MUSICAL MAESTROS EXPLORING ISRAEL SKIING THRILLS IN SNOWY AUSTRIA
Magazine 2014/15
High fliers
Another outstanding year for Yarm School
Headmaster’s Welcome
An amazing year‌ Welcome to the 2015 Yarm School Magazine! I very much hope that you will enjoy reading this excellent publication and that it will bring back happy memories of a busy and highly successful year. From sport to trips, Performing Arts to CCF, there is always a huge amount on offer at Yarm School which helps us to develop such well-rounded and talented young people. The photographs and reports in the following pages capture the excitement and exhilaration of these many activities and opportunities.
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Our staff here at Yarm are fantastic and give very generously of their time and enthusiastic support. The many activities which they oversee help to foster particularly strong relationships which, in turn, make for a happy and successful school. 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.
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 Lynsey Craig 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
Music Highlights PAGES 8-11
Dance Showcase PAGE 12
Second Year Adventure Camp PAGE 25
Skiing PAGES 28-29
Trip to Israel PAGES 54-55
Combined Cadet Force PAGES 32-33
Headmaster’s Welcome............................................2 Hello.................................................................................. 4 Hello and Goodbye..................................................4-5 Development..................................................................6 First Year Discovery Day...........................................7 Music Highlights.....................................................8-11 Dance Showcase.........................................................12 House Drama................................................................14 Duologues.....................................................................15 Fourth Year Drama....................................................16 Fifth Year Drama.........................................................17 The Crucible..................................................................18 Yarm School Baccalaurate.....................................19 Duke of Edinburgh/Orienteering........................20 Fontainebleau..............................................................21 Outdoor Education Trips................................. 22-23 First Year Outward Bound.....................................24 Second Year Adventure Camp.............................. 25 Third Year Journey....................................................26 Leadership................................................................... 27 Skiing Trips............................................................28-29 Greece Sailing.............................................................30 Combined Cadet Force..................................... 32-33 Aidan........................................................................34-35 Bede......................................................................... 36-37 Cuthbert.................................................................38-39 Oswald....................................................................40-41 Exchange Trips....................................................42-43 Design and Technology...................................44-46 Fashion Show.............................................................. 47 Art............................................................................. 48-51 Classics Trip – Italy................................................... 52 Politics Trip – Israel...........................................54-55 Politics.................................................................... 56-57 History Trip – Madrid...............................................58 Maths............................................................................. 59 Independent Learning.............................................60 Geography Trips..........................................................61 Biology Day/Yarm Apprentice.............................62 Rugby Tour........................................................... 64-65 Rugby......................................................................66-67 Rowing................................................................... 68-69 Netball/Netball Tour.........................................70-71 Hockey – Girls.......................................................72-73 Hockey – Boys............................................................. 74 Cricket............................................................................ 75 Sports Day..............................................................76-77 Tennis............................................................................. 78 Study Leave Day......................................................... 79 Sixth Form Leavers’ Day.........................................80 Yarm School Association........................................81 Exam Results..............................................................82 School Appointments..............................................83
Thanks to Yarm School staff, parents and pupils who have contributed to this year’s magazine. Editor: Lynsey Hannah LJH@yarmschool.org ©Yarm School 2015 Designed and printed by The Specialists www.thespecialists.org.uk
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Hello
Mr Jim Brettall
Mr David Skirving
Mr Tom Newman
Mr Josh Alexander
Miss Lucinda Whiteman
Mr Rob Williams
Mr Tim Taylor
Mr Adam Bridges
Welcome to new staff We welcome Mr Jim Brettell to the school this year as Head of Classics. Educated at Cheltenham College and Lincoln College, Oxford, Mr Brettell brings a wealth of experience to Yarm School. Mr Brettell joins us from Barnard Castle School where he is currently Head of Department. Previously he was Head of Classics at Richmond School where he taught our Director of Studies, Mr Morton. In his spare time Mr Brettell is a keen bird watcher and traveller, having visited 65 countries, seeing almost 4,000 species (over 40% of the world’s population). Other hobbies include tending to his allotment and singing tenor in Richmond Choral Society. Mr David Skirving joins our Mathematics Department. He was born and educated in Hartlepool before completing a Mechanical Engineering degree at Newcastle University. From there he joined the Royal Air Force as an Engineer Officer. Mr Skirving spent a tour as the Training Officer in charge of a squadron of cadets undergoing Initial Officer Training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell. After obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration, Mr Skirving was awarded a Commanding Officer-in-
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Chief’s Commendation. Upon retiring from the Forces, he re-trained as a teacher and has been working for six years at Hartlepool Sixth Form College delivering Maths and Further Maths. Mr Skirving spends his spare time as a player and coach with nearby Stockton Hockey Club but is also nearing completion of the construction of a Dodge Viper Replica kit car, his second car-build. We welcome former pupil, Mr Adam Bridges, back to the school this year. As one of our outstanding recent modern linguists, he joins us to teach French and German. Adam Bridges was School Captain in 2008/9 before proceeding to read French and German at Worcester College, Oxford and then take his PGCE at York University. He has taught at a state school in outer London. He is keen to re-join the CCF, which he much enjoyed at school and help with a range of other extra-curricular activities. Mr Josh Alexander joins the school to teach Geography and sport. Croydon-born Mr Alexander was educated at Trinity School and then read Geography at Worcester College, Oxford. After leaving university Mr Alexander worked for LOCOG on the London Olympic Games, a law firm in the City
and a management consultancy before deciding to join the teaching profession. He is a keen sportsman and enjoys rowing, marathon training, skiing, scuba diving and sailing, as well as being a qualified hockey coach. “I’m very much looking forward to moving to the Yarm, and getting involved in everything the school has to offer.” Miss Lucinda Whiteman joins us in September to teach Religion and Philosophy. Educated at King’s School, Tynemouth, she went on to read Philosophy and Education at University College, Durham University. Miss Whiteman taught English in the Parisian suburbs, working most recently at Durham Chorister School, where she has also taught hockey which is one of her interests. Miss Whitman enjoys musical theatre and drama and is a member of various local dramatic societies. During university, she was a member of the Executive Committee of Durham University Canoe Club and is passionate about playing the guitar, travelling, art and poetry. “I am thoroughly impressed and excited about the forward thinking nature of the Religion and Philosophy department.”
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Hello and Goodbye
Farewell and thank you… Joining the Music Department this year is Mr Rob Williams. Mr Williams was educated at the Minster School, Southwell, before reading Music at the University of York. He specialised in organ studies and piano accompaniment. Mr Williams completed his PCGE at Durham University before taking up a teaching post in Yorkshire. Mr Williams is a passionate musician who has performed live on BBC 1, ITV, BBC Radio 3, and BBC Radio 4. Outside of music he enjoys cooking, cycling, board games and astronomy. Several pupils may have already met Mr Williams as he has already been into school to assist with some recent concerts. We welcome Mr Tim Taylor to the History Department. He was educated at Taunton School, an HMC school very similar to Yarm, before reading Modern History at Cardiff University. After university Mr Taylor began a six year career in the Army, reaching the rank of Captain. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he won the accolade of top academic in the college. Mr Taylor served with the Second Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, an infantry unit. During his time in the British Army, he served in Afghanistan, Jordan, Cyprus, Central America, Africa, Australia, the USA and Germany. He is a keen rugby player, passionate about snowboarding, surfing and all things outdoors. Joining the Biology Department is Mr Tom Newman. Born in Surrey, he was educated in West Sussex and then Durham University where he studied Biology and is now completing an MA in Education. A keen sportsman, Mr Newman is also College Sport Manager at Durham. He has played tennis at county level and in the university league, overseeing Durham’s rise to the top of the national rankings. Mr Newman also swam, played golf, cricket and table tennis for the university teams. “The Yarm Biology department is exceptionally strong and I am very much looking forward to joining the team and getting involved in all aspects of school life.”
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Mr Michael Trotter retires this year after joining the school as Director of Music in 1984, when it was still in its infancy. After 14 years leading the department though a period of rapid growth and development, he then took on the role of piano teacher and member of staff in charge of the ABRSM Exams. We should like to thank Mr Trotter for his support, diligence, his exceptional work with our young pianists and all those who have taken ABRSM exams and benefitted from his guidance. We shall all miss him greatly and we are sure you will join us in wishing him a healthy and happy retirement. Dr Paul Chapman joined us in September 2003 as Director of Studies and led the academic side of the school superbly for eight years. He oversaw a most successful inspection, introduced many new initiatives, including IGCSE Mathematics, Religion and Philosophy Pre-U and our own process of school self-review. Dr Chapman became widely respected throughout the school and region as one of the leading academic deputies. He stood down from this role in 2011 to take semi-retirement. Since then he took on the role of Senior Master and has most ably overseen our training and induction programme, outdoor education – and he has led countless trips – the introduction of YBACC and written our school timetable. We thank him most sincerely and wish him a wonderful retirement. Mrs Jackie Menzies joined us in January 2007 as a part-time modern linguist and has been a wonderful contributor to the department and school ever since. Always a teacher with a positive outlook, she has helped many pupils to exam passes to whom modern languages didn’t come easily and naturally – a great talent! Beyond that, she has been the enthusiast behind the school herb garden and supporter of many exchange visits. She leaves with our very best wishes for her retirement.
Mr Paul Connery joined the school in September 1997 as Head of Business Studies/Economics. He has overseen a great deal of development in the subjects, the move to IGCSE as well as the physical move from the cabins to the wonderful new classrooms. He has been in charge of the CCF in recent years, giving most generously of his time and leading many field days and longer trips and camps. Now that his daughter is leaving school, he is moving closer to family in the south-west and will be joining The Cathedral School, Llandaff. Mrs Cherry Ankers will be taking over as Head of Economics/ Business Studies and Mr Connery will be succeeded as Contingent Commander of the CCF by Mr Chris Mulligan. Mr Peter Skerratt joined in 2011 from Durham University. Mr Skerratt has rapidly made his mark, impressing in both the classroom and leading our Monday Assemblies and services for the last two years. He is moving with his young family to the Midlands, where his family resides, taking up a post at Bromsgrove School. Mrs Helen Salvage, who joined the mathematics department from Prior Pursglove College in 2010, leaves us to join Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form College. She has contributed generously to mathematics teaching and also outdoor education. Miss Beccy Bownas joined us as a trainee in 2011. Miss Bownas has flourished as a young teacher and contributed most generously to girls’ sport, especially netball. She is now keen to move back to her native south-east and has secured a post at Hurstpierpoint College in West Sussex. We also thank Miss Megan Johnson who has taught in our Psychology Department this school year and wish her well as she takes up a full-time position at Dyke House Sports and Community College.
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Development
rand Grand G s n g i s designs e d During the summer holidays, whilst pupils were resting, the school was a hive of activity. Work on the music school, boathouse, AstroTurf and landscaping moved up a gear as the site was transformed! Although the music school looked finished from the outside at the end of term, crucial work on the staircase and glass link commenced which meant knocking through the wall into the Friarage. The noisy and slightly messy work was saved for the holidays so the
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builders could work throughout the day without disrupting lessons. The finishing touches were added to the teaching rooms and lecture theatre, completing the ultra-modern look. The old music school was given a new roof and rendered walls, together with a complete internal refit, ready to become the new H for the Estates department. Work on the boathouse and AstroTurf progressed rapidly and plans for the opening ceremony were afoot. The new site landscaping transformed
how the school looked after much work by diggers, steam rollers and man-hours. The new entrance to the school will improve safety onsite with a separate pedestrian access and improve traffic flow. Overseeing these major works was not enough for the Estates department so they also decided to build a new gazebo, paint the Sixth Form gazebo and benches, refurbish the entrance lobbies to Geography and Classics, install new entrance doors and refurbish the lobby in the Tate Building and redecorate the Prep School Hall.
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Discovery Day
miles of smiles on the day On the first Saturday of the school year, members of the First Year enjoyed their first school trip: Discovery Day. There were some nervous faces in the Auditorium, with pupils not knowing quite what to expect, but by the end of the day there were plenty of smiles. We had fun on the walk along the Cleveland Way with the Sixth Form helpers setting challenges for the pupils to complete along the way. The walk is a good opportunity to have a chat to new friends and teachers along the way. Everyone enjoyed the raft building exercise. Pupils were given some empty barrels, pieces of wood and ropes (as well as all of the safety equipment and guidance needed) and told that they needed to rescue a damsel in distress from the other side of the river! Thank you to the Sixth Form pupils for playing the part of the damsels so well, even if some of them were very manly damsels. Each group managed to build a raft, although some groups got a little wetter than others! We also attempted the Swamp Challenge which requires high levels of team work and leadership – as well as a sense of humour – a brilliant way for everyone to get to know each other. After all of this hard work we had
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really built up an appetite and we were more than ready to sample the delights of the barbecue. Thank you to chefs Dunn and Woodward for cooking the food and also to the Catering and Estates teams for their hard work. Thank you also to the First Year Pastoral Team, Heads of House and the Sixth Form helpers for your support. Finally, thank you very much to Mrs Mulligan for stepping in at the last minute to help out with the walk.
