The Malvernian by Malvern College

THE MALVERNIAN Transform Their World

AUTUMN 2020

IN THIS ISSUE

Dear Parents,

Academic 2

Drama 11

Academic Update

Music 12

Masterclasses 3

Sport 13

As we end the first half of the Autumn Term, I am amazed by how much has happened in such a relatively short space of time and under the unusual conditions placed upon us by pandemic restrictions. The wonderful September sunshine certainly helped, but underpinning everything has been the determination of both

Poetry Day MIND and Place2Be Charity Events OSCAR Foundation

Duke of Edinburgh

CCF Field Day

Weekend Activities

4 5

Societies 6

Weekend Activities for the FY and Remove

pupils and staff to make the most of being back. Pre-season sports training and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions kicked us off even before term began. Sports, CCF and Outdoor Pursuits have proved that meaningful skills (and fitness!) can be developed, and musical concerts and dramatic performances have been re-imagined but still enjoyed by all. I have been particularly impressed by the

pupils taking on the challenges that began during lock-down: raising thousands for charities already through self-organised 10k

Malvern Hills Challenge 7 Climate Change Upper Sixth Mock Oxbridge Interviews

Your Home Away From Home

20-21

Positions of Responsibility 9-10

Our Qualities

Christmas Holidays

Pastoral Update

Message from the Headmaster 22

runs, as well as enterprising car washes and doughnut selling; leading super-curricular society talks, such as Geography, Politics & Current Affairs, Wheeler-Bennet and Aston, all attracting both online and real-life crowds of over 50 a time; and Chapel Prefects and Peer Mentors leading services and assemblies in Chapel. I hope that you enjoy the next few pages that give you just a taste of life over the last few weeks.

THE MALVERNIAN

Academic It was a very unusual Summer in terms of public exams. Although there was a significant amount of concern expressed over the manner in which grades were apportioned, it is important to recognise that the Centre Assessed Grades that were eventually used for A level and (I)GCSE, were based entirely on the pupils’ work and performance over the year, and the grades that this would most likely have led to them achieving. A quick summary of the summer’s results is below:

What does this mean? There is a significant number of pupils within each exam cohort accessing the very highest grades at Malvern College. These pupils are therefore able successfully to apply to the top universities in the UK and internationally.

University Applications: 83% of candidates achieved their offers at their first-choice university, with students gaining places at universities including

GCSE Results: • T he Hundred achieved an extremely impressive 45% at grade 9 or 8, with 67% at 9, 8 or 7.

• 4 4 pupils (36%) achieved at least six 9/8/A* grades; 34 (28%) achieved eight or more 9/8/A* grades.

A level and International Baccalaureate (IB):

Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Warwick, Imperial College London, LSE, University College London, King’s College London, Exeter, Bristol, Cardiff and Edinburgh, among others. 16 pupils received offers from a range of overseas universities including some of the most prestigious European, Canadian and US universities such as Maastricht, IEU in Madrid, Keio University in Japan, Toronto and New York University.

• I n the Sixth Form, pupils across IB and A level attained 61% of all results within the top two grade categories (i.e. 7 or 6 for IB, or

Super-Curriculum:

A* or A for A level).

Our super- and co-curriculums are very much up and running, with the pupils taking a particular lead in guiding the academic

IB Results:

enrichment programme within the super-curriculum. The link

• I n the 2020 cohort, 21 candidates (33% of the cohort) scored 40 or more IB points. 3 achieved the maximum 45 points.

below provides an overview of the CCA/Super curriculum opportunities available. https://www.malverncollege.org.uk/parent-portal/

A Level Results: • A t A level, our pupils attained 45% A*-A grades and 71% A*-B grades. 10 candidates achieved at least A*A*A.

