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School News
The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster and new Chair of the Governing Body of Westminster School, announced that the Governing Body had appointed Dr Gary Savage as the new Head Master of Westminster School.
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Dr Savage will succeed Patrick Derham, who retires at the end of the forthcoming academic year (2019–20) after six years of outstanding leadership of the School. The appointment follows an extensive search; a very strong list of candidates applied for the post, from which Dr Savage was ultimately selected.
Dr Savage grew up in Suffolk. He read History at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, taking a Double First before completing a PhD on the political culture and foreign policy of later 18th-century France. He was Head of History and Master-in-College at Eton College then Under Master at Westminster School, and since 2010 has been Headmaster at Alleyn’s School in Dulwich. He is married to Natalie and enjoys History, the Arts, studying German, walking his two Jack Russell terriers and following the fortunes of Ipswich Town FC.
Dr Savage said: “It is an honour and a privilege to have been invited to be the new Head Master of Westminster School. I have very fond memories of this outstanding institution from my time as Under Master, and greatly admire Patrick Derham’s exceptional work during his tenure. I am grateful to the Governing Body for their faith in me and I very much look forward to getting to know the School afresh, and working with staff, pupils and the whole Westminster community as we enter an exciting new decade together.” Dr Savage will join a forward-looking school in very good heart, with outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements; the Governing Body has every confidence that this will continue under the leadership of Dr Savage.
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL AND HARRIS WESTMINSTER SIXTH FORM WERE NAMED INDEPENDENT-STATE SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP OF THE YEAR AT THE TES INDEPENDENT SCHOOL AWARDS 2020 Westminster’s partnership with Harris Westminster Sixth Form, which was established in 2014 and has gone from strength to strength, is making a real difference for pupils and teaching staff alike, across both institutions.
From joint classes in German, Music, Theatre Studies, Latin and Art History to joint involvement in co-curricular life, such as large-scale productions and society talks, pupils benefit from important shared opportunities for intellectual and cultural dialogue and exchange. In February we saw our two schools come together to stage an outstanding performance of Little Shop of Horrors. Meanwhile, teachers are sharing resources and expertise, with departments meeting to reflect on best practice and regular programmes of class observation and mentoring.
The partnership has served to enrich learning, placing value on discussion, independent research and initiative. In 2019, 27 per cent of pupils at HWSF achieved A*AA at A Level, and 2020 has brought with it the offer of 44 Oxbridge places for this year’s university applicants. It is a genuine partnership that has led to impressive results and, perhaps more importantly, memorable experiences for all those involved.
For more insight into the partnership from James Handscombe and Patrick Derham visit www.tes.com/news/ how-we-make-our-state-independentpartnership-work
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL RECENTLY UNDERWENT ITS TRIENNIAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE INSPECTION, WHICH WAS A GREAT SUCCESS The nature of an inspection of this kind means that its findings relate exclusively to compliance with the relevant legal and statutory frameworks.
The feedback from the inspectors during the course of the inspection made it clear that Westminster is a highly successful school and they noted the fact that they felt it to be a caring institution. Most particularly, they were impressed that the pupils viewed the School as something special in their lives and that they take a genuine pride in being members.
To view the full report visit www.westminster.org.uk/wp-content/ uploads/2019/12/RCI-Report-Nov2019.pdf
SPORTS BOARDS GET UPDATED IN THE SPORTS PAVILION IN VINCENT SQUARE The Elizabethan Club has paid for the restoration of some dilapidated Sports Boards and the addition of new ones.
Each done by hand, the boards show the names of OWW who competed in various sports dating back decades. If you would like to come and see the boards, please get in touch with alumni@westminster.org.uk
THE GREAZE 2020 Mukund emerged victorious winning the Greaze 2020 for Milne’s in one of Westminster’s great and unique traditions. JACK AITKEN CONFIRMED AS RESERVE DRIVER FOR ROKIT WILLIAMS RACING Jack Aitken (WW, 2009-14) has joined ROKiT Williams Racing as the team’s Official Reserve Driver for the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship.
Jack, 24 joins Williams following his impressive season in FIA Formula 2 where he won three races for the Campos Racing team (its first ever victories in the series) and finished fifth in the standings. Before that, he was a double Formula Renault champion and went on to be runner-up in GP3 in 2017. Alongside his F2 racing commitments, Jack has spent time with the Renault F1 Team as their Reserve and Test Driver over the past two seasons, gaining valuable experience both on and off the track.
In his new role as Williams’ Reserve Driver, Jack will attend all F1 Grands Prix during the year, integrating himself into the trackside team and be on hand should the need arise to replace one of the race drivers. Jack will undertake crucial work for Williams in the team’s simulator and will make his debut on-track appearance during an F1 race weekend by taking part in a Friday FP1 session. Finally, Jack will support the team in media and marketing activities throughout the year.
Jack Aitken commented, “It is a great honour to join ROKiT Williams Racing as their Reserve Driver for the 2020 season. Williams is a team with strong heritage, and continued longevity, and I’m looking forward to directly contributing to their development through my simulator and testing work.”
“It is obvious from what Jack has achieved so far he is a young driver with a great career ahead of him,” said Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, “and we believe he has the right credentials to reach the top in the sport. Jack has proved his ability in FIA Formula 2 and GP3 and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve as the team’s Official Reserve Driver.”
Article taken from www.williamsf1.com/