Mr Chris Mulligan
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Music
Something for everyone: music maestros leave audiences wanting more…
A year in the extra-curricular life of the music department is somewhat akin to Masterchef, in which contestants serve up a variety of tasty dishes from hearty meals for the masses to exquisite intricate concoctions of the finest fayre. Whatever the culinary purpose, the focus for participants is to create something delicious leaving the recipients wanting more. From September to July, the musical banquets have been prepared and savoured by thousands, and each one has been enhanced by its own special flavour. See the ‘menu’ to take a look at what we have served up! Throughout the year, traditional school musical events have been seasoned with an exciting array of performances and workshops involving members of Prep and Pre-Prep, musicians from Yarm and the wider Teesside area, national groups
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and even a school from the southern hemisphere. It was wonderful to add an international flavour when pupils from St Luke’s, Argentina visited Yarm on their sport and music tour. After a busy day of sporting fixtures our choirs came together for a cosmopolitan evening of choral music in the Auditorium. Our wind and brass players enjoyed a workout with members of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra before connoisseurs of jazz were treated to a concert of the highest quality. In November, the School Choir and Yarm Choral Society came together for an unforgettable concert to mark the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War - a performance of the Armed Man by Jenkins with sonorous and a highly evocative accompaniment provided by the world famous Black Dyke Band. In the first half, the band treated
us to a magnificent spread of brass band music of the first order, and the key ingredient? Kieran Johnson, who was the star of the percussion section. Our community Christmas Concert is becoming a firm favourite in the Yarm calendar and this year’s offering was designed to highlight both the sacred and more frivolous side of the festive season. Following sacred gems from the Medieval era to the present day, the party atmosphere took off with popular Christmas favourites. The newly formed community big band was a huge hit enhanced yet further by the charisma of two stars of the school staffroom - Mr Chris Thomas and Mr “Big John” Milgate whose last concert it was with us. With so much delicious icing on the musical Christmas cake, of particular note was the amazing performance of Fairytale of
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Music
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New York performed by Ella-Joy Hunton, Sam Hardy, Ella-Joy’s parents, Suzi and Kev, and the School Choir. It was Kevin Wilkins’ last performance with us as he sadly passed away in the summer, but we shall never forget his musical
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talent, effervescent personality (and and singers and instrumentalists from complementary suit!) and his immense school brought musical magic to the kindness. auditorium with their performances of Picture the scene at February’s Musical Tippett and Haydn. Whilst an acquired Cornucopia, a joint concert with Tees taste for some, our musicians sing and Valley Music Services; over 100 string play classical music regularly at concerts players from Yarm School aged 5-18 years and services and the squeezed onto the to top table to perform ol at Yarm classical greats such as Bach’s enior Scho rform S e th in s Brandenburg Concerto No 3 and Ensemble eek and pe rse each w Monti’s famous Czardas. And the who rehea concerts: o ol sweetest taste of all? A wonderful at the Sch performance of the Bumblebee oir School Ch Song performed by the Pre-Prep ze li Voca ukulele group. The atmosphere was The Hub electric and we hope that it may Cantamus have inspired the next generation hoir Chamber C of string players, at a time when p o h rs e rb Ba learning the more traditional s Group orming Art rf e P instruments is in serious decline ocal Group V e tr a Music The throughout the country. Another ety Choral Soci ud national concern is the demise in lo A ’ ls ir G ly On boys’ singing and at Yarm we are d n Big Ba working very hard to engage boys in ding piano Orchestra bles (inclu this brilliant activity. The inaugural m se n e r e Chamb quartets) performance of the ABC (All Boys’ Choir) trio, string g in tr s , io tr at our Welcome to Broadway concert mble String Ense was an angel delight! To see boys aged d n a B d in W 7 taking the stage with our tenors and ising Phoenix R basses was a very special moment, and e n a h p o ll e C when all our singers came together Jazz for The Rhythm of Life the aficionados e Ensemble Saxophon packed into the auditorium were brought ups Guitar Gro to their feet. lute Group F In contrast to the glitz and pizzazz of up Brass Gro Broadway, our April concerts focussed on up ecorder Gro R classical repertoire and the community nsemble E n io ss u Perc Festival Orchestra. Yarm Choral Society
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Music
“
Throughout the year our talented musicians have performed in our many ensembles with such aplomb…
”
Chamber Concert brought a wonderful intimacy to the Auditorium with music from the 17th century to the present day. Throughout the year our talented musicians have performed in our many ensembles with such aplomb and it has been wonderful to see students taking the baton, leading and accompanying ensembles, performing concerti with our orchestra, taking solo roles and having their own compositions performed. I should like to express my thanks to the exotic platter of leaving musicians who have given so much to the musical life of the school. What a year of gastronomic delights it has been! In the final week of term, we were treated to a collection of delicious sweets at the Dovecote Pop and Jazz concert enhanced further by the balmy weather. This was followed by our most unorthodox of musical concoctions at Lower School Prize Giving. Through our exciting musical representation of the building of the new Music School, all those present enjoyed a hearty banquet whilst savouring a soupçon of what the new facilities will bring to Yarm School musicmaking. Bon appétit!
Mrs Katie Staggs
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Music and Dance
SHOW-STOPPERS The annual dance showcase took place in the Princess Alexandra Auditorium, at the end of the Summer Term. Over 70 dancers from the Prep and Senior Schools took part, performing to a large audience of family, friends and staff! It was obvious the dancers had worked hard on new and exciting
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choreography over the school year. The show-stopping performance included Street Dance, Ballet, Tap, Bollywood, Acrobatic, Musical Theatre, solos, a duet and music! It was a great show from start to finish, with the dancers showcasing their impressive dance talent. We are already looking forward to next
year’s show which promises to be even bigger with more students involved with dance in the school. Thank you to all the dancers for their hard work and commitment over the year, and also all the staff and pupils involved in any way with the showcase this year! Miss Zoe Bellamy
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Drama Aidan
Cuthbert
class act
Once again, the teams of Sixth Form directors worked incredibly hard to get the best out of their young charges and produce a fantastic evening of drama. Aidan House’s version of the Cinderella story had acting strength in depth with every role delivered with the right degree of serious or comic exaggeration. From start to finish, this was a tight piece. It this was this completeness that made them eventual winners. Bede House’s creative adaptation of the Frozen story, really played to the strength of the cast with some fine singing and strong character acting. There were lovely stage moments with clever use of technical elements, and this combined
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Bede
Oswald
with strong directing of a large company made this a very effective piece. Cuthbert House took a different tact with the story of Anne Frank. This very serious piece was directed with real understanding of how theatre works, and the talented cast was fully adept at creating the claustrophobic atmosphere
of the living conditions. Oswald House’s take on The Lion King was a colourful spectacular with plenty of original movement work and some intelligently conceived scenes. The directors moved the piece cleverly around the stage to create clarity in their storytelling, and the individual acting was of a high standard. For me, House Drama is a highlight of the school year, not just because of the drama but because of the co-operation it engenders across the different year groups. The Sixth Form directors are the real stars and this year particular thanks got to (with apologies so those who were also involved but do not get mentioned here): Olivia Weatherhead, Bethany Edmondson, Imogen Kench and Alexa Vasey in Aidan; Olivia Alexander and Jack Waller in Bede; Alex Bridges, Nick de Jong and Jen Dunn in Cuthbert; and Connor Robinson, Yasmin Gibson and Bradley Howard in Oswald.
Mr Tim Pender
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Drama Junior Duologues
Plenty of talent to nurture With 32 actors on stage in a two hour burst of drama, it is impossible to mention everyone involved, but just let’s say, it was one cracking evening and there is plenty of talent here to nurture and develop. My personal highlights of the evening included Conall Lacy and Robbie Wilmot who opened the evening with a performance characterised by with strong use of facial expression, crystal clear delivery and effective movement around the stage. Caroline Atherton and Libby Jackson showed similar confidence and they both brought their characters to life in a dramatic but convincing way. This was a very polished and very detailed performance. Will Peacock and Raj Saravanan performed another piece requiring strong physical work and as well as clear vocal delivery, and their own adlibs added to the humour. Tom Brown said nothing as the comic foil to Dominic Shipman in their version of ‘Elementary Dating’ but acting is about communication between actors and with audience and they were very successful at this. The eventual winners were Caroline and Libby, but thanks to all who took part for a fabulous evening.
Mr Tim Pender
Caroline Atherton and Libby Jackson
Intermediate Duologues Freya Bernard and Anna Dias
A lesson in owning the space I think this might be my favourite duologues competition ever because the overall quality was so high. Every performer stepped forward confidently, delivered their lines with great clarity, and entirely owned the acting space. There are distinct groups of people in both Third Year and Fourth Year who love their drama, fully commit to it and thrive of each other’s company – nurture this and you can have something truly outstanding! It is impossible to go through everyone here, but we opened with three Monty Python sketches; in each case, they avoided just copying the original and used the script in an inventive and original way to make the pieces their own. Elly Fulford in the Fifth Year and Erin Gilhespie in the First Year, produced wonderfully convincing performances as the psychiatric nurse dealing with her agoraphobic patient. Kamiela Soeldner and Ishika Singh were extremely inventive in their adaptation of Finding Nemo, combining strong timing with confident physical work to really engage the audience. Sam Hardy and Alastair Oakley offered another adaptation, and the balance of Sam as Gollum and Alistair as Bilbo worked well. Eventual winners were Freya Bernard and Anna Dias with the performance of Art. There was a natural ease about both of them, trusting the script and doing just enough to be totally convincing. I could happily have watched them in a full production of this play. My personal thanks to Max Critchlow and Frances Pearson for being so creative and efficient in delivering the technical support, and to Mr Telfer for his adjudication. What a great evening!
Senior Duologues
The art of becoming a character It is always difficult to adjudicate a category where there are only two submissions – when one wins, the other loses! The winners on this occasion were Alex Bridges and Nick De Jong. Stones in His Pockets is a difficult twohander, with the actors playing 15 parts in rapid and fluid succession, and there are no clues in the script. Alex and Nick were adept at these swift transitions creating comic and believable characters at every turn. As adjudicator Mr Telfer pointed out, there was a real chemistry between the two; for me, what stood out was the ability to deliver the comic moment physically and vocally, and then shift the mood to convey the sadness that lies behind this story. Neha Kambalimath and Dom Ryan in the Lower Sixth had just returned from study leave and performed Two, by Jim Cartwright. The scene chosen by Neha and Dom does not make for easy watching. These two were fully committed to their characters, producing believable stage creations very different from their own personalities. They entered this world so convincingly that they took us with them – and that is what creates powerful theatre. Thank you to both pairs for putting on performances of such quality and bringing a thoroughly engaging evening to such a professional conclusion.
Mr Tim Pender
Nick De Jong and Alex Bridges
Mr Tim Pender
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 15
Drama
Greek tragedy is a success This year’s Fourth Year Greek Play wasn’t quite the five-day extravaganza of fifth century Athenian festivals, but it continued the ancient tradition of serious tragedy, followed by a lively and, at times, bawdy comedy to lift everyone’s spirits at the end. The tragedy was certainly tragic: in Euripides’ play, Medea (Ella-Joy Hunton), having been abandoned by her husband Jason (Rosalie Dang) for whom she had given up everything, seeks her revenge on him; she murders his new bride, the bride’s father the king (Mattie Burridge), and even her
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own and Jason’s young boys (Arran Brinham, Freddie Dawson, Woody Williamson). At the beginning of the play, we feel deep sympathy with the abandoned woman. And yet, as the Nurse (Katie Anderson) tells us in the opening scene, Medea is a wronged woman, in a desperate position, and with a history of violence. As the play progresses our sympathies shift, as Medea transforms from a poor, betrayed wife into a figure of vengeance and fury, and it is the cowardly and self-justifying Jason with whom we sympathise at the end, crushed and alone, as Medea takes the bodies of her sons to be buried in another land. And yet, as monstrous as Medea is, her love for the boys is clear to the very end. As she says to herself just as she goes inside to kill her boys: “Do not weaken… For this one short day forget your children; then mourn: though you kill them, you did love them.” A very special mention must go to the live musicians, also Fourth Year pupils, who not only performed the original songs in the play, but also wrote the music. Congratulations to all those involved, whether backstage or onstage, whose hard work managed make this production such a success. Mr John Hall
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Drama
‘A strong company working well together’ The Fifth Year production of The Winter’s Tale took place in the Studio Theatre and provided some fine entertainment. The first half is essentially a tragedy, with Yazdan Qafouri Isfahani excellent as Leontes, the man driven to terrible accusations by his jealousy. Georgia Curry, playing his wronged wife Hermione, demonstrated great poise and grace, First Year Ben White played her son admirably, and Eleanor Fulford produced a convincing and emotional performance as her servant Paulina. As the second half changes gear, the comedy was led by Arunima Bhatra and Jack Flannery, but they were
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supported by Lucy Flannery, Disha Anand, Phillip Pyke, Neha Vaze and a committed and hardworking cast. A few individuals have been mentioned, and with more space there should be more, but this
was a strong company working well together. Max Critchlow again proved his worth as an excellent technician, controlling sound and lighting cues with aplomb, and Harry Evans supported him ably. The tragedy of the first half merges into the comedy of the second, until a tense scene sees the regretful Leontes facing the outcome of his unjustified envy. Ultimately, there is resolution... or is there? For all those who enjoyed a splendid production – could she ever forgive him? Mr Ewan Craig
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Drama
The
e l b i c Cru “We just want to congratulate you – and your sixth form cast – for an excellent production of a very difficult play.” “We came to see the production tonight and we were really impressed.” “The comparatively young cast carried it off with such maturity.” “From the opening scene, I was transfixed by the compelling acting, imaginative lighting effects, costumes and background music, which combined to make it a wonderfully gripping performance, right to the end.” “Theatre in the round is also not easy to do as it tends to require minimal scenery, but the cast coped brilliantly with being surrounded by their audience.” “It was great to see the play performed in the round. Everything worked well – the lighting, the music and, of course, the acting.” “I found myself sweating in the second act, as the tension mounted and we were propelled towards the execution scene.”
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Yarm School Baccalaureate
MEETING THE
YBACC CHALLENGE This summer the YBACC celebrates its third birthday, having become a wellestablished part of school life in First to Third Year. Many pupils have now achieved certificates for completing one or more of the scheme’s five sections, though winning one of the coveted badges (for Award and Distinction) has so far proved very challenging and has been achieved only by a select, and much to be admired, few. The YBACC represents a tough challenge because it requires participation in all five sections: community service, cultural activity, independent learning, outdoor education and sport. Almost all can get one or
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two sections ticked off but most people struggle with at least one. So far the independent learning has been toughest for a majority, though a few seem to have found it easy! Pupils have to manage their own progress through the scheme, getting signatures in their handbook for each activity. While they are encouraged to get involved no one is going to chase them to get things done. It is a project that requires effort over a period of at least two years. So those who have secured their badges richly deserve them – very well done indeed!
