THE POCKLINGTONIAN 2013/14
Destinations of 2014 Leavers Axup, P Baines, J Bedford, R Beharrell, M Bird, J Bisson, L Boyes, C Brash, C Broadbent, W Brown, E Burn, S Chan, K Chappelow, A Cheney, E Clough, D Doyle, E Eggleston, S Furby, E Getsov, S Glew, A Gopal, S Graham, E Grieve, E Hall, H Hall, S Heaven, I Henderson, F Hesmondhalgh, R Hessay, L Houghton, A Hutchinson, A Kearney, A Kerr, J Kwok, J Laverack, L Lewis, C Lin, C Littlewood, J Lloyd, G Male, J May, T McCabe, C McFarlane, F Morton, D Norgate, E Pavlou, J Peel, K Perryman, S Pratt, K Preece, A Rainforth, G Rhodes, W Richmond, H Rix, L Robinson, H Roe, B Sanderson, S Schofield, C Sergeant, H Slater, T Smart, J Smith, M Stephenson, E Tait, A Thompson, B Thompson, J Thomson, W To, W Todd, B Tsang, O Wagstaff, J Weeks, F Wilton, A Wong, P Woodhouse, A Wu, B Zhong, D
Sheffield Hallam University University of Sheffield Aston University West Thames College University of Hull Newcastle University Newcastle University University of Bristol University of Winchester Nottingham Trent University University of Leeds University of Essex King’s College London University of Lincoln University of St Andrews University of Hull University of Leeds Northumbria University Sheffield Hallam University University of Edinburgh St Catharine’s College, Cambridge University of Hull University of Warwick Loughborough University York St John University York St John University University of Leeds University of Warwick Newcastle University University of Greenwich Oxford Brookes University Northumbria University University of Sheffield University of Kent Northumbria University University of Chester University of Surrey Aberystwyth University University of Liverpool Teesside University Newcastle University Brunel University Nottingham Trent University Sheffield Hallam University University of Manchester Northumbria University University of Birmingham Northumbria University Durham University Newcastle University Bangor University Newcastle University University of Hull University of Hull University of Edinburgh Manchester Metropolitan University Manchester Metropolitan University Newcastle University University of Bath University of Leeds University of Nottingham Oxford Brookes University Newcastle University Northumbria University Keele University Newcastle University Leeds Metropolitan University Durham University York College University of Leicester Manchester Metropolitan University University of Derby University of Bristol University of Leicester University of Nottingham Sheffield Hallam University Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge
Real Estate 2015 Aerospace Engineering Logistics Management Specialist Makeup Chemistry (with Foundation Year) Agri-Business Management 2015 Business Management Medicine Primary Education with QTS 2015 Criminology Politics Biomedical Science History Interior Architecture and Design Chemistry with External Placement Working with Children and Young People in a Learning Context History Business Management 2015 Business and Enterprise Management Structural Engineering with Architecture Economics English Film and Literature Information Technology Management for Business Primary Education Counselling, Coaching & Mentoring French and Italian B Theatre and Performance Studies Business Management 2015 Philosophy and Creative Writing Music/Psychology History Aerospace Engineering with a Year in Industry Criminology Criminology and Forensic Science Events Management Economics Astrophysics Veterinary Science Computer Animation and Visual Effects (with Foundation Year) Agriculture Civil Engineering German and Chinese International Business Chemistry Marketing Management Biological Sciences Civil Engineering Law Modern Languages and Business Studies Law with Criminology Combined Honours Psychology Education and Early Years Mechanical Engineering Fashion Buying and Merchandising Education Studies Geography Computer Science Medicine Ancient History and Latin Nursing (Children’s) Agri-Business Management 2015 Business Management Medicine Agri-Business Management Business and Management 2015 Business and Management Foundation Degree in Community and Public Services Management Studies Sport and Exercise Science 2015 American Studies Economics Pharmaceutical Chemistry Philosophy Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Foundation Engineering
Non UCAS Mok, G Heywood, M Platt, I Amato, N Campbell-Burrell, W Hobson, G Loten, E Paver, G Rogerson, J Davis, B Davis, F Dixon, N Hutchinson, E Meng, R Potts Harmer, A Risso-Gill, B Russell, J Secker, C Smart, B Smith, H Taylor, C Wilkinson, E
Penn State University Science major Leeds College of Art Foundation Diploma Art and Design De Montfort University Foundation Diploma Art and Design Returning to education in Italy or Germany Continuing in education Self-employment Employment One year KPMG course Employment Employment Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, travelling Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, applying for 2015 entry Gap year, applying for 2015 entry
Pupils meet His Royal Highness The Duke of York, May 2014
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SCHOOL
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LENT
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SUMMER
Editorial 2 Headmaster 3 Heads of School 4 Appointments 5 Staff News 6 Staff Profiles 13 Quincentenary Founder’s Day Service – York Minster 16 HRH Visit 17 Charity Week 18 School Walk 19 Community Action 20 Creative Writing 21
BOARDING Orchard 22 Dolman 23 Faircote 24 Fenwick-Smith 25
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ACADEMIC
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MICHAELMAS
Sport 54 Music 60 Battlefields 65 French Exchange 66 Paris 67 German Exchange 68 Berlin 69 Munich 70 Poland 71 Holy Island 72
Sport 73 Duke of Edinburgh 84 Sports Day 86 Drama 88 5th Form Dinner 90 Beijing 91 David Bagot Scholarships 92 CCF 94 Pockfest 500 96
English 26 History 27 ICT 28 Maths and Science 29 Activities 31
Last Post 33 Sport 34 Drama 46 USA 50 Creative Writing 51 Art 52
Editor: Louise A Lamb (lambl@pocklingtonschool.com). Editorial Committee: Corinne Clark, Lucy Wride and Emelia West. Design & Production: yellow torpedo byrå (www.yellowtorpedo.com). As ever, we would like to thank our contributors, with a special mention to the many photographers around school whose work is showcased in this issue. We are always eager to hear readers’ views as we strive to improve this, our annual celebration of school life. Please email the Editor and let us know what you think!
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Editorial
It is my absolute pleasure to welcome you to this extra special edition of The Pocklingtonian, writes Emily Grieve (U6). ❦ We are pleased to bring to you more exciting sports reports and results, news and updates from academic departments from both staff and pupils alike and, of course, detailed reports on some of the wonderful trips which have taken place over the year. ❦ On this, our 500th anniversary, the school aimed to make our academic experience even more special than before and I couldn’t have been more thrilled to have been asked to write this Editorial to reflect such a momentous period in Pocklington’s history. My time working for the publication (and surprise trips to The Deli – strictly business of course (ssh. Don’t make them jealous. Ed)) has been one of the best experiences of my school career. I hope that the new team are as inspired for life as I have been. ❦ It only remains for me to wish you a pleasant gander through the pages which follow. If you particularly enjoy reading a page, or even a line of text, please let us know at Magazine Towers. It’s always nice to receive a word or two, in praise (or blame!), to help us improve for next year. ❦ Happy browsing!
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Headmaster
“I was very pleasantly surprised the other day.Two teenage girls were standing on the corner of my street by the hedge, and as they were obviously there for a while, I went out to see what was happening.They were acting as marshals for the pupils of Pocklington School, who were engaged on a walk.Two more pleasant, polite and charming girls it would be hard to find.” This was written by Sue Woodcock in her Wolds Diary in The Yorkshire Post, and I was handed this article as I left the Sports Hall at the end of Prizegiving, our final act of the school calendar. It has been a remarkable year, and a great privilege to be part of Pocklington in 2014, its 500th birthday.
“I have always been conscious that in celebrating our Quincentenary, what is most important is the way that Pocklingtonians engage with each other, and those beyond the school gates.”
I have always been conscious that in celebrating our Quincentenary, what is most important is the way that Pocklingtonians engage with each other, and those beyond the school gates. The School Walk is a great bi-annual event: we step out from West Green and enjoy, and maybe endure for some at times, a remarkable 15 mile expedition through the Wolds. This year, Clare, my wife’s best friend, joined us with her daughter Amy from Tasmania. Clare was struck both by the politeness of Pocklingtonians and their encouragement of each other, but also the guidance provided by teachers, particularly when a water bottle departed from the hand of a first year pupil over a fence, soon to be re-gathered following some nurturing words from Mr Andrews. The pages which follow will tell of successes and achievements in a great diversity of activities, both within and beyond the classroom. It is always particularly inspiring to view examples of pupils’ work, artistic, photographic and written. I was delighted that our children’s excellent personal achievement and development were acknowledged by the Independent School Inspectorate last November, which was not one of our planned Quincentenary events!
“As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I hope that through these pages all pupils will recognise the great opportunities that they have available at Pocklington. It is my desire that they seize these chances, both to support their personal growth, and importantly to make a positive difference for others whilst they are here and when they leave school. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” MER
THE POCKLINGTONIAN
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Heads of School Head Boy I felt a sense of apprehension mixed with excitement upon receiving the letter informing me that I’d been made Head Boy for the upcoming year, and this sense of apprehension was only heightened when I heard that there would be weekly meetings with the Headmaster, although these turned out to be less daunting than anticipated, occasionally punctuated with the delicious chocolate-based rewards from Mrs Ronan, writes Shreyas Gopal (U6). I was slightly fortunate to be able to avoid the heavy rains of the Lake District, the location of the Prefect Trip, in order to play cricket in Scotland (predictably, it also rained there), and as anyone who has seen me attempt anything practical whatsoever would attest, it just might have been a good thing I wasn’t there to ‘help’ with the putting up of tents and the cooking.
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of the year, although I should probably wait until after the speech at Prizegiving to say that! Additionally, I’d like to thank Faye for putting up with my generally disorganised nature and occasional laziness, especially when it came to emailing people, a thing she probably decided I had an irrational hatred for by the end of the year. I’d also like to thank all the staff who have been a major part of my greatly enjoyable time here at Pocklington over the past seven years. Finally I’d like to wish the next Heads of School the best of luck for what will undoubtedly be a busy year, and one that will fly by in what seems like no time at all, just as this last year has for me!
Head Girl
The past year has been full of memorable events, including the opportunity to meet Prince Andrew and to speak at the York Minster service, and the fact these events went so smoothly was due in part to the commitment of the excellent team of Prefects that Faye and I were lucky to lead.
The letter announcing my new role as Head Girl was greeted by many different reactions. In particular my sister laughed and I was asked,“How have you done that?” by my parents, who were also very proud. Needless to say this was not the most encouraging start, and undoubtedly I was very nervous; however, with the help of the Prefect Team, we got off to a great start, writes Faye McFarlane (U6).
Throughout this year the responsibilities and duties of being Head Boy have undoubtedly helped me develop as a person: for example, I think my public speaking skills have improved over the course
Torrential rain on the Prefect Trip to the Lake District seems to have become a tradition. Putting up a tent and attempting to make dinner in the rain is not an experience I wish to re-live, and it has firmly put me off
The Pocklingtonian
camping for a very long time. I’m sure it’s safe to say that the Prefect Christmas meal was much more enjoyed by everyone, as in the comfort of a warm environment we all got along much better! The service at York Minster was an event we were all really looking forward to. Shreyas and I were given the daunting task of reading a prayer in front of the 2,500 people present, which for me was extremely nerve-racking. However, Shreyas, who is the calmer one of us, didn’t really seem fazed at all. Throughout the year the great responsibility of being Head Girl has required growing up and a greater level of maturity. That was until staff gunging arrived. Due to it being the 500th year of the school, Mr Ronan, sporting a lovely Christmas onesie, kindly volunteered himself to be gunged, and Shreyas and I were the lucky ones who got to do it. We poured three buckets over him, raising a lot for charity, and also providing a very entertaining lunch break! This final year has definitely taught and developed me as a person. I have become more confident in public speaking, gained great team skills and most importantly, learnt how to be extra organised. I have every faith that next year’s Head Boy and Head Girl will do a remarkable job and that they will take everything in their stride.
SCHOOL APPO I NT MENT S
Appointments School Head Boy Head Girl Deputy Head Boy Deputy Head Girl
Boarding Shreyas Gopal Faye McFarlane Tom Slater Kate Pratt
Prefects Joshua Baines Laura Bisson Alex Chappelow Daisy Clough Fraser Davis Sara Eggleston Rebekah Hesmondhalgh Liam Hessay
Georgina Lloyd Emma Norgate Billy Risso-Gill Hugh Robinson Beth Smart James Thompson Joshua Wagstaff Alice Wilton
Head of Faircote Head of Fenwick-Smith
Clare Schofield Joshua Wagstaf
Day Heads Heads Heads Heads
of of of of
Dolman Henry Smith, Ellie Stephenson Gruggen James Pavlou, Emma Hutchinson Hutton Wesley To, Alice Preece Wilberforce Finlay Henderson, Lily Laverack
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S TA F F NE WS
Staff News Congratulations! Congratulations to Sarah Wass on birth of Lottie Robin on 28 December, weighing 7lbs 8 oz. We welcomed Claire Castle, who is covering Olivia’s lessons in the Art department. Congratulations to Helen and Tristan Alexander-Hymers on the safe arrival of Sawyer James (pictured below), on 30 August 2014, weighing 7lb 12oz.
Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Hughes on the birth of George Jack Rupert Hughes, who arrived at 0955 on Monday 22 September, weighing in at 7lb 11oz. All are doing well. As we go to print, we are awaiting news of Mr and Mrs Davies’s first born. (And we are all very excited!) Our very best wishes to all the new parents at Pocklington this year. In other news, if pupils have noticed that their teachers are in better form immediately after first break on a
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Tuesday, it may be because they’ve been munching on cake. It was Mr Binks who introduced the idea of Masterbakers to the staffroom: now, Tuesdays will never be the same again! The queue for the bakes lengthens and – incredibly (for this is the real test) – the biscuits remain uneaten. Particular successes? Amazing sponge cakes (no soggy bottoms that we’ve noticed), gooey chocolate slices, light lemon tarts and fabulous cheese scones…the list goes on and gets better with each week. The bakers? Inspired by Bake Off and the efforts of their colleagues, they enjoy the plaudits of fellow staff, and a bottle of wine. Our smiles grow wider, and our waistlines thicker. And all is well with the world!
Charity Ride The distance we covered in 24 hours, a challenge set in honour of the Quincentenary, turned out to be nearer 580 miles due in part to the fact that Cambridge had been moved and no one had bothered to let us know. I will be having words with Ordnance Survey! The photograph below shows us setting off from Pocklington (unfortunately the Chapel pictures with the statue of a sitting William Wilberforce did not turn out very well). A big thanks again to all who supported us. Andrew Clark and Matthew Partis
STA FF DEPART U R ES short on immediate colleagues to coach girls games amongst the rugby dwelling male staff, Margaret soon press-ganged me into taking what I presume was one of the first U14/U15 mixed bag of a girls’ hockey team.
Margaret Newhouse Pocklington, 1989-2014 There is an unconscious, imperceptible, psychological comfort blanket associated with spending almost every day of one’s working life with a highly trusted friend and colleague.That sense of deep regard, and binding, shared security becomes a tangible, daily strength when it has occurred over a 6-day working week for exactly a quarter of a century. When Margaret joined the school staff in September 1989 to be the first ever Head of Girls’ Games, the school was just edging itself gingerly into the previously unknown territory of being a fully co-educational establishment (there had been girls in the Sixth Form for a while). Just starting my second year at the school as the first younger girls arrived, we male staff were suddenly calling all the children by their Christian, rather than their surnames, and finding ways of integrating what was at first a trickle of ones and twos, and then more of a steady stream of five and six girls, into our boy-dominated classrooms. Learning tasks, extra-curricular activities – and of course – games, were now for girls too. Another story worth recounting, but not for now, was the welcoming of our female colleagues into the male-club of the staff room! Into this cauldron, Margaret’s brief was to get girls’ games, literally, up and running. Girls’ hockey goals, netball courts and rounders pitches soon began to appear around the rugby and cricket grounds. Clearly
In an early school fixture, Margaret introduced me to the St Peter’s girls’ games staff, a lady who eventually became my wife (one of Margaret’s early impacts on my time at the school!). In the fixture itself, memorable for the fact (other than my wife!) that the team consisted of the only eleven girls in that particular part of the school, I believe we achieved a long corner at one point. Margaret had much to do! Margaret’s innovation, energy, games knowledge, coaching expertise and her array of the local network of school contacts, enabled the games and fixtures for the girls to grow suddenly and massively. Quarter of a century later, the school is rightly established as a local, regional and nationally recognised HMC opponent. The Hockey 1st XI, along with a multitude of other girls’ teams and sports, have all been coached by Margaret. As the girls’ numbers grew, she qualified herself as an aerobics and aqua-aerobics teacher in order to introduce those girl-based initiatives into the curriculum, and joined the female sports staff at Lyndhurst. More recently, as Physical Education became an established academic course at GCSE, AS and A2 beyond the first to third year curriculum, Margaret turned her attention to the classroom and taught the subject throughout the school. Overseas tours to Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, Dublin, Spain and Jersey were organised and staffed, and ski-trips supported. Meanwhile, as the girls’ numbers grew, Margaret was finding her way into the formative and much needed female pastoral roles, notably the Housemistress of Faircote Boarding House for a pivotal school year. She later continued her boarding involvement with a long association with junior boys’ boarding as a Non-Resident Tutor in Lyndhurst/St John’s House for a good ten years.
With that wide schoolmistress experience building, especially with the younger boys and girls, she was appointed to the Hutton Housemistress role from which her pastoral career then flourished in parallel to the sporting side of her talents. My own association with Margaret now took on a far deeper resonance, with Margaret as the Lower School Hutton Housemistress, and myself as the Head of Lower School. We worked together on many difficult and varied pressing situations with young children, who benefitted so much from her natural kindness with high expectations, warmth of care, and insightful appreciation of the younger child in both body and soul. I know that Margaret’s words and actions changed the course of a number of young lives as she coached and encouraged on the games field, and listened and guided when there were tears and hardships or fun and success. When the opportunity arose she was a natural Head of Lower School. Deeply involved by now in the progress of the younger child in the school, she moved into Pocklington School Management and the Pastoral Management Group, enhancing the key Lower School events such as the Induction Day and House Camp into her own cannier versions, stamping her own motherly (dare I say grandmotherly?) kind but firm approach to the role. I have always admired Margaret’s common sense. In a teaching world which is different to the one that we both entered, she has remained a flagship of her own generation. Technology has both arrived and moved on, but children’s minds will forever need the basic stabilising forces of the insistence upon good manners, hard work, doing your best and the dignity of self-respect and kindness to others. These are virtues exemplified and role modelled by Margaret to all of the children, many now adults, who have come across her desk and sports fields across these last twenty five years. And somewhere along the line, of course, she met Michael Newhouse… DBD
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S TA F F D E PA RTURE S
Mike Newhouse Every so often, amongst the unsorted paraphernalia on the Staff Room table, there appears a pile of photocopied sheets stapled together, with the title “Quiz” crudely encircled with a squiggly line.They are hand-written, for their author never prospered with type-writers (and we don’t mention the new things).A margarine tub carries a suggested price and the name of a chosen charity.You drop in the cash.You pick up a copy.You see questions on novels, plays, music, films, sport, travel... and you re-discover the scale of your own ignorance compared with the encyclopaedic knowledge of him, the Quizmaster. But no more. The era has passed. The quizzes will no longer appear to test and tease for after 31 years, Mike Newhouse has scrawled his last. Mike (“Pinky” to many) left Durham University in 1976 and came to us, after seven years at Lichfield Cathedral School, to teach English and French and to coach rugby and cricket. He spent his first years in Lyndhurst as a resident house tutor and continued to be around in the evenings until his departure, having been an evening Assistant in the Library latterly. Between times, he was resident tutor in Faircote Annexe (now the Health Centre but then an overspill house for 6th form boys) and non-resident tutor in School House and subsequently at FenwickSmith until 2010. He was a Gruggen form tutor for ever and Housemaster of all Gruggen before the houses were split into Lower, Middle and Senior units. He was unlucky enough to be ‘in charge of’ Lost Property for a while and did a stint ‘running’ the Lunch Queue, but was lucky enough to be involved with rugby tours to Canada, South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and Spain. Mike was – is still – an outstanding sportsman. Rugby and cricket are his fortés. Of these two passions, rugby
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is the greater. He played for his school (Giggleswick) and for Bede College in the British Colleges Cup while at Durham and for North Ribblesdale, Lichfield and Pocklington. He was an attacking centre/fly-half who loved to beat his opponents with a good, oldfashioned dummy or side-step (and no doubt infuriated them with the breadth of his grin). He had a good boot but was reluctant to resort to defensive touch-kicking except in extremis (some may say even in extremis), preferring to jink his way out of trouble. At Pocklington he coached the U15s, U16s and 2nd XV with flair and success, frustration and humour. He finished with the 3rd XV and also coached hockey, tennis, girls’ rugby and even rounders along the way. Games of touch and five-a-side staff football took their toll on Mike’s knees but he bounced back, seemingly evergreen. There’s a similar story with his bowling shoulder, as he continues to score runs and take wickets with his leg-spinners even now. In earlier
days he played Representative League Cricket in Co. Durham, Lancashire and Staffordshire and has been a member of the 1st XIs of Bede College, Lichfield CC and Settle CC, as well as Woodhouse Grange and Pocklington. He has played many games for the Pocklington Pixies and the Cryptics CC. At school, he fed his experience into the U12, U13, U14 and 2nd XI squads. Less conspicuous, perhaps, but no less significant, has been Mike’s work in the classroom. Having shed French after three years, he concentrated on GCSE English, where his other passions found outlet: literature, films, music and travel – all those things in his periodic quizzes. He has a great love of literature and a deep feel for the power of the written word to communicate the human condition and the world it inhabits. One former Head of English praised his attention to detail and described him as “committed to exposing kids to a wide range of literature and language in its most diverse form in modern
STA FF DEPART U R ES affinity with anyone and he is remarkably sensitive to the peculiar interests of others. His ready smile and easy conversation have helped many new colleagues to settle in and his departure will make it all the harder for those that remain to do so without feeling something is seriously missing.
culture”, creating lessons replete with references accessible to those in front of him. Of course, there were occasional deaf ears, but those who studied English in 6th form appreciated the enthusiasm with which he had inspired them. He was an accommodating member of a department constantly reassessing schemes of work and its performance. Never one to stir up acrimonious controversy himself, he found the occasional power-games played out by some colleagues somewhat unsettling, never more so than when, in recent years, he was the only male present! There is a modest streak in Mike and, for one so talented, also an endearing bashfulness. He is a great mimic: accents, intonations, expressions and mannerisms – all these perfected to a tee, but often attempts to get him to ‘perform’ will fail, producing nothing but a self-deprecating recoil. Yet, unprompted, he can be hilarious and no-one is immune from this scurrilous talent. American accents are a speciality. His renditions of dialogues from Of Mice and Men or To Kill a Mockingbird must have been eagerly anticipated in class. Despite being unable to read music, Mike is an accomplished bass player and has strummed in a variety of staff and pupil concerts. He performs in local pubs in a band called Uncut and The Duke of York in Gate Helmsley is a regular venue. Mike has been a marvellous friend to an enormous number of people, teaching and non-teaching staff alike. There’s a bit of him that can find an
In his retirement he will be reading books and more books, watching films and more films, and listening to music on and on. He’ll be playing cricket and his guitar, doing gigs with his band Uncut. He may go cycling with Margaret but he won’t be doing much on the computer and any DIY will be passed on to his friends. He’ll hang his Vettrianos, though, adjust his Betty Boos and ponder with Margaret which might be better where. . . And together they will travel, for Mike loves to observe the variety of scenery, nature and human culture. Their house in Fethiye – holiday destination for many friends and colleagues for 12 years – has been sold, so the world is their oyster again. When they come home friends will listen to their tales and enjoy again the company of this extraordinarily warm-hearted and generous man. And I have a sneaking suspicion they’ll have to do the occasional quiz, too! Rob Peel
Bryony Marshall
them. But her contribution to Drama goes much further than that. She has been a stalwart member of just about every Senior School production for the past 15 years, bringing her expertise, her compassion, her sense of fun and her passion for drama to assist and to lead. Bryony’s specific skill in voice has been invaluable. She has encouraged and enabled scores of softly spoken whisperers to blossom into fullvoiced operatic roarers and through her leadership and creativity in LAMDA, which she introduced, has enabled many, many students to develop these skills into national qualifications. For those of us who have worked alongside her in the Drama department Bryony has been a delight. She has cared for every pupil while being intolerant of the lazy. She has motivated through kindness and chastised through expressions of disappointment. She has brought a depth of knowledge, from English and Drama, to every production she has touched and improved them all immeasurably. From her musical extravaganza The Dracula Spectacula and the madness that was Poppy, long ago in what is now the Music School, through Oh What A Lovely War and, recently, to the triumphant A Woman Is A Weathercock, Bryony has never given less than her best – and what a best that has been! The raptures which greeted Earnest are typical of the quality of her work. Her final solo piece for the school was self-penned. Given the formidable task of capturing several centuries of school history in under 20 minutes, she responded with a funny, informative and fast-paced piece of mult-roling comedy which was a high point of The Foundation Play.
