Summer 2021
Strathallan News
Featured Strathallan community knits 73 scarves for the homeless
Members of the Strathallan School community have donated more than 70 scarves for the Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) charity. Students, staff, families and former pupils from the Perthshire school contributed to the challenge put to them by the school’s Head of Support for Learning at Strathallan, Kate Streatfeild-James. She said, “I’m delighted to see how many scarves our community has knitted. Strathallan has supported CATH before on several occasions so it is great to support this vital local charity with physical donations that could help make a difference next winter.”
vibrant scarves to people who are in need.”
Head of Services at CATH, Graham Taylor, said, “Thank you to everyone at Strathallan School for your continued support. Making scarves is an innovative way to support people in our communities. Many of the people we work with struggle to keep warm in the winter and this kind gesture will enable our Outreach team to distribute these
Strathallan student gets into gear for Maggie’s Highlands
Strathallan Prep School pupil, Hunter S has over 200 miles in March for Maggie’s Highlands, raising over £1,900 for the charity. The young teenager from Inverness, said, “I’m so delighted to have completed my challenge to cycle 200 miles in March for Maggie’s Highlands.” Hunter, who studies at Strathallan Prep School in Perthshire, undertook the huge effort with his family. His father, Quintin Stevens is undertaking the Maggie’s 500 Challenge this summer, a tough test of cycling endurance, demanding participants climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest over 500 miles of trails and roads in the Cairngorm National Park. Since opening 14 years ago Maggie’s Highlands provides free care and support for over 11,000 visitors a year. Run entirely on voluntary donations, the charity is close to Hunter’s heart. The young cyclist said he was over the moon to have exceeded his fundraising goal. He said, “Maggie’s is a really important charity for me and my family. It’s great to be able to raise money for them when other fundraising events have been put on hold due to covid restrictions. I can’t wait to see what my dad does and cheer him on in September”.
Independent Schools of the Year Awards
We are delighted to announce that we’ve been shortlisted for 3️ Independent Schools of the Year Awards - Prep School of the Year - The Rising Star Award - Best Brand Communication These awards, which celebrate student experience, are judged by an independent panel of experts. Results will be announced in October 2
Strathallan School launches gin with The Perthshire Distillery Co
Strathallan School is delighted to launch a special edition, small-batch handcrafted gin in collaboration with The Perth Distillery Co, the makers of Perth Gin. This exciting new partnership will mean senior Strathallan students can receive hands-on experience in the craft of distilling, and profits from the gin will go towards the school’s Bursary Fund, creating opportunities for children from all backgrounds to experience a Strathallan education. The new gin is produced exclusively by The Perth Distillery Co, on the banks of the River Tay. Strathallan School has called 153 acres of Perthshire countryside home since 1920. Since then, thousands of young people have taken their own Strathallan spirit with them as they have gone on to make their mark on the world in a myriad of ways. Aileen Wilson, Alumni & External Relations Manager at Strathallan, said, “We are delighted to launch our Strathallan Gin. It makes a delicious gift for parents and former pupils but it also takes a bold step towards a significant partnership with The Perth Distillery Co. The collaboration is doubly exciting as former pupil Ed Anderson is the Director of The Perth Distillery Co and was key to the development of the project.” The tasty new beverage aims to not only raise spirits but will also generate educational opportunities for current senior students at the school, who will be given the chance to learn about the technical biology and chemistry that goes into distilling with the local makers themselves. Iain McDonald of The Perth Distillery Co, said, “We are proud to help Strathallan launch their gin and help build a future for distillers. Operating from the heart of the city, we hope that by building exciting partnerships like this, we can continue to create premium spirits whilst also helping a good cause like the Strathallan Bursary Fund.”
Perthshire pupils knit hats for baby unit
Pupils at Strathallan School have donated a selection of hats, booties and blankets to the Neonatal Unit at Ninewells Hospital. 11 pupils and a House Matron from Strathallan School have been busy knitting 16 little woollen hats, four shawls and one pair of booties for babies in Dundee. Determined to continue a recent tradition of knitting for the local neonatal unit, the girls from Woodlands House asked their matron, Margaret Clayton, for help. Margaret said, “I was delighted to see the girls take so much interest in knitting. What began for many of them as a skill they were developing for the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme has become a great way for the girls to socialise and create beautiful little hats that are so vital for newborn babies. “Unfortunately, the girls are unable to deliver the hats in person this year due to Covid-19 but we hope they go some way to helping local families and babies born this year.”
