Academic Successes
Arts Excellence
House Spirit
Trips
Activities
Oakham Sport
The magazine of Oakham School
Together Apart
How the Oakham Community remained connected in a year like no other
2020/21 Academic year
50 Years of Co-education Visit our webpage to see how we’ve been celebrating this historic landmark
1975 Events
Talks
Podcasts
Photos & Memories
1972 2021
Old Oakhamians Stephen and Jill Castling, who met as pupils at Oakham School in the early 1970s and later married. They re-enacted the same photo outside College House at the 50 Years of Co-education afternoon tea in September 2021.
Read the story of co-education in the Old Oakhamian magazine
2021
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EDITORIAL TEAM The Oakhamian Magazine Editor Rachel Fairweather rf2@oakham.rutland.sch.uk
Thank you to everyone who contributed articles and photographs, plus their time and expertise, to create this edition, including: Henry Deane (School Photographer), Monica Fernandez (Teacher of Spanish) and Emily Howett (Communications Manager). Art Director Sam Bowles
Designers Kate Kusztal Stuart Jones
Printed by David Hall Harvest Communications
Front cover: Portraits of Oakham’s pupils and Chaplain Fr Tim Tregunno. Photos by Andrew Shaylor. Front cover Old Oakhamian Magazine: Boys and girls walking between lessons outside Wharflands in 1975/6. Photo by Jim Bride.
Welcome! If last year’s Oakhamian magazine can be referred to as a record of the events and activities from a ‘year of two halves’, I think a fair description of the 2020–2021 edition could be a ‘year of three thirds’, or possibly even ‘of six sixths’! I hope this 207th issue of the Oakhamian manages to capture the contrasting nature of these 12 months, where our ability to change plans on the hoof and switch from face-to-face interactions to online learning and back again without pause was truly put to the test. Our cover story and feature ‘Together Apart’ on pages 15–21, in particular, aims to show through words and pictures provided by pupils and staff how our Oakham community remained connected despite the challenges we all faced. Every facet of School life had to be adjusted last year to fit with changing Covid-19 legislation and this is reflected in the structure and content within this issue. In each section of this magazine you will read about the ingenuity shown by staff and pupils to adapt: from Music and Drama ensuring that the show really did go on, via a blend of recorded and live performances, (pages 50–59) to House and Chaplaincy activities conducted in bubbles or virtually (pages 70–97). We also highlight academic success achieved through teacher-assessed grades (pages 24-26) and new academic innovations, such as Oakham’s very own literary lockdown (page 38). As well as learning about challenges overcome, I hope you will read about the many celebrations that took place, particularly during the Summer Term, as restrictions eased. April and May heralded the return of two cornerstones of Oakham life: sporting fixtures (pages 98-119) and trips and activities (pages 60–69). Alongside end of year traditions, such as the Prize Giving ceremonies and Leavers’ Day (pages 90–91) and even a Leavers’ Ball (page 92), we show how the year finished on a high note.
Oakham School, Chapel Close, Oakham LE15 6DT 01572 758500 www.oakham.rutland.sch.uk Oakham School Registered Charity Number: 1131425
This historic year ended with us celebrating two academic milestones – 20 years of offering the IB Diploma alongside A-levels (pages 46–47) and our accreditation as an IB MYP World School (page 48). The 117th edition of the Old Oakhamian magazine chronicles the events of another significant date in Oakham’s history – when the first girls joined the School in 1971. The ‘Story of Co-education’ cover story and feature on pages 15–23 offers a fascinating insight into the experiences of those early pioneers of co-education 50 years ago and how it shaped the Oakham School that we know today. Beyond the magazines, the dedicated 50 Years of Co-education page on our website is well worth a look. Packed full of photos and memories of pupils who lived through those events, we will keep adding content to the page over the course of this academic year, with three specially recorded podcasts that look at different aspects of co-education and a speaker series involving alumni discussing topical issues. The first of these ‘Oakham Talks’ is a discussion between Old Oakhamian actors Richard Hope and Sarah Moss, chaired by Director of Sky News and OO President David Gilman about the effect the Coronavirus Pandemic has had on the Arts. Discover more by going to oakham.rutland.sch.uk/about-oakham/ celebrating-50-years-of-co-education or scan the QR code on the opposite page. Best wishes, Rachel
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Contents
The Headmaster Writes
Mr Henry Price reflects on an unprecedented 12 months and sets out his vision for 2021 and beyond
08 News
Rave reviews for Oakham in the national press and Foundation Projects 2020–21
11 New Faces
Welcome to new members of the staff who have joined this year
13 New Roles
We congratulate those members of staff, who have taken on new roles this academic year
14 Cover story – Together Apart
ow the Oakham School community remained H connected in a year like no other
22 Academic
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Exam success, Careers, 20 years of the IB Diploma, the IBMYP accreditation and other academic highlights
50 Performing Arts
Cover story – Together Apart
Drama and Music news
60 Trips & Activities
50
ervice expeditions and activities pre and post S lockdown, plus the return of educational trips in summer 2021
70 Community
News from Oakham’s 16 Houses, 2021 leavers, charity and chaplaincy events from the year
Performing Arts
98 Sport
31 Art
Summer 2021 sports team reports and highlights from the year
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98 Sport
House News
60 Trips & Activities
94 Charity
The Headmaster Writes
B
efore I started as a Head, I was advised to keep one eye on the road beneath my feet and one eye on the road ahead, whilst also having an instinct for what lies around the corner. One of the many privileges of leading a school such as Oakham, is the sense of connection one feels to a wider community, and I remain extremely grateful to pupils, parents, staff, Trustees, Old Oakhamians and more for their support in travelling the bumpy road of the last two years. Although the clouds of Covid have not yet dispelled, there has always been blue sky, which has grown steadily brighter since the end of the second lockdown and we are focusing again on the sun over the horizon. I hope that you will enjoy seeing in these pages a snapshot of those blue skies within School in the last twelve months. It was fabulous to feel momentum rebuild during the Summer Term, and to end the year with Prize Giving Ceremonies, Sports Colour Awards and a Leavers’ Ball for Form 7, enabling them to finish well after a particularly disrupted Upper School experience. There may be some way to go, but there is a strong feeling of ‘normality’ this term with Chapel services, fixtures, concerts and trips. We have also felt a palpable sense of relief, joy and perspective in being back in the classroom learning together, but more broadly across the School, living together and reconnecting as a community. As we travel forwards, we undoubtedly appreciate some things that were perhaps previously taken for granted, and this is no bad thing for us all. While managing the impacts of a pandemic has been at the forefront of our minds, we have continued to focus on our strategic objectives. We are evolving our own connected curriculum that balances the knowledge, skills and values necessary for the 21st Century. Oakham’s rich and broad academic offering has always been mirrored in a dynamic co-curriculum, not only for the joy and experiences it brings, but also for its educational value. Equally important now is not simply pastoral care to support pupils through Oakham, but pastoral learning, which equips pupils with perspectives and expectations around the behaviours central to their success and happiness at Oakham and in their future lives. In a year that we celebrate 50 years of co-education, and 20 years of the International Baccalaureate Diploma, we wish to see the School continuing to innovate and provide the best possible, all-round education for all our pupils. Additionally, we have considered carefully the values that we wish to articulate, and we have chosen four words that we believe encompass these principles, namely Care, Courage, Contribution, and Connection. It is my hope that we can gently and gradually embed these values as a point of reference and a framework for what we do, conscious that these words will have different meanings and applications for us all.
THE HEADMASTER WRITES
Taking care of other people’s children, playing our part in guiding them through teenage years, is one of the greatest joys and privileges of a teacher, and we see pastoral care as a key pillar of what we do. A current focus in School is care in our use of language, but this idea of care extends to relationships, as well as care and pride in everything we do. We want to see Oakhamians show care for themselves and for others, but also for issues, for standards and the greater good. We wish to be a community with care at its core. Developing courage and recognising its different forms are crucial threads in our education, which we see daily across the School. It may simply be the courage to question in lessons, to read in Chapel, to take on a leading role or to try something new. Deeper and more subtle, however, is encouraging pupils to be themselves, to dare to be different, to stand up for something or someone. I hope we can help grow that courage, so that Oakhamians put themselves forward in the future, make decisions and make a difference, applauding the courage of others as they go. The diverse fields and various achievements of Old Oakhamians prove that the School already has a proud record of alumni who go on to make a contribution to society. Our rich and busy school life encourages pupils to take part, and there is a deep sense of service and charity that is clearly cultivated. I challenge pupils to ask themselves, ‘what was my contribution to a lesson, an activity or a scenario, and was it the best it could be?’ If pupils learn not only to contribute themselves while they are at Oakham, but to recognise, appreciate and celebrate the contribution of others, they will continue to do so in the future. Connection lies at the heart of the learning process, as pupils piece the puzzle of knowledge together and make links both within and between subjects. It is always a pleasure to see the penny drop in a lesson, but whether it is actions and consequences or practice and progress, we are often pointing to a connection. More than this, however, connection is about belonging and the priceless relationships that are intrinsic to Oakham and all our lives. As I write, we have just finished our Remembrance Services in School, and we have all felt an unseen, yet precious sense of connection with the past, as well as with those around us. If Covid has taught us anything, it has taught us the value of connection, seeing how it can be sustained virtually, but realising how important it is to us to be connected in person. I hope that connection will always be associated with positive relationships, but also be a reminder of the interconnected world in which we live and that we are always part of something bigger. I look forward to playing my part in embedding and living these values as we walk the road ahead together, facing whatever is around the corner, with optimism and courage. Quasi Cursores
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NEWS
Read All About It! Whilst it’s great for us to tell you about all of the amazing things happening at the School, we also wanted the opportunity to share what some of the UK’s leading publications have said about us recently. We’re very proud of all the School has accomplished during 2020 to 2021, but don’t just take our word for it… it’s time to hear some independent reviews.
Good Schools Guide After visiting Oakham School and meeting pupils, staff and parents, The Good Schools Guide published a glowing review on their website and in the new 22nd edition of their book. GSG reviews encompass all aspects of school life and visits are conducted on a typical school day so that the reviewer can get a flavour of the true essence of everyday life: from academic matters, sport and the arts to the atmosphere of a school, its staff, facilities and where pupils come from or go on to. Our most recent review praises Oakham’s renowned pastoral care and the wide variety of subjects and sports available at our top notch facilities: “everyone spoke of the excellent communication between home and school and the feeling that no issues are too small to be mentioned” and “pupils all know several people they can turn to.” Oakhamians were particularly applauded for their behaviour: “difficult to imagine more down to earth, unaffected pupils” with the final word commending Oakham as being “a genuinely co-ed, forward thinking, well run school that benefits from its historic roots and close local connections with the town”.
Tatler Schools Guide For nearly 20 years, Tatler has produced an independent schools guide which features the finest public and prep schools in the UK. Oakham is honoured to be included in the 2022 guide with a fantastic review that references the two major milestones that we are celebrating this year: 50 years of co-education and 20 years of offering the IB Diploma. The review talks about how these landmarks “embody the school’s forward-thinking ethos”. It also talks about our vast offering of subjects and co-curricular activities for pupils, saying: “Individual success is what matters here, and there’s definitely not a ‘type’ – one parent of three children with very different personalities and interests is ‘confident that Oakham will bring out the best in each of them’.”
The Week To be part of The Week’s Independent Schools Guide ‘Best of the Best’ section is a fantastic achievement for Oakham School, but to be named as ‘Great for Forward Thinking’ was the icing on the cake for us. As a School we pride ourselves on our innovation and trailblazing approach to education, so to receive this accolade in the year when we celebrate being a co-educational school for the past 50 years and offering the IB Diploma for 20 years – both of which were decisions ahead of their time – is truly special.
What reviewers are raving about: Provid i yet tho ng a solid moder roughly n the sch education, and div ool’s breadth stagge ersity is ring.
Tatler 2
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Oakham has always been a trailblazer.
The Week, 2021
Ta king a h the schoo int from lm ‘Et quasi cursores otto, lampada vitai t like runne radunt’ (‘And, the torch rs, they pass on place bes of life’) this is a who want t suited to those and activ to be involved e the sport all day long, on s field an d off. Good Sch oo ls Guide,
2021
Oakham in the Press As well as the wonderful independent reviews the School has received, Oakham has also had a great year in the press. With stories covering a wide variety of the events and activities that happened over the past year, a number of publications have put Oakham School in the limelight.
NEWS
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The Lions Whisperer Our very own Director of Coaching Ian Smith featured in The Daily Telegraph newspaper earlier this year, being dubbed ‘The Lions Whisperer’. The story talks about Ian Smith as the legend who has helped more than 30 rugby players realise their dream of playing for the Lions. It also focuses on the success of Old Oakhamian Hamish Watson (’10) who represented the British and Irish Lions in the 2021 tour to South Africa and references his predecessors Lewis Moody and Tom Croft. The Oakham rugby legend has taught at the School for more than 15 years and has inspired many pupils to go on to play for top teams including Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints. Read our interview with Ian on pages 36-39 of the Old Oakhamian magazine.
Award for Face Shields Project Following our story in the previous edition of The Oakhamian, the 30,000 Covid-19 face shields created by Design Technology have won the School a DATA Excellence Award. Head of Design and Technology Tim Weston was presented with the ‘Onshape Special Award’ for Recognising Design and Technology’s Social Impact during a DATA awards ceremony at The Institution of Engineering Technology in London. Tim recognised the team effort involved in making this project happen and thanked teachers, support staff, parents, friends and family of the School, Rutland Plastics and stationery company Fellowes for their collaborative approach. Tim said: “I’m incredibly proud to have received this award on behalf of the School and it has been a real honour to have contributed, as a large team, to our key workers in a time of uncertainty.”
Lockdown Learning School Report magazine recognised our commitment to continuing our first-class education despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, applauding how our remote education has become successfully integrated into School life and observing how this “limits any potential disruption should further lockdown scenarios occur”. As well as delivering lessons online, “with pupils benefiting from a full daily timetable of two-way virtual teaching”, the article talks about how Oakham’s “strong pastoral systems were embedded into the remote education timetable”, thereby ensuring that “House spirit continued to thrive through activities, challenges and competitions designed to keep pupils connected and happy”.
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NEWS
Foundation Projects When it came to awarding Foundation Projects for the academic year 2020/21, we considered projects that would benefit pupils both during a time of socially distanced learning and post-pandemic. We received an overwhelming response, with 20 innovative applications from teaching and support staff. The Foundation was delighted to facilitate three of these projects. Written by Charlotte Woodward, Development Assistant
Basketball Nets
With the social distancing restrictions in place, the Sports Hall was transformed into a second dining hall. Freestanding basketball nets were purchased to provide an outdoor activity for all pupils. The nets have been a huge success, moving around the campus and Houses as requested. They have allowed interhouse competitions to begin again, while also being available for recreational use.
Outdoor Seating
Benches were provided for the Bunny Guinness Garden to allow staff and pupils to take a moment to relax during the summer months. They have been a lovely addition to the garden with staff and pupils using them all year round. Outside space is invaluable to our mental and physical health, more so in the last year. The Bunny Guinness garden has a wealth of flowers and grasses planted naturally to make the area an all year round place to be mindful. With the addition of the benches (which are made from recycled plastics) there is a place to sit a while, talk to colleagues and friends, or to just breathe. Deirdre MacDonald, Domestic Operations Manager
New Recording Equipment for Music and Drama
This new equipment enabled musical performances to be live-streamed during the pandemic, allowing pupils, parents, OOs and those who live internationally to continue to come together through music, a much-enjoyed part of School life. The generosity of the Foundation Project to resource the Music Department with new recording equipment enabled the School to continue sharing major concerts online even when concerts could not happen with in-person audiences last academic year. Major concerts featuring large ensembles in May and June 2021 were filmed for the first time and can still be viewed on the School website. We are continuing with a blended audience approach for all concerts, allowing patrons to attend live or watch after the event online, including our weekly lunchtime recital series. We hope to incorporate live streaming of performances in the near future too. Peter Davis, Director of Music To view all recordings, search ‘Oakham Music Live’ on our website. The annual Foundation Project Fund enables smaller projects to come to fruition that enrich the experience of pupils both inside and outside the classroom. In general, these smaller-scale Foundation Projects are facilitated through awards of £1,500 per project. A huge thank you to all parents and OOs who have already offered their support for our 2021–22 projects. To donate to this year’s Foundation Projects, please scan this QR code.
NEW FACES
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New Faces at Oakham Welcome to the following new members of staff, who have joined Oakham School this academic year.
Head of Psychology
Housemaster of Chapmans
Director of Admissions
I joined Oakham School in September 2021 from Hinchingbrooke School in Cambridgeshire, where I was the Lead Psychology and Health and Social Care Teacher for four years. I hold a degree in Psychosocial Studies, along with a Masters in Counselling Psychology, and I’m currently undertaking a Masters in Education at the University of Leicester. I am passionate about Psychology and have worked within the field prior to teaching as a Bereavement Counsellor, Mental Health Support Worker for teenagers and within HMP Peterborough as a rehabilitation mentor for ex-offenders. Currently, I support the British Psychological Society with educational resources on topics such as Memory and Learning.
I joined Oakham in September 2021 as Housemaster of Chapmans and a Teacher of Business, having previously been Head of Year 13 at Stonyhurst College in Lancashire. Before this, I was a Teacher of Business and Deputy Housemaster at Lancaster Royal Grammar School and then Head of Business and Economics at Durham School. I am excited to be leading Chapmans and helping the boys in the House become the best versions of themselves that they can be.
I joined Oakham School in August 2021 from Bedford School where I was Director of Admissions for five years. Prior to this, I worked as Head of Marketing and Admissions at Queenswood School. As an Old Oakhamian (OO) myself I am delighted to be helping to guide the next generation of pupils and parents through the admissions process and to show them what a special school this is. I am married with three young children.
Charlotte Findlay
I’m looking forward to joining the Oakham family and inspiring the first generation of Oakham psychologists as they explore the world around them.
Owen Hughes
I am a keen sportsman, having been a rugby player in my youth and now a coach of rugby and football. I am married to Caroline and we have two sons, Charlie and Harry.
Anna Steiger
Read our interview with Anna on pages 12 – 13 of the Old Oakhamian magazine.
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NEW FACES
Also joining the School this year... Hannah Beasley Teacher of Psychology
Gemma Berkin Teacher of English
Rebecca Bond PA to the Deputy Head Pastoral and Deputy Head Co-Curriculum
Cameron Braans Teacher of English
Jessica Braid Teacher of History
Matt Cooke Strength & Conditioning Coach
Eleanor Cullen English PGCE student
Ollie Hooper Sailing and Adventurous Learning Co-ordinator
Emily Howett Marketing and Communications Manager
Jack Jordan Teacher of German
Jonathan Kay Teacher of English
Louise Kay Teacher of Geography
Jack Rigby Learning Support Assistant
Joanne Wiegman PA to the Chief Operating Officer
Charlotte Woodward Development Assistant
We’re also delighted to welcome the following new members of staff: Josh Arnold – Lead Graduate (History)
Clemens Jaeckel – German Language Assistant
Carla Jimenez Duran – Spanish Language Assistant
Tabatha Pegg – Theatre Fellow
Jamie Cachia – Graduate Sports Fellow Beth Gabriel – Graduate Sports Fellow
Camille Gautier – French Language Assistant Ed Hale – Graduate Sports Fellow
Emily Linane – Graduate Musician
Emilie Murphy – French Language Assistant
Belen Cabrera Perez – Spanish Language Assistant
Piedad Cabrera Perez – Spanish Language Assistant Felix Rouch – Graduate Sports Fellow
Kieran Walton – Graduate Sports Fellow
NEW ROLES
New Roles Congratulations to the following members of staff, who have taken on new roles this academic year:
Deputy Head Co-Curriculum
Head of Middle School
Housemaster of Barrow
Housemistress of Hambleton
Nick James Robinson Favill
Ashley Denman
Sarah Angove
Head of Upper School
Megan Fairley
Day Housemistress of Round House
Sophie Clarke
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NEW ROLES
New Roles
Head of Lower School Boarding
Housemaster of Sargants
David Tom Williams Banham
Head of Library and Archives
Lucy Breag
Archivist
Head of Classics
Will Leveritt
Alumni Manager
Aurore Joe Guillomot- Roberts Bonnefond
TOGETHER APART
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Together Apart After months of disruption to the usual rhythm of School life caused by the Coronavirus Pandemic, pupils and staff reflect on how they navigated their way through this extraordinary time and the ways that they remained connected as a community whilst at times being physically distanced.
Top from left to right: Deputy Head Pastoral Sarah Gomm with her ubiquitous 2m yardstick; the charity girls cricket trio; boys celebrating a cricket win when fixtures returned Middle from left to right: The Musical Spectacular in June; masks in the classroom; Ancaster’s bring a teddy to Roll Call challenge Bottom from left to right: Senior Deputy Head Arthur Mayhew delivering the end of the week video message during distance learning; pupils wearing masks to sports training; the Chapel serving as a Covid-19 testing area
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TOGETHER APART
Photographing the Pandemic Teacher of Spanish Monica Fernandez captured some striking images of the School, its staff and pupils during the year of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Here she explains why she took the photos and how she felt taking them.
TOGETHER APART
Left: Fr Tim Tregunno conducting an online Chapel service This picture: Socially-distanced musicians playing in Chapel
In this special episode of history I wanted to create a democratic piece of work in black and white that illustrated what life was like at Oakham School during the Pandemic. Being behind the camera has allowed me to rediscover a special sense of pride in everything we do; from the kitchen porters’ operations to an experimental class in Physics. Amidst all the changes, adaptations and limitations we had to endure with Covid, there was also life, unity, hope, humour and perseverance. This project has not only allowed me to reconnect with my own passion for photography, but it has also reminded me that life does go on and we should not take it for granted. The Sports Hall being used as a second dining hall
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The Pandemic and Us How Oakhamians survived a year of lockdowns
Writing in June 2021, Seventh Former Benedict Holland reflects on the impact that the pandemic has had on us. On 16 March 2020, Oakhamians glanced into an uncertain future. “It looks as though we’re now approaching the fast growth part of the upward curve,” Boris Johnson had just warned. Many asked if our School would have to shut its gates. We thought Covid would be over within a few weeks. ‘It won’t be as bad as it has been made out to be,’ we said. Then, only six days after Boris’s bleak prophecy, the Prime Minister reluctantly executed his warnings. With education adjourned and ‘non-essential’ shops closed, we lost the most defining right afforded to humanity in a matter of hours: our liberty. Oakhamians experienced this upheaval with mixed emotions. Blended in with the disappointment of losing out on our School’s great variety of academic and extra-curricular activities, was the relief of being allowed the safety of our own homes. After all, where else was there better protection from the pandemic’s ravishing grip on society? So, in the days preceding the first lockdown, most of Oakham School’s more than 1000 students embarked on their journey home.
Below: Online lessons via Teams
The first days of online lessons went surprisingly well. Inevitable difficulties soon subsided and, once accustomed to ‘Teams’, most made the best of their situation. “I was particularly impressed by the smooth transition into distance learning,” Form 7 student Jeremias Pohle tells me. “Where I come from, education during the pandemic was – if anything – lacklustre. At Oakham one could really see that the teachers were giving it their best shot.” Nearly all teachers and staff continued to work. Having, however, looked forward to a speedy return after the holidays, many students were disappointed to hear the PM announcing every couple of weeks that schools would have to remain shut.
Lockdown-tensions soon built up. For many Oakhamians, they meant not being able to meet friends or play sport, not being able to experience those constants of life that make it worth living. Deprived of the ability to measure themselves with others, many lost the educational drive so integral to academic achievement. “Everyone had to dig deep at times to keep going,” Deputy Head (Pastoral) Sarah Gomm remembers. Maths teacher Vic Russell recalls the frightening moment he found out that he had contracted Coronavirus. “It was early on in the pandemic and at that stage, it wasn’t clear how things might pan out. I was pretty ill and, looking back, I probably should have gone to hospital. Because the NHS was struggling to cope and there were more serious cases than mine, I decided not to.” Even worse than this was an achingly slow recovery. “It took much longer than I thought it would. I remember shuffling around my garden trying to build up my strength again – I’m sure Captain Tom would have lapped me a couple of times!” But Mr Russell says that returning to work was a relief. “My days are much more productive when I have the school routine to give them structure. I‘m the sort of person who needs things to do – I’m not very good at doing nothing.” While he warns that “we will feel Covid’s after effects for many years to come,” Mr Russell sees “light at the end of the tunnel” and has already begun planning how to spend his freedom from lockdown. It’s a freedom that, despite its familiarity, still seems strange and unreal for most of us. After all, what is freedom worth when we know that it can be taken away from us so quickly? Now, more than a year after the term ‘new normal’ was coined, life has returned to a semblance of its old self. Social distancing and school bubbles have granted us greater freedom and we can once again enjoy School life. The only reminders of the pandemic are the ubiquitous disinfectant dispensers and masks. Sarah Gomm, who oversaw the safe reopening of the School in September 2020, says: “It took a huge amount of work to ensure the School was safe. Timetable changes and infrastructure changes ensuring sufficient cleanliness were very difficult to organise, but when it is forced upon us, we are able to adapt in order to keep going.”
We have been dissociated by social distancing but united by a common enemy. Now we can reap the harvest of our social sacrifices and look forward to what, at least at the point of writing this, seems like an end to the dreadful saga of lockdowns and governmental failings that has so cynically accompanied our lives for the past 12 months. “We have to make the best of a difficult situation without putting people under silly pressures,” Housemaster of School House, David Taylor, explains. Mr Taylor says that while “the social dynamic of boarding houses has changed,” pupils have been “very classy in the way they’ve dealt with the circumstances”, promising he will now “give boys a greater sense of independence”. But those in our School most impacted by the lockdown will have been those who entered it in the last two years. The first terms are often the most important and school closures will have been a brutal caesura for many who had just started to gain confidence and make friends. For over 180 of our students, School will finish in the next months. Despite cancelled exams, Oakham decided to hold ‘mini-assessments’ in April and May 2021. This was initially met with some skepticism by both teachers and the exam years. However, now that the tests are written, the gratification of concluding 12 years of education outweighs revision traumas for most. “I’m pleased that I have been able to write tests. Now, my A-level study can be backed up by evidence,” prospective Oxford student Adam Chidlow says. But the Oakham journey has only just begun for many. For these children, the tingling excitement of stepping through the doors of one of our 16 Houses may still be fresh. They can look forward to developing into mature and balanced adults in a school climate that fosters everything but arrogance. They can look forward to leaving the dread of Covid behind them and benefit once again from everything that our excellent School has to offer. Be it learning to cope with the dolor of solitude or the sorrow of loss. Be it the unique happiness found in seeing our friends again, all of us will carry the memories and emotions from this year forever. Not all will be good, but the privilege of being able to call ourselves Oakhamians is a treasure that grows with every year that passes.
