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BROMSGROVE SCHOOL

FLAIR • DISCIPLINE • ACADEMIC RIGOUR

Contents

Editorial

Editorial...................................... 3

A year of remembrance, and a day of celebration and goodbyes. Bromsgrove School has commemorated for two very different reasons this year.

A Final Farewell.......................... 4 Junior Bromsgrovian.................. 7 Pre-Preparatory and Nursery...... 9 Preparatory School..................... 23 Music......................................... 42 Trips and Tours........................... 44

At Commemoration Day we celebrated the achievements of our Upper Sixth students and said farewell to our Headmaster, Mr Edwards. It’s certainly going to be a tough act for Mr Clague to follow when all he has seen so far is the Headmaster sing his farewell song on piano - better start writing next year’s follow up hit now! (And if you missed the performance, the recording is on the School’s YouTube Channel).

Sport.......................................... 46 Page House................................ 68 Staff Leavers............................... 74 Prize Winners and Valete............ 79 Senior Bromsgrovian.................. 89 House Reports............................ 92 Commemoration Day.................. 114 Destination of Leavers................ 122 Staff Leavers.............................. 126 Year Group Reports.................... 140

2014 has seen WWI remembered around the world and no more so than in School. Mr Bowen produced a wonderful book detailing the history of Old Bromsgrovians who served during the Great War, and our Remembrance Service was more poignant than ever as we remembered our fallen former pupils from 100 years ago.

Music & Drama.......................... 144 Trips & Activities......................... 155 CCF & D of E.............................. 175 Sport.......................................... 180 Obituaries.................................. 207 Alumni Committee..................... 214

With thanks to The School Photography Company for supplying team photos and to James Whitehead for the sports day photographs

As another academic year draws to a close and we begin preparing for the next, I hope you enjoy reading the 2014 Bromsgrovian probably the biggest yet at over 200 pages - packed full of the year’s antics from the Nursery’s Easter Egg Hunt to the Senior School’s jam-packed activity programme.

So to the next chapter in Bromsgrove’s history; every goodbye brings a new hello - farewell to Mr Edwards and the departing Upper Sixth, welcome to our new pupils and ‘Kia Ora’ Mr Clague. Megan Griffiths Editor

final farewell from the Headmaster

Can you be on the right road if the road never ends? Well, allow me to begin my last hurrah from this wonderful School with some brutal honesty: At their worst, British private Schools were - and in a few pockets still are - a disgrace. Boorish, sexist, swaggering anachronisms with an arrogant sense of entitlement and an edgy, uppity attitude to a changing world they too often saw as static and deferential. Their smugness and pomposity often seemed to be inversely proportional to their global relevance.

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And at their best? Well, my jury’s out. I will never know how good Bromsgrove was between 2004 and 2014 because it will be for future generations to judge what the two thousand or so pupils who left the Upper Sixth in those ten years did with their adult lives. A great School isn’t about 18 year olds: it’s about 80 year olds. If the leavers turn out to be risk-taking voyagers, fired up with Bromsgrove’s values and keen to embrace the new globalised world with wonder and a strong moral compass, then can l ask little more. If instead they become standing stones - immovable, self-satisfied accumulators for whom material goods and other people’s opinions are essential to their happiness and well being well then it’s all been for nought. Of course, in reality, Bromsgrove – despite our best efforts - will doubtless produce both. But my hope is that the former group will outnumber the latter by a mighty margin.

Thanks to those who came before us especially my predecessor Tim Taylor - as well as those who are here now, Bromsgrove has come of age. When I arrived, other independent school Heads asked me when I might move on to a “bigger, better, more famous school.” The first two adjectives have long disappeared from the question. (And who gives a hoot about the last one?). We are not an institution but a community: co-educational, internationally minded, meritocratic and empathetic. A community that respects its past but uses it only to help inform, not drive or shackle, decisions about the future. The statistics about the modern Bromsgrove - its great size, incredible facilities, and stunning results are indeed impressive but if even a single pupil here feels superior to a gardener, chef or cleaner working on the campus, then we must look long and hard at what we have been doing. The world will never stop changing, so the journey will never end. Bromsgrove has no destination so it must make the most of its travels. The best any of us can try to do is earn our place in the story. So, let us leave all those misty Edwardian idylls to the history books and ensure Bromsgrove becomes a thought leader, and a compassionate home for generations of aspiring young people who want to make a difference for the better. My Bromsgrove days have been the happiest of my professional life, and I wish my successor, Mr Peter Clague, every success. Thank you and good luck to you all. Floreat Bromsgrovia! CHRIS EDWARDS

School Monitors 2013/14

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN

Headmistress’ Overview There is no greater privilege than to be a Head and I am proud to lead Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory and Preparatory School and to play a part in shaping the lives of our boys and girls.

I have the very great privilege to be invited to all School performances, whether it is the Nursery concert, the Year 1 Dinosaur Museum, Year 3 and 4 pupils sharing what they have learned with their parents, to the very funny and lively Year 6 production of Ye Ha, directed by Miss Cadwallader to the enjoyable Year 8 Bugsy Malone, directed by Mrs Goodall, and the fabulous Year 2 production of Roald Dahl’s Cinderella. The pupils in every age group all demonstrated wonderful enthusiasm and commitment, of which we are always proud.

We have once again celebrated another set of successful Year 8 scholarships to the Senior School embracing academic, sporting, art and music achievements of which we are all proud.

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The great strength of our school is the fact that the pupils have a “can-do” attitude and whether they are baking cakes, helping run the library, competing in maths challenges, catching mackerel in Dorset, rescuing princesses from an evil knight, building dens in the forest or fundraising for charities, they always demonstrate commitment and tenacity. This has been another very busy and eventful school year with some wonderful learning opportunities for our pupils. The Year 8 trip to the Somme in September was a huge success and this September, 100 years after the outbreak of World War 1, the new Year 8 pupils will visit Flanders. I was proud to see young Bromsgrovians honour those Old Bromsgrovians who perished in the trenches of that most dreadful conflict during their trip; the present touching the past in school history.

PRE-PREPARATORY & NURSERY SCHOOL

Pupils in Year 6 camped out on the beautiful Jurassic coastline in Dorset and experienced an action-packed adventure programme of bushcraft, coasteering, sea fishing and rockclimbing; exploring the great outdoors and challenging themselves. From the Year 2 trip to Warwick Castle, the trips and activities undertaken by our Page House boarders, the Year 4 expedition to the wild forests of Oxfordshire; the many exhibitions and assemblies organised for parents by our youngest pupils; the ever popular and successful skiing trip; visits to art galleries; field trips; visiting authors; theatre trips; symphony concerts; drama productions, overseas trips to Barcelona … the list is endless and always adds value to the rigorous academic learning that takes place within the classrooms.

The Music has also been a highlight with many concerts, great and small, for us all to enjoy. From the wonderful House Music and the entertaining House Song Competition, to the lunchtime concerts, the junior piano recital, opportunities for ensembles and choirs and the Year 2 fife and violin concert; music is thriving and growing in both the Preparatory and Pre-Preparatory schools. As the busy school year draws to an end it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the memorable moments we have experienced and to celebrate the achievements of the pupils. We now say goodbye to our Year 8 leavers and wish them every success in the Senior School and welcome the Year 2 pupils into the Preparatory School for another exciting year which lies ahead. J Deval-Reed

Nursery The children in Nursery have enjoyed another exciting and fun-filled year, punctuated by seasonal celebrations and events such as: • Decorating our Christmas tree together • Celebrating Chinese New Year • Going on an Easter Egg hunt • Performing our Happy Hat Land concert for very proud families • Re-enacting the tale of St George and the Dragon in the outdoor classroom • Taking part in some very exciting activities as part of Pre-Prep Science Day • Participating at Wacky Races and Sports Day

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For our Nursery pupils, every day is filled with fascinating learning, fun and new discoveries through a careful balance of child-initiated play and adult-led activity sessions. This year has seen the introduction of specialist-taught Music sessions by Mrs Edmonds, which have been of great benefit to our pupils. During the Summer Term, we have been “All At Sea” with a close look at what we might find under and over the sea, on the beach and in rock pools. We have considered what happens on seaside holidays and the children and staff have all shared their experiences. We rounded the term off with a swashbuckling pirate adventure. The children have enjoyed using and exploring the whole School environment with trips to the main hall and library, to the outdoor classroom and stage, to the adventure trail and ‘play lawn’ and to the woodland areas for ‘Forest Fun’ sessions.

We would like to thank the Nursery staff for their hard work and dedication throughout the year, and we all wish our Rising 4 pupils a very happy and productive time as they move into their new Reception classes; we will miss you, but we look forward to seeing you around the School and will be following your progress with great interest. Finally, we would like to wish Mrs Ormonde every happiness and success as she moves to the Preparatory School to take up her new role working in the Junior Department. She will be missed by all Nursery staff, children and families. S Symonds & R Ivison Heads of Nursery

Reception

Reception pupils have had a busy year, starting with the “All About Me” topic. The children learned about what Doctors do to look after them in the hospital, including looking at xrays and trying on bandages and slings. Reception also enjoyed a visit from physiotherapist Mrs Costello. The children enjoyed learning all about bones and joints and were amazed to learn that children have more bones than adults.

The Reception children enjoyed a special trip to the Butterfly Farm later in the term, on a very sunny day in Stratford. They saw caterpillars, butterflies, insects, birds, snakes and more! After a picnic lunch they went on a Big Red Bus and had a tour around the town. Everyone listened to a commentary and learnt lots of new facts. It was a busy but fun day and the teachers were proud of the children’s excellent behaviour throughout the trip.

From PARAMEDICS TO POLICE CARS, RECEPTION PUPILS LEARNED ‘ALL ABOUT ME’ THIS YEAR.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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There was more excitement when a real-life Firefighter, Phil, visited Pre-Prep to talk about his job. The pupils learnt how to ‘stop, drop and roll’ and what to do if they had a fire at home. There were also visits from a Vet, Dentist, Nurse, Paramedic and Police Officer.

Year 1

PRE-PREP WELCOMED Grandparents TO SHARE

THE SCHOOL DAY WITH YEAR 1 PUPILS.

Year 1 made the most of the fantastic sports facilities at the Senior School during their first lesson of the Michaelmas Term. The children had a wonderful time learning new skills and playing games in a large area. Thanks go to Mr Mullan and his team for arranging this opportunity and for providing new equipment for the children.

Later in the term, Mrs Scott, a professional photographer, visited Year 1 to answer questions about photography. They learned how a photograph is made, found out about photography before digital cameras were invented, examined negatives and looked at a reel of film. The children then used Mrs Scott’s photography tips to take their own black and white pictures of trees in Forest School, in the style of Ansel Adams, an American landscape photographer.

The Lent Term is always a popular one for Year 1 children because it means Grandparent’s Day is around the corner! So many Pre-Prep pupils were delighted to welcome their Grandparents into the Year 1 classrooms, where the children performed a small assembly for their special guests, as well as putting on a range of activities which everyone could take part in. These wonderful days were very much enjoyed by everyone involved. During the Summer Term, Year 1 stumbled across some curious events in the garden. One of the large dinosaur eggs discovered previously had hatched and evidence of halfeaten leaves were found near the site.

Year 1 went transatlantic when they used Skype to share lessons with children in a class in Ohio. Using their iPads, they demonstrated to the American children what they had learned about Guy Fawkes. The American children then gave a super presentation on their Hallowe’en celebrations. Finishing off the term’s topic, Year 1 had a fantastic Woodland Camp Day where the children had the opportunity to show their skills as woodland experts. They visited Forest School and sang songs as well as constructing shelters for their woodland friends. A treasure hunt tested their knowledge about their Into the Woods learning journey.

Year 1 had a stunning start to their Lent term project on the Great Fire of London with an exciting trip to Hartlebury Museum, where they met Samuel Pepys, who had travelled forward in time from the 17th Century to tell them what life was like in 1666. Carrying on the theme, The Freshwater Theatre Company visited Pre-Prep to teach pupils about what life was like during the Great Fire of London. Using dramatic techniques, the children were transported back in time to 1666 and experienced what daily life was like for Londoners during the reign of Charles II. The events surrounding the fire were brought to life and the reasons for its devastating ferocity and power explored. It was an excellent morning of drama, full of learning.

Following on from their dinosaur egg find, Year 1 were very proud to show their parents and pupils from other classes their work in the Dinosaur Museum. Visitors to the museum were treated to a tea party in the Dino Café after examining the wonderful exhibits. On display were fossils, PowerPoint presentations, a dinosaur dig and some very imaginative sculptures and amazing models in the Dinosaur Art Gallery. The Year 1 teachers would like to thank parents and carers who worked so hard with the children to create their dinosaur models. The Dinosaur Museum was a fantastic finish to what has been a fascinating topic for Year 1 children.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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As part of their Into the Woods topic, pupils enjoyed an excellent day outdoors in the Wyre Forest. They had a wonderful time using mirrors to view tree tops and hunting minibeasts in the forest. The pupils were able to spot birds and squirrels and they learned about the different songs of native birds. The day was rounded off with a race to find hidden woodland animals. Once back at School, Year 1 pupils used iPads to photograph trees on the Senior School grounds. Using the apps, the children created their own presentations, linking their own photographs with the information they had researched.

Year 2

From the medieval times to the war years, Year 2 have experienced a range of topics in their final year at the Pre-Prep School. The year group started off their journey through history as evacuees when they travelled on a steam train to the safety of rural Highley, experiencing first hand what it was like for children living in wartime Britain. Throughout the topic, they were able to create wartime advertisements using their iPads as well as handle real life artefacts from WWII. The pupils brought all of their knowledge on the war together for a special assembly for their parents and guests and finished with a VE Day Street Party.

medieval Banquet Year Two enjoyed a ‘Fantastic Finish’ to their Turrets and Tiaras topic when they attended a Royal banquet. Dressed in medieval garb, the children performed traditional medieval dances and practised juggling like jesters in the Great Hall of Avoncroft Castle. They enjoyed a sumptuous feast followed by a Knighting ceremony.

In the Lent term, Year 2 undertook squire training when they were visited by Sir Teachalot. The children enjoyed a wonderful day, dressing up in medieval clothes and armour with the chance to handle museum quality artefacts. They particularly enjoyed seeing Mr Etty-Leal being dressed in a full suit of armour. The highlight of the day was the building, besieging and destroying of a castle using a trebuchet. With their squire training under their belt, Warwick Castle was the next stop on their medieval journey. Their mission was to release Princess Arabella, who was locked in a tower at Warwick Castle.

To the children’s delight, when visiting the Princess Tower, they learnt that, thanks to them, Princess Arabella had been freed. The rest of the day involved a visit to Merlin’s Tower where they came face to face with a dragon. Finishing off their topic, pupils were invited to a Royal banquet, and dressed in medieval garb, the children performed traditional dances and practised juggling in the Great Hall of Avoncroft Castle. They enjoyed a sumptuous feast followed by a Knighting ceremony. The Summer Term saw the children learn all about Africa, with special guest John Conlan, an African explorer and animal expert. They had a hands on, face to face encounter with African animals and learnt many interesting facts. In addition they handled genuine African artefacts, dressed up as Masai tribes people and were given an insight into life in Africa. Pupils were then able to put together a presentation of what they had learned throughout this topic which was shown to parents at the end of term.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Near to the end of the Michaelmas Term, Year 2 visited the High Street in support of Bromsgrove’s Day of Kindness. The pupils handed out homemade cakes and entertained passers by with some songs.

Cinderella Cast List Cinderella

Tulliah Shaw

Prince

Harley Smith

Princeâ€™s Helpers Jai Bushell James Battelley Fairy

Elizabeth Smith

Ugly Sisters Henry Wiggins Benedict Harrison Clock

James Hull

Cleaning Props Niamh Goold Tilly Fountain Bo Luscombe Alexandra Wright Rats/Horses Lauren Baker Arwa Porbanderwalla Rats/Footmen Reuben McLean Reesen Moodley Rats/Coachmen Oliver Sirett Montie Mehjoo

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Year 2 proudly presented Roald Dahlâ€™s Cinderella to finish a fantastic year. This was an enthusiastic and memorable production marking the end of their time at Pre-Prep. There were many outstanding performances and all of the children sang, danced and acted superbly. Teachers and parents were very proud to see such happy and confident children on stage. .

Robert Riley

Townspeople Daniela Graham Marti Lucy Cattell Amy Duffy Ava Broadhurst Maya Wingfield Olivia McKelvey Scarlet Preston

Orchestra Kaashif Ali Baag Leo Boonnak William Pridden Harry Thomas Aaryan Sitlu Alexander Cutler-Tucker Tango Dancers Joshua Collett Emily Collett Darcy Dines Romana Thompson Farida Ebrahim Oliver Gowan Shonli Maleki Aisha Anjum Isabella Chance Ethan Spurgeon Luciana Meadows Tom Fullard Waltzing Dancers Frazer Jones Jaya Atwal Heston Matthews Ffion Wright Max Goodwin Charlotte Hutchings Jack Barnett Gabriella Billig Liam Bennett Leah Hayward

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

Jam Maker

Year 2 prizegiving

A Song for Mrs Mellar Goodbye Mrs Mellar You have been here at this School now for 25 years, We have all shared with you laughter as well as some tears. You broke your wrist, poked yourself in the eye, Have toasted marshmallows on sticks in the fire, Taught 500 or more Children who have walked in through the door. So we say Goodbye to Mrs Mellar we’re sad you’re leaving But we know you won’t be grieving Those ISI inspectors or wearing surgical gloves, To serve up the lunch And clean up the bodily fluids and stuff We say goodbye to Mrs Mellar We’re sad that you must go. Cauliflowers Fluffy just won’t be the same without you, When we need first aid we just will not know what to do You always have a smile on your face No matter what goes on in this place Saying ‘What’s wrong with that?’ And you always are there for a chat. So we say Goodbye to Mrs Mellar we’re sad you’re leaving But we know you won’t be grieving The bitter playground duties, reports at the end of the year You’ll never fear

Playing the School prayer whilst shedding a tear We say goodbye to Mrs Mellar We’re sad that you must go. We’ve been so lucky, as we have known you for so long It is our loss that now is Wales gain, We say bye, best of luck With this song. Goodbye to Mrs Mellar we’re sad you’re leaving But we know you won’t be grieving The Monday evening meetings Instead you’ll be by the sea, Drinking your tea, Without a medium term plan or worry, We say goodbye to Mrs Mellar We’re sad that you must go. We say goodbye to Mrs Mellar We’re sad that you must go. (Sang to the tune of Thank You For The Music)

Andrea Mellar 1988-2014 Andrea joined Bromsgrove School in 1988 when Pre-Prep was called Ottilie Hild House and based in College Road. Andrea completed her 26th year of teaching in July. She is a dedicated and well respected teacher with great experience whose calm, kind and caring nature has benefited so many children over the years. Having taught in Reception and Year 1 throughout her career, she has nurtured the youngest Bromsgrovians, who as ‘Survivors’, have happy and lasting memories of a special teacher. Andrea has inspired us all to embrace outdoor learning through establishing and leading Forest School across the School. Her mantra has always been ‘There is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing’, as she sets off with eager children on another wet and windy

afternoon, her enthusiasm never faltering. Andrea has also passed on her love of music and cookery through her teaching and extra curricular clubs which so many children have enjoyed. Andrea has always gone above and beyond the call of duty for every child in her care and has had a lasting impact on the lives of so many families. It is with great sadness that we say ‘Goodbye’ to a special friend and colleague. We will miss her greatly but wish Andrea every happiness as she embarks on the exciting new chapter in her life. K Western

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Staff Leavers

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Year 3

At the start of the Michaelmas Term, Year 3 went on a woodland adventure at Bodenham Arboretum. The children learned many interesting facts about the different species of trees, enjoyed mud modelling and building up their collecting sticks. At the end of the topic, the children created their own Woodland Walk Art Exhibition for parents to see their wonderful work including: habitat dioramas, camouflage masks, enchanted wood maps and slippery-slip cushions.

In January, Year 3 wrapped up warm for an exciting trip to the Snow Dome in Tamworth. They had a wonderful time sledging and tubing down the slopes, pulling each other in sledges, having snowball fights, making snowmen and creating snow angels. At Dudley Zoo, they attended a special ‘Ice Worlds Workshop’ where they found out some fascinating facts about animals that live in cold climates.

Digging for ancient greek

artefacts The pupils were lucky enough to meet Muffin the chinchilla, saw lots of excited Humboldt penguins at feeding time, beautiful snow leopards sunbathing and huge sea-lions swimming around.

The term ended with a wonderful visit to Zorba’s Greek restaurant where the children tried authentic Greek food and had lots of fun trying to master a rather energetic Greek dance.

Year 3 visited the Old Chapel in the Senior School to discover, research and sketch Sir Robert Falcon Scott’s sledge from the Terra Nova Antarctic Expedition. They were lucky enough to be joined by a real polar explorer, as Ernest Shackleton paid the children a visit to tell them all about his adventures in Antarctica. It was a brrrr-illiant way to end the pupils’ icy adventure.

N Gillett

At the start of the Summer Term, Maple Hall turned into a bustling agora from Ancient Greece. Year 3 travelled back in time to meet an Ancient Greek Master who taught them many cultural traditions. The newly-trained artisans had lots of fun making wax tablets to write their names on in Greek, carving soaps, making olive oil and creating medicine potions. The afternoon was spent performing dances, myths and fables and celebrating our achievements with a delicious Greek Feast consisting of Greek salad, fruit salad and baklava. As part of the Keeping Healthy Science topic, Year 3 enjoyed a visit from a dentist and learned about the importance of teeth and their different roles, as well as how to adopt good dental hygiene practices. They were able to handle dentists’ tools and explore their roles, finishing with a fantastic question and answer session.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Year 4 Year 4 have had a great year, studying three very different topics. In the Michaelmas term they learned all about the Tudors. To start off the topic, the famous time traveller, Professor McGinty came to visit. The pupils then went on a trip to Blakesley Hall in Birmingham to learn all about life as a servant in Tudor times and took part in a Tudor banquet, welcoming Henry VIII as their very special guest.

In the Summer Term the children had to undertake training so that they could apply for a position as one of Robin Hood’s Merry Men. From building dens and fires to making nettle soup, the children had a great time trying to achieve this challenge. Weekly visits to Forest School allowed them to make their own weapons and traps. Their skills were also tested on the threeday Bushcraft Camp where they got the opportunity to sleep under the stars in the dens that they had made. The pupils finished the topic with a campfire where they all received a certificate from Robin Hood – they had all gained a place to join his gang!

Year 4: India Afternoon

N Wingfield

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In the Lent term, our topic was Beyond the Great Wall – a study all about China. The children tried Chinese food - with some pupils even attempting to use chopsticks! They learned how to play Chinese music and researched some of the main tourist attractions in China. They finished the topic dressing up in traditional outfits for China Day and performed an assembly to their parents about everything they had learned.

Year 5 Year 5 pupils have enjoyed a number of visitors and exciting trips over the course of the year. As part of their Humanities topic on Invaders and Settlement, a Roman soldier called Titus Lustus visited the year group. The pupils particularly enjoyed learning Roman drill, weapon handling and charging at the teachers. They also visited the Roman Baths, where they looked at the mosaics, the statues and the various baths in the complex. They were also able to dress up in Roman togas and stolas, practise writing on wax tablets and handle historical artefacts such as a strigil, which was used in the baths to scrape off oil and dead skin.

Pupils had a fantastic finish to their Humanities topic on Aztecs and Mexico. They took part in ceremonial chanting, played Aztec instruments, dressed up in costumes and learnt many fascinating facts about the culture and history of the people.

I came, I saw, I conquered

(Julius Caesar)

To finish their time in Year 5, we had two active days out at Blackwell Adventure and Twycross Zoo, which were both enjoyable and exhausting! C Evans

Year 4: India Afternoon

Just before Christmas, all of Year 5 excitedly travelled to the Palace Theatre, Redditch to see Aladdin; everyone enjoyed booing loudly at the villain, Abanazaar, played by former Eastenders actor Todd Carty. Then, in January, we all had an exciting day out at the Young Voices concert in Birmingham, where the pupils were part of a 6,000-strong choir. The atmosphere was electric as we performed our repertoire ranging from Bon Jovi to English Folk Songs. The guest singer was the wonderful Stacey Solomon. The pupils were impeccably behaved and had a great day out.

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In November, four children attended the Douglas Buchanan Maths Challenge, where they had to complete twelve different calculation challenges, each one being five minutes long; they all performed admirably.

Year 6

Year 6 have enjoyed a busy and successful year. They have really matured and been a pleasure to spend time with.

Ye Ha!

After months of rehearsals, Year 6 staged an outstanding production of Ye-Ha! They captivated their audience and caused much laughter. With a cast and back stage crew of 75 pupils, it really was a great effort from the year group. Their singing filled the hall and their dance moves were very well received. The Stetson Stomp was a particular show pleaser. All of the cast and crew thoroughly enjoyed their experience and the magic of performance night. Ali Sparkes visited the Preparatory School in March. The children were mesmerized by her stories and amused at her anecdotes. She has now become a firm favourite as an author and fuelled their love of reading. In May, they travelled to Bewdley Museum to learn all about the Second World War, dressed as evacuees. After visiting the bomb shelter and setting off air raid sirens, Year 6 were evacuated on the Severn Valley railway. During the train ride, they had an impromptu performance of some of the songs from Ye-Ha! for the other passengers, which was wonderful.

At the end of the Summer Term, we spent three days in Dorset on a Bushcraft coastal residential trip. The children had an amazing time and they were an absolute pleasure to be with. The weather was extremely kind to us; enjoying blue skies and sunshine. Their adventure included sea kayaking, mackerel fishing, archery and much song singing. It was certainly a fantastic end to a wonderful year. S Cadwallader

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Pupils from Year 6 entertained their parents, staff and guests in the tale of Wilbur Hubard and his journey to becoming a hero and stopping the no-good McNut gang. There was singing, dancing, solos and whole-cast numbers in this lively and entertaining comedy. The children thoroughly enjoyed adopting the role of different characters and presenting the performance to a very appreciative audience.

At the end of the Michaelmas Term we visited the Palace Theatre in Redditch to watch a very funny performance of Aladdin. As usual, the pupils were a credit to themselves and were complimented on their exemplary behaviour.

Year 7

At the end of June, Year 7 pupils visited the well-known science exhibits at the Think Tank. This is an award winning museum in the centre of Birmingham. The centre is huge and has many interesting attractions, from robotics, large screens, in fact over 200 hands-on displays. Our teachers had previously described some of the activities that we would take part in and when we arrived I wanted to start exploring as quickly as possible.

We later moved to the IMAX auditorium. This was very impressive. Our group watched a fascinating film about the feeding of the great white sharks. These sharks are the most dangerous fish known to man. I particularly liked this and hope to find out more about this mammoth creature. We then moved floors, soon arriving at the LEGO section of the museum. Here we learnt a lot about robots and we were even allowed to programme them. We had to make them carry out specific tasks. One of the tasks was to programme the robot to travel in a certain direction and stop at a specific distance from the wall.

Next we visited the planetarium where we learnt much about our solar syste. This was the first time I had seen a 4D presentation. Incredible! Our busy day through the Think Tank kept getting more and more interesting by the minute. In the science garden we had to complete challenges like recycling and a knowledge quiz. The group thought that this was fun. Not long after the quiz we had to leave to return to School. A day at Think Tank was not enough, there is so much to see and I had learnt a great deal. We were still discussing the day when the coach pulled back into School. The Think Tank has something for all age groups and I thoroughly enjoyed my day. I am sure I will return with my family. All in all it was a great day and I am sure everyone enjoyed it as much as I did. Orla Walker

Year 7 have enjoyed a number of special year group events including Charities Week where they took part in football and netball matches, along with a cake sale. Later in the term there was a Geography Field Trip to the Wyre Forest and the popular trip to the Think Tank in Birmingham which was enjoyed by everyone who came along. At the beginning of March Year 7 pupils visited Belmont Abbey near Hereford to find out about medieval and modern monastic life. They had a tour of the monastery church, refectory and grounds and also observed the monks at midday prayer. The visit ended with a question and answer session where pupils could ask two of the monks about their lives and their reasons for choosing this vocation. It was a very informative and enjoyable day. The Year 7 pupils attended a field study day at The Wyre Forest Education centre during the last week of term. Field techniques were used to collect data on pond life, tree heights and age, and a measure of the environment quality of locations within the forest. The data collected will be used in the pupilsâ€™ controlled assessement projects that commence in September of Year 8. This vital piece of work will be an important rehearsal for those pupils who go on to take GCSE Geography in the future. G Clark

Exploring

Monastic Life

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First we visited the automobile floor which was at ground level. It featured many old and traditional vehicles. I discovered an aircraft that was made soon after WW1. It was very interesting to compare these modes of transport to what we commonly use today.

We soon had fun competing against each other, but sadly my robot crashed into another! Despite this I enjoyed this part of the day and hope to have similar experiences in the future. Over a refreshing lunch we caught up with friends and discussed our day. This was cool as they excitedly told us about some of their experiences.

Year 8 This year seems to have been busier than ever. Three full terms have flown by for over 120 pupils who should be very satisfied at the end of the year when they look back and actually take stock of what they have achieved. At the start of the Michaelmas Term, the pupils were very nervous and a tad shorter than they are now, but full of energy to see what life was going to be like as members of the eldest year group.

Prefects were soon appointed and spent a very entertaining working lunch with Mr Edwards, conversing about the Prep School. It was the talk of the School for the next couple of days.

Meanwhile, some other talented Year 8 girls took LAMDA examinations and passed. The amount of time, effort and preparation for this particular examination is unbelievable, considering how much else the children do.

Just before half term, Year 8 pupils were treated to a visit to Birmingham Hippodrome to see the highly-acclaimed stage production of War Horse, a visit they undertook to enhance the work covered in English about the First World War and the impact it had on the millions of horses as well as men who lost their lives. Miss Purver organised a visitor, Paul Harding, to help Year 8 pupils in their study of the impact of the English Civil War and to end the term, Year 8 were treated to a wonderful traditional Christmas lunch with the usual Bingo activity. This year we were highly entertained by the caller, aka Mr Wingfield. Some were desperately trying to get a ‘line’.

Year 8 are always extremely passionate and committed to Charities Week and this year did not disappoint. They threw themselves into becoming committee members, preparing for the week of activities – Year 8 have a long tradition of serving the very popular bacon butties and tasty pain au chocolat during break times. Year 8 also enjoyed a quiz, organised by Miss Read: this year was ‘Guess the Teachers’ Features’. Hilarious pictures circulated of random staff eyebrows and possibly a few wrinkles too- all for two very good causes!

The trip to the Somme in September was both poignant and moving, setting the scene for our expectations of Year 8: open to new challenges but respectful of the past.

During the Lent Term, Monitor and Prefect training took place to help pupils carry out their roles to the greatest effect. They learned how to ensure their peers kept to the rules just as much as any other pupil in school. This was aptly reinforced by a talk during their PSCHE lessons about Magistrates in the Community.

Monitors soon got into the routine of their roles and responsibilities, which varied from helping in the form rooms of Year 3 through to Year 6 on a daily basis. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing Year 8 Monitors at the front and back of form lines as they make their way to Chapel every Tuesday morning.

Many pupils also prepared themselves to take the various scholarship examinations and the highlight of the Lent term came when work started on the Year 8 production. This year it was the ever-entertaining Bugsy Malone. The stage was alive with splurge guns, American accents, much singing and dancing, making a fabulous two nights of entertainment for all.

Easter was a welcome break and rest for many, but not all, as some went on the ski trip to Fiesch with Mr Sutherland and his team of teachers all desperate to be in the snow, no sorry, on the snow! If they weren’t skiing, then some Year 8 pupils got the chance to practise their Spanish on Mrs Boardman’s trip to Barcelona. One might think, even hope, that the Summer Term might be a little less busy. However, it started in earnest with Kevin Mincher, a wonderfully entertaining motivational speaker helping the pupils to see that being successful does not necessarily mean a long, arduous battle to get there. This was aptly timed advice, just before the children took their end of year assessments; went to the Senior School for Induction days and found out their Senior School Houses.

Wearing the Head Girl badge on my blazer meant that at all times I was representing the School and I tried my utmost to be an excellent role model. I enjoyed reading the lessons at the Chapel services during Advent, Remembrance and Christmas. I have also been called to make speeches at the vote of thanks for Kevin Mincher who was an inspiring motivational speaker.

After their assessments, by way of a little respite, we went to the Hospitality Suite to work with the Loudmouth Theatre Company, who put on a performance entitled ‘My Mate Fancies You’. Pupils took part in workshops on puberty and transition topics. They also had the opportunity to meet sixth formers to work with them and had lunch with them too. The final week of term was upon us before we knew it and Year 8 spent an exhausting two days at Bear Creek Adventure Centre on Edgbaston Reservoir. Everyone had the chance to take part in canoeing, sailing, raft building and bushcraft. They had an absolutely fabulous time and then decided to go off the next day to Drayton Manor Park, which they absolutely would not have missed for the world! As the pupils came back down to earth from the roller coasters, they found that Thursday was another very busy day with end-of-term assembly, Chapel rehearsals for the Prize Giving on the final day of the year and a tear-jerking, celebratory assembly, superbly organised by Miss Read and Miss Hyland. There has never been a dull moment for these Year 8 pupils. Like many Bromsgrovians before them, they have seized all the exciting opportunities that came their way, making them a credit to their tutors and Head of Year. We wish them all the best for their transition to the Senior School and look forward to hearing of their many successes to come. E Mullan

Life as Head of School On the second day of the new academic year I was very fortunate to be chosen as Head Boy. Throughout the year I have been very happy and excited, carrying out the role to the best of my ability. The Heads of School and their deputies’ main role was to help launch the new Pupil Voice scheme, which helps pupils in all year groups to have an influence in School life. I also had another role where I was lucky enough to be a Year 3 Form Monitor which I really enjoyed. For me this was my best year at the Prep School and I wish I could do it again although I look forward to the Senior School. I would like to thank everyone for giving me this wonderful opportunity. Sam Osborne

Year 8 has been a very special and enjoyable experience. Being Head Girl has been a total privilege and an honour. If somebody had suggested to me when I joined the School in year 3 that in five years’ time I would be Head Girl I would not have believed them! We have worked well together and thankfully we all get along brilliantly. Each of us has presented to the Senior School’s Leadership Team and Governors and we have also visited the Pre-Prep to talk about their move to the Preparatory School. In addition I have been a member of the Charities Committee which has enabled us to plan fun, money-raising events for our chosen charities.

I have loved showing prospective parents and pupils around our School and explaining how lucky we are to have such a range of sporty, academic and musical opportunities. It has been not only an honour to have been chosen as Head Girl but the role has taught me much about myself and others and given me a real sense of achievement. It has also meant that the year has whizzed by. I send my very best wishes to the next girl who wears the badge and hope that she will enjoy her responsibilities as much as I have. Ella Gardner

Being Deputy Heads The position of Deputy Head Girl and Deputy Head Boy requires concentration, commitment and composure. The roles are ones that very few people get to experience throughout their School career. Generally speaking, we’ve learnt a lot, laughed a lot, cried not-so-much and grown a lot as people. Tristan and I would like to thank whoever decided to give us this brilliant opportunity because it’s made us into the people we are today. Nandini Bulchandani and Tristan Hall

Monitor Duty I have enjoyed being a monitor for Mrs Finnegan’s form, 6KF. Each day, I have been helping the pupils in the form by checking that they have their books and prep for lessons. I have also helped to create displays in the classroom. I have become rather close to the form and I will be sad to leave. Gabriella Fraser

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Ella Gardner, Sam Osborne, Nandini Bulchandani and Tristan Hall took up their appointments as Head Girl, Head Boy and deputies. They have been a superb team working on assemblies with Mrs Deval-Reed; helping to drive the new Pupil Voice forward; congratulating and thanking visitors; showing parents around and impressing them with their warmth and knowledge of the School and much, much more. Their roles have been on top of a very full, often overflowing curriculum and extra-curricular activities.

Year 8 Hippodrome Trip Review

Prefects’ Lunch

Festive Celebrations

Theme Park Fun

During October 2013, Year 8 went on an exciting trip out to the Birmingham Hippodrome, to watch the play War Horse. It was something that all of the year group was looking forward to, I know I certainly was!

Ten prefects including myself had lunch with Mr Edwards, the Headmaster of Bromsgrove School. During the extremely delicious lunch we talked about the Prep School and how we could improve it. We talked in a group about our worries for when we go up to the Senior School. The one worry we all agreed on was getting lost on the way to our lessons!

Of all the days of the School year, I believe many would say that going to Drayton Manor was one of the most enjoyable! After a week of exams and hard work in the previous half of term, it was a great way to relax and have fun with friends.

When we went into the Hippodrome, the theatre was alive with excitement and enthusiasm. Once seated, the lights went down whilst the tension rose. As the curtain went up, the whole theatre was silenced and the production began.

At the end of the Michaelmas Term, Year 8 had their annual bingo and Festive Lunch. We started by pulling the crackers that had been laid out for us all. The food was very nice and included turkey with all the trimmings, and the pudding, Chocolate Yule Log was particularly good.

The opening scene commenced with a horse on stage followed by a short and scarysounding gun shot. The sound made the whole audience jump in their seats. There were many more of those sounds to follow and each time the audience gasped. The first half of the performance was amazing, with the final scene before the interval left on a cliff-hanger. Everyone in the audience felt the tension as the play began in the second half. Although it was louder and scarier in the second half, I enjoyed it just as much. It was an amazing show and I wish I could go and see it again. Katherine Willetts

At the end of the lunch we all talked about the responsibilities of being a prefect and how we are trying to be good role models for the lower year groups. We really enjoyed the chance to have lunch with Mr Edwards and finished it off with a photo of all of us together. We then had to rush back to the Prep School and slip into lessons quickly as lunch over-ran a little, but we did not mind as we had such a lovely experience that will stay with us for a long time – what a privilege.

After lunch the Head Girl and Deputy Head said a big thank you to all of the catering staff and then we moved into the hall, which had been set up as a bingo hall. First we had to fill our corners, then a vertical line and finally a full house! We played two rounds of this, after which Mr Wingfield, who was the bingo caller, thought that a good half-time interlude would be a game of reverse bingo. We played about four rounds of this before settling down for the final game. The afternoon was very enjoyable, and it was a great way to end the term and I should think that everyone else would agree with me. Elyssa Jones and Zach Jeacock

Sophie Ward I felt very privileged to be invited along with other prefects to have lunch with Mr Edwards. We talked to him about how the Prep School could be improved and everyone had interesting things to say. We also talked about how the Senior School could be improved and we discussed the different sports and the academic lessons. I enjoyed the experience very much. Jessica Ward

One morning in June, we all set off to Drayton Manor Theme Park in search of a day of fun and excitement. Once there, the groups scattered around the park and explored the many rides. Some went straight to the adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters and some chose the more delicate route of mini games and the food stalls. Popular rides included the Apocalypse, Pandemonium, Maelstrom (my personal favourite) and Shockwave. We also managed to catch a glimpse of the teachers testing out the rides, it’s not often that you get to see them screaming like little children! At the end of the day we all returned either soaking wet, stuffed with hotdogs or carrying an oversized teddy on our shoulders. The end result of the trip was truly brilliant and I’d like to thank Mrs Mullan and all the other staff members for accompanying us and for giving us delightful memories of our time at the Prep School. Anya Butler

Lower Fourth Induction... To begin the day we arrived in our Houses between 8.00-8.15am for registration. After registration we got changed for PE and then the boys went to the LRC to have a meeting with Mr George about Lower Fourth games. We then went out onto the rugby pitches and did various exciting drills and matches. Once PE had finished we went back to our Houses for morning break and relaxed in our new common area, playing table tennis and pool. Soon after we went to our next lesson which for me was Design Technology. We had to redesign a mini website marketing page. Then we went to lunch in the Senior School Dining Room. Following lunch we had our final lesson which was Chemistry and we had to solve a murder using science. Finally everyone went to the Hospitality Suite to listen to Mr Bowen, the Deputy Headmaster and Miss Diver, Head of Lower Fourth. Before we knew it, it was the end of the day. Overall it was a very enjoyable and informative day in the Senior School. Ben Turner

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Year 8

Raft building was absolutely hilarious! We tested our rafts with a relay race. The first four mounted the raft and were given the oars. Then, we raced. We made a few mistakes on our first go - the push off was so hard that the raft nearly capsized. They finally made it around the barrel and back to us safely. Then it was my go. I got on and the second we began, I fell off|! We then had to find a way to balance on a barrel together for no less than five seconds and after about twenty minutes of watching us fall off and get wet, our instructor told us to try one person on at a time. And once we figured out how to do this, Shawnie, my partner, became a master at it.

After lunch we were taken to the bushcraft activity. When we arrived, we were told to get into groups of six and start collecting things that we could burn like sticks and wood. Once we had done this, we were taught how to make a fire. With these fires, we popped popcorn and cooked bread. I think that most will agree with me and say that popping corn was by far the best activity. Overall, we all had a great day at Bear Creek and I know that my dad will be taking me there again! Katherine Willetts

Bear Creek

Later that afternoon we went to the Sports Hall for a question and answer session with the Sixth Formers in our Houses. It was a very useful time because we could ask them anything about the Senior School.

After the speech we were split up into two different groups. Group One went to watch the performance in the Hospitality Suite whilst Group Two went to the Humanities block for a workshop. During this workshop we each drew a timeline of our lives and filled it in from our past to what we want in the future. When we had finished our timeline the group were split up into smaller groups of three or four. In these groups we wrote a letter to a pretend magazine help page about one of the problems that face teenagers today. We then wrote a response to one of the other groupâ€™s letters.

It was a very interesting day. Thank you Mrs Mullan for arranging this day. Also thank you to Mrs George for holding our groupâ€™s workshop and making it such fun! And thanks to the Sixth Form for spending the day with us. Daisy Scott

After the workshop we had lunch with the Sixth Form pupils in the Senior School Dining Hall. In the afternoon the groups swapped their tasks. The performance was about what happens to people during puberty. When the performance was over we split into boys and girls to talk about what happened during the play and the changes that happened to both of the characters.

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Near to the end of the Summer Term, Year 8 set off on a journey to Bear Creek. Once we arrived, we were split into our Senior School Houses and went off to do our first activity.

On Friday 23rd May, Year 8 visited the Senior School for an interesting day with the Loudmouth Theatre Company. The day started in the Lecture Theatre with a speech from Miss Leech.

“Charlie! Yonkers! It’s a double cross”

Drama

Year 8 pupils at Bromsgrove Preparatory School hugely enjoyed performing their eagerly-anticipated production of Bugsy Malone. The cast and crew had been rehearsing since November and were keen to get the chance to showcase all their hard work: singing, dancing and splurging each other! Sir Alan Parker’s famous story of children dressed as gangsters is always popular but Director Estella Lightfoot successfully mixed the 1920s with the twenty-first century to produce a truly original version. After all, every gangster needs an iPhone!

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Music

House Singing Competition

Summer Concert

Preparations for our Fifth Annual Prep School House Singing Competition went very well. With numerous rehearsals through the first half of term, we prepared for the final in Routh Hall in November. The standard was phenomenal this year, and Mr McKelvey, our adjudicator, had an extremely difficult job deciding on the winning house. Congratulations to Watt on their success.

The School year was beautifully finished by an exciting array of music in our Summer Concert on June 13th in Cobham Hall. There was a vibrant and wonderful atmosphere and all students thoroughly enjoyed their performances, which were well received by a large and welcoming audience.

Young Voices In January, the whole of Year 5 performed in the Young Voices Concert at the LG Arena. The students sang a wide variety of music and had great fun singing with the likes of Stacey Soloman. It was wonderful to have the whole year group singing to such a high standard.

n or J i e r S n o u

It was fantastic to see a third of the Prep School involved and some wonderful performances from the following groups: Choir, Steel Pan Groups, Rock Band, Ukulele Group, Singsgrove, Jazz Band, Orchestra and Flute Group. This year, the Prep School also held a Junior Summer Concert, which was a huge success. Junior Choir (now 65 strong), sung beautifully in parts and Junior Band and Brass Group were huge hits with the audience.

AND

House Music

Competition was fierce in both the Junior and Senior Music Competitions this year. There were some truly wonderful performances and congratulations to all who took part.

Junior Winners:

Senior Winners:

Luke Bond (Strings) Devraj Bulchandani (Percussion) Lucy Arnold (Woodwind) Jensen Bond (Voice) Sebastian Harrison (Brass) Keira Sehdeva (overall winner â€“ Violin)

Charles Sapwell (Brass) Joshua Osborn-Patel (Strings) Joshua Lawson (Woodwind) Emily Lyle (Voice) Max Campbell (Percussion) Jude Wynter (overall winner â€“ Piano)

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Trips

LEST WE FORGET A Battlefield Tour to Remember...

We completed the Circuit of Remembrance on Friday afternoon. This involved a visit to Thiepval, the world’s largest Commonwealth War Memorial. The sheer size and number of names on this memorial (72,000) was humbling for all. We were able to lay wreaths for the Old Bromsgrovians lost on the Somme and special mention was made of Private Daniel Deval (Mrs Deval-Reed’s great uncle) of the East Surrey Regiment who died on 1st July 1916 at the Battle of the Somme. We also visited Newfoundland Memorial Park where Canadians are remembered and honoured by a statue of a caribou. One of the most thought provoking places we visited was the Lochnagar Crater where many men lost their lives trying to mine under enemy lines. We were amazed by the largest crater man has created in anger. Today, the crater is preserved as a grave and a timely reminder of the horrors of war.

We spent the evening in a typical French restaurant where we were able to sample local cuisine and speak a little ‘Franglais’. The night was spent in a hotel built especially for young visitors to the area- Poppies D ‘Albert. After a typical French breakfast on Saturday morning, we walked into Albert to visit the 1916 Somme Museum. This is an amazing museum built in a system of underground tunnels which the locals used to shelter from bombs during WW2. We marvelled at machine guns, uniforms, trench equipment and more besides. We were even treated to a dark, damp, noisy experience in a mock trench! Lastly, we visited the Memorial to the Fallen at Vimy Ridge. This was a huge construction, built by the people of Canada. We were able to walk through some more trenches here too but also through some underground tunnels. This open air museum gave us a real sense of what life was like in the trenches and on the battlefield. We saw a field gun too, carefully preserved. Year 8 returned to Bromsgrove, tired but happy and safe. We have lots of memories and also a lot of empathy with the young men who made a similar journey nearly one hundred years ago. Their name liveth for ever more. E Lightfoot

Ski 2014 This year’s ski trip was another very successful trip with eighty very passionate skiers leaving Bromsgrove for an epic adventure. Coach journeys are never easy however this one seemed to rush by. Fiesch Town certainly had no hint of winter, fortunately the mountain held its secret well and was thick with snow. The snow certainly held for most of the day which provided the students with plenty of skiing opportunities. Our students’ behaviour was exemplary and certainly promoted an excellent image of Bromsgrove School. We are all definitely looking forward to next year’s trip to Davos with more glorious sunshine and snow. P Sutherland

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One hundred and twenty pupils from Year 8 set off to the Somme area of Northern France in late September 2013. Our departure time was 6am and although we felt tired, we knew we were off to a safe environment to enjoy ourselves, unlike the young men of nearly one hundred years ago who were sent to the Front Line during the War To End All Wars.

Athletics

Girls’ Athletics

Boys’ Athletics Fourteen leading athletes from Years 7 and 8 took part in the first round of this year’s ESAA National Track and Field Cup. Every performance is scored based on a points table so the faster you run, the more points you score. We started off on the field events and then moved onto the track.

The performance of the afternoon came from Nicolas Jakobsen in the discus with a new Year 7 School record of 28.83 metres, which is over two metres further than the previous record. There were new personal best times for Charlie Sapwell and Jacob Lowe in the 1500 metres. The points tally of 395 was the third highest in the region from eight counties and enabled us to qualify for the Midland A final.

After a phenomenal effort on the track we were only three points behind Northampton School for Boys at the half-way stage. The field events however proved to be our undoing as we were down in about four events, although there were new personal best performances from Harry Thompson and James Moody in the high jump, Andreas Frangeskou in the long jump, Vasilii Borisov in the discus and Gleb Kondratayev in the triple jump. With just the relay to go we were still only three points behind Northampton. Despite running the fastest relay time for thirteen years, it was still not enough to qualify and we missed out from qualifying by just three points. To put this into perspective, that’s one more centimetre in the discus

and two more centimetres in the long jump, such small margins. At the time of writing, the School is ranked 13th in England out of just over 500 schools who competed in the first round. In the Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Athletics Championships, Charlie Sapwell became only the 3rd Prep School Bromsgrovian boy over the last thirteen years to run under the magic 5 minutes for the 1500 metres in a time of 4 minutes 59.3 seconds. Charlie was running against the best Year 9 pupils in the county and came home in 8th place. In late June, forty-one of our leading athletes from Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 travelled to Tilsley Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire to take part in the Mercia Area meeting. Our athletes were trying to qualify for the National IAPS Finals and there were numerous personal best performances. The following qualified for the National Finals: Year 8 Ben Turner 800 metres (PB) Charlie Sapwell 1500 metres (4th triple jump) Gleb Kondratayev long jump (PB) (2nd triple jump) Joe Harper javelin (6th 200 metres) Year 7 Nicolas Jakobsen shot put (new School record) discus Jake Lowe 800 metres

Other athletes who finished in the top six: Year 8 Jeerome Chipondene 3rd javelin Harry Thompson 4th 75m hurdles Vasilii Borisov 4th discus 5th 800m (PB) James Moody 5th 75m hurdles (PB) Andreas Frangeskou 5th 400m (PB) Thomas Maidment 5th 1500m (PB) Daniel Webber Goldsby 5th shot put (PB) Lewis Maddox 5th 200m Zachary Jeacock 6th long jump Year 7 Pearce Childs 3rd long jump (PB) Artur Levashov 4th 100m (PB) 4th 70m hurdles (PB) Joel Kordan 5th discus (PB) Years 5 and 6 Vinay Nayak 3rd 70m hurdles (broke a 24 year old School record) Nikhil Gour 6th shot (PB) Our junior 4x100 metres relay team of Vinay Nayak, Teddy Broadhurst, Oliver Walker and Mitchell Hare finished in 3rd position overall. Our senior boys 4x100 metres relay team of Gleb Kondratayev, Lewis Maddox, Zachary Jeacock and Joseph Harper finished in 6th position overall. Many congratulations to everyone who acquitted themselves very well at this very high-calibre athletics fixture.

A superb day for the Prep School girls at the ESAA Midland Round. They began with the field events and produced some outstanding cumulative scores including: Lydia Wright Emily Gieron Olivia Corcoran Elyssa Jones

Javelin 21.38m Shot 8.77m Hurdles 13.8 sec Hurdles 13.6 sec. Discus 21.00m

At the end of the field events we were in a strong position with 178 points. The track produced even more exciting results with three PBs: Lauren Whensley 100m 13.8 sec (PB) Orla Walker 1500m 5.18m (PB) Kitty Luscombe 1500m 5.26m (PB) Mollie Trow came 2nd in the 800m 2.37 seconds. The combined team score of 388 points meant that the girls won the Midland Round, thus going forward to the National Finals. Well done to all girls for an amazing achievement. As ever, our huge thanks go to Bob Skipp who helps to coach these girls to such a high standard. Six Year 8 girls were selected to represent Bromsgrove District at the County athletics championships at Nunnery Wood; an impressive achievement against Year 9 athletes from the Worcestershire area.