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Campus Spring time at Strathallan
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Thanks to Caretaker Ken P & Mr Lauder for the photos
Academic Lessons From Auschwitz
Jemima F-S (with Carys C, Bethany E and Thies K) The Lessons From Auschwitz course is an online programme run by the Holocaust Educational Trust inviting four students from each British secondary school to take part. Through a mixture of live and self-guided modules, the course enabled us to learn about the Holocaust with other pupils from across Scotland. The course allowed us to hear from a Holocaust survivor named Mala Tribich and listen to her testimony. This linked to the pre-war Jewish life module we had previously completed with an emphasis on rehumanising the victims through faces, names, and stories. The course also tackled the common misconception of the choices the perpetrators had and made it clear that there was always an alternative role that a person could have. Additionally, as a collective, we took time to understand the importance of defining the Holocaust and how we can use the term as a starting point to provide clarity through meaningful word choices in making our own definitions. To complete the programme, we presented the information we had learned to a III Form History class. We used a PowerPoint incorporating HET resources, activities, and class discussions to do so. The information we shared touched on the geographical spread of the Holocaust, the ghettos, camp conditions and commemoration. In putting together our resources, we had to think carefully about our use of visual material, drawing on understanding gained through the online modules about what is appropriate when teaching the Holocaust. Using survivor testimony extended III Form’s understanding of the reach of the Holocaust and the experience of camp survivors. To conclude the lesson, Thies K read a poem that the HET asked him to share during the commemoration ceremony of our online module, which was followed by a reflective analysis by the class. We were all extremely fortunate to be a part of this course. The lessons we have taken from this will allow us to share what we have learnt and emphasise the Holocaust’s contemporary relevance.
Studying outside
From Geography field trips and dissections in the Quad to some atmospheric circulation revision
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Art Grandpa Jim’s face steals the show for student artist
A Strathallan student has been named top Senior Artist in the North by the Royal Scottish Academy (RSA) after submitting a mask she created of her grandfather Jim. The mask, created by Strathallan pupil Topaz W, was voted ‘best in show’ in the prestigious 2021 RSA Schools Art Awards. Delighted to have been named Senior North Winner, Topaz said, “I’m thrilled the judges like my piece, it means more to me than I think they can imagine. The mask is based on my Grandpa Jim who I am very close to. He is 84 years old and still works on his farm. I wanted to capture the essence of the man both inside and out. I used different colours and textures of materials to describe his distinctive skin tones and lived in complexion. I added a variety of stitching techniques to further enhance details such as blemishes and wrinkles. “Grandpa Jim is such a fun-loving person and his expression in this piece captures the funny side of his personality. Gaining recognition for this piece of work has been totally unexpected and it’s fantastic to be appreciated for my hard work during the Spring lockdown. I tried to think outside the box but also challenge myself by only using materials and resources that I was able to source at home. I’m looking to develop this series of work at school and do other faces that mean something to me.” Another Strathallan student, Woody L, placed Highly Commended in the Senior category of the national competition, making him one of a handful of Strathallan students to achieve this great honour. Head of Art at Strathallan, Frank Glancy, said, “It is brilliant to see our students recognised for their hard work. To be recognised on the national level by the RSA is an incredible feat, and with over 600 entries this year, we are extremely proud of Topaz and Woody for creating such outstanding work.” Strathallan has a history of artistic success, in 2019 former pupil Flora Wilson picked up the National Senior Award in the RSA Schools Award and in 2020, former pupil Muna Nweke, who came Highly Commended in the competition, landed himself with offers from 10 of the top Art schools in the world.
Class of 2021 Art Exhibition
Featuring work by current pupils, this amazing exhibition usually draws in huge crowds during Speech Day, so please scan the QR code and take a moment to appreciate this year’s amazing art.
