The Radleian ST20

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Virtual Radley | Wonderland | The 39 Steps | Olivia Levez Declamations | Beethoven 250 | Twitter in Lockdown | Football | Madrid Music Tour Photography Competition | AI | Vales | 16th Century Cannon | Florence THE RADLEIAN

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VIRTUAL INTRODUCTION My knowledge of the Chinese language is sadly not up to knowing the veracity of John F. Kennedy’s dictum about crisis but presuming that it is accurate, it certainly stands the test of time:

season, the regatta season, all those farewell moments . . . and, of course, those social interactions which are fundamental to who and what we are as a school. The first brush stroke is very much felt.

“The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘crisis.’ One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity.”

But so is the second. I think we have learned much and achieved much. Four things strike me in particular.

It seems odd to be writing positively about the Radley experience of Virtual Radley; after all, we have had a term of crisis. Members of the community have been bereaved by the dreadful virus. Many have had severe financial shock as businesses collapse and jobs are lost; the College itself has suffered significant loss of revenue. Our whole way of life has had to change. And, while we would not pretend that it represents suffering on the scale that some have endured, we have lost so much of what we know and love at the College: the beauty of the Summer months, the challenge and reward of public exams, the cricket

We have seen the boys rise to the challenge. I think sometimes it is easy to fall into a rut of under-estimating what the boys are capable of; as we thought about Virtual Radley, it was tempting to allow cynicism and defeatism to get in the way. When we expect the highest of standards, however, we often surprise ourselves and the boys’ creativity, engagement and commitment has been extraordinary.

We have seen dons, and the wider operational staff, rise to the challenge too. As well as the professional commitment required to prepare for Virtual Radley, there has been a willingness to innovate, to learn new things and develop new methods.

The dedication to providing as full a boarding experience as possible has been extraordinary.

Thirdly, we have learned what a boarding school is really about. Of course, that has partly been through the negative of us missing the daily interactions with the boys . . . but it has also been through the sense of the community remaining very strong despite the physical distance.

Buildings matter; of course they do.

Relationships matter more.

Finally, we have thought at a deeper level about education. There has been no room for complacency and while ‘the new normal’ has become a cliché, it is so for a very good reason: we look forward to the return of ‘normality’ but we know it will be different. That is exciting and, of course, an opportunity.

The second brush stroke is felt too.

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John Moule Warden

L RADLEY PASTORAL

ACADEMIC

CO-CURRICULAR

Through an amazing collective effort from boys, parents and staff, we have succeeded in keeping the Radley community together during one of the most testing terms in the College’s history.

As was common to all schools, a carefully planned programme of revision for GCSEs and A-levels was stripped away from us. We had to innovate very quickly. We needed to keep Shell, Remove and 6.1 courses on track, while providing exciting alternative programmes for those no longer sitting exams.

Co-Curricular activities quickly moved online at the start of the Summer Term. Rehearsals for the College Musical “Our House” started on Zoom and the annual Shell Show and Peter Cook Monologues competition continued. The orchestra, choir and music ensembles also began rehearsing online and there have been some wonderful concerts. Our annual competitions, such as the Ferguson Singing Prize, have seen huge numbers of boys involved. It has been really impressive to see the boys continue to perform at such a high standard.

It would be true to say that, as the term began, there was more than a little scepticism surrounding proposals for the delivery of a pastoral experience approaching that which we all expect. Form Masters spearheaded the pastoral provision with an unwavering commitment to maintaining close contact with their boys. Zoom served us well for pastoral meetings by providing a different feel to academic lessons. Our overseas boys, in different time zones, were particularly impressive in their determination to stay connected with their forms.

A strong sense of community, within the Socials, has been maintained through Cocoa gatherings throughout the week. PHMs, Tutors and Resident Sub-Tutors maintained the familiarity of this important point in the day, while the need to keep Cocoas ‘fresh’ has seen the normal format enhanced with quizzes, karaoke and a Tutor who loves to surprise with his fancy dress!

Perhaps most important of all has been our regular Chapel services. The feeling of connection and calm is at its strongest when we are together in Chapel. I am immensely grateful to the Chaplains, the Pups and the marvellous Max Horsey for their work in keeping Chapel going through such challenging times.

All schools have teachers who feel very at home with technology and others who use it more functionally.

COVID-19 forced all of us to engage more closely. We took advice from others, notably international schools which have been teaching online since the outbreak in January.

How far we have come in a short time! We calculate about three years’ worth of staff IT training has occurred in a few weeks. It is true that there have been some technical issues. For example, some boys live in remote rural areas with poor Wi-Fi. Others have been struggling to use devices where there are others studying and possibly two parents working. We have provided ongoing support.

We have been able to keep boys’ education moving along. Yet we are also acutely aware that such facilities and systems have not been available to many children across the land and are looking into ways in which we can share resources and best practice with others.

Stephen Rathbone Academic Director

In Sport, boys have been doing general workouts three times a week, with extra strength and conditioning training. The boys who would normally be playing cricket or tennis receive online challenges and skill sessions and even Boat Club training has continued with the help of ergometers.

Pre-season rugby skills and a Strava online training club mean that most boys have been doing some kind of sport overall.

Many have been helping out with their local charities, or fundraising in various ways. One boy played ‘We Are the Champions’ on his guitar as part of the Thursday night Clap for the NHS and the Design Department have coordinated the manufacture of some PPE, especially face masks, using 3D printers. All in all, despite the challenges, the boys have continued to enjoy their ‘normal’ activities as much as possible.

Niall Murphy Senior Master

Ben Holden Sub Warden

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WONDERLAND The 6.1 Play was performed on the 12th and 13th of March, directed by Victoria Buse, and proved a raw and powerful representation of The Miners’ Strike of 1984. It was wonderful to see that all the hard work that went towards the play was generously rewarded by the many who donated to the Intermission Youth Charity, which was collected at the end of each evening. Over £500 pounds was raised by family and friends alike.