Bryony has always been inspired by her love of literature and has relished the opportunity to produce plays such as Northanger Abbey, The Tempest and The Importance of Being Earnest, productions which have delighted all who have seen
For some students she has been as much a friend as a teacher. For others, she has been someone to aspire to be. For others, someone to respect, admire and learn from. Bryony is, and always will be, an exceptional teacher, a wonderful person and a very dear friend. The Pocklingtonian
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S TA F F D E PA RTURE S The Drama department (and, without doubt, the English department) has benefitted from her gifts and will be diminished by her absence. Thank you Bryony – from all of us. AWH
Bryony joined Pocklington in 1998 as a part-time temporary teacher of English, and this was extended by a further year.After deputations from the then Heads of English and Drama, Headmaster David Gray appointed her as a full-time member of staff. She worked as temporary Head of Department between Mark Rowe and Laura Powell, and was appointed HoD two years ago. Performance is probably her first love, and at Pocklington she has been able to enthuse and inspire hundreds of pupils and staff with her encouragement and instruction. In particular, Bryony has established the school as a LAMDA private exam centre, and this work will be built on and continued by the Drama Department. Her collaborations with the Drama Department both in producing plays and being part of the team have been hugely rewarding. A less recognised, but equally important and fulfilling part of her year was as Editor of The Pocklingtonian for ten years. This can be a thankless task at times, and her gentle bullying of colleagues for copy was delicately done. An important and influential part of Bryony’s role has been as a 6th form tutor, and many generations have benefitted from her guidance and wise advice. This is evidenced by the number of past pupils who remain in touch years after leaving school. She has also been a friend and mentor to many of her colleagues over the years, and a wonderful friend and support. School has been a major part of the Marshall world for many years, with all three girls – Alex, Lizzie and Jessica – coming to the senior school, and husband Simon taking part in many Musical Society performances over the years as well as accompanying trips. 10
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Now is the time for Simon and Bryony to live the dream, and next year they will be moving to their lovely house in the Dordogne region of France. There she will continue to teach, but this time being able to choose from her favourites; Shakespeare, Austen, Hardy, Gaskell, Browning and 1st World War poetry. She is already looking forward to immersing herself in works which have not been chosen by examination boards, and which will not involve ticking boxes or worrying about assessment criteria! We wish Bryony and Simon a long and happy life in France, and feel certain that they will continue to see many friends and colleagues who just “happen to be in the area”… Au revoir.
Gruggen has been tireless and every pupil through these years will have a snippet or a memory of Miss Metcalfe bending over backwards to get the very best out of them at school. All this aside, it has probably been Sarah’s work in hockey which she has most relished and for which the school will be forever in debt. Navigating the school’s transition from grass to Astro, overseas tours and some incredibly successful seasons of senior hockey results, Sarah’s passion for this aspect of her career has been relentless. So many senior hockey girls will look back fondly at their time at Pocklington and their hockey life and Metters will be the reason. Every bit a Pock lass – let’s see if Australia is big enough!
AJE
Sarah Metcalfe
AET
The Biggin Effect
So how did the quiet, shy and reserved St Peter’s girl become a larger-than-life true blue Pocklingtonian? Sarah Metcalfe began her life here as a teacher of PE and games. Through her career we have seen her become so much more, a credit not only to herself but to this great institution. We cannot underestimate Sarah’s influence on generations of pupils; through her work in sport she has influenced and inspired; through her pastoral role in Gruggen and in boarding she has cajoled and supported. In GCSE and A-level PE Sarah focused on innovative and imaginative ways of getting the very best out of her students in some difficult theory areas. Who can forget the mysterious Sports Hall graffiti men or the role-playing videos on aggression and deviance in sport? Sarah’s work as Housemistress for
Latin had been bumbling along happily for many a year, content in its 2 or 3 A Level students, until the day in September 2009 when Hannah McNelly joined Pocklington and the Classics Department. It was never quite clear how she got here, but there were some shenanigans involving rugby, an OP boyfriend, a job that was nearly a job... best not to ask any more! Anyway, thank goodness for Hannah’s scheming to get here, because she was simply a breath of fresh air for Classics and so much else around school. Swiftly she evolved from the Nelster to Miss McNelly to Mrs Biggin and she soon had pupils passionate about Classics.
STA FF DEPART U R ES All of a sudden, option time would come along and numbers were creeping up...13 at AS Latin? Unheard of! The Biggin Effect was all down to how much Hannah cared about her pupils. She was an outstanding teacher, achieving remarkable results at A level; she was always a shoulder to cry on and a source of down-toearth, sensible advice for students whenever they were struggling; she took them for sports, she organised Oxbridge entry and she was Housemistress of Gruggen 6th Form. If she’d been here any longer, she’d have been running the place! By now, Hannah will have been at her new school in Sydney for a year and no doubt will be having the same effect down under. I can’t thank her enough for what she did for Classics at Pocklington and for all the help she gave to me. I am glad to say that the numbers she attracted to Latin have carried on and we still have 13 at AS level today... the Biggin Effect is long-lasting! IJA
Vicky Bell Vicky Bell joined us in the Mathematics department from Wolfreton School in 2012, having previously worked in finance and commerce. She quickly settled in and established a natural
rapport with her pupils, but always insisting on nothing less than their best efforts in lessons and in their own work. Help was always available for those who found themselves in need of a mathematical top-up. She ran the Maths Challenge Team for a 2nd and 3rd year team with great success, winning regional finals in successive years and leading them to strong finishes in the national final in London. As a colleague Vicky was easy to work with, always willing to offer an opinion and very happy to take on tasks within the department. Vicky is relocating to the West Midlands for family reasons and will be greatly missed. She has joined Warwick School and we wish her every success there. JFC
Frankie Ruttledge Two years ago, Frankie joined the boarding team as a Resident Graduate Tutor. She had a degree in Psychology and a wealth of experience in youth work, gained from being an enthusiastic leader in the Scouting organisation. Frankie’s time in boarding has seen her regularly working in three boarding Houses every week, a demanding feat, only bettered by Doc Dyson!
Amongst many interests and talents she is a women’s rugby player, an avid supporter of the York Theatre Royal, a talented songstress, generous cook and now a founder member and bronze medallist in Team Boarding’s inaugural relay team. During her time at Pocklington Frankie has made a wealth of friends who value her humour, loyalty and kindness. She leaves us to embark on a business venture; the Faircote, Dolman and Orchard students and staff wish her great success and happiness in her new career. JEM
Christelle Monzione Christelle hails from Switzerland but has been our French Assistante and also an essential member of the boarding community for the last year. She has worked in both Faircote and Orchard Houses and has brought both culinary and linguistic flair to our evenings. Mlle Monzione was also a bronze medallist in Team Boarding’s dream relay four… She has entertained us with stories of the Swiss voting system (a referendum on sausages comes to mind), nonverbal communication via shrugs and infinite variations of the exhaled puff of air; in exchange, we have taught her useful Yorkshire phrases! JEM
Frankie Ruttledge and Christelle Monzione with boarding staff relay team, Sports’ Day 2014.
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S TA F F A RRIVA LS
Staff Arrivals
Matthew Adams
Victoria Ellis
Gabriella Boiangiu
Matthew Adams
Victoria Ellis
Originally from Romania, I came to England more than 15 years ago to complete my studies by doing a Master’s Degree in Printmaking at Bradford College. I have always been an admirer of British culture, as I studied the English language from an early age and started spending my holidays in the UK when I was 17 years old.
Before coming to Pocklington I was Head of Classics at St Peter’s for 9 years. I was looking to expand my classical horizons and asked for a term’s sabbatical to begin a PhD at university, but the headmaster refused.
Before Pocklington, I taught at Swanwick Hall School in Derbyshire. I was there for ten years from being an NQT and I was Head of Geography for my last five years there.
I have always been a passionate artist, playing with colour and lines. At first treating my creative experiences as a hobby, I eventually came to the conclusion that Art was an important part of my life and decided to become an artist and later on an art teacher. I am still painting and doing exhibitions whenever time allows me. I love teaching and believe my job as a school teacher has helped me with my thirst for knowledge and has fed into my creative learning. When I first visited Pocklington School, it felt like home. I loved the countryside and the green space surrounding the school, and I absolutely loved the atmosphere in the school. I was delighted to know I was successful in my interview and after a whole academic year, I cannot imagine I have not been here my entire life. I am now fully involved both in the Art and Photography department and working with the boarding community. When I am not busy with my everyday job and duties, I enjoy going for a run and doing my yoga practice. I have always been really sporty and an outdoor type of person. I use any opportunity to have a physical challenge, both by doing my running, hiking or camping. I believe moving to Pocklington was one of the best things I have ever done. Having left home when I was 18 and studying and working in various cities and towns, I feel I can share my passions and knowledge with students and staff alike here.
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Gabriella Boiangiu
The Pocklingtonian
So I had to make a decision, and chose to leave the school in order to spend a year at the University of York, where I embarked on a PhD. At the end of that year I came here to Pocklington. While I do miss life at St Peter’s, I don’t regret my decision to leave: had I chosen to stay, I would all the time have been wondering what would have happened if...? Studying at the university has opened new opportunities for me, above and beyond simply doing the PhD. In teaching, I love the enthusiasm of children, the needs of children, the beauty of the subject, the variety of the work (and did I mention the holidays?). But originally, and still, I was drawn into teaching because of the joys of working with children. Pocklington and St Peter’s are similar in many ways...there are enormous differences, too. The community spirit here at Pocklington is very strong and the school has an excellent pastoral programme. I’m a very slow starter and have spent this first year finding my feet. Possibly next year I’ll learn how to walk a little. Highlights have included learning from Mr Andrews on all manner of things. I also think the school is very lucky in its choice of Headmaster. Away from teaching, I enjoy the outdoors. My PhD looks to reconcile classical and medieval views on mountains. Paradoxically, since I began the PhD, I have had less time to get into the hills for my own self.
I did my PGCE at the University of Nottingham and my degree (in Geography) at the University of Leicester, and before that I had a gap year in South Africa where I taught all sorts of things from Biology to Drama and was a houseparent. I enjoy teaching because it’s so varied and no two days are ever the same. It’s great to see students interested and curious and asking questions about the world. Many things at Pocklington are quite similar to my previous school, in fact more similar than I expected them to be. I still haven’t got used to teaching on Saturdays though, and playing (or rather attempting to play) lacrosse was different too; all I knew about that before was what I had read in Mallory Towers! Having spent ten years in one place, moving somewhere completely different hasn’t been easy, but I have definitely enjoyed it. The staff and students at Pocklington are really friendly and welcoming and I settled in very quickly. I’ve got a brilliant department with Mr Bond and Mrs Cosby, a lovely L6th (now U6th!) tutor group and I live in Faircote, so I’ve got to know the boarding girls and staff well. Geography field trips have also been great and hopefully we’ll be able to get some more trips up and running in the next few years. In my free time, I like travelling and will hopefully be able to do a lot more now that I have longer holidays. I also like cooking, reading, walking and knitting.
STA FF PRO FI L E
Andrew D’Arcy Domestic Bursar Q How long have you been at Pocklington?
Tom Stoppard Theatre, a dinner for the Archbishop of York and, of course, all the celebrations for Pock 500.
A I have been here 30 years and 2 months (3rd October). That means I’ve served under four headmasters.
Q How many staff work in your team?
Q What did you do before your present job?
A There are 24, plus me. There are only 2 men in the team!
A I worked on the Royal Yacht Britannia, doing state tours and visits. I was present on Princess Diana’s honeymoon and cut their wedding cake!
Q Who are your longest serving staff?
Q What differences have you noticed between that life and your career at Pocklington? A It was a whole different world – male dominated. Coming here, I noticed it was very female orientated. It was a bit of a culture shock! My job here is not seen as glamorous but we have done some exciting things: opening the
A Debbie Stringer is approaching 40 years here. Altogether, the team has over 300 years of service. Q How has the dining hall changed during your time here? A It is now much busier since Lyndhurst came in. There also wouldn’t have been pasta on the menu 20 years ago! Q What are your favourite events?
good conversations. Dinners at Ellison House [the Headmaster’s residence] are also good. Q What do you consider your greatest achievements? A Achieving 30 years here! Seriously, getting the Pre-prep in successfully, through careful research and visiting other schools, has been a great achievement. I am proud of my promotion from chef all the way to Domestic Bursar. I am also very proud of everything my staff do, although much of it is unseen. They are very hard-working and loyal. Q Finally, what is your favourite dish in the dining hall? A All of it! If I had to choose, probably a hot, spicy curry!
A Wedding receptions for staff are always nice. OP days and staff leaving dinners are full of
I was present on Princess “Diana’s honeymoon and cut their wedding cake!” The Pocklingtonian
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S TA F F PROFILE
Lynn Pearson Supervisor, Cleaning Staff
worked since I was “15,I have so it will take a while to get used to retirement.”
Q How long have you been at Pocklington? A This is my eighth year in my current job. Q What did you do before working here? A I was employed in a nursing home and then I joined Pock on a three month contract. When the then supervisor left, I applied and was appointed. Q Describe a typical working day – what do you and your team do? A I have 35 cleaners working with me, so they are my main concern. I look after all the boarding
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houses, too. I oversee all of the school’s cleaning materials – handling ordering, checks and suppliers. We start work at 5am every day – not many people see that! The whole team is a credit to the school: I am very proud of their work. Q What is critical in your job? A The working relationship I have with the girls is really important and really good. I am a stickler for cleanliness and take a lot of pride in the school’s presentation. I also enjoy a very good rapport with Andrew D’Arcy – I enjoy working with him. I love my job!
Q And you are leaving this year… Will you miss it? A Yes! I have worked since I was 15, so it will take a while to get used to retirement. I will also miss the rapport I have with some of the teachers here. I think I’ll maybe do a bit of volunteering in my free time. I do have grandchildren to look after, though… Q How many do you have? A Seven. The eldest is 21 and the youngest is 4, so I will be busy! You will be! We will miss you here. Thank you for answering our questions – and happy retirement!
STA FF PRO FI L E
Christelle Monzione French Assistante Q Where are you from?
Q Why did you decide to come here?
A I am from Switzerland, a region called Freiburg (this is a canton, which is how Switzerland is divided). Freiburg is a little city and named so because it was the first in the area.
A I wanted to improve my English so that I can become a teacher. This is a great way to get experience with my language and teaching practice.
Q How is your homeland different from England? A In Switzerland, you can get the train to different cities but here you seem to use buses – and it takes so much longer! In Switzerland, we think trains are better and faster. I think it is easier to start a bank account in Switzerland than in England, too. But really there are not too many differences, since they are both in Europe.
Q Do you like it here? A Yes! It’s not very difficult to get to know the school and it is nice spending time with the students here, even for 5 minutes. Q What future plans do you have? A After this, I will go back to university to do a Master’s degree. Then I want to go to teacher training college and hopefully become a teacher at the end. But I will need to be proficient for
that, to teach 15-18 year olds, as it is very difficult to become an English teacher for this age group in Switzerland. Q Have you encountered any strange British customs?! A Yes! One thing I have noticed is small talk, which is a very pleasant surprise. We don’t do that at all. It has taken me a while to be able to do it! The other thing is the British tendency to fry everything! The weather also isn’t the sunniest – I am used to some cold, but here it is much colder. Thank you very much for your time!
This is a “great way to get experience with my language and teaching practice.
”
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M I N S T E R 500 SE RV IC E
Quincentenary Founder’s Day Service – York Minster
In the centre-piece of the calendar, five hundred years of the school were celebrated at York Minster on Saturday, 24 May 2014. An estimated 2500 people, pupils, parents, grandparents, staff and OPs, gathered to commemorate John Dolman’s 1514 educational foundation. Beautiful singing from the Chamber Choir and readings from current pupils and staff, illuminated by Archbishop Sentamu’s joyful address, set off a memorable morning and a happy beginning to May half-term.
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HR H VI S I T
Visit of His Royal Highness The Duke of York, KG Colonel in Chief, Yorkshire Regiment
His Royal Highness was then escorted by pupil Cadet Warrant Officer James Kerr to meet cadets participating in the wide range of military and adventurous activities related to the CCF inspection. In the evening, a mess dinner was held in the dining hall to celebrate the day and the long-standing
success of the CCF in the school’s history. This was attended by a wide range of staff, pupils, visiting military personnel and many OPs who were entertained to speeches from the inspecting officer, Air Commodore Warren James CBE and the CCF Contingent Commander, Wing Commander Mike Evans. MRE
Pocklington was honoured to welcome its first ever royal visitor as part of the Quincentenary celebrations. His Royal Highness the Duke of York visited on Thursday 8 May on the occasion of the Biennial Inspection of the Combined Cadet Force. The day started with a formal inspection of a large number of cadets outside the front of school by Air Commodore Warren James CBE, the Inspecting Officer. He was then entertained to lunch by the Headmaster, the Chairman of the Governors, Mr Christopher Oughtred and some of the Officers of the CCF. After lunch, HRH The Duke of York was met by The Hon Mrs Susan Cunliffe-Lister, HM Lord-Lieutenant for the East Riding of Yorkshire and introduced to the inspecting party. Together with excited pupils from both Pocklington and Pocklington Prep, His Royal Highness watched a parade and march past of the Combined Cadet Forces led by the Heavy Calvary and Cambrai Band from Catterick. After the parade, he took the opportunity to meet pupils from both schools before planting the 500th tree to commemorate his Royal Visit and the School’s Quincentenary. The Pocklingtonian
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C H A RI TY WE E K
Charity Week
The gunging took a thrilling twist this year, as Mr Ronan stepped up to the bath tub, resplendent in Christmas onesie.The money raised was fitting tribute to the importance of charity in the school’s 500th year. Other, cleaner activities included the popular musical chairs, cake making and eating (Pocklingtonians do both of these especially well, judging by the produce) and the butler auction. Brave U6 volunteered their services for the day – auctioned by Mr Hall – and their new ‘employers’ gleefully exploited their good fortune. Total raised: £2759. Add to this the proceeds from the School Walk (£2000) and the whole school service (£3300), and we have a grand total of over £8000, to be split between three charities. Thank you to everyone who participated!
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SCHO O L WAL K
School Walk The walk was blessed with superb weather; prayers had been answered after the deluge of 2012! A good number of walkers took up the challenge and raised £2000, to be shared between Blesma, Riding For The Disabled and Africa Impact. SCN
times during “theCountless walk my body screamed at me to stop! ” We had so many “blisters that we took off our walking boots and walked the last half mile in our socks
”
you started to “getWhen tired the motivation came from your friends and thinking of the charities which were being supported.
”
was beautiful but “theThesteepscenery hills were a killer. The
We walked 24 km, “which is further than I
best checkpoint was when we got Mars Bars!
”
have ever walked before…
”
Mr Andrews said that “there was a steep hill to come and I took it as a joke but I was way wrong!
”
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C OM M UNITY AC TION
Community Action This year, seventy nine students from the L6 visited schools, homes for the elderly, a hostel for children with special educational needs and the day centre in Pocklington.They did shopping for housebound people, prepared a talking newspaper for the blind, worked in charity shops, edited the School Magazine, served lunches at Scaife Garth, prepared music and drama to entertain groups of younger children and did conservation work around the school grounds and in the town.
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Much of what we do is unseen and we rarely hear of the outcomes of so much interaction but, yet again, thanks have been expressed by a great many people for all the help that has been given. The accompanying photograph is of the war graves at Pocklington Cemetery which are tended by our conservation group year by year. SCN
CR EAT I VE WR I T I N G
The Lamb and The Minotaur He wants it to be Ithaca Wants for the whistles of kettles Wants copper on a hearth A pressed flower keeping a place in a book But it’s just iron and wheels And a man built like a bull This little sailor locked out of his myth Willing plaything of the minotaur Buries his face in hide like new turf Teaches himself into the muscle Loses his outer skin to Stubbed cornstalks about the nape Smooths sweat onto the beast’s hooves Pounding through him Over him Little more than a meadow Lost his heartbeat in the savage drumming And the bleating rent apart by his bellow All that musk and fire and spit Splits the earth next packs it into bruises White teeth white coat caught And the tongue smothered red Loves this daddy Says this orphaned thing Playing in the hot mountains With the clashing of boulders Fork toothed Unstringing feathers from wax Lusting oars to splinters Drives flint through Lamb Strikes the earth with the rod of his mouth Comes now with the singlemindedness of hounds And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb And the leopard will go down with the kid And the lion the calf and the fatling together And a little child shall lead them Through the beating of dust and the dry land Makes to the waters as was promised Flowing with milk and honey and sweat We drank sweet the Euphrates Got a little closer to daddy William Campbell-Burrell (U6)
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B OA RD I N G
Orchard The family and I arrived in Orchard House in September ’13 and were welcomed by all the girls.They have done an outstanding job not only in welcoming us but also our new starters and making everyone feel part of the community. Katherine Fuller and Charlotte Robinson have shown enormous maturity and ability in their roles as House Captain and Vice House Captain and I am very grateful for their support to their peers and the house. That said, all girls have been invaluable in their commitment to each other and the wider boarding/school
community and I would like to thank them all wholeheartedly. We have had a fabulous year together and the girls have made memories to last a lifetime. We have enjoyed some tremendous social times across Orchard House, Dolman and Fenwick-Smith. In particular, activities included our Ghost Walk in York, seeing ‘Thriller’ Live, going to Aerial Extreme and a trip to Flowhouse. The girls also demonstrated their dramatic and creative flair in creating mock-up movie posters. Their aim was to create a freeze-frame image that would allow the others to guess which film they’d chosen, requiring imaginative use of clothing, styling, props and postures to give appropriate clues. Once photos had been taken, and all films guessed correctly, they edited the photos with titles and reviews to give them that ‘movie magic’ finishing touch. The girls worked hard and had great fun – a successful ‘Orchard House Production’ all round! LS
Here is what the girls say about boarding: “I love being a boarder! The friendly staff and homely atmosphere make Orchard a great place to live and make boarding a great community to be a part of.” Katherine Fuller
“It is such a friendly environment, that it feels like a home away from home, every one of the girls is friendly, kind and are great to hang around with!” Charlotte Robinson
“I think the best thing about boarding and this school is that when you feel lonely or upset there is always someone there to support and look after you, the way your parents would.” Anna Robinson
“Boarding is great fun and has lots of amazing opportunities!” Charlotte Tucker-Lowe
“I think Orchard is a really nice boarding house to live in. Compared to all my past boarding houses this one is the most homely.” Amy Owen
“The boarding house gave me home caring and the staff and boarders are nice and friendly.” Melody Ng
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Dolman What an exciting year we have had. We welcomed a good number of new boy boarders into Dolman in September, as well as welcoming back our existing boys. Over the course of the year, our full-time Lyndhurst boarders have grown to 5 in number which has added a new and fresh dimension to our term time home.There has always been plenty of noise, energy and laughter.The house has been nearly full all year – and with several nights when every bed has been filled. It has been an exciting challenge trying to fit everyone in but we’ve managed it.With so many much younger boys in the house, we introduced a ‘big brother’ system where our 4th year boys each had a little brother to keep an eye out for. It worked really well – definitely something to be continued into next year. It has been great to welcome Mr Hall (and Mrs Hall, of course) onto the Dolman Team – Mr Hall moved into the Bungalow to take up his duties as Resident House Tutor – a great addition. He has also added a new dimension to our life – has introduced a weekly team gaming activity and enhanced our evening sport provision for the boys. We’ve enjoyed some great trips together throughout the year – golf, ice skating, swimming, shopping, rugby matches, bowling, martial arts, the zoo, climbing, falconry, the beach… We were due to go off on our annual overnight camping adventure at Botton when the weather turned most unpleasant and we had to re-think. Not to be put off, we decided to set up camp nearer home – in fact
much nearer home… in our own front garden! Every boy slept under canvas, we even had our own camp fire with hot chocolate and marshmallows. A well organised Nerf Gun offensive all around the school campus in the evening– true army-style – kept the boys amused for the evening. Such great fun. We turned up for Chapel in the morning reeking of campfire and smoked food! We enjoyed a splendid fish and chips lunch up in Pickering to round off a very special weekend. We enjoyed welcoming our first Russian boys to Dolman this year – Daniil and Mikhail – here for only a short time, but they made a really positive impression and they will be missed. We’d love them to come back! The Dolman family welcomed a new boy of a very different kind this year – yes, Mr Wright finally said yes to a puppy! Bruce has become a much loved and affectionate boarder – the best socialised puppy ever!
Boys’ own comments: I loved camping out into the garden! I was sad when we couldn’t go to Botton, but I think it would have been too soggy so we had fun in the garden instead. I loved the Nerf Guns. Bruce is so sweet – he doesn’t bite and he always wags his tail when I come back from school. It’s really nice to have a dog in Dolman. I miss my own dog. The teachers in Dolman are really kind and funny – Mr Hall is hilarious and a bit crazy! It was excellent to go to Leeds to watch Leeds Carnegie play London Welsh – it was a great game and I really hope we can go again. We had great seats. We have to work really hard in the house, especially at exam time. The teachers are very helpful and make sure we sit down to do our work. I’ve done well in my exams this year so I think it was worth it! WJW
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B OA RD I N G
Faircote
Mrs Midwinter and Ms Burg soon learnt that the Faircote girls are amazingly talented and supportive young women who know how to combine having fun with hard academic work!
Sometimes in life, your world gets shaken up like a snow globe and you just have to wait to see how the flakes settle! Such was our year in girls’ boarding, we said reluctant farewells to special people who had added much to our boarding lives and then had to quickly adapt to the new scene, and welcome both new students and staff into our community.
We have a great staff team too; Mrs Lord taught us how to cook great food on a university budget and how to press apples in an old fashioned press. Mrs Ward introduced Tai Chi and ran the Book Club, Miss Boiangiu volunteered to provide Yoga and Photography; Miss Ellis turned out to be a knitting teacher too, Miss Monzione was an international chef, and Mrs Danby and Mrs Smith were the rocks we all needed. Mrs Simpson, Mrs Draser and all the ladies who take care of the daily running of the house are miracle workers too! After many years as a tutor in junior and senior boarding, Miss Gray is taking a break. Her support to students with their Maths prep has been more than valuable; she is an ‘awesome’ French plaiter too! Mlle Monzione heads back to Switzerland and we will miss her too.
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One of our newest boarders, Kendall Noble, summarises her boarding day; ‘As the bell rings at 3.45pm, going back to the boarding house is the first thing on everyone’s list; greeted by warm smiles we sign in… boarding is a community of people brought together.’ JEM
BOAR DI N G
Fenwick-Smith and Hull City v Southampton.
