The Strathallian 2022

Strathallian The

2021-2022

Chairman of Governors

M A Griffiths LLB (Hons) CA

Headmaster D M Lauder, MA (Hons)

Governors

Mr N M Campbell CA

Prof. Dr J Crang BA PGCE PhD FRHist FRSA

Mr K C Dinsmore BA LLB DipLP

Mr S Fairbairn MA LLB DipLP NP

Mr D Gillanders

Mrs E Lister BSc DipEd

Mrs P A Milne BA MBA FCIPD

Mr A J Sinclair BSc

Mrs G M Wilson MA (Fine Art) PGCE

Mr S J Hay BA MBA MSc

Mr P Johnston ACCA

Mr A Wood MRAC FRICS

Mrs A Clark MSc BA (Hons)

Mr A Naasan

Prof G I Paton BSc PhD CSci FHEA

Mr R Gibson

Bursar & Clerk to the Governers

Mr A C Glasgow, MBE BEng MSc CEng

Speech Day 2022 THE HEADMASTER

(The Bard of Strathallan)

Let’s have some fun…!

Start the clock, settle in, the Head Man’s to begin The first speech in this tent for three years! We’re back! No restrictions; no masks; no conflictions (But there’s tissues in case there are tears!).

Welcome back to you all, our Strath familyYou’re looking so well and so smart! It’s a pleasure to see you — but I’ll try not to keep you Away from those Strawberry tarts!

To Chief Guest Robert Rinder, we’re grateful you’ve taken The time to be with us today. The chairman’s relieved, the rest are intrigued About what words of wisdom you’ll say!

But be reassured, we’re a generous crowd And are welcoming too, quite rightly. Your powerful voice for inclusion we love (and we also loved you on Strictly!)

To our other distinguished guests here today We thank you for kindly attending; But believe not a word, and treat as absurd, Any views that my speech is unending!

But enough of the welcome, there’s the massed bands to hear Just before we have lunch in the tent; So let me get on with some thoughts on the year And on what is our future intent.

We’ve got back to normal this year overall Though eight terms have been changed by that virusBut our school, staff and pupils have overcome all With the mantra ‘we’re Strath – it won’t stop us!’

We’ve walked through one-ways, masked and distanced, unfazed; LFD-ed on a regular basis; In Chapel we’ve sung, masked up first, but then none! And we’re back in Assembly, thank goodness.

We’ve been tried, we’ve been tested, at times been exhausted But online and in-person we’ve done it.

We’ve come through with few scratches, we’re back winning matches; So indeed - Labor Omnia Vincit!

Last summer’s exams were assessed in the school

And the staff worked their hardest in years; The grades in the end were outstanding – againAnd we realised none of our fears!

Our leavers last year, they flew through this tough test And they’ve started their student careers; And I congratulate too, those with more great results In Highers and GCSEs.

In the Prep School too, much was done to prepare Scholarships and other assessments;

SPS shone through, against others, quite true, So well done to our littlest students.

And as our prep grows, we have a new course The Pre Senior Bacc is its name; We’re the first Scottish school with this PSB toolOur Prep’s well ahead in the game.

And in so many ways, such as concerts and plays, And winning matches as never before; Well done Mrs Lalani and all of your team For successes and triumphs galore!

And I must here point out and give Matilda a shout To the cast Anna so ably led; With the theatre crammed full, I’ve asked Miss Trunchbull To be the next Deputy Head!

We’ve had The Big Sing, Mr MacAuley’s first thing, Head Man’s Music and concerts abounding; So well done and thanks, with music back in the ranks, It’s been splendid and frankly astounding!

On stage we saw, with complete total awe, Anna Clarke in the role of Elle Woods; “Oh my God, Oh my God you Guys”It’s an earworm I’m still trying to lose!

With music and dance from a great cast and crew, The arts have come roaring back in; The arts make life sweet and are more than a treat When we see our young folk flourishing.

And well-done Mrs Howett, you delivered with style A packed Festival of the Arts The range, the ambition, the enjoyment, the vision –It was more than the sum of its parts.

But what about sport? you well might retort; There’s so much, it’s hard to be choosing, But rest easy and see in your programme with glee That we still absolutely hate losing!

We’ve rucked, we’ve kicked, we’ve passed and we’ve smashed, Bowled, batted, jumped high and run faster; We’ve lifted big weights and canoed through tight gates: There’s nothing we can’t seem to master.

But a few notable firsts, like girls’ rugby and cricket, And a new host of young national champ-ions With honours in Europe and also the World The Strath sporting machine is still marching-on!

And touring Italy soon, it’s a pre-season boon For our Rugby Squad, all 65 of them; The fund-raising dinner was clearly a winner And the boys aim to lift up that Cup again. (no pressure!)

Inspired by the crop of players on top Of their game for the national team with one who’s a Lion, they all hailed from Strathallan –If they can, then you can, so dream!

New sports academies now will get our attention To ensure we stay top of our game; But though talent galore, we must strive to ensure That great sport is for all, not just some!

We’ve started with Rugby, now more sports will follow To map out our route to pre-eminence. But to be No.1, we all have to have fun For success is about more than pure excellence.

But Academic prowess, I still must impress, Is much stronger for pupils being grounded; Please don’t be mistaken, it’s opportunities taken That make our young people well-rounded.

They’re learning and growing and telling and showing But not always will they choose right. But its nurture and nature with love and attention That raises them up to great height.

We do this through sport and through all our activities, CCF, DofE, Pipes and drums;

Perth Charities supported, and 12,000 collected To help Kenyan friends in those slums.

By raising awareness and doing our bit To help neighbours and friends far and near. We’re being inclusive, reflective, responsive And we act through strong values held dear.

So I must thank our parents, our staff and our pupils The appeal for Ukraine resonated.

Mr Gordon’s big lorries were filled to the brim With those beds and supplies you donated.

And a word for our Rev, who helped organise this ‘Think beyond self’ he exhorts us!

He’s our compass, our guide, and our conscience besides And his jokes I still find hilarious!

For achievements all round, and the confidence found To conquer whatever you fear, My thanks and respect, and with pride I elect To congratulate all of you here.

So, my thanks is a must, to the Governors first For support and wise words which give cheer; We’re on the right path ‘cos you’re right behind Strath, And help us improve year on year.

Particular thanks are certainly due To our Chair in a role he does graciously; But our thanks too, to Anne, for lending him out And supporting his time here so generously.

To our parents I say on this longed-for Speech Day Sincere thanks for supporting us fully.

And if we’ve slipped up, my thanks for your help In making things right when we’re sorry.

You’ve been through your owns trials at home and at work While being forced out of school for a time. But I’m glad that you’re back and we’re clearly on track To do more to ensure our views chime!

The Art Café’s a start, as a move it was smart For a place to meet up and share news. The staff and the kids also love it to bits For unwinding and chatting with brews!

And speaking of staff, well done to you too

For all of your blood, sweat and tears!

We’ve all been impressed and far less stressed Due to your efforts these past two years.

You’ve kept ‘yer heids’ and coped with kids needs Some new, some more familiar So have a great break and a well-earned rest Today we’re all here to salute you.

And we salute David Barnes, who won, did you see, A life-time award for his service From the BSA, who were quite right to say That his contribution was peerless.

But this year we have seen another who’s been so important to pupils’ welfare. She’s picked up the baton and made it her own, So, our thanks Miss Sime for your care!

And it is my intention to give out a mention

To a teacher who’s taught 50 years. So, thanks Mrs Salisbury as you leave to retire, Our respect, our thanks and three cheers!

Brian Heaney left Freeland after sixteen great years

As housemaster - Australia did beckon.

PMV took the helm, for this interim term

And he’s hit it for six we all reckon!

So to staff on their way, to challenges new We say to you all thanks indeed!

New posts or retiring, we can’t help admiring Your time here – we wish you God’s speed!

And the pupils of course have done their best too It’s been tough as we all know so well. But they’re strong and resilient, supportive, ebullient, They’ve come through it with strength you can tell.

So well done to the pupils of Strathallan School You’ve more than survived - you have flourished. Though opportunities missed, please try to persist; Opportunities new should be cherished.

So, whether that’s here or in places brand new Take these up – do your best to succeed! Make sure you begin and get stuck in To those chances before they recede.

And for those of you here going to places brand new, Good luck as you leave Strath today. Hard work and respect laced with kindness and care Will carry you well on your way.

To our Prize winners too, whose hard work has shone through Congrats, be proud and well done! For those back next year, work as hard and who knows? It might be your turn to have won!

Get your Dux in a row, I’ve often been told Well, I have! Just before we have lunch –Will, Mateja and Woody they’re back to collect Their Dux medals, for being best of the bunch!

And speaking of bunches, it was one of my hunches That our prefects this year would be great –I was right and they have been so my thanks go to them They have been absolutely first rate!

Amelia E and Zander G

The Vice Captains this year were on song. Much fun did they bring (and the odd onion ring), They’ve not really put a foot wrong!

And Charlotte and Ollie, as Captains were jolly They’ve led ably and well, far from hyper; Charlotte’s stateside bound, for Harvard She’s found And Ollie’s now a Red Hot Chilli Piper!

So, when all’s said and done, Upper Sixth it’s been fun Five years have gone quick I believe But you know that its worked and that nothing been shirked When you’re both glad to go, sad to leave.

I say here aloud that you’ve all made us proud On your way now you go with our thanks Valedictory done, tonight’s Ball’s about fun But I hope you have run out of pranks!

As you leave this great school, take on board as a rule The values you’ve learned, lived and mastered. Do right and be kind, don’t judge but include (And for pity’s sake tonight don’t get plastered!)

So, this speech is near done, it’s my shortest one But before I desist, what’s the future

As we navigate through the challenges new To ensure we our school can secure?

With more pupils than ever, we’re stronger and bigger And can plan and develop new measures. So we’re putting in place more staff in the face Of the need to respond to new pressures.

It’s the pupils that matter and what they require That comes above all in our thinking So, upgrading our boarding, our food and weekending Is for now the foremost in our planning.

And we’re building a plane, it’s all about STEM Exciting, and to more, the precursor.

But in a pupil-built craft, I’ll fly second, Ah’m-no daft, The first flight I’ve reserved for the Bursar!

A centre for well-being is on the cards too As we pay more attention to welfare. Keeping us clear, that to talk without fear Is key for the best mental health care.

And Architects hired are now being required To plan our next buildings on site. Our roadmap will see, just between you and me, How we’ll take Strath on to new heights.

And bursary funds from supporters and friends Are helping more pupils as well; Thanks to all who donate, to help us ensureOpportunities for all to excel.

We’re working to ease the burden on fees

With partnerships new and exciting. So, we’re ‘oot ‘n aboot’, and on the front foot To raise funds and be more enterprising.

So I say to the Chair, as I make my report That the school is firm in its mission

That We’re in a good place and ready to face All that’s to come with great optimism.

In this school’s new place in the private schools’ race We are sought out and places demanded.

We have more to do and further to go And that’s exciting for Strath, if I’m candid.

For we’re still on the up, Strath’s still on the march In a sense we’re just getting going.

We’ve put into place what will win us the race So, from here it’s about to-ing, not fro-ing.

From the last few years we’ve learned, we’ve changed But our values, they’ve only strengthened.

We’re ready and willing and able to face The challenges, though they have lengthened.

So, I say to conclude that that from here where I’m stood That the view to our future looks bright.

We’ll work hard in adversity, and we’ll win throughOur founder, Harry, was right.

Do take heart from today and our pupils en masse They’re the best of the best in my view. It’s an honour to be the Head man of this place And with that I now end and say thank you!

The overwhelming sense and feeling of this space, this place isn’t it just lovely?

Robert Rinder MBE Guest Speaker

Captains of School

Captains of School 2021-22: Charlotte G & Oliver S Vice-Captains of school 2021-22: Amelia E & Alexander G

AT THE START OF THIS YEAR WE WERE UNSURE IF WE WOULD EVEN GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE STANDING HERE TODAY SPEAKING TO ALL OF YOU IN PERSON. If you reflect back to September, the school and Scotland were in a very different place and it makes this Speech Day all the more special.

When we sat down to write this speech we initially struggled to try and sum up the Strath journey, which for some can be as long as nine years. Before we tried however, an account of the highlights of the year seemed in order.

One of the greatest pleasures that we have enjoyed as captains this year was our weekly visits to the Prep School, alongside our vicecaptains Amelia and Xander.

One of the most prominent things that returned to Strath this year was House Music. We knew things were getting back to normal when Ruthven was robbed of ‘Best Choir’ once again! As usual, there was outrage at the blatant corruption Ruthven clearly faces annually. All we’re saying is that it’s a bit of a coincidence that Woodlands achieve their first win in 27 years when the judge is an ex-Woodlander … Despite this, it was great to see this Titan of the Strathallan year return, even if Ruthven’s tortured rendition of ‘Dancing Queen’ has ruined forever Mr Kent’s appreciation of the original. We also saw the return of regular fixtures for many of our sports teams. We kicked off the year with our rugby and hockey seasons in full swing, with our boys winning 50-0 over Balfron High and the girls winning 4-2 over our local rivals Kilgraston. The highlights from the two seasons can most likely be narrowed down to a thoroughly convincing win against Glenalmond for the boys, and a hard-fought win in the Midlands tournament in front of a very lively home crowd, for the girls. There were lessons to be taken away from the season by both teams. The hockey team learnt that it really does help to have a few nifty Germans in the midfield. The rugby team learnt that it really is the taking part that counts.

Sporting success was achieved, however. The U14 netball team showed us all how it’s done by clinching the national title, while the boys’ hockey 1st XI won the indoor national title and outdoor plate final with a very nearly undefeated season. We were named Tennis School of the Year (Scotland) with the boys’ team finishing runners-up in the National Cup where they narrowly lost to Merchiston. This swim team achieved their customary success, best illustrated with 16 medals, including 11 golds at the Scottish National Age Group Championships. And Girls’ rugby really took off with Strath winning its first ever competitive match here.

One of the greatest pleasures that we have enjoyed as captains this year was our weekly visits to the Prep School, alongside our vice-captains Amelia and Xander. Amelia and I who weren’t in Riley ourselves were versed in the ways of four-square, whilst Xander and Ollie enjoyed two versus the entire Prep School boarding contingent in games of British Bulldogs — it’s surprising how fast Xander can run with three small children hanging off him. When the days got shorter we headed inside to the Wilson Hall for touch rugby nights and by the end of the spring term Amelia and I, who were the official coaches for the girls, had managed to teach nearly all of them to pass backwards not forwards.

Parents, you are probably aware because your children no longer have any money left, this year saw the opening of The Art Café, So far it has been a huge success; it’s a great social place which gives the students to also learn and work with the best view in Scotland. It also gives Hendo’s plans of bulking up the Fourth Form for the summer tour of Italy a chance of success.

Mind you, Mr Howie likes Blend so much he recently set up a Gofundme page called “buy me a jaffa mocha,” so the Fourth Form will have to get in line.

Boarding is at the heart of the Strathallan Experience and we would wholeheartedly recommend it as a way of getting to know both students and teachers alike on a whole new level.

This year’s musical “Legally Blonde” took Strathallan into the halls of Harvard Law for three nights. It was the most fantastic way to return to the theatre after a two-year break. It’s a play about finding true love, and it was inevitable that this would be recognised in the Expressive Arts own awards night. Anna and Angus should have been the front runners for the award — their ‘method acting’ was clearly taken very seriously. But on the night, there was only one couple who could truly take the title — Roli and Kai!

Boarding is at the heart of the Strathallan Experience and we would wholeheartedly recommend it as a way of getting to know both students and teachers alike on a whole new level. For example, Mr Vallot as a Ruthven tutor would often help with Biology prep on Thursday nights. However, he was also quick to recruit on those duty nights for ‘emergency bee keeping!’ Not all Strathallan’s opportunities, I have learnt to my cost, are good ones! Monday nights in Thornbank, meanwhile, are characterised by a select few sitting in the foyer with Miss Ling and Miss Haddick. Miss Ling trying tirelessly

to convince everyone she is “not” 5”1 and Miss Haddick trying tirelessly to convince us she is “not” in love with Mr Ambrose.

It has become customary for the Captains of School to make fun of Mr Muirhead at this point, but as we are desperate to keep in his good books in case another Barbados trip comes around, we’re just going to congratulate him for being awarded Music Tutor of the Year. This national award is clearly an acknowledgement of all that time spent selflessly sunning himself (sorry, working!!) abroad during term time. The St Andrew’s ball was a fantastic evening organised by Mr Muirhead and his team. Throughout the night the Sixth Form enjoyed great food and some questionable - post covid - ceilidh dancing. It’s not quite clear whether the risk assessment anticipated the enthusiasm that was put into Auld Lang Syne — it resulted in Sophie getting her second knee surgery of the year.

For the past 40 years, Mr Barnes has been working at Strath and the impact he has had is incredible. This

was recognised this year when he was presented with the Stephen Winkley Lifetime Achievement Award. Everyone here, and the generations who have gone before us, know how deserving he is of this award. He cares deeply about the school and its pupils, about enriching experiences and about extending the reach of the school and its values around the world. We would like to thank Mr Barnes on behalf of all pupils, parents and staff for all his hard work and perseverance. There is no-one more deserving of this award.

For us it has been a pleasure and an honour to lead the school, although it has been hard work at times. Nothing we have achieved this year would have been possible without the support of Mr Lauder, Mrs Macbain and every single one of our 19 strong prefect team. They have all put in tireless efforts at our weekly social event planning session…I mean prefect meetings, and it is an achievement itself that we have managed to sit through the Headsman's words of wisdom covering everything from rowdy Fourth Form boys to the correct etiquette at the social events we have enjoyed. Mr Lauder is yet to work out that he is not in fact paid by the word.

We would like to give a special mention to our vice-captains, Amelia and Xander. They have been right there with us to ensure success and try to avoid failures, for that we thank you. We would also like to pass on our very best wishes to next year’s Captains of School; Max and Melissa. We know that you, your deputies Ethan and Chloe, and the rest of your prefect team will do an excellent job.

Now back to our original task. How do we sum up our time at Strath in a single speech? Many of the leavers this year have been at the school since Third Form and a good few since what was Riley. It has been a pleasure to make the journey throughout our teen years with these now young adults. We have learnt together, we have lived, laughed together and we have lofted together. As a year group we have had many highs and lows but I think most of us can agree that when we look back on our time together we will do so with great fondness. We as a group have built a special little community that is the class of 2022. It’s certainly been a journey. Our year group has had an academic career like no other. From cancelled GCSEs, to online lessons, to cancelled Highers, we have had to show resilience and perseverance through a lot of uncertainty. Collectively we have relied on the Strathallan community a huge amount, and I personally am incredibly proud of everything we have achieved together.

Standing here today, as we prepare to leave Strath, it is easy to forget how long and winding the path that has bought us here today has been. We would never have achieved what we have without the care and support of teachers, house staff, parents and also each other. There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. We would argue, from our collective experience it takes an entire school community to raise a Strathallian.

So thank you, to every person who has played a part in our journey.

And to our year group, good luck out there. It has been a pleasure to grow up alongside you and we wish you all the best for what our exciting futures hold.

Charlotte G and Oliver S.

There’s a saying that it takes a village to raise a child. We would argue, from our collective experience it takes an entire school community to raise a Strathallian.

This was followed just a couple of weeks later by the highlight of the year for me. A unique baptism and confirmation service took place in Chapel on 28 November involving the Head Girl Charlotte G being baptised and confirmed, the Chapel Prefect Ava K being confirmed and little Harris Thompson the young baby son of Lindsey and Jim Thompson (Director of Sport) being baptised. I have never been involved in such a special service whilst at Strathallan and it was wonderful to see families and pupils mixing together and supporting each other on such a significant occasion. It was truly indicative of our full community in action coming together for important rites of passage and memorable moments in young lives.

By the middle of the second term almost two years since we entered the first lockdown we were once more allowed to return to full chapel services and it was simply fantastic to see the change in atmosphere, the smiles and the joy reappear in the building again. I think it gave a new and renewed energy to services and once more the fun and unexpected element emerged in our themes with helium balloons released to represent the ascension, Spiderman made an appearance to represent the risen Jesus and prefects were blindfolded just for a bit of fun. All this was in an attempt to engage and dislocate expectations and return Chapel to the core of the school and the centre of all weekly events.

Chapel remains the location for the whole community to collectively reflect, grieve, laugh, sit alone in quiet, celebrate, discuss our values and occasionally sing! I look forward immensely to the next academic year to see what it will bring. Because whatever happens, good or bad, mundane or exciting, Chapel will be at the heart of the community once more.

Rev Jonny Wylie

A nearly normal life in the day of the Chaplain

I

T IS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ONLY A YEAR AGO CHAPEL WAS STILL IN SMALLER BUBBLES OF PUPILS, SINGING WAS STILL NOT ALLOWED, MASKS HAD TO BE WORN AND GENERALLY IT FELT LIKE A FLAT AND PRETTY RUBBISH EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE. With masks on it was impossible to see the reaction of pupils and staff to readings, sermons and most importantly the jokes. Thankfully as the year went on we were able to gradually loosen the rules and the return to some sort of normality was complete. Now in June 2022 we are back to normal with the only hangover being a marked dip in our collective ability to sing!

With a lack of mixing throughout the school initially in this academic year Chapel, at the very least provided an opportunity to come together collectively and there was a palpable sense of yearning for this community experience — a normal school experience. It is amazing how much most of us are actually social animals who enjoy the company of other people and being together at events. It is also amazing how much we lost this due to lockdown.

As first term progressed we were able to gradually return to bigger events and music reappeared to help our worship. A suitably socially distanced Act of Remembrance took place outside Chapel on the lawn which was hugely poignant and moving and involved sixth formers ‘taking the knee’ in commemoration of the fallen former pupils from World War I and II.

I have never been involved in such a special service whilst at Strathallan and it was wonderful to see families and pupils mixing together and supporting each other on such a significant occasion.

Charities/Community Service

ATHEME THROUGHOUT THIS ACADEMIC YEAR HAS BEEN ‘GETTING BACK TO NORMAL’ AND THIS IS REFLECTED IN OUR CHARITY AND COMMUNITY SERVICE WORK.

Initially this year in a COVID environment many of our usual avenues for outreach were difficult, notably the visiting of old people in our community in their homes. We have however managed to keep our work going with the Perth based ESOL charity which runs an after-school club for families of refugee and asylum-seeking children. The charity has benefited from some of our Sixth Form pupils who have helped regularly on a Wednesday afternoon.

We have also continued to help out with the Inspiration Orchestra through a weekly fundraising ideas workshop and then a performance during our Arts Festival week. This was the first performance for the Perth based Inspiration Orchestra since lockdown and we were privileged to have Ian White leading his group of disabled musicians in a memorable evening in Chapel. We also raised £1000 for their ongoing work.

Charity fundraising has blossomed since lockdown with a record turn-out for the SPS Ramble for Children in Need in November. This event illustrated perfectly the desire for pupils, staff and parents to be together as a community after many months of separation. The amount raised of £2000 was also a record and many thanks go to all involved. Our connections with local charities have continued this year with a Christmas focus on raising money for the Perth Foodbank. By selling candy canes, wearing Christmas jumpers and drinking hot chocolate we raised £1000.

Throughout the year many smaller ‘House’ events have taken place, whether it is selling cakes for Macmillan or green ribbons for the Mental Health charity Mindspace or tea parties for Breast Cancer research. These have managed to raise collectively over £1000.

Perhaps the most powerful and amazing response this year, however, was the appeal to raise money for Ukrainian refugees. As a result of an idea from a parent (Mr. Iain

Gordon) we became briefly the centre of fundraising efforts specifically focussed on beds and mattresses and clothing for the refugees of the Ukraine war. Our cricket pavilion and Chapel became temporary storage depots as parents donated an unbelievable volume of beds and bedding. It was an incredible effort, quite unprecedented in the recent history of the school and encompassing not just Strathallan and the pupil/parental community but also neighbouring

schools who sent their donations to us for onward transport. It was an incredible moment to see so many members of the school population loading and filling a huge removal van in under an hour. A fantastic effort. In total I would estimate that conservatively £30,000 worth of beds and bedding was raised in two hectic weeks after the start of the war and the launch of the campaign. Simply unbelievable.

Our involvement did not end there and as more donations arrived we occasionally took a minibus filled with pupils and clothing to the central humanitarian depot at Errol and Sixth Form pupils (including from Ukraine) were able to help with hands on sorting of donations to be packed into lorries bound for destinations such as Lviv and Odessa.

In addition, we also raised £1200 through our non-uniform day for the Ukraine appeal.This has been a fantastic year for charity and the rebuilding of community spirit and togetherness!

J Wylie

KENYA

AHIGHLIGHT FOR ALL OF US THIS YEAR WAS THE RETURN TO STRATHALLAN OF OUR DEAR FRIEND, DALMAS Dalmas has been supported by Strathallan for the entirety of his school career and we look on his tremendous achievements with pride. When he first visited Scotland we were in Fourth Form and it was wonderful that he was able to re-visit us as we stepped up to be the LV1 Strathallan Kenya Team for this academic year.

Though we knew that on-going worldwide restrictions meant we would be unlikely to actually be able to go to Kenya, so many people still wanted to play an active part in the fundraising work we do that two teams were appointed. They both worked incredibly hard and managed to raise over £10,000 of funds for the multiple projects out in Kenya. These funds have been collected through various fundraising events, some familiar and some new to this year. The notorious Tasty Tuesday ran weekly selling bacon rolls, with the Prep School being our favourite customers. Furthermore, money was successfully raised through the purchasing of tickets for the Prep School Valentine's disco which was organised and run by the Kenya team. The disco included snacks, music, and games. The Kenya team have also designed and sold t-shirts, with all profits going towards the projects.

The unfolding situation in Ukraine was given added significance for our pupils when former pupil Duncan Spinner returned to Strathallan in March to share his experience of the crisis. He had been working for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for over 7 years in Luhansk, Ukraine, when he was emergency airlifted out with his two-year-old daughter. He is now leading efforts to rescue colleagues stuck in Ukraine and take military surplus equipment back to the country that became his home.

Perhaps the most powerful and amazing response this year, however, was the appeal to raise money for Ukrainian refugees.

Whether it be buying a tasty Tuesday or putting your change in the buckets, the 2022 Kenya team would like to thank everyone who has donated to the projects this year.

The Strathallan Kenya Projects encompass three main locations. Firstly, the Kibera Slum in Nairobi, secondly Suswa in the Great African Rift and third Kilifi in Eastern Kenya.

We support the education of 40 children in the Mashimoni region of the Kibera Slum through supplying the funds for their school fees, uniform, books, and two meals a day Monday to Friday. Without the donations from the Strathallan Kenya Project these children, of which Dalmas was one, would not be in education.

Additionally, the project provides funds for the Kenya Children’s Home Orphanage supporting the residential and educational care of the orphans, helping them to thrive and be placed with loving families where possible.

We have a partnership with Soila Maasai Girls Rescue School located in the Rift Valley. The school’s aim is to protect the girls from early marriage and FGM as well as to provide professional discussions for the girls to engage in and further their skills surrounding STEM subjects to aid them in reaching their aspirations of becoming doctors or aeroplane

engineers. We provide school fees in addition to practical equipment such as school bags, mattresses, uniforms, and sports equipment.

In Kilifi, every 3 months we link several schools to gather 550 girls and supply practical health education and sanitary products. This greatly benefits the girls as they can attend school all through the year improving their grades and helps reduce period stigma. The projects also provide funds to enable physically disabled primary children to have access to school giving them an education while allowing them to socialise.

Our newest project involves the design of reusable sanitary pads. The aim is to create employment through establishing a micro business for two young women to make the pads, while increasing accessibility to sanitary products and helping the environment.

Whether it be buying a Tasty Tuesday roll or putting your change in the buckets, the 2022 Kenya team would like to thank everyone who has donated to the projects this year.

