The Ronian - Issue 56 - Spring 2014 by Saint Ronan's School

The Ronian ISSUE 56 - Spring 2014

Inside:

Bugsy • Astro Appeal • Faraday Challenge • Valentine’s Concert • Alumni

w w w. s a i n t r o n a n s . c o . u k

The Headmaster writes...

Record haul of senior schoo The number of scholarships won this year by Saint Ronan’s children is unprecedented and more than double the best ever tally of last year. At the last count we were up to 33 scholarships or exhibitions (!) with an extraordinarily high proportion (50%) of this Year 8

The children have responded to the heaviest rainfall since, we are told, the winter of 1912/13 by securing a deluge of awards; the most since the school was founded 131 years ago! I take my hat (and raincoat!) off to them all! So far an extraordinary proportion (50%) of Year 8, not just the outlying 10% of ‘whizz kids’, has amassed some thirty-three scholarships to ten different schools. Added to which all our Cranbrook candidates have been offered places, which means that in four of the last six years we’ve had 100% pass, with never less than a 90% success rate. This is a remarkable record and a great credit to the children and the teachers who inspire them. Focus is now firmly on Common Entrance, which all the leavers will sit and the majority will require for entry purposes. The grown-ups have also responded to the wet weather and done us proud. Already just over £260K has been pledged

gaining awards. All the award winners are pictured on the photograph on the front cover. We are delighted, not just with the breadth of scholarships awarded across all disciplines (Academic, Music, Art, DT, ICT, Drama and Sport) but also with the variety and quality of schools who have offered them to our children. Many of the senior schools (such as Benenden, Eastbourne, Charterhouse, Lancing and Sevenoaks) have a national field for scholarships, rather than a regional one. We take pride in every single child and every single award and are, quite literally, bursting with it.

towards the desperately needed all weather pitch and a further

Add to this all those children who

£65.5K pledged by alumni towards the Chapel Court project.

passed the Cranbrook exam (100%) and

Both appeals are in their closing stages and, though there is still

those children who bravely sat

some way to go, we are inching towards our target sums

scholarships but didn’t quite achieve

(£310K and £80k respectively). If you are yet to pledge please

them, and we simply couldn’t be more

do so soon!

proud.

Summer terms are always fun and there is much to look forward

Whilst we await to see if any of our

to next term. Preparatory work is going on as I write for the

candidates gain awards to either

National Prep School Art Exhibition, which we have been

Tonbridge or Cranbrook, our eyes

chosen to host this year and next. I note that there’s a trip

increasingly focus on Common Entrance

planned to War Horse in the West End and the BBC Young

in June. All Year 8 will sit these exams

Musician of the Year, Laura van der Haijen, is performing in the

and the majority depend on it for entry

Great Space in May. The Founder’s Day play is an adaptation

purposes.

of Two Gentlemen of Verona. All this to enjoy after, I trust, a relaxing Easter break.

School by Kitty Allinson

ol awards: 33 and counting! 2014 Scholarship Tally (so far) Ashford School

E. Moug (Academic)

Battle Abbey

J. Coulson (Academic) J. Coulson (Music) G. Sternberg-Allen (ICT)

Benenden

T. Hastilow (Academic) T. Hastilow (Music) S. Butt (Art) I. Macdonald (DT)

Charterhouse

G. Campbell-Wilson (All rounder) G. Campbell-Wilson (Music)

Claremont

F. Ward (All rounder)

Eastbourne

C. Chatterton (Music) L. Martin (Music) L. Stephenson (Music) C. Chatterton (Sport) L. Stephenson (Drama) L. Stephenson (All rounder) C. Chatterton (All rounder)

Kent College

L. Martin (Music) L. Martin (Sport) S. O’Reilly (Sport)

Lancing College

W. Honychurch (All rounder)

In this issue... Bugsy Malone

Astro Appeal

Friends of Saint Ronan’s

Really choughed: recognising achievement

All the Pi you can eat

Jazzing up the Great Space

Faraday Challenge

This term in... Tongswood

Paradise Farm

School lectures

Small but oh-so mighty: notes from the Nursery

Class 3 visit Dover Painted House

Valentine’s Day Concert

King’s College Director of Music visits

Upper trip to Canterbury

Forest School

Spring Term prizes

12-13

Easter Bonnets

Year 2 trip to Bodiam Castle

MFL Workshop at Battle Abbey

The Bees

Brighton & Hove Albion & Surrey Storm trip

SATIPS Art Exhibition

Alumni

16-17

Sport

18-20

S. Knatchbull (All rounder) Sevenoaks

E. Shaw (Academic)

Sutton Valence

K. Jordan (Academic) A. McGowen (Academic) E. de Winton (Music) A. Bartleet (Music) M. King (Music) W. Honychurch (Music) H. Jones (Art)

Coming up... Next Term Term begins SATIPS Art Exhibition

24th April 26th April - 2nd May

Remove & Upper trip to ‘War Horse’

1st May

‘Sizzling Strings’

9th May

Year 1 trip to Dungeness

13th May

Class 4 trip to Dulwich Picture Gallery

13th May

Upper trips to Park Farm

13th & 14th May

Class 3 trip to ‘Matilda’