The members of the cast would have carefully studied the context of what they were performing. The Miners’ Strike forced those who had spent generations working in these industries such as coal and steel to lose not just their employment, but also a culture deeply engrained within them. This play follows the futile struggles of the pitmen against this change through truly thrilling but also tender scenes captured extremely well by the cast. The 80s costumes designed by Lianne OakleyRowland were perfection and the stylised set created by Jon Goodall was minimalistic, yet when merged

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with the lighting and music, converted caves to pubs to street riots in mere seconds. Really fantastic.

Some scenes such as the racy roleplay of nurse and patient between Spud (Ned Blackburn) and Fanny (Oscar Marshall) had me in tears; but what struck me was the maturity and sincerity throughout the play. When Henry Snell portrayed the desperation of Malcolm, a father trying to save up for a £3.50 Transformer toy for his son, it reminded me of the hard work and sacrifice parents go through just to bring their children a smile.

Many of these hardships and sorrows shown throughout the play blew me away. Those that personified the Government’s key decision makers such as Ed Betton (McGregor) and Finlay Trasler (Walker), helped bring out the internal conflicts for the UK at the time and informed me greatly of every detail as the social political

situation was shifting. The sheer amount of lines recalled at such speed by those playing the roles of politicians was incredibly impressive.

A repeated theme was the sense of brotherhood shown by the pitmen through their multiple ensembles which added to that ‘band of brothers’ sense of unity. This mentality was portrayed particularly well by Rory Elliott’s Colonel throughout.

This play has helped me become more aware of the social struggles within the UK during the 1980s. Having come from China, I hadn’t really had much exposure to ‘The Miners Strikes’, especially as vividly as the cast portrayed it. Watching this play made me realise that just being at Radley College is such a privilege and going through life so far with little to no real hardships is extremely lucky and I want to prove I deserve it even just a little. With A levels next year, it’s made me want to fight for my future just like how the miners fought for theirs.

Yuhan Yan D Social 6.1

THE 39 STEPS This year’s Remove Play was a parody of Buchan’s 1915 novel and Hitchcock’s 1935 film, The 39 Steps.

It follows Richard Hannay on the run, after he is falsely accused of a horrific murder. It was an excellent choice for a Remove Play, with lots of snappy comic dialogue, a thrilling plot and even some heartfelt romance; a perfect directorial debut at Radley College for Amber Wiles (Head of Academic Drama).

The production itself was fast-paced, gripping and had me in stitches. It featured an extremely talented group of Removes, led by Arthur Carr in the role of Hannay. Carr was brilliant in this role, charming and cheeky as he swaggered stylishly around the stage in his three-piece suit; a really strong performance from start to finish.

Acting opposite him was Ali Noble, who I must say had me confused. I had looked down the cast list and there didn’t appear to be any female names, so I was befuddled when we were introduced to the beautiful Pamela, only to then realise it was in fact Noble, having donned a wig and heels.

He brilliantly conveyed a strong-willed and feisty young woman, one of the few who manage to rival Hannay.

Other stand-out performances were given by comedy duo Ed Horsfield and Nicholas Dykes as the Salesmen, the chatty and casual radio announcers Arthur Davie-Thornhill and Jacobi McCowen and the brilliant Mr Memory played by Coby Mulgrew.

All cast members were excellent; the performances, along with Mrs Wiles’ wonderful direction, was supported by the brilliant design team; a bold set design, beautiful costumes and atmospheric lighting, all of which really added to the pace and vigour of the show!

Ned Blackburn H Social, 6.1

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OLIVIA LEVEZ

THE DREAM COME TRUE THE FAIRY TALE for all teachers...Olivia Levez, an English teacher from the depths of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, had a dream.

Having asked for, and received, a year off school, Levez started to write. She spent a long, gruelling year writing “Deep Waters”. However, the time had not come for this star to shine and “Deep Waters”, the debut book of Levez, was turned away by publishers and thrown into the graveyard of failed projects.

But having slaved through marking essays for years, she did not give up there. Levez’s second book, “Out of the Woods”, did a little better and friends and family loved it. Levez even sneakily taught lessons from the book. Still, the publishers turned their backs on the young author.

Levez was beginning to find out, the hard way, the difference between a writer and an author. The odds of becoming a published author are next to none and demoralising, to say the least.

The first step that needed to be taken was to get an agent. An email written to Levez read: “Well, we get approximately 1,200 proposals a month, which is more than most agencies. If you take 1,200 and multiply that by 12, you end up with 14,400 submissions. I personally might take on just two writers a year”. Despite these harrowing facts, Levez was taken up by an agency.

However, having an agent doesn’t mean you will be published.

Levez was turned down by publisher after publisher. A vital life lesson was learned: to be successful you must be different from the rest. Levez had to stand out. Go against the grain.

Over the next few months, the writer’s search history became very strange as she spent many sleepless nights researching and trying to set the next trend.

Toying with different ideas, Levez began to create a story like no other. Levez’s first published book was “The Island”. It was such an innovative plot line and four publishers invited her to lunch to try to gain approval and a signed contract.

In the process of writing “The Island”, Olivia Levez tried something known as method writing. This meant to submerse herself in the character’s surroundings and feel what the character was feeling to improve her writing. Hence, she went to a tropical coastline: Wales. She even foraged for food (albeit the left overs of porridge, from previous holidays, hidden in the back of her caravan fridge). This strategy obviously paid off.

After the long, scarring process of becoming a published author (not writer - know the difference), was she offered rest or time to bask in her recent successes? No. Of course not. When you write a successful book, your publisher

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Photograph by Michael Woods https://www.gigapix.co.uk/p3298142 forces you to write another one. Olivia Levez’s second novel, “The Circus”, was also a hit.

I was lucky enough to listen to this gripping true story firsthand. It was an Incredible insight into the weird and wonderful things that go on inside an author’s head… valuable lessons can be learned from such a story. This tale is an inspirational one for all teachers and indeed anyone.

