The Skinners’ School Newsletter Term 3
In this edition:
Skinners’ Art on Flickr News from the SHAK AXA PPP donates to the school
HEADMASTER’S FOREWORD Another term slips by with some memorable highlights recorded in these pages. It is pleasing to note new areas of success: the progress of the RAF section and in particular the success of a group of air cadets at the National Finals of the Air Squadron Trophy; the encouraging development of ‘new’ sports at Skinners’ (thanks to the Sports Hall and the encouragement of the PE department), widening the range of activities available and fulfilling nicely the Olympic legacy. Two examples: In Badminton, in two round robin tournaments held here against Judd, TWGSB and Bennett, the U13 A Team finished 2nd and the U15 team won their event. Congratulations to Julian Cheung on his bronze medal at the Hampshire U17 Badminton tournament. In Basketball our Year 8 team won the West Kent League at the first attempt. With a points difference of 206 and with 7 wins in 7 games (including a record victory of 112‐0 in one match), this was a stunning achievement. There are other sports of course for which the school deserves relatively little credit but which merit celebration. A few more examples: James Puxty (Year 9) has won his first England vest as a cross‐country runner; in Table Tennis Ben Jakes (Year 7) won the Kent U13 individual table tennis tournament two weeks ago and is competing in the national qualifiers later in the Easter holidays; Rory McGinley (Year 7) is ranked third in Kent at Karate; Thomas Keevil (Year 7) recently won a gold medal for Tunbridge Wells Bishudo (Judo Club); Davis Jones (year 11) is currently representing Skinners’ in the Kent Schools’ Golf Competition; Tom Davies (Year 11) will represent GB at Taekwondo in the European Championships after Easter.; Siyan Patel (Year 7) was second in UK U13 tournament; Charlie Bastock (Year 9) came second in the Motorsport Winter Championships in Worthing; and in Underwater Hockey Conor Hutchinson (Year 8) now represents the South East of England. Of course I do not get to hear about all the achievements of our pupils, particularly if they occur outside school, so I would urge parents to let us know about their son’s success whether in sport or other areas. They are certainly worth celebrating.
With best wishes for the Easter break. Edward Wesson
AIR SQUADRON TROPHY SUCCESS Having finished 2nd in the South East Finals of the Air Squadron Trophy at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire, the Skinners’ RAF section travelled to the National Finals, competing against the last 12 schools, on 16th March. They came 5th overall, which, given how new our boys are to the competition, is a fantastic achievement – the hours put into training certainly paid off and they should be very proud of themselves. The team led by James Woodroofe, comprised Max Douch, Charlie Alford and Ben Wigley – plus 9 pupils from Judd. The disciplines were: Drill First Aid Shooting Fitness RAF Knowledge Aircraft Recognition Command Task Charlie has since been awarded an RAF flying scholarship, and Max and James have been awarded gliding scholarships.
Mr Coltella
Sainsbury’s Active Kids Vouchers We are once again collecting the vouchers which are currently available every time you shop at a Sainsbury’s store or petrol station. The scheme runs up until 20th May and we would appreciate your help in collecting as many of these as possible so that we continue to improve and update our equipment. These vouchers allow the PE Department to order free equipment ‐ from rugby balls to orienteering equipment. One voucher is given for each complete £10 spent in all main Sainsbury stores and each complete £5 spent in Sainsbury’s Local. A collection box is in the School Office so please send in as many vouchers as possible via your son. Thank you for your help.