Boarding life is rarely dull and this has been another very busy year in Fenwick Smith.We had 35 boys regularly resident in the house with the majority full-time boarding.With the pace of modern life an increasing number of families have tapped into the variety of flexi-boarding options available, whether it be weekly, occasional or extended day. In total 46 boys boarded with us this year and it makes for a very vibrant atmosphere. A number of day pupils joined us in the final term for the extended day boarding in order to have a really structured build up to their exams. We are lucky to have a very dedicated team of non-resident tutors who can offer academic support in Biology (Mr Butcher), PE (Mr Houltham), Art and Photography (Miss Boiangiu), History (Mr Hall), Geography (Mr Bond), Business Studies and Economics (Mr Watton). Dr Dyson visited regularly to offer support with Chemistry and Mr Loten came often in the final term to offer help with Mathematics. I can offer Modern Foreign Languages support in French and Spanish and English as an Additional Language for the overseas students and Mr and Mrs Kilsby can back up Mr Houltham with
the PE. I am pleased that Mr Loten has rejoined the non-resident team after a short break (for good behaviour) and since so many of our boys do Mathematics his support is invaluable. Come results day in August it was good to see so many of the U6 attain the necessary grades to head off to university. Gabby Mok made it a triple, winning the house trophy for the best A2 results (having won the best GCSE and best AS results trophies in the two preceding years). Gabby will go on to study medicine in Penn State University in the USA. We wish him well. Leon Tien Jun won the best AS results trophy and Ryan Sun and Alex Varley shared the best GCSE results shield, Alex having chosen to do extended day boarding in the final term to boost his chances of academic success. Socially the boys opted for fewer Sunday activities, preferring to use Sunday as an opportunity to catch up with well-needed sleep and to complete prep and/or (often or) their beloved computer games. Highlights of the year included some joint activities with the other houses with Mr Hall’s quiz nights and Dance Mat Challenge proving quite a hit. We took trips to the theatre to see the acclaimed production ‘Blood Brothers’, Michael Jackson tribute “Thriller Live” (a real hit with the Faircote girls), rugby at Leeds Carnegie v London Welsh, Football to three Leeds United fixtures v Bournemouth, Wigan and Ipswich
The U6 prefects enjoyed a comedy night at Pocklington Arts Centre (all part of a rounded education) and we had airsofting at Yorkshire Paintball Centre, cinema trips, a trip to the National Media Museum and celebrations for both Halloween and Bonfire Night. A real highlight for me was the trip to Newcastle to see the England U20 v Wales U20 6 Nations rugby fixture. The boys could come back and watch the highlights on Sky TV and see themselves singing the national anthem and cheering on the try scorers. It is probably fair to say that the boys do not always appreciate me cajoling them away from their PCs and playstations but the nagging paid off
with some very respectable results opening the door to further education and beyond. We say goodbye to Niclas, Kelvin, Stefan, Marcus, Jonathan, Connor, Dan, Joe, Wes, Oscar, Josh Parco and Bill. We also say farewell to Frankie, Stevie, Edwin, Alex and Leon. We welcome Ben W, Tom, Freddie, Miles, Brian, Sergii, Ben D, Rob, Jacob, Josh and Miguel into the 5th form with Callum and Jaeger also making frequent visits. In the 6th form, we say hello to Benjamin, Sherlock, Vasyl, Zhikai, Martin, Jensen and Nathaniel. They have hit the ground running already in September and we wish them all the best as they embark upon their studies at Pocklington. PMLD
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ENGLISH
English Department Enrichment In Michaelmas and Lent terms,A level English Literature and Language pupils attended seminars delivered by the English Department on ‘The Magic of Sound’ (Mrs Hallam, Mrs Bond and Mrs Wilson took the stand, with excellent musical assistance from OP and last year’s Head Girl, Lucy Peel) and ‘Dystopian Fiction’ (Miss Powell, Mrs Wilson and Miss Lamb in the chair). In January, we were privileged to receive a visit from Alison Wintgens, expert in Selective Mutism and Child Speech Therapy, who delivered a talk to an audience of staff, English Language A level, Psychology and prospective medical students. Mrs Hallam and Mrs Wilson took all A level Language and some
Lectern Society – ‘A Terrible Beauty’ The brief behind this annual event is to speak on a given topic for no more than five minutes. Beyond this, participants have free rein to develop, skew or subvert the subject as they wish.This year, we were treated to a wide range of individual deliveries: from black holes to the poetry of Yeats; the Mafia, to mobile phones’ influence on our lives today. Their quality was exceptional. Mrs Hallam had assembled an impressive panel: senior figures in the military, police and retail joined Mrs Edwards to decide a winner. The evening begins with drinks and canapé, allowing guests and competitors to mingle before the speeches begin. Pupils compete in non-uniform to remove any consideration of age. As it happened, this produced a very interesting outcome.
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and Language pupils on ‘The Fascination of Language’.
Literature students down to London for the EMC Conference, where they had the experience of listening to Professor David Crystal – aka the Language God. The U6 carried out Miss Lamb’s mission to the letter, not only procuring his signature (which she has framed, in a prominent place) but posing for photographs with the great man. A day well spent! March saw another external speaker come to Pocklington, as Mr Hutchings (Senior!) addressed A level Literature We heard from U6 pupils Will Campbell-Burrell and Alexander Chappelow: the former delivering an astonishing, searching speech on Yeats; the latter, a passionate argument on the ‘beauty’ of Genghis Khan. From L6, Tom Fuller presented a lively account of his interest in the terrible beauty of the Mafia, while Corinne Clark performed her own poetry, inspired by a weaving of classical mythology and a current news item. Fifth former Flo Judge-Clayden spoke persuasively about the rise of mobile phones, a topic close to many audience members’ hearts. Olivia Gallen, Will Baines and Rob Smith (all current 4th form) chose to address the terrible beauty of love, metal music and black holes respectively. Such a mix of subjects provided a rich and thought-provoking evening for all concerned. Ultimately, the judges placed Alexander second and Olivia first – a well-received decision. We had been challenged, provoked and thoroughly entertained. Many congratulations to all speakers and thank you to the judges, Mrs Hallam for her organisation and encouragement, Mr D’Arcy for catering and Mr and Mrs Ronan for hosting the event. LAL
In July, an intrepid 6th Form group headed down to The Guardian offices, for a day of feature writing in the Education Centre. We had fun and learnt a great deal. Even better, Emily Grieve’s article was a close match to that written the very next day by the newspaper itself! Great minds think alike… In the Library, Mrs Edwards hosted a number of innovative lessons from members of the Department with Lower School groups. The accompanying photograph shows Mrs Hallam’s 1st form in action! Our thanks to all members of staff and the external speakers who gave up their time to participate in the programme this year. LAL
UK Linguistics Olympiad 2014 In Pocklington’s first foray into UKLO, we were delighted that Corinne Clark (L6) secured a place at Liverpool Hope University for Round 2. Over a weekend, she participated in group activities, one of 19 other students selected from around the UK. Although Corinne was not selected for the International Competition in Beijing, she thoroughly enjoyed a different and challenging weekend. We were also pleased to see others gain certificates in the competition, which operates a Bronze, Silver and Gold system. Congratulations to Peter Massey, Tom Bean and Beth Noble (Foundation); Flo Judge-Clayden, Anais Russell, Adam Harrison, Oscar Cavill and Jimmy Quinney (Intermediate) and Alice Cullen and Will Fox (Advanced). LAL
HI STO RY
History Department Another busy year for Messrs Hughes, Hall and Long included an exciting Historia programme, a visit from Major Iain Hallam to demonstrate some of the weaponry used in the First World War and trips across the age range. For the USA report and photographs, please see the Michaelmas Trips section! Ed.
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I C T A N D C OMPUTE R SC IE NC E the use of Social Media as a tool for business using new media and platforms. We also discussed creating Apps – and not just those that we know. Apparently QR codes are a thing of the past!
C4DI Beta John Connelly was our contact for this L6 trip.Along with his business partner Jon Moss, he led us through an exciting morning of discussions and presentations in their renovated building.
We were all inspired by the trip and certainly felt that we had stepped out of the classroom and into the Tech-World, giving us all first-hand experience of where IT and Computer Science can take us today. HTA
National Media Museum The Computing and ICT department took all 1st form pupils to the amazing National Media Museum in Bradford in June. We explored the development of the Internet and TV through the years and experimented with the retro games section. From the early ‘Pong’ game to Miss Pacman to Space Invaders (which saw Mr Ellis and Mr Spruyt break out a seriously competitive side!), a great deal of fun was had. We ended the day with a 3D IMAX film, ‘Mysteries of the Unseen World’, which saw giant bugs fly over our heads!
They began with the work they are doing for the new City of Culture, Hull, and the renovation of the Fruit Market district where they are located. We looked at developing
HTA
Sainsburys On 12 and 13 November 2013, the GCSE IT groups went on an educational visit to Sainsburys store in Pocklington.The aim of the visit was to see how the store used IT within the business, both inside the shop front and behind the scenes. The students were very surprised by the variety and amount of IT that was employed by the store, such as EFTPOS machines, security tags, EPOS and self-checkouts. The highlight of the trip, though, was inspecting the walk-in computer controlled freezers which were set between -18 and -23C. It was very important for the pupils to see how IT is used the business world, and also help develop links with the local community. SS
Platform Game Development Studios
Upon arrival in Hull, we were greeted by Mr West and his associate. I was astonished to find how well-designed the floor was, having envisioned a small, dark space filled with sweaty programmers. In fact, it 28
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was filled with large tables, a Smart Board, consoles and televisions; really a place where creativity can flourish, writes Elgan Powell (3DOL). We learned that the Platform Program was an initiative to give individual games development studios a space to work in, creating opportunities for them to be recognised by a larger distributor under the Platform name. It wasn’t just the amount of educational opportunities that surprised us, but the array of jobs generated by the industry in Script Writing, 3D Modelling, languages, diplomatic skills, marketing, finance…What we can infer from this is that the industry needs a more diverse skill set than just an arsenal of computer scientists.
Mr West let us roam, so most of us went to speak to the programmers and take a peak at their games. One of them worked for a Studio named Smash Crab, and was using a forum called stackoverflow; something we had used to overcome problems with our code. We were extremely happy to know that professionals were using the same resources as us! Many of the surrounding programmers praised it, one of them telling us: “it basically got us our degrees”. They told us just how lucky we were to be able to acquire a GCSE in Computer Science. I left feeling more confident, slightly spoiled and more optimistic about not just our futures in computer science, but the UK scene, and what it has in store for all of us.
MAT HEMAT I CS AND SCI ENCE rounds, designed to test the competitors’ mathematical ability. In addition, all teams had to prepare a poster that was assembled during the event. The Pocklington team’s poster was a vibrant ‘billiard table’ complete with green baize and colourful billiard balls.
UK Mathematics Challenge On Monday 23 June I set off for London with the regional UKMT winners, Louisa Cullen, Peter Massey, Dan Isenstein and Beth Noble. We journeyed by train to London to participate in the finals of this prestigious competition. 80 teams from all corners of the British Isles enthusiastically challenged themselves with 5
The highlight of the afternoon was the relay round, which saw the 240 youngsters rushing around the room, completing tasks and returning answers to their team mates in an exciting relay. Our team ended the afternoon at a very respectable 32nd place out of 80. They all enjoyed the experience and had fun challenging themselves whilst representing school. It was a pleasure to spend the day with them and to witness their sharp minds in action. HVT
Biology A level Field Trip – The Lakes It was apt that after a ten year absence from the A level programme, the Bio field trip was reintroduced in our Quincentenary year.All L6 biologists travelled to Blencathra field centre, in the Lake District, for a four day excursion at the end of the summer term. The course was tailored to match the A2 Ecology specification. Hence, our days were spent sampling biodiversity in different river habitats, analysing the succession of a scree slope, secondary succession of moorland and forestry management. We even managed to fit in an AS practical exam; ‘I’ve improved 400%’ was one, unfounded, quote.
Memorable moments include silver service tea delivered to us next to a river, the disbelief from the staff at how many students couldn’t identify a clover leaf, spotting carnivorous plants in the wild, Max Barnett’s disgust at the sandwiches (which he had made!) and Bella Smeaton and Carys Lawley’s (in?!)ability to stop saying ‘like’ for a whole day. Students were quoted as saying they really enjoyed using the high tech. equipment and learning from an outside expert. We’re now just hoping for such a great bunch of engaged students again next year; oh, and the sunshine! MJB/KJC/SAC/SJC
Burnby Hall Jubilee Garden Second form science clubbers recently enjoyed an afternoon at Burnby Hall Gardens planting a special flower bed to celebrate the Golden Jubilee year of the gardens. The science clubbers decided that their flower bed would incorporate the school colours and a large 500 to celebrate our Quincentenary year. After their hard work we had an enjoyable nature walk around the gardens. KJC
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SCIENCE
Junior Science Clubs Tuesday and Wednesday lunchtimes in the laboratories have continued to reverberate with the sound of bangs, whizz and whooshes… This year new experiments have included putting moss graffiti on the swimming pool wall, examining the microflora of leaves using microbiology techniques, making glue from milk (just like Spitfires!) and Hoffman’s voltameter.
Special thanks to Mr and Mrs Brash for coming in to aid dissections of a number of animals. Also, thanks to Jonny Bird and Charlie Brash (U6) for supporting the clubs as Science prefects. Finally, well done to Peter Massey (2HUT) and Will Heywood (2GRU) for their great enthusiasm and hard work; they have enjoyed it so much that they have also helped out in 1st form Science Club as Junior Science prefects. KJC
St Peter’s Physics Olympics Four 2nd form students, Grace Birch, Livia Dytham,Will Heywood and Peter Massey, took part in the 8th St Peter’s Physics Olympics competition in June.
boat, a bridge from Jenga bricks, finding the mass of a cuddly toy using moments, building the tallest possible lighthouse from paper and card, and completing a Fermi quiz. They came 9th out of 35 schools and represented Pocklington extremely well.
They had an excellent experience building a solar panelled motor
Royal Society of Chemistry – Chemistry Week A level Chemistry students took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s global experiment in October, as part of Chemistry Week. They carried out an experiment to find the vitamin C content of different fruit and vegetables and submitted their results to the website, which collected results from around the world. Surprisingly, they found that red pepper contained the most vitamin C! JRM
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JRM
Cambridge Chemistry Challenge John Pearson (L6) obtained a silver award in the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge 2014, a competition organised by St Catharine’s College and the Department of Chemistry at Cambridge. He sat a very demanding 90 minute paper, and his achievement places him in the top 23% of the pupils who entered the competition. JRM
ACT I VI T I E S
pupils and parents. This converted into 12000 points which will be used to purchase a ‘Mud Clock’ and a selection of new resources for Pocklington Junior Science and Lyndhurst Science Departments.
the food miles on their produce and do, where possible, buy locally. We are committed to encouraging our pupils and staff to eat ‘7 a day’ portions of fruit and vegetables through the excellent food served in our dining hall.
Green Committee
2nd Form Green Day
The Green Committee has been running now for nearly 10 years, with many great successes under its belt! We are proud to continue our green commitment at both Pocklington and Lyndhurst. Some of the things we have accomplished this year include:
Green was the order of the day, right down to clothes, as all participants wore appropriately coloured non-uniform! Read all about the event in the accompanying report.
Bags for Science Dr Clow coordinated this scheme to generate 296KG of recycled shoes and clothes from kind donations from staff,
WWF Sponsored Animal Food Footprint A recent Food Survey for Lower and Middle School and Lyndhurst showed that many of our families are composting and are very aware of
Our sponsored Elephant, ‘Dumbo’, is doing well. We get regular updates from the WWF on how our sponsorship is being spent. HTA/KJC
Mrs Alexander calculated pupils’ carbon footprint and encouraged a ‘walk to school’ and ‘Switch off Charging Gadgets’ resolution.
Green Day The school was alight with Green Activities, from Miss Boiangiu’s Falling Garden which made use of plastic carrier bags and containers, to Mrs Bond’s recycled poems using old newspapers (Wayne Rooney did not come off well!). Mr Kettlewell used the latest Apple Technology to produce some fantastic Green Songs (raps and tearjerkers!),
Dr Clow produced a miniature eco system (which can still be seen in the Biology Department), Mr Andrews undertook a superb bird ringing and vast bug count during the day (including Tony the Toad!). Finally, Miss Ellis and her groups did some really interesting research on Wind Turbines and Solar Panels, looking at their possible locations and use on the school site. Thanks to all the 2nd formers for getting involved in all the activities and to all the staff involved in this exciting day! HTA/KJC
The Spinny Due to the hard work of the Conservation group, the Wildlife group, Science clubs and the Ecocommittee, the Spinny has become a conservation area rich in biodiversity. What once was just the corner of a hockey pitch at the edge of the fields is now home to a host of wild flowers, feeding an array of butterflies and bee species in the summer months. Dragonflies dart across the pondside vegetation, which makes a great home for
Moorhens and Mallards. Rare species of robber fly and hoverfly lurk in the grass and all the insects provide food for African migrant Willow Warblers and Swallows. Our next project is to deepen the pond to allow more pond life to survive, which will of course aid development of more diverse food webs but also make pond dipping even more exciting. Thanks to Mr Andrews for bringing this special place back to life again. KJC
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AC T I V I TI E S
Pockcast Throughout the academic year, we have been running the highly popular ‘Pockcast’ – a talk-based radio show that we record on a weekly basis and publish to our Pockcast YouTube page, to great reviews. We have had a wide range of topics, from the Headmaster and Mr Dawes talking to us about the Pock500 events, to the Young Enterprise team explaining the way this innovative business structure runs.
Thanks to everyone who took part this year and a big thank you to the team who have taken part all year: Mrs Bell, Sophie Graham, Sophie Hamilton, Emily Grieve, Elliot Gray, Josh Armitage, Kaiser Cheung and Henry Hall. You can visit the site at www.pockcast.co.uk. HTA
Dragons’ Den The Department welcomed our very own set of Dragons on 19 November 2013 who came in to school to judge the products and multimedia skills of our top four 2nd form pairs.They had spent the term working on a project that incorporated Presentation, Design and Video Editing skills. The finalists were chosen from each of the four classes: • Emma Farnsworth and Emma Falkingham • Beatrix Nicholson and Amy Johns • Henry Foster and Will Wright • Peter Massey and Harry Kneeshaw Our Pocklington Dragons were made
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up of Old Pocklingtonians and parents, all with successful businesses of their own. We were really grateful to the Dragons for giving up their time to come and judge and give some excellent feedback. Many thanks to Lucy Seddon (Just Lucy Jewellery), Katie Taylor (Drewtons Farm Shop), Adam Verney (Townsend Insurance Brokers) and OP Sophie Tregellis (Top Collar natural dog treats). We were pleased to announce the winners were Beatrix Nicholson and Amy Johns whose product, ‘Push Up Saddle’ for novice riders, really impressed our judges! HTA
Last Post Tom Baarda (4WIL) has played the Last Post at the Garrowby Hill Memorial Service for the past six years. The service commemorates the crew of a Halifax bomber from RAF Rufforth that crashed on a training flight on the morning of 7 February 1944. All the crew and their pilot instructor were killed, as was the driver of a milk lorry which was hit as the plane came down. The service is organised by Alun Emlyn-Jones, who should have been on the flight as part of the training crew but was grounded on the day with appendicitis, and is attended by family and friends of those lost in the crash. Due to his regular participation in the service, Tom now corresponds with two WW2 Airmen, Ernest ‘Taffy’ Hughes and Canadian Jim ‘Ginger’ Fawcett, who had flown on operations from RAF Holme-upon-Spalding Moor.
Tom with Alun Emlyn-Jones
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M I C H A E L MA S SPORT
Rugby Highlights Elliot Adamson (4HUT) and Ben Carlile (3HUT) both took part in the U15 RFU National Academy Tournament at Oval Park in Leicester this year. Elliot played fly-half for Leicester, whilst Ben played prop for Leeds Carnegie.This was a hugely competitive tournament with some of the best players in the country at U15 level taking part. Other academies
participating included Worcestor Warriors, Newcastle Falcons, Northampton Saints and Sale Sharks. At school, Elliot is U15A fly-half and a Yorkshire U15A team representative, whilst Ben plays no 8 for our U14A team and is a member of the England Rugby Developing Player Programme.
Individual Honours
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This is a significant step in their rugby development and to be included in this tournament is a great honour. We are very proud of their achievements, and look forward to their continued progress at Pocklington. SAH
Elliot (left) and Ben
Rugby 1st XV P15/W6/L8/D1 The season will be not only be noted for some substantial accomplishments, but also the missed opportunities where winnable games were let down by inconsistent performance. An early win against Ashville (28-13), was followed by three very tough losses versus Trent College (the eventual Natwest Vase winners), a strong Barnard Castle team and a very large St Peter’s pack. Confidence and ‘rhythm’ were lacking in these games and whilst the boys stuck at it, the performances didn’t give a fair reflection of their abilities. This changed quickly with strong wins and some expansive rugby, beating Silcoates (19-3), Harrogate Grammar (16-5), Mt St Mary’s (38-0) and Bishop Burton College (19-12). A special fixture versus Rugby School in celebration of our 500th year will live long in the memory of both
players and staff. To play at the home of the game and give our hosts a real run for their money (losing 29-12), effectively dominating the scrum and breakdown against physically daunting opposition, is a real testament to the passion and bravery of this set of players. Disappointing ‘wobbles’ against beatable opposition in Bradford Grammar and Yarm undermined the hard work and progression the boys had made and threatened to de-rail the season. However, two epic encounters against Hymers (19-19) and the inaugural Webber-Dallaglio trophy match versus Ampleforth (suffering a heart-breaking loss in the final seconds of the match) epitomised the guts, determination and potential talent here. After the Christmas break, a demolition of Silcoates for the second time in the season (31-0) set the boys up for a Natwest Cup North division semi-final versus QEGS Wakefield. After leading at half-time
(13-5) through Pocklington’s quicker and more elusive back line, the weather cruelly intervened and enabled Wakefield’s bigger pack to exert its physical dominance in the 2nd half and close out the game 21-13. The statistics never show the hard work, improvement and dedication these players have given to the school. They have learnt many lessons along the way, but now recognise that great teams are consistent, dogged and unrelenting. They have been a great set of players to work with, true ambassadors for the school and fine young men to get to know. I wish them all well in their future exploits and hope they continue playing this great game outside these school walls. Vergette Trophy: James Thompson Players of Season: Liam Hessay and James Pavlou Most Improved Player: Josh Parkinson SAH
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M I C H A E L MA S SPORT
Rugby 31-5, Austin Friars 26-12 and Hymers 38-0. A close pool loss 19-14 to eventual cup finalists Kirkham GS put the team into the cup quarter final against SGS Filton (the Bristol Rugby Academy). A physical, end-to-end game saw Filton come out on top 17-5 (and go on to win the cup competition).
1st VII With the pace and athleticism apparent in the 15-a-side squad, there was real excitement about the potential of the Sevens squad.They definitely did not disappoint, registering some fine results at two of the toughest competitions in the country. At the Fylde National Sevens, an early 15-15 versus Radyr Comprehensive was followed up with wins over Manchester Grammar
At the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens, a competitive pool would test the nerve and skills of the players with any potential slip up meaning elimination and non-qualification for the 2nd day. A close and nervy first up win against Campion School 19-17, where the boys had to come from two tries down to win the game, really set the heart rate going. A tactically astute performance against Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr 21-12 and a one sided 33-5 win against Queen The best performance came early on when we beat a very tough Trent side at home. This was followed by difficult fixtures against Barnard Castle and St Peter’s, both of which resulted in honourable defeats; we played with great courage, determination and skill, but were unable to match much bigger and more physical opposition.
2nd XV There has been insufficient strength in depth in the senior rugby squad this season, so it has been harder to cope with the injuries, illnesses and calls from the 1st XV. As a result, the 2nd XV have endured a difficult term and their results have not been as good as they would have liked.We won two matches but three more games, that we would have expected to gain victories in, were cancelled by the opposition. 36
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Indeed, this was the picture for the rest of the season, a lot of good, brave rugby, but we never quite
Elizabeth Kirby Lonsdale saw the team qualify for the second day (only the third time a team from Pocklington had done so). In our qualification game, a disappointing 15-12 loss to Sherborne School (after leading 12-0 at half time) meant the team were placed in a tough round robin pool for the plate with Sedbergh and Adams Grammar. Losses to both of the opposition eliminated the team from the competition, but they can take great comfort from their results and efforts, as making the final 18 out of 110 schools is an amazing achievement in itself, especially when playing and competing with some of the elite rugby schools in the country. Well done on all your achievements this season and thank you for all your hard work! SAH
found the fire-power to win, until our second excellent victory, against Yarm. The side has been superbly led by Will Thomson, with great support from other players who have been too numerous to mention. The exceptional few, who managed to stay fit all term and therefore played in every game, were Cameron Blair, Tom Hick, George Hobson, Joe Laudage and Will Sangwin. RPB
MI CHAELMAS SPO RT
Rugby U16 XV P7/W1/L6 Captain Sam Bunce (5GRU) reflects that often team spirit counts for much more than results. I have very much enjoyed captaining the U16s this year, mainly due to the camaraderie of the lads. Their tenacity and effort have continued to impress me and supportive parents who have seen this team change and develop over this year. The driving forces behind the team were our coaches: Mr Galloway and Mr Dare, who have been amazing encouragement to the team and set the goal of improving as rugby players. Despite some tough results, we have ALL achieved our goals. The team had to adapt a huge amount as there were a few players missing or injured at times. Ben Elcock and I represented East Yorkshire and Yorkshire respectively, which meant others had to step up to captain the team. Positions were also juggled and the team’s ability to deal with this was commendable The season started with a tough match against Trent College. The boys performed exceptionally well and we presented a threat. A big loss of Alex Varley to injury meant that they quickly took advantage, but we battled on until they took the win. The last match was against the
enormous Ampleforth team. The final score definitely did not reflect the commitment and hard work of our team.
boys were all season, although in the face of very strong opposition, we unfortunately didn’t make it through our tough group.
Other noticeable performances were against Driffield, St Peter’s and Mount St Mary’s. These matches showed parents and supporters how much we had improved since last year. The victory against Mount St Mary’s was particularly impressive, with some spectacular tries and solid defence.
