Lent term 2014

issue eleven LENT TERM 2014

SherborneNews DEBATES

SPORT

TRIPS

MUSIC

Comment

BY REVEREND LINDSAY COLLINS CHAPLAIN

... boys are encouraged to reflect on ... humanity, hospitality and humility ...

www.sherborne.org

Sherborne School is built on the foundations of a former Benedictine monastery, the current Chapel once being the monks’ refectory. Chaplaincy at Sherborne is built on St Benedict’s concern about meeting the needs of people living in a community environment: namely, to establish due order, to foster an understanding of the relational nature of human beings, and to provide a spiritual rhythm of prayer and study to help develop each individual’s spiritual growth that is required for the fulfilment of the human vocation. Thus all Chaplaincy activity focuses on encouraging boys to reflect on their relationships and responsibilities as members of a community as well as providing opportunities for prayer and worship.

The Rule of St Benedict centres around three key themes; humanity, hospitality and humility as exampled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Sherborne boys are encouraged to recognise and reflect on these themes through the weekly rhythm of Abbey and Chapel worship. There are two whole school services a week in the beautiful Abbey and a variety of voluntary services throughout the week held in the school chapel. One of the most important services for the boys is the Friday night candlelight Eucharist which is well attended by boys and members of Sherborne Girls‘ School.

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Chaplaincy also offers Sunday afternoon drop in sessions for tea and chat at the Chaplain’s house, individual meetings for pastoral and spiritual support, and mediation meetings where broken relationships are able to be reconciled.

Such occasions along with the different Bible study and discussion groups and Confirmation classes, enable boys to learn how to apply the Christian values of love and forgiveness and justice and mercy in their lives. Through understanding and experiencing the hospitality of God, we hope our boys will learn to offer hospitality with humility to those around them.

The Rule of St Benedict focuses especially on leaders of community, and an important aspect of the work of the Chaplaincy is to help boys develop their leadership skills. The role of Chapel Warden is an important one in the Houses as well as across the school. Boys are given training in listening skills and mediation and they learn how to be an intermediary between boys and staff. There are many instances as testified by staff and boys, where Chapel Wardens have befriended a homesick boy, sorted out a dispute between friends or offered a listening ear to someone in trouble. They also lead House Services each half term and many of them volunteer to preach in Chapel or Abbey services. Using the example of Christ’s leadership, boys learn that there are times to rebuke, times to forgive, times to inspire and times to listen, always in a spirit of love and humility.

SENIOR SKI TRIP TO VAL CLARET The Sixth Form enjoyed a ski trip to Tignes in December, when twenty-one boys enjoyed four days of sunny skiing before the fog descended. In addition, the group took part in sledging, swimming, a games night and a visit to a comedy club.

The ski instructors and hotel staff complimented the boys on their exemplary behaviour. Many thanks to Mr Smith and Mr Woods for helping to make the week such a success.

BY DAVID MUCKALT DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SPORT

Honorary Academic Scholars The School is pleased to announce that, following the recent internal examinations, these boys are elevated to the status of Honorary Scholar. This award is given for outstanding academic achievement over a student’s career at Sherborne to date, and reflects the School’s appreciation of their exceptional efforts.

Max Armstrong (5a), Richard Galloway (U6m), Jacob Hughes-Hallett (5a), Tom Mendel (U6b), Houston Owen (5d), Ramsay Didben (5e)

BY TIM DAWSON HEAD OF SCHOLARSHIP

Junior Ski trip to Claviere Twenty boys from Sherborne’s Third and Fourth Forms headed off to Claviere in the Italian Alps for six days of skiing during the Christmas holidays.

With a dual ski pass, the group was able to ski daily in both Italy (Claviere) and France (Montegenèvre). A Milky Way extension also allowed the boys an opportunity to spend a day on the Sestrière pistes.

Evening entertainment included a skidoo ride to a mountain lodge for hot

chocolate and crêpes, a mixed school disco with some outstanding karaoke on display, and a Christmas shopping excursion. The hotel ensured that the boys were well fuelled, and after a week of skiing the boys looked forward to plenty of sleep on the coach journey home.

