ST BENEDICT’S
NEWS
BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
minimis
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TRIN ITY TE R M 2017
Senior School Sports Day – page 26
aling •
London •
W5 2ES
• V 020 8862 2010
M headmaster@stbenedicts.org.uk
F St Benedicts School, Ealing •
L stbenedicts
Dear Parents...
The HCPT Lourdes Pilgrimage HCPT (Hosanna House and Children’s Pilgrimage Trust) is a UK charity which travels with disabled and disadvantaged children and adults on pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes, in France. This Easter, 21 Lower 6th students travelled to Lourdes with HCPT to act as volunteer helpers.
Dear Parents, The Trinity term began with a successful whole school ISI inspection, which acknowledged the many excellent features of St Benedict’s and its ambitions for the future. Academic challenge has been much in evidence this term, with a series of well researched presentations from pupils of all ages. Numerous trips and talks have enriched and inspired learning. Our GCSE and A level artists produced a stunning exhibition of their work, with some pieces being selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Online. The House Athletics Championships, on the hottest day since 1976, was a very successful day of determined effort and good-natured support. Finally, Baroness Cox was an inspiring guest at Prize Giving in the Abbey. I hope you and your families have a relaxing and enjoyable summer. Best wishes,
Andrew Johnson Headmaster
Dear Parents,
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The Trinity term at the Junior School has been very enjoyable, with many delightful highlights. The Sports Day events were competitive and yet played out in good spirit. Music is as vibrant as ever, as demonstrated by several concerts. The Nursery Celebratory Assembly was charming, and the impressive Form 2 production of What a Knight! brought the term to a memorable conclusion. Form 2 (Year 6) can now look forward to beginning the next chapter of their life, and I wish them all the very best of luck for the future.
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I wish you peace and happiness for the remainder of the summer, thank you for your warm support and look forward to welcoming you back in September. Best wishes,
Rob Simmons Junior School Headmaster
Every day we participated in various activities with our own groups. One of the highlights of the week was the beautiful Torchlight Procession: each person held a candle as they walked through the square and recited prayers to Mary, in French, Latin and English. St Benedict’s joined the other groups from Met North West for a regional Mass, where we sang in the choir and acted out the Gospel for the younger children. Around 2,500 people gathered for the Trust Mass, which was an incredible part of the pilgrimage; to see so many people celebrating their faith from different parts of the world was amazing. A final highlight of the week was the fancy dress party, to celebrate the week we had had. Some of the best costumes from the St Benedict’s group included Michael Jackson, an octopus and a mariachi band. The week was unbelievable. We gained so much from being there; not only the chance to renew our faith and to meet new people, but also to appreciate how privileged we are to have the lives we have, and to learn that just a tiny act of kindness can go a long way. Miss Gráinne Dunlea, Joint Head of Sixth Form
“It became clear to all of us that disability has a much wider meaning than we realised.” Lorcan O’Brien
“If you ever get the chance to travel to Lourdes, especially with the HCPT, take it, as it will change your life.” Florence Byrne
ACADEMIC CHALLENGE
A programme of independent learning and research begins in Form 3 (Year 7), when everyone undertakes a project entitled “Who am I?” in which they will explore their family history. While pupils have guidance from various departments, they are expected to work independently to produce a ‘scrapbook’ of their findings. Academic Scholars in Form 3 to Lower 5th (Years 7 to 10) are researching subjects of particular interest to them,
and presenting their research to pupils and invited guests. Subjects have included Mount Vesuvius, The effect of Railways on Britain, and Genes. In the Sixth Form, all Lower 6th students are asked to carry out independent research over the summer, and to present their research in the first week of the Michaelmas Term. Chosen themes may be inspired by their A level study, but must go beyond examination specifications.
This academic research is excellent preparation for independent study at university and encourages a love of learning for its own sake. The Trethowan Society is an open forum for the Lower 6th. Its weekly meetings provide stimulating challenges and discussion, with an emphasis on thinking outside the box and intellectual creativity. Students also engage in short, group research projects. Next year will see the launch of an academic lecture series for pupils of all ages, open to all, and more departmental talks given by specialist teachers and visiting speakers.
