THE
RADLEIAN MICHAELMAS TERM 2020
The Show Must Go On...
THE RADLEIAN
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FROM THE WARDEN I note that at the time of writing, the Oxford English Dictionary has departed from precedent. Rather than choose a word of the year for 2020, they have decided that in such extraordinary / unprecedented / turbulent / strange times there should be a list of words. Not for them the vanilla choice of ‘lockdown’ identified by their rivals Collins; they also salute ‘furlough’, ‘unmute’, ‘social distancing’, ‘remote learning’ . . . as well as noting in passing the fact that there has been a 57,000% increase in the use of the word ‘pandemic’. The language of Covid-19 is complex; it is difficult to avoid cliché or hyperbole as we seek to describe the impact on every aspect of our lives, not least here at Radley. But what if we were to choose an image to summarise this Michaelmas Term? An image that could reflect the fact that in the midst of change, some things stay the same? After all, it is a balancing act that is always at the heart of what we try to be and do . . . There are lots of images that come to mind. An Inter Social Partsong competition with the singers carefully arranged two metres apart. A classroom with some participants beaming in as remote learners through a screen. The College musical going ahead as planned . . . but as a film. More prosaically, a canister of hand sanitiser in Stone Hall or a copy of a risk assessment, desperately trying to ensure that the thing we want to do is done safely. A photo of a carefully distanced JCR evening? Perhaps not. Or the image opposite. A sunset over Radley. A reassuring image of Mansion at the heart of the College. A glimpse of the new L Social in the background. A temporary Marquee, providing essential break-out space for Socials and other groups to meet as near to normally as possible. And a group of boys in their bubbles taking their seats for an outdoor Chapel service. A weather forecast for the ages, an innovative Precentor, a willing Chaplain, a socially distanced choir desperate to sing: all came together for a memorable service one Sunday evening in September. Far from normal, of course. And yet . . . somehow, oddly, it felt completely normal. At the same time, it provided the perfect image of the term. And a beautiful one too.
John Moule The Warden
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corner of the stage with another one on a jib swooning across to capture moving shots. These resources, along with the excellent work by the cast and crew, allow for something new and truly spectacular that may just rival a live theatre experience.
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or years, the College Musical has been a highlight of the Radley Calendar. Parents and students come from far and wide to witness the high standard of singing, dancing and acting as well as the magnificent sets and costumes. But in this pandemic era, the idea of fitting several hundred people into a theatre is inconceivable. So the Radley Drama Department had to adapt to this less than ideal situation and find a new way of bringing the College Musical to a wide audience. The musical itself, featuring the music of Madness, the renowned band behind such hits as It Must Be Love and Baggy Trousers, is called ‘Our House’. It is the story of Joe, a young man who after a pivotal decision, finds his life literally split in half. In one half, the good version of him that made the right choice and on the other…the bad version. As the story progresses we watch both stories unfold having further-reaching consequences than Joe could ever imagine.
on to film the performance as a movie rather than to perform in front of a packed audience. Rehearsals started out over Zoom, an initially challenging prospect that yielded surprisingly successful results. Upon returning to school, the actors and chorus members recorded their songs with professional sound equipment, as well as learning the choreography and staging for their scenes. As soon as that was done, it was time for shooting to begin.
With the musical already cast and prepared for pre-covid, it would have been a shame to abandon the project. Therefore, the decision was made early
The musical made use of the Video Department’s exceptional array of cameras and filmmaking equipment. Three cameras were placed on each
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The musical was completely filmed by Leave Away. There was a lot of hard editing work to do because hundreds of hours of footage had to be assembled and music had to be synced to craft ‘Our House’ into a finished version. Audiences therefore had to wait a little longer before they could see the full performance. It has been a challenging prospect for everyone involved to transform a live performance into a film, but the Video and Drama Departments have managed with flying colours. It has been a really exciting project and there was huge acclaim for the finished product. Morgan O’Connell F Social, 6.1
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VIRTUALLY OUR HOUSE Continued...