Thank you to Mr Mason and Dr Wadham for their support.

BY TOM SCOTT

Oxbridge offers Congratulations to the six Sherborne pupils who have received offers from Oxford and Cambridge this year.

An Insight into Oxford University Twenty-five Lower Sixth boys visited Oxford University in January to learn more about studying there. The day began at St Hugh’s with a presentation from Dr Lizzy Emerson, Senior Tutor, on applying for, and studying at, Oxford. After a College tour and lunch, the boys broke into two groups, with one (Humanities) visiting Christ Church for a talk from Dr Rowena Archer, Fellow and History Tutor, and the other (Science) touring the very impressive Bio-Chemistry Building, followed by a visit to Merton College to hear from a current Science undergraduate. Four OS currently studying at Oxford joined the group to add their insights into studying and living in Oxford.

One boy in the group commented: “Before the visit I was concerned that the course would be fine but that the students would feel under pressure. I was very glad to see that they were really enjoying themselves, and I could see myself doing that, too.”

BY KIM DUNNING - MANAGER OF HE & CAREERS

Boys receiving offers are: Oscar Cairns (U6a) to read Engineering at St Hilda’s, Oxford, George Campbell (U6c) to read Economics and Management at Pembroke, Oxford, Robert Folkes (U6a) to read Music at Fitzwilliam, Cambridge, Tom Mendel (U6d) to read Theology and Religious Studies at Clare, Cambridge, Paul Myatt (U6b) to read History at St John’s, Cambridge and James Sewry (U6d) to read History at Christ Church, Oxford.

“We are all delighted by the Oxbridge offers the boys have secured through their own impressively sustained efforts and through the inspiring support of the staff. It is good to see the school’s emphasis on academic rigour, on challenging and supporting each boy to aim as high as he can in the pursuit of excellence, and on providing a broad programme of academic societies and other enriching activities, reflected in these offers to world class universities.”

CHRIS DAVIS, HEADMASTER

Football trip to Mallorca SHERBORNE’S FOOTBALL PLAYERS ENJOYED A HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL FIVE-DAY PRE-SEASON TRAINING TRIP TO MALLORCA OVER THE CHRISTMAS BREAK. BOYS FROM FOURTH TO SIXTH FORM TRAINED INTENSIVELY EVERY DAY WITH THE COACHES FROM THE RCD MALLORCA ACADEMY AND PLAYED FIXTURES AGAINST LOCAL TEAMS, SPLIT INTO JUNIOR (UNDER 16) AND SENIOR (UNDER 18) SQUADS. Local Mallorca Academy sides (one of which was coached by champions’ league-winning and ex-Ipswich player Finide George) provided the first fixtures and proved to be close games, although Sherborne lost both. The second fixtures against local club sides saw the juniors win 2-1 and the seniors lose 3-0. Star performers were Dan Kendall (4f), Louis Stannah (4m), Jeremy Bottari (5c), William McCann (5d) for the juniors, and Jack Bridger (U6c) for the seniors.

The trip was about more than playing football; the boys enjoyed excellent hospitality, as well as a tour of the impressive RCD Mallorca stadium and an evening excursion. Thanks must go to Mr Nurton, for organising the trip, Mr Harris, Mr Flowers, and Mr Hardaker.

PARENT PASTORAL LECTURE PROGRAMME 2014

BY RICHARD FALDER - MASTER IN CHARGE OF FOOTBALL

“What a great lecture. I am so glad I was there, it was an inspirational experience, I learnt so much”.

Shirburnians in

Royal Marines’ 350th celebrations

CURRENT PARENT

At the core of Sherborne’s programme of pastoral education is a focus on developing resilience: the ability and strength to maintain a positive frame of mind in the face of change and challenge. New for 2014, is a specific Saturday morning lecture programme delivered by experts in their field and run for parents under the banner of: Supporting Adolescence: Selfconfidence, self-reliance and selfrestraint.

