TheAl bani an
20 1 0
907 d1 22n ril Ap
December2010
December 2010 Volume 28 Number 14
Contents
3
Editorial History and the St Albans School Foundation
4
Ins & Outs Welcomes and Farewells
15
Prizegiving Rewarding Success
20
Creative Writing Short Stories
23
Dukes From Cheapside to the Picos
27
Drama
Contents
Productions in New Place and the old place
2
33
Creative Art
The cover for this edition was created by Ben Hamer and is the product of extensive historical research as well as extensive work in Photoshop.
Work from the Summer Exhibition
39
Music Instrumentalists and Vocalists on song
44
Creative Design
The Albanian 2010
Work from Design and Technology students
47
Features OA and society activities
56
Creative Photography Selections from Optic, the Photography Society
59
Trips Ice and Heat
64
CCF Another busy year
67
Houses Hawking enjoys meteoric rise
68
Albanian Editorial Team Editor Deputy Editor Student Editors
Noel Cassidy Julia Grieveson Azeem Alam Becky Clarke Matthew Gherardi Matt Jennings Timothy Smith
Sport Reports from the teams
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, Hertfordshire, AL3 4HB
Editorial James Shirley (1621-1623) Charles Matthew Perkins (1873-1880) Frank Willcox (1880-1902) Edgar Montague-Jones (1902-1931)
The Albanian 2010
The cover of this edition is an ingenious blend of historical research and Photoshop, two areas of expertise for its creator, Ben Hamer. For information, the Headmasters of the School on the back cover are from top, left to right:
Abbot Wulsin (b. 948 – Founder of St Albans School and Abbot of St Albans Abbey)* William Thomas Marsh (1931-1964)
3
Frank Ian Kilvington (1964-1984) Simon Court Wilkinson (1984-1993) The front cover shows the Gateway with various historical pictures superimposed, creating a visual representation of the long history of the School. The leaf design and the display fonts for the title are both taken from editions of The Albanians published over a hundred years ago. This retrospective view of the School on the cover of The Albanian is a happy coincidence, as the St Albans School Foundation really begins to blossom. Over the last couple of years, the trickle of Old Albanians returning to the School has turned into a regular flow, with numerous events which have brought former pupils back to reminisce as they look around a School which has altered in many respects, but whose architectural core remains unchanged. A full account of the Foundation’s year of activity is recorded in the Features section and we look forward to maintaining regular links between current pupils and those who have moved on.
* Image © British Library MS. Cotton Nero D.VII f. 12r
Editorial
Andrew Robert Grant (1993-Present)
New Arrivals
Ins & Outs
September 2010 First Form
The Albanian 2010
4
ADESIYAN, Timi ALEXANDER, Samuel G ANDERSON, Jack I ANDREW, Louis ANNIS, Adam R ARTHUR, Kusi ASCOTT, Jonathan P BADSHAH, Zain BALL, Dominic M BARTHOLOMEUSZ, Edward A BATES, James W BOLA, Tolaji CATTERMOLE, Jonathan D CHOPRA, Munish CHOUDHRY, Azaan M CLARKE, Ben A DAVIES, Matthew B DAVIES, Michael J DILLEY, Thomas DINES, Alexander J FARRELL-BINNS, Gregor M FERGUSON, Angus A FERREIRA, Ross D GOLDSTONE, Thomas M GOYMER, Samuel T HARRIS, Oliver HELLIAR, Harry M HOLTOM, Edward P HUME, Joshua A INNES, Callum J JENNINGS, Andrew JERREAT, Benjamin J KASOULIS, Samuel J KELLEHER, Sean L KHAN, Hattaf MCKAY, William H MCLOUGHLIN, Christian J MEHTA, Jay MELLIS, Alexander D NEUSTEN, Oliver J NORRIS, James D O’DONNELL, Jacob M O’GORMAN, Joseph P OBADIARU, Charles N PALMER, Toby H PETROU, Tommy RADIC, Marco REBACK, Theo A REFSON, Joshua J RIANT, Joe A RIBY-WILLIAMS, Maximillian C ROGERS, Matthew L RONDEL, Patrick C ROWBOTHAM, James S ROWE, Alec J SINGH, Jeevun SWEENY, Jordan R THORNHAM, James R TOWNSEND, Callum V VAGHELA, Luke W
VORA, Abhay WALLACE, Euan A WANGOO, Amit WOOD, Jonathan YATES, Thomas
Second Form ZONNEFELD, Alexander
Third Form ANGEL, Daniel R ANIFALAJE, Mobolaji BARTLAM, Jordan L BARTON, Sebastian R BEACHAM, Rhys J BOOTHBY, Christian CADMAN, Maximilian E CHARAMBOULOUS, Zack CLARKE, Oliver B COLLINS, Aidan J CONLON, James M CRAIG-THOMPSON, Adam DIAMONDI, Marcus Z DRAKOU, Stavros DYER, Henry B EVERTON, William FEAST, Matthew FRYER, Miles G GAETON, Oliver T GAETON, Patrick W GALLIFORD, Thomas GANNON, Jack J GOOLAM-HOSSEN, Ibrahim Y GOVEY, James F HAKIM, Hasnat HATHAWAY, Hayden H HOLDEN, Guy R HOUTEN, Declan HUSSAIN, Miraj JEFFERY, Henry W KARIM, Adnaan KNIGHTS, Milo J KOSSIFOS, Michael LE COUILLIARD, Timothy LIGHTOWLER, Robert LIPSCHITZ, Noah MACGREGOR, George A MACHELL, Samuel G MALKAN, Jaymee MARSH, Edward MATTHEWS, Thomas MCARTNEY, James MECKLENBURGH, Taylor J MIDGEN, Jonathan E MOYLAN, Aidan D O’CONNOR, Robin C PATEL, Cushal
QUIGLEY, Andrew M QURESHI, Umar A RAJA, Shivam RAJPAL, Nikhil RUSSELL, Matthew P SAMPSON, Harry A SCOTT, Patrick SEHGAL, Rahul J SOUTHWORTH, Joshua STEPHEN, Callum R VERES, Bertram C WILKINSON, James M XUEREB, Tim
Fourth Form GOTT, Daniel
Sixth Form ARAB, Neeki S ASHAYE, Tomi BAILEY, Holly BLACKIE, Harriet E BOOTHBY, Chloe E BOYD, Emma J CHRISTLEY, Katherine M DORMAN, Helen S FOX, Jasmine F GOLDSMITH, Olivia N HALL, Chloe M HALL, Dominique C HULSE, Charlotte B KAPOSI, Ella A KHODADOOST, Gohar KILBY, Megan V LAND, Kathryn B MAGNUS, Samantha MAGUIRE, Molly A MANN, Juliette MARGERESON,Victoria C MARTIN, Katie MEREDITH, Charlotte L MOHAMAD, Kamalia B NICHOLLS, Roseanna G OLIVER, Hannah J PEARSON, Elizabeth PHILLIPS, Robert M PRYCE, Helena L RICHARDSON, Elizabeth M ROSSER-SMYTH, Eleanor SMITH, Jessica STEPHENS, Philippa TAYLOR, Madeleine V THOMSON, Annabel F TILLEY, Sarah E TOOLE, Lucinda WRIGHT, Kitty P WRIGHT, Philippa R
New Arrivals in the Common Room Miss Laura Andrews is our newest addition to the Geography Department. She studied Geography at Loughborough University and prefers the human aspects of the subject. As a Newly Qualified Teacher, she has a passion for English as well as Geography and will contribute to Hockey and the CCF. Miss Andrews looks forward to working with bright and highly academic pupils and admires the school’s aim of creating well-rounded students.
Before joining the school this year, Miss Mary Bruton had previous teaching experience at a large mixed comprehensive in Essex with 1800 pupils teaching Drama to all age groups. Before that she was a learning mentor at a boys school in East London, helping pupils with behavioural difficulties. As the daughter of an RAF pilot, her childhood was spent moving around the country to various military bases before settling down in a Staffordshire boarding school. Her plans for the future centre around St Albans with hopes of one day leading her own drama department.
Ms Jennifer Crouch discovered her love of Biology while still a schoolgirl and despite her resolution never to become a teacher, fate encouraged her to pursue this path. However, science isn’t her only passion as her coaching of Netball proves. Before joining St Albans, Ms Crouch had previously taught at King Edwards School in Bath and RMS in Guildford, but hopes to remain here for the foreseeable future.The beautiful bustling town, the pupils’ good work ethic and their friendly nature made St Albans a welcoming environment for Ms Crouch.
Joining us from Heathfield School for Girls to teach Classics is Mrs Victoria Ginsburg. She hopes to convey to her students her enthusiasm for the subject by making a lasting impression on her classes. Mrs Ginsburg believes that with the history of St Albans School, this would be the ideal place to learn and study her subject. Having qualified from Manchester University, her favourite area of study within Classics is literature, especiallyVirgil’s Aeneid. Outside the classroom, she counts herself an avid snowboarder.
5 Ins & Outs
Miss Emma Clarke was educated at Lurgan College and Stranmillis University College, Belfast, completing her PGCE in Physical Education at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, and teaching for a year at Bedford Modern School. Upon hearing that the post of Head of Girls’ Games was available, she immediately came here. Her interest in sport was instilled in her by her childhood PE teacher, whom she describes as her role model. Her hopes for the future centre around a long and healthy career at St Albans and continuing to strive for excellence in hockey – we wish her and her teammates of the Irish National Team luck in their 2012 Olympic ambitions.
The Albanian 2010
Mr Tom Asch arrives from Hurstpierpoint College, Sussex. Having studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, Mr Asch brings a wealth of knowledge to both the History and Politics Departments. He briefly worked at a bank but decided against it and became a teacher. His hobbies include scrabble, chess and eating full English breakfasts. He describes his fondest teaching memory as a one all draw in a football match against Tunbridge Wells.
A brand new addition to our Economics department is Mrs Sarah Hopkin, who has studied at St George’s School, Harpenden and Reading University, and arrives fresh from Haberdasher’s Askes Boys School. She was attracted to St Albans because of the excellent historical location and outstanding reputation of the school. She particularly likes teaching Development Economics, and enjoys “seeing students succeed.” In addition to teaching, Mrs Hopkin also works as a lecturer and admissions tutor at Southampton University and her hobbies include travelling, visiting art galleries, listening to music and good food and wine.
Ins & Outs
Mr David Murphy was educated at Oxford University and has previously taught at Lampton School in Hounslow. Before teaching, Mr Murphy worked as an opera singer – a skill that he will utilise in the school choir - and his hobbies include ballet, contemporary dance, theatre, travelling and running. Mr Murphy is also involved in charity work, having run a half-marathon for Oxfam and is planning to run a full marathon in the near future. His message for the students would be to “be excellent critical thinkers and strive not just to show what you know, but how well you can think.”
The Albanian 2010
6
Mr Valentin Pappert is this year welcomed into the Modern Foreign Languages Department from Paderborn University, Germany. He has also studied at Durham and Hull Universities, and is already enjoying the “very good atmosphere of the school and high-achieving nature of the pupils.” His favourite area of the subject is teaching German Literature. Outside the classroom, Mr Pappert enjoys tennis and is a Triathlon enthusiast, but not competitively.
Mr Thomas Ross is the second new member of the PE and Games department. Mr Ross was educated at Millfield before going on to read Exercise and Sports Science at Exeter where he also completed his PGCE. He has played rugby at National Schools level, hockey at county level, and 1st XI cricket. He is also a qualified lifeguard and is looking forward to getting involved in school sports activities.
Mr David Russell joined the school from Victoria College, Jersey. He completed his degree in Chemistry at Oxford and then worked in industry on Tyneside and Wearside. He then taught in South Africa as part of a volunteering scheme. In the classroom, his favourite area of study is organic chemistry. Mr Russell is already involved with shooting at the school and on top of this he is an avid fan of Newcastle Football Club and a keen photographer.
The latest addition to our English department from St Peter’s School,York, is Mr Ben Wall. In the classroom his most satisfactory moment in teaching is when he sees his pupils get the results they deserve. At the other end of the teaching spectrum, he describes his most unforgettable moment as being pinned up against the wall by an irate teenager during his teacher training. As an English teacher, his favourite novel is The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford and he is interested in all outdoor pursuits, from DofE to cross country. He completed the Edinburgh marathon this year.
Higher Education Destinations of Old Albanians 2010 Subject
Samuel Abbott Timothy Adams Harry Avent Sian Ayling David Bagg Charles Baker Kishan Barchha James Bartholomeusz Oliver Bond** Stuart Brown Eleanor Bull Harry Byrne Julian Clarke Gareth Clifft Simon Collings Tim Cooke Joshua Cooper Jonathan Crawford** Tom Dace Elliott Dagul Christopher Davies Richard de Pencier Alex Dismore Chris Dobson** Alys Drake** Marcus Economides** Jonathan Edwards** Christopher Ellis Nicholas Farquhar Lewis Farrimond Kyle Fitzpatrick Gerard Flahive Priyen Galaiya** Thomas Gallagher Kiran Giblin Gareth Gibson Hamanpiar Gill Alex Gold Jonathan Gold Max Gold Nicholas Goldberg Jack Gorton** Bethan Griffith Michael Grimshaw Jonathan Harrison** George Heminway William Henley** James Henson James Holmes Bradley Hudson George Irwin Aron Jayawardena** Hannah Johnson George Kelly Thomas King Thomas Kolasky Fritha Lambert Eric Lau Miles Law** Jethro Lee Oliver Leigh Suthan Logeswaran Craig Lye
University of Durham University of Bath University of Central Lancashire University of Newcastle Balliol College, Oxford University of Warwick University of Leicester University of Exeter Peterhouse College, Cambridge University of Birmingham University of Leeds University of Bristol University of Bath University of Nottingham University of Birmingham Peninsula Medical School University of Warwick Imperial College London Oxford Brookes University University of Birmingham University of East Anglia University of Birmingham University of Sheffield Loughborough University University of Durham University of Leeds University of York University of Warwick University of Warwick University of Sheffield University of Leeds Loughborough University Nottingham Trent University University of Nottingham University College London University of Sheffield University of Nottingham University of Birmingham University of Birmingham University of Birmingham University of Durham University of Birmingham University of Warwick University of Bristol University of Durham Loughborough University University of Warwick University of Bath University of Durham Loughborough University University of Warwick University of Nottingham University of Southampton University of Durham University of Nottingham University of Sheffield University of Bath University of Westminster University of Nottingham University of Birmingham University of Brighton University of Manchester University of St Andrews
Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Sports Event Management Combined Honours Classics Economics Law English English Medicine Biology Politics - Deferred 2011 Economics Civil Engineering Ancient History Bachelor of Clinical Science Mathematics Mechanical Engineering Real Estate Management International Relations with Economics History: American with English History Ancient History International Relations and Politics Sport Management Economics Economics and Philosophy Sociology Chemistry Physics Aerospace Engineering History and Philosophy - Deferred 2011 International Business - Deferred 2011 Business Management and Economics Mechanical Engineering History History Economics and Econometrics Business Management with Communications Business Management (Year in Industry) Business Management with Communications - Def. 2011 General Engineering Economics History History Natural Sciences International Business Philosophy, Politics and Economics Int. Management and Modern Languages - Deferred 2011 Business Economics Architectural Engineering and Design Management Economics Industrial Economics Archaeology and History Ancient History and Archaeology Geography Politics Modern Languages and European Studies - Def. 2011 Architecture Industrial Economics Sport and Exercise Sciences Product Design Psychology English Latin
7 Ins & Outs
Destination
The Albanian 2010
Names
Ins & Outs The Albanian 2010
8
Names
Destination
Subject
Euan Mackenzie Oliver Madgwick George Margereson Thomas Martin James McConnell Katherine Mercer Oliver Moore Adam Morfakis** Neil Morris James Mortimer** James Nissen Enyinna Okoronkwo Keir Parkash Amul Patel David Phillips Christopher Pollitt Calum Pontin James Pople Hoskins Michael Pryse-Davies Matthew Rasiah Thomas Rawlinson Michelle Read Eashen Rhodes Zachary Rich Edward Rimmer** Thaddeus Rivett** Michael Robinson Alexander Royce Alex Rutherford Stephen Salvesen Manolis Sampson Nathaniel Samson** Amal Samsudeen Tom Sansom Frank Schofield Prashant Shah Matthew Sheach Simon Skelly** Alicia Stanley Harry Stuart-Smith Ritwik Swain Alex Turner Cassidy Uggla Charles Vassiliou Caspar Veres Harman Virdee David Weeks William Welch Alex Wells Eleanor Wells Alex Wernick Michael Wills Thomas Woodman** Lucy Wright
University of Birmingham St Edmund Hall, Oxford University of Bath University of Warwick University of Sheffield University of Southampton University of Durham University of East Anglia University of York University of Sheffield University of Manchester Queen Mary, University of London University of Leeds University of Warwick Queens’ College, Cambridge New College, Oxford Oriel College, Oxford University of Durham Keble College, Oxford Brunel University University of Durham Loughborough University University of Birmingham University of Birmingham University of York Brunel University Coventry University University of Birmingham University of Warwick University of Sheffield University of Brighton St Catherine’s College, Oxford University of Manchester University of Southampton University of Leeds Loughborough University University of Warwick University of Bristol University of Southampton Imperial College London University of Groningen, Netherlands Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University of Sussex University of Warwick University of Leeds University of Warwick University of Newcastle University of Durham University of Bath University of Bristol University of Birmingham University of Warwick University of Kent University of Warwick
Business Management (Year in Industry) Geography Politics with International Relations Engineering Medicine (Phase One) Biomedical Sciences Geography Biomedicine Mathematics Economics and Politics Music Drama Energy & Environmental Engineering - Deferred 2011 Economics Mathematics German Civil Engineering (4 years) General Engineering Physics (4 years) Civil Engineering with Sustainability Classics Mathematics and Accounting and Financial Management Mechanical Engineering - Deferred 2011 Money, Banking and Finance Music Sport Sciences Structural Engineering with Architecture History and Social Science History Civil Engineering - Deferred 2011 Architecture English Language and Literature Medicine Sport Management Product Design Industrial Design and Technology Ancient History and Classical Archaeology Geography Medicine Medicine - Deferred 2011 Psychology Law Art History Ancient History and Classical Archaeology English Language and Literature - Deferred 2011 History Financial Mathematics - Deferred 2011 Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Physics with Computing Politics Physics - Deferred 2011 Law Economics Philosophy
**Post A Level applicants
Frank Kilvington Headmaster 1964 to 1984
Frank Kilvington was born in West Hartlepool in 1924 and died on the 11th October 2009 and between these two dates a remarkable life was to develop. He began his education at Rosebank Preparatory School whence he was awarded a scholarship to Repton where it became apparent that he was a very gifted student – he had passed his School Certificate when aged twelve. From there he went to Corpus Christi College, Oxford, to read
Greats but, as with many young men at that time, he spent only six months at university before going into the forces – in his case into the RNVR as a Sub Lieutenant. After his initial training he joined a LeaseLend Destroyer, HMS Kilchrenan, and spent the next two years hunting U-boats off the West African coast.
He was particularly interested in St Albans because it was a Direct Grant School; his application was successful and he became Headmaster in 1964 and here began his second love – the School, all within it and all it stood for. The 1960s and early 70s saw much change and many challenges in the world of education, some externally imposed and others internal developments. 1968 saw the opening of the New Hall and the expansion of Drama and Music. Later followed the building of the Technical Centre, the conversion of part of School House for use as a Sixth Form Centre and the Old Hall modification to allow a hall to be established at first floor level, this later to become the School Library. During the same period he created new posts in the School – Heads of Sixth Form and Middle School and Profes-
9 Ins & Outs
That year saw him appointed to Westminster School as Assistant Master and Housemaster of a Dayboy House. He and Jane were married soon after, in 1949, whilst she was still a medical student at the Middlesex Hospital. During the mid fifties Sally and John were born and in 1957 Frank was given a Boarding House, Rigauds, where he stayed as Housemaster until he left Westminster in 1964 to come to St Albans.
The Albanian 2010
Towards the end of the war, being a good German and French speaker, he was posted to Hamburg to join the Naval Control Commission for two years. Before he left he asked to meet his Repton Headmaster, Michael Clarke, who invited him to lunch together with his daughter Jane. There began his first love and he and Jane continued a correspondence during the two years he spent in Germany. On his return he resumed his studies at Oxford and graduated with an Honours Degree in Greats in 1948.
Ins & Outs
sional Tutor being amongst these. This restructuring led progressively to the changing way in which the School was managed.
The Albanian 2010
10
and staff alike as the great number of letters received by Jane testify.
The restructuring of the School and so many changing social and During this time competition from political attitudes all took place other schools was becoming greater, during his time, but his energy and the curriculum was expanding and general aura of calm never left him, the catchment area growing; these and he saw the School through changes were taken in his stride. He these changes with confidence and made sure that the School spread success. This did not, however, see more widely into the community him losing sight of the need to keep and some more Friday afternoon on promoting the School in the activities were introduced into what wider community. To this end he had once been the preserve of the became active in a number of local CCF. These included the DEAS and spheres. The Archaeological and ArSocial Services, both of which in chitectural Society made him their part involved boys going into hospi- Secretary and President, he joined tals and the homes of elderly people the Rotary Club, was a Trustee of to give assistance. There were many Kentish’s Educational Foundation, firsts during this period, not least Chairman of the Marriage Guidance among them was his vision in supCouncil, and later of the CAB, and porting the acquisition and expana frequent visitor to our catchsion of Pen Arthur, the Field Centre, ment schools. Added to these was and its inclusion in the formal the involvement of the School with curriculum allowing First Form boys Heathlands School for the Deaf and to visit during the Summer Terms. the Youth Training Scheme. Amid All of these changes took place in a all this activity he still found time relatively short period of time and to make extensive researches into required a lot of attention to be the School’s history leading to the given to them. But there was more publishing of his book “A Short to come. History of St. Albans School” and also resulting in the accumulation of In 1977 the Direct Grant was a large variety of documents now in abolished by the Government of the the School Archive. time and, although this was replaced by the Assisted Places Scheme in On his retirement he had more time 1980 by an incoming Government to spend on his birdwatching, about of a different colour, the School which he was very keen and knowlwas not confident that it would last edgeable, and also to spend time and, indeed, it was scrapped after a working in the Abbey Archive which further change of Government in he did for ten years. After that he 1997. Even though the date could assisted researchers at London not have been foreseen in Frank’s University by translating into English time, the decision not to take up many Ancient Greek and Medieval many places in the Scheme proved Latin texts. This he continued doing to be a wise one. The inexorable until he was eighty. route to independence had begun. He and Jane, members of the family Something else was happening as and some friends were able to well. The more rigid discipline of the celebrate their Diamond Wedding ‘50s and early ‘60s was giving way to Anniversary in August this year. a more relaxed approach. Changes He left a rich legacy. How lucky we in styles of dress, haircuts and were to have such a scholar, such a general behaviour were evident but gentle man and a gentleman as our Frank took these in his stride, as he Headmaster. He will last long and had those other changes mentioned affectionately in the memories of previously. Because he valued the those who were with him during his individual and always looked for the twenty years at St. Albans School. best in everyone, he kept his School in good spirit, his manner being Mike Highstead benign and encouraging, and this earned him wide respect from boys
Staff Farewells UCAS references showed just how well he knew his tutees.