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hilst rumours started to spread as to how much of an impact Covid-19 would have on schools, let alone school plays, it became more and more apparent that Radley’s 2020 musical was not going to be performed in its usual grandeur. However, to many people’s surprise (including myself), it was announced that we would be filming the show to create a screen version of the stage musical. Most of the cast had never had any experience of acting for camera before, so this idea became a rather daunting yet inspiring challenge for all of us. Over the virtual summer term, the cast of ‘Our House’ met regularly from all around the world to rehearse over Zoom. We managed to read through the script in sections to gain a better understanding of the play and met in smaller groups to learn some of the Madness songs. These rehearsals gave the entire cast a feeling of anticipation to start filming in the Michaelmas Term later that September, one that would not disappoint. We dived straight into filming the musical with an iconic comical scene during our first week back. This came as quite a shock to many of the cast members, especially to those for whom it was their first time acting on camera. I soon realised that when acting with a camera right in front of you, you are able to perform using more subtle attributes. This excited me as it was something I had never done before and gave me a different insight into forms of acting. What also made the experience unique was the design – the set, props and costumes had all been created to work in a socially distanced environment! Behind the scenes and between takes it was great getting to know everyone and share our enthusiasm for theatre. It had been hard to see theatres over the entirety of the West End shut down for the past few months, with people’s whole livelihoods being
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destroyed and becoming, unfortunately, irreversible for many. But it also became incredibly moving to be one of the few who are able to continue to put on theatre during this time. Toward the start of the filming process the entire cast took part in recording sessions where we sang with backing tracks produced by Radley’s very own professional musicians. We even managed to perform the key dance numbers to some of Madness’s big hits, such as ‘Our House’ and ‘Baggy Trousers’. A particular highlight was filming the dance sequence for ‘I’ve Been Driving in My Car’. Amazingly, the Drama Department managed to source a Morris Minor that had six of us dancing in it. It was great fun to be jumping in and out of the doors, but a stretch to be doing this whilst singing, remembering to smile, keeping in mind the rhythm and at a distance from each other! It was a challenge making sure that we were doing such well-known songs justice, but I’m sure the musical will bring back memories for some of you, uplift others, but perhaps most importantly, entertain you all. Ed Betton D Social, 6.2
L SOCIAL W
e were delighted to open the L Social doors on the first day of the Michaelmas Term 2020 to an excited group of boys in their blue and yellow ties. The sensitive architecture of the new Social buildings provides a wonderful fusion of old and new; history, and history in the making. Rooms that once were occupied by Radley greats sit alongside exciting, modern spaces that capitalise on enviable views of College Pond, Mansion, Chapel and Peachcroft Farm. Of course, a new Social is more than bricks and mortar, and it has been a joy to see how the staff and boys have worked to build a distinct L Social culture. I have only been in L for a matter of months and I am already absorbed in the culture here. Cocoa is a must go for every boy in Social; even with restrictions in place the Common Room is ablaze every evening with excitement and talking. The Sub Tutors have been directing discussions and have given everyone an opportunity to talk and integrate with the rest of the Social. Cocoas as a result have been a huge success in L and are my favourite event of the day. Three figures stand out in particular. Dr Hakimi, our Tutor, consistently keeps us motivated to be our best, and whose pride in his Social is evident in everything he does. Debs, our PHM, who works tirelessly every day, and keeps everything running smoothly. Mrs Davies, our Resident Sub Tutor, who came straight from a wedding in the summer to look after a bunch of teenage boys, and was full of spirit and excitement. The excitement and energy of the Social stems from them. Finlay Trasler Head of L Social
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eturning to Radley from an extensive break with family it feels like a different school. From starting A level courses to the protective measures for Covid-19, I can say that L has had by far the best impact. The new faces and social areas have become home. Being able to come over with friends from other Socials and joining the new 6.1s has made for a seamless community and even between the years there is a sense of inclusion and friendship emphasised by the smaller number of boys. More than anything this has quickly allowed everyone to get to know each other and bond as a Social. Patch football and socially distanced table tennis have been led by the 6.2s who have demonstrated the sportsmanship and goodwill embodied in all inter-social activities: from the victory in the Mansion Quad Cup to the outstanding efforts of a third place finish in Partsong, after the Shells’ brilliant success in the Haddon Cup. Being able to come together at the end of the day, despite tight distancing restrictions to chat, play table tennis and eat with new friends is a real highlight of being in L, with its inclusivity. Watching the Haddon Cup prize-giving live and, mere weeks later, the Partsong competition in the Social’s cocoa room with the rest of the house and the sub-tutors, it clicked that the House would get behind each other and celebrate achievements. Not only has it been great to be part of everything accomplished so far and to be able to live in this amazing building, but there is the prospect of so much more to come. The foundations are set, the boys settled in and the Social is already a home away from home. It is exciting to know that everyone is working hard to make L the place that it is. Johnny Elliott L Social 6.1
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THE CHAPEL T
he Radley College Chapel was designed by the Victorian architect Thomas Graham Jackson and was opened in 1895. It is a distinctive and important part of the Radley landscape. As the College has grown from 250 boys in 1895, to well over 700 in the last 125 years, the increasing numbers of pupils at the school meant that Chapel was often at full capacity. In 2015 Purcell’s Oxford studio won a design competition for the extension of the Radley College’s Chapel. Purcell’s design extends the east end to enhance the capabilities of the space and provide a focus on the Sanctuary, with 30% more seating overall. ‘The extension is a conscious continuation of Jackson’s design, whilst also having its own contemporary character and presence and is an important part of the school’s evolution and future,’ said Purcell Architects. The Sanctuary is the holiest part of a church, housing the altar, where the most sacred Christian rituals take place. The new Sanctuary will create an inner sanctum illuminated by delicate tiers of stained-glass windows with light streaming in from above through an intricate design of an ornate timber and glass lantern roof. The lantern roof adds a plethora of light to enhance the feeling of openness and space within the Sanctuary, but with much of the detail out of direct sight from Chapel. The octagonal timber roof structure was inspired by a stone roof in the cathedral at Cordoba in Andalusia. The differences between building in stone and timber resulted in an octagonal wigwam structure with the curved timber suspended below, rather than horizontal loads onto masonry walls beneath. The entire roof is tied together with a 16mm diameter stainless steel strap around the perimeter of the octagon. Carpenter Oak worked closely with Purcell Architects, and brought in the expertise from Harrison Brookes Architects to help develop the geometrical principles, solving an intricate design with geometry and craftsmanship.