Right: Examples of artwork created by pupils from home
Writing in January 2021, Sixth Former Olivia Brown reports on how the pupils and staff in the Art Department found new and different ways to express themselves creatively. Learning a practical subject, like Art, is very different this term due to the current circumstances and although it is difficult not being in a classroom, working on the tasks from home has given me the opportunity to find more creative approaches to the work. The main differences, for me, are not having easy access to the range of supplies that could be found in the classroom and not having the other pupils and their work around me to help inspire my own work. However, these could also be seen as advantages, as I have had to think of more creative solutions in how to use the supplies that I do have to make my work interesting. Working on my own will help me to further develop my own style and not constantly compare it to others. Although I do look forward to being back in the classroom soon, the teachers are just as supportive online and for now it is important to make the best of the situation. I spoke to my Art teacher Ms Stephenson about how she is overcoming the challenges of teaching during lockdown. Ms Stephenson said, “I encourage my students to find solutions to what is being asked for rather than thinking of them as hurdles. Art can be made from anything and each student has a world of visual stimuli around them that they do not have in a classroom.” “I find it interesting using photography as a window into what the student is experiencing which is very different from their life at school. It gives them a visual dialogue showing where they are and what they are experiencing which has an effect on the way they see things.” “Another advantage is that there is quiet and concentrated time dedicated to the work set.”
I have had to think of more creative solutions in how to use the supplies that I do have to make my work interesting.
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TOGETHER APART
Summer Term: Back to Live
A Year Like No Other Winter Term: Reopening Safely
Above: Sports Day makes a welcome return Below: Lateral flow testing in Chapel
In September 2020, Headmaster Henry Price wrote: “We all cannot wait to see the School buzzing with life again.” After months of lockdown, the School safely reopened with a raft of rigorous measures in place to help keep all members of our community safe: quarantine measures for boarders returning to the UK, daily temperature testing, the wearing of face coverings, year group bubbles, staggered mealtimes in both the Barraclough and the Sports Hall, and one-way systems when moving around the campus. The curriculum was adjusted as well with three different timetables to ensure the School could move and adapt should the need arise. Much of the academic year saw pupils and staff following an enhanced social distancing timetable that reduced movement around the campus. Some aspects of the curriculum were specially altered to enable them to continue safely, such as virtual events – Chapel services, concerts and guest speakers – or with additional equipment and cleaning required, such as pupils using their own lab coats and art materials, or regularly sanitising rugby and hockey balls.
Spring Term: A Term of Two Halves
Lockdown 2.0 at the start of the Spring Term saw a return to remote learning for several weeks, with a honed distance learning timetable that included Sport and Wellbeing sessions, optional supportive study sessions, and activities sessions where pupils could choose from over 150 activities that were all offered remotely. These ranged from fun activities to encourage pupils away from their screens (such as craft, chess and kitchen Chemistry), to skills (including coding and touch-typing). Pupils were also able to take part in some desk-based activities for DofE and CCF, so they could fast-track to the practical aspects on their return to School. “With the second lockdown we needed to provide rhythm and reassurance again, but also a sense of progression and change,” says Henry Price, Headmaster. “I hope that, like everyone, we managed not just to keep calm and carry on, but also to adapt our provision so that we all kept learning and stayed connected.” House meetings continued every day, along with multiple strands of personal and tutor group interactions each week. Every pupil was able to maintain a network of positive, caring interactions with peers and staff to support them through this second lockdown. Community connections continued too, with Chapel and assemblies all still online. Yet again, the day’s structure also recognised our international students’ needs, many of whom had to access the School day from a time different zone. All of the lessons were recorded and available at any time for all pupils to access at their convenience. The final three weeks saw the School reopen and Oakham’s pupils and teachers were delighted to reunite. As Head Girl Gina said: “I’m so glad to be back. So nice to have face-to-face conversations with people, even having to wear a mask. Being in lockdown made me realise how much I’ve completely missed my friends – even teachers and staff members around School.”
The Summer Term provided the greatest return to normality for the School community with two fabulous theatre productions, two Sports Days, a return to ‘live’ Chapel, a variety of music concerts, D of E and CCF expeditions, trips, and the return of live sporting fixtures. The final week of the Summer Term saw a series of specially adapted end-ofyear celebrations, which were themselves a feat of logistical planning. The Musical Spectacular heralded the return of live musical performances as Oakham’s finest musicians performed an outdoor concert to an audience of pupils and their families; the annual Sports Colours Presentation took place with the traditional ceremony of Oakham’s red and black caps being presented to Oakham’s athletes; and there were separate Prize Giving ceremonies for the three different sections of the School held in a giant marquee on Doncaster Close. Lower School and Form 7 parents were able to attend whilst observing social distancing rules. Reflecting on the challenges everyone has faced over the past 15 months at the Upper School Prize Giving, Henry said: “I hope we have gained a greater ability to cope with change and a greater appreciation of what really matters in life. The upskilling in remote, or blended learning is invaluable, but the ongoing question for us all is to how to protect and enhance the priceless quality of human traits and human interaction in a world of quickening technology.” He continued, “The Summer Term has shown the power of face-to-face teaching, of social contact and the liberating force of the co-curriculum.” “This learning is so important providing avenues for expression, for fun and friendship, as well as developing skills and confidence.” In a thank you message to all the support staff who helped to ensure that these events ran smoothly, Chief Operating Officer, William Hawkes, said, “The pupil events of the last weeks have reminded us all how important it is for us to be here on the campus, with the pupils, to make the School work as schools should – in the spirit of community, cooperation and celebration… we have managed to make the end of the academic year something special for pupils to remember.”
We have managed to make the end of the academic year something special for pupils to remember. Chief Operating Officer, William Hawkes
TOGETHER APART
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I hope we have gained a greater ability to cope with change and a greater appreciation of what really matters in life. Headmaster Henry Price
This page: End of year celebrations taking place in the last week of the Summer Term
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ACADEMIC
Form 7 pupils taking part in Bridging Courses in preparation for university
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Academic
ACADEMIC
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ACADEMIC: RESULTS
Celebrating Success: Examination Results 2021 As we celebrate the fantastic results of our students across the board this year, we also wish to also congratulate them on overcoming the unprecedented challenges they have faced during the pandemic. Despite examinations not having taken place in the traditional sense, the hard work of students across the School was still recognised.
65%
A* or A
89% A*/B
Overall 65% of all exams taken (at A-level, BTEC, Pre-U or in the IB Diploma) were awarded A* or A grades or equivalent (89% A*/B grades).
59%
A* or A
40 or more points (equivalent to 4A*s at A-level)
Top 1% worldwide
IB Diploma
In the IB Diploma more than a third (37.5%) of pupils achieved 40 or more points in their IB Diploma which is equivalent to 4 A*s at A-level. Two students have claimed places in the top 1% worldwide after achieving 44 points out of a maximum 45. We are particularly proud that, as has been the case in previous years, all of the students passed their IBDP.
90%
A*A in Sport Science
BTEC
100% A*A* in Business
Our BTEC courses continue to be a popular choice, and this year has seen some great pupil successes in the two subjects offered at Oakham. In Sport Science, 90% of pupils achieved the equivalent of A*A, with 70% of pupils achieving the top marks of two Distinction* grades (equivalent to A*A*). Business BTEC also enjoyed great results overall, with all pupils achieving the equivalent of A* or A.
85% A*-B
A-level
At A-level over half of all our students’ A-level grades awarded were A* or A (59%), and 85% were awarded A*-B grades. We are very proud to say that overall, there was a 100% pass rate and that consistent with previous years, a good number of our students achieved top marks with 36 pupils achieving straight A*/A grades.
36 pupils achieved straight A*/A grades
28%
grade 9
GCSE
66%
grade 9-7
In GCSEs we are delighted to see 28% of Oakham’s students were awarded grade 9 in their GCSEs, with 66% being awarded grade 9-7 (A*-A) and 99% awarded grade 9-4 (A*-C).
ACADEMIC: RESULTS
Individual Success Stories
Jessica in action at the Outdoor Musical Spectacular this summer
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William performing at the 2019 Gala Concert
Whilst it has been a fantastic year for results, there have been many successes away from the statistics for our 2021 leavers. Despite another uncertain year for pupils due to the pandemic, it has been wonderful to see a great number of students secure their first university choices and go on to achieve great things. Art
Oakham’s artists have secured places at leading art and design institutions across the UK, studying courses in a variety of topics including Architecture, Textiles, History of Art and Fashion Marketing. The impressive mix of subjects underpins the excellence and variety of Oakham’s Art Department. Among the placements are Sacha, who will now be studying Textile Design at the prestigious Chelsea College of Arts, and Rory, who is at Oxford Brookes reading Architecture.
Music
Oakham’s musicians have left the School on a high note following places being secured at competitive music institutions and training programmes. Jessica, who is a talent flautist performing at the School many times, has secured a place onto a Music Conservatoire. Our 2020 leaver William is now part of the Genesis Sixteen Training Programme which is an exclusive course that aims to nurture the next generation of talented ensemble singers.
Design and Technology
Sacha is studying Textile Design at Chelsea College of Arts
Drama
Rory is studying Architecture at Oxford Brookes University
In another unusual year for Drama pupils due to lockdowns, it has been wonderful to see Caleb secure a place at to study Drama with Film at Royal Holloway, University of London. Throughout his time at the School, Caleb has contributed to a number of fantastic productions put on by Oakham School Drama, including the Scholars’ Productions of Decky Does a Bronco and The Cripple of Inishmaan, as well as the musical Chicago.
With a great year for Design and Technology following a DATA Excellence Award, it has been fantastic to see Oakham pupils study Design and Engineering courses at university level. Eliza has gone on to study Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Bath whilst Lizzie will be reading General Engineering at Durham University.
Sport
Eliza is studying Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering
Over the years, Oakham School has witnessed many great pupils go on to be incredibly successful sportspeople and with many sports returning this year following the Covid-19 restrictions easing, our 2021 leavers will certainly be no exception. Places have been secured by pupils at a number of great establishments including Loughborough University, University of Bath and Newcastle University. Jed, who was captain and scrum half in his last year at Oakham has just been signed by Edinburgh after training in the summer on trial. Helen, who was a very successful athlete when at the School, breaking many School Records in athletics, is studying oversees at Colorado State University, Pueblo.
Lizzie is studying General Engineering
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ACADEMIC: CAREERS
Careers Our new Head of Careers and Progression, Dr Rachael Pearson (right), looks back at a busy year in the Careers Department and how her team rose to the challenges of online provision. University entry
University success continues to be excellent, with pupils having secured places to study at leading universities across the UK and overseas. These include four pupils going to Oxbridge to study Engineering, Biochemistry, and Human, Social and Political Sciences and seven pupils are embarking on courses to study Medicine and Medical courses.
University success continues to be excellent, with pupils having secured places to study at leading universities across the UK and overseas. UCAS Preparation
Form 6 pupils attended several online ‘After Oakham’ sessions about the options available to them after leaving School. There were classes introducing them to the UCAS application process and researching possible courses through the UCAS Hub and the Unifrog software. Pupils also had the opportunity to take part in webinars on Degree Apprenticeships and overseas university applications. Adam and Ryan are studying Biochemistry and Engineering respectively at Oxford University, whilst Jeremias and Charlie have embarked on degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Human, Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge University
Those pupils who are applying for competitive medical university courses attended a variety of online talks throughout the year, hearing from medical professionals and they were also put through their paces in an intense week of practice interview panels in June. The pupils answered questions about their motivation to study clinical courses, about ethics, and their personal achievements by the interviewers, which included local vet Mr Chris Booth BVSc and Old Oakhamian Dr Navin Leanage MBChB (’07). A number of Sixth Formers also sat mock university admissions tests, including the Biomedical Admissions Test or BMAT.
93% 93% of UCAS applicants are into a university of their choice.
9 pupils are at international universities, including the University of Milan, Northeastern University, USA and Maastricht University.
1 pupil is embarking on a prestigious Degree Apprenticeship with Unilever.
Sian has secured a place on a prestigious Degree Apprenticeship with Unilever
The week culminated in our annual preparation day for the Universities Clinical Admissions Test or UCAT, which is run by The Medic Portal (TMP). We were delighted to host TMP trainer Miss Lydia Yosief who is going into her final year of medical studies at King’s College London. As well as strategy and explanation, Lydia was able to inject enthusiasm and good humour into her coverage of the intricacies of the UCAT exam, which pupils have sat over the summer holiday.
Most popular university courses 2021:
21
Business and Economics
11
Politics and International Relations
10
History
9
Science
7
Medicine and Medical courses
5
Languages
ACADEMIC: CAREERS
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Popular Subject Choices at UK Universities 2021 Newcastle University History (2), Combined Honours (2), Business Management (3), Geography and Planning, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Politics, Marine Biology, Economics, Sport and Exercise Science, Food Business Management and Marketing, Sociology
Durham University Classics, Finance, General Engineering, Combined Honours in Social Sciences (2), Criminology, English Literature (2), Theoretical Physics, Economics and Politics, Modern Languages and Cultures
The University of Edinburgh Business with Enterprise and Innovation, Chemistry, History, Biomedical Sciences
Queens University Belfast
University of York
Architecture, Economics with Finance
Music, Social Policy, Physics with Astrophysics, Historical Archaeology
University of Leeds Criminal Justice and Criminology, Politics, Business Management (2), Fashion Marketing
University of Manchester Biomedical Sciences, Politics and Criminology, Computer Science, International Business, Finance & Economics, Earth and Planetary Sciences
Loughborough University Sport with a Foundation Year (Elite Athlete Pathway), Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB), Politics with Economics (2)
University of Nottingham Geography, Archaeology and History, Classical Civilisation, Finance, Accounting and Management
Nottingham Trent University Business, History, Business Management and Marketing (2), Sport and Exercise Science, Marketing
University of Birmingham Law, Geology and Physical Geography
University of Warwick
University of Cambridge
Film and Literature, Theatre and Performance Studies
Engineering, Human, Social and Political Sciences
University of Bristol Ancient History, Biology, History of Art, Chemistry, Anthropology
KCL Computer Science, Dentistry
University of Bath International Management and Modern Languages – Spanish (3), Civil and Architectural Engineering, Sport Management and Coaching, Health and Exercise Science, Pharmacy
University of Exeter Conservation Biology and Ecology, Politics and Modern Languages, International Relations, Politics and International Relations, Geography (Science), Philosophy and Modern Languages, Mathematics with Economics, History (2), History and Modern Languages, Business and Environment
UCL Mathematics with Economics, Languages and Culture, Biochemistry
University of Southampton Computer Science, Fashion Marketing with Management
University of Oxford Biochemistry (Molecular and Cellular), Engineering
University of Reading International Relations and Economics, Real Estate, Pharmacology, Business and Management, Construction Management, War, Peace and International Relations, Consumer Behaviour and Marketing
Oxford Brookes University Business and Finance, Architecture, Foundation in Business, Business and Management
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ACADEMIC: CAREERS
Work Experience
Despite the ongoing disruption to national working patterns caused by the pandemic, there were some fantastic work experience opportunities for Form 6 pupils to help them decide on future careers and demonstrate their potential to prospective employers or universities – ranging from medicine and marketing to engineering and scientific research.
Amy worked with the breeding team at KWS researching the DNA of wheat, and James carried out various conservation activities at Rutland Water Nature Reserve. Obi developed his Physics and Chemistry skills when he was challenged with ‘making the fastest Resin possible, during his placement with Photocentric in Peterborough. Alex also gained an insight into the marketing industry during his work experience with Player Layer.
Annie, who shadowed a Colorectal surgeon at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, wrote the following about her experience: Being in a hospital, wearing theatre scrubs, and watching real-life operations was a feeling I will never forget. Having never been into theatre, observing procedures ranging from 20 minutes long to 6 hours long, keyhole and open, was incredible. I learnt a lot about the importance of communication and teamwork within the medical profession. I was also awed by the skill of the surgeons; at points, their hands were moving so fast – one blink, and the stitches were finished. Seeing patients in a consultation and hearing about the operations that they needed was something that I really enjoyed, especially talking to the patients. Having seen some of the operations that were being discussed in person made me appreciate the work that doctors do and the impact it has on patients. I also enjoyed the ward round every morning, seeing how the patients were cared for before/after their operations and saw how all the different doctors and nurses interacted with each other to make the patient’s stay as positive as possible. Overall, I absolutely loved this work experience, and it taught me a lot about the different aspects of a career in medicine and working in the NHS.
I absolutely loved this work experience, and it taught me a lot about the different aspects of a career in medicine and working in the NHS.
Obi spent a week working at Photocentric in Peterborough
Careers Week goes Online
Oakham’s annual Careers Week in March went online with pupils able to view a series of online videos made by industry experts designed to provide them with an insight into different careers and some top tips for their future job applications. Speakers included a range of alumni, current staff, work experience providers and contacts from industry with talks ranging from careers in engineering, fashion, media and finance to guidance on how to write the perfect CV and shine in a job interview. Talks included: • Ellen Manning who gave an insight into a career in public relations and broadcasting. • Paul Joseph who explained the difference between the work of a barrister and a solicitor, having experienced both legal careers. • Charlie Reading who spoke about a career in financial planning and the importance of people skills in this interesting career. • Will Jeanes, sports journalist, who recounted how he turned a passion into a career. • Zoe Souter from Conde Nast College of Fashion and Design who highlighted the wide range of careers available in the fashion industry. • Mark Harrison, who outlined the opportunities available in the Army. • George Elliot, who described his route to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. • Genine Ziegler from Ridge & Partners LLP who talked about becoming an Architect. • A presentation from Swiss Hospitality Schools on potential opportunities in the luxury goods and experiences market. • Jenny Savory from Amazing Apprenticeships talking about the opportunities available at Higher and Degree level for this increasingly popular alternative to going to university. • Caitlin Brennan from InvestIN explaining what employers are looking for and how to use this time to make sure you are top of the list. • Tim Vincent, author of Nail that Interview, giving his top tips for interviews.
ACADEMIC: INTRODUCING PSYCHOLOGY
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An Insight into the Mind: Introducing Psychology As Oakham introduces Psychology as its newest department, we explore how the subject combines both social and practical science to give pupils a wide overview of human behaviours and the mind. We caught up with our new Head of Psychology, Charlotte Findlay, to look at how Psychology plays a vital role in the ever-changing modern world.
Promoting memory
As part of the introductory Psychology lessons, students will explore the various 'types' of memory and how they are formed, underpinning the importance of memory during the teenage years when the brain is developing and learning. This topic will cover the limited capacity of working memory, and the various flaws of human memory, such as the ability to implant memories into others and to create false memories. I recently worked with the British Psychological Society (BPS) to raise awareness among students and teachers of the cognitive processes behind learning and memory formation, as this is often misunderstood and can hinder students’ learning.
Psychology in our daily lives
With the ever-changing modern world presenting new challenges, new ways in how we live and new perceptions of how we view human behaviour, Psychology plays a vital role in our daily lives. This has become even more important during the Covid-19 pandemic. Experiencing Covid has been a useful teaching tool within Psychology, as we can make real applications that can help students understand how Psychology helps them process the behaviour they're surrounded by every day. For example, in Social Influence, we explain why society obeyed government instruction to stay indoors, and how we moved from an 'anti-mask' society to a society that couldn't leave the house without two masks in the space of several months. Social Influence can also explain why many people's sleeping patterns shifted across the day in lockdown through understanding circadian rhythms, why many students and teachers experienced minimal engagement during online learning with all cameras off, and it can help us understand the various conspiracies that the media have shared.
Career opportunities
For pupils choosing to study Psychology at either A-level or in the IB Diploma, the subject opens the door to many different career opportunities, with two main degree strands available to them. These include a BSc in Psychology, which tends to include more experimental and scientific psychology or a BA in Psychology, which looks at social and theoretical features of behaviour. From here, Psychology can support progression into:
•
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SECTOR: By exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of illnesses.
•
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY: These routes aim to prevent and understand criminal activity. This could range from working for the police, to becoming a Lawyer, to a Crime Scene Investigator or DNA Analyst.
•
SPORTS AND EXERCISE: Routes could include physical therapy, occupational therapy or even coaching.
•
BUSINESS AND MARKETING: Psychology in this field can help professionals to understand consumer behaviour to increase profit. The skills developed in research methods can also support data analysis routes such as accounting or finance.
•
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR: Comparative psychology could lead into a route working with animals to understand their behaviour, for example, animal behaviourists or ethologists.
•
EDUCATION: Psychology can lead to a career in teaching, social work, educational psychology or even university lecturing.
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ACADEMIC: MFL NEWS
Modern Languages Our Modern Languages teachers rose to the challenge posed by travel restrictions and distance learning with a variety of initiatives to keep languages alive and fun. Oxford German Olympiad Honour
Lower School International Club
Five Oakhamian linguists were honoured in the Oxford German Olympiad 2020 Virtual Prize Giving Ceremony, during which the judges awarded the pupils runners up in their category.
Oakham’s youngest pupils enjoyed some imaginative activities and fun games to improve their language learning in the weekly International Club. Each session saw them explore a different aspect of Spanish and German language and culture with creative and delicious results!
Form 5 pupils James, George, Aashish, Lottie and Abi had entered the Open Competition for Groups, the theme of which was “Ein Roboter in der Schuler” and they were tasked with creating a video or song about a robot designed for helping with practical tasks in their School.
During one session they discovered how birthdays are celebrated in Spanish-speaking countries. They learnt vocabulary around the celebration, made birthday cards and had fun with a piñata! In other weeks activities ranged from making paella to decorating mugs. There was even an epic treasure hunt, which required pupils to learn numbers, play German birthday games and then solve four puzzles on German towns and history to get a code ... and break into the treasure chest.
The judges were very impressed with how the pupils’ video was put together well and praised the high quality of their German.
Distance Language Learning Undaunted by the challenge of online learning, the Spring Term saw Third Formers and Form 6 IB Diploma Ab Initio students of Spanish making Spanish tortilla (Spanish omelette) in their own kitchens. The sessions were aimed at putting into practice the vocabulary terms they had learned and following the instructions of the recipe in Spanish. The lessons were a universal success with some delicious results!
The Spanish Department also launched a new Spanish for business course – Global Business Communication Spanish. Offered to all pupils who had taken a GCSE in Spanish, this new enrichment opportunity was led by Oakham’s experienced teacher in this area, Daniel Pernas, who is also the published author of Spanish teaching textbooks, Vitamina B1 and Vitamina C. The aim of the course was to practically address employer concerns which indicate general dissatisfaction with language skills, international awareness and business and customer awareness skills amongst young people joining the workforce. The qualification is designed to create independent learners who will develop skills associated with language learning such as problem solving, creativity and literacy and also gain an understanding of the personal benefits of linguistic competence and the importance of cultural awareness.
Tasty Bridging Courses After their GCSE assessments had finished, Form 5 pupils enjoyed a programme of language Bridging Courses – these tasters for their Upper School subject choices were particularly delicious, with an introduction to La Gastronomia Española and in particular how to prepare an authentic Spanish breakfast: chocolate con churros.
Critical and Contextual Studies
1
2
The Critical and Contextual Studies A-level course is an opportunity for students to explore their own interests in the world of art through research, analysis and experimentation. The departing Form 7 students have taken on the opportunities the course presents with enthusiasm despite the challenges that COVID-19 has presented. A key element of the course is devising a fictional exhibition idea, considering a concept to develop by selecting artworks and deciding on how they are seen. The planning for this involves considering the connections between artworks, curating the chosen artworks in the fictional show, analysing the artworks, considering suitable venues, as well as devising a public programme and marketing materials. It is an interesting blend of skills: practical, analytical and strategic. The students have devised exhibitions looking at how fashion and art collide, the Vorticism movement, paintings by contemporary black artists, Keith Haring’s protest posters, Andre Derain and Henri Matisse’s collaboration, feminism and fashion and LGBTQ artists working in the 80s. Many of the students are going off to study an Art-related course at university, but whatever their next step, the CCS course has allowed them to make connections between art forms and to consider culture’s role in wider society. I hope it has helped them to see the power that art can have to pose difficult questions, to provide a space for personal expression and how it can improve people’s lives. Written by Elinor Brass
3
6
4
5
7
1 Eloise Murray 2 Daniella Hamson
3 Milly Beattie 4 Rosaleen Mackie
5 Sacha Burlison 6 Sacha Burlison
7 Eloise Murray
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ACADEMIC: ART
A-level Art and Design This was an exceptionally talented year group who created ambitious work across the three disciplines of Painting, Sculpture and Textiles. A large number of students have gone to taken on an Art-related course at university, pursuing their passion for the subject.
2
5
1
3
6
4
7
1 Carlson Cheung 2 Phoebe Tucker 3 Suzzy Kome
4 Ella Turner 5 Lydia Stevens 6 Sacha Burlison
7 Isabella Manara
1 2
3 4
6
5
7
1 Phoebe Tucker 2 Eloise Murray 3 Inez Jackson 4 Sacha Burlison 5 Rory Gilchrist 6 Charlotte Burnett 7 Lydia Stevens
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ACADEMIC: ART
GCSE Art and Design The GCSE students developed diverse, personal work, playing with materials and ideas demonstrating talent and commitment.
