College News Spring 2017

COLLEGE NEWS Spring 2017

All-Steinway School Cheltenham College celebrates the arrival of 18 new Steinway pianos

Masters of Business College launches mini-MBA programme

Prefects raise over £10,000 for charity A 24-hour event raised funds for Winston’s Wish and Young Gloucestershire

Chemistry Spectacular!

Celebrating the 175th anniversary of both College and the Royal Society of Chemistry

Remembering the Fallen College continues programme of WW1 centenary events 1

Open Houses Morning

Saturday 4 February at 9.15am Our Boarding and Day Houses are at the heart of College life. Discover what gives each House its unique character and which is right for your child.

Open Morning

Saturday 11 March at 9.30am A chance to see our school in action, meet pupils and key staff, and tour our beautiful grounds and facilities.

Sixth Form

Registration is now open for September 2017 and 2018 entry. Come along to one of our events above to experience our fantastic Sixth Form offering. Day and Boarding options available.

Register at: 01242 265600

admissions@cheltenhamcollege.org

www.cheltenhamcollege.org 2

College News Spring 2017

Headmaster’s introduction College News only scratches the surface of everything that takes place at College, however it does showcase the breadth and depth of the education offered here; from sporting victories to volunteering in the local community. In this edition, we feature a wide variety of fantastic events and activities that have happened in just the first 15 weeks of the academic year.

Dr Alex Peterken Headmaster

In October, the prefects held their annual 24-hour fundraising event for charity that raised over £10,000 in donations from pupils, parents and staff for Winston’s Wish and Young Gloucestershire. This exceptional achievement of raising such a large amount of money in 24-hours truly demonstrates the leadership qualities and drive that our students possess.

Lower Sixth Independent Projects The Independent Projects are in their sixth and final year as the current Lower Sixth students have moved on to the Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) this year, a nationally recognised qualification that is equivalent to half an A Level.

The projects have given students the experience of truly independent academic work, requiring

their own decision-making, evaluation and justification. College is dedicated to helping Sixth Form students effectively prepare for the future.

Whatever our students go on to do when they finish their A Levels, greater independence will be required, both personally and in their approach to education. For this reason, all Lower Sixth undertake an independent research project and the top 15 projects have been published in a bound book, which records the wonderful work undertaken and shows the unique interests of each student.

Lower Sixth Independent Projects 2016

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

The independent projects have been an excellent vehicle for developing self-motivation and proactivity in a studentmentor relationship that mirrors the university model. The academic rigour of the project prepares students for the skills that they will require at university and beyond: thinking logically about arguments and counter-arguments, presenting information in a balanced and persuasive fashion, and adopting a critical stance towards sources.

Essential practical skills include researching, citation and referencing, essay planning, and handling language and data in a precise way.

Dr Mary Plint, Deputy Head (Learning and Wellbeing)

Cheltenham College launched one of the first mini-MBA programmes in the UK to Sixth Form students in September. Business and Economics are the most popular subjects at A Level at College and this programme will give students the skills they need to work in a variety of positions, whether at an established business or within their own start-up company.

We are also delighted that Cheltenham College is now an ‘All-Steinway School’, housing 18 of the world’s premium pianos for our pupils to practise and perform on. A spectacular concert was held to celebrate the arrival of the Steinways with all 18 pianos played together in Big Classical. With our focus on academic success and emphasis on the arts working in tandem with a broad extra-curricular programme, our ‘All-Steinway School’ status puts College at the forefront of music in public schools.

Dr Alex Peterken, Headmaster

Headmaster’s Distinction Bridget Fong (4th, A) TPE presentation: Jesus’ role in the Biblical narrative - produced on Go Animate Charles Hellens (3rd, L) Geography essay: If the wars of the last century were fought over oil, the wars of the next century will be fought over water Holly Ellis (3rd, Ch) Geography essay: The world is only one bad harvest away from disaster Alena Gorb (U6, A) Biology project: Mountain gorilla conservation

Full Academic Colours Congratulations to the following students who have gained Full Academic Colours: James Orme (U6, S), Aiden Ali (L6, S), Patrick Christopher (L6, H), Martha Elliott (L6, W), Thomas Maddinson (L6, S), Edward Winstanley (L6, S).

Half Academic Colours Congratulations to the following pupils who have gained Half Academic Colours: Henry Fong (U6, H), Intouch Ruckpanich (U6, Lec), Amy Small (U6, W), Abigail Aitken (5th, Cha), Ellie Davies (5th, Q), Izzy Kemp (5th, A), Varvara Konyaeva (5th, W), James Wheeler (5th, S), Georgie Baillie-Hamilton (L6, Q), Max Chan (L6, H), Elizabeth Haddock (L6, Ch), Louise Hall (L6, W), William Hamilton (L6, S), Oliver Hill (L6, L) Arabella Johnson (L6, A), Charles O’Bryan (L6, BH), Rodrigo Peralta Martin (L6, L), Georgina Pinchard (L6, Ch), Oliver Pritchard (L6, Xt), Dougal Rees (L6, Xt), Oliver Ruthven (L6, L), Supathat Su‑Ngan (L6, BH), Elisabeth Trachtmann (L6, Ch), Frederick White (L6, BH).

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Cheltenham College becomes an ‘All-Steinway School’ Staff and students were treated to a very special lunchtime concert to launch Cheltenham College’s new ‘All-Steinway School’ status. Eighteen Steinway pianos, including two concert grand pianos, three grand pianos, and 13 upright pianos were played together in Big Classical before being distributed to their homes around the College campus.

A group of pupils from College and The Prep were invited to the Steinway production factory in Hamburg in October to choose some of the pianos for College.

Henry Parsons (5th, BH) commented, “I was lucky enough to be part of the group of six College and three Prep pupils that were selected to go on the trip to help choose our new grand pianos. We thought it was going to be really hard to tell the difference between the pianos but it was actually really easy to tell which pianos made the nicest sounds.”

During the concert, the first piece by the minimalist composer, Terry Riley, and the last piece Floreat, composed by the Director of Music, Mr David McKee, were performed with all eighteen pianos. Pupils performed solos by Beethoven and Chopin, and the Headmaster, Dr Alex Peterken, also played as part of College’s ‘Ambition and

Failure Week’ - challenging pupils and staff to try something new.

Mr McKee commented, “Seeing Big Classical filled with our new pianos was a wonderful experience and the large audience that gathered to hear some of College’s most talented pianists added a real sense of occasion. This is a huge step forward for College in terms of its musical provision, and the students and staff are all very excited about it. Having the opportunity to perform as part of an 18-piece piano ensemble is likely to be a once in a lifetime experience, I know everyone who took part enjoyed it enormously.”

Masters of business Cheltenham College launched a miniMBA programme for Sixth Form in September, one of the first schools in the UK to do so. The programme will provide an overview of all the skills required to set up and run a successful business, with students using the knowledge they gain through the programme to produce a business proposal for their own start‑up company.

