St Benedict's News - Lent Term 2022

Dear Parents,

It has been another incredibly busy term with many impressive academic achievements, co-curricular triumphs and memorable events.

We enjoyed a fabulous production of The Addams Family, an excellent Dance Show, and a truly exceptional Music Festival Finalists’ Concert. There have been many sporting highlights, with success in netball, hockey, rugby and fencing. The St Benedict’s Lecture Series has continued to inspire us, featuring subjects as diverse as politics, the role of the British Chambers of Commerce, and an illuminating lecture-recital focusing on women composers. Everyone is delighted with the new Atrium, and the splendid sculpture which sits proudly beside it; both were officially launched this term, bringing the St Benedict’s 120th anniversary celebrations to a close.

Finally, it was wonderful to celebrate St Benedict’s Day on March 21st, which is a valuable opportunity for us to reflect upon our values as a Benedictine school.

With my best wishes for a very Happy Easter.

Lessons from The Rule of St Benedict

Congratulations to the St Benedict’s winners of the Douai Foundation Essay Competition, who were invited to write about The Rule of St Benedict and to relate it to modern times.

The Douai Foundation promotes Benedictine education in the UK and throughout the world, through cultural, pastoral, and outreach programmes.

Sixth Form Essay Prize Winner

Alexis Markou (Lower Sixth): Linking socialist economics with Benedictine monasticism: how was St Benedict’s idea of monastic life developed?

Upper School Essay Prize Winner

Edmund Harper (Upper Fifth): The Rule of St Benedict should be followed and interpreted by political leaders today to help overcome moral and ethical challenges.

Middle School Essay Prize Winner

Jake Mudge (Form 3): The Rule of St Benedict

The essays will be published in this year’s edition of The Priorian

Andrew Johnson Headmaster

Dear Parents,

It is lovely to be able to look back upon the wonderful academic and co-curricular activities that the children have been engaged in this term. They will have wonderful memories of the various school trips, the Spring Concert, Dance Show and Lenten Assemblies, for example.

The boys and girls in KS2 have represented St Benedict’s with great energy and passion on the sports field; our hockey, netball, rugby, and fencing squads continue to go from strength to strength. Well done to all concerned!

St Benedict’s Day focused upon Catholic Social Teaching, and included raising funds for the Donne Foundation, Felix Project, and Teenage Cancer Trust. Thank you to you and your children for supporting these charities so wholeheartedly.

I wish you and your children a peaceful and relaxing Easter.

With best wishes,

Rob Simmons Junior School Headmaster

St Benedict’s new atrium and sculpture celebrate 120 years

A new sculpture and atrium were officially unveiled and opened at St Benedict’s on Monday 20th February – the last in a sequence of events commemorating the school’s 120th anniversary. It was attended by students, staff, parents, governors, and alumni.

The sculpture was designed by Jamie Perotti (Lower Fifth). He said: “The seven spheres of my design represent the different stages in our school years, with each one getting

progressively bigger. This reflects the St Benedict’s motto, a minimis incipe – ‘from the smallest beginnings’”. Jamie’s design was developed by the Head of Art, Design and Technology, Rod Pereira, and Design teacher Mauricio Mendes. The sculpture was fabricated in stainless steel by Karim Attoui of MDM Props, who has worked with sculptor Anish Kapoor.

The atrium stands at St Benedict’s Marchwood Crescent entrance and was designed by architect

Katie Wilmot (OP 2002), president of the school’s Old Priorian Association. As well as a spacious foyer, the atrium also acts as an exhibition area for artwork and can be used for receptions and classes.

The Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, opened the event with a short address, and said: “Our atrium is a place of welcome and is therefore an important addition to our Benedictine school, where hospitality is one of our key values. It is complemented by this very fine sculpture and I am delighted that we have representatives here this evening from the Society of Parents and Friends, who generously helped to fund it.”

The atrium was then blessed by the Abbot of St Benedict’s Abbey, Dom Dominic Taylor, OSB, and the sculpture was unveiled by the Chair of Governors, Joe Berger (OP 1976).

