Ocellus Lent Term 2015

Issue 29 • April 2015 • Record of Lent Term 2015

THE

OCELLUS From the Headmaster

A recent television highlight has been the adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s novel Wolf Hall. As well as the quality of the acting and production, critics have commented on the personalities of Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell. One accepted historical view was that Thomas More was a saintly man, who died rather than deny his conscience but Thomas Cromwell was a chancer, something of a brute, whose similar demise on the scaffold was his just comeuppance. One of the joys of Mantel’s novel is that she reverses this characterisation. More is seen rather as a small-minded, bigoted man, whose treatment of those who disagreed with his religious view was harsh and cruel. Cromwell, on the other hand, was a man who showed great loyalty, who held his beliefs profoundly, and was a faithful servant, if sometimes given to intrigue. I am not qualified to judge if Mantel’s depictions are more accurate. But then, I doubt she intended to do anything as unsubtle as champion any one individual. I imagine she was keen to encourage us not to rush to judgement, nor to accept any simple reading of history. Life is complicated, people are complicated and, after all, we are rarely in a position to judge motives. Such conclusions have great value in education. They encourage a benign scepticism, which is always a good thing in any student, whether historian or scientist. They also remind us that the young people in our care are always likely to be more than they seem, and we should be no more inclined to condemn those prone to weaknesses and failure than we should lionise those who enjoy success. No one really knows who will turn out to be the saint and who the sinner!

Editor’s Notes

The icon idicates that a longer write-up and/or further photographs are available on the School website. ‘Ocellus’ (pronounced ‘oh, sell-us’) refers to the eye in the tail feathers of a peacock.

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Front Page Photo: Solar Eclipse - Friday 20 March 2015.

Academic Contents

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From the Headmaster 1 Academic 2–5 The Arts 6–9 Sixth Form 10–11 Junior School 12–16 Sport 17–19 AOB and Fundraising 20 Cokethorpe Parents’ Association 20 Wider Community 21 New Developments 21 The Cokethorpe Society 22 From the Archives 23 Tail Feathers 24

Oxfordshire Book Awards Ceremony

On Friday 16 January fourteen members of the Chapter Chat group travelled to the Amey Theatre to attend the annual Oxfordshire Book Awards Ceremony. Pupils had the opportunity to meet with authors Andy Mulligan, Sue Hendra, Jo Cotterill and Matt Brown. They also got the chance to mix with 300 pupils from more than twenty other Schools.

First Form Awards

From Monday 12 to Friday 15 January the Heads of Art, Drama, Music and Sport made assessments for First Form Specialist Awards in their respective departments.

Libby Flaherty (First Form, Harcourt) represented all the Secondary Schools across Oxfordshire as she went up on stage to read her book review of Noble Conflict by Malorie Blackman. Congratulations to Libby for a fantastic, informative review that was confidently and clearly read on stage. A great afternoon was had by all and the group are now anxiously waiting to see which titles make the 2015 shortlist!

The standard was very high this year, and all those pupils nominated for the process should take pride in the talent that was displayed in these assessment days. Congratulations to the fourteen pupils who were chosen for new Awards. Art Award Grace Malliagh Elen Moore Adela Wilson

Conflict.Time.Photography

Drama Award Harvey Bell Grace Ettinger Jack Harding Mae Topley Music Award Izzy Carnell George London Chloe Sheppard Olivia Stacey Poppy Wehrle Sport Award Matthew Bell Amelia Leslie

Poetry by Heart Final

Louisa Mattinson (Fourth Form, Harcourt) was the youngest pupil to take part in the Oxfordshire and Berkshire County final of the Poetry by Heart Competition on Tuesday 27 January. Once again the standard of competition was very high indeed with pupils performing three different poems from a pre-released anthology, one from pre 1914, post 1914 and a poem from the First World War. Louisa’s choices were Envy by Adelaide Ann Proctor, The Force that Through the Green Fuse Drives the Flower by Dylan Thomas and Rain by Edward Thomas. The pupils were judged on voice and articulation, level of difficulty, evidence of understanding and overall performance. Louisa was highly commended for her performance and performed superbly in a very strong field.

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As initial inspiration for the current exam unit, the A and AS Level Photography students visited the amazing Conflict.Time.Photography exhibition at the Tate Modern Museum. The exhibition divided images of sites from around the world that have been the scenes of conflict into groups according to the time that they had been taken after the event. From seconds after, to hours, days, months and years right through to decades after.

Particle Physics Masterclass

‘On the recent trip to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, the Upper Sixth Physics students were excited to be greeted by a snow flurry! In the morning, we attended lectures on particle accelerators. Not only did we get to look around both target stations, but we were even lucky enough to view some instruments. The day concluded with a talk on the medical applications of particle accelerators before our bus journey home.’ Toyah Overton (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne)

BMW Mini Plant Trip

On Tuesday 10 March the BTEC Business Studies students had a very interesting tour of the BMW Mini Plant in Oxford. The students were able to see the first stages of production through to the quality checks and the finished Mini being driven off the production line ready for export or delivery to UK dealerships.

Academic Philosophy Café - Je Suis Charlie?

Why is a picture of Muhammad offensive to some? What really motivated the killers? Does freedom of expression include the freedom to insult? The first Philosophy Café of the term had pupils looking at the limits of freedom of expression after the Paris attacks on the Charlie Hebdo offices. Pupils from the First Form to the Sixth Form all had something to contribute to a mature and very sophisticated discussion. Staff were able to offer legal, religious, French and historical perspectives through their knowledge, backgrounds and disciplines. There was much condemnation of the attacks but there was also much disagreement about whether the magazine was right to publish the first picture of Muhammad and even more disagreement over whether it was right to publish a second after the attacks. The room was very split on whether the magazine had endangered others unjustifiably with another picture or whether it was important not to ‘give in’ to violence.

ESU Mace Debating Competition

Congratulations to Beth Mulloy (Upper Sixth, Swift) and Harriette Brennan (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) who have achieved great success in the ESU Schools’ Mace Debating Competition. After getting through the First Round, the team were then invited to the Second Round held in Oxford on Thursday 12 February where they argued against a universal basic income. They met with further success at the Regional Final of the prestigious ESU Mace Debate on Thursday 12 March. They successfully argued against the motion: This House will not take into account the opinions of local residents when building necessary public works that would be a potential disturbance to the community.

Mr Owen’s Pocket Book

On Monday 26 January, the School welcomed back Rupert Mason from Redheart Theatre for a performance of Mr Owen’s Pocket Book. ‘This was a thoroughly enjoyable performance recreating, as a one man show, the final hours, actual life and achievements of War Poet Wilfred Owen. Ending on the sobering final few hours of Owen’s journey of enlightenment, we can firmly say that Mr Mason brought the experience of the War and its poetry very much to life.’ Mrs E C Riman and Mr I M Elkin-Jones

Geography Field Trip

‘The Lower Sixth Form Geographers completed an excellent fieldtrip in Snowdonia. Three whole days without rain in January is a blessing in itself, but it also enabled our students to experience an amazing part of the country while practising fieldwork techniques which they will be examined on in their May AS Level exam. Saturday was spent on Criccieth Beach assessing the coastal defences before taking a short detour for photo opportunities with a cloud topped Snowdon in the background. Sunday involved a walking tour of the coastal resort of Llandudno, where students were divided into groups to map the land use. Monday took the students away from urban areas and pavements down the beautiful but slippery Nant Ffrancon glacial valley to experience how an upland farmer manages his business. Amber Fissenden (Lower Sixth, Swift) demonstrated how to split slate in the National Slate Museum, which taught us about the importance of this industry to this part of the country. Two short classroom sessions to analyse and evaluate our fieldwork initially caused concern among pupils regarding their workload – ‘prisoners get more time off than us’ was the running joke - but I know that everyone will agree that their hard work was really worth it and good preparation for the exams in May. Thanks to Mr Joiner and Mrs Webb for not only accompanying the trip but contributing so much to an atmosphere of fun as well as the hard work!’ Mr J A W Capel

They performed exceptionally well, and were placed second overall of the six regional finalists. This meant they were the reserve team for the National Final which took place on Friday 27 March 2015. Congratulations to Beth and Harriette on their fantastic achievement.

Fourth Form Spanish Exchange Visit

On 13 March, the Spanish Exchange group came to Cokethorpe for their return visit. They all gasped with delight upon seeing the School and were already taking photos from the coach. The Spanish pupils visited St Mary’s and Merton College in Oxford, Bath, London and the Cotswolds during their stay, and there were many other outings organised by the host families.

The value of exchange visits cannot be underestimated. Some lasting friendships were made and it was a delight to watch the pupils together. ‘Before going on the Spanish exchange I was utterly terrified about the prospect of staying in a strange home in a strange country. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong, for when I got there and met all the wonderful people, I became mesmerised by their beautiful culture. This exchange has taught me so much, not only about the language but also about this wonderful country. It truly was amazing!’ Lydia Wannell (Fourth Form, Feilden)

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Academic Troy 24 Workshop

The monologue workshop was designed to focus on developing dramatic writing techniques for performance. In small groups pupils devised their individual monologues based on a specific writing technique. For example, some pupils personified Achilles’s War Helmet which Homer described as having magical powers. Others experimented with superlatives to create a sense of the Greek word ‘kleos’ or ‘immortal fame’.

Lunchtime Literary Recital

On Thursday 12 February it was the turn of Mr Elkin-Jones to present his ideas in the Lunchtime Literary Recital. He took the audience through a journey of literary nostalgia to cement ideas of what makes books and writing inspire the imagination from our formative years to adult discernment. His witty and yet subtle talk captivated and entertained his audience whilst encouraging a life long love of literature and an appreciation of the process of creating it.

