THE STANDARD The John Lyon School Magazine | AUTUMN TERM 2018
In this issue
New musical partnership proves both melodious and harmonious Moustaches raise thousands and see John Lyon top the UK charts John Lyon’s ‘59’ remembered as WW1 centenary draws to a close U13 Footballers lay down a marker as the team to beat
CONTENTS 1
Remembering our philanthropic roots
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New musical partnership hits all the right notes
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Students take the reins as debating and the classics are introduced to local children
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Sixth Form students give it some lip in aid of men's health
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John Lyon celebrates John Lyon on annual Founder's Day
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Digital world becomes embedded in the classroom as full BYOD rollout begins Jaimi strikes gold in Maths Challenge
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New beginnings - the changing relationship after the first day
8
England's 500 year old Brexit explored by renowned historian David Starkey
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Pupils tap into teachers' knowledge and passions in university style tutorials Medical Academic Society proves just the tonic for pupils
10
The robots are coming! (Thanks to some help from our friends)
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Year 9s bond on the south coast Chinook pilot helps Year 8 imaginations soar Creative writing skills boosted by 1876 Fund
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John Lyon's WWI '59' recalled at poignant Remembrance ceremony One hundred years on, the John Lyon archives provide a fascinating glimpse into the reality of World War One
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Paper comes to life as former pupil gives puppetry masterclass The Scottish Play gets a John Lyon makeover
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Pupils prove they are well-versed for National Poetry Day
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University Fair gives students the taste of Higher things to come Pupils make their choices at popular Co-Curricular Fair
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The Christmas season is welcomed in words and music by pupils
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A menagerie of instruments on display at Autumn Concert
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The Standard long read - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award
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Early silverware sets the scene for excellent U13 Football season
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Trophies, medals, belts and confidence for Ali and Jack as they eye up even more Taekwondo success
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New equipment opens up fitness suite to more boys England's Rocky Clark proves inspirational to John Lyon's new Sixth Form students
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Keen Hockey players get to see GB's leading pros in action First XI Footballers give new shirt its first outing A clean sweep for Butler as 500 run House Cross Country
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Timothy West OL returns to John Lyon stage where his acting career began Front cover: Dhiren Patel (7JNL) and Kesavan Sukanthan (7LA) get to grips with the trumpet as part of the LCO Music Junction project
www.johnlyon.org/values
Remembering our philanthropic roots It is sometimes perhaps easy for busy organisations – including schools – to get on with the day job and forget the guiding principles and ethos on which they were founded and for which they wish to be known.
At John Lyon, a busy school where there is always something happening, I am acutely aware of the potential to be swept along in the present, without giving due consideration to the bigger picture: what we stand for, what we believe in and in which direction we want to be moving forward. Two great strengths of John Lyon that help us get things right are a strong knowledge of why the School was founded and a good working knowledge of our eight core values, listed on the page opposite. Our great founder, John Lyon, who we
celebrated in a special Founder’s Day service in September (pictured above and reported on page 5), was a philanthropic man who began educating local boys in the 1500s, at what is now Harrow School. His endowment allowed that school to grow and flourish, and 300 years later John Lyon School opened, again for the benefit of local boys.
The spirit of philanthropy has never gone away and is now demonstrated – regularly and proudly – by John Lyon boys. I hope the opening pages of this edition of The Standard give you a window into some of the fantastic work being done by our boys, both in terms of charity and fundraising, as well as important partnership work within our Harrow community.
Miss Katherine Haynes, Head
Whether it’s growing moustaches to raise funds for men’s health, encouraging young people to pick up musical instruments for the first time, or inspiring primary school children with tales of ancient Rome, I am constantly amazed by the willingness of John Lyon boys to get stuck in for causes they believe in, helping people they don’t know but whose needs are greater than their own. This work, which goes well beyond the curriculum and is not done for any reward of grades or other prizes, really encompasses the values we hold close – a John Lyon way – and explicitly shows what a 21st century school education should and can be.
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Hrishi Kansara (7SRP), Tristan Morton (7JNL), and Dhiren Patel (7JNL) all have a go at the clarinet on the LCO flash mob day
New musical partnership hits all the right notes A musical partnership aimed at bringing together young people in North West London to make both music and friends has got off to a harmonious and busy start An orchestral flash mob of professional musicians from the London Chamber Orchestra (LCO), and some of John Lyon’s own fine instrumentalists, surprised not one, not two, but three different young audiences on one day, at the start of the exciting Music Junction project in October.
Beginning at Kenmore Park School in the morning, visiting John Lyon pupils and students from the Red Balloon Learning Centre at lunch, and finishing at Cedars Manor School in the afternoon, the flash mob wowed the young audiences, introducing them to various orchestral instruments (including a priceless 250-year-old violin) and playing renditions of Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and the main theme from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. After each performance, pupils were encouraged to try some of the instruments themselves, something all were very keen to do. Over the course of this school year,
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Music Junction will see LCO, John Lyon and Harrow Music Service, supported by John Lyon’s Charity, work to bring young people from very different social and economic backgrounds together to promote confidence, nurture self-esteem and encourage participants to develop empathy and respect for themselves and others within the wider community through music making. Already an established project in other areas, including Berkshire, Kent and Devon, the innovative musical partnership now comes to North West London and will see John Lyon pupils working with LCO to take music around Harrow and
Students take the reins as debating and the classics are introduced to local children John Lyon Sixth Form students’ desire for learning has led them to create their own courses, which they deliver to younger children For Asher Weisz (U6JWP), Nathan Cuttica (U6LH), Javier D’Souza (U6AHR) and Jude Hedges-Robinson (U6JWP), Wednesday afternoons have seen them switch roles - from tutees to tutors - at Harrow’s Norbury School. The sessions have seen Nathan and Javier introduce a lively class of Year 5 pupils to the art of debating (well-constructed and well-mannered arguments without
Asher Weisz (U6JWP) and Jude Hedges-Robinson (U6JWP) inspire Norbury pupils with tales of ancient Rome
any finger pointing or name calling), while Asher and Jude take a Year 6 class back in time to ancient Rome. Asher, a keen classicist who studies both Greek and Latin at A-Level, said: “Our specially designed course offers quick development of Latin language skills alongside learning about Greek and Roman history, literature and culture. We include lessons on Pompeii, Roman
houses, Caesar, Cicero, Homer and Greek Civilisation. “It is immensely satisfying to see the children grow to love things which we ourselves love. They get more confident and knowledgeable as the year goes on, and we end up learning from them as much as they learn from us.”