JUNIOR SKI TRIP
I was excited about the Ski trip and arrived at school around 7:00am on the Saturday morning to leave at 7.30 for the journey to Gatwick. When we arrived, I had a real sense of independence, as we were in Gatwick without our parents. We got through the check‐in desk reasonably quickly before entering the departure lounge, which is definitely the best part of Gatwick ‐ you look at the chocolate, the iPads and my personal favourite, the sunglasses that I can’t afford. After an hour or two we went through security before boarding the plane. When we did take off the flight was extended by half an hour. From the air, Grenoble airport doesn’t look like much and unfortunately from the ground it doesn’t look like much either! However, once we started the journey to Serre Chevalier, we could see amazing mountains. As you can imagine, the roads were very windy. We arrived at the Hotel Olympic which was reasonably nice and the area was lovely; the hotel was right next to the mountain, the main resort gondola and the ski shop was right next door. On Sunday morning we woke up, had breakfast which consisted of coco pops, bread and Nutella. The weather was pretty bad; it was snowing heavily and very cloudy. At 8.30 we went to get our skis and then went straight to the gondola and up the mountain for our first day skiing. I hadn’t been skiing before so I
was in the beginners group. We started off on the nursery slope but by Tuesday we were on green slopes. On Monday the weather improved, with blue skies and plenty of snow. We skied in the morning and in the afternoon, after lessons, we went free skiing with the teachers which was really fun. The week was going so fast and I really didn’t want to think about leaving. On Wednesday we went skiing for the day then we had bum boarding as our evening activity. We had to run up the slope, around Mr Hubbard, then bum board down. The teachers got involved too. Friday was our last day skiing so we all just went on the hardest runs we could do. After the skiing we went on the free ski which was brilliant because we just bombed it down all of the runs. For our evening activity we went bowling and watched Alex Galloway get 4 strikes in a row, which was amazing. Saturday was a relaxing day, spent packing and with some free time. We went shopping and bought chocolate and sweets, then had a collection so that we could buy a gift for the teachers. A great time was had by everyone and thank you to all of the teachers for taking us. Tom Graham – 8K
DISCO NIGHT On the evening of Saturday March 22nd I took a group of year 8 boys to a social evening at St Leonard’s Mayfield. I was ably supported by 3 prefects and Mrs Spencer, the tutor of 78H. This was the 3rd time we had been invited and the boys had a fantastic time. They were offered drinks and snacks and danced the night away to an excellently run disco. Our boys and the girls from St Leonard’s mixed really well from the outset and really enjoyed the mixed mini‐quiz halfway through the evening. Many new friendships were formed and ‘selfie’ photographs taken to remember the evening. Our boys were a credit to the school and St Leonard’s were so pleased with the successful evening, that they have invited us for next year already! Dominic Rigby was voted as ‘best‐dressed’, Ben Colley as ‘best dancer’ by the St Leonard’s teachers and Tom Southfield’s team won the quiz. Mrs Wickham Head of Year 8
8A recently took part in a sponsored swim to raise money for the Emily Ash Trust. The aim was to ‘Swim the Channel’, with each student swimming 8 lengths. The boys managed to raise over £2,000 – further details can be seen on the Just Giving page:
http://www.justgiving.com/GabrielThallon
It was nothing more than we deserved as smart exchanges using the full width of the pitch gained much advantage in the Judd D. Indeed, a degree of confidence was apparent with particular skill and swerve being shown by the showman like pairing of Kingham and Ineson on the left flank ‐ Skinners’ very own Little and Large.
Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Skinners’ 2 – 1 Judd Man of the Match – Charlie Lay So, this was it, the scene was set, the key match of the year was now before us. With competition being fierce for a position in the squad, this fixture proved to be one filled with excitement, commitment and a smattering of panache. Clear progression was evident from their last fixture as the team took to the pitch, with order and shape of both defence and midfield being worthy of praise. Training ground advice and practice was seemingly bearing fruit. Key games like this require key figures to rise up and be counted. This proved to be the case in this hotly contested affair. First blood went to Skinners’ – a thunderbolt of a hit from short corner specialist, and now top scorer Charlie Lay.
Half time came and with it words of caution – this was ours for the taking, but discipline and a higher level of ball retention would be needed as Judd’s goal poachers themselves had shown they had promise, requiring all of goalkeeper Parker’s muscle to protect our lead. The second half proved a somewhat more open affair. First came Judd, then Skinners’, then Judd, then Skinners’...you get the idea. It was end to end stuff. If only Skinners’ could offer some composure.