Intermediate Maths Challenge

Best in School, Best in Fourth Form, Gold Award Winner and qualifier for Pink Kangaroo round: Mike Billing Best in Fifth Form, Gold Award Winner and qualifier for Pink Kangaroo round: Tom Smith Gold Award Winners and qualifiers for Pink Kangaroo: Alex Swancott Alex Billing Best in Third Form and Silver Award Winner: Harry Brown Silver Award Winners: Ben Foster Luke Garbutt Laura Fiedorowicz Jacob Short Luke Jackson Sasha Hargreaves

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Bronze Award Winners: Samara Clark Evie Phillips Austin Bowsher Fredi Traish Maike Schmidt Oliver Kerton Luke Storey Florian Goette Ed Charter Hetty Watts-Lay Louis Beresford Luke Smith Grace Henstone Callum Rowe Tom Craig Sam Biles Austin Welsh

French Exchange Trip

‘On Friday 6 March, our group of excited Fourth Form pupils travelled to St Pancras to take the Eurostar to Paris. We met our French exchange partners in the afternoon and spent the weekend with their families. On Monday we visited the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. In the afternoon, we admired the Mona Lisa and the Venus of Milo in the Louvre and we took a group photo in front of the great pyramid. On Tuesday, we went up the Eiffel Tower and enjoyed the best views of Paris. We also visited the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysées and did a boat tour of the River Seine. Already it was time to go back to the French school, where our partners had organised a party for our last evening. It was a lovely way to finish the trip.’ Will Turner (Fourth Form, Feilden)

Auschwitz Visit

‘Sam Moffatt and I (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) both applied for the Lessons From Auschwitz Project in the hope of visiting a concentration camp and better understanding the holocaust. The project started with a seminar in London, where we heard the harrowing testimony of Ziggy Shipper, a Jew who had stayed in Auschwitz for a short time. The day in Poland began with a visit to a Jewish cemetery in the town of Oswiecim, and then to Auschwitz I. Visiting Auschwitz II Birkenau allowed us to put Ziggy’s testimony into context, as we could see right in front of us what had happened. It was the little things which were the most shocking, such as the shoes belonging to a child in the museum, or taking the walk from the train tracks to the gas chambers at Birkenau which was the last walk taken by hundreds of thousands of Jews as they were marched to their death. It was a day with so much to take in, and a day which will stay with us forever.’ Ed Rick (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) Photos from the Oxford Mail

The 2015 Team Mathematics Challenge

‘On Monday 16 March our team; Jacob Short (Third Form, Swift), Harry Brown (Third Form, Vanbrugh), Katie Procter (Second Form, Feilden) and I went to the 2015 Mathematics Challenge. This year it was held in Oxford University’s Mathematics Department. Our first challenge was by far my favourite where we were given a pack of around eighteen questions. The final round was the relay; pair A would answer a question, run to the teachers, and, if the answer was correct, they could run and give pair B their question. The Mathematics challenge was good fun and enjoyable. I would love to go again next year and re-live the experience and would recommend it to anyone interested in going.’ Rhianna Gibson (Second Form, Feilden)

Politics Trip to Westminster

On Wednesday 11 March Sixth Form Politics students travelled to Westminster to view the centre of political power in the United Kingdom and took an in depth tour of the workings of everyday life in Parliament. Of particular interest to the group was sitting in on the Supreme Court in session and following the live details of how UK based banks should be made to pay the tax they owe the Government. The group were surprised to see how many aspects of the Government were open to the public.

Academic WWI Battlefields Trip

‘An early start for the Third Form and a long bus journey meant we were tired when we arrived in Belgium but were still enthusiastic about the trip ahead. The first stop was the Hooge Crater Cemetery. This was very different from what some of us were expecting.

Fourth Form Spanish Exchange Blog

The next day started at the Langemark German Cemetery where 44,000 German soldiers were buried. Next was Essex Farm Cemetery and medical centre which was where the famous poem Flanders Field by John McCrae was written. We then headed towards Ypres and got a taste of real Belgian chocolate.

Thursday 12 February ‘On arrival at our destination we were collected by our coach driver Francisco and driven to the school in Bormujos. Everyone was initially nervous, but the pupils were immediately recognised by their partners. We arrived in school for a Spanish lesson at 8.15am. Diego, the Spanish teacher, was very impressed with the enthusiasm of the Cokethorpe pupils and because he did not speak any English, everyone had to speak Spanish.’

The following stop was the Trenches of Death. This was a very realistic trench network, recreated to give an idea as to what they would have been like. In the evening we were treated to a meal out in Ypres. After the meal we watched the ‘last post’ ceremony at the Menin Gate. We also visited the WWI Passchendaele Museum and Tyne Cot Cemetery before heading home.’ Luke Jackson (Third Form, Swift)

Friday 13 February ‘We walked to the Town Hall (El Ayuntamiento) to meet some councillors who presented us all with some local Andalusian produce. After the Town Hall, we got the coach to Seville to see Seville Cathedral (it is the third largest in the world) and the famous Golden Tower.’

The Ugly Animal Roadshow

‘The audience of the show was made up of the public, Cokethorpe parents, pupils and scouts who were all captivated by the mix of humour, interesting facts and horror at the ugly animals that the Earth has to offer! Simon Watt, the President for Life of The Ugly Animal’s Preservation Society was witty, funny and great at engaging all ages. He used games and humour to introduce key evolutionary concepts and environmental issues, he really brought the topics to life. I was amazed to find out that there is a species of lizard that shoots blood from its eyes for self-defense and a type of worm that shoots snot to catch its prey. I think every person was disappointed when they didn’t get chosen to dress up as one of these animals and spray silly string to mimic the blood and snot shooting! My favourite animal was the slug ‘who gets so scared its bum drops off’ so it can escape whilst its chaser stops to eat it. I can’t believe I learnt so much and had so much fun at the same time.’ Libby Flaherty (First Form, Harcourt)

Monday 16 February ‘We went to the Plaza de España which is covered in the beautiful tiles made just across the Guadaquilvir river in Triana. We then took a stroll though the park and we visited the Alcazar, the Royal Palace and the maze in the gardens. We then had a walking tour through the very beautiful area of Santa Cruz.’ Miss M Bennett Tuesday 17 February ‘We took a trip into Córdoba and visited the many beautiful attractions there. After walking around the tiny cobbled streets and discovering the hidden squares, we arrived at the Mezquita which is the famous Cathedral inside a mosque. Inside we got a glimpse of the magnificent architecture sculpted over the 150 years it took to build the Cathedral.’

The Field Ambulance

To further develop their knowledge and understanding of World War I, Third Form pupils enjoyed a very informative talk about the Field Ambulance system. Having visited Essex Farm Cemetery, itself a former Advanced Dressing Station, pupils were interested to learn exactly how the British army managed the process of dealing with the huge numbers of casualties caused by the fighting. They learnt about the difficulties faced by the medical teams as they battled to save limbs and lives, and also about the developments that occurred as medicine sought to keep up with the incredible advances made in weaponry.

Wednesday 18 February ‘Today we woke up and went into school to say our goodbyes. After watching a film we were taken to the school theatre room in which our exchange partners put on a farewell performance. This included traditional Spanish flamenco dancing, a composed cello performance, singing and ballet. Then they threw a party where we had lots of nice food and said very tearful farewells. We all had an amazing experience and cannot wait to see everyone again when they come stay with us in England. We have lots of great things planned! Adiós...’ Maisie Coolman (Fourth Form, Vanbrugh)

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The Arts Lunchtime Music Recital Jonathan Taylor

Dreamy, Bonsor

Olivia Stacey Willow Tit Willow Gilbert and Sullivan arr. Bullard Will Riman

Footprints, Shorter

Poppy Wehrle

HabaĂąera, Bizet

Florian Goette La Cumparsita Rodriguez Harry Creak

Broken Wing, Beirach

Jonathan Taylor Ollie Parker

Minuet, Boyce Andante, Mozart

Gig Night Performers Thomas Christensen Eilish Malliagh Christian Ettinger Toby Watts-Lay Grace Ettinger Charlie Clarke Wilf Cartwright Hayden Camidge Jamie Langford Fredi Traish George Langford Ollie Charles Harry Creak Isabelle Carnell Ed Woolley Olivia Stacey Aidan King Henry Plumridge Charlie Tobin Annie Bell Richard Thompson Danny Pye Francesco Bisley Tom Alford Joe McBride Tom Whittenbury Ellie McBride Marion Bird Frankie Brown Harry Lovibond Harry Brown Daniel Bailey Will Riman Sofia Ward-Naranjo Ed Binnie William Ward-Naranjo Tom Orton Many thanks to Cate De Buriatte Moglia (OC 2013, Harcourt) who returned to School to perform a song with Aidan King.

Music Examination Results Grade 2 Jack Gamble Grade 3 Ollie Charles

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Piano

Merit

Guitar

Distinction

Grade 4 Athis Knox Tom Flory Amelia Leslie Harry Brown Will Allen

Singing Distinction Singing Distinction Singing Distinction Guitar Pass Violin Pass

Grade 5 Lukas Russell Lizzie Allen

Piano Violin

Merit Pass

Grade 6 Wilf Cartwright

Cello

Distinction

Lunchtime Music Recital

On Thursday 15 January pupils treated an audience in the Corinthian Room to a lunchtime recital and their performances certainly banished away any lingering January blues. As First Formers, it was particularly brave of Poppy Wehrle (First Form, Queen Anne) and Olivia Stacey (First Form, Swift) to perform solos on flute and piano respectively. Will Riman (Third Form, Feilden) and Harry Creak (Fifth Form, Feilden) performed jazz solos, including adept improvisations, with great flair while Florian Goette (Fourth Form, Queen Anne) performed the famous tango La Cumparsita. Jonathan Taylor (Fourth Form, Feilden) demonstrated great skill on both cello and piano and an affinity for the different genres in which he played. Finally, Ollie Parker (Upper Sixth, Feilden) played Mozart’s Andante with skill and poise.

Gig Night 16

The performers of the Gig Night held on Monday 23 March did themselves proud with some outstanding performances ranging from renditions of songs from Grease to music sung by the late great jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. There was a fantastic rendition of Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson performed by Grace Ettinger (First Form, Harcourt) and Christian Ettinger (Lower Sixth, Harcourt) and Somebody I Used To Know by Goyte performed by Annie Bell (Third Form, Gascoigne), Charlie Clarke (Second Form, Harcourt), Hayden Camidge (Second Form, Vanbrugh), Grace Ettinger and Ed Binnie (Third Form, Harcourt). There were also some very good duets performed by Henry Plumridge (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) and Ollie Charles (Second Form, Gascoigne), Sofia Ward-Naranjo (Fourth Form, Queen Anne) and Will Ward-Naranjo (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne). There was also an original song composed by Danny Pye (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) and Aidan King (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) that had a smooth electronic edge to it. The Third Form band consisting of Ed Binnie, Harry Brown (Third Form, Vanbrugh), Will Riman (Third Form, Feilden), Fredi Traish (Third Form, Swift), Charlie Clarke and Joe McBride (Third Form, Gascoigne) gave a fantastic performance of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers Dani California. The First Form band; George Langford (First Form, Vanbrugh), Tom Whittenbury (First Form, Vanbrugh), Tom Alford (Second Form, Swift) along with Mr Gower and Mr Mullin, performed the classic song Should I Stay or Should I Go by The Clash. The last Gig Night of the academic year will take place in the Summer Term on Wednesday 24 June.

The Arts Cokethorpe Jazz Band at the Chipping Norton Music Festival On Friday 6 March the Cokethorpe School Jazz Band participated in the Chipping Norton Music Festival’s Youth Jazz Band Challenge and stormed their way to first place, walking away with the well-deserved winners’ trophy.

The band performed Herbie Hancock’s Maiden Voyage first with outstanding performances by all members of the group and some fantastic solos. The second song played by the band was The Jazz Crusaders Street Life, this upbeat song had the audience’s feet tapping away. The adjudicator commented on the fact that Cokethorpe School Jazz Band was a well integrated and precise ensemble that played well together. They did themselves and the School proud.

