Cheltonian Floreat 2022-23

The Cheltonian

Floreat Cheltonia

Welcome from The Head

‘What a wonderful view from here…’ said Dr Jamie Copeland-Jordan as he stood at the lectern to begin his Chapel service this week, surveying not just the 800 pupils and staff of College assembled before him, but also the windows, the architecture, the memorial plaques, the organ and the carving that make up the history that we can so easily become complacent about as we go about our busy everyday lives here. I reflected how many wonderful views I have as I go about my daily life as the Head, and as the sun poured through the stained glass of the Fortitude Window, and Wilson looked down with his wry smile, I knew it was going to be a good day.

It was indeed a good day, and it has been a very good term and year, now that we feel confident that the challenges of the last three years are behind us. We can look upwards and outwards towards the future as a community together, and despite the political and economic challenges that are looming large on the horizon, we are busy behind the scenes, finding ways to be flexible and dynamic as we will surely need to be, to prepare for whatever the future holds.

This year’s Upper Sixth, who joined College in the Third Form just as I also arrived to take up my post, have been a wonderful group to work with and to get to know. They have set a fantastic example to the younger pupils (and in fact to us all) in terms of academic determination, sporting commitment, musical and theatrical creativity and most importantly in the selfless humanity, leadership and service that they have contributed both to their school and to the charitable causes they have supported. We were delighted that through their efforts and those they encouraged in others, we raised just over £50,000 for good causes in just this past year. These efforts were not from a few, writing large cheques – they came from hundreds of small activities; bake sales and sponsorship, charity matches and cabaret evenings, the whole school Zumbathon and a huge number of other individual important group efforts along the way. As an example of this kind of self-motivation, just this week in fact, despite the fact that we are at the midway point in the rigour of public exams, a large number of pupils and staff supported and played in a charity concert organised by one of the Lower Sixth with a very

personal connection to her chosen charity. That is something very special about this school – there is always a can-do attitude both from those who want to lead and those who follow. We are interchangeable in that way and as a result, things, very special things, are achieved.

So, as we look back on another wonderful collection of memories from the past year collated in The Cheltonian magazine, put together once again by the excellent editorial team, what are the lessons we have learned? We have learned that we value our wonderfully warm and supportive community, we have learned that we have the confidence to say ‘we can’, and we have delighted in the creativity of our responses to the challenges that we have faced, whilst preparing in a pragmatic way for what the future holds. The sun continues to shine through our windows and the view that we see from them continues to inspire.

Mrs Nicola Huggett

As a community, we can look upwards and outwards towards the future.

News from The Prep

Anyone who knows me knows that I can make 50 words into 1,000 more flowery ones, with lots of superlatives, without even drawing breath! Thus, to try and sum up what has been a fabulous (I told you!) year in The Prep in 500 words is a real challenge. I’ll give it my best shot but if it sparks your interest do please come and visit us, particularly if you are an old boy or girl, and we would love to share this amazing school with you in more detail.

The Chadwick Leadership Programme that all Year 8s benefit from has gone from strength to strength. Building on the success of the hugely enjoyed skills programme, this cohort have really established the community service aspects, both working within school throughout the younger years and across the external community. Our Year 8s have been particularly impressive

this year. They work hard, play hard and have achieved great things, whilst always setting a tremendous example to the younger children. They will leave us incredibly well prepared for College and beyond and we are all very proud of them all.

The Prep has a new brand, which has been very well received and now gives us a very clear identity, which links us to College (by sharing the midnight blue and cerise colour) but also clearly identifies The Prep (by using the colours in the distinctive stripes). It looks amazing and is something the children are already incredibly proud of and protective over – just as it should be!

You can see the new Prep School Map which has been created this year. It is designed to demonstrate to everyone that The Prep really is an adventure in education. Children who love their school, who find it exciting, and can’t wait to get in each day do incredibly well – they really do! Our children do incredibly well because they love it here.

We have great plans to enhance our

outdoor education provision further over the coming months and hope this will include reopening The Lake, both for studies (pond dipping etc.) and for recreation (small boats for the children to go on). Watch this space!

We are also establishing strong links with both Cheltenham Muscat and Gakushuin (a prep school in Tokyo). We had our first exchange group of children from Japan this spring, and it was such a success that we are looking to expand this programme significantly over the coming years to include potential trips to either the Far or the Middle East for our Upper School children in the years to come.

The Cottage is becoming the new Learning Hub (for Learning Support) and the Coach House is becoming the new Sports Hub over the Summer. Add to that an ISI Inspection report that gave us top grades in all areas and you have a great year!

Please, come and see us.

Mr Tom O’Sullivan, Head, Cheltenham Prep

Pre-Prep

The Pre-Prep has enjoyed a flourishing year. Our flagship Cheltenham Nursery School opened in September 2022 and our youngest learners now have the most beautiful environment in which to play and grow.

This year we introduced our new Phonics programme (Read Write Inc.) alongside a refreshed reading scheme for all the children. This has transformed the way they are developing their early literacy skills.

Our recent inspection report brilliantly captured the strides made in reading: ‘From the EYFS onwards, pupils develop a love of reading and are quickly

able to read with understanding and expression’. Our wider curriculum has also enhanced every educational opportunity with the children enjoying all manner of exciting experiences. Art, STEM, Well-being, and Outdoor Learning days, trips out and visitors in, nativity plays, summer productions, and Chapel visits have been accompanied by much laughter and a great deal of fun.

We refreshed the Reception outside play area and have exciting plans for our playground. This will complete the recent investment in and transformation of this part of the Cheltenham brand, future proofing it for new generations to come.

The Pre-Prep team are wonderful professionals, who care passionately about every single child. The result is an exceptional learning environment, where our youngest pupils are thriving. We look back fondly on the year and look forward to adventures ahead.

Mrs Rebecca Hughes-Noon, Head of Pre-Prep

Cheltenham Nursery School named in the Top 20 Nurseries in the South West.

Lower School

Lower School continues to go from strength to strength, with this year being another highly successful year. With three new members of teaching staff joining the team, it is certainly a new look with a fresh approach. The contributions from everyone have given the children a breadth of opportunity in and out of the classroom. The Christmas production was a wonderful team effort. Family days have proven to be popular again. The ‘Art Attack’ afternoon and ‘Design and Make’ afternoon allowed parents to experience a slice of life inside the classrooms. The range of musical and sporting options have continued; both encouraging teamwork, individuality and the chance to perform. The confidence this builds is a key part of life, which spreads to the classroom. Lower School is full of happy children and we all know that success is not the key to happiness; happiness is the key to success.

Mr Andy Theedom, Head of Lower School

Middle School

Middle School has had another fabulous year. Academically we continue to challenge our pupils through excellent specialist teaching over a wide range of subjects. The children have excelled this year in developing their presentation skills, Year 6 have shared their innovative and creative designs in our Dragons Den project, and Year 5 in their individual speaking and listening work too. On both occasions the pupils delivered their projects to external speakers with confidence and poise. Trips abroad have been a huge success and a big part of the pupils’ experience this year. A wide range of Year 6 pupils visited Paris and both Year 5 and 6 pupils participated in the school ski trip to Italy. Our Year 6s had an awesome residential trip to London, where we ‘kipped on a ship’, HMS Belfast, and immersed ourselves in our capital city, attending a show and a myriad of museums. The Year 5s also had a brilliant residential at Croft Farm, participating in lots of water sports activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, sailing and kayaking. Both experiences stretch

our Middle School pupils, by building their confidence and enhancing their collaboration skills, to really take on and embrace new challenges. The rest of the year has also been full of fantastic creativity and flair too. Britten’s Noye’s Fludde was a particular highlight where our pupils performed an opera in our atmospheric Chapel. Drama performances have been another hugely positive highlight. Year 6s performed a thrilling piece from Shakespeare and Year 5s wowed us all with their physical theatre too. Middle School has really made the most of events Cheltenham has on offer participating in the best of the Cheltenham Festivals, including Literature and Science Festivals. The pupils go from strength to strength and take all the many exciting elements of their curriculum in their stride to ensure they are making the most of the opportunities on offer. We look forward to another amazing year.

Mrs Joy Smith, Head of Middle School

Upper School

We have ended the year on a real high in Upper School with a fantastic Post CE Programme for Year 8, with Bude being a real highlight, and Activities Week for Year 7. The children threw themselves into every activity and really made the most of the final few weeks. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Head of Upper School, and I will miss supporting the children in all that they do. I wish Year 8 the very best of luck at the new schools. I know that Year 7 will be well looked after this coming year, and I wish the children all the best with their Common Entrance. Year 8 is a challenging year, but more importantly, it is a very rewarding year and I know that our Year 8s leaving us now will look back on their time at The Prep with fond memories.

Miss Orla Sheehan, Head of Upper School

Cade House

As we reflect on another successful academic year in Cade House, it is difficult to highlight single events from an incredibly busy boarding calendar. We have once again made the most of our wonderful setting, and having the convenience of Cheltenham town on our doorstep has proven very helpful. The boarders have enjoyed trips to local parks, lidos, cinemas, laser tag, escape rooms, theatres and the Science Festival. We also made it further afield to Croft Farm, Weston super-Mare, paintballing, mountain boarding and Thorpe Park. Whether it has been getting creative on a Monday in the Art Room, enjoying the inflatable obstacle course in the pool on a Tuesday, or Wednesday night Spotlight, we fundamentally hope that both full and flexi boarders have enjoyed their time in Cade House this year. I would like to thank our Year 8s for being great role models and wish them the very best of luck on their next boarding adventure.

Mr Jack Avery, Head of Boarding

Valete - Our Fond Farewells

Jack Banks

Jack impressed me from the very first moment I met him. Not only did he have the smartest hair cut in the Common Room, but his confidence and genuine care for the children’s learning was clear to see. Jack joined the Graduate Team in the Summer Term 2021, and quickly identified teaching in Lower School as his passion; although he reassures me this has nothing to do with Andy Theedom’s bar tab! Two years later and a wealth of experience under his belt, Jack is going to undertake his PGCE at the University of Gloucestershire. Jack has built trusting and honest relationships with the children, staff and parents and he will be missed by all this coming year. We wish him the very best and I am confident this is not goodbye, however, but see you soon.

Jack Avery

Tony Clarke

Tony joined The Prep as Head of English from a school in Kenya in 2017. From the moment he arrived, it was clear he was a kind and caring member of the team. This has added to the pastoral support of many children who have moved through his regular place in the Year 5 form team. Tony has always been passionate about helping the children have a voice at The Prep by running School Council. Regular work organising fundraising events for the school charities has seen huge amounts of money raised for some very worthwhile causes, as well as teaching the children at The Prep the importance of social responsibility. Tony has a passion for literature and will, I’m sure, enjoy the new challenges of indulging in this with senior school aged pupils in his new role.

Rachel Hamlyn

Sam Matthews

I will always remember Sam’s interview; 50 minutes later and I was still on question one! It is clear Sam has a passion for education and coaching and he has fully embraced life in a boarding school.

Sam has the inability to do a job at 50% and he has fully applied himself in all areas of the job, his can-do attitude makes him a pleasure to work with. Although Sam is moving on from The Prep, he remains in the College family, as he starts his new role at College as a Cricket and Rackets Professional and Resident Tutor in

Newick House. On behalf of all the boarders, Prep pupils and parents, and colleagues, thank you for your endless energy and thirst for hard work. We look forward to seeing you over at College on the boundary.

Jack Avery

Orla Sheehan

Orla has also been so much more than a teacher at The Prep. She has always cared deeply for every child’s welfare and so it came as no surprise when she was appointed Head of Middle School. She ran the section with huge efficiency but also with a great sense of respect from the pupils and staff, who admired her empathetic and approachable manner, showing the same skillset as she moved up to run Upper School this year. She returns home to Ireland with our grateful thanks for all that she has done at The Prep. Orla will leave a considerable gap in the English Department when she leaves and will be missed hugely by both pupils and colleagues alike. Throughout her seven years in the Department, she has consistently demonstrated her creativity and resourcefulness as a fantastic and highly skilled teacher. She has always enjoyed superb working relationships with all her pupils, establishing and demanding high expectations, yet simultaneously showing care and compassion for all. We wish her every deserved success and happiness in her new post.

Noll Jenkins and Tony Clarke

Natalie Sharman

Natalie joined Pre-Prep in September 2022, arriving from Singapore to take up her role in Year 1. Her gentle and calm manner and love of ballet dancing combined with a steely determination made a wonderful impression on the children. Her classroom was a haven of purposeful learning with every child given encouragement to do their best. Natalie is a passionate educator and joins a local primary school to widen her professional experience. We wish her well with her exciting next chapter.

Rebecca Hughes-Noon

In Conversation with Emma Hattersley, member of the Council of Cheltenham College.

Members of the Council of Cheltenham College (our governing body) typically serve terms of office of between three and nine years. Our most recently appointed Council member, Emma Hattersley, is just starting out on that journey and took time out from her familiarisation to tell us a bit about what attracted her to the role.

Please start by telling us a little about yourself. My background is almost entirely in education. Having studied Music at the University of Durham, I went on to the Royal Academy of Music to do a post-graduate in vocal studies. I got a part time job teaching music and singing in a school and realised my vocation lay with helping young people. From there it was a combination of teaching, bringing up three young children, and then into full time teaching in a large co-ed boarding school. I realised that it was the pastoral side of teaching that I had most affinity with and was fortunate enough to be offered a role running a large day House. That was followed by a stint as a boarding Housemistress, and then a deputy headship. For the last 10 years I’ve been Head of an all through 3-18 HMC (The Heads’ Conference) school in Wiltshire. And now after almost 40 years in teaching, I am enjoying a new career helping schools across the world find new leaders.

Why did you want to be an independent school governor?

The independent sector needs good governance perhaps now more than ever. Having spent my career serving the independent sector it felt like the natural next step to be able to give of my time and expertise as a governor in a setting that I know and understand. The sector does a tremendous amount of excellent work and by the very nature of its independence, can innovate and seek out the best possible opportunities not only for its pupils but more widely for the community too.

Why

College in particular?

I was approached about the role, and when doing my research and visiting the school I got a real sense of College being a strong community. I felt it was very up-together and moving with the times, exuding warmth and energy. I also liked the governors that I met and of course the Head, Nicola Huggett, is impressive and very widely respected.

You are Designated Safeguarding Governor –why is this special to you?

I think this is an incredibly important role for any school and I don’t underestimate the commitment involved. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and touches every part of the school. It provides me with an opportunity to be a support to the senior leadership team when there are any welfare concern and to be a listening ear when needed. The post also requires me to keep up to date with best practice and training so that ultimately we can all, collectively, make a difference to young people and make College as safe an environment as possible.

What are the big challenges that young people face in 2023?

How does one begin to answer such a huge question in just a few words. We know the pandemic had an impact on young people that could take years to sort out. Child and adolescent mental health support services are overstretched with demand outstripping supply. Personal worries around exams, relationships and identity, coupled with general fears about the environment and a world in a state of unrest all contribute to young people feeling a lack of control and, for some, a lack of self-esteem. However, it is schools like College that can help to make a real difference when a child is in crisis, as they have the pastoral structures to provide genuine support and guidance.

Finally, Council members can serve for up to nine years… do you think we’ll all still recognise College in 2032?

I think the best schools are those that have managed to achieve the right balance between tradition and innovation. These are challenging times for the sector and in my current job, working with schools helping to find them new leaders, I see a sector that has an appetite for change. College is no different in this regard so I would certainly expect to see some significant change in the next nine years. I am sure that College will continue to evolve to meet the needs of the 21st century and beyond whilst retaining its very special ethos.

Our Sustainable Journey

Taking positive steps to transform our school community

Environmental sustainability is not a new consideration for College, as for many years we have been developing a range of sustainable policies, working practices and curriculum links. However, this vital issue is now receiving renewed focus and dedicated resources to accelerate positive change, and I was delighted to join College in the new position of Sustainability Lead last spring.

My initial focus in this first year has been to engage with the whole school community to understand where our priorities lie and to collate ideas from both pupils and staff. This has informed our new Sustainability Strategy which outlines our vision across key areas, from reducing food waste and energy consumption to improving recycling and protecting our biodiversity. College’s commitments not only encompass continual improvements to our own sustainability performance by reducing our direct impact on the environment through operational measures, but also by educating, supporting and inspiring our community to achieve collective impactful change.

As we begin to make progress on our long-term goals, we have already showcased how small changes can also have a significant impact. Whilst we have a long-standing ‘zero-waste-to-landfill’ commitment, new initiatives such as the removal of single-use hot drink cups from

our internal catering outlets has helped us to reduce our consumption of disposables by 74%. With the roll-out of a new recycling infrastructure across the site, we have seen a really encouraging increase in the percentage of our waste that is recycled, and we are continually looking at solutions for reuse and reduction schemes. We have even made changes to this very magazine, which is now made from 100% recycled paper with a compostable envelope.

We have some exciting projects planned for the coming year, including the installation of a new Building Management System to enable better control of our energy consumption. At the heart of our approach is always a consideration of both technological interventions, such as the deployment of PV solar panels on the new College Lawn building, alongside a focus on behaviour change initiatives and supporting education work.

Collaboration has also proved fundamental, and we are delighted to be working with two new Sustainability Prefects at College this coming year, Min Fletcher and Ella Brooks, who have chosen to focus on peer engagement, including a dedicated ‘Green Week’ in the Autumn, aiming to inspire all pupils to make a difference to shaping a healthier and fairer planet.

Becoming a truly sustainable school is an ambitious and challenging goal, but I am encouraged by the positive foundations that we have laid this year and am looking forward to discovering what we can achieve as we continue to work together to build a brighter future.

Miss Penny Hall, Sustainability Lead and Administrator

ACADEMIC

Celebrating Excellent Futures

Students at College have shown tremendous talent and determination to gain places at the most prestigious institutions for their chosen discipline.

Emily Lin is to read Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge and the following are to study at the University of Oxford: Luke Richardson, Material Science; Ruby Coull, Classics and French; Richard Teng, Engineering; Geena Capps, Medicine; John Gulland, (L, 2022) PPE.

Reading Medicine are Nina Allan (University of Southampton), Praewa Mollinson (Thailand) Lily Crowther (Newcastle). Lisa Mbithi will read Neuroscience and Philosophy at Boston College (USA) and Charlie Cooper and Mahony Knight will read Veterinary Science at the University of Bristol.

We are also thrilled that the following students have gained places at the most prestigious institutions for their chosen discipline. Yoyo Hou will read History of Art at the Courtauld Institute; Hilbert Liu will read Molecular Bioengineering at Imperial, Bryan Luo and Sam Zhao will read Mechanical Engineering at Imperial, and Serena Zhang will read Biochemistry at University College London. Ismael Blanca Lahrech won places to read Chemical Engineering at the prestigious École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and from University College London. Melody Lam won places to read Chemistry at City University of Hong Kong and the University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Hong Kong, and the University of Bristol. Yoyo Fong won places to study Economics at HKUST, Hong Kong and International Development with Economics at the University of Bath. Dilan Chandaria will read Economics at the University of British Columbia, Canada.

Extended Project Qualification

It is always astonishing to see what students can achieve with the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in a mere two terms. This year, we received 6,000-word dissertations on Nietzsche’s contribution to Fascist ideology, how best to manage chronic pain, the welfare of migrant workers in Qatar, Shopaholism, Shamima Begum’s claim to citizenship and the

ethics of cloning of horses, to name but a few of the 140 projects in total. Just as incredible are the artefacts: an original line of silver-smithed jewellery inspired by the theme of the sea; an architectural design for assisted living;

a model plane for training pilots and a dream journal to engage children with autism. Students keep detailed records of their project activity and present their work in March. This year’s cohort were the first to have previously undertaken the Foundation Project Qualification in 2019; it has been a joy to see their research skills and creativity flourish during their College career. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) praised both the ‘notably advanced research skills’ and the ‘exceptionally broad range of topics and their outcomes’ exhibited by our students. This year Jude Richardson and Bella Christie received prizes for their extraordinary commitment to the EPQ process.

Mr Dominic Nelder

Foundation Project Qualification

The Foundation Project Qualification (FPQ) is undertaken by all of Third Form. Pupils keep an activity log of their endeavours throughout the year before submitting a finished product and a presentation in May. It provides us with a chance to embed research and development skills from an early age but, even more importantly, the FPQ offers our pupils an opportunity to bring their own passions and enquiry into the classroom. ‘Why can’t we study this?’ is the age-old question from every pupil and the FPQ is the answer to that lament. This year, we have seen

projects that range from the efficacy of lie detectors, football in China and the legacy of the British Empire to artefacts that include a hand-made soap, a guide to teaching horses to jump a course and a video lesson in Hindi. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) team was particularly impressed by a study of world leaders’ responses to a survey of their contribution towards solving child poverty (Frankie Geary) and a guide to lambing for future sheep farmers (Wills Moffatt).

Mr Dominic Nelder

Societies

Lower College Society

The Lower College Society (LCS) Feast in April gave members a chance to reflect on the highlights from the calendar of events. Foremost of these was a talk from our own Mr Dominic Faulkner, whose expedition in 2006 to reach the summit of Everest from the Dead Sea, had LCS members on the edge of their seats. The talk was, by turns, humbling and astonishing; the torch for another generation of explorers was certainly passed on.

Members rose from their seats to participate in spirited debates around the merits of positive discrimination, the rights of public-sector workers to strike and whether the song, ‘Delilah’, should be banned from the terraces of Welsh rugby. Special mention goes to Maisy White, Lily Ropner, Charles Maynell, Matilda Makin, Ellie Hanbury, Anirudh Limbu, Maddie Archer, Sarah Anstey, Paddy Grand, Charlotte Culver, Emily Grant and Zoe H-L for upholding the best traditions of debate without posturing. The usual favourites of the

Upper College Society

Upper College Society (UCS) this year was led by last year’s Vice Presidents Bryan Luo and William Hall with Harriet Oates offering a new perspective. The Autumn Term started with the Cheltenham Challenge, a modified version of University Challenge with President Will chairing a very competitive evening greatly enjoyed by all.

Members also participated in a topical Model United Nations on the Iranian Protests. As Chair, Bryan diplomatically steered between the nations’ competing interests, allowing people to gain a better understanding of how global debates work.

Throughout the year, every member of UCS had the opportunity to present on a topic of their choice, and to clarify and defend their claims in the question sessions after

Christmas Quiz, an open mic night and a UN crisis mission to South Sudan also drew excellent contributions from not only Award holders but also their guests, since all Lower College was welcome to attend.

Mr Dominic Nelder

their presentations. We heard papers on topics from Fourth Dimensional Maths to the medical accuracy of the television series ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. Papers were interspersed with engaging quizzes on various topics.

The last event of the year was an international evening. One of College’s many strengths is its diverse population. We heard presentations on the politics, culture and cuisine of Ukraine, China and Cyprus, enhanced by stimulating and fascinating questions.

This year was a great one of growth and knowledge within UCS.

William Hall and Harriet Oates

Art

Ms Jo Millar

‘I am still learning’, Michaelangelo, aged 87.

Michaelangelo’s comment serves to express exactly what I hope to achieve: lifelong learning for all those who pass through my Department each year. We are learning, we are learners; the art studios provide a safe haven to explore ideas, ideals, conditioning, curiosity, difference, and tolerance. This year’s exhibition is a prime example of how our pupils grow as individuals, ready to push their boundaries and to be open to others.

Our pupils, studying sculpture and fine art this year, sat a 10 hour or 15 hour exam at the end of their GCSE and A Level courses. The last time an exam unit was conducted was in 2019 before the pandemic, and so this year carried both excitement and heady nerves as we all prepared for it.

During the year, Fourth Form and Fifth Form visited the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers Museums, Oxford and Sixth Form sculpture and fine artists visited the Victoria and Albert Museum to inspire and generate responses to their personal projects. It is always our aim to offer a wide range of visual experience to our pupils in order to stimulate and develop their individual progress, understanding of the world and

their place within it and it is powerfully showcased in the work produced in the Department by all ages which was congratulated by many parents and OCs who came to see the exhibition on Speech Day.

Congratulations are extended to Yoyo Hou who has been awarded a place at the Courtauld Institute, University of London to study History of Art and Sofia Mediato Diaz who has won a scholarship to Ringling College of Art and Design in the US. We wish all of our students luck and much enjoyment in their continued studies.

A special ‘Thank you’ to my team who always rise to the occasion in the interests of our pupils! With best wishes for continued health and success.

Alba Mediato Diaz

Charlie Manning-Smith

Nina Allan

Alvin Sze-To

Annie Akers

Zara Leach-Herrero

Beatrice Cornwell

Jasper Brumpton

Fenella Clayton

Charlie Fisher

Chloe Wong

Freddie Young

Yoyo Hou

Gabriella Watson

Polina Zagorovskaia

Yoyo Hou

Iona Davies

Jasper Brumpton

Lottie English

Tony Liu

Sofia Mediato Diaz

Xanthe Harris

Melissa Thompson

Polina Zagorovskaia

Lumai Hickey

Lisa Mbithi

Business and CTEC Business

Mrs Zoe La Valette-Cooper and Mr Peter Campion

We started the academic year with a trip for the Lower Sixth CTEC students to the David Lloyd Health Club in Brockworth, to gain an understanding of the importance of customer service and communication in a customer-facing business.

This trip followed on from a previously successful trip to Weston’s Cider where students considering Business as a study choice at university were given a tour and presentation about the business’ operations. To give this context, in the current academic year 51 of 175 candidates applied for Business related courses at university, which reflects the ongoing popularity of Business, CTEC Business and Economics as Sixth Form subjects.

Our well-established Mini MBA has run again this year, culminating with a hotly contested final between two College teams and one team from All Saints’ Academy at Spirax Sarco in Cheltenham. The dragons included College Head, Mrs Nicola Huggett, OC and parent, Mr Andrew Hill (L, 1985) and EMEA Finance Manager of Spirax Sarco Dan Keating. The winners were Carrie H and Erin D, who developed the product Tea to Go, a dissolvable tea capsule. (Words kindly supplied by Mr Harry Johnson).

The year encompassed several interesting talks from the likes of OC Sam Clarke (Xt, 1999) Chief Vehicle Officer at GRIDSERVE Sustainable Energy Limited, current parent Mr Oli Christie founder and CEO of Neon Play, OC Richard Hine (H, 2011) Managing Director of British Polo Gin, and the founders of the Stronghold Gym Dave Pinco and Tom Langton. We also visited the Spirex-Sarco offices in Cheltenham.

As we look ahead to the coming year, we are looking forward to our Department trip to Cuba in October 2023, as well as departmental growth with new team members and the return of Mrs Holly Brooke as Head of Department.

Classics

Mr Tom Lambert

It has been a great year for Classics. In the summer, we welcomed back Mrs Rachel Smith from maternity leave and saw Mr Harry Johnson take on an expanded role. The Classics Society had a strong start to the year, with over 30 pupils attending our Michaelmas Term meeting, and the Fourth Form in particular stepping up to greater involvement. Pupils enjoyed the programme of lectures (and pizza) with the Gloucestershire Classical Association, and domination of the Gloucestershire Classical Speaking Competition continued at all ages. Four pupils were awarded Bronze, and two pupils took well deserved Silvers. Hermione Jenkins, Elyssa Michelin, Ngonidzashe Mudange, Claudia Norbury, and Upper College Charlie Froud and Emily Shepherd, gained the top prize in their category.

This coming year we look forward to welcoming Mrs Kate Coates to teach Latin, Greek and Classical Civilisation, and to an exciting residential trip to Greece led by Mr Andrew Hollingbury in the Lent Term. We wish every success to Ruby Coull (Classics and French at the University of Oxford), Ben Rathbone and Elizabeth Davy (both Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of Bristol) and OC Jackson Joly (NH, 2022) (Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations at the University of Durham). We also bid Mr Charles Wright hail and farewell this year. A well-loved figure among pupils and staff, with connections to College spanning five decades, including long terms as Head of Classics and Housemaster of Leconfield, Charles has been attempting to retire for 13 years, and we are all extremely grateful that he helped us out one last time, over these past two years.

Computer Science

Mr Jon Morton

Computer Science has gone from strength to strength at College. We now teach a solid curriculum for every year group, not just Upper College, and have taken our first exams with the Cambridge Technical Group.

As we never stand still in Computer Science, we have honed the projects for the Cambridge Technical Course. The pupils must design and implement a commercial website for a local artist to be able to display and allow the purchase of their works of art. Considering that the pupils have no programming knowledge when they start, they produce excellent websites. For the A Level course, we again had some interesting projects using computer vision, websites and a game.

Design and Technology

Mr David Lait, Mrs Kirstie Naish and Ms Kirsten Westgate Wow, what a year it has been in Design and Technology, with babies being born, and babies being announced. Miss Noleen Farmer returned continuing with Mrs Kirstie Naish’s maternity cover, Mrs Sarah Tradgett welcomed her second child, and Ms Kirsten Westgate joined, initially, on a part time basis teaching Third Form.

Unfortunately, due to a critical illness Mr David Lait was taken absent from school for six months. Kirsten stepped up in an amazing way to run the resistant materials side of the curriculum, and all members of the Department rallied to ensure that lessons were covered, and projects continued ‘business as usual!’ until David’s return.

Within the curriculum we put in place substantial changes. The Third Form had the opportunity to make nine mini projects on a four-week rotation between graphics, resistant materials, and textiles, making a range of products from plant potholders, isometric/orthographic drawings, desk tidies, laptop cases, coat hooks, and drawstring bags, all integrated with 2-D laser cut design and 3-D printing from Fusion 360.

The Fourth Form created revision boxes, tea light holders, and then moved onto a redesigned lamp project. This enabled

With the promise of such great results in both the Cambridge Technical and A Levels, all of our students received offers from their first choice of universities to study many diverse courses.

pupils to grasp the new content in the core section of their exam and introduce their coursework. In Fourth Form textiles we saw pupils developing a skills sketchbook and a project enabling them to identify and create a deeper understanding of the specialist textiles section for their GCSE.

Lower Sixth, continued with core theory, enabling them to gain further understanding, skills and knowledge for their exam. Lower Sixth textiles students created their sustainability projects called ‘Belonging and Beyond’. They were asked to bring in an old garment to upcycle using a range of decorative techniques such as pleating, gathering and pin tucks.

Students were also encouraged to dye fabric to transform it by using tie dye, marbling and specialist Procion dye. The final piece had a completely different end use. Shirts became shorts and jumpers became corsets. This was a one term project which enhanced the students’ making-skills ahead of the coursework which is worth 50% of the final A Level. They also did a bag project. These innovative studies continued with a visit to Mulberry where students gained a fabulous insight into textiles manufacturing and production.

Three of our Lower Sixth students entered the national Young Designer of the Year competition which is 100% self-directed. The theme this year was sustainability. Amber Gu was a finalist and went on to win the Online Challenge and Design Day Challenge at the Royal Grammar School, Worcester.

Fifth Form and Upper Sixth completed their final year conceptual challenges relating to their individual qualifications, which resulted in an end of year exhibition on Speech Day. Upper Sixth product design students were inspired by their individual challenges ranging from an outside bar to a single bed, a chicken coop and a dog washing facility that was able to be stored in the boot of the car.

Throughout this year pupils have been engaged in individual and independent projects, creating a wonderful, exciting and innovative atmosphere that pervades the whole Department.

Resistant Materials

George Grand Wills Moffatt

Isabella O’Neill

William Donaldson

Toby Ellis

Nabih Kerdagy

George Copcutt

Resul Nurjanov

Freddie Biddulph Ian Ng

Oscar Fuery

George Lawson

William Draper

Oscar Amies

Brad Mi

Jerome Yu

Rory Stevens

Edward Anderson

Archie Searson Ava Morling

Jamie Ragless Rex Yeung

Ben Eykyn

Jasper Hammerstein

Michael Wu Jim White Tor Allan

Tommy Bidwell Rex Knight

Resistant Materials

Tom Grafftey Smith

Luke Richardson

Marcus Bailey

Matthew Rosenfeld

Joseph Raphael

Freddie Robertson

Joseph Coley

Mickey Stranack

Tom Grafftey Smith

Tom Grafftey Smith

Sam Read Jasper Brumpton

Freddie Sanders

Textiles

Thea Moskob

Amelia Peech

Hebe Heynes

Zara Leach-Herrero

Chloe Wong

Sienna Lawson

Hayden Tong

Gwennie Gulland

Kate Kimball

Maddie Shepherd

Karly Syiek

Luisa Xu

Izzy Oxley

Pia Nichol

Textiles

Polly Cooper

Imogen Mansell-King

Holly Bullok Design Page

Hannah Edmonston’s up-cycle project

Amber Gu’s up-cycle project

Megan Dowd

Tilly Cooper

Amber Gu Design Page

Holly Bullok Design Page

Megan Dowd

Economics

Miss Stephanie Burns

The Economics Department ran the CISI Fundamentals of Financial Services Qualification as an elective for Lower Sixth students. This elective gave them an opportunity to gain an entry level qualification into the world of financial services. The CISI – Chartered Institute of Securities & Investments – is a global professional body who provide training and qualifications for the financial services industry. The qualification is an important first step in developing the essential basic knowledge required for working in financial services.

English

Mrs Sarah Price

Lit Soc has continued to be a jewel in the English Department’s crown. Curated by Dr Luke Davidson, topics have ranged from Milton’s Paradise Lost to Magical Realism, with guest speakers including OC Tom Stanton (H, 2018), Mr James Orchard, Mrs Jo Wintle and Mr Allen Stroud, Chair of the British Science Fiction Association.

We celebrated successes in a variety of national writing competitions, skillfully coordinated by Mrs Natalie McCallum: Moses Skinner, Esmé Cartwright, Milly Jenkins and Daisy McCormick received

They learned about commonly used financial products, such as shares, bonds, derivatives, and insurance whilst learning maths skills enabling them to compare the equivalent annual rate of interest with any quoted rate when borrowing money, the impact of leverage on equity owners, and the ability to calculate both bond and dividend yields. This qualification should enhance their UCAS personal statements and assist with work experience applications.

The student-led Cheltenham College Investment Society (CCIS) is now into its third year. Taking over the organisation of the society were three students from

recognition and publication in the Power of Poetry competition, and Melissa Watson has been published in the Integer anthology.

I am also delighted to name Charlie Chu, Karsen Ho and Intouch Sethi as the three recipients of the coveted Gold Award in the Cheltenham College Reading Diploma.

In December, we held the inaugural A Christmas Carol Day; costumes were donned, classrooms were renamed, and pupils were treated to a Victorian themed Christmas lunch in the Dining

Upper Sixth: Moses Skinner, Yoyo Fong and Max Volmar. The CCIS is open to pupils in all year groups with the aim of helping to educate and inform all those interested in the world of investments and finance, whilst also giving them fun learning experiences to put their skills and instincts to the test. Moses, Yoyo and Max organised share trading and oil marking trading games, along with share trading simulations. The pupils who have taken part in each activity have experienced both the highs and lows of trading in volatile markets: they have endured the frustrations of a bear market whilst pocketing the (imaginary) riches of a bull market.

Hall. In March, College hosted The Globe Players theatre troupe, with performances of A Christmas Carol (Fourth Form) and Macbeth (Fifth Form) alongside useful commentary, and a valuable Q & A session. In June, Mrs Sarah Price and a group of students planning on pursuing English related degree courses travelled to the University of Oxford for the chance to attend English lectures and soak up the atmosphere. A great day was had by all.

Geography

Mr Fraser Dobney

Geography continues to engage pupils with the contemporary issues of the day. The subject continues to be a hugely popular within College and the Department has enjoyed another very successful year.

We have welcomed several external speakers to the Department this year giving talks on topics such as the ‘Geography of Cholera’, ‘How Geography Influences Global Finance’ and ‘Is There a Future for Montserrat?’ The presentations given by our students at our half termly Bingen Society meetings have continued to impress staff by the intellect displayed as well as the discussions that they generate amongst the audience.

Finally, one of the great benefits of being a Geography teacher is being able to take pupils out on field trips and this year was no different with trips to the North Somerset Coast, river studies in the Forest of Dean, measuring the success of the regeneration projects taking place in Birmingham, urban studies in Cheltenham and finally an investigation into

History

Miss Jo Doidge-Harrison

The ‘Covid (IGCSE) Kids’ of 2021 faced A Levels this year with no experience of having sat a public exam series. Their approach was thus all the more formidable, and Summer 2023, in stark contrast to those of 2020 and 2021, will long remain in the Department’s memory as a halcyon time of collaborative brainstorming over the historic significance of Rapper’s Delight and Virginia Slims, forensic arguments over the exact date of the Ogaden War, amazement at Izzy Crewe-Read’s citing of Brogan’s ‘timid fog of grey conformity’ post-McCarthy, joy at Mr James Hayden’s Tudor questionspotting crystal ball, and laughter over ‘redneck chic’ and ‘bro country’. Will Edoardo Viva Simond indeed have finagled the great Waylon Jennings into an essay, no matter what the question? Only exam results will tell… Covid has not only seen exams on hiatus, but trips too, and we were delighted to be back to the battlefields this year carrying our pupil tributes to Old Cheltonians, the OCs acting as a window to ‘reveal’ the wider nature of the First World War. The Department staff have had their own trip out (never stop learning) surveying Hailes Abbey from Thomas Cromwell’s 1539 viewpoint on the dissolution, and recoiling from the behaviour of Thomas Seymour at Sudeley. Pupils spread their wings with external essays, William Hall winning a Commendation (and invitation to tea) in the St Hugh’s Oxford Julia Wood Prize, and Yoyo Hou winning the 2023 Morley Prize for superb independent research in another University of Oxford essay on the New

Bristol’s position as a global city. As always, my thanks go to Mr Will Bates, Miss Emily Hartley, Mrs Sarah Hayden, Mrs Michelle Lucas-Halliwell and Mr Owen Williams for everything that they have done to ensure that the Department continues to thrive.

Deal. Harry Dawson was richly deserving of the overall 2023 History Prize, as was Ruby Coull with the Galahad Cup. One of Morley’s favourite sons returned to College too: OC Joe Borkowski (H, 2015) in concert with the Careers Department, gave a superb talk on his work at Tony Blair’s Institute for Global Change… and he hasn’t changed a bit.

