The Wheatleyan 2014-15

Celebrating 2014/15

TheWheatleyan www.bablake.com

“Nothing can develop or progress until people have reconciled and made peace.

Until the barriers of conflict and prejudice are removed, we are prisoners in our own discord.”

Kirsty, U6th student

Issue 201 | ISSN 1759-0302

welcome

“I often say that we have high expectations as a community: expectations which we share as pupils, teachers, support staff, parents and governors in our mutual desire to excel in all aspects of our school life. From this latest edition of our vibrant school record will spring myriad examples of outstanding successes achieved by individuals, teams and various groups in diverse activities, both within and beyond the classroom.

However, our highest expectations relate not so much to achievement but to the nurture and development of fulfilled, naturally self-confident and generous young adults. I have particularly happy memories this year of reunions with former pupils, whose lives and careers are ample testament not only to their achievements but also to their personal fulfilment and to the roles they have played in society. Our world is in dire need of peace and reconciliation, and this is the noble mission of our city of Coventry.

This has become a theme which reflects the life and aspirations of Bablake – in the ways in which we treat each other and look outwards to those beyond our community, locally, nationally and internationally. We were therefore very pleased to welcome Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who came to discover the importance of these values in the lives of all our young people, as they make their own vital commitment to bringing peace and reconciliation to our world – whether or not they are mentioned by name in the pages which follow.

Many congratulations to our Wheatleyan editors, who have again produced a splendid annual record, which richly conveys the colour, happiness and dynamism of our ambitious school.”

Mr John Watson, Headmaster

Student Editorial Team: Editor: Kirat Johal Deputy Editor: Robbie Stowers

Production Design: Mustard Design www.mustardhot.com

News and Features: Kirat Johal and Robbie Stowers.

Print: W&G Baird Ltd

Beyond the Classroom: Beth Edmiston, Annie Honess and Jake Morton.

Flair: Art and Design: Emily White and Daisy Williams.

Flair: Literature: Greg Checklin and Joel White.

Performing Arts: Charlotte Byng and Chris Tuttle.

Sport: Harvey Burke, Chimdi Ogbuneke and Sophie Price.

Former Pupils: Dan Williams.

“While producing The Wheatleyan, there is an inevitable frisson of excitement when looking for ways to improve such an impressive back catalogue. This has been accentuated for the 2014 - 15 issue since last year’s 200th edition was not only shortlisted in a number of categories for the national Shine School Media Awards but was also a proud runner up for its original artwork and photography. As we go to press, we await news of its fate in the inaugural Gold Stars Awards too.

Bablake’s student journalism truly stands out and once again it has been a pleasure to nurture such creative energy.

Kirat Johal has been an excellent, totally reliable Editor, stoically rallying her team from the start to end; present at so many events outside the normal school day, she has also proved a proficient photographer. She has done everything possible to urge her team to be creative and meet deadlines; future employers will love her! Deputy Editor Robbie Stowers has been a creative assistant and ably rallied our section editors.

We are all delighted to be able to produce an A4 version of The Wheatleyan for the first time since 2007-8 (Issue 194). The text, design and artwork are allowed a stronger impact at this size and we are confident we have produced ‘the best issue yet’ once again.”

Mark Woodward, Staff Editor mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk

TheWheatleyan

Photography: Jess Hunter, Kirat Johal, Hannah Mordey and Robbie Stowers. Cover photo: ‘Reflection’ by Mr Mark Woodward.

Acknowledgements: Mr Paul Cleaver and the Art department, the PE department, Mr Peter Burden, Mrs Carol Davey, Ali Hijazie, Will Hine, Mr Clive Mohamed, Mrs Maria O’Neill, Mr Andrew Phillips, Mr Mark Radford, Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt, Miss Jayne Simmons, Mrs Helen Skilton, Mrs Alison Tumber, Mr Chris West, Mr Mark Woodward (photography); Mrs Britt Mattu, Mr Terry Patchett, Millie Ross, (proof-reading); staff and pupils (articles).

Bablake School, founded in 1344, is a school within the Coventry School Foundation (registered charity No 528961) and exists to provide quality selective education for boys and girls. The senior school of around 770 pupils shares the site with the Bablake Junior School of some 230 pupils which now includes a Pre Prep, with a capacity of around 120 pupils, located near Coventry railway station at what was Cheshunt School (founded in 1909). King Henry VIII School, founded in 1545, is also part of the Foundation.

Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU t +44 (0)24 7627 1200 f +44 (0)24 7627 1293 e info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk w www.bablake.com f www.facebook.com/bablakeschool i www.instagram.com/bablakeschool p www.pinterest.com/bablakeschool t www.twitter.com/bablakeschool This publication is printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

highlights

‘Peace and Reconciliation’ Issue

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04

News & Features

Forty Years On 5 Headmaster’s Annual Review 6 Prize Winners 10 Peace and Reconciliation 12 A Bologna! 16 High Tech 24

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26

Beyond the Classroom

My Summer 27 International Evening 30 Sharing Cultures 32 Barcelona Bound! 34 Election Fever! 38 Why EPQ? 40

58

53

34

Flair

Sweet Sensations! 54 A Level Art 58 Crystal Ball 64 My Exam Story 66 Out of Norm 69

83

72

Performing Arts

Othello 73 Zigger Zagger 76 The Musical Year 78 Arts Award 82 Autumn Concert 83

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84

Sport View from the Boundary 85 Journalist of the Future 86 Sports Focus 88 Sports Talk 98 Sporting Honours 2014/15 100

102

86 106

Former Pupils

Network for the Future 103 On the Pitch 104 Grapevine 106 Pick of the Reunions 110

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News & Features

Edited by Kirat Johal (Editor) and Robbie Stowers (Deputy Editor).

“This year’s issue showcases Bablake’s variety of exciting activities that encourage both pupils and staff to reach outside their comfort zones and enjoy new experiences, both individually and as part of a team. The statement also applies to myself, as working with The Wheatleyan team as a leader was definitely a big change, especially when previously I have been so used to being told what to do as opposed to being the leader!

So much of 2014-15 has focused on the school’s commitment to peace and reconciliation as an International Cross of Nails school. From the creation of the Feminist Society to ongoing links with Amnesty International, members of the Bablake community have been working towards creating even more unity and harmony locally and beyond. The International Evening, organised by Mrs Billings and our Parents’ Association, proved a perfect celebration of our community’s rich diversity, while the Archbishop of Canterbury’s visit was a great stimulus for even more attendance to the ICON values.

Working with Deputy Editor Robbie has been a pleasure, as his creative view was refreshing and has really helped the design and flow of the magazine. The section editors have been enthusiastic, willing to put their own spin on the articles and keen to work with people whom they previously may not have interacted with, creating new friends.

Mostly, I would like to thank Mr Woodward who has been a pleasure to work with. His enthusiasm and support have been invaluable and the experience of working on the magazine is something I will always remember warmly!

Despite the fact it has seemed like a once in a lifetime experience, I would hope that one day I will have the chance to work as part of a team such as this again.”

Kirat Johal, Editor

Editing The Wheatleyan has been a rewarding and tasking experience that has helped me develop many life skills.

Kirat Johal, Editor Profile Passions: Netball, drama, writing, reading, Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter films.

Ambitions: To gain an English degree, write a book and stay in contact with the many friends I’ve gained over my time at Bablake.

2014/15 Highlights: Becoming Editor of The Wheatleyan, attending and photographing events whilst reporting on them; working on the school’s production of Othello, gaining friends and backstage knowledge about how a show works; receiving a prize for ‘Best contribution to magazines’.

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The Wheatleyan 2014/15

Robbie Stowers, Editor Profile Passions: Music and sport. I’ve been playing the guitar for seven years and my favourite artists and bands include David Bowie, The Clash, Bob Dylan, The Gaslight Anthem, Ben Howard, Muse, The Rolling Stones, The Smiths and The Specials.

Ambitions: To secure a place at my first choice university, and help retain the Mick Hibbert Memorial Trophy against KHVIII in February 2016!

2014/15 Highlight: Bablake’s T20 cricket tournament. Needing to hit a 7 off the last ball, I attempted a Jos Butler-esque ramp shot… unfortunately to no avail!

prizegivingguest

Forty

years on

Karen Fraser, photographed 40 years ago in the local press as the first girl to walk into Bablake in our initial intake of Shell girls, was guest of honour for our 2015 prize giving, writes Mr Mark Woodward.

N

ow Director of Credos and Strategy Director for the Advertising Association, Karen is responsible for the UK advertising industry’s report series, Advertising Pays, which covers advertising’s £100bn contribution to the UK economy. Her direct involvement in Credos’ report on young women and the use of airbrushing in advertising, Pretty as a Picture, and the follow up report The Whole Picture?, which challenges representations of diversity in advertising, is of interest to all Bablake staff and pupils.

Before presenting our prizes, Ms Fraser led a twilight discussion with a group of U6th students about different roles in advertising: creative roles, media planning, strategy, research, IT, accounting, HR and programming, for example. She confirmed there are numerous entry routes but many opportunities can be created through drive and determination, not just what or whom you know.

The group was left with 7 excellent pieces of advice to give those considering advertising a head start: 1. Don’t worry too much about what you study at university. It’s important, but it’s not make or break. Karen works with graduates from all disciplines, and in most cases they find they don’t use their degree discipline that much.

2. Don’t just look for jobs that are advertised. Karen said one of the best pieces of advice she had heard was that ‘the best jobs are not advertised’. Write speculative letters, remembering to say: a) why you admire the company, b) how much you want to work for them and importantly c) how you would contribute to future success.

3. Read newspapers and magazines and websites: e.g. Campaign, The Drum, Marketing Week, PR Week, Ad Age, The Guardian in particular.

4. Read Jeremy Bullmore, CBE, one of the cleverest and funniest people around, who writes in Campaign every week. Also follow people like Rory Sutherland and Dave Trott on Twitter, as you will learn a lot even before you start to look for jobs or work experience.

5. The league tables printed by Campaign will tell you about the top agencies. They include AMV BBDO, Adam & Eve DDB, DLKW Lowe and McCann. Look out for holding companies called WPP, Publicis, Omnicom, and Interpublic. They are the biggest and they own lots of companies, so there are many opportunities and different ways to get in.

“ you need to be the person that people want to succeed” 6. Once you are in, don’t wait for things to do. Say ‘hello’ to people and tell them if you are interested in something they are working on, then ask if they would like your help with anything. Often even the most senior people will really want your help. Karen recently heard that the PR representative for Sheryl Sandberg (Facebook), who travels everywhere with her, made himself known this way.

7. Be nice! Be enthusiastic! Don’t think anything is beneath you as everyone starts at the bottom. The CEO Founder of John Lewis’ agency, Adam & Eve DDB, started in the post room, and he now leads one of the best agencies in the UK and is Chairman of the Advertising Association.

She suggested that as well as working hard and learning as much as you can, ‘you also need to be the person that people want to succeed’. Excellent advice from yet another highly impressive Bablake former pupil making a key impact on 21st century life. #thisgirlcan

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headmaster’sreview

The Head’s

report...

Headmaster, Mr John Watson studies the Prize Giving programme with Ms Karen Fraser and Mr Andrew Phillips 6

The Wheatleyan 2014/15

headmaster’sreview

Bablake Prize Giving 2014/15 Highlights from the Headmaster’s speech

M

adam Chair, Ms Fraser, Guests, Members of the Bablake community…

I’m sure that we all enjoy celebrations. I’ve passed a couple of significant milestones in my life this year, but, far more important than that, along with our neighbours, King Henry VIII, this year we mark 40 years of co-education.

When I read a King Henry VIII advert stating ‘A leading co-educational day school since 1545’, I was tempted to place one alongside, recalling the Rawlings tonic water advert, with the strapline: ‘We knew how before you know who’ - because Bablake’s foundation of 1344 makes it one of the oldest schools in our land. 40 years may not seem very long in this context, but it does mean that co-education has been our lifeblood for a substantial period now when compared with many other schools.

I have worked in three co-ed and one all boys’ schools, and I am not going to embark on an in-depth discussion of their relative values. However, fundamentally I believe in co-education because I believe it’s the best preparation for life – and surely that’s what education is all about?

I also feel that Bablake is better adjusted to co-education than either of the other co-educational schools I have worked in: pupils relate to each other on the basis of friendship and equality, regardless of gender. Your sons and daughters may spend ages in the bathroom and we know that girls particularly can be very imageconscious in the teenage years. However, there seems to be less social posturing than is sometimes the case. When driving to a meeting on Tuesday morning, I tuned in to Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour – and gentlemen, do try it as it’s really interesting. Anyway, one of the discussions focused on the

“I believe in co-education because I believe it’s the best preparation for life – and surely that’s what education is all about.” virtues of co-ed v girls-only spaces, and I was pleased to hear about an 11 year old who had just started at an all-girls’ school and who had very quickly protested to her mother: “Mummy, surely we should be together with the boys, so we can learn to understand each other?”

Such wisdom underpins our desire to provide outstanding opportunities for all our pupils, and therefore the opportunities for girls and boys should be equal, if not identical. As we look back on some of last year’s successes, I am going to ask both boys and girls to help me explore aspects of our school life from a co-educational viewpoint.

You may have picked up the Coventry Telegraph a few weeks back to find a picture of Bablake at the top of the front page, accompanied by the headline: ‘Two Coventry schools best for A levels in the Midlands’. On closer inspection, you would have found Bablake then Henry’s ranked top fee-paying schools in the West Midlands according to a table produced by the Independent Schools Council and based on average A level UCAS points. Whilst it might be tempting to bask in unwarranted glory, a school about 15 miles to the west of us (which turned co-ed quite recently) is probably quite irate, as it was erroneously ranked 5th, but was undoubtedly statistically a little higher!

Anyway, great PR for Coventry in a year when its two universities, Warwick and Coventry, were respectively named Sunday Times top university and top modern

university of 2015, with Coventry also placed 15th out of all universities nationally in The Guardian’s league table. Not many of our students actually go to those two universities – because they are simply too close to home – but virtually all of last year’s U6 achieved grades which enabled them to proceed to a university of their choosing, with 72% nailing their first choice.

No records were broken this year, but we were able to celebrate many star performances, as well as triumphs for those who had found aspects of their studying very challenging, but who had nevertheless been determined to win through. And were there gender differences in exam outcomes?

It is one of those things which we monitor, both as a school and by subject, and this year girls were ahead at GCSE and A level at the top grades, and boys at AS. Whilst this generally reflects the national picture, we have as a staff received training on gender differences in learning, so that we can employ appropriate variety in our teaching.

It is often said that girls do relatively better in coursework than examinations, and it will be interesting to see whether the reduction in coursework in new examinations will have any impact.

(Hannah Allroggen and Vikesh Puri, two of several top performers this year at GCSE, spoke briefly about what they perceived to be the value of co-education in an academic context.)

One of the arguments advanced by proponents of all-girls’ education is

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headmaster’sreview

that there is less curricular stereotyping; i.e. more girls take sciences, maths and technology at A level. I am pleased to report that we have healthy numbers of girls taking both maths and sciences, although there are certainly great subjects, such as art and modern languages, where we would like to see a few more boys.

We aim for excellence in all that we do, and we believe that we can offer some outstanding experiences for both boys and girls that prepare them for careers in engineering and technology – and it is a theme which we intend to develop against a national back-drop of insufficient numbers of engineers. Pupils have benefited this year from the Engineering Education Scheme, Smallpeice Trust courses and Royal Institution master classes at Warwick University. Our Phoenix partnership with Coventry University resulted in visits to an Aerospace Engineering Experience, a Mechanical and Automotive Day and a Young Women in Engineering day.

(Jauvan Sangha spoke about the latter.)

Our co-curricular life is undoubtedly enriched by a blend of the sexes, as boys and girls encourage each other in their endeavours. Music and drama are obvious examples, and next summer we mark our 30th successive year at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival – a record we think is unique for a school, and one which we intend to celebrate. Our U6 girls were last year certainly more politically active than their male counterparts. We held an inter-house election debate, a question time attended by local party representatives, and hustings with a mock election in school. The four parties in the election were all represented by girls, and the outcome was decidedly blue, with shades of green higher up the school.

As mentioned earlier, we aim to provide equal if not identical opportunities. In too many co-ed schools, boys’ sport still seems to reign supreme, with the giants of the 1st XV acquiring the status of Olympian gods.

Despite another win in our local clash at the Butts, that team’s achievements was overshadowed by the girls’ U19 netball VII, who were undefeated in their local

league. Now that we are blessed with an outstanding, bright blue, extended new netball facility, they should get even better; no pressure, girls, but there must be some return for the governors’ investment! A 4th Year girl spoke last year about the teamwork she enjoyed in the Combined Cadet Force, and the majority of our expeditions, including this summer’s World Challenge to Ecuador, include both boys and girls. Last year, my dog and I walked for a day with a mixed-sex Duke of Edinburgh Bronze group, and they all carried equally massive back-packs and they all ended up at some stage wallowing in the mud during

International Cross of Nails community. Our city’s mission of peace and reconciliation has become our own in school, as we commit ourselves to promoting these much-needed values in our own lives, in our school and in the wider world. Two aspects of this are our charity fundraising and our international partnerships, including with Harrismith School in South Africa, a world apart from the privileged education enjoyed by our pupils. One way in which we explore these values is through our annual 3rd Year visit to Beth Shalom, the National Holocaust Memorial Centre (Prabhjote Sahota explained about this trip.)

In our statement of these values of peace and reconciliation, “we seek to promote mutual support and understanding which transcends boundaries of faith, culture, race and gender.” Being a co-educational school does not mean, however, that we are immune to misunderstanding and prejudice, and we are all aware of an increasingly laddish culture in our universities.

(Roisin Bowe spoke about what she and others hope to achieve by founding a Feminist Society.)

Key to the success of our school and certainly my most valuable asset as a headmaster is our staff, both teaching and support. It has been a remarkably stable year for academic staff turn-over, but we have been pleased to welcome new support staff. Our Head Groundsman, Roy Goodwin, left us after an incredible 40 years’ service, and Neil Kimber, our Clerk of Works, had notched up an impressive 21; we are greatly indebted to them for ensuring a clean, safe and very attractive environment for our pupils. I am pleased to say that co-education is reflected in the composition of our staff and that they too are treated equally. This is not as a result of any quotas, as imposed on some professions, as I am always determined to choose the best qualified and most dedicated staff to inspire and support our pupils, both within and beyond the classroom. Aided by the Bursar and Foundation staff, both teachers and

“Our city’s mission of peace and reconciliation has become our own in school, as we commit ourselves to promoting these much-needed values in our own lives, in our school and in the wider world.”

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The Wheatleyan 2014/15

a very wet and slippery expedition.

(Cherie Ng and Luke Wyman spoke about this.)

Our pastoral care and personal knowledge of our pupils should underpin all that we try to achieve, and it is often in the context of the form or tutor group, especially as they plan for assemblies or engage in heated discussion in our Life Choices programme, that pupils learn from each other and forge lasting friendships.

There is also the blessed opportunity to be silent and still in each other’s presence as we train staff to teach pupils mindfulness meditation. I imagine, however, that there was little silence and stillness when the globe-trotting Mr West led another 5th Year expedition to Disneyland Paris.

(Danny O’Malley and Lantian Pinkney spoke about this trip.)

We were very pleased this year to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury for a visit as he came to find out how we were interpreting our membership of the

headmaster’sreview

support staff work very hard and are fine role models for our young people, so please join with me in expressing our thanks.

I would also like to thank the Parents’ Association for its support this year, not only in providing extra funds to enrich various aspects of our pupils’ education, but also for organising enjoyable community events such as the Christmas Fayre, a theatre evening and an international evening – a special ‘thank-you’ goes to Mrs Jacquie Hatfield, Chair of the PA, not here tonight, as her second son has just left the school and she will therefore stand down at the AGM after 14 years of outstanding and very enthusiastic service.

So, how are we celebrating the move to co-education? We have already held a former girls’ netball tournament almost a fortnight ago – the day after the new courts were completed. We have organised a special tea for the very first girls, followed by dinner for the year of 1975 and any partners. And there will no doubt be other causes for celebration as the year progresses. It is also fitting, by accident rather than design, that the Foundation has this year appointed its first female head, to King Henry VIII Prep School, and that our proceedings tonight were opened by our first female Chair of Governors – who leads a very committed group of volunteers, dedicated to the education and well-being of our children. Please join me in thanking them.

At this point, the Headmaster introduced Ms Karen Fraser, Prize Giving Guest of Honour.

(School Captains Thomas Betts and Sonia Dhillon gave Ms Fraser a vote of thanks after she presented the prizes.)

Headmaster Mr John Watson, Ms Karen Fraser and Mrs Julia McNaney

Avni Kant

The Headmaster’s Review

The Headmaster’s Prize Giving speech may be found in full on our official website, where his weekly bulletin to parents is also published.

Prabhjote Sahota addresses the audience

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prizegiving

Prize Giving 2014/15

“We were able to celebrate many star performances, as well as triumphs for those who had found aspects of their studying very challenging, but who had nevertheless been determined to win through.”

Headmaster, Mr John Watson

T

he music before the ceremony was performed by Avni Kant, while our Brass Ensemble (Emma Blackett, Jessica Brake, Matthew Hayhurst, Alex Hyde, Harry Menashe, George Parker, Harry Vincent and Sebastian Warlow, conducted by Mr Steve Cooper) entertained pupils, parents and staff during the Interlude with M A Charpentier’s Prelude from Te Deum.

Prizes Awarded The most prestigious of over 200 individual prize-winners this year included: Shell Scholars 2014-15 Academic: Katie Arora, Eleanor Baird, Luke Brown, Tom Dewes, Zaina Dhanani, Alarna Gavin, Benedict Harrison, Max Hughes, Wenyu Wan, Shianne Whitemore-Beckett.

Art: Lauren McGladdery.

English: James Fraser, Isaac Grindrod, Melissa Wiseman.

