School Development & Alumni

There were many successes and developments during the summer period 2016 and it was an exciting start to the academic year as we were welcomed back to three important changes to the physical environment which ensured a positive impact on learning and teaching across

the school. The new Professor William Mead Library opened to students at the beginning of term. Located in the Headmaster’s quad, the new library will be the heartbeat of the School providing reading, study and learning space for every student. After a successful ‘Inspiring Science’ fundraising campaign, the refurbishment of the physics and chemistry laboratories was completed. The completion of this project transformed the learning in science and provided five innovative laboratories each for biology, chemistry and physics. Finally, the refurbishment and remodelling of the Sixth Form Centre was complete. This facility now provides a University style environment for our students with The Common Room and patio area as a social space, a study room for up to 40 students downstairs and a learning centre upstairs for 140 students. We were delighted to be able to share the news in September that, less than a year from the public launch, we had hit our fundraising target for the Inspiring Science Campaign. It was with our sincerest thanks to our parents, alumni and friends, and a number of trusts and grants; we received a total of £500,000 in gifts and pledges.

The transformation of 13 vintage, disparate science laboratories into 15 modern laboratories fully equipped to provide the finest science teaching was the most significant refurbishment project the School had undertaken in modern times. In total £2.3 million had been raised over six years, which had been broken down into seven distinct phases. Not only had the old laboratories been completely refurbished but the project included building and fitting an entire new Biology building, replacing the roof on the current Science building and updating and creating new preparation rooms, staff areas and the lecture theatre.

Our OA community continues to thrive with over 1800 old boys now ‘registered’ as part of the OA community and a further 1880 old boys connected to the School through LinkedIn. The Development Office also regularly uses other media such as Twitter and Facebook to communicate with our now thriving OA community.

At Senior Prize Giving in September, we were delighted to welcome back as our guest speaker Mr Charlie Bush, retired Headmaster of Oundle School and former mathematics teacher at AGS from 1975 to 1978. Charlie reminisced about the School in years gone by and extolled the virtues of starting his career at AGS. He left the students, staff and parents with a ten-point plan for the future, which included; maintaining integrity, remembering that all Deputy Heads are fearsome,

always doing your best within the rules, understanding that times will be tough but to maintain your resilience and to be proud of your achievements and be proud of AGS.

The traditional curtain raiser to the AGS 1st XI Football Team’s competitive season was a match against the Old Aylesburians, which was held at the very beginning of the school year. The game was undoubtedly competitive, but played in a great spirit with the current 1st XI winning 4-0. We are very grateful to the OAs for coming back to play against the next generation of AGS Senior players.

Back row left to right: Jake Wilson, Matt Robinson, Matt Glover, Joel Hopkins, Jake Appleton (Captain), Ed Richards, Harry Gollins, Ed Morton

Front row left to right: Alex Bharadwaj, Liam King, Jordan Davis, Neel Slatter, Tom Flint

Our annual Senior Public Speaking Competition held in September was adjudicated by Stefano Imbriano (Phillips ’09). Stefano is currently adviser to the Home Secretary, he graduated from Leeds University with a degree in English and began working in the civil service for the Department of Health and subsequently in the Home Office working for Theresa May before the appointment of Amber Rudd to the role.

At the end of September we were extremely privileged and honoured to welcome Professor Lord Robert Winston to the School when he spoke to 400 guests, including parents, OAs and students, with an intellectually stimulating lecture on the subject of genetics.

Later in the term nearly 200 of the 385 benefactors of the Science Campaign enjoyed the official opening of the newly refurbished Science Centre. We once again welcomed Professor Lord Winston as our guest of honour, and he is now a firm supporter of the School! The official opening was an extremely special occasion both in the School’s calendar and actually in the history of our School. It was a milestone marking the end of a successful fundraising campaign and refurbishment project, as well as an absolute reflection of the generosity of the Aylesbury Grammar School community that we had been able to complete the transformation of the Science facilities.

In October OAs who joined the school in 1959 visited for tours and afternoon tea. Jeff Lemon (Ridley ’66) helped to organise the wellattended event, with many OAs returning to AGS for the first time and reminiscing about their school days. Two former members of staff, Brian Roberts and Arthur Taylor, also attended.

Left to right: Roger Davey (Denson), Brian Roberts (former Director of Sport), Arthur Taylor (former History teacher), Jeff Lemon (Ridley), Fred

Taylor (Hampden), Keith Bowden (Ridley), Alex Wilkie (Hampden), Will Silsby (Denson), John Birtwell (Phillips), Steve Marsh (Ridley), Steve Allen (Phillips), Martyn Sheriff (Denson), Ian Ashworth (Phillips), Godfrey Small (Ridley), Ken Packer (Denson), Ian James (Denson), Richard Cave (Hampden) and Mike Griffin (Denson).