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A series of new initiatives to stretch and extend pupils’ learning is in place at St Benedict’s, led by the Director of Academic Challenge, Mr Scicinski. The aim is to encourage and enable pupils of all ages to follow their curiosity, be self-starters and gain confidence in their research, evaluative and presentation skills.
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MARVELLOUS MOLVENO
The Molveno Holiday, which took place over half-term, is now in its 30th year! Forty-six boys and girls from Lower 4th (Year 8) enjoyed Italy’s wonderful scenery and local attractions, learning about the Italian language and culture along the way. From their base on the shores of Lake Molveno at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites in Trentino, the group visited Venice and Riva, and each day was packed with activities. Senior Master Mr Thomas, who leads the trip, said:
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“Molveno is now a true St Benedict’s institution and a ‘rite of passage’ into a new level of independence and maturity. There is a tangible sense of fellowship and camaraderie, and I often hear people reminiscing about their Molveno experience in the Sixth Form and right through into their adult lives. This week never loses its magic.”
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Molveno is now a true St Benedict’s institution and a ‘rite of passage’...
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Extracts from pupils’ journals: “For the quiz, we had to search the village for the answers to 20 questions, using our best Italian to ask for directions.” “Venice was beautiful! It has such a wonderful history and a unique charm.” “With competitive and non-competitive events, everyone could join in and have fun.”
“Once we arrived in Molveno we went for a walk and admired the natural beauty of the Dolomites. This trip has already opened my mind and heart to new things.” “The last full day in Molveno began with Mass at the top of the local mountain. To get up there, we had to take a cablecar and then I shared a chair-lift with James, who kept calm by squeezing my poor hand until it popped!”
THE SUMMER CONCERT Soloists, choirs and instrumental ensembles performed at the Summer Concert in The Cloisters. The wide-ranging programme included a summery rendition of Rutter’s It was a lover and his lass from the Concert Choir; Gershwin’s Summertime, stylishly played by the Senior Jazz Ensemble, and the String Group’s performance of Mozart’s Minuet and Trio from Divertimento in D.
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PRIZE GIVING 2017 St Benedict’s welcomed The Baroness Cox of Queensbury as Guest of Honour at Prize Giving in the Abbey Church, on Wednesday June 28th. Baroness Cox founded the Humanitarian Aid Relief Trust or (HART), which works to provide aid and advocacy for those suffering oppression and persecution. She gave an inspiring address about her humanitarian work, which takes her to conflict and post-conflict zones. Baroness Cox spoke of the people of Sudan, who are forced to live in snake-infested mountain caves in order to protect themselves from militia attacks. Through all the chaos, danger and displacement of war, their priority is always education, and in a powerful story of “exam pressure with a difference,” Baroness Cox described how Sudanese children continue to take their exams out in the open, ready to flee from attack at any moment; each child is equipped with a paperweight rock to keep their exam scripts safe until the danger passes.
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In his address, the Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, said: “I spend a lot of my time with parents, pupils and staff emphasising the importance of academic success; of gaining the best possible results in order to access the best possible range of future opportunities; of our ambition for our pupils, and their ambition for themselves. What distinguishes us as a Benedictine school, however, is how our young people will live their lives, and how successful we are in helping them to build self-confidence, resilience, discipline, generosity, compassion, faith, eloquence, and wisdom. In short, it’s how we develop character, and how we equip them to face the pressure and pace of modern life.”
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Her main message was about the central importance of enthusiasm, which means ‘God within us,’ and of showing love to others. Love, she said, is not about sentimentality and mere words but about actions. Baroness Cox urged St Benedict’s students to “Be the love. Give the love. Be filled with enthusiasm throughout your lives.”
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Be the love. Give the love. Be filled with enthusiasm throughout your lives.
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The Baroness Cox of Queensbury
Lower 5th (Year 10) geographers explored the regeneration of the Lower Lea Valley, where the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park now provides acres of parkland, homes, jobs and stunning sports’ facilities.
ECOLOGY CENTRE
OLYMPIC PARK
Form 3 (Year 7) visited Holland Park Ecology Centre. After a talk about ecology, habitats and adaptation of the animals and insects, pupils carried out observations and analysis, including pond dipping. They were also assigned co-ordinates over a 10 metre square, where they observed and recorded woodland animals such as millipedes, centipedes, ants, spiders and a rare toad.