The course culminates at the end of the Spring Term, when the students will present their business plans to a panel of judges at the London headquarters of Smiths Group – a world leader in the practical application of advanced technologies. One of the judges will be current College parent Touker Suleyman, and an Old Cheltonian has very kindly donated the funding required to enable the winning students to actually launch their proposed business.

Dr Graham Mallard, Head of Economics and Business, commented, “College is committed to the preparation of young men and women to leave here fully equipped to excel in whatever they choose. The chances that these young people will

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College News Spring 2017

enter one career and stay in it for life are remote.

The skills required to be a successful entrepreneur or to contribute knowledge within an established business, are those that will set Cheltenham College pupils on the path to becoming astute business people”.

Simon Sole (1978, Leconfield) gave the opening lecture of the mini-MBA to a group of 15 Lower

Sixth students, describing his own experiences of setting up and running a number of different businesses, as well as setting out clearly what he believes it really means to be an entrepreneur.

Two more OC entrepreneurs, Harry Cragoe (1983, Wilson) and Richard Hine (2011, Hazelwell) also contributed to the course in the Autumn Term and other OCs, College and Prep parents are due to speak this term.

Remembering the Fallen More Cheltonians than those currently at College died during the First World War, a shocking statistic but one that has given the College community more understanding of the enormity of the sacrifice made. For the third time, Cheltenham College held the annual Armistice Service in front of Chapel with staff and pupils from Cheltenham Prep also in attendance.

In Memory The third annual First World War exhibition In Memory focused on events from 12 November 1915 to 11 November 1916. The project has enabled staff and pupils to come together to research and preserve the memories and heritage of the people involved in the First World War. College’s archive team and volunteers have thoroughly researched each of the 125 pupils and one staff member who served and died during that period and there were many fascinating artefacts on display such as medals, keepsakes,

photographs, letters and war diaries - which helped build a clear picture of what life was really like. Also for the first time, an original wooden war cross was on display.

College Archivist, Mrs Christine Leighton, said, “We were thrilled to have received the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, which enabled us to put on this exhibition. We were also delighted that so many pupils, and volunteers of all ages from the community, have provided material for the exhibition and helped us research those former pupils who served.“

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Cookery Club delivers Hazelwell volunteer at local Christmas food to the elderly community centre Part of the busy Monday Activities programme here at College is a Cookery Club which is run in the kitchen of Boyne House with Mrs Penny. The group consists of 12 budding chefs from three year groups who, this term, have been learning how to make a variety of delicious canapés.

The main purpose of the club has been to plan and prepare for a Christmas ‘Meals on Wheels’ delivery to nine members of the local organisation Contact the Elderly. Members of Boyne House have been entertaining the ladies and gentlemen from Contact the Elderly over the past two years for occasional tea parties. The members range from 84 to 99 years old are always delighted to spend time with pupils from Cheltenham College. One of their favourite things though, is the food. The Cookery Club decided to deliver a selection of their finest canapés to each of the ladies and gentlemen to enjoy in the comfort of their own homes. Each person received an individually wrapped food box containing a homemade sausage roll, a basil and goats cheese croustade, a mini chocolate brownie and a mini mince pie. All the members of Contact the Elderly were absolutely delighted to receive the Cookery Club canapés; in particular, a charming Old Cheltonian who was once in Christowe!

Three pupils from the Upper Sixth in Hazelwell decided to volunteer at a Soup Café, run by the charity Hazelwell has chosen to support this year, the Cornerstone Centre. William Clayton (U6, H), Lucas Bonfante (U6, H) and myself, all travelled a few minutes down the road to the Cornerstone Centre and were welcomed into an array of smiling faces.

Subsequently, having met the regular volunteers, we preceded to serve and then eat lunch with the people there. Whilst some were quiet and secluded, others told stories of ‘the old days’, with much enthusiasm. One elderly woman, Gwen, was laughing the entire time and this was a testament to how much this weekly event meant to them all. It gave them a chance to meet new people and for some, it was the only time they saw other people in the week. It was an enlightening experience and gave us a fantastic insight into the lives of the older generations, and the trials and tribulations they face compared to ours.

William Lait (U6, H)

One member of the club, Imogen Cutts (3rd, Q), explained, “I have really enjoyed Cookery Club this term. I have made lots more friends and tried foods that I never thought I would. It’s been very rewarding planning and cooking canapés for the members of Contact the Elderly. I have loved making the sweet canapés the most as they are more complex; the Portuguese tartlets tasted like heaven and they weren’t too hard to make. My favourite savoury canapés were the filo parcels, which we filled with mozzarella and chorizo, and brie and cranberry sauce. I have learned many techniques throughout this term; including pastry making and how to tell when sugar has caramelised.”

Prefects raise over £10,000 for charity

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During the first weekend of October, 24 College Prefects started a 24-hour run and cycle for charity. This year, the event raised over £10,000 for Winston’s Wish, a charity which helps to improve the lives of young people who have suffered from bereavement, and Young Gloucestershire, which supports disadvantaged young people by helping them to find jobs and look after their mental health.

Houses throughout the afternoon. On Saturday night, there were Lower and Upper College socials, to which pupils wore t-shirts they had bought in aid of the charities. In addition, there was a fair on College Field on Sunday afternoon, with a host of activities organised by the pupils, ranging from pancake stalls and beat the goalie to a sponsored splat – covering people in egg and flour – all for a good cause! The event culminated in a spectacular Colour Run for the Upper Sixth then, exhausted and still covered in dye from the Colour Run, the Prefects ran triumphantly into Chapel to cheers from the rest of the College community.

The Prefects set out on their run at 7.30pm on Saturday evening, cycling in shifts through the night and running the following day, joined by various

Theo Hunt (L6, H)

College News Spring 2017

Chemistry Spectacular!

To celebrate both the 175th anniversary of the Royal Society of Chemistry and to help mark the 175th anniversary of Cheltenham College, the Chemistry department held a Chemistry Spectacular for staff and pupils, taking them on a journey through the periodic table and showcasing classic chemistry demonstrations performed on a large

scale. Displays included Elephant’s Toothpaste, Gun Cotton, Thermite, and the discovery of Phosphorous.

Head of Chemistry, Mr Daniel Townley said, “The Chemistry Spectacular was intended to fuel the pupils’ passion for Chemistry and build upon the practical work covered in class which allows us to take our pupils way beyond the confines of the curriculum. This is essential for anyone considering a career in the sciences. During the show, the pupils witnessed some of the most important reactions and principles governing the world of chemistry and the relationship of these to our very existence on the planet. It was an exposition of explosions, detonations, and deflagrations!”

The Third Form took part in a Dragons’ Den activity day with GCHQ, where they were divided into groups of five or six and given the task of designing a product and presenting it to their year group.

The winning team will go on to take part in the GFutures Gloucestershire Young Entrepreneurs Competition held at GCHQ in the Summer Term.

This year, the product had to be designed to help either education or business of the future.

