Yarm school magazine 2013 14

ADVENTURES IN PERU MUSIC TOUR TO ITALY YARM’S DESIGNERS MAKE THEIR MARK

Magazine

2013/14

A whir lwind of music Awards success

FIRST YARM BACCALAUREATE WINNERS

Broadening horizons

YARM PUPILS TRAVEL THE WORLD

ROWING: GIRLS’ 1st VIII QUALIFY FOR HENLEY

Headmaster’s Welcome

Success across the board It always gives me great pleasure to write the foreword for the School Magazine, because, before doing so, I proof read the contents and am reminded of the many events, achievements and successes from the previous academic year. I very much hope that, like me, you will enjoy reading the magazine and reminiscing.

Every year I comment about how busy the staff and pupils have been and this last year was certainly no exception. From sport to trips, music to CCF, there was a huge amount going on and all of a very high standard. For me the highlight from the extra-curricular programme was the wonderful production of Fame which took school musical theatre to a new level. It was a great pleasure to see about 1,800 pack the Princess Alexandra Auditorium over

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those three memorable evenings.

Many of our sports teams enjoyed victories and successes in competitions, with some teams managing to be undefeated throughout the season. We are so fortunate to have a thriving sports department which arranges so many fixtures for our teams.

There seem to have been more school trips in the last 12 months than ever and to some exotic places as well as closer to home. From the Peru expedition to the music tour of Italy, the politics tour of Berlin and CCF camp in Cyprus to local walks, caving expeditions and rambles, our pupils certainly engaged with the great outdoors.

We also capture the ethos of our four school Houses and the range of activities

and fundraising events in which they have been involved. Of course, the pinnacle of the year is always the annual Sports Day and this year, for a change, a different House won!

Finally, we remember the many departmental activities which have taken place and celebrate the academic successes of our examination pupils, which were superb.

I thank all the staff for their wonderful support of the pupils. Thanks, too, to Lynsey Hannah, for editing this excellent production. I am sure you will enjoy it.

David M Dunn Headmaster

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Contents

Inside this year’s Magazine

Yarm on song in Tuscany and Venice PAGE 8

Life is a cabaret PAGE 12

Adventures in Peru PAGES 20-21

Military action with the CCF PAGES 26-27

Products on show PAGES 46-47

Headmaster’s Welcome .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 2 Contents .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 3 Newcomers, Leavers and Babies .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 4-5 Music Highlights .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 6-7 Music Tour .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 8-9 Fame .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10-11 Dance and Cabaret Show .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12 Yarm School Baccalaurate .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .13 Duke of Edinburgh’s Award .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 Orienteering .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 14 1st Year Outward Bound .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15 2nd Year Adventure Camp .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16 3rd Year Journey .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17 Outdoor Education Trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18-19 Peru .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 20-21 Skiing Trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22-23 Fontainebleau .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Greece Sailing .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 25 Combined Cadet Force .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 26-27 House Drama .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .28 Duologues .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 29 A Voyage Round My Father .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 Tempest .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31 The Birds .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .32 Eco Schools .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .33 Vietnam .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34 Iceland .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .35 Aidan .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36-37 Bede .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38-39 Cuthbert .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40-41 Oswald .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42-43 German Exchange .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44-45 French Exchange .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44-45 German Christmas Markets .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44-45 Design and Technology .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46-48 Fashion Show .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .49 Art .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50-53 Politics .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .54 Berlin .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .55 Battlefields .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .56 Maths .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 57 Independent Learning .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 58 Young Apprentice .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .58 Geography Trips .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 59 Science .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .60 Sport Camps .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 61 Rugby Season .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62-63 Rowing .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 64-65 Netball .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 66-67 Hockey – Girls .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68-69 Hockey – Boys .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 70 Cricket .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 71 Sports Day .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 72-73 Tennis .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 74 Exam Leave Day .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 75 Sixth Form Leavers’ Day .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .76 Yarm School Association .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 77 Exam Results .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .78 School Appointments .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .79 Thanks to Yarm School staff, parents and pupils who have contributed to this year’s magazine.

Editor: Lynsey Hannah LJH@yarmschool.org ©Yarm School 2014

Yarm at the Henley Royal Regatta PAGES 64-65

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Designed and printed by The Specialists in Communications www.thespecialists.org.uk

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Newcomers

Mr Morton

Mr Fellows

Mr Monk

Miss Gamble

Mr Pointon

Miss Johnson

Miss Charlton

New faces at Yarm School Mr Darren Morton We were delighted to welcome Mr Darren Morton as he took up the role of Director of Studies in May. Mr Morton joined us from Exeter School, a similar HMC high performing independent to Yarm, where he was Head of English. His other responsibilities included EPQ, outdoor pursuits, as well as acting as a Sixth Form tutor.

Mr Morton was educated in the NorthEast at Bedale and Richmond Schools before studying English at Oriel College, Oxford, where he also took his PGCE. He has taught previously at Dauntsey’s School, Wiltshire and also Giggleswick School.

Mr Morton is a qualified mountain leader, climbing instructor, kayaking instructor and athletics coach and also has a passion for drama.

We look forward to working with Mr Morton and know he is keen to say hello to parents at school events.

Mr Tom Fellows Mr Tom Fellows joins the Modern Languages Department this year as Head of German.

Born in Nottingham, Mr Fellows moved to Norfolk where he was educated at Norwich School. He read Modern History and Modern Languages at Trinity College, Oxford and stayed on to complete a Master of Studies in German Literature.

After university, Mr Fellows completed his teacher training with Stockton-onTees Borough Council Graduate Teacher Programme. Since qualifying, he has taught at Ian Ramsey School and then Egglescliffe School for five years.

In his spare time, he enjoys walking, reading and sport in general (especially cricket), whilst trying to keep up with his two-year-old daughter. Mr Fellows’ wife is expecting their second child in November and he is looking forward to learning how to be a multi-tasking expert.

Mr Andrew Monk We welcome Mr Andrew Monk to our Design and Technology Department, bringing a wealth of experience to Yarm School. Born and educated in Surrey, he then went to

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Southampton University to read Chemistry and later study for his PGCE. Mr Monk has had a varied career, teaching Design and Technology, Chemistry and Outdoor Education in his 23 years as a teacher. Mr Monk joins us from Windermere School where he has been Head of Design and Technology and Outdoor Education teacher.

In his spare time he enjoys a wide range of outdoor pursuits including sailing, kayaking, canoing, mountaineering, mountain biking, skiing, golf and motor racing! Mr Monk also enjoys renovating his family home in Wales.

Interestingly, Mr Monk previously taught Dr Tulloch whilst a teacher at Bedales School.

Miss Hannah Gamble Miss Hannah Gamble joins the Physics Department this year. Born in the countryside outside of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, she was educated at a local grammar school which had an emphasis on a rounded education.

Miss Gamble attended Queen’s University in Belfast where she read Physics and Applied Mathematics at undergraduate and master’s degree level. Whilst at Queen’s, Miss Gamble was part of a research team which looked at a new plasma treatment for cancer. After university, she headed ‘up North’ in the UK to study for her PGCE at Durham University.

Miss Gamble is a keen gymnast and cheerleader. She also enjoys playing hockey, watching rowing and playing the piano.

Mr Michael Pointon Mr Michael Pointon joins the Mathematics and Chemistry Departments this year.

Educated in the Wirral at St Anselm’s College, he then went on to read Chemistry at New College, Oxford.

Still keen to study, Mr Pointon also has an MBA from Warwick University and a degree in Mathematics and Statistics from the Open University.

After leaving University, he worked in the chemical industry for 16 years, providing sales, marketing and ecommerce support for Tioxide.

Subsequently Mr Pointon went back to university to study for his PGCE and has

been teaching for 10 years including two stints in Spain for two years each in Marbella and Madrid. Most recently he has had a year off studying for a master’s in Statistics at Leeds University.

A staunch Evertonian, Mr Pointon also enjoys squash, golf, fun-running, chess, European history, languages and travel, too, when he gets the chance with his wife and two daughters. While in Spain, he became very interested in bull-fighting and to date has been to about 40 fights.

Miss Megan Johnson Miss Megan Johnson joins our growing Psychology Department this year. Educated locally at St. Michael’s RC School, she then went on to read Psychology at Teesside University and then study for her PCGE. Whilst at university, Miss Johnson started a Psychology Society which won the ‘Society of the Year’ in its first year. The society involved arranging trips to psychology lectures, hosting discussion groups and organising charity events.

A passionate baker, Miss Johnson also enjoys playing the piano and trumpet, attending music concerts and perusing vintage shops.

“I am very excited to be starting at Yarm School and joining the Psychology department in particular. It looks like an amazing place to teach.”

Mrs Hannah Charlton We welcome Mrs Hannah Charlton to the school to take up the role of Speech and Drama Tutor. Educated in Thirsk, she then went on to attend The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London where she graduated with a degree in Drama and Education.

Mrs Charlton studied for her PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University and she joins us from Macmillan Academy where she has taught GCSE and A-level Drama since 2007.

In her spare time she enjoys going to the baking, visiting tea shops, exploring the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales with her two daughters, and she has recently taken up running.

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Leavers/Babies

A quarter century of service applauded Mr Ian Stewart retires from Yarm School after 25 years’ outstanding service.

Mr Stewart started his working life in industry after graduating from Strathclyde University with a degree in Civil Engineering.

It was not long until he turned his hand to teaching and joined Yarm School.

Mr Stewart’s passion for electronics has been instrumental to the success of the Design and Technology Department and he has supported many pupils through their GCSE and A-level exams. On the run up to coursework deadlines the D&T Department is extremely busy after hours and Mr Stewart was always willing to support pupils by staying back to help along with other members in the department.

Over his career at Yarm, Mr Stewart has accompanied a wide range of trips to far-flung destinations. These have included numerous Battlefields excursions, China and Russia.

Although now retiring, Mr Stewart intends to remain busy. He has many hobbies including cricket, restoring cars and going on touring holidays. We wish him a happy retirement.

Mr James Armitage started Yarm School in 2003 and has spent his entire teaching career at the school.

He leaves us this summer to retrain as an Educational Psychologist.

Mr Stewart, centre, with his bespoke leaving present created by the D&T Department Over the last 11 years, Mr Armitage has made a strong contribution to the school, academically in the Maths Department and as a Head of Year committed to pastoral care.

A keen violinist, he often played in school concerts as part of the orchestra and recently leading the Yarm Choral Society and Festival Orchestra concert.

We wish Mr Armitage well on the journey into his new career and we hope to see him playing in school concerts in the future.

Dr Allen Shone joined Yarm School two years ago as a newly qualified teacher and now leaves us to take up a Physics role at Bedales School.

During his time at the school, Dr Shone not only shared his passion for Physics but also

became a dedicated member of the rowing support staff. He gave up his time to support regular training sessions, rowing regattas and camps.

We congratulate him on his new role and wish him well.

Miss Emily Hutchinson leaves us this summer to take up a position at Merchant Taylor’s School in Liverpool.

Miss Hutchinson has been a great support to the Modern Languages Department, helping out at both the Prep and Senior Schools. She also supported the French Exchange and became an Outdoor Enthusiast when supervising the First and Second Year trips.

We thank Miss Hutchinson for her hard work and wish her well.

Mrs Dorothy Jones retires this summer from her position as Speech and Drama teacher at the school.

Mrs Jones joined the school in 2002 and was initially based at the Prep School before moving across to the Senior School. The number of pupils taking Speech and Drama lessons has grown and Mrs Jones’ unstinting and meticulous work has been appreciated by all her pupils.

Mrs Jones has had a huge amount of success, with pupils often achieving distinctions and awards at regional festivals.

We wish her a long and happy retirement.

PITTER-PATTER… In 2013-2014 we heard frequent patters of tiny feet as several Yarm School staff babies were born. Congratulations to Ms Blakemore, Mrs Dugdale, Mr Yates, Mrs Leary, Mr Spry and Mr Skerratt, and their families.

Baby Malati Ratnanayagam

Baby Caitlin Skerratt

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Baby Ezra Spry

Baby Martha Leary

Baby Poppy Yates

Baby Stanley Dugdale

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Music

A whir lwind of music making What a year it has been for our musicians – a quick tally of musical performances by Senior School musicians exceeds 40, which in itself, is a tribute to the pupils’ dedication and talent.

Preparation for performances takes time and commitment from pupils and the great

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team of Music teachers at Yarm School. We are often bursting at the seams during lunch breaks in the Music School and the Recital Room.

Weekly rehearsals are at the heart of what we do. Picture the scene: at one point in the Summer Term we had singers and drummers packed into the Music classroom whilst basketballers practised their rhythmic routine on the car park area beside the Music School, flutes huddled in one of the smaller practice rooms and the brass section rehearsed in the Recital Room. Concurrently, members of the tour choir tackled tricky corners of Renaissance choral music. What was this frenzied musical hubub all about?

With such inspiring performance venues available to us, we have been able to put on a wonderful variety of concerts.

More intimate performances have taken place in the Recital Room. The annual Music Festival (adjudicated by professional cellist

Mr Roger Ladds) proved to be a wonderful celebration of instrumental and vocal musicmaking. The Musician of the Festival was awarded to Hibiki Ninomiya with Antonia Alexander-Sowa receiving the vocal prize and Arunima Batra gaining the award for the most promising performer of the Festival.

The Scholars’ Recital showcased musicality and virtuosity of some of our most talented musicians and our new Tea-Time Concert Series enabled Prep and Senior School pupils to come together and gain valuable performing experience.

The Dovecote has seen lunchtime performances from Wind Band and we discovered how effective the acoustic is for choral music when our tour choir sang beautifully for parents and staff before flying on tour to Italy.

In the Auditorium, concerts have proved increasingly popular both in school and with the local community.

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Music

From our joint concert with The Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Military Band, our Anthems Through the Ages concert, the inaugural Community Carol Concert, our acclaimed production of Fame, Stepping into Spring, a performance of Brahms’ 1st Symphony and Vivaldi Gloria and the Dance and Cabaret Show, packed audiences have loved the enthusiasm and talents of the students and professionals on the stage who have put on a varied programme of musical styles.

Outside of the school grounds, highlights have included Big Band’s inaugural performance in the King’s Church Darlington for the charity Cameo, Services of nine Lessons and Carols in Yarm Parish Church, Choral Evensong at York Minster with the Choral Society, our Leavers’ Service and a charity concert in Yarm Methodist Church.

It is a privilege to provide music for important school events including open

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mornings, prizegivings and significant wholeschool services throughout the year such as Remembrance and Easter.

I refer back to the whirlwind of activity described previously. With over 200 performers involved in a musical and visual representation of all things sporting for Lower School Prize Giving on the final day of the Summer Term and the choir tour departing to perform seven concerts in Italy the following

morning, the pressure was on right up until the end of term!

