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LEN T TER M 2020
High Society – page 12
aling •
London •
W5 2ES
• V 020 8862 2010
M headmaster@stbenedicts.org.uk
F St Benedicts School, Ealing •
L stbenedicts
Dear Parents, We are living through unprecedented times. While for most of the term we have been focusing as usual on the many achievements of our young people, our attention inevitably turned to the current coronavirus crisis in the last few weeks. In spite of this, it has been an extremely busy and successful term, and this latest edition of St Benedict’s News celebrates our pupils’ academic and co-curricular achievements. These include a fabulous production of High Society, EPQ success and a fascinating Science Fair. Finally, the Careers Fair was a resounding success once again. This event in particular is a powerful illustration of the strength of the St Benedict’s community, with Old Priorians and parents coming together for the good of the school. Whatever the current uncertainties, I am sure that this powerful spirit of generosity, support and friendship will prevail, and we can all take heart from that.
Top marks for EPQ research St Benedict’s Sixth Form students have achieved excellent Extended Project Qualification results, with 68% of the cohort gaining A*/A. EPQ Level 3 students research their chosen subject, write a 5,000 word report and give a presentation, acquiring skills such as academic independence, time management and organisation. Chosen topics included the role of women in WW1 and 2, the rise of populism and music in ancient Greece.
With my best wishes to you and your families at this difficult time, Best wishes,
Andrew Johnson Headmaster
Some of our EPQ A/A* students: Back row: Alec Kerr, Ted Traeger, Ella Marron, Finlay Healy, Evan Hobson. Front row: Kristian Thomson, Rachel Hughes, Gwyneth Darwent, Scott Walker
Dear Parents, The Lent term has not been without its challenges, but there is still so much to celebrate and cherish when looking back at what our school community has done since the start of the New Year. The children have been engaged in a tremendous range of activities, including many trips, a memorable Science Week and the highly entertaining Spring Concert. Sporting endeavours have included the SBJS U10 Netball High Five Festival and numerous fixtures. The Cinema Night in aid of The Felix Project (organised by the SVP Mini Vinnies) was a terrific success, as was Fairtrade Fortnight: your ongoing generosity is greatly appreciated and makes a considerable difference to the wider community.
... and for HPQ research An impressive 83% of our Higher Project Qualification students have achieved A/A* for their research. The HPQ, which is open to students in U4, is equivalent to half a GCSE, and consists of a 2,000-word evaluative report, a record of their research process and presentation. Students explored a wide range of subjects including rhino preservation, Eleanor of Aquitaine and amnesia.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
The weeks ahead will no doubt continue to be challenging, but it is also an opportunity to look out for others and to offer help whenever possible. As ever, I wish you, your family and friends the very best. Stay safe and take good care of yourselves.
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With best wishes,
Rob Simmons Junior School Headmaster
Mark Cattel, Edie Bright, Christopher Vaughan, Eleanor Bowden and Philippe Seidenberg, (now in L5), who all achieved A*s for their HPQs
Candle Conferences
‘Can war ever be just?’ ‘What is the Fibonacci Sequence?’ ‘Does life have meaning?’ ‘What is reality?’ Scholars from Form 3 to the Sixth Form grappled with these questions and many more, as Dr Vardy challenged them to think in different ways – about existence, language, reason,
mind and values – as he presented them with a variety of scenarios, abstract art and philosophical views. “The workshop was extremely engaging. I found it very interesting, learning about post-modernism, existentialism and how maths was discovered, not invented.” Arthur (L4) “I enjoyed this workshop because it made me question the worth of truth, or the worth of what someone else considers to be truth.” Lily (L4)
Jack, George, Valentina and Kate
Oxbridge News Congratulations to the following students, who have received Oxbridge offers this year: Jack Edis: Music (with a Choral Scholarship) at St Peter’s College, Oxford. Valentina Elner-Kupcha: Classics at Christ’s College, Cambridge. George Fowler: Biology at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. Kate Tracey: Medicine at Wadham College, Oxford.
