The Monktonian

Annu

Introduction This is a generation who will live under the shadow of total quality management – the need every year for everything to be better than it was last year. This year’s Monktonian is not – it’s just different. As ever, the challenge remains to get pupils to contribute the material, both the words and the pictures: because we are convinced that the exercise of producing a magazine should be educational for the pupils, and not merely the output of a well-resourced PR department. We know that that isn’t a fashionable view – in practice that is.

I’ve now spent five years at Monkton, just like the pupils who reflect on the facing page having been Head Girl and Head Boy. In that time I have come to appreciate that it’s not just the independence of fashion or fad that characterizes our pupils. What comes through in their writing this year is, I believe, the exceptional people skills they have and a wit that does not rely on being crude or offensive. There is a connection here: being clever about people may not be measured in league table aggregates, but it does result in the ability to be observant, intuitive, and – often – very funny.

These pages relate the events and stimuli that – together – provide the environment in which young people are coached to gain in character, in ability and in perception. The expeditions and lectures (pages 4-17), the intellectual and aesthetic life of the school (pages 18-31), the social experience of pupils (pages 32-45) or the athletic pursuits (pages 46-61), all contribute to an experience which is visibly fun as well as educational. Enough to make the current generation of adults envious!

I commend this year’s Monktonian to its readers. Like Monktonians themselves, it is perceptive, humorous, creative, and profound. Total quality management could learn a lot from that combination!

Richard Backhouse Principal

Reflections Of The Year As I approach the daunting and yet stirring process of leaving school I think it only fitting to write, almost in tribute, about my time here and, more specifically, my last year as Head Boy. I assume what might be expected of an account such as this is the informative listing of the trivial aspects and ‘everyday’ elements that are inherently linked to a Senior Prefect’s role, of lunch duties or of speeches.

However, as an individual and as a team this year we have grappled with the more significant notion of respect and what such an illusive word and entity such as this actually encompasses, which I think would be a far worthier topic of conversation and, hopefully, a more interesting read!

Having been fortunate enough to have the leadership guidance of Roberto Dionisio over the course of the year, it was in our final meeting in January that the question arose, ‘How do you view respect?’ Thus, it was from this that the distinction had to be made between how far we, as a Prefect Team, naturally expected respect as a result of our appointed responsibility and the realisation that true respect doesn’t come through titles but through earning. Therefore, it was on this platform that we found ourselves challenged, not to rest on our laurels but instead take active steps into controlling, leading and respecting others in order to gain respect ourselves.

Being leaders with the students rather than at the students.

Ultimately, it is lessons and challenges such as this that will be set apart from the intricacies of life as a Senior Prefect in my memories and I trust what the future prefects will learn and benefit from in the future. So, it just leaves me to thank the enthusiastic and good-humoured group of Prefects this year for all they have done and, hesitantly, pass over the mantle (and the biscuit rations!) to the year below and grant them every good wish for their time to come.

Beej Harris

Head Girl, definition: drinks lots of coffee, eats lots of biscuits and struts around the school as if she owns the place.

This was my understanding of the role of Head Girl when I started out at the senior school as a slightly naive thirteen year old. And this was exactly what I wanted to be when I was in the Upper 6th. It sounded glamorous. For a thirteen year old girl, this was going to be the closest to “the high life” I thought I was ever going to get; I was therefore going to reach for the stars.

As the years rolled on, my views didn’t really change on this matter and I thought that “Head Girl” was all about the name.

I never truly considered (or maybe just chose to ignore) the full extent of the responsibilities that would be involved.

Lower 6th came and before I knew it, I was writing my letter of application to the Head Master in an attempt to become a prefect. I could hardly write that I was really good at drinking coffee and eating biscuits so I went for the more tactical approach of talking about my ability to lead. The tension rose as the interviews took place and I was starting to feel the pressure. This was beginning to get a little bit harder than I had anticipated and my ambitions of becoming Head Girl were quickly slipping from beneath me. I had practically given up hope when one day, I was unexpectedly called into Mr Backhouse’s office. I thought it was going to be my moment of rejection but then he asked me if I could be Head Girl... ...Huh? Me?... Is this some kind of cruel joke? Well, apparently not. Once the moment of confusion had left me, the utter excitement kicked in; I had fulfilled my girlhood ambition! I walked out of the Headmaster’s office with buzzing enthusiasm and ideas for the year to come. Finally, I had the facility to change things and make a difference to Monkton life, and it felt good.

Upper 6th got off to a hectic start as I found myself juggling my A-levels with my newfound responsibilities. My definition of Head Girl had dramatically changed. I needed to be organized, efficient and communicative. My strut across the quad became more of an unglorified trot as I hurried form one meeting to the next. Where was the glamour?

As the year progressed, things didn’t “get easier” as such and I began to realise why coffee was such a vital ingredient to this role of leadership. Nevertheless, the role didn’t come without its rewards. There was nothing more satisfying than having accomplished a legacy that we, the prefects had spent weeks or even months trying to push through the system.

Even the smaller things like hanging out with the younger ones and getting to know them better made the job so worthwhile, after all- they were the ones who we were working for.

Through the process I have learnt a lot. Being Head Girl isn’t about being fabulous and effortlessly cool; it is about serving other people. At times, it goes unnoticed but the satisfaction is in knowing that I have given something back to Monkton, the school that has given me so much.

Florence Wood

Events

Lectures Visiting Scientists Week, February 22nd to 26th 2010 From the moment that it was announced that a team of Astro-physicists from Cardiff University, led by Professor Matt Griffin, were going to spend a week in Monkton the buzz in the physics classrooms was tangible. The whole focus of the scientists was to educate every pupil, from prep school to A-Level, on the vast expanse which is beyond our planet. This got everyone who entered the laboratory during this week excited. There were around 8 different sessions taking place, using props such as an infra red camera and pieces of meteorites.

Topics included a variety of practical applications including orbital calculations, kinetic energies and investigating black body radiation.

As well as lessons, there were several evening lectures. Professor Matt Griffin explained how the Planck telescope, which he helped to design, will measure the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation or the differences in the temperature of the Big Bang’s remnant radiant heat. This telescope, which was launched in May 2009, is currently the largest telescope in space and is aiming to: “look back into the dawn of time”.

Anyone who is anyone in science is excited about the results.

It was an honour to have Professor Matt Griffin and his team and we wish them the best of luck with the Planck telescope.

Doug Hampshire

Friday Night Monkton Lectures and the Knight Lecture.

This year has been a fantastic year for lectures.

Over both terms we have had a huge variety, from ‘Leading the way at minus 40°C’ by Ann Daniels to ‘How to Write the Great British Sitcom’

by James Cary and from ‘Faith on the Frontline’

by Eddie Lyle to ‘Meeting Crime Face to Face’

by Peter Woolf. Each talk has given us an insight into the lives of people who have been on incredible journeys and as a result have fascinating stories to tell.

Each fortnight, every one us in the audience has left with an increased knowledge of life outside Monkton. Hektor Krome’s talk on the ‘Independent Gap Year’ taught us that with initiative, independence, planning, careful budgeting and hard work vyou can fulfill your Gap Year dreams. Whilst Jo Gambi’s ‘Holding On’ taught us never to give up on our passions.

We have also been encouraged to question the influence of human activity on the

environment. In a provocative talk, Stuart Parkinson posed the question ‘Is Technology Making the World a Better Place?’ In a later talk, we were invited to reflect on the wonder of our world as we watched Paul Goldstein’s display of incredible ‘Predator’ photography.

Through this he expressed a particular interest and passion for tigers, whilst portraying a significant concern for their habitats and future.

Perhaps for me the most memorable of the talks was Martha Holmes ‘The Making of LIFE’.

Her work as a filmmaker for the BBC has enabled her to show the extreme behavior that animals and plants alike go to in order to survive. Emphasizing in particular “’Life is full of surprises”.

The Metropolitan’s former Commissioner, Sir Ian Blair, delivered an equally intriguing and inspiring speech at this year’s Knight Lecture.

After outlining a brief history of how the Metropolitan Police was formed, Sir Ian addressed three key issues within our society, “Continuity, Consensus and Controversy,” and expressed the necessity for all to remain steadfast in the fight against terrorism. However, perhaps the most anticipated moment of the whole evening was the exposure of Jack the Ripper’s infamous identity; a secret that, according to Sir Ian, “wouldn’t sell so many books!”

Sarah Cross and Ben Stupples

Monton Lectures Lectures are at 6:30pm on Fridays in the Chapel (except the Knight Lecture in the Assembly Hall).

29th January Predator Photographer, guide, author and travel specialist Paul Goldstein spent much of the last 20 years photographing and studying large predators. From polar bears to leopards and Bengal tigers to cheetahs he showed an interest in their future as much as in their beauty and their habits. Opinionated, outspoken and not afraid of making enemies he talked of India (with tigers) and the Masai Mara, Kenya and his charity projects.

5th February Faith on the Frontline Eddie Lyle, CEO of Open Doors UK & Ireland, a Christian organisation that works on behalf of the persecuted church around the world, has a passion for enthusing young people with this message and has travelled extensively to different parts of the world to encourage and work amongst persecuted Christians. His main theme was the persecuted church and lifestyle lessons we can learn from them.

Eddie Lyle

Paul Goldstein

5th March Independent Gap Year – Best Time of Your Life Hektor Krome’s talk, filled with real life examples, outlined some of the ways to maximise the opportunities offered during a Gap Year, saying that he is still on his gap year after 36 years! He talked of how initiative, independence, planning, careful budgeting and hard work are important to the fulfilment of dreams and develop a more mature, adaptable and self confident character.

Hektor Krome

26th February Policing: Continuity, Consensus and Controversy Sir Ian Blair was Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police from February 2005 until October 2008. The London Underground bombings and the death of Jean Charlese de Menezes, both events occurring in July 2005, were pivotal events during his time in charge of the Met. Sir Ian resigned in October 2008 and spoke about the increasing politicization of policing, and his own take on the criminal justice system.

Sir Ian Blair (Knight Lecture)

19th March Meeting crime face to face ‘For almost all my life, I’ve been the person you crossed the street to avoid. I had nothing in my life but that need, that empty space I could only fill with more drugs, with more drink. That was my aim – steal by day, get wasted by night . . .

Today I am fifty-one and I have spent most of my life in and out of jail. For over thirty years heroin has been my best friend and my worst enemy. My liver was failing, my kidneys were shutting down and poison ran through my veins.

But I didn’t care whether I lived or died because I knew no one else did. Then I met Will, a man who I’d attacked to get money for my next high.

For some reason he chose to forgive me.

Now I realize that I’ve only just begun to live.’

Peter Woolf

Fri 18th Sep Holding On Despite facing cancer twice and near death in the Himalayas, Rob and Jo Gambi’s passion for life and the outdoors wasn’t dampened.

Fri 2nd Oct – 7:30pm Leading the Way at Minus 40oC Ann Daniels is one of the world’s leading female Polar explorers.

Fri 6th Nov How to Write the Great British Sitcom

In 2005 they became the first married couple to both ski to the Poles and climb the “7 Summits” and unwittingly entered the Guinness World Records while pursuing their dreams.

In June 2009, she returned from an international expedition which aimed to answer one of the most important environmental questions of our time - How long will the Arctic Ocean’s sea ice cover remain a permanent feature of our planet?

The British take their sitcoms very seriously.

Dell Boy, Captain Mainwairing, Blackadder and David Brent are all national treasures. So how does one go about creating the next comic icon? James Cary, an OM who has written episodes of My Family and My Hero for BBC1, plus numerous radio shows (Hut 33, Think the Unthinkable) explained how.

Jo Gambi

Ann Daniels

James Cary

Fri 19th Nov

Fri 4th Dec

Technology: Is it making the world a better place?

Dr Stuart Parkinson, Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility, a UK campaign organisation addressed us on the way in which major technological changes over the last century have affected human society and the environment, and answered questions about whether these changes have these changes been for good, for bad?

