FLOURISH
AGS Welcome FROM THE HEADMASTER Welcome to the autumn edition of Flourish. Now in its second year of production, this termly publication captures life at AGS and celebrates our vibrant and ever growing community. September brings new beginnings and is such an exciting time of the year because it offers the chance to embrace new opportunities with revitalised energy and vigour. As Headmaster, the new academic year provides opportunities of reflection and review. It is a chance for us to reflect on our purpose as a School, ensuring that we continue to inspire and enable all our students to flourish throughout their lives. That our Promise and Values, where we nurture character so our students can define for themselves their place in the world and respect ourselves, our peers and our community, aspiring to achieve the best in our learning, in our relationships, in our community and wider life remain relevant. And our Vision, of being true to our foundation as a ‘free school’ for Aylesbury giving every student, irrespective of background and circumstance, an opportunity to flourish. To provide an education for each and every student which is unparalleled in breadth and quality of opportunity, striving to become international leaders in academic and pastoral development and that we will be the School of choice for families, preparing our community to succeed is future-proofed. Following this natural period of re-evaluation, we are looking forward and developing our strategic priorities. All of these will focus on enhancing, extending and transforming the opportunities for staff and students. With a commitment to developing our national and international profile, strengthening leadership of learning (research, publications, conferences), and partnering with transformational educational organisations we will absorb the best practice from across boys’ schools and innovate ourselves to lead and provide the finest experience for the whole community. For our new starters, it is perhaps one the most important journeys so far and a privilege to officially welcome them and their families to the AGS community. With such a diverse range of extracurricular activities and ever popular House Events, participation across the
School has been exceptional. Educational visits, School events, fixtures, and returning Old Aylesburians, as you will see, have filled the autumn calendar. 2023 has been our 425th anniversary year, and in September, we were delighted to welcome nearly 200 guests to our Anniversary Book Launch event and join us to celebrate 425 years of Aylesbury Grammar School. It was lovely to see so many friends of the School and amazing to see OA Ivor Cornish in attendance (who featured in the photo on the front cover of the Book) and also OA David Wixon, who was at School for the 350th Anniversary in 1948, returned for the 400th Anniversary in 1998 and was present again for our 425th. Both incredible stories, and thank you to them. Once an Aylesburian, always an Aylesburian. As we move towards the end of the autumn term, it is wonderful to see the true vibrancy of the School reflected in this publication. The breadth of opportunities our students and staff embrace here at AGS is testament to their participation and support. I look forward to the exciting new calendar year ahead and wish you all a wonderful and restful break.
Mark Sturgeon, Headmaster
@AGSHeadmaster
AGS Flourish CONTENTS
5
EVENTS
13
VISITS
19
LIFE
23
STAFF
25
OLD AYLESBURIANS
27
DEVELOPMENT
AGS Events FLOURISH IN ALL YOU DO A new School year brings enthusiasm and excitement for students as AGS House events begin again! Having welcomed the newest members into their Houses, the Heads of House have once again, had a busy start to their autumn term.
The battle for the Watson Trophy began with Senior House Public Speaking. The list of topics discussed by students demonstrated a real depth of thought and passion from the speakers.
House Badminton and House Squash were closely fought contests and in House Chess, it was great to see so many students taking part in the Foundation Hall!
The Cross Country participants were lucky with the weather and enjoyed a series of sunshine filled events!
House Art held its incredible exhibition over 3 days with students, staff, parents and special guests dropping in to view the submissions.
AGS Events NURTURE YOUR CHARACTER We were delighted to see so many members of our community in attendance for the opening night of our joint AGS and AHS production, Our House. ‘Our House’ is set in Camden and follows the story of Joe Casey who, on the night of his 16th birthday, is faced with having to make a difficult decision. We then follow the impact that this choice has on Joe’s future. His life splits, taking two different paths like the film Sliding Doors, and we wait with bated breath to see what his destiny will be… This was the first time, since lockdown, that AGS has mounted one of their famous shows and there were some incredible performances from all of our students! Not to mention the brilliant musicians and tech crew from both schools! @AGSDrama
AGS Events SENIOR PRIZE GIVING Congratulations to all the Senior Prize Winners honoured on the 12th September. It was brilliant to see so many students take to the stage and accept awards for outstanding achievements across academia, sports and the arts, along with those students who have demonstrated strength of character and represented the values of a true Aylesburian. We were delighted to welcome back Greg Hall (Denson ‘99) to Senior Prize Giving as Guest of Honour. Attendees were treated to a stirring address from Greg as he shared his somewhat unorthodox career through engineering, the armed forces, marketing, finance and latterly as a successful tech entrepreneur. Greg’s moving account of the advice he would give to his former self and inspirational words of wisdom will not be soon forgotten by those in the room. We are so grateful to Greg for his warmth, candour and humility.
