HYMERS REVIEW
A ROUND-UP OF OUR SUMMER TERM 2024
NASA Astronaut Visits Hymers
Lift-off for Hymers students as astronaut, Don Thomas, inspires them to reach for the stars.
Hymers College @Hymers_College:
Thank you to the HCA for their generous donation of Forest School equipment. Year 4 have had a brilliant morning learning to use the knives safely by making wooden pegs and smores around the campfire.
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Our Year 10 History students visited the Belgium Battlefields including the second Battle of Ypres, Wellington Quarry, Talbot House, Passchendaele Museum and Sanctuary Wood.
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Congratulations to the Hymers Chess teamDavid, Gabriel, William, and Pranav - who won the first annual HERCA Secondary School League this year. David was also a winner of the Yorkshire U18 Team Tournament.
Hymers College @Hymers_Junior:
Our young scientists have been transforming old wellies into planters. These are the winners for our in-house competition and were entered in to the HCA’s competition at the Garden Party. All planters will be left in the Junior School Quiet Garden.
GENERAL REVIEW
NASA Astronaut Visits Hymers
Lift-off for Hymers students as astronaut inspires them to reach for the stars. Students at Hymers College have been urged by an American astronaut to work hard and never give up on their dreams.
Don Thomas, a veteran of four NASA space shuttle missions, delivered an inspirational talk to students at our school, in which he
insisted one of them could become the first person to set foot on Mars.
Dr Thomas spoke passionately about his own personal journey to becoming an astronaut – which included being turned down three times before finally being accepted – and detailed exactly what it is like to live and work in space.
Year 6 Leadership Club Fundraiser
Our Year 6 Leadership Club has been busy with a charity event in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Macmillan Cancer Support and Sheffield Children’s Hospital.
The event in June comprised of market stalls, Sponge-a-Teacher, a raffle and loom band bracelet sale, raising over £600.
Chemistry Olympiad Success
Congratulations to all students who entered the Chemistry Olympiad. Primarily for Year 13 students, Hymers was represented by 13 students from Years 12 and 13.
Congratulations to Muhammad who was placed in the top 50 of nearly 15,000 entrants, attaining one of the highest
marks achieved by a Hymers student and our 20th Gold Certificate.
Muhammad is also this year’s recipient of the Alex Sutton Prize for Chemistry.
Culture Day
Culture Day has become an important event in the Hymers calendar as it fosters respect and open-mindedness, increases tolerance, enriches our lives and broadens our horizons.
The market of cuisines from around the world was a popular hit at lunchtime with a whole host of delicious dishes to try. We also saw our students turn up in a range of
traditional dress from saris to sarafans, to scottish kilts. They all looked amazing and our teachers didn’t hesitate to get involved too!
Our thanks go to Rhea T, Millie C and Kate N in Year 13, and Krithi R in Year 12, for organising the event this year, as well as everyone who helped them. Well done to you all.
A message from the Headmaster
On the last day of the school year the results of the UK’s General Election confirmed what had been widely anticipated: that, after 14 years of a Conservative-led administration, the Labour Party had gained a sizeable majority. The new Government has subsequently confirmed that it will push ahead with its manifesto commitment to levy VAT on the fees of independent schools such as Hymers. In doing so, the UK will become an outlier in comparison with other countries.
While the aim for all children to have ready access to a high quality education and be taught by well qualified teachers is undoubtedly a laudable one, we have grave doubts that it is through this policy that this aim will be achieved. In fact, there are reasons to believe that the measure may be counter-productive as some parents are forced to withdraw their children from Hymers and other local fee-paying schools. We continue to speak to the local MPs to ensure that they understand both the unintended consequences of the policy and the hugely positive role that Hymers plays in the educational ecosystem of Hull and the surrounding area.
The activities shown in this edition of the Hymers Review highlight some – but by no means all – of the ways in which our pupils engage in the local community, as was recognised recently when we won a prestigious national award for our charitable engagement.
Through the National Citizen Service, Gifted & Talented enrichment events for children from local primary schools, fundraising activities for local and national charities close to our pupils’ hearts, and our hosting science triathlon and inspirational speakers, we continue to do everything we can to share our privilege as widely as possible and serve the local community in keeping with the intention of our founder John Hymers.
For many years we have allowed local primary schools and community groups to use our grounds and sports facilities, and we continue to ensure the healthy social mix of the school through our generous programme of bursaries for talented local children.
Hymers has never been, and never will be, an ivory tower.
Hymers College @Hymers_College:
Our Year 7 students volunteered at the PATT Foundation (Plant-a-tree-today) during Enrichment Week. The PATT Foundation work with communities to create woodlands and forests to help combat climate change for a better future. Our students spent their time learning bushcraft skills, helping with weeding, potting out willow trees and making bee hives.
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Our Junior School were delighted to welcome author Guy Bass. He gave the children a very entertaining talk about which authors inspired him as a child and how he develops his ideas as a writer, before answering the children’s many questions and signing nearly 100 books!
