60 minute read
NEWS FROM THE HOUSES
BARLOW
Head of House: Alexander Harwood Deputy Head of House: Kofi Barton-Byfield House Prefects: Joseph Rowell, Louis Lesault, Alvin Mak, Charlie Sheehan, Juan Orbaneja
Back in September 2020, we were delighted to return to Downside’s corner of Somerset and escape many of the troubles of the wider world. For this, we were incredibly lucky. In a spirit of camaraderie we strived for that sense of community both in person and remotely during lockdowns. Our House’s crown jewel of a kitchen was where we regularly invited friends from other Houses for drinks, cooking and meals throughout the week – all in strict bubbles, of course! Without fail, the dynamic duo of Mr Potter and our Head of House, Alex Harwood, ensured every Barlow member had either a hefty bowl of nachos or American-style hotdogs on a Saturday night. Food was often coupled with rolling chess games. It was no coincidence that regulars like our Deputy Head of House, Kofi Barton-Byfield, and Louis Tang took home the Inter-House chess trophy this year, with Kofi alone taking down a two-man Roberts team in the Sixth Form final.
The Barlow cinema remains a place of relaxation as well as jubilation, particularly during the European Football Championships where as many as 30 were tightly packed together. Highlight games include the penalty shootout missed by Kylian Mbappe, thereby knocking out France, much to the dismay of Frenchman, Louis Lesault. 24 hours later came England’s dreamlike victory over Germany, where the cinema’s scenes rivalled that of Wembley’s. Mr Potter would often pop his head in, keeping tabs on those increasingly in debt to Barlow’s swear jar.
We were very sad when Ms Moran, our House Mother, left us for the ‘Dark Side’ – The Old House, albeit the Admissions Team. She has been in Barlow since the Upper Sixth were in the Fourth Form, a constant source of goodwill and advice. In her place, we welcomed Ms Mullins into the House, the School’s Harp Teacher, who seamlessly took on the role. We have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her, and her phenomenal baking. Ms Lewis has continued to be a mainstay of the House, constantly getting the boys to challenge their own views and broaden their perspectives. all the while listening and being respectful of our experiences. Her past career in youth work has been invaluable to us all.
Mr Potter, as always, has been leading the House from the front in his quintessential manner, mainly consisting of eternally poor Dad jokes. In all seriousness, Mr Potter has been a role model for all of us in the Upper Sixth with his unrelenting words of encouragement, wisdom and his determination and focus on being ‘present’ in all that we do ‘Turning up is only half the job’, something the new Upper Sixth can embody with their attendance at morning assembly next year! Ever since our wayward Fourth Form, our year has been repaying the debt for his persistent patience, understanding and belief in us.
Mr McNamara was promoted from Barlow tutor to Assistant Housemaster for the year, as Mr Walters took on further academic departmental roles but remained as a Barlow tutor. Mr McNamara’s jolly character and efficient organisation meant Barlow remained in good hands.
Mr O’Rourke joined us at the beginning of the year as Barlow’s Resident Tutor. He has been an excellent addition to the House, always ready to listen and guide. Outside of Barlow, Mr O’Rourke has been a pillar of the Lectio Community and a more than popular figure turbocharging the Girls’ Tennis programme, which saw it become the main sporting attraction of the Summer Term.
We thank all the tutors: Mr Walters, Mr McNamara, Mr Nichols, Mr Hicks, Mr Patey, Mr Vaughan for their dedication and care for us up and down the House.
Alexander Harwood has effortlessly taken on Head of House and its bountiful responsibilities: marshalling the kitchen and the dorm, organising Barlow efforts in all Inter-House competitions and acting as a role model of service to the boys. Alex’s legendary singing in Mass, theatre productions and, of course, for the House will be missed. He led Barlow in the House Music singing and offered a lovely and fitting finale on Prize Day with ‘So In Love’ by Cole Porter.
Deputy Head of House and Captain of the 1st XV Rugby team, Kofi Barton-Byfield, has been an excellent role model to the House, always present and involving himself in various events to represent Barlow. These include captaining the Barlow Inter-House Chess team, as well as playing an important role in the infamous Christmas Dash as the Upper Sixth eater. Kofi has graduated into the Bath Senior Academy Team via a Rugby Scholarship to Bath University.
Joseph Rowell, Captain of Barlow’s debating team, and Fourth Former Aristo Cham were the mainstay of the debating team, on occasions assisted by Oliver Flynn and Kofi Barton-Byfield. Aristo deployed his heavy artillery of concrete logic and mathematical critical thinking to ensure Barlow became the only House to remain undefeated in the round robin stage of Inter-House Debating. This set up the final against Roberts and Isabella, as Joseph and Aristo argued that artificial intelligence was a greater threat to humanity than climate change or a pandemic. Excerpts from Mr Walters’ Abingdon Debating Society 2020-21 report below.
‘The final itself was a fine event to watch, with all three teams making strong speeches and asking the more limited number of points of information allowed in the three-way debate. All were also able to argue well against the other positions as well as answering questions from the floor. Sofia Siemens and Chloe Blackmore for Isabella argued for the devastating effects to health and economy as well as human life itself from a pandemic; Joseph Rowell and Aristo Cham argued that a “threat to humanity” was ultimately about the extinction of the human race, through the complete unpredictability of desire for freedom and power if the mimicking of the human mind were to become conscious, or indeed the complete lack of any morality whatsoever – “killer robots” – as Roberts rather pointedly put it. Joseph Day and Barney Sharifi argued that the data for climate change was far better than the other two hypothetical threats in the future and that it was clearly the greatest threat now.
‘The best debater of the term and the final as an individual was Aristo Cham; calm under pressure, full of clear and well-informed phrases with apparently utterly logical, compelling and authoritative arguments, he appears wise beyond his years. Quite extraordinary, and a great partner to Joseph Rowell in Barlow in Joseph’s final year.’
Barlow prevailed in both the debate final, Inter-House Rugby and many other activities - showing the talents of Barlow are both sporting and intellectual. Special thanks go to all the other prefects who have been a tremendous help this year in the running of the House: Rory Begg, Nikodem Baehr, Louis Lesault, Juan Orbaneja, Charlie Sheehan and Alvin Mak.
