The Portmuthian, 2022

The Portmuthian 2022

This has been a wonderfully energetic year for the school, and we have revelled in being able to return to the full variety of school life after the restrictions of the last two years.

Looking back over a year filled to the brim with activity and achievement, it is hard to know where to begin in drawing out highlights. From a stunning production of Little Shop of Horrors at the New Theatre Royal to a jaw-dropping performance of Matilda by our Middle School; from our Remembrance concert with the London Mozart Players to a joint concert at the King’s Theatre with the Black Dyke Band as part of Ports Fest; from the critical-thinking which flows from the Portsmouth Point Blog to the brilliant creativity of our dance team in their performance The Muse in the Portsmouth finals of Dance Live – a brilliant achievement in their first year of the competition – there has been much to applaud this year.

Strengthening our commitment to our communities has again been a strand running throughout. In March, we held our second Giving Day in support of the William Smith Fund, and through the generosity of parents, OPs and friends of the school, we were overwhelmed to raise over £250,000 to support talented members of the community who would otherwise be unable to attend the school. Thank you so much to all those who have supported us.

Our pupils too have been looking to the world beyond school. Award winning educators Unloc have visited school often this year to offer an integrated program for pupils from Years 7-11, designed to develop innovation and skills for the workplace. Building on this work, this term we have been very fortunate to receive a generous pledge to support the creation of an Innovation Centre which will further develop our ability to deliver exceptional entrepreneurship education to young people at PGS and in the local area, as part of our commitment to Life at 25 and to preparing young people to make a successful transition into the world beyond school. Work is expected to commence on this exciting development later in the year.

The Portmuthian represents an ambitious attempt to tell the story of an entire school year, and thanks to the efforts of the wonderful editorial team, it brilliantly captures the life of the school this year. We hope you enjoy it.

National Reading Champions Quiz Year 8

A team of eight children selected from Years 7 and 8 took part in the National Reading Champions Quiz, arranged by the National Literacy Trust. A lot of teams from schools all over the south of England took part in this quiz, which consisted of eight rounds of questions posed by the Quizmaster, Mr Dilly. Our team needed to preselect a round of questions for which we could double our score, known as the Joker round. We choose ‘Heroes and Heroines’ from a list including brainteasers, pets, author pictures, and dystopian & science fiction. We did well in our joker round, with

questions on Percy Jackson, and other less wellknown characters from older classical novels. Some of the categories were tougher, such as Watch Me Now where the quizmaster would act out the title of a famous book, leaving us to guess the title. With titles such as The 13 Storey Treehouse and Worst Holiday Ever, these were tricky to deduce. We worked really well as a team, and although we didn’t score in the top three positions, we all enjoyed the experience of taking part and representing PGS.

Daniel Edwards

World Book Day Year 8

‘We are Readers’ was this year’s strapline to celebrate World Book Day at PGS this year.

And what a celebration it was! After two years of lockdowns, this year’s event felt like a much needed coming together of the entire school community to enjoy the pleasure of the simple book and dress-up!

Our local independent Hayling Island Bookshop was onsite all day with their pop-up stalls with a selection of fiction for pupils from Year R all the way up to Year 13 and parents/carers. In addition to this, Year 7s took part in the annual Heroes and Villains competition whereby the most successful groups from each class competed head-to-head in the finals to share their brandnew ideas for a Heroes and Villains-style story. Judged by the expert Dr Webb, Librarian, and Mr Wiggins, Deputy Head, pupils had great fun working together, scoring each other in the pupils’ choice section, and celebrating each other’s inventive book character costumes.

Year 8 had the pleasure of watching a bespoke recording of Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Final Problem’ by the talented writer, performer and director, Chris Connaughton, in preparation for the Year 8 Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Writing Prize. Pupils have been invited by Chris to

write the follow-on story ‘Sherlock Returns’ in the same style and supplied the pupils with a separate recording of advice and analysis to help them with their writing journeys.

On International Women’s Day, the book celebrations continued with the remarkable author Sita Brahmachari. Year 6s enjoyed the launch of their ‘Through the Arch’ project, which will continue with Sita in April. Sixth Form Book Group presented an exhibition of creative responses to Sita’s new novel When Shadows Fall, as reported in The News, and Lit Soc enjoyed an IWD-themed talk at lunchtime about the importance of the power female voice in society. If this wasn’t enough, Sita then visited Year 2s to read Swallow’s Kiss, sing and dance, and then to undertake a creative task whereby pupils created wishes, which they wrote on feathers to stick on a large wishing bird – this bird will then fly out to spread the wishes.

During WBD and IWD, we were reminded of the power of stories, the joy of dressing up, the importance of celebrating our girls and young women at PGS, and the power of community coming together (in person) at long last!

Ms Hart

Diversity & Inclusion

We visited Eton College as part of LGBTQ+ History Month

It was excellent to take part in LGBTQ+ History Month online symposium hosted by Eton College. Along with other schools, including Radley, Wycombe Abbey and RGS Guildford, students from PGS discussed three questions in break out rooms:

1. Do you feel that you have seen progress in the life of an LGBTQ student during your lifetime?

2. Do you think that some letters in LGBTQ+ get more attention than others? If yes, then how so?

3. At school, where does homophobia and transphobia originate from? e.g. ignorance? peer pressure? personal issues? religious beliefs?

PGS pupils were at the forefront of their respective groups and proved thoughtful and articulate ambassadors for the school, as well as the LGBTQ+ community.

It is difficult to summarise two hours of debate but, in general attendees felt that there has been real progress during their lifetimes, highlighted by the fact that, due to Section

28, such an event would have been illegal 20 years ago. It was strongly felt that the ‘B’, ‘T’, ‘Q’ and the ‘+’ were the least understood and represented members of the community, and that much more work needed to be done to further education in these areas. Finally, and hopefully, attendees felt that prejudice seemed to originate mainly from younger years in schools and was a product of ignorance and immaturity rather than hatred.

Students were effusive in their praise for the event and greatly valued the experience of talking to others. In the words of PGS Year 13 pupil Lucy Albuery, ‘I think it's really nice to connect with other people who are doing what we are doing. It's good to remember that the issues are larger than PGS but also that the solution and the people working to solve them is much bigger than us too. I will definitely be in Mrs. Morgan's office in the next few weeks with a few ideas!’

Mr Dan Frampton

Portsmouth Pride

PGS in Bloom

PGS departments compete for the coveted botanical accolade!

The heat was on when PGS in Bloom launched in May; three weeks of sizzling hot weather in the quad in June saw the displays thrive. Entries were sought from groups within the school community with the theme of Recovery. At the end of June we invited Councillor Kimberly Barrett, Cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment, Portsmouth City Council to judge our efforts.

Entries were judged on five criteria:

- The quality of the display

- The use of plants associated with “recovery”

- The sustainability of the display

- The use of plants grown from seed

- The extent of pupil involvement in the entry

The house category was won by Whitcombe House, with their green-themed display using medicinal plants. Kimberly particularly enjoyed the pupil recycled pot and how the display had stood up to three weeks in full sun in the Sixth Form entrance area. Smith were a close runner-up with their high concept display based on the film WALL-E, featuring a single trainer with a sunflower seed beginning to grow from it.

The club category was won by Wildlife Club who had clearly thought out their entry very clearly, with a high quality of plant care, medicinal plants, upcycled container and pupils' involvement. An excellent entry.