Music: Michael Adeyemi, Madeleine Gallon, James McCook.

William Townsend Form Prizes Shells Attainment: Charlotte Bull, Alex Cox, Georgia Gamble, Jacob Swales, Taryn Wilson.

Progress: Lily Allison, Mila Bilsland, Milly Green, Craig Kinyanjui, Harvey Thomas-Benton.

2nds Attainment: Tim Henderson, Alex Hyde, Ashley Kabue, Abinaya Muraleetharan, Kogulan Vipulan.

Progress: Prana Karthikesu, Zaynah Raza, Alfie Shields, Alice Weaver, Meredith Womble-Lancaster.

3rds Attainment: Amrit Gill, Svetlana Kim, Tess Lillicrapp, George Parker, Amy Smith.

Progress: Emmanuella Kamara-Muse, Rohan Phull, Dheeksha Senthur, Ashleigh Stonier, Rajan Vraitch.

4ths Attainment: Yasmin Hobrow, Ria Patel , Deepra Sinha, Rachel Worthington, Luke Wyman.

Progress: Shivani Bodalia, Baht-Ammi Francis, Alexandra Hamilton, Jakevir Shoker, Ben Turnbull.

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The Wheatleyan 2014/15

5ths Form Prize: Jemima Beddow, Kate Henderson, Megan Lloyd, Aidan Thomas, Surajan Singh.

Excellence at GCSE: Hannah Allroggen, Saddek Boksh, Beth Carter, Daniel Cox, Robin Davies, Mahima Dhami, Kate Henderson, Jasmine Hundal, Megan Lloyd, Aleena Mann, Anya Mann, Thomas Nelson, Danika Patel, Vikesh Puri, Lauren Putnam, Jasmine Shankster-East, David Stephen, Jody Wong.

6th Form Scholarships, awarded on entry to the Lower Sixth Academic: Hannah Allroggen, Jasminder Bhandal, Saddek Boksh, Bethany Carter, Mahima Dhami, Imogen Hayley, Jasmine Hundal, Georgia Kelsey, Megan Lloyd, Anya Mann, Thomas Nelson, Vikesh Puri, Lauren Putnam, Lily Seery, Jasmine Shankster-East, Jody Wong.

Music: Hannah Calderbank, Hannah Jewkes, Albert Jie, Howard Weyman.

Sport: George Bayliss, Megan McElligott, Cameron Park, Danika Patel, Anna Price.

Whitehouse: Aleena Mann, David Stephen.

Lane Scholarships awarded to L6th Formers for outstanding academic achievement: Vinnie Bhandal, Max Chan, Emma Warlow.

Other awards Best Contribution to Magazines: Kirat Johal.

Felicity Chapman Poetry Prize: Eva Kant.

Philippa Chowne Prize (Music/Charity): Krina Mistry.

Former Pupils’ Association For Merit: Elaine Chen, Georgia Clarke, Jake Dolphin, Emmanuel Englebert, Pamilla Kang, Amy Kuner, Connor Putnam, Sivarjuen Ravichandran, Danujan Sivanesan, Alexander Towlson.

The Jenkins Cup (Shells): Freya Bennett, Sam Herniman.

TW Patchett Scholarship and Courtesy Prize: Anna Knight, Chris Tuttle.

Pembroke Award: Madison Cotteret, Chris Tuttle.

The J V Rattigan Cup for Merit in the L6th: Harvey Burke.

The Chris Ashworth Trophy (Outstanding Achievement): George Esworthy.

Best Contribution to the School by students new to the 6th Form: Morwenna Hocken.

The Jackson Progress Prize: Jonathan Porter.

The Seaborne Trophy for Sportsman of the Year: Bradley Pinkham.

The Leonard Ward Trophy for Sportswoman of the Year: Mollie Sargent.

The H Curt Prize for Service: Connor Putnam.

The Hawley Cup for Service: Bradley Pinkham.

The Humberstone Prize for Character and Scholarship: Keisha Simms.

Brass ensemble

Achievements Congratulations 1917 Sopwith Pup biplane wooden propeller: George Evans, Harry Loud.

Arkwright Scholarship interview: Will Rowland.

Arts Award: Level 2 - Silver: Lydia Bruton, Ben Powell; Bronze: Sathvika Krishnan, Miles Scott-Burt, Harry White.

Bablake Christmas Card: Giselle Pinto. Runners Up: Freya Bennett, Ezra Gaura, Rhys Hayden, Archie Morgan.

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge: Gold: Yuchen Duan, Anna Knight; Silver: Henry French, Christopher Tuttle, Ciara Wyman; Copper: Nivaran Aojula, Max Chan, Ryan O’Connor, Emily Poole.

Combined Cadet Force (CCF): Colour Sergeant - Blake Hatfield, Jonathan Porter; Sergeant - Katie Hodge, Josie Hyde.

Coventry Sports Awards: Kare Adenegan nominated for Young Sportsperson.

CREST Awards: Gold: Connor Putnam; Silver: Rajhan Bancil, Hannah Davies, Sonia Dhillon, Monty Dosanj, Amrit Gill, Arun Nahar, Abhijit Palit, Matthew Rowlands, Chris Tuttle, Robert Tyas, Ciara Wyman.

Design a Bookmark: Shells: Giselle Pinto; 2nds: Caragh Shaw, Fiona Chung; 3rds: Ashleigh Stonier.

Discover the World Education photography competition: Hannah Corden, 3rd. eCadets: Namuun Batkhishig, Lucie Barnes, Lauren Cox, Jack Crinnigan, Dannisha Patel, Jauvan Sangha, Jakevir Shoker, Jacob Swales.

Engineering Education Scheme Team (EES): Tom Betts, Chris Blackett, Edward Collier, James Horton (all receive a Gold CREST award).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): A*: Fran Bellingeri, Georgia Clarke, Brogan Coulson-Haggins, Katie Hodge; A: Dhilip Bains, Kate Edmiston, George Esworthy, Georgina Lloyd, Connor Putnam, Alex Towlson; B – Sian Brahach, Alex Murray, Aimee Piercy.

House Captains: Bayley: Narissa Pankhania, Alice Ryan; Crow: Beckie Carter, Hannah Corden; Fairfax: Matthias De Veer, Elise Morgan, Connor Putnam, Helen Rowland; Wheatley: Phoebe Brook, Ryan Cornall, Emily Robinson, Brendan Roberts.

House Trophy: Winners: Bayley (163); Wheatley (138), Fairfax (136), Crow (128).

Land Rover/Wasps Young Journalist: Adam Dickinson.

Maths Challenge: Senior Gold: Vinnie Bhandal, Elaine Chen, Jake Dolphin, Sandy Duan, Jacob Fletcher, Elliot Forbes, Josie Hyde, Anna Knight, Sivarjuen Ravichandran, Keisha Simms, Danujan Sivanesan, Mimi Sun, Chris Tuttle; Intermediate Gold: George Evans, Steven Floyd, Amrit Gill, Mahmood Islam, Avni Kant, Jack King, Thomas Knight, Cherie Ng, Jamie O’Connor, Ria Patel, Jakevir Shoker, Dhuvegen Vicnakumaar, Julian Wreford, Salim Zayyan; Junior Gold: Rebecca Asbury, Ayman Farid, Alex Hyde, Ted Larkin, Angel Ma, Abinaya Muraleetharan, Henry Pilley, Dominic Reeve, Imogen Starling, Suvathek Thevakumar, Kogulan Vipulan, Harry White.

Media: 6th Form leaflet: Dan Smith, Becky Williamson.

Mock Interview Morning (U6th): Best Performance: Richard Coton; Highly Recommended: Fran Bellingeri, Helena Worthington.

National Children’s Orchestra of Great Britain: Anna White (‘Cello).

Northampton County Training Orchestra: Darya Sutton (leader).

OCR Bursary: Keisha Simms.

‘Out of Norm’ Cartoon Strip national winner (via The Beano and Renaissance Learning): Giselle Pinto.

Physicist of the Year (University of Warwick award to local schools): Madison Cotteret.

Rotary Club (Coventry): Design: Outstanding Craftsmanship: Will Rowland; Young Entertainer: Aron Sood and Jeeves Sahota (3rd); Young Musicians: Sam Lowe (joint winner) SAMYO (National Youth Orchestra and Choir for Indian music): Sathvika Krishnan.

Senior Prefects: Bradley Pinkham, Keisha Simms (school captains); Fran Bellingeri, Beckie Carter, Matthias De Veer, Kate Edmiston, George Esworthy, Rubi Ingaglia, Amy Kuner, Aimee Piercy, Connor Putnam, Brendan Roberts, Helen Rowland.

Shine 2015 School Media Awards: The Wheatleyan annual school magazine, edited by 6th form team. Highly Commended at National Final: Best Original Artwork and Photography. Shortlisted for 4 other categories: Best Business Strategy, Best Environmental Strategy, Most Inspirational Teacher (staff editor Mark Woodward), Most Outstanding Pupil (editor Becky Williamson).

Stretch Magazine: Editor: Georgia Clarke.

Summer Reading Challenge volunteers: Shivani Bodalia, Brogan Coulson-Haggins, Jessica Hunter, Rory McDermott, Krina Mistry, Safina Pearce, Ciara Wyman.

Worldwide Challenge (Geographical Association): Max Harrison (individual Fieldwork prize winner), Matthew Merricks, George Parker.

Spotted The Belgrade Theatre’s Crush launch: Bablake Junior Choir.

U15 rugby squad, training with former England and Wasps winger, Paul Sackey. Beth Dwyer on Birmingham City University TV

Public Examination Fact File 2014-15

A Level • 97 pupils: 99.7% pass rate.

• 76.3% of all grades were at A*, A or B grades.

• 45.1% of all grades were at A* or A. (National average: 25.9%.)

• 17.8% of all grades were at A* - a school record.

(National average: 8.2%.)

• 8 pupils achieved 3 or more A* grades.

GCSE • 118 pupils: 98% achieved at least 5 A* - C grades.

• 65% of all grades were at A* or A. (National average: 21.3%.)

• 32% of all grades were at A*.

• 12 pupils gained 9 or more A* grades.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

11

Peace and reconciliation “What does it mean to the Bablake Community?” ask Kirat Johal and Robbie Stowers.

Jack Nash and Ewan Chapman with the Archbishop of Canterbury

February’s visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury was a clear highlight of 2014-15. As former Wheatleyan editor and aspiring journalist Beth Rowland, who attended to report online about the day, said: “I sensed the Archbishop very much wanted to stay longer and hear more about the exciting work Bablake was doing to maintain its ICON School status.”

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The Wheatleyan 2014/15

W

hile surveying our International Cross of Nails scrapbook and before moving to our Rehearsal Room to meet a dozen of Coventry’s faith leaders, the Archbishop enjoyed a discussion forum with a group of our pupils. After hearing their eloquent, passionate statements about their role in our school, he asked them what it meant for Bablake to be an ICON school.

Host for a termly meeting for all local ICON schools, we have a genuine commitment to equality, charitable partnerships (across Coventry, the West Midlands, nationally and internationally), and have an annual focus in our House system on AntiBullying. We foster a respectful, multicultural society, enriched by gender, race and background.

peaceandreconciliation

“Bablake was very honoured to host a visit from the Most Reverend and Rt Hon Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.”

The following views of staff and pupils have been canvassed:

We are committed to promoting the ICONS’ values of peace and reconciliation: • In our own lives, as we seek to be at peace with ourselves.

• In our attitudes to others, as we seek to live at peace with our neighbours.

• In our life as a school community, as we seek to resolve conflict and reconcile our differences.

• In our curriculum, as we seek to deepen our awareness and understanding of the world beyond school.

• In our service to the local and national community, as we seek to build links and work in partnership with others.

• In our commitment to social justice and peace, as we seek to eradicate injustice and conflict.

• In our international links, as we seek to promote mutual support and understanding which transcends boundaries of faith, culture and race.

“Spirituality and religious practices have an undeniable contribution to make to peace, reconciliation and harmony in our world. As Pope Francis said, ‘For the sake of peace, religious beliefs must never be allowed to be abused in the cause of violence and war. We must be clear and unequivocal in challenging our communities to live fully the tenets of peace and coexistence found in each religion, and to denounce acts of violence when they are committed.”

Reverend Sacha Slavic, Chaplain “The visit of the Archbishop and faith leaders from all over Coventry was a special gathering which signalled our joint commitment to peace and reconciliation in our world and to the growth of mutual understanding in a multi-faith society.”

Mr John Watson, Headmaster “My philosophy is simple! Peace and reconciliation start with individuals and as teachers we can give pupils the skills and self-awareness necessary to live in that way. The Dalai Lama said: ‘We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.”

Mrs Maria O’Neill, Head of Spanish.

In the eyes of our Sixth Form students, peace and reconciliation focus highly on friendship, with peers, relatives and especially siblings: “Love one another as I love you!”

“Break the ice with everybody.” “It’s about making up with people you have fallen out with; setting aside your differences.”

As well as keeping peace and reconciliation a key theme of our annual carol service at Coventry Cathedral, our chaplain is looking to establish links with schools in Bosnia and Serbia, working on common projects.

As well as further establishing a solid link with Harrismith Secondary (our South African partner school) – literally building bridges across continents and continuing to assist local, national and international challenges, we are also working at establishing links with Volgograd.

The Archbishop’s visit helped further strengthen Bablake’s resolve to promote ICON values. Upper Sixth student Kirsty Cattell, whose statement adorns this issue’s cover, uses the words of Mahatma Gandhi as proof: “There is no way to peace; peace is the way.”

With thanks to Alex, Beth, Chloe, Jake, James, Kirsty and Paige for their input.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

13

finaldestinations

Where are they

now?

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finaldestinations

Once again, the talented Class of 2008’s final day showed Bablake’s spirit of friendship at its best. Now spread across the UK and beyond, these students’ exciting potential is being developed by top universities and employers.

UK Universities (inc deferred entry) 9 Leeds.

6 Birmingham, Nottingham.

5 Leicester, Loughborough.

4 Cardiff, Coventry, Southampton, Warwick.

3 Leeds Beckett, London (1 – Imperial, London School of Economics, Westminster), Manchester.

2 Aston, Durham, East Anglia, Exeter, Nottingham Trent, Oxford.

1 Aberystwyth, Birmingham City, Bristol, Brunel, Cambridge, De Montfort, Derby, Edinburgh, Harper Adams, Hull, Lancaster, Leeds Trinity, Liverpool, Roehampton, Sheffield, Sussex, University of Wales - Trinity St David, University for Creative Arts, York.

Universities Abroad 1 USA (Rochester).

Employment 3 (1 - Capgemini, Industrial Commercials, Surprise You’re Dead Music.)

Gap Year 6 (Art Foundation 3, Mix of paid and voluntary work plus independent/ arranged travel 3.)

What are they studying at University?

Degree Disciplines (inc deferred places) The Arts, Humanities and Languages - 24 1 American Literature (inc Creative Writing and Year Abroad) 2 Anthropology (inc Archaeology 1) 1 Architecture 2 Classical Civilisation (inc Literature 1) 7 English (inc Creative Writing 1, Journalism 1, Literature 2) 1 Fine Art 1 German and International Studies 4 History 1 Music 1 Philosophy (inc History and Study Year abroad) 1 Politics and International Relations 1 Spanish Studies and Beginners’ Italian 1 Translation

Engineering, ICT, Health & Medicine, Natural & Physical Sciences, Sports Science - 34 1 Agriculture with Animal Science 2 Biology/ Biological Sciences 1 Biomedical Science 2 Chemistry 3 Computer/ Computing Science (with a Year in Industry 1) 7 Engineering (inc Automotive 1, Chemical 1, Civil with Year in Industry 1, Electrical and Economic 1, Mechanical 3) 2 Geography (Human 1) 1 Geology 4 Mathematics (inc Finance 1) 2 Medicine 1 Nursing (Adult) 1 Oceanography 1 Pharmacology 1 Pharmacy 1 Physics 2 Product Design (inc Technology 1) 1 Sport and Exercise Science 1 Zoology Social Sciences - 29 2 Accounting and Finance 3 Business (inc International 1, Management – Entrepreneurship 1) 1 Criminology 7 Economics (inc Finance 1, History 1, Industrial 1, Politics 1) 1 Fashion Communication and Promotion 3 Law (inc Criminal Justice and Criminology 1) 5 Management (inc Countryside 1, International 1, Sport Business 1) 1 Marketing (inc Sports) 1 PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Management) 5 Psychology (inc Criminology 1)

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

15

studyabroad

ABologna!

Rubi Ingaglia

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studyabroad

“Bologna was an ideal choice for what I had hoped to experience from this trip, as it is one of the few Italian cities yet to be completely overrun by tourists and English-speakers.”

Last year Rubi Ingaglia won a summer school place in Hong Kong; this year, the Brian Wilson Travel Fund helped her attend a three week language course in Bologna. Here she shares some of her thoughts and experiences for readers of The Wheatleyan.

I

n anticipation of studying Spanish and beginners’ Italian at Oxford University, I was fortunate enough to attend a three week course during my summer holiday at an independent language school in Bologna. This was my first time in Italy and my first attempt at learning the Italian language; I came away with a genuine sense of the culture and a basic linguistic grounding, not to mention a wealth of new international contacts and an awakened desire to travel and learn more about Italy, its language and culture.

During my time at the school, I attended group classes and oneto-one sessions. Something I relished was the variety of fascinating people I was studying alongside and socialising with; among others, these included a Japanese opera singer, a professional contortionist from Brazil and a number of students from as close to home as Torquay to as far away as Melbourne.

Within three weeks, we covered an extensive amount of material, including essential grammar, topic-specific vocabulary and general conversation practice. A particular challenge for me was having to recount the convoluted plot-line(s) of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice in Italian after only two weeks’ tuition!

Something I particularly enjoyed about the school’s timetable was the daily mid-morning trip to a local bar for caffè and cornetti, where we were able to practise our Italian in a more social and ‘real life’ setting while admiring the tranquil piazza of Santo Stefano.

After-school activities included gelato in Piazza Maggiore or apericena in Giardini Margherita, but worthwhile one-off visits to Le Due Torri or the Basilica Santuario di Santo Stefano and the Basilica di San Francesco (just two of Bologna’s numerous churches) were also achievable on a weekday evening.

While school nights were principally occupied with preuniversity reading and homework from the school day, on the weekends I was lucky to be able to take advantage of being in an

easily accessible city. During my three weeks based in Bologna, I made two day trips to Roma and Milano, the former gratefully facilitated by the funding I was awarded from the Brian Wilson Travel Prize. Adopting the role of the typical tourist, I visited the Foro Romano, the Colosseo and the Pantheon in Roma, and the breathtaking Duomo and the tranquil Parco Sempione in Milano.

Spending just seven hours in the country’s capital and one day in the fashion capital was a refreshing change from the laid-back lifestyle and terracotta city-scape of Bologna, but a single day was insufficient to do either of these two vibrant cities justice; indeed I am excited about the chance in the near future to return and explore each in greater depth.

Bologna was an ideal choice for what I had hoped to experience from this trip as it is one of the few Italian cities yet to be completely overrun by tourists and English-speakers. Thanks to its compact size, ‘local’ atmosphere and large student population, it was easy to find my feet within just a week of studying there.

Whether enjoying tortellini in brodo on Via del Pratello , walking under the iconic portici, making new friends from all over the world or learning a new, beautiful language in the original country, my time in Bologna was invaluable for my future university studies as well as my ongoing cultural education.

Non posso aspettare visitare ancora!

“Non posso aspettare visitare ancora!”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

17

staffnews

Valete “We thank our departing staff for their outstanding loyalty to our community and wish them happiness and good health for future challenges and retirement.”

Mr Roy Goodwin (Head Groundsman) Mr John Watson Roy completed a remarkable 40 years’ service to Bablake as resident Head Groundsman, preparing innumerable cricket squares during this outstanding innings! He preferred to work away in the background, never seeking the limelight, but always determined to provide the best playing surfaces for rugby, cricket, soccer and rounders, and somehow ensuring that the very different demands of playing seasons were seamlessly catered for. One of his favourite occupations was bringing the tractor and shovel down to school in snow, so as to keep us operational, much to the disdain of pupils! Ever protected from the elements by his trusty hat, he may even allow himself the luxury of removing it during a very wellearned retirement!

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Mr Richard Atkins QC (Chairman of Governors) Mr Mark Woodward

Mr Andrew Price (Peripatetic - Piano) Mr Mark Woodward Freelance organist and self-employed piano teacher Andrew began teaching piano to Bablake pupils in 1992 and retires after 23 years of excellent service as a peripatetic musician to the school. He has also kindly donated books to our Classics and Religious Studies departments.

While we wish Andrew all the very best for a well-earned retirement, which includes exciting plans for travel in the Southern hemisphere, we will also look forward to seeing him at future concerts.

We bade farewell at the start of December 2014 to Richard, a key member of our governing body, who had served the Coventry School Foundation for the maximum number of years permissible since 1999. Of course, the final three years of his connection with the Foundation were as Chairman of Governors. He also thrived as Bablake’s own David Dimbleby at two recent political forums arranged by our Politics society.

Mr Atkins, in his final letter to parents, spoke of his pride in the quality of education offered at Bablake and the other schools in the Foundation. He went as far as complimenting the level of education provided as being on a par with the best in the country, while also praising the schools’ vibrancy and facilities.

Headmaster Mr John Watson paid tribute saying: ‘We are very grateful to Mr Atkins for his dedication to the Foundation schools over the last 16 years. Despite leading a very busy life beyond the Foundation, he has given most generously of his time and expertise. We look forward to seeing him as a welcome visitor in the future.’

We thoroughly endorse the Headmaster’s words and wish Mr Atkins all the very best for his new role as Leader of the Midland Circuit.