The London Chamber Orchestra perform alongside John Lyon students
surrounding areas, helping to mentor younger children, before coming together for a big final concert at the end of the year at Harrow School’s Speech Room. John Lyon’s Director of Music, Mr Huw Jones, said: "We are hugely excited about the Music Junction partnership as it provides great benefits to young people across the Harrow area, regardless of how much musical education they may have already had. For pupils in some local
schools, this may be the first time they have ever seen and heard such an array of instruments. For our student mentors here at John Lyon, it is a golden opportunity to develop leadership skills, become teacher as well as student, and to enthuse about the instruments they play." Keep an eye out for future Music Junction events at www.johnlyon.org/whatson
And for everyone, this musical partnership is an opportunity to engage creatively and collaboratively, making new friends along the way.
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Students and staff show off their moustaches on the final day of Movember
Sixth Form students give it some lip in aid of men’s health John Lyon students once again show their fundraising prowess as a wide array of facial hair helps them top Movember’s schools leaderboard In what is now becoming tradition at John Lyon, 35 Sixth Form students were granted special permission to deviate from School rules to grow moustaches in aid of men’s health throughout November. The Movember Foundation seeks to raise awareness and funds for a number of leading concerns connected to men’s physical and mental health – and challenges men across the country to grow moustaches in return for sponsorship. Alongside a handful of staff, students grew moustaches of various shapes, sizes and styles over the 30 day period and in the process raised £8,434, which meant for the second year in a row they topped the national schools leaderboard, £2,700 ahead of the school in second. Deputy Head Boy Jaimi Patel (U6SJA), who has a specific role in pupils’ charitable efforts, said: “After a long month spent growing our girthy moustaches to support 4
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We are extremely proud of everyone for their efforts. It’s a fantastic start to a promising year, and most importantly, the cakes were delicious.
Movember we were finally able to get rid of them. Having raised more than £8,000 for this good cause, I would like to congratulate all the boys and teachers who took part, with special mentions for Jack Yelle (L6MEW), Musah Khan (U6AKF) and Rishi Luthra (L6PDB) who each managed to raise over £1,200. Movember aims to tackle testicular cancer and men’s mental health among young people, we hope that our contributions as a school will make a difference to those who suffer.” Movember ended another successful term of fundraising at John Lyon. In September, School trousers were swapped for something more casual on the annual Jeans for Genes day, raising £600 for important research into childhood genetic disorders, whilst a huge number of cakes sold at Macmillan Coffee Morning saw £1,500 go towards important cancer support. Head Boy Ed Davey (U6ASL), said: "We are extremely proud of everyone for their efforts. It’s a fantastic start to a promising year, and most importantly, the cakes were delicious." Jai Davison (7JNL) tucks into a slice of a popular raspberry sponge, which was sold out in minutes
John Lyon celebrates John Lyon on annual Founder’s Day The generosity of the man after whom John Lyon is named and the continuing charitable nature of our pupils have been highlighted at the annual Founder’s Day
The services, led by Vicar of St Mary’s, The Reverend James Power, saw all current pupils come together in the church where John Lyon is buried. Also joining them were 35 Old Lyonians, many who were returning to the School for the first time since finishing as pupils.
Two Acts of Commemoration, held at St Mary’s Church in September, remembered John Lyon, a philanthropic yeoman farmer who lived in the village of Preston in Harrow 450 years ago. In his lifetime he created what is now Harrow School, and then 300 years later in 1876 a new boys’ day school was opened and named after him.
In her address, the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Kareema Marikar, talked about the generosity of John Lyon in his own time and how that spirit of philanthropy and charity lives on in the School to this day, listing some of the work with which our current pupils are involved. Bible lessons were read by Deputy Head Boys Javier D’Souza (U6AHR) and
Sashankan Chandrakumar (U6SJA) and Yenuson Venderkoon (U6JWP) talk to Clem Reed OL, both a former John Lyon pupil and teacher, on Founder’s Day
Coco Rashid (U6ASL), while Head Boy Ed Davey (U6ASL) read the School Charter. A wreath was laid at Lyon’s memorial by Deputy Head Boy Jaimi Patel (U6SJA). Music for the Founder’s Day service was led by the John Lyon Motet Choir, directed by Mr Huw Jones and accompanied by Mr Andrew Furniss on organ alongside a brass and percussion section. The Choir sang Hubert Parry’s much-loved coronation anthem, I was glad, and they also led the School in the singing of the hymn Jerusalem, the National Anthem, and the School Song. After the Founder’s Day service a special lunch was held in the New Memorial Dining Hall, attended by many of the Old Lyonians, who took time to talk to current students about the School and how it has changed across the decades.
The celebration of John Lyon continued at the annual Commemoration Concert, which saw John Lyon and Harrow School pupils come together to celebrate their founder in an evening of music. The combined choirs sang works by Sir Charles Hubert Parry, with the joint orchestra performing works by Claude Debussy and Lili Boulanger – 2018 being the centenary of all three composers’ deaths. Autumn Term 2018
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Aymen Kirmani (9PWM) and Gurtaran Punni (9PWM) use their devices in a Physics class
Digital world becomes embedded in the classroom as full BYOD rollout begins Having being trialled in the previous academic year, Bring Your Own Device was introduced for all boys across the School at the start of Autumn Term
The ever-expanding and seemingly never-slowing digital world in which we now live is now being fully embraced at John Lyon, with all 600 pupils now having use of a laptop or other similar portable device in the classroom. And after two years of consultation, planning and infrastructure development, the full rollout has progressed smoothly and with few problems.
Jaimi strikes gold in senior Maths challenge The annual UK Mathematics Trust paper saw John Lyon Lower and Upper Sixth students strike gold, silver and bronze
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Designed to complement traditional teaching and learning methods in the classroom, BYOD is used only when teachers believe the use of devices will enhance boys’ learning experiences and support them in their use of technology whilst preparing for future study and the world of work. John Lyon’s new Head of Digital Learning, Dr Jack Honeysett, said: “In BYOD’s first full term both students and teachers have made excellent use of devices in lessons to access online resources such as textbooks, research, complete collaborative projects on OneNote and access online content like quizzes and assessments. “Pupils have reported they prefer learning using more technology as it is becoming a The Senior Mathematics Challenge saw students get their heads down for a gruelling paper in November. After 90 minutes and 25 questions, 18 bronze, seven silver and one gold were awarded. Golden boy Jaimi Patel (U6SJA) will now head to the Senior Kangaroo Challenge, a competition for the UK’s very best school mathematicians. Congratulations also to Yusuf Abdulrahman (L6KML), the highest placed Lower Sixth student.
larger part of their lives, and practically it also saves them having to carry as much paper around with them, as much notetaking can be done directly onto their device.” Far from being led just by School staff, a newly created Digital Society has seen students meeting regularly to discuss the future direction of digital issues at John Lyon. They have already looked into the use of virtual reality headsets as well contributing ideas to the design of a new Digital Innovation Space. There have also been Digital Parenting Seminars helping advise parents on issues related to their sons’ devices, including online safety and parental controls. More dates will be announced in due course.
