A year of spirited events, trips, acheivements, and a Jubilee
Building, Planting and Launching Trees, new School buidings and a vintage motorbike
Sport in the Spotlight Jump into the action with showjumping, climbing towers and team sports
A dramatic return to the stage and an explosion of creativity
Mr D Ettinger (Headmaster)
Millie Knight (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Jamie Minns (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Mr A Uglow (Director of Studies)
Mrs N Black (Head of Prep School)
Dr Marlys Witte (University of Arizona)
Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
Mr Robert Verkaik (Freelance Journalist, The Sunday Times)
Phoebe Carter (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
Danny Arbuckle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
Dylan Morris (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Rosie Moore (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Dr Catherine Willis (Professor, Oxford University)
Mr E Tolputt (Head of Sixth Form)
Casper Bolton (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Heidi Robertson (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Jamie Sherratt (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Max Hanson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Katherine Stevenson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Ramona Isoo (Reception, Gwyn)
Ben Crumlish (Reception, Symonds)
Debbie Donald (Reception, Baker)
Emmy Theyer (Reception, Lockwood)
Harriet Oldham (Year 1, Gwyn)
Orlando Bayes (Year 2, Baker)
Isabella Oldham (Year 2, Gwyn)
Eloise Young-Gale (Year 2, Symonds)
Roemer Tweehuijsen (Year 3, Lockwood)
Ridge Neal (Year 3, Lockwood)
Monty Scott (Year 4, Symonds)
Bella Ferguson (Year 4, Symonds)
Ben Ferguson (Year 5, Baker)
Pearl Geraghty (Year 5, Gwyn)
Ted Longman (Year 5, Baker)
Bobbie Hunt (Year 6, Symonds)
Daisy Mathieson (Year 6, Gwyn)
Millie Cross (Second Form, Harcourt)
Nancy Christensen (Fourth Form, Swift)
Ollie Herbert (Second Form, Queen Anne)
Eva Graves (First Form, Gascoigne)
Mida Loci (Third Form, Feilden)
Beth Gouveia (Third Form, Swift)
Jade Neal (Third Form, Queen Anne)
Koemi Neal (First Form, Queen Anne)
Sasa Wilson (Lower Sixth, Feilden)
Dr C Oldham (Head of Scholars and Head of Equestrian)
Mr G Simpson (Director of Development)
Mrs H Hammond (Head of Prep Art)
Ms E Williams (Head of Art and Textiles)
Ms S Du Feu (Prep Music and Drama)
Mrs R Luckett (Year 4 Teacher)
Mrs V Mersh (Head of Prep English)
Mrs C Hooper (Head of Drama)
Oscar Luckett (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh)
Mr A Fox (Teacher of Music)
Mr C Morrison (Head of Prep Sport)
Mr J Robinson (Acting Director of Sport)
Mr T Slader (Head of Outdoor Education)
Mr E Bosse (Teacher of Maths, DofE Coordinator)
Ms C Garitey (MFL Teacher)
Xander Luckett (First Form, Vanbrugh)
Sam Phelps (Lower Sixth, Feilden)
Heather Homewood (First Form, Vanbrugh)
Oli Tribble (First Form, Swift)
Abi Hicks (First Form, Feilden)
Josiah Smith (First Form, Swift)
Navid Mowat (Lower Sixth, Harcourt)
Grace Garner (First Form, Gascoigne)
Kian Lay (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Lexi Mudie (First Form, Feilden)
Mr S Carter (Head of History and Politics)
Mrs J Coppock (Teacher of Business Studies)
Dr J Winkley (Teacher of Music)
Ms D Jackson (Head of International Affairs)
Ms A Peach-Toon (Teacher of Art)
Mr J Hughes (Housemaster, Feilden)
Mrs E Semenzato (Housmistress, Gascoigne)
Ms A Woodcock (Housemistress, Harcourt)
Ella Shaw (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Mrs S Orton (Housemistress, Queen Anne)
Mr M Joiner (Housemaster, Swift)
Ms L Mountain (Housemistress, Vanbrugh)
Mrs Alex Whittenbury (OC, 1994)
Emma Whittenbury (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Mr G Biggs (Teacher of Economics)
Miss A Gaertner (Learning Support)
Mr G Lewis (Year 4 Teacher)
Mrs M Marchbank (Year 1 Teacher)
Editor:
Mrs L Williams (Communications Officer)
Design and Layout:
Mrs T Logan (Digital Marketing Officer)
In this edition of The Review, I want to take inspiration, once again, from my broad and diverse experience of American films!
One of Mickey Rooney’s earliest films was called A Yank at Eton. You probably don’t need to know anything more than the title to guess its theme - the ‘outsider’ – wrong nationality, wrong attitude, wrong accent, wrong class. How could it possibly work out? But, of course, it does, summed up in this way, ‘Eventually, young Timothy settles in, stops being rebellious, and comes to realise that, beneath the different habits and views, 'Yanks' and 'Limeys' have basic values in common and can get along when they have to!' Made in 1942, its propaganda value is obvious.
What that comedy film treated so lightly is something schools have, over the years, come to understand as much more complex, potentially much more serious, and not always with a happy ending. There are so many reasons for which a person can be made to feel the outsider: race, gender, sexual orientation, along with body-shaming, only begin to scratch the surface of the problem. This can inflict irreparable harm. When someone’s very identify is questioned, the value of who they are is demeaned. It can rob them of their sense of worth, their self-confidence, their joie de vivre, their very purpose. We too often read of the most serious consequences, of self-harming, of suicides of young people still in their teens, still at school. We should not forget, too, the less visible impact on those whose potential is undermined, and whose future relationships are made more difficult.
It is simply obvious that schools have an absolute responsibility to promote inclusion, diversity, and equity, but its acronym, IDE, makes it sound cold and formal, some kind of duty. But surely it simply reflects our basic humanity, our understanding of the importance of belonging. Parents quickly come to see that each of their children is unique, each one developing their own personality, yet there is no question that one child belongs more than another. It must be the same in school if we are to mirror some of the qualities of family life. Everyone is welcome for who they are, with the acknowledgement that everyone is different. Sometimes those differences are profound, but each one belongs here. Everyone has the right to an education that provides them with the same opportunities to flourish, and fulfil their potential, as anyone else. That also applies, of course, to the way our children treat each other, by behaving in a way that encourages rather than hinders.
Education has not always been understood like this, and there are those who still argue that children should be shaped for society, not that society should constantly adapt to reflect human diversity. I do not deny that there is a debate to be had about that, and maybe there is a balance that has to be struck. But at the heart of it all, schools must be communities where pupils feel they belong, and education is not moulding, but rather helping to draw out potential in all its richness.
I trust that, over the coming pages, you will see plentiful examples of 'Yanks' and 'Limeys', and that their feats and achievements are all celebrated equally.
As I reach the final stretch of my time at Cokethorpe, I am both excited for the next steps and upset at the idea of leaving. I cannot possibly imagine a school that would have shaped me in such a positive way, and it is hard to imagine ever being in an environment as good as this again. However, I feel confident that Cokethorpe has prepared me for what is ahead and created a well-rounded person who can thrive in any setting.
The academic strength of Cokethorpe is proven by results. With the class sizes allowing a more personalised approach to the curriculum, every pupil is encouraged to broaden their knowledge and interest in whichever academic path they choose to follow, whilst receiving the support they need. With each department as strong as the next, one of the main challenges I have had was whittling down to only three subjects for my A Levels.
Outside the classroom, Cokethorpe prides itself on its range of opportunities, developing its pupils in a diverse set of ways. Whatever you bring to Cokethorpe’s table in interests and ability, they will certainly be catered for, but also stretched, challenged and advanced. Whether you want to be on the sports pitch, in a drama costume, behind an instrument or holding a paintbrush, you’ll be met with fantastic departments, along with opportunities and events for you to learn in and excel.
You will, however, not only be able to explore your interests, but be encouraged to find new ones, as the activities, or AOB, system throughout the School enables you to engage in an array of activities - from ‘Jazz Band’ and ‘Cross Stitch Club’ to ‘Build-a-Bike’ and ‘The Medical Society.’ Although I feel slightly aggrieved that I have gone from having an Origami class in my first year to ‘Managing Taxes’ in my last one, I can still safely say that I have both enjoyed these opportunities and learnt important lessons for the future.
My time here at Cokethorpe has been incredible and formative. I will leave, as will my peers, with the excellent set of results we came here for. And yet the friendships, the experiences, the opportunities and the sense of belonging we will take away from here too is as
important. It has been a pleasure for all of us to both contribute to the Cokethorpe community and to have been nurtured by it, and I know this school will have a fond place in our memories as we all go on to do impressive things.
Millie Knight (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) Millie Knight (Head of School), Tom Orton and Jamie Minns (Deputy Heads of School)I count myself very lucky to have had a final year free of lateral flow tests and face masks. Finally being allowed to close windows and sway from the fatal path of ‘one-way systems’ was great, but the way in which we were able to mix with other year groups and individuals provided much joy. Whilst a strict dividing line separated me from older students in my penultimate year, in Upper Sixth, this line became quickly erased. It was amazing to be able to finally interact with individuals we, in other times, have not and anyone who stepped foot in the Sixth Form Centre last year will have noticed this in abundance. After getting past the sound of Will Smith playing through the speakers, the first thing noticed is the happiness that consumed the space and the individuals within it.
My relationships with other students and teachers blossomed in my final year, making incredible friends and memories that will surely stay with me forever. The constant pressure of finishing school and completing your A Levels was relieved for me entirely and I can truly say that my time in the Sixth Form has been one of the happiest times of my life.
you are in a position of power in School, so use it. I will forever think fondly of my time at Cokethorpe School, a place of outstanding character, which enables people to truly be themselves.
What an academic year! Finally, a more normal school life has resumed with sport, music, drama, and other activities being at the foreground of Cokethorpe life once more. House events were even more prevalent than ever, with new competitions such as house pottery being added.
After a year without sports matches I feel as though an injection of energy has reinvigorated Cokethorpe sports. Some of the top teams achieved great success this year, reaching finals and winning a national tournament, the future of Cokethorpe sport looks very exciting. I had the pleasure of watching the musical Little Shop of Horrors this year, which was a superb production with some absolutely brilliant acting across many different year groups.
My Cokethorpe journey has lasted five years, through which I have been lucky enough to experience a wide range of opportunities such as getting my hands dirty building a motorbike and being in the musical Grease. Cokethorpe has enabled me to build up a portfolio of skills both inside and out of the classroom, allowing me to flourish in a supportive environment, whilst giving room to grow and build confidence.
If I could give one piece of advise to the new Prefect body, or those who aspire to be one, it would be to speak up and incite change,
Approaching the end of our time as Prefects, we came together last Thursday to celebrate the last year. We sat with the Deputy Headmaster, members of SMT and our Housemasters and Housemistresses who we have worked with over the last few years, talking and getting excited about our next steps, and hearing tales of our teacher’s next steps when they were our age. The Catering Team provided a wonderful meal, with three courses - duck, sea bass and cheesecake followed by a lovely cheeseboard. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the annual Prefects’ Quiz took place. Teams of the Housemasters and their Prefects tackled questions on Covid, Thursday 19 May, Music and General Knowledge. It was the team comprised of the Heads of School, Mr Sheer and Mr Stevens that was, unsurprisingly, victorious. It was a perfect way to finish our year working together, and to have some fun before our exams.
Millie Knight (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)Millie Knight (Gascoigne)
Deputy Heads of School
Jamie Minns (Vanbrugh)
Tom Orton (Swift)
Feilden
Rosie Moore - Head of House
Ruari Kirkham
Emily Mumford
Heidi Robertson
Holly Craig - Head of House
Lily Todeschini
Harcourt
Ella Shaw - Head of House
Jenny Allen
Luke Reid - Prep School
Queen Anne
Katy Hobbs - Head of House
Katherine Stevenson
Swift
Felix Miller - Head of House
Caitlyn Alford - Lower House
Sam Cruttenden
Theo Sarjeant - Sixth Form
Annabelle Vallance - Head of House
Casper Bolton
Jossy Brown
It has been another busy year for the Scholars, who have extended their learning beyond the classroom in a variety of ways. In September, a series of events related to this year’s programme theme of ‘Climate Change’ kicked off with a morning of engaging guest lectures that illustrated how this urgent topic is addressed across disciplines. This was later followed by a lively series of debates amongst the Scholars in which they deliberated causes and solutions.
Each Scholar has also pursued an independent research project this year, investigating such diverse topics as Nietzschean philosophy, Japanese theatre, global economics and quantum theory. These were presented at the Exhibition Evening in November and later written up as academic articles for publication in the 2022 Scholars’ Journal. The weekly Scholars’ AOB for those in First to Third Form provided an ideal forum in which to discuss and refine ideas during the research process.
It has not all been hard work though! Sixth Form Scholars were delighted to attend the Sixth Form Formal in January. This fun and memorable evening provided the students with a fine dining experience and the opportunity to familiarise themselves with some rules of social etiquette that they may find useful for future engagements. In March, we were delighted to once again be able to host the Scholars’ Dinner in person following the pandemic hiatus. Lovely spring weather allowed for a drinks reception outside before a delicious meal was served in the Dining Hall. Guest speaker Professor Ciaran Martin of Oxford University, a renowned expert in cyber security, delivered an inspirational address in which he encouraged the Scholars to consider the ways in which they can and should exert agency as young people.
We look forward to another year of engagement, inquiry and activity from September.
Luella Hickey (Swift)
Eva Graves (Gascoigne)
Alex May (Vanbrugh)
Sukhmani Panesar (Queen Anne)
Emmeline Black (Clarke) (Feilden)
Oliver Herbert (Queen Anne)
Liam Rowe (Harcourt)
Archie Clarke (Queen Anne)
Joe Norman (Feilden)
William Hansen (Allen) (Queen Anne)
Zoe Robertson (Trevis) (Feilden)
Monty Bolton (Vanbrugh) George Keates (Vanbrugh)
Simran Panesar (Queen Anne)
Caellum Sharp (Vanbrugh) Patrick West (Feilden)
Archie Wilkinson (Gascoigne) Oscar Luckett (Vanbrugh) Nancy Christensen (Swift) Finn van Landeghem (Vanbrugh) Sam Farr (Swift)
Flo Adepoju (Harcourt)
Dee Biles (Gascoigne)
Rachael Elliott (Feilden)
Aoife Kirkham (Feilden) Nathan Taylor (Harcourt)
Lucas Bennett (Queen Anne)
Freya Coughlan (Harcourt) Millie Pratley (Swift) Ben Orton (Swift)
Gemma Croker (Gascoigne) Yichao Sun (Vanbrugh)
Danny Arbuckle (Queen Anne) Ella Cripps (Harcourt) Dylan Morris (Vanbrugh)
Rebecca Waite (Harcourt) Jamie Wehrle (Strickland) (Queen Anne) Claudia Woods-Cano (Swift)
Jenny Allen (Harcourt)
Sam Cruttenden (Swift) Ruari Kirkham (Feilden)
Harrison Procter (Strickland) (Feilden) Zoë Smith (Vanbrugh)
Alex Anderson (Queen Anne)
Casper Bolton (Vanbrugh) Jossy Brown (Vanbrugh) Maddie May (Vanbrugh) Rosie Moore (Feilden) Emily Mumford (Feilden) Khadija Karrouchi (Harcourt) Millie Knight (Gascoigne) Tony Nguyen (Vanbrugh) Tom Orton (Swift)
Following in the footsteps of their peers at A Level and BTEC last week, Cokethorpe’s Fifth Form pupils can today take great heart and encouragement from a highly successful set of results.
This year’s GCSE results include 79% at 9–6, a 7% increase on 2019 (when public examinations were last sat in the UK), with 52% of papers sat being awarded 9-7, and 99% achieving 9-4 grades. Whilst the year group as a whole deserve to be commended for their accomplishments, a few individuals deserve particular acknowledgement: well done to Rosie Clitherow (Harcourt), Charlotte Griffiths (Gascoigne), Felix Waters (Queen Anne), Herbie Waters (Queen Anne), and Flo Adepoju (Harcourt).
Commenting, the Headmaster, Mr Ettinger, said, ‘My congratulations to all our candidates taking their GCSEs this year. You have achieved a great deal these last years and your results today are testament to that. What’s more, you have done so whilst typifying the camaraderie, supportiveness, and the friendly competitive spirit for which Cokethorpe pupils are known.
I would encourage you to see this accomplishment as a benchmark from which to strive further and achieve still more as you look ahead to your studies and future successes in Sixth Form.
My thanks are due too to your parents and teachers, whose support during your GCSE course these last two years, even more than most, has no doubt been of such importance. My compliments to you all on a job well done.’
This year’s Upper Sixth students at Cokethorpe, as with their peers across the country, have sat their first public examinations, with their GCSE year falling in the changed 2020. As such, whilst substantial accomplishments in their own right, they should be doubly proud of their achievements.
Our A Level students are today celebrating a return of 17% A* results, with 47% achieving A*/A and 83% of grades attained at A*/B. Among them, more than one third of students achieved all A*/A grades, a highly commendable feat. Likewise, our BTEC students have completed their BTEC Extended Diploma in Business. Excellent outcomes for all, enabling exciting opportunities for the future - including university, higher-level apprenticeships and work.
Commenting, the Headmaster, Mr Ettinger, said, ‘A year group whose talents are diverse and many, and who have embraced and succeeded in the varied opportunities available to them at the School, their academic accomplishments are further testament to their great character and quality. As the reality of their successes begin to sink in, I hope they will join us in the feeling of immense pride that we, as a School, have in them.
‘These successes are not exclusively those of the students, however, they are shared with their parents and their teachers, whose support and dedication over the years has helped prepare the students so well. My thanks and congratulations to you all.’
It was wonderful to be able to come together again in the marquee for the Prep School Prize Giving.
We were treated to two songs from the Prep School Choir, accompanied by Dr Winkley. For the traditional Scottish lullaby, Baloo Baleerie, they were also joined by Monty Scott (Symonds) on the violin. Mrs Black thanked everyone who has worked to support the pupils in the Prep School this year, and spoke to Year 6 about choosing their legacy as they progress through the Senior School. Mr Stevens, Deputy Head, presented prizes to the children in the Pre-Prep, followed by the Academic Prizes, Pupil of the Year, and a prize for Effort and Progress, to a pupil from each class in years 3- 6. Bobbie Hunt was awarded the Prep School Cup for our most outstanding pupil.
Mr Stevens’ humorous address was enjoyed by pupils, parents and staff alike. He talked about the benefits of being bored over the summer, leaving screens alone, and finding creativity through the need to entertain oneself. Mrs Marchbank, retiring after 24 years at the School, joined the party on stage and led us in prayer to mark the end of a superb year for the Prep School.
3JJ Roemer Tweehuijsen (Lockwood)
4GL Grady Fluker (Symonds)
4RL Monty Scott (Symonds)
5KB Sam Young-Gale (Lockwood)
5NP Belle Larsson (Symonds)
6BG Freya Richards (Lockwood)
6VM Emily Mulcahy (Symonds)
3JJ Ridge Neal (Lockwood)
4GL Molly Sheer (Symonds)
4RL Juno Bayes (Symonds)
5KB Kayleigh Muldrow (Lockwood)
5NP Scarlett Gould (Lockwood)
6BG Darcy Atkinson (Baker)
6VM Henry Turner (Symonds)
3JJ Will Rainey (Baker)
4GL Melissa Hernandez (Lockwood)
4RL Esmae Lakey-Dodson (Lockwood)
5KB Joseph Palmer (Gwyn)
5NP Pearl Geraghty (Gwyn)
6BG Charlie Parks (Symonds)
6VM Lili Radulovic (Baker)
Julie Stormont Art Cup
Darcy Atkinson (Baker)
Claire Hooper Drama Cup
Gabriella Hughes (Lockwood)
Louise Bridge French Cup Aurora Smith (Baker)
Improvement and Progress Shield
Connie Cannell (Symonds)
Music Cup
Molly Harding (Lockwood)
Sports Cups
Charlie Parks (Symonds)
Sienna Timms (Baker)
Maureen Marchbank Shield for Services to the Community
Isabelle Noon (Baker)
Bobbie Hunt (Symonds)
Darcy Atkinson (Baker)
Sam Bartlett (Lockwood)
Oliver Bowden (Gwyn)
Lewis Campbell (Gwyn)
Atalanta Cannell (Gwyn)
Connie Cannell (Symonds)
Rose Cruickshank (Lockwood)
Johannes Dirksen (Symonds)
Molly Harding (Lockwood)
Thomas Hope (Baker)
Gabriella Hughes (Lockwood)
Bobbie Hunt (Symonds)
Talal Ibrahim (Lockwood)
Jake Jolleys (Gwyn)
Daniel Luis Medel (Gwyn)
Daisy Mathieson (Gwyn)
Freddie McGibbon (Lockwood)
Felix McGill (Gwyn)
Iona Mettrick (Gwyn)
Emily Mulcahy (Symonds)
Charlie Parks (Symonds)
Alexander Phinbow (Baker)
Lili Radulovic (Baker)
Freya Richards (Lockwood)
Aurora Smith (Baker)
Sienna Timms (Baker)
Henry Turner (Symonds)
This year’s Prize Giving returned to its rightful place as the concluding act of the School year. It is in the act of awarding prizes that we join in celebration of the purposeful and fruitful endeavours of our pupils throughout the year, reminding us of all those many and varied deeds worthy of applause and note. Although focusing on individual successes, the exceptional breadth of prizes given, and pupils who were receiving them, was a clear demonstration of the collective accomplishments of the year.
Languages William Hansen (Queen Anne)
STEM Luke Taylor (Swift)
Creative Arts
Humanities Felicity Hill (Gascoigne)
Performing Arts Grace Clear (Gascoigne)
Art Eloise Smith (Vanbrugh)
Biology Mae Serjeant (Swift)
Business Studies
Christopher Lethbridge (Harcourt)
Chemistry Mae Serjeant (Swift)
Design Technology Archie Wilkinson (Gascoigne)
Drama Monty Bolton (Vanbrugh)
English Oscar Luckett (Vanbrugh)
English Literature Archie Wilkinson (Gascoigne)
Geography Archie Wilkinson (Gascoigne)
Greek Rebecca Pratley (Feilden)
History Quinn De Waard (Vanbrugh)
Latin Mathematics Christian Lim (Harcourt)
MFL (French)
Finn Van Landeghem (Vanbrugh)
Finn Van Landeghem (Vanbrugh)
MFL (Spanish) Monty Bolton (Vanbrugh)
Music Oscar Luckett (Vanbrugh)
Physical Education
The Headmaster’s speech picked up on this theme, talking of making active decisions and being proud of commitments made and honoured; albeit through the prism of hidden tattoos! Our guest speaker, Dr Witte, dared us to embrace the challenge of the unknown, whilst our Head of School, Millie Knight (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), inspired her younger peers to find their calling and strive for it wholeheartedly, reading out passages from the speech she wrote for Prize Giving as an impressionable First Form pupil listening to the speeches at the end of her first year.
First Form
Languages Eva Graves (Gascoigne)
STEM Eva Graves (Gascoigne)
Creative Arts Nina Larsson (Queen Anne)
Humanities Stanley Harris (Vanbrugh)
Performing Arts Xander Luckett (Vanbrugh)
Languages Ella Hogeboom (Swift)
STEM Emmeline Black (Feilden)
Creative Arts Audrey McCormick (Vanbrugh)
Humanities Evie Walker (Swift)
Performing Arts Millie Cross (Harcourt)
Lower Sixth
Art Claudia Woods-Cano (Swift)
Biology Millie Pratley (Swift)
BTEC Business Angus Morton (Harcourt)
Business Studies Yico Liu (Vanbrugh)
Chemistry Megan Cowie (Queen Anne)
Design Technology Lucas Bennett (Queen Anne)
Drama, Theatre Studies Jamie Wehrle (Queen Anne)
Economics Ben Orton (Swift)
English Lang/Literature Danny Arbuckle (Queen Anne)
English Literature Claudia Woods-Cano (Swift)
Geography
History Jamie Wehrle (Queen Anne)
Latin Millie Pratley (Swift)
Mathematics Lucas Bennett (Queen Anne)
MFL (French) Nina Coecup (Harcourt)
MFL (Spanish) Mateo Lluna (Gascoigne)
Music Jamie Wehrle (Queen Anne)
Physical Education Isobel Kirby (Queen Anne)
Politics Dylan Morris (Vanbrugh)
Psychology Megan Cowie (Queen Anne)
Religious Studies Freya Sweeney (Queen Anne)
Sociology Iman El-Megrisi (Queen Anne)
Textiles Marni Cox (Vanbrugh)
Felicity Fitzpatrick (Vanbrugh)
Physics Simran Panesar (Queen Anne) Psychology Mae Serjeant (Swift)
Textiles
Lottie Lifely (Gascoigne)
Art Charlotte Griffiths (Gascoigne)
Biology Herbie Waters (Queen Anne)
Business Studies Freddie Murfitt (Queen Anne) Chemistry Marit Tweehuijsen (Feilden) Design Technology Anna Pratley (Feilden) Drama Kitty Moore (Feilden)
English Language Darcy Murray (Vanbrugh) English Literature Dee Biles (Gascoigne) Geography Malachy Brown (Queen Anne) Greek Flo Adepoju (Harcourt)
History Henry Shortland (Vanbrugh) Latin Aoife Kirkham (Feilden)
Mathematics Nathan Taylor (Harcourt)
MFL (French) Dee Biles (Gascoigne)
MFL (Spanish) Kitty Moore (Feilden)
Music Malachy Brown (Queen Anne)
Physical Education Olive Nicholls (Harcourt) Physics Herbie Waters (Queen Anne) Psychology Kitty Moore (Feilden) Religious Studies Dee Biles (Gascoigne)
Textiles
Upper Sixth
Art Daisy Colliss Quinton (Feilden)
Biology Maddie May (Vanbrugh)
BTEC Business Freddy Farah (Gascoigne)
Business Studies Issy Stagg (Harcourt)
Chemistry Sam Cruttenden (Swift)
Classical Civilisation Tegan Saunders (Queen Anne)
Design Technology Theo Serjeant (Swift)
Drama, Theatre Studies Tom Orton (Swift)
Economics Tony Nguyen (Vanbrugh)
English Literature Ruari Kirkham (Feilden)
Geography Zoë Smith (Vanbrugh)
Greek Ruari Kirkham (Feilden)
History Casper Bolton (Vanbrugh)
Latin Ruari Kirkham (Feilden)
Mathematics Sam Cruttenden (Swift)
Georgie Sandiford Spencer (Gascoigne) Emily Middleton-Bray (Vanbrugh) Danny Arbuckle (Queen Anne)Further Mathematics Harrison Procter (Feilden)
MFL (French)
MFL (Spanish)
Alex Anderson (Queen Anne)
Cristina Ward-Naranjo (Queen Anne)
Music Katy Hobbs (Queen Anne)
Physical Education Ella Shaw (Harcourt)
Physics Harrison Procter (Feilden)
Psychology Maddie May (Vanbrugh)
Sociology
Textiles
Annabelle Vallance (Vanbrugh)
Hebe Stapleton (Swift)
Cranham Award
Max Watkins (Gascoigne)
Lancia Fulvia Award
Marni Cox (Vanbrugh)
Stephen Cookson Memorial Award
Dylan Morris (Vanbrugh)
Grove Award
Tom Orton (Swift)
Sonia Tollady Memorial Award
Poppy Harris (Vanbrugh)
Kate Perritt Award
Caitlyn Alford (Swift)
Martin Browne Memorial Award
Fabian May (Vanbrugh)
Gordon Dennis Memorial Award
Millie Knight (Gascoigne)
Daniel Sumpter Sportsman of the Year Award
Thomas Taylor (Swift)
Boggis Rosebowl Sportswoman of the Year Award
Isabella Smith (Queen Anne)
Richard Reah Award
Tom Orton (Swift)
Jamie Minns (Vanbrugh)
Dorothy Crowfoot Hodgkin Award
Rosie Moore (Feilden)
Headmaster’s Award
Millie Knight (Gascoigne)
Speaking on a hot Thursday afternoon to an audience of students seeking to submit applications to study Medicine in due course, Dr Witte’s masterclass emphasised the importance of curiosity and questioning, noting that appreciating ‘known unknowns’ is key to advancement in all areas of life, not just medicine. Working on the basis that most surgery is a consequence of ignorance (‘if we knew how to deal with it, we would not cut it out!’), she explained how her career as a ‘surgeon without hands’ had evolved to include the creation of a Department of Ignorance within the University of Arizona, where academics and High School students come together to pose questions, explore ideas and revel in the sea of ignorance that surrounds us. Dr Witte made the point that increased knowledge very often correlates with increased ignorance – because the more we know, the more conscious we are of the things we do not know. In a world where many feel that ignorance is a charge to be avoided, Dr Witte urged her audience to create opportunity for questions, and to celebrate the unknown.
Dr Witte'On Friday 24 September, the Sixth Form heard a fascinating lecture from Robert Verkaik, questioning the fairness of public schools in Britain. Robert discussed the inherent advantage private school students have, giving examples in politics, sport and the arts where alumni of private schools have had a significant head start.
Unsurprisingly, Verkaik’s argument sparked numerous questions from the audience, ranging from the practicality of abolishing public schools to how private schools and students could offset their privilege. It was an interesting and thought-provoking talk which was well received by Sixth Form and teachers alike.'
Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)'The Sixth Form’s second Enlightenment Lecture was a two-hander, delivered by Bishop Colin of Dorchester and Imam Monawar Hussain, High Sherriff of Oxfordshire, entitled Faiths Together –Building Peace in Britain and the Middle East. The presentation, in the form of a dialogue, prompted the audience to ask a series of genuinely profound questions: when had the speakers had questioned their faiths; what it is it like to try to work with representatives of other faiths on issues of great theological different and whether it’s hard to be friends with them afterwards! In line with their theme, the room’s consensus became clear: it’s better to put our differences aside and work on the common ground we share. This was another example of the stimulating Enlightenment Lectures that Mr Elkin-Jones sets up for us, providing truly interesting food for thought.'
Phoebe Carter (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
'We had a fantastic, engaging debate about the nature of our education system. We covered lots of important issues; issues that I think will dominate the education debate for some time. We talked about privilege; we talked about the privilege of attending a private school and it was the students who were leading the debate at the end, wanting to know what they could do to off-set their privilege and do more to contribute to the charitable acts already undertaken by the school in terms of serving the local community. Some of the students appeared to want to play a greater part in the community.
I felt it was a sign of the School’s integrity and sense of self-confidence that I was able to come to talk about these ideas. The fact the students were open to these ideas being discussed was a sign of their enlightened nature and the value of the lecture programme they receive. The school was very welcoming and I found the staff as much engaged in the debate as the students were. It is a difficult subject, one that other schools have decided to duck. A special thanks to Mr ElkinJones who helped me get the pitch of the talk right so it would hold the attention of the audience.'
Robert Verkaik The Sunday Times and Freelance Journalist'On Tuesday 18 October, the Sixth Form were fortunate enough to receive an online enlightenment lecture from the Canadian paleoanthropologist and rock art researcher, Dr Genevieve Von Petzinger. Seated in the Shed, we listened to a world expert speak about ancient signs and cave art created by humans in Upper Palaeolithic Europe dating back 10,000 to 45,000 years. Visually, Dr Genevieve Von Petzinger’s lecture was accompanied by a presentation which used images from her research in Gorham’s Cave Gibraltar, Grotta dell’Addaura, Sicily, and White Sands in New Mexico.
The use of the visual element enabled us to engage fully with the lecture, and as a result, the Sixth Form were engrossed with the fascinating drawings. As students, we learned how these images can help us to better understand human cognitive evolution alongside the process of tracing ancient patterns of migration. Furthermore, the lecture also allowed us to explore the origins of symbolism and graphic communication. Overall, the enlightenment lecture expanded our knowledge on the importance of cave art and similarly the
significance of palaeoanthropology, which allows us to uncover the truths behind Neanderthals and the evolution of the human race.'
'Chris Morris came in to talk about his 20-year career as a foreign correspondent at the BBC, his most recent job being the BBC’s chief fact-checker. He talked about the difficulties he encountered when reporting from war zones, immigration routes and natural disasters. He then addressed the issue of post-traumatic stress and the affect it has on people. He discussed the challenges of separating fact from fiction in the social media age, due to social media giving everyone a platform to speak, meaning there are hundreds of different stories about one event. Furthermore, he emphasised how important it is to be able to explain things clearly, in a language that people understand, rather than hiding behind jargon which confuses people. He showed us several videos, including a report from Gaza City which was harrowing. Finally, he asked us to think about how we communicate in an age where information has become the fuel which powers the global economy.'
Dylan Morris (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)‘Adding to the diverse array of extracurricular and super-curricular opportunities offered at Sixth Form, we were fortunate enough to receive another Enlightenment Lecture, this time by Professor Willis of Oxford University. Her talk was a lucid depiction of biodiversity that surpassed the surface-level interpretations of ecology and plunged into a deeper medical understanding of the topic. Not only was her portrayal of the fragility of the biological world enthralling, but it brought into focus the value of nature that surrounds us. Blossoming from the original Japanese concept of Forest Bathing, Professor Willis dissected the results from a myriad of scientific studies that demonstrated the positive impacts upon human health from biodiversity,
Faiths Together – Building Peace in Britain and the Middle East Danny Arbuckle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)whilst questioning the mechanisms behind these physiological and psychological outcomes. I found the investigation of human preferences to fractal dimensions was of particular interest, how our minds may subconsciously display a predilection for a specific natural skyline.'
Rosie Moore (Upper Sixth, Feilden)Footage of the murder was posted online, alongside footage of the murder of his two co-hostages, Jim Foley and Stephen Sotloff. The haunting image of David, dressed in an orange robe and kneeling in the Syrian desert awaiting execution, consumed international media.
It was a stunning, compelling and deeply moving talk. Mr Haines spoke with honesty, openness and vulnerability about his life with his younger brother, and its tragic ending. The students were gripped by Mr Haines message of forgiveness, and the profound strength he demonstrated in his desire for peace and reconciliation.'
'It was a pleasure to be here. It is great to be here with such motivated and interested students and be able to talk on the subject that I am passionate about.'
A family devastated; a hope created?
- Mike Haines'It was a huge honour to welcome Mike Haines to the Sixth Form Centre on Friday 25 March. Mr Haines is the Founder of Global Acts of Unity, which campaigns to promote unity, tolerance and understanding. Mr Haines is the brother of the humanitarian worker, David Haines, who was murdered by ISIS in August 2014.
The inspiring message of Mr Haines heartbreaking story can best captured by his own words:
‘If I hate the people who killed my brother, they win. I will not let hatred enter into my life. I will fight to my dying breath against the fear and discord they seek to instil in us.’
'On Tuesday 15 February, I had the pleasure to be invited onto the new School podcast channel where I was delighted to take part in the maiden voyage of the new pavilion recording studio to discuss issues surrounding the recent developments in Afghanistan with Allan Costley. This followed his enlightening lecture on the use of Intelligence and Human Geography in understanding the Taliban.
Mr Costley had served with the Intelligence Corps in Afghanistan, and it was illuminating to explore the details of Afghan and Taliban culture with someone so experienced. Facts like the highest legal amount of opium for personal use in Afghanistan being 10kg prompted discussion around the lack of cultural understanding and the headstrong nature of Western involvement. With this series of talks motivating me to pursue a career in intelligence, this opportunity allowed me to broaden my mostly superficial understanding.'
Casper Bolton (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is an optional programme requiring students to investigate a topic of their own choosing, leading to a 5000-word essay or the creation of an artefact. It allows our students to extend their curiosity into new and fascinating areas, and to master a range of key skills from projectmanagement to academic research.