AGS Events EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY
We were thrilled to share and celebrate our 425th An Foundation Hall, back in September.
Over 200 guests attended the event and enjoyed a mem conversations, and the opportunity to connect with packed to the rafters and buzzing with excitement as e
nniversary with a fabulous Book Launch event in the AGS
morable evening filled with engaging discussions, insightful Aylesburians past and present. The Foundation Hall was everyone celebrated this momentous occasion.
AGS Visits EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY Students enjoyed a hands on workshop and an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Pinewood Studios as part of the School’s Careers Day, looking at the plethora of jobs, roles and activities within the Film and TV industry.
@AGSDrama
Year 10 and Year 11 students had a wonderful time at Homerton College, Cambridge University learning more about university courses and studying for a degree. @AGSCareersandHE
Year 7 Poetry by Heart 2023 Final The Year 7 winner was: Ayaan Joseph (7Ph) - ‘Sonnet 130’ by William Shakespeare In second place: Sammy Townsend (7PH) - ‘Casa Bianca’ by Felicia Hemans In third place: Alec Bowling (7Le) ‘Shakespeare at School’ by Wendy Cope Below are the names of the class winners: Max Reeve 7De, Rian Patel 7Ha, Alec Bowling 7Le, Sourish Singh 7Pa, Ayaan Josephy 7Ph, Hadu Tahir 7Ri, Marcus Xu 7De, Lochy Clarke 7Ha, Tyler Simon 7Le, Prasid Pathak 7Pa, Sammy Townsend 7Ph, Shreyan Kothari 7Ri. @AGSEnglish
AGS Visits EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY
The AGS and AHS German Departments enjoyed another brilliant visit to the incredible city of Berlin. Students explored Berlin’s vibrant culture, architecture and many museums, all themes closely linked to their A Level studies. @AGSGerman
AGS Visits NURTURE YOUR CHARACTER Students enjoyed an incredible Rackets Tour trip to Dubai over the October half term. With a mix of tennis, badminton and squash fixtures together with sightseeing, exploring and enjoying new experiences -it really was a tour of a lifetime! The students even bumped into Welsh former footballing super star Gareth Bale! Huge thanks to Mr Ramsbottom for organising the trip.
AGS Life EMBRACE OPPORTUNITY Senior Public Speaking took place in September and we were thrilled to welcome back OA Adam Newton (Hampden ‘93) to AGS to adjudicate the event. Topics ranged across a number of themes from the decriminalisation of drugs, to lost identities, to anarchy and even the use of AI, showing a real depth of passion and interest around these subjects.
AGS Life NURTURE YOUR CHARACTER Year 10 and 11 AGS Latin and Ancient Historians enjoyed a Roman Army experience courtesy of Warwick University Classicists network. Students also experienced a brilliant historical Roman re-enactment! @AGSClassics
The fantastic joint AHS and AGS Diwali Disco was held in the Foundation Hall in November. This brilliant event was organised by a team of students from both schools who did an excellent job of planning and promoting this new addition to our calendar. The evening saw nearly 100 Sixth Form students from the two schools enjoying and dancing to traditional music, including well known Bollywood and Bhangra tunes. There was also delicious food that was enjoyed by all, including the teachers present. It was great to see the students enjoying themselves and making a real effort with regards to the wearing of traditional dress. A special mention to Manas Tannan and Laksh Mahajan (both Denson ‘12) for leading the planning. A special thank you to Mr Singh and Mrs Wilson for facilitating the event.
AGS Staff SPOTLIGHT ON STAFF Mr Chambers was invited to ‘Number 10’ to celebrate 25 years of the National Teaching Awards Trust (which he won in 2015!) with guests including founder Lord Puttnam, the BBC alongside judges and sponsors from the last 25 years.
A huge congratulations to Mrs Tangi, Head of Art, who has been nominated for the Bernice McCabe Award, following her PTI Subject Leadership Programme work. The program aims to develop a challenging, innovative and enriching curriculum for students beyond the curriculum. Not only is Aylesbury Grammar School celebrating its 425th anniversary this year but we are also celebrating 30 years of Mr ‘Ironman’ Ramsbottom here at AGS. Congratulations on this incredible milestone Mr Ramsbottom! Your dedication and commitment to your students is truly inspiring, you have made such a positive impact on so many lives. Here’s to the next 30 years!
ANNIVERSARY EDITION OUT NOW!