Try your hand at one of the questions… no calculators allowed! Bethany has 11 pound coins and some 20p coins and some 50p coins in her purse. The mean value of the coins is 52 pence. Which could not be the number of coins in the purse? A. 35 B. 40 C. 50 D. 65 E. 95 Turn to page 23 for the answer.
Parenting Teenagers Course: Wednesdays 23rd and 30th January, 6th and 13th February 8.15 – 10.30am Places are limited. Please book by emailing Laura.Herman@johnlyon.org Year 7 boys gather to register on their very first day at John Lyon
New beginnings – the changing relationship after the first day Reflecting on a father / son moment she noticed early in Autumn Term, School Counsellor Mrs Laura Herman introduces John Lyon’s popular Parenting Teenagers Course While sitting at traffic lights on the first day of Autumn Term, my attention was drawn to a father and his young son cautiously crossing the road. This was clearly the boy’s first day at John Lyon. He was smartly dressed in his new uniform, blazer sleeves slightly too long, glossy shoes and matching schoolbag. His father was anxiously pointing out the various hazards at the bottom of the Hill whilst his arm gently rested on his son’s shoulder. His demeanour and body language suggested this was a practice
run prior to his son’s solitary journey the following day. I thought this brief observation of a father and son beautifully encompassed the next stage of their changing relationship and the frequent negotiations that lay ahead on the path of parenting his much-loved child through adolescence and young adulthood. Crossing the threshold from child to emerging adult, like crossing the road, is a skill our children, as well as parents, will
need to negotiate. How do parents juggle that delicate balance of care and concern whilst stepping back and cautiously allowing their child some autonomy and independence? Parents underestimate what a valuable resource they are themselves to their children and often lack confidence in parenting through this transitional phase. John Lyon’s Parenting Teenagers Course empowers parents to recognise the very significant part they play at this pivotal time. Now a well-established and popular fixture in the School diary, Spring Term dates for the four-week course are now set, listed above. I do hope to see some of you there.
Senior mathematicians get to grips with the challenging paper
School Counsellor, Mrs Laura Herman
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Head Boy Ed Davey welcomed David Starkey to the School
England’s 500-year-old Brexit explored by renowned historian David Starkey A momentous occasion in history, says David Starkey, saw years of argument and wrangling lead to England ceasing to be part of a huge cross-Channel empire, instead becoming independent, self-determined and self-governed This was the thrust of a fascinating lecture in which one of the UK’s most noted historians compared Brexit to the radical change brought about by King Henry VIII 500 years ago. To a packed house of John Lyon pupils, their parents and siblings in October, David Starkey spoke in detail and with passion and humour about the actions of our most notorious king and the parallels that can be drawn with the political situation today. Best known for his analysis of the Tudor period, David Starkey introduced the audience to Henry, a man who desired fame, power, and his will to be adhered to by all. So when his desire for a divorce from Catherine of Aragon was denied by the Pope, he looked not only to divorce his wife, but also Rome.
then led to a long period of political and legal wrangling, based on two of the same issues we see today in Brexit: how big the divorce bill will be and the question of how Rome’s rules would affect England. The split, he said, was fought with much of the same language and words as are being heard today. After a captivating hour-long lecture, which was introduced by History student Yasseen Hassan (10TM), a question and answer session drew a number of questions from boys of all ages in the audience. Before the evening began, the former teacher spent an hour in conversation with keen History students, answering challenging questions with in-depth answers in the customary enthusiastic and clipped manner for which he is famed.
The combination of this desire and Henry’s sheer will, David Starkey said, 8
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The School’s Excellence Programme provides activities to enrich and challenge all pupils. This may involve trips to cultural events or mind-stimulating lectures as well as in-house workshops and discussion groups. Older students are encouraged to run workshops for younger pupils and act as leaders on trips.
Pupils tap into teachers’ knowledge and passions in university style tutorials Sessions designed to go a long way beyond the curriculum have seen boys gain new and exciting knowledge, on topics as diverse as Wittgensteinian language games to the life of fruit flies New to John Lyon in Autumn Term, ‘JLx’ has seen a number of departments hold lunchtime sessions to give pupils a taste of what their teachers think is particularly peculiar and interesting in their subject discipline.
Dr Morgan White (above) and Miss Joanna Leveson host their JLx sessions
Medical Academic Society proves just the tonic for pupils John Lyon’s new but already hugely popular Academic Society returned with lectures on the theme of medicine, delivered to boys from all years by three Sixth Form students, including Imad Rajput (U6TCF) Mid-September marked the triumphant return of the Academic Society’s termly seminar. Organised and led by the School’s Sixth Form students, it brandishes the boys’ widened understanding and
The varied programme has visited Drama, Chemistry, English, Physics and Computer Science, as well as Biology, where Head of Biology Miss Joanna Leveson enthused to boys from Year 8 upwards about her previous Oxford University Biochemistry Masters research work into fruit flies.
fierce interests in the world around them, ranging from future technological advances to current affairs. This term’s three talks were presented with the focus on medicine. Milan Harji (U6AKF) began by presenting on the technological future of medicine. Using his forte in tech to enlighten the audience on current issues in our healthcare system, with mentions of recent cyber-crime attacks and his hopeful outlook on future healthcare, he gave an exclusive insight into what the future may hold for the NHS. Following Milan, I took to the stage to present Finding the cure for a cure, a talk on the rampant opioid epidemic in America, highlighting some of the history, economics and biological mechanisms of opiates. I attempted to unravel the path that has led to the crisis and how the issue has expanded exponentially, and then offered what I believe are pragmatic solutions that could tackle the issue. The evening was brought to a close by
Also in Autumn Term, Head of Economics Dr Morgan White held four Oxbridge-style supervisions – philosophical discussion groups in the 1876 Reading Room, introducing boys to some of the world’s great thinkers, including Marx, Wittgenstein and Arendt and ideas such as economic determinism, private language, the commodification of culture, repressive desublimation and the Vita Activa.
All in all an intellectually motivating and informative event.
Arjun Cheema (U6TCF), with his talk Antibiotics, which looked at how various mistakes and complicit industry attitudes have led us to a widespread issue of antibiotic resistance, reflecting on the importance of proper antibiotic usage and need for change. All in all an intellectually motivating and informative event, and we look forward to seeing Academic Society return in Spring Term.
Arjun Cheema (U6TCF) discusses antibiotic resistance Autumn Term 2018
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Tanvir Handa (8RAR), Alexander Rothwell (8RAR) and Amir Hussain (8RAR) test out one of the School’s first robots
The robots are coming! (Thanks to some help from our friends)
Money raised through the School’s 1876 Fund sees state-of-the-art technology come to John Lyon classrooms When it launched on the School’s 140th anniversary, it was hoped the 1876 Fund would continue the philanthropic vision of our founder and support distinct projects that directly and positively impact pupils. Two years on and the fruits of the Fund are really being seen. As well as the 1876 Reading Room opened in 2017, the Fund 10
THE STANDARD The John Lyon School Magazine
is also creating an immediate resource for small projects that enrich boys’ education. In January 2019 John Lyon will welcome its first cohort of robots! All Year 8 pupils will build and code these machines as part of their STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) classes – alongside 3D modelling and Engineering.