This year, twenty six Upper Sixth students completed the programme, submitting twenty three essays and three artefacts for assessment. Around thirty members of staff were involved during the process as supervisors, helping to clarify the students' ideas, and offering advice on research, writing, and presentations.
Upper Sixth students who completed the EPQ this year
Caitlyn Alford (Swift)
Alex Anderson (Queen Anne)
Casper Bolton (Vanbrugh)
Jossy Brown (Vanbrugh)
Billy Clitherow (Harcourt)
Holly Craig (Gascoigne)
Joseph Gonella (Queen Anne)
Max Hanson (Queen Anne)
Katy Hobbs (Queen Anne)
Ruari Kirkham (Feilden)
Millie Knight (Gascoigne)
Dan Lockhart (Harcourt)
Maddie May (Vanbrugh)
Sophia May (Vanbrugh)
Archie McGill (Gascoigne)
Dylan Monaghan (Queen Anne)
Rosie Moore (Feilden)
Tony Nguyen (Vanbrugh)
Heidi Robertson (Feilden)
Tegan Saunders (Queen Anne)
Jamie Sherratt (Feilden)
Issy Stagg (Harcourt)
Katherine Stevenson (Queen Anne)
Lily Todeschini (Gascoigne)
Annabelle Vallance (Vanbrugh)
Cristina Ward-Naranjo (Queen Anne)
A number of projects this year emerged from the students' experience of lockdown during the Covid pandemic.
For example, Holly Craig developed a cost-benefit analysis of a free online exercise programme for the elderly, and consequently produced three exercise videos intended for over-65s with specific health issues
Some essays also dealt with medical questions. Rosie Moore produced a thoroughly researched
The humanities were also well represented. Heidi Robertson explored three different penal systems in the UK, USA, and Norway, and offered her own model of a more positive and healthy system focused on rehabilitation.
A new model for UK prisons.
'I have written a short diary entry inspired by Chris Atkins' 'The diaries of a prisoner' to show exactly what life would be like for a prisoner in my new model.’
It will take decades of research to overcome the legacy left by careless drug use in the 1960s, but evidently there is promise of a place in society for these substances in the future of medical research. Delving into the research into these substances has indicated to me that they are a rich vein of scientific possibilities. Studies indi cate that when used in psychedelic therapy, hal lucinogenic drugs may be beneficial in treating OCD, PTSD, addiction, anxiety and depression amongst other conditions. Yet it would be fool ish to negate the negatives of such drugs and so I have explored phenomena such as HPPD and Alice in Wonderland Syndrome. To my surprise, there is limited conclusive research on these topics, and my research suggests that they are a rare experience. When conducting my research, I encountered the obstacle of deciphering the reliability of papers published on this topic; this forced me to think critically and selectively about the evidence that supported my claims. In particular, a few papers published in the 1960s did not conform to the rigid scientific protocol of the modern world, with questionable clinical trial methodology and a lack of sufficient standardisation meaning the hypotheses could not be justifiably trusted. Over the decades to come, this field of research promises to open the doors to a legion of new possibilities in treatment of a multitude of conditions.
In a different vein, Jamie Sherratt studied the prevention and treatment of finger injuries among climbers and gave a compelling presentation of his conclusions.
Today was the day I entered prison. It's safe to say I was utterly terrified upon arrival. My friend went to prison for 10 years and he never has been quite the same; not surprising after the stories he told me about the awful smells, lack of privacy and the complete and utter boredom he endured sitting in his cell for 22 hours a day. However, when I arrived, the staff were not as I anticipated. Typically, I expected huge, angry men to strip me down and start barking orders at me as soon as I put my foot through the door; quite the opposite. I was welcomed with a handshake and after a quick check I was rushed off to see my assigned prison officer. She asked me to identify my skill set and I very quickly signed up for a cooking job. I cook a lot at home and have wanted to further my abilities so I thought, why not? As I was escorted to my cell I was completely blown away. I saw one bed in there, which was a positive indication, and despite my friend's stories, the room was rather spacious. After 30 minutes of waiting in my cell I was assigned to my cooking role. To my surprise the other prisoners were very welcoming and quick to show me the ropes. They actually seemed proud of what they had achieved, which was very motivating for me to get started. So far, I can see myself doing well here and finally turning my life around. I feel so supported by the staff and the other inmates and am actually looking forward to doing something productive with my days.
Max Hanson investigated several implications of China's 'Belt and Road' initiative, and evaluated its impact on South-East Asian economies.
and academic investigation into the role of hallucinogenic drugs in medical treatments of PTSD, OCD, anxiety and other conditions.‘How do psychotomimetic drugs alter human perception, and do they have a medicinal role in society?’
Abstract from Max Hanson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
‘Are the Economic Effects of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative on Southeast Asian Economies positive for all?’
This essay has explored some of the positive and negative implications of a range of projects under China's Belt and Road initiative
within the Southeast Asian region in order to establish whether there are positive economic gains for all involved given the potential of the initiative as a whole. Developments within both smaller and larger countries, richer and poorer countries, have been discussed. Whilst lessons to be learnt were identified, findings were mixed. Many projects fell short of the economic benefits predicted, many more remained incomplete for one reason or another. The economic downturn caused by the global pandemic has played its part, so too has the growing scepticism relating to China's motives and approach - questions remain as to whether or not it is in fact a 'winwin' for all, or whether China has the upper hand. After all, imagine you wanted a new world or a new world order, how would you go about creating it? Following a review and discussion of the literature it was concluded that it is too early to make any firm decisions as many of the projects under Chinas BRI are in their relatively early stages. Moreover, there is still time for countries to learn from some of the more successful projects about how to maximise benefits whilst reducing the risks –which could serve to improve the likelihood of success and a true 'win-win' for all involved.
In the Arts, Millie Knight explored the ambiguous role of revenge in Jacobean drama, and Cristina Ward-Naranjo created an evocative portrait of two drag queens, based on her study of drag and the transformations it involves.
the tone for literature for the next 5000 years.
2700 years later, this theme would reach the stage, and the plays that began in the theatre of Dionysus would create ongoing patterns still prevalent in the theatre today. From Aeschylus to the Bible, from Seneca to Medieval Morality plays, from Shakespeare to Webster to Ford, the causes of revenge, and the way it is exacted, can be tracked through literature. Whether spurred on by romantic love, familial love or power, revenge is a staple for all time periods, and literature of revenge can reveal lots about the historical context of the time it is written. 'Titus Andronicus,' 'The Duchess of Malfi' and 'Tis Pity She's a Whore' are texts which highlight the climax of the revenge tragedy genre, and the Renaissance, Jacobean, and Carolinian periods they emerge from were rife with religious and political context that shaped the way the plays were written and received. The causes of revenge never appear to justify the consequences, and writers often seem hostile to this human reaction which creates violence and conflict.
reach a range of organisms – small, like oysters and mussels. Here, primary concerns revolve around fertility disruptions. In larger organisms we can see similar changes in fertility, likely due to endocrine disrupters within the polymers, and worrying lacerations in certain areas of chambers used for gas exchange. Also, significant impacts on fishes' respiratory systems which could cause declines in energy production resulting in a decrease of a population's chance of survival. While we don't know the direct effect of microplastics on humans, we can predict possible effects – hopefully encouraging us to act by putting in place mitigation and solution strategies which aim to reduce the negative effects of microplastics. We have seen that for effective change to happen the involvement of policy-makers is key. The lack of political change is due to an absence of concrete and undeniable evidence significant enough to motivate large-scale change. I believe microplastics affect marine organisms on every level from lowest trophic levels to highest, and that the pollution issue we are facing is one which will continue to become more prevalent as our oceans fall deeper into a state of unrepairable crisis. I am however encouraged by recent action in COP26 which could give hope for future generations by signalling a rise in cultural and political interest which may lead to a concerted global strategy and meaningful action so future generations can enjoy marine ecosystems.
Revenge has been a pillar theme in literature, and society, since civilisation began. Its importance is paramount, and it is explored by many authors who try and unpack the way in which something that can be considered taboo is ingrained into the human condition. The idea of taking revenge is presented with ambivalence, and although we often condemn it, both ancient and modern audiences can often respect the urge to seek vengeance, perhaps because they can recognise it within themselves. The police force, introduced in 1829, introduced a new type of treatment, but before this revenge could be seen as the average man's justice, where today we may view it as futile. History's oldest known fictional story 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is also Literature's oldest known example of revenge. When the fictional goddess Inanna, after being rejected romantically by Gilgamesh, creates a plan to kill him, she would be setting
Ecological issues were also addressed. For instance, Katherine Stevenson examined the effect of microplastics on marine organisms and evaluated the strategies, technologies, and policies that may allow us to mitigate the pollution caused in the future.
As usual, the Lower Sixth spent their first term learning advanced study skills in preparation for their EPQ projects. These timetabled lessons covered project-management, research, writing, and presentation skills. Then, in January, thirty five students began working on their chosen projects, to be completed in December this year. There are currently eight artefacts being realised, including a theatre set design, a truecrime podcast, and an ancient Roman bread oven. The essays this year aim to address a typically wide range of academic topics including the death penalty in South Carolina, Norse mythology, Mount Everest, molluscs, the ethics of 'designer babies', liberalism, cardiovascular disease, German expressionist films, and representation in sports.
‘Microplastics are a growing concern for marine ecosystems due to increasing abundance and impacts on marine organisms. We understand how larger pieces of plastic can degrade into microplastics through processes of abiotic fragmentation.’ We also see how the addition of additives used in polymer synthesis can affect the way and rate at which plastic degrades in different environments. The impacts of microplastics
It has been an excellent year for the EPQ at Cokethorpe, with a large number of students choosing to pursue and complete their projects, and a very high standard of research, writing and presentation throughout. All the Upper Sixth students who completed the EPQ should be warmly congratulated for their effort and their independence.
‘How do the causes and consequences of Revenge differ in Literature?’Conclusion from Katherine Stevenson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Reception - What Am I?
I have blue blood. I have eight legs. I have three hearts. What am I?
An octopus!
- Ramona Isoo (Gwyn)I have white skin under my body. I am dangerous. What am I?
A Great White shark!
- Ben Crumlish (Symonds)I float in the sea. I don’t have any bones. I have tentacles. What am I?
A Jellyfish!
- Debbie Donald (Baker)I breathe air.
I eat fish. My flippers are like human arms. What am I?
A dolphin!
- Emmy Theyer (Lockwood)writing to you to send Leaf away. But think it through.
Firstly, the crows have talked to me and said that he looks extremely sad, very lonely. He’s trying to get home anyway. I saw him yesterday wearing leaves. I think he’s trying to build wings. I also think we should help him get home.
Next he’s come here by accident anyway he’s trying to get food and water and the other animals are hogging it! He may look scary but he’s not eating us and he’s very lonely so we should help him.
To conclude, I think we should help Leaf because he’s not destroying our homes and not taking our homes. I have written to you five times already now you need to take it seriously.
Year 1
Once upon a time, naughty Amelia Jane came to School. Firstly, she broke the books. Secondly, she broke the coats. Then she broke the computer. Next, she scribbled on the white board. Following that, the toys put slippery stuff on her shoes. She said, ‘I am sorry.’ But not for long.
- Harriet Oldham (Gwyn)Yesterday I was having my first ever spaceship flying lesson; when it was time to try on your own, everything went wrong. My spaceship crashed on Earth. I felt hurt, my left arm, my legs, my right elbow, my head and my bottom. I felt lost and lonely. I decided to try and communicate with these things all around me, no-one seemed to listen, some didn’t even stay still to listen. I need to build a shelter to stay in. I feel hungry. I wish, I was back at home. I wonder if there are any planet balls around. I finally found some other kind of food, although I didn’t care because I ate it up and found some more and ate them up too, and then I fell fast asleep.
It was a perfect scene, the sunrise was reflecting on the moat. I was eating roasted duck washed down with ale, but right when I was going to take a bite, there was a screech of “We’re under attack”! I ran out of the stone keep, seized my bow and arrow, scrambled onto the battlements. Some of the knights were pouring burning hot oil through the murder holes. Then one of the other archers said “Fire the arrows”!
Men on horseback galloped out of the wooden gate. The enemies fired catapult balls. Suddenly the gate keepers raised the drawbridge. Our knights were tumbling off their horses on the battlefield below. My quiver was empty, I had to sprint to the fletcher and fetch some more. Grabbing the arrows, I dashed back to the battlements, shot five arrows at the other army. The opposition were swimming across the moat trying to enter. The weather was drizzly, murky and thundery. Their chances were slim.
- Ridge Neal (Lockwood)The great fiery Phoenix rose grandly from the flames and the lave-like smoke escaping from a chimney. Its feathers shone like the sun in the crimson sky, and screeched shrilly in that rocky new born planet.
Description: Polar bears have black skin underneath their fur to attract light and keep them warm. They have webbed paws to help them when they are swimming.
Diet: They mostly eat seals but in the spring and summer they eat berries and grass. Habitat: They live in large snow dens with their cubs where they can hide from blizzards and snow storms.
Other interesting facts: They have a layer of fat under their skin called blubber.
Orlando Bayes (Baker)Year 3
- Eloise Young-Gale (Symonds)Allow me to introduce you to my imaginary animal, the Pattern Serpent. Every day it floats around and its powers include thunder, patterned overflow, rainbow fire and invisible grass. Whenever the beast sheds a scale, multi-coloured blood comes in its place. Let me explain the artefacts unique detail. Rainbow colours that will hypnotise you. Its mystic shapes are so eye catching you would not want your eyes off it. The eyes of this monster are as big as a tennis ball, the legendary colour of the eyes are ivory. With its craggy claws, it could slice through diamond with ease. The Pattern Serpent can survive anything and makes its owner live forever and the beast lives forever too.
The variety of different sized volcanoes all spat and spewed great rivers of liquid fire in all directions, and burnt that planet to a crisp. The Phoenix twirled and danced in the sky like an acrobat, but then, finding it was left in solitude, cried seven glorious crystal-clear tears that landed with a great splash on the barren landscape, which formed the seven fantastic continents we know today. But it also scattered four of its majestic scarlet feathers, which formed four unmapped kingdoms with magical powers that could form all the great natural Wonders of our World, but if that magic was not shared, the seven continents and unmapped kingdoms would crumble.
- Monty Scott (Symonds)I am writing to you because I think we should help Leaf. I know other animals have been
- Roemer Tweehuijsen (Lockwood)Thank you for that little letter and all the trouble it caused you to bring it. I don’t want to make anyone feel awkward but I do have to say it wasn’t us tampering with your marvellous house boat. Let me explain.
You see, we have been sailing past your house
boat only to admire your outstanding, beautiful parrot and we were just intrigued by the incredible cannon, but, the thing is, we didn’t touch your house boat.
Before you send a letter back asking who did touch your house boat, I must say that it was your cheeky nieces; Peggy and Nancy Blackett.
They told us that they missed you as Captain Flint and are being a little cheeky to gain your attention.
Since I am writing to you, I should tell you that some charcoal burners (Cold and young Billy) have told us to tell you to lock up your house boat, mainly at night, because in Big Town there is a lot of gossip about your valuable belongings.
I hope you take this advice wisely.
I also hope we can get along. Yours sincerely
The crew of the Swallow - Bella Ferguson (Symonds)
Year 5
Buried in the Swiss Alps stretches a beautiful cobalt lake, surrounded by lime giants on guard. The concentric water ripples from dawn till dusk. The town’s warm light reaches out its fingers of gold across the inky waters. The trees whisper their ancient secrets as the wind whistles through their branches. The clouds wrap the mountains in their woolly embrace. The faint distant sound of a church bell calls out across the water. The smell of freshly made bread fills the air.
- Ben Ferguson (Baker)
At the fireworks we were entertained by coral jazz hands igniting the ash curtain sky.
Lilac dandelions expand in the ebony blanket. The eye-catching azure spiders glide across the night sky.
Royal blue peacock feathers fall against a ruby explosion.
Crown jewels erupt. Saffron shooting stars fly across the inky back drop. A cherry coloured rocket lifted off the ground into the midnight.
- Pearl Geraghty (Gwyn)world and there is a desert. I found myself at this wasteland a few years ago. My crew and I were on an expedition. After we had just had a breakfast of some beans, toast and some Kendal mint cake, we had changed into our climbing kit we set off (although we did have issues strapping Tom, our rescue dog in).
We had made it to a steep edge we were nearly there, when Mark called over to James “don’t look down!” James glared downward at the mesmerising ground below, he held his breath he knew not to shout but he was afraid of heights, so how was he to help it? With so much pressure fainted and plunged off the cliff, his safety harness wasn’t working, it was tossing the man around like a ragdoll! We were screaming to pull him back up via the peg in the mountain as the equipment had tangled around the peg. But that’s when we realised the mistake we had just made, our clocks had just started to tick away to our inevitable polar peril! A gush of icy breath a tsunami and I was thrown around like a toy!
My eyes flickered open like a light switch I could see white, white and white, was I in heaven? Did I die? If not, where am I? I pushed shoved and budged, finally saw something that reassured me that I wasn’t dead, the night sky, but then I caught it, the northern lights but something to break the moment was that I was covered in snow and my coat was ripped too. I had to get help, so I picked myself up, there was a lump, I headed toward it once I was a metre away, I heard a bark, it wasn’t muffled as if it were under the snow I rubbed my eyes and looked behind me, it was Tom with a particularly concerned face. So, if he was there what was in front of me, I span around and there in front of me. A polar bear. I lunged for my belt and grabbed thin air “My knife where was it? Must’ve fallen off when the blanket came!” To be fair I was lucky not to fall on it, I dashed to the bridge and chucked my rope over the opening and sprinted across the bridge I heard a clock and a shatter of wood, I clung on to the rope like a vice. Finally, I got over the bridge, the first thing I did was noticed the great slash on my arm. Then darkness.
Air plunged out of my mouth like a hoover in my gob. A million knives gashing through my chest!
Nothing was to be heard in the silence other than the pleasant flapping of the calm seagulls and the quiet squelching of her bare feet on the rough sand. Silence seemed like nothing, but it was everything in a moment of restful, sorrowless thoughts. Along the clam beach that she had all to herself, the violent, lonely sea crashed against the helpless rocks, slowly chipping them away to nothing.
As the tide rose, the sea started to grab her feet, pulling her in slowly as if it wanted to play catch. But she was so lost in her own thoughts that she could not care less. Suddenly something changed. The clouds seemed to cave in and the sea was more violent than ever. The sun was solemnly fading away to darkness. Thaw wind, no longer a calm breeze, whipped and lashed at her ankles. She quickly leaped in to her gleaming car and drove away, the clouds chasing her as she went. Bang! Lighting struck, beckoning her back. She got home trying to catch her breath. “Ma Ma, are you there?” she shouted up the stairs. No reply “Ma, are you home?” Her thoughts felt like they had just tired itself out.
- Bobbie Hunt (Symonds)We are analysing the key players who could be held responsible for the sinking of the Titanic, White Star Liner, in 1912.
Firstly, Bruce Ismay, Managing Director of the White Star Liner can be accused of many crimes. He told Captain Smith to ‘maintain speed’ in icy waters. Additionally, he told the ship’s architect, Thomas Andrews, that the watertight compartments mustn’t come up as high as they were recommended to because that would reduce first-class living space. Furthermore, he used low quality rivets so when the ship hit the iceberg the rivet heads fell off causing the ship to fall apart. He is guilty!
Disagree, disagree! I feel that Captain E. J. Smith is equally guilty! For instance, he ignored seven iceberg warnings. He was travelling at dangerous speeds in icy waters and furthermore, he presumed the ship ‘unsinkable’ and so was never fearing the worst. Yes, he died in the tragedy, but he is responsible for many of the deaths.
Imagine a place where the grip of an icy demise stalks you, imagine a world with no life, imagine a desert of bodies, there is a place, there is a
I woke up in pure shock! “It was only a nightmare; it wasn’t real” I resisted to myself. I saw Tom, I heard a crash and a roar it was a bear, I shot up, grabbed the Deagle next to me, loaded it and scampered outside and shot the bear. Dead. After the mayhem, me and Tom set off in the boat but there was one problem, it had set off and I couldn’t steer the boat!
- Ted Longman (Baker)I personally feel that everyone played a part in the tragedy, for example Stanley Lord presumed the flares the Titanic was desperately firing were fireworks and made no attempt to turn on the radio. The look-out boy also didn’t see the deathly iceberg fast enough and the ship builders didn’t insist on using high quality rivets to build the Titanic. Personally I feel Bruce Ismay was most responsible for the tragedy but there was also a chain of mistakes which caused the disaster to happen.
What are the main causes and impacts of stress on adolescents?
In my research project, I will be looking at the main causes of stress and the impact it has on adolescents. I decided to research stress on teenagers since I knew little about how the developing mind works and wanted to learn more. I also find the subject of psychology very interesting.
I feel it will be very beneficial to me doing this research as I will have a better understanding of what is going on inside our brains. Hopefully then, if someone is rude to me, it will help me to understand why! In this project I aim to discover the main causes of stress, the impact stress has on the daily life of teenagers, and the positive and negative coping mechanisms used. This project will include a Questionnaire for the Fifth Form where I will be looking for evidence to support my findings. Before I started my research, I predicted that peer pressure would be the main cause of stress throughout teenagers’ lives.
Adolescence is a time of growth and development. "The word 'adolescence' literally means growing up derived from the Latin word adolescere. In theory, it describes a distinct stage between childhood and adulthood but, in practice, often simply defines the teenage years" (Page 47 in the Psychology Book - Adolescence is a new birth by G. Stanley Hall). The Psychology Book explains to us about human development. This chapter looks at the teenage years: "Hall was influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution, he believed that adolescence is a stage for rebellion and physical development." Adolescents are highly inclined to depression, and he named this the "curve of despondency" which starts at the age of 11, peaks at 15, then falls steadily until age 23. Hall believed that the causes of depression in the early years were "self-consciousness, self-criticism, and sensitivity," even criminal activity was thought to be more likely in the teenage years, peaking at the age of 18. This is a period of a huge amount of change, both physically and mentally.
"Stress describes any demand that is placed on the body, whether it is mental or physical" (The stressed brain by DR Catherine Loveday - The Brain Book). In pages 52 to 63, Loveday explains the brain's two responses to stress. Most people believe stress to be a negative
experience. However, from this chapter, we can see that the writer believed there was a difference between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). Eustress is a feeling of excitement and focus - being drivenwhilst distress is when you feel pressured or worried about something. To measure stress, a tiered stress test can be used "which is a procedure that involves participants speaking in front of a panel of people whilst having their responses monitored." It has been found that different people react differently to the same stressful situations: some may fall to pieces, whilst others thrive.
I understand that stress can impact people in different ways and this is especially true in adolescence. In my opinion, I believe that stress begins in the brain as feelings, thoughts, and emotions, and this is mostly the case with teenagers.
Physiological changes in adolescence
Teenagers can be very stressed! Often the cause is huge changes going on inside the brain, mainly believed to be triggered by hormones (The amazing teenage brain by Nicola Morgan). The brain controls hormones that can affect your mood and behaviour, although not all teenagers go through adolescence as emotionally as others. During adolescence, there is a major increase in grey matter (where all of your thinking and decision-making takes place) in the prefrontal cortex and this first phase happens just before puberty (usually from ages 10 to 12). The second stage is when all the branches that aren't needed fall away, being "cut back or pruned." By 16 to 17 years-of-age, teenagers have gained all of their adult synapses, but the building and strengthening of these branches continues into early adulthood (The Amazing Teenage Brain by Nicola Morgan pages 28 -29).
Knowing about all these physiological changes in our brains helps us to understand that there is so much happening in adolescence and why it might be a stressful time.
In this project, I will be focusing on four main causes of stress that most teenagers go through. These will be academic pressure, low self-esteem, peer pressure, and high expectations of yourself.
What are the positive ways in which adolescents can learn to cope?
There are many ways in which teens cope with stress positively, and some examples include: exercise; involving yourself in activities, such as listening to music, socialising with friends, reducing negative self-talk, and talking to a counsellor.
What are the negative ways in which people cope with stress?
Some negative ways in which people deal with stress are self-harm, drugs, alcohol, and eating disorders.
As a part of my research project, I sent out a questionnaire for Harcourt Fifth Form to give their feedback and thoughts on stress in adolescents.
In conclusion, from my research, I believe that exams and academic pressure are the main causes of stress for teenagers. This is supported by the answers I received from the questionnaire that I sent out to the Harcourt Fifth Form. Furthermore, the combination of excess revision on top of regular homework can overload teens with academic stress. However, it should be noted that the pupils questioned were about to take GCSEs and so the timing of the project questionnaire coincided with a potentially very difficult and stressful time. For future research, I could test this questionnaire at a different time of the year and this might change the results.
I have learnt that there are a huge number of changes that take place mentally and physically during adolescence, and that negative behaviours can have big impacts on welfare and health of teenagers trying to cope through drug abuse, alcohol usage, self-harm, and eating disorders can lead to much larger problems than the stress of normal teenage life. It is hard being an adolescent! Peer pressure, low self-esteem, and high expectations can lead to negative stress, however, academic pressure is, I believe, the biggest contributing factor.
Through my research, I have learnt a lot of interesting facts and information about how the mind works and I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to look at this from a teenager's perspective when preparing for their GCSEs. In addition, I have also discovered which parts of the brain are used for different purposes, and I have gained a greater understanding of the changes in our brains through development in adolescence. All this research has benefited me in being able to comprehend how and why a teenager may be acting and feeling the way they do.
Millie Cross (Second Form, Harcourt)
Gold, Best in Second Form, Best in School
Emmeline Black (Second Form, Feilden)
Rafa Galliford (Second Form, Gascoigne)
Silver, Best in First Form
Abi Hick (First Form, Feilden)
Silver
Evie Walker (Second Form, Swift)
Lexi Mudie (First Form, Feilden)
Matthew Cook (First Form, Gascoigne)
Eva Graves (First Form, Gascoigne)
Benji Longman (First Form, Vanbrugh)
Samson Harding (Second Form, Feilden)
Adam Hughes (Second Form, Feilden)
Poppy Lloyd (Second Form, Feilden)
Freya Winfield (Second Form, Feilden)
Freya Chandler (Second Form, Gascoigne)
Frankie Kupce (Second Form, Gascoigne)
Jacob Liu (Second Form, Gascoigne)
Grace Chapple (Second Form, Harcourt)
Liam Rowe (Second Form, Harcourt)
Zac Wahid (Second Form, Harcourt)
Sukhmani Panesar (Second Form, Queen Anne)
Ella Hogeboom (Second Form, Swift)
Oliver Pickford (Second Form, Swift)
Alex May (Second Form, Vanbrugh)
Ella Sharp (Second Form, Vanbrugh)
Zachary Flemming (First Form, Feilden)
Joel Davies (First Form, Harcourt)
Harry Kybett (First Form, Harcourt)
Archie Warrilow (First Form, Harcourt)
Nina Larsson (First Form, Queen Anne)
Elsa Linehan (First Form, Swift)
Jupiter Smith (First Form, Swift)
Daisy Drake (First Form, Vanbrugh)
Stanley Harris (First Form, Vanbrugh) Andrew Homewood (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Heather Homewood (First Form, Vanbrugh)
Gold, Best in School, Best in Fifth Form, Qualified for Pink Kangaroo Round
Harry Richards (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Silver, Joint Best in Third Form, Qualified for Grey Kangaroo Round
William Hansen (Third Form, Queen Anne) Luke Taylor (Third Form, Swift)
Silver, Best in Fourth Form
Patrick West (Fourth Form, Feilden)
Silver, Qualified for Grey Kangaroo Round
Daniel Elliott (Third Form, Feilden)
Silver
Mees Camoenié (Fifth Form, Harcourt)
Sam Richards (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Marit Tweehuijsen (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Thomas Avery (Fifth Form, Gascoigne)
Nathan Taylor (Fifth Form, Harcourt)
Felix Waters (Fifth Form, Queen Anne)
Herbie Waters (Fifth Form, Queen Anne)
Lily Yang (Fifth Form, Queen Anne)
Max Quartley (Fifth Form, Swift)
Charlie Sydenham (Fourth Form, Swift)
Aoife Kirkham (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Anna Pratley (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Flo Adepoju (Fifth Form, Harcourt)
Freddie Murfitt (Fifth Form, Queen Anne)
Alexander Brazier (Fifth Form, Swift)
James Stiger (Fifth Form, Swift)
William Davidmann (Fourth Form, Gascoigne)
Archie Wilkinson (Fourth Form, Gascoigne)
Akil Jomy (Fourth Form, Queen Anne)
Simran Panesar (Fourth Form, Queen Anne)
Qihao Sun (Fourth Form, Swift)
Nicolas Woods-Cano (Fourth Form, Swift)
Freddie Morlock (Third Form, Feilden)
Pippa Allen (Third Form, Harcourt)
Henry O'Brien (Third Form, Harcourt) Archie Clarke (Third Form, Queen Anne)
Felix Pool (Third Form, Queen Anne)
James Colling (Third Form, Swift)
Tom Badger (Third Form, Vanbrugh)
Nathan Hunt (Third Form, Vanbrugh)
Fast Fashion is a very current issue with its many social and environment impacts on the planet. Fast Fashion can be defined as extremely cheap clothing that is produced rapidly to keep up with seasonal trends to meet customer demands. It has become one of the world’s largest polluters with overproduction and consumption levels rising. However, there are differences that can be made by individuals to reduce the negative effects on our world.
The main issue with Fast Fashion is the environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions from landfill. Around 10% of gases like methane and carbon dioxide are released into the atmosphere from only the fashion industry. Certain fabrics, for example lycra and polyester, can take up to 200 years to decompose. They are cheap to manufacture and difficult to decompose making them tempting for companies to use. As well as this, the fashion industry is the second most water intensive industry in the world. To put things into perspective, one pair of jeans requires at least 7,500 litres of water to be produced.
Another concern of Fast Fashion to be raised is the social impact. Factories are typically based in less developed countries where regulations and rules on manufacturing are not as strict. These environments are dangerous for employees as they are spending long hours breathing in toxic substances and there are risks of diseases, injuries or fires. In the worst situations, clothing workers may also receive verbal and physical abuse. For example, Radhika, a female employee working for H&M reported her previous experiences of mistreatment explaining how she had been harassed by her supervisor for not meeting the production expectations. Many women from Dhaka, Bangladesh and Indonesia who could be mothers of many children may be forced to work 14-16 hours a day, 7 days a week only to be paid less than a living wage and unable to properly provide for their family.
Bangladesh is one of the largest producers in the garment industries with factories spread all over and particularly in Dhaka. Its growth in the fashion sector has grown and improved rapidly over the last decade. The devastating event of the Rana Plaza factory collapsing in 2013 that took thousands of lives was a turning point as it raised the problems in working conditions and the safety of employees. The series of catastrophic events meant actions were made by the RMG sustainability council to shut down hundreds of unsafe factories and
make investments in scaling up other safer environments. Once the changes were made, Bangladesh became a more attractive country for major retailers to work with as is shown in their increase in exports from 14.6 billion dollars in 2011 to 33.1 billion dollars in 2019.
It could be argued that the most important message is the differences customers can make to reduce the amount of clothes they consume and discard. Buying clothes can be seen as part of a chain system where they are being continuously used and passed on. Shopping second hand is a simple change; the most unique clothes are often ones that are vintage or renewal. Re-wearing clothes as much as possible may mean buying items that are more timeless and will therefore last longer in your wardrobe. Similarly, creating a capsule wardrobe, which is where only a few items of clothing can be put together to make many different outfits, results in less consumption.
After plenty of wear from clothing items, the following step consists of either donating them to charity shops, giving them to friends, or putting them in the recycling clothing bins that can be found in carparks. Making the switch from buying cheap fabrics that take years to decompose unlike materials such as cotton or wool that only take 6 months to decompose. This can all be gathered on the clothing tag of an item or even the price.
Many ideas can be taken away on how to prevent the toxic system of Fast Fashion. Before purchasing a trendy item of clothing at an unbelievable price, it is important to consider and recognise the negative effects. There are ways to find an equivalent item in a more sustainable way.
Music is an expressive and intricate form of art. Whether it be Beethoven, Bernstein or Beyoncé, music has the power to thrill us, to move us, to unite us. In contrast, war is a heart-wrenching and sickening occurrence that can displace, wound and kill. Yet, throughout history, music has been a central component to warfare and has significantly shaped the outcome of some of history’s bloodiest conflicts.
Since biblical times, music has played an important role on the battlefield. Chapter Six of the Old Testament’s Book of Joshua describes how, during the siege of Jericho, seven priests blew into trumpets made from rams’ horns. After seven days, when the trumpets were joined by the cries of Joshua’s army, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the siege was over.
Comparatively, ancient warfare witnessed the Greek and Roman armies using brass and percussion instruments to relay information across the battlefield. This demonstrates that even in such an early period, the idea of using music in battle was beginning to develop. This partnership between music and warfare became more established as Europe progressed into the Middle Ages. The Saracens used instruments to communicate orders and intimidate English forces during the numerous crusades, whilst the Ottoman Empire recorded the first official military band in the thirteenth century.
If we fast-forward to the seventeenth century, the technology of war had developed to feature the might of muskets and gunpowder. Thus, music became critical to warfare, allowing orders to be heard over the chaos of the battle. As part of their basic training, soldiers learnt the different orders that their musicians would play, such as Marche and Retreate. These anthems would be distinctive for each nation, so that a soldier could recognise his own country’s orders during the madness of a conflict. However, some tactical military leaders used this to their advantage. For example, during the Battle of Oudenarde in 1708, drummers of the anti-French coalition (which included England) played The French Retreate so convincingly that a portion of France’s army withdrew from the battle. But, as technology has advanced, musical orders have been replaced by specialist gadgets and equipment. During active service, military musicians might now be involved in casualty handling, including stretcher-bearing, ambulance driving and patient decontamination. However, their roles away from the field of battle still play a significant role in boosting their comrades’ morale and showcasing their nations’ military to the rest of the world.
There is a long running history of music being played to raise the spirits of soldiers. For example, in ancient times, the Greek army employed musicians to accompany recitals of odes and poetry, which reminded soldiers of their ancestors’ bravery and encouraged them to display similar courage. However, it was during two World Wars where music became crucial in maintaining spirit in the face of adversity. For instance, ‘It’s a Long Way to Tipperary’ by Jack Judge and Harry Williams became a popular marching song for frontline soldiers in the WWI trenches, whilst Vera Lynn, known affectionately as the Forces’ Sweetheart, raised the morale of soldiers fighting during WWII with songs such as ‘We’ll Meet Again’ and ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’.
But it was not just soldiers who relied upon music during wartime. In the suffering of Nazi concentration camps, prisoners were
known to sing or play instruments together for comfort and community, or in some cases, to drown out the sounds of executions. Some camps composed their own camp songs and anthems, with the song ‘The Peat Bog Soldiers’, which referenced the downfall of the Third Reich, becoming a favourite at Börgermoor concentration camp. In wartime Britain, songs such as ‘Run Rabbit Run’ and ‘Hitler has Only Got One Ball’ were used by Britons to mock the Luftwaffe and the Nazi Leadership respectively. Comparatively, in the Soviet Union, composer Dmitri Shostakovich completed his Seventh Symphony in December 1941. Having been evacuated from the siege of Leningrad earlier that year, he dedicated his piece to the inhabitants of Leningrad, whose city was still under siege by Nazi Forces. On 9th August 1942, whilst still trapped in Leningrad with over a year and a half of the siege still left to endure, surviving musicians performed Shostakovich’s symphony. Their playing was transmitted through loudspeakers to the rest of the city and the surrounding Nazi Forces as an act of defiance and strength.