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I offer my warmest congratulations to Kate, George, Jack and Valentina. Not only have they demonstrated huge commitment to their chosen subjects, they have also made an outstanding contribution to the life of the school – as decans, musicians, sports players and leaders of various activities – and I have no doubt they will all excel at university and beyond. I am also proud of our other students who were interviewed, and, indeed, all those who are working hard to gain places at other universities.
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Andrew Johnson, Headmaster
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Philosopher and theologian Dr Peter Vardy, founder of Candle Conferences, led a series of thought-provoking workshops for St Benedict’s academic scholars in the Helikon Centre in January.
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La vie à Paris GCSE and A level French students enjoyed a 4-day study trip to Paris at half term, practising their French and discovering the city’s wonderful culture. “Paris is such a beautiful city and we really got to see the best of it, through a boat trip on the Seine, the stunning view from the Montparnasse Tower and also through walking in areas such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Louvre. It was nice to use the language in real life scenarios as it gave us a taste of what living in France would feel like and forced us to get out of our comfort zones.“ Mariana Makarewicz (L6)
A Christmas Carol
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The ghost of Jacob Marley, with his chain of cash boxes and ledgers, haunted the Cloisters in the second week of term as the wonderful Globe Players performed A Christmas Carol for all students in L5.
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As well as bringing the book to life, the actors talked about what Dickens was trying to achieve by writing his salutary tale: to shed light on how Victorian society treated the poor, and to remind the wealthy of their responsibility to help those less fortunate than themselves – not just at Christmas but all year round.
ST BENEDICT’S MUSIC FESTIVAL 2020 A week of over 270 adjudicated solo and ensemble performances concluded with the Finalists’ Concert, with incredible performances from the 21 winners of each heat.
The Headmaster, Lucas, Valentina, Duncan, Helena and Professor Mark Tucker (OP76)
Results Flohouse Cup Duncan Ashby (Percussion) – Concertino in D minor, 1st movement (Creston) Senior Section Cup Valentina Elner-Kupcha (Clarinet) – Solo de concours (André Messager) Intermediate Section Cup Lucas Holmes (Piano) – Fantaisie – Impromptu (Chopin) Junior Section Cup Helena Ramsden (Violin) – Czardas (Monti)
Keen debaters at St Benedict’s have had further success at the Model United Nations Conference, held at the City of London School in March. Irene Llinares-Perales (U6) achieved a Highly Commended Award for representing Haiti in the Special Committee. Amy Vaughan (L6) received an Honourable Mention, representing Bangladesh in the Historical Committee. Congratulations to them, and to the rest of the team.
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Model United Nations
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Children from Nursery to Form 2 had a wonderful week of scientific discovery, with explosive workshops, high-flying rockets, engineering challenges, electromagnets and much more!
“Making a chair out of newspaper rods was fun! I felt like an engineer.” Mihiro (UP)
Pre-Prep made and launched rockets, travelled on a homemade hover-board and investigated the properties, such as absorbency, of various powders. Lower Prep and Form 2 explored the fascinating world of chemicals by testing the pH of household products and observed chemical reactions.
“It was really fun making the electromagnets and actually seeing them being used.” Rosa (UP)
Upper Prep and Form 1 created structures from newspaper, making strong newspaper rods using the STIXX machine, while Form 1 pupils applied their knowledge of 3D shapes to make ingenious free-standing shelters.
“The shelters workshop has inspired me to look into engineering as a future career. I also loved working under pressure!” Victoria (F1)
Professor Renaud and his PhD students from UCL delivered exciting workshops: the Early Years children explored friction, static electricity and rocket power; Upper Prep made and tested their very own electromagnet; and Lower Prep were given an insight into the field of programming and robotics.
Junior School
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SCIENCE WEEK
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TATE BRITAIN
Upper Prep went to Tate Britain to find their class photo, taken last year as part of Steve McQueen’s Year 3 Project – the largest group portrait ever made, involving 76,000 London children.
