The Cockerel - February 2024

The Cockerel BOLTON SCHOOL BOYS’ DIVISION NEWSLETTER ISSUE 44 - FEBRUARY 2024

Chapter 1

Pupils impress at Gymnastics Finals

Pupils impress at Gymnastics Finals

A

t the start of February, the whole of Year 8 gathered in the Boys’ Division Gym to watch the Year 8 Vaulting Final. Since September, the whole year group has been competing in heats for this long-standing competition, whittling down the numbers until there were just six gymnasts remaining.

Brody Shum (8f), Adam Ciechowski (8d), Ben Howarth (8b), Daniel Bleakley (8d), Mateo Sprott (8d) and Teddy McCarter (8b) were this year’s finalists.

Each gymnast performed four vaults in total: Through Vault, Long Fly, their choice of Rotational Vault and finally the Double Box Vault. Mr. Johnson gave each of the boys a score for their efforts, which were added up at the end to decide the overall winner.

The competition was extremely tight, with the boys in first and second place achieving the exact same score! The overall winner was therefore decided based on their performance in the last vault, as the Double Box Vault is the most complex.

First place was awarded to Ben Howarth, second place to Daniel Bleakley and third to Adam Ciechowski.

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Medals and certificates

experience in

were presented by Head

front of the

of Boys’ Division Mr. Nic

whole year

Ford, who congratulated

group. Third

all six gymnasts for their

place went to

efforts in the Vaulting

Abdulmabeen

Final. He reminded

Ogunnusi and

everyone that

second place to

gymnastics takes both skill and courage, and added that all six

Sasha Milne.

finalists can be proud of their performance and how they handled

Head of PE, Mr. Johnson, who

the pressure on the morning.

judged the competition, said: Earlier in the week, the

‘Given the pressure of performing in

Year 7 Gymnastics Final

front of a live audience, there has

took place. This historic

b e e n s o m e fin e e i g h t - p i e c e

competition, which has

sequences today, showcasing a

been running for over 100

wide range of skills including rolls,

years, saw six boys

handstands, back supports,

perform floor routines for

headstands, bridges and beyond.’

an audience of their peers.

The boys perfected their routines

Tommy Burke ran out as winner of

involving travelling movements and

the Year 7 Gymnastics Final. Due

balances during curriculum PE lessons.

to illness and injury, only six

They won through to the final having

finalists competed on the day and

competed in earlier rounds when all boys

all were commended for their

in the year group had performed six

routines - a nerve-wracking

sequence routines.

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Chapter 2

Philip Britton to Chair HMC

Philip Britton to Chair HMC also share the empathy we can have for one another. We must

P

hilip Britton, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, has been announced as the 2025-26 Chair of the HMC. The HMC is a professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools. Philip will step down from his role as Chair of the Communications Committee and join the HMC Board as Chair Elect in September 2024.

always take what we do very seriously, but we must never take ourselves too seriously, and the camaraderie of the HMC is our great strength.’

Philip Britton was educated at Blaydon Comprehensive School, took a First in Physics at Oxford and did teacher training at Cambridge, winning the Charles Fox prize. He worked as

Looking ahead to his appointment, Philip said: ‘I am delighted to

Physics Teacher, Head of Physics and Deputy Head at Leeds

be nominated as Chair of HMC for the 2025-26 academic year.

Grammar School. Philip has been very much involved in the

‘I look forward to working with the Board and Council, as well as all the colleagues who work for HMC, on all that they do for us to support our work as members in schools. One of the great strengths of HMC is the variety of schools in membership, each with a distinctive history and purpose, but collectively just focused on doing our best to give our pupils a great start in life.

‘I am conscious the next few years will bring challenges to HMC in representing us all in some very significant national discussions as well as the very important role we will all have collectively in supporting one another in what may be difficult times in leading our schools. I am very happy to be able to do what I can to help that endeavour, as we share our wisdom and

Institute of Physics over the years and in 2010 was awarded an MBE for services to Physics. He has been a governor at Stockport Grammar School and is currently one at the Grammar School at Leeds. He took on the new overarching role as Bolton School Head of Foundation in 2021, having been Head of the Boys’ Division at Bolton since 2008.

As a large and successful school, Bolton School has often played a part in national leadership of the Heads’ Associations.

In 1985, Dr. Spurr was President of the Girls’ School Association and in 2019, Miss Hincks followed in her footsteps. Mr. Baggley, the Head of Boys’ Division at the time, was Chair of the HMC in 1978.

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Chapter 3

Former Pupils Offer Science Perspectives

Former Pupils Offer Science Perspectives the next decade he held multiple positions in sales and

T

he second public Bolton School Perspectives lecture of the academic year focused on careers in the scientific sector. Head of Boys’ Division, Nic Ford was assisted by Sixth Form student and keen scientist James Bland in welcoming the Zoom audience and the four speakers, all former pupils.

Andrew Bird (Class of 1989), CEO of Acino, a

marketing. He described how, in 2009, he took a life changing opportunity and moved to Dubai with his family for a Regional Marketing Director position at Pfizer covering the region of Middle East & Africa. Still based in Dubai today, and several promotions later, he told how he now works for the global pharmaceutical company Acino, where he holds the role of CEO.