As well as having the opportunity to build and code, those with a real passion will also be able to enter competitions and set up a robotics club.
Mrs Khadija Ansari, Development Coordinator at John Lyon, said: “With both the robotic hardware and software funded entirely by the generosity of parents and Old Lyonians through regular donations, boys have an excellent opportunity to learn skills increasingly seen as relevant and necessary in modern life, equipping them for future study and the workplace. "Pupils are already very excited at the prospect of working with robots. As well as having the opportunity to build and code, those with a real passion will also be able to enter competitions and set up a robotics club.”
Kyle Patel (8NED) and Luca Lombardi (8GES) get to grips with some of the Chinook pilot's equipment
Kayaking was one of the popular team building activities
Year 9s bond on the south coast Swanage was the destination for a special three day team building visit for all Year 9 boys in September. Activities such as coasteering, kayaking and raft-building helped them gain skills and bond with their peers. Varun Valentine (9AJF) said: “There were some challenging activities that I faced but I had to work in a team to solve the problem. The highlight of the trip would be coasteering where I had the chance of jumping a nine-metre cliff. It was so fun that even the teachers jumped in the water with us!”
Chinook pilot helps Year 8 imaginations soar RAF helicopter pilot Flight Lieutenant Andy Donovan has told Year 8 pupils about life in the skies all around the world and about the importance of team work and excellence. Aryan Bharadia (8GES) said: "The talk really put me deep in thought of how the Forces feel when there is an unreal amount of pressure on them, especially the pilot." David Thinagar (8GES) added: "This talk has inspired me to make a model of a Chinook out of LEGO or out of cardboard."
Creative writing skills boosted by 1876 Fund Yusuf Shaikh (10SGJ) describes an 1876 Fund creative writing workshop for Year 10 pupils, led by author, explorer and conqueror of Mount Everest, Matt Dickinson We began by exploring techniques to help develop our writing, such as emotional language, using personal experiences, and our senses to engage the reader. Our first challenge was to describe what we would miss if we went to Everest. The answers varied from football to video games. This hypothetical situation stimulated our imaginations, and prepared us for the next challenge. We had to include a memory from our own lives, and this would be an idea that we would return to in the next
section, describing a storm. You might think it would be hard for a Year 10 boy in Harrow to imagine and describe a storm, but with tips on how to use the senses, repeat certain phrases and create tension using sentence types, we surprised ourselves with what we could produce. We put ourselves into the character of being in a life or death situation, which was terrifying, and pushed us to the limits.
Boys who are passionate for the Arts will also soon benefit from the 1876 Fund, as John Lyon becomes involved with National Theatre Connections, a scheme involving thousands of young people from across the UK. Look out for reports in future editions of The Standard.
Matt Dickinson speaks to boys in the Boyd Campbell Hall
The workshop made me feel much more confident about my descriptive writing ability, and I can’t wait to try it out in my lessons. Mr Dickinson even suggested using our work as the basis of an entry to writing competitions. Who knows? John Lyon might produce a few writers from our year group in the years to come. And I hope I might be one!
For more information about the 1876 Fund, to donate, or to discover more about Development at John Lyon, visit www.johnlyon.org/support or contact Mrs Khadija Ansari on 020 8515 9449 or at Khadija.Ansari@johnlyon.org
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John Lyon’s WWI ‘59’ recalled at poignant Remembrance ceremony The names of the 59 Lyonians killed in World War One were read aloud as the School gathered to mark Remembrance Day in words, music and silence in November
The whole school gathers in Red House Garden for the ceremony
600 boys, teachers and support staff, as well as a number of Old Lyonians, gathered around the School’s War Memorial in Red House Garden for the ceremony. Readings by Arshan Shroff OL and
Deputy Head Boy Shourya Suri (U6JWP) focused on the Lyonians of the Great War, whilst Head Boy Ed Davey (U6ASL) led the act of Remembrance, after which the Last Post was sounded by Sayam Shah (9AJF).
One hundred years on, the John Lyon archives provide a fascinating glimpse into the reality of World War One In his history of the School, John Lyon’s Dream, Michael Burrell OL writes: “At the declaration of War, a hundred and more Old Boys volunteered. Lewis Reid posted missing, just weeks after he had quit as School Captain and as an editor of the School magazine. He had joined the London Scottish Regiment, where he served as part of General Sir John French’s bodyguard at the
The last of the John Lyon 59, Stanley Woodbridge was given a prime position in the 1902 John Lyon Cricket team photograph
The John Lyon 59 PEACE! After four years and three months of the great and terrible war, peace was at last established at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of the year 1918!
Wreaths were laid at the School’s Memorial by Deputy Head Boy Javier D’Souza (U6AHR) and Liam Moore OL, and by OL President Paul Matarewicz and School Head Miss Katherine Haynes. The Pride of Lyon’s choir sang S S Wesley’s Lead me, Lord. first battle of Messines. Lewis was still listed as ‘missing’ when the war ended, his remains never found. He was 17-years-old.” Correspondence from front lines back to the School was regular, much of it recorded in editions of The Lyonian magazine. In March 1916, a letter from Norman H Bowden includes the following wry observations from the Somme: “The trenches everybody knows about! They are stale, very stale. Two trenches, one German the other belonging to the Allies; between the two known as “No Man’s Land”, are all kinds of things mentionable and unmentionable. “The following is an advertisement of a dug-out – To Let, a modern one-roomed dug-out, 4ft x 6ft x 4ft, with all the modern conveniences, one inch above water level. Gas provided in spasms. This desirable residence is provided with a menagerie. One only has to step out of the door and whistle for a boat, the trench making an excellent watercourse only rivalled by Venice. Also being in an exposed position commands a charming view of the German lines where the shooting is good. Sniping being ‘a la mode’, the snipe are there in hundreds and waiting to be shot at. Going cheap.
dignity to the most momentous date to be inscribed in the history books of the world for generations.” Despite peace, the war to end all wars continued for many. The last of John Lyon’s 59, Captain Stanley Woodbridge MC died from battlefield injuries over a month after peace. He was one of few to be buried in England, close to his school in the churchyard of St Mary’s. And for many more, the memories of war lived on, the pain of former John Lyon Master, Mr Hargreaves, apparent beneath his stiff upper lip, writing from hospital in Malta in 1916: “In itself a bombardment is rather rotten – too noisy and dusty and smelly. What makes it so frightful, though, is the sight of poor chaps that you’ve chummed with for a couple of years lying, perhaps moaning, with a limb or half their face blown off. It was so bad on this occasion that I don’t mind confessing I actually cried at one time, hard case as I’ve become, still, we lost surprisingly few, all things considered, and we got our own back in a counter attack which they made. Through all this shemozzle I never got a scratch, bar a clump on the head through a big chunk of iron dropping on my tin hat – of course without the tin hat I’d have completely lost my head – as it was I uttered language which would make the most inattentive class sit up and take notice.”