Dr Paul Chapman
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Outdoor Education
going for gold The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme proved to be popular within the senior school, with over 70 pupils currently working towards their Gold level and another 70+ pupils at Bronze level. To achieve the Gold Award pupils need to complete the following sections: physical recreation, personal skill development, service and a residential
Orienteering
Well done to all of those fitting in some orienteering events around otherwise busy sporting and academic schedules! With success in the local league competition and at national events run by the British Schools Orienteering Federation it was another good season. Our local orienteering club (CLOK) run a schools’ league competition spanning seven races, taking place from September to July. Many congratulations once again go to the junior (First to Third Year) runners who together managed to win their league very convincingly
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project. This involves pupils to take on a broad range of activities and commitments both within and outside of the school community. The expedition section is where individuals come together as a team to have their own adventures in the great outdoors. Pupils have planned, participated in and completed many expeditions this
over Red House School in second place and Macmillan Academy in third. The senior (Fourth and Fifth Year) team was sometimes lacking in numbers because of other commitments but, nevertheless, managed a pleasing second place overall to Hurworth School, with Macmillan Academy third. Additionally a handful of runners turned out to compete in a CLOK competition on Ayton Moor in December, running against adults and talented club orienteers from across the region. Hence we were very pleased with performances from Isaac Murray, who won the Light
year, including several visits to the Great Glen Canoe Trail in Scotland, practice expeditions to the Lake District, walking on the top of the Pennines and of course the local North York Moors and Dales. I am looking forward to another busy year and hearing about pupils visiting the Palace to pick up their Gold Awards!
Mr Ric Van Opstal
Green event, and Joe Milnes, who was third on the Orange course. Despite the demands of exam preparation, both Alice (Upper Sixth) and Aidan (Fifth Year) Rigby continued to enjoy national success. Aidan won both the British Schools’ Score and the British Schools’ standard competitions for his age group, while Alice was second and third (respectively) in hers. Both competed well in a range of other challenging national events and have been selected to be part of the Great Britain Talent Camp and to train in Scandinavia this summer. Dr Paul Chapman
n Mr Chris Clifford leaves us to move to the North West to work as a freelance instructor. Whilst at the school he has led many trips and supported Dr Chapman and Mr Van Opstal with the full programme of Outdoor Education at the school. We are delighted that he will still be seen around school, as he will be intermittently working for us!
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Outdoor Education
It rocks… We have been visiting the leafy forest of Fontainebleau every Easter for eight years and in that time over a hundred students have experienced the magic of the bouldering available in a predominantly warm and sunny environment. This year, however, was a little different, the bad weather hanging over the UK for the first time hung around us too. Climbing sessions were interspersed with ‘cultural’ visits to local markets (our knowledge of different cheeses developed!), a trip to the famous château and an afternoon in Paris. The rock in the forest is unique and requires a bit of time to get used to. The problems usually require much more than just strength; a subtle blend of balance, tension and gymnastic ability. The group definitely had these
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skills in abundance and it was not long before everyone was rapidly increasing up the grades of problems that they were climbing. Isaac Murray and Louis Wilkinson threw their all into some really quite tough challenges; Isaac choosing to leave several layers of skin on some problems that got the better of him! The climbing was not all about what difficultly level we could climb but enjoying the experience. On occasion, we found some really pleasant scramble routes through the woods, linking ways up boulders to reach a summit, returning down to enjoy a good French picnic. I would like to thank the group for being so positive in the unusually difficult conditions and to Mrs Jennings and Mark for helping the trip run as smoothly as possible! Mr Ric Van Opstal Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 21
Outdoor Education
Fresh air in abundance in classrooms without walls
The First Years have had some great experiences this year, despite sometimes having to overcome some very challenging weather. In January the traditional day walk up Buckden Pike (in Wharfedale) had to be diverted to a lower level but, making the best of things, we ended with a fun little scramble up Conistone Dyb. In March the annual Selside trip experienced tremendous gales and, again, had to keep lower down the hillsides; however the various games and other activities ensured the pupils had fun – as well as
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developing their cooking skills. The weather was much better for the Treasure Hunt in May and the coast walk in June, with all of the pupils managing a paddle at Runswick Bay. In July the first day of the camping trip to Buttermere had much better weather and allowed us to reach a couple of summits. The forecast for the remaining two days was poor but turned out to be relatively kind to allow some good walks. By contrast the Second and Third Years benefitted from some good
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Outdoor Education
Clockwise from top left, Second and Third Year pupils at Cragside, Second Year Scotland trip; First Year treasure hunt; First Year coast walk; First Year Selside; Second Year Borrowdale; and First Year Buttermere
weather for their pre-Christmas trip to Northumberland and were able to enjoy their walks along Hadrian’s Wall and into the Cheviots, with lots of ancient hill forts and settlements to explore on the way. The various night games provoked fierce competition and had to be replayed several times! At Easter the Second and Third Year camping trip to Borrowdale had sunshine all the way, enabling us to climb Base Brown and Green Gable, Glaramara and Allen Crag and Dale Head and Hindscarth in three glorious days.
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The culmination of the year is the Second Year expedition to North West Scotland. With seven nights in tents and one in a mountain bothy, this is not a trip for the faint-hearted. However it allows us to explore some spectacular and remote scenery, including an idyllic wild camp on a glorious beach. Very many thanks to all of the staff who have contributed to this programme and all of the others in the wide range of Outdoor Education opportunities on offer.
Dr Paul Chapman Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 23
Outdoor Education First Year Outward Bound
Taking the plunge During the penultimate weekend of the Summer Term, a group of 77 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 they met their instructor, settled into their accommodation and then went straight out to have some fun in the extensive 18-acre grounds. 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 will have 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, orienteering, the trapeze and the nightline to name but a few. Some of the groups even made an evening excursion to Aira Force, which is lovely and peaceful on an evening. A highlight of the trip, for many pupils, was the jog and dip which involves everyone jumping off the jetty into the
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lake and getting thoroughly soaked. My personal favourite activity this year was climbing Hallin Fell. Some of the pupils wanted to race up the hill, but others found it a real challenge due to a fear of heights. I was really impressed with the way that the group worked together in order to ensure that everybody made it to the top together. I really admired the pupils who found the climb a challenge; they made it to the top with minimal fuss, showing excellent resilience. 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. 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 a Rubik’s Cube. The winners of the talent competition were Jack Critchlow, Freya Cain-Metcalf and Raj Saravanan who impressed with a great performance that involved singing and beat boxing. Tharun Suresh came a very close second with his ability to solve a Rubik’s Cube very quickly in front of a very large audience. Thank you to Mr Hall for hosting the talent competition with his usual amount of enthusiasm and humour. 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 and also to Mr Van Opstal and Miss Gamble for being such a big help on the trip. 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 Chris Mulligan
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Outdoor Education The annual Second Year Outdoor Education trip took place, once again, in June of this year around the area of Keswick with 96 pupils taking part. Yarm School mini-buses could be seen transporting pupils around this stunning part of the Lake District, taking Second Year pupils on a carousel of challenging activities. The pupils were split into small groups, each guided by instructors and Yarm School staff. Some groups took on the challenge of climbing up Skiddaw and camping out at Skiddaw House, whilst the others took part in mountain biking, gorge walking and sailing. Isthmus Cottage was a new location for this year and had beautiful views over the lake. The views were enjoyed by all whilst sampling the culinary delights which Mrs Clarke and Mrs Ankers had cooked up for them. After two and a half days packed with activities the pupils headed back to school to start the independent learning activities. We were lucky to have fantastic weather for the whole week. The pupils were good humoured and supported each other well throughout their time away. This is a time when many pupils step out of their comfort zones and it was fantastic to see pupils trying new activities and improving their skills in a range of activities. Mr Van Opstal and his team of outdoor instructors were once again able to deliver a varied and very enjoyable programme. Thank you to all the teachers who supported the trip. The Second Year pupils got a lot out of and appreciated the experience.
Mrs Gina Leary
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Second Year Adventure Camp
Getting a grip
Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 25
Outdoor Education Third Year Journey
Taste of
adventure Many congratulations to the eighty members of Third Year who completed their Journey successfully towards the end of the Summer Term. The challenge is to complete a four day circuit of Ripon, staying at three different campsites, with one day each of canoeing and mountain biking and two days of walking. The two walking days double up as the practice expedition for the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, with one of the campsites being a very basic ‘expedition campsite’ to which the pupils have to carry everything they need.
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Building on their experiences on the First and Second Year trips, pupils have to co-operate in teams, take more responsibility for organising themselves and the kit they need, navigate, cook some of their meals and keep going over a longer time period. Teamwork was essential for success and it was good to see most of the groups working increasingly well together to help each other along. Many thanks go to the huge number of staff who willingly gave up their time, including at the weekend and overnight, to make the trip possible. Dr Paul Chapman
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Outdoor Education Leadership
Taking the lead This year the Outdoor Education Department ran two contrasting leadership training weekends for Sixth Form pupils. The first of these was focused on training senior pupils to assist staff in leading small groups of younger pupils in mountain country. For the third successive year we started on Friday night in the very basic campsite at Seathwaite Farm, at the top end of Borrowdale, and then headed steeply uphill over Green Gable and Great Gable, to camp at Styhead tarn on the Saturday night. Students learned about moving over rough terrain, navigation (day and night), campcraft (including cooking and health/hygiene) and a wide variety of emergency scenarios. The second had a more general focus, with a considerable emphasis on team challenges and getting the best out of a group of people. Perhaps the most popular section of this was the ‘Ready, Steady, Cook’ challenge!
Dr Paul Chapman
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 27
Outdoor Education
g n i Go
g n i i Sk Both the junior and senior ski trips visited the Zillertal valley in Austria this year. The first trip set off just before Christmas and was for the older pupils of the school. The conditions were fantastic; many pupils topped up on vitamin D in the depths of winter. For some pupils, this was their first adventure into the delights of skiing while others were seasoned pros. The Zillertal caters perfectly for all levels in all conditions. This year we even enjoyed a day on the glacier at the head of the Tux valley: what an experience! Yarm pupils were dominant, again, at the customary Tyrolean evening competition. For quite a few on the trip this was their seventh Yarm School ski trip and I was particularly impressed with the enthusiasm, dedication and abilities of the pupils making their way out to Austria. I hope that for those who have now been on their last trip with school that they continue to develop and enjoy their skiing. Sam Guest is a qualified instructor and has already spent parts of his holidays passing on his skills and enthusiasm to novice skiers. I’m sure we’ll see him in the future, instructing on Yarm trips during in his university holidays! The junior trip set of during February half-term with younger pupils from the Senior School and some older pupils from the Prep School. We had another fantastic week, great conditions, lovely hotel and a superb team of instructors. The slopes were busy but we managed
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to avoid the worst of the queuing by being sprightly in the morning, often skiing by 9am. We had some long days on the mountain and again enjoyed a great evening programme of events, including the best swimming pool in the world (according to me!), fixed rail tobogganing and of course the Tyrolean evening, where we held our own against some older students, winning several rounds. We are already looking forward to the next skiing trips to the Alps this winter!
Mr Ric Van Opstal
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Outdoor Education
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 29
Outdoor Education
Plain sailing What a wonderful start to an amazing summer! 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 our older pupils from Third Year upwards, travelled to the resort of Nikiana for a week of sailing, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, kayaking, swimming and lots of pool volleyball. Pupils were split into smaller groups based
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on their sailing experience and each day mastered a new activity or skill from learning to tack and capsize a Pico to learning to the art of paddle boarding and tacking on windsurfs. The horseshoe 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 more challenging (and fun-filled) with offshore winds sending Picos, Lasers, Darts and Bahias zipping across the bay. Even complete novices to sailing at the start of the week entered the regatta on the final morning, with Andrew Blacklock and Will Begley making a great impression and Toby Reid somehow beating Mr Parker over the finish line!
Evening entertainment included a trip into Lefkas for some souvenirs shopping and plenty of ice-creams. Other evenings were spent in the hotel with a variety of entertainment from a challenge night involving catapults to Greek dancing. A lovely meal out under the olive trees on the beach was appreciated prior to a final night culminating 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 Mrs Guest for organising the amazing trip. Same again next year!
Mr Andy Guest
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Combined Cadet Force
ALWAYS A PLAN B… Adventure training In the Spring Term, several CCF cadets headed to Snowdonia for a week of adventure activities, including rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing and a two day expedition over Mt Snowdon. After an early start, we arrived at Bethesda and set up the tents which were to be home for the next few days. Under the guidance of Mr Clifford, the cadets had a challenging yet rewarding day on the rock faces of North Wales, a day mountain biking, and a day on the lake in the canoes.
A rush of adrenalin
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The weather was good to us, up until the time we wanted to head over Snowdon. The two-day exercise did not quite go to plan due to 50mph winds, freezing temperatures and horrific rain. In true CCF style, Mr Clifford had a plan B, which involved using the pupils’ advanced navigation skills and team working skills in the challenging climate. Through new experiences the cadets improved on their skill set, leadership skills and had fun. Thanks to the lads and Mr Clifford for making the trip a great success.