Finally, in recent years the use of music and sound has become an established method of interrogation and torture. ‘Music Torture’ involves the continuous playing of music or loud noises and is often used in combination with techniques such as sleep, food and sensory deprivation. America initially intended to use ‘Music Torture’ as one way to combat Soviet ‘brain-washing’ in the 1950s and 1960s. Since then, America has used this method several times in order to extract information from prisoners and defeat opponents. For example, the USA used music by Metallica to sleep deprive and culturally offend POWs during the War in Iraq, whilst using ‘The Real Slim Shady’ by Eminem and ‘Dirrty’ by Christina Aguilera for interrogation during the War on Terror. Furthermore, in battle, America used ‘Music Torture’ during the invasion of Panama in December 1989 which saw the dictator Manuel Noriega flee to the Holy See Embassy. US Troops surrounded the embassy before blasting it with hard rock music by Guns’N’Roses, U2 and Van Halen. Ten days later Noriega, the reported opera lover, surrendered.
However, the use of music in torture has generated considerable controversy. The charity Reprieve began an initiative called Zero dB which aimed to stop the use of music in torture by encouraging the public to demonstrate through silent protests. Many musicians supported this movement, including Christopher Cerf (composer from Sesame Street), R.E.M., Pearl Jam and Jackson Browne. Some even scheduled minutes of silence during their concerts to contrast the deafening music used during interrogations.
Throughout history, music has been a key aspect of warfare. Beginning as a method of communicating across the battlefield, music has become both a way of boosting the morale of soldiers and civilians and a method for interrogation.
The importance of music in war cannot be underestimated – would the outcome of early wars have been different if music was not used to command the troops? Would soldiers have endured the harshness of the frontline without the comfort and camaraderie that music brought? Thus, just as music has become intrinsic to our lives, music has become an integral part of warfare.
Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)A cashless society will become a reality in the very near future owing to the rapid increase of cashless payments due to Covid-19 and its consequences. A cashless society is a very self-explanatory term: it is a society with no cash. Research suggests that the impacts are greatly positive, but there are a few very negative aspects to it as well. Many sceptics believe that cashless payments will never truly replace physical cash payments. They believe that becoming cashless would only complicate things further and there are too many security difficulties to make it possible; however, there are also many positive effects that have been discovered from going cashless.
It is surprising that none of the more economically developed countries have become cashless yet as cashless payments have increased in the past two years. However, we have clearly not reached the capability yet. This could be because of Covid-19 and the setbacks in the economy that it has caused. Sweden is the closest country to becoming completely cashless in front of Finland, Denmark and the UK with currently more than 80% of Swedish people using a type of online payments; cash is only used for less than 1% of money transactions. This shows that it could be possible if some countries are nearly there already. A downfall of this though would be more money would need to be invested to make the technology for all cashless points and this would increase costs.
When first researching this topic, the evidence showed that going completely cashless would create less spending. Banks usually hire very large and expensive security teams to protect their branches against physical robberies, but this would be a thing of the past in a cashless
society due to there being nothing physical for criminals to steal as banks and large businesses that would no longer store large quantities of notes. Also converting to a cashless society would remove the need to print bills and make coins, saving both time and money. Many businessmen are trying to convert to a cashless society as soon as possible to make money transactions easier and quicker by using apps such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Klarna and bank transfers. A cashless society would also save time for businesses as they would not need to store large amounts of money or withdraw or deposit cash.
Becoming completely cashless would foster lower crime rates and less money laundering. A cashless society makes it extremely difficult for people to launder money, tax evade and fund illegal activity. In our current cash society, it is very easy for people to hide large amounts of illegal items in their houses such as jewellery, illegal money or expensive antiques; whereas, in a cashless society, payments can be easily tracked through transfers, transactions and payments. However, although putting everything online stops physical criminals from taking from you, this only makes you more vulnerable to people who can steal from you through the internet such as hackers, who in one click can take everything you have online. This could be a problem because if a hacker were to drain all your money, then you may not have any other alternatives of paying and it can take banks a lot of time to get your funds back if at all. Also, when using physical money to pay for things you can feel and see the physical money leaving your hand so generally people are more cautious with how much they’re spending but spending online money could lead to recklessness when shopping, as people are not seeing the money leave their hand.
Homelessness and poverty are large problems all around the world. Roughly 1.3 million adults are ‘unbanked’ in America, meaning they are not eligible to create a bank account. However, by not owning a bank account in a cashless society it would be near to impossible to do anything. Without a house, people have no real address to register a bank account to. Not being able to open a bank account is only the first problem. The homeless cannot get most jobs due to them having no bank account or address so the only other way to earn money is by asking people walking past on the street or busking. However, with no cash around, the homeless would not have a source of income, which would make the situation much worse for them than it already is. That said, the increase in cashless payments because of the global pandemic has prompted more and more companies to think thoroughly about
how the homeless would cope in a cashless society. Some have already started to let people create a bank account without photo ID or proof of address.
In conclusion, the impacts of a cashless society are generally positive. The greatest impact would be felt in financial crime which would change drastically if we were to become cashless, from thieves using brute physical force to hackers who could have access to all your personal details within the click of a few buttons. According to my research, a cashless society is something we could greatly benefit from due to the overall positive impacts which include less spending, saving time and cost reductions.
Ollie Herbert (Second Form, Queen Anne)For many people, when they hear ‘gymnastics’ their minds will go to words such as ‘creative’ or ‘artistic’. However, if they hear ‘mathematics’, they tend to think of words such as ‘logical’ or ‘concrete’. Whilst the worlds of gymnastics and maths seem far apart, as a gymnast, I have found that there are many interesting links between the two. In fact, gymnastics becomes impossible without maths. Not only do both mathematics and artistry appear in gymnastics, but the artistry appears because of the maths. Amongst the most important effects that mathematics has on gymnastics are the areas of angles, the artistry of geometry, and innovation.
The largest impact maths has on gymnastics is around the area of angles. They are used in coaching, judging and other areas, and are a crucial element to gymnastics. When a coach wants to describe a skill to a gymnast, they may say things such as “Get to your nice 45° angle first”. The angles created by a clock are also used in skills that go a full 360°, as this makes more sense, especially to younger gymnasts. Giants on bars or saltos (aerial flips) are a good example of this, and you will often hear coaches say, “Twist at 5 o’clock”, or “You should be finished with your kick by 7 o’clock, but make sure you don’t start it before 5 o’clock.”
Angles are also a very important component of judging. In routines, gymnasts will be required to hit certain angles for the skill to count. This means that judges must estimate the angles gymnasts hit. Some examples are that casts must hit 45° or 90° to the bar, or splits must hit 180°. The Code of P0ints (CoP) requires a cast to handstand to be within 10° of vertical to be credited the full Difficulty Value (DV). If the cast is 30 - 45° away from vertical, 0.10 is taken from
the Execution score (EV). If it is more than 45° away from vertical, 0.30 is lost.
But judges do not only use angles when scoring. Basic maths is incredibly important. A gymnast’s score is worked out by adding all deductions together (these can come from bent legs – you can lose up to 0.3 each time, a fall – for a fall, you lose 0.5 to 1.0 each time, and others such as flexed feet or leg separation), and then subtracting them from the original 10.0 execution score. Next, difficulties of all the skills performed are added together to get the difficulty score. Finally, the execution and difficulty scores are added together. We still cannot get away from angles in gymnastics though! They are crucial in the fundamentals of making a skill work. For example, when vaulting, a gymnast will be running up to the springboard, usually leaning slightly forward at a 5° angle. But as soon as they reach the board, they will move to leaning slightly backwards at a 5° angle. This is called blocking, and it is how gymnasts change direction, in this case, from forward to upward. Another example would be when the gymnast is going to leave the floor to do a tuck, handspring or cartwheel, or any other gymnastics move that requires your feet to come off the floor, they have angular momentum (blocking) from their push off.
Moving away from the scientific to the artistic impacts of maths, research shows that we are naturally inclined to enjoy looking at something or watching something which is geometric (Lu, 2019). We enjoy seeing symmetrical faces and find beauty in the geometry of nature. And we especially love seeing the geometry and symmetry of dance. This can explain why gymnasts (and dancers) work extremely hard to be as geometric and perfect in their lines as they can. In the newest CoP, gymnasts can lose up to 2 points on their dancing and overall performance, once more giving them a reason to strive for perfection, symmetry, and geometry. Interesting videos and projects have been produced providing stunning, concrete illustrations of how the symmetry and precision of geometry have a direct connection to the artistic beauty of gymnastics and dance. An interesting example is the short film, Ballet Rotoscope, by Japanese design firm EUPHRATES. This video overlaid geometric lines, curves and shapes on a person doing spins, leaps and jumps, and helped the viewer to see the geometry being created. These very same moves are used in even the most basic floor routine.
Another large aspect of maths in gymnastics is creating new equipment. This involves finding what works best, what does not work so well and continual innovation. Designers are always trying to get the balance between safety and
the ability for gymnasts’ skill advancement just right. A few examples are creating springier floors to allow more advanced skills without sending gymnasts flying helter-skelter; or how, after some improvements since the mid-1990s when the Dutch first invented it, a wider vault was used in the 2001 World Championships to allow harder vaults and losing its name of the vaulting “horse” to the vaulting “table”. Innovators are always working on creating bars that will propel the gymnast, but in a safe and secure way; or high-density foams that absorb shock without causing gymnasts to lose momentum or fall over.
They are not just making equipment for the gymnasts though; they are also working on equipment for the judges. Fujitsu is a multinational Japanese corporation who release information and communications technology, equipment, and services. They are currently working on perfecting their new 3D Sensing Technology, which will allow judges to no longer have to estimate the angles gymnasts hit. It uses 3D laser sensors and skeleton recognition technology to measure and accurately digitize human movements in three dimensions, without the use of markers. This will be extremely helpful for judges, as it will improve their ability of accurate judging.
Gymnastics is impossible when maths is taken away. Of course, there are elements of gymnastics that do not involve maths as obviously, and you could take away the geometry of dance, but if would look scrappy, undefined, and uncontrolled. Everything from leaps, spins, and jumps, down to the angle a gymnast is at when they leave the floor involves maths. In fact, there seems to be an aspect of mathematics in every element of gymnastics. I have only scratched the surface of this important connection. The interactions between mathematics and gymnastics seem almost as endless as numbers themselves!
Eva Graves (First Form, Gascoigne)I come from weekly Sunday roasts
Pierogi and trilece for desert
I come from many different foods and the question,
‘What is that?’
I come from long drives to the airport
I come from seeing my cousins’ expression when we get out of the terminal
Always with the same suitcase full of gifts
I come from having to pack for the snowy mountains or the golden beach
I come from weekend trips to London I come from unforgettable holidays
I come from church dresses covered in flowers with my Easter basket
I come from the feast my family gather for on Eid I come from Christmas trees decorated with ornaments collected over years
I come from spending long sleepless nights dancing to wedding music
I come from having to ask, ‘How am I related to all these people?’
Which my parents always struggle to answer
I come from being the only girl in two generations I come from my ears being full of stories
I come from my Babcia’s comparisons to life now and back then
I come from a two-headed eagle surrounded by red flag
I come from the Union Jack
I come from a stripe of red and white printed onto a flag.
Mida Loci (Third Form, Feilden)
Do not be embarrassed of your shape.
You are beautiful, flower, There is no mistake.
Beth Gouveia (Third Form, Swift) and Jade Neal (Third Form, Queen Anne)All you see is outside me: my small exterior, The jolly-golly framework, the dimple nose
A don’t-rock-the-boat-type me
But inside me there’s another me, crazy till adventure, The daredevil maker, I’ll see you later A want-to-explore-type me
And inside me there’s another me, full of sly
The boxy, moxie clown-er
A joker-poker type me
And inside me there’s another me, quiet, shy
The nervous, tedious little miss stumbler A would-get-too-scared-to-do me
And inside me there’s another me, all bossy like mommy
Who always takes control, A I-must-be-pushy-type me
And deepest down, right in the middle A mini, hard tic-tac doll
The girl who hides inside of me.
Koemi Neal (First Form, Queen Anne)People are like flowers.
Not all flowers are the same, They come in different colours, Sizes, shapes.
Yet each flower is beautiful. Not one is a mistake.
Flowers bloom brightly in the spring air, Their petals glisten in the sun, Their stems stand tall with pride. They aren’t embarrassed to be different.
Why do you hide your petals, And change your leaves, To be like the rest?
mid-1850’s, a young white boy named Jasper Newton came to work as a chore boy on the same farm Nearest worked, with jobs like feeding the animals, milking the cows, and other smaller jobs. Newton was not a privileged boy either, he came from a poor family where he was the tenth child, and his mother died when he was only four months old. Whilst working there, Newton was often curious about the smoke coming from the hollow and saw men frequently hurrying back and forth from the wagons to the area with the mules but was never allowed to go.
Eventually, the preacher gave in the boy’s curiosity and took him to the hollow, where he introduced him to ‘Uncle Nearest. He is the best maker I know of’ as was quoted in Newton’s biography later. The preacher asked Nearest to teach the young boy all his specialised skills in distilling, particularly his sugar maple charcoal technique, the specific Tennessee way.
Newton continued to learn from Nearest, and eventually started selling the whisky after he became old enough. Soldiers during the civil war took a liking to this whisky, so Newton practiced his salesman and entrepreneurial skills, which he found came to him naturally.
At the age of fifteen, Newton lost his father, and decided he needed to continue his whisky selling business for a living, which quickly made the whisky the most popular in the area. After the civil war, the young businessman decided to partner with the preacher, then eventually bought his shares, re-naming the distillery after himself. Nearest, now emancipated, was soon asked to be Newton’s master distiller, which was unexpected for that time and place.
Over time, countless of devastating stories of black inventors who have had their creations stolen by white people, particularly during the time of slavery, have been discovered. Their lost voices and impact on modern society has been diminished, and now their stories should, indeed, must be heard. A fitting example of this is the fascinating story behind the world-wide whisky brand known as ‘Jack Daniels’, which started with an African American man named Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green. Born in Maryland around 1820, Nearest was a man born into slavery, who worked on a farm in Lincoln County for a country preacher and distiller. He was a brilliant distiller, and specialized in sugar maple charcoal filtering, giving his whisky a unique smoothness. This charcoal filtering procedure, named the ‘Lincoln County process’, is believed to have already been used by people in West Africa to filter and purify their foods and water, by many food and whisky historians.
Nearest was known to produce the best whisky in the area at that time. However, around the
Over time, Newton’s business grew, and he moved property. Although Nearest retired after the business moved places, his sons (son George pictured with Jack Daniel) and eventually grandsons all continued Nearest’s tradition of making incredible whisky for Newton, founded by their very own father or grandfather. Newton’s business went on to be highly successful and gathered fame across the world, which he decided to present with the name ‘Jack Daniels’. However, the very source of the business, the first known and skilled African American master distiller’s story, voice and face was lost in time. Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green’s story is one of the most forgotten yet extraordinary story in American history. Although, whilst enjoying a shot of whisky on a social occasion the history of the drink may seem insignificant, the voices and lives of the black creators who made countless inventions we rely on in our daily lives must never be neglected when bathing in the safety blanket of privilege.
Sasa Wilson (Lower Sixth, Feilden)
The annual show jumping competition returned this year, with determined riding from all eighteen competitors. Pupils from the Prep School and across the Senior School came out in force to cheer on their peers at this popular event. Lots of the spectators took this opportunity to meet the ponies after the event and ask questions about them with some getting closer to them than they ever had done before.
place. It was another strong group in the U13 competition, with Royal Latin School just beating the strong Cokethorpe team in a very close final. After nearly two years of no competitive rugby, the festival itself was a triumph, with smiles on everyone’s faces and some tremendous rugby on display.
On the evening of Friday 26 November, Sixth Form students enjoyed a ‘Beer and Band’ evening, which had been organised by a group of students in the Upper Sixth, led by Theo Serjeant (Upper Sixth, Swift). The evening began with a pub-style meal in the Dining Hall after which the students moved upstairs to the Sixth Form Centre for the final of ‘Battle of the Brains’ – an Inter-House Sixth Form General Knowledge Competition. It was close fought, but Feilden narrowly beat Swift in the closing stages.
une galette (a round cake) and whoever finds it in their piece is King or Queen for the day. Once they have finished eating, the Kings and Queens joined the parade through the Dining Hall wearing their crowns, which they took home to do their own parade to their families.
The competitors themselves ranged from Year 1 children jumping a 40cm course, to Lower Sixth students jumping a 1.0m course. With beautifully presented ponies and riders in their competition jackets, it really was quite a spectacle to see the young equestrians jumping in the School grounds.
Cokethorpe welcomed ten schools for the return of the annual U12/U13 Rugby Festival for the first time since October 2019. Whilst on a slightly smaller scale, the festival still maintained its traditional format, as well as the delights of Mr and Mrs Christensen’s organic ice cream truck.
After the quiz, it was back down to the Dining Room for a beer-tasting workshop. Ian, from Little Ox Brewery in Witney, introduced us to a wide-ranging selection of six of the best. Opinions varied, but their Indian Pale Ale ‘Wipeout’ seemed the most popular; a deliciously zesty ale, generously flavoured with US West Coast hops. And then to The Shed for the three musical acts of the evening: Oscar and the Stowaways, Marina Seekers, and Poppy Stewart (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne). The music was up-tempo and energetic, and the audience loved it; it was a particular pleasure to welcome back to School Tom Alford (OC 2020, Swift) and Oliver Charles (OC 2020, Gascoigne) who both delivered searing performances.
In the end, it was the high tempo, running rugby from Abingdon Prep which proved a little too much for their opponents, finishing the day as overall winners, with the Cokethorpe
U12 finishing in a very commendable fourth
The annual Prep School ‘La Fête des Rois’ - the French celebration marking Epiphany, the Twelfth Night when the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem. Year 6 pupils opened the occasion with short readings explaining the tradition to the rest of the Prep School which were confidently read. La fève is the ceramic charm hidden inside
Year 6 had a taste of life in the Aztec era during the vibrant Mexicolore workshop. A throbbing drumbeat provided the soundtrack to pupils walking into the Corinthian Room, culminating in a loud blast on a conch shell. It took less than five minutes for pupils to add to the cacophony of sound with chanting and by playing wooden xylophones and drums.
Pupils then saw a wind instrument which worked with water movement and had the opportunity to dress up in colourful, authentic Aztec style clothing and create a march through the Corinthian Room. The pupils were delighted to discover that the Aztecs discovered xocolatl, and that they treasured cocoa beans so much they used them as currency! Another action packed, musical and informative morning led by the ever-enthusiastic Ian from Mexicolore.
Cokethorpe Sport and Gloucester Rugby Club came together to give our Fourth Form rugby players an expert coaching session from Community Academy Coach, Harry Jones. Harry already coaches and mentors a number of Cokethorpe pupils at Gloucester Academy,
and gave up his time to giving the boys a morning of coaching aimed at developing spatial awareness and decision-making whilst under fatigue.
Exposing pupils to rugby coaching of this high calibre develops skills that are often overlooked or undervalued in the game of rugby. This can often lead to lack of development, and eventually hinders performance at elite level. Gloucester Rugby Club’s outreach with the School should grow the talent pool of pupils at Cokethorpe and eventually start to impact senior rugby results across the School. We are delighted to welcome this partnership with Gloucester Rugby.
‘It starts as a normal day for young Kieran, but after being given a jigsaw of the world, something really strange happens: everyone he meets only speaks in French, fluent French!' We were fortunate enough to welcome the fantastic Onatti Theatre Company back to the School, to perform for our Year 6 and First Form pupils. To support the learning of a foreign language, this live theatre group perform visually entertaining plays designed to engage pupils, and this one was no exception! In a play filled with quid pro quos and comical scenes, the audience played a pivotal role: helping young Kieran finding the missing pieces of the puzzle and returning to his normal world. Our French speakers were the perfect audience and embraced the opportunity to be involved in the storyline, impressing the actors with their linguistic flair. Between laughter and suspense, our pupils had ‘une expérience mémorable’ and a renewed thirst to develop their spoken French.
Tuesday 21 June 2022 marked the return of our annual Moving Up Day for our prospective new First Form pupils. After an absence of two years due to the pandemic, it was wonderful to welcome nearly 70 new pupils. Many made the short journey from the Prep School, whilst others joined us from schools all over Oxfordshire and beyond. The pupils were able to get a taste of what life will be like in September, enjoying introductory lessons in History, Geography, Music, Art, French and Spanish. In addition to this, they had their first opportunity to experience just a few of the AOBs that will be on offer from September. The sun was shining as the pupils enjoyed a glimpse of our Outdoor Education programme, tackling the climbing wall and surviving in the woods using only their bushcraft skills. Luckily, they had saved just enough energy to compete in our Inter-House Tug of War competition.
confidence and technical skills which they can further develop in their next painting projects.
Huge congratulations to our U16 and U18 football teams on their success in the Society of Heads' football tournament. The teams competed in back-to-back finals in the national tournament which was held at Loughborough University. These finals were played between the winners of the North and South divisions, and we are very proud that Cokethorpe had a representative in both finals.
Cokethorpe’s beautiful grounds provided the perfect backdrop for this year’s Art Award Holders and Lower Sixth Art students as artist Dionne Freeman visited to deliver a stimulating workshop. Our talented artists honed their colour and line recognition skills; as well as learning how to draw and construct structures and shapes out of tape.
The U16s played their final against Denstone College, with captain Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift) leading them to an incredible 5-0 victory. Buoyed by the U16s victory, the U18s rose to the challenge and valiantly fought Langley in their final, just missing out on taking the top spot leaving as runners up. To celebrate the incredible success of both teams, the Headmaster arranged for an open top bus to parade the champions around the School site.
With the support of Dionne, they created initial paintings with a limited palette and developed their ideas further by adapting and changing textures and lines. Pupils commented that they were ‘taught to relax whilst painting, using freer brush strokes’ and ‘it’s not always about looking at the fine detail of the picture - it’s about your interpretation of the image’. Our talented artists showed courage and ambition, rising to each challenge throughout the workshop, gaining
With school life returning to a sense of normality the First and Second Form Disco was held on Friday 18 February. The pupils were excited to let their hair down after a busy half term and had a great night dancing to classics like YMCA , The Macarena and Barbie Girl ! The event was supported by our fabulous Sixth Form Prefects, who DJ’d and ran the very busy tuck shop. The night was a great success and proved that cheesy disco music is still as popular as ever!
It was the turn of Mr O’Connor to deliver the latest in the History Lecture series, with the subject of this one based on the 50th anniversary of Bloody Sunday. The lecture focussed on the significance of Bloody Sunday as part of the history of Ireland. The lecture looked at the background and events of the violent decades in Northern Ireland known as ‘The Troubles’, during which failures in leadership and institutional prejudice caused the British Government to become increasingly embroiled in a violent insurgency against Irish nationalist groups.
Following the picnic and listening to the bears' favourite story, they enjoyed playing games of hide and seek together. The bears also enjoyed tree climbing and den building games, led by the children.
in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. After Revd Howard had spoken about the Christingle (encouraging everyone in turn to be little ‘lights’ who were also fruitful and full of love), all the Christingles made by Years 1 and 2 (with the help of Mrs Peace and Mrs Knox) were finally lit, as everyone sang Silent Night together.
This section of the lecture culminated in a shocking and deeply moving description of the events in Derry on 30 January 1972, known today as Bloody Sunday, when thirteen unarmed civilians, part of a Civil Rights Association protest, were killed by soldiers of the Parachute Regiment. The lecture concluded with how The Troubles and Bloody Sunday still resonate in the politics of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and notably how the impact of Brexit has highlighted the fragile nature of political and religious relationships in the region.
This term, the children in Reception Class have been reading tradition stories as part of their topic ‘Once Upon a Time’. This topic is intended to encourage the children to think about storytelling using new and old stories, both traditional and modern. It is designed to simulate the imagination and develop creativity, with a focus on creative writing and role-play. One of these tales was the story of Goldilocks and The Three Bears. As part of our learning, the children planned a Teddy Bears' Picnic in The Woods. They enjoyed following recipes, weighing and combining ingredients to make fairy cakes to share with their favourite teddy bears.
A team of Cokethorpe pupils embarked on their first ever Public Speaking competition run by the prestigious ESU. The team had been preparing all term for the event during their AOB and were ably assisted in their research, writing, and questioning, by Josca Chapman (Third Form, Swift) and Jack Hammond (Third Form, Gascoigne). Lily Charles (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) and Emily Stewart (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) opened the evening's event as Chairperson and Questioner respectively. With a mature balance of eloquence, organisation, critical thinking, and discerning questioning, they made a commendable pairing and were awarded highly by the judges for their efforts. Our Speaker, Henry O’Brien (Third Form, Harcourt), faced a painstaking wait as the last person to deliver his speech. Despite the challenges of trying to engage an audience over Zoom, Henry spoke with clarity and conviction which resulted in the Cokethorpe team being the first awarded a place in the next round.
The theme for the fancy dress at the Sixth Form Christmas Dinner was the 'First Letter of your Name'. As always, the creative costumes did not disappoint... They included: a 'Tyrannosaurus Rex' (Taryn), a 'Ringo Starr' (Rosie), a 'Slice of Naan Bread' (Sam), the 'Jamaican Bob Sleigh Team' (a Joe, a Jamie and two James’s), and –rather disturbingly – a 'Mr Tolputt' (Emily) and a 'Mrs Cooper” (Millie). Following a glass of prosecco in the Sixth Form Centre, it was back to the Dining Hall for a delicious Christmas meal. Entertainment included a quiz written and orchestrated by Emily Mumford (Upper Sixth, Feilden) and Millie Knight (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), and some socially distanced singing. A fantastic way to end the year for our Sixth Form students.
The Prep School finally met in the Chapel to celebrate the Service of Christingle. After some introductory words by the School Chaplain, Revd Howard, the pupils sang carols, which was followed by a performance from the Prep School Choir.
Crossing Borders – A Week of New Worlds Crossing Borders was the subject of a week long focus at Cokethorpe where, through a series of opportunities and activities for pupils and staff, pupils were encouraged to consider what it means to step out of our comfort zone and into the unknown.
Interspersed between carols were a series of readings from pupils retelling the Christmas Story, reminding us of the birth of Jesus Christ
When we talk of Crossing Borders, we usually mean that we are moving from one country to another … but not this week. This week was all about challenge, about doing something
new, about picking up a snake or eating ants or crickets. It was about abseiling off the Mansion House or sleeping wild under a tarp but it was also about learning to make an origami crane or how to play Korfball. Some students learned to suture, some did some busking, many have immersed themselves in a new experience in order to consider how we can better be comfortable with the unfamiliar.
Talks have included ‘The Domino Effect’ considering how small actions can lead to great change and ‘Black and British – a forgotten history’. Poetry from refugee writers was posted around the campus and discussed in morning briefing. French students considered an untitled poem by Alain Mabanckou that compared migration to the experience of a bird in flight.
As part of the range of activities on offer in STEM week, First Form pupils visited Bletchley Park, the home of the Codebreakers. They discovered how Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics helped turn the tide in the Second World War, as Allied Mathematicians not only cracked the enigma code, but created the basis of computer science as they did so.
The First Form were given a guided tour of the park and had a crack at breaking some codes of their own using an enigma machine app. Not only was this a great culmination to STEM Week for the First Form, but it was great demonstration of how their classroom subjects interweave.
The theme of STEM week this year was 'Energy and the Environment'. Other activities on offer included maths code breaking tasks, a DT challenge where each tutor group was tasked with producing the hub and blades of a windmill, slime workshops, a STEM fayre, the 'Cokethorpe Carbon Footprint Calculator’ and a talk on Materials, Aerodynamics, and Sustainability in F1.
We want our pupils to become global citizens to feel empathy for the plight of others and to feel empowered to bring about change, even through small actions so that they can face an uncertain or unfamiliar world of the future. This week offered opportunities not only for new experiences but also ways of considering the part we can play.
As part of the ‘Crossing Borders’ week, pupils were once again encouraged to ‘step outside of their comfort zones’, this time, by international adventurer, Anna McNuff.
Named by The Guardian as one of the top modern female adventurers, Anna has undertaken some truly awe-inspiring solo journeys and adventures, cycling and running unsupported across the Andes, the whole of the USA, New Zealand and the UK.
Cokethorpe pupils were given the opportunity to explore what being a global citizen means as they celebrated International Week. Over this five-day period, many departments explored social, political, and environmental issues around the world. Activities ranged from ‘Global Rescue Technology Challenge’, to creating a display of social scientists around the world. Arts students made prayer flags, English students wrote poetry of words that burn, Sociology students wrote essays about how culture affects perception and created a display of social scientists around the world, Lower Sixth students produced a podcast about ‘Globalisation and the Digital Social World,’ whilst in Music, pupils explored ethnomusicological features of different world cultures, synthesising art forms to create musical fusion. Scientists took part in a global battery challenge whilst staff delivered lunchtime talks ranging from ‘Hope in Palestine’ to ‘The most important European War you have probably never heard of’ and ‘China – the present and the future.’
Year 5 pupils were tasked with designing and building their own Anderson Shelters during a Design and Technology Day. After in-depth discussions, note-taking and sketches of plans, the pupils engaged in the creative process of making their model replicas, whilst adapting, problem-solving, and amending their plans as they worked through this paired activity.
Second Form pupils put their filmmaking skills to the test with the One Day Film School, learning about Film History, Fight Choreography, Screenwriting, Editing, and Camerawork. Working in groups, they each took on a role (writer, director, producer, screenwriter, actors) for the ‘Ten Shot Challenge’: creating a short film based on a classic narrative for screening at the end of the day.
The final task was to introduce their film, just like at the Cannes Film Festival, and give it a poster tagline (eg ‘Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water’). Then it was time for the VIP judges to take their seats and decide which of the films would win the ultimate prize: the Best Picture Oscar. The standard was very high, so the decision was a tough one… in the end, Best Picture went to 'A Woeful Wedding' which was superbly made, with winning performances, excellent technical credits, memorable teacher cameos, and impressive stunt work.
Second Form demonstrated their impressive research and presentation skills in their Independent Research Projects. As part of the Cokethorpe Diploma, Second Form spent many months carrying out their extensive research which culminated in a morning of presentations to their peers and teachers. Questions posed included, ‘do we live in a patriarchal society?’, ‘what does social media do to our self-esteem?’, and ‘how did the Taliban come to power?’. Pupils demonstrated great ambition during their research and real courage when presenting in front of an audience. They also showed exceptional empathy when respectfully listening to their peers’ presentations, and asked well considered and pertinent questions. Congratulations to all the pupils for their hard work and the quality of the projects produced. An excerpt from one of these projects can be found on page 20.
The DT day fits within the WW2 topic they are currently studying, and runs alongside their class text When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr. The entry point into this significant event in history, was inspired from movie clips of both Narnia and Goodnight, Mister Tom, where Anderson shelters were a place of refuge for the key fictional characters.
Year 5 then learnt how this government innitiative saved lives and prevented major injuries during air raids. It was inspiring to see pupils work together, share ideas, and bring a piece of history to life.
Biologists in the Upper Sixth set off for the Dale Fort Field Studies Centre in Pembrokeshire to consolidate their biological and, in particular, ecological studies in the classroom. This beautiful location afforded the group the opportunity to study the diverse habitats of sea and freshwater organisms and learn about different ecosystems.
A particular highlight was the treacherous crossing of the salt marsh gulley, which resulted in lots of laughter as the group sank into the quicksand-like mud. The trip put the scientific skills of Upper Sixth Biologists to the test, designing their own coastal projects for their practicals later in the year.
Sixth Form Mathematicians had the opportunity to see the ways in which mathematics operates in ‘the real world’ on their visit to the University of Warwick.
The students heard talks from leading Mathematicians on ‘the topology and game theory of a simple hat game’ by Oxford Academic Beth Romano, ‘the application of mathematics to the field of engineering and the future of flight’ by Sophie Harker from BAE Systems, ‘how to analyse statistics in the news’ from Mathematical broadcaster Emily Grossman, and ‘the intricacies of viral mathematics' from Maths’ author Kyle Evans. They also got a taste of life on a campus university and a glimpse of what life at university might look like.
way of viewing the complexities of the world through the black and white colour scheme. A grid of LEDs, combined with projections, transformed the space, transporting the audience from inside a home in Swindon to a Tube station in London. Seeing this production of the play was not only useful for future exams, but also allowed students to consider the lives of those who are neurodiverse and their families around them.
The Classics, English Literature, and Drama Departments were delighted to organise a cross-curricular trip to Warwick University’s Ancient Drama Festival to learn about Greek Tragedy. The Sixth Form students, who study one or more of these A Level subjects, all examine Tragedy as part of their course. The enduring success of this art form owes a lot to its pioneers in the ancient world, namely 5th century BC Athens, where plays were originally performed in impressive open-air theatres to honour the god Dionysus.
Prep School pupils had a fantastic visit to the Story Museum in Oxford. Pupils listened to the storyteller's tale about 'Anansi The Spider' before exploring the Whispering Woods, where the trees hold special objects from other stories. Each pupil tied a ribbon onto the Tree of Wishes before striving to pull Excalibur free from its stone to earn the right to rule as King or Queen of England. Alas, the sword remains in place!
A tour of the story galleries followed including a walk into Narnia through the wardrobe, which was particularly special for Year 4 who were studying the text in class at the time. Pupils experienced the moment of wonder and surprise just as the Pevensie children did before them.
English Theatre Trip to the see The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Cokethorpe’s Fifth Form were treated to a trip to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton, to watch a production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, based on the novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens. This tour marks the tenth anniversary of the play, which uses ground-breaking visual effects and dramatic techniques that has kept it as widely known and popular as when it first debuted. The play is part of the Fifth Form’s English Literature syllabus, and seeing it live on stage allowed for a deeper understanding of the play as well as providing stunning visuals to a text that was studied during lockdown.
Students attended three fascinating lectures from academics about the history, characteristics, and influence of the genre, including from Professor Michael Scott, who has appeared in BBC documentaries promoting public interest in the ancient world and archaeology. The day culminated in a student performance of Euripides’ Bacchae, which had innovative elements and was thought-provoking in its portrayal of gender, frenzy, and forbidden knowledge. The Warwick Arts Centre was an excellent venue whilst also giving our students a taste of the undergraduate experience.
Lower Sixth PE Students Visit the University of Bath Lower Sixth PE students visited the University of Bath and took part in a series of interactive sports science workshops supporting their key examination topics, in the University of Bath Sport and Exercise Science Department. They also had the opportunity to tour the outstanding sports facilities as well as hearing an inspiring lecture on the benefits of altitude training from a leading Exercise Physiologist.
When Fifth Form pupils visited the University of Bath, they were warmly welcomed by the ambassadors of the University (university students, primarily in their fourth year, who volunteer to help organise events and promote their university). They took groups of pupils on guided tours of the campus to see the impressive facilities on offer, as well as the accommodation blocks, food stores, cafes and bars in the University grounds.
Later, the House groups reconvened in one of the large lecture rooms to hear about what life is like at university and how to apply. Following a Q&A session with some current students, the group got back on the bus to Cokethorpe full of thoughts and dreams about what their futures might look like.
Reception Class thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Cotswold Farm Park, where they met some of the resident pets - Chip the Rabbit and Biscuit the Guinea Pig - some pupils also bottle-fed the lambs and kids. After learning how to categorise animals into those that laid eggs and those that did not, it was time for a well-deserved lunch break and a play on the combine harvester. The children then had the opportunity to feed some of the bigger animals. It was a wonderful trip and educational experience for this lovely group of Prep School children.
The experience began with a warm greeting from the Oxford Brookes Foundation students, who gave the artists an excellent tour and confidently discussed the process of the work on display. Amongst the inventive works on show were: interactive light installations; biodegradable bags with leather made from orange peel; a textiles piece representing the cultural symbols of countries currently at war; and an interactive musical piece celebrating religious faith.