Mollie Trow came 8th in the 800m (2.48 m), and 3rd in long jump (4.12m), Jess Ward competed in the long jump, Elyssa Jones competed in the 200m and came 4th in the discus (20.32m), Lydia Wright competed in the javelin, Ella Gardner came equal 7th in high jump (1.15m), and Emily Gieron was selected for three events which is very special achievement – shot (4th – 8.33m), hurdles (3rd – 12.9secs) and also competed in the discus. Several of our top girl athletes from Year 6 – 8 competed in the Regional IAPS athletics round. Well done to all pupils but especially to the girls who qualified for National finals: Emily Gieron in two events, Orla Walker, Kitty Luscombe, Siena Horton, Elyssa Jones, Lauren Whensley. Hurdles Finals Emily Gieron - 1st place in 12.19 secs. Through to the National Finals Jessica Ward - 7th place in 14.96 secs Olivia Corcoran - 2nd place in 12.34 secs Maisie Hucker - 3rd place in 12.69 secs Emily Gittoes - 8th place in 16.3 secs Alice Liversidge - 7th place in 15.42 secs 1500m Orla Walker - 2nd place in 5 mins 21.89 secs. Through to National Finals Mary Kuveava - 7th place in 6 mins 11 secs Cerys Boothroyd - 8th place Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins - 11th place

100m Finals Lauren Whensley - Regional champion and through to the National Finals 200m Finals Ella Gardner - 4th place Kate Morrice - 7th place Niamh Middleton - 8th place 300m Mollie Trow - 46.84 secs in 2nd place Jess Ward - 50.92 secs in 5th place 800m Siena Horton - 2nd place in 2 mins 45 secs. Through to the National Finals Kitty Luscombe - 1st place in 2 mins 39 secs. Through to the National Finals Grace Dieppe - 4th place in her heat in 2 mins 55 secs. 12th overall Ariana Jones - 2nd place in her heat in 2 mins 46 secs. 5th overall Jess Fullard - 3rd place in her heat Long Jump Kate Morrice - 4.13 m in 3rd place Charlotte Harmer - 3.73 m in 7th place Mollie Trow - 4.02 m in 9th place Jess Ward - 3.64 m in 13th place Ariana Jones - 3.48 m in 14th place Eloisa Borriello - 2.77 m in 21st place Triple Jump Elyssa Jones : 9.68m - a new School record. Through to National Finals

High Jump Tilly Broadhurst - 1.05 m Grace Dieppe - 1.05 m Charlotte Harmer - 1.20m Ella Gardner - 1.25 m in 3rd place Shot put Lauren Whensley - 7.20m, 3rd overall Lydia Wright - 8.26m, 6th overall Tilly Giles - 6.93m in 8th place Emily Gittoes - 5.14m in 13th place Claudia Bullock - 4.92m in 14th place Emily Gieron - 8.92m winning the event and breaking the School record. Through to National finals Discus Martha Edge - 17.94 m in 4th place Nicol Green - 16.94 m in 6th place Sophia Hodges - 13.66 m in 8th place Sadie Gardner - 12.8m in 10th place Javelin Olivia Corcoran - 23.72m in 3rd place Lydia Wright - 20.83m in 4th place Tilly Giles - 21.98m in 5th place Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins - 14.14m in 5th place Sophie Ward - 15.63m in 7th place Victoria Moberley - 11.00m in 9th place U14 relay squad of Emily Gieron, Molly Trow, Elyssa Jones and Ella Gardner came 1st in their heat and 2nd overall.

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Our leading athletes were: Joe Harper 41 points (Javelin and 300 metres) Harry Thompson 36 points (80 metres hurdles and triple jump) Ben Turner 35 points (800 metres and shot put) Gleb Kondratayev 34 points (100 metres & long jump) Zachary Jeacock 32 points (200 metres and triple jump) Lewis Maddox 31 points (200 metres and discus) Kieran Brinn 31 points (300 metres and shot)

Next on the agenda was the Midland A Final and the combined Years 7 and 8 athletics team took part in this. The track events could not have gone any better. First up were Charlie Sapwell and Jake Lowe, who clocked the two fastest times in the same 1500 metres race and recorded more points in this event than we have ever done in the thirty-five year history of the competition. Next up were the sprinters where Zachary Jeacock, Gleb Kondratayev, Lewis Maddox, Jeerome Chipondene, Joseph Harper and Andreas Frangeskou all gained personal best times. This was backed up by new personal bests for Ben Turner and Vasilii Borisov in the 800 metres and Harry Thompson and Kieran Brinn in the 80 metres hurdles.

Iaps Nationals Twelve of our leading athletes from Years 7 and 8 took part in this year’s IAPS National Championships. The standard was once more incredibly high and it keeps getting tougher to win medals here every year. The Year 7 boys’ 800m winning time was the second fastest time run anywhere in the UK this year for the distance, and this was very typical of the standard in all events.

Charlie Sapwell, Year 8, brought the curtain down on an amazing record over cross-country and the 1500m by claiming a very hard-fought bronze medal in the in a time of 4 minutes 46.14 seconds, just missing the School record by a second. Charlie is officially the second fastest 1500 metres runner ever at the Preparatory School. There were numerous other personal best performances and everyone should be congratulated on their involvement in the competition. G Jones

Boys’ Awards

Girls’ Awards

Years 7 and 8 Senior Colours Vasilii Borisov Kieran Brinn Jeerom Chipondene Andreas Frangeskou Joe Harper Nicolas Jakobsen Zachary Jeacock Gleb Kondratayev Jake Lowe Lewis Maddox Chris Perry Charlie Sapwell Harry Thompson Ben Turner Most Outstanding Athlete Harry Thompson Most Improved Athlete Vasilii Borisov Andreas Frangeskou

Years 7 and 8 Senior Colours Emily Gieron Lydia Wright Elyssa Jones Mollie Trow Ella Gardner

Years 5 and 6 Junior Colours Mitchell Hare Vinay Nayak Luke Warren

Junior Half Colours Cerys Boothroyd Eloisa Borriello Tilly Broadhurst Claudia Bullock Emily Gittoes Sofia Hodges Alice Liversidge Francesca Mellor Victoria Moberley Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins

Half Colours Nikhil Gour Lewis Harper Teddy Venables Oliver Walker Most Outstanding Athlete Most Improved Athlete

Vinay Nayak Lewis Harper

Emily Gieron (right) - equal 2nd highest points scorer

Senior Half colours Jessica Ward Jessica Fullard Sophie Ward Most Outstanding Athlete Emily Gieron Most Improved Athlete Jessica Fullard Years 5 and 6 Junior Colours Ariana Jones Grace Dieppe Sadie Gardner

Most Outstanding Athlete Ariana Jones Most Improved Athlete Sadie Gardner

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Just as in 2013, Nicolas Jakobsen from Year 7 once again stole the headlines for Bromsgrove retaining his National titles in both the discus and the shot put. In the discus he extended his own School record by over three metres with his best throw of 31.11 metres. Nicolas completed his double success by also winning the shot with a throw of 11.24 metres. Nicolas’ performances now rank him as number one and two for these two events respectively on the National powerof10.net website, which is an incredible achievement. As if this was not enough, Nicolas was congratulated at the end by none other than double Olympic Decathlon Champion, Daley Thompson.

Athletics

Cricket

In contrast, the semi-final saw the team put in possibly their most complete performance of the year against Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Wakefield, winning by a massive 162 runs, thanks in part to a fantastic bowling display from Ben Humphries, which included a memorable hat trick. The strength of this team is without doubt the sum of all its parts, there are no weak links.

Bunbury Cup National Final Runners Up

We always believed that this U13A team had the potential to do something special this season and thanks to their hard work, hours of practice and team spirit, they have done just that. They played fourteen games, winning twelve and losing just two; one against a full county side and one against a touring side when four players were representing the school at the ESSA National athletics.

The team made it through to the David English/Bunbury Cup National Cricket final for the first time in the School’s history, a truly remarkable achievement. On the run to the final they convincingly beat Denstone College by 107 runs and Packwood Haugh by 103 runs, before fighting back from the death to beat a strong Magdalen College School team by just 8 runs. The quarter-final was a lowscoring, nervous affair that saw Bromsgrove chase 57 to win by 7 wickets.

M Burchett

U13C

U12A/2nd XI

U12B XV

Depth is the best way to describe the U13B side. All of the players would be a strong substitute to our very successful first team. I have been immensely proud of the way the boys played through the season and it has been a pleasure to spend over one hundred hours with these boys in the form of games and practices. Each boy contributed to the positive attitude which is so highly valued as a Bromsgrove sportsman; without this cricket’s proud traditions would degenerate as seen in many other games worldwide.

The U13C team had an enjoyable and highly successful season. In our opening match versus Abberley Hall 5th XI we won by 74 runs. Captain Frederick Edge top-scored with 50 retired and he was well supported by Sam Delaney-Hall’s 29. Our second match versus Dean Close was also won by 124 runs. Playing Foremarke Hall’s U13B XI was always going to be a tough ask. We posted a score of 90/9 in our twenty-five overs with Alfie Broadhurst, 23 runs, and Thomas Anning, 20 runs, being our two main contributors with the bat on the day. Foremarke were confident of reaching the required 91 runs to win but fell just short on 74/10 off 23.4 overs.

The record of played eleven, won eight and lost only three reflects a season of much promise for next year. However the three defeats were all very close and for one more batsman to score 20-plus runs would have meant victory. Unfortunately one of those defeats means we will not contest the Bunbury Schools’ Cup next season.

The U12B Cricket team have had a good season, winning six out of their nine games. Joel Kordan has been our most consistent batsman, getting in to the 20s in four of our matches and hitting a good number of boundaries on the way. Jack Scott also contributed in several games.

Many highlights flash through my memory as I ponder over the U13B season; the most memorable are Alex Waplington’s 40 and Thomas Borriello’s 34 to smash us out of an imminent defeat against Old Swinford. Other good scores include Will Pearson’s 40 against Loughborough School, Chris Osborne’s 55 vs Warwick, Charlie McGary’s 89 vs Dean Close and definitely Guy Slater’s 93 vs Monmouth. Excellent bowling figures; Alex Waplington’s stats of 26 overs, 55 runs and 9 wickets and Will Pearson with 17 overs, 53 runs, 5 maidens and 3 wickets. Cricket is about wickets however reducing runs and frustrating batsmen into not making runs is equally important. This has definitely been one of my best cricket teams for years. And my advice to all of the players is to continue to play cricket as they have done so this year. P Sutherland

Our leading bowlers on the day were Ishwar Puna and Thomas Eaves with two apiece and one each for Kameron Bassi, Thomas Anning, Alfie Broadhurst, Ben Payne and Sam McCabe. Our match versus Winterfold was rained off. It was great to see three players promoted to play for the U13B team during the course of the season. G Jones

The most rewarding victory came against Warwick School where Callum Lee and Elliot Mason batted sensibly to chase down 138 runs. Mason was the pick of the bowlers of the season with good support from spinner Joe Colebrook. The batting was led by Euan Vaughan-Hawkins who scored a well deserved 53 in our final game against Solihull. R Widdop

Joshua Osborn-Patel has had the best allround performance of the season taking 3 wickets in 3 overs and scoring 26 against Bilton Grange. The best bowling performances came from different players most weeks with Liam Hunt and Thomas Reynolds both taking 4 wickets in a match. It was great to see more than twenty boys representing the B Team this year and I have been very impressed with their enthusiasm and hard work all season. G Clark

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

1st XI & U13A

Evan Lewis has captained the side with a level of tactical understanding not normally seen at U13 level and he has been the rock at the start of the innings, scoring 342 runs at an average of 34.20, the highlight being his fantastic 100 not out against Warwick. James Moody, Ben Turner, Harry Thompson, Joe Harper and Morgan Bennett have also made telling contributions with the bat throughout the season. Nearly every member of the team has contributed with the ball, with only two players not taking wickets throughout the season. I was particularly impressed with the off-spin of Tom Maidment (16 wickets) and the consistency of Zachary Hughes (12 wickets) who should both take massive confidence from their role in this successful season. Overall, this has been a season to remember, the whole squad have contributed to the success of the team and it has been a pleasure to work with them. I wish them all the success in the future.

U13B

Cricket U11A

At this time of year, of course, it is customary to give out awards but such is the strength in depth of this side that almost anyone could have picked up an award of some kind. For instance, most improved players included Jakob Heptinstall, whose catching was weak at the start of the season, but later developed a reliable pair of hands, holding on to good catches, and also chipped in with some strong bowling performances, taking a key wicket in the final game. Ethan Hales became an important player, opening the bowling in the final match, while Thomas Holroyd added another string to his bow with his increasingly effective off-spin. Another player who has improved tremendously is Luke Warren, our most accurate, reliable bowler and who will be greatly missed next year, as will Thomas Spring, a key member of our successful 8-a-side team.

U11B Perhaps the most improved player, however, was Lewis Harper, whose belligerent batting and lethal spin bowling has turned him into a very promising all-rounder. As for the outstanding player, we already knew at the start of the season that we were blessed with an unusual abundance of talent. Nikhil Gour is a technically strong batsman with an unusual, but effective, bowling action, while Oliver Walker is an extremely promising, destructive batsman and an outstanding fielder. There is no doubt that they remain very promising cricketers with even more successful seasons ahead of them. Mitchell Hare was a tremendous addition to the team, an aggressive, confident batsman and a hostile fast bowler, he had a very good season, averaging 40 with the bat and 15 with the ball, while at the same time hinting that there is even more to come. Another very promising cricketer is Harrison Meadows who is a revelation behind the stumps and could go on to be a top-class wicket-keeper. He is also one of the most talented batsmen of his age that I have seen in a while, a comment that could equally be applied to Rhys Evans. Rhys is a fine bowler, a very good fielder and a brilliant batsman, whose (possibly unprecedented) undefeated century in the last match of the season was a joy to behold as he played classic shots all around the park in his usual elegant manner. D Pover

The U11B team have had a fantastic season winning four out of their five matches and playing some excellent cricket. Strong performances at home against Abberley Hall and Dean Close started the season strongly. This was followed by two away fixtures against Foremarke Hall and Warwick. The toughest match of the season away at Warwick Prep was the only loss of the season, and the first in single-wicket format. However, the team bounced back and a comprehensive victory against Bilton Grange was fully deserved. The boys have come on a long way especially in the field where our ability to catch and run out opposition was easily of an A team standard. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this age group throughout the season and wish them all the best for their cricket in the future. T Westray

U11C

U10A

U10B

Senior Awards

Junior Awards

The U11C team has had a mixed but largely positive season, playing four, winning two and losing two. The season showed marked improvement in technique in all aspects of the game, but particularly in bowling and fielding. Both wins were convincing, primarily due to restricting Dean Close and Bilton Grange to less than 100 runs.

This year it was a privilege to manage the U10A cricket team. The boys are a great bunch of players who have always attended training and given nothing less than 100% in every game. Due to the weather, we were not able to play all of our fixtures, however we did manage to play five and win three.

The U10B side have enjoyed a number of games this season, experiencing both victories and narrow defeats. All of the fixtures have been pairs matches with the majority using a softball on the astro. However, the final game of the season gave the boys the opportunity to use a proper cricket ball.

Colours Rhys Evan Mitchell Hare Harrison Meadows

Most of the boys learnt to bowl but Stuart Shannon, Freddie Fallows and Devraj Bulchandani were the most improved. On the batting side, again every boy learnt and batted well with Stuart Shannon, Elliot Willetts and Luke Bond making good progress.

Throughout the season the batting has been strong, but it is the bowling which has shown the most improvement and ultimately contributed to our victories. The number of wides and no balls that the boys bowled dramatically decreased from the start to the end of the season, and this is down to their hard work and concentration in training.

Colours Morgan Bennett Joe Harper Zachary Hughes Ben Humphries Evan Lewis Tom Maidment James Moody Harry Thompson Ben Turner

Best Batsman

Harrison Meadows

Half Colours Pearce Childs Elliot Mason Charlie Smart Richard Vaughan

Best Bowler

Mitchell Hare

Best Fielder

Oliver Walker

If the boys continue to improve their discipline in the field, and develop their batting skills more, they will be a real force in C team cricket next year. Particular performers this year include Aakash Thapa Magar who made appearances for the B team and George Wiggins whose performance has often carried the team. In the field Pavandeep Sandu has made real improvements to his ground based fielding, and Nathan Summers has shown real effectiveness as a boundary fielder. J Grumball

I would like to thank Mr Munn for his coaching help this year and a big thank you to all of the players who made the season enjoyable. S Ruwers

Whilst all of the boys have contributed in some way, special mention must go to Leo Mellor and Teddy Broadhurst, who have taken the highest number of wickets and also proved to be very handy with the bat, and Will Lewis Jones who has captained the side excellently, and who has probably been our best fielder throughout. Well done to all who have played for the U10B side this season. J Bates

Best Batsman (The Paul Greetham Cup)

Evan Lewis

Best Bowler

Ben Humphries

Best Fielder

Tom Maidment

Half Colours Lewis Harper Luke Warren

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

The U11A team have had a very successful season, only losing once and winning all their other matches convincingly. There are some outstanding individual players in the team and I was delighted to see that all of the players made significant contributions, worked hard to improve, played with good energy, enthusiasm and commitment and seemed to thoroughly enjoy their cricket. In every match we were able to ensure that everyone got a bowl and, as they are all good fielders, we were certainly carrying no passengers.

Cross-Country Boys’ Team This has been a very frustrating season for cross-country in many ways with all junior fixtures for Years 5 and 6 cancelled due to the weather and the condition of our grounds. It was particularly frustrating that the National Preparatory Schools’ Championships were cancelled at Malvern College in March as we had a strong senior boys’ team on paper with Jake Lowe, a new starter in Year 7, looking like a great addition to the team. The Year 7 and 8 boys combined ESAA National Cup team struggled in the first round, hosted at our Senior School, with the main highlight being Charlie Sapwell winning and equalling the course record. Indeed Charlie has been the focus of attention for the boys’ cross-country this year with his other achievements including the following:

• •

U14 District Champion 8th at Herefordshire and Worcestershire County Championships gaining selection for county team 123rd/300 runners at United Kingdom Inter Counties Championships at Cofton Park, Birmingham 224/300 runners at English School’s Championships at Donnington

Charlie is believed to be the first Preparatory School boy to have gained a county vest at U14 level while still only a Year 8 pupil.

What a season this has been for Hockey at Bromsgrove Preparatory School. Highlights include:

Girls’ Team Other Year 7 and 8 boys who ran at the county championships were Tom Maidment and Morgan Hammond. Benjamin Turner and Jacob Mann had also gained selection but were unable to participate. We have a promising group of Year 7 boys emerging - Alfie Peel, Jake Lowe and Artur Levashov who will hopefully be the cornerstone of a strong senior boys’ team next year. As always a big thank you to Mr Skipp for his endless enthusiasm, coaching and supporting our athletes throughout the year. G Jones

Echoing the frustrations of the boys’ cross country team, it has also been a disappointing season for girls mainly due to the weather preventing some of our important events from taking place. However, earlier on in the year, Bromsgrove hosted the first round of the ESAA Cross Country Competition against eight other schools in the Hereford and Worcestershire area. Our six top runners from Year 7 and 8 did exceptionally well to finish in second place behind Cheltenham Ladies’ College with only 5 points separating the two teams. In this event, Mollie Trow came 6th, Orla Walker 7th, Kitty Luscombe 12th, Siena Horton 13th, Ella Gardner 17th and unfortunately Nicol Green had to retire injured. This meant that the girls had qualified for the Midlands round in Warrington. Despite the boggy conditions on the day of the Warrington event, the team came in 4th position with 76 points behind Shrewsbury with 33 points, Bridgewater with 52 and Fallibroome Academy with 68. Despite just narrowly missing out in a place in the National Finals, the girls cannot be faulted on their determination – well done to Mollie Trow 12th, Orla Walker 17th, Kitty Luscombe 19th, Siena Horton 28th, Jess Ward 31st and Ella Gardner 49th. We look forward to building on this success next year.

Mollie Trow, Jessica Ward and Sophie Ward also represented the District at the Hereford and Worcestershire County Championships at Hereford. Remembering they were competing against Year 9 pupils they did exceptionally well - Mollie 14th, Jessica 17th and Sophie 24th.

• 142 matches played, excluding tournaments, over a ten week period (37 matches Year 8, 46 Year 7, 31 Year 6 and 20 Year 5) • All boys in Years 4,5 & 6 have played hockey for the School at least once; • First ever U9 hockey fixture where all the boys played;

J Danks

Awards

• Between 12-14 teams playing regularly on Wednesdays;

Boys Most Outstanding Runner: Charlie Sapwell

• U13D and U12D teams represented the School in a county tournament;

Most Improved Runner:

Benjamin Turner

Colours:

Charlie Sapwell

Half Colours: Benjamin Turner Tom Maidment Jacob Mann Morgan Hammond Girls Most Outstanding Runner: Mollie Trow Most Improved Runner:

Ella Gardner

Colours: Mollie Trow Jessica Ward Sophie Ward Half Colours:

Ella Gardner

For most of our teams their defeats came when playing against other schools’ higher teams. The U13A team have had a good season, winning six of their nine matches and regaining the Foremarke Hall invitational 7s tournament for the fourth year in a row. Unfortunately they came just short at the IAPS Midlands Qualifiers, losing in the quarter-finals. However, this was put into context when the three teams that qualified from this region went on to take the spoils at the National Finals, with Dean Close beating Bilton Grange in the final and Foremarke Hall winning the plate competition.

The team made excellent progress throughout the rest of the season, with wins against Foremarke Hall and Bilton Grange in block fixtures, 2-1 and 3-1 respectively and ending Bilton Grange’s long unbeaten record. The squad have been a pleasure to work with this year and I have been delighted with their progress, not just as individual hockey players, but also as a team. The U12s have had a superb season with the A team playing seventeen fixtures before embarking on the tour to Gresham’s Prep School in Norfolk. During the season they only lost three fixtures. The B team has enjoyed similar success winning thirteen of their games, drawing two and losing just two. The Cs and Ds were equally as strong as we look forward to the results next year.

The move from U10 to U11 was once again a huge leap for pupils. The season started with Mr Ruwers, Mr Dudley and myself rotating many boys in a variety of positions in order to find the best team of players from the whole squad. We have been delighted by the progress made overall and especially by pupils who had played very little hockey but have worked so hard to reach the standard of our A team. Our tournaments were a little disappointing in that we kept many clean sheets but did not convert our scoring chances into goals. However, tournaments are a great way to see how adaptable the team is and how our team is able to deal with a wide variety of tactics from teams we rarely play. The skills the boys have gained and the tactics they have developed will stand them all in good stead to challenge for places in the senior teams next year. M Burchett and G Jones

Senior Awards Outstanding Player:

Harry Thompson

Most Improved Player:

Alfie Broadhurst

Colours: Ben Turner Harry Thompson Half Colours: Jo Harper Lewis Maddox Thomas Maidment Alfie Broadhurst Thomas Borriello

Junior Awards Outstanding Player:

Matthew Bull

Most Improved Player:

Mitchell Hare

Colours: James Bateman Oliver Walker Matthew Bull Half Colours: Harrison Meadows Rhys Evans

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

• •

Boys’ Hockey

Girls’ Hockey For the U13 girls’ team it has been a mixed season with high points mixed with some disappointments. The girls played a mixture of 7-a-side and 11-a-side fixtures and have had more success in the smaller-sided game. They have played nine fixtures with four wins, four losses and one draw. In tournaments, Bromsgrove came away with silver medals at Foremarke Hall Tournament, Bromsgrove Tournament and in the IAPS Northern finals.

The U13B team have had a fun and encouraging season, playing several matches and showing great improvement. The highlight of the season was the win against Trent College which was undoubtedly the strongest game as the girls passed well, used their space effectively and were incredibly aggressive. Most valuable player of the season for the team was Ellie Barker who was a versatile player and a reliable captain. Most improved player was Anya Butler who was always willing to try new things.

Over the term, every girl in Year 7 has represented the School. The U12s in particular as a year group display tremendous strength and depth. This is exciting for the future, when the girls start to play more 11-a-side matches. The U12As have improved throughout the season, and new players emerged as the season went on, which is pleasing to see. Notable highlights include an agonising penalty flick competition to get through to IAPS National finals, a first for all the girls, but sadly this time, it did not go Bromsgrove’s way. The U12Bs have had a good season of Hockey this year. They lost one, won one and drew three. Evidently the match that they won was the highlight, however, even in the matches that were lost (including a tough match against Malvern St James’ A team), the girls played with enthusiasm and determination.

An opportunity was given to all U12s to represent the School and this was a good chance to see some impressive goals from Alice Oliver, Orla Walker, Nicol Green, Gabriella Brown and Hannah Pover. A special mention must go to the U12Cs who have played five and won five. They have improved their skills and fitness levels whilst remaining enthusiastic at all times. The team have shown determination and a wonderful team spirit in everything they have done. The U12D team have worked really hard this season, improving their skills and working so well as a team. Skills sessions have been a pleasure to teach, as all of the girls have been so keen to improve. I look forward to their continued success and improvement. Well done ladies. The U11s have played throughout the season with tremendous enthusiasm, commitment and dedication and on many occasions demonstrating vast improvement. The girls have worked hard during every lesson and tried to incorporate the various skills taught. They enjoy learning how to play the game and certainly go out with the intention of working hard. Regular Wednesday matches have certainly helped keep consistency throughout the season.

The girls have plenty to celebrate from the matches played and can only become more confident the more they play together. Once again, we have also had a record number of girls who would like to try out in goal and this should be celebrated. Over the season the U11s have played between them a total of twenty-six matches against a wide range of schools not including tournaments with little disruption from the elements. The A and B team played in the Bromsgrove invitational tournament as well as the As battling hard in the Foremarke Hall tournament earlier on in the term. From these tournaments they gained in selfesteem, learned how to play greater tactical hockey and grew in stature as a team. Team spirit is usually the deciding factor in how the girls handle both success and defeat and team spirit has certainly been on the top of the list when half-time talks take place and the response to it has to be commended. This has been a very pleasing season for the U10A team. It’s always amazing just how much they develop, both individually with their skills and as a team. The U10B Hockey team had a fantastic season, winning six of their nine matches they played. They drew one match and were unlucky to have marginally lost two. Well done to all the girls that played for the U10B team this term. It was a great season.

Senior Awards

This has been a busy season for the U10C side. The girls have been enthusiastic throughout, regardless of the weather and have shown great team spirit. As the term has progressed, they have really improved their skills and are working hard at communicating effectively with each other and developing their technique. All the girls have improved their performance this season. However, Player of the Season is shared equally between Martha Dunlop, who has demonstrated real skill in midfield and Freya Tweddell, who has made a sterling effort in goal.

Half Colours: Ella Gardner Emily Gieron Molly Trow

Full Colours: Scarlett Fender Elyssa Jones Emily Lyle Lydia Wright

Junior Awards

Certificates of merit are awarded to Martha Dunlop, Freya Tweddell, Katie Hannafin, Elena Morville, Ellie Roskell, Isabella Lloyd, Maddie Chance and Polly Dakin, in recognition of their consistent level of commitment, effort, reliability and excellent team spirit on and off the astro. The U10D side have had a steep learning curve this year where the girls have been working to improve their fitness level and develop their understanding of the game. They have now become more aware of the importance of working as a team and are beginning to communicate more effectively with each other and learn basic skills and techniques. Player of the Season and most improved player is Nicole Fildes-Smith, whose commitment to improving both her own performance and that of her team have made a significant impact on the team’s progress.

Certificates of merit are rewarded to Nicole Fildes-Smith, Simran Sandhu and Rose Willetts in recognition of their consistent level of commitment, effort, reliability and excellent team spirit on and off the astro. J Weller

Most Valuable Player:

Alice Liversidge

Most Improved Player:

Mollie Hicks

Full Colours:

Eloisa Borriello Alice Liversidge Francesca Mellor

Imogen VaughanHawkins

Half Colours:

Ruby Bruton-Gibney Gemma Calthorpe Grace Dieppe Ariana Jones Victoria Moberley

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

For me, the most encouraging aspect of the season was the fact that Bromsgrove lost to Foremarke in their first match heavily but every time we played them at various venues throughout the season we improved with the best performance meaning Bromsgrove qualified for the National IAPS Finals. Unfortunately, these finals had to abandoned due to thunder, lightening, torrential rain, hail and finally... snow. All the players have improved throughout the season and I shall watch their progress with great interest in the years to come.

Over the Hockey season both the U13C and D teams improved vastly, this is in terms of their attitude and team spirit off the pitch as well as their skills and techniques while on the pitch. The girls had a positive outlook overall and always kept fighting during tough matches. Tactically the team now have a better understanding of hockey and this seemed to increase their enjoyment of the game. Every single girl within the team has improved this year. Well done on this season and good luck next year.

Netball

This has been an extraordinary season for our Under 13A squad. During the Michaelmas Term they competed for the first time in the National Schoolsâ€™ Magazine Competition and progressed to the quarter-final stage winning against Higham Lane, Kibworth High School and Newport High School before losing out to Brentwood School. This was a great opportunity to play full hour-long matches against tough opposition.

The highlight of the season has to be the IAPS Tournament. We travelled to Uppingham for the regional round and had a superb day winning all of our matches including a very tense semi-final against Foremarke Hall and final against Sedbergh. As winners we then progressed to the finals at Roedean School where we battled to win some very competitive games and despite the ups and downs of the day got through to the semi-finals and had a convincing win over Cranleigh before facing Millfield in the final.

The U12A team must have a special mention for winning all of their School matches, being crowned Regional Champions and reaching the IAPS National Finals. At this tournament, they were extremely unlucky to miss out on a place in the semi-finals (only down to a technicality in goal difference). The U12B also won all their matches bar one very close match against Foremarke Hall early on in the season. With a big squad of ten girls, an opportunity was given to all to represent the School both home and away.

Unfortunately Millfield took the title but we were delighted to be presented with the runners-up trophy and medals. Throughout this season the girls have helped and encouraged each other enormously. Thank you to the girls who have not only been one of the most successful squads we have had but also have been a delight to coach. I wish them luck with their netball throughout Senior School. All of the girls in the U13B team have worked extremely hard and have been very committed to the team and all of the fixtures that have taken place. The results have been very mixed, although most recently, the girls had fantastic wins against both Trent College and The Dragon School.

The U13C team have demonstrated excellent commitment to training and have worked hard throughout the season to develop their netball; all the girls have vastly improved their tactical understanding of the game and have challenged themselves to learn new skills. It has been pleasing to see some new faces moving up in to the squad and all the girls showing a willingness to try a variety of positions. The C team have enjoyed four matches this season and have always played with a positive and determined attitude; the highlight of the term was their victory over Trent College. The U13D team only had two games this season, however all the training really helped the girls to secure an excellent win against Trent College.

The U12C team have learnt a lot in such a short netball season. Their match practice began with a loss against a tough A team from Malvern St James. After spending time working on improving their skills they ended the season on a high â€“ a 16-6 win against Trent College. Their match play has improved greatly since the first few games. I look forward to seeing how they progress as U13s next year. The U12D team have worked extremely hard this term and made significant progress. During training sessions, they have been enthusiastic, keen to learn and a pleasure to teach. Their skills have improved considerably and they have worked well as a team, which was demonstrated in a resounding success at the end of the season beating Trent College 13 - 0. All of the team are to be commended for their effort and positive approach to netball. Well done ladies.

The netball season has, once again, been very busy for the U11s; the girls turn up at lessons, squad and matches full of enthusiasm and this is to be congratulated. One thing for certain, is that we always kept our opposition on their toes with exciting cross-court play becoming the preferred style for Bromsgrove. Sharing the arena has worked very well this season, particularly when the rain was at its worst. It would be fair to say that across the season there have been mixed results but, also some wonderful highlights: Foremarke Hall for the As, Cheltenham College Prep for the Bs, Dragon for the Cs and Blue Coat, Blue Coat for the Ds and Warwick Prep for the Es. Regular match play and squad training for all players has helped the progress made allowing for specific, tactical awareness to be developed by each squad. Players have been moved to different positions and squads which was necessary to keep the play as effective as it could be. This allowed both coaches and the girls to recognise where playersâ€™ true strengths lay. Well done to all the girls. This was a splendid season for the U10A , with many matches not only won, but won convincingly. The team have certainly come a long way since the start of September, having had an awful lot to learn in terms of passing and receiving the ball, positioning, getting free and marking. Considering the impressive season that the Under 10s have had, it was disappointing that in our own U10 tournament we did not manage to achieve the same high standards; however, in saying that, we still made the semi-finals.

I am sure that the girls are going to go from strength to strength in the seasons ahead and they can all be proud of what they have achieved this season. The U10B started with great spirit and enthusiasm playing exceptionally well against Foremarke in the first game of the season, which was not reflected by the end score of 6:3 loss. The girls suffered a bruising defeat of 9:1 against Edgbaston who were a strong, fast and agile side and formidable opposition but learnt much from that game and went on to win their next game against Blue Coat 2:1. Hard work and effort in squads paid off with an incredible 13:1 victory against Cheltenham on 26th February. Darcy Pearson (GA) scored eleven of the thirteen goals and subsequently was promoted to the A team. Particularly pleasing to see was the excellent tight marking of the opposition and the defenders, which left Cheltenham with little opportunity to get the ball and they struggled to make a successful sequence of passes. This was highlighted by Bromsgrove conceding only one goal. This incredible victory was replicated against the Dragons with another 13:1 victory. Every one of the girls put in 100% effort and thoroughly deserved the fantastic end result. The girls finished the season with the tournament held at Bromsgrove in March, where they drew one game but sadly lost the other three against opposing A teams. The experience was of great benefit to the team and the level of effort and enthusiasm displayed throughout the morning was exceptional.

The Under 10 Cs and Ds have trained as a squad this term and played a range of C team, D team and even E team matches. Every girl has played in at least one match, representing Bromsgrove against a range of schools. The teams have been very fluid to give as many of the girls as possible opportunities to play. Without exception the girls have worked hard and developed their netball skills, with particular focus on accurate passing, maintaining space and careful footwork. The effort they have put in has shown with the development of these skills displayed clearly in match situations, though they do still need to work on maintaining their composure when they become competitive.

J Weller

Senior Awards Most Valuable Player:

Elyssa Jones

Most Improved Player:

Ella Longden

Full Colours: Emily Gieron Ella Gardner Elyssa Jones Nandini Bulchandani Half Colours: Jessica Fullard Lydia Wright Mollie Trow Scarlett Fender

Junior Awards Most Valuable Player:

Eloisa Borriello

Most Improved Player: Sofia Hodges Full Colours: Alice Liversidge Imogen Vaughan Hawkins Eloisa Borriello Half Colours: Ariana Jones Cerys Boothroyd Claudia Bullock

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

At the start of the Lent term we played in the Foremarke Hall Tournament and won all 1st team matches, taking our first trophy of the season. In the County round of the Regional Tournament we again won all of our matches to win the title. By this stage of the season the girls were working incredibly hard as a squad and improving with each game. As practice for our IAPS tournament, we entered the Bromsgrove U14 invitational tournament and managed to win four out of our five games against Under 14 teams. We have competed in six matches against other schools and won all six with all eight girls in the squad playing in a variety of positions.

We took an early lead and this was because the girls played brilliantly as a team. It was a great win and one that was hard played for.

Rounders The U13B team have had a short but successful season with fourteen different girls playing in the team. Unlike the A team, bad weather and other commitments for the Bs meant that they did not get many games. The most successful match of the season was the final game against Trent College where despite being equally matched at half time, the girls pushed through and had a clear win by the end of the match. The team have been led well by Isabella Breithaupt who has been a reliable and keen captain. Well done girls!

It was pleasing to see all girls in the squad have a chance to represent the School and they played well in their first fixture against Dragon but several fielding errors cost them the game. In their final game against Trent College the girls demonstrated a marked improvement in their batting and better decision making in the field to secure a well deserved victory. All girls in Year 7 have regularly enjoyed playing rounders for the School. Highlights include wins for the U12A team against Trent College, Dragon, and Malvern St. James. All girls have worked hard on their batting and fielding skills and have demonstrated measured improvements over this very short term. The U12B have played only a handful of matches, with one against Foremarke Hall rained off after the first innings. The girls lost two very close matches to The Dragon School and MSJ. The final match of the season was an excellent 20.5-10.5 win against Trent and it was clear to see how much improvement they had made in their fielding skills.

For the Cs, throwing and catching became better towards the end of the season and they batted well. They were surprised at how difficult it is to power the ball a long way in order to score, however they looked for the spaces and made those their target.

The U12C and D team have worked really hard this season and made very impressive progress. Their fielding is much tighter and they have caught a number of players out with great catching. They have worked well as a team and the girls have been a pleasure to work with.

The U13D team supported each other well and worked hard to develop their skills as well as their tactical awareness and match play.

Once again, all girls in Year 6 have represented the School in rounders’ teams this term playing a variety of schools, some

we have not played before. They have worked hard on anticipating where the ball is going to go rather than waiting to see where it lands and chasing it. They have played some tense, yet exciting, rounders and have managed to gain the wins they deserve against some good opposition. This year the U10A team has consisted of a very determined group of young ladies who have all seen significant progress this term in all areas of their game. Their throwing and catching is now much more accurate, and their understanding of the tactics and positioning on the field of play has developed well over the course of the few weeks that they have been playing. The girls can be immensely proud of their progress and achievements this year in rounders. This has been a fantastic season for the U10B girls’ team. With the exception of the first game of the season, they won every single game they played and convincingly so by large margins. Particularly impressive was the girls’ hitting ability, which allowed for considerable half and full rounders to be scored and large rounder totals to be achieved, comfortably securing victory, often after the first innings. All the girls have been awarded a Merit Certificate in recognition of their outstanding effort and attitude during this wonderfully successful season. The U10Cs and Ds still have much to learn but have improved significantly since the start of the season, putting what they have learned into action on the field. They opened the season well with a highly energised and tightly

contested match against Blue Coat School. They were stretched and challenged in the face of some excellent fielding and narrowly missed out on victory. They continued to play with enthusiasm and a unified team spirit and should be commended for their positive energy and good-natured play.

What a season this has been for rugby at the Preparatory School. We have travelled far and wide across the region and a staggering total of just under 160 matches have been played over an eleven week period, which averages out at 14.2 matches per week for the seventeen teams in total. Every boy at the Preparatory School who has wanted to play rugby, has been give the opportunity at least once to do that, and in most cases, on a regular basis. Here are the key highlights of the season:

One of many great success stories has been the sheer number of times the U13D and U12C teams have played, twelve times in total between them which clearly illustrates that with the U13A team reaching the last eight schools in England in the National Cup, we do not just cater for the elite rugby players but it’s sport for all at its very best right here at Bromsgrove.

Years 7 & 8 • U13A team reaching the quarter-final of the Schools’ Sports Magazine National Cup.

Years 4, 5 & 6 It is not just in the top two years that boys are given the most number of fixtures and a chance to wear the maroon jersey to play for the School. Out of the 157 matches played, 77 (i.e nearly half) have been played by Years 4, 5 & 6. Highlights for these year groups include:

U12 Awards Most Improved Player: Emma Dohlan Mary Kuveava Most Valuable Player: Maisie Hucker Alice Oliver Hannah Pover

•

U11A team winning the Port Regis Plate Final back in September.

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39 boys from Year 8 touring Cardiff in October.

All Year 5 boys playing every Wednesday for the School (except on two Wednesdays).

U11 Awards Most Improved Player: Most Valuable Player:

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U13C team going undefeated since their first ever match as U12Cs vs Warwick back in September 2012.

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U10A team losing only to Warwick.

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U13A,B,C & D teams losing just ten matches out of the 45 played.

U11C and U10C winning seven of their eight matches in total (U10Cs undefeated and the side with the best record at Prep School).

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U12B team winning all their matches except the one versus Warwick and probably the team which has punched above its weight the most under Mr Clark’s leadership.

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The newly launched U9 wild cats teams of Lions, Jaguars, Panthers and Tigers has been a huge success.

U13 Awards Most Valuable Player: Lydia Wright Most Improved Player: Amy Nolan Colours: Emily Gieron Lydia Wright

Emily Gittoes Gemma Calthorpe

Colours: Gemma Calthorpe, Ariana Jones, Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins, Alice Liversidge Half Colours: Eloisa Borriello, Victoria Moberley, Grace Dieppe Merit Certificates: Farah Anjum, Elizabeth Aston, Cerys Boothroyd, Olivia Burden, Dasha Butler, Abigail Dakin, Chloe Derbyshire, Maddie Fullard, Sadie Gardner, Francesca McCaig

U13A team defeating Warwick School twice in one term (a feat very few Bromsgrove teams will ever have achieved).

What a season indeed and we have so many reasons to be positive about our future. In total a staggering statistic of 1985 appearances have been made by our boys over a three month period.

I would personally like to thank our fantastic team of coaches and teachers who give everything to make all our boys become better players and enjoy the game for what it is. Along with our dedicated support staff who provide fantastic pitches for us to play on and offer the best match teas around.

And finally, the parents for supporting the boys in their matches and the boys for being great ambassadors for the School.

Senior Awards

Junior Awards

G Jones

Most Outstanding Players: Lewis Maddox Most Outstanding Player: Lewis Harper Ben Turner Most Improved Player: Mitchell Hare Most Improved Players: Johnny Green Guy Slater Colours: Lewis Harper Harrison Meadows Colours: Morgan Bennett Oliver Walker Jo Harper Evan Lewis Lewis Maddox Half Colours: James Bateman Matthew Bull Ben Turner Guy Slater Nikhil Gour Harry Thompson Richard Vaughan Half Colours: Ben Humphries Chris Osborne Will Pearson Johnny Green Mitchell Wise

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With such lovely weather this summer, the U13A team were fortunate that only one game, against Foremarke Hall, was disrupted by rain. The girls worked hard in training to improve their throwing speed and accuracy which paid dividends in getting confident batting and fielding, securing wins in all of our games. Special mention should be made to girls in the A team - our Captain Emily Gieron for excellent bowling in all of the matches. Also to Lydia Wright whose good decision making and accurate throwing was a great asset to the team. The girls played really well as a team and were very supportive of each other.

Rugby

Rugby Tour to Cardiff Tour Awards

Saturday saw us play our first match versus Llandaff Cathedral School. Their U16 boys had reached the semi-final of the Rosslyn Park 7’s competition last season so it was a school which has a strong rugby pedigree. The U13As won 29-7 and the U13Bs, playing against the U12As, won 19-0. Both games were played in an excellent spirit and we were well hosted throughout the morning. The afternoon saw us visit the magnificent Millennium Stadium, home to Welsh rugby, and one of the iconic rugby stadiums anywhere in the world. The evening saw us visit the Liberty Stadium Swansea to watch The Ospreys vs Leinster, Ireland in a Heineken Cup match.

On Sunday, both teams played Cowbridge Rugby Club in the Vale of Glamorgan. Their U13As had beaten Leicester Tigers at the end of last season and had won their previous six matches this season so the boys knew this was going to be a tough encounter. Sadly Bromsgrove lost their unbeaten record going down 0-19, although this was not an accurate reflection of the game. The combined U13B/C team were playing Cowbridge U12A’s and a 10-36 score line does not do justice to how well we played at times. Ultimately in both matches Cowbridge had quicker, more athletic boys who we were unable to tackle out wide whilst playing on a very big and wide pitch. I would like to thank the army of touring parents who supported the boys in their matches during the weekend. The boys were fantastic ambassadors for the School in many ways and a great time was had by all. G Jones Tour Manager

Ben Turner (A) and James Lord (B)

Best Tackle

Joe Harper (A) and Andreas Frangeskou (B)

Best Forward

Evan Lewis (A) and James Cuthbert (B)

Best Back Most Improved

Lewis Maddox (A) and Andreas Frangeskou (B)

Outstanding Tourist

Harry Thompson (A) and Jacob Mann (B)

Outstanding Tourist

Charlie Sapwell (A) and Ben Payne (B)

Johnny Green (A) and Mikhael Shabalin (B)

Bromsgrove U13 Rugby 7s squad enjoyed a very successful season and entered the most tournaments in the School’s history.

We defeated some very well-known rugby schools from around the country, ending with two memorable days at Rosslyn Park, and came agonisingly close to silverware on a number of occasions. However it was not to be, but full credit must go to the whole squad for maximising their potential and giving their full commitment in both training and fixtures over the term. There are some very talented individuals in this squad, but they all have a superb attitude, are very competitive and have a great team spirit which is invaluable.

Here is a brief summary of all the tournaments:

Bromsgrove 7s We won all three group games against Pate’s Grammar, Bishop Vesey’s and Arden but then lost in the semi-final to the eventual winners Crypt Grammar School from Gloucester, who reached the semi final of the Junior Rosslyn Park out of 120 teams entered.

I would like to wish them all the best for their rugby futures and predict tournament wins next year as they will be inevitably strengthened with new players arriving at the Senior School.

Packwood 7s At the Packwood Tournament, we won all three group games against Abberley Hall, Moor Park and King William’s, then beat Wisbech Grammar in the quarter final and St. Olave’s in the semi-final before losing in the final to Kirkham Grammar from Lancashire.

Millfield 7s Again we won the three group games against Bedford, Port Regis and Queen Elizabeth, lost one to Halliford (finalists), and then lost to the eventual winners Millfield in the quarter-final.

Well done to Ben Turner, Joe Harper, Morgan Bennett, Richard Vaughan, Harry Thompson, Lewis Maddox, Guy Slater, Ben Humphries, Will Pearson, Chris Osborne and James Moody.

RGS 7s

Rosslyn Park 7s

We won three group games against King’s Worcester, Old Swinford and Bishops Perowne School and then lost in the final by two points to RGS Worcester.

Ending the season at the annual Rosslyn Park 7s tournament is always special and this year was no exception. We won all three group games against Plymouth College, IAPS Kenya and The Dragon, Oxford, then beat King’s House in the last 16, followed by Shrewsbury House in the quarter final before eventually losing to St. Martin’s Ampleforth in the semifinal.

C Munn

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On Friday 11th October, thirty-nine boys from the U13A, B and C rugby squads departed on the short journey to the Welsh capital, Cardiff, on a three-day tour. In what was an action-packed weekend, the boys kicked off the tour by bowling at a nearby multiplex and relaxing at the hotel using the plethora of leisure facilities on site.

Captain

Rugby 7s

Swimming With so much sport available at Bromsgrove School it is wonderful that our pupils are still managing to keep their heads above the water whilst more pupils than ever can take part in swimming and be part of clubs including Redditch, Halesowen, Droitwich, Worcester, Bromsgrove and of course, for our elite swimmers, the City of Birmingham National Development Squad. Our junior swimmers are also doing extremely well with more pupils than ever attending squad sessions from Year 1 to Year 3. With more fixtures than ever Bromsgrove School has competed against the likes of Holy Trinity School, Edgbaston High School for Girls, Warwick Prep School (Boys and Girls), St Martin’s School, Solihull Junior School, Newcastle-under-Lyme School, Bluecoat School and twenty-six Schools from seven counties in the invitational relays.

Telford 223 points (2013/14 champions) Darby 218 points Watt 203 points Boulton 200 points For those who attended the Bromsgrove Invitational Gala in March, it could have been easily mistaken for a National swimming tournament with Bromsgrove Preparatory School hosting the event at Worcester Central Pool.

With this being the 30th year for our invitational event, it was truly amazing for all involved including spectators, officials and most importantly the swimmers. With eight trophies up for grabs Bromsgrove walked away with four, a fantastic achievement considering twenty-six schools took part from seven counties. A huge well done should also go to the U13 Boys and the U13 Girls in both the Medley and Freestyle Relays (achieving gold). Later in the term, twenty-three of our leading swimmers took part in the IAPS National finals at K2 Crawley performing extremely well against some of the best individuals in the country. The U13 Boys retained their National title from 2013 becoming joint National Champions for the U13 age group. The team, which consisted of James Cuthbert, Samuel Osborne, Benjamin Turner, Christopher Osborne and Jacob Mann achieved gold in the Medley Relay and silver in the Freestyle Relay setting new School records in the process. New School records were also set in the 25m Freestyle and 50m Breaststroke by James Cuthbert and in the 50m Freestyle by Samuel Osborne. The U12 Girls had a great competition competing in many of the finals. The team consisted of Katherine Morrice, Alice Oliver, Kitty Luscombe and Catrin Carter. In the Medley Relay the U12 girls achieved silver medals. Individually and as a team the girls showed their strength and depth with four new School records being broken in the Medley and Freestyle Relays, the 50m Backstroke

(Alice Oliver) and in the 50m Freestyle (Katherine Morrice). A huge well done to Katherine Morrice who achieved the only individual gold of this year’s competition for Bromsgrove in the 50m Freestyle. Five girls competed in the ESSA Primary School Relays National Final at the international sports complex – Ponds Forge. The team included Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins, Sophia Hodges, Grace Dieppe, Katie Rolph, Elizabeth Aston. In the Medley Relay the girls achieved 8th place and in the Freestyle Relay they achieved 18th in the country. S Camden Swimming Awards: Juniors (Years 5 and 6) Most Outstanding Boy: Luke Warren Most Outstanding Girl: Imogen Vaughan Hawkins Most Improved Boy: Harrison Meadows Most Improved Girl: Shona Mills Half Colours: Teddy Broadhurst Oliver Brown Kian Lau Colours: Elizabeth Aston Grace Dieppe Sofia Hodges Katie Rolph George Tate Oliver Walker Luke Warren George Wiggins

Swimming Awards: Senior (Years 7 and 8) Most Outstanding Boy: James Cuthbert Samuel Osborne Most Oustanding Girl: Katherine Morrice Alice Oliver Most Improved Boy: Suman Sampla Most Improved Girl: Ellie Barker Half Colours: Elyssa Jones Luke Lau Colours: Catrin Carter James Cuthbert Nicol Green Freya Harper Kitty Luscombe Jacob Mann Katherine Morrice Alice Oliver Samuel Osborne Christopher Osborne Benjamin Turner Euan Vaughan-Hawkins

Tennis

Over the past five years, girls’ tennis has been steadily improving and we are now very strong against the schools we play. This is evident in that from Years 5 through to 8, we are unbeaten in all Saturday school fixtures. Our U13 squad reached the County final where they faced Hereford Cathedral School but narrowly missed out on the County title. The U11 and U10 tennis teams have been very strong this year, having won every match they played. The girls have worked hard on their skills and show a lot of power in their shots. They are thinking more about when to play different types of hit with excellent examples of smashes and volleys regularly seen in matches. They are also thinking carefully about moving to the best position for a hit and continuing to speed up their reactions. All the girls have worked on their over-arm serves and they are becoming more confident using these in matches with great accuracy and power. The girls have represented the School with pride and been a credit to Bromsgrove, showing great sportsmanship and impeccable behaviour. A highlight of the season was when thirty-six girls took part in a trip to the Aegon Classic tournament where two lucky pupils met Martina Navratilova and the rest watched tennis from top seeds on Centre court. All pupils also took part in a tennis activity session led by the Aegon Classic team.

Senior Awards Most Valuable Player: Lydia Wright Most Improved Player: Georgina Muscutt Senior Colours: Ella Gardner Elyssa Jones Mollie Trow Lydia Wright Half Colours: Ella Longden Georgina Muscutt

Junior Awards Most Valuable Player: Victoria Moberley Most Improved Player: Sadie Gardner Colours: Eloisa Borriello Claudia Bullock Gemma Calthorpe Victoria Moberley Half Colours: Sadie Gardner Sofia Hodges Alice Liversidge Imogen Vaughan-Hawkins

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House Swimming is always a popular occasion and all of the pupils put maximum effort into this thoroughly enjoyable competition. The final results were:

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U13 Boys’ Team

Charities

World Record Breakers As part of Prep School Charities’ Week, Years 3 and 4 attempted three Guinness World Record 1 minute challenges.

C harities’ week was a roaring success, raising over £5000 for the chosen charity. There were so many exciting activities going on during Charities’ Week that it would take far too long to list them all. We are so proud of the pupils in each year group for running their sponsored activities and sales. Thanks must also go to the staff who helped to organise the many activities and who also gave up their break times to help with queuing and money collecting.

The total amount raised so far is just over £5400, which will be shared equally between Cancer Research UK and Wellcat Animal Rescue in Birmingham. Some members of staff have already re-homed kittens from the rescue centre as they are currently overstocked with both kittens and older cats.

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Pupils enjoyed the challenge of ‘how many dice can you move with chopsticks?’, as well as ‘how many pieces of sweetcorn can you move with a cocktail stick?’ and ‘how many pegs can you move from one washing line to the other?’.

Page House Many boarders have excelled at the School this year, with some achieving really outstanding effort grades and many receiving Headmistress’ Commendations (HMCs). Two Year 8s secured scholarships to the Senior School, a very impressive achievement. Boarders have represented the School at every level in sport, from Year 3 pupils just beginning to play fixtures to Year 7 and 8 competing at a very high level, especially in athletics. School drama productions also benefitted from the commitment and talents of boarders, with many treading the boards or toiling backstage in either Bugsy Malone or Ye-Ha. Boarders are known to take full advantage of the opportunities available at Bromsgrove, and this year has certainly been no exception. The Page Talent Show proved just how varied the children’s interests and passions are, with every boarder taking part and a wide array of ‘talents’ being displayed.