At Prizegiving, we had singers, drummers, brass and wind players and pianists providing a musical montage of Le Grand Départ and the World Cup. Add to the equation massed dance moves, acrobatics, South American dancing, Samba whistles, upturned oil barrels, laminator inner tubes and, most worrying of all, 30 young people armed with 30 basketballs for a Stomp-style presentation, I hope that you can now identify with the departmental whirlwind that regularly recurs during the school year.

Yes, the atmosphere can feel like a “strong swirling wind that involves many quickly changing events”. However, the outcome is far from “destructive”, but instead a creative force that is gaining strength thanks to the energy, enthusiasm and talents of those pupils involved in it.

Mrs K Staggs

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Music

Music tour to Tuscany and Venice

Yarm on song Ten days of musical fervour interspersed with lots of fun and amazing cultural experiences, members of the tour choir should feel justly proud of what they achieved.

With seven scheduled concerts and numerous spontaneous performances, rarely were we without song as we travelled around Tuscany and Venice.

Having arrived at the hotel at 1am, like a well-oiled machine, all students rose early in preparation for a 8.45am rehearsal prior to singing Mass at the stunning Pistoia Cathedral.

What a start!

That evening, our first concert was at Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta in Montecatini.

A modern church with a stunning acoustic in the centre of Montecatini, hundreds were in the audience and applauded us with a standing ovation. Imagine the surprise when we realised that amongst the audience was a coach party of supporters from Teesside and another group from Hexham. One lady knew Miss Turner’s mum! I am reliably informed that some audience members have booked tickets for our concert with the Black Dyke Band in November.

Our next concert was an outdoor affair at Piazza del Grano in Pescia. Slight concern arose when the police arrived only to discover that they were closing streets to traffic to enable our concert to take place. Once again, the reception was incredible, including a preconcert banquet of Italian fare in a medieval state room and encores at the end. The mayor welcomed us warmly and requested a link with the school, so watch this space!

After a concert-free day, another musical

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and gastronomic delight welcomed us at the Teatro del Sale, a private dining club in Florence. (If you are travelling to Florence, do check this place out on TripAdvisor, as it is well worth a visit.) Following the most incredible banquet with each dish theatrically introduced, the choir entertained the diners to high acclaim.

The artistic director (comic actress Maria Cassi) was so impressed by the performance that the choir has been invited back next year.

We shall all remember the “AJ strut” as our youngest performer took centre stage for his solo in our finale “Goodnight Sweetheart”!

Another delightful banquet welcomed us to the Monastero di Borgo a Mozzano, a gem of a place with the best acoustics of the tour.

A small yet enthusiastic audience loved the performance and we were invited to perform at another festival next year. At this point

discussions about a reunion long weekend to Florence was buzzing around the coach.

From a miniature treasure at Borgo, the Basilica di Santa Spirito, Florence was huge and adorned with awe-inspiring art work by Michelangelo. Our performance of Eternity in the round brought tears to audience members’ eyes.

Our final performance took place in the marble masterpiece of Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Venice. The choir sounded amazing and sang with such sensitivity and intensity.

As for the spontaneous performances, these were numerous. The highlights have to be a flashmob on the our delayed plane of “Goodnight Gatwick” prior to take off, busking in Montecatini directed by Victor Sampson, a gargled version of “Ave Verum Corpus”, Doge boat barbershop in Venice and a meal time “O Occhi Manza Mia” as a thank you to our wonderful hotel waiters.

The non-musical highlights of the tour?

Cycling and walking tours of the walled city of Lucca, the chance to see Pisa’s iconic leaning tower, visits to incredible Renaissance architectural masterpieces, shopping, an ascent to the medieval village of Montecatini Alto, fun at the beach, ascending the campanile at the Duomo in Florence, a tour of the Uffizi gallery, more shopping, a tour of Venice and a trip on the Grand Canal, playing spike-ball in St Mark’s Square, a boat tour to the Venetian islands, ice-cream and lots and lots of laughs!

Congratulations and thank you to the tour team.

Mrs K Staggs

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Music

Music tour memories • Flashmobbing “Goodnight Gatwick” when we finally took off after a long air traffic delay • Selfies • The AJ strut in his solo at the Teatro del Sale • Messeurs Muscles (aka Dougie and Alex) carrying the keyboard • Best trip ever • Georgia’s surprise 18th birthday party • Dom receiving intense theory tuition from Victor. Victor receiving a lecture on facial products from Dom • Chris Backowski and his quest to play every organ in Italy • The entry of the tree into the coach at Yarm and subsequent tree jokes for the rest of the tour • Creating amazing sand structures at the beach – mermaids and toilets!

• Busking in Montecatini • More selfies • Buying ice cream in the morning in preparation for a packed tea in Florence.

Mmm, sensible move!

• Eating amazing 30 course meal at the Teatro del Sale with theatrical waiters.

• Standing ovations at concerts • Pasta, pasta and more pasta • Amazing concert venues • Tour reunion planning…

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Music

This year’s performance of Fame – The Musical was the school’s biggest and most ambitious performance to date.

The musical production attracted a 1,700-strong audience over three nights in February.

Everything about the show shone as a professional performance – from highly respected dramatic, musical and choregraphic directors Gordon Steel,

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Mrs Staggs, Mr McIntyre and Ruth Brameld, to the quality of the musicians, the sound, lighting and the stage set – and of course the pupil performances which led to disbelief that the show was a ‘school production’.

Yasmin Gibson gave a strong lead performance bringing the feisty but vulnerable Carmen

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Music

to life with intense solos and lively dance. Christian Calgie and Olivia Alexander shone as Nick and Serena both delivering captivating solos as their on-stage relationship developed. As Joe Vegas, Nick De Jong dominated the stage as the confident joker. The hip-hopping Tyrese was played by the multitalented Evelyn Jesuraj who rapped, sang and danced

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through the show. The performances were about far more than the individuals. The company brought the production to life, not only supporting the principal roles but also adding the energy to the superbly choreographed dance routines.

The amount of work that everyone involved put into the performance was evident – from the Directors to the cast, the live band and the backstage crew to the parents who helped source costumes.

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Music/dance

Life is a cabaret This year, the Dance and Music departments joined forces for the first ever Dance and Cabaret Show. The event was a huge success with over 500 audience members coming to enjoy the talent on show.

From Pitch Perfect and Footloose to ballet and Bhangra, everyone clapped along whilst watching the impressive dance routines. The musical interludes included performances from the GCSE

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Band, Vocalise, a Frozen medley by the Young Sinfonia and many more talented musicians.

A special mention must be made to Victor Sampson, his composition Quote Unquote & Tears Fall Slowly was a complex piece which was aptly showcased on a large stage with professional musicians.

A great evening was had by all and as the audience departed you could hear people

humming along to one of their favourite tunes: Pharrell Williams’ “Happy”.

Well done to all the pupils involved – it must have been very daunting particularly for those performing on stage for the first time in front of a large audience.

Congratulations must go to Miss Bellamy and Mrs Staggs for pulling together the dance and music, and coordinating the show.

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General

Meet the first winners of Yarm’s Baccalaureate Award Many congratulations to Femi Afolabi, Thomas Barber, Isaebail Michie, Isaac Murray, Alastair Oakley, Hazel Wake and Katie Wood, who are the first ever Yarm School pupils to achieve the Yarm School Baccalaureate Award.

They received their badges from James Wharton MP, at the end of term Prize Giving and were also invited to share with the Headmaster a celebratory cake baked by Martin.

The Award was introduced two years ago to celebrate the commitment and achievements of pupils in First to Third Years in a wide range of activities outside of the classroom.

Pupils have to complete a log book recording their participation in five key areas of school life, collecting signatures

from members of staff to confirm their achievements. These are Community Service, Cultural Activities, Independent Learning, Outdoor Education and Sport. Completing these sections requires a considerable amount of organisation and initiative from the pupils; hence we regard completing the

Headmaster Mr Dunn cuts the celebration cake with the first recipients of the Yarm School Baccalaureate Award

award as a very impressive and praiseworthy achievement.

These seven pupils have achieved their award at the earliest possible opportunity, at the end of Second Year, and now have the option to choose three of the five areas to work on in order to secure a YBACC ‘Distinction’.

Meanwhile, other members of the year group still have a year in which to complete their award – so keep going!

Many members of the First Year started well with their YBACC and are set to receive a certificate for completing one or more sections when they return to school in the Autumn Term. We hope that many of them will go on to collect their badges at next year’s Prize Giving.

Dr P Chapman

Pictures show some of the activities which count towards the award: outdoor education, sport and culture

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Outdoor Education

Royal seal of approval for award scheme Yarm School’s Duke of Edinburgh Award (DofE) Scheme has been given a royal seal of approval.

Mrs Guest joined HRH Prince Philip, the

Duke of Edinburgh, at St James’s Palace to assist with the presentation of Gold Award certificates to 45 successful participants.

Former Yarm School pupils, Harry Runnacles, Jasmine Wilkinson and Charles Barrowcliff, were among the 45 Gold Award recipients.

The school has been awarded a direct licence to run the scheme independently and is responsible for Bronze and Silver Awards to North East advisors, as well as Gold Awards directly to the DofE Headquarters in Windsor.

We have had a tremendously successful year with Gold and Bronze expeditions taking place throughout the Easter holidays, in the Lake District and Scotland and over 40 pupils spent the Bank Holiday weekend in the North York Moors.

The minibuses have certainly covered some miles as some of the most adventurous

mountaineers – completing routes on the Lochaber Peninsular; exploring the Moidart area and constructively camping as remotely as possible!

Others canoed the length of the Great Glen from Fort William to Inverness whilst even more completed successful training sessions in a very wet and windy Ullswater region.

There are currently over 100 pupils participating in the award scheme at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. The current Third Years are soon to embark upon their first venture in training for full expeditions, whilst the Fourth Years are nearing the end of their Bronze challenge.

Lower Sixth and Fifth Years have started and are on their way to succeed at Gold level, being able to sign up for the award scheme at Gold level as they reach 16.

Or ienteers see success at national level This year we enjoyed some pleasing team successes at both local and national level, partly thanks to getting a good start to the year with some valuable training days.

Our First, Second and Third Years very convincingly won the local schools’ league competition, organised by the Cleveland Orienteering Club, while our Fourth Year senior team was second by the narrowest of margins.

In the Autumn Term we entered the two national schools’ competitions run by the British Schools’ Orienteering Association, coming back with an excellent range of medals from both.

In October our pupils won three team Silver medals in the Score competition at Druridge Bay in Northumberland: congratulations go to the Junior Boys, Junior

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Girls and Senior Girls.

In November we claimed another two team Silver medals at the British Schools’ Championships in Derbyshire: well done to the Fourth Year boys and the Second Year girls!

Commitment and hard work from a squad of pupils is essential for team success, but we have also been helped greatly by the superb performances of Aidan and Alice Rigby throughout the season, not least in winning their age categories at both of the national competitions above.

As a result of their fantastic dedication to the sport, developing their natural talents, they have both won selection for their respective Great Britain teams even though they are at the younger end of their age categories – very well done indeed!

Mr M Rye and Dr P Chapman

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Outdoor Education

First Year

Outwar d Bound During the penultimate weekend of the summer term, a group of 90 excited First Years set off for a long weekend of outdoor adventure at the Outward Bound Centre on the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District.

After arriving at the centre the pupils met their instructor, settled into their accommodation and then went straight out to have some fun in the extensive 18 acre grounds of the centre. Luckily we had some wonderful weather and the sun shone down on us for the full three days.

Each group followed a slightly different programme, depending on the strengths and interests of the pupils, but everyone had the same opportunities to have fun, make friends and strengthen existing friendships. At some point during the weekend everybody faced personal challenges and I am delighted with the way that the pupils overcame them! It is amazing to see the way that some pupils become natural leaders as soon as they are given the opportunity.

Some of the adventurous activities included gorge walking, scrambling, canoeing and hill walking. This is in addition to the on-site activities of tunnelling, Jacob’s ladder, abseiling, orienteering, the trapeze and the nightline to name but a few. Every year a highlight of the trip is the jog and dip which

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involves everyone jumping off the jetty into the lake and getting thoroughly soaked. This is the activity that most pupils want to do again and again! My personal favourite activity this year was scrambling up Place Fell. Whilst completing this activity, I was most impressed with the way that the pupils worked as a team with some of the stronger members of the group helping everyone else to overcome the challenge and ensure that everybody made it to the top of the scramble.

The weekend isn’t just about fun and adventure, pupils are required to make their own beds and work as a team to complete the duty rota. This aims to teach responsibility and self-reliance. On the whole, the pupils managed quite well – although quite a few needed to be taught how to make their bed!

I hope that Mums and Dads noticed some tidier bedrooms when we got back!

The Yarm School talent show has become an annual favourite and I was pleased to see such a variety of talents on display: we had card tricks, singing, dancing and comedy.

The winners of the talent competition were Whymper group who managed to entertain us with two different talents. I was impressed with the quality and confidence with which Matthew Jones approached his singing solo and fascinated with Thomas Dixon’s sleight of hand during his card tricks. Thank you to Mr Hall for hosting the talent competition and to Mrs Gratton and Mrs Ankers for helping me as judges.

I hope that everyone had a very good weekend and I would encourage pupils to keep an eye out for notices about the many Outdoor Education opportunities available to them next year. Thank you to all of the staff in the First Year Pastoral team for your energy, enthusiasm and sense of humour during the weekend and throughout the whole year. I would like to wish the First Year pupils the best of luck for next year and hope that they are already looking forward to the Second Year Lake District trip!

Mr C Mulligan Head of First Year

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Outdoor Education

Second Year

Adventure Cam p In early June a group of almost 90 pupils ventured over to the Keswick area for the Second Year Adventure Camp. A fleet of Yarm School mini buses zipped from place to place in the Lake District taking pupils around a carousel of challenging activities.

The pupils were split into small groups, each guided by instructors and Yarm School staff. On the first day, one group took on the challenge of climbing up Skiddaw whilst the others stayed on the ground and tackled sailing and mountain biking. In the evening the first group stayed in the grounds of Skiddaw Hostel, positioned just below the mountain summit.

The second group enjoyed some gorge walking and then the sumptuous barbeque courtesy of Mr Guest and Mrs Clarke. The groups then swapped over the following lunchtime, exchanging stories of the

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challenges that lay ahead. After two and a half days packed with activities the pupils headed back to school to start the independent learning activities.

The pupils remained resilient throughout, supporting each other when the rain poured and helping each other by belaying ropes during the climbing activity.

Their positive attitude towards the various tasks was a joy to observe, with many pupils stepping out of their comfort zones. Mr Van Opstal and his outdoor instructors organised another amazing trip with so much crammed into the week.

Thank you to all the teachers who supported the trip creating a truly memorable experience.