Finally peace would come, celebrated in The Lyonian editorial notes of December 1918: “PEACE! After four years and three months of the great and terrible war, peace was at last established at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day in the eleventh month of the year 1918! Apart from the coincidence in numbers the Scriptural description is most appropriate in its
Norman H Bowden could not have imagined he would write letters from the trenches just a few short years after posing for a School team photograph
W R ABBATI K J P ASHER R E C ASHFORD A J E BATES A H W BEATTY H H BERRY J BEST H P BOREHAM R W BRADBERRY C J W BROWN B G BUTLER T A CANDLIN G H CHATHAM W H CLOWES H A CRAM W D DENSHAM R L S ELLIS F A FILLMORE E H FRYER J F GARWOOD E de W GREEN T H GREEN E J HAMILTON H HEYWOOD A HIGGINS R E HOLDAM H C HOOK P L HOOK C JOINER H S L JORDAN E N KILBURN T E LION F G E MASON H MUDDOCK J M P MUDDOCK R NAYLOR R A NORRIS W OLIVER F M PARKHOUSE A W PARKER L B PARSONS A F PATERSON J PATERSON G C M PRINCE L T S REID R D SADD F SLADE J G B SMITH E G STEARNS J H STILLMAN J H TAYLOR G H TIGAR H W TIGAR P H M TURNBULL H J WIGG J P WILLIAMS W R WILLIAMSON A J WOOD S G WOODBRIDGE
Paper comes to life as former pupil gives puppetry masterclass The key elements of breathing life into any object were the focus of a fascinating puppetry masterclass led by an Old Lyonian Oliver Hymans (OL 1995-2002) returned to the School’s Drama Department in September to pass on some of the skills he has learned in a fascinating career to the School’s current GCSE Drama pupils. Oliver is an award-winning puppet
Oliver Hymans OL (with some friends) gave a detailed puppetry masterclass
We always look forward to welcoming Oliver back to School and he is an inspiration to our boys.
artist, theatre maker and arts education specialist, working in London. Since training on the Scenography course ant the world-renowned Central Saint Martins he has worked as a director, designer, performer and puppeteer across the world, with partners and at locations including the Tate Modern, National Gallery, Camden Roundhouse, Museum of London and Almeida Theatre. Also an arts education specialist, Oliver returned to his old school to inspire pupils with some of the fundamentals of his craft, shown with simple effect through an exercise using just sheets of paper, which, when manipulated in a careful way, can take on lifelike characteristics. Khari Bennett (11NML) said: “Oliver helped us develop our practical puppetry skills using basic materials such as a single sheet of newspaper. We learned the three most fundamental points when learning to use puppets as beginners to convey the subtle change in emotions: breath, focus and movement. With these rules we were able to use more complex puppets that took three people to operate.” Head of Drama Mr Sam Jones added: “We always look forward to welcoming Oliver back to School and he is an inspiration to our boys. While a student here he won the Drama Prize and was heavily involved in extra-curricular drama. Seeing him work and knowing he is very successful in his field is incredibly beneficial for current boys who are considering a career in the creative industries.”
The Scottish Play gets a John Lyon makeover This year's Shakespeare Schools Festival performance saw boys head to RADA Studios in central London for a performance of Macbeth. A fine performance was given by all in the cast, under the excellent direction of Louis Tyrrell (11BRD) and Daniel Wong (11NML).
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Louis Tyrrell studies the script during rehearsal
Danyal Khaja (8JEB), Ronak Kumar (8JEB) and Hugo Hudson (8JEB) write their National Poetry Day verse
Pupils prove they are well-versed for National Poetry Day The theme of ‘change’ got boys’ creativity flowing on the popular annual day in October, writes School Librarian Mrs Rita Halsey
Writing on the theme of ‘change’, staff were very impressed with the quality of the poems, given the short time boys were given to construct and complete their work.
Dozens of John Lyon’s budding young poets gathered in Gordon Surtees Library to celebrate National Poetry Day. Joined by the Librarians and their English teachers, pupils enjoyed a picnic lunch and entered a poetry competition.
It was difficult to choose winners, but in the end the prizes went to Nathan Cuttica (U6LH) and Zahid Said (7LA) and to runners-up Ahwaan Sharma (7LA) and Inesh Hanumandla (9RS).
Christian Silcott (8GES) gets his head down to create his marvellous medicine
Change, by Zahid Said Seed to flower brick to tower page to book metal to hook rock to sand baby to man thread to hat change is that
The Library was also the location for the School’s Roald Dahl Day celebrations in September. As in previous years, excited pupils and staff gathered in Gordon Surtees Library to celebrate the work of the storytelling genius, taking part in a special literature quiz and also creating their own marvellous medicines.
Method: Set a pot on a low boil and pour in the sugar and cheetah hairs. Using a hydraulic press, crush the exhausts and engines into dust. Put them in the pot and boil for ten minutes. Next, dip the boots in and take them out after 20 seconds.You can dip a carrot in as well. After the mixture is a paste consume once a day (one spoonful).
One particularly potent potion was created by Christian Silcott (8GES):
Cures: Boredom, tiredness, depression. Side effects:You will be faster and more energetic. Now look at the picture of Sonic the Hedgehog – this is the shade of your skin for two hours until the medicine wears off.
Ingredients: • Sugar, one bag • Two engines • Jet fuel, 5 litres • 50 cheetah hairs • Stinger missile exhausts • A famous footballer’s pair of boots • A carrot (optional) • A picture of Sonic the Hedgehog
(Eating the carrot will give you better eyesight and slight night vision. Wearing the boots will make you a lot better at sports to do with running.) Autumn Term 2018
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University Fair gives students the taste of Higher things to come Higher Education and life at university were the focus for pupils as the annual University Fair came to John Lyon More than 40 universities, including Oxford, LSE, UCL, KCL, Durham, Nottingham, Manchester, Birmingham and Warwick, came to School in November to give information to students about what paths they may take after they finish their A-Level studies. Joining John Lyon boys were students from other schools and colleges,
Rishil Amin (10CAB) discusses his university options
including John Lyon’s partner school LAE Tottenham, Hatch End High School, Canons High School, Northwood School, Whitmore High School, Harrow High School and Nower Hill High School. With the fair open to boys from across a number of years, it was an opportunity for Sixth Form students to really crystallise their thoughts on university options, as well as a chance for boys further down
the School to start thinking what they may wish to do in four or five years’ time. Following the fair, Sixth Form students were able to hear from Dr Ruth MacDonald from St John’s College, Oxford, who gave details on the application processes used at Oxford and Cambridge, and how they differ from other universities.
