Each year, The Savilian brings together a flavour of all the extraordinary activities and achievements of the boys at QEGS, and this year’s is no different - it’s a “must read”.
This was my third year as Head, and it began with the news that one of our teachers was seriously ill in hospital. Sadly, Mrs. CaleyMarie MacKay, teacher of Business and Enterprise, was not able to recover from a sudden illness, passing away in September 2023 - a heartbreaking loss, and her passing deeply affected our entire community As I write, it is a few days after the first anniversary of her death and we have installed in the Reception area a plaque to remember a beloved member of the QEGS family who revolutionised our Enterprise offering, leaving a lasting legacy of care, kindness, and service.
Academically, 2023-24 was another strong year of exam results, with exceptionally highachieving individuals among us. I extend a heartfelt congratulations to all our leavers, who have
embarked on exciting new journeys at universities and apprenticeships We wish them all the best in this next chapter of your lives, confident that you will continue to thrive.
FROM THE HEAD
inimitable writing style on display as ever, and culminating in the Senior School’s spectacular production of Carousel, each show demonstrated the breadth of talent and enthusiasm across all age groups.
In the arts, our drama and music departments truly flourished, delivering outstanding performances that showcased our pupils' spirit and talent. Highlights included the much anticipated Christmas and Summer Concerts, where our musicians wowed audiences with their skill and dedication. Special recognition goes to Charlie Trueman, who achieved full marks in his ARSM diploma for singing - an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects his hard work and passion He is just one of many talented individuals who grace the stage each year, bringing energy, creativity, and class to every performance.
The Drama department also shone brightly, with productions spanning the entire school From the Year 3 pupils’ delightful rendition of ‘The Bee Play’ to Year 6’s imaginative take on ‘Robin Hood’, Mr Cheffins’
Outside the classroom, our pupils seized every opportunity to learn and grow through various school trips. Whether it was Year 5 exploring the outdoors at Plas Y Brenin, Year 7 soaking up the culture of Paris, or unforgettable sporting trips to Val Thorens and Malta, our pupils enjoyed a year rich in adventure and discovery
In sport, QEGS continued to shine on the national stage. Our U16 hockey team reached the National Tier 1 Plate Final, showcasing grit and determination at Lee Valley Stadium.
Although they narrowly missed out against Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School, they made us proud with their dedication. Our resurgent cricket programme struck gold in the U15 Yorkshire County Cup (the final held over to September
2024 due to the awful weather in the early part of the Summer) They will now compete at a National level next season Our rugby teams also had a strong season, with the U16 and U14 teams reaching the last 16 and last 9 of Rosslyn Park, respectively The U15s made a valiant effort to reach the National Cup Quarter Final, displaying commitment in snowy conditions against Northampton School for Boys Individually, pupils have represented their country in Taekwondo, Karate and Football, with Oliver Wilkinson captaining the England U16 team and I’m sure I’ve missed out many more accolades
These moments highlight the strength of our school-wide cocurricular offerings But I would also like to celebrate the excellent voluntary fundraising work of the
Year 12 boys and girls whoraised nearly £5000 for The Oddballs Foundation and Coppafeel by participating in a Total Warrior event, the idea and the organisation all their own. Perhaps I’ll have to join in next time
In the following pages, we celebrate and thank those staff who have departed from QEGS this year I would like to thank them for all their contributions to QEGS but, in particular, I would like to thank Mrs Palin for all that she has done to support me personally, as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, over the last three years I still recall the meeting when we were trying to finalise the school values, and she said, after much discussion, “why don’t we go for ‘Care, Contribute, Aspire’ then?” why not, indeed?
Towards the end of the year, the Governors were making the decision that QEGS, WGHS and WGPPS would merge from September 2026.
By the time you read this magazine, that news will already have been shared with the Foundation community, and I’m sure I’ll have more to say about that in next year’s edition
I concluded this introduction last year with the words “the future holds endless possibilities, and I am confident that our pupils will continue to shine brightly” - I am happy to repeat myself, as I can’t think of a better way of putting it!
In closing, I want to thank everyone - pupils, staff, parents, and the wider QEGS communityfor your unwavering support throughout the year.
AN ODE TO QUEEN ELIZABETH I WILL GARSIDE 12LAW
A Legacy left, In bitter-sweet disposition. Ceaseless piety reign on for time everlong.
Darkness illumine Upon the faces of her subjects, Grief cast perpetually
Across her kingdom in all its expanse.
A portrait; Left hung in unwavering elegance
Intrinsic beauty she radiates Unto all who see.
Her Hall, Upon Northgate it stands; An architectural homage to her great, indefatigable reign.
A community founded In memoriam it gathers. United in strife, hardship and struggle
Nothing, ending. Everlast.
Years Past; Yet here we sit Upon founders day we reflect, Legacies left, untainted and evercast.
THE
IN
YEAR FOCUS
As we look back on this past year at QEGS, it's clear that pupils across all year groups have achieved tremendous growth and success, both inside and outside the classroom From the impressive academic results to the wide range of extracurricular activities, the year has been marked by hard work, dedication, and collective accomplishments from pupils, teachers, and parents alike
The house system has continued to foster healthy competition, with events engaging more pupils than ever.
Notably, Savile managed to halt Cave’s bid for a three-peat in the Calvert Cup, igniting even more determination for the next year’s competitions. Both QED and QEGS Xtra continue to enrich the lives of pupils, offering a wealth of opportunities to get involved beyond the academic sphere As a senior pupil, it’s truly inspiring to see the younger boys embracing these opportunities
by Haris and Jacob
and making the most of their time at QEGS
Academically, our pupils have once again excelled, with over half of the Year 11 cohort receiving grades 9-7 in their GCSEs Special mention goes to Shiraz B, Thomas G, Joseph G, Matthew H-B, James M, Harry M, Thomas R, and Oscar S for achieving straight 9-8 grades, and to the 22 boys who earned straight 9-7s. Forty-seven pupils achieved at least one coveted Grade 9, and across the board, pupils surpassed their expected benchmarks
At A-level, 38% of the grades awarded were A*/A, a testament to the diligence of our Year 13s, who have set a high standard for the years to come We wish all our recent Old Savilian alumni the very best in their future endeavours, whether in further education or the working world
The sporting scene has been equally vibrant this year, with QEGS teams competing valiantly in a range of competitions. Our U16 hockey team reached the National Tier 1 Plate Final, while the U15 rugby squad made it to the quarter-finals of the National Schools Cup. In the Rosslyn Park tournament, both our U16 and U14 teams made it to the last 16 schools in the country, and the U15 cricket team proudly claimed the Yorkshire County Cup On an individual level, Oliver W was selected to represent England in football, Daniel W made it onto the Great Britain team for underwater hockey, and Josh A became the English Schools’ High Jump Champion. Joe H has made great strides in his cricketing career, now a fixture in the Yorkshire batting lineup In martial arts, Mayon J, Jake L, and Henry H have been excelling in national competitions These achievements highlight the incredible range of talent and
On an individual level, Oliver W was selected to represent England in football, Daniel W made it onto the Great Britain team for underwater hockey, and Josh A became the English Schools’ High Jump Champion. Joe H has made great strides in his cricketing career, now a fixture in the Yorkshire batting lineup. In martial arts, Mayon J, Jake L, and Henry H have been
excelling in national competitions
These achievements highlight the incredible range of talent and dedication within our school’s sporting community.
Our vibrant arts scene continued to thrive, with musicians and actors delivering stellar performances throughout the year The Foundation Christmas Concert and Spring Concert were just two of the many events that showcased the outstanding musical talent within QEGS. A special mention must go to Charlie T, who achieved the remarkable feat of earning full marks in his ARSM Diploma in singing a truly exceptional accomplishment.
On stage, senior pupils dazzled in the production of Carousel, expertly led by Tim S., while younger boys took to the stage in Year 6’s Robin Hood and Year 4’s Nativity
As always, these productions were a perfect platform for our budding actors, and credit must also go to the sound and lighting crews, whose behind-the-scenes work ensured everything ran smoothly across all performances
QEGS has also maintained its commitment to charitable efforts this year. Among the most inspiring initiatives was the Total Warrior event, which was organised by our own Year 12 pupils, Jamie and Harrison, after they came up with the idea during an economics lesson. Their efforts, along with those of their peers, helped raise an impressive £4,725 combined for charity a truly commendable feat.
The Harvest Festival and other charity days also allowed our boys to give back to the local community and contribute to meaningful causes
In summary, this year has been nothing short of extraord QEGS The variety of achievements in academ sport, the arts, and charit speaks volumes about th ambition, talent, and spir thrives within our school been a privilege to witnes enthusiasm and commitm from pupils across all yea groups, and I have no do this momentum will carry into the years to come. H another year of growth, discovery, and success at QEGS!
PERSONALITIES
ABI SUTCLIFFE
Abi is leaving the Junior Section, but she is not moving far - only as far as to the Pre-Prep to become a Year 2 teacher Although she has only been here for a year, it feels much longer as she has really made herself part of the team with her enthusiastic, fun-loving and encouraging attitude spreading positivity across Year 4 and throughout the school. She is a wonderful teacher and I know the pupils at Pre-Prep will love her and gain a great deal from working with her I would like to thank Abi for bringing in Mrs Hayden as a volunteer in the Junior Section. Many of the boys will have worked with Mrs Hayden and we are hoping that she will stay with us next year but, perhaps, it is more likely she will follow Abi across to Pre-Prep I’m sure they will be only too happy to make use of her considerable skills We wish Abi all the best in her new role at the Pre-Prep.
ANNA STUART-BROWN
In January 2024, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School bid a fond farewell to Anna Stuart-Brown, who has been a remarkable part of the school community for over 16 years As Head of Admissions, Anna became a familiar face and friendly voice to countless families, guiding them through the admission process with genuine warmth and care. If your son joined QEGS from another school, chances are you received one of Anna’s welcoming calls, a school tour, and a good deal of paperwork, always accompanied by her characteristic enthusiasm and kindness Anna’s bubbly and supportive nature has left a lasting impact on and parents alike.
Known for her tireless commitment to QEGS, she consistently went above and beyond, bringing a personal touch to the admissions process and making each new family feel at home.
Anna leaves behind an incredible legacy and will be remembered as a true QEGS legend Her contributions have been invaluable, and her presence will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best as she embarks on a well-earned sabbatical before starting her next chapter as Practice Manager at Kirkburton Dental Surgery
Thank you, Anna, for everything, and best of luck in your new role!
CATHY PALIN
Such has been the depth, length and breadth of Cathy Palin’s career at QEGS since 2003 that it is not easy to pick a place to start to sum up just what she has achieved in her time here and the legacy she will leave. As the year draws to an end and we celebrate all things House, perhaps this might be a good place to start as it was Cathy who, with Sean Clark, spearheaded the readoption of the House system in the Senior Section in 2021, thus helping to join our Junior and Senior Schools together in this most important and enjoyable of ways.
Cathy also ensures that everyone is doing something worthwhile, challenging and fun on Wednesday afternoons as she also oversees the QED programme, even joining in with some of her favourite Qs - to name but a few, debating, revision sessions for Year 11, and, of course, dog training, where it is not just Cathy taking part but one of her beloved cocker spaniels. We have enjoyed many an assembly on the theme of dogs from Cathy, in which we are not just learning about her adored animals but about our school values as she links their adventures to fundraising for therapy animals, showing kindness to others and just being generally more like Ned (and if you don’t know who Ned is, ask your son).
The boys’ broad contribution to school life is perfectly reflected in one of Cathy’s lasting legacies: the proud tradition of wearing ties that symbolize achievements across all areas of school life. Few boys wear their “starry ties” with more pride.
Cathy is also known for her knack for writing memorable assemblies a skill honed through her work as an English teacher For 17 years, she’s guided pupils through literature, helping them unlock their talents and excel at GCSE and A-level. More importantly, she’s equipped them with a vital skill for life: the ability to express themselves confidently and take their place in the world.
Before joining the Senior Leadership Team, Cathy led the Key Stage 3 pastoral team with a firm but fair approach Pupils knew that being called to her office for poor behaviour was serious Yet, Cathy always gave them a chance to explain, apologise, and move on, encouraging them to grow kinder and more considerate as they strove to become the best versions of themselves. This, more than anything, makes her proud knowing the boys she’s helped are leading happy, fulfilling lives Many show their gratitude, and Cathy’s office often resembles a florist’s by the end of term
I could go on about her many achievements—overseeing the e-bulletin, managing the school uniform and sports kit, her work with the Parents Association, and supporting concerts, plays, and countless school events Her organisational skills in managing the school diary and arranging cover for absent colleagues are second to none
We will miss Cathy deeply not just for all she does, but for who she is: a talented teacher, a passionate leader, and a valued friend. We wish her immense happiness in the future.
#MadeinQEGS
MANDY SPAWFORTH
Mandy has had an incredible impact during her time at QEGS, and she will be hugely missed Her talent and enthusiasm have left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of the many boys who have had the privilege of working with her It is no surprise that they regularly say that DT is the subject they love the most
One of the highlights of our school tours is the stop at the DT room as there is always so much engaging activity. Prospective pupils and parents alike are captivated by the energy and passion that Mandy brings to the subject and her ability to connect with pupils and make learning an exciting adventure has been a standout feature of our school
But it’s not just DT - Mandy has given so much more to the school As an expert ukulele teacher, she has introduced countless pupils to the joy of music. Their lessons have not only taught technical skills but have also instilled a lifelong love of music and the annual Christmas singalong and performances in the Spring Concerts have been notable highlights. Mandy has also created a real buzz around our bake-off and masterchef competitions These events have become eagerly anticipated highlights of the school year, thanks to her creativity and enthusiasm
The excitement and camaraderie these competitions foster among pupils are a testament to Mandy’s ability to make every activity fun and inclusive Mandy will leave a huge hole when she departs She has inspired a generation of pupils and left a legacy that will be remembered for years to come While we will miss her dearly, and we wish her all the best in her next adventure, which I gather is renovating a new, old, houseplenty of DT skills required there!
MARGARET ‘MAGS’ CHEW
In the Summer of 2023, the wonderful Margaret ‘Mags’ Chew decided that the time was right to ‘hang up’ her notebook and pen after a long (32 years!) and distinguished time devoted to QEGS, It was a hugely difficult decision for her to make having spent so long as part of the QEGS ‘family’.
During her time at QEGS, Mags was the backbone of the School Office; firstly for an extensive period as the Office Manager and latterly, after moving to part-time hours, in a
superb supporting role to the new Office Manager. She provided great advice and guidance to all staff and man unwavering sup
Mags saw the v organisation of t traditions of QE and was particu the time to com
Mags prided he did not know ab mistake or gram letters, articles a circulated with a
Mags was also that staff were li would be placed Never was a bir
Leaving QEGS has now given her the time to fully devote to her beloved Chris whom she will have been married to for 50 years, next August! - a fabulous example of everlasting love!