Mr A Morrison Head of Second Year

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Outdoor Education

Third Year

‘I have bruises on my legs, arms and everywhere else. That being said, I have never enjoyed anything more! It was brilliant, I loved it!’

Journey Congratulations to the 90 Third Year pupils who successfully completed their “journey”.

Divided into 14 teams, and starting at one of four points, they circumnavigated Ripon by canoe, mountain bike and on foot. It was great to see the determination they had to “complete the circle” on the final day.

During the two walking days pupils had to navigate themselves across the countryside without getting too lost, stick together and support each other as a team, look after themselves in a campsite, cook their own food, and solve a series of problems along the way.

Some pupils learned the hard way about packing too much in their rucksacks. For them the canoeing and cycling came as a relief to the shoulders, though each day was challenging in itself and tested out different muscles.

Organising and running such a trip over four days, with four different campsites, was a major undertaking for our in-house outdoor education team. Many thanks go to the staff who generously volunteered their time, including at the weekend and overnight, to make it possible. Six of our regular team of specialist instructors also supported us well.

Many of them known to the pupils from their Second Year Adventure Camp. The seven senior pupils (all graduates of the Outdoor

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Education Leadership Training weekend in November) were excellent in supporting the staff. Special mention needs to be made of Mr Clifford and Mr Rye, who each ran one of the four activity days four times for each successive cohort of pupils, and of Mr Van Opstal who, as well as running one of the days, coordinated and planned the canoeing and mountain biking.

All of the above was worthwhile because of the tremendous enthusiasm and determination of the pupils who took part. They learned many different things, from personal organisation to navigation, to camp-craft, to how far they can push themselves physically.

Many learned a lot about how to get on with their peers and how to work together to overcome a difficult set of challenges.

Dr P Chapman

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Outdoor Education

First and Second Year

First Years enjoy Buttermere, right and below left. Below right, Wharfedale

The Outdoor Education Department, as well as providing an annual experience for the whole of the First, Second and Third Year groups (see the separate entries for these), organises a range of diverse trips at weekends and in the holidays for smaller groups of pupils.

These are designed to introduce boys and girls to new experiences, to build their self confidence and personal organisation, and to develop their awareness of and love for the great outdoors.

Mr Van Opstal and Mr Clifford have run

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an excellent series of short trips to introduce pupils to rock climbing, caving and mountain biking. Mr Mackenzie has led a couple of coaching days to teach the key skills of orienteering.

Those who have signed up for a term of Outdoor Education in one of the Activities slots have also covered canoeing and some woodland crafts.

We have also offered a programme of day walks, with different levels of challenge, and overnight or weekend trips using bunkhouse accommodation or camping. For example

many First Years took part in the annual climb of Buckden Pike in January and then went on to the overnight trip to Pen-y-Ghent in April. Many others joined one or both of the Summer Term walks, including the Treasure Hunt and Coastal walks. Others have been on one of the camping trips to the Lake District.

One theme of the programme is to introduce pupils to wild and remote places.

The culmination of this, for Second Years, is the expedition to North West Scotland in the summer holidays.

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Outdoor Education

Outdoor Education Trips

Clockwise from above: Second Years at Conistone, First Years at Selside, Scotland, a First Years treasure hunt and Second Years in Borrowdale

This year a full complement of pupils coped with some mixed conditions (some rain and several days with lots of midges!) to enjoy some spectacular scenery and beautiful wild camping, with fantastic sunsets and glorious beaches.

Many thank to all of the staff who have volunteered to help and without whom the trips could not take place.

Well done to all of the pupils who have taken a risk by opting to take part in the programme!

Dr P Chapman

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Outdoor Education

Adventures in Peru This summer a group of 16 students headed off to Peru for almost a month. Accompanied

by Mr van Opstal, Miss Walker and myself, we met at school in the early hours of the first day of the holidays to start the long journey to Peru.

We arrived in Lima late at night and after a well deserved lie in, we spent the day exploring Lima and experiencing the local bus service, which was comparable to Wacky Races! Our travelling started the next day when we were up at the break of dawn to continue further into Peru, final destination Cusco. We spent a few days in Cusco for a number of reasons: to rest, to acclimatise (as Cusco is situated at around 3,300m above sea level) and lastly to explore a brilliant and busy city full of museums, archaeological sites and bustling market places.

After a few days in Cusco it was time for a visit to one of the world’s most famous

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archaeological sites, Machu Picchu. It was another long day again, but the whole group thought it was throughly worth it. We spent plenty of time exploring the site and standing in awe of the amazingly intricate stone work that is still standing despite being abandoned and eventually lost for nearly 500 years.

We headed on our travels again, this time to go rafting! After making it via a road that even the Top Gear team would think twice about driving a coach down, we spent three days rafting down the Apruimac River.

We paddled every grade of rapid from super easy flat water to technical and demanding grade five rapids. Needless to say, there was no shortage of adrenaline during these days and the contrast of chilled out evenings camping under the stars of the Southern Hemisphere was welcomed and equally enjoyable. Even the sand flies couldn’t completely tarnish the experience!

New to this year’s trip was an optional day of mountain biking or pony trekking, both of which explored some more ‘off the beaten track’ sites, and both were enjoyable.

Before we knew it was time to head to Tinki, a village in the Asangate range from where we would start our trek. We spent a few more days here to acclimatise further to the higher altitudes, and spent our time going for day walks in the area. We explored the market places and even visited the local school to play some games.

The trek took us eight days to complete the circuit around Asangate, which led us over two 5,100m mountain passes. The summit day was very trying, as altitude had started to become a factor to contend with the higher we climbed. Huayruro Punco was our intended peak at 5,800m. After conquering our mountain it was time to start the long walk back to the camp and on arrival a

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Outdoor Education

number of us were definitely ready for our sleeping bags!

After returning to Tinki our expedition to Peru was all but over and it was time to start winding our way back to England.

The 28 days we spent in Peru were nothing short of amazing and the whole group returned exhilarated and exhausted.

Hopefully the expedition has inspired and instilled the desire to explore what the world has to offer. Judging by the manner in which the students conducted themselves and the way they engaged with the locals and activities, I am sure there will many more adventures in the years to come.

A very special thanks to Miss Walker for being the trip translator. Her help on the expedition was invaluable and was most definitely a huge factor in the smooth running of the trip.

Mr C Clifford

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Outdoor Education

g n i i k S

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Outdoor Education

The exhilaration factor The Junior and Senior ski trips both returned to the Zillertal valley in Austria. The valley is suitable for different ability levels with a range of slopes in four different areas which are accessible on skis from the hotel.

The senior trip changed to a pre-Christmas date to enjoy the early ski season. This proved to be a very popular Christmas present with senior students having a great break after the long term.

The snow was excellent and the slopes were very quiet. A large number of our Sixth

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Form students have been skiing with the school since First Year, so the level of their skiing was very high. The beginners were not outdone and were flying around the slopes by the end of the week.

The junior trip is the first time many of our pupils experience skiing and it is great to see them progress from struggling to walk on the first day to skiing from the top of the mountain on the last day. A great trip was had by all.

Mr A Guest

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Outdoor Education

Fontainebleau

Whilst the rest of the school were starting their Easter holidays, a small group of pupils and staff met in the small hours of the morning to start the long journey south to Fontainebleau Forest, France.

Just south of Paris, Fontainebleau is a climber’s paradise. The sandstone rock formations offer endless routes to challenge beginner, intermediate and advance climbers.

The aim of the trip was to climb as many routes as possible and to improve our climbing skills.

Working in pairs, the pupils ‘spotted’ each other ensuring any falls would be broken by a soft land on a bouldering mat. The trust and partnership quickly developed within the group with everyone looking out for each other.

By the end of the fifth day climbing, everyone had made huge improvements in their climbing ability and had a lot less skin on their fingertips! Thank you to Mr and Mrs Mulligan for accompanying the trip.

Mr C Clifford

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Outdoor Education

Sailing in Greece

Yarm School pupils set sail on a trip to the Greek Island of Lefkada during the first week of the summer holidays.

An enthusiastic group of Third to Fifth Year pupils travelled to the resort of Nikiana for a week of sailing, paddling, windsurfing, kayaking and swimming.

Pupils were split into smaller groups based on their sailing experience and each day mastered a new activity or skill, from learning to tack and capsize a Pico to learning the art of paddle boarding.

The bay provided ideal learning conditions with calm water in the morning and usually more challenging conditions later in the afternoon.

Two afternoons proved to be particularly challenging (and fun-filled) with offshore winds sending Picos, Lasers, Darts and Bahias

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zipping across the bay. A few unplanned capsizes and tows back inland put new skills to the test, even Mrs Guest (pro-windsurfer) needed a tow back!

Evening entertainment included a trip into Lefkas for some souvenir shopping and plenty of ice-creams. Mr Parker was a particular fan of the novelty torch purchased by Joe. Other evenings were spent in the hotel with a variety of entertainment from Talent Night to Greek dancing. The week ended with a presentation evening where pupils and staff were awarded with their RYA sailing qualifications.

Thank you to the expert team of instructors who were extremely patience teaching everyone the ropes and to Mr and Mrs Guest for organising an amazing trip.

Miss L Hannah

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Combined Cadet Force

A taste of military action 2013-14 has been a typically busy year for the CCF with the contingent taking advantage of everything the MoD has to offer.

We started the year training for the military skills competition, Colts Canter, which took place at Catterick in early October. An excellent effort from our young team saw us just miss out on the medals.

October also saw our bi-ennial inspection which was under the scrutiny of Lt Col Banks. He was most impressed by our cadets and gave us a very pleasing report.

After October half-term the Contingent paid its respects at the Remembrance Day Parade in Yarm High Street. Sgt Josh Atkinson led the parade as bearer of our Contingent standard.

We enjoyed our fourth regimental dinner in the New Year with an excellent five course meal prepared by Martin and his team, and with

entertainment from a military brass quartet.

This year, the contingent had the opportunity to attend two training camps.

The first camp visited Cyprus for the second time at Easter and the second camp was to Warcop Training Camp for our usual summer camp. We also ran our first adventure training week for a few years, to Aviemore.

After Easter we welcomed our new recruits to the contingent and took them on their first field exercise to Catterick.

Thank you to Mr Mist, Mr Mulligan and Dr Woodhead for their support and assistance over the year and a special thank you to Mr Harandon who stepped down from our ranks this year. We welcomed Mr Addison to the contingent who has seamlessly stepped into Mr Harandon’s role.

CCF Cyprus Camp MkII

doing their spring training. We also had our briefing for the helicopter deployment. There were brief visits to the beach throughout the week and the evenings were spent preparing our kit for the next day’s training, eating ice cream and socialising in the Snug.

As the week progressed, we moved into the tactical phase and the first morning was filled with chants of ‘PAWPERSO!’ and strategic training ready for the section attack later in the day. On tactical day two we reported to the helicopter squadron, which was to be deployed into the training area, to undertake our mission of saving Akrotiri from Turkish Cypriot invasion. This was a hard, but very exhilarating day with our senior cadets

During Easter, six cadets travelled to Pathos, Cyprus, for the CCF Easter camp. On arrival we gathered for a brief of what to expect from our stay. The anticipation built as the group was promised a helicopter deployment, a chance to shoot with fully automatic rifles and even a little beach time!

In the days that followed we enjoyed a visit to the squadron of the ‘secret’ U2 spy plane – it was good to see the plane, how it works and what its role is in the modern day. We also experienced a day on the shooting ranges with the fully automatic LSW and a visit from some army vehicles. The range day was very pleasantly interrupted by the Red Arrows

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Captain P Connery, Contingent Commander

showing excellent leadership skills.

Our final day of cadet activity was an adventure training day on The Yorkshire Regiment’s own beach. The sun was hot as always and we passed the day enjoying the range of activities offered to us: sea kayaking, banana boats, floating trampoline and boat rides along the stunning coastal cliffs. As the day turned to night, we were treated to all the trimmings of a formal regimental meal (barbecue) right on the beach!

We arrived home extremely grateful for the experience of a week on an army base in Cyprus. So on behalf of everyone, a massive thank you to all who made this possible!

The Yarm Section

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Combined Cadet Force

CCF Summer Camp – Warcop 2014 We left for summer camp at 1pm on Saturday 5 July to travel to Warcop Training Camp at the east end of the Lake District.

The sun was shining and we were in very good spirits after the end of term, though there was an air of nervousness as more than half of us had never been to a CCF camp before.

The first day was split with watermanship and a ‘laser tag’ type infantry attack. Both were excellent in very different ways and helped us settle into the camp, giving us a flavour of what lay ahead. The next few days’ activities included mountain biking, a casualty (first aid) exercise, a navigation exercise, live firing on a range and an assault course.

Fortunately for us, the best two days were our last two days with the main soldiering activities. On all of these we learned the drills involved and then put them into practice in an exercise with blank rounds and cadet GP (SA80) rifles. Before the ambush we planned and prepared it prior to patrolling into our position and waiting for the enemy to arrive. Once they were in the zone we fired on them and then made our escape back to our rendezvous point.

On the final day we were on ‘Exercise Warcop Wanderer’, for this we joined with another contingent, Solihull School, to make a platoon.

In the platoon each of the three sections took turns in the roles of fire support section, reserve section and assault section. LCpl Wilmot was our section commander, LCpl Leith-Ross second in command and Jacob Stephens leading us at point.

As we advanced the nerves started to build – we knew we were getting close. Then we came under fire, took cover and returned fire as Wilmot prepared our assault. With covering support from the Solihull section, we worked our way forward before Wilmot led the final assault to clear the position.

Many thanks to Capt Connery, WO2 Mist and Dr Woodhead for the organisation, taking us and moral support through the week. We are already looking forward to next year’s camp (wherever it may be…).

The Yarm Section

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Drama

House drama

Above, Oswald, right, Cuthbert, far right, Aidan and below, Bede

This year’s House Drama offered something of real theatrical merit and, with casts of around 30 and teams of directors, there were over 180 pupil names listed in the programme!

In Aidan’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, the title role was taken by Jennifer Banks, who proved to be a genuinely accomplished actor. Aki Bannerjee as the March Hare, Dom Lowe as the Mad Hatter and Will Thompson as The White Rabbit were hilarious in all they did.

A clever adaptation of Wind in the Willows

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told the reduced story beautifully, and narrators Caroline Atherton, Ella Smith, Shruti Nag and Annie Watson, showed real focus and excellent group timing. Alex Dunn, Will Alexander, Alastair Oakley and Tom Wasson as Moley, Otter, Ratty and Badger, were others to shine with lovely line delivery and physical work to match their characters.

Austin Ridley has served his time in House Drama and he was the evilest of evil weasels.

Of course, Mr Toad needs to have gall and panache, and Georgia Curry delivered these in equal measure.

Cuthbert’s Last laugh offered some very fine performances from all its leads.