1
2
5
3
6
4
7
1 Emily Yoo 2 Georgina Eatch 3 Matilda Woodisse
4 Rosie Manning 5 Matilda Woodisse 6 Polly Mettrick
7 Yat Fei Lang
1
2
3 4
6
5
7
1 Alexandra Romanova 2 Sadie Phillips 3 Scarlet Robinson 4 Rosie Sly 5 Nelson Streafeild 6 Helena Stitt 7 Ariyana Garcia
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ACADEMIC: ART
Form 3 Art The Form 3 Art projects are planned around the three main disciplines that pupils can study at GCSE level, with an exciting range of approaches to give them the chance to make ambitious work.
1
2
5
3
6
4
7
1 Form 3 Project Day 2 Riya Hirani 3 Emma Markillie
4 Evie Holder 5 Lily Reynolds 6 Aerona Pugh
7 Eloise Snape
Lower School Art Working on newly devised MYP projects, the Lower School artists encountered a broad range of media and techniques.
1
2
3
5
4
6
1 Betsy Healey, Form 2 2 Rosie Cornes, Form 1 3 Faith Taylor, Form 2 4 George Allison, Form 1 5 Bronwyn Reading, Form 1 6 Archie Jelley, Form 2
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ACADEMIC: POETRY & LITERARY LOCKDOWN
Pupils get creative with a Literary Lockdown In the dark days of January and February, Oakham’s pupils and their English teachers celebrated the power of literature to provide solace and solidarity, adventure and amusement by taking part in a literary lockdown. Using a variety of media to express themselves, pupils of all years produced some stunning creative responses to the texts they had been studying in their English lessons, impressing their teachers with their ingenuity. The way they embraced the opportunity to enhance their writing through different artistic forms was a joy to behold! Written by Helen Jones, Head of English
Dracula as you’ve never seen him before! Form 1 completed the Dracula Challenge, where after having looked at the different representations of the famous vampire in film and considered how they differ from the original text, they then created their own interpretations of the great man himself with some extraordinary results, including a dog dressed in full cape and fangs!
The Lady of Shallot? Following in the footsteps of John William Waterhouse and inspired by Tennyson’s brilliant poem, ‘The Lady of Shalott’, pupils in Form 2 created their own artistic portrayals of the Lady of Shalott. Here’s one of our favourites, from Hattie, who makes inspired use of a... shallot!
Inauguration Pupils in Forms 3 and 4 were inspired by poet Amanda Gorman’s performance at President Biden’s inauguration with some magnificent paintings and videos.
The Furthest Distances I’ve Travelled In contemplating Leontia Flynn’s poem ‘The Furthest Distances I’ve Travelled’, pupils in Form 6 considered how we collect souvenirs as we travel through life, and explore Flynn’s assertion that:
‘the furthest distances I’ve travelled have been those between people. And what survives of holidaying briefly in their lives.’
School Inspectors with a difference In online English lessons, Mrs Fear encouraged an entertaining break from routine when her Form 1 pupils dressed up as Inspectors visiting Lowood School, in Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel Jane Eyre. What do you think their verdict might have been? Outstanding or in need of improvement? And can you spot some rather furry assistant inspectors?
Lockdown Lectures Staff also embraced the challenge to be creative with Dr Diana Hallam delivering a series of lockdown lectures on Hamlet. Dr Hallam’s work on Hamlet was also published in EMagazine, together with the work of fellow colleague Dr Michael Cade-Stewart.
ACADEMIC: POETRY & LITERARY LOCKDOWN
Writing The Future: National Poetry Day 2020 Staff in the English Department and the Smallbone Library joined forces to celebrate National Poetry Day 2020 with great gusto. Inspired by the theme of ‘vision’, Form 3 pupils embarked on a FOSIL inquiry, exploring poetry by William Blake, Walt Whitman, Langston Hughes and Stephen Spender before penning their own original works. Our talented young writers produced some thought-provoking poems, portraying their own compelling visions of the future.
When there was no technology Anon When there was no technology When we were in control You wouldn’t meet online You’d just go out for a stroll. When there was no technology Life wasn’t at all bad But then it was created And people slowly became sad. Now there is technology We don’t go out for a walk Now life has become more pointless People barely even talk. Now there is technology, I suppose it can be good But everything is done by computer Much more than it should. When there is more technology We will not be in control Everything will be online, No more going out for a stroll. When there is more technology Life will be very bad Now it is created Everyone is sad.
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2040 Children By Laura Roberts
We know that we cannot undo the past, But let us reassure you, our generation was the last. We have learned from the horrors of social media and technology. And this is why we have created a whole new philosophy. We no longer wish for follow requests, DMs, notifications and likes For that ping, buzz or ring in the dead of the night. We want our children to play outside, enjoy it while they can. Now we shall present our plan: No child, toddler or baby should participate, In social media of any kind, the law should state.
A Lack of Leadership By Henry Bluff The war rages on more fiercely than ever, Bystanders watch with terror and despair, What started out as a fresh endeavour, Has plagued the human’s once fresh air. ‘How has it all come down to this?’ I heard an old man cry, ‘The lack of global leadership has caused the world to die.’ The blood’s been planted on our hands, Our leaders fled once more. They scavenged all the riches, Leaving society poor. Will we ever recover? Not even God knows this. It seems as if Satan has risen And given us Death’s kiss.
Present, Past By Howie Parford The future is not needed. Trying to tell people what we will see, Is as disappointing as the existence of a flea. One can never know what is to come, The shock of the truth as pounding as a drum. The monsters who control us tell people their lies, And the news and information They plunge us into We despise. Manipulation and power overtakes the mind The creative influencers are one of a kind. The present is something we must embrace The past is something we like to face. The future is not needed. War, hate, conflict and greed. The future is just a concept we do not need.
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ACADEMIC: POETRY & LITERARY LOCKDOWN
The Future By Lena Cartwright
To the Fates, the future is a simple straight line. As they weave the tapestry of the world with threads of possibility, They know what is to happen, as well as each of them know their own name. But to us, the future is a leaf on a river with endless paths to take. A simple rock could change the course, sending it down another direction The leaf could plunge down a waterfall into a calm peaceful lake, Or it could slowly trickle into a raging river of hate and endless shame. The leaf will forever travel, never ending in hell or heaven The future will never be completely good or completely bad There must always be a balance, in the similar way that In some ways we are all different, and in others just the same.
A Vision of the Future By Francesca Shapero Dark and dreary, Their faces gaunt. So eerie, Their lives for naught. Helpless travellers, Hiding away. The mighty heir
Living deviously By Freddie Jones
Earth is long burnt out and empty The super-rich never dying And nobody can remember The lush green grass The wildlife running free. Knowledge is reduced to liquid Injected in the youth in place of school People with robotic minds Doing present jobs and tasks With no end. People locked in never dying loops The last trees are dying out Robots like workers The government silences those who shout.
Vision By Rosie Johnson
Perfection: there is no such thing, There never was, won’t ever be Even though we always sing Of perfect peace and harmony. Reality: it’s the blunt truth, Like it or hate it, either way, Though you can change it By what you do, by what you say. Optimism: Idyllic hope, On the darkness shining light. Be optimistic and with hardship cope, But fight to put the wrong to right. Acceptance: do not rearrange What you think seems badly kept. Accept the things you cannot change And change the things you can’t accept. Happiness: it’s life’s purpose. Be kind, be good to everyone. Stand up for justice, sing in chorus. That’s my final conclusion.
Tomorrow By Eddie Nicholson
Forever building, Forever making, Forever burning. Life created; life destroyed. Where are we heading? Into the uncertainty that the future may hold Will we break through or will we be broken? Will we bring war or will we bring peace?
Dictating your say. She watches your lips, Your eyes; your stance. The swaying of hips, In a hypnotising dance. Smiling faces. Tomorrow and today.
The future may not be a mystery though As we control how our lives go. Technology is forever changing.
She walks and paces.
Soon maybe we will Not just vote for some old men that Are not worth voting for Maybe Just maybe Life will change Green energy Powering life that is hopeful and Free with technology suppressing The consumerism that has Inflated the economy
Heart-wrenching screams,
But without action we will be in Darkness and sorrow and Without innovation there will Be no tomorrow.
And stops, to your dismay.
Begging for silence. By all means Submit to her influence. She watches forever, In the shadows. Don’t ever say never, That’s the lowest of lows. She’s all around, The sky, the trees, Always bound And always sees. You worship her, Beg forgiveness, You fear her, Nothing less. Dishevelled hair, That is not there Smooth skin and yet so fair All in heaven’s lair.
ACADEMIC: DT
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Design Technology Form 1 How is ‘time’ used efficiently? During this project the pupils developed their scroll saw and creative drawing skills. They explored the concept of time to design commercial commodities that are sustainable, yet functional and also taking into consideration measurements, aesthetics, and form function.
Sophia Cure
Hettie Turcan
Ibti Al Sayigh
Emma Breag
Form 2 Desk Tidies Pupils created desk tidies generating concepts and then developing them to create a physical product using workshop machinery. The students were challenged with the task of raising awareness of charities through sustainable design.
1
2
1 Owen Nutter 2 Lulu Tyres 3 Shonali Banerjee
3
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ACADEMIC: DT
Form 6 Product Design: Lamps
1 Alex Brown 2 Spike Marlow 3 Rosie Fleur-Butler
2
1
3
Form 6 Electronics Product Design
Form 4 MP3 Players
Project by Alex Brown
A control board to automate the production of PCBs, primarily functioning as a timer but also driving motors, buzzers, heaters and displays. Version 1 The board functions as a main control board for the School’s Greenpower Kit Car Project, providing all the functions a typical car computer would, such as lighting, displays, time, music and speed/distance monitoring.
Monica Augustine-Ohwo
Version 2 Condensed version of previous PCB.
Rafael Mayhew
Form 3 Memphis Speakers This project was inspired by the design movement Memphis. They had to research and develop this style; incorporating it into their own MP3 Speakers. Using Oak and acrylic they created a high fidelity model that could be used as a working prototype. James Kutluoglu
Maxie Weir
Emma Markillie
Lysander Starkey
Tabby Abbott
Lochie Simpson
Jemima Holt
1 Lysander Starkey 2 Title - Name 3 Title - Name 4 Lochie Simpson
5 Title - Name 6 Title - Name 7 Title - Name 8 Title - Name
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ACADEMIC: DT
Designing for Industry The Engineering Education Scheme (EES) is a scheme run in the UK by the Engineering Development Trust to promote the education of school students about engineering. Run on an annual basis, the sixmonth programme links small teams of Form 6 (Year 12) pupils, and their teacher, with local companies where they work on reallife scientific, engineering and technology projects. As well as mentoring the pupils and helping to advise them on their projects, the local companies may invite pupils to visit their factory and use their facilities to test their designs.
CBS Products Written by Alex Brown and Archie Bagshaw (Form 6) One of the two teams working on the EES Scheme worked with a company called CBS Products, which tasked the School with two projects. Firstly, the team helped to upgrade the electronics for their Tornado Machine. The machine needed upgrades such as a longer battery life and reduced manufacturing complexity and the team solved the issue by completely redesigning the electronic control system to reduce power consumption, designing and manufacturing a PCB to reduce assembly time and complexity, and adding a new graphical LCD alongside a multifunction rotary encoder to allow the user to interact with the machine more efficiently. A variant of this circuit board is now in production.
The other project that CBS tasked the team with was to reduce air leakage and reduce maintenance time on their Tornado Machine’s pneumatic system. The team identified the source of the air leakage as a leaky seal between two halves of a part and ran multiple tests in software simulation to determine the most appropriate solution. It was concluded that the O-ring seals would best be replaced by a single self-adhesive gasket seal.
1: Before 2: Solution
Mecc Alte The second team worked with a company called Mecc Alte, helping to create a product to help remove the sheathing from large gauges of wire, in a safer manner than the present method of using a Stanley knife. The solution to this problem needed to be portable, compact and safe. Ensuring it could be used at a variety of locations without risk of injury was a priority. We solved this in the end by creating a hand-operated design, where the blade would only be exposed when the product was being used, with the blade being covered by a plastic guard when not in use. The design consists of two shell pieces that are fastened together, as well as an enclosed spring-loaded blade assembly. After completing the final design and producing it using a high-resolution 3D printer, the models and project were sent to Mecc Alte, with the following feedback being given: “The design concept is impressive and with a couple of tweaks I think it could well be an implemented process tool.”
Oakham School and the EES Written by Tim Weston (Head of Design Technology) For over 20 years, Oakhamians have been involved in the Engineering Education Scheme; inspiring young designers to work with local companies to create design solutions to products in industry and thereby giving them invaluable real-life experience of working in business. Previous projects have included cooling rigs, testing and quality assurance processes, Health and Safety, electronic systems and preventative maintenance. The scheme has changed to Industrial Cadets Gold for 2021/22, but the emphasis and challenge remains equally as demanding and rewarding with a residential workshop at Loughborough University in the Spring Term.
ACADEMIC: DT
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ACADEMIC: THE IB & ME
The IB & Me As Oakham School celebrates 20 years of offering the IB Diploma, we spoke to current and former pupils at different stages of their life and education to find out what the qualification means to them. Written by Emily Howett
Oakham has always been at the forefront of pedagogical development – we were one of the first independent schools to move to co-education 50 years ago and we were one of the first schools to introduce the IB Diploma Programme alongside A-levels. This anniversary marks a major landmark in how the School has continued to innovate its curriculum over the last two decades to offer
the best education for our pupils – both inside and outside of the classroom. Hearing from Oakhamians past and present about how studying the IB Diploma has influenced their lives demonstrates how the IB Diploma is more than just a qualification; it provides a holistic education and teaches skills that stay with people throughout their lives.
Despite only recently starting his IB studies, current Form 6 pupil Aashish shared his views on what prompted him to follow the IB Diploma route. He said: “I chose the IB Diploma over A-levels because it enabled me to pursue a wide range of subjects I’m interested in, in a manner that is designed to be holistic. For me, A-levels are more broadly an opportunity to specialise into three or four subjects in preparation for university, whereas the nature of the IB and the combination of subjects means that I can study Maths, English, Science, a language etc; each of which I wanted to do.” “The IB offers a challenge that requires managing time better and being organised; trying to develop these skills in the context of a small number of wide-ranging subjects that I’m interested in is enjoyable.”
It was in 2001 that Oakham was officially accredited to offer the IB Diploma, and over the years the School has become recognised as one of the leading IB Diploma Programme schools in the UK and the world. As Form 7 pupil Annie is well aware, the IB can open doors to many different career paths and opportunities and is a great pathway for pupils with ambitions to study subjects like Medicine. She said: “I chose to do the IB because I really liked the breadth of the qualification, and the focus that it had on global perspectives. I wanted to take subjects that would allow me to continue to keep an open mind about not only what I wanted to do in the future, but also the world around me, and mean that I could keep doing all the subjects that I enjoyed.” “I think that my teachers not only provide me with a huge amount of support, but they embrace the way that the IB Diploma has a broader focus on global appreciation and as a result they make the most of the content that they are teaching.”
As well as academic excellence, the diverse curriculum includes key aspects, such as problem-solving through off-timetable skills days – meaning that Oakham’s IB Diploma students have left School with key attributes for future success – including collaboration, taking the initiative, perseverance, and decision making. Former pupil Benedict, who successfully completed his IB Diploma this summer, added: “Studying the IB Diploma at Oakham has been a formative experience, inspiring in me a love of learning. The IB’s rigorous curriculum and coursework have forced me out of my intellectual comfort zone and helped me to develop resilience and flexibility; qualities that I believe are more important than academic achievement in the long run. IB students don’t only learn for good grades; they learn for life.”
Millie, who left Oakham in 2018, reinforced this viewpoint saying: “I enjoyed the IB, because it was so much more than just reading and writing; it involved field trips, meeting and working with new people from all over the world, and being involved in so many different aspects of School.” “The IB allowed me to develop in many different areas, both academic and practical, that have helped me in life and at university. Writing skills involved in coursework and the extended essay, presenting skills required in speaking assessments, and questioning skills developed throughout the Theory of Knowledge lessons have all been crucial throughout my time at university to aid my learning; skills I’ve noticed other colleagues have to learn at university. Furthermore, the IB can be quite full on at times meaning that time management, organisation and independence are vital skills to develop in order to stay on top of everything and allow yourself to get the most out of the programme. These are skills I’ve been grateful for at university and when at work.”
Edition no.207
20 Years of the IB Diploma at Oakham School
ACADEMIC: THE IB & ME
A trip to the Clermond Ferrand Film Festival in 2007
Group 4 Science Project in 2006
2011 IB Cohort
2011 trip to Orielton
The IB Retreat to Launde Abbey in 2012
2015 IB Cohort
2021 socially distanced and virtual IB Prize Giving
2001
the year the IB Diploma was introduced at Oakham School alongside A-levels, broadening our educational offering.
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subject areas for pupils to choose to study at Higher and Standard level, including Psychology from September 2021.
Over 1,000
students have studied the IB Diploma over the past two decades.
35+ points
Oakham’s average point score consistently exceeds the worldwide average.
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students have scored the maximum 45 points since the first cohort completed their Diplomas in 2003.
15–30% of post-16 students study the IB Diploma each year.
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ACADEMIC: IB MYP COMMUNITY DAYS
Helping the Community through the IB MYP In the same year that sees Oakham School celebrate 20 years of offering the IB Diploma, we received official accreditation as an IB MYP World School. This means that our pupils in Forms 1–3 will benefit from an internationally renowned and holistic approach to learning before they choose their GCSE options and 16+ courses. Emily Howett takes a look at the success of the Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) and how its community-focused foundation benefits our pupils. Given Oakham’s longstanding expertise in delivering the IB Diploma, and more recently in developing the IB MYP, community and internationalmindedness have become a cornerstone of the Oakham education. As part of the IB MYP’s all-encompassing programme, each year we organise a number of MYP Community Days for pupils in Forms 1 and 2, where pupils are given an opportunity to develop awareness of needs in their various communities and address those needs through service learning; exploring ways in which they can embody the IB Learner Profile and make a positive difference to their wider community. 2020/21 MYP Community Days were built around a number of resources produced by the World’s Largest Lesson, a project whose aim is to promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals to children around the world. Over the course of the Community Days, pupils shared their personal stories about lockdown inspired by the challenges being brought by the global pandemic. These stories allowed pupils to share their own experiences of the three major lockdown periods across the year and consider how these impacted their lives. Discussions included their adaptations to learning from home and each narrative intertwined with features of other pupils’ stories. This project then allowed pupils to consider children in other communities from different backgrounds which were very different from their own, and how the Covid-19 Pandemic may have affected them. The project tied in with the 2020 International School Libraries Month theme of Finding Your Way to Good Health and Well-Being and was also based on the third UN Sustainable Development Goal - Good Health and Well-Being. Through these two themes, pupils looked at what measures they could take to meet this challenge locally. These Community Days increased awareness of the different issues affecting communities around the world, as well as giving pupils ideas of possible courses of action they could pursue themselves. The student action took several forms, such as: - Campaigning - Raising awareness - Taking physical action - Changing their behaviour - Learning more about the problems that exist within our local communities We hope that by taking pupils out of their normal timetable on our IB MYP Community Days and inspiring them to look beyond their own community, we have given them a broader perspective of the outside world and encouraged them to find concrete ways in which to embody the IB Learner Profile and aid their personal development.
My pledge to do something positive locally was to volunteer to help out in the Rutland Food Bank with my mum and encourage friends and family to donate food and household supplies to support vulnerable families who have been affected by Covid. Sofia, Form 2
Academic Highlights 2020 - 2021
15 Upper School Biologists won medals and certificates in the 2021 Biology Olympiad, including 5 Golds.
UKMT Maths Challenge Success: 16 pupils achieved awards in the Senior competition, including 7 Golds; 49 certificates in the Intermediate competition and 19 awards in the Junior competition.
Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, was interviewed virtually by Form 5 pupils as part of their Citizenship GCSE coursework.
Form 6 pupil Ili was SecretaryGeneral at the virtual International Moderans MUN conference, welcoming 110 delegates from over 45 countries around the world.
Award-winning author Marcus Sedgwick paid a virtual visit to Lower School pupils, speaking to them about his writing and how he gets the inspiration for his stories. Meghan Goodeve from Yorkshire Sculpture International gave an engaging virtual talk about her career to Form 6 CCS pupils.
Form 7 pupils successfully completed the Engineering Education Scheme and their Gold Crest Award.
7 Chemists won certificates in the 2021 Chemistry Olympiad, including 3 Golds.
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PERFORMING ARTS
The Scholars’ Production of Decky Does A Bronco
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Performing Arts
PERFORMING ARTS
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PERFORMING ARTS: DRAMA
Drama Roland de Vil looks at how Director of Drama Gilly Norell and her team rose fantastically to the challenges faced by theatre in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic with a full programme of dramatic performances in the QET and other locations around School.
Theatre at Oakham is now open again for business.
Private Peaceful
Livestreamed from Old School to coincide with Armistice Day 2020, Oakham’s Form 3 Drama Scholars performed a moving and powerful rehearsed reading of Michael Morpurgo’s touching account of lives devastated by the inhumanity of war. Having prepared and rehearsed from the beginning of the Winter Term, both online and in situ, the Form 3 Drama Scholars and Invitees gathered to perform a rehearsed reading of Michael Morpurgo’s touching account of the lives of simple country folk and devastation brought to them by the cruelty of war and man’s inhumanity to man. The tale, nicely adapted for the stage by Simon Reade, tells how in an attempt to save his wounded Brother, the other Brother must suffer the ignominy of being branded a coward - and death by firing squad. The players: Amelia Arthurton, Patrick DonnellyCullen, Tilly Golland, Evie Holder, Adam Johnston, Rowley Moore, Tari Mushonga, Howie Parford, Lily Reynolds, Elis Rubins Thomas, Eloise Snape, and Olivia Sutton brought to the fine setting of Old School a sensibility beyond their years and armed only with a change of headwear or shawl, rendered their characters with telling effect and dramatic power whilst speaking the narration with sincerity and depth of feeling – all without a trace of mawkishness or preaching. The film could not have the immediacy of the play in performance, but there were many expressions of appreciation and thanks received from the 100 plus who viewed the Stream; and from the proud and clearly misty-eyed Gilly Norell, Director of Drama the following was elicited, “I am amazed how Form 3 Drama Scholars - with some help from Mr Norell - have managed to produce a show of this quality in so short a time. This is a fitting tribute at this time of Remembrance and is also (I am equally glad to say) a signal that Theatre at Oakham is now open again for business.”
Decky Does a Bronco by Douglas Maxwell
Live theatre made a welcome return to the QET in the winter of 2020, with intense and fine performances in the Scholars’ Production. One may have been forgiven for thinking that one had walked into a playground when early in December 2020, when most of our theatres were still dark, two pairs of playground swings dominated the QET stage and signalled the setting for Douglas Maxwell’s hard-hitting, child-abuse drama Decky Does a Bronco. Clarissa Brown in the title role plays an impressionable, put-upon, and naïve youngster who, with his/her friends (or perhaps his companions) plays on the swings forever practising the illusive and fiendishly difficult manoeuvre of leaping from a swing on its downward trajectory whilst simultaneously kicking the swing with sufficient power so that it travels up and over the supporting beam in ever decreasing circles eventually to wrap itself up aloft – the ‘Bronco’. Wee Decky’s friends comprise David (Caleb Ighofose), who is at once the leader of the “gang” and a chorus who confides his hopes and fears to us, the audience, and provides a commentary on the action and the social consequences flowing from it. His role (and the play as a whole) is prevented from becoming just a polemic to arouse our social conscience because, as the events become apparent and the dreadful truth emerges from the interactions between the children, it is (perhaps ironically) the life and soul of Decky (and by inference those like him/her) that is being celebrated here. The play is rather a memorial to all those children – those innocents – who have had their young lives taken from them in – quite frankly horrific ways – which mercifully we see none of on stage. Lizzy Shooter plays the volatile Chrissie, Sophia Land portrays the irascible Barry and Callum Wass renders the sullen and aloof O’Neill. Upon reflection, this is a play that appeals to the heart in us; and we deny its message at our own emotional peril. One is reminded of Dickens’ injunction when Scrooge is confronted by the girl Ignorance and the boy Want, “Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy, for on his brow I see that written which is Doom…”. We have become used to high quality productions from Gilly Norell at the QET (who, incidentally, claims to this day to have actually executed a perfect Bronco – albeit in secret), and these performances – the swansongs of our cherished Scholars are among the finest we have witnessed and will long abide with us.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The QET emerges from the Covid dark with a parable for our times performed by members of the Lower School. In these days when those values of our youth, as derived from what we read (and what we were taught), come under threat from a changing age and changing values, a visit to the QET to see a rarely performed adaptation of C. S. Lewis’ The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, adapted by the late Glynn Robbins (who, incidentally, was a friend of mine) was always going to hold the promise of enrichment of the spirit. And enrichment it did indeed provide, through following the characters of the Narnian epics, whose adventures we enjoyed and whose failings we might empathise with and (with the lion’s help) learn to forgive, grow to maturity, and relish the prospect of Aslan’s Country. There were two casts of players: one from Form 1 and the other from Form 2, with Form Lower 1 pupils comprising the Dance Chorus. This seemed a worthy undertaking and as auditions were conducted online, all who ventured were cast. The scene is set, the seven Lords of Narnia – (F1) Imogen Bouch, Penelope Brammer, Lottie Lissaman, Alex Phillips, Bertie Price, Holly Prothero, Bronwyn Reading, and (F2) Freya Bibby, Lloyd Blackman, Ruby Fry, Huw Gamble, Hugo Howlett, Joe Marriner, Hattie Walters – are sent away by the wicked Miraz fiendishly
played by William Griffiths/Campbell Tierney on a fool’s errand, leaving the Usurper to steal the crown from Caspian - played throughout with consummate majesty and appropriate petulance by Eva Peberdy/Isabella Oliver - the true King of Narnia. The thoughtful Edmund was engagingly portrayed throughout by Thomas Johnston/ Alex Carr, and his courageous sister was delightfully created by Imogen Williamson (F1); these two must contend with their cousin Eustace, most effectively conjured by Eloise Baines/Charles Sore-Brown and together having been whisked from his home onto the deck of a Narnian longship on the high seas, their adventure to find the seven missing lords begins. Their voyage takes them to the slaver islands of Felimath, where they encounter the corrupt Governor Gumpus of Elodie Sheridan/ Campbell Tierney and his odd couple of hired cronies Pug and Tacks fiendishly brough to life by Lottie Lissaman and Bronwyn Reading/ Hattie Walters and Ruby Fry. Here, they release the Lord Bern (Joe Marriner) and set free the slave (dance) chorus of Bea Goodison, Esme Farnham, Evelyne Irving Walker, Freddie Robinson, Hattie Jackson (Dance captain), Immy Sandham, Isla Mae Skins,
Jessica Hayle, Lucy Carr, Megan Martin, Tiggy Storer, and Wilf Gamble. They encounter storms, an island with a pool that turns all to gold, all the while sailing on the beautifully crafted Dawn Treader crewed by its Captain, the long-suffering Drinian, and his mate the hapless Rynelf; Anna Sheridan and Kate O’Donoghue/Huw Gamble and Hattie Walters who between them create a marvellous double act (echoes of Blackadder and Baldrick). Standing somewhat aloof from these travellers and with his own special purpose, we have the brave and noble Reepicheep, so well played by Leonie Russell/Evie Deane and watching over us all and the object of his journey, Aslan, whose puppet was masterfully wielded and majestically voiced by Alice Davey/Lloyd Blackman. As they near their goal, we come upon the strange land of Ramandu whose Master, serenely portrayed by Bertie Price/Joe Marriner, and Daughter, beautifully played by Poppy Woodhouse/Freya Bibby, serve to reenergise the voyagers for their final, fateful journey. All the while we have been entertained with fine dancing in various musical styles, with songs the casts had prerecorded, including several well-known hits, with adapted lyrics, including the Dave, Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick and Titch hit, ‘The Land of Xanadu’ and the wonderful Annie Lennox number at the end of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King ‘Into the West’. The design and costumes were rich and sumptuous and the impression we left with was one of having witnessed a meaningful and relevant parable for our times: in seeking for those who are lost it is we who must also find ourselves. The Lower School and Director David Norell are to be thanked for sharing this telling piece of Theatre with us, which not only served to illuminate our souls but also bore witness to the emergence of the QET from the Covid dark.
