dance that everyone had been longing to see. On the night, Cubitt and South Forth Form had to perform it without any mistakes, otherHouse Challenge : C. Scheijde wise there would be no celebration at the end. However, this wasn’t “The only true knowledge is knowing you know nothing” (Socrates) the case and we successfully and comfortably won which was determined by a judge Mrs. Beddison. Our house challenge adventure this year was one cut too short too soon. Strong performances from Alasdair Johnston, Benj Chesser and debutant Greg Slade were in vain as C sharp major, marsupials and an ex-London mayor proved to be our downfall. We lost to North by a mere 10 points. Cubitt’s adventure this year, in its mere infancy, was cruelly snatched away from us. To quote the great Freddie Mercury, only the good die young, we only flew too close to the sun.
Extra-Curricular & Academic Competitions
Part Song: W. Gudgeon “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” This quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring inspired Theo Golden and Chris Oldfield to put their time towards the Cubitt part song at the beginning of the Michaelmas term. With this inspiration they began their journey of creating one of the greatest part songs known to mankind. It would consist of two outstanding songs; ‘Take me to church’ by Hozier and ‘Too close’ by Alex Clare. The way Theo and Chris brought these two songs together was incredible. They made the group of elite soloists; Gregor McInPublic Speaking: A. Johnston tyre, Jamie Pudge, Tom Nicole and themselves of course, sound like Public speaking is really challenging. For the juniors to speak in front of all the ALT audience takes a lot of guts, especially when the a mix between Fergie and Pavarotti. However unfortunately the judge for this years part song was audible challenged and therefore talent is so high. Cubitt’s team managed to do excellently, with was in no fit state to judge a singing competition of such class, Fourth Former Ben Fewings taking the job of Chairman, seasoned where they was only one obvious winner (Cubitt). However she/he actor Max Mclay hilariously doing the vote of thanks and Benj who cannot be named, decided against us and thus we did not place Chesser speaking commandingly about how Super volcanoes should in the top two. be a wakeup call for humanity. He drew such interesting parallels between the cyclical, routine accumulation up of lava and rising political tensions along with certain future plights that he was awarded the best speaker in the competition.
Music Roundup: Chris Oldfield Music is a particular strength throughout Cubitt House and this term has shown that, from experienced UVI to first-time performers in the Junior School, everyone is happy to take part. Leading by example, Theo Golden has become one of only a few in the country to House Play: C. Scheijde earn a Choral Scholarship to Wells Cathedral. On top of this, he performed Bach's Cantata with the Merriman Orchestra this term, a After a year of no house drama, Harlequinade proved an apt respectacular performance in the newly renovated chapel. With Toby minder of Cubitt’s superiority as a thespian’s true home. Every role Chesser and George Pettifer performing in the Helen Wareham woodwind competition, Cubitt were unlucky not to make the top was played to a level rarely seen in house drama, but such was the standard required from Rattigan’s demanding farce. Leo Leman and three in either the senior or junior categories. A number of CubittiCharlotte Livingstone played the star-crossed lovers (of both Shake- ans performed in both the Christmas Choral concert and the Christmas concert, with Harry Calhane and Will Harris among those perspeare and Rattigan) masterfully, and Max McClay’s momentous forming in the latter, with Tom Nicole charismatically singing with role as stage-manager Jack was performed with skilful aplomb. Ver- the Big Band, despite a questionable attempt at the robot middicts from the critics (including Cubitt’s own GJNN) were unaniperformance. Chris Oldfield performed the Last Post at this year's mous; this was some of the finest acting seen in House drama. There Remembrance Service and was joined by Max Hartley and Cam Scheijde, among others, in an elite 'Cubitt Jazz Band' which played were many good performances (including an outing for the House in the hugely successful wine and cheese evening. Finally, we must Captain) from all years that showed Cubitt’s theatrical future is in not forget the huge numbers of Cubittians performing in Lunchtime safe hands for many years to come. concerts on a weekly basis. IV Dance: H. Stiles This year, the new Fourth Form started their new and eventful year off with the annual House Dance. They were taught by six Upper Sixth formers; four Cubitt, and two South. These willing Sixth formers choreographed the Fourth Form dance, but had only very limited time in which to make this dance perfect. However, despite the amount of time, the fourth form was ready to perform their