Mr Berger highlighted the main characteristics of a St Benedict’s education: determination, service, resilience, and leadership were central to the St Benedict’s ethos, he said – from its foundation in 1902 to the present day.

ST BENEDICT’S DAY

The whole school celebrated St Benedict’s Day on Monday March 21st, which is always a valuable opportunity to reflect upon our values and ethos as a Benedictine school.

In the morning, presentations, discussions, and activities focused on ‘Challenging Injustice’, looking at how we can move towards a just and sustainable world.

In the afternoon, fundraising activities throughout the school raised over £5,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Felix Project and Donne, Women in Music.

Fr Gabriel Everitt OSB from Ampleforth Abbey was the principal celebrant for the St Benedict’s Day Mass.

St Benedict’s Cambridge Offers

Three St Benedict’s Sixth Form students have received conditional offers to study at Cambridge University.

Alice Jenkins has an offer to study Medicine at Christ’s College; Thomas Gordon has an offer to study Engineering at Pembroke College, and Eleanor Bowden has an offer to read Anglo Saxon, Norse and Celtic at Fitzwilliam College.

The Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, said: “This is brilliant news and I offer my warmest congratulations to our successful Cambridge candidates. 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 prefects, in the performing arts, 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.”

UK Bebras Computing Challenge: Gold Awards

48 St Benedict’s students have received Gold awards in the UK Bebras Computing Challenge, which places them in the top 10% nationally.

A total of 284 St Benedict’s students from Form 3 to the Upper Sixth took part; 70 gained Distinction and the highest scoring students were Aaron McQuillan (F3), Riona Egan (U4), Finlay Burns (U4), Lewis Hoffmann (L5) and Gabe Soriano (U6).

Congratulations to all!

St Benedict’s top scoring Gold award holders: Aaron, Lewis, Gabe, Finlay and Riona, with the Headmaster

Gabrieli Roar In Dulci Jubilo Concert

Seven St Benedict’s students sang with Gabrieli, the renowned choir and period instrument consort, in Westminster Cathedral in January. The In Dulci Jubilo concert was a celebration of the spectacular polychoral music of Praetorius and Schütz, directed by Paul McCreesh.

Singing in such a large choir produced an impressive sound. The highlight was Puer Natus in Bethlehem, where all of the harmonies made the music sound incredible.

Lydia Ramsden (L5)

Music Composition and Performance Workshop with Bassistry

Music GCSE students in Lower Fifth took part in a song writing workshop with Bassistry, led by Marcel Pusey.

The workshop was a brilliant experience, which not only allowed us to develop our musical skills, but also gave us the experience of working together to convey our musical ideas to an audience. It was also a reminder that, useful though they are, we don’t need computers to write music!

Rory Johnston

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The annual St Benedict’s Music Festival concluded with the Finalists’ Concert on Friday 3rd March, with brilliant performances from the winners of each heat. It was adjudicated by Rosie Whitfield, Head of Junior Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Twenty-three musicians – from Form 3 to Upper 6th – gave fantastic instrumental and vocal performances, having won the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Heats throughout the week. (Adjudicators had heard a record-breaking 260 performances!)

The standard in this year’s Finalists’ concert was higher than ever, giving the adjudicator a formidable challenge. Ms Whitfield congratulated all performers and gave each one valuable feedback.

The Festival’s winning ensembles performed during the interval in the new Atrium.

WINNERS

Flohouse Cup

George Majcherczyk-Olczak (L5; Voice): On Mighty Pens – J Haydn

Senior Section Cup

Ned Watts (L6; Cello): Kol Nidrei Op 47 – Max Bruch

Intermediate Section Cup

Rory Johnston (L5; Saxophone): Concerto (1st Movement) – Ronald Binge

Junior Section Cup

Frank Williams (Form 3): Rage over a lost penny – L van Beethoven

Winning House

BARLOW

Music Festival winners with Rosie Whitfield

Clarinet Quartet: Mas Que Nada by J. Ben

Flute Ensemble: Black Is the Colour of My True Love’s Hair (Trad, arranged Lombardo)

DANCE SHOW 2023: ‘DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES’

Over 140 St Benedict’s dancers, from Pre-Prep to the Sixth Form, performed in a dazzling dance show on 16th and 17th March.