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The completed design is 6.7m at its widest point, 4.7m tall and comprises over 12 cubic metres of oak, made up of 1177 sections including the sarking boards. The finished frame includes 322 joints, including machining over half a kilometre of curves and backing cuts. ‘In order for all of the joints to appear to form the dome from beneath, the crosssectional shape of the timbers will have to be continuously changing across the roof, leading to plenty of head scratching for the carpenters in the yard cutting the frame,’ said Paul Slemmings, Frame Designer. Despite the disruption that Covid-19 brought to production in 2020, the timber roof was made and assembled in full at Carpenter Oak’s Devon yard, then transported to the site at Radley to be re-assembled and placed over the newly constructed Sanctuary. The new oak roof will soon be clad in lead shingles to become weathertight, so it has been wonderful to watch the craftsmanship evolve, as it will soon become hidden beneath the lead cladding for evermore. Once the Sanctuary is complete, the lantern roof will be visible on the exterior by the beacon of light emanating from this extraordinary roof. Elisabeth Anderson Development Director
ROOF
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NEW BOY DIARI
6.1 Nicolas Crossa del Castillo L Social When I was asked to write an article describing life as a new 6.1 in Radley College, my mind was left to wonder about the myriad of things I could write about: whether these were the diverse societies, engaging talks, expansive sports choice and much, much more… But something happened this weekend which far stood out in my experience in this wonderful yet strange new life. It was the Haddon Cup. It was a strange feeling entering L Social for the first time, for the building too was a new being in the school, with no past or history to be spoken of. To my surprise there was an incredible sense of welcoming from the very beginning: probably due to this being a new start for everyone involved, old and new, post-lockdown. During the Summer, myself and another boy called Joshua Thompson, had been recruited to write and direct the upcoming Haddon Cup. With the script already written, we were excited to meet our young actors. The Shells put all their efforts into making the best play we could and we were delighted when the adjudicator, Patrick McPherson, awarded us first place. And it was then, making our way back to the Social, cheering and shouting, running in the pitch of night, when we were greeted outside by everyone else who stayed watching the live stream, their torches out, chanting “It’s coming home”, and they too yelling in joy. It was then when I too felt I was coming back home.
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SHELLS Ralph Mann A Social On my first day I was very nervous. It was a brand new start and I had joined the youngest year group in a new school. The first couple of days were very busy and it was fun being a part of the Shell Games Circus. It was a great experience because it introduced everyone to the many different sports at Radley including the array of unique sports like Rackets, Fives and Real Tennis. We soon found out what we liked to play and having played squash, I was delighted to be able to choose racket sports for my Wednesday activity. We were the first Shell year group, this year, to be given a new iPad to support our learning. It has been extremely helpful, especially when the harder preps came in, and we were set essays about History, Geography and English. My iPad came with a keyboard and trackpad and I found the Apple pencils useful for taking notes and drawing diagrams. It is a really useful addition to life as a Radleian. I have really enjoyed the first couple of weeks here, and I’m sure that I will for the next five years of my life! Mikael Wari K Social Change can be difficult and the scariest part of venturing to a new school is fitting in. As I arrived, I was greeted by my K Social Tutor, Mr Glendon-Doyle. It was then that we had an opportunity to talk to other pupils, which was exciting. There were many things that we were all looking forward to, such as walking around a colossal campus, going to the Coffee Shop and receiving iPads. Our first weekend in the Social marked our Shell Tug-Of-War contest against the other Socials. The odds were stacked against us, as we played a total of six matches in a row before being called up to the finals against a mighty J Social with no breaks. We also had our inter-social cricket competition in which we unfortunately lost in the semi-finals. To make up for our loss against J Social in the Tug-of-War, we played a football match against them and emerged victorious with the end result 5-1. It was a thoroughly enjoyable first fortnight at Radley. Nicholas Squire F Social The wooden gates, the long driveway, the Memorial Arches and the Bigside games fields. So much happened on that very first day. I had said goodbye to Mum and Dad and I was embarking a new and exciting pathway. I had become a Radleian. The following day I remember making lots of new friends. This was a good day because I was also given a brand new iPad! The first couple of weeks were very busy. I enjoyed spending time in the cricket nets and this gave me a strong sense of feeling settled; it is a game I love. We enjoyed many activities during the first few days and the Shell Games Circus introduced us to many sports. I got to play real tennis for the very first time. It was something I had been looking forward to and I was amazed at how hard it was to play. My first weeks at Radley were packed full with academics, sports and new friends and I enjoyed every minute of it all.