When I first met him, Peter was Head of Physics and Head of Science and the seed corn he sowed in that role is obvious in the strength of the sciences at this School to this day, which is unusual even by HMC standards. Much of this was down to Peter’s highly persuasive talents as a salesman. I soon got used, on Prospective Parents’ mornings, to meeting dazed but enthusiastic visitors still reeling from their exposure to the full high-octane Wade-Wright evangelism about Science. It was always the most memorable part of their morning and the one that made the biggest impression and anyone who has been on the receiving end will know that if Peter were in charge, the untapped market for ice cream among Eskimos would be highly profitable. These were exactly the qualities, of course, that made him an absolutely outstanding Science teacher and as a tutor, his thorough and extensive
Peter WadeWright
Peter’s role as Senior Master revealed and deployed extra-curricular talents previously unsuspected: he came here with a portfolio including archery and squash and if there wasn’t much opportunity to use those, there certainly was for his skill as a professional crossword setter, because the job of arranging cover is like a daily Rubik’s cube. Other personal skills that came in handy were steadiness under fire; the ability to remain civil under extreme provocation; good humour against overwhelming odds and a basic faith in human nature that let colleagues know he was on their side when it was all going pearshaped. The whimsical observations and fund of fascinating but useless facts at the foot of the daily staff cover, duty and briefing notice went a long way to leavening the less welcome information above. Despite the responsibilities of a senior post, right up to his re-
Over that time, of course, the whole Wade-Wright family have been St Albans School folk through and through, with Jan working in the Science Department, and Matthew and Mark both pupils here. Jan has been testing retirement for a couple of years and now we’re going to have to get used to life without Peter, too. We shall miss him and wish him and Jan a long and happy retirement. ARG
11 Ins & Outs
Peter Wade-Wright is one of a dwindling band of colleagues who actually arrived at St Albans School before I did, so it is important for me to begin by stressing that he has retired somewhat earlier than he needed to.
He had the same effect on job applicants. Many is the disappointed interviewee whose subsequent career has been blighted by the tantalising glimpse of an educational Xanadu at the Abbey Gateway that Peter fleetingly revealed to them, only for their hopes to be dashed when the decision went against them and, distraught, they had to make do with a job at Haileybury, Habs’ or Harrow.
Peter has been a fine mentor to staff new to the School and the profession and to those beginning their careers; he has been a support to experienced colleagues, though not one to leave nettles ungrasped, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his work among us over the past 19 years.
The Albanian 2010
In his later incarnation as Senior Master, he continued to be first and foremost what he always was, a first-class schoolmaster committed to the job in the lab and classroom and beyond the curriculum, so it was entirely appropriate that he now had scope to evangelise about teaching generally and at St Albans especially, in a role that embraced the pastoral oversight of NQTs, PGCE students and potential recruits to the profession. For these last, Peter would arrange a few days’ observation that would leave them beguiled into the belief that any other career was a poor second to teaching and teaching in any other school was a poor second to a post at St Albans.
tirement, Peter maintained his extra-curricular involvements with a regular commitment to the Conservation Group’s slash-and-burn activities alongside a developing skill in selecting appropriate wines for the School events it fell to him to organise.
Lesley Stanbury has exerted a unique and valuable force in the Chemistry department for the last 17 years. She began her career at St Albans School in September 1993 and was quickly promoted to Head of Department in February 1994. At the time the department’s Health and Safety was not up to scratch, so Lesley had her work cut out. This was arguably no mean accomplishment and today due to her efforts the department goes from strength to strength having grown from 4 employees to 8.
Lesley Stanbury
Ins & Outs
Having worked with Lesley for the past 15 years, I have always observed her finding the time to support all those people who need it, including both staff and pupils. There are a large number of thankful OAs who have benefited not only from her excellent chemistry teaching, but also her thoughtful and individual advice as a 6th Form Tutor.
The Albanian 2010
12
Lesley is an avid chemist who has contributed to education in this subject on many levels. She has been heavily involved in the Chemistry Olympiad for several years, and spent her sabbatical working with the contestants in Cambridge for the 2009 competition. Lesley in particular found the pastoral role of this job rewarding, and I know that she enjoyed her work very much. She is also a Chartered Chemist and had the honour of being the runner up in the ‘Salter’s Best Chemistry Teacher’ competition in 2000. Lesley also found time to, review books and articles for the Journal of Science Education, trial work for the Teacher Fellows, do many hours of committee work for the RSC as well as act as an examiner throughout her time at St Albans School. All of this on top of a full teaching commitment makes her one of the most efficient and dedicated teachers I have ever known. Many of her colleagues will remember Lesley as an iconic Head of Department, but she has also made a valuable contribution outside of Chemistry; notably in timetabling as well as conservation where she and Peter Wade-Wright have pioneered the ‘Slash and Bash’ method of taking down unwanted ash trees. I asked Lesley what her high points were, in preparation for this piece, and she replied ‘there were too many’. We shall miss her very much, particularly as the long awaited office refurbishment is finally being completed and she will not be able to enjoy our new space. However, we thank her for the electric kettle, and wish her and her husband all the best for her retirement. DW
Ed Beavington
Ed Beavington could be considered the School’s yo-yo – came, went away, came back, went away again. He was clearly aiming for the record of four entries in The Albanian, which he has achieved. Despite celebrating the record with him, it is a great shame to see him yet again departing – perhaps we can wait for the third bounce-back? Ed has been a stalwart of the History Department, teaching with vigour and care. He has been an excellent middle school tutor, regarded with trust and affection by his tutees. He has been out there on windy rugby fields coaching teams. He has also been a key member of the CCF, training the Junior Corps and ensuring that General Inspections have run to order. A man who found great delight in his DSLR, though it took him months to learn how to change the lens, he has been an excellent photographer, recording all these School events with a quick eye for composition and a deft finger on the shutter release. We will miss his contributions on these pages. Perhaps Ed’s biggest legacy, though, has been the Banana Tree charity, which he founded when he left us last time to spend two years teaching in Tanzania. There he was struck by the plight of the many street orphans and set about doing what he could for them, ameliorating their conditions in the orphanage and organising sports. When he returned to the UK, the work continued, as he set up The Banana Tree Project in order to continue the work, specifically contributing to the children’s education. The CCF has raised thousands of pounds and completed two trips to Tanzania, the latest this last summer, to develop the orphanages and school rooms. As Ed leaves us to be Head of History at Plymouth College, we wish him and his charity work, continuing and further success. NJC
Marie-Claire Gould
MJG
Richard Egglesfield
Richard leaves the shores of the United Kingdom for the stars and stripes of Washington DC. We wish him and his wife Rowie well as they embark on their new life. IJB Eric Logan: teacher, welder, New Romantic pin-up, painter, property developer, builder. Eric was many things, but above all he was modest and retiring. When pressed, he would recall his days in The Mood, an early 80’s band who hit the scene along with Heaven 17 and Depeche Mode, who supported them. Many’s the pupil who got a shock reviewing You Tube footage of the band: was that effete young man sporting eyeliner and an asymmetric haircut really Mr Logan? If things had turned out differently he could be on the reunion tour, but as it is he’s moving on to teach at Sceptre School in Dunstable. A qualified teacher, Eric first came to St Albans School as a parent; but one thing led to another and he joined the D&T Department in 1999, teaching Electronics to GCSE and Resistant Materials to GCSE and A level. Beyond the classroom he was an officer in the CCF RAF section, going on camps and taking pupils flying at RAF Wyton. His quiet, easy-going approach made him popular in the Common Room, and we wish him well as he moves on for the challenges of leading D&T at his new school. GJC
Eric Logan
13 Ins & Outs
Richard Egglesfield joined the Economics Department 3 years ago from Watford Grammar School for Boys. His quirky and idiosyncratic style made up of a combination of extremely strong subject knowledge (as befits a Cambridge graduate), a firm hand and a unique sense of humour proved him to be a popular teacher. Richard made an enormous contribution to the growth of the Economics Department. He was responsible for the running of GCSE Business Studies and introduced the new combined GCSE in Business and Economics. He also ran Young Enterprise, which under his leadership became a popular Friday afternoon activity. In 2009 he guided his team to what was easily the School’s best performance in the national competition. He helped pioneer the Extended Project for Sixth Formers and under his guidance they produced strong, innovative work. Richard also wrote a General Studies module in Business Ethics that feeds into the Extended Project. An excellent hockey coach, Richard’s understanding of the game and his professionalism will be missed by the PE Department. A keen and committed player himself, he encouraged these traits in his pupils, pushing them hard to achieve their potential.
The Albanian 2010
Marie-Claire Gould joined the Science Faculty in January 2001 as a teacher of Biology and Chemistry, later focusing exclusively on Chemistry. During her time at St Albans she contributed to many aspects of school life. Always an involving teacher whose enthusiasm for her subject was infectious, she inspired many students to pursue their studies to University and beyond. Behind the scenes she took on the role of Lower School Science Coordinator, being responsible for devising and overseeing the Science course for the 1st and 2nd forms, as well as acting as form tutor for 1st, 2nd and 3rd forms. Always interested in Science education in its broadest sense, MarieClaire has been an Education Advisor to the Natural History Museum in London and has also made a huge contribution to running our partnership with local state schools, through which Year 6 children come into the school on Friday for Science Enrichment sessions. Aside from academic matters Marie-Claire was Head of Girls’ Games for six years. Perhaps the way most people encountered her outside of the classroom was through her unflagging support of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and innumerable trips to Pen Arthur, which many students count amongst their most memorable school experiences. We would like to thank Marie-Claire for all that she has contributed to life at St Albans School and wish her well as she leaves us to become Head of Science at Sherrardswood School in Welwyn.
Andrew Godfrey
Andy Godfrey arrived at St Albans in 2002 bringing with him a host of theatre talents that he has put to good use throughout his time in the Drama Department. Comfortable with circus skills, mime, masks, physical theatre, costume design and all things technical as well as acting, he gave a dimension to the department that will be difficult to replicate. His Lower School Shows, such as Superhero!, Exit Pursued By A Bear!, The Clockmaker and The Beginning of the End demonstrated his writing abilities as well – and two of his scripts went on to be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe. Andy also ran GCSE Drama, with some outstanding results and co-directed several eye-catching Christmas productions – including Beauty and the Beast, Tom Jones and, most recently, Great Expectations. He did have his slightly ruthless side though, asking Lower School pupils to perform in the Amphitheatre in the rain with his adaptation of The Jabberwocky. ’Twas brillig, though. Andy also has his own professional theatre company, more recently called El Toro, and as well as performing regularly in Edinburgh and at other festivals around the country he recently had a run at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
Ins & Outs
Very popular with all pupils, Andy was also unofficial Gamesmeister of the Department inventing progressively more complicated versions of the famous God Ball which is now firmly installed as a major component of the Drama curriculum as a warm-up exercise.
The Albanian 2010
14
Andy leaves us to take up the role of Head of Productions at Trinity School, Croydon, where we hope he breaks many legs. PGY Cristina Fenn leaves us this summer having spent two years as Head of Spanish. She is an outstanding linguist and her pupils have benefited greatly from her profound understanding of both Spanish and French culture and her knowledge of the languages. Spanish has made real progress under her leadership and the subject is becoming an increasingly popular and successful option. Cristina organised the Spanish exchange to Santander, which offers pupils the opportunity to experience Spanish school and family life first hand and to become immersed in the language.
Christina Fenn
Cristina is a committed linguist and she has given her students a very firm grammatical foundation upon which they will build in future years. She has played an extremely important role in the accelerated French programme, preparing students very efficiently for their public exams. Cristina has taught at a number of excellent secondary schools and she leaves us to return to Tiffin Girls School in Kingston. We would like to thank Cristina for all that she has done and wish her and her family all the best for the future. JRR
Anthony Robertshaw
Anthony Robertshaw joined the Geography Department following a period of employment in the travel industry and a PGCE from St. Mary’s College, Twickenham. He was eager to help and support the department in any way possible. He was well travelled, having just returned from India as the Autumn term began. Unfortunately dogged by illness, Anthony reviewed his career aspirations and decided to move on from teaching at the end of the term. CPAG
The Headmaster’s Address Chairman, Sir Clive and Lady Martin, Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the Abbey and to our 2010 Prizegiving. I was out cycling a few days ago – something of which, as some of you know, I do quite a bit – when I was hooted at.
A car so silent and free of pollution that, for safety reasons, the manufacturers have now decided to build in some completely gratuitous pollution in the form of fake engine noise is a perfect paradigm of the law of unintended consequences. Or to use the acronym my sons used to use – I don’t know if it’s still current – to describe the shirt they’d just bought that somehow didn’t look quite as good once you got it home as it did in the shop: SLAGIATT: seemed like a good idea at the time. And I was reminded of this when I read last week about Michael Gove’s bright new idea for an English Baccalaureate. The idea is that this would be awarded to pupils who achieve an A*-C grade at GCSE in English, Maths, Science, a Language and a Humanities subject and basically, it’s a shiny wrapper for a group of qualifications that already exist. Mr Gove hopes this might encourage schools to encourage their pupils to take subjects not enough of them are taking – like languages.
And so, periodically, we find ourselves remedying the damage wrought by previous improvements by returning things to the state they were in before they were improved. Certainly it seems so whenever the state takes control of education. Nothing very new in viewing the past through rose-tinted spectacles, of course; in 1775, Dr Johnson was lamenting: There is now less flogging in our great schools than previously, but then less is learned there, so that what the boys get at one end they lose at the other. However, let’s think about this summer’s introduction of the A* at A level. In 2000, the A level standard was made accessible to a larger number of people by dividing the syllabuses up into more easily digestible modules. The standard wasn’t made easier (see last year’s Albanian for my illuminating metaphor about the relative difficulty of carrying a hundredweight sack of coal upstairs either in one go or in several trips, a bucket at a time) but a way was found to allow more people to reach the standard. So many people are now reaching it that it has been
NOBIS
N AT I
The Headmaster’s speech given on the occasion of the Prizegiving Ceremony in St Albans Abbey on September 15th
15 Prizegiving
I had a few miles ahead of me to ponder the Toyota Prius as a fine metaphor for a common feature of our times - or maybe it’s always been common; it’s just that I’ve been around long enough now to notice it.
Anyway, Mr Gove’s idea seemed such an obvious one that I was surprised nobody had thought of a grouped award before - except of course they had – in 1918, when it was called the School Certificate. It, and its big brother, the Higher School Certificate, the AdvancedBaccalaureate of its day, were abolished in 1951 to make way for O levels and A levels at a time when the advantages of taking individual subjects individually seemed selfevident.
NON
The Albanian 2010
There’s nothing especially unusual in that, though it tends to happen more when there’s a whole intimidating bunch of us and it tends to be plainly hostile but this wasn’t at all hostile. What’s more, it came out of an apparently complete silence, rather than accompanied by the usual sound of an engine at high revs, and a moment later, a Toyota Prius shimmered noiselessly past.
That, of course, is because for the past 20 years Government league tables have been so successful in providing perverse incentives for schools not to ask their pupils to do difficult subjects that in 2004, the last Government gave up trying to make anyone over 14 do a Modern Foreign Language.
Prizegiving
Prizegiving 2010
Prizegiving
necessary to lengthen the stairs, increase the size of each bucket and reduce the number of trips permitted. If you haven’t followed that, see me after the lesson.
The Albanian 2010
16
for themselves, rather than just jump through hoops. So it is, for example, that Modern Foreign Languages are flourishing here against the trend elsewhere, with over 70 students in the Sixth Form as a whole taking at least one language. Our freedom to be innovative, as with the advanced French sets who have an AS in the bag before they leave the Fifth Form, will finish their A level by the end of the Lower Sixth and will go on to take the Pre-U in the Upper Sixth, is an illustration of our ability to respond flexibly to our students’ needs.
Likewise, university entry. It must A prize-winner is have seemed like a good idea at the congratulated time for Tony Blair to encourage as many young people as possible to aspire to university and to pluck the figure of 50% out of the air as a target. Now we’ve decided we can’t afford enough university places, we’re making it harder for them to get in and the new minister for Higher Education is telling young people to think about aspiring to slightly lower education. It’s not been an easy year in which to be an ambitious 18-year-old, but in an August in which, nationally, 25% of university applicants remained unplaced by the close of Clearing, I’m pleased to say that over 90% of our leavers have a good university course awaiting them in October. That’s not to say we had no casualties – everyone did this year – and even our students need to recognise just how fierce the competition is going to be in the years ahead. As I reflect on this, it’s obvious to me that over the past decade we have been very fortunate indeed to have been working - and your sons and daughters have been equally fortunate, to have been educated – in a sector that has been able to get on with things guided by enduring educational values rather than transient political ones. That means allowing our own curriculum to evolve to take account of the sheer ability of our boys and girls and to encourage them to learn to think
And they do need intellectual challenges: of our 137 Upper Sixth Leavers, 60 achieved at least 3 A grades; 32 of them managed 4 or more and 45 students – one third of the year – recorded at least one of the new A* grades, the new threshold qualification for Cambridge. Ten students achieved three or four A*s.
mainstream GCSEs into the modular territory A level has occupied for the past ten years and frankly we can do without the distraction of that and the timeconsuming controlled assessments that come with it. When the median performance of our Fifth Form GCSE students is the equivalent of 9 A*s, what they will thrive on is greater challenge in coherent courses rather than being asked to jump a series of low hurdles, so, where it is in the best interests of our pupils, we shall be moving in an increasing number of subjects to the International GCSE. English has led the way with IGCSE Literature and an improvement in results that has more than vindicated the decision.
When I came to this School, Governors Awards went to the ten or fifteen boys who got A grades throughout all 8 of their GCSEs. This year, 61 boys – half the year group – did that in ten GCSEs apiece; 27 students got A* in all ten So last year, too, we introduced the or more of their GCSEs and ten of Extended Project, worth an AS, but them had 11 or 12. As you know, with an A* grade available, which, as that is a performance that ranks us its name suggests, encourages a level among the very highest-performing of independent, deep and reflective schools in the country for the third study that the modular structure year in succession and given how of the A level course can militate well the Fourth Form did in their against. The aim is to help our very early entries in Maths and French, there seems little reason to expect the trend to dip.
Modern Foreign Languages are flourishing here against the trend elsewhere
able students to learn the difference between an instrumental approach to learning as a mere means of acquiring certificates through efficiency in taking examinations and genuine scholarship and love of learning and study. The top universities can certainly tell the difference; they’re able to pick and choose and they’re much more interested in the latter than the former. To the same end, this year we have revised the timetable to give longer lessons, providing more continuity and greater opportunity for reflection and, for the first time, have built into the weekly schedule extension classes for the Sixth Form. The recent national revisions to GCSE specifications are moving
But an equally important aspect of what this School offers goes on outside the classroom or the lab, isn’t graded, doesn’t lead to a certificate and doesn’t show up in league tables, and is important for precisely that reason. One of the points on which I part company with the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate, excellent qualification though it be, is that it assumes a monopoly of virtue over the entire school experience and makes voluntary activity a compulsory requirement of the course. That’s an oxymoron if ever I heard one. We can be especially proud of our sporting and cultural achievements and above all, perhaps, of our pupils’ community work, through the Partnership Scheme; the CCF, Community Link and the Charity Committee, precisely because they don’t have to do it. If the £35,000
that the CCF raised for orphanages and schools in Mwanza, Tanzania and the plastering and painting skills they learned for the project were recognised in some kind of certificate, it would, to my mind render that splendid expedition marginally less admirable.
That isn’t, as you might suppose, the preamble to yet another article on David Cameron and Nick Clegg’s school careers. As I said, I did read
27 students got A* in all ten or more of their GCSEs and ten of them had 11 or 12 it in the Times Educational Supplement last week, but it was from the first-ever edition of 6 September 1910. So let’s wish the TES a Happy Hundredth Birthday. Still, I know of few of our alumni who have fallen victim to the current dearth of graduate employment and, in truth there’s little surprise in that.
Nurturing those skills has a long and distinguished history in HMC schools. Only last week, I read this in the Times Educational Supplement; it may surprise you: The public school boy in the past has, no doubt, been too often in some ways an ignoramus; examinations have been a terror to him and he has frequently been able to disguise the uncertainty of his spelling only by the obscurity of his
Sir Clive Martin OA was the speaker and distributed the evening’s prizes
Some of those resources are material and maintained schools have done pretty well under the previous government, so I’m very pleased to be able to announce that in terms of material resources, St Albans School is about to make a very big investment indeed. The contract to construct the planned sports hall and swimming pool is, at long last, currently out to tender with a view to making a start early next term, given a fair wind. The funding is in place and the cost of construction will not impact on fees. It will be a massive project and require
I am grateful to what are now several generations of governors who have laboured hard to bring this about with the generous gift of their time and expertise and to the Bursar, Derek Todd and his team, who now have a major civil engineering project to manage which I’m sure is just what they always wanted. But in truth, however fine a school’s physical facilities, the most important resource of all, of course, is inspirational teachers.
17
We are fortunate indeed to be able to attract some of the most gifted people in our profession to join us, and, while some will move on to well-deserved promotion in other HMC schools, as they have done this year, a good school also needs to be able to retain good people. Let me then close by thanking, in particular, two senior colleagues who retired this year, Senior Master, Peter Wade Wright and Head of Chemistry, Lesley Stanbury, for having given to St Albans School so substantial a proportion of their distinguished careers, and finally let me pay tribute to all my colleagues for their inspirational work in helping our students towards the outstanding achievements on which we are gathered to congratulate them tonight.
Prizegiving
It’s very flattering, of course, that almost every initiative the new Secretary of State for Education has taken in his first few weeks in office has been modelled on established practice in the independent sector and we are very pleased that in scrapping Contact Point; suspending the introduction of the Independent Safeguarding Authority, and allowing all schools to adopt the IGCSE, Michael Gove has shown that he really has been listening to what we in HMC have been telling him, but at a time of economic austerity, he is going to struggle to provide the resources to make his independentstyle reforms work as well as we can and do.
us to put up with some shortterm inconvenience, but as well as providing state-of-the-art and much needed facilities for sport and physical education, it will allow us in due course to redevelop the gym so that catering can be moved out of the Hall and to redevelop the Hall as a proper auditorium and centre for the Performing Arts. That will, in turn, unlock a number of other possibilities to improve accommodation on the main campus, all of which will enhance the whole experience of being at this School.
The Albanian 2010
No-one, of course, can live two lives, but were our students, and indeed their parents, able to experience simultaneously what life would have been like in a different kind of school, I think they would be astonished at how diverse, rich and full are the opportunities for personal development here. These are the soft skills we hear so much about and which, if employers are to be believed, are in short supply among current graduates and school leavers.
handwriting. But on the other hand, he has learned how to hold his own in life, how to face difficulties and how, when in a tight place, to muddle through somehow by sheer pluck and resolution.