The best support department entry was IT, with the concept of the upcycled PC case, and spotlight on technology waste. Kimberly thought the concept was highly relevant and well executed. School office display was runner-up with their medicinal plants in various containers including sick bowls.

Best newcomer was the Senior Management

Team with a beautiful display of bee pollination plants in a variety of purple/mauve colours.

The academic department winner was Physical Sciences, a display of a recovered watering can bursting with plant life. Pupils involvement and regular tending produced a beautifully executed display featuring sedums and nasturtiums amongst other wildlife friendly plants. The runner-up was Sports with their display featuring upcycled trophies, balls and a calf-boot and crutch, celebrating the recovery of PGS Sport in many ways this year. Highly commended were English with their depiction of The Waste Land by TSElliot to mark the centenary of the novel. Biology with their Bug Hotel, Physics with their recovering plant basket and Economics and Business with their four-takes on recovery.

Miranda Worley

John Muir Award Year 8

As the rest of the school began their Easter holidays, a group of 24 adventurous Year 8 pupils, including us, headed out into the woodland. They were determined to learn the secrets of forestry and survival, as well as working as a team and appreciating nature. The John Muir Award had begun: a special 2-night camping trip with our trusty guide Sam Cummins to show us the way. We would be put through our paces; cooking our own meals, creating supersized shelters, and learning how to look after ourselves in the wild.

Everything began on Thursday morning, the

in each, with our clan elder to guide the way. Ms Bolton, Sam, Imie and Chris (our Sixth Form instructors) all had a tribe. The different groups would be competing for points, and the clan with the most would be the winner, and would choose a mystery prize or sweets as a reward.

day after we broke up for Easter. We arrived and lugged our kit to the campsite; a piece of woodland we could pitch our tents in, adorned with a communal tarp structure (and a fire pit in the middle) as well as Sam’s wooden hut. Excited for the challenges to come, we assembled around the fire pit. Sam told us that for this camp we would be going back thousands of years, to the times when humans were hunter-gatherers in nomadic tribes, masters of their environment. We’d be split into our own wandering tribes, six pupils

Now, the activities could take place! Each tribe got a box filled with equipment - a pan, knives, flint and steel, a kettle, a huge tarp and some food supplies. This would be what we would use to survive (relatively) independently for the rest of the day, earning points for doing particularly well in certain things. First priority in the tribes was getting up our tarps in our different areas, and establishing camps and fires. Some groups even had time to make hot chocolate! Soon, toasties, for lunch, were being made with the bread, ham and cheese supplied in the boxes - yum! The rest of the afternoon centred around keeping the fire burning and making stands for our kettles, so they could boil over the fire. There was also an extra task to complete, alongside our survival camp. We were told that we had to make a plan for a huge structure we were making the next day - a community building made by weaving and bending hazel branches of various sizes.We completed designs which were to be presented to Sam. The next big challenge was dinner, making jacket potatoes with beans and cheese, with cooking styles varying between groups. In the end though, everyone had a delicious meal, and, despite the heavy snow (!), the survival day was ‘super’ educational and fun. It also really

helped bond the tribes together. Finally we headed back to camp, but unfortunately the temperatures for the night were well below freezing, and we weren't allowed to camp out. Everyone was picked up and headed home, where we would sleep for the night.

After some work organising where people were going to stay from Ms Bolton and a very hastily sent email to the parents from Mr Leach, everybody returned the next day; awake and ready to build the hazel bender community house. After some rather dodgy sausage cooking from Jasper (although we can testify they were fully cooked in the end!), Sam and some of the tribe leaders decided to finalise the plans for the hazel bender community house. Rosie’s tribe’s design, which was a long tube shaped structure, partly open on the sides with a large door frame and intricately woven sides, was chosen and soon there were 3 groups put to work to build it: Foundation builders, Snippers - armed with secateursand the Sawers, whose task was to coppice the larger hazel branches. Everyone showed great teamwork and by mid-morning lunch preparations were underway. With Chris managing the radios, everyone was in order and after about 4-hours’ worth of hard work, all the cut and trimmed hazel benders were back

at base and ready for assembly. After a hearty lunch of calzones cooked over the fire, we got back to work! It was time to get the frame of the structure to be constructed. The first stage was to carefully tie together two large hazel branches to form a huge arch, approximately seven metres tall. The arch was pushed up, and its base slotted into the holes the foundations team made. The arch now stood tall, and the tarp, which was already tied at the level of the top of the benders using trees, sat on top of it, just as planned. Two more arches went up, forming the tunnel that was the rest of the frame. We just had time to weave smaller hazel benders in and out to form the first section of wall before dinner, a brilliant pasta dish prepared by Ismay and Co, was served up for the ravenous campers. It had been a day of hard work but a very enjoyable one too, and really rewarding to see our ideas come to life. The structure wasn’t fully completed, but we vowed we’d finish it off on the next camp. Sadly, the temperatures were still too low so we were again unable to camp out, and headed home for a good night’s sleep..

As soon as everybody was back at camp on Day 3, Sam got back to work immediately. After announcing that today was going to be a ‘points fest’, he gathered everyone over to

the axe throwing station, where the axe trials took place (carefully scored by Imie - the official points adjudicator for the camp) Every person in each tribe got three throws. It was challenging and only a few had the gift… Then it was put to the tribes to democratically put forward their best axe thrower, and Hannah showed everyone how it was meant to be done - getting seven out of her eight throws in the target! Then it was bug eating. There were all sorts of creepy crawlies, from mealworms to locusts (all, luckily, dead!). Anna and Alex both fought hard to resist them, but Anna triumphed. Next it was Rosie vs Eddie. Rosie was forced to suffer the fate of the mealworms. Whilst she rapidly washed the taste of her tongue, Anna and Eddie had the ultimate battle. It was close but eventually Eddie faced the same fate as the others with the ultimate insect cocktail. Then Sam introduced the mini axe throwing. Ismay and Max were the victors of that task- earning even more points for their team. Then a group was nominated to play Sam’s version of Spoons; Sticks. It was a good round, everybody showing their impressive reaction speeds. Finally it was a duel between Rosie and Will Hostler with Will being crowned the ultimate champion.

Soon it was time for the final showdown: a quiz. Devised by Imie and Chris, with a jam-packed mix of Geography to Biology, this quiz was not for the faint-hearted. After the quiz, Sam gave out a mix of points from the whole weekend. The scores were so close, however the Mirror Gals (Imy - the elder, Anna - the tribe leader, Jamie, Max, Ismay, Thalia and Emily) just edged it by ten points! They all decided on the mystery prize which turned out to be a self-catering weekend at the camp for themselves and one other member of their family!

I think we speak for all the lucky Year 8’s when we say that if it wasn’t for Ms Bolton’s incredible organisation and determination (despite the weather!) John Muir wouldn’t have happened. We would also like to thank Sam for being such a fun, cool and chill bushcraft leader. Thanks also to Mr Leach and Mr Murray for helping out loads, especially when it snowed on day 1! Finally, thank you to Imie and Chris for being group elders, not giving up on us and helping us improve so much. It’s been an absolutely unforgettable experience and we’d love to do it again!!!