On Thursday 24 March, fifteen pupils who took part in the Build-a-Bike AOB visited the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham. The pupils were treated to a tour of the national collection of motorcycles manufactured in Britain from the 1890s to the present day, where they gained an insight into design and production changes and causes over the years.
Sixteen schools from around the UK are invited to compete in a ten-a-side version of the game which takes place over two days.
The competition demonstrated the skill, courage, integrity, and determination of this talented group of sportsmen, who gave it their all in every game and represented the School brilliantly. Congratulations to all the players on their gritty performance.
There is something special about watching live sport, so it was a fantastic experience for the Prep and Senior School pupils who travelled to Hertfordshire Sports Village to watch Saracens Mavericks netball team play Leeds Rhinos. Pupils were able to soak up the atmosphere of a live elite level sports match, watching some outstanding international players compete on the court.
At half time, Prep School pupil Molly Sheer (Year 4, Symonds) was selected from the spectators to take part in a shooting competition with over 800 people watching. An incredible experience for both Molly and the rest of the pupils who watched the match.
Lower Sixth Art and Textiles students had a taste of what studying Art and Design after A Level might look like at the Oxford Brookes Art Foundation end of year show.
The Silverstone Museum then delivered a workshop on Formula One motor racing, which had a STEM focus and looked at jobs, design, and technology in motorsport. After lunch, the pupils were given the opportunity to have a hands-on session with two classic motorcycles from the 1950s, which included starting the bikes which, for some, presented an interesting and thrilling challenge.
It was an impressive performance from our Fifth and Sixth Form rugby players who travelled to Cumbria to take part in one of the country’s most prestigious school rugby tournaments, Sedbergh Tens.
On Monday 14 March, a group of A Level Spanish students visited the Cervantes Theatre in London to watch a performance of La Casa de Bernarda Alba, a play written by the Spanish dramatist, Federico García Lorca.
The play explores themes of repression, social class, and desire and was an excellent opportunity for the students to enjoy a live performance bringing a book they have been
studying to life. It was an enriching experience which our Spanish students fully embraced and enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the play.
This year, the theme for the GCSE Art coursework is 'Reaction and Change.' To support this, pupils had the opportunity to visit the Saatchi Gallery to see the 'JR: Chronicles' exhibition. It was the largest solo museum exhibition to date of the French artist JR which comprises of his early documentation of graffiti artists as a teenager in Paris, his large-scale architectural interventions in cities worldwide and recent digitally collaged murals that create portraits of diverse communities. The impact and scale of his work is truly inspirational and enabled the pupils to gather visual research and ideas for the political and social aspects of the coursework theme.
The age, race, and gender-blind casting allowed for a refreshing approach to a traditional Shakespearean tragedy; this modern treatment of casting, paired with the stark nature of the minimalistic set, ensured that this production was unlike any other we had seen before, resulting in a firm focus on character development and relationships.
Ian McKellen, in the role of Hamlet, surpa ssed expectations in his reprisal of a role he first undertook 50 years ago. However, on a personal level, it was the performance of Ashley D. Gale and his vengeful depiction of Laertes that most enthralled and captivated. In a play embroiled in madness, the stability and logic presented by Ben Allen as Horatio provided welcome relief and empathy to the production; contrastingly, the bold, energetic portrayal of a guitar-wielding Ophelia, played by Alis Wyn Davies, added a dynamism to the character rarely seen to such an extent, with exquisite songs to match.
The cutting of the opening scene and structural repositioning of the seminal 'To be, or not to be' soliloquy are just two examples of controversial directorial decisions, but the lengthy final standing ovation reflected the mood of all of us who had the privilege to enjoy the play in person. At a time when gender and race inequalities are at the forefront of our society, this production challenged expectations and highlighted how effective and moving the unexpected and unpredictable can be.
In their recent Science lessons, Year 1 have been finding out about animal classification, whilst Year 2 have been exploring animal habitats and adaptive features. To enrich their classroom learning, both classes went on an exciting trip to The Living Rainforest.
In the morning, we enjoyed a self-guided tour of the rainforest enclosure, where we spotted plenty of wild and wonderful plants and animals. We compared our favourites as we became acclimatised to the rainforest warmth and humidity.
The children then attended a fascinating session called ‘Animal Adaptations’. With the knowledgeable guide, pupils observed the rainforest’s native flora and fauna and learnt how different species have adapted to survive. Although there were too many animals to count, some favourites included the Caiman crocodiles, the Asian mudskippers, the carpet python, the iguanas, the poison dart frogs, and the pygmy marmosets.
Following this, pupils then walked the short distance to the Science Museum to see the Our Future Planet exhibition. This showcased the cutting-edge technology and nature-based solutions being developed to trap carbon dioxide released by human activity and, along with the other collections on display in the museum, gave the pupils the opportunity to collect photos about the environmental and scientific aspects of our 'Reaction and Change' theme.
After a long-awaited return to live theatre, Sixth Form students set off to Windsor to watch Sean Mathias’ highly acclaimed production of Hamlet at the Theatre Royal.
On Thursday 26 May, all of the Third Form pupils departed for the north of England, on a trip that was to take them into our past, experiencing social and political change, and the impact of war and slavery. The History tour began in Manchester with a rotation around the Imperial War Museum of the North and The Peoples’ History Museum. Over the past year, the pupils have studied the World Wars and social and political change in Britain, and the staff at these museums were on hand to explain context and details, to help make the most of the exhibitions in the time available. Both museums include moving and dramatic representations of how war and politics have affected people across a range of experiences and time periods. Especially notable and moving in the Imperial War Museum was the 360-degree ‘Big Picture Show’ which turned the whole museum into an auditorium of film and sound.
The next stage of the tour took the group along the River Mersey to Liverpool for a tour of the Maritime Museum, where pupils were fascinated by the exhibitions on the RMS Lusitania and RMA Titanic. This was followed by a visit to the International Slavery Museum. This ground-breaking centre and hugely impactful museum explores the history of the international slave trade, and among other aspects exposes in detail Britain and Liverpool’s role in the slave trade. Part of the purpose of the trip was to create the contextual link between these two great cities, and the museums in Manchester and Liverpool - along with the guidance of the Cokethorpe teachers of History - illuminated this aspect of the journey.
The final leg of the trip took the group to the National Memorial Arboretum near Stafford, where a brief tour of the extensive grounds and commemorations to military groups and associations, ended at the central Armed Forces Memorial where our pupils gathered for a short act of remembrance.
This years’ Third Form History trip was an immersive experience in which our pupils had the opportunity to bring their History studies to life and gain inspiration, not least for those taking the subject forward at GCSE level next year.’
In keeping with the theme of ‘Curiosity’, the Prep School were delighted to welcome bestselling author Sam Sedgman. Sam writes adventure and mystery books, including the award-winning series Adventures on Trains. Sam shared his love of ‘anything and everything’ to do with trains from around the world. He led inspiring and entertaining workshops, encouraging pupils to write their own adventure and mystery stories. He also accompanied Pre-Prep to the Woods and treated them to a reading from his novel under the trees and canvas.
Nicky spent time in creative writing workshops with our First, Second, and Fourth Form pupils as well as book signing. Nicky has written fiction and non-fiction books for both adults and children.
Her first book Feather Boy, won the Blue Peter book of the year and was adapted for TV. Her newest book The Survival Game is about a girl and a boy trying to get to safety in a world ravaged by climate change. These topical issues certainly captured the imaginations of our pupils and left them with their creative juices flowing, inspired to write their own novels.
This Valentine's Day the First Form found a new love: Gothic Literature. The English Department treated our First Formers to a dramatic performance of Gothic tales, namely The Red Room by HG Wells and The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe. As the lights went out, you could feel the tension in the room rise and, by the time the candle was lit, our performer Rupert Mason from the Redheart Theatre Company, had everyone captivated. There was nervous laughter, there was shivering and shuddering, teeth grinding and finally terrifying screams but, in the end, we all emerged unscathed, and greatly entertained.
Overnight accommodation was in the Liverpool city centre Youth Hostel only a few steps from the world-famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles’ career took off in the 1960s. The YHA team looked after the party well, but unfortunately Liverpool is a lively and noisy city throughout the night! Bleary-eyed, and after a hearty breakfast, pupils and staff emerged into lovely sunshine the following morning to conduct a tour of this historic city with its many architectural treasures, including The Liver Building and the Albert Dock.
It was an absolute pleasure for the English Department to welcome BAFTA award-winning playwright and novelist, Nicky Singer to Cokethorpe.
This performance was designed to enrich our experience of Gothic literature, which the First Form were studying in the form of a dramatic version of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley adapted by Phillip Pullman. They built on this experience, producing a short gothic play of their own, looking at other texts. We hope that, from all this, they will have a deeper appreciation for what literature, particularly gothic literature, can achieve and how we can create engaging tales of ghosts, ghouls and spectres.
American Writer Dr Christina Thatcher
‘Reading transforms us, writing drives social change, and doing both benefits the world’ is the belief that visiting American researcher, writer, and lecturer, Dr Christina Thatcher, led our pupils with on her recent visit to Cokethorpe.
The English Department were delighted to welcome such an inspirational figure, whose boundless energy and enthusiasm spread to all those fortunate enough to attend one of the workshops she held. A Level Literature and Language students explored viewpoints and perspectives, whilst a combined Lower and Upper Sixth Literature class read poetry before writing their own pieces.
Author and illustrator, Jon Lander came to meet the pupils in the Prep School. Years 4, 5, and 6 were thrilled with their fun-packed day of creative workshops, book readings, and even silly cartoon drawing on request.
He inspired his captivated audience to create their own story, complete with flaps and hidden surprises. Jon started each session by reading his book to pupils which was met each time with shrieks of delight as the silly images behind the flaps were revealed.
Kenneth Appel into School via Teams to give a talk about his life. Kenneth was born into a Jewish family in Germany in the last 1920s and enjoyed a happy childhood until the advent of the Nazi regime.
The entire Fourth Form gathered in The Shed for a series of generative writing tasks around the idea of inner and outer landscapes. Along with the poetry and creative writing workshops, staff and pupils were able to hear her read from her two poetry collections More Than You Were and How To Carry Fire
They were then shown how to make a simple flap book of their own. Jon asked the Year 6 pupils to call out random and absurd objects, such as 'a slug sandwich' or 'a walking hamburger,' and he then quickly brought their requests to life just by using a marker and scrap of paper. He showed the pupils his preliminary sketches for his book, 10 Silly Children and pupils were able to take away a personalised signed copy.
On Thursday 27 January, to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, the School was privileged once again to welcome
Kenneth gave an incredibly vivid account of the impact of the casual anti-Semitism that he experienced in and out of school. As anti-Semitic laws increased and life became incredibly difficult for him and his family, Kenneth’s mother successfully applied for him to travel to Britain as part of the Kindertransport refugee scheme. He was amongst the last of the children to arrive here on the scheme in 1939 and described in harrowing terms how members of his family and school friends who did not make it out of Germany, were eventually murdered by the Nazis. Kenneth always finishes his talk by describing how he settled in the UK and went on to have a career in the NHS, marry his wife Beulah, and have children and grandchildren. Perhaps the most moving aspect of his talk was that Kenneth explained his experiences in such a matter-of-fact way, making it absolutely clear what the Holocaust must mean to us all today.
The Pavilion changing facilities opened to pupils on the completion of its eight-month building and fitting project during the Christmas break. This new addition to Cokethorpe provides comfortable changing facilities to benefit the whole School as they change for Games and AOB. Creating a new panorama as you enter the School grounds, the Pavilion was designed to echo the School’s natural environment, with its sleek lines and wood panelling, whilst its green roof and the trees to its frontage support local biodiversity.
The Pavilion formally opened to girls and boys in the Prep and Senior Schools on Monday 17 January, but not before a sneak peak of the new Pavilion on the preceding Friday for our captains and sports leaders. ‘Captains’ Day’ on Friday 14 January allowed the Captains, Vice Captains, and leaders among the School’s sports teams to have exclusive access and be the first to use the new facility.
Please visit www.cokethorpe.org/change to watch a 40-second film showing the evolution of the Pavilion – from architect design to its first use by pupils this month. You can also sign-up to receive updates on the School’s development plans.
As announced in the Lent Term, the Prep School now has a new uniform, welcomed in September 2022. Designed to match the new status as a Prep School, and tie in more closely with the Senior School – not forgetting last longer and wash better(!) – the new uniform is now available to purchase.
Light and bright, with colourful displays to celebrate the children’s achievements, and plenty of practical resources accessible to the children to support their learning, our Reception and Year 1 children benefit exclusively from what might well be the best view in the School! The new classrooms open directly onto a bespoke and dedicated playground, in turn opening directly onto the School's extensive parkland, and just a stone's throw from our woodlands for bush craft activities, ensuring a positive learning environment.
Beyond the benefits of the outlook and the access, the space is designed to allow the children to make independent choices, including a technology area with iPads and programmable toys, an art area for painting, making and modelling, a space for cooking and creative reading nooks for the children to take some quiet time to themselves.
Cokethorpe Prep School is delighted to have opened a fresh, new space for our Reception and Year 1 classes in September 2022.
Two new classrooms and a shared space provide a marvellous and extensive new home for our youngest pupils.
Taken together, this allows them the space and freedom to learn indoors and outdoors all day long, with physical outdoor opportunities such as climbing, block play, riding bikes and scooters, building and balancing, matched with imaginative play in the mud kitchen, sand pit, shop, or teepee. There is a huge emphasis on play in the EYFS, which is the Early Years curriculum that we follow, and it is good practice to extend these opportunities into Year 1. After all, no child turns five and decides they no longer need toys! Play-based learning allows children to develop social skills, resilience, independence and self-regulation.
Our specialists visit the classrooms each week for Art, Music, Dance, and French lessons. Our Head of Prep Sport collects the children for PE, taking them out into the grounds or over to the Sports Hall.
Despite having a dedicated space of their own, the children are by no means separated from the rest of the Prep School; they continue to eat with the rest of the Prep School in the Dining Hall for lunch, and come over to the Corinthian Room for Drama and Assembly, and share the grounds with the other year groups at Break times.lay in the mud kitchen, sand pit, shop, or teepee.
There is a huge emphasis on play in the EYFS, which is the Early Years curriculum that we follow, and it is good practice to extend these opportunities into Year 1. After all, no child turns five and decides they no longer need toys! Play-based learning allows children to develop social skills, resilience, independence and self-regulation.
Our specialists visit the classrooms each week for Art, Music, Dance, and French lessons. Our Head of Prep Sport collects the children for PE, taking them out into the grounds or over to the Sports Hall.
Despite having a dedicated space of their own, the children are by no means separated from the rest of the Prep School; they continue to eat with the rest of the Prep School in the Dining Hall for lunch, and come over to the Corinthian Room for Drama and Assembly, and share the grounds with the other year groups at Break times.
This year, the Prep School held its inaugural Art Exhibition in the Lower Library. The exhibition was an opportunity for Mrs Hammond to showcase all the fabulous work that the Prep School pupils from Reception Class to Year 6, have made since the beginning of the year. The library space was transformed into an impressive gallery for the evening, and parents and pupils were invited to admire the work whilst sipping a glass of wine and sampling some of the Catering Team’s own work of art – beautifully crafted canapés!
The Exhibition was an explosion of colour that began with a quirky papier-mâché tree full of chameleons made by Year 2. Adjacent to this was a set of expressive portraits created by Year 6 which were cleverly suspended from the stairwell in the library. In the Cranham Library there was a delightful array of ceramic pieces on display - from lidded pots to humorous birds - all made by Prep School pupils and fired and glazed on site.
Lever box files had been transformed into Narnia wardrobes by Year 4 and ceramic Aztec sun stones sat amongst vibrant tissue paper silhouetted sunsets from Year 5. Rousseau-inspired oil pastel tigers peeped out through a jungle of foliage and Year 1’s charming ‘Little Red Hen’ scenes made from textured paper, put a smile on everyone’s face. Year 3 had created abstract paintings inspired by Kandinsky which burst out from one of the walls. There were cave painting scenes made with tea and coffee by Year 5, not forgetting the giant polar bear close-ups with psychedelic night skies.
It was lovely to welcome parents back into School, and showcase the incredible artwork produced by the Prep School.
The Summer Art and Textiles Exhibition was a wonderful occasion offering an opportunity to celebrate the work of our young artists. Work was displayed from our A Level and GCSE pupils and the Art Award Holders.
It was particularly special to see the work all together as the creation time had been split between online learning and in School. Our young artists used their extended time that the exam board granted to complete some excellent coursework submissions.
The GCSE pupils started with their coursework before the pandemic with a gallery and printing workshop at Compton Verney. The theme of this exhibition was ‘A Tea Journey’, our GCSE pupils responded to this stimulus in a wide variety of ways creating traditional painting, audio visual, garments, digital drawing, and photography. The skills they have learnt this year give them an excellent base to build on, as will the resilience and fortitude that have been shown working both in School and at home.
The title of this year’s exhibition originated from our visit to the 2019 Venice Art Biennale, ‘May You Live in Interesting Times’, the poignancy of this title becoming obvious to our students on the day in March 2020 when they left laden with their artwork and materials to complete their A Level in circumstances no one could have foreseen. They responded to this trip to Venice, each taking their own personal direction, with courage and creativity. Their excellent work was admired by all who visited the exhibition.
The Award Holders produced work on a personally chosen theme. They have shown strong development of their painting skills in work completed with guidance at home.
The pride and celebrations of parents with their children at the Exhibition brought its own atmosphere of joy, and this made a fantastic end to the GCSE and A Level courses this academic year.
Cokethorpe Prep managed to bring Lewis Carroll’s zany world to life and wowed parents with two incredible performances of Alice in Wonderland in The Shed. All the nonsense of ‘Wonderland’ was beautifully captured in this engaging, and exciting production. Each pupil from Years 3 to 6 had both a speaking role and a fantastic costume created by our Costumier. The audience enjoyed the humour as well as the catchy songs, including numerous solos and dances.
The musical culminated in a spectacular finale as the whole cast sent cards cascading over Alice. There were many stand-out performances, including eleven Alices portraying the different stages of her amazing adventure. However, it was the sheer joy and energy from the whole of Prep School which resonated and their delight to be performing once again was clear to see. Alice in Wonderland captured everyone’s curiosity and imagination in an experience that will reverberate for a long time.
The children processioned into the Corinthian Room, their sparkling costumes illuminated and glowing in the darkness. After gliding down the aisle, the play began. The narrators had learnt all their lines by heart and told the story beautifully and the audience were treated to some wonderful acting by the cast.
You may have heard of most nativity characters, but not Grumble; the grumpy, grumbly donkey who travelled with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem after Caesar’s decree. Bethlehem market was very busy with traders and the amusing innkeepers had no rooms available (although, surprisingly, they did have wi-fi).
In the fields, the naughty sheep refused to go to bed. When a heavenly host of angels appeared and Angel Gabriel relayed her important message, the shepherds trembled with fear. Everyone, including the Three Wise Men and their disgruntled camels, followed the moving Star to the stable to gaze with awe and wonder at the baby Jesus.
The Pre-Prep children sang beautifully throughout, joining in with all the actions.
There were several stand-out songs, including 'There’s No Room For You,' 'We’ve Got Good News!' and the poignant solo in 'Poor Shepherds.' Mrs Wilkinson had also created some fantastic costumes, including an ingenious ‘star umbrella’ with integral lights.
This charming performance filled everyone with Christmas cheer and was certainly bundles of fun!
Across the Prep School our theme for the term was ‘Onward Bound’ which enabled teachers to design learning linked to the moving-on and growing-up transitions that occur in School at year end. In designing a fitting Performing Arts production, it was this that inspired Year 4 teacher Mrs Luckett to write a new version of the Peter Pan story entitled 'Pan in Neverland' with character parts written specifically for our talented pupils to encourage them to celebrate childhood imagination without wishing to grow up too quickly.
Year 6 pupils accepted the sizeable responsibility of brilliantly leading the performance in the principal roles as the Darling family, Narrators, Tiger Lily, The Lost Children and The Pirate Crew. Iona Mettrick (Year 6, Gwyn) embodied the character of Pan with natural charm and charisma from the outset, whilst Gabriella Hughes (Year 6, Lockwood) and Molly Harding (Year 6, Lockwood) created stunningly witty, mischievous, and meddlesome representations of Tinker and Bell, the naughty fairy duo. Together, Year 6 led us to the Darlings’ nursery where our Year 2 children sprang to life as the ballerinas, puppets and tin soldiers who awaken from the toy box and dance whilst the Darlings sleep. When Wendy read a bedtime story to Pan and the fairies, we enjoyed a hilariously confident re-telling of Jack and The Beanstalk from Year 1, with a very grumpy mother played by Harriet Oldham (Year 1, Gwyn) and a resounding ‘Fee Fi Fo Fum’ delivered by Reggie Firth (Year 1, Baker).
The Pirate Crew had dedicated many hours to perfecting the difficult and demanding task of creating sophisticated comedy, ultimately presenting this with great intelligence, skill and timing. They were rightfully terrified by the approach of our fearless Reception Class crocodiles who displayed no hint of nervousness whatsoever as they stood in front of a very full marquee and delivered individual lines of a poem with great clarity, confidence and audibility. At Marooner’s Rock, the pirates were careful to avoid clashing with the notoriously dangerous Year 3 Mer People who emerged fiercely to guard the seas with their tridents as a tempest brewed.
Freya Richards’ (Year 6, Lockwood) Tiger Lily bravely untied herself from the pirates’ ropes, without needing a saviour, before returning home to her Year 5 warrior tribe. A celebratory tribal dance ensued in the form of an exceptionally challenging but beautifully executed African Body Percussion routine. Meanwhile, having captured the children, the Year 4 crew of The Jolly Roger presented life aboard ship and expertly y0-ho-hoed their
way through their pirate dance to the catchy tune of The Wellerman. The audience was invited to state with conviction that ‘I do believe in fairies, I do, I do,’ which successfully reinvigorated a poisoned and ailing Tinker before Pan flew off to put an end to Hook, save all the children, and fly the Darlings’ back home to their anxiously waiting parents and a rousing finale.
With glorious costumes from Mrs Wilkinson and an enormous amount of effort from the wider Prep School staff, our families were able to enjoy a spectacular end to a wonderful year. Events concluded with the following words of advice from Pan, ‘Well don’t be growing up too quickly will you. Childhood is short and precious so enjoy every moment. And remember, it’s second to the right and straight on ‘til morning… Just don’t look down!’
Poetry can sometimes be overlooked, often considered ‘old-fashioned’ or indeed ‘difficult,’ and yet poems can and do engage both young and old in a way no other form of literature perhaps can. At Cokethorpe, we aim to develop a pupil’s understanding of their world and poetry is an excellent platform through which to do this.
Pupils in the Prep School have all been studying poetry, with every pupil from Year 3 upwards learning a poem by heart. The subject of the Natural World was chosen, since many of our pupils feel strongly about environmental issues and all have relished reading the iconic book, The Lost Words by Robert McFarlane and Jackie Morris.
The Reception Class performed Goldilocks and the Three Bears, as a finale to their topic ‘Once Upon a Time’. They began learning the songs at the beginning of the year, and through repeatedly listening to the story, the children became experts in retelling it. The dramatisation of the story was a natural progression and one led by the Reception Class. They have thoroughly embraced every aspect of Goldilocks and the Three Bears from learning lines, delivering them with confidence, dressing up in character, and, finally, performing their version to family and friends.
To celebrate these studies, our ‘Evening of Verse’ showcased a range of poetic performances. The most confident pupils delivered their solo, poetry choices to a full audience in The Shed. The Senior School Choir then delighted everyone with their selection of impressive and entertaining songs, involving part-singing, rounds, solo sections and over-weaving of harmonies. Representatives from the LAMDA programme went on to delight everyone with their effective ‘conversation poems.’
Furthermore, the audiences were treated to a performance piece, involving three classes reciting stanzas together. Years 3 and 4 charmingly retold the poem, Wild Symphony, by Dan Brown. Madame Fuchs’ pupils then took to
the stage, performing in pairs to recite animal poems in Spanish with an accompanying translation.
The older classes completed the evening with their retelling of the well-known narrative poem, The Highwayman by Alfred Noyse. The pupils expertly built up the impassioned story of love, envy, pride, and loyalty through their delivery and carefully chosen movement. Hopefully, poetry will continue to be part of each pupil’s choice of reading, as they grow and journey through the School.
Mrs V Mersh Head of Prep EnglishFourth Form GCSE Drama candidates took to the stage on Thursday 16 June to perform their devised work for a live audience. Three groups presented some mature and thought-provoking content using a variety of theatre practitioners and drama techniques. The first work, 'Just the Passengers,' set in an ethereal waiting room, offered glimpses into the characters' lives as they endeavoured to solve the mystery of why they were there. 'Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover' examined issues such as coercive control, rumours, eating disorders, and friendship, told through a series of short, personal stories. The final group presented 'Intercept' which looked at life-changing events and how people can learn and move forward from such moments. The creativity and slick ensemble work demonstrated a high level of creativity, courage, and ambition.
On 10 and 24 March, A Level and Fifth Form GCSE Drama candidates performed their final practical work in The Shed. The variety of monologues and duologues from The Pillowman, Constellations, Girls Like That, Breathing Corpses, Medea, and A Brief History of Helen of Troy were presented with high levels of creativity and convincing characterisation. We were impressed that this talented cohort rose to the occasion with their usual energy and good humour. These filmed performances were examined externally, and the results were received in the summer.
On Monday 24 January, Sixth Form Dramatists were lucky enough to have the chance to engage with a challenging workshop delivered by Dan Watson from world-renowned theatre company, Gecko. The workshop was a practical and engaging exploration of the devising processes and performance techniques Gecko use when creating a show. The three-hour workshop allowed the students to begin to explore the creation and rehearsal of experiential theatre and was an incredibly enlightening and physically demanding encounter.
On Wednesday 22 May, the entire First Form took to the boards to bring to life, in glorious technicolour, Alan Ayckbourne’s Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations. Written in the late 1960s, the play continues to delight both audiences and performers with its zany brand of abstract shenanigans.
Every pupil in the First Form firmly grasped the opportunity to bring this magical play to life. From a German invasion to a boxing granny, a science fiction Shakespeare to a mountain range appearing in the local library, Ernie leads his parents and doctor on a merry dance through his imagination.
Ernie Fraser is a daydreamer with a difference. Ernie’s thoughts have a disturbing habit of turning into reality. After a number of embarrassing episodes, Ernie’s parents decide to consult a doctor, who is sceptical, until they are caught up in yet another of Ernie’s flights of fancy.
All pupils performed tremendously well, with courage and ambition. Special mention must be made of Lupe Van Landeghem (First Form Vanbrugh), who took on an additional role on the day of the performance. However, all the pupils performed with focus and vigour and made this return to the stage in The Shed such a memorable and special occasion.
This summer saw the exciting return of the Second Form Production, where the entire year group rehearsed and performed four shortened Shakespeare plays. Entitled ‘Kings, Queens and Tragic Teens’ this was a glorious, light hearted, and fast paced romp through
some of Shakespeare’s most iconic tales and characters. The audience were treated to some delightful and commanding performances including Hamlet, King Lear, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth. Aided by wonderful costumes, the action transitioned from medieval Scotland and Denmark, to a timeless interpretation of Lear and right up to a contemporary Verona with a thumping 80s soundtrack.
There were too many superb individual performances to name, but the professionalism of this hard-working year group stood out throughout the rehearsal process and the performance. Considering this year group have been unable to flex their talent in public, this was an even more remarkable collective achievement.
LAMDA Level 1 Award in Performance
Bobbie Hunt (Year 6, Symonds)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Lottie Bayliss (Third Form, Gascoigne)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Darcy Atkinson (Year 6, Baker)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Elsa Linehan (First Form, Swift)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Emmeline Black (Second Form, Feilden)
Acting Grade 3 – Solo Distinction Freya Richards (Year 6, Lockwood)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Grace Clear (Third Form, Gascoigne)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Iona Mettrick (Year 6, Gwyn)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Jiho Lee (First Form, Gascoigne)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Merit Lara Hancox (Second Form, Harcourt)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Leo Middleton (First Form, Gascoigne)
Acting Grade 3 – Duo Merit Megan Batchelor (Second Form, Harcourt) Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Pearl Geraghty (Year 5, Gwyn) Acting Grade 2 – Solo Distinction Seoyeon Lee (First Form, Harcourt) Acting Grade 3 – Duo Distinction Zoe Cameron (Second Form, Queen Anne) Acting Grade 3 – Solo Distinction
LAMDA Level 2 Award in Performance
Alex Monaghan (Second Form, Queen Anne)
Acting Grade 4 – Duo Merit Connie Quartley (Third Form, Swift) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Distinction Ella Sharp (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Distinction Felix Waters (Fifth Form, Queen Anne) Acting Grade 5 – Solo Distinction Freya Chandler (Second Form, Gascoigne) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Distinction Hannah Smith (Second Form, Gascoigne) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Merit Hattie Hunt (Second Form, Gascoigne) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Merit Megan Hunt (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Acting Grade 4 – Solo Distinction Meredith Smith (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Distinction Millie Cross (Second Form, Harcourt) Acting Grade 4 – Solo Distinction Rosie Pickering (Third Form, Harcourt) Acting Grade 4 – Duo Distinction Zachary Wheeler (Third Form, Harcourt) Devising Drama Grade 5 – Solo Distinction
Alex Hughes (Fourth Form, Swift) Acting Grade 6 - Solo - Bronze Medal Merit Amy Goodgame (Fifth Form, Feilden) Acting Grade 7 - Solo - Silver Medal Distinction Dylan Morris (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) Acting Grade 8 – Solo – Gold Medal Distinction Henry Cook (Fourth Form, Harcourt) Acting Grade 6 – Solo – Bronze Medal Distinction Lily Charles (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) Acting Grade 6 – Solo – Bronze Medal Distinction Monty Bolton (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) Acting Grade 6 – Solo – Bronze Medal Distinction
After a two-year hiatus we were delighted to be able to bring live theatrical performance back to The Shed with Bertolt Brecht’s The Threepenny Opera in front of a live (albeit restricted and socially distanced) audience. Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift) was delightfully devious as the antihero ‘Mac the Knife’ Macheath, charming and threatening his way through the London underworld.
Bella Caffyn (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh) and Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) were energetic, grotesque, and terrifying in their respective roles as Mr and Mrs Peachum, running a network of thieves and beggars and violently guarding their ‘turf’. Their daughter, the lovestruck Polly, was charismatically portrayed by Poppy Stewart (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne), whose stage presence was commanding, sympathetic, and professional.
In the mix of these hoodlums shone some excellent individual performances from Dylan Morris (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) as the corrupt DC Tiger Brown, Amelie Hawkins (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh) as his jilted daughter Lucy; Marni Cox (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) as the heartbroken and treacherous Pirate Jenny, Amy Goodgame (Fifth Form, Feilden) as the charismatically tough PC Smith, and Molly Ferrier (Third Form, Vanbrugh) as the creeping Filch, to name but a few amongst this highly talented cast and crew.
We were treated to a panoply of rogues, from the different gang members all dressed in signature threads, influenced by a range of eras from the 1920s right through to the 1980s. There were superbly spirited performances from the cast, with too many standout roles to mention them all individually here; but the future of Cokethorpe Drama is set to be bright with so many talented and eager performers from the younger years. Special thanks must go to the highly organised and talented backstage crew, the Music Department and to our Head of Wardrobe, Mrs Wilkinson, for their invaluable support.
The Lent Term production of Little Shop of Horrors was an explosively entertaining event, with outstanding characterisation, fantastic music, vibrant costumes, accomplished choreography, and brilliant puppetry. Set in the run-down back streets of New York, the story concerns two plucky flower shop assistants, Seymour and Audrey, played with wonderful sincerity and laudable talent by Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) and Millie Pratley (Lower Sixth, Swift), who find fame, fortune, and love when they nurture a strange looking plant. Their love is doomed, however, when the plant develops a taste for human flesh and grows to an impossible size, eating up the inhabitants of Skid Row and threatening the future of the human race.
There was excellent support from many members of the cast, such as Adam Rees (Fourth Form, Queen Anne), Dee Biles (Fifth Form, Gascoigne), Dylan Morris (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh), and Henry Cook (Fourth Form, Harcourt), to name just a few.
The flamboyance of this production was complimented by the fantastic costumes, puppets and set design. There was a schlock-horror feel to the design, with throwbacks to the ‘B’ movies of the 1950s. Particular note must be made of the four wonderful puppets which charted Audrey 2’s growth, from bloodthirsty seedling through to the vast human-guzzling monster she became.
The Mushnik sisters were played with masterful characterisation by Emily Stewart (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) and Nancy Christensen (Fourth Form, Swift), especially with their ludicrously funny dancing and deadpan delivery. Oscar Luckett (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) was suitably terrifying as the demonic dentist whose violently psychotic behaviour results in a grisly death, and Poppy Stewart’s (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne) exceptional vocal range was pitch perfect as the voice of the carnivorous plant ‘Audrey 2.’
Special mention must go to the extraordinary performance provided by the ‘Devines.’ This chorus group were onstage throughout, bookending scenes with fantastic renditions of the songs, resplendent in poodle skirts and lurid green ball gowns. All of the Devines were excellent in their choreography, singing, and characterisation, but special mention must go to Marni Cox (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh), Kitty Moore (Fifth Form, Feilden), and Bella Caffyn (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh), who led this troupe with energy and flair.
A dance routine with an excitable potted Audrey 2 was just one of the many memorable and hilarious moments.
This was a brilliant production which demonstrated the extraordinary talent and creative flair at Cokethorpe. Put on in a space of eight weeks, with invaluable help from the Music and DT Departments, all of those cast and crew members who took part should be very proud of this achievement. It was a watershed moment for Cokethorpe Drama, and a colourful reminder of what we can achieve together, in the joyous celebration of performance.
On Thursday 12 May, Prep School musicians from Years 4, 5, and 6 were very excited (and just a little nervous) to be taking part in the first of two music concerts in the beautiful Corinthian Room. Pupils have been working hard during their individual music lessons and it was wonderful to listen to their solo performances, with several of them having reached Grade Two level. At long last, we could finally invite parents back to applaud the pupil’s achievements, and the repertoire included some wonderful pieces played on the violin, guitar, flute, oboe, and piano as well as two stunning vocal solos.
Prep Arts were delighted to host a second Prep School music concert in the beautiful Corinthian Room, once again showcasing the talents of instrumentalists from Years 3 to 6. Parents enjoyed a truly diverse selection of pieces performed on strings, woodwind, piano, and drums.
Commencing in Year 3, Julia Pisanello (Baker) began the concert, with an exciting sounding piece, Jumping Jazz on the fantastic grand piano. Moving up to Year 4, Berry Drake (Gwyn) impressed with her piece Ya Ya Ya on the oboe. Next, Frankie O' Kennedy (Lockwood)
performed the intriguing, Hotel Yorba. As an extra treat, he also sang whilst playing. Year 5 pianists followed. First, Tony Garner (Baker) who played Fiddlers Holiday and then Mia Beechey (Symonds), who performed the beautiful sounding Cherry Blossoms
The audience were next treated to some excellent Drum solos from more of our talented musicians. From Year 5, Ollie Black (Symonds), Sam Young-Gale (Lockwood), and Georgia Cross (Gwyn) and then Alexander Phinbow (Baker) from Year 6.
Year 6 pupils concluded the concert. First, Thomas Hope (Baker) performed Brother John’s A Minor on his acoustic guitar. Next, Connie Cannell (Symonds) on her electric bass guitar played the poignant Stand By Me. To follow, two pianists: Sam Bartlett (Lockwood), performing the mysterious Secret Garden, and Emily Mulcahy (Symonds) who played He’s a Pirate. Two woodwind players followed, both on the clarinet. Lili Radulovic (Baker), playing the European Anthem, Ode to Joy by Beethoven, and Bobbie Hunt (Symonds), Riding On a Donkey. The final soloist, Darcy Atkinson (Baker) played Intercity Stomp, also on piano, with gusto.
