
Finally, the day ended with a general lecture on the wonders of Chemistry. This included strange reactions that changed colour back and forth tens of times, materials that could be broken apart and would heal themselves after being simply pushed back together for a few seconds, and, of course, explosions! All in all, it was a great day and a really useful transition as we move forwards to Chemistry in the Upper Sixth and beyond.
Thrilling Physics
“It isn’t just about achievement, although obviously that is important, it’s more about your attitude, about really wanting to know more about physics and reading around, finding out what you can on your own too.”
Year 7 made the most of the sunshine this term for lessons in ‘Measuring the Biotic Environment’. Students were set a variety of challenging and cross-curricular tasks, including working out the age of a tree and finding out what happened in the year it was planted. They also worked out how much a tree drinks in 24 hours by calculating the change in weight of a sapling left in water over night and scaling the experiment to a whole tree!
12
In the morning the two boys and two girls were pitted against the clock to solve a murder mystery, working with test tube reactions and chromatography. Seventeen teams participated in the challenge before being rewarded with a picnic. After lunch the students moved to a University Challenge scenario in which a meteorite had landed near the University and they had to identify what it contained by carrying out a series of different chemical tests. The afternoon ended with a fun lecture entitled ‘Fire, Brains and Everything’ by Dr Ben Littlefield. “Robert de la Fuente, Anton Miller, Emma Otty and Lihi Othnay performed very well at the chemistry competition” commented Head of Chemistry, Jo Payne, “They worked well as a team and were a credit to Leighton Park”.
Nat Dean-Lewis (Lower Sixth)
Congratulations to Manu Sidhu (Lower Sixth) and Duncan Klopke (Year 9) who were nominated as Leighton Park’s Physicists of the Year. The award, which was presented at the University of Reading, acknowledges the talent of exceptional students studying Physics around the UK. Speaking about his award Manu said,
A team of four students from Year 8 were delighted to come third in the Chemistry competition at the University of Reading, part of the nationwide Salters’ Festival of Chemistry.
Chemistry Olympiad This year the Chemistry department entered five students for the prestigious 47th International Chemistry Olympiad run by the Royal Society of Chemistry. This highly challenging national competition is designed to really stretch the most able Chemistry students in Year 13. With remarkable performances from all the students who entered, a special mention goes to Nat Dean-Lewis who achieved the top score of Leighton Park’s entries, despite being in Lower Sixth. Our other winners included Bolaji AkinolaAlli, Dan Wu and Ayesha Tandon (Upper Sixth) who were awarded bronze certificates and Manu Sidhu (Lower Sixth) with his certificate of participation.
65 Year 10 students attended a lecture at Thorpe Park on The Science of Rollercoasters this term. Students also had the opportunity to witness the theories in action, by testing some of the many rides. Students commented: “It was great to get out of the classroom and experience science in real life, not just on a sheet of paper.” “Experiencing first-hand the energy transfers, G-forces, and acceleration, before learning about how they are factored into the design of the rides was very interesting.”
13
Creativity in the
Classroom Artists in Oakview
Music & Drama Music for a Summer’s Evening
Concert Series
GCSE Textiles Photograph by Dan Cobley
The Summer term concert series offered audiences a chance to listen to performances by Scholars in April, Ensembles in May and Soloists in June. The standard of performance continues to be of an exceptional standard, with students from all age groups keen to be involved.
Throughout the year Art and Textile scholar Tom McLellan (Year 8) has been exploring the theme of ‘Adornment’ around the globe. His recent display in our dining hall, Oakview, is an explosion of colour and shape with a central motif that look like a ball of flames. Tom has fused his construction and stitching skills with his enjoyment of colour and pattern. “I enjoyed the construction aspect of the project as, working in a team, we had to work out how best to create something decorative from something very ordinary - A4 paper. Our design was inspired by the tribal costumes of Papua New Guinea and West Africa but equally takes from contemporary hat designer Philip Treacy.” commented Tom.
Whiteknights Studio Trail
The creative talents of our Year 11 students were very much on show when Mark Wood, Head of Art, mounted a beautiful display in the Peckover Gallery at the end of term showcasing the GCSE textiles work for their exam moderators to judge and for the school community to enjoy.
DT Projects Wow Visitors GCSE and A Level project work by Design and Technology students has been amazing visitors in Old School reception with its quality and imagination. A stunning low level coffee table and a sleek garden bench have graced the visitors area and attracted many impressed remarks. The furniture theme expanded with the addition of four articulated tables by AS Product Design students who created their bespoke pieces of furniture without any prior workshop experience. With the exception of the plastic cap on the end of the central leg, every element of the table was hand crafted by the students. The modern design was chosen to challenge the students and to teach them a broad range of practical skills including vacuum laminating, biscuit joining, silicone degassing, metal turning, knurling and polishing, sawing, routing and marquetry design. Cici Wang (Year 11) has decided to donate her table to a good cause by auctioning it via a silent bid system. All funds raised will be given to assist Lamha Suas, the charity being championed by Geography teacher, Eithne Laird, to support education in Uganda.