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Music Strathallan marks centenary with collaborative composition
Strathallan School marks 100 years at its Forgandenny campus this year, kicking off celebrations with a unique collaboration with award-winning composer Stuart Macrae. Throughout the year-long project, Stuart worked with music scholars from First Form to Upper Sixth to compose a suite of pieces inspired by the school’s values. Scholars worked together with the composer through a series of workshops to generate ideas on the themes of Respect, Honesty, Kindness, Hard Work, Excellence and Humility. The project forms the first of a varied programme celebrating the school’s move to Forgandenny after it outgrew its original site in Bridge of Allan in 1920. The 10-minute suite was recorded onsite in the school’s state-of-the-art recording studio, with pupils also having the opportunity to work with a professional director to produce a film of the work. Director of Music Mr Matt Gooch said: “I am absolutely delighted at the quality of both the final product and the process that our amazing scholars have been a part of. To have a composition written bespoke to their instrument and ability that incorporates original ideas they have created is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. This is the culmination of a huge amount of focus and dedication from all of the scholars in a project that has lasted the entire year. This composition is a musical stamp of where the school is at 100 years after it moved to its current site in Forgandenny.”
Performing Arts London calling for musical theatre student
Perthshire pupil Isabelle D will take to the stage in London this summer as she heads off to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. The 18-year-old said she was over the moon to have been awarded a place on the prestigious musical theatre course. Granddaughter of George Donald MBE, one-third of the comedic trio ‘Scotland the What?’, Isabelle said singing and performing has always been a huge part of her life. “It feels amazing to get this opportunity,” she said. “Mountview is really competitive to get into and I’m really proud to say I will be heading there soon. “Especially after the last year, knowing there is still hope, to work and study in this industry is a dream come true and I can’t wait to continue my training.” Head of Drama and Theatre Studies at Strathallan School, David Foster, said, “Isabelle has been a key part of all our school productions ever since she joined the school in 2014. The school plays and our department won’t be the same without her but we wish her and all our performers leaving this year all the best as they go on and take the Strathallan spirit with them.” Strathallan recently staged an outside production of A Midsummer’s Nights Dream, with students taking the lead on costume design, make-up, stage design and of course, acting:
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Midsummer Nights Dream
First performed around 1596, William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy is one of his best known works. Strathallan Theatre took this year’s production outside with the ambitious intention of using the magic of our campus during early summer to its full advantage.
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Strathallan Prep School Strathallan Prep School joins Pre-Senior Baccalaureate Programme
Strathallan Prep School is delighted to be the first school in Scotland to join the PSB programme and to be able to add the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate to our curriculum. The Pre-Senior Baccalaureate exists to support high-quality educational opportunities for pupils and staff in its school. The programme aims to prepare pupils in pre-senior years for the challenges of senior school academically, personally, socially, culturally and spiritually by developing and tracking knowledge, skills and attitudes from the Early Years Foundation Stage onwards. Head of SPS Emma Lalani said: “Having launched Strathallan Prep School in September 2020, we are delighted to be the first school in Scotland to attain membership of the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate (PSB). We are thrilled to embrace the huge opportunity the PSB provides to develop our Preparatory education in line with the holistic education which already exists in the senior school. We are all very excited to launch the PSB programme at Strathallan in September”.
Sports Captains
Niamh C and Fraser S were appointed Strathallan Prep sports captains for the summer term and have done an amazing job. Well done!