Old AYLESBURIANS SHARING EXPERTISE
Adam Newton (Hampden ‘93) We were delighted to welcome back Adam, Global Corporate Affairs Director & Executive Advisor as adjudicator for our House Senior Public Speaking. With a wealth of experience, Adam was in our AGS senior debating and Public Speaking team that toured Canada and competed internationally! Great to see him back and thank you for your time and support!
Mark Webb (Denson’87) Mark spoke to Sixth Form students as part of our Inspirational Speakers Programme. Detailing the challenges of asking for help in times of crisis, diversity, resilience and ally-ship. An excellent example of an inspirational speaker!
Greg Hall (Denson ‘99) Joining us for our biggest event of the year, Greg was delighted to be the guest speaker at Senior Prize Giving this year. He also kindly agreed to return again to speak as part of our Inspirational Speakers programme. His heartfelt address held the room with advice and experiences that truly resonated. Thank you so much for your time and expertise Greg.
Nathan Huntington and Tom LeMonde (both Hampden ‘18)
Nathan and Tom were thrilled to be back at AGS for a tour of the School and the chance to catch up with the AGS German Department.
Luc Hinson (Paterson ‘13) Luc returned on a special invite from Mrs Tangi regarding a creative opportunity for collaboration with friend of the School, Corbin Shaw. Luc and Corbin had previously worked together in publishing and were back to explore new ways in which they could share their experiences and career journeys with our Sixth Form students.
You don’t have to be an OA to help! If you would like to get involved, be it part of our Inspirational Speakers Programme, offering careers advice and mentoring at one our OA events, please get in touch.
Email: development@ags.bucks.sch.uk @OldAYLESBURIANS
Thank you!
AGS Development INVEST IN OUR FUTURE We were delighted to welcome nearly 200 guests for our anniversary book launch event to join us in celebrating 425 years of Aylesbury Grammar School. It was lovely to see so many friends of the School and amazing to see OA Ivor Cornish in attendance, who featured in the photo on the front cover of the Book and also OA David Wixon who was at School for the 350th Anniversary in 1948, returned for the 400th Anniversary in 1998 and again for the 425th. The event began with a warm welcome from our Headmaster, followed by some fantastic insight and outtakes by our esteemed local author, Dr. Joel Burden, following his extensive research for the book. An interview session with our passionate Old Aylesburians hosted by our former Head of German and AGS Foundation Trustee, Jackie Brooker, held the room. The interviews were filled with memories and experiences that were both respectful and hilarious (in equal measure). Guests were treated to some brilliant one-liners including one from OA Rob Sloan (Ridley ’97) reflecting how his fellow students felt about Jackie Brooker when he was at School, and Tom Burton (Denson ’08) shared how he now knows the difference between a toilet and a bidet, courtesy of OA Richard O’Driscoll (Paterson ’93). It was truly an evening to remember as we celebrated our amazing School and reflected on its rich history. We hope that everyone who attended had a great time and made some unforgettable memories!
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Continuing the wonderful celebrations marking our 425th anniversary, we are delighted to share with you our new AGSDigitalArchive. Supported and financed by the Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation, this invaluable online catalogue has been carefully crafted and curated to provide you with an innovative and accessible resource for you to enjoy at your leisure. We are grateful to have a secure place preserving our important archive for future generations. Our School has a fascinating history and this digital resource comprises of several hundred items such as: documents, publications, photographs and prints documenting the rich and varied history of our School and the local area. It has been compiled from the School’s own physical archives together with contributions from the Buckinghamshire Archive and includes forgotten treasures and curiosities from the last 425 years, including materials by and about Aylesburians. Discover every issue (that we have!) of the Aylesburian Magazine dating from 1920 right the way through to 2021-2022! This is still very much work in progress but we encourage you to spend some time exploring it. A completely free resource that allows you to search for people, places and via year taking you back in time! At the heart of this resource is the user experience – the bespoke format allows you to explore the School’s archives as well as search articles or publications via a name, date, category or key words. We know much of our archive material was destroyed in the fire of 1953, and as with many historical items, some have been lost over the years for a variety of reasons, but we hope that there is so much more out there! Please take a look. Search for friends, family, old teachers or even yourself! Donating material to the archives If you have any items that you would like to donate to be scanned, we would be very happy to hear from you. Please use the contact development@ags.bucks.sch.uk We hope that you enjoy this valuable resource and look forward to expanding our collections over time. Access to the Collections VISIT https://www. aylesburygrammarschoolarchives. org.uk/default.aspx LOGIN AGSHeritage PASSWORD AGS1598
For troubleshooting, please email development@ags.bucks.sch.uk