Pupils make their choices at popular Co-Curricular Fair Life beyond the classroom at John Lyon was on the menu this start of Autumn Term as pupils decided what clubs and activities to sign up to at the Co-Curricular Fair More than 40 stalls – from American Sport and Culture to Web Development – were set up in the School’s Sports Hall at the beginning of September. Boys in all years were able to get a taste of what they could learn and enjoy over the Autumn and Spring Terms, with activity tutors explaining what can be gained from each topic. The Co-Curricular Programme is central to life at John Lyon. Every Friday 16
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Mohammed Ismaeel Bashir (8NED), Milan Sanghera (8NED), Tunde Saka (8NED) and Varun Sivaganeshan (8NED)
afternoon all pupils put their Academic timetables to one side to take part in a range of activities which offer something different to pupils beyond the classroom and are aimed at developing a sense of achievement, wellbeing and enjoyment, while imparting practical skills and engaging with the eight School Values. During the Autumn and Spring Terms, boys in Years 7 and 8 engage in a bespoke carousel of activities before undertaking a larger project in Summer Term.
For boys in Years 9 to Upper Sixth, there is an hour of mandatory activities in Autumn and Spring Terms, including cooking in the School Kitchens (above), followed by an hour of an activity of their choice selected from a large list of options. The Summer Term focuses on wider projects and preparation for exams and university for the older students. The full list of activities shown at the Co-Curricular Fair can be found at www.johnlyon.org/co
The long hot days of June feel a long time ago, but it was excellent to welcome so many John Lyon families to the Association Day picnic. Planning is already underway for 2019.
A striking set of four images of protest marches saw Usmaan Khan (U6LH) win the House Photography Competition. To see all the winner and runner-up images, visit www.johnlyon.org/photocomp
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The Pride of Lyon's sing at the Christmas Concert
The Christmas season is welcomed in words and music by pupils Well-known carols and Christmas readings helped pupils, parents and staff get into the Christmas spirit, as Autumn Term drew to a close
Favourites included It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The First Nowell, In the Bleak Mid-Winter and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, with poems by Carol Ann Duffy and Christina Rossetti.
Hosted by St George’s Headstone, a short distance from School, the annual concert at the start of December was a feast for the ears as John Lyon’s musicians gathered to put on a real Christmas treat for an audience of more than 200. Based on the traditional Victorian service of Nine Lessons and Carols – first formalised at around the time of John Lyon’s founding in 1876 and made world-famous by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge – nine readings telling the story of the birth of Jesus were interspersed with songs by the School’s Motet Choir,Year 7 Choir, and the Pride of Lyon's, poems and congregational carols accompanied by brass and organ. Favourites included It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The First Nowell, In the Bleak Mid-Winter and Hark! The Herald Angels Lino cut design by Sing, with poems by Carol Ann Duffy and Fritz Storp,Year 10 pupil Christina Rossetti. Guests were treated to mulled wine and mince pies after the concert and a retiring collection raised £400 for pupils’ chosen charities. 18
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The School was delighted that Art Scholar Fritz Storp (10CAB) was happy to take a commission to design the 2018 John Lyon Christmas card. Using an old hymn book and linocut print technique, Fritz was able to bring his own take on Christmas to the cards, more than 600 of which are sent.
Jude Hedges-Robinson (U6JWP), Sammy Smith (9AJF) and Gabriel van Jaarsveldt (U6LH) add a little extra to the String Ensemble performance
A menagerie of instruments on display at Autumn Concert Cuckoos, quails and nightingales all made an appearance in an evening of music from across the world and the ages He may not be as well-known as his son, but Leopold Mozart certainly had a musical sense of humour, as was demonstrated by the John Lyon String Ensemble at the Autumn Concert in November. Mozart Senior’s three-movement Toy Symphony (previously attributed to Joseph Haydn) began an enjoyable evening, but saw the strings somewhat upstaged by the addition of a cuckoo, a quail and a nightingale (as well as a rattle, a drum and a trumpet). The symphony set the scene for an eclectic programme of music
of all styles and ages, which really showcased the strength in depth of music at John Lyon. The Wind Band went to the movies with a medley of music from Pirates of the Caribbean, while the Flute Choir opted for both Gershwin and Tchaikovsky. The Rock Band, R&B Group and the Pride of Lyon’s performed Rodgers and Hammerstein, Bon Jovi, Otis Redding and Jimi Hendrix, and the Year 7 Choir began with a traditional Israeli song before moving to Broadway with a rendition of You Can’t Stop the Beat from hit show Hairspray. Two well-known John Lyon names were also on the programme, with Head of Music Technology, Mr Ryan Marshall having his 12 Note Blues played by the Jazz Band, and Visiting Drums and Percussion Teacher, Mr Peter Huntington, leading the Percussion Ensemble in his piece, Moon Unit 5.
Connect with John Lyon
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The Standard long read
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Now more than 60 years old, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has become well-loved (and sometimes dreaded) by school pupils up and down the UK. John Lyon’s DofE Silver and Gold Coordinator, Mr Rob Ellis-Paul, discusses the merits of the programme The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award – or DofE - is a wonderful way for boys to put into practice some of the School Values. Ambition and Resolve are obvious descriptors of the mindset of successful groups as they battle through the elements to the final campsite nestled in the floor of some remote Welsh valley. However, outside the expeditions there are three (for Bronze and Silver, four for Gold) equally challenging sections requiring long-term commitment. Boys attempting awards are asked to give many hours back to the Community. They
must develop Excellence in an existing skill or sport, or pursue an Enquiry into a new one. It is because of these valuable qualities that all of our Year 10 pupils are enrolled on the Bronze Award. Many choose to complete their volunteering helping in charity shops, supporting school clubs, or assisting in the Library at lunchtime. The skill section is a term-long First Aid course.The Bronze expedition is a gentle two day hike and one night camp in the Chiltern hills. For many boys the idea of being self-sufficient and surviving on just what they can carry is a new experience, and the training sessions, in skills such as erecting a tent or cooking on a portable Trangia stove, sometimes produce rather amusing results. For the more senior and experienced Silver cohort (usually about 30), the training provided is a fine tuning of camp craft and navigation skills. There is a considerable step-up required to
tackle the Peak District in early spring, and the emphasis is on developing selfreliance, independence and teamwork. The groups plan routes and check-points and are encouraged to make dynamic risk assessments as they go taking into account weather forecasts, local conditions and an honest appraisal of their own abilities. The Gold groups, an elite few from the Lower Sixth (this year ten students), take this a step further with a reduced input from staff and more training on dealing with emergencies, adverse conditions and other unforeseen circumstances. More thought is given to nutrition and hydration, managing pack weight, fatigue and fitness. Gold candidates also have to organise their own five day residential activity, pushing many outside their comfort zone in a new way. Only a handful of boys will complete Gold but those that do are rewarded by an invitation to a royal palace to receive their award from a member of the Royal Family.