HOLLAND PARK
STRATFORD’S
FIELDWORK AT
The Upper 4th (Year 9) undertook field investigations of the chalk downland at Box Hill on the North Downs. They carried out a footpath transect on the chalk grassland, identifying meadow grass, birdsfoot trefoil, common vetch and field plantain; landscape surveys; sketch and species identification in the chalk woodland, spotting beech, oak, yew and the box tree buxus sempervirens; and a landscape sketch with annotations of The Whites River Cliff, the largest in the South East.
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BOX HILL
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DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD
EXPEDITIONS Nineteen Lower 6th students successfully completed their Gold practice expedition in Snowdonia over the May Bank Holiday weekend, in preparation for the qualifying expedition later this year. “The practice expedition at this level is always a learning curve and quite an experience, no matter how much I prepare them in the classroom,” said Mrs Comins, who leads the
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at St Benedict’s. The group stayed at the Wide Horizons Ty’n y Berth Centre for 2 nights, on the edge of the beautiful Snowdonia National Park. The students took part in an instructor-led navigation practice day, learning about camp-craft, equipment and hygiene, food and cooking. They then planned their route and made final preparations before setting off bright and early on Sunday morning, walking and camping in the Snowdonia National Park until late on Tuesday, becoming increasingly independent as the expedition progressed.
Closer to home, over 80 Lower 5th (Year 10) pupils had their first DofE experience in April, navigating their way around Henley’s beautiful countryside and camping overnight. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is going from strength to strength at St Benedict’s, with ever increasing numbers of pupils taking part. It is highly regarded by universities and employers, who recognise the level of personal development the awards represent. Gold is a particularly impressive achievement, and the awards are formally presented at St James’ Palace.
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Two Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions have taken St Benedict’s pupils out of their comfort zone and into the wilds of Snowdonia and the Oxfordshire countryside this term.
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The TCS Oxford Computing Challenge Alvin Lee (Upper 6th/Year 13) has gained the second highest mark in the country, in The Computing Society Oxford Computing Challenge. This new competition aims to help talented computational thinkers develop by challenging them to solve tasks with programmed solutions. Only the top 10% achieving students in the UK Bebras Computing Challenge are invited to take part.
COMBINED CADET FORCE AWARDS
Alvin has a place at Imperial College to read Computer Science. The Combined Cadet Force’s most prestigious award, the Conabor Sword, has been awarded to Lance-Corporal Emilia McFadzean, a Lower 5th (Year 10) pupil. The Conabor Sword is awarded annually to the most outstanding member of the CCF, as decided by vote of the officers of the Contingent.
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Capt. Hullis (Contingent Commander) said: “Always polite, always cheerful, always determined, Emilia is a shining example of a cadet who eagerly grasps every opportunity and never gives anything less than her best.”
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The Sapper 300 Cup was presented to Cadet Sergeant-Major Hugh Norman (Upper 6th), who has been our second most senior cadet this year and has shown remarkable commitment and determination throughout his time with the CCF. His leadership has been outstanding and his concern for the cadets in his charge has always been of the highest order – a real embodiment of the motto of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, “Serve to Lead”.
NEWS FROM THE SOCIETY OF PARENTS & FRIENDS The St Benedict’s Society of Parents and Friends (SPF) is run by a group of parents who organize events with the aim of bringing our community together and, where possible, to raise funds for the school and for charity. This term we hosted two very different, but equally successful events. Bollywood Night was an evening to remember, and possibly one of the most glittering and glamorous events ever held in the Orchard Hall. Entertainment included two young children in costume performing Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance, and a stirring performance by two Indian dhol players. The authentic Indian buffet was delicious. Our DJ played Bhangrainfused hits and the dance floor was full all night. For those who missed it, do
look out for the next one, which will be even better! The SPF Summer BBQ was on one of the hottest days of the year! Families enjoyed an evening at the Perivale Pavilion, where the parents could chat and enjoy Pimm’s while their children were entertained by I Love Sportz, or played football. We had delicious food from a gourmet caterer, live music, a bar, an ice cream van, and even a tuck shop! Under a bright blue sky, as flags fluttered across the marquee, the sounds were those of parents and children enjoying one another’s company. This year we decided to run the raffle in aid of the Grenfell Tower disaster; thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised £750.