Cokethorpe School Jazz Band Performers Ed Woolley - Alto Saxophone Harry Lovibond - Keyboard Aidan King - Guitar Harry Creak - Tenor Saxophone Richard Thompson - Guitar Wilf Cartwright - Drums Charlie Tobin - Bass Guitar Marion Bird - Vocals

Young Musicians Platform Programme

Ollie Parker Napoli, Bellstedt Finale from Trumpet Concerto in Eb Major Haydn Andante from Piano Concerto No. 21 Mozart Tom Williams and Jamie Langford Lead Sheet, Uings Florian Goette March Slave Tchaikovsky La Cumparsita Rodriguez Anna De Buriatte Moglia On My Own Schonberg

Young Musicians Platform

The Young Musicians Platform was a fantastic opportunity for Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Form musicians to showcase the pieces they have been preparing for GCSE and A Level assessment. The audience were treated to a wide variety of music from trumpet concertos to a drum kit and electric guitar duet to songs from Les Misérables. Pupils performed sensitively and with a great deal of musicality and professionalism in what was an incredibly enjoyable evening.

World Cancer Day Concert

Two of our most talented musicians were invited to take part in a concert in aid of World Cancer Day on the evening of Wednesday 4 February. The concert organised by the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research was held at the impressive Holywell Music Room in Oxford, the oldest purpose built concert hall in Europe. Thomas Christensen (Lower Sixth, Swift) gave sensitive performances of Chopin’s Preludes in B Minor and D Flat Major whilst Matthew Ellacott (Fifth Form, Feilden) filled the hall with the sound of Haydn’s Trumpet Concerto in E Flat. Both pupils were thrilled to be performing in such an impressive venue and were proud to be raising money for INCTR and supporting World Cancer Day. Photos by Wendy Aldiss taken at the Holywell Music Room, Oxford.

Jonathan Taylor

Dreamy Bonsor

Evie Garbutt I Dreamed a Dream Schonberg Matthew Ellacott Andante from Trumpet Concerto in Eb Major Haydn Wilf Cartwright Berceuse Bridge

Forthcoming Music Events Lunchtime Music Recital Thursday 21 May, 1.00pm - 1.30pm Evensong Monday 8 June, 4.00pm - 5.00pm Gig Night Wednesday 24 June, 7.00pm - 9.15pm Music Award Holders Concert Thursday 25 June, 1.00pm - 1.30pm

World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day is a global event uniting the world’s population in the fight against cancer. It aims to save preventable deaths by raising awareness and education about the disease. World Cancer Day was held on Wednesday 4 February this year. The 2015 campaign focussed around four main areas: Healthy Life Choices, Early Detection, Treatment for All and Quality of Life.

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The Arts Forthcoming Drama Events

GCSE Drama Performance Exam Wednesday 6 May 2015 at 7.00pm in The Shed. Booking is not necessary but strictly no admittance after 7.00pm. Metamorphosis When Gregor Samsa awakes one morning to discover he has turned into a beetle, he and his family have to battle to survive in a world that seems to have turned against them. The Pillowman A young writer of fiction has been arrested and is being interrogated by two policeman. Although he believes himself to be innocent, his stories have implicated him in a crime that is beyond belief. The Birthday Party Washed up, depressed and the only remaining guest in the run-down boarding house; things are not looking good for Stanley Webber but things are about to get a whole lot worse when two mysterious visitors decide to throw him a birthday party.

Second Form Physical Theatre

The entire Second Form took part in a presentation of Physical Theatre, demonstrating their skills in teamwork, anthropomorphism and Artaud’s ‘Grotesque’ style. Four exciting stories were performed transporting the audience into different worlds infused with imaginative magical realism. This performance was immensely enjoyable and showcased the very best of Physical Theatre skills. We look with anticipation towards this exceptionally talented and professional year’s performance in the Summer Term.

AS Drama Performance Exam Thursday 7 May 2015 at 7.00pm in The Shed. Booking is not necessary but strictly no admittance after 7.00pm. Waiting for Godot Two long-term prisoners are waiting for Godot but they cannot remember why. Although the arrival of another strange inmate and his imaginary servant breaks the monotony of their day, it brings about a violent and disturbing change to their never-ending routine.

Production Crew List Live Music Provided By

Mr J Hughes Dr E Thackrey Miss R Mitchell Daniel Pye Thomas Christensen Jamie Langford Wilf Cartwright Costume and Props Mrs L Mace Miss A Williams Lighting Mr A Bale (Oxford Playhouse) Mr N Byng Hayden Camidge Sound Mr T Walwyn Elliott Swancott Stage Crew Alex Jobling Matthew Roche Max Swancott James Shaw Tom Whittenbury Edward Owens Set Design Mrs L Mace Miss A Williams Mr J Timms Mr G Lawson Make-Up Artists Mrs L Mace Miss A Williams Mrs J Curry Mrs H Hammond Miss L Oliff Alice Burns Marion Bird

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Inter-House Drama

The annual Inter-House Drama competition on Friday 13 February was another closely fought affair with Houses competing in two categories – monologue and ensemble. The ensemble presentations were original creations devised by the pupils themselves based on the stimulus Superheroes and Villains. The judges this year were Lucy Askew and Charlie Morley from Creation Theatre, actor Henry Douthwaite and actor, singer/ songwriter Toby Pugh (OC 2010, Harcourt). Mr Farrow was the compere for the afternoon and there was entertainment from Mr Mullin and The Cokethorpe Jazz Band, Eilish Malliagh (Lower Sixth, Feilden) and Thomas Christensen (Lower Sixth, Swift). Queen Anne walked away with the Overall House Winners Cup and the Outstanding Contribution Cup was awarded to scriptwriter Sebastian Fisher (Upper Sixth, Feilden).

Memories

Upper Sixth Drama and Theatre Studies students presented their devised production on ‘Memories’ in The Shed on Monday 2 March. This was a fascinating study of dementia which followed the heart-breaking story of war journalist Grace Sherman whose life was cut short due to early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The small ensemble comprising of Thomas Amor (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne), Aimee Epelle (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) and Kathryn Norris (Upper Sixth, Vanbrugh) created and presented a very mature and sensitive response to their stimulus using non-naturalistic and stylised theatrical techniques. The audience were both moved and enlightened by the performance which highlighted the cruelty of the disease and its impact on the sufferers, their families and society.

The Arts The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe ‘This year’s Lent Term Production was a musical adaptation of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Performed in The Shed by a cast of 61 Cokethorpe pupils, it was definitely a night of good fun. This epic novel revolves around the adventures of four evacuee children who discover Narnia, a magical world inside a wardrobe. Entering Narnia, they join forces with many mystical beings and stand up to the oppressive regime of the White Witch who has frozen the land with her enchantments.

The Drama Department paid homage to the exciting plot with some excellent performances from pupils ranging from the First Form to the Upper Sixth. Although I thoroughly enjoyed all of the performance, there were some scenes that really stood out for me. The play built up tension to when a certain lion is killed (sorry for the spoiler!) I was on the edge of my seat as the scene came to its climax with people screaming and lights strobing as the knife went in. Then silence. A beautifully directed scene followed with superb choreography from the pixies; they breezed across the stage as one force and acted as wonderful background dancers throughout the whole play. Fredi Traish (Third Form, Swift) brought an air of humour to the drama as Edmund. A mention should also go to Ella Dalton (Second Form, Swift) who threw everything she had into a very convincing and complex performance as Lucy. Having seen many Cokethorpe plays over my six years of being at the School I have witnessed Mrs Mace create the most amazing costumes and have always admired how they have been complemented and supported by the extravagant set designs created by the Art and Maintenance Departments. The costumes and makeup were the best that I have ever seen; from the truly beautiful yet ice cold scary White Witches, to the skilfully designed mane upon Aslan’s (Harry Lovibond, Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) head. The play’s wonderful and intricately designed set enabled it to be manipulated into many different scenes. The lighting and sound team worked in tandem to create striking visual effects, and not enough praise can be given to the Cokethorpe band who played some amazing music throughout the play. This Lent Term has seen a musical event that will not be forgotten for a long time; it has really set the bar high for next year and for the Summer Shakespeare next term. I would like to thank everyone who participated in the play, and to the staff that gave up countless lunch breaks and Saturdays to get everything to the high standard that we enjoyed, and also to say thank you to the hundreds of people who packed out The Shed over the three days the play ran.’ Laurence Lodge (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)

Production Cast List

Peter Ardan Devine Susan Anna De Buriatte Moglia Edmund Fredi Traish Lucy Ella Dalton Professor Kirke James Bennett Mrs Macready Kathryn Norris White Witches Millie Evans Heidi Lawson Maugrim Aimee Epelle Wolves Ed Charter Sam Topley Charlie Summerley Dark Dwarves Alex Cooper James Davis Hags Marion Bird Tara Devine Incubi Louisa Mattinson Ella Mattinson Salamander Sofia Ward-Naranjo Ruby Plumridge Bat Frankie Brown Sprites Chloe Barlow Georgie Vallance Raven Louisa Flaherty Snake Libby Flaherty Ogre Grace Ettinger Minotaur Jack Harding Aslan Harry Lovibond Mr Tumnus Harvey Bell Mr Beaver George Kinniburgh Mrs Beaver Clare Berry Father Christmas Tom Amor Badger Megan Cambrey Unicorn Rachel Dodimead Fox Amy Didcock Phoenix Anna Wallace Deer Sasha Palfreyman Griffin Jorin Plummer Leopards Chisengo Lukama Dove Annabel Page Mouse Elen Moore Naiads And Dryads Beth Mulloy May Manning Scarlett Howard Izzy Ponsford Hannah Berry Mia Biles Ellie Mcbride Grace Bartle Lottie Fellows Michaela Logue Jennifer Hodges Charlotte Jeffs Sophie Wheeler Millie Henstone Abbey Malin Claudia Townson Adela Wilson

Macbeth Theatre Trip

It was an interesting evening if nothing else for the Sixth Form Drama students when they visited the Oxford Playhouse to see Filter’s production of Macbeth. There were mixed reactions from the audience to the minimalist, modern re-working of this classic tragedy. Filter’s trademark experimental sound played the leading role, whilst the actors told the tale of greed and ambition in what was more of a radio play than a theatrical production. This gave the students plenty of food for thought and provided them with rich pickings for the Lower Sixth theatre reviews and the Upper Sixth theatre text in context examination.

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Sixth Form Higher Education and Careers Fair

The Higher Education and Careers Fair was held on Tuesday 21 April and as always forms an important part of what is offered in the Sixth Form. This was an exciting opportunity for Sixth Form Students, as well as for pupils in the Fourth and Fifth Forms, to explore a range of educational and career pathways available after leaving school.

Sixth Form Taster Day

On Thursday 5 February the whole of the Fifth Form took part in the Sixth Form Taster Day. Pupils had already been giving a lot of thought to the subjects that they would like to study at A Level and this was an opportunity to sample a variety of lessons as well as experiencing wider Sixth Form life. Whilst the Sixth Form Common Room and Cuppa were obvious draws, it was great to hear so many positive and constructive conversations about the options that are available after GCSEs.