The DofE Gold Award candidates relax with a game of cards during their assessed expedition 20
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Our plan to avoid the full heat of the sun, which had worked up to now, was beginning to unravel.
Silver award candidates plot their route through South Wales
Extracts from the assessment expedition account of James Massey (U6TCF), who completed his DofE Gold in 2018 and is set to go to the Palace in 2019 to collect his award Between our practice expedition and assessment expedition for our Gold Award, we could not have experienced greater extremes. Four days in the Peak District in March saw us tackle torrential rain and a surprise three inches of snow while we slept. But for the real thing in July, we saw four days of intense sunlight and baking heat in the Brecon Beacons. Arriving at the campsite, we set about pitching our tents and then spent an afternoon making sure our routes and equipment were ready. As a bonus we were able to watch England’s 2-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup quarter final at a café on the site, before cooking supper and getting some rest ahead of the next day. We woke up early and had breakfast, which for most of us was porridge. Our route for the day was relatively simple, but with little protection from the sun, we were applying sun cream every 30
minutes or so as we were sweating so much. The day’s main challenge was a very steep climb for a few hundred metres taking us to a ridge and then a very steep downward path that involved a lot of scrambling as most of it was just rock. Our second night was much more basic: just a small field where we pitched our tents, a sink for us to wash up our pans and fill our bottles, and a toilet. The camp unfortunately did not have a shower, something which we would become very used to in the following days. We were able to play some cards before turning in for some much-needed rest. Again we woke early to begin our hike ahead of the worst of the sun. Through a small town and past an abandoned quarry, we met with our instructor before continuing along what was once a mining railway track. To our disappointment (and a lot of complaining) we soon found ourselves approximately three kilometres from where we wanted to be!
We now decided to get an early night and an early start on the final day, not because of the sun this time, but so we would finish in plenty of time to watch England's semi-final match against Croatia. To complete the expedition we set about a 17 kilometre hike up and down multiple hills, beginning with a long, steep climb before an incredibly steep and rocky descent down the other side of the mountain. On reaching the base of the valley, we then slowly climbed up the side of another mountain, before cresting a ridge after a few kilometres. After climbing onto this ridge, we then followed it until we came to a large hill, from the top of which we could see our destination in the town below. Future long read topics will include the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and John Lyon’s Charity.
It turns out that we had taken a wrong turn shortly after leaving our instructor, a mistake he kindly said was very common. Once we had found our bearings we adjusted our route and got back on track to reach the campsite. Our plan to avoid the full heat of the sun, which had worked up to now, was beginning to unravel. Our penultimate day was relatively short and enjoyable, avoiding a lot of the heat.
DofE isn’t all sunshine and t-shirts, as the Gold Award practice expedition in March proved Autumn Term 2018
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Early silverware sets the scene for excellent U13 Football season
Jake Walker (8JEB) turns to celebrate as he hits the back of the net in the 6-1 cup win over Sevenoaks School
Victory at the prestigious Orley Farm Football Tournament gives great hope that the current crop of Year 8 players could beat all in years to come
Up against local rival schools Orley Farm, Berkhamsted, Durston House, St Martin’s and Beechwood Park, the John Lyon boys cruised through their group, before a tight 1-0 victory over Berkhamsted in the semi-final. That set up a final against Durston House, which saw the Lyons run out 2-0 winners.
The Autumn Term Football season got off to the best possible start for John Lyon as the U13 team took victory in a hotly contested local tournament, before embarking on an excellent run of matches, seeing them win seven in a row as well as getting to the national Independent Schools Football Association 4th round.
Head of Football Mr Rob Rice, said: “Picking out a star player would be impossible as the whole team performed incredibly over the four matches. It was especially pleasing to receive so many positive comments from the opposition schools about our style of play.
The 37th annual Orley Farm School Football Tournament was played in early September and saw a strong John Lyon team win all four matches without conceding a goal.
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“Winning the Orley Farm tournament is a really big achievement. The competition has been going since 1981 and this is only the second time John Lyon has taken home the trophy. It sets this skilful team up for a successful Football season to come.”
Congratulations to the whole team: Jack Ellis (7SRP), Alex Rothwell (8RAR), Joseph Ulasi (8RAR), Tunde Saka (8NED), Jake Walker (8JEB), Aston Ellard (8JEB), Luca Lombardi (8GES), Oscar Beynon (8RAR), Raul Gupta (8NED), George Allen (7LA), Tio Eniade (7SRP) and Roko Choudhry (8JEB). Full School sports results can be seen at www.johnlyonsport.org
I would like to get more belts, one day enter the Olympics and win the world championships.
Trophies, medals, belts and confidence for Ali and Jack as they eye up even more Taekwondo success Aged just 14, Ali Malik (9FLE) and Jack Rapp (10NGA) have both spent more than two-thirds of their young lives so far learning the art of Taekwondo Year 9 Ali and Year 10 Jack both list greater confidence as among their notable achievements in this Korean martial art of skill, strength and agility – it’s a bonus to also have big hauls of medals and trophies. A 2nd dan black belt who has twice represented England, Jack can count 19 gold, 17 silver and 15 bronze medals and is still keen to progress in the sport he loves: “Taekwondo gave me confidence during a difficult time. I’m highly competitive and overall just enjoy it. I would like to get more belts, one day enter the Olympics and win the world championships.” Ali also has a haul of medals and in 2018 achieved his 1st dan black belt. And his commitment to the sport has helped
give him a never-give-in attitude: “In one tournament I took a blow to the face in the second round of my second fight by dropping my guard for just a split second. I was severely hurt and felt dizzy. I was close to giving up and forfeiting the match when I realised how many hours of training and effort I had put in, just for those six minutes in the ring. And that was my motivation to carry on. Unfortunately, I didn’t win that fight but I was able to take the experience away with me. It’s not the medal I’ll be carrying everywhere with me, it’s the experience and that’s something I will never lose and forget.” Maths Challenge answer: B. 40 Let the number of 20p coins and 50p coins Bethany has be x and y respectively. Her total number of coins is then 11 + x + y. As the mean value of her coins is 52p, the total value of her coins is both 52 x (11 + x + y) and 100 x 11 + 20x + 50y. The equation formed is 52(11 + x + y) = 1100 + 20x + 50y which becomes 572 + 52x + 52y = 1100 + 20x + 50y and this simplifies to 32x + 2y = 528 or 16x + y = 264. By rearranging we can see that 11 + x + y = 275 - 15x. So Bethany's total number of coins is of the form 275 - 15x, or 5 + 15(18 - x) which gives values that are 5 more than multiples of 15. Of the given options the only one which is not 5 more than a multiple of 15 is 40. We can also see that Bethany must have a large purse!