Mr Neil Kimber (Clerk of Works) Mr John Watson Neil was a skilled tradesman who joined the maintenance team in 1994 and whose interpersonal skills and expertise soon led to his promotion to Clerk of Works. In this role, he always worked with great patience and good humour, intent on providing a safe and attractive environment for pupils.

His unflappability could sometimes be construed as a lack of urgency by those who did not know him well! However, he never angered and enjoyed the respect of his team, working unstintingly during the summer holiday to ensure that the school was always ready for the new year. We wish him good health and rural bliss in retirement near Hay-on-Wye.

Mrs Ruth Selby (Chemistry Technician) Dr Patrick Knight Ruth retired this summer after 16 years of dedicated service in our Science department. The role of a science technician is often a low profile one, but it is absolutely essential to the delivery of stimulating lessons.

She was probably most familiar to pupils as the nice lady in the lab coat pushing, loading or unloading a trolley of apparatus. For Chemistry teachers, the most common sight of her was from behind her back as she worked at the sink in the prep room cleaning glassware. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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staffnews

With a great knowledge of Chemistry from her 25 years as an employee at Courtaulds, Ruth worked with an absolutely unflappable manner and had an uncanny, extremely useful habit of knowing what apparatus the teachers needed a couple of days before they did. She will be a very hard act to follow and she thoroughly deserves a long and happy retirement.

Ruth (left) with Bablake’s Science Technicians

Mr Dave Mackey

Mrs Beverley Lewell (Senior Chemistry Technician) Dr Patrick Knight Bev joined the Science Department in 2010 as Senior Science Technician and rapidly established herself as an extremely effective member of the Science team. She had great knowledge of school science from previous posts at schools in the region, as well as experience of industrial chemistry at Courtaulds.

She provided very efficient support for thousands of practical science lessons and always welcomed a new challenge. She was particularly interested in improving or innovating new practicals for A level Chemistry.

She also provided excellent clerical support for the Chemistry department, organising the purchase orders and helping her Head of Department to stick to the budget.

Bev’s support and sense of humour have been greatly valued by everyone who has worked with her.

(Assistant Caretaker) Mr Mark Woodward

Mrs Amanda Grey

As well as needing an enjoyment of early mornings and late evenings and a vast handbook to understanding the various quirks of staff, pupils and parents, a crucial skill in the ideal caretaker’s toolkit is an ability to find humour in the grimmest of tasks and gently tease staff as many times a day as possible.

Dave displayed all these qualities in his time with us from April 2011, and had clearly read the Malcolm Martin Guide to Caretaker Sarcasm!

We wish Dave all the very best for his new post at our Pre Prep. He is affable, informed, industrious, witty and excellent company, which I am sure Mrs Horton (Head of Bablake Pre Prep) already values.

Dave is also a Bablake parent, with a keen eye for our website’s daily delivery of news; alongside Mr West, he is a keen proofreader of our fare and this unofficial role is very much appreciated.

As a parent of two Bablake graduates, one of whom attended our early Transitus, Mandy’s association with the school has lasted over a decade. Those who have visited our Main Reception in the afternoon, during Mandy’s tenure since October 2011, have certainly appreciated the warm, professional and friendly welcome offered.

We wish her all the very best for the future beyond Bablake, while suspecting she will be enjoying the extra time looking after her first grandchild.

(Reception) Mr Mark Woodward

Mrs Caroline Buggea (Food and Textiles Technician) Mrs Carol Davey We are very grateful to Caroline for her service to the school since January 2012 and wish her all the very best with her new commitments. She will be missed for her friendly, bubbly personality 20

The Wheatleyan 2014/15

staffnews

and her ability to support our pupils in their practical work as well as her many suggestions for the improvement of displays in the department.

We are certain she will continue to spend time following the progress of her son and former pupil Josh’s promising professional rugby career, and we look forward to future updates.

Miss Victoria Barfield (Art) Mr Paul Cleaver Victoria’s association with Bablake goes back further than her two years with us as a much loved and innovative Art teacher for both our Senior and Junior School pupils, for her brother was a former pupil.

As well as being a talented artist in her own right, Victoria regularly assisted with our Combined Cadet Force. She leaves Bablake to become Head of Art at Lambrook School near Ascot; we wish her all the very best for her promotion, while thanking her for her excellent service to our pupils.

Miss Rachel Hollinrake

Miss Rebecca Priest (Geography) Mr Mark Woodward Rebecca covered Mrs Bradshaw’s maternity leave in the Geography Department, and made a very significant impact as a new teacher in such a short time. She organised field work visits, involved the school with Geographical Association initiatives, ran a dance club and accompanied Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

We are sorry we were unable to keep her as she moves to a new post in Birmingham; we know she will make a tremendous success of this opportunity and is a fantastic addition to the teaching profession.

Personal thanks go to Rebecca for her enthusiasm in providing a regular diet of geographical news for the school website.

Thank you also to: Mlle Lamia Loukil (French Assistant) and Frau Vanessa Beck (German Assistant) for their enthusiastic preparation of our linguists, and being excellent colleagues.

(Alumni Database Clerk) Mr Mark Woodward Over the last year’s Autumn and Summer terms, with a hiatus inbetween to enjoy some fantastic independent travel, Rachel worked enthusiastically and very effectively as temporary Alumni Database Clerk, where she helped establish links with former pupils and organise reunions. She also served as a much loved PE assistant for our Junior School.

Fresh from completing her Law and Management degree at the University of Leeds, and, as well as making a great impression on our Junior School pupils in PE, she proved invaluable assisting Mrs Sylvia O’Sullivan (Alumni Relations Officer). In Alumni Relations, she successfully regained contact with a large number of former pupils and was a dynamic presence organising and attending reunions held in 2014-15.

Her vibrant personality and positive attitude throughout the year were no surprise since Rachel was a leading pupil in her time at Bablake from 2003-10. A fine academic, she also excelled at hockey and was involved in much co-curricular activity, e.g. with Bayley House and Stretch magazine.

We wish Rachel all the best for her future as a corporate paralegal at local Warwickshire legal firm Wright Hassall. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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staffnews

Salvete “We welcome the following highly talented new members of staff to Bablake:” Miss Robyn Brandrick

Mr Ray Carvell

Miss Amy Hardie

Miss Alexandria Hingley

Mr Nick James

Mr Anthony Kilroy

Mrs Kayleigh Lacey

Mr Paul McCarthy

Miss Sarah Moore

Mrs Sangeetha Raguram

Mrs Cathy Shields

Mrs Lynne Stinton

Mrs Marilyn Prowse

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Welcome Miss Robyn Brandrick (Art) Robyn is a Fine Art graduate from Coventry University. A talented artist in her own right, she was Artist in Residence at Rugby School before joining Bablake in September 2013 initially as Art Technician.

She will teach pupils in both our Junior and Senior Schools, while continuing part-time as technician.

Mr Ray Carvell (Facilities Manager), Mr Hakan Cetin (German Assistant), Miss Amy Hardie (Senior Science and Chemistry Technician), Miss Alexandria Hingley (Marketing Manager - across all Bablake schools), Mr Nick James (Professional Cricket Coach), Mr Anthony Kilroy (Head Groundsman), Mrs Kayleigh Lacey (Temporary Alumni Database Clerk), Mr Paul McCarthy (Assistant Caretaker), Miss Sarah Moore (Art Technician), Mrs Sangeetha Raguram (Chemistry Technician), Mrs Cathy Shields (Food and Textiles Technician), Mrs Lynne Stinton (Reception) We also welcome back: Senora Isabel Cowell (Spanish Assistant), Mlle Lamia Loukil (French Assistant) and Mrs Marilyn Prowse, teaching Chemistry and also covering the majority of Mrs Alison Learmont-Henry’s maternity leave.

Congratulations New responsibilities Ms Sam Holyman, Junior Science Co-ordinator Mrs Amanda Jones, Head of Psychology Mrs Lynsey Lawrence, Head of Shells Mr Pete Nicholson, both Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Co-ordinator Miss Laura Watts, Deputy House Head of Wheatley Miss Rachel Young, Head of Bayley Mrs Sarah Harris is re-designated Head of Admissions and Marketing, to reflect a shift in emphasis, while Mrs Laura Baines (Admissions) has become part-time.

Miscellaneous Well done, Mrs Helen Billings, on liaising with the Parents’ Association for various successful events: e.g. Christmas Fayre and International Evening. Ms Sam Holyman liaised with the Chilled Food Association in creating Science worksheets for national use. Mr Tony Jones presented a cheque for over £500 on the school’s behalf to Corley Centre, following his sponsored Head Shave. Mrs Maria O’Neill completed an ice-skating routine to raise money for the Cameron Grant Memorial Trust. The PE Department arranged a successful Summer Sports Social for all Shell to 4th Year team players. Chaplain Rev Sacha Slavic resumed his duties at Coventry Cathedral. Mr John Watson participated in a charity abseil for UNICEF down the Main Building’s Tower.

Mrs Julia McNaney We also extend a very warm welcome to Mrs Julia McNaney, new Chair of the Governors, who will be a familiar name to the Bablake community since both her children attended the school and she was elected as a parent governor during their time with us.

Having been Chair of the Parents’ Association, Chair of the Bablake Academic and Resources Committee and joint Vice Chair of Governors, Mrs McNaney brings considerable experience to her new role.

Mrs McNaney is a retired police officer, who served for 30 years with the West Midlands Police, latterly with force responsibility for sexual offences and adult protection issues. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Forensic Psychology, she also holds a full certificate in Education (Post compulsory).

She has her own training consultancy, JDM Training, running courses around the country in relation to all adult protection issues; she also provides training across the statutory agencies and the private and voluntary sector. She remains employed as a consultant by the Home Office, is an advisor to the Association of Chief Police Officers and is also a consultant for the Department Of Health.

We very much welcome the appointment of Mrs McNaney, the Coventry School Foundation’s first female leader, especially as we begin in 2015 to celebrate the 40th anniversary year of girls being first admitted to Bablake.

Weddings Mrs Louise Alderson-Bolstridge (formerly Mrs Alderson) New arrivals Mrs Mandie Bradshaw, Mrs Nicola Green – both return from maternity leave.

25 years’ service Mr Peter Lucas (Estates), Mr Bruce Wilson (Boys’ PE) (1990- 2015).

40 years’ service Mr John Drury (Mathematics) (1975-present); Mr Roy Goodwin (Estates) (1975-2015).

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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stafftalk

High

tech

ICT staff interview by Kirat Johal & Robbie Stowers.

Bablake’s ICT Technicians (from left) Mr Preet Chahal, Mr Ade Statham and Mr Rohen Kular

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stafftalk

“I enjoy interacting with various departments as they are all using IT in different ways.”

Bablake only operates so smoothly because of the expertise and enthusiasm of various teams who, behind the scenes, offer such excellent support to the academic staff. After last year’s interview with our Science Technicians, we turn to our ICT Technicians, Mr Preet Chahal, Mr Rohen Kular and Mr Ade Statham.

Would you mind stating your role?

Mr Statham: I am Network Manager, a role I inherited when Mrs Danny Thomas retired.

Mr Kular: The majority of my work is ‘out and about’, relating to hardware or technical problems.

Mr Chahal: My main focus is always software related for the School’s infrastructure. I am also External Visits Co-ordinator and teach an U6th Enrichment option.

How long has this current team been working together?

Mr Statham: The current team has been together for 2 years as Rohen joined in September 2013. I have worked at Bablake since June 2001 and Preet arrived in April 2008.

What changes have you seen and perhaps been involved with since you have been here?

Mr Statham: I have seen many changes to the fabric of the school and have seen the use of ICT in the academic and administration roles of the school grow enormously over my 14 years here. I have also been involved in many projects here including the introduction of a new language lab, two email systems, school’s CCTV system and the school VLE amongst others. The Junior School used to run its own network, but joined ours soon after Mr Price arrived as Head.

Mr Chahal: I’ve seen the department’s responsibility expand with the Pre Prep added to the network.

Mr Kular: Upgrading is always happening too. I arrived just as wi-fi across the School was being introduced to allow the Bring your own Device policy to be activated for laptops and smartphones.

What is the best part of your job?

Mr Statham: The variety of my job on a daily basis. Coming into school in the morning and not knowing what is awaiting me as no two days are ever the same.

Mr Kular: I enjoy interacting with various departments as they are all using IT in different ways. Even where they have the same technology, like smartboards, some teachers are using it differently.

Mr Chahal: No-one’s mentioned ‘free internet’! It’s great working with staff and pupils at a different level and one to one, without necessarily the responsibility of a class teacher.

What is the strangest thing that has ever happened in your time here?

Mr Chahal: Does having to call your line manager back from his summer holiday in Wales count?! I was on my way to Frankfurt when I was informed about the network being down, so had to ask Ade to come and sort that!

Mr Statham: I remember that well! In my time, I have seen many strange things as one of my roles is to assist the caretaker in reviewing CCTV footage. Unfortunately due to data protection, I am unable to reveal any details about these incidents!

Tell us a secret about yourself!

Mr Statham: I may have a celebrity relative…!

Mr Chahal: I’ve completed just over 50 half marathons or 10k races and Mr Enstone wants to know how I acquired my ‘Beat the Hour’ T-shirt for the Draycote 10k. I always apply for the London Marathon but as yet, have not won a ballot place. Also almost five years ago, I successfully completed the selection process for the police force just as recruitment was cut and I am still waiting to be deployed!

Mr Kular: I’ve been DJ-ing since I was 14, so have gone through the vinyl, CD and MP3 phases and of course vinyl is now making a massive comeback. I am into drum’n’bass, house and garage and in the past have had a regular show on various stations like Hills FM. I still hope a promoter might hear my stuff and like it; radio is brilliant because you get great feedback about the tracks and mixes you play. I really enjoy keeping up with new tracks and trends; I have also volunteered and hosted my own DJ workshops for young people in Coventry.

Footnote!

Our staff editor was fascinated by Mr Kular’s secret, and we reckon a DJ workshop option would make a brilliant Enrichment session too.

Please let us know whom you would like to be featured in future issues.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

25

Beyond the Classroom Edited by Beth Edmiston, Annie Honess and Jake Morton.

“We have a bewildering amount of co-curricular activity available every day at Bablake; in this section, you will see an impressive glimpse of the range of opportunities. Termly newsletter, The Lion, our website’s daily news item and a comprehensive social media delivery offer further exciting evidence.”

Beth Edmiston, Editor Profile

Annie Honess, Editor Profile

Jake Morton, Editor Profile

Passions: Writing - I am enjoying work as Stretch editor; playing piano for fun rather than grades.

Passions: Science, travel, Duke of Edinburgh.

Passions: Video gaming (primarily Nintendo based), card games (on motorcycles), reading, and robots.

Ambitions: Become a screenwriter for film or preferably TV; gain a place at my first choice university and do well with my degree.

2014/15 Highlights: My eldest sister’s wedding and my work experience in Dallas, Texas – I loved the independent travel and whole experience.

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Ambitions: To study for a Medical Engineering degree at my first choice university; complete my Gold D of E successfully.

2014/2015 Highlights: Visiting Harrismith Secondary; taking part in my form’s Summer Fair for charity; becoming a Wheatley House Captain and senior prefect.

Ambitions: Study Computer Science at a good university and make a career in programming or video games. A Levels first though!

2014/15 Highlights: Confidence gained from my GCSE results; someone other than Wheatley or Fairfax winning the House Trophy, although it’s not a competition!

beyondbablake

My

summer

Love Oko Our Lower Sixth students are free to plan their own programme in the final week of the Summer Term. Many start work on an Extended Project Qualification, some arrange work experience placements, others work on our student magazine Stretch. Love Oko took part in a two week visit to Germany, arranged for girls interested in renewable energy by Nottingham based Sasie Ltd and funded by the Erasmus scheme that many students enjoy while studying for a degree. This is her report:

Creating renewable energy in Wildpoldsried, Bavaria © Molgreen

“The trip was designed to encourage women to pursue careers in renewable energy or the science industry.”

I spent two weeks of my summer in Wildpoldsried, a small village in Bavaria, Germany studying on an Erasmus programme for STEM students. Wildpoldsried is a village that recently disconnected itself from the German national grid as it generates enough energy for itself and other surrounding villages. It has solar panel schemes, biomass installations and wind turbines. It also has a natural waste water system and a swimming pool with natural reed filtration.

The trip was designed to encourage women to pursue careers in renewable energy or the science industry, so I was there with students from a number of Girls’ Day School Trust schools. While we were there, we were taught mainly about the many different types of renewable systems and sustainability, and the many different calculations on

how much money the National Grid would pay for each kilowatt of energy produced by your system and how to determine the best renewable system for your home.

From this, I gained a Level 3 Award in the Rational use of Renewable Energy, which is a six credit award. I visited hydroelectric dams and battery companies, entered wind turbines and went to Elektro Tecknic Guggenmos, a solar farm complete with a rotating house and llamas. As part of the trip, I also assembled solar work cases made

by Christiani. On days off, we went to Munich, Neuschwanstein Castle, traditional Bavarian trip restaurants and rode electric bikes around the village.

I would recommend this to anyone, as I found it to be a very enjoyable and informative experience.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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charityreport

£23,084.57 ...says Bablake is making a BIG difference on the charity front, reports Beth Edmiston.

“Mrs O’Neill’s second year as Charity Co-ordinator saw Bablake raise £23,084.57 – another phenomenal sum.”

“Once again, Bablake staff, pupils and parents were so generous with their time and donations, above and beyond expectations, and our Sixth Form students were once again excellent role-models for our younger pupils.

Fundraising teams were established for Cancer Relief UK, CRY, Macmillan Cancer Support and Zoe’s Place.

From Macmillan’s Ice Bucket Challenge and the World’s Biggest Coffee morning through to 3M’s dramatic abseil down the Main Tower, we raised a significant amount of money - £23,084.57, our second highest total ever and for the fifth year running over £20k - for local, national and international charities.

Together we continue to make a BIG difference!”

Please watch out for news on the Bablake Charity Twitter feed: @BablakeCharity #FundraisingFriday

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charityreport

A Head for

heights!

as featured in the Daily Telegraph’s ‘Good News Friday’.

“The dedication to charitable work shown by Bablake staff and pupils is unquestionable, but this year’s charity abseil from our Main Tower for Teenage Cancer Trust reached another level in terms of teamwork, trust and bravery, as well as raising over £700!

Well done to Mr Kris Tyas (Head of Mathematics), Geography teachers Mrs Joanne MacGibbon and Miss Rebecca Priest, 3M and a Sixth Form team (Katie Hodge, Josie Hyde and Jonathan Porter) who were all instrumental in setting up the event. They even persuaded Headmaster Mr John Watson to take part, as well as organising a pupil raffle for the chance to abseil.

Lily Allison, Will Beaty, Grace Fisher, Ellie Herniman, Ravi Mody, Rob Tyas and Harry White were the pupils who should be congratulated for their bravery and immaculate attention to instructions from Mr Tyas. The majority of these had never abseiled before and to do this from such a considerable height will be an achievement they will remember for many years. With crowds of pupils and staff cheering them on from the ground, it was lovely to see the Bablake community in action!”

“With crowds of pupils and staff cheering them on from the ground, it was lovely to see the Bablake community in action!”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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charityreport

International

evening Photos by Mrs Alison Tumber and Kirat Johal.

Our Parents’ Association, together with Mrs Helen Billings, Head of German, and our Sixth Form students, arranged a very successful evening of music from across the school and ‘food from around the world’, that not only celebrated Bablake’s diversity but also raised over £800 for equipment and new opportunities for pupils at our Partner School, Harrismith, in South Africa.

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charityreport

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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travellers’tales

Sharing

cultures

Bablake’s partnership with Harrismith Secondary is about sharing cultures, ideas and experiences. Here Philippa Morris and Brad McKenzie-Quinn share their thoughts on an amazing cultural experience.

Brandwag (the Sentinel) Golden Gate Highlands National Park, South Africa © Zaian

A

mong the highlights of this year’s visit by eight Bablake pupils and two members of staff were: • A new mural - captured as a timelapse video - to show we are building bridges across continents.

• A track recorded by Whiney (former pupil Will Hine) and Harrismith learner Pule.

• The installation of a new computer suite (via Mr Ade Statham’s expertise) • Seeing new uniform, improved transport and extra-curricular visits for the learners funded via Bablake’s fundraising.

• Rehearsals for Rainbow Cinderella an annual play is directed by former Head of English Mr Ian Appleby.

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“Going to South Africa was an eye-opening and informative life experience. Whilst there helping with various activities, I was able to truly appreciate how lucky we all are and I was inspired by how high morale was at the school despite how little they have.

I enjoyed helping with the school’s annual production which this year was ‘Rainbow Cinderella’ and I loved the enthusiasm and hard work everyone put into the musical. We taught around 30 Harrismith learners a Charleston dance for their musical. In exchange, Anna Knight and I were taught a traditional African dance which proved very difficult technically.

During our last weekend we

travelled to the Basothu Cultural Village in the Golden Gate National Park, Free State. We stayed near the beautiful rondavels, where the luxury of electric blankets was much appreciated as it was the middle of winter. We were billeted in threes and had the task of cooking our meals for ourselves, however in the evening we would all meet and listen to music or play cards.

We had a tour of a tribal area where we saw how tribes live and how traditions have changed as time has progressed.

We were able to try on clothes, taste traditional food and experience various rituals.

After a day in the town of Clarins, where we bought some traditional gifts, we went on a walk which gave

travellers’tales

“Your visits have been a life-changing experience. As much as we are in a rural area, we are now part of the world community.

We want to thank you 100 times for being what you are to us.”

M.L. Mphuthi, Lead Teacher, Harrismith Secondary School

us incredible views of the Golden Gate National Park. We were very lucky to be in such close proximity to animals such as baboons, zebra, wildebeest, and springboks (antelope-gazelles) during our trip.