Edward Anderson, Harry Evans and Charles Parry were well cast as the three nameless soldiers. One of the best directed moments of the evening was Mrs Dismal and Mrs Dull feeding the ducks, and Anna Dias and Katie Anderson were wonderfully ponderous in their portrayal of these characters, with facial expression and line-delivery that mesmerized. Harry Brown and Hannah Mortimer brought cynicism and nastiness to their roles, and Freya Bernard’s performance of their daughter, was one of the most memorable of the evening for me. Alex

Ravenhall as Bobby Bunting showed what a strong performer he has become.

Oswald’s version of Shrek was full of energy and commitment, and this eventually won them the competition, but from the moment Robert Bailey as the Gingerbread man showed you what great timing and volume can do in getting a laugh, you knew the directors had a firm grasp on this piece.

Philip Pyke got some laughs by being on his knees, but his mannered delivery and comic timing were the real skill behind this performance. Elly Fulford was excellent as Fiona, both moving and suitably outraged, and Naman Garg as her Ogre counterpart knew exactly what he was doing as he parodied the animated version. John Hunter as Donkey and Alex Humphrey as Shrek, showed what great masters of accent they are, but their performances were all about connecting with an audience and owning the stage.

The ambition of all the Sixth Form directors, and the skill and charm with which they led their young charges have made this year one of the most special for House Drama.

Mr T Pender

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Drama

All the wor ld’s a stage In the Summer Term we were treated to an evening of wonderful acting from 38 pupils from the First and Second Years who took part in the Junior Duologues Competition.

It was compelling throughout with winners Kamiela Soeldner and Ishika Singh, pictured left, showing the full range of acting and staging skills. It was their attention to detail, clever use of space and tight focus that won them the day, but they were pushed hard by the comic timing of Rebecca Murray and Mia Charnley, and the theatrical judgement of Alister Oakley and Isaac Murray.

Thanks to all who took part.

Junior Duologues

Intermediate and Senior Duologues

Another great evening of Duologues took place in the Summer Term with the overall standard being higher than ever.

The Intermediate Competition (Third to Fifth Year) carried a good balance of the comic and the serious, and it is a pleasure to see performers grow year by year.

Eventual winners Philip Pyke and Evelyn Jesuraj produced an outstanding duologue through their ability to communicate with the audience but the intensity of performances Alex Humphrey and Yazdan Qafouri Isfahani pushed them all the way.

The Senior Competition was incredibly tight with three fine pairs taking the stage.

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Elly Fulford, a Fourth Year mixing it with the Seniors, provided the perfect bloody and beaten victim to Dom Abbott’s forceful interrogation in their extract from 1984.

Chris Baczkowski and Nick de Jong showed theatrical intelligence in their performance and brought a real sense compassion and humour to the relationship between the characters in Translations.

Alex Bridges and Christian Calgie, with their ability to extract the black humour from Orton’s Loot, and excellent use of accent and staging, were the eventual winners.

Again, what a great evening for drama!

Mr T Pender

Intermediate winners Philip Pyke and Evelyn Jesuraj, top, and Senior winners Alex Bridges and Christian Calgie, right

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Drama

A Voyage Round My Father In the Autumn Term I was fortunate enough to see the Fifth Year’s production of “A Voyage Round My Father”.

Mortimer’s autobiographical play – which premiered as a radio sketch in 1963 and developed into a television and a stage play in 1971 – provided a poignant script, which all actors portrayed perfectly to create a thoroughly enjoyable production.

The tainted nostalgia was depicted perfectly by Sam Wiltshire, who captured the detached tone of the narrative, providing a haunting recollection of his childhood.

His narration provided the backbone to the scenes of his youth and his gradual process towards maturity. Edward Brown caught the younger son’s character well, providing a character that lacked self-confidence: a result of his position in his father’s shadow – a

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contemporary idea that continually reminded the audience of the thoroughly domesticated nature of the production.

Charlie Danjoux caught the domineering father perfectly, providing an eccentric character who failed to monitor his thoughts, creating humour in a rather domestically dark play. Charlie caught his lack of eyesight perfectly and his blindness created sombre themes that were reiterated throughout the play: he was not only superficially blind, but also oblivious to his damaging effect on his family around him.

Rebecca Fry expressed the devotion and eternal patience of his wife admirably to create a setting in which the father dominated whilst his family attempted to appease and avoid unspoken truths.

The son’s recollections of childhood provided the audience with comical scenes.

Oliver Thompson caught the character of the Headmaster humorously; his schoolboy reprimanding extended beyond the characters of Reigate and the son, causing the audience to feel like they were also included in such admonishment.

Other recollections included the son’s unsuccessful flirtations and friendships, his futile attempts in filming, and his eventual endeavour to create success in the law, like his father.

The court scenes were caught well, providing further humour, yet also reminding the audience of the constant struggle the son faces in his attempt to establish his own identity, independent of his father.

This damaging pressure was only voiced by the character Elizabeth, who was perfectly

portrayed by Caitlin Morrow.

Caitlin’s depiction of her character culminated in her questioning why the family refused to approach, and thus accept, the family truths.

The set construction provided a perfectly sentimental and nostalgic backdrop, decorated with an array flowers.

Sound and lighting also reminded the audience of the haunting nostalgia to the play.

Thank you to Mr Craig for directing such a poignant and engaging production, which provided the perfect keyhole insight into the domestic unit – perhaps questioning what we, as society, consider to be a “typical” family.

Also, thank you to all the actors who caught the perfect balance between humour and the underlying melancholy of the play, providing a deeply moving production and a pleasant evening.

Helen Elston

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Drama

The Tempest

Shakespeare’s “enchanted island” came to the Studio Theatre of the PAA in the Summer Term when a cast of Second Year actors presented their interpretation of The Tempest over three performances.

Colourful costumes, imaginative lighting and sound effects, and a suitably exotic set design all combined to bring the play to life for its audiences, but it was the remarkable acting skills of our Second Years that made this such a memorable event, mingling exuberant comedy with touching pathos.

Teamwork was the key, and to single out individuals from a cast of 21 would be impossible, though we must acknowledge at the head of the cast an outstanding interpretation of the lead character Prospera

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(Shakespeare’s original Prospero), a mighty undertaking to which Jennifer Banks brought enormous dignity and conviction.

Well done to everyone involved – Shakespeare would have been proud of you all!

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Drama

When one goes to a classical Greek play, such as those by Aristophanes, you may expect to be confused and even totally unamused by the out of date jokes which nobody understands any more.

On the contrary, Mr Hall’s updated version of Aristophanes’ The Birds completely blew his audience away, with modernised characters which aptly satirised wellrecognised social archetypes, such as the

talentless reality TV star, the shady ‘prophet’ and the EU representative, to name but a few.

With regards to the more major characters, Elly Fulford and Philip Pyke, as Peisthetaerus and Euelpides, succeeded in creating a very dynamic and comic duo which reacted well with both John Hunter’s role as Hoopoe and the chorus of birds, which was also in itself very well-coordinated.

Mr Hall did a tremendous job with the script, choosing and improving an already excellent translation, but then added in jokes and assigned lines in a way which maximised the comic effect of the play.

Overall, the whole cast performed fantastically and had the entire audience thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout.

Dominic Abbott

The Bir ds take flight Aristophanes wrote Birds to be performed at the annual Athenian festival of drama, the City Dionysia, in 414BC. His eleven extant plays are the only examples of the genre of ‘Old Comedy’ that survive today.

Tragedy is universal, the themes echoing down the ages.

The dilemma facing Antigone over whether to sacrifice her life by breaking the law to bury her dead brother, or Medea’s pain at her abandonment by the husband for whom she gave up everything: these are problems which we can, if not necessarily relate to, then certainly empathise with.

Greek tragedies deal with problems in the remote world of myth, so universal were their concerns. Comedy is never so universal.

The jibes at Cinesias or Meton mean nothing to us today, nor is our society plagued with poets, informers or sellers of statutes.

At the beginning of the play, the well-known figure of Execistides is the punch line to a gag about being lost. We know nothing else about Execestides. If an ancient Greek comedy is going to stand a chance of being funny, it needs updating. In this production of Birds, these characters find new identities and new relevance, but the plot and the tone remain the same. Peisthetaerus and his buddy Euelpides, sick of living in Athens, seek out Tereus the hoopoe, a former Athenian citizen turned into a bird for cheating on his wife (the horror story of the original myth is glossed over by Aristophanes – no one wants to hear about tongues being cut out).

Peisthetaerus is inspired, talking to Tereus,

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to build a new city in the sky, and almost by accident manages to become the ruler of all creation. There is plenty of opportunity for political satire – a favourite activity of Aristophanes – and the birds’ skittish and lively natures are certainly a reference to the stereotype of Athenians’ lively political life and short attention spans, and yet this is one of the comic playwright’s least overtly political plays. The play is a fantasy, a riot of colour and song, with a chorus of lovingly characterised birds, bustling and pecking and fretting, and each with a distinctive character. The central conceit of the play makes little realistic sense, and it continues in that joyous spirit of bonkers fantasy to the end.

Mr John Hall

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Eco Schools

An Eco Fashion Show, Eco Netball, growing herbs, using the Yurt and recycling demonstrate how Yarm pupils have embraced the Eco-Schools programme

Pupils are the driving force behind Eco-Schools at Yarm Eco-Schools is an international award programme that raises pupils’ awareness of a variety of environmental issues, ranging from litter and waste to healthy living and biodiversity.

Pupils are the driving force behind Eco-Schools at Yarm – they form an EcoCommittee and carry out an audit to assess the environmental performance of the school.

Schools work towards gaining one of three internationally recognised awards – Bronze, Silver and finally the Green Flag award, which symbolises excellence in the field of environmental activity.

Yarm School has been a member of EcoSchools since 2009 and has already gained the Bronze, Silver and, in 2012, the Green Flag award.

This year, in June 2014, we were delighted to be re-awarded Green Flag status for the second time. This was no easy task and many pupils have been involved in collecting paper to be recycled, setting up a herb garden in the school grounds, organising a switch-off fortnight in November and an Eco-Week in February. They have helped to build insect hotels, nest boxes, hedgehog houses and bat boxes, and made sure that the staff room

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tea bags were taken to the compost bin! They have also had great fun designing and making eco-outfits from such items as empty crisp packets, used till receipts, sweet wrappers and bubble wrap, which they have modelled in the Recycled Garment Competition. This event has now become established as a very popular and colourful extension to the Design and Technology Fashion Show, held every year in May in the Princess Alexandra Auditorium.

This year, the Eco-Assessor, Mr Alistair Wilson, visited the school on 24 June and, after awarding us Green Flag status, commented: ‘Yarm School is clearly embracing the Eco-Schools programme.

Pupils are enthusiastic and welcoming and their knowledge base is fantastic.’

Mrs J Menzies

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Cultural

‘To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries’ – Aldous Huxley

Vietnam Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hué - Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

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Pagodas and temples, museums and tombs, street markets and traffic, bicycles and foot massages, war and reconciliation, courtesy and commerce.

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Cultural

Up close to the forces of nature

Iceland Our trip to Iceland was pitched as a cultural tour of this most westerly point of continental Europe, comprised of an eclectic mix of students from Third to Fifth Year, but with a total passenger list of just eleven pupils, Miss Bownas and myself; seven days, two vehicles, 1100 kilometres, innumerable sites, and sights, and a mass of excitement and imaginings.

The entire group, being small in number, and limited in terms of natural friendship groups, had the randomness of encounter of a private touring holiday. Yet despite this the mood and atmosphere of the trip, inclined towards reflection and contemplation, in part due to the overwhelming enormity of natural forces and the island’s geographic splendours, allowed for a relaxed and convivial experience throughout, not least expressed by feelings of nostalgia for an experience long before it was complete.

Mr S Edwards

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House

Flying high!

Top, leaping to success in Sports Day. Below, preparing the Christmas hampers

2013 – 2014 was a busy and successful year for Aidan House.

Before we recount all the happenings of the year, it would be good to look back to a key aspect in the life of Saint Aidan, after whom we are named. Aidan was a monk on the Scottish island of Iona who settled on Lindisfarne in 635 AD/CE and established a monastery. He is credited by some historians as being responsible for the spread of Christianity to much of England.

One story recounts how Aidan was offered a horse by the king as this would have greatly increased his social standing. Aidan, however, refused it on the grounds that he wanted to walk alongside the people that he served.

This is the attitude I wish to foster within Aidan House and it certainly underpins one of the major events of our year – the Pensioners’ Christmas Party. A long standing tradition for Yarm School, it has become a regular feature for many of the guests who have been attending year after year.

This year was a very enjoyable affair and once again good food, served by younger members of the House, good wine, served

by Sixth Formers were accompanied by good music – both the solo and duet performances from pupils across the age range (and staff – thank you Mr Edwards and Mr Thompson!) and the community carol singing led by Miss Turner.

It was great to see so many pupils keen to come along and help out and the many thank you letters showed how much it was

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appreciated by our guests. In addition we supplied 12 packed hampers for distribution to members of the Challoner House community who were unable to make it to the party.

It was not only those who were present on the night that made this possible, but the many members of all year groups who pledged to raise money for the party: they made it happen!

By cleaning cars, tidying up, walking dogs, and so forth they gave their time to earn money which was donated towards the funding of the party. We will be running this again in the Autumn term and I would encourage all members of Aidan House to sign up so that, even if they can’t attend the evening, they can still make the party go with a swing!

Raising money for charitable causes is something that is very important to Aidan House.

This year, pupils’ endeavours included cake sales, hook a-duck, a table-tennis tournament

and a five-a-side football tournament, resulting in donations totalling £1,200 for charities related to breast cancer: Breast Cancer Care, Breast Cancer Research and Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Thanks go to our outgoing House Officers Islam Mostafa and Lizzie Medley for the help they gave in the organisation of these events.

I am delighted to welcome Akshay Ahitan and Anna Elms as our new House Prefects.

They will be supported by Olivia Glenn, Matthew Lavelle, Alex Stephenson and Harry Thompson.

I am extremely proud of the way Aidan House pupils have thrown themselves into representing the House at events such as Sports Day (more on that later – we won!) and House Drama.

The team of Sixth Form pupils who ably stepped up to the challenge of choosing, casting, rehearsing and staging ‘Alice in Wonderland’ for the House Drama competition impressed me immensely.

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House

Left and below, at the pensioners’ party. Below left, the Duologues

Everyone played to their strengths, whilst at the same time being willing to go beyond and try new things.

The younger pupils who took part are to be commended for their enthusiasm and commitment to the project. I am delighted that so many pupils chose to take this challenge on and see it through to such an impressive end.

Another major school event is Sports Day (which Aidan House won – did I mention that?). This differs from House Drama as it relies on everyone’s involvement to support their House. Not everyone is a natural athlete, but everyone can do their best and be willing to step in/up when needed.