To finish, a rousing finale from Oliver Bowden (Gwyn) and Alexander Phinbow (Baker), performing on electric guitar and drums. Their own brilliant composition Fruit Cake proved to be a fitting conclusion.
Sing Up Day is an annual event that has encouraged singers from around the world to come together to sing since 2010. Cokethorpe Prep School once again took part and recorded a performance of this year’s uplifting song written for the day, Love as our Guide by Beccy Owen. Schools from around the world each submit their recordings for the chance to be included in the mass Digichoir performance of the song. The Prep School was featured several times in the final Digichoir video.
This year, the Young Musician of the Year Competition began with a week of tough and competitive heats. A range of instruments, clarinets and violins to electric guitars and singers, competed for their place in the coveted final. After many heated lunchtime debates, the Music Department had selected the performers who would compete in the finals on Thursday 3 March.
The finals were divided into two groups, the Lower Grades and Higher Grades. The first group performed in the afternoon and, after some outstanding performances, the musicians and audience had refreshments outside of the Corinthian Room whilst the judges were discussing the results. The Music Department were delighted to welcome conductor Christopher Stark who, along with Mr Fox, judged and gave valuable feedback on all the performances.
The winner of the Lower Grades final was pianist Serafina Conlon-Sangster (Second Form, Queen Anne). Following a delicious formal dinner laid on by way of an intermission in the Dining Hall, the Higher Grades final began in the evening. All of the musicians were excellent and should be congratulated, but the winner was Yichao Sun (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh), with an outstanding performance on his acoustic guitar.
The Music Department broadcast the annual
The first Summer Concert since before lockdown was held on Tuesday 10 May in The Shed. Friends and parents of the pupils, and indeed the pupils themselves, were thrilled to have the opportunity to spend an evening listening to, and performing, a smorgasbord of musical masterpieces.
St Cecilia Concert on the School’s YouTube channel on Thursday 25 February. Preparations for the broadcast were made in the Michaelmas Term before the recording took place. A wide range of musical ensembles are featured, from Appalachian Morning sensitively played by the Orchestra to a jovial performance of You’re Welcome by the Main Choir. The broadcast features some superb solo performances from our Music Award Holders, as well as a wide range of ensemble performances from our talented musicians, including the Senior Rock Band, the Orchestra and String Orchestra, the Brass group and the Choir.
– Johnny B Goode, Chuck Berry
String Orchestra
– Feel It Still, arr. M. Story
Anna Pratley (Fifth Form, Feilden), clarinet
– Talking the Talk, Mike Cornick
Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift), voice
– Silent Moon, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Ranging from the Orchestra’s intense rendition of a medley from Pirates of the Caribbean, to a heartfelt song dedicated to Ukraine, sung beautifully by Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne), the sheer range of styles and genres made sure the performers were able to satisfy everyone’s musical tastes. The event ran incredibly smoothly, however, a couple of broken music stands and the occasional whistle from Dr Winkley during the String Orchestra’s performance of The Spirit of Adventure (from the film Up), made sure that everyone left the concert with a smile on their face. The evening was a long overdue delight which allowed the very best of Cokethorpe’s musicians to impress and entertain their friends and families, and prove to everyone that you do not need a wig and a full orchestra to be a brilliant musician.
Oscar Luckett (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh)
– Appalachian Morning, Robert Sheldon
Harrison Procter (Upper Sixth, Feilden) violin
– Theme from Schindler’s List, John Williams
Alex Monaghan (Second Form, Queen Anne), cello
– Wild West, Katy and David Blackwell
– Allegretto from Symphony No.7, Beethoven
Ella Sharp (Second Form, Vanbrugh), oboe
– Watermill, Ronald Binge
Edward Chorley (Fourth Form, Gascoigne), trombone
– The Parson’s Nose, Christopher Mowat
– Happy, Pharrell Williams, arr. M. Brown
Rebecca Pratley (Fourth Form, Feilden), cornet
– Party Piece, Philip Sparke
Katy Hobbs (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne), violin
– Lament for the Holy City, John Rutter
– You’re Welcome, Lin-Manuel Miranda, arr. M. Brymer
Leo Middleton (First Form, Gascoigne) Grade 3 - Violin Merit
Sasa Wilson (Lower Sixth, Feilden) Grade 3 - Piano Pass
Giovanni Virk (Second Form, Swift) Grade 1 - Electric Guitar Pass
Sophie Sharp (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Grade 8 - Violin Distinction
Herbie Waters (Fifth Form, Queen Anne) Grade 5 - Trumpet Merit
Sophie Sharp (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Grade 7 - Clarinet Merit
Georgie Verdon (Fifth Form, Swift) Grade 5 - Trumpet Pass
Darcy Atkinson (Year 6, Baker)
Grade 2 - Piano Pass
Alex Monaghan (Second Form, Queen Anne) Grade 3 - Cello Pass
Katy Stiger (First Form, Swift) Grade 3 - Oboe Pass
Molly Harding (Year 6, Lockwood) Grade 2 - Singing Pass
Katie Sheldon (First Form, Feilden) Grade 3 - Singing Merit
Nancy Christensen (Fourth Form, Swift) Grade 6 - Piano Merit
Harriet Oldham (Year 1, Gwyn)
Prep - Singing Present
Eva Graves (First Form, Gascoigne) Grade 3 - Clarinet Pass
Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) Grade 7 - Singing Distinction
Audrey McCormick (Second Form, Vanbrugh) Grade 1 - Piano Pass
Zoe Cameron (Second Form, Queen Anne) Grade 2 - Singing Pass
Jessica Davies (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne) Grade 5 - Trinity R&P Vocals Merit
Joseph Palmer (Year 5, Gwyn) Prep - Piano Present
Alex Regardsoe (Year 5, Gwyn) Grade 1 - Oboe Merit
Finn Van Landeghem (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) Grade 1 - Piano Pass
Antonio Virk (Second Form, Queen Anne) Grade 2 - Piano Pass
Amelia Palmer (Second Form, Feilden) Grade 2 - Piano Pass
Starla Firth (Year 2, Lockwood) Prep - Singing Present
Sasa Wilson (Lower Sixth, Feilden) Grade 5 - Theory Pass
May Day MadrigalsAs another academic year drew to a close, we are afforded the opportunity to look back at the progress and achievements of pupils across the Prep School. Since the return of fixtures last September, it was imperative to get all pupils actively involved in fixtures, tournaments, sporting events and a variety of extra-curricular clubs. Pupils have embraced the opportunity to compete, interact with friends and enjoy sport again. Similarly, welcoming parents back on site for fixtures highlighted the support and family community spirit we all missed out on during the pandemic.
The sporting calendar was bolstered with the return of fixtures with our Corinthian Partnership programme and it was wonderful to organise football tournaments, cross country meets and cricket festivals to enjoy and engage with pupils in their year group from other schools.
The rugby season was a very busy one in the Michaelmas Term. With many pupils having not touched a rugby ball before, our Years 3 and 4 boys played in some hard fought and enjoyable Tag Rugby fixtures and triangular tournaments. Special mentions go to Oscar Rivers (Year 4, Gwyn), Harry Skeen (Year 4, Lockwood) and Marco Scott (Year 4, Lockwood). The boys in Years 5 and 6 revelled in success and rarely tasted defeat. There were some consistent and skilful performances from Tony Garner (Year 5, Baker), Sam Rainey (Year 5, Lockwood), Sam Bartlett (Year 6, Lockwood) and Felix McGill (Year 6, Gwyn).
The football season brought more success to the boys, and Years 3 and 4 had some impressive wins against Sibford and The Manor. A curling free-kick from Oscar Rivers (Year 4, Gwyn) at the St Hugh’s tournament was the moment of the term. Other fantastic performances came from Xavier Dodd (Year 4, Baker) who performed heroically in goal and Will Rainey (Year 3, Baker) who
showed consistent pace and skill. The Years 5 and 6 boys showcased some masterful matches and enjoyed wins against Beaudesert, The Manor and Hatherop. A show stopping save from Toby Keates (Year 5, Lockwood) and dazzling footwork from Charlie Parks (Year 6, Symonds) were a couple, of many, outstanding performances of the season.
In the Hockey season, Years 3 and 4 worked collaboratively and hard on their stick skills, game positioning and rule understanding in matches. Years 5 and 6 played fair and with the endeavour to improve in every match. These traits were typified in the Year 6 regional finals at Reading Hockey Club where the girls remained resilient, upbeat and committed in a competitive field. Consistent performers across the term included Emmy Perry ( Year 5, Symonds ), Freya Richards ( Year 6, Lockwood ) and Darcy Atkinson ( Year 6, Baker ).
The girls played many matches in the Netball season and Years 3 and 4 kicked off with enthusiastic and resilient matches against Kitebrook and a triangular tournament against The Manor and St Hugh’s. Islay Jameson (Year 3, Lockwood) and Megan Bartlett (Year 4, Gwyn) impressed with their movement and shooting. Years 5 and 6 had a packed fixture list and showcased their skills through individual and team brilliance. Special mention for exceptional performances and teamwork from Sienna Timms (Year 6, Baker), Molly Harding (Year 6, Lockwood) and Gabriella Hughes (Year 6, Lockwood) who all contributed towards the strong season.
Pupils in Years 3 and 4 took part in many tightly contested matches and registered wins. It was a pleasure to see Bella Ferguson (Year 4, Symonds), Ridge Neal (Year 3, Lockwood) and Frankie O’Kennedy (Year 4, Lockwood) improve and contribute positively to matches. Mixed Years 5 and 6 teams enjoyed success against Hatherop, New College and Ashfold. There were many brilliant bowling performances across the season from Connie Cannell (Year 6, Symonds), Bobbie Hunt (Year 6, Symonds),
Lewis Campbell (Year 6, Gwyn), Nicholas Burrow (Year 5, Gwyn) and Scarlett Gould (Year 5, Lockwood).
Other sporting highlights include Years 3 to 6 cross-country tournaments, tennis festivals and new sports clubs. The return of a more traditional Sports Day and parents being on site again ended a spectacular year and I truly hope the pupils gained an abundance of enjoyment, new experiences and challenge throughout.
Mr C Morrison Head of Prep Sport
The return of the traditional Prep School Sports Day was welcomed by pupils, staff and parents, who turned out in their droves to support our young athletes. Even the rain could not dampen their spirits, and our Pre-Prep children began proceedings with smiles and lots of stickers, setting the tone for a wonderful afternoon.
Pupils then split into groups to compete in their House colours in the numerous track and field events which took place across the afternoon. Lockwood House were announced as the overall winners with an impressive 279 points. However, we would like to acknowledge the huge amount of endeavour, tenacity and character every pupil showed and offer our sincere congratulations to each and every athlete for their enthusiasm and fortitude.
Please find below the final individual and House standings:
Girls:
Year 3 - Julia Pisanello (Baker)
Year 4 - Megan Bartlett (Gwyn)
Year 5 - Emmy Perry (Symonds)
Year 6 - Sienna Timms (Baker)
Boys:
Year 3 - Will Rainey (Baker)
Year 4 - Oscar Rivers (Gwyn)
Year 5 - Sam Rainey (Lockwood)
Year 6 - Talal Ibrahim (Lockwood)
House standings:
1st - Lockwood (279 points)
2nd - Gywn (246 points)
3rd - Baker (237 points)
4th - Symonds (207 points)
Full Colours
Hockey Jossy Brown (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Hockey Emily Mumford (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Hockey Isabella Smith (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Rugby Casper Bolton (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Rugby Felix Miller (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Rugby Jamie Minns (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Rugby Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Hockey Jenny Allen (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Hockey Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Hockey Ella Shaw (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Hockey Hebe Stapleton (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Rugby James Chapman (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Rugby Nat Haddon (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Rugby Dan Lockhart (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Rugby Fabian May (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Rugby Jack Roberts (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Rugby Thomas Taylor (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Football Alex Anderson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Football Harvey Gould (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Football Jason Moore (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Football Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Football Ben Skey (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Football Thomas Taylor (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Hockey Jamie Minns (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Netball Caitlyn Alford (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Netball Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Netball Katy Hobbs (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Netball Ella Shaw (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Netball Hebe Stapleton (Upper Sixth, Swift) Netball Annabelle Vallance (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Football Fabian May (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) Football Felix Miller (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Climbing Jamie Sherratt (Upper Sixth, Feilden) Cricket Billy Foster (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) Cricket Dan Lockhart (Upper Sixth, Harcourt) Cricket Thomas Taylor (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Equestrian Isabella Smith (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) Football Felix Miller (Upper Sixth, Swift) Rugby James Chapman (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Rugby Dan Lockhart (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Sailing Harrison Procter (Upper Sixth, Feilden)
Sailing Katherine Stevenson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Shooting Theo Serjeant (Upper Sixth, Swift) Tennis Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) Tennis Chloe Elliott (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Climbing Ruari Kirkham (Upper Sixth, Feilden) Cricket Fabian May (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) Cricket Archie McGill (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Isabella, when did you join Cokethorpe?
I joined in Year 2, so eleven years ago now.
How long have you been horse riding?
As long as I can remember, I think my parents put me on a horse before I could walk so practically my whole life.
What would you say your favourite part of riding is?
Probably the competitive side of it. I am quite a competitive person and it is nice to have a little bit of competition and obviously the horses themselves are a big part of it.
Do you have a horse of your own then?
I have two horses; My youngster, who I have brought on from a five-year-old and my other horse, who I competed at Badminton on, we have had for around eight years now and I took him on from my brother. He will probably retire next season.
You have been riding your whole life. What age did you start competing?
From around the age of five, trotting around on a lead rein. So it has been part of my life for some time.
What are your short-term goals and plans?
I would definitely like to continue to work with horses. In my gap year I plan to ride out racehorses and potentially get a job at an event yard. I will keep eventing my horses but depending on how much time I have at university; I might have to cut back but will definitely get back into it afterwards again.
Speaking of universities, what are your current A Level subjects and what do you want to study at university?
I am currently doing PE, Business and Geography and I want to study either Sports Science or Sports Management with a bit of coaching. I have offers from Loughborough, Bath, Birmingham and Bournemouth.
You just competed at the Badminton Horse Trials. Could you give us an overview of what went into the preparation for that?
It was quite a big achievement for my horse and I, as he had life threatening colic at the end of 2020 and had to have surgery and be on box rest (time out) for quite a while to recover fully. So it was a miracle that he came back into work how he did and his attitude towards it. In the 2021 season he managed to qualify for the Area Championships in which we finished in the top 20% to qualify for Badminton. I was so pleased with this result because I was not going to push him if he was not going to be healthy enough after the surgery. Through winter we had a lot of dressage flatwork lessons. Building up fitness is a major priority because the course at Badminton is hectic. You usually have standard four-minute cross country courses, but Badminton was seven-plus minutes. It is also quite hilly so you need to be pretty fit. We started on pure fitness work from January to prepare so there was a big build up to the event.
So how did all that training work with all your schoolwork? You are in your final year and have exams in a few weeks, did riding impact that at all?
My schoolwork took a bit of a back seat over Easter as that was the last couple of weeks of preparation. I would take revision on the way to events and between training, so it was difficult, but I managed it and although I have not sat the exams yet, I feel that I have managed to balance it all. Being at Cokethorpe has been great as there is understanding and flexibility in my weekly schedule to allow for my training. For example, when we have School sport scheduled, I would be able to go home to ride instead which really helped, especially through the winter months where coming home after 5pm or 6pm and then trying to fit in riding in the dark is not ideal. Having this time meant I was able to get my lessons and training in during the week and compete on the weekends.
If you were to give a young equestrian enthusiast some words of encouragement, what would they be?
Little setbacks will not define your riding, just stay focused on what you want.
The Cokethorpe Summer Games 2022 was an eagerly anticipated event, after the success of the previous year. With a return to normality across the sporting world, we were delighted to welcome back individual running races, javelin, shot put and discus. The tension between rival Houses was simmering nicely under the surface in the lead up to the day, with the Housemasters and Housemistresses competitive nature on show for all to see.
The day arrived with threats of a storm across West Oxfordshire, but fortunately for pupils, parents, and staff – there was not enough rain to stop play and all the action was in the athletics. Across the afternoon, pupils took part in the 100m, 200m and 400m races, followed by the ever-popular Tug of War and concluding with the 4 x by 100m relay.
There were some dominant performances in the 100m from Adam Hughes (Second Form, Feilden), Jonty Armstrong (Third Form, Queen Anne) and Ben Orton (Lower Sixth, Swift) who all sprinted to victory in their respective races. It was in the 400m where we saw some incredible drama, beginning in the First and Second Form race where Isobella Clarke (First Form, Queen Anne) broke the previous School record with a time of 1.17. The first race of the Third and Fourth Form girls saw Harriet Howell (Fourth Form, Harcourt) break another School record with a time of 1.19, only for Felicity Fitzpatrick (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) to break Harriet’s record in race two with a time of 1.11.
The Javelin event demonstrated more athletic prowess from our pupils. Monica Summons (First Form, Swift) won her category, with a 15.22 metre throw - a similar distance to that of girls four years her senior. Sam Slatter (Fourth Form, Feilden) was in fine form throwing nearly 30 metres, which was only a metre short of some of the Sixth Form students.
In the shot put, Jordyn Everett (Third Form, Gascoigne) secured first place in Third and Fourth Form Girls’ category with an astonishing new School record, 9.85 metres. And in the discus there was another School record for Isobel Kirby (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) who threw a whopping 19.37 metres.
Despite some dominant performances from Feilden in the 4 x 100m relay, Swift House triumphed as overall with Millie Pratley (Lower Sixth, Swift) accepting the Cup from next year’s Head of School, Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne). Whilst athletics will ultimately celebrate victories, we must remember that sport encompasses many different facets, and the Cokethorpe Summer Games celebrates the pupils who have the courage to represent their House, the ambition to try new events, and the empathy to show sportsmanship towards each other.
Rugby – Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Football – Thomas Taylor (Upper Sixth, Swift)
Hockey – Isabella Smith (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Netball – Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Cricket – Dan Lockhart (Upper Sixth, Harcourt)
Tennis – Chloe Elliott (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Murray Gray (Third Form, Feilden)
Charlotte Hopkins (Third Form, Queen Anne)
Isobel Kirby* (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
Sean McFadden (Second Form, Swift)
Louis Stanfield (Fourth Form, Swift)
Dan Westmoreland (Fourth Form, Harcourt)
Taryn Langley** (Lower Sixth, Feilden)
Olive Nicholls** (Fifth Form, Harcourt)
Isabella Smith** (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)
Football Philip Croker* (Fourth Form, Gascoigne)
Gemma Croker* (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne)
Felicity Fitzpatrick (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh)
Archie Griffiths (Third Form, Gascoigne)
Charlotte Griffiths (Fifth Form, Gascoigne)
Molly Grinham (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Isobel Kirby (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
Mae Serjeant (Fourth Form, Swift)
Rebecca Waite (Lower Sixth, Harcourt)
Tilly Mudie (Third Form, Feilden)
Rugby Joe Charlesworth* (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne)
Ross Gray* (Fifth Form, Feilden)
Charlotte Kemp* (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Findlay Knox* (Fourth Form, Feilden)
Max Snaith* (Fifth Form, Harcourt)
Dan Westmoreland* (Fourth Form, Harcourt)
Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne)
Chloe Elliott* (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh)
Chloe Webber (First Form, Gasoigne)
After a fourteen-month Covid hiatus, the return of competitive schoolboy rugby brought with it a bubbling sense of anticipation and excitement. For many of our pupils, the release from the rigours of academic work can be found in the simple pleasures of scoring a try, making a tackle, and winning rugby matches with your teammates.
The First XV had a season where they learnt a lot about themselves as young men, and what it takes to be a successful team in the game of schoolboy rugby. Victories were hard to come by, but energy, enthusiasm and courage was on show in abundance. Captain Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift) was an ever-present catalyst of Cokethorpe’s attacking game, and Joe Charlesworth (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) is developing into a monstrous Prop Forward, alongside First XV stalwart Casper Bolton (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh). The lineout was always a dependable presence in the forwards, ably lead by Thomas Woodwards (Lower Sixth, Swift) and Jamie Minns (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh).
In the backs, the speed and versatility of Ben Orton (Lower Sixth, Swift) and Riley Weston (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) kept defences on their toes and there is much to be excited about in the dependable presence of Dylan Morris (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) at Fullback.
The U16s had an inconsistent season, but it was not for the want of trying or ambition, as Mr Sheer’s brand of tactical and powerful rugby was at times, a joy to watch. Ross Gray (Fifth Form, Feilden) lead the team, and in this young man, Cokethorpe have a player to watch with interest. The U16s started with wins against Aylesbury Grammar and Our Lady's Abingdon. Tougher tests came from the Oratory and Shiplake, and in the latter, Cokethorpe will feel very frustrated not to have come away with the win, after some wasted territory and scoring opportunities. This year group now enter the higher echelon of Sixth Form sport, and with the likes of Ross Gray, Alexander Brazier (Fifth Form, Swift), Charlie Kerton (Fifth Form, Gascoigne), Jack Rivers (Fifth Form, Feilden) and Jack Deeker (Fifth Form, Feilden), there is much to be excited about.
The U15s are developing into a force to be reckoned with. After their first ever pre-season camp in Oxford, the team began
with an impressive display against Magdalen College. Their brand of hard tackling and expansive rugby was too much for MCS, and Cokethorpe won the game comfortably 26-0, after two blistering tries from Zachary Galliford (Fourth Form, Gascoigne). They followed this up with a National Cup victory over Oratory school, 40-26, with Eddie Hawes (Fourth Form, Queen Anne) at his rampaging best, leaving them with the very tricky task of a second-round tie with Radley College. This proved to be a step too far, as Radley demonstrated an ability to move the ball at speed, combined with a ferocious defensive line, which Cokethorpe were not used to. The U15s finished the season with some convincing victories over Aylesbury Grammar, King Alfred’s School and a return fixture against the Oratory where Edward Morgan (Fourth Form, Harcourt) showcased his maturing ability at Fly-half. Most Improved Player of the Season was awarded to Sam Farr (Fourth Form, Swift). Players' Player of the Season was Dan Westmoreland (Fourth Form, Harcourt), and Coaches Player went to Findlay Knox (Fourth Form, Feilden).
The U14s had a fantastic season winning eleven games out of thirteen. In Murray Gray (Third Form, Feilden) we had a calm and thoughtful captain, pulling the strings from Fly-half and utilising the skills of the back line to perfection. Jonty Armstrong (Third Form, Queen Anne) proved himself to be a pacey Centre with the strength to break through tackles at will, whilst Luke Taylor (Third Form, Swift) danced through defensive lines, and Jack Hammond (Third Form, Gascoigne) on the wing scorched his way past most opposition players. The forward pack showed itself to be strong and dominated most teams. Jack Potter (Third Form, Gascoigne) was phenomenal at Loosehead and regularly showed huge strength and determination in the tackle. Austin Hunt (Third Form, Vanbrugh) at Number 8 was a threat in open play and Joe Norman (Third Form, Feilden) came to understand his own power towards the end of the season. Never satisfied with simply scraping a win, they always pushed for more, whilst showing great humility and respect for the opposition. A team to watch in the future.
The U13s had a valuable season of development and progression this year. Results were positive throughout the season - reaching the final of the Cokethorpe Rugby Festival. The strides made on and off the field were monumental and this was a real course changing season for this
age group, who rapidly made strides in terms of team work, and the encouragement of others. The year was also full of individual successes as the majority of the year group represented the A team. Adam Hughes (Second Form, Feilden) displayed consistently fantastic performances and was the top try scorer for the team. Rafa Galliford (Second Form, Gascoigne), Arthur Butler (Second Form, Swift), Samson Harding (Second Form, Feilden), Alex Monaghan (Second Form, Queen Anne) and Alex Hancox (Second Form, Harcourt) were all strong performers for The A team as well as most improved players Reuben Davies (Second Form, Gascoigne), Sean McFadden (Second Form, Swift) and Liam Rowe (Second Form, Harcourt). Lots of positives to take forward into next season.
The U12s played some thrilling rugby under the tutelage of Mr O’Connor, who instilled a sense of fun and responsibility into their training sessions. This was replicated on the pitch where they produced an exciting brand of free-flowing rugby. There were several players who stood out for their direct running and handling skills, including Toby Wyatt (First Form, Swift), Joel Davies (First Form, Harcourt) and Stanley Harris (First Form, Vanbrugh). The outstanding player in this team was Zander Pickering (First Form, Harcourt) who led by example; never missing a tackle and showing commitment, bravery, and skill way beyond his years. The team had a 75% win ratio, which included a first ever victory at this age group over Winchester House.
There has been a clear focus to the hockey programme throughout the Michaelmas and Lent Terms – to hone the technical ability of our pupils. Not only has this improved retention of the ball during fixtures, it has also had a positive influence on one of our key philosophies, which is to attack using the width of the pitch.
It is an exciting time for the hockey programme, with plenty to celebrate this year; not least the return of competitive fixtures against other schools. Impressive team performances have seen some of our teams progress in County and National tournaments, whilst standout individual performances have led to county representative honours. Our pupils exude the ambition to become better hockey players which, in turn, will only improve the quality of team performances in the years to come.
The First XI found their stride early in the Michaelmas Term, finishing runners-up at the County Tournament and boasting impressive wins against Pangbourne College, Oxford High and Headington. They also secured progression in the England Hockey Girls Championship, showcasing their competitiveness beyond the local area. Isabella Smith (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) was a model captain, leading the squad to accomplish what was a fine season for our First XI.
Gemma Croker (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne), Rebecca Waite (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) and Isobel Kirby (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) represented Oxfordshire U17s, with Gemma Croker progressing to National Performance Centre level. Charlotte Griffiths (Fifth Form, Gascoigne) and Molly Grinham (Fifth Form, Fielden) also represented Oxfordshire in the U16 age group.
The professionalism of our boys' First XI has seen the squad make remarkable progress this year. Following a tough opening fixture against Stowe, our pupils bounced back with resilience under the leadership of Jamie Minns (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) to go undefeated in back-to-back fixtures against King’s Gloucester, before defeating St Edward's, Oxford to end the Lent Term on a high. Credit must go to goalkeeper Navid Mowat (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) and top goal scorer Luke Reid (Upper Sixth, Harcourt) for outstanding performances throughout the season.
Our Second XI girls more than held their own this year, recording impressive victories – some against First XI opposition – along the way. Notable performances came against Sibford, Tudor Hall and Pangbourne College with the reliable shot stopper, Phoebe Carter (Lower
Sixth, Queen Anne) recording clean sheets in all of those fixtures. Marni Cox (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) and Charlotte Kemp (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) also impressed, ensuring the Second XI were a competitive force throughout the term.
Progression to the South Central Indoor Regional finals was undoubtedly the highlight of the term for the U16s, beating the likes of St Helen & St Katharine and Rye St Anthony along the way. On the Astroturf, our pupils recorded an impressive wide score line victory against Stowe. Standout performers during the season include Emily Martland (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh), Alice Smith (Fifth Form, Swift) and Tara Lockhart (Fifth Form, Harcourt). As the girls transition to the Sixth Form, it is anticipated that a strengthened First XI will build on this success.
The U15s were the most improved team of the Michaelmas Term. A clear emphasis on slapping and hitting the ball during Games sessions paid dividends, with pupils finding themselves on the front foot in tightly fought contests against formidable opposition. Felicity Fitzpatrick (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) and Mae Serjeant (Fourth Form, Swift) represented Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire U15s respectively and led the squad to an impressive victory against St Edward's, Cheltenham. Calla Whitby (Fourth Form, Feilden) and Nancy Christensen (Fourth Form, Swift) have also proven themselves to be resilient defenders. Much like our U16s, many of the pupils in this age group will be pushing for selection in our senior teams next year.
Despite the absence of competitive fixtures for over a year, our U14s transitioned seamlessly to eleven-a-side Hockey. They were difficult to beat at the county tournament at St Edward's, Oxford and fought bravely against some of the county’s best players at Oxford Hawks Hockey Club. However, their standout result came against Great Marlow School, who also boast some exceptionally talented county players. Libby Lawman (Third Form, Vanbrugh) looks destined to be an important player for the School in the years to come, whilst the pace and dribbling ability of Bryony Wyatt (Third Form, Swift) was singled out by many of the opposition teams.
The U13s are a very talented age group. With many of our pupils put forward to represent the county, participation and progression in the England Hockey Girls Championship should be the aim for this cohort. On the other hand, the Michaelmas Term was the first experience of competitive sports fixtures for some of our Second Form pupils, following a Covid disrupted first year at the School. Although there were a handful of marginal defeats, they still managed
to achieve a wide score line victory against Kitebrook. Standout performers were Freya Chandler (Second Form, Gascoigne) in goal, Imogen Wilde (Second Form, Harcourt) and Millie Cross (Second Form, Harcourt).
With victories against the likes of The Dragon School and Hatherop Castle, the U12s provide further evidence of promise in our younger age groups. Isabella Clarke (First Form, Queen Anne), Monica Summons (First Form, Swift), Merryn Tattersall (First Form, Vanbrugh) and Bella Smith (First Form, Harcourt) all stood out during the Michaelmas Term.
This age group looks certain to be an exciting team to watch in the county tournament next year.
With some boys in the First, Second and Third Forms picking up a hockey stick for the first time, it was quite an achievement to see our pupils hold their own in fixtures against Stowe and King’s Gloucester this term. Archie Griffiths (Third Form, Gascoigne) represented Oxfordshire U14s and deserves praise for his show of encouragement towards other members of the squad, such as Bing Brown (First Form, Queen Anne) and Jupiter Smith (First Form, Swift) who showed significant improvement and a determination to compete with some of the older pupils in the age group.
This has simply been an outstanding season for the First XI. Aside from the odd penalty in a shoot-out, this is a team of ‘invincibles’ who have played twelve matches, won eight and drawn the other four.
Brilliantly led by captain Thomas Taylor (Upper Sixth, Swift) driving the tempo of the team, we controlled the ball in many games with the midfield trio of Thomas Taylor, Jason Moore (Upper Sixth, Feilden) and Ben Skey (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne). At the back, Tom Orton (Upper Sixth, Swift), Riley Weston (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) and Harvey Gould (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) shut out most opposition attacks with pace and skill as well as each getting onto the score sheet. Brodie Hammond (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) and Mateo Lluna (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne) both excelled at left back and, in goal, Ross Gray (Fifth Form, Feilden) proved to be a penalty expert; his shoot-out saves against Reed’s School were a highlight of the term. Up front, Felix Miller (Upper Sixth, Swift), James Furlong-Price (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne), Alex Anderson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne), and Freddie Murfitt (Fifth Form, Queen Anne) worked tirelessly creating chances and scoring goals. Alex’s header against Fortismere was fantastic and Ben Orton (Lower Sixth, Swift) has been outstanding with any of his fifteen goals being the pick of the season. Fabian May (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh), Dan Lockhart (Upper Sixth, Harcourt), Jack Rivers (Fifth Form, Feilden), Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne), Alec McFarlane (Upper Sixth, Swift), and Sam Sydenham (Lower Sixth, Swift) have all stepped up whenever called upon and strengthened the team. Well done to everyone who has played, but Players of the Season are Captain Thomas Taylor and top scorer Ben Orton.
The Second XI enjoyed another successful season winning the vast majority of the matches they played, having a number of younger squad players stepping up to make their First XI debuts and demonstrating that there is great depth at the senior level. Standout performances throughout the season came from Upper Sixth leavers, Captain - Max Watkins (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), Nat Haddon (Upper Sixth, Feilden), Jamie Hammond (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) and Dylan Monaghan (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) who were the backbone of the team every week and will be sorely missed next year. Plenty of highlights throughout the season such as the
development Fifth Form players Alex Rose (Fifth Form, Swift), Ben Monaghan (Fifth Form, Queen Anne), Sebastian Wall (Fifth Form, Harcourt) and Jack Rivers. Highlight of the season though must go to Brodie Hammond for scoring his 30-yard free kick in the dying seconds of the match against MCS to make the score 4-4. Player of the Season goes to ViceCaptain, defensive enforcer, midfield maestro and most recently, goal scorer, Nat Haddon.
Like the First XI, the U16s also qualified for the Southern final of the Society of Heads Cup after a hard fought 2-1 victory over St Columba’s College. Having taken an early lead through Oscar Talbott (Fifth Form, Gascoigne), a defensive lapse in concentration allowed St Columba’s to equalise soon after. Just before halftime Captain, Freddie Murfitt, curled a free kick into the top corner for what proved to be the winning goal. A huge amount of courage was shown in the second half, as the team spent most of the time defending, with two brilliant clearances off the line from Man of the Match Jack Rivers and Mathew Moore (Fifth Form, Queen Anne).as the boys clung on to secure a gutsy win. This result meant that the team finished the term unbeaten. Player of the Season is Centre Back, Jack Rivers.
The U15s began their eagerly anticipated season with a 3-1 cup victory over Chipping Norton School. Zack Galliford (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) was outstanding in front of the goal. This was followed by victories against King Alfred’s and Magdalen College but unfortunately, they were knocked out of the quarterfinal of the County Cup out by Burford School. Captain Philip Croker (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) deserves a special mention as a consistently standout performer throughout the season.
The U14 A Team have played some quality football this term, and scored some fantastic goals. Their performance has been so good they finish the season undefeated. Most importantly, the boys in the team have conducted themselves impeccably – they have been kind, understanding, polite and committed and true ambassadors for Cokethorpe. There are too many players who deserve a mention for their contribution, but Player of the Season goes to the goal machine, Freddie Morlock (Third Form, Feilden).
U13
A successful season for the U13s, with considerable improvement as the term progressed. Strong goalkeeping from Alex Monaghan (Second Form, Queen Anne) and confident defending from Ollie Herbert (Second Form, Queen Anne) and James Keeling (Second Form, Gascoigne) were the foundations of a tight defence. In attack Liam Rowe’s (Second Form, Harcourt) pace and athleticism was another highlight of every match. The star performers though were in midfield where Rafa Galliford (Second Form, Gascoigne) and Adam Hughes (Second Form, Feilden) showed skill, tenacity and intelligence that inspired many victories. Player of the Season goes to Adam Hughes for his unbelievable technique, strength and the finishing prowess of which Harry Kane would be proud.
The U12 A Team had a magnificent season, losing only once under the tactical expertise of Mr White and Ms Semenzato. Some notable highlights include a 6-1 victory over rivals Abingdon, and a 9-3 away win at The Dragon School. This whole team have been terrific, but the Player of the Season goes to Joel Davies (First Form, Harcourt).
A final mention and thanks also goes to Ruby-Lou Phillips (Fourth Form, Harcourt) who has done an incredible job of refereeing and coaching a number of games and training sessions.
There has been great improvement in this squad throughout the season. They have applied themselves well during sessions and learnt new skills which has been demonstrated in their individual and team performance. Movement and passing became more consistent - improving the centre pass to goal, creating more shooting opportunities. They also had plenty of intercepts and turnovers from our defence who worked tirelessly, despite the strength of some of the opposition. The results from matches do not really reflect how much these players have improved during the term and they should always be very proud of what they have achieved in each match. Lead by Captain Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) and Vice-Captain Anabelle Vallance (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh), stand out games of the term were against St Edward's Cheltenham with back-to-back wins, home and away.
The Second VII have made noticeable improvements this term, with agility, speed and power being components of particular focus. They have increased their skills and knowledge of the game which has been evident in their performance. Attacking towards goal with depth and stronger passing were some of the improvements they have made as well as converting shots when in attack. Emma Whittenbury (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) and Marni Cox (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) have been key players for the team this season.