Swiss-based pharmaceutical company, was

Reflecting on his life in science, Andrew said an important lesson

first to speak. Recapping his life in academia,

he had learnt was to follow your opportunities and to do what

Andrew told how after his A Levels at Bolton

makes you happy every day; your career, he emphasised, does

School he had studied for a BSc in

not need to be a straight path. Andrew revealed how there are

Chemistry at the University of East Anglia

many jobs in the pharmaceutical industry including sales, brand

from 1989 to 1992 and then a PhD in Chemistry at the University

management, new business development, regulatory, supply

of York. He explained how he began his career as a Research

chain and logistics, legal and compliance, human resources,

Chemist at GlaxoWellcome in 1996, but quite soon he came to

finance and general management. His three top tips for a good

realise that although he enjoyed the industry, his skills and

career were to become good at something, to find a mentor and

interests were better suited to the commercial world of

to have no regrets!

pharmaceuticals. Consequently, he determined upon a career change and studied for an MBA in 1999 at the University of Cranfield. Upon graduation, he joined Janssen-Cilag, where over

The evening’s second speaker was Julia Miskelly née Gorski (Class of 1995). Considering her career, Julia told how science can open many doors; it is, she said, ever-changing and there is 7

always something new to learn. She said there had never been a

business start-up fell through. Once more, she had a hard

dull moment in her working life and, looking back, she felt that all

decision to make as she decided whether to stay and work with

you really need to succeed is a passion to advance and that most

him, studying breast cancer, for a funded six months or to go

other skills can be developed along the way.

home. Julia described how she stayed there for the next five

Remembering her school days, Julia told how her Form Teacher, Mr. Henderson, had told her you won’t always get dealt the cards you want in life, but you should always take up a challenge and aim to make the most of

years and came to learn the importance of research work as she saved and prolonged the lives of those suffering with breast cancer. She explained how, working with a doctor, she was responsible for bringing a chemotherapeutic agent to market, which helps women with inherited breast cancers.

things. The former Deputy Head Girl told

Julia told too how, around this time, she also threw herself into

how, after her A Levels, she went into clearing and didn’t get any

public speaking and gained a certificate for teaching in higher

offers to do her preferred course of Physiotherapy, but she made

education. Then, she said, she knuckled back down to research

the tough decision to study Biochemistry at Dundee University,

and spent an insightful 10 weeks in a clinic in Germany which

which was a long way from Bolton! She recalled how, during her

was undertaking work involved with the human genome project.

undergraduate years, she worked hard and achieved a First Class

Julia said that she became determined that Queen’s University

Honours degree and received four offers to study for a PhD. She

should have the same kind of facility and, over the course of a

knew it would be difficult, but, again, recalling Mr. Henderson’s

year, learnt a whole new set of business skills before pitching her

words, she took the decision to take up further study, focussing

plan to the University Board. Shortly after her presentation in

on basic transcription – the mechanisms of what makes a person,

2014, she received a call which saw her head out to work in

a person and gene regulation.

industry for the Professor who had originally tempted her over to

Upon graduation – and eager now to work in industry – Julia said

Belfast – he had finally secured funding for this business!

she was given the opportunity to go to Belfast to work for a new

After a couple of years, Queen’s accepted Julia’s proposal and

company being set up by Professor Paul Harkin at Queen’s

she returned to manage the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life

University that would specialise in personalised medicine.

Sciences Genomics Core Technology Unit in 2017. She explained

However, no sooner had she arrived there than funding for his

how she led a team of highly skilled technicians providing 8

consultation on the newest technologies and best approaches for

Julia concluded by saying that every day provides a new

researchers and their collaborators on experiment design. Then,

challenge for her and that she loves her work. She told the

she said, Covid hit and she received a call to join a meeting about

audience that there is an exciting future in science and advised

setting up testing sites and tests, after which her team became

students to embrace challenges and not to worry too much about

heavily involved in supporting testing. Julia explained how she

following a defined career path.

then became part of the COG-UK initiative sequencing all the Covid variants in Northern Ireland and how she had to report to the Public Health Agency about any new variants across the country. She was highlighted in 101 jobs that change the world – UKRI a UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) wide campaign aiming to recognise the diversity of roles which make major contributions to the wider research and innovation ecosystem.

The third speaker of the evening, introduced

by Mrs. Jepson who compèred the evening, was Grace Ball (Class of 2017). Grace told how she studied A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Religious Studies at Bolton School before studying Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at the University of York, which included a

Julia explained how her work during Covid opened up many

year abroad in Grenoble, France where she undertook a Masters’

doors, including her being recruited to Illumina, a global biotech

project. Grace spoke about the electives she undertook at

company, whose innovative sequencing and array technologies

university and how a year in the lab in France convinced her that

are fuelling ground-breaking advancements in life science

she wanted to do a PhD. She revealed how she had started her

research, translational and consumer genomics, and molecular

doctoral studies in Chemistry at the University of Birmingham in

diagnostics. She told how, managing the business across Ireland,

2021 and how she is currently in her third year, researching Silica

she uses all of the skills she has picked up along the way. She

Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery. Explaining her studies, Grace

said that she currently works with research facilities across

said she is working with dentists doing an interdisciplinary project

universities, with biotech companies and the NHS to improve

– focusing on nanoparticle application, silica nanoparticles for

diagnostics across Ireland. Her job, she explained, sees her travel

antimicrobial release and detection of drug release by

across the globe to work with scientists as well as allowing her to

luminescence. She informed the audience how she got onto her

work from home.

PhD programme and recommended the website FindAPhD.com.

Grace said that supervisors generally look for an interest in research and an ability to problem solve and that they essentially 9

want to know why you want to do a particular PhD. It is, she

currently manages the Specialty Fluids Technology group

admitted, hard work, but rewarding and has seen her having fun

supporting both aviation and heat transfer fluid businesses.

too and travelling to London, Glasgow, Bordeaux and Berlin.

Having lived in Chicago, he now resides in Kingsport, Tennessee.

