NEWS SPRING 2022
FROM HIGHLIGHTS TO HEADLINES TONBRIDGE ONLY CONNECT
Barton Science Centre wins RIBA Award – Page 15
ACADEMIC Tonbridge among the honours in the British Physics Olympiad Boys celebrated winning Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in the First Round of the British Physics Olympiad. This national competition encourages the study of the subject and recognises excellence in young physicists. Two Upper Sixth Formers, Kenneth Lee (MH5) and Yury Balabin (CH5), claimed the highest ranking on offer with a Top Gold placing, which puts them among the very best students in the country (the top 7 per cent nationally). Those with Top Golds can also go on to compete in Round 2. Chris Powell, Head of Physics, said: “This was an extremely challenging paper and so all students who gained awards should be very proud of their performance.”
Our Sixth Form language pioneers! Fifteen Sixth Formers have become the ‘première cohorte’ from the School to gain a new French language qualification. The boys have all passed the DELF, which can be sat by Years 12 and 13 as an alternative to a full A-level as part of Tonbridge’s Sixth Form Curriculum. Having put their skills to the test, the boys did the School proud with a 100 per cent pass rate. French Teacher Jean-Patrick Vieu said: “What started as a journey into unknown territory has now turned into a great success for these boys. All demonstrated perseverance, determination, patience and good humour during their studies, and I am overjoyed at the outcome.” Studying a Modern Language in the Sixth Form is a popular choice for Tonbridgians. Approximately one third of the current Upper Sixth opt to study at least one, either to A-level or as an additional language qualification. Modern Languages on offer are French, German, Mandarin and Spanish.
l The International Maths Olympiad sees countries from across the world sending their best six school-aged mathematicians to take part. Contestants have to solve six fiendishly difficult problems over two four-and-a-half hour papers. Tonbridge’s first representative on this international stage was Sherman Yip in 2020.
In the most recent competition, no fewer than three current Tonbridgians were involved: a level of participation which is a record for any UK school. Alex Chui (CH1) represented Hong Kong and achieved a Gold Medal. Isaac King (CH3) represented the UK and achieved a Silver Medal. Catalin Botezat (Sc4) represented Moldova.
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Best in the UK: Boys achieve top spot Two teams of Tonbridge boys – one from the Upper Sixth, one from the Lower Sixth – have been named as ‘Top in the UK’ after taking part in the International Physics Brawl. Nearly 200 teams, from schools across the world, competed in this annual online event which tests Physics problem-solving skills. Each team, of either four or five members, is set the challenge of answering a series of questions under time pressure. A total of eight teams from the School, made up of 36 Upper and Lower Sixth boys, took part in this year’s contest. Two teams were placed first in the UK for Year 12 and Year 13 students, respectively.
Four marvellous mathematicians! Tonbridge boys have excelled in the First Round of the British Maths Olympiad. This competition, which is open to the top 1,000 school mathematicians across the entire UK, requires competitors to solve six challenging questions in three and a half hours. Tonbridge had four making the top 100 this year: First Years Alex Chui (CH1) and Justin Leung (JH1); Hayden Lam (FH4) from the Lower Sixth; and Yury Balabin (CH5) from the Upper Sixth.
The Upper Sixth winning team was also ranked 34th out of 188 in the world, placing the boys among the top fifth worldwide in their age category. The International Physics Brawl is organised by Charles University, a renowned institution in the Czech Republic. The Tonbridge teams competed in the School’s state-of-the-art, RIBA Awardwinning Barton Science Centre.
l Boys explored the role of anger in politics and social change during the Senior House Debating Final. The competition culminated in a final between Welldon and Manor, which took place before a 140-strong audience in the EM Forster Theatre. The motion was ‘Furious justice? This House is angry.’ An impressive match of intellect saw the two sides clashing over the likelihood of anger turning to hate and violence, its role in bringing about important changes in society, and the best ways to bring about a better, more tolerant world. Judges crowned Welldon the winners, believing that their reasoning and arguments had been the best overall.