Some of us spent a day delivering food to farm schools; we travelled two hours to a town called Bethlehem where we visited four schools. The provisions - such as beans, rice, maize, soup and fish – were to last them 11 weeks until their next delivery, which I was surprised by as there was so little food. The classrooms were often makeshift rooms with very little in them. The children and parents all live and work on the farm, however we were told many children were orphans

and therefore would only receive the food provided by the school. All the children were really eager to talk and communicate with us, despite the language barrier.

Overall we managed to fit so much into the two weeks, learnt an extensive amount about South Africa and saw some amazing parts of the country.”

Philippa Morris “Will Hine and I helped their football team - all the pupils had incredibly quick feet, were really skilful and dreamt of going pro.

In Johannesburg, we visited the Apartheid Museum where the Harrismith pupils were intrigued to learn about their country’s past. One of the most mesmerising things was a bar chart created using a wire fence and filled with rocks as a wall around the museum; each rock represented 100 people who had lost their lives and each bar represented a separate year of the oppression. The seven pillars representing fundamental values of life without apartheid - democracy,

equality, reconciliation, diversity, responsibility, respect and freedom – and nooses representing 131 shameful political executions also left a powerful impression.

The Harrismith trip was a really educational experience as I learnt how much some people have to struggle to gain a decent education and it made me appreciate the privileges we take for granted. Their endeavour and aspirations also helped make the visit one of the most inspiring fortnights of my life.”

Brad McKenzie-Quinn

Thanks are directed to the Bablake Parents’ Association, Mrs Helen Skilton (Head of History) and the Bablake community for the fundraising and support for this partnership.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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travellers’tales

Barcelona bound!

Our Spanish and Design Technology departments visited Barcelona with a party of Bablake pupils, while our Careers department was hosted by ESADE later in the summer.

Here is our picture-board of the visits.

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travellers’tales

Hannah Allroggen, Mahima Dhami, Joel White, Daisy Williams and I were accompanied by Mr Clive Mohamed (Biology) for this year’s three week World Challenge expedition to Ecuador.

This included a trek phase where we were required to walk at least 13km per day around stunning landmarks such as the crater of Quilitoa Lagoon. It also included a project where we helped a family, whom we made great friends with, redecorate their existing house and began building the foundations of another house as there were three generations living in one room. The last phase of the trip was the Rainforest trek, with our own tour guide of the jungle - José who was one of the most talented and knowledgeable guides of the jungle. His father had taught him and this knowledge – teaching teams how to swim in waterfalls and jump safely into pools of clear water as well as the skills needed for trekking through miles of mud - is now being passed down the generations to his own son.

Before the expedition, we completed a lot of fundraising. Team members applied for jobs to earn money, wrote to family and friends to ask for sponsorship, and even arranged events with profits allocated to the expedition costs. Daisy and I decided three weeks before the event that we would run a half marathon with virtually no training; we completed this in 2 hours 37 minutes and managed to raise a huge £1240 together to put towards the trip.

Overall, we faced tough conditions and it was extremely hard work, however we learnt so many valuable skills, especially how to live independently and as a cohesive group. We created so many unforgettable memories - it was truly a once in a lifetime experience!

World challenge The rigours and beauty of the Quilotoa Trek in Ecuador described

by Jashan Sangha.

“We created so many unforgettable memories - it was truly a once in a lifetime experience!”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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bablakeaction

CCF life skills New recruit Robert Tyas writes about his experiences at this year’s CCF Summer Camp.

© Nikodem Nijaki

“I will definitely continue with the CCF and hope to learn far more life skills in future years.”

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T

he aspect I liked most about our Combined Cadet Force summer camp was the exercise. It was also a very educational experience as we all had to plan how to survive, for the first time in the case of the Third years, on a 24 hour ration pack.

Some people, including myself, had the opportunity to lead either the whole group or a section of it; this struck me as an important skill that will be used later in life.

The other important thing about switching the command was that not only did people learn how to be in charge but how to work for somebody else; we all had to learn to be attentive and not try to lead but be led and be cooperative. At various points in all our lives, we will not be in charge and will need to listen to others, even if we don’t completely agree with what is being said.

I also enjoyed the shooting with the air rifles; it was far more relaxed than shooting with a normal rifle and allowed you to think about the marksmanship principles. Usually you are preoccupied with worrying about the safety or the recoil or are coping with the weight of the weapon.

Air rifles are much lighter and allow you to really concentrate on the shoot rather than anything else. It was also interesting to have a go at firing a different weapon system from the rifle.

I learned a very different, new skill when setting up a VCP (Vehicle Check Point); in fact it was something that not only had I never done but also I had never heard of it being done.

It was especially important for me to remember how to set up a vehicle

check point as I had to plan one in the main exercise. The main thing that went wrong in the exercise was that the chaser forgot to let the vehicle go as soon as they had got the information from the spy.

This led to finding weapons and also blowing the spy’s cover resulting in him being killed and us having to retrieve the last piece of information from him after he had been killed! We also learned how to move inside buildings which was a new skill; we did not have the chance to use this in our exercise, but it will undoubtedly be useful for future tasks.

Another activity I found very interesting and educational was the session talking to the men from the Royal Irish Guard. It gave us an opportunity to see what equipment the armed forces use today in their many deployments around the world. I found the night vision goggles interesting as you could see nothing without them, but as soon as you put them on you could see everything in detail. The session listening to the rifleman going through all the equipment he used on a daily basis, and then being able to see it all whilst he talked about it, was an amazing educational experience. The most exciting part of the Royal Irish’s talk was machine guns like the LSW; it gave us an idea of what people were talking about when they said that they would send or use an LSW. There was also a larger machine gun on a giant tripod that had a 2½km range and would be placed on the high ground to provide protection to their troops.

Yet another great part of this camp was the personal development day as it was a chance to learn new skills or have a go and revisit those already learnt. I had never done laser tag quite like it as it was not in a building but out in a wood which also gave us an idea of what the exercise might be like for real. The canoeing was good, but the lake was very small, meaning there was a lot of traffic and it was quite hard to move around. Some of the games we played in the kayaks needed more space for them to work properly.

All round, I learned a lot from summer camp and the rest of the year. I know far more about the CCF now, how to use the weapons and perform the exercises but have learned a lot of important life skills too.

I will definitely continue with the CCF and hope to learn far more life skills in future years.

bablakeaction

D of E 1 top tips 2 Beyond the Classroom Editor Annie Honess shares some advice learnt on this year’s Duke of Edinburgh hike.

Eat lots – the right food gives you enough energy to keep your feet moving and also provides a great excuse for a short snack break.

Drink plenty of water – keeping hydrated is essential for any exercise and walking expeditions are no exception. Water may be heavy, but it’s worth it, so don’t forget to drink little and often.

3

Involve everyone – let everyone on the team have a turn navigating and share jobs because nobody likes to feel left out.

4

Never miss a checkpoint – teachers like to know they haven’t lost you.

5

Bring waterproofs – don’t be caught out by the wet British weather when you’re in the middle of nowhere and there’s nothing worse than a pair of soggy socks!

6

Utilise space – carrying an entire wardrobe on your back is a tricky feat for anyone, so be ruthless and only pack the bare essentials for the trip.

7

Read the map carefully – the scenic route is all well and good, but nobody wants to retrace their steps. Make sure you’re facing the right direction before you set off, otherwise you might have to do a U-turn further down the line.

8

Get your tent up quickly – time flies when you’re having fun, so set up your temporary bedroom when you arrive on camp.

Sorting poles and pegs isn’t easy after dark.

9

Have fun – the trek may seem too difficult when you’re at the starting line but, with effective preparation and motivation, anything’s possible, so make sure you ENJOY it!

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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co-curricularopportunities

Election fever!

Beckie Carter Conservative

Pamilla Kang Green

Bablake’s Politics Society arranged a most enthralling public debate with four representatives from local parties as well as a Mock Election in school before the 2015 General Election, writes Mrs Helen Sawyer.

The four members of the Sixth Form Politics Group who volunteered to be our candidates were Beckie Carter, Keisha Simms, Amy Kuner and Pamilla Kang who represented the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and Green parties respectively. In the week prior to the General Election the candidates wrote and presented their “mini manifestos” to all pupils during a series of assemblies.

Pamilla Kang (Green) started off and promised attention to food banks, flooding risks and the effects of climate change, while assuring voters who pledged allegiance to her party that they would benefit from a new form of government and not be stuck with the limitations of the outdated format offered by the major traditional parties.

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Amy Kuner (Liberal Democrat) followed and argued her party's MPs would continue to stabilise radical change, adding a heart to Tory decisions and a brain to Labour policy.

She countered criticism that the Liberal Democrats went back on manifesto promises, claiming there had had to be compromise in the coalition and 80% of the original promises had been kept. She promised £8 billion for the NHS, predicted a fairer and happier society, and would implement policies that were both green and practical.

The best of the EU and foreign contracts would also strengthen the UK. Beckie Carter (Conservative) then promised the national deficit in the economy would be further reduced by the end of the next five-year term, taxes would not be raised for

Keisha Simms Labour

Amy Kuner Liberal Democrat

'working people' and the higher rate of taxation would be raised to £50,000. She questioned how Labour's tuition fee reduction would not lead to extortionate repayments, gave hope for the NHS and promised more houses would be built.

A vote for her party would be simply a vote for stability, not the chaos seen before David Cameron's coalition.

Finally Keisha Simms (Labour) assured voters that their concerns were hers too. She wanted young people to be earning a living wage. The minimum wage would be at least £8 an hour, independence would come via fixed employment and promises like this as well as care of the NHS would all be funded by a mansion tax on properties worth over £2 million. It would be easier to step onto the property ladder, apprenticeships would be increased and university fees reduced.

For the purposes of voting, using the first past the post system, each of over 40 tutor groups was considered a constituency and the

candidate who gained the most votes in a tutor group was declared the winner for that constituency. The Returning Officers, otherwise known as Form Tutors, started declaring the winning candidates on Tuesday morning with the last constituency declaring at 4pm on Wednesday.

There was no need for a coalition or a re-election at Bablake as the overall result, announced in House Assemblies on the morning of the General Election, was a victory for Beckie Carter (Conservative) winning 24 seats. Pamilla Kang (Green) gained nine seats, Keisha Simms (Labour) gained six seats and Amy Kuner (Liberal Democrat) won one seat. Many thanks to our candidates who played such convincing politicians!

Most of our current pupils will be of voting age by the time the next General Election takes place. Ideally this experience has raised their awareness of politics and will encourage them to engage in more informed political debate and discussion in the future.

co-curricularopportunities

Hannah Mordey is one of a number of Bablake Sixth Formers and staff who instigated a Feminist Society this year. As well as holding weekly discussions and talks from former pupils and visiting speakers such as Laura Bates, founder of Everyday Sexism, the society has published a wish list.

Feminist society “We are excited that we have a community where the students have a voice and teachers are willing to listen to our views and help make changes within the school.”

* Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies with the common goal to achieve political, economic and social equality of the sexes. We hope to teach people this and make them more aware of what feminism does and get rid of the negative misconceptions associated with feminism. * We hope to help people in the school who identify as feminists or believe in equality feel more confident to express their views and take a stand against sexism. * To educate and encourage discussion and debates in our weekly meetings. * We aim to work with the teachers to improve the sex education within the Life Choices programme. We would like to expand the teaching on: LGBT sex education, Consent, Pornography and Teenage pregnancy. * To teach people in the School the harms of slut-shaming. * To encourage body positivity within students. * To challenge gender stereotypes which teach sexism from a young age and present a serious obstacle to the achievement of real gender equality. * We hope to have more books on feminism and other human rights movements in the Main Library, in order to help people who want to know more about feminism. * The Feminist Society has chosen to fundraise this year for the charity Womankind which is a charity dedicated to raising the status of women and improving the lives of women worldwide.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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EPQevening

Why

EPQ? Once again our third annual Extended Project Qualification evening elicited overwhelming praise for the 13 U6th pupils who had supplemented their A level studies with this intellectual exercise overseen by Mr Julian Bunce (Classics), writes Mr Mark Woodward.

The following reasons make the EPQ an invaluable extension exercise for our eager academics: • Academic curiosity and authority extended.

• Platform for eloquence.

• Pupils taken beyond the A level specification.

• Qualification recognised by universities and employers.

• Invaluable preparation for university learning.

• Independent study.

• Valuable further reading.

• Research skills honed.

• Effective assessment of reliable source material.

• Delivering a concise, punchy message.

• Tests extended essay skills, i.e. dissertation friendly.

• Presentation skills developed – e.g. delivery (to a large audience), impactful use of technology/ visuals.

• Extemporising in discussion.

• Immense confidence gained.

• Great fun!

It may be divisive to nominate a star performer for this year’s U6th, as everyone who presented (whether on the evening or to a smaller audience) was so authoritative and at ease with their delivery and subject matter. However Georgina Lloyd’s presentation about how the portrayal of domestic abuse has changed in traditional and contemporary novels was a fine finale; punchy and passionately delivered without any prompt cards, it also had a powerful message for our current society.

The reaction of Georgina’s peers, who all swamped her with praise immediately after the presentation captured the essence of our students and was very moving.

Footnote: This cohort of students gained 4 A*s, 6 As and 3 Bs for their endeavours, evidence of their excellence and tribute to the fine guidance of their mentors.

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outreach

Outreach Days “As part of our Phoenix partnership with Coventry University, small groups of pupils have been encouraged by staff, inc. Mr Trevor Hyde (Engineering), Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt (Outreach, Music and Enrichment) and Mr Mark Woodward (Careers) to take part in a series of superb sessions run by various departments at this dynamic, emerging institution.

A dozen second year girls enjoyed a Young Women in Engineering event - with Mia McGlinchey and Maryam Zazmi taking second prize for their design work and Grace Giles and Kelly Turnbull first prize for their teamwork - while our pupils at an aerospace engineering session also drew praise from the academics leading the day for answering questions on Physics that others rarely know.

Another group benefited from a collaboration between the university and Airvet, ‘taking to the skies’ in a Harrier Jet and Merlin Flight simulator; the quadcopter demonstration and ‘build a rocket’ challenge were especial highlights.

Time spent outside the classroom, exploring future opportunities, is invaluable and our Outreach programme is a powerful vehicle for this, one our pupils are enjoying taking full advantage of.”

Mr Mark Woodward @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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houseactivities

House Activities 2014/15 Bayley 163pts, Wheatley 138pts, Fairfax 136pts, Crow 126pts Bayley wins the House Trophy for 2014/15! Our House Heads and Officials present their highlights of the year.

Bayley

House Officials Staff Mrs Lynsey Lawrence Mr Clive Mohamed Captains Narissa Pankhania Alice Ryan

“Our 2nd and 3rd year girls teams deserve a special mention as they were victorious in every single sports competition that took place over the year; quite a feat!

It seems we are multi-talented, as we were also the champions of every single Ready Steady Cook competition.

The public speaking competition was one of the largest events of the year; all of our teams represented the Green Party’s policies with passion. Our Shell/ 2nd year team had the unique idea of carrying out a school-wide poll on the party’s policies prior to the competition. This insight into the views of the Bablake community ensured they were judged to be the winners!

My biggest highlight was… seeing the loyalty and dedication of all members of the House pay off as they finally won the House Trophy, having come so close last year!”

Mrs Lynsey Lawrence

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houseactivities

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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houseactivities

Crow “Shell House Olympics started Crow’s year off with a bang!”

House Officials Staff Mr Andrew Phillips Mr Sam Williams Captains Beckie Carter Hannah Corden

“House Tennis - we actually had too many people sign up for house tennis! We had to rotate the teams around so everybody got a chance to play, but we still ended up winning! It was a really enjoyable afternoon with a great team effort.

Shell House Olympics started Crow’s year off with a bang! Watching the new Shells competing with such eagerness for their new house, while we settled in as prefects, was amazing. The overall win was the icing on the cake for us!

House Quiz was one of the most enjoyable events to organize as house officials.

Spending break times rounding up lower years to compete for us was great for mixing with the younger pupils and our own Senior House Quiz was hilarious and so entertaining. Despite us not winning overall, this will always be one of our favourite memories of being House Captains!”

Beckie Carter and Hannah Corden

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houseactivities

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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houseactivities

Fairfax

House Officials Staff Mr Inderpal Kalsi Mrs Jo MacGibbon Captains Matthias De Veer, Elise Morgan Connor Putnam, Helen Rowland

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“House Public Speaking was the perfect opportunity for the young stars of Fairfax to come into focus. I assisted the Shells and Seconds with their speeches and presentations. Not only were they well-spoken and well-informed, but they created a well-polished PowerPoint presentation. During the week, we learnt consistent performance is often the key to success as three second place finishes led us to victory.

Fortunately, in stark contrast with the our own Shell Olympics, this year the weather was fine and all activities were outside. Hockey, netball, rugby, tennis, athletics and much more were built into the events that our Shell pupils were tested with and the 90 minutes of activities passed by in a flash. A couple of parents on the sidelines even reminisced about their first House event at Bablake which had been a cross country time trial- an event enjoyed by fewer than

houseactivities

the current fare, we suspect! However, in line with the Class of 2008’s Olympics, Fairfax didn’t fare the best. An actionpacked day was had by all, new friendships were forged and teamwork prevailed.

Being part of a great team of officials was a joy with every member of the Fairfax prefect team rising to the challenge. From writing dynamic assemblies to representing Fairfax on the sports field, from winning quizzes to assisting Mr Kalsi with organisation of events, the team never disappointed. We ended our tenure with a memorable last assembly. Good luck to next year’s team!”

“During the week, we learnt consistent performance is often the key to success...”

Connor Putnam

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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houseactivities

Wheatley “I loved working with my fantastic House Prefects.”

House Officials Staff Miss Jayne Simmons Miss Rachel Young Captains Phoebe Brook Ryan Cornall Brendan Roberts Emily Robinson 48

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“I loved working with my fantastic House Prefects. Having seen them come up through the House system and then be so energetic and committed to encouraging the younger pupils to follow in their footsteps was very warming. I’m sure my officials each had different highlights, e.g. Phoebe Brook recalled Shell Scrabble most fondly.

Our teams for Senior Girls Hockey and Netball fashioned a brilliant atmosphere, with so many girls involved supporting their house. Maybe it helped that the Wheatley girls were on fire in 2015, winning both competitions!

Chess is always a strong area for Wheatley with 2014 being no exception.

It’s great to see the Sixth Form students playing against the Shells, a truly mixed-age competition. Of course during 2015-16, we will expand this philosophy via our new vertical House sessions.

It was sad to say goodbye to Miss Rachel Young as our assistant House Head, but exciting to welcome Miss Laura Watts into the Wheatley family.”

Miss Jayne Simmons

houseactivities

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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beyondtheclassroom

Academic success!

The impressive aspirations of all our pupils, whether in the classroom, theatre, concert hall or sports arena, not only depend on endeavour, belief, ability and motivation but also a specific, customised schedule or programme of training and practice, writes Mr Mark Woodward.

M

rs Maria O’Neill (Head of Spanish) recently collated a checklist for ‘Effective Organisation’, saying: ‘A new academic year is a great opportunity to make a fresh start and implement changes that will help you achieve success in anything that you do. One of the vital components of success is organisation; it’s a habit.’

To give yourself every chance of having a very successful academic year, our pupils and staff suggest: Pack your bag for school the night before... not first thing in the morning when you are tired!

Use files or folders to organise your work for each subject; glue in or file all the worksheets, so they don’t get lost.

Do not rely on your memory! Use your homework diary or planner: write everything down. Use an online diary to organise your time and prioritise to-do lists.

Be clutter free: sort your locker or bag out! Don’t let it become a place for mouldy old sandwiches and smelly PE kit. Keep it only for the books you need that day; anything else can stay at home or in the locker. The same goes for your bedroom or study!

Do your homework as soon as you get home.

Manage your time: use a stopwatch to time activities and set alarms as reminders.

Use your classmates! Have a ‘buddy’ you can rely on in case you forget what the homework is, or when it is due. Make sure you have a way of contacting them, and vice versa.

Make sure you have a designated study area at home free from distractions!

Leave your phones and iPads downstairs at night; you need your beauty sleep!

If you know you struggle with organisation, do something about it: e.g. little reminder cards for each day of the week with books to bring and homework to hand in, that can go into your blazer pocket or become a key ring.

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Earlier in the year, we posted a series of articles on our website offering advice on revision methods and importantly a number of these came from individual departments. While very aware individuals work and learn in different ways, Mr Chris Seeley (Deputy Head) posted the following general thoughts: Start revision days promptly! Don’t become ‘jet-lagged’!

Don’t revise aimlessly. Have targets to achieve.

Follow a revision timetable, but one that is achievable.

Following the school day is a good idea as you will do a lot of work. You will finish early enough for significant relaxation; you may even factor in some homework hours.

Don’t avoid subjects you don’t enjoy: e.g. GCSE is about trying to achieve breadth of subjects as well as good grades in your favourite subjects.

Build in treats. If you work hard, you deserve a (sensible) reward.

You might want to do a revision day with friends. But if you do so, ensure you all want to work. Don’t distract each other.

Set some rules about where you will work. Be disciplined.

Remember why you are there. Don’t invite someone you know will only distract the group.

When revising, turn off your mobile (or put it on silent), turn off Facebook (or any form of electronic messaging) and don’t have the TV on.

We all revise differently; work out what is best for you. You may need to move around the house, depending on the level of concentration.

If you find yourself losing concentration, take a break to regain it.

Don’t plan sleep-overs during the week or Sunday nights; they are more likely to be ‘stayawake-overs’!

Try to avoid late (and very late) nights. You do need to sleep. You usually have many weeks after exams to relax completely and do what you want (within reason).

You will sleep better, if you’re not panicking about exams.

You are less likely to panic, if you are working sensibly and consistently.

Remember what you are doing this for: yourself. So act like this is something you need and want to do. Don’t ‘fight’ with parents who are very anxious too - it wastes time and energy. They are your greatest supporters, and want to do their very best for you.

So don’t be afraid to ask for help from them, confide in them, and use their expertise and skills to help you.