The U16s have worked hard this season and had some fantastic results. They started the season with a trip to Sibford, netting wins for both the A and B teams. Tougher games followed at Tudor Hall School, although score lines were close. Another very tight game saw just two goals separating both U16 sides against Bloxham. Finally, a great win at home for the A team against Magdalen’s Second VII was a great way to complete the season. Congratulations to Emily Martland (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh), Bella Caffyn (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh) and Alice Smith (Fifth Form, Swift) who debuted for the First VII this term. Well done also to all the U16s for all their effort and enthusiasm. They will be a great addition to the senior squads next year!
The U15s have had a mixed season, starting off well, but some fixtures have
been particularly tough than others which has seen them tested this term. Certainly, a team to watch for the future but this season the results have not always gone their way, however an impressive final win against a tougher Royal Latin School was the highlight of the season. Lottie Lifely (Fourth Form, Gascoigne), Matilda Talbott (Fourth Form, Gascoigne), Elsa Winfield (Fourth Form, Feilden), and Grace Ponsford (Fourth Form, Gascoigne), all deserve a mention with all shooting well this season. However, player of the season for the A Team was Felicity Fitzpatrick (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) and B Team was Nancy Christensen (Fourth Form, Swift).
defence. Most improved player is Serafina Conlon-Sangster (Second Form, Queen Anne), and the Player of the Season goes to Megan Batchelor (Second Form, Harcourt) for her sheer effort, determination, and improvement both in training sessions and matches.
This group of 36 girls have focussed on the main elements of netball: attacking, defending, centre court play and footwork. The two teams gradually started to win their games towards the end of the term, which they deserved. Numerous girls are worthy of Player of the Season, Tilly Mudie (Third Form, Feilden), Bryony Wyatt (Third Form, Swift) and Darcey Snaith (Third Form, Harcourt) but this term it is Molly Ferrier (Third Form, Vanbrugh) as she always listened, applied herself to the skills sessions, and quietly asserted herself in the B Team and eventually became an A Team centre court player.
The girls have shown a real enthusiasm throughout the season, both in training sessions and fixtures, demonstrating a clear improvement in their skills and tactical awareness. Precision passing, set plays and confidence to contest for the ball have been key focuses and it has been wonderful to see the girls implementing these and working together in their competitive games. So many of the girls are worthy of a mention, but Margot Willis (Second Form, Swift), Imogen Wilde (Second Form, Harcourt), and Megan Symonds (Second Form, Vanbrugh) as shooters and Evie-Rose Burdick (Second Form, Queen Anne) in
The U12s have continued to work hard this season and have impressed their coaches with the level of enthusiasm put into each training session. For some of the girls in this year group its has been their first introduction to netball and they have shown mature judgements and courage when learning new skills and applying these in competitive situations, representing the School admirably. All have enjoyed fixtures against other schools this term, beating St Edward's Cheltenham, Hatherop Castle, Grove School, and Kitebrook School by doubling the oppositions' scores on occasions. As a year group, they have only lost two fixtures and this was when illness struck all three squads. Lexi Mudie (First Form, Feilden), Monica Summons (First Form, Swift), Elsa Linehan (First Form, Swift), Lucy Charlesworth (First Form, Queen Anne), and Rose Byrne (First Form, Gascoigne) are all players who have particularly impressed coaches this term.
The season has certainly had its ups and downs and, like every sport, when injury or illness strikes, it can have detrimental consequences to squads and, as new formations are applied, it can be difficult to adjust. However, the girls have worked extremely hard; after missing two seasons due to lockdown, it certainly has been a learning season. Coaches have worked hard to get players to the standard needed to compete in fixtures and all girls should be congratulated for showing great responsibility and ambition when working on fitness and skill related sessions. Impressive performances against big netball Schools such as MCS, Royal Latin School, Grove Independent, St Edwards Cheltenham and St Helens and St Katharine’s School have certainly brought challenges but with many successful wins, it has been exciting to see how the girls have grown this season in preparation for next.
There has been some impressive tennis on show during the Summer Term with our teams competing in friendly fixtures, the LTA Aegon League, and travelling to Eton College to take part in ISTA Championships. In the Aegon League, noticeable game wins against Headington and Cherwell School were highlights, with standout performances from Matilda Talbott (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) and Clyde Kay (Fourth Form, Feilden), while Chloe Webber (First Form, Gascoigne) played her debut in our VI squads.
The U13 boys have also shown strength and depth. The highlight of the season coming from ten wins out of ten against New College School, serving and taking advantage of opponents’ errors are certainly a big part of this team’s game. They are growing in strength and maturity and next season’s matches certainly fill the coaching team with great excitement. The U15 boys took part at ISTA Championships over the first weekend in July. Playing tough competition Clyde Kay, Tijn Camoenié (Third Form, Harcourt), Edward Cale (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) and Sebastian Lyle (Fourth Form, Harcourt) certainly took the weekend as a learning experience progressing to day two of the competition. Seb Lyle and Tijn Camoenié won against St James School finishing third in their box.
We bid farewell to two of our greatest and most inspirational tennis talents this yearChloe Elliott (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) and Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne). They played their last game together and won in straight sets. Many pupils and staff showed there support by watching the girls win in style, and the PE Department would like to thank them both for their commitment to tennis while at Cokethorpe School.
A great season with numerous highlights to build upon prior to next season.
Inter-House tennis allowed the best tennis players to take part in single year group competitions this term. Houses selected a pairing from every year group, who then played each other. From every competition points were awarded from their final standings and went towards a final House total. Pairings could be single sex or mixed. There was a great
sense of occasion as the players battled it out. The tournament certainly brought in a crowd with much of the School impressed with the high standard of tennis on show. Each player played with determination and wonderful House spirit. But if an Award for House spirit had to be given, it would certainly have gone to Ben Charlesworth (Fourth Form, Queen Anne) and Finley Gregory-Newman (Fourth Form, Queen Anne) who were dressed for summer and the occasion. The overall standing was as follows:
1st - Harcourt
2nd - Feilden
3rd - Gascoigne
4th - Swift
5th - Queen Anne
6th - Vanbrugh
Congratulations to Chloe Elliott on her scholarship to Wofford College in South Carolina.
The First XI had a frustrating season due to weather, exams availability and fixture cancellations. However, the First XI did manage to put in competitive performances against their annual fixtures against the MCC, South Oxfordshire Amateurs as well as Bloxham in particular. Isobel Kirby (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) made Cokethorpe history in becoming the first female to represent the First XI. Isobel was also awarded the ‘MCC Spirit of Cricket Award’. Captain Dan Lockhart (Upper Sixth, Harcourt) had a solid year, leading the First XI brilliantly with enthusiasm. There were also notable impressive performances throughout the season from Billy Foster (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh), Oscar Talbott (Fifth Form, Gascoigne) and Edward Davies (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh) with bat and ball respectively. One particular moment that will live with all who played in the MCC fixture this year will be the one-handed diving catch taken by ‘leaping salmon’ Thomas Taylor (Upper Sixth, Swift) to dismiss the opposition's best batter at a crucial stage of the match.
It has been a stellar season for our promising U15s, with many of our pupils due to progress to the First XI next year. Dan Westmoreland (Fourth Form, Harcourt) has been in fine form with the bat, notching an impressive total in victory against The Oratory, whilst the pace of Felix Batchelor (Fourth Form, Harcourt) in the bowling attack has also left the opposition at times perplexed. Credit should also go to Findlay Knox (Fourth Form, Feilden) and Sam Slatter (Fourth Form, Feilden) for impressive bowling performances against The Oratory and Crypt Grammar School, and to Louis Stanfield (Fourth Form, Swift) for his leadership throughout the term. The U15s narrowly lost in the final of the Society of Heads T10 hosted at Cokethorpe but there were plenty of positives which bodes well as they progress to senior cricket next year.
The U15 Girls continued their development this season with an impressive number of performances. Huge improvements have been seen across the whole team in their bowling, batting and fielding skills. Their new found confidence has had a big impact on their performance, demonstrated brilliantly against some of the boys too in the recent House competitions.
Some great bowling and
batting from a number of them and the best catch of the season from Isabella Davies (Fourth Form, Harcourt) was a particular highlight. Match of the season came against Shiplake U18 girls where the girls narrowly lost on the final ball of the game.
The U14 cricket team is a side with an abundance of talent but, equally, they are willing to listen and learn, which is a difficult skill to employ. Archie Clarke (Third Form, Queen Anne) captained the team with passion and energy – and his leadership drove high standards for his peers to follow. Joseph Westmoreland (Third Form, Harcourt) is a methodical and clever batsman, who, if he gets his eye in, is capable of some big scores. His opening partner Murray Gray (Third Form, Feilden) is a powerful, astute batsman who often gets a start and tries to hit the ball out of the ground. Player of the Season is Luke Taylor (Third Form, Swift). Luke is outstanding with the bat and behind the stumps. His innings against Embley School in the Society of Heads Cup was a joy to watch. He scored 50 runs in a game which was almost certainly lost, but his courage and responsibility to lead the team to victory showed his character and leadership skills. There have also been some highlights across the team with huge improvements made in their development. Libby Lawman (Third Form, Vanbrugh) has gone from strength to strength and the accuracy of her bowling has been so consistent. In equal measure, Jack Potter’s (Third Form, Gascoigne) batting has gone from a power game to a more measured, calculated approach. This is a team with a great deal of potential.
The main outcome from this season’s U13 Boys cricket has been how to play as a team. Individual skills improved across the term and were evident in the matches played but it is the communication and positive teamwork that has been so pleasing to see develop. Sean McFadden (Second Form, Swift) eased into captaincy and was able to lead from the front with both bat and ball. His encouragement of the other players set the tone and he remained humble and gracious throughout. Ably supported by all ten other players, Ollie Pickford (Second Form, Swift) and Samarth Agnihotri (Second Form, Vanbrugh) were the stand out bowlers and Noah Wahid (Second Form, Harcourt) and Samson Harding (Second Form, Feilden) scored some vital runs in tight games. Some results went against the boys but, after each loss, a discussion on what we could learn as a squad yielded some food for thought that the team were able to incorporate into the next game.
The U13 Girls began the term with a solid performance against St Edward's,
Cheltenham and a win in their first competitive soft ball fixture. Margot Willis (Second Form, Swift) and Megan Batchelor (Second Form, Harcourt) showcased their cricket experience with some superb bowling, which has continued throughout the term. Megan Symonds (Second Form, Vanbrugh) and Freya Chandler (Second Form, Gascoigne) have proven themselves to be the most economic bowlers, notching up no less than ten wickets between them, which is a fantastic achievement. Ellie Lunn (Second Form, Swift) and Imogen Wilde (Second Form, Harcourt) also stood out as excellent fielders in this group. The girls, having only had one or two practice sessions with a hard ball, have also managed to hold their own in two hard ball fixtures against St Hugh’s. Ella Hogeboom (Second Form, Swift) is getting used to padding up and already cementing her place as the A team wicket keeper. The progression from soft to hard ball by this group of girls has been brilliant to watch and this is definitely a team of the future at Cokethorpe.
It was a very promising year for the mixed U12 age groups, with the U12A team ably led by the impressive leadership of Stanley Harris (First Form, Vanbrugh). Turning point of the season came in the ‘winning’ draw achieved against Kitebrook in early season. This new purposeful approach to limited overs cricket resulted in the standout match of the season, a thrilling five wicket win away to Ashfold School the following week.
Strong performances throughout the year came from the bowling of Bella Smith (First Form, Harcourt) and impressive batting from Zander Pickering (First Form, Harcourt), Jiho Lee (First Form, Gascoigne) and Joel Davies (First Form, Harcourt). Moment of the season came from Archie Warrilow (First Form, Harcourt) who kept a cool head to hit the winning runs with a stylish four to see Cokethorpe home by five wickets against Ashfold, with just one ball to spare.
The U12B team also had a strong year with plenty of development opportunities for many boys and girls making their first transition to hard ball cricket. Elsa Linehan (First Form, Swift) deserves a special mention for her steady improvement.
The Cokethorpe Equestrian Team have an ever growing number of riders from Reception Class through to the Upper Sixth, that compete regularly throughout all disciplines at National Schools Competitions as well as affiliated and unaffiliated Eventing, Showjumping, Dressage and Racing.
Grace Soden (Fourth Form, Swift) and her pony Maisie have had some very good results Showjumping this year, including a second place at the Blue Chip Novice Championships and a win in the Blue Chip Discovery Championships at Hartpury. They also competed at ‘Pony of the Year Show’ where they came a very respectable 7th in the 1m Championship.
Isabella Smith (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) qualified for Badminton Grassroots Eventing Championships . Here is a short piece by her on her experience.
‘Competing at Badminton was a great experience. The qualification process started last year, firstly I needed to finish in the top percentage of a normal BE90 class in order to go to an Area Festival National Qualifier, then a top percentage of finishers in the Area Qualifiers achieve their qualification to the National Championships at the historic Badminton House. Preparation for the event started early in the year as it was important for both my horse and I to be fit enough to be able to gallop and jump for over six minutes around the cross country course, after first completing the dressage and show jumping phases. Although the dressage phase did not go to plan, I managed to jump a clear show jumping round and go clear inside the time round the challenging cross country course. The jumping phases caused lots of issues for other horses and riders which meant I moved up more than 20 places and finished on my dressage score just outside the top 20. Overall I was very pleased with how my horse performed and I am looking forward to the rest of the season after my A Levels are completed.’
Olive Nicholls (Fifth Form, Harcourt) has had a busy year competing in both Eventing and Racing. She was Ladies Novice Point-to-Point Champion this season with eleven wins to her name and third at Wincanton in an Amateur jockeys race, with numerous other places point to pointing. She has also had a busy Eventing season and has been long-listed for the British Eventing Under 18 Championships later this year on two horses.
Our Cokethorpe team of Isabella Smith, Maddie May (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) and
Ferdy Laughton-Hill (First Form, Feilden) were Oxfordshire County NSEA dressage champions coming second, with Maddie qualifying individually for the NSEA Championships at Hickstead in May where she came in fourth place in both classes which was amazing. Luckily our new Cokethorpe numnahs that the School have kindly provided us with, along with smart team rugs, were here in time for Maddie to wear.
Taryn Langley (Lower Sixth, Feilden) is another student takes the amateur racing circuit by storm this year taking her first win in the saddle under rules on Kings Castle in the 1m 2f H’cap Flat race at Newbury in June. Taryn also qualified her own horse ‘Summer Cruise’ for the 1m 10 Elite NSEA SJ Championships at Hickstead just recently where she finished in fifth place.
Arthur Butler (Second Form, Swift) also qualified for the NSEA arena Eventing Championships at Hickstead in the 90cm and 1m class.
Ella Goffe (Fourth Form, Queen Anne) has been out competing in BE under 18 100cm and Novice competitions and is aiming for her first international event soon. An exciting time for her and her horse Pixie.
Some of our younger members such as Grace Garner (First Form, Gascoigne), Isabella (Year 2, Gwyn) and Harriet Oldham (Year 1, Gwyn) and Evie Greatrex (First Form, Harcourt) have enjoyed success in a wide range of competitions and we look forward to them continuing to represent Cokethorpe in the future.
Older members such as Freya Soden (Lower Sixth, Swift), Romilly McIntosh (Lower Sixth, Swift) and Tara Lockhart (Fifth Form, Harcourt) have had a slightly quieter competition schedule but were looking forward to competing after their exams finished.
Having qualified earlier this year, Sophie Grenville-Jones (First Form, Vanbrugh) was placed in her class at the NSEA Show Jumping National Championships at the All England Jumping Course, Hickstead. She was placed fifth in her class of 50 school-aged qualifying show jumpers drawn from across England, with a time just three or four seconds behind the National Winner.
Paddling over the last year has taken many forms; from the very first time in a canoe for some, to the demanding task of racing sprint kayaks. Paddling is accessed through the AOB programme, Games sessions and one-off sessions, such as ‘Crossing Borders Week’. It may have once been more of an unseen activity, due to sessions taking place at the School’s waterside location – the Boathouse - but it is now quite rightly gaining the recognition it deserves.
Weekly AOB sessions have been the perfect starting point for pupils keen to get out on the water. Sessions aim to develop confidence on the water and develop key skills required to safely paddle both open canoes and closed cockpit kayaks. Pupils have been working towards their Paddle Discover Award that will give them the understanding and awareness to be competent, safe, independent paddlers.
In Third and Fourth Form, pupils have enjoyed a range of activities, from ball games on the canal to canoe journeys on the Thames. Sessions aim to further develop confidence on the water and an appreciation of the outdoors. At the end of this term, pupils will be involved in ‘The Big Paddle Clean Up’, ensuring the waterways they use remain clean and litter free. All of the above do not just give the building blocks for future paddling disciplines but aim to instil a passion for what is often a lifelong hobby.
In the Lent Term, Cokethorpe witnessed the return of the highly anticipated Marathon Kayaking training. We still hold a formidable reputation with regards to this discipline in both sprint series and the acclaimed Devizes to Westminster (DW) International Canoe Race. The DW boasts one of the hardest challenges available to young people. A daunting 125 miles, 77 portage stage race in two-person marathon kayaks. This is completed over four days of paddling, from the start point in Wiltshire, following the Kennet and Avon Canal, all the way to the finish line at Westminster Bridge.
Covid had understandably seen the postponement of this event and training for several years. With Marathon Kayaking back on the programme, pupils have been gradually put through the rigorous training
required to complete such an event. During Games sessions, training does not just focus on physiological stresses to paddle such a distance, but on the technical, psychological and tactical factors involved. The learning curve is steep, with crews often coming unbalanced and falling in when they first begin their journey. However, we have seen tremendous development in the team’s resilience, maturity and confidence. It truly reflects the School’s leadership traits.
Looking ahead to the next academic year, DW training will continue with the expansion of the team in preparation for the DW race in April 2023.
We will also see further development of the waterside location which will add to the value of training and ultimately enhance the offering of paddle sports at Cokethorpe School.
With its introduction to the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, climbing has gained great interest and excitement both globally and within School. Building on the fitting Olympics motto ‘faster, higher, strongertogether’ pupils have not just been focusing on training to compete, but developing new friendships, overcoming new challenges, and gaining confidence and awareness of risk.
As part of the popular Climbing AOB, pupils have progressed over the sessions to complete more challenging routes on the climbing tower, putting their trust into their belayer as well as themselves. They have developed fundamental movements, basic ropework skills and just as importantly, a passion for a new activity.
Within the senior Games programme, sessions range from developing muscular endurance in the gym to braving the heights of the 16m tower at Farpeak. Pupils have also been working extremely hard towards their National Indoor Climbing Award Schemes (NICAS). This provides a clear pathway that develops safe skills and understanding of climbing. These sessions strive to find a balance between training for competitions and climbing safely and strongly, whilst instilling a passion for adventure, challenge and exploration.
Climbing is not only available to pupils in the Senior School, but a popular option for the brave pupils in the Prep Schools Adventurers Club. From team races up to the top of the tower to balance skills, these keen adventurers have proudly overcome the physical and mental challenges presented and had lots of fun along the way!
Throughout the year pupils in the Senior School have had the opportunity for more adventurous climbing further afield on real rock faces. The first trip of the year saw pupils tackle steep and technical routes on Wynd Cliff in the Wye Valley. With a lack of clear colourful lines found on an artificial wall, they had to manoeuvre their way up routes whilst staying calm and controlled. Building on this success, we returned to the Wye Valley to climb harder and more exposed routes at Symonds Yat. The main event was summiting the infamous and exposed pinnacle; a 40-metre high free standing rockface.
Focusing on the Olympics once more, the Cokethorpe Climbing Team attended the Independent School’s Climbing Competition at the XC in Hemel Hempstead.
This is a national climbing competition mirroring the Olympic format, including lead climbing, bouldering and speed climbing.
We entered eight pupils across the U16 and U18 competitions and climbed against some of the top schools in the field. This was an incredible insight into the buzz and atmosphere of competitions and a chance to meet other like-minded individuals.
With the development of the School climbing facilities, access through AOBs, Games and Prep School clubs, and the excitement around trips, climbing continues to grow and excel, not just as an activity, but as a passion for many pupils. The next academic year will continue to build on all these wonderful achievements to allow pupils to climb faster, higher, stronger – together.
The past academic year has been a busy one for the sailing team. After a return to the normal training schedule, the team began to prepare for the first event of the year –The RYA Eric Twinname Youth team racing championships on 9 and 10 October.
The team prioritised the safety of each other and ensured that everyone involved was safe, unfortunately due to these circumstances the team lost the race and were also down a crew member. Malachy Brown stepped in on the Sunday so that the team could continue racing. On Sunday, the team started well and won their first two races of the morning, this was followed by a loss and another win. The teams final race was a thriller against the experienced team from RGS, with Cokethorpe just pulling ahead in the final metres of the race. However, it was too little too late and the team narrowly missed out on the semi-finals by one place. They finished a commendable fifth place overall and left with an appetite for more match racing in the future.
who had been sailing in the Thursday AOB slot, competed in the handicap fleet and both enjoyed their first racing experiences and showed great potential as they continue to move up the School.
Throughout the academic year the ‘Development Squad’ have been working hard at progressing through the various RYA levels. This has resulted in many of them passing their level two,three and four qualifications. Over the summer holidays and into next year, they will be able to progress even further into the advanced modules, preparing them for future racing events as they become more confident.
This event saw 24 of the best youth sailors from clubs and schools around the country descend on Farmoor Reservoir for a weekend of intense team racing. Light winds dominated the weekend and unfortunately no racing was possible on the Saturday, leaving everything to play for on the Sunday. The team consisting of Harrison Procter (Upper Sixth, Feilden) and George Campling (Fourth Form, Feilden), Malachy Brown (Fifth Form, Queen Anne) and Tom Tyler (Abingdon), Katherine Stevenson (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) and Dee Biles (Fifth Form, Gascoigne), had some tough racing against top schools such as RGS Guildford and RHS. However, the team finished on 50% race wins, including some stunning wins over the top schools in the country, such as Sevenoaks, and came 14th overall. This was an excellent result for a relatively new team, especially following the Covid enforced break with very few opportunities for the team to train beforehand.
In the Lent Term, the team travelled to Queen Mary Sailing Club for the RYA schools national match racing championships. Match racing is arguably the purest form of the sport, with boats racing one-on-one and where tactics reign supreme. The team consisting of Harrison Procter, George Campling, Dee Biles and Katherine Stevenson, were greeted on Saturday morning with winds over 20 knots and were facing a cold day out on the water in the RS21 keelboats. A crash gybe in an early race resulted in one of the crew being thrown out the boat and another being hit on the head.
Two weeks of intense fleet race training with the team’s coach, Harry Barker, prepared the boats of Harrison Procter and Katherine Stevenson, and Malachy Brown sailing with George Campling for the end of term regatta hosted by Magdalen College School. The event consisted primarily of light winds with the highlights being Malachy's and George's race win in the final race of the day and Harrison's and Katherine’s third place overall.
Alongside the main racing team, two of the development squad sailors, Andrew Homewood (Second Form, Vanbrugh) and Jack Turner (Third Form, Gascoigne),
The strength of the development squad was really shown at the much-anticipated Itchenor Schools National Championships at the end of June. The team coped incredibly well in very strong winds and tides, with Harrison Procter and George Campling coming out top Cokethorpe boat in 12th, Malachy and Andrew finished in 36th after some boat damage on the final day, Katherine and Daniel Ferrier (Fifth Form, Vanbrugh) in 46th and Seb Tattersall (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) and Edward Chorley (Fourth Form, Gascoigne) finishing an admirable 50th out of 72 in their first fleet racing event, especially in such difficult conditions.
Despite many of the sailing team sadly reaching the end of their time at Cokethorpe, the future continues to look bright for the sailing team as they aim to go from strength to strength over the next few years, whilst hopefully encouraging even more people to join and become involved with the sport.
Bushcraft. Survival of the fittest! Years 4 and 5 pupils spent two nights in 'full survival mode' at Blenheim. It was a huge success and the children displayed their love of the great outdoors.
In between survival first aid, camouflaging, camp fire games and marshmallows, an SOS plane crash scenario, building their own tents, trapping, tomahawk throwing, archery, filleting a salmon (including eating the eyeballs!) and the grand finale of ‘Tribe Got Talent,' believe it or not the pupils manage to eat and snack their way through three days and two nights of Bushcraft in Blenheim Woods.
Not even a thunder and lightning storm deterred them from facing the Bear Grylls style activities. Most importantly, they ventured out of their comfort zones, challenged themselves, and made amazing memories.
On Monday 27 June, Year 6 travelled to Swanage, Dorset, for their end of year residential trip, run by Cumulus Outdoors. Accompanying them were Mr Gaertner, Mrs Arbuckle, and Mrs Mersh on her last outing with the Prep School. The pupils quickly settled in to the bell tents that were home to them for the weekend, located on a site near Corfe Castle. The magnificently muddy Mud Run was a highlight; complete with mud slides and mud swims before pupils cleaned off in a stream. Three teams battled it out for numerical and territorial superiority in the Tag Archery session – imagine a safe combination of archery and paintballing! They also enjoyed a beautiful morning kayaking on the lake, working on balancing challenges (with expected outcomes) and playing ball games. The last day included a ride around Swanage Bay on a rigid inflatable boat, enjoying a closer look at Old Harry Rocks, and holding on fairly tightly as they crashed over the waves. Before setting off for home, the group had a wonderful time at the waterpark where it seemed the pupils only agenda was to push the teachers or instructors into the water, or do somersaults off the inflatables! Everyone had a memorable week, and it was wonderful to hear the pupils still reciting ‘Hello, my name is Joe’ - one of the songs they learnt on campwhen they returned to School.
Pre-Prep have spent many happy hours in The Woods this year, digging, climbing and exploring nature. The learning opportunities in The Woods are endless. The children have learnt about teamwork, resilience, courage, ambition and, importantly to take risks in a safe environment. They have been introduced to simple tools, campfires and tree climbing and encouraged to try new things. They have loved learning about the mammals, insects and birds that can be found in The Woods, however, stories and marshmallows around the camp fire remains the firm favourite!
The children in the Pre-Prep have continued to develop their green fingers at the Kitchen Garden this year. Their pumpkin crop was once again very successful and they were delighted to take them home in time for Halloween. Whilst learning about the lifecycle of plants, they have also learnt about the route from farm to fork, and how we can eat delicious locally grown produce.
Over the course of the Lent Term, Sixth Form volunteer students have been helping to develop an underused area of the School into a new woodland activity space. With the aim of enhancing a small wooded area for specific use by the Prep School, students have been researching, clearing and building. Taking inspiration from Forest School, outdoor play, and the natural arts, students have transformed an overgrown area into a space full of wonder, excitement, and learning.
After researching and gaining inspiration from the local area, students began to clear pathways, nettles and brambles, and open up the woodland floor. The next stage involved designing and building interactive natural play activities for the children from improvised shelters, weaving, and even fairy houses! At the start of the Summer Term, the space was opened to the Prep School for the younger children to explore, play, and interact with nature.
It was wonderful for Third Form pupils to complete their Bronze DofE this year without interruptions. Immediately after their internal examinations week, pupils participated in a training day. The year group was divided into two groups, with one half spending the day at School honing their camping skills - learning to cook with Trangias, erecting tents, and learning first aid. The other group were taken to a location in Eynsham and tasked with navigating their way back to Cokethorpe.
The Silver DofE Award pupils hit the ground running this year, with last year’s Silver cohort quickly undertaking their qualifying expedition in the North Wessex Downs. Despite a long break between their practice and qualifier expiditions, and the pressure of GCSE examinations looming, pupils set out eagerly from Marlborough to their first campsite. Demonstrating all the skills they learnt from last year, they were able to successfully navigate on all three days of the expedition through the tricky terrain of the Savernake Forest. The groups successfully finished their expedition in the scenic Avebury, with ic-creams a welcome reward.
a U-turn in the weather, with rain starting early and continuing throughout the day and night. This had the potential to dishearten the groups on their longest day of hiking, but their resilience shone through as they orienteered their way past Symonds Yat to their second campsite. Their determination was clear on the third day, as the pupils gave a strong final push through woodland terrain to successfully reach the end of the expedition. The intrepid group thrived on the difficulty of the Silver Award. We hope they will rise to the challenge of the Gold Award when they reach the Sixth Form.
The Third Form showed great ambition and commitment learning these new skills, which placed them in good stead ahead of their expedition during Curriculum Enrichment Week (CEW). During CEW, the groups were dropped off near Cirencester at Bibury and Barnsley, and were tasked with orienteering their way through woods, fields, and overgrown paths to reach their campsite near Northleach. It was fantastic that the Third Form were able to camp this year, and demonstrate their campcraft skills which they did with gusto. It was an early start the next day, as the groups tackled the route they had not completed the previous day, but they persevered through the hot weather to successfully reach the end points. The pupils showed great responsibility throughout. Hopefully, this experience of the DofE will encourage many of them to undertake the Silver Award next year.
The attention then turned to the 30 Fourth Form pupils who opted to undertake their Silver Award this year. The groups did their combined training and practice expedition in the North Wessex Downs, following some of the same routes their peers had in September. With some key skills and knowledge refreshed in their minds from their Bronze expedition the previous year, the groups were ready to take on their qualifying expedition in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
Pupils set off from Hereford and coped well with the extreme heat they faced on the first day, carefully managing their pace and breaks to stay safe. Even though some groups only arrived at camp at 7.00pm, they still had enough energy to play some football together at their first campsite. The second day saw
Gold A intrepid group of Lower Sixth students chose to take on the challenge of the Gold DofE this year. Their preparation for this began with a training weekend in March in Dartmoor, where students reviewed the fundamentals of navigation and campcraft. This ensured their readiness for the practice expedition back in Dartmoor at the start of the Easter break. The 4.00am start from School was the beginning of a full three day, two night expedition. Despite the mix of sun, rain, and fog they faced, the group persevered and completed this practice expedition in good spirits, ready for the qualifying expedition in June. They were joined on this expidition by a group from the Upper Sixth, who had a disappointing start to the academic year with their original qualifying expedition being postponed due to dangerous weather. Straight after the final A Level examination for some students, the groups travelled to Dartmoor once more, and set off with positivity and determination. Unfortunately, a storm struck only a couple of hours into their first day of hiking, causing students to be taken off the moors and forced to amend the routes they had previously planned. Despite this, the groups soldiered on over the four days of the expedition, journeying over tough terrain and various tors, wild camping throughout. It is a credit to all the students that they successfully passed this qualifying expedition and hopefully inspired each of them to continue to explore the world of outdoor education after leaving Cokethorpe.
First Form and Lower Sixth 'Voyage à Paris' Curriculum Enrichment week provided the perfect opportunity for the MFL Department to invite First Form pupils and Lower Sixth students to a 'promenade à Paris.' After two years of UK based projects, pupils could finally embrace French culture, historical sites and experience the 'joie de vivre.'
'I enjoyed the boat ride because every time we went under a bridge, people would scream in delight.'
Koemi Neal (First Form, Queen Anne)
Getting closer to the second most visited site in the world, la Tour Eiffel charmed everyone.
'Seeing how tall the Eiffel tower was, I felt how an ant would feel compared to a human. It was overpowering.'
Heather Homewood (First Form, Vanbrugh)'When I saw the imposing Eiffel Tower, I felt crushed by its enormousness.'
Oli Tribble (First Form, Swift)lifestyle and gained an insight into the locals way of life.'
Navid Mowat (Lower Sixth, Harcourt)The Musée du Parfum Fragonard invited the group to learn more about the art of creating unique scents. The pupils asked perceptive questions and their understanding of perfume making prompted them to indulge in luxurious purchases for their families.
'The perfume museum was very interesting and talking about the history of perfumes made me realise the hard and delicate work behind every bottle.'
Grace Garner (First Form, Gascoigne)Whilst First Form pupils admired the striking architecture of the Louvre Museum and Notre Dame, Lower Sixth students enjoyed living à la Parisienne: au menu, escargots chez Chartier naturellement.
On Monday 4 July, the group braved the early morning start with enthusiasm, confident that the journey awaiting them would be a memorable one. After nearly thirteen hours on the coach and the ferry, they arrived in sunny Paris and immersed themselves in the language of Molière. They settled in the Campus Sainte Thérèse, a French boarding school on the outskirts of Paris, and looking forward to the next day.
On Tuesday, they headed to Les Bords de Seine for a boat ride on a bateau mouche. From there, they enjoyed stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum and the cathedral Notre Dame. The weather was heavenly, and eager to interact with natives, pupils engaged courageously in conversation with French children nearby which was heart-warming to see.
Our cruise was followed by a visit to Napoleon’s imperial site, l’Arc-de-Triomphe on the Place de l’Etoile.
'It was exhilarating to go around the most dangerous roundabout in the world, and the Arc-de-Triomphe was bigger than I expected.'
Abi Hick (First Form, Feilden)'My favourite point of the Paris trip was when we drove round the Arc-de-Triomphe. The thing that caught my eye was the size of the Arch. The story of the unknown soldier was also interesting.'
'I really appreciated the weather and was amazed by the snails.'
In the evening, pupils made the most of their very own Stade de France, and took this opportunity to say farewell to Lexi Mudie’s last adventure with her Cokethorpe friends, going back to Australia in a few weeks.
'My favourite part of the Paris trip was when we all took photos together. We really had a good time, and it was a great way to end my time here at Cokethorpe. Thank you for all the hard work you put into this trip, we all appreciate it.'
Lexi Mudie (First Form, Feilden)
'I loved the incredible architecture of Alexander third bridge during the boat ride, and I thought that Paris was a firework of culture!'
Xander Luckett (First Form, Vanbrugh)
'The boat trip was really good and it was a memorable birthday for me.'
Sam Phelps (Lower Sixth, Feilden) who turned seventeen on that day.
Despite the crushing 29 degrees heat at 1.00pm, we ventured to Montmartre, the highest point in Paris, and climbed the 222 steps to the Sacré Coeur. Greeted by the sound of accordions, some pupils explored la place du Tertre and others preferred sampling their lunch on the steps of la butte de Montmartre.
''What I loved most about our trip to Paris was how we experienced the average Parisian’s
'Our pupils were extraordinary: their joy and curiosity when discovering the French way of life was truly rewarding, and we all hope that this short and wonderful trip has enriched their skills and perception of the French language. A heartfelt thank you to our pupils and their parents whose dedication and trust made this adventure possible.
CEW saw our Second Form pupils heading to deepest Devon to take part in an activity camp accompanied by Mrs Cooper, Mr Carter, Mr Biggs, Mrs Walwyn, Mr Rennie and Mr Yu. On the first day a morning of uneventful but lengthy travel was followed by familiarisation with our home for the week, a bell-tented camp in the beautiful hills above the River Dart estuary.
On Monday 4 July, Third Form pupils enjoyed a walking tour of Oxford in the morning and then a visit to the Ashmolean in the afternoon. The glorious sunshine completed the trip. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning about the different universities and the history to the buildings.
Mrs J Coppock Teacher of BTEC
crafts remained a cohesive whole as they took to the water. The paddle boarding on the other hand offered pupils the opportunity to enjoy a more relaxed activity, which provided a moment of respite during the course of a busy day.
Dr J Winkley Teacher of Music
The first afternoon was taken up with team building and leadership exercises and, after a satisfying dinner, as the sun set tired campers retired to bed. Having been relieved of their phones (a sensible means of ensuring sleep), it became clear at 5.00am the next day that most children have no other means of telling the time! The bright and early start at least ensured we were ready in good time for the first day’s events.