Stuart Parkinson

The Making of LIFE Dr Martha Holmes, wildlife filmmaker for the BBC Natural History Unit, talked about Life: four years in the making, and extraordinary natural history series about extreme behaviour and the lengths that animals and plants go to in order to survive.

Martha Holmes

France & Spain Monkton/Jeanne d’Arc School, Roubaix Exchange Thoughts of a French exchange student at the end of her visit to Monkton (Year 10) J’ai adoré l’échange, j’ai trouvé ça vraiment impressionant. Je suis vraiment contente car je m’entends vraiment très bien avec ma correspondante, je souhaite vraiment la revoir.

Ce premier échange est très concluant pour moi et enrichissant! Malheureusement cette semaine passe beaucoup trop vite.

J’ai été vraiment étonnée de la chapelle avec ce calme et ces chants. Je ne veux pas rentrer chez moi!

Valentine Watrelot

We were quite nervous when the train arrived into the station and saw our French exchange partners standing there. After awkward introductions and the classic French peck on each cheek, we were taken to the exit and had our first view of Lille. Lille looked like a beautiful city with a mixture of historical buildings and modern bistros.

Solène’s house was a lot different to mine, with many staircases winding up to her bedroom on the top floor. It was really nice to have a traditional French dinner with delicious cheese to follow.

The school was a very, very scary experience.

We were surrounded by a lot of inquisitive French people. After the biggest hugs ever from my English friends we were ushered into classrooms where we learnt about immigration from Afghan men, which was really interesting but slightly boring as many of them spoke only French.

Sunday I spent with the family at Wasquem market, which was a huge market filled with clothes, food and plenty of shoes and jewellery. Monday morning we took a tour of Lille, and then we had lunch with our exchange partners, then shopping.

Anna Dimitriades

Solène’s house was a lot different to mine, with many staircases winding up to her bedroom on the top floor.

Georgia Long wrote : My favourite activity was canoeing because I didn’t fall in.

Kieran Southall wrote: I enjoyed going into town. It was a great experience.

Joe Jenkins wrote: I really enjoyed the obstacle course because we got muddy.

Gianna Torchia: I really,really liked the week, because the activities were really interesting and it was great tesm building Dani Whaley : I really enjoyed the trip to the Somme because I learned loads about the war.

I am really interested in it.

Unkown: The Somme was really good. Mr Botton spoke about the battle with lots of emotion, so that everything sounded like the tragedy that it really was, and how the war was a failure on all sides.

Jo Muuray: J’aime faire le parcours du combatant. C’était génial.

Arthur Dodson: J’aime visiter le supermarché.

C’est fantastique

The Spanish Exchange 2009

At first, we were all nervous but the people were all so friendly, so we were soon all loving it!

We left school on Friday 16th October to go to Bristol Airport and catch the plane to Madrid.

After hours of travelling and a coach journey, we finally arrived in Tomelloso, greeted by our host families. After a tiring day, we headed home ready to meet up again to start the weekend.

Saturday came and all the students, English and Spanish met in the town. After some socializing and getting to know our exchanges better, we went to a restaurant to have some tapas and drinks. Later, we went to the bowling alley and had such a fantastic time.

Sunday came and we all had to get up early to spend the day at the Warner Brothers Theme Park in Madrid. After a two-hour coach journey, we arrived and had such a fun but tiring day, going on all the rides we possibly could!

After a good nights’ sleep, we woke on Monday morning to spend half the day in the local school with our exchanges. At first, we were all nervous but the people were all so friendly, so we were soon all loving it! We sat in the back of some classes like science and maths where we would work on our work books, but when it came to English and Spanish class, we had to stand at the front of the class and introduce ourselves and then go in groups and play games with other Spanish people. We spent the rest of the afternoon visiting the local market and buying gifts for our families back home, and for our Spanish families. Then, all of the exchange students went to Lake Ruidera for a picnic, which was very picturesque and relaxing.

On Tuesday, all of us English students visited Toledo for a small dose of culture and history, viewing the cathedrals, mosques and temples… and of course a bit of shopping! We then persuaded Señora Vercher and Mr Chillcott to take us to a big mall so we could finish our retail therapy!

On Wednesday however, we were reunited with our exchange partners and we all went to Madrid for some art appreciation at a museum and then, of course, more shopping! On Thursday, we had our final shopping trip in Ciudad Real, a big city near Tomelloso and then finished with some tapas in a little bar. Later on in the evening, we had a farewell party at a restaurant with all the families and teachers. It was also Rhi’s super sweet 16 so we celebrated that whilst enjoying our final night in Spain. On Friday we left for Madrid in the afternoon to catch our flight back to the glorious country we call home.

We all loved the Spanish exchange so much and made many great friends, but I have to say, that we were happy to be back in the UK to catch up on all the sleep we so desperately needed!

Anna Grace

Kenya

The Kenya trip was advertised as a Geography and Biology trip but it was much more than that.

It brought us into contact with different cultures and challenged many of our preconceptions.

The first week was spent camping next to a wildlife conservancy, in which we went on safaris (with comparisons to The Lion King being drawn left right and centre!), visited small and massive scale farms and were given the privilege of joining with a local Kenyan school with some wonderful interaction with the pupils. We stayed at the Moss’ home, and that came with the welcome surprise of a pool to jump into in the African heat. We also watched the World Cup Final on a big screen provided by the British Army - an experience not many of us will never forget.

Week 2 consisted of climbing Mount Kenya - a 16000 ft monstrosity of natural beauty, I could try and explain it - but words would do it such an injustice it is not even worth trying, though I do have to mention the 1 am wake up, followed by a 5 hour climb with head torches. We emerged on to the third highest peak (Lenana) with the whole of Kenya at our feet brought to life by the African sun rise. EPIC. White water rafting soon followed, amidst numerous trips to barter at the local markets, and standing with one foot on the Northern Hemisphere and the other on the Southern - at the Equator. Perhaps a personal highlight was the elephant orphanage - where we were allowed to be in very close contact with abandoned elephant young.

The end of the trip was celebrated by a meal at Mediterraneo, an Italian restaurant. WOW. The radical difference in culture, seeing the reality of poverty in front of our very eyes, and walking day by day in a society with such different priorities to ours affected us all very deeply. I say knowingly that we all came back changed, altered by both the society we were dropped in to and also by fellow Monkton pupils and staff with whom we travelled that left friendships that will go a long way past landing back at Heathrow.

Rachel Bryson

Surfing - Perranporth 2010

The leave weekend of September ’09 was the time of Monkton’s first ever surfing trip to the lovely beaches of Perranporth. Late on the Friday evening we arrived to the wonderful youth hostel, with amazing views looking over the nearby beaches and the glorious sea. All a bit tired from the journey we were soon asleep; ready for our busy day tomorrow; for some of us the first time ever to go surfing. It was a great day. It took time to get going but after a thorough warm up and some fun hours in the water, the majority of us, had at least mastered the basics of kneeling while surfing. A fun evening in the town then

followed, getting fish and chips and exploring the area before all coming back to the hostel for some fun games and to watch some ‘American Pie’. On Sunday we managed to even get a full morning of surfing where some of us managed to ride the waves in while standing up the whole way! However, Sunday afternoon came around all too quickly and we had to leave to get back to Monkton. On the way back we all reflected on what a wonderful trip it had been and all that we had learned. (Theses can be seen from the pictures!)

James Farley

Barbados - Cricket Monkton Senior School, Barbados Tour Report 2010 Within the hour of Monkton’s sporting tourists’ arrival at Barbados, all 24 had already experienced the intemperate weather of its tropical climate. A swarm of warmth welcomed us from the steps of our Boeing 747, whilst the ominous grey of approaching storms gathered from all corners of the horizon.

Fortunately, the wild downpour that marked our arrival became tame and ceased by the time we ventured out onto the bright blue waters of the Caribbean Sea with the Tiami catamaran crew. This was to become one of the highlights of the tour and we sauntered along the west coast, helping ourselves to the free drinks available at the bar. Home couldn’t have felt any further away. Indeed, the wet-suit waters of our Atlantic were barely mere recollections as we swam and snorkelled amongst the colours of the coral, and encountered turtles within arm’s length. Unsurprisingly, many of the boys expressed the opinion that they felt they were on holiday and not on a sports’ tour.

However, they spoke too soon as our trunks were still drying on our sea-front balconies whilst we all staggered through what felt like an impenetrable heat in our first hockey match.

Our lack of practice became swiftly evident as first touches bounced off sticks like rubber balls thrown on floors and chance after

chance was squandered in front of the opposition’s goal. Although we didn’t necessarily deserve to win, we certainly didn’t deserve to lose. Therefore, it was a hard lesson learnt when the opposition, who hadn’t looked like getting through our defence all game, somehow managed to squeeze the small, dimpled ball between Ben Southall’s legs in the dying moments to make the final score 1-0. However, similar to Spain in this year’s World Cup, our opening loss spurred us all into action, propelling us into the final of the Bank’s Hockey Festival following success after success. Unfortunately, we couldn’t replicate Iniesta’s extra-time winner (despite Mike Salmon’s best efforts) and the fine balance of victory swung against us on this occasion.

In regard to the cricket on tour, due to the fact the weather throughout our stay changed with similar pace to a Shaun Tait delivery.

Consequently some of our matches were cancelled or rescheduled to a later date.

Our fixture at Isolation Cavaliers, for instance, was initially rained off. However, owing to their hard work and hospitality we managed to complete the game the following day. The game also produced the first tears of the tour.

Yet they did not fall from Jack Barnes and Ali Martin’s faces as a result of our defeat,

by Ben Stupples

which Mr. Abington described as “cricketing suicide!” On the contrary, they simply couldn’t handle the spice of the peppers buried amongst the rice!

Our other two fixtures both produced well fought victories as a result of resilient team performances on difficult, sticky wickets affected by rain. Harry Farley’s first (and last) six for Monkton was one highlight; whilst James Arney’s devastating opening spell in the same match produced another.

Although it was a shame the weather didn’t permit us to play as much cricket as we would have liked, the Barbadian club 20/20 final at the Kensington Oval was one opportunity for us to witness how we should aspire to play our cricket in the coming years. Indeed, some of us had honed in these skills on Crane Beach, one of the top 10 beaches in the world, where the constant rush of tumbling waves were unlike any that we’d experienced before!

Overall, this was undoubtedly and unforgettable experience for all involved. And thanks, of course, must go to Mike Abington, Norman Botton and Tim Dewes for making it possible.

Ben Stupples

CU/Chapel Review Resulting In Over A Hundred Students Turning Up To Listen The Summer Terms theme this year was “all things are possible with God.” This idea has, I believe, been at the heart of the worship in Monkton this year. I certainly have felt a positive change in the spiritual mood of Monkton over the course of the three terms, not least because of the incredible opportunity we have had to listen to inspirational Christian speakers. The year was kick-started with the very successful Michaelmas addresses led by the team from Lymington Rushmore. Three nights of talks were based around the parable of the prodigal son.

Not only did the team provide a new and fresh message to the Christians in the school, they also presented a familiar tale in an accessible way, resulting in over a hundred students turning up to listen. One benefit of having the Lymington Rushmore team at Monkton was their involvement within the houses. It gave the opportunity for students to ask questions and prompt discussion and as a result many people started considering faith.

This new spiritual energy within the school was further strengthened later in the year with the visit of Jackie Pullinger. She gave several stirring and moving talks on her work in Hong Kong with drug addicts. Again the turn out to hear her was superb and we are so grateful for her giving up her time to come and speak to us. Her words challenged many of us to think about what we were doing to spread the gospel and how we, coming from a privileged background, could help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Being a radical Christian was further emphasised with the visit of Simon Guillebaud. More than anyone this year, his words really hit home for me, emphasising the power we as Christians have to change lives and how all too often we don’t do this because we are afraid to break out of our comfort zone. Simon spoke on his transforming work in Burundi in Africa and gave fascinating testimonies of some of the miracles he has witnessed in Gods name.