Once a product had been decided upon, the group had to consider how they would make it, cost it and market it, then produce a presentation - all within a single morning! The groups were helped by a local businessperson who could give their expertise.

College Decides The 2016 US Presidential Election With the arrival of the 2016 United States Presidential Election, College hosted its own election in November. The election provided some very interesting results: Hillary Clinton won the whole College election with 243 votes, compared to 206 votes for Donald Trump. Interestingly, third party voting accounted for 76 votes and 76 voters either selected ‘none of the above’ or spoiled their papers; a political protest in itself perhaps?

College’s outcome contrasted with the US Presidential Election, which as we know, resulted in Trump coming out on top, despite the fact that Clinton had the popular vote. College’s election was however, not without controversy: all of the boys’ Houses, except for Hazelwell, had a majority voting for Trump, whereas every girls’ House voted for Clinton. After the election we asked a Third Form Trump voter if he would have done the same if the vote was for real. He replied, “No, I didn’t expect Trump to win.” So, I suppose there’s a lesson for us: be careful what you wish for. Many

thanks to the Politics students of the Lower and Upper Sixth Form and to Mrs Eldred for organising the election: without their tremendous efforts setting up the ballot, collecting and counting the votes and processing the results, it wouldn’t have happened. Perhaps this demonstration of volunteerism is, in itself, another reminder of how, despite our criticism, we do value our democracy.

Theo Hunt (L6, H) !

The$Politics$Department$ US$Presidential$Election$2016$

CHELTENHAM'COLLEGE'DECIDES:'TUESDAY'NOVEMBER'8TH'2016' !

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Hillary'Rodham'Clinton'

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Democratic'Party'candidate

Hillary!Clinton!is!promising!a!fair!tax!system!and!plans!to!invest!in!jobs!that!pay!well.!She! believes!that!when!workers’!unions!are!strong,!the!USA!is!strong.!During!her!presidency!

America’s!infrastructure!and!manufacturing!will!be!strengthened,!Clinton’s!slogan!is!“make!it! in!America”,!and!every!American!will!be!able!to!learn!the!skills!they!need!through!suitable!job! training.!Housing!policies!will!connect!working!families!to!opportunity.!Clinton!deems! education!essential!in!preparing!children!for!the!future.!She!believes!that!every!child!deserves! to!live!up!to!his!or!her!potential!and!that!no!child!should!grow!up!in!poverty.!Furthermore!she! will!make!debtHfree!college!available!to!everyone.! !

Clinton!champions!disability,!LGBT,!and!women’s!rights.!Moreover!she!argues!that!the!struggle! for!racial!justice!and!voting!rights!is!far!from!finished!and!these!issues!will!feature!prominently! if!she!becomes!president.! !

Protecting!America’s!animals!and!wildlife!is!important!to!Clinton!as!is!taking!on!the!threat!of! climate!change:!she!wants!America!to!become!the!world’s!clean!energy!superpower.! !

Clinton!pledges!an!end!to!campus!sexual!assault,!and!reform!of!the!criminal!justice!system,! campaign!finance,!immigration,!and!Wall!Street.!Measures!will!be!introduced!to!prevent!gun! violence,!combat!terrorism!and!keep!the!homeland!safe.!America!will!lead!the!world!in! st national!security!in!the!21 !century;!Clinton!is!promising!to!maintain!the!bestHtrained,!bestH equipped!and!strongest!military!“the!world!has!ever!known”.!Veterans,!the!armed!forces!and! their!families!will!be!fully!supported.! !

Social!security!and!Medicare!will!be!preserved!and!protected!by!Clinton,!and!universal! affordable!health!care!is!a!key!aim.!A!Clinton!presidency!will!see!a!focus!on!mental!health,! research!into!Alzheimer’s!disease,!HIV!and!AIDS.!She!pledges!to!do!more!to!support!Americans! living!with!autism,!to!bring!the!“quiet!epidemic”!of!addiction!and!substance!abuse!to!an!end,! and!believes!it’s!time!to!guarantee!paid!family!and!medical!leave.!

In the afternoon, every group gave a presentation to their peers before being whittled down to the top four groups. The ideas ranged from a futuristic helmet to pens and wristbands that measured your health.

After a tight final, the judges adjudicated that Genny Richardson (3rd, Q), Georgia-Lili Robertson (3rd, W), Denis Solovyev (3rd, NH), Zhong Zhuang (3rd, S) and Charles Hellens (3rd, L) were runners-up and that the winners were Tom Beazley (3rd, NH), Edward Calder (3rd, BH), Sebastian Cornwell (3rd, Xt), Imogen Cutts (3rd, Q) and Will Dangerfield (3rd, S) with their presentation on a futuristic ‘e-desk’ which would transform the classroom. As well as further helping new pupils to get to know each other, they were also able to develop their skills producing a presentation and performing it in front of a sizeable audience.

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AJE!November!2016!

Donald'J.'Trump' Republican!Party!candidate!

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Donald!Trump!promises!an!“AmericaHfirst”!trade!policy:!25!million!new!jobs!will!be!created! over!the!next!decade,!and!growth!will!reach!3.5%!per!year!on!average.!A!Trump!presidency! promises!wage!increases!and!a!reduction!of!the!trade!deficit.!He!pledges!to!instruct!the!

Treasury!Secretary!to!label!China!a!currency!manipulator,!and!will!bring!trade!cases!against! them.!Taxes!will!be!reduced,!especially!for!working!and!middleHincome!Americans.!Moreover,! business!rate!tax!will!be!more!competitive.!! !

Trump!is!calling!for!a!review!of!US!cyber!defences,!emphasising!the!threat!of!cyber!warfare.!He! will!conduct!foreign!policy!from!a!position!of!strength!by!rebuilding!the!military!and!investing! in!a!missile!defence!system.!Aggressive!military!action!will!stop!ISIS,!he!claims,!and!working! with!America’s!Arab!and!Middle!Eastern!allies!is!crucial!to!this.!America!will!become!energy! independent:!American!energy!dominance!is!a!foreign!policy!goal.!Trump!wants!to!protect! clean!air!and!water,!and!unleash!America’s!untapped!shale,!oil,!and!natural!gas!reserves.! !

Trump!will!suspend!immigration!from!volatile!regions!of!the!world!and!establish!a!commission! on!Radical!Islam.!Lawful!immigrants!will!be!protected;!criminal!aliens!will!be!removed,!and! unlawful!immigrants!detained!until!their!removal!from!the!country.!Trump!is!promising!to! build!a!wall!on!the!southern!border!and!Mexico!will!fund!this.! !

A!patientHcentred!healthcare!system!will!be!created:!Health!Savings!Accounts!(HSAs)!will! replace!Obamacare.!A!new!tax!code!will!allow!working!parents!to!deduct!childcare!expenses,! and!employers!will!be!incentivised!to!provide!childcare!at!the!workplace.!New!mothers!will! receive!6!weeks!of!paid!leave!before!returning!to!work.!Trump’s!national!goal!will!be!school! choice!for!the!11!million!schoolHaged!children!living!in!poverty.!The!cost!of!college!will!be! reduced!and!training!will!be!easier!to!access!and!pay!for.!

