ST BENEDICT’S
NEWS
BENEDICT’S SCHOOL a
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M ICHA E L M A S TE R M 2 0 1 8
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M headmaster@stbenedicts.org.uk
F St Benedicts School, Ealing •
L stbenedicts
St Benedict’s Remembers – page 11
Dear Parents, I hope you enjoy reading the latest edition of St Benedict’s News, which highlights the many achievements and activities of the Michaelmas term. We have been building upon recent academic successes, with appropriate stretch and challenge happening in every classroom, in the Helikon Centre, and through our wide-ranging programme of lectures and talks. As ever at St Benedict’s, opportunities for personal development through our extensive co-curricular programme continue to be a great strength of the school; this term we have extended the range of sporting activities available at lunchtime. We marked the centenary of the First World War appropriately with a moving and reflective Remembrance Service for the whole school. On the anniversary of the Armistice, the beautiful new St Benedict’s war memorial was unveiled, and we are most grateful to the War Memorial Committee for their careful planning, research and fund-raising. I wish you and your families a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year. summer.
Space for spirituality and reflection The Lower 6th retreat to St Cassian’s, deep in the Berkshire countryside, was an opportunity for the year group to bond with each other at the start of the academic year. This was a vital opportunity for everyone to reflect on who they are, both as a group and as individuals. A range of activities encouraged this reflection, such as the Emmaus walk: a two-mile walk, in pairs, when students were encouraged simply to talk to, and understand, their partner. In a time of rising noise and increased social pressures, St Cassian’s provided space for silence, reflection, spiritual enrichment and genuine human interaction.
Andrew Johnson Headmaster
Dear Parents, The final couple of weeks of the Michaelmas term have been very enjoyable, with fabulous Nativity performances and a thoroughly engaging Carol Service. The Advent season marks a time for joy, when our community can focus upon the significance of the birth of Christ and what it means. It was delightful to see children of all ages engaging with such energy and enthusiasm, determined to focus upon the true message of Advent and the Christmas season.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
As always, I would like to thank you for your support during this term; your generosity in supporting The Felix Project and The Sick Children’s Trust is greatly appreciated.
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I wish you and your families a very Happy and Holy Christmas and look forward to seeing you again in the New Year.
Painting performance
R G Simmons Junior School Headmaster
The Junior School Drama Club gave a performance inspired by Wright’s An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump this term, as part of the National Gallery’s Take one painting project.
THE BACCHAE Pupils from Form 3 to the Sixth Form took part in a student-led production of Euripides’ tragedy, The Bacchae, an ancient Greek play which continues to reveal itself anew to each generation. The director, Paulina Sienniak (Upper 6th), said: “Everyone in the cast was hugely enthusiastic about the experience, as well as being dedicated and excited in taking part.”
“
Everyone in the cast was hugely enthusiastic... Paulina Sienniak
”
FRANTIC ASSEMBLY THEATRE WORKSHOP
His workshop incorporated Frantic Assembly’s physical style, combining movement with music in its interpretation of text. The outcome was a unique, collaborative piece of practical theatre where the fluidity of lifts was central to the pupils’ interpretation.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
GCSE and A level Drama groups took part in an energetic theatre workshop with Steve Miller from Frantic Assembly, one of the most exciting theatre companies in the country.
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Best ever GCSE results at St Benedict’s St Benedict’s celebrated the school’s best ever GCSE results this year, with 66% of pupils being awarded grades 9 to 7, the equivalent of A*–A in the new style GCSEs. This represents a 12% increase from last year’s results, and an impressive improvement of almost 20% since 2016.
66% of
pupils achieved grades 9–7
(A*–A)
Up 20% since 2016
Up 12% since 2017
Four pupils achieved nine grade 9s, including two with 10 of the top grades, an exceptional achievement since 9 equates to a higher mark than the old A*. Eight pupils attained 7 or more grade 9s and 11% of St Benedict’s GCSE candidates were awarded straight 9 and 8 grades, which is equivalent to achieving a complete set of A* grades. The Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, said: “The new style GCSEs have been designed to be academically more demanding, and we have sought to prepare our pupils rigorously for this, by creating a culture of academic endeavour, intellectual curiosity and high expectations. Equipped with the ability to learn, research, evaluate and apply their knowledge, they are now very well prepared for advanced level study in the Sixth Form.”