Students from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth entertained the crowds at Music for a Summer’s Evening for five hours with a brilliantly varied set. Soloists, duets, ensembles, the orchestra, senior choir, Fryer Voices and various jazz ensembles performed everything from Happy Birthday to original compositions, a range of classical pieces and some more contemporary pop. With ensembles for strings, wind, brass and jazz Leighton Park offers some fantastic performance opportunities for group players and soloists alike. Combined with some scrumptious BBQ food provided by the PTA, some delicious picnics and the glorious weather, ordered especially for the occasion, the audience and artists all had a thoroughly good time.
Live from the Park
Members of the Year 7 and 8 Fryer Voices vocal ensemble were excited to gain some recording experience this term. The group have been working on a song for an upcoming Leighton Park Music Department iTunes release entitled ‘Live from the Park’, which will feature a selection of live recordings from our Wednesday evening concerts over the year.
Fryer Festival
Leighton Park was proud to host artwork from artist and EAL teacher, Tom Cartmill, as part of the 15th annual Whiteknights Studio Trail. The trail offers the opportunity to view artwork and meet artists from the area around the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus. Tom showcased his mixed media paintings and drawings which explore notions of time, space, patination and erosion. His work combines traditional painting techniques with more innovative processes to create textured surfaces in contrasting materials.
The Music Scholar’s Concert showcased a wide variety of performances with music from Mozart, Nielson, Schumann and Mendlessohn through to original compositions by Mathilde Bataille (Upper Sixth) and Emily Dunbar (Year 7).
Also featured on this year’s trail were a former Leighton Park parent, Celeste Kelly, with her still life drawings and paintings; Emily Gillmor, daughter of OL Robert Gillmor and sister of OL Tom Gillmor, exhibiting her screen prints; and Cathy Newell Price, niece of former Leighton Park teacher, Tim Newell Price, displaying her beautiful jewellery designs.
14
Students from Fryer House welcomed parents to the Park for Fryer Festival this year with a 125th anniversary themed welcome video. A fantastic multi-media extravaganza of music and drama, there were some brilliant displays of talent with captivating performances, political parodies and an impressive exhibition of creative art. Every year, this special event provides an opportunity for students in Year 7 and 8 to welcome next year’s newcomers to the Park and say farewell to their friends who will be moving on to one of the four Senior Houses: Reckitt, Grove, School and Field.
15
The Ensembles Concert featured many of our larger ensembles and involved well over 150 students, both on stage and behind the scenes. Amongst the range of pieces, the orchestra performed Tatgenhorst’s ‘Poem for Orchestra’ and a medley from ‘Wicked’, the Senior Choir performed Manhattan Transfer’s arrangement of ‘Four Brothers’ and the Chamber Winds performed Mozart’s ‘Theme and Variations’ from ‘Serenade for Thirteen Wind Instruments’. The whole concert was finished off with a rousing performance of ‘Samba Reggae’ by Beats Workin’. The Summer Soloists’ Concert is often filled with first time performers as they take the opportunity to gain some valuable experience. Some of these musicians included Philina Bauschke (Year 11) singing ‘Castle on a Cloud’, Laurabelle Kakulu’s (Upper Sixth) piano recital and a trumpet performance by Ollie Rowe (Year 7) and Will Huntridge (Upper Sixth).
Creativity in the
Classroom Artists in Oakview
Music & Drama Music for a Summer’s Evening
Concert Series
GCSE Textiles Photograph by Dan Cobley
The Summer term concert series offered audiences a chance to listen to performances by Scholars in April, Ensembles in May and Soloists in June. The standard of performance continues to be of an exceptional standard, with students from all age groups keen to be involved.
Throughout the year Art and Textile scholar Tom McLellan (Year 8) has been exploring the theme of ‘Adornment’ around the globe. His recent display in our dining hall, Oakview, is an explosion of colour and shape with a central motif that look like a ball of flames. Tom has fused his construction and stitching skills with his enjoyment of colour and pattern. “I enjoyed the construction aspect of the project as, working in a team, we had to work out how best to create something decorative from something very ordinary - A4 paper. Our design was inspired by the tribal costumes of Papua New Guinea and West Africa but equally takes from contemporary hat designer Philip Treacy.” commented Tom.
Whiteknights Studio Trail
The creative talents of our Year 11 students were very much on show when Mark Wood, Head of Art, mounted a beautiful display in the Peckover Gallery at the end of term showcasing the GCSE textiles work for their exam moderators to judge and for the school community to enjoy.