This year I have seen the opportunity to ask questions about faith being more and more opened up within Monkton. Chris Whitwell from Holy trinity Combe Down led a three week series in CU on “back to basics”. This was followed up with a new, youth alpha course held on a Wednesday evening which was primarily for anyone who just wanted to ask questions.

These along with a thriving CU and a dynamic committee have ensured that the Christian ethos in Monkton has been promoted and strengthened.

The trial initiative of having whole school chapel on a Saturday morning rather than a Sunday has, I feel, helped this and made worship a central and accessible part of school life.

Due to the continued, enthusiastic impetuous from Dr Olhausen and the CU committee the Christian community has thrived and my hope is that the next year will see more spiritual growth within the school and that Monkton will continue to be seen as a school with a thriving Christian community.

Abi Beach

Balls Working on a Winter Wonderland The first time I heard the words ‘winter ball’ I have to admit I was rather sceptic of the whole agenda. Something for the younger years to look forward to? Likewise, when I was asked to be part of the ‘Winter Ball Committee’ I thought it might just be a laugh with some mates.

Then the meetings started to happen. Ideas about how we could make this night one to remember.

A couple of weeks and Ikea trips later – we were ready. Anticipation and anxiety surrounded my thoughts; I’d never had that sort of responsibility before. The day came, and by then I had thought of every single possibility that could go wrong, I was plagued by the numerous nightmare situations that could happen. During the Saturday afternoon, my friends and I were a flurry of action and excitement. Sure enough the room was transformed from the plain dinning hall to a winter wonderland. The night was sensational; the people looked stunning, the food was delicious, the music was perfect. The place hummed with a joyous atmosphere. It was such a rewarding and incredible experience, one that I wouldn’t think twice about doing again. Abbie Morley

my friends and I were a flurry of action and excitement.

It was such a rewarding and incredible experience.

The Arts

CorAm Boy - Drama By some curious chance, the junior production, ‘Coram Boy’ was set at the same time - slap in the middle of the 18th Century - as the year’s other theatrical offering’ Pride and Prejudice’.

However, it presented a very different view of the world as the underbelly of vice, corruption and cruelty was exposed and frighteningly juxtaposed with a parallel world of wealth and privilege. It was where these two worlds’ met and collided that the play eked out its most potent drama. Almost Dickensian in its wide ranging themes and whole-hearted melodramatic style, the production was full of both touching and shocking moments. Not least of these was when Josh Morris, in a powerful performance as the evil Otis Gardiner, received his comeuppance, or so we thought, by being hung spectacularly in the middle of the stage.

In his endeavours he was assisted by the equally sinister Mrs. Lynch, chillingly portrayed by Freya Lewis, who captured all of the characters’ deceit and betrayal. This was most notable when she turns on her employers, the stubborn Sir William Ashbrook (George Reeves) and the well-meaning but ultimately ineffectual Lady Ashbrook (Sarah Wood) with venom and justifies Otis’ burying of live babies by equating it with the support of the slave trade by the aristocrats. Somewhat shockingly, her arguments hit home with a degree of truth.

Otis’ reappearance as the brooding Philip Gaddarn propelled the play towards a compelling climax and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The victory, as always, didn’t come without cost and a major victim was Meshak Gardiner, played with great pathos by Jack Sargood, who died saving his ‘angelchild’ Aaron, performed with moving sensitivity by Josh Myers, and his best friend Toby, played by Paul Karamura, clearly a Monkton star of the future.

Church music was a major theme running through the production and the atmospheric harpsichord music, expertly performed by Mr. George Bevan, accompanied many singers as they tackled pieces by Frederik Handel, himself a major figure in the play acted with aplomb by Freddie Martin. A central story following a poor and gauche young chorister Thomas was convincingly handled by Jordan Farrag as a boy and Adam Grimes as a young man. The parallel story of the wealthy Alexander Ashbrook, played expertly by Ed Gabe and James Lloyd, contrasted powerfully to

highlight the injustices of this Georgian world.

It is a measure of the strength of this production that the audience accepted the changing ages and stages of these characters without question or confusion.

There is not time or space to mention every one of the varied and convincing performances in this fine production but Danielle Whealey and Julia Wynn need special mention as the younger and older Melissa whose journey from innocence to motherhood was charted so expertly. Jess Davies (Isobel), Olivia Belchambers (Alice) and Andrew Beach (Edward) provided lively cameos as the Ashbrook’s children and Alicia Smallbone’s portrayal on Mrs.Milcote as a woman hopelessly unable to cope with the events overtaking her was cleverly handled.

Todd Bruce chilled as the cruel judge Theodore Claymore, Harriet Knowlton as Miss Price and the overseeing Angel, Annabel Dewes also impressed.

Otis’ reappearance as the brooding Philip Gaddarn propelled the play towards a compelling climax and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

This difficult and demanding production, first staged by The National Theatre, was a brave and ambitious choice to be tackled by such a young cast. Mrs. Bradby needs special mention for the stunning costumes which, as always, gave the production such colour and life.

However, the play’s success was largely due to the expertise and hard work of Mr. Tobias who, once again, drew out superb cast performances and pulled it all together with simple but effective staging and atmospheric lighting.

S.R.H.

Pride & Prejudice - Drama It was a sunny August afternoon and, after exams, Mr. Harris was being bullied into showing the most recent edition of Jane Austin’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ by his incredibly bright, unfathomably attractive, ridiculously witty and unbelievably humble AS class; unsurprisingly it didn’t take long. At the end of the first scene the six determined students were clamouring for it to be the senior production of 2010. At that time they did not realise the challenge they were about to be presented with.

September loomed and after some sweet-talking, Deborah Moggach kindly allowed Monkton to adapt her film script for the stage. As soon as this was settled, director Mr. Harris, began the casting process, ending up with the best of a bad bunch. And so the rehearsals began.

Several times a week with a bleary eyed Sunday slapped on the side. Mr. Harris eloquently led the way putting his years of experience, skill and enthusiasm into the rehearsal timetables.

And - in his spare time - he directed the fully-fledged cast of 40! He was always ready to give the ‘glazed over’ look to anyone who arrived late, but on the whole was very patient and well tempered, considering what he had to put up with. Many unfortunate families suffered daily run-throughs of scripts filling in all the other characters’ lines but their own child’s. By the end of half term (nearly) all of lines were learnt. Mr.Harris gently coaxed, instructed and encouraged those on stage so that before long the play was flying full steam ahead.

He dodged the difficulties of short scenes by having the actors take long arched ‘banana walks’, (a technical term, here meaning walking in a semi circle), and arriving in the same place they had just left. However, with the cunning addition of a ‘smell-free smoke machine’(that still managed to make the most stubborn audience members cough) no one noticed.

Lara Platek returned resiliently for a second year to help the cast in a spot of ballroom jigs, much to the delight of favourite Jacob Adams.

These dances must have been hilarious in the birthing stages, men proving that they can barely single-task let alone multi task, but were highly effective on the night of performance.

(Even when Benjamin Jackson sent a wave of giggles along the line of girls with a wonky half skip, half trot finale.)

Mr. Harris rented some awesome backlights which provided crisp Georgianesque silhouettes and atmospheric music was expertly controlled

by Dan Ridgeon. Sarah Cross led an able bodied team of six in the stage management, manoeuvring heavy pieces of furniture in pitch blackness causing only four accidents!

Being such a large cast, with so many major parts it is almost impossible to begin mentioning names and to be expected to stop. However, Beej Harris must be praised for embracing the vexing role of Mr. Darcy. He became an instant celebrity with the Year Nine ladies, not to mention the mothers in the audience, his surly and sincere performance capturing many hearts.

It was fortunate that the rest of the cast were talented enough to make up for my average performance of Elizabeth Bennett. Ben Stupples played a convincing and eyebrow twitching Mr. Bingley, Becky Sharp was a beautiful and heartfelt Jane and Lily Stanley a type-cast, vivacious Lydia. France Penney (Mary) and Nicola Murrey (Kitty) also impressed. Robin Harris strolled into the role of Mr. Collins with unsurprising ease and was a great success with the male side of the line; all of who could sit comfortably in their seats, fearing no threat of restless wives. Jacob Adams (Mr.Bennet), Amy Womersley (Lady Catherine De Bourg), Sophie Perkins (Charlotte Lucas), Charlie Field (Wickham) and Abby Wynn (Caroline Bingley) should also be acknowledged as exceptionally talented young actors. Bringing up the rear, Florence Wood must get a standing ovation for her engaging and animated Mrs Bennett who brought life to the whole piece.

Mrs. Bradby must be mentioned for her outstanding success for persuading the girls into costumes fit for the 18th century, unflattering dresses that gave the illusion of an extremely bloated ensemble. Many hours went into selecting and making over a hundred costumes with unimaginable precision and accuracy.

When looking back all can appreciate, not only the immense effort that she put in but also the final effect which, even the girls admitted, was first class.

I can safely and whole-heartedly say that this play was, without a doubt, with not even a passing little doubt in my mind, absolutely and entirely the best experience I have had at Monkton. All the cast could say at the end

was that they wished it could go on longer.

The performance was claimed to be excellent by all who watched it; perhaps because I was a member of the cast; perhaps because they felt sorry for us; or – perhaps - because it actually was. On behalf of all involved thank you Mr.Harris for making ‘Pride and Prejudice’ so special.

Rebekah Langham

Music

Scholars’ concert

Joint Concert

The termly scholars’ concert is a new innovation this year, giving our music award holders a chance to showcase their talents. Our music scholars currently play a wide range of instruments from double bass to french horn so these are always entertaining evenings.

Not all of our scholars necessarily perform on their principal instrument, so there is always a wide variety of standard and style. All are encouraged to come along. The first of these concerts saw performances by all of our current award holders, with a particularly memorable rendition of Edward German’s Romance for clarinet by Emily Lloyd-Williams.

The dreadful weather did not stop a capacity audience from pouring into the Assembly Hall for our annual concert given by the joint forces of musicians from Monkton Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools.

The Prep School fielded their own concert band, as well as joining the Senior school concert band for the grand finale, and a couple of real show stoppers – Build me up Buttercup and All that Jazz.

The variety of music which Monkton produces is impressive, and in the space of little over an hour we were treated to everything from the sound of an orchestra (playing The Sound of Music) to our guitar band playing Eye of the Tiger! Mr Lynn presented this number in his own inimitable way, and Mr Scott continued the double act by presenting some of his talented percussionists with their Star Wars medley.

Thanks must go to Mr Sibley and Mr Clark in particular for the huge effort that they have put in to preparing for such a fine evening of music, and also to the numerous other music staff who have spent many hours rehearsing and encouraging their pupils.

Busking by the Abbey In early December four Monktonian trumpeters and their tuba playing Director of Music braved the cold and spent an hour performing Christmas carols outside Bath Abbey, in order to help the Rotary Club to raise funds for their headline charity this year, the South West Children’s Hospice at Charlton Farm.

Between these two giants came the combined Prep and Pre-Prep choirs singing two songs from Mary Poppins. Every single young singer was captivated (and captivating!) and their enthusiasm was completely delightful. The Prep and Senior choirs then performed Lennon & McCartney’s Penny Lane, with equal energy, before the Senior choir’s rendition of The Lord bless you and keep you by John Rutter.

An audience of over 200 pupils, parents and special guests enjoyed a brilliant evening of music at the launch of the Music Centre Project.

The highlights of the evening were a moving and inspirational performance by world renowned pianist Bobby Chen; a guest appearance by clarinettist and former pupil Jordan Black, who left Monkton last year and is now studying at the Purcell School, and the hugely popular Monkton Big Band who as ever gave one of their great performances.

We hope we brightened peoples’ morning with our playing - we certainly caught the attention of a group of Australian girls who were very keen to have their photo taken with us!