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
GCSE 4
OUTSTANDING RESULTS
A LEVEL Best A level results in 5 years Sixth Form students at St Benedict’s achieved some outstanding A level results this summer, which are the best the school has achieved for 5 years. 74% of all entries achieved A* to B, and 42% of entries gained A* to A – an increase of 5% from last year. Twenty-one students – a fifth of the year group – achieved straight A*s and As.
74%
42%
of pupils achieved
A*–A
Up 5% since 2017
of pupils achieved
A*–B
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Several academic departments at St Benedict’s achieved particularly impressive results: A*–As were awarded to 86% of English Literature students, to 75% of Fine Art students, 58% in Mathematics, and 55% in Economics. In further good news, 76% of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) entries were awarded A*–A.
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At the Stasi Prison, they learned about the work of the DDR’s secret police, and travelled to Tempelhof Airfield, which was built by the Nazis before being used by the Allies to bring in supplies during the Berlin Airlift. A walking tour to Checkpoint Charlie took them to a brilliant museum about escape attempts from East Berlin. The tranquil beauty of Wannsee villa, where senior Nazi leaders met to plan the ‘Final Solution’, was a poignant contrast. On the final day they visited the East Side Gallery, where graffiti artists have created art out of the remnants of the Berlin Wall, and the Cecilienhof in Potsdam where Truman, Stalin, and Attlee met at the end of the Second World War.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
There was light relief from Berlin’s difficult history: the students watched England’s World Cup quarter-final against Sweden on big screens in front of the iconic Brandenburg Gate, and had a trip to Berlin Zoo.
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BERLIN
Lower 5th students enjoyed a packed trip to Berlin this summer, visiting Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, Sachsenhausen concentration camp, the DDR Museum (learning about life in East Germany under Communism), and the ancient artefacts of the Pergamon Museum.
CLASSICS TRIP TO ROME AND THE BAY OF NAPLES Classicists from Upper 4th to Upper 5th enjoyed a wonderful week in Italy at half-term. The trip began with many important sites in Rome, such as the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum, as well as Hadrian’s Villa, the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. The group then travelled to the archaeological site of Ostia Antica, Pompeii, and the magnificent Villa San Marco at Stabiae. The group then progressed to the ancient Roman town of Heraculaneum, in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, followed by a visit to the Commonwealth War Graves cemetery, Monte Cassino.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
As one student remarked: “Being able to experience history first hand is the best.”
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St Benedict’s took part in a Model United Nations Conference at Croydon High School in November, along with 23 other schools from across the country.
Model United Nations Conference
Model United Nations is a society for those who are interested in politics and current affairs and want to develop their debating and research skills. St Benedict’s pupils represented Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea and Equatorial Guinea, and debated a wide range of issues including Child Marriage, Modern Slavery and the Militarisation of Space. They also had to find a solution to an ‘Emergency’ – a riot on the border between Mexico and the USA. All of those who attended are to be congratulated on the excellent standard of debate. Particular congratulations go to Audrey Reber, who received a certificate for ‘Highly Commended Delegate’.
Emily Rawlings (not pictured) and Amy Vaughan (Upper 5th); Valentina Elner-Kupcha, Matthew Rock, and Marcus Flanagan (Lower 6th); Sam Symes and Audrey Reber (Upper 6th)
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Studying abroad – how and why to apply to the USA, Canada and Europe
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The Careers Department held an information evening to give an overview of studying at universities beyond the UK – in the USA, Canada and Europe. The event offered a valuable opportunity to find out about the advantages and the application process. Students gained an insight into the courses on offer, and how studying abroad differs from studying in a UK university. Presentations were given by representatives from North American and European universities (including the University of Notre Dame, USA,
and the University of Guelph, near Toronto, Ontario, and experts in the application process. This year, 4% of St Benedict’s students took up places in overseas universities: at Guelph (to read Business), Leiden (to read Political Science), Amsterdam (to read Psychology), and the US universities of Waterloo and Drexel (to study Business and Economics respectively).