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Trump!will!appoint!Supreme!Court!justices!who!will!uphold!the!laws!and!Constitution,! including!the!Second!Amendment.!He!pledges!to!allow!the!right!to!carry!arms!in!all!50!states.!

Trump!will!fix!the!broken!mental!health!system!to!help!stop!the!tragic!mass!murders!that!have! occurred!in!the!past!several!years.!He!promises!to!make!sure!that!background!checks!work!as! intended.! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AJE!November!2016!

US!presidential!candidates!2016!(clockwise*from*top*left)!Hillary!Rodham!Clinton,!Donald!J.!Trump,!Jill!Stein,!Gary!Johnson!

Gary'Johnson' Libertarian!Party!candidate!

Jill'Stein'

Green!Party!candidate!

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Johnson!promises!to!curb!wasteful!spending.!He!argues! that!the!national!debt!is!the!biggest!threat!to!national! security!($20!trillion!by!2017).!Johnson!wants!to!stop!the! tax!code!from!penalising!productivity,!savings!and! investment,!and!prevent!it!from!rewarding!inefficiency.!

Furthermore!he!believes!he!is!the!best!person!to! incentivise!job!growth.!He!maintains!that!there!is!nothing! more!important!than!the!education!of!the!next!generation.! !

Johnson!pledges!to!introduce!term!limits!to!political! positions!and!bring!an!end!to!threats!to!civil!liberties.!A! Johnson!presidency!will!defend!the!Constitution!of!the!USA! and!all!of!its!amendments,!including!religious!freedom.!He! believes!that!abortion!is!a!deeply!personal!choice!and!that! individuals!should!be!allowed!to!make!their!own!choices!in! their!personal!lives.! !

The!purpose!of!foreign!policy!and!national!defence!will!be! to!protect!Americans!from!harm!and!allow!them!to! exercise!freedoms.!Johnson!will!make!sure!that!Americans! fulfil!their!obligation!to!honour!and!support!veterans.!

There!will!be!reform!of!the!criminal!justice!system!as!too! many!aspects!of!people’s!personal!lives!have!been! criminalised.!The!Internet!will!be!allowed!to!exist!largely! without!interference!from!government:!Internet!freedom! is!important!for!innovation.!Johnson!will!protect!the! environment!and!the!approach!to!drug!abuse!will!change.!

Moreover!immigration!problems!will!not!be!easily!solved;! building!a!wall!or!an!amnesty!are!not!the!solutions.!

AJE!November!2016!

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The!transition!to!100%!clean!renewable!energy!by!2030! will!create!millions!of!jobs.!Every!American!who!needs! work!will!have!a!livingHwage!job!and!there!will!be!a! $15/hour!federal!minimum!wage.!Stein!will!implement! anti!poverty!programs!to!ensure!a!life!of!dignity.!She! promises!“Medicare!for!All”!to!provide!everyone!with! quality!health!care.!Moreover!she!will!abolish!student!debt! and!guarantee!tuitionHfree!education.! !

Stein!intends!to!break!up!“tooHbigHtoHfail”!banks!and! support!cooperatives.!The!rich!will!pay!their!fair!share!of! tax.!She!will!replace!corporate!trade!agreements!with!fair! trade!agreements,!bring!an!end!to!destructive!energy! extraction,!and!wants!America!to!lead!on!a!treaty!to!halt! climate!change.!She!demands!the!demilitarisation!of!the! police!and!an!end!to!police!brutality.!Women’s!rights!will! be!expanded,!LGBTQIA+!protected!from!discrimination,! and!indigenous!rights!safeguarded.!She!pledges!a!path!to! citizenship!for!immigrants.! !

A!Stein!presidency!will!treat!substance!abuse!as!a!public! health,!not!a!criminal,!problem.!She!promises!to!restore!

Constitutional!rights,!and!to!terminate!unconstitutional! surveillance!and!spying.!She!will!establish!a!constitutional! right!to!vote,!enact!electoral!reforms!that!break!the!big! money!stranglehold!and!create!truly!representative! democracy.!Stein!pledges!diplomacy,!an!end!to!wars!and! drone!attacks,!and!a!50%!cut!to!military!spending.!America! will!lead!on!global!nuclear!disarmament!and!Guantanamo! will!be!closed.!

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AJE!November!2016!

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Army awards scholarship to College student Congratulations to Beth Adams (U6, A) who has been awarded a prestigious Army Sixth Form scholarship. The scholarship provides a financial bursary for Sixth Form students to study and also a guaranteed place at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where the British Army completes its officer training.

Beth completed an initial briefing course earlier in the year and then moved forward to the main four-day selection process consisting of fitness testing, command and leadership assessments, planning exercises, and numerous interviews; we were delighted that Beth was ultimately successful in her application.

College students third in regional Maths Challenge A team of four Sixth Formers, William Hardy (U6, S), Chuen Leik Low (U6, Xt), Ian Wan (L6, NH) and Ben Schallamach (L6, BH), competed in the regional finals of the UKMT Senior Team Maths Challenge at Wycliffe College and were placed third out of the 20 teams involved, beating the competition from Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Dean Close and St Edwards.

The competition involved three rounds of tests: during the first round, they answered 10 questions as a team, the second round they worked in pairs over a cross-number (like a crossword but with number clues rather than words), and the third round was a relay round, where the pupils worked in pairs, with each pair using the others’ last answer to give them their next question.

Mr James Stubbert, Maths teacher, commented, “As well as testing the pupils’ problem-solving skills and ingenuity, the Senior Maths Challenge is a real test of communication and teamwork. The College team did very well indeed.”

Beth commented, “I am very pleased to be awarded this scholarship and it has confirmed my desire to become a military vet. I found the selection board a challenging but rewarding experience and met a variety of great people who I have stayed in touch with.”

Dragons’ Den star gives lecture to Upper College Cheltenham College was extremely fortunate to be visited by Dragons’ Den star Touker Suleyman, who gave a lecture to Upper College students on business management.

Touker has 40 years’ retail and manufacturing experience and is best known as the founder of the British menswear brand, Hawes & Curtis, and is also credited with reinventing the 1990s womenswear label, Ghost.

Touker spoke to the Upper College about his career in retail, which he began aged 18, and about managing businesses. Touker entered into a joint venture in a leather factory and soon after established a clothing manufacturing company, supplying to some of the most well-known shops on the British high street. Despite a setback in the 1980s that forced his business into liquidation and meant he had to start again from nothing, Touker has gone on to build a thriving business and is now a serial entrepreneur – backing several retail and start-up businesses.

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College News Spring 2017

Biologists release butterflies

Hunted

The Third Form observed the growth of caterpillars of the Painted Lady butterfly in Biology last term. They measured them in lessons, recorded their measurements both in spreadsheets and in hand-drawn results tables. The caterpillars measured about 10mm to start with and by the second week, they were measuring 47mm – a whopping 370% growth spurt!

