SPRING SUMMER 2021
OP
IN THIS ISSUE PUPILS’ PERSPECTIVE THIS PERSE YEAR FEATURE LIVING THE SCHOOL MOTTO RESEARCH ARCHITECTURE OF PRISONS CAREERS LIFE AS AN ENTREPRENEUR
CONTENTS 03
From the Head
04
School News
06
Living the School Motto
12
Research and Response
15
Pupils’ Persective
16
OP News
06 LIVING THE SCHOOL MOTTO Qui facit per alium facit per se
12 RESEARCH AND RESPONSE Investigating architectural adaptations in prisons
18 Careers Workshop
20 Obituaries
23
Recent Events
15 PUPILS’ PERSPECTIVE
24
Upcoming Events
This Perse Year
ON THE COVER Head of Geography James Riley delivered our Pint of Perse seminar titled 'The plight of indigenous communities in a globalizing world'. The seminar featured James' photography including this image, shot in 2018, of a Baining fire dancer on the Gazelle Peninsula of East New Britain, Papua New Guinea.
18 CAREERS WORKSHOP Life as an entrepreneur
FROM SCHOOL THENEWS HEAD
ALEX PETTER (2016) HAS SHOWN REMARKABLE CHARACTER AND RESOLVE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY, LEADING TO SUCCESS AT THE 2020 BRITISH UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE SPORT (BUCS) AWARDS. READ MORE ON PAGE 16.
From the Head “ARE YOU SILVER-LINING ME SIR?” a Sixth
we have all been denied much loved school events, fixtures and trips. In addition first Black Lives Matter and then Everyone’s Invited have highlighted how we have got things wrong, and the work that still needs to be done to improve relationships and ensure that all members of the community are treated with kindness, respect and consideration at all times. But for all the dark clouds there have also been many silver linings. For to work with young people is to experience one big silver lining. Their constructive energy and willingness to see the best in others; their fresh minds devoid of cynicism, and their determination to build a better future all shine light into the darkest of situations. This edition of OP News is full of such positivity including the excellent work of our IE & D working group (now numbering 100) whose commitment to anti-sexism, anti-racism, and equality is inspirational; the work of OPs raising money for good causes and supporting the voluntary sector; the amazing pastoral care delivered by a trio of OP teachers working at their alma mater, and Isabel Painter’s powerful research into how prison design could help with prisoner rehabilitation. I count myself very fortunate to work with young people. Their positivity, energy and optimism are infectious. They will build a better future, and they don’t need me to ‘silver-line’ them in an online assembly for they ‘silver-line’ each other.
Former asked in the chat function during one of my lockdown Zoom assemblies that he was watching whilst munching breakfast at home. For Old Perseans this sentence will contain multiple surprises. Those who were drilled in English grammar will reach for the Oxford English Dictionary to confirm their suspicions that the verb ‘to silverline’ does not officially exist. Virtually any alumnus before 2020 will struggle with the concept of a Head’s assembly delivered via video conference rather than Hall lectern, although they will recognise that Zoom features such as mute the speaker whilst messaging friends could improve the pupils assembly experience. Virtual assemblies are just one example of how The Perse has had to reinvent itself, and whilst there has been much sadness in recent months there has also been a huge amount of progressive thinking and educational innovation. The winter of 2020–2021 had some dark moments. We lost some great supporters of the school, including distinguished physicist, theologian and former Chair of Governors Dr John Polkinghorne, and much loved former teacher and sports coach Tommy Dann who we will remember at the OP Sports Day scheduled for Sunday 27 June 2021. For weeks this winter, I looked out from my office window on an empty Perse devoid of the classroom chatter and school buzz that pupils bring. It felt an incomplete and barren place. Lockdowns and social isolation have taken their toll on pupil and staff well-being, whilst
With best wishes, Ed Elliott 3
OLD PERSEANS
School News PRESTIGIOUS medical publication Neil Sardesai (Upper Sixth) has co-authored an article published in Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine, the journal of the American Society of Regional Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine. Last year, he became involved in a University of Cambridge project that explored the use of ultrasound to map the anatomical variations of the medial cutaneous nerve in the forearm. Neil's Rouse Award project which explored how funding should be prioritised towards research into stroke treatments has also been published in the Young Scientists' Journal.
INCLUSION, EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY update In 2020, The Perse formed an Inclusion, Equality and Diversity (IE & D) working group, comprised of over 100 members of The Perse community. Pupils, staff, parents, Governors, Old Perseans and IE & D experts from other institutions are working together led by Emma Rothwell, the School’s Assistant Head (IE & D and Chaplain). So far the group has discussed: • Racism and anti-racist practice, particularly with regards to the curriculum, identity, representation and training; • Sexism and sexual violence, and how this impacts the learning and wellbeing of the whole community; • The response to Everyone’s Invited.
WORLD BOOK DAY celebrations Children at The Perse Pelican and Prep celebrated World Book Day in March by dressing up as characters from their favourite books. Pupils had a great time showing off a wide variety of colourful outfits, including the Gruffalo, Harry Potter, Alice in Wonderland and the Gingerbread Man.
We intend to address other areas of IE & D in the coming months. In addition to the working group, we have run peer-led consent workshops for Y11 and a whole staff meeting on how IE & D issues affect learning in the classroom. We are committed to running unconscious bias training for all staff, and will be working towards a Gold Equalities Award. The School will also be partnering with LimeCulture, one of the UK's leading sexual violence and safeguarding training and consultancy organisations, to develop a sexual violence first responder accreditation for schools. We will keep Old Perseans updated as we continue this important work. If you would like further information please contact Emma Rothwell at erothwell@perse.co.uk.
PERSE MUSICIAN of the year Prodigious pianist Juliette Richards (Upper Sixth) was declared the winner of the 2020 Perse Musician of the Year competition for the “panache and drama” of her rendition of pieces by Ravel, Beethoven and Stravinsky. Juliette was praised for an outstanding recital demonstrating real command of the piano. As well as Juliette, the final featured filmed performances from trumpeter Henry Butler (Upper Sixth), violinist Adrianne Lin (Year 10), clarinet player Alicia Li-Yan-Hui (Year 9) and vocalist Iona Woods (2020). 4
SCHOOL NEWS
FRIDAY NIGHT showcase The music department has organised a weekly series of online concerts on Youtube. Performances have included individual recitals, choral ensembles, and The Perse Lockdown Orchestra, shown above.
GB CALL-UP for Perse pupil Lottie Knights (Upper Sixth) has been selected to represent Great Britain at world championships in both triathlon and duathlon in 2021. The Perse sport scholar will travel to Almere in the Netherlands in September to take part in the women’s U20 sprint duathlon at the ITU Multisport World Championships before heading off to Bermuda the following month to race in the World Sprint Triathlon Championships in the same age group.