First Form Prizes
Fourth Form Subject Prizes
Achievement Awards
Progress Prizes
Thomas Alexander Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Edward Hunt James Kirsch Karim Senouni Alexander Thomson
Simon Brooks Thomas Halling Ujjal Ray
Prizegiving
Second Form Prizes
The Albanian 2010
18
Achievement Awards
Progress Prizes
Benjamin Harley Patrick Semark Freddie Scutt James Thompson Robert Tominey-Nevado Harry Turner
Harry Fleet Mehmet Ismail Thomas Naccarato
Third Form Prizes Progress Prizes
William Beynon Jeremy Bosatta David Cartwright Nicholas Stride Christopher Williams Joseph Zacaroli
Ryan Allen Dominic Armstrong Joseph Crosby Nicholas Hill Charles Trollope
Progress Prizes Vincent Chan Max Monk Patrick Shammas Toby Stapleton Kieran Vaghela
Fifth Form Prizes Progress Prizes Zak Armstrong* Abishek Kulkarni William Leppard James Mohajer Jordan Smiler Jonathan Spencer
George Prew Patrick Shammas, Daniel Heydecker Nial Parkash Timothy Furlong Matthew Davey Kieran Vaghela Thomas Ling Matthew Hampstead Ashok Mathur Thomas De Sousa David McConnell James Pavey Daniel Heydecker James Sinclair Jonathan Phillips James Sinclair David McConnell Jonathan Phillips Jonathan Phillips Matthew Harrison
Fifth Form Subject Prizes
Achievement Awards
Fourth Form Prizes
English Mathematics Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Drama DT - Electronic Products DT - Graphic Products DT - Resistant Materials French Geography German Greek History Latin Music Physics Religious Studies Spanish
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 SGF Scase Prize for Languages *Governors’ Award
Jonathan Inglis* George Tasker* Philip Ruis* Harry Lavelle* Alex Shavick* Alexander Goldstone* Joe Chalkley*, Philip Ruis* William Jacobs* Philip Madgwick* Joe Chalkley Henry Dace Christopher Schon* Philip Ruis* Alex Shavick* Sanesh Mistry* Arran Bhatiani* Sanesh Mistry* Christopher Springthorpe William King Luke Morton Philip Ruis* James Scott* William Jacobs*
James Anthoney Jonathan Baker Joseph Baker Andrew Ball Simon Chelley Samuel Duke-Wallace Sam Eley Stephen Farquhar Nicholas Fleet Thomas Girdlestone James Gore Max Greenfield William Grimwade James Harrison Thomas Harrison Wilkie Hollens Michael Hollins Harry Hopla
English Literature Alexander Turner* Mathematics James Holmes*, Bethan Griffiths*. George Irwin* Mathematics (John Godfrey Prize) David Phillips* Further Mathematics Samuel Abbott*, David Phillips* Ancient History Benjamin Hamer* Art Eleanor Osmond Ollington Art Exhibiton Prize Eleanor Osmond, Jake Murphy, Casper Veres Biology James McConnell* Chemistry (George Wishart Prize) David Phillips* DT - Graphic Products Thomas Gallagher* DT - Resistant Materials Nicholas Goldberg* Drama Simon Collings Drama - Performance (OA Masonic Lodge Prize) Simon Dean Economics Eleanor Wells* French Bethan Griffith* Geography Amul Patel* German (EP Debenham Prize) Christopher Pollitt* Greek David Bagg* History (Archibald John Eastcott Prize) Harman Virdee* Latin Calum Pontin* Music James Nissen* Physical Education Michelle Read Physics David Phillips* Politics George Margereson Religious Studies James Nissen* Spanish James Henson*
Isaac Johnson Christopher Knights Albert Koomson Thomas Lewis Angus Mackay Thomas McConnell Duncan Merelie Christopher Milsted Jamie Morton Oliver Ng Jonathan Peters Peter Place Ganesh Rajaratnam Christopher Stobart Rory Wood John Ye Brian Yuen Ciaran Cleary (2009)
Lower Sixth Subject Prizes English Literature Mathematics Further Mathematics Ancient History Art Biology Chemistry DT - Graphic Products DT - Resistant Materials DT - Electronics Drama Economics French Geography German Greek History Latin Music Physical Education Physics Politics Religious Studies Spanish
Freddie Sawyer Annie Miles, Joshua Hampton, Thomas Russell Alexander Stride Mark Soames Joseph Temple Annie Miles Annie Miles Alexander Campbell Robert McDougall Christopher Munro Jonathan Bennett Gordon Tveito-Duncan Matthew Jennings Annie Miles Christopher Nielsen Mark Soames James Horne Nicholas Butler Jonathan Bennett Victoria Walker Matthew Fletcher Rachel Howell Charles Dekan Adam Jan-Mohammed
Upper Sixth Governors’ Awards Charles Baker James Bartholomeusz Stuart Brown James Clegg Joshua Cooper Graham Davis Christopher Ellis Lewis Farrimond Gerard Flahive
Kiran Giblin Jonathan Gold Andrew Harris Craig Lye Oliver Madgwick Thomas Martin Thomas Rawlinson Harry Stuart-Smith Alexander Wernick Helen Blackett (2009)
*Governors’ Awards
Upper Sixth Form Special Awards Josh Handel (Charities) Cup Highstead Cup Powell-Davies Service Prize Prefects’ Leaving Prize Head Prefect’s Prize
Harman Gill Benjamin Hamer Lewis Farrimond Charles Baker, Katherine Mercer, George Kelly Harry Byrne
19 Prizegiving
Upper Sixth Subject Prizes
The Albanian 2010
Fifth Form Governors’ Awards
Out of Time
T
Jonathan Inglis he world revolves around them, our lives are changed by them, but this rare fragment of time remains elu-
sive to our understanding. Why do we cling on to cer-
tain memories due to the emotions they provoke, two features of the brain which are distant from each other?
Perhaps we grasp on to a ‘significant’ event because it
slows down time itself. Blue fingers surrounded by flashing
blue lights. We are determined to preserve the anomaly in the mechanics of the universe. Maybe these events are cherished due to the vivid photograph that is left fluttering about our skulls. A ragdoll in the wind.
The day began as any other lazy holiday. The world was
poised upon the brink of Christmas, leaving a trail of ravaged Creative
shopping centres and distraught mothers. However, I hon-
20
estly cannot describe the day of the event as it was eclipsed by the hanging man; we cannot choose those events that haunt us.
The first thing that manifests itself in my memory is the
swirling blue light foraging through the fog to my eyes. Police lights. It was a distinctly eerie sensation to know the gravity
The Albanian 2010
of the situation, even when obscured by thick winter mist.
Then the ghostly shadow of the hanging man, hanging by
the black mass of the forest behind him. He swung with the
regularity of a pendulum, although time had stopped for him.
As the car drew closer, I could see the cluster of policemen,
standing in silence as if in vigil over a crucifixion. One of the watchers tugged softly at the frosted lace dangling from the dead man’s shoe. Mother gasped.
And then it was gone. Although time itself had been struck
dumb by the graphic event, the roar of the car engine brought
reality with it. The scene had been shattered by the realisation that time stops for no-one. Although the man had ceased to
exist, those who knew him would be punished by time until they too went that same way.
La Belle Dame Sans Merci
T
Harry Lampert he knight sat by the desolate lake. His pale face was sweating in the sun, yet it was a very cold morn-
ing. No birds were singing. I wondered if there were any birds to sing. The dew was still on the ground glittering like thousands of mini gems. The fields were bare, all that disturbed the landscape were the
holes that animals had dug to hibernate in. The knight turned his clammy face on me and beckoned. “Come,”
he commanded. There was so much pain and anguish in his voice that I couldn’t disobey. “Come and let me tell you of La Belle Dame Sans Merci.”
“I saw her standing there,” he started. “She was alone in the meadow, her dress was billowing in the wind.
Her very presence seemed to brighten up the plants around her. She was so beautiful that she must’ve been a fairy’s child.” He looked at me, focusing on something I could not see and breathed, “Her eyes. Once you
looked into them, they wouldn’t let you go! They seemed to swallow you up and that’s when I realised that she was the one for me. I couldn’t live without her. One look and I was addicted.
almost dropped the garland I had been idly fashioning in my hands. She smiled and showed off her teeth. The pearly whiteness was almost blinding but I didn’t care. All that mattered was getting to her side. As I arrived,
she let out a moan. It was almost a sigh but was full of pain, and regret for the past and regret for what was yet
to come. The sound made me falter but one look from her wild eyes left me back in the state of mindless obedi-
The Albanian 2010
“I walked towards her picking up flowers as I went. As I got closer, her sweet aroma washed over me. I
ence.” He sighed, “I believed that I was free but deep down I knew that there was no going back.
“I lifted her onto my steed. She was so light that it required no effort. As I jumped up behind her, she started
to sing. The weaving melody seemed to be made up of three voices, a fairy’s song. I realised that I had started to feel tired. She turned to look at me and once again, the eyes banished all ill feelings and fear. Her song
surprise, I landed heavily on the ground and stumbled almost falling over. She seemed to have disappeared but as I looked around, she seemed to step out of the mist. She had a bowl made out of a yellow flower. In it was a sliced root which was sitting in what I guessed was honey. As I bit into the root, juice filled my mouth. It was sweet yet I had never tasted anything like it before. Feeling euphoric, I marvelled at the texture of the manna she had slipped into my bowl. She whispered in my ear a strange language but I knew that it meant, ‘I love thee true.’
“She took me by the hand and led me to her elfin grot. I walked in as if I was in a trance. She turned around
to face me; her beautiful face was streaked with tears. I rushed to her as she started to cry. As I held her in my arms I kissed her eyes twice each. As I watched the tears dried and as she smiled, she opened the wild, wild
eyes. I sat down on the bed behind me realizing how weak I was. I could almost feel the life being sucked out of my body. I looked for the last time into her eyes and as I fell asleep, my apprehension vanishing.
“I began to dream. Nothing coherent came into my view. A lake and a hill? A barren landscape all around?
I tried to figure it out but was suddenly and unpleasantly, interrupted. Faces. All of them pale and clammy
like corpses. They seemed to be wearing crowns. Kings and princes all murmuring inaudibly but then a voice broke through. It sounded like many people talking at the same time but I could understand. ‘Beware,’ they
told me, ‘La Belle Dame Sans Merci hath thee in her thrall!’ I wrenched myself out of the dream to find this, the
same land that I had dreamed of. I was so cold and weak that I only just managed to crawl to the lake. I saw my reflection. I had become one of the lost men, vanishing without a trace. She had taken me, sucked out my life, feasted on my vitality and left me trapped and alone, forever.”
Creative
stopped and so did my steed. She slid off him and almost floated to the ground. I also got off his back but to my
21
Diary of a Civil Defence Worker
I
7th September 1940
t was a lovely day, ‘was’ being the crucial word here. I was sitting out on the steps in front of our house, making a sketch of our street to send to my little brother in the country. I
can remember the fantastic sun, and the fact that even though it was closing in on 5pm,
it still seemed to illuminate and breathe life into the dull grey buildings around me, with a beautiful orange glow.
And then I heard it, that dreaded metallic wail from the sirens that we had been informed
meant an imminent German air raid. I threw down my sketch pad and pencil, and rushed
down the road towards the shelter, as did everyone else around me. There were screams as
people tripped and were trampled over, in the pure desperation to reach safety. I eventually reached the shelter door, ahead of most of the crowd seeing as I was a young man amongst
tired, old-looking men. I trundled down the concrete steps, and on reaching the bottom was
told to go and sit in the corner, so as to make enough room for the others arriving. I sat there Creative
for a good three hours, seeing the people file in, taking a seat on rugs, mattresses, anything,
all the time guided and reassured by the Civil Defence worker on duty. I can remember how
amazingly he controlled the crowd, and the way in which he could soothe a baby, startled by the sound of shelling, from a wailing mess to a sleeping angel in minutes. It was incredible and as I started to drift into an awkward, uncomfortable sleep, I decided to sign up as one,
22
and try and make a difference. 8th September 1940
The Albanian 2010
This has been one of the worst birthdays ever! When I had finally emerged from the bomb
shelter and made my way to the billeting office to sign up and receive my uniform, I had to
walk down Plymouth Avenue, which had been completely obliterated by the shelling. Thick clouds of smoke hung over the street, produced by the houses still ablaze after last night,
reducing visibility to basically nothing. However in retrospect this was a good thing, as some
of the sounds I heard, the screams, the wails, probably had less impact on me because I wasn’t aware of the horrific state people were in to produce them.
After I had put on my uniform and checked through my house for damage, I went out into
the street to see what I could do to help. I assisted people in building their Anderson Shelters, and talked to those who had chosen to shelter in their own homes of just how stupid a deci-
sion this was. I explained that when a bomb hits, even if it doesn’t directly hit your house, the wall of flames and the shockwave that it sends out is enough to reduce a terraced house to
rubble in mere seconds. I really do hope that I’m making a difference to these people. I’m just
trying to be as helpful as that wonderful man in the shelter and replicate his mannerisms and calm ways. Yet these sights are tearing me apart, I don’t know if I’m cut out for doing this.
The Albanian 2010
23
Dukes
Gold Award Expedition Freddy Sawyer took on the Italian Dolomites Expeditioners: Freddy Sawyer, Sam Flahive, Drew Flahive, Alex Springett, Will Stone Destination: Italian Dolomites
Dukes
Stepping off the plane into the warm haze of Italian summer, the five of us braced ourselves for what we were sure would be a challenging
The Albanian 2010
24
experience. After a smooth journey across from Venice to the small town of Cortina, surrounded by harsh mountain ranges – and a day to gather provisions and adjust to the climate – we were then ready to begin our four day expedition across the mountainous region of the Italian Dolomites. Day one of the expedition began with an ascent of 500 metres towards a refuge hut called Faloria. Our first time carrying our rucksacks at full weight since our practice expedition in Easter was certainly a struggle, and although we were avoiding the main heat of the day for the time being, a cloudless sky ensured that we were breaking into a sweat within the first ten minutes. Overall, a good start to the expedition. Spirits remained high, however, and before long the group had got into the swing of things. We kept ourselves amused with conversations heavily frequented by expectations of the upcoming Reading Festival, and taking in the magnificent views all around us. The group’s morale took a buffeting when the appearance of a domestic home mistaken for our refuge hut led us to believe that we had travelled much further than we actually had, but this was soon remedied by an increased pace, and soon we were back on track again. By the time we reached “Passo Tre Croci” half way across day one’s route, it transpired that despite our optimism, our less-than-regimental walking pace and fondness for breaks had caused us to arrive an hour behind schedule, a time lag that only increased as the day progressed. At about half past three in the afternoon, just before we began our descent into the final 3 kilometres to the campsite, a thunderstorm broke out, forcing us to take refuge at a mountain top power station for half an hour. We learned that in the summer time, midafternoon thunderstorms are the norm in the mountainous regions of Italy. The rain stopped momentarily, and we began the descent, a route which we soon realised was much more time consuming than either the group’s or the staff’s expecta-
tions. The steep, winding, rocky path seemed to go on forever, and about half way down it began to rain again, with flashes of lightning striking only a few kilometres down the valley. Understandably, morale had plummeted since its previous count earlier that morning. Hungry, weary, and soaked to the skin, we dragged our sore feet down the path, until finally we reached the bottom, according to our route plan, over two hours late. We arrived at Campsite Dolomiti to the sympathetic grimaces of the staff, who checked us in and wished us the best of luck for day two. We had completed the first day. What remained was to pitch the tents. Having done this, after a quick meal and a shower we curled up and went to sleep, dreading the early start the next morning. The next morning we felt slightly more optimistic, despite discovering that our clothes were still wet from yesterday. We packed up and were ready to leave on time, and agreed to begin with a comfortable pace to be kind to our aching feet. The route for this day was at a lower altitude, and after an initial long gradual climb, the route became relatively easier as it was mainly downhill. As we had learnt yesterday, however, things are rarely so simple, and the first complication arose due to an inconsistency between our map and the path, over which we spent approximately half an hour attempting to correct, doubling back a number of times. In the end we took the initiative and decided to improvise, taking a path that led in the same direction. In the final ascent towards the refuge hut “Croda Da Lago,” where we planned to have our lunch break, relations in the group took a turn for the worse, as we became irritable in the hottest part of the day. The ascent took us up a long, winding road, over which the group became spread out, to the extent that Drew, Will and I lost sight of Alex and Sam up ahead. Thinking that regrouping would be prudent, and in desperate need of a rest, we called ahead to Alex and Sam, but Sam, listening to hardcore punk music on his headphones, was unable to hear us. When we finally caught his attention he was reluc-
tant to break out of his pace, the monotony of which was helping him to climb without too much mental strain. An argument ensued, resulting in Sam jamming his headphones firmly into his ears and steaming ahead, leaving the rest of the group fuming. When we caught up shortly after, however, we discussed the issue maturely and agreed to stick together from now on. What we learnt from the experience is that everyone has their own methods of overcoming the mental barrier of a strenuous ascent, but also that solidarity in times of difficulty is vital.
Day three of the expedition began with the sudden and unsavoury realisation that our campsite had been raided by a fox, a conclusion we reached from the masses of shredded plastic all over the ground, and a number of people’s items strewn out over the ground. Alex found that his rucksack had been particularly savaged, apparently nature’s way of wishing him a happy birthday. After clearing up we set off hurriedly, not wanting to fall behind schedule. Day three’s route took us up and down a number of times, proving to be the most varied of our routes. We rendez-voused with Mrs Walker and Mr Smithson at the refuge hut “Scoiatolli,” where we were able
Happy campers in the Dolomites (above) enjoyed magnificent mountain views (below)
Flahive brothers talk very loudly in their sleep at around two in the morning, I felt comfortable and rejuvenated, as did the rest of the group. After a breakfast of bread and coffee we set off. The route for the fourth day was a short ascent over the brow of a valley, and then downhill from there all the way to Camp Olympia, which went down very well with us. It can definitely be said that it was the most enjoyable of the four days, and we found ourselves able to relax our pace and enjoy the scenery we were descending through, which included some spectacular waterfalls where we stopped for lunch. In the final stages of the hike we found ourselves thinking of home and what we were going to do when we got back, but also thinking about how much fun we’d had over the past few days, and how rewarding the feeling of completion would be after all that hard work. We were not disappointed, and arriving back at Camp Olympia we all collapsed into a heap. We had succeeded. Against all odds, thunderstorms, blisters, over-friendly cows, foxes, arguments and nigh-on unbearable uphill struggles, we had completed our expedition. All that remained was to go for a grand meal at a pizzeria in Cortina, and then we turned in for the night. The next morning, bags packed, we got back in the minibus, sped over to the airport, boarded the plane and flew home. It is safe to say we came out of the experience a much tighter group of friends, as well much more confident in overcoming challenges to achieve something worthwhile. Overall, it was a very successful trip.
25
Dukes
The rest of the day went by much more smoothly in comparison, with the five of us coming into the campsite in much higher spirits than the night before. This particular spot was a “wild” campsite, essentially meaning it was not strictly a registered campsite, allowing us to experience a much more authentic feel of outdoor living. In fact, the campsite turned out to be a meadow enclosed by trees, and Day four: the final leg. Despite home to a large number of ants’ learning first hand that both of the nests, as well as some worryingly inquisitive cows. After much effort finding a suitably ant-free area, and shooing the cows away with sticks, we were able to pitch the tents and have dinner, followed by a birthday cake generously brought along by the staff to celebrate Alex’s birthday. I’m sure sitting in a field over a thousand miles from home, surrounded by bugs and cow dung, was everything Alex could have wanted.
The Albanian 2010
to take some photos of a fantastic view that allowed us to see clearly across the region. Our journey was a relatively smooth one, save a few minor complications in the form of some notable bickering from the Flahive twins, and Alex dropping his tent poles somewhere along the path during our descent and having to double back for them. Before we knew it we had reached the final leg of the third day: a very steep climb up to the refuge hut “Dibona,” where to our delight we would be staying over night, due to complications in finding a suitable campsite on the route. The final climb seemed to take forever, as exhausted and sweating, we struggled upwards. However, words could not describe the feeling of relief when the refuge hut came into view. We had arrived at our very own hiker’s Shangri-la, complete with comfortable beds and warm showers. Morale was higher than it had ever been that night, which we spent relaxing and listening to music.
Just What Is DofE All About? Arran Bhatiani unveils the Silver Award
Dukes
At St Albans School, the Award is extremely popular with the Fifth Form, despite it being – in the words of Mr Ford – “a marathon and not a sprint.” As a result, everyone participating is put through their paces in a variety of different ways, with many then graduating onto the Gold Award.
The Albanian 2010
26
Essentially, the Award is broken into four sections, the first being a Volunteering section. The idea is to be able to participate in an activity in order to give something back to the local community or to contribute to a national or even international charity, with activities ranging from working for the local church to being involved with charities such as Oxfam and Cancer Research UK. In my experience of working in a charity shop, the rewards included getting to know and meet a variety of different people, learn social and business related skills and, above all, being able to make a difference, to
present need for a rest, the Award allows you to get outdoors and enjoy the rural British landscape, whilst allowing candidates to learn the arts of tent craft and fending for yourself while isolated, as well as building pivotal team skills so that your whole team can carry themselves through the expedition.
know that your hard work is going into helping a good cause. The Award also allows candidates to develop one skill and to participate in one physical activity, in order to maintain the Award’s aim of producing well-rounded people. Given the nature of the award, the lists of activities are almost endless. Therefore, as a participant, I was able to further hone a skill by continuing to learn and play the saxophone and, despite not being the most athletic person, I took up tennis in order to try something new and to get enjoyment out of doing something different. By being able to pursue such a variety of challenges, this has made the Award all the more enjoyable. And finally, the Award is completed by undertaking the expedition that is usually associated with the Award. Initially, practices take place around the local area in places like Ivinghoe Beacon, in preparation for the qualifying expedition. Despite the blisters, sore legs and the ever-
On the wild side… almost. Camping at Cheapside Farm. But the Award isn’t always about the expedition, as Arran Bhatiani found out.
Above all, the Award simply is a chance to take yourself out of your comfort zone and motivates you to rise to new challenges. The Award is by no means a stroll in the park but I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at Silver level, which has given me the taste to achieve more at Gold level. My thanks go to Mr Ford and Mr Smithson for running the Award Scheme at school and for presenting the opportunity for me to participate. Consequently, I would definitely recommend the Award to anyone interested so that they can derive the satisfaction that I have gained from completing the Silver Award.
The Albanian 2010
27
Drama
Rich, Dark and Rewarding Dickens Rose Hardy was impressed by the Christmas production
Drama
Dickens’ name had become so synonymous with Christmas, even in his lifetime, that on hearing of his death in 1870, a costermonger’s child in London reputedly asked “Mr Dickens is dead? Then will Father Christmas die too?” So it felt very fitting as Christmas drew near for the Drama department to be staging an adaptation of a Dickens novel. Of course though, they did not fall into the trap of staging the obvious choice of A Christmas Carol, but something far richer, darker and ultimately more rewarding.
The Albanian 2010
28
“My father’s family being Pirrip, and my Christian name Philip, my infant tongue could make of both names nothing longer or more explicit than Pip.” The classic opening lines of Dickens’ much loved novel are those which opened this excellent production of Great Expectations in New Place. Thus we are introduced to Pip, the young orphaned boy who, through good fortune and the generosity of an anonymous benefactor, moves “up in the world” from his place as an apprentice under his adoptive father, a village blacksmith, to be a gentleman in London living on the princely annual allowance of £500 a year. Great Expectations is set in early Victorian England, a time when great social changes were sweeping the nation. This is reflected in the range of characters that Dickens introduces to us from all social classes and also the themes of social advancement and aspiration. Enyi Okoronkwo held the stage throughout with his portrayal
as Pip (right). Photographs by Daniel Heydecker
In stark contrast, there were also moments of high
The intimacy of New Place brought us close to the wealth of characters and also lent a sense of menace to the darker scenes; William Lay’s lighting added delicately to the light and shade of the play. And yet despite the enclosed space, the 30 plus strong cast moved fluidly around the space in some beautifully choreographed ensemble work. As a whole, the production was moving, compelling and exciting. The story
was well paced and the cast were professional in the extreme, rising fantastically to the challenge of live theatre on the night that I attended. The play ends at just the right point, the audience having had time to sympathise with Pip whilst not being allowed to totally forget his weaknesses as a man. Ultimately, through the examples of Joe, Biddy, and Magwitch, Pip learns that social status is irrelevant to one’s real worth and that conscience, loyalty and affection are to be valued above erudition and social standing. A fitting message for Christmas and 2010, which sees the 150th anniversary of the publication of the novel.
29
Drama
Pip’s early family life with Joe Gargery, played with endearing integrity by David Webster and Katy Mercer as a suitably down to earth and strong-minded Mrs Joe, quickly established the surety of touch of direction of this production. On our journey through Pip’s life, we are introduced to some of Dickens’ finest characters; Magwitch, played with quiet intensity by Simon Dean, Jaggers, the lawyer in charge of Pip’s mystery benefactor’s affairs, an icily charming Simon Collings, and of course the multi-faceted Wemmick, a well judged performance by Tom Dace. As the embittered Miss Haversham, Charlye Simpson was living death personified and her scenes in Satis House with the suitably coquettish, manipulative and self-centred princess Estella, played by Ellie Charlye Simpson as Bland, were polished Miss Havisham (left) and soul deadening and Enyi Okoronkwo in the extreme.
comedy and penetrating social satire with Pumblechook and Wopsle played with spirit and fine timing by Jethro Lee and Harry Avent. And Max Gold as Herbert Pocket was such a good natured friend to Pip, with a smile and a handshake that made you wish he would not leave the stage.
The Albanian 2010
of Pip; showing technical range and dramatic skill. His clear diction and fluent command of the script made us enter his world and inhabit it with him for the duration of the play. He never lost his country boyishness and yet we saw him grow from a child into a man who retains his romantic idealism and innately good conscience. Because Pip is narrating his story many years after the events of the novel take place, there are really two Pips in Great Expectations: Pip the narrator and Pip the character. As with the novel, the play takes great care to distinguish the two Pips, imbuing the voice of Pip the narrator with perspective and maturity and this role was skilfully fulfilled by Michael Grimshaw and Iain Gale, who elegantly moved the action forward lending pace and clarity to a story which could be bewildering in its profusion of characters and twists and turns in the plot.