Alas, with 15 minutes remaining, it was Judd who took advantage, drawing them level after finding the Skinners’ defence wanting. Heads could have gone down, but no the team pushed on, forcing the play with a high press on their Tonbridge neighbours. With Lay given licence to prowl higher up the pitch, it was he who would take the game by the scruff of the neck; working in from the right side, he negotiated two Judd defenders, before burying the ball in the net to the jubilation of players and supporters alike. One to remember. Chris Johnson Head of Year 7
SKINNERS’ HOCKEY SUCCESS “Pale flakes with lingering stealth come feeling for our faces ‐ We cringe in holes, back on forgotten dreams, and stare, snow‐dazed, Deep into grassier ditches…” (Wilfred Owen’s ‘Exposure’) Maidstone Grammar 1‐7 Skinners’ 1st XI
performance, leading to calls for caution and a return to the ‘team’ focussed display evident in the first 20 minutes. With the victory seemingly certain, the second half was perhaps inevitably a bit of a non‐event for Skinners’ with little success at retaining possession and structure. To their credit though, Maidstone Grammar showed much spirit, threatening goalkeeper, Parker, on a number of occasions. A final goal from De Carle cemented what was undoubtedly a well‐deserved 7‐1 victory.
Skinners’ 1st XI hockey contingent travelled to Maidstone Grammar School on Wednesday 26th February on the back of a series of narrow defeats to strong opposition. In spite of the pre‐ match hailstone…nay ‘boulder ‘assault, befitting Man of the Match: Cameron Green a scene from Owen’s aforementioned ‘Exposure’, Mr Johnson the game was afoot. Early signs of optimism were apparent with Skinners’ playing a crisp passing game that was filled with both pace and composure on the ball. The Maidstone Grammar defences were broken after five minutes, with the goal of the game – involving all ten outfield players in the move, an inviting cross from Ryan Robinson was eagerly sprayed in to the net at the far post by baby faced assassin, Reece Kingham. Laurels were, however, not rested upon and it was with quick succession that Skinners’ once again found the net within a twenty minute onslaught. Not once, twice or thrice more… 5 times, with goals scored by Robinson, De Carle, Ineson and a 10 minute hat trick from inform top scorer, Cameron Green.
HARVARD MUN 2014
Harvard Model United Nations: an accumulation of young, bright individuals come together from around the globe and debate a whole host of issues. The experience involved a tough selection process, rigorous training, hours of debate and in one case being woken up at two in the morning to find that the world had descended into crisis. The process started with a letter of application to Mr Coltella, which had to address topics such as ‘What does internationalism mean to you’ which is tricky when you don’t initially know what the term means. From forty applicants we became twenty‐five who were to spend the next few months in rigorous weekly preparation; being taught, not just on the topics we would be debating but skills such as delivering speeches, parliamentary procedure and a whole mélange of UN related topics. Soon we were sufficiently prepared to meet our global adversaries, but before arriving in Boston we were to meet our real life counterparts at their Missions to the UN in New York. On arrival in Boston we were faced with 3500 people in around 30 separate committee rooms attempting to deploy diplomacy whilst asserting their countries’ wishes.
After the first session most of the Skinners’ School delegations were in shock and awe at the talent that surrounded us; however in typical Skinners’ fashion we rose to the challenge. Over the next few days we asserted our dominance in the committee rooms and this was reflected when the prizes were won, with Harry Straw, Sam Colman and Tom Levy receiving honourable mentions and James Miller became the first ever British student to win Best Delegate. However it was not all about the prizes, looking at the group in retrospect we saw a massive change in individuals, previously apparently shy, yet now possessing confidence in abundance. To quote Rob Kenney “I now feel macho around anyone, not just my family”. The trip changed people and everyone on some level learnt something; I have never looked into a subject in that much detail before, when writing a paper to submit to Harvard my co‐delegate Max Bates and I stayed up until 2am until we finished. HMUN is an experience I shall never forget; an opportunity to step outside of ourselves, to consider the perspectives of others and realise that even in our complex world, we can work together and realise common dreams. Jacob Bull
SIXTH FORM NEWS Our Lower Sixth Civics group has welcomed a number of key speakers to our fortnightly Monday sessions. Pictured left is the Director of Friends of Israel who gave a passionate and informative viewpoint of the present crisis in the Middle East and the role of Israel in the region. We’ve had visitors from Student Finance England, the University of East Anglia, the world of writing and journalism, Rathbones Investments and the Samaritans on helping people in crisis.
George Wermer, pictured right, founder of a Christian International Aid programme, visited the school and gave an inspirational talk about his work in developing countries, particularly with the Dalits in India. George is a truly inspirational figure and is the Grandfather of one of our Year 13 students, Charlie Le Vine.
