From Highlights To Headlines, Autumn 2022

FROM HIGHLIGHTS TO HEADLINES

ACADEMIC

‘Brilliant results’: Tonbridge boys’ GCSEs among best-ever for School

Tonbridge’s GCSE and IGSCE results for 2022 were outstanding and among the best-ever for the School. A total of 58 per cent of grades were at 9, the highest possible grade, and almost 85 per cent were at 9 and 8 (with both grades the equivalent of A*).

Pupils sat GCSE and IGCSE public examinations this summer for the first time since 2019.

James Priory, Tonbridge’s Headmaster, congratulated the Third Year cohort. “Boys can be proud of these brilliant results, which are a tribute to the hard work and determination they have shown during their GCSE studies,” he said.

“Today’s results also reflect the inspiration and support provided by our staff, who have delivered high-quality teaching and learning through a very challenging period. Our pupils and staff have much to celebrate.”

* A-level results: Page 4

Top in the UK: Boys’ outstanding performance in British Maths Olympiad

Tonbridge boys achieved extraordinary results in the British Maths Olympiad.

Six students – Isaac King (CH3), Alex Chui (CH1), Hayden Lam (FH4), Catalin Botezat (Sc4), Yury Balabin (CH5) and Justin Leung (JH1) – all earned the right to take part in the second round of this challenging national

l Delighted Third Years Richard and Dominic discuss their results with James Priory

GCSE Results 2022:

* 97 per cent of all grades are at 9-7 (equivalent to A*/A);

* 99.3 per cent of all grades are at 9-6 (equivalent to A*-B);

* A total of 61 boys (41 per cent of the Third Year cohort) achieved straight 9-8 grades (equivalent to straight A*s);

* A total of 120 boys (80 per cent of the Third Year cohort) achieved straight 9-7 grades (equivalent to straight A*/As).

examination, which features only the top 100 Maths students across the country. Isaac and Alex then both achieved the ultimate feat of gaining full marks, which meant they were awarded the joint top position in the country.

Hayden and Catalin also put in highly impressive performances. Hayden finished fifth equal in the country, while Catalin was placed in the top 40.

Ian Jackson, Mathematics Teacher, said: “These top-in-the-country results are an inspiration for all and make it a wonderful time to be studying Maths at Tonbridge, in any year group.”

In the Trinity Maths Competition, an annual online contest involving 170 teams from six countries, one Tonbridge team came top in the UK and was placed 8th worldwide. A total of three School teams were placed in the top 30 worldwide.

Rocket engineers fly the flag for UK

A team of three Tonbridge boys took on national champions from the USA, France and Japan in the International Rocketry Challenge final, held at Farnborough International Airshow in July.

Having won the national finals of the competition in June, ‘Team Traffic Cone’, earned the right to take to the international stage. The team was made up of Second Years Alex Fu (PH2), Isaac Chan (MH2) and Ryan Fortune (PS2).

The mission set competitors the task of designing and building a model rocket, before launching it to a height of 800 feet and ensuring the safe return of its fragile cargo of two eggs.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Isaac and Alex (see Page 2) were also chosen as members of the UK team for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO), staged in Oslo in July. It is only the second time in more than two decades that a school has had more than one member selected for the UK’s team, which consists of the top six school-age mathematicians in the country.

Hayden Lam (FH4) represented the UK in the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad.

In paying tribute, James Priory said: “The Queen’s life of service and of dedication to our nation was an inspiration to so many across the world.”

There were prayers for Her Majesty and for The Royal Family during School Chapel Assemblies and other services. The Union flag at the front of School was flown at half-mast, and on Friday 9 September the School’s bells tolled for one minute at the same time as bells at Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Windsor Castle.

While we respectfully remember the life of Her Majesty and give thanks for her long reign, all at Tonbridge send our warmest wishes to King Charles III on his accession to the throne. We wish His Majesty good health, strength and happiness throughout his reign.

l Left, the School’s CCF held a special commemorative parade; and right, the Union flag at half-mast

The entire Tonbridge School community felt great sadness and profound loss on hearing of the death of Her Majesty The Queen.

ACADEMIC

Upper Sixth achieve outstanding A-level results

Tonbridge’s students put in a truly excellent performance in their A-levels, with 50 per cent of all grades awarded to the Upper Sixth cohort at A*, or Pre-U equivalent.