Gripping and Provocative A2 Devised Dramas
Drama
On February 10th, at New Place, the U6 drama students performed their highly entertaining own devised pieces on the theme of the Eighth Deadly Sin. There were three performances: Context, The Devil You Know and Dregs. The Upper Sixth had been working hard to prepare these plays for a long time and were excited to perform them in front of an audience. It was their last chance to prove their acting chops to their peers and everyone was raring to go. The enthusiasm was evident and everyone was interested to see what the leavers had come up with. However, there was an air of sadness to the proceeding as everyone there was aware of the fact that these were the last performances the U6 would perform at the school on their own.
The Albanian 2010
30
Context begins with a little known actor (Ritwik Swain) becoming famous on the silver screen. However, his glory is brief, as he is shortly blackmailed by four men (David Webster, Simon Dean, Enyi Okoronkwo, Jethro Lee) to preach the gospel of a new global movement: Context. With engaging and believable performances from all of the actors, the themes of greed and corruption were made clear to the audience in an enjoyable and thought-provoking way. The Devil You Know tells of a mix up in fate: a ‘miracle man’ (Simon Collings) survives a car crash, after being dead for fourteen minutes; while the other less fortunate driver (Harry Avent) dies from a minor scratch. The story investigates who belongs in purga-
tory: the Welsh Devil (Seb Kainth) or his comical, incompetent minions (Oliver Leigh, William Lawn-Stark). Dregs paints the picture of a flat of misfits: a talentless painter (Richard De Pencier), an unlucky actor (Alex Dismore) and his tag-along brother (Tom O’Grady), as well as an unsuccessful writer (Max Gold) and a once - but no longer - successful poet (Tom Dace). Drugs and alcohol overtake hard work and creativity, as the layabout ensemble progressively destroy each other through infighting and bickering on a superbly realistic apartment set. Commendations go to all the performers for a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of gripping and provocative renditions of the technically challenging plays.
Lower Sixth Get Crazy 4.48 Psychosis In March, the Lower Sixth AS Drama Students performed Sarah Kane’s 4.48 Psychosis. The play essentially focuses around the themes of clinical depression and suicide, however the two groups of drama students set about reinterpreting the play script. One group (Freddy Sawyer, Alex Springett, Richard Zetter, Johnny Bennett and Martin Van Heerden) performed a haunting play about a ‘doctor’ encouraging the death of his own cult members. The second group (Zachary Marsden,
Jack Stephenson, Cameron Epstein, Tom Gillespie and Nick Brown) performed the next part of the play and told the chilling story of a secret government facility detaining individuals, amongst them a paedophile teacher and a former military figure. Both performances were based on the unedited original text, as written by Sarah Kane, but were interpreted in entirely different ways. The two groups deserve credit for their creative, inventive and entirely different, yet enthralling, approaches to the
same play. Despite the obvious differences between the interpretations of the play, both managed to create a sombre, chilling atmosphere that really engaged the audience. Special thanks and appreciations should also be given to Alex Campbell, who handled the technical elements, such as lighting, sound, a fog machine and projecting a video he composed himself. Additional thanks to all teachers, technicians, and audience members, who enabled the running of the performances.
Playwrights reveal their secrets Q&A with prominent writers On the 24th September, the St Albans School Writers Evening was held at New Place. All the budding drama writers were invited along for a Q&A session with some distinguished writers. Mr Swanson began the talk and all the people who attended were given a sheet of paper to write a question on. There were some interesting and evocative questions asked and the evening was a great success. Among the writers who attended were Andrew Scott Layton, Kate McCullough, and Steve Thompson.
Some interesting questions included ‘What is the difference between writing for theatre and television?’ This was met with an almost unanimous response from the panel, who said that writing for television was a much more pressured experience. It was said that writing your own plays is a much easier experience; you can work on it when the inspiration comes to you. Television executives were not looked upon kindly, with one panellist remembering 8 separate script revisions being demanded in the space of two weeks.
Interest was also shown in how the writers got down to work, and there were some quite amusing responses, including smoking and drinking whisky (perhaps not setting a great example). Another panellist told an amusing story about his habit of writing down every good idea that comes to him, jokingly explaining that many of his friends are a bit peeved when he whips out a notebook after they tell an amusing joke. The evening ended with all the lucky attendants gaining some valuable advice and ideas.
The Beginning of the End! Hamlet rethought This Lower School Drama Club production certainly set its sights high. Only last year the West End witnessed two major new productions of Hamlet, one starring the recently departed Time Lord, David Tennant, and the second with Jude Law in the title role. St Albans School saw another performance of the play last summer, starring Freddie Sawyer as Hamlet and Seb Kainth as Laertes. How would our budding young thespians respond to the challenge?
Jack took the cast by the scruff of their necks and led them on a brief sortie into method acting, making them mime energetically and then getting them to discuss and ‘get in touch’ with their roles. There were some very funny comedic touches from the cast here. The theme then quickly changed to that of a zombie thriller, set very surreally, in a Primark clothing factory. The zombies surrounded Hamlet as his father’s ghost, played by Matt Edwards, appeared, presum-
Suddenly the audience found themselves watching ‘Denmark’s Got Talent!’ Claudius and Hamlet, bidding for success by following the recent trend, went for a dance routine, while Laertes took up his saxophone. Other members of the cast appeared, wearing some outstandingly expressive masks, which were used to very good effect here and then in other scenes.
This was a most entertaining production that held the audience’s attention. The lynchpin for the play was the confident performance from Director, Jack Dobson, who fulfilled his role uniting takes, while simultaneously providing some hilarious comic touches. The other outstanding feature, quite literally, of the production was the use of the very expressive white masks: these were used to excellent effect throughout.
Again, Jack was not pleased and we switched to a fast and furious video montage of the (Hamlet) action, with the cast manipulating some very violent and destructive puppets.
A fearsome dragon tamed in Guards! Guards! Report on next page
Almost in despair by this time, Jack decided to revert to a more traditional version of the final scene of Hamlet. Robert Williams as Hamlet and Daniel Myers as Laertes crossed swords verbally and then literally. Meanwhile, Tom Lupson-Darnell, as Gertrude, rather daintily and affectingly expired in the background as a
JMG
31
Drama
The opening seemed eerily traditional with copious use of dry ice billowing around the very gloomy, murky and (later to be revealed) stark stage set with some indistinct figures to the rear. The slightly bemused audience were soon to be brought back to the reality of New Place by the very talented Director/ Impresario, Jack Dobson.
result of ingesting poison, with Ben Crisp as Claudius watching aghast. Credit should also go to Ian Davidson, as Osric, and Alec McQuarrie, as Horatio, for playing effective supporting roles throughout the play.
The Albanian 2010
The basic approach was to severely truncate much of the action and to focus on some of the key scenes; these involved a ghost, combat and death. Having narrowed the focus, our young actors then adopted a multimedia take on this condensed version.
ably amidst the sewing machines of this outpost of the Primark empire. The director reappeared, seemingly dissatisfied with the tenuous link established between tragedy and satire, and proposed a new scenario.
Guards! Guards! Dragons in the Amphitheatre
Drama
On a warm summer’s evening during the middle of June, something stirred in the School Orchard; the Fourth Form dramatists were busy attempting to summon a dragon in the amphitheatre. Luckily for the rest of the school, and the spectators, this was done in order to show off their acting talents in the play, Guards! Guards! rather than maliciously to attempt to damage school property.
The Albanian 2010
32
The production told the story of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, a fictitious city based firmly at the heart of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series. The play is one of glory and power as a crazed sect attempt to terrorise the inhabitants of the city and install a puppet king through the use of their very own summoned dragon. Luckily for the inhabitants, the fate of the known world lay in the hands of a mismatched band of second rate coppers, who, despite having to overcome the adversity posed by their ineptitude, managed to save the city from its fire breathing threat. The play was very well acted and the set imaginative in its design; it especially made very good use of the school’s own amphitheatre. The atmosphere that the group managed to create through a combination of the smoke machine and the natural light of the setting sun, combined with the warm evening, proved very enjoyable. Despite the many complex character changes throughout the play, the story managed to remain fluid, whilst also allowing many different Fourth formers to showcase their acting ability. A great time was had by all those who attended. The choice of play allowed not only those in the audience to enjoy the talent exhibited by the Fourth Form, but also allowed the actors to enjoy themselves in what was an action filled and comic production. I would like to thank the Fourth form for putting on such a great play, and the production team who were much appreciated by all who attended in the wonderful ambience of the School Orchard’s Amphitheatre.
Tim Smith
The production made good use of the smoke machine
The Albanian 2010
33 Creative
Birds by the Second Form
Creative The Albanian 2010
34
Work by Stefan Philip (AS)
The Albanian 2010
35 Creative
Work by Caspar Veres (A2)
Creative The Albanian 2010
36
Work by Cassidy Uggla (A2) and Sahar Esfandiari (AS)
Work by Harry Lavelle (with detail) (GCSE) and Jake Murphy (A2)
The Albanian 2010
37 Creative
Creative The Albanian 2010
38
Work by Natasha Undrell (AS)
The Albanian 2010
39
Music
Variety Showcase
Music
Christmas Concert
The Albanian 2010
40
The programme promised an evening of variety, featuring classical and modern pieces, both instrumental and vocal. The Saxophone Ensemble opened the concert with an arrangement of the finale of Mozart’s Piano Sonata K331, the celebrated ‘Rondo alla turca’, a sprightly piece performed with verve and brio. This lively opener was followed by Gershwin’s Strike up the Band, performed by the Brass Group. This maintained the snappy pace: swing time had returned, and in fine fettle too. The String Ensemble then provided an entertaining and atmospheric medley from the score of the movie, Pirates of the Caribbean. This opened with deep, almost threatening tones from the ‘cellos, joined by a lighter, busier passage work from the violins. The Clarinet Ensemble played an arrangement of a Bach keyboard toccata, giving the woodwind players the opportunity to explore a wide range of notes, with sonorities different from, yet just as engaging as, those produced by the single keyboard player envisaged by the composer. This entertained the audience with another lively piece. A treat followed for those in the audience who enjoy a good, old fashioned Western. With a fine rendition of the theme for The Big Country by Morross, the clarinettists brought back that vision of the rolling, open range and its limitless vistas. Peter Martin and Freddy Sawyer performed Freddy’s own rhythmic composition, Third Time Lucky, on guitar and vocals, providing a contrast to this unashamedly romantic piece of music. The Wind Band closed the first half of the concert with three different pieces. They opened with the dramatic Little Rascals, the air of menace underlined by the constant syncopation. This was a snappy performance. The premiere of fourteen year old Liam O’Brien’s Hero opened sombrely, but then developed into a riot of sound and movement, in a stirring martial tempo. The third piece was Gabriel’s Oboe, from the film The Mission, a concert arrangement, whose wide, emotional range was dominated by the sweeping and sonorous tones of the saxophones.
James Nissen (left) and William Welch (right) singing in the barbershop group
Suitably refreshed after the interval, the audience returned to enjoy this year’s Barbershop group, who provided a really fine rendition of Paul McCartney’s Blackbird, led by William Welch. I Get Around by The Beach Boys followed this: here the group really took us through the scales, from bass up to the plangent notes of falsettist James Nissen. Nick Perry and Peter Martin then offered the audience an excellent trumpet duet arrangement of Cole Porter’s I’ve got you under my skin: the playing was sleek and slick, intensely rhythmical yet also faithful, in this ostensibly unusual arrangement, to the breath-taking sophistication of the composer. What followed was the highlight of the evening for this member of the audience: the ‘Andante’ from the Rachmaninov ’Cello Sonata, performed by Chris Springthorpe and pianist Nigel Springthorpe. The beautiful, haunting melody of this slow movement, full of a sense of nostalgia and a mood of sensual Romanticism, was played with passion by Chris, the sentiment of the piece aptly complemented by his pianist. This was indeed a performance to be savoured. The Choir then took to the stage to perform three pieces. The first was Vaughan Williams’ four part setting of the Herefordshire Christmas carol, This is the Truth from Above, which featured fine singing from baritone soloist Oliver Moore, joined by ’cellist Chris Springthorpe. Bob Chilcott’s Caribbean style Where Riches is Everlastingly provided a lighter, humorous and foot tapping contrast. The concert concluded in traditional fashion with the Christmas hymn O Come All Ye Faithful. The audience enthusiastically responded to the invitation to join the choir for the second and third verses, providing a fine end to a most enjoyable concert. JMG
Performance of Panache Joint Schools Concert The main musical feature of the Spring term is the Joint Schools’ Concert, which was conducted this year by Dr Springthorpe, Director of Music at St Albans High School. The Joint Schools’ Choir included the School choir in its entirety in Haydn’s Missa Brevis, Chris Springthorpe gave an accomplished cello solo in John Rutter’s Requiem and the concert also included Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
One must not forget the weeks of preparation that went into the Concert, with volunteers and pupils meeting for rehearsals to learn the demanding programme. Orchestras had to be amalgamated and ensembles gathered to perform. This all came together wonderfully for another fantastic Joint Schools’ Concert. The duty of arranging and conducting the next concert falls on our School’s Music Department; we look forward to seeing how they top this year’s concert.
AWF
41
Music
Shostakovich wrote his Second Piano Concerto in 1957 as a birthday gift for his 19-year-old son Maxim, a budding pianist. His father clearly had very high expectations of him; writing a demanding and energetic solo part. The Concerto contains several sections of rippling scales and arpeggios which, according to Shostakovich, were actually quotes from the well-known finger exercises of Hanon; including them in the concerto, the composer said, was the only way he could force his son to practise them! This piece required a slimmed-down ensemble, which contained a number of St Albans School players – they accompanied the solo piano with the sen-
The final work of the night was Rutter’s Requiem, the most modern offering from the programme and one of the best from this contemporary British composer. The Requiem, completed in 1985, does not adhere strictly to the conventional Catholic liturgy, but offers a smorgasbord of texts from the Requiem Mass, Book of Common Prayer and the Psalms. Two soloists shone through the performance – Chris Springthorpe’s dark ’cello solo in the second movement “Out of the deep” and Rebecca WoodThe orchestra and choir rehearses for the ward’s lyrical oboe in the setting of Psalm 23. The work as a whole concert
has a number of understandably dark moments – but it is also unmistakably optimistic, no more so than in the popular Pie Jesu which was superbly sung by Emma Barry, a Sixth Form student at the High School.
The Albanian 2010
The concert opened with the Missa Brevis by Haydn, which was composed in the mid-1770s for the chapel at Eisenstadt of the Brothers of Mercy – an order founded for the care of prisoners and the sick. It is called a Missa Brevis due to the truncated Gloria and Credo where the four voice parts sing different sections of the text. This creates a very exciting – if a little chaotic – effect and was originally employed to enable the Mass setting to be completed faster on ordinary days. Perhaps Haydn had the patients of the Order in mind when he wrote it. By contrast the Benedictus provides the spiritual and musical highlight of the setting. It is a luxurious aria for solo soprano, accompanied by solo organ and strings. The work provided the School Choir with the opportunity to perform with an orchestra and the trebles rose to the occasion providing an especially strong top-line. A technically demanding score then challenged the string orchestra, in which they demonstrated control in the slow sections and dexterity in the more frenetic parts.
sitivity and flexibility demanded by a Concerto – any professional orchestra would have been proud of the performance.
Summertime Serenades Summer School Concert The outstanding musical talent of St Albans School was yet again demonstrated in the Summer Concert. Sitting close to the back, I was able to get a full view of all the harmonius action. On first was the Brass Ensemble with a slow, but vibrant rendition of In the Hall of the Mountain King. They then moved on to the well-known James Bond Theme with Pete Martin belting out the harmony to a raucous beat. The String Group then took to the stage and played three sprightly pieces: Gavotte from the Holberg Suite, Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3, and Hungarian Dance No. 5. All three pieces were dignified and rhythmic, the classic String Group forte. Following on from this, Peter Martin, accom-
deliver a great performance. The Sax Ensemble then demonstrated their musical prowess by playing Timechange, an extended piece that somehow managed to be jazzy, moody, lively, and stylish at the same time. Closing out the half was Ariya Rabbani playing the piano, impressing the audience with his intricate and expressive playing of pieces by Chopin and Bach.
panied by Mr Stout, again took to the stage to sing I’ll Know from Guys and Dolls. He wowed the audience with a romantic ballad sung with verve and feeling. Next up was the Clarinet Ensemble playing Blue Moon and The Labrador’s Romp, both pieces demonstrated the players’ command of their instruments and I particularly enjoyed the lilting melodies of Blue Moon. James Mohajer, Jordan Smiler, Ben Zacaroli, and Louis Grant next took to the stage to perform their version of Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. The whole band worked together excellently to
particularly fun rendition of Tequila! As the second half of the concert began, anticipation rose as Charlye Simpson and Freddy Sawyer walked out to perform Starry Eyed, by Ellie Goulding, and Be Mine by Robyn. The blend of vocals and guitar was skilfully rendered, and the chemistry between the two helped the performance to really shine. Both voices nicely complemented each other to form a respectable melody. The young David Cartwright then strutted onto the stage for a positively manic performance of Alligator Crawl, a racy sprint through the keys
by very nimble fingers. The performance was very impressive, with his dexterity and skill apparent throughout. Following this Kris Henley, accompanied by Mr Jolly, stepped up to bat and performed a plangent and rich rendition of Aria by Bozzi. He coaxed varied tones from the saxophone with lyrical ease and created an atmosphere of dramatic tension that complemented the music very well. The Barbershop Group then stood to attention and showcased their considerable singing talent. Standing right in front of the audience, they began with an interesting arrangement of Hallelujah, put together and led by James Nissen. Next they sang Serenade d’hiver; which was a testament to the teaching of GCSE French at the school. Considering that they were internally organised the performance was quite remarkable, as their talent in singing and arranging was evident to all. The Wind Band then closed out the concert with a lively romp through three pieces of music. In my opinion their first piece, Theme from the Incredibles, was their strongest, and the zeal of the players showed in the magnificent music they made. They then played a slightly more obscure but well played tune called Circus is Coming to Town which provided a sense of adventure to the Band. To close the concert they performed a selection from West Side Story that showed their diversity, and demonstrated the sheer verve with which St Albans School pupils can play their instruments. All the performances were commendable, and everyone attending couldn’t escape the awareness that a new bar had been set for the musicians of St Albans School.
Music
During the interval we were treated to A bit of Jazz and Roll performed by Mainstream, directed by John Mole. They livened up the interval, giving the other performers a chance to get a drink and recuperate and giving the audience an opportunity to participate in a
The Albanian 2010
42
The expressive fingers of Ariya Rabbani
Matthew Gherardi
Leaving with Style Eccentric and Heartfelt An eclectic mixture of musical items was offered by the Upper Sixth in their very well attended farewell concert. This occasion is always a delight to attend: it is relaxed and good humoured, but equally the audience gets a final opportunity to appreciate the very real musical talents of a departing year group.
JMG
43
Music
Suitably refreshed after the interval, the audience returned to a really fine rock number Cities on Flame
performed the traditional closing number, Goodnight Sweetheart, with aplomb, providing an excellent ending to a fine evening’s entertainment.
The Albanian 2010
This year’s concert fully lived up to expectations. Seb Kainth provided the opener with a strong, confidently dramatic performance of Shoes upon the table from Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers. Next was Under the Bridge by The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The vocal dynamics for this plaintive ballad were provided by Tom King and Alex Gold, accompanied by Josh Cooper and Matthew Jackson on guitar and Caspar Veres on tabla. Matthew then changed the mood of the evening with the splendidly racy piano piece The Buccaneer by Malcolm Arnold: a dramatic and skilful performance, with his fingers fairly flying over the keys. The audience was then enthralled by a passionate, moving and soulful rendition of an arrangement of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. This was performed by Amal Samsudeen on guitar with Enyi Okoronkwo providing the dramatic vocals. Oliver Madgwick treated us to a really accomplished performance of two movements of Tarbini’s Clarinet Concerto. This is a demanding piece taking the player through the instrument’s whole register. Simon Dean gave a solo performance of White Blank Page by Mumford & Sons, the rather bleak lyrics rendered by some strong vocals. Oliver Moore then gave a beautifully controlled performance of Handel’s stately and seductive Where’er You Walk, accompanied by the versatile James Nissen on violin. The first half of the concert closed with two contrasting performances from the Barbershop Group. In Bushes and Briars by Vaughan Williams the full range of emotions was covered in a setting of this somewhat uneasy lyric. The entertaining and upbeat Beach Boys’ hit I Get Around followed, with James Nissen’s penetrating falsetto used to very good effect.
with Rock and Roll by Blue Oyster Cult, performed with an almost casual insouciance by two very fine guitarists Josh Cooper and Caspar Veres. A dramatic blues number, Feelin’ Good by Nina Simone, was performed by the ever versatile James Nissen, accompanying himself on piano. The intricate rhythms of Steve Reich’s Clapping Music were given full expression in a delightful and well coordinated performance from Ben Hamer, Matthew Jackson and Craig Lye. Don’t look Back in Anger by Oasis was a pleasant, fairly upbeat and yet gentle duet perOliver Madgwick formed by Alex Gold and Simon playing Tarbini’s Dean. Simon’s guitar work here was Clarinet Concerto very fine indeed. The leavers’ choir
The Albanian 2010
Adam
ston
Win
E)
(GCS
44
Creative
Frank Schofield (A2)
The Albanian 2010
45 Creative
Oliver Leigh (A2)
Creative
46
The Albanian 2010
James Crookston (GCSE)
CSE)
hah (G
Amar S
The Albanian 2010
47
Features
Mock Election Report St Albans School votes Tory
Features
In September 2009, a Third Year Politics Club was set up in preparation for the approaching general election. All those who attended the meetings were rewarded with a doughnut and this, as expected, attracted a large crowd. The club was held every other Thursday lunchtime and the aim was to build up a knowledge of politics and what happens in an election. For the first few lunchtimes we learnt about how elections are run and what the issues are.
48
Just after Christmas, we met again at lunchtime and were split into political parties. We all expressed a preference as to which party we wanted to represent and were given our groups according to this. The parties were led by Sixth Form politics students. Alex Dismore led Labour, George Margereson led the Conservatives and Gareth Gibson led the Lib Dems. Those who were in Labour knew they had a fight on their hands - as not many people still liked the Labour Party after 13
years of power, and this showed in the end result of the election. Nevertheless, all three parties started preparing material, which they could use to argue for their party, and also examined some of the other party’s policies in order to present alternatives to them. During the Easter Holidays the election was called for 6th May and by that time, all the parties had noted down their key policies. Posters were made and campaigning got under way, including the handing out of cakes by the Conservative Party. Leaflets were handed out and a lot of time was spent trying to persuade people to vote for a certain party. Throughout the campaign, a number of visits and speeches from important political figures were made, including a talk by Nigel Farage, former leader of the UKIP party and some local figures such as Peter Lilly, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, Sandy Walkington, Lib Dem can-
didate for St Albans and Esther Rantzen, an independent candidate for Luton South. Hustings Assemblies were held for the Lower School, Third Years, Middle School and the Sixth Form. The format of the assemblies mirrored the TV leaders’ debates giving the campaigners an opportunity to appeal directly to the school electorate. Throughout the few weeks before the election day, AS maths students ran opinion polls and graphs showing those polls were put in each forms’ registers and around the school, showing which party was in the lead. As a Third Year campaigner, I thoroughly enjoyed my political experience. Despite Labour’s (my party’s) defeat, I learnt an enormous amount about the political process and the art of persuasion, and can understand the parliamentary debates a lot better. Here’s hoping for a re-run in six months time! Billy Dawson
The Albanian 2010
The Harry Schofield Mathematical Society In early September 1932 a young man walked along Romeland to the school gates. He observed a man disappearing and reappearing above the car park wall. He wondered what on earth he was coming to. He had gained a brilliant first at Cambridge and was planning to instil his rigour and love of Mathematics to the young men attending St Albans School. The man being tossed in the blanket by the Sixth Form was Tommy Hampson (a young master who had returned with a gold medal and a world record from the recent Olympic Games in Los Angeles) and the young man on his way to his first teaching position was Harry Schofield. By the time he left St Albans School, after having risen to the position of Head of Department, his legacy of interest and rigour in Mathematics with which he had endowed this School was without parallel. When the current Maths Department planned to form a society to invite outside speakers there was only one name that we wished to
use. His heirs were kind enough to grant permission and our society was named after him. Our first speaker was Professor Chris Budd (OA and, appropriately, taught by Harry Schofield) who engaged the third years with many examples of quadratic equations and their uses. Later he addressed Sixth Formers with more advanced Mathematics and then gave an open address where he described a life in Applied Mathematics and its multifaceted uses.
were left in no doubt that their age group contributed the most to accident statistics. We were then enlightened as to the many areas that are addressed in trying to reduce casualties. The methods of other less accident-prone countries were therefore reviewed.