Bobby Chen and George Bevan Principal Richard Backhouse and Director of Music George Bevan, gave a brief presentation about the vision for music at Monkton and the plans to build a new Music Centre at the Senior School. If you would like to find out more about the music appeal please contact Dr Alan Kerbey kerbeyal@monkton.org.uk The Lent Term saw the re-launch of the Monkton Combe Choral Society, conducted by Director of Music George Bevan. A capacity audience filled the school Chapel on Saturday 20th March to hear a wonderful concert which included J.S.Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 3, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and John Rutter’s Requiem. The school choir joined the ranks of the choral society and were joined by an orchestra of local professionals, led by Lorna Osbon, for this inspiring and exciting evening.

The Choral Society welcomes all singers of any age and experience. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings – for more information please contact George Bevan music@monkton.org.uk

“ At first, we were all nervous but the people were all so friendly, so we were soon all loving it!”

the Farm boys were determined to give it their best shot, and this they did.

House Music As the day of House Music was drawing ever nearer, the slightly concerned Mr. Smith remarked at the end of one rehearsal, “this is the first year I’ve been genuinely worried about house music”. Things definitely could have looked better...

Having drowned ‘Help’ by the Beatles in a sea of discordant ‘ladish’ grunting, it was clear that there was drastic need for change. Still heading down the Beatles’ theme, we settled on ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ and continued the Farm tradition by concocting excessive actions for each and every word. For our other items we decided upon a Jazz Band (yet another Farmonian tradition), a flute solo by Josh Black and, only after weeks of begging and bribing, another solo by the-soon-to-be-dubbed Jamie ‘Bassman’.

Eventually, the penultimate day arrived, and after the final rehearsals and last-minute intro practices (not to mention Jimmy ‘Clarkson’ writing his script on his hand) everything began to come together. Unlike previous years, victory did not seem a realistic objective at this stage; we were more concerned with getting it over and done with. However, by the evening of the competition, our doubts had been dispelled; the Farm boys were determined to give it their best shot, and this they did. As the result was announced, the routine of never-ending rehearsals had been worthwhile; Farm House had regained the title, not only after many decades, but also in Mr and Mrs Smith’s final year as Farm house-parents.

Dave Newport and Jamie Bateman

House Music Festival 2009 Prize Winners Best Junior Soloist Joshua Black (flute) Farm

Best vocal ensemble Hail Holy Queen Nutfield

Best Senior Soloist Emily Hay (oboe)

Special award for: Nutfield

Best Classical Ensemble Not awarded Best pop/jazz ensemble Tuxedo Junction Farm

Entertainment value Robin Harris Eddystone Best house song Build me up Buttercup School Pollock Cup Overall Winners

Farm

Concert Trip On the 11th May a group of pupils departed for what promised to be a cultured and great event at the Colston Hall, where the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra was playing. The evening certainly turned out to be all that we hoped for; the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra was fantastic. The highlight for me was an exciting dramatic piece of music by Shostakovich, which was excellent, particularly when the whole orchestra was playing, the sound was incredible. We all found the little

ginger lady who played the snare drum - so enthusiastically that she managed to throw one of her drum sticks away in the process - very amusing. She merely continued to play with one stick! Rachmaninov’s soulful 2nd Piano Concerto was another highlight for many and, after much applause, the pianist consented to playing a little encore, which was beautiful in its simplicity. After the final piece, there was not one, not two, but three encores, which I initially thought was the Russians being extravagant.

However, Mr. Bevan later told me that this many encores are customary. All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening that served to be a much needed break from the work and exam stress at school. So, thank you very much Mr. Bevan and Mrs. Bryson for taking us all and Mrs. Bevan for organising the whole event.

I look forward to many more enjoyable events in the future.

Amy Womersley

Art

Anna Fothergill Yr 12

Rosie Brunning Yr 13

Florence Wood Yr 13

Ed Vickers Yr 13

Charlie Adams Yr 13

Josh Musominari Yr 12 photo

Charlie Rathmell Y r 12

Saaya Kimita Yr 13

Anthony Dann Yr 13

Lydia Ourahmane Yr 13

Ed Vickers Yr 13

Jasmine Lowe Yr 13

Felicity Crane Yr 13

Alice Tetley Yr 12

Creative Writing Over Jonah’s refuge, cruel clouds amassed.

The fathomless green brine scorned his shelter, spitting salt and foam overhead as bleak skies poured sleet down upon him.

Water, penetrating water seemed to saturate Jonah’s every pore. It was only worsened by the clinging fog in the air and rain battering the boards of the watchtower. Sleet forced its way into his clothing, freezing water managed to settle in his gloves and boots. He scowled, squinting his eyes against the endless rain.

He was used to it, but it still felt like drowning.

It was too hard to see. Jonah spat, then gripped the railings as brine sprayed over him in a torrent. Bewildered, he paused, before looking back at the port. Realising that even that was obscured by the malignant weather, he grimaced, and trudged into the watchtower, no longer caring.

The watch could wait.

He tore off his clothing, dropping it to the floor in a sodden heap. The watchtower was a simple steel construct at the lip of a pier, and served as a lighthouse for the port. Naval trade was cheap and simple, and on a world like Archepala where no landmass was large enough to qualify as a continent, there were an abundance of ships. And Jonah Kurai was the sole occupant of the tower. He might’ve called it ‘home’, but he was honest enough to call it ‘shithole’.

He pulled on a thick navy fleece and another pair of black waterproofs, before sitting back in the nearest chair in a weary slump.

There were sparse furnishings. Mostly, he made do with mere essentials. He ran a hand through his dark hair, pushing it into irregular spikes.

Chuckling quietly, he leaned back. He was pathetic, he thought. He’d been unable to keep hold of work for more than a year at a time, but he’d spent enough time in manual labour that he’d had his fair share of wounds, and on one occasion, surgery. And yet, despite that, he was a small figure, and wiry, with little presence in a room. He lacked stamina, charisma, or willpower. He thought himself mockable.

After a time, Jonah heaved himself to his feet and briefly parted open the door. The rain was still drenching, spattering his face with icy water.

Ignoring his duties for the time being, he made his way to the lower floor, where he yanked a mug from its resting place on the tiny kitchen counter, and began to make his precious black coffee.

He sipped, savouring it, while staring out into the battering rain. As he tipped the final dregs into his mouth and wiped his lip, he saw darker shades loom in the thick mist.

Grey blotches swiftly became black marks on the marred horizon.

Jonah knew no merchant ships were due. He dropped his mug and headed for the viewing platform on the upper floor, but as he wrenched open the door, he heard the low boom of cannon fire and the scream of tortured metal ripping from its holdings in a stunning explosion.

He sprinted through the door to the pier and kept going even as another shot brought the tower plummeting into the metal behind him.

The shock which ran through the pier flung him roughly to the floor. As he fell forward, he felt a sudden, icy burning in his shoulder and he dropped, grabbing at his wound.

More gunfire sounded, with the snaps of lasers and the cracks of slug guns sounding horrifyingly close. Jonah leapt as a burst clattered on the steel behind him, and the cannon sounded again.

The pier beneath him fell away and flames rose up before him. He lashed out and grasped a support, the slick metal sending him sliding down to the next rung.

Lightning split the sky in two as Jonah scrabbled to keep his hold on the wrecked scaffold. With a gasp, he clutched another freezing handhold, ignoring the searing tear in his skin.

Scrambling, he hauled his broken body over the rift and through the jagged scar that had been rent in the pier. He lay there, bleeding in the rain, gripping the hatched steel skin of the pier as if it were his last lifeline. Sleet numbed him.

A stream of harsh cannon fire sent a jarring shudder through his arms. Distant booms froze his very blood.

Trawling for what little strength and will remained in his form, Jonah forced himself to his knees to stare at his terror. Through the clogging mist, the burning shore was the only clear thing.

Harsh light rained down as punishing fire on the single port.

War had come to his world.

Feeling his grip on the bar loosen, and his arm go slack, Jonah swore. Seconds later, he fell from the pier and landed in the deathly chill of the waves below. He choked on a mouthful of water, flailing to get above the surface.

He regained his place above the waves, and coughed up the brine in his lungs.

The mineral-abundant Archepala seawater scoured his throat. He thrashed as another swell bore him up and then crashing once again beneath the surface.

He attempted to paddle for a brief moment, then spotting the burning orange of the port, he made out for the shore. The icy touch of the water drained his will and sapped his strength from him. Gasping for ever more air, he poured his energy into his limbs to stay afloat. A sharp pang from his shoulder threw him once more into the depths. He opened his eyes, despite the rasping pain of the saltwater, and saw red mist around him. Feeling lightheaded from lack of air and blood loss, he witnessed his vision darken.

Fighting to stay conscious, his strokes weakened.

The chill in his flesh brought him into stasis, and he lapsed into unconsciousness.

Jonah Kurai awoke to the spatter of raindrops.

He opened his eyes, and was stung by the light. The storm, for the most part, had passed.

He rolled over and spat brine into the grey sand. It seemed his gills had kept him alive, even through the winter storm.

He stood, and clasped a hand to his throbbing shoulder. His hand came away bloodied.

The webbed skin between his digits was palely blue from cold numbness. He clenched them, trying to regain feeling. The glands should kick in with some stimulation.

He breathed cool air, and gritted his teeth.

As much as he resented the changes worked upon his body, they’d kept him alive, and in one piece. He just wished that one piece was truly whole in itself. Jonah was human, but injuries, marine work and time had left him with inhuman features.

Jonah bore gills and webbed hands to keep him alive at sea. His skin was pale from the glands implanted to warm and cool his blood in the long seasons; freezing winters and burning summers both. Beyond that, his hair was oily to touch, and waterproof. One arm was partially brown-furred, and another shoulder was scaled; the results of old injuries. On Archepala, culture abhorred human donors, and so medical facilities made do by grafting animal flesh to human bodies when necessary.

The wounds still hurt, in a way.

Jonah closed his eyes, resigning himself to the fact that there had been an attack on the port.

Raiders had come.

Nauseous and suddenly afraid, he looked up to find the port. He’d been beached not far west from it… The land around him was largely black and grey rock, cliffs running along a narrow, ashen shore. There was little foliage, save for a few rock bushes and the occasional weed, coloured with the distinctive turquoise of Archepala chlorophyll. The sea beside him still raged as always, green and flecked with spray.

There was smoke rising from the blackened wreckage of what used to be a largely-idyllic colony. The industrial and medical zones had been left largely intact, along with the small spaceport docking area. The rest, the residential, recreational and governmental areas… Gone, bombarded to ruin. What used to be a white and cyan portrait of pristine domes and spires was now a charred, cracked and broken skeleton.

Jonah gritted his teeth. He felt little sorrow for the colony’s inhabitants – he’d had few he’d cared about. But instead he felt anger. Anger at the ease with which the colony had been brought to ash, anger that any chance of a future life had been robbed, anger with himself for not knowing what to do.

The only path available was towards the colony, so without real conscious thought, he headed towards it. His numb limbs began to protest, but he ignored them.

There were still small fires scattered about the debris, and Jonah spotted occasional bodies.

Smoke drifted through the wastes. The port was a standard Coalition colony; simple and contemporary, using primarily native stone for its buildings. Architecture hadn’t changed much in the last century. But certainly, this place had not been built to withstand siege.

A nagging thought pushed its way into Jonah’s mind. What happened to the attackers after they’d raided the city..?

He hurried on, in the general direction of the spaceport, breaking into a run.

It was as he entered the docking area that he began to tire. It was a flat and open space surrounded by control towers, boarding areas and abandoned utility vehicles. Again, not much had changed from ancient Terran airports, save for a tendency towards smooth shapes, blue glass and white metal. The occasional tank of fuel or bundle of luggage lay discarded. Bodies lay in pools of blood.

Clearly the raiders had been through here, looting…

In the distance, and rapidly drawing nearer, was a ship.

He paced forwards at a slower speed, and realised that the landing site was completely empty of any flight based vehicles. There went his chance of getting anywhere. No ship had made landing in weeks due to storms.

Jonah could only stare at the wonder which came to rest over the port and gradually lowered on anti-G pads. The prow was bulky, arching over backwards like a shield and tapering in a way that lent to it the general shape of a bird’s beak. Small wings jutted out beneath the hull, their mounted thrusters keeping the craft airborne.