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH victory Bella Crowne and Milou Ottolini (Upper Sixth) have triumphed in the SAGE (Strategic Alliance of Global Educators) Project Passport competition with their proposal to compare approaches towards sustainability. Their project considered how schools view climate change, make green choices, and what methods schools can use to be more sustainable.
49 OXBRIDGE offers This year 49 students have been offered places by Cambridge and Oxford Universities. Heads of School Victoria Leung and Fabian Dodds (Upper Sixth) are among the Perse students receiving Cambridge offers, to study medicine at Fitzwilliam College and engineering at Homerton College respectively. A delighted Victoria said “The school’s UCAS team were extremely helpful, adapting quickly to the ever-changing situation and instilling confidence in our applications. I thank my teachers for all their advice and support.” 5
OLD PERSEANS
QUI FACIT PER ALIUM FACIT PER SE
Old Perseans are living by The Perse School’s motto Qui facit per alium facit per se (he who does things for others
does them for himself) long after their school years. We spoke to six OPs who have found fulfilment through helping others in their lives.
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SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
THE WAR AGAINST COVID-19 IS FAR FROM OVER, BUT WE ARE BEGINNING TO WIN THIS FIGHT.
other institutions, coming together to find innovative ways to bring an end to this global crisis. We also built another army, small but mighty, an army of fundraisers. All of them knew one another but had never come together like this before – Fundraisers in the UK, Hong Kong, China, the US, Corporates, Trusts, and Foundations. Just as the world was responding to this growing epidemic, so was our fundraising team. In the early days, it was hard to close a gift. Philanthropists wanted desperately to try to help their country obtain enough protective equipment, food, supplies, hospitals built, provide support for businesses etc. A vaccine was the last thing on their mind. But we tried different tactics and we didn’t give up. We reached out to our networks, pulled together multiple proposals, hosted countless webinars and zoom calls with our lead academics, created a crowdfunding campaign, wrote letters and hosted VIPs in our labs. Our first major gift of £6 million came in from an Oxford alumnus. It was the first real sign that we could do something big and our campaign began to grow. Since that first call from the Jenner Institute, we have raised a significant amount of funds from over 2,000 donors which has supported over 100 different research projects, including the development of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, which is now being rolled out at a rapid pace. Whether big or small gifts, every penny has counted, helping to accelerate our research across a number of areas, and fill significant holes that other sources of funds couldn’t fill. The war against Covid-19 is far from over, but we are beginning to win this fight. People ask me why I went into philanthropy. To have the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the world, helping to support them to achieve their goals and to have an impact on society, is incredibly rewarding. Likewise, I have been fortunate to be able to engage with donors who have a real passion for philanthropy and healthcare, and genuinely want to make a difference. I could not be prouder to be a small part of that.
Catherine Francis (2002) I LEFT THE PERSE Sixth Form in 2002, and after a year in Tanzania teaching in remote rural schools, I went on to read Geography at Oxford University. After graduating I worked for the NHS in Cambridge, then for a conservation NGO, followed by a move to Australia for three years raising funds for the Medical Sciences Division of Queensland University. I now work for the Medical Sciences Division at Oxford University raising major philanthropic funds for research, scholarships and capital projects. My focus for the past year has been supporting Oxford University’s Covid-19 research programme. In February 2020, we received a call from Oxford’s Jenner Institute who needed emergency philanthropic funds to support vaccine research into a new viral outbreak – this previously unknown coronavirus. Government and institutional funds were not flowing quickly enough, there was a real need to find funding fast, and our team was asked to help. Covid-19 marks the return of a very old (and familiar) enemy. Throughout history, nothing has killed more human beings than the viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause disease. Not natural disasters, nor war – not even close. Oxford University started to build an army of academics, supported by hundreds of students, bringing new ideas to the table every day. As part of my role, I sit in on weekly science calls with the leading academics working on Covid-19 and I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s like a war room, with some of the top minds collaborating across Oxford and with
WE HAVE RAISED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF FUNDS FROM OVER 2,000 DONORS WHICH HAS SUPPOSED OVER 100 DIFFERENT RESEARCH PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OXFORD/ASTRAZENECA VACCINE.
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OLD PERSEANS
Lewis Haines (2008) QUESTIONS ON HOW TO MEASURE THE IMPACT AND PERFORMANCE OF SERVICES IN A MEANINGFUL WAY, NEEDED THE SAME APPROACH AS MY DEGREE, JUST WITH DIFFERENT TYPES OF DATA AND MEASUREMENT TOOLS.
I LEFT THE PERSE in 2008 and went on to study Theoretical Physics at York, following years of unending support from Mrs Odhams as my physics teacher. Thinking back to my time at The Perse I remember each year Mr Jeffries gave an assembly setting a challenge for students to consider: ‘How is the world different for you having been in it?’ (paraphrased, because as all my previous teachers will be aware, detailed recall was never my strong point). At the time I didn’t grasp the meaning behind it but in the years after the question resonated with me. While at York I spent a large amount of my time working and running the student-run helpline Nightline which broadened my perspective on the value I could play in others’ lives, leading me to apply for a charity graduate scheme. As part of this scheme, I worked in a local authority homelessness department. Having been afforded a very sheltered existence up to that point, the realities of the economic crash and the policies of austerity that followed were suddenly brought into sharp focus and strengthened my resolve to forge a career in this sector. For me, the challenge was to find how my skills could be best used. After securing a role as an analyst in a national charity, the picture became a bit clearer. While seemingly different, the skills and challenges of my degree, applying and testing the
validity of theoretical models to experimental results, were the same questions that I faced as an analyst everyday. Questions on how to measure the impact and performance of services in a meaningful way, needed the same approach as my degree, just with different types of data and measurement tools. I have worked in a variety of research and analytical roles since, and I am currently working at a notfor-profit consultancy focused on system’s change, looking at how complex systems in local areas can collaboratively change how they operate and work together to better support those who need it. In my view the role of the research is to translate the experiences of people into information that can be used to transform the system. This could be through evidencing people’s experiences to lobby national and local government to adapt policies, or by understanding what types of services and interventions are effective. The overall aim is to improve the lives of those who experience difficulties, moving towards a system where fewer people need help and those that do receive the right support at the right time. Working in the voluntary sector has challenged me in ways I could not have expected. The restricted funding climate means charities and local authorities are constantly having to deliver quality services for less resources and to more people. I have consistently felt humbled by the experiences and resolve of service users I have worked with. More importantly, being in this sector has given me a sense of direction and purpose to continue working to support people who need it.
WORKING IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR HAS CHALLENGED ME IN WAYS I COULD NOT HAVE EXPECTED.