Coaches’ View
It was impressive to see the improvement in the loose and the tackle all season. Ball winning was much better from the forwards and the backs had more opportunity to show flair. There is still work to be done in areas, such as giving the sympathetic pass and determination to retain the ball. I would like to thank the whole team for their efforts and determination. They all made great strides towards becoming top senior rugby players and I look forward to next year.
U16 VII A curtailed season saw the squad face only two tournaments – our own Pocklington Sevens and the national Sevens at Rosslyn Park. Despite an injury-ravaged squad, we reached the Plate semi-final at home, with some excellent tries and great effort. The trip to Rosslyn Park proved what excellent company the
As Sam says, our goal was for each boy to improve as a rugby player and for us to each give 100%, and to also enjoy it! This was achieved in bucketloads, and Mr Dare and I thoroughly enjoyed the season, as did Kyle Dench,whose coaching expertise contributed a lot all term. The coaching staff had some highlights and awards for the season:
Highlights •E d Medforth’s galloping run from the kick-off against Barney •M atthew Wilde’s try from his own half against Mount St Mary’s • S am McAllister’s ‘Next score is the winner’ try against Hymer’s • Will Wraith’s line-out calling
Awards •M ost Effective Defender Ryan Sun •M ost Improved Player Sam McAllister •M ost Effective Ball Carrier Ben Elcock • Player of the Season - Matthew Wilde DAG/PMD
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M I C H A E L MA S SPORT
Rugby U15A XV
Jimmy Quinney (4HUT) reviews a season of mixed fortunes for the squad. We have now been playing as a unit for over five years and coming into this season we were hoping to convert our unbeaten run into something a little more tangible. This was the biggest season to date in that we were scheduled to play bigger, better and more distant teams. This season was the season of the Natwest Cup, a national tournament. Early season friendlies included the likes of a very strong Trent College team, Barnard Castle and a tactical developing St Peter’s side. Trent proved a tough encounter and at half time we were 13-5 down. However, thanks to a stronger second half we came away with a convincing 26-13 win with some excellent tries from Jack Medforth and Jack Garvin. Next we had Barnard Castle, who were tougher than expected. After some well worked tries we recorded a 40-10 win. Then came St Peter’s. We went into this match without full focus and a little too relaxed at first. They played a very tactically astute game in a disciplined manner. In a very tight game Elliot Adamson’s conversion of Jack Medforth’s skilfully worked try swayed the victory our favour and we came away with a relieving 22-18 win. In October half term, we were honoured to be invited down to Langleys U15 Rugby Festival (near 38
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Norwich) along with teams such as Eton. In our first game we came up against Millfield, who proved very tough opposition. After some gutsy defence and ferocious attack we finally got the points through a well-worked try by Jaeger Iveson, and gained a satisfying 5-0 win. That afternoon we played Merchiston Castle, and ended with a 29-7 win. The following day was more difficult as we had sustained a number of injuries and had a disturbed night, due to a fire in the hotel. We sadly came away with no victories on the second day, losing two of the games by a try or less. However there was some excellent rugby played and our subs, particularly Alfie Brash and Ollie Beckett, really rose to the challenge. In the Natwest Cup, having successfully beaten Tadcaster Grammar School, we were drawn against St Peter’s. Once again, they played a very well-drilled game and made it hard to for us to execute our game plan. Midway through the second half, we finally managed to take control and with Elliot Adamson’s final try we sealed the game off and came away with a relieving win of 27-19. We then drew Spalding in the Cup, a team we had no past experience of playing. As a team we came into this match with real drive and unusually, began very strongly. With some good teamwork and some exceptional runs from Benji Smales and Ben Carlile, we won 32-7. In the 6th round of the Cup, we were drawn against Trent College. This was probably our biggest match to date. They proved a stronger side second time round and, despite some early tries from Ben Carlile, we found ourselves lagging behind at half time. From then on the game just didn’t seem to go our way. There were some hearty efforts from the likes of James Laudage, Will Nicholson and Harry Isenstein,
but we couldn’t overcome their dominance. The final score was 44-19 to Trent. This match really hit us hard and, with the Sevens season coming up, we really wanted to win something. We spent the weeks leading up to our first tournament working hard in training, trying to up our fitness levels, skills and learning a playing system which we could execute successfully in matches. In the group stages we comfortably qualified with wins against Durham, Barnard Castle, Yarm and Hymers. We then went on to play our semi-finals against St Peter’s, who again came very close, but thanks to excellent fitness levels and a real desire to win we narrowly qualified with a 14-12 win through to the final. Here we faced Woodhouse Grove, who had also won all their matches comfortably. In the first half, Woodhouse struggled to get out of their half, and we got a firm grip on the game. We retained this hold through to the end and won with a convincing 45-19. We were thrilled to win such a prestigious cup and later found out that no Pocklington team had managed this in the last 36 years. Players of the season: Jimmy Quinney, Elliot Adamson, Jack Garvin Most Improved: Benji Smales, James Laudage and Ollie Beckett IMPACT Player award: Oscar Cavill Man of Steel: Will Nicholson
MI CHAELMAS SPO RT
Rugby U15B XV P8/W5/L3 By no means has it been a perfect season, but there were some notable victories against tough opposition where our attacking flair was able to flourish, along with circumstantial defeats that demonstrate a core of players with solidarity and rugged determination when the odds are stacked against them. This is a team bristling with technical ability with the ball in hand and pace out wide. Sometimes lacking the same physical presence as their opposition, they have shown time
and again the devastating capacity to score points from depth and on the counter attack. Along with this, defensively they have shown ruthless aggression against larger units and a willingness to put themselves on the line (showcase Alfie) in order to frustrate and hold their opposition back. The team created a huge number of chances in front of the opposition goal line, but a number of injuries in the U15 squad made a notable impact on their ability to win and maintain possession of the ball. In any great team you always remember the full-back, and in this team Ricky Blair proved to be a
reliable and invaluable line of defence, and source of points when the need arose, thus earning the title of most improved player of the season. In similar fashion Joe Bogg was clearly too hot to handle for many of his opponents, and his speed, vision and agility earned him the prestigious title of player of the season. In a season less blighted by injury, I dare say that they could have mustered a more reflective set of results. But there is no doubt that this is a talented bunch of players harbouring much enthusiasm and passion for the game. TH
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M I C H A E L MA S SPORT
Rugby U14A XV
After a difficult start to the season, this team has flourished, winning five of its final seven fixtures, and rounding off the campaign with the Plate Trophy at Bradford GS Sevens tournament. The Sevens competition was played in blustery conditions, making play very difficult, but the Pocklington boys adapted superbly. After two narrow defeats to Audenshaw and QEGS Wakefield, the final group game saw Pocklington prevail 28-21 against Lancaster RGS. The semi-final against Ampleforth was a classic. Behind after the first play of the game, Pock fought back to lead by 5 points, but a cruel
U13A XV We started the season off with a great win over Ashville.The forwards worked exceptionally well and gave Henry Bayston and Josh Longthorpe some quick flowing ball. A good result, despite being a little rusty at the start of the season. Then we travelled to Trent College expecting a tough game and that’s exactly what we got. We matched Trent most of the way through and at half time it was 12-10 to them. But in the second half they came harder at us and one player for Trent scored three tries from his own line. In the end the score line didn’t reflect the game, however it was a pleasing match and the players deserve a lot of credit for 40
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rebound saw Ampleforth score in the corner to tie at 19-19. This meant sudden death. Captain Ben Carlile opted to receive, and the kick off landed in the safe hands of Pock’s player of the tournament, Oliver Rayner, who burst through the defence to score under the posts and take Pocklington to the final. Yarm awaited, but the boys started positively, marshalled by the everpresent Kieran Wilde, storming into a 14 point lead. While the score settled for Yarm to trail by just 2 points at half-time, the pivotal moment came early in the second half when Ben
Carlile pulled off a crunching tackle on the opposition’s dangerman, whose spillage allowed Pocklington to score. After this, the boys took control and ran out 35-19 winners.
their effort. We went on to Scarborough and gained a comfortable victory. The pleasing thing was that we didn’t concede any points. One of the most memorable games of the whole season was at Terrington. This was one of our hardest games but we managed to beat them 12-10. In the first half we lacked in defence, letting them score one try in 5 minutes, but after a talk with Mr Spruyt we came back with a fight. They came at us with better tackling and rucking but we managed to score a final try with Oliver Mann in the corner. Some excellent tackling by the two flankers, Sam May and Tom Bean, and our hooker, Tiger Brash, led to a pleasing victory for the whole team.
In the full game, there have been fantastic wins, most notably the 17-0 win over Ampleforth, but more pleasing has been to seeing the level of performance raised match by match, and to see so many boys willing to leave their comfort zone and challenge themselves in new positions. With such good skills, as they develop physically, they will become a senior team to be reckoned with. GB
U14B XV The boys took a while to get into their stride, but produced some excellent performances towards the end of the season. Having narrowly lost to Hymers College by one point in mid-November, they never looked back and remained undefeated for the rest of the season. The stand out performance was against Ampleforth College, which turned out to be their last match, where they fought out a 24-24 draw. I have enjoyed coaching this squad and wish them all the best in the future. MJB
The opposition then came to us. We beat Aysgarth 36-0, in a good match with strong ball carrying and passing. Man of the match was Charlie Laudage, who scored most of the tries. Our next match was against Hymers, a disappointing game with some poor tackling and ball carrying which we eventually lost 22-10, a bad end to the season. The whole team would like to thank Mr Spruyt for his time training us and well done to the whole team for an inspiring season! Player of the season: Sam May Most improved: Will Winter and Will Wright
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Rugby U12A XV
Although this has been a difficult year for results, there has been much to celebrate in this team’s effort and progress over their matches. In Charles Ford, a free running star of the future has been discovered, and who can forget José Pons-Grau and his fearless tackling? Henry Hughes has shown real purpose in his carrying game and his tackling has come on no end. Cameron Adams has been one of the most consistent players across the whole team; he leads by example and is a formidable sight in full flight. Similarly Will Dare showed just how important tackling is and how size is nowhere near as important as bravery and technique. It is ironic that the very best game the boys played was in losing to an excellent Bradford team 19-15. Ball presentation, carrying and tackling were excellent in this game and need to be shown every time the boys step out onto the pitch. Here Henry Hughes outlines some high points of the season in the full game:
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This season has been up and down for the U12s. It is our first year of senior rugby and has taken some getting used to. There were changes to the squad throughout the season with Oakley Brown and Felix Law swopping at scrum half and left wing and Will Dare and Henry Hughes switching at fly half and inside centre. We also saw some new faces arrive, Ted Jibson coming in at number eight and later joining Louis
Across the three Sevens tournaments, the boys just about came out even in terms of wins and losses. Their success was very much down to the hard work shown during practice time; who can forget the tennis court mash ups! We targeted an aggressive defence and fluid movement of the ball in order to stay out of contact and fully utilise the width. Invariably, we struggled in matches against bigger schools with more boys who were faster and stronger (not necessarily more skilful), and here the tries we conceded were more often than not a result of our own unforced errors: dropping the ball or falling off tackles.
Sangwin, Michael Smith and Edward James in second row. This added to the driving force of Tom Duggleby, Alex Holdstock and the Spanish superstar Jose Pons-Grau. One of the most feared threats to all our opponents was the steam roller known as Adams, in the number eight position. Controlling the forwards well and consistently busting holes through the defence of every team we played; he showed no fear. We also had the amazing pace of the newcomer Charlie Ford at outside centre, running rings around every team with his amazing footwork. Added to this was the pace and strength of Will Blades at right wing, who scored some brilliant tries. Partnered up with him was the deadly Sam Dyson at fullback who has incredible top speed that nobody can touch. No wonder he has scored the most tries. It was conversions that were the talent we were looking for and Sam had that from his football background. This placekicking power and accuracy helped us win many of our games. Hill House was a great example of this as they scored more tries than us but with Sam’s accurate kicking we won by just one point. Of the nine games we played over the season we won four convincingly. We were out-played and well beaten by St Olave’s, Birkdale and Hymers Collage, but against Ashville and Bradford Grammar we played the best we had all season, just losing by a few points and coming close to victory. Overall it was a positive year for us and a big step up in our senior rugby game. There’s a lot of work to be done, but in a few years I think we will have a strong side that is consistently winning games. I’ve had a great season and I hope everyone else has too. Thanks to Mr Towner for being a super coach.
Notable performances in the three tournaments were probably the last second winning try by Henry against Manchester Grammar at the Bradford tournament, the defensive performance against St Olave’s at Hymers and our offensive play in our own tournament against Barnard Castle and Yarm. It was in these matches that the wide players finally looked to go outside and drag the defence across whilst the support inside dropped into the pocket to move the ball back on the reverse. Cameron Adams echoes this in his report of our home tournament:
“
”
Next it was our tournament which was the most impressive for skills and formation improvement, with some good first games. We were best in the last two games, where we were making strong tackles and pushed up well. This kept the pressure on them, forcing errors and allowing the wingers, Harry and Charles, to do the damage.
”
AET
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M I C H A E L MA S SPORT
Girls’ Hockey captain Alice Wilton (U6).
1st XI This was an exciting season with many new faces to the team, including Sara Eggleston, Katy Peel, Emilia Bean, Megan Glew, Jess Pidgeon and Katie Stuart, writes
2nd XI After losing the first two games at the very start of the season, we realized we had to up our game, writes Issi Platt (U6). This moment came when Sophie Burn made an incredible goal against Hymers, and we finally got to see Mrs Danby’s famous celebratory dance which, as we understand, only comes out on very few occasions. (Can we see photographic evidence?! Ed.) This moment was certainly one of these, as it included a knee slide,
3rd XI P5/W5 The team played very well against some strong opposition, scoring 18 goals and conceding only 2, writes Daisy Clough (U6). A great start to the season with a 3-0 victory against Barnard Castle set the bar high, which was then maintained throughout all fixtures. A particular highlight was the 2-1 win against Hymers 2nd XI, where both defenders and attackers continuously
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There were several nail-biting fixtures, including the draw with Giggleswick and wins at Hymers and Barnard Castle. One of the best games for the girls was the 6-1 win at Hull Collegiate, where dominance was shown throughout the pitch and almost everyone had a crack at goal. Goal of the season went to Ruby Anderson, for an amazing top left finish at Giggleswick.
Unfortunately, we lost our Quincentenary match to St Peter’s: despite everyone giving their all, they were just a better team. Overall, it was a great season for the U6 and Miss Metcalfe to leave on. The girls are now looking forward to a new start next year with Mr Byas. Results: Barnard Castle 4-2 Hymers 4-3 Giggleswick 1-1 Mt St Mary’s 3-1 Queen Margaret’s 3-4 Ampleforth 1-0 Hull Collegiate 6-1 St Peter’s 1-3
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a one-handed reverse stick sweep and the first aid kit… We also had a very competitive game against Ampleforth, where we played some of our very best hockey, coming out with a very well deserved win of 5-1. The final game of the season was our biggest challenge as we were faced with an unbeaten St Peter’s team. All the girls played at their very best to draw 1-1 and leave the U6 with a last game to remember.
made play, battling hard and displaying superb hockey. The results display the teamwork that existed within the team and how the 10 new players fitted in with ease. As four of the team were U6, we feel it was a great season to end our time playing school hockey, so many thanks to our coach, Mrs Danby, for always being motivational and enthusiastic!
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Girls’ Hockey unfortunate that we didn’t manage to score more goals overall. Special mention must go to Emily Boddy and Nicole Marshall, who were always active and ready to receive balls at the post. The defence worked hard and Martha Cullen made some outstanding saves in goal.
U15A XI P13/W3/L9/D1 We have had a great season, progressing massively both as a team and individually. There have been some outstanding performances from everyone in the side. It was just
excellent play this year. The side did not have many matches but team spirit and progress were very promising. All of the girls are looking forward to playing in the senior squads next year.
The highlights of our season were our victories against Ashville, Silcoates and Giggleswick.
U15B XI Particular mention to Ellen Wilson and Fay Chappelow for their
U14 National Schools North Finals Drawn against Arnold School, Kings School and GSAL, the girls faced a tough set of opponents at Leeds University. In the opening game, against Arnold, we drew 2-2, despite being in the lead until the final play of the match – a disappointment for Pocklington. However, against Kings, we managed to record a 1-0 victory, increasing the tempo in all areas of the pitch. In what was ultimately a ‘winner takes all’ game against GSAL, we started strongly and dominated in the first half. However, we conceded two early goals after the break and eventually lost 4-0. It was a shame to end with a defeat but the day overall provided a terrific experience for the entire squad. DB
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M I C H A E L MA S SPORT
Girls’ Hockey U14A XI
GSAL were the thorn in our side, with defeats in the first fixture of the season and then our loss to them in the National Finals. However, there were many fine performances throughout the season. Tash Durie had an outstanding season in goal, Lucy Garvin was a rock in defence, Georgia Rothwell led the team well and was the catalyst in attack, while Alice Mowforth and Cordie Cavill provided much of the fire power up front. Well done on another fine season. DB
P22/W14/L5/D3 What a season! Only losing five games throughout was a terrific effort and one the girls should be very proud of. We carried a squad of 16 and rotated players through many positions over the year. Naturally, we lost some girls to the U15s and gained others from the U12s and U13s, which bodes well for the future.
U13B XI What a great term for the U13B hockey team!
U13A XI P13/W9/L3/D1 We have had a great season, writes Laura Ingham (2HUT), as we have scored 65 goals and only had 10 scored against us. Our passing was excellent all term and we managed to create some cracking goals. Many of these came from Ellie Summers, Sophie Sweeting 44
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and India Esa. In defence, we had Emma Hanley, Tinky Crossley, Laura Ingham and Emma Falkingham, all doing a great job of preventing the ball reaching Annie Wilcock in goal. We all went on a tour to Stamford in November and we had a brilliant time. I have enjoyed playing very much this season and can’t wait for next year!
We had very solid defence from Mary Hallam, Grace Birch and Miki Crossley and great wing play from Esmé Littlewood and Verity Sowersby. Mary Needler contributed well on the wing and made a massive improvement from the beginning of the year. It has also been great to see so many of the girls volunteer as a goalkeeper. The team has had Annie Wilcock, Esmé Littlewood, Issy Nicholson and Anna Brown all stepping up. A special well done to Anna, who has been excellent in the last couple of matches. There was great stick work and lots of fancy dribbling from Emma Farnsworth and Jessie Morgan in attack, scoring us lots of goals. I was delighted to be captain of this team and a huge thank you to Miss Gray who has been a great coach to us all. Thank you to all the girls who have played for making it such a great term of hockey.
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Cross Country Cross Country The Girls’ Cross Country teams entered the ESAA Cup for the first time and won the area rounds in both age groups, which meant that both teams progressed to the regional round.The competition at this next stage stepped up a level and, although we did well in both races, we were unable to qualify for the final round. Notable performances in both events came from Sophie Sweeting,Tinky Crossley, Miki Crossley,Tilly Rennison, Georgia Rothwell and Millie Barnes. The 2nd and 3rd form girls were also crowned East Riding Champions in the East Riding Cross Country Championships. As a result of their
outstanding performances, and that of others, 15 members of the four Pocklington Teams went on to represent East Riding in the Humber Schools’ Championships and in a separate event against North Lincolnshire Schools. Georgia Rothwell was then further selected, for the second year running, to represent Humberside in the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships; a great achievement! The final event of the season was at Terrington Hall, which this year fell in the half-term holidays. However, this didn’t deter six 1st and 2nd form girls willingly turning out, on a relatively pleasant afternoon, to test their luck on the very hilly and long course. Sophie,
Tinky, Miki, Tilly, Amie Mason and Ruby Stainforth all ran superb races and defended their title admirably. Although the boys’ teams this season did not experience the same success, consistent performances came from Will Burton and Oakley Brown. It should also be noted that many other pupils, not named, have contributed hugely to the successes of the teams as their scores have helped to affect the overall scores of the competitors. Well done to all runners who represented the school and who helped to create such a supportive team spirit this season! CLB
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M I C H A E L MA S HOUSE D RA MA
House Drama House Drama is a great experience and it gives you the chance to make new friends and have lots of fun.This year the plays were all amazing, so well done to everyone involved as all the effort paid off, believes Imogen Heaven (U6). House Drama consists of four separate plays, one done by each house. The 6th form choose a play and direct it completely by themselves, sorting out everything from script-writing to last-minute costume malfunctions! It is performed twice over two consecutive nights and on the last night all the plays are judged, revealing the winning house. House Drama cannot be done without the involvement of the younger pupils so hopefully next year they will all get involved and not be afraid - the 6th formers aren’t scary, really! Dolman: Beauty and the Beast Gruggen: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Wilberforce: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Hutton: The Grinch Congratulation to Gruggen as the winners, it was well deserved! Congratulations also to both Wilberforce’s Willy Wonka and Gruggen’s Aslan on winning the joint ‘Best Actor’ prize.
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MI CHAELMAS HO U SE DR AMA
Dolman – Beauty and the Beast Dolman House is a lively family, not a day like the one before... I’m not going to write entirely in the form of Beauty and the Beast lines and lyrics, I promise (despite probably being able to recite you the whole of it now). Despite running around like a headless chicken to make our play the best it could possibly be, every single moment of it was worth it – you were all brilliant, writes Rebekah Hesmondhalgh (U6). From day one of House Drama planning, we faced so many challenges but finally came to the decision of Beauty and the Beast: my choice, although the Baineses will tell you otherwise! Changing from the usual Dolman style was
Hutton – The Grinch ‘Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store, maybe Christmas means a little bit more’ As director of Hutton’s House Drama, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the kids having fun and making a play, writes Imogen Heaven (U6). It’s a lot harder than you might think – not to mention stressful – but definitely worth it, especially to see a play that you have chosen, written and created come together at the end. I felt incredibly proud of all my Hutton-ers who were involved, they were absolutely amazing! It has been an experience I will never forget!
something that came as a challenge to all of us, but being disallowed to do ‘a dark piece’ made us decide to switch entirely to the opposite direction. Our hours of Facebook chats over summer changed us from creating Dolman’s very own musical (complete with dancing cutlery) to the piece we performed – and thank goodness we made those changes. There was not a moment to lose in September, with auditions beginning on the second day back, and rehearsals that second week. From then, we began to fly through our rehearsals – made particularly special, I feel, through Will’s prancing around, showing you how to be trees, and Josh’s unfortunate legging wearing! Oh, and my directing expertise of course...
Wilberforce – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory I thought I’d left drama behind, but when presented with the character of Willy Wonka, I couldn’t resist the chance to play the easiest part in theatre: a typecast, exaggerated version of my weird self, with added sparkles! No acting involved, writes Freddie Hetherton (L6). At first I envisioned a cast of the school’s elite, assembled by a rigorous Simon Cowell-inspired selection process, under the leadership of merciless U6 directors, in a dramatic inter-house battle to the death (or trophy. Death sounds more dramatic though!).
I had the best time ever working with all of you – particular shout outs to Seb and Anthony, two of the funniest young men that I have ever met – you two will go far! The same can be said for all of you, particularly Emma and Will – I will never forget the latter trying to move his hair in a flirtatious manner. Perhaps a relationship will never be on the cards here in real life! Special thanks to Elgan and Jacob for stepping in at the last moment to take on the ever challenging job of standing still and holding our shadow screen. Despite not winning, I can honestly say that it’s been a real pleasure being a part of House Drama this year, and all members of the cast were absolutely brilliant – well done Dolman!