Despite Covid-19 restrictions CCF continued to be supported by many from the House and Barlow had a storming year in sport. Tennis and cricket matches resumed in the Summer term. Tennis has been great fun especially during the good weather, when matches finally resumed. The 1st and 2nd School tennis teams were predominantly Barlow boys, Joseph Rowell, Alexander Harwood, Juan Orbaneja, Nikodem Baehr, Rory Begg, Benjamin Harwood, Oliver Flynn, Ivan Boas, Yvo Melotte, Teo Ulriksen and Konrad von Nesselrode. The 1st XI Cricket team saw appearances from Sebastian Norris, Sam Bellord, Joe Last-Sutton and Nicolas Viljoen while Zak Dinning and Shotaro Ida represented the 2nd XI. The Michaelmas Term was barren in terms of School fixtures, a real shame for Kofi Barton-Byfield, Louis Lasault, Joseph Powell, Sebastian Norris, Zak Dinning, Roy Manso Duffy and Shotaro Ida. They all missed out on 1st XV representation. Nevertheless the rugby season was one to cherish with Barlow winning Inter-House Rugby for the Sixth Form while many of the aforementioned boys valiantly played in the closely fought game against King Edward’s School Bath in the Summer Term. The Christmas Dash was a huge success considering it had to be Covid-19 friendly. Barlow has a range of runners representing the House from the First Form up to the Upper Sixth, including Nicolas Viljoen, Yvo Melotte, Ivan Boas, Jo Last Sutton, Sebastian Norris, Sam Bellord, Joseph Rowell and Charlie Sheehan. The Fourth Form fivea-side team, comprising Vincent Tickell, CJ Rapoo, Teo Ulriksen, Nicolas Viljoen, Sebastian Mitton and Yvo Melotte, also won the weekly Saturday night 5-a-side football tournament with astonishing regularity. Barlow also won the Inter House Basketball during Three Days in June. Monty Matthew and Teddy Preston were our regular clay pigeon shooters and Sebastian Norris and Zak Dinning were our BGA golfers. Sports day in the penultimate week of the academic year confirmed that this was Barlow’s year for Sport. Success was made possible by the participation of everyone across the events, organised by the boys themselves who were driven by a desire to represent the House. The day saw many victories ranging from the field – Sebastian Norris in javelin – to the track – Nick Viljoen & Kofi Barton-Byfield in the 100 metres. Mr O’Rourke took on the role of first aider chaperoning injured athletes to the Health Centre whilst our very own Mr Potter took part in the Boys’ all years 1500m, at his knee’s peril, managing to hoover up some points for Barlow. The sea of Barlow stripes in that race was an ode to the commitment of Barlow boys whether they swiftly strolled it or went full pelt. Honours were relatively even at this stage of the competition between the boys’ Houses. The day concluded with a Black and Whitewash of the 4x100m relays, as Barlow teams won every race from First Form to Sixth Form. Not dropping a baton between all 20 of us – for the first time in living memory! Thus, the trophy came
home to Barlow with a more than comfortable lead over Roberts and Smythe. Despite the trophy ‘disappearing’ – we have a creeping suspicion Mr Storey has it locked away in Smythe.
Barlow’s success and participation was not lacking in the Arts and our own Head of House, Alexander Harwood, led from the front. The Inter-House Music Competition was an enjoyable occasion for all. This year it had to be split up into different year groups, each performing their own songs. The Fourth Form came second place for their year with their rendition of I want it that way. Along with the Lower Sixth with Gimme Gimme Gimme and the comical performance of the Upper Sixth with Does your mother know by ABBA. The Fourth Form continued to sing their competition song every night for the rest of the year.
Next, the School’s successful performance of Little Shop of Horrors with Alexander Harwood brilliantly taking the leading role of Seymour, the shy botanist in the dumps of Skid Row. Dominic Kwan was behind the scenes with the amazing lighting and sound. Ivan Boas represented the House in the jazz busking concert earlier in the year which was great entertainment as was the outdoor Music for a Summer’s evening at the end of the year. Although the full Schola Cantorum has not been able to assemble in its full size this year, our Sixth Form members, Alexander Harwood and Domnic Kwan, both sang during Mass towards the end of the term and in the Virtual Carol Service. Alexander Harwood completed his Grade 8 singing passing with a distinction, obtaining an outstanding 139/150. He also gained a distinction in his Grade 8 LAMDA, and Jan Petersen passed Grade 6 clarinet and piano, both with distinction. George Moorehouse was prominent as a performer in the pop video project for Three Days in June, and he also featured in the Fourth Form Performance Showcase alongside fellow Barlow boys Sebastian Mitton and CJ Rapoo.
The spiritual life of Barlow has continued to thrive within and without the House. Alex Harwood often sang in Mass and also led St Teresa’s community where efforts to provide charity thrived under the preventing circumstances of Covid-19. A charity sleep-out was successful in June on a Saturday night, and St Johns enabled Lectio to continue in new and different ways, even if it meant being two metres apart! Alexander di Pietrantonio, Nayan Dahanwoor and Ivan Boas joined Alex to help with the First and Second Form retreat at the end of term. Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton, Joe Last Sutton, Yvo Melotte and Vincent Tickell were also regular servers in Sunday Mass while Jan Petersen, Sebastian Strachwitz Hamilton and Kofi Barton-Byfield all read confidently in Mass.
The Summer Term also saw all the Fourth Form complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh award scheme expedition on the Mendips and most of the Lower Sixth completed their Gold expedition on Dartmoor – both in unseasonably wet weather!
The Upper Sixth and the Fifth Form completed all their Academic Assessments just prior to half term and many stayed until the end of term to participate in the variety of opportunities available. Testament to how grateful we were to be with each other after significant periods of lockdowns! The leavers, whilst sad to be saying goodbye to each other, all move on with renewed hope, a secure moral compass and a wonderful grounding in humanity thanks to the community that is Downside.
Joseph Rowell Upper Sixth Form
CAVEREL
Head of House: Rosie Pughe-Morgan Deputy Head of House: Rosie Pattison Prefects: Izzy O’Neill, Harriet Crowe and Lydia Whitaker
No doubt everybody’s Raven entry begins with ‘it has been an extraordinary year’ and there isn’t quite enough space to summarise why and how we tackled it. Instead, the girls and staff have put together a collage of photos and words to celebrate all that we did accomplish in Caverel this year! The House spirit remained strong despite being divided by year group and we even had our First Form and Second Form making new bonds as they represented the House in competitions (whilst retaining their loyalty and friendships in their alma mater, Isabella!).
Caps were awarded to Head of House, Rosie Pughe-Morgan, and Deputy Head of House, Rosie Pattison, who teamed up to lead Caverel both online and in person through a turbulent year. Colours were also awarded to Charlotte Walker for her service and assistance to our Juniors, and to all of our Debate Team: Rosemary Capewell, Sophie Worrell, Stephanie Jedy Agba, Sophia Burton, Maya Strauss and Anna Hayhurst. Our Prefects, Izzy O’Neill, Harriet Crowe and Lydia Whitaker, received Colours for their service to the House and support of the girls.
Anna McGarry House Mistress of Caverel
Rosie Pughe-Morgan Prefect summary My experience as Head of House for Caverel has without a doubt taught me so much in terms of patience, working in a team, and appreciating others around me.
Although our prefect team were unable to achieve the majority of our rather fantastical ideas put forward in September (largely due to not actually being present for a large part of the School year), we still felt full to the brim with Caverel spirit, running to the defence of any Caverel girl who may have been snubbed and who we felt needed our backing!
A highlight for me this year has definitely been the House Music. Although Caverel rather surprisingly only won in the Lower Sixth, from our
little buttercups in the Third Form to our Gwen Stefani tribute act in Upper Sixth, the immense amount of dedication and Caverel pride was evident on everyone’s faces, and the hard work paid off in the end.