Ruthie Gawley and Anna Sievers

Giving Day

Getting To Know You Day Year 9

International Day of Languages

Year 10 Ignite Taster Afternoon

Entrepreneurship, learning about the criminal mind, sustainability, medicinal chemistry, sewing and film making - these were just some of the taster sessions offered to pupils in Year 10 as part of their Ignite taster afternoon. Enjoying their well-deserved post-exam enrichment

afternoon, pupils made tote bags in sewing, went to the activity centre at Fort Purbrook for climbing and sampled authentic Italian chocolate whilst learning words and basic phrases.

Year 11 Ignite Taster Afternoon

On account of the success of the Year 10 Ignite Taster Afternoon the previous year, the same pupils had a second chance to sample the delights of the Sixth Form Ignite! programme just before the Christmas holiday. The 15 available options included some previous favourites along with some new sessions, such

as The Science of Happiness, Sewing, and An Introduction to Leadership. Pupils made ecofriendly wrapping paper in Sustainability, reached new heights in Climbing, and played games to improve communication and collaboration skills in Strategy Games.

Farewell to...

Dr Anne COTTON

Dr Cotton departs PGS in the Summer of 2022 after four years as Head of The Portsmouth Grammar School. In the Autumn of 2022 she will take up headship at King’s College, Wimbledon

The months have flown by, and it is hard to believe that I have now completed my fourth and final year at PGS. In a unique and challenging period in the school’s history, the approach of our pupils and staff, the support of parents, OPs and friends of the school, and the spirit of our community have been remarkable. PGS is a very special place, and it has been a privilege to be a member of the community. My family and I will take with us many fond memories of our time here.

Ben Goad

Ben and I began our respective Ithaka journeys together, when we both arrived at PGS in September 2007. From the very beginning, so much of Ben’s personality was clear: the enthusiasm, the wit, the charm and the intelligence. And from the beginning his stylish suits hinted at a capacity for showmanshipsome might say exhibitionism. David Doyle recalls that “Ben had only been here a few days before he was roped into participating in the 2008 staff ‘Carry On’ calendar - appearing with Emma Burns as Cleo draped on a chaise longue (PGS style, two classroom tables with a cloth thrown over). Ben instantly whipped off his shirt to play the role of her servant. Sadly, this also led Stan Lowe to do likewise!”

Ben’s theatrical flair was confirmed over several years of directing the Year 9 Play in a Day; his production of Nun’s Priest’s Tale, with Bev Clifford’s tutor group won the laurels at the Theatre Royal. Drama has always played a big role in Ben’s life and I know how proud he and Lucy are of Poppy’s fantastic performances over the years culminating in her starring role in A Streetcar Named Desire in Edinburgh in November, 2020. Ben, of course, brought this same performative flair to the regular scientific explosions he set off in the middle of the Quad, to the delight of all pupils, dressed in lab coat and mad-scientist goggles. And it was this enthusiasm and razzamatazz that he brought to his teaching, too, which made him an extraordinarily popular and effective teacher, still remembered with great affection and admiration by his former pupils for bringing science alive. That same enthusiasm and energy he brought to overseeing the building of our magnificent Science Centre, as Head of Science, back in 2007, just one extraordinary

part of his Goad legacy.

For Ben is, of course, not just a man of style but of substance: with a brain the size of several multi-verses, who has, for a decade and a half stretched and challenged our best and brightest, not only teaching A level Physics and preparing future engineers for university application, but bringing his love of philosophy and spirit of intellectual enquiry to his teaching of Theory of Knowledge as part of the International Baccalaureate. And, of course, Ben has been an outstanding Deputy Head (Academic) - of which more later.

The impossibly talented Mr Goad is also a famously good cook. As a keen sportsman and outdoorsman, a long-standing supporter of D of E for well over a decade (always generous with his time in supporting pupils beyond the classroom and beyond the weekday), Ben has traditionally cooked a full English breakfast on a campfire for the Silver D of E groups. However, if truth be told, his Hester Blumenthal tendencies can sometimes get the better of him; Ben’s bacon-and-egg-flavoured ice cream, created using liquid nitrogen, during a typically Goadian Latter House assembly, was

Ben Goad, Deputy Head (Academic) leaves us after 15 years of outstanding service to the school, to start a new adventure in Barcelona with his family. James Burkinshaw delivered this moving farewell tribute to the common room.

memorably disgusting.

It is, of course, impossible to talk about Ben without reference to his unfailing courtesy and unflappability. Mark Howson remembers that, when Ben was Head of Science, chairing meetings for the other science dept heads, he would always supply chocolate biscuits, which he kept in his desk drawer. On one occasion, all could see something was amiss from a Roger Moore-esque raised eyebrow: no chocolate biscuits, just some shredded paper and a litter of baby mice. The meeting was adjourned. The fate of the mice remains shrouded in mystery. Those qualities of intelligence and unflappability, Ben’s complete sense of integrity, his attention to detail, saw us through the unprecedented academic challenges caused by the pandemic. Debby Valentine, who worked closely with him throughout, praises Ben’s meticulousness, describing him as “a problem-solver extraordinaire. He always had a solution to any seemingly impossible problem. And always so calm and measured! The amount of work he put into dealing with the CAGs and TAGs over the last two years was unbelievable - but it ensured that we were covered and watertight at every stage.” Ben protected the pupils by ensuring that they went into the process with data that was watertight, and by being ready to fight for those who he saw as having been treated unjustly by the system, giving up many hours of his time to argue with exam boards on behalf of those who had been mistreated. As a result of Ben’s meticulousness, integrity and determination, he won each case.

That work ethic is something everyone notes about Ben. In his first Portmuthian interview, in 2008, he talked of getting up at 5.30 am to cycle to work from his then-home on the Isle of Wight and, as those of us who have received BCTG emails just before midnight or just after dawn can testify, he has maintained those sorts of hours ever since. And, although we will all miss him greatly, we are delighted that he and his lovely wife Lucy are now able to enjoy their exciting new adventure together, in Barcelona, along with their youngest, Jacob. They are the most wonderful parents and have produced

three of the most amazing children you could hope to meet: Poppy, Zach and Jacob: enquiring, free spirited, independent, creative and caring, reflective of their parents.

In one of his brilliant Latter House assemblies, Ben took the poet John Keats to task for accusing Isaac Newton of destroying the poetry of the rainbow by ‘reducing it to prismatic colours’. Ben argued passionately that science only made things more beautiful, more wonderful. Ben himself very much retains that sense of wonder, that desire to keep journeying: physically and intellectually. The Middle East, Kenya, Oxford, Portsmouth and now Barcelona - and I am sure there will be more destinations along the way for Ben, Lucy and their family. We are all glad to have travelled with them, and we wish them many exciting new adventures together.

James Burkinshaw

My Catalan is a bit shaky, but “Gaudeix del teu viatge, Ben”.

Josephine Morgan

How long have you been working here?

15 years! I started in 2007 when I was just 25! I was an unqualified teacher with a 3 month old son when I came for interview. I didn't dare to dream that I would be successful, but I was, and the rest is history.

What are you going to miss most about PGS?

The pupils and my colleagues. Yesterday I was clearing out my office and found all the thank you cards I've received from pupils over the years. It was so touching to read the letters of thanks. I am still in touch with many OPs and knowing that I have had a positive impact on their lives is the greatest achievement of my career. I've worked with some incredible pupils over the years and they've inspired me every single day.

I will also miss my colleagues who have been so supportive and good fun. PGS staff work incredibly hard and there are so many brilliant teachers here.

What has been your favourite moment at PGS?