Cubitt Newsletter Michaelmas 2015 Housemaster’s comments: CHDB It seems like only a blink of eye since those sunny days of September saw Cubitt welcoming in a new batch of Fourth Formers and two new Lower Sixth Formers. It has been fantastic to see how quickly they have settled into Cubitt life; largely helped by the example and the support that the current Upper Sixth have given them, ably led by House Captain, Gregor McIntyre, and his prefect team. The Upper Sixth have done a phenomenal job in making the house an especially warm and friendly place this year. Their cohesiveness, support and reliability have helped oil the Cubitt cogs whilst also maintaining an academic focus. It has taken some time to adjust to the changes in timetable but the pupils have been fantastic at maintaining routines and remaining on the ball at all times, even when the earlier mornings have taken their toll as the term has worn on. Two particular highlights stands out; the House Performance and WNB touch Trophy. It was a wonderful testimony to the leadership that is being provided by the Sixth Form and the cohesiveness of the house, as a whole, that we were victors in the Fourth Form Dance and to witness the support and competitive, yet gentlemanly, spirit in which the boys represented Cubitt in the touch competition. It summed up what the Cubitt community is about; mutual support and encouragement in order for the collective to thrive. It has been an exhausting term and the boys will be returning to you exhausted and in need of some well-earned rest. I hope that you all have a very restful Christmas break and that the boys will return ready to face the challenges that next term will bring. IV Form Team Building: W. Firth After being split into groups across all the houses, we then played several sports including; lacrosse, baseball type games and general running around in teams. These were all great fun. We then did some team building activities, one of them was how to cross an imaginary river with a bucket, some planks ! None of the groups completed this task. At the end of the day we had a massive tug of war with all houses. I think we came second! Overall the day was great fun and it was a nice way to get to know everyone in our new year.
House Captain’s Corner: G. McIntyre As ever, the term began with the Fourth Form arriving and they quickly learnt that the Michaelmas term is probably the busiest term with 15 weeks of nonstop action. Despite this tiring term, there has been a constant happy and enthusiastic atmosphere around Cubitt once again. There have been so many highlights this term including the whole house supporting House challenge (despite defeat) and of course the Christmas dinner and carols to finish off. We must say a huge thank you to the fantastic tutor team, TRF, STC, CHDB and to our lovely matrons, Mrs Young and Mrs. G. Without all these amazing people, the house would simply not function. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas.
Sports Reports
House Fives: J. Pudge It was always going to be a tough task living up to Callum Osbourne's leadership and success as captain of Cubitt's victorious Fives team last year. The self-proclaimed 'Fives Prefect' set the bar high and left this years side with a strong reputation to live up to. The team embarked on this challenge with great confidence, panache and enthusiasm but crucially a fundamental lack of real skill or knowledge of the rules. Nevertheless, the whole team put in a big shift in a tough draw against the likes of East and North. The first pair was made up of Chris Oldfield and Jamie Pudge, who recorded the only win of the campaign but what a great win it was, dispatching East's first pair with ease. Unfortunately, we could not build on this but there was entertainment throughout with each game being played in good spirits. Sam Guinness and Gregor McIntyre, both new to the game, stepped up and put in an impressive performances against some strong opposition. The Cubitt ethos of giving everything a go was illustrated once again with these two learning the rules moments before their game! It wasn't to be this year, but I'm sure that we will see the Fives trophy returning back to Cubitt in the years to come.
Junior House Squash : J. Marshall
IVth Form Cross Country: O. Corbett Building up to this event we had high expectations placed upon us as Cubitt had won the last 13 out of 14 years of Cross Country before us. Although this was hard to live up to we gave it our best shot and after a gruelling race and everyone trying their hardest, our top three were Harvey Stiles who won the event, Will Firth coming 5 th and Oscar Maclean coming 6th. Overall we came 2nd with Loveday just beating us in 1st and we all ended up having Halloween treats in Matron’s room. Next term provides an opportunity to correct the mistakes of this term!