We all miss her dearly at QEGS
NIALL WILLIAMS
Niall joined QEGS in 2019, initially as the Head of Marketing for QEGS, before going on to become the DOMAC (Director of Marketing & Admissions) Niall led the department for 5 years and it was a genuine joy to come to work as part of his team. In his role, he consistently crafted innovative marketing strategies that aimed to elevate the school’s visibility and reputation in the community, and he had a genuine understanding of prospective QEGS families
He was such a well-loved member of the QEGS staff, both by his colleagues from all areas of school, and the boys, many of whom would pop into the office just to chat Whether it be about future careers, a project or idea they had come up with, or just to talk sport, in particular his favourite – football He was so approachable and keen to support everyone’s ideas, both boys and staff, that he would end up working long hours to see a project through because he knew how important it was to that person. But, most of all, he was, and still is, a great friend to everyone, but especially to me and Harry. We wish him all the very best with his future plans and know he's enjoying having more time to spend with his family
CALEY MACKAY
Caley MacKay arrived at QEGS in 2017 and joined the Business department and settled in seamlessly from the outset From as early as the first minute of her lesson for her job interview it was immediately apparent that she was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about her subject, but also had a genuine interest in the students and was determined that she would do her best for them to maximise their opportunities. Unfailingly organised, Caley would volunteer for everything extra that we could offer the students, from taking extra support clinics, to organising various trips to local businesses and helping to staff the annual New York Business and Economics study visit From a department perspective, it is very difficult to overstate the importance of her contribution, but also the cheerful and positive manner in which she went about her work.
Caley was extremely passionate about her job and worked very hard to set up the school ‘Enterprise’ scheme She worked with boys of all ages, from the Junior Section through to Sixth
Form, and possessed an innate ability to motivate boys with a range of interests. She encouraged and supported boys throughout their participation in school, regional and national competitions to market, advertise, and sell their innovative products Her teams regularly reached the finals of competitions and achieved an excellent level of success The boys fully bought into Caley’s ideas and natural enthusiasm, and always sought to do her proud at these competitions.
Despite having a young family of her own, Caley offered a significant amount of her time outside of school to support a wide variety of activities She regularly went on the D of E expeditions, (even though she was not a fan of the cold!) and could be found in Lloret De Mar during the summer holidays on the Watersports trip (enjoying the sun!). She always enjoyed spending time with both students and colleagues, and invested much effort in ensuring and caring that everyone was enjoying themselves.
Caley’s legacy will continue to live on at QEGS through the ‘Mackay Enterprise Award’ and a memorial plaque has been placed in the school reception outside the Headmaster’s office, as a place for staff and students to remember Caley.
Staff will also be sharing memories and photos of Caley over the coming weeks that will be put together into a remembrance book. This book will be shared with staff and a copy will be stored in the school archives
I am sure everyone would agree that Caley was not just a colleague, she was a friend - a supportive, kind-hearted and reliable person who made the lives of everyone she met that little bit more fun and enjoyable. She was always a friendly face in the staff room that would be there to listen and offer support, and she would always be one the first to sign up to curry nights and the Christmas party (or encouraging others to) Caley lived life to the full She was thoughtful, caring, family-orientated and she made a significantly positive impact on many people's lives both at QEGS and in her personal life. Kindness was at the heart of everything she did and she always put other people’s feelings before her own, no matter how much she tried not to!
Miss Hannah Chatterton
ON
STAGE 2023-24
LOWER SCHOOL CHOIR
Lower School Choir had a wonderful year. We enjoyed singing at our Junior Harvest Festival, Carol service and Spring Concert The highlight of our year was singing with the Junior School Choir at Speech Day and on the last day of the summer term in final assembly. There were a few tears from some of the adults in the room including Mrs Rogers!
by Mrs D Rogers
JUNIOR SCHOOL CHOIR
by Mr A Renshaw
The Junior School Choir has experienced a great year, brimming with inspiring performances that highlighted their remarkable talent and unwavering dedication throughout the year Their performances began at the Harvest Festival, where their uplifting voices created a joyful atmosphere, setting the stage for a season of celebration and gratitude. Next came a poignant performance on Remembrance Day, where the choir honoured those who served with a heartfelt rendition of “For the Fallen ” Their performance resonated deeply with the boys, creating a moment of reflection and respect
The choir’s harmonies were once again showcased during the beloved carol service at Wakefield Cathedral. Their joyful melodies filled the historic space, spreading holiday cheer to everyone in attendance.
As spring arrived, the choir continued to captivate audiences at the Spring Concert and the Foundation Summer Concert, where their energy and enthusiasm were palpable Each performance was a celebration of growth and community, as the young singers shared their passion for music with friends and family.
A standout moment of the year was their stunning interpretations of "Eleanor Rigby" by The Beatles and "Wonderwall" by Oasis These contemporary classics were delivered with such passion and skill that they left the audience in awe, receiving an enthusiastic response that highlighted the choir's versatility
The year culminated in a memorable performance at Speech Day, where the choir not only showcased their talent but also offered a heartfelt farewell to the Year 6 cohort Their closing number left a lasting impression, encapsulating the spirit of their journey and the bonds formed throughout the year. As they take a bow, it’s clear that the Junior School Choir has not only entertained but also inspired all those fortunate enough to witness their musical adventures
GRANDPARENTS’ AFTERNOON
The recent Grandparents' Afternoon at our school was a heartwarming celebration of family and community, showcasing the incredible talents of our Lower School students. As the doors opened, the Lower School choir welcomed our grandparents to the afternoon with their joyful tone Following a delightful school tour that allowed grandparents to experience the vibrant learning environment firsthand, the festivities continued on the main stage in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, where the Junior School orchestra captivated the audience with two contrasting pieces including an arrangement of Metallica’s “ Nothing Else Matters”
The recent Grandparents' Afternoon at our school was a heartwarming celebration of family and community, highlighting the remarkable talents of our Lower School students As the doors swung open, the cheerful voices of the Lower School choir greeted our beloved grandparents, filling the air in Junior School Hall with joy.
After a delightful tour of the school, where grandparents were invited to explore our unique learning environment, the festivities moved to the main stage in the Queen Elizabeth Hall There, the Junior School orchestra took centre stage, captivating the audience with a stunning performance that featured two contrasting pieces. Among them was a striking arrangement of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters,” which resonated deeply with both young and old, showcasing the students’ skill and creativity
The atmosphere was wonderful, as families came together to celebrate not just the achievements of the students, but the strong family ties that brings different generations together. Laughter and applause echoed throughout the hall, creating a sense of unity and shared pride It was a truly memorable afternoon that highlighted the strength of our school community and the special role grandparents play in our lives
O N S T A G E
E Junior Inter-House Music
O N S T A G
The QEGS Junior School Inter house Music Competition, held during the Spring term last year, was once again a resounding success that showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our young musicians With a remarkable variety of entries, the event was a testament to the vibrant musical community within the school. Boys from all year groups participated across multiple instrument categories, creating a rich tapestry of sound and performance that resonated throughout the Junior School hall. It is for a very good reason that this is one of my favourite events of the year!
One of the standout features of this year's competition was the sheer number of participants It was heartening to see so many boys eager to take the stage, whether they were strumming guitars, tickling the ivories, or showcasing their vocal skills. The variety of instruments and musical styles on display from classical piano solos to jazz and pop ensured that there was something for everyone This diversity not only enriched the competition but also encouraged camaraderie and a sense of healthy rivalry among the houses
As the day unfolded, it became clear that the level of talent was exceptional. Each performance was a unique expression of the musicians' hard work and passion The adjudication process, led by Mr Jarvis from the Senior School, was no small feat; he faced the challenging task of evaluating numerous outstanding acts The boys demonstrated impressive accuracy and fluency in their playing, and it was evident that many had invested countless hours in preparation.
Several performances stood out for their musicianship and communication, a hallmark of a mature musician who thinks not about which notes to play, but more how to play them As the finals approached, the anticipation was palpable. Mr. Jarvis’s task of selecting winners was undeniably challenging, given the high calibre of performances across all categories. Each act brought something special to the table, making it increasingly difficult to narrow down the overall category winners Sadly there can only be one winner but happily, this was a very difficult decision to make
My congratulations go out to the following boys as winners of their categories, with special commendation to Joseph Cafferkey our Under 9 Young Musicians of the Year and to Oliver Lee, our Under 11 Young Musician of the year The overall winning house this Year was Freeston Huge congratulations to them this year for an outstanding effort
As we reflect on the performances, we are reminded of the importance of music in fostering confidence, creativity, and community among our young musicians. We eagerly look forward to next year’s competition, excited to see how these talented boys will continue to develop and surprise us with their musical journeys
U9 Winners Table
Piano Vishvan S
Voice Joseph C
Wind Seb C
Drums Abel J
Strings Saathvik S
YMOTY 2024 Joseph C
U11 Winners Table
Piano Oliver L
Voice JJ L
Brass and Woodwind JJ L
Strings Kasper B
YMOTY 2024 Oliver L
O N S T A G E
O N S TAGESenior Carol Service
by Mr T Jarvis
The Senior Carol Service is a crucial part of any Christmas celebration at QEGS This year, the service was opened with the beautiful Once in Royal David’s City, sung by Hector Inglis in Year 7. For the second verse, a quartet of Year 12 singers (Ben, Charlie, Isaac, and Michael) stepped forward to join Hector, before the congregation, organ, and Senior Brass Ensemble joined in full voice The service also included musical performances from Michael Dube, Senior Brass Ensemble (including an original composition by our very own Mr Jones), the Barbershop Quartet, and the Foundation Chorus
Many thanks to all who contributed and performed, making a truly wonderful Christmas experience for all
The Senior Carol Service stands as a cornerstone of the Christmas celebrations at QEGS, a cherished tradition that brings together our school community in a festive spirit. This year’s service was nothing short of magical, opening with the hauntingly beautiful “Once in Royal David’s City,” performed by the talented Hector Inglis from Year 7 Hector’s clear and emotive voice set the tone for the evening, capturing the hearts of everyone in attendance
As the second verse began, a quartet of Year 12 singers Ben, Charlie, Isaac, and Michael joined Hector, their voices weaving together in wonderful harmony. The moment was truly special, as it showed the seamless blend of our younger and older students The boys were joined by the whole congregation, along with the organ and the Senior Brass Ensemble, filling th C th d l ith f l h that resonated with the spirit of the season
In addition to this traditional festive opening, the service featured a range of musical performances that showcased the stunning talent within our school Michael Dube delivered a captivating solo that left the audience in awe, while the Senior Brass Ensemble performed a lively piece, including an original composition by our very own Mr. Jones. The Barbershop Quartet added a delightful touch with their stylish harmonies, and the Foundation Chorus brought everyone together with their joyful melodies
Furthermore, the Junior Section Carol Service also played a vital role in our Christmas celebrations.
This event highlighted the wonderful performances of both the Lower School Choir and the Junior School Choir, each bringing their own charm and energy to the occasion. The Lower School Choir opened with cheerful renditions of “The Guys with the Camels” and “It’s a Long Way to Bethlehem”, their bright voices creating an atmosphere of joy and excitement
Following them, the Junior School Choir took the stage with an impressive set that showcased a mix of traditional carols and contemporary favourites. As is now custom, the Junior School Choir tends to sing unusual arrangements at Christmas. This year we heard Once in Royal David’s City but sung to the melody of Londonderry Air We also heard a fabulous rendition of Angels we have Heard on High - this time sung to the tune of Viva La Vida by Coldplay Of course, the Staff Choir had their moment to shine too and this year they sang a fun and lively version of “Twas the night before Christmas” to the tune of Chopsticks, he challenge being to see if they could all keep up with the ever increasing tempo as the piece progressed - happily they all just about managed it!
The two choirs came together at the end to conclude the Carol Service with an up tempo arrangement of “Unto Us a Child is Born” - the collaboration between the choirs exemplified the spirit of togetherness that defines our school community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to both the Senior and Junior Section Carol Services Your dedication and talent made for a truly wonderful Christmas experience, one that will be remembered by all who attended. As we look ahead, we are filled with excitement for future celebrations, eager to see how our young musicians will continue to shine in the years to come
O N S T A G E
A G E Foundation Christmas Concert
The Christmas Concerts represented a term’s worth of hard work and practice from all of our large school ensembles and choirs. The events were fun, festive, and musical, and all pupils gave a great account of themselves, performing to standards beyond their years. Congratulations and well done to all involved, and many thanks to all staff who prepared groups for these concerts
Foundation Spring Concert
Before we sent our senior pupils off on study leave, the Spring Concerts were a fantastic opportunity for them to celebrate their extra-curricular musical achievements throughout the year, before the focus turned to the academic for the exam season. In a change from previous events, this year also included Junior Choirs from both schools, and as a result, showcased a wider age range of pupils from the Foundation Both Junior Choirs sang beautifully, and more than held their own against the senior groups We look forward to hearing more from them in future concerts, as we make the most of our position as one Foundation and as throughschools.
At the other end of the spectrum, to end the second concert, our Year 13 leavers gave a fantastically musical, and also moving, tribute to their time at school, with some thoughtful speeches, and a final performance of Rick Astley’s Never Gonna Give You Up, an appropriate reminder perhaps, of the lasting impression that they have made on Music at WGSF, and vice versa. Best of luck to all our leavers in whatever comes next, and a huge thank you to them for all their efforts over the years
O N S T A G E
African Drumming Workshops
On Friday 10 May, Year 8 were treated to an exceptional African Drumming experience, led by Steve Rivers of Unbeatable Energy As a master drummer, Steve has learnt from some of Africa’s finest Djembe players, including the great Mamady Keita, whose tutelage is world renowned. As part of their Music of Africa component, this workshop embellished class learning, and the boys had a fantastic time learning advanced drumming patterns, incorporating some traditional dance, and embraced the whole day with a spirit and enthusiasm that made us proud Well done to all who participated
Marsden Jazz Festival
In one of the earliest musical events of the year, the Swing Foundation performed at the Marsden Jazz Festival Fringe, on a soaking wet Friday night, in a slightly cramped marquee tent (so a completely typical UK jazz festival set-up!). The terrible weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of the audience, who gave the band a rapturous reception, and warmly celebrated a fantastic performance The event also featured solos from Pip Poulton-Hasselier and Michael Dube, who provided a musical and expressive change of pace from the full band numbers.
Rush Hour Recital
This year’s Rush Hour Recitals were another opportunity for students to showcase their performing musical talents in smaller groups and as soloists, and true to form, they did not disappoint. In December, the Sixth Form Centre played host to an evening celebrating students of the saxophone, clarinet, and guitar, with a number of soloists, alongside the Senior Sax Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and Clarantella In March, we celebrated groups run by the students themselves, with an eclectic concert featuring the Funk Band (led by Douglas Haigh), Atonal (a Year 12 jazz band led by Ben Greenwood) and the Metal Dogs (a Year 8 metal rock band. All groups performed brilliantly, and demonstrated what pupils can achieve under their own steam, giving them invaluable experience as musical leaders, arrangers, and directors Congratulations to all involved
Year 3 Bee Play
N S T A G
OYear 6 Robin Hood
by Mr C Cheffins
The 2024 annual Year 6, end of year play‘Robin Hood’ received its matinee and evening performances on Wednesday, 26th June, 2024.
A highly responsive school audience in the morning and well-sized, appreciative one in the evening enjoyed a light-hearted musical celebration of the classic tale of the legendary Saxon hero
Taking the lead role was Liam Hart playing a dandy Robin fighting the cruel Norman
overlords whilst attempting to win the hand of the no-nonsense, feisty heroine: Maid Marian portrayed by Theo Lighten. Acting is clearly part of the Hart family makeup as Liam’s elder brother, Euan had played Joseph in the 2017 production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ Liam proved an equally highly-enthusiastic, talented and reliable leading man throughout auditions and rehearsals and despite being unwell in the weeks immediately preceding the two shows, he gave two memorable, strong performances.
