The Albanian 2014

THE ALBANIAN December 2014

December 2014

Volume 28 Number 18

Contents 3 Editorial A rest after a new building per month

4 Ins & Outs Welcomes and farewells

14 Prizegiving Academic and other prizes

20 Creative Art GCSE and A Level art from the end of year exhibition

26 Music A range of concerts and a tour to Spain

38 Creative Design

Contents

Storage solutions, furniture, displays and more

42 Enrichment Furthering education beyond the classroom

48 Community Connections with local schools and organisations

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50 Dukes Expeditions hither and thither

The Albanian 2014

55 Drama Cyrano and other highlights of the stage

The cover for this edition of The Albanian was created by Joe Redwood.

The idea of the relay handover is an appropriate one for Joe, reflecting both former Headmaster Andrew Grant’s and his own interest in running. Joe has been an important member of the School’s triumphant cross country teams since his arrival in the School.

Joe is now using his artistic and mathematical skills in combination, studying architecture at Sheffield University. He is probably running, too.

61 Houses Final results and house music photos

63 Creative Writing Short stories and poems

69 Features Formula 1 and the history of the School through its benefactors

75 CCF Another busy year in camouflage

82 Sport

Albanian Editorial Team Editor Deputy Editor Student Editors

Illustrator

Noel Cassidy Julia Grieveson Declan Houten Sam Machell Naveen Morris Sam Machell

Team and individual glory for players and athletes

106 A Final Word Extract from interview with Andrew Grant

St Albans School Abbey Gateway St Albans AL3 4HB Tel: 01727 855521 Fax: 01727 843447 Publications email: publics@st-albans.herts.sch.uk School Website: www.st-albans.herts.sch.uk

St Albans School is a company limited by guarantee.

Registered in England No. 4400125 Charity No. 1092932 Registered Office: Abbey Gateway, St Albans, Herts. AL3 4HB

Editorial

He has not only overseen such developments as New Place, Woollams, the Sports Centre and Aquis Court. The confidence expressed in the wide range of activities and achievements recorded in these pages, from sports to the Cadet Force, from mountaineering Dukes to the Hawking science lecture, all owe their vitality to Andrew Grant’s energy and drive.

He has left the School in a very good state and we welcome our new Headmaster, Jonathan Gillespie, very warmly. As he himself says, he has taken over a very strong school and his watch words are ‘evolution rather than revolution.’ As suggested in a student interview on p.5, the School can look forward with confidence under his wise and careful leadership in the coming years.

The Albanian 2014

This edition of The Albanian is published at a key point – it forms a record of the last year of Andrew Grant’s tenure as the Headmaster of St Albans School, a tenure that has lasted 21 years and has seen the School’s fortunes rise significantly. As Pat Taylor says in his tribute on p.7, the School’s position and reputation are unrecognisable from the establishment he took over in 1993.

3 Editorial

New Entrants to the School September 2014

Ins & Outs

First Form

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AHMED, Sameer ALAO, Tobi ALOZIE, Kelechi O ANDERSON, Daniel ANNIS, Matthew T BALOGUN, Dominic BARBER, Tristan J BENEDICT, Jesse J BENNETT, Sebastian E BLACKMORE, Eliot G BURGESS, Oliver J COOK, Ciaran B COSGROVE, Callum J DAJANI, Wafa DHULASHIA, Nikhil DOWNEY, Charlie S DUNGARWALLA, Mustafa M EASTHAM, Nathan T EAVES, Daniel O FELTON, Torin B FRIAR, Jack W FUELL, Nathaniel J GAY, Devaughan C GRANT, Charles G HANNAH, Eliot F HARDEN, Francis S HOUGIE, Jacob S HOULAHAN, Frederick L HUBBARD, Frederick HUGHES, Thomas JONES, Nathan KATECHIA, Arjun N KUMAR,Vishaal MACGOVERN, Aidan MACKIE, Oliver A MANIVANNAN, Tharun MARLOW, Toby S MARTIN-FLAVEN, Albert J MCDONALD, Samuel J MCLOUGHLIN, William B MOORE, James J OGUNSEYE, Oluwatamilore OGUNSEYE, Oluwatobiloba OYENUGA, Ademide O PAGE, William D PATEL, Neil PAZZI-AXWORTHY, Frederick J PEACOCK, Ethan J PENNY, George J PERRIN, Steven T PLATTS, Thomas C POUND, Sebastian K PUNG, Nicholas Y REFSON, Benjamin J REYNOLDS, Benjamin A ROBINSON, Connor J SCRAGG, Joseph A SHAH, Aryan SHERGILL, Aman S SIMPSON, Alex

SINGH, Shaan SONG-LI, Henry SURESH, Kouthaman K TAHERI, Arman UJEYAH, Jeremy UMASSUDAN,Vikhnesh VANCE, Joseph G WALKEY MORAIS, Joshua S WHITE, Fergus P WILKINSON, Alexandre C WRIGHT, Nathan R ZHANG, Shukai ZHIVANOVICH, Aleksandar J

Second Form BURDETT, Taylor J

Third Form ADAMJEE, Raiyan BALLARD, Jack O BARTON, Adam D BATEY, Ashwin BERGER, Harrison BOY, Luke A BROWN, William J BUCKLAND, Hugo W CHAMAY, Dimitri L CHARLTON, Alex J COUCHMAN, Henry J DAVIS, William J DEANS, Marcus D DREW, Benjamin DUTHIE, Oliver Z ESSES, Bruno FARLOW, Thomas R FROST, Samuel J GALLAGHER, Lawrence HAWKINS, George G HILLMAN, Thomas A HOLDEN, James A HOSKING, Benjamin J HOWARD, Louis C HOWE, Alexander G HURLEY, Gregory A INNES, Toran M JARMAN, Samuel H JOANNOU, Marcus JOLLY, Neil KERR, Joshua R LARSSON, Oliver W LAZARI, Angelos LE COUILLIARD, Charles O LOUCAIDES, Edward G MARSH, Michael J MARTIN, Ryan W MCAREE, James M’CAW, Josh MCKEE, Arte MILLER, Madoc M

MISTRY, Kavi N MULHOLLAND, Krishnan S NDUMU, Kamau A ONANUGA, Adebowale D REED, Ciaran C RHYDDERCH, Louis S ROSSI, Lorenzo E SARGESON, Robin A SKINNER, Benjamin A STERN, Sam STEWART, Jack A STOCKBRIDGE, George P TAYLOR, Alasdair G TAYLOR, Louis G THAPAR, Rahil K WALTER, Thomas S WALTERS, Oliver B WARREN, Brendan W WEST, Oliver A WILKS, Archie G YUCELT, Alpay YURKWICH, Ben E

Fourth Form KHAWAJA, Safwaan S

Sixth Form ALLEN, Jennifer CHILDS, Emily CHMURZYNSKA, Dominika CLAYDEN, Louis COOK, Amelia G COUDERT, Tessa J DIXON, Sara H GEORGIOU, Elizabeth M GOLDIE, Jessica J HUDSON, Rosie S JACKMAN, Charlotte KEENAN, Amy J KELSEY, Georgia H LORETI, Matthew LU, Richard MACGREGOR, Annabel E MAXTED, Harriet MENDOZA, Maya I NG, King T NISSEN, Charlotte R PLOUTARHOU, Theo C POTTINGER, Jemima A PRICE, Josephina R PRITCHARD Elena ROBERTSON, Imogen L SEECHURN, Jamie SHOBEIRY, Jasmine SHREEVES, Katie SINFIELD, Eleanor C TAYLOR, Angus C VICKERSTAFF, Alexandra M

New Teachers Arrivals in the Common Room September 2014 Jonathan Gillespie Headmaster

He accepts that the school is in a transitional phase and is wary of making any hasty changes before settling in, preferring a mantra of ‘evolution rather than revolution’, thereby acknowledging the admirable situation the school is already in. Although he is keen to make a good first impression, he also is keen to look ahead to the future and the bigger picture – what the exciting next 10 or 15 years might hold for St Albans School.

Taking up the role of Second Master, Ms Jones attended Durham University and has spent sixteen years teaching in a number of leading independent schools, most recently Magdalene College School in Oxford. Having been attracted to the school by the new role, impressive grounds and similar setup to Magdalene College School, she has been impressed by the professional appearance of the pupils. Alongside her duties as Second Master, Ms Jones teaches Physics and Critical Thinking, whilst also being a keen runner and traveller.

Melody Jones Deputy Head

5 Ins & Outs

Despite both of his parents being teachers, Mr Gillespie initially had ambitions of joining the army when he left Bedford for Selwyn College, Cambridge, where he read Modern and Medieval Languages. After completing his degree, he decided to embark on a career of teaching, firstly at Highgate School, where he taught French and German, before his appointment as Head of Modern Languages at Fettes College, Edinburgh.

The Albanian 2014

It is almost a year since Jonathan Gillespie was announced as St Albans School’s new Headmaster, following Andrew Grant’s venerable 21 year tenure as Head. Replacing Mr Grant was always going to be a daunting prospect, but Mr Gillespie seems to have hit the ground running, bringing the perfect blend of enthusiasm and experience to the job. Having been born in Luton and educated at Bedford Modern School (where he still remembers playing cricket against St Albans), Mr Gillespie has some ties to the area, but it was the school’s reputation and warm feel that persuaded him to take up the role. He is adamant that despite their patent importance, exam qualifications shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all for schools, and that community and spirit are equally important.

Jordan Blaxill comes to us after studying Drama at Exeter University followed by teaching Drama in schools including Ashlyns in Berkhamsted. He is very passionate about his subject and believes it provides a great way of telling stories and using your imagination. His first impressions of the school were very positive, in particular the sense of history and tradition along with a pleasing attitude and work ethic. His other interests include play writing/acting and he is a season ticket holder at the Emirates.

Ins & Outs

Sofia Charalambous is another addition to the Languages Department from St Margaret’s, Bushey – teaching both French and Spanish, as well as being fluent in Finnish. Having studied a joint degree in both French and Music at the Royal Holloway University of London, Surrey she also has an interest in singing, and has already joined the choir. She has found that the Languages Department is very strong - and has been impressed with the passion of the pupils here. which is clearly apparent through the number of students studying languages to a higher level. Her introduction to teaching came as a student while teaching English to French people in Leon, where she found that she had a natural flair as well as a interest in the profession.

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Christine Malacrida joins St Albans School as the new Head of Religious Studies, with an MA in Philosophy from Edinburgh. Her first impressions have been good so far, despite getting lost a few times. Beyond RS her interests include jogging and cooking, as she held a weekly ‘Come Dine with Me’ style cake competition at her previous school, where she was known as the ‘fun one.’ She chose to teach at St Albans because of the setting combined with the staff room biscuits – and thinks RS is important because it enables pupils to think for themselves, and develop a greater understanding of the world.

Paul Newman studied English Literature and Drama at Exeter University and comes to the English department for a year as cover for Dr Brereton who is on maternity leave. Before becoming Head of Drama at several schools, such as Mill Hill and Watford Grammar, he’s appeared in several West End musicals, over 600 TV shows and has been chosen to appear on the Royal Variety Show twice. His love of drama and literature has stayed with him through his career and says he feels privileged to be part of a beautiful school with such a magnificent history.

Allison Puranik joins the English department after a career in radio journalism, and having previously worked at a number of girls schools. She sees some parallels between the worlds of journalism and teaching, and firmly believes in the power of investigative journalism. Once she has settled in, Ms Puranik would like to set up a journalism club encouraging pupils to find out their own stories and report on global affairs. From a literary perspective, she enjoyed reading as a child, and has a particular soft spot for the works of Robert Frost. She lives in the area and hopes to be an influential and committed member of the English department.

Melanie Rennie joins us as one of two new language teachers from Beaumont School where she said she was known as ‘nice and a little witty.’ After having gained her degree from Exeter in Spanish and French she also worked in finance. She was attracted to teach at St Albans School because of its values and in order to become a part of the community. From her perspective she makes lessons fun by keeping them relevant, as well as including games. Languages are important to her because they provide a great opportunity to meet new people, and her ideal school would be ‘a St Albans school where her young daughters could go.’

After gaining a mathematics degree from Leeds University, Corinna Rogers spent nine years teaching in Yorkshire before moving south, taking on a number of roles in local schools. Having taught at both Tring and St Columba’s Schools, Mrs Rogers is taking on a part time role to allow her to deal with the pressures of an addition to the family. She is greatly impressed by the school, stating that the pupils are ‘polite and hardworking’.

In what little spare time she now has, Mrs Rogers enjoys yoga, walking and gardening.

Joining the Physics department this year, Geoffrey Spencer took up teaching four years ago at St George’s, having previously been in electronic engineering. His first impressions of the school have been ‘awesome’, as he looks forward to exploring new opportunities at the school. As well as physics, Mr Spencer takes a keen interest in history, swimming and hiking, assisting with the Silver Duke Of Edinburgh award this year.

Hailing from New Zealand, Jeremy Walmsley arrives at the PE department having been to Essex University gaining a degree in Sports Studies. He’s also been player/coach at Essex Rugby Union and Canterbury Rugby Club among others. He says the most interesting part about teaching PE is the interactive nature of the subject. He’s found life enjoyable at the school so far, describing it as ‘mindblowing’. As well as rugby he enjoys all kinds of sport such as climbing, swimming and ultimate frisbee.

Staff Farewells Andrew Grant

Andrew’s achievements in developing the School’s facilities were also notable. From the purchase of Cheapside Farm and the development there of the Woollam playing fields, through the purchase and conversion of New Place into a superb drama centre, to the modernisation of the science labs, Andrew’s place in School history

Always sure of where his vision for the school was taking him, Andrew could be combative in discussion, and never more so than when faced by what he saw to be flawed arguments. The experience could be bruising, but often there was a sense of fun at play; and he never bore a grudge.

Remarkably, given the demands of ‘headmastering’, Andrew maintained a competitive interest in sport. A steadfast and enthusiastic presence on the sideline and boundary, he was also a keen squash player, whilst his vigorous road-cycling regime saw him cover around 5000 miles each year. Many were the Monday mornings when he breezed in, revelling in updating us on the 150 miles he had knocked off the day before. He was, and I’m sure will continue to be, found in the lead group on local ‘sportive’ cycling events. But he was prepared to put in the hard grind, too: as part of a successful combined School staff and student team, he completed the Three Peaks ride from Wales to Scotland that included his using ice-axe and crampons for the first time whilst ascending Snowdon.

Andrew’s love of language was evident; and never more so than on the big occasions. He rejuvenated the rather dusty recitation of the list of benefactors on Founders’ Day, injecting warmth and emphasising the human elements in the School’s history. He was a careful reader of literature too: when he recited the opening lines of T S Eliot’s The Journey of the Magi in the dying afternoon light of the Carol Service (‘A cold coming we had of it’) one could feel the iciness of the journey the wise men had suffered.

And he wrote well: his letter to

7 Ins & Outs

In many ways twenty-one years is a mere tick of a clock in a school of a thousand years, but the changes that Andrew Grant wrought will continue for generations. With just over eight hundred pupils currently on the school roll, the improvement in numbers is obvious, but as former Chairman of Governors Ian Jennings commented recently, ‘In industry it is possible to increase the quantity of products made; and it is possible to improve the quality of products made – but rarely are the two things done simultaneously’. Now whilst the analogy of manufacturing is not directly applicable to education, the underlying truth of that statement holds true. Andrew not only oversaw an increase in numbers, but also a charge up the league tables. Andrew’s contemporaries acknowledged his achievements by electing him to the chairmanship of the HMC, a post he held for the year 2009-10, whilst more apocryphally he was voted ‘most intimidating Head to face at interview’ by a Masters Degree group at Buckingham University.

as the progenitor of a substantial expansion seemed assured, even before the late flowering as one project followed on the heels of another: The Sports Centre, the acquisition and conversion of the Aquis Court buildings into a dedicated Sixth Form area and Art Facility, and a brand new Refectory standing on the footprint of the rather tired Gym that preceded it.

The Albanian 2014

A barely forty year-old Andrew Grant stepped onto the stage of his new school for his first assembly at a troubled time for St Albans School. The intervening years have ensured that I can’t recall much of the assembly, but what I do remember is Andrew’s statement to the staff and pupils: ‘This is a good school. In the years to come, I want you to be proud to say that you attended St Albans School’. At the time such a statement seemed a little odd, at variance with the mood and ethos of the place; but now, twenty one years on, it seems entirely natural: former pupils of St Albans School are proud of their alma mater.

Major Montague-Jones, which he read at Remembrance Day 2013, was a sustained and impressive poem, a communication from one Headmaster to another across a century. One could also see in it Andrew’s affection for the school that both men could justly call theirs.

Schools are always changing; what was new one year is commonplace the next, and so for a new pupil arriving this term it will be as if the school has always been like this.

But for those who have been here longer, we know what fundamental differences Andrew made to the School; and history will place him amongst those few headmasters – not least the other long-serving 20th century ones – who, with the best interests of their pupils at heart, revolutionised St Albans School.

PWT

Rose arrived at St Albans School eleven years ago with a wealth of experience and a young and growing family. She had already, in the first eight years of her teaching career, experienced the differing challenges of three schools and had most recently been appointed Head of Department at Francis Holland School. However, the continuing additions to the family and a desire to move more closely to her roots prompted a pause in her career progression and a willingness to return to the coalface as a classroom teacher. This she did in September 2003.

Rose Hardy

St Albans School was well known to Rose, being a local girl and having family ties to it from earlier days. The empathy she had with the school ethos and her exceptional abilities as a classroom teacher made her stand out right from the start. Although she bemoaned the fact that the students no longer studied her political heroes from 19th century British History, she embraced the diversity of the history curriculum and brought into it her historical acuity and flair. Of course her sneaking admiration for the more flamboyant Disraeli over the dour Gladstone, although plainly misguided on so many levels, was clearly more of an indicator of her own character. Flamboyance, energy and intellect all combined over the next few years to propel her career further. Head of General Studies was soon followed by first the deputy headship and then the joint headship of a rapidly enlarging Sixth Form. Helping to manage the switch to Aquis Court strengthened further her leadership credentials and allowed her to gain experience of the disciplinary, pastoral and academic roles required to move to the next level. Already an MA, it was at this point she added to her academic qualifications by completing a Masters in Educational Management at the University of Buckingham. Elevation to the post of Second Master quickly followed.

Being the first female Second Master to be appointed to the school was always going to be both a departure and a challenge, to which she rose magnificently. Although her tenure was brief, it was both successful and energetic. As the School embarked on overseas development and the tenure of the incumbent head was drawing to a close, Rose held fast to the reins and kept the school moving in a forward direction. Nothing was too much trouble and every issue was confronted head on and with a smile. Moreover, the extra space available in School House brought something hitherto unseen in the role: namely the perfect storage opportunity to showcase her impressive, colourful and growing shoe collection. Bright greens and purples joined the sartorial pantheon of sharp suits and silk ties much beloved by previous occupiers of the role.

Having helped to shepherd one headmaster through various farewells, time came to move on. St Margaret’s School have gained an outstanding Headmistress and Rose leaves with our thanks and best wishes for future success and happiness in her new role.

TJM

Since first joining St Albans School in 1970, David McCord established himself as one of the most popular and influential members of staff in the history of the school.An icon to the several thousand pupils he encountered during his time, OAs are forever reminiscing about times they spent with the inimitable ‘DKM’.

David was an outstanding schoolmaster in the truest sense of the words; a Sixth Form tutor and Deputy Head of Sixth Form for many years, he possessed a rare talent for communicating with young adults.Added to his total professionalism, his unflappable manner – when facing the many teenage crises arising in his tutor groups – has had a calming influence on the countless students he mentored.This continued from 1970 to 2014 where his company was fought over whilst on tour in Spain, and his approval sought constantly by the young choristers wherever we travelled.

David has always had time for anything required of him by both students and colleagues alike.

In the classroom, David’s gentle Edinburgh brogue drifted into the ears of many budding musicians, inspiring a vast cohort of SAS boys and girls into the music industry where they now appear as performers, managers or creators in the fields of opera, pop and rock.Always at the forefront of music education, David served as Chief Examiner of Music for AQA, a time-consuming post he took very seriously, always fighting for more attention to musicianship than facts and box-ticking.

In his own musicianship, David was an exceptional baritone, spending several years singing at Glyndebourne and being a regular concert soloist. It was a great shame that he called an end to his performing days so young. David continues to be the most thoughtful and supportive of mentors to me; his invaluable advice has always been available, and never forced. In his many years of service, he has proven to be the epitome of our school motto: Non Nobis Nati – ‘Born not for ourselves’.

MRS

David McCord

Celia Bolton has always been a warm and supportive colleague, always ready to share her experience and teaching resources, and an inspiring English teacher here for twenty-nine years, combining imaginative, enthusiastic teaching with a thorough and orderly approach to her work. (It is a great asset to be able to combine both different but essential sets of qualities.) She has been a boon to the Modern Languages Department as a French teacher – not least because of her love of French Literature and especially French Language film, as well as travelling in France, all of which she will have time to experience further in the coming years.

I know Celia will take with her many happy memories of her valued years as a Lower School Form tutor, especially the visits to Pen Arthur, with their sense of adventure and camaraderie, even in the more primitive conditions that then obtained.

Celia used her coaching and organisational skills to great effect as a successful coach and organiser of the school’s swimming for many years, including masterminding the School’s swimming sports and many evening County Swimming Galas, where her swimmers showed skill and above all good sportsmanship.

The Albanian 2014

The key to her success as a teacher has been her unsentimental but generous view of children. She is not interested in seeing them as angels, whose every clumsy misuse of English is in fact really an incredibly creative use of language; nor does she see them as devils who will do anything to avoid working or treating other people kindly. She has treated her pupils as intelligent and impressionable people to whom she has paid the compliment of providing impressions worth having and impressions that will remain.

Celia Bolton

MAP

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Andy brought the same skill and commitment to other aspects of life at St Albans School. A talented sportsman himself, he coached a wide range of successful rugby and football teams, played for the OAs and trained as a rugby referee. He also gave up his time to accompany numerous sports tours. He became Head of a beleaguered Hawking House and through his organisation and encouragement led them to memorable victories in the House competition. Having been a chorister at Ely Cathedral, Andy became an integral part of the School Choir and performed at various School cabarets and concerts, perhaps most memorably as a rhinoceros.

Andrew Ford

The School’s Duke of Edinburgh Scheme owes a huge debt of gratitude to Andy. For most of us the award is primarily about the expedition, but the organisation behind the scenes required to ensure students have arranged and completed all elements of the award including service, skills and residential sections and have submitted the relevant paperwork is immense. Andy undertook all of this with good humour and it was a real pleasure to accompany him on expeditions in the Brecons, Peaks and Downs.

The RS Department, and indeed the whole School community shall miss an outstanding colleague and a close friend, but he takes our good wishes for every success (except when playing us at sport) in his new post of Head of RS and Philosophy at Berkhamsted School.

CDP

Ins & Outs

Andy Ford joined the Religious Studies Department of St Albans School in 2005 as an NQT and quickly established himself as an outstanding classroom teacher. His knowledge of the subject and his enthusiasm for teaching ensured that his lessons were both engaging and challenging, and I know that students of all ages and abilities benefited from his desire to bring the best out of each one of them. He was a diligent and effective Tutor of both Third and Sixth Formers, enjoying an easy rapport with his students as well as their respect.

After five years as Head of French, Cameron leaves us to take up the post of Head of Languages at Forest School, where he was himself a pupil. It is clear that, under Cameron’s leadership, the French Department has gone from strength to strength both in terms of numbers of pupils opting for the subject, examination results and cultural activities.

When Cameron took the post of Head of French in 2009, he was presented with a number of challenges. The resulting success speaks for itself and Cameron’s influence on the French department will be felt for years to come and he will be fondly remembered by pupils and teachers alike. Cameron has been both an enthusiastic and successful teacher of French and Spanish and a calm and wise head of department and mentor. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Cameron has been a devoted Sixth Form and Middle School tutor, been involved in the teaching of games, with his speciality being athletics, and he has been heavily involved in the school exchange programme and cultural activities. He is also a very talented dancer, having performed at the closing ceremony of the London Olympics in August 2012.

Cameron will be remembered not only for everything that he has done for St Albans School, but for having done it with style.

JRR

Ins & Outs

After four very successful years at St Albans School, David Murphy leaves us to take the post of Head of German and Academic Head of KS4 at King’s College in Madrid.

David has contributed to the School in many ways, but his main contribution, and his main passion, has been the teaching of modern languages. David is extremely intelligent and cultured and he has always sought to inspire our pupils to achieve their very best. His support and advice for Oxbridge linguists has been invaluable and it is no coincidence that his time with us has also seen a marked increase in successful Oxbridge applications for modern languages. His literature club, the wonderful Chanson and Lieder evening, study trips to Paris, French debating competitions and the joint modern language research project with North London Collegiate School have all inspired our pupils.

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The Albanian 2014

Cameron Palmer

David Murphy

David has worn a number of hats over the last four years and as well as being a successful Middle School tutor, he has also been Assistant Examination Officer for the past two years.

David’s experience and skill as a former professional opera singer have been put to good use in the school choir and we all loved hearing him sing Schubert’s setting of Goethe’s Wanderers Nachtlied II at the Modern Languages Lieder evening. Our loss is King’s College’s gain and we wish him well for his future.

JRR

Chris Bhantoa joined the Drama department in 2012 to provide short-term cover and within weeks he had become part of the furniture. He was already well known to many of the staff at the school having been a pupil, leaving in 1995. He quickly made his mark with the quality of his teaching and his gregarious nature.

Chris trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Following a spell as an actor and stand-up comic, drama teaching came naturally to him with his wide experience and extensive subject knowledge. His humour and friendly nature helped to drive the department forwards even in the busiest of times.

Chris Bhantoa has real talent as a director and his productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the epic staging of Les Misérables were two of the best school shows that have been put on. He carried on acting when he could and I was lucky enough to direct him in The Best Man during the summer of 2013.

It isn’t just the Drama department that will miss Chris; he was generous with his time across the whole school, volunteering for trips, covering tutor groups and running the U13 football team. In 2013 he signed up for the Graduate Training Scheme and became a fully qualified teacher in the summer of 2014. I am sure that UCS will enjoy both his talents as a teacher/director and his company as much as we have. He is a generous person and has the enviable skill of linking different people together, keeping conversation flowing with his bizarre flights of fancy. The staff common room will never be quite the same again.

DJS

Chris Bhantoa

Higher Education Destinations of Old Albanians 2014 Spanish and Linguistics (4 years) Industrial Economics Architecture Biomedical Science Electrical Engineering and Renewable Energy Systems Law Law French and Spanish Modern Languages French and History (4 years including year abroad) Medicine (5 year) Sport and Exercise Science Accounting and Finance Mathematics (3 or 4 years) Investment and Financial Risk Management Law Politics Management Law Economics Business and Marketing History French and German (4 years) English Literature History and Spanish French and History History Biology (3 years) Accounting and Finance (with professional placement) Criminology Law Int. Management and Modern Languages - French Anthropology Business Management/Publishing Media Economics and Management International Relations Architecture Management History Ancient History Management Economics and Econometrics Biological Sciences Computer Science (3 years) History Integrated Mechanical and Electrical Engineering American & Latin Amer. Studies (Beginners Spanish) English and French (4 years) Politics Geography and Economics Medicine Psychology Industrial Economics European Social and Political Studies (4 years) Law History and Economics Engineering (4 years) Law Engineering (4 years) Zoology with Study Abroad (4 years) Economics Biomedical Sciences Law

11 Ins & Outs

Oxford Nottingham Brighton St George’s (London) Nottingham KCL Birmingham Manchester Newcastle Warwick Southampton Bath Durham Oxford City Newcastle Newcastle Leeds Oxford Warwick Sheffield Hallam Bristol Oxford Durham Exeter Edinburgh Nottingham Sheffield Bath Durham Oxford Bath Durham Oxford Brookes Oxford Exeter Kingston Nottingham Birmingham Nottingham Nottingham Bristol Leeds Sheffield Bristol Bath Nottingham Exeter Sheffield Edinburgh Oxford Hertfordshire Nottingham UCL Oxford Oxford Cambridge Durham Oxford Exeter Bristol Queen Mary (London) St Mary’s (Twickenham)

The Albanian 2014

Matthew Adrian Akintunde Akin-Agunbiade Oluwatomisin Akinyemi Shahir Ali Ryan Allen Maxwell Andrew Alexander Andronikou Benjamin Appleyard Phillippa Babayode Arjan Bains William Baker James Barber Rory Barlow William Barnes Jordan Bayer-Goldman Isaac Bedi Joshua Benson Luke Daniel Bevis William Beynon Kamil Bhoola Aron Daniel Blair Lucy Bonner Jeremy Bosatta Aidan Bracebridge Anna Bromfield Hannah Brown Fergus Browne Elizabeth Burley Daniel Burnley Megan Burr Charlie Burrell Sophie Butterworth Georgina Callender Trudy Cammack David Cartwright Thomas Chapman Heidi Chiu Thomas Clarke Katie Clifford Mckenzie Colfer Rebecca Cousins Benjamin Crampton Emily Cutler William Dawson Lucy de Vaux-Balbirnie Dilan Dhulashia Michaela Diamondi Eleanor Duncan Joseph Eastham Judith Easton Eric Edmond Myles Ekanem Darius Faiz-Mahdavi William Floyd Thomas Foxton Milly Garnett Robert Glew Robert Goldstone Daniel Gott William Green Conor Grovestock Hammad Hakim Haroon Hakim

Ins & Outs The Albanian 2014

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James Hepher Nicholas Hill Isobel Hindmarsh Christopher Hodges Muhammad Abdus-Salaam Hosein Eleanor Hunt Elena Jarman Alexander Johnson Thomas Kelly Adam Kelman Oliver Kennedy Jack Killen Alexander Kirsch Gohar Khodadoost Harry Lampert Andrew Lay Thomas Lee Charles Leslie Kaine Levy Timothy Lynch Isla Martin George Maxted Sarah-Jane McGaw Euan McGonagle Hamish Mills Charles Minashi Lilian Moran Katherine Moss Daniel Mountford Kiesar Nahami Imogen Nolan Daniel Odie Sean O’Flynn James Oliver Ufedo-Ojo Omale Maria Orthodoxou Stephanie Parrott Mark Pearce Michael Pearson Shaun Philip Henry Pottinger Krishan Pugh Hugo Rawlinson Edward Razzell Joseph Redwood Emilia Riant Benjamin Rose Alessandro Rossi George Rossouw Isobel Ryan-Dalton Rebecca Sandler George Scott Harrison Sheppard Michael Slater Patrick Stewart Nicholas Stride Oliver Tasker Toby Taylor Joseph Thomas Isobel Thompson Michael Thorpe Fraser Titchen Charles Trollope

Manchester Birmingham Brighton Nottingham St George’s (London) deferred Oxford Durham Oxford Birmingham Sheffield Birmingham Durham Kings, London Durham Lancaster Warwick Newcastle University of West London Warwick York LSE Bristol Leeds Bristol Exeter Canterbury Christ Church UEA Leeds Birmingham Durham Birmingham Durham Southampton Glasgow UCL Exeter Birmingham Pennsylvania USA Exeter Bath Warwick Birmingham Lancaster Sheffield Loughborough Edinburgh St Andrews Loughborough Exeter Royal Holloway (London) Leeds Sheffield Durham Bath Cambridge Bristol Durham Manchester Sheffield Hallam Manchester Nottingham Leicester

Politics, Philosophy and Economics Chemical Engineering Nursing (Adult) Accountancy Biomedical Science Chemistry Economics Economics and Management Law Mechanical Engineering (4 years) Archaeology and Ancient History Combined Honours in Social Sciences Bio-Medical Sciences Natural Sciences History History Economics and Business Management Practical Filmmaking (Met Film School) Economics Philosophy Management Biochemistry Natural Sciences Aerospace Engineering KPMG School Leavers’ Programme Paramedic Science Biological Sciences Physics Business Management (Year in Industry) (4 years) Anthropology and Sociology Biological Sciences (Genetics) General Engineering Marine Biology with Oceanography History (Med./Modern or Med./Modern/Scottish) Modern Languages (4 years) English Liberal Arts and Sciences Medical Sciences Computer Science (Placement) History Ancient History Law and Politics Architecture History English Literature International Relations Aeronautical Engineering Politics with Study Abroad (4 years) Drama and Theatre Studies Geography.