Zach Wickens J Social, Shell

DECLAMATIONS In the Silk Hall on the 10th February 2020, five different year groups took part in a classic competition rich in heritage and tradition which the whole school take part in. Everyone declaims a piece of writing over 250 words to their form master, who decides those to go through to the semi-finals. These are performed in Mansion in front of judges who then send six from each year to the final. This year the finals were to be judged by esteemed journalist, music critic, and author, Jude Rogers. She has worked for The Times, The Guardian, The Word, and many other publications, is senior lecturer on journalism at London Metropolitan University and has been a judge on many prestigious prizes, including the Welsh Music Prize and the Mercury Prize.

The pieces throughout the day ranged from William Shakespeare to the late Kobe Bryant, and genres from comedy to motivational. I was only there for one of the five year groups unfortunately; however there were some astounding pieces, with all the

speakers truly making the pieces their own. We must not underestimate the sheer amount of preparation and dedication it takes to learn the pieces and ultimately the finalists were all brilliant performers on the day.

In my year (6.1) the show began with Jordan Belfort’s extract from The Wolf of Wall Street, by Rory Elliott.

This was audacious and captured the recklessness of Belfort’s lifestyle perfectly. This was enough to place him third. Next were both Ned Blackburn and Whit Cook, who both didn’t place in the Top Three, however wrote their own pieces, which in my book gives them an edge over the others.

Last year’s winner Whit Cook performed Witch Boy, which portrayed a mysterious image of radicalness and magic. Ned Blackburn performed Freedom of Movement in triumphant and passionate fashion, with his words having deep meaning which you could really feel as a member of the audience. Next was Clem Giuseppetti who performed Tulips

by Sylvia Plath. Clem won eventually and it was clear to see why because of the sheer clarity of his words and the extensive detail of the piece, very well chosen. Penultimately was Ben Wilson, performing an extract from The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe. He spoke in a very frantic manner, with the audience being easily able to connect with him on a deeper level because of the almost psychotic nature of this piece and overall it was very striking. This was enough to earn him second place. Finally, was Henry Snell, performing Valentine by John Fuller. This incredibly comical piece was made somewhat uncomfortable

by Henry’s sustained eye contact with the judge while performing this piece.

However altogether it was extremely comical, and he was unlucky not to make the podium.

Overall everybody performed exceptionally and a massive congratulations goes to all competitors who did an outstanding job.

Archie Mogg G Social, 6.1

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BEETHO The 35 Piano Sonatas in 12 Hours In the Summer of 2018 a colleague reminded me that the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth was on the horizon, suggesting (perhaps wickedly) that a performance of the complete piano sonatas might be a good idea. With typical enthusiasm and only a modicum of common sense, I immediately booked the Sheldonian in Oxford and began planning the project: after all how hard could it be?

The enormity soon struck. 12 hours of playing time, 110 separate

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movements, and many of these quite challenging even for professionals.

The technical and musical demands of Beethoven’s piano writing are not for the faint-hearted!

A commission to John Madden (former Radley Precentor) to provide some multi-player arrangements to include the less advanced pianists, and a call to some wonderful piano-colleagues, the Heads of Keyboard at Dulwich College, St Helen and St Katharine and St Paul’s Girls School, led to an exciting collaboration. Having tempted two world famous guest artists, Julian Jacobson (Chairman

of the Beethoven Piano Society of Europe) and Leeds prize winner Sofya Gulyak to headline two gala concerts, we were ready.

Thirty young pianists from Radley took on almost a third of the playing and were exceptional in their enthusiasm and hard work approaching the event. Four Radley Dons also offered to play and three of our superb professional piano teachers agreed to take on some of the harder movements.

At 7am on the beautiful sunny morning of Sunday 8th March 2020

OVEN 250 the pianos arrived (kindly lent by Coachhouse Pianos), were installed by 8:30am, tuned by 9:25am, at 9:30am, right on time, the first notes were played.

I will admit to being just a little anxious about how the young pianists might respond to such a high-profile occasion in a world-famous concert hall, and in front of what became a significant and discerning audience.

By mid-morning however the event was not only running like clockwork (and it needed to!) but was being hugely well received, promising a day of the most exceptional, musical and

committed piano playing from all those taking part. Students, teachers, professional pianists and colleagues all shared the stage, often for the same sonata, and in a wonderfully collaborative way, sharing their own personal experiences in preparing and performing the repertoire.

I don’t know how many musicians have had the privilege (or time) to hear all of Beethoven’s 35 piano sonatas but it was a mesmerising experience. Every sonata telling a unique story: at times beautiful, often passionate, sometimes bizarre and always surprising.

So committed, polished and personal was the playing from all involved it would be wrong to single out any particular performer. Few however will forget Sofya Gulyak’s interpretation of Op109 which was an inspiration to all who heard her play.

Her final notes in our extraordinary Beethovenian journey drew to a close an event the Master of Dulwich College called ‘The best school concert he has ever been to in his time as headmaster...’.

Anthony Williams Head of Instrumental Music

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TWITT LOCKD

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TER IN DOWN

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FOOTBALL Since the turn of the millennium, Football at Radley College has grown from strength to strength. Thanks to the pioneering early work of Paul Gamble (PWG) to re-establish football as a serious sport played at Radley, RCAFC were able to field up to four Senior sides back in the year 2000 and played fifty-four fixtures.

Fast-forward to today and we now have two hundred boys regularly participating in over hundred fixtures across thirteen sides at U18, U16 and U15 level. Moreover, seven of

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these teams compete in the highly competitive Southern Independent Schools Lent Term League, and the 3rd XI became the first ever Radley side to win their respective league back in 2018 under the superb guidance of AJK and PWG, a good measure of the progression made by the Club.

in recent years is that two age groups, the U18 and U15 squads, now receive regular pre-season tours to St. George’s Park or further afield to Europe and many footballers are incorporated into the outstanding strength and conditioning provision here at Radley College.

Another competition dear to the Club’s heart is the LB Cup, which Radley College has won on three occasions (2011, 2016 and 2017) and featured in two other finals since its inception in 2009. Another important development

The Club is also lucky enough to have a couple of professional coaches come in on a regular basis to support the dons and a new and exciting reciprocal partnership with Oxford United has now been fully established with a few

AT RADLEY boys benefitting from Club football outside of a school environment.