The first of these lectures has taken place, given by Paul Jetten, on the subject of Mental Health: Stress and Anxiety. It was very well attended by

parents and we look forward to hosting the next lecture on Saturday 15 March on the subject of The Brain by Andrew O’Keefe (OS), Neurosurgeon, focusing on how the brain functions and what that means in the teenage years. If you would like to book a place for this lecture, we have 10 places remaining, please contact Cathie Graham, Pastoral Team Secretary by email on cgraham@sherborne.org.

All these lectures share an understanding of the challenges facing adolescent boys in the 21st century and of how to equip them with the skills, habits and confidence to live happy, fulfilled and engaged lives .

Tuesday 8 July 2014 will see a Royal Marines’ parade at Buckingham Palace as part of the Royal Marines’ 350th birthday celebrations. Our Combined Cadet Force is one of 19 schools to have a Royal Marines’ detachment and we have been lucky enough to secure five spaces for our boys at this prestigious event. The cadets will be inspected by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh, the Captain General of the Royal Marines. We are delighted to announce the participation of Ed Polsue, Alex Reid, Ruari Ross (all L6b), Fuad Hasan (L5e) and Charlie Sorby (4m).

BY ROB LE POIDEVIN CCF CONTINGENT COMMANDER

THE PRESIDENT’S DEBATE:

“THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN” Economics talk by David Smith of the Sunday Times On Tuesday 28 January, around eighty Sixth Form Economists travelled to Millfield to attend a lecture by David Smith, the Economics Editor (since 1989) of the Sunday Times. After listening to him speak about topics such as The EuroZone and Monetary Policy, questions followed on whether Greece would keep the Euro or what really caused of the 2007-08 recession? Despite an incredibly warm room, it was a rewarding lecture with content that can be directly linked to material coming up in the end of year exams.

At the end of Michaelmas term, an audience of over 150 boys gathered in the Powell Theatre to watch the debate between boys and staff. The boys’ team of James Vitali (U6f), Tom Mendel (U6d) and James Sewry (U6d) made a strong entrance in black tie attire, ready to face their staff opponents: Mr Dawson, Dr Wild and Mr Reynolds. After both first speakers (Vitali and Dawson) opened with moral and intellectual arguments as to how we perceive others, the main meat of the debate was delivered with panache and more than a small dose of bite (Mendel and Wild). The audience was slightly in favour of the teachers, as was the judges’ ruling (kindly offered

by Dr Smith, Ed Wauton (L6f) and Robert Ham (L6e)). They felt that the staff team had the edge.

Not for the first time, I was struck by the passion of the debates and the thoroughness of research behind the arguments. Both sides were equally able to view the world from another perspective for an hour, think logically, and speak with utter confidence and conviction. Thanks go to the teachers, and also to Messrs Vitali, Mendel and Sewry, for whose contributions to Sherborne debating I have been most grateful.

BY HUGH WILLIAMS L6c

The Green 10,000: Ironmen of The Green Return Over the weekend of 22 and 23 March, The Green have set themselves the challenge of cycling 10,000km in 36 hours to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support. This is no mean feat and anyone is welcome to contribute to the miles at home, in the gym or in the fresh air. Contact Ali Hatch if you’d like to take part and keep an eye out for notice of their JustGiving page. ahatch@sherborne.org

Harper House Ceilidh Also on 22 March, Harper House is holding a ceilidh in the dining hall in aid of AMMF, the cholangiocarcinoma charity. Tickets are £25 for adults and £10 for students with priority for those with Harper House connections. Contact Jeremy Wadham jwadham@sherborne.org

School House 22 March

BY JOSEPHINE BERGANZA

Strictly

School House Upper Sixth, and their friends from Sherborne Girls and Leweston, will be participating in a Strictly Come Dancing charity event to be held on 22 March in the memory of Dr Jim Edwards (father of Tom Edwards) with proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation. Throughout the Lent term, eight pairs have been having dance lessons with a professional teacher in preparation for the event. Parents and friends are warmly invited to sponsor the event at: https://www.justgiving.com/School-House-Strictly We would love to see as many supporters as possible on the evening of the 22 March starting at 8pm.