STEM
Junior House Engineering Competition tests boys’ ingenuity Second Year boys have been putting their skills in creativity, innovation and teamwork to the test in the Junior House Engineering Competition. In a ‘supercurricular’ programme jointly run by the Physics and Design Technology teams, boys are taking on a series of challenges ahead of a grand final later this year. The latest round saw boys spending a couple of weeks designing and building model rocket cars, before racing them over a distance of 50m at the School. The Whitworth team took the top honours – and the coveted trophy – after producing a rocket car which clocked up an amazing speed of more than 100mph. Two boys from each House are working together to meet the series of challenges, with each session taking place on Mondays after normal lessons.
The first round tested boys’ ingenuity in a slightly different way, as they had to ensure that an egg survived its journey after being dropped from on high in the School’s Barton Science Centre … with the rules stating that neither parachute, padding nor protection was allowed. Teams designed contraptions made from straws and A4 paper. Chris Powell, Head of Physics, said: “The main idea of the competition is to bring Physics and Design Technology to life, outside of normal classroom learning, and allow plenty of scope for creative thinking, innovation and fun.” Other rounds have involved ‘mousetrap cars’, using springs from mousetraps to power wooden cars; a bridge building challenge, requiring boys to create structures from small sticks of wood; and wooden glider planes, powered by rubber bands.
DRAMA
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‘Fifteens’ sees boys step into spotlight
Cast of 50 puts on Shakespeare in Love A 50-strong cast of boys from the Second Year to Upper Sixth, together with pupils from Tonbridge Grammar School, Hillview and Weald of Kent, put on five superb performances of Shakespeare in Love at the EM Forster Theatre. Clad in costumes from the National Theatre and the local Oast Theatre, the cast delighted audiences with their story of a young Shakespeare suffering with writer’s block until he meets the love of his life, Viola de Lesseps. An incredible set saw the theatre transformed into an Elizabethan thrust stage. The plot intertwines Shakespearean verse from the play he is writing, Romeo and Ethel the Pirate’s Daughter, with modern dialogue from playwright Tom Stoppard, which both satirises and celebrates the theatrical profession.
The Lent Term saw the launch of a new House Drama Competition, Fifteens. Boys were handed the challenge of producing their own piece – a scene from a published play, an adaptation or an original piece of writing – which could be no longer than 15 minutes. Houses came up with a variety of entertaining and thought-provoking performances, ranging from an absurdist piece of mime to amended film scripts and versions of classic plays including Edward II and The History Boys. The 12 plays were staged over two nights of heats, with the final judged by former Tonbridge pupil Seb Fear, a professional film and stage actor. Whitworth won the contest with a comically rewritten version of Oedipus, directed by Harry Lang (WW4) and Jack Isted (WW4). Gavin Bruce, Director of Theatre, said: “Congratulations to all for such an impressive range of work, and I’m already looking forward to seeing 12 new plays next year.”
ART & GALLERY ‘From Tonbridge to Tate’ honours Anthony Whishaw RA An exhibition at the Old Big School Gallery celebrated the career of renowned artist Anthony Whishaw, a Royal Academician and a former Tonbridge pupil (MH 1944-48).
There were also fascinating personal artefacts on display, such as school reports and letters he wrote to his family while he was a boarder. Anthony’s work, which deals with explorations of memory and experience, can be found in many prestigious international collections including The Royal Collection, the Tate Gallery and the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, to name but a few. He also has many national awards to his name, gained over several decades from the 1950s onwards.
From Tonbridge to Tate, which showed at the OBS in Michaelmas Term 2021, honoured Anthony’s considerable achievements and contribution to contemporary British Art. Aged 91, and still painting daily, he made his name as one the key figures involved in the 1950s and 1960s Kensington and Chelsea art scene, an internationally known hotbed of London-based creativity. The exhibition included several works never previously shown publicly, such as cartoons of staff from his time at Tonbridge and some very early paintings from his school and college days.
James Priory, Headmaster, said: “We were thrilled to be able to celebrate the connection between Anthony’s life and vision as an artist and his time at Tonbridge as a schoolboy. His curiosity and wonder about the way in which we see things is an inspiration.”