Mr Graham Mist
Summer camp We travelled to Penally, near Tenby, in South Wales with 12 cadets for the CCF Summer Camp. Our activities included live firing on the range, climbing and kayaking, a two day infantry exercise, raft building and a day relaxing in Tenby. As usual all the cadets came through the tests with flying colours. Live firing was very challenging with heavy rain and strong winds all day, but we all passed the APC shooting test and 5 cadets achieved a first class award. Tom Lonsdale was our best shooter on the day and his 84/100 was just one point off a marksman award. We were presented with the ‘Best Contingent on the Range’ award for our effort and attitude, weapon handling skills and average score. The main event at any camp is the infantry exercise and this year was no exception. We patrolled into the
harbour area, set up our shelters and sleeping areas and prepared for the exercises ahead. During the afternoon we went on a recce patrol to gather intelligence for an ambush that evening. When the evening arrived, we patrolled to the ambush site and waited for the enemy to pass. We sprung the ambush and cleared out of the site with our hearts pumping and adrenalin flowing we headed back to the harbour. In the morning, we
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Combined Cadet Force
OUR TRIP TO THE DROPZONE Parachuting This was the first parachuting course that the CCF had undertaken for many years and Josh Atkinson, Tanya Bayley, Tom Burton and Toby Atkinson had signed up to be the guinea pigs. We arrived at Netheravon, where the Red Devils parachute display team train, after a long journey and registered before heading to the camp site. WO2 Mist, being the organised person that he is, was not perturbed by the basic camp site and within minutes the tents were erected, sleeping mats unfurled and barbecues were lit. Early the next morning, the cadets were introduced to Freddie Huntley, a Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, who had peen parachuting for 14 years. Unbeknownst to us at the time, she is also one of the best parachutists in the country, and is about to become one of only three military parachutists that are qualified to design parachuting displays. The day entailed six hours of ground school training followed by a static line jump, this means that the cadets were to jump out of the aircraft on their own at 3500ft, and their parachute would be deployed by a line cleared the harbour and patrolled to another area we recce’d to come under contact from enemy positions. Under the leadership of CSgt Bridges and Sgt Atkinson we advanced, cleared the positions made it to our final rendezvous point for a debrief. We had a day on the water where we had to build rafts and then race them across the lake. After a brief period of instruction we were let loose to build the rafts before racing commenced in the afternoon. Again, we were later presented with the ‘Best Contingent on Watermanship’ award for our effort, attitude and raft building skills; i.e. the raft that stayed together the most. During our final parade, a number of promotions were made and awards were given for ‘Most Improved Cadet’ shared between Cdts Will Jackson and Ella-Joy Hunton. Cpl Will Bailey
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fastened to the interior of the aircraft. The training was a mixture of class based theory and practical sessions in the hangar. These hangar sessions covered how best to exit the aircraft, how to position the body while falling, how to land (quite important) and, perhaps more importantly, how to rectify faults with the parachute canopy should this fail. Ground school completed and a written test passed, all we needed was was awarded Best Cadet on Camp. We also said farewell and thank you to Captain Connery on his last
the wind to drop. When the call came, parachutes, altimeters and helmets were donned and the group were led out to wait for their aircraft. It took only minutes for the plane to reach the requisite height and the door was opened. Tanya was first, the Atkinsons jumped out together, and Tom was one of the last to jump out. The descent took what seemed like a very long time, but eventually (and thankfully) we saw the four cadets walking back from the dropzone, arms full of parachutes. All had the requisite number of limbs, all of which were intact! The cadets were full of enthusiasm for the adrenaline rush that the first 10 seconds had brought them. The actual descent under the canopy was described as being extremely serene! A debrief followed and Freddie made a detailed critique of each exit from the aircraft, with some very useful pointers for next time. All four cadets made very good jumps, with Tom Burton’s jump being described as ‘near perfect’. A late barbecue and an early night for all ready for the journey back to school. Apparently, it only takes a few more jumps before a free-fall jump can be attempted… Many thanks must go to WO2 Mist for organising the trip! Mr Graeme Addison camp. Thank you also Mr Mist, Mr Mulligan and Mrs Barker for all their time and effort preparing for and during camp. Yarm Contingent
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Aidan
Aidan House year-end report
The Discovery Day was a great success and the First Year pupils of Aidan House swiftly gelled into a strong team. Mrs Pyke was somewhat disconcerted when House Captain Anna Elms had to go home before the rafting activity was completed and she found herself in a wetsuit on the other side of the river Tees waiting to be rescued by her new tutor group! Fortunately, they rallied to the cause and brought her back without getting more than her feet wet. Discovery Day was swiftly followed by the First Year House Bowling Trip and the Sixth Form meal, both were
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very enjoyable. Our Charity Week raised a significant amount of money through the sale of Breast Cancer badges, sweets and ‘Happy Chickens’, together with a popular and successful five a side football competition. House Officers Akshay Ahitan, Anna Elms, Olivia Glenn, Matthew Lavelle, Harry Thomson and Alex Stephenson oversaw all of the events and stalls, resulting in generating funds of £500 to go to Breast Cancer charities. The team of Sixth Form directors worked together very effectively on the House Drama. They brought the younger pupils together into a mutually supportive, disciplined but clearly very happy band of players who gave a cracking performance, bringing the House Drama trophy to its rightful place! In addition, a significant number
of Aidan pupils rose to the challenge of the Pensioners’ Pledge which saw them raising almost £350 towards the cost of the Pensioners’ Christmas party. This money was raised through a whole host of activities – mostly chores done for a small fee with the proceeds being donated to the party fund. This generosity of spirit enabled us to once again lay on a fabulous Christmas dinner for over 40 local senior
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Aidan
citizens, catered by Martin and his team, paid for by the generosity of our pupils and their families. As ever, we had a rousing session of community carol singing and we were entertained by some brave and talented musical performers. Furthermore, through the collection of food donations in beautifully decorated boxes (for which Alex deserves a special thank you) we were able to deliver ten splendid hampers to the Challoner House community centre for distribution to those unable to attend the party. Assemblies have seen a variety of quizzes and getting to know you activities. Pupils elected a monkey to be the mascot of Aidan House and a challenge was set to find a name for the new addition to the Aidan family. As a result he now goes by the excellent, although slightly unimaginative, name of ‘Aidan’ and he will hopefully be seen at future Sports Days and House events. Mrs Pyke stepped down as Head of Aidan House at the end of May and
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handed over the reins to Miss Gamble. She was very thrilled to be able to leave Aidan House as the then holders of both the Sports Trophy 2014 and the Prize for House Drama, awarded in October 2014. Miss Gamble continued in Mrs Pyke’s footsteps with the most recent success for Aidan House coming at Sports Day. After a fierce battle between all four houses and a postponed high jump competition due to a threatening thunderstorm, Aidan came out on top, retaining the Sports Day trophy for another year. A special mention must go to all the team captains who ensured all pupils were organised and in good spirits and a big thank you and well done to every pupil who took part – every event counted! Mrs Pyke and Miss Gamble would like to thank all the staff and pupils of Aidan House who have given so freely of their time and energy. Mrs Shelia Pyke and Miss Hannah Gamble Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 35
Bede
Bede House year-end report
It has been an eventful year for the House of the Venerable Bede. I was impressed from the very start, by the enthusiasm of the new Bede Lower Sixth, half of whom were to become my latest group of Tutees. After my introductory talk, I was inundated with offers of help for our House events and questions about how to get involved over the year. Shortly thereafter, the new First Year pupils showed fantastic team spirit and, most importantly, a willingness to listen to each other on Discovery Day that led to one of the most rapid ‘swamp crossings’ I have seen in eight years! The First Year interhouse bowling competition was
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also a highlight, with Bede scoring the most points overall. Outgoing Captains Sam Guest, Kris Takoor, Sankalp Tandle and LilyGrace Frank were both efficient and effective. I was delighted with their efforts and commitment that, as I pointed out in assembly, go all the way back through their time at Yarm. My thanks and best wishes go to all four. They are to be succeeded by Estelle Denison-French, Kathryn Jackson, Shreenidhi Srinath and William Wallace. Again, these four have a record of getting involved throughout their time here; younger pupils aspiring to be Bede Captain take note! I have been pleased already by their approach to the role in the last weeks of the Summer Term. The annual House Drama competition saw excellent work from the team of directors. A special mention to Olivia Alexander and Jack Waller, both of whom demonstrated great vision and really got the best out of their cast. The production
of Frozen was fantastic with some star performances I shall not forget. Singing, comedy, romance, dancing and tragedy, not to mention a superb cast, props and costumes were all on display from a large group of Middle School pupils, with a particular focus on the youngest two year groups. However, once again, the judges were looking for the elusive ‘something else’ and the trophy was not to be ours. Plans are afoot for the coming year’s contest; the new directors and I have been scheming! Charity Week saw some dedicated efforts, especially from the Second Year. Their hard work earned nearly £400 for our charity, the Butterwick Hospice. There was a real atmosphere to the week with several events or stalls running every break and lunchtime throughout the week. I was very pleased with the spirit of engagement that I feel is so important to Bede House. Events ranged from cake stalls, fresh popcorn and drinks to table climbing, darts and even book
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Bede
selling. Charity Week was rounded off with the mighty music quiz, this year hosted by Eurovision winner Conchita ‘Emerson’ Wurst. The quiz is always a great evening of entertainment and this year we raised around £580. Thanks to all who came along to support the event, those who donated raffle prizes or wine to sell at the bar, Dr Perry for his hard work keeping the scores and especially to Mr Emerson for his continued enthusiasm with what was his ninth quiz. Bede raised around £1200 this year in total. Well done to all. Sports Day took place on one of the hottest days of the year in the new Middlesbrough athletics stadium. The stands were coloured in Bede yellow, the face paint was as bright as ever, and our flags and banners were bold. There was a strong representation from the seniors this year with a good number of Fifth Years and Upper Sixth students returning for one last run out for the team. Many thanks to those that turned out. There was some
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outstanding pupil support for the team in the stands, with key individuals acting as my eyes, ears and powers of persuasion to keep everything running smoothly. Like last year, Bede led going into the relay races but were just edged out by Aidan overall. My congratulations go to them. The closeness of this year’s event shows that every point counts. Those pupils who stepped up to fill a gap for an event really made a difference. There were other notable standouts for Bede this year. Two of our outgoing School Officers and two of the new team; strong representation in the choir and orchestra; winning performances in duologues; some great victories in the interHouse sports programme and much
more. Next year promises a great deal. Our new Captains have some great ideas and plans already underway. My message will remain the same: What have you done to make a difference? Stand up, stand out, be the one saying ‘I’ll do it’ when no one else will. Fortune favours the brave. Dr Paul Prideaux
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Cuthbert
Cuthbert House year-end report
It has been a pleasure to be in charge of Cuthbert House. The pupils have continued to impress me throughout the year, not only with their massive range of abilities (which we discovered in one of our house assemblies, including Rubik’s Cube solvers, a ballroom dancing expert, a lemon eater and one individual who has completed Crash Bandicoot) but also their generosity. At the start of the year, the House was presented with the ‘Just £3’ campaign which aimed to raise money for our chosen charity, ShelterBox. ShelterBox raises funds in response to
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the terrible disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan. The Cuthbertians of the school stepped up to the plate, with generosity beyond what I could have expected, and I am pleased to say that within 2 weeks we were able to write a cheque for £590 which bought a full ‘ShelterBox’. We were also delighted to the response for the collection of donated clothes to raise money for the EcoKids charity, the store room was rather full. There was a fantastic amount of effort from both the Sixth Formers and also the Middle School pupils in entering the various House
competitions. A very moving performance of Anne Frank was performed for the House Drama event and a winning performance in the House Music competition. Once again, congratulations to all those who took part and thank you for your efforts. Other events such as the First Year bowling trip and the Sixth Form meal were a great success, as well as the numerous inter-House sports events which took place. It is great to get to see the students outside of the school environment enjoying a wide range of activities. House assemblies included year
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Cuthbert
group photos, the obligatory ‘Dingbats’ at the start of the year and passionate election speeches from the Houses to party candidates in the recent mock election. Also the ‘Cuthbert House Music Quiz’ (organised by the captains) was a great success and will definitely be repeated next year. I would like to finish by giving thanks – firstly, to the many
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House and team captains and directors who have organised everything over the course of the year. Secondly, to the House staff for passing on information and ensuring that the pupils are as organised as can be. A final thank you to all the pupils in Cuthbert for their positive spirit, making this year a great success. Mr Tim Parker Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 39
Oswald
Oswald House year-end report
This year, Oswald House committed to supporting a great number of charities so we knew it was going to be a busy one. Charity Week was action-packed with the pupils going all out to raise funds, from gunging teachers to Pringle Tub challenges. Well done to all the tutor groups who creatively found their own way to have fun and raise funds. As I reflect on the year, what comes to mind is what a talented bunch of pupils we have in Oswald House. I was delighted to have so many willing participants laying down the gauntlet for The OZ factor competition. The pupils were keen and able to join in the fun whilst entertaining the House. The House Drama competition was another highlight, with a vast cast of pupils from First to Fourth
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Year and the support and guidance from our Sixth Form directors, the event proved to be a great experience for all. Our First Year Oswaldians dived straight into Discovery Day without hesitation. It was a great was to start the year and the perfect opportunity to get to know everyone in Oswald. By the time the First Year bowling trip, it was clear that all the pupils were settled and enjoying Yarm School life. This was also an early opportunity for the dedicated House Officers to show their impressive leadership skills. The Sixth Form Meal was well attended and a great success, thank you to our House Captain, Stephanie, for getting the social side of Sixth Form life off to an excellent start. At Christmas, Oswald House
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Oswald
pulled together once again to donate Christmas boxes to support the Convoy Aid Romania Appeal. Thank you so much for supporting the shoe box appeal, the organisation was thrilled with Yarm School’s contribution. Oswald pupils have shown great team spirit and determination, that we have come accustomed to seeing from our House, when competing in sports events throughout the year and Sports Day. Unfortunately, we didn’t win (again), but if there was a cup for the most supportive and patriotic house, I am sure we would win it. Special thank you to House Captains, Connor Robinson and Stephanie Kusakumalar, and Vice Captains, Bradley Howard, Alice Rigby and Kathryn Marshall, who worked with tremendous pride and dedication throughout the year. Mrs Ashleigh Jackson
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Languages
German exchange spass
French Exchange
Early one March morning, just as the sun was rising – why do school trips always leave so early? – a group of 27 pupils and three teachers gathered in front of the Friarage to head south on the annual French exchange to Lisieux. Some people looked like they had just got out of bed and others looked like they had never been to bed – and that was just the teachers! The journey was pleasantly quiet (I now realise the logic behind an early morning start!) and went without a hitch so that we were able to catch an early train at the Euro Tunnel. After a brief stop on the French side for sustenance, we arrived in the early evening at the school and the partnering process took place (very reminiscent of the evacuation process during the war!) and everyone departed into the cool night air with their hosts – and the correct luggage!
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On the first morning, the Sixth Form headed off to lessons whilst the rest of the group had the customary tour of the school with small groups of French pupils. A lunch at the school canteen was followed in the afternoon by a trip to the local zoo – unfortunately the rather inclement weather kept many of the animals indoors, including Mrs Menzies’ favourite residents – the llamas! Over the following days the group took part in a variety of historical and cultural trips which took in Rouen, with its famous cathedral and links to Joan of Arc, the Bayeux Tapestry, the Basilica at Lisieux, the Memorial at Caen, the beautiful seaside town of Honfleur and the thought-provoking war cemeteries. The weekend in the middle of the trip was spent ‘en famille’ with many of the English visitors venturing out of the area and several managing to fit in a trip to Paris.