Above: Scenes from the Form 1 production Below: Scenes from the Form 2 production
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PERFORMING ARTS: DRAMA
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Oakham’s Drama Scholars peform a dream of a production in the al fresco setting of the QET Quad. Hard on the heels of the Lower School Production, and fraught with the necessity of having to socially distance the players in Forms 4 and 6, and juggle with bubbles, we ended the year with a celebration of the best that Oakham students can do and entered the delightful world of Shakespeare’s quintessentially magical comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And set in the QET Quad over five peaceful evenings at the English Midsummer (which, of course, necessitated wrapping up well and the distribution of warm blankets) the artfully decorated stage (of Justine Harrison) was set for some splendid acting. A pair of lovers – Hermia and Lysander – nicely portrayed by Henrietta Morris and Flora Alison, and a pair of would-be lovers - Helena and Demetrius - finely crafted by Isolde Small and Freya Malcolm, through the folly of Hermia’s Mother sternly rendered by Andrea Celaya Cervantes and the laws of Athens as interpreted by the soon to be wed and equally formal Duke Theseus of Zsolti Johnson, must needs flee the city and make for the woods wherein lurk the Fairy folk who have their own problems. For this is very much a domestic drama. Into the mix appear the much maligned (by name at least) Mechanicals; a group of artisans who wish to put on a play for the nuptial day of their Duke and his Amazon bride, boisterously played by Lizzie Shooter (F7) who stepped into the cast with very short notice. The King of the Fairies, Oberon (in the usual doubling) artfully constructed by Zsolti tries to impose his will upon his elegantly crafted Queen (in an unusual pairing of his real-life sister) Mesi Johnson. Their dispute is bringing ruination to the world of men, as represented by our rough and ready Thespians. Led by the fastidious Quince of Tasia Dhanoa, the followers: Flute, Snout, Snug and Starveling (engagingly rendered by Maxim El-Sheikh, Annie-May Cannings, Sophie West-Sadler, and Mesi respectively) are subjected to the overbearing “bully” Bottom - well played by David Harrison. Just to bring these initially disjointed plots into juxtaposition and to cause the rampant mayhem for which this play is justly famous, Oberon’s hench-fairy Puck, Chloe Howard, sets about her mischief in supreme manner, and soon the would-be Players are scattered, Titania is enamoured of a donkey, and the Lovers are in turmoil. The stage action and excellent vocal characterisations were brilliantly handled throughout by the single-minded (and temporarily, single-eyed) Gilly Norell, and by David Norell who held the fort in her absences. But all good things must come to an end and whilst most of the Court are condescending to the Mechanicals’ Pyramus and Thisbe mash-up, the Duke reminds us all of our responsibility as playgoers, “the best of this kind are but shadows and the worst no worse if imagination amend them.” And anyway, if we are still discontented (and the full houses were most appreciative) we have Puck’s Parthian shot to send us on our way which suggests perhaps that we “have but slumbered here…”. Rather a splendid setting, masterly playing and – all in all – a dream of a production.
PERFORMING ARTS: DRAMA
Dance is alive and kicking at Oakham.
Dance Showcase 2021
Once again, the QET played host to the wonderful work of the dance enthusiasts at Oakham. The performances we saw had been produced in the weekly dance classes attended by students of all ages, from the Lower School: Feodora Freienstein, Lucy Carr, Megan Martin, Emma Breag, Molly Sutterby, Sasha German, Hannah Cox, Maisie Skins; and from the Middle School: Ffion Reading, Halle Stone, Charlotte Urban, Lily Reynolds, Emma Markillie, Bea Selkirk, Daisy Griffiths, Mesi Johnson, Maxim El-Sheikh. Dance Activity Groups had also been running, so we saw dance performances from the following Lower School pupils: Coco Evans, Felicity Round, Olivia Melville, Rosie Langford, Hannah Cox, Molly Sutterby, Sasha German, Hettie Turcan, Sophia Rice, Sophia Wattie; and from Form 3: Tabitha Carr, Christina Nicolle, Katie King, Laura Roberts, Riya Hirani, Scarlett Blackman, Veronica Moffat, Eleanor Hart, and from Form 4: Fran Benham, Evangeline Morris, Cecilia Wang, Matilda D’Arcy, Lydia Bennett, Harriet Round, Imogen Barton, and Maggie Nicholson. From this line-up of dedicated performers,
who have given up their own time to rehearse despite everything that the pandemic could throw at them, came skilfully choreographed pieces from various genres including a selection of uplifting ‘feel-good’ songs. Choreographers Olivia Ward and Sarah Murphy, and Costumier Justine Harrison are to be warmly thanked for not only their creative input but for their overarching inclusivity and good humour – this year has not been a comfortable one for performers who, I think, have suffered inordinately and to put on such a show under such circumstances speaks volumes for the spirit of Performance Art at Oakham. The audience were, as always, enthusiastically supportive and it was a telling tribute to proceedings that everyone on stage deserved their place, were well co-ordinated in group work, and took their chances in solo moments with confidence and verve. Another fine evening of spectacle and we look forward already to next year’s showcase. Dance is alive and kicking at Oakham.
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PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC
Music The 2020-21 academic year was unlike any other for Oakham’s musicians, but with their customary enthusiasm, perseverance and adaptability, it was nevertheless one full of extraordinary musical achievements by students of all ages. Written by Peter Davis, Director of Music
Having written about the advent of the ‘virtual concert’ in last year’s Oakhamian, these became the new normal for our larger ensembles for the majority of the School year as we morphed our normal performance calendar into one that accommodated social distancing for musicians, and limited or online audiences. Back in September 2020, the prospect of all ensemble music-making taking place in smaller groups with singers or players seated 2 metres apart was an extraordinarily daunting prospect, but as the weeks went by, the dedication of our pupils transcended such obstacles to achieve many impressive performances.
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There were three musical constants throughout the academic year, all of which took on new importance for the wider School community as well as for our performing musicians. We were proud to present lunchtime recitals for all 32 weeks of the academic year, and these are now always showcased on the School website (https://bit.ly/oakhammusic) as well as to live audiences (when permitted). Government restrictions meant that our Winter Term series moved from All Saints’ Church to the School Chapel, and despite having to work around pupils self-isolating, 16 pupils and 2 staff (the Director of Music and Head of Piano) gave excellent live performances. January 2021 lockdown meant filmed performances TheThe January 2021 lockdown meant thatthat filmed performances from home took over once again in the Spring Term, including an ingenious chamber music recital by the Form 3 Music Award Holders. As we returned to the School campus in March, pupils were once again able to record recitals in School, enabling the the Summer Term programme to open with several Summer Term programme to feature several filmedfilmed ensemble ensemble performances of Upper School compositions. performances of Upper School compositions. It was an It was an enormous relief to welcome back live audiences in Chapel from 19 May for a recital of Songs for Musical Theatre, and then to return to our lunchtime series’ home in All Saints’ Church from June for the first time since March 2020. The Chamber Choir’s recital of Finzi, Stanford and Vaughan Williams was an apt way
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to conclude the year’s recital series on 30 June, albeit back in the School Chapel to accommodate our socially-distanced singers. Informal Concerts have been another constant throughout year, Informal Concerts have been another constant throughout thethe year, and with the clamour for live performance opportunities and the need to control numbers of performers and audience, we presented double recitals on four occasions during the Winter Term. It was wonderful to reconnect with these hugely valuable concerts, which give pupils a relaxed opportunity to try out their music in front of a small supportive audience, including parents who had the chance to watch each filmed performance after the event. 2021 required these concerts to move back online through Microsoft Teams, but nevertheless achieved a great deal in connecting our musicians during the winter lockdown. Performing restrictions relaxed sufficiently by late May to allow us to resume live small-scale concerts once again, and we packed in four more Informal Concerts in School before the year ended. Chapel traditionally plays a significant in maintaining Chapel traditionally plays a significant rolerole in maintaining connections connections within our School and community, and though we managed within our School community, though we managed a small number a small number of outdoor weekly had Chapel services hadonline to be of outdoor services, weekly services, Chapel services to be sustained sustained online throughout the year. throughout the year. These maintained importance of music to our worship in the These stillstill maintained thethe importance of music to our worship in the School, and I am indebted to our choirs for recording new music every week of the Winter and Summer Terms to include in these services. However, we made a particular effort to mark two important Christian festivals with special online events. The first was a 40-minute Sequence of Music & Readings for Christmas 2020, released to the wider Oakham School community at the end of the Winter Term. Featuring the traditional Christmas narrative and a blend of carols old and new, this initiative was widely welcomed in a year when traditional carol services and congregational singing were regrettably absent from our lives. On our return to School in March 2021, the Chamber Choir filmed a moving Passiontide sequence of music for Good Friday as our final Chapel Service of the term. After a year of online worship, it was a particular thrill to reopen the Chapel for worship again in June, most notably enabling us to hold a Leavers’ Service (supported by the Chamber Choir) on the last day of the year, with Form 7 gathering on the Round House lawn at the end to sing ‘Jerusalem’ together for the only time in the academic year! Thanks to the commitment of music staff, we maintained a programme of weekly rehearsals for the majority of our choirs and ensembles throughout the year, despite the challenges of social distancing alluded to before.
PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC
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1 Remote Lunchtime Concert
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Remote Lunchtime Concerts
3 Lunchtime Concert in Chapel
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Lunchtime Concert in Chapel
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Whole School Chapel
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Chamber Choir rehearsals
7 Carols for Christmas
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Whilst large live audiences could not be welcomed into the Chapel for concerts for the entire year, we developed a new online audience for large-scale musical showcases every term which can still be viewed at https://bit.ly/oakhammusiclive. Winter Term tone, with A Musical Celebration TheThe Winter Term setset thethe tone, with A Musical Celebration (13 (13 November) A Musical Extravaganza November). November) andand A Musical Extravaganza (27(27 November). InIn the former, former, all allthe thetraditional traditionalelements elementsofofour ourannual annualAutumn Autumn Concert were were present. present.Opening Openingwith withtwo twoexciting excitingmodern modern works from from the the woodwind woodwindand andbrass brasssections sectionsofofthe theConcert Concert Band, our audience audiencewas wasthen thenable ableto toenjoy enjoyour ourForm Form1 1pupils’ pupils’ annual concert concert performance performancerecorded recordedin intheir theirclass classlessons. lessons. The Chamber Chamber Choir Choirgave gavean anonline onlineworld worldpremière premièreofofaawork work commissioned commissioned by bythe theSchool Schoolfrom fromacclaimed acclaimedLatvian Latviancomposer, composer, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Ešenvalds,alongside alongsidemusic musicby byUS UScomposer, composer,Morten Morten Lauridsen. Lauridsen. The The Symphony SymphonyOrchestra Orchestrawas wasdivided dividedininhalf halffor for this this concert, performed movements of Schubert’s concert, andand performed twotwo movements of Schubert’s Symphony Le bœuf sur Lelebœuf toit. sur Ourle Symphony No. 5 andjazzy Milhaud’s ballet score, No. 5 and Milhaud’s balletjazzy score, . Ourmajor second major similarly concert similarly embraced ambition and toit second concert embraced ambition and variety, variety, featuring the WindLower Band,School Lower School Lower featuring the Wind Band, Strings,Strings, Lower School School Brass, Guitar Ensemble, Chamber Brass, Guitar Ensemble, Lower Lower SchoolSchool Choir,Choir, Chamber Orchestra Orchestra and Big Band. It was particularly good to feature violin and Big Band. It was particularly good to feature multiple multiple violin soloists in Vivaldi’s Concerto for four violins, and soloists in Vivaldi’s Concerto for four violins, and hear the Lower Capriol Suite. hear theStrings Lower tackle Schoolmovements Strings tackle movements Warlock’s School from Warlock’sfrom Capriol Suite . The Lower School Choir performed Horovitz’s The Lower School Choir performed Horovitz’s popular cantata, Captain cantata, Noah and Captain his Floating Noah and Zoo,his and Floating the BigZoo Band , and rounded the Big popular Band off therounded concertoff with thegreat concert energy withand great style. energy and style. OurOur focus focus during during thethe Spring Spring Term Term lockdown lockdown waswas very very much much on on solosolo performances, performances, andand we we sought sought to find to find new new ways ways to celebrate to celebrate our singers our and singers pianists andwho pianists would who have would normally have normally enjoyed the enjoyed focus of our the focus two annual of our music two annual competitions music competitions held in February held and March in February every and year.March We elected every to year. mount We elected A Celebration to mount A ofCelebration Song (12 February) of Song and (12aFebruary) Piano Fiesta! and a(12 Piano March) Fiesta! online to (12 capture March) their online performances, to capture their and these performances, proved hugely and these popular proved with performers hugely popular and audiences with performers alike. Our and singers audiences rose to alike. the Our challenge singers sorose wellto that thewe challenge were able so to well première that wethree were 40-minute able to première recitals full three of great 40-minute contrast recitals and skill. full Under of greatthe contrast direction andof the skill. HeadUnder of Piano, theour direction pianists ofmounted the Head aofcomplete Piano, our performance pianists Thirty Pieces for Children featuringThirty 21 different mounted of Kabalevsky’s a complete performance of Kabalevsky’s 21 different pianists, as good well Pieces solo pianists, for Children as wellfeaturing as throwing in a few solo piano duets for as throwing in a few piano duets45-minute for good measure their measure in their accomplished musical in fiesta! accomplished 45-minute musical fiesta!
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We were overjoyed to be back in School with gradually reducing restrictions in the Summer Term, and once again our focus turned to two major online concerts – the Choral & Orchestral Concert (29 May) and All Things Pass (24 June). The first of these focussed on repertoire that would have been performed in our Gala Concert in March 2021. The Symphony Orchestra performed Kabalevsky’s The Comedians, and featured Form 7 Music Scholars Jessica Carr flute and Bethany Davis soprano in two movements from Ibert’s Flute Concerto and Rachmaninov’s Vocalise. The Chamber Orchestra performed the first movement of Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and accompanied Form 5 Music Scholar Findlay Marsh in J C Bach’s Cello Concerto in C minor. The Chapel Choir surmounted the challenge of filming their works half a choir at a time to produce filmed performances of Gorecki’s Totus tuus, Cecilia McDowall’s Ave maris stella and Parry’s Blest pair of sirens. This was a remarkable concert judged on any standards, and huge credit is due to the soloists and all the instrumentalists and singers who worked so hard to film this 90-minute concert. Many of our younger musicians were in the spotlight for All Things Pass a month later, and brilliant performances were presented by all our Lower School ensembles alongside the Wind Band, Guitar Ensemble and a further Chapel Choir performance of You will be found from Dear Evan Hansen. Between these twotwo major ensemble performances, we we paid Between these major ensemble performances, paid musical tribute to our Form 7 Leavers in their filmed Leavers’ Concert (11 June), with excellent musicianship on show from Lizzie Beamish, Grace Britten-Knaggs, Harry Britton, Jessica Carr, Bethany Davis, Saffie Edgson, Ben Kelly, Ethel Marzaganov, Fabia McAlinson, Jeremias Pohle and Ellie Wilton.
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1 A Celebration of Song 2 Piano Fiesta! 3 Virtual Leavers’ Concert 4 Choral & Orchestral Concert 5 All Things Pass
Edition no.206
Outdoor Musical Spectacular I am sure that pupils, parents and staff alike would agree that we saved the best for last in our tumultuous 2020-21 musical season – a remarkable Outdoor Musical Spectacular on 1 July. In place of our annual Big Band Concert, the Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra and Big Band treated a supportive audience of hundreds to a wonderful musical celebration of lighter music to end the year. The Symphony Orchestra contrasted lighter classics by Vaughan Williams (The Wasps Overture) and Bizet (Les Toréadors) with film music from Pirates of the Caribbean. The Concert Band brought along the spirit of the Last Night of the Proms with their performance of Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs, as well as thrilling everyone with a James Bond theme medley and a performance of John Miles’ seminal hit song, Music. The final musical chapter of the concert focussed on our excellent Big Band, who rose to the occasion with their superb performances of 11 pieces, which also featured four top Form 7 vocalists. What better way to prove that Oakhamians #candomusic, despite the challenges of the year. My gratitude, respect and congratulations go out to them all.
The final musical chapter of the concert focussed on our excellent Big Band, who rose to the occasion with their superb performances of 11 pieces, which also featured four top Form 7 vocalists.
PERFORMING ARTS: MUSIC
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
Lower 1 enjoying paddle boarding on their residential trip to Lea Green in Derbyshire
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Trips & Actıvities
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: OCTOBER SERVICE WEEKEND
October Service Weekend 2020 It was with great joy and a giddy sense of freedom that pupils and staff embarked on their first Service Weekend activities and expeditions in over a year in October 2020. Hundreds of pupils took part in their D of E challenges – an activity that is both incredibly popular and has enjoyed a long history of success at Oakham. Pupils working towards their Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Awards enjoyed a variety of expeditions, including canoeing down the River Nene, sailing in the Solent, and cycling and walking around Rutland or the Peak District. The canoeists coped admirably with high winds and a fast-flowing river. The sailors learnt the fundamental aspects of sailing, including rope work, sail handling and steering a yacht whilst working towards their RYA Start Yachting qualification. The Gold cyclists visited all 50 churches in Rutland, covering an impressive distance of 240km. The walkers and cyclists navigated their routes well, managing frequent weather changes. A few of the Bronze walkers even enjoyed an exciting expedition menu of Thai green spam curry, which was delicious apparently!
Walking in Rutland
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: OCTOBER SERVICE WEEKEND
Sailing in the Solent
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Cycling in Rutland
Walking in the Peak District Canoeing down the River Nene
For the Silver D of E Assessed Expedition, we travelled to the Peak District for three days of walking. As it was October, the weather was varied and slightly wet, yet the group persevered, and we managed to complete the award with great success! Originally, our expedition was meant to have taken place in the summer, however the restrictions meant it had to be delayed. Although it was later than when we had expected it to be, I am so thankful that it went ahead (even if we did have to wear masks on the campsite!) The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a great chance to build your confidence and to develop your skills in any area as it encourages you to pick up new hobbies. These can include practising a different sport, learning a new musical instrument and volunteering somewhere which takes you out of your comfort zone. I volunteered in my community shop and played the violin in two orchestras. This was a great chance for me to build up my CV. For me personally, the best thing about doing the expedition was making new memories with my friends, as camping and walking with people enables you to make instant bonds with new people. Written by Olivia Piggott, Form 6
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: OCTOBER SERVICE WEEKEND
Voluntary Action Pupils doing Voluntary Action threw themselves into a whole host of activities with the goal of making a positive impact in the local community. Groups of pupils supported the local charity ‘Root and Branch Out’ by tidying at the Rutland Farm Park and clearing a stream. Form 5 pupils did a great job litter picking around Oakham. One group also worked with the local Food Bank collecting and sorting Harvest donations.
Litter picking around Oakham
Even in these challenging times where our usual volunteering activities were put into hibernation by Covid-19, we found other ways to provide service to our local community and make a positive impact. I am proud of the students for their efforts. Chris West-Sadler, Head of Voluntary Action Working with a local food bank Supporting the local charity ‘Root and Branch Out’ at Rutland Farm Park
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: OCTOBER SERVICE WEEKEND
CCF Meanwhile, CCF cadets travelled to Matlock in Derbyshire and carried out their adventure training, which included the chance to get involved in some rock climbing, whilst others conducted basic field craft on campus at the Wilson Fields.
CCF cadets enjoying Adventure Training in Derbyshire
Cadets being put through their paces, practising Field Craft at the Wilson Fields in Oakham
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: RETURN OF TRIPS
Trips Make A Triumphant Return Written by James Robinson, Deputy Head Co-Curriculum Pupils and staff welcomed the return of educational trips and expeditions over the Summer Term, as travel and visit restrictions gradually lifted. The number and variety of activities and expeditions organised and offered by Oakham School during this difficult time showcases the fantastic effort and energy from Oakham’s dedicated staff. Their hard work meant the School has continued to give pupils the opportunity to achieve their D of E Awards and develop qualities of teamwork, leadership, self-reliance, resourcefulness and responsibility.
Adventurous Learning Lower 1 pupils had terrific fun on the annual residential trip to Lea Green Development Centre near Matlock in Derbyshire. They experienced a stream ‘walk’ and pushed themselves out of their comfort zone on the high ropes. They also participated in an orienteering activity and tried paddle boarding and bell boating.
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: RETURN OF TRIPS
Biology Trips Form 3 Camp Form 3 pupils went on a two-night camping trip in the beautiful Rutland countryside with some of their teachers. They took part in activities that ranged from rock climbing to archery, bush craft to first aid. The pupils were able to demonstrate a great range of skills, including determination, team working, independence and problem-solving.
Biologists visited the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s ‘Allerton Project’ in Loddington, Leicestershire and were introduced to the techniques needed to undertake practical ecology investigations with access to the 800-acre site. They used transects, sampled earthworms and captured insects for their research and studies. Oakham School’s Form 6 Biology Society members also enjoyed an educational trip to Twycross Zoo, and learned more about conservation and biodiversity.
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TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: RETURN OF TRIPS
Service Expeditions Summer Term 2021 also saw hundreds of Oakhamians able to participate in a variety of Service challenges; completing their postponed Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, resuming their CCF training, and helping the local community via Voluntary Action activities, all of which were adapted due to Coronavirus restrictions. Pupils working towards their Bronze, Silver and Gold D of E Awards enjoyed a variety of expeditions, including canoeing down the River Ouse, sailing on the Norfolk Broads, and cycling and walking around Rutland, the Peak District and the Trough of Bowland. The canoeists coped admirably with incredibly tough hot conditions and some even had the experience of paddling through a solar eclipse. The sailors learnt the fundamental aspects of sailing, including quanting. The Gold cyclists enjoyed their journey cycling the Coast to Coast route from Morecambe to Scarborough. The walkers and cyclists navigated their routes well, also managing the weather conditions. A few of the Silver cyclists even enjoyed a well-deserved, if slightly unexpected, Christmas Dinner! Meanwhile, CCF cadets carried out exercises in the School grounds and built on their military training at Beckingham Training Camp.
TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES: RETURN OF TRIPS
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Successful Gold D of E Expedition for CCF Cadets Twenty-one Form 6 CCF cadets undertook their Gold Assessed Expedition in the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines in early August. The expedition was originally planned to take place in Telemark in Norway, but the location changed to the UK due to Covid travel restrictions. The disappointment the cadets felt on not being able to go to Norway as planned was quickly replaced with a real determination to make the most of the opportunity. The cadets spent four days in their teams of seven battling the hills and elements across Cumbria and Yorkshire, covering around 75km. The teams mostly enjoyed ‘wild camping’ in quieter, more unspoiled areas although they also used some established campsites, which saw one group in the slightly incongruous
position of camping at the Tan Hill Inn – the highest pub in England – on the same evening they were hosting a Blondie tribute band! The weather over the expedition was mixed from heavy rain to bright sunshine. The cadets did fantastically well over the four days, remaining cheerful even in the worst of weather, and covering a lot of ground over some quite difficult terrain. Apart from qualifying them for their D of E Expedition section, the expedition also met the secondary aim too – bonding the year group together as they approach their final Form 7 year in the CCF when they take up command positions and lead the Contingent. Written by Capt Duncan Wright, CCF DofE and AT Officer
Cleaning up with Voluntary Action Pupils involved in Voluntary Action supported the local charity ‘Root and Branch Out’ by setting up a new garden in the Rutland Showground and helped the Oakham Canal Project, tidying the areas near the bypass and Springfield Way. They also worked hard for the Stamford Shakespeare Company, sanding down and painting picnic tables and clearing the grounds at the Rutland Open Air Theatre, set in the wonderful grounds of Tolethorpe Hall. This was in readiness for the SSC’s outdoor theatre performances that took place over the summer.