Guy Miscampbell (Phillips ‘09) came back in November to talk to our Sixth Form Politics students as part of our curriculum enrichment programme. Guy is a public policy professional with experience working in legislatures, think tanks, and governments across three different countries. He is now a Senior Consultant at WPI Economics.

Matthew Handy (Ridley ’06), a Manager at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, talked to our Year 12 students at part of PwC’s Leavers Programme at the end of the autumn term. Matt hosted an interactive session giving an overview of his career and PwC, followed by employability skills and covered the opportunities for both Graduate and School leaver level at the consultancy.

Our thanks to Stephen Fitzjohn (Hampden ‘80) who hosted our OA Drinks Reception in February in the stunning surroundings of the Savile Club in Mayfair. Another wellattended event in a central location encouraged our London based OAs to reconnect to the School.

Later in the month Jules Buckley (Ridley ‘98) returned to adjudicate House Music. Jules is a composer, orchestrator and conductor and well known as a musical pioneer who is known for pushing the boundaries of contemporary genres. Jules made a tremendous impact on the night and has since offered all sorts of generous opportunities for our musicians going forward.

In March we hosted our 1969 Leavers for Afternoon Tea. The group included Peter Hearn (Ridley), Geoff Gurney (Ridley), Richard Brock (Denson), John Harding (Hampden), Ian Ramage (Denson) and Theo Labuda (Ridley) and their wives and their return to Aylesbury was just one of their many get-togethers over the years. Theo wrote ‘The afternoon brought back memories of many happy days. The school is impressive and we wish it every success in the future. We hope that when today’s boys leave they too take with them enduring memories and lasting friendships.’

This academic year saw the introduction of our well received Medical Society that included thought provoking talks by several of our OA medics. James Herdman (Phillips ‘12) kicked off the programme and provided some great insights into the application process and life as a medical student. He is currently a medical student (taking a year out to study a BSc in Physiology) at King’s College London.

Ashley Byrne (Lee ‘96) spoke about his role as the Managing Director of Byrnes Dental Lab. Ashley is a Clinical Dental Technician and he runs one of Europe’s leading dental labs employing 22 people, based in

Oxfordshire. He lectures on the topic of technical dentistry all over the world and uses innovative technology like 3D printing, milling and selective laser melting in healthcare.

Rakesh Mistry (Ridley ‘10) gave an honest and knowledgeable talk on training and life as a junior doctor. Rakesh is a Foundation Year 1 Doctor at Leeds University Teaching Hospitals.

OA Andrew Jones (Hampden ‘00), a consultant in paediatric and neonatal intensive care at Great Ormond Street Hospital for children, spoke about his specialist field and provided great insight from someone further along in their career. Will Sapwell (Lee ‘09), a doctor in Sheffield and Deputy Chair of the Junior Doctors’ Committee of the British Medical Association, returned to share his knowledge and expertise.

Mark Gill (Lee ‘01) delivered an interesting talk on what he wished he knew when making career decisions. Mark’s career and experience provided a different perspective for our students as he studied to become a Veterinary Surgeon at the Royal Veterinary College and after a spell in practice, he moved into a management role. He is currently Head of Operations for Goddard Veterinary Group.

One of our objectives, as our OA community evolves, is to research and reconnect with new OAs and in March we were rewarded with a visit from Theo James (Paterson ‘03), Actor and Musician. Theo took the time to share his experience and insights with our drama and communications and culture students at AGS and AHS and at the same time, we took the opportunity to ask him to ‘officially open’ our refurbished Sixth Centre. Theo has an impressive biography to date and is best known for his roles as Jed Harper in Bedlam, Walter William Clark, Jr. in the crime drama Golden Boy, Tobias “Four” Eaton in the film adaptations of The Divergent Series, and David in Underworld: Awakening and Underworld: Blood Wars. Theo studied Philosophy at Nottingham University and then went on to Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Our sincerest thanks to Rob Warner for hosting a lively and interactive Q & A session with Theo.

Towards the end of the spring term we held a Decade Reunion Drinks evening for our 2001-2010 leavers and the following month a similar event for the 1971-1980 leavers. . A special thank you to the former teachers (and Headmaster) who returned for the April event and included KD Smith, Derek Jones, Peter Larkham, Arthur Taylor, Tim Hancock, John Brown, Brian Roberts and David Rutterford.