One of my favourite films is the regularly shown Hollywood 1938 production of ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ starring the Australian heartthrob actor, Errol Flynn It is a great film but amongst the glorious, swash-buckling heroism, I have often found myself annoyed by the unambitious character of Maid Marian, played by future centenarian Olivia de Haviland, whose seeming only ambition in life is to marry the hero Handsome and heroic though he was, there should surely be more to her life than that?! This became a major plot point to our play: an unwilling Marian trying to escape her inevitable marriage that everyone else in the cast was looking forward to We needed a brave, charismatic boy to play this brave, charismatic girl and we got one with Theo Lighten who played the part admirably. Both Liam and Theo were willing to give up huge amounts of their own time both at home and school to work on their characters and scenes and their joint dedication was a major part of the play’s success
They say that most actors relish playing a villain more than a hero which was ably proved by the worrying enthusiasm that Alex Sprenger, Leo Sheen-Meakin, Ameer Hamza, Freddy Birch and Eesa Usman all displayed playing various unpleasant Norman baddies. Alex was a characterful, back-stabbing Prince John, Ameer was an excellent, psychotic Sheriff of Nottingham, Leo a cowardly, ineffectual Guy of Gisbourne, Freddy a frustrated but ultimately victorious torturer and Eesa a biassed, questionable and cruel magistrate.
For every bad guy, fortunately there are heroes and Robin Hood had a woodfull of merry men: Alex Armitage as the slightly effeminate Big John, Hugo Hunter as the taekwondo-whirling Little John, Teddy Bentham as the flamboyantly-dressed Will Scarlet, Mohammed Yakub as Richard the Greene (anyone recognise the name?) Jeremiah Abuede as Much the Miller’s son and Zac Guo’s confused old man proved to be a millstone around the outlaws’ necks willing but unable to help in any way whatsoever We were all extremely grateful to Elijah AningBrown who selflessly put on an incredible amount of weight to portray the rotund Friar Tuck before going on a massive weight loss programme the following day to return to normality
Every year, when I write the play review, I comment on how lucky Mr Renshaw and I have been being able to rely on the acting depth of each year - no matter how challenging the play is or how many parts are required, we invariably find sufficient talent to fill all of the required roles This year was no exception as the 2024 cohort ably rose to the dramatic demands required of them. Oliver Walsh’s Health and Safety character came to a deserved grisly end, Rahim Ghouri’s masochistic dungeon inhabitant didn’t; Ethan Dowes was the fog-horn like herald, Haris Khan the stormy, entitled archbishop and Ned Bentley was the innkeeper
In addition to Theo, we were all grateful to Bertie Robinson as one of this year’s lucky ‘boys in dresses’, wearing a magnificent creation in the style of Olivia de Haviland made by George Smith’s grandmother, Mrs Pollard Talking of George, he was one of six lumbering guards trying to uphold Norman justice - the other five being William Woodhead, Dexter Norris, Nikhil Narula, Eesa Nadeem and William Calvert
Bringing much needed justice to the troubled land of Norman-ruled England was Mohammad Aamir as the mighty Richard the Lionheart supported by a dubious bodyguard consisting of Archie Dawson and Yahya Asif.
The Saxons suffering under the cruel, repressive Norman heels were Mohammad
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Alamu, Eddie Burrows, Maahir ammad Harris, Saleh Hayat, Ilyas meron Jackson, Oliver Lee, Jawad, Robert Moczynski, Aqeel Osborne, Harrison Richardson, yha, Aneesh Parnandi, Shabaz Stanley and Aidan Yakub.
e generous, talented Mrs Pollard, as also extremely lucky to receive help from Mrs Gale, whose son he original production of Robin . Mrs Gale reworked existing ell as creating a whole new forest sive, authentic Medieval costumes who looked superb on stage and lly grateful to her.
As always, the Year 6 play was a superb coming together of a lot of kind, dedicated, talented people working hard to ensure that the boys had a memorable, happy piece of drama performed to an appreciative audience I would like to thank all of the boys and parents for their support and help I am also indebted to the time and efforts willingly given by my school colleagues: Mr Drury and Mr Hodson backstage, Mrs Roddy on the sound and mic changes, Mrs Spawforth and Mr Tiffany managing the boys off stage, the SALT team and Mr Johnson’s expertise on creating the set structures and, off course, I am, as always, particularly indebted to the typically stirling efforts of Mr Renshaw, an incredibly multi-talented colleague who organised all of the music and without whom the play would be so much less
‘Robin Hood’ was the 67th Year 6 annual play that the Junior School/Section has performed and my 25th and will join its predecessors as another fine example of good, enjoyable drama highlighting the best of yet another talented Year 6.
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QEGS ON TOUR 2023-24
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Val Thorens 2024
by Lucas Milburn
For the second year in a row the now through school ski trip travelled to Val Thorens with 80 boys from years 5-10. A school ski trip to Val Thorens in the 3 Vallées, located in the heart of the French Alps, is more than just a "ski trip" it's an unforgettable adventure in one of the largest ski resorts in Europe
On the 23rd of March, for the third year in a row, I embarked on a trip to Val Thorens. Once again, it was an unforgettable experience This year's journey was much smoother compared to last year, and getting to Val Thorens was easier Despite a minor delay on the way to Manchester airport due to the M62 being closed, the rest of the journey was a breeze A quick two-hour flight followed by a three-hour bus ride got us to our destination. Unfortunately, the darkness prevented us from enjoying the scenic views as we ascended the mountain. Once we arrived, we had a quick dinner at La Grange before settling down for the night.
The second day is when the real adventure began We woke early for breakfast and to collect our gear. Although the process was straightforward, it took quite some time due to the large number of people and the size of the Skiset shop. However, nothing could deter us from skiing or so we thought. It had snowed heavily the previous night, which made for excellent skiing conditions, but navigating was a challenge The snowfall significantly impacted visibility, especially at higher altitudes On a brand new run, it was nearly impossible to see what lay ahead due to the fresh snow and the bumpy terrain Despite the conditions, I thoroughly enjoyed it as it was a new and challenging experience for me.
After that intense day, it was a relief to return to our rooms and recharge for the next day. Following a delicious dinner (we had fondue), the teachers gave us the freedom to explore Val Thorens on our own. It was fantastic to take advantage of everything the resort had to offer, from pizza restaurants to freshly made crêpes Free time wasn't the only après-ski activity available there was also snow tubing and bowling on offer
The weather on the third and fourth days was no better than before, perhaps even worse On the fourth day, skiing was cut short in the afternoon due to unsafe chairlifts and cable cars caused by the high winds. There was even a phenomenon that could only be described as a mini-tornado. To say the conditions were less than ideal would be an understatement. Nevertheless, we "powdered" on.
Fortunately, by the fifth day, the weather had improved, and we were finally able to tackle the one run my instructor, Michel, had promised a very long and steep one You might wonder why I was looking forward to this. The answer: SPEED. As you can see in the image below, I reached a speed of 62.7 mph (over 100 kph). It was, and likely will remain, the fastest I’ve ever skied Needless to say, it was incredibly exhilarating
In addition to the thrill of skiing, the lunches at Panoramic were fantastic We enjoyed pizza, pasta carbonara, and chicken, which fueled us for the rest of the afternoon's skiing The penultimate days of skiing were as enjoyable as could be, though unfortunately, on the final day, our skiing was again cut short due to the weather. In all my three years of attending this trip, it was, without a doubt, the worst in terms of weather.
Overall, the ski trip to Val Thorens is not just a holiday it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in three times. It’s one of the best things you can do during your school years. You get to enjoy the picturesque scenery, immerse yourself in a new lifestyle and community, and create lasting memories with friends.
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I would like to extend a special thank you to all the instructors, a particularly special thank you to the staff who have been on all the trips I’ve attended, and an extremely special thank you to Mr. Pesterfield, without whom none of this would have been possible.
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Senior Cricket Tour to Malta
The end of the academic year marked the beginning of our highly anticipated Senior Cricket Tour to Malta 2024. On a sunny Friday afternoon, 21 boys and three staff members gathered at the Senior Gamesfield, all brimming with excitement for the journey ahead. The tour did start with a bit of early drama, though, as one pupil (who shall remain nameless) had to rush home to change after being the only one not to arrive in the preagreed tour attire Thankfully, it was smooth sailing from there, and we arrived at our hotel in Malta later that evening, right on schedule.
The first morning began with a visit to Splash and Fun Waterpark, where the boys enjoyed pools, slides, and the lazy river, even managing to convince Mr. Lawson to brave the daunting Sidewinder. The main event of the day, however, was in the evening, with England playing Switzerland in the Euro Quarter-Final Sitting through penalties with 21 boys did nothing for my stress levels!
Day two brought our first set of fixtures, with both of our teams facing local select XI’s at the stunning Marsa Sports Club Our 1st XI secured an impressive victory, while our 2nd XI put up a strong fight but narrowly missed out on a win Both teams delivered solid performances despite the tough, warm conditions In the evening, the boys enjoyed some free time and sampled local cuisine or so we thought until we found out half of them opted for McDonald’s instead!
The following day included a trip to Valletta, where the boys learned about Malta's rich history. They explored the beautiful city, enjoyed splendid waterfront views, and witnessed the Saluting Battery Ceremony The afternoon saw us return to Marsa Sports Club for the 2nd XI's second fixture
Despite another strong performance, they couldn't quite clinch the victory, but the team showed plenty of promise, especially given
by Mr H Graham
the limited cricket experience this season due to GCSE exams.
Our final day began with a visit to Comino Blue Lagoon After a short boat trip, we were surrounded by the lagoon's stunning scenery, where the boys enjoyed the crystal-clear waters. Unfortunately for Mr. Anderson, he had a less pleasant experience after being stung by a jellyfish The day concluded with the tour's final match a thrilling game where our 1st XI claimed another victory in a nail-biting finish against a team that included players from the U19 Bangladesh Squad! It was a fantastic way to cap off the tour, and our young side will surely carry this momentum into next season
The final evening featured the presentation of tour awards and a closing speech from our tour captain, Josh Wood With a 3 a m departure the next morning, the boys faced a tough choice: sleep or stay awake? Some opted for sleep but needed to be woken up as the coach arrived outside the hotel!
We soon returned to Wakefield, bringing home plenty of great memories We would like to commend the boys on their exemplary behaviour, which made the tour such a success Despite coming from three different year groups, you all integrated brilliantly, and your conduct throughout the trip was commendable (though there's still room for improvement in timekeeping). We hope you enjoyed your time away and that this experience will benefit you in future cricket seasons
A big thank you goes to the parents and families for your support, with a special mention to Mr Gillespie, who selflessly volunteered his time to umpire some of our matches in Malta your help was greatly appreciated. Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Lawson and Mr. Anderson for your hard work both before and during the tour It was a fantastic trip enjoyed by all
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Diary of a Bushcraft Residential by Teddy Bentham
Day 1
When we arrived it was raining a lot and we had to walk down a muddy path with a stream flowing down the middle When we got to the camp we had to go under the yurt and did a fire workshop. Then we had burgers which we cooked on our own fire. Sadly we had to move camps to higher ground to stop the camp from getting flooded. Once we were on higher ground we had pasta and then we did camouflage and concealment and played predator on a massive hill with lots of trees and tree stumps Then we had smores and prepared for bed We got little sleep as were all excited from the day’s activities and keen to get going again tomorrow.
Day 2
When we woke up we went to breakfast and had a sausage and bacon sandwich Then we did archery and tomahawk throwing. Next up was shelter building and pizza making as. The amazing camp team had already got the pizza ovens fired up for us whilst we learned how to make our own shelters. We made and cooked 50 pizzas in the ovens selecting toppings and taking them over to be fired The camp tribe made their own shelters and learnt how to prepare a salmon as a little afternoon treat before a hearty curry for tea Some brave souls slept in their shelter overnight but it wasn’t for me.
Day 3
Finally! The rain stopped and we were all looking forward to our last day in the woods. After another hearty breakfast of cereal, sausages, beans and fried potatoes we went back to camp to get ready for the days’ activities Today's activities included knife skills and paracord bracelet making, so there were still lots of exciting things to get stuck into before we had to pack up and eat our last meal at the camp kitchens, with Ryan” (Ryan was our camp cook)
Mr Renshaw summed up our trip perfectly in the blog by saying that, although slightly wetter than we’d have liked, it didn't dampen the spirits at all! The boys were fantastic and all the staff have been amazing, both the QEGS teachers and bushcraft instructors We arrived back at school with some fantastic memories
Mr Renshaw’s favourite quote of the camp from one boy was as follows “ Sir, since being on the camp I’ve learned that the most valuable thing is time We’ve only got a few hours left and I want to enjoy every minute with my friends whilst I can”
Classrooms are great for learning, especially at QEGS, but sometimes the best lessons are things we come to realise for ourselves in the great outdoors Q E G S O N T O U R
Watersports Trip 2024
by Oliver Grafton
This summer, the school embarked on an exciting and educational water sports trip to Greece. The journey, which lasted a week, was packed with various activities that we did as a school, as well as venturing around the stunning landscape of Athens.
Our adventure began in Athens, where we spent our second day exploring the historical sites of the ancient city, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon This provided a fantastic opening to the trip before the water sports activities commenced.
We, as a school, were eager to dive into the water sports activities, which included paddle boarding, kayaking, and snorkelling Tuesday and Thursday both started with a morning briefing by our experienced instructors before we set out into the water They emphasised safety, and respect for the marine environment, which were core values throughout the trip. We enjoyed snorkelling in the shallow waters and paddle boarding in the lagoon, where we experienced the aquatic marine life and thrill of being the water These activities were really fun and relished by us as we were given the opportunity to do as we like in the water In the evenings, we returned back to the sports camp where we would have our dinner after a long trip and then settle down for the night. Some people went and played in the sporting facilities such as football pitch, the volleyball and basketball court which cooled us off after every long day.
The trip concluded with a thrilling experience at the water park, which gave us the opportunity to go on the water slides and in the park's pools We all had an amazing time at the waterpark and would recommend going there for its action-packed rides.
Overall, the water sports trip to Greece was a tremendous success, as many people may say that it was the best trip that school has done for us Personally I would agree with them Everything about the trip was superb when it came to the watersports, waterpark and the exploration around Athens. We all learnt valuable lessons on the trip and I hope that it will co i i h f
Naples 2024 by Mr M Ellard
The Classics trip to Naples over the October half-term break was a resounding success, offering an enriching experience for the boys as they immersed themselves in a wealth of ancient history The itinerary was packed with visits to an impressive array of historical sites, including the iconic ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where students marvelled at the remarkably preserved remnants of Roman life
In addition to these famous archa Naples Archaeological Museum, deeper insights into the daily lives Cumae, the first Greek colony in I Apollo and learned about the lege One of the highlights of the trip was a trek up the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, where students not only gained a firsthand understanding of the volcano’s dramatic history but also enjoyed breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples The combination of education and adventure made for unforgettable memories
successfully sampled four different pi Naples, and even treated themselves off after a day of exploration.
In a wonderful demonstration of cross curricular excellence, Mr. Rees showc linguistic skills during a visit to Paestu was spotted engaging in conversation local in three different languages, high the trip's spirit of cultural exchange an learning.
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Overall, the trip not only deepened the boys appreciation for classical history but also fostered a sense of camaraderie and advent among them, making it an experience they a sure to remember for years to come (and I certainly will too!)
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Battlefields Trip by
Henry Wareham
During October half-term, a group of Year 10 to Year 13 History students travelled to the Western Front battlefields, visiting the sites of significant First World War battles such as the Somme and Passchendaele.