Geography Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity Economics (with placement) Engineering (4 years) Classics Politics with Year Abroad Philosophy Sport and Exercise Science Physics Finance, Accounting and Management Medicine

Molly Vickers Christopher Wharton Katie White Christopher Williams Thomas Willis James Wiltshire Edmund Wrigley Jake Yeboa Joseph Zacaroli

Nottingham Oxford Nottingham Cambridge Imperial Liverpool Oxford Leicester Oxford

History Philosophy, Politics and Economics Veterinary Medicine Medicine Medicine Aerospace Engineering Biological Sciences Economics Engineering (4 years) The excitement of Graduation

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13 Ins & Outs

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Prizegiving

Prizegiving

Prizegiving 2014 The Headmaster’s Address It is almost exactly one year, Mr Chairman, since I received your phone call inviting me to become the next Headmaster of this great school. It was an offer that I was delighted to receive, for although I knew it would take a special place to tempt me away from my previous commission, I sensed that St Albans School is a very special place. So after a rather impatient wait on my part, it is very good to now be here and to be getting started. I feel honoured to have been chosen to succeed Andrew Grant: on this, my first major school occasion, I therefore wish to pay tribute to him on the strength and spirit of the School that he has handed over at the end of his long and distinguished headship, as well as to thank him warmly for all the assistance he afforded me with the handover process.

Similarly grateful thanks are extended to all those who have been so warm in welcoming Caroline and me into this School community.

It is a particular pleasure to have Sir Martin and Lady Smith with us this evening as our guests of honour. The first St Albans School event that I attended as Headmaster elect was the wonderful reception hosted by Sir Martin in his eponymous centre at the Science Museum in February to launch the Unlocking Potential campaign, and I am delighted that Sir Martin and Lady Smith have kindly agreed to be with us this evening – thank you.

So this new Headmaster, what does he believe in?

Well, I believe that academic development and intellectual formation lie at the heart of a good education, but I see a good education as being so much more than just grades on an examination certificate. Those grades are, of course, important, but exams are a means to an end, a necessary evil perhaps, and certainly not an end in their own right. Just as important are the personal qualities of the school leaver holding that examination certificate.

Whilst top grades are necessary for entry to the elite universities, unless the fledgling undergraduate can think for him or herself, is self-motivated, self-confident (but

The address given by the new Headmaster, Jonathan Gillespie, at the Prizegiving Ceremony on 16 September 2014

certainly not arrogant), has integrity in everything they do, and understands the truism that the greatest rewards in life are to be found in service to others, they will struggle to thrive in their university studies and in their young adult lives.

For me it is vitally important that a school sees its products as human beings rather than as exam data. By that I mean that we must develop those skills and qualities, intellectual and personal, that the school leaver needs. A school must give its pupils belief in their own abilities and the self-confidence to be themselves; there is no place, for me, for the academic hothouse in which pressure is applied to the individual with little or no personal concern save that of serving league-table aspirations or protecting leaguetable expectations.

For me it is vitally important that a school sees its products as human beings rather than as exam data.

Please don’t get me wrong - I believe unashamedly in the pursuit of excellence, but I value excellence as both a relative and an absolute.

The achievements of the candidate who gains straight A* grades are

This evening is a splendid occasion in marking and celebrating excellence. My warm congratulations go to all the prizewinners on their tremendous achievements; and those of you for whom this evening is the finale of your St Albans School career, you have our very best wishes for every happiness and success at university and beyond.

This evening is also an opportunity to celebrate the success of the School during the last year, the particular highlights of which are the record entry into Oxford and Cambridge universities and the record A*% at GCSE of 57%. But let’s not forget other noteworthy headline figures – at A level 25% A* grades with 64% at A*-A and 91% A*-B. Over 40% of the cohort received at least one A* grade, and more than 10% achieved three or more A*s. At GCSE 85% of grades were A*A and 97% A*-B. More than one quarter of candidates achieved at least 8 A* grades, and 12 boys were awarded straight A* grades.

Many congratulations to last year’s Fifth and Upper Sixth Formers on

tioned close underneath to ensure that a mistake is turned quickly into a learning opportunity.

Influences on my educational thinking range from the classics to the modern age. I offer you two brief examples, the first of which comes with apologies to those who are more learned in classics than I for what is no doubt an imperfect all-round and balanced summary. I admire in Aristotle his focus on education as a preparadevelopment with play, physical tion for life in society, his concern training, music and study all for the ethical and the political, his emphasis on all-round and balanced having their place in the forming development with play, physical of mind, body and soul training, music and study all having their place in the forming of mind, body and soul, his emphasis on staff and the willingness to go the learning as a life-long occupation, extra mile and more to help pupils and on the role of habit as well as achieve their potential. reason in education, in other words that we learn things by practising That these fine examination results them as well as by understanding were achieved at the end of an them. To me this is significant in the academic year which saw significant development of personal qualities – successes in the extra-curricular for example, we learn to be just by life of the school – on the sports acting justly; we learn to be kind by pitches, in the concert hall, on the doing kind things. stage, on school trips – speaks volumes for the quality of the St And secondly an example from Albans School experience. the Scottish Enlightenment. Earlier this year I read a fascinating book Education, commented Albert with that very title - The Scottish Einstein, is what is left when you have Enlightenment - which in part caught forgotten everything you were taught. my eye as an antidote to much of You have forgotten what you were the content of the referendum taught, when what you were taught campaigning. In one of the chaphas become part of what you know ters of his analysis subtitled the alongside everything else you have Scots’ invention of the modern world learned. So at the heart of a good the American academic Profeseducation is instilling intellectual sor Arthur Herman writes about curiosity, a love of learning that the philosopher Adam Smith, the leads to the realisation that the author of Wealth of Nations, who more one knows, the more one in his earlier work Theory of Moral realises just how much one doesn’t Sentiments commented on our know. original desire to please and our aversion to offend. Herman writes I believe that strong pastoral care that according to Smith being a of the individual pupil is also an moral being is also about being essential component of a good accountable to ourselves as well as education. That interest in, and to others. … the approval of others concern for, the individual enables is not enough by itself.We also need the school to bring the best out of to meet the approval of our own each pupil, to encourage them to inner judging self, which understands “be the best they can be” and to when we really are what we approve support them when the going gets in other people: honest, trustworthy, tough. It is a vital part of what we generous, compassionate. It is this do in schools to allow pupils to capacity for self-judgement that, Smith make mistakes, for therein lies an argued, makes us ‘really fit’ for society. important preparation for the trials and tribulations of adult life. The So in summary I believe that the safety net must, however, be posiessence of a good school is to

15 Prizegiving

So there is only one thing I require of every pupil in the school, which is that they try their hardest at everything they do. Anything more than that is to ask the impossible, but anything less than that is to sell yourself short, and that is simply not good enough. So my maxim is “be the best you can be”: as I said to the School in the first assembly of this year, if you put that advice into practice, you won’t go far wrong.

these excellent results. Congratulations too to your parents on the very significant role they have played in your success. And congratulations also to the teaching staff: I know that such strong examination results only come about by dint of excellent teaching, determined commitment by

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rightly to be praised, but so are those of his or her peer who has worked like a Trojan to turn a likely A grade into an A*, to turn a B grade into an A. The determination and industry shown by that candidate is part of the vital skill set for adult life. Similarly the achievement of national representative honours in sport by one pupil is to be celebrated, as is the achievement of the pupil who, by dint of training and application, is selected for an A team for the first time. Likewise in music, where a pass at grade 5 for one is as significant a personal achievement as a distinction at grade 8 for another.

Prizegiving

make its pupils ‘really fit’ for society, and I know that in taking on the leadership of St Albans School, I do so of an institution whose ethos is in accord with mine.

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that they once went to school themselves.

According to Groucho Marx politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly So this new Headmaster, what is he and applying the wrong remedies. going to do?

Which reminds me of the big One of my first main priorities is news of recent months from the to get to know the School and its world of education – Gove has various constituencies in detail. gone. For me, I heard the news of That will take most of my first year Gove’s “promotion” (I think that – any decisions made before I have was the spin he put on it) to the made good headway into that task Whips’ Office with mixed feelings. would be premature, and in the I admired his sense of conviction meantime there is the important and his no-nonsense approach to business of ensuring that we are getting things done, not least in ready for the new A levels which re-introducing rigour in certain will be taught in several subjects quarters. But the great sadness of from September 2015, about which course is that it shouldn’t be for more anon. a politician to have to insist on that. Rigour should come from the I strongly believe, and my experischool and its staff, as exemplified ence of headship to date has here, not from the politician. further taught me, that good school leadership is about constant evalu- He may have disappeared from the ation of every aspect of provision world of education but the Govian and having the confidence to make legacy lives on – new A levels and changes where improvements GCSEs are to be brought in for can be made but also having the first teaching in many subjects from courage not to make changes where things are working at their the sign on the gate now reads, optimum and where change might risk undermining strength. That is metaphorically at least: under clearly the process whereby the new leadership – business as School has reached its current standing under Andrew Grant’s usual leadership. So it will be evolution not revolution from me, and the sign on the gate now reads, September 2015. Our move to metaphorically at least: under new adopting IGCSEs in many subleadership – business as usual. jects like many similar academic schools (because IGCSEs tend to Even with business as usual in AL3 provide more stretch and chalthe next 12 months potentially lenge for the able and are a better bring a period of substantial change. preparation for A level) has mostly This week sees a referendum north protected us from the vagaries of of the border which may bring an new qualifications at GCSE level. It end to the parliamentary union will also guarantee that we retain of England and Scotland that has for a number of years ahead that lasted for over 300 years. And then hallmark of a successful academic in May 2015 there will be a general school, namely 0% of our pupils election in which some of you will gaining 5 or more A* - C grades be old enough to vote for the first at GCSEs including English and time.

Mathematics in the government’s It seems to me that we live in an listings. It took me a few years in age when Groucho Marx’s definimy previous school to achieve tion of politics is all too apposite, this landmark, and I was pleased especially as far as those politicians to note that my predecessor here who consider themselves qualified was similarly delighted to have to determine the future direction reached those heights. And all for of education and assessment are the reason that the Department concerned, presumably by the logic for Education refuses to recognise

International GCSE qualifications.

St Albans School’s record of A* grades this year – just over 56% of all entries received the top grade – makes an interesting comparison with the national A* rate of 6.7%.

Interestingly the DfE has declined once again this year to publish the separate overall exam results of the maintained and independent sectors. I wonder why? The independent sector’s overall A*% of 33% being accounted for within the national rate of 6.7% demonstrates that Gove’s reforms still have a long way to go in achieving their desired effect of raising standards.

Michael Gove’s problem was of course that he made a habit of alienating key educational constituencies, not the least of which being the teaching profession at large.

Wisely he wanted academics at Russell Group universities involved again in the setting of A level exams, but then he decided not to listen to their wish to retain AS level exams as a half-way point. Cambridge University, for example, has conducted significant research over a number of years which shows the correlation between AS results and degree class outcome, so understandably they are keen to use AS marks as a key criteria in their admissions’ process. We have made the decision to retain the taking of AS examinations at the end of the Lower Sixth year through this period of significant change in order to ensure our pupils have the best possible background to inform and support their university applications. Under the new arrangements they will be a stand-alone qualification rather than half of the full A level, but we see them as important nonetheless.

Michael Gove isn’t an educationalist but a politician, and guess what?

Politicians don’t know everything.

So let’s hope his successor, Nicky Morgan, is more interested in listening to the advice of educationalists and expert practitioners in determining future developments.

Early indications are encouraging, but time will tell.

The major problem the educational system in this country faces is that of the 5-year political cycle. Education becomes a football for political

While walking down the street one day a Member of Parliament is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St Peter at the entrance.

‘Welcome to heaven,’ says St Peter.

‘Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.’

‘No problem, just let me in,’ says the man.

‘Well, I’d like to, said St Peter, but I have orders from higher up. What

‘Really, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,’ says the MP. But St Peter was insistent: ‘I’m sorry, but we have our rules.’

And with that, St Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in

Education is far too important to be subject to the whims of politicians. the middle of a green golf course.

In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times.

‘Well, then, you’ve spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity’ says St Peter.

The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: ‘Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.’

So St Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren waste land covered with rubbish.

He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more rubbish falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts a consoling arm around his shoulder.

‘But I don’t understand,’ stammers the MP. ‘Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now They play a friendly game of golf there’s just a wasteland full of and then dine on lobster, caviar rubbish and my friends look miserand champagne. Also present is the able. What happened?’ devil, who really is a very friendly and nice guy who has a good time The devil looks at him, smiles dancing and telling jokes. They are knowingly and says, “Ah well you having such a good time that before see: yesterday, we were campaignhe realises it, it is time to go. Every- ing… ... Today, you have voted.” one gives him a hearty farewell and Don’t tell me I didn’t warn you! waves while the lift rises....

Whatever political future lies ahead It goes up, up, up and the door of us I am sure that St Albans reopens on heaven where St Peter School will continue to relish its is waiting for him. ‘Now it’s time to independent status which is vital in visit heaven.’ allowing it to focus primarily on the needs of its pupils.

So, 24 hours pass with the recentlydeparted MP joining a group of I am privileged to have been apcontented souls moving from cloud pointed to the headship of this to cloud, playing the harp and great school. I will be doing my singing. They have a good time and, utmost to ensure that it continues before he realises it, the 24 hours to go from strength to strength have gone by and St Peter returns. over the years ahead.

17 Prizegiving

With a general election looming I therefore offer you this cautionary tale:

we’ll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.’

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goal scoring. Labour (new or old, or perhaps whatever the new old is: retro perhaps?) has indicated they will reverse some of Gove’s reforms if elected next May so we potentially face another turbulent 5-year cycle. There are many details about the new A levels that we do not yet know. Most specifications have yet to be approved by Ofqual and it is already very late in the day – less than one year before these courses will be taught – to be making such significant changes, but of course the key timescale for the politicians is not what is in pupils’ best interests but what is in theirs: namely the general election next May. More on that subject in a moment. Education is far too important to be subject to the whims of politicians. The idea of an institution similar to the Bank of England to oversee this country’s educational provision and to allow it to thrive, taking the best of the politicians’ and educationalists’ ideas, and resisting the worst, and most importantly ensuring sufficient time for changes to be implemented has my full support.

Prizewinners 2014 Fourth Form Subject Prizes

First Form Prizes Achievement Awards

Progress Prizes

Matthew Rayner Mirai Bamgboye Connor McCabe James Liu Scott Brice Ronak Parikh

Edward Beal Benjamin Curtis Nicholas Swan

Prizegiving

Second Form Prizes

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Achievement Awards

Progress Prizes

Owen Tyley Oliver Gates Sebastian Adolph Matthew Kaltsoyannis William Payne James Daniel

Stephen Oluwatunmise Sami Ali Ralphael Obadiaru

Third Form Prizes

Fifth Form Subject Prizes

Achievement Awards

Progress Prizes

Oliver Barratt-Johnson Morgan Wynne Timothy Bagnall James Scragg Benjamin Craig Jamie Irani

Conor Norman Jordan Collingwood Jack Berglas Angus Potter Max Fryer Eashan Gandhi

Fourth Form Prizes Progress Prizes Alexander Gilbert Ben Davies Jack Larsson Alexander Dines Samuel Alexander

Fifth Form Prizes Progress Prizes Benjamin Harvey Samuel Wright Luke Bannerman Alexander Isitt Alexander Zonneveld Oliver Laws-Mather

English William Stewart Mathematics Joshua Oliver Art Jordan Sweeny Biology Joshua Oliver Economics and Business Studies Spencer Yasotharan Chemistry Thomas Goldstone Drama Michael Davies DT - Electronic Products Veer Shah DT - Graphic Products Samuel Freeman DT - Resistant Materials Jacob Vialou-Clark French Joshua Oliver Geography Amit Wangoo & Darsh Shah German Lars Tuinema Greek Oliver Neusten History Sean Kelleher & Munish Chopra Latin James Freeman Music Thomas Dilley Physical Education Jonathan Cattermole Physics Joshua Oliver Religious Studies Ross Ferreira Spanish James Freeman

English Language English Literature Mathematics Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Drama DT - Electronic Products DT - Graphic Products DT - Resistant Materials French Geography German Greek History Latin Music Physical Education Physics Religious Studies Spanish Swinson Prize for Services to Drama *Governors’ Award

Benjamin Hemsi Alexander Jennings Sahil Modi Tobias Barnes Harry Manning Sahil Modi Alexander Cook* Alec McQuarrie* Jake Sahota Omeiza Haruna Thomas Boon Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Nicholas Yap* Benjamin Hemsi Alec McQuarrie* Stanislav Kudryashov Alexander Cook* Peter Gosling Alexander Cook* Oliver Cohen Edward Hunt* James Halstead & Daniel Metcalf* James Smillie

Thomas Alexander James Kirsch Owen Pearce Cem Balci Charles Oliver John Saunders James de la Hunty William Pavey Robert Williams

English Literature Aidan Bracebridge* Mathematics Eric Edmond*

Elena Jarman* Mathematics (John Godfrey Prize) William Barnes* Further Mathematics Joseph Zacaroli*

Nicholas Stride* Ancient History Aidan Bracebridge* Art Joseph Redwood Biology Edmund Wrigley* Chemistry (George Wishart Prize) Christopher Williams* DT - Electronics Robert Glew* DT - Graphic Products Palakorn Constable DT - Resistant Materials Daniel Gott* Drama Molly Vickers Drama - Performance (OA Masonic Prize) Joseph Eastham Economics Robert Goldstone French Eleanor Duncan Geography Charles Minashi German

(EP Debenham Prize) Jem Bosatta* Government and Politics Alessandro Rossi Greek William Beynon History (Archibald John Eastcott Prize) Timothy Lynch* Languages (SGF Scase Prize) Kaine Levy Latin Christopher Williams* Music Kaine Levy Physical Education James Barber* Physics William Barnes* Religious Studies Megan Burr Spanish Matthew Adrian

Lower Sixth Subject Prizes English Literature Mathematics

Further Mathematics

Ancient History Art Biology Chemistry DT - Electronics DT - Graphic Products DT - Resistant Materials Drama Economics French Geography Greek History

Latin

Physical Education Physics Politics Religious Studies Spanish

Lauren Rowe Rachel Hoffman Camilla Hoffman Oluwaseun Adekoya Guy Holden Patrick Semark Nicholas Harvey Kyriacos Mouzouris Rachel Hoffman Rachel Hoffman Joshua Southworth Ganesh Chauhan Akshay Padki Claire Leith Ben Harley Kirsty Mitchell Joel Rabinowitz Noah Lipschitz David Sous Nicholas Harvey Robert TomineyNevado Michael Kossifos Oluwaseun Adekoya Philippa English Benedict Anthoney Harry Sampson

*Upper Sixth Governors’ Awards Christian Bevan Harry Lampert David Cartwright Michael Thorpe Milly Garnett Charles Trollope Nicholas Hill Michael Pearson Eleanor Hunt Christopher Warton Alexander Johnson

*Governors’ Awards

Special Awards Contribution to Parnership Prize Magdalene Dorling Community Link Prize Rosalind Bennett Josh Handel (Charities) Cup Harry Lampert Extended Project Prize Mark Pearce Highstead Cup Robert Goldstone Powell-Davies Service Prize Robert Glew Prefects’ Leaving Prize Nicholas Stride

Emma Ferreira Head Prefect’s Prize Joseph Zacaroli

19 Prizegiving

Upper Sixth Subject Prizes

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Fifth Form Governors’ Awards

Creative The Albanian 2014

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A2 Artwork Sculpture by Joe Redwood opposite page: P J Constable

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Creative

AS & GCSE Artwork Faces

Creative

clockwise from top left: Toby Barnes (GCSE), Kyri Mouzouris, Ben Harley, Matt Russell opposite page: Lara Superfine

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Creative

AS & A2 Artwork Colour and Monochrome

Creative

Tom Clarke (A2) Kyri Mouzouris (AS) (opposite) Matt Russell (AS)

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Creative

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26 Music

This proved to be an exciting and adventurous evening of musical entertainment, which featured and celebrated the musical talents of the full age range of pupils in the School. The array of different ensembles and the range of musical genres were impressive. As the concert took place in December, there was also more than a hint of the forthcoming festive season in several of the items played and sung.

The brass and saxophone ensembles tended to favour jazz, swing and show numbers, as did the Concert Band and the String Orchestra. The Saxophone Ensemble opened the evening with Carnival

by Karen Street, a sprightly, perky

Classical music enthusiasts also found much to delight the ear.

The Clarinet Ensemble provided

This varied concert closed with skilful, often humorous performances of a range of numbers from the Jazz Band with vocals, featuring some of the Sixth Form girls.

A presage of what was to come had already been heard with the performance by the Barbershop of Gabriel’s Message arranged by J Ashley Hall and then 12 Days of Christmas. The latter incorporated a parody of various musical styles and included a rendition of Toto in Africa inter alia. The Jazz band delivered the big band sounds of The Opener by C Strommen, which was followed by a dramatic rendition from Becca Sandler of Fever by J Davenport and E Cooley with its cool, edgy, finger-clicking opening.

Two Christmas numbers followed.

Caroline Maggs gave a fine, very cute performance of Santa Baby by J Javits and P Stringer. The Jazz Band delivered a final melange of carol melodies in A Big Band Christmas arranged by C Strommen with real oomph, featuring solo instrumentalists Joe Zacaroli and Sean Bracebridge. This concert provided a stylish finish to a long term and a fine preparation for the end of the year festivities.

JMG

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Music

Autumn concert

a stately performance of Grazioso from Winter, Four Seasons by Vivaldi, underlining its subtlety and baroque elegance. The Senior Chamber Group performed a further piece

by Vivaldi, the First Movement from Recorder Concerto in A Minor, which featured pure and crisp precision from all involved and an exquisite performance on recorder from Harry Lampert. The Andante from Piano Trio in G Major K564

by Mozart was confidently and delightfully performed by Theo Gill on violin, Ian Davidson on cello and Mr Young on piano. A highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the sublime Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, charmingly performed by the Symphony Orchestra with strings, including harp, and horns to the fore. SAS Singers gave a moving performance of Bob Chilcott’s My Heart is Like a Singing Bird, the pure voices of the young trebles from the Choir reinforced by some of our Sixth Form girls.

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Instruments, Voices and Carols

number, which exploited the full range of tones afforded by the saxophonists.

The melodious and more familiar All Through the Night arranged

by J Simmons provided an effective contrast.

The Third Form Brass Ensemble gave a stirring and spirited rendition of Entry of the Gladiators

by J Fucik and the Percussion Ensemble provided an exciting performance of coordinated drumming with Juggernaut by A Clarke. The String Orchestra gave two contrasting performances: the haunting Theme from the Godfather by N Rota, enhanced by the subtle and pure strings of a harp, and then America from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein.

This rousing number was played with real panache and drive. The Concert Band, introduced and conducted by the entertaining Mr Phil Craig, took the evening into show time with a performance of Lion King Medley by E John and H Zimmer. The zestful opening section set the audience’s feet tapping before changing to a slower tempo, which then developed into a resonant march. A further performance of Entry of the Gladiators by J Fucik was given a different and equally enjoyable flavour with a full range of instruments. The Sinfonietta gave a stirring interpretation of the Theme from Star Wars by J Williams, which fully exploited the power and resonance of both wind and brass sections.

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Craig Terry, Managing Director of Steinway & Sons, hands over the commemorative plaque to Headmaster Andrew Grant before the concert at Steinway Hall

All-Steinway Status A musical partnership

All-Steinway Schools demonstrate a commitment to excellence by providing their students and Music Departments with the best equipment possible for the study of music.

• 1853: the year when Steinway & Sons began to make their fine pianos.

• 1,400: the concert pianists worldwide who choose Steinway as their performance instrument.

• 12,000 : the number of single pieces which make up a Steinway grand piano.

• 2: places where the instruments are hand crafted: New York and Hamburg.

• 1: the year it takes to build a Steinway.

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Music

The performers travelled to London during the day and spent the afternoon playing the collection of pianos in the Steinway Hall of Fame, overlooked by portraits of famous pianists. They thoroughly enjoyed the privilege as a preparation for playing the concert grand piano in the evening’s concert. Seven students, from the Third Form to the Upper Sixth, as well as Mr Mick Stout and Mr Tom Young, played pieces as diverse as Chopin and Scott Joplin, for an audience of parents.

Steinway in numbers:

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St Albans School officially became an All-Steinway School on 23 January, an occasion marked by a concert by pupils and staff in the prestigious Steinway Hall itself. Before the concert, Managing Director Craig Terry welcomed St Albans to the group of more than 160 schools and universities worldwide that have achieved All-Steinway status, handing over a commemorative plaque to Headmaster Andrew Grant.

Two Cellos and Far More The Koos/Gill Concert

Music

The Koos/Gill recital in the library was one of the most incredible concerts our School has seen. Husband and wife Tim Gill and Joely Koos astounded the audience with a wide range of music spanning over 200 years and three instruments. The concert, which was billed as a cello recital, included works by Handel, Britten and Stevie Wonder, which gave Joely a chance to also show off her skills both on the piano and as a vocalist.

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The concert opened with a piece by Paganini for cello and piano. The entire piece is played on the A string of the cello and includes moments where the melody is so high that false harmonics have to be used to coerce the instrument into playing the notes. The performance by Tim Gill was virtuosic and showed off the full range of what the cello could do. Following the Paganini was Joely playing Britten’s Cello Suite No. 1 for solo cello.

The piece was very emotional and heavy; its modern style, with pizzicato and glissandi, made the music quite chilling at times and bought out mixed responses from the audience. Joely then brought the first half to an amazing end with a piece

by Stevie Wonder which she played on the cello whilst also

singing, demonstrating stunning vocal skills alongside her technical ability. Singing with a cello pressed against you at the same time must be very demanding.

Harry Lampert and Ian Davidson

William Drake played an extract from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto

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Lunchtime Refuge St Peter’s Concert A group of young musicians from the School brought relief from rain and high winds on a dreadful February day by giving one of a series of lunchtime concerts at St Peter’s Church. The event was very well attended and the audience was delighted by the range of music performed, ranging from Stevie Wonder to Mozart, film music to a Handel Sonata. The concert featured singers, pianists, string players, brass and wind, all drawn from pupils below the Sixth Form.

William Drake’s performance of a movement from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto was a particular pleasure, while two potentially loud

instruments, the trumpet and horn, were played with skill and delicacy

by Sean Bracebridge and Thomas Dilley, who handled the muted passages of Arutiunian’s Aria and Busser’s Cantecor with real finesse.

Theo Gill played a movement from the Handel Violin Sonata in D minor with a delicate touch before Peter Gosling brought proceedings, and nearly the piano, to an end with a rousing rendition of the theme from Pirates of the Caribbean.

The series of concerts at St Peter’s Church raises funds for Grove House Hospice and the School is very pleased to support this worthy cause.

NJC

Music

The concert was tremendous. The playing was spectacular, which was to be expected when the performers have played in many of the leading orchestras in the country.

Tim Gill is principal cellist in the Royal London Philharmonic and the London Sinfonietta, while Joely Koos has been guest principal at the BBC Scottish Symphony, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and the BBC Concert Orchestra.

The audience was left emotionally drained at the end from the music and we hope that both Joely and Tim will return at some point to perform again at the school.

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Tim Gill opened the second half with a Steve Reich piece written for solo cello with a recorded backing track of another seven cellos. The result was like clockwork and sounded very hypnotic.

This was followed by an arrangement of the Handel-Halvorsen Passacaglia, originally for violin and viola, which was kept at its original pitch, resulting in some technically challenging notes. These were, of course, played with ease by both performers who had decided to not only arrange the piece for cellos but to switch parts occasionally so they could both play the melody. The piece was outstandingly performed and even when it seemed as if the final piece in the concert couldn’t live up to the previous performance, Joely and Tim surprised the audience again. They finished the concert with a slightly altered version of Old McDonald, singing about Old Mick Stout (which didn’t seem to impress him) but had the audience in hysterics and was thoroughly enjoyable.