Those in attendance listened to some interesting talks as well as having the opportunity to explore the fair and speak to representatives from a number of local and national employers, professional bodies, Colleges and Universities in an open forum. In total there were over 40 stands. Educational Institutions included: Brunel University Cardiff University Exeter University Frontier – Gap Year Maastricht University Oxford and Cambridge Summer School Oxford Media and Business School RateMyApprenticeship Royal Agricultural University Royal Holloway University, London The Oxford School of Drama University of Birmingham University of Bristol University of Oxford University of Sheffield Employers and Professions included: Army Bouygues UK Bower and Bailey Solicitors CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Charles Stanley Investment Management Deloitte LLP Heythrop Park Resort IBM Jaguar Land Rover Apprenticeships JT Interiors Knight Frank LLP New Technology CADCAM Limited Nicholsons Nurseries Limited Occupational Therapy and Nursing Rolls Royce Aerospace Royal Air Force Careers Royal Bank of Scotland Royal Navy and Royal Marines Siemens Magnet Technology STL Communications Thames Valley Police Value Retail (Bicester Village) White Horse Contractors

The Sixth Form Summer Ball

Tickets went on sale in March for the annual Sixth Form Summer Ball. Taking place on the last day of the school year, and after Prize Giving the event normally attracts around 180 students and staff for dinner, dancing and fireworks. For Upper Sixth students in particular this promises to be an emotional event.

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Destination Dinner

‘On Tuesday 10 March, students from the Lower Sixth were invited to attend a Destination Dinner. The event began with an account from Mr Farrow about his gap year, which was dramatic enough to be developed into a film. The rest of the evening involved a delicious meal preceded by speeches from four Old Cokethorpeans. Each discussed their A Level subjects, the course that they took at university and how it has led them into employment. It was interesting to hear about a range of choices, from journalism to medicine; allowing for involvement of everybody attending. There was certainly some useful advice for maximising our potential for entry to university, work experience was identified as invaluable by all of the speakers. Overall, it was an informative and interesting evening that everybody enjoyed.’ Heidi Lawson (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne)

WIT Yoga Session

As part of the Upper Sixth WIT Programme (Wellbeing and Integrity Toolkit), students took part in an introduction to Yoga session, taken by Mrs Holmes. The introduction was designed to provide students with a fresh approach to exercise, a vital component of stress relief during exam periods.

Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

The Gold DofE groups headed to Dartmoor on Friday 6 March to undertake their training. The group had a full day of campcraft and navigation on Saturday and even went out during the darkness to learn the importance of taking bearings and counting pacings. On Sunday the groups planned and walked a mini route and got experience of the changing climate of Dartmoor. They were confronted with sun, rain and fog in the space of four hours. However the weekend was a great success, and their trainers were very impressed with the organisation and application of the Cokethorpe students.

Sixth Form Enlightenment Lectures Social Life as it Happens ‘The Sixth Form were lucky enough to receive a lecture from Professor Elizabeth Stokoe of Loughborough University, on her subject of expertise, psycholinguistics, and more specifically, conversation analysis. Though we all take part in several conversations in an average day, we rarely take the time to really consider what it is we’re saying and how we are saying it. It was extremely interesting to see the true complexity of a medium of communication that we all use and perhaps take for granted. I am sure that in the future we will all be minding our own words more carefully.’ Aidan King (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne) ‘It was a pleasure to visit Cokethorpe and meet such keenly engaged and articulate students. What a fantastic environment for gaining an understanding of how research works in the real world - I sensed that there were budding linguistics and conversation analysts in the room!’ Elizabeth Stokoe, Professor of Social Interaction Why Should I...Bother with Music? ‘On Tuesday 10 February, the Sixth Form were fortunate enough to welcome back Ben Heaney as he gave an Enlightenment Lecture on Why should I...bother with music? Why it needs you, and why you actually need it. During the lecture Ben presented us with clips of different experimental music informing us as to how the music had made political statements and even caused murders. Ben also talked about his experiences meeting world renowned artists, performing, and further developing his increasing passion for the electric violin.’ Oliver Parker (Upper Sixth, Feilden) ‘Thank you for allowing me to give the Enlightenment Lecture, it really was quite a challenging talk to prepare for! The planning took me deep in to the question of why I bother with music, but not before I confronted reasons why maybe I might not. It was wonderful to see so many students, I found their attentiveness throughout exemplary and even when presented with some of the most difficult aspects of music, they embraced the topic maturely and with open-minds. The Enlightenment Lectures really are a fabulous opportunity for students, I really do feel very honoured to be included in your growing and inspiring list of Lecturers.’ Ben Heaney, Violinist, Vocalist and Composer So, How Should I Sleep? ‘Professor Foster came to Cokethorpe to give an Enlightenment Lecture to the Lower Sixth about the topic of sleep. As a biologist, he talked us through the science of one of our favourite activities, stating that a staggering 36% of our lives are spent in the subconscious. In addition to this, we were shown the result of an MRI scan that recorded the learning capability of someone who had enough sleep against another who was sleep deprived. This was an excellently delivered, entertaining and deeply relevant talk to students like myself facing exams soon.’ Heidi Lawson (Lower Sixth, Gascoigne) ‘I was delighted to be invited to speak to the Sixth Form at Cokethorpe, and I was not disappointed by my experience! During my presentation I was struck by how attentive the students were and of the quality of the questions both after the formal presentation and subsequently during our more relaxed discussions. My only regret was that I had not allowed more time to chat about the research! I also learnt more about the terrific programme of Enlightenment Lectures, something the School can be genuinely proud to have established. I was honoured to be a contributor.’ Professor Russell Foster, Director, Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute

Forthcoming Enlightenment Lectures Current Enlightenment Lectures for 2015-2016 include:

Tuesday 22 September 2015 Caroline Wilkinson, Dundee University Resurrecting the Dead: How We Can Read the Face of the Past Tuesday 6 October 2015 Colonel Tom Collins Is it Better to be Feared than Loved? Applying the lessons from Basra to Belfast to everyday life Tuesday 10 November 2015 Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty Liberty or Luxury? Tuesday 2 February 2016 Dr Ian O’Sullivan, Deputy Director for the Office of National Statistics The World’s Movers and Shakers are... You: Curious Things about UK Youth Tuesday 1 March 2016 Trudy Lang, Oxford University Ebola - A Minor Killer Amongst Diseases Tuesday 8 March 2016 Jeremy Thomas, BBC Ex-Producer, Broadcaster and Author How to Stay Sane in an Insane World Please note these are provisional and may be subject to change.

Lower Sixth University Visit

‘On Thursday 5 February, the Lower Sixth travelled to Birmingham University to gain an insight into what life is like on a university campus, and also to further our understanding of the UCAS application process. During our tour around the campus, we were able to interact with current students studying at the university, who enlightened us as to not only what Birmingham University is like, but also what university life is like as a whole. I found the experience particularly helpful in realising the range of options available, including spending a year studying abroad as part of a main degree course.’ Millie Evans (Lower Sixth, Vanbrugh)

University Places

The Lent Term has seen university offers for the Upper Sixth coming in thick and fast. Over the past few years record numbers of Cokethorpe students have secured places at Russell Group universities and this trend looks set to continue this year. Whilst competition across the board appears to be as fierce as ever, the last couple of application sessions have seen the return of unconditional offers as institutions look to do their utmost to attract high calibre students. Birmingham University started the ball rolling in this area but others have been quick to follow.

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Junior School Arts Week Schedule

Monday 9 March 2015 Ali Sparkes Author Visit The Shed Junior Orchestra Dining Hall Balcony Tuesday 10 March 2015 Junior Band Open Workshop Music Room Woodwind and Singing Concert Corinthian Room Wednesday 11 March 2015 Year 6 Poetry Performance Corinthian Room String Concert Corinthian Room Evening of the Arts Entrance Hall, Corinthian Room and The Shed Thursday 12 March 2015 Poetry Slam Corinthian Room Samba Band Open Workshop Music Room Lower Junior Singing Competition Corinthian Room Friday 13 March 2015 Book Character Parade Entrance Hall Senior Jazz Band Dining Hall Balcony

Evening of the Arts Junior Samba Band Drums (For You

Emily Mumford Neil Dhorajiwala)

Solo Thomas Orton (The Lord is my Shepherd Psalm 23, Howard Goodall) Junior Orchestra (Cokethorpe Blues When the Saints Go Marching In Traditional, arr. Dr Thackrey) Ballet (Happiness)

Szofia Homoki

3JD Poetry (All Giants

Findlay Knox Erik Finney)

3KP Poetry (Boneyard Rap

Tegan Buckingham Wes Magee)

Flute (The Liuyang River

Ella Shaw Traditional Chinese)

4KF Poetry (Excuses, Excuses

Reece Waltho Gareth Owen)

4MM Poetry (Please Mrs Butler

Dee Biles Allen Ahlberg)

Modern Dance Footloose Modern Dance

Uptown Funk

5BG Poetry (The Jabberwocky

Jamie Wehrle Lewis Carroll)

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Arts Week

The Cokethorpe Junior School annual Arts Week was a huge success with children, staff and parents all enjoying a celebration of the art, music, poetry and dance talents of children across the whole School. The week not only showcased exceptional work and performances, it also provided plenty of opportunities for the children to try new activities and to find new ways to express their creativity. The Junior Orchestra accompanied the Junior School during lunch on Monday 9 March. Two pieces were performed with great exuberance from the Dining Hall Balcony; Cokethorpe Blues and When the Saints Go Marching In. The first of the week’s concerts performed in the Corinthian Room took place on Tuesday 10 March to a highly receptive audience of pupils from Years 3-6 and many parents of the performers. The concert was a combination of solo singers and woodwind and, for some, it was their first experience of performing in a formal concert setting. Violinists from Years 3, 4 and 5 presented a string concert on Wednesday 11 March. Children played in pairs displaying great confidence. The Junior Band and Samba Band ran open workshops to introduce new instruments and styles of music to other children in the School. One of the most popular Music events was the Lower Junior Choir singing competition. This was held on Thursday 12 March for pupils from Reception Class to Year 3. This year, over twenty singers entertained the audience and Mrs Lord, with her group of Year 6 assistants, had some very difficult judging decisions to make. The standard was high and all performers sang their songs from memory. The highlight of the week was the Evening of the Arts which saw a spectacular finale presentation to parents.

The Tree of Life

Inspired by the artist Gustav Klimt's painting, The Tree of Life, each child produced a creature that was then arranged around a gold papier-mâché tree. The wonderfully colourful installation was positioned in the entrance hall of the Mansion and parents were encouraged to produce a mini art creation of their own by colouring in a leaf luggage label and then hanging it on the tree. Each year group concentrated on a different area. For example, Year 6 produced wood and metal fish made in their Design and Technology lessons, Year 5 produced wire and papier-mâché tropical birds, Year 4 produced wet felt and wire and tissue paper flowers, Year 3 produced printed and clay owls, Year 2 made papier-mâché chameleons, Year 1 painted stones to look like ladybirds and the Reception Class made 3D models of The Hungry Caterpillar.