Pictured left are members of The Skinners’ School Law and Politics Society who were privileged to visit Westminster Hall on Monday 24th March.
The Sixth Form were delighted to welcome representatives from the University of Glasgow on the evening of Monday 4th March. Over 60 students and parents from Skinners’ and surrounding schools listened to a very informative presentation on studying in Scotland and the wonderful facilities at the University of Glasgow. We were particularly pleased to welcome back ex‐Skinner Oscar Ronan as a Glasgow University Student Ambassador. Oscar is studying English Literature in Glasgow and having a wonderful time. Craig Fleming Assistant Headmaster
NEWS FROM THE PE DEPARTMENT
Year 7 Trip to Premiership Club On Saturday 15th
February 48 year 7 students embarked on a visit to Franklins Gardens, home of Northampton Saints Rugby Club. Before the game they had a tour of the stadium and saw behind the scenes in the gym, went into the changing rooms before the game and had a question and answer session with Northampton Saints players Christian Day and Ben Foden (also of England fame). They gained a valuable insight into how a premiership club is run and what elite players are required to do. The students had a great time which was finished off with a good win for the Northampton Saints against the Worcester Warriors.
St Olave’s 7’s The U16 and U18 7s teams have started the 7s season with double celebrations. The U16s, playing in a league, defeated Sevenoaks, St Olave’s, Sevenoaks, Colfes and revenged the loss to Judd in the 15 a side game to win the competition and ended up undefeated scoring 23 tries and only conceding 2. The U18s won the tournament for the 3rd year in a row as they defeated St Olave’s ‘B’, Colfe’s, and lost to Eltham College 24‐12. This put them through to the semi finals where they defeated St Olave’s ‘A’ and set up a final against Eltham College. The boys emphatically revenged the earlier defeat with a 54‐19 victory.
Year 7 and 8 Success at the Kent Sportshall Athletics Championships A team of Year 7 and 8 pupils competed in the Kent Championships as the representatives of the Tunbridge Wells District. The Year 7 boys consisted of Ollie Bingham, Alex Thomson, James Murphy, Joel Chung, Henry Moore, Jak Jago, Ed Shepherdson and Toby Ponsford. They did really well to walk away with the team bronze. The Year 8 boys consisted of Henry Cohen, Alex Nicholds, James Stoney, Joel Goddard, David Fullbrook, Alfie Cubberley, Will Bone and Jacob Turnham. They did even better, winning the team Gold. Well done to all who competed.
SPORTS SUCCESS Cross Country Last year, Kent won the Liverpool Cup at the English Schools Cross‐Country Championships, so this year’s county championships races were arguably strongest in the country. It was therefore tremendous to see Skinners' so well represented in the Junior (Years 8 & 9) and Year 7 races in January. In the Junior race, Skinners' boys filled 4 of the first 6 of the Tunbridge Wells District team which finished second overall. Individually, James Puxty finished in bronze medal position, not too far behind last year's national champion. . Dan Seagrove finished an excellent 14th, James Stoney also had a tremendous race finishing 23rd and has since represented the county at the Inter County Schools Championships. Oscar Hussey finishing 33rd, despite a foot injury, and not far behind was Tom Willetts in 37th & Will Humphries in 44th. These superb results were achieved in a race with 125 finishers. James Puxty has since represented the county at the English Schools Championships, where he finished third, and then competed for England at their first international event of the season.
Basketball Year 8s win the West Kent League The Year 8s participated in the West Kent League for the first time this year. During the regular season the team were undefeated with notable victories against Judd School in a tight encounter but, in a less tight encounter, recorded a 112‐0 victory against Mascall’s.