Singing, dancing and music always feature heavily, but this year also saw ventriloquism, cross-dressing and a return of the House staff impressions. A fantastic time was had by all and our secret celebrity judges from the Senior School had a tough job deciding on the winners. The Talent Show is just one of many events and competitions held throughout the year, and the children have made their competitive spirit clear by requesting even more competitions in future. With this in mind, we now have a Page Trophy to be awarded for each competition, generously donated by one of the newest members of the Page team, Mr Lawton. No doubt this will add a further competitive edge to House events. There are many memories to take from this year, including parties, carol singing, formal meals, summer evenings outside, dog walking, baking, riding scooters and skateboards, crafting and an awful lot of football. The most popular trips this year included the old favourites of Drayton Manor and paintballing but also the new addition of an outdoor activity day, with the opportunity to take part in kayaking, mountain biking and archery. Perhaps the most memorable event of all was the Summer Party, a wet and wild affair with a giant, soapy water slide that entertained most of the House one sunny Sunday afternoon. Watching the children (and some staff!) throw themselves headfirst down the slide with reckless abandon was great fun and we definitely have plans to repeat this sort of party next year.

All the time spent running around outside, enjoying parties, playing pool and baking might suggest that Page House has little to offer in the way of more technological entertainment. In fact, many of the boarders enjoy playing on laptops and consoles and some have very impressive ICT skills. Will Edwards and Matthew Goodwin demonstrated their skills in a series of videos they created on an iPad throughout the year, and then jumped at the chance to produce a Page House video in the Summer Term.

Our thanks must go to all the Page staff – residents, Housemothers, tutors, weekend staff and housekeeping – who work hard to make Page so much more than just a Boarding House. It is a community and a home that is created not by the undeniably great facilities, but by the members of the Page team, children and adults alike. We wish our Year 8 pupils well as they move onto pastures new and look forward to creating more memories with next year’s Page boarders.

After several weeks filming many members of the House in their free time, the only staff assistance required was organising all the boarders into shapes on the grass outside to spell out the letters of ‘Page’.

Mr and Mrs George

The end result is a fantastic video (which is available to view on our School’s YouTube Channel) featuring virtually every member of the House playing, dancing or being silly. Credit must go to the boys responsible for the planning and shooting of the video, as well as the many stars of the show! The video is set to the song Happy and is a brilliantly upbeat reflection of Page House and its many inhabitants. What a superb note upon which to end the year.

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Another year has whizzed by in Page House, with many new boarders arriving in September and settling into boarding life quickly. We also welcomed new staff to the team and have become a bigger ‘boarding family’ than ever before. Page House regularly hosts temporary boarders and students from BIST, who are always made welcome and integrate into the House extremely well. It is to the Page children’s credit that the BIST boys and girls are so involved in House life and sad to leave at the end of their term here.

Activities

71 Prep School Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the Forest School this year. Working together as a team, they cooked baked bananas filled with chocolate on the open fire. Later on in the term, parents were invited to have a look around Forest School. The pupils showed them what they had been up to, with some parents finding it hard not to have a go themselves!

We have been blessed with the weather most Saturdays and have even played table-tennis outside. County cyclists have been in to lead a group in Bikeability and our climbing wall has had a new lease of life with the fun and creative climbing ideas brought to us from Redpoint, Birmingham. Children go out into the community for golf, athletics and clay pigeon shooting and the beautiful Senior School facilities are used for Lifesaving, Tae-Kwon-Do and Badminton. In the Prep School the wonderful new Forest School has been a popular option. We are proud to have achieved success in our LAMDA activity and are delighted that our extensive Activities Programme gives children that added dimension which makes Bromsgrove magnificent. C Leather

Bob and Hilary Newton

World Book Day As part of Bromsgrove Prep School’s World Book Day celebrations, pupils dressed up as their favourite characters and each brought in a book to illustrate this. Later that month, the popular children’s author, Ali Sparkes, came to talk to pupils in Years 5, 6 and 8. She spoke about writing her first Enid Blyton-style adventure story in her early teens which led to a career in

journalism, followed by writing childrens stories. Ali read some of her stories and pupils had the opportunity to buy signed copies. Everyone had a chance to ask questions about story writing and how to avoid writer’s block. It was a fantastic day for all of Ali’s fans. E Lightfoot

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Prep School Activities have been buzzing this year. During the week the youngest children have Aftercare in which they have the opportunity to play with their friends and can take part in activities such as Football, Craft or Construction. Both Year 6 and Year 8 have put on major productions which have been rehearsed during activities time after school. The older children also choose weekday activities which range from Cookery, Debating, Art, Computer Challenge and Cards to Fencing, Karate and Orienteering. Saturday is a non-uniform day and, in the words of a pupil visiting Bromsgrove to take part in a rugby match, ‘Wow, I’d love to go to school on Saturdays if I got to do things like this!’

Maths Challenge The Maths Challenge consisted of three events: mental maths, the countdown and the big event. The mental maths test involved answering twenty questions and each question had a five-second time limit. The countdown was timed over thirty minutes and we had to answer sequential questions. After each question, we had to present the results to a desk at the front of the room and then run back to our seats. The big event consisted of a number of maths puzzles and we worked through each question one at a time to ensure we got through as many as we could in thirty minutes. This also involved running around the room after presenting each answered question. Bromsgrove did really well with Ariana Jones and Lucia Goodwin winning a prize for second place.

The event was great fun. My favourite parts were the big event and solving the puzzles. I also enjoyed running around the room during the countdown and the big event. At the end of the afternoon we all had some refreshments (the biscuits were particularly yummy) and then we left to go back to School. Sadie Gardner

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I felt very privileged to be chosen to participate in the first Mathematics Challenge that Bromsgrove School have ever hosted. We were competing against thirteen local schools (128 children in total) and the venue was the splendid Hospitality Suite.

Staff Leavers Margaret was appointed to the Preparatory School in January 1999 to teach Science and Games. She took over from Gary Clark as Head of Science in 2008 and remained in this post until 2013. Margaret’s science lessons will be remembered by pupils for her no-nonsense approach to experiments, particularly one Year 8 lesson where residents of the Llanwrytd Centre would be warned annually that the fire alarms were likely to be set off. Margaret blamed this on the proximity of the alarm to the teacher’s bench. Never one to rely on technology, Margaret’s pupils also fondly remember the detailed diagrams she was able to draw on the whiteboard depicting the different joints in the body. She led the Science department in a calm and approachable manner which was always appreciated by the Science teachers within her team.

In 2004 Margaret took over the girls’ Boarding House, moving her whole family plus dogs into Webber. Her devotion to the girls was obvious and they were treated as members of her extended family. Memories of this time include many craft activities, in particular making a patchwork blanket using the old style school skirts! Margaret even had the responsibility for some Senior School girls as they were moved into Webber at one point. The Prep School girl boarders were then relocated to Honeysuckle and Page. Margaret looked after the Year 7 and 8 girls until 2008. During her time at the School, Margaret’s youngest daughter Jane was taken ill and Margaret and her family were helped and supported by the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young.

After Jane’s recovery Margaret wanted to give something back to the charity so, in 2007, she trained for the London Marathon. At the time this was totally out of her comfort zone. The whole School became involved in her sponsorship and CRY was also the subject of Charities Week that year. Margaret was overwhelmed by the final total of over £6000 which was presented to the charity.

It is a matter of great pride and immense personal satisfaction to her that many of those pupils eventually fought through their difficult times and went on not only to make a success of the Senior School but also university and later life. Many of these pupils, and especially their parents, still keep in contact with her and their feeling of gratitude to her remains as strong as ever.

Margaret retired in Easter 2014 in order to relocate to Yorkshire where she is now enjoying caring for her twin granddaughters and walking her dogs in all weathers on the moor.

When family circumstances made her give up the Boarding House, she took control of the PSHE department throughout the School. This was a new department and it fitted in well with her other responsibilities. The subject brought new material and teaching methodology to the School and the horizons of many Bromsgrove pupils were widened to include a much more complete view of the world outside their own immediate comfort zone and personal experience. It is a department which still thrives today. Outside the classroom, Lindsay made a valuable contribution. In the early days she was in charge of girls’ football and enjoyed training with her small group during Tuesday activity sessions. She accompanied many School trips abroad and helped organize and participated in exchange trips with schools in France and Spain.

S Cartwright

Lindsay Caldwell 1999-2014 Lindsay joined Bromsgrove Lower School (as it was then) in September 1999. She had been deputy head and latterly head of a school in Solihull. Although she had enjoyed rising to the challenge of seeing a difficult school through difficult times, she missed the closer contact with pupils, which she preferred to the often tedious routine of meetings and administration that heads have to go through. At Bromsgrove, she was appointed as Head of Girls’ Boarding, when boys and girls had separate Boarding Houses, and Head of Learning Support. She very much enjoyed working in tandem with Bob and Hilary Newton, who were in charge of the boys’ Boarding House at that time, and, in the School itself, she soon found a niche helping those who were struggling to meet the demands of the Bromsgrove academic programme and whose progression into the Senior School was regarded to be at risk.

Lindsay has been an outstanding pastoral carer. Having started my time here with Lindsay in Year 6, I was delighted that she decided to return to Year 6 for her final year at Bromsgrove Preparatory School.

Her relationship with the pupils, is to be admired. They trust her completely and know that if ever they need a friendly ear or a shoulder to lean on, then Mrs Caldwell’s door is always open. She cares deeply about the children and they have benefited from her support over the years. Lindsay has made such a difference to the lives of the pupils at our School, academically and on a more personal basis. She will be greatly missed by pupils and parents alike. As a colleague and friend, Lindsay has been a great advisor and support to me. When I first arrived at the School, she ‘tucked me under her wing’ and has looked after me ever since. I have learned so much from her and will miss her dreadfully. Lindsay has very much been the wise woman of Cobham and her presence will be a loss to the staff, pupils and parents. S Cadwallader

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Margaret Bourne 1999-2014

From the moment of her appointment we knew a star had joined the Games department. Margaret clearly had a passion for coaching hockey and immediately took over the U13A girls squad. She took girls to weekly matches, tournaments and National finals all with the same enthusiasm, volume and determination. Our loss is Giggleswick’s gain – we hear that even in retirement Margaret has continued to use her skills on the hockey pitch. Margaret’s games involvement was not restricted to just hockey. She actively coached netball, rounders and athletics teams at all age groups. In more recent years Margaret’s knowledge and experience has also been well received coaching boys’ hockey.

Staff Leavers As a well-travelled woman, Norah was able to put her understanding of the world to great effect, balancing firmness and humour to negotiate conflict between young personalities and different nationalities. She thinks of herself as the guiding light for new international pupils, while at the same time being their back-up if they fall behind or run into difficulty.

Norah Barton considers herself privileged to be the only teacher in the school that has taught pupils from the age of 8 to the age of 18. She worked with both Prep and Senior School pupils who were learning English as an Additional Language from her base in the International Centre, often teaching these children all the way through their education. She has never been anything but 100% dedicated to developing the English language skills of our international learners, and her pride in their achievements is reflected in her displays of their work, her in-depth knowledge of their families, and her caring attitude to all pupils who have contact with her. Each year, during the induction period, Norah gently assessed Prep School pupils, getting to know their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, while smoothing their route to settling in. In addition, she did the same thing in Elmshurst Senior School boys’ house for 9 years, using her skills to help much older boys find their feet. Parents were reassured, and much indebted to her.

In summary, just like the sewing thread she uses to pull together material for costumes, her enthusiasm for EAL learners has pulled together Prep and Senior School, making transition easier for pupils, and building good working relationships between staff. She represented all aspects of the International Department at the last School inspection and received praise for her outstanding work. Pupils will miss her, as will staff. Norah goes off to retirement, and a new exciting phase in her life begins. We are deeply grateful and wish her all the best for the future. J Boonnak

Fiona Mack 2006-2014 Fiona Mack came to Bromsgrove Preparatory School from a Worcestershire Comprehensive School where she had just been assigned ‘Advanced Skills’ teacher status and was about to work county-wide. As a parent of two pupils at the School, she was already well versed in its style and tradition. She immediately brought a refreshing new vigour to the Mathematics department and ambitious expectations of all children she taught. Fiona was a consummate professional in all aspects of her teaching role; hyper-organised with an outstanding work ethic and a comprehensive planner. For a while she led the French curriculum in the junior years; she contributed consistently to the wider games curriculum – hockey - and frequently took girls’ tennis teams, demonstrating high level coaching techniques and dedication. Her primary role as a Mathematics teacher saw her utilizing a diverse range of teaching skills and software, accompanied by precise and consistent assessment and record keeping. In her later years she took responsibility for the pupils’ academic rewards system and also the role of staff cover when colleagues were absent; a role she executed with equanimity. In addition to these demanding responsibilities she completed her time at the School as a most successful Head of Mathematics.

Fiona was a truly empathetic Form Tutor and frequently functioned as a surrogate mum. Her deep knowledge of her subjects, coupled with her clear experience allowed her to teach with consistent rigour, benefiting so many. She really did add to the hidden curriculum and was always happy to become involved in School trips and extraneous events. Fiona invariably showed a great sense of humour, never completely losing her lilting Scottish accent. After a little over seven years she has returned to her previous school, having given her all to Bromsgrove. J Deval-Reed

Estella Lightfoot 2008-2014

Nicola Gillett 2010-2014

Lucy Politowski 2012-2014

Tom Westray 2012-2014

Estella Lightfoot came to the Prep School six years ago as Head of English and went on to inspire a huge number of pupils with her enthusiasm and passion for the subject. Reading was a great love of hers and as part of her role, Estella passionately took on the role of leading the Library as well as setting up the school with the popular Accelerated Reader scheme.

Nicola Gillett joined the junior department at Bromsgrove Preparatory School in 2010. She quickly proved herself to be an exceptionally passionate and inspirational teacher, enabling the children in her care to receive individualised support and make excellent progress across all areas of the curriculum.

When Lucy applied for the maternity leave position we were intrigued by her extraordinarily diverse application. An NQT with a desire for Fine Art, an ability to make beautiful silver items paired with a love of hockey, and an Army cadet to boot.

Tom Westray joined Bromsgrove in 2012, following a PGCE from the University of West England. During his brief time with us, he has been a much-valued member of the Mathematics department, having introduced a number of new and exciting initiatives to inspire young learners. He has also had a huge impact on the sporting life of the school, particularly in coaching rugby.

Estella was always keen to enhance the English curriculum as much as possible and led numerous trips, including pioneering the WWI tour as well as leading many theatre trips. As part of the extra-curricular life of the Prep School, Estella ran the debating club and was a key part of last year’s production of Bugsy Malone. Estella will be greatly missed by staff and pupils alike.

As a calm and sensitive member of the common room, we could not have asked for a kinder, more supportive colleague. After an exciting year, including a marriage proposal and moving house, Nicola is leaving us to teach a little closer to home. We wish her well in her forthcoming marriage and in her new job. She will be sorely missed. R Laurenson

Full of energy and enthusiasm, Lucy soon found herself on a variety of trips including the Ardèche and two ski trips to Fiesche. A sociable and very active member of staff who was keen to see the pupils learning outside as well as inside the classroom. Lucy embraced sport by coaching the hockey, netball and rounders’ teams. With her ability to interact with the pupils on so many levels, joining the Page boarding staff as a tutor was a natural step for Lucy. Her help with the pupils was greatly appreciated and she was a wonderful member of the household.

C Goodall Lucy is leaving us to further her career and to move closer to her family and partner to teach DT at Winchester Preparatory School. A Read

Tom has played an important role in boarding within Page House and will be missed by the pupils. Tom leaves us to return to Bristol and to a new role at The Downs Preparatory School. We wish him every success in his new role. N Harris

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Norah Barton 2004-2014

Furthermore, Norah has been an instrumental part of every Prep School production in the last ten years. She has made costumes for evacuees, cowboys and revolting peasants to name a tiny few. She buys material, fixes and mends it, and recreates it into a perfect new outfit. Norah loves working with the production teams, the directors and the children, and with her eye for costumes she has helped add the professional edge to Prep School plays.

Prize Winners 2014

Subject Prizes

Sport Prizes

School Prizes

Art Anya Butler

Bentley Cup for Greatest Contribution to Boys’ Sport Benjamin Turner

Walford Cup for Social Awareness

Emily Lyle

Webber Bowl for Endeavour

Phoebe Long

Staff Cup for Greatest Contribution to Girls’ Sport Elyssa Jones

Laura Jones Cup for Best All-Round Contribution

Ella Longden

Pritchard Plate for Commitment to Boys’ Sport

Joseph Harper

James Cup for Best All-Round Contribution

Charlie Smart

Pritchard Plate for Commitment to Girls’ Sport

Mollie Trow

Donovan Plate for Boys’ Boarding

Samuel McCabe

Donovan Plate for Girls’ Boarding

Lauren Bradford

Deputy Head Boy Prize

Tristan Hall

Deputy Head Girl Prize

Nandini Bulchandani

Head Boy Prize

Samuel Osborne

Head Girl Prize

Ella Gardner

Talbot Cup for Classics

Zachary Hughes

Cockin Cup for Creative Writing

Lydia Wright

Haslam Cup for Design Technology William Ayliffe Showell Cup for Drama

Harry Fussell

English Alia Derriey EAL Nadya Durova Llanwrtyd Wells Cup for English, Humanities and Languages Nandini Bulchandani French Georgina Muscutt Geography

Thomas Borriello

German Jules Gwinnutt History

Harry Whitfield

ICT Kieran Brinn Latin Louis English Religious Education

Mitchell Wise

Mathematics

Scarlett Fender

Cuckson Cup for Music

Tristan Hall

Holland Cup for Performing Arts

Daisy Scott

Hall-Mancey Cup for Most Improved Musician

Kiren Doyle

Hutchings Cup for Outstanding Progress

Jessica Fullard

Lee-Smith Cup for Science

Samuel Osborne

Spanish Amy Nolan Sumner Cup for Special Educational Achievement

Harry Thompson

Warne Cup Textiles

Lily-Rose Faulkner-Schuett

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Lynch Cup for Mathematics, Science & Technology Jagveer Uppal

Year 8 Valete Anning, Thomas 8CR, Lupton, Helper, Year 8 Play. At the Prep School I have enjoyed sport. Ayliffe, William 8DP 8L1, Lyttelton, Prefect, Librarian, Art Colour, Year 5W award and Year 6S Awards, Year 6 Play, Ski Trip, I enjoyed the Rugby Tour and Year 6 Play. Barker, Ellie 8CR, Oakley, Prefect, Form Monitor, Winners of the Foremarke Hall U13 Netball tournament, U13B Most Valuable Hockey Player, Bromsgrove U13 National Swimming Relays. In year 8 I have enjoyed the range of sport and activities on offer. Borisov, Vasili 8FL, Elmshurst, Buddy, Monitor. Head of Page House, 1st place in the Tennis tournaments, HMC, Rugby Merit, Pastoral Commendations. I have enjoyed tennis tournaments and the different trips.

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Batham, Lauren 8CG, Thomas Cookes , Monitor, Credit Counter , Music Colours, Prizegiving winner. I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing new things. Bennett, Jack 8CR, Walters, Buddy, Final of the House Music Competitions in Years 7 and 8, House swimming. I have enjoyed representing the School in all fixtures and competitions I have competed in.

Berezhnaya, Victoria 8MB, Oakley, Monitor, Credit Prize. I enjoyed finishing the end of year exams. Bhalla, Rahul 8SC, Lyttelton, Monitor, Debating Society, Choir, Credit Counter, HMC. The thing I have enjoyed the most was when I became a Monitor. Blower, Olivia 8SC, Oakley, Year 5 Mentor, Monitor, Winner of the Year 6 Hockey prize. My favourite thing has been meeting new people, making new friends which has given me loads of good memories. Borriello, Thomas 8MB, Walters, Monitor, Prefect, Year 5 Monitor, Hockey Colours, Foremarke Hall Hockey 7s, Poetry competition. I have enjoyed the sports and all the activities at the end of each year. Bradford, Lauren Leigh 8EL, Mary Windsor, House Monitor, Monitor, Prefect, Art Scholarship, Art Colours. I have enjoyed making new friends and boosting my selfconfidence this year. I have had many opportunities to do what I love.

Breithaupt, Isabella 8EL, Hazeldene, Prefect, Form Monitor, Prefect, Art Colour, Drama Colour. I have enjoyed the six years of Prep School because of all of the challenges and trips. Each year has been different, making them all memorable. Brinn, Kieran 8DP, Walters, Drama, Years 6 and 8 plays, HMC. I enjoyed many of the school trips, especially the ski trip. Broadhurst, Alfie 8CR, Lupton, Administration Helper, 1st Hockey, 4th in Golf competition. I enjoyed making new friends and getting a Pastoral Commendation. Bulchandani, Nandini 8EL, Thomas Cookes, Deputy Head Girl, Charities Committee, Academic Scholarship, U13A Netball coming 2nd in country, U13B Hockey, U13B Rounders, Art Colours, Year 8 play. I have enjoyed lots of thing such as being on the Charities Committee and making a speech for Cancer Research. Also being the guitarist in Rock School. I have really enjoyed representing the School and having a lot of fun with my friends Butler, Anya 8DP, Oakley, Prefect, Art Monitor, Charities Committee, LAMDA, Years 6 and 8 plays, Poetry Competition, Year 5 Attainment Awards, HMCs, IAPS Swimming, various effort grade awards, Academic Scholarship and LAMDA. An unforgettable experience.

Chiponene, Jeerom 8CR, Wendron Gordon, Cloakroom Monitor. I have enjoyed making new friends and meeting new people. I have enjoyed playing a part in School competitions. Clarkson, Matthew 8CG, Lyttelton, Monitor, Year 3 Helper , My proudest moment was when I was awarded monitor and Grade 1 guitar with 81%. I have enjoyed meeting new people and trying new sports . Cunningham, Joshua 8EL/8LI, Walters, Monitor , Assembly and Chapel Helper , Drama Colour, House Music competition, House Singing competition, Pastoral Commendations, HMCs, winner of the 2T Challenge Cup, School plays. My favourite part has been representing the School for sport. Cuthbert, James 8CG, School, Llanwrtyd Centre Helper, 2nd in the IAPS swimming nationals, winning the medley relay at IAPS. Mostly I have enjoyed playing rugby in the A team for the first time at Bromsgrove . Delaney-Hall, Sam 8MB, Lyttelton, Administration Helper , Pastoral Commendation. I have enjoyed being in the highest year and I have made some really good friends. Derriey, Alia Elizabeth 8CR, Mary Windsor, House Monitor, Prefect, Form Monitor, Academic Scholarship, Art Colour. I have enjoyed branching out with friends and working hard to achieve results; most of all I have enjoyed realising some of my strengths and weaknesses.

Dew, Katie 8SC, Thomas Cookes, Captain of sports teams, Language Board Monitor, Netball Academy, House Swimming, Rounders Man of the Match, Grade 2 Piano. I have enjoyed being at the top of the School, as well as the sport events but mostly the friendships I’ve formed. Doyle, Kiren 8EL, Hazeldene, Cloakroom Monitor, Music School Monitor, Performing in Rock School, HMCs, Most Improved Effort Grades. I have enjoyed all of the trips and my friends and I have got closer. I have loved making new friends too. Durova, Nadya 8CR, Mary Windsor, Monitor, Charities Committee, Year 8 play, HMCs, Sports Day, House Music Competition. I’ve enjoyed experiencing different things throughout the years and learning and improving. Eaves, Thomas 8DP, Lyttelton, Monitor, Prefect, Activity Helper. I have enjoyed my time in the Prep School because I have met new people and made friends who have in turn helped me make memories. Edge, Frederick 8MB, School, Cloakroom Monitor, My proudest moment was when I took four wickets against Warwick, one against the opening batsman, C Team Rugby. I have enjoyed playing cricket the most because it has made me improve my skills.

English, Louis 8EL, Walters, Librarian Helper, Art Scholarship, Foundation Scholarship, Art Colour, HMCs, Rugby team. I have enjoyed playing rugby for the A and B teams and the experiences I have been given in the two years at the Prep School. Farrag, Hussein 8EL, Elmshurst, House Monitor, Tennis. I have enjoyed playing rugby and tennis, and meeting new friends. Faulkner-Schuett, Lily-Rose 8CG, Hazeldene, Monitor, Credit Collector, Head Chorister, Art Scholarship, Year 8 play – playing Tallulah, Art Colour, Semi-Final of the Poetry Competition. I have enjoyed everything about the Prep School because I love being part of Bromsgrove School. Fender, Scarlett 8DP, Thomas Cookes, House Captain, Form Captain, Prefect, PE Monitor, Hockey Colours, Athletics Colours, Prizegiving Winner in Year 5, 2nd place in IAPS Hockey and Netball. I have enjoyed meeting new people and the experiences of making new memories. Foulds, Sam 8EL, Wendron-Gordon, Cloakroom Monitor, Page House Monitor, curtain duty for the Year 8 play. I have enjoyed the rugby season and being a boarder.

Frangeskou, Andreas 8EL, Lupton, Buddy, Rugby tour, Rugby B team, Runner Up in the Poetry Competition. I have enjoyed making friends and playing rugby at the Prep School. Fraser, Benjamin 8CG, Lyttelton, HMC for RE, Sports Day. For me, Prep School has been about the friends I have made along the way. Fraser, Gabriella 8CR, Oakley, Prefect, House Captain, Years 3, 4, 6 and 8 plays, Winning the House Cup, HMCs, Horse Riding Competition, Poetry Competition, Sports Day, House Music Competition. I have enjoyed the different experiences, the school trips and the plays with my friends. Fullard, Jessica 8CG, Hazeldene, House Captain, Monitor, Captain for sports teams, Netball (2nd best in the country), IAPS Finals. I have enjoyed Prep School, all of the inspirational people I have met and who have pushed me and boosted my confidence. Fussell, Harry 8CG, School, Monitor, Captain B Team Rugby, Year 8 play – Bugsy Malone, Music Competition Final, Poetry Competition. I enjoyed playing the character of Bugsy Malone as well as being the oldest in the Prep School. I enjoyed my responsibilities such as monitoring a form. Gardner, Ella 8CG, Hazeldene, Head Girl, Charities Committee, Netball Colour, National netball runners up, county netball, 1st pair tennis, U13A hockey/netball/rounders, ESAA Athletics, Netball Captain, most improved for Cross Country. I have enjoyed being part of the sports teams and representing the School.

Gieron, Emily 8MB, Oakley, Prefect, Form Monitor, Charities Committee, Winner of the Victrix Ludorum trophy, Netball (2nd in Nationals), Hockey and Netball medals, HMCs, effort grade awards. I have enjoyed all of the challenges in both sport and lessons. I have loved learning languages and all of the matches in netball. Gill, James 8SC, Walters, ICT Helper, Year 8 play, HMC in English. I have enjoyed going on the School trips and travelling to Barcelona for Spanish. Goncharov, Aleksander 8SC, WendronGordon, Llanwrtyd Centre Monitor, Best Effort Grade. I have studied a lot of things and I have had fun. It has been a really interesting journey. Green, Jonothon 8MB, Lupton, Cobham Atrium Monitor, Rugby A Team, National Cup Rugby, Most Improved Rugby Player, Half-Colour for Rugby. I have enjoyed playing rugby for the 1st team. Gurzhyenko, Polina 8MB, Oakley, Changing Room Monitor. I have enjoyed all of the terms at the Prep School. Gwinnutt, Jules 8DP, Lyttelton, Monitor, Assembly Helper, 1st Team Rugby,Rugby Tour, HMCs, Pastoral Commendation, Year 6 play, Academic Scholarship. My favourite part of the Prep School has been representing the School in sport. Year 8 as a whole has been quite a fulfilling and rewarding year.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

Bassi, Kameron 8EL, School, Years 3 and 4 Monitor , HMC, winner of the House shield 5 times , House Cricket. The thing that I have enjoyed the most in the Prep School is making new friends and representing the School at all sports.

Bennett, Morgan 8CG, Lupton, Prefect, House Captain, Rosslyn Park Rugby 7s (3rd place), School Sports Magazine National Cup Rugby 15’s, National Cup Cricket. I have enjoyed my time at the Prep School as it has been fun and there were lots of opportunities in sport and academia.

Year 8 Valete Hall, Tristan 8SC, School, Deputy Head Boy, winner of the Year 7 brass cup, Art Colours, Music Colour. I have enjoyed all of the prizegiving events as well as the trips. But I’ve mainly enjoyed being in my form and being chosen as Deputy Head Boy.

Hill, Tia 8CG, Thomas Cookes, Cloakroom Monitor, Art Colour, Year 8 play. I have enjoyed Year 8 especially the trips that have taken place, as well as meeting new friends that welcomed me as I was new to the School last September.

Hammond, Morgan 8DP, Walters, Form Monitor, Top scorer with 6 goals in one hockey match, Biathlon, Aquathon, Athletics, Cross Country, Hockey, Rugby, Rugby Tour, Swimming. I have enjoyed sport, DT and making friends.

Houlcroft, Cara Lily 8CR, Hazeldene, Librarian, Charities Committee, Year 8 play, Best Effort Grades, HMCS. I have loved meeting people of different cultures and making friends. I have loved Year 8 because you have more things to do.

Hawon, Jenny Jo 8EL, Mary Windsor, Art Department Helper, HMCs, Alphas, Credits, Choir, Grade 2 Clarinet. I have enjoyed being in Page House with my friends.

Hughes, Zachary 8CG, School, Llanwrtyd Centre Monitor, 2nd in Sports Day during Year 4, winner of the cricket county Bunbury Cup. I have enjoyed playing sport and going on the rugby tour with my friends.

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Hayward, William 8MB, Walters, Helper, rugby, PB in the 100m, House A Rugby. I have most enjoyed playing rugby for the School and improving the effort I put in to my school work. Hesketh, Alastair 8CR, Wendron-Gordon, Alpha Counter, Pastoral Commendation, Grade 1 Fencing. I have enjoyed boarding and seeing my friends.

Humphries, Ben 8SC, Lupton, 3NG Form Monitor, 3rd in the Rosslyn Park 7s, winner of Year 4 cross country, House Music Final, National Cricket Cup. I have enjoyed making new friends and having an opportunity to play lots of sport for the School. Jayaratnasingam, Isaac 8CG, Lupton, Buddy, 3rd at Year 4 sports day, 2nd at Year 6 sports day. The part I enjoyed the most was when it was someone’s birthday and we all celebrated with our form tutor. Jeacock, Zachary 8SC, School, Prefect, Form Monitor, Rugby/Athletics/Cricket Colours, Bromsgrove 7s open tournament in Year 6. I enjoyed making new friends and the different activities in School.

Jones, Hannah 8SC, Hazeldene, Monitor, Choir, Bully Buddy, Form Captain, Year 8 play backstage crew, HMCs, reached 2nd round of the poetry competition. I have enjoyed being part of a the School community and being part of a close group of friends. Kondratyev, Gleb 8CR, Wendron-Gordon, in charge of Cobham Hall for morning breaks, A Team Rugby, 3rd place Rosslyn Park 7s, 2nd place in Millfield Tournament. I have enjoyed the fact that my English has really improved since I have been here. Moreover, I have met loads of new friends in the Boarding House and in the School generally. Lau, Luke 8DP, Elmshurst, Cobham Atrium Monitor, HMC, Most Improved Effort Grades. I enjoy being a Boarder and playing in fixtures for the School. Lee, Madeleine 8CG, Hazeldene, Maple/ Birthday Board Monitor, Form Captain, Year 8 play, Grade 1 Merit LAMDA exam. I have enjoyed all of the trips especially Drayton Manor and Beat Creek. I have enjoyed the whole of the Prep School and making new friends.

Leslie, Stuart 8SC, School, Monitor, Rugby Tour, HMC, House A Rugby. During my two years at the Prep School I have enjoyed visiting Wales on the Rugby Tour and The Somme last September. I also loved skiing for the first time on the trip to Fiesche. Lewis, Evan 8EL, Lupton, Cobham Atrium Monitor, 1st Team Rugby, Rugby National Quarter Finals, Midland Cricket Final. I’ve enjoyed making new friends and learning lots of things. Lloyd, Christiana 8CG, Oakley, Cloakroom Monitor, Music Scholarship, School play, Drama Colour, LAMDA Grade 1 Merit. I have enjoyed all of Year 8. It has been a great year and I have enjoyed meeting new people and making friends who were so welcoming in September. Long, Phoebe Catherine 8DP, Head of House, Prefect, Charities Committee, Debating Society, Form Monitor, Year 8 play, LAMDA Merit, winner of the English Writing Competition, Alpha, Best Effort Grades, Drama Colour. I have enjoyed playing in School matches, performing the Year 6 and Year 8 plays, doing LAMDA and going on all of the School trips, especially The Somme. Longden, Ella 8SC, Hazeldene, Monitor, Year 3 Reader, LAMDA, Most Improved Netball Player, Most Effort in the Year, Most Credits, Merits for hockey/netball/rounders. I have enjoyed making new friends and going on interesting and exciting trips.

Lord, James 8CG, Lyttelton, Prefect, Year 5 Form Helper, 2nd Cricket, County Tennis, Golf.I have enjoyed my time in the Prep School because it has been very memorable and good fun. Lyle, Emily 8MB, Thomas Cookes, Year 4 Form Helper, Prefect, Hockey Colours, Drama Colours, Prefect, Year 8 play, winner of Music Competition for singing, 2nd place in Year4 Sports Day, 2nd place in IAPS Hockey during Year 6. I have enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends, taking part in the plays and sports events, and generally being part of the Bromsgrove community. Lyons, Georgia 8MB, Thomas Cookes, Monitor, Buddy, Form Captain. I have thoroughly enjoyed making new friends and being a buddy for two years. Maddox, Lewis 8DP, Lupton, Monitor, 3rd in Rosslyn Park 7s, Rugby Colours, Hockey Half Colours, Most Valuable Rugby Player, Athletics. I have enjoyed the sports the most. Year 8 is the first year I have been in the A team for Hockey and Rugby. Maidment, Thomas 8CR, School, Chapel Monitor, HMCs, Year 6 Cricket Hardball Runners Up, Alpha Champion, Cricket Colours, Best Junior Bowler, Foremarke Hockey Winners and National Cup, Midlands Final. I have enjoyed my time in the Prep School, especially Year 8. I have taken part in sport and the lessons. I am looking forward to the Senior School.

Mann, Jacob 8EL, Lupton, Librarian, Form Monitor, Year 6 play, IAPS Swimming. The best thing I did in the Prep School was the Year 8 play, Drama Half Colour. McCabe, Samuel 8EL, Elmshurst, Monitor House Monitor, Grade 3 French Horn with Merit, Grade 5 Theory, Year 8 play backstage crew. I have enjoyed going on the Ski Trip and to The Somme. I also liked helping out during the Year 8 play. I also really liked the War Horse theatre performance. McColgan, Shawni 8DP, Thomas Cookes, Summer Concert, HMC. I have enjoyed all of the trips and I have made a lot of new friends. McGarry, Charlie 8CR, School, Classroom Monitor, 1st Rugby. I have enjoyed all of the sports and the lessons as well. Mikhail, Kozhinov 8DP, Wendron-Gordon, 56 credits in a week, certificate for improved effort grades. I enjoyed all of the good moments at the Prep School and also liked visiting the Senior School. Moody, James 8MB, Walters, Llanwrtyd Centre Monitor, Midlands Cup Final. I have made some really good friends whilst at the Prep School. Morrin, Grace 8CR, Oakley, Monitor, Charities Committee, House Monitor, Year 8 play (three roles), Poetry Competition. I’ve enjoyed the whole of my time in the Prep School, especially the trips that have taken place.

Murray, Tommy 8MB, Lupton, Year 4 Form Helper, HMC, House Cricket. I have enjoyed the many School trips that we have been on.

O’Brien, Ethan Paul 8EL, Elmshurst, Buddy, Charities Committee, HMC. I have enjoyed being here because it is the best School ever.

Murphy, Harry 8MB, Lyttelton, Librarian, HMC, B House Rugby, House Cup. I have enjoyed playing rugby, being with my friends and going on School trips.

Osborne, Christopher 8CR, School, Sports and PE Monitor, Semi-Finals of Rosslyn Park 7s, National Swimming Champions. I have really enjoyed playing sport at the School and my lessons have been very interesting and helpful.

Muscutt, Georgina 8SC, Oakley, Monitor, Year 5 Mentor, LAMDA Merit, HMC for Art. I have enjoyed every second of my time at the Prep School. There have been so many fun experiences for everyone. Nicholas, Tabatha 8DP, Hazeldene, Monitor, Form Monitor, Year 8 play, Pastoral Commendations, Credits, HMC, Alphas. I have really enjoyed the Prep School, especially the Year 6 and Year 8 plays. The Prep School has given me opportunities to take part in various activities that I wouldn’t have ever tried before. Nolan, Amy 8CG, Oakley, Monitor, Music Monitor, Music Scholarship, Music Colour, House Music, Drama Half Colour. I have enjoyed making new friends and being part of the School community. Nosov, Alexey 8MB, Wendron-Gordon, Received high pass rate in final maths test, Athletics, Tennis. I most enjoyed communicating with my friends and learning a lot during the year.

Osborne, Sam 8MB, School, Head Boy, Year 3 Form Monitor, Sports Scholarship, Swimming Nationals. I enjoyed going to IAPS Swimming, the play when I was in Year 6 and The Somme trip. Payne, Ben 8EL, Lyttelton, House Captain, Form Captain, Art Scholarship, Golf, IAPS Cross Country, Malvern Cross Country Championship. I have loved being in the Prep School. It has been an amazing journey. I’m also a survivor so I have been here for a long time. Pearson, William 8EL, Walters, Form Captain, Semi-Finals of Rosslyn Park 7s, Rugby Half Colour, A Team Rugby, Captain of A Team Rugby twice, Hockey. I have enjoyed the opportunities we have been given in sport, music and academia. Perry, Chris Jack 8SC, Lyttelton, Helper, Monitor, Athletics. I have liked having nice teachers and being invited on the rugby tour and to the ESSAs.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

Harper, Joseph 8SC, Lupton, Prefect, House Captain, 3rd Rosslyn Park 7s, quarter final of National 15s rugby tournament, Credit Prize in Year 3, Cricket Junior Colours, IAPS Athletics, qualified for the National rounds of the Bunbury Cup. I have enjoyed the sporting events and I have loved the opportunities that we have.

Jones, Elyssa 8CG, Thomas Cookes, Monitor, Prefect, House Captain, Form Monitor, Sport Scholarship, Academic Scholarship, Hockey Captain, Hockey Colours, U13A Most Valuable Netball Player, Netball National Runners Up, U13A Rounders, 2nd pair Tennis, Athletics, Athletics Colours, County Netball, School U13 Long Jump Record, Year 8 play. I have enjoyed being in the many sports teams at the Prep School.

Year 8 Valete Porter, William 8MB, Lupton, Head Chorister, Drama Colour, Year 8 play. I really enjoyed performing in Bugsy Malone. Puna, Ishwar 8CR, School. Llanwrtyd Centre Monitor, Year 5 Mentor, HMC, House Swimming (three times winner). Iâ€™ve enjoyed playing sport alongside my friends, and going on School trips. Ralph, Zachary 8EL, Walters, Prefect, HMC, Drama Colour, Art Colours. I have enjoyed all of the trips that we have been on. I have also enjoyed looking after my form. Richards, Josephine 8MB, Thomas Cookes, Monitor, Charities Committee, LAMDA. I have enjoyed all of the trips such as skiing and France. I have made lots of new friends.

Sandhu, Jaspreet 8MB, Oakley, Monitor, Prefect, Year 3 Reader, A Team Hockey, Best Effort Grade Award, 3 merits in Hockey, Netball and Rounders, HMCs. I have made lots of new friends at the Prep School and I have enjoyed going on the amazing trips at the end of the academic year.

Scott, Daisy 8SC, Hazeldene, Librarian, Prefect, Monitor, Year 8 play, Grade 8 Ballet, Grade 4 Violin, Music Colour. I have loved every minute in the Prep School, especially Year 8. Shabalin, Mikhail 8DP, Elmshurst, Lost Property Monitor, scoring 86% in science, Rugby Merit, Pastoral Commendations, HMCs. I have enjoyed playing rugby. Shevelev, Nikita 8DP, Elmshurst, Monitor, House Monitor, scoring highly in maths and science tests, HMCs, 1st place in EAL Competition. I have enjoyed being in Page House with my friends. Slater, Guy 8DP, Lyttelton, Prefect, Form Monitor, Semi-Finals of Rosslyn Park 7s, 1st Rugby, 1st Hockey. I have enjoyed playing rugby for the 1st team. Smart, Charlie 8SC, School, Year 6 Form Monitor, Winners of Foremarke Hall Tournament for Hockey, running, HMC. I have really enjoyed playing other schools in different sports.

Thomas, Eden 8CR, Hazeldene, Monitor, MFL Helper, Year 8 play, HMCs. I have enjoyed making new friends and taking part in outdoor trips. Thompson, Harry 8DP, Walters, Monitor, 3rd in Rosslyn Park 7s, Rugby, Hockey. Iâ€™ve enjoyed being with my friends, playing sports and being in various A teams. Trow, Mollie 8CR, Hazeldene, Prefect, PE Monitor, Form Captain, 2nd in IAPS Netball, 2nd best team in the country, IAPS Hockey finalists, ESSA Cross-Country, ESSA Athletics, School Sports Magazine quarter-finals for Netball, School Colours. I have really enjoyed many things at the Prep School but it has to be the sport and making great friends that are top of my list. Turner, Ben 8DP, School, Prefect, National Champions for U13 IAPS Swimming, ESSA Athletics, National Swimming Finals, Rosslyn Park 7s, School Sports Magazine National Rugby 15s Cup, Cricket National Cup. I have enjoyed the many sporting opportunities that are available at the Prep School, and all of the academic success that we have. Tyrrell, Lorna 8EL, Thomas Cookes, Cloakroom Monitor, performing in concerts, HMCs, Cross Country Championships. I have enjoyed the School trips and making new friends.

Uppal, Jagveer 8SC, Lupton, Form Captain, Charities Committee, School Monitor, Cobham Hall Monitor, Fencing Tutor, Grade 2 Fencing, Art Exhibition. I have enjoyed art and I feel like I have found a passion for it. Vaughan, Richard 8CR, Lyttelton, Prefect, Form Monitor, Cloakroom duty, HMCs, Rugby Colour, Pastoral Commendations, reaching quarter-finals of the Rugby National Cup. I have enjoyed participating in the plays and in sporting competitions. Waplington, Alexander 8MB, Walters, Form Captain, Cloakroom Monitor, A team sports teams, Cricket. I have enjoyed making new friends and achieving many things in my life at the Prep School. Ward, Jessica 8MB, Oakley, Year 6 Form Monitor, Prefect, Cross-Country, attaining five colours through Prep School, Prizegiving winner, Effort Grade (straight 1s). I have enjoyed going on all of the trips but I am happy that all of the exams have finished. Ward, Sophie 8SC, Oakley, Form Monitor, Prefect, A Team Hockey, Hockey Nationals, House Rounders, House Hockey, Cross Country Colour, winner of the Alpha and Credit Prize in Year 8, HMCs, Pastoral Commendations, 2nd in regionals for Hockey. I have enjoyed being in the A team for Hockey and Rounders. I have enjoyed all of the trips and I have enjoyed Art and DT. There have also been many other activities for example the Year 8 play.

Webber-Goldsby, Daniel 8DP, Walters, Monitor, HMC, U13 Rugby Tournaments. I have enjoyed having a responsibility and helping others out with things such as credits, something I never thought I would be doing. I am glad that I have been given the opportunity to do these things.

Xue, Zhipeng 8DP, Elmshurst, high score on maths test, HMC, Chess player. I have enjoyed having maths lessons with my friends, playing chess and winning the competitions.

Whitfield, Harry 8CG, School, Prefect, Librarian, Academic Scholarship, HMCs, Best Attainment. I have enjoyed all of the trips and participating in sports matches, as well as the play in Year 6. Willetts, Katherine 8SC, Thomas Cookes, Prefect, Year 5 Mentor, Charities Committee, Bronze and Silver Alpha Awards, Semi-Final of Poetry Competition. I have really enjoyed going on the Spanish trip with my friends. Wright, Lydia 8DP, Oakley, Monitor, U18 Development Hockey, 2nd in the country at IAPS National Netball Finals, IAPS Hockey, County Hockey, Hockey Colours, 1st pair tennis, 1st team Hockey/Netball/Roudners, ESAA Athletics, Athletics Colours, Year 8 play. I have enjoyed playing 1st team sports as it has opened up many opportunities for me, especially with hockey. Wise, Mitchell 8SC, Walters, Form Monitor, GB Wakeboard team, 1st Rugby, Quarter Finals of Rugby National Cup, Art Colour, HMCs, Poetry Competition Final, School plays. I have enjoyed representing the 1st team for Rugby and Hockey, and all of the opportunities I have been given.

JUNIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Roberts, William 8CR, Wendron-Gordon, Year 3 Helper, Best Effort Grades, Most Alphas award. I have really enjoyed Year 8 because there have been lots of new responsibilities.

Sapwell, Charles 8CG, Lupton, Monitor, Form Captain, winner of the Brass section for House Music, House Cross-Country winners, County Cross-Country Champion, Music Exhibition, District Cross-Country winner, winners of the Malvern Aquathon, Cross-Country Colours, Athletics Colours, Music Colour, Mini London Marathon. I have enjoyed all of the opportunities we have been given at the Prep School.

Year Year88Leavers Leavers2014 2014

Credit: H Tempest Ltd

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN

Upper Sixth Leavers 2014

Elmshurst

GARVIE, D., Elmshurst, 2009, School Monitor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, Deputy Head of School, 1st and 2nd Football, 3rd Cricket, German GCSE prize, CCF, Debating, EYP, DofE. University of Warwick - French and History GLASER, C.S., Elmshurst. Barcelona Business

The House as a whole has worked impressively improving academic standards across the board, with special mention to external exam year groups who showed an outstanding work ethic across the year but especially during study leave and in the lead up to exams, which will hopefully be recognised with success in the summer.

GOODALL, J.O.R., Elmshurst, 2007, House Monitor, 2nd Rugby, 2nd Hockey, 2nd Cricket, House Debating, Debating, CCF, DofE, Young Enterprise, Scholarship. KCL - Politics

There was much success in Inter-House competitions such as: Junior Rugby and Basketball, Senior Hockey and my personal highlight, being overall winner of Sports Day - a feat not achieved within the last 15 years. The athletes were well supported and all showed passionate House spirit. Ben Walker orchestrated and organised the House team for Sports Day with many boys representing the House with elite performances in a number of events.

HORVATH, P.H., Elmshurst, 2007, House Monitor, CCF, DofE. Bath - Politics and German

The final House assembly saw Elmshurst say goodbye to a number tutors; Mr Patchett and Miss Thompson who both leave the School to pastures new, and Mr Baldrey (who joins the Wendron-Gordon team where he will be a great addition). All of the tutors will be missed in the House and have been part of a pro-active team who have offered much above and beyond to all boys.

VON CRAILSHEIM, C.V.C., Elmshurst, 2011, House Monitor, 4th Rugby, 2nd Hockey, CCF, DT Garden Products, DT, School Garden, Biodiesel Project. Germany WASSERFUHR, V., Elmshurst, 2011, House Monitor, 1st Hockey - won Midlands Indoor finals twice. Bath - Management

HELLMANN, J.A., Elmshurst, House Monitor. Edinburgh - Economic History

House Honours Board awards go to the following for 2013/14: House Endeavour – Peter Horvath House Best Newcomer – Harrison Fowke House Spirit – Anton Sieg House Contribution – Dan Garvie Head of House Ivan Taptygin has been outstanding. Leading the House in his own effective way, no task has been an issue and his ability to gain respect throughout all year groups has meant that Elmshurst has grown as a family. I thank Ivan, his deputy Dan Garvie and the monitor team for being so proactive and supportive to me. Looking forward, we are very proud to have Chase Edwards and Anton Gorbunov chosen as School Monitors - both boys will set a fine example around School. In the House, I am pleased to announce Chase Edwards as Head of House and Ben Walker as Deputy Head of House; I have a feeling this will be a fantastic year for Elmshurst.

The School year ended with the Elmshurst House Commemoration Day marquee extravaganza; Mrs James my new house PA Secretary worked a miracle! In only her first year as part of the PA and indeed her first Commemoration Day, Mrs James ensured a great time was had by all. No stone was left unturned by the PA team and it was bigger and better than the previous year and there are already plans to improve for next year. Finally, my deepest thanks should go to a number of people who have contributed heavily to the success of the Elmshurst; Mr Noble and his wife Heather for all of their help and support in the house, Mrs Pugh and Mrs Fallows for keeping me on the right path! Please make sure you continue to look at the House page on the School website for photographic evidence of all House events and Commemoration Day itself. D J Fallows

KLAPATYJ, C.L.K., Elmshurst, 2012, 2nd Rugby. Bristol UWE - Creative Product Design NESTEROV, D, Elmshurst. Imperial Chemical Eingeering NIP, S.K.L., Elmshurst, House Monitor. Bath - Civil Engineering SHCHERBAK, I., Elmshurst. Royal Holloway - PPE SIEG, A.J., Elmshurst, House Monitor. Study in Germany STEPPAN, T.S., Elmshurst, 2012, 1st Hockey - won Indoor Midlands 2012. Gap Year then Passau, Germany TAPTYGIN, I., Elmshurst, 2007, Head of House, CCF, ‘Marmite’ Gifted and Talented Society, Scholarship. Imperial College London - Chemical Engineering

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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The House Song Competition was a whole House event which was thoroughly enjoyable yet frustrating at the same time. I thought the performance of I’II be missing you by Puff Daddy was brilliant!

VOLK, T.V., Elmshurst, 2012, House Monitor, 1st Hockey, Midlands Champions, Semi-Final Nationals, 2nd Rugby, Bromsgrove Service, DT. Gap Year

BROOMFIELD, C.B., Hazeldene, 2003, School Monitor, Captain 1st Hockey, 2nd Indoor Hockey Nationals Finals, 4th Outdoor Hockey National Finals, Bronze RADA, Gold DofE, Sport Leaders Award. Durham Geography

Hazeldene

“We love you Hazel we do, we love you Hazel we do, we love you Hazel we do, oh Hazel we love you”. The final address to the House ended with rapturous applause and three very lively blasts of the house ditty, reminding Thomas Cookes (next door!) how much we love the House and celebrating the girls’ achievements.

What girls, what triumphs, what a year 2014 has been! Prowess on the sporting field has been evident with individual, team and House success. House tennis, swimming, rounders, hockey, netball and athletics have all kept our trophy cabinet bursting at the seams.

All events have been well supported, and it has been great to see new members of the House pushing personal boundaries and entering competitions that have tested and challenged. It shows the strength of House spirit, along with the encouragement the girls give one another, in promoting growth and kinship. Whether on the sports field or the stage, Hazeldenians have continued to give accomplished and heart-felt performances.

The Hazeldene Quaich was presented to Jo Messore, in recognition of her outstanding development whilst in the House. For the second time in her career at Bromsgrove, the PA Award for Overall Contribution to the House was well deserved by Amy Foster. A new award was created this year for a Hazeldenian who has given her time and energy to look after and care for others. The Hazeldene Humanitas Award was given to Jenny Moore. All are humbling and inspirational young women.

The House is incredibly proud to boast the new Head of School, Emily Collie, in addition to four School Monitors; Ellie Ball, Millie Doherty, Emma Lloyd-Jones and Lucy Sapwell. They will be fine role models in the School and Hazeldene, leading by example alongside the new Head of House, Millie Doherty and Phoebe Schofield as Deputy Head of House. They will be ably assisted by a strong team of Monitors; Lois Brown, Jessica Dunkley, Katie Jeffries, Chloe Hannafin, Emma Lloyd-Jones and Lucy Sapwell. The Honours boards are filling up quickly - Hazeldene is the House to be in! With such a strong team of School and House Monitors, it is easy to see why we hold our heads high and sing with pride that we are part of such a fine and respected House. The Leavers move on, but leave a great legacy with so much for younger Hazeldenians to aspire to, they have been truly inspirational, making my five years in the House a joy. My fondest and lasting memory of Hazeldene will be the House spirit; warm and encouraging, it envelops you as you step through the front door. A smile on a cold dark morning, the smell of break-time toast, a hug from the Housemother, the plaiting of hair, cake Friday, cheering on the side line, a mug of tea, exam success, commendations, singing, pizza nights and the clanging bell followed by the stampede of rushing to lessons.