The final speaker of the evening was Andrew

Andrew’s advice was to follow your passion and he told how he

Markson (Class of 1981) who, like earlier

had enjoyed a rewarding and blessed career and how he had

panellists, has moved from research into

been privileged to work with some great engineers and scientists

management. Andrew recalled receiving an

on major projects such as the space shuttle and Mars rover as

enriched and well-rounded education at

well as on commercial airlines. Now, as a Technology Director, he

Bolton School and being inspired to study

said he enjoys mentoring bright young scientists. He told how

Chemistry at the University of Reading by a new teacher at the

there had been unexpected shifts in his career, but advised the

time, Hugo Schenk. In his final undergraduate year, he focused on

audience to make the best of it. His top tip for success in science

pharmaceuticals and decided to continue this line of interest into

was for students to maintain focus on optimising their

a PhD, which took him another three years to complete. The PhD,

communication and presentation skills.

he said, taught him how to be a better problem-solver. After its completion, Andrew explained how he took his first steps working in organic chemistry when he took a job with an oil company, Castrol, at their UK global research centre. He told how he worked for two years as a researcher on industrial lubricants and cleaners and was then afforded the opportunity to move into the aviation field. He revealed how he has now spent more than 30 years in that sector, relocating to the US in 1997 as a commercial manager for the Castrol Energy group before moving into the AirBP Lubricants business following acquisition by BP Corporation. Here, he said, he spent fourteen years managing technology, technical services and business development

Miss Zornemann fielded the wide range of questions including: if you were applying to university now, what would you be looking for in a course, how competitive was it to get onto the year abroad scheme whilst at university, what would be the opportunities and benefits of working in the fields of Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, is there a specific industry or sector that is good for work experience, how valuable are business skills and enterprise when pursuing biochemical research, would it be possible to pursue a career in both biochem research and a pharmaceutical business and how important is it to have a PhD in Science to make good progress?

functions. Following acquisition by Eastman Chemical, he 10

Chapter 4

Shortlist announced for Bolton Children’s Fiction Awards

Shortlist announced for Bolton Children’s Fiction Awards

B

olton School is delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2024 Bolton Children’s Fiction Awards.

Following consultation with local participating schools, the awards will have a different format from previous years, with a celebration of the books and reading at Bolton School in March and then the winning book will be announced at the end of the Summer Term in an online event.

This year's list is shorter than previous years’, with just three books included. They have been selected by the School Library staff in order to stretch pupils’ reading experiences and to introduce them to new authors and genres.

When I See Blue tells the story of how, as a young person, Lily The three books are When I See Blue by Lily Bailey, While the

Bailey suffered from severe OCD. She now campaigns for better

Storm Rages by Phil Earle and Tyger by S.F. Said. While all quite

awareness and understanding of the condition. Lily draws upon

distinct titles, they do have common themes running through

her experiences in When I See Blue through her characterisation

them – developing a sense of identity, of friendship and

of Ben, the main protagonist. Ben has what he calls 'a bully in his

overcoming adversity.

brain' forcing him to count, to go through routines and this makes life very difficult. The library staff felt that this is an important and very relevant book for both those with OCD and 12

for understanding that mental health is as important as physical

children at the Junior Girls' School. Senior School students

health.

gathered in the Library while Junior Girls joined this virtual

While the Storm Rages follows other recent books by Phil Earle

visit from their classroom.

that have had a Second World War setting and concentrates upon the relationship between people and animals. Based upon a little-known fact that at the outbreak of war, the government encouraged people to euthanise their pets and, as a result, over 750,000 animals lost their lives. Noah – who has just seen his father go off to war, is determined that the same fate will not fall on his beloved dog so with a couple of friends and a menagerie of animals, he sets off on his dad’s rickety barge to find a safe haven for them. There is danger, comedy and a great deal of heartbreak in this adventure story.

S.F. Said is an award-winning author with a host of prizes for children’s books. His latest book Tyger is set in an alternative London, where the fall of the Great British empire hasn’t happened and people live in abject poverty or as slaves next to a wealthy class living in excessive privilege. In this world, we meet Adam, a young boy living in the city who discovers a magical talking Tyger that has the power to change everything. Of course, not everyone wants a fairer world. Library staff loved the illustrations by Dave McKean and the way that the Tyger brings hope to a difficult world.

S.F. read a thrilling extract from Tyger before sharing with pupils his process for writing the book, which he said took many years and lots of revisions. He talked about his influences, which include the Middle Eastern folktales Alf Laylah wa-Laylah or One Thousand and One Nights, and his love of animals. He even shared the story of meeting a tiger in real life, which informed his writing! He gave advice to aspiring writers and answered pupils' question about his favourite books and authors.

In December, S.F. Said, Zoomed in to Bolton School to speak with members of the Boys' and Girls' Division Book Clubs and Year 6 13

This event was a great introduction to Tyger and no doubt has

included interactive things that we were able to do such as

inspired young readers to pick up S.F.'s BCFA shortlisted book.

creating our own mythological creature, writing our own

The virtual visit was part of a series of author talks arranged by

metaphors and much more.'

Bolton School's librarians as part of the Bolton Children's Fiction Award 2024, offering those taking part further insight into the shortlisted books and their authors' wider works.

Mrs. Caller, one of Bolton School’s Librarians, said: 'We are confident that this year’s shortlist will be as popular as last year’s; there is already a small group of girls coming to the library before school to read and discuss the books! During the boys’ library lessons, there have been big queues of students wanting to borrow books on the shortlist. I’m delighted by their enthusiasm.'

The winner will be announced in late June after pupils have voted for their favourite book. At the same time, the long-list for the 2025 award will be revealed so children can begin their reading over the summer.

Books can be bought from local independent bookseller Ebb & Flo, with whom the School has a long-standing relationship, and discussions are underway to link with Bolton Library service to provide access to books.