Our fourth speaker was our own Dr David Nolland. His topic was the confusion surrounding Quantum Mechanics. We were all suitably confused, but at a higher level of sophistication, it must be said. The vast quantities of clothes pegs were Our second speaker was Thomas not, as first thought, to be used in a Baynes (OA) who worked for the Chinese Laundry but in a beguiling MoD. His field of Mathematics was demonstration of an electron and a Operational Research. This enabled positron cancelling each other out. him to advise on the future planHis conclusion was an antidote to ning of resources and tasks for the String Theory. There is an old mathArmed Forces. Given the sensitive ematical joke (yes – there are such nature of his talk it was given under things) where a string theorist is disChatham House rules. covered in bed with another woman. Our third speaker was the father He says to his wife “I can explain of a current student, Professor everything.” To which Dr Nolland Benjamin Heydecker. His field of would comment - “No - he can’t and expertise was Road Traffic and espe- he is in trouble with his wife.” cially accidents. The Sixth Formers BSB
Vive la Différènce! A Gallic view of St Albans School life now 15; it was my 5th year of English, with 6 hours per week, when I decided to come to England. I wanted to come to improve my English, especially my English understanding, which I will need for my job: I want to be a surgeon, and most of the surgery meetings are now in English.
I loved English since I started to learn it, when I was 10. I’m
49 Features
My name is Côme, and I’m a Frenchman. I came to England and I spent the whole summer term in St Albans School.
When I arrived in the school, I was at first very lost because lots of things were different, and I arrived in a class where nobody knew me and already had friends. There But why here? Why in St Albans were different habits, I didn’t often School? Because I did the exchange understand what people were two years ago and I loved it. Because saying, especially the teachers during of the exchange I knew the school, lessons, which was very hard for me. because I knew a family in the area But not everything was negative: I and because I knew it is a very good thought that the School was great, school. very big and with lots of facilities, especially the lunch hall that I found To come here, I had to ask several great (enormous and without any people: queue). I had to ask my parents, who Now, I feel really good here. I still thought it was a very good idea think it’s a good school. I still love but who didn’t want me to miss the facilities (and the lunch even if too much school, and that’s why I it’s a bit expensive when you want a chose this year. My school was still full meal), but I’m not lost anymore. on holiday for one extra month My English understanding is better, because of the exams next year, so which helped me to make friends I spent two months in England and and talk to them, not to be bored missed only one month of French in lessons, and it’s why I came here; School. so I’m happy. I’m used to English I had to ask my headmaster who schools habits, and I like most of the didn’t want me to miss too much differences. school either. Difference, differences…But what I had to find a host family, and the are they? We don’t have assembly, Bosatta family offered to take me. whereas St Albans School’s are sometimes I had to ask to a school to interesttake
The Albanian 2010
Côme sports school uniform – a novelty for him
me as a student, and St Albans School (in the person of Mrs Galloway) answered my questions and accepted me.
Features The Albanian 2010
50
ing and sometimes very boring. We don’t have Abbey either; the school starts at 8:00, we eat at 12:00, restart school at 1:45 and finish it at 5:30, but we’ve got free Wednesday afternoon. Lunchtime is very different, we’ve got 1h30 to eat so we can go home to eat if we want to, except if we’ve got a lesson and then we must stay at school to eat because we’ve got a very little time (40-50 minutes, depending on the schools) and we often have to eat in a hurry because of the queue (the lunch room is often very small). Sometimes, a teacher is absent. If we’ve got a lesson with this teacher at the first or last lesson of the morning or the afternoon, we can go to school later or leave it earlier, which gives you more time to sleep, eat, play, relax… But because of that, we’ve got to register at the beginning of every lesson instead of the beginning of morning and afternoon like in England. In France, there are very few subjects you can choose. All the ‘important’ subjects are compulsory (Maths, French, English, Biology, History, Geography, Physics, Chemistry) but you can choose other lessons, the “less important” ones (Greek, Art, Latin, Living Language 2…). Something VERY different is the uniform. I enjoy it in England, it’s funny at the beginning, but I’m happy that we don’t have it in France. I want to thank first Mr Grant, who welcomed me in the school, Mrs Galloway who gave me answers or smiles when I needed one of them and the Bosatta family for their warm welcome, the nice time I had with them in England and the help they gave me in English. Then I want to thank Mr McGrath, housemaster of Marsh, who made a place for me and taught me the rules of the amazing game of cricket, where people throw a ball in the strangest way ever, where people wait in the field for the ball to come to them and where 2 people are against 11. Thanks to Ms Porovic, who helped me all the way along. Thanks to Alex Kearney and Daniel Pittal, who both helped me to start with English, make friends and in lessons. Thanks to the whole form 4.3, nice, funny and welcoming friends. I also want to thank all of
Slash and Burn Conservation “A chance to get outside and do some physical work, that helps maintain biodiversity in the local environment.” The Conservation section is a member of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) and aims to foster an awareness of local conservation issues and to help the community by participating in schemes to improve the local environment.
those people who I spoke to, who helped me to improve my English step by step. And last, but not least, I want to thank Mr Cassidy who gave me the idea of writing this article, and nicely helped me with it.
Patron saints: St Ambrose of Lycée de St Ambroise (above) and our own St Alban (below)
Conservation involves the active management of different habitats to benefit both the general public and the landowner. Projects this year have included: planting sapling trees for the Woodland Trust at the new Heartwood Forest in Sandridge; a heritage walk along Fishpool Street and through Verulamium Park; coppicing a small woodland at Wheathampstead Nature Reserve with Countryside Management Services (CMS); on-going management of the conservation area at Bricket Wood Common (SSSI), including pond dredging and path laying; and helping the Friends of Verulamium Park (FVP) cut back overgrown vegetation in the preserved Roman Ditch. AJB
The Press Pack BBC School Report Day With microphones, pads, pens and cameras at the ready, twenty Third Formers became journalists for the day in March for the annual BBC School Report. Pot holes, cinemas, politics, hospital car parking charges all came under scrutiny and were reported on the School’s special BBC School Report website. In the process they also contributed to a world record for the BBC.
The Publications team was on hand to help with reports
a News Director from the BBC who spent the day with us to give ideas and prompt approaches.
World Record The world record came first. At 9.15am we had to send in meteorological data gleaned from the School’s Haller weather station as part of the largest ever interactive weather report. All official: we had Michael Connell, Headteacher of St Peter’s School, to be our independent witness, and the BBC gained its place in The Guinness World Records.
Politicians Questioned
The interviews conducted by the young journalists were edited and recorded in full on DVDs to be used by the Politics and PHSE departments, while short extracts were published as videos on the website.
Cinema Sale The politics material demonstrated the need for preparation in news reporting, getting as much done in advance of publication as possible. Similar work was done in following the story on the quest for the purchase of the St Albans Odeon cinema by James Hanaway, which was just reaching its climax as School Report Day came round. We featured an interview with James Hanaway on the site, as he outlines his vision for the St Albans cinema.
As they phoned, noted, photographed and wrote, they were guided not only by Gavin Fuller, but by the Sixth Form Publications team, who gave them advice and encouragement, while Ben Hamer remained in calm control at the nerve centre – on the computer, uploading their stories and graphics as they came in.
Exhilarating It was a full and exhausting day, but by the end they had filled the website with a range of interesting stories, carefully researched, checked and edited. They had learned the value of tenacity and courtesy in dealing with officials and spokespeople. Crucially, they had learned to write concisely, cogently and accurately.
The crux came with the day itself, though, with the pressure of deadlines – the BBC expected us to have A valuable day, a valuable experiour site live by 2pm, so the boys had ence, and vital skills learnt. the morning to work on live news. NJC Luckily we had Gavin Fuller on hand,
51 Features
Gavin and Michael help out with the largest ever interactive weather report
The role of the media in politics also became apparent when some of Sandy Walkington’s comments about immigration and a multi-cultural society were picked up by the national press. It was fascinating to see how the same interview extract was cited as evidence of him both having potentially racist views and of being completely laissez faire about immigration.
During the day, groups split up to research, write and edit their own stories. We had an enquiry into false claims for overtime in the police force, an investigation into charges made at hospital car parks, including a hurried trip to Waverley Road for up to date photographs. The recent snow and ice had caused the destruction of road surfaces in many parts of St Albans, and the boys tracked down who was responsible for repairs and where the money would come from, complete with a photographic record of some of the worst potholes. They talked to garages about the likely damage which could be caused to cars, and the likely costs of repair.
The Albanian 2010
In fact, as this was election year, they were journalists for more than the day itself, as over the preceding weeks they conducted interviews with Anne Main MP as well as three of her challengers for the St Albans Constituency. Over the course of a couple of weeks, they interviewed the Labour Party’s Roma Mills, Sandy Walkington of the Liberal Democrats and Jack Easton, who stood for the Green Party.
The politicians were grilled over a range of issues, including how to interest young people in politics, the role of modern languages in education, immigration, and the London Olympics. On the one hand, it was fascinating to see how little the candidates’ views varied from
each other, although one of them did admit that they were, perhaps, too honest to be electable, which revealed much about politics.
OA Activity The launch of the St Albans School Foundation
Features
The School’s Development Office was established in 2007, with the aim of reconnecting Old Albanians with the School through events and communications, and to raise money for building projects and the Bursary Fund via the St Albans School Foundation.
The Albanian 2010
52
to the project that they were all invited to the School’s Service of Remembrance, after which a Book Launch was held in the Library. The 80 guests were then led on School Tours by prefects, and enjoyed lunch in the New Hall.
Thursday 19th November – 2009-2010 has been a busy year, The annual OA London Drinks with ever increasing numbers of Old Party held at the East India Club Albanians renewing their contact was a great success, with a turnout with their alma mater. We are in of over 180 OAs ranging from contact with over 5,500 Old Albani- 1945 leavers to 2009 leavers. The ans worldwide. 2010 London Drinks will be held at the Lansdowne Club’s magnificent 3rd - 4th July 2009 was the ballroom, and we hope for an even Founders’ Day weekend, to which better turnout. we welcomed over 100 OAs who left the School between 1950 and Tuesday 15th December saw 1959 for a Drinks Reception at the first evening Carol Service for the Old Albanian Club’s Woollams Old Albanians – an exact replica Pavilion on Friday evening folof the School Carol Service which lowed by the Abbey Service and a Reunion Lunch on Founders’ Day itself. Many of the guests hadn’t visited School since they left, and met up with old friends who they hadn’t seen for over 50 years. A jovial lunch was punctuated by much laughter, stories of pranks, memories of teachers and sporting successes still recalled nearly 60 years later.
Catching up with old friends at Founders Day
Bill Homewood (OA 1965), an actor and director who has worked extensively for television and on stage in the West End, major theatres and the RSC.
16th September – At this year’s Prizegiving our guest speaker was Old Albanian Charles Crawford, who left School in 1972 and went on to have a distinguished career in diplomatic service as British Ambassador to Poland (2003-2007) and Yugoslavia (2001-2003). Since Prizegiving, Charles has also been back to School to give a lecture to the Sixth Form on ‘Great Negotiations of our Times’. 17th- 18th September saw 42 of the ‘Class of 1966’ return for their Jubilee Reunion – 50 years to the day since they started School on 17th September 1959. The guests were taken on a full School tour by prefects, as well as lunch at the OA Club Pavilion, plenty of time to catch up with long lost friends, and finishing with a meal at St Michaels Manor. Friday 6th November – All OAs who attended the School during the Second World War were invited to contribute their memories of the period to a recently published book entitles St Albans School at War. Such was the wonderful response
took place the following day. Lessons were read by film director Mike Newell (OA 1960), Roy Head (OA 1983) and Rossana Pheby (OA 2001). Friday 26th February – following the sad news of the death of former Headmaster Frank Kilvington, a Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving was held in the Abbey, and over 350 Old Albanians attended to pay tribute to their former Headmaster. Friday 19th March – The OA Annual Dinner took place at the OA Club’s Pavilion, with guest speaker
The 1967 leavers in the Third Form
Wednesday 21st April – The first ever OA City Networking Drinks took place in London with 45 OAs who work in the city coming along to make contacts and swap business cards, and this most enjoyable evening will undoubtedly become an annual event. Wednesday 5th May – Robin Ollington (OA 1947) who compiled the recently published book St Albans School at War gave a talk to pupils, parents, staff and OAs about his experiences at School during the war years – finding bombs in the garden, sharing the School buildings with the evacuated Hastings Grammar School,
Talks by OAs
lessons taught in gas masks in the air raid shelters underneath the science block, pranks played on elderly teachers brought out of retirement to cover for younger masters who had joined the forces, and of course the sadness of sacrifice with Friday Assemblies bringing the dreaded roll call of former pupils who had been killed in action during the week. A fascinating talk which brought alive both the similarities of schoolboy antics then and now, and the realities of everyday life on the ‘home front’.
OAs continue to lend their talents and experience to the School in a variety of ways – many have returned to give talks to subject and year groups on their areas of expertise, others have offered careers advice either at the popular careers evenings or through offers of work experience placements, and many return as ‘team leaders’ for the Lower Sixth Business Conference.
Wednesday 12 May – Old Albanians who sung in the choir during their time at School were invited to ‘Come and Sing’, joining the School Choir for the final two tracks of their recent CD recording. School choirs from 1942 through to 2009 were represented, and for many of the guests this was the first time they had sung in the Abbey since leaving school.
The Foundation The St Albans School Foundation was established in 2008 to reinvigorate the tradition of benefaction to the School, with two main aims. The first is to move towards what is known as “needs-blind” admission – being able to give places at the School to the most talented and deserving young people, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay the fees. The second aim is the coherent redevelopment of the School site to enhance its historic beauty, conserve its ancient buildings and make optimum use of its limited space. Since its launch, the Founda-
Friday 21st May – Some of the School’s most generous benefactors were invited to celebrate the 500th Birthday of Sir Nicholas Bacon at an Elizabethan ‘Gateway Feast’. A wonderful candlelit evening in the OA Room was enhanced by the donation of a case of wine from the cellar of the current Sir Nicholas Bacon, a direct descendant of the School’s greatest benefactor.
Worldwide OA Reps We now have a network of OA representatives worldwide who organise gatherings of OAs in their country, and are a point of contact for those visiting or moving to the area. In the last year there has been an OA Cocktail Party in Hong Kong, two lunches in Canada, and a Founders’ Day Lunch in Sydney, Australia.
53 Features
2nd - 3rd July was the Founders’ Day weekend, which held a special significance to the ‘Class of 1960’ who were celebrating their 50th anniversary of leaving the School. The ‘Gaudy Reunion’ was for those who left School between 1960 and 1964 and we were delighted to welcome back over 63 OAs for the weekend, including some flying in from Australia, Canada and around Europe especially for the occasion.
The Albanian 2010
Communications – the Development Office keeps OAs of all ages up to date with the latest news and events from the School and OA Club via newsletters, an OA Facebook group, a LinkedIn networking group, E-Newsletters, and the OA Bulletin.
th
Albans School, mugs, tea towels, OA ties and blazers. Contact the Development Office for more information on 01727 814 391.
Spotting names and faces from long ago
The ‘OAPs’ – a number of leavers’ parents were keen not to lose contact with the School after their children had left, and so the OAPs (Old Albanian Parents) was formed to keep former parents in touch with the School. More information is available from the Development Office. Merchandise – A wide range of School and OA merchandise is available from the Development Office, including the books St Albans School at War and A Short History of St
tion has raised significant funds for these purposes, and will continue to play a role in the development of St Albans as a truly exceptional School.
Further details on the St Albans School Foundation can be obtained from the Development Office. development@st-albans. herts.sch.uk
Justin Somper Sails In Vampirates ahoy in First Form author visit
Features
On 23rd September 2009, Justin Somper came to St. Albans School. The ex-pupil was born in St. Albans and went to the Ryde Primary School. He loved writing as a boy and once wrote a play for a group of girls when at the school. He left the school in 1987 and wrote a book called The Pyramid Plot, which was aimed at young children. Justin got the idea for the Vampirates a number of years ago in a brainwave moment. He still doesn’t know exactly how he got the idea as he wasn’t fascinated by vampires or pirates! The Vampirates series has sold around 500,000 copies worldwide. There are currently 6 books in the series but Justin hopes to write more. He also said that he
The Albanian 2010
54
is keen to write a one-off novel. The author revealed that he had been approached to make films of the books but he declined the offers as they were all for animated movies. The Vampirates stories are about two twins, Connor and Grace. Oddly, the books were set in the future and not in the past where we would expect them to be. This future is a very dark one; global warming has taken over the earth and the sea level has risen. A new age of piracy has begun, meaning anybody who is anybody is a pirate. Unfortunately, at the start of this Justin Somper signs book, Connor and Grace’s father books for eager Dexter passes away unexpectedly. readers The twins decide to start a new life,
one aboard their father’s - now the bank’s - small yacht. After turning down an offer from the head banker, Lachlan Busby (who offers to take the twins into his care), the two children set sail aboard the Louisiana. Oddly and quite suddenly, a storm brews up amongst the waters and Connor and Grace are flung from the boat; whisked into the unforgiving seas. Connor does not know where Grace is and, similarly, Grace has no idea where Connor might be. Fortunately, Connor is rescued by a huge pirate ship and instantly makes friends on board, still not knowing where Grace is. Meanwhile, Grace is rescued by another, slightly strange pirate ship. After a number of strange events, Grace shortly realises that this pirate ship is not a pirate ship, but a Vampirate’s ship. Fortunately for her, some members of the crew seem to be looking after her, although they do not want Grace to see some other members of the crew. When Grace becomes aware of the vampire secret she goes to talk with the captain. The captain wears a strange mask and speaks in a different way to others. The captain reassures Grace that she is in no danger at all and Grace takes this for granted. A couple of days later, the captain invites Grace to take part in a glorious, wonderful feast in which the vampires take a very small amount of blood to soothe their senses. Grace goes out on deck to think about her brother and where he might be when she sees a deadly looking vampire, Sadorio. She sees him dump his “teaser’s” body into the sea, drained of all his blood. Grace is shocked and terrified, she instantly backs away… If you want to find out more, just read the books. Did you think we were going to tell you the full story? Afterwards Justin took some questions. He‘s a big fan of Anthony Horowitz and he always carries an ideas book. Books were on sale and free signed bookmarks were available. It was a very interesting talk and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Alex Jennings,Tomás Hill and Edward Hunt
Order! Order! The inaugural year of the Politics Society
for political life in the AS Government and Politics trip at Westminster
Both were well attended by all members of the school those who study A-level Government and Politics as well as those who considered the topics discussed of interest to them. Furthermore, a select number of
students were lucky enough to have a more in depth discussion, and in some cases, grilling of the speakers after the event. The Politics Society had a thoroughly successful first year and was able to attract highly influential speakers, who are experts in their particular field. Tim Smith
55 Features
Likewise, the talk entitled, ‘Blair’s Legacy,’ by Anthony Seldon was also de-
livered with panache and style. The lecture gave us an insight into the mind of Blair through his official biographer. Dr Seldon lifted the lid on the leadership conflict and the role of spin in government. He revealed, for example, that Alistair Campbell, his media spokesman, was appointed before his policy advisors. He went on to examine the influence of spin in Blair’s first two terms in office, claiming that it wasn’t until 2005 that Blair involved himself actively in policy making.
The Albanian 2010
The newly inaugurated Politics Society had a very successful opening year; lectures from both Anthony Seldon and Nigel Farage, entertained and informed those who attended. Particularly memorable was the talk from Nigel Farage MEP, entitled, ‘The Problems of Europe.’ This challenged views commonly held by Europhiles and he tried to convince the audience of the risk posed to British sovereignty by the European Super state. He also argued that the EU Parliament was undemocratic, merely a talking shop shackled by the unaccountable European Commission. His razor tongue also slashed our own politicians and his contempt for ‘The Game Show Host,’ (David Cameron) and ‘Boy George,’ (George Osborne) was clear. Whilst controversial in subject matter, the wit and flair of Farage’s delivery meant those who disagreed with the sentiments certainly came away in Students get a taste awe at his rhetorical skill.
Creative
56
The Albanian 2010
Matthew Morris (above) Michael Hollins (below)
The Albanian 2010
57 Wilkie Hollens (above) Daniel Heydecker (below)
Creative
Creative
58
The Albanian 2010
Craig Lye (above) Richard Zetter (below)
The Albanian 2010
59
Trips
Adventures in Africa Charity work, wildlife and mountains in Tanzania When we returned from the 2007 trip to Tanzania I had no plans to go again, but not being able to walk away from a challenge, I soon found myself talking about a return. The idea that we could return, allowing more of our cadets this great experience, soon grew on me, and before I knew where I was I found myself sitting with Ed Beavington, putting together the 2010 Tanzania Expedition.
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.
at the Summer Ball and at the amazing charity evenings organised by the parents of cadets. These were not only very enjoyable evenings, but they raised in excess of £12,000 towards our total. We were both pleased and humbled at the amazing support for our charity efforts, realising we had in fact not raised £15,000 but in excess of £35,000 towards our charity projects. This was in addition to raising a further £20,000 to help support the rest of the trip.
We settled on 36 cadets (far more than we had planned to
After the success of the 2007 expedition, it was important to
Trips
Phase One Mwanza
The Albanian 2010
60
take) and a challenging £15,000 target for our charity fund supporting the work of Ed Beavington’s excellent charity, The Banana Tree Project. The plan was to
follow a similar programme to the last trip, but with more workers, we hoped to do so much more for the children of Mwanza. The cadets put in sterling work, manning the car park, running the Tough Ten, helping
The long arm of the roller – getting to grips with painting Tanzania style
Having had all our inoculations and started taking malaria tablets, we left Heathrow bound for Mwanza on 20th July, knowing we had a big challenge ahead of us, and only five days to do as much as we could to help improve the lives of the children. The group had been split into three teams with the intention of redecorating and refurbishing one orphanage, decorating a primary school and decorating a newly built orphanage. The first team, led by Mr and Mrs Wilson, were challenged with the decoration of 11 classrooms at the
Moshi and the prospect of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro.
Phase Three Mt Kilimanjaro Mt Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, standing 5895m high, and is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world and a formidable challenge. We were climbing the Marangu Route.
Watch out – you’re being watched!
school uniforms, provide mosquito nets, electricity and water pumps and still have money left in the fund to pay for the schooling of many of the children.
Phase Two Safari
Phase Four Zanzibar The group were now ready for some rest and recuperation, and the Island of Zanzibar provided this. Time was spent at a beach resort, where we were able to go snorkelling from an old fashioned fishing dhow, and then to Stone Town with the Spice Tour and visit to Mercury’s Restaurant. An excellent way to finish off, a very rewarding and challenging three week expedition of a lifetime. KJE
61
Trips
After the challenge of the previous five days, the group left Mwanza, looking forward to the Serengetti 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. Only the rhino eluded us at this stage. Leaving the campsite on the last morning, we found we had been visited by both lion and hyena during the night. Our route to Moshi took us through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the amazing shifting sands to the Olduvai Gorge, the site of pre-hominid remains dating back two million years. From there we travelled into the Crater, where some were lucky to see rhino. We left the Crater at the end of day three, heading for
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 that evening and took 8 hours, climbing to the 5895m peak mostly in the dark and with temperatures dropping to as low as -22º. Twenty eight of the Cadets and five staff summited. The descent took two days, completing a very successful expedition.