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WINDSOR CASTLE
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Pre-Prep children visited Windsor Castle this term, as part of their ‘Turrets and Tiaras’ topic. Learning all about life in medieval Britain, they explored the role of a knight, courtly life and defence. “I loved the ‘dubbing ceremony’ during the workshop because we got to dress up in a costume.” Uma (PP3)
“The best bit was seeing all the nice patterns on the Knights’ shields in the State Apartments.” Rian (PP3) “I liked St. George’s Chapel because of all the statues and it reminded you about history, seeing where all the kings and queens were buried.” Alexander (PP3)
All aboard the Cutty Sark Lower and Upper Prep had a wonderful trip to the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum, as part of their ‘Storms and Shipwrecks’ topic this term. “I really liked looking at the figureheads that go on the front of the ship. They were interesting and all different. We spotted Boudicca and ‘Nanny’ from the Cutty Sark.” Eva (UP) “I thought it was fun because we could explore the ship freely, seeing what was on it. I liked the Captain’s cabin.” Thomas (UP)
Printmaking Workshop
Everyone enjoyed a morning of creativity in the Art Department, inspired by Ealing’s architecture. Each artist created one half of a semi-detached house, eventually producing an entire street. They added patterns and textures using a variety of objects and shapes, filling in finer detail using pen. Participating schools: North Ealing, Christ the Saviour, Selborne and Holy Family primaries.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
St Benedict’s hosted a printmaking workshop for Year 5 children from local primary schools in February, led by Miss Linton.
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Junior and Senior NCO Cadres
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THE CCF 90 TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER
St Benedict’s cadets, parents, staff, the Headmaster, alumni, and former and serving officers came together to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the formation of the CCF, on 24th January. Guests included Michael Kiely, the Headmaster of Cardinal Wiseman; Richard Kornicki, Deputy Lieutenant for Ealing; and guest speaker, Major Tom Foote of the Royal Engineers.
After the main course, the Corps of Drums made their debut under the direction of Dmr Ben Dovey, and performed a medley of tunes, including The Great Escape. Major Foote spoke about the great value of cadet service to individual cadets, their communities, the armed forces, and British society, and concluded by proposing a toast to the next 90 years.
Teeling Troop recruits, Wilding Troop cadets and NCOs visited the Royal Engineers Museum in Gillingham, Kent, to explore our parent Corps’ heritage. We had a greatly enjoyable and educational time learning about what makes the Corps so special.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
With a busy schedule, there was something for everyone, from viewing the plethora of artefacts and weapons, to a miniature Bailey Bridge construction task.
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CCF Visit to Royal Engineers Museum, Chatham
The Corps is reaching out to its cadet units and we were delighted to receive the first Royal Engineers Certificate of Affiliation at the end of our visit. Cpl James Cuss
The 80s! THE JUNIOR SCHOOL SPRING CONCERT
and two songs by Labi Siffre (OP64) – It Must Be Love and Something Inside So Strong. Instrumental music included Chariots of Fire and Don’t Stop Believin’, played by the Orchestra, and various string, brass and percussion pieces.
James wins Arts Richmond Young Writers’ Festival James Hunter (U5) has won First Prize in the Arts Richmond Young Writers’ Festival. He was one of 24 finalists selected from over 600 entries to this annual competition, and came first in the Year 10 and above age group with his poem, Car Crash. James has been appointed Laureate for Richmond Borough and will be writing stage reviews and other articles for borough publications.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
St Benedict’s pupils aged 7 to 11 gave a range of wonderful choral and instrumental performances at the Spring Concert in February. Inspired by the theme of ‘The 80s’, the programme included 8 different instrumental ensembles and 3 choirs, who sang 80s hits such as The Eye of the Tiger
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The latest St Benedict’s theatrical triumph – Cole Porter’s 1956 romantic musical comedy High Society – brought glitz and glamour to the school stage on three cold February evenings. A super-talented cast sang glorious songs such as Who wants to be a millionaire? True Love, What a swell party this is and You’re sensational with remarkable musicality and style, all with perfect New England accents,
elegant dancing, impeccable comic timing and gorgeous costumes. The action centred on a quartet of socialites and prowling journalists: C. K. Dexter Haven (Finley CartyHowe/Bing Crosby), Tracy Samantha Lord (Zoe Rutherford/Grace Kelly), Mike Connor (Louis Clow/Frank Sinatra) and Liz Imbrie (Alice Gedye/ Celeste Holm), with a happy ending for all except loyal but dull George Kitterdge (Harry Lobkowski).