History of Art

Mr Nick Nelson

The end of academic year marked the completion of our first full cycle of the new Pearson Edexcel Examination Board Specification for History of Art. Students have studied the art of visual analysis across painting, sculpture and architecture alongside two themes, namely war and identities. The course culminated in a spot focus on two key periods, the Renaissance and the Baroque. Stimulus was provided through the auspices of the History of Art Society, a trip to the National

Mathematics

Dr Brendan Enright

The Department continues to enjoy success in national Mathematical competitions. Every year we enter the UKMT challenges, these papers are designed to test not only mathematical skills and knowledge but also ingenuity. At the senior level, 34 pupils received certificates for creditable performance and four pupils gained Gold certificates for being placed in the top 6% nationally. Top place in Lower Sixth was achieved by Tina Piao and top in Upper Sixth was Emily Lin. At the intermediate level a total of 93 pupils

Gallery in London and a Futures Week trip to Oxford. Yoyo Hou participated in two external competitions, and has been offered a highly coveted place at The Courtauld Institute of Art in London to read History of Art. We are also delighted that Donna French received offers to read the subject at the University of St Andrews and the University of Edinburgh and Eliana Hale at Edinburgh.

The highlight of the year, however, was undoubtedly our sojourn to Florence and Rome at the start of the Easter break. Eighteen students and three members of staff spent six days exploring the art and architecture of

achieved recognition with the award of certificates. This is a new College record. The number of Gold Awards this year was excellent at 17, our third best ever. Particular credit and congratulations must go to Danila Kurganskiy, Hendrie Ng and Melissa Watson, who were placed first in their year groups with scores which put them in the top one quarter of a % nationally. Furthermore 14 of these pupils were also invited to compete in the follow up rounds in which they did very well indeed.

The College Mathematics Society, now in its 16th year, is going extremely well. The highlights of the pupil presentations were the many talks

these two great cities which witnessed an unprecedented bourgeoning of culture. From the Renaissance in Florence in the fifteenth century to the bravura of the Baroque in Rome in the seventeenth, we were awe-inspired by a panoply of paintings, sculptures and buildings; most notably perhaps in Florence’s Uffizi Collection and Rome’s Doria Pamphili Gallery respectively. My thanks extend to both Mr Dan and Mrs Rebecca Evans for their meticulous planning and unrelenting sense of bon viveur. As we grow to two sets in the coming year to accommodate the new Lower Sixth cohort, it feels as if the subject is in hale state at College.

given by Brain Luo, in particular, his talk on the Fourier series was superb. This coming year’s President, Bertie Parkes also gave some excellent talks, including a proof of Euler’s identity via Group Theory. I would like to thank Brian Luo for his leadership of the Society over the last year. Finally, a thank you to all pupils who attended or gave presentations.

Modern Foreign Languages

Mr Keri Price

A highlight of the year in the Department has undoubtedly been the opportunity to finally resume our language trips abroad.

In October, Mr Keri Price led a trip to Salamanca for 28 pupils in our Fifth Form. In addition to five hours per day of intensive Spanish language lessons, pupils enjoyed activities and free time in this wonderful university city. Highlights included a city tour, a tapas night, a salsa class, a cookery lesson, and a trip to a chocolatería.

Also in October, Mme Helen Powell and Dr Elizabeth Gerry took Upper College French students on a wonderful trip to Bordeaux. Students took language lessons and enjoyed various cultural activities, including cookery lessons, cheese tasting, the wine museum and the world’s largest digital art centre in a former submarine base.

Mr James Coull organised another superb MFL inter-school debating event at College, hosting teams from other schools competing against each other and College teams. In January, Mme Wandrille Bates accompanied two French debating teams (Jude Richardson, Hannah Edmonston, Katie Baker, Charlotte Tomlins and Alice Tomblin) to the Joutes Oratoires competition at Marlborough College.

MFL Society events have included a Crepe and Kahoot! Night, and a highly successful Film Evening for the whole of Third Form in TLG to watch Les Choristes. In April, Ms Ana Lopez Reyes organised a wonderful Flamenco Evening for students in Upper College, in which they were treated to a talk on its origins, as well as lessons from a professional dancer.

Izzy Crewe-Read attended a prize ceremony at the German Embassy for her creative essay submission to a competition organised by the Deutsche Akademischer Austauschdienst, and Katie Baker, Nathalie Fowler, Charlotte Tomlins and Hannah Edmonston all gained certificates for their participation in the UK Linguistics Olympiad.

Travel Awards have been awarded to the following students in Lower Sixth to support their language learning: Molly Hurdiss will be spend time visiting farms in Provence to research her IRP on Agriculture in France; Jude Richardson will go to Lille on a work placement; Alice Tomblin will go to a French cookery school in the Alps; Ivan Luhovyi and Milly Jenkins will attend a Spanish language and cookery course in Valencia.

Additionally, inspired by the College trip to Bordeaux, Katie Baker and Hannah Edmonston have since organised their own trip to Accent Français language school in Montpellier, and Henri Jinivizian is volunteering for Care 4 Calais this summer.

Finally, we are delighted that Ruby Coull has been offered a place to study Classics and French at the University of Oxford.

Music

Mr Shaun Pirttijarvi

Academic Music continues to go from strength to strength, with strong uptake and results. It was fantastic to see the creativity displayed by the pupils in their performance and composition non-examined assessment (NEA) in particular, demonstrating truly personalised responses to the tasks.

This year saw the launch of the pBone Project at the start of the Third Form course. This was run in collaboration with Mr Sam Mills, Head of Brass, and saw the whole cohort learning to play plastic trombones (highly durable and suitable for the classroom!) over the four-week scheme, culminating in performances alongside a recorded brass ensemble backing track.

Politics

Following the departure of Mr Chris Reid, Mrs Sarah Dawson joined to teach the Lower Sixth. Mrs Alexandra Eldred went on maternity leave and Mr Paul Floyd will be holding the fort for her this coming year.

The Morley Society has been busy as usual and well attended all year, particularly by the Upper Sixth. Two politicians, William Hall Austin Thrussell, have been on the executive committee and they have made sure that politicians continue to be a big presence at every meeting. We have had talks on a wide variety of topics and have inspired some historians to present on political topics such as the situation in Northern Ireland. The annual Morley Dinner was another

The GCSE year groups have enjoyed deepening their composition skills and making great use of our new Spitfire Audio BBC Symphony Orchestra sample library within Logic Pro. This professionalstandard software has really inspired the pupils to think about the sounds they are creating and manipulating, and the recording outcomes have been incredibly realistic and satisfying. The intrepid Fifth Form have engaged very well with the demands of the GCSE course, especially in studying the Rondo from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto. Performance and composition

NEA has been completed to a truly high standard, and the challenge has been set for the cohort to achieve even more highly than their predecessors.

The Sixth Form classes represent the most diverse musical interests that we have had in recent years, with an array of instrumental/compositional skills

great success and featured famous political figures past and present. The Department ran two trips with the Lower Sixth enjoying a fantastic day out to the Palace of Westminster. They met the Right Honourable Alex Chalk, MP for Cheltenham and newly appointed Justice Secretary, for a Q&A. After that, they went up to the gallery of the House of Commons to watch the debate, led by the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly, about sending aid to Turkey and Syria following the earthquake. In Futures Week, Lower Sixth students interested in studying Politics and International Relations went on a trip to the Welsh Senedd in Cardiff Bay and were suitably enthused.

The Politics prizes were awarded to Molly Ropner and William Hall for their outstanding performances in the subject.

and predilections. Both cohorts have particularly enjoyed the Music for Media and Popular Music areas of study, with excellent analysis work undertaken of music by favourite artists Hans Zimmer, Stevie Wonder, and Daft Punk.

The Hendrix Society (formerly known as the Collier Society) is now fully embedded in the life of the Department, and pupils have presented on a range of topics including film music, video game music, and on Jimi Hendrix himself.

Pupils have had fantastic opportunities to hear live music this year, with the journey to Symphony Hall in Birmingham now becoming rather familiar! Highlights of the year include hearing Nicola Benedetti play Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto and attending the ever-popular Classic FM Hall of Fame concert, presented by John Suchet.

Mrs Alexandra Eldred

Psychology

Dr Tricia Norman

This was another year of growth and diversity for the Psychology Department as we began the Applied Psychology BTEC, a qualification that offers a different approach to assessment, with almost 50% coursework. Lower Sixth studied a range of topics, including the history of psychology, approaches in psychology, and the more practical element of the course, research methods. In the Summer Term students explored how babies make attachments and the impact these have on later life, as well as studying the topics of conformity,

Science

Dr Jamie Copeland-Jordan

Science is always an exciting place to be! Over the year we welcomed some outstanding speakers including: Nessa Carey (epigenetics); Tom Crawford (ocean dynamics) and Felix Flicker (solid matter physics). Pupils asked

obedience, and why some people are able to resist such social pressures.

Upper Sixth studied memory, biopsychology, explanations of and treatments for schizophrenia, causes of aggression and the formation and breakdown of relationships. Our thriving student-led Psychology Society met half termly and we had some fantastic in-house talks from Charlie Chu (fear and synaesthesia), Bea Cornwall and Miranda Tromans (forensic Psychology), Carrie Hui and Rachel Tam (unusual disorders), Edie Doherty and Immie Mansell-King (slender man), Ella Carnegie-Brown and Doris Wang (neuromarketing), Jamie Edmonston and George Davies (sleep paralysis) and Adrian Ng (imposter syndrome).

some insightful questions using their extensive science knowledge. The Science Society has been in its most fruitful year. Headed by Nicole Sze (President) and Luke Richardson (Vice President), students spoke on topics that sparked their curiosity, everything

The talks were exceptional this year, enabling all students to share their passion for Psychology topics beyond the course.

We say goodbye to our Upper Sixth students, a number of whom are going on to university to study Psychology or related degrees. We also bade farewell to Miss Rachael McGirr at Easter and wish her the very best of luck as she moves to a school teaching the visually impaired. After 11 years of setting up and leading an ever-increasing Psychology Department, I am leaving the Department in very capable hands with Ms Lissa Rogers and look forward to following future successes. I wish all the Sixth Form students every success for the future.

from what lurks at the bottom on the ocean to necromancy! I am excited that William Donaldson (President) and Vivien Li (Vice President) will run the society this coming year. In 2024 we will be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the refurbishment of the Department.

Biology

Mr Jonathan Thomas

This year’s edition of Discovery, our in-house Biology annual, contains some outstanding articles, investigating extremophiles, aging reversal, astrobiology, plant toxins and includes an article by Luciana Jaramillo-Ruiz, the winner of the inaugural Cheltenham Muscat Biology contest. Well done to the Lower Sixth editorial team, ably led by Emily Ng.

Over 100 Biologists have taken part in various Royal Society of Biology competitions this year. A special congratulations goes to Peter Nield and Serena Zhang who scored Gold in the most demanding of these – the Biology Olympiad - placing them in the top 5% of 13,000 students from more than 800

Chemistry

Dr Jamie Copeland-Jordan

The vibrant hum of the Chemistry Department continues to inspire and electrify, this year more than ever. We had some phenomenal results in the C3L6 (Cambridge Chemistry Challenge) competition with a haul of eight Gold, 10 Silver and 10 Copper Awards. In the Chemistry Olympiad we had some exceptional performances from Hilbert Liu (Gold, top 0.6 % of all candidates), Ismael Blanca Lahrech (Gold) and Emily Lin (Gold, her second!). Chemistry Spectacular continues to grow and go from strength to strength. In its seventh year, some new experiments were showcased including: acetylene

schools worldwide. Vivien Li was awarded Best in College for her entry to the Nancy Rothwell Biological drawing competition: a beautiful hand drawn anatomy of a koala. Tezita Roy-Assen was awarded Best in College in the Biology Photography competition for her beautiful shots of the African Savannah.

Congratulations to all our departing Upper Sixth Biologists, with a special mention to those with offers in particularly competitive courses, including: Nina Allan (Medicine), Geena Capps (Medicine), Praewa Mollison (Medicine), Lily Crowther (Medicine and Surgery), Charlie Cooper (Veterinary Science), Mahony Knight (Veterinary Medicine), Peter Nield (Biological Sciences), Hilbert Liu (Molecular Bioengineering) and Serena Zhang (Biochemistry).

combustion, two very loud barking dogs and ignition of liquid methane.

The Chemistry Spectacular roadshow went to Twyford Prep School, Davenies School, Naunton Park Primary School, Pinewood School and St Hugh’s Prep School; it is getting bigger every year! Our Chemistry students have pushed their teachers to their limit this year. With more students than ever applying to Oxbridge, we have had to go to university materials to cope with the demand! We are thrilled that Luke Richardson received an offer to read Material Science at the University of Oxford and Ismael Blanca Lahrech received an offer to read Chemical Engineering at the prestigious École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

(EPFL). The Chemistry Department drove teaching and learning this year by showcasing an evidence-based approach, drawing on the most significant education research to best inform our practice. The prep room is of course the engine room of the Chemistry Department and this year it was busier than ever, completing well over 2,000 different practical requisitions, a truly herculean effort! We are sorry to say goodbye to Mrs Sarah Orwin-Henderson and Mr Thomas Watson who are leaving for St Edward’s School, Cheltenham and The Grammar School at Leeds respectively.

We are excited to welcome Dr Christina Oldham from Cokethorpe School and Miss Lucy Manning from Tonbridge Grammar School.

Tezita Roy-Assenv

Vivien Li

Physics

Mr

Robin Eddie

This year has been another successful year for Physics with many Upper College students opting to take part in the Physics Olympiad. We are delighted that so many students were awarded certificates for their success. Angus Chu, Jean Choi, Yoyo Fong, Jessica Heynes, Max Volmar and Nicole Sze, were all awarded Commendations. Justin Wong and Sophie Essenhigh were awarded Bronze II. Joseph Tagg, Ismael

Sports Science

Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

Sports Science continues to thrive. In September we started the Level 3 CTEC Sport and Physical Activity Qualification. Students sat exams in Unit 1 Anatomy and Physiology and completed a written assignment for Unit 2 Sports Coaching and Leadership. This unit saw the students coach at Naunton Park Primary School. The young children and staff were hugely complimentary about these sessions and commented on just how professional and enthusiastic our Lower Sixth students were. Alongside this coaching, these students have also worked towards their junior Sports Leadership Award, which is an excellent qualification to use in the future.

Blanca Lahrech, Devanshi Kaura and Bryan Luo all secured a Bronze I. Bertie Parkes and Sam Zhao scored an impressive Silver. Richard Teng scored in the top 9% of students nationally to be awarded a Gold certificate. Well done to all those who took part. In the final week of the Summer Term our engineers worked with Bloodhound Education to develop their problem solving and design skills by designing aerodynamic K-Nex air powered cars. We wish the best of luck to our outgoing Upper Sixth, many of whom have secured offers from top tier universities for engineering.

Our A level and CTEC students enjoyed a day at Cardiff Metropolitan University, exploring their outstanding facilities and learning more about life at university.

All Lower College pupils continue to work hard. The current Fifth Form are our last cohort through the CIE specifications, and we look forward to the new classes embracing the AQA GCSE course which they have started. With the need for an individual sport, the Fourth Form have enjoyed the opportunity to play badminton and develop their swimming stroke technique.

The Department continues to remain committed and passionate about sharing their knowledge on the subject and we look forward to welcoming Mr Jordan Kontarines this coming year.

Theatre Studies

Mrs Sian McBride

It has been a tremendously busy year again in Drama with the usual trips, workshops, performances and the everyday task of preparing our GCSE and A Level pupils for public exams.

A highlight was a joint physical theatre workshop run by Frantic Assembly, attended by both Cheltonians and Sixth Form students from All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham. Later in the day we then attended an electrifying performance of

Frantic’s Othello, where pupils got to see the techniques that they had learned put into practice by the professionals.

We have a record number of our Lower Sixth Drama students looking to pursue a career in performance, so we were very excited to welcome theatre director Kate Golledge for our Department Day as part of Futures Week. Kate has extensive experience of running auditions for the National Youth Music Theatre and we were fortunate that she agreed to join us to run an all day workshop preparing our students for prospective Drama School auditions.

Theology, Philosophy and Ethics

Dr Matthew Harris

TPE pupils attended Severn Forum lectures, ‘Can we still believe in the soul?’ (Professor Conor Cunningham) and ‘The Long Shadow of “Holy Russia”: the background to the Ukraine Crisis’ (Lord Rowan Williams of Oystermouth, former Archbishop of Canterbury). Dr Mary Plint also included TPE as a subject featured in the two ‘Talks for our Times’ on gender with Andrea Kabogo and Amelia Weale both presenting for TPE.

TPE Society has been largely pupil-led (Victor LorenzettiSeffar, Freddie Hack, Anton Gambarini, Iona Davies, River Ho, Charlotte Tomlins, Ivan Luhovyi, Katie Rathbone), with talks

on Plato, Relativism, and even ‘The Office and Ethics’! There have also been staff-led talks on ‘Star Wars and Theology’ (Dr Adam Dunning), Peter Singer (Reverend Dr Adrian Samuel), and ‘The Problem of Evil’ (Dr Matthew Harris).

Lower Sixth students have gone to The Prep to deliver lessons on the Person of Christ to Year Eight (Katie Rathbone, Alvina Chan, Freddie Hack, Andrea Kabogo and Georgie Cook). Well done to OC John Gulland (L, 2022) for his place to read PPE at the University of Oxford. Dr Harris has published his Philosophy Course Companion. Dr Samuel has published a Philosophy textbook. Moreover, Dr Harris has been involved with several podcasts for ‘Philosophy Gets Schooled.’

Speech Day Prizes

Lower Sixth Upper Sixth

Sport

CCF prizes

All-Round Contribution

Co-Curricular

Academic Excellence

Adams Prize Archie Baker

Duleepsinhji Cup (boys): Harvey Sullivan

Stidworthy Cup Ollie McGrath & Harry Dawson

The Cadbury Cup Sophie Essenhigh

Adams Prize Bella Christie

Gasson Cup Jemima Walker

Duleepsinhji Cup (girls): Isy Yardley

Sloan Cup Lily Nicholson

The John Bowes Cup Henry Cane

The Galahad Cup Ruby Coull

The Army Leadership Prize Isy Yardley

The Millennium Trophy Emily Oates

Careers and Higher Education

Mrs Rebecca Evans

Our ‘Employer Talks’ programme this year included BBC Radio 2 from OC Ben Jones (BH, 2013), McLaren F1 Racing given by OC Angus Hall (Xt, 2013) and racing driver OC Josh Stanton (NH, 2017), The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change from OC Joe Borkowski (H, 2015) and Hargreaves Lansdown from OC Chris Hill (S, 1989). We welcomed back three more OCs Arabella Hoodless (A, 2020), Hamish-James Anderson (H, 2020) and Izzy Winstanley (Q, 2016) who spoke about their experiences studying Law and saw over 150 students meet over 30 employers from the Real Estate and STEM sectors in fast and furious careers carousels, and pupil career networking dinners.

Over 170 applications were submitted by the Higher Education (HE) team to UK universities (our highest number ever). We welcomed the Universities of Exeter and Cardiff to talk to the Lower Sixth about degree apprenticeships and university choices, the inimitable Jane Marshall from Optimising Futures about winning UCAS personal statements and the Upper Sixth were treated to insider knowledge from a senior Human Resources (HR) specialist about what she looks for in graduate applications.

Mrs Jo Wintle’s Oxbridge programme supported 25 students’ applications and six offers. Mr Nick Nelson’s overseas university programme has generated (at the time of writing) 18 offers and Mr John Jones’ MDV preparation has resulted in offers from top UK medical and vet schools including the University of Oxford, University of St Andrews and University of Bristol. The year also saw our highest level of interest in post-18 apprenticeships, with 17 students joining the first Apprenticeship programme established to support them through the process. Applications were made to, amongst

others, PwC, JP Morgan, The Ministry of Defence, Savills and Amazon.

The Young Entrepreneurs’ Club was launched, hosted by current parent Mr Oli Christie for students with burgeoning businesses. It was enormously encouraging to hear them share their acumen and ambitions for the future.

Lower Sixth Futures Week, saw students engaging in four days of careers, higher education and employability talks and workshops, alongside a visit to a UCAS discovery day in Birmingham, a mock interview for every student with an external interviewer, and sessions on financial literacy and cooking on a budget.

Spotlight on Futures

For a celebration of some very interesting and exciting futures’ choices, read on!

Ben Barltrop, War, Peace and International Relations,

I have applied to study War, Peace, and International Relations at Reading University. A Levels in Politics, History, and Economics have led me to develop a healthy obsession with international relations, spending much of my free time reading and researching current affairs, and their historical context. I hope to have a career in government, or an international organisation, which allows me to contribute towards ensuring lasting stability in areas that have historically struggled to maintain peace. If I had one piece of advice for my Third Form self, it would be to not wait until you feel comfortable about putting yourself forward to try new things like drama, music, or extra-curricular societies.

Theo Dobson, Horology

I have an offer to study Horology at Birmingham City University where I will learn the skills of clockmaking and repair, including movement and theory. I have always had a fascination with watches. I spend the bulk of my free time repairing watches and changing them to fit my own personal taste which led to the development of my own business. Before deciding on the course, I attended the open day to get a sense of what the course involved and explored some connections which provided me with some work experience. Everyone at College has been extremely supportive. My tutor helped enormously with my application in addition to Mrs Evans who was a huge help with my personal statement.

Megan Dowd, Fashion Marketing

I have applied for a degree in Fashion Marketing at the University of Leeds. I studied textiles, Business and Geography at A Level. I love the creativity of textiles whilst also enjoying the theory and business context within the subject. As a result, I felt that the natural path for me was a business-based degree in fashion. In preparation for my application, I gained some work experience in marketing and PR which reaffirmed my passion for the field. I feel that College has been vital in helping me to prepare for this next step with the wealth of information and support that has been available in finding and understanding which career path is best suited to me. I feel that I am aware of all the different options and opportunities that I have open to me.

Rosie Hattam, Paramedic Science

I have applied for Paramedic Science at the University of East Anglia. I began looking into studying medicine upon joining College, but it was only when I saw the reality of working in emergency medicine that I knew that was what I wanted to pursue at university and beyond. I prepared for my application by gaining a lot of experience working with people in schools and in medical settings as well as doing extensive research into university courses and completing the UCAT. College has helped me for this next step immensely: staff were honest and supportive when I was choosing my A Levels and when writing my application to university. I always felt like I could ask any question and the staff around me would give me an answer. My biggest advice to Third Form pupils is to utilise all the help that College offers, especially in the Careers Department.

Yoyo Hou, History of Art

I have an offer to study History of Art at the Courtauld Institute, University of London. I’ve had an interest in art since a very young age when my parents took me to museums and galleries. I have chosen to study History of Art not only because it is an enjoyable subject, but also because Art is a reflection of history and of our lives. It is like another language that surpasses the framework of language. In the future I would like to be a curator or an art dealer. Taking History of Art A Level has given me a great foundation of the subject and I read widely around my subject to prepare for my application. My advice to my Third Form self would be to never doubt yourself - just follow your heart and pursue what you really love.

Sofia Mediato Diaz, Motion Design, USA

I have applied for The Ringling College of Arts, in Florida, USA. I want to become a Motion Design professional and this course offers the study of animation and allows you to acquire knowledge such as 2D animation, 3D animation, Stop Motion and Photoshop. College has really encouraged me to explore my love of Art and when it came to applying to university, they really helped me with my application; my portfolio and writing my personal statement, as well as helping me to make decisions when the offers came in. For Third Form pupils, my advice would be to organise your work and ask for help if you need it. The teachers won’t bite, I assure you.

Ollie McGrath, Insurance Broker Apprenticeship

After College, I will be moving to London to begin my new role as an Apprentice Insurance Broker for Gallagher in the Motor Fleet Division. I spent a proportion of my Lower Sixth summer doing work experience in insurance and I very much enjoyed the interpersonal nature of the industry and had an opportunity presented to me a few months later by Gallagher Insurance. I’m keen to join the world of work and in the future I would love to run my own brokerage with a sports-based clientele as sport is a big passion of mine. College presents its pupils with numerous opportunities, and I believe it is so important to throw yourself into every aspect of College life as you never know where it will take you in the future.

Melissa Thompson, Interior Architecture and Design

I have applied to study Interior Architecture and Design, at Nottingham Trent University. I became interested in the course without actually knowing it existed. I have a passion for designing spaces and reimagining how they work, and Mrs Evans suggested that I investigated this course. I want to make a difference to the spaces that I create by making them more sustainable, functional, and beautiful whilst working with a range of clients from around the world. College introduced the Interior Architecture world to me and has helped me with my application process. If I could give my Third Form self one piece of advice it would be to go with my gut in all that I do and not to be afraid of the unknown.

Isy Yardley, Physiotherapy

I have applied to study Physiotherapy. I have always loved working practically, and with people, and I knew I wanted to work in the healthcare industry. Sport has played a very important part in my life and inevitably I have been in and out of physiotherapy. I became immensely interested in how and why the exercises I was doing aided my recovery. Physiotherapy opens up numerous avenues and joining the army has always been a career plan of mine, and one I aim to pursue. All the experiences I have had at College have set me up perfectly to tackle anything that life throws at me. My advice to my Third Form self would be to continue to follow your heart, no matter how many bumps in the road there are.

CO-CURRICULAR

Introduction

Our pupils have again thrown themselves into the breadth and richness of our co-curricular offering at College this academic year.

I have greatly enjoyed watching our pupils compete on the sports pitches, observing the teamwork and togetherness of our choirs, orchestras and ensembles, seeing pupil leadership in action, every week, within the CCF, welcoming pupils back, tired but fulfilled, from another Duke of Edinburgh expedition and, much more besides.

Our aim is to both challenge Cheltonians to try new activities and allow them to continue with existing interests,

Electives

All students in the Lower Sixth either take part in College’s extensive Community Action Programme or choose one of our Elective courses. Run by College staff, these give students the opportunity to extend their learning outside of the confines of their A level courses.

encouraging them to be the best they can. The co-curricular programme is set up to challenge pupils, teaching them the importance of resilience, perseverance and that hard work brings reward. We hope all of our pupils leave College with a sense of purpose and determination from all they have engaged with outside the classroom.

None of this is possible without the enthusiasm, commitment and dedication of our staff and I am hugely grateful for their support.

This Cheltonian publication will, I hope, give a flavour of the hugely varied opportunities on offer for our pupils and what achievements they have made throughout the year.

Mr Stephen McQuitty, Deputy Head (Co-Curricular)

Available topics include Introduction to Securities, the Mini MBA, Sports Leadership, Photoshop and Procreate, Philosophy, Leadership, Global Perspectives, Music, Life Drawing and Immersive Labs.

Mr Andrew Hollingbury

CCF

Every year we find our cadets taking greater ownership of the Contingent.

Providing tangible evidence of leadership experience is in such high demand by universities and employers and our senior cadets can now give clear examples of how they have led their sections, platoons and divisions over the course of a year, developed others and implemented planned change.

The Contingent was recognised in our biennial inspection as one of the best contingents in the country, particularly for developing leadership. Our departing Upper Sixth have taken on the challenge of leading the Contingent with real purpose and we thank Harriet Oates (Head of Corps), Isy Yardley (Deputy Head of Corps), Ben Barltrop (Head of Army), James Futers (Head of Royal Air Force), William Borchardt (Head of Royal Navy) and Emily Oates (Head of Fifth Form) for taking

full responsibility for the Contingent and for making training purposeful, enjoyable and dynamic. Isy has been particularly instrumental in introducing the St Nazaire Cup; an intersection competition connecting to where OC Commander Robert Edward Dudley Ryder (L, 1925) was awarded one of College’s 14 Victoria Crosses.

All our cadets have spent time developing core skills including first aid, navigation and leadership. The Contingent has been strongly represented at both College and the Cheltenham Town Remembrance Parade and Cadet Serjeant Major Molly Ropner has been outstanding as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, working with the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire on several occasions, including hosting Princess Anne.

The Army section all completed an overnight camp in South Wales. The Fifth Form particularly benefitted from being able to lead section attacks using both paintball and laser tag weapons which allows more dynamic training. All cadets

have been trained onto how to safely use the GP Cadet rifle and the Scorpion air rifle in preparation for summer camp. The Army section deployed to Okehampton camp on Dartmoor for a six-day camp aiming to develop leadership.

The Royal Navy section have been particularly cadet-led this year with William Borchardt instructing many of the lessons after four years of service. The Royal Navy completed a canoe expedition in the autumn on the River Severn. Training highlights include regular pool sessions and leadership training using our field guns. The Royal Navy had a joint summer camp in Weymouth with the RAF section and learned sailing, powerboating and mountain biking.

The RAF section completed a wide range of trips this year thanks to Flight Lieutenant Geraldine Hannam. In October they visited RAF Shawbury where cadets had not only a tour of the airframes but also talks on the design and maintenance of helicopters which were being repaired. The cadets have been climbing and all cadets have been

offered the opportunity to either fly in gliders at RAF Little Rissington or in tutor aircraft at RAF St Athan; this training has seen cadets show real resilience and it is excellent to see so many of the cadets with their blue wings for both glider and powered flight. The section continues to be the best presented in the Contingent.

All of our cadets completed a navigation training day in February to test their navigation skills in beautiful Cotswolds weather. Thirty-five cadets then went from this to successfully complete their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and we look forward to a high completion rate again this coming year. Cadets completed expeditions in the Cotswolds ridges and valleys between Stroud, Cirencester and Cranham.

We could not deliver the training we do without the support of our adult volunteers. Thank you to all who attended our Sword of Honour Parade and Dinner Night which again showed the pride and vitality of the Contingent.

Major Will Kemp, Contingent Commander (CCF)

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Volunteering is the unsung hero of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) scheme and gets precious little notice in our (or anyone’s) press. Behind the scenes, Cheltonians have been giving of their time in many areas, complementing and working alongside the Community Action programme and the charitable efforts of Houses and the pupil leadership team.

The Fourth Form group of Silver Award participants have struck up a very fruitful partnership this year with the nearby Cobalt Imaging Centre that provides Gloucestershire and nearby counties with medical imaging services. Our pupils prepared stationery gift packs which were sold to raise funds, and also hosted a delightful coffee morning together with a College Bake-Off competition. ‘Shout out’ to Mrs Lucy O’Malley for providing the inspiration and the dainty crockery that lent a Summer Fayre ambience and to Mr Andrew Hollingbury for being the inaugural winner of an event sure to be repeated. This was just a small representation of all that has been done by DofE volunteers in local residential homes, local hospitals, children’s care, The Prep and College Library, with the Scouts and in pupil’s local communities.

On the expedition front residential events were held again in the Beacons (twice), the Lake District, Snowdonia and the Cotswolds. Canoeing has become a feature of our Silver expedition and the boys and girls honed their paddle sport skills on the Ponsticill reservoir in the Beacons in readiness for a full-length paddle of Ullswater on the qualifying venture.

Whereas the Bronze journey in the Cotswolds had been in glorious sunshine, two days of mixed sunshine and showers followed the Silver canoeing but the success of the venture was not spoiled. ‘Fun’ activities were held later in the week on the Honister Via Ferrata (Italian for ‘iron path’ and a unique climbing experience in the UK) and in the Stonycroft Gill scramble before heading off on a weary journey home. The weather proved as great a challenge on the walking Gold expedition in Snowdonia as Sixth Formers contended with thunderstorms and a real drenching on the first night, in addition to demanding routes and wild camping. The sun shone just about long enough during the remainder of the trip for our young people to dry out a bit before a strong and tidy finish with impeccable timing at the end of five long days. This year’s was a tough expedition but a long sleep on the coach ride home heralded the much looked forward-to summer holiday.

The expeditions are an integral and well-known part of the Award. At College we set challenging ventures where character really does build. It has been fascinating this year, in particular, to watch strengths (and vulnerabilities) emerge in our young people and to see leadership potential come to the fore in some; it is when the going gets tough we see the natural leaders make their mark. All-in-all it has been a good year for wild country expeditions and all pupils have been successful.

Mr John Jones

In line with the school’s aims, pupils are enriched by their achievements in an exceptionally broad range of activities beyond the classroom. Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2023

Co-Curricular Drama

Mrs Sian McBride

The Variety Show

The annual highlight as always was the charity Variety Show. This year it was presented by a team of Upper Sixth students, each trying to emerge as the one true presenter. Henry Cane, George Carpenter, Edie Doherty, Sam Eykyn, Charlie Froud, James Futers, Rosie Hattam, Jake Holloway, Freddie O’ Neill and Isy Yardley led a wonderful night of song, dance, music, and performance. The final slot of the night saw the Senior Leadership Team take to the stage with a thrilling ABBA tribute; they truly surprised the audience and brought the night to an unforgettable close. It was a great night’s entertainment which raised £3,008 for the Shamrock School, Nepal and Gogar Primary School, Kenya.

And Then There Were None

In early February, we staged the Scholars’ Play, a spine-tingling ensemble performance of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None at The Playhouse. It played to sell out audiences, largely made up of paying members of the public who were bowled over by the talent of our pupils, who rose to the very difficult challenge of creating, sustaining and building tension as each of the characters were murdered in turn.

A Winter’s Tale and Brainstorm

The year ended with two Lower College plays featuring a cast and crew of nearly 50 across both productions. One of our casts performed a pacey and engaging A Winter’s Tale as part of The Prep’s Summer Shakespeare Festival. The other production Brainstorm was a semi devised piece exploring the teenage brain. It involved lots of audience participation where parents were asked to offer advice to their younger selves which was then shared with the audience. These productions proved how much talent is coming through the ranks, which makes us very excited for the future.

The Children’s Hour and The History Boys

Starting the year off we saw Chandos, Hazelwell and Southwood band together to produce a double bill of House plays in Big C. The Children’s Hour : A gripping and emotionally charged drama that delves into the destructive power of rumours and the consequences they have on friendship and reputation and The History Boys: A thought-provoking and witty exploration of education, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge. These were ambitious adaptations of two hard-hitting plays and it was truly impressive to see the pupils rise to the challenge and deliver the messages of these pieces. The 65 students involved got incredibly stuck in both onstage and off and were greeted by a well-earned standing ovation each night.

In March we saw the return of the full school musical since Covid times. Grease lit up Big C for three nights with a cast of nearly 60 on stage, a crew of 30 involved in tech, stage management and hair and make-up, and a further rolling crew of 20 pupils helping with front of house. A mammoth undertaking by pupils of all Houses and years, started small in October and slowly built up to an impressive event truly run by the pupils. It was incredible to step back and watch them take pride and ownership in what they had created and to enjoy it so thoroughly.

Co-Curricular Music

Mr David McKee

The Music Department at College had an eventful year, filled with remarkable performances and achievements. From Choral Evensongs to orchestral concerts and pop and jazz productions.

A regular highlight is the regular Choral Evensongs sung by Schola Cantorum. These services provided a platform for pupils to explore challenging repertoire and refine their choral ensemble skills. The final evensong of the term was especially memorable, featuring Parry’s Blest Pair of Sirens, and Bairstow’s To This Temple. OC Verity Peterken (W, 2019) a former Choral Scholar at Merton College Oxford, returned to sing the solo, adding to the exceptional performance.

There are various College musical competitions, and the House Singing competition fostered camaraderie and healthy competition among different Houses. Pupils showcased their vocal abilities and teamwork, creating an electric atmosphere as the whole community gathered to witness their talent and musical creativity. Chandos emerged as the winner, closely followed by Boyne House and Westal. Later in the year the individual Singing Competition provided an opportunity for pupils to shine in different genres, including pop, music theatre, and classical. The competition showcased their range and versatility, demonstrating their ability to perform

across various musical styles. Brilliantly masterminded by Head of Vocal Studies, Mr Richard Coxon, this always popular event was really well attended and supported throughout, including the heat and semi-final stages. Winners were Classical: Melissa Watson; Music Theatre: Aoife McBride; Pop: Daisy McCormick.

The end of the Autumn Term is always busy, and this year the Variety Show featured fantastic solos and the staff band’s entertaining rendition of ABBA songs. Pupils explored different genres and styles, impressing the audience with their skills in dance, comedy, and music. The Carol Services brought the Autumn Term to a close, with traditional carols and heartfelt performances filling the Chapel with festive spirit. The choirs sang beautifully, culminating in a College favourite, O Holy Night.

Orchestral concerts featured whole ensembles as well as notable solo concerto performances. The Symphony Orchestra, Wind Band, and Chamber Orchestra played music ranging from Bizet’s L’Arlésienne to Corelli’s Concerto No. 4, as well as film and pop music selections. Sinfonietta gave two performances, the first featuring soloist Kimmy Kwok performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto. Kimmy’s virtuosity and expressive playing really captivated the audience. She had previously also performed this work with Gloucestershire

Symphony Orchestra in the Pittville Pump Rooms, so it was particularly special for her to be able to deliver another sensational performance within College.

The second Sinfonietta concert was a piano concerto showcase, with Henry Hiscock, Sophie Essenhigh, and Bryan Luo delivering stunning performances of Rachmaninov’s 3rd, Liszt’s 1st, and Tchaikovsky’s 1st Piano Concertos. Their technical mastery and emotional depth left the audience in awe, highlighting the exceptional talent in this particular year group. It’s remarkable to have one student at the level required to deliver music of this complexity, but to have three within a single year group is truly exceptional.

The production of Britten’s Noye’s Fludde was a collaborative effort involving choristers and pupils from The Prep and partner schools. Soloists Mr Quentin Hayes and Ms Victoria Newman brought the biblical story to life through their exceptional vocal performances, marking a milestone for the Music Department. This is such an exciting work that allows musicians of a very wide range of experience to perform alongside each other: from a children’s choir and beginner orchestra to a professional string quintet, piano players and professional operatic soloists.

The Jazz Concert showcased the versatility and creativity of the College bands, with outstanding solo performances and captivating interpretations. The pupils’ ability to improvise demonstrated their individuality and talent. The concert celebrated the breadth of music available at College, highlighting the development of contemporary music in recent years. Further performances were possible at the Jazz on the Lawn event, which brought together more College jazz bands and pupil-led rock bands in a lively and energetic event. The fusion of pop and jazz solos created an atmosphere of celebration and excitement, with the talented musicians captivating the audience with their impressive performances. The weather fortunately was perfect, and the addition of a pizza pop up incredibly popular!

The success of the Music Department would not be possible without the dedicated team of teachers who inspire and enthuse their pupils. Their wealth of talent and expertise is a valuable asset. However, it is the pupils themselves who deserve special recognition for their enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment. They produce outstanding work within a busy environment, and the skills they learn as musicians will stay with them forever, regardless of their chosen paths and future careers.

The Wilson Diploma

September 2021 saw the launch of the Wilson Diploma to all Third and Fourth Form pupils, this means that the current Fourth Form are the first year to complete the new diploma. After two years of disruption, we wanted to encourage our pupils to take advantage of the many opportunities available to them at College. The Diploma aims to reward those pupils who get involved, reflect on their progress, and embody College Core Values.