Carlos Christie Jonas

Ashton Bradley Ellis Paul Fergus Jock McKenzie Brooke Ellie Nisha Laura Edouard Michel Ben Finlay Leo Zheel Fedor Dalmas Angus Daniel Tsz Yin Thomas Max Harris Edward Olivia Katie Amanda Isabella Carla Frederik Kamila Will Bei Alexander Aila Freya Max Kim Chloe Robert Nicolas Iona Matthew Olivia F MacKenna Suzanne Pablo Polly Lara

6F 6N 4F 5F 2 2 4F 4S 3F 3N Year 5 3F Year 4 4T 3W 6W 3R 4R 3S 2 Year 5 6W 6F 3S 3N 5R 4N 4N Year 4 6S 6T 4W 6G 6W 2 5F 4T Year 6 6W 6R 1 7W 3S 3T 6G 3N 5N 3G Year 6 4T 6G 3T 4R 6W 6G

Charlotte Millie Lilly Ella Olivia Fares Eilis Abigail Owen Jonathan Anastasia Yan Tao Sebastian Thomas Sasha Edward Zachary Ching Yin Pak Yin Beryl Onyx Shun Him Angus Sara Finley John Katrina Hector Amy Katie Lily Severin Anna Alfie Joel Mason Camryn Maria Ewan Lewis Anton Ava Iusuf Rita Ballen Andres Zachary Stanislas Emelie Kritchaya Elizabeth Lean Katherine Cecilia Seanlov Michael

6G 6G 3G 6G 4G Year 4 6T 4T 3F 6F 5W 3S Year 5 Year 4 Year 4 6N

Pupil School Authority 2021-22

PREFECTS

Chapel Co-Curricular Committee

Curriculum Committee

Inclusion, Diversity & International Committee

Traditional Music and Scottish Culture

Captains of Athletics

Captain of Badminton

Captain of Basketball

Captains of Clay Pigeon

Captain of Cricket

Captains of Cross Country

Captain of Equestrian

Captain of Football

Captain of Golf

Captain of Boys’ Hockey

Captain of Girls’ Hockey

Captain of Netball

Captain of Boys’ Rugby Captain of Girls’ Rugby

Captain of Ski-ing Captains of Swimming

Captains of Boys’ Tennis

Captain of Girls’ Tennis

Captain of Dance

Captain of Debating Captain of Drama

Senior Cadet

Senior Cadet Royal Navy Section

Senior Cadet Royal Marines Section

Senior Cadet Army Section

Senior Cadet army Recruits

Head of Choir

Head of Brass

Head of Strings

Head of Musical Theatre

Head of Chapel Music

Head of Percussion

Head of Woodwind

Pipe Major

Ava K Katie B Callum N Roli S Katharine H Sophie B Sebastian P James L Millie W Calum T Jemima F-S Kwasi B-B Louisa A Angus T Archie R Katharine H Dan De L Amelia E Kyle B Xander G Hamish N Ava K Eilidh S Jonny M Charlotte G Roli S Roli S, Katelyn T Ollie S Xander G Katie B Joely F Dan De L Iona F Carlos K Charlotte G Sebastian P Sophie C Alex N Sebastian P Millie W Sophie C Iona F Ava K Lewis D Struan D Conor C

Prize Winners 2022

Dux

The Smith Cup for Captain of School

The Morley Quaich for Captain of School

The Draper Cup for Vice Captain of School

The Draper Cup for Vice Captain of School

The Houston Prize for All Round Merit

The Scanlan Cup for Merit

The Thomson Salver for Achievement

The John Fulton Memorial Prize for Overall Contribution

Headmaster’s Prize for Conspicuous Leadership

The Buchanan Strathallian Prize

The Hayward Award for Citizenship

The Campbell Award for Best All-Round Sportsman

The Campbell Award for Best All-Round Sportswoman

The Alistair Jeynes-Ellis Memorial Prize

The Senior Debating Prize

The Wilfred Hoare Senior Reading Prize

The Headmaster’s Prize for Musical Theatre

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Performing Arts

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Contribution to Dance

The Traditional Music Prize

The Patrick Grandison Prize for Strings

The Robert Barr Memorial Prize for Music

Strathallan Travelling Scholarship (Music)

The William Pasfield Salver for Outstanding Contribution to Music

The Choir Prize

The McMaster Quaich for Piping

The Senior Pipe Band Drumming Prize

The Jeff Goddard Photography Prize

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to improving School Inclusion and Diversity

Headmaster’s Prize for Outstanding Leadership and Commitment to improving the Environment

The Lauriston Broadsword Prize

Quaich CCF Prize (RM)

Royal Navy Section Prize

Woody

UPPER SIXTH FORM PRIZES

Human Biology Hiqher Business Studies A Level Chemistry A Level Classical Civilisation Computing A Level

The David Bogie Prize for Economics Design and Technology A Level Design and Technology Higher English A Level French A Level

Geography A Level German A Level

The Lord Kincraig Prize for English Music A Level

Physical Education A Level (from 2020) Physical Education Higher Physics A Level Psychology A Level (from 2020)

Roli S Jessica S Susie W Roli S Jemima F-S Vanja Z Dan D L Jay P Charlotte G Hannah J Adria P M Iona F Dymtro B Hannah J Sebastian P Callum N Stuart H Roli S Amelia E

The Richard Moffat Prize for

History

The Robert Rankin Prize for Mathematics

The Senior Drama Prize

Spanish A Level

The University of Dundee English as an Additional Language Prize

The William Tattersall Art Prize

Biology Advanced Higher Business Studies Advanced Higher Chemistry Advanced Higher Design and TechnologyAdvanced Higher English Advanced Higher

French Advanced Higher Geography Advanced Higher Mathematics Advanced Higher Music Advanced Higher Physical Education Advanced Higher Physics Advanced Higher

Jemima F-S Ka Ngai (Carl) W Anna T Adria P M Yan Chi (Angie) L Hannah J Blake H Alexander G Oliver S Cameron G Sophie C Thomas C Noah L Innes P Sophie C Eilidh S Innes P

S Iona F

LOWER SIXTH FORM PRIZES

Art A Level

Biology A Level Biology Higher Business Studies A Level

Business Management Hiqher Chemistry A Level Chemistry Higher Classical Civilisation A Level Computing A Level Economics A Level Economics Higher English A Level English Higher EPQ

French Hiqher Geography A level

FOURTH FORM PRIZES

Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Design and Technology Drama English French Geography German History Latin Mathematics Music Physics Physical Education Religious Studies Spanish Navy Recruit Army Recruit

Isobel W Madalena P Elspeth W Zheel B Isabella A Jessica T Sophie W Mackenna F-L Isla McF Terrence W Sophie W Isobel W Rosalind Q Melissa F-S Isobel W Finn G R

Geography Higher History A Level History Higher Mathematics A Level Mathematics Higher Further Mathematics Modern Studies Higher Music A Level Music Higher Music Technology Higher Physics A Level Physics Higher Psychology A Level Psychology Higher RMPS Higher Spanish Higher

Millie G Terrence W Ethan W Isabella Z Elspeth W Kevin M Sophie W Laura B Jacy E Angus K Isabella Z Rosalind Q Melissa F-S Chloe F Bella C Lara G

FIFTH FORM PRIZES

Orla M Charlie M Eva B Charlie M Anton M Charlie M Daniel W Eva B Francesco M-R Lucy T Harriet W Mia L Lucy T Charlie M Sophie D Charlie M Lucy W Kya-Mei K Anton M Matthew T Sebastian G

THIRD FORM PRIZES

Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Computing Design and Technology Drama (from 2020) English French Geography German History Latin Mathematics Music Physics Physical Education Spanish The Louise Wallace Memorial Cup for Junior Public Speaking 5th Form Army 5th Form Navy 5th Form Marines

The Gary Rogers Prize for Creative Writing

Chloe T Angus G Jayden M Angus G Eva D L Cameron B Jayden M Yi W Eva D L Angus G Joshua C Elise C Joshua C Joshua C Grace H Joshua C Elise C Angus G Bennett P Jayden M Yi W Caitlin M Paul B

The Strathallian 22 The Strathallian 23

Biology A Level

HOUSE REPORTS

STRATHALLAN PREP SCHOOL

OUR FIRST FULL YEAR BACK IN PERSON HAS

CERTAINLY BEEN A BUSY ONE! It is hard to remember that we started the year with face masks and temperature guns. Although I don’t think anyone is missing the masks or constant reminders to wear it over mouths, not chins (“pull your mask up please!”).

With our numbers growing, we have welcomed lots of new faces, including our new matrons, Sam and Niamh, as well as Mrs Bergin, Mrs Simon and Miss Leese to the teaching staff. Recognition and thanks must be given to all the staff who have risen to the challenge of teaching during a year where there have been many covid disruptions to staffing.

This year we welcomed the addition of Year 3 to Strathallan Prep School and we are looking forward to their numbers growing next year. This year also saw the introduction of the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate which culminated in the Second Form choosing, researching and presenting their own research project. All involved agreed that the standard was very high and there were some outstanding projects.

In November we had our official opening of the Adam Pattinson Memorial Library. This coincided with World Book Day so the pupils were all in fancy dress with numerous competitions happening throughout the day. The morning started with a few words from our Chaplain followed by Claire Pattinson and Tracy

Pattinson officially opening the library. During the rest of day, each tutor group visited the library to be read to by UVI pupils. There was a fantastic atmosphere the entire day and the pupils have thoroughly enjoyed using the library throughout the year.

Term 2 saw the return of the Divisional Music and Divisional Drama competitions. Excitement grew, especially when it became clear that one divisional was featuring some of the staff members (staff members were more worried than excited at this stage!) The plays were well scripted and acted with Glenearn winning with a play about Harry Potter. The Divisional Music competition was equally well performed with Dupplin winning the overall award. Term 3 saw the much-anticipated Reels which lived up to their reputation! Mr Muirhead, Mr Howie and Angus K (LVI) provided some excellent music with the pupils providing the fun and enjoyment. Lots of twirling and spinning was broken up by an interval for much needed refreshments. If the smiles on the faces of the pupils was anything to go by, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The sun shone for activity week this year which was a blessing as most of it was outside! It was an actionpacked week of waterpolo, orienteering, Woodland Combat, potted sports and slip'n'slide to mention only a few. Year 3/4 created an amazing large version of the school crest which was photographed from the sky using a drone. The finale was the ‘Tour de Strath’ which, once again, proved extremely popular and it was heartwarming to hear the pupils cheering on their peers. It was a fantastic representation of the values and ethos of our school.

At the same time, Second Form were away on their residential camp at Abernethy. They participated in Jacob’s ladder, canoeing, archery, adventure course, bushcraft and raft building. All the pupils rose to the challenge and much fun was had by all. The camp tuck shop proved a particular success but pupils did have to be asked not to drink their fizzy drinks after they had cleaned their teeth in the evening!

A large thank you must go to all the staff who gave up their time to provide such a fun week for all the prep school pupils. We hope the week was an opportunity for fun, inclusivity, and friendship building, and has resulted in many happy memories being formed.

There was a fantastic atmosphere the entire day and pupils have thoroughly enjoyed using the library throughout the year.

The summer term ended with the Prep School production of “Matilda.” This amazing production was the hard work of Mrs Simon, Mr Beeson and Mr Foster and of course, the cast, who put an enormous number of hours into rehearsals. It is fair to say that all the rehearsals paid off as the production was a huge success and we are immensely proud of all who took part.

The Charities committee continued their active presence in the school, raising a large amount of money through organising the Riley Ramble, the Valentines disco and selling snacks at the Reels.

Our activities programme has continued to grow from strength to strength. As well as our old favourites (capture the flag featuring high on this list!), we added

some new activities: Snack'n'chat, Scripture Union, Sewing Club, Library Club, Archery, and Fun Fitness.

It has been great to see how popular these clubs have been and a real joy to watch the smiles on the pupils’ faces as they participated.

This year we say farewell to our gap year students, Katie Alexander and Paddy Merheim-Kealy. They have been invaluable, being a constant presence around the Prep school, running the now infamous Zombies games, as well as the ever-popular Hide-and-Seek tig (“can we play in the valley? Please? Pretty please — I promise we will behave!”). They have also played a major role in the boarding house where they will be hugely missed. We wish them every success as they head off to university.

A large thank you must go to all the staff who gave up their time to provide such a fun week for all the prep school pupils. We hope the week was an opportunity for fun, inclusivity, and friendship building, and has resulted in many happy memories being formed. .

The sun shone for activity week this year which was a blessing as most of it was outside!

We would like to take this opportunity to wish Second Form every success as they move on to the next chapter. It has been a joy to watch them grow and develop during their time in SPS and we look forward to seeing them flourish into productive members of society as they move through senior school. To the rest of SPS, we hope you return to school in September refreshed and ready to give your all to every opportunity presented to you. We would like to thank all the staff involved in SPS for their tireless work this year and thank parents for their continued supported.

Emma Lalani

Before I joined the Prep School as Matron this year I had had a diverse career. For over 20 years I had worked in Hospitality Management & Catering. Prior to joining Strathallan I was a support worker in Glasgow, working with adults with learning disabilities. However, a move to the countryside prompted a career change. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the Prep School pupils during my first year. No two days are ever alike in the Matron's office, whether it’s reuniting children with lost property or lending sports kit at the 11th hour! I have two grown-up children and love gardening, reading, listening to music as well as experimenting in the kitchen. Betty, my cocker spaniel also loves to come in to help at school occasionally!

Health, well-being and mindfulness are all values I incorporate into my daily life style. I believe it is important to be first check in with yourself before then being able to hold space and be present for others. My first year at Strathallan Prep School as residential matron has been such a joyful and rewarding experience. Being able to bring a positive, kind and supportive energy to the children & staff I work with has really showed me I am in the right role. Although sometimes challenging, I reminded myself we become our best and most resilient selves when faced with a challenge and the rewards are always worth it. Zeus – my cat who is a much loved member of Riley House now - and I look forward to my next year at SPS and meeting all the new children for the year ahead.

SAM NOBLE

NIAMH TOOHEY

STRATHALLAN PREP SCHOOL SPORT

THIS YEAR WE RETURNED TO NORMAL SPORTING DUTIES WITH REGULAR FIXTURES, TOURNAMENTS AND INTER-DIVISIONAL COMPETITIONS. As part of IAPS, SPS had nine pupils play in the Caledonian U13 Representative teams with two in girls hockey, two in boys rugby, two in girls netball and three in boys hockey. Well done to Harriet R, Onyx L, Romy M, Rita M, Finley M, Oskar E, George M, Thomas D and Faisal H. This is a great achievement for these pupils and Strathallan Prep School as a whole. We look forward to 2022-23 Caledonia Season. I would like to thank our four Sports Captains for their continual hard work, sportsmanship and enthusiasm over the full year: Layla M, Jess B, Buzby W and Thomas D.

ATHLETICS

THE ENTIRE PREP SCHOOL

COHORT IN THE STRATHALLAN CROSS COUNTRY COMPETITION AND A SELECTED TEAM WENT TO COMPETE AT THE MERCHISTON CROSS COUNTRY RELAYS. The U13A girls won overall which is a fantastic achievement and gives us lots more to look forward to next year. This year saw a new format for Sports Day and Inter-divisional Competition, pupils entered as individuals and could still win Div points. Pre-Sports day was very competitive with heats and qualifying taking place for track events. On sports day itself we had lovely sunny weather and there were many close fought races. Well done to Balmanno on winning the Inter-div Athletics competition by 6 points. The top 2nd Form female was Corinna S with two first in 100m, Javelin and 2nd in 200m. Sasha P came out as the top 2nd form male athlete, winning 100m, 200m and discus.

BOYS CRICKET

DESPITE THE LACK OF CRICKET OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, THE PREP SCHOOL’S ENTHUSIASM FOR CRICKET SHOWED NO SIGNS OF WANING. It indeed revealed the opposite, with an increased hunger to play as much as possible. For some it was their first experience of the sport and matches, whilst for others it was a welcome return to the summer’s main sport.

A blended approach of both hard and softball cricket was played by the pupils during the season, which undoubtedly benefitted those new to the sport.

Fixtures were played throughout the term against Dollar, Belhaven, Cargilfield, Ardvreck and Stewart’s Melville and although we had limited success, valuable experience was gained from each game. Perhaps the best measure on how far the teams had come was the U13 team winning our own Kwik Cricket tournament in June in its first year.

Results should never be the sole measurement of a sports success, but instead the journey taken by the players in improving — both as individuals as well as a team. The wins will come in time, given the enthusiasm and appetite to learn throughout the Prep school and more importantly — pupils continuing to enjoy playing cricket with a smile.

A final thanks to my fellow coaches for your efforts and time throughout the term to share your enthusiasm and knowledge with the players and to encourage the boys to enjoy their cricket.

Graeme Robertson

GIRLS CRICKET

THIS YEAR SAW CRICKET INTRODUCED INTO THE GAMES PROGRAMME AND AN EXCITING FIXTURE CARD TOOK PLACE IN SUMMER TERM. For the first time we fielded U13, U12 and U11 girls cricket teams. They worked hard in training to develop their bowling, batting and fielding skills. We had several matches against Ardvreck, Belhaven, Morrisons Academy, Fettes and Loretto. They had a few close losses and wins and learnt a lot from each match. The U13 girls competed in our first Kwik Cricket Festival, and came 2nd overall. The U12 girls competed in the Perth and Kinross mixed cricket festival with the boys and one team made the finals. I am excited to see our girls develop further and take part in more cricket next year.

April Wardlaw

GIRLS HOCKEY

U13A

THE GIRLS PLAYED 10 FIXTURES AND ONE TOURNAMENT IN THE AUTUMN TERM. They had a tough start to the term going down 1-3 to Ardvreck but they bounced back almost immediately with a great 6-3 win over Kilgraston. This match was end to end with Helena N scoring a hat trick followed by Corinna S scoring two goals and Romy M with the final goal. Other notable results included a 4-1 win against Craigclowan, 4-2 versus Morrison’s Academy and 6-2 against Hutcheson’s Grammer School. Over the term the girls worked hard to develop their skills and formations and it was great to see them earn 5 wins and 1 draw over their season. In the Spring Term the girls played Hurstpierpoint Prep School who were on tour from England. It was the girls first full 11-a-side match and they pulled together magnificently to come away with a 3-0 win. Congratulations to Romy M and Rita M-B who were selected for the U13 Caledonia

Representative hockey team. They played against the other two regions in Scotland and won both matches with Rita M-B captaining the side.

U13B

THIS TEAM WAS MADE UP OF SEVERAL NEW PUPILS WHO HAD NOT PLAYED HOCKEY BEFORE. They all developed nicely over the term and showed grit and determination to learn new skills in hockey. They had a great first match against Ardvreck and won 3-2. Anna P and Ivianna Y made strong tackles in defence to prevent a draw in the last few minutes of the match. The girls had a tough rest of the season with narrow loses to Belhaven (3-4), Craigclowan (5-6) and Kilgraston (1-3).

AVERY

ENTHUSIASTIC AND DETERMINED GROUP OF U12 GIRLS HAD A GREAT SEASON PLAYING

14 MATCHES, WINNING 12, DRAWING 1 AND ONLY LOSING 1 MATCH. The highlight of the season was winning the MES U12 Hockey Tournament. The girls beat St George’s, Edinburgh Academy, Morrison’s Academy and drew with George Watsons in the pool matches. They met Dollar Academy in the semi-finals where, after a nail biting 1-1 draw, took the score to 3 – 2 after a penalty shoot-out. Then onto the final where the girls went to play George Watsons again. The match ended in a 0-0 draw and so, for the second time that day, the girls had to partake in a penalty shoot-out. The Prep School won 3-2, a result which saw them lift the MES U12 Trophy. This was a brilliant team effort with Rita MB being top goal scorer. Aila D captained the team and Ailsa T made some great saves in goal during the penalty shoot outs. I look forward to seeing this team develop next year.

BOYS HOCKEY

U13

THIS TEAM CONSISTED OF U10 AND U11 PUPILS AND FOR MANY OF THE GIRLS IT WAS THEIR FIRST TIME PLAYING HOCKEY AND PLAYING IN MATCHES FOR SPS. Well done for your great sportsmanship and your never give up attitude. The girls remained positive after a first match defeat by St Leonards and despite losing to RGC they scored their first goal! Two further close defeats and a cancelled match saw out the hockey season. Lots of learning took place and I look forward to seeing these girls further develop next year and hopefully achieve their first hockey win.

April Wardlaw

NETBALL

THE U13 GIRLS VERY MUCH ENJOY THEIR NETBALL, AND IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THEM DEVELOP AS A TEAM THROUGHOUT THE TERM. IT WAS A BUSY TERM OF FIXTURES AND TOURNAMENTS. They had a few tough matches and in four matches they only lost by a couple of goals. A season of learning has built up their skills and tactics and they should look to maintain their enthusiasm for netball into 3rd form.

The U12 girls had a good netball season recording several strong wins against Kilgraston, Loretto and Cargilfield. It will be exciting to watch this team progress as they play fast and clever netball.

The U11 girls were mostly new to netball and looked to learn and develop their throwing and catching skills as well as learning the rules and positions this year. They had several matches and recorded a very good win against Kilgraston. Well done to all the girls for working hard throughout the winter term to develop and enhance their netball skills, knowledge and understanding.

April Wardlaw

RUGBY

U13

THE PREP SCHOOL U13 SQUAD HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE THE START OF THE NEW SEASON.

THIS IS A VERY PROMISING GROUP OF HOCKEY PLAYERS AND ONCE THEY STARTED TO BELIEVE IN THEIR OWN ABILITIES AS INDIVIDUALS AND THE COLLECTIVE STRENGTH OF THESE ABILITIES AS A TEAM, THEY SHOWED GLIMPSES OF UNBEATABLE HOCKEY. Strathallan Prep School hockey is renowned for getting off to a slow start but that was not the case this season as we hit the ground running with a game versus Belhaven, followed by a match against a well organised and skilful Craigclowan team. These games were intense from the first whistle and we grew in confidence as the matches went on which ultimately ended in two thrilling 3-3 draws. Throughout the season we faced some big prep schools and competed exceptionally well considering our size. We recorded good wins versus Ardvreck and Hurstpierpoint while our only defeat in the regular outdoor season came at the hands of a 4-7 loss to Cargilfield.

The Strathallan Prep School 7’s Tournament at Strathallan was another successful day of hockey with teams from all over Scotland vying for the coveted prize. We played a total of 5 matches on the day, winning 3, drawing 1 and losing one game in a very close encounter 0-1 in what was a semi-final to eventual runners up Fettes. We finished in 3rd position overall.

I was impressed by the boys’ ability to grasp new concepts, to listen to information and implement certain game plans and technical skills almost immediately. The group learnt that anything is possible when we work hard as a team and always try to make our teammates look good.

I am excited to watch some of these hockey players transition into the U14 age group as I believe the blend of natural athleticism and raw talent could become a powerful team.

Rhett Halkett

U11

THE U11 BOYS WORKED CONTINUOUSLY ON THEIR SKILLS THIS SEASON. Passing, shooting and dribbling were all worked on and resulted in all becoming much better hockey players. Many of the U11s were new to hockey, which is credit to their hard work and determination to try their best when playing matches.

Although matches were more difficult against Cargilfield and Ardvreck, the U11s had a fantastic win against St Mary’s Melrose. The resilience that the team showed when facing challenging times throughout the season was commendable.

I am looking forward to seeing how the boys progress and develop into a very strong U12 team next year! Will Herbert

Lots of fantastic effort was evident in the training sessions week to week and great progress was made by all the players. A tough season of top conference matches followed and each week the players stepped up to take on much bigger and more experienced teams. This never deterred the players and each week the strategy was to look for small improvements in each player and each

U12/U11

backs and forwards unit. Some very positive displays this year were against the strong day schools in Edinburgh where the teams recorded very good performances and gave them the desire and motivation to keep improving. It will be interesting to see how this squad takes the challenge up next season in 3rd Form, where with some very handy additions to the team, will only help this team keep making progress.

Andrew Henderson

THE U12/U11S HAD A VERY STRONG START TO THEIR SEASON WITH 3 CLOSE WINS AGAINST BALFRON HS, ARDVRECK AND ST LEONARDS. They looked to maintain this winning record however they came up against a strong and well organised Edinburgh Academy team. Through hard work, practising their tackling and defensive structure they produced several good performances against St Mary’s and Fettes to get two more draws. They had a great enthusiasm for rugby which showed throughout the full term and, combined with their good teamwork they will be exciting to work with next year.

TENNIS

STRATHALLAN PREP SCHOOL HAS HAD A BRILLIANT YEAR OF TENNIS. Lots of hard work at the afterschool tennis club throughout the year paid off when we started the season with a win against local rivals, Kilgraston. 17 of our girls took to the court and for some, it was their first competitive tennis match. We were proud to contribute to winning, ‘School of the Year’ in the LTA Tennis awards; a testament to the commitment and dedication of coaches and players.

Thomas D has consistently played with the seniors this year and has shown his talent by playing in the National Finals.

Captains Report

The U13 girls’ team have had a brilliant season, winning against many strong schools such as Craigclowan, Bellhaven and St George’s. A highlight was the 8-1 against St Leonards in the St Andrews sunshine!

The U12 girls team have played solidly throughout, ending the first half of their season with a win at Kilgraston U12 tournament. This has been an unbeaten year so far for the younger girls, with a lot of promise showing for next year.

Well done to all involved!

I have had so much fun as the Girls’ Sports Captain this year and wish the best to my fellow players on their upcoming tennis careers. It’s been great to see the amount of pupils of all ages and abilities involved in tennis all year round. A huge thank you to all the staff who have put time and thought into our sessions and matches throughout the season.

Layla M, Prep School Captain of Sport

FREELAND

DESPITE OUR MANY SUCCESSES AND ACHIEVEMENTS AS A HOUSE THIS YEAR, 2022 WILL BE DOMINATED BY THE RETIREMENT OF MR HEANEY AFTER 16 YEARS AS HOUSEMASTER. He’s been the guiding force for all of us for our time in school and it’s clear that he is well regarded as the longest serving Housemaster. We’ve all appreciated his fairness, kindness and support over the years and we’ll miss his stories and amazing BBQs. We and our families wish Mr and Mrs Heaney every happiness as they move back to Australia. Our sad goodbyes don’t end there. This year our laundry assistant Liz who looked after generations of Freeland boys, the comedic genius of Mr Gallier and the wisdom of our in-house tutor Mr Mitchell are all leaving the house’s front doors for the last time at the end of the academic year, Mr Mitchell will no longer be resident but we’re pleased he’s staying on in Freeland as a tutor. They will all be greatly missed, and I would like to give my thanks to all of them for the work and commitment they have shown to the boys and house.

The end of the pandemic has not only brought back the chance to breath freely again, it has also relieved the restrictions that stopped our teams dominating in

school fixtures and, most importantly, the inter-House competitions. Robert B-S and Hamish N won back-toback hockey titles with Scottish indoor cup and Scottish outdoor plate wins. Owen C was selected for youth Scottish swimming and Evan D competed for Britain bringing home a chest full of medals. Great numbers of inter-House trophies have been liberated to their rightful place in the Freeland trophy cabinet starting with inter-House senior touch rugby with three flawless wins in a row.

It has to be mentioned that a travesty of justice happened in the Autumn term however when our truly outstanding House Music performance only achieved Best Presentation. Praises were sung to Struan D who organised the practices and music decisions as he will also be leaving the house this year. In a return to victories, Senior inter-House basketball saw Linus K lead the yellow tank tops to three straight wins through his impossible three-point percentage. Fantastic work from Daniel W saw academic victory in junior debating and in a further example of our sporting prowess, Freeland also showed the rest of the houses who’s boss by winning inter-House swimming for the second year in a row, reaching school record levels. Athletics was another massive success for the house with notable successes

The end of the pandemic has not only brought back

chance

throughout all six year groups. Stand-out performances were seen from Finlay T in sprinting. Ratmir K and Hamish N in shot putt and Angus K who flew over the line first in 100 meters for standards. Robert BS qualified for long jump although being absent on Sports Day he was unable to take the medal home.

I’ve already touched on our successes in Expressive Arts but this was really driven home when Angus K and Ethan W and Daniel W gave Oscar winning performances in the school musical, ‘Legally Blonde.’

The blessing of Mr Vallot has given Freeland the opportunity to have two nights out to remember. We enjoyed a full Sixth Form dinner with guests at the village hall. This event was catered brilliantly by the former school chef. Secondly, the traditional UV1 outing to The Kirkstyle took place, a truly stellar send off for the 10 leavers.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing. Civil war nearly broke out when Leone from our domestic staff questioned the head of house’s basketball talent. Tensions rose as a series of high-powered meetings took place in matron’s office. The stage was set. The house in its entirety went to the Academic Quad’s outdoor court where, despite the weather, a close battle was waged. Under pressure, Robert won over the crowd after hitting the backwards lob shot from the full length of the court his opponent had suggested. The only prize may have been respect, but a new story has passed into House legend.

I would like to thank the invaluable members of house staff Liz, Leone, Alisson for everything they do to help us. Our matron Diane is utterly amazing (her words not mine) — though it has to be said, we know we are the luckiest House in school to have her looking after us the way she does. On behalf of the boys, I’d also like to thank the tutors Mr Mitchell, Mr Hamilton, Mrs Macbain, Mr Halkett, and Mr Kalman for all that they have done for the house and the boys and their constant commitment to making sure Freeland is on track. We are very grateful that Mr Barnes gave up so much of his time in Freeland this year, I know we’ve all appreciated his influence as a tutor. And finally, it’s difficult to express our appreciation for Mr Vallot for undertaking the task of being interim housemaster at this crucial time during exams. We know how lucky we have been to have him for this part term, he has kept

us on track and given us the best final term we could have hoped for.

I will leave the house with mixed emotions as the six years I have had in Freeland have been incredible. My memories of events, friends made, lessons learned, and skills obtained have allowed me to be at peace with moving on to the next stage of my life. I will always have my hoodie to remember Freeland, the golden badge has made me and the rest of my year group the people we are today. We are grateful for it and wish those who will take over from us every success next year.

Robert B-S

Head of House Robert B-S Deputy Head of House Thomas C and Cameron G

the

to breath freely again, it has also relieved the restrictions that stopped our teams dominating in school fixtures and, most importantly, the inter-House competitions.

