Peterite Review 2019-2020 by StPetersYork

Contents: Head Master’s Welcome Pastoral Life Clifton Dronfield Hope Linton Queen’s School Temple The Grove The Manor The Rise House Challenge Academic Life Business and Economics Classics Design and Technology English Geography History History of Art Maths Modern Foreign Languages Politics Science Sixth Form Complementary Studies Religious Studies and Philosophy Academic Extension Co-Curricular Life Hockey Tennis Netball Rugby Rowing Football ` Squash Swimming and Water Polo

Art Duke of Edinburgh Music Drama Combined Cadet Force Clubs and Societies

Trips and Visits Partnerships Commemoration Leadership Positions Awards and Prize Giving Leavers and Starters Exam Results Leavers’ Destination

Head Master’s Welcome Underpinning all we do at St Peter’s is the goal of

delighted to welcome the Choristers and their

preparing our pupils to be amazing adults. We give

families to St Peter’s from September 2020.

them a huge range of opportunities to make sure their teenage years are full of serious fun, based on our four pillars of qualifications, skills, interests and values. One of the key decisions we made going into lockdown was to preserve as much of that as possible and I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make that possible. Pupils at St Peter’s 13-18 achieved so much this year and it was tremendous to see our vast co-curricular programme continuing throughout lockdown. From virtual debating to online music concerts, our remote co-curricular programme brought the school community together and helped to maintain a sense

We have continued to play a significant role in the York Independent State School Partnership and it was heartening to see the school community coming together to provide vital supplies of PPE and face masks to key workers on the frontline of the coronavirus pandemic. It was also wonderful also to see our Houses continuing to flourish during lockdown. Pupils across the globe were united by regular House meetings on Zoom and virtual Inter-House challenges

including

the

much-loved

House

Isolation Olympics.

of normality during a challenging few months. This

Sadly the Upper Sixth had the most unexpected

edition of The Peterite Review includes a wealth of

conclusion to their time at school which brought

stories which celebrate the academic and co-

challenge, frustration and uncertainty. However, it

curricular achievements of our pupils both before

also brought out the very best in them and they can

and during lockdown.

be enormously proud of all they achieved. This

Another theme of the year has been the sense of community – both our school one and also our role in local communities. In June 2020 we became the Chorister School for York Minster following the sad closure of the Minster School, and we were

year’s A Level results are testament to all their hard work, and I hope this edition of The Peterite Review is a source of happy memories for our leaving Upper Sixth and all pupils at St Peter’s for many years to come.

Clifton This year, Clifton have used their brains to win the Senior House Challenge, the physics Great Egg Race and the Booker Prize debate. It was amazing to see every year working together in order to create winning ideas. We placed highly in almost every category of Cross Country and are almost certain the senior boys would have fed the competition to the lions by winning in House Rugby and House Hockey. The senior girls were not as successful in House Badminton, however, we had a lot of fun representing the yellow for the final time. Our House Song- The Eye of the Tiger- showed the younger years being led by the older pupils and helping them to find their loud (and mostly tuneful) voices within the House. We have tried to instil in the younger years the same passion we have, shown in our much-loved motto ‘bleed yellow’. Although we only had two terms at school this year, it has been two terms when Clifton House has shown great spirit consistently. The Upper Sixth were able to make the most of the abrupt end to our school careers by engaging in quiz nights as a House via Zoom, and many embarking on new jobs in preparation for the next stages of our lives. A year on from leaving Clifton, everyone has had different experiences. Results Day 2020 was not a day of celebrations for all Cliftonites, however it allowed for a different set of opportunities than expected. Some went straight to their chosen universities, many took gap years, and are now expecting to start university in September 2021. For me, “I am studying Psychology at The University of Manchester” quickly went to “I am studying English at The University of Nottingham” through clearing. The degree and university I was expecting to go to for almost two years was now not an option. Rather

than wasting time sulking over this though, I took an important philosophy taught by Clifton House: “Never look backwards or you’ll fall down the stairs”. Perhaps though this really is just a warning to ensure the many pupils really didn’t fall down those steep stairs. Unfortunately, though, I think those stairs have had a much different atmosphere over the past 12 months than they have in our time in Clifton House. From family and friends still at St Peter’s, we have been told that life as a Cliftonite has not been the same as before, with different year groups scattered around the school campus, rather than together. Hopefully with restrictions easing, our House will return to how it used to be. Clifton House is a small community which, for many, has even lasted through a year apart due to coronavirus restrictions. We are all still in contact and even eighteen months on, when we were able to reunite, it was like no time had passed at all. It is important for different year groups to mix, and that is something that happens quite naturally in Clifton, allowing for even more close friendships. Finally, the biggest lesson to be learnt from Clifton is that friendships are incredibly important and are readily available in the House system provided by St Peter’s. They will be the ones who support you, not only in your studies, sports fixtures, and other achievements, but also those who build you as a person throughout school life, so it is important to connect with them. Oh, and you should read the quotes on the Clifton stairs - they have some great advice. -

Olivia Conroy (Head of House)

Dronfield We welcomed sixteen new girls to Dronfield at the

he punned his way through Miss Mounter’s

start of the year, joining us from around the globe,

summary of the week’s goings-on.

and from across North Yorkshire. We also welcomed our new resident tutor Miss Crawley and her partner Mark to Dronfield.

At the end of the year, I found a few House sports tops in Dronfield, ‘new with tags’ still attached, which seemed to be a metaphor for some of the

As ever, the Inter-House competitions provided a

untapped potential of those who were in Dronfield

focus for the year, and the first challenge was the

during the first year of the Covid pandemic. We are

House Sing, leading us into the October half term.

nevertheless very grateful for the time we have had

With their eyes keenly on the top spot Charlotte and

together this academic year.

Sophie led the House is a dazzling rendition of Meghan Trainor’s ‘Dear Future Husband’ and were rewarded with the Inter-House trophy for 2019.

A big thank you to our domestic staff, tutors, and to our Heads of House (Sophie & Charlotte), and our leaving Upper Sixth. We are grateful for your

That might have been enough to keep the girls on

support across the House. We wish our leavers

cloud nine for the best part of the year, but with the

(Polina K, Annabell, Charlotte, Siri, Ayanfe, Anna,

Badminton shield and Volleyball trophy also in the

Oenone, Sophie, Ellen, Niamh & Anisia) all the

bag, and high placings across all the Inter-House

happiness in the world as they set out on their

competitions, Dronfield were enjoying a particularly

onward journey from Dronfield and St Peter’s

successful year. Being placed 1 overall for girls’ Inter-House Sports for 2019/20, and receiving the Cambridge Cup, was the icing on the cake at the end of a tough year.

School. A final note from The Dronfield Heads of House Sophie & Charlotte: The two terms that we have had at school this year have been filled with great

With much of St Peter’s life put on hold, leading up

achievements and we are so grateful to all the girls in

to the end of the Spring term, we all had to adjust to

the House who supported and competed. There has

trying to stick together as a House, but spread all

been a great sense of camaraderie in the House, and

over the world. As the March lockdown started, we

we couldn’t have been surrounded by better

were focused on getting all our overseas girls safely

housemates. Despite being separated for the latter

home before their country’s boarders closed. It was

half of the year the House spirit remained, and we

a challenging time, and so it proved to be until the

demonstrated our strength and sense of community

end of the academic year.

in what were such unprecedented times. We loved

We had weekly House meetings on Zoom, and lessons online at all hours of the day and night for some of our girls in the US, Canada and the Far East. The opportunity to take part in Inter-House competition remotely proved to be a great opportunity to pull together as a House, and so we did. Weekly Isolation Olympic challenges were taken up by many girls in the House, and we were rarely without a mention from the Head Master as

the Isolation Olympics challenges set by Miss Mounter each week, ranging from getting birds on a toothbrush, to cooking and writing poems! The strong flow of entries and enthusiasm shown from girls in the House each week epitomised the attitude and approach each one of us Peterites should take in life, when things are tough. We are so proud of all the Dronfield girls, across the globe. -

Mr Whitehouse, Sophie O’Callaghan and Charlotte Calvert

Hope The year began much the same as any other. We

House Cross Country was moved from its traditional

welcomed a new Third Form group into the House,

pre-October half term slot to February; in cold and

who settled quickly, showing potential from the

very sticky conditions the House trudged around the

start. Newly appointed Heads of House, Polly

Ings to good effect. There were significant results

Brown and Josh Wood, with support from Mr

for Maddie Wylie in the Senior Girls’ event, who

Edwards, expertly steered the new

came 5th and Oli Barry came 6th in the

incumbents through their tricky first

Senior Boys. For the Juniors, Indy

few weeks. We also welcomed Mr

Phillips managed a very satisfactory 4th

Grant

with

place with the Junior girls coming in 4th

significant Boarding and Day House

overall. The Junior boys also managed

experience, became tutor to the

a commendable 4th place.

into

Hope,

who,

Fourth Form.

Indoors, the Egg Race was highly

The rhythms of the term settled

contested and saw Hope take second

quickly, and all were keen to get

place, thanks mostly to Harry Hall’s

involved; aiming to balance academic

ingenuity and patience. The task was to

demands

co-curricular

transport an egg the furthest distance.

commitments. House spirit was also

Harry and the team did this with skill,

very much evident and Hope were

ingenuity and good luck!

successful in a variety of events and

singing was (as always) taken to

activities during the Christmas Term

another level with a rigorous rehearsal

and

House

and into the Easter Term. The Upper Sixth boys took

schedule. The Upper Sixth took control whilst the

the lunchtime House Basketball very seriously and

Third Form watched on, scared and excited in equal

made it to the final but had to settle for second place

measure. Hope’s rendition of Bastille’s ‘Pompeii’

after a close game against The Manor. The Lower

brought the Memorial Hall roof down and the

Sixth Football League was another highly contested

judges were wowed, and Hope was the highest

event appreciated by players and spectators alike. In

placed Day House. Early in the Easter Term, Jennie

House Netball, the Junior team played well

Durham was commended for her singing in the

throughout the tournament and came third overall,

Senior Music Competition and Sophie Clarke won

losing to The Grove and Temple. The Senior team

the brass section. Both also performed in this year’s

went all the way, beating School House in an

major dramatic production, The Lion, the Witch and

exciting final game.

the Wardrobe. Lara Webster, Niamh Machin, Evie

McNamara, Rosie Black and Henry Butters were

Josh for keeping the troops on track and keeping the

backstage helping to keep the show running.

House spirit flowing.

The House Dinner returned to its original location

The end of term routine that many had been looking

of the school dining room - as a black-tie event this

forward to of Cabaret, the Leavers’ Service, the

location was recognized as a fitting place to

Leavers’ Ball and Commemoration was not to

celebrate the achievements of the House and more

happen, and instead we once again relied on

appropriate than the pizza restaurants in town.

technology to see the school year marked and

House routines and traditions were of course to become a thing of the past, as the Easter Term ended abruptly on 23rd March when the School emptied and we learnt quickly to operate in different ways. It is testament to pupils’ and the staffs’ adaptability, creativity and resourcefulness that Hope in its many guises was able to be a constant in what was an everchanging and unsettling time. As lessons went online, so too did House and tutor meetings. We became increasingly adept at using Teams and Zoom for learning, and also as platforms for a whole raft of quizzes and competitions. None more so than Isolation Olympics, where day and

celebrated in a variety of fitting ways. However, careful planning and a relaxation in restrictions meant we could welcome the Lower Sixth and then the Upper Sixth into School for a socially distanced meeting and barbecue. The Upper Sixth ventured back into their old common room for the first time since March, providing a poignant moment of reflection after what was a year like no other. Simultaneously it was announced that Hope were joint winners of the Merit Trophy; further proof of the House’s tenacity and determination as we all navigated through such uncertain and challenging times.

boarding pupils, now dotted all over the world,

Thank you to the Upper Sixth and particularly to

fought hard to dress up their pets, (well done to the

Polly and Josh for keeping the House together, and

Websters, the Blacks, the Roebucks and the

of course to a happy and supportive band of tutors:

Rathbones – and their respective dogs), jump, run,

Mr Edwards, Mr Bowden, Mrs Mallard, Mr Wright,

walk, cycle or try to tempt garden birds to sit on

Mr Shread and Mr Grant. My first year back in Hope

toothbrushes… Thanks here must go to Polly and

was not one I or anybody else could have expected! - Chris Hall, House Master

Linton We were very pleased to welcome six new boarders to Linton House in September 2019 and on the Sunday when they first arrived it was great to see them excitedly unpacking their belongings, while enthusiastically meeting all the other Linton boys who were returning to the House from near and far. Mr Paterson, Matron, Mrs Battersby and the new Upper Sixth did a superb job of welcoming the new boys and their parents to the House and our new Head of House, Yeelok Chan, spoke very positively and reassuringly to the new parents about his experiences joining Linton four years before. The first House Meeting of the year is always a busy one, but even before I entered the House TV room it was obvious that the boys were looking forward to the term ahead. There was considerable chatter about the forthcoming rugby season, the House’s choice of song for the annual House Singing Competition and the various House and boarders’ events that lay ahead. One thing was clear, the boys were looking forward to getting involved in the huge range of academic, boarding and co-curricular activities that are available to them at St Peter’s. Over the first few weeks of term, I was delighted that Ethan Leigh-Howarth was selected as hooker for the 1st XV and although this was a new position for him, he had shown great flair in the game against the Old Peterite XV and in the opening school fixture of the season against Woodhouse Grove. He would go on to have a very successful season in the front row. Ben Hobbs had also been working hard to build on his triathlon successes from the previous year and he now had his eyes firmly set on achieving a place at the U20 World Triathlon Championships in Canada in 2020. Ben maintained a gruelling fitness programme with cycling, swimming and running

sessions filling up his mornings, evenings and weekends. He even decided that he would cycle home to Wakefield every weekend, a mere 60 miles on the back roads! Nick New returned to school in his usual motivated and organised manner and within days of returning to the House he had completed his university application form and was left waiting eagerly to see if he would be invited to interview at Cambridge. He was successful and I was absolutely delighted when he was later offered and accepted a place to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge in September 2020. Our new Third Form boys, Charlie, Desmond, Will and Richy quickly adapted to the busy and diverse life in Linton and I was pleased that they embraced the

weekly

Third

Form

House

Challenge

competition so wholeheartedly. During lunchtimes, over a six-week period they were tasked with, amongst other things, a hand eye coordination challenge, French and Spanish quizzes and a very tricky bridge building challenge. After the first Exeat, Ben Skelton began gathering the boys to start the rehearsal process for the House Singing Competition. Freddy Dorling did a great job of accompanying the singers on his guitar and it was a treat hearing Lawrence Lam playing the occasional violin solo. Sadly, as has been the story of our House singing efforts over the last few years, we missed out on the trophy once again. The Autumn term flew past and before long we were gearing up for the annual Linton House Dinner which takes place in the week before the Christmas holidays. It was wonderful having all the House

tutors, Matron and her cleaning team at the dinner

clap the victorious Grove team into the changing

and it gave us all an opportunity to appreciate the

rooms. We will reflect, rebuild and return next year

hard work they put in to keeping the boys on track,

ready to win back the trophy.

but also the work they undertake ensuring the House is spotlessly tidy and that all the boys have clean clothes to wear each day! The food at the dinner, the traditional tomato soup, roast beef followed by chocolate brownie, was outstanding, and after I had said a few words, I handed the microphone across to Yeelok and Ethan who had written the much-anticipated House Speech. They delivered a thoughtful, accurate and perceptive assessment of the boys in the House and their good humour, well-timed jokes, stories and anecdotes made it a very memorable and enjoyable evening.

On 20 March, the Government announced that all schools in the UK were to close due to the COVID19 outbreak and before we knew it A Level and GCSE exams had been cancelled and the decision was made that all the boys in Linton should return home immediately. There was a desperate rush as our overseas boys tried to organise flights but thankfully everyone managed to get out of the country safely. That was the last time I saw many of the boys in the Upper Sixth in the flesh, and it was a very unusual and premature way to say goodbye. At some point when the final COVID-19 restrictions in

Christmas came and went and before long the boys

the UK have been lifted, we will have a gathering to

were involved in a raft of new Spring related

celebrate their superb contribution to all aspects of

activities such as the Senior House Debating

day-to-day life at St Peter’s.

Competition, 1st Team Hockey, the Lower Sixth Football Tournament and of course the build-up to the House Water Polo Competition. Linton has been renowned for the strength of its Water Polo team for a number of years now and hopes were high as we all descended to the pool to watch the mighty Linton Lobsters in action. With Hobbs, Skelton, Moorhouse, Brent, and Lam all taking part, we knew the trophy, and all-round Water Polo greatness, could be ours. We progressed through the early rounds of the tournament with ease and found ourselves preparing to face an underdog side from The Grove in the final. Unfortunately, however, we did not consider the lethal cannon-like right arm of Will Charge. With his first touch of the ball, he launched a tomahawk missile which sailed past the helpless Yeelok Chan into the goal, putting

Over the next few weeks all the other boys in Linton made an impressive transition to online learning and despite being locked down all over the world, I was very pleased that they all attended our weekly House meetings and contributed to the Isolation Olympics challenges. While Linton itself was very quiet, I thoroughly enjoyed having one-to-one chats through Teams with all the boys, hearing how they had adapted to the ‘new normal’. Many boys undertook fitness challenges and I know others, including Freddy Dorling and Nick New, completed extended projects on subjects of their choice. The Fifth Form all engaged impressively with the A Level bridging courses and the Third and Fourth Formers maintained a steady work rate and made good progress with their studies.

The Grove up one nil. We fought hard to get back in

Hopefully, the next academic year will be more

the game, but midway through the second half

settled, but whatever happens, the Linton House

Charge received the ball in space again and, rising

camaraderie, spirit and loyalty burns very strongly.

like a salmon, he launched another speciality rocket

We maintain a positive outlook at all times, and will

which sailed untouched into the back of our net.

throw ourselves into all the challenges that lie ahead

The team were dumbstruck, and when the final

with enthusiasm, courage and dedication.

whistle

blew,

speechless

and

desperately

disappointed team had no choice but to graciously

Hugo Battersby, Housemaster of Linton

Queen’s As another academic year dawned it was as always exciting to see the fresh faces of the new Third Form and a Fourth Form pupil mixing in with the returning old timers from the other year groups. There is nothing that quite captures the essence of what Queen’s House is than the chatter, squeals of excitement at being reunited and general enthusiasm at exploring the new common room and bagging a prime locker and folder space! As the pupils poured through the door, they were met not only by me and Mrs Anderson, but also by Will Middleton and Ava Horner who were the newly appointed Heads of House. My sincere thanks go to them for all their efforts galvanising the pupils throughout the year and for leading by example in both the academic and co-curricular arenas. They continued to be a strong part of the House community and assisted me in organising events even after lockdown arrived and the events went virtual. In a year that no-one expected or could have predicted, I felt nothing but pride for the 76 pupils who showed resilience and good humour throughout the uncertainty. In what seems a distant memory now, things were normal from September to March and, as such, we enjoyed many school events. The Third Form all got involved with a new venture; ‘The Challenge’ - a variety of year group lunchtime activities throughout the term. Working in teams, the pupils had to solve puzzles, make models, speed stack cups and complete the marshmallow challenge. A lot of laughs were had, and it was a great way to start the year. The autumn term also saw much success for those representing the House in debating, with both the seniors and the juniors placing in second position overall in their competitions. There were some compelling and passionate arguments made and the articulate nature of our Queen’s House pupils was highly impressive. Of particular note was the willingness of Third Formers to get involved so early on - well done, Fraser Rigby, Amelia Hunt and Will Miles-Kingston for joining Fourth Former,

Thomas Johnson, to tackle debates in your first term! The senior pupils showed their wide-ranging academic knowledge (or ability to retain very obscure facts!) when they sailed their way into the Senior Challenge final, securing second place overall. The weekly teams of four came from a great group including Amanda Paul, James Hanson, Will Middleton and Guy Jenkins along with support from Lucy Falconer and George Smith in Lower Sixth. There were some committed sporting performances with Queen’s placing 3rd in House Hockey and 4th in House Badminton (with lively play and lots of laughter from Sorcha Kelly, Romilli Bennett, Holly Pears and Amanda Paul). Taking a break from the sport for a while, we all got together to learn the words for ‘Hey there Delilah’ for House Singing competition and I was, as always, moved by the enthusiasm and blind-faith that this would be our year… Sadly, once more, it was fourth place that awaited! As a House community we also delivered a Chapel that term which saw Ava and Will coordinate the younger year groups to deliver a thought-provoking service on tolerance and teamwork. The term culminated in the annual common room Christmas decoration competition which saw the Third Form victorious after adorning their room in all the available Queen’s-House-purple ornaments and tinsel! In the spring term the Lower Sixth boys got underway with very spirited play in the House Football and Basketball and the senior girls wore their purple bibs with pride for House Netball, and then lockdown happened! Despite the chaos caused across the country by the arrival of the pandemic and new lockdown measures, the pupils of Queen’s House did not let it get in the way of participating in events. As the Isolation Olympics commenced, there was a wealth of entries each week, as pupils dressed up their pets, made paper aeroplanes, stacked cards, balanced fruit to create towers and baked rainbow cakes among much more. Sincere

thanks to all who took part and made the distance no obstacle to continuing the Queen’s House community spirit and pride. My thanks go to the phenomenal group of tutors in Queen’s House for being there for the pupils throughout the year, despite the unusual circumstances. It is now time to say goodbye to the wonderful, talented and kind group of Upper Sixth you leave with our best wishes for your exciting futures that lie ahead. In September we welcome two new tutors into Queen’s - Mrs Dori Lopez and Mrs Laura Chapman. I am delighted that they join us and know they will add further strength to our wonderful pastoral team here in Queen’s

House. We have much to look forward to in September with a new intake to Third Form and brand-new Heads of House; Iris Greaney and Tudor Maude. I know they will do a fab job leading us all in whatever 2020/21 brings. Well done to everyone for navigating these uncertain times - roll on September! Sarah Mckie, House Mistress

School House The 2019/2020 academic year will go down in the history books but, fresh-faced and ready to start the new term in September, not for one second had we considered we wouldn’t even be in School House by the end of the year. Before then however, the House provided plenty of opportunity for pupils to thrive beyond the classroom and it was a privilege to watch so many pupils wear the maroon of School House with pride! With new pupils welcomed and the annual Third Form bowling trip kicking the year off, it was great to get to know the pupils through a new venture ‘The Challenge’ - a variety of year group lunchtime activities throughout the term. Working in teams, pupils had to construct bridges, complete the marshmallow challenge, and speed-stack cups amongst a variety of other quizzes and challenges. All of our new Third Form represented the House at various stages, and this was a great way to start the year. More opportunities came thick and fast - Third Formers Scarlett Ward and Lottie Roddis joined forces with Fourth Formers Rosy Jones and Jacob Hardisty as we reached the final stages of the Junior Debating competition. Meanwhile the Seniors, led by Tom Robins, reached the semi-finals of the Senior House Challenge. One of the term’s other ‘highlights’ was certainly the Inter-House singing competition and this year’s song choice (chosen by our Upper Sixth) was ‘Hot ‘n’ Cold’ by Katy Perry. With Heads of House Amelia Blackburn and Joe Johnson conducting, rehearsals went well and we felt confident going into the event itself but alas, once again, the judges did not place us in the top

three (we were clearly fourth) but this wonderful event was great at ensuring the whole House united together towards a common goal. On the sporting front, events came thick and fast. Amelia Blackburn led the Senior Girls to the bronze medal in Inter-House Badminton whilst the hockey team got off to an excellent start in the group stages, beating Hope and Rise before drawing with Queen’s. Supported ably by girls from the younger years, Lower Sixth Formers Lucy-May Robinson and Hannah Aubrey provided the firepower, as we went on to defeat Dronfield in the semi-finals, before being pipped in the final game against The Grove but there were great performances by all involved. There was still time for another silver medal, in InterHouse Volleyball, as Marion Akhurst, Megan Ford, Abi Shaw and Rachel Padgett played key roles all the way until the final. In the Easter Term, the Lower Sixth boys made their debut in House Football, where the squad were feeling confident. With Ed Fricker in goal and James Hatfield in defence, we were going to be difficult to beat. With Harvey Gration and Joshy Bennison leading the goal rush up front, we made it all the way to the final before a penalty shoot-out defeat meant we ended up with the silver medal. Our fitness was never in doubt though and this was evidenced by some superb winning performances in Inter-House CrossCountry with nearly the entire House taking part. After all that exercise it was wonderful to then replenish the calories with a magnificent House

Dinner superbly organised by Amelia and Joe and complete with maroon decorations adorning the dining room and a video of School House highlights. As we approached the end of the Easter term, the senior girls finished runners up in netball whilst the senior boys reached the final stages of basketball. Then, just as I was writing up these two highlights for our weekly House Assembly and praising the resilience of the pupils for coping with the uncertainty around them, we went into lockdown. It was therefore that in the summer term, House meetings became Zoom meetings (with fancy dress and silly digital backgrounds), tutor time became check-in on teams and yet again, School House pupils raised the bar and faced these new challenges head on. Daily exercise allowances became House 5k runs and the Inter-House spirit was kept alive by the Isolation Olympics - from keepy-ups with loo rolls to photographs of birds on a toothbrush, the spirit was kept alive with good natured fun! With exams and the usual end of year routine cancelled, Fifth and Upper Sixth Formers engaged themselves in bridging courses and we relied on technology to see the school year out and celebrated in a variety of fitting ways. We fortunately did manage to get these two year groups in for one final celebratory get together and a taste of what year group ‘bubbles’ might look like in 2020/21. My thanks go to the Upper Sixth Form and particularly to Amelia and Joe for bringing the House together in such unusual times, and of course to our excellent band of tutors: Mr Bateman, Mr Hall, Mr Smith, Mrs Todd and

Mr Taylor. Whatever the future has to throw at us, the way School House pupils coped in the face of adversity gives me plenty of confidence for everything that is to come. Well done to everyone for yet another magnificent year and roll on September! - Ben White, House Master

Temple

organise with Mrs Freeman, who kindly gave of her time to get everything set up in advance. Sadly, this

At the start of September 2019, we welcomed a new Third Form group to Temple as well as four new Lower Sixth Formers: Olivia Cleobury, Kate Pearey,

was to be our last “live” whole House event of the year and my heart goes out to the Upper Sixth for all those special occasions they missed as a group.