At College we aim to support our pupils to fulfil their ‘Cheltenham Potential’ by developing and encouraging them toward the virtues of Character, Creativity, Curiosity, Community and Continuous Excellence. Through the Wilson Diploma, we seek to recognise the most ‘Cheltonian’ of pupils.

The current cohort of Third and Fourth Form have made some unbelievable contributions throughout the Diploma. It is important to recognise both those that have excelled throughout and those that have shown the most growth over the two years. This year’s Platinum and Gold Award Winners, listed below, have all demonstrated the Cheltonian Spirit, some from day one but importantly some have found their way later in the cycle.

OC Edward Adrian Wilson (Day Boy, 1891), one of our most celebrated Old Cheltonians, embodied the five Cheltenham College Core Values. He was revered for his academic curiosity and phenomenal endurance as the Chief Scientific Officer on Scott’s ill-fated expedition to the South Pole. Wilson was also routinely acknowledged for his strength of character, creativity in the face of adversity and the camaraderie he brought as part of a team.

‘Words must always fail me when I talk of Bill Wilson. I believe he really is the finest character I ever met - the closer one gets to him the more there is to admire. Every quality is so solid and dependable; cannot you imagine how that counts down here? Whatever the matter, one knows Bill will be sound, shrewdly practical, intensely loyal and quite unselfish.’ - Robert Falcon Scott , Scott’s Last Expedition: The Journals

2023 Platinum Award Winners

Fourth Form: Johnny Cheung, Isabel Churchfield, Emily Grant, Lily Ropner, Curtis Pang, William White

Third Form: Charlotte Culver, Summer Evans, Saffron Friedmann, William Geary, Paddy Grand, Anirudh Limbu, Elyssa Michelin, Isabella Sanford, Liam Tse, Isabella Whitelocks, Ricky Yao, Yolanda Yan, Jiayi Zhang, Mr Matt Preston

This year College Prefects elected Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) as their main charity. Based in Gloucestershire, CHYP’s mission is to find housing and support for homeless young people in Cirencester and across the county. The main fundraising event was a whole College Zumbathon which took place on the Cotswold Astro one Sunday morning in October. Pupils and staff were put through their Zumba moves by Cheryl and Lucy from Heath & Jackson Clubbercise Cheltenham & Gloucester.

The annual charity rugby match at against Sir Thomas Rich’s School took place at Kingsholm (a loss for College) in November and the term’s charity programme was ended with both staff and pupils donning their Christmas jumpers. The two key events in the Spring Term were the Valentines Gift Project and the annual charity netball match (another loss for College). Our opponents this year were Malvern College and the event involved a House shoot-out competition which was won by Newick House. By year’s end, the total raised for CHYP exceeded £24,000.

Other House fundraising activities all focused on their adopted charities, bringing the total amount raised by

CHARITY

College pupils to just over £50,000 and the Bellamy Cup was deservingly won this year by Westal (see below).

Meanwhile a Bake-Off and coffee morning raised £327 in aid of Cobalt which will go towards funding Ms Megan Willsher, the Cobalt teenage and young adult cancer nurse who is based at Cheltenham General Hospital. Megan currently looks after 35 16-25-year-old cancer patients.

College continues to support, through its Humanitarian Aid Project Fund, Gogar Primary School in Kenya, and Shamrock School, Nepal. The Langa Township Pre-School Trust in Cape Town has also been a major recipient of funds this year; over £25,000 has been donated to part-fund a new facility for preschool children.

Hazelwell adopted Cornerstone as their local charity and in the Summer Term, 30 volunteers from the Cornerstone Centre in Cheltenham were hosted by the boys of Hazelwell. The boys offered practical assistance and held fundraising events. As a way of thanking the volunteers for what they give to Cornerstone, the boys invited to them to afternoon tea which was served in the Library. Afterwards, many of the volunteers attended Sunday evening Chapel service.

Dr Adam Dunning

Start a Heart

Bellamy Cup Winners

Just over £6,500 was raised for Westal’s adopted charity A Life for a Cure, a charity which raises awareness of meningitis. The chief fund-raising event was a black-tie performance and auction evening. This was followed by s series of fundraising events throughout the year which included a Casino Night, a bake sale and a 36-hour sponsored cycle. Westal also adopted a second charity, a Cheltenham foodbank and community centre, Springbank. Over the course of the year every girl from the House has volunteered one hour of their time to Springbank, stacking and refilling shelves, helping families find food, and working on the check-out tills. In addition to this, at least 16 pupils from Westal have undertaken individual fundraising challenges for a wide range of charities.

Dr Adam Dunning

For the first time the Health Centre embarked on some charity fundraising and chose to support The British Heart Foundation (BHF). We recognise the value in training our pupils in the important lifesaving skill of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Defibrillation. So, our ambitious initiative was to train all College pupils in these vital skills. In the evenings the Lower Gym became home to the nursing team, 12 mannequins, our in-house trainers Iain Hamilton and Rob Towersey, our pupil CPR Champions and many pupils. Our goal was to teach them the importance of excellent quality, uninterrupted CPR and whilst the message is serious, we also had fun sharing these skills. As pupils practiced their chest compressions to the rate of 100-120 bpm, sounds of ‘Dancing Queen’, and ‘Staying Alive’ resonated across the field. We will be building on this yearly, so all pupils will get refresher training. Thank you to all those who donated; we raised more than £1,000 for the BHF and will continue to support this charity in the coming year. Look out for ‘Restart A Heart Day’ on and around October 16th every year.

Fiona Parry

House Charity Triumphs

Ashmead CoppaFeel: £2,100

Boyne House James Hopkins Trust: £4,000

Chandos Cheltenham Animal Shelter: £1,358

College Lawn Open Door: just over £1,000

Christowe It’s in the Bag: £1,235

Hazelwell Cornerstone Centre & Ukraine Crisis: £4,000

Leconfield Barefoot project: £3,766

Southwood The Trussell Trust: £2,160 (plus £2,000 in food donations)

COMMUNITY

Chapel

Last year’s Chapel highlight – the Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving Service on Speech Day – was followed, in the very first week of the Autumn Term, by a service to mark the death of our former Sovereign. The contrasting emotions of these two services - joy and sorrow - was palpable. The first singing of the National Anthem brought home to us all the fact that one era had ended and a new era has begun. The service of thanksgiving to celebrate the Coronation of The King closed the chapter on this procession of royal events.

The continuing enthusiasm for Chapel can be seen in the willingness of pupils to volunteer to give a Chapel talk. This year 32 pupil talks were scheduled, and some of the themes included ‘Passion’, ‘Vulnerability’, ‘Community’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Humour’, ‘Rejection’ and ‘Praise’. This year’s winners of the Jackson-Matthews Prize for the best Chapel address were Ben Barltrop, who reflected on the ‘Ethics of Violence’, and Carys Bradford and Ngonidzashe Mudange who jointly presented a talk on ‘Colourism’. Their respective talks are printed here.

One notable Chapel innovation this year was the introduction of the ‘Panel Discussion’. Three such discussions took place: on Valentine’s Day we reflected on ‘Love in Literature’; just before Easter, three Christian members of staff reflected on ‘What the Cross means to me’; and in April the genius of William Shakespeare was the focus of our reflections. In addition to this, pupils are now writing and reading their own prayers each day, bringing the morning service to a close.

On a Sunday morning in mid-December, just before the end of term, a localised snowstorm turned Cheltenham into a winter wonderland. The timing was rather heavenly since the Cheltenham Society Carol Service was scheduled for that very day. Singing Christmas carols as the snow fell outside gave to all who managed to be present, a memorable start to the holiday season.

In May we welcomed the Bishop of Tewkesbury the Right Reverend Robert Springett who confirmed 19 pupils into the Church of England; very pleasingly five of those confirmed were brothers and sisters from just two families. The service had an ecumenical dimension; five Roman Catholic pupils, who had been confirmed two days earlier in St Gregory’s parish church, sat together with their Anglican brothers and sisters.

The Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Venerable Hilary Dawson preached on Remembrance Sunday. Out of the many fine sermons from visiting preachers, we should note the following three: Bishop David Jennings spoke powerfully, at our Epiphany Eucharist, about the inability of the powerful to recognise and accept Christ; Archbishop George Stack became the first ever Roman Catholic Bishop to preach at College; and the Reverend Richard Coombes (Cheltenham) retold the parable of the Pharisee and the Publican.

Dr Adam Dunning

Ben Barltrop on ‘Ethics of Violence’

‘No form of violence can ever be excused in a society that wishes to call itself decent.’ Nelson Mandela

No matter how justifiable and necessary the use of violence may be it is always abhorrent. In a civilised society, the infliction of harm on others should not be considered a means of resolution or a tool of politics. So why is it so pervasive in our society?

Evident from our early stages of evolution, humans have a natural capacity for violence. From the use of tools as weapons to evidence of co-ordinated group violence, humans have had an advantage over other groups in the competition for resources and territory.

However, it is equally compelling to argue that violence is learned behaviour shaped by social and cultural factors. Multiple studies, such as the one conducted by the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, have shown that children who grow up in violent or abusive households may be more likely to engage in violent behaviours themselves. Similarly, cultural norms and attitudes towards violence can influence an individual’s behaviour. In extremis, we see some societies normalising and even glorifying violence.

Some may argue violence can be justified, especially in cases such as in your own protection, the protection of

others, or even the protection of your country, and I’d agree to some extent. However, Chris Hedges described violence as ‘a disease that corrupts all who use it, regardless of the cause’. He highlights that any use of violence is bad, whether it is justified or not, as it not only erodes the foundations of a civilised society but also has a deeper impact on us as people.

However, I cannot stand here and tell you that I am a pacifist. I do not unconditionally deplore those who turn to violence. The historians among you may be aware of Britain’s policy of appeasement in the 1930s allowing the Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler, to expand German territory unchecked. This was the British Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain’s, peaceful attempt to avoid violence and war with Nazi Germany. However, this is best summed up by Winston Churchill, who described it as ‘an unmitigated disaster’. And so, this is an example of a time when violence was practically inevitable short of surrendering to the Nazis after the failure of a peaceful strategy.

Nonetheless, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’. Making peace through non-violent means is hard. Following the 9/11 terror attacks in 2001, America and the world demanded justice. The American Congress put forward an act to allow the President to use the military to hunt down those responsible. Well, how did that go? The invasion of Afghanistan alone led to the deaths of almost a quarter of a million people. Only one person voted against this act; the Representative for California, Barbara Lee. The slanderous backlash against her was angry and hostile. However, in her speech she quoted Nathan D. Baxter, Dean of the Washington National Cathedral, who said ‘As we act, let us not become the evil we deplore.’ As the war arguably only served to perpetuate the cycle of violence, her caution put her on, what some might argue, was the right side of history. Despite violence being committed against America, she was bravely, calmly and deliberately careful not to commit impulsively to violent retaliatory acts.

I’d argue that this is not dissimilar to when the Romans came for Jesus. Matthew, one of the 12 apostles, drew his sword against them. However, after Matthew proceeded to slice the ear clean off one of the guards, Jesus intervened. ‘Stop,’ he said to him. ‘Put away your sword, for all those who live by the sword, will surely die by it.’ Indeed, the novelist Wendell Berry said that violence breeds violence and that such acts prepare and justify its continuation. Whilst true I think that some depth and nuance is required when we approach the topic of violence. George Orwell called those who condemn violence hypocrites so I will not condemn it entirely. Instead, let me ask you to consider supporting peaceful means; before resorting to a final, violent course of action, consider turning the other cheek.

Carys Bradford and Ngonidzashe Mudange on ‘Colourism’

Have you ever felt embarrassed? You tripped over. Your crush actually spoke to you. This is ordinary stuff that happens all the time and probably isn’t that important, is it? Then there’s the next level of embarrassment. Shame. Did you do something you knew was wrong? We feel this emotion less often. Then there’s feeling wrong. There’s feeling like you are so incorrect in yourself that you are ashamed and embarrassed. Have you felt this? Do you know someone who has? Feeling wrong despite the fact that you are perfect as you are forms part of what we are talking about today.

Colourism is defined as the ‘prejudice against people with dark skin.’ Colourism favours people with lighter skin tones and furthers the ideology of ‘the lighter the better.’ This can be traced back to slavery and colonisation. When slavery was established in the United States in 1776, slave owners most notably separated slaves according to their skin tones. Slaves with skin tones that were lighter and closer to their owner’s skin colour, would have domestic jobs, taking care of their owner’s children, whilst slaves of darker tones had to work outside in horrible conditions, most infamously picking cotton.

When slavery was abolished in 1865, it greatly affected lives of African Americans with dark skin tones, as they struggled to find jobs unlike their lighter skinned counterparts, who often got more job opportunities.

Colourism is found all over the globe, both in the past and present. For example in Rwanda when Belgium inherited the colony in 1919, the Belgians separated the people into the tribes: Hutus and Tutsis. The Tutsis were greatly favoured by the Belgian colonisers because of their lighter skin. However, Hutus were considered below the Tutsis because of their darker skin. This had a devastating consequence. It caused tribal tensions that led to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the deaths of 800,000 people.

Turning to the modern day, as a result of colourism, darkerskinned actors and entertainers struggle to make it in the

entertainment business. This is not simply an African issue; in Bollywood, many darker skinned actors have complained that they struggle with finding acting roles due to their skin tone. Notably, Pallavi Sharda, a star in the Bollywood industry, stated, ‘There’s no doubt there is a bias against darker-skinned actors in Bollywood.’ So, what are the consequences?

Skin bleaching is one of the most devastating and most prevalent consequences of colourism. In the year 2021, the skin bleaching business was worth over six billion dollars and it is predicted that in 2027, the business will be worth 10 billion dollars. Not only do people have to resort to such destructive practices, they pay dearly for it too. Skin bleaching is not only expensive, but it also has dangerous impacts on the kidney, thyroid, liver and ultimately the nervous system. How can this disgusting industry be worth so much? Because many people feel they have no choice. There are fewer darker-toned women on the list of the most successful and highly paid actresses due to being pushed into smaller roles, whilst lighter-skinned actresses get a variety of roles and a greater chance to be in the spotlight. All because lighterskinned actors are more ‘sellable’. This bias towards ‘lighter, brighter’ skin is found on almost every platform.

Take the Disney Channel, for example. Let us tell you why you’re more likely to have heard of Zendaya than Coco Jones. Colourism is the reason why Coco Jones got a role in a Disney Channel Original Movie called ‘Let it Shine’ yet, unlike her paler skinned counterparts, Coco struggled to find many further acting roles and her career was cut short. Jones cites her darker skin as a reason, saying ‘If somebody else looks a little more ‘marketable’, it doesn’t matter how much talent you have.’ Indeed, Zendaya herself credits her $20 million career, at least in part due to her ‘privilege’ of being a lighter-skinned black girl. Talking at the BeautyCon Festival she described herself as the industry’s ‘acceptable version of a black girl.’

So, colourism is racism’s subtler cousin. If a school, a firm, a region, a country has racist laws or policies, they can be challenged and changed. Colourism isn’t like that. Colourism is the unconscious bias in interviews. Colourism is the push towards ‘lighter and brighter’ skin. Colourism is dangerous because half the time we don’t know it’s there.

So, what can we do? When we try to tackle colourism, we don’t start with laws or practices, we start with awareness. Maybe one of you will be a movie director and cast a darkskinned actor not to meet diversity needs but because they are right for the job. Maybe one of you will be a teacher, encouraging an Indian student that they don’t need to resort to dangerous skin bleaching when their skin is perfect the way it is. If we as a community can learn to be aware and to care about the discrimination some of us face, then maybe we can stop children feeling wrong.

Thank you.

‘For the Love of God and a Matron’ by one of our Marvellous Matrons, Mrs Helen Bloxham

I want to talk to you about love.

I am Helen one of the ‘Marvellous Matrons’. I have been asked by boys in Hazelwell if I always wanted to be a Matron. Sometimes they are surprised to hear that I was a primary school teacher for nearly 20 years. I had only ever heard of the role of Matron on a hospital ward, oh and seen the one in the Carry On films! I didn’t let that put me off when I saw the role of Matron advertised here.

In preparation for this talk I asked my fellow Matrons some questions about love and being a Matron. ‘Why are you a Matron?’ I asked the ‘Marvellous Matrons’. Certainly not for the money they agreed but like you they all enjoy the holidays! It’s a fulfilling, nurturing, caring role a bit like ‘being a Mum’ but on a much larger scale! They like being around and gently guiding young people. They love the people at College, the beautiful environment and the lunches! They feel like they can make a difference, providing comfort and support to you especially in House when you are away from home, for some of you a great distance away! It’s a role that suits family and home life (in the future you will discover the importance of a work-life balance). Being a Matron is never boring, it can be challenging but there is real job satisfaction.

As a Christian I also feel that this role helps fulfil my calling by God. As it says in Romans 5v5: As God loves us, he also calls us to love others.

There were some thoughtful responses to my next question: ‘What do you love and not love about being a Matron?’ They don’t love being called ‘Matron’, tracking you down when you don’t turn up for registration, smelly bedrooms, not having enough time to do everything expected of them and sometimes the lack of respect demonstrated by you when you leave things for others to do. Clearing up after yourselves in the kitchen springs to my mind! Seeing students give up and not persevere with things they find challenging. When you have all left for the holidays, locking down the House at the end of term is exhausting! Admin and IT issues – things that take away from the caring nature of the role. When you are upset or hurt.

They do love the good relationships and strong bonds formed with you, working as a team with other colleagues, the atmosphere in Houses, especially the excitement around House events like House Pots and House Singing. They enjoy making the House feel like a home and making sure that you and your parents know that you are safe and loved. Seeing you make it through despite all the worries/challenges/

lack of confidence/exam nerves and seeing you achieve your goals. Watching you perform, on a field, in a drama production, music recital or a Chapel talk!

Looking back at The Bible verse about the nature of love, I hope you agree it describes the love that you receive from your Matrons - patient, kind, not boastful or arrogant, irritable, or resentful. A love that rejoices with you and hopes for all things for you.

What do you think the Matrons thought love is? A profoundly passionate tender affection for another human being, kindness, respect, looking after each other, caring, unconditional, showing that you are thinking of others in your actions and words, choosing to see the best in everyone, feeling safe, supported and totally accepted for who you really are.

And how do we show that love to you? We listen without judgement giving you time and space when you need it. We are a shoulder to cry on and give hugs when needed. We provide fun, lots of laughter and yummy snacks in house! We take time to get to know you making sure you know that we are always there for you, showing genuine interest in your lives. Being your biggest supporter but also your critic. Love can be tough sometimes! Even when you are in trouble, we let you know you are valued, and that we care!

Here’s a challenge for you: how do you show love to your Matron? It can be as simple as a please and thank you - good manners mean everything. An offer of help (in that kitchen) or a cup of tea!

And finally, some advice from the ‘Marvellous Matrons’: live in the moment and take little steps at a time. Everything happens for a reason, trust your gut feeling and call it out if it’s not right! Be the best you can, put in the effort and your best is enough. Be yourself and remember to be kind. Be kind to yourselfself- care is important.

It’s been a privilege for me to talk to you as one of the ‘Marvellous Matrons’ this morning and it’s a privilege for us to have this nurturing, caring and loving role at College. It’s very true what the recent Inspectors said that ‘Students love the Houses, and the Houses love them’. Remember in life…… love is all we need.

Chatfeild-Roberts Library

The Library benefitted from an extensive refurbishment during the summer months of 2022, which has greatly enhanced the space as an oasis of calm for studying, reading, or simply relaxing. Sunday well-being activities were introduced during the Spring Term and have proved popular. Pupils play chess or other quiet board games, read the newspapers, complete a jigsaw, or read a book.

The Reading Diploma continued to thrive with an average of 80 pupils and 60 staff enrolled in the challenge each term. The reading lists were revised to increase choice within each level and to maintain a balance between fiction and non-fiction titles. Frequent book displays and newsletters highlighted various aspects of our impressive collection, with books featured in displays being eligible to count towards the Diploma. Numerous new titles were acquired based on book award nominees and recommendations from pupils and staff.

Pupils completing the Foundation and Extended Project Qualifications benefitted from library-led sessions to explore the resources available in the library, and to learn more about becoming responsible, ethical consumers and communicators of information. Our online resource offering continues to evolve, and all are available via links on the library page within the College Digizone.

The Library supported a pilot paired reading programme led by Dr Luke Davidson. A team of dedicated teachers from many departments undertook intensive training from Thinking Reading, a company specialising in evidence-based methodology for improving reading skills, to help some of our reluctant readers to flourish. Pupils in the programme became regular visitors to the library, gaining confidence in selecting books to read, and becoming some of our most prolific readers.

Pupils from the Fifth and Sixth Forms enthusiastically embraced the revision sessions offered during the Easter holiday, with an average of 50 attendees per day across two sessions. The focus and dedication demonstrated by those who attended was exemplary. The peer-to-peer support to help deepen understanding of complex topics truly embodied the Cheltonian core values of Character, Community, and Curiosity. As GCSE and A Level exams began, the Library continued to welcome many pupils - both during the day and during evening prep - who found the space conducive to focused revision.

Ms Sue McNeil

Archives

In another busy year in the Archive, we have been involved in several outreach events including Heritage Open Days and a careers day at Gloucestershire Archives. The Autumn Term involved The Prep Year 7 Archives Club in which they explored some of the surprising exhibits of the now dispersed Cheltenham College Museum. There is a large ongoing appraisal project to identify records we should no longer retain for archive purposes and remove them from the

collection, as well as several new acquisitions including the beautiful architects’ plans for the Chapel cloisters which were built as a memorial to the Great War. All of this was achieved while answering several hundred research enquires from The Prep to PhD level. At the time of writing, the project to restore the fabulous portrait of Edward Wilson is ongoing and there are a few other exciting projects which will come to fruition in the coming year. Please see the article later in the publication.

Miss Hannah Dale

Cheltenham Education Partnerships

College was a founding member of the Cheltenham Education Partnership (CEP) and partnership activity with schools in the maintained sector continue to flourish. The Science Department organised a series of Science Lectures, Science intervention support sessions, as well as the annual ‘Chemistry Spectacular’ event. Balcarras School used College facilities to host their Sixth Form discussion evening and the Sports Department organised a rugby skills event for 10 local primary schools. In March, College was very honoured to welcome Lord Rowan Williams of Oystermouth, former Archbishop of Canterbury, on the day he gave a lecture on the war in Ukraine to the local Severn Forum.

Our enhanced partnership with All Saints’ Academy, Cheltenham remains at the heart of our partnership work. As they approached their Oxbridge admission, Year 13 students from the Academy received advice and interview preparation from College staff, whilst Year 12 Business students from both schools took part in the Mini MBA competition. As in previous years, Year 11 pupils continued to receive GCSE exam focused tutorial sessions at College in English, Maths and Physics.

In June the annual Year 10 Public Speaking competition was won by a team from All Saints’ Academy who spoke on ‘Colloquialisms in the English Language’.

College staff continue to deliver the CEP Latin programme for pupils in the state sector and Dr Luke Davidson continues to run the CEP Literature Society; his last session of the year on the poetry of John Milton was very well attended by pupils from at least three schools.

In March, College hosted a very successful session of CEP’s

‘Chelt4Change’ series. Eighty pupils from eight schools were involved. As an audience they had to decide upon the most serious threat to global peace and prosperity. Each participating school presented in front of a group of expert panellists which comprised Dr Stephanie Hare (technology expert and author), Mr Philip Norris (editor at Glos Live), Reverend Canon Dr Mike Parsons (expert in technology and religion) and Professor Kenny Lynch (Professor of Community and Development at the University of Gloucestershire). By the end of the event, the audience came to the view that misinformation and far-right extremism are the most significant threats to our peace and prosperity.

In June, College hosted a CEP event involving the German ambassador to the UK (His Excellency Miguel Berger) and the Right Honourable Alex Chalk MP. Over 50 pupils from five schools in Cheltenham listened to Ambassador Berger as he reflected on the importance of language and cross-cultural exchanges as well as his work in the German embassy. The questions which followed ranged from the conflict in Ukraine to the impact of Brexit on Anglo-German relations.

Dr Adam Dunning

Community Action

Lower Sixth

This year, we were able to run an even bigger programme, albeit with some hospital and care home venues still unable to accept students due to Covid restrictions. Those where students have been able to visit have been very successful; Cheltonians have been involved in all sorts of fun games, craft activities, gardening and music. A student from our international community befriended a resident who was a Mandarin speaker and they were able to enjoy weekly chats in their native language.

We had four charity shops on board this year, each giving students the opportunity to learn retail skills: window dressing, stock and cash control and customer service.

The team at Cotswold Riding for the Disabled Association were able to accommodate more students this year, all of whom were experienced riders. They enjoyed the

opportunity to be out of the classroom and to help with an array of tasks at the riding centre.

Over half of the programme saw students volunteering at local schools – primary, secondary and those for children with special needs. One particular success involved a group of students helping in drama sessions. Another group were tasked with helping young readers to improve their skills – and were even part of an inspection! Students based in schools for children with special needs initially found the environments daunting, but quickly found their feet. They have delighted in seeing how quickly their charges have progressed, which in turn has cemented their desire to pursue a career in medicine.

Four pupils looking to study medicine at university were given the opportunity to volunteer weekly at the hospital. Initially working alongside a mentor, students were based on wards, helping with a range of tasks, and getting a real-life feel for a career in health care.

Mrs Emma Hindle

Internationalism

As ever, we began the academic year with a packed and informative international induction, which ran over the course of three days. With larger numbers than ever this year, the programme boasted practical EAL lessons, essential orientation around the campus, bowling in town, and much more. By means of a follow-up, an induction reunion social later in September aimed to gauge how our new students had settled in.

Soon after a deep dive into full College life, we celebrated both the Mid-Autumn Festival and European Languages Day during Autumn Term. We enjoyed hosting our first two exchange students from The Paul Roos Gymnasium High School for Boys in Stellenbosch in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Olly and Samuel, who added bon viveur, exemplary manners, and sporting prowess to our esteemed establishment. We also welcomed to College the Headmaster of The Grange School in Santiago, Chile in the Spring Term, an educational establishment founded by OC Andrew Jackson (H, 1917), with a view to establish a reciprocal exchange programme. Similarly, Mr Nick Nelson accompanied two students to Groton School near Boston in The United

States of America, a school also founded by an OC, the Reverend Endicott Peabody (NH, 1876) to experience their Global Programme for Intercultural Exchange in July 2023.

The Lunar New Year in January was recognised with two formal meals for Lower College pupils in the College Pavilion and for Upper College students in the Golden Mountain restaurant respectively. However, the highlight of the calendar was undoubtedly the International Dinner in March. Whether in black tie or national dress, nearly 120 pupils celebrated our diversity with a delicious international meal. After-dinner speeches by our two international prefects Ismael Blanca Lahrech and Praewa Mollison capped off a convivial evening most appropriately.

This year our international students made their presence most keenly felt with a compelling presentation in Chapel on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This dovetailed neatly with the founding of the inaugural College Anti-Racism Society. My thanks go to our EAL Department staff who continue to support our students admirably, and of course to our departing International Prefects Praewa and Ismael who have led with considerable aplomb.

Mr Nick Nelson

Pride and Allies

This year, the Pride and Allies Team have worked on improving College’s Equality and Diversity policy. The Team, along with Diversity Society, held meetings to talk about ways to improve the school experience for pupils who identify as LGBTQ+. College has also increased the availability of trained teachers that can provide support to pupils that have any enquires about the LGBTQ+ community. Discussions at Pride and Allies meetings included sharing books which celebrate LGBTQ+ characters and looking at recent LGBTQ+ stories in the news and media. We had wonderful speakers who spoke on topics including ‘What Biology shows us about sex and gender’ and ‘Gender Reassignment’. In May, Pride and Allies also took part in an LGBTQ+ event organised by the Cheltenham Town Hall, which involved a great celebration of music, parade, food stalls and information on LGBTQ+ charities. At College, we aim to prevent prejudices from school and help build a community that is truly inclusive, where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential.

Doris Wang

Anti-Racism Team

The Anti-Racism Team was set up at the start of 2023 following the feedback from ‘Ethnicities Week’ at the end of the Autumn Term. Its mission is to make College entirely accepting of and grateful for the wide diversity of race and ethnicity within our community. Taken from all Houses and the full range of ethnic backgrounds in College, the group is made up of 35 Fifth Form and Lower Sixth pupils.

Founding member Doris Wang designed the logo for the group and posters with the names and photos of all its members have been published around College. Members are wearing badges to identify themselves. Members of the group have collaborated on a powerful Chapel address that introduced College to the Anti-Racism Team, and explained some of the micro-aggressions and stereotyping that some ethnic minorities have experience at College and the wider country. They have undergone specialist training about AntiRacism and they are fast becoming racially literate.

Firstly, they heard as part of the Floreat programme from Aisha Thomas at Representation Matters. Molly StandenMcDougal, Lucille Kalindawalo, Jamie Ragless, Ngonidzashe Mudange and Sky Jamieson then met with Aisha to ask advice for the Anti-Racism Team. Later that evening the whole group were given Anti-Racism training with a focus upon East and South East Asian (ESEA) minorities in the UK.

Following on from this, fellow founding member Alvina Chan gave an assembly to pupils from The Prep about the nature of hurtful language and its impact and to let them know about the Anti-Racism Team’s mission. Later this year the Team will receive Bystander Training, and will be briefed about how to deal with reports of racist incidents. The Team will also be preparing for a series of events that celebrate ethnic diversity across College and are hoping to fill the coming year’s Cheltonian pages with wonderful photographs from an inaugural ‘Flag Day’.

Mr Dan Evans

Supported Schools

Gogar Primary, Kenya

In the Autumn half Term holiday, I visited Gogar Primary School in Rongai, Kenya. The school educates Kenyan children from ages 5 – 12. It was pleasing to see the school hall, for which College fundraised, being put to good use. The Lower Sixth will be returning in October 2023 for a week of educational development. The Variety Show also raised funds which will be crucial for this trip.

Mr Harry Johnson

Shamrock School, Nepal

College has chosen this year to extend our financial support for Shamrock School in Pokhara, Nepal. Shamrock is facing some major challenges, not least the high rate of inflation in Nepal which has increased running costs substantially. When funds run short, some of the children need to be sent home temporarily to reduce costs. Despite this the children continue to flourish, and this year’s leavers scored exceptional grades. We are grateful to Physics teacher, Mr Matt Preston, for visiting in April of this year and we hope that more College students will make the Shamrock journey in the near future. If you find yourself in Nepal, visiting the school is an amazing experience and highly recommended.

Mr Dominic Faulkner

Cheltenham International Schools

Our two international school partners, in Oman and China, have gone from strength to strength this year.

Cheltenham Muscat continues to flourish in Oman, now boasting over 500 pupils, led by Ms Oona Carlin. The links between our two schools have begun to take root, across academic and sporting activities. Links between Cheltenham Prep School and Cheltenham Muscat are particularly strong.

In February a Cheltenham review team, led by Mrs Rachel Hamlyn, (Deputy Head Academic Cheltenham Prep School), visited Muscat. They were impressed with everything they saw, not least the breadth of the co-curricular offer that the team have developed – making it a market-leading International School in the region. Their report noted, ‘The children are confident, articulate and have a palpable energy, which they draw from enthusiastic teaching staff who are hugely committed to the success of Cheltenham Muscat.’

We have also been fortunate to offer several Gap year placements at Cheltenham Muscat which have proven fantastic experiences for several recent leavers. We welcomed pupils from Muscat to our first Summer Course this summer. Plans are underway to send our first pupil exchange trip to Oman this coming year, to explore the country and to meet our Muscat cousins in person!

The Cheltenham Centre, Jinhua opened in September 2022 with 100 pupils studying IGCSE and A Levels, under the leadership of Founding Principal Stephen Jones. The progress the team have made in establishing a blended British-Chinese holistic education has been tremendous. In May 2023, Mrs Nicola Huggett and myself visited the school and met pupils, teachers, and the leadership team. We were blown away by the space and quality of the facilities, and the enthusiasm and energy of the team there. Following that recent trip we are in a better position to build ties between staff going forward. We look forward to welcoming some students from Jinhua to Cheltenham on a short exchange next year and collaborating on academic challenges together.

Talks are tentatively underway with partners in South East Asia and Europe. As the Cheltenham family of schools cautiously grows, we hope this brings more unique, horizonbroadening opportunities to our pupils here in the UK.

Mr Alan Etherton, Head of Overseas Education

SPORT Introduction

Mr Tim Watts, Director of Sport

Sport at College isn’t merely an option for pupils to participate in, sport is at the very heart and core of College. It holds a place very dear in the hearts of Cheltonians past and present; it is infectious and is a tool for creating lifelong friendships, long after pupils’ time at College has passed.

As a Department, we aim to develop and inspire sportspeople, to distil a lifelong love of sport and physical activity and to develop passionate, resilient and independent learners who understand the importance of health and well-being. Add to this our desire to enable each pupil to reach their potential, at whatever level they desire, the Sports Department is vital in College’s holistic approach to education.

Throughout the past year, we have supported our pupils to actively engage in 20 different sports, across 165 teams, representing the College in over 830 fixtures, thus highlighting the quality of our offering for the pupils, at all ages and levels.

Over the course of the year, we have seen some outstanding team and individual performances. We have seen pupils pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones and doing this mostly with smiles on their faces is something that makes us really proud. The following reports will pay testament to those pupils’ efforts. I am forever grateful for the commitment from the Sports Department and the wider Common Room, without whose support we could not deliver our programme and be so successful.

Talented Athlete Programme

Mr Matt Depledge

This year saw change a in leadership on the TAP programme with Mr Matt Depledge joining us as Head of Strength & Conditioning in January.

Building upon the strong foundations built in the Autumn Term, an emphasis was placed on developing ‘student’ athletes, with everyone embracing the challenge of understanding how a holistic athletic development support programme can assist in developing independent young people as sporting performers.

Each student took time to clarify their sporting goals and to understand how TAP can assist in achieving them. For some it was a comprehensive gym plan to decrease injury risk and improve sports specific physical attributes. For others, it was performance planning to ensure that both sporting and academic goals were achievable in a sustainable manner.

Athletics and Sports Day

Mr Olly Morgan

It was great to re-introduce Athletics for the first time since the pandemic. The glorious weather meant there were lots of outdoor track sessions that kept the pupils engaged and prepared for our meets at Marlborough College and Bromsgrove School. Across the term the girls and boys really improved and particular mention goes to those pupils who competed at the district and county championships.

David Gamble, Ella Brooks, Henry Green and Hugo Cornwell all represented the school superbly at the county rounds and we look forward to seeing how they progress this coming year when competing in their own year group.

There was much anticipation around Sports Day 2023 after the success of last year. With glorious weather all day, all pupils had the opportunity to represent themselves and their Houses with distinction. There were some excellent track races in the 100m for both boys and girls with some very tight finishes.

Emily Grant won her junior girls race breaking the school record by 0.3 of a second and Ella Brooks just missed out by 0.2 of a second! The race of the day however was the senior boys 100m relay which was won by Boyne House. Charlie Hattam ran a wonderful final leg to steal it at the line. The field events were had good participation and the entertaining staff threelegged race finished what was another spectacular Sports Day.

Well done to all those who competed and all the staff that helped run the event.

A couple of individuals reflected how improving healthy sleeping and hydration habits were key to achieving their goals. Actions plans were then discussed and with guidance, the students implemented their plans with great success.

It would be unfair to single out individuals, as those who attended really did grow as both people and performers over the year. It was rewarding to see the young sportspeople create a hardworking, inclusive, and enjoyable culture within TAP sessions. It was genuinely inspiring to see individuals from a variety of year groups and sports support and motivate each other. Those graduating from the programme left exhibiting healthy performance habits and a sense of understanding and autonomy of how to continue successfully along their sporting pathways.

Seniors Boys Winners: Newick House

Junior Girls Athlete: Tilda Barter

Junior Boys Athlete: Charlie Quirke

Senior Girls Athlete: Ella Brooks

Senior Boys Athlete: David Gamble

Junior Girls Winners: Ashmead

Senior Girls Winners: The Queen’s House

Junior Boys Winners: Boyne House

Cricket

The 2023 season was a very successful one for the College Cricket Club. Despite the poor weather over the first few weeks of the term, 93 fixtures were played. Twelve boys’ sides and four girls’ sides played regularly with very nearly 187 pupils playing some form of competitive cricket.

The boys’ 1st XI enjoyed a good run in the National T20 Cup, losing by 17 runs to King’s Worcester in the fourth round. Further wins were achieved against Monmouth School and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). alongside exciting draws against Rugby School and the Free Foresters CC. Joseph Coley produced the best bowling figures of the season, taking 6 for 81 in the Foresters game. The highlight of the season was the away win against a Winchester College side that had only lost one match all season. Chasing 169 to win, the boys completed the task with just two balls of the match remaining. Gus Carini-Roberts was the man of the match taking 5 for 52.

The Speech Day game against the Gloucestershire Gipsies was sadly lost with an over to go but Toby Jones scored 106 not out to get his name on the batting honours board in the Pavilion. Other batting highlights included Ollie McGrath’s excellent 90 against the MCC. There were many excellent team bowling performances throughout the season. Joseph

Coley topped the bowling list for the second year running, taking 27 wickets to take his tally for the 1st XI to 58 wickets at an average of 20.29. Oscar Moore was close behind this season taking 26 wickets. This was an outstanding performance for an U15 bowler leading the 1st XI attack. Max Davidson, another U15 cricketer playing up for the 1st XI, took 22 wickets. Gus Carini-Roberts proved his all-round capabilities by taking 17 wickets.

Once again, our 2nd and 3rd XI teams have played throughout the term with a number of Upper Sixth and Fifth Form pupils balancing their academic endeavours with some competitive cricket. Sadly, the weather put paid to some of their earlier planned fixtures.

The Lower College sides enjoyed continued success proving themselves to be competitive with many of the leading cricketing schools. Our Junior Colts’ B team won six of their eight games and our Yearlings’ B and C teams went unbeaten throughout the term, beating the likes of Bradfield College and Marlborough College along the way.

Some other individual highlights included centuries for Cody Watts, Archie Hackett and Max Hargitay.

Full Colours: Ollie McGrath, Harry Dawson, Joseph Coley

Half Colours: Oscar Moore, Tom Unsworth, Toby Jones

Mr Matt Coley

What a season it’s been for girls’ cricket, with an everincreasing number of girls selecting cricket as their chosen sport for the summer. With over 60 girls in the programme, we had a much-increased fixture list.