The next two days involved a carousel of outdoor activities, including stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, coasteering, archery and bushcraft. The warm dry weather and gorgeous landscape and coastline provided the perfect backdrop and helped everyone to enjoy challenging themselves in and out of the water. Our pupils demonstrated a great deal of courage throughout the week and as energy levels ebbed away the majority maintained a sense of humour and showed kindness and patience to each other. The final morning kept everyone busy as the camp was packed and tidied up, and kit was cleaned and checked. The Reach team finished off the programme with a series of competitions which ensured that even those children who had managed to sleep during the camp, were entirely spent by the time they boarded the transport back to Cokethorpe.
Before we set off to return to School, the teachers organised a prize-giving ceremony to highlight pupils who, among other things, were the best leaders, team workers, best dressed and most courageous in the group. Our Second Form pupils enjoyed a wonderful week of outdoor activities and they were all congratulated by their instructors and teachers for being such fabulous ambassadors for the School.
Mr S Carter Head of History and PoliticsThird Form - Jungle Parc
Another activity for Third Form pupils during CEW week was a trip to Swindon’s Jungle Parc.
The Xplorer course is suspended high in the tree canopy with over fifty different challenging activities from rope swings, nets and zip wires.
The pupils found the course challenging at times but with plenty of encouragement from their peers along with whoops and screams, they all completed the course and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.
Mrs H Hammond Teacher of ArtAnother day of CEW for the Fourth Form was spent exploring. They walked from the Neolithic Stone Circle at Avebury transporting them back nearly 5,000 years, eastward along the ridgeway National Trail. Pausing for a picnic at Hackpen Hill, they encountered horses both real and manmade as they viewed one of the eight White Horses in the region. The final stretch led them to Barbury Castle. This site is also nearly five thousand years old and was occupied by the Romans and the Saxons. Pupils showed genuine interest and enthusiasm as they encountered new and ancient places.
Ms D Jackson Head of International AffairsFourth Form - Far Peaks
Far Peaks was quite the destination for a climbing challenge. The climbing wall, inside bouldering wall, orienteering and low rope course gave the pupils plenty to test their courage, ambition and responsibility. They arrived in good time to receive a safety briefing and were split into four groups. The inside bouldering group listened patiently to a briefing before attempting to get up a tricky wall without ropes…. the mats underneath allowed them the freedom to test their limits. They worked together to increase speed, height and pathways that allowed them to see quick progress. Each pupil gaining confidence and personal achievement.
Fourth Form CEW pupils undertook an enjoyable day of water sport activities at Farmoor Reservoir.
The pupils took part in a carousel of paddle boarding, windsurfing, and raft building many of whom were undertaking these for the first time yet they did so in an enthusiastic and positive manner. The centre staff were particularly impressed by the rapidity with which most individuals took to the windsurfing, with most able to stand up and sail a course during the introductory session. The raft building was similarly encouraging with pupils demonstrating strong elements of teamwork that ensured their
The low ropes group, worked with partners to transport a cup of water over obstacles with set restrictions. This encouraged them to think creatively, verbalise ideas and empathise when things did not always to go plan. There were quite a few spillages along the way, accompanied by laughter and elation when the cup kept the water inside.
The orienteering group weaved their way around the site and used group skills to skilfully navigate their way to their check points. All seemed well informed on how to do this activity and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine. The day was filled with personal challenges, overcoming fears and a great feeling of achievement. This was certainly not a challenge for the faint hearted.
Ms A Peach-Toon Teacher of ArtBadminton
Basketball
Below The Line
Boys Hockey
Build-A-Bike
Bushcraft, Campfires and Cooking Ceramics
Chess Club
Christmas Drama Production
Climbing Club
Climbing Club (Beginners and Intermediates)
Cokethorpe Shooting Club
Concert Band
Cross Stitch Club
Design in Minecraft Dissection Club
Drama Club
Drawing Club
Drugs: From Illness to Treatment
DT Workshop
DT: Award Holders' Club
DT: Rendering and technical drawing skills
Eco-Club
59% of deaths from injuries could be prevented had First Aid been carried out before emergency medical services arrived. First Aid AOB supports the aim for everyone to have the skills to save a life, and the best way to build people's confidence is to start young. First Aid AOB helps children and young people learn life-saving First Aid skills, empowering them with the ability to help in an emergency. In addition, it helps them learn how to understand health issues, care for themselves, and make a contribution to their communities. Throughout the term, pupils cover the complete First Aid at Work curriculum, with lots of hands-on practice, scenarios and fun quizzes and competitions designed to build their confidence.
Golf Great Sporting Moments
Grow It, Eat It
Guerrilla Geography
Homework, Study and Silent Reading
Improving self-esteem
Jazz Band
Junior Rock Band
Kayaking
Knitting and Crocheting Club Magic: the Gathering and D&D
Mandarin Chinese
In this AOB, pupils were taught how to pronounce words in Chinese with a focus on the four tunes for each character. They then used basic grammar and vocabulary to make conversation exchanging information, such as: favourite sports, colours, pets, and food. Pupils also learnt how to count from one to 100 in Chinese, which uses a slightly different numerical system to describe numbers.
Pupils also learnt to sing a traditional song in Chinese Mo Li Hua (Jasmine flower). They then had their first experience of Chinese calligraphy using a brush pen, ink and Xuan paper to write in traditional Chinese. For further enrichment, the group regular watch YouTube clips about Chinese culture, including festivals, cooking, wild animals, and sports events. They even had the opportunity to sample Chinese snacks and cakes at the end of each half term.
positive way and enables them to avoid and defuse potentially explosive situations without an escalation. It also trains for cases where the aggressor engages in physical contact, so they are taught how to protect themselves within the framework of reasonable force. Self-defence AOB not only helps pupils to tangibly defend themselves against physical attacks, but it also sparks various benefits in everyday life. Important values and principles are learned, such as confidence, emotional and physical resilience, and problem solving; as well as the importance of maintaining personal relationships to equip them for daily life.
Girls' Football
Mindfulness Orchestra
Photography Club
Piano Duet Club
Pre-Season Netball
Public Speaking Robotics
Rugby Skills
Rugby: Goal Kicking Running Club
Sailing Club
Sci-Fi Symposium
Self-Defence
Self-defence AOB, powered by Krav Maga, teaches pupils how to direct their energy in a
Senior Football
Sixth Form UCAS
So You Think You Can Maths
Sports Award Holders
Strength and Conditioning
String Orchestra
Table Tennis Tennis Club
Textiles Club
The Cokethorpe History Society
The Informal Concert
The Scholars' Club
The UK Linguistics Olympiad
Third Form Ancient Greek
Top Up Your Maths (Fifth Form)
Touch Typing
Touch typing is, undoubtedly, one of the most valuable skills a person can learn in the modern world. Every Tuesday afternoon, a group of dedicated pupils from First Form through to Fifth Form came together to improve both their accuracy and their speed. They use an online programme which combines the rigours of the fine motor skills needed
GCSE Ancient Greek
GCSE Booster Maths
GEOG-glebox
German GCSE
with computer-game style challenges. The QWERTY keyboard was designed in the 1870’s by Christopher Latham Sholes with the specific goal of enabling its user to type as fast as possible without jamming up his typewriter. It keeps frequently used letter formations apart, and places the most frequently used letters into comfortable positions for the fingers. Once mastered, touch typing facilitates the writer being able to look at the screen without any need to check were the letters are – it is fast and it is accurate.
Ukulele Club
Art Award Holders
Art Club
Basketball
Below The Line
Bushcraft, Campfires and Cooking
Pupils from First Form to Fifth Form have been able to access the Art Department’s ceramic facilities this year and have been busy learning how to make cylindrical lidded pots, quirky thumb pot birds and slab-built name plaques. Mrs Hammond ran a Clay Club AOB as well as an Art Award Holders Ceramic Club, where the pupils created their very own Grayson Perryinspired coil pots.
Some of the Lower Sixth students were lucky enough to have a taster course on how to build a press moulded platter. They learnt how to push rolled out clay into a platter shape and then decorated their creations with monoprinted coloured clay.
This year in the Design in Minecraft AOB, a crack team of First and Second Form pupils have been creating a copy of Cokethorpe in Minecraft.
This has involved: careful measurement of the School site, use of mathematical formulae to work out the height of School buildings, as well as problem solving - as we have ascertained that most School walls are not 1m thick! However, the group have made fantastic progress, with the Lower and Middle Quads already complete and the Upper Quad 75% complete. Next year’s First and Second Form will take the baton in September, and when the project is complete, we hope to be able to share it with everyone to see the fruits of their labour.
The emphasis was on gaining hands-on experience and a genuine understanding of the process in the time available. The pupils moved on to different activities each week keeping them on their toes and engaged throughout. With Design and Technology GCSE coursework due in the Summer Term, pupils were able to put this newfound knowledge to good use when designing and specifying materials and process for their prototype products.
DT Workshop
DT: Award Holders' Club
Eco-Club
Exploring Christianity
F1 in Schools Competition
First Aid
GCSE Ancient Greek
GCSE Booster Maths
General Knowledge Quiz
German GCSE Golf
Chemistry Conundrums (For Triple Scientists)
Chess Club
Climbing Club
Climbing Club (Beginners and Intermediates)
Cokethorpe Expeditioners
Cokethorpe Shooting Club
Concert Band
Cross Stitch Club
Drama Club
Drawing Club Drugs: From Illness to Treatment
Fourth Form - Design and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Skills
This AOB was offered to provide opportunities for Fourth Form pupils to reboot their manufacturing skills and increase their repertoire of materials and processes following the recent disruption to workshop access. Pupils have been engaged in a variety of tasks over the last two terms, primarily in the computer lab and workshop. With the aim of refreshing previous knowledge and increasing breadth and depth of experience, the group made chess pieces in a variety of ways.
It has been wonderful to see over 50 pupils from First Form to Fifth Form take part in the Golf AOB over the course of the year, from beginners to some of lower handicappers. To see the progress made by all the golfers has been most pleasing and hope that this inspires the newcomers to continue to play for years to come. In addition to this, the golf squad have been lucky enough to have had the use of Frilford Golf Club on a Wednesday afternoon during the Summer Term. The players have benefited from playing such a prestigious course each week, inspiring vast improvements in all of their games. With participant numbers increasing, the golf programme is going from strength to strength and looks set to be a popular AOB choice next year.
They began with the ‘lost wax’ method of Aluminium casting followed by 3D CAD and rapid prototyping (3D printing). 2D CAD and laser cutting along with the centre lathe were also used to create different pieces.
Grow It, Eat It
Homework, Study and Silent Reading
How to Start a Revolution! (Political Activism for Beginners)
Junior Rock Band
Kayaking
Knitting and crochet AOB has now been running for over ten years, and has continued to be one of the most popular choices on the AOB
programme. Contrary to popular belief, it is not just girls who sign up, and there has been a steady increase in the number of boys choosing to come along and learn this new skill. With Mrs Scaysbrook on the crochet hook and Mrs Kenworthy on the knitting needles, first timers are soon up and stitching. This year they have worked on Easter chicks for cream eggs, scarves, hand warmers and squares to add to a charity blanket. There have also been a number of experienced pupils who have helped to support the beginners picking up those stitches that can so easily be dropped. The stock of yarn and needles are being replenished over the summer, with a surprise start up activity being prepared for next year!
These sessions included plenty of scope for pupils to improve their skills in nets as well as improve their fielding skills ready for the forthcoming season.
Public Speaking
Radio Cokethorpe: Music and Interviews Robotics
Rugby Skills Rugby: Goal Kicking Running Club
Sailing Club
Sci-Fi Symposium
Sedbergh 10s Training (By Invitation Only)
Self-Defence (Krav Maga)
Senior Football Sixth Form UCAS
So You Think You Can Maths Sports Award Holders Strength and Conditioning String Orchestra Textiles Club
The Cokethorpe History Society
The Informal Concert
The Scholars' Club
The UK Linguistics Olympiad Third Form Ancient Greek Top Up Your Maths (Fifth Form)
The highlight of the term has been creating a basic dough to wrap around foraged sticks that can be baked over hot embers.
Chemistry Conundrums (For Triple Scientists)
Chess
Chess is a game that aids concentration, builds confidence, and teaches strategic and tactical thinking. The sessions begin by introducing the basic moves and rules of the game. Pupils learn to analyse chess problems more effectively and make the right moves quicker. Each session gives the participants the opportunity to practise and to play against an opponent either online or in person on a chessboard. Once they are comfortable with the basics, they move on to a more formal approach of introducing the different stages of the game, comprising of openings, middle game, and end games. To become a reasonably skilled chess player pupils are encouraged to play the game regularly, to participate in several in-house chess tournaments and to choose the AOB for as many terms as possible so that, ultimately, they can take part in external tournaments.
Magic: the Gathering and D&D Mandarin Chinese Medical Society Mindfulness
Netball Orchestra
Photography Club
Piano Duet Club
Pre-Season Cricket
Members of the extended First XI cricket squad took part in senior Indoor Pre-season winter training sessions every Monday evening during the Lent Term. The ten-week training programme was designed to enable senior cricketers to hone their batting, bowling and fielding skills for the commencement of the summer cricket programme in April. At the same time, members of the First to Third Form took part in pre-season cricket nets which was designed to give all the girls and boys wishing to improve their cricket skills the opportunity to work on their game.
Touch Typing Triple Science Windrush Against Sewage Pollution (WASP)
Summer Term AOBs
Amnesty International Art Award Holders
Art Club Basketball
Below the Line
Campfire Cooking and Bushcraft
It is hard to beat a perfectly toasted marshmallow over a fire you have worked hard to create. As part of their Bushcraft AOB, First Form pupils have certainly learnt this well. Fire structure, maintenance and responsible use have created the foundations of their learning and helped develop their ability and competence in the outdoors. Pupils have gained valuable skills in using a variety of fire lighting techniques, safe use of cutting tools and preparing a fire to cook on.
Climbing Club - Fourth and Fifth Form
Climbing Club (Beginners and Intermediates)
Cokethorpe Shooting Club
Concert Band
Cross Stitch Club
Design in Minecraft
Drama Award Holders
Drama Club
Drawing Club
DT Workshop
DT: Award Holders' Club
Eco Club
Essential Italian
F1 in Schools Competition
First Aid
Football Club
Ancient Greek
Pupils in the Third Form have the opportunity to try Ancient Greek as an AOB, and then to choose to continue with the subject for GCSE. This year, nine pupils attended the AOB and enjoyed memorising the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet, converting English words (like ‘chaos’, ‘orchestra’ and ‘cinema’) back to their Greek originals, and acquiring Greek vocabulary and
syntax. In addition, the pupils learned about the rich history, culture and mythology of the Ancient Greeks, from the Olympic Games to the invention of democracy. Mr Waldron also gave a well-attended lunchtime talk on the real history of the Trojan War, examining the archaeology and historical facts behind that famous myth. Five pupils have elected to continue their study of Ancient Greek next year as a GCSE.
The pupils should be immensely proud of how they conducted themselves by sticking together and staying calm under pressure to complete the six kilometre run. The group demonstrated many of the School’s leadership traits and the event inspired the pupils to seek out their next adventure.
Netball Orchestra
Origami
Outdoor Cricket Nets
Performing Shakespeare Photography Club
Radio Cokethorpe: Music and Interviews Robotics
Rock Band
Rugby Skills Running Club
Sailing Club
Sci-Fi Symposium
Self Defence (Krav Maga)
GCSE Booster Maths
General Knowledge Quiz German GCSE Girls' Rugby Golf
Great Sporting Moments Grow It, Eat It Historia Refecta Homework, Study and Silent Reading Kayaking Club
Knitting and Crocheting Club Magic: the Gathering and D&D Model Parliament
As many of us were enjoying a Bank Holiday weekend from the comforts of our own homes, a brave group of Fifth Form pupils travelled to the edge of Shropshire to crawl, slide, leap and run their way through the obstacles of the Dent Wizard Flying Colours Mud Run. The pupils used their AOB time to find a challenge that would test their teamwork, resilience, fitness and courage.
Sign Language - A Beginner's Course
So You Think You Can Maths Sports Award Holders
The Cokethorpe Strength and Conditioning AOB is designed to stretch those according to their athletic ability. Whether pupils compete in regional sport or simply want to learn more about movement mechanics, this is the AOB for them. Pupils learn about squatting to depth, weightlifting, building muscle, developing power, and building an aerobic base. It is important that this AOB is seen as education, so that pupils can develop their own ability to train by themselves or with friends at their own gym. Pupils were able to build confidence and consistency in their own training but more importantly, understand how to develop their own athletic performance.
In the WASP (Windrush Against Sewage Pollution) AOB, a guest speaker called Ash Smith visited to speak to the group about how his organisation have been documenting the state of the River Windrush. He explained how it has been deteriorating due to the raw sewage being pumped in by Thames Water at a shocking rate. He showed photos of how the rivers looked further up river, before the sewage plant and how it looked after. It looked like two different rivers. There is a type of fungus called ‘Sphaerotilus natans’ caused by sewage which kills the wildlife. There was also a frothy foam that covered the surface of the water. The top of the river was riddled with litter which was caught in low hanging branches. His organisation, www. windrushwasp.org, have volunteers who check the state of the river and monitor the wildlife. The organisation aims to stop the illegal dumping of sewage in rivers. It was an incredible opportunity for the AOB group to meet with Ash Smith who spoke about his time working and creating the charity WASP.
In the AOB, we have been campaigning against raw sewage being put into our rivers since September. Initially, we were making our turbidity wands to see how clear the water is. A jar was also made to collect a sample from the river, and pupils were given a Hanna checker for phosphate to check the health of the river. The group went to the river for the first time on Thursday 6 January 2022 and used turbidity wands to check how murky the water is. They ascertained that the turbidity of the water changed depending on the weather.
The aim of the AOB is to achieve clean rivers for all: from the plants, to people, their pets and the wildlife. But to do this we need to raise awareness of the bigger issue which is the sewage being pumped in the river. By writing this article the AOB hopes to raise awareness of this issue.
The event certainly lived up to the task as pupils helped each other overcome waist-deep sucking mud, power through the ice-cold rivers and tackle the numerous hills and hurdles.
Textiles Club
The Carnegie Shadowing Group
The Informal Concert
The Line (Senior Newspaper)
Third Form Ancient Greek
Top Up Your Maths Touch Typing
Rewilding means ‘the restoration of ecosystems.' This is the start of an exciting cross-curricular project at Cokethorpe where the aim is to balance our parkland setting and sports fields with better pupil access to wildlife and wild spaces. A number of areas will not be cut and be allowed to rewild, offering Cokethorpe’s Eco-Club AOB the chance to map and monitor changes in species and biodiversity. They have looked for bugs, creepy crawlies and plant species, as well as birds like the ‘little owl’ returning to the School site. The hope is that there will be visible changes for the well-being and benefit of the whole community. Lunchtime walks are becoming increasingly popular with the staff.
Unlike most plans which seek a desired outcome, this project aims to ‘let nature decide’ with a little advice from an expert. We are not buying seeds but rather seeing what grows and returns to these wild areas. Advice has been sought from an expert to educate the group about what to look for, and best management advice.
Further plans for 2022-23:
• Pond restoration with clay lining
• Wildflower seeds replacing plastic handouts in Cokethorpe Open Day gift bags
• ‘Little Owl’ and other species monitor cameras
• Bird boxes
Six members of the AOB Eco-Club, assisted by Head Groundsman Mr Hole and Deputy Groundsman Mr Pounds, planted eleven new trees outside the new sports changing Pavilion for 'The Queen’s Jubilee Canopy' project.
Pupils added compost and wheeled barrows over very heavy mud with great determination, bedding the trees into their new permanent home. This will also contribute towards the School’s application for our Eco-Schools Award.
The Cokethorpe BSA Bantam project started in September 2019 at the request of Sixth Form student Henry Kerton (OC 2020, Gascoigne), who approached Mr Carter and Mr Johnson knowing they had a shared interest in motorbikes and motorcycle engineering. Henry was keen to start an AOB with the intention of restoring an old machine, and this resulted in the ‘Build-a-Bike’ AOB, which drew its members from all year groups. The project started by dismantling and examining motorbike engines and other parts rescued from Mr Carter’s shed at home. Henry and the other pupils, under Mr Johnson’s watchful eye and supportive advice, learned how basic two-stroke engines work and the technology behind motorbike manufacture. However, it was clear that a definite and self-contained project was required, and regular monitoring of internet auction sites was not proving to be fruitful. Over the Michaelmas half term, a solution was achieved. Mr Carter was aware that his uncle, Mr Abrams, owned a classic BSA Bantam in a state of disrepair, and negotiated obtaining it as a focus for the Build-a-Bike AOB. In October of the same year, Mr Carter and Mr Johnson collected the Bantam and brought it to School. A workshop was quickly established in a shed near the Sports Hall, and essential tools were obtained.
Work started in earnest over the course of the autumn and winter. Each week, the club members would gather to dismantle the bike, examine parts and catalogue them. It turned out that as well as a complete motorcycle, there were nearly two additional machines included for spares; a significant bonus with projects of this kind. By early 2020 the cleaning process had begun. The BSA Bantam is a post-WWII design, and our bike was made in 1960. Having been stored in a garage since 1967, half a century of dirt, rust and paint had to be removed; a detailed and painstaking task. During this period, the team was treated to a visit to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, where they were able to extend their knowledge of British motorcycles and gain inspiration for their project back at Cokethorpe. In addition, the project attracted the interest of the motorcycling press, and journalist Rick Parkington visited School to see the work in progress, give a talk on engine design and meet the Builda-Bike team. Following his visit, Rick wrote an extensive article which was published in the internationally circulated ‘Classic Bike’ magazine.
And so, in March 2020, with the project well-underway and the potential for a complete refurbishment being completed by the end of the school year, the rug
was well and truly pulled from under the team. The first Covid lockdown and the subsequent restrictions placed on school group management over the next year or more, slowed down progress considerably. Henry completed his A Levels, but now, as an Old Cokethorpean, continued to be directly involved in the project. Fortunately, he held a gap-year position in the School, and so carried on with some of the more technical aspects of the project, not least rebuilding the engine. In the preceding months, we had contacted the BSA Bantam Owners Club, which is an international association of owners and appreciators of this iconic marque. A member of the club visited School to inspect our machine and declared our project to be at a high standard. Groups of pupils continued to carry out specific tasks in small groups, and as we emerged from Covid restrictions, our Bantam was largely complete. The final meeting of the AOB took place in December 2022, where we were able to stand back and admire the end result.
The final chapter of our Bantam story involves the original owner, as it seemed fitting to ‘launch’ the bike with Mr Abrams present. A date was set, and on Tuesday 14 June 2022, guests, past and present members of the AOB, staff, and pupils were present to see Mr Abrams unveil the Cokethorpe Bantam. Representatives of the BSA Bantam Owners Club were also present in force, and as well as talking to pupils about the history of the marque, also brought some more examples which joined our Bantam in a cavalcade in front of an audience of over a hundred onlookers. It was a fantastic culmination to a project which started as a yearlong AOB inspired by Henry, but through world events turned into a three-year undertaking. Over the years thirty or more pupils have been involved with the restoration, and all of them contributed in one way or another, from the hard graft of cleaning parts to the technical minutiae of mechanical assembly. All of them learned from the experience and many have been inspired. Perhaps some of them will go on to become engineers, designers or to fulfil other roles in transportation, or even help to solve the problem of whether past technologies have a place in a sustainable future.
The Cokethorpe Bantam project would not have been possible without the support, encouragement and forbearance of the Headmaster, the Director of Co-Curricular Mr Sheer, and Mrs Brown, Head of Design Technology; many thanks to you all.
Mr S CarterAs Feilden House gathered to celebrate the end of the academic year and reflect upon all that has taken place, there was a great sense of excitement and anticipation for the summer ahead. As always seems the case on Prize Giving Day, the sun was brightly shining for us as we recognised the achievements and talents of pupils and heard the highlights of 2021-22. In my first year as Housemaster, I was able to reflect on a busy but exciting year and thank pupils, tutors and parents for their hard work and support.
There was great joy in being able to meet as a whole House for the first time since the summer examinations had begun, but sadness in saying farewell to those who were leaving us. We wished our Upper Sixth well and said a formal 'so-long', but not 'goodbye' we hope, as they head off to life beyond the Cokethorpe family. It was wonderful to celebrate with them at the Peacock Ball and share in their
successes and catch-up on stories of summer holidays at Results Day.
As expected, staff and pupils of Feilden House had much to celebrate – the year has been packed with competitions and events. Particular individual highlights from House competitions include Kitty Moore and Amy Goodgame’s (Fifth Form) moving monologue performances and Amy (Fifth Form) and Lucas Goodgames' (Upper Sixth) superb teapot and teacup set which they so delicately finished.
The Cokethorpe Summer Games provided an uplifting end to the year with Feilden House pupils impressing with the commitment and enthusiasm with which they embraced this annual event. Pupils moved in year groups as they took part in a variety of track and field events against the wonderful backdrop of the immaculate School grounds and the Mansion House. I was delighted to see how all involved gave their all. It was wonderful to hear the cheers and laughter as tutor groups willed their peers around the tracks with
great skill and strength shown in the tug of war and throwing competitions. My personal highlight came at the end of the day when Feilden almost took a clean sweep in the relay competitions – winning all but one – to finish second overall, narrowly missing out on taking the win from Swift House.
And now, we look forward to the next academic year and embracing the challenges and good times that face Feilden House with positivity and determination. We say a fond farewell to our Head of House, Rosie Moore (Upper Sixth) and welcome our new Head of House, Sasa Wilson (Lower Sixth) into the role.
Mr J Hughes Housemaster Inter-House Pottery Inter-House Singing Inter-House Drama Summer Games Rosie Moore (Head of House) Inter-House Pottery‘Better late than never, but never late is better.’ This anonymous quote, brought to fame by Canadian rapper Drake, could easily summarise the opposite approaches to School life of learners and teachers (respectively, of course). What counts, however, is that things do get done regardless, and we can always look back at any school year with a sense of achievement and pride. It was with great pleasure that we welcomed a return to our normal ways this year, with the School community busy both in and outside of class, and Houses able to function properly without the limitations of bubbles.
The stoic determination of our Fifth Form and Upper Sixth examination candidates was something to behold. It is with sadness that we say goodbye to our Upper Sixth students, some of whom have been on this journey with us since the Prep School. We will miss their optimism and joie de vivre.
Following the Summer Games, I am once again proud of how Gascoigne pupils have approached the final hurdle of this academic year. Puns aside, I hope they can all look back at the last ten months satisfied with their efforts and grateful for all the opportunities they have had to contribute, grow, and improve.
Mrs E Semenzato Housemistress
Our most heartfelt thanks go to Head of House Holly Craig (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), who led us all by example and reminded us to smile even in the darkest hour. Of the latter we have had a few this academic year, but not once could I fault the commitment of pupils in Gascoigne House and their readiness to play their part.
Our proudest moment must have been the spectacular win against Feilden in the final of the Inter-House Countdown, which saw our finest mathematicians involved in endless rounds of complicated calculations. On the artistic side, matters definitely looked less bright, but as the saying goes, ‘the only way is up’. On a more general level, it was lovely to see a return of Senior School Drama Productions, and a special mention should go to Poppy Stewart (Lower Sixth) for her commitment to the performing Arts here at Cokethorpe.
Harcourt continues to be the best House in the School with cohesiveness and collaboration from the pupils and staff, we all continue to be the very best we can be. Ambition and empathy have certainly been a focus for us, as shown in abundance at the various competitions this year. Noticeable successes may not specifically have resulted in wins but enjoyment and integrity none the less. I was extremely pleased with the dedication leading up to the House Music Competition, although finishing Fourth, Harcourt demonstrated what could be achieved by coming together.
Wins came from the Recommendation Cup, Inter-House Pottery where Tillie Walker (Third Form) and Pippa Allen (Third Form) made a wonderful teacup and teapot, and more recently the Inter-House Tennis competition.
Harcourt dominated in the Inter-House Tennis and special mention must go to the following pairings who won their year group competitions, Tijn Camoenié (Third Form) and Jakob Venables (Third Form), Henry Topley (Fourth Form) and Sebastian Lyle (Fourth Form),
Ella Cripps (Lower Sixth) and Finn Law (Lower Sixth), well done to all who took part. More recently, the House joined together and had a picnic, pizza and ice-cream which was enjoyed as we prepared for the Tug of War Competition and Cokethorpe Summer Games, finishing Third overall.
Our wonderful Upper Sixth leave to embark on new adventures and start at universities.As a House, we could not be more proud of them. Good Luck to you all and please stay in contact.
Miss A Woodcock HousemistressAs the year has progressed, individual achievements must also be recognised. Congratulations to Amelie Boyle (Second Form), Henry O’Brien (Third Form) and Tijn Camoenié (Third Form) for achieving Academic Scholarships this year.
Our Fifth Form finished the year looking forward to their upcoming BTEC and A Level courses - whether it be at Cokethorpe or further afieldwe wish you all luck for the future.
A word from our Head of House
'This has been the first year since 2019 with no whole School lockdowns, meaning Harcourt could get back into the swing of things. We sung I want it that way with gusto but narrowly missed out on a podium place and almost made it into the final round in Inter-House Countdown.
Harcourt has had a focus on climate change this year, leading to potential changes to the Schools lightbulbs and Aloe Vera plants being added to each tutor group classroom. Also, Ella Cripps (Lower Sixth) led the Harcourt effort to a close second place with a brilliant monologue and duologue in Inter-House Drama, and finally, and most recently we won the Inter-House Tennis.
Overall, Harcourt has had a great year with hopefully more achievements to come in the future.'
Ella Shaw (Upper Sixth) The Solo and Group performances showed courage and Darcey Snaith (Third Form), Nick Taylor (Third Form) and Nathan Taylor (Fifth Form) all deserve a mention for their performances in this competition. Sixth Form Cake Sale Inter-House Singing Summer Games Inter-House Tennis Inter-House Pottery Harcourt Fifth Form Harcourt Sixth FormThe year has been another busy one for the pupils of Queen Anne House, with competitions and events across the terms returning to the in-person style that we all missed so much during lockdown. It has been wonderful to see the year groups interacting with each other again – our younger pupils have really enjoyed time spent in registration periods with their Sixth Form partners.
In terms of the Arts, a number of Queen Anne pupils have involved themselves in performances throughout the year – there are too many to mention each by name, but I was particularly moved by the GCSE Drama devised pieces, in which our pupils explored a number of complex themes with maturity and care.
(Second Form) and Luke Yesudian (Third Form) making it through the heats in their instrumental groups all the way to the final. Serafina must be congratulated for winning the Lower Grades Final.
As a House, we have performed well historically in running events, so Queen Anne House prepared for the Crawford Relay with a confidence based on success from recent years.
It is the most gruelling of races, covering some bumpy terrain – but our team of twelve dug deep and pushed through. I was delighted that our two teams did not let us down and raced home to success, with the House winning the overall competition.
However, particular mention must go to Lily Cannell (Fifth Form) and Josiah Cannell (Fourth Form), who represented us in the Inter-House Drama competition. Although on this occasion we were not winners, I am proud of the time and energy that both pupils committed to their pieces. Jamie Wehrle (Lower Sixth) impressed audiences with his performances in both The Threepenny Opera and Little Shop of Horrors, engaging everyone with his gawky interpretation of the much put-upon Seymour Krelborn.
The Young Musician competition included a number of entries from the House, with Katy Hobbs (Upper Sixth), Serafina Conlon-Sangster
The Summer Term has seen pupils taking part in the last of the Inter-House sporting competitions. Our tennis players may not have won, but they were definitely the most flamboyant of competitors – with a number of pupils competing for the first time, they won the heart of the supporting crowd and played with passion and courage. What more can you ask!
The Summer Games provided the perfect end to the year and Queen Anne pupils impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm with which they embraced the competition.
speed and strength around the fields. Special mention must go to Isobella Clarke (First Form) who was awarded the Burfitt Cup on the day for her record-breaking performances in running events. Pupils and staff were over the moon to win the Maskery Cup, coming top in the whole School Tug of War competition – there is definitely some tenacity and strength in Queen Anne House.
So, we move on, and look forward to embracing the summer break and the academic year that follows, with customary Queen Anne positivity. We say farewell to Katy Hobbs as Head of House and welcome our incoming Head of House, Joe Charlesworth (Lower Sixth) into the role. We are especially delighted to see Jamie Wehrle take on the position of Head of School from September.
As each year group moved around a series of track and field events, everyone involved gave their all, as tutor groups fought for domination in the Tug of War or attempted to show their
Mrs S Orton Housemistress
The theme this year in Swift House has been all about ambition, and I have been hugely impressed with the resilience, empathy, and courage that the pupils have shown in fully immersing themselves in all aspects of School life. Their endeavour, creativity, and good humour never fail to impress me, and I could not be prouder of what each and every individual has achieved this year. As a House we have managed to achieve a huge amount and I am delighted to share with you some of the highlights.
Caitlyn Alford (Upper Sixth), Nancy Christensen (Fourth Form), and Tom Orton (Upper Sixth) represented the House brilliantly in the Inter-House Drama competition, progressing to the final where they managed to pip the equally brilliant Harcourt trio to first place - a real treat for the whole School to watch such incredibly talented individuals.
A huge effort was made by all participants, many having to step out their comfort zones and compete in events they would not usually choose to compete in. Having gained an early lead in proceedings, we managed to cling on and secure a brilliant win, just pipping last year’s winners Feilden into second place. It was a great way to round off a very successful year - the bar has been set to go again in September.
At the end of another academic year I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank all of the Swift tutors, who have been an amazing inspiration and support to myself and all of those in their care over the course of the year. Also to all of our leavers in Swift who are moving on, and in particular our outgoing Head of House, Felix Miller (Upper Sixth). Your efforts and contributions to the House over the years have been hugely appreciated and I wish you all the best in your new ventures, do stay in touch.
Mr M Joiner Housemaster
This followed successes earlier in the year in the House Music and Film competitions, showcasing the wonderful breadth of talent we are lucky to have in Swift. The sports field has also seen some notable highlights. The Michaelmas Term saw success in the Inter-House Rugby and Hockey Competitions, and as the end of term approached it was lovely to see the return of our parents to our Summer Games, a highlight for many and this year it did not disappoint.
Inter-House Singing Inter-House Drama Winners of the Summer Games Inter-House DramaThe end of any academic year is always bittersweet. It is a moment of reflection as we send our Upper Sixth pupils into their futures, hoping that they will keep in touch and let us know how they are getting on. Upper Sixth Vanbrugh have always been a particularly close knit group who seemed to grow closer through successive lockdowns. Guided through much of their Senior School career by the wisdom and kindness of Mrs Miller they have thrived and blossomed with Mrs Scaysbrook (and Mrs Pratley on a Wednesday!) I would particularly like to thank Annabelle Vallance (Upper Sixth) for being an outstanding Head of House. The younger pupils have looked up to her and appreciated the time and attention that Annabelle and her team have given them. I would also like to introduce Marni Cox (Lower Sixth) as our new Head of Vanbrugh House.
Marni joined the Prep School, long before I came to Cokethorpe and has already shown through Inter-House Music and School Productions that she is a leader of real charisma. Although I could name each of our Sixth Form students and single them out for praise there is much more going on in every year group of Vanbrugh House.
We have enjoyed a relatively successful year in terms of Inter-House Competitions. In addition to being the only House to attempt an ensemble piece for Inter-House Drama, the group led by Yichao Sun (Lower Sixth) came second in the Inter-House Film Competition – producing a dark piece inspired by Nietzschean philosophy.
Our standout moment came in the InterHouse singing competition in which we placed second with our high energy performance of The Brand New Radicals’ You Get What You Give. It was thrilling to gather pupils from all year groups into one space and sing again. Jamie Minns' (Upper Sixth) willingness to tie his tie around his head whilst Marni Cox, Emma Whittenbury (Lower Sixth) and Bella Caffyn (Fifth Form) sang so loudly in rehearsals that they could barely speak on the day of the competition was a testimony to how our pupils can inspire one another. We have also seen increasing levels of academic success as a House and this has been reflected in a significant increase in the number of recommendations we are collectively receiving.