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THE RADLEIAN
THE ARTIS
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During the Lent Term 2020, each Shell set created a large painting of an ‘inspirational artist’. The images were divided up so that each student painted a panel which, when put together, created the finished piece. My set painted a portrait of Artemisia Gentileschi, widely considered to be one of the most accomplished seventeenth-century artists, working at a time when women had few opportunities to pursue artistic training or work as a professional artist. Other Shell sets painted artists including Louise Bourgeois, Jackson Pollock, Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Gustave Courbet, David Hockney and Yayoi Kusama. We used water-based oil paints which was challenging as they can be messy to apply and take a long time to dry. On completion, we made some three-dimensional additions which gave each painting a greater sense of fun. My set added a physical paint brush and palette into Artemisia’s hand which brought the picture to life. The paintings are now hanging in Covered Passage and have been very well received. Henry Ainscough J Social, Remove
Planning the Project Having completed a similar project last year where each Shell set painted an inspirational figure nominated by each academic department, the Art Department wanted to build on this success and further develop this approach. Enabling the boys to work collaboratively in their first year at Radley helps them build a number of core skills, including communication and teamwork, whilst also providing an opportunity for them to get to know and help each other. It was hard to single out only ten inspirational artists and we encouraged the boys to research a range of artists from different times and societies. We visited the National Portrait Gallery and the National Gallery to look at different approaches and to help us with our investigations. The boys also enjoyed considering what three-dimensional accessory could be added to the painting to give it a bit of extra joie de vivre. Enthusiasm grew as did Salvador Dalí’s moustache, Gustave Courbet’s curly hair and Yayoi Kusama’s red locks! Overall, the boys enjoyed working with a new medium and researching different artists across cultures and histories. It is also encouraging to see the boys pointing out their own panel in the paintings as they walk down Covered Passage with staff, families and friends. Ruth Tufnell Director of Art
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POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS Y
ou may have read the quote by John Donne while scanning the Radleian Society pages of the school website. It is a reminder to us all that Radley does not exist in isolation. This was recognised in 2016 with the publication of Looking to the Future, focusing on three central aspects of College life – People, Place, Purpose – which together set out to prepare our boys as global citizens. Recent months have brought emphasis to our global connections, yet at the same time have shone a light on the strength of our local communities working in collaboration – the power of partnership. Over the years Radley has been part of some outstanding community projects within our locale. An ambitious music project in 2019, brought together more than 300 young singers, from local primary and secondary schools, in the Sheldonian Theatre for two concerts alongside the King’s Singers. Each year, more than 80 Radleians join the community action project, working in local care homes, primary schools, charities, and village projects. Last term a group of 6.1 students joined their counterparts at Desborough College to help mentor younger pupils during lockdown. Further afield, our continued work with Gehandu School, Tanzania, has widened the horizons of our boys and the students they have stood alongside. We hold a strong belief that we improve as a school with the mind-set that we learn as much as we give. Through partnership, Radleians develop character and are encouraged to become outward facing and self-aware. As an OR said to me recently: ‘We learn much more from being with people who are not like us!’ This term, as part of my new role as Director of Partnerships, we have joined forces with Abingdon Edge – a partnership between five local schools
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in Abingdon – delivering an online leadership and coaching programme to nearly 70 Sixth Form students across the town. There is an appetite from boys and staff to become more involved: more than 60 A Level mathematicians have signed up to train to become online tutors, while a group from Common Room is working on a national project in support of children in care, and we continue to welcome local primary school children to Radley for curriculum extension lessons as part of our STEPs programme. We remain ambitious to make a difference. As we look forward, we aim to build a community sports leadership
“No one is an island, entire of itself; everyone is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” academy, a primary school singing and young music leadership programme and to widen our outreach into schools from less affluent areas of the country, while continuing to embrace our social, economic, and environmental responsibilities within our local community. Boys and staff are at the centre of these initiatives. Listening, supporting, and growing. Ready to embrace their social connectedness and understanding their responsibility within it. We are on the cusp of exciting times. John Sparks Director of Partnerships
‘Nugent Wade and Mr. Sewell drank tea with Monk and me in The Turle, at Oxford, this evening.’ The Journal of Robert Singleton, March 5th 1847 The four men who met together at that tea party in Turl Street in Oxford were a busy group. By the end of the evening they had set out their proposals for a revolutionary new type of school based on a desire ‘to surround the boys with an atmosphere breathing greatness and goodness’ and a view that ‘Religion, morality, history & truth, wisdom & learning are best taught by example.’ Within a month they had taken a lease on Radley Hall (Mansion), and three months later on June 9th the College was founded and the first Warden installed. By August they had their first three pupils and four teachers. It has sometimes been a rocky road since then. The school has weathered financial disasters, global economic depression, world wars and currently faces the challenges of virtual teaching through the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet the spirit of these original values still lives on at Radley today. In 2022 we will be commemorating the 175 years that have passed since our founding, and we see this as a wonderful opportunity to look back and remind ourselves of our history, but also to look forward and reassert our purpose and value in the world today.