The 1st XI had many highlights but a memorable one was the first fixture on College square against Bloxham School. The team were sharp in the field and their bowling was accurate and effective. Jemima Beazley was the pick of the bowlers. Another memorable week for the 1st XI saw the annual Friday night lights game against King’s Gloucester on home turf, again alongside the boys’ 1st XI. It was a thrilling game with the girls taking the win by nine runs which included a half century for Melissa Watson. If this wasn’t enough excitement for one week, the girls went out again the following day to face a strong team from St Edward’s School, Oxford. The game could have gone either way but sadly finished with a narrow defeat. Alice Dawson was the standout performer scoring 62 runs.

Our U15 and U14 teams produced some excellent performances, highlighting the talent we have coming

through for the future. Both age groups had a full fixture card and a number of girls also experienced game time for the 1st XI.

Our annual Speech Day fixture against Cheltenham Cricket Club was a highlight of the season for many, with the girls playing alongside the 1st XI boys in the afternoon. A young side faced an experienced club team, but the game came down to the wire with Cheltenham Cricket Club coming away with the win during the last couple of overs.

Due to the poor weather conditions at the start of term, the cricket joint senior and junior House Pots had to be postponed as well as a few of the early fixtures. However, a sunny Thursday afternoon before Exeat saw the junior girls compete for the trophy for their respective Houses. A grand final between Ashmead and Queen’s saw Queen’s victorious overall but a great day was had by all those that took part.

Half Colours: Daisy White, Isy Yardley, Lily Crowther, Donna French, Melissa Watson

Miss Katie Brooking

Badminton

Mr Sol Griffiths and Dr Luke Davidson

The Club has experienced another year of growth within College, with numbers remaining extremely high. Our boys’ team suffered a tough season, unable to pick up a victory, but were always competitive and will take the lessons into this coming year. The girls’ team battled really hard, and enjoyed more success, winning all matches except Bromsgrove School, which was decided in a very tight game by only a couple of points. College is still home to the Gloucestershire U18 champion, Rex Yeung, who will, this coming autumn, achieve this accolade for three years in a

Basketball

Mr Michael Higgins

Swelling its numbers to over 40, it’s been another great year for the Club with fixtures against Wycliffe School, Sir Thomas Rich’s School and Dean Close School. College beat Dean Close and Sir Thomas Rich’s in all four fixtures but lost in closely contested matches to Wycliffe. Lots of fun was had at the inaugural basketball House Pots and Newick House did well to come out as winners. Sadly, the girls’ Pots had to be cancelled in an attempt to curtail the spread of flu but we’re looking forward to the coming year. We are happy to report

row. The very welcome addition of Mr Jamie Pearcy, a player with international playing experience, as an additional coach, is helping push badminton in the right direction. Finally, the Club says a big thank to all those who represented College this year, but especially to our captains, Yoyo Fong (Club), Adrian Ng (boys’ 1st) and Praewa Mollison (girls’ 1st) for leading with such enthusiasm and commitment.

Full Colours: Rex Yeung, Melody Lam, Yoyo Fong, Praewa Mollison, Palmy Banchajaruporn, Violet Perks, Elizabeth Davy

Half Colours: Anson Wong, Ambrose Chan, Doris Wang, Rachel Tam

that the pupils claimed a resounding victory against the staff in the staff vs pupils match at the end of the year. Huge thanks go to the Upper Sixth leavers for their commitment to the Club over the years: Freddie O’Neill, Harvey Sullivan, Ismael Blanca Lahrech, Scrase Duffy and Charlie Chu. Thanks too go to Matthew Tsang and Iona Davies for their support scoring and filming. We cannot close without making special mention and massive thanks to captain and Assistant Coach, Raphael Fan; he’s been the star of the team!

Equestrian

Mrs Jenny O’Bryan

Equestrian has blossomed both in terms of rider numbers and successes this year and has a National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) Champion, which is marvellous!

Training has continued apace every Monday evening at Rectory Farm where we are lucky enough to use the amazing new facilities of the indoor school in the winter as well as the many outdoor arenas. We are blessed with great instructors in the form of Jo Lees for dressage and Jenna Jewett for both flat and jumping, along with Jayne Bibby. We have had up to 16 pupils training on the same evening with three arenas in use over a two-hour window.

College sponsored a hugely successful Arena Eventing Qualifier at Rectory Farm at the beginning of the Easter break. We were victorious and the Head, Mrs Nicola Huggett, came to present the prizes. Navy and cerise rosettes and sashes abounded!

At the end of May we headed down to Hickstead to contest the highly competitive Arena Eventing competition. In the

premier class, the College team came fifth (Isabella Sanford, Tinks Walker, Lottie Fyson and India Trounson). All of these pupils are in the Third and Fourth Form which bodes very well indeed for the coming seasons. The round of the day went to Isabella Sanford who won the Championship at her debut appearance. This was a complete fairy tale. Her achievement is fabulous as she had not done any competing of note before coming to College from Antigua. We also had a 90cm team of Molly Hurdiss, Saffron Friedmann and Isabella Sanford who gained excellent experience around a very tightly timed course!

We were busy qualifying for the Schools Equestrian Games Championships and we also qualified a Show Jumping team for the NSEA National Champs held in October consisting of Alice Tomblin, Tamara Townsend and India Trounson.

College has welcomed Miss Hannah Lewis as my 2IC to help run the burgeoning College Equestrian set up and we have benefitted from her cheerful presence and organisational skills already.

Full Colours: Mahony Knight, Ellie Savage

Half Colours: Daphne Garbutt, Alice Tomblin, Isla Skelston

Fitness and Well-being

Miss Emily Hartley and Mrs Rebecca Faulkner

This year we have had the pleasure of including one session of Pilates into the weekly rotation of gym sessions, yoga classes and a variety of exercise classes. Each session is designed and structured around teaching the importance of movement and breathing. The girls have fun as they build strength, flexibility, and balance. The combination of classes has allowed them to gain a greater understanding of the body and learn to connect to each movement which helps to develop the body and mind. We discuss the importance of different body types and abilities and teach the pupils that through movement they can be the best versions of themselves. This positivity is hopefully transferred into their everyday lives and can help them cope with stressful or difficult situations. This has been a

Golf

Mr Simon Conner

huge focus for examination years when the need to relax and be active is so valuable. The girls have fun and throw themselves wholeheartedly into each session and collectively they empower and support each other. The girls have really embraced the new mindful meditation sessions too. They have learned the ability, through breath, to calm body and mind, to create stillness, and enjoy all the benefits it brings.

The introduction of mat work Pilates has been led by Miss Emily Hartley who has introduced a wide range of exercises focusing on alignment, muscle awareness and endurance as well as balance and core integrity. The girls worked through all the essential level exercises in the Autumn Term, whilst the Spring and Summer Terms saw a progression into the intermediate level. The programme ensures that every week the spine is worked through flexion, extension, lateral flexion and rotation, using a wide variety of props such as the fitness circle and flexband, with various modifications to enable everyone to (quite literally) stretch and challenge themselves.

The golf team has had 18 boys and girls representing College in fixtures over the course of the year and is continuing to grow in terms of participation and enthusiasm. The season included several pupils representing College at the Old Cheltonian Day at Denham Golf Club, matches at Cleeve Hill Golf Club against Malvern College, an away match at Bloxham School and the West of England School Championships at Burnham & Berrow Golf Club. In all matches there were individual successes but no overall team wins. There were many highlights in the season though. The first was at the Gloucestershire Schools Tournament which saw Ben Mace come second in the net competition and Roo Jones qualify for the South West Schools Competition. Roo also won the Prospect Cup at the inaugural Cheltonian Day at Cleeve Hill. The season was rounded off perfectly by pupils beating the staff team in the final match of the year on a beautiful summer’s evening at Cotswold Hills Golf Club.

Half Colours: Theodore Nelson

Football

Mr Stuart Greer

The season proved to be our best yet and that’s no exaggeration! Not only did we have the largest participation numbers in both boys’ and girls’ football, we had more fixtures and more wins than ever before.

The boys’ season started in spectacular fashion with most games being called off due to snow and frost but hard work from our groundsmen meant that the 1st XI could play. Their efforts were rewarded with our first ever top tier victory against Wycliffe School, followed by the most dramatic of draws against King’s Worcester, scoring in the very last seconds of added time. In fact, the 1st XI almost pulled off an unbeaten season coming away with four wins, a draw and just one loss led by several senior players including Robbie Slatter, Austin Thrussell, Joseph Raphael, Freddie O’Neill and Edoardo Viva Simond.

Elsewhere the other boys’ teams enjoyed wins and losses with a great attitude, showing that football can thrive at each level. Each team had great moments and it was great to see the Fifth Form integrate so well throughout the senior

teams for the first time. Special mentions go to Matthieu Viva Simond and Ronan Thrussell, both of whom played up into the 1st XI this year.

The girls’ team had their own share of success. After a fantastic win against Magdalen College School, they entered a seven-a-side tournament at Bradfield College and reached the quarter finals. A trip to Oxford City’s stadium was also a highlight as the girls got to play on a first-class pitch under floodlights. Led by captain Jemima Walker, the team went from strength to strength, and we were sad to see the senior players leave in the summer.

Closer to home, the season also heralded the first ever girls’ House Pots. The final was contested between Chandos and College Lawn with Chandos coming away victorious. The boys’ House Pots also saw lots of action and after a very close final between Christowe and Leconfield, it was Christowe who lifted the new trophy.

Full Colours: Isabelle Hillman-Cooper, Robbie Slatter, Jemima Walker, Austin Thrussell

Half Colours: Scrase Duffy, Georgie Jones, Sky Jamieson, Joseph Raphael, Claudie MacInnes, Oliver Pearson, Verity Rudin, Freddie O’Neill, Georgie Balfry, Cody Watts

Hockey

Mr

Gwyn Williams

With 13 girls’ teams active each week there were around 200 girls out on the Astro representing College. It has been a fantastic year for them not only in their performances but also in their commitment to play hockey in such a positive and enjoyable manner.

The Club completed 102 games of which 50 were wins and there were 12 draws resulting in a positive outcome for College in 61% of games completed, scoring 227 goals in the process.

The 1st XI were led by Isy Yardley and they managed to secure wins over Cheltenham Ladies’ College, (retaining the Emily Sumaria Memorial Trophy), Bristol Grammar School, St Edward’s School, Oxford, Malvern St James and a draw with King’s College, Taunton. Our U14 team were Gloucestershire County Champions and progressed to the West of England finals. Within the indoor programme our U16s also made it through only to lose out in the semi-finals.

The junior House Pots title was won by Westal whilst the senior was won by Chandos. Within the block fixtures, there

were some superb team performances. In the Malvern College fixture, all seven games were College wins. Against Clifton College seven out of the eight games were wins and in the fixture with Bristol Grammar School, College teams secured six wins and two draws out of the eight matches. Of the 12 matches St Edward’s School, Oxford, College again showed some true grit to secure eight wins and two draws.

There were some notable achievements for Cheltonians within the club sector. Min Fletcher, Erin Darbin and Isy Yardley were part of the Cheltenham Hockey Club’s U18 team to qualify to national indoor finals while Maddie Archer, Tilda Barter and Eme Hesketh were part of Lansdown Hockey Club’s U16s that also qualified for national indoor finals.

Full Colours: Isy Yardley, Issy Crewe-Read, Jessica Robertson, Matilda Kitson

Half Colours: Lily Crowther, Lily Nicholson, Olivia VyvyanRobinson, Emilia Lewis, Min Fletcher, Erin Darbin

Player of the Year: Isy Yardley

Players’ Player: Matilda Kitson

Club Player of the Year: Lily Nicholson

The Club was able to field 12 boys’ teams each week which meant around 180 boys out representing College in competitive fixtures on a match day. Of the 87 matches completed, College teams claimed a positive result of either a win or draw in 45 per cent of them. In House Pots the senior title went to Leconfield and the junior was won by Christowe.

Some of the junior teams demonstrated what a bright future they have in this sport, with the Yearlings’ A finishing runners-up in the ISHL League and also beating Dean Close School to win the County Cup and progress to the West of England finals. The Yearlings’ C also managed to finish third in their league and only lost one game all season. The Junior Colts’ B also managed to match this achievement of only one loss. Within the fixture blocks the Club performed superbly well against Bromsgrove School, winning six and drawing three out of the 12 matches. Within the Abingdon School fixture, of the 11 matches played, College won four and drew three. There have been a number of outstanding individual performances throughout the season but a special mention goes to Ollie Clennell in Yearlings’ A, Jiren Zhao in Junior

Colts’ D and Ariyan Mediratta in the 3rd XI who all manged to claim the coveted title of scoring a hat-trick.

The 1st XI led by captain Harvey Sullivan manged to secure wins over Malvern College and King’s Gloucester. Within this squad there has been some national recognition for players with Max Davidson being selected into the Wales U18 squad and Harvey Sullivan remaining in the Wales pathway transitioning into the U21 programme. Max was also part of the Cheltenham Hockey Club U16 squad that made it through to Tier 1 national finals.

Full Colours: Harvey Sullivan (re-award), Ollie McGrath, Harry Dawson

Half Colours: Joseph Coley, Aidan Portch, Mickey Stranack, Hugo Cornwell

Player of the Year: Ollie McGrath

Players’ Player: Joseph Coley

Club Player of the Year: Harvey Sullivan

Netball

Miss Katie Brooking

It was a brilliant year for the Club with over 200 pupils attending weekly training sessions and playing regular Saturday fixtures. Following on from last year, we were able to field seven senior teams, five U15 teams and five U14 teams across the term. Training began in early January with a huge number of girls committing to attend a three-day pre-season camp before the start of term. A local game against King’s Gloucester kicked off the camp with both our 1st VII and U15 teams starting the season as they intended to continue with two excellent games and a win for both College sides. A further two intensive days of training prepared the squads well for their participation at the Rugby School pre-season tournament. The 1st VII, U15A and U14A girls travelled to Rugby and effectively managed to put into practice much of what they had learned. Their hard work was certainly rewarded with some great results, boding well for the season ahead.

An excellent first fixture against Malvern College and Rugby saw the juniors’ strength in depth, winning eight out of nine matches. In fact, all our squads throughout the age groups made an impressive start to the first half of term showing College netball in a fantastic light. Fixtures in the second half of term against Bloxham School, Malvern, Clifton College and St Edward’s School, Oxford, were much more competitive providing tougher and more experienced opposition for all our teams. Despite this a number of our teams had a hugely successful and memorable unbeaten season. Huge congratulations to the U15As, Miss Hannah Maclean’s U15Bs, Mrs Sarah Dawson’s U15Cs and Miss Charlotte Robinson’s U14As all of whom remained unbeaten throughout the season.

In addition to the usual Saturday block fixtures, there were a few other highlights. A spectacular charity event against Malvern saw the Sports Hall filled with 700 spectators. There was a superb atmosphere with both sides very evenly matched. Although College were leading for much of the game, Malvern found themselves ahead by a single goal at full time, to the huge disappointment of the College team and their many supporters. An excellent half time shoot out competition saw a pupil selected from each House, and two special entries from Mr James Hayden and Mrs Nicola Huggett, all put their shooting skills to the test with Newick

House victorious. This charity event proved to be highly successful with £1,835 raised for Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP) our chosen school charity.

A busy final week in the netball calendar saw the return of the annual netball House Pots for both the junior and senior girls. There was some exceptional netball on display from both the junior and senior sides providing a fun but also highly competitive afternoon of netball. All matches were played in great spirits with excellent support from pupils, parents and staff. The competitions were closely fought until the end with Ashmead overall winners in the senior competition and Chandos winning the junior House Pots.

Another brilliant netball event saw the staff VII take on the 1st VII girls. It was a tightly fought game of end to end netball with the staff finishing victorious with a 21-18 win.

A final event during the last week of term saw the 1st VII girls play against the boys 1st XI hockey side, an intense and highly competitive event with some great netball on show from both sides. Unfortunately, despite great court play, the boys were unable to put away their final shots allowing Fenella Clayton to lead her girls’ side to victory in their last game of the season.

A huge thank you to 1st VII captain Fenella Clayton and 1st VII vice captain Lily Crowther, who led their team brilliantly over the entire season and were superb role models to the whole netball cohort.

Another fantastic term of netball all round, well done to all the girls and staff involved in such a positive and successful season.

Full Colours: Fenella Clayton (re-award), Lily Crowther, Matilda Kitson

Half Colours: Min Fletcher, Emilia Lewis, Izzy Crewe-Read

Polo

Mr Robin Eddie Polo at College has gone from strength to strength this year. We have benefitted from transforming from a Monday activity into a sport with multiple training sessions each week. On Thursday afternoons in the Summer Term, keen polo players have been attending chukkas at Longdole Polo Club to compete against local teams. This has enabled them to play more frequently at a competitive level. The real test was at the Schools and University Polo Association (SUPA) national championship. Could we retain the trophy from last year? As always, the standard was incredible, but our A Team (Jemima Walker, Robbie Slatter, George Copcutt and Hari Dhillon) secured first place for another year running, beating Rugby School and Stowe School. College B Team (Sophie Schmidt, Holly Bullock, Oscar Fuery and George Lawson) also played incredibly well, securing a second place in the intermediate division. Lower down the school we have welcomed Elizabeth Clarkin and Valentine McPherson from The Prep to train with us on Mondays. Well done to all who have taken part in polo this year and good luck for the continued success next academic year.

Motor Sports

The season saw Evie Poulain compete in the National British Kart Championships for the second time, competing from Larkhall in Scotland across the entire country down to the South Coast of Dorset. The grid was formed of more than 60 of the best drivers in the country in the junior category ranging from 14-17 years old. Evie had a fantastic season and finished overall 20th in the UK, finishing as the top placed female in the UK for a second year running.

Whilst Evie finds the additional support required to compete in cars, she has continued to compete in karts in the senior category which has seen her take numerous podium finishes in various club rounds plus a fifth place in the Southern Championships, again as highest placing female. Evie has seen fantastic local support from Cheltenham where she remains a Prodigy Ambassador for F45 gyms, with continued support from BAM Agency and Brave Human Capital.

Rackets

Mr Matt Coley

It has been another exceptionally busy season for the Club, with over 60 pupils representing College in normal fixtures and at National Schools at The Queen’s Club, an incredible achievement not matched by any other schools.

Having cemented their places last season, Max Kwintner and Robbie Slatter became a very competitive boys’ 1st Pair with wins against Marlborough College, Radley College and Winchester College being highlights of the season. A rotation of players at 2nd Pair included Freddie Sanders, Archie Baker, Spencer Moore and Joseph Coley who competed in all matches. The future looks bright as a result of some very promising performances from the Yearlings’ boys, including Lewis Moore, Benjamin Wills, William Billings, Michael Warr and Justin Cohn, who all played up a year at the National Schools at Easter and in many of our regular fixtures. Robbie Slatter was awarded his Full Colours for his leadership on and off the court.

The girls’ rackets programme continues to grow at College and they had what has perhaps been the busiest season ever in terms of fixtures. All those who have played this year have been fantastic adverts for the growing ladies’ game. Isy Yardley captained the Club superbly, enjoying lots of success on the court at 1st Pair with Katie Baker. Both their efforts were rewarded with a richly deserved win in the National Schoolgirls U18 doubles at The Queen’s Club, overcoming Marlborough College 3-1 in the final. This was only three weeks after the same Pair had won the Ladies British Open plate final. The 2nd Pair of Mary Leslie and Olivia VyvyanRobinson reached the semi-final of the U18 doubles, narrowly losing a brilliant match 2-3 to Marlborough, sadly denying everyone an all-College final! In the National Schoolgirls U18 singles Isy reached the semi-finals and Olivia and Min Fletcher

reached the quarter finals.

College also had semi-finalists in the U16 girls doubles in the form of Melissa Watson and Isla-Rose Elliman. Both girls also played each other in the quarter finals of the National Schoolgirls U16 singles. On this occasion IslaRose won through before losing in the semi-final to the eventual winner.

The Junior Colts’ and Yearlings’ girls put in some impressive performances across the season with Tilly Coley and Lulu Pearson also performing particularly well at the National Schoolgirls U16 singles.

In the College rackets competitions, Robbie Slatter retained his Dick Bridgeman singles title whilst also managing to be part of the Christowe Pair, who retained the K.A Cook cup for boys’ House doubles. Isy Yardley won the L.E Owen girls’ singles title and Ashmead 2nd Pair won the M.P Briers girls’ House doubles. Lewis Moore also deserves a mention for winning the junior boys’ singles title a year young.

We would like to thank the departing Upper Sixth of Robbie Slatter, Isy Yardley, Freddie Sanders, Archie Baker, Joseph Coley, Sam Eykyn, Lily Nicholson, Olivia Vyvyan-Robinson and Harriet Oates for their continued support of College rackets and are delighted to announce that five of them will be heading to the United States of America for rackets fellowships as part of their gap years over the course of next season.

A huge debt of gratitude must go to Mr Mark Briers and Mr Rob Horn for the time and expertise that they invested into the game at College.

Full Colours: Robbie Slatter, Isy Yardley, Katie Baker

Half Colours: Max Kwintner, Olivia Vyvyan-Robinson, Lily Nicholson, Harriet Oates, Freddie Sanders, Jospeh Coley, Archie Baker

Rugby

Mr Olly Morgan

There was much eagerness and anticipation ahead of the season with close to 300 pupils ready to compete and represent the school. In particular having the Colts’ C team back for the first time since 2016, just highlighted the excitement!

With lots of preparation done over pre-season for the seniors, U16s and U15s, we entered a tough block of games with Bloxham School, Monmouth School and Marlborough College. Some fantastic results for the U14s and U16s as well as the 1st XV retaining the Parry Coombe Cup for a third successive year, proved the Club was in healthy spirits going into Exeat. On our return we saw the U15s progress in the National Cup after victory over Dean Close School and some excellent performances from our two touch teams against Abingdon School.

After a well-earned half term holiday, it was pleasing to see TJ Fanolua earn selection into the England U18 squad as well as 18 pupils across different year groups, continue their pathway in the Gloucester Academy programme.

The second half of the season promised to be a challenging one with blocks against Blundell’s School, Millfield School and Sir Thomas Rich’s School. A particular mention must go to the

U16 A and B teams, who fought off late comebacks in all three to secure victory. The Charity game at Kingsholm which saw close to 2,000 people support the 1st XV and raise just shy of £7,000 for Cirencester Housing for Young People (CHYP), was quite an incredible occasion to be involved in and one we all look forward to this coming year.

The latter part of the season welcomed Sherborne School and Rugby School, both of whom provided hugely physical and competitive blocks, and just highlighted the resilience and grit of the pupils to put in some fantastic performances, most notably a record 49-3 victory for the 1st XV against Sherborne and a nail biting 17-15 victory for the Yearlings’ B at Rugby.

It would be remiss not to congratulate both the 1st XV and U14A teams for maintaining a clean winning streak at home and to Heath Gwilliam who captained the Club with distinction.

It was unfortunate towards the end of term that frozen pitches meant we were unable to finish the infamous House Pots. However, well done to all pupils who completed the first round matches and who embodied the House match spirit.

Particular mention to Barny Cooper, Ethan Jones, Tom Unsworth and David Gamble who all represented Gloucester U17s and U16s as well as Benjamin Cunningham who was selected for the U18 National School Lambs tour to South Africa.

There has been some amazing rugby played over the 127 fixtures. Huge thanks to the coaches, grounds team, caterers, referees, medics and pupils for all playing their part in making it an extremely memorable season.

Full Colours: Ollie McGrath, Harry Dawson, Heath Gwilliam, Tash Munjanganja, Benjamin Cunningham

Half Colours: Austin Thrussell, TJ Fanolua, Charlie Cooper, Frankie Walker

Sevens

After a very busy Spring Term and many mornings, afternoons and nights of training and matches, the U14s, U16s and U18s headed to the National Schools sevens at Rosslyn Park.

The U18s started the week on fine form beating Ashville College, Ryde School and Kingswood School to progress through to the elimination round where they faced West of England champions Glantaf, Cardiff. It was a fantastic game which had everything and College came out on top winning 19-7 to make it through to the final 28 schools. As always, the second day is as much a mental as it is a physical test and the boys unfortunately struggled to get out of the blocks, losing their quarter final group. However, they can be immensely proud of reaching the latter stages of the competition.

The U16s also had a tough group and faced the West of England champions Exeter School in their second game.

Having performed well against New Hall School, it was the group decider against Exeter. An early lead for College set up a great second half but the opposition came back and scored late to win the game by one score. Whilst the boys were devasted not to progress to the knockout stages, they finished the day with a clinical victory over Llandovery College.

The U14s went into the competition full of confidence after successful tournaments in the earlier part of the term. During the group stages the boys were clinical and eased through only conceding 19 points and scoring 120 which set up a quarter final against rugby powerhouse, Sedbergh School. The game lived up to expectation with free-flowing sevens and plenty of physicality. College scored early in the second half which put the game out of reach 19-7 to see them progressing through to the final four of the competition, a first for the school.

The semi-final against Eton College was another cracking game with some key momentum shifts in the first half. College came back and were down 7-5 with four minutes to play but unfortunately conceded from the kick off and the game was out of reach. Whilst they just missed out on the final, it was a quite remarkable run against the best in the country and certainly a bright future for that year group.

Well done to all pupils, coaches and parents involved across the term. Some very special memories were forged!

Rowing

Mr Jed Greenhouse

Unlike most sports, rowing is practised all year round. In winter we have ‘head’ racing; raced over a longer distance, it is another name for a time trial. During the summer we have ‘regatta’ racing; side-by-side racing in a knock-out format over shorter distances.

The Club had a good year with stellar results including the start of the season at Wycliffe Small Boat Head. The J17 single scull won a Silver medal, with the J16 single taking 12th in class. The day was finished with J18 quad taking 10th in class.

Other highlights include racing at Avon County Head March which saw newer members of the Club competing. On the short course we had two J14 octopulls and a coxed quad for the girls. The boys finished second and third whilst the girls finished sixth. On the long course we had two eights racing in the J18 event, one was our J16 boat racing up two years. Despite this they managed a creditable fifth and seventh respectively. The WJ16 double raced to third place, with the J15 coxed quad achieving seventh place. Overall, good results considering that this was the first race for many of our rowers and the total entry was around 200 crews.

The Schools Head of the River, raced on the same Thames course as the Oxbridge Boat Race, is always a tactical challenge with the weather often making the rowing a real trial of endurance. Our 1st eight put in a creditable performance finishing 19th in class.

At Evesham Regatta the J14s were now racing coxed quads. The 1st beat Stowe School and Royal Grammar School,

Worcester only to lose to Hereford Cathedral School in the semi-final. The 2nd beat two crews from Royal Grammar School, to lose to Hereford in the final.

The WJ14 girls beat Evesham Rowing Club and Stowe School to set up a final against Stratford-upon-Avon, which they narrowly lost. The J16 coxless quad found themselves losing the final against Evesham. The J15 coxed quad eventually lost the semi-final to Stratford.

The Worcester Regatta was excellent. The WJ14, now becoming well-established, beat St Edward’s School, Oxford in the first round, and then King’s Worcester in the final. The J16 double scull lost their final to Upton. The J16 coxless quad, racing as J17s beat King’s to win a straight final, with the J18 single scull beating Stowe, to win the final. The J14 first boat was beaten in the semi-final by Stowe but were avenged by the 2nd who beat the Stowe boys to win the final. The WJ16 double and J16 single, both lost at the semi-final stage.

At the prestigious National Schools Regatta at Eton-Dorney the boys’ first boat finished a good third place in the C final while the J16 coxless quad finishing sixth in the C final.

We knew the two-day Reading Amateur Regatta would be difficult and it would be fair to say that the draw did us no favours! The only victory of Saturday went to the J14 girls, who beat Sir William Perkins to earn a place in the final. The J14 boys had mixed results. One crew were doing well against Reading Blue Coats until an oar broke, costing them the final. The other crew beat Wallingford to earn a place against Reading Blue Coat School in the final. By now the weather had changed with a massive thunderstorm causing racing to be suspended. At this point Reading Blue Coat conceded defeat leaving us victors.

Shooting

Mr Chris Reid

A tough opening challenge saw the Clays A team go to Honesberie Shooting Ground for the Rugby School challenge; always a tricky opener! The team shot well with Charlie Worrall and Edward Cleverley coming joint fifth with a score of 43/50 and the team coming second with a combined sporting target and flush score of 201/260. The B team shot well with Nicole Sze coming seventh with a score of 28/50 and the team coming sixth with a combined sporting target and flush score of 174/260. Special mention should go to Hayden Tong who shot a respectable 20/50 in her first competition having only taken up the sport at the beginning of the term. The second match of the season against Marlborough College saw us at the Barbury Shooting Ground, run by OC Huw Stevens (BH, 2002) but there are certainly no favours given to his alma mater. In tough conditions the A team did well coming sixth overall

Squash

with a combined score of 103/160 with Edward Cleverley coming seventh with a score of 33/40. In the favourite fixture of the term, we travelled to Mendip Shooting Ground for the Millfield Invitational. They always put on av testing but accessible course and we are always entertained well! The A team shot well on the A course coming second to the hosts scoring 118/200 with Edward Cleverley coming second by one clay with 40/50. The B team shot well on the B course coming fifth scoring 138/200 with Elliot Burley coming sixth with 39/50. On a snowy course at the Ian Coley Shooting Ground, the Cheltenham Challenge was held for only the third time. Against a strong field with teams from Millfield School, Marlborough College and Harrow School and with more than 30 shooters competing, College acquitted itself admirably. High Gun was Elliot Burley 50/60 who came eighth overall. The B team shot really well coming fourth with the A team coming sixth.

Full Colours: Emily Oates, Harriet Oates, Henri Jinivizian, Sophie Essenhigh

This has been a busy year in the Squash Club. For the entire Autumn Term we had to relocate to the nearby East Glos Club where we used their facilities on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday afternoons. This was not an issue once the pupils got over the extra 100 yards they had to walk! This enabled the extension to the Sports Centre to take place and allowed the squash courts to be tidied cleaned and repainted.

The girls’ and boys’ 1st Vs have had many matches over the year, far more than they would get normally. They have played in triangulars with Marlborough College and Winchester College, had competitions at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and played in the School Nationals to name but a few. On every occasion they have done their best to win and have always treated the competition with respect. It has been an excellent year. The girls’ 1st V have also been sporting their new match kit since October. They looked particularly smart at away fixtures. This will also be rolled out to the boys this coming year.

Half Colours: Henry Adams, Joseph Coley, Joseph Tyler, Daniel Fung, Emily Lin

Full Colours: Nicole Sze, Charlie Froud, Charlie Worrall

Half Colours: Edward Cleverley

Mr Jon Morton

Swimming

Mrs Zoe La Valette-Cooper

Despite having a relatively small squad of senior College swimmers, this year has seen some remarkable swimming achievements, many of which have been in combination with Year 7 and Year 8 swimmers from The Prep, which is a wonderful development.

We have bookended the year with success in claiming seven of 12 events at the District Relay Gala in September and ending with victory for the boys’ team in the District Swimming Competition in May. The girls came third overall but had a good win in the Year 12 and Year 13 competition.

Where House Pots were concerned, Christowe dominated with the boys winning both the junior and senior events, whilst in the girls’, Chandos won the senior event and Westal took the junior competition.

Other significant successes for swimming this year have been at the National Schools at the Olympic pool in London, where the boys qualified for both the freestyle and medley small schools final. They came fourth in the freestyle event but were on the podium with a third place finish in the medley.

The girls were victorious in the Cheltenham Challenge Cup, where we swim the event over two legs against Dean Close School and Cheltenham Ladies’ College, winning a beautiful trophy in only the second year of this event.

As testament to the fabulous situation with College swimming, that the academic year has seen 20 College swimming records broken. As ever, we think Mr Andy Osborne, our amazing swimming Head Coach, for his continued dedication at both The Prep and College.

Full Colours: Terry Han, Sonya Mo, Jude Richardson, Isy Yardley

Half Colours: Finn Cutts

Tennis

Mr Tim Lang

Having endured a long, wet, and windy winter and spring out on the tennis courts the pupils and coaches were all in need of some fairer weather as the competitive tennis season commenced. Our committed players trained so hard throughout the year, and it was great to see them finally get the sunshine and conditions that made for good tennis and great entertainment for parents and staff alike.

The winter programme once again proved beneficial to our players, and they really hit the ground running in the first fixture of the year. A comprehensive victory across all teams was just reward for the preparation that had been done prior to the term commencing. It was extremely pleasing to see doubles played in such a coordinated way where pupils who have played with each other before in previous years were able to rekindle and build upon their combinations. Adding a new Third Form group into the fold was exciting, and to see the depth of talent coming through is encouraging for future years. They will no doubt join forces with the years above as they mature.

Our Junior Colts continue to be extremely competitive having had a tremendous season last year. This year the Junior Colts’ A won 10 out of 10 games losing just eight sets out of 79 played. This is quite remarkable. The B team weren’t too far short of this as they recorded nine wins out of 10 with a similar win to loss ratio.

The senior girls worked conscientiously at their tactical play and the way they were able to change ideas depending on what surface they were playing on. Whether it be on acrylic, hard courts, or AstroTurf they have shown healthy interest in working out the best way to play given the conditions. I have been pleased with the level of commitment and determination they have delivered, and they can be proud of

their contribution to college. In particular, the mixed doubles victory in the tri-series against Dean Close School was a great achievement. It was pleasing to award Half Colours to Bea Painter and Katie Baker for their efforts in leading as 1st Pair in the 1st VI this year. For massive commitment to the Club over the past five years it was special to award Olivia Vyvyan-Robinson, Emilia Lewis, and captain Lily Nicholson Full Colours.

The senior boys had a bumper year and narrowly missed out on an unbeaten season by one set on the final day of the season. Their record of played 11/won 10 is impressive and whilst losing the last match will sting, they can be so very proud of their efforts and diligence out on the courts throughout the entire year. Half Colours were awarded to Max Volmar, Freddie White, Max Kwintner and Spencer Moore all of whom can be proud that they represented the Club with unwavering focus and energy. Full Colours were re-awarded to Archie Baker who captained with determination and skill and has demonstrated a high level of ambition on the tennis courts in his time at College.

By the end of the season the Club, made up of 16 teams, had played 92 games, won 66 games, drawn two, and lost only 24, making an overall win percentage of 71.7%. Everyone can be very proud of this and can look back on some tremendous victories and results, in addition to the fun and laughter under sunny skies.

It is important to thank Mr Chris Warner for his spirit and ambition in the coaching team and for his stellar efforts throughout the winter to provide excellent coaching and tuition to our budding tennis players. College tennis would not be the same without his drive and determination.

Full Colours: Archie Baker (re-award), Emilia Lewis, Lily Nicholson, Olivia Vyvyan-Robinson

Half Colours: Katie Baker, Bea Painter, Max Kwintner, Spencer Moore, Max Volmar, Freddie White

Ashmead

House Events

The year started off with the annual Ashmead Olympiad, with a variety of fun activities and games. Later in the term, Ashmead performed confidently as gnomes in House Singing performing ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’. As always, we put on strong performances for House Pots. In tennis, rackets and netball the senior girls brought the cups home, and although we didn’t win football there was lots of fun involved.

Charity

Our House charity was CoppaFeel (breast cancer awareness) and we raised a spectacular £2,100 processing our own apples to create a delicious apple juice and completing a 10k charity moonwalk. Lily N ran the Oxford half marathon for Cancer Research. Fife O has also donated clothes and visiting an orphanage in Nigeria.

Academic

We are proud as Flora S is Head Girl for the coming year while Katie B, Min F, Evie P and Jessica H have Prefect roles. Full Colours were awarded to Megan D, Flora S, Jessica H, Alice T, Bella C, Edie D and Min F and Half Colours awarded to Jean C. Nicole S was President of the Science Society and Melody L won the Silver chemistry Olympiad, with Devanshi K receiving Bronze. Melody L also received an award for having the most improved ATL. Pia N was awarded the Fifth Form most improved ATL. Ann W took part in the UKMT intermediate maths challenge. Finally, Elyssa M won the Classics Reading Competition at Cheltenham Ladies’ College and the Third Form project competition, Sparta vs Athens.

Sport

Sport is always one of Ashmead’s strong points, and this year has been no exception. Lily N, Liv V-R, Rosa H and Min F made the hockey 1st XI. Min F came third in the Indoor Hockey Nationals with Cheltenham Hockey Club, and Jemima B and Ellie H were successful in College indoor hockey, getting to the west regional finals. Flora S, Rosa H, Katie B, and Min F were selected to go on hockey tour to Malaysia in the summer. Rackets has been successful too with Lily N, Liv V-R,

Katie B, Rosa H, Mary L, Ellie H, Lulu P and Katie J taking part at The Queen’s Club for various competitions, and brilliantly Katie B won the doubles National Schools tournament. Lily and Liv gained Half Colours, and Katie B achieved Full Colours! For netball, Fenella captained the 1st VII and was joined by Min F and Jessica H in the team, with Min F gaining Half Colours. Georgia S and Pia N swam brilliantly at Cheltenham Ladies’ College in the district swimming gala, winning their age group, and Nicole S achieved her Full Colours in shooting. We have some great equestrians, with Ellie S captaining the team this year, as well as receiving Full Colours. Alice T received Half Colours, and the team qualified for Hickstead. Jemima B, Fenella C, and Izzy B have been in the girls’ cricket 1st XI and were delighted to play in the first girls’ match on the 1st XI square. There has been some great tennis including Katie B as 1st Pair, and Lily N captaining the teams, with Liv V-R paired alongside her. Katie B received Half Colours, and Lily N and Liv V-R both achieved Full Colours! Evie P had huge success on the racing track being the top female in the British Karting Championship and coming second and third at club rounds.

Drama, Art and DofE

We have seen the success of many Ashmead girls in drama. The Scholars’ Play And Then There Were None involved Edie D and Min F who have been awarded Drama Full Colours this year. We were fortunate to watch both Ivy C and Jean C perform amazing acts in the Variety Show. The school musical of Grease included Marina M and Min F, with Elyssa M and Devanshi K helping backstage. Bella C received Art Full Colours while Alice T received her Art Half Colours. Izzy B and Liv V-R received their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards which Rosa H, Georgia S, Katie B, Alice T and Molly H are currently working towards. Tessa C received her Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award.

Farewells

At the end of the Spring Term, we said goodbye to our Houseman Gareth. His kindness and singing will be missed around the House, but we hope he has a lovely retirement. We say goodbye to not only the Upper Sixth, but a few precious others as well. Fife O will be leaving to join Cardiff Sixth Form College; we hope she will have an amazing time, but will be greatly missed. We sadly say a goodbye to Mrs Faulkner as a Tutor who has been with us since 2009, and although we will miss her positive and energetic presence around the House, we wish her the best at The Queen’s House. As Jessica H takes over as Head of House, Megan D is looking forward to her gap year. We thank her for her time dedicated to Ashmead and wish her the best for the future.