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS TRIP TO
NEW YORK & WASHINGTON DC In New York, they toured the 9/11 museum, and went on a Civil Rights walking tour of Harlem. In Philadelphia they visited Independence Hall, where both the US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were debated and adopted, and the original US Supreme Court, which served as the home of the United States’ highest court between 1791–1800. In Washington DC, the heartbeat of US political activity, they toured the Pentagon, took part in a questionand-answer session at the US State Department, attended a lecture at the Supreme Court and toured Congress. This was in addition to visiting many impressive monuments, such as the Lincoln memorial, taking in a New York Knicks vs Brooklyn Nets basketball friendly, and eating at the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl!
“Looking at the colossal pieces of building debris and the masses of tribute artwork from the families who lost loved ones really put into perspective the colossal effect 9/11 had – not just to the USA, but the whole world.” Carla Boulter “It was brilliant to have the chance to put questions to diplomats within the State Department, a chance not
afforded to many. Discussions ranged from Brexit to climate change.” Tom Knight “The tour of the Pentagon showed us how vast the Department of Defence is. We saw the memorial to the 9/11 attacks, dedicated to the 125 Pentagon workers who died as well as the 59 who were on-board the plane.” Tom D’Arcy
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
The Government and Politics Department undertook their fifth biennial trip to New York and Washington DC this autumn.
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SOUTH WALES GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP Sixth Form geographers explored Porthcawl, to devise their A level individual geographical investigations, staying at the Margam Discovery Centre. The exam board requires them to devise their own inquiry, related hypothesis and research method. The topic can cover Human or Physical Geography, or a blend of both. Porthcawl is a relatively thriving seaside town, with a good range of shops and services, an interesting demographic profile, a variety of coastal landscapes and “The town was good for management and both physical and human protection methods. studies, with plenty of data The first day was and evidence for my study.” spent exploring the Tom D’Arcy “Porthcawl had quite a homely feel. The people were friendly and helpful and the atmosphere was good.” Gabriel Kerr “There was a lot of variety in the coastal landscape for my geological investigation with limestone and sandstone series.” Darcie Hunter
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central urban environment, starting at Coney Beach at Sandy Bay and moving on to the High Street with its blend of big name stores and local businesses. A number of questions began to arise: Is the local economy thriving or has the loss of local industry had a negative effect? How does the demographic profile reflect post-war changes in the locality? The natural succession of the dune system, with its characteristic species progression, has been interrupted on the seaward side by the introduction of defensive rock armour, and on the landward side by urban growth. How have invasive plants and human interference affected the natural system? What coastal defence policies have been put in place and why? How do the established dunes at Newton compare with the newly forming dunes at Sandy Bay? Students then collated their data, explained their methodology and considered limitations to research. They also began to apply a variety of cartographical and statistical methods to their data.
St Benedict’s Remembers
The Consort and Ealing Abbey Choirs sing Goodall’s Eternal Light: A Requiem
St Benedict’s War Memorial, rededicated and unveiled on Sunday November 11th. (See page 27)
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
The Remembrance Service
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The Sixth Form Scholars’ Evening Lord Patten of Barnes, alumnus and Patron of St Benedict’s, presented the Patten Scholarships on November 12th. Chancellor of Oxford University and a crossbench member of the House of Lords, Chris Patten was the last British Governor of Hong Kong and a Conservative politician until 2011.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Lord Patten said: “It is a pleasure and privilege to come to St Benedict’s. St Benedict’s made me. It taught me to read widely, to write a sentence which is free from cliché, and it gave me the wonderful Benedictine ideal of ‘moderation in all things.’ It provided an academic impetus which pushed me out into the world. And it is obviously encouraging these scholars to go out and take the world by the scruff of the neck.”
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The evening was attended by parents and St Benedict’s scholars aged 11 upwards. It began with four Patten Scholars in their final year talking about how they had used their awards to develop their academic interests. They described how St Benedict’s had encouraged them to read widely, be intellectually curious and open to learning about all manner of things – from marine biology, and astrophysics to music and ancient Greek. The new Lower 6th academic scholars were then presented with their awards by Lord Patten, Abbot Martin Shipperlee and the Headmaster, Andrew Johnson.