Knowing you may not succeed in the way you would like to but having a go anyway is a brave and mature step. Everyone who took part for Aidan House contributed to our

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ultimate victory... so congratulations to every single pupil that ran, jumped or threw!

There were, however, some stupendous individual and team performances from members of Aidan and those who won their events, setting new records in some cases, deserve special congratulations.

Andy Murray finally managed to win Wimbledon in 2013 – but look what happened in 2014. It was fantastic for Aidan House to taste victory on the Sports Field in 2014 but if we want to emulate the long line of victories set by Bede House we need to be willing to continue to work together and be willing to step outside of our comfort zone.

Saint Aidan’s example challenges us to see personal glory as secondary to the call to support others.

Mrs S Pyke Head of Aidan House

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House

We’re pulling together

This has been an interesting year for Bede House, with some excellent participation from across the year groups throughout the year.

Outgoing Captains Rachel Brennan, Thomas Dorrington, Charlotte Bigland and Uddhav Vaghela helped out behind the scenes, guided the First Year pupils at the start of the year, put on some great charity events and shared their wisdom with the pupils in House assembly. I pass my thanks to them all and hope that they, along with all our leavers carry fond memories of Bede House with them into the wider world.

Our outgoing Upper Sixth pupils were at the Senior School for the same amount of time as I have been and I shall certainly not forget this wonderful group of students.

I spoke repeatedly in our assemblies this

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year about standing out from the crowd, about what we can do to make a difference, and a great many of these students have certainly done just that. I wave goodbye to my delightful Tutor group; I have really enjoyed your company and wish you all well for the challenges ahead.

I very much look forward to working with our new team of Captains for next year: Lily-Grace Frank, Sam Guest, Kris Takoor and Sankalp Tandle. They have all had a very high profile in school with extensive contributions between them to drama, music, sport, outdoor education and Yarm Apprentice as well as superb involvement in raising funds for charities.

Highlights of the year include: • First Years on Discovery Day hiding in the long grass to try to “surprise” me.

• A very well organised and attended Sixth Form meal.

• In the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight!

• Batman and Robin?!

• Kylie “Emerson” Minogue at the Music Quiz • “One of those rabbits is a weasel!”

• Great acts of courage in the 1500m race, especially from First Year girls. I will not forget.

• Photo stall.

And so for the first time I find myself writing this article without the celebration of an inter-house athletics title still ringing in my ears. It had to happen someday, of course, and I am confident that the seven-year winning streak of Bede House (between 2007 and 2013, a full 20% of the life of our School) will

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House

remain unmatched into the far future. Future generations of Yarm School pupils will look back at the shield and marvel at how such a feat could have occurred. A depleted Bede team tried their very best, but it was not to be this time. Bede did lead going into the relays, but these events did not go our way.

A very respectable second place score was still earned by all those involved. My sincere congratulations go to Aidan House; I hope they look after our shield before returning it next year!

I look forward to seeing how the new school year will unfold, meeting the new First Year and my next Tutor group, and seeing what the new Captains have to offer.

Fortune favours the brave.

Dr P D Prideaux

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39

House

Making a splash Above, Discovery Day. Below, drama with The Last Laugh

It has been another busy year for Cuthbert House. There have been many successes and a few disappointments over the course of the year, but overall, we have had an interesting time.

The tug o’ war at the Sixth Form barbecue was a hard-fought event with Cuthbert unable

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to secure a victory as in previous years – not even with the ‘anchor men’ of Ben Gray and Jamie Fox forming a solid basis for our efforts.

The next event was the First Year Discovery Day which involved walking, raft building and generally enjoying time outdoors. Paths were followed, rafts were constructed – with a wide

range of approaches and successes – and feet were dampened – very damp in some cases.

A variety of leadership challenges rounded off the day.

The First Year bowling followed with the outstanding arrangements being made by Mrs Jackson. Many of the games were tight, with Aidan, Bede and Cuthbert teams each winning two games, but Oswald won six!

The annual House Drama event came around all too soon – the inevitable panics ensued – do we need more rehearsal time, more costumes, more props, less sugar intake etc. Dress rehearsals were encouraging but it all hinged upon the performance on the evening. Our play was ‘The Last Laugh’ which told the tale of a young man who brought laughter to a land of misery. Alex Ravenhall was outstanding as Bobby Bunting in the lead role and he was ably assisted by a multitude of strong performers: Freya Bernard as Grizelda Grimm, Anna Dias and Katie Anderson as the two old women (Mrs Dismal and Mrs Dull), the oppressive soldiers with the rants of Charlie Parry echoing around the auditorium, the regal Harry Brown as Gilbert Grimm and the manic Mukunth Suresh as the doctor who would cure Bunting of laughter.

The crowd and the jury were extremely

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House

Cuthbert House assembly, left and below, the House officers

successfully portrayed by predominantly First and Second Year pupils – clearly this augurs well for the future. The fact that we didn’t win does not reflect the quality of the direction (by Katie Carter, Jacob Hodgson-Stokes, Dani Connery, Alex Bridges, Jen Dunn and Nick De Jong) or the performance – well done to all. Once again, thanks – as always – go to Mr Craig for the use of his classroom for rehearsals.

Children in Need and Help for Heroes were our chosen charities and our charity week was the usual cake and sweet fest which raised a substantial amount of money.

Several additional events were organised, including a FIFA 2014 tournament arranged

by Charles Jones and Parry. The eventual winner of this event was Charlie Eggleston.

Also during charity week, the Cuthbert House staff members took part in a sponsored ‘Triathlon’ which developed into a ‘quadrathlon’. An impressive 267km were covered on the bike, ergo, treadmill and cross-trainer. Funds totalling £920 were split between the two charities.

In addition to this, Cuthbert also contributed to the Help for Heroes Christmas stocking appeal and to Oxfam, with several tutor groups collecting for a family goat as well as organising a secret Santa. Mrs Harrison was particularly pleased with her goat…

House assemblies included a House Quiz and an event on the hard court. There was a great deal of unrest when the pupils from Cuthbert House were led onto the hardcourt.

Eventually it transpired that every pupil was going to sit down on each other. It started off on a small scale, with tutor groups sitting in a circle on each other’s knees, then two year

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groups were combined, until eventually, all the pupils in Cuthbert were supported in a circle – a tremendous team effort.

Sport is a large part of House life and it is an area in which Cuthbert has improved gradually over the past year. Many successes have been achieved in Lower School and Cuthbert pupils have been responsible for captaining teams: Susie Dunn and Alex Elwine, and Ed Anderson.

Sports Day arrived and we were scuppered a little by a lack of senior competitors. The various year groups rallied round and some judicious shuffling of pupils meant that we fielded almost a complete sheet of entries.

There were some outstanding performances from all year groups but the Third Year girls’ relay team set a new school record – tremendous. An extra special mention must go to Jennifer Dunn and Yasmin Tanfield who in most cases were our senior girls’ team. The results

were announced and it was another narrow Cuthbert defeat. A big thank you to the PE Department and the officials for ensuring the event ran smoothly.

I’d like to finish by giving thanks – firstly, to the many House and team captains and the directors who have organised everything over the course of the year.

Secondly to the House staff for passing on information and ensuring that pupils are as organised as they can be. Thirdly, thank you to Megan Ravenhall and Yasmin Tanfield for their sterling efforts in decorating the House noticeboard earlier in the year in an artistic manner that I could in no way to emulate.

A final thank you to the pupils in Cuthbert for their positive spirit, making this year a success.

Don’t forget, Mr Parker is the big cheese now – support him and make next year even more successful!

Mr G Addison

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House

Oswald House assembly, top and left, the shoe box appeal. Far left, Shrek, which won the house drama competition

Oswald House can be immensely proud of their achievements this year.

It has been another year of generous contributions to charities, great team spirit and some House successes.

The year started with a fun-filled Discovery Day. First Year pupils had the chance to try a range of activities from walking and rafting to team challenges, which helped

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form and cement relationships.

Discovery Day was followed by the Sixth Form barbecue and the annual tug o’ war. The hard-fought competition resulted in the first win for Oswald House – a great start to the year!

Winning the House Drama competition was definitely a highlight of the year. Lower School pupils, under the leadership of our Sixth Form Directors, performed Shrek. The performance was enjoyed by all and the costumes were fantastic. Congratulations to all the pupils involved, in particular Raife Skippings and Bethany Dang who diligently led the Directors team.

Oswald House members are committed to raising funds for charities and in 2013 we were delighted that we stepped up a gear raising a record amount for one activity. The

“Onesie Workout Challenge” was a fantastic event with all House members taking part.

Oswald House were delighted to present a cheque for £1,170.70 to Lepra.

Other events throughout the year raised funds totalling £400 for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

From Christmas Boxes to Romania, House Bowling trips and Acoustic Café Concerts, Oswald House members have had a fun-filled year.

Thank you to our House Captains, Helen Elston and Dominic Abbott, who worked hard to make sure all the planned events were a great success.

Oswald is now ambitiously looking with great enthusiasm to an eventful 2014/15.

Well done Oswald!

Mrs A Jackson

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House

Onesie workout, left, then clockwise, House Drama, acoustic cafĂŠ, Sixth Form meal staff selfie, the ÂŁ1,170 raised for Lepra, and selling cakes for charity week

Year of achievements

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43

Languages

German exchange In the February half-term holiday, around 30 Third and Fourth Year pupils went on the German exchange to Werther.

We all loved being with our exchange partners over the weekend and went on some fantastic trips with their families. We went to our exchange partner’s school on Monday, where everyone was really friendly and we enjoyed the lessons.

All the teachers and pupils spoke wonderful English, so it felt just like home.

Although I did have a bit of a problem with the German chemistry test!

The following day we went to a nearby city and visited the Dr Oetker factory. We got some delicious free samples and learned about the history of the brand. We also visited the Autostadt in Wolfsburg later in the week.

The compound had many large buildings full of Volkswagen brand cars, we had a wonderful day. On the penultimate day we visited a local

monument, The Hermannsdenkmal, which was very large and impressive! We then went to a small town and just had to do some shopping!

There were lots of tears when it came to saying our goodbyes. Once we had said goodbye we all piled on the bus and visited either the chocolate museum or the sport museum in Cologne, before flying home.

Three weeks later we were all delighted when we met our exchange partners again and could return the favour to host them.

Over the weekend we had all organised activities for our visitors.

My exchange partner had never seen the sea before, so we took her to Saltburn to taste the fish and chips!

The partners came into school with us on the Monday; my visitor said the school was “beautiful”. Then they spent the rest of the week travelling to famous “Northern” places,

like Beamish and Cragside gardens. On Wednesday evening we all met up and had a meal together.

Thanks to Frau Heinen for organising the trip and Mr Skeratt and Mr Morrison too!

Beth Roberts

Sampling German Christmas markets Soon after we broke up from school in December, a group of First and Second Years set off to Germany. After a long journey we arrived at our hotel, the Ibis in Aachen.

Everyone got a good night’s sleep, ready for the exciting days ahead.

The next day we visited Aachen’s Christmas markets and explored the Dom (cathedral).

We then tried out some German delicacies for our lunch.

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Afterwards we went to a big swimming pool where we spent the afternoon. The following day we travelled to Cologne.

We visited the cathedral and climbed up the many steps. We visited the Christmas markets and then toured the Lindt chocolate museum. The last day started early as we set off back for Yarm.

It was great fun – thanks to the staff.

Penny McLaney and Susie Dunn

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Languages

French exchange During Easter, a small group travelled by coach to Lisieux, Normandy, in the North of France to take part in the annual Yarm School French Exchange.

We arrived at Collège Notre Dame at 9.30pm. Even though we were really tired after the journey, we were still really excited to be meeting up with our exchange partners again. On the first day we spent the morning in school with our partners, and studied with them in their lessons.

We visited Honfleur, a pretty little seaside town where we did some shopping in the afternoon. Unfortunately the bus wouldn’t

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start to bring us home, so we spent another hour or two in Honfleur while a mechanic fixed the bus. Then we spent the evening with our French families.

On Friday we went to a cheese factory which smelt horrible, but we all tasted the cheese, some of it was actually quite nice! In the afternoon we went to Cerza Zoo, where Madame Menzies was spat at by a llama!

During the weekend my French family took me to Paris. We went up the Eiffel Tower and then had a boat trip along the Seine. Then we went shopping along the Champs Elysées.

It was an amazing day! We also went to the

beach and relaxed and spoke lots of French.

We visited many interesting places during the rest of the week including an American war cemetery and a small German war cemetery, the Bayeux Tapestry, the Memorial museum at Caen, with lots of shopping along the way.

We spent our final afternoon at home with our exchange partners before saying a very tearful goodbye to them and to their families.

Thank you to Madame Menzies, Monsieur Emerson, Madame Pyke and Mademoiselle Hutchinson for taking us.

Anna Dias and Gamasri Dhawan

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45

Design and Technology

Isaac Reid, Side Table, GCSE

Ben Pollock, Folding Football Target, GCSE

Charles Guthrie, Traditional Ash Sledge, GCSE

Athulya Roody, Double Garden Swing, A-level Alexander Shears, Brazier/BBQ, GCSE

Matthew Teare, Petrol Radio Controlled Boat, GCSE

Products on show The Design and Technology Product and Fashion Show exhibited all the GCSE, AS and A level projects. The event was once again well attended and the projects were appreciated by all.

This year saw a wide variety of projects and materials used from Finlay Copeland’s

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Antony Gormley inspired metal bird table to Shreenidhi Srinath’s wooden paint pot reading chair.

Athulya Roody’s double garden swing seat would look impressive in any garden and was admired by all.

Parents, pupils and guests gathered in

the Atrium for one of Martin’s delicious barbecues before moving into the Auditorium for a superb fashion show. At the end of the fashion show the D&T department formally thanked and said goodbye to their friend and colleague, Mr Stewart, presenting him with a bespoke weathervane.

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Design and Technology

Shreenidhi Srinath, Painting Pot Reading Chair, GCSE

Daniel Clarke, Dining Table, A-level

Oliver Grundmann, Cycle Trainer, GCSE

Finlay Copeland, Antony Gormley inspired Bird Table, GCSE

Cassius Chatterjee, Pool Table, A-level

Yarm success in ‘Big Bang’ At the regional final of the Big Bang Science and Engineering competition, held at Darlington College, Yarm School came away

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with the top two prizes. Congratulations to Alexander Shears, who came Runner-Up with his Firepit/BBQ. Winner of the competition was Alexander McCormack with a set of battery monitored electronic cycle lights. Both boys – pictured – came away with trophies, certificates and cash prizes.

They have both been selected to go into the Big Band Science and Engineering national final at the NEC next March.

Alexander and Alex will now spend time developing their products further and getting them ready for commercialisation.