Different departments highlighted different skills and methods: Well designed infographics act as an impactful revision summary and often help simplify a complex topic.

Make revision active – have pen and paper or an electronic file to make condensed, focused notes to learn; complete practice essays and questions (and have them marked), as these then highlight areas of weakness to work on; write essay plans but be prepared to answer flexibly.

beyondtheclassroom

Simran Bansal and Phoebe Brook working together.

With care and recommendation, there are a good number of video clips or websites (e.g. GCSE Bitesize) that assist revision.

Little and often works as you cannot ‘cram’ for most subjects.

Nor could you ever eat ‘an elephant’ in one go, even if you wanted to!

Don’t forget your resources: e.g. textbooks, peers and tutors.

Note down questions you want to put to your peers and teachers.

Scrutinise past papers, noting mark schemes, themes and wording of questions.

Revision is your responsibility and motivation is crucial. Make motivation a daily habit!

Challenge yourself, but don’t forget to remember how much you have done as much as how much you still have to do. Why not fill a ‘motivation’ jar with targets met.

Keep going, even if you are on the right path! If you stand still, others will go past you.

Have a good support team around you.

Our former pupils urged everyone to trust their teachers’ advice, remain positive, know your own best methods, build in incentives, sleep, eat and stay hydrated!

We would be interested in hearing your own tips for effective organisation and revision: e.g. the Maths department has a most intriguing counter method for gauging revision levels. Intrinsically, learning is very personal – applying knowledge is important and remember results alone do not define you for life.

“A new academic year is a great opportunity to make a fresh start and implement changes that will help you achieve success in anything that you do. ” @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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art&design

‘Makeover’ by Amy Lilly, one of our exceptional A Level Art students.

Amy’s main project ‘Colour’ reflected vibrancy in colour.

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F lair

Art & Design

Edited by Emily White with initial support from Daisy Williams.

“Enjoy a selection of the stunning Art and Design work, presented in a variety of media during 2014-15 by pupils from the Shells through to the U6th.

As always, the best of this work was displayed at our annual Art, Design Technology and Textiles exhibition that celebrated our pupils’ creative energy.”

Emily White, Editor Profile Passions: Live music, hockey and cats.

Ambitions: To be able to draw well!

2014/2015 Highlights: Geography field trip to Snowdonia; Reading Festival.

Please submit your best creative work (poems, stories, drawings, photographs) for consideration for future editions of Flair via mgaw@ bablake.coventry.sch.uk @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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youngart

Sweet sensations!

Those of a certain age may recall a time when sugar was not categorised as a major evil and every school had a tuck shop filled to the brim with sweet edible delights, acting as breeding ground for the nation’s next generation of entrepreneurs, writes Mr Mark Woodward. For three days only, Bablake’s tuck shop returned... with a catch though, as every item was made of felt, sewn and branded by the deft hands of our 2nd and 3rd year pupils, before being packed full of wadding rather than calorific content.

Lucy Sparrow - the artist whose 4000 item Cornershop was unveiled in Bethnal Green in August 2014 and has been ‘knitting lives back together since 1986’ – was our ‘fabric sculptor in residence’ who inspired outstanding creativity in our pupils.

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youngart

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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GCSEhighlights

G CSE

4

A selection of the outstanding work on show at our annual Art, Design Technology and Textiles exhibition.

Artwork by: 1. Thomas Nelson 2. Beth McCormick 3. Joe Lapworth 4. Megan Lloyd 5. Claudia Youakim 1

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AShighlights

AS

3

Artwork by: 1. Alice Hayes 2/3. Love Oko 4. Qinrui Zhang 5. Robyn McDaid 6. Charlie Kane 7. Mimi Sun 6

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2

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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ALevelhighlights

A Level

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Once again our A Level Art students produced some stunning final pieces.

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ALevelhighlights

Artwork by: 1. Sophie Hinley 2/3. Georgia Clarke 4/5/6. Mariona Foguet-Gonzalez 7/8. Hannah Corden 9. Oindrila Mukherjee 10/11. Eva Tite 12. Hayley Smith 13/14. Matthias De Veer

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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designtechnology

DT 1

2

3

4

Design Technology - A Year in Review “The Design Technology department continues to move on and build upon strong practical and design foundations with new technologies such as 3D printing coming to the fore. A complete overhaul of the Year 9 syllabus to deliver six teaching blocks each of six weeks has seen more diverse topics covered and also a strengthening of numbers continuing to the GCSE course.

Anna Williams and Anastasia Jeffcoat produced outstanding work during reading week and were rewarded with design books, while Tom Betts (AS Level) and Will Rowlands (GCSE) represented the school at the Coventry Rotary Club DT Awards. Will went on to win a prize for ‘Outstanding Craftsmanship’.

The F1 Challenge Team made progress this year and achieved our fastest ever car and best result at the regional finals. Next year will see this team develop a link with Coventry University Engineering Department as it seeks new competitive levels. Our Engineering Education Scheme team successfully completed its 15th year of sponsorship with Arup and we look forward to another year under their expert guidance.

Following Blake Hatfield’s successful work experience placement, a new link has been forged with Birmingham-based Fracino, a multi award-winning manufacturer of cappuccino and espresso coffee machines. We look forward to developing this during 2015-16.

Work has already started on GCSE and A level coursework for Summer 2016, we are looking forward to our February visit to Berlin and the department’s news is now regularly broadcast via our new Twitter feed, @BablakeDT.” Mr Chris West 60

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5

designtechnology

6

Examination projects by: 1. Daniel Phipps 2. Jake Pearson 3. Rachel Faulkner 4. Qinrui Zhang 5. Surajan Singh 6. James Moffitt 7. Rohan Sangha 8. Malik Mattu 9. Alex Glendon-Doyle 10. Alex Heron 11. Lucy Farrington 12. Harry Garforth

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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food

F ood

A review of the year in the Food and Textiles Department from Mrs Carol Davey.

2014-2015 was a very busy year with the department involved in lots of activities as well as maintaining a high standard of teaching and learning for our pupils. One of our aims last year was to try to organise a trip abroad for pupils to experience a foreign culture and food. I am pleased to say that this was achieved with the help of the Spanish department.

We organised a joint trip to Barcelona where we saw all the wonderful sights the city has to offer such as Sagrada Familia, Camp Nou and the Formula 1 motor racing circuit; we also watched a cookery demonstration, tasting various tapas and the pupils even tried some flamenco dancing! A brilliant time was had by all and there were many memories to treasure.

Just before Christmas, our Charity Co-ordinator, Mrs O’Neill asked if we could help with a Charity Bake Off. This was a city wide event, funded and supported by Mars, which saw schools compete to make biscuits which were then donated to the Coventry Food Bank so that people who don’t have much at Christmas time could have some treats. Our winning team then went off to have lunch with the Mayor while we were left to clear up the mess! Great fun was had by all, while supporting a great cause.

The department has, as always, supported the Christmas and Summer parties, held in school for our local elderly residents. It is always great to see them in school and once again they had an enjoyable afternoon eating, listening to music and singing!

Ready Steady Cook, one of the most popular House activities was run by the department again this year. For the first time ever Bayley House won all the challenges from Shells to 4th year. The competition was fierce with only a few points separating the winners in each competition and all judges commented on the fantastic standard of cooking. Well done to everyone!

The year ended with the annual 4th Year Business Bake Challenge Day. This involved pupils working in teams to produce a top quality shortbread biscuit, packaging it and producing marketing material as well as making a business pitch. The day was extremely busy but the pupils gained a huge amount from it and there were shortbread biscuits for all!”

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textiles

Textiles In March, our GCSE Textiles pupils enjoyed an informative trip to the NEC to see the Creative Stitches exhibition which gave them inspiration for their controlled assessment. They were able to see many new materials and techniques, as well as take part in workshops to increase their practical skills.

For the past two years, a small and loyal group of pupils has supported Miss Jodie Kukucska in making a decorative wall-hanging for the Main School Hall. This has involved the production of various panels representing subject areas and house shields, with a large picture of the school in centre position. The club has taken place after school and has been supported by Sixth formers.

A further Shells Textiles club has taken place at lunchtime and has been run by 5th Year pupils for the skills section of their Duke of Edinburgh award. The younger pupils very much enjoyed working with our older pupils and produced a variety of excellent products.

During the Summer term, Textiles established links with several primary schools as part of Bablake’s Outreach programme. These sessions involved Year 5 & 6 pupils creating some beautiful batik pieces. Further Outreach sessions are already being planned for 2015-16. We also contributed some pieces of work to the Art, DT and Textiles exhibition which was again popular with pupils and parents. We are incredibly proud of the work our pupils have produced.

The end of the school year brought a fantastic opportunity to head to London to see the Alexander McQueen Exhibition at the V&A museum. The pupils were in awe of the diversity of the outfits on display. It was certainly inspiring for those who wish to continue with Textiles and possibly pursue a career in fashion. This has already prompted some girls to attend London Fashion week in September.”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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celebrations

Crystal Ball

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Our 10th Crystal Ball, organised once again by the Senior Prefects for our 5th Year pupils, was another success. Student photographers, Hannah Corden, Kirat Johal and Amy Lilly produced a fabulous record of the evening.

celebrations

Leavers’ Ball A pictorial record of the evening enjoyed by our Class of 2008 at Nailcote Hall Hotel, Berkswell.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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flairwords

F lair fwords or

A section dedicated to literature and creative writing from talented pupils at Bablake, derived from discussions with Editors Greg Checklin and Joel White.

Editor Profiles Greg Checklin enjoys cricket, rugby and playing the guitar; he’s looking to study Economics at university and finally pass his driving test. His highlight was beating KHVIII at Coventry RFC’s stadium. Joel White runs an alternative book club at School and is a great fan of Morrissey and The Smiths; he was one of the students who took part in World Challenge.

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My

exam story

I

Charlotte Merry

t was January, the cold made me judder as a shiver went up my spine. Walking into that hospital, I felt like an innocent girl being taken to jail. I had no idea what was going on. The look of confusion on my face must have been obvious and my efforts to hide it had failed. Once my name was called, I was trapped. They sent me through various machines, each greater than the next. With your mum and dad there, you begin to realise something big is going on. The fake smile my mum had been holding onto was finally released. I would have laughed but for the fact I was constantly being watched.

The nervous energy was building up inside me. As I waited for the final verdict on the test, I began to think: I have never broken anything, I have never dislocated anything; so why would I need to come to hospital? I wanted some answers and I wanted them now. As soon as the nurse came and fetched me, I panicked. My palms were sticky with sweat and my heart was racing. Walking down empty corridors, there was a gentle tapping of our shoes as we waited for the moment we would be told what was going on.

We were ushered into a room where a tall man in a suit and tie gestured to us to take a seat. He had a grave look on his face but my smile never altered. I was trying to be positive. “Now, as you know, Charlotte has scoliosis.” The words seem to come down onto deaf ears.

“No! What’s that?” I only realise it is me who speaks at the same moment my mouth closes. I knew I was in for something big. His words swirl around me like a tornado. “It is a disease that curves the spine. Only 1 in a 1000 get it. Charlotte has it twice, a 70 degree curve on the right and underneath, a 40 degree curve to the left. I am sorry to say that there is only one thing we can do for something like this… We have to operate” Only now do I see the tight grip my dad’s hand has on my mum’s. The tears seem to come in one massive flood. Why me?

1 in a 1000! That is great odds, so why?! The anger burns inside me like molten lava. The rest of his speech is just realisation to me that this is definitely going to happen.

The walk to the car is a slow, solemn walk. My mum and dad in front, talking over what just happened. When we get into the car, I cry again. All I have ever wanted is to be the perfect daughter, not mess up and make them proud of me.

Now all I have brought upon them is two years of grief and pain. What kind of a daughter am I? I finally have the courage to speak. “I’m sorry!” I whimper.

“It’s not your fault, our life is just going to change,” my mother manages to say through teary eyes.

Then, I knew, that everything would be different.

writingcompetition

Readers of The Wheatleyan are asked to submit a 250 word creative or factual piece on ‘Peace and Reconciliation’. Please email: a) a photo of your written work, b) a photocopied page, or c) a Word file of your writing to mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk by February 29th 2016. Entries will be judged by an external author and the winning piece will feature on our website and in next year’s edition.

‘Peace and Reconciliation’

Author’s name: Please indicate if you are a Current Pupil, Former Pupil, Member of Staff or Parent:

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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competitionwinners

Girl

Because I’m a Ashleigh Stonier

Because I’m a girl, I am so, so lucky to have

The winning entry for last year’s Creative

been born into an educated world, one where

Writing competition was written by

I am respected. Because I’m a girl, I am

Ashleigh Stonier. Mrs Kate Duke (Head of

fortunate enough not to be forced into child

English) described it as ‘a brilliant piece

marriage, or teen pregnancy. 1 in 3 girls in

of writing’. Ashleigh wins a signed copy

the developing world are married by their

of Laura Bates’ Everyday Sexism.

18th birthday. These girls will never have the chance of an education or feel safe in the life they have.

Because I’m a girl, I am supposed to depend on a man when I am older. I am perfectly capable of making my own money and supporting myself when I am older. Because I’m a girl, I am expected to have long beautiful hair and wear long, pretty dresses and high heels to make me tall… but not as tall as a man.

Girls are expected to look perfect all the time and be happy. Blonde girls are portrayed as dumb girls and not clever or well spoken.

Why? People are surprised and disgusted when girls have muscles, but it’s okay for men? How can it be fair for men to have muscles, not women? People say: “You throw/ run/sound like a girl.” Yes, I throw like a girl, I am a girl!

Because I am a girl, I am beautiful and strong.

I deserve to have every chance a boy has. I am a girl, and I am proud.

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“...a brilliant piece of writing.”

competitionwinners

Out of

Norm

Giselle’s award-winning cartoon strip

“Although there were many strong entries, Giselle’s stood out for being both well-drawn and engagingly written ...”

After winning our Christmas card and Shell Design a Bookmark competitions, Giselle Pinto capped a wonderfully creative year with the exciting news she had won a national Out of Norm comic strip contest, run by Renaissance Learning and supported

by Orchard Books and The Beano.

Alastair Gledhill, Marketing Executive for Renaissance Learning said: “Although there were many strong entries, Giselle’s stood out for being both well-drawn and engagingly written. It was witty, clever and very much in keeping with the whimsical nature of the Norm books.

Congratulations!”

Giselle wins a signed set of World of Norm books for herself and the School Library, to be presented by author Jonathan Meres, creator of Norm.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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inthelibrary

Caragh Shaw

Fiona Chung

Giselle Pinto

Toby Harkin

“We had a large number of high-quality entries this year in our Design a Bookmark competition, which made choosing our winners an incredibly difficult task!”

Mrs Julie Needham, Senior Librarian Lauren Gillan

In the Library The Main Library continues to be a vibrant part of the school, whether promoting our Power Readers scheme, inviting guest authors such as Alex Scarrow, or doing so much more to convey the joys of reading and research.

Librarians Mrs Julie Needham and Mrs Lucy Ryan also continue to produce the Bookworm newsletter and run various Book Clubs, with exceptional support from Sixth Form pupils writes, Mr Mark Woodward.

Our younger pupils wowed us once again with their obvious love of reading, thoughtful choice of quotations, words of book-related wisdom and artistic skills.

The winners were as follows: • Shells: Giselle Pinto.

• 2nd Years: Caragh Shaw and Fiona Chung - it was too hard to choose between them and Fiona submitted three designs!

• 3rd Years: Ashleigh Stonier.

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...and the runners up: • Shells: Toby Harkin and Lauren Gillan - both designs were amazing!

• 2nd Years: Rhea Upadhyay.

• 3rd Year: Emma Blackett.

All winners were presented with a beautiful certificate - designed by the equally creative Mrs Tracy Mair (Reprographics) - featuring their winning bookmark, and a Waterstones gift voucher. We trust these gifted pupils have enjoyed seeing their designs in print and being used by their peers!

inthelibrary

World Book Day To celebrate World Book Day, Third Year pupils, with guidance from Second in English Mr Matthew Rushton, set up a ‘Literary Characters’ treasure hunt for our eager Shells.

Cruella De Vil, Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz, Katniss Everdeen, Hermione Granger, Tommo Peaceful, Harry Potter, Thomas from The Maze Runner, the Woman in Black and the Worst Witch were all hidden around the Bablake campus, each with a clue to lead the eager literary spotters to the next character.

One final clue led to a Golden Ticket and there were prizes for the winning team (Charlotte Bull, Georgia Gamble, Gracie Morris, Olivia O’Hara and Giselle Pinto) and the runners up (Grace Fisher, Lauren Gillan, Jasmine Harrison, Ellena McDevitt, Crystal Ng, Georgie Paterson and Zara Richards.)

Mr Rushton, dressed as Mr Plod from the Noddy series, said:

“I was delighted with the enthusiasm of the Shell pupils who took part in the Treasure Hunt ...”

“I was delighted with the enthusiasm of the Shell pupils who took part in the Treasure Hunt, but the event would not have been as successful without the excellent preparation of the 3rd year pupils who helped plan the event and dressed up as the characters: Akshayah Balamurali, Emma Blackett, Enya Bowe, Oliver Brindley, Mehreen Kazmi, Svetlana Kim, Tess Lillicrapp, Josh Lowe, Shannon Maguire and Ashleigh Stonier.”

World Book Day is a special day for Bablake as last year former pupil Alexander T Smith, children’s author and illustrator, known best for the characters Claude and Sir Bobblysock, was the official illustrator!

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Performing Arts

Please note our online portfolio for the Performing Arts:

Edited by Charlotte Byng and Chris Tuttle.

Drama www.bablaketheatre.com www.facebook.com/BablakeTheatre @bablaketheatre Music @bablakemusic

“As well as being tremendous fun, involvement in the Performing Arts gives you great confidence, dynamic presentation skills and key teamwork experience, which employers really rate. The best performers also have immaculate time management skills, impressive stamina and boundless energy!”

Charlotte Byng, Editor Profile

Chris Tuttle, Editor Profile

Passions: Singing, music and travel.

Passions: Playing the piano; playing the viola in an orchestra; studying anatomy and physiology.

Ambitions: Studying Politics at a good university followed by a fulfilling job, whilst still keeping performing arts in my life.

Also maintaining Bablake friendships, regardless of where we all end up.

2014/2015 Highlight: Our South Africa Harrismith School exchange.

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Ambitions: Studying Medicine at university, whilst taking part in as many musical activities as possible.

2014/2015 Highlights: Juggling all my co-curricular activities; gaining a distinction at Grade 8 Piano.

onstage

Charlotte Byng

Othello “Revenge ensues!”

“Director Ms Caroline Farmer, fresh from her role as The Fool in the Crescent Theatre’s production of King Lear, transposed Othello to the present day, setting it in a top public boarding school which is ruled by its Combined Cadet Force.

Scenes from Bablake’s production of Othello

Othello’s relationship with Desdemona angers her family and racial tensions are rife. He also makes an enemy of his best friend Iago by promoting the privileged Cassio over him. Revenge ensues!

Matthias De Veer, Matthew Hayhurst and Grace Wye led an impeccable cast, supported immaculately by front of house and the backstage crew.”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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onstage

A Level

Theatre Studies “The play’s pace and AS Level: Mine The AS group presented Polly Teale’s play Mine, a work inspired by one of the playwright’s friends’ experience of adoption. Amanda Attariani’s inventive stagecraft and powerful acting from Grace Jastrzebski and Grace Wye made this play memorable.

humour did not let up throughout the performance.”

A Level: Sherlock Written and performed by Ryan Cornall, Sam Griffiths, Morwenna Hocken and Rory McDermott, Sherlock was as slick in its production as last year’s excellent U6th presentation of Rebecca; the latter’s intense psychological drama was swapped for excellently paced humour and very clever transitional work and multi-roling.

The play’s pace and humour did not let up throughout the performance. Reminiscent of the Beta Males’ comedy and staging, Sherlock will remain one of the comic highlights from the last decade of Bablake drama.

Grace Jastrzebski and Grace Wye (main photo) in scenes from Mine

Rory McDermott and Morwenna Hocken

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Sherlock (Sam Griffiths) and Watson (Rory Cornall) in action

onstage

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onstage

Zigger

Zagger

Actus (Middle School) Production Peter Terson’s play, which concentrates on football violence in the 1980s and presents a grim view of life with little hope of escape, provoked interesting discussion.

The audiences complimented not only the young actors, but also the carefully selected 80s playlist - for many the soundtrack of their youth!

Well done to the cast, all members of the back stage and front of house crew, and Mrs Carrie Martlew (English) and Mr Malcolm Wyatt (Events Technician) for their expertise, dedication and enthusiasm with this production.

Liam Duggan and members of the cast of Zigger Zagger

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onstage

“... we had not prepared ourselves for dragging our suitcases up the hills of Edinburgh ...”

Life T

he 6am train to Edinburgh was viciously early for the holiday season, but we had not prepared ourselves for dragging our suitcases up the hills of Edinburgh and across the entirety of the Royal Mile to our university accommodation - no easy feat when negotiating hordes of hard-selling drama students from across the country.

Soon enough, we saw this from their perspective, taking a couple of hundred flyers per day with the imperative of convincing everyone who accepted one to come and see our show.

If 6am had been cruel, the 4am call the next day – to allow space for our first (and only) dress rehearsal - seemed even harder to adjust to. The tour seemed intensive at this stage, but somehow we managed to scrape through without (many) problems. What followed proved to be the real challenge: flyering.

There were a number of ‘inventive’ techniques used to overcome the nerves of trying to sell a show to random

at the Fringe Once again this summer, a cast and crew consisting of a dozen Bablake Sixth Formers travelled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in order to perform our production of Othello, writes Matthew Hayhurst.

strangers. These included: one member of the company pretending to cry whilst the other told a member of the public that this person’s parents would be at the show; asking people on a date to the show; pretending to be a stranger who was planning on seeing the show; and most notably in my case, wearing a costume constructed purely of posters for the show. These met with varying levels of success.