A moving highlight was their participation in the Menin Gate Ceremony in Ypres, Belgium, where students laid a wreath in remembrance of fallen soldiers The trip allowed students to witness the scale of the terrain, understand battle tactics, and grasp the harsh conditions soldiers faced. Highlights included the Lochnagar Crater, the preserved trenches at Beaumont-Hamel, and the towering Thiepval Memorial, which honours 72,000 missing soldiers Each location brought history to life, especially for Year 11 students who felt the impact of seeing names of those as young as 16 lost in the war
The group also visited notable memorials, including Vimy Ridge, where intricate engravings symbolise values like justice and hope In nearby tunnels, students experienced the dim, cramped conditions soldiers endured At Notre Dame de Lorette, they were awed by rows of graves and a monument listing the names of all who fought in the war
A special moment came when the group visited a student’s great-great-grandfather’s grave, adding a personal touch to the trip. Their final stop at a German cemetery presented a stark contrast, with darker headstones and shared graves, particularly for soldiers under 18, offering a reflective close to the journey
Outside the battlefield visits, students enjoyed the comforts of the Hull-Rotterdam ferry, buffet meals, and the delights of Ypres chocolate shops, balancing historical reflection with moments of fun
The trip was an unforgettable experience, deepening students’ understanding of the First World War and the sacrifices made. Thank you to the teachers and staff who made this impactful journey possible.
Year 12 Hits the Coast
Field work is a valuable and enjoyable part of studying Geography It allows students to bring to life the landscapes, geographical features and processes that they have studied in the classroom. It also gives students the opportunity to learn and practice data collection and investigation techniques needed for coursework projects
On the 11th and 12th of April the Year 12 geographers went on a field visit to North Yorkshire to complete two of the compulsory four days of field work required on the A Level Geography course. The group stayed at the Cranedale Centre near Malton, a lovely field study centre in a converted farm with lovely food
On the first day the group visited Mappleton and observed the coastal morphology and processes and evaluated the coastal management systems, groynes and rock armour at the base of the cliff, that the council have adopted to prevent the continued erosion of the cliffs ant the risk of the village collapsing into the sea The Yorkshire Holderness Coast is the most rapidly eroding coastline, at over 10m per year in places, as it is formed from unconsolidated boulder clay deposited in the area 12,000 years ago by the ice sheets that used to cover the North of England. The group then headed to the famous landmark of Flamborough Head. With their hard hats on we descended the many steps to the beach to explore and study the caves, geo (narrow inlet), arch and stack that have been eroded into the chalk cliffs. The students thought that the best part of the day was the roast turkey dinner! Which was lovely
On the second day Friday 12th April it was time to carry out some human geography
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R Fishing Trip 2024
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by Mr D Benn
The annual fishing trip set off on Wednesday 26th June to Powys in Wales Expectations were high given the combination of a decent weather forecast and encouraging reviews from a number of the venues we were planning to fish. We were not disappointed as the first session on the main lake at the campsite produced lots of fish including - a monster!
Excitement amongst the group of anglers reached fever pitch as George Bailey battled with a 20lb carp on the first evening This was the largest fish caught at this venue during the 12 years we have been returning to this location!
Whilst the older boys were targeting the bigger fish the younger lads were competing to catch the most tench and crucian carp They may have managed to bag the highest number of fish but Mr Benn collected the trophy for the most bizarre catch - a brace of crayfish!
We were blessed with the perfect weather conditions throughout our stay as shown in all the photos The fishing hat is the trophy that all the boys aspire to wear at the end of the trip. It has been associated with the QEGS fishing trip since the 1980s. So it was fitting that George claimed the honour on his very last trip as he starts university in September
Economics Trip - London
A Glimpse into the World of Business and Economics
In the heart of London, a group of aspiring business leaders from Year 13 embarked on a whirlwind adventure to discover the intricacies of the corporate world Their journey began with a breathtaking ascent to the London Eye, where panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks ignited their enthusiasm
On their first full day, they delved into the realm of economics at Oxford Economics, learning the crucial role of statistics in measuring global growth A subsequent visit to the historic Battersea Power Station, now a bustling hub of commerce and entertainment, provided a glimpse into the dynamic nature of urban development
Despite the occasional cinematic disappointment, the students' exploration continued with visits to Dark Horses Marketing and McKinsey & Company The professionals they encountered offered invaluable advice, emphasising the importance of seizing opportunities, working diligently, and enjoying life in a thriving global financial centre
As they navigated the bustling city streets, their young minds gained a deeper understanding of the business and economics world, leaving them inspired and equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead
Medic/Dentists visit Uni of Leeds
During the Easter holidays some of my peers and I took part in the trip organised by the school to Leeds University to experience just a few of the many tasks that dentists and doctors perform on a daily basis to heal people.
Whilst at Leeds University we received 30-minute lectures from medicine and dentistry students, which gave us an insight into the student’s life at the university
We also took part in 5 other events. We were first shown how to fill model teeth; and then allowed to fill some model teeth. Following this we made an algae-based mixture to practise making tooth impressions on dummies
My favourite activity was practising CPR on real training dummies The first thing we learnt was that we needed to tilt the dummies head back to open up its airways and then after every 30 compressions we needed to do 2 rescue breaths. The medical students then graded us. Our penultimate activity at Leeds University was checking our pulse and temperature although it was not as exciting as the other activities it was just as important to our learning experience Finally, we were taken on a guided tour around the university
There was so much to see, a fully equipped gym, Roger Stevens building with a duck pond, a few select shops and a social centre I found the university to be very welcoming and friendly I left enlightened and enriched in medical knowledge, considering a future in medicine by Saadh Ilahi-Baksh
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Paris by Jay Worby
Our trip to Paris started with an exciting and relaxing coach ride to Dover When we arrived, we took an Irish Ferry, which was very impressive. We enjoyed buying things at the duty-free shop and picking up snacks at the café. After disembarking from the ferry, we headed to the PGL Château de Romaine, which was our designated accommodation On arrival, we went to our rooms, which were stylish and cosy, with bunk beds and single beds in each All the rooms housed 4-5 people Madame McGlone worked very hard to meet our requests for room buddies. We had pizza for dinner and went to bed early, as we were all exhausted.
On Saturday, we had a French-style continental breakfast at the château, which was different and enjoyable Afterwards, we headed to Disneyland Paris for the whole day We split into groups of three or more and went on lots of fun rides My friends and I enjoyed Big Thunder Mountain, Ratatouille, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Phantom Manor. It was an unforgettable day. When we returned to PGL, we played dodgeball and had a basketball contest, which became very competitive and great fun Later, we relaxed in our rooms, chatting and joking with friends, and took much-needed showers
On Sunday, we went to the Paris city centre with our PGL leader, Will. We visited the Eiffel Tower, which was an amazing experience. After that, we took a boat ride on the River Seine, which was serene and beautiful. We then visited the Arc de Triomphe and the Sacré-Cœur, which was a truly spiritual experience, showcasing French architecture at its finest Inside Sacré-Cœur, we saw stunning stained glass windows and statues that were truly breathtaking We spent some time shopping for souvenirs and enjoyed a cold drink and ice cream while admiring the scenic view of Sacré-Cœur.
Back at PGL, we played ultimate frisbee and kick rounders just before dinner We even tried snails, which tasted far better than expected! We celebrated Henry Ashton’s 12th birthday with a delicious vanilla cake and rounded off the day with a dip in the pool The next morning, we reluctantly boarded the coach to head home. We nearly missed our ferry, but thanks to our bus driver Phil’s excellent driving we made it with just minutes to spare.
s!
Spain Trip
by Oliver Bostwick
We arrived at Malaga airport in the morning on Monday Firstly, we enjoyed a scrumptious and rather large packed lunch in the scenic grounds of a Malaga parador. For our first activity we went to the Picasso Museum where you could see some of the divine and rather unorthodox art work which Picasso had created The Alcazaba stood tall over the city as our guide retold the history of the muslim dominance over the province Andalusia After a refreshing drink at a local cafe we drove to the language school to meet our host families By the sounds of it, all the host families seemed a delight to be with. I know for a fact that my tortilla dinner was absolutely delicious.
On Tuesday we woke up to the scent of freshly toasted bread and baked delights on the table, however soon we had to head to Colegio Maravillas for our language lessons The lessons were fun and very educational but to further brighten the day up we had a buffet lunch. With an orientation tour of Benalmadena and fun free time and activities at the beach including football and eating ice cream, the second day came to an end
A day trip to Granada was very exciting on Wednesday ¡Fue inolvidable! To begin we walked round the picturesque tourist attraction - the Alhambra. A fortress for generations and a palace of ridiculous detail and architecture, providing great views over Granada. After exploring the premises we strolled to the centre where we were allowed to roam and indulge in the culture of the city Personally, I enjoyed some delicious churros con chocolate from a local churreria
Once again on Thursday we would head to the destination of the school. The buffet lunch didn’t fail to meet the great standard of food. In the afternoon, we were taken to Benalmadena Pueblo, to enjoy some spectacular views over Benalmadena and enjoy the sunshine walking around the old streets Then, we headed to Mijas Pueblo, to enjoy some more free time and indulge in the many street vendors and stalls
On Friday morning, we studied at the school for the final time. However, it was not only language we studied but the culinary side of Spain as we undertook Paella cooking class We were fully immersed and were able to volunteer and get a first hand experience of cooking Spain’s most famous dish We were then able to try the same paella that we had helped make. Later in the afternoon, we were further immersed into Spanish culture as we undertook flamenco classes. ‘Left foot forward, right arm up’. To finish, we were given further liberty of being able to roam the town and enjoy the Spanish sun for one last time At this point, it was as if I was fluent We would soon return home concluding a fabulous trip
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Yorskhire Air Museum
Boys visited the Yorkshire Air Museum on a cold November day. We had the whole facility to ourselves as the museum had opened just for us!
We took part in three exciting workshops which were all about World War II We split into two groups and spent the day completing hands-on activities.
Life as a child in WWII
by Mrs L Roddy
The first workshop led us back in time to think abo child in WWII. We learnt about the evacuation of school children into the countryside and how that impacted families old and new We had a look at rationing and thought about all the lovely things we would have to give up or share in smaller quantities with others We tried on gas masks to prepare for chemical warfare and made our own identity cards to carry with us should we be caught up in a war time catastrophe.
Iconic aircraft of WWII
As we were at the ‘air museum’ it would have been a shame to miss out on seeing some of the aircraft on display We saw some fantastic, real life bombers, and aircraft from both the allies and the enemy air force Some, having been used in the war, had some great stories to tell and we were taught by knowledgeable guides about their history which was fascinating. Highlights were, the Elivington and the Halifax. As well as learning about the planes we also learnt about bomber command and the weapons available to the air force used in both defence and attack
The Paratrooper experience
This for many was the favourite part of the day. We learnt what it was like to be a Paratrooper on the 6th June 1944, preparing to land in Normandy We were trained and prepared for our first paratrooper experience, strapped onto the plane and released when the time was right to jump out of the aircraft ready to hit the front line With sound effects and real life stories we were able to truly experience the magic and fear of this experience.
We had a super day and are planning to head back next year with our new recruits, ready to learn and be inspired by all that the Yorkshire Air Museum has to offer
Armley Mills
The Year 5 boys visited Armley Mills, a historic textile museum in Leeds, to learn about life for Victorian children in mills and factories. The trip provided an immersive experience into the harsh realities faced by young workers during the Industrial Revolution. The visit provided our pupils with an immersive experience for their QUEST topic called ‘Up the chimneys, down the mines’
Upon arrival, the students toured the old mill, where they saw the heavy machinery that children would have operated. They learned about the long hours, low pay, and dangerous conditions that were typical for child workers The guide explained how children as young as eight would work 12-hour shifts to support their families
The visit also included a reenactment of a Victorian school lesson, where students experienced the strict discipline and rote learning methods of the time. They practised writing on slates and even had a taste of Victorian classroom rules The trip offered a valuable insight into the stark contrasts between Victorian and modern childhood
Bletchley Park
There’s not usually much to look forward to in January, but for the boys in Y10 studying Computer Science there was a technological treat in the calendar. A visit to Bletchley Park and the Museum of Computing (TNMOC) was planned as an enriching learning experience The group travelled by coach early Monday morning to Milton Keynes where they went straight into a series of workshops at TNMOC, programming old BBC Model B computers, defusing bombs in virtual reality using 3D headsets, learning about the evolution of computers and chilling in the retro arcade. For Mr Becker, Mr Reed and Mr McWilliam it was a trip down memory lane, playing classic games like Paperboy and The Simpsons on the Commodore 64 and Atari ST Monday evening gave the group some down time, with a trip to Milton Keynes Xscape for a cheeky Nandos and some minigolf before returning to the Premier Inn for the night. Next day started with the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and a quick trip to Sainsburys to get meal deals for lunch. Then it was off to Bletchley Park, home of the Codebreakers. This was as much a lesson in history as it was a technical exposition of the ingenuity of the men and women that worked at Bletchley Park, both during the war and long after The boys were also treated to an encryption workshop that explained how modern apps like Whatsapp maintain privacy..
Q E G S O N T O U R
Finally we boarded the coach to head back to Wakefield after what felt like much longer than just two days But maybe that was just the perspective of the supervising teachers! Many thanks to Mark Reed and Tim Becker for accompanying the visit
R
Q E G S O N T O U
Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions
Once again an array of QEGS lads from Years 10, 11 and 12 embarked on their training and assessed expeditions through the 2024 season, in pursuit of their respective DofE Awards.
After completing expedition training at Dalesbridge near Settle, boys were put through their paces in all the best bits of Yorkshire Silverwood Campsite near Barnsley and surrounding countryside provided the backdrop for the Bronze local assessments. Kettlewell and Wharfedale in the Yorkshire Dales saw three Silver teams complete their assessment. Finally, Helmsley and the North Yorkshire Moors provided a challenging environment for three teams completing their Gold assessment, walking for four days all the way across the moor to the sea at Robin Hood’s Bay Fish and chips were in plentiful supply and a fitting treat for the lads having walked over 80km
Thanks again to all the staff that supported these expeditions, particularly Polly Loftus and Andy Pesterfield
DofE Gold Achievers -
Buckingham Palace
The pinnacle of achievement for boys doing DofE is the Gold Award Boys completing Gold are invited to Buckingham (or Holyrood) Palace to celebrate their achievement
The back gardens of the Palaces are the venues for sizable garden partys with over a thousand participants, guests and leaders coming together to celebrate, listen to keynote speakers and military bands, enjoy cupcakes and tea, and to be addressed by HRH Prince Edward, who is now the head of the Award
Mr McWilliam and Miss Chatterton were delighted to be invited to attend one such event in May as there were a number of QEGS boys attending. Roman Tempest, James McKinlaySmith, Narayan Nair, Oliver Mitchell and Nick Marshall all looked very much QEGS ambassadors, in suits and Old Sav ties, reminiscing their expedition experiences and soaking up the atmosphere
I look forward to attending similar such event in the future as more QEGS lads go the distance on their own DofE journey.
Year 7 Residential by Thomas and
Samuel
We arrived at school full of expectations. We knew the trip would be fun, but none of our guesses reflected how fun it was going to be.