SPF dates for the diary: Christmas Ball – Saturday 2nd December. Tickets are on sale in October but tables can be reserved now. Please contact StBensTickets@ gmail.com AGM – Wednesday 20th September. Possible event in early October. Look out for further information in September. Mrs Jean O’Brien
Code-breaking at Bletchley Park Lower 4th pupils (Year 8) visited Bletchley Park, once the top secret home of the World War II code breakers.
A Victorian lesson at the Ragged School Children in Lower Prep (Year 3) found out what it was like to be a child in Victorian times, by visiting the Ragged School Museum. The trip was an excellent introduction to Lower Prep’s Victorian Topic, Hard Times. The museum is housed in a former Dr Barnardo’s Ragged School in Tower Hamlets, which opened in 1877 to provide the children of Mile End with a basic education. It features a reconstructed Victorian classroom, complete with slates, canes and a dunce’s cap, and a typical East End kitchen from 1900.
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Pupils had a fascinating time exploring the different types of codes and machines that were used in WWII. They had the opportunity to see the Enigma machine, which was invented by a German engineer, Arthur Scherbius, shortly after WWI, and learned about the breaking of Germany’s strategic ciphers.
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SHOW TIME! Once again, St Benedict’s talented singers took to the stage to perform songs from the shows, including Oliver, Sweeny Todd, My Fair Lady, Wicked, Annie and Cats, raising funds for Cancer Research UK. 12
Mrs Beeston and Mrs Hopgood (Head of Careers)
Chief Executive of MIND urges pupils to support one another The Chief Executive of the mental health charity MIND talked to pupils in the Upper 5th and Lower 6th (Years 11 and 12) this term. Paul Farmer gave a brief outline of the history of mental health and how far we have come in terms of addressing the stigma attached to it. He referred to the recent Heads Together campaign and the work done by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry in raising awareness. Mr Farmer underlined the importance of giving the same attention and care to our mental health as our physical health, and spoke about how widespread mental health issues are. He outlined some of the signs that someone may be experiencing mental health issues or anxiety, such as changes in mood or behaviour, and being withdrawn. He then gave pupils strategies for how to care for their mental health and for supporting others, by listening to them, and being prepared to respond to someone who says they are “not feeling ok”. His main message was the importance of supporting one another, especially at exam time.
Making your CV stand out from the crowd
We are grateful to Mr Farmer for sharing his expertise, and raising awareness of the vital importance of mental health.
We were delighted to welcome the Chief People Officer at ColArt to St Benedict’s, to talk about writing a good CV.
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Jane Beeston, who reads hundreds of CVs in the course of her work, gave excellent, timely advice to the Lower 6th as they approach the task of completing personal statements for their university applications. They learned that making your CV stand out from the crowd is far more than listing qualifications and skills, important though these are; businesses and employers now search for the additional qualities of leadership, service, and evidence of how an applicant might contribute to the culture of their organisation. Mrs Beeston said that he Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, voluntary service, CCF and team-work in sport and the performing arts all provide valuable evidence of involvement, personal development and leadership.
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HISTORY TRIP TO YPRES Zoe Crown (Lower 5th/Year 10) writes....
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After an early start, a group of Upper 4th (Year 9) and Lower 5th (Year 10) enthusiastic historians arrived in France and made the first stop at the memorial and battle field of Vimy Ridge. We walked through both German and British trenches and were astounded at how close the front line was to the enemy – about 50 feet apart. There was a plethora of mine holes – you really felt captivated by the brutal reality of the great battle. Our next stop was the wonderful sanctuary Poperinge, a beautiful chapel which soldiers could visit on leave, providing a place to be at peace. We then arrived at our hotel in Ypres, next to the Menin Gate memorial (which listed the names of two former St Benedict’s pupils who had lost their lives in the Ypres Salient – Rifleman Cassera and Private Bicknell.). The next
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day we visited the battle ground and museum of the Battle of Waterloo. Probably the most moving experience was visiting Tyne Cot – the final resting place of nearly 12,000 Commonwealth servicemen, more than 8,300 of whom remain unidentified. In stark contrast was the Langemark German Military Cemetery where more than 44,000 men are buried in the graveyard devoid of any beauty, with low lying plaques commemorating about 10 soldiers in each grave. A highlight was the visit to the picturesque city of Bruges – known as the Venice of the North – where the rich past of the city is unveiled in the stunning architecture and charming canals. Going to the museum of the Battle of Passchendaele provided a huge learning curve for many, where textbook facts sprang to life – as with everything else we had done on this fascinating trip.