More than 85 per cent of all grades awarded were A or A*, with nearly all grades (98 per cent) either A*, A or B

In addition, 107 boys achieved a ‘clean sweep’ of A*/A grades at A-level

Cambridge summer school for Adrian

Lower Sixth student Adrian Lam (JH4) was awarded a place on a highly selective summer school run by the University of Cambridge.

Adrian qualified for the Senior Physics Challenge, a three-day programme for Year 12 pupils from across the country. Just 50 places were available and, to be successful, students had to complete more than 800 questions on the ‘Isaac Physics’ platform, which are often well beyond the A-level syllabus in terms of complexity.

This is the fifth consecutive year in which at least one Tonbridge boy has gained a place.

l Upper Sixth boys pictured on results day

The latest leavers are the first cohort to have completed the School’s new Sixth Form Curriculum. This was launched in 2020, inspired by the skills which The World Economic Forum identified as having the greatest value in today’s workplace including complex problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity.

The Curriculum gives students the opportunity to develop high-level specialism in A-level studies, while also sustaining breadth through options such as the Extended Project Qualification and additional language courses.

Chichele Essay puts ‘Truth’ to the test

Cameron Tilley (Sc5) was the winner of the School’s 2022 Chichele Essay prize. The competition takes the form of an essay written in exam conditions, with a one-word title not disclosed in advance. This year’s examiner was renowned philosopher Professor Simon Blackburn, with the chosen title being ‘Truth’.

The prize was presented during a ceremony at the end of the Summer Term.

From Tonbridge to top universities across the world

As well as emerging with a tremendous set of A-level results, the very large majority of Tonbridge’s leavers have secured their firstchoice university destination. They are heading to leading universities across the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) this autumn.

In addition to Oxbridge, many have places at prestigious, high-tariff universities including Durham, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Bristol, Exeter, University College London (UCL), Warwick, Nottingham, Leeds, London School of Economics (LSE) and King’s College London.

There has been greater success with US applications than ever before: in addition to Harvard and MIT, students are going to Berkley, Northeastern and Dartmouth, with those who are US-bound gaining a total of five highly prized scholarships. Other Sixth Form leavers are also going to universities in Canada, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Austria.

Jonas Freeman, Head of School 2021-22, pictured left, gained a place at Harvard University; Zac Nwogwugwu, pictured right, is heading to MIT. Both institutions are among the most prestigious in the world, with places being highly sought-after.

While traditional degree courses such as Politics, History, Languages and Economics continue to prove popular, degrees with a particular career focus are also proving attractive. Alongside Law and Medicine, leavers are embarking on degrees in Arabic and Business, Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science, Economic and Global Stability, Architecture and Earth Sciences.

The Leavers’ Service in the Summer Term is one of the highlights of the School year, when parents join us to celebrate the achievements of the boys.

A Chapel service, including the awarding of Old Tonbridgian ties, is followed by a Reception, which this year took place in the Skinners’ Library Gardens.

l Proud parents with their sons, pictured at the Reception following the Leavers’ Service

SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY

‘Truly inspirational talks’: Science Communication Competition

Tonbridge’s inaugural Science Communication Competition staged its grand final in the School’s award-winning Barton Science Centre.

More than 100 students entered the first stage earlier in the year, and from these just 14 made it through to the final. The competition set students the challenge of explaining their research and ideas enthusiastically, in a way that would interest and inspire a typical class of Year 9 students.

Conference attracts global gathering

More than 120 students from schools across the UK were joined remotely by those from the USA and Mexico for the Tonbridge Annual Science Conference.

Now in its seventh year, the event once more brought together students to present their own research and share their passion for scientific discovery and exploration. Topics ranged from artificial intelligence and animal behaviour to cell development and potential treatments for cancer.

The judging panel was led by Professor Sir Jim Smith FRS, a renowned developmental biologist, who presented prizes to finalists. Professor Smith, Secretary of The Zoological Society of London, also gave a lecture at the School.

The first prize for the Under 16s went to Odin Holdom (PH2) of Tonbridge for his presentation on Winning at Wordle, which explained how information science can help players succeed in this popular game. The top prize for 17s to 19s was awarded to O-Teen Kwok, from Caterham School, for The Invisible Forces – Aerodynamics.

A full programme included a total of 85 student presentation sessions as well as talks from two leading scientists, Dr Farah Alibay of NASA and Dr Joe Cook, Senior Researcher at Aarhus University in Denmark.

Finding the perfect formula for making fish and chips was the task facing students as they took part in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s annual Schools’ Analyst Competition.