Arching over its body were broader wings, with an elegant tilt downwards towards their midsection. The bridge was an armoured affair, mounted just before the engine housings, which encased an enormous pair of turbines from which pale blue flames streamed. The light-brown paintwork was chipped and faded, but Jonah could make out dark red streaks across the wings and over the bow and hull.

He doubted he could survive until the next ship came in… Or that he could make it to the nearest other settlement, miles away.

In pure hopelessness, he sank to the ground against the smoking wreck of a cargo truck.

The raiders had apparently blown the engines of the vehicles here for the fun of it.

More rain pattered down around him. It never stopped raining for long here, even in summer.

Jonah felt he’d been born to the wrong planet.

He looked up at the sky and saw darker clouds drifting overhead. He sighed, running a hand down his face. It came away damp, and he wrung it out with a low snarl.

Jonah thought about what had happened.

Considered what he could do now. But it was not long before boredom set in and he started to pace. It was frustrating, more than anything else…

Hours seemed to pass. In the silence, small things, such as the occasional cry of a bird, or clatter of some structure collapsing elsewhere in the colony, or even the crash of the larger waves, became important things. Moments to divide time with, to mark his passage around the port. When his mind went blank and he could ponder the hollow situation no longer, he resorted to counting.

After losing count for the n’th time and reverting to zero yet again, Jonah was shocked to hear a deep, throbbing hum. He could not find which direction it originated from. It grew louder, and as it did, the drizzling rain began to spray sideway, into his face. He covered his head and turned away, looking up. A wind sprang up, and the clouds twisted into spirals. Confused, he turned to the direction of the wind.

Across her hull she bore her name in white.

Sparrowhawk Jack Basson

Creative Writing Antonia Richards Evans discovers what actually goes on in the minds of a teacher

M. James, English Literature Teacher Good morning everyone (.) do come in please (3) to begin and as our main focus today I’d like to discuss the importance of symbolism in the play (.) which we began to touch upon on Monday morning(.) right

I’ve read this book seventeen times.

I still love it.

Now what exactly is symbolism (2)

I love my job… no one has the guts to interfere and say that I’ve repeated this five times in the past…two lessons.

Mwahaha I like to think of literary symbolism as a sequence of objects (.) er (.) conveying themes of deeper meaning if you like (.) throughout the story line

This is so exciting!

(2) so we said yesterday that the Brooklyn Bridge mentioned in the play is symbolic of the pathway of opportunity (.) not simply as the bridge is a passageway to Manhattan (.) em (.) which of course was known as the city of opportunity for Italian immigrants in the Brooklyn area (.) this is also where Alfieri standing on the bridge looking down comes into play

oooh!! My favourite part!!

(2) as Alfieri (.) er (.) in a way tries to unite American and Italian laws and customs perhaps (2) we’ve spoken about this previously am I right

Don’t get excited, none of you do.

Please say no.

Not to any of you of course; you’ve probably never even heard of Jane Austen! I pity you.

(students)

Damn it.

Good (.) then I will have spoken to you about other forms of Good (.) then I will have spoken to you about other forms of symbolism in the play (2) such as Catherine’s high heels (.) representing her womanhood and in a way her power (.) over men(.) I suppose (.) or possibly the grasp upon men that she possesses if you like (.) erm (.)

I’m workin’ it! *victory dance* Or Italy as a symbol of homeland or origin to the people of Red Hook (.) you know (.) symbols which are all fantastic and really interesting as topics that you can mention in the exam if you like (.) er (.) providing you support your answers with numbered quotations of course

Duh. (.) which I believe is an extremely vital quality to have (.) as a student of the English language

(.) the ability to recreate and name part of an author’s writing (.) it’s just magnificent (.) isn’t it

Now remember not to get confused between symbols and themes when the exam comes around (.) and we have previously discussed this (.) If I remember correctly we concluded that symbols and themes are two completely separate aspects with equal importance in the play

Why does everyone appear to be staring at the wall behind me?

Now what are few of the themes we picked out and analysed from a view from the bridge (2)

Surprise surprise! No one has a clue- I guess it’s my chance to shine.

If you remember we began to pick apart the theme of fate (2) how Alfieri communicates the inevitable outcome and in a way (.) sort of (.) warns us of

I have another thirty years of this ahead of me… I hate my life

J.Pattison, Maths Teacher Right. Come in guys. In you come (3) Sit down

Before I stab myself with this protractor.

Jeez…it’s like speaking to a bunch of gorillas. A total waste of my time.

Not. I know I don’t.

Who wants to read the answer of page seventy-two exercise five to me (.) Yes (student) mm no (.) I think it was exercise five (student) so you haven’t done it (.) at all (.) (student) right (.) any other offers for the correct answer (student)

good (.) so (.) page sixty-two (.) question four

Wrong.

Forty-one minutes left.

Ok (.) don’t you think you could have used a different method of solving this equation (student) yes (.) good (.) one ninth is the correct answer (.) ok (.) next one (.) question forty-nine (.) yes please (student)

Right (2) so yesterday we spoke about negative and fractional indices (3) Anyone remember that (2) of course you do

Ok (.) so (.) you need your calculators out please

Maybe I should just make a run for it…

(2) remember we are looking at simplification and evaluation (.) ok (.) so do not mix these two steps up in the exam or else you will lose marks (2)

On the other hand I wouldn’t mind failing a few of you… ok (2) and also remember the rules of indices please (.) multiplication equals addition (.) division equals subtraction and so on

Wrong again. How generic.

Sorry (.) say that again (student) em no (.) its not the type of depression that can be treated with prozac (.)

Neither can mine. remember that we are dealing with digits here (.) which is why maths is so

Boring.

Exciting (.) Right does everyone get that

Please say yes. (students) good (.) right(.) Moving on (.) work on exercise twenty star on page seventy-three (.) as I come around and check how you’re getting along (.) (students) yes (.) star exercises are tricky

It would be a negative though (.) A to the power of five (2) does everyone agree (student) what is a negative

Perfect- now’s my chance to pop out and mysteriously disappear for say… thirty minutes. Like every other lesson.

Shoot me.

(.) just give it a go (.) ok (.) (students) great(.) get on with it now please (.) you have thirty minutes

(student) yeah it’s a sort of depression in a number or slope (student)

Man + Teaching = Depression.

I have another thirty years of this ahead of me… I hate my life

Just beyond the mirth of great natures rebirth, Bitter winter beckons to confine the shining sun And stamp out all life young. It tears each leaf From each limb, letting each fall into the grave Of all that’s nothing, where the putrid stench Of decay is as potent as the plague of darkness That reigns over all like a tempest of tyranny.

But, in the midst of nothing, some life interred

Stirs to inch slowly upwards through benighted Daylight, shooting through the earth’s melting Mantle to bring spring forth and rot the root of Flowering winter. So i do not sit above the grave Of all, but the womb of all nature, where all that’s Nothing swells nature like two mingled bloods So that it may soar beyond our horizon of time To create, from all that’s nothing, all that’s great.

Ben Stupples

Houses

Nutfield I joined Nutfield 5 years ago from the prep school, and when choosing my boarding house, the thing about Nutfield that drew me in the most was the multi-coloured doors around the house!

This was before I got involved in the house, and once I was settled into the house, (which didn’t take long,) I found out that it wasn’t just the doors that were multi-coloured but people’s personalities as well. Nutfield has such a range of amazing personalities that draw you in and make you feel so welcome; this is one of the things that I will miss the most when I leave.

My 5 years in Nutfield have left me with many memories: winning house music the first two years, having fun at sports’ days and swimming galas, playing games, watching movies and eating pizza and ice-cream on our ‘in-house’ nights.

As my time in Nutfield is nearly over, I leave with the support of the Glasgows – who have supported every one of us as our colourful personalities blossom; the support of the other prefects as we all leave the school and go out into a world that’s not in a valley; and the thing that I will miss most about Nutfield - having the support and friendship of 60 girls who are always behind you the whole way through.

“ Nutfield girls are crazy and caring in equal measure”

Lastly some advice for fellow Nutfielders who are still in the house: enjoy every minute you have in the colourful environment, and don’t take it for granted, because you don’t realise how special it really is until you come to leaving.

Abi B

Anna Bradley

“ Nutfield is so friendly and everyone is always there to help and have fun” Katie E

“ Nutfield is the kernel of the school ” Mrs Merricks

Clarendon

Clarendon is home away from home, a place that gives me the opportunity to be a normal teenager. Having the opportunity to be Head of House meant that I had to connect with both the students and the stuff on a personal level. The girls have become my sisters and I thank God everyday for the Marais.

With the help of Lily and Rosie I think it’s safe to say that we’ve had an extraordinary year.

I admit we haven’t been very successful in certain competitions but I am proud to say that we were very successful with the friendships we made and I am sure they’ll last forever.

House music was the first bonding session for the house. It gave the U6th their first opportunity to work together as a prefect body and I am glad to say they did a superb job.

House dinner themed as ‘The Mad Hatter’s tea party’ was excellent with the staff putting on a modern performance of ‘Cinderella’ and year 12, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’. Year 9 and 11 showed their talents with songs and dances while the year 10’s Peter Pan ran havoc in Clarendon. Finally, as we are leaving, the prefects thought it was the right time to let the whole world know our best kept secrets.

The swimming gala is always a sketchy event for both girls’ houses, however, this year they thought it would be a lot more fun if the girls had their own swimming event. A number of fun races were introduced including ‘rugby shirt’ and ‘the woggle race’. This gave us girls the opportunity to express ourselves in different ways.

“ Clarendon – Why I wake up every morning knowing I am surrounded by love.”

Freya Lewis

I would to congratulate the girls on winning the sports day and raising £845 to win the charity cup.

At the beginning of the year it’s always difficult to integrate the new girls with the old ones but this year it was different. All the girls connected from day one and all the relations that were established at the beginning will last a life time.

There are times when we have wanted to destroy each other, but as a prefect team, we have done our best to support the Marais’.

Despite the hard times and the small tiffs we’ve had, overall it’s been an amazing year and I wouldn’t have wanted it to have gone differently.

All the best to next year’s Head of House, I hope together with the prefects you’ll have a great time.

Victoria Batenga

The Mad Hatter’s tea party’ was excellent with the staff putting on a modern performance of ‘Cinderella’.

“ I have spent the last 5 years trying to sneak out of Clarendon, now that I am leaving, I hope it’s easier to sneak back in.”

Lily Stanley

“ Like a second extended family, everyone’s so nice.”

Abigail Watt

Eddystone

“ I remember us all coming for our induction day, a little under-confident but thrown by how nice the other members of the house were” I’ve been a member of Eddy for what’s coming up to 5 years now and I can’t quite believe that my time as an Eddy-Boy has come to an end.

I remember us all coming for our induction day, a little under-confident but thrown by how nice the other members of the house were and how well we seemed to integrate within only days.

I am positive that the house has really shaped the people we’ve become today, and the experiences of house events really will stay with us all throughout the years to come.

The atmosphere round the house really has been awesome throughout my time and the spirit we have as Eddy boys, has been passed on every year with new and emerging characters.

This year Eddy has really been the place where we’ve all been able to escape the stress of school, taking advantage of the hammock, sunbathing, heating up the Barbie for another load of left-over chicken burgers and of course general joking and messing in the house. The location of the house really has promoted that laid-back relaxed atmosphere that you so often strive for when at a boarding school like Monkton.

This year as ever we’ve kept up tradition heroically failing in the field of natural musical talent but we made up for it with commitment and energy, consequently just missing out in the house song in Michaelmas term. But, on the sporting front it’s been a different story: we’ve consistently put up some strong house teams for sports; and had a whole load of regular first team players in all sports with captains of both Cricket and Rowing coming from ‘up the hill’.

As every year passes, one of the highlights has to be the Eddy BBQ and without a doubt we’ve hosted some of the best BBQ’s this valley has ever seen and been a real source of laughter for the school whilst raising money in slave auctions.