But it was nothing like that. We had huge support from lower years and they were insane! (You mean you had competition?! Ed). As for the OompaLoompas: no chocolate factory is complete without them. Thanks to my head O-L, Billy Ibbotson; together we lost dignity, conversing in a ridiculous language of chicken clucks and throat singing… We had a massive cast, so holding full cast rehearsals was like herding cats, but we managed a few. After the first night we smelt victory; it was ours for the taking, surely? But it was unexpectedly seized – this year, by Gruggen, with The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which was a well-deserved win, I have to say! #Winning The Pocklingtonian
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M I C H A E L MA S D RA M A
A Woman is a Weathercock Nathan Field, friend to John Fletcher, pupil of Ben Jonson, and most definitely a rival to Shakespeare, was 22 and not a man to give in when times were hard. He had lived theatre since he was kidnapped and forced to join the Revels as a boy. He decided the way to keep the audience faithful was to give them what they wanted (but without offending King James this time). So he wrote A Woman Is A Weathercock and never looked back. In November, this play, seen only once since 1610, was staged in the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall by the Drama Department and attracted attention from academics and the public. It was performed in original staging style, in a space which matched the size of the Whitefriars stage; with the right cast number of the right age range; using two exits and an occasional third; in a horseshoe shape; with live music; without an interval; with no special lighting or effects; without any props beyond those named; with the audience lit throughout and interacted with throughout. Oh – and with the girls’ roles played by boys. High points of the production were Fred Weeks’s rumbustious and cowardly Captain Pouts facing the suave Mr Strange (Finlay Henderson) in a duel; Billy Risso-Gill and Freddie Hetherton as the separated lovers Scudmore and Bellafront; the magnificently superior Count Frederick (Will Baines) and his tame lackeys who fawn upon him (Harry Addyman terrific as a photographer, Elliot Gray an excellently sly Page and George Jibson hilarious as the obsequious sycophant Pendant). The plot is largely orchestrated by the clever best friend of Scudmore and just about everyone else: Nevill, probably the role taken by Field himself. Here, Sam Hird gave a lively and wry performance. But it was three girls in particular who drew most attention. Billy Ibbotson, Anthony Rose and Tom Baarda (as the bawdy Mistress
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Wagtail) avoided all pantomime dame elements and played the roles with wit and honesty – and enormous success. Add to this Sam Ryan as a servant with attitude, James Pavlou and James Thompson as comic husband and wife team the Ninnys, Josh Baines controlling the general high spirits as the host and father of the brides, the ebullient Sir John Worldly, and the cast is complete. Except for one. The show was stolen repeatedly by the comic desperation of the idiot son of the Ninny family: Sir Abraham. A bad poet who is tricked into marrying Mistress Wagtail, Sir Abraham was played with grimaces, excess, energy and fearless audience interaction by the brilliant Lawrence Elwes. This was a farce of the highest calibre. With live music composed, adapted, interpreted and played by multitalented English and Drama teacher Allison Bond, the play danced, sang and accelerated into a frenzied final Act. Mr Heaven and Mrs Marshall directed but this was a cast-driven, cast-interpreted piece of theatre before all else. They trusted Field and he repaid them. In the TST, people laughed without stopping for two hours; where the only complaint was that ribs ached from laughter. Or there was the lady at the Merchants’ who wrote to say: “what an outstanding production of an outstanding play. When’s the next?” Or the academic who said: “It’s wonderful to see a forgotten play brought to life again, especially in this staging, this setting and with such joy.” If you want to read Nathan Field there is only one edition available and that is out of print. But we’re still number one out of 595,000 sites if you Google the play! To those of you who came: thank you so much. For those who wished they had: email us and demand more! Bring back Nathan Field! AWH
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Kathakali It was the Drama Department’s pleasure and privilege to host an internationally award winning troupe of Indian Kathakali dancers and musicians fresh from Sadlers Wells in November. Brought together from the temples of India, these remarkable people drummed and played hypnotically and told myths and stories through the medium of dance and mask work. The 3rd form lucky enough to be able to share this found it thrilling, compelling theatre and all of us who saw it knew that we had seen something rare and very special. It was a wonderful performance. The performers also held workshops on percussive technique and communication through dance to groups of all ages. These were fascinating insights into the complexities of the rhythms and the meanings of gestures and eyes which are used in Kathakali. Altogether, a terrific opportunity for the School, which was warmly received by all. And they were charming, engaging guests in the TST as well, even though language wasn’t always shared! AWH
of us who saw it knew that we “hadallseen something rare and very special. It was a wonderful performance ” The Pocklingtonian
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M I C H A E L MA S
USA History Trip The next morning, we caught the subway to the Pentagon, and we were given tours by a naval officer and a marine. We were all impressed that they could recite by heart dozens of pages of information while continuously walking backwards. After that, we went to Arlington cemetery to see the graves of President Kennedy and his family and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded twenty four hours a day. I don’t think anyone was thrilled to be up at one in the morning on Wednesday 11 December – with the exception of Ellie Cheney, who had come directly from a JLS concert.And so began a sleepy bus journey down to Heathrow airport, which was beyond freezing, writes Emily Grieve (U6). The next morning, coined by Mr Hughes as ‘the big Atlanta day’ began early. First stop was the Martin Luther King Centre; where we listened to Mr Hughes explain the importance of the city in the civil rights struggle, then onto the Ebenezer Baptist Church where both Martin Luther King Jr and his father pastored. In the afternoon we headed to (drum roll please) Coca-Cola World! We were made to sit through an excruciating promotional short film before being allowed to see the vault where the secret recipe was kept. It was all very dramatic. Not being a massive Cola fan myself, my favourite was the blueberry Fanta. Next was a visit to the Atlanta Aquarium. We saw everything from giant manta rays to Beluga whales. And thanks to the moving walkway underneath the largest tank, you didn’t even have to walk to go see them. Then, in the evening we headed to Atlanta’s Lennox Square mall, which was exactly like ones in the movies. Half our time was spent shopping, and the other half was spent watching Elliot Gray beat everyone at Just Dance for XBOX Kinect. 50
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We bid Atlanta farewell and travelled to Birmingham, Alabama for a brief visit to sights of historical importance there, which included the 16th Street Baptist Church, bombed in 1963, the fantastic Civil Rights Institute and the Kelly Ingram Park. After a token lunch at McDonalds (verdict: Big Macs are better in the US but McNuggets are not), we made a flying visit to the National Voting Rights museum before arriving in Montgomery. Our day in Montgomery began with a visit to the Alabama State Capitol, where we were fortunate enough to have a fantastic tour guide, who made everyone lie down in a big circle underneath the dome so we could get the best view of the ceiling. Then to the Civil Rights Memorial Centre, a humbling experience. We had lunch in possibly the oldest restaurant in the city, which only served hot dogs and burgers (it was a very unhealthy trip in general) before heading to the Rosa Parks Museum, which was fantastically interactive and inspiring. On Sunday we travelled to Washington. On arriving at the Hotel Harrington, the oldest hotel in the city, we quickly ate before starting the evening walking tour past the White House, around the World War Two memorial and then to the Washington Monument. This was my personal highlight of the trip: seeing the white marble of the city lit up at night was wonderful.
Much to our delight, the hotel was just a short walk from a whole street of souvenir shops. Finally, Ellie Cheney and Alfie Potts Harmer could symbolise their newly found friendship with matching ‘Obama 2012’ t-shirts. We were also near Ford’s Theatre, where Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. This was a great museum and the theatre is still functioning, with the box where Lincoln was shot completely preserved. On our last full day in the States, we headed to the Capitol where we were toured around the Supreme Court and Congress; we even saw some members of the senate in a debate. In the afternoon, we were free to go to any of the museums which line the National Mall in central Washington. These included the Holocaust Museum, the Natural History Museum (my favourite) and the Air and Space Museum. Finally, as the grand finale to our trip, we were treated to dinner at the Hard Rock Café before heading to watch our adopted team Georgetown Hoyas play a basketball match at the Verizon Centre. They won! We had a bit of time before our flight home to go and see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution in the National Archives. It was a fitting end to our exploration of American history. Thank you to Miss Powell, Mrs Biggin, Mr Long, Mr Hall and of course Mr Hughes for organising such a fantastic trip!
CR EAT I VE WR I T I N G
Southern Sea I clenched my fingers over the edge of the car window. The breeze whipped my sun-kissed cheeks and volumised my hair. The roar of the wind descended dramatically and we stopped. I leapt from the car and sank my toes into the soft sandgrains beneath. Sighing in relief, I strode quickly to the beach and raced to the sandbed. I unravelled my towel; the rest of my family were casually wandering behind me, while I was already in my swimming costume! As the random waves and ripples of the tide tossed and turned into one another, a fresh sea-salty air welcomed my senses. I bent my knees and arms and stretched my body out as far as it would go. I inhaled a mighty gasp of air and my joints unlocked. The currents and bubbles flowed behind me, leaving a foamy, white trail of energy and enthusiasm. The salt crystals cleansed my pores as I glided through the pure, fresh sea. I burst to the surface – a huge breath entered my throat. I bobbed back under and my back arched and slithered away like a dolphin. This time I had stored my oxygen so I could go on an adventure in the extraordinary underwater world. Rotating my body and extending my arms through the water, I twisted and turned like a mermaid or flexible sea-eel. As I slowly kicked one led past another, I gently dragged my hands through the shells and sand beside me. The sand and shells lifted from the bad and floated around me magically and gracefully. Worn down, minuscule shell dust caught the magnified beams of sunlight shooting through the H2O surface. They shimmered and gleamed and lit up the flowing space around me. As I floated swiftly through the cloud of dust, popping, glistening sounds crackled beside my ears. The shell cloud was bubbling and fizzing as if a chemical reaction was taking place. With my minimal amount of spare oxygen, I blurred out a last gasp – and the bubbles shot away like stunning, silver particles. I wriggled to the surface and found salty solution, trickling down my jaw bone. As the droplets met at my chin, they duplicated and dripped, splashing into the sand granules. I pulled my legs up to the hot, dry sand and collapsed dreamily on my towel. Beautiful, blissful, mind-boggling, heart-stopping! That’s southern sea in France! Mim Philip (3WIL)
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Pocklington Art
4th Form: Artists in Residence!
It has been a rich year for Pocklington artists, from current pupils and staff to OPs. In June, 4th form visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to gather inspiration from the brilliant structures there. We had a superb day – and the weather wasn’t bad, either! At the OP Exhibition, there was work from the Art Department teaching staff, OPs (including Xavier Pick and Jonny Sumner, who brought down his Horsebox Gallery), ex and current teachers including Mr Nesom, Pete
1st Form: Matisse (Art and Rose Gallery, Pocklington)
Beth Todd U6
George Paver U6
Hatty Moor L6
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A Level
Edwards and Rob Peel, and pupils of all age ranges, including a piece from all L6/U6 artists, Mrs Green’s 1st form Picasso Clocks, Mrs Swann’s 2nd form Julian Opie-inspired cut-outs and 3rd form linocuts of birds. The 1st form also had their Matisse inspired work exhibited in the Art and Rose Gallery in Pocklington. Many thanks to Ms Castle who organised this with Emma Jane at the gallery. DAC
A Level
A Level
Ruby Anderson L6
Laurence Elwes L6
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Yolanda Ye L6
Hatty Moor L6
ART
3rd Form: Julian Opie Project
Jesse Chu L6
Ed Sumner
Jonny Sumner
Marcus Heywood U6 (above and right)
4th Form at Yorkshire Sculpture Park (above and right)
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Boys’ Hockey lead through Will Thomson, only for the opposition to reply in kind. Will retaliated brilliantly with a reverse stick winner into the top corner to seal his hat-trick, and although Scarborough scored again, Max was on hand with a fantastic piece of individual skill in the final 10 seconds to give Pocklington the game.
1st XI P17/W12/L5 This has been a fantastic season for Pocklington, one of the most successful in recent years and one that has seen us rip apart defences at will, whilst holding out against opponents’ attacks with a resilient defence, writes captain Will Broadbent (U6). Things started brilliantly with two early wins against Scarborough College and St Peter’s, 4-3 and 4-1 respectively. Pocklington went from strength to strength as we took part in the Yorkshire Schoolboys’ U18 tournament, finishing 3rd in a very competitive group, beating Scarborough and St Peter’s. A minor blip against Barnard Castle (where we seemed to forget how to score) was quickly forgotten as the boys kicked on after the half term break. Big victories over Giggleswick and again St Peter’s, winning 6-4 and 8-2, were fantastic. My personal highlights include beating Durham School 10-0 and Scarborough 5-1, recording our 3rd win over them this term. The season ended on a further high with a fantastic team performance away to Ashville, recording a 7-0 victory. The future looks promising for Pocklington as well, since only four of the 1st XI squad were in U6 and this season has seen the senior players passing on previous experience; hopefully, next season can be just as strong.
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U18 Yorkshire Schools’ Tournament
Overall, six points and 3rd place in a very competitive group was an impressive result from a young squad. MJD
First up for the boys was GSAL, who were a well-drilled team with a strong core.A couple of lapses from Pocklington’s defence allowed Leeds a 2-0 lead, but we replied through Will Thomson.As the boys looked to press for an equaliser, a few chances were missed and the match ended 3-1 to GSAL. Despite the defeat, special mention must be made of Ben Dyson and Will Blackburn, who played brilliantly. The second game was against QEGS Wakefield, one of the strongest teams currently playing in Yorkshire. Fraser Skingley, playing his first tournament as goalkeeper, did very well to keep the score at 3-0. Despite these early defeats, the boys were still confident as St Peter’s loomed in the next match. From the outset, Pocklington caused the opposition problems, the front three of Matt Besford, Jesse Chu and Will Thomson creating havoc for their defence. Max Keller gave us the lead and this was quickly followed by goals from Ben Byas, Will Thomson and Henry Durie. Pocklington were 4-0 to the good within the first 10 minutes (Brazil v Germany?! Ed) and Captain Will Broadbent easily pulled the strings in midfield to keep the side on top. Although St Peter’s pulled two goals back, Max sealed victory with his second of the tournament, recording a 5-2 victory. Against Scarborough College, we started well and quickly took a 2-0
2nd XI This has been the most successful 2nd XI season for well over a decade.The team has grown in ability and confidence throughout the season, never failing in their commitment.They have been a super group of players to work with, combining a good work ethic with good humour. There is plenty of ability amongst the younger players which bodes well for the future and the senior players (‘the Veterans’ – Gopal, Glew and Risso-Gill) have been key in setting the right tone. There have been some great individual performances throughout the season, not least in the meteoric rise of defensive wizard, Adrian Leung. Well done to all who played this year.
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Boys’ Hockey U15A XI
U15B XI
P15/W7/L7/D1
P4/W3/L1
This season saw improvement week on week.The boys were well led by Ricky Blair, and there was evidence of some hard work and resilience across the side.
It took a physically stronger fitter group to beat this team. The strength and commitment of this group enabled the U15A side to have the season they had.
The forward line of Medley, Farnsworth and Cole became clinical in front of goal, opportunities were created by
U14 XI
Blair, Harrison and Baarda in midfield, and the team’s efficiency was based on strong defending through Johns, Ryan,
Well done on a fine term’s play.
Cullen and Williams. well and started to form the buds of a possession game that Pep Guardiola would be proud of.
The goals this season were slow to begin with, but with a rain dance and some clever bribery from TH, the first goal came as a result of a
David Pallier deflection in a home tie against St Peter’s. After this, it didn’t start raining goals as we’d hoped but we began to see more confidence and progression in our play. Pallier, Wilson and Harrison began to form a good partnership up front, while Newall-Watson, Mao and Leung provided more convincing defensive cover at the back. Our midfield trio of Laing, El-Jassar and McFie began to link up
the term have been a consistent sell-out affair. As a consequence of this the individual skill progression we’ve seen has been remarkable.
U13 XI
disallowed goals hindered progress, making the best result a draw. A disappointing loss shortly afterwards to a strong Giggleswick side was a huge blow after a gutsy performance for two thirds of the game. St Olave’s were tough competition shortly afterwards.
P13/W1/L10/D2 Over a long campaign the team, captained by James Harrison, struggled to notch up a win until their final game against Ashville.
This season has been one of ups and downs for the team. Beginning the season with disappointing defeats to Egglescliffe and St Martin’s Ampleforth, it was clear that there was much work still to be done for this side, which had far less hockey under their belt than the schools they were playing, writes captain Dan Isenstein (2WIL). However, after a few tough training sessions, the team’s performances really began to turn around. The next game against Silcoates was a resounding success with a huge confidence-booster in the form of a dominant 8-0 display. This success was carried into a home triangular tournament, but bad luck with
However, after such a topsy-turvy season, it was the home tournament which was most promising. Strong wins against a variety of visiting schools meant the team finished in a respectable 4th position out of 8 teams. This was a hard-fought season which the team should be extremely proud of. The determination of all the players could not be faulted.
U12 XI P10/W3/L6/D1 This has been one of the keenest, competitive and hard working squads we’ve seen so far at U12 level. Practices over the course of
As a result of this, our games were becoming tighter and tenser affairs so we knew we had to be doing something right, but for our Achilles heel… the second half of the game, when our engines often ran short of steam. Onwards and upwards boys! TH
Captained by both Clifton and Swaine, results have improved concurrently, and as a group they are more robust and wiser to the tricks and wizardry of their opposition. Smith has displayed comfort, ease and agility within the goal, whilst being served by the strength and protection of Swann, Falkingham and Cook in defence. In midfield we had an embarrassment of riches, with Clifton, Rowe, Dyson, Swaine, Hall and Chacksfield all making significant contributions to the team’s cause. Up front our first choice man has been Archie Kneeshaw, and his short backlift and killer instinct in front of goal have proved a constant threat and headache for our opposition. Certainly a group of players to watch out for in future years.
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Netball Senior Netball The girls must be commended for their efforts once again, in a jampacked term. Every single person who has played has done so with commitment, dedication and determination.This has been such a fantastic group, who are always well respected on the circuit for their all-round level of skill and fitness. I often hear the words,‘You produce great girls’!
Captained superbly by Kate Pratt, I couldn’t be more proud of the way in which the girls have conducted themselves. They are such a great credit to Pocklington and I will miss them all! SAM
We had notable victories against Ampleforth, Barnard Castle, Bootham, and finally Queen Margaret’s – a great way to end the season.
U15B VII P8/W2/L6 Captain Lucy Duggleby (4DOL) reflects on a hard-fought term.
U15A VII P12/W3/L9 The A team have had a tough netball season this year, writes captain Angela Curtis (4GRU). Despite playing numerous skilled teams, we still worked well together and never gave up. Our highlight of the season was winning the tournament at The Mount. We had great shooting from Angela Watson and Lucy Eggleston, superb defending by Nicole Marshall and Thea Davies intercepting many passes. We also had amazing centre play from Emily Boddy, Angela Curtis and Ellen Wilson. Well done A team! Thank you to Miss Cheadle and Mrs Davies for their coaching and encouragement.
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In every game, Isabel Kaye, Lucy Duggleby, Georgia Covell and Marianna Hankin played well in centre court. Back in defence, Jenny Newall-Watson, Maddy Ford and Hannah Brice worked hard at marking their players to keep the goal difference down. Ella Marshall and Anna Sangwin consistently shot well throughout the season. We developed throughout the term, learning to work well as a team and showing great spirit. Well done to everyone who played.
U15 Netball The A team had a hectic Lent term, packed with plenty of very competitive fixtures.Among their highlights were victory in The Mount Tournament, and the recent 30-7 win against Bootham. At The Mount, the girls played five teams in a round robin competition. They walked away not only undefeated, but overall winners of the tournament. Every member of the ten girl squad played a crucial
role, ably led by Angela Curtis. Congratulations to all of the girls on this well-deserved triumph. Throughout the season, outstanding, consistent shooting from Angela Watson and Lucy Eggleston, teamed with fast accurate play in the centre third, and tight defending, enabled the girls to achieve a very strong set of results. Girl of the season went to Angela Curtis, for her leadership and fast accurate play. The B team worked extremely hard, and developed hugely as a team. Ably led by Lucy Duggleby, the girls came away with a set of strong results against tough opposition. Girl of the season went to Isabel Kaye, for her never-ending energy and hard work around the court. The C and D teams are well deserving of a mention, as a number of players made their debut against Hymers. Outstanding, gutsy play across the board led to a double victory. Congratulations to each and every girl who played a part in these games. Miss Cheadle and Mrs Davies would like to thank all of the U15s for their hard work this season. SJC/CJD
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Netball U14A VII
U14B VII
P9/W2/L6/D1
P7/W4/L3
There was some movement within the team, with Bryony Underwood moving from Goal Shooter to Goal Defence, but the girls used the positive move to help them. There have been a few losses to netballing schools, but the girls kept their heads high and encouraged each other well. They lost by only 1 to Ashville and drew with Ampleforth, which shows promise for the future. There were also some great wins, beating Barnard Castle 16-7 and Hull Collegiate 15-12.
The girls worked together well and fought hard all season. Many earned their position despite not being in the team at the beginning of term. A 17-7 win over Ashville and a 19-11 win over Ampleforth are just a couple of brilliant results the girls achieved. A good season to continue improving on next year.
In particular, our victory against Bootham (final scoreline, 19-2), showed our dominance across the court. In matches against Hull Collegiate, the entire year group won, a true whitewash!
U13A VII P10/W5/L5 The majority of our matches resulted in success this season, so the girls have lots to be proud of, writes Emma Farnsworth (2DOL).
There was excellent shooting from Ellie Summers and India Esa, speedy footwork from Sophie Sweeting and solid work in defence from Emma Hanley. The most improved players were Amelia Jackson and Laura Ingham. Overall, we really showed strong teamwork which ensured that we did the very best we could. Thank you to Mrs Newhouse for being a great coach in a very enjoyable term.
U13 Netball It has been tremendous to see so many girls involved in playing for the school this term. Well done to all concerned! As well as the A team’s record: U13B VII: P6/W3/L3 U13C VII: P3/W1/L1/D1 U13D VII: P4/W3/L1 The season promises great things for this group in future years. It has been a pleasure coaching them. MN
Frost (GK), Jess Stocks (Sub), Rhianna Bunn (Sub), Frances Beedham (Sub) It has been a great but tough netball season for the B team.We had a lot of fun training and playing matches.
U12B VII P4/W1/L3 Team: Hannah East (WD), Grace Atkinson (GS), Katie Williams (GA), Ruby Stainforth (C), Ini Risso-Gill (GD), Milly Holdstock (WA), Evie
My favourite match was the first one of the season against Hymers: we were losing 2-0 but we got our game together and won the game 8-2, Our shooters played amazingly well, with Grace Atkinson playing GS and Katie Williams playing GA. All the team were amazing, knowing each other’s strategies and positions. Well done everybody who played.
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Lacrosse the opposition, grinning like a maniac. In defence, both Sophie and Catriona Graham are consistently strong, and devilish tacklers. We are blessed across the pitch with attacking play, but particular mention must go to Emily ‘Hacker’ Wright (who captained the Barnard Castle game), Anais Russell, Lizzie Watson and Katie Wagstaff, all of whom regularly lead charges up the pitch with skill and speed. Both coaches would like to thank all of the girls for a superb year’s play. It has been a great pleasure working with you. LAL/AKH
Senior Girls Lacrosse has put on a growth spurt this year, thanks to the excellent commitment of our squad players. Despite defeat in our first competitive match, we were honoured when Barnard Castle’s coach said that our girls are ‘really fierce’! In goal, Amparo Pons-Grau has been exceptional, with natural aptitude between the sticks. She regularly frustrates
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Golf Senior Team The year kicked off with a fixture against Birkdale School at home at The Oaks Golf Club in the ISGA Schools’ Knock-out, a new venture for us.The team, led by Captain James Kerr, playing in his final season, came up against a very strong team, which was much better on paper.The team of James, Fraser Davis and Liam Hessay played well, but sadly not well enough to come out on top. Soon afterwards we played Shrewsbury School in the HMC foursomes’ golf competition, having been drawn away. The team of James, Fraser, Liam, Will Thompson, James Hanley and Will Stephenson enjoyed a cracking day’s golf at the magnificent Little Aston Golf Club,
and despite some good play at times, we came away with a close defeat. The most impressive performance on the day, however, was in the ‘Golden Arches’ on the way home – found by Thommo’s McD app – when record quantities of Chicken McNuggets were scoffed by certain team members… On the first day of the Christmas holidays a student team took on the staff in the annual match for the Malcolm Milne Trophy. It was as ever, a close-fought and very enjoyable match, which saw the staff sneak home again to retain the trophy. It was good to see some new blood playing this year, and if golf is to flourish again, we need more youngsters to get involved. If anyone
is interested in playing more golf, please get in touch with Mr Galloway or Mr Butcher. In April, James Kerr, Fraser Davis and Will Thomson were entered in to the East Riding Schools’ Championship, which has been hit by the weather in previous years. The downpour happened again, and the competition was abandoned before all the players had completed nine holes! Many thanks to all the senior players, especially to James, who has been a stalwart for the team for the last seven years since his debut in 2007 against King’s Macclesfield at Prestbury Golf Club. DAG/MJB
downpour happened again, and the competition “wasTheabandoned before all the players had completed nine holes! ”
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House Music As always, Choral items began each House’s performance. Hutton made a fantastic sound in the a cappella ‘Some Nights’. Gruggen’s choral highlight was an arrangement of ‘One Love’ accompanied by guitar. Dolman produced two pieces: the dreamy ‘When I Grow Up’ from ‘Matilda’, and a very successful arrangement of ‘Titanium’, with complex harmonies, and vocal lines.Wilberforce were the only House to present just one choral item,‘Pompeii’ by Bastille, but the rhythmic vocalisations, and use of insistent cajon, made this a memorable performance. The quality of instrumental work was arguably the best to have ever been presented, and we were treated to a diverse range of pieces. Wilberforce here presented two pieces. The performance of Michael McLean’s ‘Czardas’ was outstanding, with the violins of Emma Norgate, Harry Kneeshaw and Archie Kneeshaw
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weaving their complex, imitative lines perfectly. There followed a big-band arrangement of ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, creating an exciting, dramatic contrast. These were very impressive performances, expertly executed. Hutton performed ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ with a small jazz group, and Dolman had a similar ensemble playing the ‘Muppet Show Theme’. Gruggen were the only House to go for an improvised arrangement this year, with Martha Cullen’s tenor sax solo a highlight of their arrangement of ‘Move on Up’. Each House concluded with their special item. The mark scheme for the festival had been adapted this year to reflect the importance of the band accompanying the singers, and once again they showed a tremendous level of musicianship. Hutton gave us ‘Crocodile Rock’; well-choreographed, and with a dancing crocodile! Wilberforce
presented ‘I’m Your Man’; musically tight and with an improvised dance-section featuring street-dance and a comedy moment. Gruggen gave a thrilling performance of ‘The Time Warp’, with great costumes and make-up, superbly choreographed, and confidently sung. Dolman, to their credit, developed the Quincentenary theme, singing ‘500 Miles’ with some rewritten lyrics, a lovely touch in our 500th year. Before making the presentations, the adjudicators, OPs Claire Russell and Zoe Hughes, spoke of the life-skills developed through the festival. They referred to the confidence that had been developed through making decisions, leading, encouraging and organising others. The award for the best individual item was given to Gruggen for ‘The Time Warp’, but the overall trophy was awarded to Wilberforce; a well-received decision. MK
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Soloists’ Concert & Spring Music Soloists’ Concert The first half began with some of our younger musicians. All exuded confidence in their playing, with Daniel Isenstein’s precise piano playing and Seb Williman’s beautiful cornet ‘Soliloquy’ worthy of praise. The light-hearted xylophone piece ‘Polacca’, played by Archie Kneeshaw, brought a smile to many a face, whilst greater drama was provided by Sam Hird’s singing. Martha Cullen and Tom Baarda played exciting pieces on tenor saxophone and trumpet, both of which showed a complete
Spring Music Festival The weekend of 9-11 May saw a wonderful exhibition of the musical talents of Pocklington pupils, both past and present. With OPs from around the UK and Europe returning for a series of concerts and masterclasses, there was an air of excitement in the Music Department. On Friday, the OP trio of Lucy Butcher, Giorgi Chiriac and Ioana Ilie spent all day rehearsing the Mendelssohn Piano Trio in D minor, breaking only for Giorgi to give a violin masterclass with Harry Kneeshaw (2WIL). On Saturday, pianist Alexandra Dariescu gave a piano masterclass to GCSE Music students, followed by a short talk and performance, open to all pianists. On Saturday evening, choral and orchestral forces came
technical mastery of their instruments.A thrilling first half was brought to a conclusion by Harry Kneeshaw, who gave a flamboyant performance of ‘Banjo and Fiddle’ on violin – quite remarkable for a 2nd form pupil. In the second half, more experienced soloists took to the floor in a variety of styles. Katrina Summerton gave a controlled rendition of Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, and in stark contrast, Flo Taylor showed superb characterization when she sang ‘Nothing’ from A Chorus Line. Katy
Peel played the ‘Caoine’ from Stanford’s Clarinet Sonata, a free interpretation of a traditional Irish lament which was a real gem of a piece. Arguably the highlight of the evening was Emma Norgate’s evocative playing of the ‘Meditation’ from Thaïs. French Romantic music is often distinctive for its particularly delicate qualities and nowhere was this more evident than in Emma’s playing. The indulgent violin solo, cushioned by dream-like harmonies from the piano, created a fitting climax to a very enjoyable evening. MK
together in a wonderful concert in the TST. Two Mozart concerti, performed by OPs Roxana Popescu and Georgi Fodor, formed the backbone to the concert, though to many in the audience, the highlight was the combined performance of Karl Jenkins’s ‘Adiemus’.