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New equipment opens up fitness suite to more boys An increase in cardiovascular equipment means boys in Years 7 and 8 are now able to use the School’s fitness suite to keep fit and healthy through their time at John Lyon. The delivery of the new kit during Autumn Term half term saw the number of treadmills and bikes go up, and more space within the suite given over to cardio.
Ishaan Parmar (11MWV) trains on one of the fitness suite’s rowing machines
England’s Rocky proves inspirational to John Lyon’s new Sixth Form students Questions about the life and demands of being an elite international athlete were tackled with style as John Lyon welcomed England rugby legend Rocky Clark Recently retired from international duty having played 137 times for her country, Rochelle ‘Rocky’ Clark took time out of her busy schedule to speak to Lower Sixth students at their start-of-year dinner in September. Rocky, whose international career spanned 15 years and included 23 tries and 115 points, won eight Six Nations titles, seven Grand Slams and played in four World Cup finals, famously triumphing over Canada in the 2014 final. She was awarded the MBE in 2015 for her services to rugby. She currently coaches the men’s First XV at nearby Chesham Stags. 24
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Rocky Clark carries the ball for England against France
Adam Zoromba (L6CKL), writes: “It was inspirational to hear about Rocky’s determination and work ethic, which were showcased throughout her career as she had to overcome minor and major setbacks. She participated in four World Cup finals, narrowly losing three, but coming out on top in 2014. “What motivated me most was hearing of Rocky’s constant desire to not only better herself as an athlete, but as a person as well. She coaches disabled children in rugby, which made me reflect on how she is giving back to the community, whilst also spreading her love of rugby. Her organisation – fitting in elite training with work as a rugby coach and personal trainer – shows that no matter how busy one may be, if you are passionate and determined to achieve your goals, you will stop at nothing to achieve them.”
It was inspirational to hear about Rocky’s determination and work ethic, that were showcased throughout her career as she had to overcome minor and major setbacks.
Rocky Clark is one of a number of guest speakers who come to John Lyon to inspire pupils. Recent guests have included Professor Lord Winston, BBC journalist Emily Maitlis and historian and broadcaster David Starkey. In 2019 we look forward to welcoming former education secretary Nicky Morgan MP and Olympic champion rower Sir Matthew Pinsent.
Keen Hockey players get to see GB’s leading pros in action
First XI Footballers give new shirt its first outing
The Anniversary International match at the Lee Valley Hockey Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in October marked 30 years since British men’s hockey’s finest moment – victory against West Germany at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, an iconic moment in British sporting history, made famous by Barry Davies’ legendary commentary: “Where were the Germans? But frankly, who cares!”
Designed with the input of the boys who will be wearing it on the pitch, the new John Lyon match day Football shirt was worn for the first time in November.
Ahead of the Spring Term season, John Lyon’s players headed to the match to see GB take on Belgium, ranked no.3 in the world. And it was good news for the home team as they came out 2-1 winners.
With a return to John Lyon’s traditional dark blue, as well as a touch of the School’s gold for outfield players, and a Lyonian Association burgundy goalkeeper’s shirt, the new kit certainly turned some heads. The shirt will now be rolled out across different age groups.
A clean sweep for Butler as 500 run House Cross Country
John Lyon was painted blue as Butler House stormed to victory in the 2018 House Cross Country competition The annual race, held in September on a course at Harrow School which covers a variety of terrain, was set over 4.5km for older boys and 3km for younger boys and saw pupils from Butler cross the line first in all four age categories. This meant the blue house (named after Henry Montagu Butler, Head Master of Harrow School when John Lyon first opened in 1876) were comfortable victors in the overall competition with 32 points, followed by Moore, Norwood and Vaughan. In total, exactly 500 boys started and finished the House Cross Country race. Special congratulations go to Tio Eniade (7SRP), Alex Rothwell (8RAR), Ishaan Parmar (11MWV) and Nathan Beardwell (L6SOM) for winning their respective age groups.
Runners at the start of the Seniors race Autumn Term 2018
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Timothy West OL returns to John Lyon stage where his acting career began One of the UK’s most loved stage and screen actors, Timothy West, has recalled the first time he trod the boards, as a John Lyon pupil 66 years ago
Miss Katherine Haynes Head head@johnlyon.org
Mr Andy Sims Deputy Head AJS@johnlyon.org Returning to the School in September to talk to pupils about his life and career, Timothy West CBE OL spoke about his first ever role as Egeus in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and how the School gave him the opportunity to act, despite the lack of facilities at the time in comparison with today’s well-resourced and thriving Drama Department.
plays in a year, learning lines within days and performing plays over a few nights before moving on to the next show. He also advised young actors wishing to perform Shakespeare to go outside and shout the lines at each other in open spaces where the archaic words and seemingly overblown language sound better than in the confines of a small studio.
Timothy West was in conversation with another former pupil, Ethan Peters OL, who left John Lyon in 2016 and has since helped create Middle Road Theatre, a new company which puts on performances starring, directed and produced entirely by current and former students.
For those wanting to pursue acting, he said to ‘go into TV for fame, film for the money and stage for the love of theatre and literature’.
As a pupil in the post-war years from 19461952, the renowned stage actor, who is also well-known from his television roles in both Coronation Street and Eastenders, talked about the inspiration he took from his English teacher, Sammy Cowtan, whose love of literature was passed on to many pupils, and who would give boys the chance to act scenes of Shakespeare in class. This led to his role in the School play, which also garnered his first ever review in the School magazine: “…where all were so conscientious it is hard to spotlight any: but still a special word of praise is due to the young players T. West (Egeus) and D. Wilson (Philostrate).” Asked by Ethan Peters about his advice for young actors, Timothy West emphasised the importance of practice, speaking about his early career in repertory theatre, performing in excess of 40
The 100-strong audience of boys, their friends and families, staff and Old Lyonians then had the opportunity to ask further questions, discovering Timothy West’s favourite role (King Lear), his favourite theatre (Bristol Old Vic), and why he took on certain roles… (because he was asked to!). The conversation was followed by a double bill of plays by Middle Road Theatre, the darkly humorous The Waiting Room, written by Ethan Peters himself, and an abridged version of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, where Peters and another Lyonian, Alex Clarke OL faced each other in the tale of friendship and bickering, despondency and hope. If you are an OL and would like more information about OL events, please contact Suzannah.Chirnside@johnlyon.org. You can also visit the Lyonian Association website, www.oldlyonians.org
Mr Jonathan Pepperman Deputy Head JOP@johnlyon.org
Mr Michael Gibson Bursar Michael.Gibson@johnlyon.org
Miss Rebecca Davies Registrar Tel: 020 8515 9443 admissions@johnlyon.org
John Lyon Middle Road Harrow-on-the-Hill Middlesex, HA2 0HN 020 8515 9400
www.johnlyon.org @johnlyonharrow