DT Projects Wow Visitors GCSE and A Level project work by Design and Technology students has been amazing visitors in Old School reception with its quality and imagination. A stunning low level coffee table and a sleek garden bench have graced the visitors area and attracted many impressed remarks. The furniture theme expanded with the addition of four articulated tables by AS Product Design students who created their bespoke pieces of furniture without any prior workshop experience. With the exception of the plastic cap on the end of the central leg, every element of the table was hand crafted by the students. The modern design was chosen to challenge the students and to teach them a broad range of practical skills including vacuum laminating, biscuit joining, silicone degassing, metal turning, knurling and polishing, sawing, routing and marquetry design. Cici Wang (Year 11) has decided to donate her table to a good cause by auctioning it via a silent bid system. All funds raised will be given to assist Lamha Suas, the charity being championed by Geography teacher, Eithne Laird, to support education in Uganda.
Students from Year 7 to the Upper Sixth entertained the crowds at Music for a Summer’s Evening for five hours with a brilliantly varied set. Soloists, duets, ensembles, the orchestra, senior choir, Fryer Voices and various jazz ensembles performed everything from Happy Birthday to original compositions, a range of classical pieces and some more contemporary pop. With ensembles for strings, wind, brass and jazz Leighton Park offers some fantastic performance opportunities for group players and soloists alike. Combined with some scrumptious BBQ food provided by the PTA, some delicious picnics and the glorious weather, ordered especially for the occasion, the audience and artists all had a thoroughly good time.
Live from the Park
Members of the Year 7 and 8 Fryer Voices vocal ensemble were excited to gain some recording experience this term. The group have been working on a song for an upcoming Leighton Park Music Department iTunes release entitled ‘Live from the Park’, which will feature a selection of live recordings from our Wednesday evening concerts over the year.
Fryer Festival
Leighton Park was proud to host artwork from artist and EAL teacher, Tom Cartmill, as part of the 15th annual Whiteknights Studio Trail. The trail offers the opportunity to view artwork and meet artists from the area around the University of Reading’s Whiteknights Campus. Tom showcased his mixed media paintings and drawings which explore notions of time, space, patination and erosion. His work combines traditional painting techniques with more innovative processes to create textured surfaces in contrasting materials.
The Music Scholar’s Concert showcased a wide variety of performances with music from Mozart, Nielson, Schumann and Mendlessohn through to original compositions by Mathilde Bataille (Upper Sixth) and Emily Dunbar (Year 7).
Also featured on this year’s trail were a former Leighton Park parent, Celeste Kelly, with her still life drawings and paintings; Emily Gillmor, daughter of OL Robert Gillmor and sister of OL Tom Gillmor, exhibiting her screen prints; and Cathy Newell Price, niece of former Leighton Park teacher, Tim Newell Price, displaying her beautiful jewellery designs.
14
Students from Fryer House welcomed parents to the Park for Fryer Festival this year with a 125th anniversary themed welcome video. A fantastic multi-media extravaganza of music and drama, there were some brilliant displays of talent with captivating performances, political parodies and an impressive exhibition of creative art. Every year, this special event provides an opportunity for students in Year 7 and 8 to welcome next year’s newcomers to the Park and say farewell to their friends who will be moving on to one of the four Senior Houses: Reckitt, Grove, School and Field.
15
The Ensembles Concert featured many of our larger ensembles and involved well over 150 students, both on stage and behind the scenes. Amongst the range of pieces, the orchestra performed Tatgenhorst’s ‘Poem for Orchestra’ and a medley from ‘Wicked’, the Senior Choir performed Manhattan Transfer’s arrangement of ‘Four Brothers’ and the Chamber Winds performed Mozart’s ‘Theme and Variations’ from ‘Serenade for Thirteen Wind Instruments’. The whole concert was finished off with a rousing performance of ‘Samba Reggae’ by Beats Workin’. The Summer Soloists’ Concert is often filled with first time performers as they take the opportunity to gain some valuable experience. Some of these musicians included Philina Bauschke (Year 11) singing ‘Castle on a Cloud’, Laurabelle Kakulu’s (Upper Sixth) piano recital and a trumpet performance by Ollie Rowe (Year 7) and Will Huntridge (Upper Sixth).
Sport
Berkshire Hockey Awards
Pride at Palmer Park The Reading Schools Athletics Championships held at Palmer Park in June were attended by almost 50 Leighton Park students. We are proud that all our students participated wholeheartedly and that some were successful enough to achieve medal positions: Will Parsons (Year 8) was awarded the Berkshire U13s Most Improved Hockey Player award (even though it was only his first season) at the Berkshire Awards night, hosted at Leighton Park. Anna Gutierrez (Year 10) was also recognised for her prowess on the pitch as the U15 Girls’ Player of the Season. The awards were presented by Tom Carson, England Hockey Forward.