There may be cracks in the walls, faded paint and worn carpet, but the girls do not notice this, they are far too busy living life in vibrant colour; busy and bustling, creating an energy that gives the House life and love, feeding their passion for what lies ahead. The stuff of ambition, being part of something very special, that will ultimately stay with them for life and serve many more to come - a true family. Hazeldene, I salute you – thank you for being a part of my story. Z Leech

FLOWERDEW, G.L., Hazeldene, 2007, Prep School Survivor, Head of House, 2nd Hockey, Sports Leaders 1, Sports Leaders 2, Spirit of Sports Leaders Award, Silver DofE, Bronze DofE, Bromsgrove Service, DofE. Worcester Adult Nursing FOSTER, A.R., Hazeldene, 2009, House Monitor, 1st Tennis, 3rd Hockey, ‘Save a Life’ First Aid, Bronze DofE, Silver DofE, Gold DofE, CCF Leadership Cadre, Anti-Bullying Committee, Student Listener. Gap Year GRIFFITHS, A.M.G., Hazeldene, 2009, School Monitor, 1st Netball, 1st Tennis, All-Rounder Scholarship, opportunity to go to Auschwitz, Sports Leadership 1 and 2, GCSE Business Studies Prize, Gold DofE. Birmingham - Law LUCKMAN, B.A.L., Hazeldene, 1999, Pre-Prep Survivor, School Monitor, 1st Hockey, 1st Netball, 1st Swimming, Bronze, Silver and Gold medal in IAPS swimming, 2nd Indoor National Hockey, 4th Outdoor National Hockey, 1st in 100m fly in 2011 at Warwickshire 100s, Grade 6 Ballet, Sports Scholarship, Staff Ladies’ Cup at Prep School, Gold DofE, Sports Scholarship. Birmingham - Law MASSEY, P.A.M., Hazeldene, 2005, House Monitor, 1st Team Hockey, 1st Team Athletics, U18 National Outdoor Finals 2014, U18 National Indoor Finals 2013 & 2014, U16 National Outdoor Finals 2011 & 2012, U16 National Indoor Finals 2012, 1st Team Hockey Player of the Season, England Hockey U16 2012, England Hockey U18 2013 &

MESSORE, J.M., Hazeldene, 1999, Pre-Prep Survivor, Exhibition, House Monitor, 2nd Hockey, 3rd Tennis, Academic Exhibition, CCF, Prep School Magazine, Bromsgrove Service, Pre-Prep Science Club, Anti-Bullying Committee. Exeter - Classics MOORE, J.J., Hazeldene, 2005, Deputy Head of House, 1st Athletics, 3rd Hockey, County 2nd 75m hurdles, Jones Cup for Best Contribution to School Life by a Girl (Prep School), Bronze DofE, Gold DofE, Level 3 Leadership and Management, ‘Save a Life’ First Aid, Sgt in the CCF, DofE, Choir, Anti-Bullying committee, Senior House Debating Final, Target 2.0, Student Listener, Gifted and Talented. Birmingham - Geography and Economics SILK, C., Hazeldene, 1999, Pre-Prep Survivor, House Monitor, 2nd Netball, Grade 5 Singing, Silver RADA award, Gold DofE, Student Listener, Scholarship. Exeter Philosophy THORPE, T.C.T., Hazeldene, 2001, Pre-Prep School Survivor, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st Hockey National Finals 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, 2nd National Indoor Finals, 4th National Outdoor Finals, 1st Athletics - ESSA National Finals U13, U14, U15, 1 of 3 Gold Awards in the country for Starpack - Graphic Design. GCSE Graphic Design Prize, Sports Leadership qualifications 1 and 2. Birmingham - Classical Literature and Civilisation TROW, H.T., Hazeldene, 2007, School Monitor, 1st Hockey, 1st Netball, 1st Athletics, 1st Tennis, 1st Swimming, Cross-Country IAPS Champions 2008, CCF, Gold DofE, Sports Scholarship. Exeter - Geography

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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No one could accuse Hazeldene girls of being “standing stones”; they have dedicated themselves to the pursuit of academic excellence, with the best overall grades in the School, yet still found the time to enjoy the opportunities provided in their extra-curricular pursuits, broadening their overall experience of School life. Gold Duke of Edinburgh for Chloe Broomfield and Carliene Silk who say they will never camp again! For her performance in athletics and her commitment to School hockey, the Victrix Ludorum and Sportswoman of the Year was awarded to Pascale Massey. Hannah Trow was presented with three awards for her impact on the world of sport at Bromsgrove; the trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Girls’ Games, the Hazeldene Sportswoman Cup and the Tony Limbert Trophy – no mean feat. There was another triple celebration for Head of House, Georgina Flowerdew, as she picked up the Kelly Bicknell Memorial Prize, the award for Outstanding Contribution to Bromsgrove Service and the Glaze Trophy for services to Hazeldene House.

CASWELL, E.J., Hazeldene, 2009, House Monitor, 2nd Tennis, 2nd Netball, Young Enterprise, CCF, Gold DofE. Worcester Primary Teaching

2014, ESSA National Final U13, U14, U15, Bronze and Silver DofE, Sports Scholarship. Northwestern University (IL, USA) - Liberal Arts

Housman Hall With the final handshakes and goodbyes of Call Over we not only bid adieu to a wonderful group of Housman Hallians and another school year but also to the last remaining wing of the former hotel that had been our home at Housman Hall. Throughout this year Housman Hall has not only been spreading its wings but also building two new ones to house our pupils in state of the art boarding bedrooms. The majority of our boys moved across to the first wing in November and have greatly appreciated the new space with enlarged desks, en-suite bedrooms and astutely designed storage solutions for pupils’ belongings. When we return the second wing will be complete, the old Perry Hall building will have been renovated and the House garden will have been enlarged and landscaped for the pupils to relax in the late summer sunshine. Any visitor would not fail to be impressed by the work that has taken place on our site but to me the really impressive work and achievements have been undertaken by the hundred and five Housman Hallians who have entertained, amused and inspired us throughout the year. It goes without saying that the pupils have worked exceptionally hard at their studies this year be it BTEC, where William Merriman won the BTEC prize, to A-Level to IB our pupils’ approach to their studies has been exceptional and our leavers will take up places at some of the top universities in the UK and in North America.

To describe in full all that has been achieved in the classroom would take up more space than this piece allows but it is testament to the pupils that they have maintained this effort whilst undertaking so many extra-curricular activities. Our elite sportsmen played major roles in the School’s sports teams. Alongside forwards William Merriman and Rupert Jones, who received the player of the year award, the 1st XV back line was, for some matches, dominated by Housman Hallians Paolo Parisi, Luke White, Charlie Davies, Connor Sparrow, Max Ellis and Tomos Roberts.

BOLSHAKOV, D.. UCL - Urban Planning, Design and Management

We were equally proud of those pupils who have taken up the sport anew and represented some of the other School teams; Stanislau Yakavitski, Marshall Chiu and Kelvin Cheng were excellent servants of their teams this year. With this talent it is little wonder that the Housman team played the most attractive rugby of the house tournament before falling short in the final. Similarly in cricket, Housman’s boys gave an excellent account of themselves with Charlie Davis earning his major colours and Will Fraine and Darrel Williams winning the batting and bowling trophies respectively. Darrel also won the sportsman of the year trophy for his efforts both playing and captaining the School 1st XI.

The girls of the House were similarly active in their sporting efforts. Nathalie James and Katrina Walton were stalwarts of the School 1st Hockey team with Nathalie also representing Wales throughout the year. Millie Chapman joined the School in September and slotted straight into the 1st Netball team where she plied her trade with all of her effort. After two years playing netball and competing in Athletics, Head of House Aoife Swords was awarded the inaugural Swatkins Cup for contributions to girls’ sport.

It is also worth highlighting the efforts of other House sports men and women who have not always had the headline attention of our first team competitors; this is summed up with the efforts of Ellie Saker. More known for her physics than her physical education she has played hockey, netball and tennis for the School teams this year and it is this willingness to involve oneself that epitomizes the Housman spirit that we wish to encourage. Away from the sports field, Housman Hall pupils have given their all to European Youth Parliaments, Model United Nations competitions, Young Enterprise, Flourishing Fiver and Bromsgrove Service. If two pupils could encapsulate this approach to service and widening their horizons it would be Minnie Wong and Mirth Lusamlit who were so outstanding in their work at the Prep School Boarding House that an award was initiated in their honour to celebrate the impact they have had. We are always incredibly proud of the manner in which the pupils at Housman take advantage of the myriad of opportunities that Bromsgrove School offers but this year I have been especially pleased to see the way in which Housman Hall has dug deep and created so many more from within the House. The House Blog has been a major success and the weekly Housman Hallians of the Year Award has allowed us to celebrate successes on a weekly basis. The House also inaugurated their own sports fixtures with a competitive football match against Warwick School boarders.

Housman Hall has well established itself as a front runner in raising money for charity and our Bag packing event and KES weekend Krispy Kreme doughnut sale raised over £1700 for the British Red Cross typhoon appeal. Our inaugural “random act of kindness week” highlighted to the pupils in the House and the School how much joy doing good deeds for others could spread. These are the things that I will remember most about this year. The annual spectacle of half the House joining anew and adapting to a new way of life with strangers from different parts of the world to become a cohesive unit and more importantly a community is always a joy to witness. It is in the countless lighthearted conversations, jokes and film nights that I revel in my good fortune of being Houseparent here but this year I can only pay tribute and thanks to the staff and the pupils for all their efforts in pushing forward the values of the House, those of pride, respect, integrity, charity and endeavour that has really made this year one of the most special and enjoyable that I have had at Housman and in teaching. I know that the Class of 2015 will continue this trend in the coming year and I look forward to their journey. J Jones

BRUCE, S.B., 2012, House Monitor, DofE Mentor Award, DofE, Bromsgrove Service. Gap Year CABARKAPA, S., 2012, Prep School magazine, Animal Sanctuary. Polytechnic University of Milan - Engineering of Computing Systems

JAMES, N., Sport Scholarship. Exexter - PPE

PAWAKRANOND, G., UAL Fashion Marketing

JONES, R.T.L., 2012, House Monitor, 1st Rugby, 1st Rugby 7s, Player Of The Year Rugby. Exeter - Law

RUNGWATTANASOPHOL, P.T., UCL - Management Science

KIRPICHNIKOV, K.K., 2012, House Monitor, Fencing team, Winner of Bromsgrove’s Got Talent 2013, Gold DofE, Fencing, Dance Leadership, Bromsgrove Service (DT). Manchester - Economics & Finance

CHENG, K.S.T., Manchester Mathematics with Economics

LAI, P.Y., 2012, Student Investor Challenge - 2nd in the Region, ICAEW BASE Competition - Regional ROund, DofE, Charity Shop. HKUST - Business

CHIU, M.Y.H., Manchester Civil Engineering

LAM, M.K.H., City - Civil Engineering

CHOW, J.L.Y., UCL Architecture

MACYS, M.M., 2012, 4th Rugby, Sports Leader, Debating. UCL - Arts and Sciences

CHAN, C.C.H., LSE - Law and Anthropology

DAVIES, C.D., 2012, 1st Rugby, 1st Cricket, Rugby Major Colours. Exeter - Sport and Exercise Science DERRIEY, L.D., 2012, House Monitor, 1st Cross-Country, 3rd Rugby, DofE, Film club. Bard, USA - Liberal Arts ELLIS, M.S., Liverpool Business Studies FRAINE, W.A.R., 2012, Head of House, 1st Cricket, 2nd Rugby, Chesterton Cup, Sports Scholarship. Gap Year, Durham - Sport, Exercise and Physical Activity GARAEV, B., City - Engineering with Management IGNATOV, I., KCL - Business Management

MALTCEV, N., House Monitor. LSE - Government and Politics MARSHEVA, M., 2011, House Monitor, Bronze Merit RADA Award, Silver RADA Award, Street Dancing Distinction Award, Art, Fencing, RADA, Badminton, Swimming. UCL - Architecture and Urban Planning MEERAN, R., House Monitor. Plymouth - Civil Engineering MERRIMAN, W.M., 2012, 1st Rugby. Exeter - Exercise and Sport Sciences MUKHACHEV, V.M., 2012. Manchester - Town and Country Planning

SAMOYLENKO, S.I., 2012, 3rd Football, Fencing, Bromsgrove Service. Warwick - Engineering with Business Studies SHAGIROV, E., KCL - European Politics SIU, D.T.T., 2012. Durham Marketing SPARROW, C.D., Exeter Exercise and Sport Science STANLEY, C., 2012, Martial Arts, CATS School Production Makeup Team, DT, Photography, Biodiesel Project, Debating, Badminton, Squash, Tennis, Manchester Science Festival (Rube-Goldberg machine). York - Accounting and Management SWORDS, A.S., 2012, Head of House, 1st Cross Country, 1st Athletics, 2nd Netball, Biodiesel Project. Cardiff Biomedical Sciences TANG, Y., HK Poly U - Science WILLIAMS, D., House Monitor. Durham - Sport WU, M.H.N., Manchester Economics and Finance YAAGOUB, S., 2012. Queen Mary - Aerospace Engineering YANG, J.Y., 2012. Liverpool Aerospace Engineering YERKOZHANOV, O., Queen Mary - Politics with Business Management

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BATES, A.B., 2012, House Monitor. Kings College London - Ancient History

ADAMSON, S, Lupton, School Monitor, Scholarship, Music Scholarship, Choir, Music. Oxford - Archaeology and Anthropology

Lupton The year in Lupton certainly got off to a bright start with The Cottage showing off a fresh coat of paint throughout and some new carpets. This cheery sheen has been suitably reflected in the genuine camaraderie that continues to emanate from the Day Room environment, and eighteen new pupils plus two new tutors were quickly accepted into the Lupton fold. What is the draw of this bijou common room, to many the essence of Lupton? It is a potent mix of several factors: for some, the relaxation and rivalry inherent in a game of pool or table football; for others, something more practical – the source of toast and tea; adolescent laziness plays its part too – a comfy chair versus having to climb stairs to a study needs little consideration for the average Sixth Former. All of these contribute to a space where pre-conceived divisions between L4 and U6 can melt away in a special way. As so often, music accompanies the memories of a time or place, and this year’s soundtrack to Lupton life is a measure of the variety of individual tastes and moods that have each played their part in making up the medley: from moments of soothing Classic FM to wailing guitar riffs, from gangster rappers no doubt summarising the thoughts of middle-class Midlands’ residents to soul classics or blues empathising with the emotions of a typical day at Bromsgrove, from ballads to which we all know the words to beats and electronic pulses in which I cannot find any tune, not to mention numerous renditions of this year’s House Song, 5ive’s Keep on Movin’, and the odd spontaneous chant of Lupton ‘Til I Die. Thankfully, the word count of this piece spares you any analysis of the ‘banter’!

BHANDAL, J.S., Lupton, Scholarship. Gap Year

There has been victory silverware in the Senior B rugby, Senior 4x100m relay, Junior B rugby, Junior badminton and Junior cricket, as well as podium finishes in swimming, Junior cross-country (Nick Papaioannou won the race), 1.2 relay, Junior hockey, Junior basketball, squash and Senior Debating. The successes of the junior year groups in itself points to maintaining the tradition of wholehearted participation.

All of this helps to give some balance to the pressures of the academic work which remains the priority for most Luptonians. Very few have not improved their effort grades over the year and there has been an impressive number of academic commendations. At final Mark Reading, Sam Leather received the IB CAS prize and Joe Bellamy was awarded the U4 History prize, whilst George Goodall and Tristan Stephens-Jones picked up Endeavour prizes for their work during the year. Commemoration subject prizes were also awarded to Alex Cox (Latin), Jagraj Bhandal (Biology and Chemistry) and Sam Adamson (Music). Amongst other very creditable U6 university offers, Jagraj and Sam have also received offers to read Mathematics at Cambridge (Trinity) and Archaeology & Anthropology at Oxford (St. Peter’s, with a choral scholarship) respectively.

On the extra-curricular front, Luptonians have been conspicuous in many areas. We were well represented in the Fourth Form plays The Wardrobe and The Lottery, and Clement Harris and Simon Hotchin were to the fore in School for Scandal. The sense of participation embodied by this year’s U6 was recognised by no fewer than six of the School’s extra-curricular awards: Jamie Tweddell (Perry Thompson Trophy - rugby), Kit Thornton (John Downey Cup – hockey), Tom von Malachowski (First XI Player of the Season – football), Josh French (Outstanding Contribution to Boys’ Games), Jamie Tweddell (Best Overall Contribution to Extra-curricular Life of the School) and Simon Hotchin (Ben Showell Memorial Prize). Five School Caps were awarded to Josh French (athletics captain & football), Kit Thornton (hockey captain), Zack Morris (hockey) and Tom von Malachowski (football) and, in addition to

these, the following boys also represented the School at 1st Team level: Sam Leather, Charles Shephard, Jamie Tweddell and Tom von Malachowski in rugby; Harrison Frost, Elliott Hunt and Oliver Tanner in football; Alex Wilkinson and Matthew Harker in cricket; Alex Griffiths in tennis; James Middleton in squash; Sam Bellamy, Lawrence Hill and Joe Bellamy in golf; others too played their part in multi-age teams in swimming and athletics. Musical pursuits and disciplines such as debating or the electric racing-car also have some Lupton stalwarts. In House competitions, the simple maxim is that Lupton continues to take pride in putting out a ‘hale and hearty’ team in anything.

It has been a pleasure to watch the U6 leavers mature into the loyal and communityminded citizens whose legacy of House spirit to the younger year groups has been entirely positive. Five School monitors, including the Head Boy, in one House does not happen too often and reflects the measure of this year group as role-models for Bromsgrovian life. In other years, many of them would have won PA awards for their contributions, and the field for the Brazier Cup, awarded to Sam Adamson, will rarely be as strong. Kit Thornton and Lewis Turner have led the House with commitment and good humour and, with the support of our excellent team of Tutors and Angela, Lupton remains in fine fettle as the Boar’s Head turns its gaze to next year. A G McClure

BUDGE, M.J., Lupton, Scholarship. De Montfort - Medical Engineering COX, A.P., Lupton, 2004, Prep School Survivor, DofE Gold, Scholarship. Bath Economics FRENCH, J., Lupton, 2009, 1st Football, 1st Athletics, National Finals for Hurdles - 4th in Country, County Champion for 100m and Hurdles. Exeter - Exercise and Sport Science HARRIS, E.W., Lupton. Winchester Classical Studies HOTCHIN, S.H., Lupton, 2003, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Captain of U14C Rugby, 3rd Football, Part of the Bromsgrove Team A County Runners-Up Group in the BASE Competition (Run by the Institute of Chartered Accountants), Bromsgrove School Most Improved Drama Pupil 2013, Colours for Music and Drama, Best Contribution to Sport at the Prep School, DofE (up to and including Gold), Big Band, Choir, Brass Group, RADA (up to and including Gold - merit at all levels), Debating Society, Drama: Threepenny Opera (Filch) Midsummer Nights Dream (Peaseblossom) - CATS (Growltiger) - School for Scandal (Rowley), Level 2 Sports Leadership Qualification. Lancaster European-American Management LEATHER, S.A.M., Lupton, 2003, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, Head Boy, 1st Rugby, 2nd Hockey, CCF, DofE, Ten Tors, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Choral, Scholarship. Durham Geography

MORRIS, Z.M., Lupton, 2006, Prep School Survivor, 1st Hockey, 2nd Cricket, DofE. Cardiff - Medicine

SHEPHARD, C.M., Lupton, 2008, House Monitor, 1st Rugby, Senior colour, CCF, DofE. Newcastle - Geography SIMPSON-STERN, J.W., Lupton. Birmingham - Spatial Planning and Business Management SLATER, C.T., Lupton, 2009, 3rd Football, DofE, Foundation Scholarship. Loughborough - Economics THORNTON, K.W.D., Lupton, School Monitor, Scholarship. Bath - Mechanical Engineering TURNER, L.C.T, Lupton, 2003, Prep School Survivor, Deputy Head of House, 2nd Rugby, 2nd Cricket, 3rd Hockey, CCF, DofE, Scholarship. Birmingham - Medicine TWEDDELL, J.H.B., Lupton, School Monitor. Bristol - Geography VON MALACHOWSKI, T., Lupton. Plymouth - Navigation and Maritime Science

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Lyttelton

BERWICK, A., Lyttelton, 2007, House Monitor. Reading - Real Estate

ROLINSON, O., Lyttelton. Bath - Sports Performance

CASASOLA, W., Lyttelton, 2007, School Monitor. Exeter - Medical Sciences

SMITH, F.S., Lyttelton, 2012, House Monitor, 2nd Football, Student Listener. Birmingham - English Literature

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EAVES, H.E., Lyttelton, 2007, Prep School Survivor, 1st Squash, 3rd Rugby. Exeter Renewable Energy Every Housemaster finds it difficult to summarise in one short report the successes of an entire year, and many rope in their Heads of House to help them out. Two heads are not necessarily better than one, however, as Tom and I have found ourselves recalling more and more noteworthy Lyttelton achievements as we reflect on the year together.

While virtually every Lytteltonian has represented the House in one sporting competition or another this year, special mention must go to the sportsmen who contribute to School sport at the highest level: Justin Clegg, Charlie Robinson and Freddie Ferguson in rugby; Will Casasola (School Cap; Captain), Jake Hampson, Ivo Karov and Joe Stokes in football; Will Hands and Jack Robinson in hockey; Declan McManus in athletics and cross-country; Jack Weston in swimming; Tom Banton in cricket. Patrick Dolan and Tom Robinson have regularly competed for the School golf team.

While our musical achievements may be lacking, we achieved great things in the drama and debating worlds. Lyttelton has a strong tradition of debating and we were unlucky this year to just miss out on victory in both the senior and junior competitions. Nick Bull, Niall Hegarty, Matthew Hegarty and Billy DraperBarr all put in valiant efforts, demonstrating their intellect and quick wit against very strong opposition. Niall’s oratorical skills saw him win the privilege of reading from Mr Bowen’s book about the School during the First World War at the official book launch in May. His reading has also been recorded by BBC Radio 4.

Lyttelton’s contribution to School drama is limited in terms of quantity but outstanding in terms of quality. Asher Hardy and Niall Hegarty both excelled in their lead roles in School for Scandal, with Elliot James enhancing his reputation as a rising star in a significant supporting role. Matthew Hegarty and Billy Draper-Barr are gaining fine reputations for themselves, appearing together in The Wardrobe. Matthew also entertained the entire School with his reading for the Staff Reading Prize, winning the Junior competition.

Seeing the boys win Senior House rugby in my first year as Housemaster was certainly a highlight for me. Teamwork and House spirit carried the team to victory against stronger Houses and the mood amongst the boys afterwards can only be described as jubilant. It would be fair to single out Declan McManus as the major reason Lyttelton raced to success as winners in the Senior cross-country and athletics competitions, and came second in the 1.2 relays. In Junior competitions, there was success in hockey and a hard-fought second place in rugby.

Having witnessed the best efforts of the Sixth Form boys during our golf day in May, I was not hopeful of any great achievement in the House golf competition. However, Upper Fourth Tom Robinson showed that sometimes the juniors far outrank the seniors in terms of skill at their particular sport, winning the House golf in a closely-fought competition.

Academically, there has been significant progress and individual achievement. Effort grade averages have steadily improved throughout the year, with Bradley McGeough, Justin Clegg, Alex Nisbet and Max Butterfield leading the way with consistently outstanding grades. Matthew Townsend and Matthew Hegarty received subject prizes at Mark Reading. House Endeavour Awards were presented to Harry Symonds, Billy Draper-Barr, Alex Nisbet, Will Hands and Bradley McGeough. Tom Flowerdew won the Senior Lyttelton House Cup and Will Fidoe the new Unsung Hero award. The Alfred Lyttelton Cup was awarded to Will Casasola for his outstanding contribution to the academic and sporting life of the School.

The Upper Sixth leavers are a close-knit, good-humoured group who have offered me great support this year. I wish them the very best of luck in the future and hope that they will always wear their Lyttelton ties with pride. G George & Tom Flowerdew

FERGUSON, F.G.H.F., Lyttelton, 2007, House Monitor, 1st Rugby, 2nd Rugby, Athletics, U16B Football, U14D Hockey, Silver in British Physics Olympiad, CCF, European Youth Parliament, IFS Student Investor, Debating. Bristol - Physics and Philosophy FLOWERDEW, T.F., Lyttelton, 2009, Head of House, 2nd Rugby, 2nd Hockey, 3rd Cricket, DofE. Birmingham - Anthropology and History HAMPSON, J.H., Lyttelton, 2009, House Monitor, 1st Football, 2nd Cricket. Manchester - Politics and Criminology HARDY, A.H., Lyttelton, 2007, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Vth Form Drama Award, Drama Minor Colours. Career Path Videography and Production MCGEOUGH, B.J.M., Lyttelton, 2012, School Monitor, House Monitor, 1st CrossCountry, 1st Athletics, 2nd Hockey, DofE Gold, The Times/Bank of England: Target 2.0 ESU Debating Mace, English Schools’ Cross-Country, Academic Endeavour Award - Lyttleton 2013, DofE, Debating. Bath Economics MUSCUTT, O., Lyttelton. Nottingham Trent Real Estate ROBINSON, J.W., Lyttelton. Oxford Brookes - English

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Memories of the first term in Lyttelton are dominated by the hours of rehearsals for House Song. Expectations were high and the boys were brilliantly led by Asher Hardy in Michael Jackson’s Black or White. The musical capabilities of the House were perhaps not best demonstrated by Jack Robinson, Jake Hampson and Oliver Rolinson rapping in front of the entire School, though it proved thoroughly entertaining. We won over the audience but not the judge, and were robbed of the coveted House Song trophy for yet another year.

Our thanks must go to the dedicated members of the PA who offer their tireless support of Lyttelton. The events calendar has never been more packed and the boys have become increasingly involved in assisting at various events, taking particular ownership of the Quiz Night and Casino Night. Lyttelton has a fantastic tutor team who provide hours of support and guidance to the boys. The Upper Sixth are especially grateful to Dr Johns for his support during their UCAS applications.

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Mary Windsor The Easter Egg Hunt always ends up as a matter of “life or death”when girls go out to search for the hidden chocolate treasures and the year ended with our traditional barbeque with bouncy castle and candy floss followed by a relaxing evening in the sun. Mary Windsor House is not the most athletic of Houses but the spirit is never dying. Under the organisation of Margarita Domuschieva and Leoni Hiller we always managed to put forward the best teams and complete each challenge. Sports Day being one of the biggest and most exciting events, Mary Windsor did brilliantly competing as well as supporting the others; the loud cheers could be heard from the other side of the Ryland Centre.

We cannot explain how quickly 2014 has passed, especially because, as it is the Upper Sixth pupils’ final year, we have tried to cherish and collect as many experiences at Bromsgrove School as possible. Mary Windsor has truly become our second home, having only sixty-four girls, we were able to get to know each other really well and grow together as a family, with the support of our friends and the guidance of the staff. Just like any House, we have had to face many struggles but in the end we always managed to get over every hurdle and become a true House community.

As in every year, Mary Windsor has shone on stage in the House Song competition. Finding a suitable song for our House was another challenge that the monitor team had to face. Under Austeja Musteikyte’s expertise we performed the Shoop Shoop song by Cher; the vocal variation in combination with the unique sixth form dance moves added charm and excitement to the overall performance. Although our efforts were not as highly rewarded as desired, Mrs Tweddell and the monitor team were very proud of the girls and the amount of effort they put into the competition, with lots of determination and laughter at every late night practice.

This year we have welcomed many new lovely faces. Throughout the year these girls have contributed and enhanced Mary Windsor’s reputation of being the House with the best spirit. They found it quite easy to settle down as we had many House events in which they were able to mingle with returning Mary Windsor members. The Hallowe’en Party proved to be a great success, with the girls enjoying dressing up and taking part in a variety of fun games and treats. At Christmas we had a special dinner and dance at Grafton Manor where we were able to don our posh dresses and high heels.

The drama performance on the Artrix stage of School for Scandal proved Nyree Williams, Emma Reeves and Ira Li to be the stars of the show. And strutting down the catwalk at the end of year fashion show, Yasemin Gurdal, Katie Palmer-Reid and Jasmine Limbu did a great job at modelling the exquisite work of GCSE and A level art and textile students.

Last but not least, we want to say a warm good bye from all Mary Windsor girls to Miss Hardy (Assistant Houseparent). We were able to relate to and share our worries and gossip with her and she will be greatly missed around the House.

Sadly as our last year comes to an end we have to say a big thank you and good bye to all the amazing tutors in Mary Windsor. With Mr Banwell’s calm manner we were able to get through the stress more easily, Miss Baker’s and Miss Johnston’s maths abilities were regularly exploited by the girls in the House. Miss Rankin’s and Miss Lesniak’s parental approach was a big asset throughout the year in helping us achieve our aims and keep us organised and Miss Harper was a great listener with whom we frequently shared our life experiences. Mrs Peric-Crnko’s return resulted in another small member - Adrian cheering us on at every event. A great thank you goes to Mrs Tweddell and Fletch (Ms Fletcher) who have been by our sides through ups and downs keeping us on target.

Nikol Grigorova and Anastasia Chebotareva

With Miss Baker taking over from Miss Hardy, we are sure that she will do just as well with her cheerful and light-hearted approach with the House members. Although we will miss the House we know that it will be in good hands as we pass the baton onto the next Monitor team led by Emma Reeves and assisted by Hannah Whitaker.

MUSTEIKYTE, A., Mary Windsor, 2012, House Monitor. Queen Mary - Business Management

CHEBOTAREVA, A.C., Mary Windsor, 2007, Prep School Survivor, Deputy Head of House, Art Scholarship. Central Saint Martins - Art and Design Foundation

SHAM, E., Mary Windsor. Central St Martin’s - Art Foundation Diploma

CHEN, J.Y., Mary Windsor. LSE Mathematics with Economics DOMUSCHIEVA, M., Mary Windsor, 2009, School Monitor, House Monitor, Senior Boarder, Exhibition. Bristol - Management

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SO, D.W.L., Mary Windsor, 2012, Chinese Concert, Sports Day, Swimming Gala. The Hong Kong University - Business Administration SUN, X., Mary Windsor, 2012, Bromsgrove’s Got Talent. Warwick - PPE

FENG, C.S., Mary Windsor. LSE - Actuarial Science GAZAZYAN, H.Z., Mary Windsor GHIULA, M., Mary Windsor. Lancaster - Law GRIGOROVA, N.G., Mary Windsor, 2009, Head of House, Young Enterprise. City Management GUO, Z., Mary Windsor, 2012, Bromsgrove Service. LSE - Accounting and Finance HERKNER, I.P., Mary Windsor, 2011, House Monitor, 2nd Hockey. Queen Mary Business Management HILLER, L.M., Mary Windsor, 2012, House Monitor, 2nd Hockey, Operation Christmas Child, Young Enterprise, Prep School Year 8 Induction. Gap Year HO, S.S.I., Mary Windsor. UCL - Information Management for Business HUANG, C.J., Mary Windsor, House Monitor. Queen Mary - Geography LEE, G.S.H., Mary Windsor, House Monitor. Nottingham - Nutrition

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The most successful sport event for Mary Windsor this year was House cross-country where we came third in the senior race. Katie Palmer-Reid represented the House in no fewer than eight sporting events.

We also did extremely well at Commemoration this year winning five School prizes. Congratulations go to Margarita Domuschieva for Spanish, Julia Guo for Economics, Anastasia Chebotareva for Textiles and Leoni Hiller for the Alison Bramley Memorial Prize for Mathematics. Nyree Williams won the Staff Reading Prize. House prizes went to Katie – Sports. Paige – Drama. Emma – Music. Elizabeth – Art. Senior Contribution to House Life - Nikol. Langdale Cup for 4th form contribution – Olivia. Leoni – Wallis bowl for effort in the house community. The Fazel Cup for the Upper Sixth pupil who has achieved academically and contributed to House life went to Cherry. Well done to all.

ALLCHURCH, M.G.A., Mary Windsor, 2012. King’s College London - Business Management

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Oakley What a jam packed year this has been for all of us, with many great achievements across a wide range of areas for all our Oakley girls. We really believe that Oakley has continued to go from strength to strength. A strong House spirit has ensured that those new to the House have quickly integrated, whilst those about to leave have enjoyed their final year immensely.

The highlight of the first half term was without a doubt our victory in the House Song Competition. The House was simply outstanding and we were extremely proud of every single member of Oakley. Special thanks must go to Andrea Ellinas and Aryssa Chai, our conductors, and the brains behind the fabulous harmonies and the impressive performance.

BATEMAN, N.K., Oakley, 1999, Pre-Prep Survivor, School Monitor, 2nd Hockey, Bronze-Gold DofE, Scholarship. St. Andrews - History

Oakley girls try hard and perform well in many aspects of Bromsgrove School life; this is evident in the consistently strong effort and attainment grade averages and the huge number of Commendations awarded. Oakley girls have in fact been awarded over 1400 commendations this year, more than any other House. At our Final House Assembly, Aliya Aynetdinova was awarded the Best Grades prize for her average over the year of 1.24 and Abigail Saker was awarded the prize for the highest number of commendations with a superb 60. Aliya Aynetdinova and Georgina Boffey were awarded the Senior House Cup, Eleanor Birch and Abigail Saker were awarded the Junior House Cup and the House Spirit award went to Lea Bartmann. We were also incredibly proud of our many major prize winners at Mark Reading and Commemoration.

Oakley has featured strongly in the Arts calendar this academic year. We’ve had a long list of participants in the Music Festival and were delighted that Cammy Tong was overall winner. A number of girls entered the Staff Reading Prize with Carren Wong reaching the final of the Senior competition. School for Scandal which took place in November was a huge success and many of our girls went to watch. Three of the leading roles were taken by our Oakley girls, Emily Taylor, Ella Cardinali and Helena Solomou and several others were in the chorus and backstage. Many of our junior girls were involved in the Fourth Form productions of The Wardrobe and The Lottery directed by Oakley tutors Miss Lancett and Mrs McKee. They all worked hard in rehearsal and produced a great performance. We have competed in every Inter-House sports competition with a determined attitude and great House spirit.

A huge number of Oakley girls represent the School in at least one sports team giving us an upper hand advantage which led to several victories included the hotly contested Senior House Hockey competition. Our large number of sporty girls was really highlighted by over 30 girls taking part in this year’s Sports Day. Not only have our girls had huge success in all the areas we have mentioned but Oakley have pushed the boat out this year when it comes to House events from our regular House lunches, breakfast clubs, ‘Treat Fridays’, the Christmas Gala Dinner, our Summer Party, our annual Easter Egg Hunt and the 200 pancake extravaganza on Shrove Tuesday.

Emily Taylor, Andrea Ellinas, Natasha Bateman, Sydney Liao and Katie Leather have led the School tremendously fulfilling their roles as School Monitors. However we must also congratulate Klara Hunt, Nadescha Heine, Kate Duffy and Carren Wong who have been selected as School Monitors for the next academic year. Also our new Head of House Klara Hunt and Deputy Heads of House, Marie Kriegler and Nadescha Heine. On behalf of the House we would like to thank the tutors for all their support and help throughout this year. We have to say good bye to Miss Davenport, and also Miss Lancett, who is stepping down from her position of Assistant Houseparent. We thank her for her incredible support and encouragement of us all over the last few years. A huge thank you to Mrs Smith and Mrs Astill for all of their help that we see and that that we don’t - all of the girls really appreciate it. Oakley wouldn’t be the great House it is without the guidance of Mrs Helmore. Year on year she does an outstanding job and has been with this year’s leavers from day one. We can’t thank you enough. Now we must bring this to an end like the School careers of the Upper Sixth. We are honored to call ourselves Oakley girls, and the memories we have made will stay with us forever. From all the Upper Sixth leavers we want to thank the whole House for being a part of our journey and making the last five years in Oakley so magical. Alison Garvie (Head of House) and Georgina Boffey (Deputy Head of House)

BOFFEY, G.H., Oakley, 2009, House Monitor. Gap Year BOLTON, E.L., Oakley, 2000, Pre-Prep Survivor. Sheffield - Business Management and Economics CHAI, A.C., Oakley, 2012, House Monitor, House Song Competition, Bromsgrove Service, Orchestra, Dance, Aerobics, Body Balance. Trinity College Dublin Medicine DO, T.L., Oakley, 2012, 1st Badminton, Bromsgrove’s Got Talent, Maths Challenge (Gold Certificate), Bromsgrove service (Folk Group), Christmas Music Concert, Pop & Jazz, CCF band. SOAS - Chinese & Japanese Studies DZHEVALA, V., Oakley, 2012. UCL - Arts & Sciences ELLINAS, A.A.E., Oakley, 1999, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of School, House music competition, first round of European Youth Parliament, Gold D of E, House song competition winners, Music, chapel choir, CCF, D of E, European Youth Parliament, Music Exhibition. Liverpool Sociology, Social Policy and International Relations ELT, R., Oakley, 2005, House Monitor, 2nd Hockey, 1st Athletics, Gold DofE, Athletics Nationals, CCF, DofE, Choir. Coventry Physiotherapy FOXON, S.A., Oakley. Liverpool - International Business

GARVIE, A.L., Oakley, 2009, House Monitor, Head of House, 1st Athletics, 2nd Hockey, 3rd Netball, CCF. Nottingham - Geography GEORGIEVA, N.G., Oakley, 2011, House Monitor, CATS, DofE Gold. Bath - Sociology GIBSON, E.G., Oakley, 2012, House Monitor, School Play 2013. Bath - International Management GIBSON, E.G., Oakley, 2012, House Monitor. Study in Australia LEATHER, K.M., Oakley, 2003, Prep School Survivor, School Monitor, House Monitor, 2nd Hockey, Scholarship. Southampton - French LI, Y.Y., Oakley. Bath - Chemical Engineering LIAO, S.C., Oakley, School Monitor. LSE Anthropology & Law LO, W.Y.K., Oakley, 2012, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, 3rd Hockey, 1st/2nd Tennis, DofE, Bromsgrove service, dance. KCL - Nutrition LU, A.L., Oakley, 2012, student listener. Sheffield - Law with German Law LUO, S.T., Oakley, 2012, Young Enterprise, DofE, Bromsgrove Badge, dance. UAL Art Foundation Diploma OLAGBAJU, I., Oakley, House Monitor. Plymouth - Marketing POWELL, F.C., Oakley, 2005, Prep School Survivor, School Riding Team, Hockey 2nd and 3rd team, Athletics team, Netball 2nd and 3rd team, Gauntlet Award, National orienteering runner up, CCF, Prep school choir, Residential home helper, Bully Buddy (prep school anti-bullying scheme). Gap Year SEDUIKYTE, D., Oakley. Nottingham - Architecture SO, R.H.C., Oakley. UAL - Product Design

SOLOMOU, P.P.S., Oakley, 2000, Pre-Prep Survivor, House Monitor, 3rd hockey, DofE bronze, ICAEW Base, Young Enterprise. Liverpool - International Business

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STIFF, S., Oakley, House Monitor STONE, E.A., Oakley, 2006, 3rd Hockey, Fenced for West Midlands in BYCs, CCF, Gold DofE, Tae Kwon Do, Marmite, Robotics Club (Bromsrovers), Corps of Drums, Scholarship, Art Scholarship. Aberystwyth - Space Science and Robotics TAYLOR, E.L.T., Oakley, 2009, School Monitor, Head Girl, In upper 4th, won the Junior House Debating with Sarah Westlake (O.B.), CCF, Choir, Student Listener, Drama (Threepenny Opera, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cats and School for Scandal). Warwick University - Theatre and Performance Studies TOWNSEND, L.J., Oakley, 2007, 2nd Hockey, Cross Country, Athletics, Gold DofE, Sports Leadership, Student Listener, Anti-Bullying Committee. Liverpool - Physiotherapy WONG, N.H.T., Oakley. HKUST - Business Management WU, Y., Oakley, 2012, Vex national competition, Robotics, Pre-Prep scientist club. Cambridge Homerton College Mathematics ZHANG, Y.Z., Oakley, 2012, DofE. KCL - International Relations ZHONG, W.Z., Oakley, 2012, DofE. UCL - Statistics, Economics & Finance

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Mr Bowen came to visit Oakley at the beginning of the year, allowing the House to introduce themselves and to find out how the new pupils in particular were settling in. He was impressed and commented that ‘Oakley was lovely - intimate, friendly and supportive’. In September, we held three different ‘Getting to Know You’ evenings for the Fourth Form, Fifth Form and Lower Sixth Form. These were planned and led by the House Monitor team and proved to be very enjoyable and successful and set the tone for the year in terms of house spirit, commitment, integration and teamwork.

AYNETDINOVA, A., Oakley, 2012, House Monitor, 3rd Tennis. UCL - Arts and Sciences

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ALLEN, R.P.A., School, 2003, Prep School Survivor, 3rd team rugby, 3rd team football, school biodiesel project, CCF, DofE. Plymouth - Biological Sciences

School

Our academic successes have been numerous and our leavers have been offered places at some of the most prestigious universities, in a wide range of disciplines. Harry Gibbs has a place to read Geography at Jesus College, Oxford and Declan Amphlett will read Modern and Medieval languages at Trinity College, Cambridge. St Andrew’s, Durham, Sheffield, University College London, Manchester and Exeter are just some of the esteemed seats of learning that our Upper Sixth will move on to in September. Many others are also making the most of their abilities across the year groups, including Oliver Hall who won the overall prize for best work in the whole Upper Fourth year group. We started and ended the year with success in House competitions. Our domination in the swimming pool was impressive and we were the worthy winners of the Senior House swimming.

Musical and dramatic contributions to the School have been bountiful. From School for Scandal to the School Choir and Pop and Jazz, School House have been at the heart of these events every week. With no less than eight of our boys singing in the choir for the commemoration day service and William Parkinson playing out the leavers’ service with such skill on the organ, music is at the heart of our House.

Our formidable swimming team of Sam Rose, Matt Osborne, Philip May, Jeremy Turner, Myles Pountain and Fraser Bales put in some amazing individual and team swimming performances. Senior House hockey was a nail-biting experience to watch, we fielded a very strong team and we held our own against all of our opponents and finished a respectable third. The House Song competition was brilliantly led by William Parkinson and the monitor team. The selection of Bohemian Rhapsody was ambitious, but School House did not disappoint. The harmonies were tuneful and the high notes were hit. We were also accompanied by our own musicians: Sam Makar, Tom Challand and Rob Chapman. William’s flamboyant and skilful conducting, dressed as Freddie Mercury, saw him receive the best conductors’ award.

The Cross-Country was another memorable day for the House. Again both our Senior and Junior teams were strong and we finished 4th overall. We were not quite so successful in the other House sporting events, but what we have lacked in silverware was made up for by the team spirit and camaraderie, whatever the odds of success! Sports Day saw some impressive individual performances and we were very proud of Harry Liversidge for winning the Victor Ludorum trophy. Our junior boys’ team: Harry Liversidge, Joe Houlcroft, Zach Ison, Harrison Wright, Sam Ison, and Anders Giles were also the overall winners of this section. A fantastic achievement.

House Debating was another highlight of the year. William Parkinson and Declan Amphlett commanded the platform in both the rounds. In the final they proposed the motion that “Social Media has revitalised political representation” and finishing the summing up by taking a selfie, sealed what Mr Bowen described as a “flawless” performance – truly a “class act”. The last House competition of the year took place in glorious sunshine and was a light hearted way to end the year. Having said that, the Inter-House Bake Off was fiercely competitive and we witnessed some excellent team work from School House as Miles Burke, Killian Ormonde, Jack Pitt and Thomas Muir worked under time pressure to create a Cookie Monster cake. A well-deserved first prize and the ‘golden spoon’ will add to our trophies on the mantlepiece!

They say that “If you’re too busy to laugh, you are too busy.” We have certainly made time in School House. The first School House pancake race was a memorable occasion – never have I seen such an event become so competitive so quickly – the final between Luke Michell, Matt Bentley and James Taylor was a close call but James Taylor was the worthy winner and was awarded the prestigious golden frying pan! We have also enjoyed Go-karting, a trip to Worcester Warriors, a Christmas party and a conker competition. I am extremely grateful to our PA who have organised some great events this year which have united the wider School House community. The quiz in November, brilliantly written by Henry Brewster, was a super evening. We also had great fun at the family games night. Commemoration Day was a very special occasion and we were very proud of all our leavers. Awards and acclaim were flowing for the School House boys: subject prizes were awarded to Ben Thornley (English),

Samuel Rose (Religious Studies), Harry Gibbs (Geography) and Classical Civilisation to Ben Thornley. Other special prizes went to Declan Amphlett (Housman Verse Prize), William Parkinson (Vivian Anthony Cup for Musical Contribution). Declan Amphlett was also awarded the ultimate accolade – the Cookes Prize, for his outstanding contributions to so many areas of School life. This has been a year of change for School House and I thank everyone who has supported me in my first year as Houseparent: the tutor team, Mrs Hibell, parents and of course the boys who have accepted and worked with new ideas. Nelson Mandela once said ‘A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination’ our boys have clearly shown this during the year. J Holden

BALES, F.B., School, 2001, Pre-Prep Survivor, House Monitor, 2nd Football, Swimming Team, Hong Kong Salver Award, Bronze, Silver, Gold Duke of Edinburgh, IFS Student Investor Challenge, Biodiesel Project, Language Leaders. Gap Year CHAPMAN, R.D., School, 2009, House Monitor, Junior Music Colours, The Bromsgrove School Big Band, Silver DofE, Pop & Jazz, The Biodiesel Project. Manchester - Chemistry FIRMINGER, J., School, House Monitor GIBBS, H.G., School, 2003, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House. Reading - Real Estate & Urban Planning GIBBS, H. J., School, House Monitor. Oxford- Geography LAMB, M., School, Sports Scholarship. Leeds Met - Sports Event Management LAY, R.J., School, Music Scholarship. Sheffield - Molecular Biology OSBORNE, M.K.O., School, 2012, House Monitor, 1st team swimming, 2nd team rugby, 3rd team football, bio fuels fairtrade stand. Gap Year

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PRASERTSRI, P.P., School, 2008, House Monitor, 1st Athletics, 3rd football, 4th rugby, Minor colours for athletics, VEX robotics competition, CCF, DofE bronze. Sheffield - Mechatronics and Robotics Engineering ROSE, S.J.R., School, 2009, House Monitor, 1st Team Swimming, Religious Studies GCSE prize, Classical Civilisation GCSE prize, IFS National Finals, Flourishing Fiver. St Andrews - Philosophy & Theological Studies THA, T.Z., School, 2000, Pre-Prep Survivor, Academic Scholarship, Bronze DofE, Silver DofE, Don Gibbin Prize for Geography Coursework, Model United Nations, RAF cadets, DofE, Gifted and Talented, MedVets, Student Listener, Bromsgrove Service, Taekwondo, Scholarship. Gap Year then Medicine THORNLEY, B.T., School, 2006, Prep School Survivor, 1st Badminton, Major Colours, CCF, Gold DofE, Supervisor of Prep School e-Magazine, Badminton, Squash, Tennis. Exeter – English Literature THORPE, A.J.T., School, 2001, Pre-Prep Survivor, House Monitor, Head of House, 1st Hockey, Swimming Team, IFS Student Investor Challenge National Finalist, Bronze DofE, Silver DofE, Gold DofE, Biodiesel Project, RAF, Bromsgrove Service. Leeds - Combined Honours: Economics and Geography

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To sum up School House in a few pages seems almost an impossible task. The boys have made their mark in every area of School life and their achievements go far beyond trophies and mentions in assemblies. Our new House motto ‘In Nomine Amicitiae’ (in the name of friendship), epitomises the House spirit that the boys and staff have experienced this year. Every member of School House, whether academic, all-rounder, musician, debater, sportsman or actor can gain something from the spirit of the House and the departing Upper Sixth have encouraged everyone to take part and wear their blue shirts with pride.

AMPHLETT, D.A.M., School, 2009, School Monitor, House Monitor, D team rugby, School House junior endeavour cup, junior debating, best junior debater, Taylor Trophy best speaker, ESU best questioner, English literature GCSE prize, senior debating, Cookes Prize, Chapel choir, chamber choir, European Youth Parliament, debating society. Scholarship. Cambridge Modern and Medieval Languages

PARKINSON, W.R., School, 2004, House Monitor, GCSE Music Prize, GCSE French Prize, Inter-house music competition, Senior debating competition, Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, Orchestra, Senior Brass Ensemble, Big Band, Debating Society, Music Scholarship, Scholarship. Gap Year

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Thomas Cookes of competitions. Her results have been so good that she has now qualified to ride in the Longines Royal International Horse Show. This is a great achievement considering she has had so many other commitments over the past few months.

Thomas Cookes has been an industrious place over the last year. The girls have concentrated on their academic studies but we have found time to enjoy some social occasions in the House. The balloon race and cake sale for Charity; the Christmas party, the Easter egg hunt and Pancake Day were all eventful occasions over the year, generally involving food - and lots of it! There have also been some great performances in the drama of the School.

Robyn Burrell performed well in School for Scandal and Nanci Burbidge, Eleanor Fussell and Isabel James had parts in the Junior plays. In addition, Olivia Wormald has recently successfully auditioned for a roll in Footloose at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham. There have been a number of sporting wins this year. We have won the Junior swimming, Junior netball, Junior cross-country, the U15s and U17s competitions at Sports Day and the Junior tennis.

The girls have competed very well for the House and I am looking forward to when the present juniors go through as seniors as we will become even stronger. Lauren Brown deserves a special mention, as she became a member of the England U15 netball squad this year. Isabel James, also in the Upper Fourth, has established herself in cross-country. I would also like to mention Georgina HorsleyGubbins. She has, despite taking her GCSEs, been competing on her horse in a number

We have some very prominent tutors leaving the House this year. Mr Barr has been at the School for many years and has helped and guided many pupils. Not only that, but he has helped thousands through the UCAS stages in the Sixth Form and has an insider knowledge of the system. This understanding, combined with his fantastic Geography teaching, brilliant tutoring and voice in the choir, mean he will be sadly missed. He has also helped me to work out some of the more complex aspects of running a day House at Bromsgrove. I know that he is looking forward to retirement and spending more time in his church. Mrs Race is also retiring. She has shown considerable affection for her tutees. Always quick to defend them and pleased to get them together as a group and eat cake. She has been a good agony aunt to them all. She, like Mr Barr, has always been ready to help me and I am very grateful.