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HIGH SOCIETY 12
The band, made up of St Benedict’s music teachers and students, was also superb, and more than a match for Louis Armstrong et al from the original film. Congratulations to the entire cast, and to everyone involved. Musical Director: Mr Eastwood Director and Producer: Ms Ravenscroft
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ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Representatives from over 150 organisations offered insight and advice on a wide range of careers, including medicine, engineering, law, teaching, marketing, architecture and journalism, to more than 1000 young people at the biennial St Benedict’s Careers Fair. Stands were staffed by parents and alumni (Old Priorians), as well as various London and local organisations. Seven Speaker Presentations covered a range of themes, such as interview technique, and ‘Where to start if you have no idea what you want to be’. The Careers Fair closed with keynote speaker Tim Woollias, Senior Industry Head at Google.
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In addition to St Benedict’s pupils, we were delighted to welcome pupils from Sacred Heart High School, Hammersmith, Cardinal Wiseman and St Augustine’s Priory.
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SCIENCE FAIR 2020
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How effective are masks against pollution? How can a space ship sustain life if the earth perishes? Which paper plane design flies the furthest? St Benedict’s science labs buzzed with scientific enquiry as L4 pupils presented 45 experiments to almost 150 visiting junior school children in British Science Week.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
L4 had been working on their projects in Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons over several weeks, devising and conducting experiments, and carefully recording their results and conclusions. They all enthusiastically explained their methods and findings, and offered some hands-on participation to the visitors, who found out about things such as the effect of acidic rain on the environment, hydrogen fuel cars and how to make slime.
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SPORT RUGBY
HOCKEY
This term has seen further progress in St Benedict’s rugby with a 1st XV victory over Northampton School and the 2nd XV winning the Calm Cup – a league competition that supports rugby development alongside supporting Calm, the mental health charity.
The 1st and 2nd XI moved to a two-term season this year. The 1sts continued their improvement and the highlight of the term was a 5-1 win against Highgate School.
Meanwhile, 1st XV Vice Captain Kristian Thomson has been selected for the London South East Squad after strong performances for Middlesex, and Cathal Sheehan has progressed through to the London Irish Silver Academy.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
The rugby 7s season began after half term. While many events were cancelled due to poor weather, the 1st XVs progressed through to the Middlesex U18 Cup Semi Finals with notable victories over Reading Oratory & RGS Guildford before narrowly losing 10-5 to Hampton in the Semi Final match.
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Junior Rugby continues to make good progress. The U10s were very successful at the Shrewsbury House Festival, winning 3 and drawing 1 of their 5 games; they later played well vs KCS Wimbledon, winning 2 and drawing 2 of their 4 fixtures, and a successful first fixture against St Bernard’s marked the start of our positive partnership. The U9s took part in the Shrewsbury House festival, winning 1 and drawing 2 of their 5 matches, and the development team had a brilliant day at the Bill Sharrock Cup, hosted by King’s House.
In the Middlesex County tournaments, the U11s came 3rd with their best game being a 4-1 win over local rivals Notting Hill & Ealing School. Player of the Tournament was Isabelle Tournaire. The U12s narrowly missed out on a semi-final place after losing on penalties against Godolphin & Latymer. Player of the Tournament was Gabriella Giles. The U13s (last year’s U12 champions) were the most unlucky as they lost 1-0 to Latymer Upper in the semi-final after dominating a game they should have won. Player of the Tournament was Ivy Melton, who has improved so much over the course of the year.
FENCING The U18Cs, U11Cs and U9As have remained unbeaten all season. At the London Region Team Open our U18s won gold. At the British School Team Championships an unprecedented 7 St Benedict’s teams took part: the U15 sabre and both U13 teams all finished in the top 8 places nationally and the U11A boys achieved a bronze medal; however, our most impressive result came from our mighty U11 girls: Lara Kowalski and Victoria Steinhauser, led by team captain Ines Tournaire, performed exceptionally well, winning every match including the final, becoming the national school team champions!