This academic year saw the launch of our Inspirational Speakers Programme, which was launched by Richard Moat (Denson ‘83), who shared his brilliant talk ‘What I Didn’t Realise I Learnt at School’. Emotional well-being was at the heart of his talk.

The Programme was created to offer our Sixth Form students a series of short lectures followed by a Q & A session in areas that are relevant and of interest to them. This year, the series of lectures has included inspiring topics and building awareness of how the world works and our Old Aylesburians have played a significant part.

Matthew Dickinson (Denson ‘05) talked about the opportunities for learning, living and working abroad and Carl Austin (Denson ’06) about his career path post AGS and his expertise on tax, pensions and finance and “coping with the unexpected.” Scott Davies (Phillips ‘04) gave a talk about the difficulties he faced during his professional football career and his open and honest talk about addiction to gambling.

David Evans (Lee ‘86) returned to talk about the broad subject of recruitment and preparation for the workplace. David is a Director of a small consultancy and has over 15 years’ experience in training, recruitment and development, working with major UK and European clients.

The ISP was concluded for this academic year by Andrew Bernard (Denson ‘85). He shared an important health issue with our students alongside other important life lessons and his overriding message was ‘Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% what you do about it’.

The weather was kinder to us this for year for the OA Cricket Match at the end of June. The OA cricket team achieved a comprehensive victory over the AGS 1st XI in the annual OA match. The OAs batted first in overcast conditions and Will Sutcliffe (22) and Alex Walters (35) put on 38 for the first wicket. Coming in at Number 3, Josh Thompson top scored with 39 runs. The OAs therefore tabled a competitive 147-9 from their reduced allocation of 26 overs.

Faced with miserly bowling and sharp fielding the 1st XI reply never got going. At one stage the hosts

were 9-6, with only Tom Faulkner reaching double figures. AGS were eventually bowled out for 37. Particularly impressive amongst the bowlers were Jack Thorn (four wickets for 8 runs off 5 overs) and Hamish Sim (3 wickets for 5 runs off 4 overs). Many thanks to all the OAs for coming back to play, to Mr Rooney and Mr Burden for umpiring and to Mr Barrie for organising.

At the end of June we welcomed invited guests and friends of the late Professor William Mead and the Trustees of the Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation for the ‘official’ Opening of the Library. The relocation of the new library, freeing up valuable Sixth Form space, was only made possible by the generous legacy donation made by the Professor to the Aylesbury Grammar School Foundation.

In the Headmaster’s words “Professor W.R. Mead was so much more than an Old Aylesburian. In fact, no former student has contributed more to the School than Bill in the 88 years of his relationship with the School. First, from 1927 as a student, then as an active member of the Old Aylesburian Association, and finally from 1981, as a long standing School and Foundation Governor, including service as the Chair of both bodies.

On the fourth centenary of the School, in 1998, his ‘History of Aylesbury Grammar School’ was published after many months of research and countless interviews with past and present members of the School. This achievement was itself of great service to the School.” Bill Mead was one of the School’s most loyal former students, heavily involved in all the activities of the Old Aylesburian Association. He served on the committee of the Association for many years and was President in 1973, 1974 and 1998.

In fact Bill continued his involvement with the School until very late on in his life attending School events and even taking the time to write to the Headmaster personally when he was appointed.

The Memories Afternoon Tea in early July welcomed a number of OAs (male and female) back to the School after many decades. Going back as far as 1934, the afternoon provided a great opportunity for our former students to see how the School has changed. Our guests enjoyed some time reminiscing about their school days and tours of the School and very kindly passed back some wonderful archive material.

Richard Dorrance (Hampden ‘66) returned to school to adjudicate Junior Public Speaking in July. Richard is now retired and the Chair of TQUK, a start up examination board, and a Board Member of the National Extension College. The summer term is always busy with OA sporting events; we held our annual Sports Day on the 14th July, which incorporates Basketball, Football and Squash.

In basketball, the OAs were victorious 60-52. In squash, the AGS Squash Team were victorious 4 matches to 3. In football, the staff provided two teams in a six team league format. Despite only having eight players, the two staff teams came second (joint with three others) and sixth. The winners were Luke Starr’s team with nine points.

2017 OA Football Tournament Winning team: Top row, left to right: Luke Starr, Harmy Mattu, Jack Pearce. Bottom row, left to right: Kit Brunswick, James Gamble and Greg Duncan.

Mrs A Cox