Ms Zafar is stepping down as Assistant House Parent this year. She has been a rock to me over the last few months and has really been ready and willing to help in many tricky situations. I am pleased she is staying in the House to continue as a tutor. Miss Davenport will be the new Assistant Houseparent. Our thanks go to Ms Zafar. Miss Keys has decided she would like a change and is now moving on to Lupton House. She will be missed by many as she is a cheerful and intellectual guide. We wish her well in Lupton and I am sure we will continue to see her around School. I would personally like to thank all the tutors for all their efforts this year; always ready to spend time with their tutees and to give them advice. I would also like to thank the PA for all they do for the House. They have organised the House ball, mulled wine and minced pies and a comedy show along with lots of other social occasions. They support both myself and the girls unreservedly. Lots of changes are ahead but I am very much looking forward to welcoming our new Lower Fourth and tutors next year. K Hannah

JACKSON, M.L., Thomas Cookes. Bath Spa Contemporary Arts Practice

DUNN, J.D., Thomas Cookes, 2009, House Monitor, 1st Netball, 3rd Hockey, 1st Rounders, DofE (silver). Aberystwyth Business Management

LAU, Z.L., Thomas Cookes, 2006, 3rd hockey, DofE, CCF. Liverpool - Sociology

EDWARDS, V.E., Thomas Cookes, 2007, Prep School Survivor, Deputy Head of House, Young Enterprise awards, ILO award, CCF, DofE, Young Enterprise. Exeter - Business Management EVANS, L.G., Thomas Cookes, House Monitor, Exhibition. Bristol - Law FINLAY, D.J., Thomas Cookes, 2000, PrePrep Survivor, House Monitor, 2nd Hockey, 2nd Tennis, Extended Essay award GCSE, Bronze D of E, CCF U4th, Model United nations, Bromsgrove service, flourishing fiver, Scholarship. Southampton - English Literature HEAD, C.M., Thomas Cookes, 2000, Pre-Prep Survivor, Exhibition, Hockey, Rounders, Academic scholarship, Junior academic award TC, DofE, CCF. Brighton - Art HEINE, C., Thomas Cookes, School Monitor. Humboldt - Economics HILL, L.R., Thomas Cookes, 2007, House Monitor, Exhibition, Art GCSE Prize, Spanish GCSE Prize, TC Junior Academic Award (2011), Scholarship, Bronze DofE, Silver DofE. Warwick - PPE HILL, L. R., Thomas Cookes. Exeter Sociology & Criminology HILL, V., Thomas Cookes, House Monitor. Manchester - International Management HORSLEY-GUBBINS, H.M., Thomas Cookes, House Monitor. Birmingham - Business Management

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MORRICE, R.L., Thomas Cookes, 2009, School Monitor, Netball 1st team captain, u19s regional runners up, u19s National netball finals winner 2013, TC grades awards, Gold DofE, RADA, Sports Leaders 2. Leeds Economics and Management NUTT, C.M., Thomas Cookes, Sports Scholarship. Worcester - Sports Therapy PARKER, G.R.F., Thomas Cookes, 2007, Prep School Survivor, House Monitor, Hockey, Tennis, Netball, Rounders, Young Fashion Designer of the Year, DofE, Art Exhibition. Bath Spa - Fashion Design RUDD, H.R., Thomas Cookes, 2012, House Monitor, 1st netball, Under 18 England Netball Champions 2013, Sports Scholarship. UWIC - Sport and Physical Education SWATKINS, S.L., Thomas Cookes, 2000, Pre-Prep Survivor, House Monitor, Head of House, Hockey National finals, 1st Swimming, 2nd Netball, DofE Bronze and Silver, Sports Leadership Level 1, DofE. Family Business: Swatkins Group LTD

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Departing this year has been my first Upper Sixth. It has been a very emotional few days but I would particularly like to thank Stephanie Swatkins for all her hard work in the House and for her advice and helpful nature to the younger years. All of the Upper Sixth have been a fantastic year group and I am very sorry to see them leave.

Ms Werrett has now left Thomas Cookes twice. That is a record. There cannot be many people who can say that. I know that she has been loved in the House for her energy, advice and her great tutoring skills. I know I have really appreciated her kind, thoughtful nature. Everyone would like to wish her all the best for the future.

BURRELL, S.A., Thomas Cookes. South Wales - Pharmaceutical Science

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Walters

The Lent and Summer Terms saw the Walters teams get to the final in the Senior hockey and Junior cricket competitions, with some fine performances at Sports Day too, notably David Elphinston winning the Victor Ludorum award (intermediate boys), following his victories in high jump, 100m and 200m. In the 90s-themed House Song competition, the boys belted out Three Lions, ably led by James Hubscher and Tom Stokes.

Although they weren’t able to re-create their victory of the previous year (with an excellent Oakley song deservedly claiming top spot), practice and performance were enjoyed by all. Other extra-curricular highlights included the performance from Tom Stokes on the euphonium in the House Instrumental Competition and the drama performances of Archie Parker in the Michaelmas Production of School for Scandal, and Dan Johnson, George Bingham and Benjamin Payne in the Fourth Form Productions of The Lottery and The Wardrobe.

The leaving Upper Sixth Formers will be much missed, with a relatively small year group taking a big pool of talent with them. Many thanks and best wishes to all of the leavers, who have contributed hugely to Walters in their time here. The year group boasts a number of School Captains with Callum Young (1st XV Rugby), Alex Moore (Cross Country) and Jack Slattery (Swimming) leading senior teams this year. Jack also led the CCF as RSM and did an outstanding job throughout the year.

Also departing this summer is School Golf Captain Matthew Osborn, who leaves at the end of his Fifth Form studies to attend the Lee Westwood Golf Academy – we wish him all the best in this exciting opportunity.

Congratulations to James Hubscher and Alex Moore, who led Walters very well as Head and Deputy Head of House this year, ably assisted by Ben Harmer, Tom Stokes and Jack Slattery. Alex, who was the House’s sole School Monitor this year, was awarded the Paul Sawtell Award in the Summer Term Final House Assembly, reflecting his many contributions to Walters over five years. Best wishes to next year’s Head and Deputy Head of House, Harrison Hill and Dan Holmes, and to House monitors Jamie Ross and Jack Alsop. The Parents’ Association put together some excellent events for the boys and their families to enjoy, especially the Casino Night in the Michaelmas term and the Summer 5-a-side football competition and barbecue. Many thanks to all of the committee for their efforts over the year. Many thanks to all of the House staff for all of their efforts this year. A special mention should go to new tutors Mr Stone and Mrs Buckley who both enjoyed an excellent first year in Walters, and to Mr Merrick, who leaves Bromsgrove this year and will be hugely missed in the House. He has contributed so much to School and House life and his kindness, support and humour will be much missed in Walters next year.

We look forward to welcoming Mrs James, who will be joining the tutor team from September. Special thanks to our housekeeper, Ms Lesley Gibbs, who has yet again looked after the House, staff and boys with commitment and care throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming our new cohort of Lower Fourth joiners, and to another year. D G Wilkins

DYSON, M., Walters, 2005, Prep School Survivor, Rugby, Cricket, Athletics, Prep School Music Competition, CCF, DofE. Gap Year, Loughborugh - Construction Engineering Management

STOKES, T.G., Walters, 2009, House Monitor, 1st Hockey, 2nd Cricket, 3rd place National Finals Indoor Hockey (2013), Grade 8 Music, GCSE PE Prize, Gold DofE, Big Band, Brass Band, Foundation Scholarship. Loughborough - Automotive Engineering

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YOUNG, C.Y., Walters, 2012, 1st rugby, 2nd cricket, Sports Scholarship. Exeter Exercise & Sport Science

GOUCHER, G.G., Walters, 2009, 1st Squash, Gold DofE, Major Colours Squash, Gold DofE House Rugby, House Squash, Squash, Gym, DT. Gap Year followed by University of Reading - Real Estate HARMER, B.J., Walters, 2007, House Monitor, 1st Rugby, 1st Football, 1st Athletics, Hockey A’s until 5th Form, CCF, DofE. Manchester - Architecture HUBSCHER, J.K., Walters, 2007, 1st hockey, Senior Colours, CCF, DofE, Chapel Choir. Plymouth - Podiatry MOORE, A.M., Walters, 2007, School Monitor, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 1st Athletics, 1st Cross Country, 2nd Rugby, Gold DofE, Lessons From Auschwitz. Nottingham - History PORTER, C.J., Walters. Aston - Business Management SLATTERY, J.P.S., Walters, 2007, House Monitor, 1st swimming captain, 2nd hockey, 3rd cricket, CSM CCF, School Cap, Major Colours, Best Swimming 2009-2012, Best Shot CCF, Head of CCF Company, Sergeant Major, DofE. Gap Year followed by Sandhurst

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

The 2013-14 academic year raced by, with many fine achievements in Walters. The new Lower Fourth settled quickly and contributed much to what was another good year for the House. There were some excellent performances in Inter-House competition, notably valiant efforts in senior rugby and junior hockey. The Lower and Upper Fourth year groups provided some excellent contributions over the year, winning the Junior cross-country and Lower Fourth badminton competitions and making it to the final of the Inter-House cricket. Probably the biggest sporting achievement of the year, however, was the fifth successive victory in the historic 1.2 relay, with the team of Alex Moore (U6), Jamie Ross (L6), Dan Holmes (L6), Tom Trow (F5), Kieran Walker (U4) and Nathan Boothroyd (L4) managing to secure victory. Jamie, who ran the second fastest lap in the competition, contributed hugely to pull back a big Lyttelton lead on the penultimate lap, allowing Alex to take the lead in the final leg and secure his own fifth victory in the competition in five years, a remarkable achievement and one that few others will ever match.

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

ASHMORE-WELLS, W.J.A.A.W., Walters, 1999, Pre-Prep Survivor, Prep School Survivor, 2/3rd team football, 4th team rugby, CCF, DofE, Lower Fourth Camp, House Sports. Plymouth - Business Management

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Wendron-Gordon

ALE, S.A., Wendron-Gordon, 2007, Pre-Prep Survivor, 3rd Rugby,2nd Football, 16B’s Cricket, 14B’s Hockey, CCF, DofE. Loughborough - Information Management for Business

This feat of sporting dominance resulted in the infamous Wendron-Gordon Dominoes night, with enough pizza to feed an army.

This past year in Wendron-Gordon has been the most memorable yet in my time at Bromsgrove School. Having been in WG since joining the Senior School in Lower Fourth, a lot has changed, and this year the House has gone from strength to strength. I will remember our attempt at encouraging 90 boys to sing Love is All Around Us, managed and directed by none other than Philip Rowsell, who went on to direct in the competition in his signature cowboy boots and belt.

Although rehearsals could get rowdy at times with people getting restless, he was strongly backed up by his team and Adam Foster, a rock of solidarity in the midst of the chaos, his voice echoing out over the crowd. Next came the usual House sports events and WG House spirit reigned free with the loudest cheering from the side-lines out of any House.

In House rugby, it was good to see some of the new boys playing for the first time. No one will forget when Dzhemal Avdoi, easily the smallest boy in Lower Fourth, came striding out onto the rugby pitch. House basketball and squash seemed a little unfair, having nearly the entire 1st team for both sports in the House. Captains Jonas Barakauskas and Viet Duong led their teams to victory for a double win in one week.

This year, more than any other, the legendary House events shone. When over 50 boys descended on Sixways stadium to watch Worcester Warriors vs Leicester Tigers, the tension was high. Then Chinese New Year was celebrated with a takeaway feast in the Hospitality Suite. With a crate of food per table of ten people, it was all gone in minutes thanks to the boys.

This year has also been one of the best for Wendron-Gordon tutors with the new addition of Dr Harrigan to the team. His sense of humour and general ability to get along with everyone left no doubt in anyone’s mind that this was the right House for him. As for the remaining tutors, all have provided such a large amount of support and we will be sad to see some of them go this year. Mr Ramsden, Dr Harrigan and Mr Bonnell have all had such a huge impact on the boys of WendronGordon that they will be a hard act to follow for any new tutors next academic year. The support team in Wendron-Gordon could not get any better. Ash, the gardener, and the amazing cleaning ladies, Sylvia, Pauline, Louise and Karen. Whenever you want someone to talk to or just have a quick chat with, these five key members of the House are always there. My daily morning talk with Sylvia will be remembered when I leave, and I am sure other boys have similar stories.

Mrs Batchelor has been brilliant as always. She never ceases to amaze me with the fact that no matter how busy and stressful things can get, you can always look to her as a point of stability in the House and rely on her to be there for you. Without her, Wendron-Gordon would descend into madness. Finally, we come to the man who runs the show, Mr Bell. Although I had my doubts when he first joined the House, after having Dr Johns in charge for my first year, I was quickly proved wrong. Anyone who has ever had a problem can vouch for the fact that he will be there to help you solve it. As well as being there as a mentor, he has also been there as a figure to look up to and respect. I have found myself, especially in the position of Head of House this year, looking to the way he runs the House. Mr Bell really is the part of Wendron-Gordon that holds it all together. I have had a lot of fun times, memorable times, and times that I wish I could re-do this year, but that is what makes WendronGordon a special House. When it comes down to House spirit and not giving in, the House really is a great place to be. I wish everyone good luck and hope that you keep on doing what you do best. Robert Stirrat (Head of House)

DUONG, Q.V., Wendron-Gordon. UCL - Mechanical Engineering FOSTER, A.J., Wendron-Gordon, 2009, House Monitor, CCF, Corps of Drums, DofE, School Radio, Choral Society, Sheffield Medicine FOSTER, C.W., Wendron-Gordon, 2009, House Monitor, GCSE Classics Prize, 2nd Place Senior National Orienteering, CCF DofE, CCF, Corps of Drums, Choir, Drama (On and Offstage), ChannelB radio, Residential Home, Gardening, First Aid. Nottingham - Mathematics

PUN, M.G., Wendron-Gordon. Loughborough - Accounting & Financial Management ROMANENKO, N., Wendron-Gordon. Lancaster - Psychology ROWSELL, P.A.K.R, Wendron-Gordon, 2006, School Monitor, House Monitor, Senior Boarder, Best RAF Cadet in Upper Fourth, CCF - Sergeant, Big Band, Brass Band, Corps of Drums, Stage Manager for School Production. Leeds - Economics & Geography SHAKHAZIZYAN, S., Wendron-Gordon. Westminster - International Relations SHEDOV, Y., Wendron-Gordon, House Monitor. Toronto - Liberal Arts

HU, L.C., Wendron-Gordon, House Monitor KOZHINOV, K.G., Wendron-Gordon, 2011, 1st tennis, 1st squash, 1st cross-country, Sports Leadership, First Aid, Best squash player. LSE - Management

STIRRAT, R.A., Wendron-Gordon, 2007, House Monitor, Head of House, 1st Athletics, The Martin Sykes Design and Technology Award for Resistant Materials, CCF, Bronze DofE, Gold DofE, Greenpower Electric Car, House Committee, Student Listener. Liverpool - Aerospace Engineering

KOZHINOV, G., Wendron-Gordon, City Business Studies

TAYLOR, J, T., Wendron-Gordon, KCL Classical Studies

KRAMARENKO, V.K., Wendron-Gordon, 2009, U15 Football, U16 Football, Bromsgrove Badge, CCF, DoFE, Community Action. Queen Mary - Business Management

VAROLI, D.J., Wendron-Gordon, House Monitor. Boston - Engineering

LEE, Y.J.L., Wendron-Gordon, 2009, 1st team Athletics, 2nd team Football, 3rd team Rugby, IFS national finals, DofE, Flourishing fiver (Community action), CCF. City International Business Foundation

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When it came round to House cross country, I was surprised when nearly a full team of boys volunteered to run willingly. On the day, all involved, including Ben Hesketh, Jan Brauer, and the Foster twins ran to win, and although not achieving a medal position, the supporters cheered until the last man was across the line. This House spirit was also shown in athletics when the roar that greeted Pok Hong Tang as he triumphantly crossed the finish line of the 4x400m relay was deafening. This wide range of athletics also helped to encourage those who do not normally compete to get involved, and this was seen when Phil Rowsell dusted off his Prep School shot-put skills, to see whether he still had it in him.

None battled with this challenge harder than the table of Upper Sixth, who managed to finish everyone else’s remains, as well as their own. When setting up the House events I would like to thank Jason and the monitor team. One person could not do all of this on their own and without a strong team, nothing could be achieved.

BARAKAUSKAS, J, Wendron-Gordon BIRTLE, J.L., Wendron-Gordon, 2004, House Monitor, Deputy Head of House, 2nd Hockey, 4th Rugby, CCF, DofE. Gap Year

MELIKYAN, A.M., Wendron-Gordon, 2010, House Monitor, Orienteering Championship, House Swimming, Debating, CCF. Newcastle - Business Management

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Commemoration Day We were delighted to welcome as our Preacher Rev. Dr. Vaughan Roberts, Vicar of the beautiful St Mary’s Church and Rector of the Warwick Team Ministry. In a memorable address Rev. Roberts acknowledged the debt we owed to Sir Thomas Cookes and the importance of our ongoing celebration of Commemoration. For our leavers – and indeed for everyone - he placed great emphasis on making a contribution not just to communities around us but to our children’s children. He told a delightful story about a mango tree. Someone late in life planted one in Africa but a friend asked what the point of the action was. He would never pick fruit from it. “Ah”, the reply came, “but I have always enjoyed mangos and I want those after me to enjoy them too”. Jesus’ example to us should inspire us in our lives. Rev. Roberts highlighted our traditional reading – ‘Now let us praise famous men’ – and mentioned benefactors in society such as our own Sir Thomas but also that many who help the lives of others are nameless. All of us too can play our part. P Bowen

Wattell Prizes

Additional Academic Prizes

English Ben Thornley

John Hedley Memorial Prize for CCF

Adam Foster

History Aliya Aynetdinova

Turner Memorial Prize for Music

Samuel Adamson

Religious Studies

Chaytor Pepper Prize for Classics

Ben Thornley

Spanish Margarita Domuschieva

Alison Bramley Memorial Prize for Mathematics

Leoni Hillier

Business Studies

Jeffery Lewins Prize for Technology

Thomas Stokes

Politics Angel Lu

Housman Verse Prize

Declan Amphlett

Geography Harry Gibbs Latin Alexander Cox

Staff Reading Prize

Nyree Williams

Economics Julia Guo

Special Prizes

Samuel Rose

French Katherine Leather

Mathematics Yunni Wu

Headmaster’s Speech In a break with tradition, the guest speaker was the Headmaster this year. It was time for him to be serious - or so we thought. Breaking out mid-way through into the Liverpudlian voice of England footballer, Wayne Rooney, Mr Edwards listed in an acronym of ‘GOAL’ what Wayne Rooney would say if he were delivering the speech. The Headmaster had an important message for the Upper Sixth students: be a voyager, not a standing-stone. The Headmaster’s acronym is ‘YNA’ - You Never Arrive. Mr Edwards went on to illustrate his point by asking the audience to make their journeys in life as rewarding and meaningful as they can.

Patsy Solomou

Art Stephanie Swatkins Art Textiles Anastasia Chebotareva

Directly addressing the leavers, he asked them to keep learning, keep questioning and stay hungry - you never arrive, you journey. And when we all thought it was over - Mr Edwards galantly strode over to the Grand Piano, which had been strategically placed in the marquee, to perform his unique and unrivalled version of the School song much to the amusement and delight of the audience, and all in good humour, this was definitely the talking point of ‘Commem’ 2014.

Physical Education

Amy Foster

Graphics DT

Henrietta Horsley-Gubbins

German Daniel Garvie Physics Denis Nesterov Additional Academic Prizes

M Griffiths With thanks to Neil Pugh of Decisive imaging for the Commemoration Day photographs

Senior Boarder

Philip Rowsell

Senior Boarder

Margarita Domushieva

Deputy Head Boy

Daniel Garvie

Deputy Head Girl

Andrea Ellinas

Head Boy

Samuel Leather

Head Girl

Emily Taylor

Tony Limbert Trophy

Hannah Trow

Paul Sawtell Trophy

Philip Rowsell

Ben Showell Memorial Rose Bowl

Simon Hotchin

IB German (First Language)

Catalina Heine

Kelly Bicknell Award

Georgina Flowerdew

William Ledbrook Prize for Biology

Jagraj Bhandal

Cookes Prize

Declan Amphlett

Amphlett Prize for Chemistry

Jagraj Bhandal

Philip Denham-Cookes Prize for Drama Emily Taylor

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Thomas Cookes Sermon

Prize Winners 2014

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The Matthew Taylor Observatory

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Gazing at the stars is set to become one of the lessons from September 2014, with the opening of The Matthew Taylor Observatory on Commemoration Day. Through the generosity of Old Bromsgrovian Matthew Taylor (Walters 1968-1973), the School has constructed the building, complete with dome and two telescopes, to allow GCSE, A level and IB students to take part in astronomy projects at any time of the day or night. GCSE Astronomy is being launched as an option in September, with new Lower Fourth pupils being the first to test out the Observatory, which is housed on the Prep School site.

Matthew said “I had always intended to give something back to the School and was delighted when this project came up. Inspiration is part of the essence of education and since ancient times the heavens have been a wonderful source of it.” M Griffiths

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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During Matthew’s time at School, he was Secretary of the Astronomical Society and the project is very close to his heart.

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SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Elmshurst Abbasov, Timofey Beaumont, Zed Bewick, Jack Cheng, Tsz Kin Cheung, Cheuk Ki Chow, Marcus Demeler, Ramsis Duan, Jie-Teng Ferres, Oliver Hulbert, Rufus Ingwersen, Tom Lertruchtkul, Thanakorn Michaelis, Maximilian Miller, John Morgan, Barnaby Omelchenko, Alexander Palmer, Nicholas Raspopov, Ivan Weingarten, Julius Xie, Linte Zabolotnikov, Egor Zhang, Zibo Hazeldene Bache, Madeleine Collie, Heidi Gill, Abigail Grenfell, Grace Payne, Alice Walsh, Chloe Wright, Ellen

Housman Hall Agu, Ferdinand Allotey, Ben Bachvarova, Monika Barinova, Alexandra Bazhanov, Andrey Bonnaud Senot de la Londe, Ginevra Bors, Cristian Chan, Ho Sze Kirsten Chan, Kwan Hang Chen, Zhan Dahle, Leonard Davies, Calum Demidkin, Stepan Deng, Xinyu Dimitrova, Tea Dubovets, Alexey Gafarov, Iskander Gao, Yina Georgievskaya, Anastasia Harto, Celina Kaukenaite, Deimena Kong, Wan Kit Edmund Lee, Jordan Li, Yicong Lin, Sin Tung Lloyd, James Low, Yuek Hei Claire Maus, Maximilian Mir Valero, Claudia Nekhochin, Arseniy Perevoznikov, Nikita Petcharapiracht, Racht Petersmann, Stefan Pornprinya, Theerathat Sandok, Karoline Shakkum, Aleksandr

Housman Hall (continued) Sham, Wing Shi, Yuntao Siu, Yik To So, Vivienne Tyvonyuk, Hanna Ushmayeva, Anastasiya Volobuev, Kiril Voronina, Valeriya Wijnen, Nicole Wong, Tsz Hin Hinson Zieschang, Victoria Lupton Batham-Read, Archie Bolger, Jake Hands, Bodeun May, Joseph Morris, Thomas Rai-Watson, Camran Lyttelton Banton, Jacques Jafferi, Aabis Marshall, George Nichols, Harry Mary Windsor Ammon, Isabelle Azman, Alya Luk Broder, Sarah Chu, Kiu Yan Fastrich, Hanna Ivens, Lena-Sophie Kwan, Ling Yan Lam, Yuen Ting Lau, Chi Ying Lou, Hoi Sun Nasledysheva, Daria

Mary Windsor (continued) Ovchinnikova, Anastasiia Pan, Allison Xin Qiao Vasurkina, Marija Wan, Sin Man Steffi Xin, Zi Yau, Hoi Lam Yeung, Chin Heun Zarankina, Anna Oakley Brown, Annabel Chan, Yee Lee Ellie Elliott, Laura Gibson, Esme Gurevych, Iuliia Hage, Sarah Harding, Freya Iec, June Kai Lui Kรถrzdรถrfer, Dina Lau, Ka Yi Lau, Nga Yee Lee, Ching Tung Marynova, Ekaterina Mikhailova, Anna Prakaisriroj, Pattarada Prakaisriroj, Pattaravadee Prinzessin von Croy, Veronika Pritzl, Julia Saakyan, Diana Sharapova, Daria Wu, Haorong Yau, Man Kei Ying, Pak Yan

School Dunn, Tobias Holder, Archie King, Callum Leversha, Grayson Rust, Joshua Ryan, Joseph Thomas Cookes Cartwright, Emma Dunn, Emily Durie, Natasha Edgington, Kate Hanke, India Heslop, Holly Idczak, Rhiannon Nichols, Holly Pooprasert, Pimpisa Raine, Layla Walters, Elizabeth Watts, Lauren Walters Bhandal, Gurdeep Fitzmaurice, Benjamin Laroiya, Keshav Olley, Peter Parris, Christian

Wendron-Gordon Akopyan, Suren Chang, Rui Zhe Jumabayev, Dias Kireenko, Dmitry Lampert, Jakob Lee, Ka Shun Lee, Wang Chun Lertpongwipusana, Surabordin Muradov, Georgy Nian, Hao Riese, Noah Rubenyan, David Sakuma, Ko Sanda, George Schauhoff, Caspar Schulze-Hagen, Philipp Tai, Chung Hei Tam, Cheuk Yin Tse, Ka Chung Adrian Uskov, Andrey Wong, Lok Him Xie, Shun

December 2013 English Language Jack Ireland English Literature Emily Collie Religious Studies Emily Collie Mathematics David Jiahao Zhang French Eleanor Ball German Ellie Saker Extended Project Eleanor Ball Spanish Olivia Lyons Art Olivia Lyons Textiles Marie Kriegler Biology Ellie Saker Chemistry Ellie Saker Physics Ellie Saker Latin Aisling Brinn Business Studies Amelia Stokes Classical Civilisation Justin Clegg Design & Technology Graphic Products: Rebecca Woodward-Smith Resistant Materials: Chloe Hannafin Drama Ben Featherstone Geography Alice Shinner History Alice Shinner Music Felix Chan PE Chase Edwards EAL Gary Fang Qu

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Mark Reading

Salvete

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Leavers 2014 Numbers of students achieving First Choice place 153 (81%) Numbers of students achieving Insurance Choice place 21 (11%) Numbers of students achieving Clearing place 16 (8%) Number of students achieving Russell Group University places 111 (Please note: the data in this list reflects information available on 28/08/2014. We apologise for any inaccuracies). E

University

Subject

Samuel Adamson

Oxford RG

Archaeology & Anthropology

Semon Ale

Loughborough

Information Management for Business

Molly Allchurch

KCL RG

Richard Allen

Declan Amphlett

University

Subject

Name

University

Subject

Name

University

Subject

Chloe Broomfield

Durham RG

Geography

Lydia Evans

Bristol RG

Law

Eugene Harris

Winchester

Classical Studies

Catherine Sisi Feng

LSE RG

Actuarial Science

Charlotte Head

Brighton

Art

Sophie Bruce

GAP

Matthew Budge

De Montfort

Medical Engineering

Freddie Ferguson

Bristol RG

Physics & Philosophy

Catalina Heine

Humboldt

Economics

Robyn Burrell

South Wales

Pharmaceutical Science

Dominique Finlay

Southampton RG

English Literature

Alexander Hellmann

Edinburgh RG

Economic History

Italy

Unknown

Jack Firminger

Reading

Real Estate & Urban Planning

Insa Herkner

Queen Mary RG

Business Management

Sara Cabarkapa

William Casasola

Exeter RG

Medical Sciences

Georgie Flowerdew

Worcester

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Leah Hill

Exeter RG

Sociology & Criminolgy

Ellenor Caswell

Worcester

Primary Teaching

Thomas Flowerdew

Birmingham RG

Anthropology & History

Vanessa Hill

Manchester RG

International Management

Aryssa Chai

Trinity, Dublin

Medicine

Adam Foster

Sheffield RG

Medicine

Leoni Hiller

Germany

Unknown

Caleb Cheuk Him Chan

LSE RG

Law and Anthropology

Amy Foster

Robert Chapman

Manchester RG

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Christopher Foster

Nottingham RG

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Central St Martinâ€™s

Art Foundation Diploma

Sophie Foxon

Liverpool RG

International Business

William Fraine

Durham RG

Sport, Exercise & Physical Activity

Anastasia Chebotareva Jasmine Yumin Chen

LSE RG

Mathematics with Economics

Kelvin San Tung Cheng

Manchester RG

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Marshall Yu Hei Chiu

Manchester RG

Civil Engineering

Business Management

Justin Lap Yan Chow

UCL RG

Architecture

Plymouth

Biological Sciences

Alexander Cox

Bath

Economics

Cambridge RG

Modern & Medieval Languages

Charlie Davies

Exeter RG

Exercise & Sport Science

William Ashmore-Wells

Plymouth

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Leon Derriey

Bard, USA

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Aliya Aynetdinova

UCL RG

Arts & Sciences

Trang Ly Do

SOAS

Chinese & Japanese Studies

Fraser Bales

GAP

Margarita Domuschieva

Bristol RG

Management

Jonas Barakauskas

GAP

Jessica Dunn

Aberystwyth

Business Management

Natasha Bateman

St Andrews

History

Quang Viet Duong

UCL RG

Mechanical Engineering

Alice Bates

KCL RG

Ancient History

Matthew Dyson

Loughborough

Alexander Berwick

Reading

Real Estate

Construction Engineering Management

Jagraj Bhandal

GAP

Jason Birtle

Bath

Georgina Boffey

Economics & Politics

GAP

Dmitry Bolshakov

UCL RG

Urban Planning, Design & Management

Elizabeth Bolton

Sheffield RG

Business Management & Economics

GAP

Joshua French

Exeter RG

Exercise & Sport Science

Bulat Garaev

City

Engineering with Management

Alison Garvie

Nottingham RG

Geography

Daniel Garvie

Warwick RG

French & History

Bulgaria

Hasmik Gazazyan Nataliya Georgieva

Bath

International Management

Madalina Ghuila

Lancaster

Law

Harry Gibbs

Oxford RG

Geography

Australia

Unknown

Ellie Gibson Christoph Glaser

Barcelona

Business

James Goodall

KCL RG

European Politics

Valeriya Dzhevala

UCL RG

Arts & Sciences

George Goucher

Reading

Real Estate

Harry Eaves

Exeter RG

Renewable Energy

Abbie-May Griffiths

Birmingham RG

Law

Victoria Edwards

Exeter RG

Business Management

Nikol Grigorova

City

Management

Andrea Ellinas

Liverpool RG

Sociology & International Politics and Policy

Zijin Guo

LSE RG

Accounting & Finance

Jake Hampson

Manchester RG

Politics & Criminology

Max Ellis

Liverpool RG

Business Studies

Rachel Elt

Coventry

Physiotherapy

Asher Hardy Ben Harmer

GAP 1

Manchester RG

Architecture

Stephanie Sut I Ho

UCL RG

Information Management for Business

Henrietta Horsley-Gubbins

Birmingham RG

Business Management

Peter Horvath

Bath

German & Politics

Simon Hotchin

Lancaster

European-American Management

Leo Chengru Hu

LSE RG

Management

Cherry Jiaying Huang

Queen Mary RG

Geography

James Hubscher

Plymouth

Podiatry

IIya Ignatov

KCL RG

Business Management

Milly Jackson

Bath Spa

Contemporary Arts Practice

Nathalie James

Exeter RG

PPE

Rupert Jones

Exeter RG

Law

Konstantin Kirpichnikov

Manchester RG

Economics & Finance

Conor Klapatyj

BUWE

Creative Product Design

Grigory Kozhinov

City

Business Studies

Vladimir Kramarenko

Queen Mary RG

Business Management

Leo Pok Yin Lai

HKUST

Business

Nicolas King Huen Lam

City

Civil Engineering

Matthew Lamb

Leeds Met

Sports Event Management

Zoe Lok Sun Lau

Liverpool RG

Sociology

Robert Lay

Sheffield RG

Molecular Biology

Katherine Leather

Southampton RG

French

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Name

University

Subject

Name

University

Subject

Name

Samuel Leather

Durham RG

Geography

Grace Parker

Bath Spa

Fashion Design

Jack Slattery

Grace See Hang Lee

Nottingham RG

Nutrition

William Parkinson

Yun Jin Lee

City

International Business Foundation

Yuka Youjia Li

Bath

Chemical Engineering

Sydney Chih-Ning Liao

LSE RG

Anthropology & Law

Kerry Wing Yu Lo

KCL RG

Nutrition

Angel Zhan Lu

Sheffield RG

Law with German Law

Bethan Luckman

Birmingham RG

Law

Tian Shengtian Luo Marius Macys Nikolai Maltcev Margarita Marsheva

1 1 1 1

UAL UCL RG LSE RG UCL RG

Art Foundation Diploma Arts & Sciences Government & Economics Architecture & Urban Planning

Pascale Massey

Northwestern

Liberal Arts

Bradley McGeough

Bath

Economics

Rayan Meeran

Plymouth

Civil Engineering

Arsen Melikyan

Newcastle RG

Business Management

William Merriman

Exeter RG

Exercise & Sport Science

Garnjana Pawakranond Callum Porter

Faye Powell Patrick Phum Prasertsri

UAL Aston

Fashion Marketing Business Management

GAP 1

Sheffield RG

Mechatronic & Robotic Engineering

Mahabir Pun

Loughborough

Accounting & Financial Management

Jack Robinson

Oxford Brookes

English

Oliver Rolinson

Bath

Sports Performance

Nikita Romanenko

Lancaster

Psychology

Samuel Rose

St Andrews

Philosophy & Thelogical Studies

Philip Rowsell

Leeds RG

Economics & Geography

Hayley Rudd

UWIC

Sport & Physical Education

Ploy Tanisorn Rungwattanasophol

UCL RG

Management Science

Ivan Samoylenko

Warwick RG

Engineering with Business Studies

Nottingham RG

Architecture

Subject

GAP followed by Sandhurst

GAP 1

University

Fraser Smith

Birmingham RG

English Literature

Doris Wing Lam So

HKU

Business Administration

Rebecca Hiu Ching So

UAL

Product Design

Panayiota Solomou

Liverpool RG

International Business

Connor Sparrow

Exeter RG

Cherise Stanley

University

Subject

Tom Volk

GAP

Constantin von Crailsheim

Germany

Plymouth

Navigation & Maritime Science

Veit Wasserfuhr

Bath

Management

Darrel Williams

Durham RG

Sport, Exercise & Physical Activity

Exercise & Sport Science

Natasha Hei Ting Wong

HKUST

Business Management

York RG

Accounting & Management

Michael Hiu Nam Wu

Manchester RG

Economics & Finance

Tim Steppan

Passau

Germany

Yunni Wu

Cambridge RG

Mathematics

Simone Stiff

Germany

Unknown

Samani Yaagoub

Queen Mary RG

Aerospace Engineering

Robert Stirrat

Liverpool RG

Aerospace Engineering

John Yang

Liverpool RG

Aerospace Engineering

Thomas Stokes

Loughborough

Automotive Engineering

Omar Yerkozhanov

Queen Mary RG

Elizabeth Stone

Aberystwyth

Space Science & Robotics

Politics with Business Management

Celia Xi Sun

Warwick RG

PPE

Callum Young

Exeter RG

Exercise & Sport Science

Employment

Yvonne Yue Zhang

KCL RG

International Relations

Wenna Zhong

UCL RG

Statistics, Economics & Finance

Stephanie Swatkins Aoife Swords

Cardiff RG

Biomedical Sciences

Yihan Tang

HK Poly U

Science

Ivan Taptygin

Imperial RG

Chemical Engineering

Emily Taylor

Warwick RG

Theatre & Performance Studies

KCL RG

Classical Studies

Josephine Messore

Exeter RG

Classics

Alexander Moore

Nottingham RG

History

Yerden Shagirov

KCL RG

European Politics

James Taylor

Jennifer Moore

Birmingham RG

Geography & Economics

Stefan Shakhazizyan

Westminster

International Relations

Tun Tha

Rebecca Morrice

Leeds RG

Economics & Management

Elizabeth Sham

Central St Martinâ€™s

Art Foundation Diploma

Ben Thornley

Exeter RG

English Literature

Zachary Morris

Cardiff RG

Medicine

Igor Shcherbak

Royal Holloway

PPE

Kit Thornton

Bath

Mechanical Engineering

Vladislav Mukhachev

Manchester RG

Town & Country Planning

Yaroslav Shedov

Toronto

Liberal Arts

Alex Thorpe

Leeds RG

Economics & Geography

Oliver Muscutt

Nottingham Trent

Real Estate

Charles Shephard

Newcastle RG

Geography

Tara Thorpe

Birmingham RG

Austeja Musteikyte

Queen Mary RG

Business Management

Anton Sieg

Germany

Study in Germany

Classical Literature & Civilisation

Denise Nesterov

Imperial RG

Mathematics

Carliene Silk

Nottingham RG

Philosophy

Lauren Townsend

Liverpool RG

Physiotherapy

Stephen Koon Lok Nip

Bath

Civil Engineering

James Simpson-Stern

Birmingham RG

Hannah Trow

Exeter RG

Geography

Carly Nutt

Worcester

Sports Therapy

Spatial Planning & Business Management

Lewis Turner

Birmingham RG

Medicine

Ife Olagbaju

Plymouth

Marketing

GAP

Thomas von Malachowski

Dovile Seduikyte

Matthew Osborne

Name

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GAP

Desmond Ting To Siu

Durham RG

Marketing

James Tweddell

Bristol RG

Geography

Calum Slater

Loughborough

Economics

Daniel Varoli

Boston

Engineering

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Staff Leavers Mary Harris 1986-2014

Alan Woollhead 1991-2014

Teachers are just part of the story. A boarding school like ours relies on so many adults outside the classroom for it to function properly and for its pupils to be properly cared for. Mary Harris joined us in 1980 and gave quite extraordinary, devoted and selfless service to our children in the Health Centre. That itself witnessed huge changes in that period – its location, staffing, the sheer size of the School and the way health care was delivered with a much bigger role for Mary in latter years as Practice Manager.

Time plays funny tricks with how people’s careers may be best summarised or remembered.

Mary’s retirement ended an era for our Health Centre and for also for Mary and Chris. We wish them every happiness in Cheshire, for keen interests such as motorbiking and skiing and especially with their family. Words do not really say it in this tribute but on behalf of so many staff, pupils and parents down the years well done good and trusty servant. P Bowen

Alan joined Bromsgrove as Head of Department in 1991. His passion for his subject was clearly conveyed in his innovative lessons, inspiring generations of Biologists and medics. He gave the Department a real sense of strategic direction through the adoption of the Salters course, which philosophically takes a hands on, investigative approach to the subject, quickly breaking down the rigid topic demarcations seen in other more traditional courses. Beyond the School gates he has had significant responsibilities and influence in the world of Biology examining. Every Autumn he ran a succession of very successful and much appreciated U6th field trips, often in wild weather on the dramatic Pembrokeshire Coast. However, Alan has not merely been the ‘lead’ biologist or indeed a key figure in the sciences as a whole in the School (as for many years he has also had the role of Science Co-ordinator). As an efficient administrator he has generated the academic data on students that is used to ensure strong pupil progress.

Running both a large Department and a House demands great dedication. Alan took on Lyttelton House and ran it efficiently and considerately, providing a rock of stability for those boys in his care. His pastoral care was strong and his leadership wise. He always had the interests of those in his care at heart in all he did. He has also put many hours in to the Fourth Form Bromsgrove Badge over the years. He has therefore led a large department, had significant pastoral and extra-curricular responsibilities – he has been an all-round schoolmaster. As I was walking home last Summer contemplating what to say for Alan’s farewell speech I happened to come across a bee with a ginger head, black body and white tail. ‘It’s a tree bumblebee’ I thought, and at that point I recognised that I had an interest in bees that, in its own way, is another part of Alan’s legacy for he is the keenest of apiarists. When I excitedly mentioned the discovery to Alan he looked forlornly at the ground and half-heatedly tried to explain to me that bumblebees are honeybees are different creatures – despite all his labours over the years, he realised that his work was not yet done. The teaching profession and Bromsgrove in particular will miss him very much. P Ruben

Richard Barr 1998-2014 What do you say about Richard Alan Craig Barr? Alice Shinner U6th said ‘it is so difficult to sum up Mr Barr’. Geographically Richard moved neatly from East to West in 1998, as Head of Geography, Head of Sixth Form – he started the leavers’ book and organised the Ball - and notably Head of Careers and UCAS where he dealt with thousands of references and surely as well as anyone at any school in the land. There was the Geographer. Miss Diver said that ‘When I came for interview I knew that he would be a Head of Department from whom I could learn much. He was a font of all knowledge for pupils and teachers. He always gave freely of his time (how true!). We will miss Richard’s wise words and guidance and on our field trips too. He went to the field study centre in Betws-y-Coed over 30 times in his career - a record for the Centre. Most of all we will miss his friendship - his little anecdotes and chats. It will be extremely strange returning next academic year without Richard in the department’. There was the Tutor - seven years in Walters and then seven in Thomas Cookes. Mrs Hannah commented ‘Richard has been a source of endless help and an outstanding tutor. He has an ability to see good in all (is anything more important?) There was the UCAS Leader. Miss Leech said ‘Richard has a heart of gold, was always on hand, ready to help and devoted to students and School. His knowledge on UCAS was immense and legendary but vitally he always moved with the times and never rested on his laurels’.

In the Choir ‘We will miss his ability to harmonize all hymns perfectly and the congregation his booming voice during Guide Me O’ Thou Great Redeemer’.

There was the Chorister – St. Thomas’s 5th Avenue New York, Salzburg Cathedral, St Mark’s Venice, St. David’s, St Paul’s, Windsor Castle, Lincoln, York Minster and many more – he sang in them all. Our Director of Music quickly discovered him to be an irreplaceable and highly valued member of Chapel and Chamber Choirs and Choral Society. ‘His calm manner and gentle nature allayed the nerves of pupils and he was highly respected by them. He will be deeply missed’. Indeed, his service to the Memorial Chapel as a staff member of the Choir was unrivalled. What did his pupils in class observe? ‘His pure passion for the subject; he knows the Geography course off by heart and probably backwards too. He is loved by all pupils’; ‘I have never had the privilege of being taught by a more passionate teacher - his enthusiasm has made every lesson a joy to be in; outside the classroom he is always ready to stop and have a conversation to make sure a pupil is doing well. An all-round delightful man’; ‘Geography is never a dull subject with his passion. He seems to know everything! His teaching is effortless, and he always seems to have a large stash of chocolate on him’.

In Thomas Cookes ‘Mr Barr has been a lovely tutor, he cared so much about each and every one of his tutees that we never had to worry about anything. He was always up to date with our academics and applications’; tutor time was always a highlight of the week, partly due to the bags of chocolate and fruit - he spoiled us rotten every Tuesday afternoon. He touched the hour. All in all a lovely man and a great tutor who will be missed’. In UCAS ‘As an international student, I received enormous help and advice from him – he has been a lifelong influence - I cannot express how grateful I am towards him’; ‘Mr Barr is that kind of teacher when students ask for a minute, he will give you ten; I was in a queue once and watched him review each student’s UCAS profile with extreme dedication and almost forensic care. I was really touched by that scene’. All staff help determine a child’s future but Richard played that unique role of offering guidance to the next step in life. Often rejoicing in celebrations with families in late August, occasionally there was great disappointment. Practical, calm, authoritative, reassuring, positive – that was Richard at his most challenged and his finest hour. Richard was also responsible for checking references at the final stage. Yvette Camden describes his work as ‘phenomenal, often going beyond the call of duty and nothing ever too much trouble’ Indeed, references often came back within minutes in the holidays.

He was also an experienced Inspector who offered invaluable information and advice for those of us here preparing for ours. There was also the meteorologist. The times he has been walking by and said ‘Low Pressure’ coming; or if high ‘It’s from the Azores’. But it was best to avoid him when approaching School Photographs, Commemoration, Sports Day just in case…..for such an optimist on those he could be rather gloomy. We can all too easily throw away plaudits and flattering words in life but we say farewell here to the career of a born educator. Teachers change the world a child at a time – he did. In seeking reflections from colleagues and pupils all praised a consummate professional, an inspirational teacher, in UCAS someone who helped pupils set a course for life, utter dedication to young people, the most reliable of professionals – that was the man. Everyone remembers a good teacher. They will Richard. Many OBs owe much to his wisdom and counsel. And whether an U6th, tutee, a colleague in Geography, a young choir member learning his way Richard – to quote Shakespeare – ‘lent mettle to us all’. And so we wish Richard and Paddy a long, happy, healthy, sunny ‘from the Azores retirement’. And his voice may soon be stilled in our Memorial Chapel but if you ever go to a service at St Mary’s Warwick you will hear those sonorous tones. And there we close appropriately for he has enriched this place mightily and all who have known him would say Amen to that. On behalf of the School and many OBs a heartfelt thank you. Well done a good and trusty servant. P Bowen

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Those in the know – boarding Houseparents especially – realised in part just what Mary accomplished and achieved. Day and night, hospital visits, the daily queues, evenings in Houses, the needs of children far from home, reassuring anxious parents, some great crises – and all done with such medical skill, allied to a commanding calmness, patience (often tried), infinite wisdom, and a reassuring smile. Many OBs will remember with gratitude her listening ear and gentle, sensible advice.

Chris Harris retired from our Prep School a couple of years ago; they both ran Cobham Boarding House wonderfully well for years. We fondly remember their own children here too.

Over the last decade Alan has been the consummate biologist, an authoritative figure leading his Department and enthusiastic about the material his students’ are learning. He is, first and foremost, an absolutely top draw academic, a graduate of Bristol, Leeds and Glasgow universities. Before starting his career teaching in secondary schools he was a lecturer at both Glasgow University and Al-Fateh University in Tripoli, Libya.

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Staff Leavers Enda O’Brien 2002-2014

Chris Edwards 2004-2014

When I take the family on holiday to the Loire we do three chateaux in a day – ‘doing’ being shorthand for eating three sets of ice-creams. When Enda goes on holiday she goes to places like Brussels, and spends weeks there carefully considering the merits of every exhibit in every museum that the city has to offer. In short, she does things properly, right down to her determination in the past to set me homework, the reading of novels, to help improve my soul.

Tribute to the Headmaster delivered by the Deputy Headmaster at the Staff Farewell on Gordon Green Thursday June 26th 2014.

She has been with us 11 years and throughout has been the most wonderful English teacher. Hundreds of Bromsgrovians have had the privilege to sit in her classes, take on board her wisdom and gain a love of literature as a result. In the last few years she has shown a similar commitment to helping our pupils in Curriculum Support. And she was our first Head of Sixth Form in what is one of the very largest Sixth Forms of any school in the country. In this post she showed complete commitment to ensure pupils were on appropriate programmes of study, programmes which would best guarantee their success and meet their ambitions. She monitored pupils’ efforts meticulously and advised them with a steely warmth. There were times of the year when most teachers were still enjoying their Summer holidays when she would literally work through the night to ensure communication with parents after GCSE and A Level results had been received was clear and supportive.

Ten years ago our Headmaster joined us from an illustrious School in Buckinghamshire; forsaking the delights of Stowe, lakes, temples and monuments, the cloud-capped towers and gorgeous palaces, for a school just south of Birmingham, not in the middle of a National Trust estate and to reside on Conway Road and near Pig Alley. She now leaves us to go into retirement. She will no doubt sadly end up wasting much of her time spending hours in art galleries, studying the work of the Renaissance Masters and pondering about the nature of civilisation and the nobility of the human spirit. ‘Wasting her time’ because she could easily learn the answer to these issues by just looking at herself in the mirror. Over the years it has quite simply been an honour working with Enda who has been an outstanding professional and we wish her all the very best for the future. P Ruben

It is a remarkable aspect of our more recent history that our School has enjoyed great, much-envied stability with a succession of long-serving Headmasters – some schools are much less fortunate. In the 20th century a mere 6 leaders and all right for the Age. And we have started this century in similar fashion for Chris Edwards has certainly been a man for the times. Indeed, it has been an extraordinary Headship both as Headmaster of the Senior School and of the whole system, with six major contributions in what transpired to be a decade of great and lasting service to the School. Firstly, the academic. Public examination results have risen inexorably and last Summer especially we forged ahead of all schools in the County and virtually all of our leading boarding competitors.

It has been above all by believing in the Common Room and especially our pupils, trusting them. A second academic legacy merits special mention on its own but begins with an easy question – what do Everton FC and the International Baccalaureate have in common? Chris Edwards is a very big fan of both. And although the IB has been an important attraction for our vital international market, our Headmaster greatly admires its intellectual breadth and rigour, its unique preparation for Higher Education. It has given our 6th Form an envious breadth of opportunity. The Headmaster’s passionate crusade has now brought great academic experiences to several cohorts of Bromsgrovians and he leaves it firmly established. Thirdly, there was a fundamental change early on – the new look School Week. Few colleagues remember the old one with some lessons in the dark, a finish at 5.50 for all and a Saturday morning with Routh Assembly and 4 lessons. How did we do it? How did they do it? It was a daring and courageous – no other schools of our type had done anything quite like it – experiment. There were doomsayers. In the end the sun still rose, the sky did not fall and it was a remarkably smooth transition. The new week admirably suited a day-boarding school and opened up new opportunities. It was creative. The all-important market liked it. It was a revolution.

Fourthly – had you noticed? Our Headmaster has been a builder. His predecessors had been big builders too but much remained to be done. Long ago at a Commemoration Routh reminded the guest speaker that he had visited years before on an inspection; of the praise he had given to the work but criticism of the buildings. Routh added’ I should like you to have a have a look at the buildings again’. Of course the whole scene had changed, and the dream that Mr Routh spoke to him about when he was there had come true’. Ten years ago we had much to be proud of but look at us now. The purchase of a hotel and Housman’s home took us back into the town and created a massive opportunity for a fast growing boarding market; there were the expanded and refurbished science facilities; the extraordinary development of sport; a new Oakley and Mary Windsor; a refurbished Elmshurst; a wonderful ‘new’ look inside and out Prep boarding house; wonderful new facilities at Housman Hall and the historic core soon to be tastefully restored too. And if you recall the entrance to the School – and now one to be really proud of. Do new facilities matter? They do - for they portray energy, change, that we are in the midst of a learning revolution. Stowe is Stowe but our campus with its juxtaposition of wonderful old buildings that convey tradition and illustrious history and architecturally exciting new buildings is the best of both worlds and with our green acres, terraces and Lower Charford we are indeed richly blessed.

Fifthly, Tim Taylor took us in to the global village well before most Schools even realised it existed.We are now firmly part of it. Our nationality base has widened dramatically with almost 40 represented and we are no longer too dependent on a handful. It has brought great enrichment to our community and a diversity that teaches us all new things about humanity. Traditionally we teachers do not always find it easy to see a school as a business; education – young people – does and do not always sit comfortably with it. But we stand or fall by our service to our customers. That alone is why we continue to exist. And one of the reasons why we were largely unscathed by the western economic crisis was our international base – it helped us build very confidently in daunting times. In a time of great upheaval for societies and individuals it is worth slightly side-tracking to pay tribute to Chris Edwards and his Bursars and Governing Bodies, for our own employment – on which our loved ones also depend – has been remarkably secure. Indeed the School has just grown and grown. Under Chris Edwards it has been one of the most buoyantly successful schools in the land and the envy of many others and indeed businesses. Boarding numbers are the biggest in our history and now with facilities to compare with any school – they were desperately needed. The central location in a marvellously rebuilt Page House was a master-stroke for the future of our boarding from a younger age and has been triumphantly vindicated. At the all-important Top Schools event in Hong Kong we have been one of the select dozen.

Bromsgrove School Thailand epitomises that global outreach too and in recent years has been run by our own. Sixthly, the most important – the ethereal one, hardest to define because not bricks or mortar – atmosphere. Headmaster Walters said ‘To many people a school is little more than a collection of boys and masters organised for work and games; but they who come to know Bromsgrove find it no mere organisation but a living organism animated by the spirit which gives to Bromsgrove School its unique character and personality’. And when Chris Edwards came he said he had one over-arching ambition – to make it a kinder place than he found it. And yes, it has been a dynamic headship but a gentle one, a genial Headmaster with understanding, personally considerate and supportive. He has been easy to talk to, the door always open. He always wanted first to see the good in everyone. That was the man. We have never known the School a happier place –countless visitors, even inspectors have to submit, comment upon it. We expect so much of a Head today of course – a great teacher, communicator, academic, to be able to run a business and with so much legislation now an expert on employment law, building regulations and health and safety. There was all of that but great humanity shone through above all. As it did in his greatest vision –the Foundation, now over the million pound mark, especially created to make education here possible for those who could otherwise only dream of it and with it came special events, much closer relationships with Old Bromsgrovians.

Our Headmaster is based up in the Senior School but has been fully involved in, and supportive of, Prep and Pre-Prep and Mrs Deval-Reed has been deeply appreciative of his personal support. So too Miss Scannell and the Bursar in their major respective roles. Mrs Brookes has greatly appreciated the Headmaster’s great efforts to bring all employees together in one community whatever our role. (continued over leaf)

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Staff Leavers (Chris Edwards continued)

One year he rapped it; then it was Harry Potter; another Steven Gerrard arrived and he did the whole speech in Liverpuddlian. Last year he sang ‘Memory’ from ‘Cats’. What on earth did those poor speakers think as they sat there? Martin Johnson! His team talks were probably very different. Prize-Givings are staid affairs are they not? Surely no one has ever seen anything like it at a HMC Prizegiving – his style and method of delivery of the message was and will remain unique.

The Deputy Head Girl obviously likes change too: ‘Mr Edwards is an ambitiously modern Head who has helped to change the School entirely over the past 10 years taking it from its medieval approach to School life into the depths of modernism (with a hint of tradition). He has helped to try and make everyone feel at home, and gain the best opportunities that they are able to get. Everyone will miss his approach to School life, his unforgettable commemoration speeches and his excellent taste in music’.