Gold Josh White (Year 10) – Discus Daisy Butterworth (Year 10) – Discus Silver Daniel Egan (Year 7) – Discus Hari Gupta (Year 7) – Shot Put Morgan Marr (Year 7) – Javelin Bronze Johnny Weng (Year 8) – 300m Robson Dunn (Year 10) – High Jump Antony Cheshire (Year 8) – Long Jump Freddie Salmon (Year 8) – Shot Put
Based on their performances at Reading Schools Athletics Championships three Year 7 students were selected to compete for Reading in the Berkshire Schools U13 Track & Field Championships on 2nd July achieving some excellent results: Hari Gupta – 4th in Shot Dan Egan – 6th in Javelin Morgan Marr – 6th in Discus
Leighton Park’s 2015 Cricket Week got off to a great start on 15th June with a victory over the Forty Club. Founded in 1936 and reputed to be the largest nomadic cricket club in the world, the Forty Club does not own its own ground but takes cricket to schools by offering fixtures against experienced cricketers. The Forty Club scored 155 all out and Leighton Park scored 159 for 7 in return. Oscar Gutierrez (Lower Sixth) was man of the match taking five wickets and scoring a quick 31 runs.
On Thursday, Leighton Park played the Michael Beers XI. Alex Bishop (Year 9) was the standout batsman for us scoring a very respectable 50. Despite their best efforts the boys ended up losing by 25 runs. A match between the students and Old Leightonians’ Cricket Club rounded off the week and proved to be a fantastic accompaniment to the Old Leightonians’
Powering through the drizzle at the end of term Fryer students cycled and ran around the Park before dashing to the pool to complete the last phase of their triathlon. The event was held to raise money for Lamha Suas, the Irish charity that supports the education of young people in Uganda. To remind the participants and supporters of the value of clean water to African communities two students carried a bucket full of water four times around the triathlon circuit, representing the daily walk to the borehole for Africans living without access to a watertank.
Individual Championship Results
County Athletics
Cricket Week
Wednesday saw students play against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the world’s most active cricket club, the owner of Lord’s Ground and the guardian of the laws of the game. We knew this would be our toughest game of the year. The MCC managed to score 2/263 declared. This didn’t seem to bother Oscar Gutierrez as he smashed an impressive 134. George Lee (Year 9) and Will Mackay (Year 11) put on a brave display of batting holding out the last few overs and seeing off some powerful bowling. Leighton Park ended up drawing with the MCC with a score of 9/204 and Oscar was awarded man of the match, receiving a day out at Lord’s Cricket Ground for his efforts.
Fryer Triathlon
Also representing Reading, this time at the 2015 Berkshire County Schools Championships on Saturday 13th June, were Finbar Aherne (Lower Sixth) 100m, Rebecca Laing (Lower Sixth) 100m, Amelia Walcott (Year 10) 100m, Jung Woo Bae (Year 11) Shot and Daisy Butterworth (Year 10) Shot.
House Competition Results
Tennis
Rounders
Junior Boys
Joe Blundell (Year 10)
Senior Boy
Jay Nayyar (Upper Sixth)
Juniors – Field Seniors – School
Athletics
Overall – Field and School
Fryer Boys
Anton Miller (Year 8) and Jamie Rowson (Year 8)
Junior Girls - Field
Junior Boys
Robson Dunn (Year 10) and Alex Barnard (Year 9)
Senior Girls – Field
Senior Boys
Finbar Aherne (Lower Sixth)
Overall – Field
Fryer Girls
Jasmine Walker (Year 8)
Junior Boys – School
Junior Girls
Amelia Walcott (Year 10)
Senior Boys – School
Senior Girls
Rebecca Laing (Lower Sixth
Tennis
Overall – School Athletics
Over 70s tea! Oscar Gutierrez took 7 wickets and helped reduce the OLs to 103 runs. This was the best performance the 1st XI has had against the OLs in many years. The students got off to a very shaky start and found themselves under a lot of pressure when they were 4/42. Thankfully, Oscar Gutierrez and Will Mackay managed to stabilise the innings and steer us home for a win. Another mention must go to Oscar for a safe and quick 50. Matt Stevens, Sports Resident
16
Individual Achievements
Fryer – Bournville
Freddie Salmon (Year 8) continues to play for the Berkshire U13 tennis squad.
Senior Boys – Field
Junior Girls - Field Senior Girls - School Junior Boys - Field Overall - Field
Fergus Fox (Year 9) is sailing competitively at European level. Recently he competed in the Oppie class in the Netherlands, finishing mid-fleet; a highly commendable achievement.
Richard Coleman Shield
Abbie Dixon (Year 10) was selected for the U17 international hockey series against Belgium on the 9th-12th July in Canterbury, and also the Six Nations in Germany 18-24th July. Abbie played against Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
After three terms of excellent sport the overall winners were Field with 67 points, followed by School with 56.5 points, Reckitt with 46.5 points and Grove with 39.5 points.