Our daily performance was at 10.30am and audience sizes varied from around 30 to 60 people; very acceptable for a young cast. After these, one option was to see performances by other actors, comedians, and CJ from Eggheads.

In one day I managed to see a theatre production of the film Submarine, the comedian Nick Helm – of course this involved plugging Othello to him after his show- and Scotland’s top Venezuelan comedy DJ. Oh, and we accidentally walked into a show which involved a woman grating the face of a plastic baby into some dog food and force-feeding it to an audience member. This, essentially summed up the spirit of Edinburgh!

Visit www.bablaketheatre.com to find out more about Bablake at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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onsong

year

The musical

Bablake’s Director of Music Mr Tim Crompton reports on another excellent year, full of fantastic opportunities for Bablake’s musicians.

Autumn

Mr Alex Laing at our Orchestra da Camera workshop 78

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The ever busy Autumn term began, in September’s Senior Music scholars’ concert, with the maiden outing for our new Yamaha baby grand piano, purchased after the successful ‘Pianoa-thon’ in March 2014 and a generous contribution from the Parents’ Association.

Then came the Autumn concert, our first large performance of the year, which featured a mix of Bablake’s music groups and a fabulous Chopin piano solo by Upper Sixth pupil Aron Sood.

Once again Bablake held the annual Rotary Young Musicians competition showcasing the magnificent and diverse talent of local pupils; special congratulations went to Sam Lowe, who was declared joint winner of the instrumental category with his superb alto saxophone performance.

The packed festive season began with the Senior Citizens’ party, followed by the Brass Ensemble and Junior and Senior Choirs who all impressed with their festive pieces in the St. John’s lunchtime concert.

The Carol Service was held at Coventry Cathedral for the third year running; this included performances from the Junior Choir, accompanied by organ, piano and an obligato ‘cello duo by two of our pupils in the National Children’s Orchestra, Anna White and Harry Scott-Burt. The Chamber choir sang a carol and the combined choirs, brass and organ gave a magnificent performance of Adeste Fideles, arranged by organist Dr Nicholas Scott-Burt. After a short homily by Bablake’s chaplain, Rev’d Sacha Slavic, the senior brass and organ played an arrangement of Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

onsong

“ I take this opportunity to thank all of our music staff for their hard work and dedication during yet another exciting and packed musical year, and look forward to seeing what the coming year brings ...”

Bablake musicians in concert

Spring

The term began with the annual coursework concert by our GCSE music pupils; this included notable solos from Albert Jie and Harry Vincent on the piano and euphonium respectively.

March saw a superb Orchestra da Camera workshop with Alex Laing. Around 85 young musicians from across Coventry and Warwickshire took part in what was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all involved, with a dynamic range of orchestral pieces being played, such as Grieg’s Hall of the Mountain King and Mars from Holst’s The Planets Suite.

Of course the highlight of the year was the Easter Concert which was the perfect opportunity to showcase our fine range of music groups. The main school orchestra’s splendid performance of the 1st Movement of Beethoven’s 1st Symphony demonstrated that the months of diligent practice paid off. Another highlight was a

fabulous performance of Jiwanjot Sahota’s A2 composition Sita’s Return which was an impressive fusion of both Western and Indian musical traditions. Upper Sixth leavers Fran Bellingeri, Jiwanjot Sahota, Aron Sood and Helena Worthington were thanked by the department for their years of contributions with Easter eggs, and a few tears were shed!

Summer

Whilst the upper school pupils were busy with their public exams, the lower school did a fantastic job in their absence, with musicians from our many ensembles performing in the Summer concert. The music on offer ranged from Grieg to ‘Uptown Funk’ and Shirley Bassey. Mr Cooper’s swing band was particularly entertaining, especially with its performance of ‘Eye of the Tiger’, featuring the ever enthusiastic audience percussion

accompaniment which included the Headmaster himself on a djembe!

The Junior Choir sang our first Choral Evensong at St. John’s, and many pupils performed at our Senior Citizens’ tea, ably organised by Mrs O’Neill and the charity prefects with support from Mrs Tumber and the Food and Textiles department.

Arts Award results were again excellent, Chris Tuttle reached Grade 8 for the piano, and we showcased our pupils’ talents in percussion, clarinet, Carnatic singing, string quartet coaching and music theatre.

I take this opportunity to thank all of our music staff for their hard work and dedication during yet another exciting and packed musical year, and look forward to seeing what the coming year brings, including the restoration of our fabulous Compton organ.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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onsong

“My Christmas message or hope is that we let God love others through us and that in doing so we make a space for him in our heart.

Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year.”

Reverend Sacha Slavic

Coventry

carols

Reverend Slavic delivers his Christmas message at Coventry Cathedral and opposite: Bablake musicians perform in our 2014 Carol Service

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onsong

“Christmas is the season to pause at the stable, and marvel at God’s love.”

Ann Lewin

We thank our Music department and Junior School for their involvement in the 2014 Carol Service, held once again in the splendid, stunning Coventry Cathedral; the evening was another celebration of our broad community.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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econd Year pupils Sathvika Krishnan and Miles Scott-Burt, together with Shell Music Scholar Harry White led three excellent practical music workshops for Y4 Bablake Junior School pupils as part of their Bronze Arts Award.

SAMYO member Sathvika’s Carnatic singing session was immaculately presented. Her historical knowledge and professional attitude to practice were particularly evident.

Miles Scott-Burt has been playing percussion for just a year but his enthusiasm and versatility were very clear; he first demonstrated how to play the xylophone, snare drum, tympani drum and glockenspiel before allowing our Junior School pupils the chance to make their own (very loud) sound!

He also taught his charges how to tune the tympani.

Harry White gave a super rendition of Strangers on the Shore on his clarinet before explaining how the instrument was put together. Almost everyone from the three groups that were playing the clarinet for the first time elicited a sound! No mean achievement!

Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt (Head of Enrichment and Outreach Coordinator) said: “Our three young ‘music teachers’ really enjoyed the afternoon. Our Junior School visitors went back with new knowledge, hopefully inspired to think about some instrumental lessons themselves. The Arts Award programme is shortly to expand into the Junior School, where Mrs Marion Mason (Head of Music) is set to introduce the Discover and Explore levels of the Award. I’m sure that there will be some exciting collaborations ahead between our schools and pupils.

“Our three young ‘music teachers’ really enjoyed the afternoon.”

Mrs Cathy Scott-Burt 82

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Arts Award

From top: teachers Harry, Miles and Sathvika give young BJS pupils the benefit of their expertise

onsong

Autumn

concert

A pictorial record of some of the fine performers at our Autumn concert.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Sport Edited by Sophie Price, Harvey Burke and Chimdi Ogbuneke.

“2014-15, a year of excellent team sport and some fantastic individual performances at national level, saw www.bablakesport.com become the definitive location for information on our fixtures and team selections. All our major sports also posted via their Twitter accounts: @bablakecricket, @bablakeghockey, @bablakehockey, @bablakenetball, @bablakerugby”

Sophie Price, Editor Profile

Harvey Burke, Editor Profile

Chimdi Ogbuneke, Editor Profile

Passions: Hockey and Music.

Passions: Cricket, Rugby and Human Biology.

Passions: Rugby, Chemistry and Athletics.

Ambitions: To study Human Biology and have a career in research.

Ambitions: To study Medicine and become a Neurosurgeon.

2014/2015 Highlight: Being selected to play against the England Women’s cricket team.

2014/2015 Highlight: Retaining the Mike Hibbert Trophy (Bablake v KHVIII 1st XV).

Ambitions: To study Criminology at Loughborough University, continue playing hockey and try new sports such as lacrosse.

2014/2015 Highlight: Being selected to play against the England Mixed Lions hockey team.

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View from the Boundary Unsung is the loyal band of supporters that watches our sports teams week after week, season after season, enjoying the many triumphs, suffering the low points, braving all weathers, clocking up many miles and minutes travelling to and from fixtures. Here is Mrs Vikki Parnell’s view from the boundary.

I

was what is termed a ‘cricket widow’ for many years.

I cheered myself with the thought that life would eventually become easier as Heath, my husband, slowed down. Then I became a ‘cricket mum’ three times over and all of a sudden, my previous role seemed far less demanding!

As I gaze at my summer calendar, I can see only a handful of days where cricket did not feature. Between school, club and county, our family fixture list is extensive. Hence, we only managed a five-day break in Spain at the end of August, Monday to Friday, I might add; we could hardly miss a Saturday match, could we?

During the summer, my utility room is covered with bowls of soaking whites awaiting their time in the washing machine.

However, this is a task that three out of four of my ‘men’ undertake.

I’ll leave you to guess which one still requires training in this area!

I see my main role as chief cheerleader. I try my best to split myself evenly between watching all three sons, though Jamie is always on hand to point out if the balance has been tipped in

another’s direction! I tend to be the parent of choice to watch them due primarily to my lack of cricket knowledge. I have no idea if their shot selection was correct or if they were bowling good lines, I can simply empathise with them without pointing out where they went wrong, or enjoy the good times for what they are. The highs and lows of cricket can be extreme, so successes are cherished and celebrated privately as a family; none of the boys actively seek the limelight, a trait I am very proud of.

Of course, the boys are competitive with each other with Jamie, in particular, regularly pointing out that he is, to quote, “faster than Ross and more destructive with the bat than Ryan!” Ross also found it highly amusing when Ryan scored runs and they were credited in the press to him! Meal times are often filled with friendly banter between the boys, but they do genuinely support each other. When I look out of the kitchen window to see Ross and Jamie giving each other throw downs or find Ryan researching bowling techniques to help Ross, I can reassure myself that, as brothers, they do respect each other deep down.

That said, Ryan and Ross, though playing in the same team, did end the summer travelling separately to matches; there are limits to their patience with each other, it would seem!

With Heath making a return to the cricket field this summer, family competitiveness has increased, especially as Heath was top run scorer on more than one occasion! The downside for him has been that after proclaiming to Ross one weekend: “How could you get out in that way, I have never done that!” The very next weekend, he did get out in the exact same way, much to Ross’s amusement!

Yes, cricket is demanding but the rewards are worth it, from gaining life-long friends made through cricket to sharing a passion as a family. Just don’t tell the boys that I admitted that!

“How could you get out in that way, I have never done that!”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Journalist

of the future ...

An introduction from Mr Mark Woodward to Adam Dickinson, Young Sports Journalist of the Future.

Adam with the Wasps squad © Wasps RFC

“I am delighted for Adam and am really pleased he acted so swiftly on our advice.”

Adam Dickinson is a name to watch out for on the back pages of the local and national newspapers’ future sports coverage as his entry for a journalism competition, jointly sponsored by Wasps RFC and Land Rover, was chosen as overall winner.

As his prize, Adam enjoyed attending a number of Wasps league games and wrote further match reports which were all printed in the match day programme. As well as being introduced to the squad, he was able to interview director Dai Young and enjoyed a tour of the stadium.

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Adam entered the competition after seeing it in a match day programme and after talking to our Careers department about how he should best pursue his dream career. I am delighted for Adam and am really pleased he acted so swiftly on our advice. The art of writing a concise, factually correct and interesting match report within a very tight word limit is a difficult exercise, but he clearly has a talent for this work. I look forward to seeing more of Adam’s reports being used by the local press and, in time, hopefully on a national platform!

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Adam’s report on last season’s final home game against local rivals Leicester Tigers...

W

asps recorded only their second home loss all season as they came up short against a very competitive Leicester side, who took a step closer to securing their presence in the post season in front of a record breaking crowd at the Ricoh Arena. However, Wasps did come away with a hard-earned losing bonus point clinched by a lastgasp penalty from Alex Lozowski.

Leicester were the faster team out of the blocks, and established an early lead when Freddie Burns kicked the first penalty of the match after an isolated Andrea Masi was penalised for holding on. Wasps’ afternoon was about to get worse; Tom Youngs made a break from a lineout on half-way. Although he couldn’t finish it off himself, several phases later Seremaia Bai put Niall Morris over in the corner.

Burns landed the tight conversion, and Wasps found themselves 0-10 down. “We struggled with their physicality, and we couldn’t control their power runners” said Wasps’ Director of Rugby Dai Young, “we failed to get any momentum,” he went on.

Andy Goode, playing in his final Wasps home game, put his team on the scoreboard with a penalty from the 10-metre line, before Alapati Leiua and Ashley Johnson took play into the Tigers’ 22 from the kick-off. However, although Sailosi Tagicackibau made more headway, the move was brought to an end by a Mathew Tait interception and Ben Youngs cleared. Wasps though came flying back, and were soon knocking on the Tigers’ door once again. They won a lineout inside Leicester’s 22, but knocked on and lost possession. Leicester won another penalty, and Burns restored their 10-point lead on the 15 minute mark.

Another promising Wasps move yielded a penalty and as Goode kicked the three points, Geoff Parling – preferred to Jamie Gibson at blindside flanker by Richard Cockerill – was replaced by the aforementioned Gibson. Play continued between the 22s and in the air, before the first scrum resulted in a Leicester penalty and gave them a platform in Wasps’ 22 to build on. They kept up the pressure on the Wasps’ defence, and eventually an overlap appeared on the left, which gave Niki Goneva his seventh try of the season. Burns missed the conversion, but Leicester still had an 18-6 lead as the game passed the 30 minute mark. Goode replied with a penalty, but Leicester’s afternoon took a turn for the worse when Bai was rightly sent off for a reckless shoulderbarge on Nathan Hughes’ head. Goode added a

monster 49 metre penalty to narrow the gap to 1218, but the mood was dampened by an injury to Masi in the final minutes of the half.

Fragmented play characterised the opening of the second half, and it was Wasps who had the first point scoring opportunity, but Goode’s penalty drifted wide. Wasps’ chances (and Joe Simpson’s chances of an England recall) were then dealt a blow when the scrum-half limped off to be replaced by Charlie Davies. Leicester struck first via another Burns penalty, before Joe Launchbury made his long-awaited return from injury at the expense of Kearnan Myall. He immediately broke free, but Masi was penalised and Leicester cleared. Wasps stole their lineout, and play developed into a Wasps penalty, which Goode kicked to peg the lead back to six points.

With the replacements piling on, Goode converted a penalty to leave only three points in it, but then with nine minutes to go Adam Thompstone broke blackand-gold hearts as he touched down in the corner.

Burns missed the conversion to give Wasps hope, and Alex Lozowski – on after Goode exited the Ricoh pitch for the last time as a Wasp – reduced the gap to five points with a penalty. Ultimately though it was too much, and despite late Wasps pressure, James Haskell knocked on just outside Leicester’s 22, and Wayne Barnes’ whistle signalled the end of the match.

“We wanted to do it”, reflected Leicester’s Head Coach Richard Cockerill. “If you want to tackle and get up in the line and fill the field, you will … across the board I thought the 22 who got on the field did that well”.

However, Dai Young refused to be downbeat about the season as a whole: “the target this year has always been top six; I’ve always had a bit of a fight coming in this room fighting off top four – as you can see today there’s still a lot of work for us to do in achieving a top four finish, but a top six finish is still our target.”

A positive that Wasps can take out of the game was the impact of Launchbury, who came on midway through the second half, to the cheers of 32,009 supporters. “Obviously great to be here, it’s been a long wait for me watching and it’s a great stadium to be in. It looks like it’s going to be a healthy rivalry over the next few years; I was really impressed,” said Launchbury. Young added, “it’s great to have him back, it was a good 28 minutes, and he was really pleased to get back on. I thought he added something to us when he came on as well.”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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CricketReview Harvey Burke The future looks bright for Bablake cricket after another excellent season of team and individual performances.

Overall a very young 1st XI performed well, considering the strong opposition faced; younger players were introduced and held their own. All rounder Daniel Mousley made his debut for the 1st XI at the age of 13 years scoring 80 runs in his 1st innings. From there, he went from strength to strength and was selected for the Midlands U15 team, a year young. In the match versus the North, he scored 56*. Harvey Burke and 1st XI captain Ross Parnell continue to excel as part of the Warwickshire U18 squad as does Daniel Smith in the U16s, whilst Cameron Park is part of the Leicestershire U17 squad.

Ross scored a wonderful 104* to lead a Coventry School XI to a rare victory over the MCC this season.

The excellent work done in cricket in the Junior School continues to prove so beneficial for our Junior teams. The U12 team this season was simply outstanding. One highlight included a century

by Oliver Pemble in a victory versus Mid Glamorgan. With such a host of talented players, an excellent coach, in former Glamorgan player Nick James, and new groundsman Anthony Kilroy, also a Warwickshire age group coach, we look forward to Bablake cricket going from strength to strength. @BablakeCricket Our Twitter feed, which has hit its 1000th tweet, continues to offer a measured balance between entertaining and informing its loyal followers. We mourned the death of Richie Benaud, while also paying tribute to Phil Hughes. Top tweets this year included: (Re Warwickshire representation…) @bablakecricket @CricketingBears More great news! Where the #Bests first trod, the #Parnells now tread, and maybe the #Mousleys will do so? (@bablakeschool RT) The Lion is in school! The termly magazine, not a big cat. Plenty of #bablakesport articles to read and enjoy! @bablakeschool (@BablakeHockey RT) Happy 4th anniversary @bablakecricket. Big celebrations planned with Twitter sibling @bablakehockey tonight...#bablakesport (@BablakeHockey RT) News flash: All @bablakeschool #T20 games this season will be played with PINK balls. #pinkisthenewred #bablakesport New professional cricket coach is Nick James, @jaymo_11. Welcome onboard! Nick has played England U19s & 1st class cricket for Glamorgan. @CompleteCricket @Berkswell_CC #bablakesport

Great to see 25 @bablakeschool Shells at U12 cricket practice tonight preparing for a busy season ahead! #bablakesport Literally Bab-LAKE this morning after the overnight downpour.

Would be fine weather for your ducks, @bablakecricket. (@bablakeschool RT) Thank you to our new 1st XI scorer Dan Williams who did a great job this afternoon! #topscorer Dan Mousley scored 80 off 73 balls (13x4, 2x6) on debut for @bablakeschool 1st XI today at 13 yrs old! @warks_wcb @CricketingBears #talent Hail stopped play: http://www.bablake.com/newsroom. php?item=1980 …? Let’s hope for sunshine, @bablakecricket, after HT! #toowetevenforducks (@bablakeschool RT) Ellis Cutler held his nerve to hit 2 runs off the last ball to win the game for @bablakeschool in a thriller against Rugby School!

Congratulations to @bablakeschool U12As who won the @solsch1560 U12 6-a-side Plate! #silverware #winnersaregrinners In reply to: ‘@bablakecricket - Probably the coldest cricket ground.....in the worrrrrrld!’ @richardmousley @bablakecricket … warmest welcome for miles around, but not gonna deny the wintry chills! (@bablakeschool RT) Once again a 1st XI captain is named School Captain & several 1st XI players as Senior Prefects. Draw your own conclusions... @bablakeschool!

Thank you to everyone who supported the #BablakeT20 2015... see you next year for the 10th anniversary of the tournament! #bablakesport Dan Mousley receiving his cap from @MoeenAli at Malvern College ahead of @BunburyCricket Festival. @CricketingBears (@richmousley RT) A huge thank you to our professional coach, @Jaymo_11, who has been brilliant! See you next season! @bablakeschool @CompleteCricket 2014-15 Valete (13) Mr Roy Goodwin (Head Groundsman): http://www.bablake.com/media/news/article/3890/Valete13-Mr-Roy-Goodwin-Head-Groundsman- … 40 years’ service! #BablakeSport For current news, please follow @bablakecricket

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“... we look forward to Bablake cricket going from strength to strength.” @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Girls’HockeyReview Sophie Price

“All teams showed tremendous commitment to training and matches this season ...”

The biggest achievement came from our newest stars the U12A team that won the majority of its games and scored 100 goals. I look forward to seeing this success continue.

The senior teams bonded well throughout the year and had success indoors as well as outdoors. The indoor team made it to the Regional Indoor Finals with an exciting win over King’s High (6-3). In the Warwickshire outdoor tournament, some cracking goals came from Sophie Price, Mollie Sargent and Hayley Smith, but, unfortunately, the team could not hold its form in the final game against Princethorpe and lost out on going to the Midlands Zonal Round.

The 2nd XI, captained by a dedicated Phoebe Brook, also had an enjoyable season winning the majority of the games. The best results were against King’s School Worcester and Wolverhampton Grammar School, both 4-2 victories.

The 1st XI had lost a lot of players from last year, but pulled through with a great run of matches in March with a 5-0 win over KHVIII, a 2-1 victory over the Bablake Old Girls at the official opening of the new AstroTurf pitches, and an exciting 5-5 draw against King Edward VI High School for Girls. In the last match, Emily White found her new position on the forward line, beating players in the last quarter of the pitch and finding the back of the net! Hayley Smith, 1st XI captain, rounded off an enjoyable season by organising a dinner at the Quicken Tree Restaurant, Heart of England Centre, for both the senior girls’ and boys’ hockey teams. Helen Rowland and Aimee Piercy took the girls’ awards.

The U16 squad battled to the end of the season narrowly missing out on the Warwickshire Tournament like the 1st XI; however there were strong wins over Newcastle-Under-Lyme (3-0) and Tudor Hall (1-0), which will put the girls in good stead for places in the senior squads next year.

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The commitment to training and matches, shown by our U15s and U14s, throughout the whole season, ensured they displayed high levels of skill and their finest hour was when both teams won the annual Coventry trophy against KHVIII. Charlotte Allitt scored a hat-trick in the U15 match. U14 captain, Danni Patel, described her team’s match as a thrilling encounter that ended in penalty strokes from which Bablake emerged victorious after some great saves from GK, Enya Bowe, and some excellent strokes from the team.

The U13 team made strong progress, winning ten out of fifteen games in its first season playing 11-a-side hockey and had some pleasing games against Kenilworth (10-0), Moreton (6-0) and Solihull (4-1). The fitness levels and work rate during a match have been very good from this team, which contributed to their success.