Someone last century expressed what the School needed at the helm: ‘It only needs someone to recapture this spirit of youth and diffuse it, not with too much seriousness, but with a certain whimsicality, over his masters and boys and of a kindly autocrat who built literally and metaphorically, how they all passed on and left their successors to carry on their work, while, the school, that intangible entity that composes of a mass of ever-changing individuals, continued its life unchecked. To crystalize for all time youth in an English Public School’.

The Head Boy - ‘I would barely recognise the Bromsgrove I stepped into those same 10 years ago as Mr Edwards. I’m privileged to have played rugby using facilities fit for England, done countless experiments in brand new science labs and most of all to have been given the chance to do IB. He’s never failed to surprise us with his speeches either’. OB Meng Meng wrote to the Headmaster from St Andrews: ‘My love and gratitude for Bromsgrove has never ceased and shall continue to grow. My experience was rich and unforgettable; without it I could never have become who I am today. Sir, you are the person whom I would like to thank the most for you, kindly, first showed me the road’.

Our Deputy Head Boy wrote ‘His ability to lead the School as a whole body of pupils and yet for each individual pupil to feel that they can approach him personally reveals his skill as a Headmaster. The forward thinking nature of the School has been spearheaded by Mr Edwards, which as a pupil during that time, made me feel that he truly engaged with our aspirations and fully empathised with what is important to us as young people. I really wish him as much success in his new role as the legacy he leaves behind at Bromsgrove’.

As time goes on, posterity, looking back, is apt to judge a Headmaster by outward signs of his work. His own pupils esteem him for what he was. It is surely the more exacting test; Mr Edwards is one of the select band who can meet it.

But it needed a vision and that is not easy for us. We occupy so many markets – co-ed, local day, local boarding, British Boarding, Forces, International Boarding - we are all things to all men and women. It is a delicate balancing act to for a Head to speak to all, to meet the needs of all. We have and how. We have seized the moment during a bold headship. Chris Edwards was never going to let this School stand still or even cruise along gently. Every year has been different. He said if we stand still we die and one of his much used phrases was ‘big things are happening’.

All of us here are birds of passage. The Headmaster would be the very first to emphasise with that and to know that all play a part in creating a successful school – he has been wonderfully well served by all of you and many more. Whether management, teachers, caterers, those who maintain the grounds, run the shop - all of us can say ‘I helped build this’. But a Chief Executive has the ultimate responsibility – none of us do. He had what they call the vision thing and in abundance. So every recent head has been right for the times. So too this one. In a fast-changing world we needed to keep up with it – we did and even went beyond it. It has been a vortex of change but so too outside these walls.

If there was a literary motto for this Headship go no further than Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’ -‘Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt’. There has been a confident air, a buzz about the place, an ambition and in no small way reflected also in the change of Heads in late Summer. That is global too. So what was the difference between Chris Edwards and David Moyes? Poor old David was spotted on a plane reading ‘Good to great – why some companies make the leap – and others don’t’. It did not do him much good. Our Head knew what he wanted to do and did it. So after Brazil, Stowe, it was exactly a decade here. Chris is the first head here not to retire but to go to a headship since 1872. We congratulate our Headmaster on going on to be Head of United World Colleges of SE Asia, in Singapore – one of the world’s largest educational establishments and on the most successful island in the modern world.

That tropical state has three nicknames – the Little Red Dot (its size on a map of the world); the City in the Garden and Lion City. UWC is a group of a dozen or so worldwide Colleges and past Presidents have included Prince Charles and Nelson Mandela. It is a formidably successful global education enterprise and the two will be well matched. Mark Twain said ‘The art of prophecy is very difficult, especially about the future’ but another very successful period of leadership dawns. They are certainly in for change. But we know that Bromsgrove School will always have a special place in his heart. Godspeed in your move and travels. We wish you every success, happiness and above all fulfilment in Singapore. You will be greatly missed, never forgotten and will readily bring a smile when recalled. We shall not see your like again – such a flamboyant, innovative Headship which took our School a mighty leap forward but also preserved its mighty beating heart. So on behalf of staff, for all you have done for this School – we close with Shakespeare – ‘A thousand thanks’. P Bowen

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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But there was another side to our Headmaster. The leather jacket, the shades, the Elvis impersonations at ‘Pop and Jazz’, a brilliant, natural performer. Wit abounded – in his almost Private Eye columns in ‘Conference and Common Room’, Heads must have turned in their graves; the blogs to parents; and of course Commemoration which often seemed like a cabaret turn writ large too.

There was always a youthful air about both our Headmaster and his outlook on life. There was the radical student within too. He readily identified with the young and their culture. There was a Commemoration when he recalled sitting in a pub in Oxford over hearing a teenage girl conversation with the accents of course. One of our pupils at the Ball that night said ‘Sir he is a real expert on us’. His innovation of asking senior pupils to speak at Prep and Pre-Prep Prizegivings was a master-stroke.

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Heather Race 2010-2014

It is he who has taken charge of developing IB Biology here, designing the course structure and building the teaching resources to secure top grades for our students. He has put himself out to help students with their revision and independent assessments, offering lunchtime and Saturday support sessions often at a moment’s notice. He goes that extra mile and without doubt his classes will miss him.

Andy Merrick 2007-2014

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First and foremost Andy loves his Biology. This is clear in the way he approaches his teaching and he has taught across all year groups and with considerable success. His lessons are engaging, they motivate and extend his students, challenging their preconceptions and fostering independence of thought. As a measure of his success it was Andy who taught Will Hunt in the upper 6th last year, who gained the top A level mark in the entire Edexcel Biology exam. But it has been the IB course that Andy has done so well with.

Andy has contributed in the wider life of School as well. He has been a tutor in Elmshurst and more recently Walters House. His tutees have much to thank him for as he genuinely has their best interests at heart and really gets to know them and support them. Andy loves his sport. He is a rugby referee and has regularly taken control of matches in School as well as being the 2nd XV coach. He loves his cricket as well, recently qualifying as an umpire, and in both sports he has led his teams to success, often devoting long hours to travelling to away matches despite having a young family.

Andy has supported the School’s CCF and his authoritative voice has often been heard being raised in commanding discipline from the cadets. He has taken full advantage of opportunities to extend and enhance his qualifications which he has used to excellent effect in running A company and supporting the CCF on summer camps and overnight exercises. But his most public display in recent years has been through his role as exams officer. This he has done with impressive efficiency and commitment to excellence, juggling countless exam papers with seemingly unflappable ease. Andy is leaving Bromsgrove to go to Malvern College. It is clear that his departure will leave roles at Bromsgrove that will be hard to fill and Malvern will undoubtedly be the better off with Andy on their staff. I have great respect for Andy as an individual and personal gratitude for his help, support and advice over the years he has been here. I have very much enjoyed working with him and I wish Andy every success for his future career at Malvern College. A Woollhead

Heather stepped into the role of Social Secretary in Mathematics and her barbeques became legendary. She introduced us to a new vocabulary such as “Braai” and “Boerewors”. She is a team player with a unifying spirit. She retires to look after her Pop and her husband George and the whole School wishes her every happiness in her life. N Riley

Mark Patchett 2012-2014

James joined us three years ago after a year travelling and having gained a First in Mathematics from the University of Durham. Reports from the students on his teaching vary from “He doesn’t teach us; he just asks us ‘Why?’” to “Inspirational”. His subject knowledge is excellent, he genuinely loves his mathematics and he has the ability to pass this on to his students.

Mark joined the Physics department in September 2012 and brought with him experience, a passion for teaching and baskets of toys to bring a fun twist to many concepts and theories within Physics. Pupils will remember his lessons for the regular performances of Ken and Barbie but, more importantly, the effort, care and attention to detail of every lesson delivered; he has proved to be a popular and dynamic teacher of Physics. Mark implemented the GCSE Astronomy course this year and, due to its success, will be pleased that this qualification will go on to become an optional subject from September 2014. I have deeply valued his expertise and willing personality in every endeavour undertaken by the department during his time here. Outside of the department Mark has been heavily involved in the School’s Duke of Edinburgh programme and his experience as a Mountain Leader enabled him to lead several expeditions.

He has always sought to stretch his students and reward hard work. His students’ results speak for themselves. In Wendron Gordon, he has been a caring tutor and extremely popular; especially at mathematics prep time. In the Mathematics Department, he was always a real ‘go-to man’ for the Head of Department; reliable and dependable. James is in a dying breed of ‘Old-fashioned School Master’. He has always been willing to go beyond expectations, within Mathematics, Cricket, Hockey, L4 camp, Boarding, Boarders’ trips and Choir. James leaves us to further his career at St Paul’s Boys’ School in London. This is one of the highest achieving academic schools in the country. I hope James has big ambitions for his career as he has the right attributes to go a long way. He will be missed. N Riley

Boys of Elmshurst House will miss Mark’s caring approach to pastoral life at School and he will have left a lasting impression. Mark leaves Bromsgrove to take on the role of Head of Physics at Hagley Catholic High School. He will be deeply missed at Bromsgrove but I wish him every success and happiness in his new role and future endeavours. D Whiting

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Andy joined Bromsgrove School in 2007 seeking a broader involvement in school life and the opportunity to get more involved in teaching Biology. Looking back over the past 7 years that he has been here he has more than fulfilled his ambitions. A Yorkshire man by birth he has a naturally friendly and helpful manner and he has taken every opportunity to get involved in School life, but it has been his enthusiasm and ‘can do’ approach that has been the secret to his successes here.

As a member of the Biology team Andy has been brilliantly supportive of both me and the department generally. His help on field courses has been invaluable and his support for departmental initiatives has been extensive, getting involved in such diverse activities as the Big Bang fair and the Nuffield science bursaries, delivering lectures on Malaria and attending the annual ASE conferences. A regular contributor to departmental meetings his perceptive comments will be missed and it has been in this arena that Andy as the biologist has shone through, being a committed and valued member of the team.

Heather first contacted the Head of Mathematics in the summer term of 2010 to enquire if there were any vacancies for a maths teacher at Bromsgrove. At one point, Heather was so keen to get a position here that Nick spoke more to Heather than to his own wife! From September 2010, she went full-time. Her enthusiasm, enjoyment, energy and drive are tremendous; she puts many younger colleagues to shame. Her plain-talking honesty is most refreshing and she has a skill for summing up any student (or member of staff for that matter) extremely accurately with two or three incisive words. That said she has a tremendous empathy with young people and will be missed in the classroom.

James Ramsden 2011-2013

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Matthew Bonnell 2013-2014

Nicholas Harrigan 2013-2014

Matthew joined Bromsgrove School in January 2013 and immediately brought a refreshing outlook on teaching and learning to the Physics department. Classes have benefited from his learning through investigation approach to teaching and he has demonstrated a love of Physics and learning during his time at School. Matthew assisted in setting up the successful Robotics activity and his knowledge and passion in this area remains unrivalled in the School. In addition, Matthew has set up the School’s radio station, refurbished the sound recording studio, been part of the Folk Group and worked tirelessly on Bromsgrove Badge and various expeditions. I know of no other member of staff who has involved themselves in so many activities outside of lessons of their own free will.

Nic joined the Physics department in September 2013 following a successful career at Imperial College working as part of their outreach and research programmes. Nic brought a wealth of knowledge but especially a desire that every Physics lesson should be fun, interesting and different to the norm. Pupils will remember his lessons with a smile but also having understood complex Physics concepts and how they can be applied. Nic has led the department’s academic extension course this year and it has proved more popular than ever. As an ambassador of Physics and learning, he was the perfect person to take on this role and pupils will leave School as better Physicists as a result of the work undertaken with him on a Thursday afternoon. Outside the department, Nic has been involved in the CCF and has been a popular tutor in Wendron-Gordon House.

Boys of Wendron-Gordon House will have appreciated the care Matthew has shown in his role in the pastoral side of School life and will miss his presence in the house next year. Matthew leaves Bromsgrove to assume a teaching position at Bromsgrove International School Thailand. I would like to thank him for everything he has done for me and the department during his time here and wish him well for a happy and successful future. D Whiting

Nic leaves Bromsgrove to pursue other opportunities as a Science Communicator in the field of Physics. I am indebted to him for his efforts and work in the department and wish him every success in the future. May the force be with you, always. D Whiting

Gemma was a wonderful tutor in Thomas Cookes and a real asset to the House. She was lively and enthusiastic and fully supportive both of Kay Hannah and of the girls. Her support for the girls in House competitions was very much appreciated, as was the way in which she joined in at house events. When the girls found out that she would be leaving, a measure of how they felt about her is the fact that they wanted to get a petition together to get her to stay.

Natalia Krasnikova 2013-2014 Cara Thompson 2013-2014

Gemma Werrett 2013-2014

Natalia Krasnikova first contacted the School in October last year, asking for some work experience. She joined the Economics team for a week, where she was shadowing and teaching some IB, AS and A2 lessons. Once an opening in the department came up shortly after Christmas, she joined us in January this year as a part time temporary teacher of A Level Economics and Business. Natalia is also an Old Bromsgrovian who left the School in 2005. She was so well taught and enthused by her ‘inspirational Economics teacher’, Jon Wingfield, she wanted to take her Economics one stage further. Her undergraduate degree at Bath was Economics and International Development and her Master’s degree at Aston was in Accounting and Finance. She is soon to complete her PhD in Corporate Governance also at Aston. We wish her and her partner Graham well as she completes her doctorate.

Gemma joined us in September 2013 to cover Miss Peric’s maternity leave – one Old Bromsgrovian stepping into the shoes of another. When she left Bromsgrove in June 2004 at the end of her Upper Sixth year, she little dreamt that a decade later she would be back here, standing on the other side of the teacher’s bench, working with some of her erstwhile teachers, and tutoring girls in the House in which she once was a tutee. In her short time on the staff she played a full part in the extra-curricular life of the School. She helped with girls’ games in all three terms, assisting with hockey, netball and athletics. This last, particularly hurdling, was her forte; she ran a hurdles clinic and the pupils who took advantage of this really appreciated the way in which she encouraged them to produce their best, using her expertise and her analytical eye to improve their weaknesses.

R Keys

Cara joined us last September as a GTP student from the bright lights of Oxford University and she quickly established herself within the History department. Her students have waxed lyrical about her enthusiasm in lessons and her innovation as a teacher. When she travelled to do her second placement at South Bromsgrove she returned to a pile of ‘welcome back’ cards from her students, such affection that was well deserved. Cara has taken on a large workload over the course of the year but has always approached everything with the upmost professionalism. She has worked excessively hard and her efforts have always been appreciated. Cara has grown in confidence as the year has progressed and leaves us as a popular and accomplished teacher who will be sorely missed by her colleagues and students. J Zafar

Gemma’s year at Bromsgrove allowed her to develop her skills as a teacher, particularly in the teaching of the subject at AS level. She was liked and respected by pupils, eliciting accolades such as “Miss Werrett has been a great teacher giving me a lot of confidence in Chemistry”, “I think she is a brilliant teacher”, “I personally believe that Miss Werrett is the best chemistry teacher that I’ve ever been taught by”. Gemma moves on to pastures new, and in September takes up a post teaching Chemistry at the Chase School in Malvern. We thank her and wish her the very best for the future – especially for December 13th, when she marries her fiancé Paul. C Dowling

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Alice Williams 2013-2014 Alice joined Bromsgrove in September 2014 for one year as a Graduate Sports Coach. On top of her coaching, Alice has also taught BTEC lessons, where all pupils have achieved highly. Alice has contributed greatly to both the Prep School and Senior School Games running both training sessions and teams to a high standard demonstrating very good subject knowledge. Alice played a key role in coaching the 16A and 3rd hockey teams, as well as the 3rd netball team. She has also officiated at athletics and tennis fixtures. Outside of sport, Alice has helped with bronze DofE expeditions, attended Lower Fourth Camp and has enjoyed her time in Page House where she showed a genuine interest in the successes and achievements of the Prep School pupils.

I will miss Aliceâ€™s smiley face, amenable personality and sense of humour next year. E Buckingham

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Alice has gained a wealth of experience over the past year and has all of the skills to go far in her teaching career. Alice now goes on to do a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at Loughborough University.

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A year of Remembrance... The talk was masterly in every respect and clearly the product of painstaking research both here and abroad at the cemeteries of northern France. Philip’s training as a historian was employed to the full and he and his readers kept us enthralled for the entire evening with tales, some familiar, but mostly entirely unknown about OBs and masters during this tumultuous and unprecedented period in our history. Boys in the School had never before seen their immediate predecessors go to war in such great numbers which far from being over by Christmas 1914 had already seen Bromsgrovians killed in action. Indeed what became very clear during the talk was the heroism of the Old Bromsgrovians involved in the war effort. That such a small school at the time could produce so many acts of extreme bravery and three VCs is awe inspiring. The fortitude of the Spreckley family, who lost three sons in the war stands out in particular and the desk in Chapel commemorates this most appalling loss. The story of Captain Jotham provided another example of such bravery. He was sent to relieve a post at the Northwestern frontier where he could have escaped and saved himself, but sacrificed himself for the good of

his men, killing seven of the enemy first. His body lies in Pakistan, but the VC lives on and it was a privilege to be able to see this on display during the evening. Philip did not, however, just focus on the bravery of the OBs at the front; he also dealt with the way in which pupils and masters adapted to a set of circumstances entirely unknown to them. Some of the games fields were ploughed to provide food, with Routh himself tending the many vegetables, and the terraces below Kyteless were turned in to training trenches by the boys. Big School windows were blacked out with green distemper and football gave way to OTC training which took on a whole new importance. In the first year of the war, there were still building projects - the Headmaster’s House and the enclosing of the Quadrangle. Any further building was then put on hold, although well before the end of the War plans were already afoot for a new, commemorative Chapel in honour of the dead. It is heartening that despite all the news of the horror of war, that the boys did still find some time to enjoy being boys as we learned of pranks in Big School, complaints about food and Routh’s annoying habit of hearing things you did not want him to hear despite his deafness. Boys complained with dismay that the introduction of new-fangled synchronized electric clocks meant they could never again have an excuse for being late! The account of the OTC camp at Hagley Hall showed just how much the boys loved Routh. Their main source of pleasure was that he spent the whole time there with them acting as Chaplain, dispenser of pocket money and general assistant.

The resilience and fortitude of the young Bromsgrovians trying to have a normal youth in such abnormal circumstances was extremely heartening as was their determination to contribute themselves as soon as they could. The way in which the School motto “For God, King and Neighbour” had taken on a new meaning was the focus of Routh’s speech at Commemoration in 1919. It is hard to know how he managed to keep his emotions in check having lost so many of his boys, but he knew already how he wanted to commemorate them. He told the School of his plan for a Memorial Chapel and thanked parents, pupils and masters for all their help over the most difficult of years. In his customary humility he even apologized to the parents that the education delivered by the School had been lacking in certain ways during the war. Routh’s Study featured prominently at the close of the evening and the poignancy of his desk with piles of letters to be sent to parents who had lost their sons was not lost on the audience. He also sat there and signed OCT papers for boys to join up, many of whom never returned. His Chapel was finished in 1960 and we heard the vivid description of how Routh returned - now aged 91 and totally deaf – to stand motionless at the Chancel step, his voice breaking only once and charging us all to enter the building with a sense of respect for those it commemorates. Every Bromsgrovian passing through its portals should ever keep that in mind.

Dr Vivian Anthony – our President - paid tribute in his vote of thanks to Philip Bowen for his incredibly detailed and moving presentation and to the pupils who are the heirs to the sacrifice of the OBs who gave their lives or who had their lives completely changed because of the War. The values of duty, loyalty, courage and determination are present in them as they were in the Bromsgrovians who did have to make the ultimate sacrifice that hopefully they never will. M Beet

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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The 1st of May was one of those rare occasions for the entire Bromsgrove community, pupils past and present, parents, governors, teachers past and present, support staff and friends to come together to hear Philip Bowen’s talk on the School during The Great War. He was ably assisted by pupil readers Niall Hegarty, Declan Amphlett, Ellie Saker and Emily Collie with Sam Adamson Lucy Sapwell and Brittany Collie providing poignant musical interludes.

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Upper Fourth This has been a superb year, packed with a variety of activities and I have been impressed by the enthusiasm and participation of the pupils. PSHE has been delivered in some sessions in the form of life skills and external speakers have given presentations to the year group. These have included a representative from the Teenage Cancer Trust and a self-defence group. Pupils were treated to an academic lecture by Dr Matt Pritchard who took pupils on a journey through magic, physics, chemistry and the natural world and showed how technology and scientific developments are bringing us ever closer to amazing endeavours.

Inter-House events are another feature of the Lower Fourth Head of Year programme. These have included the music competition, the 1.2km relay and cross country races in addition to debating. As always, a highlight of the year was the falconry display where pupils enjoyed an entertaining afternoon on Gordon Green watching a variety of birds of prey dive and swoop overhead.

Credit: Trevor Sayers

Finally, I would like to thank Miss McCutcheon my Assistant Head of Year for all of her hard work over the past year. F Diver

English Rachel Weller Mathematics Toby Chun Ming Lam French Matthew Coulson German Madelaine Barber Fray Spanish Laura Merritt Chemistry Laura Merritt Biology Max Butterfield Physics Matthew Coulson History Rachel Weller Geography James Allely Design Technology Graphics Eleanor Childs Res. Materials Brook Rotheroe Art Lily Zhang Classical Civ. Nathan Buckley Latin Harry Liversidge Drama Matthew Hegarty Music George Bingham Religious Studies Abigail Saker EAL Dzhemal Avdoi Endeavour and Progress: Talia Mitchell Sam Morrice William Madin Anna Ranger Maria Starikova Tristan Stephens-Jones Prize for the Year’s Best Work: Laura Merritt

The Upper Fourth have had another varied and interesting year in the Head of Year sessions. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed the presentation by Scott Lee about his Reptile rescue mission; some pupils were brave enough to handle the snakes! In the summer term, there was a fascinating science lecture on Superheroes – fact or fiction? by Dr Matt Pritchard where pupils discovered the various techniques behind certain tricks. Neil Holmes came in to give a thought provoking lecture on Global Warming. Throughout the year, the pupils have continued with their Life Skills programme which has focussed on relationships, body image, careers, and drugs. We also had an interesting presentation by Amnesty International. The year group completed a study skills course spread over the three terms which culminated with a talk on ‘Your Academic Future’ by Mr Barr. One of our Upper Sixth pupils, Alex Moore gave an excellent presentation about the Holocaust and Mr Bowen lectured our pupils on current affairs. The various Inter-House competitions were held during the Michaelmas and Lent terms terms. Once again, the standard was high and it was pleasing to see so many pupils represent their Houses. I was also impressed by the range of pupils being awarded subject and endeavour prizes at Mark Reading. I would like to thank Ms Johnston for all her hard work and support this year. Finally, I wish all the pupils well in the Fifth Form. S Shinn

Subject Prizes English Olivia Bond Mathematics Henry Yip French Beck Cutting Spanish Viktoriya Dimitrova German Oliver Hall Biology Callum Ross Physics Oliver Hall Chemistry Anran Wang Business Studies Henry Yip Music Sarah Chapman DT: Graphics Alisa Baraboshkina DT: Res. Materials Matthew Townsend Art Isobelle Martin Textiles Liberty Ball History Joseph Bellamy Geography Isabel James Classical Civ. Edward Turner Latin Sasha Johnston Drama Paige Corcoran Religious Studies Olivia Bond EAL Andreea Mihaescu PE Lauren Brown Endeavour and Progress: Kate Goodchild Kipras Daujotas George Goodall Tiffanie Tseng Josephine Wiklund Kieran Walker Prize for the Year’s Best Work: Oliver Hall

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Another part of the Lower Fourth programme has been talks given by senior members of the Common Room. Mr Bowen and Mrs Maund spoke to pupils on bullying, whilst Mr Ruben gave a presentation on Obama and Mandela and encouraged pupils to think more about the world around them.

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Fifth form Lower Sixth Upper Sixth The Head of Year programme is designed to assist and support the Fifth Form as they progress throughout the year. They have covered a wide variety of topic areas, having received lectures from senior members of staff, including Mr Bowen and Mr Ruben. Alongside this, they have been visited by Old Bromsgrovian Simon Bucknall who delivered an engaging session on how to present oneself and talk confidently in front of others. Further external visitors included Julie Wilkinson, meeting with our girls to cover a variety of important teenage-related issues such as managing stress, cyberbullying and defence mechanisms, and Fran Sandham who informed the year group about his astonishing experience walking across Africa. Donald Robbie led the year group through a series of invaluable assemblies relating to CVs, applications and interview skills, with Olivia Robbins rewarded for the best CV.

The Fifth Form have had an intense GCSE examination period in the Summer term. To support them in their workload, they received a session on revision tips and skills immediately following the Easter break and a series of revision opportunities were offered whereby students could meet with teachers from each of the subject areas and receive additional guidance and support. It was encouraging to see many members of the year group prepare so thoroughly for their exams and I wish them much luck in their future endeavours. L Lancett

The Lower Sixth this year have formed a very cohesive and outstanding year group. The expectations of the Sixth Form are very high and both the returning Fifth Form and the new students were quick to make their mark. This group have taken every opportunity offered to them to stretch themselves in the many additional academic and extracurricular enrichment opportunities on offer. The Head of Year presentations included the very informative presentations on Careers and University by Mr Barr in his last year before retirement – he will be missed - and thoughtprovoking talks by Mr Ruben and Mr Bowen. The Headmaster’s Question Time was, as always, an enjoyable session and this year students new and old to the School asked Mr Edwards questions linked to his final year and what he felt were his proudest achievements. External speakers this year gave illuminating talks on Law and routes into Law along with career paths by Irwin Mitchell, an interesting topic on ‘What does an MEP do ?’ and University talks by the London School of Economics, Nottingham University and Cambridge University. With the increasing interest in students looking at the opportunities for University study abroad we have also been delighted to welcome Northeastern University from the US, Toronto University Canada and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to visit and promote study outside the UK. We have Bromsgrovians at all of these Universities and more successfully applying.

Mark Huntingdon from A Star Future gave a presentation on studying abroad with particular emphasis on the many great opportunities in Europe. John Hoskison gave a very illuminating talk on Risk Taking at the Christmas lecture. Debating is always eagerly anticipated and always provides us with the opportunity to see both Upper Sixth and Lower Sixth in eloquent combat and the final this year was truly entertaining. Dr Averil McDonald of Reading University and Professor Alun Vaughan from Southampton University gave a very in-depth talk on the energy crisis facing Britain in ‘Please Don’t Buy an Electric Car’ and the Safer Roads Partnership gave our potential young drivers the illuminating facts about learning to drive and the hazards young drivers face. I would like to thank all my colleagues for their contribution especially Miss Densem, Assistant Head of Year for her support and new ideas this year. We look forward to welcoming the students as the Upper Sixth in September. F Bateman

The Upper Sixth Form is a busy time for our students applying for university and preparing for the ‘Next Step’ after Bromsgrove School. As you might expect much of our Head of Year time is devoted to this important aspect of Sixth Form life, with their tutors helping to prepare effective university applications, further advice from Mr Barr about the UCAS process and International applications from Mrs Bateman and various presentations from visiting universities. We did, however, pause throughout the year for some interesting and thought-provoking lectures from the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster, Mr Bowen and Academic Deputy, Mr Ruben. We also all enjoyed an excellent psychology workshop about the importance of effective communication, a stunning talk about the consequences of risk taking and Abbie Griffiths’ and Alex Moore’s sobering presentation about the Holocaust following their visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Other presentations about student finance, budgeting and drug awareness proved useful and supportive additions to the programme too. In the Lent term events included the Senior House Debating Competition, the now well established Old Bromsgrovians’ Fair and a preview of the Pop and Jazz concert also provided alternative stimulation, before the all-important examination preparation and revision period in the early part of the Summer term.

2014 Results 177 pupils sat 544 A level examinations and 49 BTEC qualifications. 23% of all results were graded A*, 54% were graded A*/A and a superb 86% of all results were graded A* to B. The average UCAS tariff at A level was 442 which is equivalent to A*, A, A at A level with a further A grade in an AS level subject. In BTEC, 20 Upper Sixth pupils secured 43 Starred Distinctions and 6 Distinctions. These fantastic results follow on from the School’s best ever IB average score of 38 points, which included a perfect score of 45 points for Constantin von Crailsheim – a feat achieved by only 150 candidates worldwide. I must thank my colleague Miss Katherine Tansley for her support and contribution throughout the year as Assistant Upper Sixth Form Head of Year and to our Upper Sixth Form leavers we thank you for being such a terrific year group and your vibrant contribution to School life at Bromsgrove. We wish you every success and happiness. Do stay in touch, especially through the Old Bromsgrovians’ Network which we commend to you; it is always a pleasure for us to hear how everyone is getting on and their news. A Johns

Special mention goes to Lewis Turner who achieved 4 A*s at A level and an A at AS level. Lewis has secured his place at the University of Birmingham to study Medicine. In addition, Jagraj Bhandal scored 44 in the International Baccalaureate having previously also achieved A* in both Maths and Further Maths A Levels and an A in AS Physics.

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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This year’s Fifth Form have impressed me with their mature, responsible attitude. It is a challenging time of their school career, as they near the end of their junior years and are on the verge of entering a more senior role in the School. Many of them pursue a wide variety of extra-curricular commitments outside the classroom – their ability to balance these activities with their workload as they approach the GCSE examination period has been commendable.

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2013 not only saw the departure of a dynamic Director of Music, but a cast of talented Upper Sixth musicians who had led many orchestras and choirs to great success. Naturally, this year required something of a step up from its senior pupils and the new man at the top.

House Song

With the theme of 90s UK No.1s, Oakley’s fine part singing in a medley of hits of yesteryear was going to take some beating. House Captains Aryssa Chai and Andrea Ellinas accepted the trophy from the adjudicator, Miss Ellie Lane of Pate’s Grammar School. Hazeldene came second with their rendition of Dreams by Gabrielle, and William Parkinson claimed the first Conductor’s Prize, a new award for 2013. Best Choreography is a new prize going forward for House Song 2014.

Choral Society - Handel’s Messiah

Choirs

Instrumental Music

“I’ve sung a fair few ‘Hallelujah’ choruses in my time, and that was one of the best”. Thus spake a colleague after the performance. I agree. It is a work of huge significance in the repertory and the chance to perform it this year was taken by a 110-strong Choral Society, forty of whom are current pupils, along with parents, staff and friends of the School. Of our four outstanding soloists three are current singing staff: Ms Angela Kazimierczuk, Mr Paul Badley and Mr William Coleman who were joined by alto Mr Jeremy Kenyon. The fine orchestra, ably led by our own Miss Fiona Swadling, was superb. Routh Hall was alive with Rococo splendour; the trumpet did sound, and it sounded pretty darn good too.

The Chapel Choir have sung some truly outstanding music, and all of it in great style: our own Memorial Chapel and Gloucester Cathedral have been the venues for performances of music by Howells, Ireland, Boyle, Tavener, Stanford and our own songsmith Mr Knight, with Mendelssohn, Fauré and Armstrong Gibbs featuring at Commemoration. Be it Remembrance in Malvern, Sunday services in St David’s Cathedral Pembrokeshire, Advent carols, carols for Bromsgrove senior citizens in Old Chapel, or ending Pop and Jazz with ‘Goodnight Sweetheart’, the Chamber Choir have had a tremendous year making music. We are sorry to see the entire bass section depart however! The group have given some fabulous performances and we are indebted to them for their commitment and great company this year. I am sure other voice parts will forgive a touch of adulation: the current Soprano sound at Bromsgrove is as good as any Independent Senior School Choir. As choral music continues to strengthen, we prepare for a major recording project in the new academic year, to be released in time for Christmas 2014.

Orchestra were a centrepiece of the reinstated Christmas Concert this year, and again in a Routh assembly in March to an audience of nearly 1000 (some via chapel link of course). Other groups have played regularly including Big Band - who took part in a second charity concert in Kidderminster in October - Brass Group, Flute Groups, String Ensemble, Indigo Jazz Combo, Saxophone Quartet and instrumentalists and solo singers who strive for excellence in each performance. A Piano Masterclass with Mr Jeremy Carter, a Cheltenham-based concert pianist and teacher, enhanced the playing of some already mature pianists. Informal Concerts in Old Chapel have provided occasions for any Bromsgrove pupil to perform, and many have given great pleasure to audiences in the six concerts in this series.

Senior Music Competition This year’s adjudicator, Mr Roy Raby from Cheltenham Ladies’ College, paid tribute to our talented young competitors, and awarded prizes to Patrick Dolan (piano), Emily Collie (strings), Sarah Chan (woodwind), Emily Smith (brass), Sam Adamson (singing), Oliver Tanner (guitar) and Elliott Muscutt (drumkit) crowning Cammy Tong (clarinet) as Overall Winner for 2014. We include new prizes next year including one for Piano Duet and a Jazz award.

J McKelvey Director of Music

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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At the end of my first year, I continue to be grateful to those who have helped me settle quickly to Bromsgrove tempo (surely Prestissimo) and we all wish every success to those who have played second fiddle in previous years and who have led Bromsgrove music to new heights this year from the front desks: Sam Adamson, Declan Amphlett, Caleb Chan, Robert Chapman, Andrea Ellinas, Simon Hotchin, James Hubscher, Robert Lay, William Parkinson, Philip Rowsell, Tom Stokes, Emily Taylor, and staff including Mr Barr and Mr Ramsden who will be sorely missed, but we thank them for their invaluable contributions and extend an open invitation to return.

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Pop & Jazz A highlight of the Music Department’s year once again, this year’s brief was short: quality up, length down. Tickets sold fast and extra tables were ordered, thanks to Mrs Vale’s organisation. Routh Hall was adorned as usual by picnicking fans who were delighted in just over two hours by twenty-four fabulous acts including the Headmaster’s last performance at this event; a sublime rendition of Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground.

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The 2014 Chinese Concert was held successfully in Routh Hall with twenty-five performances by students from across the boarding houses. The evening started with the three fantastic MCs - Steven Nip, Sydney Liao and Leo Hu. They introduced the first performer of the concert and stated that it would be his first and last time on stage at the Chinese Concert. Whilst the audience was still guessing who the performer was, Mr Edwards appeared from backstage to perform John Lennon’s Imagine. Although the Headmaster didn’t risk singing it in Chinese, his performance was superb.

We shall miss the Headmaster’s regular turns at concerts and we know that his contributions to events in Singapore will be greatly appreciated too. J McKelvey

Throughout the evening, all of the singers did their best to give first class, unforgettable performances. There were plenty of Housman Hallians performing including Connie, Donna, Florence, Heather, Jade, Kirk, Howard, Desmond, Michael, Caleb, Timothy, Peter, Cynthia and Robin.

Chinese Concert

Special thanks are given to all the members of the concert committee as they offered their times and efforts to make this marvellous evening happened. I believe the audience were very appreciative of all their efforts put into this concert. Johnny Tsang

Photo Credit: Charles Wen

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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The concert itself has a special meaning to all the Chinese in the School as 2014 is the 10 year anniversary and each year there have been Old Bromsgrovians travelling long distances to reunite with their fellow students. I know that Mr Jones was pleased to see some familiar faces return to Housman to say hello.

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One of the Cast wrote in the School for Scandal programme ‘It’s great to be back again at the Artrix this year’. Quite so. Another show that began in late Summer in September was brought to a glorious climax on cold frosty evenings at the start of winter and how they again cheered and warmed our hearts. It was a triumphant success. At School in 1926 the cast was decided by Committee; in 2013 solely and perfectly chosen by the Director and rarely have so many principals been so admirably suited to their characters.

School For Scandal

There were big cameo roles from those making debuts - Pavel Poloskin excellent as the slippery, ingratiating, calculating Snake, like a sinister villain in a Bond movie; Ella Cardinali a quite delightful and charming, almost eccentric Banks; Robyn Burrell a wonderfully loquacious, breathless and forceful Mrs Candour. Clement Harris took on his first big role and with Elliott James made a colourful duo who always made vibrant presences on stage. We enjoyed Elliott’s epic but awful poem. Archie Parker wowed us with a song last year; another this and great playing from Sam Makar on guitar – who kept his composure so well when it failed one night – and Tom Challand on drums.

Then there was the irrepressible Simon Hotchin. Simon is another who has adorned all our shows in his time with us; and was a magnificent Rowley. Such poise, precision, humanity, he wrote for the programme ‘Mrs James you’re free of me now’. He will be missed. Declan Amphlett’s acting as Sir Oliver was as colourful as his garish attire. Looking as if he had arrived from the Far East via Istanbul, this was a supreme performance and for someone in his first major show, remarkable confidence and a lesson in enunciation too. And so too Ben Featherstone, that quiet unassuming pupil we know around School, in his strikingly confident debut in a major role. He was debonair, suave, sophisticated, polished, courteous, smooth-tongued, glib, persuasive, slick, oily, ingratiating, unctuous, smooth, sleek, sophisticated, charming and –his father added – an impish cad. This was a hugely successful study of the self-righteous, holier-than-thou Joseph with his veneer of self-righteousness. We loved his performance. Niall Hegarty was larger than life as the riotous, loud, boisterous, and uproarious Charles. Always a towering figure, at his best perhaps at the end of the farce and in that final scene. Stage presence to die for.

Finally in the cast, two more leavers. And as for Asher Hardy as Sir Peter Teazle? After substantial cameos in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and CATS, now a major role and this was one of the finest performances we have witnessed in our shows here. His versatility! – a hallmark of great acting - for here was an 18 year old playing a 50+ year old (until recently a confirmed bachelor) battling with a young handsome feisty wife. It had everything - mannerisms, voice, diction, enunciation, timing, poise, – this much put-upon aristocrat had everything. He is used to the professional theatre and it showed, but at School he saved the best till last. So too, Emily Taylor as Lady Teazle, another who owned the stage when on it. l first saw Emily years ago, in a debut song here which swept me away, a great Helena and again in CATS; Again, timing, clarity of voice, theatricality – just about held in check but powerful enough for that dramatic contrast – chastened and humbled - at the end. And that final speech alone at the front but speaking for all was simply stunning.

Asher and Emily delivered quite consummate performances summed up in that one scene when they traded insults, almost circled each other like wild animals, how the sparks flew, it was electric and those two at that moment were as good as it gets. It was – like so much every night - professional theatre. So many staff helped – Thanks to Mrs Bussey for the splendid programme; Mrs Kenward – now in retirement - for the brilliant notes; all staff in Art and Design who delivered the artistic vision of the Director – Ms Morgans, Miss Barton, Ms Densem, Mr Matthews, Miss McWilliams, Miss Flint; Drama technician Mrs Purcell; the fifteen or so pupils working so hard each night on make-up and hair and to such effect; pupils Philip Rowsell the splendid stage manager on his debut, ably assisted by stalwarts Chris Foster and Henry Brewster. Two final tributes. Shows are always collaborative affairs, there is no ‘I’ in team and this was another strong united effort by its very nature. Dr Ruben was an ever present support to Director and cast alike; a great encourager but also Assistant Director, and the inspiration behind thrilling choreography.

Mrs James was both producer and director and the ultimate inspiration. She always works from first principles – that it is ‘their’ show. Mrs James again took all these young people on a special journey – old timers, debuts what personal growth they have known, what they have done that they never imagined they could do. She believed in them and to all colleagues who made it possible for these enthusiastic young people; thank you. This late 18th century play was brought right up to date and rightly so for it has a timeless message and one that resonated with us in the audience. 80s pop, footballers’ wives, brands, status, image, gossip, celebrity, oneupmanship, And as true Bromsgrovians Asher, Emily and Simon made gracious and generous tributes to staff and presented gifts. And so all went into the night tired but very contented after another week of great theatre. P Bowen

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Let’s begin with The Scandalous Company – Katie Leather, Ellie Gibson, Katie Moore, Natalie Plummer, Carren Wong, Brittany Collie, Emily Collie, Erica Halley, Emma Lloyd-Jones, Nyree Williams, Ira Li, Olivia Sutherland, Olivia Wormald, Helena Solomou and Lewis Sirimongkolkasem were vital to the outcome and glittered all evening. Everywhere one looked faces and bodies were working, great glances at the audience too at scene changes, realistically in character with lithe movement and dancing. Make up and costumes were so effective, as a coherent entity, they dazzled us.

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There were others who shone last year and this: Emma Reeves - we fondly recall that railway song a year ago – as a very fine Maria. A difficult part too, often a silent observer, yet majestically aloof above the fray and a couple of lines delivered in the final scene were the tenderest of the night. A pin drop moment. Alice Ruben led an unforgettable sequence in CATS but how she sneered so well in this play. A perfect portrayal of the role – poise, timing, movement, diction, this was a beautifully controlled performance, a restrained steely assertiveness and a deliciously imperious parting shot.

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Drama

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‘The Lottery’

2014 saw new challenges for our talented Fourth Form performers. Not content with producing one play, we took on the slightly daunting task of staging two Fourth Form productions this year: ‘The Wardrobe’, as part of the National Theatre’s Connections Festival 2014, and ‘The Lottery’, a play devised and directed by six of our Senior students.

We embarked on a new theatrical venture for Bromsgrove School this year, staging an entirely new devised piece which was acted by twenty-three of our junior performers and directed by six of our seniors (Ella Cardinali, Ben Featherstone, Clement Harris, Niall Hegarty, Emma Reeves and Olivia Wormald). Directing a play is no mean feat for even the most skilled actor, and our six student directors showed incredible tenacity, vision and skill in their work. The resulting play, The Lottery was a chilling tale, based loosely on Shirley Jackson’s famous short story. It told the tale of a group of friends passing the lonely hours of the night together, telling classic campfire and horror stories.

The results are as follows: Gold: Simon Hotchin (M)

Performing for three nights, the cast enthralled the audiences with an emotional rollercoaster. Taking us from our initial fear to more comedic moments, the actors showed their versatility and talent. The final scene will linger long in the memory – a perfectly choreographed and incredibly moving moment, which gave a dark twist to the play. Well done to all involved. In a question and answer session after the performance, when questioned about their ages, the audience gave gasps of shock and disbelief when they discovered that our performers were only in Years 9 and 10.

Performing as part of the National Theatre Connections Festival, and in the Warwick Arts Centre too, was a great experience for all involved, and an amazing accomplishment.

L McKee

Silver: Lydia Evans (M), Ben Featherstone, Niall Hegarty, Pavel Poloskin (M), Carliene Silk (M) and Carren Wong; Bronze: Yumin Chen, Ira Li, Archie Parker, Thachphon Sirimongkolkasem (M), Helena Solomou (M), Olivia Sutherland (M), Nyree Williams (M), Olivia Wormald (M) and Candice Zhang.

And the results

Congratulations to all involved. L Lancett

are in...

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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‘The Wardrobe’ This year, we had the pleasure of performing The Wardrobe by Sam Holcroft, a new play devised for the National Theatre as part of their Connections Festival 2014. The process provided wonderful opportunities for our talented cast of seventeen students to experience new plays and to watch other youth theatres and schools’ productions. Amidst bloodshed and strife, our play follows the life of one wardrobe throughout history, and the children that seek sanctuary in it. The Wardrobe as a play also provided us as directors with one main, exciting challenge: How do you stage a vibrant play solely based inside a wardrobe? The answer was found in late February with three performances at School, to sell-out audiences. Later, transferring the play as part of the Festival in May, the cast further impressed with their dedication and skill. Performing in the Main Theatre of the Warwick Arts Centre to an audience of over 250 people, they shone on stage.

It has been a busy year for our RADA candidates, who have worked hard towards learning their chosen Shakespeare monologues and sonnets. Each individual has progressed significantly, developing key performance skills, helped by a showcase performance evening in the Drama Studio in front of an audience of family and friends. We ventured down to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London for the examinations and I know that the students found it a fulfilling and rewarding experience. They have been a pleasure to work with this year and I have personally enjoyed their performances of extracts from a wide variety of Shakespeare plays, including Macbeth, Julius Caesar and All’s Well That End’s Well.

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Housman Verse When Bromsgrove School’s Housman Verse Prize opened this year ‘Immortality’ was the title of the email. Not because that was the topic to write on but because that was the prize awaiting the winning entry. Immortality in the Bromsgrovian, immortality in the Housman Society’s journals and now immortality on the English Honours board in Humanities.

With social media and 24-hour news these days we are much more aware of what’s going on in the world and to try and encourage reflection of the students’ global awareness the topic for this year’s entries was ‘Revolution’. There were more entries than ever before and the standard was incredibly high.

The Winning Entry

Freddie Ferguson (Lower Sixth) considered how:

And Jenny Moore (Upper Sixth) looked a little closer to home…

Revolution’s Bicycle

The people have freedom when they shout in the square, Until the lucky get megaphones And the others get reduced to prayer… …No Man worth is a million times another, Put the money aside and still he’s just your brother,

Arm yourselves. Not with A A* A But with strength and with peace We’ll clear our own way. Not with isms or stigma With brains and our say.

The Wheels of Change are turning - fast. They spin As Unrest’s bicycle shakes off its rust. The winds of protest at its back, and thin Black tyres which burn their mark in dust.

Sophie Bruce (Upper Sixth) reflected on recent social change: There’s a social revolution coming, peace soars like a dove! All can be married no matter who they love.

Declan Amphlett’s (Upper Sixth) winning entry Revolution’s Bicycle packed a punch through its irony and wit and the way that the ideas from the global to the personal, past to present, are weaved together to tell a story of this time and achieve its own immortality. D Williams

In the words of Carren Wong’s (Lower Sixth) Hollow Eyed Angels: We see, we hope, we die While Alice Ruben (Lower Sixth) called for calm and reason:

And who is owner of the “Wheels of Change”? The revolution’s absolute top fan? The most oppressed, of course, in all the range: A white, straight, educated, bourgeois man. He hates “the system”, preaches Marx and co., Bewails materialism and “the man”, Yet drinks at Starbucks (like an average Joe), An unwitting part of their consumer plan. Oh but he cares! He does - his Twitter feed Is full of statements showing his support. He’s got a Che Guevara shirt - he reads, This activism isn’t just a sport.

By passion, haste and rage she is blinded. Words are unheard, when one acts too strongly.

But. He posts nothings, he saves pointless files, Has empty, vapid blogs to make him seem Involved when he’s so many thousand miles Away - to him the trouble’s nothing but a dream. He doesn’t know who Che Guevara is! And when an oil crisis strikes, afar, There’s not a single chance he will not miss To tell the world about his hybrid car. They say to “be the change you wish to see”, But seeing can be difficult for some. Especially if your eyes are glued to screens The world reduced to the press of a thumb. This revolution of the modern age: The infant workers on the lowest wage, The bicycle falls, the wheels, the spokes, the seat They scream, they cry - you sit, you blog, you tweet. Declan Amphlett

The Housman Verse is named after OB and poet A.E. Housman

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Poetry tells a story and records a moment that often the poet who wrote it wasn’t aware of capturing. A journey through previous winners of this competition in the archives of the Bromsgrovian magazine across three centuries tells a story of the School, in a unique and honest way that can’t be fabricated. It tells a story of war and politics; of bullies and burnt porridge. It tells the story of those who lived here and the time in which they lived. A true appreciation of the impact of these things can only really be appreciated with hindsight – last year’s winner, Human Debris, is testament to that.

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A Level, BTEC & IB

Many would argue that education, or indeed football, is not all about results anyway – one can gain qualifications and still lack intelligence, common sense or character, in the same way one can win without playing beautifully. Yet it is noticeable that Bromsgrovians do not merely gain strong results year in and year out, but they are achieving this success with an increasingly challenging mix of subjects and undertaking increasingly demanding intellectual tasks.

There are over 70 pupils a year taking on significant pieces of extended research for either the IB Extended Essay or the Extended Project Qualification - research topics this year included the State of Nature, the scale of the philosophical and political divide between the Orthodox and Catholic churches, Shanghai’s musical culture, the failure of the Arab – Israeli road map to peace and female insanity in the nineteenth century. For the first time this year we have had two Sixth Formers formally studying Mandarin – they have excelled in what they initially found to be an immensely challenging task (their struggles inevitably reminding the broader School community just how very impressive the achievements of our many international students are when studying in, what is for them, a foreign language). We have, again for the first time, students studying French, Russian, Chinese and Ukrainian Literature in their own language. Our students are not just playing the game to win, they are playing it with increasing style, panache and flair. When football managers are not talking of results or the way they approach playing the beautiful game, they talk of team spirit and the dedication that has been shown in training. Equally, whatever their results in whatever subjects they have been studying, almost all Bromsgrovians have had an exceptionally studious year, working with vigour and purpose. The results students achieve do not occur distinctly from the graft that has gone on before.

Virtually all our students have shown not merely ambition and discipline over the last twelve months, but also the self-awareness and maturity to be constructively self-critical so that they can make significant progress in developing their depth of understanding. So what are the headlines? In 2014 our A Level students gained 54% A*-A grades and 86% A*-B, our IB Diploma students averaged a spectacular 38 (equivalent to A*A*A*A* at A Level), whilst our BTEC students gained 43 Distinction*s and 6 Distinctions (equivalent to A Level A* and A grades respectively). The most popular university destinations were Exeter, University and King’s Colleges London, LSE, Bath, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Warwick and Nottingham. With 35% of their exams graded at A* and 64% gaining at least an A grade, our Fifth Form achieved the School’s best ever GCSE results. In short, once again our thespians, debaters, musicians, CCF Cadets, rugby and netball players and those participating in countless other activities have achieved and grown so much over the year, but first and foremost virtually all have proven themselves to be serious students who deserve to be taken seriously.

And what of the 2014/15 academic year? With the new season, there is so much that starts from scratch …. but our academic team is already in place: staggeringly successful and diligent students, with committed, inspirational subject specialists teaching them. Bromsgrove is playing the long game here… this summer’s local triumphs will go on to make a difference at a world level. P Ruben and M Thompson

‘Glamping’ in At the start of this term, I was lucky enough to be selected as one of the twelve Sixth Formers to help out in the first of the two Lower Fourth Camps.

To know when you should be more laissez-faire and when you should be more instructive is definitely one of the things that I’ve picked up from the experience.

Prior to our departure, I had mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness as it was my first camping (or ‘glamping’ as I call it) with School friends while bearing the responsibility of being a Sixth Form leader of six younger kids. However, by the time we got off the coach at the campsite, no one disagreed that this would be an exciting and meaningful threeday experience.

At the beginning of our walk, the confusing map and routes discouraged the girls a little, but instead of doing the map reading for them, I learnt to allocate the task to each pair per 2km and they all turned out to be much more responsible and co-operative.

Within those three days, we completed a 20km expedition and a range of activities such as rafting, canoeing, caving and high ropes with the Lower Fourth pupils. If I was asked to pick my favourite bit, raft building would be my top choice. We enjoyed the joy of winning the game as much as the process of working towards a shared goal, despite falling into the river at the beginning of the game because I misjudged the depth of the water.

To organise this camp, one can hardly imagine how much planning and communication is involved. I once asked the main organiser, Miss Nelson, her feelings about this - she smiled and said that after she has finished going through all of the paperwork and can actually sit down at the camp and just watch people having fun, everything pays off. I was deeply moved by this simple but sincere answer - I believe it is precisely because of the dedication of many teachers like Miss Nelson that the Lower Fourth Camp is made to be such a memorable experience for all of the students and staff. Connie E

Being the leader of a group of younger ones, I also learnt to be a ‘flexible’ leader by helping the pupils to acquire new experiences and skills such as map and compass reading.

Pantone 201

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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Starting to put some thoughts together for an academic review of the year in late June, on the day that England are to face Uruguay in their first World Cup match, is fraught with danger. One should not dwell too much on historic successes. Over the last ten years the proportion of Bromsgrovians at GCSE achieving A*/A has risen from just under a half to just over three-fifths, with similar progress being made at A Level. IB results over the first three years have risen from just above 31 points to just under 36 points per entry. Our students’ BTEC scores which have always been strong have been almost perfect over the last couple of years. Yet any reference to results in the distant past risks sounding complacent, in the same way that too much reference to 1966 is an admission of England’s recent footballing failure. Recognition of these improving results is only marginally more justified if put in the context of our unchanging entry standards – the School has not sought to rise up the League Tables by becoming a Manchester City or Paris St. Germain buying in ready-made talent.

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Trips This year has seen an increase in the number of boarding pupils participating in a variety of activities and trips. Boarding pupils have regularly signed up for the much-loved annual trips such as Alton Towers and a number of shopping trips to Birmingham’s Bullring and London. As is tradition, boarders’ barbeques heralded the start and end of the School year as well as the formal Christmas dinner. It is a wonderful sight to see the whole boarding community in celebration together.