The Albanian 2010
Ilemela Primary School, which could only be described as very basic. However, by the end of the five days, all 11 classrooms were fully decorated, with new blackboards and desks for every student. Previously the desks had been moved from one classroom to another, as there were not enough to go round. The second team, led by Mr and Mrs Todd, went to a well established orphanage known as Watoto Africa, where they decorated the dormitories and dining room and plastered the outside of a new building. The third challenge was very different. Mr Laithwaite and I took a team to decorate the new building provided to replace the present Mt Zion Orphanage. The building was funded by another charity, but with decoration and much of the fitting and furnishing funded by The Banana Tree Project. This new building will allow twenty-three orphans to live in the countryside in rooms for two, instead of a squalid two room building in a run down part of Mwanza. As well as achieving these aims, we were able to pay for more than 50 mattresses, 50
The climb was to take six days, stopping over in mountain huts at night. We spent our first night at the Mandara hut at 2700m, still in the edge of forest and very wet. The second and third nights were spent at Horombo, sitting on an impressive plateau at 3800m with equally impressive views. The third day was an acclimatisation walk, returning to Horombo for the night.
Poker with Pines and other Classics James Sinclair reports on the Classics trip to Italy
Trips
It was the unearthly hour of 3am on Sunday 18th October when I struggled to rise from my slumbers to join the school coaches at Woollams that would take us to Heathrow for our flight to the eternal city of Rome. The 69 boys, together with 9 members of staff, travelled in 2 coaches throughout our expedition, one group led by Mr Clark, the other by Mr Rowland.
The Albanian 2010
62
Having dropped off our luggage at a central hotel in Rome, we departed in eager spirits to the Vatican. A huge obelisk graced the centre of St Peter’s Square, reaching out to the world hereafter, yet firmly grounded in antiquity with Latin inscriptions covering its base. The cathedral was more than impressive: its colossal dome entrances the visitor with sacred radiance. After a fantastic ice-cream in the wonderfully tranquil Piazza Navona, we arrived at the spectacular Pantheon: a marvel of Roman architecture upon which all other domes are modelled. Sunlight shines perpetually through the central oculus, while tiny holes in the floor are placed strategically to catch the rainfall.
ment. The famous area swarmed with The magnificent dome tourists from every part of the world of St Peters and some of us tossed pennies into the fountain for good luck. Some of us even bought more ice-creams.
Presently we approached the base of the Spanish Steps. My comrades raced to be the first to get to the On the second day, we focused on top, yet giddy delights were swiftly the classical aspects of Rome. This overcome by the most amazing views included a visit to the Baths of Cara- of the Italian capital. It was a truly calla, an impressively large complex enchanting and magical way to end of baths, shops and gymnasia (not our visit to Rome.The following day dissimilar to the modern shopping we left early for the journey south complexes of today), and the Circus to Naples and Sorrento. We stopped Maximus, which was the greatest on the way to visit the site of Ostia hippodrome in the Roman world. A Antica, the old port of Rome (though quick walk then brought us to the now is found well inland). There we Forum Romanum, the centre of the were shown around some excellent Roman world. Many of the most ruins by a highly informed local guide, important buildings in Roman history seeing well-preserved mosaics with are concentrated here, such as the Neptune in a public bath, a Roman curia (senate house) and the rostra, theatre: a typically well laid-out where key speeches were given, Roman town.Although the journey including the speeches of Brutus and was long, we filled it by playing chess Mark Antony following the assassina- and Mario Kart with each other and tion of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Passing Dr Pines, and listening to music on yet another arch, that of Constantine, our iPods. We explored Sorrento we entered the arena of the Colosin the evening and marvelled at the seum. We were once again overbeautiful scenery. We also had fun whelmed by the sheer expanse of playing poker in the hotel (again with the building. Our trip to Rome was Dr Pines).On the following day we brought to a close with a wonderful were introduced to the Roman sites tour at night. The Trevi Fountain was of Pompeii and Herculaneum from absolutely stunning in the dark; the the perspective of their destroyer statues were illuminated dramati– Mount Vesuvius. Peering into the cally with floodlights, and there was huge crater, I was impressed by a great hubbub of activity and excite-
the intricate rock formations of its periphery, the sheer immensity of the volcano. Although dormant, one could still see steam rising forebodingly from the rocks and the sprawling city of Naples could be seen directly in its sights… Descending from the volcano, we visited the Roman ruins of Herculaneum. Nestled in the modern-day town, the site was fantastically well-preserved, as a result of the pyroclastic flow which covered what was essentially a holiday resort in a blanket of pumice ash.We walked into neglected houses which still held their roofs intact, and I could easily imagine someone living there today.Our final day of touring was devoted to Pompeii. The size and extent of the city is unmatched to any other Roman site I had ever seen; Roman streets extended for miles in all directions, with countless buildings in between. I found myself becoming lost in the ancient world. One building in particular was particularly familiar: the House of Caecilius which features in our Cambridge Latin textbooks. To end the trip, we visited the National Museum of Naples, which houses a large number of objects found at Pompeii and Herculaneum, and many others besides. Most impressive for me of all was the famous mosaic of Alexander the Great with a mounted guard fighting a Persian army.
Steam and Smells Geography Trip to Iceland
On the third day we experienced three aspects of Iceland; a waterfall, extraordinary coastal scenery and the chance to get up close to a glacier. The 60-metre high Sk����������������������� ögarfoss waterfall provided a change from the smaller waterfalls we saw along the road. We had the chance to see this unique waterfall up close, after a particularly slippery and wet hike. The costal scenery at Reynishverfi
Though the real treat was rotten shark (pickled in urine), the Icelandic equivalent to marmite: you either love it or hate it! Since trying it, I will leave it to the Icelanders to enjoy. Next, the smelliest place in all of Iceland, the sulphur pools that spat out the odour of rotten eggs. The smell remained at the Svartsengi Power Station, which uses geothermal energy to generate power for the Blue Lagoon and the majority of Reykjavik; we were guided round and were told of their water recycling methods. Our last evening was spent engaging in the traditional Icelandic past-time – Disco Bowling – made only more enjoyable with the extreme competition between certain group members.
Day four began with us shifting between the blues and whites of the beautiful icebergs in the glacier melt lake, Jokulsarlon. We walked on the glacier Vatnajokull, which from a distance appeared to be a mass of white, though close up it is grey due to the small rock particles within it. At our last stop of the day we trekked into the woods, which finally gave way to Svartifoss, the black waterfall. Beautiful stalactite shaped rocks surrounded the edge of the waterfall, and we were able to see the Icelandic plants, which like the Icelandic horses were short and stumpy.
On our last day, we wandered through Reykjavik and saw statues of local heroes, and placed ourselves on the huge 3D map of Iceland in the city hall. Then in true tourist style we hit the local shops and collected traditional goods, plastic Viking hats and canned Icelandic air, helping us to arrive back in England slightly worn out by our many activities. Overall the trip was an incredible experience, which we won’t quickly forget.
Iceland is the only country in which elves can prevent building development, as 80% of the residents believe in them. So, on the fifth day, we went to explore the caves in which elves are believed to reign. These lava caves are formed from past volcanic eruptions, and are pitch black. To re-energise ourselves we were given Icelandic delicacies: sheep’s brain that resembles cat’s food and other such delights.
Natasha Driscoll and Raj Brokhataria The bleak beauty of the Jökulsárlón glacial lake
63
Trips
The second day began with a visit to the Caldera Lake, located in an extinct volcano, which simply looked like a huge crater. There were amazing views of the surrounding scenery from the ridge. This was followed by a visit to Gullfoss, the ‘golden falls’. They run over two basalt lava flows before plunging into the ravine of the Hvita River. The waterfall was truly immense and luckily we were allowed to get up close to the edges as long as we were careful. The highlight of the day though had to be the geysir, a world heritage site, which erupts almost every five minutes. It was a truly unique experience watching the pressure build up just under the surface and then explode, spewing out hot water.
was also beautifully unique, as all of the rock, including the sand, was black from the basalt lava. Seeing the Sölheirmaj-kull glacier was a perilous experience, as the danger of falling through the cracks in the ice was ever-present.
The Albanian 2010
The trip began with the flight from Heathrow to Keflavik airport on the 8th July. Like every trip we discovered little facts along the way. For example, the US army built the Keflavik airport during World War II. We found the country completely unique: you can read about it but never truly understand it until you visit. After we landed we went to a natural hot spring spa called the Blue Lagoon, in itself a special part of Iceland, which uses the geothermal heat to create an array of cave saunas, steam rooms and the lagoon itself. The views on the way there were like nothing I had seen before. We drove on what the Icelandic call hraun, which are simply roads over lava fields that are less than 1100 years old. At the end of the day we arrived at our accommodation, log cabins just ten miles west of Eyjafjallajökull volcano. Here we witnessed constant ash and steam eruptions during the near twentyfour hours of daylight.
The Albanian 2010
64
CCF
CCF Summer Camp Close Quarters Combat at Crowborough Campsite On Sunday 11th July St Albans School CCF deployed to Crowborough for the Summer Camp with 65 boys and five members of staff. All year groups were represented with the younger boys being the most excited. When they arrived, they split into sections for their billets, before watching the world cup final in the crammed NAAFI . After watching some Spaniards getting beaten by Nigel de Jong, they returned to the billets to sleep before the week of activities to come.
We had a strong team led by CSM Nick Foster and we went on to win all three elements of the competition, smashing the best run time by well over a minute. The remainder of the day was split in to 12 different stands, testing all the skills they had learnt, we won four of them and finished high in all the others; this made us overall champion contingent, an excellent achievement by all the boys from the most junior to the CUO.
Following the competition was the Covert reconnaissance: highlight of the camp: the twentyA cadet surveys the four hour exercise. Whilst the territory weather has blighted these exercises in the past, conditions were kind to our CCF this time around. The Upper Sixth form had clearly put in a huge amount of work, preparing dossiers on the
enemies we would be facing, as well as a video on what we could expect. Cadets were sent on scouting patrols and vehicle searches in their sections, as well as a night ambush with blank ammunition. As usual the exercise ended in a platoon attack, over a square mile of countryside, making for an exhausting, heartin-mouth experience. CUO Laurie Hulse and CSM Nick Foster led their platoons by example and we were very impressed with the professionalism, enthusiasm and effort from all that took part. The Crowborough campsite itself was very accomodating, with a decent meal available at the end of every day, as well as a NAAFI, equipped with arcade machines, two TVs and a pool table. This camp was an excellent experience for all our cadets and a tribute to the standard of our senior boys who were fantastic from start to finish. WJW and Tom Lewis
65
CCF
Other activities included a fantastic close quarters battle range, which saw all cadets, equipped with rifles, sinking waist deep into the mud as they attempted to fire blank rounds at enemy insurgents. There were also some slightly more cerebral activities. The observation exercise required cadets, in groups of around six or seven, to lie in observation points. Equipped with binoculars, they attempted to detail “enemy activity� that could be seen in the fields in front of the observation points, as well as identifying two ghillie-suited soldiers.
The Albanian 2010
The week was split into a four-day rotational activity programme, a competition day and a choice day (exercise or day trip). The four day activity programme was compiled of Military Skills, Ranges, Fieldcraft and personal development: emergency first aid, map and compass, command tasks and 25m barrack range to name but a few of the skills practiced.
OC’s Report Another hugely successful year for CCF
CCF
Again I find myself reporting on a challenging but exciting year. The contingent is now well established Coldstream Guards, so this, combined with plenty of support from the Battalion, meant we were in very good shape indeed.
The Albanian 2010
66
The first challenge of 2009 was winter camp at Yardley Chase, which proved to be both a great success and a logistical challenge all in one. With snow forecast we were more aware than ever of the need to be flexible, and on the last morning this flexibility was put to the test. Heavy snow was forecast for that afternoon, so if we had chosen to remain to the end of the day we would have been stranded. We were thankfully able to rearrange transport and return all the cadets to school before the snow came. This year we were inspected to show we were fit for purpose by a senior officer. I was so proud we were able to secure Brigadier Bourne May, the honorary Colonel of the Coldstream Guards, to be our Inspecting Officer. Not only did we pass the inspection, but we also had our establishment numbers increased in recognition of our efforts. On top of this we sent record numbers on leadership courses, with Nick Foster achieving the best cadet award on his week, and again we took 20 cadets to the Trooping of the Colour. The Duke of Edinburgh Award saw us enrol 50 cadets for silver and 30 gold, with practice and qualifying expeditions taking us all over Europe. The contingent also enrolled our Lower Sixth cadets for the Cadet Vocational Qualification Scheme for the first time. If all of this was not enough, we still had summer camps and our second expedition to Tanzania to come, both of which were a great success. 2010 also saw us lose and gain valuable officers; Flight Lieutenant Eric Logan left us at Easter to teach in Dunstable, having been a member of the RAF section for the past 10 years, and OC Section for 5. His dedication and hard work for the section allowed countless cadets to fly and attend leadership courses and gain flying scholarships. We wish him well in his new school.
AGI Exercises: Cadets stand at ease (above) and Brigadier Bourne May talks to the troops (below)
Capt Ed Beavington spent five years with the contingent before going to teach in Tanzania, and for a further 2 years after his return. His dedication and hard work has benefitted the contingent greatly; and for his leading role in both Tanzania expeditions we are very grateful. Ed set up the Banana Tree project to support children in orphanages and on the streets of Tanzania. The contingent currently pays the fees for one of these children to go to school, and will continue to support this excellent charity. Ed is moving to Plymouth College where he will join their CCF; we wish him well and hope he is successful in his new role.
I would like to welcome Second Lieutenant David Russell and Laura Andrews to the contingent. Every year I have to thank a variety of people for their support, without which we would not be able to operate as efficiently as we do. Special mentions must go to the support we get from the Army and RAF, as well as the Senior Management of the School. This year I must also thank the parents of the cadets who were fortunate enough to be selected for the Tanzania trip - their support for the trip was invaluable. Lastly I have to thank the people who give so much of their time - the officers and senior cadets; without them we would not operate. KJE
House Competition Results Hampson Hawking
Marsh
Renfrew
10
7
Golf
10
7
5
3
Netball
3
7
10
5
Football
6
10
20
14
Rugby
6
14
10
20
Maths
5
10
5
7
Shooting
10
5
3
7
Cross Country
20
10
6
14
Badminton
5
10
5
7
Basketball
5
7
10
3
Chess
7
10
5
3
Hockey
10
14
20
10
Music
6
20
14
10
General Knowledge
10
3
5
7
Debating
10
3
7
5
Cricket
6
20
14
10
Drama
10
7
3
5
Athletics
20
14
10
6
Swimming
14
20
6
10
Commendations
14
6
20
10
180
202
188
163
Total
67
Houses
5
The Albanian 2010
3
Houses
Art
The Albanian 2010
68
Sport
Meeting Every Challenge 1st XV Rugby
Next, we welcomed Hampton, another strong side. With players actually sick on the pitch, injuries galore and silly mistakes we trailed 8-0 early on, but scored through Johnson-Crooks, making it 7-8. However missed tackles made it 7-15, which was followed by a Watt penalty and a chance to win, despite playing badly. Not so, as more missed tackles confirmed a 10-20 loss. Following this: Haileybury College. Excellent conditions augured well for our running game and in truth we deserved more, but couldn’t break down their well-
The second half of the season now opens with a mid-week fixture against Verulam. The 1st XV scored 44 points in the first half and the 2nd XV also scored 39 points in the second half (83-0). We next faced St George’s. A tough match on a heavy pitch allowed very little room for manoeuvre. Watt opened the scoring with a penalty. There was little continuity from either side until Johnson-Crooks got a chance and made the most of it to score out wide. Watt converted and we had a small cushion. We were uncharacteristically run ragged out wide, and they scored to make it 10-5. The game was settled with less than ten minutes remaining when Wilkin ran at space and sidestepped the full-back (17-5). We next played Watford GS away. A disappointing first half, with conditions in our favour, presented Watford with two straightforward penalties. Watt hit two penalties to level, until a third penalty gave them the lead. A surge of energy and good handling drove us wide for Watt to dive over in the corner (11-9). They were given yet another penalty in front of the posts and we were down by one point! After a valiant effort, our reward came in the form of a penalty. However, the kick was over 40m and Watt needed to repeat his magnificent feat of 50m in the first half. With the wind against he only just missed (lost 11-12). Against QE Barnet we immediately went three points down. Watt replied and then scored a try himself. (8-3). Kelly ran very hard through the centre channel and Watt converted for a 15-3 half-time lead. Then Steer picked up from No.8 and ran through, 22-3 when Watt converted. A drop of the ball in mid-field resulted in a foot-race, with Johnson–Crooks making a magnificent tackle just as the QE player dived to score. The game finished in a 29-8 win.
Following this, we confronted an old adversary, Bedford Modern School. Stairmand scored after ten minutes, which was followed by two penalties apiece (11-6). Early in the second half Kelly broke through the line, with Watt converting. A penalty gave the visitors hope at 19-9. Johnson-Crooks scored and Watt converted again. A final goal sealed the score at 35-9 and a pleasing performance. Home again and Mill Hill School. Having lost just 6-7 the previous year, players and spectators were keen for revenge. In difficult conditions against a fine opponent the game ebbed and flowed. The two sides traded penalties and tries in the first half. Their impressive centre scored through an interception to reduce the deficit to 30-24. With less than two minutes left they finally made the mistake we hoped for. The whistle went to end an epic encounter that was tough for either side to lose. We welcomed St Columba’s College to Woollams. With nervous mistakes from the visitors we scored on the right with Stairmand, followed by a Watt penalty and then conceded a penalty. A try just before half time, put us ahead (15-3). A dropped ball in attack and a try against the run of play for 15-8. Kelly scored two tries through determined running and a final wing score by Stairmand were all converted by Watt for a 36-8 win. The final game of the season was away against Aylesbury GS and they were not only unbeaten going in to the match, but playing very well indeed. With three England players in their ranks, we knew it would be tough. At half-time we were fortunate to still have a chance at 0-7. An ‘up-and-under’ by Wilkin saw him follow up a misfield and we levelled for 7-7. We tackled for our lives, but, in the end, it was impossible to hold back such a strong side. To lose 10-27 reflected the courage with which the team met every challenge before them.
CCH
69
Sport
A week later we faced Merchant Taylors’, always tough opposition. We had a mixed day with players sick and injured, and by the end there were ten 2nd XV players on the pitch! An early penalty was followed by a try and we were 0-10 down. There followed an exchange of tries and two more penalties for MTs’ as we struggled for continuity. There seemed no way back when they scored just after the restart. However, MTs’ made errors and we came back to 21-26. A penalty to the visitors resulted in a 21-29 loss despite our late display of character. We faced HABS next, and again the winning score of 34-3 reads with more comfort than was the case, as our forwards struggled against their pack. Our backs made the most of the ball they had, running well in beautiful conditions. Johnson-Crooks completed a hat trick before half time making it 17-3, despite our lack of territory. A break by Watt and a wide attack saw Heminway score. Hudson converted to secure the win.
organised defence. Our opening try and conversion was matched by the visitors, against the run of play. A penalty from Watt made the score 10-7 to us in the second half. With five minutes left we gave away five consecutive penalties giving them a straightforward kick with time elapsed (10-10).
The Albanian 2010
We commenced at home against Bishop’s Stortford. After two scores against us, Johnson-Crooks narrowed the gap to 5-12, and later to 10-12. Stairmand, not to be outdone, made it 17-12 to us. However, we were trailing 19-12 at half-time to a late score. A very close second half appeared won when Hudson kicked a penalty, only to concede from an undefended scrum for a 20-24 loss! In a strong performance against Berkhamsted School the following week we were able to exploit the width, scoring several times. However, the final score of 49-6 was flattering.
Invictus: Another unbeaten season... 2nd XV Rugby
Sport
It wasn’t easy stepping into the shoes of St Albans School’s 2nd XV. We had an almighty act to follow on from two consecutive unbeaten seasons. Nevertheless early training sessions displayed some new ability as the L6 got a taste of senior rugby, as well as the experience and power from players in the U6. Little did these two camps realise that they would bond like brothers to form a team like no other: formidable, fierce and a force to be reckoned with.
The Albanian 2010
70
We smashed into the season with three home victories against Bishop’s Stortford 43-12, Berkhamsted 74-0 and Merchant Taylors’, despite their “Black Wall”, 56-0. An outstanding and mobile forward unit was developing, but it needed to provide cleaner ball for inventive scrum half, George Harding, and the backline talent to work with. As such we made the fixtures much harder for ourselves than the scores suggest. Haberdashers’ proved to be a lesson for us. We took far too long to get going in our first away fixture and this early lapse in concentration left us fighting for territory and frustrated, causing a lack of discipline. With Mr Laithwaite unimpressed, the 2nd XV went back out for the second half to“get the job done and go home,” in the words of our experienced manager. With a victory of 50-0, a hurdle had been jumped and a lesson learned. David Prince proved he was simply too fast for anybody but the strongest of tacklers. The Number 8, Ollie Di-Lieto, continued to establish himself as a powerful ball carrier, a great finisher and a fine back-row forward. With flanker Tom Gillespie, who was brave occasionally verging on foolhardy in his tackling and ball-stealing, the back-row was an important asset in the team’s success. Woollams hosted Hampton School for one of the most challenging matches of the season. A skilful opposition brought out some great performances. The forwards stood their ground, with great physical performances from prop Tom Martin and hooker Harry Avent. Tom Sweeney also continued his demonstration of natural talent at outside centre, a master class he
had been teaching from the beginning of the season, and would often leave opponents rooted to the spot in his wake. We managed to hold on to a lead despite a late Hampton comeback and we desperately kept the ball tight for the last 5 minutes until a clearance kick followed by the final whistle secured a close 27-21 victory. This hard fought match was followed by a victory versus Haileybury 35-14. Weather conditions at Watford Grammar and QEB meant the forwards were called upon to retain possession. The team took tactics developed on the training field to the pitch and did not disappoint, with impressive disciplined performances, scoring two away victories 45-3 and 45-0 respectively. The 2nd XV replaced the 1st XV at half time in their evening floodlit fixture against Verulam School and added around 40 points to the 1st XV’s total. Bedford Modern followed with a 50-10 victory, with a fantastic game from Andrew Harris on the wing. We proceeded to beat St Columba’s 57-0. Mill Hill turned out to be a show of flair and talent from the 2nd XV and St Albans totally dominated every aspect of the game. Fly half, Brad Hudson, continued his ever-reliable goal kicking, with the game finishing 82-0. Aylesbury were our toughest opponents of the season, and the 2nd XV played the match of their school careers. After a nervous opening, awesome forward discipline and clearance kicking won us territory. Once a lead was established, St Albans defended with their lives, and put bodies on the line to deny a very capable attack. Kareem Hassanin put in some fantastic tackles
on the opposition’s giant prop, but he eventually broke through to score. Exceptional character and grit won the day for St Albans, who dug deep and deserved every point of their 26-5 victory. What a way to cap off a triumphant season. It was an honour to lead such a successful team: a great bunch of lads and talented rugby players. Thank you to our coach, Mr Laithwaite, for his time and wise words, and to all who put in so much effort to achieve our goal: the 2nd XV unbeaten for another season. Charlie Baker
Ruck and Rowland 3rd XV Rugby
Hampton was a new fixture added this year, so we were unaware of their potential. The game was on a Wednesday, which meant the squad was not fully focused and it showed because it was the only game in the season when we were trailing. Hampton had a powerful set of forwards, who slipped through weak tackling, but an inspiring second-half comeback led by tough number eight Chris Davies, and carries coming from Ed Marsden and Kareem Hassanin meant we were able to end with a comfortable victory (33-19). The next match, Haileybury, was seen as a warm-up to the Beaumont match, the hardest game of the season. Haileybury did not prove a
Adams and James Clegg.Verulam 2ndXV match was also a mid-week game, which meant we did not perform to our full potential, and so “scrappy” tries were scored. However Tveito-Duncan produced a number of line breaks with the match ending 45-5.