Tyler Robinson and Billy Watkinson. No one could

Despite the ensuing lockdown, Lottie and Flora

have predicted what was about to happen during

managed to keep the House spirit going through

their first year at St Peter’s.

their dogged determination to get the House

The new Third Formers made their mark very early on in winning the inaugural Third Form Challenge which consisted of a number of activities, testing skills such as coordination and observation. This was definitely a sign of things to come. October brought the opportunity for pupils to work together on producing a wonderful House Chapel on the Power of Music, ably led by Lottie McKelvie and Flora McDonald-Wilson, our Heads of House for the year. It got off to a wonderful start with Ava Bound’s rendition of “If I loved You” from one of my favourite

musicals

“Carousel”

and

featured

contributions from all year groups within House. Ava went on to prove that she is not only a gifted singer but also a talented filmmaker with her first entry into international film festivals, entitled “The Escort”, selected as a finalist in the Barnes Film Festival. Later in October came the annual House Singing/Shouting competition for which Temple chose the Spandau Ballet song “Gold”. It wasn’t quite Gold but a very solid Silver as Temple finished in a creditable second place. Fortunately, the Music Department was able to fit in the Senior Music Festival before the school went into lockdown and Temple were well represented not only in the competition but also amongst the winners. James Harvey won the Guitar section, Charlotte Gee won the Strings section, Rachael Green won the Woodwind section and went on to win the overall Senior Music Festival Prize. We were also so fortunate to host our House Dinner in time before COVID-19 struck. It was a lovely occasion made even more special by the lovely green and black table decorations and flowers which Lottie managed to

involved in the Isolation Olympics. Temple finished second overall behind Dronfield with notable highlights being Phoebe McKelvie’s Rainbow cake, Ellie Mercer’s House of Cards, Noah Pearey’s bird on a toothbrush, Violet Moody’s recreation of a Banksy painting, Luke Redman’s keepy-uppies and Lottie McKelvie’s rabbit disguised as Biggles in the Dress up your Pet competition. I failed desperately on the keepy-uppies, unlike Mr Matkin who managed to reach double figures. However, I did manage to get a mention in the Head Master’s assembly for my “Social Bubble and Squeak” and “Blueberry Panademic Cotta” in the “Come dine with me” challenge. We did well on the sporting front too with the Junior Boys finishing second in the 5K running challenge and the Junior Girls winning their equivalent event.

Temple’s new-

found sporting strength was also illustrated in the plank competition where Minnie Axon and Toby Mayfield were deserved winners with excellent contributions made again by Mr Matkin and Mr Parr, who also contributed to the distance challenge running an impressive 71. 8km in one week. However, the most innovative entry to any of the sporting challenges was Minnie’s 627 activities over 3 days in the 627 Challenge. The video made highly entertaining watching. Our final challenge was to take a photo of the whole House on Zoom based on a theme. At the end of what had been a uniquely difficult term, aided only by the good weather, we went for the theme of sunshine and called our photo “Sunlight at the end of the tunnel”. I have to say that I was hugely impressed by the way every single one of the Temple pupils dealt with the

situation we found ourselves in. I really enjoyed my

end of term brought the opportunity to invite the

one-to-one Teams calls with pupils, hearing how

Upper Sixth in for a day for some fun and games and

they were enjoying simple things in life, such as

a barbecue to mark the end of their time at St

playing board games, walking the dog and just being

Peter’s. However disappointing it was not to be able

able to take life at a slower pace compared to the

to have the Leavers’ Ball and Commemoration, they

hustle and bustle of school life.

can be secure in the knowledge that the Temple

However, a

common theme was how much they missed school and couldn’t wait to get back to normal, which I promised to remind them of in years to come. The

class of 2020 will never be forgotten. -

Jenny Houghton, House Mistress

The Grove If a House is a collection of people rather than one of bricks, then it will change with every new school year. The influx of fresh faces to the pupil and tutoring bodies means that every year The Grove is different. Meanwhile, there are certain characteristics which seem never to change and, while the characters which are engaged with the busy weeks and months of the year are never the same, what they enjoy, what they achieve and what they remember shows remarkable consistency. September saw the arrival of a new group of Third Form pupils whose St Peter's journey was at its very beginning. They quickly engaged with school life and were the first group to participate in the Third Form Challenge which saw them working in teams to solve problems, compete in quizzes and build models. They were extremely good at sharing the chance to be involved and, over the course of the first term, everybody took the opportunity to participate. While the Challenge was a new venture, the House willingly participated in those events which run every year. We saw a mass turnout for the Cross Country with lots of individual successes but particular highlights included a win for Freddie Brook in the junior boys’ race and for the senior girls’ team overall. In the same term, the House attempted the near impossible feat of defending the House Singing trophy and, despite a wonderful rendition of Amy Winehouse’s Valerie, we were demoted to our usual fourth place finish. Other sporting highlights this year included a win in the senior girls’ volleyball, third place in the senior boys’ football and a stirring performance in the girls’ hockey, in which we overcame School House in a tight, nail-biting final. While it seems correct to laud the victorious, we live by the mantra that the value of House competition is its capacity to engage the whole community and our teams aim at mass participation rather than maximising chances of success. Under the leadership of our senior pupils this year, this principle was lived out with authenticity and commendable consistency.

It is rather sad to think that this year will be remembered for the looming approach of the COVID-19 pandemic and, as news spread from east to west, the community readied itself for isolation. It is to the tremendous credit of all that we managed to maintain both educational progress, social contact and even co-curricular involvement during this period using hitherto wholly unfamiliar technology. Throughout lockdown, we managed to maintain a weekly House gathering with a changing theme, which varied from wearing something red to wearing hats and sunglasses. There was a Harry Potter themed meeting and even a pet show, which saw the House sitting alongside rather confused cats and dogs. Co-curricular activity continued through the Isolation Olympics and The Grove enjoyed a high level of participation in runs, baking, keepy-ups (with a loo roll) and even attempts to photograph a wild bird perched on a toothbrush. The dependably cheerful and positive approach of the House is one of life’s constants and saw us through a difficult summer term with lots of smiles and support for each other. I am particularly grateful to our team of tutors who engaged with pupils individually throughout the lockdown period and helped them to adjust to a new approach to education. The summer term always brings the sad moment of saying goodbye to people but this does give a chance to offer thanks for their contribution during their time in The Grove. Our departing Upper Sixth this year are a diverse range of very talented individuals who have contributed in so many areas; far too many to list here. From centre stage to centre court, Grovites have enriched the School this year and, while the faces have been different, there is nothing new in that. Prize Giving saw plenty of evidence of the rich contribution made by the House but each leaver should look back with pride on what she or he has achieved. In Lily Williams and George Russell, the House has enjoyed spirited and committed leadership and I hope both will have learnt about the skills needed in such positions for the next stages of their lives. This year we also said farewell to two of

our tutors. Mr Paul Cooper leaves us to take up a position in the Far East while Miss Alicia Matts, who has brought energy, enthusiasm (and whistling) to the House throughout her time as assistant, leaves us for a school in London. In offering them heartfelt thanks, I wish them both good luck and every happiness. I hope that their time at St Peter’s and

especially in The Grove, yields many happy memories. – Martin Lawrence, House Master

The Rise None of us could have imagined what lay ahead of

baking of a rainbow cake, dedicating her bake to the

us on that sunny September day at the beginning of

NHS. Moreover, the House was successful in other

the Christmas term when we sat down in traditional

challenges such as the paper aeroplane making (1st

pose to have our House photograph taken on the

place - Sophie Adeley Upper Sixth), building the

splendid Rise lawn. We relished all of our favourite

tallest house of cards (2nd place - Lauren Wood

events of the first term - the House Singing

Third Form), tallest tower made out of fruit (1st place

Competition and our rendition of Blame it on the

- Grace Dorling Fourth Form) and in the St Peter’s

Boogie, House Chapel, Mrs Figgins’ Christmas

Come

Dine

With

challenge,

Hannah

jumper party and the glamour of The Rise House

Weatherstone came 1 for the seniors with her

Dinner and party in The Rise flat.

impressive Mexican meal. As a whole House, the

In March however, after the reassuring sequence of normal Lent term events such as trials, House Cross Country and debating, St Peters’ and indeed the whole country was plunged into lockdown. Yet the sense of community that characterises our community did not dwindle, nor did the pace of life we have become used to when living and working here. Teams, Zoom and weekly House meetings online became the “new normal”. Far from being a time of isolation however, I shall always look back on lockdown as a time where The Rise pulled even closer together as a support for one another and a hub of challenge, participation and fun. The Isolation Olympics was a case in point. Our brilliant Heads of House, Sonya and Sophie ensured that as many Risites as possible got involved in the weekly activities, even though we were all separated around the world. We had many successful outcomes. Ella Faulder (Upper Sixth) achieved 2nd place in the

senior girls achieved 3rd place in sports day, and in the 6-2-7 challenge we placed 3rd overall. The Rise achieved joint first position in the merit cup, a wonderful

tribute

the

dedication

and

conscientiousness with which the girls approached their online lessons. It was indeed a fitting end to a school year which saw the girls rise to the challenges of a very tough period in their lives and emerge closer, stronger and more resilient than before. -

Dorothy and Duncan Gillies, Houseparents

The Manor The year 2019–2020 was certainly different. In

that stole the limelight in this first term, with the

September there was a new set of House Parents to

entire House cheering the trio of Henry Jameson,

navigate. The welcome and warmth that the boys of

Walter Tang and Wil Rebeiro on to a richly-

the House demonstrated certainly provided room

deserved victory: it was a Manor moment to

for optimism, with the two youngest Noy Scotts

treasure. Elsewhere, the boys were busy in CCF and

thrilled to find themselves surrounded by ‘big

the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, and Olly

brothers’! Then, in March, came lockdown. It was a

Tomalin and Tom Matthews were leading the

surreal moment, and I shall long remember the

charge in School Council. In the Arts, Wil Rebeiro

frantic scramble for our overseas community to get

played the eponymous lead in the Lower School

home and the almost shocked reaction of some

production of Hamlet, and Tom Matthews and

boarders, particularly those who knew that they

Arthur Headley were conspicuous players in the

were probably leaving school for the very last time as

major school production: The Lion, the Witch and

pupils, with A Levels and futures suddenly far from

the Wardrobe, with a host of others playing equally

certain. So much was lost in that final term – this was

important supporting roles and lending their voices

a generation who gained no proper closure through

and instruments to the concerts and carols that are

the completion of exams and the events and

so important as the Christmas Term draws to a close.

celebrations that usually follow. Happily, (although

The penultimate day of term also saw a General

not without the drama of ‘the algorithm’) things did

Election. Paddy Renwick had hosted our in-House

finally fall into place, and The Manor leavers of 2020

election, with Harry Shi taking to the stage for the

are now purposefully involved in their post- A Level

Lib Dems: clearly there was a thirst for politics in the

university courses. Happily too, the two terms that

House that couldn’t be ignored. Following the exit

separated my arrival and their sudden departure

polls on Thursday night, the bacon was sizzling and

were far from uneventful.

the coffee brewing from 3am as the results rolled in

The Christmas Term saw a huge number of boys participating in, supporting, and even winning

– there were some bleary eyes in the Minster for the Carol Service later that day!

events. No fewer than seven of our Sixth Form

One area of life in The Manor that developed

played a role in Senior House Challenge. Ultimately,

momentum over the course of this busy term was

they were to fall short, but the engagement was a

the Saturday evening events – always a food-

strong indicator of things to come. House singing

focused activity. Giacomo gave us home-made

has become a perennial beacon of the Inter-House

gnocchi and played a lead role in spinning the pizza

competitive calendar for some years now: our

dough on pizza night; Harry Shi and his team of

performance this October certainly had ‘gusto’, but

chefs showed us just how delicious authentic

just as surely lacked ‘finesse’. This is, I think, an area

Chinese food can be; and Frahal gave us a taste of

for growth once the usual rhythms of school life

East Africa. The bar was set high from the out-set,

return. Competitively, it was Junior House Debating

but our weekend boarders clearly had an appetite

Basketball too. I was equally delighted to see

for it.

participation in both Junior and Senior Music

Activities at weekends became a key focus in the Easter Term. Social events were held for both Senior and Junior boarders within Houses, and a whole school Boarders Social took place in the Memorial Hall – the ideal moment for a reprise of the House

Festivals, with Walter Tang walking away with a victory in a very competitive piano class. Meanwhile the clouds of a crisis were gathering fast, and with a week or so of term still to run, lockdown struck for the first time.

Song! One other highlight was the trip to see

This was a strange time, perhaps even more so for a

Saracens v Sale in Manchester, not to mention the

group so used to living cheek-by-jowl. We all learned

roller disco in Bradford.

what Teams and Zoom were; House events were

Sadly, this momentum was to be halted by news that was already emerging from a land far, far away as the term started again in January.

replaced by House challenges (Elliot Watson’s odds-defying stack of fruit was perhaps the standout achievement from The Manor in this period); and the House itself stood eerily empty, with only the

Despite everything, this was to be a term of

sound of ‘Keep Fit with Joe’ ringing round the

conspicuous success and fun. With Trials done, we

corridors as my family and I took our daily exercise

got things going with the delayed House Dinner, in

in the TV Room! There were, however, things to

which House Captains Benjie Wilson and Reuben

celebrate too, notably Olly Tomalin’s selection in

Carter gave us the usual edifying insight into the

the Schools Rugby Dream Team. It was not,

lesser-known workings of the House. Then it was

however, the finish that the Upper Sixth had

down to business: Dom Winn was the outstanding

imagined and for that we all felt very sad, although

performer in Cross-Country, with several of our so-

there was a dizzying array of online events to fill the

called athletes choosing to support from the side-

void left by the pandemic.

line; House Water Polo saw us fall just short in a cruel penalty shoot-out in the final; but the victories came in Lower Sixth House Football and in House

It would be foolish nonetheless to allow this to define completely the year 2019/2020. It was a year of many successes and for that every member of The Manor has my heartfelt thanks. We can only hope that the class of 2021 enjoy a less turbulent ride. -

Ed Noy-Scott, House Master

House Challenges House Sing Pupils at St Peter’s participated in our legendary

winner

House Sing in October to mark the end of half term.

such excellent and inventive ideas on the night, and

It was a wonderful day full of music, joy and

huge thanks to the organising team and Mr Wallace

laughter. Massive congratulations to the winners,

for being the chief adjudicator.

Dronfield, and well done to our runners up, Temple in second place and Hope in third.

was

judged

Clifton

House.

Congratulations to all the teams, who came up with

House Isolation Olympics Miss Mounter launched the House Isolation

The Great Egg Race The Great Egg Race made a welcome return in

Olympics on Monday 20 April to help pupils feel

March after a few years’ absence. The event was

physically distanced from school. Two challenges

organised by the School’s Engineering Society, led

were sent to each House every Monday morning and

by Paddy Renwick, Sofiya Alexandrova and Harry

each House had a week to complete the challenges,

Jones, with help from Stephen and Mr Parr. The

by submitting two entries from each House. The

Great Egg Race is an Inter-House STEM challenge

weird and wonderful challenges included Bake a

aimed at all year groups. This year, pupils had to

Rainbow Cake, the Paper Aeroplane Challenge,

devise a method of moving an egg along the

Pets in Fancy Dress, Toilet Roll Keepie Uppie,

maximum distance achievable within a two-minute

You’ve Been Re-framed, Reverse Home Clothes

time period. They were constrained by time,

Day and Haiku Poetry.

dimensions and the equipment had to be 100% recyclable. Along with teams from all Houses, the staff also submitted a team. The pupils demonstrated their resourcefulness by developing highly innovative solutions, especially given the open-ended nature of the challenge. A special mention goes to Wentworth House with two teams of junior boarders who certainly held their own against the older pupils from St Peter’s. The event was judged by the Engineering Society committee and Mr Wallace, a retired DT teacher who organised the Great Egg Race for many years during his time at St Peter’s School. The eventual

connected with their Houses despite being

Congratulations to all the pupils who took part and well done to Dronfield who were awarded first place, Temple in second place and School House in third place. 5k House Challenge Wednesday 29 April should have been Sports Day at

St Peter’s. To mark the occasion, Mr Williams organised the 5k House Challenge, encouraging staff and pupils to embark on a 5km run from their homes. Over 20 staff and 103 pupils participated in the 5k Challenge, battling through inclement weather to submit their times. The heavy rain couldn’t dampen their spirits and some excellent

times were recorded. The overall House Results saw a joint victory for the girls in Dronfield and The Grove, and The Grove also took first place for the boys. 627 House Challenge To keep our pupils healthy and active at home, the

Sports Department organised several House Challenges in the summer including the 627 Challenge. Inspired by our foundation year 627AD, the challenge was to create and complete a physical challenge using the digits #627. We were delighted by the creative entries and the pupils worked independently to interpret the challenge

and

adapt

their

specific

fitness

requirements to the task. Results were awarded for participation, distances covered and originality. The House results, based on participation, saw Dronfield win first place followed by Rise in second place and Temple in third place. Special mentions go to the following pupils:

James – ran 62 miles over 7 days, completing the furthest distance covered including a half marathon on the last day! Madison – completed 7 exercises in 62 seconds in 7 different shirts Ben – ran 26.7Km and 76.2Km mountain bike in 7 days Mollie – 62 somersaults on her trampoline in 7 days wearing her school blazer Minnie – completed 267 different activities in 3 days, including pulling a land rover, swimming in a pond, gymnastics, cheese rolling, caber tossing, axe throwing, cross country skiing, woodland pole vault and even the luge

Academic Life

Business and Economics Following on from some of the department’s best-

A bumper edition of the department magazine,

ever A Level results, pupils have been busy both in

Peternomics, was produced at the start of the year,

and out of the classroom in the field of economics

alongside record entries for the Royal Economic

and business.

Society essay competitions, whilst, as always, Peterites that see themselves as financial investors, saw some fantastic returns in the national stocks and shares investor challenge.

Design and Technology We would like to congratulate individual pupils and

Special mentions go to Third Former Maggie, who

staff from the Design and Technology Department

was shortlisted for the international Design

for their achievements this year.

competition ‘Fountain of Hygiene’ launched

Third and Fourth Form teams performed exceptionally well at the York Rotary Technology Tournament. Pupils Will Browne, Will Bettison, Zoe Greenwood and Maggie Hutchings represented the Third Form, taking second place at Foundation Level with Fourth Form students Thomas Johnson, Lucas Winn and Alex Wood taking second place at the Intermediate level of the competition. They competed against 27 other school teams from North Yorkshire, with both teams placing second in what was a hotly contested unseen challenge to design and make a weight powered vehicle to travel up an incline.

by Bompas & Parr and the London Design Museum, and to Mr Cooper, who has manufactured over 600 visors for health professionals in York and the surrounding area. The visors were produced in the Design & Technology classrooms at school, with support from colleagues including Mrs Staniforth.

English

6 December – Mrs Todd and the Keystone team

What a year it has been for the English Department!

4 March – Upper Sixth travel to London to watch

Despite a pandemic hitting halfway through the year, this did not stop the enthusiasm of pupils and teachers of English as the below timeline so clearly highlights! Thank you to all involved as I am so proud of all we achieved in (and to quote Dickens) the best of times and the worst of times! #STPTogether 10 September – English, Drama. Boarders trip to see

Wise Children’s ‘Malory Towers’ at the Theatre Royal, York 24 September – Visiting Author – Alexandra

Sheppard, author of ‘Oh My Gods’ came to speak and to give a creative writing masterclass to pupils.

launch this year’s Keystone. Stef Smith’s ‘Nora’ based on Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’ 23 March – Remote Learning begins… 27 March – We launch the English Department’s ’50

things to do before you’re 18 ¾’ – To take pupils in lockdown into the Easter holidays with lots of activities, competitions etc to keep them occupied. 2 April – Our first of many ‘Theatre Nights’ is

launched – we met weekly to watch National Theatre live screenings via Teams as a group of staff and Sixth Form. Over the next 12 weeks we watched ‘One Man, Two Guv’nors’, ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘Frankenstein’, ‘Antony & Cleopatra’,

1 October – Upper Sixth Trip to the National

‘Barber Shop Chronicles’, ‘A Streetcar Named

Theatre to see an adaptation of Ibsen’s ‘Peter Gynt’

Desire’, ‘Coriolanus’, ‘The Madness of George III’

8 October – Lower Sixth trip to Whitby –

Dracula/Ghost tour with Dr Crank 14 October – Annual Booker Prize debate. This

ever-popular event saw pupils in the Upper Sixth Form shadow a ‘teacher choice shortlist’ made from the 12 nominated texts on the Booker Prize Longlist for 2019. This was a wonderful evening with all pupils arguing so passionately and eloquently for their overall winner – which this year saw Max Porter’s ‘Lanny’ crowned The STP Booker Prize Winner (The actual winner that year was the shock double award for Atwood’s ‘The Testaments’ and Evaristo’s brilliant ‘Girl, Woman, Other’.) 1

December – Simon Armitage at Queen

Ethelburga’s with English Literature pupils and Academic Scholars.

and finally ‘A Midsummer Nights’ Dream’ 20 April – 13 June – Fifth Form English Bridging

course. We introduced pupils to A Level study and gave them a taster of what English Literature A Level classes would be like: to teach them how to research independently, write critically and how to interpret texts in a mature and comprehensive way. Above all, we hoped that they would move away from the rigours of GCSE study and start to approach texts and ideas with independence and creativity. And we really hoped that enjoyment and interest was at the heart of everything we did this term (and beyond, into the A Level itself.) Pupils studied a range from the English Literary canon from Anglo Saxon texts to war poetry, modern novels and comic plays.

19 June – Lower Sixth Remote Residential – The real

22 June – We launched our Mini Literature Festival

residential trip is taken at the end of this term where

alongside the Library. The theme of ‘Community’

the Lower Sixth usually travel to London, stay for 2

inspired a whole school festival where virtual

nights and see as many plays as we can! Instead we

activities were hosted such as an escape room,

did this virtually but still managed to cram an awful

creative writing activities, Top 100 reads and

lot in! We all joined together online over four days

finishing with a whole school video celebrating ‘St

(also with the current Upper Sixth) to watch Gupta’s

Peter’s Together’ which saw current pupils, OPs and

version of Ibsen’s ‘A Doll’s House’, National Theatre

staff come together to create a collection of

Live’s ‘Small Island’, a virtual trip around the

readings of poems about community because, as

National Gallery alongside a lecture on Joseph

John Donne himself said: ‘No man is an island’ and

Wright of Derby’s ‘An Experiment on the Bird in the

we all value and appreciate the work and support of

Air Pump’, a virtual trip around The Globe Theatre,

our amazing St Peter’s community.

a group-watch of Ibsen’s ‘Hedda Gabler’ and ending with the raucous ‘One Man, Two Guv’nors’ starring James Corden.

Maths Senior Mathematics Challenge This challenge encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using mathematical techniques. In November twenty eight St Peter’s Sixth Form pupils took part, six received Bronze Awards, seven gained Silver, and Gold Certificates were awarded to James Hanson, Katie Bonner, Matthew Shawcross, George Russell, Ben Hobbs, Nick New, Xiang Zhang, Alex Xiong, Richard Ji, Kevin Xu and Kingsley Luo. Alex’s score of 120/130 was particularly impressive. Senior British Mathematical Olympiad and Kangaroo Each of the pupils awarded a Gold Certificate in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge achieved sufficiently high marks to be invited to take part in a higher round of the competition. Xiang Zhang and Alex Xiong sat the very demanding 3½ hour Olympiad paper in which Alex achieved a merit and the others took part in the Senior Kangaroo with Richard Ji being awarded a merit. Junior Team Challenge In March, Chihiro Iizuka and Richy Wang along with Harry Hughes and Alice Braim from St Peter’s 8-13, competed in the Regional Final of the UKMT Team Challenge, at the Mount School, against 15 other teams. There was a group competition, a crossnumber, a head-to-head and a relay race. They worked very hard during the day on these activities and finished 4th overall.

Intermediate Mathematics Challenge This challenge is targeted at the top third of pupils in English Schools. The question papers are designed to make pupils think by using mathematical techniques to solve non-standard problems. In February, 63 St Peter’s middle school pupils took part, with 13 pupils achieving a Gold Certificate, 19 Silver and 13 Bronze. Intermediate British Mathematical Olympiad and Kangaroo Keonhee Jang, Linfeng Li and Hugo Lange were invited to sit the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Intermediate Maths Olympiad following their outstanding performance on the Intermediate Maths Challenge. This is a national competition and only the best mathematicians can cope with the very challenging questions. They performed very well indeed with Hugo being awarded a merit and both Keonhee and Linfeng achieving distinctions.