Year 12 students from four schools, including Tonbridge, worked in teams in the south-east regional heat. Using the labs in the Barton Science Centre, teams carried out experiments and had the chance to apply their knowledge in a fun, rewarding way.

ARTS

Shakespeare set in the Eighties

Julius Caesar, the Junior Play, was performed in the Summer Term to great acclaim from parents, staff and students. With a cast of 26, and running at just under an hour, this slick and well-acted production showcased the talents of Lower years.

The play, performed in the School’s EM Forster Theatre, was set in the 1980s world of corporate finance, where jealous conspirators convince Caesar’s friend Brutus to join their plot against the soon-to-be-appointed CEO of Rome Ltd.

Director Kalungi Ssebandeke, Drama Graduate Assistant, said: “From stage management to show operation, the boys led from the front. They displayed a great sense of purpose and the experience highlighted the power of commitment and teamwork.”

Young writers’ imaginations impress

Boys were complimented on their “great imagination” and “wonderful descriptive techniques” by the writer judging this year’s EM Forster Prose Fiction Prize.

Emily LaBarge, who has written for Granta and the London Review of Books, among many other publications, said how much fun she had reading the boys’ entries, adding she was especially drawn to pieces showing the greatest story-telling craft.

Prizes in the annual competition were awarded in three categories. Xavier Gait (Sc1) was the Novi winner for what Emily called his “vivid and moving story”, The Hero. The Intermediate Prize went to Alex Wan (HS3) for his “elaborate” and “beautifully written” piece, Enough, while Matt Smith (JH4) won the Sixth Form category for Aztecs in Space, a “compelling, funny, and unpredictable” tale.

For Matt this completed a literary double, as he also won the Staveley Poetry Prize (Senior category) with his piece Tunbridge Wells.

A View from the Bridge, Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play, was performed in the Summer Term with a cast which included students from Weald of Kent and Hillview School for Girls.

All involved achieved an impressive standard of performance and technical production. Earlier in the year the School staged an innovative performance of Waiting For Godot, set in an airport lounge.

Former pupil Harry Redding (HS 11-16) is performing one of the lead roles in To Kill A Mockingbird, which is currently running to rave reviews at the Gielgud Theatre in the West End. Harry plays the part of Jem Finch.

l Above, scenes from Julius Caesar

Tonbridge wins AMCIS Award for ‘Branding Impact’

Tonbridge has won a prestigious national award for its ‘Only Connect’ branding campaign.

In a ceremony to conclude the 2022 AMCIS (Admissions, Marketing and Communications in Independent Schools) conference, the School was announced as the winner for Branding Impact.

The AMCIS awards celebrate the work of communications teams in running distinctive and successful campaigns which have a significant impact on schools and their communities.

Award judges found that, with Only Connect, “Tonbridge has created an exceptional brand”. They added: “It neatly encapsulates a very clear and exciting identity.”

Richard Burnett, the School’s Director of Admissions, said: “At the heart of the Tonbridge brand is a dictum coined by the famous Old Tonbridgian, EM Forster: ‘Only Connect’.

“Forster was encouraging the reader to make the connection between the head and the heart, between thought and feelings. At Tonbridge, we believe that making connections of all kinds –intellectual, cultural, social and emotional – is a vital part of the rounded education we deliver.”

As well as producing a series of exciting visuals, the School also worked with a production company, Affixxius, in making two short films which placed Only Connect on the screen.

Richard added: “Following the branding launch, we have seen a record number of visits and have assessed hundreds of boys for potential entry.”

James Priory is pictured above with the AMCIS Impact Awards trophy; Richard is below with the School’s Admissions and Communications teams.

ROUND-UP

Cadets put on an ‘excellent show’ for CCF Inspection Day

Cowdrey conquers DTE Challenge

Boys put their design and engineering skills to the test as they took part in the School’s annual DTE Inter-House Challenge.

This year’s task was to design and build a collapsible bridge that could be attached to a remote-controlled vehicle. Teams had to manoeuvre vehicles around two obstacle courses, and unload and construct the bridge, before crossing the finishing line.

More than 200 Tonbridge cadets took part in the School’s annual CCF Inspection Day. This year’s event, an Army-led service attended by parents, staff, friends and public, welcomed Colonel John Baynham OBE, Deputy Commander 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade, as Inspecting Officer.