There are so many to choose from, I can't narrow it down to a single one! Some of my highlights include:

• Running the Sixth Form Trip to Paris

• Teaching IB Philosophy. So good!

• Mental Health Week(s) where staff 'came out' and discussed their own struggles with mental health.

• The sold-out EnGendering Change conference we hosted for teachers across the UK.

• Working with my dad (Mick Kirby) and sister-

in-law (Emma Kirby).

• The sex-ed revolution.We are now considered national leaders in this field and I'm so proud of what we've achieved.

• All things pride - drag queens, gay anthems, amazing speakers, pupil leadership, out pupils and staff, inclusive sex ed, Portsmouth Pride, rainbows.

• The progress we've made on all things D&I

What has been your most embarrassing moment at PGS?

Forgetting I'd stuck the condom demonstrator on the board then banging my head on it.

What has been the biggest change you have seen since joining PGS?

The most positive change has been seeing the school become the progressive and inclusive place it is today. I know that this work has had a tangible impact in helping so many members of our community to feel safe, be authentic and know that they are cared for.

What’s your next step?

I founded Engendering Change back in 2018 and have been giving talks, training sessions and consultancy to schools across the UK. I have also started offering corporate services and I am delighted to now be in a position to do this full time. Watch this space!

Lidia Szmid

How long have you been working here? 5 and a half years

What are you going to miss most about PGS?

The pupils’ kindness and determination; the staff’s good humour.

What has been your favourite moment at PGS?

It’s really hard to choose! So I will list a few: Matilda, Measure for Measure, my IB class, my Year 11 class, PGS winning the Dance Live heat, John Muir camp, theatre trips, the first production I watched (Swallows and Amazons) and realising how talented the pupils are, We Will Rock You and all the laughs I’ve had with pupils across classes.

What has been your most embarrassing moment at PGS?

When I met a Year 7 class for the first time in 2017, asked them to line up outside again after they came in too chatty and unfocused, and then, having entered the room properly, I proceeded to sit down on a chair which completely snapped underneath me, resulting in me landing in a heap on the floor.

What has been the biggest change you have seen since joining PGS?

I’m cheating a bit, but since being a pupil it’s the amazing Sixth Form Centre and Science blocks.

What’s your next step?

I am off to Harrow International, Shenzhen

Mark Howson

How long have you been working here? 26 years 1 term

What are you going to miss most about PGS?

Getting to play with chemicals. Helping pupils understand really challenging Chemistry and posing questions that pupils think they know the answer to, but do not.

What has been your favorite moment at PGS?

I have really enjoyed running the Royal Society of Chemistry Top of Bench competitions, which have been hosted at PGS for about 7 years. However, every precipitation, solution colour change, smell or pop is a little victory!

What has been your most embarrassing moment at PGS?

I like to introduce errors (usually common examination ones) in my teaching to see if pupils are thinking about what I am writing on the board. Past pupils will probably recognize this. I had a Y13 class that did not like to think about what was being taught, so one day I started to introduce errors into a long organic reaction mechanism. They continued to copy and not notice so I continued until finally, the board (and their notes) had a catalog of errors, some absolutely obvious! At this point and before I had a chance to address them, the classroom had a surprise governor visit! I continue to be hopeful they did not notice!

What has been the biggest change you have seen since joining PGS?

Application of computers. I was probably the first teacher to teach a lesson using PowerPoint slides and a whiteboard/projector.

What’s your next step?

I am still a senior examiner and will continue to tutor chemistry, but I am looking forward to having time to learn new skills from languages to cabinet making. Also, planning to travel especially during term time - what a treat!

We also say Goodbye to...

John Cotton, Teacher of Music

Melissa Flack, Head of Design Technology

Kate Rees, Teacher of Art and Design Technology

Helen Rudyk, Teacher of Chemistry

Tiziano Spreafico, Teacher of Business and Economics

Evan Stewart, Director of Sport

Yvonne Wiggins, Teacher of MFL and German Language Assistant

Lisa Erricker, Teacher of History and Politics

We also say Goodbye to...

Jacqueline Tyldesley, Teacher of Biology

Shelley Paterson, Teacher of MFL

Rachel Blewett, Head of Mathematics

Kate Clark, Teacher of Science

Year 12

Behold the tortilla de patatas competition, judged by Jaime, who provided an elaborate commentary in Spanish, MasterChef style.

Year 12 Debating...in French!

In February 2022, two Year 12 pupils travelled up to Marlborough College with Mr Gamble to take part in the Independent Schools Modern Languages French debating competition. We took part in two debates, both entirely in French, on topics from the place of biometric identification in modern society to the use of technology in language learning. It was very stimulating to not only research these topics but also to present our ideas and then respond to the other teams’ questions, thinking on our feet to present watertight arguments, all in French. We both really enjoyed the afternoon

and, despite narrowly missing out on the final on points difference, we both got a lot out of the day - our language skills and confidence speaking publicly definitely got a boost from it! Although we were a little nervous to begin with, it certainly was something we’d strongly encourage any future students to get involved with and it proved to be a challenging experience, but all the more rewarding for it.

Abigail Cooper and Robbie Stone

CCF Mess Dinner 6th Form

The CCF held a mess dinner in the most prestigious venue, HMS Nelson Wardroom, to bid farewell to some of our senior cadets. The dinner was held in the grand surroundings of the dining hall where paintings of the Battle of Trafalgar as well as Coats of Honour of Nelson’s Captains adorn the walls. Naval traditions were followed throughout the evening, including the Naval toast of the day for ‘A willing foe and sea room’. Let us hope that there are not too many willing foes around the corner!

The guest speaker was OP Captain Andrew Ainsley Royal Navy who both inspired and reminded us that our school, The Portsmouth

Grammar School, and CCF are preparing us for lives of leadership. Leadership may require physical courage, but will certainly require moral courage and successful leaders are those that inspire others to lead. He willingly answered questions at the end of the dinner on a range of topics from hardest leadership moment through to favourite PGS moment. It was an honour to be able to hold the dinner in HMS Nelson and have Captain Ainsley talk to us.

IEA Spring Conference 6th Form

PGS welcomed The Institute of Economic Affairs back for it's anual Spring Conference for Sixth Formers on Tuesday 22nd February. After last year's remote conference, it was exciting to have the speakers back in person and to all be in the DRT together. The day was targeted at inequality, which is a key topic in A Level Economics. Speakers included: Matthew Lesh with his opening of "Why everything is awesome" a summary of the positive news about improvements in health, lifespan and

poverty. Then Dr Steve Davies presented "The UK Housing Crisis", explaining why current UK house prices make the macro economy inefficient and restrain labour mobility. We ended the day with Professor Philip Booth, "Why should we care about inequality?" comparing wealth inequality within the UK. PGS pupils were keen to work together to discuss the issues and offer solutions to the problems posed. Our thanks to the IEA for another successful conference.

Sixth Form

PGS pupils learn from Professional Investor and Serial Entrepreneur Tim Morgan

PGS pupils had the opportunity to learn the tricks of the trade and have their Investment Recommendations judged by a professional investor, Tim Morgan.

Nine pupils in the Mercurius Society took up the challenge of picking a share and then produced the equivalent of an investment banking “buy note” which in the week before, were avidly consumed by Tim.

On the day, Tim then ran through a series of grilling interviews on the pupils’ investment recommendations where they had to demonstrate professional “polish” and intellectual fleet of foot to address his probing questions.