Due to their excellent performance in the Maths Challenge, Chihiro Iizuka, Jack MacNeill, Will Munns, Martha Dunsmore, Henry Ja, Thomas Johnson, Jack Raper, Thomas Tsang, Ben Finch, Kailun Shen and Monica Wu were invited to sit the European Kangaroo paper. The questions involved thought-provoking situations requiring the use of logic as well as mathematical understanding and pupils from over forty countries in Europe and beyond usually take part. Chihiro, Ben and Thomas all achieved merits.

Y =MX + C Chihiro Iizuka and Richy Wang took part in the York Mathematical Excellence Club (St Peter’s=mx+c), which is a partnership between York ISSP and The University of York. Aimed at able and interested mathematicians from year 8 and 9, it provides enrichment opportunities for pupils to work in groups. Each team comprises pupils from different schools, working together with a University of York undergraduate coach. Until lockdown, the meetings took place each half term at the University of York.

Mathematics Trust Senior Mathematics Challenge Congratulations to Alex Xiong for his outstanding

performance in the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust Senior Mathematics Challenge in November, as he scored a remarkable 120 marks out of a possible 130. He (along with Xiang Zhang) was then invited to sit the 3.5 hour British Mathematical Olympiad Paper on which he achieved a merit.

Modern Foreign Languages It has been a notable year for the Modern Foreign

Millman and Rohan Choudhury. Ollie, who is

Languages Department, with a vast number of

studying Molecular Biology with Spanish at

super-curricular opportunities offered to and

Manchester University is currently on work

engaged with by our pupils. The most noteworthy of

placement in Barcelona and carrying out a project to

this is the Northern round of the MFL Debating

find a therapy to stop excessive weight loss in cancer

Competition, which we hosted, but we have also had

patients. Rohan is in his final year at UCL University

the highest number of pupils ever submitting and

studying Modern Languages. He too spent a year

receiving prizes in university outreach activities such

abroad in Valencia and Paris. Operating rather like

as essay competitions.

the popular duo Ant and Dec, their energy, cheek

Subject-specific highlights: German:

Daisy Gilbert’s highly commended entry for

and enthusiasm was infectious. Pupils and teachers alike then took to the dancefloor in the Memorial Hall, as Tiempo España

Lancaster University Modern Languages Essay Prize

led the group through the basics of Cuban salsa

French:

showcase their new moves.

Professor Thomas Wynn from Durham University

dancing, before the pupils took the chance to

leading a full day literature workshop for French Pre-

The evening concluded with yet more food, this

U pupils on their set text

time a wide array of tapas, tortilla, chorizo,

Spanish:

The cultural evening with a Salsa dancing lesson and tapas for the Fourth Form – the very last event St Peter’s hosted before lockdown Spanish Cultural Evening Fourth Form pupils immersed themselves in the

Spanish way of life with an evening of talks, salsa

aceitunas, jamón serrano and queso Manchego con dulce de membrillo (quince paste), patatas asadas con pesto, salsas, boquerones fritos (whitebait), and pimientos del piquillo (red mini peppers). It was a fun and educational evening and a muchneeded breather at a challenging time. Our pupils were superbly behaved and quick to wash and

dancing and continental cuisine.

sanitise hands at regular intervals. I’d like to thank

The Catering Department prepared some authentic

such a success, staff, past and present pupils, the

churros and chocolate, which pupils tucked into while hearing a talk from former pupils Ollie

everybody who contributed to making the evening catering department and Ben and Aimi from Tiempo España. İHasta el próximo año!

Politics

Following

lunchtime

hustings,

campaigning

General Election Fever, December 2019 News of an impending, pre-Christmas General

culminated in a whole school ‘Question Time’

Election came through in half-term. On our return

questions submitted to our own David Dimbleby -

to school enthusiastic, would be candidates

Debating Society President, Patrick Renwick. As a

submitted their details and a slate of contestants for

result, a buzz developed around the Yorkshire Party

each party, with representatives from across the

candidate, James Connolly, whose message had not

school, was put together.

been as widely heard on the national media as the

Party

Conservativ e

Green

during Assembly, with the lead candidates taking

other parties.

Lead Candidate Sixth Form

Running Mate Candidate

James Hatfield School LVI

Rory Lange The Grove V

Lottie Roddis School III

Houses plus the Staff as well as the votes being

Mitch Moisley Clifton IV Will Charge The Grove LVI

Labour both won a constituency each. In second

Phoebe Frank Dronfield LVI

Labour

Rupert Walker School LVI

Liberal Democrat

Harry Shi The Manor LVI

The Brexit Party

Dan Phillips Clifton LVI

The Yorkshire Party

James Connolly Queens UVI

Olivia Adeleke Queens LVI Fraser Rigby Queens III Will MilesKingston Queens III Walter Tang The Manor V

On General Election Day, Thursday 12 December, students and staff voted in constituencies – the ten totaled up across the school by Returning Officer Paddy Renwick and Mr Fuller. The Green Party and place was the Conservative Party, which won three constituencies. Putting on a late surge to win the overall vote and five constituencies was James and the Yorkshire Party. It was good to see that our students were very

Mackenzie Conroy Clifton III

engaged in the election, with high turnout and impressively

articulate

and

well-informed

candidates, who made their party’s case well. Perhaps some political careers will develop from this campaign to join the Old Peterites we’re already proud to see sitting in the House of Commons. Ben Fuller, Head of Politics

Science Biology

This year has been a strange one to say the least. We squashed in our trip to Malham near the start of our academic year and as is normal.... it rained and rained. Though, with echoes of our current climate, our pupils demonstrated a good dash of the qualities that encapsulate being a Peterite; the Upper Sixth were stoic, genial and as attested by a ‘pub quiz’ (no pub though to be clear) deeply competitive. The final day rewarded them for their perseverance and optimism, with a blistering blue sky that rapidly resigned the squall and rain to a mere memory. Chemistry

In January, St Peter’s entered its first team for the Royal Society of Chemistry ‘Top of the Bench’ competition. Charlotte, Jamie, James and Freddie worked brilliantly as a team to win the Central Yorkshire heat and were invited to the National Final in London. It is a real shame that this could not take place because of lockdown, but these pupils deserve every congratulation for having already represented the School and Department superbly. Physics St Peter’s pupils took part in the British Physics Olympiad (BPhO) challenges this year, which are set by Oxford University.

The Upper Sixth took part in the Senior Challenge, Round 1. Very creditable scores were achieved by the pupils in this competition. A special mention goes to Amelie Lam for her Silver award, Katie Bonner for Bronze I, Maddie Wylie, Amanda Paul and George Russell achieving Bronze II. The Lower Sixth had stunning success in their competition, with several achieving gold awards, which represents a performance in the top 6% of the entrants nationally for the Lower Sixth competition. This is an outstanding achievement given the quality of the entrants who select to take part in the competitions in the first place. In the Lower Sixth the following pupils achieved gold: Tommy Hudson, Kevin Xu and Xiang Zhang. Golds in the Fourth Form competition ranked pupils in the top 13% of entrants and represent a magnificent achievement for the pupils. Gold awards were achieved by the following pupils: Martha Dunsmore, Charlie Hughes, Henry Jameson, Keonhee Jang, Thomas Johnson, Oisin Papadopoulos and Lara Webster. Very well done to these pupils and everyone else who took part.

Cambridge Senior Physics Challenge Summer School Kevin Xu, of the Lower Sixth, won a place on the prestigious Cambridge Senior Physics Challenge Summer School this year. The Senior Physics Challenge is for year 12 pupils at school / college in the UK. It has run for several years at the University of Cambridge and has now been incorporated into the online learning platform Isaac Physics.

Kevin won his place on the summer school in recognition of his commitment and ability in problem-solving on Isaac Physics. To secure his place, Kevin set himself the target of answering around 1,000 incredibly challenging physics questions online, which he has completed over the last 12 months. With only 30-40 places available on the summer school each year, Kevin has proved himself to be one of the best young physicists in the country. During the summer school, Kevin took part in workshops on advanced problem solving in Quantum Mechanics, and a series of online lectures, with the opportunity to meet with fellow participants. Kevin said: “I have enjoyed the challenging problemsolving in Isaac Physics this academic year. The practice has helped me to consolidate my A Level concepts and has given me a glimpse into the first year of the Physics course at Cambridge University...” We are extremely proud of Kevin’s achievements. He is a superb physicist who has worked incredibly hard to gain a place on the summer school. Science Society Christmas Lecture 2021: Lights, Camera, Action This year, St Peter’s Science teachers took a journey of discovery around anything and everything

connected to the movies. The Chemistry Department started the show, beginning with the origin of light and colour. Linking the oxidation states of Vanadium to their coloured solutions, Mr Smith and Mr Husband made multi-coloured baubles for their Christmas chemis-tree, as well as producing some mesmerising multi-coloured flames. The Physics Department explained about the science behind how we perceive colour and this was linked to the advent of Technicolor in the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. Mr Cannon re-enacted the Pepper’s ghost illusion, as well as levitation and invisibility, before explaining that they can all be achieved by physics, of course. Biology and physics combined to uncover some good, bad and ugly science, as depicted in some of the department’s favourite movies. Laser beams, lightsabres, dinosaurs, Godzilla and mutated sharks, were all under the microscope in this section. Although in the main, the lecture concentrated on the visual experience, Mr Bateman finished the event with a quiz to honour the art of the Foley Artists, who produce sound-effects in movies. Colleagues in the Science Department spent the whole term developing the Christmas lecture. At the end of a busy term, with enormous input from the science technicians’ team, the final show was brought together with great skill and professionalism. Huge thanks and congratulations to all our dedicated science colleagues for putting on a terrific show this year. Many thanks also go to the pupils who assisted with various demonstrations and the visiting public, who came to the Tuesday show at St Peter’s, to support the event and enjoy an evening of science.

Religious Studies and Philosophy The main highlight for the Religious Studies and

He came again the following morning to talk with

Philosophy Department was the return visit of

Upper and Lower Sixth pupils who study Theology

Professor Keith Ward to the school in October. The

and Philosophy. Mr Bembridge said “Professor

impact of having one of the world’s top Idealist

Keith Ward is the world’s leading Idealist

Philosophers offering a Public Lecture, and to give a

philosopher. Pupils had an amazing opportunity to

morning of seminars to our Sixth Form Philosophy

listen to him talking about John Polkinghorne and

and Ethics set, has helped increase the numbers of

John Hick. In fact, most of the modern philosophers

pupils going on to read a related subject at

who are mentioned on their Sixth Form syllabus

university.

were ones that he knew personally and about whom

We welcomed back renowned theologian Professor

he could offer first-hand insight.”

Keith Ward to our public lectures to explore the

Pupils also had a rare opportunity to ask the

topic of the Cosmic Christ and whether we should

philosopher a wide range of questions on topics of

send missionaries to the stars. Professor Ward

their choice to help them with their studies. It was

analysed theistic belief in a scientific context,

especially pertinent for those choosing to take the

demonstrating the necessity of cosmology to

subject further at university as they were able to

theological thinking that is often overly myopic and

reference their questions to Professor Ward in their

anthropomorphic.

personal statements.

Sixth Form Complementary Studies Broadening horizons in the Sixth Form General Programme Lessons In line with the Head Master’s ambitions for the

BBC and more recently wrote the novel McMafia, a

Sixth Form, the former Global Perspectives lessons

War to the current day, also looking at the problems

were reimagined with a focus on UCAS applications and interview skills, personal finance and cookery. The new programme gave Lower Sixth pupils much more time to begin thinking about their UCAS choices and personal statement well in advance of the formal application process. It was ably led by our Careers & HE Team, Joy Loftus and Kaeli Wishart. Carolyn Hodgson returned to lead small group interview skills training sessions and to help our students practise. For many the highlight was the three weeks of

recent BBC drama hit. Misha took us through the span of European history from the end of the Cold of organized crime and cybercrime which have thrived on instability. In March, Martin S Taylor returned with his ever popular interactive session on hypnotism without hypnosis - and the power of suggestibility. Many of the Sixth From enthusiastically joined in his demonstrations as he convinced them that the water they were tasting was vodka and that an elephant was entering the Memorial Hall and needed to be beaten off with umbrellas!

cookery, planned and led by experienced cookery

Lunchtime Guest Speakers We enjoyed hearing from a range of people in public

tutor Fiona McBeath assisted by Angela Bentley.

life who joined Sixth Formers for lunch in the

Each student prepared and enjoyed three different

Memorial Hall and took questions.

menus which could be easily and economically cooked as a student or young professional, taking home a recipe folder. Chorizo & Lemon Risotto and Tiramisu were favourites, with reports coming in from delighted parents enjoying their sons and daughters recreating the meals at home! This was the most extensive and professional series of

In September, Shadow Cabinet member and leader of the Labour Group in the European Parliament, Richard Corbett MEP, brought an insider’s take on the Brexit process in the middle of one of the most tumultuous periods in British politics in modern history.

cookery lessons included in the timetable for many

We enjoyed a Brexit Day lunch with Conservative

years and I hope it can be built on in the future.

candidate and activist Sue Pascoe on Friday 31st

Sixth Form Lectures In October acclaimed journalist and writer, Misha

Glenny gave one of our occasional Sixth Form Lectures. Misha made his name covering the collapse of Yugoslavia and the Balkan Wars for the

January 2020. Sue enjoyed a long and successful career in accountancy and business, has been a Conservative candidate and is a diversity champion having herself gone through transition to become her true self. A really interesting lunchtime,

politically and socially with someone who has

unconsciously, at times of danger, particularly when

experienced and achieved so much.

telling untruths. Micro-expressions are unconscious,

Appropriately, the final event in this series, which has run for the last ten years, was a visit in March

facial signs which last for less than half a second but to the close observer can give someone away.

from a young OP, David Heaton, whose first

In October Piyush spoke to us about Health

campaigning experience was standing in a St Peter’s

Literacy, an area of increasing national focus and its

mock election and is now a City of York Labour

importance to the NHS. Poor health literacy wastes

councillor. He told us about his own work and the

NHS resources and costs people in poorer health

then current Labour leadership race to replace

outcomes and life expectancy. However, Piyush was

Jeremy Corbyn. Thank you to all our speakers over

optimistic explaining how health literacy is being

the years, our fabulous catering team who have fed

improved.

us so well and all the staff and students who have attended.

pupils and me to put on these programmes and

STP Sixth Form Speaks Will Clarke spoke in September on 'Micro

Expressions and Body Language', explaining how the

human

Thank you to so many people who have helped the

body

reacts,

consciously

and

events over the last ten years. -

Ben Fuller, Head of Sixth Form Complementary Studies

Academic Extension St Peter’s Challenge: Senior Competition The Christmas term saw the welcome return of the

arguments for the biggest breakthrough in

ever-popular St Peter’s Challenge competition. Each

and pupils from across the city, the day was an

week, pairs of Houses competed against each other,

opportunity to celebrate education in York and

answering an array of general knowledge questions.

foster new friendships and viewpoints.

The entire competition saw great House spirit and many impressive displays of knowledge and quick buzzer skills.

mankind’s history. By bringing together teachers

We also welcomed over 100 year 9 and 10 pupils to St Peter’s School on Saturday 7 March for the annual ISSP Masterclasses. This year the big question was

The final of the Inter-House Senior Challenge was

‘What is Beauty?’ Inspiring and exciting classes in

contested by the two exceptionally able teams from

Art, Art History, Philosophy, Classics, Psychology,

Clifton and Queen’s. The two teams provided a nail-

History and Chemistry encouraged pupils to tackle

biting match, in which Clifton prevailed as

this topic through a myriad of tasks, mediums and

champions once again.

questions.

Enormous thanks must go to all the staff who give

Staff at St Peter’s moved their teaching online

up a great deal of their time to help with the

during the summer to ensure that their GCSE

Challenge competition.

courses could continue for pupils across York.

York Independent State Schools Partnership (ISSP)

In November we hosted a special York ISSP breakthrough event, attended by over 130 pupils and staff from our ISSP partner schools across York. Teachers competed for Year 7 pupils’ votes as they put forward compelling, and sometimes comical

Classes in GCSE Latin and Astronomy continued meeting after school each week and the pupils completed a series of online assessments to gain themselves the GCSE qualifications. An impressive show

commitment

and

resilience

was

demonstrated by the pupils to complete the course.

Our pupils have been taking advantage of the online

in a row. We travelled to Ripon Grammar for the

events from the Partnership too. The Year 7 and 8

Regional competition, which saw both of our teams

lectures featured a range of topics including science

progress into the final where a tightly fought (and

and religion, archaeology and criminology.

highly competitive match) saw the B team beat our

Andy Parr, a Physics Teacher at St Peter’s, gave a lecture on Dark Matter to over 100 year 7 and 8 pupils from across the city. Finally, the Maths Excellence Club for pupils in Year 8-9 met online each half term. Visit yorkissp.org to find out more about the partnership.

A team! Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we could not play in the inter-regional final, but we look forward to playing again next year. Challenge: Staff versus Monitors The end of term brought with it the entertainment

that is the Staff v Monitors match. The Monitors put up a very strong fight, but they were defeated by the staff ‘dream team’ of Miss Matts, Mr Taylor, Dr

National Schools Challenge The school were crowned regional champions in the

Boddy and Mr Walker. Thank you to all involved -

Schools’ Challenge competition for the fourth year

questions

and a special thanks to Mr Lawrence for writing the

Co-Curricular Life

Girls’ Hockey 1st XI The 1st XI squad worked hard through pre-season

performance for the full 60 minutes. This is exactly

and quickly gelled as a squad. It was fantastic to see

played us on a day when, despite us missing a few

the side find its identity as an attack-minded team,

regular 1st XI players, everything clicked. The 1st XI

that proactively pressed high up the pitch during the

transferred the ball at pace, attacked space with

Rugby School Pre-Season Tournament. The pre-

intent and played with passion. In front of goal we

season programme culminated in a competitive and

were ruthless, which all resulted in an 11-0 win. Next

attractive game of hockey against a strong OP side,

up was a trip to Sale Grammar School in the National

which the 1 XI won 3-1. The high press was a strong characteristic of our game all season, enabling the team to turn the ball over high up the pitch and play most of its hockey on the front foot with the defenders supporting the attacks. This combined with high intensity work rate

what happened to an unlucky Ampleforth team who

Cup. It was nice playing a team who we knew very little about, but who did have numerous club players and a few National League players. Despite a nervous start, our high press once again paid dividends and we progressed through to the last 32 of the cup with an excellent 7-0 win.

and quality on the ball resulted in the 1st XI winning

Our 8-match winning streak and prowess in front of

their first 8 games of the season and scoring a good

goal came to an end against a strong RGS Newcastle

quantity of goals.

side (who ended up finishing runner-up in the

The 3-1 win against the OP team was followed up by a convincing 5-1 victory against GSAL, a 3-2 win against Hill House (a more convincing win than the score line suggests) and an entertaining 5-1 victory against a determined Barnard Castle side. These victories gave the team lots of confidence and our goal scoring form continued in our National Cup first round match against Giggleswick. Our best hockey of the season so far saw us score some beautifully worked goals, where the forward five players made some excellent connections, and secured progress into round 2 with a 7-2 win. A solid 3-1 win against a resolute Hymers team continued to build our self-belief and momentum. It was clear that the girls were enjoying their hockey and that they were very close to putting in a dazzling

National Cup) in a 0-1 defeat. The 1st XI played excellent hockey against RGS, we defended well and distributed with confidence, creating a large number of chances. However, an inspirational performance from the RGS goalkeeper and wayward finishing cost us. We bounced back in the next game with a 20 win against Ripon Grammar School, before losing another tight game against Sedbergh 0-1. The game against Sedbergh was a great advert for school girl hockey in the North. The two sides were evenly matched, and the game was predominantly played in the midfield with both sides being well-organised and chances being very few. A draw would have been a fair result, but the girls can be proud of going toe to toe against a strong Sedbergh team. This narrow defeat by Sedbergh was followed with another

high-quality

game

against

Kirkham

Grammar School in the National Cup. Despite the 1st XI dominating possession, it took a late equaliser from a superb short corner strike from Hannah Aubrey to take the game to the lottery of penalty strokes. Unfortunately, we lost 5-4 on penalty strokes, the cruellest way to go out, but the girls should be proud of a strong showing in the National Cup and one which we can build on in future years. The 1st XI bounced back from those two narrow defeats with a comfortable 4-0 win over Yarm School. The final game of the season against a wellorganised and efficient Pocklington team was our only disappointing performance of the season. The girls were desperate to finish the season with a win, but we looked tired after a long and successful season and our passing game just didn’t click. The end result was a disappointing 2-5 loss that did not reflect the work rate of the girls. Overall it was a hugely enjoyable and exciting season which saw the girls grow in confidence and develop their understanding of the game of hockey. Thank you to the parents who supported home and away, to Mr Hardy for his quality coaching and his constant cheery and positive mind-set, and most importantly thank you to all the girls who represented the 1st XI which such passion, pride and intensity. The team was well led by Amelia Blackburn who was our driving force in midfield; she was also well backed up by the other Upper Sixth girls who helped create a positive and energetic atmosphere that was welcoming for the younger players in the squad and myself as a new member of staff. I wish

Results: OP Won 3-1 GSAL Won 5-1 Hill House Won 3-2 Barnard Castle Won 5-1 Giggleswick (Nat Cup) Won 7-2 Hymers Won 3-1 Ampleforth Won 11-0 Sale Grammar (Nat Cup) Won 7-0 RGS Newcastle Lost 0-1 Ripon Grammar Won 2-0 Sedbergh Lost 0-1 Kirkham Grammar Lost 1-1 (4-5 aps) Yarm Won 4-0 Pocklington Lost 2-5 Players who regularly represented the 1st XI: H Aubrey, A Blackburn (Captain), C Calvert, P Courtis, O Hedley, S King, M Lindley, S Maude, J Nixon, S O’Callaghan, R Padgett, H Pears, LM Robinson, E Watkins, N Watkins, M Wylie. 2nd XI Hockey The 2nd XI were such a positive and energetic group

who were a pleasure to coach. The team were a good mix of experience and youth, and they were a wellorganised team that defended with resilience, only conceding 4 goals all season. They had a very successful season only losing one game, and tactically they mirrored the 1st XI with an aggressive high press. It was also pleasing to see many of the 2nd XI be called up to the 1st XI and do a sterling job

our leavers all the best for the future and look

in our top team.

forward to hearing about their future hockey

The 2nd XI season started well with a comprehensive

exploits and seeing them grace the Hubbard pitch again at future OP matches.

5-0 victory against GSAL. This was followed by

another dominant performance against Barnard

enjoy the last five minutes of the games being frantic

Castle. The girls applied the high press superbly and

affairs!

the forward line’s energy forced the Barnard Castle defenders into passing errors. Our defenders used the ball well and set up a solid attacking foundation for the team which all resulted in a 4-1 victory.

As a group of girls, it was pleasing to see them come together as a team and for them to throw themselves into understanding the tactical side of the game. They always trained with intensity but with a smile

The only loss of the season came against

on their faces and lots of laughter. A special thank

Ampleforth. With a couple of key players promoted

you to the Upper Sixth girls for being such positive

to the 1 XI due to injuries and other commitments,

role models, and for the outstanding and mature

the team was a little less settled than it had been in

leadership that Katie, Lily and Georgia gave to the

previous matches. Despite this the team put in a

squad.

gritty performance against a strong Ampleforth side and both teams represented their schools with real passion with no backward step taken. One goal was all that separated the teams and unfortunately it was Ampleforth who scored very late in the game to take the victory. After this loss the girls put together a string of excellent results and went unbeaten for the rest of the season. This was based on mature and structured performances where the defenders really shone and stamped their authority on the games. Excellent 2-0 wins against RGS Newcastle and Ripon Grammar were followed up by two impressive performances st

against 1 XI teams. In both the games against Scarborough and Silcoates, the midfield and defence did a fantastic tactical job of denying their best players space and time on the ball. The consistently outstanding defending and leadership from Katie Bonner and Georgia Chamberlain kept the team structured and helped keep goal scoring opportunities for Scarborough and Silcoates to a minimum. The excellent end results of a 0-0 draw against Scarborough 1st XI and a 2-1 win against Silcoates 1st XI depicted the quality and depth of talent in the hockey programme. The final two games of the season against Yarm and Pocklington were close affairs with the 2nd XI wining 1-0 and 2-1 respectively. Both games should have been won by larger margins; however, the girls finished their season full of energy and seemed to

2nd XI Results: GSAL Won 5-0 Barnard Castle Won 4-1 Ampleforth Lost 0-1 RGS Newcastle Won 2-0 Ripon Grammar Won 2-0 Scarborough 1st XI Drew 0-0 Silcoates 1st Xi Won 2-1 Yarm Won 1-0 Pocklington Won 2-1 Girls who regularly represented the 2nd XI: A Amsden, S Aston, O Bone, S Bone, K Bonner (Captain), G Chamberlain, A Coleman, J Davis, P Dodsworth, E Gillies, L Grace-Gath, O Hedley, R Johnson, J Leon, F McDunlad-Wilson, A Norza, E Rastrick, L Williams, F Wilson 3rd XI The 2019 season proved to be an exciting season for

the 3rd XI. The aim of the season was to develop not only the skill set of the girls, but to promote a solid team approach by building upon the same principles as the 1st XI. The girls trained exceptionally well, transforming this focus into their game play week in week out. A specific focus was on positioning and movement of the ball around the pitch, while confidently utilising the full width, depth and height when attacking and defending. The third team played a number of

second teams this season which provided a great sense of competition and challenge for the girls. Results perhaps didn’t always reflect performances, although a very driven end to the season lifted the side into some well-deserved success. Highlights include victories against Silcoates 2-0, Stonyhurst 2nd 6-0, and RGS Newcastle 2-0. A special highpoint was the game against Sedbergh. A real game of two halves saw both teams commit wholeheartedly to their game plan and execute this to the best of their abilities. The first half proved to be quite an even contest between both teams with the ball travelling equally fast between both shooting circles. The St Peter’s team persisted in executing their strategy by passing quickly and accurately under pressure, with players working hard for each other off the ball. The work rate and tireless effort proved successful in stealing a goal leading into half time to gain the advantage over the experienced Sedbergh side. However, a lapse in concentration following the break resulted in the opposition’s centre forward getting a powerful shot away to make it 1 - 1. The team kept battling to the final whistle showing composure and strength in midfield, while

4th XI The 4th XI Girls’ Hockey Team had a very enjoyable season resulting in two wins, two defeats and one draw. The teamwork was much in evidence both at the training sessions and at the matches, and the girls always enjoyed each other's company. They kept progressing because of this, and played with passion, a high work ethic and selflessness. The highlights of the season on the pitch were a credible and tense 1-1 draw against old rivals Sedbergh, and an excellent 4-0 victory against Durham School’s 2nd XI.