Junior School Book Character Day

As the Arts Week drew to a close the best was arguably saved until last as everyone in the Junior School came to School dressed as their favourite literary character for Book Character Day. Every class paraded through the Mansion in front of a crowd of excited parents to display their fantastic array of costumes. There was a Minion, Indiana Jones, Fantastic Mr Fox and a Cat in the Hat, to name but a few! Junior School staff were just as enthusiastic with their costumes. The children found themselves being taught by the Very Hungry Caterpillar, Dr Seuss and Mr Toad, plus many more!

Evening of the Arts Cont. 5NM Poetry Madeleine Abbs-Woodd (The Joy of Socks Wendy Cope) Junior Band (Living on the Sun David Guetta, adapted by Thomas Orton) Saxophone Matilda Hurford-Jones (Everything that Lives Laments Keith Jarrett) Piano Theresa Goette (The Tempest N.Faber) Year 5 Song (The Skye Boat Song Traditional Scottish) 6MO Performance Poetry (The Walrus and the Carpenter Lewis Carroll) 4MM French Poetry (Les Pots de Couleur) 4KF French Poetry (Nos Animaux) 4KF French Play (L’Histoirede Monstre)

The Enormous Turnip

Tenor Horn (Serenade

Year 1 used the story of The Enormous Turnip as inspiration for a range of work that led up to a performance of the play to the Junior School and to the Year 1 parents. The children discovered many interesting turnip facts such as the first Jack-o-Lanterns were carved from turnips. They cooked and tasted turnips and even painted an enormous turnip, thanks to Mr and Mrs Hunt. The whole class worked very hard learning lines and songs ready for the big show. They displayed an impressive level of skill, concentration and determination all week. When it came to the performance, the children spoke, sang and acted with amazing confidence and enthusiasm, whilst clearly enjoying themselves.

Theresa Goette Carol Barrett)

Chamber Choir (Starlight Express Richard Stillgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber On Top of the World Alexander Grant, Benjamin Mckee, Daniel Reynolds, Daniel Sermon)

Author ‘Sparkes’ Passion for Reading

The first event of Junior School Arts Week was a visit from the popular children’s author Ali Sparkes. Ali, who began her writing career as a journalist and comedy script writer, proved to be a highly entertaining speaker. Cokethorpe pupils and visitors from Chandlings and Woodstock Primary School enjoyed hearing how Ali’s writing career had begun when, as a child, she had fallen in love with reading The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. Encouraging the children to persevere even after setbacks, Ali explained how she collected ideas and developed characters. She has now had over 30 books published, winning the Blue Peter Book Award with Frozen In Time. Highlights of the morning were Ali Sparkes’s Whirly-Whirly taking the children back in time and her amusing description of computer games! After a book signing session, Year 6 Cokethorpe pupils were then lucky enough to take part in a writing workshop with Ali. They thoroughly enjoyed working in groups to produce their own story titles, blurbs and first pages. An inspirational day!

6HL Poetry (If (Funeral Blues

Thomas Riman Rudyard Kipling) Jenny Allen W H Auden)

Solo (A Time for Us

Ella-Mae Leach Nino Rota)

6MO Poetry (Daffodils (The Crocodile

Matilda Hurford-Jones William Wordsworth) Thomas Orton Roald Dahl)

Finale (I’m Still Singing Gitika Partlington and Andrew McCorie-Shand)

Music Examination Results Congratulations to Jonathan Peach (Year 6, Symonds) for passing his Grade 3 Guitar. Congratulations also go to Ella-Mae Leach (Year 5, Baker) for passing her Grade 2 Singing exam with Distinction.

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Junior School Year 6 Visit to Sewage Treatment Works

Victorian Museum Trip

As part of the History topic this term on the lives of Victorian children, Year 6 visited the Woodstock Museum. They spent the morning going back in time to experience what life was like for children at school during the 1860s. They were made to line up in silence with their hands out in front of them to check for any dirt. Very dirty hands on a daily basis could be punished with a stroke of the cane! The Year 6 children soon found that learning was not as fun then as it is today; everything was drilled into them in a repetitive manner. Any mistakes were severely punished and a couple of Year 6 pupils soon found out what a dunce cap was!

National Reading Week

The Junior School celebrated National Reading Week in February. The children in Year 3 wrote a fantastic selection of their own stories including tales about friendship, dragons and rugby players. To go alongside the stories they also made puppets of the characters described in their work. After practising reading their stories to the class the children performed them and presented their puppets in the Friday Assembly.

Reception Class Bake Off

The Reception Class have been busy in the Junior School kitchen this term and recently took on a classic recipe in the shape of gingerbread men. The children beautifully rolled out and cut the dough themselves to produce some very tasty gingerbread men that they took home to share with their families. Although the outcome was not quite an intricate, multi-layered Bake Off style Show Stopper, there was not a single soggy bottom in sight!

On Wednesday 14 January Year 6 visited Didcot Sewage Treatment Works. Before a tour around the working environment the children were given an introduction to the site and a safety talk. Everyone put on wellies, a hard hat and a high visibility vest and then followed a designated safe route around the site stopping at various viewing areas and discussing what was happening at each point. It was a very informative experience for the children who learnt how they could make a difference in school and at home.

Year 4 Visit to The Corinium Museum

On Wednesday 4 March, the children in Year 4 enjoyed an exciting visit to The Corinium Museum in Cirencester. This visit supports the History Curriculum in Year 4 and enhances the children’s understanding of Life in Roman Britain. The children were able to handle real Roman artefacts such as samples of pottery and tesserae. They had the experience of dressing up in Roman style clothes and examined beautiful items of Roman jewellery. Whilst touring the museum, they were able to view some excellent examples of Roman mosaic floors and a model of a hypocaust system.

Year 4 Skull Study

For a week in March the Junior School spent time looking at animal and human skulls. It was linked to Year 4’s Science topic this term, Teeth and Eating. The Year 4 children explain more. ‘During the week each Year group have had the opportunity to come and explore and handle the skulls. I think that everyone has really enjoyed it; I know I have!’ Olivia Freeston (Year 4, Symonds) ‘The biggest skull was the pig, but the sheep skull was almost as big. The smallest skull of all was the quail, which was tiny!’ Sebastian Wall (Year 4, Baker)

Inter-House Football

In a well fought competition Lockwood and Gwyn were the teams that were on form and both made their way easily into the final. The final was well contested but Lockwood showed their strength and skill to beat Gwyn 4-0. Results: 1st: Lockwood 2nd: Gwyn 3rd: Symonds Baker 4th:

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‘We have been looking at different types of teeth in the skulls and trying to work out whether the animal is a carnivore, herbivore or omnivore.’ Charlie Kerton (Year 4, Lockwood) ‘My favourite skull was the puma. It has been a wonderful experience and really interesting learning about all the different skulls.’ Lewie Camidge (Year 4, Baker) ‘In Art this week we had the opportunity to sketch the skulls. It was pretty hard, but in the end I think everyone was pleased with the results. I had a go at sketching the rabbit skull.’ Dee Biles (Year 4, Baker)

Junior School Living Eggs Programme

Lent Term Prize Winners

The delivery was part of the Living Eggs Programme and children across the whole School took part in educational activities that were centred on the eggs and the science of the life cycle.

National Sing Up Day

0RT 01CB 02LO 03JD 03KP 04KF 04MM 05BG 05NM 06HL 06MO

Easter came early with the delivery of ten chicken eggs only days away from hatching. The children could barely contain their excitement as they monitored the progress of the eggs and after just 24 hours witnessed the first chick emerge from its shell.

Isabelle Sales Finlay Barnas Edward Allen Genevieve Lembke Eddie Hawes Sebastian Wall Mikail Hamid Jamie Wehrle Harrison Furlong Thomas Riman Jake Crozier

In celebration of National Sing Up Day on Wednesday 18 March, the whole of the Junior School from Reception Class all the way through to Year 6 gathered in the acoustic setting of the Corinthian Room. It was a very special occasion with many other schools across the Country taking part. I’m Still Singing was the song of choice and what a wonderful rendition our Junior School gave. Please visit the website to watch the performance.

The children in Year 4 learnt about the maths behind code ‘cracking’. Using simple mathematical operations they solved alpha-numeric codes to reveal secret messages and facts about the chicks. Year 4 also made beautiful Easter baskets for their Design and Technology project in which the chicks soon made themselves at home. In Science the Year 5 children took an in-depth look at the life cycle of a chicken from the development within the egg to life as an adult.

Top Tweets

In preparation for Easter Year 6 children have been making tulips in their Design and Technology lessons 19 March 2015

The two week visit provided a wonderful and practical learning experience and was also a great opportunity for the children to take responsibility for the care and wellbeing of the chicks, as well as having plenty of time for handling and petting their new friends.

Year 4 have been getting their hands dirty making models of the human digestive system 18 March 2015

Year 2 Ice Experiments

Year 2 made the most of the cold weather early in the term and conducted a series of Science experiments using ice. They used different materials to see how quickly they each melted the ice. These materials consisted of sand, salt and hot water. The children who were given sand as their material soon began to realise that it was not helping to melt their ice very quickly. However the children that had hot water on their ice said it disappeared straight away. They continued the investigations by examining which materials helped stop their ‘ice trolls’ from melting including fur, bubble wrap and newspaper.

It’s a Bug’s Life

On Monday 19 January the Junior School had a visit from a new friend from down under! Lizzie O’Driscoll joined class 4MM for a week and was made to feel very welcome. Lizzie lives on the Gold Coast in Australia and is learning Mandarin at school. As a thank you to the staff and children, Lizzie presented the Junior School with an Insect Hotel. It will be positioned in the natural area of the adventure playground so that the children can enjoy watching the insects using their new home. Email addresses have been swapped and we now look forward to having a contact in Australia.

Year 6 children couldn’t quite believe the volume of air that lungs can hold! 12 February 2015 Junior School children have been busy in K’Nex Club building some impressive structures #KNEX 11 February 2015 Check out our Year 3 children learning the #Haka 9 February 2015 Year 6 are busy with their Latin translations #amoamasamat 6 February 2015 What an eggciting time in the Junior School with the arrival of the chick eggs! 4 February 2015 What could be better than learning about the Vikings and making a Viking longship out of Lego? 3 February 2015 Visit the Parent Portal on the website under the Information tab for a ‘How to’ guide about Twitter so that you do not miss out on all of our future top tweets! It explains how to set up an account, view a tweet, answers frequently asked questions as well as giving a glossary of terms.

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Junior School Inter-School Cross Country

The Cokethorpe Junior School Cross Country Squad took part in an Inter-Schools competition at Chandlings on Monday 9 February. There were 22 schools competing with over 600 competitors across four age groups. Congratulations to all of our runners, and a special mention to Ben Orton (Year 5, Lockwood) who achieved fourth place in his U10 race and Jossy Brown (Year 6, Symonds) who also had the same result in the U11 race. All races had approximately 100 competitors so a fantastic achievement for both. Jossy’s run helped the U11 Girls’ team of Hester Beer (Year 6, Lockwood), Isabella Smith (Year 6, Symonds) and Edith Wannell (Year 6, Gwyn) achieve a third overall in their age group.