Speech Day Prizes Lower College

Attainment: Charlotte C

Endeavour: Poppy B, Emily G, Tessa C

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Emily G

Upper College

Endeavour: Jessica H, Ellie S, Olivia V-R

Art: Alice T

Tanner Biology: Flora S

Business: Katie B

Design (Textiles): Hannah E

Abbott Mathematics for Science: Jean C

Sports Science: Min F

Extended Project Qualification (Artefact): Bella C

Cheltonian Endowment Trust

Prizes Design (Textiles): Megan D

Theatre Studies: Edie D

The Adams Shield: Bella C

The Sloan Cup: Lily N

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Lower College won The Robertson Shield for girls’ House academic achievement.

House Editors: Rosa H and Georgia S

Boyne House

House Events

As the academic year draws to a close, we reflect on the countless achievements and memorable moments that have made our time in Boyne House truly remarkable. From exhilarating victories to heartwarming farewells, our House has thrived with resilience, camaraderie, and a zest for life. Let us embark on a journey through the highlights of this exciting year.

Charity

While sports and music captivated our hearts, it was BoyneFest that truly illuminated our wonderful House as the social event of the year. This remarkable event brought together more than 200 attendees, all energised by MC George D and DJ Freddie H on the decks. It is with great admiration that we acknowledge the leadership of this phenomenal duo, whose meticulous planning and flawless execution ensured the success of this event. In addition to this, BoyneFest also brought forth the benevolent spirit within us, as approximately £800 was raised for the James Hopkins Trust, a charity which provides nursing respite care for life limited young children across Gloucestershire and which Boyne has supported with great passion for many years. Our commitment to making a difference extended beyond the festivities as we united for a noble cause in a charity football match against the Old Cheltonians. This sporting event not only displayed our athletic prowess but also embodied the spirit of collaboration and compassion. Boyne House members, past and present, stood shoulder to shoulder, demonstrating the enduring bonds that transcend time and circumstance. Together, we made a meaningful impact, both on the field and in the hearts of those we aimed to support and we raised a further £3,200.

Sport

This year also witnessed considerable sporting achievements, notably in the realm of rugby. The rugby House Pots highlighted our collective passion and unwavering determination. Our teams were headed towards an undoubtable victory, but alas came snow which altered the course of the competition. Nevertheless, it was undeniable that our seniors, Junior Colts, and Yearlings had the potential

to claim victory. With great pride, we salute our talented athletes for their exceptional skills and their unwavering commitment to the sport that unites us all. Diving into aquatic excellence, we witnessed a wave of triumph as our very own Felix D led the junior swimming champs to victory. With each stroke and every lap, our skilful swimmers showcased their unwavering determination and unrivalled skill. Our seniors were unfortunately less successful. However, their impressive performance not only filled our hearts with pride but also served as a reminder of the incredible heights we can reach when we strive together as a team.

House Singing

(The best result in living memory)

The thundering voices of all 63 Brooksmithites filled the air during the fiercely contested House Singing competition with a spectacular version of ‘Gold’ by Spandau Ballet. Amidst the excitement and anticipation, our beloved House emerged as a powerhouse of talent, leaving an indelible mark on the stage. Despite a narrow defeat, there was a certain unease in the air, as our impeccable sound and showmanship inspired whispers of a judicial miscalculation in hushed conversations. Our collective belief in our prowess as musicians remains unshaken as we prepare to return this coming year, conjubilant with song. Nevertheless, we take pride in our remarkable second-place finish, a testament to the immense talent and dedication of our conductors, Freddie W and Josh Y.

Farewells

Amidst the vibrant celebrations, we must bid farewell to a remarkable member of our Boyne House family. Mr Kemp, our former Assistant Housemaster, leaves behind a legacy of brilliance, compassion, and dedicated support. We shall miss him. As a Tutor and an impeccable role model, his dedication and inspiration have improved the College experience of not only us at Boyne House but across College.

Thank Yous

No mention of our House would be complete without acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our Matrons Ms Inger Bourne and Mrs Shelley Hyde. Their tireless efforts, care, and dedication ensure our well-being and create a warm and nurturing environment that feels like a true home away from home. We extend our sincerest thanks to these remarkable individuals for all they do to make our boarding experience truly exceptional. Lastly, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to George D for being appointed as Head Boy this coming year and to Milan T for taking on the esteemed role of Head of House. Both of their efforts over these past four years have proven their capabilities in leadership and status as role models.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Liam T, Michael W, Rory S

Endeavour: Matthew W

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): William W

Upper College

Computer Science: Henry C

Cheltonian Endowment Trust

Prizes Business: Jamiea E

Politics: William H

Head’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Tash M

Macroeconomics Prize: Ben B

Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize (for best Address): Ben B

Dagley Morris Prize (for Chapel Music): Josh Y

John Bowes Cup: Henry C

House Editor: Victor L-S

Chandos

House Events

Whether it was the House charity row or the usual post social pizza in House, the events this year have brought us closer than ever. Third and Fourth Form have settled in perfectly, helped by many trips to the trampoline park leaving everyone with smiles. The year started at the Cotswold Water Park, enjoying the inflatables in the water. Much fun was had, and many friendship bonds were created on that first weekend. The weekends continued to be filled with invite dinners, socials, Upper Sixth wine tasting, inter family relays with the inflatable obstacle course and many more activities to keep the House entertained. Our Fifth Form have been busy revising with many pancake-making and smoothie breaks in the Common Room.

Charity

This year Chandos chose The Cheltenham Animal Shelter as our charity, which is dedicated to rehoming stray and unwanted cats, dogs and small animals. In October the girls did a fantastic job of donating food, toys and bedding and then later in the year we held a charity row where each girl contributed their part towards the equivalent distance across the English Channel. Eight of our Upper College girls went to the shelter to proudly present £1,358 and eagerly learn more about the charity’s amazing work, whilst enjoying the company of the animals.

Academic

It has been another year of academic success for Chandos with four of our girls receiving academic Full Colours and eight being awarded Half Colours. We were thrilled to take part in everything including the United Nations debate and the Biology and Linguistic Olympiads. We were so proud when many of our girls received significant prizes on Speech Day (see below).

Sport

Chandos seriously dominated House Pots. We began the year with our junior and senior girls winning hockey House Pots. This was followed by many of the Upper College getting

extremely involved in the girls’ football, with both Sky J and Georgie J receiving their Half Colours. We then went on to win the first ever girls’ football House Pots with encouragement from our large team of supporters on the side-lines. Our swimmers also performed excellently in House swimming, bringing home another trophy in the senior event. To continue this year’s wins our junior girls made us all proud by winning netball House Pots. Lastly, tennis was played in the sunshine with our loving Matrons cheering on our pairs. Brilliantly, Sofia G has been successful in gaining selection to represent Great Britain at the Pony European Dressage Championships in Le Mans. Isy Y, who has been a key member of many sports teams in her time at College, broke the senior swimming record in the district competition held at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Sky J and Bea P were awarded their Sports Leadership certificate which has seen them creating sports sessions for local primary school children throughout the year.

Drama, Music and Art

One of the most popular events is House Signing and we smashed it. Led by Upper Sixth Rosie H, the girls sang with huge smiles, and we are so proud of coming first place with a beautiful rendition of ‘Send Me on My Way’. Our musical talent is further emphasised by many girls being involved in the Schola Cantorum and Canticum Choirs, orchestra, and bands, with numerous girls holding music scholarships and exhibitions. Outstanding Third Former Astrid C received her Art tie along with Iona H. Chandos and Hazelwell performed this year’s House play The Children’s Hour starring Rosie H, Lumai H, Lyra S, Lucy M, Mollie C, Miranda T while Lisa M and Elli C were backstage working on the lighting and Isy Y was magnificent in her contribution (off stage and on) to The History Boys. Meanwhile Daisy M won the pop section of the College Singing competition this year, beating some fierce competition. Rosie H was awarded the Marcan Prize for Music which recognises the dedication and support she has shown over her time at College to the Music Department. Congratulation to Lily C who completed her Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award in difficult conditions, while Kayleigh O’N gained her Silver Award.

Farewells

Unfortunately, this year we say goodbye to quite a few of our House Tutors. Mr Hart, Mrs Haddock, Mrs Orwin-Henderson, Dr Norman, and Miss Griffiths who is continuing her time at College to be a Resident Tutor in Christowe. It is aways hard to say goodbye to the people who had such a big impact on our girls’ lives. You will be missed but we wish you the absolute best in your future endeavours. And to our Upper Sixth, we wish them the best of luck on their new journey. The House is endlessly grateful for the role models within the Upper Sixth and we are so sad to lose such an important part of our big family. We will miss you all so much and will be sure to keep in touch.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Astrid C, Isabel C, Iona D

Endeavour: Ellen Y

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Isabel C

Upper College

Endeavour: Lucy M, Ella C-B

Design (Resistant Materials): Ottilie R

Psychology: Carrie H

Anthony James Art: Beatrice C

Tanner Biology: Lily C

Allen Divinity: Henri J

Sports Science: Isy Y

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

German: Izzy C-R

Head’s Award for Outstanding Commitment: Praewa M, Harriet O

Marcan Prize for Music:

Catherine G, Rosie H

The Army Leadership Prize: Isy Y

The Duleepsinhji Cup: Isy Y

House Editor: Elli C

Christowe

House Events

It’s safe to say that the Christowe spirit was maintained by the Boyceites this year. Our ‘clan’ football was eventful as always and was a good opportunity for boys of different years to work as unified teams. Our traditional Christmas Dinner at The Queens Hotel lived up to its expectations. Upper Sixth Moses S and Frankie W opened their speeches with amazing jibes at both teachers and boys alike. This was followed by Edoardo VS’s heartfelt speech to his year, Matrons, and our new Housemaster Mr Paynter. The year came to an end with Speech Day, where many boys were presented with awards and many Boyceites played in the opening and closing ensembles of the Speech Day ceremony. This was then followed by a warming and heartfelt speech from both Mr Paynter saying his goodbyes to those leaving, and Edoardo’s final speech.

Charity

Boyceites have done considerably well when given the challenge to raise money for It’s In The Bag, a testicular cancer charity. We raised £1,235 in total. Half of this came from an exciting Fantasy Rugby League. We also hosted the boys and their parents playing a parents and son tennis tournament. After the tennis in the high summer temperatures, the Boyceites held a barbecue with parents and family, raising a considerable amount of money throughout the day.

Academic

Christowe continued to strive academically. Wilf M, Roo J, Ollie C and Jack Y completed the CISI Level 2 in Fundamentals of Financial Service and successfully passed the test at the end of the course. For Lower College, a multitude of Boyceites received a great number of Commendations per day with a significant increase in College Value Commendation received as well as commendable ATL scores. Avi S received the Values Commendation Award in The Head’s end of year assembly.

Sport

Under new leadership, sport in Christowe has been nothing short of a triumph. Each and every Boyceite has showed true commitment and have expressed their unwavering talents across many different sports. Frankie W and Zach H-S were integral parts of the 1st XV, Frankie being a key player all season and Zach scoring a hat trick of tries against Sherborne School. Hugo C and Max D were solid at the back

for hockey’s 1st XI with Max being selected for the Wales U16 hockey squad. Edoardo VS and Robbie S were the heart of the 1st XI football, just missing out on an unbeaten season. Furthermore, Max D gained a place in the 1st XI cricket team only being in Fourth Form! The House Pots success this year is a real testament to the hard work and pride that the boys feel when representing Christowe – evidenced by our most successful year to date. It all started with an outstanding House rugby run where all year group A and B squads made it to the semi-finals. Following this, we took on House football which came down to a Christowe vs Newick final. It was a tense game to say the least but after one half of 0-0, Edoardo VS scored the winner with a 1-0 win to seal the trophy. The junior boys brought it home in the hockey with a dominant performance, however, arguably the most impressive was the overall first position in House swimming with a few boys stepping up at the last minute to form the team.

Drama and Music

We started the year with a fantastic performance of ‘This Love’ in House Singing led by Henry G, who also played a solo trumpet performance of ‘The Last Post’ on Remembrance Day, something he has done every year since he joined Christowe in 2019. He has subsequently been awarded Music Full Colours. As for drama, a number of the Third Form performed in Grease. Casper C performed in Brainstorm while George L and Avi S appeared in A Winter’s Tale. Our amazing James F showed continued excellence in And Then There Were None. Ultimately, his hard work and talent over several years paid off as he was rightly awarded his Drama Full Colours blazer.

Memories

Our leaving Upper Sixth shared some favourite memories. Theodore D says he loved how the House changed over the last few years, and through the ages he has loved the inflows and outflows of Boyceites. He especially enjoyed the boxing bouncy castle brought into the backyard a few years ago, as it gave him more time to reconnect with his friends during exams. Moses S says his favourite memory was during this year’s Christmas Feast. He enjoyed giving a speech with Frankie W to commemorate the amazing achievements that Christowe had over the last few years.

Farewells

Farewells are inevitable and we look back on the memories we have created with our graduating Upper Sixth. Our beloved Assistant Housemistress, Ms Lochhead, will be dearly missed, aside from her usual House check yells. Ms Lochhead had been part of the Christowe team for well over two years and was a favourite Biology teacher for many. On the bright side, Ms Maclean has been our temporary Residential Tutor and is a big part of Sunday trips. We thank her too as she leaves for her next adventure. The Upper Sixth have been through a lot and will forever be remembered in pictures and engravings on the wall.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: William D

Endeavour: Caspar C, Jerome Y

Upper College

Endeavour: Sam Z

Computer Science: Oliver S

Physics: Oliver C

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

Mathematics: Sam Z

Davenport Theatre

Performance: James F

House Editors: Hugo C, Oliver S, Henry G, Mathew T

College Lawn

House Events

College Lawn has embraced an eventful year, with the exciting buzz of activities keeping the girls busy at the weekends. We started the year off on a fun note, with each of the House families taking part in a treasure hunt around town for new girls to discover Cheltenham and spend time with everyone. In the Autumn Term, the girls indulged in some retail therapy during the Christmas shopping trip at the Cabot Circus in Bristol ahead of the Christmas Feast at our regular spot, Bill’s. The start of the Spring Term brought a delightful evening of bowling at the Hollywood Bowl followed by meals out at Pho and 288 Bar and Wok, and the Upper College girls enjoyed a trip to Kingsholm in February too. The Lower College girls also experienced a thrilling Sunday at Giffords Circus. Needless to say, the traditional Third Form trip to IKEA went ahead!

Charity

This year our House Charity has been Open Door, and our House Leadership Team did a great job of getting us mobilised to support this important enterprise. At Christmas we donated a large quantity of items particularly requested by residents, from food and treats, to clothes, games and shaving kits. In the Summer Term every girl contributed to a clothing sale, and we welcomed girls from across other Houses to buy second hand bargains, all contributing to a total of just over £1,000.

Academic

This year, a large group of girls were recognised for their academic endeavours. Eleanor W, Molly S-M. Rachel T, Lottie E, and Rebekah B earned their Half Colours, with Full Colours going to Xanthe H, Gigi N-C and Melissa W. Melissa also showcased her impressive storytelling skills through her writing for the national creative writing competition, which is now in a published book! Additionally, she also achieved a Gold in the UKMT Maths Challenge.

Sport

The girls have proven to be stellar athletes with a fruitful year of sporting achievements. Jessica R and Matilda K represented College within netball’s 1st VII while Eleanor W,

Donna F and Melissa W represented College in cricket’s 1st XI. Melissa further presented herself as a promising cricketer whilst playing for the U18s team in the Worcestershire County Cricket. In addition to this, Katie C, Summer E, Zlata P, Maya C, Matilda B and Alisa S successfully swam their way to 1st place in the junior girls swimming House Pots, and while we narrowly missed out on the top spot in both House netball and tennis but great House spirit and resilience was shown.

Drama and Music

We had many girls treat the audience to a spectacular evening of entertainment during this year’s school production of Grease. With Bella P as Marty, Lavanya R as Frenchy, Eleanor W as Miss Lynch as well as Summer E, Georgia B, Flo W, Melissa W and Saffron F in the ensemble. It was a bittersweet experience for many as we watched Donna F exceptionally embodying the character of Rizzo in her final production here at College. Not to mention the master of all Maestros and our very own Mr Pirttijarvi bringing the best out of the vocalists on stage. The Lower College plays were another treat. It was also a highly successful year for our musicians. Despite our unfortunate loss at House Singing, our rendition of ‘Does Your Mother Know?’ was truly one to remember, and Donna F was a superb conductor! Charlie C, Bella P and Lavanya R delivered captivating performances during the Upper College Cabaret. Melissa W won this year’s College Singing Competition, lifting the trophy in the classical category and many girls have taken the plunge and performed in Friday lunchtime concerts: Annabelle W, Lavanya R, Martyna L, Melissa W, Vivien L and Bella P. The girls also attended the Cheltenham Jazz Festival in full support of Donna F, who did much to impress the audience with her singing as a part of JIG.

Farewells and Thank Yous

This year, we bid farewell to our fabulous Upper Sixth who have been marvellous mentors to all the girls, and we wish them all the very best for their exciting journey ahead. We thank our Head of House Matilda K and our Deputy Heads Rebekah B and Isobelle M for being such a determined, patient, and gracious team of leaders. College Lawn will miss you all! We also wave farewell to Mrs Merheim-Kealy, who has been a superb Third Form Tutor, and at the end of the Easter Term we said farewell to Miss McGirr who was a brilliant Sixth Form Tutor. We were very sad to say goodbye to Matron Sally Dawson who has cared for us since 2017. Of course, we could have not achieved the above without the unwavering support of our tremendous team of House staff. We would like to express our gratitude to Mrs Wintle, Mr P, Mrs McBride and Matron Becky and Matron Jo and all of our Tutors who have gone above and beyond to make College Lawn the warm, welcoming House it is.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower

College

Attainment: Saffron F, Sarah A, Gigi

N-C, Melissa W

Endeavour: Martyna L, Xanthe H

Foundation Project Qualification Prize: Frankie G

Elmslie Drama: Eleanor W

Upper College

Endeavour: Rebekah B

Applied Psychology – BTEC: Dasha L

Ronald Guthrie Bedford Economics: Izzy A-S

Bingen Human

Geography: Rachel T

History of Art: Molly S-M

Theatre Studies: Bella P

Ronald Marsden Classics: Ruby C

Hornsby French: Ruby C

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

Psychology: Charlie C

Head’s Award for Outstanding

Commitment: Matilda K

Davenport Musical

Theatre: Donna F

The Galahad Cup: Ruby C

House Editor: Lavanya R

Hazelwell

House Events

It has been another packed year with the boys from Hazelwell performing and excelling across the full range of College opportunities. Three highlights stand out. The House Play saw Hazelwell share the stage with the girls from Chandos to perform some top-quality drama. Archie B, Tom GS, Tristan E and Max C-H all took on major roles in a phenomenal version of The History Boys; obviously, the star of the show was Charlie F who was outstanding in his performance of Hector. On the same night, Freddie O’N, our very own Drama Scholar, directed and starred in The Children’s Hour which perfectly highlighted his talent. An entertaining version of ABBA’s ‘Lay Your Love on Me’ in House Singing will be long remembered by the boys in House. No placing for us, but respectable comments by the judge led us to believe we were the ‘People’s Champion’.

Charity

This year we have decided to split our charitable support in two. We have continued to support our local community at the Cornerstone Centre, whilst also committing to fundraise for Ukraine. We have hosted a quiz night every half term at the Cornerstone Centre and welcomed the local volunteers to College for a night of drinks and a Chapel service. Our relationship with this local service is thriving again after Covid. We also took to the roads to run the equivalent 1,516 miles from Cheltenham to Kyiv to raise money for the charity World Vision and their work in Ukraine. In rain, snow and hail, the boys showed their determination and camaraderie, reaching the total on the final day with a Colour Run alongside The Prep. We raised £4,000 in total.

Academic

The junior academic shield, The Hart Shield, returned to Hazelwell for the first time in 10 years highlighting the drive and effort across the whole House. We must congratulate the following for achieving academic Full Colours this year: Aaryan M, Ryan C, Max C-H, Sebastian B, Tristan E Justin W and Aidan P. Speech Day saw Hazelwell win prizes across the

board: from drama and music to economics and chemistry; it was a good haul from Greenites. In other news, two students from Hazelwell have become part of the College Prefect leadership team: Aaryan M has been chosen to be Hazelwell’s next Head of House while Ivan L becomes the third person in succession from Hazelwell to be elected Prefect of Internationalism and Inclusion.

Sport

Sport continues to play its major role. This year we dominated racket sports with Archie B and Max V winning tennis House Pots and Rex Y, Adrian N, Tony L and Ryan C retaining badminton House Pots. Rex Y also retained his Gloucestershire U18 singles title as well as earning his Full Colours alongside Adrian N. In rugby, Ben C represented the 1st XV and was selected for the England Lambs who toured both Dubai and South Africa in the summer. Bryan L, Aidan P, Max V, Archie B, Charlie F and Ed C all represented 1st teams as well. Ed C continues to stay on the GB pathway for shooting. Zach N and George S represented A teams across rugby, hockey and cricket and were part of the successful U14 sevens team who was runner up at Rosslyn Park.

Drama and Music

Growing numbers in Hazelwell have taken to the stage in recent years with Tristan E, Xander M, Tom GS, Lucas M, Jasper B, Archie B and Tom H all receiving Colours. Daniel Q joined a number of these boys in the College Musical, Grease and Freddie O and Charlie F were both the leads in the Scholars’ Play And Then There Were None ; both were awarded their Drama Full Colours blazers. Bryan L again set the standard of music in the House. His solo piano concert was a College highlight; he will be missed this coming year. But waiting in the wings is Gareth T, Ryan C and Johnny C, all regulars in bands and orchestras across College. Gareth is playing the organ regularly in Chapel and Johnny’s performance of the second and third movements of Telemann’s Concerto in G Major as part of an informal College concert was another highlight.

Farewells and Thank Yous

As ever, we are hugely grateful to have such a brilliant team of staff in House. Special thanks go to our marvellous Matrons Mrs Helen Bloxham and Mrs Julie Alder, and our Resident Tutor Miss Vaughan as well as all the Tutors. This year, we wave goodbye to Mr Thomas and Mr May. Both have been fantastic additions to the House team. We will miss them but wish them and their families all the best for the future.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Gareth T

Wilson Diploma (Platinum) J ohnny C

Elmslie Theatre Performance: Tristan E, Max CH

Upper College

Endeavour: Freddie G

Spanish: Ivan L

Ian Marsden Chemistry: Ismael BL

Cheltonian Endowment Trust

Prizes Economics: Max V

Spanish: Freddie O

Marcan Prize for Music: Bryan L

Davenport Drama Award: Charlie F

Davenport Theatre Performance: Freddie O

The Adams Shield: Archie B

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Lower College won The Hart Shield for boys’ House academic achievement.

House Editor: Aaryan M

Leconfield

House Events

In the Autumn Term we took part in paintballing at Combat Splat. It was great to see everyone coming together, forming excellent bonds as a House, albeit on a paint-splattered battlefield. After that, Leconfield quickly grooved their way to joining the charity Zumbathon to support the Cirencester Housing for Young People. Other Sunday activities included Nerf wars, dodgeball, and ‘football’ zorbing. In the Summer Term, the House showed off their exceptional prowess at skiing at the local dry ski slope. Many thanks go to our lovely Resident Tutor, Mrs O’Malley, who has, throughout this year, been organising our Thursday Anchor Nights: from Valentine’s card making to limbo challenges, Anchor Night is a much-loved event.

Charity

We continue to build strong bonds with the Barefoot Project, which has been our House charity since 2018. This year we raised our largest sum to date of over £3,766. This staggering figure has been achieved through the selling of our traditional Leconfield Apple Juice, a generously sponsored charity auction, where prizes ranged from Twickenham hospitality suites to holiday homes in the French Alps, as well as participation fees for our annual Leconfield Family Charity Tournament. The tournament was won by Ben C and his father, with the junior tournament won by Marcus B and Alfie H. Special thanks must also go to Bertie B and Adam KJ, who generously put 20% of their profits from their side hustle retail business, Sockify, to our House charity. Well done! Aside from the fundraising, we also cleaned and shipped 136 pairs of rugby boots to youth sports projects in Fiji and sent over 60 boxes of old brand College kits to projects in Kenya. Additionally, we spent monies raised last year on sports bras and training tops for a youth women’s rugby 7s side in Fiji.

Drama and Music

Shining their way into the spotlight, Leconfield has had an excellent year of music and drama. Starting off with the Variety Show, we saw a diverse range of talent from Leconfield. We had Curtis P and Ronan D playing in the Jazz

Band, Henry C and Felix W performing ‘Everybody Rules the World’, Ariyan M singing, and we must not forget that hilarious Prefect sketch, with Harry D as Mr Brewis, Toby J as Mr Diamond and Matt R as our one and only Leconfield Housemaster, Mr Evans. Then, we had the Scholars’ Play, where we saw Finn C performing in Agatha Christie’s classic, And Then There Were None. In the whole school musical Grease Leconfield dominated the principal cast with four out of five of the T-Birds being Porcherites! Thomas H as Danny, Mathieu VS as Kenickie, Ari M as Roger and Finn C as Doody. The show was magical, making the House very proud. Then finally Finn C, Felix W and Curtis P performed on the public free stage at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival.

Sport

It has been another triumphant, busy year for Leconfield on the sports field too. Out on the Astros, Leconfield won the senior hockey House Pots. Thomas H, who played left-wing, said that ‘it was a nice victory to bring back to the House’. We then had House football, and whilst there were some excellent performances from our boys, we sadly underperformed, but there’s plenty of hope for the coming year! With the sun shining (and a few heavy showers), in the Summer Term, and whilst our senior team narrowly lost to Newick in a closely contest final, Leconfield won the junior cricket House Pots and got the chance to hold aloft the enormous Briers Cup. Additionally, Leconfield’s reputation on the river is experiencing a resurgence - we have some strong new recruits in the Third Form; Sam A, Josh W, Max W and Ronan D all performed exceptionally well at both the Evesham and Worcester regattas.

Farewells and Thank Yous

We sadly had to say goodbye to our Head of House, Matt R. Matt has been with us from the start of Third Form and has been a huge support to the boys and the House team. Tutor Mr McKee who has been part of our team for nine years is leaving his Leconfield nest at College to pastures new in Surrey. From House Singing to Prep duties, Mr McKee has done a stupendous amount of work for the House, and he will be dearly missed by everyone. We also say a heartfelt goodbye and thank you to Miss Linehan and Mr Watson. We wish them all the best going forward. As for our Upper Sixth, we them all the best as they start their new journeys at some amazing universities. Huge congratulations go to Richard T, who has been offered a place at Christ Church College, at the University of Oxford. We are so grateful to our Matrons, Mrs Groves and Mrs Booth, our Resident Tutors, Mr Diamond and Mrs O’Malley, Mr and Mrs Evans and all of our House Tutors; thank you for the time and effort you have put into making us feel safe and supported. Further thanks go to our Houseman Rob and Housekeepers Agnes, Emilia and Adrienne, who have the unenviable task of helping Leconfield to look like it doesn’t have over 70 teenage boys living there!

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Jerry C

Endeavour: Ronan D, Jim W

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Curtis P

Elmslie Musical

Theatre: Matthieu VS Upper College

Endeavour: Finn C

Ronald Guthrie Bedford

History: Oleg K

IT – Cambridge Technical: Matt R

Lionel Wells Physics: James C

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

History: Harry D

Davenport Drama Award: Thomas H

Davenport Musical

Theatre: Ariyan M

The Stidworthy Cup: Harry D (joint winner)

House Editor: Finn C

Newick House

House Events

Newick has been as busy as ever this year, and we have spent many sunny weekends around the pizza oven. Our various closed weekends have also been filled with activities, such as dodgeball and inflatables. In the rugby season, the whole House indulged in a trip to Kingsholm, where we were ecstatic to see the cherry and whites take the win. The boys commenced in all out warfare at the Combat Splat paintballing trip, with the Sixth Form taking a victory in the final game against a mix and match team of staff and lower years. Finally, the Upper Sixth also enjoyed a Burns Night feast, which their parents came to enjoy.

Charity

Our House charity this term was SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity that helps the military community in a number of ways. Our largest fundraiser for our cause this year was a pizza delivery service that Newick ran, and after making the pizzas in the Newick pizza oven, they would be run to the House that ordered them in less than 15 minutes. We raised £700.

We should also give a special thanks to our Housemaster Mr Hayden who grew a somewhat ‘brave’ moustache to raise money for ‘Movember’ as well as Mr Horn and Mr Bass who both grew theirs alongside him to raise awareness of men’s health and mental health issues.

Drama and Music

This year we welcomed Dominykas D, a new Music Scholar, into the House, alongside Seb M-T a Drama Scholar. Newick was also delighted by our House performer Jake H, who performed in multiple plays this year, as well as both playing guitar for a social and being awarded his Drama Full Colours blazer this year. Our resident prodigy Henry H performed Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No 3, the hardest movement of the concerto. Bravo!

Academic

This year we welcomed Paddy G as our latest academic Scholar to the House. We have also had a strong showing

in Upper College Society, with many members of House attending on multiple occasions. Newick also used our eggheads in a mock UN event, in which we convinced multiple other Houses to join our side. There was also a record set by Karsen H who blitzed through the entire reading list for his reading diploma in less than a month. Gus C-R, Austin T and Toby K also achieved academic Half Colours for their GCSE results.

Sport

Newick has been a giant in House sport, and we have come either first or second in every sport we have partaken in. Despite House rugby being cancelled, we were through in both rounds and were going strong. We also narrowly came second in football, hockey, and rackets, with each match being a hard-fought battle. Newick was crowned victors in cricket, where we took a strong win with the 1st X1 captain Ollie M taking the helm. We also won basketball, with Raf F leading the charge, and in swimming, Terry H captained the boys to a win. These victories could be to do with our new gym, which has been utilised extensively by all the boys in House. We also had impressive individual showings in sport by; Ollie M, who was awarded Full Colours in rugby, hockey, and cricket, as well as Austin T with rugby Half Colours and Full Colours for football. Freddie F received rackets Half Colours.

Farewells and Thank Yous

Finally, Newick has to say goodbye to Upper Sixth led passionately by Jonty K and his backbone of Deputy Heads, Jake H and Austin T, alongside our House Prefects, Milo L, Sam E, George C and Rex C. All have contributed greatly to Newick, and all have a hand in why the House runs so smoothly. Congratulations are also due to our new Head of House Hawi R. We also must say goodbye to our Resident Tutor Mr Horn, who, despite a brief excursion to the dark side (AKA Christowe), returned to Newick to become a crucial cog in Newick’s system. The boys will miss his meaningful chats and his cricketing ability. We wish him the best at Marlborough College and we hope to see him the next time we play them on the cricket square or on the rackets court.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Karsen H, Amir B

Endeavour: Paddy G, Lewys D

Hannam Clark Orchestra

Prize: Jamie R

Upper College

Endeavour: Austin T

Music: Dominykas D

Head’s Award for Outstanding

Commitment: Jake H, Jonty K

Marcan Prize for Music: Henry H

Hannam Clark Orchestra

Prize: Henry H

The Stidworthy Cup: Ollie M

(joint winner)

House Editor: Toby K

The Queen’s House

House Events

This year saw the 20th anniversary of The Queen’s House, as it opened in September 2002. We had a lovely celebration with OCs, staff, parents and current pupils where a lot of happy memories were shared. We were also very excited to host our Performance Evening in Big C where a lot of talent and House spirit was on display. One very special event was the grandparents’ cream tea where girls had a chance to invite their grandparents and show them the House. This was particularly lovely as it was a sunny day plus for the past three years we had been forced to cancel the event during the pandemic. Werewolf games continue to be a favourite gathering in Queen’s, as well as House Lunches and the Lower Sixth Alpine Dinner. We introduced a giant real life Cluedo game with Sixth Form this year. You couldn’t trust anyone for a while! Our Christmas Feast was an evening full of laughter and good food, which was made even more magical because of the snow. Love was in the air for our Upper Sixth Valentine’s/Galantines’ dinner in February. The charity committee organised our first ever parent daughter tennis tournament. Third Form winners were Sofia M and her uncle for the mixed doubles, and Izzy B and her mum took the ladies’ cup. Our thanks also go to Fifth Form mum Mrs Syiek for her help with running the tournament.

Charity

Our local charity this year was #FeedCheltenham and we have been pleased to raise £2,320. We had a speaker coming in to explain how we could help; we collected food and presents for our Christmas donations. All the girls contributed to baking and channelled their inner Bake Off for a delicious charity sale in the quad. Katie R and Ella B volunteered to do a sponsored silence day and Molly R attended the opening at a new housing estate for vulnerable people, as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Gloucestershire. Many of our Lower Sixth students have been awarded travel grants by College. Charlotte F-M, Ella B, Isla S and Katie R were planning a trip to Tanzania to help set up netball in a girls’ school, as well as setting up a reusable pad production to help with period

poverty. Poppy W and Autumn C were planning to visit an orphanage in Romania to teach English and Maths.

Academic

Queen’s is a hard-working House, and many impressive academic achievements were awarded this year. We are so very proud for winning the senior academic shield on Speech Day! Charlotte T, Katie R, Molly R and Poppy W in Lower Sixth received their academic Full Colours. Academic Half Colours were awarded to Autumn C, Ellie M and Kitty P. Charlotte T also took part in the MFL Olympiads as well as the Regional Joutes Oratoires which were both a huge success. Many of the Queen’s girls have also attended evening societies, with Katie R and Alice W giving a hilarious presentation in TPE Society about the Office U.S and its links to ethical theories. Milly J and Charlotte T have also been made heads of MFL Society which they look forward to leading in the coming year.

Drama and music

We were ‘hopelessly devoted’ to the sensational performance of Grease the musical involving Molly R, Lucille K, Lily R, Sophia M, Aoife M, Daphne G, Ava M, Leggy S and Eliza T. Sophie E impressed us all with her amazing performance of Liszt’s Piano Recital No 1, as well as singing and playing in JIG, along with Eli H and Milly J at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Molly R also dazzled us as a convincing lead role in the Scholars’ Play And Then There Were None at the Cheltenham Playhouse. We thoroughly enjoyed the Lower College plays where many Queen’s girls took to the stage for Brainstorm and A Winter’s Tale

Sport

This year’s House Pots went swimmingly as we came second in both junior and senior swimming competitions! The Junior B hockey team won the Bowl Cup. Wimbledon-worthy victories were also achieved at tennis House Pots as we came first for junior teams and third for seniors. We also won the cricket House Pots with captain Tilly C and the senior athletics on Sports Day with captain Ella B - well done to everyone who took part. So many trophies! It is also worth noting a few outside school performances with Izzy B and Milsie T winning the hockey U14 west final against Somerset. Evie W swims at national level and Sophia M is our future Wimbledon star. Many girls compete in equestrian events, such as tetrathlons for Isla S and Daphne G; dressage for Zoe C and show jumping for Darcey C, Amelia F and Clara S. Ella B sprints like lightning for Gloucester, whilst Eli H shoots for the stars in first team netball. Success in all round education is what makes Queen’s girls so determined and versatile. Well done all!

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Lily R

Endeavour: Darcey C

Wilson Diploma (Platinum): Lily R

Upper College

Rea English Literature: Alice W

Physical Geography (John Morse): Katie R

Politics: Molly R

Theology, Philosophy and Ethics: Charlotte T

Saville Classics: Sophie E

Cheltonian Endowment Trust Prize

English: Eliana H

Marcan Prize for Music: Sophie E

The Cadbury Cup: Sophie E

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Upper College also won The Lldarin Shield for girls’ House academic achievement.

House Editor: Alice W and Milly J

Southwood

House Events

As a House we have hosted a wide variety of events this year. Most recently we held a grand ‘Southwood Chess Battle’ in which members of the House went head-to-head with one another to compete for eternal glory. Over 15 high-stakes games were played, and early favourites started to emerge with Mathis K, Zach R, Bertie P and Jackson K dominating the battlefield. In the end, our champion was Mathis who beat Zach in an epic 75-minute match watched by many in Southwood’s garden. Mathis will be immortalised as a Southwood chess legend for years to come.

Charity

Southwood has really gone above and beyond in our charity push this year: our chosen charity this year was the Trussell Trust food bank in Cheltenham. This allowed the boys to be more engaged and see the progress that we were making. The first event that we did for the food bank was a Christmas food drive – the aim of this was, for 12 days leading up to the end of the Autumn Term, to collect each day a different food item from a different year group. The items that we picked were taken specifically from the food bank’s wish list, so we knew that we were meeting the needs of the local community. By the end of the 12 days the Southwood kitchen and Mr Orchard’s office were overflowing with £2,000 worth of food and sanitary items to donate. We then organised a charity auction and quiz night for parents and supporters. Throughout the evening there were many ways in which we raised money, from selling jokers in the quiz to raffle tickets, and of course the auction. It was an incredible success raising a phenomenal £2,160.

Academic

Academic Improvement Prizes went to Charlie M, Charlie M-S, and Joe T. Bertie P was awarded the senior Maths Challenge Gold, while Cerian B secured second spot in the Gloucestershire Classical Speaking Competition. A Bingen Society presentation was given by Mathis K, while Bertie P was honoured with the Fifth Form Essay Prize for his outstanding essay on Computer Science. Charlie W was also awarded academic Full Colours, with Luke R being awarded a

Cambridge Chemistry Challenge Gold medal. On top of that our Upper College won The Marsden Shield for boys’ House academic achievement.

Sport

Keeping with tradition, Southwood has been very successful this year. We have particularly excelled in our rugby. Congratulations go to TJ F for his call-up to the England U18 development squad. And for his performances at College and Gloucester Academy plus receiving his Half Colours. Charlie C also achieved Half Colours for rugby, Heath G achieved rugby Full Colours and captained the 1st XV. TJ, Ethan J and Tom U have also represented Gloucester U18s and U17s in sevens. In hockey, Half Colours were awarded to Joe C and Mickey S with special mention going to Harvey S, who was re-awarded his Full Colours and captained the 1st XI.

The Southwood boys have dominated on the golf course this year, too. We undertook The Gloucestershire Schools Competition and congratulations go to Ben M who came second in the net competition. A huge congratulations to Theo N too, who has been named junior captain at Cotswold Hills Gold Club as well as receiving his Half Colours. We had a strong show in rowing, attending many regattas with Bertie P and Charlie W present in the J18 quad. Special mention goes to Charlie W, who was awarded Silver medal in J17 single scull. Kudos also to Max K and Spencer M who both got their tennis Half Colours and came a respectable second place after getting robbed during this year’s tennis House Pots. We’ll get them next time!