We will miss our lovely Upper Sixth leavers who have been a credit to themselves and the school throughout, and mention must also go to Miss Matts, who coached this team throughout her time at St Peter’s, but now leaves for pastures new. Her ability to ‘jolly’ everybody along both on the bus or pitch was truly inspirational, along with her outstanding knowledge of the game. Special mentions should also go to Lily and Ava who led the team with maturity and enthusiasm, and it was fantastic to see the younger players in the squad develop so quickly. Well done everybody, the squad were a pleasure to spend time with and I look forward to seeing the players develop next season. -

Mrs J. M. Whitehead

demonstrating some creative ideas from the set pieces to result in two more goals being scored for the St Peter’s side. Overall, a fine team performance to finish the game with a 3-1 victory. The 3rd team should be congratulated on their achievements across the season. The positive attributes and characteristics possessed by this young group of girls is a true indication of the success to come. Squad: P Brown (Capt.), J Davis, S Clarke, J Durham, E Race, I Greaney, I Harrison, A Norza, J Leon, M Bell, C Combe, E Matthews, P Myers, A Naish, P Steenberg, B Barker

Results: V Sedbergh 1-1 DRAW V Queen Margaret’s 16A 2-1 WIN V Durham School U18B 4-0 WIN V Pocklington 3rds 0-4 LOST V Ampleforth 0-2 LOST The Girls who represented the team: L Falconer, R Liley, C Munns, E Urwin, K Pearson, E O’Shaughnessy, L Conroy (Captain), H Thompson, K Black, A Horner (Captain), A Wilson, L Buch, R H Costin. U15A Girls It was a very encouraging season for the Under 15A

as their results got better as the season progressed

and it was pleasing to see them finish so strongly. This represented the progress the players made as the season progressed and that their hard work in training bore fruits. The U15 year group also had every player who opted for hockey represent the team, which was excellent for development and inclusion as a whole year group. The season started with a close fought game against Hill House, which either side could have won. Hill House were more clinical in the D and came away with a 2-0 win. This positive start was then backed up in a feisty match against Barnard Castle where our girls battled hard and were rewarded with a 1-1 draw. This positive result was then quickly followed by two defeats to strong Worksop (0-3) and GSAL (1-3) teams where the girls learnt a lot about retaining possession and keeping their structure. The back end of the season was where we really saw the players step up their play, come together as a group and put in more tactically astute performances. In their last six games the U15A lost only once to a very talented Yarm team. Very credible 1-1 draws against Ampleforth and RGS Newcastle preceded the loss to Yarm, and were then followed by the side winning the last three matches of the season to finish on a real high. The highlight of these victories was the 3-1 victory against Sedbergh where the team put in its most complete performance of the season. A convincing 5-0 win against Bootham was then followed up with an excellent and hard fought 2-1 victory over Pocklington. Throughout the season the girls represented the school with passion and ever-increasing skill. Their knowledge of the game improved rapidly, and crucially in the second half of the season, they started to train with more energy and intent which was reflected in the quality of the performances in the latter half of the season. I wish all the players the best of luck next season as they move into senior hockey and I know that they will enjoy the challenges that await. Players who represented the U15A:

M Ake, E Allison, R Bennett, R Bletcher, S Callister, J England, E Franey, K Hazell, R Jones, S Kelly, P McKelvie, S Moir, G Nixon, M Rycroft, A Smith, E Taylor Results: Hill House Lost 0-2 Barnard Castle Drew 1-1 Worksop College Lost 0-3 GSAL Lost 1-3 Ampleforth Drew 1-1 RGS Newcastle Drew 1-1 Yarm Lost 0-5 Sedbergh Won 3-1 Bootham Won 5-0 Pocklington Won 2-1 U14 Girls The achievement for the U14 Girls reaching the

Hockey National Finals was history-making for a junior girls’ team. Reflecting on all the results, it was clearly an excellent season for the U14 teams. Yet again many girls opted to play hockey and we were able to, on most occasions, field 2 teams. It was lovely to welcome a number of new girls to the side who offered lots of experience. The first week of training was used to prepare the girls for playing 11 a-side games, a step up from 7 a-side. The first weekend of the season saw the B team playing in a highly competitive tournament in Newcastle, which enabled them to get to grips, very quickly, with the 11 a-side formation! I was extremely impressed with the way in which all the girls adapted to playing on the full pitch, importantly they trained extremely hard and showed high levels of commitment to the sport. In total 29 fixtures were played with all those who had opted to play hockey. The B team played a number of fixtures against A teams from other schools, which enabled them to be challenged and helped in their understanding of the 11 a-side game.

The following girls represented the U14B team: S

country. A fantastic achievement for all of the girls

Ellis, M Todd, C Enoch, C King, J Field, F Sturdy, L

who were part of the squad.

Hay, H Bayston, M Axon, M Lenton-Brook, A Bounds, M Deverell, R Mackenney, Z Normanton, S Warn, C Mitchell.

Throughout the tournament, the girls played with great tenacity and commitment. Lauren in goal made a number of outstanding quality saves, as well

The U14 National School’s Championship finals The U14A team must be congratulated on their run

as expertly and confidently organising the defenders

in the Investec National School’s Competition. They

Pippa stepped in to hold the fort confidently and

progressed

highly

effectively, making some brilliant saves that kept the

competitive tournament, winning the Yorkshire and

team in the competition and rightly, gained in

North East stages comfortably. However the North

confidence along the way too. Esme and Anna at the

round proved to be a lot more challenging! As

back controlled the games at all times, bringing a

expected, all of the teams were of an equally high

balance and calmness to the team that were vital in

standard. In the semi-finals, the girls defeated

the latter stages of the GSAL game. They were ably

Sedbergh in a closely fought game, where they

supported by Mima, Ruby, Alice and Bella, who

showed real determination and grit, fighting for

worked with great dynamicity to move the ball out

every 50:50 ball, and really chasing back as a team to

of defence and feed the midfield and forward lines.

defend effectively when needed. They then played

They did a huge amount of leg work supporting the

GSAL in a nail-biting, end-to-end final which ended

attacking lines, whilst always chasing back on the

in them winning on shuffles after extra time. A

turnover too. Clementine provided vital versatility in

thrilling end to what was a physically and mentally

defence and midfield and played in numerous

demanding day for all involved! For the first time

positions throughout the competition. She never

ever, the U14 Girls Hockey team had made history

failed to impress and her ability to outlet the ball on

for the juniors by reaching the finals day of the

the left side is still second to none. Charlotte lead

National Championships.

the team with tactical experience and commitment.

smoothly

through

the

At the tier 1 National Finals the girls did themselves proud. After 5 minutes of the first match against Kingston Grammar, when the girls were taken by surprise by the pace of the game, they really rose to the challenge and played some of their best hockey of the season. They lost 2-0 to Kingston, but created some fantastic chances in the 2nd half. In their next game against Framlingham, St Peter’s were 1-0 up at half time, but after a hectic second half the final score was 2-2. In their final game the girls’ beat Loughborough High School 1-0. This was a positive

during defensive play. When Lauren was injured,

She provided opportunities and outcomes going forwards but moved the ball brilliantly in midfield too. Indy worked hard in midfield and defence as the ‘work horse’ of the team. Always up to support the attack, but also the first back to win a ball following any turnover. Violet also provided energy going forwards from both midfield and defence and with the support of Sophie, Izzy and Rachel proved to be a force to be reckoned with going forwards! The 4 provided numerous opportunities and worked tirelessly as the first line of defence too.

end to an extremely successful day. It left the St

The following girls represented the U14A team: E

Peter’s girls’ U14A team finishing the season placed

Adcock, L Wood, C Amsden, A Coggrave, C

5 in the country. Not only had they qualified for the

Henebury, A Johnston, V Moody, S Pentelow-

National Finals, but they had more than held their

Boyle, K Paley, I Phillips, I White, R Morton, A

own and competed against the best schools in the

Falconer, P Spink, M Kitching and R Mackenney

Girls’ - U14A Fixture List

Girls'-U14B Fixture List

Opponent

Result

Hill House School

Won : 4-1

Ripon Grammar School

Won : 5-0

Hymers College

Draw : 1-1

Worksop College

Won : 10-0

National Schools Round Won : 6-0 1 Ampleforth College Won : 6-1 GSAL

Won : 3-1

RGS, Newcastle

Lost : 0-6

Yarm School

Won : 2-1

National Schools

Won : 0-0

Sedbergh School

Draw : 2-2

North Finals

Won : 0-0

The Queen's School, Won : 1-0 Chester Pocklington School

Won : 5-1

North Finals

Won : 0-0

Framlingham College

Draw : 2-2

Opponent RGS, Newcastle Ripon Grammar School Barnard Castle School Girls-U14A Hymers College GSAL RGS, Newcastle Bootham School Stonyhurst College Girls-U14A Pocklington School Pocklington School

Result See report : Won : 2-1 Lost : 1-4 Canc : Won : 3-1 Draw : 1-1 Won : 3-0 Lost : 0-8 Won : 5-0 Won : 5-0

Boys’ Hockey 1st XI The 1st XI started the season with high expectations and a lot of excitement. The squad was mainly made up of Upper Sixth and Lower Sixth pupils, giving the team plenty of experience. Despite this it was a poor start to the season at home against Sedbergh. The team found themselves 3-0 down inside the first 15 minutes of the game through a lack of understanding of how to press Sedbergh and allowing them huge passing lanes that exposed our defence and allowed Sedbergh to exploit overloads. After the first 15 minutes the boys showed character to get themselves back in the game and scored 3 goals to go into half time at 3-3. The second half saw an end-to-end game, where our lack of match fitness was exploited and we deservedly lost 6-3. Whilst the result was disappointing, it did highlight the need for the team to knuckle down and focus on its structure off the ball, and to embrace a higher work rate.

The loss against Sedbergh galvanised the team into working hard and the boys made sure that in our next game, away against RGS Newcastle, we started to implement an effective press that was fluid and identified their passing options earlier. This resulted in us denying RGS space and time and we ran out very deserved 2-1 winners and progressed through to the next round of the National Cup. The next match was arguably the best performance of the season against a strong Worksop team. The 1st XI had rarely beaten Worksop in the past 13 years; however, a high-intensity performance, with excellent movement off the ball and good passing options, allowed us to create numerous chances and to play entertaining front foot hockey. A 6-1 win was just reward for a high-quality all-round performance and for the hard work all had put in since the opening season defeat. The wins against RGS Newcastle and Worksop gave the team confidence to press high up the pitch and to play without fear. A 3-1 win against a talented Ashville team and a 5-2 victory against Ampleforth followed. In both games our defence played well in

making key tackles and distributing the ball with pace. The 4-game winning streak was halted in a very bad-tempered match against a Yarm team that had 2 age group internationals. The match was excellent in terms of individual skill and passion; however, the discipline from both sides was poor and didn’t allow anyone to enjoy the quality of the play. A 4-3 loss was justified based on us having to play large portions of the match with 10 players on the pitch through repeated poor tackles or answering back. The fact we lost in such a tight game through our own actions/poor behaviour should have been a lesson that the senior players took on board. Unfortunately, poor discipline was a reoccurring factor in a few of our games as the season progressed. After the ill-disciplined defeat to Yarm the 1st XI won its next 3 matches playing with more self-control. The team connected well when on the ball and kept creating chances. A 2-0 win against Giggleswick was followed by comfortable 4-0 wins against Pocklington and Hill House. This was then followed up in a close game against Manchester Grammar School in the National Cup. The 1st XI dominated possession, created good goalscoring opportunities and numerous penalty corners; however, we could just not find the finishing touch. Against a side of the quality of MGS, you have to take your chances. Unfortunately whilst possession was mostly ours, MGS took two of their chances and ran out 2-0 winners in a game where all could see we were the better team. The run in to the end of the season saw the side play some of its best hockey and score lots of goals. The defence was changing the channel better with the ball, and our Captain, Chris Wood, was pulling strings in the middle of the pitch and allowing us a solid foundation to build attacks. The Inside Forwards and Forward 3 were always a handle, whether it be through their movement, short passing game, or through the constant threat they posed when running with the ball. All this led to

the team winning its last four games. A one sided 91 win against Silcoates, was followed up with a hugely entertaining win against the invitational side STYX. It was good for the boys to play a men’s team and they acquitted themselves well and learnt a lot. A 4-4 draw in normal time was followed by penalty strokes. Our boys all held their nerve and two saves from Sam Ross-Russell gave the 1st XI a 32 win on penalty strokes. The final two matches of the season were excellent wins against Ashville (3-2) in a game that could have gone either way, and a 50 win against RGS Newcastle. The Ashville match was especially tough, but a late winner from Ed Morrison gave us the narrow victory. The 5-0 win against RGS Newcastle, in what turned out to be our last game as a side due to the Covid-19 outbreak, was frustrating despite the score line due to our lack of discipline again and our players picking up three cards in the match. As a hockey performance it was pleasing as we moved the ball with intent from front to back and exploited the space we created through quality movement. The senior boys must be calmer if decisions do not go their way and respond with more maturity to antagonistic situations. Overall, it was a hugely enjoyable season where we scored lots of goals and played attractive and expansive hockey. The attitude in training was excellent and the players were open to new ideas. Chris Wood was an inspirational Captain, and he was well supported by Ed Westmoreland and Ed Morrison as well as the other top year boys. I know that most of our leavers will go on to play good level club and university hockey and I look forward to seeing them back playing for Pandas against future 1st XI sides in the near future. Players who regularly represented the 1st XI: C Blackburn, N Gill, H Gration, C Ledden, M Lodge, M Masucci, N Masucci, E Morrison, E Ramsden, S Ross-Russell, T Search, F Southgate, W Taylor, E Watson, E Westmoreland, C Wood (Captain) Results: Sedbergh Lost 3-6 RGS Newcastle (National Cup) Won 2-1

Worksop College Won 6-1 Ashville Won 3-1 Ampleforth Won 5-2 Yarm Lost 3-4 Giggleswick Won 2-0 Pocklington Won 4-0 Hill House Won 4-0 Manchester Grammar School (National Cup) Lost 0-2 Silcoates Won 9-1 STYX Won 4-4 (3-2 aps) RGS Newcastle Won 5-0 2nd XI “Coming together is a beginning; keeping together

is progress; working together is success”. Henry Ford A season that showed real promise and development ended in lockdown. The lads played 10 fixtures (4W, 4D and 2L), with a number of these against other schools’ 1st XIs. 21 lads represented the 2nd XI during the season. We were blessed with two excellent keepers, with Will Taylor and Ben Tomalin doing the honours. Will was like a rock in defence, and it certainly helped us to some fine performances knowing how safe we were at the back. Our engine room consisted of Alex TryBanton, Nick Brown, Joshy Bennison, Ed Fricker, James Harvey, and Ben Irvine. Their energy both in attack and defence was superb and their ability to transition from attack to defence was outstanding. Up front, Harvey Ake led the line with Jude McKinney, Tudor Maude, James Gilman, Will Jenkins, Sam Carter, Dylan Jones and James Barker. We scored some absolute belters during the season but seemed reluctant, at times, to hit the target and get our shots away!! When we did, as the 5-0 win at Ampleforth showed, we were a very potent side. At the back we had Matty Ng who was ever present, Max Mikhail, Ben Hall, David Ford and Will Contreras. These lads worked tirelessly working into midfield and supporting the attack with great effect.

The lads were an absolute pleasure to coach and the

The final two matches of the season were much

improvements made over the season were down to

tighter affairs. A rematch against Scarborough,

their ability to listen to advice, to learn from mistakes

without their 1st XI players, turned into a real thriller,

and to enjoy playing as part of a team. It was such a

where both sides looked to attack at every

shame that the season ended early and that as a

opportunity. An end-to-end game ended in a 2-2

result of lockdown they played no competitive

draw. The final match of the season was against

hockey in the following season.

Pocklington 2nd XI. Once again, the boys distributed the ball with pace and precision, using the full width

3rd XI The 3rd XI squad had a very successful season,

and height of the pitch. The energy from the midfield never dwindled and a well-deserved 2-1

usually playing other school’s 2nd XI sides. The

victory finished the season off in style.

energy and passion which they displayed in the

The team was a good balance of all three senior year

matches was outstanding and their prowess was testament to the depth of quality in the Hockey Programme. The season started with an excellent and tight 1-0 win against Worksop College. The work rate of the team and resilience under pressure in the last quarter of the game set a trend for the season. This win was then followed by the team’s only loss of the season, against a 1st/2nd XI Scarborough College side. The 2-0 score line was a good result as the boys had to contain a number of 1st XI standard players. The final four games of the season were all excellent overall performances. The boys settled into their structure, passed the ball with intent, and as always worked their socks off so that other teams struggled to match our intensity. A 3-0 win against Barnard nd

Castle 2

XI was then preceded by a superb

performance against Ampleforth 2nd XI. The movement of the forwards and midfield was outstanding, and the defence were excellent at stepping up to turn the ball over and distribute with a calmness that the 1st XI would have been proud of,

groups and was maturely led by Henry Butters. The energy of Oliver Barry in the midfield was always a positive and the natural goalscoring ability of James Gilman allowed the team to get the rewards for excellent attacking hockey. Ben Tomalin in goal was always a calming influence on the defence, and he made crucial saves in many matches. It was a pleasure to coach such a hard-working team that was always pleasant company. Players who regularly represented the 3rd XI: S Baden-Thomas, O Barry, H Butters (Captain), S Carter, W Contreras, F Crask, A Freshwater, J Gilman, J Hornby, W Jenkins, H Johnson, J Morton, T Stephens, J Talago, B Tomalin. Results: Worksop College 3rd XI Won 1-0 Scarborough College 1st/2nd XI Lost 0-2 Barnard Castle 2nd XI Won 3-0 Ampleforth College 2nd XI Won 4-0 Scarborough College 2nd XI Drew 2-2 Pocklington 2nd XI Won 2-1

resulting in a 4-0 victory. -

Paddy Stephen

Tennis 2020 was a successful year for tennis, despite the challenging circumstances. One of our girls’ tennis

Game, Set and Match for the Alcuin Cup One of the first sports the government allowed to be

teams reached the North Finals and Toby Baker won

played after lockdown was tennis and following that

the Boys' Tennis Singles Competition.

announcement Mr Shread was eager to run his last

An even better Boys' Tennis news story would be the 1st Team reaching the LTA Senior pupils, North of England & Scotland Tennis Finals (last 4 teams) at

ever Alcuin Cup. With matches played on private tennis courts and all government guidelines adhered to, it turned out to be a fantastic competition.

the Indoor Tennis Centre in Sunderland at the end

At the semi-final stage Tom Harpin played James

of the Spring term. Unfortunately it was not played,

Hanson securing victory 6-4, 6-3 and Toby Baker

due to coronavirus, but this was still an incredible

played Charlie Blackburn winning 6-4, 6-3. The final

achievement.

was played in extremely hot conditions between Tom and Toby with the win going to Toby 7-6, 6-3. Congratulations to Toby who becomes one of only three players to win the Alcuin Cup in the Fourth Form. Mr Walker said: 'Many thanks to Mr Shread for organising the event, which will be his last ever Alcuin Cup and thanks for all his hard work with boys’ tennis over the years.

The cup will be

presented in due course, and I am delighted to announce that, in honour of Mr Shread’s 35 years of running boys’ tennis at St Peter’s, that I have decided to re-name it the Alcuin-Shread Cup.’

Netball

achievements via their selection into the North

Netball at St Peter’s is undoubtedly thriving. It

1st VII In the school fixture list, the 1st team had an

simultaneously embraces ‘excellence’ and ‘sport for all’. The 2019 season presented a rise in the standard of competition on show across the board with an increase in the amount of participation amongst all age groups. The introduction of the Senior Intramural League alongside the 10 competing

Yorkshire County and Development programmes.

impressive season, winning 10 of their 11 matches in some hard-fought victories against many highly motivated sides. The girls worked relentlessly all season to drive the team’s performances and were often rewarded with several commanding leads

teams played a huge factor in the strength in depth

against some top-class opposition.

on show throughout the season.

The season started with a confident display against

In the National Schools competitions, the U14, U16

GSAL. The culture of ‘never giving up’ ultimately

and U19 sides all won their respective ‘area’ tournaments and progressed through to the County rounds of the competition. The U14 and U16 sides reached the Regional Finals, where both teams

lead to moments of brilliance in what turned out to be an end-to-end battle. Previous encounters meant the St Peter’s team knew it would be a clash of sheer grit and determination from both sides that would

played with passion and purpose to secure a solid 4th

last the entire game.

position. The day was a great learning opportunity

The energy and injection of ball speed from both

for both sides to test themselves against some of the strongest competition in the North, ultimately demonstrating great promise for the future. In October we hosted our annual invitational Super 7’s Tournament involving a selection of U16 and U19 teams in preparation for the National competitions The afternoon was a display of exciting fast-paced netball with the St Peter’s teams both delivering standout performances, whilst playing out of

sides kept the game alive, but the composure and intelligence demonstrated by Amelia Blackburn allowed variety and flair when feeding the circle, to give St Peter’s the 1 goal advantage at quarter time. Fast transition through court and efficient ball placement allowed the side to capitalise on using the second phase option in attack, ultimately leading to a quick route to goal. The team controlled the game from start to finish and came out in the second half

season.

with a real intensity to get the job done.

We also saw several players gain selection to

The defensive combination of Madeline Wylie and

representative teams at Leeds Rhinos in the performance pathway, as well as a number of our pupils also beginning their steps towards similar

Hannah Aubrey restricted the opposition with their ability to switch seamlessly between multiple defensive styles throughout the game. This defence was reliant on the total teamwork of Ella White and

Lily Williams, which forced the opposition into

played with passion and belief across the years. Their

errors by encouraging them into long, high passes.

contributions have been immense and have played a

Charlotte Calvert and Jasmine Nixon were out in full force working hard to slow down the GSAL through-

vital role in the on-going success, growth and development of the netball programme to date.

court by turning over possession. This allowed Lucy-

Squad: M Wylie (Capt.), A Blackburn (Vice-Capt.),

May Robinson, Emily Rastrick and Katie Bonner the

K Bonner, C Calvert, H Aubrey, L Robinson, E

opportunity to continue to sink shots under huge

White, J Nixon, E Rastrick

amounts of pressure as the game went goal for goal.

Results for the season are as follows: STP V

The committed and fierce performance from the

Sedbergh W40-15, STP V RGS W47-32, STP V

whole team lead to an impressive 23-23 draw at full

Bradford Grammar W55-19, STP V Ampleforth

time. In a very close game where both sides had

W50-12, STP V Ripon W38-8, STP V Stonyhurst

chances to sneak the win, perhaps a draw was a fair

W36-24, STP V Hymers W38-12, STP V St Aidans

end result.

W52-10, STP V Woodhouse Grove L34-38, STP V

Other highlights this season include the much-

GSAL D23-23.

anticipated game against Woodhouse Grove. Both sides matched up well and worked with purpose to convert every opportunity to goal. Half time saw the scores level at 18-18. The St Peter’s team began to work cohesively during the final quarter, as the pressure of keeping their unbeaten season alive became very real. The Grove team gained the upper hand in the final few minutes of the game to clinch the win 38-34, unquestionably the most tenacious

2nd VII Success was also shared throughout the 2019 season

for the 2nd team. A stronger fixture list proved to be an encouraging boost for the team, as it offered new challenges and experiences that allowed the team to mature and develop with confidence. The team were able to lay some solid foundations during the season and the relentless work rate and all-round

team performance of the season.

effort was a real testament to the quality on show.

It has been a pleasure to work with such motivated

The girls transformed their strategic play by also

and inspiring athletes, who have exceeded expectations at every level this year. The girls will leave behind a playing framework that will continue to inspire the future generations for years to come. We are very much looking forward to building on this momentum leading into the seasons ahead. Finally, a special mention should go to the Upper Sixth girls across all the senior squads, who have

identifying strongly with the positive playing culture that has now been embedded across all the senior teams. This positive mind-set did not only result in excellent teamwork, but rightly saw the 2nd team as serious competitors against all their rivals this season, including measuring up victorious over several quality 1st teams.