With thanks to Ruth Kestenbaum and Christopher Aguilar for producing such an excellent show.

“Should I consider a Degree Apprenticeship?”

The Careers Department’s evening event on February 1st introduced students and parents to Degree Apprenticeships.

The landscape has changed on degree apprenticeships: when we first presented on these in 2018, information was hard to find and opportunities were limited in number. Now at the beginning of National Apprenticeship Week on 6th February, the Education Minister has announced that from 2024 apprenticeships will be an equal feature on UCAS as part of school leaver applications. It’s clear apprenticeships are going to make universities work harder to justify the investment in a traditional degree.

Mrs K. Norris (Careers Officer)

Speakers included:

Luke Smith (OP22) who secured a place on PwC’s unique Flying Start Degree Apprenticeship programme.

Solution engineer apprentices from VMWare, also studying Digital and Technology Solutions (IT Consultant) at the University of West London.

Architect Harbinder Birdi, who lectures at Cambridge University on

large-scale projects, illustrated why degree apprenticeships represent excellent value for money – for both the investor (employer) and consumer (student)

The degree apprenticeship talk was highly informative and inspiring. It presented a variety of apprenticeships, from the logical economics and business sectors all the way to more creative, architecture routes. Having been apprehensive at the idea of degree apprenticeships, both my parents and I were surprised at their appeal, and it is something I now see myself pursuing.

Chiara Padovan (L6)

The Degree Apprenticeship talk was an opportunity for me to listen to, and question, a person who is doing one. The information we received that evening varied from the split between work and university to debunked myths surrounding the topic. It was nice to get a clear view of how Degree Apprenticeships function and their incredible benefits, such as having your degree

paid for and gaining valuable work experience at a young age. After attending the evening, I would say I have a much better image of where I can see myself going with a Degree Apprenticeship in the future.

Stefan Krunic (L6)

UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge

Congratulations to the twelve students who received Gold awards in this term’s UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge, particularly to Helena Ramsden (U5) who was awarded the Best in School certificate.

Back row: Sota Tanika (L5), Taichi Taketsume (L5), Lewis Hoffman (L5), Freddie Ruzicka (L5), James Marlow (U5); Front row: Alfie Shilling (L5), Yash Shah (U4), Dmytro Danylenko (U4), Yuta Fujimori (U4), Maria Scott (L5) (Not pictured: Helena Ramsden and Joseph Crammer (U5)

Science Outreach Sessions

A new Science Outreach initiative was launched this term, giving pupils in Form 2 the opportunity to attend science sessions in the Senior School labs. After an introductory assembly with Lower Sixth A Level scientists, all three classes had a lesson on using Bunsen burners: they learnt how to use them safely, and had an exciting time changing the colour of the flame by using chemical compounds such as copper chloride.

Exploring Ancient Egyptians

This term’s Lower and Upper Prep topic is Ancient Egypt. The children have been learning about scribes, hieroglyphics and the Rosetta stone, exploring Egyptian civilisation and history. They will round off the term with a trip to the British Museum.

MATHS WEEK 2023

There was a definite buzz in the Junior School during Maths Week as the children took part in a range of activities that encouraged them to problem solve, work as a team, and apply their maths skills to different situations.

In Reception the theme was “Teddy Bears”. The children had great fun singing “ten in a bed” (counting forwards and backwards), completing lots of counting and sorting activities and making model teddies of their own.

In the Pre-Prep department, the children followed the adventures of Albert the mouse, who got up to all sorts of antics including baking some pizza. The children weighed, measured and timed their pizzas being baked in the oven. They created all sorts of pizza shapes and made symmetrical patterns with their toppings. Their study of shape and patterns led to some fun activities making necklaces and creating mosaic patterns.