Senior House Squash : G. McIntyre
WNB Trophy: S. Leman
Junior Fives : L. Vaughan This year, fives looked promising for Cubitt as we had a good strong team in the Lower Fifth. However, James Green was unfortunately ill and leaving a space for some Fourth Form to step up. Oli Corbett and Harvey Stiles stepped into second pair and won against North and lost both of the other match. In the other pair we had myself and Ben Fewings who won against Loveday and North. Then it came to the rival East, we started off strong winning the first few points. After 20 minute of disputing and playing it came down to the final point where East won the last point putting us second overall. A special mention to Mr Boddington for getting involved in the politics at crunch time.
On Thursday 5th of November a very strong looking team embarked on their small walk towards the squash courts as one full green machine unit. After our little hit around we were called towards the viewing area and were told the basic rules. This was shortly followed by being given the opponents of Loveday, who were the last people we would have wanted. However, we walked onto the court with the usual Cubitt confidence wanting to throw ourselves into every opportunity we get and we were giving it our all on the court. Unfortunately we were beaten by just a lack of skill however we came off with a smile. After a slight change of team we went into the second round fighting for the plate as if we were fighting for the world cup. With the same intensity and with the crowd behind us we came out with standing coming so close in the final which unfortunately resulted in the lads coming 2nd. The lights A’s had a lot of potential for the always loved Green wash! Overall we came third however greatness but sadly only glimpses of brilliance from Will Firth and Loveday should be worried for next year. the massive trio of Corbett, Tyson and Barrow could gain us an honest third place. the heavies… well both teams came 4th but there was immense bravery shown from the LVth playing with those in the year above which was pleasing. Finally the seniors, speaking on behalf of my U6th brothers, we wanted to go out with a bang. Instead we crashed and burnt. However, the Senior A’s showed unbelievable character to come from 14-5 down to win 15-14, with not only the raw talent of Omari, Pudge and Nicole, but the sheer guts from Cloete, Kit and Zach La Costa pushing us across the line. Unfortunately the B’s lost both games and came 4th. We may not be the most talented but we definitely have the biggest hearts on a rugby field so roll on next year!
The WNB trophy is always an extremely competitive competition (amongst the tutors and House staff especially) and this year was no different, with Cubitt fielding four teams across all the year groups. The A and B team came across strong competition early on, and both lost their first games, however the As went on to be victorious in their second game, and managed to pull off a 3rd place. The Cs and Ds, however, are where the real talent and magic was. Both teams won both their games, and displayed the greatest in innovative Rugby since William Webb Ellis first picked up the ball. Over all, Cubitt pulled off a very respectable second place that ensured Cubitt’s dominance with strength and depth for many years to come.
Cubitt nearly always seems to be the favorite heading into senior house squash and this year was no different with all 5 members of the team representing the 1st at squash. The team included Lewis Bedford, Gregor McIntyre, Freddie Edwards, Rob Green and Leo Thompson/ Rory Calnan (who filled in for Leo in the final due to illness) .We faced East in Round 1 and it was a whitewash or in Cubitt’s case a “greenwash”. Loveday provided tough opposition with Rob and Rory winning their games but Fred and Lewis losing their games. This meant that Cubitt’s hope was pinned on Gregor in the final game for which he pulled through meaning Cubitt won the Senior House squash.
Charity Corner: D. Plewman On the Thursday following the big Wellington game this term, the 6th forms of Cubitt and South dressed up in their “Smart Casual” finery and gallivanted down the Jubilee Pavilion for the Cubitt Wine and Cheese evening, in aid of Save the Children’s Refugee Fund. We were entertained by a superb jazz band led by Theo Golden, as well as atmospheric piano solos from Harry DeBlaby and a quick ballad from Abi Lord. Charitably, it was a great success and over £700 was raised for a worthwhile cause. Needless to say, much wine and cheese was consumed, and the evening was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Mr Royall for his technical support, and to STC and Mrs G for providing excellent food and wine.
House Rugby: S. Guinness This years house rugby was an interesting experience for the new 4th Formers in the sense that they witnessed the whole house perform worse than them, which I’m sure has provided them with hope for the future… nonetheless, the Lights B team was especially out-