Junior School Link-Up Walk

Mrs Cook started the walk and everyone set off with smiles and cheer. The Cross Country Club saw this as an excellent training opportunity and headed to the front of the pack to run the course. All of the children from the Reception Class up to Year 6 embraced the challenge. It was great fun and everyone joined in with the spirit of the occasion, wearing their colourful hats and clutching their sticker cards! The route followed a circuit of three kilometres, with each child collecting a sticker at the half-kilometre checkpoints. 1760 stickers were awarded and a total of 880km was covered, this is the equivalent distance of walking from Witney to Frankfurt! This surpassed last year’s total of 753km. Thank you to all walkers, their sponsors and to the staff that helped with the checkpoints. This year the money raised will be presented to Volunteer Link-Up. The core work of the charity is that of a Good Neighbour Scheme, where volunteers support vulnerable elderly and disabled people to enable them to live independently. This involves help such as providing transport, befriending isolated people and doing small jobs such as mowing their lawn; as well as simple things like changing lightbulbs or smoke detector batteries. The children have learnt about this charity in their Friday assemblies.

IAPS Swimming Gala

On Friday 27 February a Year 6 team consisting of Zoë Smith (Year 6, Baker), Lizzy Braithwaite (Year 6, Gwyn) and Issy Stagg (Year 6, Lockwood) entered the IAPS National Swimming Gala at The Dragon School Oxford. They competed in the U11 age category and faced extremely stiff competition from over 200 other competitors. Zoë swam the 25m Butterfly, Issy swam the 50m Freestyle and Lizzie swam the 50m Breaststroke. Lizzie did a very good dive from the block for the first time. Issy did a great sprint and came very high up in the race. Zoë swam extremely well to win her heat and is awaiting confirmation of whether she has made it to the National Finals later in the year. All of the girls represented the School in an exemplary manner and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

U11 Football Report

Unfortunately the weather played its part this term and only three fixtures survived, resulting in three victories for the team. The team is made up of some very skilful players, which augurs well for the future. Tom Riman (Year 6, Lockwood) and Tom Orton (Year 6, Gwyn) performed consistently well as always and Ben Skey (Year 6, Symonds) has proved to be a very welcome addition to the team. Several Year 5 boys have already made their mark in the team and we look forward to seeing Ben Orton (Year 5, Lockwood) and Harry Furlong (Year 5, Symonds) improve even more next year.

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Inter-House Netball

The Junior School Inter-House netball took place on Thursday 19 March. The House captains relished the challenge of organising their teams in line with the rules. Each team had to have one Year 3, two Year 4, three Year 5 and two Year 6 players on court during each match. The games were split into four quarters of eight minutes giving plenty of opportunity for everyone to play. The standard of netball was impressive and the older girls should be congratulated on their strong leadership skills by incorporating all the ages and skill levels. It was an excellent tournament resulting in Gwyn being crowned the overall winners. They dominated the competition winning all of their games.

IAPS Swimming Success

Zoë Smith (Year 6, Baker) recently competed in the IAPS Swimming Championships in Cardiff. Not only was it a fantastic experience but Zoë swam to success collecting five medals in total! She received a Gold medal in the 50m Butterfly, a Silver medal for 200m Individual Medley and 200m Butterfly and two Bronze medals in 100m and 50m Freestyle. Zoë brought in her medals to show the rest of the Junior School and could barely fit all the medals around her neck! What an incredible achievement and we will be sure to look out for her in future swimming events.

Sport Bedfordia Cross Country Championships

First and Second Form pupils travelled to Bedford on Tuesday 13 January to compete in the Bedfordia Cross Country Championships. This is a challenging course and the treacherous conditions made it even more difficult for all runners competing. The First Form Girls team were first to take their positions at the starting line and out of 22 schools competing in that race they finished 10th overall. First Form Boys were up next, and after watching the girls put in a strong performance they were raring to go. Harvey Bell (First Form, Vanbrugh) set the pace of the pack that led for the first half of the race and finished 2nd out of over 200 runners, a fantastic achievement.

Netball Report

‘So we come to the end of yet another cold and wet netball term! Despite the elements that the girls had to fight against in both training and matches there was some great netball produced across the year groups. During the term the Cokethorpe netball team have done the School proud with their etiquette both on and off the court and demonstrated some excellent netball along the way.

Football Report

The term was then concluded as always with the fun and much anticipated Inter-House Netball competition with the overall winners, Harcourt, totting up an impressive 46 points total, dominating the Senior School matches, 2nd place went to Vanbrugh with 32 points and 3rd to Swift just 1 behind on 31 points. A good time was had by all!’ Mrs B Brookes

All teams enjoyed winning seasons this term, but none more so than the 2nd XI. Mr Hayne’s team went into the final match of the season with a fighting chance of winning the Thames Valley League. Although results did not go their way, they had a fantastic season nonetheless. The season for the 1st XI started very brightly, with a young and talented squad. However, due to a number of injuries, and a progressively harder fixture list, the season ended with sobering defeats. In the younger age groups, The U15 team enjoyed a good season under the excellent coaching of Mr Capel and Mr Joiner. This bodes well for next season when a number of these players will be pushing for places in the 1st and 2nd XI squads. The U14s played well at times, but also were out muscled on other occasions and must maintain focus for longer periods, if they are to become a good side. The U13 and U12 sides had mixed seasons, winning and losing in equal number. Nearly all of these defeats were close matches, losing by the odd goal, so once again there are definitely encouraging signs for the future. Throughout the football term, the style in which Cokethorpe pupils play the game always impressed. On many occasions opposition coaches comment on our boys’ technical ability, and even more importantly, their conduct and manner on the pitch.

Bedfordia Cross Country Team First Form Girls Team: Mae Topley Katherine Kent Emilia Richards Imogen Brown Amelia Leslie Olivia Stacey Kitty Miller First Form Boys: Harvey Bell Cameron MacDonald Sam Hunt Matthew Bell Isaac Brown Tom Skey Sam Carter Second Form Girls: Sasha Palfreyman Frankie Brown Neve Macken Second Form Boys: Ben Wannell Charlie Clarke Athis Knox

Netball Players of the Season

Coaches Players of Season U12s Izzy Carnell U13s Georgie Kent U14s Chloé Barlow U15s Charlotte Bury U16s Freya Rowe Seniors: To Be Announced at the Sports Presentation Evening Most Improved Players U12s Marijke Barnes U13s Claudia Townson U14s Georgina Bibby U15s Harriet Steele U16s Lizzie Allen Seniors: To Be Announced at the Sports Presentation Evening

Will Routledge

Congratulations to 1st XV Rugby Captain Will Routledge (Lower Sixth, Queen Anne) for being selected for The U18s Lambs Squad. This is the Independent Schools National Rugby Squad. Congratulations to Will on this fantastic achievement.

Ellie McBride and James Bennett

Congratulations to Ellie (Fifth Form, Gascoigne) and James (Lower Sixth, Swift) who won the Waterside Series Trophy in Kayaking for being the Fastest Junior Mixed Crew.

Alastair Grimes

Congratulations to Alastair Grimes for his selection to play in the Wasps U16 Academy. He played his first match for them against Leicester Tigers in December. Wasps have recently moved to a new ground in Coventry at the Ricoh Arena. Best of luck to Alastair in his upcoming fixtures.

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Sport Inter-House Netball Results

Girls v Boys Hockey Match

Inter-House Football Results

The boys were quick off the mark, taking advantage of winning first push back by gaining an early lead within the first five minutes of play. The girls did not make it easy, closing down play early and making some crucial tackles. The girls were taken by surprise with the speed and power the boys displayed and were unable to hold them back, with the boys scoring a further two goals before half time.

Monday 23 March saw a highly competitive battle of the sexes hockey match with the 1st XI Boys taking on the 1st XI Girls. It was the talk of the School with pupils divided on who they thought were going to be crowned the winners.

1st: Harcourt 2nd: Vanbrugh 3rd: Swift 4th: Gascoigne 5th: Feilden 6th: Queen Anne

1st: Gascoigne Joint 2nd: Queen Anne and Swift 4th: Vanbrugh Joint 5th: Feilden and Harcourt

Devizes to Westminster Results

There were 80 crews participating this year, with 160 people representing thirteen schools and eight canoe clubs in the junior doubles class. However only 78 crews finished the race. Aidan King and Mia Biles finished in 48th place in a time of 23:55:53. Jason Wong and Christopher Singleton finished in 32nd place in a time of 22:40:56. James Bennett and Ellie McBride finished in 21st place, 3rd mixed crew in a time of 21:27:11 Charles Tobin and Samuel Nicholls finished in 15th place in a time of 20:47:18

1st XV Football Results Captain: Charlie Cassettari Sir Thomas Rich’s School European School Culham Shiplake College Magdalen College Reading School Abingdon School King Alfred’s Academy City of Oxford College Burford School The Oratory School Reading Blue Coat School Forest School

W - 2-1 W - 3-1 W - 3-1 W - 4-1 W - 8-2 L - 0-2 W - 3-2 L - 0-1 W - 4-2 D - 1-1 L - 1-2 L - 0-3

1st VII Netball Results Captain: Lois Waknell

Magdalen College School St Edward’s School Kingham Hill School The Henley College Stowe School

L - 5-46 W - 13-11 W - 18-9 L - 17-22 L - 16-25

1st XI Boys Hockey Results Captain: Billy Garrett

St Edward’s School Shiplake College Rendcomb College Sir Thomas Rich’s School The King’s School Rendcomb College The King’s School Akeley Wood School

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L - 3-4 W - 4-1 W - 6-0 L - 3-5 D - 4-4 W - 4-2 L - 1-3 W - 4-1

With a bit of motivation at half time the girls came back into the second half feeling confident and made some quick breaks into the attacking half. Despite this the boys took advantage of the opportunities they had and claimed a 5-0 victory over the girls.

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race

Imagine how it would feel to set off into the darkness, already exhausted after three days and 108 miles of racing, hands blistered and bandaged, muscles aching. It is 5.00am on a frosty morning with mists swirling up from the Thames and you face a further eighteen miles of fast moving tidal river. That is what the Cokethorpe kayaking teams faced on the morning of Sunday 5 April as they approached the final day of the Devizes to Westmister Canoe Race. All four teams from Cokethorpe completed the epic journey and should be congratulated for their fantastic achievement.

Jim Hamilton Rugby Academy On Wednesday 8 April Cokethorpe hosted the first Jim Hamilton Rugby Academy. Over 80 young players from Cokethorpe and across Oxfordshire were put through their paces by Jim Hamilton, Scotland International and Saracens rugby union player, supported by Greig Laidlaw, Scotland International Captain, and Saracens Rugby Academy coaches.