So as you can imagine we’ve got some classic characters in the house epitomising all kinds of descriptive words so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of Eddy young and old for making our last year really easy and enjoyable. Of course we can’t forget the house Tutors also, who, throughout the year have been there cracking the whip supporting us and inspiring us to be more, so a big thank you to them all also.

In addition, as we all know, this was Mr Harris’ last year as houseparent and I’d just like to take a few moments to thank a true legend in the house for the energy, spirit and general laughs that he brings to the house. At the risk of coming across overly cheesy - Mr Harris has really been there for us all at times when we’ve needed someone to talk to like a parent.

As I said another year has passed now running as smoothly as ever and I think it is more than fair to say that it has been because of Mr Harris’ time and effort that it has done so. Thank you so much for being there to support us all throughout our time.

To finish, this year has without a doubt been one of the most challenging but rewarding years of my Monkton life and I have cherished every moment Eddy has given me and I’m so thankful for all the opportunities I have been offered as a Head of House. It really has been a pleasure. I’m positive that the life and character of Eddy will continue for years to come. All my luck goes out to the team next year with Mr Sertin and the Lower 6th.

Joe Farrag

“ To finish, this year has without a doubt been one of the most challenging but rewarding years of my Monkton life and I have cherished every moment Eddy has given me�

Hill

“ I didn’t think that this year could be better than my last in year seven... but it has!”

Is it really time for the Monktonian again?

Where has this year gone?! We have had such a great time as a house this year – time seems to have flown. Moving down to Reynella from Combe Grange has been a really positive experience – the ‘Hillies’ have loved the extra sense of space and the opportunity to be part of the atmosphere further down in the valley.

“ Everyone’s so supportive. They are all our very best friends and we have enjoyed coming to school Every day.”

“ We have exciting trips at weekends and sometimes we even organise them ourselves.

Day pupils come along and join in the fun.”

Lots to celebrate again – more Hill House boys were selected for top teams in all three sports than in any year we can remember. And of course, we won the Rugby and Hockey House Cups at the prep school – yippee!! Our Hill House girls have had excellent sporting success with Joely’s tennis going from strength to strength and Ania’s fencing abilities making Mrs W literally brim up with pride. Great performances on sports day from all of our team, particularly Liv doing well with her running and Min completing the 1500m – superb effort! Will is the new ‘face of tennis’ appearing in the Wimbledon promotional material – his tennis is also developing superbly.

What a talented bunch. Our tennis players have also had a very keen bunch of supporters following them to different matches – it is so good to see our guys in action. Truly a sense of a ‘team’ has developed this year.

We have done a lot of charity work – not just in school but outside as well. The school ‘Three Ways’ was the beneficiary of our charity work at Christmas. Thanks to the Padiachy family, we all pulled together and got enough money to buy a specialist minibus for them!

Academically, this has also been a highly successful year. The top 5 performers at Common Entrance were all from Hill and the house really supported Liv with her Scholarship application. The house has been constantly rewarded with merits ox’ fills up practically every day!

The Gowers have made a huge contribution to the way the house has run this year. The boarders simply adore them and will miss them a great deal. Their support and practical willingness to just pitch in when they have energy and ours is (often severely!) depleted has been enormously valued. Andrew’s song about ‘Gower Power’s flower powered car’ will resonate for some time!

“ We thank the Lord for this most special of years and the joys it has brought for us all.”

We had great fun at Splashdown, Oasis and Longleat this year – days out worth remembering indeed. The circus day and bbq was also a day to remember – really quite emotional as we said goodbye to our year eights to see them again next year in their senior houses. It will also be really hard for us all to say goodbye to Ivan – he has been such a reliable, caring and pivotal member of the house that it is difficult to imagine Hill without him – may God bless him and keep him safe in his new challenges ahead.

Grove Grange

Grove House has been my home for five years now, and what a laugh it has been, with many memories, much madness and mischief it has proved to be a great place to share my Monkton experience with the other lads. This year being no exception! From the start of the year we made the most of the quiet/respectful third form, soon to be quickly lost within a couple of days.

It was good news to see that the new young generation of Grovians settled in well and soon became part of the family. With the fourth form being as cheeky and energetic as normal, along with the 5th form characters, and a lively sixth form, we were always set to have a brilliant year.

Grove has always had an outrageous sporting tradition and this year continued to be fantastically successful on the pitches throughout all year groups. The most successful 1st rugby season Monkton has had was due to the superb captaincy of our very own Anthony Dann, with a further eight boys in Grove representing the school in the first team. House rugby was a great highlight with Grove winning seniors for the fourth year running, as well as the Year 9 success! A great effort from the Boys, helped by a very proud Mr Call on the side of the pitch.

The Boat Club have had a massive contribution from Grove, with four of the first eight, who are set to do some damage at Henley. This, along with Grove sportsmen representing the school in many successful teams, identified a surprisingly talented and able bunch of lads all under one roof. So sport ✓ House music was great fun this year with our charming Ben Stupples and rosy cheeked Tom Wiley getting the house in shape/tune to be able to belt out “locomotion”. A lot of fun was had, so a big thank you to both those guys.

Scottish night was well run by the 6th form short kilted “lassies” and it proved to be a great night with live music and lots of food! Stupples managing to dance his way around the fourth form as per usual. So music ✓

Within the house we’ve had a lot going on from BBQs and water slides on Longmead, to Pizza /Cinema nights in the chapel, to the England football nights (World Cup Mania) and much more. So Grove house socials ✓ So a big “thank you” goes to the prefect team who’ve been great fun to work with this year, along with resident house tutor, Mr Davenport and finally Mr and Mrs Call for all the time and energy they give to Grove, who have been house parents and friends to us all.

Thank you Grove House for making my years at Monkton so enjoyable. I wish all of the leavers a hearty farewell, and all staying - good luck!

So a great year in Grove House ✓

“ So a big “thank you” goes to the prefect team who’ve been great fun to work with this year,” Ed Vickers

School

As must be the case in any boarding house, there are memories to be remembered and treasured and there are memories that must be learnt from and moved aside. This year in School House has been no different. It would be a lie to say there haven’t been some tough weeks but stepping back, the picture of School House this year is definitely a pleasant one. To use one of Mr. Shone’s cricketing analogies, the School House team is a solid 250-3; we are in a strong position to press on and put on an imposing total in the innings that is School House’s year.

It has been a wonderful sight to see the house not only excelling in the areas where we always do; the juniors winning House Rugby, the seniors coming second and coming a close second to Grove in the House Swimming but also in areas where School House is perhaps not so renowned for its talent. For the first time in goodness knows how many years, School House won a prize at the House Music Competition that wasn’t a sympathy vote – far from it, we won the Best House Song! In a house where any form of musical talent is few and far between this was perhaps our greatest achievement.

I am sure that all the boys will admit that this wasn’t down to a miraculous change in our voices, but purely down to what we call School House Spirit. Whilst Farm have music and Eddy have drama, School has spirit of togetherness that no other house. We are a “band of brothers” in every sense and this more than anything has been evident this year. However this unity and spirit is not limited to the boys.

“ School House boys most definitely have talent but they apply it with spirit and determination”

Mr Hubbard has shown himself to be a true SCOUSER (?) as he stepped into the rather large boots that Mr and Mrs Lewis left, even becoming House Parent for a couple of weeks as Mr Shone was away after the birth of his fourth baby. Baby Florence is a wonderful addition to School House and we all look forward to watching her grow and develop over the next few years. Finally a review of the year cannot be complete without mention of this year’s House Dinner where the talent of School House boys continued to surprise us in ‘School House Has Got Talent.’ In front of over 140 people the boys performed for all to see the best and worst of School House – it was not a night to forget! The results from that evening was conclusive: not only do School House boys most definitely have talent but they apply it with spirit and determination, something that bodes well for years to come.

Harry Farley

“ We are a ‘band of brothers’ in every sense and this more than anything has been evident this year”

Farm (Friendly Amenable Roomy Manageable) Those are the four words I would choose to sum up my final year at Monkton and my only as Head of House. Many words could be used to describe what Farm is like; this is because of Farms wide ranging talent in many different sectors. The term Jack of All trades has been tossed about more than once.

Farm’s first highlight was a stoic win in House Music; this has lead onto good performances in both House debating, House chess and House Football.

Although it is not all about School events, Farm’s talents do not just range in those that can be measured. There is never a dull moment in Farm, whether it is caused

by Ben’s fascination with Football, Freddy’s jokes or Nikita’s load voice.

It is a fantastically friendly place.

None of this could have been possible without the Farm House prefects, who have all been fantastic in performing their duties and going the extra mile, which has made the house most Manageable this year. Steve has been a fully committed Deputy, and I would specially like to thank Jimmy who has always been up for a challenge.

I have had the pleasure of working with Mr Smith during the last year, our weekly meetings always develop into interesting discussion and his delight about the house is clear to see. It is with great sadness to say that Mr Smith who has only been with Farm for 5 years will be leaving at the end of the year; Mrs Smith who makes excellent biscuits will also be leaving. No need to fear Mr and Mrs Ling will be there to fill the breach, and I am told that Mrs Ling makes excellent flapjacks.

It is therefore left to me to thank you all for be so amenable which has lead to a amazing, interesting and challenging year. So for the future Good Luck!

James Wright

Sports

Monkton Combe Rugby Club 2009 Season

Results across the club were mixed but encouraging signs were displayed in all sides Not for the first time in recent seasons we returned at the end of August for pre-season training to find conditions more akin to Cricket with warm temperatures and firm pitches.

Motivation was high however and plenty of blood, sweat and tears were shed during training. The coaches were also keen to get cracking and the 2009 season was looked forward to with much enthusiasm.

The 1st XV were quickly moulded into a formidable unit by SLW and MCP and set the standards for the rest of the club to follow.

By remaining unbeaten until after half term their performances on the pitch were impressive, but perhaps more importantly they typified the right way for Rugby to be played; namely a hard physical contest with the values of Rugby in particular and sport in general always upheld.

Impressively for a relatively small school Monkton also fielded regular sides at 2nd and u-16A level with occasional sides at 3rd team and u-16B. This meant that with A and B teams at u-14 and u-15 age groups and over half of Hill House playing for Monkton Prep School, nearly 75% of boys at Monkton represented a school Rugby team during the season.

Results across the club were mixed but encouraging signs were displayed in all sides.

The 1st XV won 75% of its matches which proved to be the best set of results at 1st team level since the late 1980s. The team also reached the 4th round of the Daily Mail Cup before a narrow defeat at home to Beechen Cliff in front of a huge crowd.

The next most successful side were the u-15A team under the guidance of PM for the 2nd year. For a side who perhaps lacked the ‘polish’ of some other successful sides, their hard running and physical confrontational approach meant they had a similar record to the 1st XV. The u-14A team under BJR gelled into a nice unit. Whilst lacking the ‘bruising’ qualities of their colleagues in the year above, they nevertheless showed some impressive Rugby skills especially with the ball in hand.

They remain a side of great promise.

The 2nd XV under TFH and JJS and u-16A teams under PRW struggled in their matches.

Whilst the teams only won 3 and 1 game respectively during the season, the bare statistics, however do not tell the whole story as both of these sides were involved in some titanic struggles which ultimately ended in narrow defeats. The u-16A lost 5 games by less than 12 points!

The B teams at u-14 and u-15 level also struggled in terms of results but they stuck to their guns resolutely and never gave in.

Perhaps it’s to their credit that they battled hard against much bigger schools whilst similar sized schools could not/did not put out a B team.

A club which involves 9 teams and over 100 fixtures needs a lot of help in order to function.

The Groundsman, Asa Taylor and his team; D. Clark and Lilian Marais our medical team, Steve Brown and the caterers, gave us very professional support throughout the season and credit is also due to the ladies in the sewing room, school shop and the development office for their assistance.

As we approach 2010 there will be new players, new coaches, even a new Rugby shirt but the spirit of the game stays the same and I trust all Monktonians will uphold the core values of the sport of Rugby Union.