Music and Drama

Special mention goes to Charlie K for playing with JIG during the Cheltenham Jazz Festival and a nod to Mathis K for achieving his Music Half Colours. Additionally, Southwood helped to put on both the thought-provoking The Children’s Hour and The History Boys. This has emphasised Southwood’s commitment to the arts, which we hope to build on in the future.

Farewells

We sadly say goodbye to our current Upper Sixth. It has been a pleasure to share Southwood with them. They have been a fantastic year and have been fine role models for all of the boys. Many of us have formed powerful friendships with them, which I believe will grow and flourish as they move on. We bid them farewell and hope they stay in touch. Southwood also says farewell to one of our Matrons; Mrs Helen Thomas. She has been a wonderful Matron for the past eight and a half years; she has kept the very heart of Southwood beating, whether that be through the mass production of toast that occurs every break time or through stern warnings to each and every year group to keep the noise down. The House will miss her dearly and we wish her luck in all her future endeavours!

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Attainment: Charles M

Endeavour: William B, Sam C

Upper College

Endeavour: Finn K, Jay W, Joseph T

IT – Cambridge Technical: Rafferty T

Abbott Mathematics: Bertie P

Sports Science – Cambridge Technical: Cody W

Extended Project

Qualification: Jude R

Business – Cambridge Technical: Charlie P

Sir Frederick Page Fellowship of Engineering: Luke R

Cheltonian Endowment Trust

Prizes Classical Civilization: Mathis K

Design (Resistant Materials): Sam R

Geography: Charlie C

Marcan Prize for Music: Charlie K

The Duleepsinhji Cup: Harvey S

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that our Upper College also won The Marsden Shield for boys’ House academic achievement.

House Editor: Jay W

Westal

House Events

This year Westal has embarked on many new activities and events. Upper College led our charitable events (see below) and Lower College enjoyed a myriad of activities such as bowling, escape rooms, silent discos, and laser tag. Also, our foody Fridays and classic sushi-making nights with Mrs Nishimura never fail to satisfy all the girls.

Charity

We brought back the tradition of hosting a casino night for our charity, A Life for a Cure, which raises awareness for meningitis and the importance of vaccination. We hosted around 80 other pupils who all helped contribute to the cause. We proudly raised £6,615. We also organised a performance night with a successful auction. In this our girls displayed their many talents on the stage and carried out a lucrative auction having donated things such as polo lessons, gift baskets, a holiday, and so much more. We also supported Springbank Community Food Pantry and Centre. Every girl from Westal volunteered one hour of her time to help out. We were extraordinarily proud to be awarded the Bellamy Cup for Charitable Endeavour.

Head of House’s best memory

‘Westal has been my happiest part of College and it has made me into the person I am today. There have been so many amazing memories, but a highlight was coming third in House Singing as it was the first time we had placed since I joined College. I want to thank all the girls in all year groups for making Westal a family.’ Tilly C

Academic

This year Westal has had an amazing academic record. A big well done to Emily N, Poppy D, Ademide O, Georgina H, and Carys B for attaining their academic Half Colours and Ngoni M and Emily O for attaining their academic Full Colours. We would like to give recognition to Ademide O, Ngoni M and Carys B for their amazing Chapel talks this year despite being in the Fifth Form. Congratulations to Emily O and Geena C for completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold

Award and achieving a Silver in the Biology Olympiad. It is also worth mentioning that Emily N won the Silver prize in the Chemistry Olympiad. We would also like to highlight Chloe W with the most improved ATL and Hermione J for winning the Lower College Bingen Essay Competition and The Classics Competition.

Sport

This year we have had a significant number of sports achievements including Emilia L, Poppy D and Hebe H playing in the annual charity netball match, which is always a great watch. We also want to recognise Jemima W as the football captain for the girls’ 1st XI and Izzy HC for both gaining their football Full Colours. The team was also blessed with having five Westal girls playing this season. Over the course of this year, Emilia L has achieved her hockey, netball and tennis Half Colours with her amazing dedication and hard work. We would also like to acknowledge Sonya M as the girls swimming captain and for attaining her swimming Full Colours. Additionally, with their outstanding performances, it is worth mentioning Emily O gaining her squash Full Colours and Violet P and Elizabeth D for gaining their badminton Full Colours. Unfortunately, this year we were unable to conduct our annual huddle rounders tournament due to weather conditions. Let’s hope we will be able to carry on the tradition in the years to come.

Drama and Music

Many pupils in Westal are part of the Schola Cantorum and Canticum Choirs, orchestra and bands, and many hold music scholarships and exhibitions. We are in awe of Sonya M and Violet P whenever they perform and show forth their talent. It is worth mentioning Georgie H’s dazzling dance performances throughout the year. Grease was an extravaganza of a performance this year. Our own Mirabel E played the fantastic role of Sandy captivating the audience with her amazing singing and dancing. Well done to Mirabel E for achieving her Drama Full Colours. We would also like to praise Maisy W, Matilda M, Keona L and Ademide O for achieving their Drama Half Colours.

Farewells and Thank Yous

Sadly, we must wave goodbye to our beloved Upper Sixth and would like to say thank you to our charismatic Head of House, Tilly C along with our two Deputy Heads Emily O and Jemima W. We have never experienced such kind-hearted and warm pupil leadership. They will be greatly missed, and we thank them for their significant contribution to the House. We wish all the Upper Sixth the best of luck with their exciting future prospects and we have no doubt they will all do great things. We would also like to thank our two Matrons Mrs Wright and Mrs Mathews for coping with all the girls this year. The Langs as always have had our backs through all ups and downs and saving the best for last our deepest thanks to little Oscar for always putting a smile on our faces.

Speech Day Prizes

Lower College

Endeavour: Emma K, Ngonidzashe M

Elmslie Drama: Carys B

Upper College

Tanner Biology: Emily N

Chemistry: Emily N

Classical Civilisation: Edie G

Business – Cambridge

Technical: Tilly C

History of Art: Yoyo H

Borchardt Mathematics: Emily L

Cheltonian Endowment Trust

Prizes French: Alice B

Music: Sonya M

Science: Geena C

Jackson-Matthews Chapel Prize (for best Address): Carys B and Ngonidzashe M

Dagley Morris Prize (for Chapel

Music): Sonya M

The Millennium Trophy: Emily O

The Gasson Cup: Jemima W

Shield Winners!

We are proud to say that as a House Westal won The Bellamy Cup for Charitable Endeavour.

House Editor: Andrea K and Florence P

Leavers’ Chapel Service and Coffee

Leavers’ Ball

Valete - Our Fond Farewells

Sarah Checketts

A wise woman whose generosity of spirit, counsel and care has marked so many of us here, Sarah has been a fantastic colleague and we will miss her terribly. Having brought her heart, soul, creativity and commitment to College for 11 years, Sarah leaves us for new challenges. In her role as Regional Manager with Pippa’s Guardians, her gift for nurturing and developing others will be at the forefront of her professional activity.

After she relocated to College from Repton School in 2011, it took just 12 months to recognise Sarah’s worth and promote her from second to Head of Modern Foreign Languages. When she stepped down to deputy following the birth of her daughter, she wholeheartedly supported another four Heads of Department who appreciated her experience and good sense.

An inspiring and gifted teacher of Spanish, Sarah’s enthusiasm for Hispanic culture, the poetry of Neruda, Moorish architecture and vibrant educational trips undoubtedly leave their mark on College pupils. The Third Form Salamanca homestay provided hundreds of them with happy memories of life in Spain, including making friends, salsa dancing, tapas tasting and churros con chocolate. While the pupils never noticed the work behind the scenes, Sarah managed a range of problems with calm determination, from lost wallets to the passport left on an EasyJet flight; nothing phased her or dimmed her positivity.

A stalwart of Newick House and a great support to the boys there, Sarah’s ability to get the best out of others led her to pastoral management where in her role as Deputy of Lower College, her penchant for enriching the pupil experience shaped her agenda. Beyond the fun of theatre trips and standup paddle boarding, Sarah aided pupils finding things tough and dealt firmly with those who weren’t meeting expectations. She understood, motivated and challenged our young people and they loved her for it.

From her no-nonsense netball coaching and ability to foster team spirit alongside her willingness to embrace College values even when an attempt to learn to play rackets during ‘Ambition and Failure week’ led to a broken ankle, we thank Sarah for all the warmth, understanding and friendship she brought to our community. We wish her and Nick, Harry and Ivy treasured memories of their time here and our love and luck for the next episode.

Helen Powell

Sam Cook

Since joining us in 2019 Sam has made a monumental impact on sport across College. Having spent a number of years playing elite netball, Sam’s invaluable experience and subject knowledge and her ability to inspire and motivate the pupils was unquestionable. Through her role as Director of Netball, Sam continually led and guided her Department, resulting in the netball programme going from strength to strength, with senior players being called up to the NOVA development pathway, and the U14 team attending regionals in the 21/22 season. Always one to lead by example, Sam continued playing netball throughout her time at College, both for Hucclecote and for Severn Stars and has provided some brilliant opportunities for girls through these pathways.

Through her role as Resident Tutor in Westal, Sam continually supported girls and House staff alike and contributed significantly to the sense of warmth and community in the House. Having supported tutees throughout both lockdown and in House, and organising House trips, Sam, Glenn and Rogue played a key part in the Westal family.

She will be much missed by all of us in the Sports Department and we wish Sam, Glenn, Rogue and Obi the best of luck for their future coaching ventures!

Katie Brooking and Rebecca Faulkner

Robin Eddie

The loss of any Head of Department is a blow to College. However, the loss of a Head of Department who has galvanised their team and managed to do wonders for the Department is an even bigger loss.

Over the past three years Physics at College has blossomed. Numbers taking the subject have increased and the numbers of pupils wanting to study Physics or Engineering related topics has soared. One thing that Robin has brought to the Department is to make Physics accessible to all. He has nurtured a sense of community amongst the pupils and staff alike. His approachable and supporting nature will be sorely missed.

On a personal level, Robin has always been a phenomenal sounding board for ideas or strategies that we perform across the Science Department. His wise words of support and guidance have helped on many occasions. As an advocate of Physics for all, Robin has steered the Department onto a path of inclusion, hoping to address misconceptions about Physics and indeed, improve the number of girls studying it at KS4, KS5 and beyond.

Robin’s contribution to College has not been isolated to Physics. As Master in Charge of the Polo, Robin has maintained the high level of success expected. A great believer of pupil empowerment, Robin supported and facilitated our Pride and Allies meetings and helped run College’s Astronomical Society; his passion for this has certainly rubbed off on me! Anyone who knows Robin, knows he is a passionate creator of high quality and engaging Physics resources. He has completely revamped the Physics curriculum at College, introducing excellent strategies and materials to support pupils; it is this path that Robin has chosen to follow after College. I have no doubt that as he joins Cognito Education as A Level Physics lead, Robin’s contribution to Physics education will explode nationwide!

Jamie Copeland-Jordan

Lois Haddock

Lois joined College in January 2021, bringing with her an immense passion for Physics and an unwavering dedication to her pupils. This was against a backdrop of Covid and having to meet all her classes for the first time during remote learning. Her commitment to fostering a love for the subject was evident in the incredible relationships she forged with all her classes and tutees. Through her engaging teaching style and ability to simplify complex concepts, Lois inspired countless pupils to embark on a journey of scientific discovery. Not only is Lois a phenomenal teacher, but she also made an impact beyond the classroom walls. She actively participates in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, guiding our pupils on adventurous expeditions, and instilling in them valuable life skills. Additionally, as a Tutor in Chandos, she provided invaluable guidance and support to her tutees, nurturing their personal and academic growth. Lois, your dedication, knowledge, and genuine care for your pupils have left an indelible legacy within College. As you embark on new adventures, we bid you farewell with immense gratitude and warm wishes for a bright future. Thank you for being an extraordinary teacher, cherished member of the Physics team and above all else, a

friendly colleague. Good luck, Lois!

Robin Eddie Will Hart

Will joined us in September as a part time maternity cover, although it was no time at all until he felt like part of the drama family. He shared his extensive knowledge and expertise with his GCSE and A Level classes and approached every class with great commitment, empathy and humour. Beyond the classroom, he was a much-loved Fourth Form Tutor in Chandos. He inspired our Third Form with drama sessions as part of Third Form Challenge. He was a calm and proactive stage manager running backstage during our whole school musical Grease. He also shared his expertise drawn from working at multiple schools both here and abroad during a fascinating learning lunch entitled ‘It’s the way you ask them; making the most of our teaching questions’. We wish him all the best as he embarks on his next position; another maternity cover as Head of Drama at Marlborough College, and we know we will keep in touch as he will always be part of the family.

Sian McBride

Rob Horn

Rob joined College four years ago having had a brief spell at Malvern College after completing his Sports Science degree. Rackets hadn’t really featured much on his radar but unlike his backhand serve and his cricket cover drive, timing is everything! After his first year it was very obvious that he was someone that we wanted to keep hold of and a Resident Tutor vacancy in Christowe enabled Rob to continue his rackets training. Despite his love of lower league football and his fanatical support of Plymouth Argyle there is no doubt that we have been exceptionally fortunate to have had Rob working with us. He has enabled the Club to go from strength to strength with more and more opportunities for both boys and girls to get on court. He has been a key part in the ongoing successes of the Club: his administration and IT skills have been invaluable, and Mark Briers will be spending the next four weeks having a crash course in how to create Excel spreadsheets. As well as being Rackets Professional, Rob will also be heading up the girls’ cricket programme at Marlborough College and I can’t thank him enough for his

work in the Cricket Club during his time with us, expertly coaching and enthusing a wide range of ages and abilities across the boys’ and girls’ programmes.

Matt Coley

Will Kemp

A former Captain in The Queen’s Royal Hussars, an Army paratrooper and a national level ultra-marathon runner - I soon learned not to compare myself to Will. Fresh out of the military, Will joined College as a teacher of Physics and Resident Tutor in Boyne House. From his credentials you might expect this six foot man of steel to be an intimidating chap but he has also the kindest of hearts and most supportive of natures. His vision of resilient, independent, tech savvy future leaders has ensured much success from his pupils.

From driving teaching and learning and introducing the iPad, it is safe to say Will has left a large metaphorical pedagogical footprint. However, with revitalising College CCF Will’s greatest legacy at College is perhaps to be found outside of the classroom. Pupils’ leadership development in CCF is outstanding and, with the support of his sidekick ‘Q’, Will must be praised for the transformation for both pupils and staff alike. The recent inspection commented on the Sovereign’s Parade and celebrated the pupils’ ease with tech which just underlines these successes. Will always had the benefit to pupils and impact on colleagues front and centre of his initiatives; this is something we can all learn from.

Whilst most of us try to stay afloat in the busyness of College life, Will has also found the time to complete a doctorate in education, achieved promotion to Major and complete 100km a week on Strava. Will has been appointed to the ranks of Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham, and will undoubtedly find success there too; our loss is very much their gain. In the meantime, he can be found spreading his much-loved manure on the allotment. On behalf of everyone at College I would like to wish Will and the real Major Kemp all the best living the Cotswold good life.

Matt Preston

Grainne Linehan

It is going to be a huge loss to the Department to say farewell to Grainne. She has been coordinator of Third Form Biology for many years, introducing a plant project to Third Form Summer Term and also introducing the popular Lower Sixth Warwick trip.

The Biology Department will be significantly quieter this coming year, with the doors open, Grainne can be heard from her lab to almost the Pallister Library. I am yet to borrow the sound level meter from Physics and measure the decibels but I am sure they can all hear her Biology lessons too! Grainne is always the first to volunteer at our Biology ‘bring and brag’ sessions, stepped up with Jonny Thomas on paternity leave, provides feedback from Continuous Professional Development and works tirelessly to find ways for us to progress as a Department.

Grainne will be very much missed in Leconfield, although her true allegiance remains with Chandos, where she was Resident Tutor for three years; absolutely adored by the girls and she adoring them. Grainne’s kind and caring nature comes to the fore in a pastoral setting, which is a pleasure to witness, highlighting the importance of this dual role. She is also immersed in the co-curricular with Choir, Dungeons and Dragons Club, and most recently Dissection Club. We are losing an amazing teacher of Biology, dedicated, thoughtful and kind, but we wish her the very best at Denmark Road High School.

Lucy O’Malley

Tegen Lochhead

Tegen is a great loss to College and despite only being here three years her impact has been felt far and wide. Always a motivational Biology teacher she sought new and inspirational methods of teaching and she is passionate about her pupils’ learning journey. Whether it be her heart research featuring The Grinch or Lower Sixth research projects she enabled, her laboratory was always an interesting place. With a keen understanding of how our brains work, she never shied away from innovative practices. The Teaching and Learning Group has benefitted massively from her input and her Masters’ knowledge, which

she managed to juggle in her time here whilst being a Resident Tutor; no mean feat and characteristic of her determination!

In Christowe her warmth and natural flair for pastoral care was readily recognised and she was quickly made Assistant Housemistress. Her priority was always the boys’ well-being and she was keen to organise clan cooking nights and competitions. Many parents were the recipients of her craft activities, produced with the boys and, whilst they may have not realised it, the importance was in the conversation over the activity and then of course, in the giving.

A true allrounder Tegen was very active in sports, particularly her beloved netball where she honed her umpiring and coaching skills. She particularly enjoyed coming up against her old coaches and showing them what her charges could achieve.

On a personal note, Tegen was a great colleague and readily swelled the Biology workroom with scrumptious cakes and Italian bakes along with her bubbling laughter. ‘Biobabes’ won’t ever be quite the same without her! Parting is such sweet sorrow but of course we wish her the very best of luck leading a Biology Department in London’s Tower Hamlets. I know she will give it her all and enjoy the big smoke but fervently hope that she won’t be a stranger back in Gloucestershire!

Jenny O’Bryan

Suzanne Marquis

It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we bid farewell to Suzanne Marquis, our Head of Learning Support and SENCO.

Suzanne joined College in 2013, as our first Learning Mentor. Her interest in pupils’ learning and welfare and her skill in supporting College pupils became immediately apparent. Suzanne’s calm demeanour, doubtless aided by her background in Psychology, supported her in quickly gaining insight into behaviours and issues and responding sensitively to them. Utterly dependable and professional, Suzanne became indispensable within the Department.

After undertaking further qualifications, Suzanne took on a role of specialist teacher in 2016, followed soon after by her appointment as Head of Department. Suzanne’s skilled teaching and ability to build rapport with even the most hesitant of pupils has continued to benefit pupils ever since. Suzanne’s administrative wizardry and exceptional

interpersonal skills make her a superb Head of Department. Her experience and expertise are widely drawn upon by colleagues, who know they can fully trust her balanced perceptions and wise decisions. Suzanne has managed the ever-increasing complexity of exam access arrangements in exemplary fashion – and always with a smile and ‘can do’ attitude.

Suzanne is also a gifted Tutor, attentive to her tutees and respected by the girls and their parents alike. Suzanne prioritises the girls’ well-being and needs and has willingly given of her time to Westal activities.

In addition to her co-curricular involvement, more recently Suzanne has also become involved with College’s Thinking Reading initiative. Suzanne has been generous in the time and commitment given to College. It has been a joy to work with Suzanne for 10 wonderful years. She leaves College now with all of our very best wishes for the future.

Mary Plint

Sue McNeil

Sue worked many years as librarian in international schools prior to College and we are so grateful to her for what she has achieved in her short time here. Sue’s professionalism prompted her to prioritise cataloguing and shelving in the interests of improving user experience. In addition to this mammoth task, Sue continued to promote the Reading Diploma and was involved in the Thinking Reading programme. She worked tirelessly to improve the Library as a space for both academic and recreational use. A highlight for staff was the ‘save a book from a lonely Christmas’ mince pie event under the beautiful tree. It was a glorious way to celebrate the start of the festive season. Record numbers of Fifth and Upper Sixth Form pupils took advantage of the holiday revision offer over the Easter and Summer half term breaks, and the use of the Library for quiet activities such as ‘readaxation’, puzzles, board games and chess has been much appreciated by pupils. Similarly, pupils for whom English is an additional language have responded very positively to the introduction of a World Language section to the library, which includes titles written in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Korean, Polish, Russian and Spanish. Her support of the students researching their EPQ and FPQ topics was also super. Sue delivered fantastic lessons on how to research and reference effectively. Her insights into the development of good reading and researching habits for our learners will stand them in good

stead as they go on to higher education. We are sorry to see her leave College and her quick wit and support will be missed. However, she leaves the College Library in great shape and we are indebted to her for this. We wish her every happiness as she moves closer to her family and her roots.

Jane Brodigan with information from Abigail Davies, Emily Hartley, Sarah Hayden and Mary Plint

Sarah Merheim-Kealy

Sarah joined College in 2007 and has seen some amazing changes with her career spanning three different Headships. Originally Sarah was a highly impactive Careers and UCAS advisor working effectively with Dr Richard Woodbury. Some of her greatest achievements were the amazing work experience and enrichment weeks that she choreographed with upwards of 25 speakers whose demands were always managed with calm aplomb. Her academic match-making skills enabled our students to make positive impressions and often led to open doors at prime universities, never mind the last minute travel details that she had to juggle when organising university visits and interview attendance. She also ran the inaugural International University Fayre inviting other local schools which paved the way for current partnership work now extensively undertaken by College.

Sarah’s quietly spoken approach to life was later sought out in the Library, where she has continued to oversee and guide hundreds of our pupils over the years. Her smiling and warm welcome has calmed many an exam nerve-wracked student. Her tutor groups have been assured of much care and thoughtful discussion. This was in addition to ensuring the Library was an effective working space where discussion and perusal over book choice was a welcome.

College has been a hub for the Merheim-Kealy family for the last 16 years. It has been a joy to watch our children grow together, creating wonderful shared memories. Whilst she has felt it a privilege to be part of our community, we to have been blessed with her presence and Sarah will be missed. Of course, we jealously wish her ‘bon voyage’ on her future packed travel itinerary that awaits her and Pete as the youngest M-K flies the nest!

Jenny O’Bryan

Ben Marsden

Ben joined College in September 2018, moving from London where he was Director of Hockey at the highly successful Wimbledon Hockey Club. This was a return to Cheltenham for Ben, who grew up and went to school here. He quickly settled into College life, involving himself in the whole range of sports we offer and taking on tutees from Hazelwell.

I hope he will look back at the past four-and-a-half years with great satisfaction: he has worked hard to implement new sporting initiatives within College, including a full restructure of the management of sport; he embraced the challenges of the pandemic and oversaw remote fitness classes, sporting masterclasses and online tactical analysis sessions. Our pupils have benefitted enormously from his undoubted expertise and enthusiasm for coaching hockey, and the quiet motivational chats he makes time for with pupils is testament to someone who has always put them first. It’s not just been hockey that he has been involved with. At various times in the year he has skillfully coached netball, tennis, athletics, football, strength and conditioning (S&C), basketball, squash and badminton showing that he is a natural at anything involving a ball or any kind of co-ordination!

In gathering reflections from colleagues with whom he has worked, the same high praise came back: Ben is thoroughly professional; he always has a considered view on things; he is hugely personable; he is great to work for and with; he is hard-working and driven, and he always puts pupils first. Ben leaves us to pursue a career in property development; we wish him and his family all the very best for the future, and we thank him for his fantastic service to College.

Stephen McQuitty

Lee May

Lee joined the Business Department in January 2023 to cover Holly Brooke’s maternity leave. He has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience which has made his presence seamless and valuable for the pupils he has taught. Lee has been a supportive and helpful colleague, and this too has been reflected with his engagement in hockey, cricket and tutoring in Hazelwell. We are really grateful to Lee for being such a pleasure to work

with and a safe pair of hands over these two terms and we wish him and his family every success and happiness with their move to Bloxham School.

Zoe La Valette- Cooper

Hannah Maclean

Hannah joined us from Uppingham School in September 2019 as a relatively new teacher and quickly become an extremely well-liked and respected member of College. An inventive and passionate teacher, her Maths lessons, like everything else in her life, were full of dynamism and positivity. Hannah has a real passion for pedagogy and was constantly looking for ways to improve her teaching. Many pupils benefitted greatly from her thoughtful and collaborative style; she was one of the most popular teachers in recent memory. Her trademark humour, and absolute commitment to her job made her a genuine pleasure to work with. Somehow Hannah got to know everyone in College very quickly, and always had time for all members of our community. The epitome of a team player; she was always willing to go the extra mile to help out a colleague or a pupil.

A very keen and competitive sportswoman in her own right, she coached sports in all three terms and was a superb role model for all who played in her teams. She also played a pivotal role in the 7Up programme and was a committed and compassionate Tutor in Christowe, spending her last term at College as a Resident Tutor.

Hannah will be remembered by all at College as a truly excellent colleague, a force of nature with unbounded energy and the very best of friends. She has made a lasting impression on so many staff and pupils and she will be missed greatly by the many friends that she has made. She leaves us to start a new chapter of her life in the USA with her fiancé Anthony. Good luck, and thank you, Hannah.

Brendan Enright

David McKee

David joined College in September 2014, moving from Milton Abbey School where he was Director of Music. He quickly settled into College life, driving music on to new heights, starting up a chorister scheme from inception, coaching rugby and taking on tutees from Leconfield.

He has achieved so much in his nine years at College. His first plan of action was recasting the departmental layout or ‘rabbit warren’, as he might affectionately have referred to the Music departmental space. Very quickly, existing rooms were repositioned, and a recording studio and ICT suite were established, demonstrating David’s innovative approach to education and ability to look outside the box. Our pupils here have been fortunate to be part of a hugely active and high-achieving Music Department with a choral repertoire to rival most English Cathedrals. Similarly, the breadth and depth of orchestral, concerto, ensemble, choral society and both instrumental solo and vocal music performed under his watch is something, I hope, he will look back on with great pride and satisfaction. David was the driving force behind the chorister scheme which originally drew on pupils from The Prep and, more recently, from local primary and secondary schools in Cheltenham. He has also been at the forefront of recruitment, travelling out on numerous occasions to South East Asia and unearthing hugely talented and accomplished musicians who have been able to enrich College music.

He is a wonderful and vibrant colleague to work with and, having both brought so much energy and innovation with him when he arrived, he leaves a very significant legacy behind. David leaves us to be Director of Music at Charterhouse School. We wish him, Sarah and Charles all the very best for the future, and we thank him for his fantastic service to College.

Stephen McQuitty

Rachael

McGirr

Rachael joined us in 2021 after completing a PGCE in Psychology at Worcester University. She brought with her a wealth of understanding of current topics in the discipline and a can-do attitude to get stuck into everything that College had to offer. She remained with us until Easter 2023 working as a Psychology teacher, member of CCF, Upper College Tutor for College Lawn, tennis coach and running a Psychology film club. Whether it was in House or the classroom, Rachael was measured, reliable, fair and committed. She approached everything she did with enthusiasm and had excellent relationships with both staff and pupils. Her work ethic was commendable, and she took on new challenges with a genuine desire to ‘make it work’. She leaves us to move to a specialist school for the blind in Worcester, where she will be teaching Psychology, Sociology and Health and Social Care.

The pupils she has worked with these past two years have much to thank Rachael for, in her strong teaching, her patience, going above and beyond in supporting them in their preparation for A Level exams, and genuine desire to care for their development and well-being. We wish her success, health and happiness for the future.

Tricia Norman

Laura Morris

We bid a very fond farewell to a colleague who made many friends at College during her time here as maternity cover for French in MFL. Laura first arrived in October 2021 as a new PGCE student, eager to learn and prepare for the world of teaching. Her dedication and infectious warmth made an instant impression on the Department and across College. Little did we know that she would return in January 2023 as a qualified teacher, ready to take on the challenge of picking classes up mid-year.

In a short span of time, Laura managed to infuse MFL with her boundless energy, enthusiasm, wicked sense of humour, and fresh ideas. Her dedication to her pupils was evident in the hours she spent giving support sessions. Many pupils expressed their sadness at her departure, a testament to the deep connection she forged with each of them.

Laura was a steadfast source of positivity and support for colleagues and pupils alike, for which we are very grateful. She will be missed, and we wish her every happiness in her new teaching post.

Elizabeth Gerry

Kirstie Naish

Kirstie joined College in September 2015 and immediately made an impact on the Department. Throughout her time at College Kirstie has seen many changes, with many people coming and going from the Design Technology Department, and the ever-changing schemes of work specifications, new content and Third Form rotations.

In 2017 Kirstie became Head of the Department. Throughout this time she developed the Textiles Department designing and delivering GCSE and A Level content to pupils. Kirstie has further supported pupils by becoming a moderator and exam marker for the relative exam boards enabling her to gain an insight into the Design and Technology specifications

and marking systems. Kirstie has worked through various schemes and projects for all year groups which has enabled pupils to be inspired, creative and imaginative.

Whilst at College, Kirstie has become a mum of twins and then last year, a mum to Leo. Juggling three small people and a part-time working life has been a challenge but Kirstie has continued to bring a good deal of knowledge and experience to her role as Head of Textiles and has helped create many high-quality garments through the eyes of her pupils. Kirstie has also been a Tutor in Westal providing a positive role model. She has had great relationships with pupils throughout her time at College.

From all of us in the Design and Technology Department, we wish you well on your new adventure and move overseas.

Good luck in this exciting new chapter of your life.

Dave Lait

Tricia Norman

Tricia has been an integral part of the College community for the past decade, with the task of setting up the first ever Psychology Department at the school. With her wealth of experience and a PhD in working memory development in children, Tricia was the perfect candidate for the job, having previously set up a highly successful and huge Psychology Department at Marling School.

Over the years, Tricia always demonstrated her deep passion for Psychology and her unwavering dedication to her students. Through her high academic vigour, hard work and expertise, she has inspired countless students to pursue their interests in Psychology and has helped them achieve great success in their university studies and beyond.

But it’s not just the students who have benefitted from Tricia’s presence at College. Her commitment to developing her colleagues has been truly remarkable too. Through her encouragement and guidance, her colleagues have progressed into leadership roles across many other schools. Tricia’s confidence in her team has allowed them to take on new challenges and responsibilities with ease and we have been mentored to high levels ensuring our own success.

Tricia’s impact on the College community will be sorely missed as she moves on to her next adventure at Cheltenham Ladies’ College, where she will be setting up her third Psychology Department. However, her legacy will live on, leaving behind an organised and well-established

Department with Psychology as a very popular choice for Cheltonians. Her colleagues and former students will remember her as a dedicated and inspiring teacher, a passionate advocate for her subject, and a true friend who gave much time and love to their needs.

Lara Beere

Sarah Orwin-Henderson

From teacher to Tutor and Lower College Floreat Co-ordinator, the word that typifies Sarah’s contribution to College life has been ‘exemplary’. Admired in the Chemistry Department for her amazing record of eight top grade

A Levels, meticulous planning and OCR examining she is a highly efficient and respected member of the team. Her Head of Department lauds her as an excellent classroom practitioner who has celebrated the best results of any teacher in College year after year. Sarah has also led the way with technological advancements in teaching, perhaps most memorably when she brought a whole new dimension to working from home in the pandemic; Sarah was beamed into her lab, where her eager chemists awaited to hang on her every word. She adapted to teaching and learning in this extraordinary time and this extraordinary way with such proficiency and skill whilst all the time making it look and feel just like normal.

Sarah’s contribution to the College community extends far beyond the lab. We were so lucky to have Sarah steering Lower College Floreat at the time when mandatory Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) was introduced. Sarah’s belief in the importance of Floreat, including RSE, is evident in the exceptional way she researched, planned, resourced and reviewed this fundamental aspect of our children’s education. This is really important work, and she should be rightly proud of her legacy.

Sarah’s contribution to wider College life has been unflagging: she has delivered both EPQ and FPQ, supported the Third Form on Three Peaks Challenge and the Confirmation candidates, led paper and gardening clubs and took Landrover Club to victory, winning the Judges’ Choice Award for their ‘Sustainable Chassis’ in the Schools’ Competition. Sarah has been a caring and diligent Tutor in Ashmead and Chandos. She will be remembered by her tutees with real fondness and gratitude for her care of them. Sarah leaves us knowing what a difference she’s made to College life. We thank her and wish her all the happiness at St Edward’s School, Cheltenham.

Jane Brodigan

Jonny Thomas

In Jonny Thomas, we are losing a brilliant and committed schoolmaster who has made a huge range of contributions to life at College.

In Biology, he has been a kind, gentle, and supportive Head of Department. His colleagues have valued his superb organisation and structured approach with schemes of work and resources, making him, as one teacher memorably put it, incredibly easy to work with and for. Within the Department, Jonny has been a great advocate of the pursuit of Biology beyond the curriculum, creating the Discovery magazine and promoting external competitions like the Nancy Rothwell Prize, and achieving great success within these.

In Chapel, Jonny has spoken eloquently about his Christian faith, often using memorable and engaging stories and comparisons to vividly communicate the power of the good news of Jesus to the congregation. In support of the chaplaincy team, Jonny has run a weekly activity called ‘Explore’ for Cheltonians who are interested in exploring the Christian faith for the first time or deepening their knowledge of The Bible alongside Domino’s pizza!

As a sports coach, he has stewarded the 4th XV with dedication and innovation. The boys in my House loved his training sessions and the camaraderie he fostered on away trips to Marlborough and Millfield. We wish Jonny and his family all the best for his new career and life as a Pastor in Cardiff.

Ellie joined College in September 2018 and has facilitated the literacy, numeracy and study skills of many pupils to support them through their time at College. She has supported pupils from Lower College through to Upper College and has given a particular focus to helping Lower College achieve their GCSEs in English and Maths. I know that the pupils enjoy their lessons with Ellie and feel supported, being able to ask questions for clarification and consolidating their study skills. Her positive and caring nature makes it easy to seek support and target areas to improve.When she joined College, Ellie quickly became involved in everything co-curricular and supported the

Andrew Straiton

Ellie Tuck

equestrian Monday activity, as well as being involved with hockey and tennis. She also supported the Admissions team with the 24-hours taster day and has fond memories of cycling around the Forest of Dean in Activities Week. As a Tutor in College Lawn, Ellie has provided a great deal of support to her tutees and is a valued member of House.

Ellie has been an asset to the Department, and we have enjoyed working alongside her. She has the all-important ‘can do’ attitude, responds quickly to incoming demands and has certainly been a great support in the busy moments in a typical term.I hope that Ellie looks back with fondness at her time spent at College and keeps in touch with the many friends she has made. We will greatly miss her expertise, commitment, friendship, sense of fun and allround contribution to College and wish her well in the next stage of her career which begins with her studies through Canterbury Christ Church University to complete a Masters in Psychology. She has achieved a lot in the last five years, and we look forward to seeing what she goes on to achieve in the next five.

Suzanne Marquis

Tom Watson

Tom joined College last year from Harrow International School, Bangkok, and now leaves us for The Grammar School at Leeds. As Head of Chemistry, it is a great loss to the Department when an experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate staff member leaves. With Tom leaving us there will be a gaping hole in the Department. Tom has brought many things to College, including his passion to understand his pupils; he gets under their skin and makes them realise that we are all in this together. Tom’s relationship with all he teaches is unique; he is friendly, supportive and reassuring but also not afraid to give a large dose of reality when needed. Tom has taught the full ability range at College. He is a highly adaptable teacher, and I can honestly say that these pupils have had the best tailored teaching experience possible.

One of the big changes Tom has done for the Department is to turn his lab into a tropical wonderland. For reasons unknown, even with the heating off, Tom’s lab is unnaturally warm- he’s clearly brought that Thai heat with him! Another area that Tom has contributed to is the Department’s outreach programme visiting local primary and secondary schools. Tom is such an excellent communicator of science and is always keen to get pupils to think about what and why

they are doing something. His passion for Chemistry and the discovery of what science is, is truly amazing: I would be delighted to have Tom teaching my children.

Outside of the Chemistry Department, Tom has made contributions to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (including a very wet, cold and wild practice expedition), CCF, rugby and the running club. By moving back up north, Tom will be closer to both his and his wife’s family, and with his boys swiftly approaching secondary school age, this is the right time to move for the next stage of their lives.

Jamie Copeland-Jordan

CHELTONIAN SOCIETY

The Cheltonian Society connects the Cheltenham College and Cheltenham Prep community through events, professional networking opportunities and online network. Membership is automatic for Old Cheltonians, Prep leavers, current and past parents, and current and past staff.

President of the Cheltonian Society

Welcome to the Cheltonian Society section of The Cheltonian 2022-23

You will see from this publication and elsewhere that College is in great health, evidenced especially by the outstanding feedback from the ISI report. Speech Day was an excellent day, celebrating school and individual success.

Our Society events agenda continues to build momentum, energised by the arrival of Diane Diver as Events Manager in September 2022. A highlight of the year, noting some personal bias, was the reunion for those who left College 40-50 years ago. Over 100 OCs and staff attended, enjoying some (boisterous at best) singing in Chapel, House visits, and an excellent lunch.

Our professional networking agenda has also expanded, thanks to the efforts of Nick Nelson. I really encourage

Cheltonian Society Committee

members to consider further engagement in this important pillar of the Society’s activity. You can see more at www. cheltoniansociety.org. And whilst on the site, please take the time to complete your profile!

Last but not least, on behalf of all Society members and on a personal basis, a huge thank you to the retiring Malcolm Sloan. There has been no greater servant to the College and the Society over his 50 years. We will miss you and we all wish you and Cathy a very happy retirement.

David Stewart (H, 1978, past parent, current Council member and President of the Cheltonian Society)

The work of the Cheltonian Society is supported by members of the Committee.

Current

members of the Cheltonian Society Committee are:

David Stewart , President (H, 1978, past parent and current Council member)

Helen Allen (Ch, 1987 and Chair of CET)

Lucy Caines (W, 2010)

Heidi Callon Hine (current parent)

Abi Coley (current Prep staff and current parent)

Georgina Gardner (Q, 2015)

Richard Hine (H, 2011)

Anthony Holt (Xt, 1994)

Darawati Hussain (past parent)

Caroline Noble (current parent)

Piers Norton (S, 2016)

Alayne Parsley (current Prep staff and past parent)

Tunku Nasiruddin Shahabuddin (Xt, 1987 and past parent)

Malcolm Sloan (Hon OC, past staff, past parent)

George Smith (BH, 2010 and past staff)

Tim Swainson (Xt, 2001)

Charles Wyn-Davies (BH, 2008)

Ivan Yuen (H, 1986)

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Cheltonian Society Committee, please contact Sebastian Bullock, Cheltonian Society & Development Director on s.bullock@cheltenhamcollege.org

Dr Malcolm Sloan: 50 Years at College

Retiring this summer, Malcolm Sloan has completed a remarkable 50 years at College. His service has been wideranging, considerable and crucial; he is one of those people about whom it can honestly be said has shaped the direction and success of College. He has achieved this without ever seeking the limelight or personal prominence.