GLENBRAE

Head of House Jemima F-S Deputy Head of House Sophie B and Sophie C

Great Glen and an enjoyable senior Biology trip to Millport in the summer term were key highlights. A trip never to be forgotten was to Murrayfield, Scotland vs Australia, where not only did Scotland win but Carys’ highland cow hat made an appearance on the big screen and TV!

The musical talent in house this year has been something all have enjoyed watching. The performance of Legally Blonde was truly outstanding with girls from III to UVI involved. A testament to its success was the returning audience over all three nights by some of the most supportive friends in house!

IT’S BEEN ANOTHER BUSY YEAR FOR THE GIRLS IN GLENBRAE WHERE FEWER RESTRICTIONS SAW THE RETURN OF SOME HOUSE FAVOURITES. Kicking off the year with House Music definitely brought back the team spirit which was aptly represented by the theme tune from ‘Friends’ where Sophie C’s beautiful harmonies were partnered with some less well executed dance moves but a smile nonetheless. The ensembles’ version of ‘Jurassic Park’ showed off the musical talents across all year groups despite depleted numbers for the special day causing havoc with the arrangements: as they say –the show must go on!

The sport in Glenbrae saw the girls rise to the occasion with our first ever inter-House swimming win providing a key highlight. Netball success across all year groups has been a great achievement with Lilly, Flora and Cecilia all playing integral roles in winning the U14 Scottish Cup as well as the senior girls competing weekly in Perth League matches which I’ve heard provide a character-building experience! Glenbrae was also triumphant in interHouse clays, as well as strong representation at Holland and Holland with Carys, Millie, Sophie C and Molly all being selected to attend. A good effort in house crosscountry saw a victory in the intermediate category with special mentions for Anya and Lucy. A busy summer term packed with exams and studying didn’t prevent a win for the team at inter-House tennis which, sums up the house success this year.

One thing this house loves is an outing! The return of off-campus trips saw excursions to see ‘Les Misérables’, ‘Heathers’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in the theatre — thanks to Mr Foster and Hammy for organising these outings. Whilst many enjoyed these trips others also sought to take full advantage of what the Scottish countryside has to offer. Gold DofE canoeing down the

This year we revived the Wii and Just Dance to provide much entertainment during the colder winter months, whilst others took to some artistic pursuits which now decorate the foyer and the outside of the building. A staple of the house alongside these new additions will always be our beloved biscuits. Although they may only seem like a simple food, these treats are arguably the binding glue in the house. Whether it’s after a particularly soggy hockey session or a long day of lessons, seeing a plate of biscuits can really improve the situation and lead to happy chatty people once again!

That said, a big point of contention this year has been the swimming team returning from games to see an empty plate much to their horror — although I do believe this has now been rectified and all swimmers have sufficient biscuits too! The house tradition of Bingo every week lives on with fierce competition fuelled in part by some leaving the house after 5 years without a win! A key house highlight was the roller disco which revealed some hidden talents amongst the year groups whilst others were lucky to stay standing.

In the end there is too much to cover in one article for the year we have had in house, but one place where everything is documented, from birthdays to individual achievements, is our much-loved house Instagram. It appears Miss Wilson also branched into other forms of social media this year including TikTok where many a funny video made by a member of the house was promptly transferred to its rightful place. Nothing is ever missed!

On behalf of the house we would like to say a huge thank you to Miss Wilson and all of our house tutors alongside Lynn, Linda, Amanda and Belinda without whom the house would not run smoothly at all! We say goodbye to Mrs Arthur our resident tutor who brought yoga and mindfulness into the Glenbrae routine this year and provided balance during busy Strathallan days. We are also saying goodbye to Dr Woodman who has been a tutor in the house for eight years – five of which were as resident tutor and assistant house parent. We wish you all the best in the future and thank you for all your help over the years. I would also like to congratulate next years’ house authority, Nathalie, Madalena and Regina who I’m sure will do a fantastic job at leading our busy house!

Jemima F-S

In the end there is too much to cover in one article for the year we have had in house, but one place where everything is documented, from birthdays to individual achievements, is our much-loved house Instagram.

NICOL

IT MAY HAVE BEEN JUST ANOTHER YEAR AT SCHOOL BUT IT WAS AN INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT YEAR AS WELL AS BEING EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR ALL THE BOYS IN THE HOUSE. Returning from the pandemic was tough and there was a rigid regime of testing put in place that certainly tried our patience. Nevertheless, the house came together fantastically well and everyone played their part with the oldest supporting the youngest as much as they could. Despite all of this going on in the background there were many achievements this year and we are rightly proud of them. The UV1 — ably led by Lingfeng R, Callum N and Jonny M — proved to be a very responsible and effective unit both in and out of the classroom. They have been rewarded with some terrific university offers for those continuing in education and some really interesting postschool destinations for those who are not. Special mention must go here to Vanja Z (Oxford New College) and Roli S (St Andrews medical school).

Gradually, as the year went on we were allowed to mix more and we were thankful to get back to our old routine of piling into each other’s rooms and having a great time in house. We participated well in all house competitions this year and although we may not have achieved all the success we hoped for we certainly put up a good show across the board in rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis and we were delighted to win the athletic standards once again. If nothing else, this shows that every boy in the

house is willing to participate and put themself out of their comfort zone in order to contribute. This is best demonstrated by our glorious success in the tug-of-war. We consider this the best trophy to win as all the years in the house participate together and have to work hard as a unit to overcome the opposition. Great fun! For many of us, our success in House Music brought the first half of the first term to a brilliant conclusion. We must admit that we did start off less than promisingly by effectively dismantling a Taylor Swift classic as our whole house choir offering. But then Lewis D enthralled everyone with his talent in the drum solo and was followed by a great ensemble with Sean N, Digby B, Lewis D and Finn G-R to the fore. We also did very well in Public Speaking with 8 boys receiving a LAMDA certificate of some sort. We are also rightly proud that we form the backbone of the pipes and drums and we hope to push this more in the coming year too. Congratulations to Noah L (Gold) and Jayden M (Silver) who continued the tradition of participation and success in the Duke of Edinburgh. We were also proud of our Fourth Form CCF cadets who turned out in force at the end of year camp — taking this challenge on in a really committed way with Tom C awarded Marksman status and Forbes S, Ellis A, Oscar P and Angus B all fronting up in fine fashion.

Examinations were back on the agenda this year much to our concern, but we all knuckled down and got on with it and not one exam was missed and we all hope that the results are going to reward us for the efforts that we have put in. Win, lose or draw we will always still show the resilience that being in this house and in the school has taught us to have. As ever, Nicol boys have played a leading role in all representative teams across the school. We continue to have a large presence on the rugby field and congratulations are due to Jonny M who ably led the first XV this year. This year‘s drama, ‘Legally Blond’, also contained many Nicol boys who formed the backbone of the cast on the stage (with Roli S, Alex N, Dan C and Kai H) as well as a significant contribution backstage to making the performance as successful as it was (congratulations to Jayden M, Lucas Z and Gleb J). Perhaps the highlight of the year was our Christmas party which proved to be a great success, based as it was around the theme of James Bond. We are all encouraged to dress up and let our hair down for the evening and it was just great to get out and return to the old days of true partying together. As the year progressed, we were able to have more events and we really enjoyed our Reels evening with Woodlands, and the UV1 meal in the summer term. We also returned to having our end-of-year barbeque in June and by this stage of the term were certainly able to acknowledge that normality is very much back with us again — not least in the palpable sense of exhaustion and readiness for the holidays as exams and end-of-year activities drew to a close.

As we reflect on the year we are acutely aware of how lucky we are with our team of in-house staff, our tutors and everything they do for us on a daily basis. For those leaving the house we wish them the very best of luck in their future and remind them that there will always be a warm

welcome lying in wait for them here. For other boys who are leaving we echo this message and it does remind us that a year spent in this house is a year well spent indeed. For those of us that remain, we look forward to the year ahead with great confidence, knowing that we have a house full of talent, full of spirit, full of a very ‘can-do’ attitude that you need to succeed in life. It is great to be a part of this community and we have to remind ourselves each day that we are living a life that is extraordinary and we must make sure that we live it to the full. Good luck to Finn GR who takes on the role of Head of House next year and he will be supported by Adam A and Ed L — I am sure that they will do a great job.

Head of House Lingfeng R Deputy Head of House Callum N and Jonny M

RUTHVEN

IT WAS THE BEST OF TIMES; IT WAS THE WORST OF TIMES. It’s hard to believe we started the 2021 year wearing masks, lateral flow testing and social distancing. By the end of the year we were almost back to normal with a speech day, leavers’ ball and the return of the Ruthven family BBQ. It was here we were able to celebrate what should go down in time as a vintage year. It was the first BBQ in 3 years and brought together 80 boys and families for an afternoon of meeting and bonding. Ollie S finished his tenure as Captain of School and to our immense pride Captain of School is once again from Ruthven. Ollie was able to offer a symbolic hand-over to Max M who assumes the mantle for the forthcoming academic year. Ross T became Head of House with Nicholas N and Elliot H his deputies. It wasn’t just in positions of School Authority that we excelled this year, it was a classic sporting year too. Ollie S also took on the mantle of Captain of Swimming and Tennis; Alex T was Head of Ruthven and vice-captain of the 1st XV; Blake H was Deputy Ruthven and Captain of Cross Country; Dan D L – Deputy Ruthven and Captain of Debating; Conor C took the senior position of Pipe

Major; Angus T was Captain of Shooting with Calum T as Captain of Athletics. That leadership flowed into our House achievements where won the Athletics Championships, having been narrow runners-up the last two years. We won Senior, Intermediate and Junior Cross Country Championships (again) as well as Junior and Senior hockey, and Intermediate Rugby. Add to that Senior Debating, Piping and Drumming, and Senior Cricket (for the first time in 12 years) and the picture is one of widespread achievement. Congratulations to all the boys and the way they have stepped up to show pride in their House this year.

Success in team sports was further reflected in individual achievement. International representatives were many and diverse. Alex T had his call up for Scotland Rugby; Ross T and Joe T stepped forward for Scotland hockey; Findlay M made his mark on Scotland and GB canoeing. Jacob and Elliot H continued their impressive run in GB Pentathlon, and in the academic field Dan DL was called up to Scotland Debating.

Angus and Ali T continued their impressive national

and international progress in Clays with Ali becoming junior world champion!

Eight boys achieved full house colours and it was great to see four Fifth formers on half colours.

While it would seem everything was rosy, our success was a reflection of years of application and great teamwork. We faced a lot of adversity and everyone had to step up. We had a whole term without our matron, Mrs Thorpe and that meant the house routine and helping the new boys and dealing with the usual teenage behaviours required a significant input from the senior boys. Hopefully the example will carry through to the next generation.

While the boys stepped up to offer a golden year in Ruthven’s history, they all acknowledge the help and support from a first rate set of tutors, the in-house support of the domestic staff, Mr McGowan and of course, Cracker.

Next year promises to see a return to normal and so long as the sun rises Ruthven boys will be able to enjoy our traditional house BBQs in the unique natural setting that catches the late sun, although they will never be as good as the ones we had in 2021 with the perhaps unexpected DJ talents of Sebastian P on the sounds!

While

boys

acknowledge

help and support from a first rate set of tutors, the in-house support of the domestic staff, Mr McGowan and of course, Cracker.

Head of House Alex T Deputy Head of House Blake H and Dan D L

the

stepped up to offer a golden year in Ruthven’s history, they all

the

Alex T

SIMPSON

THIS YEAR BEGAN WITH A RETURN TO WHAT WE HAD HOPED WOULD BE SOME SORT OF NORMALITY — AND IN MANY WAYS IT WAS.

In many other though, most notably Freeland winning more than one inter-House sporting event, it most certainly wasn’t!

We began with our trademark sense of competitive rivalry as Lawrence, James and I set our attention to inter-House competitions and our primary objective of beating Nicol at Rugby, which we did. This wasn’t always smooth running and a certainty — we had to contend with our sports prefect having a knee injury for starters. Nevertheless, we can hold our heads up high because we had a number of successes. We started off with Rugby which, despite some interesting decisions by the referee, ended up with a victory over Freeland. We won all three age groups and it really set us up well for the rest of the year. We then went on to inter-House basketball. Though Kwasi was an outstanding player, we didn’t manage to do well here but glory was restored by a glorious victory in Senior House Football. Honourable mention must go here to Xander for scoring the winning goal and to Aslan who scored a penalty in the junior house event. House Music provided the usual opportunity for our incredible dance moves to be showcased. We would have confidently expected this to give us the winning edge, but incredibly it didn’t! Even though our choir was

robbed, our ensemble came through and won, which placed us third overall. We took this as a victory in itself — we’re not saying one house had the advantage because the judge was a former pupil but maybe the results speak for themselves.

We returned to our natural habitat — the sports field — in the Summer term’s Sports Day where we placed second overall. Huge credit for this performance goes to Archie and Kwasi who won multiple events each, and also to James and Kyle who brought our 4 x 100 relay team home with a huge winning margin.

What was most definitely back to normal was the defining features of Simpson such as The Annual Burning of Toast Leading to a Fire Drill — thanks once again, Jamie! That, along with the annual tasks which always include turning Fourth Form into functioning human beings and giving fatigues to the usual suspects who are habitually late to roll call are what makes the house what it is. This year we’ve all really appreciated the big improvements that have been made such as upgrading the common room and brew rooms. We now have a massive Sky Glass TV, new sofas, blankets, new tables and carpets and — most importantly — new mugs. These improvements, as I said, have been a real boost for the boys in house and we’d really like to express our appreciation to Carol who designed the project and sourced all the new things we needed.

Finally, I would like to give Mr Batterham a huge thank you not only from myself but also from everyone in Simpson. Despite being very laid back — most of the time — everyone appreciates the effort and the time that he has put into Simpson. Without Mr Batterham, Simpson wouldn’t be the same and I would like to personally thank him for making me work much harder than I would have and encouraging me to be better. I would also like to thank the Simpson tutors who together form an amazing support team for the whole house. Mr Ambrose in his first year has been great and deserves a special thanks for making house football so much better — everyone really appreciates that. Finally I would like to thank Mr Muirhead who although has been absent with Covid most of the year (usually around the time Rangers are playing) has been a very good Deputy Housemaster over the years and is one of the key elements that goes in to making Simpson House the special place it is.

Head of House Gregor S Deputy Head of House Lawrence K and James L

Gregor S

THORNBANK

OUR HOUSEMASTER MR KENT’S PROPHECY FOR THIS YEAR WAS THAT THORNBANK WAS GOING TO BE “A PHOENIX RISING FROM THE ASHES” AFTER TWO YEARS OF DISRUPTED EDUCATION. Not only has the House fulfilled this, but we have also done it with style and the ubiquitous Thornbank charisma!

The old timers in Thornbank started the year by learning many new names and faces and everyone quickly settled in. We all loved seeing old traditions enriched by fresh personalities and perspectives. The tutors established bonds with their tutees and girls across the House. These relationships are valued and utilised every evening when the girls come to chat with the tutors in the foyer.

When it comes to sport, Susie W and Chloe M must be commended for their efforts as our sports reps. They have worked, often tirelessly, to make sure that Thornbank is represented across all disciplines. Although this might not have been the most silverware heavy year for the House, we have always approached competitions with vigour and large amounts of green face paint. We have also seen the addition of house banners thanks to Miss Haddick and these were visually impressive and created a lasting impact, especially on the common room carpet! This was clearly reflected in our successful Sports Day with Francesca W and Sophie W bringing home two trophies reflecting achievements across three events.

The calendar was packed full of house events. The traditional Senior Banksy Dinner was a big success and not only because everyone was hyper due to the sweets table. We saw the addition of the first ever Junior Thornbank dinner, or Binksie as Charlotte G coined it. One of the highlights of the night was the heavy amount of mocktails, including the Leslie Temple and ManHaddick fondly named after Mr Kent and Miss Haddick. These went down a storm. In addition to new events like Binksie, Thornbank also upheld its traditions of having Halloween, Christmas and Easter parties all organised and executed by the Upper 6th with their talent for party planning. One of the mistakes made in the planning process however, was underestimating the pace at which the girls would tear the House apart in order to find chocolate eggs. This need for sugar was also seen in the reopening of our tuck shop that Mr Kent must now regularly restock as it has become essential to the girls.

The UV1 have continuously shown the values that they hope are passed down to younger years. Their regular “innings” demonstrated both their strengthening bonds and Iona F’s competitiveness as she, Chloe M and Miss Sime dominated at Articulate. A big thank you must be extended to all the in-house staff from the domestic team to Miss Ling and Mr Kent. As Miss Ling moves on, we will miss her and wish her good luck.

Thornbank continues to be a loving and positive environment and the girls should be proud that they make the House such a happy place to live.

Head of House Iona F Deputy Head of House Eilidh S and Anna T

Thornbank continues to be a loving and positive environment and the girls should be proud that they make the House such a happy place to live.

Iona F

WOODLANDS

AS WE SLOWLY STARTED TO SETTLE BACK INTO NORMALITY FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC, THE WOODLANDS GIRLS DID NOT HESITATE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY WITH BOTH HANDS AND FLOURISH IN THEIR VARIOUS FIELDS. Woodlands House is known for its community feel. Friendships intertwined between year groups makes it feel like a home away from home. This is helped by the multiple activities and events run by Mrs Ettle, who once again has created a wonderful atmosphere for us. The quiz night tradition has become quite the Woodlands tradition. We split up into teams — a great bonding experience — and each gets busily creative coming up with costumes for the event. To say we are competitive would be an understatement; one group spent a whole week creating cardboard cars so they could turn up as Mario Kart characters! It seems there is no limit to the things we will do for a box of Celebrations.

Mrs McKay and Mrs Rankin’s Easter bingo night was another favourite, as well as their Saturday night activities which provided us with hours of entertainment during down time on the weekends.

The deputies and I also played a part in organising events to celebrate the end of each term. We all enjoyed the now traditional and much-loved Christmas dinner, Halloween party and Woodlands Reels as well as the UV1 dinner.

We are lucky to have our very own photographer Eva G, who captures great shots of the girls enjoying themselves and making happy memories at these events.

The strong bonds formed through the year allowed us to excel in all inter-House competitions. Our team spirit and drive helped us win Sports Day and Athletics Standards, which was only possible due to certain girls stepping up to participate in the less favourable events — but they knew when every point counts, every little helps. The winning streak continued in house netball, football, cross-country and a round of house hockey.

Despite all of this, House Music will probably stand out as the highlight of the year. Ava K, our music rep, sorted the girls out weeks before the event with daily rehearsals to ensure that our choir harmonies in “Sweet Escape” were on point for the judges on the night. Unfortunately, families couldn’t come, but even in the absence of the crowd the girls performed with enthusiasm and stole the show. A special mention has to go to the musical genius of Laura B who performed in each aspect of our performance. She was the key element in our victory.

The musical talent didn’t stop here though. After many years of hiding her outstanding talent — apparently unaware of her secret talent — Anna C’s debut lead role as Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” blew everyone away. Many others

also loved getting the chance to express themselves in the school musical — so much so that half the girls in Woodlands seemed to be word perfect with the script before the first performance had taken place.

Of course, this wasn’t the only significant achievement of the year. Many successful sportswomen came to the fore, juggling this commitment with their hectic school schedule.

Maise M has had another very successful skiing season this year and she has been re-selected to represent Scotland and be part of the Scottish FIS team. This is amazing and we wish her all the best as she dedicates herself to pursuing her competitive skiing career next year.

Orla F has excelled in hockey and was selected for the Scottish Academy Development programme. Her selection led to her being scouted for Lindenwood University in the U.S, where she will study next year after being offered a Sport and Academic scholarship. She will be missed in what would have been her final year, but we are all excited to see where this amazing opportunity takes her.

Emma F played cricket for the U15 Scottish team last summer. She performed so well that she was selected to play once again for the U17 team.

Aicha S has been an asset to the Stirling County Rugby team, who were unbeaten all season.

Deputy Head of School Amelia E, managed to balance this significant whole school role with School Equestrian Captaincy and Eventing, with her horse Beano who took her through the U18 Scottish Eventing Team last summer.

In tennis, Freya C represented Scotland in The Four Nations. Her fellow Third former Olivia D was not only scouted to trial for the Under 15 Scottish Netball team, but was a part of the team, including other 3rd form pupils Nisha B and Evie C, who won the U14 Scottish Cup.

We are immensely proud of all Woodlands girls but especially so for those who represent us so well in school and beyond.

Alongside Mrs Ettle, there is a brilliant team of staff in house that have a talent in the dark art of keeping 74 girls in check. Lynn, our matron, joined us at the beginning of this year, and had the difficult task of filling the beloved Margaret’s shoes. She could not be more caring and thoughtful. No problem is too big or small to help with, an example being when she controlled the production line of painting the tops for each girl in the house music choir. We will all greatly miss having Ishbel in house, especially the morning snug banter with the UV1 when she comes for the daily hoover round with Breagha the dog. She has been very patient and managed to put up with all our nonsense for the past 13 years. We hope she enjoys her wellearned retirement!

Lots of charity work has been done in house this year. As the charity representative, Katherine H organised our very own McMillan bake sale where she successfully encouraged the girls to get involved in both baking and buying. Money was also raised through the tuck shop for the house’s own benefit. We raised enough to buy four sets of golf clubs. These were requested especially by the girls in House who used them regularly during the summer term as a break from revision. We also spent some of the tuck shop profits on a couple of freezers for the house which means we’ve been able to enjoy an endless supply of ice lollies during the Summer term.

The leavers and I will miss the buzz in house once we leave, but not as much as all the great friendships made throughout our Woodlands journey. We will always stay in touch and connected once we’ve left. The house will continue to thrive in the good hands the next House

Captain; Ros Q. I am excited to see her journey through Woodlands develop, and I know it will prepare her for success when she too moves on next year.

Millie W

Head of House Millie W Deputy Head of House Anna C & Thandie S

The strong bonds formed through the year allowed us to excel in all inter-House competitions.

CREATIVE STRATHALLAN

Following the Dream

THE CHALLENGES OF THE PANDEMIC OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS HAS FORCED US TO DIG DEEP. Determined to lose none of the euphoria of performance and its enriching centrality in the lives of our young people, 2021 saw us forge ahead with a visually stunning outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. We pride ourselves on giving the opportunities for creative potential to be reached through music, drama, dance as well as every aspect of design, build and technology and we achieved it magnificently. But how to follow The Dream? With an entire Performing Arts Festival of course!

We began the year promisingly with The Big Sing, a joyous whole school event which showed our wider community and beyond that we were back doing what we love most. Our full programme of Expressive Arts opportunities was back on track; from our newly established Department of Scottish Culture to our long-standing successful delivery of a range of Music, Speech and Drama qualifications and of course to student led initiatives such as the fiercely competitive House Drama and House Music competitions.

The renewed joy of our audiences, able to see their young people perform live after two restrictive years was tangible. Anticipation built over the year about the Performing Arts Festival which had been initially planned to celebrate 100 years of our school on its current site. Some uncertainty about the wisdom of this ambition remained but emboldened by our ability to not just survive, but thrive despite the limitations of the pandemic, we knew that we owed it to our wonderful young people to give them the performance opportunities they longed for.

And so to ten days in March. We offered a stirring Piping and Drumming showcase; a wonderfully exhilarating Folk Night; A Performing Arts Afternoon Tea for our youngest pupils in the Prep School and a spell-binding Showcase for the Senior school. We celebrated 101 years on our site at Forgandenny with a seven-hour concert featuring 101 musicians. We welcomed back the Inspiration Orchestra, a charitable organisation so close to our hearts and how proud we were to see these adults with learning difficulties having their own return to live performance with an audience as we played alongside them again. We finished off with a rousing Rock Night. Three nights of the festival were devoted to ‘Legally Blonde.’ A school musical is traditional in our second term and our return to this calendar favourite was energy and euphoria personified. Back stage it was once again the most stunning realisation of empowerment as our young people learn to build a set; learn from our professional partners how to use state-of-the-art technology and ultimately call and run a show. Our musicians too astound every year with their playing ability and they too benefit from performance alongside professional musicians – some of whom are alumni determined to recapture some of their own fond memories of these formative experiences.

Bolstered by years of success, we were driven both to celebrate our centenary by focusing on performing arts and to continue to engage our whole community with the exhilarating power of music, drama and dance. We are celebratory and inclusive; offering opportunities both front of stage and behind the scenes which can last for decades and empower young people to follow their dreams.

When our assistant Musical Director is former pupil Marcus Adams who takes time out from his professional role on the touring production of Dreamgirls , it means something. When our set design and lighting plot are by former pupil Oliver Beetschen, now an architect at a major international theatrical design company, it means something. We pride ourselves on our community, our Strath family, and in the performing arts this community and pride is well deserved. Our adjudicator at this year’s House Music was former pupil Ciara Elwis, whose work as a music supervisor has seen her win an Emmy and be listed on Forbes 30 under 30 for Entertainment. Our pipers maintain their contacts with the renowned Red Hot Chilli Pipers and this year, once again, some of our current students joined them on stage. We wish those leaving us this year to pursue excellence in performing arts every success. Diversity and opportunity are at the heart of our performing arts provision. During the ten days of the Performing Arts Festival one of our busiest pupils, Ashely Q, played the fiddle and sang at the Folk Night, gave a wonderful recital at the 101 Musicians marathon, danced and sang at the Senior Showcase, took a leading role in Legally Blonde and finally, bought the house down at the Rock Night in not one but two of the senior bands. Yet, during this festival equally lauded were those who picked up an instrument or entered the theatre for the first time this year and as the myriad of events played out, the audience’s appreciation grew and grew.

We aren’t a Performing Arts School — but nowhere is our motto, Labor Omnia Vincit more evident than in our inclusive, magnificently impressive, inspirational and ground-breaking arts programme.

LEGALLY BLONDE

A play about empowerment and shattering negative stereotypes

Elle Woods Emmett Paulette Buonofuonte Pillar Margot Serena Prof Callahan Warner Vivienne Kensington Brooke Wyndham Kyle O’Boyle UPS GUY/Winthrop Enid Hoops

Elle’s Mom/Pforzheimer/Erin Schultz Elle’s Dad/Dewie Kate/Delta Nu Chutney Wyndham/Delta Nu Sales Manager Sales Manager Sundeep Padamadan Delta Nus

Nikos Argitakos

Carlos/Grand Master Chad Lowell

Anna C US Anna T Angus K Iona F US Hannah J Elvie H Anna T Aisha S Ethan W Daniel W Ashley Q US Elvie H Ava K US Sophie C Alex N Sophie C Laura B Magnus M Hannah J Katie B Annabel A Sophie C Thandi S Arabella R, Francesca W, Sophie D, Isla C, Polly G, Ornella S, Iona F Roli S Kai H Daniel C

S

TRATHALLAN THEATRE IS BACK!

Last year we celebrated our beautiful campus and staged an outdoor production, but this year the relaxation of restrictions in the Spring term meant we could move back indoors. The project we chose for our return is one of the most popular amongst the musical theatre afficionados – ‘Legally Blonde.’

It quickly became apparent that the competition for roles was going to be fierce, but what a cast it produced. Taking the lead role of Elle was Anna C. She simply owned the role and whilst the ensemble around her was marked by stand-out performances, she still managed to dominate with the strength of her performance, her extraordinary vocal range and her sense of comic timing.

But she was far from alone. The success of the show was due to the quality of the cast around her. Iona F’s Paulette touched the right balance

It quickly became apparent that the competition for roles was going to be fierce, but what a cast it produced.

between comedy and pathos, with her rendition of Ireland being one of the standout moments of the show. Elvie H, Anna T and Aisha S bowled us away both as the three muses and also as examples of Strath’s versatility – on one night Aisha took time off during the day to play Rugby at county level and was back on stage just a few hours later.

There is a key dynamic in ‘Legally Blonde,’ the touching relationship between Elle and Emmet. Here, Angus K stepped up to the plate. His musical credentials were never in doubt but he was moving out of his comfort zone taking a leading dramatic role. He needn’t have worried. Under Neil Hamilton and David Foster’s guidance he rose magnificently to the challenge and bought the house down every night. There’s another power couple of course. Ashley Q and Daniel W, both new to Strathallan theatre, struck just the right balance. But at its heart, ‘Legally Blonde’ is a comedy. Thank goodness for the established expertise here of Sophie C, Katie B, Kai H and Roli S. It’s fair to say that the accolade for Strath’s favourite power couple is in absolutely no doubt after the mastery of latter two’s rendition of Gay or European? The Delta Nus, in fact all of the supporting cast, were magnificent. Elsewhere within the cast, there simply wasn’t a weak link – Daniel C showed us all how improvisation should be done and Ava K was wonderful as Brooke Wyndham. Special mention however absolutely must go to the incoming Head of Drama for the next school year. Ethan W continued to show his acting credentials with the erstwhile villain of the piece – Callaghan. He also – possibly more importantly, provided the cutest ever little dog to play Bruiser Woods.

Choreographer Robyn Goodfellow lent not just her vast artistic talent to the proceedings once again, she is an oasis of calm as the performance draws close and success is certainly testament to her hours of endless patience.