strengthening our connections with the entire Radley Community, and through this imbue the boys with a sense of their own place in our community and our history. As I write a group of boys and dons are currently coming up with ideas on how to commemorate our birthday year, with talk of playing sports to 1847 rules and an 1847 lunch in Hall! More broadly the College plans to host some special events and we will also be publishing an Anniversary book, entitled ‘Untold Stories’ in March 2022. This will explore the history of Radley against the backdrop of our founding principles and will include many voices from the Radley community to add weight to the dialogue of its author, Clare Sargent, Radley Archivist. Every boy currently at Radley College will have his name featured in our Anniversary book to mark their place in its history. We are also delighted to reveal our Anniversary logo for the 175th Year, which we are simply naming Radley 175. You will see this more and more in the build-up to 2022 as we take you on a journey from Radley in 1847, to Radley today...and beyond. Caroline Monaghan Radleian Society Manager
We want to use our 175th Anniversary year as an opportunity to focus on
The journey begins with this simple timeline explaining how Radley College became established under the care of its original founders, William Sewell and Robert Singleton
5 March 1847: Tea party in Turl Street where ideas for Radley were first outlined. March 1847: Radley Hall (Mansion) 21-year lease agreed. 4 April 1847: First donation to the College of £20 from a well-wisher. 22 May 1847: First night Warden Singleton and servitor*, Henry Searle, spent in the Mansion. 9 June 1847: Installation of first Warden & four Fellows. 17 August 1847: First two boys arrived at the school, George Melhuish and Alexander Clutterbuck. 23 August 1847: First College meeting of Warden & Fellows at which the Statutes were read and agreed.† 27 January 1848: 10 new students started, including the first Decimal (educated for free as a tithe). 21 June 1848: First Gaudy (St Columba’s Day).
1977 Art lesson
23 August 1848: 33 boys start at the school.
* Servitors were poor boys who received an education at the school in exchange for work and singing in the choir † Singleton
‘we are now a regular College with a Warden, Fellows and Visitor (Bishop of Oxford)’
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MUSIC UNLOCKED W
hen Radley Music became Virtual Radley Music and hundreds of videos were edited, boys and teachers found innovative ways to keep music as a central part of the Radley experience. Around the world, the power and importance of music and the arts to sustain, inspire and unite communities was palpable. However, nothing replaces the thrill of the experience of making music together, in person, live. There was a huge team effort to find a way to safely bring live music back to the heart of the physical school. Areas were marked with tape, screens were erected in every room, and one way systems appeared. With the start of the Michaelmas Term, the Music School was once again filled with sound. Five hundred weekly individual music lessons were able to return in person and practice rooms were once again full. With ensembles necessarily limited
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in size, we have seized the opportunity to reinvigorate our Chamber Music programme with over 40 different ensembles meeting every week. Live concerts have continued, with small socially distanced audiences and the support of the indefatigable video unit recording and streaming every music event.
Partsong, a highlight of any year, was a particular triumph: it was almost as if the competition was made for social distancing, organised by Social, with groups of no more than 15. Well over a thousand people tuned in to watch the performances on the live stream and C Social’s engaging, eccentric winning performance.
Our partnerships with schools, charities and care homes have never been more important. Unable to visit care homes in person, a group of Fifth Form boys have recorded four concerts to be sent to lift the spirits of residents and staff. The choir is now back in Chapel, singing in small groups from the gallery six times every week. Before Leave Away, the choristers and Chapel Choir recorded a full choral evensong at Radley Parish Church, sent out to several local congregations who cannot meet in their own churches.