All good things must come to an end and, before we knew it, Thursday had dawned and it was time to return home. There were the customary tears at the school (Mr Emerson never wants to go back to work!) and once all the teachers’ spoils from Leclerc and the local boulangerie had been loaded aboard (making sure the camemberts were in the luggage compartment under the coach!) off we headed in the early morning light bound for Blighty. The trip back was excellent and the coach driver managed to get us on an early crossing, once again, as we attempted to get back before the onslaught of the Easter weekend traffic and before you knew it we were pulling up outside the Friarage and disembarking, slightly more confident in French in particular and in life in general.
Mr Gary Emerson
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Languages
Pupils in Third and Fourth Year took part in the annual German exchange with our partner school in Werther. The group travelled out during October half-term, spending time in the school and visiting local attractions. These included the Autostadt, a car museum in Wolfsburg, the Dr Oetker Experience, and the cities of Bielefeld, Münster and
Cologne. The German pupils visited Yarm in April, with two days in school and visits to York, Cragside, Whitby and Castle Howard. Participants enjoyed the experience and gained linguistically and culturally. Frau Winkler from the Werther School gave an assembly on her charity work in Tanzania and proceeds from the summer non-uniform day were donated to these projects.
Mr Tom Fellows
Culture and Spanish football
In February half-term, a group of pupils from Fourth Year to Upper Sixth ventured to Valencia, to spend a week experiencing Spanish culture and improving our language. Charlie Danjoux rapidly immersed himself in Spanish life, whilst others relaxed by the beach or made a trip down to Alicante with their exchange partners. Mr Fellows and Frau Heinen led trips to visit local attractions such as the Oceanográfico aquarium, the Bioparc and the Fallas museum. We also spent a morning at school participating in lessons and getting a feel for the Spanish education system. Being an old city, there were many historical building around Valencia that we also visited, including the Miguelete
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Tower and the Torres de Serranos. As well as the rich history, there were many modern aspects to the city, such as the home of Valencia football club, El Estadio de Mestalla. A number of students were very lucky to be invited to a Valencia match during the trip and experienced the fantastic atmosphere of Spanish football. On one of our final days, both the Spanish and English students joined together for a visit to Gandia, a nearby coastal town, where we played football and relaxed on the beach – a great end to the trip! We would like to thank Frau Heinen and Mr Fellows for giving up their holidays to take us to Spain – muchas gracias!
Joe Box, Amelia Cockburn, Charlie Danjoux, Anna McDaid and Rosie Ravenhall Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 43
Design and Technology Andrew Clough, Coffee Table, GCSE
James Shaw, Remote Control Boat with Underwater Camera, A level
Designs
Michael Alexander, Ski Bike, A level
Evelyn Jesuraj, Music Stand, GCSE
for life The annual Design and Technology Product and Fashion Show provided the opportunity to celebrate the pupils’ outstanding work. The event was hosted in the D&T Department and saw a great turnout including pupils, staff and parents. The GCSE, AS and A level projects and portfolios clearly impressed visitors from the moment they entered, with reception drinks served from Akshay Ahitan’s glass-topped home bar. Inspiration for this year’s projects was varied, highlighting the creativity of the pupils and the department. Decorative, technical and practical projects were on display, from Elly Fulford’s beautiful medieval inspired storage chest to James Shaw’s remote control boat with underwater camera. The delicious barbecue served by Chef Greg and his team provided time to reflect on the energetic, creative and hardworking nature of the pupils before heading into the Auditorium for an amazing fashion show. Mr David V G Dunn
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Design and Technology Jenna Hobbs, Dressing Table, A level
Toby Reid, Uplighting Unit, GCSE
Prakriti Singh, Storage Chair, GCSE
Joshua McClaren, Modular Storage Boxes, A level Louie Van Geffen, Sheep Showing Stand, GCSE
Harry Brown, Chicken Hutch, GCSE
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 45
Design and Technology Oliver Wilmot, Card and Gaming Table, GCSE
Alexander Humphrey, Memphis Inspired Storage Unit, GCSE
Freya Gittens, Coffee Table/ Storage Unit, GCSE
Eleanor Fulford, Medieval Inspired Storage Chest, GCSE
Jacob Slack, Storage Unit, GCSE
Jack Flannery, Ottoman Storage Chest, GCSE
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Textiles
In vogue Talented pupils showcased their designs in the annual Textiles fashion show. Fourth Year to Upper Sixth pupils graced the catwalk in the Princess Alexandra Auditorium to display their GCSE and A level work. The designs varied in colour and style from Rosie Eldabe’s Union Jack lined strapless dress to Jessica Bedi’s English Heritage inspired outfit. Natalie Friesem’s Alice in Wonderland inspired men’s garment was superbly modelled by Harry Bean. The Fourth Year pupils experimented with calico fabric to create interesting shaped
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garments ready to develop next year. It was apparent from the designs showcased that the pupils had used the knowledge and research they gathered at the annual trip to the Clothes Show Live. This year, pupils were challenged to design and make an animal inspired eco-garment. The pupils were extremely creative choosing to use innovative materials to a variety of animal inspired designs including a unicorn, octopuses and a bird. Mrs Ashleigh Jackson Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 47
Art
Annabel Jones, GCSE
Amelia Hattersley, GCSE
Bryony Borrowdale, GCSE
Austin Ridley, GCSE Elly Fulford, GCSE
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Art
Jess Turnbull, GCSE
Evelyn Jesuraj, GCSE
Lucy Flannery, GCSE
Louie Van Geffen, GCSE Jacob Slack, GCSE
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 49
Art
Marisa Bayley, GCSE
Neha Vase, GCSE
Nina Herbert, A level
Prakriti Singh, GCSE
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Sophie Allick, A level
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Art
Jess Bedi, A level
Jenna Hobbs, A level
Lily-Grace Frank, A level Jackson Deans, A level
James McCullagh, A level
Lucy Quigley, A level
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 51
Classics
roman holiday Over the Easter holidays a group of over 30 Second and Third Year pupils set off in the early hours to embark on a Classics trip to Italy. After a fairly uneventful flight we landed in Rome, checked into the hotel and wasted no time before our first round of sight-seeing. First on the itinerary was a trip to the Pantheon, a temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa and rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD; it was made famous by the oculus (eye) in the middle of the roof. Then, after a stop off for lunch, we headed to the Piazza Navona; a racecourse built in 1st century AD and made famous by its use in films such as Dan Brown’s ‘Angels and Demons.’
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Our final stop for the day was made at the Spanish Steps. The following day started with a guided tour of the Roman Forum and the Flavian Amphitheatre (more commonly known as the Colosseum). Our guide explained to us the purpose of the Colosseum, used for gladiator combats, beast displays and executions. In the afternoon we took the Metro into the Vatican City where we visited St Peter’s Basilica. For evening entertainment we made our way to the Trevi Fountains… only to find that they had been closed, drained and under scaffolding for restoration, but we enjoyed yet more ice-cream! After our two action-packed days in Rome, we headed to Sorrento via Tivoli. At Tivoli, we stopped off to visit the Villa of Emperor Hadrian. The villa was built for Hadrian during the 2nd century AD. After we finished walking around the impressive gardens we got back onto the coach and continued into Sorrento. We awoke early the following morning to climb up Mount Vesuvius! Sadly, the weather was not quite on our side and the climb was cold and wet – weather you’d expect climbing in Scotland, not Italy! In the afternoon we spent the day in Herculaneum, a
resort and spa town that suffered the same fate as Pompeii to an extent. The difference being that the people there were not buried beneath a cloud of ash but were killed instantly in the intense heat of a pyroclastic surge. For our evening entertainment, we were lucky enough to be allowed into the kitchens of a local ice-cream parlour where we were shown how the amazing ice-cream is made. The weather was on our side as we headed into Pompeii. We did the full sweep of the city from the Amphitheatre to the Forum and everything in between. One of the more notable sights for me was the house of Caecilius, the banker who we met in the first book of the Cambridge Latin course. We even saw the garden that has been made famous by the phrase “Caecilius est in horto”. In the background of the city you could see Vesuvius lurking… The trip was a great success and most enjoyable. Once again I, on the behalf of all of those who went, would like to thank Mr Hall, Mr Hardy, Mrs Pyke and Mr Skerratt for taking us and putting up with us whilst we were there! Arrivederci! Sam Hardy
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Politics
ISRAEL-PALESTINE A mixture of Politics students, Medieval historians, and other interested folk undertook a week long cultural visit to Israel-Palestine during the February halfterm holiday. Highlights included: n First views of the ancient walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, holy city for Christians, Muslims and Jews. n Hummus from Abu Shukri situated at the ‘Fifth Station of the Cross’, (‘Simon the Cyrene helps Jesus carry the cross’). n Meeting with the Head of External Affairs at the British Embassy. n Evening in medieval Jaffa with two former Israeli soldiers from campaign group Breaking the Silence join us for supper. n Meeting with Gidon Levy, a giant of Israeli journalism, lauded by
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progressives as an ‘heroic writer’. n Snow in Jerusalem! An overnight blizzard blanketing the city allows for a snow ball fight assault on the Jaffa Gate against defending locals. n Floating in the sun drenched Dead Sea after a visit to ancient Jericho. n Visit to the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the reputed site of the manger. n Wandering around the other worldly Palestinian refugee camp in Bethlehem, a square kilometre of densely-packed, graffiti-adorned, breeze block buildings. n Visiting the Ethiopian Orthodox hermits on the roof of the church on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Mr Stephen Edwards
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Politics
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Politics
Students experience political spectrum
The Politics Society seeks to present the subject in its very widest context, engaging students in all forms of political awareness and understanding. In addition to weekly guests 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 region. This year a group has also been set up to explore International Relations. All members of the school community are welcome at all events. The following is a list of speakers who visited the Society of this academic year: n Susan Mansaray, FGM Campaigner n Paul Catterall, Chief Executive Officer, Open Door North East n Sir Martin Narey, Former Chief Inspector of HM Prisons, Chief Executive of Barnados n James Wharton MP, Member of Parliament for Stockton South n Jonathan Adams, Human Rights observer in Israel-Palestine n Andy Preston, Founder of Teesside Philanthropic Foundation, Middlesbrough Mayoral Candidate n Dr. Valentina Feklyunina, Russian and Eurasian Security expert, Newcastle University n Richard Moss, BBC Political Editor, North East and Cumbria
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n Dr Anne Campbell, Psychology and Gender, Durham University n Angela Towers, No More Page Three national campaigner n Hilton Dawson, Leader of North East Party n David Walsh, Hannah Mitchell Foundation n Emily Inglis and Peggy LockwoodLord, York University Student Union Women’s Officers n Tehmina Kazi, Director of British Muslims for Secular Democracy n Ben Griffin, former SAS soldier, Founder of Veterans for Peace
n Renato Paulino and Valdênia Paulino Lanfranchi, Brazilian Human Rights Defenders n Tina Gharavi, BAFTA-nominated Iranian film director and screenwriter n Tahani Abu Shaban and Sarah Ali, Palestinian students from Gaza n Yas Necati, Feminist, Writer, Activist, Campaigner n Kay Banyard, Founder of UK Feminista n Sheikh Waleid, Abu Bakr Mosque, Middlesbrough n Simon Clarke, Conservative candidate for Middlesbrough n Louise Baldock, Labour Party candidate n Jacqui Lovell, Green Party candidate n Ted Strike, UKIP candidate n Drew Durning, Liberal Democrat Party candidate. Other events included: n Scottish Independence Dinner Debate n Politics Conference, Hull University n Dicey Conference, Oxford University n UN Human Rights Day film screening n Owen Jones lecture, Durham, University n ‘Seeds of Hope’ Congolese Film Screening, Teesside University n Script-writing and film-making workshop n Patrick Cockburn lecture, Newcastle University n Inspirational Women of the Law event, Newcastle University.
Mr Stephen Edwards
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Politics
It was all to play for in Yarm’ s General Election Six candidates, three weeks of campaigning, fourteen policy areas explored through seven lunchtime hustings sessions, numerous lunchtimes spent in clusters discussing policies with pupils, a rigorous grilling up at the Prep School, posters, badges, slogans and promises – the Yarm School Mock General Election 2015 culminated in a school wide vote at the end of the Spring Term. The event was thrown into relief by the first of the Stockton South candidates husting, held in the auditorium, with all five prospective parliamentary candidates answering questions from an audience of Fifth and Sixth Form pupils, as well as parents and guests. So what did we learn? The winner was Josh Atkinson for the Conservatives. The student turnout was the highest ever at 80.9% – last election in 2010 it was 61%. Highest turnout was the Third Year pupils with 88.7% which taking into account absences, suggests that almost everyone who could vote did so.
The candidates: Josh Atkinson, Conservative Christian Calgie, UKIP Nick de Jong, Green Serena Gate, Labour Alex Gunn, Liberal Democrat Alex Stephenson, Yorkshire First
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Lowest turnout – it’s the staff with 24.1% – down on 2010 by almost 16% points. The Conservatives won every year group – but with a landslide in the Fourth Year, and the only year-group where they polled over 50%. The Greens chased the Conservatives in a ratio of 2:3 in First, Second, Third and Fifth Years but their vote fell away in the Sixth Form. Labour’s vote was consistent across year group but they performed best amongst staff with 32%. Yorkshire First registered only marginally in lower years but came second in Lower and Upper Sixth – and incidentally polled higher in this election than any election they have every stood in, as Yorkshire First leader, Richard Carter, congratulated Yarm candidate Alex Stephenson. UKIP surged in the Third Year and performed well with Upper Sixth, and secured 10% of the staff vote.