Tim commented “I was exceptionally impressed by the insight and energy of these young

investors. The quality and amount of work that the students had put in was truly impressive. As I told some of them, their work would not look out of place alongside brokers notes written by professional analysts at investment banks.”

“Henry had a perfect understanding of the Price vs. Value distinction. Tareef asked the rare question of what could go right with an investment, something that we pessimistic professionals often miss. Rohan’s quantitative and qualitative analysis was also superb, and as good as anything I have ever read in any investment book”.

However, Tim chose Hamish as having written the best “Buy Recommendation” for NASDAQlisted CRISPR Theraputics. “Hamish’s deep domain knowledge convinced me that he could achieve Alpha, not just because he “did the

maths” but more importantly because he has an insight and world view that is not universally accepted”.

Tim concluded with some upbeat words of praise: “I hope they maintain this spirit of curiosity and fun as they go off into higher education and beyond. I am sure they will. A marvellous group of young people and a credit to your school.”

Paul Fisher

Year 12

Chemistry Olympiad

Pupils from Years 12 and 13 took part in the first round of the Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad with other students across the country. The Olympiad is a challenging paper, designed to test and stretch the most able of A-Level chemists.

The problems in this year’s paper centred around lots of items in the news. Pupils were tasked with finding out more about the new E10 petrol on sale in the UK, the thermodynamics involved in storing the coronavirus vaccine and the concept of equilibrium begin lateral flow

tests. If pupils do well, they will find themselves being invited to take part in round two with a chance to be selected for a training camp and to represent the UK at the International Chemistry Olympiad in Tianjin, China.

Mr Shields

Henry had a perfect understanding of the Price vs. Value distinction.

MOVE UP Year 12 have access to over 30 courses within the Ignite programme, with new courses be added regularly as a result of pupil voice. Examples of new courses featuring last year included Finance for over-18s, Coaching and Sociology, all proving to be very popular. In September 2022, we are planning to introduce some additional courses including Forensic Science (a collaboration between the two very popular options of Medicinal Chemistry

and Criminology), Environmental Science, and Creative Thinking.

Pupils are also able to gain awards through Ignite, including the Arts Award run by Miss Martin, the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award run by Mr Leach and Mr Sayell, and the Ivy House Award run by Mr Rees. Very well done to the over thirty pupils who gained certification for these awards during the last academic year.

Louisa Burton

Enrichment Fair

The year began with the high energy Enrichment Fair in September which provides details about the Sixth Form enrichment areas of Ignite, CAW and Extend to the new Year 12 cohort. Staff laid out stalls involving props and

information so that pupils could select courses which most appeal to their interests and/or aspirations.

Guest Speaker Programme

Ignite includes a guest speaker programme, one per half term, covering themes of mental health, adventure, and independence. A particular favourite, as voted by the pupils, was Rachel Findler’s talk in January about her career in extreme skiing, which involved Zack Gadsby, Thomas Drabble, Isabel Slack and Miss Burton attempting a plank – times ranged between 1 and 4 minutes (well done, Zack and Thomas!),

with Rachel later revealing that during the peak of her career, she could manage a 15 minute plank. Pupils were also offered the chance to apply for a gap year opportunity to travel around the world with her new company Uthrive Ltd which offer bespoke ski trips. Physical strength, determination, working in a team, and dreaming big were all core messages for Year 12 to take away for this very inspirational speaker.

Hands On!

Ignite excels at getting pupils learning from doing, and this year was no exception. For example, Marine Biology pupils were able to complete dissections and visit the University of Portsmouth’s Marine Biology department. The Marine Biology and Sustainability pupils also enjoyed a boat trip at Chichester Harbour to view the seal colonies and learn about

conservation. The Climbing pupils tried a variety of venues, including bouldering at the Peter Ashley Activity Centre and Rock Up! In Southampton. Very few Italian sessions were without the opportunity to sample Italian delicacies, understandably making it a very popular course throughout the year!

Ignite

“During the 5-week course students learnt some useful Italian language and culture. Food and activities were the focus of the lessons with all the students enjoying their Caprese salad: mozzarella, pomodori e basilico”.

This fantastically innovative Sixth Form curriculum continues to be enjoyed by pupils...

Pupils in the picture: Milly Betsworth, Elena Muelas, Annie Jenkins, Edward Bailey

Sport

This academic year, sport at PGS has gone from strength to strength. A huge thank you to pupils who have volunteered the following articles for their teams.

Victory at the Hampshire Cup Rugby

PGS went into the Hampshire Cup final with a 13 win to 4 loss record beating the likes of Bryanston and Canford. After previously losing in round four of the National Bowl, we wanted redemption. After beating Salesians and Embley by comfortable scores we were through to the Hampshire Cup final. We made our trip up to Alton Rugby Club on the 2nd February in hope of bringing the cup back to PGS. A beautiful sunny day and a great pitch for a great game of rugby which was about to commence.

After a great warm up the PGS team were ready to go. The referee blew his whistle and we were off. After a thorough first 5 mins of attacking from both sides and many penalties, PGS went on a surge and Josh Ellis gave us an early lead. Soon after Josh struck again and Matt Guyver scored a cheeky try off an interception from a lineout but The Mountbatten School didn't give up just yet with a try late into the first half and a yellow card on our behalf, left us wanting more. Into the second half PGS kept a steady lead throughout with our opponents trying to keep up but eventually PGS secured the win at the final whistle by 34-26 and PGS brought home the Hampshire Cup Trophy with the greatest help from Mr Allsopp.

Archie Simmons

Under 16 Rugby Sport Reports

This has been an excellent season for the U16 A team, both in the 15s and 7s season. Throughout the whole season, I was impressed with the commitment of the boys to training and the sense of team spirit that developed as the season progressed. Our performance in the loss to Canford was one of the highlights of the season, the boys displayed superb resilience against a very strong side, they battled to the end and executed well in attack to score three excellent tries. Our victory over City of London Freemen’s was our best all around performance of the season. In that game, our intensity in both attack and defence was the best of the year. It was great to see so many things that were worked on in training, really come to fruition in a game. A final highlight of the season was our game tying try and conversion in the final seconds of the game. What really stood out was the coolness the boy’s demonstrated under pressure and earning just reward for their efforts against our local rivals.

I was very excited for the 7s season after Christmas and I really felt the level of confidence that the boy’s had throughout. Sometimes their confidence turned to complacency early in games and tournaments

and I hope this is something they will learn with added experiences and maturity. In every tournament, the boys did exceptionally well and should be very proud of their endeavours. Winning the RGS Guildford Bowl and Hampshire 7s provided the silverware for the year. At Warwick, coming second in our group and progressing to the Cup Quarter Final, beating some big schools and only losing to the eventual winners was a big boost for the team before Rosslyn Park. Unfortunately, one point was the difference between winning our group and coming second. Sadly on this occasion, we were on the wrong side of this and I hope those involved experience a different outcome at the National 7s in the future.

What I was really impressed with all year was the maturity that each member of the team showed at various points and the development that each player made during the season. I would like to extend my thanks to Henry Langford for his excellent captaincy throughout both seasons and I wish the best of luck to all the boys as they continue their rugby careers, either in the PGS senior sides or elsewhere.

Andrew Seddon

Cricket Under 12 Teams

Cricket Under 13 Teams

The U13A team had a good season. This consisted of five wins and six losses. At the beginning it all started off well with the captain Reuben Cooper scoring 56 runs. This set us up nicely for a positive season.