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Design and Technology

Silver smithing

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Textiles

On the catwalk

It has been an exciting year for the Textiles Department.

It all started with a newly refurbished classroom which was designed to meet the needs of the growing department. The clean modern walls and the splashes of brightly coloured fabrics provide the prefect inspiration for pupils designing, cutting, sewing and pressing garments or projects.

The annual trip to the Clothes Show Live provided a fantastic opportunity for GCSE and A-level textiles pupils to gain an insight into the professional world of fashion.

After the fashion show pupils had chance to

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collect information to help their coursework.

Yarm School’s annual fashion show was just as impressive with pupils from Fourth Year to Upper Sixth showcasing their superb garments. It was evident how much work had gone into all the garments, from Catriona McLain’s Hawaiian inspired garment to Alice Soppitt’s nightwear collection.

This year, pupils were challenged to design and make “Water Themed” Eco Fashion garments. All the entrants must be congratulated for their innovative use of materials and design creativity.

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Art

Eliza Burke, mixed media Kathryn Jackson, painting

Callum Potts, painting

Shreenidhi Srinath, mixed media

Natalie Freisem, mixed media

Amelia Bernard, painting

Neha Kambalimath, painting

Caitlin Morrow, cut paper and paint

Mia Scott-Johnson, painting Beth Edmondson, oil pastel and paint

Rebecca Fry, mixed media

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GCSE

Elena Cruz, painting

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Art

A level

Hannah McNicholas, painting

Ellen Bower, perspex and stained glass window inks

Hannah McNicholas, paint and mixed media

Lizzie Medley, pen, inks and watercolour

Abigail Toller, painting

Katherine Lees, painting

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Ellen Bower, clay and plastic

Lizzie Medley, painting and textiles

Katherine Lees, mixed media

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Art

A level

AS level

Peter Lightwing, cut paper and pen Andre Wilson, paint, biro and mixed media

Lily Downs, painting Peter Lightwing, painting Emma Horner-Harker, painting

Peter Lightwing, biro

Jackson Deans, painting

Jessica Bedi, paint and mixed media Sophia Bennett, painting

Jen Dunn, painting

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Sophie Allick, painting and mixed media

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Art

AS level

James McCullagh, painting

Chloe Race, charcoal

Lucy Quigley, painting

Jessica Dunlop, painting

Lucy Quigley, painting

Jenna Hobbs, painting

Olivia Whittingham, painting

Nina Herbert, paint and mixed media

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Lily-Grace Frank, painting

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Politics

Exploring the political spectrum The Politics Society seeks to explore all aspects of the subject, engaging students in political awareness and understanding in the broadest possible sense.

The society also supports a number of discussion groups that meet weekly, including Agender, exploring the position and condition of women and issues of gender locally, nationally and internationally, and MECCA, a group meeting to explore the vast cultural and political diversity of the Middle East. All members of the school community are welcome at all events.

The following is a list of speakers who visited the Society this academic year. n Baroness Hale of Richmond, Deputy President of the Supreme Court n Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson, Paralympian & Disability Rights campaigner n Phillippa Lauren Scrafton, Transgender activist n Angelika Schneider, North East MEP candidate, Liberal Democrats n Judith Kirton-Darling, North East MEP candidate, Labour (now elected) n Jonathan Arnott, North East MEP candidate, UKIP (now elected) n Jennifer Gibson, US lawyer and Anti-Drone campaigner, Reprieve n Susan Mansaray, FGM national campaigner n Louise Baldock, Stockton South parliamentary candidate, Labour n Professor Nikki Godden, Law and Sexuality lecturer, Newcastle University n Angela Towers, co-founder and national campaigner of No More Page Three n Yacouba (Guinea-Conakry) and Ibrahim (Côte d’Ivoire), refugees in the North East n Professor Susan-Mary Grant, USA and Race, Newcastle University n Dr Monica Moreno Figeroa, Gender Studies, Newcastle University n Jonathan Gunn, Researcher on Death Penalty, Amnesty International n Curtis Fleming, Show Racism the Red Card campaigner, footballer and coach n Professor Nick Lewer, Global Security Institute, Durham University n James Wharton MP, Stockton South, Conservative n Matthew Cornford, Civil Servant, HM Treasury n Susan Robinson, Debt Advisor

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Baroness Hale of Richmond, Deputy President of the Supreme Court

Nigel Farage at The Sage

Curtis Fleming, Show Racism the Red Card campaigner

Baroness Tanni-Grey Thompson, Paralympian and Disability Rights campaigner

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Politics

Ber lin , a global city

Last year the Politics Department took members of the then Lower Sixth to Belfast, providing an opportunity to explore a contested city.

This year the decision was made for Politics and History students to visit Berlin, another city engaged in its own reinvention, transforming from a city also blighted by the traumas of history and politics, but now emerging a preeminent global city. Indeed Berlin stands as the city with the highest flow of movement of young professionals, with communities of Southern Europeans and even fixie-cycling hipsters abandoning Shoreditch for this city of diversity and opportunity.

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The tour involved a diverse exploration of this intriguing city with highlights including; the reunified, gentrified East Berlin, accommodation in a former textile institute, the extensive integrated transport system, a walking tour of cosmopolitan Kreuzberg, a cycle tour of the Tiergarten, views of the wall at Bernauer Strasse, the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games stadium and an evening visit to the German Reichstag building.

As one commentator once wrote: “Berlin combines the culture of New York, the traffic system of Tokyo, the nature of Seattle, and the historical treasures of, well, Berlin.� What more could one want in a city?

Mr S Edwards

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History

A chance to reflect

This year 46 pupils and five members of staff took part in the annual History department visit to the First World War battlefields in France and Belgium.

This was a particularly poignant year marking the one hundredth anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and for the first time we were able to take pupils from the Second Year and above.

Pupils visited a range of sites of special significance including the memorial to the missing of the Somme at Thiepval , the dressing station where John McCrae wrote his famous poem “In Flanders’ Fields�, the grave of Noel Chavasse who was awarded the VC and bar, and the biggest commonwealth war graves commission cemetery in the world at Tyne Cot. We also attended the very moving ceremony at the Menin Gate, held every night at 8pm in memory of those who died on the Ypres Salient and for whom there is no known grave.

Two pupils were the first in their families to be able to visit the final resting place of one of their relatives and pay their respects making the trip even more special and memorable.

Mrs E Harrison

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Maths

A weekend of maths The Upper Sixth mathematicians participated in Yarm School’s first ever maths camp over a weekend in March.

Thirty four students headed off with a mixture of anticipation and fear for the weekend which promised a daunting 14 hours’ worth of maths lectures at Grinton Lodge; a stunning building dating back to the early 19th century with incredibly views.

Dormitories were quickly observed and travel sickness scarcely recovered from when the first maths lectures began.

Ms Pallister and Mr Yates spent two hours easing us into what was to be a challenging weekend, and recapping the start of our respective courses. Afterwards, we enjoyed our first meal in the Youth Hostel, described by some as ‘fantastic’ with the chocolate brownie and ice cream proving an especial favourite.

On Saturday morning, we enjoyed a cooked breakfast before resuming maths lectures.

Mr Armitage and Mr Addison joined in with the four hours’ worth of maths work split only by a couple of short breaks, but at half past one we were rewarded with lunch, and (some initially thought) punished with a walk.

The walk took us through the village of Grinton, across a muddy field – which attempted to seize a number of shoes – and alongside a river.

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We paused for an ice cream and enjoyed truly stunning views and the warm weather.

The bridge stretching across the river provided an ideal group photo opportunity as well as giving rise to a mathematical discussion regarding the catenary formed by the suspended chains. Proof that an inextensible uniform string hanging freely fixed between two points follows a hyperbolic cosine curve was the source of entertainment for some later that evening!

The good humour that had been present throughout the weekend still lingered as we sat down to our final two hour maths lecture on Sunday morning.

Maths camp allowed us to press on with and revise topics, as well as learn about some interesting non syllabus maths, all under a jovial, social atmosphere.

The skills learned and techniques perfected over the weekend will doubtless have equipped us extremely well for our final examinations, and all participants were extremely grateful for this opportunity.

Charlotte Bigland

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Independent Learning/Young Apprentice

Members of the board Whilst half of the Second Years were away on the Adventure Camp, the other half of the year group faced exciting and challenging tasks for their Independent Learning Project.

One of the challenges was to design and make a board game in a day. The pupils threw themselves into the challenge, researching the board game market and sourcing materials whilst taking the 4Ps into consideration (Price, Product, Place and Promotion).

At the end of the day pupils had to pitch their product to a panel of fierce judges who grilled them on their

marketing strategy, production techniques and financial forecasts. Prizes were awarded for the Best Concept, Best Product and Best Pitch. The games produced in just one day were outstanding and the team work was impressive.

Mr J Spry Finance Manager and Judge

Apprentice Kris: you’re hired The Yarm Apprentice activity sees students test their business prowess in tasks set by staff members playing the role of Lord Alan Sugar.

Congratulations to the Yarm Apprentice 2014, Kris Takoor, who was crowned the winner after a year of tasks and challenges.

We caught up with him to see what he thought of winning the activity: How did it feel to win Yarm Apprentice 2014?

I was a bit surprised but very happy to take the title. I didn’t think was going to win even though I put in a lot of effort. It was only in the last few tasks I started to get some points and progress up the leaderboard.

What was your favourite task?

My favourite task has to be the Christmas Craft Fair. We were challenged to source products to sell at the fair for a profit. Our team decided to make Christmas ornaments and decorations, as well as selling Christmas cards and advent calendars. I got a buzz from

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competing against the other team and having a customer-facing role.

What did you learn from Young Apprentice?

Young Apprentice taught me how to lead a team and improved my organisation skills. I think it also reinforced my economics studies.

We had to calculate profit margins and decide how many products to make for the Christmas Craft Fair task – in essence look at price elasticity, supply and demand.

Would you recommend the Yarm Apprentice activity?

I would definitely recommend the activity.

It is a good laugh and you make friends outside of the groups you are in lessons with.

Regardless of winning, it looks good on your CV and UCAS application.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I would like to work somewhere in the city – London, New York or Tokyo. At the moment I am thinking about the financial sector, possibly trading stocks.

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Geography

Exploring the great outdoors The first Geography trip of the academic year saw Fifth Year geographers at the Holderness coast for a residential fieldwork trip.

The aim of the trip was to collect the necessary data for the controlled assessment task by studying transportation along the coastline. The weather was bracing, beach profiles were completed and the pupils showed much creativity devising their own data collection techniques to support their investigations.

In March the AS geographers stayed at the Cranedale Field Centre for their residential trip. The main objective was to improve their geographical fieldwork skills and to undertake in depth investigations of case study examples. The weather was unseasonably warm and the sunny days helped to make the trip not only very productive but thoroughly enjoyable for all, with many of the AS geographers not wanting to leave the ‘bubble of Cranedale’ as they referred to it.

During this trip pupils completed beach transects and had a day carrying out fieldwork focused on rural rebranding in Dalby Forest, a highlight for many.

The final day was led by Mr Parker in

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his hometown of Sheffield and was spent studying urban rebranding in various parts of the city with lunch at Birkdale School, followed by the opportunity to have a lecture from a Chief Examiner. Pupils also visited the English Institute of Sport and saw various Olympians training.

In February the AS pupils attended a lecture run by the York Branch of the Geographical Association at Bootham School.

This was presented by Dr Roland Gehrels of York University, the title being ‘Sea level change and global warming: lessons from the past’, the lecture was much enjoyed by the pupils, was very relevant to their studies and was certainly stretching and thoughtprovoking. Geographical Association lectures are open to all and information about the programmes organised by branches can be found on the geographical association website www.geography.org.uk; there is always a warm welcome to new members!

All the pupils in First Year participated in an enquiry based upon Yarm High Street. This gave them the opportunity to work in groups and put their geographical knowledge into practice by collecting data in the form of

traffic counts, pedestrian counts and land use maps. They approached the task with great enthusiasm and learnt a lot about the route of a geographical enquiry.

During the summer term the First Year pupils also took part in the joint Geography and Biology trip to Blanchland. Here the pupils had the opportunity to undertake river studies fieldwork and apply their knowledge about settlements to Blanchland.

The final Geography trip of the year saw the Fourth Year geographers travel to Bridlington in order to carry out the data collection element of their controlled assessment task.

Their study was focused on the impacts of tourism on Bridlington. They were fortunate as we had a beautiful, sunny day which made the fieldwork all the more enjoyable and most importantly meant that there were plenty of tourists to collect data from!

The department has more trips planned for next academic year and hopefully we can continue our run of fieldwork in the sun, although as the explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes once famously said: ‘there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’.

Mrs K Baines

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Biology

Investigating science Third year pupils spent a full day working on various Science investigations in May. The year was split into small groups of pupils who were asked to complete an investigation in either biology, chemistry or physics with a view to reporting their findings back to their class at a later date.

This involved planning a practical method based on the theme of energy, considering aspects including what apparatus would be needed and ensuring that the method was fair and safe. Pupils were then able to implement this later in the day.

Pupils collected data from their investigation and then were able to analyse it and present it in the most appropriate

manner. By the end of the day, pupils were able to prepare posters to present their approach and findings. Throughout the day, pupils were also able to work on a Fermi quiz, making mathematical estimations.

In Biology, pupils burnt known masses of different foods and used the heat released to calculate their energy contents. They then related these values to the amounts of energy required to do different levels of exercise.

In Chemistry, pupils carried out simple calorimetric experiments. Pupils burnt a number of different fuels including both gaseous and liquid fuels to determine which fuel is the most efficient as well as which was the most cost effective.

In Physics, pupils built and customised a water rocket, which they then were able to test on the hard court. Pupils were then able to measure the maximum altitude using different volumes of water.

Building bridges ICE North East paid a visit to Yarm School as part of its Bridges to Schools project, which teaches pupils about bridge construction, teamwork and civil engineering.

A group of 25 Fourth Year students took part in the bridge building programme, which incorporated Maths, Science and Design and Technology as pupils worked with representatives from ICE to assemble its 13-metre scaled model cable-stayed bridge.

The bridge is used as a learning tool to give pupils an exciting insight into civil engineering, and allows pupils direct contact with professionals who can help them to understand more about the careers available.

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Sport

Sports camps make holidays more enjoyable

School Sports Camps are a new addition to the holidays and this year were held during Easter and the summer.

The camps provide an opportunity for pupils to take part in a wide range of sporting activities, to help improve their skills and above all for the pupils to have fun.

During the camps, pupils form different friendship groups and they can also gain

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experience of leadership, umpiring or refereeing. Some examples of sports played include: Netball, Basketball, Football, Badminton, Tennis, Hockey, Cricket, Dodgeball and many more.

The sports camps were a huge success and look to be a regular fixture in the holiday calendar.