As I write, boys are busily rehearsing for a Stage and Screen concert with professional band, recording videos for the virtual Live Lounge and Contemporary Music evenings, and putting the final plans together for a charitable concert organised by the 6.2 musicians. Not only is music back in the Music School but, despite everything, it seems to be more vibrant than ever. Sam Gladstone Precentor
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ver lockdown it was easy to sink into the belief that music as we know it was fading into the past. Making music together, especially as a clarinettist seemed to be an impossible dream. So I could hardly believe it when I was sat in the foyer of the Music Department listening to a string quartet, a saxophone ensemble, a band performing a pop song and several pianos. I had just finished teaching the Clarinet Group, all socially distanced with one member joining us remotely from overseas. The ‘can do’ approach of the Music School at Radley is inspiring and heartwarming. The camaraderie is there, the quiet insistence on high standards is just the same and the boys are achieving as much if not more than ever. It takes courage from leadership to make all this happen. It takes adherence to the guidelines with good humour and diligence to give the boys a worthwhile musical experience. My day at Radley is the highlight of my working week. Long may it continue. Emma Canava Clarinet teacher & Clarinettist with the London Mozart Players
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eturning to Radley was a wonderful feeling. I had particularly missed singing together, be it in Chapel or in preparation for future concerts. Although, during lockdown, there was an amazing and very realistic virtual experience, it is still no match for the real deal. Being able to share ideas quickly and make music together are things that we took for granted. Watching performances and competitions live is something that all students enjoy and the response to the events that have taken place is a testimony to this. Nithin Simanand Deputy Head of Choir, 6.2
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JUNIOR PROJECT PRIZE I
t was decided to formalise provision for the most able Junior pupils at Radley, with the institution of a new cadre of Junior Scholars. Radley has always been a school for exceptional young men: boys who display an extraordinary range of talents and combine outstanding achievements in the classroom with first class performances on the games pitch, on the stage and in the concert hall. The Junior Scholars initiative is designed to push the most able boys harder and to inspire them to specialise earlier and to maximise their talents in their chosen fields of study at university. Boys are encouraged to think outside the classroom and outside the confines of Radley and discover where their passions and talents lie. The Junior Project Prize competition is open to all pupils in the Shell and Remove years. The competition highlights the rich cultural and academic talents of our younger boys and sets the scene for selecting some forty Radleians, in each of the Shell and Remove years, to join the Junior Scholars. Michaelmas saw these boys make real strides. There have been some terrific submissions to the weekly Junior Scholars challenges and many boys have taken up the Warden’s invitation to join him in debate on Tuesday afternoons. It is hoped that other Shell and Remove boys will distinguish themselves and swell the numbers of this elite academic group. Ralph Woodling Master in Charge of Junior Scholars
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A Selection of the Best Submissions The aim of the Junior Project Prize was to celebrate students’ individual interests and endeavour; the task was voluntary and the mode of submission was up to them. It was expected that work should be scholarly and of interest and use to others. Submissions were judged initially by the Academic Prefects and from the many entries submitted a total of 12 boys were commended or awarded prizes by the Warden. Below are five exceptional submissions to the Junior Project Prize Competition.
Quantum Computing, Hyunjo Kim and Joey Zhou A fascinating and detailed introduction to this highly complex field. Hyunjo and Joey begin by introducing some of the basic postulates of quantum mechanics and go on to show the power of the consequences of these theories in quickly solving problems. The image shows an excerpt from Simon’s Algorithm, one of the first mathematical constructs to demonstrate the theoretical superiority of Quantum Mechanical algorithms over conventional circuit algorithms in quickly solving problems.
Do Derivatives Belong in a Retail Investor’s Portfolio? Russell Kwok Russell explores the field of derivatives, focusing primarily on options. Russell moves on from considering these instruments to be sensible hedging or insurance products to demonstrating how limiting strategies can be employed to profit from volatile market conditions, by trading derivatives. Russell’s work is complicated and he has shown a remarkable depth of understanding of this multi-trillion-dollar industry. The image below shows how a long straddle might be employed to profit from volatile market conditions.
A Piece Under Quarantine, Kim Chin A lively and sophisticated individual composition for piano and clarinet. Kim oozes musicality and he will leave listeners humming the catchy motif for hours.
Metal Work Projects, George Beattie George shows exceptional talent and initiative in designing attractive and functional artwork from horseshoes. George singlehandedly took delivery of the welding equipment and cutting tools necessary to construct his artefacts. George manufactures a beautiful horse head sculpture and crafts useful household items and builds a robust bicycle trailer for helping deliver provisions to elderly neighbours.