Our newest stars, the U12s, started their season off with a huge win against Newcastle-Under-Lyme (15-0) and this carried on throughout the year as the team won 14 of its 19 games. The U12s came first in the Warwickshire tournament and went forward to the Midland Finals. The standard was high, but, in true Bablake spirit, the girls dug deep and competed hard to finish third in their section.

For current news, please follow @BablakeGHockey

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Boys’HockeyReview Mr Andrew Phillips Our teams, with Tom Betts as 1st XI captain, competed in the well-established Warwickshire Hockey League with Mr Chris West (3rd XI coach) posting a weekly report about his squad’s competitive fixtures.

Our 1st XI once again played its first game of the season against a very talented Birmingham University Women’s 1st XI and drew (1-1).

With young coaches – e.g. recent leaver Chris Sewell, Tom Betts and Aidan Thomas – assisting, our Junior club accommodated over 45 people. We always use the first half of the Autumn term predominantly as a ‘training block’ and numbers were impressive.

All our players thoroughly appreciated playing this season’s fixtures on such an excellent newly refurbished AstroTurf surface. @BablakeHockey The Hockey Twitter feed helps summarise the season: Newly refurbished Coventry Schools’ AstroTurf pitches are looking brilliant! Exciting season ahead!

2nd XI remains unbeaten this season after winning 7-1 yesterday against @Sheriff_Sport! A fine performance with Sahota scoring a hat-trick! #CoachWest & #WaterboyWilliams are back in charge of the mighty @bablakeschool 3rd XI after the summer break! Another season of drama ahead!

Congratulations to Tom Betts (Sports Scholar & Midlands representative) who has been named as 1st XI captain 2014/15.

Talent determines what you can do. Motivation determines how much you are willing to do. Attitude determines how well you do it. #CoachWest 1st XI put in a good performance but lost 2-4 despite having 26 shots compared to Princethorpe’s 8! We couldn’t hit a barn door today!

Indoor tournament of the year on Monday! Teams: Staff V, Girls’ 1st V & Boys’ 1st V. 4.15pm - 5.45pm. Spectators welcome.

Very exciting game yesterday and a brilliant 3-2 win for the U12s against BVGS, which included a hat-trick from Wattis #bablakesport Happy 4th anniversary @bablakehockey! Joint celebrations with @bablakecricket #partytime #bablakesport (@bablakeschool RT) “Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, & a hard-to-find alloy called guts” - Dan Gable #socialadvent

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The 2013/14 @TheWheatleyan (200th edition) has arrived today another fantastic read including the full unedited #BablakeTourSL report!

Big win for the 1st XI over LSS yesterday, winning 11-1! Captain Betts scored 4 and McKenzie-Quinn slotted a hat-trick #bablakesport Top 10 Field Hockey Skills to Master http://hockeyperformanceacademy.com/top-10-field-hockeyskills-to-master/ … @BablakeGHockey #BablakeThrowback @HollyPayne7’s #TeamGB aspirations in the 2007-8 @TheWheatleyan! @BablakeGHockey @bablakehockey (@bablakeschool RT) (Former pupil Holly Payne has made it to the Team GB squad) Year 5 students from local primary schools enjoyed our hockey taster afternoon! @bablakeoutreach A great afternoon with Year5 and @bablakehockey - thanks to @bablakeschool U15 teams for some great coaching with our visitors. (@bablakeoutreach RT) Lions XI - “form is temporary, class is permanent.” Bragging rights for another season; a well deserved 5-1 victory v @bablakeschool Boys’ 1st XI! An enjoyable, if a little wet, evening of hockey played in a great spirit!

Thank you to @BablakeGHockey 1st XI captain Hayley Smith for organising an end of season dinner. #bablakesport Top coverage on official opening of our new #Astro in today’s @covtelegraph. @bablakehockey @BablakeGHockey @adventpr Welcome @PhilGooderham, our professional hockey coach, to Twitter! #bablakesport 2015 Sport Social photos are online: Inc fine aerial work by @wholehogroasts. #bablakesport Congratulations to our 1st XI captain Tom Betts who has been named @bablakeschool Captain 2015-16 #bablakesport Congratulations @EnglandHockey! @EuroHockey2015 champions!

More here: http://skysports.tv/aKsu6q (@SkySportsHockey RT) For current news, please follow @BablakeHockey

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“All our players thoroughly appreciated playing this season’s fixtures on such an excellent newly refurbished AstroTurf surface.”

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Girls’NetballReview Sophie Price Once again the netball season has been busy with 235 games played and over 1,500 goals scored.

Our senior teams did well competing in the Coventry Schools tournament with the 1st VII coming top and the 2nd VII following closely behind in 3rd place. The 1st VII represented Warwickshire in the West Midlands tournament, narrowly missing out on a place at the Nationals by a 0.03 goal average, despite some fantastic defending from Jade Aston and Georgia Gunson.

Every season, our 1st and 2nd VII play in the West Midland South league and tournament. Both teams won their league, and while the 1st VII came second in its tournament, the 2nd VII did the double! The 1st team’s highlight of the season was an impressive 40-15 victory against a strong Solihull School side and the girls finished the season on a high winning the Dominique Matthews Memorial trophy.

The U16A team had a mixed season, winning 6 out of 15 games, but best performances included great wins over Wrekin (24-15) and King’s School Worcester (18-8). The U16B team won eight of its eleven matches with wins over King’s High (22-5), Wolverhampton Grammar School (28-5) and KHVIII (15-5). The team also won its Coventry Schools tournament.

Despite not having the best of seasons in terms of results, the U15As finished fourth in the Coventry Schools tournament beating Coundon Court (9-7) and Sidney Stringer (10-3). Everyone worked hard at training, supported each other and made good progress with their skills and tactical play. The U15B team competed well and finished runners up in their Coventry Schools tournament.

The U14As had a majority of wins, totalling 9 out of 15 games. The season began with a huge win against The Kingsley School (30-1) and this spirit carried on into the Coventry Schools tournament where we were crowned champions and went on to represent Coventry in the Warwickshire Schools tournament. The U14Bs finished a credible second place in the Coventry Schools tournament and ended the season with a 19-0 victory over Solihull School.

Emmanuella Kamara-Musa, A team captain, noted how the squads improved over the season, learning new skills and tactics under the watchful eye and guidance of coach Mrs Cath Mills. The season continued with many pleasing victories for both the A & B teams, including winning all matches against KHVIII and Solihull School.

“We look forward to playing next season’s fixtures on our newly laid netball courts and thank the governors for the investment in our facilities.”

The only team that matched the success of the 1st VII was the U13s who won an impressive 13 out of 18 games. The team finished with wins against King’s School Worcester (26-3) and local rivals KHVIII (28-7). The U13A team turned the tables at the Coventry Schools tournament from the 2013/14 season to take the trophy from KHVIII. The U13B team came second in its tournament and won the season’s final game 11-7 (v KHVIII) reversing a tournament defeat. U13A captain, Lawou Mpafe, reflected that her role as captain had been challenging at first but she soon saw that a captain needs to build a good relationship with her team mates in order to be respected and listened to. Lawou thanked Miss Watts for giving the girls support and helping them develop individually and as a team, and hoped the team will have even more success in the future.

Our newest netball players, the U12s, had a mixed first season.

The U12As came runners up in a competitive tournament at the Loughborough festival. The girls worked hard to develop their skills and game play; both A and B teams finished runners up in their respective Coventry Schools tournament. They hope to build on this performance next season.

We look forward to playing next season’s fixtures on our newly laid Netball courts and thank the governors for the investment in our facilities.

For current news, please follow @BablakeNetball

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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RugbyReview Harvey Burke and Chimdi Ogbuneke

Mick Hibbert Trophy retained A traditionally partisan crowd at Coventry Butts Park Arena was treated to a thrilling contest which our 1st XV edged 15-11 to retain the Mike Hibbert Trophy. Playing the final third of the second half with captain Brad Pinkham agonisingly in the sin bin, our pack successfully pinned KHVIII into its own 22 for a significant period before the ever dangerous KHVIII backs broke free and threatened a dramatic late score. Our tackling, impressive all evening, however stood firm to allow our proud captain to receive the trophy from new Chair of Governors, Mrs Julia McNaney.

We had started in fantastic form and were worthy leaders after the first 20 minutes via a dashing try by winger Chimdi Ogbuneke, successfully converted by Harry Garforth. However, we went in to the break with a slender 10-8 lead. The character and skill of the KHVIll side very much came to the fore and they took a deserved 11-10 lead with a drop goal midway through the second half. At that point we were certainly on the ropes, but our character in defence was then outstanding and kept us in the match. The final try by Matt Rowlands was a great team effort and came after a bold decision to turn down the opportunity of a penalty goal.

Congratulations!

Bablake 1st XV captain, Bradley Pinkham, should be congratulated on his selection to the England Lambs representative team, selected from some of the strongest rugby playing independent schools in the country. He also led his team to Round 5 of the NatWest Vase and our Mick Hibbert Trophy win. Harry Garforth should also be congratulated on his selection for this year’s Midlands U16 squad and bid to reach the England squad. Daniel Smith and James Judge were selected for Warwickshire U15s and Liam Duggan and Rory Meechan for the U14s. Together with Oliver Brindley, these boys were also invited to train with Worcester Warriors.

Performance of the Season – 19 Try Josh!

“U12 vs KES Stratford: A team lost 46-0, B team lost 20-5, C team lost 47-0, D team drew 105-105, yes, really! Josh Dobson- 19 tries!!!!”

D team coaches Mr Andrew Phillips and Dr Toby Smith, both cricket aficionados, had not invented a new game, Crugby, as the former explains:

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“We faced a strong King Edward VI side. The game was ‘free flowing’; we moved the ball well into space and executed routines practised in training. It’s fair to say tackling was minimal from both teams, which produced an exciting game of ‘end to end’ rugby. The score swung in the favour of both teams throughout.

The referee definitely helped produce an exciting game, however a calculator or members of the Maths department would have been useful at times to keep track of the score!

A nail-biting finale saw the scores finish level at 105-105, with Josh scoring 19 out of Bablake’s 21 scores. It was a remarkable performance from a young man who only picked a rugby ball up for the first time a few months earlier! Let’s hope the U12 cricket team scores as many runs in the summer as the rugby team scores points!”

This will certainly be a game to remember for all those who witnessed it or participated in it. The score soon took on its own element of urban myth with Mr Jim Burns, Assistant Head and teacher of Economics, using his knowledge of inflation to boost the scores to 125 all!

Last Word from Mr Rob Burdett, Head of Rugby “The attitude of the boys who represent Bablake at this sport remains fantastic with the emphasis on team work, commitment, development, respect and enjoyment. All teams have had their usual highs and lows, though the U15s have stood out and our 2nd XV had an excellent season under the guidance of Mr Hall and Mr Wilkes.”

For current news, please follow @bablakerugby

“This will certainly be a game to remember for all those who witnessed it or participated in it.”

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@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Sportstalk The PE Department would like to thank all pupils, parents and teachers that are involved with Bablake sport. Commitment, effort, perseverance and determination are all qualities that are required to succeed, not only in sport, but in life. Together we can strive to improve and develop strong, competitive Bablake teams, writes Sophie Price.

Athletics 11 girls were selected to represent Coventry at the West Midlands Championships. Top performances came from Olivia Kelly (1500m, 2nd, 5mins 0.9secs), Jasmine Marajh (javelin 3rd, 200m 4th) and Lawou Mpafe (800m 3rd). Olivia was selected to represent the West Midlands and competed in the Mason trophy.

Our Inter and Junior athletics teams both won the Coventry Area track and field competition, and went on to finish 7th and 5th respectively in the Midlands B finals. Bablake girls won the Coventry Schools Athletics at U13 and U14. Individual Coventry champions were Freya Bennett (high jump and 1500m), Anastasia Jeffcoat (shot-put and discus), Lawou Mpafe (800m) and Jodhi Thandi (javelin). Unfortunately this year’s Junior and Intermediate competitions were cancelled, due to poor weather.

A Coventry Schools Super Sixes competition is held for Year 7 (Shells) and 8 (2nds) where a team of 6 perform a track and field event each. Our 2nd year team finished third, while the Shells won their Super Sixes and went onto the Youth Games where they finished 3rd overall, a very good performance.

Mrs Sue Smith

Badminton We entered teams in the U14 and U16 Coventry Schools competition.

Jasmine Hundal was unbeaten in this round of the school games.

Both age groups performed well to progress into the Warwickshire finals where the girls gained valuable experience.

Mrs Sue Smith

George Esworthy receives the Coventry School Lightning Cup

Chess Our teams had another successful season. The B team easily retained the Division 2 title winning every game. Jakevir Shoker and Ciara Wyman both won 6 matches followed by Harry Bowser, Amrit Gill and Jimhill Xu (5 wins each), and Vinnie Bhandal and Dominic Reeves (4 wins).

The A team, with 5 wins and a sole defeat, came 2nd in Division 1 with a single point stopping them retaining the title. Rajen Parekh won 9 games, followed by Monty Dosanj and Arun Nahar (7), Dhru Bodalia (6.5) - Dhru also won 3 games for the B team and was the highest points scorer - George Esworthy (6), Matthew Rowlands (2.5), Alex Hyde (2) and Jakevir Shoker (1).

The A team retained the Coventry Schools Cup beating KHVIII 4.5 – 1.5 in the final. George Esworthy won the Coventry School Lightning Cup at his 7th (and last) attempt scoring 5 out of 5. He has represented the School for 7 years and this was a fitting tribute to his dedication to Bablake Chess.

Rajen Parekh won the Rowlands cup beating George Esworthy in the final. Dhru Bodalia and Jakevir Shoker were the losing semi-finalists.

Mr Andrew Chowne and Mr Inderpal Kalsi

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“All of our teams performed well at the Coventry Schools Tournament.”

Football Another season of unfulfilled promise! We were unable to make our home ground a fortress, although we did beat Princethorpe and Myton (thanks to an impressive Jake West brace) either side of Christmas. The January transfer window proved fruitless, however numbers are very encouraging for the 2015-16 season, which has made the coaching staff feel very confident of better times!

Mr Jeff Grantham

Rounders With most of the teams winning their matches, this season was good. The U18s finished on a win against KHVIII by half a rounder (15-14.5). All of our teams performed well at the Coventry Schools Tournament; we were victorious in the U12, U13 and U14 age groups and narrowly missed out in the U15 age group, where we finished runners up. At the U14 Warwickshire tournament, we finished 8th out of 16, narrowly missing out on competing in the top.

The highest scoring games of the season came from the U12Bs (26-16) and the U14Bs (29-9.5) against Princethorpe and the U16As (32-3.5) against KHVIII. Sophie Price

Swimming Jade Aston, Georgia Ementon, Jasmine Marajh and Georgia White were part of the girls’ team that competed at a National Schools competition at the Olympic pool in London. The girls competed against schools from all over the country and performed very well, finishing 3rd in the freestyle relay heat and 6th in the B final.

We claimed a narrow victory at the gala with KHVIII. Our win was largely thanks to a magnificent performance from our 2nd Year girls who came first in every individual race – Sophie Arora, Jasmine Marajh, Hattie Morris and Georgia White. There was also an exceptional swim from Shell former Livia Turnock, who came first in the 50m back crawl.

Bablake triumphed in the Coventry Schools swimming gala overall; our U13 girls won their section and went through to the Warwickshire round. The girls swam well again and finished runners up; well done girls!

Mrs Sue Smith

Tennis This season was a steep learning curve for our girls who were up against teams that trained regularly for club, county and beyond.

Our most successful age group was the U13s, while our U12s won their final fixture against KHVIII (6-2). The bounce on the new AstroTurf courts was very good and all our players are looking forward to playing on the new courts at school next season, and build on progress made this year.

The season was also difficult for the boys with losses recorded across all ages against Warwick, however we recorded wins against Princethorpe. Well done to all those who participated this year; we look forward to more success next year.

Rounders – afternoon practice

Sophie Price @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Sporting Honours 2014/15 Harvey Burke and Sophie Price

International Representative Honours England Horse Riding: Izzy Harris.

Karate: (Juniors) Clare Jackson.

England Central Wheelchair Basketball: Peter Cusack (National champions for second year running).

Nick Payne

Swimming U15 Midlands Championships: Georgia Ementon.

West Midlands Athletics Juniors: Eleanor Faulkner (Combined Events).

Intermediates: Olivia Kelly (1500m).

Cross Country (inc Inter County) Emma Allroggen, Freya Bennett, Olivia Kelly.

England Lambs Rugby: Bradley Pinkham.

County Representative Honours

Team England Dance: Lydia Taylor.

Leicestershire Cricket U16: Cameron Park.

Team GB Athletics: T34 Wheelchair Racing- Kare Adenegan. U23 IWAS World Youth Championships Silver (100m, 800m), Bronze (400m); IPC Grand Prix 3rd and 4th.

Biathlon: Conor Jelley.

Trinidad and Tobago Swimming: Jasmine Marajh.

Grace Fisher was considered for the England U15 Bridge team.

Regional Representative Honours Midlands Cricket U15: Daniel Mousley.

Hockey Elite U13: Emma Allroggen.

Junior Regional Performance Centre U17: Thomas Betts, Aiden Johnson.

U16: George Bayliss, Julian Wreford.

Netball U19 Regional Performance Academy: Mollie Sargent.

Rugby U16: Harry Garforth.

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Warwickshire Cricket Emerging Players/ECB Talent Test – Daniel Mousley, Ross Parnell.

U17: Ross Parnell.

U15: Daniel Mousley, Daniel Smith; U15B Prabhjote Sahota.

U14: Daniel Mousley.

Hockey Junior Academy Centre U16: Hannah Allroggen, Sam Lowe.

U15: Amrit Gill, Nathan Golsby-Taylor, Alexandra Hamilton, Sophie Hollinrake, James Sawyer.

U14: Daniel Barnes, Xander Bennett, Guy Jewkes.

U13: Emma Allroggen.

Junior Development Centre U15: Aaron Biddle, Max Harrison, Josh Lowe.

Netball Satellite Academy U14: Hattie Morris, Lawou Mpafe.

Rugby U18: Bradley Pinkham.

U16: Harry Garforth.

U15: James Judge, Daniel Smith. (Worcester Warriors) U14: Liam Duggan, Rory Meechan. (Worcester Warriors)

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Peter Cusack

Kare Adenegan

Olivia Kelly

Table Tennis U14: Jack Green.

U12: Milly Green.

Bradley Pinkham

Jasmine Marajh

DanIel Mousley

Jasmine Marajh won 13 medals at the XXl Goodwill Swim Meet including 8 golds.

Team Achievements

Daniel Mousley, U15 Batsman and Bowler of the Year at Warwickshire’s Annual Cricket Awards. Amazing achievements!

Athletics Boys and Girls: Super Sixes U13 winners; Girls: U13 Youth Games, 3rd.

Bablake Cricket Scholars Harvey Burke, Daniel Mousley, Ross Parnell, Daniel Smith.

Badminton Warwickshire Schools qualifiers: Girls: U16, U14.

Cross Country Coventry Schools Team Cross Country Championships/League Championships: Gold: U12 Girls; Emma Allroggen, Olivia Kelly; Silver: Freya Bennett. CSTCC Relays: Gold: U16, U12 Girls.

Hockey Boys: Warwickshire Indoor U18 runners up, U16 3rd; Warwickshire Cup U16 semi-finals; Warwickshire League U15 3rd.

Girls: Warwickshire Indoor: U18 winners; Warwickshire Tournament U18 3rd, U16 3rd, U15 3rd, U13 runners up, U13 Minis semi-finalists, U12 winners; Loughborough Festival U13 runners up.

Netball Dominique Matthews Tournament: U19 winners; Nationals: West Midlands qualifiers U19; West Midlands South League U19A and B winners; West Midlands South Tournament U19A runners up, U19B winners; Loughborough Festival U14 winners, U12 runners up.

Rugby 7s: Warwick: U12 Shield winners.

Izzy Harris

Georgia Ementon

Hattie Morris

Swimming Girls: Relays (Olympic Park) Open Girls 6th in Freestyle B final; Warwickshire Schools: U13 runners up.

Congratulations also to Kare Adenegan, selected for the British Athletics Futures Programme and World Championships in Qatar. She broke records at the London Mini Marathon, recording the fastest girl’s time of the day, breaking the U14 girls’ wheelchair record by over 2 minutes and was just 2 seconds behind Jade Jones’ U17 record. She won 4 gold medals in the Italian Grand Prix, winning the T34 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m races; not to mention Kare also posting three more personal bests winning the T34 100m, 800m and 1500m races at the EFDS Typhoo National Junior Championships.

Alex Hamilton and Sophie Hollinrake

Freya Bennett and Emma Allroggen

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Former Pupils Edited by Dan Williams.

“Bablake pupils get everywhere... which is a really good thing!

The dynamic range of their future outcomes and achievements is always humbling, while a pleasure to report on.”

Mrs Sylvia O’Sullivan, our Alumni Relations Officer, and Mrs Kayleigh Lacey, temporary Alumni Database Clerk, would be delighted to receive news of former pupils, to help produce our biannual Former Pupils newsletter. Please email: sosullivan@bablake.coventry.sch.uk.

Please note there are Bablake Alumni groups on LinkedIn and Facebook (a closed group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ bablakereunited), plus there is a new register for Former Pupils at http://bablake.web-intouch.com School Visits Former Pupils and staff are warmly encouraged to visit Bablake on an informal basis by school archivist Mr Peter Burden (pfb@bablake. coventry.sch.uk) and Alumni Relations Officer Mrs Sylvia O’Sullivan.

There are numerous concerts, drama productions and sports fixtures, where former pupils are also very welcome!

Archives We host a vast array of records dating back to 1902, including complete sets of school magazines, photographs, written records, exercise books and much more. If you are interested in viewing such material, Mr Burden will be happy to help out with any enquiries.