The 2023 Winner of the Bolton Children’s Fiction Awards, Dread Wood, was described by one Bolton School student, Saif, as: 'Even better than J.K. Rowling!' Another student, James, from Canon Slade said, 'Today I went to the Bolton Children’s Fiction Awards and had the best time of my life. I loved that we were able to get our books signed by the author that won. I loved that they 14

Chapter 5

ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition

ESU Performing Shakespeare Competition

A

ll pupils in Years 7 to 9 participated in the school round of the ESU Performing Shakespeare competition this half term, showcasing their theatrical prowess.

The entries displayed remarkable quality, reflecting pupils' literary learning in English lessons and the creativity fostered through practical theatre sessions led by the Octagon Theatre's Youth Director.

Numerous pupils were commended for their performances, and the culmination of this competition saw 29 students participating in the School Final, where they presented compelling monologues and duologues.

The event proved to be a showcase of impressive talent. The well-earned title of winners in the School Final went to Theo Jones and Theo Michaelas from Year 9. Their exceptional skills have earned them the opportunity to progress to the regional heat of the competition. We wish them the best of luck in the next stage of this exciting journey.

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Chapter 6

Organ Open Days for Local Community

Organ Open Days for Local Community

O

n Saturday 3rd February, Mr. Murray and our Bolton School Organ Scholars took to the stage with our Organ Open D a y. M e m b e r s o f t h e community learnt all about our organs, heard brilliant performances from our students and Mr. Murray, got up close to the organs, and even had a go if they wanted. This event was also about launching our community organ scheme, with Bolton School funding lessons on the organ for budding musicians of secondary schools in the local area. We hope to have more Organ Open Days in the future to showcase this amazing instrument.

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Chapter 7

Water polo players selected for National Competition

Water polo players selected for National Competition age groups, with the aim of equipping the players with all they

A

t the end of January, eleven pupils from Bolton School Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions were nominated to take part in the 2024 ESSA Duke of Cambridge Water Polo Cup, held in Coventry. The Cup, in its first iteration at an Under 14 level, was a one-day tournament for the best 60 boys and best 60 girls water polo players in education in England and born in 2010.

Players were put forward by their school or through the Swim England Talent Centre Programme. They were then randomly allocated to one of four teams: Vulcan, Typhoon, Hurricane or Spitfire. The competition gave the budding water polo stars the opportunity to compete with and against players from across the country.

Earlier in January, five Bolton School water polo players were chosen to take part in a national Under 16 Talent Festival, arranged along similar lines to the Duke of Cambridge Cup.

will need to thrive at international level. In Bolton, talent centre players meet regularly at the Jason Kenny Centre in town.

Bolton School has a long history of national success at Water polo, both current pupils and alumni play for national titlewinning City of Manchester squads and are regularly called up to play at regional and international level. Several players have contributed to national teams taking part in the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Last year, the Girls’ Division Under 18 and Under 15 teams became national champions and the year before saw pupil Harriet Dickens, captain of the England Under 17 team, named as Swim England’s Breakthrough Athlete of the Year.

The Boys’ Division are regular national champions, the Under 18s’ team held this status every year from 2014-2022. In 2018,

Bolton School’s Water polo coach Andy McGinty, who also

the School won all three (Under 13/Under 15/Under 18) English

coaches with Swim England, where he is Water polo and

Schools’ National Championships for the fourth year running,

Inclusion Officer, played an integral part in launching the talent

having already achieved the double triple in 2003-04 when they

centres. They offer elite coaching to the Under 14 and Under 16

became the first school ever to defend all three titles.

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The players chosen for the Duke of Cambridge Cup were: Will Colvin, Jensen GregoireParker, Yohaan Bhalme, Grace Shawcross, Harriet Kennedy, Holly Bromwell, Nico Howarth, Sianna Tamlin, Clara Logan, Liv Irvine and Olivia Ramirez Nievas.

The Under 16 Talent Festival players were: Freddie Wardle, Lucas Bishop, Hanisa Becic, Sonal Ladha and Zara Caswell.

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Chapter 8

Adam Crook delivers 51st Tillotson Lecture

Adam Crook delivers 51st Tillotson Lecture the School. It really brought home to me the extremely high

B

olton School Boys’ Division former pupil Adam Crook, now a Partner at Goldman Sachs, returned to his alma mater to deliver the 51st public Tillotson lecture.

Adam opened by saying: ‘It’s great to be back at Bolton School.

Thank you to all those who have hosted me during the day – in Economics, Business Studies and History lessons and all around

quality of young men and women that this school educates and sends out into the wider world.’ He also praised the important work of the School’s Development Office in bringing in former pupils to inspire the next generation.

Success, Adam said, is not a straight line. He argued that if you have the right mindset, there is no limit to how high you can climb. Addressing the students in the Great Hall audience, Adam predicted that there will be some fantastic opportunities for their generation. He explained how there has been phenomenal change in the world since he left school 31 years ago. However, he said, the world is now changing at a level unknown in human history and there will be even more transformational and disruptive change during the audience’s working careers.

Reflecting this positive outlook, Adam played several short film clips from colleagues and friends. George Lee, Head of Applied Innovation at Goldman Sachs, advised the audience to get engaged with technology, particularly AI, and that although the pace will be terrifying, it will create a world of opportunities. Jan Hatzius, Chief Economist at Goldman, also predicted exciting 23

times ahead and revealed how the state of the economy when

Reflecting on his career, he said it had taught him five key

you enter the job market plays a significant part in determining

lessons. Lesson one – and possibly the most important – was to

your career trajectory. Ben Wallace, the former Secretary of State

have the courage to back yourself, to believe in your abilities and

for Defence, advised students to never let anyone tell them that

to not let imposter syndrome hold you back. Bolton School, he

they are not good enough and that there’s always more than one

thought, had taught him resilience and perseverance, and that

way to achieve your goals. John Waldron, President of Goldman

there is no hack in life to hard-work, especially when the going

Sachs, was equally upbeat about the future and reminded the

gets tough.

audience that we are living in the best time in human history.