For tickets (no charge) contact Fergus Huins at huinsfj@sherborne.org

PLEASE SEE EVENT GALLERIES AT WWW.SHERBORNE.ORG FOR MORE PICTURES

MUSIC ROUND UP Harper House Concert This year Harper put on an incredible show at the house concert, as the whole house took part in either playing instruments or singing in the finale: the house song. The evening opened with Charlie Hickling on the trumpet, followed by the Harper House Band which is made up of about a third of the house showcasing the wide variety of Harper’s musical talent.

There were 16 performances in all; Billy Penton-Voak playing the trombone, Ollie Palmer singing and playing the guitar and Ollie Douglas on the tuba, to name just a few.

Unfortunately, illness prevented Tom Sherratt from performing, but Rufus Johnson filled in with something a little different – beat boxing. With only a few minutes warning, Rufus put on an impressive performance, to the delight of the audience. The finale of the concert was the house rendition of ‘Guys and Dolls’.

Overall the concert was a great success, with impressive performances by all the boys involved. However, many thanks must go to everyone who helped including; the music staff especially James Henderson and Sarah Drury - for helping with practice and organisation for the concert, the catering staff, as well as Mrs H and Mrs G, and also Christian Pugsley, who helped organise and co-ordinate the whole house concert.

Lunchtime Recitals show variety There have been some outstanding lunchtime recitals so far this term, with particularly good individual performances from William Glasse (L6a: bassoon), Henry Delamain (5c: flute), Douglas Mak (4c: piano), Ally Collins (4f: piano), Theo Beeny (5c: French horn), Robert Ham (L6e: tuba), Sam MacDonald (3c: saxophone), Alex Stagg (5f: trumpet) and Peter Folkes (3a: saxophone). A new arrival on the musical scene was the Clarinet and Saxophone Ensemble featuring Arthur Drake (5b), Patrick Creamer (4m), James Grammaticas (5f), Jamie Dixon (3g), Harry Scarlett (L6a), Will Thorne (3e), Will Shardlow (4m) and Harry Reynolds (5e). The Brass Quintet proved to be as strong as ever with a performance of the very tricky first movement of Malcolm Arnold’s Quintet for Brass.

Halliday Music Cup This year’s music competition for pianists, singers and organists, was adjudicated by Paul Drayton (pianist, composer and conductor). The winners were: Joint winners of the Halliday Cup: Robert Folkes (U6a: voice) Douglas Mak (4c: piano) Early piano class: William Eaton (U6d) Intermediate piano class: Theo Beeny (5c) Senior piano: Douglas Mak (4c) Junior singing: Oscar Faulkner (5m) Senior singing: Robert Folkes (U6a)

Music Events Next Half Term Sunday 16 March Windband performs Music for Youth National Festival (Cheltenham), Sunday 23 March at 3pm Sherborne Joint Schools’ Symphony Orchestra in concert at St George’s, Bristol - FREE ENTRY - for tickets and more information glittle@sherborne.org

JAZZ IS STRONG AS EVER AT SHERBORNE

BY HOUSTON OWEN (5d)

A musical highlight of the first half was the Tindall Recital Series two grand piano ‘Oscar Peterson Tribute Evening’ featuring James Pearson (the resident piano-man at Ronnie Scott’s), Dave Newton (piano), Sam Burgess (bass) and Matt Skelton (drums). This was played to a packed hall with Shirburnians filling the balcony above the performing space as well as the auditorium itself. As a final number, after

two hours of improvised jazz, Jack Blakey (U6a) and Old Shirburnian Olly Toomey were invited to join the two jazz pianists for an improvisation on Ellington’s Cottontail. A similar event is being staged on Valentine’s Day, featuring Old Shirburnians Olly Toomey (piano), James Henderson (piano), Felix Stickland (bass) and Toby Cairns (drums).

Inspirational Speakers

Hamp Ben Heason

This term’s speaker programme has again seen an interesting variety of lectures. Ben Heason spoke of his extraordinary climb up the Angel Falls in Venezuela, living on the cliff edge for two weeks before completing the climb; Richard Corfield gave us a scientific insight into such controversies as the Apollo landings, the Turin Shroud and Global Warming; Paul Boissier, CEO of the RNLI, talked to us about the vital work that this historic charity does; and Pradeep Pursnani of the Shell Foundation talked about social entrepreneurship and the joint ventures of the Foundation in the developing world.