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SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
WE’VE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO BE CREATIVE AND TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX IN ORDER TO BE COVID-19 SAFE.
The opportunities at The Perse are phenomenal, and this filters through to staff too. As well as being a form tutor, I took on the charities co-ordinator role whilst Emma Kenzie (2005) was on maternity leave. I enjoy personally supporting charities in any way I can, so I was incredibly excited by the opportunity to manage school charity events. This year has been incredibly challenging in many ways and unfortunately it has had a vast impact on charitable efforts. We’ve had no choice but to be creative and to think outside the box in order to be Covid-19 safe. The pupils were gutted to hear there would be no sponge the teacher, but we came up with lots of innovative alternatives. We supported Children in Need this year at the Upper, fundraising for a much-deserved cause as well as boosting school morale during the day. Each year group enjoyed a special lunchtime activity they could attend including dodgeball, football and netball tournaments, a massive game of capture the flag, and an orienteering treasure hunt. These activities were all huge successes and we raised over £2,000. We collected a record number of Christmas shoe boxes (603) for Link to Hope, and held a non-uniform day to support Jamie’s Wood, raising £2,000 in memory of Jamie Gardiner (2013). We also hosted our first ever virtual Power2Inspire PowerHouseGames to promote inclusion through sport, and a Christmas hat and jumper day to raise money for Cambridge Global Health Partnerships who procure essential supplies such as PPE for low and middle income countries. One of my favourite virtual events was a charity bake for Christel House. Mr St John and Mr Mahendra went head–to-head to create the best dinosaur themed cake which was then judged, with Mr St John coming out on top. Pupils also had the opportunity to enter their own baked goods in different categories – it transpires we have a lots of aspiring bakers in the School! I have loved and benefitted from the Charities Coordinator role in so many ways, so while I am sad to not continue with it now that Mrs Kenzie is back from maternity leave, I am looking forward to being a Head of House next year and being involved with charity events in a different way.
Millie Diss (2013) I ABSOLUTELY LOVED my time at The Perse School for Sixth Form, so much so that when I left school in 2013, I decided to spend my gap year coaching sport at the Perse Prep. I have always loved sport, and after enjoying Sports Science at A Level I decided to study Applied Sports Science at the University of Edinburgh, achieving a first. After my year coaching at the Prep, I knew I wanted to be a teacher, but learned that primary school age was perhaps not for me! I spent the summer after graduating organising The Perse Summer School, then began my role as a graduate assistant in the sports department. Since then I have never looked back! I was fortunate enough to be given a teaching role the following year and I am now in my second year as a teacher, alongside setting up a baking business from home.
I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED SPORT, AND AFTER ENJOYING SPORTS SCIENCE AT A LEVEL I DECIDED TO STUDY APPLIED SPORTS SCIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH, ACHIEVING A FIRST. AFTER MY YEAR COACHING AT THE PREP, I KNEW I WANTED TO BE A TEACHER...
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OLD PERSEANS
THE GRATITUDE SHOWN TO VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF, AS WELL AS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DONATIONS AND VOLUNTEERS HAS MADE IT ALL WORTHWHILE. IT WAS HEART-WARMING TO SEE THE WHOLE COMMUNITY COME TOGETHER.
Life in Devon is wonderful, even in lockdown. We are lucky enough to have a boat in Plymouth and sail as much as we can, and we have access to amazing walks across Dartmoor National Park and along the South West Coastal Path. However, the Dartmouth you see on holiday is not the Dartmouth experienced by many residents; located on a large hill, the average life expectancy differs by ten years between the top and the bottom. Dartmouth Caring provides a wide range of resources to this small, rural, and isolated community; shopping and prescription delivery, palliative and oncology care, patient transport, meals on wheels, lunch clubs and memory cafés, benefit and housing advice, and much more. Over the past five years we have doubled in size and provide a key role in the community, and in 2018 we won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The pandemic has been frantic and stressful, but also fulfilling. We cancelled our lunch clubs, memory cafés and all group activities in March last year. Within 48 hours we set up a meals on wheels service which to this day has delivered over 10,000 meals, almost all free, to those in need. In the first few weeks many of our clients were panicked and scared, unsure how they would get food and petrified by the news headlines. Meeting their needs and allaying their fears is what we do; we delivered shopping, meals, and prescription deliveries, as well as telephoning vulnerable members of the community. Fears reduced in subsequent lockdowns as clients knew what support was available. The gratitude shown to volunteers and staff, as well as a significant increase in donations and volunteers has made it all worthwhile. It was heart-warming to see the whole community come together. My role is in strategy and fundraising, the latter benefitting from many Covid-19 grants this year, helping our response and that of others. A major growth area in the past three years has been the services we provide to support the NHS and Social Care. You can read more on our website – www.dartmouthcaring.co.uk
Nick Hindmarsh (1977) I LEFT THE PERSE in 1977 at the end of Fifth Form (Year 11) and attended the Cambridge College of Arts and Technology for A Levels. I immediately started playing rugby for the OP team and found myself propping against men twice my age! I loved it and ended up playing for the OPs until I left Cambridge six years later, ending as Captain. From 1979–83 I worked for Lloyds Bank in several Cambridge branches, however the processdriven nature of the role meant that it was not for me. It was in 1983 on a holiday in Yorkshire when I chose to pop in and see the economics department at the University of Leeds. After speaking to an Admissions Tutor he agreed to let me start an Economic History degree five weeks later! The next three years were amazing; I ended up with a 2.1 and headed to St Catherine’s College, Oxford to complete my PGCE. My second child was born the very day my teacher training started. She didn’t sleep for months which was certainly good preparation for a life in the classroom! Training didn’t put me off though; I spent 30 wonderful years teaching, including the Headship of three schools. I drew my life in education to a close in 2016, and after spending a few months messing about on boats, I saw an advert for a small charity, Dartmouth Caring. I joined and have never looked back. 10
SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
OPs in Pastoral Care We spoke to two OPs who are currently working at The Perse School in the pastoral team. Dani Creese (2006) AFTER STUDYING Psychology and Zoology at university I returned to The Perse in September 2009 to teach biology. I loved my time as a pupil and teaching here has been just as fulfilling, if not more! Early on in my teaching career I took up the role of Head of Year 7, alongside my biology teaching. Since then I have had various pastoral roles and I am now Assistant Head (Pupil Welfare), trying to fill the huge shoes that Mrs Hague left (I still can’t call her Gail). Having the opportunity to work with such talented and knowledgeable colleagues in supporting our young people to develop into well-rounded and fulfilled young adults is rewarding and motivating. The “Sunday blues” before the working week starts has never been a problem for me, which I never take for granted!
HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH SUCH TALENTED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE COLLEAGUES IN SUPPORTING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP INTO WELL-ROUNDED AND FULFILLED YOUNG ADULTS IS REWARDING AND MOTIVATING.
Antonia Eccles (née Game) (2008) I RETURNED TO The Perse in June 2014 to start my career in teaching. I love the variety that Perse life offers (I teach maths, economics, PSHE, emotional well-being, and games) but the pastoral dimension of our education provision is what I find most rewarding. As Head of Lower School with responsibility for overseeing the pastoral care of our Year 7 and 8 pupils, what matters most to me is contributing to a positive, stable and nurturing environment that promotes our pupils’ best interests and outcomes. Every child is unique and deserves to feel valued, and I enjoy helping our pupils to see their value as a person. This is not always straightforward, with some of the challenges faced by young people, but I invest time, in collaboration with others, to identify pupils’ individual needs, share in their successes and trials, and value their contributions. I have always been people-oriented and so the benefits for me come from working with our young people and an extraordinarily talented and supportive pastoral team; it is a wonderful community to be a part of.
...WHAT MATTERS MOST TO ME IS CONTRIBUTING TO A POSITIVE, STABLE AND NURTURING ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES OUR PUPILS’ BEST INTERESTS AND OUTCOMES.
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OLD PERSEANS
Research How can design adaptations be used to improve well-being in prisons? Prison design is typically functionality-driven with a focus on ensuring the security and safety of inmates and prison staff. This can lead to elements of psychological-based design being overlooked. It is potentially worth investing money into design features that will improve prisoner well-being with the potential knock-on benefit of reduced re-offending rates. In Norway’s prison system the primary objective of a custodial sentence is rehabilitation, which is seen in turn to result in reduced reoffending rates. In the UK nearly half (48%) of the adult prison population are reconvicted of another offence within one year of release. In comparison, Norway’s reconviction rate is 20% (Deady, 2014). Halden Prison is an example of Norway’s “humane” approach to incarceration promoting rehabilitation over punishment. I considered four main factors during the design process – light, sound, the natural environment, and the movement and interaction of people.
ISABEL PAINTER
Isabel Painter (Upper Sixth) won the 2020 Rouse Artefact Award for her examination into how design adaptations could be used to improve well-being in prisons.
M
odern domestic building design no longer solely focuses on the functionality or visual aesthetic of a space, but on the psychological impact of the building on its inhabitants. The spaces in which we live have a significant impact on our emotional well-being and happiness; therefore, spaces should always be designed with the user’s mental state in mind. In general, there is a greater percentage of the prison population suffering from mental health issues compared to the general population; self-inflicted deaths are 8.6 times more likely amongst the prison population (Prison Reform Trust, 2019). Should there not be greater consideration in use of design to combat this? And what design measures could such institutions adopt? My main aim for this project was to identify and develop design solutions to increase well-being and the mental state of inmates.
1. Natural light is recognised as having beneficial psychological impacts in reducing mental health issues such as Seasonal Affective Disorder and improving physical health through increased vitamin D (Swanson, 2016). As sunlight changes throughout the day in direction and intensity it dictates the body’s natural rhythm, whereas harsh LED lighting (often the main lighting source within prisons) doesn’t give the body clues to times of the day, which can have negative impacts on sleeping patterns. 2. Excess and uncontrollable noise is shown to increase aggressive tendencies (Donnerstein, 1976). One example of the impact of noise on violence was seen in HMP Buckley Hall. After being given foam ear buds to wear whilst sleeping, inmate violence halved (Rochdale Online, 2019).
MY MAIN AIM FOR THIS PROJECT WAS TO IDENTIFY AND DEVELOP DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO INCREASE WELL-BEING AND THE MENTAL STATE OF INMATES.
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CAMPAIGN SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS UPDATE
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 3
for smaller groups to use, replacing large, shared dining halls. The central corridor spanning the inner edge of the ring is lined with large windows to improve light levels, also providing clear sightlines through the whole building allowing staff to monitor inmate activity from a variety of viewpoints. The central portion of the building acts as a communal garden area for inmates and staff to use, providing a calming and stimulating outdoor space. This attention to greenery is also replicated on the building’s exterior, which is clad with vegetated walls, visible to both inmates on their own and other cellblocks through the extruded window design. The segmented cell shape results in the room widening as you walk through it creating the sense of growing space, alongside an above average prison ceiling height (2.7m) the space feels less confining (Figure 2). Natural light within the cell is provided by skylights and large extruded windows. Noise reduction within cells and corridors is achieved using sound absorbing panels. The panel is made up of two parts, an exterior perforated wooden board fixed on top of an air cavity filled with insulating material such as mineral wool or another foam substitute. Sound penetrates the panel through the perforations where it is absorbed in the cavity. The surface perforations have been specifically designed to provide visual interest and can be placed throughout the building on corridor walls and within cells (Figure 3). While retrofitting my design ideas into existing prisons may prove difficult on grounds of cost and space restrictions, integrating sound proofing and green walls may well be feasible and could help improve prisoner well-being and welfare. Nonetheless these extra design costs would be offset by the theorised reduction in reoffending rates, as the cost of incarcerating large numbers of people would become more manageable with a smaller prison population.
FIGURE 2
3. L ack of personal space and overcrowding can drastically increase levels of stress, and long-term effects can cause deterioration in mental health (Thornberry, 1983). Even in a communal setting, for example public transport, stress and cortisol levels increase when a space is overcrowded (Evans, 2007). 4. A ccess to greenery and the natural environment can vastly improve welfare and mental health. It has been found that in urban areas with low levels of green space, inhabitants report poorer mental and physical health compared to those living in areas where green space is more abundant (De Vries, 2003). My prison design focused on the incorporation of these four design factors outlined into the design of cellblocks and individual cells. For my final outcome I produced an example model cellblock, setting out the building in a circular way (Figure 1), providing one uninterrupted route through the building. By removing corners or dead ends there is a reduction in buffer zones to reduce territorial behaviour and conflict. The cells themselves are south facing, benefitting from maximum exposure to natural light, and the north of the building accommodates two communal kitchen lounge areas 13 13
OLD PERSEANS
& Response
Similarly, Isabel Painter’s design adaptations challenge conceptions of prison architecture that fixate too narrowly on notions of discipline, utility, and formal control. Like the design of urban spaces, research suggests that prison environments can have powerful effects on behaviors, emotional states, and perceptions, and can play a crucial role in rehabilitative treatment. For example, open housing in prison that unduly limits privacy can increase prisoner stress and affect mental health. Moreover, researchers have shown that windows, bright colors, and carpets can lead to fewer antisocial behaviors, such as vandalism, which undermine successful rehabilitation. Isabel’s focus on the potential benefits of increasing natural light, reducing unnecessary noise, minimising stress, and adding greenery opens profitable avenues for future research. To what extent does architectural design as a rehabilitative intervention cause short- or long-term reductions in reoffending? What are the effects of these and other design features on prisoner safety and on mental and emotional well-being? How do these design factors help build positive relationships between prisoners and also between prisoners and prison officers? Anyone committed to a vision for criminal justice that seeks to minimize harm in society should be interested in learning how physical spaces within prisons can contribute to this worthy goal.