Telling his own story, Adam shared how he attended Bolton School from 1985-1992 before reading Political and Economic History at the University of Edinburgh. Reflecting on his 30-year career since leaving the Boys’ Division, he spoke of navigating a world of continuous, disruptive change. He undertook Officer Training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before joining the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment as an infantry officer. His years in the Regiment – as a Platoon Commander and then Company Second-in-Command – were spent in Northern Ireland, during the final years of The Troubles, including dealing with the Omagh bombing and inter-community riots around Drumcree. After leaving the army as a Captain, Adam self-financed an MBA at London Business School before moving into Banking. After four years at Barclays Capital, he moved to Goldman Sachs in 2008,

‘Lead from the front and by example’ was Adam’s second lesson.

where he has remained to date. He is a Partner in the Global

He referenced Northern Ireland and the defining day of his time

Banking & Markets Division at Goldman Sachs and is involved

there in August 1998 when he witnessed the Omagh bomb

primarily with the trading floor business, especially around

attack, the worst atrocity in over 30 years of terrorism in the

currencies and emerging markets.

Province, which killed 29 people and injured 300 more. After this, 24

he said, he became less intimidated by people, big decisions and

Adam concluded by telling the audience that “The learning is in

by stressful situations. He knew, after this, that he could lead from

the climb… Enjoy your climb!”

the front.

School Captain Alexander McKie closed the evening by offering a

Adam’s third lesson was that it is never too late to alter the course

Vote of Thanks to the speaker. Established in 1971, the

you are on. He cited the example of him swapping his army

prestigious Tillotson Lecture series was begun at the behest of

uniform for that of the City of London. He recalled how he

the late Marcus Tillotson, a former Chairman of The Bolton News.

undertook an MBA at London Business School, having always

The series has attracted eminent speakers over the years,

been fascinated by economics, finance and current affairs. He

including Michael Portillo, Sir Ian McKellen, Ralf Little, Lord Coe

reminded the audience that you own the narrative of your life.

and Sir Philip Craven, who have delivered thought-provoking

His fourth lesson was to find a mentor. Adam recalled how, when

lectures to the School and local community.

he joined Barclays Capital straight out of Business School, the Head of his Business Unit, who was himself a former Army Officer, had hired him without any experience, pushed him out of his comfort zone when he was ready and mentored him. Always be intellectually curious, Adam said, and be sure to self-correct when needs be and to make yourself coachable.

Adam’s final lesson was that you cannot have success without failure. It is, he argued, an inevitable part of your climb to the peak. If you fail, learn from this, was his advice. He recalled his own failures in promotion processes through his career at Goldman Sachs and how – by being coachable, analysing what from his performance had led to those setbacks and coming back a better version of himself – he had ultimately been successful.

You can watch the Tillotson Lecture here.

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Chapter 9

Sixth Formers Told Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard

Sixth Formers Told Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard

Jonny explained how a documentary director oversees

Y

ear 12 and 13 students at Bolton School Boys’ Division enjoyed an inspiring World of Work virtual presentation from former pupil Jonny Ashton, now a freelance documentary director.

everything that appears on the screen. He described how the camera is an important tool in your arsenal and how it offers a chance to see the world through a different lens. He noted how the setting in shows on Netflix, for instance, always look more beautiful than real life. Jonny revealed how the job of a director is

Jonny, who left Bolton School in 2005, briefly recapped his

to oversee everything that appears on the screen and that this

career, telling how he had recently directed two of the new Louis

usually involves working with an editor on how to structure the

Theroux Interviews programmes, a film for Channel 4 about

film in the most engaging and dramatic way possible. Each story,

alcohol addiction and a documentary about Will Young, who lost

he said, needs a beginning, middle and an end, but not

his twin Rupert to alcoholism – which led to Jonny speaking to a

necessarily in that order – it is all about choices! Considering

cross-party group of MPs about issues raised in the film. He also

different techniques, he recounted how he might write scenes on

spoke about earlier roles directing 24 Hours in Police

post-it notes and then move them around in an attempt to see

Custody, Murder 24/7, Ambulance, Hospital, Hunted and The

things differently and to work out how best to build a film. It can

Mighty Redcar and how, as a filmmaker, you are often given

be important, he said, to get some outside perspective and, if

privileged access. Jonny believed that having a curiosity about

needs be, to re-draft. He confided that when he makes films, he

people’s lives is essential in documentary work and that, in his

often does not know what the end is going to be and, even if he

experience, people are eager to tell their story. He said he aims

does, it can change anyway. The documentary-making process

to create programmes that matter, inspire and inform and, if

is, in Jonny’s view, all about listening to the story and evolving it

possible, make people laugh too.

and reacting to what is happening. Ideas often come to him when he is out walking or cycling, which, he said, provides time 27

for thoughts to percolate. Quite often, he said, it is all about what

had thought he might produce comedy and he had started out as

we want the audience to feel – even in the darkest stories, can

a runner. He spoke about always wanting to be the best that you

you find some light?

can be, about working hard, learning as you go and listening to

Reflecting on his own school

your instincts about what is going to make you happy.

days, Jonny informed the students that when he was their age, he did not know that he wanted to make documentaries. He recalled how he had wanted to be an actor and how he had joined the national youth theatre and taken part in school plays. At u n i v e r s i t y, h e s t u d i e d Psychology – the science of studying people and what they d o . H e t o l d h o w, u p o n graduation, he went on to drama school and revealed how the short films that he started making were initially a vehicle to allow him to act.