Hymers
College
Thank you to Mr Mills in the Design and Technology department who produced these wonderful cornholes for the HCA. They went down a treat at the Garden Party in June.
Hymers College @OldHymerians:
The most fun and colourful fundraising event the students participate in at school took place at the end of June, with the chance to throw powder paint at friends and teachers!
Hymers College @HymersSport:
We had three super games of cricket at Birkdale Prep. An extra special well done to Adam, who took what might be the greatest catch of all time at any level of cricket. Unbelievable reactions, flooring both the umpires in amazement. He won the match ball as a momento!
Hymers College @HymersSport:
A fantastic afternoon of athletics for our U9 to U11 athletes. We had our first look at some superb new athletics facilities at Scarborough College. Great fun and some personal bests beaten, as well as the weather. Well done all!
SPORTS REVIEW
U11 Girls Footballing Success
Our U11s Girls Football Team really wowed in the summer term. They won not one tournament, not two, but three! All in one term - what an amazing hat-trick! The girls won the Hull FA Cup, the Humberside Cup and the Hull Active Schools 5-a-side Cup. Well done girls!
Senior School Sports Day
We will let the photos do the talking reflecting on a hugely enjoyable day... Sports Day is the final day of Enrichment Week with its grand finale of egg and spoon races, obstacles courses, climbing walls, aerosoft, archery, tug-of-war, zorbing, softball, and many more ‘have a go’ games, with our obligatory BBQ and ice-cream van!
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Our U15 Golf team won the Senior Independent Schools Golf Association National Plate Finals! What an amazing achievement. Max also won the individual overall. Congratulations boys!
Hymers College @HymersSport:
Old Hymerian Rob Brocklesby has sponsored our fantastic new digital scoreboard and out 1st XI shirts this season. We are grateful for your generosity.
Junior School Sports Day
Fantastic weather was matched by fantastic performances at Sports Day in the Junior School.
All pupils took part in at least two track events where an incredible 14 new records where broken in the track and field events. Particular mention to Elsie who beat the record for Year 4 80m, which has stood since 2001!
Trinity House ran out as eventual winners for the third year in a row.
Awards Shortlist for Hymers
We are delighted to announce that Hymers College has been shortlisted for Co-Educational School of the Year in the Independent Schools of the Year awards. This is a great recognition of our staff’s hard work to ensure a fantastic experience for our students. From our excellent student support to outstanding teaching, amazing co-curricular activities to enriching trips and visits.
Rotary Disability Games Volunteers
We are grateful to the many students that volunteered to assist at the Rotary Disability Games that was held at the school in April.
Their help and assistance was greatly appreciated - all competitors had an amazing time.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Seven intrepid Year 13 students endured four days of rain to complete their Gold DofE assessed expedition in July. Taking in the Langdale Valley, Grasmere, Wasdale and the Borrowdale Valley, Alice, Ava, Zehra, Matthew W, Matthew C, Chris and Adam planned their expedition and were selfsufficient for the duration of the route. Well done to them all and thank you to Mr Young and Mr Berry for overseeing the trip.
Twickenham Rugby Trip
Some lucky Junior School pupils in Years 4 - 6 got the amazing opportunity to play rugby on the hallowed turf at Twickenham.
The boys were the only team representing the North of England and they all played fantastically, representing the school superbly as always! They then had a further treat, watching back to back international matches of South Africa v Wales, and Fiji v
Barbarians. It was an incredible day that we hope will live long in the memories of the children and the many parents who turned out to support the event.
Our thanks go to our hardworking teachers who gave up their time to support the boys and make this trip possible - Mr Doyle, Mrs Julian, Mr Mills, Miss Hammond, Mr Hartley - and of course a special thanks to Mr Hodsdon who organised the trip!
Hymers College @HymersSport:
We are proud to share our congratulations to the following students for their selection in regional cricket squads...
Ashwin (Y9) who has been selected to represent both Yorkshire U14s and U15s.
Sam and Henry who represent Yorkshire East and Central U14s.
Jeremiah (U15 and U17), Adwaya and Callum who represent East Yorkshire U17s.
Ollie, Owen, Mason, Jake, Robert and Dashenka who represent East Yorkshire (Robert and Dashenka also represent East and Central) and Chiara who has captained Yorkshire U13 girls.
Hymers College @HymersSport:
Our U13 players have been in action in the ISTA Championships held at Eton College today.
The Chairman of ISTA reported that Hymers were “one of the most kind and sociable teams in the tournament”, a comment echoed by many other schools.
Well done to all of the players involved!
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Amazing footage of the school and grounds from Octvision on social media.
The work done by our groundsmen can be seen in the intricate cutting patterns on the cricket pitches. Interesting contrast with the sea of blue of the astro and tennis courts.
Hymers College @Hymers_Art:
Superb expressionist double portrait from Year 11.
Hymers College @Hymers_Music:
Congratulations to Anay for achieving a distinction for Grade 5 percussion.
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One of our Year 6 pupils, Evelyn, sang in the East Coast Young Musician of the Year competition in Hornsea. Evelyn won the U14s category. Very well done indeed!