From Finesse to Funk Full range at the Jazz Evening

Virtuoso Performances

Music

Exam pieces show variety

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At a time when it seemed as if the dismal deluges of rain would never cease, parents, pupils and musicians were able to venture forth on a dry evening for a most enjoyable recital from our music examination students. Performers came from pupils at all levels: GCSE, AS and A2. This recital then, demonstrated the wide range of skills which they have developed while at School, whether on instruments such as violin, cello, piano, trumpet, percussion, guitar, or vocally. Some students performed more than once on different instruments or on an instrument and also voice. All the evening’s performances were recorded for examination submission.

Aidan Moylan on violin opened proceedings with two contrasts in tempo: a careful rendition of the stately Minuetto from Sonata in D

by Stamitz and then a freer, much more sprightly Hungarian Dance by Brahms. This test of technique was carefully delivered. A gentle, flowing performance of the Canon in D by Pachelbel followed with Aidan, Josh Davies and Michael Miltiadous on violin and Ian Davidson on cello.

This piece was reprised later with Angus Cross replacing Aidan. Ian, Sean Bracebridge and William Maynard then performed the traditional folk song Bushes and Briars arranged by Vaughan Williams with great charm, later to be delightfully reprised with Nicholas Springthorpe replacing William. The interval was preceded by two fine performances on drums from Kaine Levy and George Rossouw with pieces by the band Periphery, enhanced with appropriate lighting.

A return to calmer waters was heralded by Sean Bracebridge’s

splendid performance of Andante from Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto: this was one of the highlights of the evening. Two violinists gave contrasting individual performances on violin: Angus Cross with Theme from Pride and Prejudice and Joshua Davies with the traditional Song of the Ghetto. Ian Davidson returned to give a sedate, clean, but quite stunning performance of Courante from Cello Suite No 1 in G Major by Bach, impressing with his skill and dexterity. Anthony Georgiou on guitar dazzled his audience with his skilful rendition of the cheerful and delightful Polacca by Mertz.Vocally, William Maynard sang Amarilli Mia Bella by Caccini with confidence, later to be followed by an equally confident and rich performance from Nicholas Springthorpe of Tränenregen by Schubert.

Pianists Peter Gosling, Darren Lai and Michael Miltiadous gave very confident performances, exploring the full range of the instrument.

Peter gave a powerful rendition of the challenging Morceaux de Fantasie No 4 Polichinelle by Rachmaninov, Darren executed a fine performance of Barcarolle by Tchaikovsky and Michael delivered the sprightly Vendetta by Elissa Milne. Darren and Peter also performed the piano duet Kindermarsch by Schubert with great panache.

This was a fascinating evening; performers were tested twice by performing in front of an appreciative audience, while knowing their performance was being recorded for examination assessment. The evening provided an insight into the musical standards and techniques required at examination level.

JMG

From sultry to swing, sassy to brassy, the Jazz Evening had so many highlights. What was the high point? The Bracebridge/Zacaroli piano choreography or Becca Sandler’s voice? The big sound of the full jazz band or the delicacy of solo piano? Surely it was Phil Craig’s deft touch on the shaker?

It was an evening which began with a slick foursome, the Barnes brothers, Joe Zacaroli and Kaine Levy.

Levy’s hard drumming and Will Barnes’ thumping bass provided the energy and the rhythm while Zacaroli’s piano and Toby Barnes’ guitar wandered delicately through the mix in 101 Eastbound. It was a great way to start off, giving the night its initial impetus.

The student contributions included a range of singers, Imogen Nolan giving us Cole Porter and Ben Cammack crooning through Beyond the Sea. Becca Sandler was given two slots, justifiably, taking to the microphone with her accustomed poise. My Funny Valentine and Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered demonstrated her full vocal range – at times her voice caressed the whole hall, at others her notes

filled out with room-shaking vibrato. In the latter number particularly she created a real sense of complicity with the audience, with a flicker of a teasing eyebrow here and an arch smile there.

The band, having had a breather, returned to end the fist half as backing for Jemma Attar and Caroline Maggs on vocals. Both had treated the audience to numbers earlier in the evening backed by lesser forces, which gave their voices more chance to shine – Jemma gave a particularly soulful version of Cry Me a River. At times

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Music

Simon Willescroft’s sax (left) was a highlight of the evening, but Harmless Funk did not outshine homegrown talents such as Becca Sandler (above left) and Joe Zacaroli (right)

The full jazz band packed quite a punch, including no fewer than six trumpets amongst the massed brass. Their first number was jaunty and vigorous, with Levy’s beating of the kit very much to the fore, while Come Rain Or Shine was more languorous, the tone being set by Zacaroli’s and Bracebridge’s trumpet solos. The band finished its first foray with C Jam Blues, relishing the big brassy sound with some strong work from Michael Roche’s trombone. The piece was driven

by James Lear’s insistent piano and rhythmically underpinned by the Barnes bass.

The second half of the evening unleashed Harmless Funk, some of whose separate members had appeared as accompanists in the first half. Combined, they were a force to be reckoned with. With Jamie Salisbury’s keyboards bubbling away underneath like a 70s Moog and the rhythmic energy provided by Kaz Rodriguez’s hard drums and Dave Marks’ funky bass, there was a platform for Jake Willson’s playful guitar and in particular the virtuoso saxophone of Simon Willescroft.

This was hard-driven, loud, assertive jazz. While power and versatility was to the fore, with Marks jerking like an electrocuted marionette, most impressive in Ramblin’ were the pauses, silent spaces in the music suddenly created and perfectly timed by Rodriguez. Cool Dude Time was notable for its fingerwork – Salisbury’s agile, fluid fingers rippling over the keyboard and Willson’s frantic moves over the frets of his guitar. Spain, featuring Phil Craig’s subtly timed sensuous shaker, began in much gentler mode with a drifting piano melody before the shift back into hard funk. This number had space for solo breaks for all and was a final showpiece for the stunning talents of Simon Willescroft, beginning gently on his sax this time before escalating into a dizzying flurry of notes. A standing ovation Harmless Funk deserved and got, as they brought the evening to a glorious noisy ending.

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Sean Bracebridge too showed real confidence and a flexible voice as he shifted through the registers in Georgia On My Mind, but perhaps even more impressive was his shift from microphone to sharing the piano with Joe Zacaroli, taking over the keys to allow Joe to rise and give us a haunting trumpet solo. The same neat move in reverse allowed Sean to return to the mike to finish the number.

they struggled to balance against the big band, but they attacked their songs with vigour.

Bright Stars at St Saviours Joint Schools’ Concert

Music

The white walls and warm red brick of St Saviour’s Church presented a less daunting space than the Abbey, the usual venue for the Joint Schools’ Concert.

It is a charming venue for a concert, a relatively intimate space with a resonant acoustic. The performance space, the crossing, is compact too; while the orchestra fitted in reasonably comfortably, the massed choir spilled from the dais into the wings and the tenors and basses were largely invisible behind the phalanxes of High School girls.

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The evening’s programme was neatly shaped, opening with choral pieces before moving on to orchestral music and concluding by uniting the choral and instrumental forces. The sweet sopranos began Bruckner’s Locus Iste before those hidden tenors and basses added their gravity and harmonies, perfectly shaping the piece up to its exquisite final chord. The massed sopranos were a little more tentative in the same composer’s Ave Maria, and seemed less happy at the top of their range, but they gathered confidence as the piece developed. Lotti’s Crucifixus was of a different order, the male voices rising in a haunting opening, slowly building by adding voices. With precise articulation, chords rose and fell mesmerically in the crossing.

The choral section of the concert was concluded with Purcell’s Hear My Prayer O Lord, a patterned and textured piece from its warm soprano opening bars.

The tenors lifted effortlessly out of the weave and the lead sopranos were strong and vibrant, the whole controlled and shaped under Mick Stout’s baton.

Allbinoni’s Adagio sometimes seems to suffer from over exposure, but this warm and stately arrangement

by Nigel Springthorpe opened the ears anew, with its lilting oboe opening and rhythmic plucked cellos providing the ballast. The strings developed the lush warm tone, embellished with beautiful solo playing from lead violin Georgia Davies, rising from the gentle underpinning of bass and timpani.

It is quite a step for a pupil to perform a major solo in a high profile concert. When that pupil is a Fourth former, it becomes even more notable. And then the second movement of Ravel’s Piano Concerto, the piece in question, begins with a long passage of solo piano before the entry of the orchestra. No pressure on Thomas Dilley, then, who showed real poise as he led off with the gentle drifting melody, a delicate touch across the keys as the orchestra sat enraptured, awaiting the long trill which marked its entry. Then in came the flute, then the strings, then the clarinet, gradually building. The languorous long notes on the strings supported Dilley’s delightful runs on the keys, accompanied by Tom Robinson’s haunting cor anglais solo.

Dilley showed particular delicacy with his right hand

at the top of the range, combining fluttering fingers with precision in a most accomplished performance.

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If Thomas Dilley’s performance was impressive, Joely Koos’ was utterly thrilling. Principal cellist with the London Chamber Orchestra and the City of London Sinfonia, she attacked the first movement of Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto with verve, right from its opening signature four notes. The movement is driven by the energy of the cello line, by turns vigorous and plaintive, over jagged, aggressive strings. Koos sawed at her cello with such passion that one expected snapping strings and splintered woodwork. She set a stirring pace and the orchestra breathlessly kept up in an immensely exciting performance, with contributions from clarinet and martial horn and piccolo, all the way to its climactic explosive end. In a generous gesture, Koos brought the whole orchestra to its feet to acknowledge the tumultuous applause, and every player deserved it.

Choir and orchestra came together for Vaughan Williams’ Serenade to Music, a complex piece, weaving together orchestra, choir and solo voices. The horns and strings began a typically English melody, picked up in a strong lead violin solo before the choral line lifted

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Soloists Thomas Dilley (far left) and Joely Koos (left) lit up the concert at St Saviour’s Church, seen above in the rehearsal

effortlessly out of the instrumental music. The piece gave opportunities for lots of young soloists, sixteen of them all told. There were some problems with audibility here, some of the tenors having difficulty projecting into the space, but Mick Stout controlled the multiple aspects of Williams’ score admirably, until it resolved into its long last note on the strings.

Next year the Joint Schools will return to the Abbey, but this interlude in St Saviour’s proved to be a delightful smaller scale programme, creating opportunities for both instrumental and vocal soloists. So young, so talented.

NJC

Singing in Spain Choir Tour takes music to Europe

Music

around the fortress north of the city, we headed off to Vitoria, the capital of the Basque region. It was here that our second concert took place. With a slightly tweaked programme, in a cathedral with a much larger capacity, this performance was received even more rapturously than the previous one as we were honoured with a standing ovation.

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36 Fifty members of the school Choir, Chamber Choir and Barbershop Group enjoyed a week long trip to northern Spain over the Easter break. Arriving in Burgos after a day-long coach trip, and a quick recuperation at the hotel, we were treated to a brief guided tour of the local area before having dinner, and an early bedtime. The next day, having had access to the hotel pool, it was time for everyone to explore Burgos, with most people heading straight to the first café.

The rehearsal that followed saw the Choir inside the finely decorated cathedral with gilded sculptures and mirrored ceilings, rehearsing the entire program, including choir favourites such as Were You There? and This Joyful Eastertide, with a rendition of the ever popular Little Innocent Lamb from the Barbershop group. A few hours later, that programme was recited (with a great deal more accuracy and splendour) to an audience of hundreds, which was very well received.

The next day, after recuperative free time, which included a look around Burgos Cathedral in much greater detail and a cursory walk

Splendid settings for choral music: Burgos Cathedral (above) and Vitoria Cathedral (above right)

The following day we transferred to Salamanca, via a brief visit to Valladolid, the ex-capital. Again, another brief guided tour was in order here, followed by exploration of the area’s local tapas bars.

Not long after we arrived however, we had to continue our journey to Salamanca, to rehearse our new schedule. After a long walk around this new city, which felt less modern than Burgos yet carried its own unique charm, the time for Musicians relaxing the final performance came. Though in Salamanca the cathedral we were performing

in was dwarfed by comparison to the buildings surrounding it, we had our largest audience so far, and our programme was near perfect, with even more polished versions of previous songs, as well as new performances from the Barbershop Group. It was a fitting last concert – it was the best received of the three, with yet another standing ovation and congratulatory shouts from particular audience members.

And yet it was all over so soon, as it was on the next day that we were back on the coach, on another day-long journey back to St Albans. Though an exhausting trip, it was certainly an unforgettable one, with beautiful venues, engaged audiences and dedicated staff. It will definitely be a challenge for the next tour to live up to the standards set by this one.

Simon Brooks

Dynamism and Excitement Spring Concert players. Mr Craig then returned to direct the Percussion Ensemble in the dynamic and exciting 744811811322322111111 by The Performers. This was followed by the Sinfonietta’s stirring performance of Themes from Pomp and Circumstance by Elgar. Mr Young then directed the String Ensemble in the delightful and sprightly Romanian Folk Dances by Bartok. The music flowed beautifully and was redolent of celebration, merry making and wedding feasts, though with hints of Arab influence.

Glenn Miller Medley arranged

by Thorne. This included many familiar melodies such as Chattanooga Choo Choo, Tuxedo Junction and String of Pearls, which tested the powers of recollection of many of the more mature members of the audience.

Nicholas Springthorpe sang Schubert at the concert

The Concert Band provided the finale to this stimulating and varied mix of musical entertainment with two contrasting pieces. The enjoyable Blues for Band by Stone offered the true ‘Big Band” sound. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows by Desplat however, opened with an ominous drumbeat, which developed into a dramatic crescendo.

The lighter and more cheerful sound of the woodwind section was joined by flutes and then trumpets, through another striking crescendo to round off the concert.

In a final announcement, Mr Stout acknowledged Mr Peter Byrom’s very special contribution to the musical life of the School, focusing in particular on his leadership of the School’s String Ensemble over many years. This warm accolade was followed by the presentation of an appropriate gift to Mr Byrom.

The Barbershop Group, which was among the winners at the St Albans Young Musicians of the Year competition

JMG and AKJ

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The first half of the programme closed with the Suite from Henry V (movements 1, 4 and 5) by Walton, performed by the orchestra, directed by the inimitable Mr Phil Brass players opened the concert Craig. The music was composed for with some stirring pieces: Zorro by the film of Shakespeare’s Henry V, Horner sounded an initial fanfare starring Laurence Olivier, released from trumpet, trombone, tuba and in 1944. The score was nominated French horn. The calmer, more for an Academy Award. The liquid tranquil Hey Jude by Lennon/Mcopening on flute was followed Cartney lent itself well to brass by military trumpets and drums interpretation, while Bizet’s Toreand then music that might well ador Song subsequently sounded its have accompanied a mediaeval evergreen Lothario’s swagger. The revel. Gentler strings followed performance by flautists of Odd this vibrant, stirring opening in Socks by Mower and Pachelbel’s the 4th movement. The strong 5th Canon, with its repeated eight notes movement featured brass, whirling in the bass and ever more complex strings and shimmering percussion. upper parts, formed a delicate Six Pianos by Reich opened the contrast. second half of the programme.

Clarinettists performed the delight- Mick Stout introduced this confully light-hearted presto from Four temporary piece, indicating how Slavonic Dances by Dvorak, followed ‘cells’ of music would be repeated by the sprightly Minor Mode Military by the six performers. This was a clever and fascinating piece, which March by Cowles. Saxophonists required deft coordination and provided a change of mood and tempo with a swinging, toe tapping intense concentration from the

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Our seemingly indefatigable Director of Music, Mick Stout, organised a rich and varied programme for this May Day concert. His equally tireless musicians produced some outstanding performances.

Interspersed amongst these, two of the School’s Award Winners at the 2014 St Albans Young Musician of the Year, performed their pieces immaculately. Nicholas Springthorpe (Senior Voice) sang Schubert’s melancholy Tränenregen, (A Shower of Tears) from the composer’s first major song cycle with confidence, clarity and feeling from the floor of the Hall. Playing the French horn, Thomas Dilley (Senior Wind) gave a stunning performance of the haunting Canteor by Busser, accompanied with great sensitivity by Tom Young, Assistant Director of Music.

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GCSE Work from the Design and Technology Department Storage box: Oliver Cohen Stool: Oliver Edmond

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Storage Unit: Sammee Bhatti Bauhaus Speaker (detail): Matthew Edwards Opposite page Subwoofer:Tom Boon

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Creative

A Brief History of Everything

Enrichment

History and Politics Lecture Society

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The St Albans History and Politics Society started the year by having the good fortune to hear Alex Rutherford OA give a lecture on the theme of ‘Civil Rights in the USA in the 1940s and 1950s’. Alex studied History at Warwick before a year at University of South Carolina as part of his undergraduate program.

Whilst studying in South Carolina, he was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr Day committee’s prestigious Social Justice Award, granted to those who exemplify King’s principles through community service, social justice and racial reconciliation. The lecture provided an illuminating insight into the various components of the moment, from the NAACP to Martin Luther King Jr, and seminal events such as those at Little Rock Central High School which contributed to desegregation. Rutherford also drew upon his own experiences in the Deep South to explain to the audience how racist attitudes prevail in that area today , leaving us to consider the harrowing realities of daily life for many African Americans.

The next lecture was delivered

by Dr David Laven of Nottingham University and titled ‘Cavour, Garibaldi and Italian unification’.

It approached the subject of the so-called ‘heroes’ of unification, from Camillo Cavour, its ‘mind’, to Garibaldi (the‘sword’) from a revisionist perspective, pointing out that far less romantic factors may have contributed to the success of Unification. However, as Dr Laven explained, the idea of a ‘creation myth’ of some sort is popular amongst historians, with the immense celebrity of Garibaldi, despite his mistakes, comparable to that of Churchill or Mandela. He pointed out that even on the 150th anniversary of unification, celebrations are overshadowed by the bloodshed of the risorgimiento. Dr Laven’s version of events provided a unique and controversial slant on the material, which the Lower Sixth will no doubt appreciate in their exam preparation.

Our following gathering heard a speech from Upper Sixth student Alessandro Rossi entitled ‘Can

Anarchy be a good thing?’ It considered the teachings of a range of anarchical philosophers, from Pierre-Joseph Proudhon to the ‘founder of modern Anarcho-Capitalism’ Murray Rothbard, as well as the various anarcho-capitalist societies that have existed throughout history. Rossi evaluated the relative success of this political system, as well as the issues it may encounter.

Rossi wrapped up the lecture by explaining how Anarcho-Capitalism might gradually be imposed on our society, concluding what was an absorbing talk for all present..

We later convened to hear Mr Cameron Balbirnie talk about the required ingredients for a compelling History documentary, and the filming advances which make it possible. One example he gave us was his attempt to recreate Major John Wesley Powell’s expedition down the Grand Canyon, the first of its kind, and a ‘docudrama’ which appealed far more to modern audiences, with characters recreating history as it happened, meaning less analysis from ‘talking heads’ and more action, wrapping up an engaging talk.

The final History and Politics society lecture of the Easter term came in the form of a seminar from our very own Mr Stone, entitled ‘Why Scottish independence is a good idea – an alternative perspective’. He evaluated the pros and cons of the ‘Yes’ and ‘Better Together’ movements, before exploring the various consequences for both Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom, and concluding that independence was unlikely to happen come September 2014.

However, he suggested that a Yes vote would not necessarily be disastrous. Later, we could fire off questions at Mr Stone, who impressed with his wealth of political knowledge. We thank him for a very well-constructed lecture, as well as all other speakers involved throughout the year,. His seminar concluded an outstanding year of History and Politics lectures, whose purpose to enlighten, entertain and interest was more than fulfilled.

Declan Houten

Lectura and Beyond the Infinite Stephen Hawking science lectures framing it in such a way that he subtly educates his audience.

Another year of Science gives rise to another year of the Stephen Hawking Lecture Society, providing all with a view into fascinating and absorbing science that isn’t taught in the classroom.

Mr Stevens first demonstrated how he starts creating a video, immersing himself into the subjects, showing a browser window with dozens of tabs dedicated to researching his topic. Rather than rapidly spitting out facts in each video, he creates a coherent story,

He then shifted the topic, speaking more about evolutionary biology.

He pointed out that human beings are unique in that we have the ‘foxp2’ gene, which allows us to partake in sophisticated speech.

In fact, it is this gene that, when damaged, causes speech disorders such as verbal dyspraxia. Such a gene is something that we have gained over millennia; in contrast, humans have lost muscle – chimpanzees are twice as muscular as humans, for example.Yet today, we share 95% of our genes with chimpanzees; chimpanzees are effectively 95% human, or we are 95% chimpanzees.

Drugs and sport are never far from the news and Dr Steve Maynard gave an insightful and engaging talk, examining the subject with the title Detection of Drugs in Sport: the Science Behind the Headlines. He

On a Friday night in April, students and teachers gathered in the BLR for the final lecture of the year, entitled Living in a Quantum World,

by Professor Vlatko Vedral, where he outlined the ideas that are being explored in quantum physics, giving a taste of what to expect from a future in Physics. For example, he explained the concept of ‘superposition’, the idea that the same particle can exist in two different places at once. He used various examples and introduced the mind-boggling idea that we can view a galaxy as being in two different places.

Of course, as with any Quantum Physics 101 lecture, he explained the world-famous paradox of ‘Schrödinger’s Cat’.

The evening was commemorated by another glittering episode of the now annual Stephen Hawking Society Dinner, with students and teachers alike smartly arrayed in black-tie.

Naveen Morris

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In the next talk, key science questions were tackled by Michael Stevens, the creator and host of the immensely popular YouTube channel vsauce. In an entertaining talk he covered everything from why the sky is blue to how he himself was introduced to the world of science and curiosity – it’s all about asking why?

In the third lecture, Professor Steve Jones of UCL deliberately provoked the audience with his title, Evolutionism is Right and Creationism is Wrong.

However, the talk focused on the evolution of the human species, while briefly examining creation stories; it was not, as some had feared, Atheism: the Lecture. In fact, Professor Jones spent a significant amount of time focusing on variation within human beings – for example, the fascinating evolution of languages: how they split apart and morphed over time from the prehistoric Eurasian language of Proto-Indo-European.

The lecture focused on the consequences of doping in sport; for example, whole groups from countries failing urine tests might bring up the question of institutionalised doping - whether from a state official or a coach. After briefly speaking about the history of drug control in sports, Dr Maynard spoke about the ethics of using drugs, bringing up two key points: cheating and the welfare of participants. The obvious point is that the use of drugs can result in disrupting a level playing field and fraud through fixed matches, but he also explained, for example, that as painkillers only mask pain, they can be cruel to horses and greyhounds.

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The first of the year’s lectures, The Psychology of Hypnosis Without Hypnotism, gave an exciting look into the myths and truths of hypnosis.

Martin S Taylor started the year with a bang, his showmanship and comedy transforming the hall into a lively place. He began the talk with the aim of stripping away myths to reveal the modern science behind the way hypnosis works. Martin Taylor explained that “hypnosis doesn’t exist” in the way you might have heard about it before, emphasising that there is no altered state. He is simply using suggestion, peer pressure and obedience to trick people’s minds. Unlike most hypnotists, he explained the act before performing it on around half a dozen volunteers – who all did a number of things, be it leaping from a hot chair, forgetting their own names, or scurrying to the back of the stage in fear of “Jumbo the elephant”.

He views his YouTube channel as a celebration of scientists and researchers, being curious about physical phenomena and the world around us. He argued that he is interested in what most people would consider mundane: why 24/7 shops have locks, or whether watching paint drying is actually boring (as it happens, it is not, when one considers all the fluid dynamics in play). Another successful range of ideas for the Society, we left the room with our interests piqued, ready to question everything around us.

began by explaining that the media often exaggerate and sensationalise such stories, and encouraged his listeners to think about the facts and think for themselves, coming to their own conclusions.

Easy As Pi Lecturers bamboozle the Sixth Formers

Enrichment

On a chilly December morning, Lower Sixth mathematicians met at the Institute of Education in London for a day of thought-provoking lectures, given by some of the most prominent names in the field of mathematics.

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times of previous contestants. The subject of the talk then changed drastically when he went on to discuss the probability of getting pregnant from unprotected sex and demonstrated it through a game of heads or tails, with audience participation. The talk finished on a slightly morbid note, as he discussed the chances of dying every day just by living, as a way of describing the micromort and the microlife, which are both units used to describe the probability of dying.

The day kicked off with a talk by Vicky Neale from the University of Cambridge, telling us many interesting facts and theorems about prime numbers, such as that there is an infinite number of them. She also informed us of some exciting progress in the Twin Prime Conjec- The subsequent talk was about ture, which was getting closer to speech technology and was given being proved by the day.

by Matt Stuttle, a research scientist at Google. He warned us beforeThe next speaker was David hand that he was going to cram a Spiegelhalter, a statistician. Though whole degree’s worth of knowledge his lecture was about calculating into a fifty minute lecture, which risk, he started off by showing us a he did by using a combination of clip of his time on Total Wipeout explanations, such as about how we needless to say his experience on talk and hear, and pictures of cats – the show was short and painful, but how those two things go together, highly entertaining for us! Next, like we still don’t know. a true mathematician, he explained how he predicted the time he Simon Singh followed, with another needed to qualify for the next unusual talk, this time about The round by analysing the qualifying Simpsons and their ‘mathematical

secrets’. We were all astounded as he pointed out more and more hidden maths within the show, such as the cinema named after the googolplex and the predicted mass of a Higgs Boson particle written on a whiteboard in the background of a scene. As he explained, many of the writers of the show were mathematicians, hence the inclusion of many complex mathematical ideas as an inside joke.

The last speaker was James McKee from Royal Holloway, who spoke to us about maths in games. He demonstrated this by making us all play a game of ‘Sprouts’, which involved drawing lines to join up ‘blobs’. He made us note down which player started each game and who won, and we discovered that the winner depended on the number of blobs at the start of the game, as there was a finite number of legal moves.

Overall, it was a very interesting and entertaining day that allowed us to discover different applications of maths in the real world.

Vivien Zhu

The Wolf of Fishpool Street Film-making isn’t all glamour Upper Sixth formers were given a talk by former St Albans Head of School Jon Croker, now an accomplished screenwriter, entitled ‘Film-making’. He explained what he called the ‘glamourisation’ of many Oscar nominated films, and the fine line between realism and entertainment value. He brought in examples such as the Oscar nominated epic The Wolf of Wall Street, a film infamous for its obscenity, and a silent film in which it was felt inappropriate to show the image of a toilet. A strong defender of his medium, Croker insisted that the glamourisation of such topics is only in aid of the art, making the point that The Wolf of Wall Street was meant to be shocking in order

young filmmakers was to ‘keep making stuff.’ Making your own films gives you invaluable practice We caught up with him after the at how you go about making films lecture to ask him a few quesand will absolutely make you more tions about life after having left the employable when you start looking School, and what he had planned for jobs in the industry. He is for the future. He told us that his currently working on a number of role as Head of School at St Albans projects, including a Paddington Bear taught him the values of collaborafilm, a sequel to the British horror tion, and gained many skills that adaptation, The Woman in Black and helped him in directing and producDesert Dancer, a true story about ing his own short films, some of a group of Iranian youths defying which made whilst at school. After their country’s ban on dancing to leaving, he studied English Literaperform in secret. The talk was well ture at Cambridge, and through received by all who attended and an internship at Heyday Films (the he successfully provided an insight production company behind Harry into the film business, whilst touchPotter), gained a foothold in the ing on more philosophical aspects film industry. The one key piece of the medium. of advice he offered to budding Declan Houten & Sam Machell to expose the characters for the crimes they committed.

Colourful Characters First Form gets creative First formers enjoyed their Creative Writing Day, now an annual tradition. Students dressed up in a variety of costumes inspired by their favourite characters, ranging from Skulduggery Pleasant to Harry Potter and Asterix.Yet more interesting than the costumes were the workshops themselves, led by acclaimed writers John Mole, Fred Sedgwick and Lil Chase.

Fred Sedgwick spent his own sessions reading the children poetry and having them write their own versions of John Clare’s love poems.

He was especially impressed by

some of the children’s ability to translate an Italian poem he read into working English, which they were able to do thanks to their skills in Latin.

Overall the day was a thoroughly interesting and entertaining experience for the children, who have increased their understanding and appreciation of what it takes to be a writer.

Sam Machell and Naveen Morris

The range of costumes on the day included some dramatic, if macabre, choices

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As a poet, John Mole had the task of making the children write a composite poem based on a dream.

Each student at a table of five would write a stanza, starting with the line “Once in a dream” which combined to create a larger poem.

Likewise, they played a surrealist game called ‘The Exquisite Corpse’, where students wrote lists of nouns, verbs and adjectives. After half term these words will be arranged into nonsensical sentences, such as the sentence that first started the game, “The exquisite corpse shall drink new wine.”

that she thoroughly enjoys these workshops, and all three authors felt that encouraging young children to write is very important. Fred Sedgwick, who surrounds his own children with language, calls it “one of the greatest gifts you can give a child.”

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Lil Chase took a completely different approach – each student started by creating a character, be it a soldier or a spy, and then took them on a journey. Lil said

How Long is a Piece of String?

Fourth Form maths enrichment day On Wednesday 15th January, 15 students from the Fourth Form attended a Maths Enrichment Day at the University of Hertfordshire.

To kick off the day Dr Hannah Fry gave a lecture entitled “The Wisdom of Crowds” in which she talked about an area of mathematics called complexity. Examples of complexity are: why traffic jams occur, why fireflies flash in sync and how Barcelona play football.

Following this were three short sessions, the first of which was entitled “How long is a piece of string?” The answer depends on the scale used. Magnifying a piece of string shows that it is not perfectly straight, but it is made up of tiny zigzags, which are made up of even smaller zigzags. This pattern is

called a fractal and can be applied to the length of a coastline.

The second session was presented

by Rob Eastaway (author of Why Do Buses Come in Threes?) and was about how to get an approximate answer very quickly using estimation and zequals (rounding every number to one significant figure).