Concert Choir
THE ST CECILIA CONCERT Clarinet Choir
The annual St Cecilia Concert was an evening of excellent solo and ensemble performances, given by St Benedict’s musicians from Form 3 to the Upper 6th.
Big Band
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ST BENEDICT’S BOOK WEEK 2018 OCTOBER 8TH –12TH
Pupils throughout the school celebrated Book Week just before half term. A range of activities included author visits, times to ‘Drop Everything and Read’, lunchtime storytelling and competitions.
Junior School Margaret Bateson-Hill entranced children from Nursery to PP3, with traditional tales such as Masha and the Firebird.
Jennifer Bell, author of The Uncommoners series, shared her stories with children in Forms 1 and 2, and worked with the children to create new characters.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Beverley Naidoo, the South African author of Journey to Jo burg, and Cinderella of the Nile, captivated the children in Lower and Upper Prep.
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Other activities throughout the week celebrated the pleasures of reading. Teachers from the Senior School came to read favourite stories and poems to Junior School pupils. Older children read stories to younger classes.
Book Week Costume Parade
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Senior School Author and illustrator Richy K Chandler, creator of Lucy the Octopus, talked to Form 3 and Lower 4th about telling stories through sequential art.
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WWI
Children learn about World War I at St Benedict’s Children from eight west London junior schools, including St Benedict’s Junior School, took part in a World War I Centenary workshop, held at St Benedict’s School. A lively morning of activities gave an overview of the Great War. The children learned about the causes, geography and strategies of WWI, and how it eventually came to an end a hundred years ago. They found out why so many young men were keen to enlist in 1914 – driven by a sense of adventure and the belief that it would all be over by Christmas – and designed recruitment posters, inspired by Lord Kitchener’s ‘Your country needs you’.
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The children devised their own strategies for the devastating Battle of the Somme. There was also a chance to dress up, as troopers, generals and field hospital nurses, and to practise some drill commands with St Benedict’s Combined Cadets Force instructor. The event was attended by 50 children in Year 5, from St Benedict’s Junior School, Mount Carmel, St Gregory’s, North Ealing School, Bassett House, Clifton Lodge, Orchard House, and Chiswick and Bedford Park prep.
THE CHAPLAINCY TEAM The Chaplaincy Team serves the school in a number of ways. As well as preparing liturgies, assisting the chaplains at Mass and helping to promote various charitable causes, they act as mentors to other pupils who need some support. The team is made up of: Christopher Vaughan and Alex Ladhur (Upper 4th); Amy Vaughan, Tom Curtis and Matthew Tomlinson (Upper 5th); and Jamie White (Lower 6th). Other groups that fall under the Chaplaincy umbrella are: School Masters of Ceremonies Oscar Linares-Perales (Head MC); Luis Gomez Rose; Daniel Moore; Mishka Fibbens; Frederick Dempsey-Brown; Adam Gurdikyan (all Upper 6th)
St Benedict’s Sixth Form students regularly help out in the Ealing Soup Kitchen on Saturday nights, cooking and serving food to homeless people in the local community
Senior Pupil Leaders Ben Brooks; Harry Lubkowski; Zoe Rutherford; Sophie Slaughter; Lydia Warren; Ted Traeger; Irene Linares-Perales (all Lower 6th)
THE HELIKON CENTRE Sam Symes
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
This term’s Helikon Centre’s programme of academic challenge and enrichment included a talk given by the Headmaster: Spain’s remarkable millennium: Conquista, reconquista y descubrimiento. In contrast, Sam Symes (Upper 6th) addressed the subject of USA politics, in his talk Building the Wall: The Architecture Behind Trump’s Master Plan. Lunchtime faculty cafés, talks, philosophy sessions and debates continue to stimulate pupils from Form 3 to the Sixth Form.
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Children from Ealing junior schools joined pupils at St Benedict’s for a wonderful day of singing, led by the highly acclaimed professional choir, VOCES8. The day ended with an evening concert in the Abbey, at which children aged 9 to 12 sang alongside VOCES8, who also sang music from their wide repertoire. As well as performing at venues around the world, VOCES8 run an extensive education programme; senior pupils at St Benedict’s engage with this programme as ‘Young Leaders’, and help to promote singing in schools.