17
Sport
Berkshire Hockey Awards
Pride at Palmer Park The Reading Schools Athletics Championships held at Palmer Park in June were attended by almost 50 Leighton Park students. We are proud that all our students participated wholeheartedly and that some were successful enough to achieve medal positions: Will Parsons (Year 8) was awarded the Berkshire U13s Most Improved Hockey Player award (even though it was only his first season) at the Berkshire Awards night, hosted at Leighton Park. Anna Gutierrez (Year 10) was also recognised for her prowess on the pitch as the U15 Girls’ Player of the Season. The awards were presented by Tom Carson, England Hockey Forward.
Gold Josh White (Year 10) – Discus Daisy Butterworth (Year 10) – Discus Silver Daniel Egan (Year 7) – Discus Hari Gupta (Year 7) – Shot Put Morgan Marr (Year 7) – Javelin Bronze Johnny Weng (Year 8) – 300m Robson Dunn (Year 10) – High Jump Antony Cheshire (Year 8) – Long Jump Freddie Salmon (Year 8) – Shot Put
Based on their performances at Reading Schools Athletics Championships three Year 7 students were selected to compete for Reading in the Berkshire Schools U13 Track & Field Championships on 2nd July achieving some excellent results: Hari Gupta – 4th in Shot Dan Egan – 6th in Javelin Morgan Marr – 6th in Discus
Leighton Park’s 2015 Cricket Week got off to a great start on 15th June with a victory over the Forty Club. Founded in 1936 and reputed to be the largest nomadic cricket club in the world, the Forty Club does not own its own ground but takes cricket to schools by offering fixtures against experienced cricketers. The Forty Club scored 155 all out and Leighton Park scored 159 for 7 in return. Oscar Gutierrez (Lower Sixth) was man of the match taking five wickets and scoring a quick 31 runs.
On Thursday, Leighton Park played the Michael Beers XI. Alex Bishop (Year 9) was the standout batsman for us scoring a very respectable 50. Despite their best efforts the boys ended up losing by 25 runs. A match between the students and Old Leightonians’ Cricket Club rounded off the week and proved to be a fantastic accompaniment to the Old Leightonians’
Powering through the drizzle at the end of term Fryer students cycled and ran around the Park before dashing to the pool to complete the last phase of their triathlon. The event was held to raise money for Lamha Suas, the Irish charity that supports the education of young people in Uganda. To remind the participants and supporters of the value of clean water to African communities two students carried a bucket full of water four times around the triathlon circuit, representing the daily walk to the borehole for Africans living without access to a watertank.
Individual Championship Results
County Athletics
Cricket Week
Wednesday saw students play against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the world’s most active cricket club, the owner of Lord’s Ground and the guardian of the laws of the game. We knew this would be our toughest game of the year. The MCC managed to score 2/263 declared. This didn’t seem to bother Oscar Gutierrez as he smashed an impressive 134. George Lee (Year 9) and Will Mackay (Year 11) put on a brave display of batting holding out the last few overs and seeing off some powerful bowling. Leighton Park ended up drawing with the MCC with a score of 9/204 and Oscar was awarded man of the match, receiving a day out at Lord’s Cricket Ground for his efforts.
Fryer Triathlon
Also representing Reading, this time at the 2015 Berkshire County Schools Championships on Saturday 13th June, were Finbar Aherne (Lower Sixth) 100m, Rebecca Laing (Lower Sixth) 100m, Amelia Walcott (Year 10) 100m, Jung Woo Bae (Year 11) Shot and Daisy Butterworth (Year 10) Shot.
House Competition Results
Tennis
Rounders
Junior Boys
Joe Blundell (Year 10)
Senior Boy
Jay Nayyar (Upper Sixth)
Juniors – Field Seniors – School
Athletics
Overall – Field and School
Fryer Boys
Anton Miller (Year 8) and Jamie Rowson (Year 8)
Junior Girls - Field
Junior Boys
Robson Dunn (Year 10) and Alex Barnard (Year 9)
Senior Girls – Field
Senior Boys
Finbar Aherne (Lower Sixth)
Overall – Field
Fryer Girls
Jasmine Walker (Year 8)
Junior Boys – School
Junior Girls
Amelia Walcott (Year 10)
Senior Boys – School
Senior Girls
Rebecca Laing (Lower Sixth
Tennis
Overall – School Athletics
Over 70s tea! Oscar Gutierrez took 7 wickets and helped reduce the OLs to 103 runs. This was the best performance the 1st XI has had against the OLs in many years. The students got off to a very shaky start and found themselves under a lot of pressure when they were 4/42. Thankfully, Oscar Gutierrez and Will Mackay managed to stabilise the innings and steer us home for a win. Another mention must go to Oscar for a safe and quick 50. Matt Stevens, Sports Resident
16
Individual Achievements
Fryer – Bournville
Freddie Salmon (Year 8) continues to play for the Berkshire U13 tennis squad.