Lower and Upper Prep children solved the mystery of “The Missing

Sceptre” (linking with their Ancient Egypt topic), and used shape, pattern, and symmetry to create fortune tellers.

Form 1 honed their detective skills in the “Escape Room” solving several puzzles and challenges to crack the code and release the gummy bears!

Form 2 were busily engaged in their enterprise project “Make £5 grow”. They created, marketed, and sold their products - from slime to stress balls and cakes – growing their £5 loans to a profit of over £1231, which was donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Every class took part in sessions hosted by the “The Problem-Solving Company” – solving flower patterns, building 3d cubes and the Tower of Hanoi.

Finally, a fabulous Maths Assembly celebrated the week’s many activities and achievements.

Ms L Smith, JS Head of Maths

The Junior School Spring Concert: “Music for a New Millenium”

The Junior School choirs, instrumental ensembles, and orchestra performed a wonderful range of music with a 2000’s theme, alongside pieces by Bizet, Offenbach, Tchaikovsky, and traditional Irish folk music.

The children’s talent and enthusiasm shone throughout the evening, as parents and guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of music!

ADDAMS FAMILY THE

The three-night run of The Addams Family can only be described as a rip-roaring success as the musical comedy about this spooky but weirdly wonderful and endearing family hit the St Benedict’s stage.

The story focuses on Wednesday

Addams (Kyra Nelson: L6) who is all grown up and in love with a young man called Lucas Beineke (Mark Maalouf: L6). He is considered to be from a ‘normal’ family but is yet to meet the deliciously devilish Addams clan. It begins with Wednesday confidentially telling her father Gomez (played by the brilliant Toby Daniels-Shayvard: U6) that they wish to marry. However, she asks that he keeps her secret from his beloved wife Morticia (Kate Kenny: L6). Uncle Fester (Angus Macallister: L6), a great

romantic, tries to keep the young couple together but the youngest member of the family, Pugsley (Charlie Ambrose: L6), would rather keep them apart. The dinner at the Addams’ family home turns out to be rather more eventful than planned…

The main characters, including Grandma (Amelia Young: L6) and Lurch the butler (Inigo Bigland: L6), with the additional cast of ghastly ghouls, captivated the audience with brilliant choreography and comedy. The lighting, band and supporting choir contributed to the atmosphere. Led by Gomez, portraying the head of his freakish family, everyone delivered their comic lines perfectly and engaged the crowd throughout the performance.

If you didn’t manage to get a ticket for this Bennie’s performance, you really missed out. However, look out for the collaborative team of Mr Randall and Miss John in the future to experience a taste of the West End in Ealing!

Gabrielle Hynes (L4)

Does scent affect taste? Which bioplastic is the strongest? What is the fastest way to empty a water bottle? St Benedict’s Science labs buzzed with scientific enquiry as Lower Fourth students presented their projects to over 100 visitors from local junior schools on March 17th.

Lower Fourth had been working on their projects in Biology, Chemistry and Physics lessons over several weeks, devising and conducting experiments, and carefully recording results and conclusions. They all enthusiastically explained their methods and findings at the Fair and offered hands-on participation to the visiting children. Topics covered many areas of science, such as technology, psychology, the environment and physiology.

ST BENEDICT’S SCIENCE

Head of CCF is awarded London Cadet prize

THE CCF

Exercise Recruit Thunder II

Bramley Training Area, Hampshire, 11–12 February 2023

55 Recruits and 19 NCOs set up harbours, conducted night recce patrols, and carried out blank-firing patrol lanes on Ex Recruit Thunder II, which took place over two days at half term.

Recruit Elias Giandomenici (U4; 9 Section – Alpha Troop – TEELING Squadron) writes:

This has been my favourite CCF trip so far! I arrived at our meeting point early on Saturday morning with a sense of excitement, but a bit apprehensive as well. On arrival we received our ration pack, which was huge!

Our first activity was to go on a patrol – there was a lot of kneeling down, which was hard on my knees, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless.