14th May

Midway trip to the Kino

23rd May

Half term

23rd May - 2nd June

Common Entrance Exams

2nd - 5th June

Reception trip to Bewl Water

6th June

Leavers BBQ, cricket & rounders v parents

6th June

Prep School Exams

9th - 12th June

Whole School Photograph

13th June

Founder’s Day / Sports Day

21st June

Remove trip to Bude

22nd June

Upper trip to Brittany

23rd June

Sponsored Walk

27th June

Term ends

4th July

You’ve been splurged! Bugsy Malone

There are so many good lines in Bugsy, it’s hard to choose a

Campbell-Wilson’s Fat Sam. As Fizzy, Mattie Simpson sang

favourite, but this time, ‘You’re gonna be remembered for the

and swept with style, Fat Sam’s Hoods danced and acted well,

things you say and do,’ from the finale, struck a particular

whilst Dandy Dan’s Hoodlums splurged and swaggered with a

chord with me.

great sense of fun. Olive Clarke’s performance as Lena Marelli

This was my last big production for Saint Ronan’s, and to borrow from the 1950s B movie director Ed Wood (whose credits include the immortal ‘Plan 9 from Outer Space’), I had a strong feeling that this was the one I’d be remembered for…

was a revelation. Billy Powell and Max Chesters ‘auditioned’ with great aplomb. There were many other cameo roles too numerous to list here, but suffice it to say that the principal roles were supported by a talented cast and chorus, who all carried off their roles admirably.

With such a large cast and a relatively short term, I knew we would have our work cut out to be ready, and with such a technically complex show, it must have seemed to the cast at times that we’d never get there. But get there we did, thanks to a dedicated team, a well organised and on the ball back stage crew and a talented cast. Bugsy, played by Nat Easton, was suave, confident and charming and the perfect match for Aisling Cotter’s straightlaced Blousey, who sang beautifully and won us all over in ‘that hat’. Tallulah (Lucy Martin) was marvellous as Fat Sam’s moll. Cameron Powell’s excellent Dandy Dan was a smooth, dapper foil to the convincing mob boss blustering of Fred

Of course, Bugsy is a musical and without the fabulous Andrew ‘the Godfather’ Witham, Mrs ‘Ma Baker’ Hill and the wonderful band, none of the rest of the show would have been possible. Next term, we have ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ to look forward to. I’m sure that, having costumed over 130 children so wonderfully, Julie and Karen will find some relief in the title! Many thanks also go to Ritchie ‘da Lights’ Vassar-Smith, Emma ‘da Cues’ Morrell, Ben ‘da Noise’ Clarke, Rachel ‘da Props’ Bennett and Karen and Julie ‘da Threads’ and their teams.

OUR GOAL

£310,000

The Astro Appeal: all to play for The fundraising started with the Ball, back in October. Then, in February, after three evenings of dinners and discussions, the Astro Appeal went public, with £107K already raised against the target of £310K. William Trelawny-Vernon: ‘The dinners gave us the chance to enthuse about all the benefits the astro pitch will bring to Saint Ronan's pupils. We set out the figures, which clearly show that the project hinges on the generosity of parents, Old Ronians and friends of the school.’ Since the launch, the thermometer has climbed to the current total of £260K.

‘great progress, but we’re not home and dry’ The Astro Appeal Committee – a group of parents and staff tasked with leading the fundraising – met at the end of term to assess progress and address the challenging last stretch of the appeal - often the hardest. Alex Durtnell, parent and committee member: ‘We’re all encouraged by the progress and really grateful to those who have already pledged. But we’re also concerned that some people may assume it’s a done deal. We’re not home and dry. The Ball was the start of things, but we need pledges as well, or the project won’t happen.’

Time is running out The school has continued to refine the project details and timings. William Trelawny-Vernon: ‘We’re excited by just how quickly this pitch can be built. It looks increasingly likely that we could have it ready for play during the first half of the autumn term, but there is no alternative source of funds: success depends on us raising the target sum by 1st June.’ The school governors meet in early June to assess whether they are in a position to move this

RAISED SO FAR

£260,000

exciting project forward. You can help make this happen by making a pledge at www.saintronans.co.uk/astro

Friends continue to raise Fun and Funds We are hugely grateful once again for all the help received

Meanwhile Sam Gould has been researching the WWI Roll of

from the Friends of Saint Ronan’s (FOR).

Honour and Carolyne Redmayne WWII. Sarah Gotts is lending a hand too by trailing back copies of the school

Emma-Louise Cubitt and Bill MacLeod taught the children reels and laid on a special Burns night. Others (especially the ‘Vickis’ Stewart and Plugge, together with Katie Wyatt, Louisa Hastilow and Sarah Hall) either cooked up delicious bacon

magazines for further information about the OR who were killed in the two World Wars. The aim is to create a Book of Remebrance and a digital archive we will use as a teaching resource.

and sausage baguettes on Brodie Day or set up and served at the annual Quiz Night …or both!

A total of £3,500 was gifted this term to the Astro Appeal, helping us towards our £310K target. Thank you FOR.