The Parade, which included a substantial display of continuity drill by the CCF Honour Guard, was commanded by the School’s Warrant Officer Class II Company Sergeant Major Dan Cassidy (OH5)

Afternoon activities included a Royal Tournamentstyle Field Gun Run, a laser clay pigeon shoot, archery and the opportunity for boys to try out a virtual reality flight simulator.

Squadron Leader Stefan Hargreaves, Contingent Commander for the School’s CCF, said: “All our cadets put on a truly excellent show, the result of their dedication, hard work and commitment.”

Richard Day, Head of DTE, said: “Houses approached the problem in different ways and it was great to see so many innovative and creative solutions.” The winner was Cowdrey House, with Smythe second and Welldon third.

Novi Team Building, an annual event which takes place in early September, helps the boys to get to know each other and builds camaraderie in the tutor groups.

Boys support each other through a range of activities, which this year included inflatable table football and assault courses. Everyone enjoyed a barbeque at the end of the event.

School salutes ‘Giving Day’ generosity

Tonbridge’s second Giving Day raised more than half a million pounds. Many hundreds of people across the School community worked together in the last week of the Summer Term to help support Tonbridge’s mission of doubling its number of Foundation Award recipients by 2028.

This will ensure an even greater number of bright, able boys will be able to attend Tonbridge and benefit from the world-class education on offer.

Giving Day was supported by nearly 800 individual donors, as well as match funders, boys, parents, staff, OTs and friends, with James Priory sending “a heartfelt thank you” to everyone who contributed. “To raise half a million pounds is an extraordinary achievement,” he said.

Almost 600 children, from 11 local primary schools, took part in a range of sporting, artistic and academic activities at the School. There were also a dozen off-site projects, from digging ponds to running sports festivals, as boys and staff ‘gave back’ to the local community.

Tonbridge has been named as a winner in the prestigious Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education 2022. Our award is for Community Engagement and Charity Fundraising. The full story will be in our next edition.

Boys learn more about homelessness during annual Sleepout

A record number of Tonbridge’s First Years took part in the School’s annual Sleepout in June.

Working with Porchlight, a charity which supports homeless and vulnerable people across Kent, 153 boys were challenged to step into the shoes of a ‘rough sleeper’ and understand a little more about what being homeless involves.

Community Concert hosts 150 guests

Local senior citizens attended the annual Community Concert in May. Guests were looked after by boys from the Tonbridge Community Action (TCA) volunteering programme during an evening which featured live music as well as comedy and a raffle.

All those taking part built a shelter in the School Quad, using cardboard boxes to create their home for the night. The boys were also fundraising in support of Porchlight and its vital work, raising more than £17,000 for the charity.

First Years heard talks about homelessness and gained a deeper understanding of the subject. They then spent the following morning undertaking a series of challenges that were designed to highlight the inherent inequalities of life, and the difficulties of seeking work or undertaking complex tasks when exhausted.

Juliet Burnett, Community Action Manager, said: “The evening was a huge success. Looking after our visitors at the concert is a part of the TCA boys’ year-round commitment.”

‘Book Buddies’ inspires love of reading

The School’s First Years pay weekly visits to two local primary schools, working with pupils from Early Years through to Year 6 in the ‘Book Buddy’ scheme. The boys enjoy getting to know the children, encouraging them in their reading and helping to foster a lifelong love of books.

MUSIC

From Tchaikovsky to The Avengers: Lower School concert a ‘joyful evening’

Nearly 80 boys performed in Tonbridge’s Lower School Concert in the Summer Term.

The School Orchestra, Junior Choir, Junior Strings and Concert Band all featured in an hour-long programme that highlighted the talent and versatility of younger musicians. Performances ranged from orchestral renditions of Tchaikovsky (Waltz of the Flowers and Trepak) and Bizet (Habanera, from Carmen) to a traditional sea shanty by Junior Choir.

Contemporary composer Libby Croad’s Moto Perpetuo, the third and final movement from the

Chapel Choir sings Choral Evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral

The Chapel Choir had an unforgettable music-making experience at St Paul’s Cathedral, deputising for the Cathedral Choir on its day off during the May Bank Holiday. The choir sang Choral Evensong, part of the daily routine of worship offered at the cathedral, in front of a congregation of more than 500 people.

Music included Herbert Howells’ Collegium Regale canticles and John Ireland’s anthem Greater love hath no man.

Suite for String Orchestra, was skilfully played by Junior Strings.