For example, the question “How much does one of the Egyptian pyramids weigh?” would at first seem impossible, but a very approximate answer can be found surprising quickly: very roughly it is 1,000,000,000kg.

The final session involved manipulating the equations for kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy and momentum to work out how high a tennis ball will

bounce up if a basketball is dropped with the tennis ball on top of it.

An experiment demonstrated the result with the tennis ball bouncing up and hitting the ceiling of the lecture theatre.

The day finished off with another lecture by Rob Eastaway on the maths of games. He explained that the Jail square on a Monopoly board is the most visited, due to the multiple ways of being sent there; thus orange spaces are the best properties to buy.

This was a very enjoyable and interesting trip overall, and many thanks to Mrs Higgins, who organised the day, and to Mr Byrom and Mr Balden who accompanied us.

Josh Oliver

Proud Stroud Wowed Crowd A fantastic talk from a fantastical author sound of. In this book, ghosts have been rising from the ground for years. They can appear absolutely anywhere, which makes them even more dangerous. However, there is a twist to the tale: adults cannot see the ghosts but the ghosts can still kill them. This means that when day starts to turn to night, adults will make their way home as quickly as they can and lock the doors. As adults can’t go outside at night, the kids make it their job to get rid of the ghosts. There are lots of big companies that do this, but there is now a new team in town: Lockwood & Co. They may be small, but they sure are good.

Enrichment

Jonathan Stroud came to St Albans School on 3rd March 2014 to give an engaging and interesting talk about himself and his books. He is a well known writer of fantasy fiction and his best known book, Bartimaeus, has sold millions of copies worldwide. He started writing at the age of seven with his handmade book Diamond Theft, which he still keeps in his bedroom. When he was twelve, he wrote another book called Tower of the Undead. This was a book where you have to choose what page to go to and then complete the book. Jonathan actually attended St Albans School as a child and then went to the University of York after which he became a book editor.

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Since then he has written lots of books such as Buried Fire, The Screaming Staircase and his best selling series Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus is a 5,000 year old djinni (genie) who gets summoned by magicians at different points in time to do their dirty work. The idea behind this series sounded excellent and the plot sounded even better.

After he explained the book to us, he got one of us to come up onto the stage and demonstrate all the different things you need to be a ghost hunter. He explained all these tools to us and then told us about the types of ghosts and how scary they would be, before we posed some questions to him as the presentation ended.

We think that Jonathan’s ideas are amazing, as is his talent for writing gripping books. We fully recommend his books and hope that you enjoy them.

Connor McGuigan and Steven Furlong

Jonathan Stroud chats to one of his young readers

Jonathan showed us a trailer for his new book, The Screaming Staircase.

This is the first of the Lockwood & Co series, which I really liked the

Roman Around Trip to Verulamium Two second form classes took part in a morning out to Verulamium in December. They have been studying Roman Britain in lessons and the trip was intended to enhance their learning of what differences the Roman invasion made to the lives of individual Britons. The day started with a walk down to the museum and an artefact handling session. Objects were grouped on to four tables and the pupils, spending 15 minutes on each table, had to work out whether they were original or replicas and what they were used for. The tables included objects found in the dining room and kitchen, beauty products and building materials and pupils identified Roman roof tiles, jewellery and food products.

Pupils learnt which materials survived and how to tell whether objects were original or not. They also learnt about Roman building materials and technology and how archaeologists can date objects they have found.

Next was a trip down to the hypocaust, a surviving example of the Romans’ ingenious underfloor heating system. Housed in a building in the middle of the park is a huge mosaic, with sections cut out so that the lead pipes and furnace area that heated the floor are visible.

After a quick stop for hot chocolate and cakes, the pupils returned to the museum to look around the galleries and find information on food and farming, entertainment and life after death. On the way back to school, they visited the Roman theatre, shops and villa, across the road from the museum. Whilst walking around the theatre, they gained an insight in to what it would have been like to watch a play in this large structure. The pupils then returned to school in time for lunch, having learnt a great deal about the importance of Verulamium in Roman Britain.

LJB

The Pen is Mightier than the Sword Self-defence and literature in one sitting Chris Bradford is a bestselling author. He has won 18 awards for his books and they have been translated into twenty different languages. He has written the Young Samurai series which consists of eight books and he is now on the ninth. He is an expert at martial arts and is also a professional bodyguard, so watch out. Chris is also a musician and songwriter and has even performed for the Queen.

watching you and how to protect someone whilst on the move. He also showed us the one inch punch which was quite an intelligent move.

Chris Bradford came to St Albans School to talk about his books and do some book signing. First, he talked about his book, The Bodyguard.

Finally, Chris Bradford showed us the sword display, something that everyone had been waiting for.

He brought his long sword, about one metre in length. Chris swung his beautiful but deadly sword around and showed us different ways to use it. My favourite part of the sword display was when Watch out! Chris that he had told us. ‘Awareness can Chris chose two people to hold Bradford’s about! be the difference between life and up a piece of paper for him so that death.’ he could stab and slit the paper.

The author caught us all out when I cannot imagine how scared the people were, who were holding the he told us to look for the camera piece of paper. that he had planted in the room, with which he was filming us. We all Chris didn’t Chris Bradford is an amazing turned to the back of the room to just read out author with excellent books for Awareness can look at plants, bookshelves and anyhis stories, he children. He is a very committed thing that we thought looked suspibe the difference acted them too. author and strives to produce high cious, whilst he was sipping away He shot a water quality books. From this talk we between life and at his camera Coke can. Eventually pistol at his auditook away real life skills, what the we worked it out but he caught ence (the first death. responsibilities of real bodyguards it all on video. Nowadays almost form) and eveare and what a great author this anything could be watching you. ryone loved it. man is. We would definitely recomChris Bradford showed us a short mend his books to other people, Chris Bradford told us about clip about awareness. ‘Always be especially those who like action. really useful techniques, such as aware but relaxed’, was something how you can tell if someone is Georgio Theodorou & Kwame Ofori

On The Same Wavelength Foreign language radio broadcasts Five girls and four boys, all aspiring Modern Language undergraduates from the Upper Sixth, took part in a Modern Languages Symposium at the School on Thursday 3rd October, in partnership with the North London Collegiate School. With a partner from NLCS, each student was challenged with the task of creating a four minute long radio broadcast, written entirely in a chosen foreign language, based on specific topics.

The topics ranged from Baudelaire to Basque separa-

tism to bicycles in futurism. The aim of the symposium was to promote the kind of independent research required for studying languages at university level, so the students were given the freedom to approach the topic from any angle they liked. Broadcasts were heard in a variety of languages including French, Spanish and Italian, making for a lively evening of cultural enrichment and helping foster a more long-standing relationship between the two schools.

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The Bodyguard is an excellent book.

The protagonist of this book is Connor. He is fourteen and he is asked to protect the president’s daughter and be her bodyguard. In the story the president’s daughter goes to the school prom, not to dance with her but to protect her.

Tables are knocked over and glass is smashed, leaving the young adults petrified, all trying to get out at the same time. Chris was undertsandably very knowledgeable on the topic of bodyguards, and we later found out that he had actually taken a course on all the skills to be a professional bodyguard.

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The Young Samurai series is probably Chris Bradford’s most successful series, consisting of eight books.

The ninth book in this series is currently being published. The main character in this series is called Jack. The Young Samurai series is going to be out on television in a few years, and it is based on the ninth book. Chris Bradford showed us a mood trailer of what the television series of Young Samurai might look like. It looked like a great programme to watch.

Extending Care Community Link Providing the residents with refreshments sounds like a simple task, but it could get slightly stressful when trying to make sure everything met the requirements of each individual resident. Making sure every resident was happy at all times was a challenge at first, but as the weeks progressed, I became more and more familiar with the residents, making the job a lot easier.

Community

At the end of our time at Tara’s Retreat towards the end of June, Ronan and I helped to arrange an afternoon of garden activities in the care home’s garden, which was particularly rewarding because, after having arranged a successful event and seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces, I felt a real sense of accomplishment.

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Aisha Mukhtar found working with the elderly a valuable preparation for a career in medicine.

I chose Community Link as my Friday afternoon activity, attending Tara’s Retreat Care Home alongside my partner, Ronan. We took part in social activities with the residents in order to provide them with some entertainment on a Friday afternoon. Admittedly, we were both apprehensive in visiting a care home as we had a stereotypical views about what it would be like. However, on arrival we were pleasantly surprised that our preconceived view of care homes was simply not true.

Another one of the most rewarding things about doing Community Link was that gradually the residents became more familiar with my weekly visits and looked forward to the activities that we would carry out next week.

Volunteering at a care home was an enriching experience, as the residents came from many different types of backgrounds and occupations, and learning about their previous life experiences and achievements was refreshing as it reminded Ronan and me of a time when the latest technology or viral video was not the main topic of conversation.

As a future medic, my Community Link experience was extremely valuable as I was involved in the care of vulnerable people and was given a position of responsibility, where I would have to use my initiative, an important life skill. The majority of careers heavily involve communication, whether it is between doctors and patients, lawyers and clients, or sales associates and customers, and during my time at Tara’s Retreat this skill was definitely strengthened, especially when speaking to the residents in order to fulfil their needs.

I also gained an insight into the hard work of nurses and carers, maintaining the health and happiness of the Some of the activities we took residents, as well as forming intimate yet professional part in whilst volunteering included relationships. Moreover it was an important form of bingo, bowls, arts and crafts and work experience that I wrote about in my CV, as it the occasional game of Snakes and increased my desire to study medicine.

Ladders! After a busy and stressMy Community Link experience was extremely posiful week at school, Community tive and I would recommend it to all of the Lower Link was the perfect way to blow Sixth as providing a service to the elderly is a very off some steam whilst, although it fulfilling and worthwhile activity. sounds very clichéd, giving back to the community.

“Why are you here?”

Partnership every week without fail ask me, “Why are you here?”

best friend Pippa. Henry and Pippa would have days when they insisted on doing everything the same. For example, Henry was only sure he liked dinosaurs when Pippa confirmed she also liked dinosaurs. On other occasions Pippa cried when she couldn’t go to Henry’s house after school.

During the school day, the Nursery was home to about 15 three and four year olds, a teacher and a teaching assistant. When I first arrived, the children were new to school, new to each other and, mostly, unaware of any type of discipline or self-control. It was a challenge just to persuade them to sit still for a few minutes and focus on whatever activities we had organised for them. They could be distracted in an instant, which was sometimes very amusing but also meant they would run off mid-task and just do something else whenever they felt like it.

It didn’t take too long to get to know all the wonderful children in the classroom, and for them to get to know me. There was a little boy called Henry who loved everyone and everything, but especially his

with the children and used that as inspiration for some creative work.

As the children were so young and active, we tried to include lots of activities that let them run around and build their physical skills. I remember the class acting out the story We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, which they found very exciting.

Although in general all the children seemed to like having an extra person in the classroom to talk to and to work with, they didn’t all react to me in the same way. There was one boy called Craig who was always the first to notice me when I arrived and would scream my name at the top of his voice and stop whatever he was doing to come running over and tell me all about his week. At the other extreme, a boy called Milo would

that Jamie, who did his placement in Reception, and I were getting married because we would walk in together and chat a lot. They didn’t seem to have any other possible explanation.

and stains

I will miss so much about my time in the Nursery. I will miss the children, who were so much fun and so cute, but also the general level of excitement and possibility. It was inspiring to see how the children changed and developed over the course of the year. By the time they were ready to move up to Reception, they could concentrate and focus, their vocabularies were bigger and more varied, they could do up their own coats and put on their own shoes, and they had learned to be together and cope without their parents.

I had considered working in early years education before my Partnership experience but didn’t really know what it would be like. I now know that it’s a rich and rewarding job, but also challenging, exhausting and quite messy! I still don’t know what I want to do with my life, but this has definitely shown me one option that will be quite hard to beat.

Maggie Dorling Names in this article have been changed for reasons of confidentiality

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One week, a little boy called Todd talked about his trip to visit his family in China for New Year celebrations. English was not his first language and he was not very conLast year I had the pleasure and the fident, but he was so excited and privilege to help out in the Nursery proud to tell the rest of the class at Aboyne Lodge School on Friday about the dragon dancing he had afternoons. I knew from the first seen. We found pictures to share day, as I got the bus with green and blue paint in my hair and stains on my shirt (traces from the splatter I got the bus with green painting exercise), that my Friday blue paint in my hair and afternoon activity was going to be more fun and more rewarding than on my shirt I ever could have imagined.

I will miss the children, who were so much fun and so cute, but also the general level of excitement and possibility.

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Winner of the prize for outstanding contribution to Partnership, Maggie Dorling was delighted to get messy with young children.

Henry and Pippa were not the only inseparable pair in the class room. The identical twins, Susie and Claire, would be there every week wearing exactly the same clothes, the same expressions and the same hair styles, even down to the same coloured ribbons and hair bands.

Although I found it hard to tell them apart, they seemed to really enjoy being together and would always choose to do the same thing at the same time.

It was fantastic working with the children as they flattered me very often; many of the young girls asked me if I was a princess. However, this was countered by them also asking if I was a grandma. It was always a surprise to me that they saw me as an adult and would make lots of assumptions on that basis. Most of the children were convinced

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Dukes

Gold in the Picos Sixth Form expeditioners took their challenge to northern Spain

Mountains are forbidding. Across the world, they are admired, feared and worshipped by those who inhabit them. They dominate the thoughts of those who wish to challenge them, attracting the adventurous with an irresistible tug.

There are many mountains in the Picos de Europa.

DofE is usually incomplete without chatting to ramblers about your expedition aim, explaining that you have to be out in these weather conditions to concerned passers-by and engaging in heated debate with local farmers. One of the anticipat-

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All those who have undertaken expeditions at St Albans School in the last few years would attest to the fact that heavy rain is the common denominator of any trip.

Our group chose to travel to Spain because it would ‘guarantee’ sunny weather throughout. This turned out to be only partly true, for the mountains decided that waterproofs would always need to be close to hand. Low lying cloud engulfed the stony peaks and the temperature plunged at the higher altitudes. We were made aware of this for the first time when our acclimatisation walk took us up the steep cliff face at Fuente De (the cable car was shut because of gusty conditions). Sunshine at the bottom of the mountains quickly gave way to much colder conditions further up, causing the group to take shelter, eating lunch and donning extra layers. On the valley floor the climate was decidedly less Welsh, allowing us a half hour sunbathing session in Los Llanos on day two and lunch on the sandy bank of the river Texu on day 3, during which times we often lamented our decision not to go to the Brecon Beacons.

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In autumn half term, a group of 14 Duke of Edinburgh Gold participants, accompanied by four members of staff and ex-chemistry legend Mrs Walker, embarked on a journey to this remote corner of northern Spain to tackle the terrain as a qualifying expedition, the culmination of two years of preparation, during which many of the wildest areas of Britain had also been conquered.

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The Picos de Europa mountains in northern Spain provide challenging terrain for Dukes expeditions. The proximity to the sea means the range is particularly prone to sudden changes in weather with rain and mist impeding navigation.

had been innocuously placed at the bottom of the kit list for this trip). We therefore spent an extra night at a campsite in Potes, which no one complained about, the free wifi and showers proving to be an irresistible combination.

Despite a philosophy of journeying through, not over wild country, our journey was not a flat one. The height of the peaks meant that each contour line represented a 50m difference in It is the third highest mountain range of mainland Spain altitude, and crossing one was a after the Pyrenees and the Sierra Nevada. The range serious undertaking. A standard day includes 14 peaks over 2,600m. The most well-known of would see us haul our packs up these mountains is Naranjo de Bulnes (2,519m). Bulnes around 800m of ascent, with one is the nearest village, lying below. The highest summit in particularly arduous climb on day the range is Pico Torrecerredo at 2,648m in the Central 3 taking us over a kilometre into Massif. the sky (approximately the same as an ascent of Snowdon), right up ed difficulties of the Picos was that The author takes a to the foot of Naranjo de Bulnes, we would be unable to overcome well-earned break the language barrier and respond (above) while a to the curiosity of the locals. The fellow trekker area is truly remote, Spanish people enjoys yet another proving to be few and far between, spectacular view the majority of other human beings (right) being Dutch or German tourists. At the beginning of the trip a heroic effort of translation was offered by Nick Stride, which allowed us to buy food and the teachers to organise our campsites. It is no secret that the Spanish economy is suffering at present, and many campsite owners had shut early as a result.

This did not affect us too greatly, as Gold expeditions involve a strong element of wild camping (‘trowel’

the tallest mountain in the region.

Despite meeting the other group from our school at the bottom, who laughed and wished an ‘enjoyable afternoon,’ having just spent the morning coming down the climb, the physical challenge of that climb was a personal highlight of the expedition, as it drew the group together in a combined attempt to battle the mountain. Surely this is what a Duke of Edinburgh expedition should be about? The toil brings great rewards in such a region, and our embarrassment of riches was clear, the standard phrase being “Oh no, not another stunning view!”

The trip was certainly a week well spent, and captured Mr Byrom’s outdoor spirit completely. All those lucky enough to attend owe a debt of gratitude to him and the other members of staff who travelled with us: Messrs Smithson, Roberts and Nichols and especially Mrs Walker.

Mark Pearce

The group make use of a rudimentary shelter in the Picos

Uphill Struggle Lower Sixth expedition to Italy A bleary group gathered at 4am for the expedition to Italy – our group of four students, three leaders and assessor. We had previously taken a trip to Snowdonia during the Easter holidays to prepare ourselves for our qualifying expedition.

We were all very excited for the trip, but nervous due to it being a harder challenge than the walking we had previously undertaken.

consume over 3000 calories a day to sustain our energy outputs from the vigorous physical activity we were putting our bodies through.

Happy campers in starts helped to get us off with a northern Italy substantial pace before slowing in

the afternoon heat. On our second night we stayed in a wild camp, and ended up being the only two tents there, with only the nearby cows as our companions. It was certainly an interesting experience having to keep all the resources in our tent so that the foxes wouldn’t run off with them!

After this day of exploration we were lucky enough to stay

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Next, we had our third day, which was the time when we mainly undertook our research for our aim of the expedition – World War 1 evidence. Throughout the previous two days, we had been looking out for evidence in the rock faces and had also stumbled across an old mine, which was fascinating to explore and also gave us a break from walking. The evidence we mainly based our aim on, however, was at the top of a long hill at a refuge hut, which displayed actual trenches and gave timelines and photos of some World War 1 experiences. We spent over two hours there, thus elongating our day of walking, but it was incredibly interesting and we all learned a lot.

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Our first day in Italy consisted of settling into the campsite, and going out for a charming meal in the city centre at a pizzeria. We all had a large pizza, as it was our last proper meal before setting off for five days of boil-in-the-bag delight. We then went back to have a long sleep Cortina is a town in the north of before our acclimatisation day. This Italy in the Dolomites, normally known for its ski resorts. We there- day consisted of walking with day fore knew the area would be very rucksacks, with only water and snacks, to get used to the altitude. mountainous and, as we arrived, we saw the wires of the cable cars We walked for around 5km, expetrailing off into the snowy peaks in riencing beautiful sights, including walking underneath a waterfall, the distance. Prior to the journey we had to plan our routes, includ- which, as a geography student, I found thoroughly exciting. ing the escape routes (some even involved cable car trips, which sadly The next morning, (the first day of we never got lost enough to take) our proper expedition) we woke This gave us good spatial awareness up fresh from a good, although of the surrounding area, as we had rainy night’s sleep – and then set studied the map in depth before out on our longest and hardest day. starting.

It took us 11 hours to conquer, The main preparation needed was coming back with very sore feet to be in good physical fitness so we and feeling very hungry. We walked to a highest peak of 2362m, and were ready to trek for four days, as well as having an acclimatisation walked for approximately 17km.

The main challenge of this day was day. Furthermore, we needed all the shock of our backpacks, as our equipment and food ready to well as the height we were walking put in our enormous backpacks. at. Another task was our steep Our backpacks weighed between downhill journey. This was highly 15-20kg, which, it is safe to say, problematic, as we had to keep our was the most onerous part of balance steady while walking with the trip. This literal weight on our the top-heavy bags. shoulders meant it took us even longer to walk our routes and One thing spurring us on, however, when we returned to camp each was the beautiful scenery and hot night we were exhausted. However, weather. The weather was cool on the bright side, our packs were enough in the mornings, but was getting lighter each day due to the near sunbathing weather in the copious amounts of food we were afternoons. This meant eating, due to having to our early

overnight in a refuge hut, as we were not allowed to camp in the national park. This meant we did not have to put up or down the tent and had actual beds and blankets for one night, which was absolute luxury for us! We had a lovely evening cooking and having warm showers before our last day of the trek.

During our last day we were all very focused on the end goal, yet

more hurdles came our way. Unfortunately one member of our team had heat rash all the way down her leg and we had to spilt up to go and find medicines from the leaders.

Although this was a problem, we got the help we needed and finished with time to spare, and we finally had the cable car ride we had wanted all week.

Philippa English

On top of the world in the Dolomites

Dukes

Gold and Silver Expedition Training

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Drama

Cyrano’s Triumph Colourful ensemble production with nasal flair

Drama

Pinocchio aside, Cyrano de Bergerac is certainly the best known owner of an unusually large proboscis and his life has been immortalised on stage and screen, through opera and even ballet. Cyrano (pronounced Cy-ra-no and not Cy-raanoo, I am reliably informed by cast members) is desperately in love with the beautiful, clever and cul-

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Roxanne and Christian (above); Cyrano gives comfort in battle (below); Christian pens his allimportant letter (right)

tured Roxanne, his distant cousin.

However she is infatuated by the good looking, dashing but verbally challenged Christian, excellently played with humour and assurance

by Max Cadman. The selfless and noble Cyrano believing his looks fatally undermine any chance he might have to woo Roxanne, helps his friend with a poetic seduction which brings with it tragedy and comedy in Glyn Maxwell’s adaptation of the Edmond Rostand’s original version. Maxwell’s accessible script bridges the gap between the 17th and 21st centuries with humorous modern references and a pace and vitality which move this timeless tale forward.

The play began with an unusual but very successful mime scene set in a convent. The attention of the audience was engaged immediately by the cast and held throughout the evening. This set the standard for the ensemble work in this production which was beautifully choreographed and showed the actors off both as individuals and as a team.

It was a product of the rehearsal time that had been spent including workshops with the author.

The aesthetic of the company scenes, framed by a simple set which allowed striking tableaux to be created, was most effective and combined with the excellent lighting design by James Smillie meant that the stage was a feast for the eyes as well as the ear.

This well-paced and vibrant production contained some superb individual performances. Joe Eastham in the title role made a spectacular entrance from the balcony (not to Vickers as Roxanne was perbe recommended for getting into fectly cast and her sweet yet astute assembly on a Wednesday) and nature came shining through in a was rarely off stage. Capturing the performance which was fresh and tension between the philosopher perfectly delivered. soldier and the emotionally fragile The original music by Mick Stout lovesick poet, his powerhouse and Phil Craig added to the pleasperformance held the audience ure of the evening and once again throughout. And the nose? Well it Rebecca was specSandler tacular and Joe Eastham… remindyet believable; ed us Depardieu and powerhouse performance of what Steve Martin a first held the audience eat your heart class out! throughout voice Ronan Lee as she has.

Valvert provided just one example This was a marvellously collaboraof the tive production which gave the comedy that audience much food for thought this producamidst the laughter. As an allegory tion had to of inner and outer beauty the offer amidst story has much relevance in today’s the pathos photoshopped and airbrushed and tragedy. world and the heartbreak of the Billy Dawend of the play reminds us, perhaps son’s carefully unfashionably, that decency, goodobserved ness and enduring love have a performance transcendence peculiar only to as Le Bret human beings. and Greg Reynolds as RKRH a genuinely creepy Count de Guiche also stood out. Molly

Far From Static Weird and wacky arrives at New Place The middle production of our triple week exam period saw the AS practical group perform the modern drama, The Static by Davey Anderson. This piece was entirely new to me, despite it having earned excellent reviews since its opening in 2012. New Place Gallery was transformed into an unusual performance area, located horizontally rather than end on, in a black box set with old school lockers placed at the back and a few larger lockers housing TV monitors projecting white noise – static.

The production combined excellent use of floor space and well-rehearsed physical movement with some well-defined body form and clearly spoken dialogue. The slick performances were further enhanced by subtle lighting and the use of specials, making this a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging piece of theatre. Claire, Jemma, Lauren, Ellie, Hannah, Louis and Ronan should be very proud. I look forward to what they will produce in next year’s A level pieces.

GL

The titular Static provided an intriguing backdrop (left)

Lauren Rowe controls Jemma Attar, as she takes her turn as the protagonist, Sparky (right) and Ronan Lee showing Sparky’s aggressive side (left)

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Drama

From the start of the play, when a simple prop of a pair of headphones was placed onto Sparky’s head – a metaphor for a source of escape and solace for the lead character – we were easily able to identify Sparky as each cast member seamlessly took turns

portraying the role. Meanwhile, his thoughts, delusions and fantasies were played out by the remaining cast members using chorus work and choreographed movement, in what was a fluid and excellently timed physical theatre throughout.

Although exploring some quite dark issues, the piece had, at times, some dark humour, and I found myself laughing at unexpected intervals throughout.

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Centred around the character of Sparky, the play explores modern issues of youthful dissatisfaction and ADHD set at a school. A great deal of physical theatre was involved as it was interpreted from a Berkoff perspective and we were treated to an intense 30 minute performance.

Claire Leith and Hannah Sweeney act as physical representations of voices within Spark’s head (right)

Dramatically Different Directions

Drama

Lauren Rowe admires the U6 devising skills

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Two highly contrasting A2 Drama pieces were performed in New Place, one group’s play based on Edgar Allan Poe’s story The Black Cat, the second an adaptation of Peter Pan.

Another strong point of the piece was the ensemble’s use of stylised physical sequences. This was particularly effective when the protagonist is considering the various ways of killing his wife. The actors moved the wife seamlessly between being hanged – the Poe’s The Black Cat wife dropping as a chair was pulled (above) was turned from beneath her feet – and being into a terrifying drowned – pushed under water.

psychodrama while skilled movement and props created the aerial and The first group’s actors opened underwater worlds with a striking scene: a psychiatrist’s of Peter Pan office with the protagonist, played (below).

by Greg Reynolds, visibly disturbed, rubbing his hands through his hair, his posture tense. The rest of the ensemble created the office around him through physical theatre.

However, these inanimate objects spoke short phrases expressing the protagonist’s distress. As the scene progressed these phrases shortened to just one word, the volume grew and the pace increased... until blackout.

Possibly what was most interesting about The Black Cat was how the actors conveyed varied perspectives. As a very paranoid character, the protagonist often saw things that were not real.

This paranoia was shown during one scene where he was out at dinner with his girlfriend, where in the protagonist’s mind the waiter was flirting with his girlfriend.

This was briefly conveyed by the waiter stroking her cheek, before the waiter then snapped back into his previous position, the reality, in which he was standing at their table simply pouring their wine. The interchanges between reality and imagination were fleeting, leaving the audience questioning what had just happened.

for her son. This symbolised the two worlds coming together. The play progressed like this, changing between heart wrenching scenes in the hospital and light-hearted scenes in Neverland. In this the actors successfully combined both comedy and tragedy to create a varied and enjoyable piece.

Perhaps the strongest moments were those when physical theatre and fluid movements were used to convey the fighting aboard Hook’s ship. The ensemble worked together to include various lifts and falls. One particularly effective moment was as Peter Pan jumped – and she did, caught by the arms of two cast members – into the sea off Hook’s ship. The ensemble used a blue sheet which was ruffled against Peter, creating Overall the play left the audience a clear visual image of the water quite unnerved, especially with swirling around the boy who, played the cliffhanger ending.Yet despite

by Molly Vickers, lashed out, limbs the dark and sinister tone, there were also moments of comedy. The flying, in an attempt to recover to actors combined a variety of acting the surface. There was also great strength in the comedy from the techniques, naturalistic and antinaturalistic, to create an interesting, pirates; exaggerated and varied facial expressions were used as well varied performance. as stereotypical pirates voices with The second play was quite differplenty of ‘arrs!’ ent. This group chose to adapt the Despite creating a piece which well-known children’s novel Peter Pan by JM Barrie. Quite unexpect- evoked both emotion and laughter, the interchanging between the edly, the play began in a hospital.

Quickly the actors established the story of Peter Pan and a mother scene of a despairing mother stand- with her comatose son were connected in that neither Peter ing at the side of her son, Peter, would grow up. At the end of the bed-ridden in a coma. After the mother spoke to the doctors there piece the audience and the mother were informed that Peter had died, was a crossover to a scene with unable to break out of his coma. the lost boys roaming around the This is exactly the tale of Barrie’s stage calling out for Peter and as this grew louder the mother came older brother upon whom the novel was based. through the middle and screamed

The Entertainment GCSE Drama Fifth form GCSE students delivered some very impressive performances in their Spring Term practical examinations, and were rewarded with fantastic results.

are particularly delicious because the audience finds itself laughing at things they ought not to – in this case, torture and infanticide. It is difficult to single out any individual performances from what was a very strong ensemble, but Alec McQuarrie and Matt Edwards deserve a mention: McQuarrie for his perfectly balanced portrayal of a character who really wants to be the tough guy but isn’t quite sure if it’s morally right, and Edwards for his chillingly sensitive portrayal of a completely innocent man being subjected to torture, interrogation, and threats to his family’s life.

One of the most challenging and rewarding plays on offer for any actor is Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman. A personal favourite of mine, it focuses on the imprisonment and interrogation of a writer of gruesome stories and his disabled brother. Dark comedies

Journey’s End sees a young officer in the British Army (Raleigh) innocently skipping off to France to join ‘the effort’ only to discover that his old friend Stanhope, who is now a Captain in the war, has fallen victim to the horrors of the war and is now an unrecognisable alcoholic. The language in this play

Matt Edwards (which is almost 100 years old) is going through a life- quite different from the language changing epiphany we use today, and the plight of its

characters is somewhat alien to our young actors, whose biggest concern today may not necessarily stretch any further than their latest selfie getting enough ‘Likes’ on Facebook. Neverthleless, Officers Ray, Neyt, Gosling and Grant honoured the text very well indeed, transporting the captivated audience to the dugouts of WW1 trenches.