Really choughed: recognising achievement It must be nearly two years since we introduced the Golden Chough tie. This is was introduced as the School Colours tie embodying all that we admire at Saint Ronan’s; namely being kind and gentle, but also hard working and determined. This still stands, but this term we have introduced four further colours ties. The Golden Chough remains the most ‘senior’. The Silver Chough is for academic excellence in internal, rather than external exams. Yet to be awarded, it is expected that the results of CE and Scholarship practice papers and the CE mocks will form the basis for this award. The Green Chough is for Sport. To receive a Green Chough

The Red Chough is for excellence in Drama, Art, IT or DT. It is

you have to have had three full colours and/or the captaincy of

awarded to Year 8 children with a particular strength in these

a first team in a major sport.

areas.

The Blue Chough is for those children in receipt of a Saint

The children in receipt of these ties wear them proudly with

Ronan’s Music Scholarship; namely those who have received

their Formal Wear. It would be quite an achievement to hold all

Grade 5.

five!

All the Pi you can eat...

Jazzing up the Great Space

On 14th March we joined the Pi Day celebrations by hosting our very own Happy Puzzle Maths Day. Fun puzzle sessions took place and pupils were required to solve problems in their teams. Activities included balancing penguins on icebergs, piecing together complicated road maps and replicating tower formations, to name but a few. Teams could only move on to the next puzzle after successfully completing each task. The pressure was on! By the end of each session, pupils had learned the importance of teamwork, collaboration, co-operation and perseverance when trying to solve a problem.

We were delighted to welcome the Eastbourne College Swing Band to the Great Space to perform a medley of catchy jazz numbers. They were joined on stage by thirteen Saint Ronan’s pupils who had previously enjoyed the Eastbourne Jazz Day. The band played jazz favourites such as “Take Five” and “Tequila” and the concert also featured “The Decibelles” – an all-girl, close harmony group who performed “Lollipop” and “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” to great applause. It was a highly enjoyable, foot-tapping afternoon and a great inspiration for all our musicians – thank you Eastbourne!

Rocketing to the top of the Faraday Challenge table

The term in... TONGSWOOD

In February six Remove pupils went to Sutton Valence to

In a series of four articles, each house will take turns to

compete in a regional heat of the National Faraday Challenge,

showcase what they’ve been up to this term.

in which around 300 schools take part nationally.

Tongswood has the colour GOLD! And our symbol is the lion,

Our team (Harry T-V, Lucie Vincendeau, Megan King, Imogen

which best suits Tongswood’s fierce and heroic personalities.

MacDonald, Mattie Simpson and Elliot Johnson) was up

The lion comes from the school crest. We have our house

against Dulwich Prep, Yardley Court, St Michael’s, Wellesley

assembly in the Great Space.

House and Sutton Valence.

Tongswood is named after the estate that the school has been in since it moved to Hawkhurst after World War II. This term we have had talks on Mother Theresa, flooding in Somerset and the McLeay family history. Anyone in Tongswood can give a talk on something they are interested in so there are lots of different topics that we hear about. The teachers in Tongswood are Mr Bright, who is head, Miss Bennet, Mrs Hill, Mrs Peacock and last but not least Mr Clarke. I love Tongswood because of its family feeling and great kindness towards everybody. Tongswood have also won the house cup most times! (Not sure this is true - Ed).

The brief was to design, manufacture and build a rocket that could be propelled off a friction launch pad and to construct a transporter that could safely transport the rocket to the launch pad. All manufacturing items had to be budgeted and paid for out of the 200 Faradays of money supplied. Having finished the task, each team had to give a 3 minute

Unfortunately this was not Tongswood’s most successful term. The main house events were the Brodie Shield and the girls’ inter-house netball. We came third in the Brodie Shield overall. The boys’ inter-house hockey matches had to be cancelled because of the wet pitches - if only we had an astroturf! By Archie Butler-Gallie, House Captain of Tongswood.

presentation before testing the rockets and transporters. The Saint Ronan’s team was called and they presented well - but would their creations work? Off whizzed the transporter and on went the rocket onto the launch pad, with a whoosh - a proud moment! The final scores were yet to be counted – for team work, cooperation, modifications, budget and efficiency. In first place, with 94 out of 100, was Saint Ronan’s - the highest mark in the country so far! The top three teams nationwide will take part in the finals in Oxford. Our proud team was presented with a stylish plaque and a £20 Amazon voucher each.

Down at the farm we had new chicks from the incubator in the Pre-Prep. We have nine chicks, two called ‘Lucky’ because they had to be rescued from their shells by Mrs Bright, as they were too weak to get out. Sadly some of the chickens died due to a miscreant animal that got through a hole in the fence. We also have some ducks and they flap around everywhere! Recently Lady Ronan and Lucky had piglets. Lucky had nine piglets and they are now six weeks old. On one occasion at the Farm we had to herd Lucky and her piglets into another pen, but however many treats we bribed her with, she decided not to enter the pen but to go to the far side of the field and flop down and feed her piglets. A few weeks ago Lady Ronan had eight piglets, adored by everybody at the Farm. This term we had two guinea pigs that died, so we are all sad about that. Thank you to all the Farm helpers for all the work you have done at the Farm.