John Wilson’s 1964 drama is set in 1917 soon after Passchendaele. Hamp has left his post and is on trial for desertion. From his first entrance in the title role, Ed Sprague is fully in command; his ungainly lanky frame, lop-sided grin and warm charm are pitch perfect. Despite the best efforts of his defence, Lt. Hargreaves, (played expertly by Max Stone) Hamp has no truck with or even understanding of excuse or reason; he simply “couldn’t stand it anymore.” James Pyman’s convincing turn as the Corporal of Guard points out from the start that Hamp has “his own way of looking at things.” But of course, the army has little truck with such idiosyncracy and can find no place for someone who is neither coward nor lunatic.

Hugh Johnson’s glacial bemusement as President of the Court was, I suspect, the nature of the party line, much like that taken by the Medical Officer, played by an appropriately laconic Teddy Goucher, “It’s not my job to supply a man with guts.” Even Oscar Fearnley-Derome’s Proscecuting Officer can only offer “I’m trying to do my duty.” Given Hamp “don’t (sic) know how to lie” the outcome is inevitable but it is the trial which carries the weight of the play’s meaning and here every actor played an important part; James Garrow, Tomos Evans, Fuad Hasan and Angus Huntington all contributed to a house production of unusually consistent acting talent.

NEW Drama Club

Theatre Sports Club runs in the new Drama School every Monday and involves the kind of drama games which featured on the much-celebrated TV programme “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”

These are fast and furious, spontaneous improvisation exercises, and all of the basic skills practised here are those that are at the core of all good drama: creativity; a sense of the visual; quick, uncluttered thinking; and the ability to devise characters.

There are some basic improvisation concepts which are

taught to all boys from the Third Form upwards, such as blocking/not blocking; they are skills we hone in this fun and highly-dynamic environment.

The Club has a core of hardened adepts of the discipline, but is joined from time-to-time by boys who just drop in to give it a go.

Occasionally, the Club suspends improvisation exercises to watch monologues its members are preparing for competition, alongside exam pieces, so that actors can have some seasoned feedback before the exam itself.

BY IAN READE, HEAD OF DRAMA

Mention must go to the dignified Harrison FurberSmith and to Joshua Powell who handled with maturity the role of Lt. Webb whose early pragmatism survives even his own part in Hamp’s execution, “I feel a helluva lot better.” With no real villains Wilson’s play offers no trite solutions. But the director, Mr. Robinson, does insist on one thing; that we remember the 306 men who were shot by a British army desperate to hold the line in the face of the enemy.

BY REBECCA de PELET, HEAD OF ENGLISH

PLEASE SEE EVENT GALLERIES AT WWW.SHERBORNE.ORG FOR MORE PICTURES

The Wallace House Play

D

espite the terrible weather, Sherborne has managed to play three of their four major block fixtures so far this term with a gradual improvement in results. Following a difficult start against QEH Bristol and Millfield, Sherborne enjoyed a winning weekend against Clifton, with the highlight being the First team’s 1-0 victory on the Lower.

Special mention should go to the Junior Colt C team who still have a 100% unbeaten record after three fixtures. The School also wishes to thank Shelleys The Printers for their sponsorship of the Football First XI this term; their support is appreciated.

Congratulations to the Colts A Hockey team who finished second in the Dorset Schools’ U16 Cup and to the Mini Colts A who were runners up in the U14 Cup. Despite not being overall winners, Sherborne player Patrick Reynolds (3c) was awarded Player of the Tournament.

The water polo team is celebrating a hattrick of wins so far this term with resounding victories over Marlborough (10-3), Cranleigh (12-2) and Clayesmore (9-5). In addition, Hugo Houlton has been selected to join the regional training centre in Exeter as a potential elite player. The team bid a sad farewell to coach Alex Cox, who has done a tremendous job of coaching the team and generating real enthusiasm for the sport.