JAMES WILLIS (1987)
Professor James Willis (1987) is the Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Criminology, Law and Society and the Director of the Centre for Justice Leadership and Management at George Mason University, Virginia.
I
n The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), Jane Jacobs famously drew attention to the limits of the rational standards of efficiency and order used by planners to design urban spaces. Based on her experience living in Greenwich Village in New York City, she reflected on the values and principles that contributed to the kinds of neighbourhood that help improve our lives and overall sense of psychological and physical well-being. For Jacobs, healthy neighborhoods had the same dynamism and exuberance as a ballet, and had features, such as local corner stores, that provided people with the opportunity to enjoy casual, and yet meaningful social interactions. She also observed that neighborhood form had consequences for safety, as streets which bustled with different people throughout the day provided an informal means of discouraging crime and disorder.
ILLUSTRATION: FLOOR PLAN OF ISABEL'S MODEL CELL BLOCK
ISABEL’S FOCUS ON THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF INCREASING NATURAL LIGHT, REDUCING UNNECESSARY NOISE, MINIMIZING STRESS, AND ADDING GREENERY OPENS PROFITABLE AVENUES FOR FUTURE RESEARCH.
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SCHOOL NEWS
PUPILS’ PERSPECTIVE We listened to two members of the Student Council about an unprecedented year at The Perse.
Lockdown Learning ASH GOEL (YEAR 8)
DURING THE PANDEMIC The Perse has adapted efficiently to ensure learning is fun and interactive for pupils. In April 2020 I moved to remote learning and it was a new experience for everyone, bringing new challenges each day. Fast forward one year and online learning changed immensely; virtual classes became so interactive that I felt like I was still in lessons at school. Teachers organised live conferences for almost every lesson in the day. The use of ‘breakout rooms’ meant that I could work in small groups to collaboratively complete tasks, a style of learning which I enjoy. Whilst remote learning has been the best I could have hoped for in these strange times, it has certainly made me feel grateful to be back in school with my friends and fellow classmates.
Beyond the Classroom
Lunchtimes have been difficult this year, with nearly 1,500 students and staff to feed. The timetable has been changed to 20-minute periods to stagger lunchtimes and we’re fortunate to still be provided with hot meals every day. Sport has been a challenge to continue safely but it’s been great to be back on the sports pitches and the sports department have provided plenty of extra opportunities to develop skills beyond games lessons including virtual netball workouts and outdoor challenges. The Perse’s drama life has been challenged by social distancing with the closure of schools announced during the final rehearsal for the Sixth Form’s Education Education Education production. Since then drama productions have been adapted for screens, and even recorded over Zoom. Whilst different, it’s been great for the School to continue to provide the theatrical experiences. The Student Council have embraced ‘Covid-19 creativity’, creating videos to tackle issues raised by pupils. We’ve taken this year as an opportunity to look at improving other aspects of the School, such as the greater promotion of mental health and Blue Monday.
HEATHER MAGOWAN (UPPER SIXTH STUDENT COUNCIL LEAD)
I’VE FOUND THE continuation of extra-curricular activities important during 2020–21; the School seemed to pick up where it had left off where it could, enabling students to make the most of being together again after a long time apart. I have greatly valued the friendships and memories made in school sports teams, drama productions, the Student Council, and other clubs. Even in this slightly strange year, these are the things I’ll remember The Perse for. The school year started with a virtual societies fair, where students in every club and society created videos to recruit new members. New societies also emerged such as the Ecological Society and the British Sign Language Society, reflecting students’ enthusiasm to get involved in life beyond the classroom following lockdown. Another notably active aspect of the School has been the house system, with house events including fun runs and football which have been enjoyed by all participating. 15
OLD PERSEANS
Laura Barraclough (2020) is currently playing the role of Loren in Nickelodeon’s latest sitcom Goldies Oldies. Laura said “I had a taste for acting during Perse Players’ productions Our House and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Filming Goldies Oldies has been the most incredible experience (including 5 am wake-ups and 12-hour shoot days) but thoroughly rewarding and fun – activities involving liquid nitrogen, slime and special effects became standard!”
OP News Alex Petter (2016) recently won the 2020 BUCS Dan Porter Award for his effort in developing the Cambridge University Cycling Club (CUCC) whilst undergoing treatment for cancer. Despite travelling to Manchester Monday to Friday for radiotherapy, Alex was running the club as enthusiastically as ever; organising training camp, ensuring rides always took place, and running the committee. Alex also won the Sports Club Personality of the Year Award at the inaugural 2020 University of Cambridge Sports Awards for his transformational impact on CUCC.
Tom Harwood (2015) has been appointed as political correspondent for Andrew Neil’s new television channel GB News. In his previous role as Senior Reporter for Guido Fawkes, he regularly appeared on BBC Breakfast, Good Morning Britain, Sky News, BBC Newsnight, and was the youngest ever panellist on BBC Question Time. He also writes a weekly column for The Telegraph.
George Lawton (2016) is co-hosting Primark’s brand-new podcast – All Round Mine. Covering topics ranging from music collections, cooking skills, décor, pets and sentimental items, every week George and Arielle Free will be diving into a celebrity guests’ home, providing a bit of escapism at a time that we all need it!
Covid-19 restrictions did not stop seven OPs teaming up to take part in the virtual Thames Hare and Hounds 68th Alumni Race. Congratulations to Alexander Hunt (2005) who placed 9th out of 282 competitors, and Simon Sampson (2005) for organising the OP team.
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SCHOOL OP NEWS NEWS
Harrison Pardoe (2012) has been awarded a
grant by The Prince’s Trust to help establish his new business. Motivated by the negative impact of Covid-19 on education, Harrison designed Cambridge Online Tutors, a new learning platform covering all key stages from early learning through to A Levels. After submitting a detailed business plan, Harrison received a grant from the charity’s Enterprise Relief Fund. Bobby Goulder (2012) was on tour playing festivals in Australia and New Zealand when the pandemic hit. Watching all his gigs evaporate for the rest of the year, Bobby kept himself busy by raising money for charity through personalised musical gifts which he called GiftASong. One request which super-imposed several images of himself to look like a chamber choir reached BBC News headlines.