Dr Elsa Panciroli
The students of Year 6 had a virtaul visit from Dr Elsa Panciroli who is a paleontologist and research affiliate at National Museums Scotland. The students were fascinated to learn about mammals from the Jurassic period on the Isle of Skye, as well as one of Dr Panciroli’s most famous finds - the stegosaurus bone found on the Isle of Eigg last year, the first discovery of a dinosaur bone in Scotland outside of Skye. 10
Awards CCF Colours May 2021 FULL COLOURS
Royal Marines Troop Danielle D Alex W Royal Navy Section Natalia Y Army Section Sarah K Anna M
HALF COLOURS Royal Navy Section Nephi B Army Section Dasha T Shelly W Harvey de P George N
Duke of Edinburgh Well done to the following who have achieved their awards so far this term Bronze Louisa A Hannah C Emma F Angus G Chloe McM Katelyn T Ethan W
Silver Thomas C Cameron G Lingfeng R Isabella A Gold Khushi B Hazel M Christopher A
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Sports Strathallan student set to paddle for Team GB
Strathallan pupil Findlay McL has been selected to represent Team GB at the Junior European Championships in Slovenia next month. The Canoeing Scholar from Crieff said he was thrilled by the announcement. “This selection is amazing and I am more than happy to represent my country in any upcoming events. I can’t wait to get out to Slovenia with my racing partner and see how we perform on the water.” Findlay, who trains with Breadblane CC and Strathallan CC, will join Ryan M in the MC2 class as they prepare to race on the Soča River in Solkan between the 25th-28th August. Director of Sport at Strathallan, Mr Jim Thompson, said, “We are incredibly proud of Findlay on his selection to the Team GB squad. It’s testament to his high work ethic and passion for paddling. “We wish him and all the paddlers the very best in their training and racing endeavours for 2021.”
Prep pupils place high at SISICCC
14 Prep pupils attended the 36th annual Scottish Independent Schools Invitational Cross-Country Championships, held at Belhaven Hill School in Dunbar. This was the first time Strathallan Prep School attended this event, and it was a hugely enjoyable day with several outstanding performances from our young runners. Annabel A produced a superb performance finishing 7th in the U11 girls race, followed closely behind by Ruby A and Jing W. Alexander W also ran outstandingly well amongst a big field in the U11 boys race
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The performance of the day was by Jacob H, who won the U13 boys race by a clear distance..
Rugby Emily P finished in the top 10 in the U13 girls, with Layla M finishing 13th, which was an outstanding achievement being in the 1st form. Olivia D and Amelia C both finished closely behind in the top 20. Our U13 boys team, which consisted of Jacob H, Freddie L, Matthew McG and Euan W went on to win the overall trophy, which was a fantastic achievement.
It has been a frustrating time for the rugby players over the course of the year, however everyone is grateful for the opportunity to play two 1st XV fixtures during the summer term. The rugby season of 20/21 was different but the boys worked hard and retain the values and culture that we have both on and off the field. For the leavers, we wish them well in their rugby journey after school and beyond. For those back next season, we look forward to meeting the challenges ahead and working hard to be the best we can be across all the age groups - Andy Henderson, Director of Rugby.
Well done to all our runners who represented the school on Sunday; Amelia C, Olivia D, Emily P, Layla M, Freddie L, Matthew McG, Joshua B, Euan W, Annabel A, Ruby A, Harriet R, Jing W, Rory H and Alexander W.
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Scotland Junior Clay Pigeon Team Independent School Clay Pigeon Congratulations to Angus & Ali T who have both been Championships 2021 selected for the Scotland Junior Clay Pigeon Team to compete at the World Championships in July. That is a fantastic achievement for them both and we wish them all the very best for this. Ali will be competing in the U15 category and Angus in the U21 Category.
Congratulations to our 1st Clays Team who came second in the Holland & Holland Shooting Grounds Independent Schools Clay Pigeon Championships. All three teams shot very well and a special mention goes to our Boys Captain of Clays Angus T who was the competition High Gun, scoring an impressive 75/80.
English Open at Barbury Royal Highland Show
Huge congratulations to Eliza E who came top of her class at the Royal Highland Show, qualifying for the Horse of the Year Show.
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Ali T achieved 3rd place in the Colt High Gun, 4th place in the C Class High Gun and 1st place in the pull shoot at the English Open at Barbury for the Clay pigeon shooting association.
The Road to Wimbledon
Two Strathallan pupils are on their way to compete on the grass courts at Wimbledon Freya C and Jed M are “really excited” to have the opportunity to play on the grass courts at the All England Lawn Tennis Club later this summer, having both won at their respective County Finals. The Road to Wimbledon competition aims to promote junior grass court tennis in the UK, providing opportunities for 14U players to compete for the chance to play at the iconic Wimbledon venue. With almost 9,000 girls and boys from 750 clubs, parks and schools competing to qualify for the National Finals, the challenge is the UK’s largest junior grass court competition. Following success in the early stages of the challenge, two Strathallan pupils have made it through to the finals and are looking forward to travelling to the All England Lawn Tennis Club for the National Finals in August. Strathallan’s under 14 boys’ and girls’ events were held over the first half of the summer term, where Jed M, Thomas D and Freya C all qualified for the County Finals.