Senior Strings
The culmination of the weekend’s events came on Sunday evening when the aforementioned trio performed the Mendelssohn Piano Trio. The sense of ensemble between the girls was incredible, most obvious in the exciting finale. This was followed by a piano recital from Alexandra. Her playing was breathtaking, ranging from the simple beauty of a Scarlatti Sonatina, to the fireworks of Chopin’s Preludes. The evening was one to remember for many a year.
In addition to the regular termly concerts, we were also involved in playing two Mozart Concerti for the Quincentenary Music Festival, which involved OPs and other guests. For this concert we joined forces with additional pupils, playing woodwind and brass.
MK
This year has been most eventful for the Senior Strings, writes Louisa Cullen (3GRU).We made our usual appearances in the Winter and Summer Concerts, playing a wide variety of pieces.
We rehearsed for weeks, progressing from a slow but steady tempo up to what was required for the concert. Overall, we have had a very busy year and we hope to keep the standard high for the next!
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Concert Band, Trumpet Quartet & Chamber Choir Concert Band This year has been a most productive year and has featured the biggest brass section in recent memory, being bolstered by trombonist Isaac Bousfield (Y5). Despite fewer woodwind players relatively, there has nonetheless been a rise in skill level amongst all our players, which has allowed us to tackle some demanding pieces in the repertoire. Clare Grundman’s ‘The Blue and the Gray’ is a medley of tunes from the American Civil War, such as ‘Yellow Rose of Texas’, ‘Aura Lee’ (Love Me Tender) and ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ (Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory). There are plenty of exposed solo moments for individual instruments and sections within the band as well as some rousing fortissimos, where the polyphonic writing combines many of the melodies that are featured in the piece. There is also a vital tuba part, an instrument that no-one plays in school – step backward Mr T, step forward Will Campbell-Burrell,
Trumpet Quartet At last year’s Carol Service, you may have noticed, and hopefully enjoyed, some stirring brass additions to the descant verses of one or two carols, provided by a quartet of trumpet players (each one of grades 6-8 standard).With this academic year marking the school’s 500th birthday, this young group of talented players was used to greater effect in the celebratory services throughout the year.
TEWT
Our final appearance was in York Minster at the school’s 500th Anniversary Service. On this occasion, our usual task of playing
The year began with an invitation to sing at a wedding in Hotham; although not the Chamber Choir’s usual ‘gig’, it was a great honour for us to be able to make someone’s memorable day even more so, and a clear statement about our standard of performance in the past year, writes Freddie Hetherton (L6). Next up was the annual Commemoration service, a big event in the choir’s calendar, having a whole school audience to please! All Saints church provided the acoustics for a breath-taking performance of ‘Locus Iste’; topped only by a reprise in York Minster for our recent Quincentenary celebrations, the building transforming the sound, making it almost ethereal and haunting. We then took part in the Winter Concert, a chance to showcase all musical groups within the school. The The Pocklingtonian
With the precedent set (and Mr T enjoying blasting the bass brass beast that is the school tuba!), we employed another guest conductor for the Quincentenary Summer Concert. With a growing trumpet section, Tom Baarda was able to relinquish his instrumental role and lead us in a performance of Holst’s March from his Second Suite for Military Band and the classic favourite, Instant Concert, by American composer Harold Walters. The latter is a witty and clever arrangement of some 30 or so popular classical and folk tunes into three minutes of ‘instant concert’. Thanks to Tom for his work.
We started at Commemoration in October, when the group lead off the opening hymn with a fanfare specially composed and adapted by Martin Kettlewell. Onto the Carol Service, where we played a number of fanfares and last verse descants, again composed by our illustrious Director of Music.
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U6 Music student, who was easily persuaded to take over the baton! We took our usual spot in the Quincentenary Winter Concert, opening the second half of the programme and with Will conducting the ensemble. Many thanks to him for his work in preparation for this.
MK’s fanfare for ‘Christ is made the sure foundation’, was afforded to the Band of the Yorkshire Regiment, with their somewhat beefier brass section. We, in contrast, added the extras on ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’, with a Mr T composition that featured an extensive, majestic opening and a regal blast in the last chorus, leading to a final fanfare flourish. TEWT
Chamber Choir stood out with our rendition of Goodall’s ‘The Lord is my Shepherd’, bringing a touch of Dibley to the evening. Christmas time means our carol service, and the Beverley Minster carol concert. This event, in support of Macmillan Cancer Care, is always a highlight in our calendar, for the opportunity to sing in the Minster, to share some of our arrangements with a wider audience, and to indulge in mulled wine and mince pies. However, this year the ‘big event’ in my opinion was the Spring Music Festival held at Pocklington to continue the 500 celebrations. Performances of ‘Ave Verum Corpus’, Tavener’s ‘The Lamb’ and ‘Adiemus’ were fit for the once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and the evening gave the choir an opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra, a most memorable night for all!
LEN T
Swing Band & Brass Ensemble
Swing Band After a very successful tour, where we played in three different countries (and at one point very nearly in three countries at once!!), as usual we had to say good bye to several of our older members. We started off the year with a performance at the school’s Winter Concert, followed in March by playing at the York and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce.
It was the third year in a row we have been invited to entertain at this prestigious event, which this year had a change of venue to the National Railway Museum in York. Despite being tucked away in a corner behind a train, the acoustic was amazing, and the piece ‘Choo Choo Ch’Boogie’ was particularly suited to the venue! Perhaps our biggest achievement was the recording of our new CD,
Brass Ensemble Our first mission was to open the Quincentenary Winter Concert. Our task was a couple of traditional favourites: Charpentier’s ‘Prelude to the Te Deum’ and Handel’s ‘March from Scipio’. Our final mission was at the end of Summer Term: two more ‘traditional’ favourites, but this time with a couple of twists, both arranged by Matt Kingston. ‘The Policeman’s Lot’ is an arrangement of the well-known G&S song from
featuring all the old favourites recorded on tour, plus new pieces such as ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’. After a vote, Martha Cullen’s ‘Quinswingtenary’ was chosen as the title. Unfortunately, bad weather in May meant our concert in Burnby Hall Gardens had to be cancelled, but it cleared up for our last major gig, Party@Pock, which was a great way to finish a busy year! MK
‘Pirates of Penzance’ and takes the melody into waltz-time as well as using the expected ‘plod-plod’ rhythm. Naturally we added our own Brass Ensemble treatment in the form of daft choreography, silly hats and extensive rubato. To conclude, we played another of Matt Kingston’s fine arrangements, namely, his Jazz Variations on ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm’. It is a rhythmically challenging piece (with a nod of homage to Dave Brubeck’s ‘Take Five’) that was lapped up by the talented band, happy to indulge themselves in cross-rhythmic and hemiolic bliss.
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Junior Choir, Junior Orchestra & Musical Theatre Society Junior Choir
Junior Orchestra
Lucy Maycock (2WIL) and Ellie Cooper (2GRU) reflect on an excellent year.
This has been a great year for the Junior Orchestra, write Amy Johns (2WIL) and Grace Birch (2DOL).
Our time in choir has been full of fun and concerts, including the Quincentenary concert. This was a great way to get involved in the celebration of the school’s 500th birthday.
The fantastic Mrs Kneeshaw has led the orchestra through many concerts, performing pieces including ‘Blue Danube’ and ‘Radetsky March’.
This year we sang ‘Naughty’ from Matilda for the Winter Concert, while for the Quincentenary Spring Concert and the Minster performance, we sang ‘Adiemus’ and ‘For the Beauty of the Earth’.
Regular members include Tom Bell, Harry Kneeshaw, Archie Kneeshaw, Lucy Major, Grace Birch, Amy Johns, Laura Ingham and Jack Roberts. It has been a fantastic musical group to be part of and very enjoyable!
Overall this has been a very fun year with amazing opportunities!
Our next main event was a superb workshop with the West End and film star Fra Fee. Fra worked with 35 students to put on a short Les Mis showcase. The work we covered in just two hours was quite incredible and in that short time he managed to bring out emotion and drama in everyone’s singing and acting!
Musical Theatre Society Sam Hird (4GRU) looks back at an exciting year. Being a part of the Musical Theatre Society has been an amazing experience. I have seen the group change considerably since it first began last year – when we first set up there were only a few members and everyone was a little bit nervous of performing. It has been great to watch people’s confidence grow and I feel we are now a pretty close-knit family! Our first ‘gig’ was the Harvest Festival event hosted at Beverley Minster by Drewton’s Farm Shop. The group was part of a programme of local musicians and people tell us that we made quite an impact as we solemnly walked up the Minster’s aisles singing the rather appropriate ‘Food Glorious Food’ from Oliver! We had our second performance at the Winter Concert. By now, we had added to our repertoire, and our directors Rebekah Hesmondhalgh and Will CampellBurrell sang ‘The Letter’ from Billy Elliot, and Tom Baarda and I performed ‘The Confrontation’ from Les Miserables. 64
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We ended the year at the Summer Concert. Thanks to the brilliant ‘Wardrobe Mistress’ Mrs White, members were dressed up in full Les Mis outfits for a medley of songs from the musical. There were powerful solos from Flo Taylor, Emma Burke, Tom Baarda, Poppy German and Rebekah – but what was so special about the revue-style format was that it gave everyone in the ensemble the chance to shine. It was a real high note (in every way!) for Rebekah to take her final bow as our leader. She has done a fabulous job and hopefully the Les Mis performance will have inspired others to join our ranks next year.
LEN T
Battlefields Trip Our first stop was Mons Canal.This was one of my favourite places on the entire trip: the sun was shining and the canal itself looked amazing, writes Owain Phillips (3HUT). However, we visited it because it was the site of the first major contact between British and German forces and near the spot where the first soldier of the Great War was killed, as well as the last one. We visited Vimy Ridge, a Canadian war memorial and also the site of an amazing attack by the Canadians. The ridge had a large white sculpture with the names of soldiers that had died and not been found inscribed on the walls at the bottom. In the evening we reached our accommodation for the duration of our trip and when we did, we were all blown away. We were met by the sight of the Menin Gate, a memorial to British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave who died in the Ypres Salient. After walking through the Menin Gate itself, we were into Ypres. Adorned with gothic architecture as well as traditional, Ypres was a place that has to be seen to be truly appreciated. On the third day, we headed out on the coach and the day was filled with visits to various cemeteries and memorials in the Somme region. These included places such as the Newfoundland Memorial Park, Schwaben Redoubt, Thiepval (where I found the name of my great great grandfather who had died in the Somme), Fricourt German cemetery and the South African National Memorial. We traced the famous battle of the Somme and listened to countless tales of heroism and tragedy. We headed to Canadian Hill 62 on day four, a memorial to the Canadians that also happened to have a museum that was set up just after the war. At the back of this museum was one of very few surviving original trench networks. Once we’d returned to Ypres, we all met inside the Menin Gate for the ceremony that happens every night. Mr Hall and two of the
6th form chose to be part of the ceremony in the evening, placing a wreath inside one of the arches. The ceremony itself was very humbling to be a part of and it was incredible to see how many people turned up to see it.
by the “sightWe ofwerethe met Menin Gate,
All in all I felt the trip was a very valuable experience, we got to see places that people can only read about and the ways in which Mr Hall and Mr Hughes told the stories behind each place really made the experience come alive. I strongly recommend the trip to everybody – I would do it again in a heartbeat!
a memorial to British and Commonwealth soldiers with no known grave who died in the Ypres Salient
”
We visited Vimy Ridge, a Canadian war “memorial and also the site of an amazing attack by the Canadians ” All in all I felt the trip was a very “valuable experience. I strongly recommend the trip to everyone – I would do it again in a heartbeat
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French Exchange it to melt our own cheese, which we then poured over the new potatoes and meat on our plates. Other tasty dishes which our families gave us included pâté, foie gras and even tongue!
Flo Judge-Clayden (5WIL) reflects on a busy year for French (and English!) students on both sides of the Channel. When the French students first arrived, although it was the first time we had met them, most of us had already been able to use Facebook or Skype to get to know them a little bit over the past months. During their stay here, they had a morning of lessons in school and went to Saltaire Village in West Yorkshire to see some of the mills they had learnt about in their lessons. Over Exeat, we were free to take our correspondents anywhere! I took Estelle, my French correspondent, to Betty’s tearoom in York, and she was quite in awe of the traditional décor
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and the cake trolley which wheeled past our table from time to time! Most of us tried to give our French correspondents a taste of Britain and Yorkshire by cooking traditional meals such as roast dinners with Yorkshire Puddings and gravy. This willingness to share each country’s culture was kindly reciprocated when we went over to Besançon in the Franche-Comté region of France. Many of us tasted traditional French and Swiss meals, such as raclette, as the region bordered Switzerland. For those who had the opportunity to try the dish, it was a surprisingly different way of serving a meal, since a hot grill was the centrepiece of the table. We used
We spent our first morning in lessons at Jules Haag Lycée. I was really surprised that they don’t have to wear uniforms in school and was also amazed that in their English lessons not one word of French was spoken! In the afternoon, we were ‘forced’ to go to a local Chocolaterie where we saw how truffles and chocolates were made. Over the weekend we then had fabulous weather for shopping, visiting the old Citadel and Zoo with our French families. A group of us also went to play Lazer Quest and I went to a local Sunday market with my French family. On the final day we went to ‘La Saline Royale d’Arc-et-Senans’, where salt used to be made in large furnaces. We also went to the ‘Taillanderie’ museum in Nans-sousSainte-Anne, which is where edge-tools used to be made. Sadly, before we knew it, we had to go home and bid “Au revoir” to our French friends, who we hope we’ll see again sometime in the future! Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Davies and Mr and Mrs Marshall for organising the exchange and for accompanying us on our return visit.
Image http://www.lifefoc.com
LEN T
Paris We left school very excited at midnight, write Lucy Maycock, Lizzie Howie and Chloe Asquith (2WIL) We finally got to the Chateau de Grande Romaine after 16 hours of travelling. Once we got there we freshened up and played some thrilling games outside. The next day we went to Paris, where we first went up Tour Montparnasse which is a very tall building. We saw some amazing views of Paris from the top, we also saw the river Seine which is where we went next! On the way to
the boat trip we went round the Arc de Triomphe. On the boat ride, we saw many different monuments of France including the Eiffel Tower. It was very interesting.
Then on the final full day we went to …PARC ASTERIX!!!! There were lots of scary rides like Iris but there were also some water rides and a double decker merry-go-round.
The next day we went to the Stade de France which holds 80,000 people! We had a tour around the stadium including the hospital. After we went around Decathlon and bought rugby balls and football t-shirts! We also went around a beautiful Chateau.
We have really enjoyed the trip and will treasure it in our memories for many years to come. This is all because of the amazing job the teachers did. We would like to thank all the teachers, especially Mrs Peel and Mrs Baines for organising the whole thing!
boat ride, “weOnsawthemany different monuments of France including the Eiffel Tower. It was very interesting
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German Exchange Some thoughts from Pocklington pupils… „Im Harz vom Wurmberg sind wir langsam hinunter gegangen. Charlotte und Ich waren die ersten am Ende zu kommen. Wir waren alle sehr müde und haben auf dem Bus geschlafen.“ Georgia
Some reflections from our German visitors… “All in all it was a very amazing weekend and the family of David was friendly and helpful to me.”
„Meine Austauschfamilie heißt Mauser Sie waren alle sehr freundlich und haben sehr gut English gesprochen! Im meiner Freizeit mit der Familie haben wir Jenga gespielt, wir haben fern gesehen, und wir haben Pizza gemacht!“ Will
Lennart
“A school day in Pocklington School is different from our day at Gymnasium Alfeld. Sport, music and theatre are very important at Pocklington”
„Es war sehr, sehr schön”
Anja
“In the boarding house it was really busy but also cool because I learned something really new for me. I would stay longer if I could.”
Seb
„Am Samstag sind wir im Wald reiten gegangen für anderthalb Stunden. Ich finde das sehr gut und lustig.“ Jazz
Lena
“We saw the market and bought some very delicious chocolate cookies. It was very interesting for us to feel this other culture and we enjoyed our trip to York very much. I think we will remember a long time this very interesting visit.” Saron
“My weekend with my host family was great! The weekend was fantastic because I did much of the activities with another exchange students together and I had a lovely host family! ” Pia
„In Hamburg war es wunderbar, weil ich einkaufen gegangen bin, wünderbar! Ich habe Schokolade, Essen, Getränke, Kleidung, Schuhe und einen Hut gekauft.“
„Ich bin mit Fabi Fiona Marks geblieben. Sie wohnt in Rheden. Das ist 10 km Nord von Alfeld. Sie hat einen Bruder Lennard, einen Vater Dirk und eine Mutter Helfe. Ihr Haus ist ziemlich groß und ihr Vater hat ein Studio.“ „Am Flughafen sind wir einkaufen gegangen und wir sind ins Flugzeug um halb fünf eingestiegen und wir sind um halb neun abgeflogen. Unterwegs haben wir Brötchen
Billie
„Die Reise war sehr lang. Erstens sind wir mit dem Bus zum Flughafen gefahren. Wir haben Bonbons gegessen! Wir haben viele Witze gemacht.“ „Die Reise zurück war lang, also ich habe ein Buch gelesen, und ich habe mit Jasmine gesprochen. Ich hatte eine wirklich gute Zeit. Aber ich war danach müde.“ Fay
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Ben
Jimmy
Dan
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„Wir sind um zehn Uhr zu Fuß in Fagus Werk gegangen. Fagus Werk ist ein UNESCO Weltkulturerbe. Es gibt sieben hundert neun und fünfzig Weltkulturerbe in dem Welt und nur drei in Deutschland. Herr Galloway findet es wunderbar!“
gegessen und ich habe mit Jimmy und Georgia gesessen. Wir waren aufgeregt für eine Spaß Woche.“ Jacob
For more on the Exchange, please go to the Pock MFL site: http://pockmfl.vidmeup.com
Berlin We had a short stroll to our home for the next six days, the Schlafmeile Hostel in Friedrichshain, in East Berlin. The location was handy for transport, and we took advantage of a few local eateries. Berlin has the best, tastiest, healthiest and most original kebabs in the world, as the U6 group – Faye McFarlane, Henry Smith,Alex Chappelow and Hugh Robinson – would surely attest!
some of the most remarkable pieces of the ancient world, which German archaeologists nabbed before the Brits got their hands on them at the turn of the 20th century. Our second museum of the day was The Computerspiel Museum. It brought Herr Galloway back to his youth with original Space Invaders and Asteroids machines! Most popular amongst the students was a Schmerzspielmaschine,
We were more or less in the main Hertha fan-block, and the orchestrated singing went on non-stop for the full 90 minutes – it was incredible, and we were soon joining in: “HA HO HEY, Hertha BSC” seemed to be the main chant! The match finished 1-1, and after a 35 minute tube ride we were home – match tickets in Germany include public transport tickets for free – clever, eh?
Friday was a guided walk round the main sights of the historic centre of Berlin, Mitte. The list of places we saw – Hackesche Höfe, Berliner Dom, Lustgarten, Neue und Alte Nationalgalerie, Deutsch Historisch Museum, Unter den Linden, Bebelplatz, Gendarmenmarkt, Friedrichstrasse, Checkpoint Charlie, The Wall, Luftwaffe Building, Site of Hitler’s Bunker, Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, Pariser Platz, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, and a few others – shows what we packed into a four hour stroll!
in which the loser was submitted to either electric shocks or mini leather whips on the back of the hand. Henry Smith’s screams were ear-piercing – I thought he was a bass, not a soprano!
Monday meant a visit to the Stasi Museum in the morning, to find out more about East Germany’s secret police. In the afternoon, it was time for the students to decide the venue …they chose the Zoo!
We headed West by bus to see the Ku’damm and the Gedächtniskirche, and visit Berlin’s ‘Harrod’s’, KaDeWe! As ever, Herr Galloway had planned a packed programme, so it was 4 tired kiddies who got back to the hotel, but we still managed to make it out in the evening, where we chanced upon a comedy club, where there were English speaking comedians!
On Sunday we visited Bernauerstrasse, a street divided in 1961 by the Berlin Wall, which now shows what life was like, and has memorials and exhibits about some of those who tried to escape. After a snack lunch en route, we headed to prison! We visited Hohenschönhausen prison, which was the main East German interrogation centre, where enemies were interrogated and imprisoned. We had a fascinating guided tour in German, from a former inmate, who gave us incredible insight to the regime, and how they treated their citizens. Most impressive was the lack of bitterness, and the desire to learn from those dark times, and educate today’s youngsters.
First up on Saturday was perhaps Berlin’s most famous museum, the Pergamon Museum. This contains
We made our way to the Olympic Stadium to watch Hertha Berlin take on SG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga.
We were at Checkpoint Charlie for 9.00 am on Tuesday to avoid the queues – the museum documents all the escape attempts over, under, through or around the Berlin Wall… and thankfully everybody knew who Charlie was! Next we went back to Nazi history, as the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp is there, 20km north of central Berlin. Our final visit of the day took us back to the present day and back to democracy! We went up to the dome of the Reichstag building, which is a fascinating visit architecturally and historically. Wednesday saw us heading home after a cracking trip, which helped deepen our knowledge of German language, history and culture, helped prepare for the forthcoming exams, and gave us a good time into the bargain! DAG
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Munich promptly moved from the back to the front of the group, and successfully managed to navigate their way there – showing important leadership skills. (Indeed! Ed.)
Daisy Barnes, Sarah Lancaster and Anna Holdstock review an excellent History Department trip. Our first stop was the town of Dachau. When we arrived, Mr Long promptly got us lost, but remained optimistic. We arrived half an hour late for the tour but had a ‘banterous’ walk. It was very moving to see the place where so many people had lost their lives, and it changed our perspectives on our own. The tour was followed by a cultural lunch at McDonalds. During the walk to McDonalds, the 5th formers
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We then followed the development of the Nazi party, including seeing buildings where Hitler first founded it, through to tracing the steps of the Munich Putsch. The next day, we went to Nuremberg to see the rally grounds of the Nazi party. We had a guided tour by a Scottish lady – she and Mr Long really bonded over their heritage. You would not believe just how interesting Nazi architecture really is. The teachers’ enthusiasm was infectious. This was followed by an audio guided tour; we were allowed to take our time with the interactive displays. It took us through the timeline, from the beginning to the Nuremberg trials. After a nutritious meal of nachos, we
boarded another tram into the city centre, to continue our tour of the main sites, such as the Rathaus. It was the last evening so there was a nostalgic feeling, and we all gathered to play pool and watch TV together. The next morning, we were at the Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich football club and the slightly less famous 1860 team too. Mr Long exercised his photography skills to great effect and Mr Hughes had yet another selfie moment. The group then proceeded to the gift shops and made some purchases, such as Sarah’s sassy hat and Oliver’s useless egg cup. (?!) The trip home involved Mr Hughes and Sarah bonding over their fears of flying with Will Blackburn’s helpful commentary on all aspects of planes. The trip was brilliant, both informative and fun. We really were inspired for life!
LEN T
Poland The overwhelming scale of the death camps was evident at the Birkenau site. Although most of the buildings were destroyed by the Nazi army before they retreated, the ruins that cover the 400 acre site, the watch towers and the single rail track that runs through the heart of the camp give a clear idea of the horror and industrial nature of the Holocaust.
Poland: Krakow, Auschwitz & Birkenau February half term saw the third Religious Studies trip to Poland. 6th form students study Judaism as part of the A Level syllabus so this provided the opportunity to visit the historic Jewish district of Kazimierz and also gain a more realistic and personal understanding of the Holocaust with tours of the Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps. Day One: Tour of Kazimierz followed by an evening of typical Ashkenazi Food and Music Our hotel, the Wielopole, was situated within a ten minute walk of the Jewish district, Kazimierz. The district dates back to the 14th century and has been a thriving centre for Jewish religion and culture over the years. During Nazi occupation many of the key buildings were taken over and ransacked but, especially over the last 20 years, time and money has been spent returning Kazimierz to something closer to its former glory. At its peak Kazimierz had a Jewish population of around 65,000. Gosia, our guide, is a graduate in Jewish Studies from Krakow University and was able to give us a thorough insight into Jewish life in
the city. This year, for the first time, we went to the Schindler Factory Museum. The events that took place here under the direction of Oskar Schindler inspired the Oscar winning film ‘Schindler’s List’. The buildings have been cleverly converted and extended to house an excellent museum, theatrically set out to take the visitor on a journey from Jewish life in Krakow pre-Nazi occupation, through to the conclusion of the Second World War. That evening students were fully immersed in Jewish culture with a three course kosher meal (stuffed goose neck was available but no one went for it – the Passover Cake went down well, though!) followed by a concert from ‘Sholem’ who played the most fantastic Klezmer music. Day Two: Auschwitz and Birkenau and Krakow Old Town Oswiecim, the Polish name given to Auschwitz, is just over an hour’s drive from Krakow. Entering through the iconic, iron gateway with the words “Arbeit Macht Frei” above us, our guide took us on a two hour tour of the camp. All the buildings remain intact in the Auschwitz section, most of which have been left unchanged since the Soviets liberated the camp in 1945.