The future looks bright for the Club and the 10th February 2022 will mark the 150th anniversary of Oxford University Association Football Club’s first ever football fixture against none other than Radley College- surely a rematch of this historical fixture must happen here on Bigside!

Finally, we say goodbye to two legends of the Club this year, who have contributed so much to Radley

Football over the years. Stephen Molyneux is infamous for his no nonsense approach to the game and brutal honesty with the boys after five years of service. We also say goodbye to Paul Gamble after thirty years at Radley College. As alluded to, Paul is a passionate football man through and through (especially with his beloved Hull City) and is firmly responsible for putting football back on the map at Radley!

Indeed, he was clapped off Kennington 1 to a standing ovation by the 3rd XI players, a fitting tribute on the pitch where his Radley Football journey began.

Seb Perkins Master in Charge of Football

The Club owes him a lot and he will be sorely missed by boys and dons alike.

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MADRID M In February, 62 boys (including 12 choristers) and seven teachers travelled to Madrid for an unforgettable music tour in this vibrant, exciting city. This has been a vintage year of musicians; it is particularly poignant to reflect that this tour was one of the last opportunities to perform and rehearse together, and that such a trip would be inconceivable a few short weeks later, when the television was showing images of deserted Madrid streets and squares.

Our irrepressible guide, Adriana, was an excellent ambassador for her city,

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introducing us to glorious food and amazing sites, all bathed in sunshine.

Her enthusiasm was unabated, whether in the world-famous Prado gallery, the opulent Palacio Real, or the legendary Bernabéu Stadium. However, she was at her best organising a series of incredible concert venues. At the first rehearsal, in the Iglesia del Santo Cristo del Olivar, on hearing the full choir and orchestra (and particularly Tiger Li’s timpani entry at the climax of a new arrangement by Dr Hawkins) she was moved to tears, ringing round all of her friends to recommend the concert. That evening, we performed to a packed church.

A highlight for all of us – the boys, teachers, and the large group of families and friends that had travelled to support us – was the chance to perform twice in the spectacular Cathedral in Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After singing for Mass and a few hours to explore the beautiful town, we were also given the rare opportunity to perform a concert in the Cathedral’s main nave to an audience of over 700. It was a privilege granted to few visiting groups, and undoubtedly our recent CD recordings and Mr Horsey’s professional videos had had an effect as we were welcomed

MUSIC TOUR with open arms. The experience of singing in such an incredible acoustic, to such an enthusiastic audience, will live long in the memory. The concert finished unforgettably with the whole choir, standing spread around the audience, mixed in different parts, filling the Cathedral with sound.

On the final day, the jazz musicians and Chamber ensembles took to the stage, performing for a large and lively audience of pupils from the SEK Castillo International School.

Charlie Morgan did a remarkable job compering the concert in

Spanish, even getting pupils from the school up on stage to help him. We were rewarded with lunch together with the pupils and our generous hosts, followed by an impromptu basketball game and a chance to discuss plans for future collaborations.

One of the main joys of a tour is the time to make music together, in inspiring spaces, without the competing distractions of the busy school day. However, as importantly, living and exploring new places together as a team, has a remarkable effect on music-making.

The conductor’s job changes, hugely, as each ensemble, from quartets up to the full choir and orchestra, begins to perform ever more instinctively together. I am hugely grateful to the brilliant team of boys who shared this journey, the teachers who worked tirelessly to make it so enjoyable and to the 6.2s who showed excellent leadership throughout the trip. It was an utter privilege.

Sam Gladstone Precentor

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PHOTOGRAPHY

Week 1: Lockdown at Home

Overall Winner: Toby Rooth (J Social , S)

I started this competition with the primary aim to provide a creative outlet for students and teachers while they are stuck at home. What happened next was rather extraordinary.

Over the last few weeks, it became clear that there are many who are both talented and creative when it comes to photography. This competition I hope has motivated more people to explore photography as something more than just a hobby but also as a skill. I want to thank everyone for their participation, I have seen many amazing photos and hope to see many more.

Hamish Fallowfield C Social, 6.2 16

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Week 2: Cooking at Home

Winner: Jack Dennis, (G Social, V)

Y COMPETITION

Week 3: Nostalgia

Week 4: Night Time

Winner: Alec Foster-Brown (A Social , 6.1)

Winner: Jasper Tomes (G Social, S)

Week 5: Time

Winner: Sebastian Codet (C Social, R)

Week 6: Reflections

Winner: Sebastien Codet (C Social, R) THE RADLEIAN

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AI – ALREADY INFLUENCING On the 4th February 2020, Radley and St. Helen & St. Katharine’s Lower Sixth assembled in the Theatre for an enlightening conference on AI. A variety of topics were covered including AI in the education sector, the future of work and in global politics.

The Keynote speech was by Ian Yorston, Director of Digital Strategy at Radley College. Although the talk was titled ‘Century tech in the classroom and AI in wider education’ it covered a range of interesting topics, such as how AI will directly affect our lives and job prospects; although stimulating, one couldn’t help but feel slightly depressed as numerous jobs were crossed off the list as AI would be superior to us as well as cheaper. So, it was imperative for Mr Yorston’s jokes

to lighten the mood, speculating on the fact that his wife could easily be replaced. The key point that Mr Yorston was aiming to make was his phrase ‘Don’t be average.’ His argument was that only the most intellectual will safely have a job in the future.

However, those on the opposite end of intelligence spectrum would have learnt the indispensable social skills which would also guarantee them a job. Therefore, one must not be average to circumvent being neither intelligent nor socially accomplished.

Charles used the example of making all of his employees’ salaries public information, and how it subsequently did not negatively affect the work environment but rather increased the efficiency of work. Following on from this, Charles was able to get one of his best employees on a Skype call to explain to us the success of the business model and how she is able to thrive under it. This was particularly important because it gave the audience a grasp of how AI could be used positively.