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World Illustration Awards 2021: International Touring Exhibition
l Two very special guests who visited the From Tonbridge To Tate exhibition were the playwright Sir David Hare, and fashion designer and sculptor Nicole Farhi, pictured in the OBS Gallery with James Priory.
A special prize for Jack
An exhibition in the Lent Term showcased some of the extraordinary talent to be found in today’s global illustration industry. ‘WIA2021’ was a celebration of the creativity, imagination and vitality of professionals from all parts of the globe who work in this exciting art form. The show displayed more than 40 award-winning and highly commended projects, telling the story of the ideas, processes and artists behind the images. Visitors viewed around 140 illustrative works, including a digital showreel.
Anthony presented a special art prize, named in his honour, to Jack Burnett, one of Tonbridge’s 2021 leavers. The Anthony Whishaw Art Prize, consisting of two books about, and signed by, the artist, went to the pupil who demonstrated the greatest commitment and passion in the visual arts throughout his time at Tonbridge. As part of his prize, Jack also had a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the Royal Academy. Fian Andrews, Head of Art, said: “Jack has shown great resourcefulness to push himself well outside of his comfort zone and produce highly ambitious artwork. He plans to embark on a career in the creative industries, and I have every confidence that he will be highly successful.”
ISI INSPECTION Independent Schools Inspectorate: Tonbridge receives outstanding report In November 2021, Tonbridge welcomed inspectors from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). The School was delighted to receive outstanding feedback for all aspects of its operations, including confirmation that it was fully compliant in all areas. The ISI team was highly complimentary about the quality of teaching and learning at Tonbridge. The report – which can be read, in full, on the School website – included the following remarks by the inspectors, in its ‘Key Findings’ section. l The quality of the pupils’ academic and other achievements is excellent. l Pupils have exceptional communication skills, writing and speaking with sophisticated vocabulary, structure and passion. l Pupils have a high level of skills, knowledge and understanding in mathematics, science, linguistics, technology, sport and the creative arts, and consequently achieve excellent results in public examinations and national competitions. l Pupils’ attitudes to work are exceptional; collaboration is the pupils’ default approach to learning and co-curricular activity, and it supports their thirst for intellectual challenge. l The quality of the pupils’ personal development is excellent.
l Pupils have a strong self-awareness and a sense of their place in the school, local community and the wider world. l Pupils have a highly developed moral and social awareness; they are keen to confront, be involved with, and take leadership in addressing current social issues, particularly those to do with respect for others. l Pupils have a strong record of support for other pupils and the local community, and recognise the high quality of boarding provision as a major contribution to their personal development.
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James Priory, Tonbridge’s Headmaster, said: “I’m delighted to see recognition of the boys’ desire for intellectual challenge and their highly collaborative approach to learning, as well as affirmation of the strength of the boys’ support for each other and the wider community. The inspectors reserved special praise for the boys’ thoughtfulness, their sensitivity, articulacy and insight – precisely the qualities we associate with developing fine minds and good hearts.” The ISI report also highlighted boys’ creative abilities, innovation and achievements in areas ranging from engineering competitions to design and digital creativity courses, and paid tribute to the “rich variety and high quality” of the School’s offerings in music, drama and the arts.
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There were many positive findings in relation to other areas of School life, including the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils; boys’ welfare, health and safety; the quality of staff, facilities and accommodation; and the strength of the School’s leadership. l Inspectors found that Tonbridge’s Pastoral Education curricululm was proving effective, and supported the School’s ethos of mutual respect and tolerance for others. The report states that Tonbridge is a place where boys can be comfortable in themselves, and in their differences.
COMMUNITY Panto raises £9,200 for town charities
Market proves to be a festive hit
The production of Rapunzel at the School’s EM Forster Theatre was an outstanding success, beating box office records and attracting five-star reviews from critics and audiences. Donations were taken for two local charities throughout the year, both online and after panto performances. More than £9,200 was raised for the Tonbridge Lions Club and Rotary Club of Tonbridge. Both charities received their donations at a special presentation at the Theatre.