For many visitors, going to Auschwitz and Birkenau is a personal pilgrimage where they can pay their respects to those who were affected by the tragedy of the Holocaust. For our group, too, it became more than just an opportunity to put into context what we had learned in the classroom. The evening of the second day was a welcome chance for some free time and to take in the atmosphere of Krakow Old Town. The hotel was a stone’s throw from the historic centre of Krakow, about a two minute walk to the beautiful (and massive) main square (Rynek Glowny – described in one guide book as “the most impressive urban space in Europe”). There was no shortage of shops and stalls, selling everything from religious icons and wooden rabbis to furry hats and Polski T-Shirts. Souvenirs purchased and after considerable restaurant research, the group reconvened for some typical Krakow cuisine (Italian, actually). The traditional Jewish fare of the night before was long-forgotten when the pizzas arrived! Day Three: Return to Pocklington It had been a remarkable few days in Poland. Many thanks to Heather Young and Catherine Davies for their support on the trip and especially to the 6th formers who proved excellent company throughout. We hope to repeat the visit every two years. MJD
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Holy Island
Reaching the retreat and our new home for the next few nights, we chose rooms, unpacked and headed to the common room. It was a haven of Twister, card games and cake. The atmosphere was a fun one and we very much enjoyed Hannah Richmond’s piano playing to keep our ears company! We soon hit the road, armed with several dozen cakes to keep us going, and set off for our mysterious destination via the Angel of the North, writes Sophie Hamilton (5HUT). The journey across the sea road was eerie; the only sounds were the screeches of gulls and the only sight that of a wide expanse of the sand and mud that surrounded the road. We stopped to sightsee, but soon froze and climbed aboard once more. We eventually reached the sand dunes around the edge of the island. They were simply breathtaking, appearing almost ghostly with their barren grassy peaks and desolate appearance. I was reminded of the music video for ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams, but I digress... 72
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During the next few days, we visited the foggy shore line, the small shops in the village (the fudge shop was particularly popular) and explored the restored Lindisfarne castle. This last activity proved worth it; the interior was beautiful and the views from the windows were fantastic.
One of the things I enjoyed most about the trip was our visits to the crypt in the evenings and in the mornings to pray. They were very therapeutic, even for those who were not overly religious. I find that
nowadays I get so easily swept up by things that happen in my daily routine and, as a favourite film character of mine famously said, ‘Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.’ The trip was a great deal of fun which I am pleased to have taken part in. If the opportunity came up again, I would be delighted to repeat the experience.
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Cricket
Six-a-Side What a day. Play five, win five. Bring the shield to Pocklington! Drawn against Huddersfield New College, South Craven, Hymers and Bradford Grammar B, it was always going to be a tough day.
1st XI A challenging season for all concerned. A good early burst of form brought little reward, as two losses in the 20/20 competition saw an early exit. A strong win against Hymers on Cup Final day brought the customary feel to it, while an excellent performance against the MCC and a much deserved trophy win at the Bradford Six-a-Side competition set confidence high for the run-in to the defence of our trophy in the festival at Hymers. Well done to all boys who played. DB
Having taken a beating earlier in the season from Huddersfield, we soon got our revenge by chasing down 43 runs. The second game saw the same result against South Craven. Hymers in the third game was always going to be tough, and they did not disappoint. They set a mighty 87 runs to chase, 88 for the loss of one wicket with 1 ball to spare – what a win! The final group game was against Bradford B and was soon completed with another win.
Captain James Hanley stroked the first ball over cover for six to complete a wonderful day for the entire squad: Will Stephenson, Tom Loten, Tom Foster, Rowan Rhodes, Ben Byas and Jonty Atkinson. The bulk of the runs came from Jim, Jonty and Will. Both leggies had great control: Tom Loten shone in bowling at the death and there was solid work from Ben. Both stood up to the spinners and stood back to the quicks. To beat a good Hymers side was pleasing; to beat both Hymers and QEGs in the same day was a great credit to the boys and one they will remember for many years to come. DB
We were into the final against the mighty QEGs. Fielding first, we restricted them to a moderate total of 44, which was never going to be enough. With the boys needing 5 off the final over, it was quite fitting that
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Cricket Hanley once again amongst the wickets, with 4. Tom Loten (71 not out) took responsibility to see the team home and he received excellent support from Shreyas Gopal (45) and a rapid 35 off 10 deliveries from Hanley again. Two out of two, and Hymers to play.
Hymers Festival What a way to finish the season… Amidst clear skies and unbroken sunshine, the boys saved their best for last, once again. This year’s festival at Hymers was blessed with glorious sunshine. We played Stewarts Melville first and although not at our best with the ball on what was a favourable pitch we
managed to keep the visitors down to 156-5 of the 50 overs, Hanley and Medley taking 3 wickets each. Chasing was never going to be an easy task, but this was made easier by a gritty innings of 61 not out by Billy Risso-Gill who was well supported by Will Stephenson with 36. The second game was against Strathallan. Again fielding first, we restricted them to 170 all out, Captain
2nd XI The team has managed to play three games only. Cancellations due to poor weather or opposition call offs have meant there has been little decent cricket practised or played. Exams have continued to be a stumbling block to any sort of continuity and I have been disappointed in my last three seasons at school in the lack of real interest or commitment to 2nd XI Cricket. Having said this, in the three lost games, we have had a maiden fifty from Will Wraith, some excellent bowling from Alex Varley and some interesting variations in our bowling attacks! With so few players, practices and games and no regular Captain, there has been a distinct lack of success or personal pride in performance. The boys who have played did their best, but often it was against stronger, older and some more gifted counterparts. Thanks to all who appeared for the team. MPN
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Once more we were in the field, restricting them to 176 – 6 off 40 overs. It was very gettable, but unfortunately no-one was able to build a substantial innings to see the team over the line, finishing on 150 all out. However, our disappointed faces were soon over-turned when the boys found out that with three teams on two wins, the current holders keep the trophy! This was a very even festival with four teams fighting it out over three days, great credit to the boys for their fight throughout and well done on retaining their shield. If it is good enough for the Ashes, it is good enough for our festival! DB
SU MMER SPO RT
Cricket U15 XI The U15s endured a difficult season; the truly dreadful early weather meant that we did not play a single, regular school match until the weekend of 21 June, where we lost heavily, at home to GSAL. On the final Saturday of term we were away to St Peter’s, where we again lost but this time with just six balls to spare, having put up a valiant fight in rain and very poor light. The highlights of the season were the excellent performance in the GSAL Six-a-side tournament, where we gained revenge over the hosts and our progress to the Northern semi-final of the ESCA T-20 cup, where we again lost to a very strong St Peter’s side, this time with just 2 balls to spare. Well done to all who played this season.
U14 XI
Six-a-Side
A season which, at time of writing, was won 4-3 by the rain. As a result, it was a frustrating ‘summer’ and difficult to get momentum going.
Hosting QEGS, GSAL,Ashville, Hymers, Hill House and Pocklington B, our annual U14 Six-a-Side tournament was a closely fought affair.
Nonetheless, two positive performances against Hymers (one won, one lost) were the highlight of the season. Positive batting from Charlie Foster and Rory Stephenson were the mainstay of every match, and others needed to hang around a bit longer to support them. Too many bit-part innings led to totals 20-30 runs shy of a good total, and this was particularly shown against GSAL, against whom much more urgency was needed.
Losing to QEGS and Hymers in their first two games, the day looked almost over for the U14A team, but wins against Hill House on the final delivery, a very hard fought game against our own B team and more comfortable victories against GSAL and Ashville gave the boys 8 points.
The bowling showed lots of promise; the vicious pace of Kieran Wilde, the nagging accuracy of Ted Wraith, the looping mystery balls of Jimmy Wraith, and the spitting spin of Will Parker, along with other key contributions, generally kept us in the game. With more runs to play with, and some more chances taken in the field, it was a season of ‘what if?’ EGL
The final game, Hymers against GSAL, saw a win for the Leeds boys which allowed Pocklington A to come second and claim runners-up medals to QEGS Wakefield. There were significant contributions from everyone in the team: Captain Rory Stephenson, Ed Wraith and Cubby Wilson providing the majority of runs, Will Parker and Billy Hughes bowling miserly spells throughout the day and Tom Binns reliable behind the stumps. DB
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Cricket U13 XI
season that the rain came, along with half term, and our next game wouldn’t take place for another five weeks.
P5/W1/L4 We like the rain.We like how it sounds.We like how it feels. We even like the smell of it as it hits dry tarmac on a hot summer day.When it doesn’t rain people miss it, and in some places people wish it would rain a bit more. In this country we take it for granted but when it comes to Cricket season it becomes the bug bear of our lives and sadly, in a 9 week term, a number of practices and fixtures have fallen by the wayside as a result of its ill and unpredictable timing. Still, things could be worse, and when it dried up we took the chance to play a few games. Our first was played in April against Aysgarth. This was a close affair but two terrific stumpings from our keeper proved vital in closing out the win. Next followed St Olave’s who often prove a stern test and after scoring 148-8 during their innings, slowly turned the screw, leaving us trailing by 50 runs at the close of play. Our next encounter was against Hymers College on FA Cup final day, and standing in the shadow of the KC stadium we set a target of 94-6 to win. Hymers polished this off with just 2 overs and 8 wickets to spare as we succumbed to the occasional lapse in concentration during the latter stages of play. It was at this point in the
On the day of the summer solstice GSAL proved a difficult test, and a lesson in taking chances when they are presented. Under perfect playing conditions we posted a respectable total of 128- 5 but Leeds quickly knocked this off with a remarkable succession of boundaries and 7 overs and 5 wickets in hand. Our final game of the season was played at home against Malsis. In a 30 over game Malsis batted first and scored 161-9 with their number 1 batsman scoring 101 and extras totalling 28. As we took to the field we were put under a lot of pressure and lost our top 5 batsmen for just 19. Williman and Kneeshaw then steadied the ship with a solid middle order partnership, steering us within 50 runs. Malsis opening bowlers then returned and skittled out the rabbits of our tail end, leaving us all out for 113. All in all this has been a very respectable season. We have given teams a good game wherever we have travelled only to fall victim to our lack of consistency with the ball in hand. Special mention should be reserved for Henry Bayston for his captaincy, superb keeping and his two half centuries against St Olave’s and GSAL, and Dan Isenstein, for his leading economy and status as leading wicket taker (79-13 cumulative) over the course of the season. TH
Six-a-Side The U12 boys scooped an outstanding victory at the Prep Schools’ invitational tournament in June.Teams from Terrington Hall, St Martin’s, St Hugh’s and Scarborough battled it out and our side was victorious, winning the most games. Better still, it was a Fathers’ Day event that filled our dads with pride as the 6 over games offered tense and nail-biting contests. Man of the tournament, Alex Holdstock, accumulated a good set of scores with the bat and had to bowl several pressure overs to keep things tight with the ball.
U12 XI This was a tough season for a group of keen boys who never waned in their enthusiasm for the game. Comprehensive losses to strong opposition in GSAL, St Olave’s and St Martin’s Ampleforth highlighted areas of weakness, but helped the boys pull together and produce some good performances versus Hymers and Hill House. Highlights of the season were getting to the Cup quarterfinal at the HMC Six-a-Side and winning our own Prep Schools’ Six-a-Side competition. MSW
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It was a super day of cricket with excellent participation from such keen sportsmen. Pocklington have now won the trophy two years running and will look to retain it in the years to come. The U12 team: Charles Ford (c), Alex Holdstock, Henry Hughes, Louis Sangwin, Oakley Brown and Archie Raper. MSW
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Girls’ Tennis At senior level, rain and the short period before public exams meant that few fixtures were played, and the only time when we had a full 2nd VI team was in our opening victory against Hymers. It was a similar story for the 1st VI, who lost their U18 York league title to St Peters when Emma Loten had a Physics ISA!! The U15s began the season with an excellent 5-4 victory at Ampleforth, but then had to wait some time for the next success, against Fulford in the AEGON competition. It is unfortunate for the girls that our closest rivals, Queen Margaret’s and St Peter’s, are both very strong at this
level! Pride of place this season definitely goes to the strong U14 team. Having finished in the top 12 teams in the country in last year’s U13 AEGON event, the loss of Fenella Scutt did not prove too costly, as Mim Philip took over the number 4 singles position to good effect to complement the top 3 of Cordie Cavill, Bryony Underwood and Alice Mowforth in the York League Campaign. The title hinged on the final match against St Peter’s, but the absence of Alice through illness proved crucial as the match ended 3-3 and the title was shared! Congratulations to Alice for her recent success in the regional ‘Road
to Wimbledon’ qualifying event in Leeds, which puts her into the county finals in the holidays. Unfortunately, Cordie is unable to compete in that event due to being on holiday! The highlight of the U13 AEGON campaign was definitely a shoot-out victory at St Olave’s, after the match ended 3-3; well done to India Esa and Sophie Sweeting for holding their nerve! The team finished the campaign as York area runners-up behind Queen Margaret’s. At the time of writing, we still have to play St Martin’s, and there is an U12 fixture against Hymers. TML
U15 VI
U14 VI
The U15s began the season with an excellent 5-4 victory at Ampleforth. The second highlight was certainly the win against Fulford in the AEGON competition. Unfortunately, the majority of the teams we have played this season have been particularly strong at this level, but the girls have played to the best of their ability and have been extremely positive in their approach to matches throughout.
This is an excellent team: they will be a real force once they reach senior level. Cordie Cavill and Bryony Underwood played with great style and determination at couple one all term, ably supported by Georgia Sweeting, Millie Barnes, Mim Philip, Georgia Rothwell and Sophie McCracken.
Well done to captain Emily Boddy, Lucy Eggleston, Lucy Duggleby, Ella Marshall, Hannah Brice, Anna Sangwin and Nicole Marshall for their efforts. It has been a real pleasure to work with them. CJD
The girls showed resourcefulness in winning some tight fixtures and putting up with Miss Lamb’s peculiar pairings – flexibility and versatility being the order of the day! Coming close to winning the U14 York League, a draw with QM’s meant that we ran out joint winners: satisfying, but not quite the expected stellar end to a very promising season. Still, the girls earned a refined summer picnic in the quiet garden – a just reward. It has been a great pleasure coaching such talented athletes. LAL
U13 VI P5/W4/L1 A very good season of tennis for the girls competing in the Aegon league, writes Emma Farnsworth (2DOL). Our first match was against Queen Margaret’s ‘A’. This was a tough match played in difficult rainy conditions, despite some close games, QM’s were just too strong for us and they took the victory. The following match against St Olave’s was extremely even with each team recording three wins; this led to a shoot-out with a player from each couple taking part. India and Sophie played well; winning 10-7, ensuring Pocklington took the victory.
Pocklington completely dominated in our next two matches against Fulford School and Queen Margaret’s ‘B’ winning 6-0 on both occasions. In our final match against St Martin’s Ampleforth, once again Pocklington took control and recorded another 6-0 win. This result meant that the team finished an impressive 2nd in the league. We have had a great season, with everyone improving their skill level and court play. Our thanks to the teachers/coaches who have supported us throughout the season. Squad players: India Esa, Emma Farnsworth, Sophie Sweeting, Bella Byass and Mary Needler.
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Boys’ Tennis Rain and the short period before public exams led to few school fixtures being played at senior level. However, the team successfully defended the U18 York League title, although it was a shame that the ‘title decider’ against the traditionally strong Poppleton Tennis Club was conceded at the last minute by our opponents due to transport issues! Anyway, well played to the squad of George Hobson, Rowan Rhodes, Oscar Cavill, Oli Peeke-Vout and Will Sangwin. At U15 level, it was a case of ‘so near yet so far’ in the AEGON campaign, as a shoot-out defeat against Ampleforth B led to Ampleforth A (whom we’d earlier beaten on a shoot-out!) qualifying for the next stage.
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There is little doubt that we would have won both these games fairly comfortably had we been at full strength. The U14 York league campaign was extremely disappointing, with only the number 2 Charlie Medforth gaining regular success. In the U13 AEGON competition, defeat against a very strong St Olave’s team was unsurprising, but there were some excellent matches otherwise, particularly in the shoot-out victory against Terrington. Well played to the squad of Henry Palmer, Henry Bayston, Oli Scutt, Charlie Laudage, Harry Kneeshaw, Theo Rowe and Will Dare. TML
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Mixed Tennis Ampleforth the winners by 1 game on games countback! At U14 level, the mixed team of Ed Dare and Cordie Cavill, Charlie Medforth and Bryony Underwood and Henry Palmer and Alice Mowforth were victorious at the third staging of the U14 & U12 Hymers invitational tournament; this was our first success at the event, and really was a team effort! In March, the senior mixed team came within two tie-break shoot-outs of finishing in the top 4 in the country! Given that Rowan Rhodes was struggling with a painful shoulder from the first match onwards, and even had to serve underarm towards the end, it was a great effort from the team. Special mention must go to George Hobson and Emma Loten, who won 5 of their 6 sets, and were the only pair to take a set off Ellesmere College in the group stages. They also only dropped one set in the entire competition, which started in October! We had drawn 2-2 with Exeter College, but Emma and Rowan (having got us to the finals after a shoot-out win in the ‘last 16’), lost the shoot-out decider 10-6. On Sunday morning we lost 3-1 to group winners Ellesmere, then drew 2-2 with New Hall, Chelmsford, before losing the shoot-out (the opposition played superbly).
Each pair played one set against the corresponding pair, first to 6 games (tie-break at 5-5), with the top two teams then playing a final. After the group matches we were the top school; first pair Cordie Cavill and Tom Loten won all their sets, defeating Yarm 6-4, Bradford 6-1, Wakefield 6-1, Hymers 6-1, W.Grove 6-5 and Ampleforth 6-5. Second pair Emily Boddy and Oscar Cavill won 4 of their 6 sets, defeating Yarm 6-1, Bradford 6-5, W.Grove 6-3 and Ampleforth 6-3, but losing to Wakefield 2-6 and Hymers 2-6. We had won 10 sets from 12 and faced Ampleforth in the final; they’d won 9 sets and just edged out Hymers for 2nd place. Having won both sets earlier, I was quietly confident, especially when Emily and Oscar raced into a 3-1 lead. However, the Ampleforth pair dug in, making few unforced errors and won the next 5 games. Tom and Cordie won their set 6-4, to leave
Each pair played every other pair for 15 minutes, with the total games deciding the winners of each round of matches. After defeating Wolfreton comfortably in the first round, the team then faced much tougher opposition from St Peter’s. We made a terrible start, seemingly losing every “sudden death deuce” point in the top two matches, but Henry & Alice kept us in it! We trailed 8-6 after round one, had it level at 15-15 after round two, then ran away with round three to win 26-20, with the top two pairs playing really well. We then needed to avoid defeat against Hymers, who fielded a particularly strong first boy; their first pair won all three rounds, but a 5-0 success for Charlie and Bryony in their first match swung it our way, and the match finished 20-16 to us. A great way to end the tennis season! TML
I felt sorry for Ellie Stephenson, who tried hard throughout but hadn’t Rowan’s usual strong support. Ellesmere went on to beat Strathallan in the final but for Pocklington, it had been a memorable campaign. At U15 level, we came within a whisker of being crowned HMC North-East Schools mixed doubles tennis champions! There were 7 teams at the event at Bradford; we faced opposition from Wakefield, Hymers, Ampleforth, Yarm, Bradford and Woodhouse Grove.
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Rounders U15 Ellen Wilson (4GRU) reflects on an undefeated season for the A team. All the girls have played exceptionally well. We have had a strong fielding team by getting the opposition out very quickly. There have been excellent catches from Angela Curtis, Billie Cheney and Marianna Hankin. Our deeps also worked extremely hard by rapidly sending the balls back to the posts which consequently helped us as a team. We have had some brilliant hitting which has led to many rounders, therefore leading to high scoring results. We finished our season with a 17½ to 6 win against St Peter’s. The B team played one match and won it comfortably.
U14 U14A: P5/W1/L4 U14B: P1/W1 This year the U14 teams have played very well, writes Millie Barnes (3HUT).We have faced some really tough teams, but all of our matches have been close. Throughout the team, there have been plenty of improvements: for example, although our strength is in fielding, where we naturally worked well, we had to develop our batting skills. The B team played 1 and won it! It was a good match which Pocklington definitely deserved to win, as the girls fielded and batted consistently well throughout. I’d like to thank Mrs Newhouse, who is sadly leaving, for being our coach at the beginning of the season. I’d also like to thank Mrs Scott-Somers for taking us for the second half of term. Well done to all who played in the team. 80
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Rounders U13 We had a unbeaten season, despite some interesting weather!
St Martin’s Ampleforth, all our practising paid off and we recorded a convincing 16-6 victory. The next match against St Olave’s was very enjoyable and exciting. Pocklington just managed to win by ½ a rounder, 14½-14.
We were lucky to have a strong talented team, with outstanding batting and performances from Emma Farnsworth and Sophie Sweeting. We excelled in our fielding, especially our catching, and the spirit of the team was great because we worked together to make sure that we got the best out of everyone.
Hill House were our next opponents, a few fielding errors from us allowed Hill House to record 14 rounders to our 9½ . However, we were back to winning ways in our final match against Bootham, who fielded a mixed U13/12 side. Excellent hitting by Hebe Quinney ensured that Pocklington took the victory 18-9.
There were especially strong performances from India Esa, Sophie Sweeting, Emma Farnsworth, Izzy Nicholson and Ellie Summers. Thank you Miss Gray for being a great coach and for inspiring us to achieve the best in all our games!
Overall, I would say we had a good season. Harriet Streicher and Grace Atkinson bowled accurately, back stop Hebe Quinney played a dominant role directing the fielders, while post players Ini Risso-Gill, Ruby Stainforth, Hannah East, Katie Williams and Emelia Couttie all worked well together and put many of our opponents out. Deep fielders Tilly Rennison, Francis Beedham, Evie Hirst and Bella Byass combined well together and delivered some excellent throws.
U12A P4/W3/L1 Captain Bella Byass (1DOL) sees practice make perfect in a challenging season. It was disappointing to miss out on our first two matches due to poor weather, but in our first game against
Thank you to all the girls who have regularly attended practices and to our coach Mrs Danby for making the season so enjoyable. It can’t have been easy choosing the teams!
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Swimming & Squash Swimming This season has been a little bit ‘hit and miss’ in competitive swimming. We had one match that took place against St Olave’s, who managed to beat us quite convincingly in three age groups. However, Pocklington/ Lyndhurst Squad showed great determination in the Under 13 girls’ group by maintaining their unbeaten record since 2000. Another first was that on this particular occasion, Lyndhurst pupils were swimming with Pocklington as one big team, which was lovely to see. Our matches against Silcoates were cancelled due to the pool being out of action and Queen Margaret’s had to cancel their match due to transport problems and other matches. The Inter-House Competition was a great success, however, and everyone had a good time. All swimmers are to be congratulated on their fantastic effort throughout the season. JK
Squash In a very frustrating season, due to a lack of fixtures for a variety of reasons, the playing records ended as follows: 1st V: P2/W1/L1 2nd V: P1/L1 U15: P6/W3/L3 U14: P3/W2/L1 U13: P3/W2/L1 Special mention must go to all those U15s who have played for the senior teams, especially Jack Garvin, who won both his matches in the 1st V. In addition, Matthew Dick, Henry Palmer and Harry Kneeshaw have all tasted success at a higher age group. Thanks to all those players who have contributed to the sport this season, whether in matches or in squad practices; hopefully there will be more fixtures in the next academic year! TML
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Watersports The group remained as a large group of 19 pupils to take part in the following activities: canoeing, catamaran sailing, dinghy sailing, mountain-biking and windsurfing. Staff and pupils also had a great day out to the High Ropes and Aqualand. The pupils had a great time taking part in all that was on offer.The instructors mentioned the pupils’ enthusiasm and energy levels and how well behaved they were. In the evenings around 7.30pm the instructors entertained the pupils with fun games, challenges and competitions which took place either on the beach or in the water. Around 9pm each evening the group would get changed and enjoy the fun
and entertainment on offer around the campsite. On one evening, the group and staff travelled to Biscarrosse Plage, a small town on the coast, to sample the delights and experience the night life. There was an excellent market, array of cafés, shops and street entertainers. A lovely evening was had by all. The High Ropes threw up a few surprises, especially with Mrs Dowson
and Mrs Woodcock completing the “Red Route” and Mr Kilsby displaying his prowess on many routes. Many of the pupils attempted the more demanding routes with great success. The Aqualand waterpark with fun slides and sun bathing spots was a hit. I would like to thank the staff who went for their fantastic support throughout the week. JK
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SUMMER
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
ventured off the map, subsequently extending an original 18k day to approximately 25k. This also taught us never to get complacent when map reading – we remained focused at all times for the remainder of our expedition. The next three days ran smoothly with no major incidents; the blisters and sore backs were inevitable but we maintained a constant high morale by singing songs to create a music video for our expedition aim.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh has challenged us beyond any of our original expectations, write Katie Stuart and Hayley Harrison (U6). The physical, mental and emotional journey on which we have undergone has been like no other. Pushing ourselves to the absolute limits has allowed us to gain not only a prestigious qualification, but also the life skills necessary for us to evolve into strong, independent women who don’t need no man. Our original training in the North York Moors was an integral element to achieve success. With the help of two expert instructors, we developed our little pre-existing knowledge of how to use the trangias and tents in order to effectively, independently and confidently use the skills taught to the best of our ability. We learnt how to take a bearing with a compass; a proficiency which we found to be vital when we lost our way on the qualifying expedition. This was also an opportunity to develop relationships between members of the team and help those who had not achieved Silver adapt to this unique situation. For our practice and qualifying expeditions we travelled up to Galloway Forest Park in Scotland.