The second talk was delivered by Charles Towers-Clark, CEO of the company WEIRD and author of AI and Future Works. His talk focalised heavily on the unique aspects of how the company is run, and how to get the best out of employees.

Our final talk was from Professor Phillip Howard, Professor of Internet Studies at Oxford University, whose talk was based on how AI will affect global politics. The talk began with how AI can affect elections, as we were presented with frightening data as to the number of Russian accounts that were active on several social media platforms, broadcasting propaganda about the US 2016 Election candidates.

This was exceptionally important, as the data illustrated the global influence that AI is having around the world, but also because of the possible infringement to democracy when fake propaganda demonstrates to people what they want to believe, therefore making those beliefs far more thorough.

The seminar as an event was a wide success, as it showed to the students of both Radley and St. Helen & St. Katharine’s that AI can be harnessed very effectively and gave inspiration to be better than ‘average’. The speakers who came in from outside the College were great orators and showed how influential and integral AI will be in the future.

George Curling, A Social, 6.1 & Harry Walkinshaw, B Social, 6.1

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VALES Stephen Molyneux “Where it began, I can’t begin to knowing” but when Stephen arrived at Radley in 2015 from Manchester Grammar School, immediately there was an air of grace about him. Arriving as Head of Economics and the only member of the Department, this offered some challenges with a school that has so much unique jargon. For example, what was APT? What does ‘being on cocoa’ mean? Despite this, Stephen settled in seamlessly and his calm unwavering approach to any scenario was a defining trait. His experience as an educator and depth of subject knowledge was immediately recognised by the boys and it is a Department which continues to thrive and grow as a direct result of his leadership.

Olly Langton As befits a scholar and excellent teacher of Early Modern History, Olly Langton deserves the title of ‘Renaissance Man’. After his first incarnation at Radley as a boy (1994 to 1999), he returned as a don from September 2007. In between times he had taken a First in Medieval History at Edinburgh, taught in Ecuador, and then at Ludgrove for two years. It was there, over the course of a Common Room cricket match and the post-match barbecue, that Olly was persuaded to return to Radley’s History Department. Gerald and Janet Barber still haven’t forgotten; but Ludgrove’s loss was inexorably Radley’s gain.

As well as teaching History, and becoming a specialist Early Modernist in the classroom, Olly was the Resident Sub-Tutor in A Social for SR, and then for TRGR. He also liked to try his hand on the stage, directing a Remove Play - The Royal Hunt of the Sun - and taking part in Dons’ Plays such as The Happiest Days of Our Lives and JRWB’s Peter Cook Evening. On the rugby field he coached the Midgets 1 and 2 XVs, alongside such luminaries as MKTH, DJP, TCL and CPMM, before taking up a floating role as referee and talentspotter across the Midgets year group. He coached Colts 1 football with two G Social Tutors (PWG and TCJ), but his real passion was Midgets 1 cricket. Here generations of Radleians were taught excellent technique, starting in the winter nets, but also the conduct and behaviour expected of Radley cricketers. Remember that this was the era of the introduction of the DRS at Test and later one-day level, but woe betide any Midgets 1 cricketer who dared to question an umpire’s decision, or behave in an unsporting manner. Olly firmly believed that cricket was also about life and the values one should espouse, so Midgets 1 XIs played hard, but always fair.

At an early meeting discussing the use of IT in classrooms, Stephen announced to colleagues that he taught from ‘the perfect set of notes’ and he certainly is a details man. He also brought with him a no-nonsense approach to teaching and demanded exceptionally high standards of the boys. These allowed them to exceed their expectations and is a reason that he is so fondly spoken of by those whom he taught.

Stephen presents a quiet exterior initially, but to those who got to know him, both in and out of the classroom, it is his dry sense of humour and excellent companionship that will be greatly missed.

It was on his first circuit of delivering Social Prayers to various Socials that the true character was revealed to the boys of a man who enjoys the simple pleasures of life.

Stephen carried himself as the consummate professional in all that he was asked to do. Whether that be on a damp, cold afternoon following another gruelling session with the Colts B footballers or in sunnier conditions with the Cricket Club. In addition, in his role as a Sixth Form form master and through his attachment to K Social as well, Stephen was an all-round schoolmaster in the truest sense of the word. In many ways, Stephen evokes a bygone era where honour and duty were considered not as optional extras but as essential qualities in this crazy journey we call life.

As Stephen retires, we wish him all the very best for the future with his wife, Karen and sons, Daniel and William. Much of his free time in the build up to retirement this Summer was spent gaining various cricket umpiring qualifications and a new outfit to go with it. Whilst this summer may not offer much opportunity for his umpiring, I am sure that as normality returns, the Cheshire cricket leagues will value his integrity and honesty as much as Radley has. In the meantime, “good times never seemed so good”.

KMWS

Fortunately almost as soon as he returned to Radley in 2007 he met Rosie, and Xander, Cleo and Lettie all later followed at respectable intervals. Olly was appointed Tutor of J Social in 2013, following MKTH’s move to Abingdon, and he quickly made it his own, perhaps helped by his own Orchard House experience. Vertical groups were established, photos of boys were everywhere, and excellent pastoral care (aided and abetted by Rosie, Trish, LRIS, AFCN and JEP) became standard. His even-handedness and patience were legendary, although he was not above the odd flash of passion (mostly privately) when frustrated by a boy’s behaviour. J often made the finals of various competitions, with Partsong being a particular favourite, and again, J boys could be relied upon to compete fiercely but in the right way. And the boys in J invariably fulfilled their potential in whatever sphere, as well as leaving well-armed for later life, given various initiatives emanating from the Tutor’s kitchen or study. Olly now leaves to take up the headmastership of Belhaven Prep School, but if ever a man has Radley running through him like a stick of rock it is he.