Academic Update Staff Changes Mr Stephen Holroyd starts his new role of Deputy Head Curriculum with the key focus of ensuring that pupils receive a coherent and balanced holistic education. His opening message for all year groups was used to highlight the academic enrichment opportunities within the super-curriculum for all pupils, in whatever year or ability group they are in. A big focus will be on accessibility for all and for societies to be increasingly pupil-led, so that our Sixth Formers in particular develop more of the Malvern Qualities as they co-ordinate and lead intellectual pursuits, and in preparation for their applications to university.

Meanwhile, Ms Jens Akehurst takes over from Stephen in the important role of IB Co-ordinator. Lower Sixth are for the most part getting stuck into their various IB or A level courses, with a small number undertaking some specific GCSE retakes later in the term.

THE MALVERNIAN

Masterclasses Recently, the Senior Deputy Head, Sarah Angus, led from the front and delivered the first Masterclass Lecture of the year on Thursday 17th September. Her title ‘Do you feel lucky’ was all the excuse she needed to open-up with a reference to Dirty Harry and from there on Mrs Angus showed her intellectual prowess as she explored the role of luck in society and whether a belief in luck was a positive or negative force, covering it from a range of mathematical, philosophical, psychological and sociological perspectives. It was a shame that there was no ‘live’ audience present, but nonetheless a large online of eighty plus audience enjoyed her lecture enormously and then asked a series of challenging questions to round off the evening. The Masterclasses are chaired by members of the Wheeler-Bennett Society and thanks go to Peter Urbahns for doing an excellent job of ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Poetry Day In celebration of National Poetry Day on 1 October, several of the U6 A-level English students joined the staff in reading their choice of poems from the steps of St George’s. Among the highlights were Shareek Oluwo’s (No.7) compelling recital of Henley’s ‘Invictus’; Tim Emms’ (No.9) timely reminder of Shelley’s tyrannical ‘Ozymandias’, and Maddie Queen’s (No. 8) delivery of the ‘Hurt Locker’, a chilling response to the war in Iraq. Mr Justin Major shared a moving reading of his own poem, a ‘Limerick for Peggaloo’ while various members of the English department shared poems of personal significance. On this gloriously bright, Autumn morning, the breaktime gathering of teachers and students were reminded that the power of words is best exercised in giving voice to beauty and truth. It was a treat!

Mrs Sheenagh Brighton-Goedhals

Head of English

THE MALVERNIAN

MIND and Place2Be Charity Events MIND Society is a newly formed sixth form service group that

help identify children with mental health issues. The event took

focuses on mental health issues as well as fundraises for the local

place on Saturday 10th October and a group of sixth form students

MIND charity. On October 9 and 10 , MIND society had their

set out for a 10km run setting off from The Senior and out onto the

first events of this academic year. On the 9 , the group hosted

beautiful setting of the Malvern common. The event proved to be

Malvern’s first ‘Blue Light Day’ a precursor to World Mental Health

a great success with the group raising in excess of £5,000! Thanks

Day that aims to destigmatise mental health issues.

to everyone who took part and supported the Student Council in

The following day, on World Mental Health Day, several members

their endeavour to support this great cause.

of MIND joined members of the Student Council, Laksh Joshi

Looking forward in the term, MIND will be delivering over 1000

(SH), Georg Wendelstadt (SH), Tiwa Adejuyigbe (SH) and

Krispy Kreme doughnuts to the staff and pupils an initiative that

Will Brinkman (No.1), who had organised a 10km run in support

has raised over £1500.

of a children’s mental health charity called Place2Be. Their work includes supporting young people who are struggling with their

Tiwa Adejuyigbe (SH), Chioma Anazodo (EH)

mental health whilst also training teachers and visiting schools to

and Laksh Joshi (SH)

THE MALVERNIAN

OSCAR Foundation Members of the College’s OSCAR

Covid crisis. Pupils in the photos are Harry Sillence (No.5)

service group washed cars to raise

(Landrover), Will Hartley (SH) (wearing SH vest), Ciara

money for children living in Mumbai’s

Carpenter (No.4) and Billy Tulloch (No.7) (white t-shirt).

slums, who are currently struggling to

Other pupils involved in the car wash were Maddie Queen (No.8),

source food and other basic necessities

Ishbel Spencer-Nairn (No.8), Jonathan Edwards (No.2) and

of life during the pandemic.