Just like last year we made it to the semifinals of the Hampshire Cup. Firstly we beat Toynbee School (at home), then we sadly lost to King Edward's School (away). Attish Das gave us much hope with an amazing hattrick. Unfortunately, we could not make it to the final.

We carried on strong throughout the season. We got to see Reuben Teasdale score a lovely innings scoring 76 runs. He didn't stop there; later he also scored a 52 with Kavin Kajendran scoring 51 getting a combined partnership of 103 against Kingston Grammar. Not only

was our batting good, our opening bowlers (Ollie Davis and Zac Arens) were lightning quick, scaring many of our opponents opening batsmen. They caused many problems for our opponents.

Our season was finished on a high by beating Ryde. We got to see Reuben Teasdale get 4 wickets in 5 balls, including a hattrick. This was the perfect way to finish Year 8 cricket. Many thanks to Mr Seddon, Mr Ayling and Mr Allsopp for the great season of cricket for keeping us motivated and hungry to win more.

Reuben Cooper

Under 14 Teams

Cricket Under 15 Teams

Back row (left to right): Frederick Lowe, Charlie Hill, James Carlin, Alfie Harris, Harry Cooper, Piers Webb, Oliver Barden

Front row (left to right): Marvin Leung, Roman Robertson-Cross, Rufus Millar, Sulaiman Amin, Charlie Nicholls

Back row (left to right): Isaac Ghassemi-Allgood, Michael Voropanov-Oldman, Nikhil Sen, Archie Simmons, William Chapple, Oliver Aldridge, Toby Cooper, Montgomery Bond

Front row (left to right): Max Bushby-Harris, Ryan Nay, Lewis Ndahiro, Oliver Davidson, Sulaiman Amin

Back row (left to right): Eva Durrant, Isabella Cameron, Emily Farrar

Front row (left to right): Jessica Richards-Kellett, Evie Howard, Lucy Harris, Amelia Wilson, Masha Hodell

Cricket Under 14B Team

Even though, at the time of writing, the U14Bs have only won one fixture, there has been some good individual performances and some excellent progress throughout the year.

Winchester College was a difficult opening fixture. Batting first, we managed to put on 107. Veer Kachro made a sound 19, Ben Robinson 11, with everyone else chipping in (and 38 in the extras column!). Sadly, this total could not be defended, and Winchester chased down the runs in eighteen overs for one wicket.

On the 7th May, Churcher’s College put on a target of 150. Vivaan Dixit took 2-27, bowling batters 3 and 4 with turning leg breaks. Sadly, we only scored 129 in response. Pick of the batsmen were Veer Kachroo 29 and Ben Robinson 22.

King Edwards visited Hilsea the week after. Sadly we only set a target of 62 (Vivaan Dixit. 14), which was knocked off in 11 overs. Oliver Van der Wee bowled 5 overs 1 for 15.

Saturday May 21st saw a long journey to Canford. Batting first, Canford scored 197 in 25 overs. Pick of the bowlers was Joe Alexander, on debut, who bowled 5 overs 2 for 35. Sadly we could not chase down their target of 197. Our batting highlight was Felix Wright, scoring a beautiful boundary against their opening bowler. He guided a delivery to the third man boundary in true Joe Root fashion.

Seaford came to Hilsea on Saturday 11th June, scoring 141 in 20 overs. Ollie Van Der Wee bowled 4 overs, 2 wickets for 30; Vivaan Dixit 4-1-21. In response we only scored 86, but Veer Kachroo deserves a mention for his 31 runs.

Our first victory of the season came against Kingston Grammar School. Batting first, we

bowled them out for 42. Joe Alexander and Ben Robinson took three wickets each. A target which we reached for just the loss of three wickets. Felix Wright, Frank Tolden and Yelisey Hodell scored the runs. In the words of match correspondent Ben Robinson: “Veer Kachroo did some amazing keeping with a top-quality stump out and a good all-round game for him.”

On Saturday 25th June, the U14Bs played Lord Wandsworth College. They set a mighty target of 183 from 25 overs. Veer Kachroo bowled 5 overs 2 for 15; Yelisey Hodell 4-2-22. Even though we managed to stay on top of the run rate until over 13, we were eventually bowled out for 133:Yelisey Hodell 30; Ben Robinson 20.

Hockey Under 13 Boys

Although relatively new to most because of COVID, the Year 8 boys adjusted well to the sport of hockey and learned extremely well, all thanks to Mr. Gammon. Working hard on skills, passing, dribbling and shooting, we worked in harmony as a team to give our opponents a good game. For example, our time at the U13 hockey tournament in Southampton was a mixture of wins and losses, however, with the right mindset, we were able to take home a few more victories - the team were able to give a strong solid defence to the goal, our goalie saving many shots, all the while our midfield passed backwards and forwards, waiting for the perfect moment to pass to our star shooter that finished off every shot will style, control and finesse.

Indie Stone

Netball

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my first netball season at PGS. It has been wonderful to see the girls working hard and improving as individuals and teams. The year got under way with a talk and workshop with London Pulse Super League player and OP Ashleigh Dekker, and a trip to the London Copper Box Arena to watch England vs Jamaica. Each year group also had a tournament experience and had fixtures each Saturday in the spring term. I look forward to working with all players again next season and seeing them progress further.

Miss Tourino - Head of Netball

YEAR 7 – Amelia Davies

I have really enjoyed netball season as I started off in the B team and all the coaches were so supportive and tried to help everyone improve. During the end of my season I got moved into the A’s which I was so happy about. My team was very supportive of each other and were always trying to help each other. Although we didn’t win many games, the matches were extremely fun and I think we all played well and improved. Training was even more fun because there was always some cool activities to get into. I can’t wait for netball season next year!!

YEAR 8 – Sophie Ball

Last season in netball, we found all our matches exciting and enjoyable. We loved playing Ryde because we really grew together as a team and bonded. We also took our loss to St Swithuns as a learning curve and with the help of our teachers we worked to improve our match play. Next year I'm really looking forward to getting really stuck into the netball season again! I am so excited to play more matches because they’re always great fun, especially when we play away matches that are far away, and some tournaments because it is a great bonding experience for the team. I can’t wait for what next year's netball term will bring.

YEAR 9 – Cecelia Cameron

This year, in netball, I wouldn’t say we have been

the most successful. As in, we didn’t win many matches. However, I think we all bonded well as teams and really improved on several skills, such as ball placement, flow down the court and attacking around the circle. We are also now experts at bow tie, our warm up drill. Even though we didn’t win the most matches this season, we have set a strong foundation for next season when we can hopefully continue working towards our collective goals. As a result of our improvement we were also nominated for team of the year. Our A team GD also gained defender of the year for her excellent defensive work.

YEAR 10 – Milly Lewis

I think that every person who played in a netball match this season would agree that we all greatly improved throughout the year, even if our U15 netball teams were not always successful. There were lots of great drills, passing and shooting from everyone - during games, after school training and matches. One of the highlights of the season was getting to wear netball dresses for the first time when we were attending an away tournament and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to wearing them more often as we go into Year 11. There is also the netball tour to South Africa in a years’ time which many people are very excited about. Overall, we had a good season of netball and are hoping to have an even better one next year!