NM

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Laura Cox Laura Cox (then Laura Taft) joined us in September 2016 and rapidly made a big impact on the recently renamed ‘Theology Department’. A graduate of Cambridge, and with previous teaching experience at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, she had all the academic credentials, plus some life-changing experience of work with underprivileged people. Her potential was soon realised as Laura left a profound impression on boys and colleagues, who recognised an energetic, rigorous and meticulously organised teacher, passionate about her subject. When Head of Department, Rev. Tim Fernyhough left Radley to resume full-time parish work a year later, Laura was appointed his successor. In my first appraisal with her in the role of Head of Theology, I was presented with a bold and detailed five-year plan, which was beautifully phased and entirely logical. No one had ever presented me with quite such a thing. Over the next three years, there was no doubt that this plan was being enacted calmly and methodically. A particular strategy was to maintain the Department’s emphasis on theology proper, whilst catering to a growing interest - within the school and beyond - in philosophy and ethics. This has proven to be a wise move.

Dave Cox I first met David in the summer of 2004. He was rowing in the Magdalen first boat, coached by Donald Legget, and I was coaching the Radley 2nd VIII. It seemed a good idea to share training outings.

As always, I used the opportunity to get Donald to sound out the crew to see if any was considering a career as a Maths teacher.

Teaching was on David’s radar – his father had followed the same route – but David was still deciding. As it turned out he spent three years in the city as an Investment Banking Executive, working for Rothchild’s, before deciding that his talents could be put to better use. When I next spoke to David, he was teaching at Latymer Upper School. He didn’t need to apply for a job at Radley. Once on the radar, Donald at I made a pincer movement and ‘head-hunted’ him. What a good move that turned out to be.

David has been at Radley for ten years. During that time he has taught excellent lessons, both at Radley, and also at Magdalen College Oxford. He has an extraordinary knack of moving seamlessly from explaining Pythagoras’s Theorem to low Removes, to multivariable differential equations to second year undergraduates. David is clever. With one of the top firsts in his year at Oxford, he combined his clear academic ability with the great teaching skill of making Maths accessible to any student in his class, of whatever ability.

But it is not only as a teacher and as a Mathematician that David excels. As a sportsman David did not only captain the Magdalen VIII that was Head of the River in 2005. He played Eton Fives for Oxford University, and squash for his College. He plays flute and French Horn to a high standard. He was in the Suffolk Youth Orchestra. And just to top it all, he was a member of the winning BBC2 University Challenge winning team in 2004. David is the person for whom the term ‘polymath’ was invented. Thus Radley also benefited from David’s input as rowing coach, master i/c fives, D of E, master i/c academic scholars, master i/c Oxford University graduate scholars,….

One of the things that features heavily in Mathematical proof is what is called the ‘transitive rule’. Basically it is along the lines of ‘if you do A then B will happen; if B happens then C will happen; if C happens then D will happen’, and so on. In decision making it is useful to be able to see the consequences of ‘doing A’, before actually doing it. As time wore on, David found it increasingly frustrating that not everyone shared his intellectual capacity to see where decisions would lead. Fortunately, in recent years, he found a distraction.

In September 2016 a young theology teacher arrived at Radley. With typical mathematical logic, and application of the transitive rule – ‘Step A: invite her round for a coffee…’ – and the rest is history. David, Laura and Samuel move to Eastbourne College in September, where David will run the Maths Department. Lucky Eastbourne on making such a first rate appointment. Lucky Radley to have enjoyed ten years of such an excellent teacher and all-round schoolmaster. And lucky me to have had someone of such talent, helping me to run the Radley Maths Department for the last ten years.

GW

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And what are the tangible results? Laura has left a legacy of a hugely popular and expanded Department - both in terms of those sitting GCSE and A-level and of the number of dons teaching it. More Radleians want to study the subject and its relations at university. Laura is both a clear-sighted manager and outstanding classroom teacher. She is also very resilient.

Her appointment as Head of Theology coincided with new examination courses. To say that the preparation of these had been rushed by the authorities is an understatement. In the case of A-level Theology, there was literally no specified textbook in the first year of exams! This meant that Laura effectively had to write one herself. Yet no one need have worried, as the book was superlative and consequent results were extremely strong.

Confidence in her leadership grew and grew. More boys signed up.

Laura doggedly argued for more resources. Extra teachers had to be taken on to cope with increased uptake.

Laura’s commitment to her pupils was second to none. She engendered enormous loyalty in them and showed great interest in developing the intellectual life of the school beyond the classroom, through lunchtime and evening discussion groups.

Along with David Cox and Iain Campbell, she could see that many boys were itching to stretch the philosophical component of their brains far beyond the sometimes limiting parameters of examination specifications. She made excellent use of the Oxford graduate programme to enrich breadth and depth of thought at Radley. Although she has done a lot on the practical level, I think she will be best remembered for having made boys think far more effectively for themselves. This is a priceless gift to have bestowed upon them. We wish her, David and Sam all the very best for the future, as they move to the South Coast.

SR

Sonya Milinova

Sonya brought a healthy dose of iconoclasm to the Department in her seven terms. With high expectations of the boys, she was relentless in enforcing standards which saw them bloom. Though daunted at first, they became most loyal when they saw she had helped them realise their potential; one boy directly quizzed the Warden as to why he was letting her leave.

Her sets’ results were nothing short of sensational. Her own impressive academic record was coupled with a drive to keep developing. She would fillet exam board advice, robustly challenge stale thinking and produce popular resources. She even vinyled her cupboards on which to write helpful timelines.

She was a dedicated, passionate coach for RCBC. Her high standards in her leadership of the 50-strong J14 squad led to excellent results and one of the best years the club has had in terms of retention. As in the classroom, Sonya was generous with her time and experience, guiding aspiring young coxes on how to get the best from their crews. She would also jump in and cox crews if someone was missing, just so they could complete their session.

She spent four terms as the Resident SubTutor in A Social. Reading stories to Shells and gifting houseplants to her form, she showed a sympathetic side. However the boys knew they should behave on her watch and were careful not to play music too loudly, knowing they would be asked to justify their tastes. Yet she was shrewdly observant of pastoral issues, making her invaluable in her role.

She was ready for a new challenge and the boys at St. Paul’s are likely providing that. A voracious reader, she will particularly miss the library and its friendly staff. We wish Sonya, fiancée Andy, and his boat trailer, the best of futures.