Gradually, however, he said he fell in love with being on the other side of the camera and the craft of filming. Initially, he 28

Chapter 10

James selected for Swim England Development Camp

James selected for Swim England Development Camp

J

ames Vaughan, a Year 9 pupil at Bolton School, has been selected for the Swim England North West Regional Distance Development Camp for 2024. This complements his selection in the Autumn for the pathway for the shorter distances. Over the coming months, James will attend a number of camps at Wigan Life Centre, where he will be trained by some of the top coaches in the country.

This is a great achievement for James as only the top 3 in the region have been selected for each event. His 1500m freestyle time of 18m:50s, achieved at the Welsh National Swimming Championships in Swansea, secured his qualification.

James has been swimming since 4 years of age and currently swims for Atherton and Leigh ASC. He trains 14 hours per week with Wigan Borough Elite Swim Team (BEST). His favourite distance is 200 metre breaststroke.

James' mother was a competitive swimmer as a teenager and competed at national level and is now the head coach at Atherton and Leigh ASC and one of the coaches at Wigan BEST. His older sister is also a competitive swimmer!

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Chapter 11

Love What You Do and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life

Love What You Do and You’ll Never Work a Day in Your Life

Y

ear 10 and Year 11 pupils at Bolton School Boys’ Division enjoyed an engaging World of Work session with former pupil Nilesh Thakkar, w h o i s D i r e c t o r o f Te c h n i c a l P r o g r a m Management with Xbox Game Studios.

Nilesh, who left school in 1993, told how he has spent most of his career working in software, particularly in computer games. He said there is more than a little truth in the aphorism ‘love what you do and you will never work a day in your life’.

Recalling his school days, he said he liked technology and computer games before the internet came along and remembered how he would spend hours making his own games.

Having studied Management Science – Management and Maths – at Leicester, Nilesh explained how he then started work with a consultancy firm. This, he reflected, gave him a 32

good understanding of how businesses are run in industries such

detail in his own work, Nilesh talked his audience through the

as retail, healthcare, manufacturing and film production.

process of making a game from idea to finished product, using Forza Horizon 5 as an example.

During his seven years of making businesses run better and more profitably, he learnt the benefits of deploying a product called Microsoft Dynamics. Nilesh told how it can help run many parts of a business, including the accounting department, the call centre or even the warehouse. Also, he said, he learnt what made him tick, which is being able to make an impact. Pursuing the buzz of

The most important skill that somebody looking to work in the industry needs is teamwork, Nilesh said. Also, expertise in a field such as technology, science, maths, art and design, English or music can be beneficial. He concluded his presentation by telling boys to always follow their dreams, but to be prepared to change your dreams along the way and to have fun.

making people’s lives better, he left consulting and joined

Nilesh then answered a wide range of questions including: What’s

Microsoft Dynamics as a programme manager in 2005. He went

the most exciting project you’ve worked on? What does the

on to change the face of it and to help millions of users in

future look like in this industry? Have you been involved in Xbox

countless businesses. However, he said, after 17 years, he still

cloud gaming? Which game did you have the most impact on

had a yearning to make games, like he did as a child. This saw

developing? What would be the best subjects to study at A Level

him move into the exciting world of making games.

and degree level to get into this industry? Are there any games

Today Nilesh runs a team of program managers at Team Xbox. His job, he explained, is to make sure studios and their teams deliver on time, on budget and with all the game features that they set out to include. Considering the gaming industry, he

that we should be looking out for? What skills do you look for when recruiting? What can students do now to benefit their CV? What is the most challenging aspect of your role? Will there be a new console released in the near future?

said the UK has about 3,000 game companies making either PC games, mobile games or console games and that there are about 140 university courses tailored to game creation. He informed the GCSE students that the industry is worth about £7 billion, which is way higher than the film industry. He also briefly spoke about the wide variety of jobs in the field. Drilling down to some of the 33

Chapter 12

Exciting Plans on the Horizon for Creatives Now

Exciting Plans on the Horizon for Creatives Now There are still more exciting developments on the horizon for

E

veryone is invited to join Creatives Now's latest project: a cultural diversity project aimed at developing youth culture in Bolton. Supported by artists and led by young people, 'The Great Get Together' will explore access to and representation of all community members in arts and culture. The project aims to create welcoming and exciting spaces for young people's creativity in Bolton, including trips to regional creative centres like Factory International in Manchester. There will be behindthe-scenes experiences, conversations with experts, and the design of a summer event for children and young people in Bolton: 'The Great Get Together.'

Participation is free, and anyone can express their interest by clicking the 'Join Now' button on the Creatives Now website.

Creatives Now is a youth-led art collective for social change supported by Bolton School and Bolton at Home as part of Bolton's Cultural Education Partnership. Sessions take place every Saturday afternoon during term time in Creatives Now's

Creatives Now, including upcoming filmmaking opportunities and film festival programming sessions in collaboration with the Bolton Film Festival and national film festivals. There will also be a special 10-day Easter Holiday offer featuring a diverse array of arts and culture workshops facilitated by international artists. From action painting to mural design for a new town centre mural celebrating the children and young people in Bolton, these workshops promise a really exciting experience for all participants.

Be sure to keep an eye out for further details, as these offerings will open after the half-term break.

town centre studio space.