YEAR 11 – Milly Bayles

At the start of the season, we found it slightly difficult with combinations as we hadn't played all together as one team for over a year. However, over the past few months we have come together more in our teams and have won most of our matches, with our game against St Georges being particularly successful. We had a very sunny match against Canford on Saturday which was a good win for both teams to end the season. Overall, the season was very successful and enjoyable, and it was so nice to

all play together again especially before a few of us leave the school next year. Thank you so much to all our coaches and we look forward to next season.

SENIORS - Maya Russell

The XI team have had an amazing season this year, and it’s been great to play with girls from Years 11 to 13 to allow us to play with different players and work together as one team. We’ve enjoyed playing against a range of teams which have really tested us and helped us improve, whether that be in tournaments, cup fixtures or Saturday matches. Over the season we have improved so much as individuals and as a team which has been reflected in our match results. We have loved spending time together and are all so grateful to Miss Tourino and Mrs Hussey for coaching us this year!

Ten Tors

Challenges On The Beautiful Hills Of Dartmoor

The first Ten Tors weekend happened recently, with 14 pupils travelling to Dartmoor on the Friday. The weather was wonderful, and we were all ready to get going. However, there was a chilly wind, which got worse throughout the weekend.

On Saturday morning, it was a sharp shock to wake up at 05:00. We boiled up some rationed food, and packed our bags for a long day ahead. We travelled in the minibus to Postbridge, where we started our 20km route through the moors. We got lost early on, and had our first experience of the classic Dartmoor bogs. We spent the day walking, and navigating towards different checkpoints. When we arrived at the campsite, we planned out a route card, and went to straight to bed.

Sunday morning was chaotic, as there was a rush to eat, and pack everything away. All of my clothes were wet, and it was a struggle to put my bog-soaked boots on. We set off, and very quickly warmed up after walking up Hartland Tor. By lunchtime, we could see Cosden Tor, which was our final ascent of the day. However, it was a long way away, and there were several Tors in between. When we got to Belstone, we jumped on the minibus and fell asleep immediately.

In conclusion, the whole weekend was rewarding, and thoroughly enjoyable. I would recommend taking part to anyone who is currently in CCF, or is interested in pushing themselves, and appreciating a beautiful landscape.

Honor Gillies

Chawton House Trip Year 12

Year 12 Lit Soc pupils enjoyed a visit to Chawton House Library and the Jane Austen Museum in June as part of the programme of super-curricular literacy on offer at PGS.

Chawton House Library, once owned by Jane Austen’s brother Edward Knight, is now the home to a remarkable rare book collection of women’s writing spanning between 1640-1830. Pupils learned about the history of the house, its links to Jane Austen, and its importance in the academic world of women’s studies. They also enjoyed a full tour of the extensive gardens, learning about formal and landscapestyle garden design, alongside the social and political history of these movements.

After a trip into the village to visit the Jane Austen Museum (and trying on a few too

many bonnets!), pupils had a seminar with the independent academic Dr Helen Cole, who specialises in book history and illustration. During this session, pupils were able to look at and handle a range of rare books, one of which was published in 1660. They were able to see books that had been handwritten and illustrated, as well as books designed for the very rich with elaborate bindings compared to books for the poor, which had no binding at all.

As an organisation that is open to anyone interested in this period of literature, the pupils were encouraged to return during their summer break to explore the collection and start their academic research journeys!

Drama Trip

Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Back in January, Drama students in Years 9, 10 and 11 went on a trip to see Simon Stephens’ play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, based on Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name, at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. This was the first major theatre trip the school had been able to run since Covid hit, and for many of us it was the first time we had been to see a show at all since the pandemic, so the atmosphere of actually being in a physical theatre was perhaps even more euphoric than usual. When we got back to school, we were able to use what we had seen in the production to prepare for Section C of the GCSE Drama exam, which focuses on writing about a live production.

The show itself was incredible, and was a highly unique but authentic take on the original novel

by Mark Haddon, in which the main character, Christopher, who is autistic, attempts to find his way in the world despite numerable challenges. Assisted by powerfully symbolic lighting, set and choreography by the theatre company Frantic Assembly, the play was able to portray the genuine reality of living with autism in a raw and compelling way, giving us a real insight into Christopher’s mind. The play was also very effective in demonstrating the makeup of a family relationship, and the challenges that families often face. Overall, the experience was amazing, and we’re all looking forward to enjoying more theatre trips in the future.

Lorcan Bonser-Wilton

Postcards From Around the UK!

This year more Geography trips were able to run and pupils (and staff!) welcomed being able to go out “in the field” once again.

Year 7 - Isle of Wight

Year 7 geographers enjoyed a glorious day on the Isle of Wight in the summer. They explored extinct and endangered creatures at Dinosaur Isle and Wildheart Animal Sanctuary in Sandown, as well as appreciating the local environment and exploring the human impact on it. Highlights included fantastic views of lions, some even hearing them roar; watching the antics of a potential escapee meerkat and moving a robotic dinosaur. The pupils came away with an even greater love for nature and the importance of conservation and the part they can play in it; and with big smiles!

Year 8 - Lulworth Cove

Year 8 visited Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door after the Easter break to study geomorphic processes such as erosion and deposition. The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site begins in Exmouth and continues for 95 miles to Old Harry Rocks. It is England’s only natural World Heritage Site and has been designated as such due to its world famous rocks, fossil and landforms. Alongside learning about the area, pupils learnt valuable fieldwork skills such as sketching and map reading.

Year 10 - Hengistbury Head

The Year 10 geographers visited Hengistbury Head to develop their fieldwork skills and to collect data for their GCSE exams. Pupils found out about the rapid erosion of the cliffs and ways in which the processes operating at the headland are being managed. Coastal defence options were surveyed, questionnaires were carried out, and beach profiles were measured. Pupils also got to travel in style on the Hengistbury Head land train, which was a highlight of the day for many! As with all geography fieldtrips, we experienced all seasons in one day, but that didn’t dampen enthusiasm.

Year 10 Lyndhurst

Year 10 Geography pupils went to Lyndhurst and Balmer Lawn, both in the New Forest, for their second full day of fieldwork. The day involved working through human and physical geography fieldwork techniques, including measuring the velocity of the Lymington River, investigating infiltration rates and conducting questionnaires and visitor surveys. Much of the data collected can be mapped using GIS software, enabling spatial patterns to be easily presented and analysed.

Year 11 Hengistbury Head

On account of being unable to visit Hengistbury Head the previous year, Year 11 visited in October. They were also able to visit Lyndhurst in June 2021, thereby being able to complete all of the fieldwork requirements of the GCSE course.

The Year 12 and 13 A-level and IB geographers visited London in order to study two big human geography case studies: the Olympic Park and the London Docklands. These areas have undergone rebranding and/or regeneration and pupils were able to experience the places first hand. Pupils considered the extent to which the original aims of “sustainability” and “legacy” apply to the Olympic Park and collected data about placemaking success and local microclimate at both sites in order to practice GIS and fieldwork skills, ready for their Independent Investigation. A particular highlight for all was warming up in the Lee Valley VeloPark and being able to see the 42° slopes in action, along with riding the DLR!

Year 9 Discovery Day

Although sadly Year 9 did not get a trip this year, they did an outstanding job at teaching Year 5 pupils geographical skills during the final Enrichment Day of the year. They ran three Geography sessions for Year 5 pupils; a treasure hunt around the school using map skills, fieldwork where microclimate data was collected and mapped, and mapping their route to school using Digimaps. They also completed a murder mystery tour around Old Portsmouth earlier in the year for the Place topic.