At a Psychology Society event held at the end of November, three Lower Sixth psychologists, Phoebe Williams (L6, Q), Anna Buck (L6, W) and Freddy Horlock (L6, L) gave an interesting and educational talk about the psychological implications of the Channel 4 show Hunted.

As well as measuring their growth, the Third Form also observed the caterpillars and drew them; developing their biological drawing skills just as the famous naturalist and Old Cheltonian, Edward Wilson, did at College before later joining Scott on his Antarctic expeditions.

During the third week, the caterpillars climbed to the tops of their pots and spun a silk disc in order to attach themselves to the paper disc which lines the lids. At this stage, we did not disturb them as they started to pupate and form a chrysalis. The chrysalises were transferred, attached to the paper discs, to large pop-up butterfly enclosures. By the end of the week, the butterflies were starting to emerge and fruit, brambles, and nettle leaves were provided for them to feed on. It was now time to set them free!

Mrs Ramsay and Mrs Aitken’s classes were lucky enough to have a lesson on the day of release. It was a sunny, dry day - perfect conditions for a butterfly release. The butterflies were taken to the overgrown, natural woodland area at the edge of Southwood lawn. Each pupil was carefully handed a butterfly to gently release into the woods, but as you can see from the photos, it took a while for them to fly off!

The audience was introduced to this intriguing reality show, which is now in its second series, where 14 ordinary people go on the run from a team of experts for 28 days. The speakers discussed the ethical implications of going on the run, such as creating paranoia for the ‘fugitives’ and privacy issues as the ‘hunters’ tracked the participants’ mobile phones and laptops to look at their contacts and social media. After discussion with the audience, it was decided that these issues were acceptable as the participants knew what they were signing up for.

The students were also able to link this to their A Level work by talking about the effects of deprivation and not having contact with loved ones and family. Overall, it was a fascinating talk and a commendable achievement by the three Lower Sixth students who organised this event.

A bright future for hockey players Two pupils, Brittany Sutton-Page (L6, Q) and Emily Drysdale (5th, W) were selected to play hockey in the Futures Cup; an annual four-day tournament for some of the best junior hockey players in the country.

Players are selected for one of six squads: Mercia Lynx, Pennine Pumas, Saxon Tigers and Wessex Leopards, with squads from Scotland and Wales, Caledonian Cougars and Celtic Jaguars, in attendance for the first time.

Brittany commented, “The team I played for was the U18 Wessex Leopards, which consisted of girls from all over the north of England. Wessex Leopards played three games overall and ended up coming second in the whole tournament. The opportunity to play at such a high level of hockey was amazing!”

Emily added, “I was selected to represent the U16 Celtic Jaguars at the Futures Cup. We played against Mercia Lynx, the Caledonian C ​ ougars and the Pennine Pumas. Unfortunately, the teams that we came up against in our pool were very strong so sadly we didn't win our matches, but there was some great hockey played over the four days.

I was lucky enough to receive the ‘Player of the Tournament’ award for the U16 Celtic Jaguars and a generous gift from Adidas.”

Mr Gwyn Williams, Head of Hockey, explained, “This is a great achievement for Brittany and Emily and a well-deserved reward for the effort they put into their game. It has given them valuable experience of playing in a tournament of this nature, which they have brought back to our hockey programme and shared with the other players.”

GB Rowing Trial Ben Schallamach (L6, BH) and Hugo Oglina (L6, Xt) have made it through the first round of the GB Rowing trials and are through to the next round in February.

The students rowed in a pair and completed a 5km row, following a 2km ergo test to qualify.

Ben commented, “Having travelled there the night before, nerves were high in anticipation for what lay ahead. We knew that we would have to row 5km, but we did not know anything other than that; the GB trials were a new process to us. On the day of trials, we set off with two hours to spare before we were racing so we could rig the boats and go for a quick briefing.

After the briefing, we all felt a lot calmer as we realised that it was just another head race. As we brought the boat to the landing stage our coaches said, ‘It’s not like you’re going into a boxing arena with Mike Tyson, you’re rowing.

You’ve done it before and you’ve trained, just push hard.’ Although the result was not quite what we were capable of, the experience of trialling for Great Britain was nevertheless positive and one which we will take with us moving forwards to the February trials.”

9

Olympic gold medallist visits College Junior Colts Hannah Macleod, a forward for the GB success at hockey team who won a gold medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics and a bronze Natwest Cup medal in the 2012 London Olympics, gave a coaching session to the Colts and Junior Colts as part of the pre-season training in September.

Mr Gwyn Williams, Head of Hockey, commented, “This was a marvellous opportunity for our hockey players to learn from the experience of an Olympic gold medallist. What the women of GB Hockey have achieved is extraordinary I couldn’t think of a better way to prepare for our season than to have Hannah share her experiences and inspire our pupils.”

Hannah was incredibly inspiring and taught us new skills and tricks to help our performance.

After a few hours of her coaching, we all sat down to have a Q&A session to have an insight into her life as an athlete and what being at Rio was like in comparison to London.

I was fortunate enough to interview her afterward to find out some more about her background and her transition from London to Rio. You said in the Q&A that you started playing at 13, were you always the best in your year group and clubs?

I started playing for St Ives after my PE teacher at school had said I had a talent for hockey. I started off playing with the boys’ team and then quickly progressed to the ladies’ side, but the next youngest person was about 18 or 19. I found this scary at first but in the end, it was very useful and I learnt a lot!

would only come together for eight months and that wasn’t full time. For the rest of the year, you are either in an England A or B programme where everyone gets the chance to see what it’s like to be an international player. I lacked in self-confidence and found it hard to see what my coaches saw - up until 17 I was just playing for fun.

Has getting a gold at Rio changed your view on if you go to the next Olympics?

A lot of us had decided before the Olympics what we wanted to do but winning gold has really been a large factor in changing some of our minds.

You look at it in four-year blocks because it is an Olympic sport. You then question “Can I keep up that focus and intensity for another four years? Do I want to get a job and start looking at the next 20 years rather than the next four years?”. ‘I will consider playing at the World Cup in London in two years time but not at the next Olympics.

What advice would you give to someone who’s aspiring to be what you’ve achieved?

Set your goal, hang it on the wall, and never lose sight of it! I cannot tell you how many people will try and sway you away from that goal but deep down only you will know if you are trying as hard as you can and whether your passion is still there.

Romy Bodington (5th, A)

Cheltenham College Junior Colts are through to the last sixteen of the Natwest U15 Cup, after sealing an impressive 21 - 12 win at Oakham School in round four. The competition is the biggest schools’ rugby tournament in the world, with the under 15 level attracting over 500 entries from across the country.