All of the trips and activities that have run this year have been a huge success and continue to be an important part of the boarding community. They offer the pupils the chance to socialise with pupils from other Houses, relax outside School and try new experiences. Thanks must go to all of the boarding tutors for their assistance with the trips. L Mullan

Trip with a View...

Florence

“Look! Look!” Mr Jones cries as we step off the coach wearily. “It’s the train station I told you about, shaped as the fascist symbol,” and we nod, for we are tired, and have heard this story many times before in our History class. And as we trundle down the streets of Florence, lugging our bags along, we hear the excitement in his voice again. “And look! This is the Duomo…” But his voice fades out as we all hungrily long for an Italian pizza, but instead must listen to how a trick with an egg led Brunelleschi to build arguably one of Florence’s most beautiful buildings. (See Sir, I learned something…) In all fairness, the trip to Italy was excellent. Florence has to be the most beautiful city I have ever visited; the architecture was incredible, the artwork was magnificent and the food was exquisite. We only spent two full days there, but those days were packed with visits (and food) that made the trip unforgettable. I cannot recount every place that we visited, but my favourites were the Medici Chapel, the Boboli gardens, the San Miniato al Monte and…. the pizzerias of course. Obviously, I cannot write about a trip to Italy without mentioning the food. I’ll never do it justice; my best piece of advice is that you must try it yourself. But, I’ve got to say, it was one of the things I was looking forward to most about the trip, and I was most definitely not disappointed.

Lasagne, pasta, pizza, even ice cream, the Italians know just how to do it. There are many places I haven’t mentioned in this brief recount of our trip; the Uffizi, the visit to see the glorious David, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Santa Croce… Really, Florence is a place I advise you to visit. Not only are the tourist attractions excellent, but exploring the city to find small cafés and interesting shops is a great way to spend a day. If you’re ever swanning off to Italy, Florence is definitely worth a visit. And even if the amazing architecture and beautiful surroundings cannot convince you, believe me, the food will. And now I am still apprehensive to eat a pizza back here in England because I just don’t want to ruin the memory of the authentic Italian ones. Emily Kinder

SENIOR BROMSGROVIAN 2014

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There have also been new activities added which have been just as popular, including a new go-kart venue, Go Ape and other outdoor activities. For the first time, there was a joint boarders’ trip to the German Christmas Market. Over 250 pupils and staff, from all Houses, enjoyed the chance to experience the festive delights and atmosphere which, for most, was a first.

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Trips London Art Trip The Sixth Form annual art trip to London was a great success and enjoyed by all. The Lower Sixth Art and Textiles pupils visited the Tate Britain where they were inspired by the broad and varied art works, from Turner to the Chapman Brothers. Highlights were Tony Cragg’s Stack and Sylvia Pankhurst’s series of paintings Women at Work. The Upper Sixth visited a broad range of galleries from the V and A to the Tate Modern. A small cohort were blown away by the stuff at the Saatchi. All pupils were inspired by the work so it was extremely satisfying to see how much they enjoyed it. I personally am very excited by what work may evolve out of this trip and there is already talk of a replica ‘Stack’ being built at Bromsgrove.

Sixth Formers Catalina Heine, Declan Amphlett and Carren Wong travelled to London to put questions to Sir Vernon Ellis about the British Council and its global role. Carren Wong opened the session with her question, “What is the British Council and why do we need it?”More questions on the role of the Council in education and in promoting British values followed. With Catalina having previous experience of study in Germany, America and Argentina, she offered her own impressions of the British Council particularly in relation to the perceived lack of British exchange students abroad. Declan demonstrated his flair in debating by threading material from Sir Vernon’s answers into his questions. It was Carren, however, who received the biggest laugh of the session when she drily approved of Declan’s positive comments about the inclusion of overseas students in British schools with a smile: “Good answer, Declan; very wise.” All three Bromsgrovians posed their questions with poise and aplomb, impressing their audience and permitting Sir Vernon to speak in detail about the challenges and successes of the British Council.Warm congratulations to the students from Tim Hands, Chairman of the HMC, followed the session.

Pupils went behind the scenes of the Warner Brothers Harry Potter Studio Tour to see a huge array of beautiful sets, costumes and props. Closely guarded secrets were also revealed along the way including facts about green screen special effects and animatronics that continue to make these films so hugely popular across the world. A step into the Great Hall with its magnificent fireplace followed by a stroll down the cobbles of Diagon Alley taking a peek at the magical Ollivanders wand shop and viewing with awe the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes Joke shop had an inspirational effect on the young designers.

Pupils had the opportunity to attend a Set Design lesson where the primary focus was on the role of the designer and the industrial process of filmmaking. They also studied concept and design plans and practised the craft of mise-en-scène through modelling visual narrative on their own models. Having worked up a thirst pupils shared their ideas over a glass or two of Harry Potter’s chilled Butter Beer to round off the day. E Densem

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S McWilliam

Bromsgrove pupils in conversation

Year 10 travel from bromsgrove to hogwarts...

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A group of fourteen Upper Fourth and Fifth Form pupils spent a week near the Normandy coast, in Le Fourgeray. They were able to sample French culture and cuisine, as well as immersing themselves fully in the language, since all activities were undertaken in French.

the Brandenburg Gate and Potsdamer Platz along the way. In the afternoon, we went to the Wall Memorial Centre. Our guide really brought such a terrible situation alive for us. We had another excellent guide in the Jewish museum the next day. The building itself is quite amazing and the architect Daniel Libeskind really succeeds in telling the story of the Jews throughout German history through architecture. We learned a lot about various Jewish traditions and ways of life as well as a bit of Hebrew.

Excursions included visits to the medieval island of Mont Saint-Michel and the historical towns of Saint-Malo, Dinan and Bayeux. Pupils also spent time learning about the D-Day landings at Arromanches and at the American Cemetery which overlooks Omaha Beach. In addition, pupils participated in a range of sporting activities, including archery, canoeing and kayaking. Particular highlights of the trip included the crossing on foot of the bay of the Mont SaintMichel and negotiating its quicksand - with an experienced guide, of course! Pupils also witnessed the dramatic birth of a goat at the farm of the locally renowned “Monsieur Martin”, during which Mr Watkins played an active and life-saving role!

Foreign Exchange

At the end of the Easter term we arrived at School excited about going to Germany for the exchange. I had previously spoken to my German partner by email and he seemed to be interested in the same hobbies as me so I couldn’t wait to meet him. I had practised all of my German sayings the night before just so I could have a proper conversation with the family. We landed in Germany and the weather was beautiful. However, we were all a bit nervous and anxious to see our partners. We had one last meeting before we went out to arrivals where we all stood in a line waiting for our

partners to come and say hello. I was getting a bit worried at one stage because everyone else was leaving happily and there was still no sight of my exchange partner. After five minutes, however, he came and everything was fine. The shock came the next morning as I had to be up at 6am! We went to the Hermannswerder Gymnasium in Potsdam which was our exchange school. It was very different to Bromsgrove as the pupils were allowed to wear their own clothes. On the first day, we set off for Berlin and walked along the former course of the wall which divided this city for 28 years. We saw the Reichstag,

In the evening, we returned to the school for a barbecue and football match. As the school has exchange schools in Poland and Holland and France, we were able to have an international football match. We enjoyed spending Saturday with our host families before returning to the UK on Sunday. We had an excellent week and enjoyed the opportunity to speak lots of German as well as making friends abroad. My host family has already invited me to come and stay again and my exchange partner is coming over in October. I would really recommend the exchange to anyone studying German; you will improve your German and have lots of fun. Thomas Lloyd

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G Tyrell

We stayed in Potsdam on Thursday and were transported back to the Eighteenth Century through our visit to Friederich the Great’s Sans Souci Palace. The palace and gardens were amazing and our German partners came with us on this trip.

The Hills Are Alive...

With the Sound of

On a cold October day, 142 pupils and over twenty-five staff took to the Malvern Hills for one of the highlights of the year for our youngest year group. The annual Malvern Field Day is designed to encourage team work, cooperation, communication skills, leadership and initiative. It also helps to prepare pupils for future participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, CCF and Lower Fourth Camp.

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Malvern

Staff were extremely impressed by the superb behaviour, positive attitude and determination of our Lower Fourth. Members of the public were also very impressed by our pupils. True Bromsgrovians. S Nelson

The day began in Eastnor Deer Park to the south of the Malvern Hills. The park overlooks Eastnor Castle and is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Pupils continued onto North Hill, the final checkpoint, and headed determinedly back down to the coaches waiting in Malvern town. A great day was had by all.

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A level and IBDP pupils have enjoyed learning geography is all around them with field trips to the likes of Birmingham and North Wales.

From here, pupils walked eastward, up onto the Malvern Ridge, first climbing Raggedstone Hill and Chase End Hill, making their way to the Herefordshire Beacon, before dropping down to British camp for lunch. Then it was back up onto the ridge, conquering Tumuli and the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point on the walk at 425m. On a clear day, the top affords spectacular panoramic views across the valleys of the rivers Severn and Avon as far as the Cotswolds.

Bromsgrove Badge All of our Lower Fourth pupils have been given an introduction to the School’s outdoor pursuits programme through their participation in the Bromsgrove Badge scheme on Tuesday afternoons. Pupils have been involved in a wide range of different activities which have encompassed many aspects of outdoor education and citizenship. This programme has helped to prepare pupils for future participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the Combined Cadet Force. The activities are designed to provide experiences not available during normal lesson time, helping pupils to develop a wide range of skills that will be extremely useful throughout their lives. The first part of the year began with preparations for the annual Malvern Field Day in October. Mapwork skills, teamwork and compass skills were honed prior to a challenging walk over the Malvern Ridge. A great day was had by all, pupils behaved sensibly and all groups completed the full challenge. From Christmas to Easter, pupils participated in a rota of seven activities. Photography skills were developed as pupils undertook a two week project around the School grounds. Themes were as diverse as nature, history, buildings, art and window design.

Pupils learnt about their local area in a course that forms an investigation into local history of Bromsgrove. They also undertook a money and finance programme which should provide valuable skills for the future and completed a comprehensive healthy eating and nutrition exercise. Camp craft skills were honed during an introduction to camp cooking, rucksack packing and other useful expedition skills. Compass and navigation exercises were tested around the School campus and finally, two off-site visits were enjoyed by pupils to Upton Warren for adventure activities. The final part of the year included preparations for the Lower Fourth Camp. All Lower Fourth pupils spend four days away, camping in the Forest Of Dean. This camp involves a range of fun activities such as canoeing, raft-building, high ropes, caving and kayaking. It also includes a practice expedition contributing to the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. This trip has now become firmly established within the outdoor pursuits programme at Bromsgrove School and has become the highlight of the year for many pupils. S Nelson

Activities galore...

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Robotics Club

Oxbridge

Working in the Community

The Robotics Club competed in the South-West Regional Finals of the Vex Robotics Competition – a worldwide competition, endorsed by NASA and President Obama himself. Sixteen pupils from Lower Fourth to Lower Sixth in five teams participated despite having only a term and a half to prepare.

During September, a lunch was held in the Old Chapel for our prospective Oxbridge candidates. Old Bromsgrovian Simon Bucknall was the guest of honour.

Insa Herkner (Germany), Sarah Chan (Hong Kong), Austeja Musteikyte (Lithuania), Joanna Zada (Bulgaria) and Polina Goncharenko (Russia) visited Fairfield Village School. They eloquently described Christmas in their various countries with their unique traditions.

Simon circulated around the tables and talked to the pupils about their subjects and interests as well as giving them advice on interview technique. Simon then led two small group workshops where he gave more specific advice and tips. The pupils really enjoyed the experience and we thank Simon for all his help.

The competition involved building Robots to complete a series of tasks against the clock – of the fourteen teams present only the “Bromsrovers” with their Robot K.Y.L.E constructed by Lizzie Stone, Yunni Wu, Karen Cheung and Daniya Aynetdinova managed to complete the most challenging task of suspending their robot off the ground and as a consequence received the Judges’ Award for Engineering Excellence. Very well done.

M Beet

Tea and Carols Local care home residents attended Bromsgrove School for the annual Tea and Carols event in December. The visitors were entertained with carols from the School brass ensemble and enjoyed refreshments and conversation with Sixth Form IB pupils.

Pupils were fascinated to find out that in some countries, the 24th December is more important than the 25th. They also heard about a blue Santa and of a space left at table for a missing loved one. Using superb pictures, they explained where their countries were, how long it took to fly there and displayed sumptuous pictures of festive dishes. At the end of Assembly they circulated German biscuits, Bulgarian cakes and Russian pancakes around the classes, which proved very popular. The whole visit was a great success and our International students enjoyed visiting a local English village school.

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European Languages Day

Credit: Trevor Sayers

Falconry

Basil the Eagle Owl squawked happily and hopped along beside his trainer through the crowd then flew low over the whole group of Lower Fourth in order to get a treat. A small kestrel (a bird often seen hovering over motorways) zipped round and over the pupils and back to his perch. Along with falcons, their eyesight is incredible and they can even see ultraviolet light to track their prey.

A brave volunteer demonstrated how agile falcons are in forests when one of the birds flew at full speed through his legs, tucking in his wings as he went. The end of the display was an impressive show from a Peregrine Falcon cross who circled the Green and the Headmaster’s study before punching his lure out of the sky. The Lower Fourth were an excellent audience, learned a great deal about the behaviour and habitat of the different birds and made sure they were very low to the ground when they flew over! We look forward to their visit again next year. L McCutcheon

In late September, European Languages Day was celebrated, a commemoration of the variety of languages and cultures found in Europe.

The Spanish group had the opportunity to sample some delicious homemade tapas, whilst the German group ate far too many haribos - a favourite German sweet.

To mark the occasion, two groups of IB1 pupils prepared a German and Spanish lesson to teach to a Year 7 class at the Preparatory School.

All of the lessons were very enjoyable, taught the pupils about the language and culture of the two countries and also provided CAS hours for our IB pupils. M Beet

The reason for this name is highly debated amongst those who are not participants of our own little intellectual clique. Some hypothesise that it makes us feel cooler than referring to ourselves as the “Nerd Club”, which, I must admit, it may do. Some suggest that the “Love it or Hate it” slogan of the spread can be associated with the attendees of the Marmite sessions: this, again, is true. Some question why they are spending their time discussing the name of Marmite when they could be wondering what will be on for lunch that day and it is these veritable philosophers of the 21st Century that I believe have the strongest case. In reality the cause of our unusual cognomen does indeed lie with the slogan of the yeast spread. However, contrary to the popular belief of the masses, which I mentioned earlier, this slogan is not referring to the constituents of our little cerebral séances, but to the material which we discuss.

What is MARMITE? This academic year Marmite has sought to discuss a multitude of topics and dissect a variety of texts and video clips that were chosen both to stretch and enlighten the hive of bright minds shut in the Ruben household. To commence the Michaelmas term we discussed palaeontology and anthropology and the locations of the brains in animals such as the stegosaurus compared with the present day Marmiteer. Later that term we looked at the range of Sherlock Holmes TV representations compared with each other. However we were mainly in agreement that Martin Freeman running around with his weapon of mass deduction in the form of Benedict Cumberbatch was the frontrunner (despite dispute from some of the physicists within the group, who found that the motion picture of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson was superior). We also looked at multiple movies that year, such as the trinity of Matrix movies and the Flash Gordons of 1980 and 1936, both of which we got our Hans into and Mercilessly scrutinised with an Aura of professionalism. We also watched clips from A Knight’s Tale while signing our names on the Marmite Ledger.

We’ve analysed what makes puns and jokes funny, looking at shows such as The Big Bang Theory and lept on the chance to watch some of it. Horrid Henry was brought into discussion while cakes were being scoffed left, right and centre. In addition we have considered entropy and unpredictability in all its guises. From the edge of serendipity to the brink of catastrophe we explored fate using the examples of rubber wings of fortune and the metal meteors of destruction. As well as these set topics, the range of Marvel movies were discussed, with different opinions on the Avengers inducing Havok, like a Storm gone Rogue. Gambits were taken on what the outcomes of the storylines would be while Dr Ruben tried to calm the furore of these First Class arguments. This really sums up what goes on when such a collection of intelligent beings are placed together in a confined space.

In order to return to the question on which we started let us once more consider “What is Marmite?” Earlier I described it as a “Gifted and Talented Society”, but in reality it is so much more than that. It is an accumulation of musings and a conglomeration of ideas. Within our four walls we have created a breeding ground for thoughts and a paradise for contemplation; twice a week Dr Ruben’s living room is transformed from a slightly erratic and bizarre family room to a lecture theatre, in which our seminars take our minds on adventures to the farthest stretches of logical thought, and sometimes even beyond. This year has unquestionably been a good one for Marmite and now I cannot help but feel disappointed that over the holiday I have nothing to do with my lunchtimes but watch reruns of Friends, ponder the ingredients of gravy and await the eagerly anticipated zombie apocalypse. Thomas Lynch and Karan Gour

As the year’s end approached and, like a poorly constructed spice rack, we began to run out of time, Dr Ruben and Mr Beet led an expedition to Oxford University, where a group of Bromsgrove’s finest were indulged and enlightened in one of our country’s finest establishments of learning. Here, some students noted the difference in size between the thirty-eight colleges there and the living room of Webber House, whereas others only noted a severe (and surprising) lack of cake.

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A beautiful day on Gordon Green was made even more spectacular with the Lower Fourth falconry display; an annual treat and a highlight in the Head of Year calendar. The Falconry Centre in Hagley paid us a visit with a range of different birds of prey, each with their own personality and background.

Whenever I remind my peers that on Tuesdays and Thursdays that they must eat their lunch without any of the charming intellectual banter and high-minded discussion which us “Marmiteers” (I’m sure this will catch on) so frequently provide, this question is probably the third most common response – followed by cries of dismay and preceded by cries of delight. Having spent three years pondering on how best to answer this question I have considered many optional answers, the most simple of which being that “it is a large earthenware or metal cooking pot”. The most obvious answer is that it is a brand name for a yeast extract sold by Unilever. The more accurate description however is that it is the Gifted and Talented Society here at Bromsgrove.

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From Trowel to Table... The Eco-Action team harvest their own vegetables The Senior School Eco-Action group enjoyed a splendid meal created with the produce from the School garden. The harvest was particularly good this year due to the new raised beds which the DT department had made.

The students harvested pumpkins, leeks, rhubarb, carrots, chard and a wide range of herbs and took them to the kitchens where Steven Giles, the School’s Head Chef, designed a superb meal which included leek and stilton risotto, sage roast potatoes and lavender crème brûlée.

On a beautiful autumnal day, pupils visited the Lickey End nature reserve. The students carried on the maintenance of the site, which was created by Bromsgrove pupils, by removing the Rosebay Willow Herb that had out-competed many of the important plants that the Water voles eat. The pupils were given an introductory talk by Andy Bucklith the project manager and learned how water voles are a flagship species, indicating the health of the ecosystem. The vegetation that was cleared was then used to make habitat piles for small mammals and adders in the woodland nearby. The students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to get actively involved in this very important project.

Bromsgrove School firmly established themselves on the ‘MUN’ circuit this year, achieving success at three conferences around the country. The first conference held at London Oratory School acted as an opportunity to familiarise students with the format of Model United Nations and to build their confidence. The delegates’ lack of familiarity did not show and many of Bromsgrove’s resolutions were debated and passed despite opposition from countries like USA and China having four or five years of experience.

Our second conference of the year was our first visit to Lady Eleanor Holles School, London. The level of debate was high but our students were well-researched and participated fully from the outset. Catalina Heine impressed delegates and staff, and Youssef Arafat, representing his home nation of Egypt, came across as eloquent and passionate.

Elsa Court successfully had her resolution on ‘combatting Islamist extremism in the Middle East’ approved, debated and passed - one of only sixteen out of over 300 submitted. And finally as the MUN year came to a close it is only natural to take our annual visit to Haileybury School for what is the biggest conference in the UK with over 700 students taking part from schools across the world including the USA and Kazakhstan. Although many Bromsgrove resolutions were passed, a particular mention has to go to Connie E. At the beginning of the weekend nearly 600 revolutions were lobbied, 200 of these gained support and then passed approvals to be debated in committees. Connie’s resolution on tax evasion was one of only two resolutions to be passed in the General Assembly. This is an outstanding achievement as it was only Connie’s second MUN conference. Carren Wong who presented the resolution to the General Assembly on behalf of Connie should also be congratulated, few people can stand in front of such a large audience in a competitive situation and speak so passionately and eloquently holding her own through one particularly challenging point of information.

Throughout the year these students have continued to amaze me - they have been outstanding ambassadors not only for their countries but for their School. However it was the fact that many of these students had spoken very little in public prior to participating in the activity that particularly impressed. There were some that are natural debaters for whom Model United Nations was an opportunity to research and debate areas of economical and political interest further. But there were others for whom the activity was at first out of the comfort zone and who developed so much over the year not just in the understanding of areas they have looked into but in skills of public speaking, negotiation, forming alliances and strategical thinking and I encourage anyone who is interested to try out Model United Nations next year even if, especially if, they believe that they have never tried anything like this before. F Hardy

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This was a brilliant way to start the new gardening year and to plan what they will be growing. The most popular vegetables were the purple carrots which created quite a talking point.

Model UN

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Pupils have been busy working in the local community for Bromsgrove Service

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Young Enterprise

Both teams should be extremely proud of their efforts over the year.

This year the School had two Young Enterprise teams; Pretty Ugly and YOUtopia. Both teams had a very successful year in very different ways.

J Williams

YOUtopia, whose name represented the diversity within their team, trialled a variety of products throughout the year ranging from girls’ night-in sets to portable mobile phone chargers, with their main product becoming customisable plant pots which were painted with blackboard paint. The team managed to successfully make the most profit of any team in the area as well as winning the ‘Best Company Report’ award. Pretty Ugly had the environment at heart with their slogan ‘Making rubbish flourish’ and their upcycling of everyday objects impressed the judges; especially their scrabble tile coasters.

Pupils have been busy helping out and working in the local community for Bromsgrove Service this academic year.

Flourishing Fiver This year the Flourishing Fiver team has organised a series of fundraising events to raise money for Primrose Hospice. The eight students involved were given £5 each in September in order to raise as much money as they could over the year. They started off at Worcester Cathedral Christmas fair selling seasonal products and raised over £180. They also held School events and sales including hosting a movie night for Valentine’s Day, making bears holding hearts which could have messages put in them, raising a total of just under £300.

The final big fundraising event was an Own Clothes Day which managed to raise £1057.40, an amazing sum. The students set themselves a fundraising target of £1500 and were extremely proud that they managed to achieve this plus a bit more with a total of £1563.62. They were even more elated when they learned that this is the most that has been raised by a school in the history of the scheme. J Williams

The Folk group visited Wayside Care Home to deliver their repertoire of music and songs which were enthusiastically received by residents who appreciated their return visit. It was extremely gratifying that residents had remembered them from their previous visit and a member of staff commented that it was a highlight in their week and a chance to meet young people. The group also visited St John’s Residential Home. Anyone who is interested in joining the group should contact Dr Thompson. A group of willing Flourishing Fiver students who have raised money for the local Bromsgrove Primrose Hospice helped out in the gardens, painting garden benches and working on an area of the grounds for which we will be responsible next term. Pupils enjoyed helping out and heard about the plans for the new Children’s Sensory garden. Pupils on the Bromsgrove Service DT community project visited New College Worcester, a residential school for the blind and the partially sighted, where they delivered tactile dice which they had made for the students. Claudiu Bors, Ben Schmermund and Olexandr Yeremeyev, who were superb ambassadors, spent time chatting and looking around the college.

One student commented that “People often think because you are blind it doesn’t matter what something looks like, but we really do appreciate beautiful things and I can tell and feel that these are well made and beautiful.” The project necessitated a number of prototypes due to the specific requirements of the students, before the final design was chosen. Thanks go to Miss Densem and her students for their hard work on this project. We hope to forge further links with the New College students at Bromsgrove next term.

Pupils hoping to pursue a medical career are keen participants in the element of Bromsgrove Service which allows them to visit local residential homes where they can develop their inter-personal skills with the elderly. In support of this School was delighted to welcome Dr Draper, a psychiatrist and Mrs Smith from Worcestershire NHS who came in to do workshops with pupils, looking at dementia and how to interact with the residents. J Golightly

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This team went on to win ‘Best Presentation’ for their innovative and engaging Scrabble Showdown presentation documenting their year. This included how they successfully responded to judges’ feedback to develop both their products and their display stand to a very high standard.

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Debating The debates in this competition are around an hour long and the concentration and focus required is considerable. All four finalists were commended for their work throughout the day; Ellie and Emily were complimented on their detailed research and preparation, quickness of response and tenacity of argument, while Ollie and Niall were praised for their cool, logical and focused approach, and Emily picked up a well-deserved individual speaker award. As runners-up they won a year’s subscription for the School to Hodder’s Dynamic Learning Platform, as well as copies of Sam Leith’s’s analysis of oratory You Talkin’ to Me?

The Lower Sixth European Youth Parliament team had an excellent day in Birmingham Council Chambers with a fine opening speech from Emily Collie setting the tone for the proceedings as she proposed a motion examining Russia’s human rights record and exploring the ways in which the European Union can reconcile its responsibility as a global advocate of democracy with its dependency on Russian energy resources. The team supported her with an impressive depth of knowledge and understanding of the topic and Niall Hegarty’s summary speech was a masterly synthesis of argument into a workable consensus. Three other debates followed, in which excellent teamwork, constructive and respectful contributions and engaging presentation skills were evident from the Bromsgrove committee. The final debate was conducted in a range of modern European languages including our contributions in French, Spanish, German and Bulgarian. Bromsgrove were selected as winners and are eagerly anticipating the National Finals at Liverpool University in July; best of luck to the team – Ivo Karov, Emily Collie, Niall Hegarty, Justin Clegg, Elsa Court, Ella Cardinali, Nadescha Heine, Clement Harris and Sophie Zgraja. Bradley McGeough, Emily Kinder and Will Parkinson competed against North Bromsgrove High School in the annual Michael Holt Memorial Debate, proposing ‘This House Believes that the Nations of Europe are a spent force’, and winning the debate with a unanimous vote. Bradley paired up with Nick Bull to reach the second round of the EnglishSpeaking Union Mace while Declan Amphlett and James Whitehead spoke in the debate run by new culture secretary and M.P. for Bromsgrove Sajid Javid.

Credit: Tom Fenn, Debating Matters Competition

Public speaking and recitation has been equally strong; the Artrix Theatre hosted the Housman Society Recitation competition. Olivia Wormald and Nyree Williams represented Bromsgrove in the senior school age group; Olivia reciting Housman’s Others, I am not the first followed by great clarity in Walt Whitman’s O captain! My captain! and Nyree delivering a sensitive rendition of The New Mistress and the difficult and melancholy In memory of W.B.Yeats by W.H.Auden, which placed her as runner-up in this group. In the sixth form section Pavel Poloskin gave a finely-modulated reading of Housman’s Because I liked you better and a bravura performance of Yeats’ Sailing to Byzantium which was followed by Emily Collie’s beautifully controlled version of On Bredon Hill and then the harrowing What were they like?, Denise Levertov’s memorial to the Vietnamese. These compelling recitations saw Pavel placed runner-up and Emily as winner of the Sixth Form section for the second year running, a superb achievement. In the Inter-House debating competitions Lyttelton’s dominance came to an abrupt end as Declan Amphlett and Will Parkinson saw School House to victory in the Senior Final against strong competition from Hazeldene, Lyttelton and Lupton, while the Mary Windsor pairing of Olivia Bond and Jasmine Limbu were worthy winners of the Junior competition. As recognition of his commitment and achievements over the past years, Declan Amphlett receives the Janet Cockin Debating cup while the T.E.Godwin Trophy goes to Thomas Lynch. K Linehan

Chicken ‘Win’gs’ Again The opening race for the Greenpower race team, which consisted of six Lower Fourth pupils and one Upper Fourth pupil, our youngest team yet, was held at the infamous Rockingham Speedway - Europe’s fastest race circuit. After six months of re-wiring, aerodynamic changes and trouble-shooting issues, we were finally ready for The Chicken’s first outing. We were immediately thrown into the two practice sessions which pushed our new drivers skills beyond a few laps around the astros at lunchtime. Last season we were plagued with electrical faults and after the test sessions, the car was running fine and very fast. Next up race one! We set the car up and pushed it out onto the grid ready for one and a half hours of battling forty other teams from around the country. This included approx. eight F24+ cars (university graduates and engineering companies), seventeen kit cars (like ours) and the rest were hand-built from a multitude of materials and represented the F24 crowd.

After completing two scheduled pit stops we completed the race with no faults or issues and finished in a simply amazing joint 8th position after completing thirty-one miles. Whilst we were far behind the university cars, we did beat every other Kit and F24 car on the track. Getting ready for race two took only ten minutes before being pushed onto the grid again. We had a strategy to keep going until the end no matter what the readings were saying regards to power. This could either mean that we just make it to the end or just miss out on completing the race. The second race started strong and although we were hit with intermittent showers the car and its intrepid drivers drove as hard as the car would allow. We started in 18th in this race and slowly moved up the leader board to 13th. The last handover was given to James Bromley who did an amazing job of moving up to 9th position. When the chequered flag was waved we were half way around the track and when everyone had come in, James was nowhere to be seen. The batteries had given up the ghost but James was pushing the car by hand for the last quarter of the mile. It truly was a heroic finish as he crossed the line completing both races with five other drivers.

We had again clocked up thirty miles and were the fastest car in our category. We covered the 9th highest mileage out of forty cars, better than the 35th position of last year and to top off a fantastic result we were awarded a trophy for being the Greenpower Kit car winner of Rockingham 2014. Mr Matthews and I are very proud of the students’ performances and we are already working on how to make the car quicker, lighter and more aerodynamic in order to reach the National Finals.

The drivers who really need to be applauded are James Bromley, Edward Shinner, Oliver Rogers, Fluke Badin, Aled Luckman, Archie Freer and Brook Rotheroe. A real credit to Bromsgrove School. S Broadbent

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The less traditional debating formats proved successful for the Debating Society this year, with rookie pairings of Hugo Evans, Nick Bull, Ellie Saker and Ollie Tanner winning the Birmingham round of the Debating Matters competition, in which speakers are put under pressure not only by an opposition team but by a panel of experts in the field under discussion. Nick and Hugo were unable to participate in the Central Region final and so Emily Kinder and Niall Hegarty stepped in, aiding the team’s progression through the day to the final where Niall and Ollie were narrowly defeated by a strong Alcester Grammar side.

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Chapel Whilst we remember the past we also live in the moment as well as look forward to the future. We are the people we are today because of what happened in the past and because of the varied experiences we have had and how we have reacted to those experiences. In the present – in the moment - we need to make the most of the opportunities that are offered to us – and there are many for the pupils of the School today. However, they are preparing for their futures, for when they will become Old Bromsgrovians, and we hope and pray that they will never have to face anything like the horror of war.

Chapel still plays a significant part in the lives of our pupils, from Pre-Prep who visit for Harvest, Advent, Christmas and at the end of the School year - through the weekly Chapels and special services in the Prep School - to the Chapels on Mondays and Wednesdays, Holy Communion four times a year for each House and all the special services to mark the various seasons in the Senior School year.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to thrive, with over 400 pupils actively involved in the different levels. This year, in the Civilian section we have enrolled 181 new Bronze pupils, 53 Silver and 39 Gold.

This year the chapel has also seen baptisms, confirmations, weddings and a memorial service for an Old Bromgrovian. We do not know what the future holds, but Chapel is a place in our School where we will continue to meet whatever happens. Above all – the one we meet to worship and hear about there - is the same God who has been worshipped and talked about there for a very long time and He will never change.

The Silver expeditions took the Fifth Form to the Long Mynd for their practice and then Exmoor National Park for their Qualifier in glorious June. Lower Sixth Formers who had successfully completed Silver, embarked on their Gold journey in September with expeditions to the Lake District at Easter, where they were joined by last year’s Upper Sixth whose expedition had been postponed due to snow, and then Snowdonia in July. Snowdonia in the sunshine was a glorious way to finish this challenge.

Hebrews 13 verse 8: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ So Chapel matters! It has in the past; it still matters today and we believe it matters in the future of our School. Reverend Hedworth Chaplain

Bronze begins on the Lower Fourth Camp and the entire year group opted to continue to complete their Qualifying Expedition as Upper Fourths at Blackwell Court in May.

The expedition section is always the most memorable section for pupils and many hours are spent by both staff and students in preparation for it. Completion of a successful expedition marks the end of a challenging journey. However, the other sections of the award should not be forgotten, as pupils have shown dedication and improvement in a range of activities of both a physical and skilful nature, alongside a contribution to the community through a volunteering section.

At Gold level pupils also undertake a residential, with activities ranging from cooking courses, to revision courses and multi-activity camps. We have a great deal of respect for pupils who are able to achieve their awards, especially at Gold level and we have had a number of pupils , of whom we are very proud, receive their award from the Duke of Wessex at St James’ Palace. S Ascough, D Tamplin and L Newton

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As we approach the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 we remember Old Bromsgrovians who fought for what they believed to be a just cause and who failed to return home and never revisited their old school. Their names are to be found on the plaques in the chancel area of our Memorial Chapel, which was built in their memory. Those who fought in the Second World War and died, whose names are also recorded in the Chapel, sat daily where we worship today, although the west end was only added in 1960. The only compulsory Sunday service now for all our pupils is when on Remembrance Sunday we remember all those who died for their king and country. Today in a School where we have pupils of over 40 nationalities, we rightly remember all who died believing that their cause was just.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

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Combined Cadet force

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Picture the scene - your 15-year-old son or daughter finds themselves trapped in an alien environment a long way from home – no mobile phone and no other way of seeking assistance. Since they started their adventure things have not worked out they way they expected. They are all alone and time is running out. The decisions they make in the next few hours will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Will they remain calm, and have the resilience to survive and succeed or will the challenge over-face them, and will they simply panic, give up and sit down to await their fate?

Survival...

It’s a jungle out there

You may believe that in the 21st century situations such as the one described are very unlikely occurrences. You would be wrong the scenario outlined above is a GCSE examination room not a helicopter crash site in the Amazon delta. So when you are considering CCF service against other Tuesday afternoon activities please look past the marching and boot polishing and consider the transferable skills they develop – the longer they serve the more resilient they become.

This year we hosted Colonel Bob Carruthers OBE and his team, who conducted our Biennial Review, the CCF equivalent of an Ofsted inspection. I am pleased to report that the Inspecting Officer rated the contingent as Outstanding. He was particularly impressed with the pride and enthusiasm of the cadets on parade and the excellent training he witnessed taking place – particularly the demonstration platoon attacks. We were also delighted that a number of serving parents joined the inspecting party. The senior inspecting RAF officer, Group Captain Mike Foster had two sons on parade – Adam and Chris, both SNCOs. He had the added unexpected privilege of promoting Adam to Cadet Warrant Officer on the day. When the Headmaster received a request from the Prime Minister’s office requesting his assistance in setting up 100 new CCF contingents across the country we were pleased to report that things were well under way at Bromsgrove School. In September we welcomed our first fifteen cadets from North Bromsgrove High School, under a formal Cadet Partnership Agreement. The partnership has been a major success.

The North cadets are fully integrated into the contingent and have engaged in all activities on offer including field days, shooting competitions, RAF flying experience days, Bronze DofE training and summer camp. We look forward to welcoming a further fifteen cadets next year, bringing the total number of cadets from North up to thirty, further strengthening and deepening our links with the local community. New uniforms have been a big feature this year – our senior Army cadets have now been issued Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) uniforms as per their Regular Army counterparts. A new Bromsgrove School CCF Unit Patch has been created to be worn on MTP and was awarded to the cadets by Colonel Carruthers during The Biennial Inspection. The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme has also been a major feature of our adventure training activity this year. The Upper 6th SNCOs battled the elements to complete their Gold Final Expedition via an epic four-day walk to the coast across the Lake District in October. Some of the group then went on to compete in the Army Orienteering Championships the next day – coming Second in the CCF race! All Upper Fourth cadets completed their Bronze Final expedition in the Bromsgrove area. Fifth and Lower Sixth Cadets endured and overcame the best weather that Snowdonia could offer over Easter in order to complete their training.

The Fifth Form beat the Welsh weather by spending a day at “Go Below” a five hour underground adventure in an abandoned slate mine which includes paddling across underground lakes, abseiling and clambering up subterranean waterfalls. At the time of writing forty Fifth form cadets are completing their Silver Final expedition in glorious sunshine in the Black Mountains. On arrival in Brecon the cadets visited the museum of The Royal Welsh and listened to a very entertaining lecture on the Zulu War in preparation for their expedition to South Africa next year – but more about that next time. The anniversary of the First World War gave special poignancy to the Remembrance Service this year and the CCF are also marking the occasion by completing this year’s Gold DofE expedition in the Ardennes in the area that the French and German Armies first met – this will be followed by a battlefield tour and ceremony at the Menin Gate to remember our fallen Old Bromsgrovians. The sterling work of our volunteer Corps of Drums have ably supported all of our formal parades, and have played a major role in bringing joy to many members of our local community by visiting Chadsgrove Special School and their final spectacular performance of the term leading the Court Leet Procession. On a personal note I would very much like to thank the Headmaster for his enthusiastic and unwavering support of the CCF throughout his tenure. Maj Mark Banwell MBE Contingent Commander

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We would all hope that our children would have the self-confidence and comprehensive training to enable them to cope with this nightmare scenario. As you would expect the leadership and personal development program offered by the CCF is focused on delivering exactly the sense of personal responsibility and self-reliance that enables young people to succeed in the face of this kind of adversity.

As always, this year the CCF cadets have engaged in a frenetic and rewarding whirlwind of activities. With the strength of the contingent reaching over 300 for the first time in many decades more and more students are enjoying the opportunities on offer.

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The new MTP Uniform

Biennial review - General salute, present arms

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Corps of Drums visit Chadsgrove School Cadet Tom Jeysâ€™ overall best shot 2014 Group Captain Foster promoting his son Adam

Command Tasks

Inspecting Officer Col Bob Carruthers OBE

RAF Cosford

Court Leet

OB Gareth Evans leading A Company on Field Day

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Royal Welsh Museum

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Girls’ Team The middle distance team have had a particularly strong season with Declan McManus nearly breaking both the 800m and 1500m School records; I am sure he will be determined to break one, if not both, next season. Ben Walker and Jamie Ross have continued to run some impressive times in both the 800m and 1500m respectively. The following boys represented Hereford and Worcestershire at the Mason trophy in June; Harry Liversidge (JB Hurdles & Triple Jump), Harry Pugh (JB Hurdles), Bipin Gurung (JB Discus), Alex Wong (JB Shot Putt), Tristan Bland (JB Javelin), Archie Freer and Sergey Marchenko (JB Hammer). Narcis Badea and Beck Cutting (IB Hammer), Jonty Thornton and Michael Townsend (IB Hurdles), David Elphinston (IB High Jump), George James (IB Long Jump), Harry Ferguson (IB Shot Putt) and Blake Edwards (IB Javelin).

Athletics The boys have shown a superb attitude throughout the term towards training and fixtures and have achieved some outstanding times and distances. The boys have continued to enhance the School’s athletic reputation not only as one of the leading schools in the Midlands but also the country. It has also been pleasing to see improvements in the boys who have not made the team on Saturdays.

The junior boys have had a very strong year, regularly winning competitions against some outstanding teams week after week. The level of performances have been very high and it is pleasing to know that the School’s athletics reputation will continue to go from strength to strength with the current Lower Fourth moving up through the School.

The intermediate side have also had an outstanding season with a very strong Upper Fourth and Fifth Form team. Despite no School records being broken, the boys have shown improvements from last year and have continued to build on their previous year’s success. The Fifth Form in particular have been outstanding, showing a willingness and desire to compete on Saturdays alongside their exams which has been very pleasing to see.

Minor colours have been awarded to Andrei Badea, Harry Ferguson, Blake Edwards, David Elphinston, Harry Lloyd-Jones, Joe Morrice and Jonty Thornton. The seniors have competed well this year, ably led by captain Josh French and vice-captain Alex Moore.

G George

Overall the girls’ athletics season has been highly victorious. Bromsgrove has fielded a strong team across all the age groups at every athletics meet. Specific mention to those athletes who have performed consistently well throughout the season are Lauren Brown – Hurdles, Isabelle James- 800m, Candy Lockett – shot and Discus, Tara Thorpe – High Jump. This year the team has achieved a lot - but to mention a few those crowned country champions include Tara Thorpe (high jump and 400m), Nicola Morris (1500m), Alison Garvie (long jump) and Minnie Wong (shot and discus). Many of the girls went on to qualify for the Mason trophy, Nadescha Heine (hurdles, high jump), Lauren Brown (300m hurdles), Isabel James (800m), Abbie Saker (high jump) Candy Lockett (hammer, shot, discus). Candy broke both the shot put and hammer county records with 9.89m and 42.92m respectively. Girls from the athletics team competed in the Combined Events Athletics Championships at Stourport. Girls in the junior age group had to compete in 5 events consisting of the hurdles, shot putt, long jump, high jump and 800m. The girls were competing among a strong field of 32 other competitors. Highbury Rodway was placed a creditable 12th overall and Megan Longden 10th. In the inter girls’ age group the results from the following 7 events contributed to their competition: hurdles, javelin, high jump, shot putt, long jump, 200m and 800m.

Candy Lockett led the field from the front by turning in some very good performances in the long jump, shot putt and javelin. She continued her good form in the other events to be crowned champion. The last fixture of the athletics fixtures of the season amidst the exams still proved to be a success. Individual winners of the day include Jenny Moore (hurdles), Rachel Elt (200m), Luisa Hann (800m). In the junior age group fine performances were put in by Megan Longdon (hurdles), Ellie Childs (1500m). A highlight for me and I’m sure the rest of the senior girls relay team consisting of Aoife Swords, Rachel Elt and Jenny Moore has to be winning the 4x100m relay to round of what has been a very memorable, successful few years of athletics at Bromsgrove. Hannah Trow (Girls’ Captain)

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Boys’ Team

The intermediate ESSA team once again produced some outstanding performances to reach the Midlands Finals, only to narrowly missing out on a place in the National Finals. Narcis Badea produced an outstanding performance in the Hammer to set a new ESAA record in the Hammer throw with a distance of 44.35m. As a result of their commitment and high levels of performance the following boys have been commended: Harry Liversidge, Michael Townsend, George James, Kipras Daujotas, Cameron Baxter, Joe Bellamy, Callum Stirrat, Jackson Tavarez, Matthew Coulson, Nic Papaiannou, William Draper-Barr, Narcis Badea, Beck Cutting, Alex Dew, Valentin Makarov and Alex Wong.

The Inter-House athletics competitions were also very competitive with Elmshurst winning the overall competition, Lyttelton winning the seniors, Elmshurst winning the intermediate competition and School house winning the junior competition. It was another superb event and one which pupils are already looking forward to next year.

Badminton

Basketball

Badminton at Bromsgrove has flourished with ever more fixtures and players in squads. This year saw the introduction of singles matches during weekly fixtures with boys and girls playing up to five matches â€“ a badminton feast!

Basketball has once again built on its previous success thanks to the strong link with the Worcester Wolves. The senior side had another successful season winning eight of their twelve fixtures; the highlight of the season beating Uppingham 99-23 away.

The girlsâ€™ 1st Team, led by the imperious Ly Do, have enjoyed a marvellous unbeaten season, showcasing their natural talent and desire to win in every match. Wins against notable opposition such as Repton, Rugby, Bloxham and Cheltenham College are impressive but the highlight of the year is the tremendous fight-back victory against Cheltenham Ladies College. An amazing team performance saw the girls pull off an astounding victory deep into the deciding set of the final match to end the season unbeaten. Exceptional performances by badminton newcomers Lois Beswick and Alice Elt deserve a special mention.

In the national competition the 1st team were unlucky not to progress to the knockout stages having been in a very tough group. The junior sides once again played regular fixtures, with the Lower Fourth team representing the region at the Worcestershire County Championships. The boys played outstandingly well to narrowly lose in the final by two points.

The boys have endured a fluctuating season with impressive winning performances and some close losing encounters. With first seeds, Captain Justin Chow and Milton Lau leading impressively from the front, wins against Bloxham, Rugby, and Abingdon were destructive yet losses against KES, Cheltenham College and Repton kept the team firmly in check. The boys will look back over this season fondly but also as a steep learning curve realising the consistent level of performances to succeed against the best schools. V Dal

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There are only two Upper Sixth in the senior side leaving this year which means there are exciting times ahead; especially considering the current strength of the Fourth Form teams, as well as witnessing some of the talented boys we have at the School during the House basketball competition. G George

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The 1st team retain the Chesterton Cup The School 1st XI played at the picturesque Worcestershire County ground in the final of the Chesterton Cup. The team played well to retain the trophy beating Wrekin College by 113 runs. Bromsgrove scored 260-5 from 40 overs. With our innings delicately poised, James Kinder was promoted to number 6 and instructed to build a partnership. James executed the instruction faultlessly scoring 46 runs from 41 balls carrying his bat to ensure we posted a formidable 260. Darrel Williams top scored with 64 and Henry Moberley 39, with all seven Bromsgrove batters scoring 20 or over. Thanks to early wickets from Alex Wilkinson, Wrekin were never in the game and ended on 147 all out. A fine cup final performance.

Cricket Tour During the cricket tour to Sri Lanka, members of the team wrote a blog of their experiences. Day 1 After a seemingly fast journey to Heathrow Airport, we arrived in good spirits and our tour officially began. We boarded the flight and set off to the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. Upon arrival the heat and humidity hit us immediately. When we arrived at the hotel, we sampled some Sri Lankan delicacies as well as experiencing the culture. Day 2 We experienced one of the craziest bus journeys of our lives with our Sri Lankan bus drivers appearing to understand different road laws to us. We arrived at a dry and barren ground with beautiful views, with the locals looking at us as if we were Kumar Sangakkara. There were plenty of local boys to help back up our fielding with some of the young boys showing a lot of curiosity. Day 3 The first game day against Trinity College at the Asigiriya Stadium had arrived. The boys were in good spirits ready for a long day of batting, bowling and most certainly a lot of fielding. After captain for the day Matt Lamb won the toss, he elected to bowl. The boys kept taking regular wickets with some consistent bowling, combined with loose shots

Day 5 After an early rise we set off to the beautiful city of Hikkaduwa. We stopped off at an elephant orphanage where we were lucky enough to see them bathing in the river. This is an experience that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.

by our opponents, restricted them to 118-8 off 28. However the boys took their foot off the gas, allowing Trinity to reach 199 all out after 44 overs. Our innings started off with the early loss of Henry Moberley, however they continued to press forward and scored these 94 runs off 9 overs. This rounded off a well-deserved victory in our first match and we look forward to tomorrowâ€™s match with another early morning on the cards. Day 4 News of our performance travelled quickly which meant the game against Maliyadeva College changed to playing against a select regional team. After winning the toss we decided to bat. We found it very hard going scoring against some outstanding pace and spin bowling, and unfortunately rain caused the game to be abandoned after 19 overs.

After another hour or so we stopped off for some lunch, local Sri Lankan food was sampled which was topped off by a truly delightful ice cream. Day 6 Our sixth day in Sri Lanka began with a short drive to the Hikkaduwa Foundation of Goodness. This is a Sports Academy School set up after the 2004 Tsunami hit the local area. We visited their fantastic sports facilities as well as the beautiful pre-school where we met the teachers, pupils and volunteers. This truly was a wonderful experience for all of the touring party to see what has developed after such a devastating event. We then took a short drive along the beautiful coastal road to Galle where the squad had a great lunch and a walk around one of Sri Lankaâ€™s trendier places steeped in history. Day 7 Everyone was looking forward to playing two T20 matches at the same ground against St Thomas and Rahula College which was a slight change to the planned itinerary. This was somewhat short-lived as we had a terrible day, against strong opposition, with both teams having the standard two or three Sri Lanka U19 players.

Day 8 After a day of rest and relaxation on Thursday, as well as a superb team lunch, the squad were up early and had a quick breakfast before embarking on the final long distance drive. We arrived at the P Sara Test stadium to see some friends from home - the England development team. We lost the toss and were asked to bat by the Prince of Wales College in a reduced game of 35 overs where we reached an overall total of 164. With the game in the balance we struggled to get the remaining Sri Lankan tail enders out, losing the match by 4 wickets. Day 9 The squad saved their best performance of the tour until last, beating a competitive Royal College team by 8 wickets. This was a really positive way to end the tour with every player producing a positive performance. Day 10 As the cricket had finished, the boys were able to enjoy a day of relaxation and sightseeing. Our guide took us on a trip to see the SSC cricket ground, a Buddhist Temple, the Racecourse International Ground as well as time spent shopping for souvenirs. This was followed by a walk along the Galle Head Green where everyone was able to have one last game of cricket with some of the local youngsters.

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D Fallows

for the 2nd year running...

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Cross-Country The East Midlands Independent Schools’ Cross Country league provided our runners with a record number of fixtures this year, and for the second time in three years Bromsgrove hosted the final event. The Colts put in a strong performance to secure bronze medals overall, while the senior boys’ race on the day was won emphatically by Declan McManus. Declan also finished a commendable seventh in the ESSA National finals. Other notable performances over the course of the term included the girls’ team that finished sixth at the prestigious King Henry VIII Relays, and Kieran Walker’s Army Cadet Force national silver medal, won as a member of the West Midlands team. In the Inter-house cross-country competition the winners were Walters (Junior Boys), Thomas Cookes (Junior Girls), Lyttelton (Senior Boys) and Oakley (Senior Girls).

Thanks to all our runners for enduring some truly shocking weather conditions, and to this year’s outgoing captain, Alex Moore, a stalwart of the team since Lower Fourth. Mr Giles takes over from Mr Watkins as Head of Cross Country next year. R Watkins

The 1st XI’s competitive football season began in early November with a pre-season friendly against Bristol Grammar School, under floodlights at the home of Bromsgrove Sporting FC. This presented an ideal opportunity to integrate new players, such as Oli Tanner, Joe Stokes, Elliot Hunt and Harrison Frost, with the established pupils from the previous season. The 2-1 victory was less important than giving all twenty squad members playing time in a new formation, under match conditions. The change in tactics allowed attacking players like Ben Harmer, Jake Hampson and Ivo Karov to get forward, whilst being protected by two holding midfielders.

The team was superbly led by Will Casasola, who played in a variety of positions most often as a tough-tackling holding midfielder. A special mention must also go to Tom von Malachowski for his goal-scoring feats, most notably all four goals in a 4-2 home victory over Stowe. These two plus Josh French were awarded their School Caps for their outstanding performances and commitment to football.

Rain, flooded pitches and opposition being unable to field teams greatly affected the other squads. The 2nd XI highlight was a 6-0 thumping win against Wycliffe College. The U16 A team had fewer fixtures; however, playing the same system as the 1st XI it was gratifying to note the development of Natse Jemide, Elliot James, Calvin Fu and Jacob Matthews, each of whom should play 1st team in the future.

The team of the year were the undefeated U15B squad, well marshalled by Mr Fallows and Mr Beet. Their tenacity and competitive edge carryied the day with victories often by a solitary goal. All Bromsgrove footballers owe a debt of gratitude to the tireless enthusiasm, encouragement and commitment of their coaches, often with limited space to practise, as an outlet for their talents. In particular Mr Brighton (1st XI coach), Mr Jones and Mr Wilkins ensured that Bromsgrove football is played in the right spirit but with a competitive edge. My thanks to all. S Matthews

The result was that the 1st XI were very hard to defeat whilst scoring heavily on the counterattack, ably demonstrated at the Rugby School Tournament. The two outstanding games of the season were both away at Wellingborough and Denstone. The former ended in a 3-3 draw, despite having the goalkeeper unfairly dismissed, the team played superbly to twice come from behind. Equally, a last-minute goal was conceded to lose 3-2 at Denstone, the eventual league winners, having twice been in front. By this stage of the season the 1st XI were playing an impressive brand of football with Tom von Malachowski scoring for fun (16 in total), whilst at the other end Josh French, Callum Porter and James Taylor were patrolling the back line and protecting our two excellent goalkeepers (Matt Bentley and Darrel Williams).

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In the 1.2 relays Walters just held off Lyttelton to win the boys’ event, while the girls’ race was won by Hazeldene.

‘The Beautiful game’...