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LAKE DISTRICT TRIP
Form 2 (Year 6) enjoyed a residential trip to the Lake District in May. From their Outward Bound base on the shores of Ullswater, the children went hiking, canoeing and gorge walking. They also made rafts, which they sailed across the lake, tried orienteering and had lots of fun around the campfires in the evenings.
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ART SHOW 2017
GCSE and A level Art & Design exhibition
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St Benedict’s artists selected for Royal Academy Exhibition Paintings and sculptures by 3 A level Art students have been selected from over 2,400 submissions, for the Royal Academy A-level Summer Exhibition Online. The exhibition of 49 outstanding pieces, selected by the RA’s expert panel, is the online equivalent of the Summer Exhibition, and is a showcase for some of the UK’s most promising artists aged 16 to 18. Work by Rommy Georgiou and James Bartle was chosen for the main exhibition; a sculpture by Teddy Loxton and a further piece by Rommy were among the additional gallery of 65 highly commended works.
James Bartle Rommy Georgiou
James Bartle (Lower 6th/Year 12) – Urban Décor My piece was inspired by city urban decay and industrialism. The legs are made from MDF slabs that were then layered with quick-dry concrete before being roughly painted in an acrylic grey. The rough paint symbolises both human imperfections in construction and the masking of manufacturing with culture and design. Rommy Georgiou (Upper 6th/Year 13) – Barren 2 Inspired by Luc Tuymans, this piece creates a sense of loneliness as this football pitch is devoid of children, removing life, changing our expectations. The location is emphasised by the scratching away of the goal post onto the white acrylic sheet.
Teddy Loxton
Gallery of 65 commended works
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Rommy Georgiou – London Inspired by Martin Parr, this still life communicates London’s demographics through foods we see every day.
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Teddy Loxton (Lower 6th) – Alone This sculpture explores the fear of isolation. Inspired by the work of Anthony Gormley, this translucent shell is both protective yet fragile, reflecting both our strengths and weaknesses as human beings.
INSPECTION The Independent Schools Inspectorate carried out a full inspection of St Benedict’s this term, and their reports are extremely encouraging. The Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, said: “The Educational Quality Inspection confirms and celebrates the many strengths of the school. It also recognises and affirms the steps we have been taking to make St Benedict’s even better, such as increased academic rigour, emphasis on active learning and closer scrutiny of data on individual pupils’ academic ability.”
Key findings:
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The Educational Quality Inspection confirms and celebrates the many strengths of the school. Andrew Johnson, Headmaster
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The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent. Pupils throughout the school aspire to achieve the highest possible academic standards. This is in response to an increased focus by the senior leadership to improve achievement across all areas of learning. Pupils are responding well to recent demands for greater academic rigour and to the introduction of thorough procedures to track and monitor their progress. Pupils demonstrate strong moral and social development and enjoy working together for the good of the school, facilitated by a strong community and excellent pastoral care. Pupils’ spiritual development is excellent and they are knowledgeable about the importance of faith to themselves and others.
The Regulatory Compliance Inspection confirmed that all of the measures required for the safeguarding and protection of children are properly implemented at St Benedict’s, and that the school complies fully with all of the regulations set by government for independent schools. The full reports are on our website: www.stbenedicts.org.uk
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Children’s progress in the Early Years and Foundation Stage is excellent from their starting points because progress is facilitated by thorough planning that focuses on their interests and aptitudes.