I think I can speak for all the Caverel prefects when I say that this rather chaotic but rewarding year would not have been the same if it had not been for the constant positivity and help from Miss Price and Ms McGarry. Whether the problem was big or small, they were always right there ready to help! Miss Jones and Mrs Buckland also deserve a special mention for their wonderful support this past year, brightening up our days with their smiles and very rarely questioning our suspiciously long tea and biscuit breaks in the common room!
Lastly, we wish the new prefect team the very best of luck and hope they carry on the Caverel spirit and are hopefully able to achieve a bit more than us! They were an amazingly helpful and enthusiastic Lower Sixth and we all have full faith that they will be brilliant.
Thank you, Caverel for everything, you will always have a special place in our hearts.
The Caverel Prefect Team 2020-2021
Baptism and Confirmation It was an absolute privilege to attend the Baptism of Lydia Whittaker and her following Confirmation Ceremony where she was joined by other Caverel Confirmants, Alessandra Majendie, Lucia McNally and Camilla Francis-Jones.
Christmas party and Christmas Dash The House got creative in their determination to have a Christmas party and a socially distanced and bubbled affair was put together by the Prefect team in and around the Theatre, complete with a giant game of Hide and Seek!
CCF and D of E A huge number of girls took part in Duke of Edinburgh in the last term. Third Form and Fourth Form explored the local area and the Mendips whilst the Lower Sixth had a wash-out in both practice and the real event on Dartmoor, timed perfectly for three days of downpours! We won’t talk about the corridors upon their return!
All things sport Sport in Caverel has not stopped this year with all year groups attending extra hockey sessions in preparation for the start of the season next term, when hopefully matches can resume again after the year we have had.
House Netball, House Hockey and House Tennis were all undertaken with great levels of enthusiasm, assisted by large amounts of face paint to help increase the ever-present Caverel spirit.
Caverel were very successful in House Netball with the majority of year groups securing wins. Hockey, although less successful according to the final score, was very enjoyable to both watch and play. House Tennis was a great way to round off the year and several Caverel pairs were victorious!
Our efforts in the Christmas Dash were second to none, with both staff and pupils competing to show the greatest levels of vocal support and encouragement towards the runners and eaters. The image of the Caverel flag being carried over the line by Ottilie (First Form) cheered on by the whole House is one that will be etched in all our memories.
Izzy O’Neill
This Academic year has been somewhat of a ‘blank canvas’ for girls’ sport at Downside. The Tennis Team received a brand-new kit and had the opportunity to attend the very first girls’ preseason tennis camp to help improve their skills and
prepare themselves for the tennis term ahead. It is safe to say, this definitely did the job.
Caverel girls have shown nothing but passion and enthusiasm throughout the recent tennis term and have embraced new ideas and pushed themselves to develop new skills. The Girls’ Tennis Team had a very successful season, bringing home multiple victories from almost every fixture.
A mixed doubles fixture was arranged by popular demand and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A sunny Saturday saw a group of more than 60 girls and boys travel to Clifton College for a day full of mixed doubles matches.
Girls’ Hockey has also had a triumphant year with Third Former Phoebe Bowman trialling for Avon Junior Academy County Hockey and Fifth Former Anna Hayhurst competing for the Bath Buccaneers U16A team. Lower Sixth Former Magda Pienkowska was also awarded the first ‘noggin’ hat, for showing outstanding improvement in her first hockey term at the School.
Although no hockey fixtures could be arranged due to the pandemic, the Caverel girls never lost their spirit and kept enthusiastic both on and off the pitch.
Hockey and tennis are not the only sports worth mentioning. Third Former Zara Bellord is a passionate horse rider who competes in one-day events for the School on a regular basis. Whilst also competing for Downside, Zara takes part in external tetrathlons for England. This involves riding, swimming, running, and shooting!
Overall, despite the challenges of participating in sport during the pandemic, the Caverel girls have continued to be true team players. This was evidenced so clearly during Inter-House Sports Day in June when every member of the House (who was physically able!) represented Caverel in a plethora of events.
Madeleine Jones Abingdon Debating Society This academic year many girls in Caverel have demonstrated significant team spirit, enthusiasm and vigour when participating in the Abingdon Debating Society. We took part in several debates throughout the year, beginning with ‘This house is right to be afraid’ which Maya Strauss and Anna Hayhurst opposed, making a passionate case against Barlow. Eva Perkins and Rosemary Capewell achieved the first Caverel victory of the year, successfully proposing the motion ‘This house believes the economy is as important as people’s health’. Sophie Worrall, Stephanie Jedy Agba and Sophia Burton upheld our winning streak, with the motions ‘This house would rather learn to live with suffering than live to seek pleasure’ (Caverel v Smythe) and ‘This house believes social media are destroying society’ (Caverel v Roberts). Despite winning all but one debate this year, Caverel did not reach the final, but we were humble in defeat and finished the year with a very respectable 86 points. This is most impressive given the intensity and amount of preparation it takes to compete in such a tough event.
The Abingdon Society requires demonstration of both communication and confidence whether you are proposing or opposing the motion and the ability to adapt, understand and express a particular side of an argument, even if it is contrary to your personal opinion. This experience has given me and the rest of the Caverel Debating Team the opportunity to help enhance our self-esteem, push our comfort zone and given us a place to develop a more perceptive and empathising version of ourselves. At times it was challenging to develop counter-arguments during speeches, but it has enhanced our ability to extend our thinking and deliver an effective analysis.
All girls worked really hard, both on and off the debating stand, with great energy, chutzpah and dedication, and were excellent ambassadors for Caverel, making us all very proud.
Sophia Burton
Chess The newly formed Caverel Chess Team took part in a new Inter-House Competition run by Dr Tapia. Gioia Ackhammer, Camilla Francis-Jones and Magda Pienkowska were happy to represent Caverel in matches between other Houses. All of them do Mathematics, and found it really helpful when playing in calculating risks and enhancing strategies. It has further increased our confidence in taking risks and planning ahead. It was a great opportunity for the girls to develop different ways of thinking and conquer challenges! Through this experience, it was a great occasion to help bond year groups and create connection both in and outside Caverel life. We are now working towards further developing our Chess skills with help from the life-size Chess pieces that the Maths department offers.
Magda Pienkowska
Weekend Activities This year called for lots of imagination and enthusiasm when it came to devising and participating in weekend activities. We were often limited to staying on site over the weekend and the traditional ‘Bath Bus’ run on a Sunday became a fond memory for a little while. However, pupils and staff alike stepped up to the challenge, finding fun closer to home. This year we laughed, played, baked and sang our way through the weekends.
The weekend activity programme was kickstarted this year with a BBQ and outdoor cinema experience for all the girls. Movie nights became a common feature throughout the year – although the weather did not always allow for the outdoor option!