The credits, however, continue beyond the front of stage performance. Backstage a quite extraordinary level of responsibility is taken by our stage crew. Set design and build were led once again by Strathallian Oliver Beetschen and Jim Salisbury. The build, over a number of weekends was typically hard work but with Rebecca J wielding a power tool as if her life depended upon it, and the Di Cintio Tiffney’s providing much needed support and refreshments (we’re talking parents here, going above and beyond to support their daughters’ extra-curricular interests) everything fell into place. Jayden M has risen magnificently to the challenge of stage manager and the full extent of this role is detailed below.

Our student-centred band is simply extraordinary. Testament not only to Neil Hamilton’s direction, but also to the myriad of music staff who hone the pupils’ skills in the first place and prepare them for what is, in effect, the rigor of a professional commitment; weeks of rehearsals and playing a challenging score, our musicians, Amy F, Valerie K, Struan D, Eva d L, Finn G-R, Oliver K and Lewis D were more than deserving of the ovations at the end of each performance.

The credits, however, continue beyond the front of stage performance. Backstage a quite extraordinary level of responsibility is taken by our stage crew

The Strathallian

Adventures of a Stage Manager

COULD YOU IMAGINE WHAT IT’S LIKE BEING THE STAGE MANAGER OF A SCHOOL PRODUCTION? My name is Jayden and I am going to tell you about the time I had behind the scenes of Strathallan’s production of ‘Legally Blonde.’

I learnt key skills such as organisation and leadership and was happy to work in a highly friendly environment. I got a clear insight into what goes on backstage and just how much hard work goes into the production by both the stage crew and the actors. Although there were times of stress leading up the show dates, the crew always tried to “Keep It Positive”. I worked really well with the whole team and it was great to be able to continue the role through to the Prep School’s production just a few months later of ‘Matilda.’

I had two assistant stage managers helping me throughout the process:

Rosie M had a very significant role in the productions, she was the cue-master that would call every cue for the show and operate the lighting at the same time. She remembers ‘Legally Blonde’ as being a great experience and once where she was really challenged with the skills she has been building up during her time with stage crew over a number of past productions.

Rebecca J was the prop master for the production. She went through the musical,

One of my favourite moments as stage manager was getting the crew together and carrying out a group meditation exercise before the night of every show. We shared our worries with each other and then gave helpful feedback on what we could do to try to solve it, which definitely helped calm some of our nerves, especially mine!

scene by scene and took notes on what she needed to go out and purchase for the actors’ props. She said: “I have enjoyed being a part of the stage crew. It was a thrilling experience and has given me skills that I can use in later life”

One of my favourite moments as stage manager was getting the crew together and carrying out a group meditation exercise before the night of every show. We shared our worries with each other and then gave helpful feedback on what we could do to try to solve it, which definitely helped calm some of our nerves, especially mine! I also can’t forget when we finished our last cue together for all the shows and a few tears were shared with some of the members as we said our goodbyes.

I would like to thank Dr Salisbury and Praneet Bhullar who helped with the construction of the stage as well as Oliver Beetschen who not only helped with the planning and building of the set but was also at the lighting deck, supporting Rosie, for the show nights of Legally Blonde. Lastly, I would like to express my appreciation for the rest of the crew: Amy S, Isabella DCT, Natalie DCT, Robert BS, Thandie S, Isobel W, Morwynna R, Gleb Y, Bei D, Caren S.

Despite exam commitments in the final term, stage crew once again stepped up to bring their expertise to the Prep School’s end-of-term show, ‘Matilda.’ Isla C, Anna S, Mischa S, Lucas Z, Camryn M, Amy G, Iona F, Laura B and Emma S joined the regulars for this. It was all the same challenges but this time with every member of the Prep School either backstage or on-stage!

MatildA

Matilda — Anna P

Erica — Sophie D

Tommy — Taylor M

Amanda — Madeleine E /

Apple M

Bruce — Matthew F

Lavender — Sunaya C / Amy A

Alice — Ivianna Y

Hortensia — Ruby A

Nigel — Alex W

I

Mr. Wormwood — Will D

Mrs. Wormwood — Isla S

Michael — Stephen H

Mrs. Phelps — Imogen S

Escapologist — Amy M

Acrobat — Harriet R Miss Honey — Elspeth W

Agatha Trunchbull — Douglas P

Sergei — Tom N

Rudolpho — Onyx L

Little

T IS TRADITIONAL FOR THE JUNIOR SCHOOL TO HAVE AN END OF TERM SHOW AT STRATHALLAN, BUT THIS YEAR IS THE FIRST (OF MANY) UNDER THE SPECIFIC AUSPICES OF THE PREP SCHOOL.

Roald Dahl’s story of a feisty little girl using her precocious intelligence and a few superpowers to overcome a bullying headmistress is well known. Our pupils’ enthusiasm for the project was clear from the first moment they exploded onto stage, through every lively song and dance and each poignant moment of Matilda’s story;

Mathida’s cruel parents were played magnificently by Isla S and Will D; her saviour Miss Honey played by Elspeth W; the librarian, Imogen S, who so loves Matilda’s stories and the characters who populate them played by Harriet R and Amy M. Matilda is supported by a group of magnificent big kids and little kids who are variously tormented with the threat of The Chokey and whose brilliant performances absolutely brought the show to life. But there are two main characters so central to the show that the show’s success is reflective of their performances. Anna P sang beautifully and really did this amazing part proud. However, it’s the demon headmistress that we all love to hate that presents the biggest acting challenge. Douglas P rose to that challenge and then some. His Miss Trunchbull was a triumph –comic timing and characterisation at their finest were evident in this memorable performance. This fine young cast all deserve huge credit for the energy and enthusiasm they bought to their performances. Credit to goes to the stage crew. Two members of the prep school joined them for this show and as Hunter S said, they worked harder than the actors did, it’s just that nobody saw them!

Thanks go to the many senior pupils who helped with the show, particularly with the hidden roles of make-up, costuming and backstage support. On behalf of all who so enjoyed the performance, thanks must also go to the staff whose expertise brought the performance to realisation. Ms Simon with music, Mr Foster with drama and Ms Goodfellow with choreography. At the last moment, Ms Rankin and especially Mrs Troupe stepped in to help with some tricky wardrobe challenges and to them we are extremely grateful. This show was a brilliant end to a hugely busy term and just showed how wonderful our maggots (sorry, pupils) really are.

Big Kids — Tinaye-John P, Aila D, Rory H, Annabel A, Florence J, Rita MB

Kids — Sasha L, Katie M, Holly P, Harris C-H

Our pupils’ enthusiasm for the project was clear from the first moment they exploded onto stage, through every lively song and dance and each poignant moment of Matilda’s story;

My Performing Arts Experience

MY PERFORMING ARTS EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN A CHAOTIC JOURNEY OF UNIMAGINABLE HIGHS AND ACCOMPANYING LOWS THAT HAVE LED TO MY SKILLS BEING ENHANCED AND MY WEEKENDS BEING LOST. However, long hours of rehearsal allowed me to build bonds with older and younger pupils that would mould me both as a performer and person.

My first role was “Hecate” in “Macbeth”. Looking back, perhaps Mr Foster was trying to tell me something by casting me as a witch, but Hecate also held great power, so I still look at it with pride. I am grateful to Mr Foster for casting me in a multitude of different roles that enabled me to develop a versatility I didn’t know I could achieve.

Mr Foster and Hammy formed the directing team of “We Will Rock You” and “Legally Blonde” which both brought unforgettable memories, frequently because of the directors’ humour and style.

However, my performing arts experience didn’t go without major blows, like when “The Addams Family” was cancelled at the very last minute due to Covid-19. Although I did not get the chance to fulfil my journey as Gomez, I would not change anything about the rehearsal process, as the cast built solid emotional ties that then allowed us to get through the loss of the show.

Despite two years of disruption, performing arts at Strathallan came back with a bang. We had the unique opportunity to perform “A Midsummers Night’s Dream” outside. The talents of Dr Salisbury and the stage crew were shown off as they built the perfect atmosphere for the play. My character of “Titania” was as magical and entertaining to play as the experience of the show. The fantastic costumes, made by Mrs S-J and Molly E, helped us all get into character and pull off a resounding hit.

When reminiscing about my time in the theatre, I must mention three women that have supported and encouraged me to achieve things that I am beyond proud of. Mrs Howett is always ready to put us all to shame with her unmatched energy levels in rehearsals. Mrs McFarlane, with her kindness and wisdom, has helped me attain distinctions in seven LAMDA exams from Grade Four to Gold Medal. She has also provided a forum to explore my writing skills which subsequently unlocked a new passion in me. Ms Anderson has been my singing teacher and confidant for five years. She has helped me accomplish two Diplomas of Musical Theatre and has an unbeatable knowledge of musicals. I will greatly miss our weekly lessons.

My final role was as Paulette in “Legally Blonde”. The experience and cast were as upbeat and positive as the musical itself, and we were overwhelmed by the remarkable response of the audience each night.

Thank you to all those who have continually supported the performing arts by being an affirming and loyal audience. Although the curtain has fallen on my performances at Strathallan, I am excited to see what the department will achieve in the future as there is no end of talent on its way up.

Iona F. UV1. Performing Arts Scholar

Speech and Drama

TO ACHIEVE DISTINCTION IN EXAMS TAKEN THROUGH LAMDA (THE LONDON ACADEMY OF MUSIC AND DRAMATIC ART), A CANDIDATE MUST ACHIEVE A MINIMUM OF 80%, AND FOR MERIT, A MINIMUM OF 65%

This year, our pupils, with entries from age 8 to 18, have achieved an incredible 56 Distinctions and three Merits, which is our best annual results ever!

GRADE 8 (GOLD MEDAL)

SPEAKING IN PUBLIC

Iona F Callum N

Ralston S Carlos K

Amelia E Arabella R Alexander N Ethan W Dan de L

GRADE 7 (SILVER MEDAL) ACTING Melissa F-S Chloe McM

GRADE 6 (BRONZE MEDAL)

ACTING Isabella Di C-T

GRADE 4 ACTING

Isla C Imogen H Francesca W

GRADE 3 ACTING

Ivianna Y Amy A

Isla S Imogen S

GRADE 2 READING FOR PERFORMANCE Douglas P

GRADE 1 ACTING

Sunaya C Matthew F Madeleine E Will D Charles S

GRADE 8 DEVISING Iona F

GRADE 8 READING FOR PERFORMANCE

GRADE 7 (SILVER MEDAL) THE SPEAKING OF VERSE AND PROSE Magnus M Ethan W

GRADE 7 (SILVER MEDAL) SPEAKING IN PUBLIC Alexander T Max M Oliver S Blake H

GRADE 5 ACTING Sophie D Tara G-R

GRADE 4 READING FOR PERFORMANCE Francesca W

GRADE 3 READING FOR PERFORMANCE Alexander W

GRADE 5 SPEAKING IN PUBLIC Daniel W Eve B

GRADE 4 THE SPEAKING OF VERSE AND PROSE Eric M

GRADE 3 THE SPEAKING OF VERSE AND PROSE Thomas N

INTRODUCTORY GRADE 3 Sasha L Holly P Harris C-H

CHORAL SPEAKING GRADE 1 Strathallan Prep School Year 6

Add to these results two very successful days at Perform in Perth, in March. The Year of the Bible trophy was won by Thomas N for his reading from St.Matthew’s Gospel. Eric M won The Perth Burns Club Rosebowl for his rendering of Tae a Louse by Burns, and Isla S the William Soutar Tassie for Soutar’s The Lowpin Match. Other firsts in their various age groups were achieved by Madeleine E (Burns poem), Holly P (Dramatic Solo), Daniel W (Prepared Speech), Chloe McM (Bible Reading and Verse Speaking), Magnus M (Prepared Reading and Burns Poem), Alexander W (Verse Speaking), Francesca W (Prepared Reading, Verse Speaking and Dramatic Solo). And finally, Strathallan Prep School Year 6 won the Choral Verse Speaking (with movement) class.

Music

Restrictions at the start of the year did not stop us making music and looking back over the year our pupils have excelled and should be very proud of their achievements.

The wide range of music and opportunities are exceptional and we have seen a dramatic return to instrumental lessons after a difficult period of online learning. Music comes alive when we create it with people, making music together.

It is wonderful to be fully back to face-to-face music lessons. Our pupils have returned to music exams and we are delighted to have achieved a 100% pass rate.

It is more important than ever to enable our young people to participate in music. Every week we offer 235 music lessons and 20 music activities. We have delivered nearly 4,500 music lessons this year and 24 concerts!

MUSIC RESULTS 2021/2022

Arabella R — Grade 3 ABRSM, Piano

Ava M — Merit grade 5 ABRSM Piano

Polly G — Pass grade 5 ABRSM Piano

Dan D L — Pass grade 4 ABRSM Piano

Hailey W — Merit grade 5 ABRSM Piano

Sophie C — Merit grade 8 Trinity Harp

Isabella M — Pass grade 1 Trinity Harp

Angus K — Distinction grade 7 Trinity Rock & Pop Drum kit

Mischa S — Distinction grade 6 Trinity Singing

Rachel F — Merit grade 7 Trinity Singing

Jacy E — Pass grade 8 Trinity Singing

Sophie C — awarded DipLCM Music Theatre

Ava K — awarded DipLCM Music Theatre

Sebastian P — awarded DipLCM Music Theatre

Ashley Q — awarded DipLCM Music Theatre

Anna T — awarded DipLCM Music Theatre

Ivianna Y — Merit grade 2 LCM Music Theatre

Florence J — Merit grade 2 LCM Music Theatre

Jing W — Distinction grade 4 LCM Music Theatre

Anna P — Merit grade 4 LCM Music Theatre

Eliza E — Merit grade 4 LCM Music Theatre

Millie H — Merit grade 4 LCM Music Theatre

Sophie D — Distinction grade 6 LCM Music Theatre

Lilly G — Distinction grade 6 LCM Music Theatre

Annabel A — Distinction grade 7 LCM Music Theatre

Isla C — Distinction grade 6 LCM Music Theatre

This year, we welcomed four new members to the music department: Mr Jason McAuley (Director of Music), Mrs Sarah Simon (Teacher of Music), Mr Peter Petrie (Brass), Ms Claire Telford (Strings) and Mr Andrew Johnston (Piano). This year we said a fond farewell to two outstanding members of the music department. Mrs Anne Holland (Piano) taught at Strathallan for 21 years – and one term! She leaves an impressive legacy of piano players and musicians but will be remembered for so much more. An integral member of the Strathallan community, Anne is a true friend of the school and a mentor to the many hundreds of young musicians she has supported. Mr Ashley Malcolm (Guitar) is also a stalwart of the department, having taught for 16 years.

The Music Department’s year is marked by a number of key Strathallan events. October is extremely busy as everyone scrambles for space to prepare for the Senior House Music competition. We were delighted to welcome Emmy award winning Strathallian Ciara Elwis back to judge this year’s competition.

It has not been easy for our pupils to return to music making and get everyone involved - half the school have never experienced House Music before. Yet as ever our pupils excelled themselves. The hardworking House Music Representatives and their teams rose to the occasion and delivered an event that the school could be proud of. The ownership of the pupils encourages everyone to get involved and it was exciting to see the wealth of talent we have on stage.

IT’S EXCITING TO BE BACK AND MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER!

Christmas is a music-filled season! Mr Beeson from the drama department wrote a bespoke Nativity for the prep school which was filmed at the Sinclair’s Farm. The SPS Carol Service was held to the delight of all who attended and we were very fortunate to still be able to hold our Christmas Concert and the Carol Services in London and Edinburgh as other schools were having to cancel. The Strathallan Family Christmas Concert in the Perth Concert Hall was a huge success and our pupils and staff were exceptional, rising to the occasion admirably.

As a department we seek to develop our pupils into confident and happy musicians through creating and performing music. Performing encourages self-esteem and gives our young people an opportunity to explore their emotions and develop their own, unique voice. We have a clear performing structure here at Strathallan:

PLATFORMS

This year we introduced our first ever Piano Platform. Pianists often miss out on the enjoyment of group participation that other instruments have in bands and orchestras. The Piano Platforms are an opportunity for the piano pupils in school to get together and share what they are working on to each other and the piano teachers. There is no outside audience as the purpose is to build confidence, practice performing for concerts and to have some cake! These have been very successful and additional Platforms in Strings and Voice are planned for the new session.

SHOWCASES

Showcases are our informal concerts and we have had several every term including the Prep School Showcase, the Senior Showcase and the International Showcase. Our first showcases were streamed live online and more recently we have had our audience return for more normal, live performance. All pupils across all levels are welcome and invited to perform in this friendly and relaxed concert.

SCHOLAR RECITALS

Our scholar recitals encourage a high level of performance. We are also fortunate to have the staffing and facilities to record these concerts on a professional level and this provides our pupils with a portfolio of performances that they can keep and use to progress their development.

WORKSHOPS

Snow may have postponed the SPS Divisional Music Competition on the last Friday before the February half term, but the children put on an amazing show on the first day back. Our older music scholars got alongside our younger pupils to help them with the Div Music Competition which was really inspiring for our younger musicians. It was their first live audience in almost two years!

Learning is as important as performing. We have had a couple of workshops this year. In October we were delighted that our House Music adjudicator, Ciara Elwis, could give our Scholars and Senior Pupils a Commercial Music Workshop. Ciara, formerly of Woodlands House, was Music Supervisor on programmes such as Afterlife

Feedback from one parent said ‘I enjoyed the music competition yesterday. It was so incredibly uplifting and everybody who left the theatre was in a far better place for having watched this wonderful event. Well done to all concerned!

and Derry Girls and won an Emmy for her work on the 2020 series, ‘I May Destroy You’. Ciara is currently working on a new Netflix documentary.

After Christmas all of SPS and our senior music pupils enjoyed a day of music making with Richard Michael. Richard is a highly respected educator and performer. He is Honorary Professor of Jazz Piano at the University of St Andrews and a broadcaster on BBC Radio Scotland since 2007. Through all these opportunities, it is my desire that the music department is a happy place, a safe place, a creative place, and a place where our young people can be themselves, take risks and flourish.

Beyond Strath

Traditional Music and Scottish Culture

The Big Sing

IT’S GOOD TO MAKE YOUR MARK WHEN YOU TAKE ON A NEW POST. MR MCAULEY CERTAINLY ACHIEVED THIS SETTING THE AMBITIOUS TONE OF BIGGER AND BETTER WHICH IS FAST BECOMING THE MOTTO OF THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT. Take the whole school; add it a beautiful day; give your

scholars an amazing platform to showcase their skills and everyone else on campus to come together and make music.

Mr McAuley’s vision was of course celebratory of the school’s commitment to music but it was also celebratory of the fact that at last we could sing together after nearly two years of Covid restrictions. It could not have been more timely or more joyous. To see Strathallan’s most viewed YouTube video and to hear the wonderful rendition of Mike and the Mechanic’s ‘The Living Years,’ click on the QR code here.

STRATHALLAN WAS PROUD TO INTRODUCE ITS NEW DEPARTMENT OF TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND SCOTTISH CULTURE THIS YEAR. Headed by our former Pipe Major, Craig Muirhead, the department aims to build on our heritage and strengths by offering even more opportunities for pupils to immerse themselves in the richness of Scotland’s artistic heritage.

The year began by welcoming five new members of staff including Kyle Howie who, as teacher of Piping and head of Folk Band has firmly immersed himself in the life of the school — he is regularly seen donning camouflage for CCF and taking in the views at Blend (not at the same time!)

The Pipe Band was led by Pipe-Major Connor C this year with Max M as Leading Drummer. As usual, opportunities to perform and represent the school were many with particular highlights being both the British and UK Pipe Band championships. After two years of restrictions it was good to be playing competitively again. Playing with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers is always a treat for our pipers and this year, Head of School played a full gig in the famous red and black.

Jason McAuley

DRUMMER LEWIS D WAS SHORTLISTED FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS YOUNG DRUMMER OF THE YEAR AWARD. Lewis, who left school this year is going to take a year out to gain industry experience and will then pursue his musicianship at college

The Strathallian

The

our Scottish culture included the traditional highlights of the Burns Supper and a new treat for the Sixth Form with an amazing St Andrew’s Night Ball.

In what was one of the first events after the loosening of Covid restrictions, the 6th Form turned out in large numbers for the eagerly anticipated Burns Supper, which took place in the dining hall, splendidly decked out in the festive tent.

Mrs Irene McFarlane chaired the evening and, bearing in mind we were celebrating the poet’s birthday, she introduced each performer by briefly referring to an incident from Burns’ own life that had happened on their birthday.

Xander G piped in the haggis which was then addressed by that stalwart of Strathallan Burns Suppers, Mr Andy Henderson. Roli S delivered the Selkirk Grace. Following the excellent meal, the Headmaster proposed the Loyal Toast.

Iona F gave an excellent, informative Immortal Memory. The Head of School, Ollie S and Charlotte G, matched one another in wit in the Toast to the Lassies and the Reply. The performances of two pupils, very used to delivering Scots poetry, were greeted with great delight by the guests: Ethan W with Burns’ Address to the Toothache, and Magnus M with a Robert Garioch Sonnet. There were Burns’ songs from Joely F and Sebastian P and a medley from an impromptu piping trio, led by Mr Craig Muirhead.

Alex T gave the Vote of Thanks before the evening rounded off with Auld Lang Syne.

Irene McFarlane.

opportunities to immerse ourselves in

IT HAS BEEN ANOTHER BUSY YEAR IN THE ART DEPARTMENT HERE AT STRATHALLAN. WE WERE DELIGHTED TO HAVE STUDENTS BACK FOR A FULL ACADEMIC YEAR OF PHYSICAL LESSONS AFTER MUCH DISRUPTION OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS.

We set about making up for lost time with our GCSE and A-Level students focusing on moving their coursework projects further towards completion. Our Fifth Form and UVI Form students sat a two day trial exam in December & January with some excellent work created focusing on a wide range of themes. There has been some truly fantastic work created this year and we are very proud of our students. We were also successful again at the annual RSA Schools Art Award with Hannah J (UVI) being Highly Commended in the Senior category and Isobel W (LVI) winning 2 nd Place in the Senior prize which is a major accolade. Isobel was picked from over 1000 entries which was an amazing achievement. Aila D (1 st Form) won Perthshire Young Photographer of the year and Reuben L V (Fourth Form) won Perthshire Young Artist of the year at the Perth Annual Art Exhibition.

The Strathallan School Art Dept also won best overall school for a third straight year at the same exhibition. All of the work created by our students will be on display at our first physical Speech Day Exhibition since 2019 and we can’t wait for the Strath community to see the students work in the flesh.

We are delighted that our students are consistently being recognised for the standard of their artwork and long may it continue.

Frank Glancy

“I

part

school’s entry to the competition. A lot of help and feedback was supplied by Mr Glancy through the techniques he taught us over the year. I tried to incorporate as many of those techniques as possible into my work and it definitely helped make the final scratch-board better.”

Reuben L V

“I completed ‘Iona’ at home when I was recovering from an injury so it's great to know my hard work has been appreciated. I love that art can evoke reactions from people, even if it is still abstract it can stir their emotions and that’s what I wanted to do with this piece.”

Hannah J

“Having my artwork recognised has meant more than I would have guessed, it was something totally unexpected and it makes me feel proud of something I have created to be recognised. I created this artwork to express a feeling that I struggle to describe in words. I was trying to capture this focusing on atmosphere and mood. The painting is actually very small in terms of scale. I have only started painting with oils this academic year and my aim was to work on paper in a loose and slightly expressive style.”

Isobel W

“I didn’t expect to win at all, we were canoe camping at Loch Lomond and I took the photograph because the sunset looked so beautiful. It feels amazing that other people also appreciate my photos.”

Aila D

was delighted to receive the award for my piece and I’m proud to be

of the

The fashion industry is the second-largest industry in the world and the second-largest polluter of the environment. Sustainable fashion has become more and more popular over the past 10 years, mainly caused by the issues caused by climate change leading more designers into using eco-friendly materials to prevent arising environmental issues and reduce their footprint. Personally, I have been into sustainable fashion and specifically shopping for the past few years, mostly buying pre-used or vintage garments. One says ‘to change the world you have to start with yourself’. By buying preused clothing and not consuming the fast-fashion brands you decrease the demand for new items, hence reducing the pressure on manufacturers to produce these items in large quantities. Thrifting not only allows you to have your own effect on the environment but also extends the life of an item you buy and gives you an opportunity to find and elevate your personal style.You will never know what you may find in your local thrift store: might be a luxurious limited collection GUCCI bag made back in the 2000s, an American football team shirt from the 90s or even some leather boots from the 80s. In my work I have decided to explore typical features of sustainable fashion brands, their designs and use of materials as well as bringing and engaging with my own experience of working sustainably.

Sofia G

‘Drag is not expressed enough in society and art enough.’ My artistic theme has focused on Drag and Drag Queens outfits and their portraits. Drag is seen as outgoing. Drag is not just about dressing up, it’s about a unique individual being able to express themselves in many different ways. I chose drag as my main focus because I’m fascinated by the array of materials, hair, make up and accessories that are synonymous with these larger than life figures. I have an interest in drag because of the creative and sometimes outlandish outfits they design and wear and that each unique look is completely different from any other Drag Queen as it’s created and influenced by their own identity, feelings and expressions and can even reflect on their life, upbringing and I think this can make Drag very powerful. I don’t think Drag has been commented on enough in the art world and as a subject within society it can be taboo, stereotyped or misunderstood. In artistic terms I’m drawn to the bright, bold colours and glimmering or sparkling outfits. I’m interested in the way the dresses fit and express the individual and how this can affect the way it tells a story. Another key element is the way a Drag Queen acts and carries themselves. They have a powerful and commanding presence, and nothing really stops them from doing what they want in life. Within my work I want create pieces that reflect these strong characteristics that I find so inspiring in the Drag community. I’m interested in how artists and designers use methods and materials to create a sense of Identity and personality in their work.

Topaz W

Having moved countries frequently in my life so far, I am interested in which factors, internal and external, contribute to our overall sense of belonging and self (or lack thereof). Does it continue to develop as we age, have more experiences and form new memories, or are our personality and interests rooted in childhood? Why do places feel welcoming or unfulfilling, depending on the individual? Are these sensations imagined or determined by the people present? I became interested in these questions while visiting the Isle of Iona, a place where I feel very at home despite not having spent much time there previously. In the modern world there is a lot of focus on the external. Although it is essential to be aware of others, I feel we could improve collectively by taking a closer look at ourselves, allowing people to identify personal values and beliefs before reacting to things going on around them. It would also reduce the widespread fear of prejudice as we have an idea of who we are before knowing others’ opinions. I want my work to reflect how I feel and invite the viewer to look at themselves and their own values too.

Hannah J

Having moved countries frequently in my life so far, I am interested in which factors, internal and external, contribute to our overall sense of belonging and self (or lack thereof).

Colours, shapes, textures, and patterns are everywhere in nature. Art and Fashion have always reflected nature, with artists wanting to capture the beauty of the natural world. Conversely fashion has a more physical way of expressing the influence of nature through textures and patterns. I wanted to use nature to create a costume that could be used in some way to represent what interests me. I took inspiration from the ballerinas of Degas paintings and the use of mechanical painting of pure white sheer skirts in Alexander McQueen’s show “No 13” to create a piece that represented undergrowth ferns and nature. It may not be a piece that is worn but I want it to show how nature could be represented in costume. A skirt that is light and feels like air brushing through the undergrowth with ferns and foliage growing upwards entwined with flora.

Alice F

Art - something that can be expressed through creativity and imagination. Traditionally It can be drawn or painted on anything, such as wood, paper, glass, metal…etc. But have you noticed when you walk down the street or perhaps lurking behind a building, you may often see some eye-catching and colourful artwork which has been spray painted on a brick wall or the side of a building. Many people think this is vandalism and complain about it, however it's the kind of art I’m personally drawn towards, and I admire the scale, technique and connection it has with people. In many ways there is a link to street art, but it is artistically created based on modern culture and mass media and I believe it’s our current form of Pop Art.

Linus K

Art — something that can be expressed through creativity and imagination.

Cells are the basic building blocks of all living things. The human body is composed of trillions of cells. They provide structure for the body, take in nutrients from food, convert those nutrients into energy, and carry out specialised functions. I’m interested in how we contemplate the unknown world inside our own body, how it is manifested on the surface, and how it is connected to the world around it. I initially explored the topic ‘layers and combinations’ and eventually found myself fascinated with cell structures and skin texture.

Sophie C

In today’s society it has become all too common for humans to destroy elements of the natural world without thinking about the disadvantages and consequences that come with it. Man-made structures have influenced our living, habitats, religion and daily life. Besides climate change, mono-culture and other serious issues have also helped humans to live a freer, easy and better life. After combining human will with elements of the natural world, it created art. I grew up in a small village, surrounded by nature and learnt a lot about it through farming practices. When I left my home to move to the city, I was able to notice advantages and disadvantages on both sides. Every time I come back home after a short time away something else has changed which proves that everyone and everything changes and develops over time.

Caren S

I chose Perspective as my coursework theme because it provides the person who is looking at it with something to think about. Perspective can be seen in many different ways, such as viewing something from a different or obscure angle and gazing at a view from a distance or great depth. A simple example is you can look at something from one particular angle and it seems acceptable and understandable. When viewed from an alternative vantage point it can appear abstract and confusing. Life can be like this and sometimes Perspective can be judged on where you are standing. I wanted to focus on perspective because it’s an area of art in general that I have always found fascinating. Many artists use perspective in their work from traditional painters and sculptors to modern conceptual artists. Perspective is a pathway to engage with a viewer, it has a familiar and tangible quality that I think resonates with people.