With the season drawing to a close and the prospect of being unbeaten getting closer, the squad had a significant momentum. The Mill Hill game was a physical encounter but our backs were far superior. With Walker running the show at ten and Another Wednesday game proved a the backs scoring some scintillating stern test, with the opposition being tries, which made the game oneQueens School. We faced a different sided by the end (55-12). Our final type of match with questionable game of the season produced a brilrefereeing decisions not letting liant team display with the forwards us play to our scoring three tries from rolling natural wide game mauls and the backs executing tries plan; but we from set-plays (35-3). It was the managed perfect way to crown an unbeaten to grind season with fantastic performances out a victory coming from the entire squad. The with superb best back (voted by the squad) efforts was Tom Russell and best forward coming was Chris Davies. The whole squad from gelled together throughout the Tim season under the tutelage of Mr Rowland to produce, arguably, the best 3rd XV the school has ever seen. Tom Samson
71
Sport
The unbeaten adventure started off with the demolition of Berkhamsted School on a crisp, sunny day at Woollams, with the score ending up 65-14. We faced a tougher challenge in our next match, with Merchant Taylors pushing us to the limit in the early stages of the season (17-3). However Freddie Hett performed courageously in defence, producing a number of big tackles even though he did knock himself out twice in the match! Haberdashers’ did not produce the same test though, (53-0) with the 4th XV playing half the match, after the 3rd XV backs sliced through the Habs’ defence on many occasions in the first half.
challenge with a comfortable victory (37-5), with good performances coming from Simon Collings, Tom Russell and Jack Edwards. Described by pack leader Gareth Gibson as “our Everest”, the Beaumont game was the toughest challenge as we defended our try line valiantly for most of the second half, but when given the change in attack, we were lethal. Dean and Richards scored sensational tries, with Pryse-Davies and Goldberg showing phenomenal work-rate in the loose to crown a famous victory (18-13).
The Albanian 2010
The season started off with players unsure of the ability in the squad, but from the start the squad always had high morale levels due to the influential coaching of Mr Rowland. Right from the start the mood was set for a very successful season.
Burger’s Beasts Make Waves in French Riveira U16 XV Rugby and came out with a solid win (5512). Despite the great confidence and assurance we had following our previous games, the next two fixtures against Hampton school The opening game of the season and Haileybury proved to be more was against Bishops Stortford High testing. However, we rose to the School, where the team showcased occasion and played some first class their ruthless way of playing to coach rugby with only one try conceded Mr Burger with an outstanding start in both games, with the scores being to the season, winning 57-7. Against 36-0 and 23-7 respectively. our next opponent, Berkhamsted College, we came out on top with a After several strenuous and convincing win (41-13). demanding fixtures against French sides including the Perpignan The following game against MerAcademy whilst on tour during chant Taylors’ proved to be slightly the half term, the U16s were keen more challenging than the first to play teams on the circuit again. two games, but fortunately strong Our first fixture back, after an performances throughout led to a abandoned match against Watford 10-0 victory. The squad then faced GS, was Dr Challoner’s Grammar Haberdashers’ Boys with confidence
Sport
Last season was an extremely successful one for the under 16As, winning ten games and losing just one.
School who we comfortably beat 39-17. Queen Elizabeth’s School did however manage to come out on top against us, handing us our one and only defeat of the season. Despite the disappointment of slipping up against QE, we did well to comfortably win our remaining three games, against Bedford Modern, Mill Hill and Aylesbury Grammar. This was a fitting end to a good season and conclusion to our years together in age group rugby. Over all the Under 16s had a very strong season and would like to thank Mr Burger and Mr Stone for all their efforts in coaching us. The impressive season bodes well for our senior rugby careers. Louis Grant
At Least the Payne is Over U15 XV Rugby
The Albanian 2010
72
Despite some difficult matches against talented and larger opponents, the U15s made progress throughout the term, showing greater resilience, skill and belief as the season developed. The overall record of four wins and nine losses is a marked improvement from last year and reflects the team’s growing strength of character. We were unfortunate to start against Bishops’ Stortford High School whose U15s were their flagship team, and they comfortably won a game in which we never got going. Unfortunately, we also encountered strong year groups away to Berkhamsted and at home to Merchant Taylors’. After three heavy defeats, a testing away trip to local rivals Haberdashers’ beckoned. However, the players remained positive, and with committed performances from all, scraped a tight win, in which Reed’s tenacious tackling and Fellowes’ excellent work at the breakdown were to the fore. We had secured our first, morale boosting victory. Against Hampton, in a new fixture, the boys were quickly brought down to earth. Fluid, fast attacking play and robust defence from the London side dealt us another heavy defeat.
With confidence delicately poised, one feared the worst with an away trip to Haileybury in the last fixture before half term, particularly as our injury list began to resemble that of the depleted England team. However, a sterling, spirited performance, inspired by the caretaker manager (the Second Master!), saw the boys secure an outstanding win, in which Petrou and Kearney were prominent. The second half of term began with an away trip to local rivals St. George’s. Taking confidence from the previous fixture, we started strongly and were the better team for the first 20 minutes, penning the home side into their own 22 with some adroit kicking from Bevan. However, we paid the price for failing to score in this period of dominance, and were eventually undone by their effective ball carrying forwards. We then approached an intensive period of fixtures with trepidation. An increasingly threadbare squad was going to be severely tested with three games in 7 days. We started with a comprehensive defeat to an efficient Watford Grammar School, but followed this up with our most successful period of the season.
The team’s gutsiest and determined display saw the boys win a tight game against a robust Dr Challoner’s, and back this up with a win against a physical QEB side. Scrum half Parkash performed notably in both of these games. We struggled away to Bedford Modern, and to Mill Hill, before losing at home to Aylesbury in the final game, but it is in the penultimate fixture where the team’s improvement this season shone through. An enormous pack of St Columba’s forwards threatened to overrun our considerably less sizeable eight, but a fearless and doughty performance, in which countless tackles were made, reflected their growing spirit. Harrison, Dawson, Shone, Bains, and Ed Baker all played a significant part. Special praise should also be reserved for Fitzpatrick, our fearless last line of defence. My thanks go to Mr Hudson for his expert help; Mr Byrom for his continued understanding; Mrs Hudson for her excellent catering; the parents for their tireless support; and, of course, to the boys, who remained positive throughout the season, despite their testy coach. DMP
Striding Onward U14 XV Rugby The hectic beginning to this season always makes it difficult to spot and integrate new talent at this level. Even so, the team appeared to have a solid foundation of players with considerable depth, not to mention a readiness to build on previous years, as well as eagerness to improve and ensure a successful season.
unruly captain being sent off again, and QE Barnet 24-0. The next two teams, Bedford Modern and St Columba’s proved to be rather too strong and much more physical. Bedford rucked very well and had centres who could make the very most of the quality ball provided, despite some valiant and heroic defending throughout. Both games saw us get drawn into a forwards battle, playing to their strengths. More experience would have ensured we kept the ball alive and away from their pack, testing their fitness and endurance.
The second match against Berkhamstead saw flu deplete the team but this provided opportunities for some of our new recruits to demonstrate their skills and contest for ‘A’ team places. George Scott certainly supported the team to a 52-0 victory.
Having lost against Habs the previous season, we were aware that this could be our first real test of this season. The new scrum-half/flyhalf combination of Goldstone and Scott soon settled into their new roles and proved to be a formidable pairing. The team worked exceptionally hard and deserved a victory. On the last play of the game in a most exciting match, we failed to get the ball into touch and gave possession away to witness Habs pull level resulting in a 29-29 draw. Next we met the unknown entity of Hampton School. On arrival at their grounds, we found that only one pitch was playable so we had to wait for the Bs to finish their match. Preparations were not ideal, but this cannot really be our defence in reporting our first loss of the season as the opposition were much more physical and controlled the game from the outset. A 10-26 loss was
Our last match prior to half-term saw us back to winning ways beating Haileybury 21-7, despite some rather unusual law variations, a huge penalty count against and the sending off of our captain, Nick Stride. Following a two week break, the local opposition of St George’s and Verulam were both defeated with some confidence. However, our second loss of the season followed. Watford Grammar had beaten Hampton and had not been defeated all season. A tough battle ensued and I think Watford were rather surprised for it to be such a tight match. The team picked themselves back up to defeat Dr Challoner’s 26-17, despite our
It is very difficult to pick out individual players but as mentioned earlier, the scrum-half/fly-half combination of Goldstone and Scott proved a most successful formula, as did the accuracy of Scott’s boot which saw him convert 74 points throughout the season. Ben Rose also deserves a mention for raising his tally of tries to 23 (115 points), running impressively from within his own 22. Nick Stride, as captain, led the team by example on most occasions and
73
Sport
The tougher opposition of Merchant Taylors’, with their strong and effective rucking forwards, proved more of a challenge. However, confidence and commitment was not lacking and the team came through with its third victory.
no real disgrace and many lessons were learnt!
Drawing to the end of the season having been defeated in the last two matches, the team were determined to end on a high. Having narrowly lost to Aylesbury last year, a victory was not a certainty. However, on the day the team dominated the game, making rather hard work of it at times but gaining a much deserved victory to complete a most successful season.
The Albanian 2010
Despite very little pre-season work completed as a team prior to the first game, a most convincing start was made with a runaway victory against Bishop’s Stortford (65-0). Most of the backs managed to open their scoring accounts, with Ben Rose scoring an impressive hat trick from full-back.
deserves much congratulations. He should be pleased and proud of his personal performance but also his positive influence on his teammates throughout the season.
Sport
The commitment, motivation and progress throughout the season was evident for all to see. Not just from the players on the pitch but also from the support on the touchline. There was a great spirit in the squad and players were always keen to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of the game. Players were also happy to explore new positions when required and I am sure future seasons will see more radical changes as players mature.
The Albanian 2010
74
I cannot finish without congratulating Mr Beavington and the B team on their outstanding season. An unbeaten season saw them score 537 points and concede only 97.Very few teams could complete with their strength and depth and many matches had to be drawn to a close early due to their dominance. We had great vigour in both attack and defence, with committed and dedicated players. This certainly augurs well for the future and I look forward to witnessing the teams progress over the seasons to come. I wish them well.
Much Promise U13 XI Rugby
The U13s showed much promise following their excellent U12 season. With an 80% win rate from the previous season, the team went GJC into the first game against Bishop’s Stortford High School, who were probably our greatest challenge, with relative confidence. Mr Whitehead came with low expectations but our team remained self-assured and pulled back to grab a convincing win. As the season progressed, the team went from strength to strength with strong wins against Haberdashers’ and Hampton School. Games against New Hall School and St George’s provided harder opposition but we still came away with at least a fifteenpoint difference between the scores. The support between the teammates grew and didn’t waver as the season drew onwards; every player was focused on achieving a one hundred percent win ratio. This became less of a dream and more a reality after convincing wins against Watford Grammar School, St Columba’s and Aylesbury Grammar.
The match against QE Barnet was a real test for our team following a loss last year from the same side. Unsure what to expect we went into the game and pushed home some early tries. The second half was slow and our handling got worse as fatigue began to set in. However, the final score was a well fought 22-0 to us. The final games against Bedford Modern and Dr Challoner’s were both comfortable wins but provided a nice way to complete the season on a high. With an unbeaten U13s season the whole squad is very much looking forward to the next one. William Norris Postscript from the coach: I was delighted with the commitment and attitude shown on the pitch. This is the first time in my teaching career that I have had a completely unbeaten run with any rugby team. DJW
The Albanian 2010
75
Sport
Skill Levels Developing
Sport
1st XI Hockey
76
The season started slowly, with the weather conditions impacting on the first game of the season, meaning that our prestigious fixture with Harrow School had to be cancelled due to a frozen pitch. However, play commenced the following week with a good win (2-1) against Merchant Taylors’ in a scrappy affair; neither school had much chance to prepare. The double against our local rivals was completed the following Saturday with a comfortable 3-0 win against Haberdashers’, although the game was only won beyond doubt in the closing stages. A mid week defeat to Windsor Boys with a team weakened by exam leave was followed by a game started in the snow and finished in bright sunshine against Dulwich College. The snow was so thick it took a tremendous effort to clear, and we even had to use an orange ball! This surreal game of hockey ended with a 2-1 loss despite St Albans valiantly pushing for a draw in the closing stages.
Watford Grammar School was the next team to visit; and despite a heavy defeat on the score-card (4-0) the game was a very tight and evenly contested affair. Their greater quality in front of goal was the difference between the teams, and whilst we dominated territorially we could not convert our opportunities into goals. This became the tale of the season, with much good interplay and linking in midfield, but a lack of cutting edge in attack, and a propensity to make a couple of errors in defence cost us dearly. A 3-2 defeat to Dr Challoner’s could easily have been swung the other way but for a five minute lapse in concentration. A 7-2 win against Aldenham restored some self-belief but could equally have been 15 had it not been for some heroic goalkeeping by their keeper and some inept finishing on our part. We then entered our final run of fixtures against the big Boarding schools of Oundle and the Leys. Against Oundle we took the lead on two occasions but could not
maintain our control, eventually finishing 2-4 down. The Leys outplayed us for the first time and were the only team in the whole season who completely outplayed us. The eventual score line of 0-3 was testament to our determination and resilience as this could have been a considerably worse defeat. As a group of players the 1st XI had fantastic attitude and commitment, but in crucial times lacked leaders who could influence the game and make the difference to the pattern of play. Skill levels and strategic understanding developed as the season progressed and we finished the season as better hockey players than we started. Although the overall results were disappointing, the standard of hockey we played and came up against has improved this season. I would like to thank all the players who represented the 1st XI this season for their effort, commitment and fortitude. MJL
The Albanian 2010
Fabulous Baker Boys U16 XI Hockey Snow caused havoc at the opening of the season, cancelling the match with Harrow and threatening the one against Merchant Taylor’s. After mammoth efforts to shovel snow away, it actually disappeared overnight to allow a 3-1 win. Captain Jonny Baker, Jono Spencer and Jonny Andrew ‘moved the ball away’ with confidence. We had a good, competitive match against Habs, winning with a late, contested goal at the back post by Hadleigh (3-2). Our right-sided work had produced two goals by Salehi and Spencer, but we missed other opportunities. Foolish errors led to a 1-3 home defeat to Watford GS. Two welltaken short corners were the final difference and the loss was hard to take. The opposition held the ball more confidently and our possession was too frequently given away as we attempted to rush the attack. The Watford sticks found too many long and rather speculative balls. Salehi, always an individual threat, with pace and control, but too
much was expected of him in tight areas. Worse was to follow in the night game against Dr Challoner’s GS, two dreadful back passes leading to a 0-2 deficit. We then conceded two more in the second half to lose the game 0-4 when perhaps 1-2 would have been a fair result. An outstanding single opponent carried the ball very well and scored twice himself. Things improved against Hitchin GS mid-week with a pleasing win 3-1 win. Against Oundle we gained a deserved 0-0 draw against a strong and determined visiting team. We struggled at times and certainly they were very disappointed not to win. Some good saves by Grant kept it level. The Leys School away was our last game of the season. This was an excellent game bathed in sunshine against a very strong opponent. Without Salehi due to injury, we were less sharp in front of goal. Again we worked hard down the
right, but were equally met by the challenge of an organised defence. In response they scored two excellent goals. After a rally and a goal from Spencer, The Leys extended the lead almost immediately. A late charge by Hadleigh led to a most unusual individual goal, as he beat four players, lost the ball then regained it straight away to force it in at his opposite post. Time ran out, preventing a levelling of the scores, the match perhaps deservedly remaining at 2-3. CCH
Notable performances U15 XI Hockey real composure and maturity, reading the game with confidence and breaking down many a counterattack. He was our player of the season. In midfield the drive of the team was provided by Niall Parkash who has shown that, when in the right frame of mind, he can take on any opponent. Tanveer Ranshi won the most improved player award – his understanding of the game has grown and developed into a very effective and skilful centre-half; towards the end of the season, he began to exert a real influence on our matches. In the forward line, particular mention should go to Vince Chan, whose pace and direct-
ness was always a threat and also to Andy Salvesen who has shown a striker’s instinct for the goal. In every game, the U15s fought with spirit and determination. They competed fully with some excellent teams, often playing their best hockey against them. With some better fortune (and a sharper eye in front of goal!), they could have expected to notch up a few more victories. If they continue to play with this approach into their U16 year, I’m sure that they will get the improved results that they deserve. RJE
In what has been a mixed season, results-wise, there have been some notable performances throughout the team. The defence was a strength of the U15s: our goalkeeper, Di-Lieto, kept us in a number of games in which we were under consistent pressure; Bevan and Hamer were both solid in defence and constructive with the ball; in particular, however, our captain and full back, Alex Phillips, has shown
77
Sport
Great Season U14 XI Hockey The season started off against a strong side, blooding ourselves with a 3-0 win over Merchant Taylors’. This game definitely set the benchmark, from which we had to continue to improve. The team followed this game with another powerful performance against Habs at home. We won this game 6-1 showing a lot of skill and teamwork to put the six goals in. Dulwich College were our next opponents, we were nowhere near up to our usual standards, scraping a 1-0 win over them, our lack of preparation rattling the team. Our next game was away to Watford Grammar and while we were ready for the match this time, we were not ready for the opposition. Our underestimation of them meant that Watford Grammar won 2-1, on what was not a great day for us as a team.
The Albanian 2010
The U15s had a stuttering start to their season, drawing 3-3 against Merchant Taylors’ and disappointingly defeated 1-0 by Haberdashers’. The latter was particularly disappointing, given that our opponents had one shot on target and we did everything but score. A long trip down to Dulwich saw us notch our first victory of the season, largely thanks in no small part to Andy Salvesen’s predatory instincts. The rest of the season saw some mixed results; well-fought victories over Aldenham, Dulwich College, Hitchin and Dr Challenor’s were balanced by defeats to some talented sides from Watford Grammar, Oundle and The Leys School.
In our game away to Dr Challenor’s we returned to form, fighting on for a 4-1 win, despite the lack of numbers. Despite this being a midweek game, and the team being tired as a result, we were pleased with the final score.
With high spirits we went to The Leys, yet again expecting an U14A team, but this time being opposed by an U15B team. This didn’t worry us either but they were a strong and big team, Ben Rose being 6ft4. We still won well, winning 4-0.
The next game against Aldenham was a relaxing game where we showed our skills with the short corners we had been practising in training.
Our final game of the season was the game originally meant to be our first game, against the famous and very talented Harrow School. After 5 minutes they were 3-0 up, but our team spirit and amazing performances from key players helped us here. We made an amazing come back from being 3-0 down to an amazing 7-3 win, against all the odds.
Hitchin was a tough opponent but we showed skill and fitness to win this game, with a 2-0 win. Against Oundle, we had been expecting to play their U14A team as usual and were surprised when they fielded their U15C’s. This did not phase us, and we played our usual game winning a smashing 12-0 with goals coming from nearly everyone.
There were exceptional performances all round, special mention to Joe Zacaroli our player of the season, and also George Scott, our top goal scorer. George Rose
Making a Hockey Team
Sport
U13 XI Hockey At the beginning of the season we were mainly a group of rugby players that could hold a hockey stick and run. However over the season we developed a lot, with a clear 4-0 win against Habs, where Tim Richards blasted one of his short corners into an oncoming player’s cheek but after retaking it scored an excellent goal. There was also a 2-2 draw against Watford Grammar where we played with only 10 men.
and had an excellent 4-1 win against Taunton Valley Hockey club, and a very unlucky 2-2 draw against Wellington School. The tour was great for improving as a team, and Ben Harley got the “most improved” award, while Tim Richards won “player of the tour.” When we came back to playing local schools we were much better than before the tour, and we beat Habs 4-0 again, but were unlucky to lose to Dr Challoner’s 4-2.
Then we had our mid-season tour, where we came up against some very good sides such as ISCA Hockey Club, where we lost 6-0 and Queens Taunton, where we lost 3-1. However, by the end of the four day tour we were really developing,
Then we were entered into Herts Schools Mini 7-a-side hockey tournament, where we drew 1-1 with Bishop’s Stortford College, but lost to them 3-0 in the final, so we
finished second resulting in us qualifying for the East of England mini 7-a-side hockey tournament, where we came up against some very good sides. However, with some great defence from Harry Turner and Joe Sayers, we did quite well, finishing in 5th place. It was a good season with figures of played 11, won 5, lost 3, and drew 3, with a 45% win rate. In the season there were great performances all round but especially from Harry Turner for being a rock in defence, Tim Richards for being the playmaker and Drew DanielsSmith for being the pace machine. By the end of the season we were no longer a group of rugby players we were a hockey team. Travis Hudson
Heading West U13 XI Hockey Tour
The Albanian 2010
78
The purpose of the tour, based in Taunton, was to develop the individual skill levels of the players and expose them to the game of hockey in a more intense and challenging environment. Many of the players they encountered had been playing for three or four years as opposed to our three or four matches. The learning curve was steep but everyone rose to the challenge and we competed well, making massive individual and collective progress. Our first game against Queens College, Taunton, challenged us after a long minibus journey. Athletically we were superior to our opponents, creating several good scoring opportunities, but their greater experience, organisation and individual ball skills eventually told. Drawing 1-1 at half time reflected our competitiveness but in the second half we were caught on the counter attack, and succumbed to a 3-1 defeat. The second day gave us an opportunity to train and play against Wellington School. Cunningly overfeeding us on the day paid dividends, and we drew the game 2-2, when we had opportunities to win it! The positive progress made by several players was encouraging and our team structure had dramatically improved.
The third day started with a trip to Exeter and a match against the local hockey club. The fixture was played at Exeter University in their Sports Park, and it was the first time our players had seen or played on a water-based astroturf (the surface all International Competitions are played on). We took an early lead in this game and once again we had improved markedly from the earlier contests. However, the speed, skill and individual flair of the ISCA Hockey Club players started to take its toll and we performed heroically to go in at half time 2-1 down. The second half continued in much the same vein, with us defending resolutely and occasionally getting opportunities to break forward. The game ended in a 6-2 defeat, against a very talented team. Whilst this was a disappointing score-line it demonstrated to our players the levels of individual skill they could aspire to. We had also rotated all 18 players evenly in each game to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to play. The group’s progress was advancing.
We travelled to Taunton Vale Hockey Club for our fourth and final fixture. Fielding our strongest team for the majority of the first half paid dividends, with us leading 3-0 at half time. As substitutes were introduced we maintained the good Tourists prepare for start and eventually finished winners, action 4-1. The tour ended on a high with Tim Richards scoring a hat-trick and ending as top goal scorer, and Travis Hudson adding to his goal tally for the tour. The boys behaved impeccably and received much praise and positive comment for their conduct, and also for the spirit in which they played the game. Awards were presented to every player at the conclusion of the final game and Player of the Tour was awarded to Tim Richards and Most Improved Player went to Ben Harley. The players improved dramatically and as a team they developed a greater understanding and awareness of their roles and principles very quickly in this intense environment. The improvement made over the four days would have taken at least half a term during term time. I look forward to seeing this improved performance continue. MJL
The Albanian 2010
79
Sport
The Future’s Bright… 1st XI Cricket This incredible match followed victory over Dr Challoner’s, but preceded a loss to Haileybury, where a green wicket led to a collapse to 26-6 before Hudson and Moore settled into a mature and sensible stand. However, the final score of 121 was not enough to defend. The match against Bancrofts too was disappointing as we added only 63 after a solid 80 run opening partnership. Finishing 143-8 was never going to be enough against Essex players and we lost by 9 wickets.
Sport
The match against QE Barnet started brightly, with the opposition reduced to 8 for 4. To go on and lose the match was staggering, and the margin of 53 runs a little embarrassing. Kight was the pick of the bowlers with 6-37. In reply, we should have ground out the runs, but only reached 121.
The Albanian 2010
80 A pleasing season for the 1st XI was marked by the maturity of established players and the remarkable arrival of newcomers. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the early match against Enfield Grammar, which featured a record partnership for the third wicket, Asif Rajah scoring 110 not out and new Third former George Scott hitting 104. In Enfield’s reply, Tom Kight took 5 wickets for 9 runs, including a hat trick.