The coach was two hours long but we all knew it would be worth it When we arrived at the building, we were greeted by the friendly instructors who gave us a tour round the building, showing us our rooms, the lunch hall and all the other amazing facilities at YMCA
Lakeside After settling in we knew we would be in for a rollercoaster ride To start with we went on the high ropes It was amazing
The staff at Lakeside always kept us busy and they were really nice and friendly There was always something going on but they also gave us about 5-10 minutes in between activities to get ready for the next one.
I rate this a 10 out of 10 The staff encouraged us to be independent and try new things. They explained all the activities and watched us having fun! It was a great trip enjoyed by all of Year 7 and the best residential we have been on
Q E G S O N T O U R
SOCIETIES AND EVENTS
S Year 13 Leavers
E S A N D E V E N T
S O C I E T I
by Miss H Chatterton
Year 13 students celebrated two significant milestones as they approached the end of their time at school. On 26th April, they gathered at the Royal Armouries in Leeds for the annual Leavers' Ball, a much-anticipated event marking the end of their school years. The venue, known for its grandeur, did not disappoint Special thanks go to students Zaima Farooq, Abbie Grafton, Tim Spawforth, and Lucas Fisher for their thoughtful decorations and planning, alongside Mr Rees and Miss Chatterton After a delicious three-course meal, the students enjoyed an awards ceremony, ballroom dancing, and a lively disco that continued into the early hours. The evening was filled with elegance and fun, creating memories to last a lifetime.
On 10th May, the students marked their final day at QEGS with a day full of activities It began with a hearty breakfast, where they reminisced with form tutors over bacon sandwiches
During the leavers' assembly, Mr Rees and Dr Brookes offered their best wishes, and the boys received their Old Savilians ties, officially becoming alumni. After a celebratory ‘American-style’ lunch featuring burgers, pancakes, and chicken, the afternoon brought a fancy-dress football tournament Each form dressed according to a theme and house colours, with 13 TBE’s space theme, complete with Mr Becker as a NASA scientist, winning bestdressed. The tournament saw Savile House triumph over Bentley 2-0 in the final match.
Both events offered a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and camaraderie, as Year 13 students prepared to say goodbye to their school years and face their upcoming A Level exams
Year 11 BBQ
The weather was kind to us on the last day of teaching before the Yr11 boys started their GCSE study leave. They were on good form as they worked their way through 400 plus burgers and chicken fillets as well as a couple of buckets of chips.
However, it was pleasing to note that the boys had kindly left the salad for their tutors as they disappeared off to their final lunchtime subject clinic!!!!!
The next time we are all likely to gather together will be on Thursday 22nd Augustwhen we hope to see lots of smiling faces as they open their GCSE exam envelopes!
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T S
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T
QEGS Enterprise by
Morgan Bennett
It would be impossible to talk about Enterprise at QEGS without acknowledging the outstanding work done by my predecessor Caley Mackay who was responsible for introducing enterprise education into the school and who spent the past 4 years expanding provision into every key stage Her unbridled enthusiasm for this aspect of education and her dedication to ensuring that all boys managed to get something out of their experiences saw Enterprise grow from a paper based plan to a through school endeavour which raised thousands of pounds for charity and provided opportunities for hundreds of boys to develop their skills.The successes the boys enjoyed over the past year are a testament to her efforts.
Amongst the many activities that take place under the Enterprise banner over the course of the year the two most prestigious are the National Careers Challenge for Year 8 and the LEAP business project for 6th form students.
In the National Careers Challenge teams of boys were set the task of designing “The JCB of the future”
I participated in the 2024 Enterprise challenge as the team manager for our JCB vehicle; ETron. We came up with the Idea of a tractor that sieved out sand off the beach to collect litter. This design was good enough to take us all the way to Doncaster RaceCourse where the Grand Finals were held, and our skills were tested Our group practised every week leading up to the event but on the day, we were just short of the line For us this was very disappointing as we had spent countless hours getting ready for this just for none of it to matter, however this was far from the case as from this I gained many skills including, teamwork, determination, courage, leadership skills, it formed great friendships in the process and we had a great time nonetheless at the racecourse I am very thankful of the opportunity I got, going to the national finals as it has shaped the way I learn and think and It has taught me skills I will remember for the rest of my life
Alex Massey 9
As participants in the LEAP project students are posed the challenge of establishing and running their own businesses for 6 months during year 12 They compete against teams from across Yorkshire and are asked to provided accurate accounts, business plans and reports In addition to this they run trade stalls at the Merrion Centre, Leeds as well as producing adverts and social media campaigns.
Over my time in Year 12, as well as taking on my 3 A level subjects, I decided to take a shot at the LEAP competition I convinced some of my friends to join me, and we got started Attending seminars and taking in information about the competition, we quickly learned the aim of it: To start up a successful business, complete two trade fairs at the Merrion centre in Leeds, and come out of the otherside with positive results. In our first meeting, we had to decide a product - I, as the managing and technical director, pitched the idea of NFC cards, and using them as a sort of virtual greeting cards, which we all agreed on. The company name that we decided on was Touchlink.
Throughout the first months of the competition, we hit a few roadblocks with the design of our cards, and how we were planning on actually making the plain, white cards look a bit better We went through putting printed out pieces of paper in plastic laminating wallets, and we even went through hand decorating the cards. Eventually we were able to use a printer to print directly onto the cards. This process that took us a while to protect let us refine our business idea, and using the business plan that we had to construct, it let us experiment with ideas and propose things that would not usually have been brought to the table
The competition as a whole was an incredibly enriching experience, teaching not only myself but the other people in my team important business and life skills. We gained experience in the finance area, looking over our profit margins and how we could balance the books, we gained experience in marketing, using social media to market our products to consumers
We gained technical experience in the digital sector by building a website from the ground up, experimenting with SEO and advertising. And most importantly, we gained skills of working with our peers, not just our team, but the other team from QEGS, taking the competition head on together, supporting each other at the trade fairs and sharing important information with each other At the end of the competition, at the awards ceremony, it was a real pleasure to see all the other teams from the other schools, pitching their products and giving presentations on how they worked and what they did over the duration. We came out of the competition with the award for winning one of the trade fairs, the award for innovation, and a great deal of skills between us
Make HIS Story
We hosted an exciting event, "Make HIS Story," where Year 5 boys from local primary schools gathered for a day of engaging, hands-on activities. The highlight of the day was a Paris Olympic-themed pizza challenge, encouraging students to design and create their own nutritious pizzas inspired by the spirit of the Olympics
The event aimed to foster creativity, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of nutrition, as students explored healthy ingredients and learned how to balance flavour with fitness-focused food choices. Teachers and organisers noted the students’ enthusiasm and imagination, praising their inventive pizza creations
"Make HIS Story" was a successful day of fun, learning, and community engagement, showcasing QEGS’s commitment to inspiring young minds and promoting healthy lifestyles.
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T S
S Charity Update
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T
by Miss N Allen and Mr R Thompson
Charities, as ever, have been very involved with supporting the local community through volunteering activities as well as fundraising for charities on international, national and local levels
The year began with support of McMillan Coffee morning with funds being raised through a non-uniform day and cakes at break for 6th form students This was swiftly followed by the junior section raising much needed funds for Motor Neuron Disease through their charity day A highlight of the first term is always the Senior Citizens Christmas party, where the senior section hosts a Christmas meal and entertainment for local residents. This is always a jolly affair and is well supported by parents (through their generous donations for food parcels and treats) as well as eager year 12 students ready to lend a helping hand.
Through a range of fundraising activities - from Freeston House’s bingo evening in support of Andy’s Man Club, Savile’s support of Yorkshire Air Ambulance with a cream tea, Yorkshire Children’s Charity through Easter Egg donations and enterprise challenges to Cave’s continued support of Wakefield Hospice.
Year 12 boys initiated Total Warrior which raised a substantial amount for The Oddballs Foundation and Coppafeel The list goes The year gone has been a truly fantastic year, raising nearly £16 000. Additionally a variety of volunteer placements have been undertaken by boys in year 12 - working at local primary schools and charity shops. Thank you to everyone for their continued support and enabling such a vast range of charitable activities to happen within our community
As ever, the QEGS JS Charity Days were a highlight of the year with some spectacular outfits on display! Thank you so much to everyone who braved the weather and attended the first Charity Day of the year in October We raised £770 31 for the Leeds General Infirmary and Leeds Hospitals Charity There were some wonderful ‘Dream Jobs’!
The second Charity Day saw boys and staff dressed in the theme of ‘The Olympics’, ahead of the games getting underway in Paris later in the summer. We had togas, table tennis players, olympic torches and (two) bobsleigh teams!! A huge thank you to Theo in Year 6 for bringing in his dad’s actual 2012 Olympic Torch (from the 2012 torch relay) and delivering a very interesting speech in our assembly The money raised, a wonderful £818, was shared between two very worthy causes focused on supporting children.
A huge well done to all the boys for completing their class marathon challenges! It was wonderful to see the teamwork and camaraderie on display as everyone worked together to achieve their goal - a really lovely event
A huge thank you to our PTA for supporting at all of our Charity Days.
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T S
S Masterchef by
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T
Mrs M Spawforth
QEGS proudly celebrated the culinary talents of its 2024 MasterChef finalists: Theo (Savile), Liam (Cave), Bertie (Freeston), and Esa (Bentley) Competing in an intense cooking challenge, each contestant was tasked with creating a nutritious and flavourful dish suitable for Olympians competing in the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
After a showcase of impressive skill and creativity, Bertie emerged as the winner with his standout Spiced Salmon dish, which impressed the judges for its balance of flavour and nutritional value Each finalist brought unique flavours and innovative approaches to the competition, making for an exciting and delicious event.
Congratulations to all the finalists and especially to Bertie for his well-deserved win!
Bake-Off
The QEGS 2024 Bake-Off competition concluded with an exciting final round, featuring talented finalists Damon, Max, Leo, and Cameron After several technically challenging rounds, the final tasked the boys with baking and decorating red velvet brownies, complete with creative and eye-catching icing designs
Each finalist impressed with their skill and attention to detail, but it was Cameron’s outstanding entry that won him the top spot
In a celebration held in front of the entire school, Cameron was awarded the Bake-Off trophy, marking a well-deserved victory in this year’s competition.
Congratulations to all our finalists, and a special well done to Cameron on his Bake-Off win!
Senior Section Maste
Cooking and baking as ever continue to be popular This year saw the return of Masterchef and Bake-off, both being House competitions Masterchef saw a summer theme and we were treated to superb food including burgers and exceptionally well cooked steak The food was superb and was all worthy of featuring on a restaurant menu Bake Off was a technical skills challenge where boys perfected pastry and creme patisserie - not an easy challenge by any means These competitions are a fantastic opportunity for boys to show case
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T S
S JS Speech Day by Mr
E S A N D E V E N T
S O C I E T I
R Thompson
The Junior Speech Day was another wonderful celebration of our pupils’ achievements throughout the year David Turner, our guest of honour, shared his memories from his time as a pupil in the Juniors and spoke about his current role as the Chief Technology Officer at the global fitness brand Virgin Active Well done to all of our pupils for a fantastic year with many highlights, both academic and extra-curricular.
Our special distinctions went to the following pupils:
Christopher Brook Memorial Prize for the best performance in the scholarship exam: Zac Guo
School Challenge Medal for contribution to school life: Nikhil Narula
James Moran Prize for progress in Year 5: Mitul Sood
Lee Cup for progress in Year 4: Sandy Jones
Arnold Taylor Prize for strength in adversity: Harry Evans
JS Speaking and Reading Competition
On World Book Day, pupils from the Junior Section took part in the final of this year’s Speaking and Reading Competition The finalists performed two speeches - one of which was written independently - in front of their peers This year’s judge, Mrs Druett-Arundale, had the unenviable task of choosing a winner from each year group; this was a really tough decision, as the standard set by the finalists was incredibly high this year.
Congratulations to the following boys for winning their individual year group competitions:
Year 3 - James F
Year 4 - Ibrahim A
Year 5 - Nathan H
Year 6 - Rahim G
The overall winner of the U9 competition was Ibrahim. Ibrahim’s poetry recitation was outstanding, delivering his lines with real confidence and enthusiasm. The audience were also captivated and intrigued to learn about what Ibrahim would wish for if he were granted three wishes. Rahim was chosen as the overall winner in the U11 category. The U11 finalists were asked to write a speech about a much needed invention Rahim decided to invent a ‘Ticklebot’ which would bring joy and laughter to its owner Rahim spoke with fantastic fluency and expression throughout the competition and was a welldeserved winner of the U11 category Well done to Ibrahim and Rahim - as well as all of the other finalists who took part in the final of this event.
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T S
S Harvest Festival
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T
The QEGS JS Harvest Festival Assembly was a wonderful opportunity to give thanks and give back to our local community. The boys brought in produce for The St Catherine’s Centre, a local food bank, and also for the Yorkshire Children’s Charity. Our very own gardening club also proudly displayed the produce they had grown over the past season
QJ Chess
It was wonderful to welcome players from schools throughout the north of England to take part in our HMC Chess competition on Tuesday 14th November 2023
It was the biggest turnout in recent history with 130 players attending and there was some superb play on display The competition was organised into U9 and U11 sections, with QEGS entering 2 x U9 teams and 4 x U11 teams The boys performed well and worthy of particular note were Vishvan S who won 5 out of his 6 games, and Eddie B and Eisa M won 4 5 out of
SPLATS
SPLATS is students presenting, learning through science. 18 boys and 18 girls were taught how to teach 6 lessons involving science and technology. They were then teaching classes of up to 30 year 5 boys and girls over two days. The students were excellent and flourished as educators, improving in confidence and organisation
The following are two testimonials about their experiences:
“I aspire to have a career in education, so SPLATS was a great opportunity to learn some teaching skills We spent the first day learning how to teach each activity and organising our groups Despite this, our first real session was a struggle, and we had to improvise We got the hang of it after that, though, and the first day was a success, despite being a bit stressful. The second day saw us leading two more activities, which both went far more smoothly. By the end of the day, we had found a good rhythm as a group and significantly improved as teachers Overall, SPLATS was a fun and enlightening, though tiring, experience ” Kaleb Peters 10PMC
“I feel like SPLATS was a memorable experience as it put me in a teacher’s perspective, and I found it really fun to be teaching kids new things as it gave me a sense of contentment However, it also showed me how tiring it can be as a teacher, making me aware of how much hard work teachers put into teaching us However tiring it was though, I do not regret a single moment of it. Moreover, it helped me strengthen my leadership and teamworking skills, along with more confidence when speaking to people. Even more, I taught myself things I didn’t know! Overall, it was an amazing time and I enjoyed it a lot!” Rayan Shahzad 10ROW
I’d like to congratulate all of the following on their efforts with SPLATS: Aryan Sinha, Aston Ineson, Om Mani, Edison Field, Oliver Eldridge, Timilehin Kayode, Lucas Milburn, Buba Sanyang, Daniel Scott, Felix Bowles, Shalom Fabiyi, Kaleb Peters, Noah Tordoff, Henry Wareham, Sammy Parkin, Rayan Shahzad, Sam Story.
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T S
S Freeston House Bingo
S O C I E T I E S A N D E V E N T
by Oliver Mitchell
The long day had ended and the night had swiftly taken hold. The calamity of the school day was removed and the serene silence of night cocooned the corridors and stairwells. But there, a light and distant laughter Closer, the chaotic chanting of numbers and rhymes confuse and delay thought upon entering Could this be a secret meeting or a play lead astray? No, it could only be the Freeston Charity Bingo night, the most entertaining and action-packed evening of the QEGS house calendar year. Hither and thither, cries of "Bingo" ricocheted like exited bullets, aimed solely at the bountiful prize bench. "31 Get Up and Run!" the night hurtled forward and the rounds grew more and more intense, the prize count seemingly dwindling as each number was read Faces darted back and forth with a fighting spirit, matching numbers and connecting the dots, seeking the elusive bingo When the evening was ending and heads grew tired, the games met their end and the callers were fired To Andy's man club, the money was sent and out into the night, us bingoers went.