Skiing, architecture and Malawi... Friday lectures inform and entertain Children in the Prep School enjoyed three

native Vienna he took his audience on a

very different Friday lectures this term.

journey from the most simple of

Peter Pyemont returned on the 17th January to give us all a fascinating romp through the History of Skiing. His illustrated talk was quite brilliantly delivered and was

structures to the most complex of designs, highlighting their common features. He even had his audience chopping up bits of paper!

very timely, ahead not only of the Sochi

Finally Mr Matthew Smith of Lancing

games but also the annual Ski trip to Pila,

College shared with us the work that

Italy. It was a family event as he was

Lancing does to help an orphanage in

assisted by his brother, watched by his

Malawi as part of their longstanding and

sister and nephew, whilst his great

ongoing ‘Open Arms’ Malawi project,

nephew, Herbie Stephenson, was enlisted

which started over thirty years ago. Mr

to help with the actual demonstrations.

Smith his currently Housemaster of

Just after Half Term, Dr Kossuth talked to the children about the history of architecture in a witty and characteristically provocative talk entitled ‘Holes in Walls’. Illustrated by many buildings from his

Gibbs’ House, which is very much the ‘Saint Ronan’s’ house at Lancing. WB Harris (HM 1926-57) was a former Housemaster and Sir Richard Vassar-Smith (HM 1957-71) and Ben Clarke (OR 1983-92 & MCR 2004-) former ‘inmates’!

Sports Relief Fun Run The Nursery never forget that even though young in age and small in size they are still part of something much bigger! They are part of Saint Ronan’s School, something they are most proud of. It would be so easy for these small little people to say ‘we are too young, too small and too vulnerable’, but no they say ‘give us a challenge and we will show you what we are made of’. An example of this could be seen at one of the School’s biggest sporting events, the Brodie Shield. The

Out in the grounds

Nursery children ought to be proud of themselves, as every child took part with a smile on their face, and were neither daunted by the cheers of the crowds nor running round a tricky bend. Poor little James McCarmick even carried on after falling on this bend and possibly losing a winning place.

Small but oh-so-mighty! Notes from the Nursery

Every small person was happy to have a medal sticker and not one child was heard asking where their rosette was. They were just happy to take part and have a go; real sportsmanship at such a young age. The Nursery also took part in the Saint Ronan’s Sport Relief Run. All dressed in red, the tiniest people in the School lined up with the eldest and ran alongside them. It really was a wonderful sight and a wonderful experience with children big and small helping and encouraging each other. Easter Bonnets The Nursery Mother’s Day assembly should not be forgotten. Teachers and parents could not have been prouder of this absolutely wonderful performance, including songs about Mummies, a Crazy Mayonnaisy poem with some very tricky words and a story listened to by the whole congregation. All the children remembered their lines and said them with confidence and clarity, except for poor little Freya Baxter, who was interrupted by her teacher. However she too must be congratulated for not making a fuss and letting the show go on. She now tells her line every story time for her teacher, asking the children ‘Are you sitting comfortably?’ Well done, Nursery children!

Activities in the Founder’s Hall

Class 3 visit Roman Painted House in Dover

Cupid's arrows fly in Valentine's Concert

On Thursday 18th March Year 3 went with Mrs Thompson, Miss Bennett, Ronan and Rory to visit the Roman Painted House in Dover. We went on a Scotland and Bates coach (it was very posh). It took an hour and twenty minutes. When we got there it was very sunny. Our guide was called Brian he told us lots about the Romans. He told us the Romans spoke Latin. He said that twenty years ago there was a plan to make a big underground car park there but Brian said to the council – ‘No, I think there is a Roman House under there’. So the Council told Brian and his team that he had ten weeks to investigate. When they started digging they found old pieces of pottery from the Tudors. After four weeks of more digging they found roof tiles of what they thought was a Roman hotel.

Friday 14th February provided a perfect start to half term as the Great Space echoed with sounds of love in the Valentine's Day concert. Hosted by the Chamber Choir, the audience were treated to romantic melodies such as "All You Need Is

Then they found pieces of the wall and after sixty nine days

Love" and "The Glory of Love”. The Flute Choir also

they finished, with one day to spare! They had a party that

performed the beautiful “Love Is Here To Stay” and the

day! The council did not build their car park and The Roman

orchestra were magnificent in their rendition of Adele's "Make

Painted House was uncovered.

You Feel My Love". Thanks to Lesley-Anne, Effie Sparkhall, Mr Witham and all the performers for providing this musical

The Roman house in the past had over a hundred rooms and was a hotel. It now has only six rooms.

delight.......to quote the Bard "If music be the food of love, play on"!

We had many activities that day. A lady called Rachel dressed some of us up in Roman clothes; she dressed Emma B as a

Charlie M as a gladiator.

Director of Music, King’s Canterbury visits

We had a mosaic-making activity and an artefact-sketching

Saint Ronan’s music

task, with artefacts like cooking pots, oyster shells, Roman

department welcomed Will

tiles (tessura) and my favourite activity, brass rubbing.

Bersey, new Director of Music

Roman lady, Jack B as a centaur, Bradley P as a slave and

at King’s Canterbury to the When we had finished our activities we went to the shop. There was lots of Roman things to buy. We had our packed lunch outside in the sunshine and then the coach came and picked us up. We had a wonderful day and learned lots about the Romans.

school. Will spent time listening to our Ensembles, touring the department and after lunch conducting the Orchestra. It was good to strengthen our links with the King’s music

By Dulcie Cooper and Ruby Balcombe

department, and keep abreast of what our Alumni are up to musically in Canterbury. Mrs Hill recently attended a concert there showcasing a composition by John Gabriel (2009). In the orchestra on the double Bass was our very own Jago Trelawny-Vernon (2012)! We hope to welcome King’s here again with some of their Ensembles.