Brought up near Omagh, he read Chemistry at Queen’s University, Belfast and then continued in research to a PhD. Coming from a family of teachers, he then undertook a PGCE course at Cambridge and for his teaching practice he was assigned to Cheltenham College. The Headmaster, David Ashcroft, quickly recognised his quality and offered him a fulltime job, starting in September 1973.

In the classroom he had a natural authority and the pupils always knew who was in charge – it didn’t take long for him to acquire the ‘Paddy’ nickname but no pupil would ever dare utter it in his hearing. He was very much at home in teaching the intricacies of the Periodic Table, organic chemistry and all the associated practical work.

He soon became Assistant Housemaster to Colin Auger in Southwood and his College bachelor life ended when he married Cathy, who was then the Junior School’s Catering Manager. The birth of their son, Jonathan, coincided with Malcolm taking over Christowe in 1983. In those days, the boarding houses were very different in atmosphere to those of today and the boys did not make it easy for a new Housemaster to take charge. Malcolm’s sheer doggedness and determination to change things worked well and within a few years Christowe had become an academically highachieving House, strong in music and self-confident in its stability. Malcolm’s secret was to seek out a boy’s interests and strengths and then make sure he had the opportunities to exploit them. His ‘tough love’ approach changed Christowe from a hearty, sport-obsessed House to a much more rounded and civilised place.

At the end of his stint as Housemaster, Malcolm was the clear choice to assume the role of Second Master. His experience in Christowe and his intimate understanding of how College ticked made him an invaluable advisor to

Headmasters, Housemasters and all members of Common Room. Having two of his children, Jonathan and Rachael, go through College also gave him new insights into the Cheltonian psyche (his other daughter, Caroline, went to Cheltenham Ladies’ College). He had a remarkable secondsense in knowing what was happening amongst the pupils and always had a practical solution to most problems. Pupils found him a firm disciplinarian but as they progressed through College they perceived the warmth and good humour that lay beneath the gruff exterior. The twinkle in the eye and the ready quip were always there, but just the mention of the words ‘Dr Sloan’ was often enough to deter a potential miscreant.

Malcolm’s sternest test came in 1997 when he found himself having to steer the College through a very public crisis. The loss of a Headmaster and the resignation of most of the College Council left him in charge of the school for two terms until a new Head took up the reins. His ability to keep the school running and then to help Paul Chamberlain bring College back to health was a considerable feat for which all who lived through that period are profoundly grateful.

He remained Second Master/Deputy Head until his retirement from teaching in 2008. Always willing to embrace

improvements, he remained an invaluable support to the whole College community. He always fought hard to retain that balance of academic, pastoral, sporting and cultural aspects that is so central to the success of College.

After putting aside his teaching and management roles, he was asked to join the Cheltonian Society and Development Office because of his unrivalled knowledge and personal connections with thousands of Old Cheltonians. He has been invaluable in improving contact and communication with OCs, welcoming visitors and organising social and fundraising events. It is very evident that OCs who were at College in Malcolm’s era and after have much warmer feelings for the old school than previous generations. It is not coincidental that this change in relationship has blossomed in parallel with Malcolm’s time at College.

A special lunch was held in early June in honour of his 50 years at College. The warmth of tributes on that occasion left nobody in doubt about the enormous impact that Malcolm has made.

We wish Malcolm and Cathy a very happy retirement. Barry Wild (Hon OC, College staff 1982-2012)

The Sloan Cup is awarded each year to a girl who has been a stalwart on the games field. Malcolm presented the first Sloan Cup in 2008 to Pippa Wreford (née Mitchell, A, 2008).

Cheltenham College Charitable Trust (CCCT)

Donations to CCCT by OCs, parents and staff have both an immediate and long-term impact on the lives of current Cheltonians.

Over the past year, for example, donations have enabled the following projects to be completed: the digitisation of all back copies of the Cheltonian magazine, enabling much greater access and searching for articles and images (details of how to access this will be shared on the Cheltonian Society website); the installation of gym equipment in both Newick House and Boyne House; and the restoration of the Edward Wilson portrait by Hugh Rivière and Briton Rivière and its relocation from the Common Room to the ChatfeildRoberts Library.

Alongside these immediate impact projects, this year saw the establishment of a bursary endowment fund to fully fund places at College. This fund will support students who otherwise could not for financial reasons have considered a Cheltenham College education.

Over the past year, donations to the bursary endowment fund (with pound for pound matching from a single donor)

702 Memorial

The 702 Memorial outside College Chapel commemorates the 702 Cheltonians who gave their lives during or from the effects of the First World War.

The memorial was dedicated in 2018 and reflects the additional 27 Cheltonians who died after 1919 from the effects of the war who had not been remembered in the original plaque in the Memorial Cloisters. These 27 men were discovered during research for the book College Echoes, written by Paddy Stevens (BH, 1971) and published in 2018.

In memory of all those OCs who died from the effects of the Great War, alongside their many school friends and comrades of their generation with whom they lived, played and served. We will remember them.

have amounted to 25% of the £1million target to fully fund a place in perpetuity. The first place to be funded by the endowment fund will be in memory of Guy Dodd (H, 1959, past parent, past College staff). Many OCs who were contemporaries of Guy or knew him as Housemaster of Leconfield or in the many other areas of College life he was involved in, have already supported this fund.

All donations of whatever size and whether for immediate impact projects or for building up an endowment for the future are much needed and greatly appreciated. Cheltenham College would not be the school that it is today without the generosity of OCs, parents and staff.

Thank you to all our donors – you really have made a difference.

If you would like to find out more about supporting College please visit www.cheltoniansociety.org/supportus or contact Sebastian Bullock, Cheltonian Society and Development Director: s.bullock@cheltenhamcollege.org

Society Members Supporting College Careers

Thank you to all the Cheltonian Society members who have volunteered for College careers events over the year.

Without the invaluable help and support of volunteers from the Cheltonian Society the careers programme simply couldn’t offer all that it does. Whether giving up their time to talk about their own experience, offering help and guidance with employability skills, or providing specific advice on how to begin a career in a particular industry, members of the Cheltonian Society provide vital support in preparing Cheltonians for the next stage in their careers.

Mrs Rebecca Evans, Head of Higher Education and Careers

The level of appreciation from the students was palpable.

The real value of this exercise was to immerse students into this type of situation and let them make mistakes and learn.

Lower Sixth mock interviews volunteer

It was just wonderful to engage with the pupils and meet such a diverse bunch.

Careers Evening volunteer

I left with a sense of being rather proud of the pupils. There is clearly a learning culture.

Careers Evening volunteer

Lower Sixth mock interviews volunteer

Announcements

Our fond wishes to all Society members who have recently got married or had a baby. Please send us your news by completing the form on our website: www.cheltoniansociety.org/pages/marriages-births

Weddings

Amy Brown (Ch, 1995) married Mark Fletcher on 2 July 2022 in Guildford, joined by their son, Finley John Fletcher, who turned five this September. Amy’s twin David Brown (Xt, 1995) attended.

Angus Barthorp (Xt, 2008) married Lauren Hall on 16 July 2021 at Southwark Register Office, with their wedding party on 16 July 2022 at Compton Abdale near Cheltenham. OCs in attendance were Pip Mitchell (A, 2008), Max Baumgauten (Xt, 2008), Clemmie Baumgauten (Ch, 2007), Hamish Baillie (NH, 2008), James Wright (Xt, 2008), Fred Barton (L, 2008), Rachel Owen (Ch, 2008), Georgia Picken (née Messer, A, 2008), Eliza Johnston (A, 2008), Tash Price (W, 2008), Ben Pickard (H, 2008), Max Delamain (L, 2009) and Angus’s sister-in-law, Eleanor Jennings Barthorp (A, 2010). The excellent catering was managed by Bella Haycraft Mee (Q, 2011).

William Ripley (S, 2009) married Lucy Boynton on 30 July 2022 at St John the Baptist Church, Oxenton, Cheltenham. Ben Heininger (S, 2009) was Best Man and James McWilliam (S, 2009) was Master of Ceremonies. Also in attendance were William Poll (S, 2009), Andrew Hay (S, 2009), Charlie Daniels (BH, 2009), James Whitecross (NH, 2009), Charlie Ball (L, 2009), Lulu Healy (née Watson, Ch, 2009) and Ceri Blower (Q, 2009).

Clare Oliver (Q, 2009) married Zachary Aulakh in a small ceremony on the cliff tops of Mawgan Porth Bay, Cornwall on 22 May 2023. This was followed by a celebration at their home in Cheltenham. OC’s Charles Wyn-Davies (BH, 2008), Andrew Lomax (Xt, 2009), Ra Twilley (Xt, 2009) and Nigel Sherwood (Cheltondale, 1973) were in attendance as well as past parents, Drs Ewart, Candy Lewis and Helen Wyatt.

Siobhan Pierce (Q, 2010) married Thomas Pipoli on 11 March 2023 in Lake Bluff, Illinois, USA in a private ceremony with their immediate families. They celebrated their marriage with close family and friends on 20 June 2023 in Puglia, Italy.

Siobhan’s brothers, Michael Pierce (L, 2012), Ryan Pierce (S, 2012), and Aidan (Trip) Pierce (Junior), performed readings at the ceremony. Madeleine Parsley (W, 2012) officiated the ceremony. Meghan Suddaby (Ch, 2012) attended.

Thomas Wand (NH, 2012) married Tamara Lewis on 7 July 2023 at Hensol Castle, Wales. Richard Wand (NH 2006) and David Kayes (NH, 2012) were groomsmen. In attendance were James Baker (NH, 2012), Conrad Beynon (NH, 2012), Derek Shum (NH, 2012), William Cook (NH, 2012), Oliver Thornley (NH, 2012), Philippa Coull (A, 2012), Georgia Pemberton (W, 2012) and Gareth Crossley (L, 2006).

George Smith (BH, 2010) married Amy Brumby (W, 2012) on Saturday 19 August 2023 in Hereford. Joining their two young children in the wedding party were Charlie Smith (BH, 2005), Max Arthur (L, 2010) as MC, Georgia Pemberton (W, 2012) and Lydia Day (W, 2012). Also in attendance were Madeleine Parsley (W, 2012), Phillipa Morris (W, 2012) and Eleanor Loader (née Richardson, Junior).

Births

Alex Kirkby (L, 2008) and his wife Alexa Kirkby are pleased to announce the birth of Hugo Alexander Oliver Kirkby, born on 15 August 2022. Hugo was christened at College Chapel on 19 February 2023 by Reverend Dr Adrian Samuel.

Dr Daniel Brooke (Xt, 2002) and his wife Alexandra Brooke welcomed a baby boy, Joseph Brooke, born on 18 November 2022, brother to Poppy.

Samantha Mercer (née Berlet, W, 2011) and her husband, Simon Mercer, welcomed a baby girl, Lillian Sue, on 6 June 2023.

Lexi Stevens (née Straker-Nesbit, A, 2007) and her husband Sam would like to announce the birth of Harriet (Hattie) Eve Stevens born 16 June 2023, sister to Joseph (Joey).

Cheltonian Society Events

Galleries of photos from past OC reunions and Society events can be viewed at www.cheltoniansociety.org/events

OC Reunions

25-Year Reunion for Class of 1997

In November, we welcomed the Class of 1997 back for their 25-year reunion: drinks in the Library and three-course dinner in Dining Hall.

Thank you for organising a fantastic reunion dinner for the class of ’97. I very much enjoyed catching up with old friends and members of staff, and it was wonderful to be back in some of the College buildings again.

10-Year Reunion for Class of 2012

A happy gathering in September of the Class of 2012, who joined us for a Chapel service, BBQ lunch, House tours, and match tea.

Thank you very much for putting on such a wonderful day!

40-50 Year Reunion

Those who left College between 1973 and 1983 (or Junior between 1968 and 1978) joined us in June for a drinks in the Library, Chapel service, lunch in Dining Hall, House tours, and match tea in the Pavilion.

A truly enjoyable day. You went to a lot of trouble to organise an event which went off flawlessly … The photo book was a nice touch. Thank you for a fine lunch and some hilarious old memories.

5-Year Reunion for Class of 2018

A drop-in event at The George pub in Fitzrovia in February. The Class of 2018 enjoyed a welcome drink on us and the chance to catch up with old friends.

Society Events

Henley Royal Regatta

Christmas Carol Service

With the snow falling outside, we shared a beautiful Nine Lessons and Carols service in College Chapel, with music sung by the College Schola Cantorum, College’s top choral ensemble, Following the service, mince pies and mulled wine were served in the Chatfeild-Roberts Library.

Many thanks for a really lovely Carol Service. The singing and music were fabulous, the snow gave a magical air and we had a wonderful time.

Guests enjoyed access to Stewards’ Enclosure tickets at Henley Royal Regatta and, during the break in racing, a picnic lunch served in the Society gazebos at Henley Cricket Club.

Lunch was a fresh small feast that topped a great day to reminisce of happy days at College.

Cheltenham Cricket Festival

A family-friendly day at the Cheltenham Cricket Festival. Society guests joined Cheltenham College staff in a joint College and Society marquee to watch the National Counties Match, Gloucestershire v Wiltshire. Although the pouring rain soon stopped play, the mood remained high as we enjoyed a BBQ lunch and afternoon tea with the Ashes playing on screens inside the marquee.

Speech Day

A thank you to members of the 1841 Society (our regular givers who support the Annual Fund) and Hugh Reeves Society (those who have included a legacy to College in their will). Guests were invited to a picnic lunch at Collge Speech Day, while watching the cricket fixtures: XI v Gloucestershire Gipsies and Girls’ XI v Cheltenham Cricket Club.

Cheltonian Society Sports Clubs

Cheltonian Society sports clubs are a great way to connect with other Society members. Our thanks to all Society members who are involved in running sports clubs.

For more information about the annual grant that each club receives from College via the Development Office or about establishing a new sports club, please contact Sebastian Bullock, Cheltonian Society Director, on s.bullock@cheltenhamcollege.org

Read sports clubs news and reports on our website: www.cheltoniansociety.org/pages/sports-clubs

Cricket

The Cricket Club aims to continue College’s strong tradition of cricket. At the top level, OCs can compete in the Cricketer Cup, which is the premium old boys’ cricket competition. The Club also plays in a number of other fixtures throughout the year. If you are interested in playing, or would simply like to receive updates from the Club, please get in touch.

Football

The 11-a-side Football Club plays in the Arthurian League, an official FA league of old boys based in London, finishing third in the 2022-23 season. While only OCs are eligible to play in the Arthurian League, all Society members are welcome to play in friendlies.

Golf

Open to OC golfers of all abilities and ages, the Golf Society plays some of the best courses in the country. As the fixture restrictions mean only OCs can play, membership of the Society is limited to OCs. Most meetings and informal matches against other schools are open to all members. The Club also enters selected teams in leading national public schools’ tournaments the Halford Hewitt, Grafton Morrish, and Mellin Salver.

Women’s Hockey

The Women’s Hockey Club play in the Dean Close Sixes Tournament, usually in October each year. Any members of the Cheltonian Society can play and there isn’t a maximum number of players – the more the merrier. If you are interested in playing in future tournaments or coming along to support, check out the Hockey Facebook group for details: facebook.com/groups/ochockey

Men’s Hockey

The Men’s OC Hockey club play a dozen matches in an Old Boys Hockey League across the year in London, primarily in Battersea Park. They also play in the Haileybury Sixes in September, which sees Old Boys XIs play for a coveted trophy, and are planning a match back at College vs the XI with Gwyn Williams for 2024. The Club are always looking for more members to keep the squad (and legs!) fresh, so please get in touch if you would like to get involved.

Rackets

The Rackets Club are involved in two main tournaments each year: the Noel Bruce at The Queen’s Club and the Cheltenham Gold Racket weekend. The Noel Bruce is the Public School Old Boys Rackets Championship and is a doubles tournament. The Cheltenham Gold Racket weekend is also a doubles tournament, but this sees OCs partner up with a non-OC. It is a great weekend and includes a dinner in College Dining Hall on the Saturday night followed by finals on the Sunday.

Rifle Shooting

The Shooting team take part in the annual Schools’ Veterans Target Rifle Match at Bisley. There are opportunities for more OC teams to enter in future years. There may also be opportunities for additional shooters to join in too, for honours only, so other Cheltonian Society members or family are also welcome to get in touch.

Rowing

The relaunched Cheltonian Society Rowing Club will be based at the Boat House in Tewkesbury and has been established as an affiliated club to Cheltenham College Boat Club with British Rowing. The Club will be open to all members of the Cheltonian Society. We are looking for Society members who can help run the Club, alongside College’s Director of Rowing – please get in touch if you are interested.

Sailing

The Sailing Club’s main annual event is the Arrow Trophy, a two-day regatta between independent schools on the Solent in the autumn. All members of the Cheltonian Society, of all levels of experience, are eligible to join the Sailing Club. The Arrow Trophy rules stipulate that crews must be made up of ‘former pupils’ with the option of having up to three ‘ringers’ (not former pupils) on the crew. The Club also aims to hold social events throughout the year.

Squash

The Squash Society takes part in the Londonderry Cup, which usually takes place from October culminating in the finals in March, played at the RAC on Pall Mall. This competition is restricted to OCs only. The Club is always looking for more squash players so please get in touch.

OC Sporting Successes

We are proud that a number of OC athletes, many of whom were Talented Athlete Programme (TAP) members, achieve outstanding success in their sporting careers.

Please do let us know of any other OC sporting successes: society@cheltenhamcollege.org

In October 2022, after three pole positions and five wins, Jamie Chadwick (Ch, 2016) became a 3x W Series Champion. Jamie was also named in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe List 2023.

Grace Dening-Smitherman (A, 2019) was selected to represent Great Britain at the European Rowing U23 Championships in October 2022, where GB got Bronze.

Emily Drysdale (W, 2019) was selected to represent Wales in the Hockey Tri-Nations Tournament in Uruguay in June 2023 and at the European II Women’s Hockey Championship in August 2023.

Flo Fletcher (A, 2021) was selected for Great Britain Hockey’s 2023 GB Women’s Elite Development Programme Squad.

Flora Peel (A, 2013) earned her first GB call-up in December 2022 for Great Britain Hockey’s Pro League trip to Argentina, where she gained her GB debut playing against Argentina.

Will Goodrick-Clarke (L, 2014) made his first England appearance off the bench against the Barbarians at Twickenham in 2022.

Georgia Rattigan (Q, 2019) placed 2nd at 2023 Henley Women’s Regatta in The Frank V Harry Cup with Lancaster University Boat Club.

Abbie Whybrow (W, 2020) was part of the Marylebone Cricket Club Women’s Cricket tour to Nepal in October 2022.

Seb Blake (BH, 2020), Jack Clement (S, 2019) and Ollie Thorley (BH, 2015) all played for Gloucester Rugby in the 2022-23 season.

Nick James (BH, 2006) won the Brown Advisory British Open Doubles Rackets Championships 2023 in April, beating James Stout (H, 2002) in the final. Richard Owen (L, 2011) also made it to the semi-finals.

Charlotte Woodman first Premiership match for Exeter Chiefs Women’s Rugby in December 2022.

Oli Soames (BH, 2014) played in Marylebone Cricket Club’s

tour to Uganda in October 2022.

The Cheltonian 2022-23

Seb Blake Jack Clement Ollie Thorley

Nick James James Stout

Edward Wilson Portrait Restoration

Hannah Dale, College Archivist

Celebrating a portrait of an OC, painted by an OC and his son, and restored thanks to the generous donation of an OC.

The painting

Edward Adrian Wilson, M.B., who died with Captain Scott in the Antarctic about March 29th 1912 (Painted for Cheltenham College) isn’t the most promising sounding listing for Hugh G Rivière’s 1915 work exhibited at the Royal Academy but it nevertheless captured the spirit of the age. As it occurred to a horrified public that the Great War would not reach a swift conclusion but would grind on into 1916, the story of heroic deaths far from home gained a new resonance and, to a weary public, the mythology surrounding the doomed Terra Nova expedition was brought into sharp focus.

The painting was funded from subscribers of the Cheltonian Society ‘as a permanent record at Cheltenham College of the noble life and heroic death of Edward Adrian Wilson’ and was first unveiled on 18 September 1915 in what was then the Library of College, the room we now know as the Dining Hall. At the unveiling, Edward Wilson’s mother, Mary Wilson, thanked College and expressed how grateful the whole Wilson family was with the honour of having her son remembered at College, saying that ‘no memorial had pleased her and the family so much.’

Painted in oil on canvas, the portrait depicts Edward Adrian Wilson (Day Boy, 1886-1891) in his role as chief of the scientific staff and artist on his second and final Antarctic

expedition. Wilson is dressed in Polar attire, standing against a loaded sledge with his sketchbook poised as he observes the frozen landscape. Accompanying him are a team of five resting Siberian huskies. It is an impressive size, 213cm x 204cm, in an ornate gilt frame with a carved leaf and flower design.

The artists

The portrait was painted by Hugh Goldwin Rivière, with his father Briton Rivière. Hugh Rivière was a portrait painter who was elected to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. He painted Wilson’s portrait from the close study of photographs.

Briton Rivière (Day Boy, 1849-1858), was the son of the College Drawing Master (1850-58), William Rivière. He became a Royal Academician and devoted much of his life to the painting of animals. Briton Rivière had been invited by College to undertake the commission. Although he did not feel he could do so in his advancing years, two of the dogs, including the husky in direct portrait, were by his brush.

The restoration

In summer 2023, the painting was carefully removed from where it had been hanging in the College Common Room and carried to the Cadbury Room, where a team of two specialist Painting Conservator-Restorers, Pippa Jefferies and Stewart Meese, spent several weeks painstakingly restoring it.

After initially carrying out a series of tests to establish the appropriate cleaning agent and organic solvents to use, Pippa and Stewart have undertaken fixation of flaking paint, surface cleaning of both the reverse of the painting and the painted surface, varnish removal, filling of small paint losses and inpainting with Paraloid B72 medium and powder pigments, and brush varnishing with low molecular weight resin varnish.

The frame has had a thorough clean to remove ingrained dirt in the hollows and undercuts on the carving as well as an application of gesso followed by gold leaf to the losses of gilding.

We are extremely grateful to Sir Michael McWilliam (Cheltondale, 1952) for his generous donation that allowed this restoration to happen. This timely intervention will allow Wilson’s portrait to continue to inspire Cheltonians for years to come.

On 24 September, the restored portrait was unveiled in its new location in the Chatfeild-Roberts Library. There, it can be appreciated by many more people and from a more appropriate viewing angle and distance.

Experts Pippa Jefferies and Stewart Meese restored the portrait and frame over several weeks in the summer 2023

Our thanks to Sir Michael McWilliam (Cheltondale, 1952) for his generous support of the restoration – Sir Michael visited College to see the restoration in progress

Cheltondale Memory

The Rt Hon the Lord (Michael) Jopling (Cheltondale, 1948)

During my years at Cheltondale (1944-1948), as healthy adolescents, we used often to think of girls. But during that time we never had sight or sound of the Ladies’ College. However, at the end of my last term, Miss Popham relented and we were invited to a Play Reading with the girls.

It was a pretty staid occasion. I forget the play but it could well have been Much Ado About Nothing. The girls sat on one side of the room and we sat opposite. However, when we returned to the House full of the excitement of having spent the evening with GIRLS we were all thrilled, although conversation with them had been limited.

House prayers that night were taken by the Under Housemaster W.E. Bell. We were somewhat startled when he read out a prayer which included the words, ‘to continue our intercourse with the Ladies’ College.’ There was a good deal of tittering at this.

Years later, as a member of the Cabinet, I paid an official visit to Northern Ireland. They gave a dinner party for me and asked if I would like anyone to be invited. By then, W.E. Bell had become Sir Ewart Bell, had player rugger for Ireland and had become Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service. As I had not seen him since leaving school, I said it would be good to meet him again, if he was not too busy. I was delighted when he appeared on the night.

After the dinner, inevitably, they suggested that, ‘the Minister might like to say a few words.’ So I got to my feet and said how good it was again to meet Ewart Bell, and I told the story about ‘our intercourse with the Ladies’ College.’ This again caused much hilarity.

Then Ewart Bell got up and said, ‘The story that Michael Jopling has told is true in every detail. But he may like to know that I did it for a bet with the College Chaplain [Mark Ruston] who was standing outside the open window, to hear whether I did it!’

Cheltondale

Making Headlines

Caroline Froggatt (Ch, 1992)

Whilst I was at College, I announced to my mother that I might wish to be a journalist. She quickly dismissed the idea because in her view a journalist was a ‘busybody.’ I chuckle at this now; what I most love about my work is the quest for information, truth and accountability as well as the opportunity to offer a platform to others who would otherwise not have a voice.

I’ve been at ITN for nearly 20 years. The newsroom is a dynamic place where teamwork is critical, and leadership is key. Television news is not just communicating accurate information but it’s storytelling with picture too. Creativity and resourcefulness are essential especially if you are in a farflung place, a war zone or other hostile situation. Shooting, scripting, editing and feeding reports from stairwells, deserts, and the back of vans are all part of the job.

I have been fortunate to travel with work and lucky to meet presidents, prime ministers, royals, movie stars, and entrepreneurs but alongside such people I have also met the

extraordinary ordinary; campaigners, refugees, people who have suffered unimaginable loss, those with meaningful and sometimes difficult stories to tell. It is both a responsibility and a privilege.

In 2013 my first book was published with singer and photographer Bryan Adams, titled ‘Wounded: The Legacy of War’, which we launched at The National Portrait Gallery. I wanted to highlight the courage and resilience of wounded war veterans to show not just what they had lost but also what remained and how they adapted. The images and edited text from the book were exhibited at Somerset House the following year. It raised nearly £1,000,000 for veterans’ charities.

In 2018 I produced the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex for ITV, followed by a special programme in 2020 marking the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. I also produced ITV’s open-ended coverage when Queen Elizabeth II died last autumn. This culminated in the broadcast of Her Late Majesty’s funeral. It was an unprecedented time, and poignant for me as less than a year previously I had produced the Queen’s Christmas Broadcast which would be the last she would deliver. In May, I produced His Majesty The King’s Coronation for ITV. I am acutely mindful that these were defining moments in history; capturing the essence and emotion of these occasions and getting the tone right was paramount, and to be there, amongst it all, was incredible. Now I’m looking ahead to the UK and US elections next year. My Mum wasn’t wrong; a busy body, I might actually be.

Caroline at College

Caroline with Prince Harry & Bryan Adams at the 2014 opening of ‘Wounded: The Legacy of War’ at Somerset House

Caroline and the ITN team in the Sahara desert

Caroline now

Caroline and the ITV team off air after the 2018 royal wedding

Caroline filming with Sir David Attenborough and ITV’s Julie Etchingham

Rowing to Success

Georgia Rattigan (Q, 2009)

In most team sports athletes have distinct roles to play, be it forward, defence or goalkeeper. Unlike these sports, rowing requires every crewmate to perform the exact same motion at the exact same time repeatedly as you work together to move your boat along a stretch of water. It is for this reason that I love it. The teamwork required to win races is utterly different to that required for land-based sports –everyone is equal and must act as one synchronised unit.

Being on the taller side, I was theoretically built to perform well at the sport. However, rowing did not come naturally to me and I did not compete at a single race in my first year. As each season passed, I became more determined to improve. I was fortunate enough to be selected for our senior girls’ coxless quad, where we attempted to qualify for Henley Royal Regatta in 2017. Despite being unsuccessful, it was an incredible experience.

Following a gap year interrupted by the pandemic, I started at the University of Lancaster and joined the university

boat club (LUBC). I managed to make the top four and earn a couple of wins in my first year, but my second year was plagued by a knee injury leaving me sidelined. On the bright side, I had been elected as Novice Women’s captain and was tasked with training up new athletes from beginners to racewinning competitors. I loved my time as captain and it greatly developed my passion and understanding for the sport. Entering my final year, I passed on the torch and returned to competition with an intense determination to get back into the first crew.

Consistency was crucial to achieve my goal but training alongside my degree and a lack of permanent coaching meant this was a challenge. With a strong captain, remote coaching from an LUBC alumnus living in Austria, and hours of training on and off the water, I earned a seat in the top four.

Our crew aimed to qualify for the Frank V Harry Cup at Henley Women’s Regatta. LUBC had not sent a women’s crew to Henley for twelve years, so we wanted to make an impact. Not only did we qualify, we were finalists! Although we didn’t manage the final win, second place was far more than we had hoped for and we had smashed previous club records along the way.

Now that I am graduating, I can be sure that I finished on the highest note, full of pride (and surprise), with friends for life and a huge appreciation for how rowing has shaped me – from my first outing with College to my final race with Lancaster.

Georgia (second from left) and the LUBC crew at Henley Women’s Regatta 2023

Georgia (second from left) and the LUBC crew at Henley Women’s Regatta 2023

Georgia with the College senior girls’ coxless quad in 2017

Georgia at College Georgia now

Padel to the People

James Rock (NH, 2006)

As a student at College, I fell in love with racket sports, particularly rackets. My passion for sport continued into my adult life, and I found myself working as the head professional at the Montreal Racket Club.

It was during my time in Montreal that I first discovered padel, a fast-paced and exciting sport that combined elements of tennis and squash. I was immediately hooked, and soon began playing regularly with my friend, sports enthusiast and fellow OC George Sandbach (NH, 2011).

George and I quickly realised that there was a gap in the market in the UK for high-quality padel clubs and we decided to take matters into our own hands. Two years ago, we founded Padel People, a business dedicated to bringing the excitement and fun of padel to players of all levels.

Our time at College taught us the importance of hard work and dedication, and we have applied those lessons to our new venture. We researched the best materials for constructing padel courts and worked tirelessly to ensure that our facilities are and will be of the highest quality.

We are also committed to promoting padel as a sport. Padel People will hold open days, charity events and tournaments to encourage more people to give it a try. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how much people enjoy playing, and how

quickly the sport has been growing in popularity. Our first venue in Wimbledon, opened in July, with other sites in Hove and Oxford currently going through planning.

Through Padel People, we have been able to combine our love of sport with our entrepreneurial spirit, and it has been a truly fulfilling experience. We’re proud to have created a business that provides a fun and exciting way for people to stay active and socialise with others who share our passion for racket sports.

Looking back on our time at College, we realise how fortunate we were to have had such a great coach in Mark Briers (College Cricket and Rackets Professional). He taught us not just about the sport, but about the importance of perseverance and teamwork. These lessons have served us well in our business and in life, and we’re grateful for the foundation that College provided.

If you’re looking for a new way to stay active and have fun with friends, we encourage you to give padel a try. And if you’re ever in the area, stop by Padel People and see what we’re all about!

www.padelpeople.co.uk

James and George on the padel court

James winning the British professional rackets singles in 2017

James at College James now

Kenya to South Africa... and back!

Jaden Somen (Xt, 2022)

During my final weeks of Upper Sixth I wondered what I would be doing for my gap year, until a friend from back home in Kenya mentioned the possibility of a road trip from Nairobi to Cape Town and back.

After months of planning and stress (and high-speed mechanics courses) six of us finally left Nairobi on 15 January, heading for the Tanzanian border. Our route consisted of going through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and eventually South Africa. We had two 15+ year old Land Cruisers that were expected to cover 20,000 kms in three months. The cars were packed to the brim, meaning each car could only carry three people.

In Tanzania, we visited the Serengeti and surrounding areas, Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. We had an eventful time in Tanzania, experiencing two scorpion bites and many traffic speed cops along the way and, against our better judgements, tackling Africa’s hardest one day climb, Ol Doinyo Lengai (the Mountain of the Maasai Gods).

We crossed the Songwe River and entered Malawi. The border took us four hours to navigate. We travelled along Lake Malawi, meeting the friendliest people on our route, and visiting Nkhata Bay, Livingstonia and Cape Maclear whilst doing many boat trips around the lake. The shortest time was in Zambia where we visited South Luangwa National Park and Lusaka, both providing entertainment!

Travelling south towards Zimbabwe, we camped at Lake Kariba with elephants walking through camp and experienced the famous Zambezi. After some tiger fishing (with me catching an 11kg monster), we left for Harare for a

service on the cars. Our final days in Zimbabwe were spent at Victoria Falls, bungee jumping off the famous bridge connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe and spending time on the river.

Next was Botswana. We stamped our own passports out of Zimbabwe due to the interesting border post and made it to the country with elephants roaming the main roads and real-life cowboys. Our time was cut short due to mechanical issues but we visited the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi flats.

Namibia consisted of empty roads where no other cars were seen for 100s of miles and time spent on the huge dunes within the Namib Desert. We had to visit the dystopian feeling town of Swakopmund and of course Sossusvlei, with the 1,000-year-old trees.

Our final country, South Africa. We spent time in the wine region of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, Table Mountain, Robben Island, the garden route in Knysna and Cape Agulhas (Africa’s most southern point). Then our long journey back home began.

It was an amazing trip that I would recommend to anyone.

Jaden has also undertaken some fundraising to support Rhino Ark in Kenya, a partner in conservation initiatives that tangibly support local communities. www.rhinoark.org

Driving in the muddy Serengeti

Jaden now, tiger fishing on the Zambezi

1,000 year old trees at Sossusvlei salt flats

Jaden at College

World of Fabric

Helen Webb-Carter (Ch, 1996)

I am one of those lucky people who really enjoy their job and who wakes up in the morning looking forward to my day’s work. I spend my working hours travelling the world looking for beautiful fabrics, or on home turf amongst inspiring and creative people developing great products worn by thousands. What’s not to love!

My career path into the fabric world was an unusual one. It was not via a degree in textiles as I went to UCL to read History of Art. It was through work experience at Paul Smith, which arose as a result of my mother sitting next to Sir Paul at a dinner party. This was a wonderful opportunity that led to a permanent position as a design assistant. I cannot tell you how valuable work experience is. It’s an opportunity for you to put yourself out there – sell your character, be indispensable, useful, keen and have a spring in your step. I often give full time positions to students who have worked for me as interns and have proved their worth.

After Paul Smith I then gravitated into work as a fabric buyer at the high street brand Oasis, where I learned the ‘rag trade’ in greater depth by negotiating large fabric quantities and servicing a much wider and commercial customer base. After a couple of years there I moved to Jigsaw to do a very similar role, which involved more international travel as Jigsaw had an office in Hong Kong.

My role as a fabric developer and buyer is to create and source fabrics for the designers to use in their products and keep them up to date with the season’s trends. This is done through visiting the trade shows, fabric mills and factories, finding vintage fabrics at markets to develop, or trading existing styles for sales growth. After Jigsaw I spent time working at Reiss and Pringle, as well as spending time as a part time consultant (working with brands such as Alexander McQueen and Monsoon) whilst starting a family.

My most recent role is Head of Fabric and Sustainability at Boden which encompasses all the skills I have learned during my career. The thing I love most about my job is that I work for a world-class brand in which every day is different. I could be travelling the world seeking out artisans for a new collection promoting block printing or developing a sustainable recycled linen in North China. I have been very fortunate in my career to date and it’s important to remember that we all need that bit of luck, blended of course with determination and hard work!

At a factory in Erode in Southern India

Sourcing fabric in Italy

Boden fabric designs

Helen at College Helen now

Better Together

Ben Burch (BH, 1997)

It all began in the rowing minibus; or was it the gym, or perhaps the boat? I am not sure where precisely, but at some point in my journey, a lesson was learned by racing boats down rivers. Your crew is everything.

There is something very special about rowing. It’s one of the most unique team sports; there are no superstars, no ‘man of the match’ and, perhaps most importantly, there is most benefit in lifting the weakest crew member up, rather than making the best better. That sounds like a real team to me.

As the years roll on, past success fades into the more distant memory and life becomes filled with the somewhat predictable milestones. No regrets along the way – but there was a gap. I wasn’t sure what it was... simply approaching middle age perhaps?

This crystalised with the birth of my younger daughter on 9 August, when four days later she was having openheart surgery and her life hung in a precarious balance. I was shaken to my core, questioning everything. The world seemed to stop spinning. In my darkest hours, and I’d expect many readers’ times of need, it was the people around me that were the guiding light. I needed my crew.

One 100 km fundraising run later, to assist improvements to infant heart surgery, and the pieces of the jigsaw started to fall into place. During this run, my crew assembled; people had been brought together around a common cause, and we became far greater than the sum of the parts.

With a career in technology – an industry that creates

unparalleled opportunity with one hand and regrettably causes untold harm with the other – I knew it was time to direct my efforts towards a more meaningful purpose. Technology is here to stay, in fact its relentless march to control and absorb our time is almost unstoppable. What if I could channel the tide and pivot the flow to use technology for good. What if we could use this tool to bring us all closer again – in real life? That’s my aim, and that’s what Allegr, the Social Enterprise I have co-founded, is doing and it’s the experiences at College where the seed was sown.

As part of an awareness and fundraising campaign for Allegr, and as the Covid hiatus was drawing to a close, I set about a challenge – to run for 12 hours in 12 towns across the 12 months of the year. Whilst the headline was meant to grab attention, the purpose was far more important – to get people out and joining in, to remind them all that sharing an activity is more beneficial than the activity on its own, to show everyone that we are simply better together. To illustrate that your crew can be everything. We raised £15,000 for Samaritans in the process.

‘We are better together,’ is the simple premise at the heart of what we are now doing. Creating opportunities and programmes of events that unite people around a common goal. Reminding them that an activity shared, in person, is far more enjoyable and rewarding. Running around in circles for 12 hours might seem like madness, but it was transformational.

Allegr now connects thousands of people around the country and we are growing that reach every day.

Allegr is named after my daughter Allegra – she is healthy, happy and thriving. www.allegr.org

Mix of Old Cheltonians and Olympic Champions supporting a 12-hour run in Oxford Bringing together over 100 people for a Motor Neurone Disease fundraising run

Early on with Allegra on the way to 100km

Ben at College Ben now

Labor Omnia Vincit

Lldarin Nandhabiwat (née Mongkollugsana, Ch, 1986)

Never could I have imagined such a life-long impact that a couple of years at College (1984-1986) would have had on my journey and career thus far. Without ever realising it, College’s motto ‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ has indelibly guided and stuck with me no matter the choices I made and despite how challenging they were at times.