Senior Boys – Field
Junior Girls - Field Senior Girls - School Junior Boys - Field Overall - Field
Fergus Fox (Year 9) is sailing competitively at European level. Recently he competed in the Oppie class in the Netherlands, finishing mid-fleet; a highly commendable achievement.
Richard Coleman Shield
Abbie Dixon (Year 10) was selected for the U17 international hockey series against Belgium on the 9th-12th July in Canterbury, and also the Six Nations in Germany 18-24th July. Abbie played against Spain, Holland, Germany, Belgium and Ireland.
After three terms of excellent sport the overall winners were Field with 67 points, followed by School with 56.5 points, Reckitt with 46.5 points and Grove with 39.5 points.
17
Sixth Form Toasting the Future
Upper Sixth students, supported by their tutors and teachers, celebrated their time at Leighton Park and toasted the future at the Leavers’ Dinner on Friday 15th May. Held at Furama Chinese Restaurant, in the centre of Reading, the group of 90, elegantly dressed in black tie and lounge suits for the event, took over the entire restaurant. “It’s the largest dinner we have ever held for the leavers,” said Head of Teaching and Learning, Ken Sullivan, “It was a very lively and entertaining evening, I think it was well received by everyone who came.” The delicious meal was accompanied by speeches from the Head Girl, Mathilde Bataille, and Head Boy, Ed Capstick, and by awards from Ken Sullivan. “The prizes are all second hand books from Oxfam,” explained Ken, “They are all personally selected but it’s good to know that all the money from these awards is going to a worthwhile charity.”
New Prefects
This year’s House Panel Quiz took place early this term, with sixteen Sixth Form students representing their houses in this annual competition.
5s Reunion
OLs Across the UK
The 2015-2016 Senior Prefects were announced this term. Congratulations to the following: Daniel Barber, Robert Beckett, Andre Chu, Ben Cobley, Nat DeanLewis, Lauren Earl, Lilian Gobel, Grace Guimaraes, Danny Humby, Rebecca Laing, Sophie Laing, Reece Mowlem, Rowan Reynolds, Lilli Sokolski, Angharad Stephens, Aaron Stewart, Owen Turner, Daniel VeitchScoggins and Marijn Vuijk. Next year’s senior prefects were also announced in Final Collect and will be starting in their roles from September. Head Boy: Finbar Aherne Head Girl: Asha Sumroy Deputy Head Boy: Manu Sidhu Deputy Head Girl: Victoria Roberts
House Panel Quiz
Old Leightonians
Students were pitched some devilishly tricky questions by quiz-master, Ken Sullivan, which ranged from the challenging ‘How many sides does an icosahedron have?’ to the virtually impossible ‘Which 1988 western saw Emilio Estevez play ‘Billy The Kid’ alongside Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland?’
This year’s 5s Reunion was the biggest yet, with 95 OLs from 2005, 1995, 1985, 1975 and 1965, along with partners and almost 40 children. OLs came from California, Canada, Japan, France and Spain, as well as all over the UK. Some had not been to the Park or seen old friends for half a century! Stories were shared, news of old classmates sought, new buildings were critiqued and many stayed to enjoy Music for a Summer’s Evening. Meeting for Worship is always poignant, with OLs reflecting on the power of gathering in the familiar surroundings of Peckover. OL Simon Clemison (1995), BBC News Reporter, commented, “On a personal note I am very grateful as I had a wonderful time - to be back at the place I adored as a youngster but this time with the people who helped make it so special - was magical.”
With the scores all tallied up, it emerged that Field House had come out on top, with 53 points, leaving Reckitt, School and Grove to take the 2nd, 3rd and 4th titles respectively.
With over 3,000 Old Leightonians now in touch with the school’s Development Office, this term has been a busy one. There have been five get togethers around the country for OLs spanning several generations. In Cambridge, Nigel Williams, Head, and our Development Manager, Celia Blakeway-Phillips enjoyed meeting up with Jenni Westoby (2013), one of the OLs studying at the University, along with OLs from across East Anglia. In Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and in the Cotswolds, the guests included Heather Bateman (2008), who is on the Waitrose Management Programme, Helen Langwick (2002), Head of Interpretation at the Royal Armouries and Nick Masters-Waage (2008), a post-graduate at the University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute, researching the disposal of radioactive waste.
Improving Art on the Park
BAFTA Winner Donates Projector
Excitement and Emotion on Leaver’s Day Leavers’ Day was an emotional occasion for the Upper Sixth with excitement for the future tinged with the sadness of moving on from so many happy times with friends on the Park. Leavers’ Collect gathered the whole school into Main Hall for the last Collect this year’s cohort will attend as students and witnessed the award of the traditional prizes, with the addition of the inaugural Drama Award, facilitated by the kind donation of a 2015 Leavers’ family. This year’s winners are: • • • • • • •
WH Scarborough Award - Ayesha Tandon OLs Award - Alex Angwin and Aimee Fullbrook Mary Triddon Music Award - Martin Dixon and Ellie Mead Travel Scholarship - Alex Granville Paul Dowdell Art Award - Dan Wu Drama Award - Jack Collins Jorge Hortal Award - Alex Hitchins
Leading fine art specialist and art dealer OL David Ellis-Jones (1960) also enjoyed a visit to the school, spending time with students in the Art department. David is donating his collection of books about art to the Art department. He was extremely complimentary about the calibre of work that he saw and enjoyed talking about art and exhibitions with Max Jennings (Lower Sixth) and Sophie Laing (Lower Sixth).