Upper trip to Canterbury

It was very kind of the King’s School Canterbury to invite all of Upper to lunch. What a fantastic lunch too! Roast beef and all the trimmings. After such a sustaining feast, we met Jane Martin who toured us around this most interesting city to show us the sights and reveal more about its hidden past. After this we went to the Cathedral for a tour of this magnificent place of worship. It was particularly helpful for Upper to see where Thomas Becket was murdered and to follow the trail of his body up through the Cathedral. It was important to see the Black Prince’s final resting place, Henry IV’s tomb and the tomb of the poor unfortunate Simon Sudbury. All these are names which will become very familiar to the children in Remove history. All in all it was a sunny, enjoyable and, of course, educational trip out.

Rain or shine: learning is fun in Forest School The Forest has been inspirational again this term. The older children found the journey to the woods slippery but fun while the smallest people invariably became well and truly stuck in the mud! The usually insignificant trickle of water passing through the bottom of the wood became a raging torrent and another source of interest, as well as a lesson in keeping safe. Many pairs of wet socks were hung up to dry on our return to school! Fun though mud and water can be, how wonderful it’s been to see the signs of Spring. Inspired by the seasons and by Julia Donaldson's lovely book, 'Stick Man', the children in the Nursery and Pre-Prep created their own stick people, with woodland homes, and Year 1 put on unrehearsed performances that featured them. Nests were built for the wonderful birds who fill the woods with their beautiful song, particularly at this time of year. Happy Easter!

Spring Term Prizes Senior Prefects

F. Carver, N. Easton, B. Hall,

Head Prefect

T. Hastilow

G. Jones, A. Hsuan, S. Lund,

Second Prefects

W. Honychurch, E. Shaw

E. Hastilow, C. Stewart Full Colours

House Captains Bicton

H. Morris

Pembroke

K. Allinson

Selden

H. Jones

Tongswood

L. Vincendeau

School Appointments School Prefects

K. Allinson, S. Knatchbull

Captain of Cricket

A. Butler-Gallie

Captain of Rounders

S. Knatchbull

Headmaster’s Special Prizes

W. Booth-Clibborn, F. Carr, A. Butler-Gallie, M. Dale, E. de Winton, H. Franklin, W. Honychurch, H. Wyatt

Boys Hockey Prizes U13 Player of the Season

O. Addis

U13 Most Improved

S. Lund

U11 Player of the Season

A. Moore

U11 Most Improved

R. Macdonald

Half Colours

O. Addis

Full Colours

H. Wyatt

G. Campbell-Wilson, A. Cotter, F. Dear, S. O’Reilly, S. Ford, Netball Prizes

J. Fuller Most Shows

U13 Player of the Season

C. Chatterton

U13 Most Improved

L. Stephenson

Remove

E. Shaw

U11 Player of the Season

P. Bennie

Upper

H. Stephenson

U11 Most Improved

O. de Winton

Midway

A. Clapp

Half Colours

P. Bennie, I. Bolton-Ferrett,

Shell

E. Cooper, D. Dent

J. Coulson, G. Crawley,

Class 4

E. Moore

F. Faulkner, T. Hastilow,

Class 3

P. Barker, E. Hues

P. Hutton, S. Knatchbull, S. McNeish, H. O’Reilly,

Exams - Best Average

M. Shaw, L. Stephenson

Remove

T. Hastilow

Upper

A. Stevens

Exams - Most Improved

Full Colours

F. Black, C. Chatterton, L. Martin

Lacrosse Prizes

Remove

L. Vincendeau

Upper

A. Balfour

School Prizes

U13 Player of the Season

F. Black, C. Chatterton

U13 Most Improved

P. Hutton

U11 Player of the Season

I. Bolton-Ferrett

School Colours

W. Honychurch

U11 Most Improved

J. Beeching

Harris Cup

M. King

Half Colours

P. Bennie, H. Bluck, M. Shaw, I. Bolton-Ferrett, A. Durtnell,

Music & Perfoming Arts Prizes

L. Stephenson, T. Hastilow,

Sight Reading

J. Lee

F. Faulkner, L. Vincendeau

Acting Cup

N. Easton

Ross Cup for Performing Arts

F. Campbell-Wilson

Full Colours

F. Black, C. Chatterton, J. Coulson, G. Crawley, P. Hutton, S. Knatchbull,

Rugby Prizes

O. Macdonald, L. Martin,

U13 Player of the Season

M. Dale

U13 Most Improved

H. Franklin

U11 Player of the Season

E. Hastilow

Handwriting Competition

U11 Most Improved

B. Hall

H. Jones, A. Pryke, J. Beeching, D. Dent, M. Macleay,

Half Colours

O. Addis, F. Campbell-Wilson,

H. Collins

S. McNeish

Spring Term Prizes Jevons Projects

Form Tutors Prizes

O. Addis, W. Ashenden, Z. Barker, F. Carver, M. Chesters

Remove GV

H. Bluck

Remove KK

F. Carr

Remove PG

K. Allinson

Upper DB

F. Campbell-Wilson

Upper BC

H. Stephenson

Midway SC

A. Clapp

House and Form Prizes Senior Form

Remove KK

Junior Form

Shell VC

House Cup

Bicton

Bicton Prize

S. Butt

Midway RVS

M. Clarke

Pembroke Prize

J. Cubitt

Midway IP

B. Hall

Selden Prize

I. Macdonald

Shell VC

M. Spence

Tongswood Prize

A. Butler-Gallie

Shell RH

R. Honychurch

Shell NH

F. Kirkland

4 AW

O. Parker

Success for Ethan at Hastings

4 EM

S. Wood

Well done to Ethan

3 RB

M. Routledge

Richardson (Upper BC) who

3 RT

A. Taggart

topped no fewer than five categories at the Hastings

Music Exam Results: 41 candidates

Music Festical this year. Distinction, 8

Pass, 13 U12 Piano (special merit) U16 Contemporary (honours) U15 Bronze (honours) U15 Duets (special merit)