Tom claims another wicket in an excellent season
The Habs batsmen prospered against our bowlers in the heat after half term, losing their first wicket on 187 and going on to score 244-3. In response, each of our players made a contribution, but they felt the pressure of the run rate and fell short. Abhishek Kulkarni put things right against Berkhamsted, with a late flourish of 35 not out with the bat to push the score to 162, then tight bowling and the first wicket as the opposition fell 21 runs short. It was James Scott (67)and Harley Stairmand (59) who made the runs against Bishops Stortford, while Kulkarni took three wickets, but
Stortford claimed the victory off the last ball. Stairmand also batted and bowled well against Aylesbury, but a century from the opposing No. 3 batsman took the game their way. Against the President’s XI on Founders Day, however, our batsmen prospered, with James Scott scoring 38 in three overs, George Scott 46, Stairmand 56 and Hudson 57 not out in a total of 309. Most of the opposition batsmen made it into double figures, but they were all out for 201. As is tradition, the final match of the season was against the MCC, who batted first and reached 205 off 40 overs. Unfortunately, Scott and Hassanin were out cheaply and despite Rajah’s 30, Stairmand’s 22 and Hudson’s 56, we fell 29 runs short. Throughout the season, the players demonstrated character and celebrated each other’s triumphs. With nine of these players staying on, this will greatly help next season. CCH
Playing the Game in a Fantastic Spirit U15 XI Cricket A total of 16 matches in ten weeks highlighted the intense season this team experienced and, on the whole, they rose well to the challenge. Winning the District Cup and chasing a total of 188 in the final game of the season were highlights, along with many outstanding individual contributions along the way.
On the field their captain, Tanveer Ranshi, demonstrated a real understanding of the game and read situations exceptionally well. His maturity and quiet authority galvanised the team and I was immensely impressed with the way his captaincy developed through the season. In the bowling areas the team had depth and could turn to any number of options. Tanveer and Ben Reed offered spin options and both bowled well, containing opponents and taking vital wickets. Niall Parkash and Anish Khiroya formed a strong opening partnership with the
Throughout the season, this group has been good company and have played the game in a fantastic spirit. On several occasions opposition coaches have praised them for their sportsman
81
Sport
Of the 16 matches they played, thirteen were won and many in convincing style. However, the games they lost demonstrated that, under pressure and intense scrutiny, some of their skills broke down and they could not raise their game to a higher level. This challenge remains at the centre of their development, both as individuals and in sport in general. Greater leadership, determination and focus need to be developed and this starts with practice and approaches to training. The group as a whole were outstanding at attending practice sessions, but they did not always push, challenge and extend themselves in practice conditions. Consequently, they were not prepared when real pressure was applied in match conditions.
In the batting department, many individuals contributed with scores ranging from the high twenties through to the mid sixties. However, nobody went on to make a three figure score and this was disappointing as the opportunities were there. Two batsmen scored over 300 runs in the season, Christian Bevan and Niall Parkash, with Anish Khiroya and Alex Phillips scoring over 200 each, a pleasing achievement.
The Albanian 2010
The U15A team did not suffer the loss of any players up to the senior teams and consequently a very settled unit was established. They have no superstars but are a group of talented, enthusiastic and improving young cricketers, who can all contribute and who work well together. The challenge as a coach was to provide opportunities for everyone to demonstrate their skills and also to try to encourage them individually to make more telling contributions, especially with their batting.
ball and caused opponents problems with their respective pace and accuracy. Stephen Baldwin, Jonathan Armstrong, Charlie Avent and Christian Bevan also provided variations of seam bowling that gave the team a balanced bowling attack. In the field the team improved and became more athletic and focused and began to specialise in roles within the team. Many good catches were taken and the fielding teamwork improved markedly as the season progressed.
ship and demeanour on the field of play. This is to their credit and they have been a pleasure to work with.
I sincerely hope they have enjoyed their cricket and that they will push on and strive to represent the school 1st XI in the coming seasons. MJL
Season of Progression
Sport
U13 XI Cricket
The Albanian 2010
82
Part of the way into the season I would have made the general comment that this was a good side with no county level players. However I would have to revise my opinion as the season progressed. The start of the season was not good for my heart. Against Enfield they needed 4 off the last ball with 8 wickets in hand and only scored 2hence a victory by one run. Against Bancrofts we needed 15 off the last over (3 off the last ball) with only one wicket in hand and scampered the necessary runs with a misfield and an overthrow from the last ball to win by one wicket. Against QEB we won by one run again. It was all too close for comfort. However there were easier wins against Merchant Taylor’s, St George’s, Habs and Beechwood Park. Our first loss was an absolute disaster against Sir John Lawes. Having restricted them to 77 for 6 from 20 overs we collapsed to 57 all out with 4 run outs. The parents commented that since this was the end of the exam week perhaps their heads were elsewhere – a view that had to be revised swiftly when some of the exam marks became known (their heads had not been switched onto the exams either). Having been dumped out of the District Cup how would we fare in the much harder County Cup?
were County champions. The reason for this was at least 7 players were capable of scoring 50s: Perrin (312 runs), Anthoney (254), Scutt (204), Wilde (173), Hudson (153), Richards (105) and Pickworth (118). We also had a very varied attack with many wicket-taking bowlers: Scutt (21 wickets), Turner (18), Richards (17), Deacon (13), Wilde (13) and Hudson (12). This was all backed up with some excellent fielding: 58 catches and 12 run outs. We played sides with some better players but if they did not contribute, their side was struggling. I knew that if some of our batters did not score then others would. And the same with the bowling. The side was well captained by Perrin who developed as a leader throughout the season. The whole squad was an enthusiastic bunch that were a delight to coach. My general comment by the end of the season would have to be an excellent team with quite a few players of County standard. The U13B team also enjoyed much success this year winning 7 of the 9 We had a walk over against JFK games. Notable performances in the and a good win against Beechwood season were from Sean Harris and Park. This game was the first of a Will Norris scoring a fantastic 114 pattern that became evident. Their not out partnership against Bishops best player was dismissed first ball Stortford, something not usually and you could sense their feeling of seen in an U13B team. The depth likely defeat after that. We beat Habs of talent spreads throughout the Another District Cup – again fairly easily in the next round. year group and this will be a year to this time the U14s We faced Parmiters in the semi-final watch in the future. (a school with an excellent pedigree BSB having won the U12 County Cup last year). Again their County level player was dismissed for 40 and they mustered 116 for 4 from their 20 overs. With good contributions from Anthoney (37) and Richards (21) Scutt guided us home in the last over with 11 not out. The final was against Westbrook Hay. With an absolutely devastating spell from Hudson (4 overs 2 maidens 5 runs 6 wickets) and their County player out 3rd ball we only had 53 to chase. After 10.1 overs we were 57 for 2. Perrin with 28 and Wilde 15 not out saw us home against one of the most rapid bowlers that we had faced all season. Rarely has a County final been over so quickly. Our record over the season was Played 17 Won 15 Lost 2 and we
Athletics Keeping things on track
Early season competitions saw us at Harrow, where we continue to be very competitive amongst some serious athletics schools that travel long distances to compete at Harrow’s prestigious events. Old boy Stephen Murphy even joined us in his attempt to run a qualifying time for the Irish team and he was later selected to compete in Budapest in the summer.
At the County Championships we produced an exceptionally strong performance with the Rose brothers becoming champions in their respective events, places for BayerGoldman in the Javelin and 400m, Chris Springthorpe in the Javelin, Wilkie Hollens in the Steeplechase, Omeiza Haruna in the 100m and
The season drew to a close with the District Championships, where we managed to dominate proceedings with our U12 team finishing third, the U13 team finishing second and the U14 team winning overall. It was a tremendous season and although there was individual glory for a few, the team is only ever as strong as its weakest result. All our athletes performed consistently to the best of their ability, gaining valuable points in every meet we attended. It was this team effort that made the season so successful and every single one of them is deserving of hearty congratulations on the success of athletics this year. DJW
83
Sport
The County and District Leagues kicked in soon after and our athletes’ consistent performances meant that our U13 and U15 both finished in the coveted top four teams in our half of the county and reached the league final yet again. Athletes of particular note were Ben and George Rose, who would both qualify to represent Hertfordshire at the English Schools Championships in the 100m and 400m respectively. George went on to reach the final of the 400m where he finished fifth. Jordan BayerGoldman also produced some excellent performances in every event he was asked to cover. He would later be selected to represent Hertfordshire in Combined Events, after finishing as the runner up in the County Combined Events Championships.
champion in the long jump, and finally Rory Barlow in the Hurdles.
The Albanian 2010
This was a very strong year for athletics in the school and the season was kicked off by the Senior Squad and our Ladies. The Seniors reclaimed the District Championship which they had temporarily loaned to St Columba’s College and despite having a small ladies contingent our entrants secured first, second and third places on the track. Their growing dominance and ability was reflected in the appointment of our first female Athletics Captain in the very able Victoria Walker (right), who would go on to represent Hertfordshire in the steeplechase at the English Schools Championships later in the season.
Cross Country Euan Mackenzie reviews another successful season
Sport
The annual pre season training camp, in August at Pen Arthur, was completed with the team in a very positive attitude, given the news that Billy Collins would be returning to the school for another year and would be eligible to run for the team.
The Albanian 2010
84
At the first race of the year, the King’s Trophy, the team was unfortunate in that we performed very admirably with four runners in the top ten, but were just beaten by old rivals Judd. Collins was 2nd, with Euan Mackenzie 3rd,Vasudev Zaver 8th and Antonio Razzano 9th. The Haskell Cup was the first to be retained with St Albans holding off Judd by just 14 seconds. Tom Brooks impressed on the first leg but the win was down to Collins’ efforts on the anchor leg. At our own relay two of the proposed six man team were ill and unable to run. As a result Wilkie Hollens and Joe Easter were brought up to the A-team, but a disappointed St Albans finished second behind Judd. However our confidence was regained after a very impressive performance at The Judge Cup. Collins won the race with Mackenzie 2nd, Zaver a superb 5th and Razzano completing the team in 10th. After much debate the team’s low score of 18 was insurmountable for the Judd School. Other good runs came from Hollens (12th) and Victoria Walker (15th). The squad returned after the Christmas holidays in decent shape and started the Spring Term well with a win at the Goater Cup. The team at this race is made up of a runner from each of the lower years and two from the 5th and 6th years. The A-team consisted of Pryke, Thorpe, Pearce, Mathur, Collins and Mackenzie. Anyone who questions whether Cross Country is a team sport should take the time to attend War Memorial Park for the annual running of the King Henry VIII Relay. It requires over an hour of dedicated effort from all of the 62 teams competing. After the cancellation of the second biggest race of the year, The Knole Run, the team was desperate to be victorious at what is widely regarded as the
‘Blue Riband’ of all the years’ races. After a thrilling race where Razzano, Collins, Pearce, Brooks and Zaver all ran terrifically, it came to a climax over the last leg. Captain Mackenzie
Captain Mackenzie storms towards one of the most successful seasons in recent years
ran the anchor leg, as he did two years previously, but with roles reversed, as this time, rather than having a narrow lead, he was chasing the Judd athlete. He was once again triumphant, a mere 7 seconds ahead of Judd. Special mention must go to Victoria Walker for breaking the girl’s individual record by over 20 seconds. The Hertfordshire Clubs Championships had also been cancelled in January due to the snow, but County representation was gained at The Herts Schools Championships by Walker and Huxley in the senior girls’, Zaver, Mackenzie and the notoriously competitive duo of Redwood and Pearce. This was followed by the Tortoise Relay in Oxford where the team finished a disappointing 2nd. The B-team finished sixth thanks to the consistently solid efforts of Hollens and Temple. The season was rounded off at Harrow with The South East Schools Championships. The Junior Boys finished second with Redwood winning this race, Pearce 3rd and Thorpe 19th. Walker finished an impressive season by winning the Open Girls race. The Intermediate Boys team were 8th in their race and the Senior Boys, depleted by illness finished 2nd, with Collins 4th, Mackenzie 6th and an impressive Zaver 11th. The set up at St Albans School is one of the best in the country and this is thanks to George Harrison, Mr Everitt and Mr Wood Smith. The team was, again, reliant on and grateful for their tireless work throughout the year.
Thrilling Season 1st XI Football The season began with a thrilling 4-3 victory against Merchant Taylors’, which saw the team come back from behind twice to secure victory, with Collings and Koomson both netting two goals, in a game that would set the tone for the season.
U15 Football The U15 football team, coached by Mr McGrath and Mr Ellegard, had an unusual start to the season as the first two games were cancelled due to snow. When we played our first game against Monks Walk, the 6-2 victory was a sign of the good things to come, with Kypros Petrou, Kayode Bola and Adeiza Haruna among the goal scorers. We gave a great performance against county champions Verulam and thoroughly deserved the 4-1 victory, with Joe Sharpe and Alex Kearney both scoring. Our impressive form ended with two consecutive defeats, including an early exit from the County Cup due to a goal conceded in the last minute in our 2-1 defeat to Townsend. After conceding early in the following game against rivals Haileybury, the team showed its resilience and fought back with Sully Taylor and Kypros Petrou working together,
as they had done all season, for an equaliser. In the second half, a crossfield ball from Stephen Baldwin came to Alex Kearney, who produced an inch perfect cross for Kayode Bola for the first of his two goals. The game ended with a 4-1 victory. The following two games were both clean sheets, a credit to our defence, with Conor Fitzpatrick as solid as ever in our 3-0 and 4-0 wins over Dr Challoners and Bedford Modern. Our final game was a 2-1 defeat to Beaumont in a close game that wasn’t a true reflection of the positive and successful season overall. The manager’s player of the season was awarded to the talented Kayode Bola, who was helped in the heart of midfield by James Quigley and Joe Sharpe. The most improved player was Stephen Baldwin in a team that showed great attitude and desire to win throughout the season. Rajan Bains
Despite being a season of near misses, the school performed incredibly well to reach two major semi finals, and it was one of the best seasons in the school’s history. With a number of strong players coming through there is the distinct possibility that next year’s squad will be even more successful. Simon Collings
Work Ethic U14 Football The U14s enjoyed the season, achieving 5 wins and 4 losses. The season got underway with a close encounter against Monks Walk but we unfortunately lost 2-1. However, the team bounced back quickly and had another close match against Verulam, this time winning 5-4. Wins were also achieved against Sandringham and Dr Challoner’s, while the team lost to Townsend and Haileybury. The team played in the District Cup this year and were very unfortunate not to progress further in the competition. After an immense 4-1 victory over rivals Verulam, the team came up against a strong, well organised Roundwood Park side and lost 2-1, in which Roundwood’s second goal was virtually the final kick of the game. After great disappointment, the duo of Swanson and Clark spurred the team on to finish the season on a high. The team certainly did this, by beating a Beaumont side 10-5. The U14s performed well throughout the season, with a great team spirit and work ethic. The team should be pleased with their efforts, and aim to build on these results next year. Congratulations to Jordan Bayer-Goldman who was the U14 player of the year. Tom Lee
85
Sport
Impressive Form
must go to goalkeeper Jack Wallace, whose last minute penalty save prevented the agony of extra time. Once again however, the side failed at the semi final stage. In a fierce encounter with Beaumont School, the side went down to a goal in the final minute of extra time.
The Albanian 2010
in the process). Some inspired performances from Joe Easter saw him lead the tournament’s overall scoring charts after the group stage, and the school progressed to the quarter final with high hopes. There the side met Broomsgrove School. A routine performance saw us sweep aside the Worcester based School The final game before the Christmas 3-0. The resulting win meant that break saw the side face Tring School the team now faced a semi final in the County Cup. After battling showdown with current champions, hard, on a very poor pitch, the Loughborough Grammar School. school took the lead in the second Leading 2-1 at half time, thanks half thanks to a goal by Edwards, on to goals by Bennett and Gold, we his debut with the team. However stood firm in the face of Loughin the dying seconds of the match, a borough’s rally in the second half, long ball by Tring saw them equalise unfortunately losing 4-2 to a school and send the game into extra time. with a huge sporting pedigree. The sides remained deadlocked, The final tournament was the and the match went to a penalty District Cup, another success. In the shootout. A solitary miss by St Albans allowed Tring to progress to last sixteen, the school met local rivals Marlborough. Despite having the next round. to bear the brunt of Marlborough’s This season also saw the school take physical approach, the side battled part in the Independent School’s through to win 2-1. This meant Cup for the first time in its history. another local derby, this time against Drawn in a pool with Berkhamsted, St. Columba’s. Again, we battled back Haberdashers’ and Bedford, the side from behind to win, and progress showed all its class to progress as to the semi finals. Special mention pool winners (remaining undefeated
Skiing
Sport
Sweet Success for School’s Skiers
The Albanian 2010
86
A five-hour journey to Rossendale, a small town just north of Manchester, followed by a long wait in the pouring rain – all for under 60 seconds worth of racing – did not seem like the best way to start a weekend, but for the St Albans School Ski Race Team (the school’s most successful sports team), the weekend eventually turned out to be successful. The first of our two runs in the U19 category commenced with team captain Gerard Flahive saying to us: “push as hard as you can, I don’t care if you ski out, we’d rather get disqualified than come second”. We all finished fast but still came an agonisingly close second behind Chaucer School – a dangerous team of regular plastic racers who we’d underestimated. Things weren’t looking good for the next day. On a grey Lancashire Sunday morning, while most people were tucked up in bed, for us it was Day Two of the competition. This was the race we had come to win, the race that would enable us to retain our title: ‘Overall English Schools Ski Champions’. It was raining now and the hill was wet; ironically, perfect conditions for dry slope skiing. The quick, technical course was set as the rain got heavier. We were in the lead after
the first run, but by less than half a second – an advantage that could be lost all too easily. For the second run, soaked to the skin, we waited to get called to the start gate at the top of the slope. First to go was Niall Flahive, who came down in a very quick time. I was down next. Because of the sheer speed I remember very little of the run, but my time was good enough to keep us ahead. Then it was the turn of Douglas Reid, who came down with yet another consistently great run. The finale was Gerard Flahive, who finished in a staggeringly quick time, with all eyes on him, which blew the field away, making him the fastest overall racer. However, this was a pure team event, and Reeds School were worThe skiers and their ryingly close behind us after the first trophy: Douglas, Niall, run. We had to wait anxiously for Max, Gerard. calculations and protocol. In a field littered with ski outs and disqualifications, we knew we were the only top school to finish all 16 runs over the weekend. For the second year in a row we were crowned English Schools Ski Champions. This meant that on 15th November 2009, the team made up of Niall and Gerard Flahive, Douglas Reid
and Max Greenfield were going to Pontypool, Wales for the British Schools Dry Slope Ski Championships. Pontypool was a very different slope to Rossendale as we tried to emulate the form that won us the English Championships. It wasn’t going to be easy, as we found out after the first run, with one of the members crashing out. We had more problems in the second run, but all was not lost as only three competitors had to finish on each run. Gerard didn’t know this in the start gate, but the team relied on him finishing to get any result at all. He finished and managed to pick up the fastest time of the day. However, this was primarily a team event, and we were racing against the likes of Reeds and Millfield, specialist sports colleges. However, we still managed to win by quite a few seconds, in ski racing terms a significant gap. Well done St Albans School Ski Team and thanks go to the parents who funded and facilitated the entire trip. Max Greenfield
Sports Round-Up Swimming Talent in Depth The Seniors produced yet another outstanding set of personal and relay performances. They once again came first, retaining the ‘Panagraphics’ shield with a total of 262 points after all 6 evening galas. The captain, Calum Pontin, led by example and was strongly supported by Craig Lye, Lawrence Free and Rob Fox. The current L6th and 5th Form also showed excellent potential for next year, with very fine performances from Chris Stobart,Vasudev Zaver, Elliot Keer and Chris Milsted. The Intermediates had a good season overall, finishing in third place, with 229 points. There were very strong individual performances: in the butterfly by the outstanding Nick Shone; in the freestyle by Vincent Chan and from the talented James Duke-Smith in the Individual Medley. The juniors developed their early season potential, moving up the league table and holding onto fifth place, with a total of 193 points. Rob Williams, Jash Pooni, Kwame Lindsay and Will Norris all showed good levels of commitment and the desire to improve. Well done to all those that represented the school.
The Albanian 2010
AJB
Ulimate Frisbee 5 Years Unbeaten Approximately 60 Seniors enjoyed playing the active, competitive and fun sport that is ultimate frisbee. The customary warm-up fixture against Mill Hill took place on Wednesday 5th May, with two mixed teams from the U6th and 5th Form. The A’s convincingly won 11 – 3, with encouraging performances from Jonathan Andrew and Tom Joslin, while the B’s won emphatically, 21-1.
AJB
Relaxed Enjoyment As Rounders Captain, it was a great privilege to lead the first team through many Wednesday matches. Our biggest target for the season was to achieve victory over STAGS, as this hasn’t been done by the girls previously, and our dream came true in April when we succeeded in beating them by two rounders, in a close-run match; an early indication of some great things to come. Matches were won against Nicholas Breakspear, St George’s and most notably SAHS, with our only significant losses being suffered by both the first and second teams at the hands of Mill Hill, a school blessed with a large number of very talented sportswomen. All credit to the A team, we responded to this disappointing trip away by winning our next two fixtures. We also took part in the County Tournament which took place at St George’s School in May; there we won 4 out of 6 matches and were placed third in the tournament, snapping at the heels of Loreto. With so many matches to play, this tournament lasted throughout the afternoon and a fair way into the evening and so by the end the whole team was exhausted and felt that they thoroughly deserved their hard fought third place. Practice sessions and competitive matches were greatly enjoyed by all throughout the season. We always played with good spirit and came away smiling, no matter what the final score – it was a pleasure for me to be part of a team of players capable of displaying such good skills, whilst remaining relaxed and thoroughly enjoying our sport. Emily Walsh
Sport
Rounders
On Wednesday 19th May both the A and B teams played Haberdashers’, who have been getting stronger and more competitive each year. In ideal playing conditions, both teams maintained possession and set up multiple scoring opportunities. Under the Captaincy of James Clegg, the As won 20-7 with excellent performances from Oliver Madgwick, Zach Rich, James Henson and Gareth Gibson. The Bs won 16-7, aptly demonstrating the depth and experience in the school sport. Well done to Captain Nick Goldberg in particular.
87
Team Sports Results NON
NOBIS
N AT I
2009-2010
Rugby
Sport
Team
The Albanian 2010
88
Cricket Played
Won
Draw
Lost
Team
Played
Won
Drawn
Lost
1st XV
14
8
1
5
1st XI
11
4
0
7
2nd XV
13
13
0
0
2nd XI
8
7
0
1
3rd XV
8
8
0
0
3rd XI
5
2
0
3
4th XV
1
1
0
0
4th XI
1
1
0
0
U16
11
10
0
1
5th XI
1
0
0
1
U16 B
11
9
0
2
U16
1
1
0
0
U15
13
4
0
9
U15
12
9
0
3
U15 B
13
8
1
4
U15 B
3
2
0
1
U14
13
9
1
3
U14
12
11
0
1
U14 B
12
12
0
0
U14 B
4
3
0
1
U13
14
14
0
0
U13
12
11
0
1
U13 B
12
7
1
4
U13
12
11
0
1
U12
13
10
0
3
U13 B
9
7
0
2
U12B
9
3
0
6
U12
11
3
1
7
Totals:
157
116
4
37
U12 B
8
1
0
7
Totals:
110
73
1
29
Hockey
Tennis
Team
Played
Won
Draw
Lost
Team
Played
Won
Draw
Lost
1st XI
9
3
0
6
U15
10
4
2
4
2nd XI
9
7
0
2
U15B
9
5
3
1
3rd XI
4
4
0
0
U15 Div 2
7
2
0
5
U16
7
3
1
3
U13 District
1
0
0
1
U16 B
6
3
1
2
U13
37
14
8
15
U15
10
4
1
5
U15 B
10
5
2
3
U14
10
9
0
1
U14 B
8
6
0
2
U13
11
5
3
3
U13 B
7
5
2
0
U12
2
2
0
0
Totals:
93
56
10
27
TheAl bani an
20 1 0
907 d1 22n ril Ap
December2010