The basketball team has played four matches so far this season, winning games against Canford, Sturminster Newton and Gillingham, and narrowly losing to Winchester 38-42. Joint captain Hubert Wong leads all scorers so far, averaging 16 points per game.

Congratulations to the Swimming Team on their resounding victory over Milton Abbey School 100 points to 70. The Senior Team of Tom Atwell (U6f), Fergus Huins (U6a), Jasper Slawson (L6e) and Ed Budd (L6m) is now training hard for The Bath Cup and Otter Medley; these prestigious competitions will be taking place at the Olympic Pool in London in March.

This term Sherborne rugby has enjoyed county representation at U14 and U15 level with Sandy Miller (4f) representing Dorset and Wilts U15 against Berkshire, and Patrick Reynolds (3c), Will Bailey (3e), Finian McLoughlin (3g) and Barney Humphrey (3m), representing Dorset and Wilts U14 against Hampshire. Will Bailey has also been selected to represent the

Sport Round up

BY DAVID GUY, DIRECTOR OF SPORT

Independent Schools’ U14 Lambs XV on their tour to Ireland.

At senior level, William Homer (U6m) received a full-time contract offer from Bath Rugby following some excellent performances for the Academy and England U18’s. William and Richard Galloway (U6m) have been selected to represent England U18’s in their fixtures against Wales and France. Edward Coulson (U6m), Richard Galloway, Jake Guildford (U6d) and Charles Smith (L6m) have all played competitively for Bath Academy who have qualified for the finals day, so all the

lads will be in action on Monday 17 February at Allianz Park (Saracens Rugby Club). Fergus Hamilton (5c) and Tom Lewis (5a) have been retained in the Bath Academy Elite Player Development Group and will join the 16-18 programme starting in September.

It has been great to see a number of our lads playing this term at Sherborne Rugby Club. Jack Deverell (U6f) and Jake Guildford (U6d) have both had run outs in Sherborne Rugby Club 1st XV and Matt Key (L6m), Jack Edmondson (L6f) and Will Stubbs (L6e) have all played regularly for Sherborne Colts XV.

LOOKING FORWARD...

Over the half term break the following trips are taking place: Spanish trip to Cordoba, Cricket tour to Zimbabwe.

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Friday 28 February Confirmation retreat 7.45pm Friday 28 February The Scholars’ Concert (Tindall Rectial Hall) 10.30am Saturday 1 March Confirmation Service (Abbey) 7.45pm Thursday 6 March Onyx Brass (Tindall Recital Series) * 2.00pm Friday 7 March Third Form Parent/Staff Meetings 14-16 March Sherborne Douzelage Young Musician of the Year Festival (Music School) 7.30pm Friday 14 March Sinfonia Concert (Leweston) 14-15 March Lower Sixth Form Careers Convention 7.30pm Saturday 15 March RocSoc LIVE! Sunday 16 March Wind Band at Music For Youth National Festival (Cheltenham) 7.45pm Friday 21 March Abbey House Concert (Powell Theatre) * Saturday 22 March Back To School: Parents’ Workshop by invitation (Third and Fourth Form only) • 3.00pm Sunday 23 March Sherborne Joint Schools’ Symphony Orchestra, St George’s, Bristol - FREE ENTRY - contact glittle@sherborne.org • 7.30pm Friday 28 March Parents’ Black Tie Dinner and Jazz (Dining Hall) Tickets £25pp glittle@sherborne.org

TERM DATES Half term ends: 9.30pm Sunday 23 February Exeat 3.00pm Friday 7 – 9.30pm Sunday 9 March Term ends: 1.00pm Friday 28 March * tickets@sherborne.org T: 01935 812249

SHERBORNE SCHOOL ABBEY ROAD SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3AP T: 01935 812249 E: enquiries@sherborne.org www.sherborne.org Registered Charity No. 1081228

Photographs: Kenny Primrose, Richard Falder, Tom Scott, David Muckalt, Liz Thompson, Jacob Lane (5d), Alexander Davidson (4f) and Fuad Hasan (5e)