Luca D P

There are not that many straight lines or abstract patterns in the natural world. Nature is organic and its structures can be twisted or distorted, contrasting hugely with man’s constructions which now heavily populate the earths landscape. I was interested in adding formal shapes and geometric patterns in bold contrasting colours to images of natural forms or animals as I thought it creates an interesting juxtaposition, both in terms of the colour palette and in the subversion of traditional views and elements of the natural world. Artists always find a way to look at elements of ordinary life from a different perspective. I’m inspired by artists that take risks and experiment with abstraction in their work. I have investigated how artists have elevated traditional views and ideas by including subversive elements like geometric shapes or structures to change the narrative of a piece of work. I‘ve learned and been inspired by these ideas and hope that it has impacted positively on my own artistic practice.

James L

Artists hold great power as to how the atmosphere of their painting is perceived. Colour & tone can be used to convey emotion, expression can trigger empathy, perspective can alter perception, and even the positioning of objects can make a viewer question the true meaning. The atmosphere adds depth of connotation which may not be depicted literarily on the surface. Each viewer may interpret in a different way depending on their past experiences and thoughts within, which is why I am interested in exploring this area in my work to understand the influence that the atmosphere of a piece has on the viewer, specifically our changing natural world, and how humans seem to be a catalyst of this corrosive reaction.

Millie W

One of the main intentions behind my current artistic practice is to create art which in a way ‘opens the door’ to a conversation surrounding the stigma around witchcraft and indeed witches themselves. This is a close, personal topic as I am a modern practitioner of witchcraft. The reason why this area of exploration fascinates me is the underlying themes in many artworks from the west depicting witches from before the 20th century, revealing to us how women are viewed and treated within society if they do not fit into the patriarchal mold as to how they are ‘supposed to behave’. These pieces are full of the expression of evil, hysteria and fear surrounding the idea of witches. This contrasts with the modern 21st century artistic depictions of witches where there is a reclamation of one's own power as a women, full of female rage against modern stereotypes placed on women.

Anna N

One of the main intentions behind my current artistic practice is to create art which in a way ‘opens the door’ to a conversation surrounding the stigma around witchcraft and indeed witches themselves.

Strathallan Through A Lens

EVA G IS IN FIFTH FORM. SHE IS ONE OF MANY WHO ENJOY PHOTOGRAPHY AT STRATHALLAN AND IS THIS YEAR’S RECIPIENT OF THE JEFF GODDARD PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD.

For me, photography is an art form which gives me a way to express myself through my view and what I see. Photography, like other art forms, is subjective. It reflects the way that the photographer sees the world around them, the people, the plants, the animals. It gives an insight into the thoughts the photographer has while taking the photos. Not all of my photography has been subjective, however. During this year, most of my photos were objective. Photos of people during the production of Legally Blonde built on the work I have done over the last couple of years, capturing the totality of the experience for a huge number of people. During Sports Day I tried to build on this spontaneous capturing of the Strathallan experience, intending to show the talent and ability in this school. My photos have been featured on the school’s social media, I think because they capture the diversity of what people at this school can do.

This year, I won the Jeff Goddard Photography Award. It is much harder to take photos with a theme, it puts a restraint on your creativity, but it is also a welcome challenge which has pushed me to explore a challenge and find something that both pleases me and fits the theme. This year’s theme was reflections. The deceptively simple theme really challenged me to think creatively, from a simple reflection in a mirror to a philosophical look into the inner workings of a person and how their thoughts reflect on their actions. A themed photo pushes you to take photos you may have never thought about taking before.

This year’s theme was reflections. The deceptively simple theme really challenged me to think creatively, from a simple reflection in a mirror to a philosophical look into the inner workings of a person and how their thoughts reflect on their actions.

Eva G

ACADEMIC STRATHALLAN

The Strathallian

Strathallian

The Academic Year 2021-22

AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL IS OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAMME. We were proud to celebrate the diverse and exciting destinations of many of our leavers, including Thandi S who is destined for New York University to read Liberal Studies and Vanja Z who will read Electrical Engineering at New College, Oxford. This year’s Dux is Roli S who, with an impressive four A*s at A level will read Medicine at St Andrews. Once again, the year has seen a number of innovations and extension opportunities for all pupils. Dr Woodman’s themed dinners for scholars were as imaginative and enriching as ever and the entries for this year’s open competition on the theme of Silence were truly remarkable.

Silence Competition

HIGHLY COMMENDED ENTRIES

Atchaco sits down on the bed in her room. She looks around, then back down at the floor. She does not understand why everything is so hard, why everyone is so busy and loud. How they cannot seem to calm down and relax, to listen to the birds that flap their small wings and hum sweet tunes. That makes everything easier to deal with. If they just learnt to close off the artificial world and listen to the voices, the music that the natural world has, then they can learn inner peace.

The inner peace of silence. Of a silence that once haunted Atchaco every night after the accident. The silence that threatens to take everything away. That made her restless when she slept. She would just toss and turn, trying to block it out. But you cannot block out silence. Even for someone like herself, it was never going to be possible.

Then she learnt to embrace the silence. To not let it hold her back and to understand that if you do not learn to deal with or live with something then it will always feel like a burden. So, she learnt to shut out the noise of the outside world, the noise that could always become too much for her to bear. To try and listen to the music that the birds sang.

It took time to do, to learn, and to master, just like all wonderful things but once she did, she felt enlightened. Carefree. Joyful. Happy. And most importantly, for the first time after the accident, she felt like herself again, she felt whole. She no longer felt worthless.

So, what she learnt was not proper silence. It was not the dead silence that the night brings, but that is a silence that lingers in your soul and never comes out, that haunts every waking moment of your life. No, she did not have that silence, she never wanted, nor aimed for that silence. No, she had the silence of nature and beauty, of inner peace.

It was not complete silence. It was her silence. The only silence that she wanted. Because if you cannot beat them, join them. That is what she did.

She could not beat the silence.

So, she embraced it.

And now, after so long, she is herself again. Because that is the beauty that silence can bring.

SILENCE

What’s sought after often, But rarely ever found. Absent on a spring morning, For the birds fly up and down. Still in the winter solitude

The snow boots crunch and press. Even in your own head Your thoughts will not rest. There on a hilltop

The wind whistles a beat, To the buzzing of the city That we know will never deplete. Up high there’s a temple, Where men in orange sit But still, something resonates For the bells and humming emit. Perhaps we aren’t looking, Perhaps it can’t be found, Could it be deaths feature? Or somewhere round about.

Caitlin M Fifth Form

SILENCE

For all the world's beautiful sounds she could have chosen to hear; The chattering of birds on an early summer morning, the soft sound of a piano's chords playing the perfect Harmonie, or the joyful chime of wedding bells beside a singing choir. For all the extravagant sounds in the world she could have wished for, The one thing that she wanted to hear most... was silence. The bittersweet sound of nothing would be like a song to her.

She near not say a word And no one would dare speak a word to her. From the outside a cold, cautious, crippling and shy demeanor was presented to the world Put up like a wall, A wall that could block out a thousand soldiers. A wall so high that even the largest titan could not conquer it It was such a wall that shielded her from the outside world, But did not guard her from what was within.

Within her own mind

For her mind was consumed by a constant racket All she heard was screaming, An endless cry. But not the type of screaming that would first come to one's mind, like the screaming you would imagine coming from a small infant. For her it was so much more than that It was the constant barrage of Check! Check! Check again!

Again! Again! Look again! But how do you know! It screeched at her, Over and over and over again, The voice growing louder and louder with every passing second A never-ending cycle of torture, Like a bad Britney Spears song stuck on a loop. She wanted her mind to quiet, She wanted to feel that sweet silence that she had always imagined. But how?

For most people the noise in their head is nothing more nor less than a friendly chatter. An inner monologue from time to time.

An innocent self-discussion as of whether or not to, “Wear the white top today or wear the black top today”

And for most people this unobtrusive noise is slowly playing in the Subconscious, from the first open eyelid of the day until the last, when finally, it was time to dream. But for her the noise never left

For not even in sleep did she receive this silence she so desired.

“no one likes you”

“you're not good enough”

“you're insane”

Amy F-P Fifth Form

The voice repeatedly spoke to her. But she was at one with the noise now. Or so she thought...

He was loud, And he was vibrant.

Like a shooting star in a pitch-black light. Another student in the same angst-ridden hallways as her.

He was everything that she had ever wished to be. And he was everything she was not.

His mind roamed freely like a lion in the wild. He had such a way with words that even the world's loudest riot would have Fallen silent to hear him speak.

He was the type of person that couldn’t complete an assignment without the blaring of a full volume speaker at the same time.

The type of guy that would laugh in a room full of silent readers. Silence scared him, for his life was so full of noise.

And then finally it clicked for her, Maybe it was the total silence on her outside that made everything in her mind so loud for her.

Maybe the way to end her internal noise was to fill her external life with sound. But how?

And there he was, Like a knight in shining armour. it was his perfect melody that could break down her wall, And finally grant her wish.

For it was his noise, that could give her mind the silence she had always wished for.

And put her mind at ease.

SILENCE

Katie B UV1.

Siilence, as the young man, with shaking hands holds a pen, signing himself up to join the military.

Silence, as a bird egg is slowly hatched, its young eyes staring into the abyss of the jungle.

Silence, as the young mans family gather around him, praising him, the pride they feel wafting around the room.

Silence, as the bird takes its first step, it’s first mark in the world.

Silence, as the young man wrestles with his nightmares, he would rather shoot himself in the foot than join the world war.

Silence, as the bird prepares to take its first jump out of a tree, prepare to be free, and, fly, fly away..

Silence, as all that the young man wishes for a way to find an escape from his doomed path, wishing that he could be free, and fly, fly away…

Silence, as the bird snuggles up to his mothers feathers, the cold winter is bitter in a jungle, with so many dangerous predators, ready to strike. With that thought, the bird shudders and hides.

Silence, as the young man steps foot in the slippy mud, and falls almost in slow motion longing to be home again. A man comes running up to him , but instead of helping him up, jeers in his face, says that if he can’t make it past training, he’ll never grow to be a general . Those few words spur him on.

Silence, as the bird lands by a waterfall, drinking the blissful fresh water. He doesn’t notice, but a snake has slithered up behind him. It is only a small rustle from the leaves above that make the bird turn around, where he sees the fearsome, sly predator. He scuttles away, saved from the jaws of death.

The young man trembles and shakes, but at the world go, he knows that he must run, fast and furiously into the thick of the bullets. By some miracle, he manages to stumble across no mans land, a bullet mark from where one grazed him. He smiles to himself, until he hears the click of a gun being loaded ‘On the floor Tommy..’ the soldier mumbles in a German accent. His grief stricken face caked with mud and blood leaves nothing to the imagination. You can read a whole story in those eyes , those glazed, petrified eyes. He shakes the gun ‘ON THE FLOOR, NOW!!!’ He seems terrified to hear his own voice. His hands, still holding the gun quiver and shake.

‘Run Tommy… run far away…’ he whispers ‘RUUUNNNNNN’ the young man does so saved from the jaws of death.

Silence, as the bird is hunted by poachers, and he takes a minute to look back at the burning , derelict trees that were once his home. He must keep flying.

Silence, as the young man sees the German soldiers. He knows that he has to keep going forward but he can’t help but think of everything he has lived through, only to die at the hands of the Gestapo. He must keep running.

Silence, as the bird slowly gives up hope.

Silence, as the young mans spirit flies away.

Silence, as the bird hangs its weary head, it sits in a cage for weeks until it’s final death day… the day when the poachers finally shoot him for his feathers…

Silence, as the young man waits for the day when they finally kill him.

Silence, as the gun shots echo and ricochet around the empty treeless walls of the jungle. All that we can see is the naked body of a parrot,a parrot without feathers.

Silence, as the young man gets led to the gas chambers .

Silence, as the bird and the young man unite in heaven, two mere objects that were used and abused, reunited by their grief.

Francesca W Third Form

THE STRUGGLE WITH SILENCE

A days work over, A sigh of relief, A slump on the couch, And the silence of peace, This worked for me,

The mind is clear, And Free of thinking, Not a muscle moved, Not even blinking, This is peace for me,

A sense of accomplishment, Portrayed by a smile, Created by confidence, In stare for miles, This made me happy.

A mind still racing, Never relaxed, He walked pacing, Up the room and back, Too quiet for him,

Work whisked through his mind, Problems not finished, But not left behind, All mental health diminished, Silence closed in on him.

All self-confidence was lost, The answers not found, Worked till exhaust, Others just frowned, He was left by himself,

For some the silence is sound, Others it could not be louder, For some in silence peace is found, Other’s minds race at miles per hour.

Fergus T Fifth Form.

DR BRIAN COOPER AND PUPILS REFLECT ON THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR

BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK FALLS NEAR THE END OF EASTER TERM, AND THE THEME THIS YEAR WAS ‘GROWTH’. In Chemistry lessons Fourth Form students manufactured (grew from monomers), and tested bouncy balls made from different plastic polymers. In Biology students looked at seed dispersal by designing and testing different seed shapes. Hopefully all now know the biological difference between a fruit and a vegetable. For ‘growth’ relating to Physics we were fortunate to be visited by cosmos planetarium for the day. All scholars and Fourth Form Physicists had the opportunity to watch and discuss films on the formation and expansion of the universe with two experienced astronomers. Scholars also had a think about mysterious dark matter and the work that goes on in CERN. At the end of the week scholars were asked to design a themed poster for submission to a nationwide competition. We had creative entries from Hamish Q, Dan C and Rosie E, Freddie L and Imogen H. Next year’s theme is connections. In LEGO club we look at STEM concepts at a basic level of design and function. Challenges this year included spinners, skittles, rainbows, and the ever-popular boat racing. Left entirely to their own creative devices at times the students have kept me amazed and amused in equal measure with their builds. Stalwarts of the club of the club this year include Sebastian and Thomas L-P, Holly and James P, Struan R, Katie M, and Freya P. Special mention must go to Freya who had the patience and resolve to build Hogwarts from scratch.

In STEM club bronze CREST awards were won by Calum P and Caitlin M, and a CREST discovery award went to Logan T for work completed in the previous academic session. Maxim P and Logan T worked hard to improve the design of games controllers and are close to a bronze award. CREST silver award projects are almost complete for Isabella Z and Jessica T who have perfected a new titration method to compare the amount of Vitamin C in different sources including juice from the school dining hall. Caitlin has worked hard to build upon her bronze award on intelligence tests. She is currently using an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the electrical activity of the brain in neurotypical and neurodivergent students as they complete different cognitive tasks. Also at a silver level, Kevin M is working on a Chemistry project relating to painkillers. New for this year, some members the

prep school science club have been awarded superstar CREST awards, and I hope they will remain motivated to join the senior STEM club next year and step up to a bronze award.

Extension trips in the Biology department for Higher students included a day trip to Edinburgh Zoo to observe primate behaviour and construct an ethogram. A twonight residential field trip to Isle of Cumbrae in the Firth of Clyde gave both A level and Advanced Higher candidates the opportunity to go beyond the scope of the specification with plankton sampling on a boat trip and ecological experiments to embed statistical analysis in the scientific process. Higher Human Biology and A level Psychology combined forces on a trip to Stirling University Psychology department for three activities related to behaviour and the nervous system.

A return from online learning meant greater practical opportunities for STEM enrichment in school and externally in this year’s academic programme.

Junior Academics Dinner

University of Stirling Visit

THE HIGHER HUMAN BIOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY

A-LEVEL CLASSES VISITED THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING IN MARCH. The university provided a variety of activities which include eye tracking, social psychology and a lie detector test. This was a hugely interesting day which allowed us to go outside of our set curriculums.

During the eye tracking lesson, we gained an understanding of where a typical human brain will first be drawn to. We were able to test this out our self, and use an eye tracking software, to see the pattern of where our eyes went to and for how long for, across a series of images. We quickly realised that we are first drawn to faces and then to peripheral details, and this was common among most people. These differences are associated with the unique wiring of our brains, and the activity helped us to understand those differences better. Another lesson we had was on social psychology, with an activity which demonstrated that the way we respond in key situations might mark us out for leadership. We then went on to discuss what contributes to a good leader and how followers are possibly the most important factor, for if you have no support for your cause then there will be no cause to follow through

on. This was particularly interesting as we were able to apply characteristics which they spoke about to our own personalities and see how things such as cognitive dissonance are very common in our daily lives. This all comes underneath social psychology which is all about how people interact around one another, which is very applicable to everyone, and we all definitely learnt something new and possibly even about ourselves too.

Finally, we looked at how lie detector tests can be used. The test we used was lying about which playing card was the one we picked out from a deck, which led to a spike in the graph. This is due to our memory recognising the card and then furthermore our brain having to focus on lying about having not seen it before. This is really then a memory detector test and we went on to learn about how it can be applied in situations such as witnesses to crimes. The day was an enjoyable lesson in all the things that Psychology and Human Biology can be used for. Several of us are now looking at Stirling University as we think about our UCAS applications next year. Our thanks go to all the staff at Stirling University who made the visit so entertaining and informative.

Melissa F-S. and Chloe F LV1

The day was an enjoyable lesson in all the things that Psychology and Human Biology can be used for. Several of us are now looking at Stirling University as we think about our UCAS applications next year. Our thanks go to all the staff at Stirling University who made the visit so entertaining and informative.

Edinburgh Zoo

BIOLOGY CLASS WENT TO EDINBURGH ZOO FOR A CLASS ACADEMIC TRIP TO SEE WHAT WE HAD BEEN STUDYING, BUT IN REAL LIFE. Our main focus was to observe the behaviour of the variety of different primates at the zoo, before and after lunch to see if there were any observable differences. We also had some worksheets to do on the animals’ metabolic rate and how they survive adverse conditions.

After we had completed the tasks, we had enough time to go and see the rest of the animals at the zoo which was fun. My favourite animals were the Zebras and the very relaxed Pandas! I thought that going to the zoo was a really good way to consolidate key ideas of animal behaviour and get some more examples for what we were learning about in class.

Isabella A LV1

Sixth Form Lecture Series

EUNICE OLUMIDE — THE CHALLENGES DUE TO THE LACK OF DIVERSITY IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY.

STRATHALLAN IS THE ONLY SCOTTISH SCHOOL SUBSCRIBED TO THE BIG PICTURE AN ORGANISATION DEVOTED TO THE RECOVERY OF NATURE ACROSS SCOTLAND THROUGH REWILDING. Strathallan’s rewilding project provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the practicalities of ecological restoration and its critical role in tackling the twin biodiversity and climate crises. The school is already a haven for wildlide and is particularly notable as a breeding site for hawfinches.

TO SIT IN AN AUDIENCE LISTENING TO EUNICE OLUMIDE’S EXPLORATION OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF ART AND MUSEUM CURATION IS AN INFORMATIVE AND EYE-OPENING EXPERIENCE. Eunice has had a truly inspiring range of experiences in her professional life in the diverse, inclusive and evolving fashion industry. Her experiences as a black model growing up in Scotland allowed the Sixth Form students an insight into the ever-changing world of fashion and art. Her own personal journey showed a true reflection of the society we live in and for those in the audience seeking

a future in fashion, modelling or who have faced any form of discrimination it was a fascinating account. It was a privilege to watch Eunice’s ‘mission to open up our industry and utilize the art's innate ability to transform lives’ and something that not only I say I will support and follow but something that as a Strathallan community we stand by. We look forward to watching Eunice’s future progress with her recent opening of her ‘Olumide Gallery’ a bespoke gallery of modern and contemporary art designed by those from an ethnic minority.

Thandi S LV1

PETER CAIRNS THE BIG PICTURE: REWILDING SCOTLAND

ICANNOT TELL YOU WHAT TO THINK, I CAN ONLY ASK YOU TO LOOK.’ This is one of the phrases that stayed with me from The Big Picture’s chief executive Peter Cairns’ thought-provoking talk. Initially glancing at some of his astonishing nature photography, such as that of pristine, snow-white polar bears and majestic stags, I feared the speech wouldn’t reach the depth of the biodiversity crisis. However, Cairns began his talk by saying he does the majority of his current photography close to home and almost immediately emphasised the importance of noticing that although the pictures portray everything to be flourishing, all is not well in the natural world, hence the importance of rewilding Scotland. He focused on the question ‘What should Scotland look like? His most memorable photograph in my opinion pictured a red squirrel peeking out between two fence posts, a touching image and highly relevant as Cairns mentioned that only decades ago, red squirrels were viewed as vermin and are now nationally adored; if we can allow room for squirrels, we can be open to what it will take to restore Scotland’s environment. Most of the questions I had in mind were answered during the talk and those asked afterwards he answered eloquently and extensively, always remembering to refer to what was originally queried. Cairns didn’t come from a prestigious background, which makes where he is now even more admirable, skill earned from practice and passion

that emanated from him while he was storytelling. He acknowledged the existence of social and political barriers in terms of taking action but suggested that in no way does rewilding set nature against people. The talk left my peers and I with hope, not helplessness. It re-inspired my passion to continue taking steps to recover the world we live in. He reiterated the importance of listening to nature’s cues, but most importantly, in order to achieve a levelled-out state, listening to each other. Near the end of the talk, Cairns cleverly altered the critical question to ‘What could Scotland look like?’ I daresay, from what I anticipate to be the optimistic viewpoint of my generation, what will Scotland look like?

Hannah J. UV1

ON A WINDY BUT DRY AND SUNNY FRIDAY OUR HIGHER

We are determined to play our part in turning around biodiversity loss — and can do that by restoring nature within our school grounds. But perhaps a greater contribution can be made by installing an understanding of the urgent need for nature recovery in the next generation.

Leslie Kent, Thornbank Housemaster

ALEX MUIR – LGBTQ+ INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY.

ALEX, A STRATHALLIAN, CAME TO SPEAK TO THE SIXTH FORM ABOUT LGBTQ+ AS PART OF THE DIVERSITY LECTURE SERIES. He spoke to us about his own personal journey and experiences as a trans male. He covered his journey from before Strathallan to where he is now. Unknown to most of the Sixth Form, and of real interest to the assembled Sixth Form were the healthcare issues trans people face. It was inspiring for many of us to see where Alex has come from and how he is thriving and helping other parts of the LGBTQ+ community with his involvement in various different charities and organisations especially within sport.

Charlotte G UV1

JJ CHALMERS

FORMER PUPIL JJ CHALMERS CONTINUED THIS YEAR’S 6TH FORM LECTURE THEME ON DIVERSITY, WITH A FANTASTIC LECTURE THAT COVERED HIS LIFE FROM HIS DAYS SPENT AS A PUPIL AT STRATHALLAN, TO HIS TIME IN THE MILITARY, HIS LIFE CHANGING INJURIES, AND HIS SUBSEQUENT ROLE IN THE MEDIA. It was interesting to hear about JJ’s time spent as a pupil at Strathallan, and this made his lecture relatable to all of us. From the rivalry between the boarding houses (some things never change!) to his love of CCF, we enjoyed hearing his stories from when he was in our shoes.

From here, JJ moved on to talk about his military career and his injuries that he incurred whilst in Afghanistan. After months of rehabilitation, he took part in the Invictus Games in 2014 and in 2016 covered the games for the BBC. As a result of this, JJ has continued to forge a career in the broadcasting world. He talked to us about how important it is for people with disabilities to have a role in the media, and how the diversity within it is improving. He is pleased to be able to contribute to this positive change through his presenting, as well as in other activities such as taking part in the 2020 edition of Strictly Come Dancing.

Oliver S UV1

JJ’s lecture was fascinating and inspiring, which we will all remember for a long time to come. We are all very grateful to JJ for taking the time to come back to Strath and talk to us.

ACTIVE STRATHALLAN

The Strathallian The Strathallian

Sports Report

Director of Sport, Jim Thompson reports

on a year in Sport

WHEN WE RETURNED IN SEPTEMBER, IT WAS WITH THE HOPE AND EXPECTATION THAT SPORT WOULD RETURN TO NORMALITY. To a certain extent it did, but we and our opposition counterparts still faced the daily challenges of covid disrupting sport in some way or form.

The buzz and excitement during the first few weeks of term were clear to see, even before spectators were allowed back on school grounds. Fixtures returned, most restrictions were lifted, and we were ready to kick on to enjoy participating, competing, performing, and enjoying sport again.

It was brilliant to see fixtures returning, with the addition of spectators in early October. Even though many of our pupils may not admit it, having noise on the touchlines was very much appreciated and it was clear how much our pupils had missed it.

We strive to offer a sport programme with meaningful variety. This includes our high-performance academy programmes, but we also have a key focus on retaining and developing our traditional sports.

Throughout the year there were many highlights across a wide range of sports and age groups. Whilst success is measured in different ways, it has been brilliant to see all our pupils from youngest to oldest enjoying sport again.

As we finish the summer term, our pupils and staff have once again shown outstanding resilience throughout the year and they should be commended with how well they have all progressed during the year. Our staff continue to go above and beyond in supporting and offering a wide range of opportunities to our pupils. The pupils themselves have continued to excel in a wide range of sports as you can see from the many achievements recorded in these pages.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who has participated, coached, or supported sport at the school this year. We wish our leavers all the very best and thank them for all they have given to Strathallan sport during their time. I hope sport has played an important part in your lives during your time at Strathallan and that you all continue to enjoy sport wherever you go next.

The buzz and excitement during the first few weeks of term were clear to see, even before spectators were allowed back on school grounds. Fixtures returned, most restrictions were lifted, and we were ready to kick on to enjoy participating, competing, performing, and enjoying sport again.

We strive to offer a sport programme with meaningful variety. This includes our high-performance academy programmes, but we also have a key focus on retaining and developing our traditional sports.

SPORTING FIRSTS

• The development of girl's football, cricket & rugby — first-ever girl's 1st XV rugby fixture and Lacrosse fixture

• Inaugural Strathallan U13 softball cricket festival

• First full Sports day for 3 years

• First full cross-country championships for the first time in over 3 years with over 300 runners attending

TEAM ACHIEVEMENTS

• U14A Netball team finished the season unbeaten

• 1st XI Girl’s Football team finished unbeaten

• 1st XI Girl’s Hockey team - National plate runners-up

• U18 Boys Athletics road race silver medallists

• Gold medal at Scottish Indoor Athletics

ACHIEVEMENTS — INDIVIDUAL

• 8 school records were broken at Inter-house swimming this year, some of which had been held since 2011

• Our pupils have continued to receive international sporting recognition over the course of the year, including for Great Britain

• 30 pupils have gained regional or district recognition

SPORTS TITLES WON

• U14A Girls — National Scottish Cup Netball champions

• 1st XI Boys hockey — Scottish Plate champions

• 1st XI Boys hockey — Scottish indoor champions

• U12 girls Hockey — Mary Erskine tournament hockey champions

• 1st XI girls’ hockey — Midlands tournament champions

• U13 Girls Cross Country Team — Merchiston cross country relay champions

• 30 finalists, 22 personal bests, and 16 medals at the Scottish National age group swimming championships

• Strathallan Tennis Programme — awarded the Tennis Scotland School of the Year award

Strathallan pupils/staff/Strathallians winning the Adam Pattinson touch rugby tournament. A memorable day for all who attended.

The Opening of the Strathallan Centenary Golf Course

ATHLETICS - SPORTS DAY 2022

IT WAS FANTASTIC TO HOST OUR FIRST FULL SPORTS DAY IN THREE YEARS. On the day, we were blessed with beautiful weather and what felt like a capacity audience with so many parents and supporters turning out for the event. We saw many outstanding performances both on the track and on the field. A huge well done to all the athletes who competed on the day, and a big thank you to all the staff who made the day so memorable. Special mention must go to John Fleming, who has helped coach athletics at Strathallan for so many years. Sadly, this was John's last Sports Day with us but we are incredibly grateful for his time, patience and the legacy he has left at Strathallan.

travelled down the M90

ELEVEN OF OUR YOUNG ATHLETES REPRESENTED THE SCHOOL AT THE SSAA INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN FEBRUARY WITH SOME SUPERB RESULTS.

In Pole Vault, Sixth Form student Emily S-M had a fantastic first ever indoor competition, jumping to 2.70m and coming top in the Over 16 competition.

Emily said, “I didn’t expect to win but it was an amazing experience. The environment at the Emirates Arena was so friendly and chilled.”

She added, “Looking ahead, I’m definitely hunting for a PB and will definitely be competing in the outdoor competitions in Greece this summer. I’m excited to see where Pole Vault can take me.”

In other results, Jacob H finished 4th and ran a PB in the U16 1500m.

Iona B, Finlay T & Matthew M all ran PBs in the 200m.

Iona B got a PB in the 60m semi-final and Jamie L won his 300m heat qualifying him for the final where he finished 6th.

Fionn T finished second in his 300m heat behind Jamie L which sent him to the final where he finished 7th.

Calum T finished 3rd in his 400m head which earned him a place in the semi-finals as the fastest loser. He finished 6th in the Semi-Final.

Findlay T also ran a PB in the 60m to earn a place in the semifinal where he finished 5th.