We then proceeded to our Platoon harbour area to set up camp for the night. We were going to sleep outside in the woods, in our bivvy bags, under bashas; this was going to be a new experience for me, although I have camped in tents before. We then had to prepare our dinners using our mess-tins with water and cooking on a “Hexi cooker”. Everyone prepared their own, but also helped each other sometimes. To my astonishment, the Vindi Chana Aloo was not too bad.

After dinner we proceeded on night patrol to find out what the enemy was up to, as we had intelligence that they were going to receive a shipment of weapons. We saw them several times, but we were extremely cautious so as not to get caught. Our tactic was to go into “all round defence”. This was very exciting and a little nerve-racking!

Bedtime was fairly warm as we were wearing our numerous layers inside our bivvy bags.

The following day was extremely busy with breakfast, morning routine, mess-tin cleaning, boot cleaning, and inspection. I was looking forward to the firing exercise. We were out to shoot the enemy (but used blanks so that no one got hurt).

After lunch, we left for home. This was a very enjoyable and exciting couple of days. I was exhausted, but it was well worth it; now I have passed the Fieldcraft and Expedition & Exercise elements of my Basic Proficiency Certificate, and I can now wear the Half Red Star badge and the Basic Fieldcraft badge.

Congratulations to Natalia McFadzean, Head of St Benedict’s CCF, who has been awarded this year’s cadet prize from the Worshipful Company of Tylers & Bricklayers. The award is granted annually to an outstanding cadet in the Corps of Royal Engineers (London District Cadets Branch.

Here is an extract from Natalia’s citation: “[Natalia]… sets an excellent example to the younger cadets. As our senior female NCO, she often finds herself in charge of a barrack block on camps and looks after her female cadets with a kindness and easy authority which we have come to expect from her. Her reliability and integrity when acting independently are two reasons why she was selected for her role.

“All this has been achieved against a background of high academic performance and aspirations; Natalia has proven expert at juggling her various responsibilities without compromising the quality of any of them.”

Head of CCF Cdt RSM McFadzean

JAZZ SOIRÉE

The St Benedict’s Jazz Soirée made a welcome return on Friday 10th March as pupils and professional musicians joined forces to provide a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Caroline Cooper on keyboard and Paul Michael on bass guitar performed with St Benedict’s jazz ensembles, Big Band, soloists, and Girls’ Choir. Catherine Bench (OP 15) sang several songs, including Moon River and La Vie En Rose

YOUNG VOICES CONCERT

The St Benedict’s Junior Schola Choir had lots of fun rehearsing and performing at Wembley Arena, taking part in the Young Voices concert with 3,500 other young singers. They sang with Heather Small, soul singer and former lead vocalist of the band M People, and danced with Urban Strides!

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART SHOW

Paintings, sculptures, animations, photography, and designs by St Benedict’s pupils in Form 3, Lower and Upper Fourth were displayed in a wonderful Middle School Art Show on 8th and 9th March, attended by parents, and children from local primary schools.

ST BENEDICT’S LECTURE SERIES

‘Women in Music’: Lecture-Recital

Gabriella Di Laccio, founder of the Donne Foundation

Award-winning soprano Gabriella Di Laccio talked about how and why she has become a leading voice in promoting the music of women composers.

Gabriella then gave a wonderful recital of songs by Anna Appleby, Pauline Viardot, Madeleine Dring, Ilse Weber, and Francisca Gonzaga, with the Girls’ Choir joining her for Ethel Smyth’s suffragette anthem, ‘The March of the Women’. The accompanist was Richard Leach.

Gabriella Di Laccio, who is my singing teacher, spoke about how women in music, specifically female composers, are not given the appreciation they deserve. She then performed a number of songs before

performing alongside Girls’ Choir, myself and another student and some of her previous students. I found it fascinating learning about my own unconscious bias and wonderful to see how passionately she sang. It was such a brilliant opportunity to be able to sing alongside her as well, and I left feeling inspired and wanting to make a change.