Mr Stephen Edwards
What the experts said: ‘Vote for Josh’ – Boris Johnson, London Mayor, Conservative ‘Well done!’ – Natalie Bennett, Leader of the Green Party, (tweet to Nick de Jong)
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History
Spanish steps Ignoring Basil Fawlty’s exhortations not to mention the war, at Easter Fourth and Fifth Year History pupils went to Madrid to explore the Spanish Civil War. As with all internal conflicts, the Civil War (1936-39) left bitter scars amongst the Spanish people, which have never been entirely addressed and therefore it is still a controversial subject today. The historical highlight was a fascinating guided tour by Dr David Mathieson, who took us around some of the civil war sites – we would not have found many of them without his expert guidance, as the war is largely ignored in public monuments. This was best highlighted on the site of the Montana
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Barracks, scene of a massacre at the start of the war and now home to an ancient Egyptian temple, where another tour guide was overheard explaining the temple but making no mention of the link to the civil war. Dr Mathieson then took us on a tour around some of the former front lines, including the still bullet-scarred university buildings, and a small monument to the International Brigades which has further illustrated the contentious nature of the war, as the right-wing Madrid government seek to remove it. The tour ended at one of the few major memorials to the war in the city – an enormous arch built by General Franco to celebrate his victory over his fellow Spaniards. A short train ride took us to the city of Toledo, the early medieval capital and famous in the early stages of the civil war for a (failed) Republican siege and Nationalist propaganda victory. The Nationalist commander played his part to perfection – when the Republicans threatened to execute his son he spoke to him on the telephone to encourage him to ‘command his soul to God and die like a patriot’ (he duly obliged a few weeks later when he was shot). The city is also renowned as a medieval ‘melting pot’ of
Christian, Islamic and Jewish cultures, as seen by our visits to the impressive cathedral and the Jewish quarter. Back in Madrid we visited the Reina Sofia museum, home to Picasso’s ‘Guernica’ which he painted to highlight the plight of the Basque town destroyed by German bombers. Further links to Spain’s internal military struggles were on display in the Prado museum. The term ‘guerrilla’ warfare originated in the struggle against Napoleon’s invading army in the early 19th Century museum, captured by Goya in his ‘El tres de mayo de 1808’ painting of French troops executing Spanish resistance fighters. The visit also allowed us to bask in the culture as we ate tapas, practised our Spanish, and explored the streets and squares, all in glorious sunshine. There was even time to squeeze in a tour of the impressive Bernabeu stadium, home to Real Madrid. Whilst the war was definitely mentioned more than once, I think everyone involved would agree that we got away with it – many thanks to Mrs Harrison for organising and leading the trip, and to the students who were good ambassadors for the school.
Mr Tim Grimwood
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Maths
New angle for maths The Upper Sixth mathematicians set off for a weekend of revision classes to Grinton Lodge on the morning of Friday 6 March. We were all keen to start the weekend and were set to go with our rather amusing maths t-shirts. Upon arrival at the lodge we were given a brief settling in period before beginning the first lecture and, after a hearty meal, we then soldiered on with our work on differentiation. This intensive lecture finished at 9 o’clock and so we were all ready for some relaxation; a trip to the pub in Grinton was just what we needed. After a few stalls of the minibus, Ms Pallister had acclimatised herself to the new driving conditions, and then all 38 of us descended on the small, country pub. On the second day, we woke up bright and early so we could have our breakfast before starting on the more challenging
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topics: integration and trigonometry. It was soon lunchtime, and we began to make preparations for the four-mile walk that would take us through some of the most scenic landscapes in the Yorkshire Dales. After arriving at Reeth, we had a break and, although it was very cold, we could not resist going to the ice-cream parlour! Mr Rye’s short cut back to the lodge took us through a spectacular valley and, after two hours, the lodge welcomed a large group of very muddy students. With only a quick break, we assembled again to begin some revision on trigonometry; this topic particularly complemented our t-shirts which had ‘I am 2/cos(c) for this shirt’ printed onto them. Dinner was served at the lodge and then we ploughed on again until 9 o’clock, when we headed to the pub. Although we were very impressed by Ms
Pallister’s calculus, we were still anxious about her d(e)riving after the day before(!). Nonetheless, we arrived at the pub to relax after a long, yet productive day. To our surprise, the final day arrived very quickly. Mr Rye was evidently more energetic than the rest of us, he had woke up at 6 o’clock for another trek! After a cumulative total of 10 hours of intensive maths revision, we were not allowed to go home until a final two-hour session of vectors. Although we were tired by this point, we were all partial to fractions (!). Before the trip, many of us were slightly apprehensive about spending a whole weekend studying maths. However, the camp was an invaluable experience and a trip to remember for the A level mathematicians.
Sandkalp Tandle and Stephanie Kusalakumar
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Independent Learning
Sparking ideas across subject areas This year’s adventures in crosscurricular independent learning involved pupils from both First Year and Second Year. The First Years explored the medieval world through History, R&P, English and Art lessons, then visited Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey. The groups planned sieges and observed details of domestic life and the castle, and sketched architectural details, sang and reflected on what it might have meant to be part of a monastic community at the abbey. The Second Years had two contrasting days of activities based in school to coincide with their outdoor education week in June. First, they became Apprentices, or hopefuls in Dragons’ Den. In the space of just a day they had to form a company, come up with an original idea for a board game, make a prototype and sell it to a panel of judges. With the support of a team of excellent A level Business students, the teams worked tirelessly, exchanging ideas, researching, designing and building their models. Finally, they presented their product to a panel judges and faced probing questions about each game’s potential in the real world. On their second day, the pupils investigated the topic of slavery and considered issues such as what it means to be human, and the nature of freedom. Having watched extracts from Amistad, they explored the issues raised by visiting ‘stations’ prepared by a range of departments including Art, Music, English, Geography and
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R&P. Each group was then challenged to produce an artefact reflecting on what slavery meant to them. Despite a tight deadline, they created beautiful,
thoughtful pieces of various types, including artwork, videos, raps and posters. Mr David Boddy
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Geography
coastal erosion in close-up During the Autumn Term, the Fifth Year geographers headed off for a day trip along the Holderness Coast. The day started at Flamborough Head, where we enjoyed being able to see landforms created by coastal erosion, including standing on the wave cut platform. We then travelled down the coast to Hornsea where we were able to investigate the different coastal management strategies being used and evaluate how effective they are. The day culminated in a talk at Spurn Point from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, the pupils were able to learn about the coastal habitat and management strategies in place and finished the day standing on a spit. As the Holderness coastline is the fastest eroding coastline in Europe and also gives us the opportunity to experience the full range of coastal landforms from erosion to depositional, we feel very fortunate to be close enough to visit for a day. The AS geographers travelled to the Cranedale Field Centre in March, whilst there they carried out a range of geographical investigations which formed the foundation of their preparations for the Unit 2 AS examination. During this trip, students completed investigations on rural rebranding in Dalby Forest and used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to interpret data they had collected on the land use of Bridlington. The final day was led by Mr Parker, in 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. Students also visited
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the English Institute of Sport and saw various Olympians training, we even had a glimpse of Jessica Ennis. On a sunny day in March, the Fifth Year pupils set out for a ‘Tour of the Tees’ in order to find out more about what happens both upstream and downstream of the river we see every day at school. We started at Low Force where we studied the characteristics of the upper course of the river, we then travelled down to visit the Tees Barrage in Stockton, the mouth of the river at Teesmouth and explored the flood defences in Yarm. All the pupils in First Year showed great enthusiasm when embarking upon their geographical enquiry on urban fieldwork on Yarm’s High Street. The pupils worked in small groups and enjoyed seeing ‘geography in action’ by collecting data in the form of traffic counts, pedestrian counts and land use maps. During the Summer Term, First Year pupils 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 which comprises 25% of the GCSE in Geography. Their study was focused on the impacts of tourism on Bridlington and as part of the day they all created independent data collection techniques to help them make their conclusions.
Mrs Kirsten Baines Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 61
Biology, Activity
Sixth Form biologists explore surroundings During June, the Lower Sixth biologists visited the sand dunes at North Gare, near Seal Sands and RSPB Saltholme to perform some fieldwork in preparation for their A2 course. The day was organised to help the Sixth Form students understand the complexities of succession first-hand, by studying the influences of living and non-living factors on the distribution of plant and animal species in a natural sand dune ecosystem and in a more managed situation to encourage bird populations to flourish at Saltholme. The day began with an introductory talk from Mrs Burn, Senior Warden at Teesmouth Field Centre, after which the students gained some first-hand experience of transect work in the sand dunes. Grappling with their quadrats, belt transects, anemometers and moisture content, and pH measuring kits, we got
to grips with percentage cover of marram grass and other plant species, measuring wind speeds, and profiling the gradient of the slopes of the younger and more established dunes. After lunch, our visit to RSPB at Saltholme allowed us to study the way in which the site has been managed to interrupt natural succession to encourage a greater diversity of species of birds to visit and colonise the RSPB’s site. Armed with our binoculars we observed birds such as terns, grebe and black headed gulls. On the Thursday we observed a Squacco Heron, rare to this area of the country, and attracting a number of ‘twitchers’ for the day. On the Friday a local fox made an appearance – not a visitor to the site that would naturally be thought of as advantageous to the bird population!
Dr Keith Perry
YARM APPRENTICE
Lord Sugar would have been proud Being new to the school, I wasn’t entirely sure what lay ahead of me when I signed up to the Apprentice activity. Eight months and five tasks later, I am so glad I put my name down. The Apprentice is a school competition that sees members of the Sixth Form compete in various business challenges. Points are gained for winning tasks (extra points for being project manager and special contributions) and points are lost for being fired. It improves communication, leadership and teamwork skills, as well as raising money for charity (£690.40 this year, plus the monies given by Darlington Building Society directly). The first challenge was to choose a charity to pitch to Darlington Building Society’s Chief Executive, Colin Fyfe, as the recipient of their Affinity Mortgage scheme. Choosing a charity which was aligned with their strategy was crucial.
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The winning team chose the 700 Club, a homeless charity based in Darlington, which should receive around £6000 as a result of this partnership! There were two sales based challenges: to run a stall at the Christmas Craft Fair and the second was to raise as much money as possible a lunchtime. The winning team at the Craft Fair managed to sell a staggering amount of jams and chutneys, whilst the selling challenge saw a vast quantity of Haribo sold. Rebecca Fry, Rohan Gujjuri, Neil Lamaye and Greg Takoor were identified as strong sellers in these tasks. The task to design a board game for the Pre-Prep to Prep school transition was presented by the most fearsome Lord Sugar. Mrs Staggs kept all the candidates on their toes and the teams rose to the challenge. The final task saw the teams design and pitch a themed menu for the Bistro, focusing on creativity and
finances. It was in this final challenge that one candidate managed to set a new record for the number of times someone has been fired! All the candidates had a great time and we improved our business skills. We are very grateful to the ladies in the bistro for the delicious sweet treats when we won a task. A big thank you to Miss Rhodes who organised all the challenges, monitored all the tasks and was an excellent mentor whilst remaining impartial throughout. This superb competition would not be possible without her. I look forward to seeing next year’s candidates!
Becky Donaldson
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Sport
After hosting St Luke’s College, Buenos Aires twice in the last three years, a return visit to Argentina, after an 11 year absence, appeared to be the logical choice for this summer’s Senior Rugby Tour. Other than a recent visit by Jeremy Clarkson and his TopGear co-hosts, it is fair to say that Argentina is not on the list of usual holiday destinations. Having done our research, everyone anticipated the rugby would be physically demanding, and it certainly was, but I think many were surprised at the level of quality. The 2nd XV were competitive in all of their games and achieved an excellent victory in their return fixture with St Luke’s. A penalty from Jonny Wong just inside the
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opposition’s half, with the last kick off the game, got the 1st XV off to a great start v Liceo RFC in Mendoza, whose grounds are surrounded by vineyards. Both teams came unstuck in Rosario but in total we managed to win 6 out of our 10 games which is a great achievement. But like all good tours the sport is only part of the experience, and when not on the rugby field, the boys had a busy schedule of trips and excursions. They rafted and rode horses in the foothills of the Andes, they visited a working Estancia (ranch) and experienced how the Gauchos work, eat and play. They learned how to Tango, visited La Bombonara the home of Boca Juniors and saw Evita’s famous balcony. They spent an afternoon coaching and training in Rosario
with the Botines Solidarios charity that they had raised funds for. And to cap it all they spent two days at Iguazu Falls – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At the end of the experience I hope their initial excitement for Argentina still remains and the apprehension has been replaced by a sense of personal achievement and an appreciation of a very different country and culture.
Mr Stuart Hardy
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Sport
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Sport
trying times This season our 12 teams played 146 fixtures, which is an increase on the previous season. An opening day victory, against Hymers College, set the ball rolling for the best season the 2nd XV have had in recent years. As well as playing Barnard Castle at Mowden Park Stadium, the 1st XV were once again fortunate to experience playing in front of an impressive crowd at Kingston Park under floodlights prior to the Falcons v Gloucester fixture. The boys ran out 24–19 winners against Newcastle School for Boys in an exciting encounter. Stonyhurst College ended our involvement in the NatWest Cup in round 5, whilst the U15 team lost a tight encounter against Ampleforth College in round 4 of the Vase. With an increased number of senior boys playing the school formed a 3rd XV on a number of occasions this year, for the first time, which is an excellent achievement. It is great to see the boys enjoying rugby and choosing to continue at this level – it is proof of the Yarm team spirit. The U14 and U15 teams embarked
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on a new venture when we took the Junior Rugby Tour across the North Sea to Holland for a highly enjoyable trip. The junior teams had a number of good results between them but the highlight must be the U14 team’s first victory over local rivals, Barnard Castle, on their own patch. The confidence that this victory gave the team for the rest of the season was clearly visible. The U12 and U13 squads both faced a difficult and challenging season but they should also take encouragement from the U14 team’s result, which demonstrates how continued commitment and hard work leads to progress and achievement. As well as representing their school, an impressive number of Yarm’s rugby players have also been playing for a variety of different representative teams this season: South Durham Districts U14 & 15, Durham County U15, U16, U17 & U18, North of England U18’s, North of England Lambs U18’s, Newcastle Falcons U15’s, U18’s & U23’s and England U17’s.