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COMMUNITY
Form 3 enjoying the great outdoors at the Form 3 Camp
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Community
COMMUNITY
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COMMUNITY: LOWER SCHOOL HOUSES
Houses share the Honours in Sports Day Relays The long-awaited Lower School Sports Day did not disappoint. Adapted and fit for purpose, track relays proved to be competitive and thrilling. Nothing like hurdle relays to start the day off with excitement and exhilaration. With athletes running in all directions, it definitely captured the attention of the audience. The Mixed 8 x 50m was equally exciting, with runners of all abilities and from both the girls’ and boys’ Houses – what an opportunity to show off the true nature of the Lower School. The distance relays highlighted the incredible talent of our middle distance runners and displayed the intensity and effort that these athletes have put into training to perfect their technique and endurance. The finale of the 4 x 100m relays was also extra special. Typically, Sargants filled every available lane with every possible runner, and in true spirit, runners ran their hearts out and performed to their parents who have longed to see their children compete regardless of result. The results speak for themselves. Added together, you could not have put money on it, but a tie is just what it was and what it should be. Everyone gave their all, everyone earned points for their House, but the finish was down to the last race, and it was simply a perfect ending to a perfect day. Trefon Vandoros, Director of Athletics
SARGANTS AND ANCASTER: 388 points
The finish was down to the last race, and it was simply a perfect ending to a perfect day.
PH AND LINCOLN: 388 points
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COMMUNITY: LOWER SCHOOL HOUSES
Ancaster Lower School Girls’ House
This year has been tough but fun and full of new adventures. Girls in both Lower 1 and Form 1 have made a great impact in House. Everyone quickly adjusted to Ancaster life and soon got into the swing of action-packed days with many activities to take part in. It was especially tough starting this year because of obvious circumstances, but every pupil both new and old, came to School with a perfect smile and a cheerful attitude. I think it is safe to say everyone thoroughly enjoyed sport in the first term. Even though we lost the interhouse running, our spirits were not dampened and there was great House spirit all round. Working from Teams in the Spring Term was very hard but nothing the Ancaster girls couldn’t deal with! After not long of struggling with everything online, everyone got back into the swing of the ‘new normal’. Unlike last time in lockdown, this time we had online games sessions. We had many challenges within games; this made sessions a lot more interesting than just a simple run or walk. There were things like hockey challenges to win prizes, ‘the superhero challenge’ which included cardio and many other exciting tasks to complete. The Prefects worked hard to make sure that the House stayed together through this unusual time. So, they made fun things to do like cake competitions, quizzes, sculptures to design, bingo, and even who can make the smallest snowman! When our lockdown finally came to an end, all the girls came back to School with all guns blazing! As a result of this, the Ancaster Form 2 team won the Interhouse Netball! The Summer Term came, and I think we all know that it was unquestionably the best one. At the start of this term, we welcomed our newest member, Mrs Denneman. She came from Australia and made the House an even better place to be! To make Ancaster full of fun, the Prefects for this term organised challenges for every week. These included three-legged races, piggy races, and many more. Miss Walker’s parrot even made an appearance in the House. These things in the mornings definitely made everyone more upbeat around each other! This term there was an amazing play called The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Many of the Ancaster girls were in it and lots of friends and family totally enjoyed watching it. Socials were also back this term! Both years had film and pizza nights. Also Form 2 went on an amazing trip to Rumble. Here we played laser tag and had a great time together as a year group. This was also the first time this year that there were sport fixtures. This was very exciting, as many of the girls had not experienced matches at Oakham before! In athletics, tennis and cricket the girls always impressed, performing to high standards and putting everything they could into it. At the end of the year interhouse matches took place. In tennis, Ancaster absolutely smashed it winning both the U12 and U13 easily! Sports Day is always a great excitement for the House. On the day everyone was ready to go, chanting our House song powerfully down the streets. Every single person in Ancaster did themselves proud and we came away with a draw! All in all, this year has undoubtedly been a strange one, but the Ancaster girls have been so incredible at keeping up with everything thrown in their way. We obviously couldn’t have done it without Mrs Petit, and her great advice - be brave, be kind, be you! Written by Grace Hornsby (Form 2)
Miss Walker’s parrot even made an appearance in the House.
COMMUNITY: LOWER SCHOOL HOUSES
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Lincoln
Lower School Girls’ House The Winter Term started with Lincoln House looking very different due to Covid restrictions and we all had to get used to wearing masks and being separated into year group bubbles. Mrs Northcott and our Tutors were always on hand to check we were all happy and the House was always decorated as usual with bunting and balloons. Our first interhouse competition of the year was cross country. Our efforts paid off and the U13s won their race and due to the team effort of the whole House, we were able to win overall. The U12s were able to play their interhouse hockey match, resulting in a win for Lincoln House and the interhouse hockey title. We were pleased to be able to raise lots of money for Children in Need during this term with a non-uniform and fancy dress day. We also enjoyed spending time painting pebbles with poppies for Remembrance Sunday and were able to join in a Remembrance service in the Lower School quad. The Spring Term started with the Lincolnettes back to online learning. Despite this, Mrs Northcott kept the playful spirit of Lincoln House alive with dynamic morning Roll Calls including dancing, singing and memorable quotations. The daily themes chosen by our Housemistress continued to keep us (and our parents!) entertained while being outside of the walls of Lincoln House. These included: fancy dress, disco fever, colour and flower power where the Lincoln girls pulled out all the stops with unique and sometimes slightly strange outfits! On our return back to Lincoln, the girls were greeted with an array of multi-coloured balloons and even a huge inflatable dinosaur, who was later named Boris/Bo-Jo, who certainly was an excellent addition to the House! One of the activities that the Lincolnettes most looked forward to on coming back to School was sport. While we were not able to participate in any netball matches due to Covid-19 restrictions, Lincoln House still showed lots of team spirit out on the courts in lively games, match play and drills. The Summer Term, by contrast, was amazing, with many different House and charity events. One of these was our own Hawaiian-themed Form 2 social evening. There was an unbelievable atmosphere, with the House completely decorated with inflatable palm trees and an Aloha mocktail bar which we could create our own mocktails at. We all dressed up to enjoy the film and dominoes, at the end, after using all our energy to do the Limbo and
dancing. At Speech Day, it was amazing to see everyone go up and collect sporting and academic achievements as well as the whole of Lincoln Form 2 collecting our Lincoln House mugs. After picnics with our families, we hurried back to House to get ready for Sports Day. With everyone cheering each other on to do as well as we could, we came out on top once again. Next, we raised money for LIV Children’s villages in South Africa by running or walking as many laps as we could around Doncaster Close over 3 hours. It was an astounding atmosphere with fancy dress costumes, including some Form 1s dressed up as dinosaurs, Mr Denman and Mr Sutterby as sumo wrestlers, some of the Lower 1s dressed as Teletubbies and our own Housemistress\DJ as the Queen of Hearts. With everyone throwing themselves into the challenge, we managed to raise £3,000 for this tremendous cause. Our Form 2 Leavers’ social at Rumble was such a fun night with everyone trying their hardest to win the challenges with their team or attempting to capture the flag and bring it back to their team. But it wasn’t just us students trying their hardest – we had many teachers being just as competitive. We were all treated to a delicious hog roast and veggie burger in our break between games. Then it was our last day, which was kicked off with a final message from Mrs Northcott: “You can’t just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream, you’ve got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” After this we said thank you to our phenomenal Tutors and goodbye to Ms Nossiter, Mrs Dobbs and Miss Whearity and also Miss Gilbert who was leaving Lincoln to go to another House in the School. Thank you to all our Tutors, who have been there for us, every step of the way and are always available if you feel worried or doubtful. Lastly, thank you to Mrs Northcott for her positive attitude, humorous personality and always keeping her radiant, contagious smile on her face, even in the most arduous times. Written by Ruby Fry, Shonali Banerjee and Charlotte Byron (Form 2)
Mrs Northcott kept the playful spirit of Lincoln House alive with dynamic morning Roll Calls including dancing, singing and memorable.
Peterborough Lower School Boys’ House
This year, PH has been a very different place to what it usually is. Due to this pandemic PH has sacrificed some great activities but has started some cracking new ones that I am sure many new boys coming into PH will have enjoyed. These activities ranged from daily music being played on the TV to new interhouse competitions like the Form 2 interhouse football. The Prefects this year have also come up with some great new ideas like daily factoids and fortnightly quizzes. General life in House was very different as the Form 1 and Form 2 pupils were separated into the two common rooms and each half-term we would swap. It has been a unique experience that I will never get to see again so I hope other people made the most of it as well. Life in House was also greatly affected during the second term of this year as we had to do home schooling again, which turned out to be a bit better than I thought it was going to be. This year has also been very successful as we have achieved a lot when it comes to interhouse competitions. In interhouse hockey we achieved a heroic victory over Sargants which we were all very proud of. In interhouse cricket we came a close second as Sargants beat us in the final few overs. In interhouse tennis we won the senior matches and in athletics we won the junior matches. After a long term of online lessons in Form 1, I felt really grateful to be back in School again and I feel like everyone else in the House was also very grateful to be back in School, as they seemed to take a lot more care when using the facilities. Also due to the pandemic our school timetable changed, so we had longer break times. During these break times, many people played football and cricket Out Back which for many people in PH was a real blast. Some people liked it so much that during lunchtime Roll Call people were asking to go back outside again. The staff at the School thought we needed a real break at the end of this school year, so they invited all the Form 1s to a pizza and football night and all the Form 2s to go to Rumble at Grafham Water; both were really fun experiences. This year we have had two great Gappies called Lewis Grant (1st term) and Robbie Forsyth (2nd and 3rd term), who were really kind and I am sure all of the other boys would agree with me that we were really grateful for their help. Personally, I have learnt a lot from this year in PH and I hope the new boys next year will have a great time in this amazing House full of lovely people and a huge sense of community. Written by Jonathan Ayre (Form 2)
Personally, I have learnt a lot from this year in PH and I hope the new boys next year will have a great time in this amazing House full of lovely people and a huge sense of community.
COMMUNITY: LOWER SCHOOL HOUSES
Sargants
Lower School Boys’ House This year in Sargants was a mixture of experiences for all of us. Those who had been in House before had experienced a summer of self-isolating and online school; new boys, however, had to learn about and experience School through a screen and in person. Throughout the year we were involved in the usual sporting interhouse competitions and intra-house competitions, such as table tennis and chess, organised by Mr Sutterby. In the interhouse competitions following new Covid rules and guidelines, we managed to play rugby, hockey and cricket versus PH. These gave us the opportunities to come together as a House and show our competitive sides after being in and out of lockdown. Led by Mr Ashton and Mr Denman, we took part in a virtual MYP Perspectives Day too. This was based around thinking about our input into the community and our roles as global citizens. Many of us undertook responsibilities like picking up rubbish, baking cakes and giving them to neighbours young and old, and putting up fliers about issues we learnt about. Around harvest time, the annual Harvest Challenge for the Rutland Foodbank took place. This was an opportunity for all members of the House to do something charitable once again. Everyone got stuck in and with the other Houses we amassed a gigantic haul of food, all going to an amazing cause. Leading up to This year has certainly Remembrance Day, the been a novel experience entire Lower School put for every teacher, student together a moving piece of and member of support artwork composed of painted staff, but we would like to think that stones that depicted an image this experience has brought out the of the Memorial Day. This best effort, commitment and caring ended up as a reflective and nature from everyone. beautiful collage of combined effort from pupils. In the middle of the Spring Term (once we had come back from online learning) there was the brilliant surprise of a donated pool table. This was thoroughly used at every available moment and appreciated greatly by the boys (and Tutors and the Gappy!) The Summer Term’s sponsored charity cycle ride was sadly cancelled, but Mr Denman did not let this stop him! A charity afternoon event on Donkey ended the year brightly, but started in the drizzle! It was not a race, but an individual physical and mental challenge – ‘How far can you go for Liv Village Orphanage?’ a charity close to Mr Denman’s heart. Three hours of walking, running and even rolling was made a lot easier with Mrs Northcott’s Motivational Music, doughtnuts and icecreams, and seeing Mr Denman running in a sumo suit for the entire time. Incredible efforts were seen, and some pupils even managed a huge 20km run that afternoon. Thank you everyone for your kind donations, an amazing £3,000 was raised. The entire Form 2 Leavers ‘Shoot-em-Up’ and hog roast at Rumble was a lovely end to the year too, mixing with friends across all four Houses before a long summer break. Over the last few years, Sargants has been under the watchful eyes of Mr Denman but towards the end of this academic year he announced his transfer to Barrow, along with a quarter of our Form 2 pupils, who felt safe in the knowledge that they would have a familiar face to look out for them as they start their Middle School journey. This year has certainly been a novel experience for every teacher, student and member of support staff, but we would like to think that this experience has brought out the best effort, commitment and caring nature from everyone. It will certainly be a year to remember about Sargants House for years to come. Written by Owen Nutter, Seb Jacklin, Zach Derry (Form 2)
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COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Pupils impress at Middle School Sports Day After a two-year gap, pupils from all 10 of the Middle School Houses made a triumphant return to the track and field to compete for House Pride in Sports Day. It was a day to impress, and it was a day they impressed! What weather to do it in too! Not just athletes, but cricketers, hockey players and netballers alike, took to the field and flew, threw and blew away the chains of lockdown. It was a day to forget results, run as they have never run before, feel the wind rush past, feel the fight for the finish or just celebrate success with their teammates, friends and even foes. The House Spirit was palpable, and the enthusiasm on display drove many to achieve personal bests. Well done Oakham, good to be back! Many congratulations to all the participants, and a big thank-you to those who helped make the day so memorable. Trefon Vandoros, Director of Athletics
WINNERS SENIOR GIRLS
BUCHANANS
SENIOR BOYS
HAYWOODS
INTER GIRLS
STEVENS
WHARFLANDS
OVERALL WINNERS
BUCHANANS
INTER BOYS OVERALL WINNERS
Records Broken INTER GIRLS
WHARFLANDS
Individual Winners GIRLS - Victrix Ludorum
200m = 26.7s Evie Smith
INTER
SENIOR
INTER BOYS
1 Evie Smith
1 Izzy Skelton
4x 100m Relay = 48.6s
2 Alice Smith
2 Annie Dudin
E Walker, F Fairman, F Morgan, F Powell
3= Flo Lissaman
3 Kiki Matthew-Shaw
SENIOR GIRLS
3= Monica Augustine-Ohwo
80m Hurdles = 12.2s Izzy Skelton 400m = 59.8s Izzy Skelton
BOYS - Victrix Ludorum
4x100m Relay = 4min 22.9s
INTER
SENIOR
E Bell, S Barrett, M Bairstow, I Skelton
1 Fabian Powell
1 Toby Cousins
SENIOR BOYS
2 Ernie Jackson
2 Peter Braybrook
1500m = 4min 29s Ewan Rodell
3 Archie Ryan
3 Tom Sentance
COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
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COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Barrow
Middle School Boys’ House Despite the difficulties of the past year, every Barrovian rose to the challenge and managed to make the most of their time in School and online. Even though we were prevented from being able to mix between year groups easily due to Covid, we had a brilliant House paintball trip, which was a great chance for everyone to come together as a team. Another inspirational event completed by Barrow was running a sub-two hour marathon for charity, in a non-stop 200m relay style, in an attempt to beat Eliud Kipchoge’s world record. With a combination of teamwork and determination, we managed to achieve our goal and run 42.2km in under two hours. Over the past year Barrow has managed to excel academically. We obtained the most academic awards per student compared to any other House, which was an excellent all-round effort. We also had pupils achieving Gold Awards in the Maths Challenge, with Zsolti Johnson qualifying for the next stage – the Senior Kangaroo - an amazing accolade. The Senior Debating Competition at the beginning of the year was a great example of team motivation within Barrow, with some boys going out of their comfort zone and consequently performing brilliantly in this competition. Form 5 stoically managed to keep working hard right up to the end of the year to complete their GCSEs. Sport was another success story for this House, starting with great performances in the steeplechase, where Third Formers Harry Dadd and Jack Braddock came 1st and 2nd respectively. We went on to win the Senior Interhouse Hockey as well as trying our best in house rugby, athletics and cricket. From a more individual aspect, Leo Breag, Oliver Rubins and Harry Gilman were all picked for National Academy centres. With regard to the Performing Arts we had excellent participation from Barrow boys in the Chamber Orchestra and Big Band, as well as many performances in lunchtime and informal concerts. Eddie Marshall played the drums at an ABRSM Global High Scorers
We went on to win the Senior Interhouse Hockey as well as trying our best in house rugby, athletics and cricket.
concert where 21 countries were represented - a fantastic achievement. Together with music, the theatre has seen multiple excellent performances from Barrovians across the year. Squads and mentor programmes were a great initiative to integrate us, encouraging team building and shared advice between the years, as well as maintaining purpose and morale during lockdown. Success was shown by enthusiastic participation in activities set by Form 6, such as cooking brunch for your family, collecting the best video game clip or simply getting out and going on long runs and walks. During one challenge, Asa Sheppard excelled by making a hockey goal at home. Many other boys put in a huge effort during the year, which was a credit to the House and themselves. The last 18 months have seen commendable character from all Barrovians, especially Form 3 who joined Middle School during such a tough time. Motivation was undeniably helped with energetic morning Roll Calls from Mr Favill and an amazing team spirit within House. We are all very proud of our time in Barrow and have certainly come closer to achieving the House motto ‘γνῶθι σεαυτόν’ – “Know Thyself”. Written by Tom Davison (Form 6)
COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Buchanans Middle School Girls’ House Although last year was still far from a “normal” year with half of the Spring Term being online, social distancing measures applying throughout the House, and with the bubbling system, we adapted well and still managed to hold onto the unbreakable House spirit. Many girls had the hard challenge of quarantine as they flew to and from School, however, they were greeted back to House with open arms and much excitement on their return. The House spirit was felt strongly in interhouse events, as we found success in Interhouse Netball where the seniors took second place. The Form 3 girls put in a great performance in the Interhouse Tennis, taking 1st place. Buchanans also won the first, and not the last, Interhouse Girls Cricket Tournament. However, our sporting success certainly did not stop there as we secured first place on Sports Day, where we broke a fantastic 4x400m relay record. This success would not have been possible without the rest of the House standing on the sidelines at all the events cheering on the House. Despite not being able to socialise across year groups and participate in as many House events as usual, Mrs Latham still found many activities for us to participate in over the weekends. One of which was laser tag which became very competitive amongst the Sixth Formers (my team won, of course!). The Prefects stepped up and came up with socially distance events to integrate the House across year groups, for example, on Bonfire Night the girls had a BBQ and sparklers in the garden, and one evening everyone participated in a house fashion show which brought a lot of laughter into the House. Sadly, due to the pandemic we were not able to have our annual Christmas Dinner with Haywoods, nonetheless, we still celebrated with a House dinner at the end of the year instead. This was a lovely way to bring the House together one last time
Our sporting success certainly did not stop there as we secured first place on Sports Day, where we broke a fantastic 4x400m relay record.
before the summer. We did our annual awards and turned up the music to get the whole House singing, slightly out of tune, and dancing together with every member of the House throwing themselves into it. A key part to Buchanans last year was the members of staff who create the energetic, caring, and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the House. Miss Doblas and Miss Durman were the Resident Tutors who had the delightful job of telling us all to be quiet and go to sleep; admittedly this was not always the easiest of jobs! Sue, our Matron, cared for every girl in the House and always had a smile on her face even though our rooms were occasionally far from tidy. Finally, Mrs Latham who held the House together through challenging and uncertain times, was always reassuring and positive. It is strange to walk past Buchs and not be living there anymore, but I am sure the House is flourishing with the new Prefects and with Milly Bairstow as Deputy Head of House and Sienna Cutts as Head of House. I wish you all in Buchs the best of luck and thank you very much for making my time and everyone else’s tme in Buchanans so memorable. Written by Izzy Skelton (Form 6)
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Chapmans Middle School Boys’ House
What a year it has been. We began with our Head of House, Uno, conducting affairs from Bangkok as he, and a number of other Chapmans boys, remained online across the Winter Term, keeping themselves and their families safe. Even so, we had a healthy number of boys making the most of the Winter Term under strict Covid regimes and back with us under Chapmans’ roof. Despite not being able to partake in all our normal exciting activities and events, the boys remained upbeat and enthused as we took on the most bizarre of years. The two Deputy Heads of House, Mark and Josh, stepped in to run things on the ground and led the rest of the Prefect team of Charlie and Alex fantastically well. The boys were soon joined by Somfe and Paul who made up the whole leadership crew. Chapmans threw themselves into everything, despite the regulations, going close in the final of the Senior Debating, only to be pipped by a strong Gunthorpe team. We got creative with our social events, playing Zorb Football in real–life bubbles (!) and other events in our year group bubbles – from pizza Morning Roll Calls were amazing affairs with the evenings to film nights. Mr Roberts and Mr Mattoccia, our Resident House staff chatting to Tutors, were starting to get a tiny Chapmanians in every taste of what life is like in Chapmans corner of the globe without Covid; the boys found their guidance and support, as well as Sarah’s, invaluable as we remained contained to our bubbles when in House. Online gaming came into its own, with some of our overseas pupils joining in events online as a way to stay in touch with the boys who were back with us. The Spring Term sent us onto Teams again and drew forth online gems such as the Chapmans Photo Competition, the House Quiz and the Chapmans Discussion Group – giving many who might not have the eagerness to partake in-person finding their voices through the ether. Morning Roll Calls were amazing affairs with the House staff chatting to Chapmanians in every corner of the globe (although it was a little early for some!). Thankfully, many returned at the end of the Spring/ start of the Summer Term – a special mention must go to Oliver Wilson and Uno Vajropala who had, up until that point, spent a year online, and also to Marcus Lo who stuck it out on Teams until the end of the summer. The Summer Term allowed us to creep back to some sense of normality, having other Houses over for socially-distanced events. We broke out the slip-and-slide, headed off to the Rutland Aqua Park, went paintballing, went to Rumble Live, cycled around Hambleton Peninsula and took part in the Form 3 Camp. Sports Day was also a great success, with boys competing in every single event and doing Chapmans proud – especially when it came to the amazing support afforded their peers. The term was also notable for our ‘Deliveroo Chapels’ in which Father Tim provided intimate, House-based worship for the boys in the Common Room or in the Chapmans garden. Thankfully, we were able to get to the Chapel for one last Sunday Service before the term was over. We are so thankful for all those who read throughout the year – well done, boys! As my time in Chapmans has come to a close, I wanted to thank all the Chapmans boys I have had the pleasure of Housemastering over the past eight years for making Chapmans such a special place and giving themselves over to the joy that is being a Chapmanian. September sees Mr Hughes taking over, and I hope he finds the House in as fine fettle as when I found it. Most importantly, though, I hope that Chapmans will always be a House synonymous with kindness and community – two words that have been the backbone of the House body this year and allowed us to enjoy new friends and experiences in 2020-21. We wish our new Head of House, Daniel Kelly, and his Prefect team, all the best for next year – I am sure they will continue to help Chapmans shine bright. Written by Daniele Bonanno
COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Clipsham Middle School Boys’ House
In an academic year like no other, the whole Clipsham community has had to rise and adapt to the challenges presented in the current climate, and I commend the whole House on how it has responded. Working at home on a computer screen throughout a national lockdown didn’t prevent the House from having fun; weekly House challenges were a welcome addition, offering the boys respite from the repetition of lockdown learning, and highlights included James Weldon, Toyosi Siwoku and Josh Davis creating fantastic songs, and Eddie Ricketts winning our snowman competition with a fantastic build! This period also saw the return of the Lockdown Cup, which we this year titled The Road to Tokyo, as we covered the miles to the Olympic stadium before the opening ceremony. House time whilst distance learning saw various Kahoots, and the inaugural Clipsham Game Show, in which Form 5 took the top prize, and once back in School we ran inter-year-group paper aeroplane and newspaper tower competitions. Teddy Crooke took the top prize in the former, and Form 5 narrowly defeated Form 6 in a tie-break with their paper structure. At Easter, each year group participated in an Easter Egg Hunt with a twist, as they searched for edible treats, and every Thursday the House raced on the Xbox to compete for the fastest lap-times. Well done to our winners Ralph Cordi-Piec, Finn Maloney, Max Clarkson and Jacob Gibbons. Clipsham celebrated Black History Month in October and International Women’s Day in March through creating displays recognising and celebrating influential black people both past and present, and women who inspire us. Our November initiative was Men’s Mental Health, linked with the Movember foundation. We ran a notice board competition with a notice board for each year group on sleep, resilience, stress and masculinity. The various Service Weekends this year allowed Clipshamites to challenge and push themselves, and spend time with their friends, whilst enjoying a break from the classroom environment. Boys travelled all over the country for both D of E and CCF. In Form 6, Max Lewis, Tristram Hart, Ranulph Wheway, Ralph Cordi-Piec and Wilby Toothill completed their D of E Gold Walking Qualifying Expedition, with Harry Watts and Alex Brown achieving the same feat in cycling and sailing respectively. Whilst not all interhouse events could take place, several were able to go ahead, and the first of the year was House Drama, in which a team of Freddie Gwinnett, Maxim El-Sheikh, Adam Johnston, and led by Ranulph Wheway, produced a valiant effort. Form 4 were unstoppable in both Interhouse Hockey and Interhouse Rugby, producing excellent displays to take home victory, with Form 5 second in both. In the Steeplechase, Oli Ricketts and Eddie Ricketts, George Bland, Sam GordonKerr and Jake Lockett stood out, leading the way for the House, and it was fantastic that the sporting highlight of the School calendar was able to go ahead, with the House finishing third on Sports Day; particular highlights were the relays in both age groups, and Elliot Powell, Oli Ricketts and Tom Sentance were just a few of many stand-out performers, with the latter also receiving a Victor Ludorum prize for a high number of points scored. Congratulations to all on exceptional effort and attitude. Our seniors also settled for third in Interhouse Cricket after narrow defeat in a bowl-off, and it was second place for the intermediates. Music concerts, both virtual and actual, took place throughout the year, culminating in the Outdoor Music Spectacular on Doncaster Close. It was a fantastic evening as the Concert Band, Big Band and Symphony Orchestra gave excellent renditions of a variety of pieces. Clipshamites Finn Simpson, Toyosi Siwoku and Archie Foster played in all three bands – a tremendous achievement. We concluded the year with socials at Rumble Live for Form 3 and Form 6, footgolf for Form 4, and a Form 6 leavers social at House. It was a nice way to end what has been a turbulent year, but one in which Clipsham has come together and grown as a community more than ever. Written by Wilby Toothill (Form 6)
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COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Gunthorpe Middle School Girls’ House
This year has been one unlike any other! Despite the unprecedented challenges faced due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in true Oakham spirit, Gunthorpe united as a House to have fun, support one another, and achieve a great deal over the course of the academic year. School commenced in September after many months of time spent apart and the girls were eager to get stuck straight back into School life. The Winter Term presented many opportunities for the House to showcase its unmatched competitive spirit in a series of interhouse sporting fixtures. Donning the House colours, the girls rallied together for Interhouse Hockey and Interhouse Netball, resulting in Gunthorpe securing 3rd and 1st place respectively. A highly impressive result that is a testament to the ability, teamwork and determination demonstrated by all the participants. This competitive sportsmanship was carried on throughout the term and especially when it Form 3 were declared came time to take part the best dressed after in the annual Christmas fun run. As always there was a getting into the spirit brilliant turnout from the House with copious amounts of tinsel. with impressive performances from Annie Dudin and Izzy Golland who sped around the course to achieve first place in their year group races. In addition to this, Form 6 came together to win the race overall and Form 3 were declared the best dressed after getting into the spirit with copious amounts of tinsel. Rumour has it they could be seen glittering from space! Despite the cold weather, there were no complaints, and everyone took part with rosy cheeks and smiles on their faces. Truly a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit! Also, during the Winter Term, a group of Gunthorpians assembled for the Macfadyen Shield Interhouse Drama Competition. In their virtual performance, Olivia Sutton, Tilly Golland, Zoe Chidlow, Mesi Johnson and Chloe Howard incorporated themes of growth and change inspired by the lockdown into their script. Not only was the creativity and imagination displayed extremely moving, the piece also gave us all an opportunity to reflect on the extraordinary year gone by. Very well done to all those involved, and I can’t wait to see what is produced next year! To round off the Winter Term, Gunthorpe threw its first ever outdoor Christmas dinner. As usual there were delicious treats to be enjoyed and the hilarious year group skits were a key feature. It was a festive night that ended the term on an undeniable high. Moving along to the new year, the country was placed back in lockdown and virtual lessons were in full flow. This, however, didn’t stop the girls from continuing to work prodigiously in their studies or dull the shining Gunthorpe spirit that I have come to know and love. I am so proud of the way everyone took this unexpected challenge in their stride and were there for one another despite being away from the classroom. After a few months, in-person schooling resumed and Gunthorpe welcomed back all the girls with open arms. As the weather got warmer Mrs Dunbavand and Mrs Gibbons, alongside the Prefects, organised several socially distanced socials. Morning year group breakfasts and outdoor evening mocktail parties gave the girls the opportunity to bond and take their mind off any academic stress. Weekly House family competitions such as obstacle course races and speed cup stacking championships were also reintroduced which added even more fun and excitement into the School day. It is safe to say we all made the most of our time in House. As the school year has drawn to a close, I am filled with pride reflecting on everyone’s achievements and progress. Every member of the House has grown so much and I am certain that moving forward, we can all take with us fond memories that will be cherished as we progress through the School. The departing Sixth Formers are deeply saddened to be leaving the Gunthorpe family but are excited to start a new chapter in Round House next year. On their behalf I would like to thank everyone for making their experience so special; no doubt we will all be back in no time for a visit and a chat! Thank you for everything, Gunthorpe! Written by Grace Fadden (Form 6)
COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Hambleton Middle School Girls’ House
Despite the challenges of this academic year, Hambleton has got stuck in with every opportunity available. Perhaps sport has been the area of greatest achievement and pride in Hambleton. In the Winter Term, we were thrilled to win the Interhouse Hockey and our luck did not end there! In the Summer Term, Sports Day saw Hambletonians competing in javelin, shotput, relay, high jump, hurdles – you name it! The dedication and effort paid off with Hambleton coming a close 2nd overall. Hambleton also came 2nd in the Interhouse Tennis! After a difficult season of isolation, coming together at these sporting events meant more to us than ever. In the Winter Term, Hambleton enjoyed wins outside of the sports pitches. The Upper School interhouse debating team won the entire competition. It was a fantastic opportunity to practise forming arguments around interesting topics such as: lockdowns, sustainability and even crime and punishment. Not only that, it encouraged the girls to gain confidence with public speaking! As a House we are really proud to have supported each other through the pandemic. While doing online school, we grouped together in House families once a week to complete fun tasks and challenges. Moreover, once we were back at School, we started raising money for charity. Our Pudsey bake sale is somewhat infamous and we were disappointed to be unable to do it as usual. However, this did not stop Hambletonians! We all brought in money for non-uniform day and the Prefects stepped it up a notch by wearing Pudsey ears all day to raise extra money! Furthermore, towards the end of this year the girls worked really hard to raise money through a charity cricket event. With an ambitious target of £2,000, the girls exceeded even that by raising an astonishing £3,200 for charity! Finally, a fond memory for the Hambletonians moving on at the end of this academic year is certainly the Leavers’ Dinner. Form 6 enjoyed a delicious catered meal with the Tutors and Mrs Healey, as we all reminisced about our time in Hambleton. It was such a happy, fun evening whilst being very meaningful to us all. While we hope for more normal times in the future, it certainly won’t stop Hambleton from having fun, working together and winning prizes ;) Written by Sophia Hallam (Form 6)
Perhaps sport has been the area of greatest achievement and pride in Hambleton.