Alice Moore (U5)

I thought that Ms Di Laccio’s recital was very interesting as the songs performed were quite different to one another. I also thought that her work at ‘Donne, Women in Music’ was inspiring and really emphasised how female composers have been disregarded over the years.”

Jake Toynton (U4)

Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce

Shevaun Haviland, the Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, shared insights into the organisation’s role, including their aim to build British businesses, invest in people for a stable economy, and raise exportled growth. Haviland’s wealth of knowledge in politics and economics was evident in her discussion, which helped me to understand the interconnected world of business and trade more comprehensively.

Haviland also shared her background in business, which added further depth to the talk and helped to provide context for her points. Her discussion on the recent Trade and Cooperation Agreement was particularly interesting, as she highlighted the positive impact of exporting for businesses. Her perspective was particularly enlightening considering the uncertainty that Brexit has brought.

In addition, Lara Giusti, co-founder of Veloforte (a cycling nutrition brand) shared her personal experiences, providing a unique perspective on trade through Brexit.

In conclusion, I found the talk to be a valuable learning experience, which provided me with a better understanding of the British Chamber of Commerce and the role it plays in supporting businesses in the UK.

Ben Rimmer (U6)

‘Political Reflections’

Stephen Pound, former MP for Ealing North

Stephen Pound gave a fascinating and very engaging talk at St Benedict’s on Wednesday 25th January.

‘Making the UK the best place to start and grow a business: presenting the voice of British business to government’

SPORT ST BENEDICT’S

RUGBY

In January, house matches were introduced to the Saturday games programme for the first time, with all players from Form 3 to Lower Fifth invited to attend and play for their house. The house spirit motivated all pupils to play some excellent rugby and a lot of fun was had by all!

When frozen pitches prevented some fixtures from taking place, ongoing partnerships with Grasshoppers RFC and Wasps FC enabled our pupils to play against St George’s Harpenden on 3G pitches – with a convincing win in the 1st XV match. Two big block fixtures followed: at RGS High Wycombe there were five wins and one draw from the twelve fixtures played, and at Hampton School St Benedict’s won five matches from the eleven played. The U16As beat both schools and have won their last 6 games in a row, including victories over John Fisher School and St. John’s, Leatherhead. The U15As, who secured the Middlesex County Cup against Hampton last term,

won a hard-fought match against RGS High Wycombe. The U13As also gave a very convincing performance. Across all these fixtures there have been excellent victories for some of our B and C teams, demonstrating development across the school.

Academy U17 in a 70 point win over Bath Academy U17, and Ollie Mayes (U6), who was selected in the London and South East Division U18 Squad following his brilliant performance for Middlesex County U18 last term.

Moving into rugby Sevens, the U14s and U12s both started strongly, with both teams progressing through to the Cup finals of the Orleans Park Sevens tournaments. The U16A VII reached the Plate final at the Worth Sevens, while the 1st VII represented the school at the Middlesex Open Invitational Sevens where they narrowly lost to RGS Guildford in the Shield final.

There have been notable individual performances with several pupils being selected for the London Irish Developing Player Programme at U15 and U16. They include Freddy Rossigneux (L6), who represented London Irish

There is still plenty of rugby ahead, with U12–U15 block fixtures against Ibstock Place, Harrodian School and Reeds School. The U16s are hoping to repeat last year’s success at the All England Sevens, and our U11s, U13s, U14s, U16s and 1st VII are training hard for the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens in the penultimate week of term.

The U12s at the Orleans Park Sevens tournament

The U14s at Orleans Park Sevens tournament

HOCKEY

U12s London County Hockey Champions!

The U12s Hockey team won the London County Tournament on Friday 3rd March. This success follows on from their excellent season during the Michaelmas Term when they were unbeaten; having played 10 fixtures, they won 8 and drew 2.