PRW

Monkton RFC 1st XV Rugby Report This year’s Rugby season was the one that we have been working for since 3rd form, building up to have a very strong 1st team, and that’s exactly what we were.

We started the Rugby Term with low morale brought through from the year before, but with some dedicated coaches and some extremely talented players.

Our first match was scheduled after a few days of pre-season training against a very strong club team, Avon U18. This was really the most important game, I feel, as it would set a platform for the whole season. And what a game it was! We took it straight to them in defence and in attack. Our defence was the key, rushing up and they just couldn’t break through. We ended that game with a narrow loss but a lot of moral. We finished by running round the pitch celebrating. That was the first of many excellent games.

This season has been superb, on and off the pitch, these are the highlights of the season.

•M alvern College, taking it right to them, they couldn’t hack it! Perfect game to finish the season! Along with a merry bus ride back!

•T he House Rugby Festival! Grove House V the Barbarians, great afternoon.

Rugby, Mulled Wine and hot dogs.

•R osslyn Park 7ns Tournament, no previous 7ns experience, held our own.

Only team to get a few points on the board against last year’s winners that day. And a merry bus ride back.

•C hampagne reception before the Leavers’Ball, with the true lads.

Stats: Won: 9 Lost: 3 (undefeated up to half term) Daily Mail’s Team of the Month.

This has been the best rugby term for 12 years at Monkton.

• Prior Park, Beating the rivals! First time in a long time at 1st XV level!

This year, Monkton Rugby Club has been, without a doubt, the best club to be in the school. We did everything as a team and as a club, and that is why we were so successful and so cohesive as a team and as a club. I know Jacob will carry this on and I hope other clubs will do the same.

• Wycliffe could not take the physicality and refused to continue half way though, after someone broke their captain.

We ate as a Team, We got changed as a team, We arrived as a Team, and We Won as a Team!

• Downside, Silencing the Crowds of Downside with a god given victory.

Only one last thing to say, WEEEE ARE WARRIORS!!!!!

• Preseason ‘Rugby’ Party!

• Celebrations at Wilko’s with some table tennis!

• The National Team of the Month for October 2009 by the Daily Mail.

Anthony Dann, RFC Captain 2009/10

Girls Hockey Report I felt that the team improved so much this season and that a special thanks should go out to Lily Stanley who stepped up to be the 1XI goalie for the season

The girls hockey XI I have had a hard season to say the least but but we pulled together as a team and had a pretty successful season.

We had a good start to the season winning our first game and this brought the team together. Our next match was against Prior and this was a very hard game and having it at the beginning of the season knocked our confidence, but we were able to bounce straight back and we all trained really hard to prove that we were better. After the Prior match we all stepped up and then we started to play some exceptional hockey.

We didn’t enter the county plate this year because we had won it three times previously and we all felt that we should play at the higher standard. We did really well in the tournament considering who we were up against, and I should mention Emily Chappell who played some of the best hockey I have ever seen her play in this tournament.

We were lucky to stay mainly injury free this season, except a notable one with Candice Bion who was hit in the face with a hockey ball, but thankfully for us by the next game she was ready to play on the front line once again.

Towards the end of the season we were playing some outstanding hockey and our team’s cohesion was excellent. This wouldn’t have happened without our coaches. Mrs Garrod has been very helpful this season and has always been there to encourage us. Mr Davenport has also been a very good coach, he has been more involved this season and I think it has helped us improve a lot. It was also good to have him there to keep our sprits high with the banter that seems to flow when he’s around.

I felt that the team improved so much this season and that a special thanks should go out to Lily Stanley who stepped up to be the 1XI goalie for the season. She was slightly under confident at the start but then she finished on such a high. Full Colours this year were awarded to Candice Bion, Florence Wood, who got awarded most valuable player, Jasmine Lowe (Vice Captain) and Livie Evans (Captain) who was also awarded with most valuable player. Half colours were award to Sarah Cross, Emily Chappell, Lily Stanley and Emily Hay. Also this year we have had some younger ones playing for us. Tara Leese who is in yr 10 has been able to step up and played very well each match and Kati Jeffery who is in yr 11 held the back line solidly in every game.

Congratulations to Kati Jeffery who was selected for Avon County and to Livie Evans who was selected for West of England.

It was an absolute pleasure to captain the girls this season and I hope the upper sixth carry on with hockey when they leave Monkton because they are all very good players and I hope that they have a good one next season.

Elsewhere in the club, the 2nd XI after a poor start, recovered and had an excellent season producing six wins. The 3rd XI didn’t fair quite as well, struggling for any sort of consistency in their season, but the junior sides have shown that we have cause for optimism for the future.

The U15 team put in a number of fine performances, but unfortunately suffered results that did not highlight this. Often missing star striker Tara Leese who was on 1st XI duty, the team worked really hard and enjoyed their season.

The U14 team coached by Mr Davenport had a good season and have a number of players who have the potential to be 1st XI players in the future. They narrowly missed out on winning their County Tournament on goal difference.

Livie Evans

1st XI Boys Hockey What a laugh it’s been! The 1st team this year was stuffed full of, energy, character and charisma, which was apparent both on and off the field.

With pre season cancelled due to snow, it proved to be a tough looking season ahead of us. Yet in spite of this we started well, with a “what should have been a win” draw to Beechen Cliff 3-3, being soon forgotten in the light of the 4-0 defeat over a strong Dauntseys team.

The boys learned that hard work and belief provides great success no matter the odds. Following this game we suffered minor losses to other sides with nail bitingly close games which was disappointing and unjust to the talent and ability of the team.

Poor results contributed to frustration and disappointment within the team, yet after Dav put his toys back in his cot, both him and Mrs Garrod gave first class support to the team which kept us going and spirits high. This along with Stupples’ inspiring comments and banter over Ben Southall’s and Nick Moss’s girlfriend, stuck smiles on the players faces and despite the stint of poor results spirit remained high in training sessions and it was clear that we weren’t finished.

With Dav getting stuffed at the end of every session in our penalty stroke competitions along with some positional movements the team started to focus again and the quality of hockey played started to pick up.

It was great to finish with a solid win over local rivals Kingswood for the second time that season, with great individual and team performances. Yet the highlight of the season came right at the end, with an inspiring win over Framlingham in the KES Festival. With Matt Paynter bullying the backline along with myself and Mossy controlling the middle, and with Ben Stupples and Mike Salmon working the magic up front, we outclassed a very strong team 4-1. What a perfect way to say goodbye to Monkton hockey. Huge thanks to Mrs Garrod and Mr Davenport for all the support and coaching, and to all the boys making it such a enjoyable season. Half colours: Mike Salmon, Ben Southall, Josh Barnes, Nick Moss. Full colours: Matt Paynter, Ben Stupples, Ed Vickers.

Mr Dewes’ 2nd XI were the stand out side in the club this year, losing only one of their fixtures and achieving the ‘Bath Treble’ with victories over Prior, Kingswood and King Edwards.

Mr Shone and Mr Sertin experienced good seasons with the U15 and U14 teams respectively. The highlight for the U15 team was a fine 7-1 victory over King Edwards, a match in which James Lloyd produced a six goal haul – a fantastic achievement.

Mr Sertin’s U14 team have shown that there is clearly a good hockey future, with some superb performances over the year. Daniel Salmon, younger brother of 1st XI rising star Michael, was the stand out performer for his team and is definitely one to watch as he progresses here at Monkton.

Ed Vickers

This was my second year in the 2nd XI hockey and once again it proved to be a fun and successful season which was played with great commitment and sportsmanship by all players. Captained first be Steph Florentiades and later on in the season by Josh Green we always had a good leader alongside our coach Mr Dewes. We had an unbeaten half term which set us in good stead after a few matches were cancelled due to the extreme weather. Unfortunately we lost our first match in the second half of term but despite us losing we did not go down easily to a team that on a bad day may have put a few more goals on us. So in the end we finished the season with just one loss which was very respectable, and a credit to a team who trained enthusiastically throughout.

Ali Martin

Boat Club Report

“ Not only have the crews done extremely well at local and regional events but the first crews have excelled at National events also�

It has been another hugely successful year for the Boat Club with 21 Golds, 23 Silvers and 10 Bronze medals to show for the member’s efforts. Right throughout the club the crews have been training extremely hard and with the guidance of their coaches have managed to continue to drive the success of the Boat Club forward. Not only have the crews done extremely well at local and regional events but the first crews have excelled at National events also. Both the girls and boys first quads raced exceptionally well at the Schools Head in March with the girls securing a top 10 finish and the boys just outside the top ten. The boys first VIII then performed brilliantly at the head of the river race, rowed over the boat race course, to come in a very respectable 170th position out of 420 crews. This was the highest position Monkton have been placed for many years. The girls first double of Rosie Brunning and Lucy Bush raced well to qualify

for the semi finals of the National Schools Regatta as did the first quad of Tom Wiley, Henry Page, Michael Lawrence and Lucas Wendel. Finally, the girls first double and boys first VIII both qualified and raced exceptionally well at Women’s Henley and Henley Royal Regatta in June. None of this would have been possible without the expert help and support of the team of coaches.

Thanks must go to them for all their hard work and dedication to all the rowers. We all appreciate what you do for us even if we do mutter under our breath at you sometimes. The Boat Club is going from strength to strength and the atmosphere and culture that the Boat Club is renowned for will ensure that we remain one of Monkton’s top sports for many years to come.

Rosie Brunning and Henry Page (Captains 2009/2010)

“ The girls first double of Rosie Brunning and Lucy Bush raced well to qualify for the semi finals of the National Schools Regatta”

Netball Thank you to all the coaches for their hard work in getting the best out the girls, and a particular thank you to head of netball, Mrs Glasgow, for everything she had done for the whole club.

This netball season has been a largely successful one, with girls across the teams showing an enthusiasm for the sport and a desire to play well. The U 14s played very well together, especially considering many had not played as a team before. They were very well led by Georgia Long who was also the most valuable player. Excellent shooting was seen by Sarah Wood, while a lively midfield and efficient defence stopped the goals going in at the other end.

Congratulations also to Olivia Belchambers for being awarded Most Improved Player.

The U15s did have some tough fixtures, but improved continuously, and were playing very well by the end of the season. They did have some good wins, especially in close matches against schools like Clayesmore. The Most Valuable Player was Tara Leese and the Most Improved Player was Lydia Swinn, who both had a very good and encouraging season.

The Seconds were the team of the season; playing 10 matches and only losing 1. They achieved 200 goals for, and 85 goals against.

The team were ably led by Anna Fothergill, whose constant encouragement and leading by example was much appreciated. She was strongly supported by Katie Fairclough, a leadership team, which meant all were 100% committed from the beginning. Congratulations must go to Sammie Hepburn on her flawless shooting, Sarah Pritchard who was Most Improved Player, and Georgia Sutton who received Most Valuable Player after returning to the sport only this year.

The firsts have had a relatively new team, after many players left last year and as a result have worked very hard and been very committed to achieve as they did. They were ably led by club captain Lily Stanley, whose enthusiasm and encouragement made every session a productive and enjoyable one. Memorable moments include beating Badminton at the U19 tournament and only just losing to Prior. There were also impressive victories again Clayesmore and Downside. There was a great mix of players, including two year 11s – Abby Wynn and Melissa Chapman. Particular congratulations to them in holding their own in the matches.

Most improved player was Olivia Evans who was also awarded half colours, and most valuable Mia Marais, who was awarded full colours. Other half colours were awarded to Candice Bion and Sarah Cross, and full colours to Florence Wood, Naomi Dewes and Lily Stanley. Congratulations to all of them.

Thank you to all the coaches for their hard work in getting the best out the girls, and a particular thank you to head of netball, Mrs Glasgow, for everything she had done for the whole club.

Cricket

The 1X1 cricket had a poor start to the season with 2 losses, including the important first match of the Peak Sports League, away to Dauntseys which we lost by 6 wickets. However there were some positives to take away from this game.

Ed Vickers and Ben Stupples put on an excellent 4th wicket partnership in which Ed Vickers scored a brilliant 74 not out and Ben Stupples coming in at number 5 hitting a quick fire 77.