Mwai Kibaki (No.2).

With £120 raised for the OSCAR Foundation. Currently, OSCAR are focusing their work on providing and distributing emergency food supplies in Mumbai’s slums during the

Joe Gauci

Head of History and Deputy Head: Academic

THE MALVERNIAN

Societies Meade Read Society

Wheeler Bennett Society

This term the “Meade Read” society was created and had its first meeting. This society is the student lead economics society, led by Tiwa Adejuyigbe (SH), Pablo Dorai Raj (No.5), Tom Cox (No.5) and Tom Hughes (No.5). In our first meeting we debated the costly yet effective US economic response to the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the UKs response. The society features statistics for comparison and mostly just general discussion between students. In the future the society will be held every two weeks and we will be covering subjects like “Modern Monetary Policy” and the effectiveness of relatively new policies like “Quantitative Easing”.

This term was our first term back in school and the Wheeler Bennett Society had to contend with many logistical challenges so that our talks met the social distancing guidelines set out by the school.

Tom Cox (No.5)

Aston Society Nelly Farenski (No.4) in the Pre-6th kicked off this year’s Aston Society with a presentation on the History of Dance. Starting with 1920, Nelly discussed the dance popular in each decade, linking her discussion of the dance styles to the historical context in Germany and the US in each decade. Her discussion drew on themes such as the increased freedom enjoyed by women after the world wars. Nelly accompanied each explanation with a recording of herself performing the dances, leading to one of the most lively Aston meetings we have ever had. Giles Hopkirk

Director of Teaching & Learning and Teacher of Geography

Politics, Modern History and Foreign Affairs Society

The two most powerful men in the world: Putin & Trump

Politics & Foreign Affairs Society

The Politics, Modern History and Foreign Affairs Society is a society which is run for the 5th year at Malvern College under the student leadership team of Anastasia Wlaschek (No.8) and Agueda Ortiz Flores (No.8).

Friday, 2nd October • 7:15 -8:00 PM PF2 (Mr. Hutsby's classroom)

The Society meet once a week for 45minutes to discuss current affairs. For the first time they have incorporated modern history into the society as it impacts the decision-making of many politicians and it also gives the attendees an insight to how the past shapes our present. During the first half of the Autumn term the society has had two meetings. In the first meeting we discussed whether Trump or Biden should be elected in the 2020 elections and Putin’s aim to exercise influence in Cuba. In the second meeting we discussed Brexit and the UK-EU trade deals in 2020. if you want to join please email: wlaschek_anastasia@malverncollege.org.uk

Anastasia Wlaschek (No.8) and Agueda Ortiz Flores (No.8)

Despite these we had many excellent talks on topics ranging from Language and economics, to computer safety and Genetic mutations. Each of these talks was well received by the attending audiences and we had many questions from those tuning in via Teams and those who were present. Our first two talks were from Felix Olschewski (No.7) and Lottie Williams (EH) who both did a tremendous job of explaining a complex topic in a way that everybody could understand. This of course caused some amazing discussions and questions to be brought forward that really stretched the knowledge of our presenters who were able to find a well-thought through answer on the spot. Similarly, Jojo Baldota’s (No.7) and Tiwa Adejuyigbe’s (SH) talks also made a complex topic more understandable to students specialising in other fields. Both of their talks were particularly exciting because they dealt with somewhat controversial and very new ideas.