Book Publications James Simpson (1969) has
recently been appointed Emeritus Professor of Economic History at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, and has published (with Juan Carmona) the book, Why Democracy Failed: The Agrarian Origins of the Spanish Civil War.
Award-winning journalist Simon Akam (2003) spent a year in the army when he was 18 and returned a decade later to see how the institution had changed. His book, The Changing of the Guard: The British Army Since 9/11 examines the social, political and cultural role of the armed forces today.
James Salzman (1981) is a Professor of Environmental Law at UCLA School of Law and the Bren School of the Environment at UC Santa Barbara. He has published (with Michael Heller) Mine! which documents fun, surprising, and often infuriating real-life stories that reveal the ownership rules of the 21st century.
Ed Walker (1994) founded Hope into Action in 2010, a charity with a vision of the church at the forefront of the fight against homelessness. A House Built on Love tells the story of Hope into Action’s mission and how it has worked in partnership with churches to supply homes, support, friendship and love for the homeless and marginalised. 17
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E RS W E R CA O
RK SH O P
Life as an Entrepreneur This past year has seen an explosion of newly launched small businesses and startups. In this article Tristan Fletcher (1998) speaks about his roller-coaster experience of company building.
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SCHOOL CAREERS NEWS
I
I FEEL THAT IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO NOT BE PUT OFF TRYING OUT ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS BY A FEAR OF FAILURE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY YOU SHOULD HAVE A STRONG, RATIONAL, CONVICTION THAT YOUR IDEA WILL SUCCEED
wanted to build a company the second I started at The Perse, motivated by both autonomy and the desire to build. I read general engineering at Cambridge University and went on to specialise in an MBA-like version of the subject, adding academic momentum to entrepreneurial motivations. An alternative meaning of the word “career” is to veer from side to side, and this has certainly been a dominant feature of my own. While others on my master’s course focused their projects on redesigning manufacturing processes on factory floors, I flew out to India to try and build a water purifier for the developing world to use. This was my first attempt at entrepreneurialism and it corresponded with my peak in idealism. After a brief career as a business consultant, I swung the other way to become a high frequency trader in an algorithmic hedge fund. Alongside forays into academia (in the then nascent topic of machine learning) and more mamon-worshipping stints, I had a few attempts at company building. These were in pursuits ranging from forecasting fine wine prices to predicting the location and timing of ambulance call-outs. None of them led anywhere significant because I was trying to do too many things at once; as with many other things in life, if you want to be successful, you need to focus. In reality you will not build up the frustration tolerance to navigate all the setbacks that starting a company entails if you have other projects you can jump onto when things aren’t working out. I have now put all my eggs into one basket with ChAI, a technology company I co-founded a couple of years ago and run as the CEO. It’s the culmination of all the skills (hard and soft) I’ve learnt over many years, using AI on unusual data sets such as satellite imagery to forecast commodity prices for manufacturing companies. Despite it being my sole pursuit, it involves many different skills and aspects of my personality, and therefore caters to my desire to not be pigeonholed. It’s also been a privilege having something like this to focus on during the unusual working and living conditions the last year or so have presented. This all comes 15 years into my career, which when I first left school, I felt was far too late to start a company. There is a lot of attention paid to the small number of people who have built massive businesses, particularly in technology, at a very young age. However, there are just as many news-worthy exceptions. I strongly believe that you need to learn
a lot about how the business world works, as well as what your own strengths and weaknesses are, before starting a company. You might have a bit more energy when you are in your mid-20s, and therefore you might be more likely to think creatively or be less tarnished by the status quo. Ultimately, I think these are irrelevant in comparison to the experience that simply being that little bit older brings. I also do not subscribe to the idea that failure is a good thing because of all the learning it brings. I feel that it’s really important to not be put off trying out entrepreneurial ideas by a fear of failure, but more importantly you should have a strong, rational, conviction that your idea will succeed before you invest too many resources into it. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the positive networking opportunities in building companies. When you work in banks and hedge funds there is a perception that if one person is successful, it is at the expense of someone else. My experience in building ChAI has been very much the opposite; other entrepreneurs are on the whole naturally supportive, helpful and optimistic people. Perhaps I am careering back to another idealistic peak…
IT’S ALSO BEEN A PRIVILEGE HAVING SOMETHING LIKE THIS TO FOCUS ON DURING THE UNUSUAL WORKING AND LIVING CONDITIONS THE LAST YEAR OR SO HAVE PRESENTED.
Tristan spoke at an event organised by Digital Catapult to pitch ChAI to investors for the first time.
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Obituaries We are saddened to report the death of the following OPs:
John Polkinghorne (1948) Alan Weeds (1958) writes: John was born on 16 October 1930 in Weston-Super-Mare, educated initially in Street in Somerset, he joined The Perse in the 4th form when his father became Head Postmaster in Ely. He participated in many school activities, including becoming co-editor of The Pelican alongside Sir Peter Hall (1949). Victor Sederman taught him the intoxicating powers of mathematics and he was awarded a major scholarship at Trinity College to read mathematics, specialising in high-energy physics. Elected a Fellow of Trinity in 1954, a year later he married Ruth Martin whom he had met at the Christian Union (Ruth sadly died in 2006). After a brief period teaching in Edinburgh, John returned to Cambridge as Reader in Theoretical Physics, becoming Professor of Mathematical Physics in 1968. This was a very exciting time in quantum physics, with the discovery of quarks as subatomic particles in neutrons and protons in 1964. Unravelling the mysteries of subatomic physics continued, with the discovery of the Higgs boson (nicknamed the “God particle”) in 2012. John was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1974 and served as Chairman of the Nuclear Physics Board in 1978–9. In 1979, approaching the age of 50, he changed career entirely by becoming ordained, to the incredulity of many Fellows of Trinity. After training at Westcott House he served as a parish priest for four years but returned to Cambridge in 1986 as Dean of Trinity Hall. In 1989 he was elected President of Queens’ College.