Amadeus Drama

Little Shop of Horrors

DRAMA

House Music

Exceptional Performances in the Cathedral

A Wonderful Performance Event House Drama

Leavers’Ball at the Spinnaker Tower 2022

Leavers’ University Destinations

First Name

Last Name University Studying

Aman Ahad University of Surrey Computer Science

Lucy Albuery University of Leeds Biology and History & Philosophy of Science

Luke Anstey University of Surrey Mechanical Engineering

Gabriel Appleby-Mell Cardiff Metropolitan University Architecture

Mahir Asef Cardiff University Medicine

Poppy-Rose Banton Queen’s University, Belfast French and History

Kirav Behari City, University of London Economics

Raulf Berry University of Southamptom Ship Science

Lewis Bevan London School of Economics Management

Benedict Blythe University of Bristol Music

Alexander Bolton University of East Anglia Environmental Science and International Development

Benjamin Bradley University of Bristol Mathematics

Uddalock Brahma University of Southampton Mathematics

Amy Brennan Gap Year

Sam Bryan King’s College, London War Studies

Henry Buckle Swansea University Accounting and Finance

Tobias Chan University of Bristol Civil Engineering

Jayne Cheung Ernst & Young Partnership Degree Apprenticeship

Phoebe Clark Durham University English Literature

Rebecca Cleary University of Exeter Law

Poppy Codling University of the Arts, London Product and Furniture Design

Jacob Cole Cardiff University Financial Mathematics

Alice Collins Unviersity of Exeter Geography

Karis Cufley Royal Holloway, University of London Biomedical Science

Benjamin Davis Durham University Georgraphy

Finn de Trafford University of Bristol Physics and Philosophy

Finley Dickinson Gap Year

Imogen Diffey Loughborough University Product Design and Technology

Ishbel Duncan Loughborough University Biological Sciences

Oliver Durrant Imperial College, London Medicine

Charlotte Earle Kingston University Dance and Drama

Ashwin Elanchcheliyan Gap Year

Maisie English Bath Spa University Performing Arts

First Name Last Name University Studying

Samuel Fabre de la Grange University of the West of England Business and Law

Danny Fowler University of Bath Economics

Manon Francis University of Warwick Politics and International Studies

Tiana Fray University of Bristol Economics and Management

Saanvi Ganesh Gap Year

Isobel Geddes University of Birmingham Modern Languages

Lily Gibbs Nottingham Trent University Fashion Marketing and Branding

Luke Giles-Hooper University of Exeter History and Modern Languages

Jozua Greeff University of Chichester Psychology

Megan Hanna Bath Spa University Human Geography

William Hartridge University of Oxford Biochemistry

Jemima Haslam Art Foundation

Henry Hayter University of Leicester Medicine

Jed Hazzard University of Leicester Biological Sciences

Samuel Head Cardiff University Medicine

Annabel Heaton University of Portsmouth Sociology with Criminology

Samuel Hemmingway Gap Year

James Heppell University of Exeter Computing and Languages

Adam Heyes Gap Year

Harvey Hill Royal Central School of Speech and Drama Acting

George Hodell Bath Spa University Architecture

Emilia Holden University of Plymouth Ocean Science and Marine Conservation

Louie Howe-Walsh University of Plymouth Biomedical Sciences

Oliver Jameson University of Bath Economics

Sofia Jeppesen University of Southampton Business Management

Elinor Jeynes University of Birmingham Physiotherapy

James Johnson Bath Spa University Creative Music and Technology

Elen Jones University of Cambridge Architecture

Oliver Kettle University of Bath Business

Dulcie Langley University of Oxford German and Spanish

Lydia Lazenbury Bournemouth University Paramedic Science

Alex Ly University of Warwick Health and Medical Science

Sophie Matheson Art Foundation

First Name

Last Name University Studying

Isaac Mead University of Oxford English Language and Literature

Jaime Mesa Loughborough University Economics

Polina Meshkova University of Bristol Biology

Benjamin Millard University of Bristol Economics and Mathematics

Hannah Millerchip University of Hertfordshire 2D Digital Animation

Oliver Moras Imperial College, London Medicine

Sahil Muhammed Gap Year

William Nelson-Smith University of Warwick Modern Languages

Hamish Orr University of Leeds Medicine

Grace O’Sullivan University of Plymouth Adult Nursing

Mia Parry University of Plymouth Dental Surgery

William Parvin Cardiff University Dentistry

Reuben Poole University of Exeter History and Ancient History

Grace Powell Kingston University Product and Furniture Design

Isabelle Powell Cardiff University Environmental Geography

Imran Rahman University College, London Medicine

Dinura Ranmandala Gap Year

Makeen Rehman University of Southampton Civil Engineering

Joseph Reilly University of West England Business and Management

Alice Ren King’s College, London Biochemistry

James Reynolds University of Surrey Business Management

Todd Riddington University of Warwick Mathematics

Destiny Rose-Forde Kennedy University of Oxford Law with Spanish Law

Madeline Ross University College, London Human Sciences

Jiangnan (Nancy) Ruan Goldsmiths, University of London Drama: Musical Theatre

Maya Russell University of Bristol History

Roseanna Sambles Nottingham Trent University Product Design

Tims Sdobnikovs Gap Year

Rohan Sesetti Cardiff University Economics and Finance

Tom Shahran University of Bath Business

Daisy Sissons University of Manchester Music

Daniel Smith University College, London Medicine

Harry Smith University of West England Sport Rehabilitation

Oliver Spencer University of Oxford Biochemistry

Olivia Spink University of Bath Mathematical Sciences

Flora Sprague Lancaster University Geography

First Name Last Name University Studying

Dhruv Sreeshyla

University of Glasgow Computing Science

Susannah Starkey Gap Year

Eliza Stevens University of Nottingham Psychology

Gabriel Sumner Imperial College, London Materials with Nuclear Engineering

Adam Tahri University College, London Biochemistry

Miles Toh University of Southampton Biomedical Engineering

Stephanie Wade King’s College, London War Studies

Daisy Watson-Rumbold

University of Sheffield Philsophy

Robert Wilkinson University of York Economics and Finance

Frederick Willing Cardiff University Economics and Finance

Ralph Willing

University of Southampton Ship Science

Hanming (John) Xue University of Sheffield Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Lin (Adam) Yuan

Benyu (Josh) Zhu

University of Glasgow Computing Science

University of Warwick Mathematics

From left to right: Sabikunnaher Sabiha, Fola Odofin, Sophie Guenroc, Sophia Cheng On Screen: Dawn Sands, Jiali Hicks

The Portmuthian Team this year has continued to be a throughly dedicated and dligent team of pupils who have put their heart and soul into this publication. On a weekly basis the team have met to discuss ideas and produce the articles and graphics you see here, usually fuelled by cake and biscuits!

Congratulations must go to Sabiha, Dawn and Sophia for their fabulous graphics and front cover design. In addition, Jiali’s superb characatures capture the characters within the team.

Thank you to our writers Fola, Thomas, Sophie, Arwen, Dawn, Sophia, Jiali and Sabiha who worked to produce and edit the fabulous articles within the magazine. Together you made a throughly awesome team.

This is my last year as Portmuthian Editor and I have enjoyed every moment, long may it continue!

Kate Rees, Editor in Chief

P.S. A belated but heartfelt thank you to Sabiha for the incredible flick book graphics in last years publication.