Highlights this season include a strong victory against a well-established GSAL side 23-6. The team

3rd Team St Peter’s School 3rd team cruised to victory through

demonstrated their creativity as they were able to

a number of matches including against Sedbergh,

adapt and change their game at vital points

Ampleforth and Woodhouse Grove. Having played

throughout the 60 minutes. The girls determined a

many 2nd team squads, our 3rd team encountered

strong lead early on, meaning they went into the first

endless amounts of high-pressured situations, with

quarter break with an eight-goal lead.

the expectation of high standards throughout the season.

Filled with confidence the girls continued to build on this performance into the second quarter. The strong defensive pressure from Fran Wilson and Natasha Johnston created opportunities to turnover ball, with the fast transition from Beth Wheelhouse and Polly Brown encouraging the team to take advantage of their 1st phase attack. The second half saw another shift in momentum with the defensive combination of Georgia Chamberlain and Jess Davis stepping up to the mark by disrupting play and forcing GSAL into errors. This assisted the St Peter’s attack in maintaining their flow as they moved the ball quickly to find the circle edge with ease. Success continued for the shooting duo of Sophie O’Callaghan and Issy Greenwood as they consistently, even from range, shot with composure and obvious enjoyment to help finish the game with a solid win. Overall, a fantastic team performance which undoubtedly filled the team with confidence leading into the rest of the season. The team should be congratulated on their achievements in what was a very enjoyable and motivated season. Other highlights this season involve successes against Woodhouse Grove 17-11, Stonyhurst 31-15, Ampleforth 18-7, and Hymers 35-1. Squad: G Chamberlain (Capt.), J Davis (Vice-

Capt.), S O'Callaghan, P Brown, O Bone, I Greenwood, B Wheelhouse, E Race, O Hedley, P Dodsworth, N Johnston, F Wilson

Kate Pearson had an exceptional spell, which included a call up to the 2nd team on a number of occasions. The team showed adaptability and resilience, enabling all players to take to the court throughout the season. We were tremendously happy with the way the girls capitalised on opponents’ errors, utilising possession to convert interceptions to goals. A tough battle against Sedbergh resulted in an extremely hardy encounter. Communication and team rapport was key to creating more attacking opportunities through to goal. Both our attacking, mid-court and defensive units demonstrated moments of brilliance and consistent play for the full four-quarters of netball. On the whole, every team player in the squad had a terrific season, both in training and matches. I would like to congratulate all the girls for their hard work and determination throughout their difficult run of fixtures. Well done 3s! • • • • • • •

W26-23 V Sedbergh D29-29 V RGS W22-12 V Ampleforth W20-14 V Hymers 2’s. W20-6 V Stonyhurst W41-12 V Woodhouse Grove W20-18 V Pocklington 2’s.

4th Team The Senior 4th team had a thrilling encounter against

U15A The U15A started the season brightly, thriving for

a number of 2nd and 3rd team squads. The majority of

competition week in week out.

the season was made up of a squad from both the 4

The drive,

determination and focus saw the side mature with

team and intermural league. All pupils contributed

confidence

to what was a very positive season, despite

undoubtedly assisted the team to wholeheartedly

experiencing set-backs and tense fixtures. Not only

commit to the game plan and execute it at crucial

did the defence capitalise on turnovers, but all

times. The season saw the team victorious in 8 of

players on court contributed to the defensive

their 9 matches against some quality opposition.

pressure, which allowed all pupils to find rhythm and structure that proved hard to stop.

across

the

season.

This

effort

Training focused on work rate and intensity, with team unity at the forefront of the sessions. The girls

Towards the end of the season, the 4 team stepped

regularly trained alongside the 1st team which

up and worked tirelessly off the ball to create

proved to be beneficial towards their on-going

fantastic passages of play with continued pressure

development.

and intensity. Lucy Falconer, Lottie Combe and Cecily O’Neil were regularly in the starting 7 for the 4th team. Displaying extreme amounts of speed and growing connections with their attackers, they never failed to give more than 100% effort in every training session and game.

Highlights this season include the much-anticipated match against Stonyhurst College which shaped up to be a battle to the final whistle. Both teams engaged in a 60-minute contest, with both midcourts

working

tirelessly

convert

every

opportunity to goal. The shooting duo of Astrid rd

In practice matches against the 3 team squad, they

Smith and Grace Nixon stepped up to the challenge

put up an impressive performance, giving coaches a

to put in a near-perfect performance as the teams

difficult decision for team selections. It is always

went goal-for-goal.

important to see the growth of a squad and how they develop game-to-game, keeping a calm approach and following a strategic plan when needing to step up a gear.

Defensively, we were particularly strong throughout the game, changing effortlessly between man-toman defence and zonal defence from the centre pass, a real testament to the hard work that was

Every pupil who took to court to represent the 4

achieved during training. The final score ended 20-

team this year made an impact. Their willpower and

19 in favour of St Peter’s. A hard-fought victory and

grit for the season was the most recognisable from a

an incredible game of netball to round off an equally

squad with a huge variety of players. The injection of

incredible season.

humour and enjoyment from the girls enabled them to build rapport and flexibility, as well as making them a delight to coach. In addition, I would like to thank all the girls for an excellent year of competitive netball. Well done! • • • •

W23-10 V Barnard Castle 3’s. W31-28 V Bootham 2’s. W23-12 V Woodhouse Grove W19-12 V Pocklington 3’s.

The potential on show from this young team is a true reflection of the strength in depth of the junior programme. The team should now continue to build with the same drive leading into the seasons ahead. Results: STP V Sedbergh W31-24, STP V Bradford Grammar W29-24, STP V Hymers W29-11, STP V Stonyhurst W20-19, STP V Ripon Grammar W33-15, STP V Ampleforth W49-10, STP V St Aidans W389, STP V Newcastle High W38-20, STP V RGS Newcastle L 33-19

Squad: A Smith, G Nixon, H Bletcher, S Kelly, S

clearly successful! Despite the country going into a

Moir, R Bennet, E Taylor, H Pears

national lockdown in March 2020 we managed to play a staggering 21 matches. I was particularly

Under 15Bs E Franey (Capt), M Ake, N Granville-Fall, E

Roebuck, R Black, J England, O Ford, A White, K Hazell, C Hopwood. The squad worked extremely hard from the first training session right through to their last match against Sedbergh. They were focused in training, listened to advice and worked hard as a team to improve. This is evident in their results for the season. They fought hard against some tough opposition from Newcastle High and Bradford Grammar School, but their communication, enthusiasm and drive enabled them to finish the season unbeaten. I look forward to seeing them

impressed with the commitment shown by the B team who had to play, on a number of occasions, A teams. The last inter-school match for the Third Form girls was against Sedbergh School - a day I am sure they will remember for ever – the following Monday saw the closure of all schools and the end of inter-school matches for the remainder of the year. The U14 A team had a fantastic run in the National School’s competition progressing to the north regional final along with Woodhouse Grove School. The competition took place at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield - the round robin format is very demanding with very little room for

progress in the senior teams.

errors. The girls performed exceptionally well.

Newcastle High W 36-21 Woodhouse Grove W 27-5 St Aidan’s W 25-4 Hymers W 33-2 Stoneyhurst W 23-11 Ripon Grammar School W 30-3 Ampleforth W 32-3 Bradford Grammar School W 34-12 Ripon Grammar School W 29-11 Sedburgh W 22-6

their ability to keep a clear head in the attacking D

Lauren, Anna and Esme must be congratulated on – converting many shots on goal. India and Ruby injected energy through court and accurately fed the shooters consistently good balls. Charlotte, Alice and Minnie combined well to transition from defence to attack. The combination of Sophia and Bella demonstrated a relentless defensive team, forcing the opposition to make a number of errors The following girls represented the A team:

U14 The Third Form girls enjoyed a very successful

S Warn (Capt), M Axon, E Adcock, A Falconer, C

season and impressively a large proportion of the

Wood, R Morton, A Coggrave

year group opted to participate. It was clear from the very first training session that it was going to be

Henebury (Vice-Capt) A Johnston, I Phillips, L The following girls represented the B team:

a successful season and the effort from all the girls,

P Spink, I White, A Rabbani, A Bounds, S Ellis

from day one, was outstanding. A lot of work went

(Capt), C Enoch, C Mitchell, C Amsden, F Sturdy,

into improving both our match play and levels of

V Moody, L Aston, H Bayston, R Chan, C King, M

fitness which, when analysing our results, was

Lenton-Brook, M Kitching

Team U14A u14B U14A U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B U14A U14B

Opposition Newcastle High Newcastle High Ryedale Woodhouse Grove Woodhouse Grove St Aidan’s St Aidan’s Hymers Hymers Stonyhurst Stonyhurst Ripon Grammar Ripon Grammar Ampleforth Ampleforth Harrogate Grammar Harrogate Grammar RGS, Newcastle RGS, Newcastle Sedbergh Sedbergh

Result W 2-8 27-18 L 2-24 W 2-8 40-18 L 10-12 L 2-30 W 2-8 39-14 W 12-9 W 37-18 W 11-5 W 32-20 W 17-13 W 33-15 W 12-4 W 8-7 W 28-6 W 39-29 L 17-21 W 31-20 W 16-14 W 26-19 L 15-18

Rugby 1st XV Following a very successful tour to South Africa in

to go into a twelve-point lead, however, this was

the summer, the team were well prepared for the

Sedbergh team were simply too much – a 59-12

forthcoming season. Some good preparation and an

defeat was the outcome. Sometimes you must admit

early season match against the Old Peterites moved

that you were beaten by the better team, and this

us nicely into the first match of the season against

was certainly the case here.

Woodhouse Grove. A physical encounter which was always close, ended in a high scoring game with the team taking the victory 33-26. Captain Benji Wilson led by example and strong performances from Will Taylor and Harry Jones at prop.

short lived and the power and skill levels of the

The team re-grouped for the St Joseph’s Festival, with

the

team

producing

some

impressive

performances. The second row of Curran Maguire and Will Coggrave were effective scrummagers and provided high work rate in the loose. The two wings

Mount St Mary’s came next and brought with them

of Joe Baker and Tom Robins were excellent

a resolute defence which was hard to break down,

defensively and caused problems in attack.

the centre partnership of Matthew Lodge and Archie Wilson provided an excellent balance of hard running and distribution and footwork. Benedict Quinn playing at full back managed to make it look a little easy at times and was instrumental in some impressive tries. A thoroughly deserved win 33-17 was the outcome.

Half term came as a welcome break, but the team were well set up for some tough fixtures to follow. RGS Newcastle were next and a terrific match was played with the lead changing hands a number of times. The final score being a 39-36 win. Our impressive back row came to the fore in this game; England squad member Olly Tomalin was a powerful

Durham are always a difficult encounter, especially

ball carrier at No 8 and Hugo Hughes was always

away from home, and this match proved to be no

effective at the breakdown.

exception. Our back line were now becoming more settled with Elliot Watson, Chris Wood and Joe Lawrence operating well at half back and controlling the attacking shape of the team. A 42-27 win resulted.

A tough battle ensued against Barnard Castle with a resulting 47-19 defeat. This followed with round 4 of the National Cup against Woodhouse Grove – an exciting game which either side could have won ended in a 26-25 loss. Another tight game against

QEGS Wakefield came next and with the score at

Pocklington, this time went our way with a 35-34

28-7 and the team playing some of their best rugby

win, fortunately for us Pocklington turning down a

of the season, unfortunately what followed will be

kick to win the game.

remembered for a long time. An accidental clash of heads

saw

Edward

Westmoreland

knocked

unconscious, a terrible injury which saw the game abandoned. Praise must be given to our pitch side

Our last game was against Oakham which was a new fixture for us, a 43-7 loss was a fair result against a strong team.

physios who acted quickly and effectively. Ed went

Well done to all the boys who played this year, a 6-4

on to make a full recovery and was back on the pitch

win-loss ratio is a good return on this circuit and one

later in the season.

the boys can be proud of.

The unbeaten run of games ended with the next

Squad: W Taylor*, E Leigh-Howarth*, H Jones*, C

match against Sedbergh. We scored two early tries

Maguire*, B Wilson (Cpt), J Bates*, H Hughes*, O

Tomalin**, E Watson*, C Wood*, J Baker*, J

showed was outstanding in the wet, blustery

Lawrence*, A Wilson*, M Lodge, T Robins**, B

conditions and the immense effort summed up the

Quinn**, J Padgett, , O Pettigrew, W Coggrave, A

season. For large parts of the game, we met

Pope, E Westmoreland* (**Caps, *Full Colours)

Sedbergh toe-to-toe and showed fighting spirit until

2nd XV The 2nd XV enjoyed a season of attacking free

flowing rugby with great interplay between backs

the last minute. Well done boys on an outstanding season of rugby. Coaches Gemmell and Smith

and forwards. In the first game against Woodhouse Grove, we proved the fitter and more adventurous side, amassing 40 points in the process. We then hosted PHGS Otley in what was a great end to end battle with our big carrying forwards of Will Charge, Charles Black and Cameron McAlpine making many hard yards and providing our pacey outside backs with quality ball. We eventually came out on top by two tries.

3rd XV The season started strong for the 3rd XV with a

convincing win over Hymers School. The interplay between Charlie Bramley at scrum-half and his wings Ethan Watkins and Anderson Chen, with Charlie’s box kicking skills and Ethan’s/ Anderson’s pace on the wing, led to numerous tries. The team went from one win to another, this time against

Sedbergh were the next visitors, and what a game!

Newcastle School of Boys. The Gents gained the

Tackling machines Joe Bates and Corey Ledden put

upper through the flexibility of the back row with

a stop to most of the attacks with Ed Ramsden

George Pears, Callum Prince and Tom Lindley

picking his many running options as we took the

furiously making good tackles and James Brent and

game to them. A loss after 80 minutes, but three

Isaac Burley demonstrating excellent tackling skills,

superb team tries from ourselves.

leading to vital turnovers.

Ripon 1st XV were the next team to visit. Another

There were also some tough defeats in the season,

close game, they eventually pipped us by two points.

the one that stands out is against a strong

A physical game where the forward pack met the

Ampleforth 2nd team. It was neck and neck

opposition with intensity and purpose. Tudor

throughout the game, the boggy conditions

Maude, Will Guyer, Billy Burgess and Archie Pope

favoured the forwards with standout performances

getting through a great deal of work. Matty Roberts

from Giacomo Grelli, with Max Mikhail scoring off

and Charlie Fell made many yards in the back

the set piece. Not to mention the delicate passing of

division, rewarding the forwards for their hard work.

Harry Lister to set up a rumbling maul. Playing

The second half of the season we hosted RGS Newcastle and GSAL, where we amassed 36 points and 38 points respectively. In both games we saw victory with backs Cai Farrington, Jack Davies, James Bramley, Charles Blackburn and Nic Gill

Ampleforth at home was a more open game with Matthew Ng making crucial tackles to help us secure a convincing win. It was a game that I am sure Kola Adebiyi, for whom rugby was a new concept, will cherish with a stand-out performance.

enjoying the open spaces. The forward pack as

It was in the close games that real leadership shone

always never gave a backward step with Isaac

through. This was shown through the humorous and

Giannini, Joe Padgett and Tom Matthews all playing

encouraging words of the captain Ed Morrison.

well at a high intensity.

Others also led through determination and grit with

The 2nd XV rounded off the season with a trip to Sedbergh. The commitment and skill the team

Tom Matthews’ strong ball carrying skills to break the opponents’ defence, and Sam McKeown at

fullback showing great coordination and ability to

Mobile forwards who were good in the set piece and

direct from the back. All this was needed in one of

very quick at the breakdown, formed the basis for

the tightest games of the season against Silcoates

success this season.

School 1st team, where the team managed to win 14-

Moorhouse, Ben Tomalin, Nico Masucci, Kian

7 despite numerous injuries.

Acaster, Baran Ozkan, Louis Recchia and Oli Barry

The 3rd team is very fluid and there are numerous players who jumped at the chance to help out if a player was injured or ill, but what was consistent was the hard work ethic shown in training and on game days.

The front row saw Paddy

shoulder the set piece with our locks providing excellent support. Josh Talago, Nick Brown, Ricky Chisholm, Bradley Cook and Arthur Hedley doing the hard yards for the team. We were blessed with some super backrow forwards who had a great deal of pace and guile but not a great deal of size. Their

U16 “Do you know what my favourite part of the game

ability to hunt in pairs and work together meant that

is? The opportunity to play”. A quote from Mike

George Sturdy, James Brown and at times Alex

Singletary (San Francisco 49ers) How true this became as this group of lads missed out on Rosslyn Park due to the Covid-19 lockdown imposed in 2020. It was also true for our Captain, Ben Irvine, who was sadly injured in a farcical game at Mount St Mary’s on only the second Saturday of the season. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take”. Wayne Gretzky. With the loss of their inspirational skipper, this willingness to play without fear became paramount. To make mistakes is all part of the learning process and to their credit this bunch of lads embraced this positive outlook and made huge gains over the season. As is often quoted, “rugby doesn’t build character, it reveals it”. This was never more evident as we mixed and matched sides dependent on our opposition, only to find that injury, illness and county commitments robbed us of four key players in our match with Sedbergh. Outgunned in the backs we stuck to our task despite having had two tries chalked off. Will Contreras could not have shown more courage and commitment in this game and was one of many who left the field defeated but very much enhanced as a player. Tough experiences like this can break you or make you more determined - for this group it was most certainly the latter.

Nat Esler (Capt), Max Marshall, Sam Stephens, Freshwater proved formidable at the breakdown where they won turnovers and penalties aplenty. They also proved to be tremendous lineout forwards with excellent footwork, real athleticism and good hands. We were not bettered in the lineout all season except by Leeds GS which proved a game too far for the group at that stage of the season. We were very fortunate to have Alex Try-Banton and James Barker as our two 9s throughout the year. Alex also shouldered a lot of the captaincy when we put two sides out as we regularly did. Frazer Fennell and James Gilman were our 10s and both developed good understanding with their 9s and learned to control games through good decision making and confidence. With confidence came communication and both improved so much in this department. With the loss of Ben Irvine, we had to chop and change a little in the centres, but the brunt of the challenge was shouldered by Tom Stephens, Will Contreras, Will Jenkins, Seb Baden-Thomas and James Harvey. They worked very hard at their defence as well as how to attack with precision. Some of the excellent tries scored showed just how much they got out of the small-sided games and process work Mr Sharp did with them in training. They linked well with the back three led by Dylan Jones and Wolfe Morne, our two main full backs. On the wings we had Isaac Allison`s power and pace, Alex Freshwater’s pace and finishing ability with

Sam Carter, Harvey Ake and Novid Nuri also proving to be fine wide men.

U15A Rugby Played 11 - Won 8 - lost 3

The lads started training in July and completed a

T Baker (cpt), F Padgett, L Redman, M Guppy, F

most

excellent

Savage, B Chum, C Gardner, E Dewhurst, J Jacques,

performances against Sedbergh and Pocklington.

R Alvis, C Hughes, E Smith, F Iles, F Black, S Norza,

The lads were looking forward with great

J Ellis, L Winn, F Recchia, C Gwilliam Lopez

enjoyable

15`s

season

with

anticipation to the coming Sevens season. Sadly we entered lockdown and the rest, as they say, is history.

I really enjoyed coaching this team this year, their attitude and ability was first class which makes for a

I must commend the lads for the hugely positive

really positive and challenging learning environment

manner in which they trained and played, always

for all. The season also had its challenges, the side

with intelligence, commitment and a willingness to

had always been successful throughout its time at

try new things. But most of all for their teamwork

school and suffered two defeats early in the season

and determination. They were a pleasure to coach,

to Prince Henry’s Otley and Sedbergh, which had to

and I know how much Mr Sharp and Dan Woods

raise the bar in terms of training, attitude and ability.

enjoyed the training as well as the matches. It is with Dan Woods that I must end this report. Sadly, Dan lost his battle with Cancer early in 2020. However, he left behind in all the young men he coached, a real feeling of achievement. Dan was a great coach but most of all he taught us all how important it was to live well and to support our friends - he was simply one of the best blokes I have ever known, who brought the best out of us all. I will leave you with Dan`s favourite comment as you went onto the field. “Be amazing today lads” Played 15 won 10 lost 5 -

Paddy Stephen

The team had to learn to play in different ways and adapt to the opposition which presented different challenges. We knew we would have to play both teams again in our National Cup run and were driven on by trying to improve as a team and individuals. Toby Baker set the standard as captain, constantly stretching his own understanding and inspiring his team mates to follow suit. We needed to make the front five take more responsibility in the game, by carrying the ball more off 10 and by being credible threats, but also by picking and going, improving their decision making around the ruck area, increasing ruck speed and pushing the opposition onto the back foot. This certainly paid dividends against Prince Henry’s in the second cup game, where taking them on up front proved to be the deciding factor in the game.

Sedbergh played at a much higher tempo and much wider, although taking them on through the

U15 Rugby Sevens We were fortunate

forwards did have its benefits, we also had the ability

tournaments in before we were locked down in

to attack them in the backs. The biggest challenge

March 2020.

when playing them was learning to defend much better as a team and as units. The back row were instrumental in this and all played exceptionally well all season. Richard Alvis, Charlie Hughes, Joe Jacques and Elias Smith could all tackle ferociously, contest the tackle area and play with the ball in hand. Elias also contributed a lot at centre where he sured up the defence and provided a potent first phase launch platform in the return match against Sedbergh. The cup game versus Sedbergh was a very closely fought contest and two thirds of the way through the match we should have gone ahead but didn’t capitalise on our ascendency. Ultimately strength in depth and injuries cost us against a very good side and two late tries for Sedbergh eliminated us.

get

two

excellent

In all, the squad produced fantastic performances at both Barnard Castle where they won all 5 games to win the tournament and at Ampleforth where they won all six to gain the title. It was during this tournament, superbly refereed by Barnard Castle`s 1st XV players, that the boys understood the real concept of teamwork and why you have a squad of players and not a first 7 and some travelling reserves. To win 7s, all players must take their part and it was tremendous to see every member of the squad play their part in winning this event A week later we went off to Ampleforth, with the impending lockdown looming, the lads played as if it was their last tournament – sadly it was, as the

had

strong

comfortable

wins

against

Woodhouse Grove, Durham, QEGS, Barnard Castle and RGS Newcastle and made hard work of it against GSAL and Ampleforth. Lessons to learn from those games were to focus on our game plan, accuracy, not get involved in immaturity and individual battles and let our skills and ability do the talking!

players would not play a single game of rugby again in 2020 and missed out on Rosslyn Park in 2021, where they would have stood a realistic chance of repeating our U16 success of 2019. Again the highlight of this event was the team performances that secured 6 wins and the title. The collective effort to win the semi-final against

All in all, a very enjoyable season and I look forward to following their progress in the future. -

lockdown of schools meant that this group of

Nathan Savage

Sedbergh will last long in the memory of those who watched. The loss of team sport to Covid restrictions remains one of the terrible consequences of lockdown and its long-term effects on this generation of schoolchildren will be felt for years to come.

U14A

rounded off an encouraging first half of term. Away

A group of boys who have a true thirst for the game.

fixtures against RGS Newcastle and GSAL proved to

Individually very strong, their teamwork developed

be our toughest fixtures after half term, but both

as they and the team matured during the season.

were

The forwards were strong, fast and direct, and

overcome

with

determination

and

commitment.

dominated in every game. They complemented each

The whole team deserve praise for their efforts

other and importantly worked very hard, especially

during the season. As the team progress through the

in defence: they simply want to win. As they progress

school, there will be hiccups and disappointments

up the school they will become more proficient in

but with maturity, encouragement and support from

the set piece, and this will underpin the team’s

each other, I am confident that as a team they will

success.

reach their full potential.

The backs were skilful and equally as strong and

Finally, my thanks to all involved – Mr Robinson, the

direct. They have pace, which is always a match

boys, parents, the numerous referees and ground-

winner, for which there is no substitute. Without

staff for making this such a memorable season.

doubt they have the qualities and potential to be a force throughout their school careers. Having said this, the season proved to be very successful, with the team recording an unbeaten season – an excellent achievement. A narrow win against Woodhouse Grove in the first fixture appeared to set the tone, and victories against a combative QEGS Wakefield and Sedbergh

Squad H Nixon (Cpt), L Oxley, N Watson, A Barrett, M Kabir, A Packer, H Squire, J Talago, W Watson, J Jones, B Binns, C Gwilliam Lopez, B Armistead, B Urwin, G Burton, T Brown.