Following a moving Meeting for Worship, the Upper Sixth and their families continued their celebrations in the Caradon Garden with cupcakes, tea and fun in the magnificent Leavers’ Day frames collaboratively designed by Mark Smith and Mark Wood in the Design Technology and Art Departments.
18
19
BAFTA winning OL film-maker Tony Searle (1958) gave some first-hand tips and advice to budding film makers during his recent visit to Leighton Park. Tony kindly donated a state of the art projector to school. Tony cut his film-making teeth on the 1959 Leighton Park film “A School in a Park” which has enjoyed a recent revival through its use in the 125 Film Project.
Date for the Diary Linkedin Training Session for OLs, parents and staff: £10. 11th November, 6.30pm, Peckover Hall. Places first come, first served. Book online at bit.ly/1RRcFgI
Sixth Form Toasting the Future
Upper Sixth students, supported by their tutors and teachers, celebrated their time at Leighton Park and toasted the future at the Leavers’ Dinner on Friday 15th May. Held at Furama Chinese Restaurant, in the centre of Reading, the group of 90, elegantly dressed in black tie and lounge suits for the event, took over the entire restaurant. “It’s the largest dinner we have ever held for the leavers,” said Head of Teaching and Learning, Ken Sullivan, “It was a very lively and entertaining evening, I think it was well received by everyone who came.” The delicious meal was accompanied by speeches from the Head Girl, Mathilde Bataille, and Head Boy, Ed Capstick, and by awards from Ken Sullivan. “The prizes are all second hand books from Oxfam,” explained Ken, “They are all personally selected but it’s good to know that all the money from these awards is going to a worthwhile charity.”
New Prefects
This year’s House Panel Quiz took place early this term, with sixteen Sixth Form students representing their houses in this annual competition.
5s Reunion
OLs Across the UK
The 2015-2016 Senior Prefects were announced this term. Congratulations to the following: Daniel Barber, Robert Beckett, Andre Chu, Ben Cobley, Nat DeanLewis, Lauren Earl, Lilian Gobel, Grace Guimaraes, Danny Humby, Rebecca Laing, Sophie Laing, Reece Mowlem, Rowan Reynolds, Lilli Sokolski, Angharad Stephens, Aaron Stewart, Owen Turner, Daniel VeitchScoggins and Marijn Vuijk. Next year’s senior prefects were also announced in Final Collect and will be starting in their roles from September. Head Boy: Finbar Aherne Head Girl: Asha Sumroy Deputy Head Boy: Manu Sidhu Deputy Head Girl: Victoria Roberts
House Panel Quiz
Old Leightonians
Students were pitched some devilishly tricky questions by quiz-master, Ken Sullivan, which ranged from the challenging ‘How many sides does an icosahedron have?’ to the virtually impossible ‘Which 1988 western saw Emilio Estevez play ‘Billy The Kid’ alongside Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland?’
This year’s 5s Reunion was the biggest yet, with 95 OLs from 2005, 1995, 1985, 1975 and 1965, along with partners and almost 40 children. OLs came from California, Canada, Japan, France and Spain, as well as all over the UK. Some had not been to the Park or seen old friends for half a century! Stories were shared, news of old classmates sought, new buildings were critiqued and many stayed to enjoy Music for a Summer’s Evening. Meeting for Worship is always poignant, with OLs reflecting on the power of gathering in the familiar surroundings of Peckover. OL Simon Clemison (1995), BBC News Reporter, commented, “On a personal note I am very grateful as I had a wonderful time - to be back at the place I adored as a youngster but this time with the people who helped make it so special - was magical.”
With the scores all tallied up, it emerged that Field House had come out on top, with 53 points, leaving Reckitt, School and Grove to take the 2nd, 3rd and 4th titles respectively.
With over 3,000 Old Leightonians now in touch with the school’s Development Office, this term has been a busy one. There have been five get togethers around the country for OLs spanning several generations. In Cambridge, Nigel Williams, Head, and our Development Manager, Celia Blakeway-Phillips enjoyed meeting up with Jenni Westoby (2013), one of the OLs studying at the University, along with OLs from across East Anglia. In Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and in the Cotswolds, the guests included Heather Bateman (2008), who is on the Waitrose Management Programme, Helen Langwick (2002), Head of Interpretation at the Royal Armouries and Nick Masters-Waage (2008), a post-graduate at the University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute, researching the disposal of radioactive waste.