ATHLETICS

New School Records

SSAA INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS Scottish

British Modern Pentathlon Development Pathway Kyle F

Representation

STRATHALLAN SCHOOL PUPILS PADDLED TO PODIUM POSITIONS IN JUNE, PICKING UP INDIVIDUAL TROPHIES AND COLLECTIVELY SECURING SCOTTISH SCHOOL OF THE YEAR AT SCOTTISH CANOE ASSOCIATION’S SCOTTISH SCHOOLS COMPETITION IN ALVA.

Alistair R from the Prep School, Findlay M (Fifth Form) and Tally M (Fourth Form), represented the school on the River Devon for two days.

Alistair, who took up canoeing when he joined Strathallan, won the Junior Under 15 C1 Canoe Slalom and the C2 Canoe Slalom with his partner, becoming the Scottish Schools Champion at J15.

Alistair R “It felt great to win. I made up time on my second run and really enjoyed the race.”

Siblings Findlay and Tally paddled as a pair in the C2 class, coming 2nd in the J18 category.

Individually, Tally came 2nd in the kayak K1 class at J16, she raced to second place in the J15 C1 and 3rd in the J18. Meanwhile, her brother Findlay won the Men’s J18 C1, becoming Scottish Schools C1 Champion.

Findlay said “After training for months in C1 it was great to see all our hard work pay off at the schools’ championships. It was a great day to be out on the water and even better to get to represent the school.”

Tally, who recently joined Findlay on the Scottish Performance squad, said, “We haven’t won a championship together as a team before. It was exciting to see what our results added up to.”

The trio, who train at Strathallan Canoe Club, have a busy summer ahead with a training camp in France and Findlay and Tally preparing for the 2022 ECA Junior Canoe Slalom Cup in Bratislava.

Strathallan Canoe Club, run by Jane and Gary Gibson, utilises the spacious school pond, swimming pool and local river ways to ensure paddlers get as much time as possible on the water throughout the year.

Team GB Blake H Jacob H Freddie L

IN A SEASON DOMINATED ONCE AGAIN BY STANDOUT PERFORMANCES, PARTICULARLY FROM ANGUS T, ALI T AND MOLLY H WHOSE ACHIEVEMENTS ALONG WITH THOSE OF THEIR TEAMMATES ARE LISTED BELOW, IT WOULD BE TEMPTING TO RECORD THIS AS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR STRATHALLAN CLAYS. AND WHILST IT WAS, AND WHILST THE ACHIEVEMENTS WERE MANY, FOR THIS TEAM THE YEAR WILL ALSO BE DEFINED BY THE LOSS OF THEIR ESTEEMED COACH, EDDY BUCHAN. THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS STAND IN TRIBUTE TO HIM.

Clay Pigeon World Championships

U21 Scotland Team Angus T Ali T Silver Angus T Individual World Championship U16 Winner Ali T Strathallan Prep School Team Competition

Winners Hunter S Hector C Max S Home Internationals Junior Team 3rd Place Angus T

Colts World Champion

Bronze – Colts World Sports Trap 1st ‘C’ Class overall world title Ali T

Rothiemurchus High gun

Junior Prize Molly H High Gun Hunter S

Holland & Holland British Independent Schools Championships

Boys Team 2nd Place Angus T Ali T Luis R Alex M

Amultree & Trochry Clay Shoot

U18 Category 1st Place Angus T Continuation Shoot !st Place Angus T

CRICKET - 1 st XI

AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS FROM CRICKET FIXTURES, INTEREST IN PARTICIPATION MAY POTENTIALLY HAVE WANED, BUT RATHER THE OPPOSITE EFFECT PROVED ITSELF THIS SUMMER. Numbers at training were higher than expected and competition for places in the 1st team was strong. Pre-season, a win ratio of 60% of the matches played was beyond expectations. Despite a slow start, the season picked up momentum, with us finishing strongly, sharing the trophy with Stewart’s Melville College at our annual festival.

Following a loss to Fettes early in May, we quickly bounced back a few days later with a win against a strong Forty Club team. Magnus M produced fine bowling figures of 4 wickets for 16 runs, whilst Captain Archie R scored 84 not out to see his team surpass the Forty Club’s total and win by 4 wickets.

A first round Cup win over Glenalmond followed in the National Cup with debutant Conor F taking 4 wickets for 4 runs to end Glenalmond’s run chase

and set up a quarter final tie with the High School of Glasgow. We travelled twice to Glasgow owing to our first attempt being washed out and having to be abandoned. At the second attempt and chasing a total of 114 to win, the game looked to be all but won when Archie R (49) fell with the score on 85. With overs and wickets in hand, the game slipped quickly from ball to ball with pressure mounting on the batsmen. With further wickets tumbling rapidly, the total required was missed by just 11 runs.

Highlights of the season included Innes P’s 5 wickets and 60 runs during the match against the visiting Marylebone Cricket Club, for which he will be rewarded with a day at Lords during a test match. He will also receive an award for his bowling efforts against the MCC. Joe T twice looked set to score his first century for the 1st XI - once against Stenhousemuir (70) and then against Hymers College (90). Perhaps the best indication of where the team finished the season was with comprehensive wins over our English

counterparts at the festival against Hymers College and Pocklington School.

I would like to thank the all the players for their efforts and application over the season.

Special congratulations go to Magnus M for gaining selection to the regional U17 team and to Innes P and Archie R for being awarded half colours. With Innes being the only leaver from the team, the future of the team looks promising for next season.

Season Roundup

Elsewhere, the 2nd XI enjoyed a win against Glenalmond but lost to Fettes. The U15 teams also gained wins against Glenalmond. They lost to strong Fettes teams. The U14 boys started their campaigns with heavy losses to Fettes but finished strongly with wins for both U14 teams against Merchiston in the last week of term.

This term was the first time that cricket was offered to girls as a games option. Not knowing what the uptake would be, we were amazed by the numbers of girls who chose cricket and attended training. Thankfully Fettes too had enough girls interested to offer us some matches - with one win and two losses. Congratulations to Emma F on her inclusion into the National U17 training programme and potentially selection to the National team for summer fixtures. With the current trend for increased interest and support in national female team sports, this all bodes well for the future of female cricket at Strathallan.

Graeme Robertson

EQUESTRIAN

THE STRATHALLAN SCHOOL EQUESTRIAN TEAM HAS BEEN CAPTAINED BY AMELIA E THIS YEAR. A member of the Scottish U18 BE100 team at Bishop Burton in 2021 she has been an excellent role model to her peers.

Starting off with the NSEA Championships in September, riders were delighted to take part in the NSEA Northern Festival which is a new event attracting over 300 entries from schools in Scotland and the North of England. All the classes Strathallan entered were qualifiers for the prestigious NSEA National Championships in Bedfordshire at the end of October 2021. We were thrilled to achieve qualification for 2 teams, with 6 individual places also being secured. The team of Kyle F Alice E and Topaz W won the 90/95cm class qualifying for the finals as a team and Topaz and

Erin M achieving individual qualification. The team of Sophie B, Alice , Kyle and Topaz W won the 1/1.05 class also qualifying for the finals, with Topaz coming 2nd in the class and qualifying as an individual.

The Strathallan School Team Show Jumping competition on the 10th October was well represented our riders with 18 combinations competing across 4 classes. Strathallan Blue Team won the 70cm consisting of Francesca, Elspeth, Pebbles and Klara, with Francesca winning individually. The Gold Team won the 85cm consisting of Pebbles, Francesca and Elspeth. Strathallan Teams were placed first and second in the 1m class, with the Blue team of Amelia, Pebbles, Topaz and Mille taking the win. Pebbles W had a fantastic competition winning both the 85cm and 1m classes.

DANCE

Ballet

Scottish Ballet Senior Associate/ Royal Conservatoire Junior/ Young Ballet Company Jemima B

A Big Event in the Show Jumping Calendar

The final big event in the calendar is the Kilgraston Schools Competition. We qualified two show jumping team for the NSEA finals and one dressage team. The team of Sophie, Eliza and Alice were placed 4th in the N28 dressage class. In the 90-95cm show jumping class the team of Topaz, Sophie, Eliza and Blake placed second qualifying for the NSEA finals. The highlight of the day was the 100-105 Blue team winning the competition. Eliza, Amelia, Topaz and Blake put in a fantastic performance to win with Blake winning the class individually. Eliza then went on to win the pony 1.10cm class and Amelia the open 1.10cm class.

Many of our riders have been competing in British Eventing Competitions this year with considerable success. Amelia E, Eliza E and Pebbles W have all been selected to represent Scotland in U18 Team’s at the Youth Festival Championships at Bishop Burton on the 3-7th August 2022, with Sophie B selected as reserve. Ava M was 3rd in the BE90 at Hopetoun Horse Trials. In British Show jumping Pebbles and Topaz W represented Scotland in the Intermediate Academy Team. Pebbles won the 1.15 at Southview Equestrian and qualifying her ponies Libbly and Maily for the Royal Highland Show. Pebbles was then selected to represent Scotland at the Home Pony Debute 115/120 team with the team winning Silver. In showing Eliza E was 4th at Horse of the Year Show in the 143cm WHP class and 3rd at the Royal International Horse Show.

Louise Waugh

I would like to thank the all the players for their efforts and application over the season.

He will take to the piste in both the Cadet (Under 17) and Junior (Under 20) Sabre categories, after he came top of his age-groups in qualifying.

“I can’t wait for the Commonwealth Championships. We have a great chance as a team for a podium finish, as most of us train at Salle Ossian Fencing Club. My dream is for an individual podium finish in the sabre.”

Joshua, who is currently ranked 15th in the UK for Cadet Men’s Sabre, first picked up a fencing blade eight years ago and has recently fenced for Team GB in Romania.

“I started fencing for fun but quickly fell in love with it. I love how quick you have to think and how you feel during a bout.”

Joshua’s other achievements of the year include a bronze medal at the Scottish Championships, 2nd place at the British Youth Fencing Championships and becoming the U14 Sabre Scottish Schools Champion.

FIVES

THE SCOPE OF WHAT YOU CAN DO IN A SQUASH COURT IS MORE THAN YOU THINK. Fives is one of those games which you can quite happily play here. For the uninitiated it is an ancient game which you play with friends (and hopefully they will remain so, regardless of the result!) in a walled court with gloves and a ball. It is a bit like “squash with your hands”, but enthusiasts would say that this does a disservice to Fives with all its quirks and eccentricities. For those with good hand-eye coordination, fitness and quick reactions, this is the game for you. During the year, the Fives Club has met every Monday and Friday to enjoy both singles and doubles play. With hard work and regular attendance, the players have picked up the rules and technique to enable them to play some excellent matches. The highlight of the year was when the Durham City Fives Club came to Strathallan in March to play a series of matches with and against us by way of an introduction to the game. I am delighted that the response was incredibly positive, and the numbers are very healthy indeed. Thanks to all who have played this year and I would encourage them to persevere next season. Sore hands? Never!

The Fives Club Ed L, Max M, Dan d L, Magnus M, Finn G-R, Sean N, Adam A, Joe T, Duncan F, Douglas G, Archie R, Ben C. Ewan Lee

FOOTBALL

FOOTBALL AT STRATHALLAN IS GROWING, NOT JUST IN POPULARITY, BUT STANDARD AS WELL. Throughout this season the intent was always to push the boundaries of what had been achieved in the past. A first for Strathallan was our closely contested fixture against Perth High School, the Scottish cup quarter Finalists at the time. We ultimately came up short on this occasion however, the potential for this team is clear to see with three strong friendly wins against sides already competing in the Independent Schools Scottish Cup, something Strathallan will be a part of next season.

The emergence of an undefeated girls’ team is

GOLF

another aspect of Strathallan Football that we can all be immensely proud of, emphatic wins and games played with the spirt and gamesmanship that we at Strathallan strive for across all sports. This shows that football at Strathallan is moving in the right direction.

A huge thanks has to be given to pupils who will be leaving us at the end of this year, especially those in the Upper 6th. The help and enthusiasm for laying the foundations on which to build from is something that the coaching staff and the pupils to follow in their footsteps are hugely thankful for. Next season is sure to be a roaring success and we can’t wait to get started.

John Ambrose

The Centenary course has a great links feeling about it. Well maintained grass, rolling hills and the water and rough hazards, all make it so much fun as you know someone will end up in the water at some point.

THIS YEAR, STRATHALLAN REVEALED ITS NEW CENTENARY GOLF COURSE. AT 1178 YARDS AND PAR 33, THE NEW 9-HOLE COURSE OFFERS A CHALLENGE TO PLAYERS OF ALL ABILITIES.

Designed and created by Strathallan's Head of Grounds, Mike Bussey, the Centenary course seamlessly blends into the school landscape, with plans for more wildflowers and trees to feature prominently in the near future. The course was officially opened on the 28th May by the Headmaster, members of the Strathallan Golf Club and Governor Paul Johnstone.

Xander G, Vice-Captain of School and Captain of Golf at Strathallan School "The course has a great balance

between challenging enough for players with experience but also big open fairways for beginners. There are so many more pupils out every night now as they all want to play. It's great to be able to go out in the evenings, with your friends and play a round of golf during exams, it's a huge stress relief."

Xander, who first picked up a club six years ago, said having the course on campus let pupils pick up the sport at their own pace. "The Centenary course has a great links feeling about it. Well maintained grass, rolling hills and the water and rough hazards, all make it so much fun as you know someone will end up in the water at some point."

Rhett Halkett takes us through some of the highlights of the golfing year

The summer term saw two very competitive and successfully run inter-house golf competitions take place on our Centenary Golf Course. The format was Texas Scramble which encouraged teamwork, low scoring, and a lot of fun. The boys inter-House golf competition was won by Nic B and Jay P from Simpson House, who for some reason seem to have all the Strathallan golfers — I am sure Mr. (Bandit) Batterham has nothing to do with this. The girl’s interHHouse competition was won by the strong duo of Ornella S and Charlie G of Glenbrae. These two German golfers have been a wonderful addition to the 1st mixed golf team this season, so it was no surprise that they walked away with the inter-House victory.

Our first fixture was away versus Glenalmond where we had the opportunity to play on their James Braid designed 9-hole golf course. It was a great afternoon in some ever-changing weather conditions, and we walked away with an

THIRD FORMER JOSHUA B HAS CONTINUED HIS EXCELLENCE IN THE SPORT, BEING SELECTED TO FENCE FOR SCOTLAND THIS SUMMER AT THE 2022 COMMONWEALTH FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LONDON.

overall team win on the day. The next three matches were more challenging against some tough opposition in Fettes, Dollar and the inaugural Strathallanians Golfing Society match. We learnt a lot about ourselves and the various golf programmes provided at different schools during our matches vs Fettes (at Turnhouse Golf Course) and Dollar (at Auchterarder), more importantly we got to make new friends and enjoy a round of golf together. A formidable pairing of Andres M-B and Nic B partnered up to have a very successful record of better ball match play throughout the season where all their matches came down to the last hole. Their biggest heartbreak was losing to the Strathallian’s at the amazing Bruntsfield Links golf course. A huge thank you to Mr. Paul Johnston for his fantastic work leading the Strathallians Golfing Society. We look forward to the rematch next year.

Our final fixture of the season was against a mixed Merchiston golf team. We played the fixture at Auchterarder with a team of six golfers. It was an evenly matched fixture with handicaps at play and full credit to Merchiston who were brilliant in not only their golf performance but also their etiquette, sportsmanship, and camaraderie after the fixture. We won the overall match thanks to a final hole victory from Andres and Nic after being 3 down with 4 holes to play. To cap off our golf season this term, we completed the first edition of the Donald Turner Quiach for the Strathallan Champion Golfer of the year. The competition was open to anyone who has played golf this term and has a handicap.

We managed to combine our staff vs pupils match on the same day at the ever-impressive Auchterarder Golf Club. The students pipped the staff and Innes P walked away with the coveted prize after shooting a nett score of -1. A big thank you to Donald Turner who kindly donated the prize and was on hand to present it to Innes on the day of the competition.

Overall, the golf season was a huge success, and it was great to see so many young people playing the game on the recently renovated Centenary Course.

Thank you to Rev for his support during games in creating the perfect environment for anyone to come down and give golf a try. A special mention to Gregor Wright for his continued work and development of our ever changing and growing golf program. We appreciate the work you do.

HOCKEY

Beyond Strath

Orla F (LV1) who has been playing hockey since she was 10 years old will swap Strathallan School for St Charles, Missouri this summer as she heads to Lindenwood University on a Hockey and Academic Scholarship.

Orla, who has played for the 1st X1 side for four years helping them achieve national success in both the Indoor and Outdoor championships, will join her older sister, Strathallian Izzy out in Missouri as the pair get set to play for the same side again.

Take an ariel tour of the new golf course here:

I still can’t believe I got the dual scholarship. Hockey is really developing in the States and Lindenwood recently moved up to Division 1 so I can’t wait to join an ambitious team that’s going places.

Captain’s Report

Despite beginning the season with only 7 remaining players from the previous year we made it into the National Outdoor Plate Finals.

Our first match of the season was against Glenalmond College on home soil. This indeed was a challenge as it was the first time ever playing together however it was very encouraging to see so many of the youngsters showing off their talent on the pitch. Coming away with a 2-2 draw felt very encouraging, giving us a good foundation to build upon.

Another element that played a crucial part in our success throughout the season was our team bonding, from pizza nights to making synchronised swim routines in the pool during our recovery sessions. All of these made the team that little bit closer.

Only three weeks in to term our coach Mr Dick caught COVID which slowed down our progress. We came up against Dollar Academy where, despite coming away with a 3-1 loss we really showed the meaning of not giving up when things get tough. Each and every one of us came off that pitch knowing we had worked our socks off.

The last week of September saw us walk away with two wins against Kilgraston and Loretto. The game against Kilgraston tested our experienced defence, but they stayed calm on the ball and used Melissa F-S on the righthand side to drive out from the back line and give us the win. The game against Loretto allowed our young front line to show off their skills, in particular Emma F who

was MOTM. Her unpredictability in the D threatened the opposition’s defence as she kept finding the net.

A highlight of the season was the Midland District Schools Tournament. Strathallan hosted and therefore we had a large crowd in support. Our first match in the pool stage had us facing Glenalmond where we won 1-0 in the final minute. Our next game was against Morrisons and despite an end-to-end game of hockey we lost 1-0. Due to the point system used, however, we won our pool and came up against High School of Dundee in the final. Both teams had opportunities to score but were unable to convert to points. The final whistle went at 0-0, and so it went to running penalties. Both teams chose their players and Charlotte G saved every penalty with Ava K managing to find the net, meaning Strathallan won the tournament. This was exactly what we needed to boost morale and motivate us for the first round of the plate.

At home, we hosted Hutchesons’ Grammer. The girls stared with a high press and lots of intensity giving us the initial lead. As we settled into the game, we were able to stick to our structure, find space down the right hand side and create opportunities in the D, letting us walk away with a 3-0 win.

Our next fixture in the calendar was undoubtedly the best team performance we had all season; the National Plate semi-finals against St George’s in Edinburgh. Within the first 5 minutes St George’s were hot off the press and looking threatening in amongst our 25. Our strong defence

Not only was this season successful due to the hard work and commitment from the girls but also the encouragement and time put in from our coaching staff Miss Sime and Mr Dick whose constant support and guidance has been greatly appreciated.

however managed to keep them out. In the first half we were awarded a short corner and knew how vital it was to convert it into points but much to our disappointment Orla F’s straight strike was disallowed. Heads still up, the girls fought to make this our win, but St George’s did not make it easy. The second half saw some tired legs but determined nonetheless we got awarded another short corner with a slip pass from Ava K to Orla F on the left with a lovely reverse hit where Emma F connected with the ball on the far post for a deflection. Despite our best efforts to keep St George’s out they then managed to find the net and score in the final few minutes ending in a 1-1 draw. This took us to the dreaded running penalties. Emotions ran high but once again, Charlotte G saved all the opposition’s flicks apart from one and our reliable Fifth former Emma F scored making it a draw again. Just as we thought things couldn’t get any more tense we had to put forward a player again to take one. Seeing as Emma had been successful it made sense for her to go again so she stepped up and of course she did not let us down. Now it all depended on Charlotte making a save. Of course, she did! Having played with the 1st XI for five years I’ve never known a feeling like this. I could not have been prouder of this group of girls and their performance in that match.

HOCKEY — GIRLS U15A

Our final game of the season was the eagerly anticipated, National Plate Final at Peffermill in Edinburgh where we came up against The Glasgow Academy. Following a team breakfast at school however, Mr Dick received a phone call. Miss Sime couldn’t make it due to testing positive for COVID. This was potentially devastating for us, but we knew we needed to play our game and stick to our structure to come out on top. Unfortunately, the pressure became too much and we struggled to find our feet against a very fast paced, skilled side. Nevertheless, it was a tremendous achievement to have made it thus far considering how young the team was with only four UV1 members. I think the saddest part of this match was not losing but the fact it was our final time playing together as a team, saying goodbye to not only our Upper 6 leavers, Millie W, Iona F, Ava K and Charlotte G but also Orla F who is going to pursue hockey at Lindenwood University in America. The players have all made a massive impact on and off the pitch.

Not only was this season successful due to the hard work and commitment from the girls but also the encouragement and time put in from our coaching staff Miss Sime and Mr Dick whose constant support and guidance has been greatly appreciated.

Ava K

The U15A girls have had a busy season, filled with excellent performances. Everyone has put a huge amount of effort and time into building on teamwork and confidence within our performances. We have had some unfortunate games, but they only made us work harder to strive to be better.

Mr. Giles and Mr. Halkett have supported and helped us improve as a team and as individuals. Our team managed to make it to the semi-finals of the Scottish plate just lucking out in the game against Jordan Hill, where the girls put in an excellent shift. We would all like to say a big thank you to all the coaches but especially to Mr Halkett and Mr Giles who have dedicated their time and effort to coach us and to help us develop as hockey players as we look forward to a successful season next year.

A huge well done to all the girls’ performances this year you should all be proud of yourselves!

HOCKEY — GIRLS U14A

Despite their hockey development being interrupted by lockdowns for the past couple of years, the girls have really progressed as a team and have thoroughly enjoyed playing together again.

showed in impressive wins against Dollar and Morrisons.

Some of the girls also had the opportunity to play in the U15 cup squad team and were lucky enough to be selected for the Midlands Tournament. Playing and competing with some extremely strong hockey players

U14A Captain’s Report

was no doubt invaluable experience for the girls. Led by their captain: Rosie E, the U14 girls can be proud of how far they have come in terms of their hockey ability, and we are excited to see how they progress next year, when they form an U15 team.

The year started off with a whole bunch of new girls joining with varying hockey abilities and with many new friendships starting on and off the pitch which really helped with match play.

Our first match was against Glenalmond College which resulted in a 0-0 draw. We were pleased with this as it was our first match and we didn’t concede any goals.

Later in the season we played Dollar Academy and won 5-3 which made the team enthusiastic but unfortunately the promised TikTok dance if we won from Mr Herbert never happened!

We then played Fettes and lost but we did score the only goal that Fettes had conceded that season.

The last match of year we played Hurstpierpoint who were the champions of England and were on tour around UK and we drew with them 1-1.

The whole team would like to thank Mr Herbert for being our coach of the season and for baking us brownies! We would also like to thank Mr Halkett also for his amazing hockey advice.

Rosie E

Charlotte M

Over the course of the season, all the girls worked hard to improve their individual skills, as well as working on their communication to become an inter-connected and resilient team, playing some very good hockey. This

The 1st XI boys started their season with a Scottish Cup match vs George Watson’s College at Strathallan school. It was a very tight game with a big squad to help cover the 4 unavailable rugby players. Everyone adapted brilliantly to the new defensive structure and the pressure we were trying to create at the start of the season but ultimately, Watsons were just too strong for us on the day and our 2-1 loss put us into the Plate competition. Nevertheless, this game really set the tone for our season and gave the group a sense of belief in what they were capable of.

Our next big test came against Fettes College away from home. This has always proven to be a tough fixture and I was glad to have it early on in our season. We started well and were 0-1 down at quarter time. A very poor 2nd quarter saw Fettes storm into a 0-4 lead by half time after we squandered a good opportunity to equalise. This game was a very tough lesson for our group to learn but an excellent moment for them to realise that they need to believe in themselves as they are capable of beating anyone on any day. This was evident in our second half performance and the final score line vs Fettes ending 1-4.

The above-mentioned games were the only two games we lost the entire season in our outdoor campaign.I must compliment the team for their growth mindset and being open to challenge not only themselves, but each other to be the best hockey players they could be.

Two victories to savour were those against Stewart’s Melville and George Watson’s. In a stormy mid-week afternoon, we travelled down to Edinburgh to face Stew Mel. Conor F provided the best performance of his season and gave the team the best possible platform to win. This individual performance was a shining light in our team’s ethos of doing your job to make the team stronger. Sean N scored a far post finish that was arguably our best team goal of the season. The second memorable victory was the revenge win against George Watson’s College at Strathallan in probably the most

intense 1st XI boys hockey match of the season. The scoring ebbed and flowed but was ultimately decided by a freak goal from the baseline by captain Hamish N who valiantly chased down a lost cause to score from the baseline. The icing on the cake of our season was a very polished and mature performance in our Scottish Cup Plate final match vs a well organised Robert Gordon’s College team

On the indoor court, albeit a very short season, we fielded a finely balanced team of youth and experience. We suffered one defeat at the hands of Perthshire Hockey Club in the regional qualifiers final in Dundee. This game and moment will always make me proud to be this team’s coach: a moment where the team recognized that sportsmanship values triumph over the end result. We were fortunate, this year, to welcome Michel B to Strathallan who bolstered our already strong indoor group. The club experience and maturity provided by Ross T and Hamish N, in combination with Joe T’s immense work ethic and vision ensured that we had a strong platform at the back to build our attacking brand of indoor hockey. Robert B-S and Alex D provided the heartbeat at the centre of the court with the former scoring a hat-trick in our Scottish Cup final match resulting in the team being crowned Scottish Cup champions. Up front, Michel, Nic H and Third Former, Ewan M provided as with an attacking sting. It is vital to recognise that we were the only school team competing in the Scottish Cup competition versus various club teams qualified from around Scotland.

I am excited to see what we as a team can produce next season as we bid farewell to one senior player, Robert B-S, who leaves Strathallan as a Scottish Cup plate winner and an Scottish Cup indoor champion — not bad for a basketball player.

Thank you for your patience, effort and commitment to the team. Congratulations on a successful hockey season. You can be proud of yourselves.

Rhett Halkett

close fought victories against Stewart’s Melville and Hurstpierpoint. Captain Freddie L ensured the team fought until the final whistle and the boys should be very proud of their season. I was also extremely impressed with the boys’ keenness to learn new hockey skills, even after training had finished. It is exciting times for the U14s and I am looking forward to seeing how the boys progress next year.

Will Herbert

U14A Captain’s Report

At the beginning of the hockey season we had lots of new players arrive in 3rd form, many of whom turned out to be key players for our team. Robert B, for example, had only played hockey twice before he joined our team and I was surprised how quickly he picked it up and become an amazing goalie for us.

We had a tough first match against Fettes College, losing 7-0 and we were disappointed in the result but as the season progressed and we trained more together our team became stronger quickly. That was the first and only match we lost in the season.

We moved on to play Glenalmond twice after Fettes and won both matches confidently. Next up was Stewart’s Melville, who we knew were going to be a strong team but we didn’t lose hope and gave it our best and managed to win 4-2. The last match of the season was against Hurstpierpont, we ended on a high beating them 2-1. Overall, I think we had a great season only losing one match and I’d like to thank all my teammates for their great play, Mr Herbert for his amazing coaching and Mr Halkett for his brilliant advice.

Freddie L

INTER-HOUSE SPORT

Woodlands

Senior Girls Cross Country and Overall Winners

Junior and Senior Girls Netball Girls inter-House Football Athletics Standards Girls Overall Sports Day Champions Senior Girls Hockey

Glenbrae

Intermediate Girls Cross Country Girls inter-House Basketball Inter-House Swimming & Swimming standards Inter-House Golf Inter-House Clays

Thornbank

Junior girls Cross Country Junior Girls Hockey Girls inter-House Badminton

Simpson

Senior Boys Football Senior Boys Rugby Senior Boys Tennis Inter-House Golf

Ruthven

HOCKEY — BOYS U14A

Although the U14A Boys’ hockey season got off to a shaky start against a very strong Fettes team, the boys regrouped and worked even harder in training to become more competitive. Over the course of the season the team became more fluent and more intense, scoring some fantastic goals. The resilience and determination of the team shone through as the boys went on to win every single remaining match, with thumping wins against Glenalmond and

Junior, Intermediate, Senior and Overall Winners for Cross Country Junior and Senior inter-House Hockey Boys Clays

Senior Boys inter-House Cricket Boys Overall Sports Day Champions

Nicol Junior inter-House Rugby Athletics Standards

Freeland Junior Boys Football Senior Boys Basketball Senior Boys Badminton Inter-House Swimming & Swimming standards

SPS INTER-DIVISION

SPS inter-Division Rugby Dupplin

SPS inter-Division Girls Hockey Dupplin

SPS inter-Division Boys Hockey Balmanno

SPS inter-Division Girls Tennis Glenearn

SPS inter-Division Netball Glenearn

Sports Day Champions Balmanno

I must compliment the team for their growth mindset and being open to challenge not only themselves, but each other to be the best hockey players they could be.