Rowing Ancholme Head – October 2019 The Boat Club travelled to Ancholme Head on th

Sunday 13

October for their first races of the

year. Heavy rain was the order of the day but that did not stop some good performances over the 2750m course from both the Boys’ and Girls’ squads. The Girls recorded several second places but just couldn’t find the speed to secure a top slot. The Boys however secured wins in the Senior Boys’ Coxless Quad (J Johnson, S Johnson, A Dalton, AJ Coates), the Senior Boys’ Coxed Quad (H Shi, R Walker, M Masucci, D Phillips coxed by C Freeman), the J16 Coxless Quad (B Finch, J Lightwing, J Kong, W Rebeiro), the J16 Double Scull (P Hill, W LaValette) and the J15 Coxed Quad (T Johnson, W Rathbone, L Howden-Ferme, H

Johnson coxed by L Howden-Ferme also took the win in their category. The Fifth Form and Fourth Form girls also put in strong performances, and it was clear to see that recent improvements have had a positive effect on their boat speed. York Small Boats Head (re-scheduled) – January 2020 After being cancelled in November 2019 due to

flooding, a cold January morning greeted the rowers at a re-scheduled York Small Boats Head. Both the Girls’ and Boys’ squads from the Fourth Form through to the Sixth Form competed against a smaller field than usual and a strong stream. St Peter’s crews rose to the challenge resulting in

Jameson coxed by L Gilmour).

several second places for the first race of the

Newark Head – December 2019 After months off the water due to flooding the Boat

Hill, B Finch and W Rebeiro, however continued

Club finally got on the water in December as it travelled to Newark for the Newark Head. The challenging 3.9km course of twists and bends proved to be a great experience for our crews from the Fourth Form upwards to compete over. A fast stream and flat water conditions made for some excellent racing and performances. All the crews took the opportunity to put into practice the last few months of land training and rowed with great determination. The result of all this effort was a win and Fastest Overall Boat in Division 2 for the Senior Boys’ Quad of J Johnson, Guy Jenkins, AJ Coates and R Walker. They were closely followed by the J16 Boys’ Quad of W Rebeiro, B Finch, P Hill and W Brown who took the J16 win. Their fellow squad members W LaValette and O Hogg also sculled with maturity and claimed the J16 double win to round off a good day for the J16s. Not to be out done the J15 Coxed Quad of H Jameson, L Gilmour, W Rathbone and T

year. The Fifth Form Boys’ Quad, of W Brown, P where it left off last year and took first place in the J16 Quad category. South Yorkshire Head – February 2020 Cold temperatures and a head wind greeted the

Boat

Club

this

year’s

South

Yorkshire

Head. Crews from the Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms competed over the 4km course against regional opposition. All the squads fought hard with the Fifth Form Boys going stroke for stroke against each other down the entire length of the course. Meanwhile the Senior Boys pushed clear of the rest of the field and sculled off into the distance and secured their second win of the season. Not to be out done the Fourth Form Girls showed that hard work in training eventually pays off as they secured their first win of the season. Gorse Invitation – March 2020 As events continued to be cancelled due to flooding

and the rising threat of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Boat Club were delighted to receive a private invitation to race in Leeds from the Gorse Boat Club.

Only the Fifth and Sixth Form Rowers took part in

new facilities will also attract pupils who already love

the match which was held over a 2.5k course.

the sport to join the School. All the rowers

After 3 weeks off the water due to flooding the blustery conditions were brushed aside as happy rowers jumped back into their boats and headed off to the start. The racing, as you would expect, was competitive with both the Seniors Boys and Fifth Form Boys putting to use some of the fitness gained

unanimously agreed that the access to the Boats, moving equipment and launch to the river has all become far easier and safer thanks to the design of the Boathouse and the racking inside. All of this means they get more time doing the bit they enjoy best, which is the rowing on the river!

on the ergos whilst off the water. After a long run of

Thank you to our supporters from across the St

second places the Fifth Form Girls rowed with

Peter’s Community who supported this project and

strength and commitment. They converted their

sponsored a brick on the new Boathouse.

training when it mattered and beat several WJ18 crews as well as securing the fastest women’s time of the day.

“The completion of our new Boathouse has allowed for the profile of rowing to increase within the school’s sport programme. The new facility caused a

Rowing and The New Boathouse All our rowers already have a huge feeling of pride

buzz in all year groups and got everyone talking. The

for their sport, but the completion of the Boathouse

the year groups which we are proud to see as we

in October 2019 has generated new feelings of

believe it sets our sport apart from the rest” (Joe

excitement, enthusiasm and boosted the confidence

Johnson, Boat Club Captain 2019-2020)

of our rowers. They all pointed out how lucky we are to have such fantastic positioning so close to the Ouse, and that having this new Boathouse is a real boost for rowing at St Peter’s. Our pupils who currently row hope that even more people will be inspired to take on the sport, and that these great

new Boathouse has brought everyone closer within

‘We are delighted with our new boathouse which has not only provided a more practical space for manoeuvring boats but also a more welcoming and safer atmosphere for all rowers.’ (Claudia Freeman, Boat Club Captain 2019-2020

Football The football squad took on a competitive fixture list this year as we once again faced some tough opposition selecting from Fifth and Sixth Formers, whilst we put out 1st and 2nd XIs made up solely from our Upper Sixth Form. For that reason alone, the boys should be thoroughly commended for some sterling efforts and performances through the term. In the first week of term, St Peter’s hosted the ‘STP Sixes’, a 6-a-side tournament at PlayFootball in York. This annual event seems to get bigger every year with more and more schools competing. In a terrific afternoon of football, the St Peter’s 1st VI put in some excellent performances, beating Fulneck, Ampleforth, Woodhouse Grove, Birkdale and Hull Collegiate to win the trophy and become STP Sixes 2020 champions - what a start to the season! The regular season began with the now traditional match against the returning Old Peterites and a 2-1 win for the 1st XI got the season underway, with James Hanson putting in a superb Man of the Match performance. Games then came thick and fast and Sedbergh proved to be a real test this year with two goals from Banky Claudius-Cole not being enough as defensive errors saw us slip to a 4-3 defeat. A much-improved performance against Woodhouse Grove followed with a hat-trick from Banky leading

us to a 3-1 win. This was followed with goals galore in a demolition of Ampleforth where we showed some outstanding attacking play to run out 8-2 winners, which included two goals apiece for Joe Bates and George Russell. Other highlights of the season included a 5-2 win over Bootham and a 4-0 win over Barnard Castle, with Ed Owen on the scoresheet in both games. Losses to an excellent GSAL side (5-0) and Ripon Grammar (3-0) were good lessons that we learnt much from, but due to the precautions surrounding Covid-19, the remaining fixtures were cancelled and we were glad to get so many games across a successful season. We did have time for a welldeserved 18 holes of ‘footgolf’, with Matty Roberts claiming the ‘longest drive’ and Laurie Carlyle winning ‘closest to the pin’ to bring the season to a premature close. I was grateful to Mr Lawrence and Mr Bowden for assisting in running the Lower Sixth House Football League during lunchtimes. With some scintillating play and terrific support from the many Lower Sixth involved, The Grove pipped Clifton into 3rd place, whilst in the Grand Final, The Manor overcame School House to become House Champions 2020.

Mr White

Squash Boys’ and Girls’ Squash continue to grow every year

Angus Robinson receives my award for best

at St Peter’s School. This season has been one of the

performance, beating a more experienced and one

most successful, with over 70 pupils playing Squash

of the County’s strongest players 3 - 0, a player who

weekly. We had 4 teams having fixtures, Boys’ 1 and nd

up until then had been unbeaten in the National

2 teams, a Girls’ 1 team and a Mixed 1 team.

Schools tournament.

Our main achievements were in the National

We finished runners up in the York and District

Schools Competition and the York and District

Men’s League under the Captaincy of Will

Men’s League. We won our Area National Schools

Middleton.

Competition 3 – 0 and this progressed us to the

performances by Ben Dunsmore, Josh Wood, Isaac

North of England Finals, held at the prestigious

Kennedy, Thomas Tsang, Charles Moseley and

Nottingham Tennis and Squash Club. Here we

James Hanson. Special thanks to Will who was a

faced 4 other Area winners, schools who offer

terrific Captain in all ways.

Scholarships for Squash. rd,

We finished 3

losing only 1 match and missed a

National Final spot by the narrowest of margins. A great achievement and as Coach, I was impressed by all who played in these matches, playing some of the best Squash pupils have played during my time at St Peter’s.

With

fantastic

season-long

Our final record of results for the season for all teams was: Played 25 Won 21 Lost 4. A big thank you to all of you who played Squash, from our daily training sessions to all our team players. Thank you also to Mr Martin Lawrence and Mr Ed Mallard for helping in many ways. Onwards and Upwards next Season -

Matt Bridson

Girls’ Swimming Regular Season The girls had another strong season, winning more than losing, in particular the U15 girls who remained unbeaten for the season. There were some strong individual performances in all year groups but ultimately it was once again coming together as a team that was the cause of success and enjoyment. English School (all schools in England) Both the U15 and U18 teams entered this event and swam superbly. Unfortunately, the competition was tough, and the girls all swam valiantly but did not qualify for the national finals. John Parry Relays The girls competed in the annual John Parry Relays in both the U15 and U18 competitions. Both teams started strongly in the heats and qualified for the finals in both the freestyle and medley relays. The U15 girls’ team (Charlotte Deniz, Eliza Allison, Rachel Mackenney and Erin Smailes) won both events with an incredible effort considering this was the first time the four had swam together in a relay. The U18 team did not place but put in an outstanding effort to make the final.

Bath and Otter Cup A girls’ team consisting of Sophie Adeley, Lydia Gill, Charlotte Deniz and Eliza Allison travelled to the London Aquatic Centre for this national competition. After a good preparation, the girls took to the water in high spirits for both the medley relay and the freestyle relay. After a great effort, the girls unfortunately did not make the final of the medley relay, but after some high drama and seemingly missing out on the final of the freestyle, it turned out to be an officiating mistake, and the girls were reinstated in the final. They did themselves proud and managed to finish 7th in their category. A fantastic effort and wonderful experience at the country’s premier swimming venue.

Mr I Maycock

Boys’ Swimming Regular Season For the fifth year running the St Peter’s boys team went unbeaten in regular fixtures. This has been a fantastic achievement across the range of ages from a large number of swimmers. English Schools Both Junior and Senior boys’ teams entered the highest standard school swimming competition in the country. Whilst performing well and placing in the top 50 schools in the country (of around 350 to enter), the U15 team did not qualify for the finals. It then came the turn of the strongly fancied U18s, a team of Toby Mayfield, George Russell, Ben Hobbs and Lawrence Lam. The team blew the opposition away in the regional qualifiers but had to wait until all the times were collated nationally. They narrowly missed out on qualification in the medley relay, but made it through to the national finals in the 4x50 freestyle, a huge achievement for both the boys and the school. Once there, the boys improved on their qualifying place and proudly finished 22nd in the country, against many schools who operate as elite performance academies. John Parry Relays Both the U15s and U18s had a strong showing, with a 1st and a 2nd place each. The U15s, Harrison Harrand, Freddie Brook, Jacob Hardisty and Will Holmes won the medley relay in style, and finished a close 2nd in the freestyle. It was a reverse for the U18 boys, coming a close 2nd in the medley and winning the freestyle. All in all, a very successful event for the boys’ teams.

Bath and Otter Cup With the same four boys that had competed in the previous two big events of the year, and having done so well, hopes were high. The boys breezed into the finals of their category with plenty to spare. The more favoured final was first, the 4x100 freestyle. This was a step up in distance for the boys from previous successful events. For the second year running the boys placed on the podium, matching the best efforts for over 30 years. It wasn’t the 1st place the boys wanted, but nevertheless, a hugely impressive display, which they should be incredibly pleased with. Two years in a row, on the podium in a national event is something to be proud of. After the emotions of the previous final, energy was lacking for the medley final, but again the boys put in a huge effort in their less favoured event, finishing in the dreaded 4th place. Water Polo After a successful previous year in the English

Schools’ competition the boys went into this year’s in good spirits. In the qualifying event they finished in 3rd place behind eventual overall champions Bolton. This took the boys into the 2nd tier final competition at Northampton school for boys. After a gutsy effort against high quality opposition the boys came out in 5th place. A particular mention to captain Ben Hobbs for his outstanding display throughout. -

Mr I Maycock

Art Every year we are amazed by the talent of our art and

Third

design pupils, and an impressive selection of work

exceptionally well at the York Rotary Technology

has been produced this year. We hosted a small

Tournament. Pupils Will Browne, Will Bettison, Zoe

number of exhibitions in the Whitestone Gallery,

Greenwood, and Maggie Hutchings represented the

but we were sadly unable to host our usual end-of-

Third Form, taking second place at Foundation

year

lockdown

Level, with Fourth Form pupils Thomas Johnson,

restrictions. The exhibition of Pre-U and GCSE

Lucas Winn and Alex Wood taking second place at

work is available virtually for you to enjoy online.

the Intermediate level of the competition. They

Pupils also created ceramic Stations of the Cross for

competed against 27 other school teams from North

a special Holy Week exhibition at York Minster,

Yorkshire, with both teams placing second in what

which was also sadly postponed.

was a hotly contested unseen challenge to design

exhibition

’Imagine’

due

From a Distance The Art Department launched a photography

and

Fourth

Form

teams

performed

and make weight powered vehicles to travel up an incline.

competition inspired by the theme 'From a

Special mentions go to Third Former Maggie, who

Distance', to encourage members of the St Peter's

was shortlisted for the international design

School community to record their experience of life

competition ‘Fountain of Hygiene’ launched by

during lockdown. Hundreds of entries were received

Bompas & Parr and the London Design Museum,

and the winning entries can be viewed on our

and Mr Cooper, who has manufactured over 600

website.

visors for health professionals in York and the

Design and Technology Design and Technology would like to congratulate

individual pupils and staff from the D&T Department for their achievements this year.

surrounding area. The visors were produced in the Design & Technology classrooms at school, with support from colleagues including Mrs Staniforth.

Duke of Edinburgh Our 2020 expedition season was about to begin just

nationally to enable our pupils, and young people

as lockdown measures were announced, and

across the UK, to keep going.

everything got put on hold. The expedition dates were the key Duke of Edinburgh Award milestones, and it felt very strange to have these dates simply erased from our diary. By July it was evident that the whole year of expeditions was on hold.

Towards the end of the year the DfE guidance enabled us to employ an approved activity provider to take a team of Upper Sixth boys to the North Yorkshire Moors, to complete their Gold qualifying expedition, with a range of Covid adjustments in

We had an exceptional group of Lower Sixth, nearly

place to ensure they were kept as safe as possible.

all of whom had completed their Silver Awards the

This one expedition of the year provided a glimmer

year before, and were keen to get underway with the

of hope for the year ahead.

Gold expeditions. Undaunted, pupils at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels focused their attention on the other aspects of their awards.

Through the volunteering element of the DofE award, pupils this year have been raising money for the school charity MIND and doing other good

Rory Watt restarted the soup run which he originally

work for individuals and communities in the York

set up for his silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in

area.

2018. As lockdown began Rory wasted no time in distributing letters to the older residents of Husthwaite with information about the soup run. Throughout lockdown he delivered soup to the villagers twice a week. Gradually, our pupils started adapting the sections of their awards to be able to work on them from home. Covid didn’t mean the DofE had to stop – far from it. #DofE with a difference was set up

The commitment and hard work is rewarding for those who give their time and effort, and so important to those on the receiving end.

Music Autumn Concert There was a very encouraging Autumn Concert on

finished with the warm, full sound of our School

Thursday 17 October with promising playing and

with a visit from Olaf!

singing at this early stage in the academic year. The concert featured a wide variety of ensembles from our Chapel and Chamber Choirs to Flute Group, Clarinet Choir, Brass Ensemble, Boys’ Barbershop and Guitar Group. There were also a number of high-quality solo performances from our Upper Sixth musicians. The concert finished with a performance of two symphonic pieces involving an orchestra of 65 pupils playing Dvorak and Sibelius.

Choir singing a selection from Frozen, complete Evensong at Durham Cathedral Our Chapel Choir travelled to Durham Cathedral on

Monday 11 November to sing an Evensong service. It is always a pleasure to visit this special building and the choir enjoyed the warm acoustic, singing Ireland’s Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in F and Mozart’s Laudate Dominum. The clergy and staff were very welcoming and complimentary about the singing of the choir and we have been invited back for a return visit, which will take place

Christmas Concert There was a wide variety of styles

in two years’ time.

on offer in this enjoyable evening

Evensong Service at St Paul’s Cathedral, London Our Chapel Choir travelled down to

of festive music. The Wind Band started us off with a punchy, exciting

selection

from The

London on Monday 2 March to sing an

Greatest Showman and it was

Evensong

good to see four percussionists

well with the generous acoustic of the building and there was commendable

from Bach’s Suite in B minor. The

ensemble and solo singing in the

Chamber Choir contributed two unaccompanied

items,

with

the

lyrical Little Road to Bethlehem and a sophisticated multi-part arrangement of Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas. The Flute Group were on fine form with a really fun set, featuring a memorable arrangement

of Sleigh

Paul’s

wonderful occasion. The choir coped

elegant

performance of three movements

contrasting

the past ten years, and it is always a

accompanied one of our senior in

Cathedral. This is our fourth visit in

involved. The String Orchestra flautists

service

Ride complete

with

orchestral whip, sleigh bells and wood block! The second half started strongly with a set of three wellknown swing classics from the Swing Band and the audience particularly enjoyed the Boys’ and Girls’ Barbershop sets with music ranging from Neil Diamond to Kim Wilde. The Little Big Band took us into the 1970s with a creative arrangement of Labi Siffre and the Saxophone Quartet were on sparkling form in arrangements of Chick Corea. The concert

Fourth Service by Batten. The anthem

I waited for the Lord by Mendelssohn featured a beautiful duet from Ellie Miles-Kingston and Marion Akhurst. The clergy were very complimentary, and we hope to be able to return to the cathedral in two years’ time.

Will Miles-Kingston won the BBC Radio 2 Young Chorister of the Year competition The 13-year-old won the title as this year’s boy

The finalists were shortlisted from 90 excellent

chorister and was delighted to bring the award home

performance of the evening was awarded to Rachael

to York. Chapel Choir The Chapel Choir sang live to the nation on Sunday

26 January as BBC Radio 4 broadcast its Sunday Worship programme from St Peter’s School.

performances in the rounds before half-term. The Senior Music Festival prize for the outstanding Green for a stylish and virtuosic performance of Pequena Czarda by Itturalde on the Alto Saxophone. 6-2-7 Concert Series The Music Department at St Peter's launched their

The theme of the service was ‘Stand Together’ to

first virtual concert on Tuesday 5 May.

commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, which fell

The 6-2-7 concert series, inspired by the year of the

on 27 January. Holocaust Memorial Day provides an opportunity for people in the UK to stand together with those of differing faiths, ages, and ethnicities within their communities. Senior Music Festival The Senior Music Festival finals were held on

Thursday 27 February, a wonderful celebration of music with performances of a very high standard from our Fifth and Sixth Form pupils. The finals featured 25 performances across 8 different categories including drum kit, guitar, piano, brass, strings, boys’ singing, woodwind and girls’ singing.

school's foundation in 627AD, has been developed to showcase performances from pupils aged 13-18 at St Peter's School. Music and Cabaret Our virtual Cabaret was the perfect way to celebrate

this year's musical achievements. Our Upper Sixth worked incredibly hard to bring this together and there were some superb musical numbers.

Drama National Shakespeare Schools’ Festival Pupils from St Peter's 8-13 and St Peter’s 13-18

production in which the world in the wardrobe

performed in the 2019 National Shakespeare

confronted and destroyed. Well done to everyone

Schools Festival at Joseph Rowntree Theatre in

who made the extraordinary production so

York. The National Shakespeare Schools’ Festival is

captivating.

the world's largest youth drama festival led by The Shakespeare Schools Foundation. The festival helps inspire the pupils and gets them excited about theatre.

became a very real place where fears could be

LAMDA Results In March, 47 young people successfully sat their

LAMDA exams across St Peter's 8-13 and St Peter’s 13-18. The exams went smoothly, and the pupils

The pupils performed Hamlet in October and they

performed to the best of their abilities. The results

were fully involved at every level of both

were released in April and pupils achieved 43

productions, with cast and crew working together

distinctions and 4 merits. Congratulations to them

with

all on this incredible achievement!

great

professionalism.

Technical

teams

coordinated the sound and lighting for the show and pupils were also involved in costume design and helped backstage. There was a lot of hard work involved in the production, with rehearsals after school and on Saturdays, and the final performance was exceptional. Well done to everyone involved. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe We escaped our ordinary lives into a world of

adventure and imagination in this year’s Christmas term production: The Lion, The Witch and the

Wardrobe. The show boasted incredible acting, phenomenal costumes and magical Christmas scenery produced as the result of hours of planning and hard work by our pupil backstage team. All three shows sold-out, and the cast and team of pupils working backstage delivered a moving, triumphant

LAMDA is the UK’s largest statutory speech and drama awarding body. LAMDA examinations are designed to equip learners, whatever their age or aspirations, with a range of skills that will serve them throughout life. National Youth Theatre Congratulations to Lower Sixth pupil Beth and Third

Form pupil Amelia who were accepted by the

National Youth Theatre of Great Britain in May 2020, following their auditions in 2019. Beth and

The Show Must Go On... Despite the closure of schools during the summer

Amelia joined an intake course in summer 2020,

term, our drama pupils continued to put on a show

hosted via Zoom, and will remain members of the

at home.

National Youth Theatre Company until they turn 26, opening doors to a huge range of opportunities.

Working remotely with the theatre group Company Three, a group of pupils at St Peter’s 13-18 created

Speaking of her achievement, Beth said: “When I

Time Capsule videos to record their own

found out that I had made it into the National Youth

experiences of lockdown. Topics range from 'Home

Theatre I was overjoyed! I feel so blessed to be part

Life' to 'Food, Food, Food', offering a light-hearted

of the NYT community and I will make the most of

but poignant insight into the impact of Coronavirus

all it has to offer.”

on the lives of our pupils.

Amelia said: “When I found out I was accepted; I

In the final weeks of the summer term, pupils at St

didn’t believe it was true and was tempted to call to

Peter’s 13-18 responded creatively and innovatively

see if they’d made a mistake! Then I was so excited

to the challenges of remote learning by recording

that I had to force myself to concentrate on my

Epilogues in Isolation, inspired by the Royal Shakespeare Company's Sonnets in Solitude.

school subjects. I’m so excited to be part of this company.” Bev Veasey, Drama Teacher at St Peter's, said: 'We are extremely proud of Beth and Amelia. Over 5000 young actors apply each year, for just 500 places. It is a company where many of our most skilful actors began their careers. The experiences that they will have and the connections that they will make will be invaluable.”

Combined Cadet Force CCF continued with their training this year,

This year’s guests were Old Peterites Miss Emily

including Skill at Arms Training, Marksmanship

McDonald, a former head of Cadets and now a

Training, and ‘Ex Senior Defender’, an exercise

member of the UOTC, and 2Lt Alex Phillips, who

designed to test our senior Cadets on Command,

was our guest speaker. Emily now helps the School

Control and Leadership. Our Cadets also celebrated

on Summer Camps as our female focus. Alex left us

with their Annual Dinner in February. The aim of the

last summer, however, he returned to share his

evening is to recreate the experience of a formal

experiences on passing the Reserve Commissioning

military Dinner Night for our cadets.

Course at Sandhurst at the end of last year.

Dinner Night – February All staff and cadets came together to enjoy a formal

inspection report from Colonel Rhodes, who

military-style dinner night. Cadets were introduced

thriving off the challenge’.

to many of the customs associated with military dinners, including loyal toasts to the Queen and The Princess Royal. Our guest speaker for the evening was Old Peterite Alex Phillips (2019) who shared his experience so far of a Gap Year Commission in the Army.

praised the cadets as ‘bright, keen, enthusiastic and Exercise SENIOR DEFENDER – March In March 2020, Fifth and Sixth Form cadets

deployed on exercise as opposing forces for Ex SENIOR DEFENDER. The Fifth Form acted as enemy force ‘Coops’ Convicts’ (aptly named after the Contingent Commander), whilst the Sixth Form

Biennial inspection – October On 15th October 2019, we had our biennial

were tasked with defending a key building. The

inspection of the CCF from Colonel Nigel Rhodes,

their fieldcraft skills through recce patrols and

planning an assault on the key building. The Sixth

Deputy Commander 4

Infantry Brigade and

Headquarters North East. A section competition comprising command tasks, archery, skills at arms (weapon handling) and first aid scenario was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to the winning section, led by Cpl Ed Roebuck. We received an excellent

exercise allowed the Fifth Form to further develop

Form were put under pressure in managing an operations room and considering how best to defend their key point from attack. The exercise finished with an attack from Coops’ Convicts, well defended by the Defence Force, until a final counterattack by Coops’ Convicts during which the key point was captured.

Contingent Commander At the end of the year, Capt Paul Cooper handed over command of the contingent to Capt Sal Sleigh before departing for a new teaching role in Hong Kong. Having served as Contingent Commander since 2016, Paul has done an excellent job of managing the CCF and will be missed by both staff and pupils

Clubs and Societies Debating

We hosted The ESU Public Speaking Competition

It has been a really fun and very busy year in

in which our pupils were exceptional in all aspects of

Debating, even in lockdown (which has provided

their speeches, skilfully crafting their arguments,

some excellent debating topics in itself!).

showing their deep knowledge about the topics they

Throughout the year, Debating Society was always full of excitement and gave debaters of all levels of

had chosen and presenting with style and wonderful sportsmanship.

experience the opportunity to join in either as a

We also took part in (and hosted a round of) the

speaker, an audience member or to take part in the

ESU Mace Schools Competition and, following 3

floor debates. Open to all, it was a pleasure seeing

heats, we progressed to the North-East Regional

different faces appear each week. From more

Final! Our pupils were well prepared and spoke with

serious topics such as ‘THW introduce a universal

incredible confidence, knowledge and style - we are

basic income’ to more ‘light-hearted’ topics such as

truly proud of you!

‘THB that Father Christmas is immoral’.

The Oxford Schools’ event was a very exciting

A particular highlight however had to be the Inter-

afternoon with over 100 visitors to school to take

House Debating which saw a wonderful mélange of

part in a fast and furious British Parliamentary style

experienced and new debaters trying out a new skill

debate. Once again, our pupils were impressive in

to win the coveted Senior and Junior cups for their

their ability to take on a motion for which they had

Houses.

only had 15 minutes preparation time!