Fly Fishing on the Nadder, Ned Tucker This glorious video celebrates Ned’s love of fly fishing and records his considerable talent for catching trout. A gentle and perceptive film exploring the history of fly fishing on this beautiful chalk stream and an endorsement of the benefits of this pastime, especially during this current time of uncertainty.
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NEWS Sailing
Charity Cycle
Many activities have had to adapt this term and for our Sailing Club this has seen some innovative thinking. In order to stay close to the water the club has bought a fleet of RC65 model boats to race on College Pond. A great way to keep the spirit of racing alive and put some of the theory to practice.
Congratulations to Tom W in G Social who completed his coast-to-coast charity cycle challenge covering 400km in three days and raising more than £2,000 for The ‘T21 Friends’ Down’s Syndrome support group.
Holocaust Conference The annual Holocaust Survivors’ Day took place virtually this year and was introduced by Dame Helen Hyde DBE with talks by Holocaust educators and two survivors. It was a privilege to hear from Steven Frank and Mala Tribich who shared their personal accounts of life during and after WWII. The virtual event discussed Britain’s involvement and response to the Holocaust and we were delighted to be joined online by girls from St Helen and St Katharine’s.
CCF at Radley
Vanessa and Harry Hammond After 26 years at Radley, we bid farewell to Harry and Vanessa Hammond who retired at the end of term. They have made an enormous contribution to the College – from Chemistry, G Social, Sport, Chapel and Gaudy to Admissions. Their impact in recent years on the new admissions processes, funded places strategy, international recruitment and relationships with feeder schools has been outstanding. They will be much missed and leave with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. There will be full, and fulsome, Vales in The Old Radleian in the summer.
ABRSM Music Results
Footfall Sculptures
Our Shells are kick-starting the sculpture project Footfall and have been busy casting their feet in modroc and clay in preparation for an upcoming exhibition in the Turrill Sculpture Garden. The garden, owned by Oxfordshire City Council, is a large open space in the centre of Oxford and will include work by current students from all the year groups along with a number of ORs.
Spens Trophy In October, 60 non-commissioned officers and 15 staff participated in the first CCF exercise since the start of Covid. A variety of adventure training activities took place across the campus, with the boys grouped into their Social bubbles. The varied programme of adventurous and military training included navigation, first aid, a field gun run and target practice.
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Our musicians gained a stellar set of results including 14 Grade 8 Distinctions and a diploma distinction. All achieved by some excellent, committed work from the boys and their teachers over lockdown.
The Spens Trophy, Radley’s Inter-Social General Knowledge competition sees teams of four boys from each Social battle it out to display their trivia mastery. The format is familiar to anyone who has watched University Challenge – two teams, each with buzzers, straining to be the first to offer correct answers. After a closely fought battle congratulations to J Social who emerged victorious.
Remembrance 2020
Fundraising for Footsteps
Protest Art This year a socially distanced Remembrance CCF parade took place at Memorial Arch to honour our servicemen and women on Remembrance Sunday. As with so many things, it was slightly different in scope but not in substance. On Armistice Day there was a virtual service and the Chaplain led the whole community in the two minutes’ silence. Everyone attended with boys and dons watching from their classrooms.
GB Athlete
The 6.2s took part in an inspirational cross-curricular talk on protest art involving the music, art, and film departments. Both boys and staff gave presentations, which offered insights into the possibilities of art being used as a vehicle for social and political change, promoting freedom and justice and questioning ideas of recognition, representation, and equality. The art discussions ranged from Goya to Basquiat and included illustrations of students’ paintings, prints and films. Pictured above: ‘Grenfell Tower’ by Harvey Glover, D Social, 6.2.
Art Workshop
OR Tom George (2008) has broken the GB Rowing Team men’s 2km indoor rowing record while training at home. Not only that but this was an indoor record set in his parents’ garage. He is currently ranked as the eighth fastest rower of all time worldwide.
Rugby Excellence OR Will Stuart (2009) was a member of this year’s Triple Crown and Six Nations-Winning England squad. He took part in all four games, coming off the bench on each occasion. It was wonderful to watch Will make his first start for victorious England in the Autumn Nations Cup.
The community at Radley carried out a College-wide fundraising initiative to support local charity The Footsteps Foundation. The two action-packed weekends saw the Socials complete a host of activities raising a total of £24,340 to deliver musical therapy to children with cerebral palsy and other neurological disorders. Boys battled it out to beat the world record time for a marathon, there were eight Iron Man challenges, a 24-hour football challenge, a golf contest and a four-hour music marathon followed by an all-day concert. And if that was not enough, there was a yeti challenge featuring running, rowing and cycling every four hours for 24 hours.