In the boys’ County Final event, Thomas D lost out to the number two seed, but Jed M, seeded third, defeated the top seed in the semi-finals and went on to win the final following a first set tiebreak which he took 7-2. Freya C was the top seed in the girls’ event, and won her final in a close match, fighting back having lost the first set 4-1 to win the second 4-2 and the match tiebreak 10-6. Freya said after the match: “I have always wanted to visit Wimbledon and now I can’t believe I actually get to play on the grass courts. I have come so far with trying my best and putting lots of effort into matches, so I feel like reaching the Road to Wimbledon National Finals is a great reward. I will be back on court again tomorrow as I look forward to and prepare for the finals.”
Golf
Congratulations to Golf captain Alexander E who won the champion of champions events at Blairgowrie’s Lansdown golf course in May. The competition attracted some of the region’s top golfers, so to come out on top golfer was very impressive. Well done Alexander. .
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Windsor Pony Club Tetrathlon
Congratulations to Kyle F who represented Scotland at the Windsor Pony Club Tetrathlon competition this weekend. Kyle finished 1st place in the individual event and Team Scotland also finished in 1st place overall.
Midland Hockey tournament
Congratulations to the following pupils who participated in the Midland Hockey Tournament during the summer term. Midland U15: Emma F, Naomi H, Lucy T and Lucy W Midland U17: Orla F, Charlotte G, Ava K, Erin M, Millie W Scottish U16 Academy: Rachel F
Netball
Even though the Netball season has been severely disrupted, the girls continued to work hard and enjoyed weekly train sessions when in school. We were delighted to offer netball sessions to our prep school and senior girls during the autumn term and during the summer term, which were enjoyed by all. The highlight of the summer term was the girls 1st VII Netball team beating the 1st XV rugby boys 21-12. As you can see from the photos, the boys were dressed in netball dresses and the girls were dressed in the 1st XV rugby strips. Apparently the dresses may have affected the boys performance at times.
A big thank you to Mrs Newham for all her efforts with Netball during her time at the school and to Mrs Tod who has ran Netball sessions and these competitions over the summer term. Also a big thank you to our U6 Netball girls who have given so much to the sport during their time at the school. We will look forward to the hopeful return of netball fixtures when we return in September. 16
Inter-House Senior Inter-House Competitions Summer 2021 Winners Boys Cricket Junior Boys: Senior Boys:
Ruthven Nicol
Basketball Senior Boys: Senior Girls:
Nicol Glenbrae
Football Senior Boys:
Simpson
Netball Senior Girls:
Thornbank
Golf Boys:
Simpson
Tennis Girls Junior: Senior:
Woodlands Glenbrae
Tennis Boys Junior: Senior:
Nicol Simpson
Athletics Standards The Rowan Cup John Fleming Cup
Nicol Woodlands
Inter-Division Athletics Championships - Strathallan Prep School 4th Dupplin 58 3rd Balmanno 60 2nd Glenearn 68 1st Dron 71 Senior Inter-house Athletics Championships Girls 3RD Thornbank 140 2nd Glenbrae 168 1st Woodlands 192 Boys 4th Freeland 91 3rd Ruthven 105 2nd Nicol 108
Victor and Victrix Ludorum Winners SPS Girls VL
Francesca W
SPS Boys VL
Euan W
Junior Girls VL
Mia L
Junior Boys VL
Finlay T
Intermediate Girls VL
Naomi H
Inter-Div
Intermediate Boys VL
Archie R
Cricket
Senior Girls VL
Lili J
Senior Boys VL
Alex W
4th Balmanno 3rd Dupplin 2nd Glenearn 1st Dron Tennis 4th Dupplin 3rd Balmanno 2nd Glenearn 1st Dron 17