The players were split into groups based on age that ranged from 10-18 years old. The groups rotated around a carefully planned set of skill based activities that covered all of the essential elements of the game. Top level coaching was provided at each station including off-loading at contact, defending and attacking a high ball, pass selection, evasive running and decision making. In addition to having fun and improving their game the children also had the opportunity to ask Jim about playing at the highest level, an aspiration many have for themselves. Jim has a very positive view on the quality of rugby in Oxfordshire: ‘The Oxford area has a huge number of kids playing rugby regularly and I have been very impressed with the level of skill and commitment they have shown today. We have definitely seen some future stars in the making.’

Sport Oxford Gun Company University Challenge The clay pigeon shooting team tackled their first competition of 2015 with both the A and B squads travelling to Aylesbury and the Oxford Gun Company’s annual University Challenge.

Superbly captained by Mathias Athwal (Upper Sixth, Swift) and Sam Biles (Fourth Form, Gascoigne), both teams shot extremely well in this difficult 100 bird competition. Stuart Barbour (Fourth Form, Harcourt) in particular scored very well for the Bs and Eddie Mordue (Upper Sixth, Queen Anne) was top gun for the A team. In a senior category against 21 university teams they excelled, smashing older and more experienced shots to place third and also won a semi-automatic shotgun in the process. One further accolade must be made for the behaviour of the Cokethorpe teams, who the judges said were calm under pressure, polite and well mannered throughout.

U13 County Hockey Tournament

U14/U16 Netball Tournaments

On Thursday 26 February the U13 Girls’ Hockey Team travelled to Bloxham School to compete in the Oxfordshire County Hockey Tournament. This competition was a qualifying round through to the South Regional Hockey Finals and the girls were in high spirits and confident that they would progress after an undefeated season. The team won all of their first three games which took them to the final against Headington with Frankie Brown (Second Form, Vanbrugh) scoring the winning goal.

In the County Tournaments this year both the U14 and U16 squads qualified to compete at the higher level in their respective age groups. The South Regional Schools Tournament then took place in January in Farnborough, Hampshire. The U14s secured two wins in their pool, and although the U16s were unable to steal a win they got very close. A special mention must go to Georgie Kent (Second Form, Harcourt) who played up an age group with the U14s and performed exceptionally well throughout.

Boys Hockey Report

The 1st XI Boys’ Hockey Team have had a strong and promising season. Despite being a young team, their hard work and determination in both training and matches has seen them walk away with some impressive wins against some strong opponents whilst also having some nail biting loses. The team have looked unstoppable in the attacking D with some incredible goals from Ben Armstrong (Upper Sixth, Feilden), Jason Cardy (Upper Sixth, Feilden), Ollie Viney (Upper Sixth, Feilden) and James Dodimead (Fifth Form, Queen Anne). New captain this year Billy Garrett (Lower Sixth, Feilden) looked strong in the middle and made some fantastic tackles. We welcomed a new keeper to the team, Michael Hook (Fifth Form, Feilden) who made some incredible saves and was a huge asset to the squad and you would never have thought that he had never of played in goal before! The boys show much promise for the future and despite the fact they will be losing some key players at the end of this academic year the younger players are going from strength to strength.

Kayaking Report

Winter Kayaking at Cokethorpe has gone ahead without pause on Wednesday games afternoons, sixteen hardy souls have been adventurous enough to go out on the Thames in flood and cold, showing considerable skill and courage.

Nine pupils have also been out training regularly on Sundays in preparation for the 2015 Devizes to Westminster race. Mia Biles (Fifth Form, Gascoigne), Aidan King (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), Arthur Alden (Fourth Form, Harcourt), Christopher Singleton (Fourth Form, Queen Anne), Jason Wong (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), Sam Nicholls (Upper Sixth, Gascoigne), Charles Tobin (Upper Sixth, Feilden), Ellie McBride (Fifth Form, Gascoigne) and James Bennett (Lower Sixth, Swift) have travelled the Thames from Lechlade to Oxford, Reading to Richmond and the Kennet and Avon Canal from Devizes to Reading. The group have taken part in four races totalling 88 miles and 110 portages.

Sports Colours Football Full Colours Charlie Cassettari Ryan Oliver Half Colours Cameron Hughes Sam Boughton Angus Haines Will Parsons Netball Full Colours Lois Waknell Half Colours Holly Cooper Shannon Dalton Hockey Full Colours Jason Cardy Ben Armstrong Half Colours Thomas Christensen Adam Roche Billy Garrett

Rugby Sevens

On Saturday 21 March a Senior Squad played in the Princethorpe School Sevens. The team played five games, winning three and qualifying for the final of the plate. The boys equipped themselves well but were beaten by King Edward’s School, Stratford in a close fought game.

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AOB and Fundraising Online Safety

As part of the WIT Programme, Second Form pupils were given a talk on the important topic of online safety when using the internet. Following the talk, they were tasked with making information leaflets which they can then give to pupils in the First Form in order that they too are educated in online safety.

Young Enterprise

Six members of The Peacock Company, a Young Enterprise company formed as part of the AOB programme, attended the Cowley Trade Fair on Saturday 31 January. This was a great opportunity to be part of a larger organisation and compete against other Young Enterprise companies. The Peacock Company specialise in producing Sweet Trees. For further information please email thepeacockcompany@cokethorpe.org

Home Clothes Day

The opportunity to forgo wearing School uniform is always popular with pupils, perhaps second only to the opportunity to buy cakes and hot chocolate! On the last day before the half term break, pupils raised over £850 in support of Ha Fusi School in Lesotho, which a group of Sixth Form students will be visiting in July. The money will be spent on various projects, including one to plant fruit trees in and around the school campus.

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Day

On Saturday 14 March, the whole of the Fourth Form came into School to learn the key skills they will need on their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Expedition. They spent half the day mastering navigation, kit and the countryside code, culminating with a walk through the local wood to test their aptitude. The other half of the day was devoted to putting up tents, first aid, and learning to cook on the stoves they will be provided with.

WIT Programme

As part of the WIT programme this term, First Form pupils were led through a relaxation session by Mrs Mountain. This session was focussed on exercise, sleep and stress. Although it appears from this photo that there was far more sleep and relaxation going on than there was exercise!

Physics IS for Girls

During the Physics IS for Girls AOB, First and Second Form pupils have been investigating the material properties of different sweets. This activity was a fun introduction to more quantitative work on materials which the group went on to investigate. In further sessions pupils made bracelets from UV beads and made batteries and lighting from potatoes and lemons!

Cokethorpe Parents’ Association Second-Hand Uniform Sale

The second-hand uniform sale held on Open Day was a huge success with many parents visiting to buy from the wide selection of uniform available for sale. Thank you to all who came to buy uniform, and huge thanks to all the parents who donated uniform as without these donations these events could not be offered. Please remember that second-hand uniform can be donated at any time and handed in to the Junior or Senior School office. Details of how to donate can be found in the CPA area of the website. Thank you again to everyone who supports this popular addition to the CPA activities.

CPA Coffee Mornings

Every Tuesday during term time from 8.30am to 9.15am in Cuppa. New and existing parents are invited to socialise over hot refreshments during the Summer Term, commencing Tuesday 14 April 2015.

CPA Committee

The CPA Committee meets once a month at 8.00pm in the Corinthian Room. They are always keen to welcome new members and if you are interested in joining please get in touch. Please email catherine@o-a-c.co.uk.

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Burns Night

The Cokethorpe Parents’ Association hosted yet another successful Burns Night celebration on Friday 23 January 2015. Guests arrived to the sounds of the piper who escorted Mr Cavus carrying the haggis after the Selkirk Grace had been delivered. Mr Logue gave a great rendition of Address to a Haggis, then the dancing began to the London-based band, Ceilidh Generation. Many new parents and first time Burns Night parents attended and really enjoyed their evening of socialising, good food and entertainment.

Quiz Night

The CPA Quiz Night on Saturday 21 March saw teams of parents, staff and friends battling it out to be 2015 champions. Teams pitched their general knowledge against each other. Delicious fish and chips were served during the break to keep everyone fuelled. Special thanks go to the fantastic quiz masters Mr Bostwick and Mr Hayne for a very entertaining and thought provoking quiz, and being such a great double act. The CPA would also like to thank Mr and Mrs Fellows for ferrying fish and chip suppers from Witney and to Mrs Knox for running the bar.

Wider Community Standlake Scouts and Explorers

‘On Saturday 24 January, seven Scout Leaders and three guide leaders met for a day of intensive first aid training in the Drama Studio. All had a great day and I’m happy to say all passed the course. On Thursday 19 February we were hosts to James Ketchell, Serial Adventurer and also a Scouting Ambassador. Beaver Scouts aged from 6 years old to Explorer Scouts aged 17 were treated to tales of James’s travels as he has pushed himself to the limit; rowing the Atlantic, climbing Everest and cycling around the world – the ultimate triathlon.’ Chris Watkins, Scout Leader

Game Keepers’ Conference

Cokethorpe School hosted the Game Keepers’ Conference on Thursday 19 February. The organiser Joe Appleby from Keepers’ Choice Game Feeds said; ‘Thank you for being such great hosts for us. We have received so many good comments about the conference and the School.’

Wesley-Barrell Photoshoot

Wesley-Barrell, British furniture makers whose roots have been in Oxfordshire since 1895, used the Corinthian Room for a photoshoot for their new brochure during the half term break.

Use of Cokethorpe Facilities

Standlake Beavers, Scouts and Explorers Oxfordshire Young Farmers Wesley-Barrell Keepers’ Choice Shipton Under Wychwood Cricket Club Buscot Park Cricket Club Oxfordshire Sports Partnership Rover Oxford Hockey Festival Wychwood Ladies Hockey Club

Oxfordshire Young Farmers

‘I write on behalf of Oxfordshire Young Farmers to say thank you for allowing us the use of your astroturf facilities on Saturday 25 January. The venue was perfect for us. We were able to have senior members participating in a hockey tournament on one pitch and junior members playing kwik cricket on the other. Having two pitches side by side with a spectator area between meant the event was very sociable. In all we had approximately 80 members taking part.’ Will Brown, Competitions Co-ordinator

Contact

Please contact Nicole Rolfe on 01993 892352 or email externalaffairs@ cokethorpe.org for more information.

New Developments Ways of Giving

All donations to the Annual Fund are put to good use immediately, so the impact of your gift will be felt by current as well as future generations of pupils. Participation is the key, not the level of generosity. Quite simply, every gift helps.

Annual Fund 2015

The Annual Fund 2015 has been a great success to date with funding for some projects already secured. Over the Easter Holiday the Wind Turbine was installed by Anakata Wind Power Resources (UK) Ltd after receiving a donation from the Lakeland Foundation in The Netherlands, which came as a result of a referral from an Old Cokethorpean. It will be used by the Science Department and Design and Technology Department. The Puzzle Challenge Day for the Junior School has also been booked for the Summer Term following a generous donation from a parent. The Annual Fund has some very loyal donors who give on a monthly or annual basis and the funds that have been donated so far this academic year will be used to purchase the Choir Folders. The Annual Fund is still raising money to refurbish the main School Pond and purchase Spectator Bleachers. Full details of how you can support either project can be found on our website www.cokethorpe.org.uk/annualfund.