The first half was closely contested, with College opening the scoring through open side flanker Edward Hitchins (4th, NH) after some excellent driving lineout work from his fellow members of the forward pack. The home side then replied with a try of their own but just before the interval, College extended their narrow lead with a try from skipper Sebastian Blake (4th, BH). A conversion a piece for Gus Milton (4th, XT) and Charlie Davison (3rd, BH) made the half time score 14 – 5.

The win was made secure, midway through the second half, when centre Louis HillmanCooper (4th, S) scored an excellent try underneath the posts. Charlie Davison once again added the extra two points and despite a late converted Oakham score, College held on for a muchdeserved win.

This excellent result, together with earlier victories over The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School (41 - 0), The King’s School, Worcester (13 - 10) and Bromsgrove School (12 - 8) have secured a fifth-round tie against former champions Warwick School. The next round will take place in January and we wish the team the best of luck!

When did you decide that hockey is what you wanted to do and became a full-time player?

My full-time programme started in 2009. Before that it was camp formats where I played a week here and there, so preparing for an Olympics you

U14 and U16 netball teams are through to regionals Both the U14 and U16 netball teams have earnt a place at the regional finals of the National Schools Netball Tournament, taking place early this year, with the U14 team being crowned county champions!

The U14s went into the group stages of the county tournament slightly nervous and this showed in their play during their first match. The courts were slippery and not conducive to their free-flowing style of play. However, they picked themselves up and after six wins and only one loss, they turned their game around to play some excellent netball and came out convincing winners.

The U16s started strongly and went into the

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College News Spring 2017

quarter finals at the top of their group. The team then came up against the High School for Girls in Gloucester and played a great first half of end-toend netball, resulting in a half time score of 5 - 5.

However, in the second half, the girls stepped it up a gear with increased purpose, intensity and more authoritative play - ending up comfortable winners. College dominated the semi-final against Wycliffe, with a final score of 12 - 5 which meant they were through to regionals.

Head of Netball, Miss Betsy Willey commented, “I could not be prouder of the girls. The success of both U14 and U16 squads is testament to them as athletes, to perform so well when we are not even into the main netball season at College makes me very excited for what is to come in January.

Whatever happens, the girls can be proud of what they have achieved and we shall see what regionals bring for this talented group.”

Gloucester Rugby train at College In September, College hosted the premiership team, Gloucester Rugby, for an intense training session prior to their fixture against the Newcastle Falcons. Involving a demanding gym session, analytical work and a runthrough play on our hallowed College Field, it was a great opportunity for College to show off its facilities. It was also an opportunity for the public and pupils alike to see the industrious work the Gloucester players and support staff do to ensure as many wins as possible for the side.

whole squad and, as ever, the iconic buildings and grounds act as a superb arena. It was strange and slightly unnerving returning as a visitor but nevertheless, the familiarity soon seeped back in and it was a reminder for me of the days when rugby was largely about enjoyment and not simply win focused. Hopefully we will be back very soon!”

James Webb (L6, H)

College girls win the plate at Ladies’ Rackets Open Six College pupils competed in the Ladies’ British Open Doubles Rackets Tournament played at Malvern College in November, with one pair, India Blake (U6, Q) and Rose Jones (L6, Q), winning the Plate Final!

All three pairs had a tough first round that unfortunately saw College eliminated from the main draw. The tournament was eventually won by Lea Van der Zwalmen, the current world champion who visited College last March, and her partner Isabelle Duncan.

The visit of Gloucester Rugby also saw the return of Ollie Thorley (2015, Boyne House) to his grass roots here at College. Since his departure from College in 2015, Ollie has earned six caps for Gloucester, represented the England U20s and, in doing so, winning every cap possible for the Rose.

However, it was an all Cheltenham College Plate Final won by India and Rose who defeated Millie Broom (U6, W) and India Deakin (5th, W) in the semi-final and beat Martha Elliott (L6, W) and Georgie Baillie-Hamilton (L6, Q) in the final.

On his return to College, Ollie said, “Coming to College made a pleasant change of scene for the

Ollie Thorley (2015, Boyne House)

India commented, “Rose and I were very surprised to win the Plate and as it ended up being a College v College final, the pressure was high. It was a fun event and we are very much looking forward to competing at Queen’s again at the National Schools Tournament.”

Their coach, Mr Mark Briers, added, “The performance in this tournament demonstrated once again the tremendous progress the girls have made in a relatively short time and they should be very proud of their efforts.”

Girls’ rackets is a comparatively recent initiative and those co-educational schools with rackets courts have got the girls playing what has been for 150 years a boys’ game. Cheltenham College is proud to be at the forefront of this, with two girls winning the first national U16 doubles match in December 2015.

College student plays for Gloucester Rugby James Davies (L6, H) has been training with the Gloucester U18s this season and, over Half Term, was one of two players asked to train with the Gloucester senior team in the build up

to their LV match with Saracens. As part of his ongoing work within Gloucester Academy, James was also selected to start on the wing for the Gloucester A team (effectively their second team) at just 16 years old.

James said, “My experience over these last two weeks has been both eye opening and extremely enjoyable. Being part of an AngloWelsh Cup game against the Saracens and playing for the Gloucester A team against Oxford University have been experiences I will not forget.

“Despite such a short introduction to both squads I felt at home. Walking into the changing

rooms and out onto the pitch at Kingsholm was such an exhilarating feeling and one that I will always cherish and be thankful for. The feeling out on the pitch and training in front of a family of Gloucester supporters was so nerve-wracking but at the same time gave me handfuls of confidence for the match against Oxford University and it made me realise how privileged I was to be playing. It was an amazing 75-minute experience and I truly hope there are more to come.”

James follows hot on the heels of Old Cheltonian and current Gloucester Rugby player, Ollie Thorley (2015, Boyne House), who was the youngest ever player and try scorer for Gloucester Rugby’s senior team at 17. We wish James the best of luck for the future.

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‘Pura Vida’ in Costa Rica ‘Pura Vida’ is a greeting that we heard repeated many times during our ten days in Costa Rica this Half Term. It means ‘pure life’ but to Costa Ricans it is much more than that. Everyone we met in this magnificent country was fiercely proud of its natural wonders and the outdoors way of life.

This is a country without an army, an enviable life expectancy and one of the highest literacy rates

in the world. With a wealth of flora and fauna to explore, our College expedition could barely scratch the surface. We found the time to make a volcano trek and visit an animal sanctuary, before ziplining through the forest canopy and rafting the rivers. Everywhere we were surrounded by wildlife and the cameras were rarely put away. Three days spent on an organic coffee farm allowed us to witness a sustainable way of life. We helped pick coffee, plant beans and make terraces to reduce soil erosion. We all took much from the experience, but it was invaluable for the biologists and geographers amongst us.

on the Pacific shoreline complete with white sand and macaws overhead. This is a country that many of the expedition team are sure to return to.