Hymers College @Hymers_Music:
Thank you to Daisy for entertaining at the celebrations to mark 35 years of co-education in June.
ARTS REVIEW
National Dance Champions
After coming through regional heats, Hymers Juniors were placed first in the Great British Dance Off, beating 31 schools in the final in June.
Performing to Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush, with a routine based on the theme of orphans, the girls’ performance was compelling and extremely moving.
Thank you to Mrs Marsden and Eva, Year 7, for their tireless work with the students.
Senior School Production of Holes
Our incredibly talented Intermediate Drama Club put on a production of Louis Sachar’s Holes in our Dame Judi Dench Theatre and it was amazing!
We snuck in and took some snaps, though we promise you, they don’t convey the
sheer level of acting skills that were on display.
Not only did this group of talented Year 7, 8 and 9 pupils act all of the parts in this play, they directed the whole production too!
Summer Concert
Another enjoyable evening
Thank you to all involved, your talents always impress and delight.
Llangollen International Eisteddfod
The Year 6 Choir competed in the Junior Children’s Choir Category at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod in July. Singing against choirs from Malaysia, Wales and England, the choir performed The Lord Bless You and Keep You and Whenever The Wind is High extremely well.
Ferens Young Artist Exhibition
We were astounded that 23 of our Junior School pupils were selected to have their artwork displayed in this year’s Young Artist Open exhibition at Ferens Art Gallery!
In addition to this, Charvi J has been awarded second prize for her submission, a self-portrait receiving her prize from the Friends of the Ferens Art Gallery at a special ceremony, and was also presented her award by Mr Stanley at our Junior School Speech Day.
Well done Charvi!
Hymers College @Hymers_Music:
Congratulations to Ayaan, Year 5, who recently achieved his first examination distinction!
Hymers College @Hymers_Art:
Some fabulous work from Year 10 refining ideas based upon the Phantom of the Opera musical.
Hymers College @HymersMusic:
There were some incredible performances at the annual Garden Party on Saturday from the rock bands, wind and jazz band, and soloists.
Hymers College:
Year 6 have been exploring the power of colour to transform spaces and have collaborated with local street artist and muralist Skeg to design a mural for the Junior School hall. The finished mural will be unveiled in September.
at our Senior School Summer Concert.
Hymers Hessle Mount
Great Fire of London
Trips and Adventures
Hymers College @Hymers_College:
It was Allergy Awareness Week at Hymers Hessle Mount in April and one brave Year 2 student gave an assembly explaining allergens, allergic reactions, anaphylaxis and how to use an epipen. It was very well delivered and educational, but most of all, potentially life-saving!
Hymers College:
We have had a couple of key sporting events this half term for the Year 2 pupils. The first of these was an U7 Girls Football fixture against a local club team, Chanterlands Girls’ Football Club. The players were fantastic and worked well as a team to score a number of goals and defended well against their opponents.
Hymers College @Hymers_College:
Everyone at Hymers Hessle Mount would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful volunteers in the HCA who have donated helmets, scooters, bikes and even a tuk-tuk to the school. The Pre-School pupils declared it “the best day ever!”
www.hymerscollege.co.uk
This term, Year 2 have been learning about the Great Fire of London.
To take their learning one step further, they built cardboard models of the Tudor houses in Pudding Lane, and then watched as their teacher recreated the Great Fire and it spread through their street.
This really helped the pupils get a proper understanding of just how the Great Fire of London happened and why it couldn’t be stopped, as well as cementing some important fire safety rules along the way.
All that learning didn’t stop the children from having a very exciting afternoon!
Pirates vs Mermaids
We are so proud of how well the Year 2 children performed in their production of Pirates vs Mermaids.
They remembered their lines, cues and stage directions, and sang their hearts out to large audiences. It was lovely to see so many families and friends there to support the children - we hope you were all as impressed as we were!
Mr Stanley said: “Congratulations to all the Year 2 pupils at Hymers Hessle Mount for a memorable performance. Parents and grandparents enjoyed seeing the children develop qualities and skills for life: confidence and teamwork. All the world’s a stage.”
This term has been a busy one for Mr Copeland and the children as their adventures have taken them across Yorkshire.
Our Pre-School class travelled to Pink Pig Farm in Scunthorpe, Reception visited Hall Farm Park in South Kelsey, Year 1 to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Year 2 to Eureka in Halifax.
Some of the many benefits from spending time in the natural world include an improved ability to self-regulate emotions, a reduction in stress and anxiety and better academic performance.
It was heart-warming to hear many members of the public complimenting the children’s behaviour, manners and engagement whilst on the trips.
Marvellous Minibeasts
Our Reception children’s topic work, based on Marvellous Minibeasts, started on a high with us observing our class caterpillars grow and change each day. When they made their chrysalis, we waited impatiently and finally watched in awe as beautiful Painted Lady butterflies emerged from them. It was quite sad saying goodbye but at the same time watching them fly away to embark on exciting new adventures was amazing to see. Keep an eye out for them in your garden!