The front of the School was transformed into a seasonal fresh fruit and vegetable market just before Christmas, as part of our Shop to Share food donation scheme. The all-day market, run by School volunteers, supported local disadvantaged families in preparation for the festive period. For a £1 donation, guests were able to fill their bags with enough fresh produce for their families to help them enjoy a Christmas feast. More than a hundred local families attended, with more than 400 adults and children coming on site. l Over the past year tonnes of food from the School kitchens have been donated to the Sustain Food Bank in Tonbridge, and regular food collections continued throughout the pandemic.
Huge response to annual Toy Appeal The School’s Christmas Toy and Gift Appeal managed to support more children and families than ever before. Donations of toys, books, games and a range of other gifts by Tonbridge parents, boys and staff went to disadvantaged children in the local community. More than 500 children, from 189 families, were referred to the scheme by Kent County Council’s Social Services and Early Help teams, as well as by charities, churches and primary schools.
In the Lent Term, 50 of the School’s Tonbridge Community Action boys completed British Heart Foundation training in CPR and use of a defibrillator. The boys also heard a first-hand account of when this skill really does save lives. l Sixty Tonbridge Community Action boys are now ‘Dementia Friends’, thanks to a training session run by the Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Dementia Friendly Community. The School will be running more projects in this area later in the year.
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Boys share personal experiences as Pink Day raises £5,000 Tonbridge’s annual Pink Day was bolder and brighter than ever as boys and staff dressed in pink to raise awareness of all forms of cancer. The event raised more than £5,000 for charities Breast Cancer Kent and Breast Cancer Now. The main School entrance was decorated with huge pink ribbons and the front of the Cawthorne Lecture Theatre sported an enormous bow. As boys arrived for the start of the day, the site was filled with a spectacular array of costumes, and morning Chapel became a sea of pink. The Chapel and the Front of School were illuminated in pink light late into the night, prompting many compliments from people as they passed by. Saturday Chapel, before Pink Day, gave several Tonbridge boys an opportunity to share their own personal experiences of cancer in their families. As Joe Baldwin (HS5), Deputy Head of School, told boys in Chapel: “By wearing a costume, and donating your money, you are showing your support for anyone who is currently going through the challenges of any cancer in their family. If that’s you and your family, then know everyone is supporting you.” Tonbridge’s Pink Day took place during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in October.
l The School community achieved a record level of fundraising in the past academic year, raising more than £125,650 in many events. The School has a partnership with the charity Child Action Lanka (CAL), which carries out vital work supporting many of the poorest in Sri Lanka. There are opportunities for Sixth Formers to volunteer with CAL during their gap years, and the School hopes to arrange a visit there in 2023. Tonbridge also has an annual CAL Day in February, when the focus is on simplicity. Boys wear home clothes and are served a simple rice and curry lunch, with all savings passed on to the charity.
MUSIC
House Music showcases boys’ talent to sell-out crowd Tonbridge’s House Music Competition returned to the stage as a fully live show, with around 200 boys demonstrating their talent and versatility before a sell-out audience at the EM Forster Theatre. Boys performed one amplified and one acoustic song, playing their own arrangements of classic tracks, as all 12 Houses competed for the sought-after House Music Cup. Songs included innovative acoustic arrangements of Khalid’s Silence, The Script’s Rain and Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World. The competition was judged on criteria including standard and variety of performance, musical creativity and age range of performers. Mark Forkgen, Director of Music, said: “It was such a thrill to have everyone to experience the buzz of live performance again. This year’s competition had an eclectic mix of songs, showcasing a wealth of talent.” Parents were able to watch via YouTube, and the show was also streamed live to boys at the School via the giant screens in Big School and the Barton Science Centre. A ‘crew’ of Tonbridge boys was also involved in the stage management of the event, providing sound, filming and technical support.
Results Winner of the House Music Cup: Whitworth Runners Up: Oakeshott House and Welldon House Cullen Award for Best Acoustic Item: Manor House for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road The Paul Gamblin Award for Best Amplified Item: Welldon House for The Caves of Altamira Best Arrangement: Sam Lomax (MH5) for Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
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Shakespeare in Symphony: Boys perform in orchestral concert More than 50 boys took part in Play on: Shakespeare in Symphony, an hour-long performance of pieces by Walton, Nyman, Mendelssohn and Prokofiev. Boys displayed their talents in all the sections of a full symphony orchestra, including violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, horn, trumpet, trombone, timpani and percussion. The Symphony Orchestra concluded the performance season, which included Shakespeare In Chapel: Organ And Brass; Shakespeare In Song: Solo Vocal Music; and Shakespeare On Stage: Opera and Musical Theatre.
l Our Second Year Music Scholars, pictured in the Lent Term. Music plays an important part in Tonbridge life, with regular performances and concerts, across all genres, each term.