There are many ways you can support and donate to the Annual Fund and more information about each of these can be found on our website: www.cokethorpe.org.uk/annualfund Some of the most popular ways to give include: Regular Giving Single Gifts Bequests Payroll Giving Matched Giving Stocks and Shares

What to do Next

Full details of how you can support the Annual Fund using any of these methods can be found on our website. Alternatively you can get in touch using the details below if you wish to discuss making a gift. E: foundationoffice@cokethorpe.org T: 01993 892352 A: Cokethorpe School, Witney, Oxon, OX29 7PU

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The Cokethorpe Society Weddings

Congratulations to Sophie Brown (OC 2002, Harcourt) and Gavin Gunputhram who got married on Friday 8 August 2014 at Steventon House Hotel, Oxfordshire.

East India Society Social

Successes

Congratulations to Olivia Jones, (OC 2014, Queen Anne) who was selected to start as a Lock for the England Women U20 team who faced the Army Women on Tuesday 17 February at Aldershot Army Rugby Stadium.

A Society Social took place at the prestigious East India Club on Thursday 12 March and was a resounding success, with over twenty Old Cokethorpeans in attendance. The evening offered a fantastic opportunity for networking between our older members and our more recent leavers. However, it was not all business as the OCs spent plenty of time socialising and reminiscing about their time at Cokethorpe. Our 1950s and 1960s leavers had a very different experience to our recent leavers but memories served everyone well with many stories being shared. It was wonderful to see the School crest on a plaque above the main staircase alongside many other prestigious institutions and much amusement was had trying to group all the guests around the plaque for a photograph. Due to the success of this event there will most certainly be another Social in London in the near future so watch this space!

Harry Stevens (OC 2014, Swift) joined the coaching team at Cokethorpe in the Michaelmas Term before heading out to play rugby for Penn High School in Indiana. Harry is attending the school and playing rugby until he starts university at Nottingham later this year.

Forthcoming Events Society Sports Festival Weekend Cokethorpe School Friday 19 and Saturday 20 June Reunion Dinner
 Cokethorpe School Saturday 20 June, 6.30pm - 10.00pm

Old Cokethorpean Profiles

For more information please visit our website www.cokethorpe.org.uk

Lost Cokethorpeans

Can you help us find the following lost Cokethorpeans who left in 2000? Tyler Anderson Kaitlyn Anderson Todd Anderson Sahil Arenja Laura Campion James Coxeter Sarah Crownshaw Thomas Dingle Will Donnelly Jamie English Alexander Fyvie Daniel Gibbons Mamu Japaridze-Richards Yuen Law Joseph Lawrence Mylène Le Gac Simon Leigh Andrew Pickering Emlyn Rimell Matthew Ryman Benita Sefton Nathan Sefton Benjamin Shrouder Robyn Sinker Awi Tsai James Watts Mirkamol Zayamukhamedov

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Nigel Lambert QC

‘It was debating and appearing in School plays that set me on a life-time career course at the Bar. After qualifying I appeared in a range of cases in the Civil Courts; but when I got instructed in the Crown Court and started cross-examining in front of juries I found my real love. I moved to specialist defence Criminal Chambers with a diet of really serious crimes, particularly high profile murders at the Old Bailey and complex fraud – eventually taking Silk (becoming a QC) and then being elected Head of Chambers. I also sit in the Crown Court as a Recorder (a part time Crown Court judge) and am a Bencher of Gray’s Inn and sit on its governing body. The Bar is a great career and also a highly regarded qualification internationally. It tells the world you are a good lawyer, a first class advocate and that you can marshal facts and present arguments with speed and clarity.’ Nigel Lambert QC (OC 1965, Swift)

Charlotte Krol

‘I left Cokethorpe in 2008 and fulfilled my long-held desire of going into journalism. I’m currently a Video Producer at The Telegraph in London, a job I secured off the back of an intensive multimedia training programme at the Press Association and my Masters degree. My particular passion, however, is music journalism. I’m lucky enough to practise this outside of my job as New Music Editor of The Line of Best Fit, a leading UK-based music website. Before moving to London I was a reporter for the Oxford Mail and the Oxford Times. Between various jobs and internships following this I found myself working part-time in the Foundation Office at Cokethorpe, aiding in the production of this very magazine! Returning to Cokethorpe reminded me of the great memories I have. Long may they last for the pupils soon starting the next chapter of their lives.’ Charlotte Krol (OC 2008, Queen Anne)

From the Archives Then and Now

Below are photos of hiking trips, photography groups, animal handling, the relay and drama make up from the 1960s and the present day.

Turning Back the Pages

Below are news items from past issues of The Bell Tower and The Peacock, Cokethorpe’s previous newsletters. 45 Years Ago (1970) The School Dances ‘By the end of the afternoon of the appointed day, there could not have been one drop of hot water left in the School, and after-shave wafted forth from every room, as school uniforms were discarded and clothes donned which more befitted the occasion. With breasts swollen with conquests yet to come, we all entered the coach. Music was provided by the playing of records and the passing of the end products through a large and complicated-looking machine to amplify it; this looked like equipment for tracking Apollo 11. About a quarter of the way through this failed, for reasons unknown, so a gramophone was procured to replace it and this was found to be perfectly adequate. This goes to prove that size is not everything.’ 40 Years Ago (1975) Exams ‘Old boys returning to Cokethorpe after an interval of years to revive the memories of their school days, sometimes recall their early struggles with exams; how they rose at 5.30am for three whole weeks before O Level in a desperate attempt to defeat the examiners, or performed other astonishing feats of industry in the same good cause.’ Rambling ‘Equipped with maps, brollies, Spam sandwiches, prefects and other impedimenta, our noble band of intrepid explorers, including Mr Hogg, once more followed Ridgeway, tow-path and footpath, and, if truth be told, we left behind us at least one right-of-way where none existed before.’ 35 Years Ago (1980) The Boathouse ‘In the penultimate week of the term disaster struck when half of the bottom step at the boathouse, which had been showing the strain for some time previously, crumbled into the River Thames probably as a result of a blow from a cruiser mooring alongside. This made the launching of boats for the training sessions for the House Regatta extremely hazardous.’ 30 Years Ago (1985) Technology ‘When I first joined the Computer Club three years ago the only machine available was the rather dated Commodore ‘Pet’, which was housed in the old Maths room. Since then the club has grown enormously and has moved to the new Maths room. Last year the school invested in three modern B.B.C. Model ‘B’ microcomputers, complete with three disc drives and a printer.’

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Tail Feathers Ave Atque Valete Mr P N Scurfield (Head of Physics)

‘I qualified in teaching in 1989 having already tried my hand as an Army Officer and a Mining Engineer and decided I needed a real challenge. I have taught Physics, Technology, Mathematics and ICT at pre and post 16 in the UK, UAE, Indonesia and China where I was one of the founding staff of Malvern College Qingdao, leaving there to return to the UK and join Cokethorpe. My outside the classroom interests revolve around the outdoors, in Hiking, Geocaching, Photography and Shooting (but not all at once), I have also been involved in DofE for the last 40 years and see no sign of that changing in the near future.’

Miss C Spencer (Classics)

‘I feel very fortunate to have joined Cokethorpe as part of a relatively new department that is flourishing and developing in exciting ways. Before I came here I worked in a museum in Leeds and prior to that, I was heavily involved in various Outreach schemes in Oxford where I taught Latin and Greek. I have enjoyed my first few months here very much and am looking forward to continuing my positive experiences in the Summer Term.’

Miss E Griffiths (Learning Support)

‘Since qualifying as a primary school teacher in 2000 I have enjoyed teaching in a challenging urban primary school in Oxford where literacy skills are considerably lower than the national average. The influence of teaching children with reading and writing difficulties led me to completing my Postgraduate Certificate in Working With Children with Literacy Difficulties in 2013. I am excited about my new post at Cokethorpe and the opportunity to work with pupils in a one to one setting within the Learning Support team. I also enjoy spending time with friends and family, yoga, baking, music and theatre.’

Staff News The following members of staff are pleased to announce the arrival of the new additions to their family.

Mrs Lee

Congratulations to Mrs Lee and husband Lewis on the birth of Matilda Mavis Grace Lee, born on Monday 22 December 2014 at 2.27am weighing 6lb 15oz. Baby sister to big brother Ezra and sister Scarlett.

Mrs Lamb Mrs Howells

Congratulations to Mrs Howells and her husband Simon on the birth of daughter Tamsin Rose Julietta Howells. Tamsin was born on Saturday 7 February 2015 at 8.45am weighing 7lb 5oz. Pictured here with big sister Seren.

Congratulations to Mrs Lamb and husband Nick on the birth of Henry Thomas Lamb, born on Saturday 8 November 2014 weighing 8lb 1oz. Adored by his older brother Benjamin!

Open Evening

Tuesday 28 April: 4.30pm to 6.30pm Prospective parents interested in entry at any age are warmly invited to attend. All departments will be open, and there will be refreshments and activities. All welcome. Headmaster’s Addresses: 5.00pm and 5.30pm For personal visits at other times, for a tour, discussion with the Registrar, Mrs S M L Copeland, or the Head of Junior School if appropriate, or to meet the Headmaster, please contact the Admissions Secretary, Ms C Bowerman (admissions@cokethorpe.org or 01993 703921).

Contact Information

Headmaster Email correspondence with Mr Ettinger (dje@cokethorpe.org) is particularly welcomed during the Headmaster ‘Live’ hour (8.00pm – 9.00pm, on the first Monday of each month during term time). At other times please contact the Headmaster’s Secretary (01993 892325 or hmsec@cokethorpe.org). Senior Management Team Bursar: Mrs S A Landon sal@cokethorpe.org Deputy Headmaster: Mr J C Stevens jcs@cokethorpe.org Head of Junior School: Mrs C Cook cc@cokethorpe.org Director of Studies: Dr A P Willis apw@cokethorpe.org Head of Sixth Form: Mr G J Sheer gjs@cokethorpe.org Registrar: Mrs S M L Copeland smlc@cokethorpe.org Senior Administrator: Mr E J Fenton ejf@cokethorpe.org Housemasters and Housemistresses Lower House: Mrs J L Pratley jlp@cokethorpe.org Feilden: Miss P S M Townsend psmt@cokethorpe.org Gascoigne: Mrs E Semenzato es@cokethorpe.org Harcourt: Mr W G Lawson wgl@cokethorpe.org Queen Anne: Mr A P Gale apg@cokethorpe.org Swift: Mrs M H Cooper mhdc@cokethorpe.org Vanbrugh: Mr T J Walwyn tjw@cokethorpe.org

THE OCELLUS is edited and typeset by the Foundation Office. It is published by Cokethorpe School. Cokethorpe School Witney, Oxon OX29 7PU Tel: 01993 703921 Email: admin@cokethorpe.org

www.cokethorpe.org.uk

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