NETBALL

The team scored early against St Augustine’s with an excellent finish from Sofia Potter after 30 seconds, which set the tone for a comfortable 6-0 victory in our first match. Next up was a strong Mill Hill side who had won their first game and we suspected may be our main competitors in the tournament. The

girls started well and forced some good saves from their keeper, before conceding to go 1-0 down. After fighting back to make the score 2-2, Saoirse Remmer broke free to score the winning goal with one-minute left to secure a 3-2 victory. We then went on to play local rivals Notting Hill and Ealing School, where after a slow start we came out comfortable 3-0 winners. Going into the final match against Bancroft, we knew that a win would secure us first place, which spurred the girls to play some of their best hockey of the day in a 5-0 victory.

The girls now progress to the London Regional Tournament which will be held on 15th March. Congratulations to all the girls on this wonderful achievement, especially to Lois Hand who was player of the tournament.

U12 Regional Hockey Finals

After winning the London County round, the U12s competed in the Regional finals. After dominating the group stages where they beat Belmont 3-1, Ibstock Place 5-0 and Godolphin & Latymer B’s 4-1 the team ended top of their pool.

We are delighted that more girls are participating regularly in training and fixtures this term. Throughout this season we have seen an improved performance among the A to D teams, from U12s to 1st VII, achieving outstanding results against St Augustine’s, LVS Ascot, Pangbourne and Queenswood.

Well done to the U12 and U13 As who participated in the Middlesex County Netball cup. Both teams faced some tough competition securing many wins throughout the day. Congratulations go to the U12s who went through to the quarter finals just missing out on a place in the semi-final after Northwood College secured the win by 1 goal. Well done to the U13s on a ‘top 12’ finish in the county.

The 1st and 2nd VII competed in the Highgate annual tournament. Both teams performed exceptionally well in their group stages and qualified for the final. The 2nd team faced a tough competitor but persevered throughout and finished as runners-up. Under the leadership of 1st VII Team Captain Isabelle Haran and Vice-captain Emily Michael, the 1st team entered their final with the determination to retain their title from last year resulting in the 1st VII securing the win.

In the semi-final they cruised past Emanuel Bs 5-0 to set up a rematch against Belmont whom they had already beaten in the first game of the day.

In a tense final, with both teams going for the win, we were 2-1 and 3-2 up only to concede 2 goals in a minute to lose 4-3. It was a difficult result to take but one they will surely learn from.

So, another 2nd place finish at regionals. A special mention to Lara Kowalski and Sofia Potter for scoring regularly in the tournament and Lois Hand for being player of the tournament, our driving force from defence into attack.

Hockey U12s

Congratulations

FENCING

The 2022–23 St Benedict’s fencing season has been one of the most successful to date. In total St Benedict’s fielded 26 fencing teams who between them took part in 154 team matches winning 91 of them. Successful fixtures have included victories against Dulwich, Westminster, Millfield, Eton, St Paul’s, and the Fencing Academy.

In early December 25 fencers went to Paris on our inaugural international fencing tour. The six-day programme included sparring with the members of the national French squad.

The final weeks of the season were hectic and saw a record-breaking string of successes. In early March nine teams represented the school at the British School Team Championships. The U15s had an incredible run with U15 Epee placing 3rd, U15 Sabre 2nd and our U15 Foil team (Max Kowalski, Yuta Fujimori and Krishan Dhawan) becoming National School Champions!

Our senior squads captained by Ethan Barter, Matthew Curtis and Dexter Shelmerdine won the highly competitive London Quadrangular by the narrowest of margins beating both Eton and St Paul’s by one match. Over two weekends of the London Youth Championships we qualified a record 22 fencers to the British Youth Championships, winning 1 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze London regional medals in the process.

At the Public School Fencing Championships we were up against 1,200 of the best fencers in the country with over 100 schools represented. We had strong performances all around, however Zachary Bowden, Jake Bowden, Tom Dobbin, Oubai Chbib and Maximus Meza were awarded finalist plaques. The latter two boys were only a few points away becoming national school champions.

St Benedict’s was awarded the highly prestigious Christie Trophy this year, which goes to the school with the best performance averaged out across all their fencers in the U14 and U16 foil events.