Bablake 1344 Former pupils may be interested to know that Bablake Wines (www.bablakewines.co.uk) is now selling bottles of very acceptable red and white wine and champagne with a ‘Bablake 1344’ label.

Dan Williams, Editor Profile Dream Job: DJ or Producer.

Future Ambitions: Travel the world, live abroad, take part in volunteer schemes in less developed countries, gain my pilot’s licence.

Hobbies: Film, music and flying.

Favourite subject: Business Studies.

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Sage and Wyley Scholarships The Trustees of the Coventry School Foundation Prizes Fund invite applications for: • The Sage Scholarship: tenable in any subject by a former pupil of the school at any university, college or other institute of further education (including professional and technical education) approved by the trustees.

• The Colonel Sir W F Wyley Scholarship: similarly available to former pupils but restricted to those studying science subjects.

The Trustees envisage offering assistance towards the cost of projects, expeditions or travel relevant to an applicant’s subject of study. Applications should be made in writing to the Headmaster, Mr John W Watson, giving full details of the purpose for which a scholarship is being sought.

interview

Network

for the future

A recent conversation between Head of Careers Mr Mark Woodward and former pupils Jonine Bains, Emily Burns and Deniz Kog was prompted by a former pupil’s request for help with an Accenture application writes Dan Williams.

O

ver a few weeks, Ollie White received a vast array of specific advice that enabled him to make a successful bid for a graduate intake. It was a perfect example of the Bablake network in action.

Bablake pupils “get everywhere” and that is a very good thing for our current pupils! Their vast experience has been invaluable for events like our Mock Interview Morning and Careers Convention, so how could our Alumni and Careers teams pool their vast resources for the increased benefit of current and former pupils and help offer support for life?

Here are some ideas: LinkedIn The potential of this professional networking site is vast. Searching for people, roles, companies, discussion groups and news updates is incredibly helpful for building your own knowledge and network. The site would make an excellent assembly topic.

The Alumni/Careers Team

Online Articles This year the Careers department visited VICE magazine in New York and interviewed Shyam Panchal (1994-2001) about his job as director of digital products. This proved informative for current pupils. Over the summer, a visit to Barcelona and interviews with other former pupils, plus a series of pieces on the transition from school to university, drawing upon a lot of former pupils’ advice, also proved beneficial online.

Former Pupil Talks Whether in person or virtually via Skype or similar, there is vast scope for a series of talks or twilight sessions similar to that delivered by advertising expert Karen Fraser earlier this year as part of our 40 years of co-education celebrations.

Careers/Former Pupils Forum Our Careers department and Database Clerk Mrs Lacey, a recent graduate, would like to create a Sixth Form forum to discuss employment opportunities and address current pupils’ concerns over the future.

This could lead to visits from and to former pupils. The Careers department and Alumni Office would like the Clerk’s role to be permanent for this to be most effective.

Both Mrs Lacey and formerly Miss Hollinrake have been exceptional, so it would seem amiss not to maximise this resource.

Online Forums There is already a vibrant Facebook ‘closed’ group for former pupils and selected staff who work with them. There are plans to expand this by building separate groups: e.g. on Health/ Science careers and Alternatives at 18.

Work Experience Placements The calibre of our pupils is well known and meaningful work placements in a professional context are always of great value as they move through their GCSE and A Level programme.

Mentoring The vast experience of our former pupils is unquestioned. Being able to ask alumni for advice on professions, interview techniques et al would be invaluable for current pupils and recent leavers.

We are certain the Alumni Office and Careers department would welcome further suggestions of how we can make our brilliant pupils even better via the Old Wheatleyans network.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Richard Drury breaks free during the Memorial match

On the pitch ...

Mr Dean Bryant shares some thoughts on the past season on and off the pitch at the Old Wheatleyans RFC.

“The club is looking forward to the 201516 season and has high hopes of winning some silverware.”

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The club consolidated its position in Midlands 3, improving its strength in depth with a strong Stags fixture list. Several of Bablake’s leavers took part in the annual memorial day and now have the opportunity of forging friendships with former leavers, both on and off the field.

The club is looking forward to the 2015-16 season and has high hopes of winning some silverware. It will also be launching an U6 team – Mini Wheats - in September, as the club looks to develop a mini-junior section over the coming years.

Players of all abilities are always welcome and we hold regular training sessions throughout the year.

If you are interested in playing, supporting, becoming a vice-president or sponsoring the club, please contact Dean Bryant (07712 87777 or dbryant@bam.co.uk).

sport

The End of Season Awards dinner saw the following individual winners: • Richard Saunders (Best Newcomer) • Sam Harcourt (Best Young Player) • Leo Craddock (President’s Player of the Season) • Neil Saunders (1st XV Player of the Year) • Mark Winterburn (2nd XV Player of the Year) • Richard Drury (1st XV Top Try Scorer) • Joe Bristow (2nd XV Top Try Scorer) • James Rooke (Players’ Player of the Year) • Billy Hyslop (Special Award).

• Ben Craig (Clubman of the Year). Ben, 1st XV captain, has overcome an horrendous skiing accident to return to captain the Wheats for the last two seasons. His determination both on and off the field have helped the club continue to grow.

Second XV Player of the Year and Top Try Scorer

Off the pitch!

End of Season Awards Dinner revellers

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Grapevine Brief News about Former Pupils With help from Mrs Kayleigh Lacey.

Alex T Smith

Richard Adams (1961-1968) Member of the GB and NI transplant swimming team at the World games in Argentina, winning gold (50m breaststroke), silver (100m breaststroke) and bronze (400m freestyle) in the 60- 69 age category.

Alice O’Farrell (1994-2001) Won a Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland medal for her postdoctoral research. #distractinglymedical

Olivia Broadfield (1992-1999) No 11 on Buzzfeed’s 34 Brilliant British Singer Songwriters. Has been working with Billie Marten.

Holly Payne (2002-2009) Former Birmingham University captain, with a degree in Biology and a Master’s in Toxicology, was part of England’s U16, 18 and 21 squads. Selected this year for the Team GB Hockey squad and received her first cap in February 2015. She said: ‘Bablake gave me the passion for the game and taught me how to be hardworking and resilient. I cannot thank the school and the PE staff enough for the opportunities they gave me, as well as all the support and scholarship funding throughout my years as a pupil.’

Lauren Carpenter (2002-2009) Nominated, in her group, for a RIBA silver award for completion of her Master’s in Architecture (University of Bath).

Beth Rowland (2006-2013) Appointed Online Editor of Nottingham University’s Impact magazine.

Karen Fraser (1975-82) Guest of Honour at 2015 Prize Giving.

Edward Albert Shipley (1936-1939) A Governors’ scholar, member of Wheatley House, Edward did an apprenticeship, then obtained a BSc degree in Engineering Metallurgy from London University. He worked at five companies, ending as Technical Director at the last two. He retired 26 years ago and has lived in South Africa for 40 years.

Mark Best (2006-2013) Loughborough MCCU player. Voted Young Player of the Year by the Birmingham Premier League. Scored 203* this season.

Mark Gibbs (1979-1986) Meteorologist - former Bablake Weather Station ‘graduate’ heading the Met Office Space Weather Operations Centre (MOSWOC).

John Hartland (1971–1976) 1st class Psychology degree from Coventry University, MSc in Forensic Psychology at Leicester Uni. 10 years in clinical practice as a Forensic Psychologist, currently lecturing.

Emma Head (1992-1999) Formerly Head of Safety Culture Change at Network Rail, Emma was an excellent leader of a national conference on Health and Safety.

She has now been appointed as HS2 Corporate Health and Safety Director.

Will Hine (2006-2013) Signed to Med School records, DJ-ed across UK and Europe, completing debut drum’n’bass album.

Mark Lam (2001-2008) Nominated for the prestigious UHNM Hero Award by one of his dental patients following his outstanding patient care.

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Alex T Smith (1996-2003) US Children’s Choice Book Awards (3rd - 4th grade) nominee for Claude at the Beach. Sketch for Cruelty Free International. Illustrated 60th anniversary edition of 101 Dalmatians. Will be leading a Guardian Masterclass on writing a children’s book.

Hannah Sugrue (2002-2009) 50,000th competitor in the Annual Formula Student Competition for aspiring race engineers.

Cameron Watson (2009-2014) Teenage astronomer who won a Sir Patrick Moore photography prize.

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Nostalgic Bablake

Craig Lawlor

Congratulations to the following: Anniversary 40th: Co-education (1975)

Degrees/ Professional Qualifications Matthew Bretton (1996-2003) (was Davidson) MA in Acting (Birmingham School of Acting).

Victoria Jones (2002-2009) Master’s in Physics (Cardiff).

Dr Tom Hine (2002-2009), next stop Hull/ York Medical School.

Richard Parsley (1999-2006) APC, now a qualified Chartered Surveyor with the RICS. 1sts for Class of 2005 students: Eva Ball, Heather Bruck, Ellie Hutchinson-James, Jodie Keith et al.

Weddings Kate Weeden (2000-2007) and Jack Preston (2000-2007).

Heard, Mentioned or Spotted at/ in/ on: ABC Family Channel – Chasing Life, Olivia Broadfield track.

App Stores – Rooms (Matt Galloway), Crack Attack (Derek Littlewood).

Audio downloads – Roger Worrod, Under Milk Wood et al.

Art and Design exhibition/ Astro Opening/ Old Wheats Memorial Day – numerous Bablake legends, both pupils and staff.

Bablake – Michael Bull (Head of ICT); Tom Calderbank (Medical Extension); Richard Drury (Barclays LifeSkills); Ben Duffy (Guest of Honour 2014 Prize Giving); Rachel Hollinrake (Alumni Database Clerk); Jade Payne (PE teacher); Beth Rowland (Archbishop of Canterbury visit); Mark Schwille (Morgan Stanley – Managing Director); Laura Pugh and Amy Skinner (was Rogers) (Symposium session on Finance careers).

Bablake Library - The School Song at our Coffee Morning.

Bablake Website - Interviews with Shyam Panchal and Claire Ritchie (was Harris).

Barcelona ESADE careers visit - Jonathan Barfield, Director of IB (Brentwood School).

Bates Timber – Neil Simmonds.

BBC News - Martine Croxall. (Martine continues to be asked to host debates for the Royal Geographical Society, covered Richard III’s final journey and ended up on You Tube for ‘sidling’ onto the BBC News set when the new automated cameras could only find an empty chair.)

BBC Question Time- Dr Mark McKelvie.

BBC Radio 2- Brian Matthew, still hosting the Saturday Sounds of the Sixties at 85.

Emily Brett

Bedford RFC – Josh Buggea.

Cannes Festival – Declan Jones.

CBSO Chorus - Bradley Gill, youngest ever member.

Change a Life – Jeevan Bisal.

Childreach International fundraising – Lauren Adams.

CNN – Qanta Ahmed.

Coventry Chess Academy - Paul Lam, founder.

Coventry Telegraph – Faye Abbott (was Sweet), i/c Coventry’s City of Culture bid; Maniel Bains, tennis; Mark Best, batting #tekkers; Paul Barnes, Loveitts charity golf day; Darren Carnall, YOG reunion; Jack Brown, ‘Colly’ fan; Sir John Egan (former Jaguar chief); Charlotte Newbold, Acorns Children’s Hospice charity work award; Old Wheatleyans RFC, matches and end of season dinner; Sukhjeevan Nat, Young Professional of the Year; Matt Payne, batting; Jaspal Phull, prodigious bowling; Nick Skelton, Lifetime Achievement Award nominee; Hannah Sugrue, Warwick Uni Engineering team; Phil Townshend (RiP), Coventry City Council matters and Coventry FC’s return to the Ricoh; Adam Walters, batting.

Crescent Theatre – Rory Dulku.

Crown Paints brochure – Lorna Syson (now Daly).

Crush (The Musical) – VIP launch; promo featured Bablake campus and Shells.

DEFRA – Katie McDermott (Not Dogs).

Disability cricket volunteering – George Rubery.

Econ Solutions – Adam and Mark Walters’ nifty Economics revision site.

Edinburgh Festival – Hannah Elsy (The Quentin Dentin show); Leah Judge (The Improv of Being Earnest).

Essex – County Rugby – Frank Sackey, also featured in Rugby World Cup promo literature.

Festivals – Not Dogs van with Katie McDermott, #VirginFoodFest finalist.

Fox News – Qanta Ahmed.

Guest of Honour - Karen Fraser (Prize Giving 2015).

Harper Adams – Will Thornhill (1st XV captain).

Hollyoaks – Rob Taylor-Hastings as Josh.

The Honey Bee – manager Natalie Jackson.

Huffington Post – Michelle Beckett, Kim Jamison, Beth Rowland. iTunes - Olivia Broadfield Jumberlack album; Craig Lawlor If you knew; Wes Finch Awena album; James Plester and Richard Overton via Emma McGann single; Somie Sidhu Dabbi.

IMDB – Tim Hands, ‘Slip’ in Shaun the Sheep.

LinkedIn – Best Connected: Michelle Beckett.

London Irish RFC and England training - Shane Geraghty.

Also played for England XV v Barbarians. @TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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Astro – Official Opening

Graduation 2014 Prize Winners

London Marathon – Joanna Elsmore, Anna Hughes, Claire Lappin, Elyn Lyell, Vinay Patel, Liz Pharoah et al.

London’s Premier Indie Disco DJ – Sean Clothier.

Loughborough MCCU winter squad - Mark Best.

Med School Records – New Blood 14 features Whiney (Will Hine).

Midlands Today - Liz Copper.

Miss Coventry 2015 – Kirstie Logan.

National Youth Theatre (Summer) - Morwenna Hocken.

Next, Head of Tax – Lee Holloway.

Panto – Mel Wells (was Walton) Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Radio 6 – Wes Finch Ring on the Riverbed: Tom Robinson’s Introducing Best of 2014 Mixtape.

Radio Plus – Emily Brett.

Sakharov Debate host – Martine Croxall.

Samoan Joes’s – Johnny Barrett, Craig Mosey et al.

Sky Sports – Tony Simons The Trilby Tour.

Student Journalism - Redbrick (Birmingham Uni) Daniel Brett – sports reporter; IMPACT (Nottingham) – Beth Rowland – News editor.

Tate Britain – Tim Partridge.

Tesco water cooler conversation – Alex Kantor and Brendan Jennings.

Three Six Zero – Matt Vines.

Trinity Hall drama – Lois Miller, directed by Georgia Powell.

Twitter – train tales, Alex T Smith.

UCLAN – Executive Dean Dr Allison Jones.

U6th Question Time panel - Caitlin Edwards and Chris Starkey.

Various newspapers/ magazines: Puja Bhardwaj (BAM blog re construction as a career); Kate Bradford (was Townshend) (Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Grazia, TES); Ed Chamberlain (Horse and Hound); Ben Duffy (photographer); Paul Hollingsworth (BBC website, Daily Telegraph); ‘Lord’ Aleem Iqbal (Asiana); Melissa Kite (Daily Mail); Cassie Palmer (Charity Santa); Katy Payne (was Gardiner), (The Western Morning News); Ryan Parnell (Kenilworth Weekly); Beth Rowland (wrote for BBC CountryFile); Lorna Syson (now Daly, interior designer) (Amelia’s Magazine, national supplements); Sarah Tuckey (Guardian, #CommentIsFree); Melissa Wells (Daily Express ‘Ditch the Dairy’ article; Daily Mail Now, Green Goddess programme); Alex T Smith (book reviews, Independent et al).

VICE – Shyam Panchal (Director of Digital Products).

Warwickshire CCC – Paul Best (now retired, back injury).

Waterstones – coming soon … Lauren James The Next Together.

West End- Darren Carnall (Associate Choreographer), John Marquez (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels).

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WH Smith Children’s Books Chart - Alex T Smith, Mark Walden.

White Ribbon Campaign board member- Sarah Thompson (now Brown).

University of York Nightsafe magazine – Melissa James.

YouTube/ Vimeo – Richard Drury, East 17 Stay another day Christmas video spoof; Ash Hawkins, Doncaster Rovers FC promo.

Young Achiever of the Year (English Asian Business Awards) – ‘Lord’ Aleem Iqbal.

Former Staff Mr Matthew Jordan, Headteacher at Gunton Community Primary School.

Mr Mark Warner, prodigious sketching.

Reminiscences Numerous posts and popular threads on the Former Pupils Facebook group discussing school days and form photographs.

Reunions Official Armistice/ Remembrance Day: a small group of former pupils joined our assembly in the Main Hall.

Astro opening – Hockey tournament.

Class of 1994/5.

Coffee Morning for those who attended 2012-14 reunions.

Graduation for the Class of 2007.

60s Reunion.

Unofficial Après Ski (Austria): Alice O’Connor is on holiday and her old PE teacher Mrs Chris Scott walks into the bar!

We were indebted to Sarah Brown, Lauren Carpenter, Matt Davidson, Dickie Hemming, Thomas Hine, Helen Knight, Alex Lawrence, Alexandra Mawn (now Moore), Mark McKelvie, Victoria McNaney, Lucia Mountain, Tony Simons, Dinesh Subhra, Jonny Thompson, Sophie Tumber and Ben Weaver for returning for the U6th Mock Interview Morning.

Local Bablake business/related café of the year (unofficial award from Bablake Careers Department): Kendall’s in Earlsdon run by Marcus Kendall.

alumninews

Rory Dulku

Holly Payne

Shyam Panchal

Wes Finch

Miscellaneous Thanks Jim Darragh, Andrew Harvey, Kate McNicholas, Geoff Palmer, Julia Myles, Lawrence Pavey, John Rushton, Bob Sleeman and Roger Worrod- photographs of Bablake’s campus, drama productions, sports teams and tutor groups.

In Memoriam Former Pupils We are very sorry to inform readers of the deaths of the following: Mr Paul Ash (1953-1951) Mr Cameron Grant (2005-2012), in the final year of his Geology degree at Royal Holloway, a friendly, unassuming young man, who took part in Bablake’s World Challenge expedition to Mexico and Belize.

Mr Laurence Kimberley (1942-1946) Mr Brian Moore (1941-1949) Mr Bernard Raftery (1936-1941) Mrs Pat Thomas, 6th Form Librarian, Reprographics, and latterly Main School Librarian.

Mr William Sheldon (1920s), aged 98.

Mr James Wankling (1941) Mr Philip Webb (1969-1973) Mr Trevor Webb (1938-1941), former Chairman of Governors.

Mr Peter Whittle (1937-1942) Miss Hayley Wilkinson (1994-1999)

“I would like to think all Old Wheats are as proud of being at the school as I am!

I left in 1961 but the memory lives on.”

Alan Lole

Please submit news for inclusion in the 2015-16 Wheatleyan by email (mgaw@bablake.coventry.sch.uk) to Staff Editor, Mr Mark Woodward, by September 1st 2016.

@TheWheatleyan / www.bablake.com / @bablakeschool

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“The party began again later in the day in Earlsdon as our guests revived their youth!”

Pick of the reunions Mr Sylvia O’Sullivan reflects on her experiences at some of the reunions held at Bablake over the past year.

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The Wheatleyan 2014/15

Spring Coffee Morning Generations were joined at Bablake when former pupils from the 1940s through to the early 60s met current pupils at our Spring Coffee Morning on a sunny morning in April.

Our former pupils, who assembled in the school’s Main Library, were welcomed

by Headmaster Mr John Watson, reminisced about their own days at Bablake and spoke to Archivist Mr Peter Burden. They were also able to chat to some younger pupils as Mr Gary Park (English) brought his Shell class to meet the former pupils and make comparisons between their current school day and those of over 40, 50 and even 60 years ago.

The pupils found it a very inspirational experience, coming away with lots of stories to tell their friends, in particular after hearing about the rendition of The School Song. Mrs Scott-Burt (Music, Enrichment and Outreach) presented a super ‘re-worked’ rendition of The School Song with our 4th, 5th and 6th formers.

Afterwards some of these pupils even spoke with the Headmaster requesting that they too should have a school song to sing in assembly each morning!

Class of 94/5 Over 100 former pupils and staff gathered in May for the Classes of 1994 and 1995 Reunion, just a day after we had said goodbye to our current U6th.

As well as being able to take a poignant wander round the campus to visit old haunts and be introduced to new facilities, the former pupils mingled with current and former staff over a buffet lunch.

Speeches from Mr Burden, our current school captains Bradley Pinkham and Keisha Simms, and Headmaster Mr John Watson were well received and the party began again later in the day in Earlsdon as our guests revived their youth!

bablakereunited

Then and now At one of our 60s reunions, Old Wheatleyan Andrew Harvey was able to recreate some of the black and white photographs he had taken on the Bablake campus at the end of the 1960s. #photographicthrowback

One of the country’s leading co-educational independent schools is closer than you think…

Coundon Road, Coventry CV1 4AU t +44 (0)24 7627 1200 f +44 (0)24 7627 1293 e info@bablake.coventry.sch.uk w www.bablake.com f facebook/bablakeschool i instagram/bablakeschool t twitter.com/bablakeschool The Wheatleyan is printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

At Bablake, we are committed to promoting the values of Peace and Reconciliation: In our own lives, as we seek to be at peace with ourselves.

In our attitude to others, as we seek to live at peace with our neighbours.

In our life as a school community, as we seek to resolve conflict and reconcile our differences.

In our curriculum, as we seek to deepen our awareness and understanding of the world beyond school.

In our service to the local and national community, as we seek to build links and work in partnership with others.

In our commitment to social justice and peace, as we seek to eradicate injustice and conflict.

In our international links, as we seek to promote mutual support and understanding which transcends boundaries of faith, culture, race and gender.

These values are underpinned by our school aim to “promote an awareness of the world beyond school, a generosity of spirit, and a sense of service to the wider community”, and form part of our mission as an International Cross of Nails School.

In making this commitment, we believe that each of us can play a significant part in bringing peace and reconciliation to our world.