NETBALL

Heading To The Emirates Arena For The Scottish Schools Cup Final

Things started to become serious when we found ourselves in the Semi Final against Dundee knowing a win would put us into the Final … and unbelievably, all our hard work played off with a great victory of 24-10. We couldn’t believe that we had won and were heading to the Emirates Arena, the home of Netball Scotland, for the Scottish Schools Cup Final.

In the run up to the final everyone in the team trained so hard, training out of school and club times to give ourselves the best chance on the day. The final was amazing and proved to be the closet match we have ever played. Everyone played incredibly well and gave 100% effort against a strong St. Ninians side. With only seconds of the game to play we were able to score the winning goal to win the final with a score of 22-21.

The win was amazing for all of us and the team were so proud of the result given all the hard work and effort we had put in during the term. As a team we had a great season of playing together and just having a fun time as a group. A special thank you must go to Mrs Waugh for all her training, hard work and support to all the team during the term as our coach. Also, to Mrs Rankin for all her support during the term and at the matches.

We’ve had an amazing term of netball and we are all excited to build up on our success in the years to come.

the result given all the hard work and effort we had put in during the term. As a team we had a great season of playing together and just having a fun time as a group.

1 ST VII NETBALL — CAPTAIN’S REPORT

Olivia D

U14A NETBALL — CAPTAIN’S REPORT

The U14A Netball team has had a fantastic year, winning all 8 fixtures this season, scoring a total of 210 goals, conceding only 87.

They worked hard throughout the term organising extra training sessions with Mrs Waugh and showing a huge amount of dedication in their quest to reach the Scottish Schools Cup final.

Schools National Champions. An amazing achievement by all pupils involved.

The senior netball team has been a pleasure to lead throughout the year. I’ll start off by talking about the 1st team who have almost all become new members this year. At the beginning of the year, we all had to adjust to each other’s play which usually would have been a big challenge although all these girls have a growth mindset and push themselves no matter the outcome.

It has been a tough year for us all with a few losses but still some wins and no matter what, we’ve always managed to keep a smile on their faces. Playing against other schools such as St George’s and Kilgraston allowed us to set our skills into play with an outcome of 18-12 and 29-20 wins as well as our hard-fought victory against Fettes which was one of our biggest highlights of the season.

The bus rides to Perth league will always be a favourite of mine as that’s when I learnt these girls weren’t just my teammates, but more of an extended family.

The 2nds have also pushed hard and worked well together as a team. They’ve had quite a few wins and always manage to communicate well no matter how tired they may be. The 3rds and 4ths have played well together despite some of them only starting netball this year. They have showed great commitment to keep pushing themselves to play to a higher level and are up for the challenge playing against the 1st and 2nds in friendly matches. It has been a delight to play with all of you and I wish the best of luck for the netball teams starting in September 2022.

Eilidh S

Representation

Caledonia U13 Netball Onyx

They met High School of Dundee in the semi- finals of the Scottish schools cup. After a slow start they soon settled and Flora R and Olivia D playing GA and GS were able to create scoring opportunities with the hard work of Nisha B, Lilly G, Niamh C, Kim F and Cecilia Q playing mid court positions feeding the ball down to the girls. Klara T and Rosie E both playing GK were able to turn the ball over, resulting in a final score of 24-10 to Strathallan – we had made it to the Scottish Schools Cup Final at the Emirates Arena.

The girls played St Ninians High School in the final. They took an early lead after the first quarter with the score 6-5, maintaining their composure they were still ahead by one goal at half time scoring 12-11 to Strathallan. They continued to build on their positive start in the third quarter, creating more scoring opportunities and building the score to a 17-12 lead by the 3rd quarter.

In the final quarter St Ninians fought back hard, and with 20 seconds to go the score was nail biting 21 all. Strathallan had the final centre pass, with 4 seconds to go Flora R passed the ball of Olivia D who scored as the clock was counting down the seconds. The final score was 22-21 and Strathallan U14A Team were the Scottish

We started our netball season at the beginning of November which was the first time we had ever played as a group at Strathallan. We slowly started to build what was going to be a strong team, after a number of small positional changes like Klara T moving from Goal Shoot to Goal Keep we seemed to have a solid team. With both myself and Co-Captain Flora R playing at District Netball we had a strong Goal Shoot and Goal Attack duo.

We played our first game in late November against Kilgraston with a comfortable win of 21-2. This was a great initial result as we showed we could work well as a team both in attack and defence with Rosie E and Cecilia Q blocking out attacks extremely well. This victory provided the whole team with a significant confidence boost prior to the start of our Scottish Cup journey.

We played both Bertha Park and Perth High School scoring a combined 60 points and only letting in 16 goals which showed how strong a team we were becoming.

Our midcourt Lilly G, Nisha B and Niamh C really started to form strong partnerships on court.

Our journey continued with strong wins over Lathallan, St Georges and Fettes College which had us dreaming that we could have a chance of getting to the finals. These games tested our defence more than in previous games with us scoring 83 goals against 38. Our wider defence team of Kim F and Evie C playing brilliantly to protect our defensive side.

Louise Waugh

The win was amazing for all of us and the team were so proud of

Perth & Kinross District

Flora R Olivia D Chloe M Jos N

Scotland U15 Netball Trials Olivia D

RUGBY

Representation

1ST XV RUGBY 2021/22

This season has been filled with many ups and downs. We have had success both on Big Acre and in the academy circuit, with 10 boys either playing or participating in the FOSROC regional rugby championship: an impressive accolade for a small 2 squad roster of just under 40 boys.

Special mentions must be made to Alexander T and Callum N who represented Scotland international at U18 and U20 age groups respectively. It was such a huge achievement for you both and you did the team proud.

After a flurry of success in the warmup games against Perthshire and Balfron, we met our first cup opponents in Dollar Academy. With a strong start to the game, and Kyle R nipping down the wing to dot one in the corner flag, things were looking up for the boys in blue and gold. A strong Dollar counterattack mixed with a handful of Strath injuries proved

to make a fast paced and competitive game, with the final score coming to a nail-biting 19-22 to Dollar.

With much to be proud of from the first game, we approached the second game with heads held high and big goals for the match. Merchiston were the reigning U16 Cup champions and were very much the school to beat. Rain was being deposited in buckets on our home turf, and the boys knew it was a day for quintessentially Scottish rugby. With a superb defensive effort in the first half, and a usual cross bar skimming penalty kick from Adam A, the team were leading into the second half 3-0. The next half was guaranteed to be a battle, and stoic reinforcements in the form of Sean N from the second team pitch added to the effort. A strong bench and closeknit pod-work towards the try-line allowed Merchiston to continue to stretch in front with the final score 3-17.

Our next fixture, an away match at George Watsons, proved to be one of our worst performances of the year. With a reasonably full match squad we set out in the first half with a low intensity and intent, ultimately leaving us behind. With a usual hearty defensive and attacking effort, Eric D clawed back points and intent for the blue and gold side. Sadly, it was too little too late and we lost the match 22-13.

The next game gave a similar outcome as a lack of defensive intent and ball speed allowed an average Heriots side to tie the game at 24 all. With the squad back to full strength, the next games proved to be more successful for the team, as we pushed a strong attack against Edinburgh Academy. With hearty upfront carries and good distribution to the wide channels, we tallied 64 points on the scoreboard. An equally successful game followed against Fettes College, where the boys really played some superb rugby (with a Campese esc chip and chase from Sean that he would be distraught not to have mentioned). The final score rounded up to an impressive 55-12 to Strathallan, a great result considering the same age group had beaten us throughout all younger age groups. Having learned so much from the previous games in the season, we rounded out cup season off with a Stewart’s Melville home match. Probably the most physical game all season, the opposition led after the first half. A yellow card opened the door for our home side, but the impressive discipline of the Edinburgh school kept their try line just out of reach for the entirety of the match, ending 12-0 to them. With the cup run out of sight for this year, we were left with 2 friendlies at the end of the season, unbeaten Loretto and local rivals, Glenalmond College. With convincing victories in both matches, the season ended with 4 wins, 5 losses and a draw. Although not the end result we would have hoped for, the team, through the coaching of Mr Henderson and Mr Kalman progressed strongly and learnt much from every game. Having built a strong foundation, we wish the best of luck to the 2022/23 1st XV.

Having learned so much from the previous games in the season, we rounded out cup season off with a Stewart’s Melville home match. Probably the most physical game all season, the opposition led after the first half.

BOYS RUGBY

Caledonia U13 Oskar E Finley M

Caledonia U16 Archie M Ramsay S Fionn T

Caledonia U17 Joe T Carlos A

Caledonia U18 Jonny M Struan R Alex T Archie R Adam A Innes P Doug Y

GIRLS RUGBY

Scotland U18 Futures Team Charlotte G

Stirling County National Youth Cup Winners Lottie R Nathalie R Aicha S Charlotte G

Glasgow Warriors U18 Alex T Jonny M Struan R

Scotland U20 Team Callum N Scotland U18 Team Struan R Alex T

After over a year without competitive fixtures this season was an excellent opportunity for the under 15 squad to develop their skills, improve overall game awareness and match sharpness. Results didn't always go our way, but the improvement in the team was significant and I was impressed with the dedication of the squad. The A team was led by Derek M and Sebastian G. As well as being strong players individually, they showed excellent leadership skills and ensured that standards were always kept high.

The team emphasis throughout the term was on encouragement as well as not dwelling on mistakes and I was impressed with how the group bought into this culture. This year we always focused on the 'Next Job' and it was fantastic to have the team display this on the field. The season got off to an excellent start with a 50-0 victory over Balfron High School. The team played some excellent flowing rugby and this style of offloading, fast paced play was at the core of everything we did in the season. Following this win the squad was somewhat depleted by injuries to some key players, in particular fly half Adam W and we were not helped by a COVID-19 outbreak within the team. This halted our progress somewhat, however, several players stepped up to fill the void to play against a strong Dollar side and I was hugely impressed with their commitment in difficult circumstances.

Narrow losses (all within one score) followed against Merchiston, Fettes and Heriots, but the passion for the jersey was evident in each of these fixtures and it was clear we were developing as a squad. If we had received the bounce of the ball in these games more of the results might have gone in our favour. There were strong wins against Stirling High School, 36-7, as well as a 50+ victory over Lathallan. I was pleased to see many of the skills learnt in training starting to take shape and the 2-4-2 pattern we had been working on provided structure to our game and enabled us to generate space out wide where are wingers took advantage of the opportunities. The highlights of the winter term included a strong win against Edinburgh Academy 45-0, and we finished the term emphatically with a 29-5 win against our local rivals, Glenalmond College.

The spring term brought the opportunity for some Sevens rugby and we were invited to take part in the

U14A & U14B RUGBY

tournament at Merchiston Castle School. I thought it would be a challenge to assemble a squad given the other sporting commitments of the term. The enthusiasm from the boys, however, was excellent and we were able to select a strong team, captained by Archie M. Despite not having a huge amount of time to prepare there was a collective belief within the squad that we could perform well. We were drawn in a tough group including hosts Merchiston, but we played some exceptional rugby and we secured victories over Dollar 19-17, as well as Stewart's Melville 34-0, to top the group and setup a semi-final against George Watsons. Here, our press in defence was outstanding and we dominated from the first whistle to seal a 39-19 win. In the final we faced a physical Loretto. We played with real spirit but got drawn into a more contact focused game and having lost a couple of players to injury earlier in the tournament, fatigue began to set in within the group. We lost narrowly 21-17, but this was an experience the boys thoroughly enjoyed. Clearly they have an appetite to return to the tournament again next season and hopefully we can develop our sevens offering even further.

A number of players, including Archie M, Ramsay S and Fionn T have gone forward for Caledonia selection. This is a group with a significant amount of talent and with almost 30 pupils playing A team rugby this year it shows the depth in the year group. The opportunity to tour Italy in the summer with the senior squad will give many the chance to further develop their skills and I look forward to seeing them progress as players as they move through the school.

Connor S

An outstanding win by 35-26 over Stirling County RFC and a 40-15 win over George Heriots, before more competitive losses against the remaining conference teams. We then finished the term on a high with a resounding win away at Glenalmond by 31-0, which showed what a brilliant team they can be.

The hard work and energy that was applied during every session from the team was impressive.

Even after a loss, the boys turned up to training, eager to learn and work hard to improve as a team and individually. I fully expect this group to learn a huge amount from this term and I am sure they will develop into a top group over coming years.

Our U14B team had a very successful year Playing eight, winning five and losing three. The highlights of the year were victories over Merchiston, George Watsons, Stewarts Melville and Edinburgh Academy. We have been hugely impressed with the development and improvement shown of all the players who represented the school during the autumn term. Well done to you all.

Mr Lee & Mr Bergin

SKIING

Ski Highlights of the year included Fifth Former Alasdair M and LV1 Maisie M being selected for the Scottish Alpine Ski Team as well as Fourth Former Murdo H being named U16 Boys Team British Alpine Champion.

Alasdair described his selection as “a massive honour after the disruption to training due to Covid.” He has been skiing since he was 18 months and was recently named U16 Scottish Champion at Cairngorm in March. He anticipates both opportunity and challenge with the move to the adult FIS category, but vows to meet this by working as hard as he can.

He joins Maisie in the FIS U18 Team. Maisie started skiing for Scotland when she was 14 years old and competed in her first FIS U18 Super G in January.

Maisie M said “It feels great to be selected for the Scotland team again, I’m looking forward to spending another season with my team and I’m excited for the races ahead.”

Murdo only began competing on snow this year and was one of four boys from the UK to win the U16 team event at the British Alpine Championships, which included Slalom, Giant Slalom and Super G. He has been competing on dry slopes for seven years and said of the change, “It’s a lot harder, the conditions are tougher but it makes the win so much more worth it and the views are always good.”

The 3rd form boys returned to school in September, looking forward to representing the school in competitive fixtures again. It was clear from the first few training sessions, how competitive the group were and how eager they were to improve and develop as a team. We started the term with a comprehensive victory over Balfron Rugby club by 69-28, where we scored some outstanding team tries. We went into our first conference rugby fixtures against Dollar & Merchiston castle school, which we both lost, but showed the group where we need to improve to compete with the strongest sides in the conference.

The team emphasis throughout the term was on encouragement as well as not dwelling on mistakes and I was impressed with how the group bought into this culture.

Mr Thompson & Mr Mitchell.

It feels great to be selected for the Scotland team again, I’m looking forward to spending another season with my team and I’m excited for the races ahead.

IAM DELIGHTED TO REPORT THAT THIS HAS BEEN A VERY BUSY YEAR FOR SQUASH RACKETS AT STRATHALLAN. In addition to the very well attended Friday Squash Club, it was also offered as a games option during the Lent Term, also proving to be popular. During the year, therefore, it was pleasing to note that the courts were in use every day except Sunday! We played two fixtures against Fettes College at the Grange Squash Club in Edinburgh and Glenalmond College at home, both of which were very successful in terms of the results of the individual matches and the fact that players of all standards were encouraged to represent the school. Squash is a demanding discipline which requires time, patience and, above all, fitness, so I have been greatly encouraged that so many pupils have returned week after week to improve their technique, challenge new opponents and, above all, to have fun. I would like to thank the Captain of Squash, Jemima F-S, for her time and her effortless ability to introduce beginners to the game. I would also like to thank Mr Mark Beaumont, the visiting squash pro, for his support, especially on our two match days. I very much look forward to next season and I am hoping that the new Captain will be able to recruit a new crop of talented players.

The Squash Club Jemima F-S, Melissa F-S, Isla M, Eva d L, Dan d L, Finn G-R, Linus S, Fergus M-S, Reuben L, Will M, David A, Reece M, Matthew T, Lauchie O, McKenzie B, Paul B, Caspar S, Douglas P, Lucas B

SQUASH SWIMMING

THIS WAS ANOTHER YEAR OF CHARACTERISTIC EXCELLENCE FROM THE STRATHALLAN SWIM TEAMS. It ended with Fourth Former Evan D and our head coach Elaine Johnstone selected to represent Great Britain at the 2022 European Youth Olympic Festival in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, having begun with a slew of successes at National Age-Group Championships and national selections.

September saw the swim team back in the pool with

some new faces in the squad, all keen and desperate to get back to racing after a prolonged period away from any competitive events.

Throughout the school year, swimmers from SPS and Senior school swam at District and National and International events all over the UK — 87 medals were won at District level over both Long and Short Course. National highlights included the Senior Team’s performance at the Scottish National Age Group

Championships in April where nine of our swimmers achieved 16 medals and 22 PBs. Well done to Owen C (LV1), John M (LV1), Jess S (UV1), Ollie S (UV1), Grace H (Fifth Form) and Finlay B (SPS), as well as our medal winners. Evan D took home 12 medals; Gold in 50/100/200/400 free, 200/400IM, 100/200 fly, 100/200 breast, Silver in the 50 Fly and Bronze in the team relay. In the 14-year-old age group, Euan W won Gold in the

Interhouse Swimming

400IM and 50 br, Silver in 200 b/c and 800 free and finished 4th in 200 br, 200 free, 200IM and 5th in 400 free.

Elise C took Bronze in the 17/18 years 100 free and finished 4th in 50 free, 5th 400IM, 6th 50 fly and 7th 200 free.

Our Captains for 2021-22 have been Oliver S and Katelyn T, thanks to them both for doing a great job this year and all their help and support.

Elaine Johnston

It was excellent to see both the boys and girls Inter-house swimming standards and gala being keenly contested. Swim standards took place in the first term with the following results:

1st Freeland 229 1st Glenbrae 175

2nd Ruthven 219 2nd Woodlands 165 3rd Simpson 198 3rd Thornbank 136 4th Nicol 160

The Inter-house swimming galas took place in February. Both events were extremely well contested with some outstanding swims. In the girls’ event there were seven new records set and another five swims that were within the previous record. In the boys’ event we had two new records set and the results were:

1st Freeland 63 1st Glenbrae 56 2nd Ruthven 40 2nd Thornbank 50 3rd Simpson 34 3rd Woodlands 34 4th Nicol 17

SPS – Inter-Div Swimming

SPS swimming gala took place in March and saw a lot of very excited and nervous Prep school swimmers take to the pool. They swam very well and there were some excellent races. The results were very close between the top 2 divs, coming down to the final relay.

1st Dupplin 74 2nd Glenearn 68 3rd Balmanno 50 4th Dron 38

Captain’s report

“To conclude the last 6 years of my swimming life in too short a paragraph”

I am incredibly thankful for the journey swimming has taken me on. There have been some ups and a fair few downs, but what I learned over time is that enjoying the process is the most important thing. I am extremely thankful to Elaine for letting me join in for a couple of sessions a week back in Second Form to help the recovery of my broken ankle. My Strath swimming journey started from there, and I can’t imagine where I would be without it. I enjoyed swimming and found it great for physical and mental health. I kept at it and over time built up the amount I did. For the past few years now, I have been swimming with the competition squad 8 times a week as well as gym sessions outside the pool. For anyone who doesn’t know swimming, there is much more to it than

spending up to 4 hours a day staring at a black line. I made strong friendships, built resilience, learnt about successes and failures, but somehow never managed to get the hang of breaststroke…

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent swimming at Strath, and even though the nature of the sport means you miss out on a lot of other teenage experiences, I would not replace it for anything. I wish good luck to all members of the squad, those leaving, and those staying, and I know they will all do great things in the future. While I am unsure yet if my journey with the sport finishes here, I am grateful for everything swimming has given and taught me. A final thank you must go to Elaine, she works incredibly hard and gives 100 % to all her swimmers every day. She has made a major positive impact on my time at Strath.

Oliver S

TENNIS

WE ARE SO PROUD THIS YEAR TO RECEIVE THE PRESTIGIOUS TITLE OF TENNIS SCOTLAND SCHOOL OF THE YEAR.

Our tennis programme, which is offered throughout the whole school, has been recognised, and our success is testament to the sustained efforts of our brilliant Director of Tennis, Mr Tommy Ogilvie. We would like to thank all involved, coaches, staff, volunteers, students and families for their continued support of all things tennis at Strathallan.

This has been another fantastic year for our tennis programme, pupils and teams. In our programme the participation numbers have been high, our development groups are making great progress along with our performance players performing outstandingly well throughout the school year.

Coaching and competitions run throughout all three school terms. We welcome new pupils at Strathallan taking up the chance to start learning to play right through to our performance players who keep the courts busy all year round. Drop-in sessions, activities, social tennis, development groups, team practice sessions, performance squads and individual lessons are all available.

After a highly enjoyable pre-season, our busy summer term of school fixtures kicked off the first week back, with 60 senior girls representing the school in block fixtures. SPS tennis has grown again this year, with more pupils than ever taking up the sport or attending sessions on a regular basis, and this helped our SPS teams prepare for a successful summer on court. As the season progressed, our senior teams performed admirably across all ages, and it has been a very successful term for performances, commitment and results. A special mention here to Mr Herbert, Mr Samson and Ms Wardlaw for all their time and efforts with the teams during the summer term.

Representation

House Tennis was as competitive as ever, with Simpson winning both the senior and junior boys competitions. In the girls, Glenbrae were victorious in the senior event, and Woodlands in the junior event.

SPS Div tennis was a fun afternoon of match play, which culminated in Glenearn and Balmanno being tied at the top with the same number of wins, so on games count back, Glenearn took the win by just 3 games. Dron finished 3rd and Dupplin 4th.

Throughout this year Sofia F, Oliver S, Thomas D and Alex D all volunteered with the Prep School to help coach their sessions. This improved their own coaching and understanding of teaching tennis, leading to Alex and Oliver achieving their LTA Level 1 Tennis Coaching Assistant awards. It also provided fantastic support for our large classes. The SPS pupils’ game has developed considerably, with the youngest ones now able to play and umpire their own size court matches while the older groups have been working on tactics and consistency and putting that into their summer term fixtures.

Individually there have been some fantastic results over the course of the school year, with new national

Captain's Report — Boys

champions crowned, international, county and district representation and a series of tournament wins at district, county and regional level. As well as those listed below, notable achievements at championship level were made by Annie W and Ben C with a real reflection of the success of the pupils is to see 5 players qualifying to play in the Grade 2 Scottish Open at Craiglockhart in June - this is a first for our programme, as previously we may only have had 1 or 2 competing regularly at that level.

As another year of tennis draws to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our group of leavers this year, many of whom have made massive contributions to Strathallan and to all things tennis at Strath, many over several years, and I would like to wish you all the best for the future. Keep playing, volunteering, coaching, competing and most of all enjoying tennis for many years to come.

Finally, I would like to thank Ryan Martin, his continued work over the three terms with our performance players makes a real impact on our programme and our pupils are definitely benefitting from his efforts — thanks again Ryan and congratulations on your Level 3 Coaching Award.

Tommy Ogilvie

With life finally returning to a sense of normality, Strath tennis hit the ground running with the boy’s team having an exceptional year. The first team went undefeated in all friendly matches this season, against some strong teams such as Fettes, George Watsons, and High School of Dundee. The 2s, U15 and U13 teams also had successful seasons, and it is great to see so many boys representing the school in tennis fixtures. These matches helped all our players as they provided some much-needed experience to make up for the lack of competition these last few years. The boys first team consisting of Marcus M, Jed M, Ben C, and Nick B comfortably made it all the way to the National Cup Final, winning 23 out of the 24 matches played though all four rounds. The final was played against a strong Merchiston side, and with what was an incredibly tight battle, and with the matches tied at 3 wins each, we narrowly lost 10-7 in a deciding shootout, with some brilliant tennis being played by all four boys, in the final and throughout the competition.

This year Strath received the national award for Tennis Scotland School of the Year. This highlights the calibre of the amazing tennis programme we have, and credit must be given to the perseverance and dedication shown by the pupils, as well as to our tennis coach Tommy. Tommy has worked incredibly hard to take Strath tennis to where it is today, and I know every pupil is extremely grateful for his tireless commitment and enthusiasm he shows daily.

Oliver S

District Lucas B Nicholas B

County Katie B Thomas D Jed M Marcus M

National Freya C

Captain's Report — Girls

This year’s 1st IV girls team including Katie B, Annie W, Maria M, Lara G, Cecelia N and Freya C coming up from third form carried forth this year’s achievements with 14 wins out of the 15 matches we played. In the National Cup Round One against Robert Gordon’s college, the girls started strongly with a 6-0 win, which led them to round two against Morrison’s Academy which again, was another 6-0 win. Moving to round three against Dunblane High School which proved to be a powerful side, Strathallan once again managed to win closely with a score of 4-3. Into the semi-final, the girls were up against experienced Mearns Castle High School (eventual winners), putting in huge efforts, however unfortunately it resulted in a loss of 4-2. The girls getting through to the semi-finals of the Nationals is extremely impressive and they should all be proud of themselves.

The younger teams at Strathallan also played exceptionally well throughout this year. The U12 As, Sophe D, Ailya D, Harriet R and Ruby A, won 4 out of their 4 matches, with special mention going to their impressive 8-1 victory against Kilgraston. The U13 As won 4 out of 6 matches including an exceptional 8-1 win against St. Leonards School. The U14 As won 5 out of 5 matches with great results all around, especially their 9-0 win against Glenalmond College. Lastly, the U15 As won 4 out of their 6 matches, with the 2 losses being extremely close games with both being 4-5, and an amazing score of 6-0 to Strathallan against the High School of

Beyond Strath

UV1 Katie B’s tennis journey will continue postStrathallan at Emory and Henry College in southwest Virginia. She is delighted to have received an offer to join their tennis team, the Wasps, and study psychology. Based in the Appalachian Highlands, Emory & Henry College was founded in 1836. With a 10:1 student-toteacher ratio, it is consistently ranked among the best private liberal art institutions in the United States.

Dundee which also deserves a special mention. With all teams winning majority of their games, I can proudly say that the standard of the girls tennis at Strathallan this year has been outstanding, and we have been very lucky to have played so many matches after coming back from Covid-19, all the girls have loved being able to play competitively again.

I would like to personally thank all the girls for turning up to training every week and putting in huge amounts of efforts. I would also like to give a huge thank you to Tommy, our coach, who makes sure the girls are always having fun, developing and very well prepared throughout the year.

Maria M

DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARDS AT STRATHALLAN

THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR DUKE OF EDINBURGH AT STRATHALLAN We have run expeditions at all levels of the award and have had notable success at Gold level with seven pupils having completed this since the last edition of the Strathallian. What is even more impressive is that five of those pupils successfully completed the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels: an amazing achievement which demonstrates years of commitment to the Award.

T hese pupils were recognised with either half or full colours depending on the level of additional volunteering undertaken. We have also had considerable success with the Silver level of the Award with 12 pupils having completed the Award, the most recent of which was at the very end of term. Bronze completions remain high with 13 pupils having completed their awards since last June. I am very grateful to support Dr Sapsford, Dr Sharples, and Mrs Hodson provide to the running of the Duke of Edinburgh programme at Strathallan.

In the Summer term 26 pupils completed their Bronze practice hike in the Dunkeld region and they will have the opportunity to complete their assessed expedition at the start of Autumn term in September.

The final week of term saw the Gold and Silver groups completing their assessed expeditions in the Dunkeld region. This very successful year of expeditions was supported by Stuart Ritchie at Outlook Adventures and to whom we all express our thanks.

College tennis in North America is on a whole other level, it’s a great opportunity to continue to play matches and grow in the game. I can’t wait to get out there and see where it takes me.

W e have been fortunate that COVID restrictions were lifted at the end of last summer and that we have been able to run a full expedition programme this year. The highlight of these were the Gold and Silver expeditions undertaken at the end of the Summer holiday. The Gold and Silver walking groups completed 4 and 3 days respectively walking in Glenfeshie and Glen Tromie, surviving possibly the worst midge conditions seen by our DofE teams in recent years. For the first time in a number of years we were able to offer a paddling expedition and members of the Gold team paddled the length of the Great Glen starting in Inverness and finishing in Fort William. This was in many ways counter intuitive given the usual wind direction but studying the forecast paid off and they had the wind behind them for the majority of their expedition. It was a fantastic adventure which will stay with the participants for many years to come.

The Winter term saw 48 pupils taking part in either of the two trainings days offered, which are a compulsory part of expedition preparation, and at the end of the Easter break the Silver and Gold pupils completed their practice expeditions in the Trossachs National Park.

GOLD AWARD

Whilst expeditions are understandably one of the most exciting elements of the Award, DofE pupils have been involved a huge range of other activities in order to complete their Award. The sport section is often the easiest to complete and many other pupils choose to undertake a musical activity to complete their skill section. This year, however, we have had range of skill activities including knitting, touch typing, acting and cooking. The volunteering section is perhaps the hardest section to complete particularly in a residential setting such as ours. Nevertheless, in addition to activities undertaken to help younger pupils, DofE pupils have also given their time to looking after tutor’s pets, helping out at Park Run events in Perth, writing letters to elderly people during Lockdown and working with the John Muir’s Award.