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Haywoods Middle School Boys’ House
Looking back on the Winter Term, I want to express my gratitude to parents, boys and staff for their patience and support; it was a particularly challenging and gruelling few months for all concerned, but they remained positive and continued to move forward. On the sports field, although many missed the interschool matches, it was competitive and fun. Interhouse Rugby was based on year groups and so was the annual Steeplechase. House Drama – The Macfadyen Shield was recorded remotely and the result was impressive, with all 10 Houses taking part and all entries streamed out to the Houses to watch. Understandably, many of the submissions focused on how the pandemic has impacted their lives – their own experiences of lockdown. Others included Shakespeare monologues and there was also a submission that focused on the life of Lee Harvey Oswald. Haywoods was brilliantly represented by Robin Solibieda, Obi Osuji, Matthew Chan and Dozie Osuji and although Haywoods were not crowned overall winners, Obi was awarded the individual acting prize by the judges. The Interhouse Debating continued, but this year in year group bubbles starting with the Form 6 competition. Congratulations to Paul Augustine-Ohwo, Jacob Wicke, Owen Amende and Robin Solibieda for their stirring debate with Buchanans which ended with a narrow defeat, but the team should be proud of their efforts and impassioned delivery and co-ordination. Dan Black, Co-founder & Lead Designer at black+blum created the competition to encourage our pupils to design products. Pupils were encouraged to design anything they wanted – water bottles, lunch boxes or accessories like cutlery and lunch bags that were specifically aimed at their age group. Form 3, Ollie Marr, was awarded the joint runner-up spot for his ‘Lunch Bag and Bottle’ design. Despite the cold and damp weather conditions, there were some excellent performances in the Interhouse Steeplechase Competition, as well as fantastic teamwork and a strong sense of camaraderie. Congratulations to all the runners and particularly to our Form 6 athletes who impressed and were awarded 2nd place overall for their efforts. Well done to our top three finishers, Will Lewin, Caleb Leung and Leo Niemax for their fine performances. With much anticipation for a better and ‘more normal’ 2021, we all experienced a mixed Spring Term, filled with online lessons, but we were lucky enough to welcome two thirds of the boys back to Haywoods and enjoy the last three weeks of term together. Well done to those boys who continued to work with patience and determination online. Well done to our boys who won Gold, Silver or Bronze certificates in the UKMT 2021 Intermediate Maths Challenge. Congratulations to our Form 5; Obi Osuji (Gold), Sen Guan (Gold), Felix Pinder (Silver), George Wood (Bronze), our Form 4; Lucas Leung (Gold), Edward Sutcliffe (Gold), Stanley Gu (Silver) and our Form 3 Ollie Marr (Silver). The Interhouse Hockey Competition, played over two weekends, was another exciting and competitive event. Our boys played with passion and flair, scoring some remarkable goals and served up some memorable moments. Our Form 6 team of Charlie Borrill, Alfie Borrill, Leo Niemax, Ben Conroy, Lennie Grosse and Paul Augustine-Ohwo were particularly successful, finishing in 2nd place overall. Our Form 3, 4, 5, and 6 teams were crowned full boarding champions after all claimed victories over our close Kilburn Road neighbours. Well done to Alex Butcher, scoring a Highly Commended in his presentation task for International Women’s Day and to our unbeaten quiz team of Caleb Leung, Ed Benson, Ben Conroy and Joshua Talago who made it two from two in our entertaining Saturday night quiz events. The Summer Term started brightly, and we were lucky enough to resume
School, close to what we used to call normal. ‘House cricket’ returned with a bang and the boys also took advantage of the lights on the tennis courts every Saturday night for a game or two. House BBQs were again the order of the day and it was wonderful spending time together in the glorious sunshine. Sport returned and we resumed fixtures against schools far and wide in cricket, tennis and athletics to name a few. We also started our ’06.15 fitness club’, a group of hardy, some say silly, Haywoodians and staff starting the summer with a little exercise and fun every Wednesday morning. Sandra kept us well fed each and every Wednesday with delicious cakes and cookies. We played the inaugural Kilburn Road Cup in the absence of the Tom Grant Festival, which was great fun. Forms 3 and 4 had trips away to play Footgolf and the mandatory detour past McDonald’s for a much-needed pitstop. Our Form 6 hosted both Rushebrookes and Buchanans on successive nights for a BBQ and some live music which was well received by all concerned. Interhouse Cricket and Sports Day were great events; the boys gave their all and we had some outstanding performances. The boys enjoyed trips paintballing and to Rutland Aqua Park, working together and having fun in the summer sun. The final night was another highlight of a busy term: House cricket, a BBQ, and House Football finished off with a Form 6 social that went into the wee hours. A massive thank you to all the boys for their good humour, patience, resilience, looking after each other and doing the small things well. Lastly, a huge thank you and fond farewell to both Mr Jarvis and Mr Townsley who move to pastures new; JAGER will never be the same again. Written by Glenn Gelderbloom
COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Rushebrookes Middle School Girls’ House
This year has been a strange one for everyone at Oakham; many students have not been able to join us in person, those who have joined this year did not get to experience all that the School usually has to offer, and of course everyone has learnt to live with online school and social distancing. Despite this, however, Rushebrookes has still managed to thrive and maintain its unbreakable House spirit, friendly and lively in the face of adversity. At the beginning of this year much of the House was still in quarantine, but they were soon welcomed into House with great excitement and they were keen to take part in House activities and events. Although certain things were not possible due to restrictions, Rushebrookes was able to take part in the Interhouse Debating, in which the Form 6 team achieved several victories, reaching the semi-finals and then unfortunately being knocked out after a tough debate with Chapmans. Successes did not stop there with the Interhouse Hockey being given the go-ahead and all year groups playing immensely well, in part due to the great support by the rest of the House. In these few interhouse events the Rushebrookes girls showed great spirit and proved to everyone how enthusiastic Rushebrookes is. Within the House itself there was limited room for events, but the Prefects all still managed to set up something to introduce everyone to their new House family, a competition in which each group had to design a poster and name for themselves. Two prizes were awarded – the Best Design (Cereal Killers) and the Best Name (Around the World). Towards the end of the Winter Term each year in House did get the opportunity to take part in some zorbing and bubble football, competing against each other in several different games all whilst surrounded by a large plastic bubble. As strange as it may sound, I think it would be fair to say that everyone had an amazing time! In the Spring Term we were sadly unable to return back to campus and all of our school time was spent online. For most people this would mean the end of House events and year group interaction, but Rushebrookes could not be crushed and the activities kept coming. Whether it was baking, exercise, photography, quizzes or even just a chat at the beginning of the day with other girls in House, everyone tried their very hardest to bring some normalcy into the world of online school. I would say that we were triumphant in this goal as I personally enjoyed cooking international dishes recommended by others in my year, such as prawn fried rice, and seeing others cook a diverse range of amazing dishes. In the second half of the term we were thankfully allowed to return to School, although many were unable to because of international travel restrictions. During this time, we managed to set up an Easter Egg Hunt for each year, with three people walking away victorious with the largest eggs on offer, hidden in the most difficult of places. We also took part in Interhouse Netball, in which we put up a valiant effort, with the girls performing particularly well despite the freezing weather. And so began the Summer Term. We were able to take part in a wider range of activities and this really helped to get House families back into their regular flow. All groups took part in an obstacle course race and the competitive side of the House truly began to show as everyone cheered on their sprinting teammates. Another event we were able to hold was a mini House Sports Day, consisting of an egg and spoon race, sack race and water race, which eventually resulted in a massive water fight over Doncaster Close. It is weird to imagine Rushebrookes without the current Form 6, but so it must be. I would like to congratulate Ili, Savannah, Megan and Caitlin on receiving places on next year’s Decem and I’m sure they will all act as brilliant figureheads for the School. I have enjoyed watching everyone in House change and grow so much (especially Mrs Robinson’s beautiful baby Clara) and I wish everyone from Rushebrookes the absolute best going forward. Written by Lally White (Form 6)
All groups took part in an obstacle course race and the competitive side of the House truly began to show as everyone cheered on their sprinting teammates.
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COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Stevens
Middle School Girls’ House In such an alternative and another unexpected year, the girls in Stevens have not let the disruption faze them. The House spirit has been bigger than ever before uniting the House with such positivity and I have so enjoyed being Head of Stevens House. Credit must be paid to all of the new joiners into House this year. Although it has been hard to socialise with other Houses and year groups, every girl joined in with House events and integrated so well, and it now feels like each individual has been here forever! This year has been a very successful year thanks to all of the help of the Tutors, House staff, our wonderful Resident Tutors and especially the Prefect team; everyone has worked so hard to keep the House organised and a happy environment for all the girls to relax. A special thank you to our Deputy Head of House Jess who has been the biggest support to me throughout the year and has been a great friend to all of the girls in House. She organised the House kit extremely efficiently with no hassle, and it is safe to say all of the girls are thrilled with their clothing! The success of the events organised have shown all of the girls what teamwork can create, from the smallest to the biggest of events. We held an alternative outdoor Christmas dinner in the Stevens garden this year, an evening filled with singing, eating, and lots of picture taking! Fabulous memories were made, however unfortunately, due to Coronavirus and isolations some girls were unable to make this event. So, in the Summer Term we organised an unforgettable Mamma Mia party! Unsurprisingly there was extensive singing this time and the atmosphere was electric. The garden was transformed into a warm Greek island and all of the girls took part in dressing up and performing their favourite Mamma Mia songs. We also all had the opportunity to witness an unforgettable performance from all of the Tutors and House staff! The warmth and joy in House has gone a good way towards making up for all the trips and tours that have unfortunately been cancelled this year. The tradition of the Easter Egg Hunt still went ahead, filling the girls with chocolate in the morning and sprinkling a lovely competitive spirit throughout the garden. There were both giant eggs and small eggs to be won and it is safe to say it didn’t take long to find everything! Thank you to our very friendly neighbours Mr and Mrs Price; we hope you have also enjoyed our positive energy, noise and singing. Interhouse events have always been a highlight in every year, and this year is no exception. The Interhouse Hockey was very pink! The Sixth Formers all dressed up in pink for Stevens, so the House spirit was certainly not forgotten. Neither was the spirit missed in other events, all battling for some of the trophies and the House certainly did not disappoint. Tennis was one of the biggest successes of the year with Form 4 the undisputed winners of the competition and bringing back the trophy for Stevens. Trophies were also brought back into House by Forms 3 and 4 after the Fun Run in December; we not only won ‘Best Dressed in Form 4’ but also the Cross Country in Form 3. If not competing, the girls would not fail to be on the sidelines supporting the House and their friends with face paint on and cheering at the top of their voices. Family is one word that best describes Stevens; whether that be when we are having Katie’s cakes on a Friday or hot dogs and sparklers at Halloween, all the girls always have time to socialise with everyone in House. Towards the latter part of the year, Form 6 have loved having the privilege of being able to cook in House; preparing the food and cooking allows us to relax and spend quality time together after the famously productive yet very busy and tiring Oakham days. This has only been possible due to the generosity of Mr and Mrs Roe – thank you for opening up and sharing your kitchen with us. It is safe to say Stevens would be a very different place without the support
of Mrs Roe and Katie; they truly are the best duo in House! Friendly, caring and always there to hear about your adventures, they bring much light into the already sunny House. On behalf of the whole House, a massive thank you for giving your all and helping to make Stevens such a special environment. Form 6 would like to thank Stevens for being their place of fun and relaxation for the last four years and we will look forward to coming back for cake break on a Friday! As Form 6 hands over the leadership of House to the new Sixth Formers, we wish you all the fun Stevens can bring as you continue your Oakham journeys; however, we will be back, so don’t forget us! Written by Lauren Bailey (Form 6)
COMMUNITY: MIDDLE SCHOOL HOUSES
Wharflands Middle School Boys’ House
Back in August last year, the new Prefect team held numerous Zoom meetings in order to set out goals for the coming year; with the chaos the pandemic had brought, we knew it was vital to make sure Wharflands remained the energetic, warm and upbeat environment it had always been. The arrival of Mr Dixon-Dale, as well as the influx of new boys into Forms 3 and 6, meant that there would be significant changes to Wharflands as a House – we wanted to make sure these were all improvements, despite restrictions placed on us by the pandemic. It did not take long at all for the boys to settle down after such a long time away from School, with Mr Dixon-Dale also getting used to the dynamism of Wharflands life rather quickly. Of course, this was a heavily disrupted year, with tight restrictions and disruption causing particular disorder during the first term; Christmas celebrations were relatively subdued, but nonetheless enjoyable and memorable. The announcement of another Lockdown in January was another big blow to our year; nevertheless, as Prefects, we came up with ways of maintaining connection and communication among the whole House, setting weekly challenges for the boys to complete and holding ‘House Family’ discussions to encourage engagement throughout the House. One of Wharflands’ most impressive achievements during this time was the charity initiative ‘Doddy Aid’, During the final which was launched by the Prefects and Mr Dixontwo terms, we took Dale; the charity nothing for granted, combats Motor making the most of everything Neurone Disease and the boys raised a that boarding life has to offer. huge £2,100 as well as cycling and running a huge distance in a collective effort. The return to School in March was a big relief for all the boys, and it was business as usual in Wharflands again. The Lockdown had made many of us realise the importance and benefit of being in House with all the other boys, and during the final two terms, we took nothing for granted, making the most of everything that boarding life has to offer. The Summer Term was a particularly rich period of success and entertainment for Wharflands; Sports Day, always a huge date on the Oakham School calendar, provided the competitive spirit that we had all missed very much, along with the opportunity for many of the Wharflanders to compete. Wharflands showed its true prestige and commitment by winning overall, with 3 out of the 4 Victor Ludorums being won by Wharflanders. House Cricket was also won by both Wharflands Seniors and Juniors, demonstrating our dominant sporting excellence; we also won House Rugby earlier on in the year. To conclude, a lot of change happened this year, not only outside of Wharflands, but also very much within. It took a great deal of effort from Mr Dixon-Dale, the Resident Tutors, our Matron Sue, the cleaners, the Prefect Team and of course the boys themselves, with the result that we made all these changes positive and have made Wharflands House even better whilst retaining the core principles that have kept this House going for a Century, all in the midst of a global pandemic. Well done, boys! Written by Peter Braybrook (Form 6)
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COMMUNITY: CLASS OF 2021 LEAVERS
Finishing in Style Pupils in Form 7 rounded off their School careers in style this summer by taking part in a range of courses, trips and activities after they had completed their A-level and IB assessments, which culminated in a highly successful Leavers’ Day and Leavers’ Ball. Housemistress of Round House, Emma Durston, and Housemaster of School House, David Taylor, said, “This year is far from a normal one and consequently we felt that it was important to offer some alternative end of year options. The pupils have worked extremely hard through this most difficult of terms. They have proved themselves to be remarkable, resourceful and resilient young people and we were determined that they finish their schooldays with an enjoyable and appropriate flourish.” IB pupils experienced activities that included reflexology, bike rides, a 10k walk, a first aid course, Barista training, personal safety and self-defence training, wine tasting and trips to Hunstanton, Cambridge and Oxford. They were later joined by their A-level counterparts with a trip to Oxford and paintballing being particular highlights. There were academic bridging courses on offer as well, providing exciting opportunities for students to broaden their horizons in a subject of their choice. There were also careers sessions with tips on making job applications and writing a CV. Several OO entrepreneurs also returned to the School to give their advice to pupils on career options post School. House socials and fun barbeques made the time even more enjoyable.
On the final day of the Summer Term the leavers celebrated the end of their schooldays together with their parents and staff in a specially adapted Prize Giving ceremony and Leavers’ events. The Form 7 Leavers enjoyed a moving and uplifting Leavers’ Service in the School Chapel, at the end of which the congregation filed out onto Round House lawn and joined together to sing a rousing rendition of the Oakham School favourite hymn ‘Jerusalem’. This moment was particularly poignant, as not only was it the first time since before lockdown in March 2020 that pupils had been able to sing a hymn together, but the last hymn they had sung at that final Chapel so many months ago was the same ‘Jerusalem’. Following the Chapel Service, a socially distanced Upper School Prize Giving ceremony in a giant marquee on Doncaster Close took place, with Form 7 parents, Upper School pupils, staff and Trustees in attendance. As well as the prize giving formalities themselves, there were speeches from Chair of Trustees, Neil Gorman and Headmaster Henry Price. Quoting stories of triumph and failure at different Olympic Games over the years, Henry advised, “for all of us in all our races, let the power come to see it to the end, not just from within, but from the support and strength of those around us.” before signing off most appropriately with our School Motto: “Quasi Cursores”, itself a reference to races run. The formal part of the proceedings completed, there followed speeches of a more irreverent nature from outgoing Heads of School Gina and Ryan, who joked about their limited responsibilities as Heads of School during lockdown, the challenges of lockdown learning, and the ‘interesting’ advice given to them by their teachers. In a fitting end to their school careers, Form 7 Leavers were able to enjoy the traditional House picnics with their parents at Round House and School House after the Prize Giving ceremony. This gave them the chance to collect their Leavers’ Bag – containing a Leavers’ Book and gift in the form of a beautifully engraved water bottle, welcoming them to the Old Oakhamian Club and our thriving alumni community. In a change to tradition, the Leavers’ Ball was held on the day after the Leavers’ Day events. A fully Covid-secure event, the 2021 Leavers’ Ball saw Form 7 pupils partake in a four-course dinner, followed by a meal and a live band – a night that was enjoyed by all.
Photos by Alan Walters Photography
COMMUNITY: CHARITY FUNDRAISING
Shining Bright Despite the challenges of social distancing and remote learning, Oakhamians participated in a plethora of charity giving initiatives in 2020-2021. From a 24-hour cricket net to a sponsored walk in fancy dress around Doncaster Close, pupils found creative ways to help others this year.
Autumn Challenges
In the Winter Term, there was an outstanding response to the Harvest Rutland Food Bank appeal where, as a school, we collected more than half a tonne of donations – a truly wonderful feat. Our many Non-Uniform Days raised £1,000s for causes such as Children in Need, The Rainbows Hospice and The Teenager Cancer Trust. Special mention must go to Mr Tref Vandoros who organised press ups to be completed across the School to raise money for the TCT, himself completing a super-human 48,500 press ups during November 2020 – just amazing! As in previous years there were collections for the Poppy Appeal for the Royal British Legion and the fine young men of School House grew moustaches for Movember.
Christmas Cheer
Form 2 pupils Oliver and Jack of Sargants House launched and led a Christmas toy appeal in the Lower School that helped to donate over 300 gifts for the Trent Vineyard Church, in partnership with Nottingham City Housing Association, who currently support over 300 families in temporary hostel accommodation. Girls in Gunthorpe House collected and wrapped small gifts for the Food Bank to give to families in a goodie bag at Christmas. School Nurse Kim Galleozzie, together with the staff in the Medical Centre, took time out of their busy schedules to bring in shoeboxes full of gifts to give to the local Fire Service who distributed them to the local community this Christmas.
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COMMUNITY: CHARITY FUNDRAISING
Funny is Power
On Red Nose Day, Lower School pupils raised just over £700 for Comic Relief. Taking on board the ‘Funny is Power’ theme, the pupils enjoyed the opportunity to come to School in non-uniform, sporting plenty of red colour and a superb display of all the different non-plastic red noses, including one lucky girl who found the ultra-rare (1 in 800) Gold Tommy Nose.”
Individual Acts of Kindness
Form 5 pupil Jono ran 10 km a day over two weeks over the halfterm break to raise money and awareness for Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, raising an impressive £2,750 and beating his initial £1,000 target. Entrepreneurial Design and Technology Scholar Adam donated 100% of the profits made from his Standing Desk business to charity. Adam was inspired to design, manufacture and sell a standing desk during lockdown, with all proceeds going to Fareshare, a charity network aimed at relieving food poverty and reducing food waste in the UK. The finished product, which costs £99, is available to buy on his newly created website adamimpactdesign.com. Form 6 pupil Ili also carried out a lovely act of kindness when she made 200 Valentine cards for the children in Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe and dropped them off with some lollipops to help cheer them up over the pandemic
Chance to Shine
The 1st XI Girls Cricket team raised more than six times their original target for the charity Chance to Shine after running a 24-hour net session in June. The team had initially hoped to raise £500 but have smashed their goal to make over £3,000. Their aim was to raise awareness for girls’ cricket within the School community, whilst also raising money to help children get into the sport. Chance to Shine has helped over two million girls get into the game and over five million children in total. Form 7 pupils Flo and Issy, who organised the event, said, “It went really well, and we weren’t expecting to raise so much money. The School was incredibly supportive of what we were doing, and it was nice to have so much encouragement from the teachers, our friends and the other pupils. It was mentally tough as we got into the early hours of the morning but at the same time everyone had so much fun and it felt good knowing we would be helping the charity.”