The Caverel Third Form were regularly heard on Saturday mornings relaying their plans for the weekend to Ms Jones and Mrs Buckland – and these plans almost always consisted of baking (and eating) cakes. The Third Form clearly inspired the Lower Sixth who competed in a friendly Bake Off with Isabella House during the Michaelmas Term. Not to be outdone, our wonderful Housemothers surpassed themselves this year when it came to providing hot and cold snacks for the girls afters games on a Saturday afternoon. From warm and comforting cheesy pastries in the winter to dishing out ice lollies in the summer – there was always something to satisfy that postexercise tummy grumble.
Saturday sport was not the only physical activity the girls took part in at the weekend. Whether it be swimming, archery, football or rugby, Caverel weekends this year have been incredibly active. The Caverel girls were particularly excited to be involved in rugby training this year when the sports department introduced a new Girls’ Rugby initiative in the Michaelmas Term. There have also been regular Saturday night football matches throughout the year, with the Fourth Form often taking to the pitch to show us some skills.
The Summer Term saw three external weekend trips take place: the Lower Sixth walked the famous Bath Skyline; the Fifth Form conquered their fears whilst climbing at Burrington Combe; and the Fourth Form made a splash canoeing on the River Avon. The Third Form were fortunate enough to go to Skern Lodge at the end of the Summer Term. A whole weekend of outdoor activities was enjoyed, resulting in a group of very tired, very happy girls returning to Caverel for the final week of term.
As the assessments approached for the First Form and Upper Sixth Form, their weekends became more academically focused. The girls made good use of the library and enjoyed working collaboratively with others outside when the weather allowed.
The recent addition of a karaoke machine has been a huge hit in Caverel – strongly encouraged by the promoters-of-all-things-performance-related Ms McGarry and Miss Price. One particular Saturday evening endures in the memory: a steady stream of girls across the year groups gathered and sang their hearts out to hits including Valerie, Dancing Queen and Best Song Ever. The Lower Sixth girls even persuaded Father James to feature in their group
piece – and the crowd went wild.
The Upper Sixth played a supporting role in making sure weekends ran smoothly this year. Although not always at the forefront of the action, their unassuming and valuable assistance was ever-present and much appreciated. Our older Caverel girls always stepped up when called upon last minute at the weekend to do anything from support a House Match to choose a new Woman of the Week.
As ever, there are no justifiable words to explain both the plethora of activities available at the weekend and the tangible atmosphere of genuine joy. The variety offered at weekends is one of the greatest benefits of life at Downside and it has been a pleasure to see the Caverel girls take all opportunities offered to them during this unprecedented year.
Jennifer Prize Assistant House Mistress
Little Shop of Horrors in Caverel One activity that consumed the weekends for the Lower Sixth was Little Shop of Horrors. A level Drama student, Gioia Achammer wrote about the experience from a Caverel perspective:
The adventure of the new musical Little Shop of Horrors began in January. After having heard of it, all of the Lower Sixth Caverel girls wanted to join, whether by contributing on stage, backstage or with the design and artworks; everybody was excited.
For those of us who were performing on stage, the journey began with online rehearsals. Tristan Carter was doing script rehearsals with us and Maisy Carter taught us the dances. Every Thursday evening everybody was dancing in their living-rooms to songs like Skid Row and Closed for Renovation.
This went on for the two months all of us were stuck in lockdown, but then when most of us could finally return, the rehearsals could take part in person. It was a very exciting moment when we got to dance in the Theatre together. This was the first time all of us could finally picture the musical because we could physically stand next to each other and understand the use of the space.
When everybody finally came back after Easter, the party really started. With rehearsals every Thursday and Sunday we got a lot of practice. But without even realising it, the show week came closer and closer. In between rehearsals, we had multiple costume fittings with Ms. Ibbotson and I believe that for many of us dancing in costumes gave us more insight into our characters and it set the mood.
Besides our acting and dancing we had to practise our singing as well. Luckily, Mr. Bridges was very patient with us so that we could effectively learn our parts and songs, including harmonies.
Thursday was our first night and it was very exciting to finally go out on stage and perform! We were all exhausted by our final performance on Saturday night, but elated to have had the experience of doing a live show during a pandemic. All in all, it was an amazing experience which no one would have wanted to miss.
Gioia Achammer
ISABELLA
Head of House: Hanna Kedzior Deputy Head of House: Victoria Mercadal House Prefects: Betty Li, Daisy Marsh, Molly White, Judetta Whyte and Yuhan Yang
As this academic year comes to its end, despite all of the challenges that the year has brought us, the memories of our time in Isabella will remain in all of our hearts. The many restrictions posed by the pandemic have not made it easy to keep the community together with the House being divided into seven separate bubbles. However, every member of Isabella has worked hard to continue to support the House and we are extremely proud of every one of them for showing the willingness to engage with different events throughout the year, even when, at times, they were not as they would have hoped. Remaining together as a community was a bit more challenging throughout the Lent term owing to lockdown. The weekly videos, filmed by the girls and created by Mr. Westlake, gave us an opportunity to see what the Isabella girls had been up to during that time. We were able to get together and remember that we are still a community, regardless of the distance. What has shone through this year is how important Isabella is to all of us, who are a part of the House, and the wider House family, wherever we are.
In Isabella, we love the weekend! There is always plenty to do and of course Miss Ball makes the best Saturday feast in school! As we returned to school in September, we had to embrace the practical day to day realities of living with Covid19 and looked to reimagine how we could keep Covid-safe whilst enjoying our time together. We began the year with an outdoor cinema night, in which the girls had a chance to watch Aladdin whilst eating hot dogs and popcorn. It was a very successful evening and one in which all members of our community could join. As the year progressed we had opportunities to participate in various activities, such as Laser Tag, which bring out the most competitive nature in everyone! We held multiple baking competitions… the Christmas Bake off showed the Sixth Form girls completing the technical challenge of a Swiss roll… the event saw some memorable bakes with the Upper Sixth Isabella team taking the Star Baker prize. The Easter Bake Off saw a hotly contested Show
Stopper Challenge, with some remarkable entries. The Star Baker this time went to the Fifth Form Easter extravaganza cake, closely followed by the Third Form and their chocolate bunny cake. Always looking for an excuse for a party, the Eurovision party was by far everyone’s favourite event of the year. It gave all of us an opportunity to appreciate and celebrate the diversity within the House. We all prepared food from our native countries and it was all delicious. Sadly our trips have been limited, but we have enjoyed visiting Bath, a very hot afternoon of Crazy Golf and ice cream, not to forget Mrs Westlake’s particular favourite… Breen Leisure Park which was a wet, yet funpacked afternoon.