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LE VOYAGE On Monday 5th June, we all met at St Benedict’s at 5am to travel to Commes, which is 90 minutes from Cherbourg in Normandy. (Benedict)
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LONGUES We went into the German lookout point which was very dark. The field in front of the guns was full of German land mines 73 years ago. I could really picture in my head what D-Day must have looked like when the Germans first saw the allied fleet on the horizon. (Conleth)
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LE MUSÉE DU DÉBARQUEMENT We all went to the museum at Arromanches which commemorates D-Day and the building of Mulberry Harbour. The word ‘Mulberry’ was chosen by the British as a code name from a random list of words that the Germans would probably not understand. (Matthew) LE CIMETIÈRE AMÉRICAIN The American Cemetery is just above Omaha Beach. First of all, we went into the museum to learn some personal stories of some of the Americans who died there. We met a 90 year-old veteran from Bristol called Tom O’Neil who answered lots of our questions. (Amelia) LA PLAGE At Omaha Beach we splashed each other and got soaking wet and then we all buried each other in the sand. (Lucinda)
SABLES D’ASNELLES We went to the most wonderful biscuit factory at Asnelles. The owner told us, in French, all about the ingredients and how to make the biscuits. We were all over the moon when he allowed us to make our own. (Alice) LA TAPISSERIE DE BAYEUX It was really interesting to see how a needle and thread could form pictures to tell a story, like an old fashioned comic. The tapestry is almost a thousand years old and has certainly survived through a lot. (Sasha) LE CIMETIÈRE DE BAYEUX There are 18 Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries in Normandy and in the Bayeux Cemetery there are 4,648 gravestones, mostly British. (Arthur)
A TASTE OF FRANCE FOR FORM 1 (YEAR 5)
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JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT Pre-Prep held their Sports Day on 14th June and the Junior School on 16th June, pictured opposite
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HOCKEY Alex Le Bouedec (Form 1/Year 5), Luke Hearth, Polly Burns and Ayodenu Dosumu (all in Form 2/Year 6) have been nominated to train at the Junior Regional Performance Centre.
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SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT HOUSE ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS Pickering House won the cup for the 3rd consecutive year!
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New records... U12 girls Javelin 18.18 m Isabelle Haran High Jump 1.29 m India Bolger boys 200 m 26.95 Robert Jeffries girls Shot Put 8.08 m Grace Aimable-Lina U13 girls Javelin 18.14 m Ayotenu Dosumu Long Jump 4.28 m Juliette Agrotis Triple Jump 9.46 m Daisy Burns U14 girls Discus 17.46 m Lili Fuchs boys Triple Jump 12.24 m Louis Clow U15 girls Long Jump 4.73 m Emily Nicholson Stanwix Triple Jump 10.12 m Emily Nicholson Stanwix 200 m 28.62 Alice Gedye Mile 6:07.45 Emily Nicholson Stanwix Senior girls Shot Put 7.93 m Trinity Yau 100 m 13.38 Jolie Bediako Mile 6:42.28 Paige Powell Relay 59.54 Barlow
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St Benedict’s athletes have had a very successful season. At Millfield, Grace Aimable-Lina (Lower 4th/Year 8) won the 100 m. St Benedict’s won the Intermediate Boys 4x100 m relay in the English Schools Middlesex competition, against schools such as Merchant Taylors’, John Lyon and St Paul’s. In the Middlesex Schools Championships, Luis Clow came 2nd in the U15 60 m hurdles. Bethan Yates came 2nd in the U17 Triple Jump and Emily Nicholson-Stanwix came 4th in the 800 m. Louis Clow qualified for the English Athletics Schools Championships final in the 60 m hurdles, held at Sheffield. Louis came 7th in country, timed at 9.23.
FENCING St Benedict’s pupils competed in the U14 and U18 teams in the London Youth Games. The U14s lost 44-45 in the quarters to Hillingdon in a close run final; the U18s lost the final 45-42 to Camden. Alberto Mascioli (Upper 4th/Year 9) won a silver medal in the Leon Paul Junior Series National, Cardiff. Five boys and girls qualified and competed in the Nationals, held at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield. In April, Douggie Ashby (Lower 6th/ Year 12) represented Great Britain in the U17 European team and individual events, and performed well in the Foil. He will compete against senior international Olympians in the London Open in August.
HOCKEY The 7-a-side London Youth Games Ealing teams are dominated by St Benedict’s pupils and have been training hard at Perivale. The boys’ and girls’ teams are guaranteed a top 8 position out of 33 London Boroughs, and head to the finals at Crystal Palace in July.