VOCES8 ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
World famous choir VOCES8 sings with Ealing children
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ST BENEDICT’S LECTURE SERIES Michael Wood Historian and broadcaster Michael Wood talked about Why the AngloSaxons matter. He captivated the audience with fascinating tales from some of the unique manuscripts and treasures on show at the British Library’s landmark exhibition, Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War; the coming of Christianity; the golden age of Northumbria; Alfred and the Vikings; the Norman Conquest; the beginning of English literature and art, and the origins of England. (The Robin Nonhebel History Lecture)
Andrew Graham-Dixon Andrew Graham-Dixon, one of the world’s leading art critics and renowned authority on Caravaggio, talked about the principles and practice of art appreciation, with Roman art as his starting point. (Classical Society Lecture)
Francis Campbell
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Professor Campbell’s talk on the future of British-Irish relations post-Brexit placed the current, fastchanging scenario into historical context, and asked the question – what will historians in years to come make of it all?
Also, the Richard Baker Science Lecture, given by Professor John Sloboda (see p27)
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SPORT ST BENEDICT’S
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Rugby Tour 2018: Canada & the USA This summer, 36 St Benedict’s rugby players enjoyed an incredible twoweek tour of Canada and the USA, visiting British Columbia, Victoria Island and Seattle.
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Valencia Hockey Tour 2018 St Benedict’s Form 3 and Lower 4th girls went on a 5-day hockey tour to Valencia this summer. They played a number of fixtures against local clubs, trained hard, and also enjoyed relaxing on the beach and exploring the city of Valencia.
Most Improved Player – Max Appleby Forward of the Tour – Luis Gomez-Rose Back of the Tour – Ryan McPartlin Player of the Tour – Thomas Goode (All Upper 6th)
St Benedict’s wins the Ealing Schools Cross Country Competition Over 70 boys and girls from Form 1 to Lower 6th took part in the Ealing Schools Cross Country Competition this year. The Senior School boys came 1st and the girls 4th, with St Benedict’s winning the competition overall for the first time – an outstanding achievement! From this event, an impressive 13 boys and girls from St Benedict’s qualified to represent Ealing in the London Youth Games Cross Country competition in November: Senior School Freddie Whyle (Form 3) Akihito Shinozaki (Form 3) George Simpson (Lower 4th) Otto Lawrence (Lower 4th) Tyler Offiah (Lower 4th) Francesca Newbold (Lower 4th) Olivia Grigg (Lower 4th) – Olivia came 3rd in her race! Natalia McFadzean (Upper 4th) Oscar Jones (Upper 5th) Junior School Nathan Bridge (Form 1) – 1st in his race Kara Larkam (Form 2) – 2nd in her race Jake Bridge (Form 2) – 3rd in his race Rory Johnston (Form 2)
In the London Youth Games, they all finished in the top 100 of their races, competing with over 1400 runners. Kara Larkam finished 24th and there were impressive performances from George Simpson (U13 Boys), Natalia McFadzean (U15 Girls) and Francesca Newbold (U13 Girls).
FENCING Fencing has seen a surge in uptake this term with over 150 pupils fencing every week. It is good to see C team fixtures taking place, encouraging more of our fencers to represent the school in matches. Congratulations go to the U15Bs (Capt: Ethan Barter) and the U13As (Capt: Samuel Balogh) for their high win rate. (The U18A fixtures will take place in the final weeks of term.) Alberto Mascioli (Upper 5th) has received his Italian colours and now represents Italy on the U17 international circuit. Duncan Ashby (Upper 5th) continues to represent England and is on the verge of earning his GBR colours. Well done to Amy Vaughan (Upper 5th) and Irene Llinares-Perales (Lower 6th) for their continued efforts in re-establishing the Épée squad. Angelica Lawson (Lower 5th) and Joseph McDonald (Lower 6th) continue to do well at regional and national competitions, with Joseph working towards the U17 national squad.