35

Chapter 13

Mastering Mysteries with Author Chris Martin

Mastering Mysteries with Author Chris Martin In the afternoon, Chris and a group of five boys acted out a

C

hris Martin, author of the Inky Stevens book series, visited Bolton School Boys' Division for a day of workshops with keen readers in Years 7 and 8.

mystery play about a poisoning at the football final between two rival schools. As well as being packed full of footballing puns, the play contained all the information needed to answer the question of who poisoned the star football player. Boys in the audience

The morning was

were asked to share their own deductions before the big reveal

dedicated to

at the end!

talking about Inky Stevens, the Great School Detective. Chris

As well as learning lots about the writing process and the key components of writing a mystery story, the boys thoroughly enjoyed their day with Chris.

spoke to the boys about 'The Case of the Caretaker's Keys' and 'The Case of the Abominable Snowball', explaining the setup to both mysteries and how main character Inky becomes involved in solving them. This included recruiting members of his audience to act out key scenes, bringing them to life for everyone. He also used this portion of the day to share his own writing journey and talk to boys about being an author.

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Chapter 14

A snapshot of extra-curricular school life

A snapshot of extra-curricular school life 12 students from Year 12 and 13 entered the first round of the

Bill Hope, Ethan Herring, James Woods, Jayden Cheung, Luke

British Physics Olympiad. This is a very difficult paper which

Burns, Nathan Watts, Nathaniel Waghorn, Shuaib Valli and Zain

involves questions which require students to apply problem

Ali.

solving skills to very challenging questions. Over 3000 students from the UK and 3500 from China entered the competition.

As part of the HPQ process, boys attended weekly study skills sessions led by Mrs. Lapinskas and were supported by their

Ben Turner, Peter Craig, Evan Weston, Andy Shen and Sam

supervisors to produce a project on a topic of personal interest

Paton all achieved Bronze I Awards. Daniel Elding-Parry and

outside of the main curriculum of study. Topics ranged from The

Jamie Logan both achieved Bronze II Awards. Freddie Audley,

future of the House of Lords, the existence of planet nine,

Jake Mayor, Khusal Gola, Ethan Wong and Alex Cook all

reasons for the increase in popularity in F1, the advancements in

achieved Commendations.

medicine and military in the 9th-13th centuries and so much

Neeraj Patel, Akshay Kallat, Ewan McCairn and Derek Leong have progressed to the second round of the German Translation Bee. They are in a competition to try to translate as many sentences as they can into German in a range of tenses in 60 seconds.

Very well done to the following Year 11 boys that have engaged with the HPQ programme and worked hard to produce an independent research projects alongside their GCSE studies:

more. Majority of the time, boys worked independently, they carried out extensive research, critically analysed sources and learned how to reference and produce an academic report of 2000 words. They also developed their presentation skills when delivering engaging and informative presentations of their findings in the Leverhulme Suite last term.

Congratulations to these boys that have submitted their HPQ for internal marking and external moderation for the GCSE qualification.

39

A special mention must go to Sebastian Chen from 7e, who has James Wilson, Tony Mottram, Ben Rimmer and Thomas Melpignano all performed admirably in their first in-person debate as part of the Oxford Schools competition.

They were sharp and adapted well to an intense environment; we look forward to building on this experience and reaping further success.

read a fantastic 2, 676,099 words.

Boys achieving Bronze, Silver or Gold OWL reading awards will receive their badges in year assemblies. Huge well done to everyone.

Congratulations to the following students who have read all three of the Shortlist for the Bolton Children’s Fiction Awards 2024 and

The following boys have read over one million words so far this

successfully passed the accelerated reader test:

year.

Aaryan Patel, Derek Leong, Daksh Anand and Junaid Jusab.

Year 7 Diyan Challa, Owais Jiva, Arham Akram, Junaid Jusab, Ray Adewale, Jake Clarke and James Williams.

Year 8 Aleks Neklesa-Ford, Hashim Masood, Yusuf Ali and Shoaib Ismail.

These students will be invited to attend the Book Award Day on 22nd March. Although it is aimed specifically at Year 7 students, we have folk in all year groups (including teachers), who enjoy reading and participating in the Book Awards.

The library team will invite students who have passed an AR quiz on at least two of the Shortlist and are actively reading the third.

The deadline for the decision is the 6th March, so there is plenty

The following boys have read over two million words so far this

of time for anyone else to finish the books and to be part of this

year.

exclusive event.

Year 7

Attendees will meet two of the authors and participate in a

Dawar Hassan, Joseph Grundy, Daniel Watch and Sebastian

morning of exciting book related events with other local Schools.

Chen

It is always a wonderful event

Year 8 Archie Warren 40

TOP COMMENDATIONS: Year 7

Dawar Hassan

• 149

Year 8

Tejas Neelam

110

Year 9

Jacob Jones

100

Year 10

Fin Wyatt

34

Year 11

Muhammad-Mikael Patel

66

Year 12

William Martin

61

Hashim Masood Year 8 Merit in his recent MTB (Music

Teachers’ Board) Grade 3 Piano examination.

•

Jamie Chen Year 9 on being awarded Distinction in his

recent Trinity Grade 7 Piano examination • Tom Williamson in Year 12 who has recently passed the DipABRSM Piano examination.

We recently enjoyed a fantastic afternoon at the Jason Kenny Centre for the Bolton Town Swimming Championships. Well done

Year 13

Ben Rimmer

46

to our Junior and Intermediate squads who won their respective age groups against very tough opposition from the borough. Our seniors also finished second overall!

The following pupils have enjoyed success in instrumental music exams.

•

Nishan Sharma (Year 10) London College of Music Piano

Grade 6 Merit •

Aleks Neklesa-Ford (Year 8) Trinity Piano Grade 1 Distinction

•

Nicky Ling in Year 8 on being Distinction in his recent

ABRSM Grade 6 Piano examination.