Walk this Way Oakham’s entire Lower School community was delighted to join together to participate in a fancydress charity fundraising walk around Doncaster Close towards the end of the Summer Term. Raising money for LIV Village, the event saw girls and boys from all four Houses, together with their teachers – many of whom were sporting fancy dress for the occasion – challenge themselves to run or walk their way around Doncaster Close as many times as possible within three hours. In total the children covered an incredible 2,500 kilometres, with some pupils pushing themselves to run between 20 and 25 kilometres and raised over £3,000
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COMMUNITY: CHAPLAINCY
Donkey, Deliveroo, Glow Sticks & Barry White The Academic year of 2020-2021 was a year that called for innovation and tenacity in all areas of School life and Chapel was no different. Here is a month by month snapshot of how the Chapel adapted to the challenges Covid-19 presented us. Written by Fr Tim Tregunno Chaplain
September October Donkey Chapel This was a Sunday morning, weather dependent, sit on the grass outside BAFS in bubbles on Doncaster Close (hence Donkey) for a Eucharist. The first time I have had to preside in sunglasses and be genuinely worried about communion being blown away!
November Armistice I expect the first time since it was opened in 1925 the School was unable to gather in the War Memorial Chapel to remember. Instead everyone gathered outside their own House, laid a wreath and trumpeters, strategically placed around the campus, sounded the Last Post and Reveille to mark the beginning and end of the 2 minute silence.
Lower School Deliveroo Chapel as it lovingly became known. With the School unable to gather in the Chapel, I visited each bubble in the Lower School once a week with my usual combination of tales, quizzes and Good News.
December ‘Raving for the Christ Child’ A Nativity Scene toured the School in the last week of term setting up outside each of the Houses. As candles would have been blown out, glow sticks were cracked and stuck into the ground to signify prayers.
January/February Electro Prayers
March Saturday Night’s Alright Compline By the end of March I was able to visit Boarding House bubbles for a sermon, compline (night prayer) and some music for reflection. The link to the music for reflection was often beyond tenuous. For example – “God is the Alpha the Omega” which led us to “You Are The First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White!
With the country back in lockdown, Electro Prayers was relaunched. People would email in their prayers, a prayer card would be written and placed on the wall in the Chaplain’s house, a votive candle would be lit and the intercessions would be included in daily prayers.
May Ashburton Ascension Traditionally on Ascension Day choirs climb church spires to sing praise to the Ascended Lord. As a nod to this, I recorded my Electro Chapel from the roof of the Ashburton. It was rather windy, you couldn’t hear the sermon, which made it remarkably popular with the students!
April Good Friday This is an initiative which I think we will use every year. A set of readings and musical pieces were collated telling the story of Good Friday from Jesus’s arrest to his death on the Cross and shared online.
July Leavers’ Service he most on again, off again event since Ross and Rachel, but we got them there. We even managed to sing a hymn by gathering them in their bubbles on the Chapel Lawn. Yes, of course it was, it had to be….. ‘Jerusalem’.
June Back to Chapel, Chapel Although still not allowed to sing, we were able to get two Houses socially distanced back into the actual Chapel. Musicians from various Houses performed pieces for reflection. After so many months of the building being dormant to worshippers, it was seriously moving to see the Chapel back in action.
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SPORT
Celebrating the return of competitive fixtures
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Sport
SPORT
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SPORT: BOYS CRICKET
Boys Cricket Oakham School welcomed the return of competitive cricket matches to Doncaster Close after an absence of two years in April 2021. After restrictions eased further in May, we were delighted to welcome spectators back to our county level pitches.
1st XI Boys Cricket Written by Joe Arkwright (coach) The season started with Oakham participating in inter-school matches within a geographical bubble against Stamford, Uppingham and Oundle, alongside national competitions. With over 125 cricketers within Forms 5, 6 and 7 there was much competition for places. Senior cricketers had braved the weather in March, fielding, doing strength and conditioning training under the lights on the astro, very much prepared for the basking sun that arrived in April at pre-season training. James Tattersall took on the captaincy with Nathan Shaw as his right-hand man. The first match of the season began with the arrival of Stamford to Doncaster Close for a Declaration game, always a highly contested fixture. Oakham won the toss and batted first. A steady flow of wickets left Oakham all out for 147. Oakham put a spirited effort in the field reducing Stamford to 43-3 but one good partnership put the game to bed and Stamford finished up winners by 6 wickets. This would be Oakham’s only loss in the first half of term. The impressive run began with a 92-run victory over Oundle, a gritty 96 from Will Begy supported by Joe Johnson and Alexander Bell. Promising talent in the Form 5 bowling department shone through: William Murray 3-18 and Toby Cousins 2-15. Following on from the away trip to Oundle, the XI squared up with local rivals in Uppingham. A slightly disappointing bowling and fielding session allowed Uppingham to reach 221 all out in 50 overs. Oakham’s reply was anything but disappointing; 221 was chased down in 34 overs, which included an opening partnership of 189. The talismanic Freddie Fairey scored his first hundred of the season, alongside the ever present Joe Johnson with 64. Fairey’s run of form continued as we visited Stamford for the return fixture; 110 for Fairey
Played
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11
7
0
0
4
0
as Oakham were bowled out for 182 on a damp wicket. As the pitch began to dry, all looked in favour for another Stamford win. At 74/2 Stamford were truly on top. Joe Johnson then ran through the Stamford middle order, taking 2 in 2 balls, swinging the game back in Oakham’s favour. Stamford never recovered as Oakham delivered one of their best fielding and bowling displays of the season. Special mention must go to Isaac Wates, who consistently saved 30 runs a game from his position at backward point and he was especially critical on a wet day in Stamford. The inaugural Bedford 10s came up next. The team lost a tight match to Rugby, but claimed victories against The Perse (winning by 7 wickets) and Bedford (winning by 27 runs), securing the trophy. The win against Bedford was largely dominated by captain James Tattersall. With their backs up against the wall, James scored 57 off 23 balls on one of the biggest squares in schoolboy cricket – it was a truly remarkable innings. He then backed it up with the ball; his quick leg spinners brought him 3-7 in two overs. Another dominant performance against Oundle curtailed a special half-term for the XI. As Covid-19 restrictions eased across the School, it was very enjoyable to begin welcoming wandering cricket back to Doncaster Close. Fixtures against the XL Club, Leicester Gents and the John Wills XI all took place in their usual wellspirited manner with highlights being half-centuries for Alexander Bell and Will Begy against the XL Club, another fine hundred for Freddie Fairey and a debut fifty for Nat Wilkes against Leicester Gents. Alongside these fixtures, it was brilliant to welcome the oldest cricket club in the world: the MCC. In a beautifully contested game, the MCC generously set Oakham 259 to win in around 45-50 overs. Sadly falling short of a win, Oakham’s XI nevertheless played with great pride and determination.
1st XI Playing Record 24 April vs Stamford
Lost by 6 wickets
1 May vs Oundle
Won by 92 runs
6 May vs Uppingham
Won by 8 wickets
15 May vs Stamford
Won by 7 runs
20 May vs Bedford
Won by 28 runs Bedford 10s Tournament
20 May vs The Perse
Won by 8 wickets
22 May vs Oundle
Won by 95 runs
8 June vs XL Club
Won by 55 runs
10 June vs Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)
Lost by 15 runs
11 June vs Repton
Lost by 7 wickets
12 June vs Stowe
Lost by 9 wickets
1st XI Batting Highlights 2021
2nd XI Boys Cricket
Will Begy
62 vs Leicester Gents 96 vs Oundle & 64 vs XL Club
Alexander Bell
53 vs Oundle & 52 vs XL Club
Ben Collinson
79 vs MCC & 53 vs Stowe
Freddie Fairey
110 vs Uppingham 106 vs Stamford 100* vs Leicester Gents
Joe Johnson
69 vs Uppingham 89 vs MCC
James Tattersall
57 vs Bedford
Nat Wilkes
69 vs Leicester Gents
3rd XI Boys Cricket
Played
Won
Drawn
Tied
Lost
Abandoned
Played
Won
Drawn
Tied
Lost
Abandoned
8
5
0
0
3
0
6
2
0
0
4
0
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SPORT: BOYS CRICKET
U15A Boys Cricket Played
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9
5
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4
Written by Wes Durston (coach) The 2021 season was a very mixed term for the U15A boys’ team. Early season defeats to Stamford, Uppingham and Oundle Schools in the first month were experienced before there was a complete shift in fortunes for the team. The catalyst for that shift came in the County Cup Semi-Final versus Lutterworth College. Bowling first, we bowled our opponents out for a modest total which included a superb hat-trick for Wilfie Price, a game we won by 8 wickets. From there we defeated Stamford School in a reversal of the season’s opening game before we settled scores with Oundle School by 6 wickets. On a very hot day in June, we defeated Stowe School in a tight low-scoring battle, the difference between the teams was the standard of our fielding on the day which improved throughout the term. Our most convincing performance came in the last game of the season against Uppingham School, which ended the term nicely. However, we didn’t perform as we would have liked in the County Cup Final, going down by more than fifty runs to Leicester Grammar School who deserved to lift the trophy. It was lovely to see the team improve as the season went along. The wickets were largely shared around throughout the season; at times we used eight or nine bowlers in an innings. The batting unit was led by Finn Maloney and Ollie Clarke, who had consistent seasons without really going on and getting a big individual score. I hope the boys all gained something from the 2021 season and I wish them all well as they move up to senior school cricket.
Our most convincing performance came in the last game of the season against Uppingham School, which ended the term nicely. U15A Playing Record
U15 Batting Highlights 2021 U15A Team
U15B Team
Magnus Astill
51* vs Stamford
William Graff-Baker
82 vs Oundle
Finn Moloney
66 vs Stamford 77 vs Stamford 68 vs Oundle
Eddie Marshall
63* vs Stowe
Hat-trick vs Lutterworth
Sebastian Pickering
Wilfie Price
U15C Team Nicholas Wilton
57 vs Oundle
54 vs Stowe
U15B Boys Cricket
24 April vs Stamford
Lost by 6 wickets
1 May vs Oundle
Lost by 40 runs
6 May vs Uppingham
Lost by 52 wickets
13 May vs Lutterworth College
Won by 8 wickets County Cup Semi-Final
15 May vs Stamford
Won by 23 runs
22 May vs Oundle
Won by 6 wickets
12 June vs Stowe
Won by 9 runs
15 June vs Leicester Grammar School
Lost by 56 runs County Cup Final
26 June vs Oundle
Won by 8 wickets
U15C Boys Cricket
Played
Won
Drawn
Tied
Lost
Played
Won
Drawn
Tied
Lost
7
3
0
0
4
3
3
0
3
4
SPORT: BOYS CRICKET
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U14A Boys Cricket
U13A Boys Cricket
Written by Patrick Latham (coach) The addition of several talented cricketers who joined the School this year enriched an already promising looking U14A team. It was pleasing to see some boys move through from the U14Bs and develop into contributing U14A team players as the season progressed. A record of 4 wins and 4 losses was probably a fair reflection on the season as a whole, but certainly by the end of the season the team had developed into an effective and competitive group of players, each with definite roles within the team. It is often not the way at this age group, with a few players doing most of the work, but for everyone to feel as though they are contributing and in a certain role is a luxury as a coach. In the home and away fixtures against Oundle, Oakham battled hard, but found themselves on the end of two close defeats. An extra game later in the season saw Oundle comfortably home by 6 wickets on a day where Oakham did not fire. Against Stamford, an early season loss was converted to an enthralling victory, Oakham winning by 15 runs in a game which saw 4 Oakham wickets fall in 4 balls! Two further victories against Trent and Stowe were great for the confidence of the team and in the final game of the season in the cup game against LGS, Oakham won by 6 wickets in a dominant all-round performance. This victory puts Oakham into the final of the County Cup to be played as the U15A team in the 2022 pre-season. From there, should Oakham be victorious, they will carry on in the National Cup competition as an U15A team. Mr Hutter and I wish the boys all the best as they embark on what we hope will be a very successful season for them next year.
Written by Patrick Latham (coach It is always fantastic to see the development of an U13 side, with the year groups mixing to compete. The combination of Lower 1, Form 1 and Form 2 pupils takes a bit of time to settle in, but to see them all playing and working together by the end of the season is always rewarding. In the season opener against Stamford, some of the first inter-school sport for months, the lack of opportunity to work over the winter was evident. Slightly behind where the team should have been at this stage, Oakham fell short in a run chase which, if faced with later in the season, would have been far more manageable. Against Oundle School, Oakham were able to put a few ideas into action. Thanks to some better shot selection and running between the wickets, coupled with much tighter bowling, the winning margin for Oakham was 39 runs. Always a test for Oakham U13 teams is Witham Hall; this time with an array of talented bowlers and some strong batting throughout. In a wonderfully tight game in which the balance shifted back and forth, Oakham managed to restrict Witham to just 4 runs in the final over of the match, leaving the scores level and the game ending in a memorable tie. In the return fixture with Stamford, Oakham showed they had learned from the experience earlier in the season to record a 6-wicket victory. This performance showed great development and the team were able to make necessary improvements in all aspects of the game. The highlight of the season goes to Magnus Robertson for achieving the very rare feat of a hat-trick in the home fixture against Oundle on 19 May. In fact Magnus nearly made it two hat-tricks, when he took a further two wickets later in the game.
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8
4
0
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4
U14A Playing Record 24 April vs Stamford
Lost by 20 runs
1 May vs Oundle
Lost by 4 runs
15 May vs Stamford
Won by 15 runs
22 May vs Oundle
Lost by 29 runs
12 June vs Stowe
Won by 5 wickets
15 June vs Trent College
Won by 2 wickets
26 June vs Oundle
Lost by 6 wickets
29 June vs Leicester Grammar
Won by 6 wickets County Cup Semi-Final
U14 Batting Highlights 2021 James Kutluoglu
48 vs Oundle
Lysander Starkey
Hat-trick vs Oundle
Played
Won
Drawn
Tied
Lost
Abandoned
7
3
0
1
3
0
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SPORT: GIRLS CRICKET
Girls Cricket Written by Dominic Evans (coach) This has been the first season where girls cricket has had a full fixture list at both 1st team and U15 levels; a significant increase in matches, which was extremely exciting. The 1st XI played 8 games, winning 3. Some of the games were very tight and could have gone either way, as was the case with our loss to Leicester Grammar School off the last ball by 2 runs! The U15s played 5 matches and had some very close games but just came up short each time. We had a squad of just under 50 players of which the majority represented the School at some stage. The feature that impressed all the coaches was the incredible enthusiasm and desire to learn which made every training season an absolute pleasure and resulted in some fantastic progress being made. It is always difficult to start picking out individuals, but a few deserve specific mention. Scoring enough runs was our major problem and if it had not been for Emma Wardrop’s 195 runs at an average of 65, we would have been in trouble. She has great technique and her shot selection was very impressive; she has a bright future in cricket ahead. On the bowling side Uzma Alam’s left arm over was excellent. She took 10 wickets at an average of 14.2 and at times looked unplayable, which is very encouraging as she has another two seasons at Oakham! India Norwood was probably the most improved player with a fine batting technique and a fluid bowling action. Perhaps the thing that stood out most was the outstanding leadership of Flo Wilkinson as captain and Issy Wass as vicecaptain. They had time for every member of the squad, gave encouragement and set an excellent example. Their control of the team and understanding of tactics during matches blossomed and by the end of the season Oakham was a very tight and organised team under their leadership. Fortunately, we have some other excellent role models for next year in Caitlin and Megan Hopkinson and Porsche Laing. Next year already looks bright with plenty of talent coming through from below. Imogen Barton, Lydia Bennett, Arabella Richardson and Matilda D’Arcy in Form 4 and Mia Henderson in Form 3 all played for the 1st XI and made significant contributions, and Sophia Rice in Form 2 played for the U15 side. The Development Squad, or the ‘People’s XI’ as they became known, showed exactly the right attitude. Most were completely new to cricket and had to be taught from scratch. They started with a soft ball but by half-term had progressed to full cricket bowling and batting with enthusiasm and a considerable degree of skill. Audrey Kung made it out of this squad and played a game for the 1st XI and took a magnificent catch, which got one of the biggest cheers of the season. Finally Flo, Emma and Issy organised a 24-hour cricket net for charity. All of the cricket squad contributed, and it was fantastic to see so many different girls batting and bowling. There was a great atmosphere for the whole event, although the quiet hours after midnight were a challenge! They completed the challenge in style and raised over three thousand pounds. Read more about their efforts on page 94. The enthusiasm, determination and fighting spirit shown by the whole squad were exemplary and it is very encouraging for the future of girls cricket at Oakham.
SPORT: GIRLS CRICKET
p105
1st XI Girls Cricket Played
Won
Drawn
Tied
Lost
8
3
0
0
5
1st XI Girls Cricket Playing Record 24 April vs Stamford
Lost by 8 wickets
1 May vs Oundle
Lost by 76 runs
6 May vs Uppingham
Won by 7 wickets
15 May vs Stamford
Won 6 wickets
22 May vs Repton
Lost by 31 runs
22 May vs Oundle
Won 4 wickets
10 June vs Rugby
Lost by 5 wickets
17 June vs Leicester Grammar
Lost by 2 runs
Lower School Girls Cricket Written by Wes Durston (coach) For the first time, cricket was offered to the girls of the Lower School as a full games option. Thirty girls signed up and each represented the School in matches against Stamford School, Oundle School and Witham Hall including one on the main 1st XI square. The girls worked hard at improving in all areas of the game, as for many this was the first time they had ever played cricket. Although the practices and matches were played with a soft ball, the hope is that we can build on the first season of cricket by including some hard ball in the summer of 2022. I feel this was a successful first term of cricket and I look forward to more gains and improvements in the future.
The feature that impressed all the coaches was the incredible enthusiasm and desire to learn which made every training season an absolute pleasure and resulted in some fantastic progress being made.
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SPORT: GIRLS TENNIS
Girls Tennis 1st VI Girls Tennis Written by Peta Girdwood (Director of Tennis) The 1st team girls were so pleased to have the opportunity to represent the School again in what has seemed like a long gap since our last tennis season, back in 2019. With 8 fixtures planned, the team had a busy schedule and were very much looking forward to the challenge ahead. The first block was against Stamford and allowed the team to get settled and rid any nerves for the rest of the season. Annie and Lauren won 3 from 3 and with support from Flo, Katrin, Kate and Zara, the team finished strong winning 6-3. Oundle was the next round of opposition, with the team aware of the challenge that they would face. As in previous years, Oundle were deadly at the net and volleyed anything they could get a racket to. The sets were close, and we took away 3 wins. The team came away more educated, they would be ready for next time. Uppingham followed next and had a very similar game to Oundle. Sets were close with 2 going to a tie break and 1 going full length to 7 games. Frustratingly another 3-6 loss was recorded down. As per our geographical playing bubble set-up, we then met Stamford again, this time on our home turf. Annie and Lauren again put in super performances winning 3 out of 3, as well as Zara and Bonnie winning 2 out of 3 and Kate and Daniella 1 out of 3. Our last run out before the half-term break was Oundle. The team had spent time in training developing their tactical play and growing their confidence at the net and base line. The games again were painstakingly close, with tie breaks and sets played to 7 games. Oundle just maintained the lead, with Oakham losing 4-5. Half-term arrived at a great time, allowing the team to get rested before the remaining 3 fixtures. The team returned from the break ready to finish on a winning a streak and they certainly did this impressively. Uppingham, who we previous lost to by 2 games, were unable to match our strength. Annie and Lauren won 3 from 3 with Zara and Bonnie taking 2 from 3; their third set was extremely close, ending 5-7. The team ended with a a well-deserved 5-4 win. Stamford and Kimbolton then followed and saw Annie and Lauren maintaining their 3 set dominance, as well as Bonnie and Zara earning their first 3 out of 3 from the term. The team ended the year winning 8-1 and 8-0 against Stamford. Much of the team are made up from Forms 5 and 6, so this term has provided the building blocks to what will hopefully be a successful summer 2022. Lots to look forward to. Very well done to all the girls who have played 1st team tennis this term and good luck to our Form 7 leavers.
Played Won Drawn 8
5
0
Lost
For
Against
Difference
3
43
28
15
1st VI Playing Record 24 April vs Stamford
Won 6-3
1 May vs Oundle
Lost 0-9
6 May vs Uppingham
Won 5-4
15 May vs Stamford
Won 6-0
22 May vs Oundle
Lost 4-5
17 June vs Uppingham
Won 5-4
19 June vs Stamford
Won 9-0
26 June vs Kimbolton
Won by 5-2
SPORT: GIRLS TENNIS
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2nd VI Girls Tennis
3rd VI Girls Tennis
The 2nd team playing order was like the 1st team, with some repeat fixtures across the term and home and away locations as part of our geographical bubble set-up. They started well against Stamford winning 6-3, with Phoebe and Sienna winning 3 out 3 and Daniella/Louisa and Lizzie/ Rosie each winning 1 out of 3. Like the 1st team, the 2nd team faced tough opposition away at Oundle with the team struggling and the final score 0-9. The gap would be closed later in the season though. Spirits were high moving into the next 2 fixtures against Uppingham and Stamford. The sets against Uppingham were very close, the 2nd team persevered and remained focused, giving them the win 5-4. Well done to Katrina, Bonnie, Phoebe, Sienna, Rosie and Ella for this great team achievement. Stamford then followed where the team took every set finishing with a 6-0 win. The second half of term was a clean sweep with wins against Uppingham, Stamford and Kimbolton. The team impressed throughout, and the players displayed some outstanding performances. Well done to all the players who played their part in the team.
Like the rest of the teams, the 3rd team have displayed some outstanding tennis this term with the 6 fixtures they have played, only losing 1. They followed the same playing order as the other senior teams with their only defeat of the term 2-7 against Oundle. They showed great determination against Uppingham and Oundle with wins of 5-4 on both occasions. Jess and Olivia really showed their strengths during these fixtures and were crucial in the results. The 3rd team demonstrates the strength and depth of Oakham Tennis and the future is looking exciting. Very well done to all the girls who have played in the 3rd team this term.
Played Won Drawn 8
6
0
Lost
For
Against
Difference
2
40
27
13
Played Won Drawn 6
6
0
Lost
For
Against
Difference
1
30
18
12
4th VI Girls Tennis The 4th team have had a super term and played some exciting and competitive tennis. From the 5 matches played, they won 3. Oundle and Uppingham both put the team through their paces and on those occasions were too strong. The silver lining is that when the team played Oundle for the second time later in the term, Oakham won 7-2. The great results that the team have achieved again represent the quality of Oakham pupils. Well done to all the players who have played for the 4th team this term.