HOCKEY U12A Latymer Upper Tournament (October) The newly formed U12A squad gained some valuable experience against strong hockey schools and played excellently throughout. After qualifying for the semi-final, they produced some outstanding hockey to beat Queenswood 2-0, losing the final 0-1 against Kingston Grammar School. Player of the tournament: Serafina Chew-Siegel U14 Middlesex Tournament (November) The U14s came second, and therefore qualified for the South Regional Hockey Tournament for the second successive season. The girls lost 2-0 to Godolphin & Latymer, and won matches against West London Free School (3-0), St Augustine’s Priory (1-0), Latymer Upper (1-0), and Notting Hill and Ealing (3-0). Player of the tournament: Mia Hobbs
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
CROSS COUNTRY
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South Regional Hockey Tournament (November) The U14 girls demonstrated a combination of real effort and moments of excellence in this very competitive hockey tournament. Player of the tournament: Natalia McFadzean Junior School Hockey The U10s have had an excellent season, with the A team winning all of their matches. Charlotte Bedwin, Klaudia Cifliku and Sophia Roy have developed into excellent goal keepers.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
U11 JS Hockey Tournament The U11As have really impressed this season, losing only one game – the final of our annual JS hockey tournament. Having defeated Kew
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Green Prep, Queen’s College Prep, St Augustine’s Priory and Orley Farm they drew against Belmont Prep. In the final, St Benedict’s dominated the match, narrowly losing 1-0 at the end. Notable contributions came from Kara Larkam, Iris Whiteley and Maria Scott.
RUGBY This term has seen a very positive step forward for St Benedict’s Rugby. After a successful tour to the USA and Canada, the 1st XV are now on an unbeaten run of 6 games in a row (including a notable 30-29 victory over Shiplake College), progressing through to the last 16 schools in the National Vase Competition. The 2nd XV have had a consistent run of form, with a notable win over Gunnersbury 1st XV to reach the Middlesex Cup Semi Finals. The U15s are through
to Round 4 of the National Vase competition, and had a fantastic win over London Oratory. Five U14 players have progressed through to the London Irish Development Programme: Oliver Mayes, Daniel Shenas, Harry Lyons, Billy Delargy and Robert Jeffries. The U12s and U13s continue to develop, and have progressed through preliminary rounds to reach the Middlesex Festivals. An exciting, floodlit 1st XV fixture vs Skinners School at Grasshoppers RFC, preceded by the U13A and U13B teams curtain-raiser fixtures, will round off the Michaelmas term. Junior School Rugby The 11As have been performing very well, getting hard -fought wins over schools such as King’s House and Belmont Prep. Their success bodes well for the Lent Term tournaments.
The Elworthy Trophy A team of eight St Benedict’s cadets took part in the Elworthy Trophy Competition, in which teams from across London compete in various tasks. St Benedict’s won two stands and came a close second overall. Stands included a short casualty evacuation followed by first aid; a deadweight pull, requiring the team to pull a heavy weight between two markers; archery, and rowing. There were also three command tasks, which demanded planning, quick thinking and teamwork.
CCF
The day provided great opportunities for the cadets to practise teamwork and leadership skills.
Thirteen St Benedict’s CCF cadets in Upper 5th have passed the CVQO Level 2 Award for Young Leaders.
“
This is one of the strongest and most committed year groups which we have seen in the CCF for many years...
”
The course, awarded by the City & Guilds of London Institute through the Institute of Leadership & Management, develops leadership styles, team development and problem solving.
Mr Shaun Hullis, Contingent Commander CCF
Mr Shaun Hullis, Contingent Commander CCF, said: “This is exactly the sort of achievement which the Combined Cadet Force exists to encourage, and we are very proud that our Cadets did so well. This is one of the strongest and most committed year groups which we have seen in the CCF for many years, and we look forward to seeing one of them emerge as Head of CCF for 2020–2021.”