Ujjal Ray and Peter Gosling created a memorably tender moment at the close of the play, which sees Stanhope (Gosling) showing affection and humanity for the very first time, as he holds a dying Raleigh (Ray) in his arms.

Jonathan Anderson (left) and Dapo Osinuga

Dealer’s Choice won the award for having the largest cast, an accolade which presented the actors with various challenges in choreography and audience focus. It was a challenge they dealt with well.

One glorious moment saw most of them on stage taking part in a semi-improvised argument, reaching a crescendo of everyone on stage bellowing vulgar obscenities at each other, which the Fifth form students seem to enjoy performing very much indeed. Some mature themes were deftly tackled by the cast, including parentage and debt, and this play about gambling certainly didn’t leave the audience feeling short changed.

CJB

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Drama

Bouncers, a play perfect for GCSE Drama owing to its small cast, long character list and flirtation with physical theatre, was tackled by Messrs Borlin, Cross, Dobson and Kapur, all of whom made valiant efforts at portraying the bored and testosterone-fuelled nightclub doormen. Whilst there are plenty of jokes in Bouncers, Lucky Eric’s direct address speeches (when he talks directly to the audience) allowed for a change in mood and atmosphere, as he related tales of the darker side confiding in the audience, exposing his own flaws and weaknesses beyond the preying ears of his on-stage colleagues.

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Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a tricky text.The political satire requires huge amounts of energy and impeccable comic timing, particularly from the actor (un)fortunate enough to play the Maniac, who attempts to confuse and befuddle a series of police officers by way of impersonating a range of different characters, including a judge and a Head of Forensics. All students involved in this performance rose to the challenge admirably, provoking the bemused audience into spontaneous laughter throughout the piece.

The Case of the Cucumber Sandwiches Hilarious and far-reaching Senior House Drama plays

Drama

Step right up, ladies and gentleman, for a night at the theatre. Here at the New Place Drama Department, we bring you four excellent performances from across all four houses. Is it a Victorian comedy you wish for? Look no further, for Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest is being performed

by Renfrew. Is it a revealing and nuanced look at the breakdown of a marriage? Hawking has you covered, with Edward Albee’s classic play, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? This, and more, will be on show for you tonight.

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First on stage was Hampson’s performance of Bull, holding a simple premise: “Two jobs. Three candidates.” What followed was a riveting back and forth between Ronan Lee, Seun Adekoya and Hannah Sweeney. Ronan perfectly captured the understandable side of a nervous, bumbling idiot, unable properly to vocalise his thoughts and thus becoming the weak link of the three, compared with the overt confidence of Isobel and Tony.

As the performance progressed, the actors slowly transformed it from a comedy to a heavyset drama; one need not look further than Hannah’s sharp and vitriolic insults. With the play’s denouement, marked by the entrance of Charlotte Evans’ pragmatic boss, the audience was in silence, enlightened by the scathing potency of bullying in the modern workplace.

Next was Marsh’s production of Those Blue Remembered Hills, which, in its original form, had adults portraying children, shedding light on human behaviour at large. The basic interaction of kids – their aggressions, fears and camaraderie – provided an insightful microcosm of adult behaviour. Of course, there is also something inherently funny about seeing 17 year olds playing 7 year olds (especially as these were our peers, students and children who were playing, fighting and talking like children). Jemma Attar and Ellie Shreeves were the only two trained drama students in the play’s cast, and while they must of course be commended, praise must also be given to drama-newbies Harry Turner, Louis Meadows, Joe Sayers, Travis Hudson and Matt Feast, who especially excelled in creating a harrowing finale.

We must not forget Nick Harvey and Hannah Girdlestone, however, who both brought depth to their roles, despite playing multiple characters. Nick’s portrayal of Lane was enjoyed by all as he nervously stumbled about to get Algernon’s famous cucumber sandwiches.

The final play of the evening was Hawking’s version of the 1962 Edward Albee play Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, illustrating the complex subject of the breakdown of a marriage. At the outset of the performance, Louis Yianni and Claire Leith demonstrated their explosive dynamic with each other, both characters trying to overpower the other, sometimes to a comedic end. Once the younger and less troubled couple Nick and Honey, played by Tom Jennings and Megan Gardner, enter the scene, the play is irrevocably changed, with George and Martha using the The oldest play of the night younger couple as tools in their was also the funniest: Renfrew’s dysfunctional emotional games. The performance of The Importance of finale was viscerally heartfelt, an Being Earnest. Max Cadman and audience member near me quietly Zach Charalambous were the leading men of the play, sending the uttered an expletive among the swirling moments of silence. audience constantly into laughter with Wilde’s notorious epigrams What was particularly impressive and witty dialogue, delivered with is that they were independently ora natural comedic gusto (especial ganised by students, displaying their praise goes to Max’s signature ability to organise an entertaining parodic Victorian laugh). Meanwhile, and thoughtful night.

Sarah Coop and Lauren Rowe portrayed Cecily and Gwendolyn, Naveen Morris excellently playing off each other in funny passive aggressive scenes.

Apotheosis Journey’s End Set in the trenches near Saint-Quentin, Aisne, near the end of the First World War, the play follows the story of some officers in the British Army, and gives us an insight into the emotions, hopes, fears, victories and defeats that they had to endure on a day-to-day basis.

The costume and set, kindly provided by the CCF and Shooting Departments, gave the audience a real flavour of life in the trenches, and allowed the cast to throw themselves (both mentally and physically) into the action scenes. Clever use of audio and pyrotechnics, coordinated by Guy Lewis, created a highly realistic combat atmosphere, and the amphitheatre and surrounding fields provided the perfect interactive space for the actors to work with.

The entire cast performed extremely well and should be commended for their ability to switch from ensem-

ble member to lead in a matter of seconds. There were however, in my opinion, some stand out performances.

Hugh Isnardi had the audience shaking in its boat shoes with his portrayal of the Captain, barking orders at his subordinates, Murray McClafferty delivered his lines fluently and clearly, showing a natural affinity for the stage, and Owen Tyley provided some comic relief with his portrayal of the bumbling butler.

My hearty congratulations to Chris Bhantoa and Rebecca Baxter for their direction, Guy Lewis, Oliver Branley and Adam Shindler for the audio-visual effects, and the entire cast for making the evening so enjoyable. It was a lovely way to end the year and I look forward to seeing the boys in many future performances as they move up through the school.

TLR

House Competition 2014 Results Hampson Hawking

Marsh

Renfrew

5

7

Golf

3

7

10

5

Netball

3

7

10

5

Football

6

20

14

14

Rugby

20

14

10

6

Maths

5

10

7

3

Shooting

10

7

7

3

Cross Country

20

10

14

6

Creative Writing

3

7

10

5

Basketball

10

7

5

3

Chess

7

3

10

5

Hockey

6

14

20

10

Music

20

10

14

6

Penny Wars

4

1

2

3

General Knowledge

3

10

5

7

Debating

10

7

3

5

Cricket

6

10

20

14

Tennis

7

5

10

3

Junior Drama

7

3

5

10

Drama

5

10

7

5

Athletics

20

10

6

14

Swimming

10

14

20

6

Commendations

6

14

20

10

196

210

234

155

Total

61

Houses

10

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5

Houses

Art

The Albanian 2014 Houses

House Music

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I Remember Him Well James Farnham-Dear

Oh yes, yes. I remember him well,

though I do not know if I would recognise him now: everyone changes, some more than others,

and some of the changes I have seen just bewilder me, Yet sometimes I find it hard to remember my pupils’ strange behaviours

that used to define their school careers and gain respect amongst their peers; some cheeky‑faced rascals who once challenged my every word can become pillars of society; I find it hard to comprehend

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though most turn out much as expected.

that those who used to show such little respect for authority now demand it themselves;

the stories I could tell you about their school days could last for ever.

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I wouldn’t of course, as the stories are too long to tell you now.

Oh yes, I remember him well, the boy you are searching for: he could be easily recognised by his blue spectacles;

he was prone to leave his homework till the last minute and he chatted through his lessons with the worst of them; he would joke, jog, jumble, stumble, smirk, giggle, gurn, gob, mob, mumble,

moan, mingle, groan, offend and defend

his inexplicable actions or dodge reasonable sanctions; unsurprisingly and inevitably he was often sent

to detentions by a stern master, for some small crimes

such as speaking out of turn or letting others copy his homework; he hid in the common room during Abbey,

was, when a newcomer, endlessly tricked by bigger boys

and endlessly tricked newcomers when he was a bigger boy; he whispered in assembly, shuffled on his way to lessons; he added silly, unnecessary words to morning hymns, he shouted out meaningless questions in class, was terrible at maths,

and, as might be expected, was top set English.

Creative

My memories still amuse me today.

Widow’s Manor Aidan Houten

Creative

S

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et in the depth of the countryside, through sprawling lanes and overgrown pathways, is Widow’s Manor. A huge country house, it sits just off from the road, obscured by rows upon rows of hedges along the huge driveway leading up to the house. The building itself is a Baroque-styled house with jutting crenellations and huge pillars of white stone. It could even be mistaken for a small hotel and had indeed been used for that in the past. But the location wasn’t really prime for a hotel, among winding lanes and quiet hamlets barely found on maps. That, and its terrible history.

Although it was built much earlier, it began to thrive in the Second World War. Mothers situated in the big cities paid lots of money to send their little children to Maybury Manor, as it was known back then. It was a place of happiness and contentment, where little children could sit in safety away from the sirens and shells of war. It was run by a kind-hearted young woman who had inherited the estate and, feeling that it was all too much for her, decided to share it with others. And so she did. And all was good, or for a couple of years at least.

Until she met him. They loved each other so dearly, and he became the best of friends to the other children at the manor too, comforting them when they got homesick, joining in with their games, and sharing in their joy. But they met at such a time that parting was inevitable. And one day he got on the train and was whisked off to war.

And though she still seemed joyful on the outside, her smile seemed to have waned, and the glow in her eyes was lost completely. She fretted if his letter came even slightly late and every time a telegram came through she seemed to be on edge, and would not rest until she had read it. And of course when his end came, so did hers, in a way. She would wander round the manor like a ghost, eyes looking but not seeing, ears hearing but not listening. She couldn’t have looked after the children if it hadn’t been for her niece who, like all the other children, needed refuge in the countryside but, unlike them, was old enough to look after herself. She was the one who did all the work, whilst the poor girl just wandered around, calling his name. And eventually the war finished and she was by herself once more, in the silent house, calling his name, over and over. And so she sat by herself and, bit by bit, went mad.

And so nobody visited the Manor. It just stood there, oblivious to the world, cut off from everything and everyone. The water went first. Then the electricity. And then it was just the house and the phone. In fact, the phone company didn’t even realise the phone was outdated until one voice message was left on it, just enough to jolt it back into life on the company’s data banks. And feeling it would be more polite to send someone round in person rather than sending a letter in the mail like all the others (for she had been a good customer to them and they wanted to credit her loyalty), they sent round one of their men to alert her.

The engineer knocked on the door, then frowned. Why was he sweating? He glanced up at the snowflakes falling from the sky, then again at his uniform. Nope, not that.

Was it the way that the vines curled round the house, reaching for the sky? Or was it – the door?

He pushed the door hesitantly, and it swung wide open. He frowned. Who leaves their door open in winter? He walked into the room, and hanging from a rope in the middle of it, was his answer. Susanna Wilde, fifty two, emotionally deranged and – dead.

Dusk

for WH Auden Greg Hacksley The fields, pummelled by relentless heat, gasp As yawning day stretches lethargically

To its close. The magenta twilight rasps

The horizon, and carolling birds in trees Supply a halting evensong as boys,

Released for an hour before prep, shout,

And punctuate the air with heady noise Laughingly in cloying heaps: a high tide

Of exuberance, free from masters’ laws.

Even with the windows thrown open wide It is unbearable to be indoors.

Tonight, when all is still, I’ll move my bed Outside and sleep with Vega overhead.

WH Auden taught at the Downs School, Malvern in the 1930s; during the summer term he took his bed out to the lawn, which served to inspire the opening line of his poem ‘Out on the lawn I lie in bed’, dedicated to the headmaster Geoffrey Hoyland.

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As they cavort, fight, and tumble about

65 Creative

Poems Written for Children

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Going on an Adventure Lauren Rowe

The sun was shining, It was a lovely day.

So we put on our wellies And went on our way.

‘Here,’ said daddy, ‘I shall teach you what to do.

If you crouch down low, Throw it close to the blue.’

We stepped out of the house And walked down the street; We could hear the leaves crunching Under our feet.

So I did as he said And I focused really hard; But it just wasn’t easy; It just fell like a shard.

The leaves on the trees Were gold, brown and red And because it was Autumn, Some leaves had been shed.

I tried and I tried Without any luck, And I started to cry, Sitting down in the muck.

Down to the river We went on our way, Knowing that there we would find Somewhere to play.

Then daddy came over And wiping my eyes, He told me not to worry, I just had to try.

And when we arrived We ran to the bank; I picked up a stone: Plop! into the river it sank.

And after some practice Soon my stones also skipped; It was so great watch How they pranced, leapt and flipped.

‘Stop,’ said daddy, ‘I have something to show.’

Picked up a stone, Across the river he did throw.

‘See,’ said my daddy, ‘You just have to wait; The best things in life Don’t always come straight.’

But this stone did not plop; Across the surface it danced; One, two, three, four leaps.

We were entranced.

Any guesses?

Olivia Clarke

There is a creature Who moves only at night, Lives in the darkness And keeps out of sight.

Big black wings Disappear in a whizz And sharp pointy fangs.

Can you guess what it is?

One word of its presence Can cause many stresses.

Tailed by shadowy myths Have you made any guesses?

The rustling of leaves Signals it’s there, But get up too close And you’ll give it a scare.

It likes fruit and fish And blood that is red.

Beware of its hunger If it’s not fed.

Now my poem is over, So stay where you sat.

Here comes the unveiling: The creature’s a bat!

Its eyes are small.

It cannot see well.

It makes up for that With its sense of clear smell.

It glides.

It soars Over countries, Over wars.

Ashes

T

Sam Machell he long summer days were ending, and as we walked, the trees

trembled with the cool, autumn breeze. The evening drew near but

the sun still remained, hanging on with one last effort, frozen in the

cold sky; all around us stood the army of ash trees, blocking out the light and mocking the feeble sun. Silently.

My father’s boots, crusted with mud, created small craters in the ground

which slowly filled with every raindrop that fell, completely masking what

lay before and shimmering with grey light. My uncles’ boots followed close thin cold blade distorting my reflection as I gazed into it. Tom clapped me on the shoulder and lit a cigarette. The orange flame from his lighter gave the forest new colours, shadows formed amongst the ridges of the grey

bark; shapes danced between the trees in uncomfortable, synthetic motions.

Tom watched me, chuckled, and the smoke rose up above the tree tops in

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behind: Dan, Tom and John. Across his shoulder Dan carried an axe, the

hypnotic plumes gently fading into the grey sky.

‘Don’t you think we’d better get started soon,’called John.

Dan sighed, ‘You’re right, we need as much as wood as we can get

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before the police get here.’

echoed throughout the forest. A mob of crows took off, their morbid

warnings and cackles piercing in the silence. With another chop some

twigs and leaves fell off the tree, catching the light and flickering in the air. As my gaze lowered I saw a small grave under the tree. There were two white planks in the shape of a cross and a small bunch of flowers.

They had been there a long time and the stems twisted and curled around each other like lost lovers. The grave must have been for a child because

it was so small. In the reflection of a puddle I saw my father. He looked at the grave with a curious grief; his mouth was slightly parted as if he was about to say something, but he never did. The reflection rippled as the

leaves fell into the puddle, his face changing, saddening. With every chop

his face rearranged until, by the time the tree fell, I couldn’t recognise him anymore.

Creative

They began to chop. The blunt noise of the axe rang in my ears and

Ideas for Architects, No.2 Pat Taylor

On the First day we demanded shelter, warmth, isolation from what lay outside.

On the Second, Third and Fourth days we demanded all these things but were less strident.

On the Fifth day we asked for light.

Candle, gas, electric: we did not express a preference.

Day Six saw us pick things up from the floor.

Creative

Day Seven was Religious Observance except for those who had already celebrated and those who carried doubts.

On Day Eight, we asked for a door so we could go outside again if we wanted to.

Day Nine was spent indoors.

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Day Ten was spent indoors.

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On Day Eleven the door was opened, and we looked outside.

It would not shut.

Previously published in Sharpened Into Absence: poems inspired by the Polar Museum, Scott Polar Research Institute

Ablation Noun: The loss of ice or snow from a glacier or iceberg, caused by a process such as melting or erosion.

Pat Taylor

T

here was a time I didn’t know what ablation was. According to Miss Treacham only frozen things like glaciers or icicles did it: it wasn’t for me. Maybe that bowl of ice cream sitting outside in the sun was doing it. I remembered the giggling girl collecting meltwater in her cupped hands, the giggling Inuit girl in the anthropologist’s Technicolor film depicting the initial steps in the construction of a kayak.

A film which expressed the ablation of human culture and how, at the places on its fringes, people melt into the world’s open spaces, its deserts and oceans. The skidoo had started to pick up speed now that we had passed the rough ice, and I began to feel the cold. I wish I could recall what flavour that ice cream was.

The Lure of Formula One World Championship Racing James Nutt is often asked what he finds so appealing about F1.

It isn’t any particular quality of the sport that makes it so great, he says, but a combination of different aspects. Here he writes about the most important factors.

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Features

One of the most appealing aspects of the sport is the

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Formula One (the ‘Formula’ refers to a set of rules to which all drivers, teams and cars must obey and was originally yet briefly known as Formula A) can trace its roots back to the earliest days of motor racing. Plans for a Formula One drivers’ championship were discussed in the late 1930s but were abandoned with the beginning of World War Two. In 1946 the idea was revived and in that season the first Formula One races were held and the following year the decision was made to launch a drivers’ championship. It took until 1950 for the details to be completed and in May 1950 the first world championship race was held at Silverstone Race Circuit. Silverstone remains to this day the venue of the British Grand Prix. Only seven of the twenty or so Formula One races that season counted towards the title but the championship was still very much alive. Even when most races were included in the championship, there were plenty of non-championship Formula One races. These continued until 1983 when increasing costs made them unprofitable.

danger involved; the high-speed crashes and the risk of driving the tracks are always things that intrigue and excite the audience.

Forty-nine drivers have died in a Formula One car. Cameron Earl was the first in 1952, but no driver has had a fatal crash since Ayrton Senna’s in 1994 at the Imola Grand Prix, which is the longest period in Formula One history without a driver’s death. This is not to say there haven’t been any close calls in these last 20 years. The 33-yearold Brazilian Felipe Massa crashed heavily twice during Grand Prix weekend in Monaco 2013, in the exact same place both times, once during qualifying and once during the race. He was hospitalised but quickly released; the Ferrari team said that the crash was caused by a suspension failure. Another more life-threatening accident occurred during qualifying at the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2009. Massa was hit by stray debris, a rear suspension spring that had fallen off Rubens Barrichello’s Braun. The spring (which can weigh as much as one kilogram) came into contact with the Brazilian on the front-left side of his helmet, causing him to run off the track, on to grass and then into a tyre wall at the Hungaroring. The spring came at him at such a speed that it shattered part of his visor and

Features

helmet, before coming into contact with his head and putting him into a life-threatening condition. Thankfully he was pulled out of danger in about a week, but his eye was still damaged and his future as a racing driver was questioned. Although the main objective in Formula One is victory and glory on the track, the threat of death encompasses everything the drivers do, so apart from the cars travelling at speeds of up to 250mph, they must be deemed safe to drive. This is why the current cars have roll arches and wheels that stay attached to the car after a crash, to make the race as safe as possible for all participants.

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Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend the Monaco Grand Prix. Because of the way that the Monaco race weekend is scheduled, there isn’t the usual Friday-Saturday- Sunday run of events, Friday is just GP2, Formula Renault and the Porsche Racing Championships. Just to give some kind of idea of the popularity of the Monaco Grand Prix, hotels inside Monte Carlo for the weekend have to be booked a year in advance, and even then they are ridiculously priced.

Driving in from another town is nearly impossible so the main way to Monaco is by train. Every morning somebody almost fell off the train because of the number of people travelling. Once we got off the train, the atmosphere changed drastically. The entire city was taken over by racing fanatics from all over the world. One thing that was more apparent than anything else was the huge bias for Ferrari, which is not surprising as the majority of Monaco’s population is Italian and the Scuderia Ferrari team have had great success in the past at Monaco.

The first practice took place early on Thursday morning. We sat at the Casino Square (turn 3), which is one of the smaller stands on the circuit. It is, however, a popular point because the cars slow down to a speed where it’s very easy to take decent pictures. There were people on the roof of the Café

The excitement and de Paris watching the race, as well glamour of motor as balconies of nearby apartments racing in Monaco which were full to the brim. The

main objective of a Friday practice is to test the car and different tactics on the circuit, such as new gearboxes, suspension and so on.

Formula One has more than 100 sponsors and this is the franchise’s main form of income.

On the Friday there were only GP2 races, but we were fortunate enough to have been given passes into the paddock and the pit lane

by Ferrari. This was something I’ll never forget. We saw pretty much all the drivers in the pit lane and the hospitality from Ferrari was un-

The Saturday qualifying is always the most interesting part for me, as it decides what happens in the race and the lap times are always faster than those in the race itself. To me it seems more of a race than the official one, just all out speed right up to the wire. Nothing to lose, so much to gain. Of course the drivers still have to maintain the tyres in order to get as many good laps out of them as possible, but it’s more about the speed.

On race day the atmosphere was simply incredible. The whole city was cloaked in banners and flags, then after the race it was wiped clean like a chalkboard. People from all corners of the globe were cheering for the teams and drivers To me it seems more of a from their country. The amount of merchandise I saw there was race… just all out speed right up ridiculous, but if you’ve ever got a to the wire. Nothing to lose, so few spare Ferrari tops and a plane ticket to Nice, the place is a goldmuch to gain. mine. I’m not saying that I wasn’t a victim of the whole ‘merch’ scene, not by any means, but it really was believable. We stayed in the Ferrari insane how much some people paid motorhome with the whole team, for something as simple as a pair of including both the drivers (Raiksunglasses. I’d recommend the exkonen and Alonso) and were taken perience to anyone, whether they around the pit lane and Ferrari enjoy the sport or not, because the garage by a Ferrari rep called atmosphere completely hypnotises Marco. He pulled out Alonso’s you to a point where you can’t steering wheel for us and I was think of anything else. It’s not as if amazed to hear that each one costs you have to go as far as Monaco for over £500,000, so being allowed to a decent race weekend experience, hold it myself was a real privilege. though; Silverstone is just as good a place as any.

Commemoration of Benefactors Andrew Grant’s Founders’ Day History Each year, on Founders’ Day, the School pays tribute to the many men and women who have contributed to its development. The list of benefactors provides a fascinating insight into the School’s long history.

We remember next the Abbots and Masters If we set aside our very proper but of the School completely anachronistic horror before the at what might appear to be sexist Reformation, language, and remember that uniand chief among versities to this day do not award them ABBOT the degree of Mistress of Arts or WULSIN, acSpinster of Science, we should uncording to tradition, the School’s derstand that those who give their original founder. knowledge, their skills, their experience, their time, their lives are as With him we commemorate much benefactors as those who ABBOT GEOFFREY de GORHAM, bestow material benefit, because himself a scholar of renown, from benefaction is about doing good. whose family the School’s present The essential quality of benefaction motto derives. ABBOT HUGH de is that it is active. ‘Action’ is in the EVERSDEN and ARCHDEACON second half of the word. Those we JOHN PASSEVANT, together commemorate today were, and are, with ALEXANDER NECKHAM, active in doing good by bestowing foster-brother of King Richard the their gifts in the widest sense of Lionheart, and MASTER WARIN, that word.

Masters of the School. By their good offices, the school grew and The name of our School and our prospered, such that, in the words city commemorates a gift of this of the Abbey chronicler, ‘there

Let us remember RICHARD de NANTES, Master in the late thirteenth century, and JOHN de LANGLEY for their gifts of property ‘chiefly for the use of poor scholars for a grammar school there to be held and kept freely and quietly for ever,’ and with them, Master JOHN HAULE for his gift to the School of its first Latin Grammar.

The last abbot, RICHARD BORMAN, is to some, an ambiguous figure, who appears to have done rather well financially out of the Dissolution of his monastery.

But in his determination that the School should continue he proved a great benefactor, active in doing good to the School. After 1539, it was only through his strenuous and successful efforts in petitioning KING EDWARD VI that the spirit of the School survived at all. Borman was granted authority to maintain a free school for 144 scholars in St Albans, and, for the then-astronomical sum of £100, obtained possession of the Lady Chapel of the Abbey, which was to be the School’s home for 300 years.

Thus began a new phase in the School’s history.

‘Free’ at this time, meant independent and of open access; the school was no longer subject to the authority of the Abbey – there was no Abbey – nor of the Church. The word did not then carry its secondary modern meaning of ‘without charge’. The last of the Abbots and the boy King had given the School the fundamentally independent status it retains to this day and it is proper at this point to remember those successive generations of parents from the School’s earliest beginnings down to our own day, whose fees have sustained the School throughout the centuries.

We commemorate today our royal benefactors: KING EDWARD VI, who in his grant of the city

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The ancient Bidding Prayer you have just heard read by the Chaplain says it elegantly, but you don’t have that in front of you to read, so if you look ahead in your orders of Service to the School Prayer which is shortly to be read by the Head of School, you will find it pretty much defines our purpose this morning more succinctly. We are here to give humble and hearty thanks for our founders, masters and all other benefactors and it is clear from the syntax that the two first categories are included in the third.

would hardly be found in England a better or more fruitful school, or more useful or giving greater opportunity to its scholars.’

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n this day, we, the living School community, are gathered in this ancient Cathedral and Abbey church, whose history we have so long shared, to remember before God with grateful hearts all those who have in their generation and in diverse ways been active in using their gifts for the good of this School.

sort. So let us begin our Commemoration by remembering one who, in today’s parlance, gave shelter to a refugee; took in an asylum seeker and ultimately surrendered his own life in exchange for another’s rather than renounce the belief he had come to hold. A paradigm for the St Alban, from whom principles embodied in this School’s the City and School motto: Born Not for Ourselves: take their name Alban. He could not, of course, have known what he was beginning. Not in his wildest imaginings could he have conceived of a school community such as this, in regular and instant contact at the touch of a button, by satellite, radio waves and fibre optics with a global brotherhood of other schools commemorating his name on other continents of whose existence he knew nothing, across a world he probably didn’t know was round.

But he was active in doing good; and in his martyrdom he gave all a man can give. In so doing, he made the fundamental gift of his name to city, church and School.

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charter of 1553, made provision for the Mayor and Burgesses to receive an endowment of £40 for the maintenance of the grammar school.

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QUEEN ELIZABETH I, and with her, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, our chief benefactor, Sir NICHOLAS BACON. It was at his petition that the Queen granted to the Mayor and Burgesses the right to appoint ‘two discreet and honest persons dwelling within the borough of St Albans’ to sell wine and each keep a tavern – just two in those days – in return for which right, they must pay £20 per year for the relief of the Master of the School – a grant that was subsequently enlarged by KING JAMES I. Sir Nicholas deserves a word or two more: by all accounts, in his capacity as a judge, he was, by 16th century lights, remarkably fair-minded, though his sense of humour could be questionable. The story is told of his trying a man called Hogg, who asked for clemency on the grounds of consanguinity, in that hogs and bacon are closely related.

‘A Hog becomes Bacon only once it is well hanged,’ was the alleged retort, as the hapless prisoner was led away. The product himself of a meritocratic system and deeply committed to education, Bacon gave the School statutes that were, by the standards of the day, liberal and enlightened. His insistence that no pupil should come into school with his hair uncombed, his hands or face unwashed, with dirty boots or stockings, or with torn or unbuttoned clothes seems liberal, enlightened and bang up-to-date to this headmaster. His curriculum, too, again by the standards of the

day, reflected a renaissance humanist outlook and was distinctive in the stress it laid not only on the Classics and Mathematics, but also on the value of modern languages as well as physical exercise. In this, in his commitment to seeking out the ablest people and educating them as well as possible, expecting in return that they would pay the community back by engaging in public service and in his belief in education as a great liberator, enabling the underprivileged to achieve their potential, Bacon foreshadowed later educational reformers such as Dr Arnold and bequeathed to us an ethos that endures in our School to this day.

However, recent new research that has revealed that Hylocomius came to St Albans from a previous appointment at the newly – founded Queen Elizabeth’s School in Barnet, has brought to light the name of THOMAS HOLDEN, native of Lancashire and fellow of Brasenose College Oxford. Holden, it appears, was the first Master appointed by Sir Nicholas Bacon; he remained in St Albans after resigning the Mastership and he later became vicar of St Peter’s.

Under the scholarly leadership of such men the School flourished and rose to eminence through the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

It is perhaps the supreme illustration of the Machiavellian statecraft of Sir Nicholas Bacon that he is remembered as our principal benefactor for having bestowed on the School little of his own money, but three hundred years’ worth of other people’s until the rights under the wine licences were The importance with which gifts to finally surrendered to the Treasury the library were regarded reflects in 1922. So I might argue that for the cost and value of books at that the School’s survival across the time, and we remember FRANCIS, centuries, the people we should be son of Sir Nicholas Bacon, SIR commemorating with gratitude are RALPH ROWLETT and URSULA the tavern keepers, and by direct GARRETT for their benefactions, and logical extension, the drinktogether with SIR SAMUEL GRIM- ers of old St Albans town, some of STON; BENJAMIN MOTT, Citizen them, no doubt, heroically commitof London, JOSEPH MARSH; DR ted in their charitable zeal and the EVANS; STEPHEN ADAMS, Alder- mightier their efforts, the greater man of this Borough; JOHN COLE, the thanks due.