Peter Urbahns (No.7)

Geography Society Recently the Halford Mackinder Professor of Geography at Oxford University, Danny Dorling, held a presentation via Zoom on his new book titled “SLOWDOWN: The End of the Great Acceleration and Why It’s Good for the Planet, the Economy and Our Lives”. In his presentation he displayed many graphs that demonstrated the rate of speed at which certain things are increasing or decreasing. However, the graphs were not familiar straight line or curved graphs but rather most of them had a zig-zag motion with a pendulum swinging in the middle. At first this was a bit confusing, but it showed the speed of which the fertility rate, for example, is slowing down, very clearly. Interestingly, he stated that these slowdowns have been happening since the 1970s and are not just a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, as many may think. Surprisingly, what is also dropping is the rate of technological progress, as many of the things we use in our day-to-day life have just been modified over the years but are not completely new inventions. This was a very thought-provoking presentation, highlighting that the world is indeed slowing down in many aspects that we would have never expected it to.

Elizabeth Lusser (No.8)

THE MALVERNIAN

Malvern Hills Challenge The task included designing: • An embellished MHC logo incorporating ‘10 years’ • An anniversary background design to be used on:

– Printed media publications.

– Home page background on the website.

– Facebook cover photo and social media ‘share-image’.

– Certificates of achievement for the 18 km and 9 km routes.

• An anniversary T-Shirt Design At the beginning of the Lent Term the College was approached by the organisers of the Malvern Hills Challenge with a design task

Due to the pandemic, the process was moved on-line, but the

for the 10 anniversary of the event. The Malvern Hills Challenge is

Malvern Hills Challenge organisers were very impressed with the

an annual event that has been running for 10 years raising money

approach all the students took and the quality of the work they

in support of the Help for Heroes charity.

produced. The final decision was a difficult one, but the final

designs by Isabel Barrett (No.4) and Isabelle Wilson (No.4) Our pupils, Kelsey Richmond (EH, OM), Pia Schmitz (EH), Chole

were selected to be used and can now be seen on the Malvern

MacKellar (No.6), Isabel Barrett (No.4) and Isabelle Wilson

Hills Challenge website and on all printed media for the event.

(No.4) volunteered to take part in the task of designing a range of designs for the printed media to celebrate the special anniversary.

Laura Shales

Teacher of Design & Technology

https://www.malvernhillschallenge.org/ https://www.malvernhillschallenge.org/10th-anniverary-design

THE MALVERNIAN

Climate Change Founder members of the Environmental Action Group (EAG),

and developed. Our students contributed to the ‘group chat’

Emily Finch (No.8), Felix Alber Stroltz (SH), Alisa Gudkova

element and Felix was able to draw on his experience of Climate

(No.4), Ginny Lawrence (No.6) and Kitty Holroyd (No.6)

Change in the Alps to contribute to the live discussion on line with

were invited by The West Worcestershire Climate Coalition

Harriet herself.

(who bring together organisations and individuals with shared concerns over climate change) to take part in a zoom interview with Harriett Baldwin MP as part of an ongoing initiative of Harriet’s to consult with Environmental Groups in her constituency. Representatives of XR, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, and other more local groups also took part, and the students involved found it interesting to see how such a meeting progressed

As a result of the discussion, Harriet Baldwin has agreed to ask a question in the House of Commons reflecting some of the issues discussed and a further meeting convened later in the year.

Mrs Nichola Cage

Teacher of Geography & Head of Pre Sixth

Upper Sixth Mock Oxbridge Interviews On Field Day this term, our Upper Sixth Oxbridge and elite

case notes on Pretty v DPP about the right to life (or not) in a case

universities candidates were given the opportunity to do mock

of an attempted assisted suicide. In a similar vein, the candidates

interviews. This involved being questioned by a panel of two

hoping to read English were given unseen poems and asked to

expert academics (teaching staff) from their chosen field. Through

interpret and comment. In all, it was a day when the boundaries

the ensuing conversations the candidates were probed and

of knowledge and wisdom were tested and genuine intellectual

challenged about their subject, knowledge and skills in order to

scholarship pressed, all to better prepare them for, hopefully,

ascertain their independent powers of thinking and argument.

success when they encounter the ‘real thing’.