Mr Dominic Faulkner, Director of Leadership

A beautiful drive to the coast followed through rolling hills and a patchwork of small farms nestled between virgin forest. Just when you thought a country couldn’t have any more to offer, we found ourselves

Third Form honour OCs at the Somme The Cheltenham College Battlefields Trips and Old Cheltonian (OC) project have now featured 95 pupils, 8 members of staff, 5 countries… and 431 of our 675 fallen have been visited and honoured; just Rawalpindi, Delhi, Taukkyan, Basra, Gaza, Banjul and Bakundi, amongst others, still to go!

After extremely memorable trips with the current Fifth, Lower and Upper Sixth Forms as well as the outgoing Upper Sixth, this October it was the Third Form who picked up the baton, following on from Gallipoli 2015, by taking poppies and their independent research out to specific OC graves and memorials. This is a continuation of the project begun by the current Lower Sixth four years ago.

Last year, as we stood knee deep in the Aegean, we noted of our Gallipoli OCs that it beggared belief that they could ever have anticipated victory

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College News Spring 2017

at sites like lofty Chunuck Bair or the Nek, and yet some survived… only to face the Somme in 1916.

The Somme responded this year in misty and atmospheric form. At Beaumont Hamel we could just about see through the fog, the caribou looming above us, to get to the Danger Tree, feeling our way across the open terrain rather more safely than either the Canadian or British troops managed on the 1 July 1916. Also exposed out in No Man’s Land just a field or two up the line to the north and past the massive Hawthorn Ridge mine crater, lies Captain Edward Matthey of Christowe. A brother officer wrote, “After the charge was over, I saw Matthey collect the men together and charge again. They followed him splendidly. It was a magnificent thing to do; but he never came back.” Edward was just 23 when he died and Redan Ridge is a classic battlefield cemetery where he is surrounded by the men of his company, all the headstones close together, with many, including his, being shared graves,

and all bearing the exact same date. We had six Boyceites (members of Christowe) with us to honour Matthey, and Joe Murphy (3rd, L) and Archie Faskin (3rd, H) also found their own (illustrious) relatives on the contrastingly massive Thiepval memorial down the road - in amongst the 72,246 others listed there.

Many other memorials and cemeteries were visited, with wreaths and the pupils’ plaques left behind; German barbed wire and shell casings were pocketed with scavenging glee; plus, bowling and Belgian chocolate featured prominently, with the full series of Blackadder Goes Forth being met with howls of laughter all the whole way home. A fantastic bunch of pupils and an important job very well done.

Miss Jo Doidge-Harrison, Head of History Photograph by Ollie Schallamach (3rd, BH)

The Economics of Cuba During the October Half Term, 13 pupils and two teachers left rainy Cheltenham for a week of Caribbean sunshine in Cuba. This Business and Economics trip was designed to open the eyes of pupils to a different economic system that exists in parallel to ours, but with many stark contrasts.

‘embargo’ and Cuba’s current economic challenges, we visited areas where tobacco was grown, as well as a factory where it is rolled and onto outlets where they are sold. We visited the Bay of Pigs, but also trekked in Vinales, taking in the UNESCO protected area of outstanding natural beauty. We zip-wired above forests, snorkelled and caught our lunch in the sea and visited a cooperative where projects are in place to develop self-sufficiency.

We heard a lecture by an Economics professor from Havana University who discussed the

The trip was varied and eye-opening and the pupils have taken away a valuable insight into this

New York, New York The Fashion and Textiles department were delighted to take 10 Lower and Upper Sixth Form students to New York City during the October Half Term. We met with influential people working in New York’s fashion industry, as well as visiting fashion exhibitions and museums, and, of course, some sightseeing.

Our first visit was to the iconic Empire State Building; the view from the observatory was incredible, once students stepped outside they experienced huge gusts of wind that made everyone’s hair stand on end! We also toured Macy’s and saw the stunning Christmas shop and the Big Piano (made famous in the film Big starring Tom Hanks). At the Rockefeller Centre, some of the students tried ice skating and others went shopping along Fifth Avenue.

We watched Aladdin on Broadway, which was the highlight for many on this trip: the colours, dancers, and costumes were astonishing. We also visited Ellis and Liberty Islands and had the best view in the house at the very front of the boat as we approached the Statue of Liberty, with the city skyline in the distance. After our ferry trip, we walked to Ground Zero. This was a sobering moment where we all took the time to think of those whose lives were lost in such tragic circumstances.

We also met Caroline Vazzana, a writer, editor, stylist, and founder and creative director of MakingManhattan.com. Caroline formerly worked for Teen Vogue and InStyle as a fashion writer. She took us through her career path and explained how she became her own boss and started her own company. Her presentation was very inspiring and all the students were given her email and Instagram account so that they could ask for her advice throughout their careers.

The students asked many excellent questions about the fashion industry and were given huge amounts of new information to digest.

We travelled to Fifth Avenue to the Fashion Institute of Technology Museum and saw an

fascinating island. On our return to the UK, the pupils prepared and delivered a really interesting Economics and Business Society evening, where they presented their diary from the trip and also answered questions about the history and development of Cuba. It was a very enjoyable trip and one that will be long remembered by all concerned.

Mrs Zoe La Valette-Cooper, Economics and Business teacher

exhibition titled Uniformity, which explored the dynamic history behind a variety of uniforms, considering both their social role and their influence on high fashion. The exhibition is organised thematically to focus on four categories of uniforms: military, work, school, and sports. We also saw Proust’s Muse, The Countess Greffulhe exhibition which featured 40 extraordinary fashions and accessories from the fabulous wardrobe of Élisabeth de CaramanChimay, the Countess Greffulhe (1860-1952). A famous beauty celebrated for her “aristocratic and artistic elegance”, the countess fascinated her contemporaries, including Marcel Proust. When Proust wrote his great novel In Search of Lost Time, the Countess Greffulhe was one of the primary inspirations for his immortal fictional character, Oriane, the Duchess de Guermantes, of whom he wrote, “Each of her dresses seemed like the projection of a particular aspect of her soul.”

We want to say a huge thank you to all the students that attended, they were an absolute pleasure and we hope they had a wonderful experience.

Mrs Kirstie Naish, Head of Textiles

13

My Svalbard Adventure During the summer holidays, I travelled to Svalbard with my dad and three other crew members. We descended into the Norwegian town of Tromsø to begin our adventure and soon we were exiting the fjords of northern Norway. We saw spurts of water on the horizon and within an hour a pod of whales had come close enough for us to see their tails, before diving back into the depths. Twelve hours later we spotted a pod of dolphins, hundreds of them, about half a kilometre behind the boat and later that night, which was still light due to the 24-hour sunlight in the arctic, they came right alongside the boat where they swam with us and our entourage of arctic terns and seagulls for much of the journey.

After six days afloat we reached land and were able to really marvel at the scale, landscape and beauty of the fjord - the size of Devon - that we were in. Snow-peaked mountains surrounded us, and down fifteen minutes’ of track was the capital city of just 2,000 occupants; Longyearbyen.

Despite the luxuries and small university there, you could not escape the feeling that all of this was perched on the fringes of where man could go.