Miss Howell and Mr Macaulay

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Sport

Exciting rugby season ahead After the extreme high of the previous season it was always going to be a difficult act to follow.

The highly successful and rewarding trip to South Africa and Botswana gave the senior boys hope of performing to the best of their abilities. However, consistency both within a game and also from week to week meant playing an extremely competitive fixture list was certainly an issue for the 1st XV. The team ended the season with a playing record of five wins, six defeats and a draw. To their credit they did, once again, try to play an attractive style of rugby. With a good number of boys returning for their final year, it promises to be an exciting season ahead.

After a tough start to the season, the second team finished strongly and won three out of their final four games. Again they will have a number of experienced hands at their

disposal for the 2014-15 season. Hopefully the 2nd XV will get a good start to their campaign when they attend the pre-season Tynedale RFC tournament alongside the 1st XV for the first time.

On an individual level we have boys in the England Rugby Player Development Programme at all age groups; boys playing county rugby at U16 and U18; representation in the Independent Schools’ Rugby at U13 and U18 Regional and National level; and once again representation at National level, this year by Ben Stevenson.

• Lewis Allan & Ben Stevenson – Durham U16 • Ben Stevenson – Tri Counties U16, North U16 and England Lions • Jonny Teague, James Elston, Max Harrison Tom Mavin and Fezan Mughal – Durham U18.

• Zach Kibirige – England U20s and Falcons 1st XV. • James Elston, Tom Lawson and Ben Stevenson in Falcons Academy • Nathan Booth and Adam Henderson – North ISBs. Also a good number of boys in the new ERPDP at U13, U14 and U15.

Our junior teams continue to perform extremely well against similar-sized schools, as well as achieving victories against boarding schools and the bigger day schools they play.

Consistency and belief is something that they all could look to develop, but what is pleasing to see is the number of boys who are coming to training and wanting to play competitive rugby. We always focus on developing the necessary skills required to play the game of rugby.

Mr S P Hardy

Clockwise from above, 1st VII at National 7s; 1st XV; U13s; 1st VII versus Hymers

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Sport

Top, U12; above left, 1st VII versus Hymers; above, U13 VII at Terrington Hall; right, U13 VII versus Pocklington; left, U13 VII at Terrington Hall

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Sport

Yarm School Boat Club 2013-2014

A season of firsts

1st VIII going out to race at 175th Henley Royal Regatta

Yarm School Boat Club enjoyed a season of firsts, providing pupils with participation and competitive rowing at the most prestigious events in the rowing calendar.

We saw the first ever YSBC crew entry in to Women’s Henley Regatta with the girls 1st VIII. A young crew with plenty of determination and appetite for racing won through the first round against a much older crew from Pangbourne School. They were then drawn against the Nationals Schools’ and School’s Head winners, Headington School, Oxford.

The girls acquitted themselves well, leading off the end of the island, but Headington had too much experience and strength, and moved through Yarm to take the win by two and a half lengths.

Well done to the girls who also won events at Tees Regatta, Durham City, and Durham where they defeated a Durham University 2nd eight and pushed the 1st Durham University women’s VIII to a narrow half-length verdict.

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The last race of the season saw the girls narrowly miss a bronze medal at the National Junior Championships – all in all a great season for such a young crew.

Congratulations to Amy Sotnick, Kim Guest, Olivia Weatherhead, Danielle Connery, Yasmin Gibson, Imogen Kench, Catriona McLain, Alicia Webster and cox Abigail Riley.

The boys were not outshone and had outstanding results with a J15 1st VIII taking second place at the School’s Head of the River, going on to take wins at Durham and, more importantly, the National Schools’ Regatta where they picked up a bronze medal with a hard fought and impressive race. The J16 boys and our single representative from the Sixth Form, Sam Guest, then went into a selection process for Henley Royal Regatta crew.

Again, a very young crew was entered for the most prestigious event of the rowing calendar and gained YSBC’s first race at the

event for three seasons.

Yarm were defeated by a much older and stronger crew from St. George’s, London, in the first round. No crew members had raced there previously, but with this year’s experience the crew returned desperate to qualify again for the event.

Well done to Oliver Grundmann, John Hunter, Daniel Woodward, Dominic Vasey, Josh Mckee, Matthew Walker, Sam Guest, Toby Reid and cox Abigail Riley. The crew were supported by a spares crew, Harry Brown, Adam Gardner, Aaron McAllister, Tom Burton and cox William Brown who also found the trip inspiring!

The J14s group, managed by Mr Burns, Mr Law, Mrs Harrison, Miss Backhouse and Dr Shone, had a lot to live up to as they moved through their racing season towards the last races at the Junior Sculling Championship in Peterborough.

Whilst the seniors were preparing for

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Sport

Above, J14 medal winners at Peterborough and right at Tees Regatta. Below, Girls 1st VIII at WHR and, bottom, J14 girls at Junior Sculling Head, Eton Dorney

Henley, a group of 30 J14s represented Yarm at the season finale. The J14 boys’ octuple won the semi-final in a tight race but then went on to scoop the gold medal in commanding fashion. The crew of Jack Pearson, James Waller, Michael and James Lister, Jordy McKee, Jonny Friesem, Tom Lonsdale, Edward Anderson and cox William Begley then had to separate and race in two coxed quads, with Dominic Swinson replacing an unwell James Waller.

The crews both won through to the final, but with so much racing done during the day they couldn’t convert their semi-final speed.

The quad, with Dominic Swinson, Michael and James Lister, and Jonny Friesem, won a welldeserved bronze medal, narrowly missing silver, ahead of our other Yarm quad.

The J14 girls had a great start to the day, with the fastest time in the semi-finals.

Unfortunately a broken blade 100m into the final, whilst leading against Headington

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School, put paid to any medals.

It’s been a great season, far exceeding the expectations of the staff and coaches, with lots of happy faces and some not so happy when we have lost!

The club’s atmosphere is definitely united and we are all looking forward to the new season and a new boat house. We said a sad goodbye to Joe Atherton, Abbi Metcalfe, Danielle Connery and Alicia Webster. Also thank you and good luck to coach/athlete, Caitlin Barry, as she moves to Oxford Brookes.

Mr N Adams Yarm students with Olympic sculler, Alan Campbell

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Sport

U16

Busiest term ever It has been the busiest netball term ever with 147 fixtures played, including tournaments.

All teams have enjoyed success and we have travelled near and far.

It was lovely to be involved in the Shropshire tours and welcome Karen Grieg (ex England player) into school to coach the senior players. Many thanks to all girls

U14

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who have played for school this term, it is much appreciated. My thanks also go to Miss Cottrell, Miss Bownas and Miss Howell for running the teams with such enthusiasm and humour, at times we really needed this!

All that is left is to announce the Player of Season and Most Improved – see right.

Ms N Redhead

Player of Season

Most Improved Player

U12

Anna Harrison

Ana Thompson

U13

Gemma Waanders

Caitlin Keenan

U14

Lauren Pallister

Fi Weatherhead/Alice Tilly

U15

Amelia Hattersley

Izzy Sizer

4th VII

Annie Kime

Rosie Ravenhall/ Steph Kusalakumar

3rd VII

Abi Riley

Nat Mills

2nd VII

Laure Marriot

Jess Bedi

1st VII

Hannah Sunley

Nat Grundmann

U12

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Sport

U13s in action

U13

Yarm Seniors v Barnard Castle

1st VII

Netball in the shadow of the rock In the Autumn Term, 27 girls from Third to Fifth Year travelled to Gibraltar during the half-term holiday to participate in a netball tour.

It was a fantastic tour with the quality of the opposition teams being a good standard and the girls were set challenges to stay in contention and compete throughout. As always our girls did not let us down and they worked hard throughout, with every girl giving their all from start to finish.

A particular highlight for the entire tour party was an enjoyable boat trip to see dolphins.

We also had a bus trip around the island, met numerous monkeys and ventured under the ground in the huge caves inside the rock.

On behalf on the Girls’ Games Department, thank you to all girls who went on this trip and contributed to the best tour so far!

Ms Redhead, Miss Cottrell and Mrs Gratton

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Sport

Many highlights of gir ls’ hockey The hockey season was busy and successful with 85 fixtures being played.

We won or drew 62% of fixtures and we lost 32 in total. When looking at the schools we play, these results are outstanding, as we play mostly boarding schools with a large numbers of girls who have access to daily training.

This season’s highlights include: 1st X1 – Qualifying for the North East Finals, a first for a Cleveland school. The best performances and wins were against Central High School, King’s School and Durham School in the finals. Jess Bedi’s individual goal against Durham School was a highlight.

Player of the Season – Rach Brennan Most Improved Player – Katie Binks 2nd X1 – Wins against Durham School and Central High were both highlights due to the opposition being strong. Both captains, Megan Ravenhall and Hannah Brown, did a great job being very organised and supportive.

Player of the Season – Mia Scott-Johnson Most Improved Player – Rosie Ravenhall

Top picture, Hannah Sunley in action.

Right, Beth Edmondson, 2nds

3rd X1 – The performance and win against Central High School at Thornaby was lovely to watch. Good company throughout the season.

Player of the Season – Helen Elston Most Improved Player – Mariel Cruz U15s – The players developed as a squad over the season. The team improved the most over the course of the season and had good wins against Sedbergh, Durham High School

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and Central High School. Lily’s goal against Durham High will live on long in my memory.

Player of the Season – Kim Guest Most Improved Player – Isobel Sizer U14s – It is always a hard year moving from 7-a-side to 11-a-side but this team coped well. The team was crowned County Champions. Good wins against Sedbergh and Ashville College, as well as, local opposition in the County tournament.

Player of the Season – Phoebe White Most Improved Player – Hannah Spencer U13s –The U13s (County Champions) have been a superb squad of players, very committed to training and a pleasure for Mrs Gratton to take. Highlights include a great win for the ‘A’ team against Barnard Castle School and the ‘B’ team made excellent progress culminating in a superb win against Durham High School. Both teams have enjoyed a great deal of success this year and are more than ready for the 11-a-side next season.

U13A Player of the Season – Susie Dunn Most Improved Player – Caitlin Keenan U13B Player of the Season – Kate Salvage Most Improved Player – Eve Turnbull

beating Barnard Castle School and St Martin’s, Ampleforth along the way. They only lost two out of eight games.

U12A Player of the Season – Scarlet Hudson Most Improved Player – Anna Harrison U12B Player of the Season – Ana Thompson Most Improved Player – Emily Lofthouse-Hill Thank you to all staff who assisted during the busy hockey season. Miss Cottrell has loved her involvement and giggles with second and third teams. My thanks to Mrs Gratton, Miss Howell, Mr Grainge, Mr Trubshaw and Mr Emerson for their time and efforts over the term. Finally, thank you to the girls who have been great company, especially the leavers who have contributed to a top season.

Ms N Redhead

U12s – The team had a great season

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Sport

Far left, 2nd XI. Left, U13 county winners

1st XI penalty corner

U12s, A and B

Leavers’ pyramid!

U14s county champions

U16s pull faces for the camera 1st XI North finals. Below, Susie U13A v St Martin’s

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Sport

Year of challenge in boys’ hockey

With young players moving up into the 1st XI, it was always going to be an exciting but challenging year.

Before Christmas we competed well in the indoor tournament and the pool games. Yarm were one game off qualifying for the National Finals in London; the boys battled hard but eventually lost 4-2.

The start to the outdoor season was mixed; the team had a good win against Durham School (5-2) and RGS, Newcastle (5-0) but lost close games against Hall Cross and Ampleforth.

The National Cup started well with a strong 7-1 win against Kirkbie Kendal which meant a rematch against Ampleforth. The game was played at a terrific pace with both sides fully committed. Yarm played the ball in small triangles keeping possession for long periods, it was the best I have seen a 1st XI play in all my years at Yarm. With five minutes to go, Yarm were winning 3-1 but Ampleforth managed to score two late goals.

The match was decided on penalty strokes in which Ampleforth held their nerve and won.

This inconsistency was typical of the rest of the season with a good win against Barnard Castle being followed by a weak performance against St Peter’s.

Whilst on tour, the 1st XI lost both games.

Yarm had many chances in the match against George Watson’s College and at 2-1 down, whilst trying to equalise, the team conceded on the break. Against Loretto School, we fought back from 2-1 to level the score and again whilst pushing for a winner we conceded a late goal. Next season promises

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to be exciting as I hope the experiences from this season will bring some maturity into their play.

The U16s season mirrored the senior team’s. In the indoor season we had some strong pool games but the team needed to beat QEGS Wakefield to qualify for the National Finals. After a great start they conceded two goals to end the match 4-2.

Players from the U16 team played for the 1st XI and hopefully the experience they gained will stand them in good stead for next season.

The U15 team had a slow start, losing by a goal to both Scarborough College and Red House. They then played some excellent hockey, with wins against Durham School, RGS, Barnard Castle, Cundall Manor and George Watson’s College, scoring 22 and only conceding one goal. There was some great team play with Mitchell Corney being outstanding in goal. The only defeats were against St Peter’s (2-0) and the last game of the season against Loretto.

The U14 team played some excellent

hockey and developed well as a team. They improved throughout the season with wins against RGS, Barnard Castle School, Silcotes and Red House, scoring 14 and conceding only one goal. Finlay Mullen and Tom Birch were outstanding at the back. The U14s ran out of steam right at the end with two narrow defeats to St Peter’s and Hall Cross.

The U13 team had an outstanding year; outside of the tournaments they were undefeated, winning all seven games scoring 44 and only conceding five goals. They won through to the North Finals but were unlucky in the tight games. The team’s core is very strong with a number of players playing representative regional hockey for the North East. The U13B team also had a good season and I look forward to them joining together with the A team for a full 11-a-side games next season.

For many of the U12s this was their first season playing. They developed well as a group and over 25 boys played in the teams during the season. With hard work I would expect a number of these boys to develop into excellent senior players.

In terms of representative hockey, a large numbers of boys play at regional (JDC) and County level (JAC). Ten Yarm pupils were selected to represent the Pennine Pumas and attend the Junior Regional Performance Centre. Congratulations to Akshay Ahitan, Chris Armitage, Joshua Dang, Samuel Douglass, Harrison Downs, James Foster, Alexander Gittens, Dhruv Gupta, Edward Medley and Patrick Medley.

Mr A Guest

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Sport

U12s: cricketers of the season Over the last 23 years of cricket at Yarm School there has always been one team that has come to the forefront each season.

Sometimes there are no tangible reasons as to why a certain team becomes greater than its individual parts but this synergy takes place in team games on a regular basis. This year it was the turn of the U12s, who became without doubt the team of the season.

The U12s had victories over St Martin’s, Barnard Castle, Red House and Newcastle School for Boys. They played all the way through the season with an attacking spirit and an overriding sense of enjoyment.