Ian Mobile Farm Visit
As part of this year’s Junior Section Science Week we had a visit from Ian’s Mobile Farm. The visit was booked in for the Friday of Science Week as our grand finale and it did not disappoint
Ian set up his mini farm in the school garden and brought a whole host of different farm animals including, bunnies, guinea pigs, sheep, chickens, alpacas, donkeys, goats and his sheepdog Meg who was the biggest hit of the day! There were animal pens, hay and sometimes even escaping goats to both entertain and educate the boys about the animals and farming
Despite the rain, the boys had a super time learning about the animals' original habitats and how they are useful as farm animals. The boys were invited to touch or hold the animals and learnt a lot about animal care in their sessions Perhaps we have some young farmers in the making as we all enjoyed the visit very much.
CREATIVE
Art @ QEGS
The GCSE and A Level Fine Art and Photography classes of 2024 achieved sensational exam results – 100% of our GCSE students achieved a Level 7 or above (with 25% of these being a Level 9 and 63% Level 8+). All our A level students achieved Grade A or above. However, it is fair to say that our Art and Design students always achieve excellent results, and we believe this is testament to the emphasis we place on control, care and mastery of skill, from the very first art lesson within the Foundation, all the way to the very last. Our curriculum is designed to instil a deep understanding of the world of visual language. Our students investigate the work of a wide range of historical and contemporary artists, and critically evaluate the impact of techniques, processes and materials They are taught to select materials appropriately, and to carefully, thoughtfully and independently refine their ideas through investigations and reference to sources Our students complete several projects each year, but there are some standout final outcomes that the department would love to share.
Year 7 students explore mark-making in depth to produce observational studies of leaves using a range of media ‘Attention to detail’ and ‘accurate colour mixing’ are essential, with outstanding personal responses demonstrating sophisticated application of both skills
Year 8 students build on work of Year 7, looking in greater depth at the use of mark-making to represent tone and form. Students produce several two-dimensional outcomes exploring texture, before creating a ceramic tile inspired by the textures and forms of the seabed. Year 8 also gives students the opportunity to further develop their understanding of digital art techniques After exploring the pop-art portraits of the contemporary artist Julian Opie, students produced their own inspired self-portraits using online digital photography editing software.
In a project dedicated to the theme of ‘Birds’ Year 9 students produced observational studies of birds, before producing striking black and white lino print designs A successful print will have a careful balance of black and white contrast, and the direction of cutting will align with the direction of feather growth on the birds. We use a traditional 19th century printing press for creating our lino studies, and it always prompts lots of conversation when we discuss how much time and effort it used to take to print a sheet of a newspaper, or a book, before the evolution of modern print technology It is always great to see how the final prints take on so much personality!
C R E A T I V E
The wonderful work of our GCSE Fine Art, GCSE Photography and A Level Fine Art students will be presented at the annual Art and Design and Design and Technology Exhibition this year. We look forward to seeing you there, to ce students
4
C R E A T I
Design and Technology @ QEGS
This year, the Design & Technology department has once again excelled, achieving remarkable academic results. At A-Level, 75% of students earned top grades of A*-A, while 50% of GCSE students achieved grades 9-8. Beyond the numbers, students have produced an impressive range of innovative final projects, showcasing their creativity, skill, and dedication Enjoy a look at the exceptional work from both A-Level and GCSE students below!
Oliver Gibson - Year 13
Tim Spawforth - Year 13
Jamie Duerden-Brown - Year 13
Roman Tempest - Year 13
Design and Technology @ QEGS
Guy Bailey Ewan Walsh
Felix Rand Lucas Roden
Harry Mellor
Ethan Ngw
Charlie Newton
Henry Millican
Ciaran McWilliam Jack Ilsley
Thomas Hulme
Harrison Loft
James Martin
The Sea Sweeper 3000 by Eisa Mohmed
The state of our seas is a growing fear, pollution is all we can hear
We need a contraption, a revolutionary machine, to clean up our oceans and keep them pristine. On that note a much needed invention for me would be, a great old ship that cleans the sea. Imagine it grappling around on the seabed below, erasing all rubbish that causes us such woe
In mind's eye, I see a ship so wild, I'd paint it yellow and red, bold and bright, to fill litterbugs with dread and inspire new sight. A mix of modern and old, with stripes that are mild,
But not just any hue, they're a shade of bright pink, a sight so unique, it'll make you stop and blink
With grace and skill, the grab arm extends, sinuous and sleek, its ballet never bends. Coated in droplets, a shimmering sheen, a silent saviour in a ballet unseen. Swiftly it moves, a dance on the shore, collecting debris, the ocean's eyesore In rhythmic dance, it deposits its find, Into the machine's mouth, a purpose aligned A mechanical jaw, eager and keen, devouring mankind's discarded marine
A dance of creation, tools that clatter, a mesmerising display, in a rhythmic manner. Gears intertwine in a grand ballet, pounding, crushing, a captivating array. Canisters crush with a powerful sound, pistons rebound, materials unbound Melting down in a heat-induced trance, wastes waltz, innovation's dance In the cold of the freezer, a surprise takes place, waste transformed, a tale to embrace.Shaped to a size, magically neat, metamorphosis, eyes can't be beat. From remnants, marvels in the furnace churn,toys, books and clothes as creations return.
To power the cogs and pistons with care, I chose water, it's true A solution not so rare, reliable and cost-effective too, it is also environmentally friendly through and through
It would do it fast, without any pause, else rubbish’ll end up in a shark's jaws
And the tiny fishes, turtles and octopi all, will be trapped forever in litters thrall Let's take responsibility and do our part, to clean our oceans and keep litter and the sea apart.
C R E A T I V E
The Days at QEGS
The people at QEGS
All are supportive and kind
But we always have Rugby tactics in mind,
We help each other
Even when the weather’s not bright
We will always stay together And fight like knights,
When we are together
We’ll always cheer, Whatever the weather
The Tenacious Tree
The people at QEGS
All are supportive and kind
But we always have Rugby tactics in mind,
We help each other
We’ll always be here.
When this is in the Owl
I’ll be cheering in the car
Or maybe I’ll be getting A massive golden star
by Theo Lighten
JS Creative Writing
Year 3
The River
It tastes super salty and a bit cold. I hear crashing water against the mossy wet rocks. It smells of fresh water. I can see cotton candy clouds, drifting across the sky I touch craggy rocks with my hands My eyes feast on the nature, squirrels, foxes, owls and bears! The trees are as tall as skyscrapers!
by Lewis Lole
Even when the weather’s not bright
We will always stay together And fight like knights,
When we are together
We’ll always cheer, Whatever the weather
We’ll always be here.
When this is in the Owl I’ll be cheering in the car
Or maybe I’ll be getting A massive golden star
by Alexander Armitage
Stone Age Boy
I was just walking in the park when the ground gave way! I fell down, down and down.When I woke up everything was different. There was a girl, she didn’t look like any other girl I’d ever seen Her name was Om, she had red and yellow clothes. Om’s family were all sitting around the warm cosy fire, the flames were leaping into the air.
Then I must have fallen asleep In the morning
Om’s family and I went to the river, the little ones were picking apples and berries. There was a child running and pointing to the hill, I wonder what I will see?
by Joe Gill
Keeper of Keys
Meet me, I am the keeper of the keys. You might think why am I called that, well I am called that because I have the keys to the...I can’t tell you that but I can tell you where to find them In a deep, dark forest with big tall trees! But the trees are very flimsy at the tips of their branches and the bark of the trees I hang my lovely glowing gold keys and they open an ultra warm hole to Pluto, Mars and beyond Oops I wasn’t meant to tell you that, you have to forget all that you have just heard!
Back to the story, there was a fox, but not any normal fox but a fox with clothes on, he keeps hitting the keys at nightime, and it wakes me up!
by Zaki Iqbal
Year 4
As she gazed up at the pale, orange clouds, she wondered if she would ever get to set foot inside her house again. The golden, shiny cage with intricately detailed carvings swished and swayed in the wind. It was a wrecking ball trying to knock down the tall, elegant castle. A completely pink bird with a wingspan of about 1 5 metres was gliding towards her, clutching her crimson-red wax pencil gleefully in her beak Quietly, the bird opened the cage and drew a small carpet It dropped for a split-second and then burst into life It swooped next to Emily, indicating her to clamber on. As soon as she climbed on the tartan rug, it soared into action and flew over the castle. She could smell the chicken in the market below. This made her realise that she hadn’t eaten in days She soared off into the towering hills, but this was only the start of her great adventure by William Birch
Museum of Life
There it was: the Museum of Life. I am an Eygptologist so my friend recommended this place to me and said to go quickly before they moved the exhibit to Cairo As I marched in like a soldier, I saw towering, monstrous animals Tigers, whales, lions but the thing I wanted to see the most of all was the exhibit of Ancient Egypt I stumbled up and down, it was almost like the crowd were going the other way. After about a minute, I found the room. The crooked sign pointing left stating Ancient Egypt. Suspiciously, I strolled past the guard, hoping he wouldn’t see me With pace, I stepped into the glorious room Suddenly, I noticed the guard with grey hair, corduroy trousers and black shoes, which were as big as a clown’s feet, was following me I wondered why? Maybe it was just to make sure everything was alright
Curiously, I wondered how people found all of these amazing artefacts? How long did it take them? All these questions were rushing to my head I looked at all of the amazing things: sarcophaguses, masks, scarab beetles, skulls, but one special thing glared at me the most It was like a magnet pulling me in Bravely, I stepped over to the ring Slowly, I removed the ruby-red rope…touched the ring…darkness covered me like a blanket.
by William Dobson
C R E A T I V E
CYear 5
Ruin
Dystopia
Ryan could only see sand. He frantically searched in his old backpack for a bottle of water but was unsuccessful The wind whistled a cheerful tune while Ryan sat on the soft sand He thought about his family being obliterated during a test ran by Haven Nanosystem
Ryan said to himself, “Could I be the one to stop them?”
“You can do it,” a mysterious voice replied, its high pitched sound reminding him of someone He thought deeply but couldn't recap whose voice it belonged to
While wandering around the desert, Ryan found a beautiful oasis and he was amazed. He rushed towards the lake slurping loudly at the refreshing shimmering water.
Suddenly, an intense growling noise began Ryan instantly recognised this sound and he stayed extremely still The noise was created by a howler - a creature similar to a wolf but with venom in its teeth It had extremely bad eyesight so Ryan knew he had to stay still Just as Ryan predicted the howler walked straight past him.
The sun’s rays danced across the sky, painting the clouds in a warm palette of orange and pink In the distance, a building was overgrown with various plants and ivy On top of the building was a stone statue covered in grass,
Ryan wondered what it was.
Interested, he intended to find more
Chapter 2: The Mist
In the dystopian city, Ryan stood alone surrounded by desolate buildings with overgrown plants scaling the walls. Suddenly an obscure figure appeared behind Ryan. Quick as a flash, he pulled out his shiny sword and attempted to stab the figure but his sword went straight through it!
Ryan ran as fast as he could but suddenly he saw a swirling mysterious mist in front of him He fell unconscious…
Ryan awoke and saw a shiny sapphire glowing atop a large pillar. He was drawn to its glamorous shine BOOM! The pillar exploded and the sapphire fell into a deep gloomy hole
by Toby Rigby
Eye Of The Storm
It looked through his spyglass, seeking something in the white, fluffy clouds. There it was - a divine, radiant light cutting through the soft clouds like a chainsaw. It looked through the spyglass, mechanical goggles protecting its eyes and an ominous face covered by a hood It turned, walking across the creaking, wooden deck of its flying ship to go inside the cabin As it walked, its ripped cloak showed, flapping in the breeze
Before it entered the blimp-ship, it stroked a dragon-like serpent crouched by the door. Inside, it picked up a bottle of mutant potion - as green as slime, and threw it into the ship’s fire It also threw some rusty cogs in as well as a suitcase into the flames, the gears working hard CLING! CLANG! SIZZLE!
The figure strode to an ancient map to work out its route and then went to pilot the ship once more. But before it did, it walked out of the mechanical blimp holding a black box and placed it onto the deck On top of this box was an ornate lock covered with ruby-like jewels He opened it Inside the mysterious box was a sample of something something scarce - the eye of the storm!
He dropped the box into the white, puffy clouds which turned into a raging, black abyss. The skies were brewing a storm Lightning struck the ominous clouds in a frenzy of wrath but the veiled figure didn't care about the swirling storm and kept piloting
After what seemed like days, the storm calmed. It woke up, goggles quivering as if its life was about to end. It surveyed its surroundings which were sunny and placid, misty clouds strolling the sapphire sky It looked down depressed at what it had to do It picked up a bronze key and stamped forcefully on a piece of paper and then unlocked the chain around its scaly serpent As the dragon flew into the dull distance, it turned and saw it The luminous, resplendent beam was not far. It went inside the mechanical, flying device and sat on a mysterious throne, rusty gears turning wildly moving the shadowy figure’s throne to its favourite spot This was it, it was riding into his destiny - a destiny covered in grey clouds swirling and dancing - the eye of the storm!
by Musa Mirza
C R E A T I V E
R E A T I
Year 6 Red Riding Hood
After Red Riding Hood crossed the bridge, she strolled through the forest while her eyes darted from side-to-side, unsure of what to expect Soon, she encountered a field of tall green grass; they were nearly as tall as her! They swayed in the cool summer breeze like a ballet of green blades. She waded through the green sea and stared at the silhouette of tumbledown buildings Suddenly, a speck of blue flashed in front of her eyes
Boldly, she stepped towards the sharp teeth of the shattered buildings In what was once a bustling city square, stood a solitary tower and its peak touched the clear blue sky. Amongst the buildings, giant redwoods grew. Moss wrapped the buildings like presents. Darkness fell like a heavy curtain, enveloping the ancient ruins. Tiredness overcame her like a wave. She gathered a handful of sticks and found a cosy nook between two walls Instantly, she fell into a deep slumber
In her restless sleep, the once green field turned blood red. In the blink of an eye, the innocent redwoods turned into menacing snakes and wolves. After the army assembled, they began their long march to the ruined metropolis Soon, they filled the streets, seeking revenge
Dripping with cold sweat, Red Riding Hood awoke abruptly. In the trees, birds tweeted their melodic tune.
As she stood up, she dusted off crumbling mud After stretching, Red Riding Hood slowly buckled her bag with gold patterns Suddenly, an ominous shadow draped over her Terrified, she launched into a sprint like a rising rocket. The slithering shadow followed her, getting closer each slither as if it could smell the raw fear pumping through her veins. All of a sudden, three more of these hungry monsters appeared from the dark, mist-filled hollows between the talons of a wooden dragon The leader of the pack pounced on her like a starving cat clawing at a mouse Red Riding Hood adeptly dodged the killer blow The pack gathered as she raced away. Immediately, the menacing wolves glided along the forest floor, their chase fueled by relentless determination. Her heart pounded a frantic rhythm as she flung a fearful glace behind her. She screeched to a halt, realising she was at the edge of a precipice. She briefly glanced In the distance, she spotted a grey stone castle (sculpted from granite) standing guard on a lone hill A piercing scream then filled the air Skillfully, she skated down the loose rock face. After sprinting further, she leapt across a ravine, somersaulting as she landed. She scaled a cliff, but tripped and fell over.