Pupils have demonstrated increasing levels of responsibility, judgement and ambition in their approach to learning. Next year we will turn
our attention to improving our sporting record; although I am proud to report that – following the Tug of War disaster that was the summer of 2019, when no Vanburian remained on their feet – we came third at this year’s Cokethorpe Summer Games in this event.
As we look forward to the next academic year, both the staff and pupils of Vanbrugh have much to be excited about and much to be proud of. Every member of the House has stepped forward and made a difference this year.
Ms L Mountain HousemistressAll was not well in the Cotswold Village community that played home to the Game of Scones Murder Mystery, as the village population was reduced by one... but who was responsible? That was the mystery the 180-strong audience tried to solve at this year's fabulous Murder Mystery Evening.
The event was an incredible success, with 1,500 plus spectators. There was also an array of food and drinks to choose from, including paella, soup, hot chocolate and mulled wine.
On Friday 18 February, the CPFA organised a First and Second Form Cheese and Wine event for parents to come and socialise while their children attended a Disco in The Shed organised by the Sixth Form and tutors. Over 60 parents signed up for the event, which was a lovely opportunity for parents to meet other parents within their child’s tutor and year groups. A huge thank you to the fabulous Catering Team for the amazing cheese and biscuit display, which was served with a selection of wines and soft drinks.
The Easter Bonnet Parade was a highlight of the afternoon, with many stunning creations. Congratulations to all who entered and to the winners; Jack Bishop (Reception, Baker) and two runners up Reggie Firth (Year 1, Baker) and Marco Scott (Year 4, Lockwood).
Several hundred pounds were raised from the event, with amounts being donated to The Ukraine Crisis Appeal and also to The Emergency Room at The John Radcliffe Hospital.
Many thanks to the Cokehorpe Parents’ and Friends’ Association for their enthusiasm and hard work in organising the event, and to parents for their support both in preparation for the event, and on the day.
Written by Mrs Hooper and Miss Ringham from our talented Drama Department and performed by the Cokethorpe Players, the pressure was on for the teams to work out who the culprit was. Was it Mr Walwyn, the washed out alcoholic (whiskey-nose and all) or Mrs Hooper - the psychic, chipped toothed crazy lady with an amputee cat named Ken? Could it have been Mr Robinson with his dashing mop of auburn hair? The scene was set in the marquee on the School grounds for the battle of wits to commence, with each team trying to solve the mystery, whilst enjoying a delicious Indian banquet provided by the Catering Team.
The sky above the Mansion House was bursting with colour as the crowds gathered in the School grounds to watch the annual CPFA Fireworks Extravaganza. The huge bonfire provided a spectacular backdrop to the fairground rides and stalls which were keeping the crowds busy until it was time to watch the display.
This year, the CPFA organised another successful event for the Prep School – the Prep School Easter Event. This social event included a cake sale, craft fair and Easter Bonnet Parade, and was well-supported by parents and pupils alike.
The Cokethorpe Parents’ and Friends’ Association quiz on Friday 18 March saw thirteen teams of parents, staff and friends battling out to be 2022 champions. Teams pitched their general knowledge against each other with the victors being ‘Quizzy Rascals’ (Olivia and Shane Goodgame, Trudy and Nigel Alford (OC 1976), David Christensen, Fiona and Martin Brown and Rachel Higgins). Delicious fish and chips were served during the break to keep everyone fuelled.
Special thanks go to OC’s Cameron (OC 2015, Vanbrugh) and Ali Hughes (OC 2008, Vanbrugh) for all their hard work in preparing such a fantastic quiz and helping to create a relaxed and fun evening, with the music round going down particularly well with singing and dancing from all the teams.
The CPFA would like to thank Mr and Mrs Fellows for ferrying boxes of fish and chip suppers from Witney. Thanks also go to the Catering Team, Maintenance Team and Communications Office for their help in preparing for the event. It was a great evening of fun and socialising. Congratulations again to the 2022 champions.
The craft stalls were the pupil’s initiative as they wanted to raise money for charity. An amazing array of crafts were on offer including handmade hairbands, scrunchies, jewellery, playdough, origami, bookmarks, Easter craft kits, pictures, hot chocolate mixes and even dog treats. All these items were made in their own time and at their own cost. A truly stupendous effort that the pupils should rightly be proud of.
This year’s Great Gatsby themed Peacock Ball was a glorious and glamorous affair, and an opportunity for our Upper Sixth to celebrate their time at Cokethorpe with the friends, family and staff who have all been such an important part of their time at the School.
The evening began with a drinks reception and canapés, followed by a delicious dinner and ‘Gatsby’ themed cocktails. Everyone was dressed to impress, with some really getting into the spirit of the Roaring Twenties, wearing sharp suits and flapper dresses. The photo booth caused much hilarity and has certainly captured some wonderful memories. After the speeches and entertainment, it was straight to the dancefloor, including a set from their very own Theo Serjeant (Upper Sixth, Swift) before the fireworks provided the perfect end to a fabulous evening, and to an important chapter in the lives of our wonderful Upper Sixth. We wish them all the best for the future.
There were some funny looking feet around the School on Friday 19 November! Thanks to the work of our Cokethorpe Leaders in Action (CLA) initiative led by Senior School pupils Monty Bolton ( Fourth Form, Vanbrugh) and Freya Winfield ( Second Form, Feilden ), staff and pupils were invited to wear odd socks to School in support of Anti-Bullying week. ‘Odd Socks Day’ was created by the Anti-Bullying Alliance to encourage everyone to celebrate what makes us all unique, and aims to highlight that everyone is different. These beautifully different feet are from the wonderful children in Class 6BG.
After the event, the pupils were treated to a wonderful Jubilee-themed lunch provided by our wonderful Catering Team, who really got into the spirit of this Royal occasion.
Thank you to all walkers, their sponsors and to the people who helped with the checkpoints and the organisation of the event.
This year, the chosen charity was The British Red Cross, supporting the Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
Under a royal blue sky, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Walk took place on the final day before Summer half term. The whole of the Prep School, with many pupils and staff wearing Jubilee-themed colours and outfits, joined in the sponsored walk celebrating Her Majesty’s 70 years on the throne. There were lots of Union flags being waved, crowns worn, and even a smattering red, white and blue wigs.
Pupils walked a route of three kilometres, with each pupil collecting a sticker at the half-kilometre checkpoints. Many of the older pupils ran the circuit with several of them completing four laps and a few managing a record five circuits! 1,207 stickers were awarded, and a total of 603.5 km was covered.
In recognition of Anti Bullying month, in the month of October, the Lower Sixth Harcourt students decided to focus on the topic of Bullying in their Assembly. They discussed important aspects of Bullying, including what it is, what forms it takes and what it is we can do to stop it. Furthermore, the students decided that they wanted to raise money for this cause in the form of a cake sale. They managed to raise a staggering £300, with all the proceeds going to the charity Anti Bullying Alliance. The students worked incredibly hard in the two weeks leading up to the cake sale as well as organising their assembly. Their work served as an important reminder to pupils of the anti-bullying message and the strong stance the School takes against bullying in all its forms.
In response to the terrible humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, Cokethorpe responded in two ways. First, goods requested by The Red Cross were collected over a two-week period filling a trailer that was then delivered to a collection point at Carterton Leisure Centre ready for transport to Ukraine.
Second, a significant fundraising campaign was established. It is 1,600 miles from Kyiv to Cokethorpe; a distance covered collectively by the pupil body in a whole School sponsored walk around the School grounds. In addition, Houses raised further funds through cake sales and concerts. Individual pupils also embarked on activities, from a sponsored silence, harp playing, guess the name of the teddy bear, sponsored sit ups and many, many more.
It was wonderful to see our pupils take such responsibility for action. The Just Giving page showed a total that kept on rising as parents and wider families and friends offered astounding levels of support, not only in terms in financial donations but also in their words of support and encouragement. The final total reached a staggering amount of £15,009.
Pupils and staff of the Prep School gathered on the Mansion House lawn for an afternoon of fun and festivities in aid of the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal. Pupils loved the opportunity to plan and run their own stalls and parents were wonderfully supportive in donating cakes, toys and prizes. Traditional stalls, such as guess the weight of the cake, the name of the teddy and the number of sweets in the jar were most popular and everyone enjoyed wearing non-uniform with a cheerful holiday theme.
Our youngest pupils practised their maths when buying and checking their change and the older pupils running the stalls showed great responsibility. When we gathered to draw the raffle, we finished the event with surprise farewell to Mrs Marchbank, who has organised these and so many other charity
events for the Prep School over the years. We raised £820 for an excellent cause and much fun was had by all.
It was another wonderful sporting afternoon for our Prep School pupils as Cokethorpe hosted the annual Prep School Cross-Country Competition. Pupils from Kitebrook Prep, Combe Primary, Ducklington Primary and The Batt School joined our Prep School pupils to race each other around the School field. The distances and routes changed for every year group and all races were highly competitive, closely fought and participated in the right spirit. Cokethorpe came out as eventual winners with the highest amount of top three finishes across the afternoon. Special mentions go to Julia Pisanello (Year 3, Baker), Ed Hardy (Year 5, Symonds), and Megan Bartlett (Year 4, Gwyn) who all finished in first place in their respective races. Overall, and most importantly, pupils left happy and many with a sense of achievement regardless of their finishing position. We are already looking forward to the next one.
We invited our Corinthian Partnership Schools into our lovely summer grounds on Friday 10 June for a Year 5 Cricket Fun Festival.
At Aston & Cote Day Care Centre, some of our musicians have visited to entertain the visitors to the Centre. The audience were absolutely thrilled to hear the talented musicians play popular music to them on the violin and piano.
The Prep School was delighted to welcome two of our Corinthian Partnership schools to a Year 6 Mixed Football Festival. On a sunny, but blustery Monday afternoon, Ducklington Primary and Aston & Cote Primary made the short trip to Cokethorpe and competed throughout the Football Festival with vigour, skill and sportsmanship.
Pupils from Combe Primary, Aston & Cote Primary, Ducklington Primary and Cokethorpe Prep were mixed together into four different teams across the afternoon, and took part in pairs soft ball matches.
With varying cricket experience across the teams, all pupils were able to collaborate and problem solve with each other during matches. The afternoon showcased the real sense of community we have built amongst our Corinthian Partnership schools. We look forward to welcoming everyone back early next year.
The schools were split into two teams and played in two group stage matches and competed in a final play-off between first and second place.
Sixth Form students have been running weekly sporting activities as part of the Corinthian Partnership Outreach Programme. Over the course of the year, the students have been assisting two of the Partnership SchoolsAston & Cote Primary and Ducklington Primary with a wide variety of sports, including football, rugby, netball and archery. The members of Sixth Form visit each Thursday lunchtime and help to coach younger pupils to improve at their sports, as well as providing them with positive role models.
Pupils at Combe Primary and Aston & Cote Primary School have also benefitted from a ‘Fire and Ice Workshop’ to educate and enthuse them about Science during National Science week run by Dr C Flaherty.
Matches were all played in the right spirit and the teamwork on display was an absolute pleasure to witness. Thanks go to all the parents and staff who came to support, as well as the Lower Sixth students who helped officiate and manage all the teams across the afternoon.
The Development and Alumni Relations Office aims to foster a lifelong relationship between old Cokethorpeans, former families and the School. It also seeks to raise valuable funds to support pupils and the development of Cokethorpe.
The Cokethorpe Society is open to all Old Cokethorpeans and organises a programme of events both in London and here at Cokethorpe, ensuring OCs, of all generations, have an opportunity to re-connect with old friends. During the year, over 200 guests joined one of the Cokethorpe Society events, with almost half of the guests having left the School since the year 2000.
The annual Christmas Wreath Workshops got everybody feeling festive! Over 60 OCs, former and current parents, and staff attended one of three workshops held over the two days. Everyone was thrilled to be able to be back on site this year, where a roaring fire, mulled wine and mince pies got everyone into the Christmas Spirit.
Dee Rowles, from Minster Flowers, led the workshops where attendees were guided through the process of making their own Christmas door wreaths. The Cokethorpe Society is delighted to have raised over £300 for the School.
It was a pleasure to welcome wine expert Tom Gilbey as the host of the Cokethorpe Society’s inaugural wine tasting evening. Over 30 OCs and current parents joined Tom for a fantastic evening of wine tasting, which included detailed tasting notes and culminated in a quiz to test the knowledge of our budding wine connoisseurs. Guests were also offered the opportunity to enjoy a complementary cheese board, chosen by Tom and his team. The Gilbey family has had in an interest in wine since 1856 and at the height of his family’s success, they owned distilleries, a chateau, warehouses and wine shops around the world.
We were delighted to welcome almost 100 Old Cokethorpeans to this year’s Cokethorpe Society Drinks Reception. Held on the Terrace of the House of Commons, guests enjoyed both the splendour of walking through the historic Westminster Hall and views down
the Thames. Eight decades of Cokethorpeans were represented, from the School’s very first pupils in the 1950s through to the Class of 2021 with guests from as far-and-wide as Australia and the US.
Competition had the additional treat of a glass of fizz with Mr Walwyn before joining the footballers for afternoon tea.
Saturday evening saw guests catching-up with old friends over drinks and dinner. OCs spanned five decades; from those who were here when the School first founded, up to the 2010s. Guests enjoyed a tour of the School, commenting on the considerable developments that have been undertaken over recent years, as well as a photo exhibition of days gone by – prompting much reminisce and happy memories.
The Cokethorpe Society is open to all former pupils and staff, and we look forward to welcoming the Class of 2022 to future reunion events.
It was wonderful to see such a mix of OCs along with former and current staff, making it the largest London event we have held.
Reunion Dinner Friday 17 June and Saturday 18 June saw over 70 OCs return to the School for the biennial Cokethorpe Society Reunion Weekend.
Festivities got underway on Friday evening with the ever-popular staff v OC Cricket Match. OCs - ranging from those who had left the School in 1987 right through to leavers of 2021 - emerged victorious before enjoying a BBQ and good company in the glorious summer sunshine.
A change in the weather did not dampen spirits on Saturday. Old Cokethorpeans basked in a rare win over the First XI football team, with a final score of 7-4 belying how close and competitive the game was.
The OCs arrived in high spirits with some familiar faces from over the years amongst those returning for the first time. The staff elected to bat first and it was Mr Morrison who set the pace, scoring a number of quick boundaries before surpassing 50 and retiring.
There were also entertaining innings from Mr Cook and Mr O’Connor, which took the score up to 126-8 in 20 overs. It was then the OCs turn to bat, and Frankie Cole (OC 1987) and Steven Lowe (OC 1988) set about the target with ease. A cluster of wickets got the staff back into the game thanks to some tight bowling from Mr Richards and Mr Cook, but the OCs were victorious in the 18th over mostly thanks to a classy 35* from Paul Tyrer (OC 2010, Gascoigne). A lovely evening was had by all and many commented on how much they enjoyed returning to play against the staff at Cokethorpe.
This year’s OC v First XI football was extra special. The calibre of OCs returning was probably the highest yet and more like an ‘All Stars’ XI to play our most successful First XI. Past First XI captains Max England (OC 2017, Gascoigne), Jack Hobbs (OC 2019, Queen Anne) and Alex Wheeler (OC 2020, Swift) would add quality to experience. Brothers such as the Wheelers - Alex and James (OC 2017, Swift) - and Jacksons - Luke and Thomas (OCs 2019, Swift)still thought on the same wave length alongside team mates such as Jack Smith (OC 2019, Swift), George Williams (OC 2019, Vanbrugh), Richard Turner (OC 2017, Feilden) and Ben Munday (OC 2017, Harcourt); there really was not a weak link in this outstanding OC team.
Gifts to the Cokethorpe Fund are critical to ensure we continue to offer transformative Cokethorpe bursaries and to develop important projects across the School. The Cokethorpe Fund allows donors to specify what area of the School they want to support, including co-curricular activities, bursaries or buildings and the estate.
This year, we have received a number of generous gifts and pledges to support the School, with donors committing gifts totalling £283,090. Our thanks go to each and every person who has so generously supported the School.
Upon leaving the School many parents have chosen to make a ‘leavers gift’, usually by donating their £500 pupil deposit. This year families joined together to provide support to Cokethorpe’s Bursary Fund, ensuring future pupils have the same opportunity.
new Climbing Centre that will comprise of a climbing tower and other ‘high rope’ activities. This generous funding will develop the outdoor education experience for both Cokethorpe pupils and members of the local community who will be encouraged to make use of these wonderful facilities.
Thanks to a generous gift, 2022 also saw us launch a special Match Fund to encourage more gifts to the School. The Fund matches offers a pound-for-pound match of both one-off gifts and regular monthly gifts and is capped at £10,000.
To read more about the Cokethorpe Fund and the pound-for-pound Match Fund please visit the Cokethorpe website.
Add to this set of ingredients a little celebration for many Upper Sixth players finishing their A Level exams the day before, and the result was a comprehensive victory for the OCs 7-4; however, ‘football was the winner’ in this celebration and it was fantastic to welcome the OCs back and sign off a wonderful 2022 for the First XI. Lessons will be learnt for 2023.
We were delighted to welcome back several of our alumni from different generations for our annual Cokethorpe Society Shooting competition. There were some experienced guns, as well as some who were new to the sport, and a fantastic time was had by all, fuelled a delicious match tea and prosecco. Many congratulations to the winner Michael Staples (OC 2009, Swift), and we look forward to the next Cokethorpe Society sporting event.
A Cokethorpe Bursary provides financial assistance to high calibre pupils who would otherwise be unable to join the School. Each family is means-tested to ensure bursaries are awarded to those in genuine financial need. Our transformative bursaries offer 70%+ fee relief and in 2020-21:
• 26 pupils received a means-tested Cokethorpe Bursary equal to, or greater than, 70% of fees
• Three pupils received a full Bursary to cover 100% of fees.
Gifts also help the School, maintain the historic estate and develop important new buildings. Thanks to a munificent gift from the Greaves & Withey Foundation the School is now able to add an Outdoor Classroom to sit alongside the Boathouse and to develop a
Our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Richard Edward Gerald Morel (OC 1974) 3rd May 1957 – 2nd July 2021.
Congratulations to Ruben Hammond (OC 2021, Harcourt) whose EPQ Project of building a Cob House was featured on BB2 – My Unique B&B.
Congratulations to Year 4 Teacher Mr G Lewis (OC 2009, Gascoigne) and his wife Kate, on the birth of their daughter Amelie Anna, born on Thursday 16 June weighing 7lb 10oz.
I joined the School in September 1992 as part of the Lower Sixth. I was one of only two girls in the Sixth Form at that time – Joanna Clarke (OC 1993) in Upper Sixth was the other – and one of, I believe eleven overall.
Oh, I think it was around 250 pupils, maybe near to 300. We used to attend a service in the Chapel on a Friday and I think the majority of us were able to squeeze in, so it was certainly a considerably smaller pupil body than there is now. And of course there was no Prep School then. Where they are now, in the Mansion House, was one of two boarding houses –Queen Anne – the other being Vanbrugh in what is now Upper Quad, with Harcourt and Swift the two day houses. We had a lot of overseas pupils, who contributed heavily to the boarding numbers, although we girls were not among them.
Can you describe the experience of joining and being one of two girls in the Sixth Form?
I remember my first day, entering what was then the Harcourt common room, and finding myself with a semi-circle of what became my new friends around me, firing question after question at me, as something new and different to the status quo they had had for the rest of their time at the School. I guess they were just intrigued at the time, though they soon settled down.
Before I started, I recall a real sense of excitement, perhaps a degree of nervousness too because it was something so different to what I had been doing for the past twelve years. Perhaps as a result of having a brother, I had always got on really well with boys, so I was not too worried about that aspect, and I had that feeling of being ready for a change, so excitement was certainly the stronger emotion.
And did your male peers meet your expectation?
Yes, I think so, they were all perfectly nice, engaging young men, as the Sixth Form boys here have always seemed to be. We had our own separate space in Harcourt but also had access to the shared common room spaces; I suppose that could have led to jealousy but, if it did, it was never conveyed.
The breadth of opportunity is one of the key components of a Cokethorpe education now. Was it easy to engage with the wider life of the School?
A lot of the wider extra- or co-curricular activities were straightforward though, with eleven girls in total, things like team sports were a bit more challenging! We had to be a little creative in how we got along with the active side of things, but there was plenty to keep us occupied. I think that is a comparison that runs across the board now – where there were fewer facilities for girls (understandably, given it was a fledgling setup back then), now everything is equal with the boys; where there was a good range of activities in the 1990s, now there is an extraordinary number.
Cokethorpe has been something of a family connection for you, was there ever any doubt your children would attend?
Both Tom (OC 2021, Vanbrugh) and Emma were at Chandlings for their prep education, and we were quite keen that they continued on the co-educational pathway. At the time, there was not a huge selection of co-educational senior schools in the immediate area, OLA and Teddies are the two that come to mind, but neither had quite the setup that we wanted, so it became quite obvious that they would follow in our footsteps by joining Cokethorpe. Emma joined with only one other in her year group from Chandlings and has come in and really enjoyed and, dare I say, thrived since being here.
We had a really good time here ourselves and, even though it is a completely different School to what it was in the 90s, the same is true for both the children in more recent years.
How has the School changed in that time?
When we were here there was a different reputation, and not a terribly flattering (or fair) one. In the time of Mr Ettinger’s predecessor, Mr Cantwell (Headmaster 1995-2002), things really started to change, and of course Mr Ettinger has progressed things significantly in the last twenty years as well. Perhaps it partly came with the cessation of boarding; the School took on a different feel when the majority of pupils were more local to the area; there was more camaraderie, perhaps also that local rivalry and a desire to do well in that context.
There have also been all sorts of changes in terms of facilities and uses of spaces, from the Dining Hall becoming the Art Rooms and the Gym changing to the Drama Studio as those new facilities were added, to the completion of the Astro turf pitches and the re-purposing of the Round House from the Sixth Form bar
it used to be, never mind the climbing tower, and so on. A lot has been achieved which my children have beneffited from.
Any advice you would give to our current pupils?
You have so many opportunities available to you, explore them to the fullest. Do not be guided by what your friends are doing or stick to the things you know; it is such a gift to have all these avenues at your fingertips and something that will be hard to replicate in any comparable way in later life.
Emma, you’re following in your parents’ footsteps at Cokethorpe; when did you join and how did it feel?
I joined First Form in 2017 and, like most children joining a new school, I was a little nervous but, as my mum said earlier about when she joined, I remember a sense of excitement as well. My mum in particular had told me bits and pieces about her time here, where everything was (which was helpful when I joined too, of course), and so on.
I suppose it did feel a bit like following in their footsteps, but everything is also so different now, it feels a very different school to what she describes. And, of course, we are a long way from eleven girls among 250 pupils now too! Of course, my brother was here as well, and my uncle, so we have been pretty involved with the School.
And do you think your parents being here was an influence on your joining?
I am not entirely sure, to be honest. I knew about the School through them and through my brother who was here before me, and I think they all had really good experiences, and I am sure that all had an influence, but there was probably also a small amount of being pragmatic in the logistics of me and my brother being here together.
How do you think attending Cokethorpe as a girl has changed between when your mum was here and now?
Well, I think the main thing is that everything is very equal between the boys and the girls in terms of what the School provides. I think the only divide I can think of is that there’s not a full girls’ rugby team, in the same way that there is a boys’ hockey team for example. But there is so much offered.
Looking to the future, if you have children would you keep the family dynasty alive?
I do not know about us being a dynasty! But yes, I think I probably would.
Clearly you had an affinity for the School, what made you want to return?
In part, it was the prospect of giving something back to Cokethorpe – having shared such positive relationships with my teachers and to have had the opportunities that I did, I felt compelled to recreate this experience for our current pupils.
Another important factor was the opportunity to contribute to the Games programme at the School. Sport had a significant influence on me during my time at Cokethorpe and I often describe delivering sport to our pupils on Wednesday afternoons as one of the perks of the job.
Has the ethos of the School changed since you were a pupil here?
Individual talents were always celebrated in the right way. The Inter-House Music and Drama competitions and the Crawford Relay are good examples of this – these events provided pupils with the platform to showcase their talents, and I thoroughly enjoyed sharing in their success with them.
I am delighted that these events – as well as new initiatives such as the Inter-House Countdown competition – still feature in the calendar and continue to shape this important ethos of the School.
That said, I have observed a positive shift in our values towards the development of leadership skills in our pupils – something that has always been forthcoming, of course, but there is now a heightened focus around these traits, which our pupils endeavour to exhibit each day.
The investment in state-of-the-art technology such as Smart Boards and Surface Pro devices means that the School is better equipped to prepare pupils for life after education than ever before. The timetable has also been optimised with room for more academic lessons and the addition of another Games session on Friday afternoon.
It is also great to see an increasing number of links with the local community. Whether that is through the continued hard work of the Communications Office or the strength of the Corinthian Partnership – the School maintains a sense of community beyond the boundary walls, fences and hedges. The recent construction of The new sports Pavilion changing rooms is further evidence of this, with the School able to accommodate more sports clubs and teams who use our outdoor facilities for training and fixtures.
Have your perceptions of the School changed from being a pupil to a member of staff?
Although the School has progressed in lots of exciting ways, many of my perceptions remain unchanged – especially the excellent lunches in the Dining Hall! From the excellent upkeep of the School grounds to the level of care from tutors and Housemasters; the nurturing environment that I remember as a pupil still exists today, and it is also for this reason that I chose to return to the School.
Was there a member of staff that inspired you to follow your professional path?
Mr Shingleton – not only was Business Studies my favourite subject, I had a great deal of respect and admiration for him because he made a concerted effort to get to know every pupil in the class and, indeed, the Sixth Form. It was his charisma as much as the content and delivery of his lessons that prompted me to consider a career in teaching and I am proud to be following in his footsteps at Cokethorpe.
Psychology at university. The degree gave me the confidence to go into education and find my way into the Learning Support Department. Mr Ettinger also helped me to step out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to hold assemblies in the Prep School or do presentations. I believe this contributed to giving me the confidence to be Head of Queen Anne, where I then did assemblies fortnightly.
Has the ethos of the School changed since you were a pupil here?
It is very much the same, but I feel there is maybe more emphasis on developing a ‘growth mindset’, which is excellent!
How has the School progressed?
The advances in classroom technology is the most obvious progression. With most teachers having MIE status and a Surface Pro, the School looks and feels more technologically advanced. Teachers are certainly becoming more confident with their devices and using them to their advantage. We also have a much greater presence on social media. Twitter, Instagram and Facebook were still in their infancy when I was a pupil. The School has done well to move with the times and be using social media regularly – the photo updates are wonderful!
Clearly you had an affinity for the School, what made you want to return?
I wanted to help give pupils the good experience that I had as a pupil at Cokethorpe, whether that was nurturing their individual strengths or supporting those who found elements of life at School more difficult.
Has the ethos of the School changed since you were a pupil here?
Essentially, no. The School continues to support pupils in and out of the classroom, however, the scope of what a pupil can experience at Cokethorpe has definitely grown.
How has the School progressed?
The School has seen significant changes over the last few years, with the introduction of more technology in the classroom, a new changing facility and a vast range of sports, extra-curricular activities and events.
Have your perceptions of the School changed from being a pupil to a member of staff?
I am now much more aware of the complexities of how the School functions on a day-to-day basis and the work that goes on behind the scenes into supporting each individual pupil, from teachers, tutors and Learning Support staff.
Was there a member of staff that inspired you to follow your professional path?
Mrs A Hughes was my A Level Psychology teacher and gave me the confidence to study
Clearly you had an affinity for the School, what made you want to return?
I loved my time here in the Sixth Form but it was only for two years. I could have easily stayed for a few more! The staff were very kind and supportive and I loved the environment and atmosphere. I made some life-long friends too.
I was at Cokethorpe on a Sport Scholarship, so of course I loved all the sport, but I also appreciated the overall balance the School had – Music, Drama, Maths, Sciences - there was good balance and lots of opportunity to excel in a variety of areas. Pupils were encouraged to try new things and get involved in a variety of activities, such as the Inter-House Music, Drama and Sport competitions, which I loved. After my studies and working away for a few years, I was fortunate enough to receive an offer of a Teaching Assistant position in the Prep School. I was working as a TA in a School in Newcastle but snapped up the chance to return. For all the above reasons, I could not wait to get back.
Have your perceptions of the School changed from being a pupil to a member of staff?
As mentioned before, I appreciated the variety and breadth this school offered, and the atmosphere and environment. As a pupil you often do not realise or appreciate what it takes for a school to become that way. I have enjoyed being on the ‘other side’ and seeing behind the scenes at the amount of effort the goes into making the School thrive. All staff play an important role and it is great being part of the team now.
Was there a member of staff that inspired you to follow your professional path?
Mr G Rees and Mr C Maskery were always inspirational. With Mr Rees being the England U16 coach at the time and Mr Maskery writing the Edexcel textbooks, naturally it was very inspirational to me. They were both very passionate about their respective areas of teaching and always strived to get the best out of their pupils. They always treated me with mutual respect which I appreciated.
Congratulations to Mrs J Webb, Miss E Hewson, Dr S Harrison, Mrs A Cyrson and Mrs L Bowden who have achieved their Chartered College of Teaching Certificate in Research Informed Practice.
Congratulations to the following staff who have been selected by Microsoft as Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts for 2022/2023.
Miss A Woodcock
Mrs E Semenzato
Mr A Ladell-Stuart
Dr C Flaherty
Miss C Garitey
Miss E Hewson
Miss A Mango
Mr E Bosse
A number of Cokethorpe staff took part in the Pink Ribbon Walk at Blenheim Palace in support of Breast Cancer. ‘Team Sole Mates’, which included our Registrar, Mrs Sheer, alongside three Prep and Senior parents, raised close to two thousand pounds during the ten-mile walk, while Catering’s Miss Hill and Mrs Jeffery barely broke a sweat on the 20-mile walk. Thanks to all who supported this worthy cause.
Mrs H Knox, Prep Teacher
Mrs N Procter, Prep Teacher
Mrs E Oram, Head of English
Mr T Rawlings, Teacher of English
Mrs M Mercer, Teacher of Chemistry
Mr A Rennie, Teacher of Business Studies
Mrs L Wilkinson, Head of Wardrobe
Mr G Simpson, Development Director
Ms A Evans, Teacher of Psychology (Maternity Cover)
Mr N Yu, Teacher of Maths
Miss A Mango, Teacher of MFL
Mrs V Penrose, Teacher of Mathematics and Director of Academic Development
Miss R Mitchell, Head of Music
Mrs V Mersh, Prep School Teacher
Mrs A Cyrson, Teacher of Classics
Mrs M Marchbank, Prep School Teacher
Mr L Marot, Teacher of MFL
Mrs M Swain, Teacher of History
Mr T Rawlings, Teacher of English
Mr N Walshe, Director of Sport
Mrs E Ladell-Stuart, Teacher of Biology
Ms A Evans, Teacher of Psychology
Mr G Simpson, Director of Development
Reverend Howard, Chaplain
We wish him and his wife a happy retirement.
Spanish Teacher, Mrs G Ostler (Née McDougall) and her husband Matt on the birth of their son Frederick John Lockwood Ostler, born on Sunday 28 November weighing 6lb 10oz.
Deputy Head, Mr J Stevens, and Maths Teacher, Miss R Dodson, on the birth of their daughter Arabella Olive Stevens, born on Monday 29 November weighing 11lb 11oz.
Head of Prep Sport, Mr C Morrison, on his wedding to wife Sophie. They married in the Caribbean (Antigua) in the Easter holidays with close friends and family.
Year 4 Teacher, Mr G Lewis, and his wife Kate, on the birth of their daughter Amelie Anna, born on Thursday 16 June weighing 7lb 10oz.
Mr R Blank, Teacher of History
Mrs M Swain, Teacher of History
Mrs R Luckett, Prep Teacher
My very first job, before teaching, was actually in IT! I was a computer operator for The Midland Bank which is now HSBC. Computers then were enormous, and I was in charge of putting up the tapes on the tape decks. I soon tired of working with machines and decided to go into teaching. How ironic that 40 years later, during the lockdown, that I would be teaching online.
I have worked in five schools, one in Kent and four in Oxfordshire. I have taught Maths in a Secondary School, and I have been a Primary Class Teacher. I have also been a Maths Coordinator, a Special Needs Coordinator, and had a spell as an Acting Headteacher. My first job at Cokethorpe was almost 25 years ago when I worked in the Senior School Learning Support Department, before moving to the Prep School.
When I first joined Cokethorpe, the School was much smaller. We had whole School assemblies and lunch in what is now the Art Room. The Library, Astros, and Dining Hall did
not exist. The boarders lived in the Mansion, and when I came for my interview and was shown my classroom, it had two iron beds in and a pool table! I was very pleased to be a witness to that time, I got to know all the staff and the pupils.
Thank you to all my colleagues, to the pupils and their parents. Thank you for the happy memories, there are so many. I have had a wonderful career, and I am ending on a high. Enjoy your time at Cokethorpe. It has been a privilege to work here. I will never forget it.
the Old Harry Rocks and circle a pirate ship, as you do!
Cokethorpe has been a wonderful place to teach. Its vast and impressive team ensures that the School’s special magic pervades every day. Among many things I will miss: Mrs McNaughton’s continual happiness to help with whatever arises, the Catering Team whose food and costumes can never be matched, and the bonkers peacocks which saunter nonchalantly across the drive. Thank you to everyone for letting me be part of this wonderful ‘Cokethorpe experience’.
It was a very supportive community, like a family, and still is. Since then, there have been some amazing changes with the School growing and the facilities developing, but the ethos of the School remains the same.
It has been exciting being part of a huge staff, with different talents. I have enjoyed the link with the Senior School seeing the pupils flourish. I have had the pleasure of attending many performances, exhibitions, matches, language days and STEM days. I have especially enjoyed the pupil’s enthusiasm for charity events and sponsored walks. I will miss coming down the drive on a frosty morning or seeing the mist rise above the pitches. I will miss the delicious lunches, the coffee shop and, of course, my talented colleagues. Most of all, I will miss the naivety and honesty of the pupils and watching them learn and flourish.
I joined Cokethorpe in 2016 as a Year 5 teacher and have cherished my time here. I particularly enjoyed introducing pupils to Michelle Paver’s World of Ancient Darkness which we brought further to life on three wonderful survival trips to Bushcraft in Cornbury Park. I have fond memories of Mrs Oliff, and Mrs Dow visiting us deep in the woods, brought by buggy laden with treats and goodies to eat, just in case, we were faltering!
I then taught Year 6 Geography and soon took over the English Lead position. Here I taught Year 4 for two years, with Mr Hughes (OC 2008, Vanbrugh) as teaching assistant. I enjoyed arranging author visits and reading displays and updated the library books to include exciting current authors.
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mrs Gail Hardie-Jones who passed away on Friday 22 July. Gail worked in our Prep School for six years and left in 2011.
We are very sad to announce the death on Tuesday 2 August of the Revd Roy Turner, former Team Vicar of St John’s and St Britius’ Churches, who passed away after a short illness. We would like to offer our condolences to friends and family. Revd Turner was a former Chaplain at the School.
I will enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and I hope to visit my son in Australia. I also plan to make more use of my gym membership, go skiing in Austria, join a choir and learn German!
Cokethorpe is like a family. It is a very special place and that is why I have stayed so long.
My last year at Cokethorpe found me in Year 6 alongside Mr Gaertner to prepare the pupils for Senior School. Always energetic, our year has been bursting with activity which culminated in a camping trip to Dorset where many memories were made, including bouncing across the waves at top speed to see
Cokethorpe School