Rector of the Abbey and CHARLES, Sadly, history has not vouchsafed identified only as ‘Gent,’ who are to us the names of any of the latter recorded as benefactors on the group, but of the former, the fame library board. of ANN MARKS, landlady of the It is fitting that on this day we Peahen, lives on. remember two great Headmasters: JOHN HARMER, later Regius professor of Greek at Oxford University, and JOHN THOMAS HYLOCOMIUS, famous grammarian, to whom a memorial in this Abbey was erected by his former pupils and of whom the mayoral records speak thus: ‘We have had and still enjoy a singular jewel whereby the School hath flourished and become In 1800, the Headmaster, JOHN famous and we hope still to enjoy PAYLER NICHOLSON, a particular him’. hero of mine, took out a private For want of any better evidence, prosecution in Chancery against it has long been supposed that the her for selling wine without a latter was the first recipient of the licence. It was fortunate for Nicholrevenue from the wine licences. son, who had given up his salary From this time we remember also RICHARD RAYNSHAW, Sergeant at Arms, THOMAS HALL Doctor of Medicine and his wife, MARGARET and RICHARD PLATT, master brewer and later founder of Aldenham School, for their gifts of land and property.

to pay the costs of the test case, that he won, but fortunate for the School, too, since the verdict reestablished the School’s right to the revenues and secured its income.

What makes the story particularly piquant is that Ann Marks had been Nicholson’s chief sponsor in his appointment as Headmaster three years earlier. Quite how she felt about her protégé’s subsequent behaviour is not recorded but let us commemorate them both today, as thoroughly human emblems of a far-sighted endowment that endured for 300 years.

From this more recent period, we remember particularly CHARLES WOOLLAM and his wife MARY, for their bequest of the Causeway field, the tennis court at Belmont Hill and the Belmont playing field, the later sale of which ultimately made possible the purchase of Cheapside Farm, the site of the new Woollam Playing Fields and pavilion. Through careful stewardship, the Woollam bequest has been a gift that has gone on giving.

We remember AH DEBENHAM, for his many acts of generosity, and REGINALD KENT and COLONEL AB CLIFF who left to the School bequests from their estates.

For their endowments of bursaries and prizes, we commemorate ALDERMAN ARTHUR FAULKNER, MR NW SWINNERTON and MRS LILY SWINNERTON, and for his gifts of funds for the establishment of the Pen Arthur Field Centre, we remember ALDERMAN JAMES BAUM. As representative of the many others who gave for the endowment of prizes, or to improve the School’s facilities, we remember AJ EASTCOTT, EP DEBENHAM, RO SANDERS, E HAMILTON, MRS SARAH TURNHAM, A RENFREW, the REV EAB ROYDS, MRS DOROTHY MORRIS, LT YOUNG, GEORGE WISHART, EW TANNER,

Charles Woollam, whose benefaction ultimately made possible both the Woollam Playing Fields and the Sports Centre

Of more recent date we remember GEOFFREY PRYKE, Old Albanian and Schoolmaster, the generosity of whose will founded the School’s first academic scholarships. We remember too, for his significant benefaction, the late PETER COX OA. We commemorate our past benefactors, but we cannot thank the dead, nor repay to them the debt we owe them. We can, though, honour them by emulating them in giving to the future, for we were once their future and they had faith in us.

‘Not paying back, but paying forward’ encapsulates, in his own phrase, the philanthropic philosophy of NICK CORFIELD OA, mathematician, inventor and computer program designer who is the most prominent Benefactor of Cambridge University’s Centre for Mathematical Sciences and who, in the last few days has committed to extremely significant support for our own ‘Unlocking Potential’ campaign, both for Capital Projects and for the Bursary Fund.

That faith to invest in the future is shown, too, by the trustees of the 948 FOUNDATION in their award of an annual sports bursary; by the WOLFSON FOUNDATION; by members of the GATEWAY SOCIETY, who have pledged legacies to the School, and by the Members, Patrons, Fellows and Benefactors of the

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By the middle of the nineteenth century, the School’s fortunes had waned to the point where its very survival was threatened. For its revival, we commemorate with gratitude the REV Dr NICHOLSON, Rector of the Abbey, GW LYDEKKER, HJ TOULMIN, The REV WJ LAWRENCE and the Headmaster HENRY HALL, who were responsible for the purchase of the Abbey Gatehouse and the Governor’s House with the garden and field adjoining, which are now the Upper Yard. By public subscription in the town and county, they raised money for repairs and alterations which began to bring into being the School we know today.

To these must be added that large company of parents, Old Boys and friends of the School, through whose generosity in subscribing to past development appeals the School has been enabled to enhance its buildings and facilities, and those individuals, trusts and companies who have given no less generously for the endowment of bursaries. Among these, special mention must be made of HJ JOEL, JR GOODY in memory of LILIAN GOODY; the OLD ALBANIAN CLUB, and of those who brought into being the JOHN CLOUGH AND TOM THORNTON MEMORIAL FUNDS.

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It wasn’t the only spat over the wine licences: in 1724 the Court of Chancery’s commission of charitable uses – there’s nothing new under the sun – concluded that the Corporation had been abusing its position, not only in relation to the School but also to other charities, by fraudulent accounting. They calculated that the School was owed £1,029 12s by the Corporation and was entitled to arrears of interest. I’m sorry to report that the debt has never been discharged and our legal advisers tell us it remains enforceable against the Corporation’s successor in title.

Our archivist has calculated that, allowing for compound interest and the rates prevailing over the centuries, St Albans City and District Council owes the School approximately £19.6 billion and, obviously, I count it as the greatest failure of my headmastership not to have recovered the debt.

NORMAN and LYN PARKINS and ERNEST NIGHTINGALE.

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ST ALBANS SCHOOL FOUNDATION among whom JOHN MEULKENS, PHILIP RATTLE, CHRISTOPHER FEWKES, NEIL OSBORN, JOHN and ALISON DAVIDSON, NIGEL WOODSMITH and PETER DREDGE have, like NICK CORFIELD, joined the historic tradition of major Benefactors, as has former Chairman of Governors, ROBERT SHARPE. To him and his successor as Chairman, IAN JENNINGS, we are grateful not only for their material generosity, but for the many years of service they have given to the School.

The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will show forth their praise.’

It is right and fitting that we should honour all these, our benefactors; we are the heirs of their benefaction and the School is their living memorial. Our obligation to them is good stewardship of our inheritance, to pass it on to our successors enriched by our own generosity and service.

And, indeed, if in this our act of Commemoration, we appear to focus particularly on those who have been the School’s material benefactors, yet it is right that we do remember those many men and women, their names now long forgotten, who down the centuries have devoted their energies to its service as Governors, Headmasters and teachers and by whose benefaction of wisdom, scholarship and guidance, successive generations of pupils have been brought up in godliness and good learning.

Let us commemorate them in the words of Ecclesiasticus: ‘There be of them that have left a name behind them that their praises might be reported/ And some there be, which have no memorial; who are perished as though they had never been; and are become as though they had never been born; and their children after them./ But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten/

The developments of the Woollam Playing Fields and The Sports Hall have been made possible by benefactions and careful financial management. Future exciting developments for the School will also depend on the generosity of contributions to our fund raising campaign ‘Unlocking Potential’.

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OC’s Report

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A range of activities in a busy year

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This year has been very successful for the CCF, and the new look orchard area, with the extra space we have behind Aquis Court, has allowed us to provide the cadets with a well-structured training programme, planned and run by our U6 cadets, without whom our variety of training would not be possible. We are pleased to say we are soon going to be able to offer archery as one of the CCF activities for which we have to thank the projects office for their support in purchasing the equipment. The year saw us having a very successful Winter Camp as well as record numbers qualifying in both Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards. The shooting team got the year off to a good start with a very successful tour to Jersey and has continued to go from strength to strength. This year we did not attend a Summer Camp because of our commitment to our third Tanzania expedition. However, to avoid disappointing the younger members of the corps, an excellent five day trip was organised at Pen Arthur for them.

The Biannual General Inspection loomed again in May, and as usual the cadets excelled in making the day a very special occasion, and allowing us to show our Inspecting Officer Brigadier GHFS Nickerson (our own Brigade Commander) the contingent at its best. The evening saw us holding our annual dinner where we said farewell to the headmaster in true military style and thanked him for all the support he has given us over the past 20 years.

Finally I would like to thank all the people that have supported myself, Mr Wilson and our Officers and Cadets. These include the Cadet Training Teams, the Coldstream Guards whose support makes such a difference to us, and the Senior Management, for allowing us to continue with our challenging and rewarding programme.

KJE

Pictures form the Biannual General Inspection

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Tanzania Adventure The third CCF trip up Kilimanjaro orphanages. We knew we had a big challenge ahead of us, with only five days to do as much as we could to help improve the lives of the children. Each orphanage had different needs; the baby home, though very well run, needed a lot of staff due

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When we returned from the 2010 trip to Tanzania we had no plans to go again, but not being able to walk away from a challenge, we soon found ourselves talking about a return. We had the idea that by going back, we could allow more of our cadets to enjoy this great experience soon grew on us, and before we knew where we were, we found ourselves putting together the 2014 trip and agreeing that 36 was probably too many. So as you do, we ignored this and settled for 43. We knew this was going to be challenging but felt we could make it work.

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Our third trip to Mwanza was just as successful as the two previous ones and to date the CCF has raised £55.000 for the Orphanages in the City.

Phase Two: Safari.

After the success of the 2007 and 2010 expeditions, it was important to ensure we could make the trip work again, and as you will read, we not only did that, but with the amazing support we attracted, were able to surpass even our own expectations.

43 Cadets and 8 Staff set themselves the challenge of not only trying to raise more than £30,000 to offset the cost of the trip, but also wanted to raise £15.000 to help our selected charities.

The Forever Angel s Baby Home One of very few or phanages dedicated to taking children aged 0-5 years old .

Watoto Africa

A very poor orph anage with 100 children of all ages ; it needed all the help it could ge t.

Village of Hope

A very well run or phanage where the children are housed in bungalows.

Phase One: Mwanza Having had all our inoculations and started taking Malaria tablets, we left Heathrow bound for Mwanza on 23 July, arriving the next day. The group was checked into the Isamilo Lodge hotel for a good night’s rest before starting our challenge of helping to provide for the three

the very large tree standing in the middle of the pitch and blocking our goalkeeper’s view. We gave them £1500 to build cooking shelters for all 6 of their Bungalows and a further £500 to buy footwear for the children.

The charity work was a key part of this trip

After the challenge of the previous six days, the group left Mwanza looking forward to visiting the Serengeti National Park and a three-day Safari. Over the first two days and nights we were lucky enough to see a very wide range of game including four of the ‘big five’, and only the rhino eluded us at this stage. We left our campsite on the last morning having been visited by both lions and hyenas during the night, though our guides were always on hand to keep an eye out for unwanted visitors. Our route to the young age of the children, to Moshi took us through the and paying them is always a major Ngorongoro Conservation Area challenge. We donated £5000 to into the Ngorongoro Crater where help with paying the staff, and also we were finally lucky enough to see rebuilt the children’s sandpit, whilst our rhino and complete the big five.

Joe Redwood and his fellow artists We left the Crater at the end of decorated the main playroom with day three, dusty and dirty but happy an excellent Lion King painting. to have had such a successful safari.

On top of all this the cadets spent We were now heading for Moshi many hours entertaining the older and the prospect of climbing Mount children in the garden.

Kilimanjaro.

Watoto Africa needed a lot more Phase Three: help and amongst the items we went out to buy for them were Mount Kilimanjaro a water pump, 90 pairs of shoes, school uniforms for 90 children, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest (without which they were not mountain in Africa standing 5895m high, and is also the highest freeallowed in school), cooking pans, utensils, and mattresses. We also standing mountain in the world, a formidable challenge. We were helped with the redecoration of the outside of the buildings. Watoto climbing on the Marangu Route.

Africa has one of the leading The climb took six days stopping football teams in the area and we over in mountain huts at night, also sponsored a football tournawe spent our first night at the ment, providing prizes and food for Mandara hut at 2700m, still in everyone. We entered two teams the edge of forest, and very wet. ourselves but were no match for The second and third nights were the orphanage teams. spent at Horombo, sitting on an We only took half of our party impressive plateau at 3800m with to visit Village of Hope and played equally impressive views. The third day’s walk was an acclimatisation football against them as well, they walk, returning to Horombo for beat us 11- 1, but I blame it on

Winter Camp Shhh! It’s a night exercise ‘Two days of blizzard snow and wind,’ ‘freezing conditions’ and ‘bashers collapsing leaving you at the mercy of awful weather.’ After hearing these horror stories and receiving many sarcastic ‘good lucks’, it is safe to say on the coach to Mereworth Woods Training Area I was incredibly apprehensive. The reality was miles away.

Phase 4: Kunduchi Phase four was to be spent at the Kunduchi beach resort, just outside Dar es Salaam. The group was now ready for some rest and recuperation, and the resort with its beautiful Indian Ocean beach was the perfect place to rest and reflect on the trip. This was an excellent way to finish off a very rewarding and challenging three week expedition of a lifetime.

Thank you to all who supported on this expedition, and made it possible to help so many.

KJE

Party at the peak: arrival at the summit of Kilimanjaro

After a slightly disturbed night’s sleep, Day 2 arrived. For the juniors this meant Survival with Mr Whitehead: camouflage and casevac (first aid – military style). This means lessons on how to put first aid knowledge into practice on the battlefield when decisions can be life or death. Our victims suffered from a broken arm, which meant blood absolutely everywhere, as well as shock. Casevac was also taught to the seniors along with fire manoeuvre and section attacks.

Fire manoeuvre saw pairs advance on their enemy by ‘pepper potting’ - switching between advancing and covering their comrade. Once they were a sufficient distance from the enemy and at an advantage the pair performed a fight, charging at the enemy, eliminating all in sight and securing the location.

After preparing lunch, the ambush began. We were split into three groups: two cut off groups on either side of the larger killing group in the middle, which contained the Platoon Commander and Sergeant. Lengthy explanations and many practices followed until dark. When 2100 hours came, we were ready. A2s and LSWs were issued and we were lined up. As we marched in formation, it was silent, bar the wind and occasional sound of a boot. The operation was

It was, as Major Everitt told us, the best night ambush he had seen at a St Albans Winter Camp. Congratulations to all involved, especially the leaders whose expertise and leadership ensured such success.

Merits also to the new ICs and 2ICs and to all other cadets. Thanks to all those teachers involved who put their time and effort again and again into making the camp so enjoyable.

Lauren Rowe and Matthew Feast

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the night. On the fourth day we climbed to Kibo Hut at 4725m, from which we were to make the final ascent that evening. The climb to Uhuru Peak began at 10pm and took eight hours, climbing to the 5895m peak mostly in the dark and with temperatures dropping to as low as -15°. 32 of the Cadets and 7 Staff ‘summited’, with the descent taking two days and completing a very successful climb.

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Day 1: arrival. The eighty cadets split into two sections: juniors and seniors. Being one of the five girls, and the only new cadet in the Sixth Form, I joined the juniors. Bashers were set up and dinner was cooked so by the time dark had fallen we were ready to go on a night patrol.

In groups we silently navigated the woods finding codes (and more excitingly food) left by the enemy. The aim was to gather intelligence all in preparation for the main event of winter camp – the ambush.

slick and we arrived at our final rendezvous point and gathered in an all round watch. After the signal that our destination was clear, we moved in. All were positioned along a bank at the edge of the field, guns ready, waiting and watching.

An eerie silence. Waiting. Then a rowdy group appeared on the far left: the enemy had finally arrived.

They walked on, unaware of us just metres from them, poised ready to fire. All that was left now was the signal: the flare. As the enemy moved across us, it appeared red, bright against the backdrop of total darkness. Then they let loose twenty or so rifles, each firing as many rounds as they could. ‘Stop.’

We did so. Waiting. ‘Move and shoot.’ As the attackers, we immediately responded to movement from the enemy. Once the attack had been completed we escaped as quickly and quietly as we could, back the way we came. Everyone’s heart was racing and with adrenaline pumping, we experienced the incredible feeling of success in an attack.

Shots on Target

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The shooting year

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This summer proved to be a bitter sweet ending as we lost the group who have provided the core of the shooting team for the last four years. Tom Chapman and Alessandro Rossi started training with me in my first term at St Albans and have given up time and effort to the squad ever since.

Harry Lampert a year later and Lily Moran a year after that then joined them. I have been lucky to have such a dedicated team for the past two years. As they leave, they leave with the increase in numbers of students in the 3rd Form, bolsterbehind a legacy of teamwork and ing the squad under tutelage from comradeship. the seniors and allowing us to The year started with The Hertbuild up to 4 teams by the summer fordshire Schools’ Trophy, The competitions. Of particular joy Emsall. With such a strong senior was the progress that the A team squad, confidence was high to made, dominating their summer th retain the Emsall for the 4 year league from start to finish, with all running. It turned out to be a specmembers of the team averaging tacular year – the A team equalled over 92.0. the all-time highest score, the C team finished just behind them with Coles Trophy a score high enough to win half of all the previous competitions, We were very pleased to welcome and the School entered a record 5 back the OAs this summer for teams. It was also pleasing to push the Coles Trophy. They included the Habs A team back into 3rd place two very recent graduates in the once again. form of Trudy Cammack and Chris Oates. Indeed it was these shots Next were the West Kent Rifle that separated the OAs from the League and the Prince of Wales current squad and passed the Cadet Shoot. These two competiColes Trophy back to the OAs for tions were new to the School, the first time in 3 years. A pleasant hosted by the West Kent Rifle club. afternoon was completed with a Cadets were required to shoot barbecue, followed by the presentathree targets during the Autumn tion of a new trophy supplied by term. In principal this should have the class of 2014. This was for the been straightforward, however, with highest handicap score in the Coles the Emsall and BSSRA competitions by a current pupil and was awarded also taking place, a lot of pressure to Matt Crossley. was put on range time. With extra sessions arranged and some cadets shooting 4 targets in one night, all 54 targets were completed and sent off before the winter break.

Harry Lampert and Tom Chapman received Prince William of Wales Badges for finishing in the top 10 in their class.

In the U16 competition all of our junior shots finished in the top 30 and received West Kent League medals.

The bread and butter of any shooting year, the BSSRA, proved to be a valuable training ground again this year. We started with the largest squad for 4 years, fielding 3 teams in the first term. I was pleased

Imperial Meeting – The Ashburton

Judging the wind and taking aim

With a squad of nine full-bore shots, the decision was taken this year to enter an Ashburton Four and School Four. This provided an internal competition with all members of the squad having the opportunity to be selected for the first team. On the first day, the signs looked promising for high scores all round with very light winds and clear skies. However, as the week progressed the wind strengthened and shifted to a very tricky head-wind. As a result, scores across the ranges dropped and it was only the strongest shooting schools who managed to hold the centre V. We were privileged to have Matt Crossley as a dedicated wind coach for the week, providing a consistent presence on the point for our shooting coaches. The team of Lampert, Chapman, Tyler and Rossi were eventually selected and stepped up to the mark, producing a very respectable 3rd place finish.

As always, the squad also took part in supplementary competitions.

As in the last two years it was the Cadet 1K which proved to be the highlight. This year the team finished in 3rd place, with all the cadets enjoying the challenge of the long distance.

Awards OAs and current shooters battled it out for the Coles Trophy

There was little time needed to decide upon this year’s Top Shot and Junior Shot.

Harry Lampert has challenged for the top award for the last two years and this year he surged ahead of his peers, maintaining an average above 95 at .22 and scoring the highest aggregate in the Ashburton.

I wish him every success for the future and hope that he will continue shooting at university.

Although only in 5th Form, Hamish Tyler maintained a senior team place throughout the year and shows the potential to challenge for the top spot in his Lower Sixth.

In the Ashburton he displaced three Sixth formers to earn a place in the first team.

Team Results: Competition

Position

Score

Ashburton Fours

3

322.13V

Team Cadet 1K

3rd

94.5V

Meltis Cup

3rd

469.23V

Gallery Rifles

6th

112

Schools Fours

8th

319.5V

Devon

rd

469.23V

20th

DSG Trophy

33 and 35

348.13V and 339.13V

Victoria College Trophy

40th and 43rd

307.8V and 280.7V

rd

th

Individual Results:

Cadet 500x Aggregate Victoria Tankard Cadet 1K

Thanks

Finally a big thanks needs to go to the senior squad who have provided help, support, laughs, icecream and tea in huge quantities.

They have been a very special group and I will miss them tremendously.

DSR

Gallery Rifles

Position 33rd 26th 38th 81st 85th 29th 37th 6th 8th 14th 23rd =25th =25th 29th 32nd 45th 56th 10th 16th 19th

Score 41.1V 20.0 34.2V 33.3V 64.4V 34.3V 34.2V 24.2V 24.1V 23.2V 23.0V 22.2V 22.2V 22.1V 22.0V 20.0V 19.0V 47 38 27

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CCF

As always, the shooting squad could not keep going without the support of certain individuals. Kenny Everitt and Bill Wilson give us endless support through the CCF to ensure that we have the time, money and equipment that we need. I am also thankful to the Foundation for the extra funding that allowed us to increase our stock of equipment. Owen Simmons has been an indispensable help, giving up weeks of his time to help develop the squad and once again assisting at the Ashburton Week. I would also like to thank James Lockhart, Pauline Mills and Simon Hughes for assisting on trips and tours throughout the year.

Only Mr Russell is authorised to handle the more technical equipment used in shooting

Cadet Aidan Collins Jacob Vialou-Clark Harry Lampert Tom Chapman Tom Chapman Alessandro Rossi Aidan Collins Alessandro Rossi Aidan Collins Harry Lampert Hamish Tyler Ben Chrisp Lily Moran Will McKay Tom Chapman Jacob Vialou-Clark Matt Crossley Will McKay Matt Crossley Ben Chrisp

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Competition Spencer-Mellish Reserve Iveagh

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The Will To Win 1st XV Rugby

Habs is a ground we have often failed to dominate, but we always had the advantage and ran out comfortable 36-12 winners.

Hampton School is also a school we have struggled against recently, having beaten us for each of the last four years from the start of the fixture. Despite a huge rally in which we pulled a few tries back, we couldn’t recover from being 5-14 down at the interval, and fell to a 13-19 defeat. We started poorly at Haileybury College, with too many silly penalties resulting in us going behind early. With GSB driving them on we came back with impressive tries and held on to win the game 44-28.

A new fixture came next against Richard Hale away, and a big, physical pack, many who played for

The Herts U18 Final was played on 12th December at the OA Club.

With several players out injured or unavailable it was going to be tough. This was not ideal and when Next we were away to Watford GS Thrale went off we were struggling, and a ‘double fixture’ for the tradi- but at half time SAS led 11-3. The tional friendly and the semi-final of defining moment of the game came the U18 Cup. In the semi-final the when Haileybury broke the first going was not fast, yet some slick line and Gott saved the day with a moves enabled the backs to score remarkable tackle. No score in the six times and record another emsecond-half was testament to the phatic win, 48-0. A much tougher resilience of the defence. We were match followed against our old winners for 2013, though Haileyfriends QE Barnet, on their heavy bury were unfairly second in this pitch. In the second half we scored even battle. three times, featuring one of the The last match of a very long best individual efforts I have ever season was away on St George’s seen with Scott side-stepping five muddy pitch. Not for the faintplayers within the 22m line. We hearted, this was a battle won by won 26-6.

SAS with three tries for captain Facing Bedford Modern School Turk: an emphatic 41-0 victory to at home, we were up against it. crown a very successful season.

Lacking size, we had to play fast and CCH & GSB loose. With Scott out injured and always under pressure, we were 9-10 down at the turn-around. A dramatic match saw Ekanem seal

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The rugby season began with a match against Berkhamsted School, a traditionally tough fixture. A good start after five minutes and it was 11-6 at the break. Scott converted after Rose’s second, and these were the only points of the half. This was a pleasing start to the domestic season, but although we won 18-6, it was never certain. The match against Merchant Taylor’s at home was one-sided, stopped 17 minutes into the second-half at a 54-0 win.

Following a mid-week game, we had the visit of our great friends, St Albans College from Argentina.

The School led 13-5 at half-time and went on to win with tries from Rose, Turk and Scott. Three penalties and two conversions from Scott took his personal tally for the day to 15 points, contributing to a 26-17 win.

a 24-15 win against the odds. A disappointing day away at Stamford School saw us lose for only the second time in the season, 0-35.

At Aylesbury School, a very poor first half saw us in an underserved lead, 21-10. Up hill and against the wind G Rose scored and Sayers made an individual break from our 22m, but they scored last to typify a lacklustre day. It was, though, still a win, 35-15.

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the local club, proved a force to be reckoned with. It was another slow start for the second match in a row, but when our forwards lifted their game, the ball became available at speed and our backs were too strong in the end, leading to a 26-12 win. A Hertfordshire U18 Cup Match followed against Bishop’s Stortford at home. Wet conditions and a general malaise by both sides for this morning fixture did not help, but CCH was delighted to attend (with his own chair) to witness a rather unimpressive performance. 19-0 was enough to progress to the next round.

Rising to the Challenge 2nd XV Rugby With the successful tour of Australia over, the 2nd XV found themselves once again on home turf with our preseason tournament. This was a chance to come together and try different combinations, and our results reflected this.

Sport

We opened our season’s account with a convincing win against Berkhamsted, 43-3, followed the next week by a 42-3 win against Merchant Taylor’s. The strength of the team was evident – we outclassed both sides, scoring, it seemed, at will.

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Habs took some beating, but sound defence in our own 22 restricted them to just one missed penalty, before we claimed three quick penalties. 14-0 at half time became a 26-0 win, showing our fight and team spirit.

We knew that a bigger challenge awaited us: Hampton. Fired up by pack leader Arjan Bains, we went 3-0 up with a penalty before we strung a series of phases together, and a change of direction lead to a 2 on 1 with Josh Southworth finishing in the corner to take us 8-0 up at the break. More dogged defence couldn’t prevent a Hampton score, but another try following a quick ball delivered

by Chris Williams took the final score to 16-7, a proud moment for the squad.

We dominated a smaller pack in a 33-15 win against Haileybury and a strong performance against Richard Hale took us to a 46-15 win with a stand out try from Bolaji Anifalaje After half term we faced Watford Grammar, traditionally a hard match.

We struggled in

defence at first, but after absorbing the early pressure we ran out 64-7 victors. We led for most of the match against Beaumont’s 1st XV; going into the last play of the match we were 22-17 up and deep in Beaumont territory. A wide attack from the scrum saw Beaumont slice through our defence, seeing them score in the final moments. No one could quite believe that we’d let it slip, but to have come this far into the season without a loss was a good achievement.

A visit to QE Barnet saw a return to winning, settling the mood before the prospect of Bedford Modern. Missing several key players by this point due to promotion, injury or illness, we sadly lost 5-14.

If ever there was an occasion to rise to, it was Stamford away, knowing that we had a chance to turn over the giants of our fixture list. After the restart, Stamford were ruthless in their attack. They carried strongly, winning a penalty and drove to line to score from the ensuing lineout. The remainder of the second half was well contested, with Richard Thrale leading with some excellent carries, assisted by Josh Benson, Mike Slater and the workhorse Chris Hodges. We put in a fantastic effort but went down 21-3, a scoreline that did not represent the match.

At Aylesbury we had a point to prove. We were 10-5 up at the break, courtesy of a Rob Goldstone try, but conceded early in the second half after sustained pressure. This proved the release we needed, and from the restart we quickly regained possession and scored in the left corner after a great link up between Josh Southworth and Harry Turner. Another try on the right wing looked for Jake Yeboa after a stunning solo effort put us to 29-10.

The end of season derby with St George’s finished a strong season.

Jack Perrin pulled the strings at 10, and strong performances from Rory Barlow, Jonny Muir and Fergus Browne in the pack gave our outside backs try-scoring opportunities ably taken by Hugo Rawlinson. A strong 34-0 win was an appropriate way to round off a strong season.

Our season of 10 wins from 13 matches with 394 points for and only 124 against, placed us 4th in the London SE division, a very impressive achievement, but one we know we had the potential to beat.

James Barber

Critical Thinking U16 XV Rugby Played 13, won 5, lost 8. So reads the summation of a disappointing season.Yet the devil is in the detail; six of those 8 reverses were lost by a single score. Oh, what might have been.

We were again away the following week, travelling to Haileybury.

Playing on their impressive first team pitch we made a promising start, then allowed them back into the game and, as we approached half time, looked set for a close

Home for what turned out to be our penultimate match we entertained Stamford. Last year, this team had been the only side in the School not to lose this fixture, and it was clear from the off that these were two well matched teams. However, in a match of fine margins, the opposition scored all of their 12 points whilst we had a man in the sin bin, and we could only muster 5 in reply. Once again, our accuracy and discipline had let us down.

With St George’s unable to raise a side on the final Saturday of term the match away to Aylesbury ended up being our last fixture. Once more we afforded the opposition a head start and, despite showing plenty of endeavour, found ourselves with too big a gap to claw back and we lost, once again, by a solitary score.

In a season of near misses it is my sincere hope that this very likeable group of young men have learnt some valuable lessons in rugby. The first is to take the points when they are on offer, whilst the second is the importance of taking responsibility for oneself. Too often they allowed the game to happen to them, only taking it by the scruff of the neck once the proverbial horse had left its stable door gaping. If they can act upon these points, both individually and collectively, during their time in senior rugby, then they have every chance of making a very positive contribution indeed.

My thanks go to James Gallagher, the captain, for his efforts to manage a demanding set of players and a no less challenging coach, and to all of the players for their efforts. My thanks too to all of the Woollams staff, and to the parents, whose continued support helped the boys through some difficult moments.

DMP

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Sadly, our next fixture took us to Hampton, whose quality of rugby was some of the very best that I have seen at this age group. Despite our best efforts, particularly in a determined second half performance, we were well beaten by a superior side. It was clear that the boys’ morale was being affected.

defence and commitment in the second half, had left ourselves with too much to do to go on and win the game. A familiar story.

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encounter. So it proved, although not in the way that I had envisaged.