We also explored Ny-Alesund, the northernmost settlement in the world, and we reached our northernmost point of the trip; 79 degrees north, and from there on started to head south.

After a day of sailing south in sunny weather, I was woken to a pitching boat being thrown around in rolling waves, wind and rain slashing into the sails and rigging. After we had reached a speed of 15 knots, plunging down the back of a 40-foot wave, the decision was taken that we should bring in the sails and ‘lye a-hull’, which I was told meant bringing everything in, turning side to the waves and waiting it out. By this time, however, the gale had reached a storm force twelve hurricane status with winds of 60-70 knots and 30 to 50-foot waves, bigger than buildings!

Nobody had predicted this storm and so contacting the outside world to work out when it may pass over was vital. I realised the seriousness of the situation we were in when I overheard the captain tell his wife our coordinates and how he wasn’t sure if the boat would make it. We stowed everything away for fear of capsizing and lay in bed, as this was the only thing we could do, not eating for 36 hours. The worst part of this was that even though we were exhausted and in bed, there was no chance of sleep due to the shuddering rolling boat, the noise of the waves and wind, and constant fear. Had we sunk, the life craft would not have survived the waves and we would all have died of hypothermia within four minutes. However, after two days the storm began to subside, and we once again began to sail with the winds south to the northernmost coast of Norway. Whilst it was a relief to finally be on dry land, part of me wished I was still in Svalbard, as the trip flew by and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. While the storm was utterly terrifying, it was all part of the journey and was unlike anything I had ever, and probably will ever, do in my lifetime.

Charlie O’Bryan (L6, BH)

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College News Spring 2017

Prisoners Through my Chapel talk, entitled Prisoners, I hoped to show people the desperate situation that the remaining three Northern White Rhinos left on the planet are in. I live on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya and have helped to look after them for the past seven years; the plight that rhinos face is very real to me and something I feel extremely strongly about.

I explained that, with Kenya’s rhino population rapidly declining, the only way of conserving them is through 24-hour armed protection. I showed pictures of a baby Southern White Rhino called Ringo, whom I have cared for over the past year.

Having been abandoned by his mother due to a stomach defect, my family took him in and he was later adopted by The Beatles drummer, Ringo Starr. Amazingly, his stomach defect healed and he soon become good friends with Sudan (the last male Northern White Rhino remaining). During the summer holidays Ringo sadly passed away due to unknown causes and, although this was heart-breaking, the time I spent with him really highlighted the need for more people to know about the threats these animals face and what College students can do to help.

Ellie Jones-Perrott (U6, A)

A Night at the West End Queen’s and ​Newick House collaborated to perform a production of musical highlights from Oliver!, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Grease and The Sound of Music for their joint House play. All year groups were involved and the majority of both Houses took part, either on stage or behind the scenes.

Jess Steel (L6, Q) said, “Preparations for our House play started long before the start of term, with rehearsals commencing straight away when we had all returned from summer holidays. The prospect of pulling off all five musicals was very daunting, and although rehearsals were intense and exhausting, we can all agree that we were very proud of the finished performance. We were overwhelmingly pleased with how involved all year groups have been across both Houses and the integrated directing, singing, and performance from both Newick House and Queen’s.

“The lower years have stepped up and excelled in all aspects, from their acting to their professionalism backstage and in rehearsals, and the Sixth Form have set a brilliant example and provided great guidance to them.”

Theo Hunt (L6, H) agreed, mentioning, “With the trusted favourite of Upper College boys dressed as girls and some hilarious costumes, the evening certainly provided plenty of laughs but not at the expense of some highquality singing and acting. Highlights of the evening included Shakhin Zamani (L6, NH) singing and dancing along with the Third Form to The Sound of Music and an outstanding performance from the Lower College Queen’s girls of Mamma Mia. Members of the audience described it as ‘the best College performance to date’.”

With contributions from all ages across both Houses and brilliant directing from Alicia Burd (U6, Q) and Mrs McBride, all in all, it was a fantastic production. Bravo!

15

Rebuilding the College Organ College Chapel touches the lives of all pupils, parents and Old Cheltonians.

This magnificent building, with its glorious soaring architecture, lifts the hearts and minds of those who enter it, giving them space to think and reflect, to pray and to worship. Chapel provides pupils with a firm foundation on which to build their lives and teaches them the value of justice, peace, love, compassion, forgiveness and integrity - things which are central to the Christian way of life, and indeed to all humanity.

At the heart of Chapel lies the College organ, originally built in 1897 by Norman & Beard. The case was designed by Henry Prothero, architect of the Chapel. The organ was rebuilt and extended

by Harrison & Harrison in 1930, and was last restored with minor alterations in 1976. In 2013, a 32-foot ‘Double Ophicleide’ stop was added.

The Organ has continued to enthral College not only when providing accompaniment for the famously robust congregational singing in Chapel but also as an instrument capable of achieving a wide range of colour and dynamics. Its three manuals (keyboards) and pedals encompass a well-balanced traditionally voiced instrument which is very well suited to the liturgical and choral needs of a school with a renowned and highly regarded musical tradition.

Whilst the organ has been excellently maintained

by Harrison & Harrison since the last major rebuild in 1976, the time has now come for the entire instrument to be taken apart for major restoration. Rebuilding the entire organ, which will last for 50 years, is expensive. It is a vast handcrafted instrument built to the highest standards.

Any financial support from parents, students, Old Cheltonians, staff and friends of College is most welcome.

If you would like to sponsor a stop or pipe or to find out more please contact the Development Director, Christiane Dickens, on c.dickens@cheltenhamcollege.org or 07881 850 206.

The Cheltonian Association and Society Events Calendar 9 February - Informal London Drinks Join us from 6.00pm at The Oyster Shed, Angel Lane, London, EC4R 3AB. No RSVP is required.

3 June - Candlelit Opera Gala Evening Bring along a picnic, family and friends and enjoy a candlelit opera gala evening performed by Britain’s leading outdoor touring Opera Company, Opera Brava, on College Field. With world class singers, fabulous sets and costumes, this event promises to have something for everyone. Tickets are £25 per adult and £10 for pupils (aged 5-18).

Call 01242 265694 to book tickets.

28 June - Henley Regatta A great opportunity to attend this quintessentially English event. The ticket price is likely to be in the region of £70 and includes a Stewards’ Enclosure pass, lunch and afternoon tea. Call 01242 265694 to register your interest.

Dates of the Spring Term 2017

Note from the Editor

Exeat: 13.05 Friday 27 – 21.00 Sunday 29 January Half term: 11.00 Friday 10 – 21.00 Sunday 19 February End of term: 11.00 Friday 24 March Start of the Summer Term: 20.00 Tuesday 18 April

I would like to thank all members of the Common Room and the College pupils who contributed to this publication, in particular, Andy Banks for most of the photography and the Young Journalist group, led by Jane Brodigan.

Cheltenham College, Bath Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 7LD

Claudia Parry, Editor

@cheltcollege

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