John’s passion for understanding the mysteries of particle physics now collided with a passion for understanding the mysteries of religion and in particular of ontology. Over a period of 30 years he published more than 20 books focusing on the belief in God in an age of science, including an autobiography “From Physicist to Priest” in 2007. John’s unshakeable Christian faith convinced him that belief in God through the Christian tradition was not just compatible with scientific understanding but that the physical reality of the world could be explained in terms of God’s purposes, something many scientists find hard to reconcile, not least because of advances in our understanding of the origins of the universe and of Darwinian evolution in the light of DNA sequencing. Like Einstein, he believed that mystery was at the centre of all art and all science and retained that sustaining sense of wonder throughout his life. He also believed that we have a duty to help society behave responsibly both for present practice and provision for future generations. He served on many committees related to medical ethics, chaired the Science, Medicine and Technology Committee of the Church of England’s Board of Social Responsibility and also a working party on cloning, held jointly with the Human Embryology Authority. John was Trinity’s representative Governor at The Perse for many years and Chairman of the Board from 1972 to 1982. Tony Melville, 20
the then Headmaster wrote “It was fortunate for The Perse and for me that John Polkinghorne was prepared to take on the Chairmanship of Governors, by no means a sinecure. He steered us through some controversial years; he knew what the school was for and his contact with it gave confidence to all of us. I shall always be grateful for the firm and understanding way in which he steered the governing body, as well as remembering him as a friend”. John was appointed KBE in 1997 and in 2002 awarded the Templeton prize, which celebrates scientific and spiritual curiosity, “harnessing the power of the sciences to explore the deepest questions of the universe and humankind’s place and purpose within it”. He used much of the prize money to establish a lectureship at Queens’. I knew John as Fellow at Trinity from 1975 and overlapped with him as a Governor at The Perse, but most of all, I treasure the termly meetings of the “Triangle Club”, where senior academics in Science, Philosophy and Theology met for dinner and talks on matters of common interest, often with an outside speaker. There, over many years, I increasingly admired him for his intellect and breadth of understanding, his modesty and essential humanity, and his infectious smile. John sadly passed away on 9 March 2021 and is survived by his daughter and two sons.
David Emerson (1949) Neil Emerson (1985) writes: David was born in Birmingham in 1931. The family moved to Cambridge and David attended the Milton Road Primary School followed by The Perse after winning a scholarship. He vividly recalled Headmaster HA Wooton, who was pranked by the Sixth Form by writing “Gob” on all the
SCHOOL OBITUARIES NEWS
doors in the School. He thought the other teachers were an eccentric bunch; one who rode a vintage motor bike and kept a stream launch on the River Cam. David was a keen sportsman at The Perse, playing rugby, hockey, tennis, swimming, and the unique Perse Fives. He swam in the Cam every morning at The Perse bathing sheds at Coe Fen before cycling into school. It turned out that David was the first of three generations (so far) to attend The Perse, with his grand-daughter Florence finishing there in 2019. From The Perse, David read medicine at Downing College, Cambridge followed by Lincoln College, Oxford. He captained Cambridge University’s water polo team, gaining a half blue and election to the Hawks Club. After qualifying, David spent time as a ship’s doctor and then as a doctor in the Falklands and Antarctic. In the Falklands he often did his rounds on a pony so small, he could almost touch the ground while riding along, and David was not a tall man! David then worked at High Wycombe Hospital where he met his wife, Shirley. David and Shirley had four children and seven grandchildren, with six Doctor Emersons in total. David and Shirley set up the Mill Road Surgery in the 1960s where they worked for 30 years until retirement. David provided services to help people with drug and alcohol problems. He and Shirley were instrumental in setting up the Cambridge Advisory Centre for
Young People, concentrating on birth control and sexual health. Always happy outdoors, David was secretary of the University bathing sheds in Grantchester and took his children along when he went to cut the lawn. Family holidays were spent camping and walking. He retained his adventurous spirit, and he and Shirley volunteered as medical officers for an expedition to a remote valley in the Indian Himalayas with King's Ely school in 1978. After retirement, David and Shirley walked coast-to-coast across Scotland numerous times. David loved his food, wine, and dogs. He was well-known by dog walkers at Wandlebury and Fulbourn Fen for his “dog walker parties” and pockets full of treats. He died on 3 December 2020, aged 89.
Robert Rowlinson (1954) Susan Curry (Staff) writes: Son of Ralph and Alice, Robert was born in Cambridge and grew up in Sawston. At the age of 11 he attended The Perse, but sadly his father died unexpectedly the summer before he began to study there. He went on to study agriculture at Chadacre Agricultural Institute in Suffolk. On completion aged 17 he decided to go on an adventure on his own to Canada, travelling from Liverpool across to Nova Scotia by ship, then by train across the prairies. He worked on his Aunt and Uncle’s farm for two years before returning home to do National Service with the RAF at Cardington in Bedfordshire. During this time, he met Muriel, who he married and had his daughter, Susan. He went on to work at Ciba Geigy in Duxford, then Dynochem UK where he was transport manager until he retired. Robert passed away aged 85 on 20 October 2020 after a short illness at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. He will be greatly missed by his wife, children, and grandchildren. 21
Michael Stanley (1944) James Howarth writes: Mike was born in Cambridge and attended The Perse School between 1937–42. Leaving school at 16 during World War II, Mike repaired War Department motorcycles at Hallen’s Motor Cycles on Union Lane until the age of 18. He then joined the Royal Navy, and trained at HMS Ganges in Suffolk and the Isle of Man in the use of radar. He volunteered to work on submarines as that meant double pay, and extra rations! By 1945 hostilities had finished, and he saw out the rest of his National Service ‘sailing around the Isle of Wight’ on the destroyer HMS Paladin. Following his demobilisation aged 21, he returned to Hallen’s for a period before moving towards vehicle sales, working initially at King & Harper on Thomson’s Lane, and then transferring to Wallis & Sons on Mitcham’s Corner. At the age of 40, Mike met Malcolm Buckingham who suggested they join forces to take on the Swedish Saab car franchise in Cambridge. They got together in 1967 and formed Buckingham & Stanley Ltd, starting with Saab cars in 1969. Their distinctive greyhound shape quickly became a regular site in and around Cambridge. By 1978 Malcolm left the business to join the equestrian world and Mike encouraged fellow motor trader, James Howarth, to join him. The Buckingham & Stanley business prospered and
OLD PERSEANS
expanded to other sites in and around Cambridge. Mike was a keen sailor of small boats, and enjoyed several years owning a canal boat on the higher reaches of the Cam. His overriding passion was probably his interest in motor cycles, racing bikes at Boreham in Essex, riding with his son, John, on the famous Brooklands circuit, and motorbike scrambling at Elsworth park. Mike restored several MG cars and owned four at one point, racing the cars at both Brands Hatch and Silverstone. Up until his closing years, he owned several vintage motor cycles, and had at one time eight vintage machines in his care. He took great pride in nurturing them all, and riding, when he could, on ‘fair weather’ days. Mike died aged 94 on 19 January 2021. He leaves his wife, Sue, his son John who emigrated to New Zealand some years past, and Sue’s own three children.