Some candidates were given an unseen text or article just prior to the interview in order to ascertain their conceptual abilities when

Bradley Wells

‘put on the spot’. For example, our law candidates were given the

Teacher of English and Head of Academic Scholarship

THE MALVERNIAN Positions of Responsibility I am pleased to announce, and in some cases repeat the announcement, the roles of responsibility that senior pupils have been asked to fulfil this year. Each of these roles comes with significant responsibility because of the opportunity they provide to lead and serve the College community in a meaningful way.

Chapel Prefects 2020-21

Heads of Houses 2020-21

THE MALVERNIAN Positions of Responsibility

continued...

School Council 2020-21

School Council The School Council is responsible for charity fundraising in the

Through weekly meetings they raise school wide issues for

College, and consists of 15 elected members of the Upper Sixth.

discussion too.

The charities, which the College supports are many and varied, and include several long-lasting relationships with: • COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas) - committed to relieving the suffering and distress of children throughout the world in areas stricken by extreme poverty, natural disaster or war. • Hospice Care Kenya, which helps some of the least privileged in Kenya. • FOAG (Farmers Overseas Action Group) - a Worcestershire based charity that helps improve the social and economic development of Uganda’s rural communities. The most recent donation went towards paying for a second-hand ambulance to help improve medical care in rural Uganda.

The Council is responsible for deciding which charities to support and the level of support they are afforded, and each year they receive numerous charity requests from local, national and international charities, as well as from Old Malvernian’s who are undertaking charity work. Locally, the School Council have supported St Richards Hospice and Acorns Hospice as well as a range of national charities such as Cancer Research UK and Medical Detection Dogs The School Council organise a number of charitable events throughout the academic year including an annual CVS Ball for the Sixth Form, an annual Spring Ball for the Lower School, and organise termly non-uniform days. They also sell a range of seasonal products including candy canes and Valentine carnations.

THE MALVERNIAN Drama It is with regret that due to the indisposition of a main actor, the production of Hamlet scheduled for Thursday 15th October will be postponed until early November (after half term). The performance and live broadcast are therefore postponed and a new performance date will be published soon. The cast and crew apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope that you will be able to attend the rescheduled performance of Hamlet in November.

Keith Packham

Director of Drama

(Photographs from the Technical Rehearsal)

THE MALVERNIAN

Music Previously unreported in this publication, we have news of three Leavers with particular individual successes to celebrate:

All Steinway School

Nicholas Horn (No.5) was offered an unconditional place to study guitar at Leeds Conservatoire of Music - due recognition for

his

outstanding

contribution

the Unplugged programme that has entertained and inspired pupils over the last few years. Annabelle Moody (No.8) was offered a choral scholarship to Trinity Hall, Cambridge, a wonderful achievement and we wish her well. This is also a good opportunity to thank her for her brilliant contribution to the Music programme here, not only in her participation across all but one of the ensembles, but also in achieving the rare distinction of three Grade 8 exams (two with distinction and one merit)! Lucie Fletcher (No.8) was offered a choral scholarship at Royal Holloway, University of London, one of the most prestigious awards available, but, in the end, decided to opt for another path, also taking up a place at Leeds Conservatoire to follow the Popular Music course there. Those who know Lucie and her own song-writing will know just how gifted she is, both in the writing and in the performing of her songs.