Choirs combine for Evensong Tonbridge’s Chapel Choir joined forces with the Chapel Choir of Benenden School for a special Evensong on 6 February, marking the 70th anniversary of the Accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Music included Handel’s Coronation anthem Zadok the Priest (which has been sung at every coronation since that of George II), Herbert Howells’ Collegium Regale setting of the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis (written for King’s College, Cambridge), and Choirmaster Julian Thomas’ own setting of the Preces and Responses. Julian said: “It was wonderful to be able to join with the Benenden girls and to mark this occasion with such uplifting music. The boys also enjoyed the opportunity of working with Benenden’s conductor, Edward Whiting, and experiencing being part of such a large choral sound.”
SPORT A great choice of sports on offer ...
U15As bring home the Kent Cup Tonbridge’s Under 15As rugby side won the Kent Cup Final, following victory against Dartford Grammar School. In a match played under lights at Gravesend Rugby Club, Tonbridge recorded an emphatic 39-0 win. Coach Rob Stephen said: “For a year group with a huge amount of potential and individual talent, this was a fantastic team performance. Any of the team could have been nominated for the man of the match award.”
Swimming their way to success
The School’s swimming team took part in the KSSA Secondary Schools Individual Championships, held at Hartsdown Pool, in January, securing a total of nine finalist medals, including gold, silver and bronze. l The House Clay Target shooting competition was won by Leo Black (JH5) and Philip Dorn (JH4) of Judde House. The senior prize and overall top score was awarded to Leo, while the junior prize was awarded to Harry Jones (FH2).
Sport is an integral part of the educational experience at Tonbridge. We offer as wide a choice of sports as possible, with the ethos being very much on enjoyment and providing opportunities for all students to compete, regardless of ability level. Tonbridge manages to do ‘sporting excellence’ and ‘mass participation’ equally well! The Tonbridge School Centre is a sports hub offering some of the very best facilities in the south east, including an award-winning pool, a gym and a world-class athletics track. The School also has more than 150 acres of superbly-maintained playing fields.
There are over 20 different sports played, including athletics, badminton, basketball, climbing, cross-country, fencing, fives, football, golf, hockey, judo, rackets, rugby, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, tennis and ultimate frisbee. Many of Tonbridge’s boys also play representative county, regional or national sport.
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Players put on a good show at Prep School Festival Tonbridge’s annual Prep School Festival for young rugby players took place in January, with parents, families and friends treated to an attractive spectacle. Sides from Holmewood House, Milbourne Lodge, Marlborough House, The New Beacon, Northcote Lodge, Thomas’s Clapham and Yardley Court were represented in group competitions ranging from under 9s to under 13s.
Cricket World Cup arrives at Tonbridge! In January, boys were able to live the dream and actually get their hands on the Cricket World Cup! The trophy – won by England, of course, in dramatic fashion back in July 2019 – was being taken on a tour around the country by the charity Capital Kids Cricket, to support its Bowl Out Racism campaign, and spent an afternoon on display at the School’s sports centre.
Chris Morgan, the School’s Director of Sport, said: ‘We had a hugely enjoyable and fun festival. The players showed us plenty of ability, as well as teamworking skills.”
National triathlon triumph for Max
Sixth Former Max Selby (WH5) has been ranked as the third best young triathlete in the UK following some excellent performances. Max competed in the Youth B (Under 18) section of The National Super Series, run by British Triathlon, achieving two third places and one fourth place in his five events.
Some of our boys had a chance to get up close and pay homage to Eoin Morgan and his team!
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Tonbridge School is a registered charity No. 1097977 The information contained in the brochure is accurate at the time of going to press