Charlotte Potts

Alice Montgomery

When Charlotte’s application for a year’s maternity cover was presented to us we knew that we had struck gold. At the time Charlotte was completing her undergraduate degree course in geography at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. It was obvious when we met Charlotte that she would add enormously to the Department.

In the end she added more than any of us could have anticipated, presenting an attitude that in one year she was going to fully immerse herself in College life.

In the classroom she has been nothing short of outstanding. Boys have loved her lessons: a balance between the rigour of exam rubric and wider discussions beyond the confines of the specification, typified through her work with the Harris Society, including a UN style debate led by Dr Fiona McConnell.

Any concerns about the wonderful Maud Hurley’s departure on maternity leave were swiftly forgotten as Alice stepped into the breach. Refreshed by a break from a career which had seen her teach at Downe House and run a department at Frances Holland School, her own distinctive style enhanced the College’s offering. Boys warmed immediately to her gentle and cheerful disposition and found unusual focus after bursts of her classroom yoga sessions.

Such calm contrasted with the manner in which Alice would arrive in College, cycling hurriedly from Radley station. She showed an indomitable spirit, arriving to teach with such energy despite the constraints of regularly cancelled trains, a flaky nanny, sick children and unexpected downpours.

During the term of online learning, Charlotte developed tutorials shared among the department and led a hugely popular pre-university course for 6.2 students. As a sub-tutor in H Social, Charlotte has guided a Shell form through their first year, alongside her evening duties and cocoas. Charlotte has also been an ever-present coach of the crosscountry team, with her skills extending to driving a minibus to far flung regions of the West Midlands! Add some reeling, a duty night in the JCR and time spent as a very welcome member in Common Room, leaves little room for much else.

Nonetheless, Charlotte has found the time for further study and leaves Radley to embark on a Masters degree course at Maastricht University in Public Policy and Human Development. As much as we would all wish Charlotte to stay, this is the right move and one which provides a new challenge. She departs with our best wishes and heartfelt thanks for all she he has added to the department and the wider College life.

JMS

Alice invited one Old Radleian back to speak on architecture, declining to mention that he was her brother; it should have been no surprise that she would fit well. A specialist in twentieth-century art and architecture, she was sanguine and professional in teaching new material, from the Napoleonic Wars to contemporary pottery. She found it hard to be restricted to just teaching as a part-time don. Indeed boys valued her beyond her excellent pedagogy. She was soon invited to suppers in Social and other College events, attesting to the swift but sure impact she made. Alice was always generous with her time and her expertise, providing wise counsel to both experienced and new dons, and indeed new parents, for which we are grateful.

The family demands of lockdown forced Alice to return the reins early to Maud; the inability to say thank you and farewell properly is sincerely regretted by both the Department and the boys. Her mark on Radley is out of proportion with the relatively short time she spent here. Alice loved working at Radley; we thank her for her dutiful approach.

TCHN

TCHN

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Aloysius Atkinson

Makoto James

Cook Fellows

Recruiting mid-year can be nervewracking but, last January, we had a decent field. One applicant stood out when he requested a late start to his interviews, though his politeness won him a College room. I met him early, one shoe-lace untied, his shirt crumpled and his talismanic hair unkempt. The omens weren’t favourable. He then entered a classroom, asked each boy their name and what interested them about Luther - the interactions that followed, with a veteran 6.2 unit, made his appointment irresistible.

On paper, Max James looked a rather predictable type – Old Etonian, organ scholar at Christ Church, Oxford – but as soon as he arrived, it became clear the reality was much more interesting. First and foremost, he is an outstanding organist; before Oxford, he spent two years studying the organ and harpsichord in Toulouse, and his performances of French organ music have been memorable. He was immediately at home in the organ loft, and has enjoyed playing his part in the Radley hymn-singing tradition, particularly in re-harmonising last verses with style. He took over half a dozen organ pupils as well, pushing them hard to achieve great results; and he’s a serious harpsichordist, often found in TMM’s room working through the Goldberg Variations.

Sam Wallace-Perdomo was the second Cook Fellow, joining us in Lent 2018 and leaving us in December 2019. He would have been with us another term, had it not been for visa restrictions.

Summarising his enormous contribution is difficult. This Harvard Politics graduate, although initially based in the Radley Politics Department, managed to have an impact, one way or another, on the vast majority of other academic subjects. It was possible to see encapsulated in him the view of Leonardo and Michelangelo that: ‘I am always learning’. Sam deeply impressed colleagues, who marvelled at his inexhaustible talent. Running discussion groups, providing academic support for lower sets, helping boys research, aiding trips and delivering fascinating talks, Sam never seemed to sit down, and certainly never stood still. Yet what made him really effective was his warm personality and ability to link people together. Always leading boys through example rather than mere command, he made a vast contribution to the life of the school. A few weeks after leaving us, he had received offers for law school from Berkeley, Harvard and Stanford.

Watch out for him in the future…

Admired equally for his caring tone in emails and his confidence when admonishing, he showed excellent school-master instincts. He wears his academic record (an Oxford First and an MStud) lightly but loved helping others unleash their enthusiasms, with unusual numbers entering essay competitions.

He showed fine form during a discussion on Machiavelli, effortlessly switching between explaining the respect that Leo X would have commanded and savaging the chronic incompetence of Gavin Williamson. The boys knew they were at the feet of a master; one 6.1, with wide-eyed admiration, commented “Sir, Mr Atkinson is a machine. He knows EVERYTHING!” His enrichment course on Financial Crime was exceptionally popular. Ever-willing, he committed to CALSOC feet-first and to supervising basketball, where, in his first match, he ordered the opposition to pipe down on account of their behaviour. In G Social his legacy is a crate of non-alcoholic beer, in J he was virtual.

He applied to us (after a cover role at Ardingly, and then financial journalism at the Mail) when he got a tirade of abuse from a Canadian gym that he had cold-called whilst investigating a money-laundering operation. I am not sure whether we did anything so wrong but he leaves us to follow his calling to the Dominican order. After just 2 terms, we will miss all this.