The Arts have continued to be something that Isabella does well. Even though the opportunities for the year have been limited, it has not stopped us participating in what we were able to, and to the best of our ability. Isabella girls joined in remote choir performances and we were delighted to see so many Isabella girls participate in the Virtual Carol Service this year. We embraced House Music’s new format, with each year group having a colour allocated to them and performing in their bubble. Every year group put a lot of time and effort into performing to the best of their ability. The First and Second Forms led the way by winning their heat, their colour was Blue; and they performed an uplifting song from Moana. They were followed by the Third Form (Yellow) singing a smiley version of Here comes the Sun. The Fourth Form (White) sang Wings of a Dove with some impressive stunt moves! The Fifth Form (Red) brought rap and reggae with their unique version of Red, Red Wine. Then the Lower Sixth (Black) presented a slick version of Black or White to the stage. Next the Upper Sixth presented the final performance, an impressively choreographed version of Goldfinger. We were delighted to be crowned overall winners of the competition, which was made possible by the hard work of every single girl. It was a great reward to see the year groups working together and supporting one another. We also have to acknowledge the joy that has been brought to the House by the two performances that were finally able to take place. Firstly Little Shop of Horrors, with remote rehearsals taking place during lockdown; it was amazing to see finally the production come together. Lily Garrett gave an assured performance as Audrey. Beth, Conchi, Celi, Marianna, Flo, Maria and Lara all gave fantastic performances and enjoyed the opportunity to be able to perform with their friends. We were also delighted that the younger girls had the opportunity during the final week of term to prepare and present a version of Singing
in the Rain, and it was a joy to see their enjoyment at being able to perform. Whilst we have enjoyed finding ways to work around Covid-19 restrictions, we look forward to next year!
Something of which we are incredibly proud in Isabella is the commitment of the girls to making a difference, be it on a small scale making a cup of tea for a visitor or working as part of a wider team serving the House, School or wider community. Isabella was again well represented in the St Teresa’s Community by Katharina, Judetta, Victoria, Wiktoria, Lily, Conchi, Celi and Marianna, who recently participated in a sleep-out to raise money for a local charity, Help for Homeless. This is a charity that we feel very strongly about, as it is run by Iona White (an Isabella mum) and a cause that we as a House are keen to continue to support, even when Molly has moved on next year. It was a cold and rainy night, and was difficult for the girls, but knowing it was for a greater purpose kept everyone motivated. Many Isabella girls have continued to be involved in leading Lectio groups and worked hard to continue to do so during our periods of remote learning. Katharina, in her role as Head of School, had worked hard putting together a conference on addiction. However, due to the lockdown in January, it was postponed until the Summer Term. However, all would agree that it was worth the wait. All who attended were moved by the speakers and the organisation of the day by Nick and Kathi. The welcome provided by the catering team of Sixth Form girls was a demonstration the support that Isabella girls provide to each other and the wider community. As a final farewell to the School and to say thank you to those who have supported them throughout their time at the School, the Upper Sixth hosted a tea party to give thanks to their teachers. The event was greatly appreciated by all, with the scones definitely being the highlight of the afternoon: jam first and then cream, of course… the debate continues!
Isabella girls will always step up to represent the House where needed and can always be relied upon to do the best of their ability. This was seen in our participation in events such as the Christmas Dash, a unique experience where runners and eaters combine to compete for the House. Katharina was an outstanding eater, whilst our team of runners braved the mud to win the girls’ competition. Another place where team spirit shone this year was in the Abingdon Society. After some challenging debates, Isabella made it through to the final of the Inter-House Debating Competition where the motion was “This House believes that the greatest threat to humanity is…” Isabella argued that the pandemic was the greatest threat. Sofia Siemens and Chloe Blackmore stepped up to represent the House and, despite being new to debating, did the House proud, and we look forward to what they can achieve next year.
Isabella House has continued to thrive in terms of our sporting achievement. Throughout the year, the girls have shown incredible commitment on the sports field. Despite the fact that external fixtures were unable to take place for most of the year, the girls have made the most of every opportunity that the sports department offered, from Inter-House matches to ADP training sessions. Many girls took the opportunity to try new things, including running, yoga and peloton during the remote learning period of the Spring Term. We were delighted that Sports Day was able to take place this year and it proved to be an excellent opportunity to get together as a whole school. Seeing the girls supporting each other made us incredibly proud as a House. Thanks to everyone’s commitment and teamwork Isabella won (beating even the boys’ houses); this was a great way to end the year.
This year Isabella has been well served by a dedicated Prefect Team. Despite their role in the House having to be adapted, they have continued to lead and play a key role in keeping the House together. Hanna Kedzior has worked hard in her role as Head of House and was supported by Victoria Mercadal as Deputy Head of House,
alongside a dedicated Prefect team of Betty Li, Daisy Marsh, Molly White, Judetta Whyte and Yuhan Yang. They have all worked hard to contribute to the smooth running of the House. Their support this year has been invaluable, and appreciated by both the staff and girls alike. The Head of First, Second and Third Form girls this year was Matilde Melodia, who was supported by Wiktoria Lassak as Deputy. They have both worked hard to support the younger members of the House, and made vast amounts of toast and noodles over the course of the year! Special thanks must go to Katharina Luetzenkirchen, who despite her role as Head of School, continued to serve the House as well as fulfilling her additional role. All of the Prefect team have proven themselves to be excellent role models to all around them with their dedication to their academic studies, whilst at the same time serving the House and wider school community.
We are incredibly fortunate as a House to have an incredible House team to support the girls, which has made such a difference over the past year. Their constant presence either on the screen or in real life has meant that we have managed to remain together. Our Housemothers have worked incredibly hard this year and shown endless patience. Miss Ford and Miss Ball have done so much to keep the household running, and we would not function without them. This year we were joined by Louise, who has kept the house clean, tidy and Covid-safe. The work of the Isabella tutors, Miss Ball, Miss Anglim, Mrs Alcantara, Mrs Rainey, Dr Leatherbarrow, Mrs Williams and Mrs Spurling has been greatly appreciated this year. Their support for all that we have done over the year, and in particular their support of the girls, whether in school or during remote learning, is something, for which we are all incredibly grateful. They have continued to go above and beyond to support the girls academically and pastorally. We are incredibly sad at the end of this year to have to say farewell to Miss Hadfield, who has been a fantastic resident tutor over the past two years. Without ever complaining, she has gone paintballing, shopping, made Christmas decorations and countless pots of noodles as well as always being prepared to run around at bedtime to “do her ticks” on the register. Her dedication to Isabella could not be questioned and her presence in the house will be greatly missed by us all. We are sure that she will come back to visit us and we look forward to hearing about her PGCE and hope that her time in Isabella will come in useful as she embarks on her teaching career.
Isabella again this year has proven itself to be so much more than just a boarding house. We have had to try harder than ever to maintain our togetherness and keep the House spirit alive. However, I am so proud of every member of the Isabella community for her loyalty and commitment to the House that I can confidently say that the Isabella spirit continues to shine through in every girl in the House and that we look forward to a new academic year with a renewed enthusiasm for what we can achieve when we work together.
Karen Westlake House Mistress of Isabella
POWELL
Head of House: Owain Daley Deputy Head of House: Michael Keeley
After the previous Summer Term of ‘lockdown’, remote teaching and then a long summer holiday I know that pupils, staff and parents were delighted that the gates to Downside School were once again finally open back in September. Whilst there were many new procedures, ‘bubbles’ and restrictions on aspects concerning trips and activities, this did not dampen the Powell boys’ infectious enthusiasm to be back amongst their peers. We welcomed Mr Setterfield and Dr Tahin as tutors who joined the already experienced Mr Pollard, Mr Clark and Ms Moody and the House Mothers, Mrs Pollard and Mrs Julie Chapman. In addition, Miss Miller-Hunt was appointed as the Sunday Houseparent. She has been a fantastic addition given her enthusiasm for Sunday activities. Owain Daley was appointed Head of House and Michael Keeley Deputy Head of Powell.