•

Jamie Daley in Year 9 Distinction in his recent Trinity Grade 4

Piano examination.

Well done to the following Year 8, 9 and 10 swimmers who retained the Cutty Sark Trophy in our annual Fastwater Gala against Ripley St. Thomas, Hutton Grammar and Sandbach: Ethan Blyth, Aryan Nunkoo, Brody Shum, Reuben Wardle, Jack Rothwell, Oliver Carter, James Vaughan, Ben Quilliam, Stanley Mathieson, Peter McCreedy, Eddie Griffiths and Matthew Yeung Well done to our Junior and Intermediate swimmers who won their respective age groups at the Bolton Town Swimming Championships against schools from across the borough. The following boys should be commended for their accomplishments: 41

Ted Washington, Ashton Morrissey, Brody Shum, Aryan Nunkoo,

Oliver Carter and Lucas Bishop were part of the Under 15s City of

Rayyan Munshi, Reuben Wardle, Brig Harkness, Ethan Blyth,

Manchester team which won the National Age Group

James Vaughan, Eddie Griffiths, Oliver Carter, Peter McCreedy,

Championships.

Matthew Yeung, Stanley Mathieson, Ben Quilliam and James Williams

The Under 15s boys’ team have qualified for the national plate Semi-final after finishing third in their preliminary round

The senior squad, consisting of Jamie Logan, Kelsey Liu, Harry

competition. In their group games they beat St. Bedes & St.

Butler and Joseph Williams came second overall against some

Josephs 5- 0, followed by a close defeat 4-3 to St. Ambrose. In

extremely tough opposition.

their semi-final they then lost 3-1 to MGS before beating Bradford

We’ve played a number of friendly Water polo fixtures including

Grammar 11-0 to claim 3rd place in the competition.

our Under 13s against Tyldesley, MGS, St. Ambrose and the Girls’

Over the Christmas holidays Year 9 pupils Jensen Gregoire-

Division. Our Under 12s against Tyldesley and our Under 15 boys

Parker, Jimmy Elliot and Will Colvin travelled to Lloret de Mar in

against MGS and the Under 18 girls’ teams.

Spain where they competed for England Lions in the HaBaWaBa

In the City of Manchester Festival, we entered into the Under 14s

competition which welcomes clubs from across Europe.

competition, playing against some of the best club teams in the

A couple of weeks ago Jensen Gregoire-Parker, Will Colvin and

country and we finished 6th out of the 11 teams present. We also

Yohaan Bhalme were selected to take part in the Duke of

entered a mixed BD/GD team of players in the Under 11s

Cambridge Cup, a competition for the 60 best Under 14 boy

competition who finished 9th.

Water polo players born in England. Earlier in the term Freddie

The Under 18s Boys played in the first round of the ESSA competition. In the group stage they beat Newcastle Under Lyme

Wardle and Lucas Bishop were selected to take part in the Under 16 version of the competition.

7-0 and St Ambrose 4-1. This put them through to a semi-final

The last Saturday of the half term over the weekend saw us play 8

against St. Bede’s and St. Josephs which they won 6-1 before

football games vs. The Grange, with some big Saturday blocks

beating MGS 4-3 in the final of this preliminary stage.

coming up after half term vs. The Grammar School at Leeds and

Congratulations to the team who have qualified as the top seed

MGS. The Year 7, 8, 9, and 11 teams all have town Cup QFs to

for the national championships Semi-finals.

42

look forward to as well. Finally, well done to Joe Nicholson in Year

On Friday 2nd February, the Under 13 team took part in the

11 who has signed a Scholarship with Huddersfield Town FC.

second Badminton Festival at St. Joseph’s School where they

We wish our Chess ‘B’ team good luck as they venture to Gorton this afternoon, to play St. Philip’s High School in the first round proper of the English Schools Chess Championship. The ‘A’ team has been granted a bye to round 2 (after half term) because of their success as Regional Winners last year.

Congratulations to Edward Chu (7c) for his involvement in an international Chess competition – Edward came 2nd place in the Under 14 category.

played over 12 mini matches against 5 other schools. The boys showed great passion and determination to win their matches, and some doubles pairs only lost a handful of points across the 12 matches they played. Although this age group do not have a league to compete in, they are showing promising development.

Following the success of last term’s staff and pupil House table tennis competitions, as well as a fantastic House Day, Blackburn sat at the top of the Lyde Cup table. However, following a resounding Wigan victory in January’s Lower School House chess competition, and upturns for Manchester and Chorley in terms of

Under 16 Hockey represented Lancashire in the North West

commendation totals, Blackburn’s position is under real threat.

Finals.

March will bring the next House Day and the start of fundraising

1-1 draw v The Lakes School, Windermere

season – we all look forward to seeing things develop.

1-0 win v Wirral - Who lost in the final.

0-2 lost v Sandbach - who won the tournament final and go on to represent the North West in the National Finals We missed out on the Semi-finals in our group on goal difference to Wirral & Sandbach.

The Under 16 ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams played and won most of their league fixtures in the Autumn term. The final fixture against Canon Slade on Friday 9th February will be the deciding fixture as to whether we finish top of the league or not!

43

Credits

Credits Editor: Miss K.S. Wrathmell Contributors: Mr. J. Newbould, Miss A. Bradshaw, Mr. M. Power, Miss I.J. Archer, Mr. P.J. Britton, Ms. N.R. Lord, Mrs. M. Howarth, Mrs. A. Caller, Mrs. E.A. Jepson, Mr. M. Johnson, Mr. A. McGinty

44