Improving Art on the Park
BAFTA Winner Donates Projector
Excitement and Emotion on Leaver’s Day Leavers’ Day was an emotional occasion for the Upper Sixth with excitement for the future tinged with the sadness of moving on from so many happy times with friends on the Park. Leavers’ Collect gathered the whole school into Main Hall for the last Collect this year’s cohort will attend as students and witnessed the award of the traditional prizes, with the addition of the inaugural Drama Award, facilitated by the kind donation of a 2015 Leavers’ family. This year’s winners are: • • • • • • •
WH Scarborough Award - Ayesha Tandon OLs Award - Alex Angwin and Aimee Fullbrook Mary Triddon Music Award - Martin Dixon and Ellie Mead Travel Scholarship - Alex Granville Paul Dowdell Art Award - Dan Wu Drama Award - Jack Collins Jorge Hortal Award - Alex Hitchins
Leading fine art specialist and art dealer OL David Ellis-Jones (1960) also enjoyed a visit to the school, spending time with students in the Art department. David is donating his collection of books about art to the Art department. He was extremely complimentary about the calibre of work that he saw and enjoyed talking about art and exhibitions with Max Jennings (Lower Sixth) and Sophie Laing (Lower Sixth).
Following a moving Meeting for Worship, the Upper Sixth and their families continued their celebrations in the Caradon Garden with cupcakes, tea and fun in the magnificent Leavers’ Day frames collaboratively designed by Mark Smith and Mark Wood in the Design Technology and Art Departments.
18
19
BAFTA winning OL film-maker Tony Searle (1958) gave some first-hand tips and advice to budding film makers during his recent visit to Leighton Park. Tony kindly donated a state of the art projector to school. Tony cut his film-making teeth on the 1959 Leighton Park film “A School in a Park” which has enjoyed a recent revival through its use in the 125 Film Project.
Date for the Diary Linkedin Training Session for OLs, parents and staff: £10. 11th November, 6.30pm, Peckover Hall. Places first come, first served. Book online at bit.ly/1RRcFgI
PSC
A New Name for the New School Year! We’ve changed our name to Parent and Staff Community: PSC for short. The new name better reflects our focus and acknowledges our fantastic staff support. We provide social opportunities to meet old friends, to make new ones and to enjoy being part of the Leighton Park community. To find out more about how to get involved, please join us at the AGM in November or contact us on psc@leightonpark.com.
Farewell and Thanks We cannot begin to count the ways in which Kate Angwin, a former PSC chair, has supported the Leighton Park Community – thoughtfully, efficiently, and cheerfully – over many years. We thank Kate heartily for her service.
PSC Book Group At our final meeting of the summer term, ‘And the Mountains Echoed’ by Khaled Hosseini was chosen as our favourite title this year. We also unveiled the 2015-16 selection. All are invited to read one or more of the books and come along!
PSC Theatre Group Following a wonderful West End trip to see Memphis in June, the next excursion will be to the remarkable production of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies in November. We have attractively priced stalls tickets available for parents and staff. To book your tickets, or for further details, please contact psc@leightonpark.com.
PSC at Music for a Summer’s Evening What a fantastic day it was! The PSC provided a BBQ and a much-loved Pimms bar to complement the fabulous music from Leighton Park’s talented students. Special thanks go to the volunteer chefs for their catering talents.
PSC Donations
Fireworks on the Park 2015
Following a donation to purchase technical equipment, LP Radio returned in June with live coverage of Sports Day. Damon Young, Senior School Enrichment Co-ordinator, commented “We’re thrilled to be back on air. When we’re broadcasting, everyone can listen over the internet: go to mixlr.com and search for LPradio”.
This ever-popular event will take place on Friday 13th November. Further information on how to book tickets and meal selections is available on the PSC website. Please book early as tickets sell very quickly!
The PSC was also delighted to donate the profits from the Julian Joseph Trio Concert bar to the Music Department. New guitars have arrived and are already in use!
Nearly New Shop
Coming up in the Autumn Term
The Nearly New Shop is open in Fryer selling good quality school clothing on the following dates. Proceeds are donated to charity.
Further information is available on the PSC website or by contacting psc@leightonpark.com.
Shop dates (16:00-17:30)
September Monday 14th October Saturday 3rd Wednesday 21st November Monday 9th Tuesday 10th Friday 13th Wednesday 18th December Sunday 6th
Friday 11th September
Book Group: Emma – Alexander McCall Smith Support for Annual Open Morning Parents’ lunch in Oakview Book Group: The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd PSC AGM Fireworks on the Park 2015 Theatre Group: Lord of the Flies, adapted by Nigel Williams at the Wycombe Swan Festive decorating in Peckover
www.leightonpark.com The Park is printed using paper from a sustainable source.
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Wednesday 14th October Friday 4th December