Early on in the Michaelmas Term the boys took part in their annual retreat, which is now wellestablished and involves an introduction to Morning Prayer, and to some passages from the New Testament, the making of a charter for Community Life, a Mass where the Charters are presented and an afternoon pilgrimage. Unfortunately as in previous years we were unable to walk to the Holcombe Plague Church but the walk around the Downside grounds was very special. It is a day when the whole year group of Third Form are together, praying and listening to one another, with each pupil introduced to the Rule of St Benedict and given a signed copy by the Head Master.
Although sporting fixtures were unable to go ahead, the early part of the Michaelmas Term involved cricket training. I doubt cricket has been played so early on in the academic year in Downside’s history?! The weather in September was warm and dry and this helped the First to Third Form boys hone their cricketing skills. In October, Rugby began in earnest and several players, namely Charlie Pike, George Buhagiar, Daniel Flynn, Casper Hayhurst, Edward Howlett and Freddie Podesta being the crop of the players. Unfortunately, InterHouse Sevens was postponed.
The term ended with the traditional Christmas Dash (about a 400m sprint around Barlow and the Worth Lawn) and a number of boys ran extremely
well for their respective senior Houses; Freddie Podesta and Charlie Pike in Smythe, Johnny Rowell and George Buhagiar in Barlow and finally Kaosi Kema and Alberto Wong in Roberts. Roberts were the overall winners. Finally, the long awaited traditional House Christmas Party took place on the last night of term which involved many challenging games ranging from the Iron Man competition to chocolate digestive eating races and horse racing!
It is with sadness that I am unable to write about the Lent Term as I usually do as the nation entered the second lockdown. Through the medium of online ‘Teams’, there were weekly assemblies led by Mr Dolman and I am very grateful to Owain and Michael who regularly entertained the boys with a variety of online Kahoot quizzes.
Fortunately, pupils arrived part way through the Lent Term. There were opportunities during the week and at weekends for the boys to discover new activities such as sailing, mountain biking, climbing, cooking, debating, fencing, archery, crazy golf, canoeing as well as the ever popular paintballing. The boys also had the chance to experience Somerset culture with a visit to Bath and Brean Leisure Park. My thanks go to Mr Pollard, Mrs Pollard and Miss Miller-Hunt for all their work in helping organise the Sunday activities. In addition, Mrs Pollard and Owain Daley were at the cutting edge in the Powell Kitchen on Saturday afternoons preparing fairy cakes, meringue and biscuits which all the boys participated in and then devoured the finished products!
The Summer Term was pretty good weatherwise, and we managed to field two cricket teams. The U14AXI played well throughout the season and whilst they had narrow defeats, their performances against Bristol Grammar School and Warminster School were notable matches. Henry Clark and Casper Hayhurst were the pick of the bowlers and there was strong batting performances from Boris Priscott and Jonah McGarry. Charlie Pike captained the side extremely well.
The Inter-House Athletics proved very popular. Kaosi Kema ran very well and won both the 100 and 200 metres. There were strong performances from Joshua Gathunga who won the Junior 100m and to Hugh Jones who came first in the U12 javelin.
The boys thoroughly enjoyed the CCF night exercise at Yoxter where there were escape and capture drills. They had a lot more fun than the House Mothers who spent hours cleaning cam cream from the sinks in Powell!
On the last weekend of term we took all of the Third Form to Skern Adventure Centre in Bideford, North Devon, where they spent a long weekend participating in activities such as surfing, raft building, power boating and kayaking. Great fun was had by all and the pupils had a chance to develop their teamwork and leadership skills as well as enjoy each other’s company as a year group before the end of term. Many thanks to Mr Dolman, Ms Ball, Miss Miller Hunt and Mr Harry Jones for all their hard work on the trip.
Finally, I would like to thank all the Prefects and House staff for all of their hard work and support over the course of the year. Owain Daley and Michael Keeley have been excellent role models for the boys. They have shown genuine commitment in their responsibility to the House and have supported the boys very well in their first year in the School. They performed their duties reliably and with good humour and I hope they have learned much from the experience as they go on to university next year. The boys and I owe much to Mr Pollard, Assistant House Master, who gives the House a great deal of his time, support and encouragement, and to the House Mothers, Mrs Julie Chapman, Mrs Michelle Pollard and Miss Ennea Miller-Hunt who work so hard for the House, making for a warmer, friendlier, and more cheerful House. The boys and I are also indebted
to the Tutors, Ms Moody, Dr Tahin, Mr Clark and Mr Setterfield. We sadly say a fond farewell to Mr Jamie Clark who moves on to pastures new at the end of this academic year.
Owain Daley and Michael Keeley, as Head and Deputy Head respectively, deserve a special mention for their loyalty and commitment to the job and the running of the Prefect team. I can say without hesitation that they were perfect role models for the Powell students in every respect and we all wish them the very best in their future endeavours. In addition, I was delighted that Owain Daley was awarded the Gregorian Medal, following in the footsteps of Harry MacGinnis, Felix Rusby, Tom McGinnis and Freddie Wright Morris (all previous Heads of Powell). This is a significant achievement.
The aim of Powell is to establish a strong sense of community and help settle the boys into expectations of the School. This year group integrated quite quickly and proved overall to be a very supportive and enjoyable group to be with. There were obviously difficulties to overcome at times, and mistakes were made, which is good in terms of a pupil’s individual development and that of the community as a whole. Goethe says “By seeking and blundering we learn” and so I hope that this intake have learned from their experiences in Powell and I look forward with interest to seeing them progress through the School.
Jonathan Dolman House Master of Powell
Owain Daley, Head of House, writes: Looking back at my Upper Sixth year, I can certainly say that it has been my most enjoyable at Downside. This is despite most of the events I always look forward to being cancelled, year group bubbling and a host of other Covid-19 restrictions. I think a huge part of my enjoyment of this year, therefore, has been due to the opportunity to take up leadership positions in the School, for me the opportunity to take up the role as Head of Powell. Working in Powell is a unique experience and also an amazing opportunity. Working with the youngest and newest boys in the School can of course be challenging at times, but is also hugely enjoyable and rewarding. It’s a huge privilege to watch as the boys settle in to the School and start to develop and grow as members of the Downside Community. It’s wonderful to see how many very different individuals come together to make one strong cohesive group, each contributing their own unique aspect. The past year has seen us acquire a delightful group of boys who are friendly, willing and on the whole very polite. I have very fond memories of cooking in the Powell kitchen, perhaps most notable was helping the Third Form make brownies, and finding that at least half of the mixture ended up adorning the kitchen, rather than in the oven! I’ve also massively enjoyed helping out with various other weekend activities such as the annual tug of war, the scavenger hunt and Mr. Dolman’s favourite, the ping pong tournaments. Being in Powell every half and 3-4 nights a week allows you to get to know the boys very well, and I will certainly miss all of them as I move on to university. I am especially grateful to Mr Dolman for giving me this unique experience and for his continual support throughout a challenging year. This has undoubtedly allowed me to develop massively and provided me with very many happy memories!