Merit, 20

Strings Concerto (merit)

Hats with flashing lights and chocolate eggs... it must be Easter It has to be said that the Easter bonnets reached new levels

when they found them we had to sway or clap along with the

this year, with not one but two bonnets sporting lights! The bar

song. Year 1 created a memorable Spring Garden, complete

has been raised and the challenge for next year is a bonnet

with a rainbow (which finally

with sound effects. Whatever

decided to unfurl) by moving

the design, it is so pleasing

in time to Vivaldi’s music.

that every child arrives at

Year 2 recited a Spring poem

school proudly sporting their

before all the mummies got

creations. Bea had definitely

out their hankies as the

raided Thornton’s chocolate

children sang the Mother’s

shop for her creation and

Day song.

Ruby had done the same with The children left the Great

her mum’s garden flowers.

Space to parade along the Parents were invited to the

academic corridor in the

Great Space to be entertained

Mansion House whilst the

by the bonneted children. The

Prep School applauded and

Nursery performed songs about their mummies and finished

cheered. A great Saint Ronan’s tradition which has become

by blowing them a kiss. Reception lost their Easter eggs and

the highlight of the term.

Year 2 Children become Knights for a day

Languages Workshop at Battle Abbey School

On a chilly Tuesday just after half term, Badgers and Otters

After a warm welcome from Mr. Clark, head of Battle Abbey

travelled to Bodiam Castle to learn about castle life and what

School, we were given a brief tour by Martina Johnson, Head

becoming a knight entailed. A kind and friendly Lady Eleanor,

of Languages, which highlighted some historical points. We

in velvet robes and a beautiful headdress, told the children

were taken round the surroundings of the school, which

what life was like in the castle

overlooks the 1066 battle

when Sir Edward Dalyngrigge

field and were shown the

and his Lady Elizabeth lived

chapel ruins constructed by

there. They learned that Lady

William the Conqueror to

Eleanor and her ladies in

mark where King Harold fell

waiting were the only ladies in

in battle.

the castle. While she and her The workshop was held in

husband had a comfortable

the old library, an impressive

bed in their own special

room with great character,

bedroom, the servants had to

and our Upper were divided

share a big room and sleep on

into teams with A-level

the floor. There were servants

students helping out. The

for everything, including the firelighter who had to keep the 32 fireplaces lit, and the gongscourer who had to clean the loos!

pupils threw themselves into the well organised activities, in Spanish, German and Mandarin; Spanish numbers and colours were fun and easy to learn, the German words

The children enjoyed exploring the castle (including climbing

describing German cars were certainly the longest and the

the many steps to the top of the highest tower) as well as

Mandarin, with our students making their own Mandarin "rap"

listening to a story about a young knight and trying on his

was certainly entertaining. A great way to introduce

heavy armour. The children agreed that life is definitely more

languages!

comfortable nowadays!

Bees Off to a Great Spring Start Getting bees through the winter is always a difficult thing and many an experienced beekeeper has lost colonies to the cold. So it was with some bees in the stomach that we did our first two hive inspections of the season. Bees had been spotted flitting about in the sunshine, but would the queen be all right and more importantly - would she be laying? With Ritchie's help, and the support of willing pupils in the form of Finn Lewis, Dillon Gorman and Orlando Copplestone, we checked the bees, their brood and stores. While the Moon is once again leading, both queens are busy laying and the colonies are growing. We saw bees hatch and weighed honey stores (heavy!). The celotex will stay on for the moment, as the nights can still get quite cold, but after the holidays it will be gone till next winter. For more information check out the beeblog on the Extranet.

Brighton & Hove Albion and Surrey Saint Ronan’s hosts national Prep Schools’ Art Exhibition Storm Netball With expectations high and play-offs looming, a group of Upper and Remove boys set off for their first visit to the Amex, the new home of the mighty Brighton and Hove Albion. Ipswich Town were the visitors and it was all set to be a great game. Brighton had all the play, were far and away the better

Saint Ronan's is delighted to be hosting the Annual SATIPS

team, created all the chances,

Art Exhibition for 2014 and 2015. In the past the Exhibition

played the most exciting football

has attracted over a thousand visitors and we expect it to be

(this is not a biased report!) but still managed to lose 0-2! We

similarly well-attended this year.

were robbed! With eight games left, there is all to play for. Premiership here we come!

Over sixty schools from all over the country have submitted work. Each school is allowed to put forward up to eight pieces.