Mr Stuart Hardy
2014-2015 Representations upper sixth James Elston
Jonny Teague
Jonny Wong
Tom Lawson
Max Harrison
Ben Gary
Tamer Fuat Lower Sixth Charles Guthrie
Oliver Grundmann
Ben Stevenson Fifth Year James Burdon
Mitchell Corney
Dominic Potts Fourth Year Eddie Anderson
Tom Birch
Jordan Mckee
Jack Pearson
Antun Wilson Third Year Femi Afolabi
Sam Hardy
Tom Fenwick
Sam Douglas
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Sport
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 67
Sport
Stroke of genius After a wonderful year of rowing last year, it was going to be an uphill battle to better it. However, the club worked hard, trained harder and produced memorable moments during the 2014-15 season. The first part of the season is the head season, where racing is completed in a processional format with crews racing against time. We saw some great wins and fine performances. Coming of the back of their bronze medal at the National Schools’ Regatta, the now J16 boys’ VIII performed so well that they were unbeaten until the middle of March when they finished 3rd at the Schools’ Head of the River. The J15 girls also got off to a good start with wins for Alina Bailey and Izzie Bringing. As we moved towards the last race of the Autumn Term, it was becoming evident there may also be a fine senior coxed four for the summer season, led well on the land by boys’ club captain Sam Guest. In the Spring Term the main focus was the Schools’ Head of the River, held on the championship course from Mortlake to Putney. This is a good indicator as
to where our crews rank on a national level and the results were encouraging! Twenty-three of our rowers finished 4th or better. Well done to the U15 boys, the U16 boys and the senior boys. Also a first was that we fielded three girls’ VIII crews at the event, a huge development for the club. The club also fielded a girls’ 1st VIII at the Women’s Head of the River and a boys’ 1st VIII at the Head of the River. The boys were very lucky to train and race against a development international crew from Hungary prior to this event which a great experience!
Durham delights
The traditional regatta racing takes place during the Summer Term and we were not to be disappointed with the racing the various crews produced. The J15 girls’ crew was outstanding at a wonderful Durham City Regatta, kindly sponsored by Grant and Associates, who on the back of winning at Tees Regatta and making the semi-finals at National Schools’ Regatta dominated the novice women’s VIII event. The girls beat crews
from universities and clubs to win the event after four rounds of side by side racing. Well done to Hannah Mortimer, Molly Scott, Alina Bailey, Katie Anderson, Elizabeth Arrol, Hannah Ward, Erin Gallagher, Izzie Brining and cox Jessica Dodds. The women’s pair of Imogen Kench and Katriona McLain raced well, making the semi-final where they raced against two athletes who represented GB at both this year’s and the previous year’s World Championships. Racing at the National Schools’ Regatta produced outstanding results for the senior coxed four, comprising Sam Guest, Harry Bean, Dominic Vasey, Callum Banks and cox Hannah Noble. In an event with over 30 entries they raced in the time trial to win through
Representation for the North of England at the Junior Inter-Regional Regatta J16 8+ Toby Reid
Josh McKee
John Hunter
Aaron McAllister
George Thompson
Adam Gardner
Benedict Goodchild
Abi Riley
JW16 8+ Amy Sotnick
Kim Guest
Emma Nesom
Iona Spensley
Nina McLain J15 4+ Tom Londsale
Jonny Friesem
Micheal Lister
James Lister
William Begley
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Sport
to the semi-finals. In this they finished 3rd, but the times indicated there was nothing between the top 8 crews. With only 300m left of the semi-final, Guest produced a change in rate and with it the crew moved through several gears to move through from 5th to 3rd and thus qualify for the final. The J14 boys’ coxed quad were also impressive, they raced hard through the time trials to snatch a final place with an amazing 150m sprint at the end of their semi-final. With three crews making finals at the Regatta and most making it through time trials to semi-finals, the event was a great success for the club.
Fantastic achievement
The final event of the year saw the school 1st VIII race at Henley Royal Regatta qualifying races. With a large entry and 12 crews from America, Germany, Ireland and Australia it was going to a close run thing for the crews to qualify. As it was, the crew finished just 6 seconds from qualifying but showed how far the boys have improved that they are
now pushing into the top 25 crews in the country. Despite the disappointment they moved on to Reading Town Regatta along with the School 2nd VIII and raced well against crews that had qualified for Henley Royal. The regatta provided a chance for the J15 boys from the 2nd VIII to row a coxed four and to show exactly how good they are. They finished 2nd from 11 crews from the top rowing schools in the country. Well done to Tom Lonsdale, Jordy McKee, Tom Birch, Jonathan Friesem and cox Will Begley. Congratulations go to Former Pupil Andy Brown for GB U23 selection. In addition, Phil Gray was selected as a coach and we wish Kat Copeland good luck for the road to Rio. We now look forward, with a great deal of enthusiasm, to the opening of the new boathouse and more impressive performances through 2015/16. I would like to say a huge thank you to all coaches and volunteers who have helped support the club through the season – with the numbers of rowers we could not manage without the enormous amount of time that is put in by all involved.
Mr Nathan Adam
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Sport
Netball U15s at the National Finals
2014-2015 Representations County Natasha Grylls
Gemma Waanders
Amy Gray
Alex Elwine
Annike Jinadu
Clara Maddison
Fiona Weatherhead
Caitlin Keenan
Regional Academy (U17) Annike Jinadu national talent league (U19) Holly Clark
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It was another excellent netball season with our standard of play constantly improving. This year, we played 144 matches, winning 102. This is an improvement on last year’s win rate, going up to 70%. Highlights from the year include: l The U15 team making the National Finals and being placed 18th in the country (a year young). It is a fantastic achievement and the girls should be very proud. l The U14 team becoming South Durham and Cleveland Champions and being placed 4th in the regional competition in January; they were only one step from making the National Finals. l The U14 players have improved dramatically over the season. Many of our netball teams had success in becoming District Champions this year, with the U12A, U13B, U14A, U14B, U15A, U15B teams all holding the title. Thank you to our senior players, they have been a part of school netball for the last seven years and have been a pleasure to spend time with. Overall, the senior team had a mixed season with some really good wins and competitive matches. The year ended on a high when the U18 team won the Silcoates Invitational tournament. There are lots of positives moving into next year. Thank you to all seniors who have played. A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who help run teams and umpire throughout the season, you have all been a great help. Ms Naomi Redhead
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Sport
U14s –airborne
1st netball
U14 and U15B netball
U12 netball
Shropshire tour In the Spring Term, the U12A, U13A and U13 mixed teams departed on a mini tour to Shropshire. The girls played a lot of netball throughout the weekend and also got to take part in numerous outdoor education activities such as: abseiling and climbing. Our U12A team continued their fantastic season beating every team, only conceding one goal in the whole
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tournament. They were crowned Champions! Our U13A team had a very competitive tournament and got to the final beating all schools on their way apart from one. In the final they lost by two goals but played some fantastic netball. Our U13 mixed team also played very well playing some solid netball against strong teams
and came thirrd overall. As always it was a pleasure to spend time with the girls. They were a credit to the school and polite at all times. Thank you to Mrs Guest and Miss Gamble who accompanied the trip but also to Miss Howell for organising such a fantastic trip from start to finish. Miss Sam Cottrell Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 71
Sport
Hockey: Girls
1st XI Hockey v Newcastle
3rd XI Hockey
U12 and U13 Hockey
U14 Hockey
It was a very busy hockey term with a total of 117 fixtures being played. We have won or drawn 68% of all fixtures, which is a good set of results given the tough opponents. Arranging fixtures is a challenge, as we need schools that play Saturdays and have two senior teams as well as ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams at all other age groups. Hence we end up playing boarding schools and they have much more training time than we do. Each team can be proud of their successes. Currently the U12, U14, U16 and U18 teams are number one in the County. Thank you to the U18 girls who have played for seven years and have been fantastic ambassadors. Hannah Sunley has been an excellent 1st XI Hockey Captain and a big support, she leaves
2014-2015 Representations Junior Regional Performance Centre Amy Booth
Harriet McInnes
Kim Guest
Lauren Pallister
Kat Jackson
Lucy Skelton
Charlotte Kendrick
Hannah Sunley
Susie Dunn (selected for the North)
Laura Hill (selected for the National Age Group Squad Academy)
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big shoes to fill. The 1st XI team had a good season, they beat Newcastle High, Silcoates and Dame Allan’s and got a good draw away to Durham School and Ashville. In the Knockout Cup the team played some outstanding hockey and missed out on a place in the semifinals after a nail biting penalty stroke competition against Barnard Castle. The 2nd XI team, led by Emma HornerHarker, had a brilliant season winning 70% of games. This included matches against GSAL, Durham School, Ashville and Newcastle High. The depth and quality in the senior teams has improved dramatically and with the new pitch, next year, the sky is the limit. The 3rd XI team beat Barnard Castle in their final game of the season. The U12 team settled in quickly and they had a very good season with wins over the likes of Ampleforth, Durham High and Barnard Castle, as well as being crowned County Champions. The U13 team made good progress, beating Queen Mary’s and being involved in some tough encounters but missing out on a couple more wins by the odd goal. There is lots of potential throughout the squad. The U13B team beat Silcoates and Durham High and show lots of promise. The U14 team had a very good season which culminated in a super 2-1 win against Durham High in their
final game. They also beat Barnard Castle, Teesside High, Durham School and Silcoates finishing with a 64% win ratio and are County Champions. The U15 team had the most successful season. They won 80% of games beating Barnard Castle, Cundall, Durham, Ashville, Red House and Durham High’s U16 team. I am excited about this team’s future, as a squad they do not have any weak areas on the pitch and many will fight for their places in the 1st XI next year. The U16 team is the current County Champions and the players are all involved in the three senior teams playing. Well done to our U16 players who have made this transition smoothly and for their great commitment to school sport. I want to say a thank you to the staff who gave their time and enthusiasm selflessly, as the fixtures would not happen without them. Thank you to Miss Howell, Miss Gamble, Mrs Gratton, Mr Emerson, Mr Grainge, Mr Trubshaw, Miss Cottrell, Miss Bownas and Mr Guest who have all taken fixtures and/or run teams for me. The final word must go to the girls. This, for me, has been the most enjoyable year of hockey and the girls are always great company and an absolute pleasure to be with. Ms Naomi Redhead
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Sport
2nd XI Hockey
Becky Donaldson 1st XI
Rounders
U16s County Champions
It was a busy season with all teams in action. The teams played six matches each and won 72% of their games. The U12 team beat Barnard Castle, Red House and Teesside High amongst others. The U13 team started really well winning the first four games but lost their way towards the end of the season. The U14 and U15 teams both won five of their six games and the U15 teams scored a record number of rounders.
U13s Hockey
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Year group
Player of the Season
U12
Izzy Leader
Most Improved Player Sarah Dawson
U13
Ana Thompson
Naomi Parker
U14
Anna Curry
Harleen Sanghera
U15
Lucy Skelton
Hannah Spencer
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Sport
Hockey: Boys
County cup winners
Players in the match against former pupils
The season started well with the boys and girls joining together for the annual former pupils’ hockey. It was great event to catch up with former pupils and see that they are still involved in the sport. Next year’s event promises to be bigger and better as it will be hosted on the school’s new AstroTurf. The U12A and U12B teams showed promise. The A team played nine matches, winning six and scoring 27 goals, with notable wins against Durham, Pocklington and St Martin’s. With some strong B team performances, I have high hopes for this team next year. The U13 had a fair season recording good wins against Barnard Castle and Pockington, ending the season with an exciting draw against Scarborough College. Tops scorers were Danny
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Cordon and Tom Dixon. Jacob Atkinson, Sam Graham and Matthew Beck were, as always, very influential. With 19 players representing the team there was plenty of depth to the squad. The U14 team maintained their excellent form from last year. They lost a tight National Cup game to Egglescliffe, but managed to get their revenge in the County Cup final. With a number of excellent players in the team, the goals were shared about with nine boys scoring goals. The top scorer for the season was Connor Watson who always manages to appear in the D at the right time. With outstanding contribution from number of players, I would not be surprised if a couple of player might push for places in the senior teams next year. The U15 team had a great start to the season remaining unbeaten until mid-March when they lost two tour games against strong Scottish teams. Over the 11 games they scored an impressive 28 goals. It is great to see players, such as Harry Shaw and Joe Andrews really starting to dominate play and Eddie Anderson continue to shine. The seniors started well with a good pre-season camp which culminated with the former pupils’ hockey match at the start of the season. The team was hampered when Alex Gittens and Akshay Ahitan knocked heads during training. They were meant to go left
2014-2015 Representations Junior Regional Performance Centre Akshay Ahitan
Harrison Downs
Chris Armitage
James Foster
Joshua Dang
Edward Medley
Samuel Douglass
Patrick Medley
Dhruv Gupta (selected for England School Games)
and right in the drill but somehow managed to go straight on, Akshay’s head proved stronger than Alex’s nose. With the captain out for the season, Jonny Wong stepped into Alex’s shoes and led the team to some fantastic victories. A stand-out victory included a 9-0 score against Barnard Castle. Another season high was beating local rivals Egglescliffe 4-0 to qualify for the National North Finals as winners. At the North Finals competition we beat them again but narrowly missed out on going through to the National Finals. Throughout the season Jonny Wong has worked hard, both on and off the pitch, which earned him praise from coaches and his peers. The 1st XI featured 26 different players with many outstanding individual performances. Dhruv Gupta and Matthew Hibberd controlled the goal area, Wasson and Parker worked hard in midfield which gave Medley time on the ball to distribute. Mr Andy Guest
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Sport
Cricket In his book, Beyond a Boundary (1963), the West Indian historian C. L. R. James posed the question, “What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?” in relation to the clash of colonial rule and class struggles in Trinidad. I would like to offer a slightly different interpretation of the quote, suggesting that you cannot fully understand the intricacies of cricket if that is your only experience of team sport. I would also like to suggest that even if you understand the mechanics of the game, and indeed its scoring system, you are still a long way off fully understanding this most complex of games. I feel that James was also making a masked reference to something that transcends the Laws of the Game and that is ‘The Spirit of the Game’. Before the season had started, the game suffered a massive blow with the death of Australian batsman Philip Hughes who died aged 25 after being hit by a ball in a state match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. In his most moving eulogy the Australian captain, Michael Clarke, made a number of references to the spirit of cricket and I would like to share some of his most heartfelt words. He said, “Is this what we call the spirit of cricket? From the little girl in Karachi holding a candlelight tribute to the masters of the game like Tendulkar, Warne and Lara showing their grief to the world, the spirit of cricket binds us all together. We feel it in the thrill of a cover drive. Or the taking of a screamer at gully, whether by a 12 year old boy in Worcester or by Brendon McCullum in Dubai. It is the brilliant hundred and five wicket haul, just as significant to the players in the Western Suburbs club game as it is in a Test Match”. The expression “It’s not cricket” is used universally to refer to anything that is immoral, which is strange as it was first used as a marketing technique against match fixing in the
19th century! Oh how we have moved on! The fact that the expression has achieved such ubiquity is incredible and owes a lot to the game’s spirit. I was further saddened, this year, when I heard the story of a young boy in another Northern independent school, who asked his cricket coach at what age are they allowed to “sledge”. Although it is a practice used at the very highest level, I firmly believe that the death of Philip Hughes will reduce its most cruel elements, it certainly has no place in schoolboy cricket. So finally, whilst considering all of the above, I would like to congratulate all our cricketers for their considerable
efforts over the course of the season. I would like to further congratulate the boys who played representative cricket for Cleveland Schools: n First Year: Rohan Garud n Second Year: Danny Corden and Yash Gulve n Third Year: Toby Stevenson and Thomas Maloy n Fourth Year: Louis Burdon. I would like to thank all the coaches for their time and effort over the summer and to the parents for their continued and unfailing support. There is much more to this game than meets the eye. Mr Chris Thomas
Good luck to long-serving Gap Year Assistants At the end of the Summer Term we said goodbye to our long-serving PE Gap Year Assistants. Our two outgoing assistants have been so exceptional that they have stayed with us for the last three years! During this period Emma Howell and Will Macaulay undertook
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and successfully completed their PGCE training and we are delighted that they have now both secured teaching posts to begin their careers in the profession. Both have been wonderful colleagues and have given a great deal to the school, so we thank them and wish them
much success in their careers. They will be replaced by Nick Thomas, a former pupil, who has just completed his Sport and Exercise degree at Northumbria and Nicky Hodgson, who studied the same course at Teesside University and who is now doing a PGCE at Durham University. Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 75
Sport
Sports Day 76 | Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15
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Sport
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
Aidan: 2,053 points
Bede: 1,984 points
Oswald: 1,909 points
Cuthbert: 1,759 points
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Sport
Holding our own 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 U13, U15 and seniors teams all competed well in the North HMC events. This is only the third time we have entered this event and it is pleasing how well we perform against the top schools in the North of England. The U13 team were runners-up by just a couple of games as were the U15’s and the seniors. Girls’ tennis has gone from strength to strength and the Portugal trip has meant standards have improved. The U18 team won the North East KO Cup beating Sedbergh and RGS but unfortunately lost to Wakefield Girls’ High School in the final round. The U13 (Lily Spensley, Leila Wilcock, Amelia Richardson and Flora Wilmot) and U15 (Amy Booth, Lucy Skelton, Amy Gray, Natasha Grylls) teams won the County league beating Red House, Egglescliffe and Conyers. The U13s went on to beat the Durham league winners which was a great achievement as the team was made up of First Year pupils as it took place during the Eton trip.