In the end, the successful Senior team was The

The Debating Dinner was a wonderful way to round

Grove.

off the Debating Calendar on site and I have to

And the junior team was The Manor. Wil Rebeiro= Best Junior Debater Will Peacock = Best Senior Debater At competitive level, the pupils have been amazing working with our debating coach and travelling to various different competitions.

thank my wonderful Debating Captain and Committee who were a fantastic group of young people to work with and next year, the Debating Society will continue to flourish. Eco Club Pupils at St Peter’s recently created an Eco Club to

raise environmental awareness and drive change through a variety of initiatives in school. The Eco

Club’s first campaign was to raise money for wildlife

bottles, tubs and tubes, crisp packets, Pringles tubes

in Australia affected by the recent devastating

and plastic pens of all types to send for recycling.

wildfires. The Club left jam jars in houses and the

The collection boxes can be found across the school

tuck shop for support. They raised £206.65,

in Houses and staff areas.

providing emergency funds to care for injured animals and help restore the forest homes for koalas and other wildlife. Donations were sent to WIRES and Wildlife Victoria.

Radio 627 2019 saw the re-launch of the School’s Radio

Station, aptly named Radio 627. The station was being re-built from scratch but with superb help

Bronze Award St Peter’s 13-18 secured an Eco-Schools Bronze

from the ICT department, pupils were able to record

Award in recognition of the school’s achievement in

how the new hardware, software and recording

working towards a sustainable lifestyle. The pupils

equipment works. We hope that in the coming

have set up an environmental committee with

months we’ll be able to add more shows, dramas and

representation from across the pupil and staff body.

hopefully some live sports commentaries. Don’t

Three targets have been set to move the school

watch this space – go to radio627.co.uk to see how

forward

we’re doing!

its

journey

become

environmentally sustainable: reducing plastic waste and recycling more, reducing energy wastage, and reducing traffic and air pollution. The pupils hope to action these targets and achieve the Silver Award within the next two years. Terracycle The Eco Club are working with St Nick’s collecting

'hard to recycle' waste for processing through Terracycle. St Nick’s use the funds generated to support their environmental work in York. The Eco Club made their own Terracycle boxes and will be collecting toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, cosmetic

some new podcasts. It’s a slow process as we all learn

Community Action At Christmas, a group of fifteen pupils organised a

Christmas party for children from the local charity ‘The Island’. The Island is a charity that supports disadvantaged, isolated and vulnerable children. This is an annual event and we have positive links with this charity. The Christmas party was fun for both the visiting children and our pupils. Our pupils were welcoming hosts and provided party games they had planned and prepared themselves. It was an event that showcased the generous spirit of our pupils as well as their creative skills.

Trips and Tours Report Like with so many other things, the Educational

Gallery, alongside watching three great plays thanks

Visits programme has had a disrupted year with a

to National Theatre Live.

great number of trips planned during the Easter break and Summer holiday. Three overseas trips ran this academic year, the new German Cultural trip to Berlin prior to Christmas and an Art trip to Paris in February half term. At the same time, the ski trip went to Austria, skiing both in the smaller resort of

History of Art pupils visited London, including Canary Wharf underground station which was designed by Norman Foster in the 1990s. Having spent a week studying it, it was fantastic to be able to walk through and explore it.

Bramberg, as well as the larger and more well-known

Taking advantage of the various classical events

Kitzbuhel.

organised this year, 40 Fourth Form Classics pupils

At the start of the year, Biology pupils enjoyed their annual trip to Malham and had an excellent time despite the rain. The final day rewarded them for their perseverance with a blistering blue sky. English and Drama pupils visited York Theatre Royal in September to watch Malory Towers, and they were joined by the senior girl boarders from The Rise and Dronfield. Based on the series of Enid Blyton novels of the same name, Wise Children’s production of Malory Towers follows a group of young girls in their first term at a girls’ boarding school. Filled with mischief and adventure with a lot of laughs along the way, the musical took the audience on a journey of friendship and high jinks. Later in the year, English pupils enjoyed a ‘remote’ residential visit to the Globe and the National

went to see artefacts from Pompeii at the Ashmolean in Oxford and our Sixth Form Classicists travelled to London for the British Museum Troy exhibition. St Peter's Geography pupils spent a morning exploring York in January, including a visit to York’s Chocolate Story. During the study of many topics, St Peter's used York as a case study example. The topics included site and situation of settlements, growth of settlements over different time periods, and industry.

Germany Trip If teenagers are notoriously bad at early mornings, this group did remarkably well to be at school at 2:15am on Tuesday 17th December 2019. That, sadly, is the drawback of an early flight from Manchester to Berlin. Still, it meant that we were all checked in at the hotel next to Berlin Hauptbahnhof by 11am, perhaps not feeling so fresh, but with time to either grab some sleep or explore the eateries at the aforementioned station. Our tourist-trail that afternoon included the Brandenburg Gate and the neighbouring Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe both enroute to a guided tour of the Topography of Terror, the first of a number of chances to reflect on the horrors of Nazi Germany. In spite of the length of the day, our pupils engaged well and asked intelligent and pointed questions. By way of light relief, we headed to the Christmas Market at Potsdamer Platz and then for a night-time visit of the dome atop the Reichstag for a birds-eye view across Berlin twinkling beneath a clear night sky. All slept well that night and were ready to don their best walking shoes for a full day trailing around the city. Our first stop was the Palace of Tears, a replica of the border crossing between the former East and West Berlin and the harsh realisation of how hard life in the East German regime used to be. In order to further illustrate this, we then trudged to the DDR Museum dedicated to documenting life in that former country.

Not always quite so hard-hitting, this museum covers both positive and negative aspects of the lives of East Germans, even allowing the opportunity to sit at the steering wheel of a Trabant for a virtual drive around the block. The city still contains real-life remnants of the border between its former two halves, so it was appropriate to visit Bernauerstraße, which offers the chance to walk up a modern-day lookout tower above no-man’s land and imagine the lengths people were prepared to go to in order to tunnel their way to western ‘civilisation’. Light relief followed again in the shape of visits to the Wintertraum and Weihnachtszeit Christmas markets. If feet were beginning to feel the effects of clocking over 22,000 steps, there was not a murmur of discontent from any of our intrepid party. Thursday was our final day and offered the chance to enjoy some retail therapy and Christmas shopping at the famous KaDeWe and along Ku’Damm, but only after we had walked the length of the East Side Gallery and seen first-hand the colourful and often politically-charged graffiti on the western side of the Berlin Wall that still stands there to this day. The visit to Berlin ended when we boarded an already overcrowded bus which took us back to the Berlin Tegel Airport. Very tired but highly satisfied, we arrived back in York 72 hours after we left. Well done to all those Third Formers who engaged so positively with each other, the visits, the two Upper Sixth Formers and Mrs Houghton and me. - Matthew Grant

Ski Trip At the time we set off for Austria (February half

finished the day skiing the legendary Streif on the

term 2020), little did we know that this would be the

Hahnenkamm mountain. For those with a real

last school trip for well over a year. It was a real

interest in skiing this is the race all downhill skiers

delight to have such a good group of pupils for this

want to win, and our instructors talked us through

trip and their behaviour throughout was a real credit

the various parts of the course and explained how

to the school.

fast the top skiers actually work their way down the

Bramberg is a fairly small resort, branded as Wildkogel, just off the main Kitzbuhel ski area. As a result, we were able to ski both areas and our pupils were able to appreciate a real sense of travel throughout the week. We were fortunate to have some really good ski instructors who wanted to give

course. Photos and TV don’t really do the challenge of this justice, and it was great fun if a little nervewracking at times to work our way through the moguls which form on the course when not in use. This enabled us to end our day in the beautiful town of Kitzbuhel and spend some time walking around it.

our pupils the best possible experience and they

Off the slopes we had a good time watching some

were generous with their time. In Bramberg, the

Ice Hockey in Zell am See – something we all agreed

snowparks and jumps were a real highlight for many

was staged for all the school groups present (even

(accompanied by “Johnny Dapp, Dapp, Dapp”) and

the fights!). Tobogganing was rather more

there were a good range of runs to suit both our

challenging than anticipated and a good time was

beginners and intermediate skiers. The hot food on

had swimming one evening as well.

the slopes was excellent, as it was in our hotel too, and it kept our pupils happy and well fed throughout the week. For three days we skied the Kitzbuhel area which offered both variety and challenge. The particular highlight of this was on Day 5 where we crossed the valley and

It was a delight to be supported by such excellent staff, including our wonderful rep Tony who sorted out so many things for us. We don’t think any of us came back with Covid… - Steve Gwilliam

Partnerships Looking outwards with the Public Lecture Programme Our Public Lecture Programme continued strongly

In March there was a real buzz amongst historians of

in the Christmas Term, opening in September with

of celebrity from the Bronze Age to the Silver

Professor Tom McLeish, Professor of Natural Philosophy in the Department of Physics at the University of York, talking about his new book ‘The Poetry and Music of Science’. Professor McLeish drew on the personal accounts of scientists, artists, mathematicians, writers, and musicians, as well as philosophy and theology, to explore the creative process and what it means to be human in a world where empirical research and creative thinking are intertwined. Rev Canon Professor Keith Ward, Emeritus Regius, Professor of Divinity at the University of Oxford spoke in October, posing the question: Should We Send Missionaries to the Stars? He considered how we think of the relationship between Christ, humanity and the population of planet earth, when we know there are billions of galaxies. We also welcomed former SAS corporal and Bravo Two Zero survivor turned author Chris Ryan back to St Peter’s in October. Always a popular guest, Chris discussed his two very different careers and his new novel, Black Ops with David Robinson. Helen Whittaker is one of the country’s leading stained-glass artists, based at the Barley Studio near York. In November she showed us beautiful illustrations of the work she’s done, whilst explaining how designs for a window are created, both ecclesiastical and secular, as well as the process of turning her designs into reality – recent examples including new windows at the RAF Club in London and Beverley Minster.

all ages across York as we welcomed TV’s ‘Horrible Histories’ expert Greg Jenner. He traced the history Screen, helping us work out what it was & how the beginnings of mass communication had quickly helped a disparate range of people become celebrities. Greg is at the cutting-edge of communicating history and has drawn in a whole new generation of historians, weighing both serious history and fascination with pop culture. This was our final event shortly before the Covid pandemic made large gatherings impossible, which was frustrating as a glittering line up of speakers had been arranged for the York Literature Festival – we hope to re-programme most of them as soon as we can. In the tenth year of the St Peter’s Lecture Series we were delighted to be shortlisted for the Educate North Awards in the Community Engagement category, reflecting how our programme has brought thousands of people from the local area in to the school to benefit from hearing our speakers and meeting them afterwards. As ever a huge amount of help from Estates ably led by Steve Howarth & Darren Adamson; Catering under Jason Farrell; the ever-uncomplaining IT team; Housekeeping, especially Di, and Marketing make this all possible. Our wonderful monitors, helped by Ali Fuller, welcome our guests warmly. Sara Burns continues to be the epitome of professionalism and skill looking after our guests and providing wonderful sound and lighting. We look forward to resuming our programme soon. -

Ben Fuller,

Head Public

the

Lecture

Programme

Science Public Lectures Professor Jacquie McGlade: Creating a Prosperous

Future for All – October 2019 Jacquie McGlade is the Professor of Resilience and Sustainable Development at UCL and Professor of the Environment at Gresham College and previously worked in an advisory role for the European Environment Agency and the UN Environment Programme. Professor McGlade’s talk introduced many of us to alternative views on the concept of prosperity. She weaved in examples from her scientific field work in areas across the world, from Africa to East Asia. She made links between ideas of prosperity and areas of her research, for example considering air quality in cities across the globe and describing low-cost air monitoring stations that her team have developed. The audience were also treated to some glimpses of her life now as, a member of the Massai in Kenya. This was a truly inspiring talk from a simply astounding scientist and truly remarkable lady. Those who attended the talk and met with Professor McGlade afterwards felt really privileged and inspired.

Alex Wilson: Gravity Jet Suits – January 2020

The Jet-suit pilot and Engineer Alex Wilson joined us in January to talk about reimagining human flight. Alex described the iterative design and the testing path that led to the current fully 3D printed Gravity Jet Suit, named one of TIME’s best inventions of 2018. The Jet Suit’s 1,050 horsepower system relies on five mini jet engines to achieve vertical flight and can reach speeds of up to 50 km per hour and altitudes of 12,000 feet. Gravity Industries, founded in 2017 by British Inventor Richard Browning, has grown from humble beginnings into a multi-million-dollar organisation whose influence spans the globe. The Gravity Jet Suit, also referred to as the ‘Iron Man’ suit, has gained international recognition and the team have toured the world since it was launched two years ago. Alex Wilson, who regularly uses the suit, explained ‘The experience of flying is quite serene and calm, like being in the eye of a storm. It feels like floating on a pillow, which doesn’t sound very ‘iron man’ at all!’ The dream of defying gravity has captivated scientists for centuries and the Gravity Jet Suit has helped to make this dream a reality. Gravity Industries is a truly exciting and cutting-edge organisation and it was a privilege to welcome Alex Wilson for this special talk. -

Andy Parr

Stargazing The highlight for the Physics Department was our

technology to look for alien life on some of these

Stargazing evening in February. This epitomises our

planets within the next few years.

contribution to the education of both our pupils and the wider school and local community in partnership with other educational establishments. The 'ooh factor' is always high but I think this year topped all previous years for the gasps of wonder that we heard from children and adults alike. The ever-popular Stargazing Live event returned to St Peter’s for the 10th time in February.

Simon Goodwin said: ‘We don’t know what we are looking for but it is likely that alien life forms will be beyond human conception. They will look drastically different from the aliens we see in the movies!’ It was wonderful to welcome so many people to St Peter’s School once again for our Stargazing evening. We were fortunate enough to have

Almost 400 people attended the event to explore

reasonably clear skies with good stargazing

the wonders of the Universe, with hands-on

conditions for our visitors, who were able to spot the

experiments, a Planetarium Dome and the

Pleiades cluster, Venus and some interesting Lunar

opportunity to look through telescopes with York

features.

Astronomical Society. Simon

Goodwin,

The event was organised in conjunction with York Professor

Theoretical

University

Physics

Department

and

York

Astrophysics at Sheffield University, delivered a

Astronomical Society. My thanks go to Professor

fascinating lecture, encouraging the audience to

Goodwin and all the exhibitors who came along for

consider the possibility of alien life in space. Simon

the evening to really bring the night sky to life for

explained how we have now discovered over 4,000

our visitors.

planets around the stars and will have the

Andy Parr

Commemoration Head Master’s Address

At the start of my address at Commem last year, I

confident that we have not just made the best of the

referred to the imprecise nature of futurology and

situation but will also take the best of it and be

looking back on life at St Peter’s during this

stronger and better for it. Who would have thought

academic year makes that feel either ironic or eerily

it possible to close a physical school, reopen

prescient. It has certainly been a remarkable and

remotely and online in the space of five weeks and

extraordinary year which will no doubt have its own

then move back into a gradual reopening with

place in the history of our school.

planning for being fully open again hopefully in

Lenin said that there are decades when nothing happens and weeks when decades happen. That has certainly been true in recent months and while COVID-19 may feel like the dominant story of the

September. Well we did, and we did so because of the individual and collective efforts of the whole community – working in solidarity and pulling together to face adversity with creativity.

year there has been much more to make this year

2020 will be an historic year also as the time in which

stand out and to celebrate. There was already a

St Peter’s became the Choir School for York

focus on understanding and articulating what makes

Minster. The closing of the Minster due to COVID-

St Peter’s such a great school, clarifying our purpose

19 led to a catastrophic loss of income which in turn

of education and assessing where we need to

precipitated the proposal to close the Minster

improve. What has been particularly interesting is

School. At the heart of the Minster is the choral

how the last four months have sharpened that focus

tradition, upheld over centuries by the choirs. When

and seen us make some great strides forward which

the call came, we wanted to do all we could to ensure

I am sure will benefit the school in the future.

that world-famous choral tradition and build on our

Underpinning all we do at St Peter’s is the goal of preparing our pupils to be amazing adults not just eighteen year-olds. To give them a huge range of opportunities and make sure their teenage years are full of serious fun. The foundations of that rests on the four pillars of qualifications, skills, interests and values and the glue that binds us together is a sense of community and relationships not just at school but

York,

regionally,

nationally

and

internationally. One of the key decisions we made going into lockdown was to preserve as much of that as possible and I am grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make that possible.

shared heritage going back to the foundation of the monastery which became Minster and St Peter’s School in 627AD by Paulinus – listed as the first Head Master of St Peter’s on the boards outside the Memorial Hall.

Indeed, there is a sense of a

homecoming and confirmation of the long, entwined relationship between St Peter’s and the Minster. Our music has always been an excellent feature and this will ensure our ability to provide an outstanding education for the choristers as well as strengthening music at St Peter’s and further cement our reputation. It has been really great to see music continuing through lockdown with 6-2-7 Concerts and Cabaret taking place online and earlier

While we can have a little idea of what the future

in the year the Chapel Choir singing Evensong at

holds it is overwhelmingly likely that the last few

Durham and St Paul’s cathedrals. The standout

months will have a profound impact on us all –

moments though probably go to one of our pupils

collectively and individually. Despite the challenges

winning BBC Chorister of Year and the Radio 4

and inevitable difficulties it has caused I am

Sunday morning service being broadcast live from

the Chapel to an audience of over 1 million people

role we play in the York Independent State School

worldwide.

Partnership is one way we continue to make a

Thinking of the way in which the school’s character has enabled us to do so well, there is a cliché that sport creates character although in truth it more often reveals it. While we may never know what

difference and I have been asked to join an advisory group

developing

partnership

programmes

nationally and am much looking forward to being engaged with that excellent endeavour.

might have been in this summer’s cricket, rowing

The arrival of our new Chief Operating Officer in

and other fixtures it has been tremendous to see the

August

continued focus on sport and physical fitness during

commercial capacity and fundraising to support our

lockdown with some highly inventive sporting

focus on affordability and increasing financial

challenges.

We can also look back on great

support through the Help With Fees programme.

achievements earlier in the year. The U14 Girls

We are well placed to do this building on our existing

reaching the National Hockey Finals made history

links with the local community, City of York

for a junior girls’ team following the U18 Girls’ similar

Council, the Minster, universities and other bodies.

achievement in 2018. Excellent too that two netball

Even before lockdown we had been involved in

teams and one tennis team reached the Northern

hosting a range of events at school with hundreds of

Finals.

visitors including public lectures, BBC Stargazing,

In swimming we reached the English Schools National Finals for the first time and in water polo we reached the finals of the National Plate competition. Meanwhile the U15 boys’ rugby team reached the last 16 in the National Cup with the 1st XI hockey team reaching the last 32 in their National

will

strengthen

and

accelerate

our

regional events such as the ESU Public Speaking and Debating Competitions where we reached the North East final. We were also crowned regional champions in the Schools’ Challenge competition for the 4th year in a row, with our A and B teams playing each other in the final.

Cup run. The boys’ 1st Tennis Team reached the

Fundraising this year has had a focus on York Mind

North of England & Scotland Tennis Finals before

and at Christmas we hosted a party for children from

the event was cancelled.

Before lockdown our

‘The Island’. The Island is a charity that supports

rowers achieved success in regional competition and

disadvantaged, isolated and vulnerable children and

benefitted enormously from the new Boat House.

it was an event that showcased the generous spirit of

Perfect timing as the floods rose very high, leaving

our pupils as well as their creative skills. Our charity

the Boat House looking more like a Houseboat

and community endeavours are another aspect

before the astonishing warmth and sunshine of May

which has been increased and strengthened by

and June.

lockdown and I am so proud of all who have raised

Another theme of the year has been the sense of community – both our school one and also our role in our local communities. Being outward facing and engaged has always been important and it is reciprocal. The more we are embedded, the better we can deliver positive strengths to York and the region and the more we do so, the stronger we become. This is going to be even more important in coming years with the attainment gap in education becoming even more pronounced. The significant

money for York Mind and York Food Bank through the Heads of Schools’ initiative to travel round the world through fitness activities. Also, for members of the DT Department who made protective visors for the hospital and local GPs and care homes and I am glad that we were able to accommodate doctors from the hospital in Dronfield boarding house who could not go home at the end of their shifts.

The boarding community has also shown its strength this year with the Boarders’ Activity Programme

growing

significantly

with

integration between Houses including junior boarders in Wentworth and a renewed programme of activities on Sundays. Boarding is in strong shape at St Peter’s with increased numbers for September and within that a noticeable increase in British boarders and new Third Form boarders. Our pastoral structures have also strengthened this year starting with the creation of a new Listening Space to give pupils an informal path to access support and several staff undertaking training in Young People’s Mental Health. We have also spent time reviewing our structures for Tutoring and from September there will be two sessions of Tutor Time each week with each Tutor having between 10 and 12 Tutees rather than 15 to 17 to enable coaching and mentoring of pupils in their personal and academic development. I often say that exam results get you interviews but it is the person who walks through the door that gets the job. Our pupils are incredibly busy and many are immersed in a huge range of activities alongside their academic studies. That is fantastic in making their teenage years great fun and, while engaged in such a variety of endeavours, our pupils develop vital and valued skills which will support them in being confident, successful and fulfilled adults. In 2018, the World Economic Forum produced a report on the Future of Jobs. Amongst lots of interesting analysis, it identifies the skills which will be most valued in the coming years. • • • • • • • • •

Analytical thinking and innovation Active learning and learning strategies Creativity, originality and initiative Technology design and programming Critical thinking and analysis Complex problem-solving Leadership and social influence Emotional intelligence Reasoning, problem-solving and ideation

•

Systems analysis and evaluation

What strikes me is that these are exactly the sorts of skills which our pupils develop both in and out of the classroom with the exception that we need to do more with technology design and programming. St Peter’s has always intuitively prepared our pupils with the skills needed for the future and increased time for Tutoring is designed to maximise and multiply the impact of all that pupils do and promote the benefits of developing their wider interests. We have done so much and learned a tremendous amount over this year and I have been so proud and impressed by the way my colleagues and pupils have responded. What is particularly impressive is that while pupils have had a great deal of support from school, ultimately they have had to draw on their own character and ability to adapt to new ways of being ‘at school’ while being largely on their own at home. This experience is one that will not be forgotten and I hope that all of us will see this as not being tied just to the summer of 2020, but positive proof that whatever life throws at us in the future, we can overcome challenges, thrive and flourish no matter what the circumstance. If we can do that in a situation with all sorts of difficulties and obstacles, how much more so can we perform to the highest level when conditions are favourable? Looking ahead, life will be different and perhaps in a better way. We will take the advantages of online learning in how we use tech for augmenting teaching, learning and work flow although one thing lockdown has proved is that personal contact is such an important aspect of education. Some of the other things we have developed will also remain as positives for the future. The creativity and range of learning tasks has been tremendous and I have been delighted to award over 50 Head Master’s Distinctions this term for outstanding work. We have also had a glimpse into a parallel universe where the last months at school for Fifth Form and Lower Sixth are not spent just going over material already

learned.

Instead, our pupils have been doing

bridging courses for A Levels and preparation for university degrees with the school developing 18 courses covering everything from the sciences and humanities to Real Estate and Law.

We also

arranged online meetings with young OPs at university to assist with transition from school and such initiatives will become part of how we enhance future year groups’ experience and preparation for life after St Peter’s.

on a toothbrush with Miss Mounter’s witty puns adding a touch of sparkle to the weekly report. And today, after what feels like the longest summer term ever, we reach the end of the academic year. I am looking forward with hope to a more normal year in the autumn and conscious also of the need to say farewell, for now, to leaving pupils and staff. Our leaving staff are recorded in the Peterite Review and in the end of term letter and we also had an opportunity to thank them for all they have done at

We have kept as much of normal life as possible this

an online gathering of the Common Room on

last term from lessons to the co-curricular and

Wednesday evening which would normally have

pastoral. Assembly has gone out as a video as

taken place on the Music School Lawn. Two deserve

normal on Thursday mornings and the process for

particular mention today. Angela Tooby-Smith who

appointing new positions of responsibility and prize

began her career at St Peter’s in 1996 and retires

winners has continued. Induction mornings for new

after 24 years and Bob Shread who retires after 35

pupils went online with videos giving guided tours

years of service.

and House meetings on Zoom. Departments have

much to be thankful to them for and we wish them

run virtual school trips and recruitment of new

well with grateful hearts.

pupils and colleagues has also happened using video conferencing. This would not have been possible even just five years ago but while it shows the value of technology, you cannot beat face to face contact and interaction. Some days I have spent so many hours on Zoom that I realised there was more chance of getting DVT that way than by taking multiple long-haul flights. A healthy reminder to me certainly of the importance of good diet, sleep and daily exercise.

Generations of Peterites have

It was St Peter’s Day on Monday of this week with the name Peter coming from the Greek petros meaning rock and Jesus’ words to his disciple, “You are the rock on which my church is built”. That we have done so well and achieved so much has taken tremendous commitment and hard work. It is my belief that we have been able to do that because our foundations are strong, deep and secure. My fatherin-law farms bison and there is a story that in the great winter storms, while other animals try and

Then there have been the new things – music

hide, the bison set their shoulders and walk steadily

concerts being stitched together and edited into

into the oncoming weather knowing that in this way

online performances such as this week’s incredible

they will come through the other side faster and

Cabaret.

New sporting challenges have been

stronger. The ‘ancient ways’ of our motto are built

created showcasing the talents of our sports staff as

on rock sure foundations and the sense of solidarity,

well as pupils. A weekly Pastoral Newsletter has kept

community and shared endeavour has sustained us

us in touch and entertained with quizzes, recipes and

well in recent months as it will in the future. Thank

insight into the music tastes of staff through their

you all for your contribution this year and this term.