Meanwhile, back in Feburary, thirty-one girls watched Surrey

That makes up around five hundred pieces of art that have to

Storm take on Team Bath in the Netball Super League. The

be organised, catalogued, mounted and displayed - no small

match got off to an exciting start, goals going with each centre

task and one which has kept the Art department busy in the

pass. Our girls got a real sense of how direct, aggressive and

last few weeks of term.

energetic the game is and the speed, agility and power required to play at this level. Tension started to build in the second half as goals flew in at both ends and the clock counted down the final seconds. One goal ahead, Surrey Storm just needed to keep possession. However Bath

The exhibition will be formally opened by guest of honour and former Saint Ronan’s parent, Neil Buchanan. Neil is the creator, producer and presenter of ‘Art Attack’, one of ITV’s longest running childrens’ programmes, whcih has won over thirty awards worldwide, including two BAFTAs. Neil is also ambassador for the Prince’s Foundation for Children and the Arts.

intercepted and send a risky long ball straight to their shooter, who scored as the final whistle went!

The exhibition schedule will be as follows: Friday, 25th April

4:00pm

Preview for Staff & Pupils

Saturday, 26th April

11:00am

Private view for Heads, Teachers, SATIPS, Alumni & invited guests

Sunday 27th April

1:00pm

Afternoon Tea for Exhibiting Artists & Families

Monday 28th - Friday 2nd May

Exhibition open daily for visitors & school groups

Old Ronians are welcome to visit the exhibition during the general opening times but are particularly invited to the Private Viewing on Saturday, 26th April from 11:00am onwards. Please e-mail clareoconnell@saintronans.co.uk to let us know if you would like to attend.

Cow by Sophie Butt, Remove KK

Saint Ronanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s during the Great War: a collage

These photographs are a small selection of our archives from the time of the First World War. We are working to make these archives available online via our website.

Praise for Chapel Project Planning Permission has now been granted for the proposed cloister-style link between the main school building and the Chapel, with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council praising the sensitivity and style of the scheme. The Chapel Court project also includes the creation of a memorial garden in the space between the two buildings and the conversion into a library of the two rooms overlooking this space. Davis of Hawkhurst, the architectural firm which prepared the drawings for the re-building of the Chapel in 1956, has recently given Saint Ronan’s the original plans. William TV says: ‘Seeing these plans reinforces our strong sense that this The chapel in Worthing

project is the proper completion of WB Harris’s vision. I am sure he would have approved of our scheme.’ The project is entirely reliant on financial support from Old Ronians and friends. At the time of going to press, the appeal total stands at £65,565, against the target of £80,000. So far, four families have opted to ‘buy’ a window in the new link. The Headmaster says: ‘These are beautiful, Gothic-style windows and we are giving people the opportunity to place a name or message on ‘their’ window frame.’ The School plans to open Chapel Court with a ceremony on Remembrance Day this year. One of the aims of this project is to commemorate the 70 Old Ronians who died in WW1 and WW2. But everything hinges on us raising the pledges by our 30th May deadline and then pressing ahead with the work.

Dick Harris, whose vision will be realised

Getting back in touch: missing Alumni We are keen to keep in touch with as many OR as we can and

newsletter cum School magazine and other communications

are busy doing a ‘big tidy’ of the Alumni database. We have

updating them on what is going on at Saint Ronan’s, including

recently written to senior schools asking them to forward

what we plan for the future.

emails/letters. Enclosed with this term’s Ronian is a list of those for whom we Four years ago this ‘database’ was rather ‘analogue’ and little

do not have full contact details ‘on the system’. If anyone is in

more than the names on the Leavers Boards in the Chapel

contact with these people, please ask them to get in touch

and now around the Dining Room. We have gone digital and

with the School. Thank you.

successfully made contact with close to a thousand OR who left us since 1930 but are still to be reunited with just over two hundred more! The ‘found’ now receive a termly Ronian

Sport Saint Ronanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

History made as Archie runs to sixth successive victory This year was historic as Archie Butler-Gallie became the first

Many thanks to Mrs Brodie for coming down to present the

person to win the Brodie Shield six times in a row! This is an

prizes.

amazing achievement in itself but Archie also had to beat

Under 13 Boys

A. Butler-Gallie

Under 13 Girls

G. Crawley

Under 11 Boys

J. Crawley

Under 11 Girls

L. Wooff

Under 9 Boys

C. Gorman

Under 9 Girls

L. Stewart

House Cup

Selden

managed to win the U11 boys race. This was always going to

Barker Shield

J. Kirkland

be close, with the Shell pupils Carlos Nieto-Parr and Wilf

Hanish-Oakes Shield

B. Wyatt

some really impressive runners each time. He saved his best till last as, by winning his final race by quite a margin. The U13 girls race was very exciting as the first two runners came flying towards the finish line side by side and Georgina Crawley just had enough energy left to creep in front of Sabina MacNeish to claim the gold medal. Not wanting to be outdone by his sister, James Crawley

Wyatt hot on his heels. We were pleased to welcome guest runner Christo Brodie, representing the Brodie family. Lizzie Wooff (Shell) won the U11 girls race. This was also very competitive and she did well to hold off Megan Hopper and Rowena Sercombe to secure victory. The U9 races were won by Lily Stewart and Connor Gorman respectively. They had both trained hard and their victories were well deserved. Unfortunately last year they were unable to win the Brodie as under 8s so Archieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record will remain intact for a few years yet!