ROBERTS
Head of House: Edward Isola Deputy Head of House: Francisco Duve House Prefects: William Bowman, Frederick Dalgleish, Thomas Green, Alexander Jackson, Giovanni Lunetti, Jedrzej Niepolski, Marcus Wong Guestmaster: Lucas Phelan
The second extraordinary year of the Covid19 pandemic has been one of much change in Roberts, as much as the School at large; we began the year with strict social distancing regulations, new social spaces for individual year group ‘bubbles’, surgical masks throughout the School, and one-way systems directing our every move through the corridors. The Roberts spirit was not to be dampened, however, and the boys soldiered on with characteristic enthusiasm. It appears that over the past couple of years Roberts has become rather well-known for its food, not least the Saturday night kitchen, with favourites such as bratwurst, shawarma, conchinita pibil, and Cornish pasties all making regular appearances (and all home-made). We even invented our own sausage recipe, based on the life of St John Roberts, with leeks (representing his Welsh upbringing), pears (representing his last meal in prison) and garlic (representing his monastic profession in Spain), mixed into the sausagemeat. We made four dozen, using Owain Daley’s sausage-maker, and they disappeared in seconds later that evening.
As the end of the Michaelmas Term approached, so too did the annual challenge of the Christmas Dash, with all its attendant rivalries. It was our last chance to make use of the extraordinary eating talents of Will Bowman (Upper Sixth) and he certainly didn’t let us down. Despite a (literal) slipup in one of the early relay rounds, Will’s ability to seemingly inhale mince pies and chocolate-covered sprouts brought us back into contention, and a glorious final dash by Harry Garrett (Second Form) brought victory back to the House, accompanied by much waving of the huge House flag.
The arrival of the second lockdown brought with it new challenges; all remaining male boarders in the School (all 13 of them) were concentrated in Roberts, and we had a great deal of fun engaging in many different activities that are usually rather harder to provide for a full house of 60. Our lockdown newsletter, ‘The Roberts Reporter’, also returned and grew to an astonishing 35+ pages
each week, with a vast array of articles, essays, poems and pictures provided not only by the boys, but also by parents, OGs, and clergy friends of the House including the Bishop of Aberdeen and the Abbot President of the EBC (himself an old Roberts boy). In total we published an astonishing 180,000 words across 19 issues and it was sad to see the end of the publication when the reopening of the School meant that I could no longer devote a whole afternoon each week to editing the articles. I’m sure we will all miss the weekly delight of ‘Chicken of the Week’! The lockdown also allowed us time to renovate the House vegetable garden before the new growing season began, and by the end of the Summer Term it has already begun to produce lots of potatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, cabbages and carrots, with plenty more on the way as the summer progresses. The office, too, is filled with the scent of a never-ending supply of sweet peas.
House Masses and retreats have inevitably been affected by the restrictions placed on public gatherings and movements; the Fourth Form had a great day early in the year walking to St Aldhelm’s Well, at Doulting outside Shepton Mallet, where Mass was celebrated at the Holy Well by Dom Boniface. Upon returning to school they took part in the now-traditional meeting of new boys of the House with our patron, as they were shown the relic of St John Roberts in the Old Chapel. The activities of the Roberts Schola, begun last year, were similarly limited, but the year finished in great style when they sang William Byrd’s Mass for Four Voices (certainly not a simple setting!) and Tomas Luis de Victoria’s Ave Maria for a beautiful end of year Mass for the Sodality of Our Lady, in the Lady Chapel of the Abbey Church. The inspiring and entertaining sermon preached by Fr Rupert Allen, Chaplain to the University of Bristol, will be remembered by all! The Sodality was founded by 1640 at the latest, when the School and Monastic Community lived in exile in France, and the rules and lists of members have existed continually since 1680. The members, who gather for a weekly Rosary on Wednesday lunchtimes, are predominantly drawn from Roberts, though membership is open to all Sixth Form members of the School. It is quite possibly the oldest extant school society in the country (if not the world), and it is wonderful to be a part of such an important part of Downside history.
The 14th June was an important day in the history of Downside CCF, as the contingent changed its affiliation from The Rifles to the Irish Guards, with whom many OGs have served in the past. Roberts played a key role in the proceedings as 60% of the members of the CCF Corps of Drums are members of our House, including Drum Major Joseph Day, resplendent in his new gold-embroidered sash. Irish military marches on flutes and drums echoed around the Quad as the old rifle green berets were gathered in and the khaki of the Household Division donned in their place. The relationship between the regiment and the School is a long and an old one (27 OGs served in the Irish Guards during the First World War alone), so we hope that this will cement that link even more firmly.
When the pandemic began the Weld Café was closed for the duration so that its location could be used for socially distanced meals, and as a result we were able to open a small House Tuck Shop, providing items to the boys of the House. While profit was not the intention, we did want any surplus to be used to fund a project to commemorate such an extraordinary and unusual time in the life of the House. We are very lucky that Mr Clark in the Art Department is an experienced stained glass artist, and so I discussed
Dan McLean House Master of Roberts
ideas with him and he came up with a beautiful design for our common room. The two narrow lights of the window are full of imagery and allusions to St John Roberts’ life. The left-hand panel shows him celebrating mass (immediately after which he was arrested on Advent Sunday 1610), with a scallop shell reminding us of his noviciate in Santiago de Compostela, and the silhouette of the present Downside Abbey Church high on the hill behind him. In the right-hand panel is the figure of Dona Luisa de Carvajal, the Spanish woman who looked after St John in his prison cell. Over her head hang the branches of a pear tree (she provided pear tarts for his last meal), and in those branches sits a dove, recalling her mystical poetry. The beautiful window stands behind the reader during House assemblies and, as it is south facing, its many colours sparkle wonderfully in the sunlight. We really are very lucky indeed to have such a great craftsman in the School.
Finally, we are delighted that once again Roberts will be contributing a great deal to the leadership of the School next year, providing both the Head Boy (Joseph Day) and Deputy Head Boy (Angus Christie); they are both outstanding Gregorians and excellent role models to their peers and juniors alike. I have no doubt that they will both fulfil their duties in a truly Benedictine manner, and wish them the very best for the coming year.
As I leave for foreign shores I have a great deal for which to thank Roberts; the boys are kind, considerate of others and always keen to help; I am indebted to Teddy Isola and Fran Duve for their leadership under such strange circumstances this year. The staff are a wonderfully energetic and cohesive team with the good of the House always at heart. The combination is a wonderful one, and one from which I have learned a great deal over the past two years. I can honestly say that I will sincerely miss them all.