Relieved, the wolves had disappeared Panting heavily, she stood up In front of her, the tall castle loomed Curiously, she climbed the steps and entered She looked around Like a light switch, the room went dark Quickly, a wolf emerged and devoured Red Riding Hood
by Oliver Lee
Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Grandma
After Red Riding Hood crossed the bridge, she strolled through the forest while her eyes darted from side-to-side, unsure of what to expect Soon, she encountered a field of tall green grass; they were nearly as tall as her! They swayed in the cool summer breeze like a ballet of green blades She waded through the green sea and stared at the silhouette of tumbledown buildings. Suddenly, a speck of blue flashed in front of her eyes.
Boldly, she stepped towards the sharp teeth of the shattered buildings. In what was once a bustling city square, stood a solitary tower and its peak touched the clear blue sky Amongst the buildings, giant redwoods grew Moss wrapped the buildings like presents Darkness fell like a heavy curtain, enveloping the ancient ruins Tiredness overcame her like a wave She gathered a handful of sticks and found a cosy nook between two walls. Instantly, she fell into a deep slumber.
In her restless sleep, the once green field turned blood red In the blink of an eye, the innocent redwoods turned into menacing snakes and wolves After the army assembled, they began their long march to the ruined metropolis. Soon, they filled the streets, seeking revenge.
Dripping with cold sweat, Red Riding Hood awoke abruptly In the trees, birds tweeted their melodic tune
As she stood up, she dusted off crumbling mud. After stretching, Red Riding Hood slowly buckled her bag with gold patterns Suddenly, an ominous shadow draped over her Terrified, she launched into a sprint like a rising rocket The slithering shadow followed her, getting closer each slither as if it could smell the raw fear pumping through her veins All of a sudden, three more of these hungry monsters appeared from the dark, mist-filled hollows between the talons of a wooden dragon. The leader of the pack pounced on her like a starving cat clawing at a mouse. Red Riding Hood adeptly dodged the killer blow. The pack gathered as she raced away Immediately, the menacing wolves glided along the forest floor, their chase fueled by relentless determination Her heart pounded a frantic rhythm as she flung a fearful glace behind her She screeched to a halt, realising she was at the edge of a precipice She briefly glanced. In the distance, she spotted a grey stone castle (sculpted from granite) standing guard on a lone hill. A piercing scream then filled the air. Skillfully, she skated down the loose rock face After sprinting further, she leapt across a ravine, somersaulting as she landed She scaled a cliff, but tripped and fell over
Relieved, the wolves had disappeared. Panting heavily, she stood up. In front of her, the tall castle loomed. Curiously, she climbed the steps and entered. She looked around. Like a light switch, the room went dark Quickly, a wolf emerged and devoured Red Riding Hood C R E A T I V E
by Eddie Burrows
The Christmas Truce
C R E A T I
All the freezing soldiers huddled up, trying to keep warm The ear piercing bombs and gunshots ruined the almost silent night The soldiers looked up at the glimmering moon imagining what life would be like after the war Then the post came one soldier got a parcel his name was Jim, he looked down at it and opened it There was a picture of his girlfriend and behind it there was a teal blue wrapper with chocolate inside Jim thought he I’ll save it for later
Across the battlefield the Germans started to sing listening to the rhythm; it was silent night, so the Brits joined in The wind made their voices echo The next day, there was no gunfire, just the wind howling and the birds tweeting Jim was awake all night waiting for the horrible day to start but then he thought of a risky idea to form a christmas day truce Across the ghastly, bloodcurdling battlefield the Germans were asleep but with someone on watch then Jim did the unexpected “JIM JIM!” the commander bellowed
He was already going out of the trenches Petrified, Jim slowly kept going With no hesitation, the Germans jumped into action guns at the ready “HALT!” a German screamed at the top of his voice Shocked, Jim walked out further; other soldiers with him “My name is Otto,” he said in a quiet voice Jim replied with “my name is Jim,” Shouts of joy echoed over the battlefield Most of the soldiers from both sides were playing a game of football. The ball was everywhere from left right and centre. Every time someone scored they were overjoyed shouting with glee. Then BOOM! BANG! The bombs went off and they knew their time was up.
by Ethan Dowes
It was Christmas 1994 and snow was heavily falling down on the English Trenches. “Jenkins, Oakley, Knight,” those were the echoed shouts from the leader as he passed some parcels around.Jim got a parcel from his mother with a huge chocolate bar inside. It made him feel really happy and joyful as he smiled a happy smile. Just then he heard some singing. It was in a very familiar tune. A christmas carol , They were singing a silent night. Before you knew it the English had joined in. I Knew german and English were two languages.
Next morning the birds chirped quietley The singing from last night made it feel like a musical snowy sky Just as they were about to sleep, Jim started to step out of the trenches! The Germans were ready to fire, would this be the end of Jim Silently and slowly Jim stepped up the ladder Suddenley the German soldier shouted, he also stepped out of the trench
There was loads of hesitation on both sides, what will happen? Is he safe? Will he survive? Jim just hoped he stays alive Both sides had their hands up, they wanted peace Just then Jim and the German soldier came to the middle, they shook hands
“My name is Jim,” Jim said “My name is Otto,” the German soldier said This meant peace Soon after, all the German soldiers and English shook hands together in peace
Just after shaking they brought a huge football and played football; others just got to know each other A few soldiers even got a camera and took photos It was great Suddenly they heard a rumble, shaking the ground, gunshots Everyone started to say goodbye “Merry Christmas,” Jim said “ Merry Christmas,” Otto replied They went back to their trenches Jim looked in his pocket, there was a biscuit Otto looked into his pocket, there was chocolate They smiled a happy smile
by Aneesh Parnandi
It was snowing like a winter wonderland. Along the cobbled street came the sound of crunching snow. A girl skipped along - playing and not noticing the posters on the brick walls of missing children
She came to a halt and noticed a blackboard - with hundreds of names chalked on itattached to a wall. She scraped her name on with a piece of chalk: ‘Alma’. She smiled and dropped the chalk which clinked onto the pavement. Her scarf dropped an inch or so and she adjusted it
Behind her, with a creepy clicking sound, a doll - exactly identical to her in every wayswirled up into view. Alma turned slowly, cautiously to see her copy, crept toward it and saw it had the same blue hat, jacket and red scarf that she was wearing. She gasped in horror.
Alma had a strange idea to steal the doll She eyed a door and yanked the handle with all her might but it just wouldn't budge She crossed her arms in fury and threw a snowball at the ancient frame. Through sheer luck, it opened with a creek! Alma crouched and crept inside. It was dark and quiet.
Her foot bumped against something and she looked down A little Victorian-style doll on a toy bike lay on its side, pedalling furiously She placed it upright and it cycled like a bolt to the door which hauntingly closed by itself
Alma didn’t notice though because all of her attention was focused on finding her doll… but where was it? Her eyes scanned the room and she saw it, on the top shelf, staring at her She couldn’t stop herself and was drawn forward, starting to climb On the way, she heard strange clicking noises but it was probably just the noises of old houses she thought She was centimetres away, took off her gloves and touched the doll’s nose…
Her life flashed before her eyes, colours and lights swirling round and round She closed her eyes in terror
She tried to move but she couldn’t.
Looking down, her neck stiff, she realised she was somehow inside the doll! She was imprisoned in a plastic cage! All she could do was move her eyes and make a ‘click click’ noise
by Robert Mocynski
C R E A T I V E
SPORT
SCricket
by Mr C Lawson
The 2023-2024 cricket season at QEGS was one of development, achievement, and strong performances across all levels. For the 1st XI, the rebuilding of senior cricket continued with a youthful squad. Year 13’s Harry Appleyard, alongside Year 12s Josh Wood (captain), Jamie Redwick, Ollie Mountain, Will Ryan, and Freddie Davies, provided invaluable experience and leadership This core group led training and matches with dedication, setting a strong example for the younger team members. The 1st XI saw mixed results but displayed clear growth throughout the season, with standout victories in the cup against Mount St. Mary’s and a notable win at the Bradford 6s.
Several younger players also made a strong impact Charlie Newton, a left-arm off-spinner, and all-rounder Oliver Whyte, who performed impressively with the bat, were invaluable additions. Year 8’s Aurav Vinta stepped up as a top-order batsman, while members of the talented Year 10 squad Henry Wareham, Oliver Eldridge, Dan Green, and Alfie Maddy bolstered the 1st XI during the Year 11 exam season The season concluded with a successful tour to Malta, reviewed in detail in Mr Graham’s "QEGS on Tour" report
The U15 team had an exceptional year, finishing with a resounding win in the Yorkshire Cup Final in September. Under the captaincy of Dan Green, the U15s formed a cohesive and skilled team, showing promise as future senior players Coach Mr Anderson, who shared in the team’s learning journey, helped guide this talented group to a memorable season and looks forward to seeing them join the senior squad next year
All age groups, from U14 to U9, represented QEGS with enthusiasm and skill, demonstrating the depth of talent across the programme With such a strong pool of players, the future of QEGS cricket is brighter than ever, and we eagerly anticipate next season when every player will bring another year’s experience to the field
Hockey
U12
by Mr M Anderson
The U12s got their first experience of hockey at QEGS In their first ever fixture, they came up against a very strong Yarm School side, but a few weeks later managed an impressive 4-1 win against Hall Cross. We entered 2 teams into the In2Hockey Yorkshire tournament, playing against a number of other schools from around the county, narrowly missing out
on progressing to the next round, but showing lots of progress and playing some good team hockey Towards the end of the season, both A and B teams travelled to Scarborough College for their first ever Saturday fixture The boys reported that they needed to continue to work on passing the ball quicker and switching the play as when they had done this successfully, they had created some excellent chances. We look forward to this age group continuing to make progress through U13s after a positive start to QEGS hockey.
U13
The U13s began their season at the Yorkshire Schools tournament where they won all 3 games only conceding 1 goal which saw them win the tournament Friendlies against Yarm School and Hall Cross gave the boys a chance to gel as a team with some excellent team performances. In the Independent School Hockey Championship they had a
convincing 2-0 win in their first game against Grange School However, in the second round they lost 5-0 to a strong Trent College team which saw them knocked out. They ended the season with the Yorkshire Cup which saw them play multiple schools from all across Yorkshire. After a mixed set of results it saw them placed into the 5th and 6th placed playoff in which they won 2 goals to 1 against Hymers It was a good season overall for the U13s with many positives to take into next season Next season they will transition from 7-a-side hockey on a half-pitch to the full 11-a-side version of the game
TP O R
SU14
The U14s began their season with their first experience of indoor hockey The boys travelled to the Sedbergh Centre in Bradford to compete in a North East tournament, experiencing the new style of hockey and the alternative rules such as the ball not being allowed off the floor unless shooting The U14s also had friendlies against Hall Cross and
Kettlethorpe comfortably winning 6-0 and 4-0 respectively. The U14s also put together a solid cup run in the EH Tier 1 Cup with wins against Manchester Grammar School and an impressive 3-0 win against Yarm School This saw the team progress to one round before the quarter-finals against King's School, Chester The team put in a strong performance, but were unable to overcome the opposition who were very strong as a team. Despite this, it was the furthest the U14s have progressed in a cup competition demonstrating some excellent progress this season The U14s wanted to thank Mr Anderson and Mr Stiff for coaching them this season and helping them develop as players and as a team
U15
The U15s had a less busy schedule due to there being less cup competitions available to this age group. However, many of the U15 squad represented the year above in the EH Cup competitions The U15s entered the Manchester Grammar School 7-a-side tournament in which they progressed through the group stages They were unfortunately knocked out versus a very strong King’s School, Chester in the quarter-final. The U15s also competed in the ISHL but were defeated 1-0 by Manchester Grammar School. There were friendlies vs RGS Newcastle, Yarm School and Kettlethorpe, giving boys who were new to the sport a chance to experience matchplay and represent the school
1st XI
The 1st XI began their season with a tour to South Africa: an opportunity to play hockey against some South African school teams, but also to see some sights such as Table Mountain, Robben Island and being toured around a local township These experiences offered great insight into the culture and history of South Africa With some strong
performances losing 2-1 and winning 1-0 on tour it felt to the boys that this season would be very promising
The team started the season with a comfortable 4-0 win v Bradford Grammar School Furthermore, the team competed well in the North East U18 Indoor Tournament, narrowly missing out on the final. Friendlies against Scarborough and Manchester Grammar School saw some good team and individual performances, and prepared the team for their first game in the EH Cup vs Bradford Grammar School Despite beating them in their first game of the season, the team were unable to do the double and narrowly lost meaning they dropped into the EH Plate. This meant they played Giggleswick School. A poor performance meant that the game was tied at full time and the game was to be decided by a penalty stroke shootout Congratulations to the QEGS leavers who have represented QEGS Hockey during their time at school You have upheld the school values well during your time here and will hopefully look back at your memories here fondly As we look forward to the new iteration of the 1st XI next season, the future is bright with plenty boys ready to take school hockey to the next level. Finally, on behalf of the team, 1st XI captain Ciaran Reeves would like to thank Mr Leask and Mr Anderson for their coaching and guidance this season.
U16
The U16s had a very impressive season. At the start of the season were friendly games, plus the U16 Indoor North East competition held in Bradford This gave the team some experience of Indoor hockey in a tournament setting which is rigorous and intense Onto the competitive cups, the boys started the season in the Tier 1 of the EH Cup and
were up against three very strong schools in Scarborough College, King’s School, Chester and Repton After the group stages, the team were knocked out of Tier 1 but entered the Tier 1 Plate competition This was now a knockout competition and was national rather than regional The first knockout game was at home against Oakham School A shaky first half followed by a dominant second half performance led to a 2-1 lead towards the end of the game. In the last play, QEGS gave away a penalty stroke, but Sammy Parkin made a huge save from the spot to retain the lead and progress through to the next round The next round also saw the team have a home draw, this time against King’s College, Taunton Again, the boys found themselves 1-0 down, but goals from Ibraheem Khajwal and Alfie Maddy saw them win the semi-final 2-1, progressing to the final held at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Olympic Park, London.
The final was the first for all of these boys on a national level and the opponents were Sir Joseph Williamson School, Kent The team was well prepared and ready to show what they could do. Parents lined the stand at the Olympic Park along with Dr Brookes, and the team set out for their warm up. The game started and in what appeared to be a bit of a pattern, they found themselves 1-0 down at half time, but this time were unable to swing the momentum back in their favour The boys can be extremely proud of their success in this competition and should use it as a motivation to go one better before they finish their school hockey careers.
National Tier Plate Final Report by Aarush and Alex
On the 23rd of April, QEGS U16’s Hockey team embarked upon the journey down to London for an unforgettable experience.
After a team meal in the school canteen all sixteen squad members were brimming with excitement: Lee Valley stadium, the home of GB Hockey and in the Olympic Park, is where the boys would be playing After a stunning win in the quater-finals against Oakham School due to a last minute penalty save from Sammy Parkin and a comeback 2-1 win in the semifinal against King’s College Taunton, the players were ready for the big occasion. Arriving at the hotel, we quickly ate food and prepared for the long day ahead.
We woke up bright and early and filled up with a hearty breakfast We set off to Lee Valley and soon enough the team was in the changing rooms ready to play The squad warmed up well before lining up in the tunnel, on the verge of the start of the match.