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The first trip, in June, was tainted with injuries and plenty of midges. Although these made some times tough, we managed to all keep going and reach the end, whilst staying in good spirits. In comparison to our qualifier, we followed our route with remarkable ease, never going off track by more than 1km. The qualifier in August was a different experience altogether. The route was noticeably tougher, and we found that the maps we used were old: many of the roads were not marked. As a consequence, on Day 1, we took a wrong road and
Duke of Edinburgh has taught us practical skills to be used in the future and has been a challenging and meaningful experience. It is an opportunity that we would wholeheartedly recommend to any willing candidate in the future. The escape from society and technology was invaluable to us and is a chance that will never come again. Alas indeed…! Girls’ Gold: Camilla Eggleston, Hayley Harrison, Katie Stuart, Lucy Krebs, Emelia West, Annabel Fawcett and Bella Smeaton. Boys’ Gold: John Pearson, Tom Fuller, Joe Laudage, Harry Rainforth and Charlie Witty.
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Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
It began as a journey into the unknown. From the wilds of the Moors to the greenness of Galloway, the Silver teams found their feet and their rhythm this year.As Mr Hall has been subsequently heard to say, they have been “awesome”: high praise indeed! (But are they better than the Gold group?! Hmm…!)
This was the expedition which gave life to Mr Bond’s incredible leg growth (photographic evidence included on this page). It also allowed Mr Hall to parade around the Moors with a gigantic food colouring head wound. The first aid scenarios which followed were rather amusing: both groups dealt with them brilliantly (and almost without blinking). Ultimately, it was with glee that the boys ‘beat’ the girls back on the final day, but, as the staff noticed, the girls looked (and smelled) infinitely better. Come June, come Galloway (not a reference to our revered Head of MFL. Ed). The forest breaks offer a different challenge to the groups up there, as the maps are unable to keep up with constant felling. As a result, teams have to keep a close eye on the compass and use their feature spotting skills to the max. Staff were extremely impressed by the versatility of certain individuals – Jess Pidgeon received the top award for her casual ‘flint striking’ – and the determination displayed by
both groups. They deservedly received their expedition ‘pass’. Unfortunately, George Jibson was unable to complete due to a back injury at the eleventh hour. We hope that he will find a way to finish the award this coming year. Girls’ Silver: Katrina Summerton, Sarah Lancaster, Flo Judge-Clayden, Sophie Graham, Poppy Bell, Emily Wright and Jess Pidgeon. Boys’ Silver: Henry Durie, Ed Wightman, Dan Tunnicliffe, Matthew Wilde, George Jibson, Will Bulmer and Matthew Besford. LAL
While training in Fangfoss was never likely to throw up much more than a ridiculously complex menu (well done boys!), the practice expedition to the Moors presented both teams with new challenges. Until the girls started their incredible tent manoeuvres and the boys stepped up with their fabulously democratic dining arrangements, things seemed fairly average. Then Mr Hall’s father turned up, complete with caravan and dog, and the weekend became far more interesting… The Pocklingtonian
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Track and Field Athletics
U13 Girls
This season has again seen a significant increase in students wishing to both choose athletics as their games option and compete for the school team. However, their participation has been hamstrung by the weather, with four events having to be cancelled in 2014. But overall the athletes continued to perform very well.
- 3rd place Independent Girls’ Schools Athletics Competition - 1st place Mount St Mary’s Competition
U15 Boys - 3rd place HMC North of England Championships -Q ualified for the North East of England A finals in the English Schools Athletics Cup
Georgia Rothwell
Junior Girls
East Riding Schools Trials Humberside Schools Athletics
1st place 1st place
800m 800m
Bryony Underwood
Junior Girls
East Riding Schools Trials
1st place
High Jump
Milly Barnes
Junior Girls
Independent School Girls’ Competition
1st place
1500m
Lawrence Mason
Junior Boys
East Riding Schools Trials
1st place
Javelin
Hebe Quinney
Junior Girls
Independent School Girls’ Competition
1st place
Discus
India Esa
Junior Girls
Independent School Girls’ Competition
1st place
Long Jump
Bella Byas
Junior Girls
Independent School Girls’ Competition
1st place
Shot Putt
Sports’ Day The whole school event was supported by over 200 parents and families, which generated an excellent atmosphere. There were some fantastic performances by the pupils, with many established records smashed in the course of the day. Wray Cup Best performer – Lower School Girl – Evie Frost Bradley Trophy Best performer – Lower School Boy – Lawrence Mason Todd Challenge Trophy Best performer – Middle School Boy – Ben Carlile Wood Trophy Best performer – Middle School Girl – Angela Curtis
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Slater Cup 100 Metres – Senior Girl – Adelle Kama Petrie Cup 100 Metres – Senior Boy – John Soanes Lower School Athletics Trophy Lower School House Winners – Gruggen House Athletics Trophy Middle School House Winners – Dolman Ewan Challenge Cup Senior School House Winner – Hutton Champions Cup Overall House Winner – Hutton SS
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Foundation Play real flavour of all that has made our school the great place it is today.’
This was true community theatre at its best. Audiences gathered on four sides of an enlarged playing space. Suddenly the stage came alive as the cast exploded into a ‘Stomp’ style inspired opening ceremony. A time capsule was revealed and the journey of discovery began as accomplished acting teams transported us back in time. The red team raced through the first 300 years of the school’s history in a fast, funny ensemble. ‘The Founding of the school, 1514-1807’, written by Mr Heaven and directed by Mrs Girling, was a lively account including memorable moments such as audience members becoming local farmers in 1514 and a guest appearance featuring Cilla Black! Each chapter of the history was interspersed with thought-provoking readings, with sources ranging from Tom Brown’s School Days to an interview with OP, Adrian Edmonson. Musical director Mr Judge composed haunting melodies and technical manager, Mr Ryan, projected images of the school’s history on surrounding screens to mark different eras. ‘An Assembly of Headmasters, 1807-1907’, written and directed by Mrs Marshall, created a non-stop whizz through several heads and their extraordinary exploits; from the dire reign of the Shields- father and son- to Wilkinson, London, Gruggen and finally Hutton. Mrs Marshall described the venture as ‘a fascinating journey through the school’s history as their escapades – from throwing fireplaces from windows and threatening with guns, to the establishment of Sports’ Day, with prizes and trips to the seaside – gave the cast and their audience a
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Projections of 1914 buildings juxtaposed with images of soldiers was a dramatic backdrop for the next play, ‘The school during WW1’, written and directed by Mrs Hughes. The play began with an interpretative dance by pupils as young as seven. This gradually transformed into marching as the dancers became soldiers. The acting jumped between the schoolboys who wrote letters to the OPs out in France and those at the front. Y5 and 6 pupils took on the roles of genuine OPs and performed with great maturity
(C Groombridge, H Hornshaw, E Hutchinson, M Lee, LO Duncan, T Robinson, L Browne). The rest of the Lyndhurst contingent sang an old hymn as doves fell from the sky printed with the names of the fallen. During the interval, a Georgian Minuet, choreographed by Mrs Hutchinson, and a dance through the ages, choreographed by Mrs Kilsby, had audiences clapping and dancing in the aisles. Impressive costumes, designed by Mrs White, clearly depicted different periods in Pocklington’s history. Lyndhurst opened the second half with ‘A brief history of Lyndhurst, 1951-present’ written and directed by Mrs Foster. Three pupils revealed various Lyndhurst memorabilia from the time capsule. A photograph depicting the opening of the school in 1951 prompted recollections of strict school masters such as Bainbridge and the boys dressing up in girls’ school skirts, provoking
much laughter in the audience as they mocked the new arrivals. Lyndhurst showed impressive dancing and singing in both plays and told the story of changes in twentieth century prep education with great skill. Following this, ‘The Arrival of the Girls’, written and directed by Mrs Hallam, highlighted the impact of girls arriving on campus. This play included an eclectic mix of literature, song and dance to portray various female and male perspectives on girls and education. The yellow team captivated the audience with original choreography and staging which were compelling to watch. The piece drew on iconic female role models who have inspired Pocklington girls to achieve great things today. ‘Welcome China and Hong Kong’, written and directed by Mr Heaven, acknowledged the range of nationalities at school. The digital age featured strongly as Pocklington students used media devices to communicate with prospective pupils abroad. A moving moment and highlight was when Pocklingtonians welcomed a Chinese pupil into the community. The closing chapter, celebrating school life in the twentieth century, provided snapshots of various headmasters and anecdotes about life in the latter half of the century. Narrators from the staff and school governing body skilfully presented this section and brought us up to date. The finale contained a cacophony of live music. Banners depicting the four day houses and Lyndhurst were unfurled as the time capsule was finally buried. With a cast and crew as large as the one assembled here it is not possible to mention everyone by name. This unique production recognised the importance of the past and honoured the thousands who have made Pocklington the place it is today. EJC
Mystery Plays The word ‘mystery’ meant a ‘religious truth ‘or ‘rite’ in Medieval English. From the comedy of God’s creation of the world and the shepherds visiting the manger, to the great set-piece dramas of the Harrowing of Hell and The Last Judgement, the plays present the beginning and end of all things. They were traditionally presented on the feast of Corpus Christi by the City Guilds. This year, The Merchant Adventurers and Pocklington, joined by local group, Ravens Morris, staged a truly spectacular version of ‘The Last Judgement’ described by the Sunday Mail as ‘one of the best presented and performed plays’ and by York Press as, ‘the most visually striking performance.’ Audiences were enthralled by the original gothic interpretation. Credit must go to Mr Ryan, set designer, and costume designer Mrs White for producing such an impressive visual spectacle. The set, comprising a giant clock with cogs and wheels galore reminiscent of the H G Wells’s ‘Time Machine’, alerted audiences to the fact that Judgement Day had finally
arrived. The Morris dancers and actors took centre stage with their creative steampunk outfits. Of course, God had to be played by no other than Mr Heaven and as the York Minster clock chimed its own sonorous forewarning across Dean’s Park he spoke with tremendous presence. Former Head Boy, Hugh Stubbins, gave an outstanding performance as Jesus acting out God’s commands. His passionate words could not fail to move audiences and as he pointed to two homeless figures on the ground we were all reminded of the importance of charitable acts today. Trumpets resounded as gold masked steampunk angels, played by OP Laura Arnott and Emma Burke, sang beautifully as they echoed God’s words. The good and bad souls placed amongst audience members shared their joys and fears as they awaited judgement. Emily Boddy, Josie Wareham and OP Ross Cronshaw gave powerful performances as they praised God on high and Mrs Meinardi and Miss Young played
the grand apostles who ascended the wagon steps to be reunited with God. The bad souls played by Imogen Heaven, Anthony Rose, Hannah Brice and Billy Ibbotson performed with vigour and intensity. Drums echoed across the streets of York as the three masked devils played by Sam Ryan, James Harrison and Lawrence Mason strode on stage carrying a gigantic skull! They lurked menacingly through the crowds and in a dramatic finale, the bad souls and even some audience members were hauled into hell. God had the final word and hope and peace were restored as the Morris group led a celebratory dance to end the play. Credit to musical director Mrs Bond and her musicians for supporting the cast in such a dynamic way and of course to the wagon pushers, Mr Bond, Mr Ellis, Mr Ryan, Ben Ryan, Ross Cronshaw and Hugh Stubbins! Thanks also to St John’s University for accommodating the cast and crew across both Sundays. We look forward to the next cycle of plays in 2018. EJC
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5th Form Dinner The end of GCSEs and Middle School were marked in now traditional manner on 16 May. The 5th Form turned out in style but of all it was George Heywood who stole the show, arriving by tractor and transforming overalls into evening dress (and back again!).
Travelling in style!
e their Tash and Sam were delighted to receiv joint awards for Smile of the Year.
?! No! Really
Now then... what are the chem ical properties of this menu?!
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Lovely ladies!
ets!� their sock es stay in “Look, my ey
Here come the boys!
of fashion! Gentlemen
The abduction was swift and painless. Then he realised the truth...
SU MMER
Beijing
Beijing 2014 ACE Programme This summer I went to Beijing, China for 11 days on the Ameson Chinese Elite (ACE) Summer Programme which I had applied for at Easter time. It brought together around 250 Chinese students with 19 international students from the UK, USA, France and the Russian Federation.The programme was run and funded by Ameson Education and Culture Exchange Foundation, with the aim to enable more cultural interaction and understanding between the 5 permanent members of the United Nations. 2014 was the first year that France and the UK were invited to participate so it was a great honour to be among the first UK students ever on the programme, writes Florence Judge-Clayden (5WIL). There were many activities over the two weeks which included interesting presentations on ‘Superconductivity’ from Professor David Cardwell (University of Cambridge, UK), ‘How to be Successful’ from Ron Byrne (Mount Allison University, Canada), ‘Marine Energy in Scotland’ from Professor Tom Bruce (University of Edinburgh) and ‘School of the Future’ from Dr Marina Polovkova (Russia). The lecturers then moderated several Panel Discussions. There were two general ‘Culture Summits’ where each country had 5 representatives and shared one main aspect of their
culture; for example, China showed what its regional dishes were. The audience could then ask questions or comment on similarities and differences compared with their own country. In addition there were two themed discussions with a panel consisting of one representative from each country. I was lucky enough to participate in both discussions on ‘Energy Solutions of the Future’ as well as ‘Stories of Dreams and Inspiration’. I was an audience member in the first one and I contributed my thoughts on why we currently rely on non-renewable Fossil Fuels as well as the difficulties in trying to introduce widespread renewable sources. In the second discussion I was part of the panel on stage and revealed who I was inspired by and why. The discussion then went on to the audience sharing their inspirational figures and looking at the differences between the collective dreams of China compared to America. We then looked at how collective dreams may reflect or influence individuals’ dreams and how they fitted together within individual countries.
Education worked which led to a very interesting discussion on how all the other countries’ education systems worked. Chinese calligraphy classes, food tasting sessions, Model Chinese People sports activities and two evening shows were also held. Everyone sang their national anthem including the Brits with ‘God Save the Queen’. One particular highlight was the Russians’ national dance which they performed and then invited the whole audience on to the stage to do it with them. It was rather magical and brought us all together on the penultimate night. Before the ACE programme began, the international students had three days of sightseeing around Beijing, so I got to know the 18 other international students really well. We packed a lot of sights in such as the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the 2008 Olympic Park, the Temple of Heaven and the Hutong area, which we navigated on rickshaws! I really enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to anyone as I now have many new friends from all five countries. I have gained a unique insight into student life in China as well as trying lots of new food to perfect my chopstick skills! It has really opened my eyes and has given me the travelling bug to explore other countries! Many thanks go to the Ameson Foundation for funding the venture and to school, for discovering the programme and encouraging me to apply.
There were also many activities which involved everyone and allowed us to experience different cultures. Individual workshops in the form of presentations were given in the evenings from selected Chinese and International students including me. I gave an idea of how British The Pocklingtonian
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Borneo The 10 week expedition started by being allocated into our delta groups. These were our venturer training groups in which we then had a 5 day induction, where we learnt necessary skills for the upcoming challenge and had a chance to meet the other volunteers, writes Hatty Lord (OP). We were then separated into our first project groups. I commenced with a community phase in a small remote village called Bonor Sook, where we were building the foundations for a kindergarten. We started by digging the 15 2ft holes for the main supports of the structure. As they were in need of a new toilet facility, we dug a new ‘long drop’ for the village, literally a deep hole in the ground, which they use as a toilet. We also concreted the floor of what was going to be canteen in the local school. These were projects that the local community had wanted to do for a while but never had the resources, so it was great that we were able to help out. Despite this, I think the biggest mark we left on the village was from the cultural interaction through sports and education – particularly with the children. Teaching the pre-school
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the biggest mark we left on the village was from “theI think cultural interaction through sports and education… ” and middle school children every day, we gradually saw their English and confidence in us improve. By the last week we really felt we had influenced their lives positively and were very sad to leave. My phase 2 was an environment project in the remote primary rainforest, Imbak Canyon. Our camp (built by the first phase group) was located next to the Imbak Falls, where we washed every day after a day of work. This project was continuing work on a suspension bridge, laying wiring between the two camps and rebuilding an old pulley system, with which we winched giant ironwood logs across the river to establish the foundations of the bridge. This is a long term sustainability project and eventually the bridge will enable better access to an area of primary rainforest for conservationists, scientists and visitors. Living in the middle of a class 1 rainforest was an incredible feeling. I finished with the adventure phase, which included a 12 day trek in Long Pasia, a very remote area in the south of Sabah. The trekking itself was physically challenging, made even tougher by the constant rain.
We carried everything we needed for the 12 days, and we honed our jungle skills camping in the wild in bashas made with tarp, a hammock and two trees. We were accompanied by a local jungle guide, Noor. We experienced beautiful views, waterfalls and finished the trek with a homestay, where we were invited into the home of a local family. Experiencing local hospitality was a real highlight for me. To end this phase we spent five days on Mamutik Island, where we completed our PADI open water dive course. I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to travel to parts of the world I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of seeing, witness varying cultures and be part of a project run by a prestigious charity, such as Raleigh International. I have conquered fears, overcome obstacles, discovered some hidden strengths and made lifelong friendships. The experience will stay with me forever. Hatty and Abbie (see opposite) were successful recipients of David Bagot Travel Awards in 2012 and 2013. For further information about the scholarship, contact Miss Lamb.
Fiji
“I got truly immersed in Fijian culture...”
In February 2014 I left for Fiji to start an 8 week healthcare project with a volunteer company called Frontier, writes Abbie Kearney (OP). I was working closely with the Fiji Cancer Society and was based in the main hospital in the capital city, Suva. One of my main tasks was to put all the patients’ records onto a computer database. I also went to local schools to give talks on health and nutrition, attended numerous cancer clinics and even saw minor surgeries performed. Whilst I was in Fiji I stayed with a local family who were amazing and this meant I got truly immersed in the Fijian culture. At the weekends, the other volunteers and I explored the islands, spending our times at the many beaches, snorkelling the coral reefs, swimming in waterfalls and even staying at a Fijian village in the interior of the main island. My time in Fiji was incredible and I would definitely recommend volunteering abroad for the experience you gain in both the project and from living in a different culture.
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The flight was amazing. “I would recommend it to anyone! ”
SUMMER CCF
(Charley Barkworth)
CCF Highlights The following are highlights of another excellent year: September 2013 – James Kerr was appointed Contingent Cadet CSM with Josh Baines as head of the Army Section and Bethany Todd as head of the RAF Section. October 2013 – The Army Section took part in the 15 (NE) Bde SAAM and came away with Winners medals in the Pairs’ Shoot and the Section Shoot, with James Kerr winning the title of Best Individual Shot.
October 2013 – A Senior NCO team took part in the prestigious Colts Canter Cup, gaining Third Place and more medals. November 2013 – The RAF Section competed with enthusiasm in the Annual Ground Training Competition and achieved many top 5 places in the individual elements of the overall competition, notably second place in the RAF Knowledge element.
plane myself was awesome. (Tom Baarda)
”
“
I did two aerobatic manoeuvres by myself!
(Grace Jackson)
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Not to be deterred, our small but perfectly formed RAF section set about preparing for the annual Ground Training competition which was to be held at RAF College Cranwell over Exeat weekend – that’s dedication for you. There are 33 schools with RAF sections in the
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July 2014 – 35 Army cadets attend Annual Camp at Beckingham.
MRE
Getting to say “I have “control sir” and flying the
This year started slowly: we hadn’t had a summer camp, the Air Experience Flying had been halted, RAF Church Fenton was closed down and 9AEF transferred to RAF Linton on Ouse.
June 2014 – RAF Air Experience Flying took to the air after a year’s grounding of the RAF Trainer, the Grob Tutor. Our cadets were the first in the country to take to the skies again.
July 2014 – 7 RAF cadets attend Annual camp at RAF St Mawgan.
Eastern region and there are only enough spaces for the top 16 teams, with automatic qualification going to the top 3 teams. Cadets face a test on their knowledge from parts 1 and 2 of the RAF syllabus of training. We were pleased to qualify third out of the 33 schools!
RAF Highlights
May 2014 – Biennial Inspection by HRH The Duke of York KG and Air Commodore Warren James CBE.
We duly practised for the drill, shooting (indoor range), first aid, physical fitness, aircraft recognition and command tasks. I am grateful to Mr Kilsby, Mr Long and Miss Cheadle who drove the cadets down to Cranwell. Saturday night was time
for a bite to eat and a few games of ten bowling. Martha Cullen proved to be a bit of a dark horse and got the highest score. On Sunday, none of the schools could match Kimbolton, who appeared to have been practising all day and night in the preceding weeks. Our best performance came in the drill where we looked very smart and performed very well. Half way through the year, Air Experience Flying was back on the menu. Cadets get a 25-30 minute sortie where they are guided by very experienced RAF pilots who
I loved every minute, “especially seeing a miniature version of York. (Sam Hird)
”
encourage them to take the controls. Many have the opportunity to fly a number of aerobatic manoeuvres. We hope to fly as much as possible next year and already have six dates in the calendar. Finally, we are pleased to report that Liz Stables (OP) is about to graduate from RAF College Cranwell and ex-cadet Gareth Pearce is currently doing his IOC Initial Officer Training Course. PMLD
SU MMER CC F
CCF RAF Summer Camp up on the board and Miles Adesile achieved the highest score in the ten pin bowling with Matthew a close second. Martha Cullen had set the highest score down at RAF Cranwell back in November but couldn’t quite replicate her high scoring this time around. At the prize giving at the end of the week it was great to see Florence Judge-Clayden take the award (richly deserved) for best cadet on camp. Florence, Matthew, Tom and Martha were in the winning flight and Sophie and Miles were in “Lawrence Flight”, who were worthy runners up.
We were initially very disappointed as we were not allocated a camp this year. Never one to give up, I badgered HQ Air Cadets until they offered us some places down in Cornwall at RAF St Mawgan.We took a select group, with Miles Adesile, Sophie Hamilton, Matthew Besford,Tom Baarda, Florence Judge-Clayden and Martha Cullen filling the places offered. Whilst there is not an enormous amount to do on the base itself, RAF St Mawgan is very used to hosting cadets and the camp proved a fantastic location to discover the wonderful scenery of Cornwall. We did have the usual Camp Familiarisation exercise and heritage trail (or FAMEX) which allowed the cadets to find their way around base and to get a feel for the different roles the base has had in its history. We also had a very enjoyable morning on the low ropes facility with team building activities led by the Test Sergeant and officer staff. One officer from the RAF Regiment also led an exercise on counter terrorism, teaching the cadets about conducting thorough searches of an area on base, looking for concealed weapons and trip wires. That proved to be very instructive and most entertaining with the cadets enjoying finding quite an array of weapons (all made safe I hasten to add).
Dry weapons training figured at several points during the week ready for the range day on the final day of camp. There was lots of good shooting with many cadets very close to reaching their marksman badge. Drill practice was also on the menu and standards improved a great deal during the week, culminating in three fine performances from the flights in the final competition. Four Pocklington cadets were in “Carter Flight” and it was especially nice to see them win both the drill and the overall competition. Leadership skills development work is always a key part of any RAF camp and cadets tried their hand at a range of command tasks run by the officer staff. With Newquay only just down the road, it would have been rude not to sample the delights of surfing and coasteering. We used Newquay Activity Centre who put on a fabulous day of activities for us. It certainly gave some of the cadets the appetite to try these activities again the next time they are in that area of the country. Cadets also enjoyed some less military activities with an interesting day at the Eden Project, ten pin bowling, rounders, football and volleyball on the beach.
It was great to see Pocklington CCF cadets setting high standards and learning new skills which they will need as they progress in the section next year. My thanks must go to the cadets themselves for their good humour, effort and willingness to try new things and for the staff who gave up their time to make things happen. Mr Long added St Mawgan to his already long list of camps as both a cadet and officer and Miss Hannah Dawson (recent OP) who is now a Civilian Instructor with our CCF, attended her first camp as a member of staff having been on camps to Conningsby, Henlow, Wittering and Shawbury as a cadet. I am indebted to them for their help and support and very much hope they will both be back on the team next year. Flt Lt Dare
Matthew Besford excelled on a surf board, being one of the first to stand The Pocklingtonian
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SUMMER
Pockfest 500
party@pock
A cool summer’s evening on Saturday 28 June did not deter the hundreds of pupils, parents and OPs who attended the Pockfest 500 – Party@Pock. The crowds were entertained by an array of musical talent ranging from current pupils Fred Jibson, Amy Crowther and Fin Henderson to former students. In addition to the singer Claire Russell (OP 1996-2003) we were fortunate to have the return
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of OP bands Fiction (Simon Hudson OP 1974-81), Bad Robot (Messrs Lord, Pratt, Robertson and Watkins OPs 2001-09) and the Rufus Watson Trio (Rufus Watson, Jordan Smith, Paddy Russell OPs 2006-13). The finale was a wonderful firework display set to the music of the 1812 overture, followed by Flo Taylor leading the community singing of Rule, Britannia and Jerusalem.
The decorated array of gazebos was the best we had ever seen and on behalf of the Friends of Pocklington School we would like to thank those who attended and made such a tremendous effort. Over £2000 was raised which has been donated to two local charities, Pocklington Imagination Library and St Leonard’s Hospice, York. MK
Everywhere, staff are plotting… Here’s the first pair!
Mr.Hutchings’s plot went wrong...
Miss Powell has a comprehensive plan of attack!
Mr.Ronan clearly has a devious scheme afoot...
Life’s a beach for Miss Young!
Beware!
Swiss national caught flaunting French flag…
Mrs.Lord hovers with toxic potion in hand!
Beaten… and by a lass!
History plot as a three… Guess who’s beh ind it all?!
Job done. Not a child in sight!
Mrs.Anderton’s Grand Strategy takes shape…
Boarding housemasters are especially to be feared!
Mr.Bond uses his peculiar anatomy to scare strangers...
Mrs..Danby plots individually… Two seconds to countdown…
And the second…
He’s behind you!
Rev.Rob enlists a partner in crime…
Retirement looked bleak…
A Bolt from the blue Mr Cimmermann conquers all!
Pocklington School, West Green, Pocklington, York YO42 2NJ Telephone +44 1759 321200 www.pocklingtonschool.com