Desert Island Discs. The Isolation Olympics have

My colleagues, teaching and support staff have

produced fantastic and good-natured Inter-House

worked tirelessly even in the toughest of situations.

competition with events including recreating

I am immensely proud of the pupils for all they have

famous paintings, baking rainbow cakes and the

achieved and grateful to all the parents for their

gently bonkers such as capturing a photo of a robin

support for the school and their children at what has

been a time of great uncertainty for many. My

disappointment and uncertainty. It has also brought

senior teams across the school have been nothing

out the very best in you and you can be enormously

short of outstanding and grasped each new

proud of all you have achieved and have confidence

challenge with optimism and dogged determination.

in all that lies ahead in life. It was wonderful to see

Especially in the absence of a Bursar or COO, their

many of you earlier this week and we will take the

friendship, support and good humour has made all

chance to mark your time when we can gather again

the difference in the world to me. The Governors

with Old Peterite Day in September marking the first

have provided outstanding support and expertise

possible date.

giving incredible amounts of their time to support myself and the senior time as we navigated uncharted waters. In particular, I would like to thank Bill Woolley as Chairman for the phenomenal contribution he has made of time and wisdom during the unseen hours of planning, research, risk assessments and seemingly endless meetings.

You have done a great deal at St Peter’s and had so many opportunities given to you.

Remember

though, that from those who have given much, much will be expected. You have the opportunity to capitalise on all you have learned at St Peter’s not just for personal success but to make a difference to your communities, in your relationships and in your world. Life moves pretty fast – make sure you make

Finally, to the Upper Sixth - you have had the most

the most of it and above all, always do what is right,

unexpected conclusion to your time at school which

not what is easy and may God bless you all.

has

brought

you

challenge,

frustration,

Leadership Positions Heads of School Deputy Heads of School Monitors

Heads of House Clifton Dronfield The Grove Hope Linton The Manor Queen’s The Rise School Temple

Charlotte Calvert Ethan McKinney Katie Bonner Harry Jones Sonia Aleksandrova Tim Burgess Yeelok Chan Nick Gill James Hanson Oenone Hedley Guy Jenkins Ellie Miles-Kingston Amanda Paul Tom Robins Molly Smith Hebe Turvill Maddie Wylie Lily Williams Lily Conroy Benedict Quinn Charlotte Calvert Sophie O’Callaghan George Russell Lily Williams Polly Brown Josh Wood Yeelok Chan Reuben Carter Benjie Wilson Ava Horner Will Middleton Sophie Adeley Sonya Aleksandrova Amelia Blackburn Joe Johnson Flora McDonald-Wilson Lottie McKelvie

Prize Giving Middle School Prizes The Stephenson Prize for Latin: Hugo Lange Junior Art Prize: Dayeon (Diana) Seo Foluso Rotowa Memorial Prize for Classical Civilisation: Alex Freshwater Jack Brittain Memorial Prize for Middle School Essay: Annabel Kelley Geography Prize: Joseph Hornby Eric Thompson Prize for Spoken German: Nicholas Brown John Mitchell Third Form Prize for History: Maggie Hutchings Fifth Form History Prize: William Contreras Kings-Reynolds Prize for Middle School Mathematics: Benjamin Finch Old Peterite Prize for Reading: Charlotte Holliday Arthur Craven Prize for Middle School French: Henry Jameson Fifth Form Prize for Musical Composition: Benjamin Finch PE Lord Prize for Classical Civilisation: Megan Wakerley Milton Prize for Effort and Progress in Biology: Navami Sangeeth Walter Smith Prize for GCSE Practical Science: Charlotte Gee Third Form Prize for Academic Merit: Maggie Hutchings, Arabella Johnston, Will Miles-Kingston, Charlotte Oglesby Fourth Form Prize for Academic Merit: Martha Dunsmore, Jamie Hui, Henry Jameson, Thomas Johnson Fifth Form Prize for Academic Merit: Charlotte Gee, Benjamin Finch, William Contreras Fifth Form Prize for Academic Merit: Charlotte Holliday, Natasha Johnston, Hugo Lange Sixth Form Prizes Art Prize: Beatrice Barker Art Exhibition Prize: Georgia Chamberlain History of Art Prize: Rachel Hartley PE Lord Prize for Classical Civilisation: India Harrison Design and Technology Prize: Guy Jenkins

Friends of St Peter’s Prize for Business Studies: Rachel Padgett Economics and Business Prize for Effort and Progress: Alexander Coates Le Tocq Prize for Economics: Sarah Sullivan Skrentny Prize for Creative Writing: Isabelle Greenwood John Crook Prize for Poetry: Phoebe Frank Geography Prize: Stephen Johnson Lower Sixth Essay Prize for History: Olivia Cleobury Mathematics Prize: Katherine Bonner French Prize for Improvement and All-Round Effort: James Hanson Brian Holbeche Prize for a Critical Essay: William Middleton Arthur Craven Prize for Spoken French: Sarah Sullivan German Prize: Timothy Burgess Stephenson Prize for Latin: Amelia Blackburn Spanish Prize: Charlotte McKelvie Pemberton Prize for Wind and Brass: Timothy Burgess Senior Music Festival Prize: Rachael Green Old Peterite Prize for Reading: Georgia Legg Orange-Bromehead Prize for String Instrument Accomplishment: Marion Akhurst Stephenson Prize for Singing: Eleanor MilesKingston Tudor Howatt Prize for Music Composition: Timothy Burgess Wordie Chorister Prize: Eleanor Miles-Kingston Robert Harding Prize for A Level Physical Education: Ellen Watkins Whytehead Memorial Prize for Theology: Valentina Cross Politics Prize: William Clarke Walter Smith Prize for Biology: Piyush Koorapaty Chemistry Prize: Madeleine Wylie Toyne Prize for European History: Charlotte McKelvie Further Mathematics Prize: Wing Ki (Amelie) Lam Wilcox Prize for Physics: Wing Ki (Amelie) Lam Cordwainers’ Prize for Textiles: Annabel Kelley

Richard Atkinson Prize for Drama: Amelia Gray Debating Prize: Ethan McKinney Robin Shannon Memorial Prize for Contribution to Debating: Patrick Renwick Minster Lions Rosebowl for Service to the Community: Benjamin Skelton

Old Peterite Lodge Prize for Service to the Community: Charlotte McKelvie The Paddy Power Prize for Endeavour: Oenone Hedley Norman Crombie Memorial Prize: Ethan McKinney KH Rhodes Prize: Charlotte Calvert

Leavers Paul Cooper Paul Cooper joined the Design and Technology Department at St Peter’s in 2015. He has made the D&T department a welcoming place to be and he has brought a lot of fresh ideas, new materials and processes to the school. Paul has changed the department in many ways, resulting in a more dynamic subject which is in tune with the world outside. Paul rarely ever sits still and always has a project on the go. He has also made huge improvements to the CCF in addition to his work in the D&T department and the CCF is now a more attractive opportunity for our pupils. In recent months, Paul has spent many hours cutting and assembling components for hundreds of medical face shields for local health organisations. Paul works incredibly hard and is always available to help pupils. We will miss Paul very much.

(John Whitehouse)

Liz Pywell My first meeting with Liz epitomises the teacher that I have come to know and respect. Within moments of speaking to Liz I was simultaneously awed by her encyclopaedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm. If you go searching for Liz on a lunchtime, she is commonly found supporting a struggling pupil. It is undeniable that Liz leaves behind her a generation of pupils who will never look at literature the same way again. Her door has been unfailingly open, not only to pupils but also to teachers looking for an escape. There’s going to be a real hole in the English department when she leaves. We will miss our fun, flamboyant and fabulous friend who always brings a sprinkle of sparkle dust to the dullest of teaching days.

(Lucy Todd)

Henry Meier It’s hard to believe that Henry has been here for over 4 years. Despite only being on a parttime contract, he has taught all year groups history whilst supporting the school in so many other ways. Henry has also worked with the Classics Department, the EPQ Department and the EGP Department, and has been involved with Hockey. I admire him for his hard work, enthusiasm and organisation. Henry will be a huge loss to everyone at St Peter’s and I wish him every happiness for the future.

(Richard Trevett)

Lissie Matts Lissie speaks so passionately about her subject and has an excellent rapport with her pupils. Her energy rubs off on the pupils and her common room is always a place of fun and laughter. Lissie is not only fantastic in House and as a classroom teacher, but she has also contributed greatly to the cocurricular life of the school, including hockey and Duke of Edinburgh. She is constantly full of beans and a joy to be around. Lissie loves to be organised and is affectionately known as ‘Captain Clipboard’. She has been an enthusiastic and brilliant member of staff from the start, doing a wonderful job as Social Secretary. Lissie has undaunted optimism and wears her heart on her sleeve.

(Helen Figgins)

Bob Shread Over the last 35 years, Bob has given extraordinary service to St Peter’s School. A good friend is like a four-leaf clover. Hard to find but incredibly lucky to have. Bob has lived his life as a team player, with great sportsmanship and a sense of humour. Bob has taught chemistry with distinction since 1985 and has run the tennis club for the entire time. He is organised, loyal, incredibly conscientious and competitive. He is nobody’s fool and has the warmest personality. He is fair, a real gentleman, very loving and proud of the achievements of his pupils and his family, and a genuine and proper sportsman. From all of us Bob, thank you.

(Paddy Stephen)

Angela Tooby-Smith Angela is one of the most unassuming colleagues and a true friend in the common room who we are privileged to know. Angela successfully managed to combine her teaching career with a highly successful sporting career. She started at St Peter’s in September 1996 and in the past 24 years Angela has done so many things. She has continuously pushed her pupils in the Geography department to succeed their own expectations. For 20 years, Angela has taken Geography pupils on the annual trip to Arran. We would like to thank Angela for all her help and support that she has offered us during her time at the school.

(Helen Barnard and Justine Williams)

Starters Tracey Mounter Tracey studied History at university, before going on to complete her PGCE at the University

of East Anglia. After deciding between the Police Force and teaching, the latter won! She started her teaching career at Norwich School, where she became Head of Department, and Housemistress. She was appointed the Head of Fourth Form as the School transitioned into a co-educational setting. Whilst at Norwich School Tracey assisted with Duke of Edinburgh Gold expeditions, led trips to the USA, Normandy and Holland and she could also be found on the sports pitches, either coaching netball, hockey or cross-country. Danielle Staniforth Danielle studied Architecture at The Manchester School of Architecture (MSA), before working

for CRL Architects Ltd. a small practice based in Leeds, mainly specializing in residential projects. On return to The MSA Danielle specialized in Biomimetics, researching sustainable prefabricated construction methods. It was during this time she decided to make the leap into teaching; volunteering at Notre Dame Sixth Form College with the Product Design Department. Sustainability continues to be a key focus of Danielle’s, and one of the reasons she changed career - to inspire change for the better. Danielle started her teaching career at Prince Henry's Grammar School in Leeds, where she ran an Eco focused STEM Club where they were UK Winners for two consecutive years in the Climate Week Challenge whilst the competition ran; the group were also shortlisted for the Yorkshire Evening Post Environmental Awards. It was here that Danielle set up the F1 in Schools Programme, and she went on to represent the Yorkshire and the Humber in the UK National Finals for three consecutive years in 2015, 2016 and 2017. In 2018 it was coincidentally how she met her predecessor Paul Cooper and first heard of St Peter’s. Danielle applied for the role of PT DT Teacher before taking up post as Head of Department. JJ Owen JJ graduated from Brunel University, West London, with a BEd (QTS) Physical Education with

English degree. He spent 4 years teaching at Bradfield College, Reading, before moving north to Ampleforth College as Head of Hockey, Teacher of PE and an initial 3 year stint as a Resident Assistant Housemaster. In his last 6 years at Ampleforth he was Head of Academic PE alongside the Head of Hockey role, and sat on the Academic Planning Committee. Since September 2019 JJ has had the privilege of being Head of Hockey and Teacher of PE at St Peter's. John Leary Following his degree in Drama, John moved to London where he was a professional actor for 10

years, which included several seasons at the National Theatre and a year as a central character in ITV’s ‘Emmerdale’. In 2001 he completed his PGCE and began work as coordinator for Drama in a school in Croydon. Following this he was Head of Drama in a South London school for 13 years before moving to York to take up the Director of Drama maternity cover at St Peter’s. He is currently embarking on his second term in this role.

New starters 2019/20 Todd Edmundson Lister Gemmell Beaumont Schmidt Mounter Owen McPhee Pywell Staniforth

Lucy Olivia Lucy Christopher Lois Saskia Tracey John (JJ) Louise Elizabeth Danielle

01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019 01/09/2019

13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18

Bryan Harrison Robinson Norwood Leary Prutton Hodgson Turner Hudson Nice Wardman Carr

Jack Beth Craig Jonathan (Stuart) John (Alison) Jane Catherine Kati Melissa David Richard Matt

02/10/2019 07/10/2019 21/10/2019 28/10/2019 01/11/2019 02/01/2020 06/01/2020 06/01/2020 03/02/2020 03/02/2020 23/03/2020 03/08/2020

13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18 13-18

Teacher of English GSA GSA GSA GSA Language Assistant Pastoral Deputy Head Head of Hockey/PE Teacher Singing Teacher Teacher of English Teacher of Design and Technology Casual Finance Assistant Marketing Officer General Catering Manager Chef Head of Drama Catering Assistant Marketing Manager Office Administrator Executive Chef Maintenance Manager Estates Administrator COO

New staff roles:

Crawley

Lauren

01/09/2019

Coordinator of MFL & Resident Assistant in Dronfield

Robinson

Anna

01/09/2019

Head of Spanish

Gwilliam

Stephen

01/09/2019

Director of the Co-Curricular Programme

Lunardi

01/09/2019

Head of French

Todd

Lucy

01/01/2020

Head of CPSHEE

Sleigh

Sal

07/07/2020

CCF Contingent Commander

Staff leavers:

Bridgeman Livesey Winlow Pomfret Bryan Redshaw Brice Lawson Kirk Lickley Ward White Low Collister Rhodes Dingwall Mathers Schmidt Husband Meier Shread Tooby-Smith Tucker Matts Cooper Pywell Davenport Turner

David Peter Karen Catherine Peter Lynn Sebastian Justin Judith Brian Alison Jason Andrew Jack Alexandra Euan Luke Saskia Matthew Henry Bob Angela Sarah Alicia Paul Elizabeth Janet Kati

Chef Marketing Officer Catering Assistant Marketing Manager Bursar Class teacher Rowing Coach Art Technician Estates Administrator Catering Assistant Catering Assistant Grounds Person Director of IT Operations GSA GSA GSA GSA Language Assistant Chemistry Technician Teacher of History Teacher of Chemistry Head of Geography Teacher of Classics Teacher of Art Head of DT Teacher of English School Nurse Administrative Assistant

30/09/2019 05/10/2019 30/11/2019 19/12/2019 31/12/2019 07/02/2020 14/02/2020 14/03/2020 24/03/2020 27/03/2020 27/03/2020 20/04/2020 30/06/2020 03/07/2020 03/07/2020 03/07/2020 03/07/2020 03/07/2020 31/07/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020 31/08/2020

Exam Results Fifth Form Subject

Total

Art Classics Design Technology Drama English Language English Literature French Further Mathematics Geography German Greek History Latin Mathematics Music Religious Studies Science Spanish Total

21.6% 24.2% 27.8%

58.8% 36.4% 61.1%

92.2% 57.6% 80.6%

98.0% 75.8% 88.9%

100.0% 97.0% 97.2%

100.0% 100.0% 97.2%

100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

51 33 36

30.0% 38.1% 31.9%

50.0% 61.1% 57.5%

60.0% 81.4% 77.9%

86.7% 89.4% 92.9%

96.7% 97.3% 99.1%

96.7% 97.3% 100.0%

100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

30 113 113

16.3% 0.0%

39.5% 33.3%

67.4% 100.0%

86.0% 100.0%

93.0% 100.0%

100.0% 100.0%

43 15

26.5% 15.8% 14.3% 28.6% 11.1% 21.9% 26.7% 26.8% 23.9% 23.4% 25.8%

54.4% 36.8% 14.3% 58.7% 16.7% 50.0% 53.3% 52.7% 38.5% 34.4% 48.5%

95.6% 63.2% 100.0% 81.0% 77.8% 90.4% 93.3% 79.5% 77.4% 48.4% 78.8%

98.5% 84.2% 100.0% 95.2% 83.3% 97.4% 100.0% 95.5% 88.5% 75.0% 91.0%

98.5% 94.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 99.1% 100.0% 98.2% 95.6% 87.5% 97.1%

98.5% 94.7% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 99.1% 100.0% 98.2% 96.0% 87.5% 97.4%

100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 99.1% 100.0% 99.8%

100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%

68 19 7 63 18 114 15 112 226 64 1140

Subject

Total

Art Classics Design Technology Drama English Language English Literature French Further Mathematics Geography German Greek History Latin Mathematics Music Religious Studies Science Spanish Total

11 8 10

19 4 12

17 7 7

3 6 3

1 7 3

0 1 0

0 0 1

0 0 0

51 33 36

9 43 36 7 0

6 26 29 10 5

3 23 23 12 10

8 9 17 8 0

3 9 7 3 0

0 0 1 0 0

1 3 0 3 0

0 0 0 0 0

30 113 113 43 15

18 3 1 18 2 25 4 30 54 15 294

19 4 0 19 1 32 4 29 33 7 259

28 5 6 14 11 46 6 30 88 9 345

2 4 0 9 1 8 1 18 25 17 139

0 2 0 3 3 2 0 3 16 8 70

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3

1 1 0 0 0 1 0 2 7 8 28

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2

68 19 7 63 18 114 15 112 226 64 1140

Upper Sixth

A Level Subject Biology Business Chemistry Classics Design Technology Drama Economics English Further Mathematics Geography German History Latin Mathematics Music Physical Education Physics Politics Total

Total

22% 8% 17% 25% 40% 0% 12% 43% 69% 9% 0% 14% 50% 42% 50% 14% 25% 24% 26%

66% 38% 67% 50% 80% 100% 60% 83% 92% 59% 100% 29% 50% 80% 100% 14% 61% 71% 65%

94% 85% 86% 75% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 95% 100% 100% 50% 95% 100% 71% 96% 82% 92%

97% 96% 97% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 50% 100% 100% 100% 96% 100% 98%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

32 26 36 12 5 3 25 23 13 22 2 14 2 59 2 7 28 17 328

Pre U Subject

Total

Art French History of Art Religious Studies Spanish Total

7% 10% 0% 0% 17% 7%

64% 50% 33% 15% 67% 46%

79% 80% 33% 54% 83% 70%

100% 90% 67% 69% 100% 87%

100% 90% 67% 85% 100% 91%

100% 90% 67% 92% 100% 93%

100% 90% 67% 100% 100% 96%

100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%

14 10 3 13 6 46

Combined A level and Pre U Cumulative Grades on A level scale

Cumulative %

A* 28%

A 68%

B 92%

C 98%

D 100%

374

Leavers’ Destinations Surname

First Name

Firm University

Course Name

Adeley Akhurst Akyol Aleksandrova Allard Barker Bates

Sophie Marion Erin Sofiya Maxwell Beatrice Joseph

Marketing and Management Law Economics and Management with Study Abroad Chemical Engineering (with placement) Engineering Mathematics Fine Art Sports Marketing Management

Black

George

Blackburn

Amelia

Blackburn Bone Bonner Bramley Brimmell Brown Buch

Charles Sophie Katherine James Jasmine Polly Lauren

Bunn Burgess Burgess

Rhianna Timothy William

Newcastle University University of Exeter University of Bristol University of Bath University of Bristol Newcastle University Manchester Metropolitan University Sheffield Hallam University University of Nottingham University of Leeds Newcastle University Durham University University of Newcastle Gap Year Newcastle University University of Westminster University of Leeds University of St Andrews University of Bath

Calvert Carlyle Carter Chamberlain Chan Chen Chen Hsu Clarke Coates Connolly Conroy

Charlotte Laurence Reuben Georgia Yeelok Sirui Anderson William Alexander James Olivia

Cross Cumberland Cunningham Dalton Davis Dorling

Valentina Evie Cameron Adam Jessica Frederick

Cornell University, USA Durham University University of Bristol Gap Year Durham University University of Sheffield University of Bristol University of Cambridge University of York University of Bristol University of Nottingham Newcastle University Gap Year Gap Year University of St Andrews Gap year Newcastle University

Real Estate Chemical Engineering including an Industrial Year International Business and Marketing Chemical Engineering Mathematics (4 years) Agri-Business Management Dietetics Criminology English Literature German and Italian (year abroad) Accounting and Finance (with professional placement) General Engineering Aerospace Engineering Finance with Placement Year Digital Media and Society German and Spanish (4 years) Human, Social, and Political Sciences Philosophy, Politics and Economics Economics and Finance English Medicine and Surgery

Medicine Countryside Management

Enoch Farrington Fatoki Faulder

Morgan Cai Ayanfeolu Ella

Fell

Charles

Findlay

Ewan

Ford Freeman Gath Giannini Gill

Megan Claudia Leah-Grace Isaac Lydia

Gill

Nicholas

Gray

Amelia

Greenwood

Tobias

Guyer Hall

William Benjamin

Hammond

Jake

Hanson Harpin Harrison Harrison Hartley

James Thomas Anna India Rachel

Hedley

Oenone

Hobbs

Ben

Holloway Horner

Alasdair Ava

Jenkins

Guy

Johnson

Joe

Johnson

Stephen

Newcastle University University of Sheffield University of Liverpool Liverpool John Moores University Northumbria University, Newcastle Northumbria University, Newcastle Newcastle University Gap Year Newcastle University University of Manchester The University of Edinburgh UCL (University College London) Guilford School of Acting Loughborough University Leeds Arts University University of Nottingham Loughborough University University of Oxford University of Leeds Gap Year Gap Year The University of Edinburgh Camberwell College of Arts - University of the Arts, London Loughborough University Newcastle University Loughborough University University of Nottingham Oxford Brookes University UCL (University College London)

Law Business Management Electrical Engineering and Electronics Biology Business with Management Mechanical Engineering English Literature Business Management Mechanical Engineering Veterinary Medicine Politics and International Relations Drama Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying (with placement year) Art Foundation Course Engineering and Physical Sciences with Foundation Year Aeronautical Engineering French and Linguistics Philosophy, Politics and Economics

History of Art Art Foundation Course

Requested course change to International Business (with placement year) History Economics (with placement year) Product Design and Manufacture including an Industrial year Architecture Law

Jones Kennedy King Koorapaty Lam Ledden Legg Leigh Howarth Li

Harry Isaac Stella Piyush Amelie Corey Georgia Ethan Tao

Aerospace Engineering

Flora

University of Bristol Gap Year Gap Year Imperial College London University of Cambridge University of Reading Newcastle University Durham University University of Birmingham Northumbria University, Newcastle University of Manchester Gap Year University of Bristol Northumbria University, Newcastle Newcastle University

Lindley

Thomas

Lodge Maguire Matthews McAlpine

Matthew Curran Thomas Cameron

McDonaldWilson McKelvie

Lottie

Durham University

McKinney Middleton

Ethan William

MilesKingston Morrison

Eleanor

New O'Callaghan Owen Padgett Paul Peacock Pettigrew Prince Quinn

Lok Sophie Edward Rachel Amanda William Oliver Callum Benedict

Race Race

Elicia Luke

Ramsden

Edward

Renwick

Patrick

University of Warwick UCL (University College London) Royal Holloway, University of London Nottingham Trent University University of Cambridge Newcastle University University of Manchester University of Exeter Imperial College London University of Warwick Newcastle University University of Reading Loughborough University Gap Year Loughborough University The University of Edinburgh University of Manchester

Modern Languages and Cultures (with Year Abroad) Biochemistry Philosophy

Roberts

Matthew

Leeds Beckett University

Edward

Medicine Natural Sciences Quantity Surveying Law Biological Sciences Mechanical Engineering Real Estate Economics Economics and Management Business Management English Literature

Music Property Finance and Investment Natural Sciences Marketing and Management Biomedical Sciences Engineering and Management with Year in Industry Physics Politics and International Studies Combined Honours Real Estate Media and Communication (with placement year)

Marketing and Management (with placement year) Biomedical Sciences Mechanical Engineering with an Integrated Foundation Year Sport Business Management

Robins Russell

Thomas George

Newcastle University UCL (University College London) Sharp Amelia Leeds Arts University Shaw Abigail Oxford Brookes University Shawcross Matthew Newcastle University Skelton Ben University of Nottingham Smith Molly University of Nottingham Sullivan Sarah UCL (University College London) Taylor William University of Manchester Turvill Hebe University of Birmingham Watkins Ellen University of Bristol Watkins Ethan University of Bristol Watkins Niamh University of Birmingham Weatherstone Hannah Newcastle University Westmoreland Edward University of Newcastle Williams Lily Durham University Wilson Archie University of Manchester Wilson Benjamin Loughborough University Wood Christopher Leeds Beckett University Wood Joshua University of Exeter Wylie Madeleine Durham University Zhuang Zijian University of Nottingham Zlataru Anisia University of Southampton

Civil Engineering with Year in Industry Mathematics Art Foundation Course Building Surveying Computer Science Economics Medicine BMBS (Nottingham/Derby pathway) Economics Mechanical Engineering English Biology Physics Law and French Dentistry Sport and Exercise Science Mathematics (3 years) Economics Bioengineering (with placement year) Sport Business Management Law Natural Sciences Pharmacy (with Integrated Pre-registration Scheme) Law (International Legal Studies)

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