We found ourselves down to 14 men with more than 35 minutes left to play and so began probably the most impressive half of rugby that the team put together. Spurred The first half performance at into life by their sense of injustice, Berkhamsted was the worst that they produced a brave, stoical and I have presided over as a coach. resolute performance, edging an Lacking in commitment, enthusiasm, impressive win, Tom Savage to the and accuracy, we found ourselves fore. a long way adrift at half time.

However, a second half in which we With the final fixture of the half showed some ‘dog’ saw us claw our term being cancelled by Richard way back into the game. We were, Hale, we embarked on tour to Biaron balance, a justified second, but ritz in good spirits. Unfortunately, the split personality of this team we lost the first two fixtures by an had already shown its head(s). aggregate of 3 points, having once again left numerous try scoring opAway to MTs we showed plenty of portunities and kickable penalties endeavour and, in a feisty fixture, out on the field of play. We won the were in the game until the very final fixture of what was a most enend. Unfortunately, despite the best joyable week, yet it remained clear efforts of all involved, the lack of that the rugby maturity of some of accuracy and inability to maintain these players still had considerable our composure at crucial times led room for development. to our second reverse. We dominated territory, yet turned down The second half of term started kicks at goal and spurned a number well with impressive performances of try scoring opportunities and we yielding big wins against Watford lost by 7 points. We had made an Grammar and QE Barnet. Then, inauspicious start to the season. away to Bedford Modern we found ourselves embroiled in another Habs were our visitors in the next dogfight and, despite making a good fixture, bringing a well drilled and game of it through some splendid skilful team. Once again, we started slowly, were naive in defence and found ourselves 21 points adrift at half time. However, we brought on skipper Gallagher, whose services we had been denied in the first two matches, and the game turned on his strong carry off the shoulder of Carter at 10. We had the momentum, never let it slip, and we had secured that precious first victory.

A Mixed Bag U15 XV Rugby The U15 rugby season was a rollercoaster ride; the team had its ups and downs but finished impressively.

We began against Berkhamsted with an emphatic win but were halted by Merchant Taylor’s. This was a disappointment for the team as we had beaten them the previous year. However, we managed to pick ourselves up in time for the Stanford match, which was won convincingly against tough opposition. But friendlies weren’t just the only thing we had to worry about. The NatWest Cup began promisingly with a convincing win against JFK and then the team went

on to beat their rival, St Columba’s. Unfortunately, we were beaten after a tough match away to Bloxham School, playing most of the game in our own half. A close defeat to Bedford Modern was a disappointment for the team but this led us onto overcome rivals, Watford Grammar, 17-15. The season ended well with a convincing win against St George’s. Congratulations to the team as we had a brilliant season with everyone playing their part as well as they could.

James Lear

On the Up

Sport

U13 XV Rugby

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The U13A team showed much improvement this year in terms of results and player development.

Several early wins against Habs, Hampton School, Richard Hale and Watford Grammar all provide evidence of this. The team’s highlight was one of the best turnarounds seen in school rugby, losing 5-12 at half time to an always strong Bedford Modern team, to later win 33-22 after some choice words at the break and the back line rallying themselves to play some excellent rugby.

In terms of development, the team has further improved in terms of technical ability and tactics and possesses a much stronger defence.

The back line has been the greatest asset with some superb individual performances from Seb Adolph, Cameron Furley and James Cooper, aided by excellent passes from Alex Nejad. Justin Ram and Jake Maries have impressed on several occasions since joining the A-team with their pace and strength. The forward pack has improved greatly in terms of structure and support, giving the team greater momentum when attacking. Atabay Rose demonstrated fast breakthroughs into the opposition’s defence. The physicality of the Captain Ayo Olukotun has certainly impressed with an ability to clear out several opposition players from rucks and make try saving tackles and he receives the U13 player of the season. Sam Bentley received most improved player this year for his body position in breakdowns and aiding the forward pack with strong carries into the opposition defence.

RDD

High Hopes U14 XV Rugby The U14 rugby teams all enjoyed very good seasons, tinged with disappointment for the As at the very end of the term having lost in the County Cup final to Verulam School. Nevertheless, the A team only lost three matches all season, the B team lost two and the Cs were undefeated.

The A team suffered from losing key players. Kyle Douglas was out for half the term with a shoulder injury and there were prolonged spells of injury for Max Swan and Hugh Mawer. Despite this, other boys stepped up to fill their places and special mention for great progress must go to Cameron Harvie. The player of the season award was won by Stephen Heaney.

Highlights included the A team beating St Columba’s for the first time and the Bs delivering a

massive victory over Aylesbury Grammar School. These successes were partly due to the introduction of some great players who joined us from prep school, including Max Fryer and Charlie Scott – the latter’s kicking ability adding a new dimension to the A team’s play.

All teams improved a great deal during the term, especially in terms of technique around the ruck, running patterns of play and counter-attacking after turning over the ball. The skills developed will stand them in good stead for next season.

A final mention must go to captain of the A team, Freddie DeaconGregory, who always played the game with heart and soul and led the team very ably.

AWF

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The (Hoc)key to Success 1st XI Hockey

Sport

“Out of any team at this school I’ve coached, this is the team that has come the furthest,” said Mr Langston. We may not have necessarily started off in the best of places, but by the end of this season, some quality hockey was being played.

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As is becoming the norm, the side was bolstered with three ‘young talent’ 5th formers, whose stick skills and gameplay proved essential to the side. That didn’t change the fact that over half the team already had 1st team experience, and with getting very good at doing. Again, the core of U6 senior pros, the after dominating for much of the tactics were already in place to take opening play, we let them get back on some tough competition into the match.

The season started with the annual The second half of term kicked off match against a Harpenden men’s with our most challenging match side. Despite dwindling numbers in of the season. Felsted was a clinipre-season training, the team put cal outfit, and we reacted poorly up a strong effort to draw 1-1. to turnovers, ending the first half The first school fixture against 7-1 down. An animated team talk Merchant Taylor’s is always tough, helped to step up our game and we and we were proud to come away ended the match only 8-4 down. with a 1-1 draw. By this point, our This was followed up with strong defensive presses were working wins against Haileybury, 4-1, and nicely, and this gave a great platform Hitchin, 3-2. Having lost to Leys to build on during the season. last year 7-0, we had our work cut Away at Habs we dominated the out for us this year. Most improved first 25 minutes, but a counterplayer ‘Hustle-Hard’ Hugh Myers attacking goal from the opposition hustled incredibly hard to keep an left us in shock, and nothing we did opposition England U21 player out proved effective. A 2-0 loss was the of the game, and Robbie Goldstone final result, but we learned a lot, defended the D impressively. It both mentally and tactically. showed how far we had come that we were disappointed with a 1-1 Our first away game also saw our draw. first win of the season against Windsor. We stepped up and pro- This performance preceded a 7-0 duced some dynamic, free-flowing destruction of Mill Hill, again highhockey to win 2-0. lighting the improvements made, with Dan Burnley scoring the most Dulwich was an important game incredible disallowed hat-trick ever against a proper hockey-playing seen on Woollam’s playing fields. He school. Going 1-0 down, we had just scores when he wants to. many chances to equalise, but despite the enduring efforts from Towards the end of the season defence and midfield, nothing went came possibly St Albans School in at the other end. In the dying hockey’s most defining moment moments, however, a penalty from a whistle-stop tour to Suffolk to the hockey badger James Oliver play two eastern-hockey giants, secured us a well-deserved draw.

Framlingham and Woodbridge. The Saturday game saw a 6-1 annihilaWe were thrilled to come away tion of Woodbridge, after which the with a 1-0 win against Watford boys enjoyed some much needed Grammar, turning last year’s 5-0 R&R at the finest Holiday Inn loss on its head.

Suffolk had to offer. When we finally The next fixture was an abrasive got Luke Bevis out of the showers, match against Aldenham, in which we headed off for the second we came away with a 2-2 draw, match of the tour. Against Framsomething we seemed to be lingham, we won 2-0, led by some

sound defence, rounding off a fantastic tour. Moment of the tour has to go to Hugh Myers, who ruined his first-and-only 1st team goal with one of the most tragic celebrations ever seen in sport.

Action in Suffolk (above) and Tim Richards hits out (below)

The final game of the season was played against a Dr Challoner’s side who proved just too skilful for our travel hardened outfit. Going 2-0 up early on, we thought the game should have been ours, but Challoner’s battled hard and eventually came away with a 5-4 win. This was a disappointing end to an otherwise immensely enjoyable season.

The six senior pros particularly would like to thank the coach, Mr Langston, for all the effort he has put in to our school hockey for the past few years. What we may have lacked in stick skills, he has made up for ten-fold in tactical prowess.

And finally our ‘hit first, think later’, striker George Scott would like to personally extend his thanks to all of the umpires for getting on with him so well throughout the season.

Joe Zacaroli

Onwards and Upwards 2nd XI Hockey

Giving it Our All

RDD

U16 XI Hockey The new season began with the away at Merchant Taylor’s School and a newly organised side as

Home to HABS Saturday afternoon and a disappointing 1-1 draw. We had several chances and did all we could, but failed to beat the keeper who played well. It was decided to play against Dulwich 3rd XI who was, as expected, not very skilful, but enthusiastic. On a very narrow pitch with little room to play, the 4-0 win reflected our superior knowledge and skill.

Watford were good on their own surface, although our work rate was excellent and we troubled them,

Following half term our U16A guests were Felsted School: a competitive and skilful opponent who wanted to win more than us. We had an open goal when 2-0 down and then four further good chances.

With confidence waning we defended more and more only to concede three towards the end. Morale sank and 0-5 didn’t reflect the two sides’ standard. Next, home to Hitchin GS and a battled 2-2 draw. We were better and could and should have won, but it was good to re-establish morale having gone behind twice in the game.

The Leys School are always a good contest and away makes it harder. The Man-of-the-Match was Senouni in goal who made many great saves and it was 0-0 at half-time, but when they eventually beat Senouni they did so repeatedly as the defence lost confidence (lost 0-4). Then came a match (and a marvellous England player) that showed what happens when all confidence is gone. We did score one, but ‘England’ scored five alone with runs and the team added four more.

The last game of the season took us to Mill Hill and perhaps an opponent less practised than many. With some individuals of good potential, but a structure with obvious holes, we were given time and that helped greatly. Edmond scored 2 as did Spooner and the 4-0 was justified for what can be a good side and with the others players back from 1st XI duty, a very good side. It was a great pity it was so disrupted. Well done to the lads for their perseverance and tp Metcalf who captained and played very well to gain a place regularly in the 2nd XI. CCH

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three had been selected for the 1st XI Squad (Thomson, Edmond and Hemsi) and Cook was injured from Cross-Country. On a cold morning on the water-based pitch went down 2-1 despite good play.

Strategically the more aware, we lacked personal close skills to capitalise. This problem was to show itself throughout the season. Haruna scored the only goal by ‘poaching’ at the back post.

levelling at 1-1 with fifteen to go, only to concede two more. Our defence was slow to react at times and Senouni made some good saves. A new fixture was to follow and away on a Wednesday to RGS High Wycombe. With our three players back for the day from the Firsts, we had greater control, especially up high and right. A great match ensued with us taking the lead through a back-post sweep by Bosatta.

Drawing 2-2 with time running out in the fastest pace game most players had played, pressure produced an error and Hemsi struck well from the top of the D for a 3-2 win. One of the best U16 matches I have seen.

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In a highly successful season the mighty 2XI finished with a superb 83% win ratio. The team however, started slowly with a 2-4 loss to Merchant Taylor’s, which was rectified the next week with a 3-1 win against Habs. Five wins in a row ensued with an excellent 3-1 and 3-0 results against Dulwich College and Watford Grammar respectively. Felsted proved a little too strong, and we went down 2-3 in a closely fought and excellent game of hockey. A 3-1 win against the Leys school toward the end of the season cemented the quality and success of the team winning 10 out of 12 strong fixtures. The whole team deserves a mention for their individual performances but must include Noah Lipschitz, James Barber and Nick Stride (Captain) who disrupted the opposition attack and distributed the ball wonderfully, and Chris Williams, Dan Burnley and Joe Sayers for their great goals. Luke Wilde controlling the game in the middle with Harry Turner and Chris Wharton made excellent saves. It has been a great pleasure to coach this year’s 2nd XI.

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Sticks and Stones

The Big Dream

U15 XI Hockey

U14 XI Hockey

The U15s had a remarkable season – in that no matches were delayed, cancelled or postponed due to the weather, quite the opposite from the previous year.

The U14 Hockey team started their season away at Merchant Taylor’s, At half time it was 1-0, but we still had a lot of work to do.

However, it ended 1-1, a tight affair.

The season started with a close 1-1 draw with Merchant Taylor’s, captained by Hugo Stephens. In which St Albans led for most of the match but a late equaliser denied us the victory. Next we had a solid 7-0 win against Habs, but we should have made more of the opportunities and put away several more.

Our second game of the season was at HABS. After we’d scored before half time, HABS equalised against the run of play, but we hit back via debutant Gus Laws-Mather, and a well-worked goal from Max Swan wrapped up the win.

This was then followed by a tough game against Dulwich College, in which we lost 4-1. This proved to be a turning point and our play from there went downhill - but some excellent saves from Sam Alexander as goalie kept us in it, and we were unlucky not to score again.

The U15s then travelled to Harrow and secured a 3-1 win, which was followed by a splendid Harrow tea, making the journey more than worthwhile.

A good 1-1 draw against Watford Grammar was next - whilst our visit to Aldenham was physical, but we played well and were unlucky to come away with a 0-1 loss. A scrappy 0-1 loss against Hitchin broke our run of good play.

Perhaps one of our best performances of the season was against Felsted, losing narrowly 3-2. A great improvement from the 6-1 defeat the year before.

We had a good performance against Haileybury, coming away with a 2-1 victory - but we went down to The Leys 0-2, and did well to hold out against an onslaught of well-worked attacks. The following week we turned things around, and won 2-0 against Dr Challoner’s.

The following match continued in this vein, with a great performance against Mill Hill - winning 4-2 to end the season strongly.

VS

Next up was Dulwich College, a game which we won 3-0 due to some top class defending and finishing, a good win to take into our next game.

Our luck didn’t last, with the first loss of the season a 1-2 defeat to Bishops’ Stortford College. Our third home game of the season against Watford Grammar was a dominant display which finished 4-0, before a scrappy affair against Aldenham with neither side taking complete hold on the game, but St Albans grabbed the first goal in what was a hard fought, 1-0 win.

Haileybury then made it 2-1, before Jamie Sanderson went through on goal and scored, making it 3-1 at half time. In the second half, we played with less enthusiasm, yet, after a well worked counter attack, Gus Laws-Mather scored to make it 4-1.

We arrived at Cambridge, to discover we were playing the Leys’ U15 B side, a physically stronger side who opened the scoring after 15 minutes. St Albans showed little energy and produced some poor hockey. The Leys scored once more after half time, meaning 2-0 was the final scoreline after a disappointing display, the age gap proving the difference on the day.

Our fourth away game was against Dr Challoner’s; our biggest victory of the season. We dominated early on, and, although Challoner’s scored after the break, Gus went on to complete his hat-trick, before Tom Fulton scored the fifth to complete the 5-1 rout.

Our last game of the season was away at Mill Hill. A tough affair, We had another home game, this although we managed to make it time against Harrow, in which we 1-0 through Alex Scholefield. After unfortunately went down 6-1. They half-time, we continued to put were by far the superior team, and pressure on the opposition goal it was a tough day for us. and made it 2-0 through a lucky finish from Gus Laws-Mather. We A 1-1 draw against Hitchin and a held out to win after some great 1-0 loss against Felsted in Essex brought us up to an eventful match saves from the outstanding Freddie Deacon Gregory, a comfortable against Haileybury. win to finish the season on.

After 15 minutes Alex Scholefield Will Thompson produced an excellent finish to put us 1-0 up, before Milan Yick scored from close range to make it 2-0.

A Mini Miracle U13 XI Hockey The U13 hockey team had a slow start to the season but as it progressed the team built upon every match and finished the season with success. The county minis were the biggest success of the season where only a last minute goal in the semi-final halted their progress to the regional competition. Wins against Habs and Watford Boys in the group, who had beaten us earlier in the season, paved the way alongside an 8-0 victory against St Clement Danes. Although it was a shame to miss out on the final, a lot of lessons were learnt throughout the season in tough losses which will undoubtedly help in their progress next year.

TNR

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Mr Hudson’s Last Stand

Sport

1st XI Cricket

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This was an exciting and successful season for a talented crop of players. The season got underway with Dr Challoner’s at home for a 30 over game. Challoner’s won the toss and fielded first. St Albans started well on a firm wicket, and the first wicket fell at 100 with Barber run out for 37. Captain George Scott went on to get 85, but only Goldstone made double figures afterwards and 5 wickets fell for 10 runs at the end of the innings. Nevertheless we were set well with 168-7. In reply Challoner’s made 142 all out in the 27th over. The result was never really in doubt, despite their lower order scoring the runs after Taylor took four early wickets. Although the Haileybury fixture was rained off, the weather cleared up for us to host the National T/20 quadrangular with Haileybury, Aldenham and Langley Park.

Again we were put into bat and made a paltry 98, our captain top scoring with 23. Questionable umpiring, and an unbroken 48 by their captain saw them home in the sixteenth over, and we crashed out of the cup.

We were drawn against Aldenham for another year, achieving the same result. We decided to bat and reached 167-5 with Burnley scoring an impressive 66, assisted by Armstrong’s 40. In reply Aldenham managed only 97, with a wicket off the last ball. The final was against Langley Park who elected to field, and bowled skilfully to restrict us to 142-9 with runs from P Scott (28), Goldstone (23), Burnley (35) and Lipschitz (23). We responded with tight bowling and it was good to see Killen getting two wickets after his illness, as well as two for the captain, restricting the visitors to 97-8, which sealed a victorious tournament.

Aylesbury GS chose to bat first.

The first wicket didn’t fall until 78, but the fourth at 160 was worrying. However, few more runs were added and they finished on 168-6.

In response Lipschitz scored 70, helped by the top five, and we won with an over to spare by 4 wickets.

score of 217 was commendable but without the captain and other strike bowler, this was a challenging match.

The first day of the St Albans School U18 Twenty/20 Tournament saw us with a rare loss in the opening match. Our decision to bat first proved fatal as the outfield dried and the wicket played more easily. 130-6 was not enough, and we couldn’t contain them as they won with seven balls remaining.

Haberdashers at home came next, and they were restricted to 164-4 from their 40 overs. Consistent bowling from George and Patrick Scott held back the visitors, before exceptional batting ensured the win – George Scott hit 103 not out and Patrick Scott exactly 50 not out.

We had everything to do after this loss, but we managed to cruise past King’s School II from Parramatta, Australia for 3 down in 15 overs.

Next morning a strong Reigate side pushed hard after inserting us, but a very good 166-5 was enough to win by 24 runs. Third/fourth play-off was another straightforward win and we finished third by 30 runs, feeling that we could have won the tournament.

The first match after half term was against tough opponents Berkhamsted School. A pleasing bowling and fielding performance restricted the home side to 142. An excellent 48 from G Scott reduced the target quickly. A spate of strange decisions followed, and we unfortunately lost by 13 runs.

Merchant Taylor’s School followed at Woollams. The captain won the toss and an excellent innings by P Scott (82) helped us to 175-8 against some accurate bowling.

With Taylor injured, 14 year-old C Scott stepped up. He came on second change and took 5-5 from 6 overs to change the game.

MTS rallied, but a good run out

by P Scott kept them down. They Bancrofts followed, and without finished 128 all out and we had a Captain G Scott, Robbie Goldstone fine win by 47 runs. An ‘Extra 1st took charge and fared well. A shaky XI’ was put together for the visit of start left us 12-2 before a stand Caulfield GS on tour, a poor game between Goldstone (71) and P. in which we scored 161-5 in 35 Scott (74) helped us to 141 for the overs, losing by seven wickets. third wicket, and we finished on a The Saturday match was away to strong total of 194 all out. In reply Bedford School, an unbeaten oppoTaylor bowled 7 overs for only five nent who reached 131-2 when the runs, putting enormous pressure on rain stopped play after 23 overs. incoming batsmen, and Bancrofts were all out for 171. P Scott was The annual MCC Match was played man of the match with two wickets on the traditional Tuesday, with as well as his 74. one batsman scoring a century and another 91 after two missed opThe following fixture was the portunities. 243 runs to chase in 40 National T/20 away at Merchant overs was tricky, and no-one went Taylor’s School on a Friday night. further than Lipschitz’s 55. The final

The President’s XI was an enjoyable game, but we were never really competing, and they finished 161-9 after 40 overs and three wickets each for Knights and Killen. In reply we had 54 from Burnley, and 35 from Killen made him Man of the Match.

Juniors will have to work hard to match the exploits of the 1st XI

Time goes by, and this will be my last 1st XI report as I take my leave as Master i/c Cricket after twenty years. I wish my successor, Mr Ilott, all the pleasure I enjoyed during my wonderful time at the helm.

CCH

Angel’s Ascent 2nd XI Cricket The season commenced with a midweek fixture against Dr Challoner’s where we showed off the quality of this year’s squad. The opposition batted first, and were restricted by some tight bowling to 96 for 9 off 30 overs, Alex Thomson bowling 3 for 11 off his 6 overs, and Will Pickworth with 3 for 16 from his 6-over spell.

However, our batsmen laboured to the total, and only snatched victory with 10 balls remaining.

were bowled out for 118 off 29.4 overs. Jamal Faisal opened the bowling well and recorded figures of 3 for 18 off his 6 overs. The St Albans top order surpassed the target in 16 overs with 8 wickets in hand, and the top performers were Jaymee Malkan (44) and Joe Zacaroli (43).

Due to rain, our final match against Bedford was delayed, and reduced to 20 overs a side. Zacaroli fell early on, bringing Malkan to the crease. Angel and Malkan’s second wicket partnership then terrorised the Bedford attack, and after they fell for 59 and 61 respectively, the middle order helped boost the score to 171 for the loss of 6 wickets. The run rate was hard for Bedford to beat, and they reached 107 for 5 off their 20 overs.

CJE

In Rainbows U15 XI Cricket The U15 team experienced the vagaries of an English summer having only two matches started in the first half of term. Cancellation on Saturdays was probably the theme of the term and this disrupted the continuity required to improve consistency and form. The matches that were played at the start of term yielded hard fought wins against Bancroft’s and Haberdashers by 2 wickets and 5 wickets respectively. Against Bancrofts, Goldstone (51), Townsend and Stewart batted sensibly to chase down a total of 153 in 34 overs. In the Haberdashers match a 74 off 43 balls from Will Stewart turned around a match that seemed to be drifting away at the half way point in our innings chasing 151.

While the team competed well in the second half of term, they found themselves coming out on the

wrong end of very tight matches.

In the County Cup a good batting performance in the first round saw them beat Verulam by 14 runs, but then we were beaten in the next round by Watford Grammar, who chased down our total with relative ease. In the District Cup the eventual winners Sir John Lawes beat us; this game went to the wire with St Albans ending up 7 runs short at the finish of the 20 over match.

More Saturday matches were cancelled due to the rain until we finally played a block fixture with Merchant Taylors. This was a good team performance against a very strong side and, having restricted them to 158 from their overs, we started brightly but finally ran out of steam and wickets in a chase ending 16 runs short. Our final block fixture with Bedford proved a lovely drive with no cricket; again

the torrents of localised rain in Bedford thwarting our efforts to play. The season concluded as a damp squib, having lost five Saturday fixtures to the weather without a ball being bowled.

This group was a delight to work with and remained committed and positive throughout; their skill sets improved and collective unity was encouraging. My personal highlight was our quick-change act at Merchant Taylors with the 12th man having to sit in shorts as one of our company had forgotten his whites, so with each change of field we had a change of ‘pants’. I look forward to their continued progress in this sport.

MJL

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Wilde topped the wicket tally for the season with 10 and Pickworth topped both the bowling and batting averages with 8.4 runs per wicket, and a batting average of 95, and was only dismissed once. Dan Angel’s outstanding contributions with the bat earned him 355 runs at 59.2, and Most Improved Player for the 2nd XI.

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We travelled to Habs next, and in a tough fixture our bowling and fielding was uncharacteristically erratic.

Habs set a high target of 182 for 9, The batting improved against and we had to respond positively Haileybury, and opening pair Angel with the bat. Angel (46) and Oliver and Pickworth raced to their fifties Laws-Mather (39) opened well, but with some ease. Pickworth fell for the run rate was too high and the 78 but Angel grabbed his hundred, wickets started falling. The middle run out on the penultimate ball for order had a lofty run rate to chase, 136, giving the team 246, a huge and despite good totals from Zacscore for the opposition to chase. aroli (30 not out) and Jack Killen Our bowlers kept the pressure (26 not out), ultimately we were 7 on, Thomson taking 3 for 5 from runs short.

5 overs, and Luke Wilde adding We bounced back in our next another 3 wickets. Haileybury’s home fixture, and dismissed batting merely delayed the ineviAylesbury for 95, George Mactable with St Albans running out Gregor taking 4 for 11 off 3 overs winners by 104 runs. and Wilde contributing 3 for 11.

The two home matches against Angel hit an impressive 56, and QEB and Berkhamsted were we strolled to the total in just 15 washed out, but the away fixtures overs and with 9 wickets in hand, a at Bancroft’s remained. Bancroft’s welcome return to winning ways. (with ten players) batted first and

We then faced Merchant Taylor’s, and with captain Joe Zacaroli absent, Will Pickworth stepped up, inspiring a wonderful fielding performance. Pickworth himself took 3 wickets in 14 balls, and MTS were dismissed for 78. Our batsmen scored their runs quickly and purposefully, and St Albans cruised towards a 5 wicket win.

Leaving The Opponents Stumped

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U14 XI Cricket The season got off to a wet start with the Berkhamsted, Haileybury and QE Barnet games being called off. However, we began our first few fixtures strongly, grabbing a comprehensive victory over Bancroft’s by 9 wickets, having bowled them out for 74. This was followed by wins in the early stages of the County Cup. The first test came when we came up against a strong Habs side. After what seemed to be a strong performance with the ball, reducing them to 130 all out on a good pitch, the batting started poorly with early wickets lost.

However, a first recovery was led

by Kyle Douglas hitting a powerful 36 before his dismissal caused another collapse. St Albans were left with 4 runs to win off 2 balls. In his A-team debut, Henry Callender strode to the middle and dismissed his first ball over mid-wicket for four, sealing a 3 wicket win.

With further wins against Aylesbury Grammar, Watford and

got off to a strong start by running out their opening batsman in the first over but unfortunately it then went downhill with Haberdashers reaching 120, a total they should never have been able to attain. The batting never looked threatening, and we were victim to several early wickets, meaning that we went on to lose. This was a very disappointing result as the side had far more talent than the opposition.

Aldenham in the County Cup, we once again came up against Haberdashers in the semi-final. St Albans

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Everything In Its Right Place U13 XI Cricket The U13s had some promising moments during the season, however, to win a game of cricket, all the elements have to be in their right place. Indeed, there were many occasions on which having restricted to, or dismissed a side for a smallish total a good batting performance was required to complete the victory. The team did improve throughout the season, and pleasingly we were only dismissed once.

The most noteworthy victory was against our local rivals, St Columba’s, in the District Cup: we held them to 72 for 8 and chased this total down for the loss of only one wicket. Hubbard was man of the match with 3 wickets and 37 not out, and it was unfortunate that the final was hindered by rain but, having lost only one wicket, we were well behind the run rate and, with no prospect of further play, the other side were declared the victors.

However, this was turned around at the weekend with a win against a very strong Merchant Taylor’s side, with Kyle Douglas smashing 55 not out to win the game by one wicket in the last over, and the 10th wicket partnership making 40 runs with some stubborn batting from Aman Jha. The next weekend they once again came up against a strong Bedford side, who showed their class where St Albans didn’t. This was a massive disappointment, as we beat them the year before Overall, the Under 14s won 9 out of 11 of their games, but had the side performed to their best all year round, it would have almost been a guaranteed 11 out of 11.

Charlie Scott

We were also unlucky in the County Cup. Having held Parmiter’s to 92 for 8, we were heading for victory until some late wickets held us to 91 for 6, and a loss by the smallest of margins.

There were some fine individual performances during the season: Khan’s 44 not out against Aylesbury Grammar School and Hubbard’s 35 against Parmiter’s were two fine knocks, with Khan and Hubbard also reaching double figures in the number of wickets taken. Jagsi bowled line and length, Baskaran could turn the ball, Samarasinghe developed into a fine off spinner, and Nejad varied the attack with his left arm over and his late order batting.

This was a developing team; but they were all a pleasure to work with. Overall they had great team spirit and they played the game with the right attitude; I look forward to seeing them flourish in the future.

BSB

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Lads on Tour

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Playing football in Portugal

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The Football Tour to Portugal took place between the 13th and the 19th of February, involving 32 boys from the U15 and Senior squads and 4 members of staff. Meeting at Woollams at 4am the Thursday morning before half-term break, the tour party caught an early flight and arrived in Lisbon with enough time to settle in to our base in Costa da Caparica, a seaside resort area just to the south of the city. That afternoon saw the first of three matches for both teams against the local club side. The U15s, perhaps weary after their early start to the day and finding it difficult to adjust to the 3G synthetic surface went down 3-1 after going ahead by a goal to Ollie Harris in the first half.

This was the first time this group of players had played together since last season and they were outmatched by a side that had been playing together since October. The seniors re-established English pride in fine fashion by pulling apart their counterparts 5-0 in a commanding performance. Despite being bedridden the day before the tour departed, Fraser Titchen stamped his impact on the match with a brace of goals and as many assists.

Jordan Bayer-Goldman, George MacGregor and Dapo Osinuga (scoring with his first touch) completed the rout.

The second pair of matches against GC Corroios in warm, dry conditions, proved a much more challenging affair for the seniors.