Phillip Stanley Wilkin (1949) Melanie Luce writes: Philip was born in Cottenham in 1930, the youngest of four boys. His parents, Stanley and Lily Wilkin, were small farmers and growers in the village. After attending primary school in Cottenham Philip achieved scholarship entry into The Perse. He left in 1947 to join Westminster Bank in Cambridge. In 1948 he did National Service in the Army, achieving the rank of Corporal. He was demobilised
in 1950 and returned to the banking world in St Neots, St Ives, Huntingdon, then to Norwich in 1954 after his marriage to Dawn Symonds. In his ten years there, his children Mark and Melanie were born. He then moved to the Bank’s Ipswich branch, as Chief Clerk. In 1968 Philip was sent to Jersey as Manager of the St Brelade branch where he stayed until retirement in 1989. Family holidays were camping and caravanning in Europe and skiing. He became Chairman of the 41 Club and Captain of La Moye Golf Club, where he still played last year. His first marriage ended and in 1978 he married Freda Pennington. They were married for over 41 years. They bought a house in south east Spain and spent winter months in South Africa, joining Somerset West Golf Club. They enjoyed many cruise ship holidays and more recently, river cruises in Europe enjoying the wines and beers of the more inland regions. Philip had a love of motorcycles, both riding and watching. His interest in Speedway led to a lifelong friendship with World Speedway Champion, Ove Fundin. Philip continued his riding on his scooter, taking part in the annual fundraising event for Holiday for Heroes raising funds for servicemen who need a holiday. He loved cooking and during lockdown Philip, being a great socialite, could busy himself cooking and entertaining his neighbours. Since his death the family have received many messages about Philip’s generosity of spirit and desire to enjoy life. He died aged 90 on 12 October 2020 and said how very grateful he was for the life he had and the people he had met along the way.
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Thomas Dann (Former Staff) Ravi Mahendra (Staff) writes: Tom Dann (or Tommy as he was known to most) spent five years teaching at The Perse (2009–2014) as PE and Games teacher, 1st XV Rugby coach, Head of Cricket and Football, Lower School and Sixth Form tutor. The variety of responsibilities Tommy held at the School is a testament to his ability to relate to so many pupils from a diversity of backgrounds. During Tommy’s time at The Perse he led a number of successful teams including the 1st XV Rugby team (2013) who reached the last 16 of the NatWest Cup, and the U15A Cricket team (2012) who won the T20 Magdalen College Cricket Festival and reached the semi-final of the National T20 Cup. Tommy successfully grew the football programme which provided many pupils with an alternative avenue to enjoy their sport and build new communities once they reached the Sixth Form. Tommy will also be remembered by former pupils who have fond memories of the cricket tours to St Lucia (2011) and Antigua (2013). In the short time after Tommy’s passing it has been wonderful to hear so many stories shared by OPs relating to memorable team talks, words of wisdom, inspiration and acts of kindness. One OP directed me to an article in The Telegraph which was written after Tommy’s 1st XV pulled off an enormous upset beating
RECENT SCHOOLEVENTS NEWS
powerhouse Oakham in the Schools Cup. Oakham’s coach Ian Smith (Former Leicester Tigers captain, coach and a giant of the game) wanted to go on record and highlight the “dignity” and “honour” The Perse side showed once the final whistle had blown. There was no sprinting around the pitch in celebration, only handshakes in acknowledgement of a shared part in a thrilling contest. The team’s behaviour was an extension of Tommy’s persona and a reflection of his character; highly competitive and yet extremely humble, with respect for all. As staff we will always remember Tommy for his astonishing ability on the sports field, the confidence he gave to those around him and his incredible knack for storytelling, inevitably reaching its crescendo with his infectious giggle leaving everyone in tears of laughter along with him. Tommy made it his priority to put others around him first. He will be remembered as a gifted sportsman and teacher but his natural gift to reach out and leave a lasting mark on those around him will remain in the memories of those within The Perse community forever. Tommy sadly died on 18 February 2021. We keep his wife Rachel and three sons Oliver, Harry and Wilf in our thoughts.
This list was up-to-date when we went to print. Obituaries may be read in full on Alumnet.
We remember Alan A Abraham (1946) died 8 May 2020, aged 92 years. Nicholas F Bassett (2002) died 28 September 2020, aged 36 years. Howard A Bird (1963) died January 2021, aged 75 years. Richard W Bowett (1975) died 2020, aged 63 years. James R Bullen (1974) died December 2020, aged 64 years.
Recent events In recent months the Alumni and Development Office have hosted lots of virtual events for alumni to enjoy: Pint of Perse Seminars* Our Pint of Perse Seminars promote intellectual curiosity within our alumni community, including topics about indigenous communities and the size of infinity. Seminars can be enjoyed anywhere in the world and are accessible to all ages.
Anthony G Chaplin (1952) died 26 July 2019, aged 87 years. John R George (1954) died August 2020, aged 84 years. John G Hughes (1944) died October 2020, aged 92 years. Basil A Jarvis (1952) died 2020, aged 88 years. Charles R Lachlan (1950) died 2020, aged 87 years.
Virtual Reunions Over the last six months we have seen a number of Classes reunite over Zoom to share their stories from during and after The Perse. If you would like to virtually reunite with your peers from school, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Anthony P Langford (1944) died 2 December 2020, aged 93 years. Roger A Neaves (1951) died 31 October 2018, aged 85 years. Maurice F Pillinger (1954) died 28 November 2020, aged 84 years. Jeffrey J Reed (1962) died 12 November 2020, aged 76 years. Geoffrey W Roughton (1947) died 23 January 2021, aged 91 years. 23
Community Lecture* Professor Wolfgang Emmerich from University College London and Co-Founder of the Zühlke Group delivered a webinar on ‘Mobile Phone Apps become Medical Devices: the tale of the Covid-19 App’. * EVENT RECORDING IS AVAILABLE TO WATCH ON ALUMNET
OLD PERSEANS
Dates for your diary We hope to welcome you to our upcoming events. All events are subject to relevant guidance around Covid-19. Upcoming Reunion Dinners 2021/22: Classes of 2005–2010 2021/22: Class of 1980s 2022/23: Class of 1990s Dates TBC OP Sports Festival Sunday 27 June 2021 Reserve date: 12 September Timings TBC, The Perse School. Open to all. For more information Please visit perse.co.uk/alumni/events or contact the Alumni & Development Office by telephone on +44 (0)1223 403 808 or email PerseADO@perse.co.uk.
Getting involved We are always delighted to welcome OPs back to The Perse to help with our careers programme, or to deliver a lunchtime talk to pupils as part of our 42 Society lecture series. If you would like to find out more about ways to get involved, please contact PerseADO@perse.co.uk.
Staying in touch Old Perseans and Friends @OldPerseans Old Perseans
ALUMNI & DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WWW.PERSE.CO.UK/ALUMNI
Alumnet
THE PERSE SCHOOL HILLS ROAD CAMBRIDGE, UK, CB2 8QF
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