NETBALL We were delighted to have so many girls taking part in training and fixtures this term. All teams have shown perseverance throughout the season which has resulted to some fantastic results among the A–C teams. Well done to the U12s & U13s, who had a fantastic winning streak in the national Sister Sports Plate, narrowly missing out on a place in the national quarter-finals. Congratulations to Emma Thacker (L6) who made her debut for London Pulse U21 squad against Surrey Storm in the national performance league. Her team came away with a brilliant 66-33 win and Emma was awarded ‘most valuable player’. The St Benedict’s U10s High 5 Netball Festival took place in glorious sunshine on Wednesday 11th March. Children from 11 local primary schools enjoyed an exciting afternoon of sport, led by St Benedict’s senior netball players, learning how to score and umpire as part of the round-robin event. U11 girls
85 pupils competed in ‘The Battle of St Benedict’s’. Winners Junior School Foil event: Charley Kopoi (Form 2) Middle School Foil Plate Competition: Amalia Barreto Garrido (U4)
Upper School Plate Competition: Jin Tao Wang (U5) Master-at-Arms Trophy: Alberto Mascioli (L6)
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Middle School Champion: Elena Llinares-Perales (U4)
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WORLD BOOK DAY
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World Book Day this year was a literary journey inspired by the London Underground. Pupils read a collection of novels and poems featuring various tube stations, and identified quotations from the books in a quiz.
World Book Day
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
World Book Day this year was a literary journey inspired by the London Underground. Pupils were encouraged to read a collection of novels and poems featuring various tube stations, identifying quotations from the books in a quiz.
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GERMAN EXCHANGE PARTNERSHIP Eight students from a Benedictine school in Meschede came to London this term, staying with their St Benedict’s exchange partners. They attended lessons and enjoyed sight-seeing in London.
“The week was an extremely enjoyable experience. I am really looking forward to going to Germany to stay with my partner.” Ned Watts (U4)
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ST BENEDICT’S LECTURE SERIES: LENT TERM
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Professor Barbara Shollock, Head of Engineering at King’s College, London: Should Engineering be more than technology?
Mr Shaun Hullis (Classics Department): The Trojan War: myth & reality
NEWS DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS
Dear Parents,
We are in unprecedented times. When I last wrote about our Annual Fund at Christmas none of us could have foretold what would be facing us all with the coronavirus pandemic. We have made the difficult but necessary decision to postpone all alumni and fundraising events until further notice, including the Inaugural Ray Codd Memorial Cup Match and the Annual Old Priorian Dinner. We hope to have a new date for the Ray Codd Memorial Cup Match in the second half of the year, likely early September. I would like to take the opportunity to reassure you we are still working hard behind the scenes with our alumni rugby club (OPRFC) and Ealing Hockey Club to investigate accessing sporting grants which would support our floodlight appeal. I look forward to updating on any progress in the Trinity term. St Benedict’s Connect, our alumni platform, continues to go from strength to strength with nearly 900 Old Priorian members. Our Sixth Form students have now joined the platform. They can easily access mentoring and advice from Old Priorian members, employment and internship opportunities and the option to join a number of our alumni sporting clubs and university groups. We were particularly delighted to welcome back so many of our Old Priorians to support our recent Careers Fair. All Old Priorians who attended the Fair can be contacted via St Benedict’s Connect. Thank you to all our parents for their continued support and wishing you a safe and healthy Easter break.
Welcome Back We were delighted to welcome back Peter Hearn (OP 67) with his wife Jo for a visit and school tour. We also welcomed back Robert McPeake (OP) who had not been back to school for 30 years!
Best wishes,
Annual OPA Oxford and Cambridge Reunion Dinner 2020 The annual Oxbridge Dinner took place in the Oxford & Cambridge Club on Friday 5th February. We were particularly delighted to welcome back our former Head Boy Lorcan O’Brien (OP 18) and Matthew Barrett (OP 18) who are both Oxford undergraduates.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Tara George, Development & Alumni Relations Director
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ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
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Junior School Science Week
ST BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
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• V 020 8862 2000
M enquiries @stbenedicts.org.uk F StBenedictsSchool
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