Mike Slater led a stoic defence in a man-of-the-match performance, but unfortunately was unable to prevent his side from falling to a 0-2 defeat against a very professional-looking outfit. Without their star player, Tolaji Bola who was injured in the first match, the U15s began their second match well and could have gone ahead early on, but for Ollie Harris’ attempt on goal being kept out by the opposition keeper. Had this shot found its way into the back of the net, the complexion of the game could have changed. Unfortunately, St Albans conceded shortly after, but fought hard to remain competitive even in the face of an 11 man substitution by the opposition on the hour and could have levelled through a Lars

Tuinema free kick in the second half. The score ended 0-1, however, the result could have gone either way in a see-saw match.

The last set of matches saw us playing another club side, CAC Potinha, on the grounds of St Julian’s School under their floodlit synthetic pitch. The party was given a surprise encounter by a member of the school’s current teaching staff before the matches.

Unfortunately the appearance of former SAS Economics Master Alan Carman did not prove to be a good omen. The U15s, although bolstered by the return of Tolaji Bola, conceded early in both halves through defensive errors. Despite striking back through the header of Joe Galliford, St Albans were given a lesson in football by the most technically skilful side at this age-group that any members of the coaching staff had seen. The match ended in a 1-4 loss, reflecting the gulf in ability between the two sides. Although they had not won a match, the U15 squad learned much from these fixtures and through the quality of their opposition appreciated why football is also known as the beautiful game.

The seniors dominated the opening spell of their match, but were hit twice on the counter-attack.

The 0-2 score-line at half-time did not reflect the level of dominance St Albans showed. With the introduction of 1st XI captain Jordan BayerGoldman, the side were injected with some much needed impetus going forward and he had a hand in both goals in a niggly second half; scoring one and setting up Kit Akin for the other. With momentum swinging the way of the touring side, we were unable to retain our composure under constant pressure to put the nail in the coffin and the game ended a 2-2 draw.

With a win, a draw and a loss, the senior squad had a more success-

ful tour, despite being weakened by several key players deciding not to travel.

The best tourists were awarded to Ollie Harris in the U15 squad and Mike Slater for the senior squad.

The best payer trophies were awarded to Tom Goldstone and Robbie Tominey-Nevado for the U15s and Seniors respectively.

Outside of the matches, the touring party were giving a variety of experiences to give them an insight into the Portuguese way of life.

A visit of the impressive Estadio da Luz, home of Benfica was one of the highlights. We met Vitoria and Gloria, the two eagle mascots of the club. The boys were then treated to a Primiera Liga match between third placed Sporting Lisbon and lowly Olhanense. While the match was a fairly insipid affair, ending in a 1-0 win for the home team, the boys joined in with the fans’ exuberant support, testing out the local chants they had learned from the local tour guide.

On one of the free mornings, we visited the hillside town of Sintra; its palaces and castle having played host to a number of celebrities including Johnny Depp, Agatha Christie, Lord Byron and Hans Christian Anderson. The tour then continued to Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of continental Europe and the beaches of Cascais and Estoril, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Jose Mourinho have holiday apartments.

Another highlight late in the tour was a visit to Oceanario de Lisboa, the largest aquarium in Europe, the centrepiece of which is a 5000 cubic metre tank that is home to over a hundred species, including sharks, rays and a giant ocean sunfish.

While the football results were not in our favour, the tour itself was a success; the boys gaining much experience from playing football in Europe and visiting some of Lisbon’s most famous sights.

CJE

Best Foot Forward 1st XI Football

Robbie Tominey-Nevado

Bittersweet Brilliance U14 XI Football 2014 was a relatively successful season for the U14 Football team, as the campaign kicked off with three hard-fought draws as we struggled to find our best combination of players. These included a 2-2 draw against St Edmund’s (both of our goals scored by Charlie Scott), a 1-1 draw against Beaumont, and

a 4-4 draw against Haileybury; the last of which should have ended in our first win. But after being 4-2 up going into the last 10 minutes of the match, a series of silly defensive errors caused us to concede two very late goals. When victory finally came, it came in an emphatic fashion with a 9-0 win over Round-

wood, the first of five dominant displays over the course of the season, which ended in equally onesided scorelines.

A narrow 0-1 loss against Dr Challoner’s was followed by another big 7-1 win, this time against Sandringham. In the last Saturday game of

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game of the tour was a far more even affair, played on an extremely narrow pitch, ending with a 2-2 draw that was well earned by both sides. Overall the team coped very well with the alien conditions, competing with teams that play in a very different style to ones that might be encountered in England. Furthermore, it proved an excellent bonding opportunity for the squad, leading to a cohesiveWith half-term approaching, all ness that perhaps had not been so eyes were focused on the joint 1st pronounced before the tour, and XI and 4th Form Tour to Portugal, provided the opportunity for two which proved to be as big a success 5th formers, Jack Swan and Dapo as the previous tour to Cyprus. In Osinuga, to stamp their authority near apocalyptic conditions, the on the First Team, setting them up First Team overcame a stubborn well for the 2014-15 season. Player local outfit, winning 6-0, and since of the tour was Robbie Tomineythe score was 0-0 at halftime, it is Nevado, who has been chosen as clear to see superior fitness was a captain for the following season, key factor in their eventual victory. and special mention must go out The second match of the tour to dominant performances at was surrounded in controversy, the back from Michael Slater and as kick off times were swapped Matthew Feast, as well as to the around, and the Firsts went down midfield duo of Freddie Scutt and 2-0 to a very technically able club George Macgregor, who added the side, who benefited from the hot perfect mixture of defensive steel conditions - as our players began and attacking flair to a team that at to wilt in the midday sun, they only times appeared unplayable whilst grew more energetic. The final on the offence.

Although not a season filled with trophies and material gain, 2013-14 has certainly been valuable to the Firsts, setting them up perfectly for the following season, where the chances of success have seemingly grown, as the squad Taking a free appears to be much larger, and, kick (above) Joel following the coming of age of the Rabinowitz running Arsenal U17 and now England with the ball (below) U16 player, Tolaji Bola, relatively stronger also. Finally, since this was the final year where the Firsts were coached by Messrs Forbes-Whitehead and Wilson, a great thank you must go out to them for the many years of toil and effort they have devoted into school football, turning it from a mere afterthought on the sporting calendar, to one of the main events, creating a legacy of success in both the District and LB Cup that will most certainly be continued under the wise tutelage of Mark Ilott in the years to come.

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Plagued by injury and with countless players not starting in their natural positions, the First Team made it through a turbulent season with a measure of success.

After exiting the County Cup to a very strong Roundwood side in the Autumn Term, they bounced back almost immediately, putting together a strong string of results, including big wins over St Columba’s and Bishop’s Stortford, two of the few occasions when a full strength team was able to play. The Spring Term began on a far stronger note, with a hard fought victory over a team from the Cold Stream Guards, an annual fixture that often proves to be anything other than the friendly it is recorded as. This game coincided with a return to form of this year’s captain, Jordan Bayer-Goldman, whose explosive bursts from midfield and regular appearance on the score sheet have proved invaluable during the three years he has played for the Firsts.

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Making a Racquet

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the season we drew 1-1 against of ending District Cup Runners Up St Columba’s in a match of two and scoring 47 goals in 11 matches, contrasting halves. After dominating with 5 wins and 4 draws. the first half, scoring an early goal George H Leigh and missing several other good chances we let St Columba’s take the initiative in the second half.

The defence stood up robustly against the opposition onslaught, denying them several good scoring opportunities, but conceded from a corner with only minutes remaining – a disappointing result after holding onto the lead for such a long spell of the game and meaning we only had 2 wins and 4 draws from the seven Saturday matches played.

The last few weeks of the season saw us begin our run towards the District Cup Final. The first couple of rounds resulted in resounding wins: including a 6-0 thrashing of Townsend; an emphatic 7-0 win over Roundwood and a trouncing of Marlborough 9-0 in the semifinal. Kyle Douglas was particularly devastating up front in the last two of these matches, terrorising the opposition’s defence and scoring four goals in both games. Propelled into the final against Verulam our confidence was high, even with Kyle unavailable. After a nervy start, we conceded early on and were chasing the game for the rest of the first half. A welcome break at half-time allowed us to regroup and come out attacking. We controlled much of the second half and our pressure finally paid off, in the form of a lobbed goal from Jack Berglas.

As the final whistle was approaching we began to tire noticeably, and Verulam took advantage, splitting our defence and scoring with only five minutes left. Throwing everyone forward in the remaining time, we pushed for an equaliser.

However, it never came.

It was a bittersweet end to the season, but we can still be proud

Tennis The tennis season was a successful one for St Albans School, with some outstanding individual performances. We participated in the District league at U13, U14, U15 and Senior level, with the U14s, U15s and Seniors also taking part in the Aegon County Tennis League The season began with the annual sports camp at Millfield School.

St Albans took 28 tennis players to enjoy an intensive four days of sports coaching. Led by top coaches, the improvement made by the boys was excellent.

Matches got off to a positive start with the Senior Aegon Team beating Haileybury 5-1 in matches. The Senior Girls Doubles Team made up of Hannah Girdlestone and Sarah McGaw competed at the Girls’ Doubles Tournament in Harpenden.

They played some consistent tennis, against tough opposition such as Benenden and Queenswood.

The U15s had a successful season with wins against Monks Walk, Beaumont and Bishop’s Stortford High School. Similarly, the U13s continued to improve throughout the season, beating Beaumont, Sir John Lawes, Bishop’s Stortford and Haileybury.

The highlight of the season was our success at the County Doubles Tournament held at the Royal Masonic School. Charlie Trollope and Tom Boon are now the U18 County Doubles Champions, closely followed by James Wilkinson and George Davis in second place! We also had success in the U14 category, with Bertie Arbuthnott and Chris Fletcher playing a fantastic final, coming second to Hitchin Boys School, who had a player ranked third in the country.

Well done to all involved throughout the season.

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Girls’ Sport Netball defeated 9-8 by their opponents.

It is an impressive achievement to come so close in this tournament - particularly being a new team, and playing against schools that have been together for up to five years with many girls to choose from. A very impressive year.

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The season began with a triangular fixture against St Albans High School and St George’s. We produced a 5-3 win against the High School, with the first goal being scored within the first three minutes of the match.

Unfortunately, we were not as successful against St George’s, with a 5-7 loss. Having just played St Albans High School moments before, fitness levels were tested.

The following fixture saw St Albans meet St George’s U16 Squad. They were a surprisingly strong team and just beat us 5-6, with a goal scored in the last minute. It was excellent to play on the Astroturf surface, on which the game was much faster when compared with grass.

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St Albans played Bedford Girls School, and enjoyed a fantastic 11-4 victory. At half time, the score was 5-1 to St Albans, with the girls already playing well together as a team, even at this early stage of the season.

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Lacrosse As a squad, St. Albans School played thirty-one games: won seventeen; lost twelve and drawn two - this equates to a 61% win percentage overall. However, the A team were enormously successful with a 70% overall win percentage. Out of twenty-three games they won fifteen and drew one.

The season concluded with a match against the Boy’s 1st Hockey Team, which we won comfortably, with the boys dressed up in Hawaiian outfits, and the girls as ninjas. It was such a fun match that both teams wanted to play into extra time.

The season got off to a flying start, with a positive preseason training session at the end of August and was soon in full swing. With particular highlights being a 20-18 win against Haberdashers’ Aske’s School, as well as coming runners up in the Bedford Girls’ School Netball Tournament and District Cup Netball Tournament.

However, the highlight of the season was the District League Netball Tournament. After winning all their games and the semi-final convincingly, St. Albans School’s A Team met St. Albans High School for Girls in the final. The score at full time was 7-7, meaning the match then went into extended play and at half time the girls were in the lead, but then unluckily were

Oakham travelled here for an excellent match, which we won 6-5.

This momentum continued, in spite of the absence of our two strongest players, our captain Sophie Butterworth and Jemma Attar. We went on to gain a strong 8-1 win against Haberdashers. This success followed with an even stronger win against St George’s School.

The girls enjoyed impressive seasons in netball and lacrosse

Congratulations go to the whole team, especially to the girls who only picked up the sport in the Lower 6th. Special mentions go to the Player of The Season and Captain, Sophie Butterworth, and the most improved player of the season Sarah McGaw, who first started playing lacrosse in the L6th.

It was a pleasure to see her go from strength to strength with each match.

The School’s lacrosse season was a successful one, with wins against schools which have had girls playing This was a great season and I’m together since first year, a distinct sure the next season will be even advantage. better, with an extended fixture list.

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Athletics

Athletics Records 2014 1st Form

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Jordan Ajayi-Khiran

70m Hurdles, 12.3s

2nd Form Cameron Furley

80m Hurdles, 14.7s

Ayo Olukotun

300m, 41.7s

3rd Form Thomas Fulton

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800m, 2m 09s 1500m, 4m 25s

4th Form Callum Townsend

100m Hurdles, 16.3s

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Senior Adam Thorpe

800m, 1m 57s

Bolaji Anifalaje

Triple Jump, 13.36m

George Grant

Pole Vault, 3.60m

Ladies Sarena Clarke

100m, 12.9s 200m, 27.3s

Running Machines Cross Country At the annual pre-season training camp in Pen Arthur, the cross country team set out its goal for the season: to remain undefeated.

It would be a long year in pursuit of that ambition, but eventually it would be achieved. This is the story of that undefeated season.

Pearce completed his first Knole run, beating a third of the field, a cautious approach allowing him to move up on the final lap.

The biggest race of the year, the one that many perceive to be the unofficial national championships, is the King Henry VIII relay. Myers secured 5th position on the first leg of 2014’s especially muddy edition of the race, handing over to Pearce who moved the team into the lead of the race. Over the third and fourth leg Pyrke and Lightowler extended the lead and the minute-wide gap was maintained, with Thorpe and then Redwood bringing the team home fifty five seconds clear of Judd.

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An already successful season finally culminated at the South East Schools Championships, with some excellent individual performances in the Junior and intermediate races.

Fulton finished 2nd, setting himself up well for a fine track season, in which he ran faster for his age over the 1500m than any St Albans Due to another stint of hard trainathlete in the last decade. Arbuthing, the Haskell Cup in November not’s steady improvement over the was a real triumph of team perseason was once again shown by formance, with the A team coming his 30th place, demonstrating his first by a comfortable margin, the B obvious potential for next season.

Mark Pearce signs team third, boosted by the return Pyrke lead the intermediate team off an excellent of injured Captain Redwood to home in 5th place, with Halling school cross country and Alexander also finishing well racing. At the St Albans relay we career were pushed hard, before Lightowlin 14th and 26th respectively. The er and Redwood were able to open future and present captains finished up a sizeable lead over the final 2nd and 3rd. Thorpe’s fast finishing two laps. We could not afford to credited him with 7th. Redwood The Knole run, dominated by the be complacent; the other schools came through strongly on the Judd School in recent years and were coming into form. second lap to rise to 13th by the feared for its length and steep finish, ahead of Myers in 16th. The The intermediate team was then gradient, would be the sternest test tense wait for the final finisher then in action, having managed to reach for St Albans in the entire season. began, and a strained expression the final of the English Schools Cup With a sunny race day, Pearce and was observed by many to cross the for the fourth successive year. Ben Lightowler managed to establish face of the Headmaster, watching Clarke captained the team well, themselves in a leading group of his final school cross country race. running a brave race to finish 10th five lead by national 3000m chamRyan Allen, injured for the last 12 in a race dominated by Dijkstra. pion Gus Cockle, who would go on months and unable to train for Fulton and James Brennan battled it to finish a clear 2nd. After drawing most of the year, ran superbly to out to finish 36th and 37th respec- clear of the field in the lead pack, place 51st. Nick Hill is also worthy tively, with Arbuthnott finishing 91st the two St Albans runners eventuof mention, as he completed his in a breakthrough performance and ally dropped to finish 4th and 5th. first ever race for the School, Bevan and Anderson in 105th and Redwood ran the race of a true storming home alongside Lay. The 129th. The team was disappointed captain, overcoming poor form by pair finished 118th and 119th, to finish sixth, but with the odds his own high standards in the first Lay coming ahead by a mere two stacked against them they did all half of the season to finish 10th. seconds. This drama resulted in St that could be expected of them.

With guts characteristic of his apAlbans taking the title in the senior proach to training and competing, In the U15s Tom Fulton and boys race, a large cherry on top of Alex Cook battled injury to finish Ben Clarke fought hard for the an already well-iced cake. the race, refusing to give up. Owen final qualification spots for the Mark Pearce

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The training sessions had become longer and more endurance based, developing greater strength and stamina in a team renowned for its relay speed. On the day of the King’s trophy, the team was starting to come into good form, but still lacked some of the strength in depth, which would be required later in the season. Lightowler fought through a tough battle with Sevenoaks star Chris Olley to defend his win from last year. The outstanding run of the day came from fourth year Ben Clarke who crossed the line in 8th place, a gutsy run coming from dedicated training and an excellent preceding track season. This allowed St Albans to finish over Judd.

Inter-Counties Championships, finishing in 8th and 9th respectively and separated by a mere 2 seconds. Bevan ran well to finish in 18th, with Arbuthnot in 23rd.

These performances allowed St Albans to finish 3rd in the team competition. Lightowler finished 2nd to international athlete Jamie Dee in the U17 race, over 6000m. Dan Myers had an excellent run in 4th place, setting himself up well for the Knole Run which would follow this race two weeks later. Despite the respite over the winter break, St Albans managed to secure the team honours on count-back due to the fact that our final scorer, Tim Richards in 8th, finished two places ahead of the third Shaftsbury Barnet athlete after an impressive surge on the final hill.

Fore Score Golf at Carnoustie

Sport

The ISGA, the Independent Schools Golf Association, hold a scratch matchplay tournament every year.

The three players on the St Albans team this year were Captain Daniel Gott, Louis Meadows and Will Maynard.

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we had a formal dinner, and St Albans were presented with the regional trophy. The second round on the Monday was on the championship course; a course recognised as one of the hardest courses in golf.

The fairways are long and narrow; the bunkers are deep and abunWe played well enough to reach dant; the greens lightning fast and the finals, which this year were undulating – so even though the held at Carnoustie in Scotland. The sun was shining for us, there was a Links Championship Course at strong sea wind constantly swirling Carnoustie is one of the legendary around which made it the ultimate Open Golf venues, designed to challenge. It was an early start for challenge the very best golfers. all the team, teeing off in reverse We travelled up to Carnoustie order from day one. Will and Louis early on Saturday the 26th April, made some progress up the leader and played a practice round on the board but were too far back to Burnside Course that afternoon. challenge the leaders. However just On the Sunday, the National Finals getting there and experiencing the started with the first round on the courses at Carnoustie, as well as Burnside Course. The rain held off, meeting the top young golfers in but strong winds off the east coast the country proved a great experimade it a huge challenge to get ence all on its own. round in a low score. That evening Daniel Gott and IMS

The golfers’ victory in the regional finals of the ISGA tournament earned them a trip to Carnoustie for the national finals

Floppy Discs Ultimate Frisbee Ultimate Frisbee enjoyed another successful season, especially during the games afternoons,with 64 Seniors and growing numbers in the Fourth Form. In the Second Form, three teams played Ultimate as a part of the Inter-Form Challenge. The overall winners were Form 2.3, with an impressive 5-0 win in the final, so clearly there is plenty of up-and-coming talent. As for matches, the weather unfortunately prevented Sean O’Flynn captaining what would have been a very strong team in the Tonbridge tournament. Next year Andrew Quigley, Oli Gaeton and others may well get their chance. Closer to home, in the mini-tournament with Mill Hill and St Pauls – the A-team beat St Paul’s As 1-0. With Rory Barlow scoring the decisive winner.

They drew 2-2 against Mill Hill A’s. The B team lost 4-2 against Mill Hill Bs, and drew 2-2 against St Paul’s Bs. The Fourth Form also played an inaugural match against Mill Hill.

AJB and GDN

Team Sports Results ST

ALBANS

2013-14

SCHOOL

Rugby Team

Cricket Draw

Lost

Team

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

1st XV

26

23

0

3

1st XI

14

10

0

4

2nd XV

13

10

0

3

2nd XI

7

6

0

1

3rd XV

9

8

0

1

3rd XI

6

5

0

1

4th XV

2

1

1

0

4th XI

1

1

0

0

U16 XV

13

5

0

8

5th XI

1

1

0

0

U16 B XV

8

2

0

6

U15 XI

8

3

0

5

U15 XV

15

10

0

5

U15 B XI

3

0

0

3

U15 B XV

11

5

0

6

U15 C XI

4

1

0

3

U15 C XV

6

1

0

5

U14 XI

11

9

0

2

U14 XV

15

10

0

5

U14 B XI

9

7

0

2

U14 B XV

13

10

0

3

U14 C XI

4

3

0

1

U14 C XV

7

7

0

0

U14 D XI

1

1

0

0

U14 D XV

1

1

0

0

U13 XI

9

2

0

7

U13 XV

9

5

0

4

U13 B XI

5

1

0

4

U13 B XV

9

3

0

6

U12 XI

10

3

0

7

U12 XV

10

6

0

6

U12 B XI

4

0

0

4

U12 B XV

10

6

0

4

Totals:

97

53

0

44

Totals:

177

113

1

63

Hockey

Netball

Team

Played

Won

Draw

Lost

Team

Played

Won

Draw

Lost

1st XI

14

7

4

3

1st VII

17

13

0

4

2nd XI

11

9

0

2

2nd VII

8

1

1

6

3rd XI

6

2

2

2

Totals

25

14

1

10

U16 XI

12

3

1

8

Football

U16 B XI

5

2

1

2

1st XI

8

7

0

1

U15 XI

11

5

2

4

2nd XI

4

2

1

1

U15 B XI

11

5

1

5

U16 XI

3

0

1

2

U14 XI

12

8

1

3

U15 XI

5

1

1

3

U14 B XI

11

7

1

3

U14 XI

5

2

3

0

U13 XI

8

2

1

5

U13 XI

4

2

1

1

U13 B XI

6

6

0

0

Totals:

29

14

7

8

U12 XI

2

1

0

1

U12 B XI

2

2

0

0

111

59

14

38

Totals:

105

Sport

Won

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Played

A Final Word Interview with Andrew Grant

Features

After the end of the summer term, archivist Michael Hollins conducted an interview with Andrew Grant. This is an extract from that interview.

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close colleague and friend, started with me at Whitgift and then went to Brighton and then to Wellington.

For me, apart from the personal preferences I have described, so much changed here so constantly that it felt as though the School was reinventing itself all the time anyway so I never got bored. That said, I was headhunted for some of the best known schools in the MDH: Staff had the impression that country… and these are the sorts you were only going to stay for a of schools where the headmasfew years… ter becomes (in the words of the press) a ‘leading’ headmaster ARG:Yes; so did the governors I because he is head of that kind think… of place; the name of the school MDH: …why did you choose to is enough to make you a ‘great’ stay then? headmaster, whatever you do! And I went and had a look and I was inARG: Well (and these things go in terviewed for one or two of them phases) it was a time where young and I withdrew from two of them headmasters were appointed, made their mark and moved on to somewhere bigger, more important, more famous…

MDH: Because you were fairly young when you were appointed.

ARG: …yes I was 39. And when I came (and I said quite openly) I would do my best to make this a place that I would find very hard to leave because I am not naturally, innately, someone who enjoys change very much (or at least radical change). When I was a squash player I stuck with the same club because I liked being around my mates even when it meant 40 mile drives to get to a home match, that’s just me. But I also said ‘who because actually I thought ‘this isn’t knows?’ I may move on somewhere me’. I had worked out by then that else…

St Albans and I were a good fit for each other; my family were happy MDH: So you weren’t sure? here, I was happy here, I felt I could ARG: No I wasn’t sure. There was go on making a difference here in a kind of expectation that I would a way I wouldn’t be able to at a move, almost as though I owed it place that was so grand and frankly to myself and them not to hang so up itself that all you could do is around too long. keep the machine ticking over and keep intact the past glories of your MDH: Was that because of your predecessors. cohort?

MDH: So you knew that you could ARG: It’s just what happened at the still change St Albans? time. When I look at some of my contemporaries and peers: Tony ARG: Well look at what has hapLittle went from Chigwell where he pened in the last four years and had been appointed (I think) at 34 look at what’s about to… well or something, an infant headmaster, I can’t tell you what’s about to then to Oakham and then to Eton. happen but there are things that Anthony Seldon, who again is a are about to happen [possibly a

reference to the School opening a new St Albans School in Dubai. It was announced by the Chairman of Governors and Bursar to staff on 15/07/14].

I stayed because it was the right place and I think it is sometimes overlooked by ambitious people that you may put behind you the right fit because you think you ought to. And it’s better to get the right fit and do it well than to go on striving after something that superficially, or in the public eye, looks grander or more like an index of career success. I think that’s rubbish frankly.

MDH:You are regarded as a ‘Great Headmaster’. Is this because you are a great, revolutionary educational thinker?

ARG: Well two things about that.

‘Great Headmaster’? I think all things are relative… it depends on whether you’re looking at a macro level or a micro level – so people are very kind but I’m not going to take that one on.

What I will say is that I am not a great revolutionary educational thinker, I’m no Dr Arnold. I think great revolutionary thinkers come up with ways of taking things forward that no one has ever thought of before. I think I am a creative thinker. I think I can be original and I think I have been here but I’m reactive, so I see a situation and I can find the right fix for it Always an orator, and I can think of ways of fixing it this is Andrew that no one has ever thought of Grant at his final before but I don’t have a mighty Graduation, an event and original educational philosophy which he instituted that I put into place or tried to put in the School into place as it were, grown from scratch. Dr Arnold had, I haven’t. It’s very difficult to aspire to that kind of greatness and I think it takes a certain sort of genius and it also needs the time to be right for it. So I think I’m more of a … yes, I’m a strategist but I’m more a tactician and a bit of a street-fighter; I’m quite combative and I like very much seeing new ways you can use things, seeing new things you can do with a given situation, seeing how you can transform stuff, but in this job when you’ve been in it for twenty years what you also need

around you are other very capable creative thinkers that you can bounce ideas off because there’s only so much originality for one lifetime that you can come up with.

MDH:Very quickly, insofar as you can describe it, what is your educational philosophy?

Now, where I would say I am not a great revolutionary thinker is that all of that is true within the existing framework, so I play within the rules given to me.

ARG: Not quite true because when I was Chairman of HMC and as Chairman of the Academic Policy Committee there were things we changed. There were things we tried to change but even that wasn’t at the top level, not a paradigm shift. It was: ‘Ok, we’ve got AS and modules here etc’ but it was still within the A Level system. I didn’t come up with the idea of the Tomlinson Diploma but I worked on it, and that would have been a paradigm shift but it wasn’t me who came up with it; I worked within it.

MDH: In order to be regarded as a ‘great headmaster’ does there need to be a healthy friction between the Headmaster and the Governing Body?

ARG: No I don’t think there does. I think initially there probably will be because a great headmaster (whatever that might mean) will have some pretty clear and some pretty firm ideas about what the school should be doing, and that’s probably

So, it’s a matter of context, but I am proud of the way this whole organisation has moved on, of the ARG: Well the Governing Body physical achievements, actually (in a holds in trust, as it were, the not entirely benign political climate) identity, the culture, the spirit, the that we’ve been able to pull off essence of the School across suctogether. I’m proud to have been a ceeding headmasters. And of course part of what has been successful, I the Governing Body renews itself think, over 20 years. but as we know from Dr Pines’ recent sermon, so does the human MDH: Is there anything you would body; we are not made up of the have liked to have achieved but same cells as we were five years haven’t been able to do so? ago but we’re still the same people, ARG: Well only because of time and I think the Governing Body really, and the dilatory deliberation ought to be the embodiment of the of planners and money. If I had been School’s DNA – will that do as a given the amount of money that St metaphor?

Albans City and District Council MDH:Yes owe us then I think there would be nothing at all that I wouldn’t ARG: Okay. In their relationship have been able to achieve, but with the Headmaster, it’s not their you haven’t got that.You’re always job to manage. It’s their job to hold working within limitations, but the Headmaster to account and given those, I’m reasonably happy make sure he is managing, which is that we’ve achieved what was what the Governors were doing in physically, financially, temporally the crisis of the 90s. possible.

MDH: What do you consider your MDH: Is there anything that you major contribution/ contributions have attempted which you would to have been? now consider as a failure?

ARG: Getting the School back to ARG:Yes. I have attempted over where it ought to have been all twenty years to conduct a reasonalong, I think. That’ll do. able relationship with some of our MDH: What is your proudest neighbours in Fishpool Street and moment? it is a complete failure because they believe Fishpool Street is their ARG: Ah that really is a tough one private territory and they do not because I think pride exists in a understand that coexisting with context. So I can be proud by proxy a vibrant, highly successful school of a great sports result, or a fantaswhich has been here for over a tic show like Les Misérables. I can be thousand years will necessarily proud of my sons: Alex playing Malinvolve some compromise on their volio, lead part in his final year and part and they fail to recognise that doing it really well, Matt winning actually we have been trying to cross country matches and being make that compromise as easy for Head Boy – those are very proud them as possible. I have failed to personal things. I can be proud of persuade them that if they lived the School, collectively, when it’s next to almost any other school right up there and being described in this city, their lives would be imas a ‘leading day school’, that’s great measurably worse.

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Features

MDH:You don’t try and make new ones?

MDH: What do you think the function of the Governing Body should be?

too… I’ve forgotten what I’ve mentioned now. I was proud to have the acclamation of my peers in being elected as Chairman of HMC because in a small world, HMC is disproportionately influential and if all those other headmasters, in an election, in a free and secret ballot decide that you’re the bloke they want leading you then that’s something to be proud of too.

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ARG: Well that’s a real curve ball because it’s embodied in this place and it’s about offering people the opportunity to maximize their potential in every possible sphere and that means providing a lot of opportunities. Not just academically and indeed the non-academic can compensate for underachievement in the academic… well when I say ‘underachievement’ I mean limitations in the academic sphere. But I don’t see why this School can’t offer all its pupils the opportunity to achieve at the highest level they could and as high as they could in any school anywhere.

why the Governors appointed him. And it is inevitable therefore that some eggs will be broken in creating the omelette that he has designed. But I think that once the Governors have been trained into obedience, it’s fine; you don’t need that creative friction. If the Governors trust the Head, there is no need for friction.

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