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Golf We defeated Rugby School 2-1 and won the first encounter with the Old Bromsgrovians by the same score. Unfortunately, the School golf team then suffered from only their second defeat in the ISGA cup. We lost 2-1 to a very strong Malvern College side. Matthew scored our point with a round of 2 over; superb golf. However, this defeat gained our entry into the ISGA Plate competition. Subsequent regional wins over King’s Worcester and RGS Worcester set up the Finals day at The Shire in July. Our second encounter with the Old Bromsgrovians was a close affair. The match was halved so the OBs retained the trophy. It is a unique annual event; the team ranged from L4th to U6th and OBs from fairly recent leavers to the President who left the School in 1950. Matthew made a gracious speech in reply to the President, Tony Hilton, who spoke in admiration of the fine representatives of today’s School.

Wins against Dean Close, Malvern College and Bromsgrove South rounded off a very successful Summer term campaign.

Boys’ Team The Boys 1st team has had a successful season with many significant highlights. Substantial victories against high-calibre schools such as Oundle 5-3, Uppingham 6-4 and Trent College 7-1 showed the free-scoring nature of our attacking players. However, two outstanding performances will no doubt remain long in the memory of the team, victories against Repton and Dean Close, schools that have plagued us in the past were rightfully vanquished in many of the players’ final season. These victories along with one draw and one loss, our only loss in the league, saw us come runners-up in the Midlands Boys’ League by a single point, a great feat.

In superb conditions at Redditch Golf Club, eight boys competed in the School Golf Championship. From the outset, the leader was always between Matthew, Lawrence and Tommy Robinson. Matthew played exceptionally to be one over for the front nine with a lead of one over Tommy and two over Lawrence. Tommy continued to play steady golf and with birdies at the 13th and 15th, pressed for the lead but Matt still led by one going to the last. Unfortunately, Matt’s wayward drive opened the door and Lawrence putted first to go ahead of Matthew for the first time finishing at 4 over. Tommy was left with an 8 feet putt for the Championship and calmly rolled it to win for the second consecutive year.

Two outstanding players in Anton Sieg and Veit Wasserfuhr topped the goalscoring charts in the league with 19 and 16 goals respectively in only 10 games, both undoubtedly amongst the most skilled players in the division. New additions to the team this year have integrated themselves extremely well and made the step up from U16A team to 1st team with ease. These players include Jamie Ross, Constantin Klitz and Will Hands. Another outstanding player for us this season was the young England starlet James Taylor who, despite his tender age, formed a formidable central midfield partnership with Thomas Stokes. James also achieved the most goal assists this season.

After a warm-up round at Potter’s Bar Golf Club, we ventured to The Shire for the ISGA Plate Final. In very warm conditions on a tough course we finished a very respectable 5th position with Harrison Hill our leading scorer with 36, Matthew Osborn 33 and Lawrence Hill 31 points. N Riley

The ISGA team. L to R: Mr Riley, Harrison Hill, Matthew Osborn, Lawrence Hill

With seasoned players such as Zachary Morris, James Hubscher and Kit Thornton marshalling the defence, with Tom Volk as the goalkeeper, we had strength in all areas of the field. School caps were awarded to Anton Sieg, Tom Volk, Thomas Stokes, Kit Thornton, Veit Wasserfuhr and Zachary Morris for their outstanding commitment to hockey throughout their time at the school. Finally, I would like to thank Mr Langlands for his dedication in coaching the team.

The U16s had excellent regular season victories over Repton, Bedford and Stowe and were unlucky not to progress beyond Midlands Finals, losing in the last minute to Oundle. However it was as an Indoor side where the boys really excelled. After a straightforward group stage, Bromsgrove met Repton in the semi-final of the Midlands Indoor Finals, with a spot at the National Finals going to the winner. A superb performance and 4-0 victory followed.

Kit Thornton, 1st XI Captain

Having secured a National Finals berth, Bromsgrove then beat Trent 4-2 in the final to become Midlands Champions. At the National Indoor Finals, Bromsgrove beat Ipswich, Kings Chester, Portsmouth and King’s Bruton in the group stage to setup a semi-final against Midlands rivals Trent. A tense and nervy game followed, with Bromsgrove coming through 2-1 to progress to the National Final where they would play a very strong Exeter side. Another incredibly close game, with the boys just falling the wrong side of a 2-1 score line. The boys were understandably gutted, but to be the second best team in the country was a fantastic achievement; the squad of Dylan Longden, James Taylor, Wille Weisner, Nicolai Wiskemann, Jan Brauer, Nicolas Lemke, Sebastian Aletsee and Finley Evans should be very proud of their achievement.

1st Team: Kit Thornton, Anton Sieg, Veit Wasserfuhr, Thomas Stokes, Tom Volk, Zachary Morris, Will Hands, James Taylor, Jack Robinson, Tim Steppan, Constantin Klitz, Jamie Ross, Alex Thorpe, James Hubscher 1st Team Results: Oakham: L 6-2 Bedford: D 2-2 Uppingham: W 6-4 Dean Close: W 3-2 Bloxham: D 2-2 Oundle: W 5-3 Repton: W 4-2 Rugby: D 2-2 Trent: W 7-1 Stowe: W 5-0

U16 Team (regular season squad): Dylan Longden #, David Elphinston, Will Lockhart, Henry Walker #, Jeremy Turner #, Nicolas Lemke, James Taylor *, Alex Nisbet, Harry Lloyd-Jones, Jan Brauer #, Nicolai Wiskemann #, Ben Bridgman #, Sebastian Aletsee, Cooper Bent, Tom Ford, Blake Edwards, Dan Stokes, Jonty Thornton. The 2nds had a tough season but battled incredibly hard against tough opposition; they finally got the win they deserved against Bloxham, 3-0. The U16Bs won five matches, while the U15As had a fantastic season, winning seven matches, drawing one and only losing two. All four U14 teams represented the school well and had positive results against Bedford, KES Birmingham, Bloxham, Rugby and Trent. I would like to thank all the boys and staff for their commitment to the hockey club this season. B Dudley Director of Hockey

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Bromsgrove School’s Golf Team had a tremendous year. With a talented squad of young golfers, we played many matches and ended the season at a National Final. The year started with a disappointing defeat to Warwick in the first round of the HMC Foursomes at Blackwell Golf Club. The first pairing of captain Matthew Osborn and Lawrence Hill won a very tight match on the 18th hole, however we lost 2-1.

Hockey

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Hockey

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Girls’ team The 1st XI went into the season with high expectations of themselves; and they certainly lived up to them. A 3-1 win over Bedford was followed by narrow losses to Malvern and Oakham. The journey towards the National Outdoor Finals then began, with the girls narrowly losing the County Final to Malvern but still qualifying for the next round. The Midlands Zonals saw the girls’ best performance of the season so far, comfortably winning their Zone with the highlight being the 1-0 victory over Rugby, who had beaten the girls earlier in the season. So it was onto Midlands Finals, where the girls finished runners-up in the group stage which meant a semi-final against Oundle (who had beaten Bromsgrove 2-0 the previous Saturday).

In the meantime, Bromsgrove had their sights on securing a spot at the National Indoor Finals. Having beaten Malvern in the County Final, the girls went to Midlands Finals full of confidence and it showed in the group stage. Four wins out of four saw a semi-final against Oakham, with the winner qualifying for the National Finals. A nervy performance followed, but Bromsgrove got the all-important win and, despite losing to Repton in the final, had qualified for the National Indoor Finals.

So then it was back to outdoor, with the girls’ playoff match (against Sedbergh) providing one of the most exciting matches seen at the school. Bromsgrove started well and went 1-0 up, but were pegged back before half time. The girls missed chance after chance and it looked as if they were going to be made to pay when Sedbergh scored with four minutes to go. Rather than give up, the girls showed incredible character to equalise in the last minute and take the match to penalty strokes. It was left to captain Chloe Broomfield to score the decisive penalty stroke and take the team to their second National Final of the year; an incredible achievement. The girls performed well at the National Outdoor Finals, losing to Millfield and Coopers narrowly so therefore missing out on qualifying for the later stages of the competition. The girls should be very proud of what they achieved; only a very few schools in the country qualified for U18 National Indoor and Outdoor Finals.

Player of the Season went to Pascale Massey, Most Improved Player went to Nathalie James (both Pascale and Nathalie also achieved international honours this year; an outstanding achievement) and the team were brilliantly led by captain Chloe Broomfield. 1st Team: Chloe Broomfield, Hannah Trow, Nathalie James, Katrina Walton, Georgina Boffey, Bethan Luckman, Valerie Boeckel, Tara Thorpe, Frederica Robbins, Pascale Massey, Lydia Evans, Henrietta Horsley-Gubbins, Isabella Richards, Emma Lloyd-Jones, Vanessa Hill. 1st Team Results: Bedford: W 3-1 Malvern: L 0-1 Oakham: L 1-5 Marlborough: L 0-2 Uppingham: L 0-8 Rugby: L 0-5 Bloxham: L 0-1 Oundle: L 0-2 Repton: D 2-2 Trent: W 4-1

The U16s did well to qualify for the Midlands Indoor Finals, while they also had good regular season wins over Marlborough, Oakham and Bedford.

Boys’ 1st Hockey Team James Taylor, Constantin Klitz, Tom Stokes Tim Steppan, Zachary Morris, James Hubscher, Alex Thorpe, Will Hands, Veit Wasserfuhr Jack Robinson, Anton Sieg, Kit Thornton, Tom Volk, Jamie Ross

The 2nds, 3rds and U16Bs had tough seasons, but did produce some excellent performances and results against Malvern, Rugby, Bloxham, Bedford and Trent. The U15As got a treasured win over Malvern College and their attitude should be commended. The U14As had a very good season, qualifying for Midlands Finals and beating Bedford, Uppingham and Bloxham amongst others. The U15Bs and U14Bs also had some impressive results, beating Malvern, Oakham, Trent and Uppingham amongst others. The Junior Cs always gave their all, and pushed Oakham all the way during their 1-0 loss. I would like to thank all the girls and staff for their commitment to the hockey club this season; two National Finals appearances and some excellent performances is the result of everyone’s hard work and dedication. B Dudley Director of Hockey

Girls’ 1st Hockey Team Beth Luckman, Vanessa Hill, Izzy Richards Emma Lloyd-Jones, Hannah Trow, Pascale Massey, Lydia Evans, Georgie Boffey (GK), Freddie Robbins Valerie Boeckel, Katrina Walton, Chloe Broomfield, Nathalie James, Tara Thorpe

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A great performance resulted in a 2-0 win; and a 3-1 loss to Repton in the final meant the girls faced a playoff game at the end of January to reach the National Finals… and what a game it turned out to be.

The National Indoor Finals took place at Bromsgrove at the beginning of January. The girls performed well on day one but lost to Dean Close and Queen Elizabeth, both 2-1. Bromsgrove then beat Coopers and Castle Court on day 2, but unfortunately other results did not go the girls’ way and they missed out on the semi-finals by a single point.

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G’Day from The Bromsgrove girls’ netball and hockey teams travelled around the world this summer on a tour of a lifetime to Australia, stopping off at Hong Kong on the way to play some of the first matches on international soil. The girls wrote a blog of their experiences. Leg One - Hong Kong After a smooth check in and a spot of shopping we boarded our flight for Hong Kong. Many of us slept for the duration of the 16-hour flight whilst others made the most of the vast movie selection on board.

Playing against St Paul’s netball team, Bromsgrove’s team 1 had a great first quarter, leading 6-1. In the second quarter as St Paul’s came back, Bromsgrove regrouped in the 3rd to win 28-10. Team 2 had a promising start and fought hard for the ball but our play was matched by St Paul’s who unfortunately managed to execute the final conversion to goals with confidence. In the final quarter we struggled to keep up with the intensity of the game and unfortunately we were outplayed. After an afternoon supporting the netball teams, all sixteen hockey players were excited for the challenge ahead. We were not intimidated playing in the Hong Kong National Hockey Stadium and we started well showing our attacking intentions from the off. However it was soon evident that Hong Kong Select being a selective regional side and already acclimatised to the conditions were

going to be a tough opponent for our newly formed team. We were relentless and battled hard until the final whistle, however on this occasion they got the better of us.

We could not have been made to feel more welcome. The support from families of the opposition was great and they even made us afternoon tea when we had finished. As our short stint in Melbourne comes to a close many of us have fallen in love and do not want to leave. But Sydney and the next leg of our tour is calling - it certainly has a lot to live up to!

The next day, we visited Victoria Park, Repulse Bay and went to Aberdeen market which is renowned for its selection of handbags and purses. For lunch we took a taxi boat out to the floating restaurant where we enjoyed Dim Sum. Our day finished with a boat tour, all in all a fantastic finish to the first leg of our trip.

Our first match in Australia started enthusiastically with two early goals and more followed, meaning a 5-0 lead at half time.

Leg Three - Sydney Sunny Sydney lived up to all expectations and more. On our first evening, we all cruised past the famous Harbour Bridge and Opera House as they are all lit up at night. The next morning was a highlight as we climbed the Harbour Bridge for undoubtedly the most stunning views of Sydney. It was beautifully lit up and provided a much needed opportunity to relax after our hectic day. We even bumped into a couple of Bromsgrove teachers who were out visiting one of last year’s gappies!

In the second half Bromsgrove continued to dominate with the match ending 10-0. This was a fantastic performance from all and we are now fuelled for a repeat further up the coast. In the evening we all wondered down to Southbank which was lined with restaurants and ice-cream parlours.

Leg Four - Brisbane Touch down in Brisbane and we couldn’t quite believe that our cheery Aussie bus driver really was called Bruce! We woke up buzzing with excitement at the thought of the Zoo. For all of us it was a jam packed day with many taking the opportunity to have their photo taken holding a snake, koala or alligator.

Tour Trooper Leg 2 - Georgi Lord

Tour Trooper Leg 1- Izzy Richards Leg Two - Melbourne We touched down in chilly Melbourne after spending most of day five travelling. Our hotel was on the outskirts of the CBD in the centre of the city and perfectly placed for exploring over the next couple of days. But first we were straight off to play hockey against West Victoria Select.

ising goal in the final minutes.

The next morning we visted the home of the Australian Open. The tour took us into the changing rooms, executive boxes and onto

various courts where the like of Federer, Djokovic, Murray and Nadal had previously won grand slam titles. The netball team’s Australian debut began in Melbourne against local club Mount Clear. A strong team performance earned a convincing victory of 31-14. Our collective and collaborative team effort earned us a well-deserved first win on Aussie turf. In the team 2 match, a number of fantastic goals were scored by Charlotte Fraser and Abbi Davis but yet again defence was challenged. Despite some outstanding play in the defending circle from Elle Feenan and Taome Jennings we were narrowly beaten by a very strong side.

In the afternoon we headed to Ascham School where we met up with our billets. We were blown away by some of the places we were staying, and really enjoyed the home cooked food offered to us. Day ten and after a half-day tour of Sydney including the Harbour, Bondi beach, the botanical gardens and much more, we prepared to face a tough hockey match on the back of our outstanding victory against Ballerat. Up against our billets at Ascham School, the teams were evenly matched, however the half time score of 2-0 to the opposition did not reflect this. We regrouped at half time and came out fighting, but the match ended 2-1, feeling robbed of an equal-

Both netball teams were equally as strong at the start of their matches, with team 1 leading in a close match 32-31, and team 2 seeing some great goals and defending yet despite this, we eventually lost. In the hockey, we were initially caught off guard after discovering we were to play on grass - a first for many players on the team. Northern Beaches crept ahead and just before the half-time whistle we lost our highest goal scorer to date, Georgi Lord, to injury. We persisted in the second half, coming close to a number of goals but unfortunately their defence held strong. A series of forty-five Netball courts greeted us as we drove down the drive to North Beaches and we knew that we would have to bring our A game. Northern Beaches slipped into the lead, however it was Bromsgrove who reigned supreme after pulling away through the match. Tour Trooper Leg 3 - Georgi Lord

Leg Five - Cairns After an early morning flight from Brisbane, we all arrived in sunny Cairns for the final stop of this incredible tour. We were determined to end on a high and losing was not an option. Playing against St. Monica’s College, we fought hard and maintained possession of the ball, resulting in a Bromsgrove lead 1-0 at halftime. The ball barely left Bromsgrove’s possession in the second half and Bromsgrove succeeded in conceding no goals for the entire match. A fantastic way to end our final game.

After a relaxing afternoon soaking up the sun in Surfer’s Paradise, we headed into ‘the bush’ to be hosted by Scotts College. We dined with the boarders then spent the evening socialising with them in their boarding house.

The first netball team finished their final match with an impressive 38-8 win, dominating throughout and playing with confidence. The final game of tour for the second team proved to be the most competitive of the netball matches played. Success was in Bromsgrove’s sight as we settled into the second quarter but unfortunately St Monica’s took the lead again in the third and this time we were unable to catch up.

In the first hockey match in Brisbane, Bromsgrove dominated the first half and the attacking forwards showed great skill resulting in a 3-0 win. We are all set for a repeat performance in our last match in Cairns.

End of Tour Awards were awarded to: Lois Brown - Netball Sportswoman of the Tour Freddie Robins - Hockey Sportswoman of the Tour Georgie Lord - Trooper of the Tour Chloe Crean - Personality of the Tour

In netball, team 1 struggled to get into the match and we were behind at the end of the first quarter and unfortunately, the game ended in the opposition’s favour with Bromsgrove narrowly missing out on another victory.

We have had many incredible experiences varying from the light show in Hong Kong to climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, holding a koala at Australia Zoo, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef and learning to surf in Surfer’s Paradise playing a little bit of sport in between. This has been a trip of a lifetime.

Tour Trooper Leg 4- Charlotte Fraser

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A quick turn around and we were straight down to the harbour to watch the spectacular light and laser show.

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1st Team Their most outstanding result was against Hereford Cathedral School in which they won by 34 points. All of the 1st team players showed commitment and an extremely high level of skill throughout the year and will hopefully be as successful, if not more so in the years to follow. Carly Nutt was awarded netball player of the year, which was thoroughly deserved. The 2nd team also had a fantastic term winning twelve out of their fifteen matches. Their most significant result was against Stamford School, which they won with an extremely impressive score of 59-10. All their players showed high levels of diversity constantly playing in many different positions in their numerous games.

Netball this year at Bromsgrove has been very successful as a result of all the players’ hard work and dedication to the sport. The 1st team managed to win an impressive nineteen out of twenty-three matches, which is a fantastic result considering it was virtually a brand new team this year.

With all but three members from the previous 1st team left the School, the players having to adapt quickly and they did so very successfully. As a result they managed to reach the Semi Finals of both the West Midland Finals and the Independent Schools Cup. The latter is a knock out tournament in which Schools from across the country compete, and the 1st team were extremely proud to progress to the top four teams in the country.

The U15s also proved to be victorious in the majority of their matches. Furthermore the U14s were winners of the District Tournament, where they scored an extremely impressive 84 goals whilst only conceding one. They too made it to the West Midland Finals, where they narrowly missed out on progressing to the National Finals by coming 3rd overall.

Rebecca Morrice (Captain)

The rounders matches this year have been mainly for the junior teams who secured good victories against King’s Worcester, RGS, Dodderhill, South Bromsgrove and North Bromsgrove. Both the senior and junior house rounders competitions were well contested with Hazeldene coming out victorious in both. The highlight of the rounders season was the success of the U14 team in the School’s Games Competition. We won the District stage comfortably beating both South Bromsgrove and North Bromsgrove so went on to represent the district in the County Final. The School Games was hosted at Bromsgrove with sixteen different sports taking place and with over 1000 people competing. In the rounders tournament we won every game beating Malvern St. James, Prince Henry’s Evesham, Baxter College, Nunnery Wood and Trinity High School to be crowned School Games champions. E Buckingham

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The U16s were winners of the District Tournament and only lost a total of three matches in the whole year.

House netball this year proved to be a very competitive affair. All Houses entered teams and it was very encouraging to see students who hadn’t had the opportunity to play for School, represent their House. Hazledene were the most successful overall, winning the Senior Cup, Senior Plate and Junior Plate, with Thomas Cookes taking the Junior Cup. Not only was the standard of netball very high but the dedication shown by each team to its House was equally admirable, illustrating true Bromsgrovian spirit.

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After a long week of training all of the boys were eager to right the wrongs of the previous week. We again faced a tough away fixture in front of a hostile Oundle crowd. Despite priding themselves on some big forward runners, our defence held strong for a sustained period of time. In the final stages we were behind 10-6; up steps Fifth former Blake Edwards on debut to finish in the corner, from a move which had started all the way back in our own 22. We then followed this with our first back-to-back wins of the season, away against a physical and unbeaten Solihull side 38-26.

Rugby Excited about the season ahead, the 1st team squad assembled for a gruelling week of pre-season in preparation for a friendly against a strong Moseley U19 Colts side. The hard work paid off in what was a positive performance given the lack of time spent together.

The season started with a home game against Denstone College. We came out of the blocks quickly and scored two quick tries thanks to Charlie Davies who got on the end of a deft chip from Luke White to score. Despite this, we threw away a thirteen-point lead to lose 17-18.

Our last fixture before the half-term break saw us travel to Clifton College (another unbeaten team) where the boys produced arguably the best defensive effort of the season closing out a one point lead for the last fifteen minutes to win 7-6, Harry Lloyd-Jones finishing a strong driving lineout.

Our first fixture back after the half-term break, saw us travel to Kirkham Grammar School. Despite the conditions the boys showed exceptional character to win 3-0 thanks to Luke White’s penalty midway through the second half. We then travelled to Stowe School where we drew 10-10. We were reaching the closing stages of the season when we travelled to Monmouth for our final away fixture of the season. The boys knew going down into Wales we were going to be tasked with a difficult contest. Going into the break 6-0 down against a big and physical team the boys stuck at it to score with five minutes to play leaving Luke White with a kick from the corner flag to put us into the lead, unfortunately the conversion was missed and despite throwing everything at Monmouth in the closing stages their defence held firm to come out on top 6-5. We were then back home for our final three games of the season. Starting with Colstons, the boys came out of the blocks taking a 26-8 lead by with ten minutes to go, we took our foot off the gas and allowed Colstons to score two tries in the closing stages. However we managed to record our second home win of the season 26-20. Our penultimate fixture saw us face Cheltenham College a team. A strong performance saw us win the game 31-18 thanks to some strong performances from Lower Sixth pair Chase Edwards and Justin Clegg.

Our final game of the season saw us face our old rivals KES Birmingham. In front of a big crowd the boys produced the best secondhalf performance of the season. Going into the break 7-0 up thanks to an Austin Allison try from a driving lineout, we then scored 45 unanswered points thanks to tries from Sam Leather, Tom Von Malachowski and top try-scorer and player of the season Rupert Jones who was outstanding throughout the season and finished the season in fine style by scoring four tries. A fitting end to a fine season. Mr Windo and Mr Mullan must be thanked for their coaching and hard work throughout the year. Our U16 rugby team had another successful season winning all their regular School fixtures. In addition to this achievement we also reached the North Midlands U16 cup final, we met Wrekin College in the final, which was played on a lovely spring afternoon at Stourbridge RFC. Our boys continued the good form they had shown all season to run out comfortable winners. After the Christmas break brought the sevens season and the boys were looking ahead to the competitions. Our first tournament was at Oakham School; having progressed through a tough group we drew Stowe School in the semi-final. In a titanic battle James Taylor scored a decisive try to enable us to progress though into the final against St Joseph’s School Ipswich. After the amount of effort the boys had to put in to beat Stowe in the semi-final the St Joseph’s team proved to be just too strong.

Our second tournament was at Cambridge RFC; the boys produced some great sevens on the day to reach a second successive final. This time it was Bedford School that were to provide the opposition and through a very good squad effort, the boys managed to come away worthy winners. This result set the squad up for the following week’s Rosslyn Park competition. The boys again had to play very well to get out of their group and progress into the knock-out stages of the tournament. We again met Bedford School, in another very tough game of sevens. The boys managed to hold on to a win and progress to the second day and into the last 32 in the country. For the second time this season we were drawn against a very good Stowe School and unfortunately lost with the very last play of the match. A special mention must go to Blake Edwards and Henry Walker for gaining selection for the England trials weekend at Wellington College. Blake unfortunately picked up an ankle injury at the end of the first day preventing him from progressing any further. However Henry won the great honour of representing England in both their matches against Scotland and Wales. The U15s also experienced a successful season, only losing once at the hands of a very strong Warwick School. The team also enjoyed a very good run in the formerly known Daily Mail Cup, now renamed as the Natwest Cup. The boys produced some really good rugby in the competition to progress into round 5 where they were drawn against Warwick.

During the match boys demonstrated the big improvements they had made as a team but unfortunately still came up just short. The squad continued their impressive improvements into the sevens season by entering four tournaments, winning three (Bradford School, Magdalen College and RGS Worcester) and winning the Plate final in the fourth competition at Solihull School. Our U14s also had a reasonable season and made some very good improvements throughout the season. T Windo

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The following week showed a completely changed performance against a strong Warwick outfit. Despite being 10-0 down at half time and being down to fourteen men for the closing moments of the game, we clawed our way back, to create a try-scoring opportunity in the corner for Jamie Tweddell to score the winning try on his debut to win 12-10. With the boys brimming with confidence going into our first away day of the season we suffered our lowest point a 20-0 loss at the hands of a very strong Oakham School.

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Squash The popularity of squash has grown this year at Bromsgrove. Wendron-Gordon won the inaugural senior inter-house squash competition, beating Lyttelton. The squash ladder has also been revived and continues to grow in popularity; 18 people ranging from L4 to U6th are involved, hopefully next year it will continue to flourish. The juniors had the opportunity to experience some professional coaching from Worcestershire Squash, who provided two professional coaches several times in the Lent term.

Next year the School is planning on implementing a Squash Academy employing a professional squash coach to help further develop the sport. Watch this space. N Phillips

The Swimming Team has had another impressive season, winning seven out of its nine fixtures. The team began the season extremely well with the boys beating Shrewsbury 52-48. Building on that success they went on to beat King Edward’s Camp Hill 161-108 (boys) and 143-48 (girls). The teams’ most notable victories were against Solihull School (445-263) and against Stowe (445-305). The success of the swimming team continued at the School’s annual invitational relays. The best performance of the competition came from the U15 4x50m Freestyle team of Jack Harding, Kieran Walker, Matthew Horner and Sergy Marchenko. This U15 team went on to claim the title. The other teams all received medals and had a very successful afternoon with three silver medals and three bronze medals. The swimming season concluded with a victory for the team against King Edward’s Camp Hill. At this gala, there were some outstanding performances by the relay teams and some very good individual swims particularly from Jack Weston, Claire Hill, Jack Slattery and Bethan Luckman.

As well as the Swimming Team’s inter-school competitions, Bromsgrove held their annual Inter-House swimming competition. The girls’ Junior House Swimming was won by Thomas Cookes with Hazeldene coming a close second and Oakley third. In the girls’ Senior House Swimming, Hazeldene came first with Thomas Cookes second, and third, Oakley. The boys’ Senior House Swimming was won by School with Housman Hall coming second in a closely fought battle with Lupton. In the boys’ Junior House swimming, first place went to WendronGordon and, in a shock twist, Lyttelton and Lupton came a joint second.

Prior to the start of the Bath and Otter relays all swimmers and spectators stood for the National Anthem. The standard was high with schools entering from all over the UK. There were 80 schools competing in the boys’ competition and 50 schools in the girls’ competition.

Thank you for all those team members who swam so well over the year and all who supported them, parents, staff and pupils.

Many swimmers broke personal bests and were pleased to do so in such stunning surroundings. All swimmers had a marvellous day, swimming in a venue where their idols like Michael Phelps and Rebecca Adlington appeared nineteen months earlier in the biggest show on the earth.

Bromsgrove swam well with the boys being placed 21st in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay and a credible 17th in the 4 x 50m medley relay. The girls were a pleasing 14th overall in the 4 x 50m freestyle and 15th in the 4 x 50m medley competition.

Bethan Luckman and Jack Slattery Swimming Captains

The Bromsgrove Swimming squad were very honoured to be some of the first people to swim in the Olympic Pool (Aquatics Centre) following London 2012. On arrival to the Olympic Park , the swimmers appetites were whetted as the inside of the Aquatics Centre was illuminated and the competition pool glistened through the new glass walls.

Pupils compete in the Olympic Pool

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The squash team entered the National Schools competition (NSC) for the first time playing against teams such as Wycliffe, Cleeve, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham College. This made for a busy Michaelmas term, but one that the team thrived upon; the Captain, Grigory Kozhinov’s game developed immensely to compliment his impressive speed around the court.

Aside from the NSC we had a number of return fixtures against Cheltenham College, Oakham and Shrewsbury. The season finished with a one-off game against local rivals KES Birmingham. Whilst an overall win eluded the team, over the season more and more individual rubbers were being won.

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Boys’ Tennis The boys’ 1st and 2nd teams have had another successful season. Overall performance of the team has been hugely positive, with the final result of all official fixtures being four wins and one narrow loss. We were victorious against KES, Trent School, Denstone College and Cheltenham College, whilst losing only against Warwick School, which was hindered by the number of 1st team players who were unable to play, mainly due to exams.

This year the team welcomed many new players which proves that tennis at Bromsgrove School has a good future. In the 1st team in particular, impressive performances have been seen from Christophe Linne, Ivan Popov, Lev Blinov and Oleksii Omelchenko, who were all able players, almost equally compensating for the loss of last year’s Upper Sixth veterans; Charles Hill, Maksim Kolesnikov and Vincent Yau. The 2nd team was strengthened by the addition of Thomas Trow, William Edwards and Elliot Davies, not to mention the returning players of Arthur Green, Will Miners and Harrison Hill.

I wish Bromsgrove School tennis all the luck for the future and thank Mr Bell for his support and time over the last four years. I would also like to thank Mr Lawton and his team, particularly in my final year as captain. Jonas Barakauskas Team Captain Awards School Cap: Jonas Barakauskas Grigory Kozhinov Senior Colours:

The girls’ first team showed their dedication early on in the year by attending weekly training sessions throughout the winter season with Richard Lawton, helping the team to develop a strong bond and establish promising new partnerships before the matches had even begun. Their hard work paid off with an excellent season, remaining undefeated throughout; including convincing 8-1 wins over both Clifton College and Rugby. New players to the team included Joanna Zada and Lea Bartmann who both added fantastic attacking play, as well as Abby Henderson whose tactical play helped the team secure some hard-fought wins. Millie Doherty returned to the team and provided excellent consistent play as well as a positive attitude that she shared with both her own team and with the opposition.

Ivan Popov Midway through the season the team faced their first close match against a strong Cheltenham College who fought hard pushing them to play their best tennis; at 4-4 it was down to the last match to decide the outcome. Bromsgrove’s first pair (Amy Foster and Abby Henderson) were pushed to the limit against the opposing team’s first pair, finally winning 7-6 (11-9 in the tie-break) meaning Bromsgrove scraped a narrow 5-4 win.

In the last game of the season, the team played away against a strong Malvern College, injuries and examinations meant that the regular first team had changed and second team player, Abbie Griffiths, joined Lea Bartmann to form an effective partnership. They displayed versatility and the ability to adapt to different partners, enabling Bromsgrove to secure another close 5-4 win in the final game of the season. There were some excellent performances from the other girls’ tennis teams too. The 2nd team beat Rugby School (6-3) and Clifton College (5-4) in some hard-fought matches. The most consistent performances came from Abbie Griffiths, Ellie Saker and Ella Dunlop. Maria Blokhina, Lois Beswick and Alice Elt also played their part in a strong 2nd team. There were more mixed results for the U15 team this year, the highlights being victories against King’s Worcester, Bloxham and Wycliffe. The U14 have proved to be a very strong team this year with victories against Tudor Hall, Trent College, King’s Worcester and Malvern College. The U15 Cup team represented the School in the AEGON Schools Championships and played matches in which both singles and doubles tennis is played. Claudia Moberley and Charlotte Campbell played in both matches and had some super individual results. Wins against RGS and Malvern College meant the Cup team progress through to the knock-out round in September. In House competitions Hazeldene won the Senior competition and Thomas Cookes won the Junior. S Franks

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The majority of the wins were by some considerable margin, however Cheltenham College and KES displayed a high overall standard of play resulting in the Bromsgrove Boys having to stand up to the challenge and fight for every game. This is testimony to the spirit of the boys as they proved to be, on numerous occasions, the more consistent team in times of pressure.

Overall I have been impressed with the commitment of the whole team, particularly those on exam leave who have managed to train and play even though they have been under considerable pressure.

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School Sports Award Bromsgrove School was named one of the best independent sporting educational establishments in the country for academic year 2013/14. The award, handed out by School Sport Magazine, ranked Bromsgrove as fourth out of a list of more than 1,000 after a host of successes in 2013. Amongst the achievements last year was becoming national netball champions and reaching the final stages of national athletics, cricket and rugby competitions.

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Phil Tusler, publishing editor of School Sport Magazine, said: “This has been a remarkable year for competitive sport in schools and Bromsgrove School deserve their achievement. The list unashamedly reflects and celebrates competitive achievement in a range of sports throughout 2013 and honours those schools that take competition especially seriously.” The rankings are based on 20 different sports and more than 120 different national competitions. To name but a few, Bromsgrove pupils played in the semi-finals of the Daily Mail U15 rugby tournament, in athletics reached the intermediate boys’ final and the boys’ U16 hockey team made the finals of the indoor nationals.

The 2013/14 Sports Captains

The U16 Boys’ Hockey team - just some of the pupils who made the School Sports Magazine award possible

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Credit: James Whitehead

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OBITUARIES

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Obituaries John Ash, S 44-48 d. 11th April 2013

Alan Ross Clarke, S 45-50, d. 29th June 2013

Edith Cooke, Piano Teacher 79-99 d. 9th September 2014

David Cross, E 51-54 d. 18th September 2013

John Baylis Ash was born in Birmingham on 19 February 1930 and died near Toronto on 11 April 2013. He was in School House from 1944-1948 and sang alto in the School choir and played the ‘cello in the School orchestra returning for many annual concerts after he left. He attended the (then) London School of Printing and Graphic Arts and emigrated to Canada in 1957. He later graduated at McGill University and spent much of his life teaching and in later years was very involved in community and voluntary work.

My brother Alan Ross Clarke (School House / Millington) died on June 29th 2013 following an eighteen-month battle with cancer aged 82. He was predeceased by mother Marian and father Alan Percival Clarke of Wilmslow, Cheshire, and a baby sister Anne Monro.

Edith Cooke was a much valued member of the Music Department, who had a very distinctive voice having trained as a singer as a young girl. She joined Bromsgrove School in 1979, under the Director of Music at the time, Bernard Hall-Mancey.

David Spencer Cross died at home in Kidderminster on 18th September 2013. David had fought a brave and dignified battle against lung cancer for eighteen months, which spread aggressively in recent months.

John is survived by his lifetime partner Horst Weidemann whom he met in 1958 shortly after he had left East Germany and also by his sister Barbara who lives in Dallas and by his nephews and nieces and their children. - Bryan Pickering (School 1951-1954)

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lise; a son Nigel; daughters Geraldine, Constance, her husband Brian Surerus, and their two sons Spenser, Andreas and daughter Lindsay; daughter-in-law Michiko, her daughter Akiko and son Dexter. Ross’ younger son Jasper died three years ago following a cancerous tumour on the brain. I am happy to say that they both received the best possible care from their medical teams in Vancouver. Sister Elizabeth McIntosh Gillies lives in Bangor, NI. Brother Ian Monro (School House/ Millington 1950-53) and his wife Jane live in Greenville, SC, USA. My sons Adrian Ross (School 1975-1976) with wife Carolyn and their sons Gavin, Aidan and Jonathan; Richard Alastair (Cobham/Wendron 19751983); Timothy Duncan (Cobham 19791981) and his daughters Morgan and Cole live in New York. Ross left England for Canada in 1955 and settled in Vancouver BC where he pursued a career painting and teaching Art. The funeral was held July 13th 2013 in Burnaby, Vancouver BC. - Ian Clarke (School 1949-1953)

Many Old Bromsgrovians will have been taught by Edith over her 20 years at Bromsgrove, and the School was saddened to hear of her death in September 2014. Our condolences go to Edith’s family and friends in Exeter, and all those who knew her at Bromsgrove.

Married for nearly fifty years to Sally who has always been by his side with loving support, he also leaves two devoted daughters Katie and Jennie, two beloved sons-in-law and four adored grandchildren. David Cross was born on 14th January 1938 in Birmingham and was educated at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant and was a partner in private practice for many years until he retired in 2003. He was previously a trustee and National Treasurer of the Western Front Association. He remained a director of Auto Suppliers Ltd. He had a keen interest in the Great War 19141918 and has written an account of life at School and the deeds of Old Bromsgrovians in that war. He discovered three Old Bromsgrovians who had been awarded the Victoria Cross whilst researching for his book. He always enjoyed buying, renovating and selling antiques, drinking fine wine, fly-fishing and shooting. His interest in motorsport began at an early age with a visit to Shelsley Walsh Hill climb.

Nick Earle, Headmaster 70-75 d. 3rd January 2014 In 2013, David Cross was the recipient of the International Historic Motoring Award for Publication of the Year, for his first Dalton Watson Fine Books publication, Inside the Paddock (which was widely reviewed to great acclaim and featured as Book of the Month in Classic and Sports Car and Octane). The book, for which he worked so hard to gather photographs from around the world and write the fascinating script, has a foreword from The Earl of March. A sequel went to Dalton Watson just before David died entitled Around the Circuit. Dalton Watson Fine Books express their sympathy and condolences to David’s family. - Dalton Watson Publishers

Revd. John Nicholas Francis Earle, 14th November 1926 3rd January 2014

All pupils and staff contribute to a School’s history and help build and develop it but a Head provides the ultimate contribution - vision. During his fourteen-year Headship Nick fundamentally transformed the School.

Nick introduced co-education which at the time was brilliantly far-sighted. We were one of the first traditional public schools to make the change. He oversaw the smooth assimilation of girls into the School from the age of 8 so it was done properly and by stages. A purpose-built girls’ day and boarding house - Mary Windsor - was opened. There were major changes to boarding and its location. Houses in the town were brought onto the Campus with the opening of Elmshurst and Wendron (now Oakley) which began the substantial development of the School near the South Gate. Below the outdoor pool and squash courts - other than the sports fields there were gardens, orchards and grass tennis courts. The entrances to the School were at Routh Hall and the pedestrian gateway below the Cookes building. Our sports facilities took a great leap forward under Nick with the building of our first sports hall and a new indoor heated swimming pool.

Nick was passionate about raising academic standards. He was a fine scholar with a double first in Maths and Theology at Trinity Cambridge. He was an eloquent speaker and formidable preacher in the Memorial Chapel. He was never afraid to challenge an audience or congregation. Geoffrey John - Chairman of Governors in the latter part of Nick’s Headship - wrote: ‘I was very sorry to hear of Nick’s death. As an ex-Chairman of Governors I had the privilege of working very closely with Nick. He gave superb strategic guidance to Governors as well as giving them the confidence that the recommended policies would be successfully implemented. The huge success that Bromsgrove School has subsequently achieved was in no small measure achieved by the foundations laid during Nick’s Headmastership. In particular I recall vividly his carefully considered view that girls should not only be brought into the School but that they should be introduced from an early age. This was in contrast to many Schools at that time and Nick must take substantial credit for the success of co-education.’ Nick and Ann spent their long retirement in their much-loved Dulwich. After Bromsgrove he returned to the classroom to teach some Mathematics and Philosophy at Dulwich College.

The School was well-represented at the Memorial Service held at St Faith’s Church in January. Headmaster Chris Edwards, Nick’s Deputy Tony Finn, Jim Page, three colleagues all appointed by Nick in September 1981 Julian Foord, Catherine Maund and Philip Bowen - were present, and Hans Rostrup led the representation of Old Bromsgrovians. Children Charlotte and Harriet read the lesson and delivered the eulogy respectively. In a moving address, with much celebration and wit, Harriet captured the essence of her father and the man. As a young Curate, he had served in Bristol, New York and Whitechapel. In 1961 he authored a Penguin Special What’s wrong with the Church, a study of the Church of England, by a young priest who asks whether the C of E in the 1960’s is outdated and living in the past. It foreshadowed many of the changes to come. He wrote other books on Logic and Maths. He was always an original thinker. He spoke at Speakers’ Corner and on Thought for the Day. Bromsgrove School was a relatively short part of his long life but he joins the pantheon of those Heads - a fairly small number since 1693 - who altered our direction and changed our appearance. The School conveyed its sincere condolences to Ann, his widow, children Titus, Harriet and Charlotte. May his soul rest in peace. - Philip Bowen (Deputy Headmaster)

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Obituaries Prof. Sir Michael Drury OBE, L 39-43 d. June 2014

Roger Neville Jeffries, O 46-51 d. 12th September 2009

Ian Durie Kerr, G 53-58 d. 7th April 2014

Professor Sir Michael Drury was one of our most prominent Old Bromsgrovians. A Luptonian from 1939-43, he was one of the last remaining Bromsgrovians to have spent his years at School in Llanwrtyd Wells during our Welsh exile.

His loyal service to our School mirrored that to Medicine. He was a very supportive Governor at Bromsgrove School for much of the 1990s and a wise, supportive Chairman of the Education Committee. Latterly, he was a Vice-President. In his later life he always enjoyed his visits to his old School, especially at Commemoration.

(Editor’s Note: we have only been recently notified of Mr Jeffries’ death)

After studying medicine at Birmingham University, he qualified in 1949 just after the birth of the N.H.S. He practised in Bromsgrove for many years and was our School Medical Officer, as well as the Cottage Hospital Doctor. He set up the Department of General Practice at Birmingham University, became its first Professor in 1981 and one of the best-known GPs in the land. He was a distinguished President of the Royal College of General Practioners in 1985 and knighted in 1989 for services to General Practice.

The Headmaster and Matthew Horton (Vice President) represented the School at his funeral and we offer our sincere condolences to Lady Drury and their family. Sir Michael was a famous son of Bromsgrove – Town and School – and his service to our local community was both lengthy and distinguished.

After attending Bromsgrove School, Roger boarded at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School in Sutton Coldfield and later attended Battersea Polytechnic Institute in Surrey. During the late 1960s he decided to travel the world so he quit his job, packed his backpack with a sleeping bag and left for an around the world backpacking trip starting in France. He eventually ended up in Tokyo, Japan where he resided for the rest of his years.

In a biography – Just a G.P. a reviewer admired ‘a sense of humour, winning our affection; honesty, commanding our respect: two qualities that can fairly represent general practice itself. A book then to be commended to all who would teach, or learn, about being “just a GP”.

- Philip Bowen (Deputy Headmaster)

Roger was the second generation of Jeffries to attend Bromsgrove School after his father Cedric and his two uncles, Keith and Philip, the latter whose name is inscribed on the Bromsgrove School Chapel wall or his heroic death during WWII.

Roger was a respected lecturer at a number of prestigious universities in Tokyo including Waseda University, Gakushuin and Aoyama Gakuin, along the way publishing English conversational books for Japanese students. He was also a keen sportsman. As well as being a keen sportsman, Roger enjoyed playing chess, igo (Chinese chess) and shogi (Japanese chess). He leaves behind seven children, Kathryn, Amanda, Philip, Violet (OB ‘96-‘98), Margaret (OB ’92-‘93), Juliet and Camelia, and nine grandchildren. - Violet Pacileo (nee Jeffries)

MA., MB., B.Chir., (Cantab). D.A., D.Obst.R.C.O.G., F.R.C.G.P.

Ian died on 7th April at home with his family around him. He suffered a long illness which he bore with typical dignity and lack of complaint. Ian Kerr was Head of Gordon and Head of School before studying medicine at Magdalene College, Cambridge and The Middlesex Hospital, London. He undertook postgraduate training in Exeter and joined Clare House Surgery, Tiverton, Devon on his 30th birthday in March 1969. He was a partner for exactly 30 years. During this time he was a full time GP looking after 1,700 patients, and was on call one night in six. He was an excellent GP, loved by his patients. He was also School doctor at Blundell’s for 10 years and was one of the first GP trainers. He was made Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 1989. He was also a superb anaesthetist. As well as regular sessions in Tiverton Hospital, he provided emergency anaesthetics every third night and weekends for the Maternity and Casualty departments. Ian and and his wife Judith went to Nepal in 1995 for a sabbatical of three months where Ian worked as an Anaethetist in the Western General Hospital in Pokhara.

John Edmund Page, S 39-43 d. 20th March 2014 A life-changing experience. On separate occasions they trekked to the base camps of Everest, Kanchenjunga and Annapurna. Ian was a great enthusiast and doer. He taught himself the flute to Grade 8 standard. He was a keen sailor, photographer and walker and his house was full of improvements he had done and things he had made. He retired in 1999 to spend more time on his hobbies and was always occupied. His attitude was always positive even when he was unwell. He leaves his wife Judith, four children and eight grandchildren. His youngest grandchild (and first granddaughter) was born at the time of his death. Ian’s funeral and thanksgiving service was held in Tiverton on 24th April 2014. - Ian Houston

John Page (born 28th January 1926) who died in March 2014 at the age of 88, was the elder son of Miriam and Edmund Page, who was himself one of R.G. Routh’s first boarders in Gordon House when it opened in 1898, and later was to become a long-serving Governor. John Page joined the School during its evacuation to Llanwrtyd Wells and became Head of School on the return to Bromsgrove in 1943. Following his father’s footsteps, he went up to Oxford to read Greats after service in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps during the final two years of the Second World War, spending his time in Palestine during the British withdrawal. He spent almost his entire career as a classics teacher at Brighton College, where he is remembered with great respect and affection, not least for showing tolerance towards the liberal attitudes of the 1960s and 1970s. He was an attentive and principled housemaster for whom pastoral care was of the highest priority, and as Head of Department he ensured his many pupils understood the benefits of a quality classical education.

His first marriage was to Jancis Hillier, with whom he had three children, and after taking a sabbatical year teaching in Oman in 1977, he married Jackie Hine, a leading fashion model of the day. He embraced her four lively offspring with warmth and understanding, reliving his idyllic Somerset childhood with his step-children, his speciality being country rambles and camping trips which paid scant attention to the prevailing health and safety culture. In his retirement he continued to live in Sussex before moving to Winchester, leading a physically active and mentally fulﬁlling life. Although the months leading up to his death were difficult, he died at home surrounded by Jackie, his wife for 37 years, and other members of both families. A bench in his memory has been placed near the Chattri Memorial on the Downs outside Brighton. - Jim Page (S 45-49, Head of Lower School 60-89)

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Obituaries Christopher Peace, W 51-56 d. 1st August 2013 Chris came from Sheffield where his family – Samuel Peace and Sons – had been file makers for many generations. However, mass competition in the market forced Chris into a new field of engineering and having armed himself with an MBA, he started a laser cutting business, still based in Sheffield. He developed in this field successfully, tackling a range of cut materials with different equipment over many years and retiring about ten years ago.

Innovative and determined in business, humorous and generous with friends, a lover of good food and wine, his family held a most fitting memorial service on 4th October 2013 – with a traditional jazz band playing, a couple of rousing hymns and happy words from friends and family. A good friend, he will be well remembered by fellow Wendronians. - Ted Beaumont (Wendron 1952-1956)

It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of Michael Rees at the beginning of the year.

Michael joined the newly created junior school after Bromsgrove was exiled to Llanwrtyd Wells during WWII and he was instrumental in helping us with the Freedom of the Town ceremony back in 2007. Michael was Chairman of the Bromsgrovian Club in 1996 and stayed in touch with many of his contemporaries, regularly organising Welsh reunions and get-togethers. He wrote a book of his experiences in Llanwrtyd Wells and kindly donated the profits of his book sales to the School. In 2008, Michael, along with his daughter Catherine, attended the Pre-1950s Reunion held at the School which was to be his last time at Bromsgrove. The funeral took place on 3rd March 2014 in Llandeilo Parish Church.

Major Sam Townsend, Millington d. 15th October 2013

Barry Walters, S 47-15 d. 8th June 2014

Old Bromsgrovians who also passed away in 2013 & 2014:

Major Sam Townsend was awarded an MC in 1945 as one of the youngest majors in the British Army. Major Townsend was born on July 27 1919 and educated at Bromsgrove School. He played rugby for the first XV and spent his last term’s allowance on gunpowder to make a large rocket which exploded on the cricket pitch just before he left the School.

Honorary Alderman James Barry Thomas Walters, aged 81, of The Paddock, Portishead passed away peacefully at Norewood Lodge NursingHome on Friday 6th June 2014 after a short illness.

Peter Beddall, School 57-60 d. 25th June 2014

Jonathan Nelsey, Wendron 63-68 d. 8th October 2013

Jeremy Bent, School 68-73 d. November 2013

Derek Richards, Gordon 51-56 d. 7th September 2013

John Clayton, Elmshurst 1955-1959 d. January 2014

Paul Stevenson, School 55-58 d. December 2013

Jack Harris, School 48-53 d. August 2014

Jim Vernon-Allen, Elmshurst 37-42 d. 7th September 2014

Richard John Massen, Former Staff 59-64 d. 29th December 2013

Keith Weaving, Gordon 43-48 d. November 2012 (Editor’s Note: We have only just been informed about Mr Weaving’s death)

Serving with 4th Field Squadron Royal Engineers, Townsend landed at Arromanches on D-Day+6. He linked up with 7th Armoured Division south of Caen and was immediately involved in the battle of Villers-Bocage. In January 1945, as the 7th Armoured Division advanced towards Germany, Townsend was given the task of building a bridge over the Vloed Beek canal near the Belgo-Dutch-German borders. After clearing a number of booby traps, he was able to push a bridge over the canal on rollers despite coming under heavy fire from railway guns sited some four miles away. Townsend was awarded a Periodical MC. After the war, he worked for the Cleveland Bridge Co before moving to a firm of management consultants. In 1950 he joined John Crossley and Sons of Halifax and was managing director from 1964 to 1968. In 1971 he retired on medical advice and settled in the Lake District. He took up salmon fishing and hill walking and collected and restored 18th-century pottery and porcelain. - Extracts from The Telegraph

He was a much loved father to Kate, Megan and Mark, father-in-law to Brian, Steve and Louise and Grandpa Barry to Rosie, Emma and Penny. A former District Councillor for Portishead Coast ward, Leader of North Somerset Council and former Chair of Portishead Town Council, he will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew him. The Funeral Service took place at St Peter’s Church, Portishead on Tuesday 17th June.

Ronald Melville-Smith, Lupton 33-37 d. 4th April 2014 Anthony Merrington, Wendron 45-50 d. late 2013 Michael Mould, 1940 d. 2013 Kenneth Murdoch, Gordon 42-47 d. 2014

Jonathan Whitehouse, Lupton 85-90 d. 10th September 2014 Chris Williams, Lupton 63-67 d. March 2014

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As a youth, Chris was a Queen Scout and always a practical man. He spent many years renovating and improving an old stone farmhouse on land close to the River Derwent near Hathersage. He always had a love of things nautical and over recent years of poor health had enjoyed views overlooking the Tyne at Newcastle from an apartment there and where he and his wife, Gillie, could be near to the families of his children, Richard and Anna.

Mike Rees, S 40-50 d. 17th February 2014

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Alumni Committee

Prep Survivors

We are pleased to introduce the new Bromsgrove Alumni Committee, set up in 2014 to provide a comprehensive events programme to all of our Alumni, Parents, Staff and Friends of Bromsgrove, bringing together the School, the Foundation and the Bromsgrovian Club. If you would like to find out more about the work of the alumni committee, have ideas about events or venues, or would like to help at one of our functions, please email us at Oldbromsgrovians@bromsgrove-school.co.uk or telephone 01527 579679 ext 357/366.

Chairman Hans Rostrup (S 72-77)

Secretary Jenny Bossard (Ws 72-74)

Bursar Lesley Brookes

Headmaster Peter Clague

Adele George (O 97-02)

Social Media/Web Megan Griffiths

William Jordan (G 66-72)

Rose Lake (TC 01-06)

Assistant Pastoral Head Catherine Maund

Chairman of the Foundation Dick Noake (E 59-64)

Head of Foundation Jane Rogers

Assistant Head Rachel Scannell

Chairman of Governors Stewart Towe CBE (L 65-70)

You can also find us on our official social media channels:

facebook.com/oldbromsgrovians

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk

LinkedIn Old Bromsgrovians

@BromsSchool

Pre-Prep Survivors