Malvern College is soon to embark on a piano replacement programme as it becomes an All Steinway School towards the end of November. We will take possession of 29 pianos including six grand pianos as the College replaces all but two of its current

Our warmest congratulations to the 3 of them on these excellent

instruments with new pianos from Steinway and Sons, widely

achievements.

recognised as the world’s premier piano manufacturer. The College Congratulations to Cameron Eldridge (SH) who has been offered a place at the Royal College of Music Junior Department to study singing. This is excellent news and a wonderful opportunity for this very talented musician to further his vocal studies in the junior department of one of

the world’s great Music Conservatoires. As a student at the RCMJD, Cameron is enjoying fantastic vocal opportunities including individual singing lessons to work on technique and repertoire, singing with the Chamber Choir and the Parry Voices (an elite vocal group who sing regularly at the Royal Albert Hall and the Purcell Room) as well as classes to help develop general musicianship.

is hugely grateful for the very generous donation that has enabled the College to improve its piano provision so significantly, and thus look to provide our pianists and all our musicians with the very best instruments to promote excellence in their musical studies. Every boarding house will have at least one new upright piano, whilst every piano pupil will be able to be taught or practise on a Steinway grand piano. In Big School, there will be a Model D concert grand piano, chosen by pupils during a visit to Steinway Hall in London in January, whilst in St. Edmund’s Hall, there will be a Model C, chosen by students during their visit to the Hamburg Steinway factory. The All Steinway School launch will feature a performance of a piece especially written for the occasion by Andrea Price, the College’s Head of Academic Music.

Jonathan Brown

Director of Music

THE MALVERNIAN

Sport Cricket

With Covid restrictions effectively halting many fixtures against

on its relationship with the Lord’s Taverners. It was a wonderful

other schools, it has been good that we have been able to play

experience for our boys to face the likes of Matthew Hoggard and

some very carefully managed cricket.

Andy Caddick (England) and Steve Kirby (England A) and they

The boys 1st XI played against the Old Malvernians, who put out a young and talented team featuring all of last terms leavers, and as such provided very strong competition for our first game. The

enjoyed not only the game, but also picking the brains of these former players afterwards. We look forward to continuing our support of the Lord’s Taverners over the coming years.

present Malvernians posted a competitive target, but our ‘early

The junior teams have had a very good season too with the Under

season’ bowling was a little too inconsistent, which allowed the

15s beating RGS Worcester by 80 runs, and then further wins

OM’s to reach the target, only losing three wickets.

for both the U14s and U15s who played matches against Clifton

However, this was followed up the following week with a very good team performance against the MCC and a 4 wicket victory. After further wins against Shrewsbury and Worcestershire U18, the 1st XI were keen to showcase their talent against some former international players as the College continued to build

Cricketer Villager Cup at Lord’s Oliver Cox (No.5) and Richard Howitt (Housemaster of No. 5), as well as Ben Cooke (OM No.5), Andy Robertson (Groundsman) and Ben Wheeler (Ex-estates), were all part of the Colwall village cricket team who won the Cricketer Villager Cup at Lord's this September. This competition has local communities at heart, taking players from all areas of life competing in knockout rounds across the country and a wonderful achievement for the local side with such a strong Malvern contingent.

College in glorious sunshine over the following weekend. Both teams successfully chased down competitive targets, but more importantly some excellent cricket was enjoyed and opportunities were presented for the young Malvernians to work together as a team.

THE MALVERNIAN

Hockey

Riding

Lily Hutton (No.8) and Jasmine Ellis (No.4) have received an

Several of our riders competed in various eventing competitions

invitation to attend England trials in October half term for the U18s

over the summer holidays, all were happy to be back competing

and U16s respectively. The trials will be held at Lilleshall National

and working towards improving their personal bests. Well done to

Sports Centre, the home of the England National Age Group

Freja Bedell (No.6), Henrietta Pope (No.8) who came second

programme, with our own Mark Moss as part of the coaching team.

out of 35 at a competition at Swalcliffe Park last weekend, Gia Neath (No.6) and Eve Leslie (No.3). We are looking forward to the term ahead.