From the captaincy and batting of Danny Corden, the flair and dash of Yash Gulve, the line and length of Rufus Fox and the flight and guile of Akarsh Banerjee, the team showed that they were very hard to beat and certainly will one to watch in the future.

They also had varied success in the six-a-side tournament at Hymers and the eight-a-side tournament at St Olave’s.

The U13s found themselves in positions where they could have gone on to win games but events managed to contrive against them and make it a very hard season. However, the bowling of Aditya Chaudhury and Miyuru Mudduwa showed great promise. In years to come they should be a handful for most batsmen as long as they continue to progress

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as they have this season.

The U14s won against Newcastle School for Boys but this was balanced with narrow defeats throughout the season, notably against Durham where they lost by one wicket in a tight game. A special mention must go to Jordon McKee who recorded a hat-trick in the final game of the season. The team was once again capably led by Finlay Mullen who was ably supported by the efforts of Tom Birch, Darshan Viswanath, Louie Burdon and Greg Westwood.

The U15s were once again led by James Burdon; a young man who is blossoming into a fine cricketer. Although their early fixtures became victims to the weather, there were enough games to see the true potential of some of this group. The likes of Louie Wood, Thomas Gaffney, Alex Humphrey, Rahul

Padmanabhan and Aran Banerjee, I am sure, will continue to improve especially as they are all involved in club cricket. Indeed, if any boys wish to improve their game throughout the course of the season it is imperative that they involve themselves with their local club, as the school can only offer games for about a third of the season. It is the clubs where they will play cricket after their school days and I cannot stress strongly enough the need for that involvement.

The 1st XI gained a victory over Scarborough College early on in the season with runs coming from Akshay Peddada and Anand Krishna. Hopefully with the change in the A-level exams, next year will mean that this group of pupils can have a much more meaningful season than what has been available to them of late.

Congratulations go to Danny Corden and Yash Gulve (U12s), Finlay Mullen and Darshan Viswanath (U14s), and James Burdon and Thomas Gaffney (U15s) on their County selections. My thanks, as ever, go to go to the parents and boys for all the time they are willing to sacrifice in the cause of Yarm School cricket. I am also extremely grateful to Messers McCauley, Morrison and Parker for their help, assistance and company throughout the season.

Mr C Thomas

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Sport

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Aidan

Bede

Oswald

Cuthber t

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Sport

s t r o Sp Day

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Sport

Tennis season is a great success

It has been another successful tennis season, with not only some great performances from the boys and girls but also with the numbers of players involved in the sport.

We have fielded teams from every year group, playing a lot of fixtures (both friendly and league games).

In mixed doubles the U13s, U15s and seniors all competed well in the North HMC events. This is only the second time we have entered this event and it is pleasing how well we compete against the top schools in the North of England.

Girls’ tennis has gone from strength to strength and the Portugal trip has meant standards have gone up and competition for places has been especially tight at U15 and U14 level. The senior girls, consisting of Yasmin Tanfield, Sam Reed, Jo Jo Booth and Jess Dunlop, reached the North of England and Scotland semi-final, the furthest we have ever gone in the KO Cup. In boys’ tennis, we entered four teams (A-D) in the leagues for the U13 and U15 age groups.

All teams performed well, with some great matches across the board.

Not only did the A teams finish at the top end of the

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leagues but the B, C and D teams all battle hard in their leagues too! We have continued to perform well in both regional and national tournaments and the list of achievements continues to be impressive. The high points of the season include North of England U16 Cup runners up and semi-finalists, U19 cup runners up, and Sam Waanders and Jacob Slack winning the U19 plate.

The senior boys’ team also had another excellent season. We once again played in the AEGON Senior Students National competition, a competition which is played throughout the winter months. After winning several rounds in the North, we made the National finals held at Bolton Tennis Arena. In a repeat of last year, we played strong tennis in the pool stages, only to come up short in the decider against Rugby School, the eventual winners, which placed us third overall. Further to this, the team played in the Aegon National Schools’ Competition, The Glanville Cup, which is entered by all the top tennis schools in both England and Scotland. After winning through several rounds, including a tight win away at Sedbergh where George Young (U13) made a great debut, we reached the North and Scotland final against Strathallan.

I must praise the team and in particular our leavers: John Phellas, Liam Turner, Alex Reed.

For the past eight years, John has been truly outstanding for the school and has had a hugely impressive list of achievements to his name. The list includes: ISTC U13 Runners up, ISTC U15 Shield runners up, ISTC U19 plate runners up, North of England Cup runners up, North of England Winners at U12, North of England Winners at U14 and winners of the North of England U19 Cup. Well done!

Mr C Webb and Ms N Redhead

Portugal Tennis Camp Over the last few days of the Easter break, 25 tennis players headed off to the Amendoeira Resort in the Algarve for an intense tennis training camp. The intention was to receive top level lessons designed to improve the performance of all the players. What they got was so much more than that!

We were blessed with stunning weather which accompanied us throughout the trip, first class facilities and a high level of coaching. Everyone received at least 4½ hours of coaching per day, plus free court time too.

This meant that several aspects of tennis were covered, from serving and returning, to ground strokes and from net play to doubles tactics. The better players were also stretched during sessions with the pro hitters. It is safe to say that each and every player returned home a more skilled and accomplished player.

It was a pleasure to take the group away and to see them all enjoying their tennis and returning as better players. Most of all, we greatly enjoyed their company and were very proud of the way they all gave so much to the trip.

National Independent Schools’ Tennis Championships We ended the tennis season by heading to Eton College for the annual Independent Schools’ Tennis Championships.

We took a full team and entered sides in every category – we were one of only a few schools to do this. The standard of competition was, as always, very high and despite not having our most successful year, we proved how strong we are across the board and the players did themselves proud and produced some great tennis.

In the senior and U15 competitions, the team won several matches which enabled us to reach well into the knockout rounds of all the competitions.

In the U13 tournament, play was spread over two days and our strongest results were the boys pairing of George Young and Aditya Chaudhury and the girls pairing of Leila Wilcock and Susie Dunn who both won many matches in reaching the semi-finals of the plate.

Congratulations to all the players who performed and made the championships so memorable.

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5th Year

Relaxing before study leave The Fifth Year enjoyed a day of relaxation before starting their study leave.

Mr Emerson led a morning of activities which was followed by a delicious barbecue lunch prepared by Chef Martin and his team.

The day culminated in a House

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tournament which included relays and the ‘Grand National’ race. Mrs Leary made a special visit with baby Martha to deliver best wishes to her year group.

Good luck to everyone for their results in the summer and best wishes for the future.

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6th Form

The end of one chapter…

The examination season seems, from my (admittedly rather ancient) perspective to come round sooner each year but I suspect that even the Upper Sixth Leavers themselves find that their time seems to have passed in not much more than the twinkling of an eye.

The weather was a little changeable in that short period of time after the Easter vacation and the ‘Keep Off The Grass’ signs remained stubbornly in place. The students, of course, had the rapidly approaching examinations to contend with and I was quietly impressed with the atmosphere of focused industry amongst the student body during those last few weeks. Everyone still managed to find time to put down a few heartfelt valedictory remarks in each other’s yearbook and I must congratulate Matt, Therese and Charlie for putting together such a splendid publication.

The final day arrived on Thursday 15 May and we were treated to a fine dry morning for the Leavers’ Service.

We are grateful once again for the generosity of Yarm Methodist Church in allowing us to hold the service in this delightful old building which performs the curious job of being intimate and spacious at the same time. Thank you to Mr Skerratt

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for leading the service which, I hope the Leavers and their parents will agree, was a fitting end to the students’ formal schooling.

Back at school, few missed the opportunity for taking group photographs before we were welcomed into the Atrium for a first class buffet lunch.

The following evening, the Leavers held their own dinner in the Princess Alexandra Auditorium joined by a good number of the staff. Thanks are due to everyone who helped organise the event – and to Martin and his Sodexo team for providing a splendid meal. Thanks also to the students who volunteered to entertain us all with a musical performance.

The slideshow of baby pictures was, for me, a real highlight eliciting a chorus of ‘aaawwwh’ from the diners – I think I, unfortunately, got something in my eye.

I hope the Leavers will look back on their time at school with fondness.

I look forward to seeing everyone at the Senior Prize Giving in September and I hope they will continue to maintain contact with the school and let us know what they get up to. I wish the Leavers every success as they move on to the next stage of their lives.

Dr A M Goodall

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Yarm School Association

Bringing the school community together

The Yarm School Association has had a successful year organising a wide range of events for the school community and raising funds.

The year started on Induction Day with tea and cookies in the Dovecote for parents of the new First Year. This is the third year of running the event and, due to the popularity, it has now become a regular event for the YSA calendar. The new parents’ evening followed shortly after and members of the YSA were on hand to meet new parents and introduce them to the Association.

Spring saw a new event – a family magic

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show in the Princess Alexandra Auditorium.

The touring show brought in many school families and members of the local community for an impressive matinee performance.

The YSA ball rounded off another successful year and it was a sophisticated affair with a Pimms reception being held on the terrace overlooking the river. The ball was a huge success with everyone dancing the night away to classics from the “Rat Pack” era.

Through these events the YSA have been able to donate money to the Herb Garden, Photography Club, bought drapes for the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and professional music stand banner for concerts.

If you would be interested in joining the YSA to help organise the events our meetings are held once a month, during term time, on a Monday evening. You would be very welcome so please come along.

The YSA are looking forward to hosting an exciting and varied programme of events in the new academic year. This autumn we see the return of our Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, 22 November.

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Exam results

New exam records 2014 was a year of new records at both A-level and GCSE. This is especially pleasing against a backdrop of falling grades nationally and volatility due to political initiatives which have led to a drop in grades at other schools.

Not so here at Yarm!

At A-level the A* rate (excluding GS) rose from 19.7% in 2013 to an excellent 22.5%, our second best year ever. This compares extremely well with the national A* rate which was only 8.2%. In fact, the North-East always performs worst in England and here the A* rate across all schools was only 6% compared to Yarm School’s 22.5%. Our A*/A rate was 56% last year

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and went up to 57.1% this year. The A*/B rate was 83% last year and went up to 88.7%. In fact, one third of the cohort received all A*/A grades (excl. GS).

Nine of the cohort of 107 secured their places at the highly selective Oxford and Cambridge universities. Other pupils gained places at other top universities such as London School of Economics, Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh, St Andrews and a range of Russell Group universities.

They gained entry onto a range of courses from Economics to Politics, Engineering to Psychology. A significant number went on to study Medicine, Dentistry and one to Veterinary Medicine.

At GCSE the leap in top pass grades was spectacular. Our A* rate went up by more than 10% setting a new record. Over half of every single GCSE taken resulted in an A* grade (51%, up from 41.8% last year).

This compares exceedingly well with the national A* rate of 6.8%. The A*/A rate at Yarm School was also a new record at 76.9% (up from 69.8% last year). The A*/B rate was

91%, again a new record and slightly up on last year’s 89.5%. The overall pass rate was 97.8% and 100% of our candidates gained the Government’s benchmark of 5 A*-C rate (including Maths and English).

From a cohort of 106 pupils nine achieved straight A* grades and 18 achieved ten or more A*’s. One pupil, who took 14 GCSEs, achieved A* in every one of them.

Yarm School continues the move towards International GCSEs (IGCSEs) which in 2014 were sat in Business Studies, English (Language and Literature), Modern Languages, Mathematics and the three Sciences. We believe very strongly that these more rigorous examinations are better preparation for A-level and are more reliable than their domestic counterparts.

We congratulate every single pupil who took public examinations this year. They all did exceptionally well and we are proud of them and grateful for the very hard work of their excellent teachers.

David M Dunn Headmaster

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School Appointments

School Officer Appointments 2014 – 2015 School Captains

Joshua Atkinson Olivia Weatherhead Vice Captains Alex Bridges Jack Waller Jennifer Dunn Jonathan Wong Nanditha Pradeep Prefect Appointments Aidan House Akshay

Ahitan

Sophie

Allick

Joshua

Atkinson

Bede House HC SC

Michael

Alexander

Olivia

Alexander

George

Atherton

Tanya

Bayley

PSM

Christopher

Baczkowski

Anna

Elms

HC

Jamie

Buck

Matthew

Foster

PSM

Martin

Croft

Tamer

Fuat

PSM

Lily Grace

Frank

Olivia

Glenn

HVC

Joseph

Freeney

HVC

Cuthbert House PSM

Oswald House

Alexander

Bridges

Jessica

Bedi

Christian

Calgie

SO

Sarah

Braithwaite

PSM

Fergus

Davidson

Samuel

Bresland

PSM

Nicholas

De Jong

HC

Alena

Din

PSM

Jessica

Dunlop

PSM

Alasdair

Dixon

Jennifer

Dunn

SO

HC

Jessica

Giovagnoli

Alexander

Gittens

PSM

James

Elston

Yasmin

Gibson

Alexander

Gunn

PSM PSM

Matthew

Lavelle

Samuel

Guest

HC

Max

Harrison

Sarah Jane

Hill

Alexander

Leith-Ross

Emma

Horner-Harker

PSM

Alexander

Heavers

Bradley

Howard

HVC

Milen

Patel

Joshua

McClaren

Nina

Herbert

HC

Stephanie

Kusalakumar

HC

Benedict

Spencer

Raheem

Mohammed

Jenna

Hobbs

PSM

Kathryn

Marshall

HVC

Alexander

Stephenson

Saif

Mohammed

Timothy

Home

Minahil

Rashid

PSM

HVC

PSM

Thomas

Stockdale

PSM

Jason

Newmarch

PSM

Kieran

Johnson

Hannah

Sunley

PSM

Lily

Park

PSM

Thomas

Lawson

Jonathan

Teague

James

Shaw

James

McCullagh

HVC HVC

Alice

Rigby

HVC

Connor

Robinson

HC

Elena

Swinson

Harry

Thompson

HVC

Kristopher

Takoor

HC

Thomas

Monsarratt

PSM

Charles

Tilly

Olivia

Weatherhead

SC

Sankalp

Tandle

HC

Nanditha

Pradeep

SO

Andre

Wilson

Natalie

Woods

PSM

Mark

Wilson

Hannah

Taylor

Chloe

Race

PSM

Shravaree

Tryambake

Abigail

Riley

HVC

Jack

Waller

SO

Christopher

Stratford

PSM

Jonathan

Wong

SO

Abigail

Tombling

PSM

James

Watson

PSM

SC = School Captain SVC = School Vice Captain HC = House Captain HVC = House Vice Captain PSM = Peer Support Mentor

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Yarm Preparatory School Grammar School Lane Yarm TS15 9ES Email: prepschool@yarmschool.org Telephone: 01642 781447

Yarm School The Friarage Yarm TS15 9EJ Email: admin@yarmschool.org Telephone: 01642 786023

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