To finish off the season we held our most successful Battle of St Benedict’s – the school’s internal fencing tournament. Over 120 pupils competed in six categories. Congratulations to Tom Dobbin

(Upper Foil), Oubai Chbib (Senior Sabre) Jake Bowden (Senior Epee), Elena Llinares-Perales (Upper Foil Plate), Max Kowalski (Middle Foil) and Mylo Landon (Junior Foil) on winning their respective categories.

Top left: British School Team Championships: U15 Foil team – champions! Left to right: Krishan Dhawan, Max Kowalski, Yuta Fujimori; Top right: Public School Fencing Championships: sabre finalists. Left to right: Zach Bowden, Oubai Chbib and Maximus Meza; Middle: London Quadrangular: Jake Bowden, Benjamin Dovey, Christopher Vaughan, Ethan Barter, Dexter Shelmerdine, Matthew Curtis; Bottom: Paris tour

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT

The Junior School boys have continued their sport into the Lent Term, with several Form 1 and Form 2 boys moving over to Fencing. A few of the more experienced fencers have been given the chance to take part in fixtures, including the British School Team Championships.

There have been several rugby fixtures this term. The Upper Preps attended the Caldicott Prep School Rugby Festival, in what proved to be an excellent event for those selected.

The Form 1 and Form 2 teams have had fixtures against Merchant Taylors’ Prep, with Form 2 also playing Kew Green Prep in a competitive match.

Various festivals have been cancelled, due to adverse weather, however the U10s did manage to play in the Hampton Prep 7s, while the U11s are looking forward to the Rosslyn Park National School 7s.

Many pupils also had the chance to represent their House in the Junior School Swimming Gala, which was an excellent event for all involved. All of the children performed well, with Gregory House coming out as the victors.

NETBALL

From Pre-Prep 3 to Form 2 the girls have been introduced to Bee Netball, which focuses on improving core skills and confidence through fun activities and modified games.

Upper-Prep, Form 1 and Form 2 have participated in tournaments and fixtures this term against local schools which has given them the opportunity to play in several netball positions. In each team the coaches have seen great development which has resulted in wins against St Augustine’s, Belmont Prep and Orley Farm.

HOCKEY

U11 London Regional Hockey Finals

After coming 2nd in the County round a week earlier, the U11s competed in the London Regional Finals. In the first two games we comfortably beat John Allen Prep School 3-0 and Emanuel 9-0.

The girls played Bancroft’s in the final. It was a very good game in which we had numerous chances but could not find the net. With time running out Bancroft’s managed to score with 10 seconds to go to win the tournament, and we came 2nd.

A special mention goes to Amelia Marron who scored 6 goals in 3 games, following the 12 she scored the week before. Player of the tournament was Amelie Booth who was magnificent in defence and played with great maturity.

DEVELOPMENT & ALUMNI RELATIONS NEWS

Dear Parents,

Thank you to our families who generously supported our Giving Week in March, which has ensured we can deliver our 2023 Annual Fund projects as follows:

• Equip and improve our Gym and Fitness Suite facilities

• Install a Climate Research Station here at the School grounds and at our playing fields in Perivale

• Provide additional and much needed financial support to our Bursary Appeal fund

These projects will have a hugely positive impact on all our students, and we are very grateful for the support we receive from our parental and Old Priorian community.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our families a very happy and peaceful Easter break.

Best wishes,

Tara George Development & Alumni Engagement Director

Jazz Soirée

We enjoyed a fantastic evening of Jazz entertainment to celebrate the end of Giving Week. Entertainment was provided by the St Benedict’s Girls’ Choir, the Big Band and a selection of our Jazz Ensembles with a very special performance from Catherine Bench (OP 15).

Forthcoming Events

Annual Old Priorian Dinner

Friday 21st April 2023

Annual St Benedict’s Golf Day

Friday 9th June 2023

Annual SPF BBQ

Saturday 17th June 2023

PP2 and PP3 trips to the Tower of London