TCHN

But there is a lot more to the role of Assistant Organist than this, and he has been busy right across the department: playing in the orchestra; teaching theory and aural; playing accompaniments for boys; and yet finding the time to offer individual boys support and encouragement (as well as chasing them up if they miss things – a vital role in such a busy school). He has been invaluable, too, in running the logistics of major events such as the Beethoven festival in March.

This has been a frustrating year for him to be at Radley, with no Chapel services in the Summer Term. He spent much of the term stuck at home in Cambridge, with no access to an organ at all, although he continued to be a vital part of chorister and choir practices, both by running live rehearsals on Zoom, and by recording ‘training videos’ for the boys to learn their parts. His ever-mutating facial hair on these videos has been legendary.

He’s a flexible, energetic and adaptable musician, and he will be missed.

TMM

A native New Yorker, Johanna epitomises a fascinating cultural mix, being partIrish, part-Estonian and completely American. I knew boys would benefit from her keen intellect and no-time-towaste attitude. Joanna studied Social Anthropology at Columbia and worked on social outreach projects in NYC. Removes would hold no terrors… Based in Geography, she championed the notion of interdisciplinarity. Skype calls with American experts were arranged.

Observing these and, for example, the meetings of the Environmental Society, one could see something special happening. Boys flourished.

Perhaps precisely because she has seen opportunity denied and talent wasted in more deprived areas, a Radleian should engage. Through seminars, Social Prayers, discussion groups and other fora, Johanna has been a magnificent Cook Fellow. Latterly, she helped a lot with Virtual Radley. Of course, she was unable to return home for Easter when coronavirus struck. Thankfully, Johanna is so popular that I know she felt very looked after. She has been of inestimable value. We wish her all the best, as she returns to academia.

SR

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Language Assistants This year we were delighted to welcome Valeria, Jeanne, Louisa and Nico to the Modern Languages Department. They worked hard to help our boys improve their speaking skills. Valeria was responsible and irresistibly friendly at all times. That she arrived with her own rice maker was immediate proof that she wasn’t a typical French Assistant. Jeanne’s dedication to both her work and fashion style were consistently impressive. She is curious and open to discussing a wide range of topics. Lunchtime with Jeanne was never boring. Louisa became involved in many activities not only in the German Department but also in our Art Department showing what a talented young woman she is, and Nico prepared his sessions carefully and stretched our Hispanists with a firm but encouraging disposition. His football expertise allowed him to assist in coaching a team and he was a keen participant at the staff football sessions. The four of them are going back home to continue their studies at university. We wish them all the very best!

GCP Designer in Residence Justin came to us from Hasbro and Fisher-Price toys, after gaining his Industrial Design degree at RIT in New York. The Industrial experience was clear to see. His effortless command of CAD packages had him much in demand, as did his superb sketching skills. The work ethos Justin picked up from Industry showed, and he worked tirelessly from September right through to March of 2020. He spent all his time in the Design Department helping boys to hone their Design skills. His personable manner, good humour and ferocious passion for Design had boys lining up for help – at all times of the day.

RESTORING A TH 17 CENTURY CANNON Over the course of the past year, Orlando Alford (J) and his childhood friend successfully restored and fired a 17th century British naval gun.

The climax came when they were filmed for the Discovery Channel’s “Scrap Kings” firing cannonballs through several sizeable items, including a refrigerator van and a wall constructed of wooden railway sleepers.

In the process of clearing the barrel of concrete, two original cannonballs were found in the gun. From the outset nothing was known of the gun’s history, but this presented a good opportunity for them to carry out some more detailed research. After taking several sets of measurements and consulting their contact who

happened to the Curator Emeritus of Artillery at the Royal Armouries, Nick Hall, it was discovered to be a sixpounder Saker class gun weighing over 800 kg.

The gun was first fired on the 2nd of January 2020, making it potentially the oldest gun of its sort to shoot actual cannonballs rather than blanks. The resulting article co-written by the two boys, went on to win the Institute of Explosive Engineer’s 2020 Journal award and will be published later this year.

Orlando Alford J Social, 6.1

He took many boys under his wing and guided them through the process of Design and Manufacture, and has been responsible for carefully nurturing some of the weaker candidates and inspiring the gifted this year. He has been happy, dedicated, hugely talented, helpful and keen all at the same time – what more could we ask for?

WOCM

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ART TRIP TO FLORENCE During the February half term, many of the Remove GCSE Art students travelled to Florence for an Art trip. The theme for our GCSE Art coursework this year is “Perspective”, which is particularly useful as perspective was arguably first used in Florence.

Our days in Florence were filled with as many things as possible to ensure we got the best out of our trip for the short time we were there. They were spent visiting: Galleries such as the Galleria deli Uffizi, where we saw incredible paintings like ‘The Birth of Venus’ painted by Botticelli; sculpture galleries like ‘Il Grande Museo del Duomo’, which contained beautiful sculpture work created in the 15th century by many artists such as Donatello; and the bronze doors of the Baptistery of Saint John, which depict the lives of Christ and John the Baptist, along with many other New Testament stories. We also undertook a number of interesting practical art tasks including: the marbling of paper in a traditional Florentine way; drawing in some extraordinary locations, such as from the top of the Duomo; and studying the use of perspective by artists such as Brunelleschi, Uccello, Leonardo and Piero Della Francesca.

One of the many highlights of the Trip was looking over the beautiful city of Florence as the sun was setting from the monastery of San Miniato; from there you could really begin to see the incredible architectural structures in their full might, towering above the city, as they were built to be. Florence is unlike many other modern-day cities, the great structures of the past aren’t dwarfed by modern skyscrapers and they still stand above the city sky-line.

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I hope this visit to Florence will be the start of a long journey of affection for Italy and its incredible art for all of us, and I am sure the Trip has influenced every single one of us to look at Art from a different

perspective, as we now see that half the art is how the artist overcame the problems they faced within a piece.

Edmund Hall E Social, Remove