Back row: Wills Humphries, Tom Willetts, James Puxty, Dan Seagrove, Oscar Hussey Front: Alfie Cubberley, Harry Cohen, Cian Richardson, James Stoney
In the play‐off final they defeated the other undefeated team, Hayesbrook 33‐24 to win the League title at the first attempt. Well done to all those boys who helped the squad to victory. Simon Jervis Head of PE & Sport
The Shak, started by Amanda Burgess and Iram Hickson to provide food and drinks for sports fixtures at Southfields, has just completed its second Rugby season at Southfields with fantastic success. We are now gaining a reputation for our bacon butties and many of the opposition supporters have said that Skinners' facilities are the best of all the schools they have visited (where else could you enjoy a cup of Earl Grey on the touchline ??!!). This year an amazing ÂŁ3,150 has been raised, compared to ÂŁ1,000 last year. Some of this money will go towards buying new portable floodlights for Southfields that will enable the boys to practise more regularly during the darker winter evenings. On behalf of the PE Department and the ladies who work tirelessly in the SHAK we would like to thank you for your support. Simon Jervis Head of PE
KENT YOUNG CHEF COOKS AT CHARITY DINNER Ben Colley continued his culinary adventures when he was invited to cook at charity dinner event at award‐winning chef Richard Philips’ Windmill restaurant in Hollingbourne, Kent. The dinner was organised to raise money for ‘Mind’, and catered for more than 60 people. Planning and managing the dinner was part of Ben’s prize as the junior ‘Kent Young Chef’ 2013‐14. Ben has won the junior award two years running. Hopefully we can continue this success at Skinners’ by encouraging other boys to enter both junior and senior divisions later this year.
AXA PPP DONATES TO THE SCHOOL The PPP/AXA premises in Tunbridge Wells recently underwent a major IT infrastructure replacement project. PPP AXA managed to generate funds by selling off much of their old IT equipment, and it was agreed that these funds would be passed back to the local community for IT related projects. Skinners’ was very fortunate to benefit from a donation to the tune of £6,000, and we have undertaken to use this money on two classroom interactive projectors and 16 Raspberry Pi s ‐ of the IT variety, not the fruit and pastry type! The picture below shows Mr Peter Reed (IT Director PPP AXA) presenting the donation to the Headmaster.
ART AT SKINNERS’
This picture, drawn by Tom Moffatt, of Year 9 at the recent Mock Trial is being sent off for a competition.
Follow this link to visit the Skinners’ Art Department Flickr photo stream, showcasing past and present student work from all year groups. Please visit on a regular basis, as work is updated fortnightly.
Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/117861265@N05/
American Studies talks by Dr Mike Collins
On 24th March we were fortunate to have Dr Collins, an American studies lecturer from the University of Kent, and Old Skinner, come to speak to sixth form History and English students. He explored a range of issues from the causes of the American Civil War to Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Guterson’s Snow Falling on Cedars. It was really fascinating to gain a different perspective on the topics we were studying, but also interesting to gain an insight into a university course that we might not otherwise have considered. Dr Collins remarked that he has become interested in pursuing American studies, given his interest in English and History and specialisation in anti‐bellum American literature. The experience was certainly eye opening and goes to show that we shouldn’t just be channelled into traditional subjects; inspiring us to examine further the broad range of subjects that are available at university. Jacob Bull ‐ Year 12
The latest prize-winners for Club 2000 were: November 1st P Britton 2nd L Labuschagne T Chudley 3rd
£180 £90 £45
December 1st R Phillips 2nd J Hardwick M Arnold 3rd
£180 £90 £45
January 1st A Hawkes 2nd M Arnold 3rd L Hawthorne
£180 £180 £45
February 1st J Thallon 2nd V Pace 3rd I Crawford
£180 £90 £45
Dates ahead‌. Apr 14
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
31 March
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12
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19
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Senior Concert 7.30pm in Thomson Theatre
Week 27A
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Term 4 ends CCF travel to Dartmoor 9
10
Easter break
CCF Dartmoor trip returns 14
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Easter break
18 Bank Holiday (Good Friday)
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Week 28B
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Bank Holiday (Easter Monday)
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Term 5 starts
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PA Non uniform day
CCF Recruit camp to 27th April
CCF Recruit camp to 27th April
CCF Recruit camp return
3 May
4 May
PA Committee Meeting 7pm
PA Junior Disco 7.30-9.30pm
Week 29A
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29
Year 11 Drama practical week
AS-Level Physics practical week
AS-Level Physics practical week
30
1 May
2 May
Year 13 photo 9am
AS-Level Physics practical week
Junior Maths challenge (TS) AS Physics practical written exam
PA Junior disco 7-9pm