Steeplechase
‘Looking, Drawing, Painting, Drawing, Looking’ is a retrospective exhibition by distinguished Oxford painter and printmaker Jeff Clarke. Our Shells completed a workshop in the Sewell Centre Gallery to explore the artist’s original intention for the show, which is a non-commercial exhibition of work including sketchbooks, unframed drawings and materials aimed specifically at the emphasis upon work processes.
Music for Stage and Screen Music for Stage and Screen was an entertaining and informal evening of songs from musicals, films and opera, all accompanied by a house band. The event was hosted by our music and drama departments and showcased songs from many of the best-loved musicals. A highly entertaining evening offering a vibrant snapshot of Radley’s high spirited and energetic musical life.
During the last week of term, the traditional College Steeplechase took place. Every year, boys across all year groups gather to participate in the annual cross-country competition. This year, for the first time, the boys ran in individual year groups with an extended start to facilitate social distancing. We were fortunate that the weather stayed dry and that the muddy conditions did not deter the many athletes as they raced around Radley’s surrounding farmland and pitches; each lap a tough and demanding 3.1km. The race was competitive at the front and everyone made it around the course. Congratulations to G Social who were the very worthy winners of the overall Steeplechase Trophy 2020.
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THE RADLEIAN
MICHAELMAS TERM SPORTS
Obviously, the uncertainty surrounding school sport, and the difficulty of playing fixtures (not least the ‘traditional’ rugby fixture card) meant for a different Michaelmas Term. The main focus for the term was to provide as much variety and sporting competition for the boys as we could, and to have fixtures with other schools when possible. The term started with Summer Term Games for one month, which involved boys playing cricket (both in their normal squads and in the brilliantly
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named ‘franchises’: the Radley Royals, the Kennington Knight Riders, the Sunningwell Superkings and the Jackdaw Chargers), rowing, tennis, athletics and other sports. The Shells were treated to an extended New Boys’ Games Circus rotation with the addition of strength and conditioning exercises, rugby skills and hockey. During this first month there were cricket fixtures against the Rangers, the MCC, Bloxham, St Edward’s and Marlborough, golf fixtures against Harrow and St Edward’s and a lacrosse fixture against Stowe.
In the last two weeks before Leave Away boys did their normal Michaelmas Term Games, with rugby to the fore. Much of this was aimed at the development of skills and fitness, since the RFU return to play pathway only permitted limited contact. The Shells enjoyed being allocated into the traditional Midgets squads, and in general the fine October weather kept spirits high. Before Leave-Away it looked as though fixtures would be possible for the rest of the term in Hockey, Football,
Rowing and others, so we decided to run a hybrid sports programme of two days a week being Michaelmas Term Games, and two days of Lent Term Games. For some boys this meant they could specialise in their chosen sport for the whole week (sailing, squash, basketball, beagling, cross-country, real tennis, rackets and fives, to name but a few), whereas for other boys it meant a mixture of Rugby and Hockey, Football or Rowing. The Woodgate Sculls was won by Greg Hamlet (E Social) and the RCBC Senior Squad had a very successful
rowing camp over the first few days of Leave-Away. As the second lockdown came into force boys were able to play a number of different sports during the evenings and weekends, albeit with various restrictions. Our cricket nets programme started after Leave Away, and boys were able to use the golf course, the Sports Centre and swimming-pool, the astro pitches and the McKenna Centre in the absence of external bookings.
The traditional Steeplechase was given a new twist this year, as it became rather more of a festive fun run and a fundraising opportunity for the Footsteps Foundation. All in all, the boys reacted splendidly in keeping their sport going amidst the challenges of the term. James Gaunt Director of Sport
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BORIS AND THE VIRUS I
created ‘Boris and the Virus’ for the school lockdown Art Competition. The source of inspiration for my creation was a piece of art that I had seen in an online exhibition at the Henley School of Art. It was a pencil portrait of a refugee using cubism to make an exciting light to dark background and this is what inspired me to use the chosen structure, style and message in a way that referred to a lockdown theme.
radleycollegeoxon
The illustrations of the viruses were created using a pointillism technique and simple shading with 3b and 5b pencils. I then used cotton wool to dab with grains of pastel. Boris Johnson’s face was originally an edited print-out, but I found it hard to see the detail in the photo and added charcoal and used cotton buds in order to be able to add depth and tone with small areas of smudging. Finally, I created the mask using pastels.
@RadleyCollege
The creative outcome of the viruses was bold and detailed, the mask worked perfectly and I was very pleased with the three-dimensional effect of the painting. For me, the final result depicts a moment in history, ‘Boris and the Virus’ illustrates a mood that we were all facing during lockdown.
Radley College
Joss Gillingham G Social, Remove
@RadleyCollege