The match had started and we were very much in the game After a hard fought half against a strong opposition, we found ourselves 1-0 down Hopes were still high as we felt we played the better hockey despite a few moments going against us, including a disallowed goal which would have put us 1-0 up Unfortunately, we were unable to swing the momentum back in our favour and we conceded 2 late goals to give the opposition a flattering 3-0 win.
S P O R T
Overall, the team enjoyed the experience and should definitely be proud to reach a national final.
We would like to thank Mr Leask and Dr Clark for coming down to London as well as the large away support from parents Finally, we would like to thank Mr Anderson who’s coached us through the ups and downs this season and led us to this achievement
This season has been an exciting journey for our rugby program, filled with numerous successes that have helped cement our school’s reputation in the sport. Throughout the term, we proudly fielded 31 teams, with 340 students representing the school at local competitions and prestigious international tournaments Our teams consistently excelled, regularly achieving victories against some of the top northern schools an impressive testament to our rugby program’s strength.
One of the season's standout moments was our U15 team’s progression to the Quarter Finals of the National Cup where they faced Northampton School for Boys in what can only be described as a snow blizzard! Unfortunately they fell short but their efforts were undeniablewell done boys!
Individually, many students have earned county representation, with some age groups boasting double-digit figures of representatives Our continued partnership with Yorkshire DPP and the academy provides a clear development pathway for our players, helping them reach their full potential
The Rosslyn Park 7’s Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in the rugby sevens world, saw our U18s, U16s, and U14s squads compete with great determination over two days of intense competition
Our U18s team demonstrated commendable resilience and teamwork throughout the tournament. Despite facing strong opponents, their skillful gameplay and commitment earned admiration from spectators and scouts alike. Their seamless communication on the field and standout individual performances showcased the strength of our senior team.
Our U14s team surpassed expectations with their exceptional performance, advancing to the final group stages after a series of impressive victories Although they just missed out on the final, their journey was marked by their talent and dedication, gaining invaluable experience in the process.
The U16s team excelled, advancing to day two and emerging victorious in their group Their talent and determination throughout the tournament and promise bright futures for these young players.
Our 6th form rugby team proudly represented the school at the Sedbergh 10s Rugby Tournament, demonstrating outstanding skill and determination. The tournament began with an electrifying match against Sedbergh, where our boys nearly claimed victory, setting the stage for a thrilling competition
Throughout the group stages, our team exhibited attacking flair and strong defensive play, with a memorable victory against RGS High Wycombe. As the tournament progressed, they delivered stellar performances, culminating in a joint 1st place finish in the group, narrowly missing out on the final by just two points
The 6th form team’s remarkable performances embody the spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork, making the school immensely proud. Their success at the Sedbergh 10s is a reflection of their talent and dedication, and we look forward to their continued achievements on and off the field
As I reflect on another successful season of school sport, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have played a role in making our rugby program such a triumph
To our parents, your unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication whether on the sidelines, during early morning drop-offs, or through your enthusiasm for the sport has been invaluable. Your commitment to the growth and development of your children, and the rugby program as a whole, has been instrumental in our success. Thank you for always being there, rain or shine
To our pupils, you have shown extraordinary dedication, perseverance, and teamwork throughout the season. Your efforts, both on and off the pitch, have demonstrated a level of maturity and sportsmanship that makes us incredibly proud. Whether it was competing in local matches or representing the school on a national or international stage, you have embodied the true spirit of our school Thank you for your passion, hard work, and for making this season one to remember
Lastly, to our staff, your commitment and enthusiasm have driven our rugby program forward. From coaching to organising fixtures, to mentoring our young athletes, you have gone above and beyond to ensure that every player had the opportunity to grow and succeed Your leadership and dedication have been key in maintaining the high standards of excellence that we strive for in school sports.
Together, as a community, we have shown that the strength of our rugby program comes not only from the players on the field but from the incredible network of support that surrounds them We look forward to building on this success in the seasons to come, and we are truly grateful for your continued commitment and belief in what we can achieve together.
Thank you.
S P O R T
U14s @ Rossyln Park
The QEGS U14 rugby sevens squad
made an impressive appearance at the largest schoolboy rugby tournament in the world, competing alongside 284 schools from across the UK and overseas at the prestigious Rosslyn Park Sevens.
The journey began with 12 boys and their coaches, Mr Masterson and Mr Graham, travelling to London in high spirits En route, the boys enjoyed some lighthearted entertainment, with Hugo Colver and Dexter Cooper sharing their eclectic music choices to set the tone for the trip
by Mr A Masterson
The squad stayed at the Copthorne Tara Hotel in Kensington, resting up for the days ahead
The next morning started bright and early with a hearty full English breakfast before heading to the Rosslyn Park playing fields. The boys had time to explore the festival-like atmosphere, taking in the sights and sounds of the rugby world with stalls, food tents, and sporting challenges They also watched some of the U18 matches, noting the exceptionally high standard of play that awaited them
QEGS made a statement in their initial group matches, winning convincingly against St Cecilia’s CofE School, Stanwell School, and Tonyrefail Comprehensive School. Over these games, the team racked up an impressive 92 points while conceding only 10, securing their place in the knockout eliminator round The first knockout game against Hill House from Doncaster was another triumph Alfie Brewster scored a fantastic 70-metre try early on, picking blind from the scrum to calm the team’s nerves QEGS powered through to win 33-5 and confidently advanced to the next day.
Off the pitch, the team enjoyed a memorable evening at a local food court, where they bravely tackled the infamous ‘inferno’ spiced chicken challenge Josh Timmons, with his "iron palate," was one of the few who managed to handle the heat
Day two saw QEGS drawn into a tough phase 2 group with only the top teams who had won their initial group and eliminator matches. Their opponents: Berkhamstead School and Epsom College. In the first game, Ben Smith scored a last-second try to edge past Berkhamstead 1714, setting up a winner-takes-all clash against a highly regarded Epsom College side. Displaying heroic defence and ruthless attacking play, QEGS secured a dramatic 19-12 victory over Epsom, earning a spot in the final group stage a remarkable achievement, placing them in the top 12 out of 284 teams.
The final group stage was an even greater challenge, with QEGS drawn against Y Pant Comprehensive School from Wales and national U14 cup winners, Kings Macclesfield. In a thrilling match on one of the live-streamed pitches, QEGS defeated Y Pant 21-14 in a heated contest Dexter Cooper's outstanding try, caught on camera, may have flirted with the touchline, while Y Pant lost a player to a red card after the try Immediately following their hardfought win, QEGS faced national champions Kings Macclesfield in what was effectively a quarter-final. Exhausted but determined, the boys put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell 28-12, narrowly missing out on progressing due to points difference
Despite the elimination, the squad’s 10th-place finish out of 284 teams is an outstanding achievement The trip was a superb outing for the boys, filled with memories both on and off the field. Their performance at Rosslyn Park will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the season.
Squash by Mr R Fraser
The WGSF squash team made great strides forward with their outstanding performances in the national school squash competition last year Competing in the Key Stage 3 category, the team surpassed all expectations by reaching the semi-finals, despite facing significantly stronger opponents throughout the tournament.
This remarkable achievement is testament to the dedication and hard work of the players. The team displayed exceptional determination and sportsmanship, earning praise from both spectators and competitors alike One of the team’s greatest strengths is their unwavering support for each other, which has fostered a resilient and cohesive unit capable of overcoming any challenge.
Special mentions go to:
Hector, our star player, for facing some of the best young talent in the country and getting some great results against them
Noah for some amazing results and winning every match he played in.
Isaac and Aidan for their hard work, consistency and perseverance. They have improved dramatically over the last year
Harry for his energy and ambidexterity (swapping his racquet hand during the point! The other coaches were very impressed!)
Zaydaan who joined the team late on but still putting in some excellent performances.
Building on this success, I am pleased to announce that we will be entering both the boys Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 competitions this year As well as this, we also have some students from WGHS who have joined the club and agreed to play in our first mixed team!
With the experience gained from their previous campaign and a renewed sense of confidence, everyone is looking forward to achieving even greater success in the upcoming tournaments. I am delighted our new members have joined us and I look forward to seeing their progress over the coming year
The players are training rigorously, every Wednesday after school at Wakefield squash club, from 4 till 5 o’clock. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or ability. They are aiming to bring home some accolades and continue their impressive journey in the world of school squash Please wish the teams the best of luck, especially the new recruits, and I look forward to celebrating their future accomplishments!
S P O R T
Tennis by Mr O
Leask
This term, the 1st VI, U15, and U13 tennis teams faced tough competition and unfortunately did not progress beyond the group stages. However, there were still some commendable performances across all age groups.
The 1st VI team showed resilience in their matches, securing a notable 4-2 victory over St Peter's. Their encounter with St Aidan's (Harrogate) ended in a well-fought 3-3 draw, demonstrating the team’s tenacity and competitive spirit.
The U15 team battled hard but faced strong opposition from Bradford Grammar School, GSAL, and Roundhay High School, ultimately losing all three matches Despite the results, the boys displayed great teamwork and determination throughout the competition
The U13 team also encountered challenging fixtures, falling to Sedbergh, GSAL, and Holmfirth High School. Though they were unable to secure a win, the experience gained in these matches will undoubtedly strengthen their development as players
We would like to extend our thanks to all the boys who committed to the fixtures and training sessions Their dedication and hard work have been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing continued progress in the future.
Individual Honours
Oliver W - England Football
Josh A - England High Jump
Daniel W - GB Underwater Hockey Mayon J - Martial Arts
Jake L - Martial Arts
Kiri S - Martial Arts
HOUSE
MATTERS
H O U S E M A T T E R S
House Welcome by Dr S Clark
Another year of Houses has very quickly gone by and immediately it was evident that the system was working in many of the ways we had desired from the initial outset Boys were being seen to engage in many more activities throughout school life and by rewarding liaisons with QEGS Xtra and also QED in the senior section it was much more evident how to contribute to your House Plus, for staff and in particular House Leaders, it was very clear that running a House did immense favours to your CV Of the initial leading team of 8 that started the system 2 years ago, Mr Affleck and Miss Chatterton ran away to become Heads of Year, Mr Stiff found himself in a more digitally focussed role and Mr Cook became the teacher in charge of School rugby Mr Pottage hung up his House boots to concentrate on making everyone look smart and Mr Charlesworth disappeared to the other side of the Pennines (!) to a Deputy Head role in another school Leaving just myself, Mrs Palin, Williams and Taylor to hold off the rampaging Cave-machine We enlisted new recruits Miss Loftus (Savile House Leader), Mr Drury (Bentley House Leader), Mr Masterson (Cave House Leader), Mr Lister (Bentley Assistant House Leader), Ms Allen (Cave Deputy House Leader) and Dr Shearer (Freeston Deputy House Leader) and set off attempting to derail Mr Masterson’s Call to Arms as he proclaimed the impending ‘three-peat’ Its also worth noting that yet again, the vast majority of senior prefects have come through the House system at some point and all Head boys since we started have come through it as well.
The events started from October as usual and ran throughout the year up to and including Sports Day, which Mother Nature tried to derail again but we managed to persevere and got both Junior and Senior sections done this time, albeit without anyone watching the Senior one. Throughout the year both staff and boys have entered a multitude of events, from the new mass participation events of football, rugby and the ever popular spectator sport of the Tug of War tournament to the more niche areas of School such as Time Commanders and the intellectually demanding chess tournaments. We even had Fortnite take centre stage and prove immensely popular during the unfortunately wet Easter weather (congratulations to all of those that got to Unreal). We also had a University challenge for a crossfoundation competition together with the usual quizzing rota of Yorkshire, Sport, MFL, Geography, Films, Trivia and more Plus tried and tested events such as Masterchef, swimming, premier league predictions, TTrockstars, cricket world cup events and the decorating of the Xmas trees
Next year, the House team is much more settled with captains already performing their duties in the new championship season and clear calendars of events now in place to make the 4th incarnation of the system even better However, as is now clear in School, both myself and Mrs Palin have handed over the reins to the team so that they can take it onto that next level and really bring their own individuality and flair to their Houses - which one will be Slytherin, I wonder
The eagerly awaited results and the points are as follows - it is worth mentioning that across the whole Boys’ Section there have been over 140,000 House points and merits awarded this year, up nearly 25% on last year and the overall winner was crowned by a difference of only a little over 1000
Savile won in the Junior Section, upsetting the traditional Freeston dominance there and Bentley won in the Senior Section again Freeston won the summation of all of the events of the year and prior to Sports Day, Freeston held onto a slender lead going into the final 2 days In the senior section, a narrow victory by Bentley and a not too shabby Savile performance saw them creep into the lead with only the junior sports day to add on Basically, they had to not allow Freeston to beat them and they didn't A truly dominant performance by Savile in the Junior section allowed them to claw back the points needed and accelerate away, eventually winning fairly comfortably Congratulations to Ms Loftus and her team for their maiden win For the first two years, the Cave team held strong and won the Calvert Cup This year, the ribbons needed changing to the red of House Savile
Football by Mr J Drury and Mr A Masterson
The Junior Section boys compete for the annual Inter-House Football trophy with passion and pride. Each house demonstrated loyalty and determination as they pitted themselves against their peers in an action-packed event, full of enth i t k d f i dl i l ! E h house played their hearts out, showcasing impre sportsmanship The matches were thrilling, with nt Players displayed determination, resilience, and competition a memorable experience for everyon teamwork and the vibrant house spirit that make
The house football competition at QEGS was a thrilling event filled with intense matches, skillful plays, and unwavering house pride Savile House displayed excellent teamwork and tactical awareness, making them strong contenders throughout the tournament. Cave House, known for their resilience and strong defence, fought fiercely in every match, showing great determination and spirit Freeston House impressed with their creative attacking play and quick passes, making them a crowd favourite Bentley House brought their A-game with energetic performances and a never-give-up attitude, pushing every opponent to their limits The competition was a great showcase of talent, camaraderie, and the passionate house spirit that makes QEGS football such a special experience. Between post match interviews with team captains and the drama of penalty shootouts to settle final placements, the massively supported events were not short on memorable moments
Hockey
It was an excellent afternoon of hockey showcased by our Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. House Cave emerged as the winners of the Khan Cup, while House Savile claimed the overall interhouse trophy Well done to all the boys, and a b
H O U S E M A T T E R S
H O U S E M A T T E R S
The inter-house rugby competition at QEGS perfectly showcased the school’s values, with effort, camaraderie, teamwork, and encouragement on display from all participants.
Congratulations to House Bentley, who emerged as the overall winners!
The school house rugby tournament was a thrilling display of talent and determination, with each house battling fiercely for the top spot in their respective year groups. Freeston House emerged victorious in the Year 8 competition, showcasing impressive teamwork and skill. Savile House dominated the Year 10 and Senior competitions, proving their strength and strategic prowess on the field Cave House secured wins in both the Year 7 and Year 11 tournaments, demonstrating their depth of talent across different age groups. Whilst Bentley House claimed the Year 9 title with a spirited performance, rounding off an exciting week of rugby that highlighted the competitive spirit and sportsmanship of all the boys who took part.
Swimming
Our annual swimming Gala took place in April, this included all age grades within our primary School After two days of competition and a well fought contest, each house won a year group which was great to see However after the num,sers checked and double checked the overall winners for 2024 was Saville House The House trophy was presented in a whole Primary School assembly and collected by the team Captain Freddid Birch.