Played Won Drawn 5
3
0
Lost
For
Against
Difference
2
26
19
7
p108
SPORT: GIRLS TENNIS
U15 Girls Tennis The U15As have demonstrated strength and depth in abundance with girls pushing themselves, and each other to secure team places every week. The attitude demonstrated throughout the squad has been exemplary with a positive attitude to training and a determination to both enjoy and play well in matches. The team have been able to train hard, improve skills and tactics, and transfer these effectively into match situations; it has been great to see the girls grow in confidence as the term progressed. The season got off to a great start with a 7-2 win over Stamford and it was brilliant to see fixtures return to School life as the girls were relaxed and composed in their first competitive school tennis match for Oakham. With back-to-back wins over Oundle and a 9-0 win over both Uppingham and Kimbolton, the U15A team have shown they are talented, competitive and enjoy their tennis. This outstanding season was reflected not only in it being an unbeaten season but also that over the 5 matches, the girls lost only 4 sets of tennis as a team. Well done, girls on an impressive tennis season. The team consisted of Fran Benham, Izzi Chalmers, Bella Fox, Daisy Jackson, Violet O’Neill and Jo Wattie. Emma Durston (coach) The U15B tennis squad have had a successful season and shown that they are willing to train hard, but are also determined to bring that same positivity to competitive matches. The season started with 4-5 losses to both Stamford and Oundle, but the return fixtures saw the honours reversed with a 6-3 win over Oundle. The season was finished with a resounding win over Kimbolton and it has been wonderful to see the girls progress as well as seeing them enjoy themselves on the courts this season. Well done to all the girls who played in the B team and to Captain Olivia Hunnisett who was exemplary in her work ethic and her play. Emma Durston (coach) The U15C team have had a superb season back on the courts having missed last year due to School being closed. The team were full of energy and excitement for sport due to this time off and as a result, some outstanding matches have been played over the course of the term. A real highlight of the season was beating Stamford 9-0 in the very first game; this set us in good stead for the rest of the season. The U15Cs faced a 7-2 loss to Uppingham but bounced back to a hugely competitive 6-3 win against Oundle School. Players in this team include: Emma Germany, Phoebe Skelton, Daisy Smith-Maxwell, Nancy Butler, Yui Nakagawa, Livvy Burgess, Lara Nesselhut and Evie Spencer; big well done to all on a successful term of tennis! Elise Whearity (coach)
1
It has been fantastic seeing the U15D team back playing fixtures again after a long and unusual year. Although only 3 fixtures were played, some strong pairings were formed namely, Evie Spencer and Lulu Allison, Tilly Gullan-Whur and Susannah Ayre and Katya Kim. Having lost their first match 6-3 to Oundle School, the U15Ds worked hard and applied feedback given in training to matches. This resulted in a superb 8-1 win against Uppingham, and finally a comeback win against Oundle School (6-3) for their final game of the season. I want to congratulate these students on a fantastic term of tennis; they have all been attentive and eager to learn in games and a pleasure to coach – well done. Elise Whearity (coach)
U14 Girls Tennis Returning to the tennis courts this term has been long awaited, as has playing competitive fixtures. The U14A and U14B teams have gone from strength to strength this season both winning 4 out of 6 fixtures played. Establishing pairings and concentrating on the tactics within the doubles game have featured in many of the training sessions as well as honing the ever-important serve and net play. Our first fixtures set the bar high with 2 convincing wins against Stamford, followed by Oundle in our second week. In rain and wind which resembled more of a Winter Term, we fought hard, but Oundle were victorious on home turf, only to be beaten on their away leg to Oakham by the As. Playing at Oakham was certainly our preference as a close encounter with 1 set to decide the match against Stamford away saw the As narrowly miss out. Having encountered our neighbours Stamford on 3 occasions this term, the Bs stood strong beating Stamford convincingly in all 3 matches. The final Saturday of term saw the U14s travel to Kimbolton. The started strong and played some lovely tennis, earning 2 convincing wins, 6-3 and 7-2 respectively for the As and Bs. The U14s have been a pleasure to coach this season with a real passion for the game and desire to improve and win. Heidi Cannie (coach) The U14C and U14D girls welcomed the return to competitive fixtures this term.The U14Cs played well this season, only losing 2 game days against some very strong Oundle pairs but winning very competitive games against all the other schools they played. The U14Ds also lost 2 games, against Stamford and Oundle, by only 1 point each. Leo Mattoccia (coach)
2
SPORT: GIRLS TENNIS
p109
U13 Girls Tennis
U12 Girls Tennis
The U13A team have been impressive throughout the term and tackled all 7 of their fixtures head on. The squad have trained hard and after a long time away were excited to have the opportunity to play against other schools for the first time since summer 2019. As with the senior tennis blocks, we played within a geographical bubble of schools. We started the season against Oundle, playing through some rather wet conditions. Grace and Charlotte secured 3 out of 3 wins with both Issy/Lou and Lara/ Ruby winning 2 out of 3 allowing the team to win 7-2. We then travelled to Stamford to face a tough match. Whilst our first pair (Charlotte and Lou) won 3 out of 3, we didn’t have enough to take the win, unfortunately losing narrowly 5-4. The rest of the term led to a winning streak with super performances against Trent, Worksop, Stamford, and Witham. I am looking forward to these players joining the Middle School next and playing key roles in our U14 team. Well done to Grace, Charlotte, Lou, Lara, Ruby and Millie. Peta Girdwood (coach)
The U12A team have been a pleasure to coach all term. After missing out on fixtures the previous two terms, the team were looking forward to representing Oakham for the first time. We began our season with a clean sweep against Oundle finishing 9-0 with first pair Iona Simpson and Jess Day shining throughout the match. In training the team worked on their partnerships, making sure they covered all areas of the court. These partnerships went from strength to strength and they won 4 out of their 6 games. Lauren Nicholls (coach)
The rest of the term led to a winning streak with super performances against Trent, Worksop, Stamford, and Witham. The U13B team had a similar playing order to the A team and were keen to make up for lost time after losing out on so many fixtures the previous year. From their 5 fixtures they had 2 wins and 3 losses. The wins were against Oundle on both the home and away legs, with the squad putting in impressive performances. Against Stamford there were close results on both legs and players worked hard on reflecting between performances to make improvements. Peta Girdwood (coach)
The U12B team had a fantastic season, playing 4 fixtures and winning all 4 with first pair Holly and JJ O’Donoghue not dropping a game all season. Their understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses really helped to overcome their opposition. In training the team enjoyed working on their rallying skills and their control. Each week this became more consistent and the level of competition rose. I look forward to seeing how they continue to develop next year. Lauren Nicholls (coach) Overall, this term has been very successful for the U12C tennis team. They have represented Oakham in many fixtures, firstly with a very impressive win against Oundle, where they won 4-0. The girls then faced Trent College, where their performance was rewarded with a 9-0 victory. Despite a narrow loss to Stamford 4-5 in their third match, each pair was able to conduct themselves in a determined and mature manner throughout the match. All the girls have improved their skills and had the desire to win each week, showing an excellent commitment to the tennis programme at Oakham. The return of competitive fixtures has been a super opportunity to display their hard work. Isobel Beighton (coach) Overall, this term has been an excellent opportunity for development for the U12D girls tennis team. They have represented Oakham in a fixture against Stamford and have been working hard to develop their skills. Every girl that has taken to the court this term has displayed an excellent level of dedication and resilience in a competitive environment. They have shown a commitment to the tennis programme at Oakham and should be very proud of how their tennis has progressed over the term. Despite losing their fixture to Stamford 2-7, there was some excellent tennis on display, showing some vast improvements. Isobel Beighton (coach)
The U13C and U13D teams have been a pleasure to coach, training hard and developing their skills. The U13Cs enjoyed 4 fixtures: an impressive 5-1 win over Oundle, and closely fought fixtures against Stamford and Trent College, one of which resulted in a well-deserved draw against Stamford away. Well done, girls! Michelle Northcott (coach)
4
3
1 U15A Tennis
3 U13A Tennis
2 U14A Tennis
4 U12A Tennis
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SPORT: BOYS TENNIS
Boys Tennis Written by Iain Simpson (Director of Sport) As School came back to life in the Summer Term, the boys’ tennis players were jubilant to be back out on the hard courts playing with their friends and revelling in the summer sun. In order to avoid any unnecessary transmission of the dreaded virus, we had decided to stay within a geographical bubble and grouped together with Uppingham, Oundle and Stamford to form a mini Champions League of home and away fixtures, across the Rutland, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire boarders. Although this may have felt like a reduced programme to the usual wider array of fixtures, it created a camaraderie and familiarity which the boys enjoyed when playing opponents both home and away. Furthermore, with the stress and strains of examinations, assessments and TAGs the mere opportunity to be back out hitting balls once more meant that the boys were delighted to have any and every opportunity to play their Summer Term sport. The other novel point of interest for this summer of 2021 was the birth of competitive tennis for boys in the Lower School, alongside cricket and athletics. A healthy number of boys chose this option, and this will now feed the pipeline of boys’ tennis through the School for the years to come. In addition, this September has seen the start of our winter tennis academy, which with the new floodlights on Haywoods courts, allows tennis to be played all year round. The 1st VI consisted of the ever-present Danny Rumble, Guy Sturmey (captain) Julius Graf Lambsdorff and Stefan Lesnic with a rotation of other players making up the third pair. The results against the other local schools were equally shared but more than anything produced some excellent tennis which improved in quality as the term went on. Coaching led by Mr Breag focussed on developing the boys’ doubles tactical awareness and game play which was honed with a variety of drills and conditioned games during games sessions. Further down the age groups the boys jostled for positions in teams and benefitted by playing with different partners and learning how to play together with a variety of strategies. Both the U15s and U14s developed as the season progressed and the boys were helped to develop their core skills. Volleying was a particular focus for the term and the boys’ confidence to get to the net and to put pressure on opponents improved as their ability to volley accurately and effectively improved. The term saw some players finishing at Oakham, and particular mention must go to Guy Sturmey who first represented the School as a Form 2 pupil and he hardly missed a match since. Guy captained the 1st VI this year and we are grateful to him for his service and dedication throughout his time at the School. We look forward to seeing a more normal season return to 2022 and the future looks bright as we plan ahead.
SPORT: BOYS TENNIS/SHOOTING
p111
U12 & U13 Boys Tennis
Shooting
Written by Peta Girdwood (coach) This has been the first term of boys tennis in the Lower School and even after just this term it has a promising place within the games programme. The Lower School boys enjoyed some fantastic fixtures against Witham Hall, Worksop College, Oundle and Stamford, as well as taking part in some mixed doubles matches as well. The U13A boys won against Oundle with extremely close sets against Stamford and Worksop. The U13B boys won against Stamford, with many of those players also playing in the mixed matches vs Witham where they also had a successful afternoon. The U12 boys, many of whom were new to tennis, worked hard to improve their basic skills and they relished the opportunity to represent the School and play against many of our local competitors. The future of Lower School boys’ tennis is exciting and this term’s performances allowed us to see the potential of where it can grow to. Well done to all the players who represented the School.
Written by Iain Reeves (master i/c Shooting) Oakham pupils saw success across the rifle range earlier in the year. It was great that they were able to continue to compete in a variety of competitions in a socially distanced and safe manner. They worked hard to develop their skills, concentration, patience and strength, and I’m incredibly proud of their achievements. Congratulations to Form 7 pupil Adam who was selected to shoot for England in the British Schools Small Bore Rifle (BSSRA) National Match International event, based on his performances in competitions throughout the season. Adam was also a part of the BSSRA Divisional winning team along with Oakhamians Alex (Form 6), George (Form 7) and Sam (Form 6). They won Division 3 of Section 2 in the Spring Term league. Meanwhile Form 4 pupil Charles won the Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Target Shooting Association (NLRTSA) Under 16 Championship beating several talented competitors from across the counties. Alex and Sam (Form 6) also made it through to the final three competitors of their age category in this championship. Furthermore, in the National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA) Inter County Championship Adam, Alex and Sam represented the County.
1
2
3
1 U13A Boys Tennis 3 U12 Boys Tennis 2 U13B Boys Tennis
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SPORT: ATHLETICS
No Limits for Oakham Athletics! From the first weekend, breaking psychological barriers of competing again after a two-year gap, to the last weekend, smashing School records that have stood the test of time, this has been an extraordinary term. Written by Tref Vandoros, Director of Athletics Oakham has dug deep, risen strong and proved to be a force beyond nature. I cannot be prouder of all our athletes and coaches for finding their strength when everything has been against them. Success does not come in competition, but in a real devoted and dedicated effort in training. I have watched athletes run into the ground giving their last breath to take their last step, push past barriers of self-belief, fight even when the opposition were well beyond their reach with a never give-up attitude! The year for Oakham Athletics, there have been No Limits!
Senior Athletics Paul Augustine-Ohwo – Boys’ Field Captain We won many medals across the board, but the real strength of the team showed when we supported the other athletes running, jumping or throwing. The spirit of the group was fantastic, and I hope it will carry on through next year and beyond.
Helen Braybrook – Girls’ Track Captain Every week, everyone tries super hard at training and it isn’t always a pretty sight, but it is definitely worth it for the outcomes we have all achieved! The most amazing thing about the team is that everyone is up for anything and will try incredibly hard at everything they do, even if it is not their favourite event, I’ve seen it first hand; people stepping up just to do the School proud and that is what makes my athletics experience so special. Thank you especially to Mr Vandoros, Mr Denman and Mr Ross for being out on the track no matter what the weather and making my athletics at Oakham an amazing experience which I will always remember!
SPORT: ATHLETICS
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2021 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS English Schools Qualification – Leicestershire & Rutland Representation 9 –11 July 2021 Sofia Barrett – Junior Girls 300m Fabian Powell – Inter Boys 100m Isabelle Skelton – Senior Girls 400m
Open Meet Athletes on Power of 10 Competitions Participants: Helen Braybrook, Isabelle Skelton, Peter Braybrook, Fabian Powell, Sofia Barrett, Scarlett Blackman 10 School Records were broken in Open Meets. Izzy Skelton broke 6, Sofia Barrett broke 3 12 May - Izzy Skelton did the double at the Loughborough Open, breaking the 200m and the 400m Senior Girls Records 23 May - Izzy ran at the Loughborough International running in the Woman’s 400m, earning 3rd place and a record time of 55.3s 8 June - Sofia Barrett ran the 300m in a new Junior Girls School Record time of 40.9s. This puts her #1 in the country. She followed this up an hour later running the 200m breaking a second School Record in 26.7s 13 June - Izzy competed in the Counties National U20 Championships earning a National Silver Medal & breaking the Senior Girls 400m School Record again in a time of 55.18s 15 June – Sofia broke the Junior Girls 100m Record at the Kettering Open, adding to the 300m and the 200m from the week before
Leicester & Rutland Weekend Fixtures 4 Meets, 16 School Records & 148 1st Places Junior Girls – 33 1st places & 5 School Records were broken. 4x100 relay team at Oundle, Sofia Barrett broke the 100m at Oundle and repeated the feat a week later again at Oundle, Sammy Kaczmar broke the U13 200m record running for the Junior girls & Roe Mee broke the 2004 Junior Girls Shot Record Junior Boys – 16 1st Places Inter Girls – 27 1st places & the 2003 School Record was broken by Issy Golland in the Hurdles at Rugby. The 4x100 relay team closed in on the 50s breaking a 2012 record, running 51.2s Inter Boys – 25 1st Places & 1 School Record was broken by the 4x100 relay team who broke the 45s barrier at Oundle Senior Girls – 38 1st Places & 8 School Records were broken in Open Meets. Izzy Skelton broke 5 (Hurdles x2, 400m x2, Long Jump) and Helen Braybrook broke the 800m School Record 3 times Senior Boys gained 10 well-earned 1st Places
Junior Athletics Junior Athletics 3 Meets, 30 1st Places, 4 School Records Sammy Kaczmar broke the 100m and the 200m twice 4 Girls competed in the Achilles Relays for the Junior U15 Team: Sammy Kaczmar, Olivia Courtman, Betsy Healey and Bibi Healey The winning 4x 100 team included Sammy Kaczmar The winning 4x 200 team included Sammy and Olivia Courtman The winning 3x 800 team included Liv, Betsy and Bibi who were also very close to beating the U17 Girls All 3 teams are the proud holders of the New Achilles Record and New School Records for these events
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SPORT: ATHLETICS
National Achilles Relays – Oxford University 24 June 2021 14 Races, 9 Wins, 7 Medal Winners, 5 Second Places, 5 New Achilles Records, 10 New School Records Peter Braybrook: Boys’ Track Captain Competing for the first time in two years, the standard of competition was remarkable. There are many examples to prove the progression of all of Oakham’s athletes, the final athletics meet in particular perfectly epitomised the whole season, demonstrating the hard work athletes had put in since the start. A selection of relay teams was taken down to Oxford to compete in the Achilles National Relays at the site of Sir Roger Bannister’s sub 4-minute mile. Faced with tough competition, it looked as though our sensational relay teams might face some close opposition (although it had been nice trouncing Uppingham each week). Nonetheless, the 4x100 Oakham teams proved to be out of reach of every school there, with ancient meeting records being smashed in the process by the inter boys and the junior girls. In fact, Oakham maintained a firm grasp on the top positions throughout the day, one of the only schools to consistently challenge for 1st place. The final event saw the senior boys 4x400 take to the track against some of the best athletes in the country. Victory looked as if it would need to be very well earned, and indeed it was. The boys displayed a dominant performance that left the other schools in the dust, securing yet another decisive win for Oakham.
1 Mr Clarke with the medals haul
2 U15 Girls 3 U20 Boys 4x400 team
4 U17 Boys 4x100 team
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2
3
4
5
5 U15 Girls 3X800 team
SPORT: ATHLETICS
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ACHILLES HIGHLIGHTS U15 Girls 4x100 1st Place / 51.2 School Record & New Achilles Record E.Bell, A.Smith, S.Blackman, S.Kaczmar U15 Girls 4x200 1st Place / 1.49.9min New School Record & New Achilles Record A.Smith, O.Courtman, S.Kaczmar, S. Barrett U15 Girls 3x800 1st Place / 7.43.1min School Record & New Achilles Record Betsy and Bibi Healey and Olivia Courtman U17 Girls 4x100 1st Place / 50.7 New School Record E.Smith, A.Smith, M.Bairstow, S.Barrett U17 Boys 4x100 1st Place / 43.8 New School Record (* Equals the 2012 Senior Boys School Record) & New Achilles Record F.Powell, E.Powell, T.Cousins, O.Osuji U17 Boys 4x200 2nd Place / 1.36.2min New School Record E.Jackson, F.Fairman, E.Powell, F.Powell U17 Boys 4x400 2nd Place / 3.41.4min New School Record (2013 3.41.6min) F.Powell, E.Powell, F.Fairman, O.Osuji U20 Girls 4x100 2nd Place / 49.7 New School Record (0.4 off Achilles Record) E.Skinner, A.Dudin, I.Skelton, B.Malyon U20 Girls 4x200 2nd Place / 1.47min New School Record U20 Boys 4x800 2nd / 8.21.3min P.Braybrook, O.Ricketts, R.Rodell, R.Rodell U20 Boys 4x400 1st / 3.35.4min P.Braybrook, D.Mushonga, C.Leung, P.Augustine-Ohwo
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SPORT: HOCKEY
Hockey Girls Hockey Written by James Bateman (Director of Hockey) In what has been a strange year at Oakham, hockey has been a safe haven in which life has been as close to normal on the pitch. Never before has it been such a good time to be wearing a bib with constant washing and cleaning of equipment to meet strict Covid measures. With the absence of fixtures, a new competition was formed with the invention of Saturday Showdowns! Based on the FIH Pro League, year groups were split into the eight nations that make up the league, playing each other over five weeks with every week offering a different game constraint to challenge their thinking. The girls’ enthusiasm for competitive sport was tremendous with the games becoming ever more competitive with each week, resulting in some hotly contested finals. The winners for each age group were as follows:
Form 3 – Germany Form 4 – Netherlands Form 5 – Netherlands Form 6 – Australia In between the weeks of Saturday Showdowns, House hockey took centre stage with each year group having the opportunity to represent their House for the first time. Congratulations to the following Houses:
Form 4 – Hambleton Form 5 – Buchanans Form 6 – Hambleton While we have not been able to play any inter-school fixtures this academic year, the girls have approached training with a fantastic attitude using this season to develop their own games ready for the challenges of next year. With a packed fixture card already planned, it is sure to be an exciting season next year with so much to look forward to.
Boys Hockey A return to lockdown and online learning in the Spring Term, hockey seamlessly moved to behind a screen. A series of webinars throughout the term utilised our extensive video library of footage and our Coach Logic analysis platform to enable our pupils to continue to develop their game from anywhere in the world. The competitive edge was not lost with a weekly skills challenge for the Lower School to “Beat Mr Bateman”, which saw pupils logging in each week from bedrooms, living rooms and gardens to take down Mr Bateman. It was brilliant to see pupils engaging with hockey even when confined to their homes. As lockdown eased and a return to in-person teaching resumed, the boys could put their new online skills into practice with training on Tuesdays followed by a new “Thinking Thursday” weekly challenge in which teams were challenged with tactical problems to solve. Saturday fixtures were replaced with House hockey in which the boys could compete against each other in their year group bubbles, enabling the boys to get their competitive juices flowing! Congratulations to the following Houses:
Form 3 – Wharflands Form 4 – Clipsham Form 5 – Barrow Form 6 – Barrow It must be noted that the standard of boys’ House hockey was the highest in many years, with the boys developing their own tactics to play to their teams’ strengths and using the skills they have learned over lockdown to put into practice when it really mattered! A true credit to their desire to make the most of their opportunity to play competitive sport. As we look forward to next year, it is sure to be an exciting year for boys hockey with so many opportunities to look forward to!
Congratulations to Daisy, Violet, Immi and Evelyn who were selected for National Age Group Assessments for England Hockey. Congratulations also to Evelyn who secured a place in the England U16 National Age Group Assessment Squad.
Rugby Written by Andy Rice, Director of Rugby There is no doubt that the 2020/21 XV had every chance of being as successful as previous sides. Jed Gelderbloom was appointed as 1st XV captain with Danny O’ Regan, Oliver Walls, Felix Martin, Henry England, Fin Matthews, Ethan Waller, Henry Joule, Will Topper and Scott Haley all returning to the squad having gained 1st XV experience in 2019/20. It is a great credit to the Form 7 boys, 23 of whom trained regularly as a group, that they accepted rugby was very unlikely to be played in the Winter Term of 2020 and it is even more to their credit that they trained as if they were playing every Saturday. The 3rd and 4th XV group was made up of a further 30 Form 7 boys who, under Mr Edwards’ and Mr Aiken’s guidance, trained with equal enthusiasm. Indeed as the RFU made progress behind the scenes with the Government and rays of hope emerged, only for Covid figures nationally to spike again as we went into another lockdown, the boys just seemed to carry on with a mature acceptance. Although we returned to School in March, a second Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens was cancelled to draw a final line under rugby for 2020/21. Ironically the cancellation of external GCSEs enabled the RFU to support clubs and schools with a summer rugby programme that under normal circumstances wouldn’t be feasible, meaning we approached September with optimism and look forward to an uninterrupted season of rugby. A highlight of this was when we welcomed Martin Johnson, who captained England to victory in the 2003 Rugby World Cup and is regarded as one of England’s greatest ever rugby players, to help coach the rugby teams. The boys enjoyed being coached by such a legendary rugby player, and it was great that they could benefit from his expertise. My thanks to all my colleagues who support rugby in the School in a unique and challenging year and to the boys for their brilliance in difficult circumstances.
For more news of our OO rugby players, including an interview with our legendary rugby coach, Ian Smith, see pages 36-39 of the Old Oakhamian magazine.
Henry Joule and Jacob Cusick joined the list of Oakhamians selected for England U18s, making 16 since Lewis Moody in 1994. Jacob was also offered a playing contract with Leicester Tigers, as was fellow teammate Jed Gelderbloom, who recently signed for Edinburgh after training with them over the summer.
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SPORT: HOCKEY
Netball Lauren Nicholls, Director of Netball It was an unusual start to the netball term, as we began distance learning for the second time. Although pupils couldn’t return to School for any netball action, we prepared for the netball season whilst online. Pupils worked really hard on the netball HIIT sessions which worked on their fitness and some skills at home. We also had a ‘Netball Natter’ club where we would watch the Vitality Superleague Matches and talk about what we saw and analyse the games. In March we made our return to court for a 3-week netball term and although we didn’t play any fixtures, the pupils were very excited to get back to School and get playing. We began our Superleague Saturdays, with each year group having their own tournament. The players enjoyed being named after the current Superleague teams and trying to emulate their play. To finish the term we had a fantastic House Netball Tournament. Hambleton were the winners of the intermediate competition and Rushebrookes won the senior competition. Form 7 enjoyed their last taste of Oakham netball through mixed netball in Activities sessions and the annual Rugby vs Netball Match. We celebrated the contribution of all of the Form 7 netballers and highlighted four in particular who received Colours for netball: Ella Turner, Becca Malyon, Molly Johnson and Margot Buchanan. The term was short and sweet but it was great to see the pupils back together again and I look forward to next year.
Congratulations, Lauren! Congratulations to Oakham School’s Director of Netball, Lauren Nicholls, who was part of the winning team Loughborough Lightning, who were crowned Superleague champions in June 2021. The team secured a 49-32 victory over Team Bath in the Grand Final held at the Copper Box Arena and their achievement marks their first ever Superleague title. After having represented Loughborough Lightning for nine seasons, Lauren recently joined Wasps and juggles being an elite sports athlete with her role as Director of Netball at Oakham School.
Evie, Izzie and Milly were selected for the U15 and U17 Loughborough Lightning Academy
SPORT: SAILING
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New Sailing Co-ordinator set to show Pupils the Ropes Ollie Hooper, our new Sailing and Adventurous Learning Co-ordinator, is looking forward to showing pupils the ropes and continuing sailing as a sport at the School. Leading in both pupil coaching and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award sailing activities, Ollie has taken the reins on the water sport at the stunning location of Rutland Water. We caught up with him to discuss his previous experiences and his exciting plans for sailing at the School. Written by Emily Howett When did you first start sailing? I’ve always been told my first time on a boat was whilst I was still in my mother’s tummy and that I would go out sailing with my parents long before I could walk. I grew up local to Rutland Water as I was based in Edith Weston, so I fell in love with the water from a young age. Tell us a bit about you. I’ve always been very local to the Oakham area. I absolutely love the outdoors and have always been massively into sports. I’ve played a lot of rugby in my youth but was always more drawn to sailing and being out in the water. I currently sail in an 18ft skiff in a triple trapeze high performance dinghy. I’ve also done my yacht masters and have enjoyed doing a variety of different types of sailing.
Why Oakham School? Having grown up locally and sailed at Rutland Water for so long, I was already aware of Oakham School’s long-standing achievements in sailing. I used to race against a lot of pupils, so I knew how high their skill levels were and looked up to them. I’d also been looking to get back into sailing and the marine industry for a while so this was the perfect opportunity for me! What are your plans for sailing at Oakham? With Oakham having had such a fantastic reputation for sailing, I’d like to get this back up to where it was before and beyond if possible. I’d also like to encourage more pupils to try sailing to really garner a fresh interest in the sport. We’d like to look at doing some race training in the future too, so for now it’s about getting a grassroots team in place and spending time coaching them to be the best they can be. Why is sailing a good sport to get into? Sailing is a great way to challenge yourself both mentally and physically but what’s really fantastic about it is that no matter what your ability or size or background, it can suit anyone. Sailing can shape us into problem solvers, team players, decision makers and stronger people. It’s a fantastic sport that you can do for a lifetime and, just as some Old Oakhamians are proving, it can really take you far in your career and is a great sport to compete in.
What can pupils expect from a sailing lesson? In our sailing lessons, we’ll get the minibus to Rutland Water, have some time on land doing a tuition and then we’ll get the pupils out on the water to put what they’ve learnt into practice. It’s always important to provide a hands-on learning approach in sports such as this and we’ll make sure we play games to help the pupils remember their lessons. We might even finish the session with a little friendly race before heading back to land. Why is Rutland Water the ideal sailing location? Rutland Water offers sailors the ideal space to really accommodate every individual of every skill set. It provides spaces that give shelter on windy days and is large enough that you can run lessons without disruption from anyone else on the water. They have two sailing clubs which run national and international events and there’s a good facility for disabled sailors, meaning it’s a very inclusive place. Rutland Water is overall a fantastic place for sailing so for Oakham School to have it so close by is a brilliant asset for all of us.
Ollie Hooper, Oakham’s new Sailing and Adventurous Learning Co-ordinator
50 Years of Co-education Visit our webpage to see how we’ve been celebrating this historic landmark
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Photos & Memories
1972 2021
Old Oakhamians Stephen and Jill Castling, who met as pupils at Oakham School in the early 1970s and later married. They re-enacted the same photo outside College House at the 50 Years of Co-education afternoon tea in September 2021.
Read the story of co-education in the Old Oakhamian magazine
2021