Lily Hutton and Jasmine Ellis

Gia Neath

Bathurst Hockey Scholarship Prior to lockdown, we held our first 16+ hockey scholarship assessment and applicants from five different schools applied. It was a very competitive group who all displayed qualities that we felt would not only enhance our very strong team but would also bring something different to our programme. We were delighted to name Jasmine Ellis (No.4) as our Bathurst Scholar, who is looking forward to the next two years at Malvern and is hoping that despite the restrictions we have now, that we will have a successful season both indoor and outdoor.

Jasmine Ellis

THE MALVERNIAN Rugby To keep pupils challenged and prepared for when we are able to play matches again, Nick Tisdale, Master i/c Rugby, co-ordinated the second of our series of Rugby clinics with guest current premiership players and coaches. These included: Matt Kvesic (Worcester Warriors and England), Pete Walton (Gloucester Academy Manager, Ex England U18 forwards coach, Ex-Scotland International), James Scott (OM, Worcester Warriors, England U20s) and Matt Sherratt (Warriors attack coach). To have this calibre of coaching expertise in one place, is a great opportunity. The weather was extremely wet but the boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves and encountered some very valuable learning skills. We were also delighted to see James Scott (OM) back on home ground!

THE MALVERNIAN Duke of Edinburgh Despite the current situation we find ourselves in, this Summer the Outdoor Pursuits department have managed to get all pupils out on their postponed Duke Of Edinburgh Silver and Gold expeditions! Of course lots of alterations and adaptations were required, but all pupils have now had the chance to catch up with their 2020 expeditions. We are also the first centre to have taken on DofE in a white water raft! â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which certainly got some attention from the public! Well done to all pupils in both the Silver and Gold Awards who have now achieved/begun to work towards their expedition sections respectively.

THE MALVERNIAN

CCF Field Day October 2020 Last weekend over 160 cadets took part in our ‘Field Day’ which - in a departure from normal - took place mostly on and around campus. We were fortunate to be able to implement numerous activities which were not only beneficial, but also challenging and safe for all involved. For the Remove cadets, there was a two-day competition for the “Barry Brown Bowl”. This comprised of eight ‘stands’ run by Lower Sixth Senior NCOs. Stands included: Drill in which had a chance to create a drill routine, completed without commands, on which sections were judged on the quality of their teamwork and execution of the movements; the ‘Gun Run’, enjoyed by all, it was particularly challenging as the course included an uphill segment; Fitness Training, including having to run with water containers and also complete a ‘planking competition’ and other challenges. In the Range, meanwhile, the cadets showed precision and skill on the .22 rifles with some terrific sharp-shooting. Over on the 9 Acre there was a Stalking stand the cadets were fully engaged, ‘camming up’ (concealing themselves) and then sneaking up to reach the Senior Cadets (‘spotters’) at the top of the hill without being seen, even when this meant getting fully soaked and covered in mud! On the Paintball stand the cadets worked hard on learning the idea of Fire Teams, and how to communicate and work in pairs, to defeat an ‘enemy’ in a small ‘scenario’. On the Harbour Area skills stand they learnt how to put up ‘bashers’ properly and cook the food from their ration packs, which will be essential for the ‘Malvern Rifles’ exercise in the Easter Term. Similarly, the 100 got stuck into the wide range of activities at Tiddesley Woods, having spent a day training, preparing and updating their Weapons Tests on the Sunday. For this the Upper Sixth lead a variety of stands testing the cadets’ fitness, leadership and advanced military skills. There was a Casualty Evacuation (CasEvac), whereby the cadets had to carry a stretcher and other items to a rendezvous point (RV) whilst blindfolded, testing their teamwork and communication skills. The Section Battle Drill – using blank ammunition - brought a lot of drama and excitement