New House Awards 2020-2021 Piers Trevelyan Cup: Owain Daley St Cecilia Prize: William Dewhurst House Caps: Owain Daley, Francisco Duve, Edward Isola House Colours: William Bowman, Angus Christie, Joseph Day, William Dewhurst, Barnaby Sharifi House Half Colours: Caspar Shaw, Frederick Whitaker
SMYTHE
Head of House: Sebastian Hall Deputy Head of House: Sascha Wickham House Prefects: Oliver Catermole, Caspar Clothier, Sam Webb, Michael Yuen Deputy Head of Powell: Michael Kealey
The House Raven Report stands as a document of record not just for those who have been members of Smythe House this academic year, but also for their predecessors and for those who will follow them for generations to come. For each of these constituencies, I pay tribute here to the character that the boys of this House have continued to show in what has been a second year disrupted by the global pandemic; it has been a credit to them, it will be of satisfaction to their forebears, and I hope it will stand as a model to those who succeed them. They have shown themselves adaptable to ever-changing arrangements within the House and the School intended to keep them safe, but which have limited their cherished freedoms; they have shown themselves resilient when asked to achieve just as much and more despite the uncertainties of examinations which were ultimately cancelled once again; they have shown themselves cheerful in adversity. They have, as far as has been possible at any given time, remained a community with common purpose and common values. It has been a pleasure to be the House Master of each and every one of them.
We welcomed a small Fourth Form year in September, together with three new starters in the Lower Sixth. All have adapted well to life in Smythe, but as we hopefully move beyond these strange times next academic year I trust that they will gain a better sense of how the House normally functions: House Assemblies and the social hub that is the Study have both largely been in abeyance, as have traditional whole-community social events such as Sixth Form Dinners and House at Home. The Upper Sixth returned to Polding after a year’s exile, and have benefitted from the independence that this has allowed them as a ‘bubble’; as Prefects they have had relatively little work to do, but all have been willing to contribute when called upon to do so. In particular, Nicholas Hobbs has worked hard as Head of School, Michael Kealey as Deputy Head of Powell, and, of course, Sebastian Hall, as Head of Smythe. Their support has made the daily work of the
House that much easier, even during the pandemic.
There have been two further lockdowns in the UK this year: one in the autumn, a ‘circuitbreaker’, and a much longer one during much of the Lent Term. House life continued on-line particularly in Tutor Groups, but also with weekly House Assemblies even when there were only a very small number of boys physically in School: the engagement of the Smythe boys has been creditable throughout. Inevitably, however, we have missed many of the normal events that punctuate a typical year in the life of the School. Some of our overseas pupils have spent most of the year at home, and some will not be returning next year, having reached the end of their time at Downside. To them and to all our leavers I wish every success for the future, and very much hope that they will stay in touch with the House.
I record my thanks here to all of the House Staff: Tutors, House Parents, Domestic staff. Mr Ian Ramsden joined the House team this year as Resident Tutor, and Miss Frankie O’Neill as a Tutor. At Easter Ms Kirstie Kernutt – a much-loved House Parent – moved on to pastures new; she will be replaced in September by Mrs Stephanie Filer. Congratulations are offered both to Mr Rory Worsman, Assistant Housemaster, and to Miss O’Neill whose weddings are to take place over the summer months.
As I write this in the closing days of the Summer Term, I am delighted to be able to report that Smythe has won the Inter-House Cricket, and – perhaps remarkably – the Sweats Cup. (We shan’t mention Sports Day.) The sporting and academic success of the boys as we emerge blinking into the light from what we must all hope will be our last period of national restrictions augurs well for the future. I look forward to continuing to accompany the boys of Smythe on their journeys at School next year which we hope will be a joyful and successful one.
John Storey House Master of Smythe “They have, as far as has been possible at any given time, remained a community with common purpose and common values. It has been a pleasure to be the Housemaster of each and every one of them.”
Sebastian Hall, Head of House, writes: Last year, Mr Storey began by saying how difficult it would be to avoid the topic of Covid-19 dominating the House report, and while the same is unfortunately true for this report too, I’m sure he’d agree that everyone in the House has done an amazing job at making the most of a very unusual year. We all now look forward to a welldeserved summer holiday and, hopefully, a lifting of restrictions in time for the new academic year.
As Head of House, I have been in a unique and fortunate position of seeing the incredible way everyone in the House has kept a strong sense of community and belonging. This was especially noticeable and admirable in the Lent Term, a term which was spent almost exclusively online, but one in which the sense of the community of Smythe was as strong as ever.
This school year began in quite a different way to normal as we had many members of the House quarantining around the start of term, arriving from all around the world. There were also quite a few changes to life in the rest of the School, from one-way systems to masks in classrooms. Although these were annoying at times, the fact that they allowed us all to return made it worth it. The 11 new Fourth Formers unusually didn’t move into the Dorm; instead they moved into Tailor’s Row and Old Top rooms, granting them the luxury of having their own individual rooms. The Upper Sixth all moved into Polding, and the Fifth and Lower Sixth Forms were located around the rest of the House.
The Inter-House Competition scene has been quite a successful one for Smythe this year, winning in several categories. Most of the Inter-House competitions were divided up into
separate competitions for different years, the most prominent being Inter-House Singing. The Fourth Form sang Let it Go from Frozen, the Fifth Form sang Bella Ciao and came first in their competition. The Lower Sixth sang Black Magic and came second in their year. The Upper Sixth won ours with a rendition of Johnny B Goode, played by Caspar Clothier on Guitar, Sascha Wickham on Bass, Sam Webb on Drums, and with Boris Wong in the Smythe Ali G suit. The Sixth Form InterHouse Hockey was won by our team, captained by Nicholas Hobbs, as was the Sixth Form InterHouse Cricket, captained by Louis Hansom. Earlier in the year, the inaugural Inter-House Croquet was also won by Smythe, with the team consisting of Michael Kealey and I. Smythe also remains the reigning champion of Inter-House Laser Tag, having won every year the competition has been held to date.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the House staff on behalf of all the boys – to Mr Storey and Mr Worsman, who have both devoted huge amounts of their time to ensure everyone has been able to enjoy as much of a Covid-free year as we have done. The tutors – Mr Simper, Mr Hunt, Mr Rawlins, Miss O’Neill and Mr Ramsden (who I must also thank on behalf of all the Upper Sixth boys for looking after us in Polding over the last year). Ms Nash, Ms Kernutt and Jackie have all played an absolutely invaluable part in the day-to-day life of the House, and I know everyone else in Smythe will join me in wishing Ms Kernutt all the best in her new job.
As this year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in my year group all the best as we move on to University or Gap Years. Smythe has been the perfect home for us all over the last four years, and I am sure that we will keep in touch and return to Downside in the years to come. For everyone else, I hope that you all continue to enjoy your time here, and that things will be much more ‘normal’ next year, as overused as that phrase may be.
New House Awards 2020-2021 House Caps: Sebastian Hall, Nicholas Hobbs, Michael Kealey, Ms K. Kernutt. House Colours: Oliver Cattermole, Caspar Clothier, Samuel Webb, Sascha Wickham, Michael Yuen.