In boys’ tennis, we entered four teams 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 U13 A team finish at the top end of the league but the B, C and D teams all battled 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. This season it was the turn of the younger players to really impress and gain some notable victories and successes. An U14 pairing of Tom Dixon and Matthew Beck were plate runners up at the North of England Championships. The U12 boys flew the lag this year, winning the area league and then making their mark on the Northern tennis scene. Guy Gill and Sam Graham reached the last six of the North of England event and their team mates, Jack Critchlow and Freddie Dawson went better and were runners up. Collectively, the team then defeated all seven of the other sides in the very strong annual Bradford Grammar School invitational event, to end the year on a high. Individually, George Young continues to impress with his development and achievement as a player, now in the top three in the County, he is the highest rated player the school has had for many years and he is performing in national events.
Mr Chris Webb and Ms Naomi Redhead
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 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
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Portugal Tennis Camp
Over the last few days of the Easter break, 32 tennis players headed off to the Amendoera 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 four and a half 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.
U15 competitions, the team won several matches which enabled us to reach well into the knockout rounds of all the competitions. In the U15 tournament, play was spread over three days and our strongest results were the boys’ pairing of George Young and Aditya Chaudhury who achieved many notable cup wins, eventually reaching the quarter finals. The U15 girls’ team of Amy Gray, Lucy Skelton, Natasha Grylls and Amy Booth got to the plate semi-finals and played their best tennis of season. They performed at their best and I was delighted at quality of tennis played.
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Fifth Year
Chance to relive happy memories Friday 8th May was the last day of school for the Fifth Year pupils before they began their study leave. After a couple of lessons, everyone gathered in the Auditorium – announcements were made, hoodies were distributed, a year-group photograph was taken and 5-a-side and netball competitions ensued. Much enjoyment was had before a barbecue lunch was served (after a number of the boys had a well-needed shower). Mr Thompson organised an afternoon session of spike-ball before everyone gathered back in the Auditorium. A presentation of photographs was shown that brought back happy memories of the years gone by and then a number of awards were made – many of which were expected – some not so expected. Many thanks to all the pupils and the tutor team. You are a cracking group, good luck with everything that you do in future.
Mr Graeme Addison
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 79
Sixth Form
New chapter beckons As the Upper Sixth reached the end of their formal lessons it was hard to imagine that two, seven or thirteen years of life at Yarm School were drawing to a close for these fine young men and women. Yearbooks seemed to be the season’s accessory of choice, clutched by all the leavers as they moved between their final lessons and the students attention turned to inscribing a few well-chosen words in each other’s copies. Thanks must go to Emma for driving the Yearbook project to a successful, and high quality, conclusion. The Leavers’ Service was ably led once again by Mr Skerratt but this year with both the musical director and organist provided by the leavers themselves: very well done to Connor and Chris for conducting and playing splendidly. We welcomed former teacher Andrew Killick who shared with the Leavers
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some insights from his many years at Yarm. His words of wisdom and humour were, of course, well received by the congregation. Back at school a splendid buffet lunch was provided for all thanks to Pat, Greg and the Sodexo team. The Leavers’ Dinner on the following evening was a splendid affair once again provided by the school catering team. Thanks also to the Estates team for setting out and then rearranging the tables and to the students who then came in to decorate the Auditorium. The ‘baby pictures’ drew a few tears from the assembled diners before we were quite literally blown away by surprise performances from Kieran and Christian. I wish the Leavers every success for the future and I hope to see them at the Senior Prize Giving in September.
Dr Alan Goodall
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Yarm School Association
Parents add invaluable support to the school
The Yarm School Association has had yet another successful year organising a wide range of events for the school community and raising funds. This year, the committee was able to support a wide range of extra-curricular activities with generous donations of nearly £8,000 for fitness equipment, Raspberry Pi’s for the Computing Club, launch boat motor for all water-based activities, chess sets, maths puzzles, kettle bells and Trivolle sets. The year started with tea and cookies in the Dovecote, at the end of Induction Day, for parents of the new First Year. 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. At the annual general meeting, Elaine Dodds was re-elected Chair. Elaine was originally elected in 2013 and has been a committed and enthusiastic Chair. Claire Grylls was also re-elected to the position of treasurer after producing an impressive set of accounts for 2014-2015. Mandy Tombling stepped down as YSA Secretary in July. We would like to thank Mandy for her long service to the YSA and wish her the best for the future. Spring saw a new event – a Mexican evening full of food, margaritas and salsa dancing. The food provided by Greg and his team was excellent and we are looking forward to arranging similar events in the future. The YSA ball was a hugely enjoyable event. The weather cleared just in time
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for a Pimms reception on the terrace overlooking the river. The ball was a lovely way to round-off the year and everyone danced the night away to a fantastic range of songs from Jump the Queue. 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 our annual of our Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, 21 November.
Mrs Elaine Dodds
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Exam Results
Bright future awaits
Yarm School prides itself on preparing every boy and girl for the needs and challenges of their future lives. With small class sizes, outstanding teaching and healthy ambition, pupils of all abilities fulfil their true academic potential inside the classroom. At the same time our strong commitment to educating the whole person gives them exciting experiences outside the classroom through our rich extra-curricular programme. The leavers of 2015 embodied the school’s ethos and commitment to help them pursue their dreams. Amongst the most academic, eight of the 100 student cohort are heading to either Oxford or Cambridge universities with a further ten securing highly competitive places to study Medicine or Dentistry. Indeed, at A level the A* rate was an impressive 18%, more than double the national average of 8.3% and almost three times the North East average of 6.6%.
Following a dream
But, more unusually, a significant number of leavers will be developing their considerable talents on a range of specialist courses. For example, star drummers Kieran Johnson and Charlie
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Excelling education
Vasiliou (above) will be attending the Academy of Contemporary Music, in Guildford, Surrey. A highly competitive course, the ACM has been training artists, producers and business entrepreneurs for careers in the music industry since 1995. The link with one of the best studios in the country, Metropolis, provides industry contacts and opportunities. Kieran and Charlie have developed their musical prowess throughout their time at Yarm School. Kieran travelled the world with the acclaimed Black Dyke Band and Charlie recently performed at Glastonbury with the upcoming band Seafret. Kieran and Charlie will be following in the footsteps of Ed Sheeran and Newton Faulkner by attending ACM. Others pursuing their passions include Olivia Alexander, 18, from Yarm, who is also heading south to the University of Surrey to study Musical Theatre. Kathryn Marshall, 18, from Kirklevington, has been accepted to study filmmaking at Leeds whilst heading further afield is Lily Downs, 18, from Kirklevington, has been awarded a prestigious golf scholarship at the University of Texas.
At GCSE a fantastic 20% of all pupils achieved 9 or more A* grades and over 92% of all exams sat achieving A*-B grades. The A* rate of 43% was again far greater than the North East and national averages of 5% and 6.6% respectively. Nine pupils achieved a full house of A* grades: Disha Anand (12A*), Aran Banerjee (12A*), Arunima Batra (13A*), Nusha Fazeli (12A*), Freya Gittens (12A*), Brandon Lockey (10 A*), Emma Neson (12 A*), Aidan Rigby (11 A*), Piers Slade (10A*), Yasmin Soeldner (12 A*). Arunima Batra achieved an outstanding 13A* grades out of 13 exams taken. Arunima is also a talented musician, taking centre stage in numerous music concerts at school, as well as achieving grade 8 Speech and Drama. Aidan Rigby was one of the pupils who achieved an impressive 10A* grades out of 10 exams taken. Aidan, a keen orienteer, has represented England in competitions around Europe, including Portugal and Macedonia. His older sister, Alice, also a keen orienteer, achieved 4 A* A level grades. Yazdan Qafouri Isfahani achieved 6 A* and 5 A grades whilst being a star of the stage and screen. Since joining the school, Yazdan has performed in all school musicals, numerous concerts and drama productions. Outside of school, Yazdan is involved in both dance and amateur dramatics groups, recently starring with the Youth Music Theatre in Fagan, which was streamed live. At both A and GCSE levels Yarm pupils excelled, securing outstanding results whilst developing most impressive skills and talents.
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School Appointments
School Officers 2015 – 2016 Captains of School
Charles Guthrie
Charlotte Kendrick
Vice Captains Lewis Allan Katie Binks Charlie Danjoux Imogen Kench-Porter Dominic Ryan Prefect Appointments Aidan House
Bede House
Cuthbert House
Oswald House
Jessica
Adams
Antonia
AlexanderSowa
Joseph
Adebayo
James
Armitage
James
Arkley
Craig
Artley
Emma
Armitage
Kathryn
Binks
Toby
Atkinson
Raman
Chahal
Rohan
Gujjuri
Joanna
Booth
Callum
Banks
Elena
Cruz
PSM
Alexander
Hall
Joseph
Box
Harry
Bean
HC
Estelle
DenisonFrench
HC
Georgina
Hatch
PSM
Alexander
Boyle
Serena
Gate
Matthew
Hibbert
Amelia
Cockburn
HC
Jessica
Gibson
PSM
Charlotte
Kendrick
SC
Finlay
Copeland
Nikhil
Krishna
Joshua
Dang
PSM
HC
Vivek
Mathews
HC
Kirsty
Dey
PSM
Gopika
Bejoy
Olivia
Brightling
PSM
Holly
Clark
PSM
Oliver
Grundmann
Charlie
Danjoux
SVC
Kathryn
Jackson
HVC
PSM SVC
Lewis
Allan
SVC
Kunal
Amelia
Bernard
HC
Swantika
Ahluwalia
Thomas
Burton
Isabel
Andrew
William
Dent
Massimo
Arceri
PSM
Agarwal
HVC
HC
Bethany
Edmondson
Mark
Phellas
Catriona
McLain
PSM
Becky
Donaldson
PSM
Christopher
Greenwell
Aditi
Rangan
Bethany
Morgan
PSM
Rebecca
Fry
HVC
Zoe
Johnson
Niamh
Reid
Solomon
Nelson-Ashley
Isabel
Grove
Maya
Kearney
Dominic
Ryan
Chirag
Rao
Isis
Kearney
PSM
Christian
Salvage
Ashirbad
Roy
Imogen
KenchPorter
SVC
Jack
Scott
Todd
Rye
Alexander
Lucas
PSM
Joshua
Spencer
Megan
HVC
SVC PSM
Dhruv
Gupta
PSM
Charles
Guthrie
SC
HC
Amelia
Hide
Scott
PSM
Laura
Hill
HC
Samantha
Hutchinson
Neha
Kambalimath
Neil
Limaye
Harsha
Mane
Gidong
Park
Ben
Stevenson
Matthew
Walker
Marcus
McLaney
Shreenidhi
Srinath
HC
Avinash
Shanker
Hannah
Mohd Rawi
Gregory
Takoor
PSM
Alexander
Shears
Ahmed
Mostafa
Grace
Thambyrajah
Ashmita
Sidhu
Hannah
Noble
Oliver
Thompson
Daniel
Woodward
Callum
Potts
William
Wallace
HC
Matthew
Wray
Daniel
Spivey
Samuel
Wasson
PSM
Dominic
Vasey
Alexa
Vasey
Ethan
Vicars
PSM
Samuel
WaandersCottingham
PSM
HC
HC PSM
Calum
White
Samuel
Wiltshire
PSM HVC PSM
HVC HC
SC = School Captain SVC = School Vice Captain HC = House Captain HVC = House Vice Captain PSM = Peer Support Mentor
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Yarm School Magazine | 2014/15 | 83
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 www.yarmschool.org