as cadets stormed an enemy location using blank fire and working in two Fire Teams. Meanwhile, the Stalk exercise meant cadets had to move through an area without being detected and gather various pieces of information about enemy location and troop numbers. The impressive level of performance across all sections was down to their brilliant attitude and the variety of challenging and engaging stands, designed and lead by the senior students. Overall the event was a terrific success and everyone involved can feel very proud of all they achieved. Across all year groups, the cadets maintained high morale and supported each other throughout the challenges of the weekend, allowing every cadet to shine. Special thanks go to Mr Nichols for his tireless efforts to ensure that this event could go ahead, and the staff (Mr Lacey, Mr Reid, Mr Wilson, Mr Jarvis, Ms Parker, Mr Smith, Mr Woodward, Ms Lewis-Roberts, Ms Tudor, Mr Robinson and the numerous visiting staff) who supported and encouraged throughout.

Winners: Barry Brown Bowl: 1 Section (No.1 and No.4) Most impressive Section i/c: Max Hilton (SH) Most impressive cadet: Melanie Du (EH) Sniper: Lincoln Chu (No.5) Best Stand (as voted for by the cadets): Stalking (run by LCpls Norbury, Lazar, Rin, Renaud, Roberts)

Jacob Perry (Head of CCF) (SH); Amani Priddy (EH) and Lottie Bulley (No.8)

THE MALVERNIAN Weekend Activities

THE MALVERN MALVERNIAN Weekend Activities for the FY and Remove On the first weekend of term we held a mini ‘fun fair’ on the school fields. Many pupils attended the fair in their house “bubbles” and they enjoyed various activities such as crazy golf, bouncy castles, bucking broncos and ice cream on the school fields in a Covid-safe environment. The following Sunday Sunday saw a successful inter-house softball tournament on the school fields, organised by the Lower Sixth for FY and Remove pupils.

19 9 1

THE MALVERNIAN Your Home Away From Home

THE MALVERNIAN Christmas Holidays

22 Pastoral Update Through the term, pupils have developed symptoms of the common cold (which is not unusual with the return to school!) and some pupils have been tested for Covid19 as a precautionary measure. There has been one positive case just as we broke up for Half Term. As with all possible cases, we are liaising closely with our school doctors and with Public Health England, and are prepared to isolate individuals, groups or Houses as required.

The Autumn Term ends on Friday 11th December with the final events taking place the previous evening. Given the complexities of overseas travel and quarantine, we will prepare to run lessons in a hybrid fashion for the last seven full days of term. Therefore, parents of overseas boarders may request an early departure from the evening of Wednesday 2nd December.

We are confident in our high quality medical provision for pupils and we will move seamlessly into online learning from boarding Houses, as and when required. In the case of positive tests, we will ensure that everybody who needs to know is informed, but please be aware that we will not be informing the whole school community over every individual case.

We are not planning to remain open over the Christmas Holidays, although contingency planning is being undertaken should we need to do so.

Message from the Headmaster Although the restrictions under which the College is forced to run

Communication relating to Covid updates will continue to be

have hampered a number of important things - we have missed

sent from this office or SMT colleagues to keep you abreast of

seeing parents on campus, welcoming visiting teams for fixtures,

important information, please therefore do check your emails

taking educational trips to the theatre or to university lectures,

during Half Term. As ever, do keep in touch with your relevant

and you will have noted the Chaplainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter about the changes

HouseMs.

we are having to make to Remembrance and Carol Services, etc. - there have also been some significant benefits that I have noted as I observe our pupils and staff at work. Educationally there

I wish you and your families a happy and restful Half Term. Best wishes

are fewer lessons being missed and pupils are making excellent progress in their courses; the recent announcement about the three week delay to exams next summer only puts us in a better position. Instead of relying on external speakers or sources of entertainment, pupils and staff are coming up with creative ways to ensure we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out: pupil-led talks and societies are flourishing; societies are hosting showings of performances that

Keith Metcalfe

they have found online; pastoral teams and houses are hosting

Headmaster

their own weekend events such as silent discos, bubble football and lots of events that seem to involved eating nice food! Through it all, there has been great focus on community and supporting each other that I am proud to report.

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