The Young Leaders are: Luca Casali Lewis Chu Murdo Duguid Ayman Grebici Mariana Makarewicz Milly McCosker
Danny O’Sullivan Emily Rawlings George Reed Dominic Taylor Harry Tompkins Ted Turner Amy Vaughan
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
St Benedict’s Young Leaders
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Children in Forms 1 and 2 at the Junior School began the term with a brilliant trip to The Forties Experience, Bushey. Everyone travelled back in time to the days of the Blitz, which made a vivid start to their WW2 topic, We’ll Meet Again. The children explored a 1940s house and did some washing using a washboard and a mangle; they also got the chance to ‘Dig for Victory’ in the garden, and used hand pumps to put out a fire caused by a bomb. They discovered how dark it could be in an Anderson Shelter, as the Blitz raged outside. And in the school room, set up in a village hall, they learned about evacuation and completed their own Identity cards.
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Back at St Benedict’s, the children enjoyed dressing up for Evacuee Day.
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40s ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
BACK TO THE FORTIES
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DofE EXPEDITIONS Duke of Edinburgh’s award expeditions have taken 182 pupils in Lower and Upper 5th out of London and into the hills this term, putting their navigation, camping and teamwork skills to the test.
Over half term, there were four Silver practice expeditions, involving 93 pupils. The groups walked an average of 17km a day, around Bentley Copse in the Surrey Hills (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), and camped out for two nights. Mrs Michelle Lee, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards Administrator, said: “It was a challenging experience for all. We had to battle the wind and torrential rain at times and the children did so well to keep going. It was cold, cold, cold. We have a fantastic team of teachers who came to help and they were amazing!”
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
“It was a challenging experience for all.”
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Mrs Michelle Lee, DofE Awards Administrator Two Bronze qualifying expeditions took place in September, in kinder weather. 89 pupils walked for about 14km a day in and around Wendover Woods, on the northern edge of the Chiltern Hills.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE NEWS Dear Parents, The 2018/19 Annual Fund will seek to support the playground landscaping project, beneficial to both junior and senior pupils. This is in response to requests, in a recent pupil survey, for more green spaces, play equipment and seating areas. With your support we hope to improve recreational spaces at St Benedict’s over the summer break of 2019.
War Memorial Unveiling The new St Benedict’s War Memorial was unveiled on November 11th, on the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. The new Memorial was unveiled by the Deputy Lieutenant of Ealing, Richard Kornicki OBE, DL, and blessed by the Bishop of the Armed Forces, the Right Reverend Paul Mason. The ceremony was attended by many of our Old Priorians, current parents, staff and pupils, and began with a guard of honour provided by our CCF cadets. The Memorial now sits permanently in the Cloisters, and will be a wonderful focal point for future remembrance services. Thank you to all our families and Old Priorians who donated to the War Memorial fund over the past four years.
It is also our goal to increase Bursary provision, offering additional fee assisted places to students who otherwise would not have access to a St Benedict’s education. Our sincere thanks go to the St Benedict’s Society of Parents and Friends for supporting Bursaries at this year’s Christmas Ball, by donating all proceeds from the raffle and auction to the Bursary Fund. Finally, thank you to all our parents who support us so generously each year and I wish all our families a very Happy Christmas and New Year 2019. Best wishes,
Tara George, Development Director Deputy Lieutenant of Ealing, Richard Kornicki; the Headmaster; the Right Reverend Paul Mason
Professor John Sloboda
Forthcoming 2019 Events Old Priorian Oxford and Cambridge Reunion Dinner: Friday 1st February Annual Jazz Soirée: Friday 1st March Annual Old Priorian Dinner: Friday 26th April Parents and Old Priorians Golf day: Friday 14th June
ST BENEDICT’S NEWS
Richard Baker Lecture 2018 We were delighted to welcome Professor John Sloboda OBE FBA (OP 1968) as our Guest Speaker for the annual Richard Baker Science Lecture, generously endowed by Dr Francis Cuss (OP 1972). Professor Sloboda’s lecture on The Psychology of Concert Attendance was both enlightening and thought provoking. The lecture also featured a wonderful musical interlude from our talented Senior Jazz Ensemble. The EPQ Presentation this year was delivered by Max Lubowiecki (Upper 6th), on his research topic – “To what extent are mathematical concepts discovered rather than invented?” Both presentations were followed up with a Q&A with the audience. Thanks to Professor Sloboda and Max for making the evening an interesting and Max Lubowiecki enjoyable occasion.
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