Sport Saint Ronan’s Senior Netball

Lacrosse The girls enjoyed their best Lacrosse season yet, achieving excellent results and winning/drawing 24 of the 34 matches played. The girls scored 230 goals collectively - the highest scoring team – with the U10A responsible for 49 of those! In Pop Lacrosse the U8A and U9B teams were unbeaten. The U10A team also only lost one game. In the Field Lacrosse the 1st XII demonstrated great skill and tenacity. Their play was always considerate and constructive, only losing one game and winning for the first time in years against DCPS. Hattricks galore were scored by 24 of our speedy, assertive and goal-hungry players. Congratulations go to Freya Black and Charlie Chatterton, both nominated as U13 players of the season, and Isabel Bolton-Ferrett for U11. Awards for most improved performance were thoroughly deserved by Polly

The U10-U13 girls have had a positive and very productive season, achieving good results on a weekly basis. The teams won/drew 49 of the 84 matches played, scoring an exceptional 494 goals in total! Both the 1st and 2nd VIIs reached goal totals well into the hundreds, testament to their improved

Hutton (U13) and Jade Beeching (U11). The season finished with the hugely enjoyable Inter-House tournaments. Tongswood emerged as winners of the U9/8 competition, Bicton won the U11/10, and Selden were victorious in the U13/12 event.

tactical awareness and vision in and around the shooting circles. Shooters Lucy Martin and Jessamy Coulson (1st VII) and Georgiana Crawley and Sabina McNeish (2nd VII) should be congratulated for their improved reliability and accuracy. Credit is also due to other teams who managed their areas of the court so well to ensure that possession was maintained and that the ball was sent efficiently to our attacking end. However it was the 3rd VII who proved to be most successful, winning 10 of their 14 matches. The U11A and B teams both won 3 matches each, enjoying the challenge of their games.

U8/U9 Hockey The girls had an exciting season, enjoying the challenge of this fast-paced and demanding sport. The U8A team showed huge potential and finished their run of matches unbeaten, scoring 17 goals! Likewise the U8B team also performed well, only losing one of their matches. Hat tricks were scored by Emily Hues and Phoebe Connell. Ruby Balcombe, Poppy

The U10A and B teams also played strong netball, winning 7

Barker, Jemima Spence, Frances Lye and Hope Rutter were

and 6 of their 9 matches respectively. Congratulations to the

also successful in sending the ball into the back of the net.

players of the season Charlie Chatterton (U13) and Phoebe

The U9s were really put to the test and despite much effort

Bennie (U11), and most improved Lucy Rose Stephenson

and enthusiasm, only one draw was achieved by the B team.

(U13) and Ollie De Winton (U11). The end of season Inter-

To the girls’ credit they saw each match as a new challenge,

House matches were keenly fought but enjoyed in true Saint

always persevering, with their skills and their game awareness

Ronan’s spirit. The U11/10 tournament was won by

improving with every experience. The Inter-House event was

Tongswood and the U13/12 tournament by Pembroke.

won by Bicton.

Sports Newsletter Don’t forget our weekly Sport Saint Ronan’s Newsletter. Check the Extranet for back issues.

Rugby Season Report

Hockey Season Report

Having two good seasons in a row is difficult to achieve but this year the 1st XV has continued to build on the impressive displays of last year albeit in a very different style. Last year the team was built around big, powerful, destructive forwards and this year it was more about the space out wide with fast, clever and elusive running. The forwards still had a job to do, winning quick, fast ball and the captain Matt Dale was fantastic at clearing out and stealing possession. He was wellsupported by Edward de Winton, Findlay Carr, William BoothClibborn and a core of Year 7 pupils who will be difficult to handle next year. Archie Butler-Gallie was a great scrum half. He kept the opposition guessing, passing wide or sniping around the edges of the rucks. Nat Easton organised the back line very well and he had the speed and power of George Campbell-Wilson and Felix Ward to call upon - or the trickery of Herbie Wyatt and Henry Franklin or the elusive running of Will Honychurch. Many of our tries were scored because of impressive continuity and team work. The ball was moved quickly, kept alive and the constant attacking soon saw gaps appear which the team were able to attack. Well played. The other School teams battled hard and there were some exciting matches for spectators. Within all the teams were some impressive individual performances. Angus McGowen, 2nd XV, played his way into the 1st XV with some exciting attacking play; Bear Hastilow and Barney Hall fought hard for the Colts A and Wilf Wyatt, Finn Kirkland and Sam Holden-Craufurd showed some great handling and running skills for the U10 team.

George modells the new 1st XV rugby strip

This season the senior boys have benefited enormously from the coaching of Scott Moen. Despite the results not going our way the boys have become much more organised in their team play and are more aware of tactics and what they need to do to become good hockey players. Herbie Wyatt, 1st VII captain, showed impressive stick skills and was a good outlet on the right while Archie Butler-Gallie worked hard in the midfield. All the other team members were Year 7 boys; Ollie Addis being the pick of the bunch, which is very encouraging for next season. The U10 team were only beaten once and played some really good hockey, transferring the ball quickly and working hard to make sure the opposition did not have any time on the ball. Results were mixed all season, with all the teams showing glimpses of impressive play. They should all be encouraged ready for next year – especially if the fundraising goes well for the Astro pitch!