Daisy Burns (Lower 4th/Year 8) is training with the U13s at the Junior Regional Performance Centre, and 50 other players – boys and girls – have been nominated for trials. Alex Curtis (Lower 6th/Year 12) recently played for the USA Bull Dogs, winning the Calcutta Cup, and will play in the USA U19s in the European tour in June, versus the Netherlands and Belgium. Next season Alex will be Captain of the boys’ 1st XI at St Benedict’s.
CRICKET It has been an extremely successful season for all teams. Captain of the 1st XI Freddie Greenwood scored a half century against Greenford School in the Middlesex Cup and Sam Allen, our lead batsman, scored a century in a tied match against John Lyon School. The Middlesex Cup The U15s defeated Twyford School in the quarter finals, with great batting by Radford Pilgrim, Alec Kerr and Isaiah
Henry, and sustained pressure from all the bowlers. They now face John Lyon School in the semi-final. With good batting from the U13s in the quarter final, Isleworth and Syon were hard pressed to chase down the score. Alex Crown and Jared Braddock bowled the last two overs and even with a late flourish from the opposition the team won through to the semi-final, to play Newland House. The U12s are an impressive team, with the likes of the Manner’s brothers, Isaac Amadusan and wicket keeper Mia Hobbs. They now face Teddington School in the semi-final. The 1st XI are through to the final, after defeating John Lyon in the semi-finals. Bowlers George Yates, Tomek Tsang, George Johnson and Stefan Tsang bowled clinically with particularly good overs at a critical time to shut down the opposition’s last chance at winning. St Benedict’s scored 117-6 and John Lyon scored 100-9.
Mia joins Middlesex County Cricket team Mia Hobbs (Form 3/Year 7) has gained a place in the Middlesex County U13 Girls’ Team. A talented batsman and wicket keeper, Mia also plays in the St Benedict’s U12A team, alongside the boys. Mia devotes many hours a week to training and playing cricket – at St Benedict’s, with Middlesex and with Ealing Cricket Club. Her coach at St Benedict’s, Mr Mushiso, said: “Mia is a hardworking cricketer. In her first match against John Lyons she scored 28 not out and contributed to 2 run outs. She followed it up with another fine wicket keeping performance against John Hampden a week later. She has truly earned the respect from her peers. “Cricket is now available to all our girls from Upper Prep (Year 4) and throughout the Senior School. Mia’s recent success seems to have inspired a few more girls to come forward and enquire about playing the game. “Well done Mia, we are very proud of you!”
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ATHLETICS
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SVP – helping others Members of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP), from Lower Prep (Year 3) to the Sixth Form, have been busily fund-raising for a range of local, national and international charities throughout the year. SVP is an international organisation dedicated to tackling poverty and disadvantage by providing practical assistance to those in need.
Mini Vinnies:
“It’s nice to feel part of the local community.” Jake
As well as fund-raising, the SVP hosts Christmas and Easter parties for local senior citizens, who enjoy delicious food and drink, good company, musical entertainment and bingo. This term, a non-uniform day raised £1,230 for MIND, the mental health charity. The junior school ‘Mini Vinnies’ have supported the Children’s Air Ambulance and several London homeless charities, with pizza and smoothie sales. Senior school pupils donate to the Ealing Food Bank and Sixth Form students regularly help out at a homeless shelter in west Ealing. Rosalind Sheehan, who chairs the Sixth Form SVP committee, said: “SVP involves pupils of all ages and it is wonderful to combine as a whole school to help people in need. We work closely with the Mini Vinnies, many of whom stay with the SVP when they join the senior school.”
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MINI
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“I like to see people’s smiles when they receive our donations.” Emily
“SVP means that even as a child you can make a difference.” Diego
VINNIES Pictured: Rosalind with the Mini Vinnies
Rosalind Sheehan
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SVP
“It is wonderful to combine as a whole school to help people in need.”
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Upper Prep (Year 4) enjoyed their first residential trip this term, to PGL Liddington in Wiltshire. In acres of space, the children enjoyed an exciting programme of outdoor adventure activities, including abseiling, archery, canoeing and orienteering. They returned to St Benedict’s with more confidence, independence and resilience, having overcome fears of water and heights!