The Concert Band finished the evening on a rousing note with crowd-pleasing themes from The Avengers and Mission: Impossible, as well as highlights from Mamma Mia!

Mark Forkgen, the School’s Director of Music, said: “We had a joyful evening of music-making, with a wonderful atmosphere that only live performance can produce. I was very pleased to see such variety and confidence from a cohort of predominantly Year 9 and Year 10 musicians.”

Choirmaster Julian Thomas said: “It was a unique experience for the boys to be making music in such a large space with resonant acoustics“.

School Chapel Choirs combine

The Chapel Choirs of Tonbridge and The New Beacon Prep School joined forces in May for an uplifting choral service of Evensong.

The highlight of the service, which included pieces by Stanford and Sumsion, was Hubert Parry’s iconic Coronation anthem, I was glad, in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations.

The latest Good Schools Guide writes about Music at Tonbridge in glowing terms. Its comments include: “Wide range of orchestras, bands and ensemble groups for all musical styles, including flourishing jazz and pop groups and thriving choral music. Numerous opportunities to perform … Octagon concerts feature a different instrument each week.”

The full review can be read on the Good Schools Guide and Tonbridge websites.

The event further strengthened the ties between the schools, following last year’s successful merger. Mike Piercy, The New Beacon’s Headmaster, said: “It was a lovely occasion, attended by families from both schools, and such a good experience for our boys. The sound of the two choirs together was strong and confident.”

‘Thrilling and moving’: Symphony Orchestra performs the Eroica

More than 50 boys from across all year groups performed one of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, Symphony No.3, the Eroica, in the Chapel.

Mark Forkgen, Director of Music, added: “The Eroica is a considerable challenge for any orchestra. It demands high levels of concentration, instrumental skill and, above all, musicianship in order to get to the heart of the work. The orchestra truly absorbed the piece and gave a performance that was thrilling and moving in equal measure.”

Other orchestral concerts in recent years have included Shakespeare in Symphony, A Viennese Symphony and Holst’s The Planets.

SPORT

Double honours in the Rugby Sevens

Tonbridge boys were among the honours in Rugby Sevens, with the U15s and U14s both winning their competitions – the Wimbledon College and Reigate Sevens, respectively.

The U16s reached the final of the Plate at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, and the U18s made the semi-finals of the Cup at Shiplake College.

‘Golden generation’ finish with Cowdrey Cup win

Tonbridge’s 1st XI was victorious in this year’s Cowdrey Cup, an annual competition which features many of the top schools in the south-east. The side was unbeaten during the Cowdrey Cup campaign and lost just one match during the entire season.

Rob Stephen, Master in Charge of Cricket, said: “The Cup win was a great reward for the team’s fantastic effort and spirit. It was also a lovely note on which to bid farewell to our talented Upper Sixth boys.”

Nearly half of this winning side will be returning for the next season, including Ollie Sykes (HS4), who won the batting prize, scoring more than 900 runs, and Callum Porritt (Sc4), who won the bowling prize having taken over 40 wickets.

More promising news for Tonbridge cricket is that the U14s side completed a hugely successful first season together by winning the Kent Cup.

The season culminated at Rosslyn Park with the National Schools Sevens, with each of the U18s, U16s and U14s sides emerging with plenty of credit. Rhys Crane, Director of Rugby, said: “All our teams can be proud of their Sevens performances and the future of Tonbridge Rugby looks very bright.”

Hundreds took part in the annual Tonbridge cross-country race, The CRAS, in the Lent Term. Boys from Smythe House took the top honours, finishing as overall winners. The top teams across the three age categories of Novi (First Year), Inter (Second and Third Years) and Seniors (Sixth Form) were Oakeshott House (winners of the Novi event) and Smythe (winners of both the Inter and Senior races).

A good number of Tonbridge teaching and support staff also took part in the various runs.

Boys in historic tennis triumph

Tonbridge’s 1st IV won the St George’s Senior Pairs, capturing the title for the School for the first time. The winning team is pictured, with the trophy, on the grass courts at St George’s.

Sailing team in World Championships

In the last week of the Summer Term, Tonbridge boys competed against schools from across the country in both the Junior Itchenor Schools Week and the Senior Schools Week, putting in a series of strong performances.

In July, 14 boys competed in the RS Feva World Championships, held at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, representing both Great Britain and the School. The boys had been training and competing all year in preparation, as part of Tonbridge’s RS Feva team.

Smythe sets the pace as The CRAS makes a welcome return