One thing that remains is, I have loved all the choices I’ve made and entering College in the mid-80s from an all-girls school was one of them. Girls joining the Sixth Form was still new; with only 30 Chandos girls we stood out but certainly tried to fit in. To add to this novelty, I was also the first Asian student to be admitted.

After College, a change of heart took me away from a Foundation Year at Cheltenham Art School to Chaminade University of Honolulu in Hawaii, where I graduated with a degree in International Relations and an MBA minoring in Japanese. My masters course entailed an internship at

Mitsubishi Trading in Tokyo for four months and in my home country Thailand working in the International Research Development team.

I loved the research aspect of work, so when I returned to live in Thailand, I landed a job as a Securities Analyst for Swiss Bank Corporation, later becoming a Fund Manager before moving to Merrill Lynch Private Banking Division as a Private Banker for the next four years.

After eight years in the financial sector, and with a young family of two small girls, an opportunity arose to acquire the franchise for Mothercare in Thailand. Having no retail experience but analytical skills and some funds, I took the plunge. Today, we are celebrating 20 years of Mothercare with 12 stores, along with a decade of exclusive Distributorship of Holster Shoes Australia with 19 outlets.

Upon reflection, I’ve been extremely lucky not to have been limited by my choices and have had wonderful opportunities to explore in both my education and career. I admit that I haven’t always been successful, but the best lessons learned have been from my failings. ‘Labor Omnia Vincit’ to me has meant that I needed to work hard to persevere, to achieve, to succeed in whatever I chose to do, particularly knowing that so many livelihoods were dependent on the company’s success. Hence this motto has been the underlying basis for my unconventional hard work ethic thus far.

Lldarin with her family in Bangkok (left to right): Lldarin, Larissa, Larinda and Reungvit Nandhabiwat

The most recent Mothercare store opened in June 2023

Lldarin at College Lldarin now

Tuck Shop Entrepreneur

Max Brown (Xt, 2022)

I was at College for 15 years from the age of three, made great friends, loved team sports and did OK academically with A levels in Economics, Politics and Psychology.

My first foray into business was at The Prep where I bought and sold with David Noble (NH, 2022). Unfortunately, my business partner and I had a sweet tooth and ate our stock and hence profits. For my second business, FITSZOO, I had identified the increase in the popularity of vintage clothing – I started buying from wholesalers and selling online on Depop, to friends and on a market stall. By the time I left College, we had 280 five-star Depop reviews and, having retained our profits, were able to open a shop in Hereford. Things went well and FITSZOO opened a second shop in Cheltenham in November 2022.

Alongside running the business, I started a three-year degree course in September 2022 at Oxford Brookes studying Real

Estate. With the help of Josh Poulain (S, 2022) and James French (NH, 2022), who were on their gap year, I was able to keep the shops open. I spent my weekends driving around the UK, buying more stock and processing it so that the shops had stuff to sell.

Running FITSZOO has taught me a lot. I’ve had a few bumps along the way but that’s all part of the learning process. I set up a limited company, registered for VAT (when I had to), got an accountant, managed employees and payroll, and had to deal and negotiate with suppliers and landlords. The most important thing is to buy the right stock at the right price so I can offer quality and value to my customers. I now have suppliers in the UK, Italy, USA, Pakistan and Thailand.

I’m really pleased with the second, larger shop in Cheltenham, in the Regent Arcade. I wanted a place where people wanted to come and that had a cool vintage feel. It works well thanks to Austin Taroey (Xt, 2022) who helped design and put everything together. I have also teamed up with Rory Jenkins (S, 2022), who has an amazing design talent. We are selling his designs on T-shirts and vintage jeans with brilliant feedback from customers. I have always collected vintage football shirts, so know their value and they have proved very popular too.

As far as the future goes, I do want my own property business eventually but recognise that I need to learn and gain experience first by working for an established business in that sector. I will continue to follow my passion in Vintage clothes and football shirts also.

My time at College taught me many things – keep going even if you are not top of the class, enjoy what you are good at, don’t compare yourself to others, think outside the box and take a risk. If you feel passionate about it, hard work and tenacity will pay off and you’ll learn lots along the way. Be open-minded and just keep trying your best.

https://www.instagram.com/fitszoo/

Max on his first day at The Prep

The second FITSZOO shop opened in Cheltenham in November 2022

Obituaries

Melanie Walton (Junior Boarding House Parent 2001-13)

Mel Walton died of natural causes on 12 June 2023. Mel and her husband Jim were much-loved members of staff at Cheltenham College Junior School from 2001 to 2013, as teachers and Boarding House Parents. All pupils, parents and staff who knew her will remember the fantastic contribution that Mel made to the school. She was known to be a consummate professional who cared deeply for the pupils in her care.

Jasper Rodney Archer (Xt, 1964)

Jasper Archer, brother of Hugh Archer (Xt, 1964), died on 19 December 2022, aged 81.

Simon Charles Ayre (Xt, 1974)

Paul

Simon Ayre died on 30 January 2023, aged 67. A full obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian

Blackburn (L, 1989), died on 6 November 2022, aged 88. The following has been written by Paul’s family.

Paul Hamer Blackburn - A life well lived

On 6 November 2022, at the age of 88, Paul Hamer Blackburn’s remarkable journey drew to an end. He died in the comfort of his idyllic cottage home in West Wales. Born on 29 March 1934, in Heaton Moor, near Stockport, England, to William and Marjorie Blackburn, Paul was one of three brothers who would all go on to attend College. He was the epitome of charm, resilience and tenacity and had a boundless spirit of adventure.

He attended Manchester Grammar School in 1944 and moved from there to College in 1947. There he became a formidable presence on the sports field but particularly on the cricket pitch. He played in the College 1st XI for four years and captained it in 1952. He was a fast bowler and notably, in 1951, took seven wickets against Clifton and, in 1952, six wickets against Repton. In 1951, the three Blackburn brothers, Martin, Paul and Robin, played in the 1st XI together.

After College, Paul won a scholarship to Emanuel College, Cambridge, where he studied engineering. As in College, he left an indelible mark on the cricket field, playing for the University against county XIs on three occasions.

Whilst Paul would have excelled at any sport, cricket remained his passion (and later golf). He continued to play cricket throughout his life and was a member of many cricket clubs, including the Free Foresters.

After graduating from Cambridge, Paul worked in India for the General Electric Company, installing power generation equipment. It was a country he loved and which strongly influenced him. He returned to England and in 1962 he married Judith. They had four children, Kate, Richard (OC), Emma, and Robert (OC).

Beyond the cricket pitch, Paul was a captivating storyteller. He had a natural flair for weaving narratives that enthralled listeners. His writings, whilst never published, captured family life and events in entertaining detail, highlighting his adeptness with words.

Paul was a very generous soul. He was a beacon of kindness and always keen to lend a helping hand; being involved with fund raising for community projects on numerous occasions. His life was a testament to the deeply ingrained values that shaped his character.

Hamer Blackburn (H, 1952)

Paul Blackburn, brother of Robin Blackburn (H, 1954) and Martin Blackburn (H, 1950), father of Richard Blackburn (H, 1984) and Robert Blackburn (H, 1982) and uncle of Will

In the early 1970s, a series of unexpected events landed the Blackburn family in the Middle East, first in Kuwait and then Iran. Amid the rich cultural tapestry of the region, Paul kept himself gainfully employed until his business interests came to an abrupt end in 1979.

Returning to England at the time of the Iranian Revolution and after losing everything, Paul started again from scratch. His unbroken spirit prevailed. He remained steadfast and rebuilt his life without complaint, with the unwavering support of Judith. His dedication towards his family and friends in times of adversity exemplified the true measure of his character.

Paul’s life was woven with threads of adventure, resilience and love. He was a man who embraced Rudyard Kipling’s ‘If’ in the way he lived his life. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was boundless. His infectious spirit and ‘joie de vivre’ were evident to everyone he met.

He is survived by his beloved wife Judith, four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ralph Bruce Cottrell (H, 1969)

Ralph Cottrell, brother of Keith Cottrell (H, 1967), died on 10 February 2023, aged 71. The following has been provided by Ralph’s brother, Keith.

Born in Singapore, Ralph attended the Junior School and then Hazelwell from 1960 to 1969. In 1966 as an army cadet in the CCF he won the under 16 Bisley National Rifle Shooting Championship.

A greatly talented cook and lover of good food, he qualified as a commercial caterer before deciding to read Law at Birmingham University, Alabama. After returning to the UK, he was a partner of a successful restaurant near Swindon before joining the NHS in Wiltshire as Health, Safety and Catering Area Manager responsible for seven establishments.

Always great company to be with, Ralph was much loved by friends and family. Receiving a shock diagnosis of cancerous tumours and given just several months, he defied the odds and lived for a further four years in good humour, with an inspiring positive outlook. One indication of his popularity was seen at the Service to celebrate Ralph’s life which was attended by over 200 people including family from the USA and Singapore.

Ralph leaves behind his older brother and niece, a daughter and two grandsons from his first marriage, his beloved wife, one stepson (the second sadly predeceasing him) and four step grandchildren. He is greatly missed by all who came to know him. May his memory be a blessing to everyone.

Michael Coventry Hancock (L, 1948)

Mike Hancock, son of Lt Col Leslie F Hancock OBE (L, 1913), died on 20 February 2023, aged 93. The following has been provided by Mike’s family.

Mike followed his father (Leslie Hancock OBE) to College. He remembered his time in Leconfield under his Housemaster Mr Lamplugh and he recalled that during wartime the dress code was boiler suits. Later, he had a Scottish Housemaster who taught Scottish dancing and took them on a trip to Scotland. His Housemaster was the person that broke the news of his father’s death just after D-Day when he was just 14.

He enjoyed early morning cross country runs round Charlton Park and being allowed to go out on bicycles on summer Sundays. He was in the JTC and played the saxophone in the Corps Band where he said they learned to march properly and went on field days, all of which proved to be a good foundation for his brief period of National Service in the Royal Scots Fusiliers after leaving school. He received the Silver Mathematics Medal as did his father 30 years earlier.

Mike studied Mathematics at Corpus Christi Cambridge where he met his wife Jill at Reels Club. His first job was at British Tabulating Machine Company in 1952 where he became an expert on computers, designing and writing programmes, and was famously taken to lunch at the Dorchester by the Chairman to explain what computers were capable of. Always a modest man he said, ‘He seemed to absorb the roles of analyst, programmer and consultant by osmosis without undue effort.’

In 1957 he joined Shellmex and BP, where he made a case to purchase one of the first ever business computers LEO3 developed by Lyons Corner Houses. He was given the task of setting up a system to capture 40,000 dealer records, with the acronym Treacle. He was appointed Chief Programmer and designed a sales accounting system for the company and was relocated to Hemel Hempstead. Having an ACMA qualification, he took charge of the management accounting function. On the demerger he moved to BP Oil as manager of

the accounts and computer division. He lived in Berkhamsted and then moved to a village nearby, Little Gaddesden, where he lived for the past 30 years. He was happily married for 65 years and had two children Nicola and Robin and four grandchildren.

To celebrate his 93rd birthday, his children took him back to Cambridge to visit his old college as well as the nearby computing museum. Looking at the early versions of the giant computers he was able to share his recollections of EDSAC and said he thought there might be a chapter in a book on LEO written by him – and sure enough there it was in the museum shop. This was typical of his modesty and his extraordinary memory. At 93 he was still able to recall events in enormous detail. His passion was bridge which he played from an early age up until a few days before he died and for which he was made a Grand Master. A former Chair of Hertfordshire Bridge Association he was described as ‘one of their most successful players ever’ in the recent obituary.

His family are so proud of all that he achieved and his generosity of spirit, gentle sense of humour, kind heart and huge intellect. He was a very dear man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

John Harper-Nelson (Cheltondale, 1939)

Major John Harper-Nelson died on 10 July 2022 in Australia, aged 100.

Timothy George Harris (Xt, 1946)

Tim Harris died on 11 November 2022, aged 94. The following has been provided by Tim’s widow Gill Harris.

Tim was born on 11 October 1928. He attended Brackley Prep School before joining College in 1942. He spent the war years at College in the Churchillian boilersuit issued by the school and remembered digging up the rugby pitch to plant vegetables. He was captain of Running (long distance and sprinting).

Tim’s father farmed briefly in Gloucestershire before returning to East Bergholt, Suffolk where Tim’s grandfather had acquired farmland. This eventually passed to Tim who added, in 1951, a farm in Boxford to his landholdings.

Tim was involved with the local NFU, the Suffolk Show and the Hadleigh Show where he was a steward for over 50 years. His son George and grandson James continue to run the farms.

John Philip Barklie Maxwell (L, 1960)

John Maxwell died on 4 June 2023, aged 81. The following is taken from a eulogy given by The Rt Hon Sir Paul Girvan, a great friend of John’s, edited by Dr Malcolm Sloan.

‘Forsake not an old friend, for the new is not comparable to him; a new friend is new wine; when it is old, thou shalt drink it with pleasure.’ Ecclesiasticus, 13.1

John was the son of William Maxwell, a very well-respected architect, and Bebe, a lady of great vitality and charm. John was very devoted to both of them and had a happy childhood growing up in a household where he was very well-loved.

He attended a prep school, Mourne Grange in Northern Ireland, and then College in the 1950s. He loved this school and remained extremely loyal throughout his life, returning often to College to attend events and to watch the Cricket Festival and indulge one of his passions, watching anything with a moving ball! John also supported the school after he had left, contributing to the restoration of the organ and to Leconfield. He went on to study at Trinity College, Dublin and as a Bar student at Queen’s University in Belfast. He had many friends from his days both at school and at university, one of whom remarked in his eulogy, with reference to the above verse, that ‘John was as a pressed wine from the best vintage.’

John was called to the Bar in 1971 and by all accounts had a profound impact upon others during his career. He was happy working as a criminal prosecutor in the lower courts rather than developing a House of Lords Practise at the Bar.

In his career he was known for taking great care, showing an admirable ability and demonstrating courtesy to others always. He was renowned for helping any young barristers in the court where he was prosecuting and became a surrogate master of sorts for many young practitioners who often sought out his highly regarded advice.

As well as practising law himself, John lectured in law in Northern Ireland and also acted as a tutor at the Institute of Professional Legal Studies. Here, John continued to pay forward his gratitude for his life at the Bar, establishing the John PB Maxwell Scholarship Awards which recognises and

supports young barristers who have distinguished themselves during the course of their training at the Institute. To date, 60 scholarships have been awarded, demonstrating an unprecedented generosity of spirit that was ‘unparalleled’ in the history of the Northern Ireland Bar. In 2018, John even doubled his initial donation amount, doubling the value of the scholarship in turn. John’s generosity of spirit went beyond the financial; the then head of the Institute, Mary McAleese, who was later to become the President of Ireland, praised John in her memoirs for the meticulous notes and assistance he gave her when she was appointed Reid Professor of Law at Trinity.

John was supported in his great generosity by Val, his wife, through whom he became very involved in the Belfast Operatic Company. With Val, John enjoyed many adventures, travelling widely and gaining wonderful life experiences. John also enjoyed his role as godfather to seven children, who remembered him for his ‘integrity, kindness and wit.’

John was a remarkable man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Colin Barrie Douglas Mayes (L, 1958)

Barrie Mayes, brother of Peter Mayes (L, 1965) and Tim Mayes (L, 1971), died on 5 September 2022, aged 82. The following has been written by Barrie’s wife Bridget and brother Peter.

Barrie was born in Madras, India (now Chennai), where his father was managing director of a British engineering company. He had a difficult start in life as both his mother and his younger full-brother, Raymond, had died by the time he was six, and he was then sent to Fonthill School, Sussex. His father remarried and returned to India where he and his second wife were to have two sons, Peter and Tim, also Cheltonians. Barrie spent most school holidays in England with his extended family, returning to India only twice. His immediate family returned to the UK in 1954, living in Fleet, Hampshire, before settling in Stow-on-the-Wold.

Barrie loved his life at College (Leconfield 1953-58). He distinguished himself at rowing (1st VIII 1957) and rugby (1st XV 1958). He was also a House Prefect. Tim Lynch-Staunton remembers him as a fellow prefect, along with Bernard Hopkins, William Offer (Head of House), Clive Mossford and Stephen Lloyd (all L, 1958). ‘Barrie was the brain in the group. He was very open – a delightful person,’ he recalled. ‘We were all very individual. We didn’t overlap much apart from as House Prefects, but we were good pals together and effective.’

Barrie went up to St Edmund Hall, Oxford in 1959 to read engineering and physics. He rowed for the Hall’s 2nd VIII at a time – he would stress – when the 1st VIII provided some of the UK’s Olympic rowing team. After Oxford, he moved to London where he lived for most of his life. His career began at Ove Arup & Partners as part of the structural engineering team for the Sydney Opera House project. He soon moved on to a career in management consultancy, firstly at Industrial Market Research Ltd and then at PA Consulting, and at Systems International, a Rolls-Royce subsidiary in Belgium. His wide-ranging career as an independent consultant saw him undertake projects in Europe, Africa and the USA, as well as in the UK. Latterly, he worked in corporate finance at Barings, Hill Samuel, and WestLB Panmure, where his engineering background was particularly appreciated by clients.

Thanks to his work, Barrie travelled widely. He was able to become an accomplished skier and ski mountaineer, and he also climbed Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and, later, Toubkal in Morocco. Sailing was his great passion though and it was on water that he could recharge the most. He raced on the Hill Samuel company boat and he spent many summer weekends in Cowes racing an Etchells class boat, winning the class’s national championships in 1993.

Shortly before his 60th birthday Barrie married his long-time partner, Bridget, a marketing communications consultant. Together, they restored an old stone house on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, and moved there permanently in 2000, enabling Barrie to sail more, by then on an ocean-going yacht. Onshore, Barrie enjoyed the complexities of boat maintenance, and he loved walking the Purbeck beaches and clifftops with his beloved saluki/greyhound lurcher by his side. He was active in village life as chairman of a Community Land Trust and as treasurer of an arthouse cinema club whose screenings enabled him to oil his rusty French.

Stephen Michael Page (H, 1964)

Stephen Page, brother of Gordon Page (H, 1962) and Alan Page (H, 1968), died on 26 June 2023, aged 77.

David John Powdrill (H, 1954)

David Powdrill, father of Guy Powdrill (H, 1991), died on 7 June 2023, aged 86. David was captain of the College swimming team and a member of Britain’s bobsleigh team in the early 1970s.

Ronald Tuxworth Procter (H,

1949)

Ronald Procter, brother of Mervyn Procter (Day Boy, 1937), died on 13 July 2023, aged 92. The following has been provided by Ronald’s son, Jeremy.

Born in Cheltenham on 25 January 1931, Ronald was the youngest of four brothers. His father died when he was young, in 1941, at which time the family lived in Sherborne. At College, Ronald was Head of House and excelled in sport. He was Captain of Cricket, Fives and Squash and was awarded colours in cricket, rugby and hockey.

Ronald went on to Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, where he continued to play hockey and cricket for his regiment, Royal Engineers. After passing out, he continued in the Royal Engineers before attending the University of Cambridge for a short course for forces students post-national service. He was awarded a ‘Cambridge Blue’ in hockey in 1955.

Ronald returned to the Army until retiring in 1968, when he joined the consulting engineers practice G Maunsell and Partners (GMP), working as a resident engineer on motorway construction projects for the M53 on the Wirral and the Birmingham middle ring road. In 1976, Ronald joined the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), working from Bristol as a civil contracts engineer managing repair, maintenance, demolition and improvement of the CEGB power stations in the southwest. Privatisation saw the breakup of the old CEGB and he was moved to Powergen, working from Gloucester and then Birmingham. The disruption and uncertainty was not enjoyable so he eventually took early retirement.

In December 1956, Ronald married Adriane. They had two children, Jeremy in 1959 and Katherine in 1963. Ronald took enormous pride in the lives and achievements of their children and, later, grandchildren Emily and Tom. He couldn’t help his pride and interest in Tom’s cricketing skill.

In retirement, Ronald and Adriane settled in Daglingworth, near Cirencester. It was around this time that he became involved with the Cheltonian Society and had time to return to the College for cricket matches and reunions, something he enjoyed well into his retirement until he became too frail.

After Adriane died in October 2003, Ronald stayed in Daglingworth and has looked after his daughter Katherine who has severe ME. The commitment he made to our mother to look after Katherine was fulfilled unswervingly, even though it did restrict his ability to enjoy more of the lives of his grandchildren. Ronald died in Cirencester hospital after a period of illness. He is survived by his daughter Katherine, son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Kate, and grandchildren Emily and Tom.

David Hansen Reeves (H, 1950)

David Reeves, brother of Michael Reeves (Xt, 1947), died on 22 December 2022, aged 89. The following is compiled from David’s autobiographical notes.

David was born in Boldmere, Sutton Coldfield and lived above a doctor’s surgery with his parents and older brother Michael. Aged six David became a weekly boarder at Wylde Green College. During the Second World War he was a boarder at Hurst Court Preparatory School which was evacuated and shared some of the buildings of Wrekin College at Wellington, Shropshire. David was Head Boy during his final year at Hurst Court.

In 1946 David’s parents decided to send him to join his brother Mike at College, though he didn’t see a lot of Mike as he was in a different House and was three years older. David became House Prefect and enjoyed games, playing for the rugby 1st XV and being captain of the fencing team.

After College, David decided to follow his brother into farming. Then, in 1952, he was called up to do his two years of National Service, joining the Royal Artillery. David put his name forward to go on a WOSB (War Office Selection Board) to see if he could get a Commission. He recalls, ‘After three days of intensive scrutiny, I was accepted for training, although I have always suspected that the fact that the Officer in charge has been to College (Hazelwell) may have had something to do with it!’ As an Officer, David was posted to Hong Kong in the 14th Field Regiment. Returning to the UK after his National Service, David had two more years in the Territorial Army, now 1st Lieutenant.

David undertook a Diploma in Agriculture at the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester, a time he describes as ‘one of the best years of my life.’ He decided to specialise in pig farming.

In 1957, his parents helped him to buy Morton Common Farm at Morton Bagot near Studley, where he worked hard, made a lot of friends and enjoyed a lot of partying.

Not long after marrying his first wife, Philippa, David bought a dozen piglets to fill two empty pig pens that turned out to be infected with Swine Fever. All of his pigs, those infected and even those that were healthy, were slaughtered. David had to sell the farm and look for a job: ‘no job, no money and a baby on the way. Not a brilliant way to start married life!’

However, he describes how ‘sometimes reverses like that can be the challenge and spur to succeed.’ In 1960, David was accepted as a Life Insurance Salesman at the Bennetts Hill office of Confederation Life Insurance Co. of Canada. He worked up to sales management, taking over the Sheffield branch in 1968. David’s earnings were based on commission, receiving a percentage of each salesman’s earnings, so it was vital to recruit, train and retain good people. He insisted that they dealt with people on an honest and professional basis, building trust. With this and a lot of hard work, the Sheffield branch gradually rose from being 23rd to 2nd of the 25 UK branches.

David enjoyed golf, playing at Beauchief and Abbeydale Golf Clubs, as well as enjoying golfing holidays abroad. In retirement, he also took up crown green bowling and enjoyed playing bridge.

Philippa and David had three children, Nick, Chris and Paul. He says, ‘I regretted the break-up of the family very much when Philippa and I were divorced in 1977.’ David re-married in 1979. His new wife, Tricia, had a daughter called Cheryl who was 10 at the time and to whom he has always ‘Daddy.’ When David and Tricia divorced in 2000, finding himself single again brought David closer to his sons and his five grandchildren, which brought him great happiness.

Alan David Reith (NH, 1950)

an engineering company in India, and a musically talented mother, Alan David Reith had an interesting childhood, moving to Jersey with his parents as a young boy only for them to be evacuated due to the imminent German invasion. The family moved to Ireland where David attended Aravon Prep School near Bray and later College.

David’s schooling was cut short aged 14 when he contracted tuberculosis, resulting in years of lonely isolation, first on the Isle of Man and later in a sanatorium in Ruthven, Wales. The treatment at the time was primitive, with his quarters consisting of a solitary hut in the sanatorium grounds with windows open to the elements. An x-ray required so much electricity that lights dimmed on the premises. He eventually underwent radical curative chest surgery known as plombage in his late teens in Liverpool and was one of the first patients to receive anti-tuberculous therapy following a pioneering 1948 clinical trial of streptomycin.

Despite this challenging start and years of missed education, David was determined to go to university and persevered against the odds (and the Dean telling him he would never be successful) to gain a place at Edinburgh University, where he earned a BSc. His university years were marked with adventure, with David embracing the opportunity to become a very early member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, whistling his friends around Edinburgh and the Highlands in a much-prized A30, and even transporting his car on a plane to Le Bourget to then drive on to Switzerland. His love of being behind the wheel also resulted in him driving an ambulance loaded with toys and donations from Edinburgh University to Vienna across the Alps amidst treacherous blizzards as part of a humanitarian effort to help child refugees caught up in the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, mid Cold-War.

Perhaps as a result of his years marked by illness and the insights that afforded him, David joined the National Health Service as one of its first trainees, leading to a long career in hospital administration. He moved to London to work at the Maudsley and later St Thomas’ and Barts Hospitals in the late 1960s, later running a district in East London during a highly challenging period of national strikes, IRA bombings and the three-day week. On one occasion the police demanded he stay on hospital premises after admission of an injured suspected terrorist, resulting in him sleeping overnight in an operating room.

David met future wife Sheila at a party in London and they wed two years later in 1968. They initially lived in London where Sheila was a consultant physician at St George’s Hospital, but their joint love of Scotland saw them move to Glasgow in 1976, with David becoming a senior hospital administrator for the Western District of Glasgow.

The following is an edited version of David’s obituary published by his family in The Scotsman in November 2022. His full obituary can be read at cheltoniansociety.org/pages/obituaries.

The only child of an Aberdonian father who was a partner in

David was a technically minded and able man, loving trains, aircraft, watches and engineering, and was the proud owner of several 2CVs over his life. He built a Mirror dinghy and two skeleton clocks, and in the 1980s he and Sheila undertook the

David Reith, father of the late Fiona Reith (Ch, 1989), died on 11 November 2022, aged 89.

restoration of a 200-year-old derelict manse in Bridge of Allan, making it into a family home.

In retirement he remained active intellectually, graduating with a French degree from the University of Stirling aged 70 having attended classes with students in their 20s (and being nominated class representative). He also took up painting and writing classes, penning many a story. He was a wonderful raconteur with an infectious sense of humour, able to deliver a tale or joke with a perfect punchline, and a gifted cartoonist, often delighting friends and family with amusing cards.

Despite his huge talents, David was a humble man. He was a true gentleman who was immensely kind, warm-hearted and generous, and exceptionally loving to his family. He tragically lost his beloved eldest daughter Fiona aged 38 to complications of type 1 diabetes, but is survived by Sheila, daughter Kirsty, son Alistair and three grandchildren.

Michael Templeton Scott-Kerr (Day Boy, 1954)

Mike Scott-Kerr died on 26 February 2023 in Canada, aged 87. The following has been written his family.

We are sad to announce that on 26 February 2023, Mike passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike was born in Eccleshall, Staffordshire on 19 October 1935. His family then moved to Cheltenham, and he spent his early years there before leaving for three years with his mother and brother to attend boarding school in Wales during WWII. He returned to Cheltenham towards the end of the war to finish his schooling at College, where he excelled at sports, achieving awards in rowing (he was the stroke for the 1st IV), handball, and track. He joined the Boy Scouts, becoming a first-class scout with honours, a troop leader, and travelling to Norway. After the war, the family would vacation in France, with stops at his uncle’s winery in the Nuit St. George commune. After high school, Mike embarked on a three-week cycling holiday in France with a friend.

Mike attended Pembroke College, Cambridge where he received a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Surgery, and a Bachelor of Medicine. He completed his residency at Guy’s Hospital in London, winning the Golding Bird Gold Medal in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and being admitted to the Royal College of Surgeons of England and the Royal College

of Physicians of London in 1960. Shortly after qualifying as a doctor, he did a tour as ship doctor aboard the MV (Motor Vessel) Glengyle, the ‘Lucky’ Glen, where he travelled through the Suez Canal to the Far East with stops in Singapore, Shanghai and Japan. This experience had a profound impact on his life, and he talked extensively about this trip. He worked in London as a general practitioner before going to Canada in 1963. After completing a one-year residency in anaesthesia at the University of Alberta, he moved to Nelson with his fiancée, Eleanor, to start work in Canada as a GP/anaesthetist. After a year in Nelson, he relocated to the Medical Arts Clinic in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

In Nanaimo, Mike and Eleanor started a family and settled into island life. He decided a career change was needed and returned to school to specialise in anaesthesia, completing his specialisation in 1975. From there, he went to work at St Mary’s Hospital in New Westminster until he retired in 1994, and then did some locum work in Nanaimo before fully retiring in 1998.

Mike enjoyed travelling, gardening, history, and most of all, wine. He spent much time in retirement sourcing grapes and making wine, which he shared generously. During his working years, he enjoyed golf, tennis, and squash. The family went on summer vacations across Canada and the Western United States as well as Spain to see his parents.

Mike also enjoyed many trips with Eleanor to Mexico, exploring much of the country. Mike and Eleanor, also travelled to Hawaii, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, France, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, as well as many other destinations. He enjoyed travelling and indulging his interest in history by visiting the historic sites he had read about. At age 60, he got his basic cruising certificate, bought a small sailboat, the Lung Ta, and enjoyed cruising around the Gulf Islands.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Eleanor, sons Christopher (Debbie) and Ian (Vanessa), grandchildren Connor, Chloe, Annabelle and Mikalya, brother Dougie (Enid), and niece Fiona (James) and family.

David John Shenton Sewell (Day Boy, 1959)

David Sewell died on 17 May 2023, aged 81. The following has been written by David’s close friends.

David was a Cheltonian, born and brought up in the town, and attended College junior and senior schools until 1959 when he joined the family engineering and associated parts business. Over the years that followed, David expanded this into a very successful local property ownership and management business.

Sport was a very important part of his life whether it be cricket, hockey, golf or racing, the latter with racehorse ownership coming in the last 17 years of his life. Whilst at College he had a good academic record, Corporal in CCF, captain of the House cricket side as an all-rounder, and hockey goalkeeper. He followed the example of his father, Jack, into a lifelong interest in cricket at Cheltenham Cricket Club as a teenager and Cheltenham Hockey Club, initially in goal.

Cricket at the Club was his lifelong love, starting as a junior and then to senior levels. Whilst not as talented as his father he was a very capable off spin bowler and resolute and reliable 2nd X1 batsman for the Club’s Saturday, midweek and Sunday sides, captaining many. It was as an administrator for the Club that he excelled, holding for a period of over 60 years nearly every possible post from bar chairman to President and Club Trustee. Highlights being when the Club became National Club Cricket Champions at Lords Cricket Ground in 1970 and 1978.

David’s hockey career at Cheltenham Hockey Club progressed from goalkeeper to being a back, eventually becoming a very popular captain of the 2nd X1, where he went out of his way to make sure every member of the side really enjoyed playing. David was a regular attender at the Easter Hockey Festivals at Worthing in the 1980s. Following his playing days, he thoroughly enjoyed umpiring for six or seven years, home and especially away matches, meeting up with old friends.

Golf was also a major part of his life, as a member of Cotswold Hills Golf Club in the early years at Cleeve Hill and then when the club moved to Ullenwood in 1976. He was a regular in the ‘B’ team and got his handicap down to 8 or 9, winning his share of competitions. He enjoyed many ‘away’ trips with friends around the UK and also abroad in France, Italy, Portugal and Morocco.

Finally, we come to his horse racing interest. This was also lifelong, but it was his long friendship with Richard Nicholson, younger brother of ex jockey and trainer David ‘The Duke’ Nicholson, that was the seed of racehorse ownership. Around 2005 David purchased his first horse, that duly won at Lingfield, carrying his colours of yellow with red spots.

Over the next 17 years he had many good horses including Oh Crick (Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and a few weeks later the Red Rum Chase at the Grand National Aintree Festival); Sir Harry Ormesher (Aintree Grand National Festival); Montbazon (twice placed at Cheltenham Festivals); Midnight Appeal; Araldur (Sandown Park’s Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase); and shared ownerships of

Emerald Wilderness and Notachance. In total David had over 75 winners and many placed ones carrying valuable prize money, mostly trained by Alan King near Marlborough and some by Alan’s ex assistant Noel Williams. Sadly, not feeling well enough, he missed his last runner and winner at Warwick, Another Crick, but was greatly cheered when he heard the result.

David passed away peacefully with his family beside him. We will miss his wonderful faithful friendship and his ‘room clearing’ infectious laugh!

A life well lived; he will be sadly missed.

Alan Rorie Singlehurst (BH, 1959)

Alan Singlehurst died on 22 June 2023, aged 81. The following has been provided by Alan’s cousins.

Alan died peacefully after more than three months at the Royal Free Hospital in London following a fall. After graduating at Imperial College in London, he had a successful career in chemical engineering, latterly as a Process Engineer at Matthew Hall/AMEC. A life-long bachelor, he lived for more than 50 years in Hampstead, London.

Alexander Jonathan Stewart (H, 1968)

Jo Stewart died on 24 May 2023, aged 73. Jo was a Prefect and was a particularly keen hockey player, playing in the hockey 1st XV, as well as rugby 2nd XV.

A full obituary will be published on the Cheltonian Society website and in the next edition of The Cheltonian.

Peter Brian Todd (H, 1961)

Peter Todd died on 2 February 2023, aged 79. Peter was a Solicitor in Sheffield for 45 years. His real love, though, was rowing. He was a founder member of City of Sheffield Rowing Club and, after moving to Exmouth in 2010, began coastal rowing. Peter’s rowing career started at College and he continued to proudly wear his College rowing blazer to Henley Royal Regatta.

The following is an abridged piece written by Peter’s friend Graham Hurley, published in full on the Exmouth Rowing Club website.

Cards on the table - Toddy was a hero of mine, a very special stranger who stepped into all our lives at ERC [Exmouth Rowing Club] a whole 13 years ago. Toddy, we were quickly aware, was a lifelong fine-boater, a practitioner of the delicate arts of balancing a competitive eight, driving for the finish line at Henley, and moving at once to the hospitality tent. In keeping with his Chairmanship of the Sheffield Rowing Club, he wore an extravagant blazer, knew a great deal about the fine arts of blading, won national and world champ medals in the 1970s, and chuckled a lot.

Coastal rowing took him utterly by surprise: no blazer, no angst issues with balance and perfect technique, but a great deal of water, tides that could eat you alive, and a fleet of French sea boats that doffed a cap to sliding seats but – if handled properly – would keep you safe.

Toddy, as ever, handled them more than properly. To his great surprise, given his many fine boat triumphs, he found himself falling in love with expeditions to Topsham and Dawlish, with the craic and camaraderie amongst the Vulcs [the Vulcaneers, a crew that rows twice a week in the Exe Estuary], and – when conditions turned suddenly evil – with the quiet knowledge that we’d always see each other home safe.

Home safe. In all, I rowed with Toddy twice a week for more than a decade and during those years he became a close friend and a bit of a mentor. Not in terms of rowing skills (he sensibly gave up after a while) but in terms of the man he so clearly was. As a crew, as the years went by, we lost count of the tally of injuries Toddy sustained and survived: throat

cancer, broken ribs, a broken neck undiagnosed after a skiing accident, a heart attack that nearly killed him, and finally two brand new knees to replace the wear and tear of rowing and various rock-climbing scrapes. The man, we all quietly concluded, was immortal.

But it was far, far more than that. Toddy, says yours truly, was a man apart, a very special combination of resilience, generosity, unflagging commitment to the next mile and the next pint, plus a kind of homespun South Yorkshire wisdom all the better for being quietly blunt.

Above all, in an ever-noisier culture, he had the gentleman’s talent for listening. To every conversation, and there were many, he brought the patience and the curiosity to bide his time, judge his entrance, and offer advice or a yarn or two. He was an intensely clubbable man. He loved the to and fro of crews yakking on and off the water, and when it came to advice his judgement was largely bang-on. He had a fund of stories and a wonderful sense of life’s ironies, large and small. For his wisdom, wit, and unfailing good humour, I loved the man.

Robin Michael Wright (H, 1965)

Robin Wright, son of Edwin Wright MBE (H, 1929), died on 6 January 2023, aged 75.

Obituaries are also published throughout the year on the Cheltonian Society website: www.cheltoniansociety.org/pages/obituaries

These obituaries have been compiled from obituaries published in national and local papers and tributes written by family members or those who knew the deceased very well.

We are extremely grateful to Malcolm Sloan and to Hannah Dale, College Archivist, for the research she has carried out and for providing many of the College photographs.

Please get in touch to let us know of any obituaries or notices for our website and the next edition of The Cheltonian

society@cheltenhamcollege.org, 01242 265694

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Acknowledgements

The editors would like to thank the following for allowing the use of their images in this publication:

Gillman & Soame photographers. The photographs of Speech Day 2023 and for staff Valetes have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame photographers and can be ordered online at: https://www.gsimagebank.co.uk/ cheltenhamcollege/t/meh8qn2023

M.H. Photos for the equestrian image on page 73. This image is available at www.mhphotos.co.uk

Editorial Notes

Old Houses will be named in full. The following abbreviations are used for current Houses:

A Ashmead

BH Boyne House

Ch Chandos

CL College Lawn

Xt Christowe

H Hazelwell

L Leconfield

NH Newick House

Q The Queen’s House

S Southwood

W Westal

Our thanks

Too many to list here, but many thanks go to the great number of pupils, teachers, support staff, OCs and Housemasters and Housemistresses who have kindly provided articles, information and images for this edition.

The editors, Jane Brodigan and Kate Human, would like to thank: Jess Ottley-Woodd and Ellie Ford for their amazing work with images. Nathan Jackson and Spencer Huggett for their wonderful photography. Hannah Dale for her contributions from the Archive. Malcolm Sloan, Nick Nelson, Diane Diver and Sebastian Bullock for their work on the Cheltonian Society content. Elli Collins for her excellent help with image selection. Tessa Gingell for her expert input.

Laurette Thomas for her exhaustive technical editing, proofreading, patience and moral support. What a team!

On behalf of Cheltenham College, the editors would like to express the school’s gratitude to Mat Jolly of Jolly Good Design for the graphic design.

We cannot close this magazine without a special thank you to Nicole Njagi for her wonderful work capturing the magic over the past few years and also to Rich Watts, who, as Director of Marketing, helped steer the evolution of the Cheltonian Society’s Floreat and College’s Cheltonian magazine into one happy volume. We thank you for all you did and wish you all the very best for your new venture.

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