It is particularly pleasing to note that a number of the Gold Award pupils spent the Autumn term digging the foundation for the village pétanque court which Mr Vallot very kindly gave his time to support.

Whilst we have had a good number of pupils complete their Awards this year, there are still a number of ‘legacy’ pupils in the system. Many of these pupils require only a few more sessions of activities or an assessor’s report in order to complete their Award. If your son or daughter is keen to complete their Award, which they may have started a while ago, it is not too late, and we would encourage them to pop in and see Mr Miles at the start of next term. Duke of Edinburgh continues to provide excellent opportunities for pupils both in school and beyond, particularly at the more advanced Gold level of the Award.

Brian Miles.

STRATHALLAN SCHOOL COMBINED CADET FORCE 2021-2022

In conjunction with the wider school, we ran a uniformed services career afternoon and this gave the cadets and all pupils in 5th and 6th Form the chance to meet and chat to personnel from the Royal Navy, the Army, including the University Officer Training Corps, the Royal Air Force and the Police.

ROYAL NAVY

IT HAS BEEN A GREAT YEAR OF GETTING BACK INTO CCF ACTIVITIES AND RUNNING ALL THE EVENTS

WE NORMALLY DO AND MORE! The Cadets have been out and about training, having fun and developing their leadership skills. This has been no mean feat and is due to the dedicated staff and cadets that have made this happen. Particular mention should go to Cadet RSM Carlos K who has been a dedicated and excellent leader and our new School Staff Instructor (SSI), SSgt Jim Shoebridge, who has been a welcome addition to the team this year.

This year has seen our biennial inspection, carried out by Lt Col Peter Kemp RM. It was a great day to be able to show him the wonderful work of the cadets and introduce him to the staff. He was hosted by the senior cadets and he was impressed by the training and enthusiasm of the cadets he met. I am pleased to report we were green in all areas (top marks) and look forward to our next inspection in 2 years time! He was impressed by the staff and thanked them for their time and dedication. Many of our staff have previous military experience which benefits the cadets and this year we are proud to report that six of them were recognised for their service during the Queen’s reign and were awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Many of our staff have previous military experience which benefits the cadets and this year we are proud to report that six of them were recognised for their service during the Queen’s reign and were awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

THE ROYAL NAVY SECTION HAS REALLY GROWN THIS YEAR. BEING LED BY CADET WO1 CHARLOTTE G AND CHRISTOPHER S. The section has benefitted hugely from enthusiastic staff and Lt Birrell started the year as they meant to go on with activity and leadership at the forefront. This involved the first three weeks at Willowgate Activity Centre, paddle boarding and kayaking and as well as developing skills. This really enabled the section to get to know each other well. They then spent the rest of the term training on the Royal Navy Cadet Field Gun which involved leadership, teamwork, skill and once more experienced and competent, speed! The Navy Cadets spent their field days on the Clyde Fleet Tender, a small vessel that sailed on the Clyde, kayaking on the Tay in January – a tough, challenging but highly rewarding experience. They have kayaked on the school pond, sailed on the Tay and all the Fourth Form achieved the adult RYA Level 1 and have already achieved many modules on level 2. Afloat training is the defining activity of the Naval Cadet Forces. The Royal Navy proficiency syllabus bases its training emphasis on leadership, afloat activities and

Field Gun Training

adventurous training. The Fourth Form have embraced all of this. They took part in a Junior Leadership course and adventure training in Garelochhead. This summer saw some cadets attending powerboat level 2 courses and we have seven cadets on Exercise Northern Lights: a 12-day sailing expedition along the West Coast of Britain. I would like to thank all the parents who supported these trips and qualifications; it is excellent to see the benefit the cadets gain from this variety of high-quality training.

SSI SSgt Shoebridge receiving the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal

Strathallan CCF, Army section, Barry Buddon 2022

Biennial Inspection – Cadet LCpl Katelyn T promoted by the inspecting officer

A big thank you as always to Chief Petty Officer Stevie O’Neil from the Royal Navy Youth Team who has supported us over the year and is always there to help our training to be as fun and varied as possible. And of course our staff; Lt Siobhan Birrell who has focused on leadership and thank you to her enthusiasm for developing the LV1 and Fifth Form cadets to plan the training for next year. A big thank you and welcome to SLt Caroline Lauder. Caroline has joined the section and already managed to get qualified by attending her Basic Officers’ Course at the Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. We thank her for her enthusiasm, time and of course all the amazing baking which the cadets love!

ROYAL MARINES

THE MARINE CADETS ARE A STRONG AND KEEN SECTION. THIS YEAR THEY WERE 41 STRONG.

THE LARGEST THE SECTION HAS BEEN FOR A LONG TIME. Cadet WO2 Sebastian P led the Marine Cadets this year, keeping them on their toes and the smartest turned out of the three sections! They were lucky enough to attend a fantastic field day in October which was run by the Royal Marine Engagement Team at MOD Caledonia. Here, they completed team building military exercises, the military swimming test (all passed) and enjoyed being in a military environment and meeting real life Royal Marines. The later part of the day included military skills and patrolling. The LV1 Cadets attended the Cadet Force Instructional Techniques Course (CFIT) during the first term to enable them to teach and instruct the Troop on military skills need for Marines training for the Pringle Trophy.

The Pringle Trophy is the annual competition between all Royal Marine CCF detachments from schools throughout the UK. This trophy is the most prestigious event in the Royal Marine CCF year and competition is always fierce. The full competition is

up and running again and in October 2022 and we are looking forward to entering a team into this. Hopefully the Royal Marine cadets will get some fitness training in over the long summer holiday!

The Royal Marine Cadets have been very keen this year with those volunteering for courses, applying for flying scholarships, taking part in the Queen’s Jubilee Youth Spectacular (a youth military tattoo) and finally looking extremely smart in their blues uniform on Speech Day. Whilst the staff post for running the

section is currently vacant, we have been hugely grateful to Lt Col Stu Robertson who has been back again this year to help train and steer the Royal Marines Section. His enthusiasm for all things fitness has kept the troop ship-shape and introduced the Fifth Form to Royal Marines Fitness and Pringle Trophy training!

Finally, thank you to the Cadets for their enthusiasm and dedication to the Royal Marine Cadets this year. There is much to look forward to next year and with a strong base, we look forward to welcoming new Cadets who join from the Army recruits.

ARMY

THE ARMY SECTION, LED BY CADET WO2 ANNA C, HAVE HAD A VARIED YEAR OF TRAINING IN FIELDCRAFT, LEADERSHIP, WEAPON, NAVIGATION AND DRILL.

The recruits start off by earning everything green from badges of rank, patrolling, navigation, drill (military marching) and they are issued their uniform and boots. They then had a field day in October, where they focused on their military fieldcraft, perfecting their patrolling, they learnt how to build bashers (military shelters) in the woods and camouflaged up using cam cream for the first time.

Blank Firing Exercise

The senior cadets attended the CFIT Course and started instructing this year, more so than ever. This enabled the Section to run a variety of lessons this year and special thanks to all the LV1 Cadets who ran the lessons this year.

2022 started off with a field day for the Fourth Form and the start of skill at arms training, teaching the cadets how to operate the weapon system (cadet rifle). This training is technical, difficult and requires many hours so congratulations to all the cadets for their efforts in this — we were training from January up until the Wednesday in June before annual camp!

Cadets Matthew T and Zoe T onboard the Clyde Fleet Tender

Sailing at the Sea Cadet Centre with Ancrum Outdoors Exercise NORTHERN LIGHTS

Sub Lieutenant Caroline Lauder at BRNC

Cadets taking the swim test at MOD Caledonia

There is much to look forward to next year and with a strong base, we look forward to welcoming new Cadets who join from the Army recruits.

Army CCF Cadets Qualifications – CFIT, Star badges and shooting

Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT)

This training is vital to ensure cadets can operate safely when they attend annual camp, which we were delighted to be able to resume this year after the two-year hiatus of Covid restrictions. Some were initially nervous about spending seven days away on a military base but by the end were unanimous in their appreciation of the amazing week they had. All the staff where really impressed by the cadets — their resilience, leadership, military skills and sense of fun made for a challenging but excellent week. The cadets spent a day on military activities which included paint balling, obstacle course, stalking (sneaking up on an enemy position), command tasks and first aid. They then went on a twoday exercise, sleeping in bashers, patrolling and carrying out section and platoon attacks (blank firing). They then spent a day Coast Steering — jumping off large rocks into the sea which was great fun and a welcome during the warm days on camp. The cadets finished the week with an excellent day on the live ranges, firing from 100m and 200m. Congratulations to the Cadets on an excellent Camp!

Unfortunately, adventure training at Easter this year was cancelled due to Covid — we had cadets apply for two skiing courses and hope these exciting opportunities — Nordic skiing in Norway and ski touring in Canada — will run next year as they sound amazing! Thank you to all the staff who have trained the Army cadets this year; 2Lt David Richardson, Sgt Kyle Howie, Mark Higginbottom, Katherine Bergin, Kenna Troup, Tom Sharples and Capt Iain McGowan. Our new SSI, Jim Shoebridge joins us from the Scottish Cadet Training Team with many years of experience training cadets. The cadets have benefited from his experience and have enjoyed their CFIT, skill at Arms training and well as all the new shiny bits of uniform they have been issued! It is great to have Jim on board and he looks forward to developing the CCF over the next few years.

Major Charlotte Marjoribanks Contingent Commander

This training is technical, difficult and requires many hours so congratulations to all the cadets for their efforts in this — we were training from January up until the Wednesday in June before annual camp!

Army CCF Summer Camp, Barry Buddon June 2022

Weapon Cleaning after exercise

Sleeping out on exercise Coast Steering

Camp Best Senior Cadet Cadet Sgt Harry T presented by Major Davey Harvey, OC CTT

Summer Camp Best Junior Cadet Cadet Angus C presented by Major Davey Harvey, OC CTT

Summer Camp Best Shots Cadet Tom C

Summer Camp Best Shots Cadet Tara G-R

Cadets Tara G-R and Alice C

The Strathallian

Strathallan Staff News

Thank you and farewell to much valued colleagues

Bumper Salisbury

Bumper Salisbury, Head of Security and more importantly therapet extraordinaire retired this year after 12 years of faithful service to the English Department. There are a great number of people who have found a tricky research project or coursework essay enhanced by spending some quality time with the calmest, friendliest golden Labrador imaginable.

Jim & Lilian Salisbury

More importantly though, many, many more have found their lives at Strathallan enhanced by the teaching of Bumper’s mum and dad: Jim and Lilian Salisbury, whose joint retirement this year will herald a significant change for the department they have guided so proficiently for so long.

Jim Salisbury joined Strathallan as Head of English 24 years ago. Early on in his tenure he completed his PhD but not at the expense of the full Strath experience. Jim coached rugby and cricket – albeit with some unconventional methods which probably wouldn’t be seen in today’s slick and polished first teams. He also became a firmly entrenched feature of Ruthven house. His Christmas quizzes became a staple feature of the seasonal calendar and his participation in water sports during house outings has passed into Strathallan lore, though for several reasons it is probably best not recorded in these pages. But it’s in the running of a department defined by friendship and professional pride that he made an extraordinary impact. He led by example, was nurturing and encouraging of both staff and pupils alike, championing a love of literature and pursuit of excellence from all.

Jim was never far from the theatre in his working life. When he first came to Strathallan he became part of the directing team which put on the legendary first Scottish school’s production of Les Miserables in 2003. Shortly after, he moved backstage heralding a golden era for stage crew. Though he leads the entire stage management process with characteristic humility, the projects undertaken, the relationships forged and the life-long skills acquired by these young people are immeasurable in their significance.

It’s in the workshop and the classroom that we’ll miss this generous and charismatic friend the most. But we know that he and Lilian have plenty of new adventures planned.

Lilian Salisbury’s legacy to teaching is so significant that it almost overshadowed the debt of professional gratitude we owe Jim — it most certainly took Robert Rinder’s breath away at Speech Day.

For this year marked 50 years in teaching for Lilian. During this time, she worked in a variety of schools. Lilian championed women in the workplace and rose to positions of senior leadership. When she first dipped her toes into the waters of retirement some 14 years ago it was not in her extraordinarily energetic and intellectually ambitious nature to sit back. So she came to us on a part-time level not really reflected in the many, many hours she put in. In these past years, many have appreciated her forthright challenging of ideas and assumptions. Her classroom was often defined by roars of laughter and it is difficult to think of any more deserving candidate for the title of ‘legend’ which so often came her way.

Brian Heaney

For 50 terms, Brian Heaney made Freeland House a home to be proud of. He and Janine, together with their boys Andrew, Timothy and Nicholas, arrived in a chilly Scotland in 2005. During the next 16 years, Brian was a Maths teacher, he coached rugby, officiated rugby, coached cricket, developed and led basketball – all with his characteristic humility. He never shouted his credentials and achievements from the rooftops and yet they deserve mention here. The development of basketball at Strathallan is down entirely to him. His pedigree as a rugby referee is astounding – not just in the number of matches he has officiated but in the range and scope of his commitment to the sport. It was like he was on a mission to officiate at the most remote areas in Scotland. He travelled the length of breadth of the country and managed to get to Orkney/Shetland — a journey that he will always remember. Brian organised international ski trips — hundreds of Strathallians benefitted from these and will remember fondly the home baking he would somehow smuggle out in his luggage.

Brian was, of course, a valuable member of the maths department and regularly gave up any time he had in the evenings when he wasn’t on duty to help those who needed extra tuition. Brian’s devotion to the wider life of the school was incredible. He attended almost every arts performance, concert and lecture that happened at Strathallan — supporting not just his Freeland boys but every pupil and colleague he had contact with. He also had a great rapport with international pupils and parents and it is here that some of his associations with Strath families have been at their strongest — showing just how grateful generations of families were to have their boys in his care. Brian and Janine have returned to their native Australia having explored just about every nook and cranny of the northern hemisphere in their time in Scotland. We’re sure the coming decades will see this wanderlust continue as we wish them Bon Voyage.

Jessie Ling

As part of Strathallan’s ‘Young Crew’ of teachers, Jessie Ling has thrown herself with energy and gusto into the life of the school. In Thornbank she has been a much loved tutor to the Upper Sixth; in DT she has brought a fresh perspective and energy, particularly when engaging the youngest of our pupils into the subject she loves and to the many friends she has made among the staff, she has been adventurous, loyal and fun. For much as Jessie’s three years at Strathallan have been defined by utter professionalism — and are clearly reflected in her move to take up a promoted post — she has equally defined her time at Strathallan with paddleboarding, hiking and restorative spa stays as she wrestled enriching experiences out of every second of the day. As part of a tight knit circle of friends, Jessie will find it a wrench to leave but pastures new for personal and professional enrichment are to be welcomed and she goes with our very best wishes.

Nigel Gallier

Also leaving a significant legacy to the school as a whole and generations of Freeland boys where he was a tutor is Nigel Gallier. It’s difficult to know where to begin when considering his contribution to the school, for in every aspect he has been simply extraordinary. We all know that he embarked upon school mastering as a vocation following an impressive military career. He bought with him vigour and discipline but balanced in equal measure with patrician kindness. This was evident in the physics lab; it was evident on the sports field — the sight of the impeccable linen suit and Panama was a sports day staple — and it defined his tutoring style. At the end of Nigel’s final term, Ian Mitchell described him as “possibly the finest tutor Strathallan has ever had,” and few would argue with this. Nigel expected the very best from the young men in his pastoral care and he went out of his way to give them formative experiences, from tutor outings to Perth races, to taking the bull by the horns at a previous incarnation of the leavers’ ball. After the ball he had the whole UV1 Freeland cohort back to his house for 4a.m. breakfast and an early round of golf before any sleep was allowed. Nigel has been inspirational — some of his presentations in chapel will, justifiably, never be forgotten, particularly when he drew on the significance of his previous career. CCF as a whole is indebted to the level of professionalism and pride he brought to it, for Nigel is — and always will be — a champion of the values he holds dear. We wish both Jane and Nigel a very happy retirement.

Isla Woodman

Leaving us for a promoted post this year is Dr Isla Woodman. Isla is quite simply an academic powerhouse. She is also a warm, funny and deeply compassionate friend to the Strathallan community at large. She is more than ready to take on her new role having stepped up five times in eight years to act as Head of History. It is, however, in her contribution to the academic programme – both as a classroom practitioner and as co-ordinator of the Academic Scholarship programme – which must be recorded here. In the latter role she transformed the quality of academic extension which is at the heart of our provision. Experience days for scholars from all disciplines are now firmly embedded in our calendar. Scholars are challenged and immersed. They are also rewarded – Dr Woodman’s themed academic dinners are rightly the stuff of creative and imaginative legend! Creativity and compassion are also key to the significant impact she had in Glenbrae. As resident and then senior tutor, Isla’s pastoral commitment was appreciated by all those she helped support. The thrill of a new challenge is something Isla has encouraged in our young people for over a decade – we wish her well as she undertakes this for herself.

Shane Mcguigan, Jen Keller-McBain, Mandy Arthur and Paul Beeson

Spending brief but very much valued time with us this year are a small band of teachers to whom we would like to express our thanks and gratitude. To Shane McGuigan whose input into leading the Support for Learning department at a crucial time of transition, we are particularly grateful. His guidance and previous experience have certainly informed our future vision. Jen Keller-McBain stepped into Business Studies, her time with us much appreciated by pupils and staff alike. In Glenbrae, Mandy Arthur made a huge contribution. As a parent of Strathallians, Mandy came to us fully aware of how she might contribute to the values and ethos of the school — and she met this fully. She settled in easily to the PE department and Glenbrae where she took on the role of resident tutor. She took her responsibility to the girls very seriously and they appreciated her input enormously. Mandy is immersed in wellbeing, and she shared her passions generously. Yoga was established for the entire community — pupils, staff and parents alike. Mandy brought in professional contacts to support the sports and wellbeing programmes and it’s fair to say that though her role was temporary, her hugely positive impact will be felt for a very long time indeed. Paul Beeson came to us to teach Drama and English. He was able to devote time to developing the drama provision in the prep school and was a hugely popular tutor to the Third Form boys in Ruthven. In the staff room his sense of humour and companionship saw him integrate seamlessly and it is with a mixture of heavy hearts and pride that we watch him resume his drama career as a playwright and performer.

Jason McAuley joins us as Director of Music

Originally from Northern Ireland, I came over to Scotland to attend the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, now known as The Royal Conservatoire. I have been in Scotland ever since, graduating with a BA Hons in Music. I started my musical education at the RSAMD as a trumpet player, but soon changed to composition and conducting. Although I enjoyed playing trumpet with the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, Ulster Youth Orchestra, Bitten-Pears Orchestra and the Ulster Chamber Orchestra, it was in front of an orchestra that excited me most. I founded and became Artistic Director of the New Scottish Choir and Orchestra and worked as a freelance conductor and arranger for the next 15 years.

I came to teaching later in my career and found I loved it! Starting at the High School of Dundee as a brass instructor, I progressed to become Director of Music at Kilgraston and I am delighted to be here at Strathallan as your Director of Music. I am here with my family; my wife Emma and our 6 children, with the younger two currently enrolled at Strathallan. My vision is for the music department to be at the heart of our school and community, continually re-imagining music education with enthusiasm and in a culture of encouragement. Strathallan music department has enormous potential to impact the lives of our young people and that excites me!

A warm welcome to those just beginning their time with us

Sarah Simon joins us as Deputy Head of Music with particular responsibility for the Prep School

Having grown up in Scotland, I graduated with a BMus Honours Degree from the University of Sheffield and then moved to London to complete a PGDip in Composition at Trinity College of London and subsequently my PGCE. The last 14 years have seen me teach and lead the music department at a large and successful London school as well as teaching internationally in Yangon. I have really enjoyed spreading the joy of music to young people of all abilities, empowering their growth as musicians and enabling them to reach their musical potential. I am excited about passing on my love of music to Strathallan pupils and encouraging inspirational and joyful musical experiences.

I have been immensely grateful to both staff and pupils for their warmth and kindness towards me and my family. This lovely welcome has helped us all settle into life here at the school.

Away from teaching, I have joined a local social netball club and have been enjoying a new church and the beautiful Perthshire countryside and with my family. Our two-year-old son has certainly enjoyed seeing the many tractors which populate the scenic countryside!

I am looking forward to the summer exploring some of Scotland’s wonderful west coastal islands as well as getting to know the local Strathallan community.

Rod Macleod joins us as Head of Maths.

Originally from Glasgow, I attended Heriot Watt University and after gaining my honours degree in Mathematics I went to Strathclyde University to gain my PGDE.

I started my teaching career in Dundee, but soon moved back to my hometown in Glasgow where I taught for 13 years at The Glasgow Academy. During my time there I became a Head of House which has really helped me develop as a teacher and understand the pressures on pupils from day to day. I moved with my family last summer and it has been a big change for us to be here. We have loved being here with all the challenges it brings.

I love sport in most forms. I used to play rugby but had to stop due to family commitments. I like to run, play football, basketball, tennis and will try my hand at pretty much any sport. I have recently begun trying to bag Munros with my eldest daughter — being in Perth is great base to access the mountains! I also like cooking, gardening and spending time with my family and my dog.

I have found Strathallan to be a very welcoming place to work and I have loved my first year here — I can’t wait to continue to develop the Maths department to make it even better and a place all to gain success.

As a former pupil at Strathallan myself, it is certainly very strange now being on the other side of the fence as staff, being called “Sir” and calling my former teachers by their first names!

In the seven years since I graduated from Strath, I have undertaken two undergraduate courses, Sports Coaching and Development at the North East of Scotland College, and Sports Management at Bournemouth University.

I first began to discover that teaching was the career path for me during my final year at university which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. All my lectures and exams were online which allowed me to work full time at a small independent boarding prep school in the New Forest in Dorset. This experience was life changing and I owe a lot to the staff and pupils I worked with at Forres Sandle Manor school for providing the perfect platform for me to develop my teaching, and pastoral skill set which has led me to the role I now find myself in here at Strathallan.

I have really enjoyed my first year back at Strathallan and I look forward to the year ahead.

Will Herbert joins us as a Graduate Sports Assistant

Having lived in Edinburgh for many years and studied at Fettes College, I moved out to China where I completed my schooling at Dulwich College Beijing. Last year, I graduated from Durham University with a BA Honours degree in Business Management. My role this year at Strathallan has been a Graduate Sports Assistant and I have thoroughly enjoyed coaching both boys and girls’ hockey, rugby, and football teams. A particular highlight was the unbeaten season with the Girls 1XI Football team. It has been wonderful to get to know the pupils, especially the boys of Ruthven House, where I am Resident Tutor. I am in a privileged position to see how the fun, caring and passionate boarding house atmosphere helps to develop meaningful and lasting friendships.

Although much of my time at Strathallan has been in the Sports Department, next year, I will be teaching business studies and undertaking a PGCE course with the University of Buckingham. I am excited to start this next step in my career and help give an insight to pupils about the world of business. This year, I have been incredibly lucky to work alongside experienced professionals, in both the boarding house environment and sports department, and this has helped develop my own skills as well. I have felt so welcomed into the Strathallan community and I cannot wait for next year.

Katherine Bergin joins us as teacher of Support for Learning, having particular responsibility for the Prep School.

Teaching has always been my passion and it has given me the opportunity to have many diverse experiences from teaching in inner city schools in Bristol to a small exclusive school in Madrid and then back to Scotland. As time went on I realised that my interest lay in the fundamentals of learning and in particular why some children found this more challenging than others. This led me to specialising first in dyslexia and then to broaden my knowledge to teaching children with a range of additional support needs. I have worked with children who initially struggled to read and write in their younger years but have then gone on to win literacy prizes as they have progressed through school — a truly rewarding experience! I have worked in a number of HMC schools and latterly at Craigclowan Prep School where I headed the Support for Learning department whilst living here at Strath. It was therefore an easy and obvious move to make when I was offered the role of teacher of Learning Support here at Strath. This has enabled me to be fully involved in what is a busy and friendly community as well as to be able to support my husband in his role as Housemaster at Nicol.

I have been made to feel extremely welcome by the amazing and hardworking staff here and have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Support for Learning department, getting to know and work with the children in the Prep School as well as spending time as a tutor in Nicol.

I am really looking forward to the new school year ahead and all the exciting challenges that this will bring.

John Ambrose (re)joins us as Resident Tutor of Simpson House & Director of Football

I am in a privileged position to see how the fun, caring and passionate boarding house atmosphere helps to develop meaningful and lasting friendships.

Rona Lees joins us as Prep School Teacher

After graduating from Edinburgh University with a BSc Hons in Geography, I quickly decided to go down the route of health care. An accelerated 2-year Masters in Occupational Therapy in Cumbria was followed by a stint working abroad as an OT, a job in Tunbridge Wells and then a move to Inverness. However, a feeling that I never quite fitted in led to me completing my PGCE at the University of Dundee from which I have never looked back!

I worked in Angus Council for two years prior to moving to Strathallan as well as working bank OT shifts at the weekend. I have loved my first year at Strathallan. I have been welcomed with open arms into the Strathallan community and have enjoyed building relationships with the pupils. Over the past 3 years I have been completing my Masters of Education and now that I have finished this, I am looking forward to having more time to throw myself into the life of the school. Outside of school, I enjoy climbing, running with my dog and pretending to be arty!

As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change world’. I strongly believe this as we are tasked with educating the future population. This is a very privileged role to have

Beccy McKay joins us a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages

I graduated from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh in 2016 with an MA honours degree in Spanish and Applied Linguistic Studies. I have always had a passion for languages and travel, however, my love of working with people meant I fell into a career in hospitality initially. Not long after, I found my calling whilst volunteering in my local high school. Having decided teaching was the career for me I went on to do post graduate study at the University of Strathclyde and began as a Spanish and French teacher at Dunblane High school in 2020. Finding my feet as a new teacher during a global pandemic was challenging to say the least but working with children is extremely enjoyable and fulfilling. I was lucky enough to become part of the teaching community at Strathallan School last September and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here thus far. Alongside my position as full time Modern Languages teacher, I took on the role of resident tutor in Woodlands house. Having never worked in a boarding school before, I was nervous. Yet, I have found both of my roles to be rewarding and engaging. Living as part of this amazing and supportive community, I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships with pupils, colleagues, parents and in particular the Woodlands girls. Watching them flourish and succeed is the most enjoyable part of my job and an absolute privilege to be part of. I look forward to the coming years at Strathallan school.

and I feel honoured to be a part of shaping our future.

The opportunities at Strathallan for staff and pupils alike are amazing and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.

Clare Laird-Portch joins us as Head of Business Studies and Careers Advisor

After leaving St Leonards, I graduated from Oxford Brookes University, to begin a career in London as a retail buyer with Innovations, followed by The Outdoor Group. Working in foreign markets, experiencing the switch from mail order to e-commerce in these dynamic environments, set me up well for a move into teaching and hectic boarding school life. Whilst previously heading up departments teaching A-Level or Higher Business and Economics, Strathallan offered me the ideal platform to use my experience of both courses. I am thrilled to be a Woodlands’ tutor, together with coordinating careers and work-based learning at the school. The opportunities on offer are increasing every day for school leavers and it is an honour to be able to help build awareness and support pupils through the next, exciting stage of their life. In addition, I thoroughly enjoy my involvement with extra-curriculum activities and look forward to helping develop enterprise activities, as well as, introducing rowing to the already amazing portfolio of sport at Strathallan.

Tina Rankin continues her role with us as After an initial career working in the fashion industry, I moved into teaching in Perth 2002. I qualified as a secondary geography teacher with an interest in pastoral care. For 12 years I taught as a Principle Teacher in Guidance in a local Perth school before taking a short break to raise my three children.

My family moved to Jersey in the Channel Islands for five years and where I returned to the classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of teaching GCSEs and A-levels in a senior school on the island.

With our hearts in Perthshire, we returned North, and when the opportunity arose to work at Strathallan I jumped at the chance. I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 18 months at Strathallan. Being a senior tutor and working alongside Zoe & Beccy in Woodlands has been a great privilege and it has been wonderful to get to know the girls.

I have also thoroughly enjoyed revamping and enhancing the PSD program for the senior school. In my spare time I spend time running a local netball club. I also love to be in the outdoors, particularly if I have my two Border Terriers with me. I am a keen runner, enjoy a spot of golf & tennis and am a keen spectator of most team sports. There is always lots to view and get involved with here at Strath!

Thank you to all at Strathallan for making me feel so welcome.

I was lucky enough to become part of the teaching community at Strathallan School last September and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here thus far.

VALEDICTORY 2022

Louisa Ethan Edward Theodor Jonas Bradley Kwasi McKenzie Sophie Kyle Jose Robert Edouard Charlotte Louis Dmytro Katie Iona Fedor Dalmas Nora Carys Conor Mitchell Sophie Kun Hin Anna Edward Thomas Hilda Eric Struan Dan Luca Lewis Frederik Kamila Aedan Ahmed Amelia Freya Bethany Sofia Duncan Amy Chloe Nicolas Iona Orla Alice Jemima Rachel Rory MacKenna Joely Sofiia Suzanne Alexander Charlotte

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With the centenary of the school in 2013 and its move to Forgandenny a little over 100 years ago this stunning new book charts the history of Strathallan School.