Strathallian Sport Zander Fagerson selected for British and Irish Lions From playing for Strathallan’s 1st XV to recently starting for Scotland in the 2021 Guinness Six Nations Championship, the 25-year-old prop forward said he is on cloud nine trying to take it all in. With his 100th cap for Glasgow Warriors coming up on Friday 7th May, the former pupil said he was overwhelmed with the news and will allow himself a wee celebration this weekend. Strathallan Headmaster, Mark Lauder said, “Everyone at Strathallan is thrilled with the news. Zander is a brilliant ambassador for the sport and a great role model for so many of our pupils. We wish him and all the Lions the very best as they begin training for the tour.” Director of Rugby at Strathallan, Andrew Henderson, who coached Zander while he was at school, said he was immensely proud of his former student. Reacting to the selection, Andrew said, “The British and Irish Lions tour is one of the highest honours that a player can achieve and to be selected is outstanding. Today’s announcement speaks volumes about the calibre of player Zander has become. It’s a pleasure to see him continue his careers on the pitch and I’m sure all of Strathallan will be cheering him on.” Since his appointment as Director of Rugby at Strathallan in 2007, Andrew Henderson has witnessed more than 10 former pupils go on to play internationally. Strathallians who have played professionally include; Jamie Ritchie, Murray McCallum, Cammie Fenton, Murphy Walker, Ollie Smith, Josh Henderson, Cameron Henderson, Murdo McAndrew, Bruce Flockhart, brothers Matt and Zander Fagerson, George Horne and Abi Evans.
Henderson latest former pupil to make Scotland rugby squad Strathallan School Director of Rugby Andrew Henderson has expressed his delight at seeing FP Cameron Henderson named in the Scotland men’s rugby squad for the first time. The 21-year-old second-row, who now plays down south with Leicester Tigers in the English top flight, was one of 17 uncapped players listed earlier this week in a youthful looking group that will meet up on June 15 to train ahead of an ‘A’ game with England and then full Tests against Romania and Georgia. “I am really happy for Cameron, he is hard working and talented and I know he will make the most of this opportunity,” Andrew Henderson said. “While he was with us here at the school, Cameron always wanted to get better and would always put in the ‘extras’ after training to make him the best player that he could be. “He has carried that on since school with Scotland under20s, Stirling County and now Leicester and he seems to thrive when he is put into a tough environment. “To break into a top English club side’s pack of forwards is not easy, but he has shown that he is an aggressive and combative player who does the basics well while he can also play comfortably with ball in hand in open field if given half a chance. “I am sure he will be very happy with this Scotland call-up and he will get his head down and work hard when he gets into camp to help himself edge even closer to a full cap.” 18
Tokyo Bound
Congratulations to former pupil and University of Stirling athlete Duncan Scott, who is bound for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Pre-selected in January 2021, Duncan smashed the 200m IM British Record at the British Swimming Selection Trials, cementing his spot on the 24-strong GB team.
LEN European Aquatics Championships
Huge congratulations to Strathallian Duncan Scott and the Great Britain team for coming top of the medal table at the LEN European Aquatics Championships. Duncan added an impressive 2 Gold and 3 Silver medals to his growing medal collection.
Nicki Cochrane
Congratulations to Strathallian Nicki Cochrane who is currently playing in the EuroHockey Championships 2021 in Amsterdam as part of the Scottish hockey team
Abi Evans
The Women 7s teamm featuring Strathallian Abi Evans, clinched third place at the Rugby Europe Sevens Championship Series following some outstanding displays in Moscow.
Polly Lightbody
Huge congratulations to former pupil Polly Lightbody who has been selected to shoot for the Scottish Ladies Team at the CPSA World Clay Pigeon Championships. Since leaving Strath in 2017, Polly has continued to excel at Clay Target Shooting. While at Aberdeen University, Polly was awarded Blues for her commitment to the Clay Target Shooting club and her success at University shooting competitions. In July, Polly will head to E J Churchill shooting ground at High Wycombe, where she has been selected to shoot for the Scottish squad - this will be Polly’s 3rd cap for Scotland! 19
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