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UPPER PREP’S
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PGL ADVENTURES
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PGL adventure holidays have been educating children through adventure in the great outdoors since 1957. The company takes its name from its founder – Peter Gordon Lawrence.
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CITIZENSHIP DAY
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
The annual Citizenship Day at St Benedict’s Junior School was as action-packed as ever. Everyone came to school dressed as ‘good citizens’, such as nurses, police officers, paramedics and vets, and a host of interesting visitors came to talk to the children about their work. These included representatives of the RNLI, London’s emergency services and Transport for London. A doctor taught pupils some basic first aid and Zoo Lab brought in a variety of creatures, such as tarantulas and terrapins!
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Children in their final year at the junior school are looking forward to making the transition to the senior school at St Benedict’s in September. Form 2 (Year 6) have been taking part in lessons and activities designed to help them make this transition as smoothly as possible. A ‘treasure hunt’ in the Library, ice-cream making in the Science Labs and a Geography quiz all helped them to find their way around and to meet some of their new teachers. This was followed by two full induction days for all new pupils going into Form 3, both from St Benedict’s and from other schools. These took place at St Benedict’s and off site at the Hillingdon Outdoor Activities Centre, and gave everyone the chance to make new friendships in advance of September.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Smooth transition from junior to senior
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Maths trip to Sir Isaac Newton’s birthplace Rosaleen O’Haire (Form 3/Year 7) reports: Form 3 pupils travelled to Woolsthorpe Manor near Grantham in Lincolnshire, to learn about Newton’s life. First, we spent some time at the famous tree where Isaac supposedly discovered the force of gravity, after an apple landed on his head. The question he asked himself was: Why do things fall down? Why do they not fall up or sideways? Family members and others answered saying that that was just how God created it. However, Newton believed differently. He believed it was the force of gravity, which is a force that attracts bodies to the Earth. Next, we explored what Isaac’s daily life would have consisted of, as well as learning about his family. As we walked around we noticed lots of drawings on the wall which may have been drawn by him.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
After a scrumptious lunch, we went to the Science Centre where we saw many different experiments including gravity.
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Other astronomers and mathematicians like Kepler had proven the idea and drew up the laws that described how the planets orbit the Sun. Newton was able to explain why they behaved like this and did not spin off into space. The reason was that the force of gravity of the Sun itself, and of the planets, held them in their orbits. We found out about an ellipse, which is the egg-like shape in which planets orbit the Sun. It was very educational and I enjoyed it very much.
Lastly we designed and produced our own rockets from the lessons we had learnt and shot them into the air. As Newton said “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.”
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE NEWS Time to celebrate! I am delighted to confirm that together we have raised the £100,000 needed to refurbish the Orchard Hall. My sincere thanks to everyone who has helped and supported us over the last 18 months as without your generosity we could not have achieved this fantastic result. The Orchard Hall will benefit from new seating, lighting and audio visual systems, and a refurbished stage area including new curtains.
Tara George – Development Director
Mentoring and Networking This term we hosted our second Mentoring and Networking evening in conjunction with the Careers Department. Eight Old Priorians who are currently attending university or taking a gap year came back to school to share their experiences with current pupils. Careers Fair The bi-annual Careers Fair will be held on Thursday 30th November 2017. Please do get in touch if you would like to become involved in this popular event, which offers invaluable careers advice to our students. Old Priorian Golf Day The annual Old Priorian Golf Day, which generously supported our Annual Giving programme, took place in June. The Quinnen Cup was won by Sebastian Obracaj (OP 01). The Headmaster and Catherine Lawson, attending a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey, to celebrate the Centenary of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission
St Benedict’s War Memorial We are commissioning a new St Benedict’s War Memorial, which will include additional names of those from our community who have died.
“I am so pleased to support the new War Memorial, which will ensure the lasting commemoration of all members of the St Benedict’s community who have given their life in the service of their country.” Catherine Lawson, Head of Communications, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and current parent
“As a friend of Andre Mannheim, (OP 80) I am pleased his service to the country is being recognised on the St Benedict’s memorial. At school he had a passion for the CCF. Joining the RAF as a fighter pilot was his dream, and tragically he died whilst on a training flight.” Dominic Cuss (OP 80), current parent 35
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