These positives were taken into the next league match against Kingswood. On a typically English rainy/cold summer day Kingswood were allowed to set a total of 212 after some poor dropped catches by Monkton due in part to the very wet ball. After a break due to the rain Monkton were set a total of 159 by the Duckworth Lewis method. Early wickets fell and Monkton looked in trouble however James Arney playing at the age of 15 took complete control of the match and steered the side home to a 6 wicket victory ending up on 64 not out. After the poor fielding performance seen in this match Peter Burke, the new overseas coach from Australia worked tirelessly with us every Wednesday afternoon come rain or shine on our catching and ground fielding putting us through our paces with countless numbers of different fielding drills.

This showed in the game against Wycliffe a week or two after the Kingswood match. Monkton batted first posting a big score of 225 in 40 overs, this was thanks to a partnership between Toby Davies and Mike Salmon in which Mike scored 62 and Toby scored an excellent 82. This was followed up by the best display of bowling and fielding by a Monkton team for a number of years. Jacob Adams bowled exceptionally taking personal best figures of 5-17 including a hat trick which is the first for a long time at 1st X1 level. This was followed up by Matt Paynter’s figures of 4-14 meaning that Wycliffe were bowled out for a total of 29 and Monkton won by a huge margin of 196 runs.

The next match up for the team was the much anticipated local derby against Prior Park in the Peak Sports League. Prior Park batted first on a very green pitch and were bowled out for 160 thanks to another quality display of fielding from a team benefitting from Peter Burke’s hard work and a very fiery spell of bowling from young James Arney who took 3-15. Monkton cruised to victory reaching the total with only three wickets down with Toby Davies playing a captain’s innings of 48 not out supported by another great innings by Ed Vickers of 44 including three huge sixes in which one smashed the window of the Prior Park minibus.

Another match in which Monkton showed their complete dominance of the League was against KES, quality fielding once again led to them being bowled out for 62 with Matt Paynter showing his pace and accuracy taking 5-25 in a exceptional spell including the second hat trick of the season.

The Peak Sports League trophy was then secured by the 7 wicket victory over Beechen Cliff in which Monkton became the outright 2010 winners. After the jubilation and excitement of the team winning the league outright the next goal for the team was to break the record of ten wins in a season which has stood since 1876. The team had already recorded 6 wins and need 4 more out of the remaining 6 games to break the record. The team knew it was going to be tough but we were confident we could achieve this milestone.

Comfortable wins over Kings Bruton by 5 wickets to regain the Bruton Ashes and MCC by 8 wickets meant that going into the St Pauls cricket festival at the end of term in which we were to play 3 matches in 3 consecutive days against St Pauls London, Fettes College and The Leys School we still had to win two more matches. The first match was against the Leys School in which Matt Paynter took 5-49 and Ed Vickers hit a sensible 68 to ensure that a victory by 5 wickets was made. The team was very nervous going into the second game against Fettes College as everyone knew this was our big opportunity to reach the milestone as Fettes were not that strong a team. Bowling first the team performed magnificently with Toby Davies taking 6-25 and Fettes being bowled out for 115. The pressure was on the Monkton batters however they duly rised to the challenge and easily made the total with 9 wickets in hand. The captain Toby Davies saw the team home with a score of 63 not out.

After the most successful season in 134 years there are a few names I would like to mention.

A huge thank you from all the team to the coaches who worked tirelessly with all the players to improve their skills and mentality. So thank you to Mike Abington the head coach who as always proves he is the best coach around putting in a lot of time and effort into everything associated with the cricket club.

Also to Peter Burke who gave an influx of Aussie knowledge into the team making us a stronger and more competitive unit and to Norman Botton who gave his knowledge and experience. I would also like to congratulate some of the younger members of the team: James Arney and Mike Salmon who provided some solid batting including a score of 103 not out for Mike Salmon against Eaton, Ollie Millard who bowled and fielded brilliantly all season and too Chris Drakeford-Lewis’ on an exceptional season behind the stumps keeping, taking 16 catches and 4 stumpings and therefore rightly being awarded full colours. We wish the team next year all the best of luck.

Toby Davies

A huge Thank you from all the team to the coaches who worked tirelessly with all the players to improve their skills and mentality so thank you to Mike Abington the head coach who as always proves he is the best coach Special Mentions 5 wicket Hauls: Matt Paynter (5-25 including hat trick and 5-49) Jacob Adams

(5-17 including hat trick)

Toby Davies

(6-25 and 7-40)

Hundreds: Mike Salmon (103*) Leading runs scorers: Toby Davies (539) Ed Vickers

(514)

Mike Salmon

(512)

Leading Wicket Takers: Matt Paynter and Toby Davies (39)

Tennis

Girls Tennis The girl’s tennis club has had a successful year. We have had good strength and depth in the club and, with some strong individual performances, have played some great tennis.

The term started with strong, decisive wins against Downside and Kings Bruton. Then we ran into Prior and the 1st team had a narrow loss 5-4 - it all hinged on the final set which proved to be tight and thrilling with Monkton just losing out 7 games to 5. The first team then went on to record three more wins and this part of the term also witnessed a good win for the second team against Bruton School for Girls. The end of the term saw two more tight matches against Kingswood and Wells where the girls narrowly missed out 5 sets to 4.

It has been great to have on board Richard Little - head coach at Excel tennis, this year, who has developed the girls’ court awareness and foot movement. The old adage that ‘practice makes perfect’ being rewritten in the tennis club to that of ‘practice makes permanent.’

Tennis colours have been awarded to: Hannah Moran, Georgia Sutton, Mia Marais

The under 14 and 15’s team have also enjoyed some encouraging wins of particular note against Clayesmore and the teams are unrecognisable from those that began the year, now showing huge promise.

U15 Most Improved player Ashleigh Newnham

The things that shone through this year were the girl’s strong work ethic, their will to improve and the team camaraderie as they supported each other whether winning well or losing narrowly.

U14 Most Improved player Dani Whealey

Half-colours to: Flo Wood, Sarah Geake, Antonia R- Evans U15 Most Valuable player Immy Graham

U14 Most Valuable player Katie Womersley

AWRG

Boys Tennis With Mr Harris’s principle of rushing to the net like the Icelandic Cod, the 1st tennis team have been victorious in six matches this year, ‘smashing’ Clayesmore 7-2 and gaining closer wins against opposition such as King’s Bruton , Wycliffe and Downside. However the team narrowly missed out to three stong sides, most notably Wells Cathedral. A pleasant afternoon was had, late in the term, hosting players from the Peninsula School in Melbourne.

The grass courts have been in prime condition thanks to the groundsmen and as the season continues the ‘Kitty’ gets heavier by the pound coin as Matt Hyland and Andy Pike launch the balls over the 9 foot fence and into the river, which they claim is ‘accidental’.

The teams are still weakened , of course, by the presence of two younger members of the school. The presence of Will Bisset and Seb Rey in the teams have unexplicably helped the consistency of our results with the first pair partnership of Seb Rey and Matt Lowe proving almost unstoppable throughout the season.

This is quite evidently due to their repeated non-attendance of Mr Harris’ awesome net rushing, side stepping and court running relays all the other players have to endure during training sessions. Throughout the rest of the summer term, the captain tells me he will make it his responsibility to teach these two how to hit the ball without the use of the frame.

On a more serious note, improvements are showing in each and every player in both the 1st and 2nd teams and the season has been full of long, hot sessions on Longmead and the season so far has shown potential for not just this year, but for years to come. Best of luck to all the players and to Mr Harris for future seasons.

Olly Wright. Boys Captain.

Activities

The CCF Year The year started on a high with an ‘above average’ grading awarded after the Biennial Inspection on Oct 7th. The day was busy, the weather kind on the whole and the Inspecting Officer, Sqn Ldr M Turner, appeared to enjoy the interaction with the cadets. Weekly training was the usual mix of Field craft and weapons training for the Army, all things nautical for the RN Section and the complexities of what allows an aeroplane to stay aloft for the RAF Section. The Signals Section impressed with their ability to erect masts that allowed quite sophisticated communication around the valley and the REME cadets helped road weary automobiles gain a new lease of life. Fencing and Judo remained a popular choice for cadets who wished to leave the uniform sections behind.

The notable events of the year were a very successful day climbing and raft building on Field Day in March; a chance to allow OM’s and visitors an insight into the CCF with displays and presentations on Longmead in June and a small party of cadets represented Monkton at the Cadet 150 Celebrations in Taunton also in June.

The year ended with various camps. The Army and RAF went to Cornwall. Although the accommodation at Penhale Training Camp is no longer used the cadets were billeted at St Mawgan but used the Penhale area for exercises. The RN Section went to HMS Raleigh and used the Jupiter Point Sailing Centre for RYA Level 2 sailing tuition. Thirteen out of the fourteen novice cadets earned their Level 2 certificates and they demonstrated a great deal of talent on the water. A.M

Outings

Weekends Guys’ crackled in the smouldering flames, and steaming cups of hot chocolate salvaged shaking hands.

Clarendon Bonfire was this year’s first weekend event. Where several oversized, and improvised, ‘Guys’ crackled in the smouldering flames, and steaming cups of hot chocolate salvaged shaking fingers from the cold. Not soon after, a vivid spectrum of fireworks adorned the night’s darkness, and all stood in absolute incredulity - the perfect way to end the evening.

Unfortunately, the winter chill had not been relinquished by the time of Grove House’s Scottish Night. However, the opportunity to dance, Scottish style, provided the perfect means to be insensible to the February frost.

A brave few even dared to taste the haggis, in all it’s glory with neaps and tatters.

Later on in the year, a sauntering summer’s breeze drifted through the many circles of conversation at the Eddy Barbeque. Mr Harris reprised his role as head chef with his trusty and rusty tongs, whilst the anxiety of competition ruled the air during the Sixth Form ‘Slave Auction.’ But be rest assured, it’s not as severe as it sounds!

The following day, many in the touch rugby tournament sustained their competitive spirit.

However, not only was there a wide range of age within each contest, but also a distinct contrast of costume and colour. Indeed, this was most noticeable when faced against the ‘Avatars,’ all of whom were painted bright blue!

Ben Stupples

the winter chill had not been relinquished by the time of Grove House’s Scottish Night.

Charities At Monkton Monkton’s Charity Committee got everyone thinking about Christmas in October, when we launched the Operation Christmas Child shoebox project. It was a very busy time as we managed to fill 173 shoeboxes with goodies and through our charity weeks raised £478 for transportation. Our boxes were taken to countries in Eastern Europe and distributed to children that had probably never received a Christmas present before.

Earthquake in Haiti Soon after we returned to school in January, a disaster struck in the form of the terrible earthquake in Haiti.

Although we were just about to launch our whole School Charity of the Year, we had to stop to give everyone a chance to respond to this desperate need. We gave a short presentation in Chapel announcing a collection the next day, and were amazed by the generosity of the school when we gathered to count the donations. £660 was raised and sent to the DEC (Disaster Emergency Committee) Appeal.

Why Street Child of Sierra Leone?

Then came our main charity launch for Street Child of Sierra Leone (SC of SL). You may wonder how we came to choose this charity.

We actually looked at lots of charities that had made appeals to the school, and met each week to feed back on our research and responses, gradually whittling the list down (and watching Brian eat seconds of cake), until we made a unanimous decision on SC of SL being the absolutely most appropriate for us to support.

Street Child’s aim is to reduce the number of children living their lives on the street of Sierra Leone, the poorest country in the world. They achieve this by taking children off the street and into schools, showing them love and care by tending to their nutritional, health, recreational, educational and psychological needs, and they also reconcile the children with their families and communities. We, as a charity committee, believed that this was an excellent charity to support because it is very small and only recently started, so the money we raise will make a huge difference to the work that is being done in Sierra Leone. So to launch our chosen charity in school we invited Mr Tom Dannatt who founded the charity to come and give a presentation in Chapel. He showed the School a DVD on which teenagers who had been helped

by SC of SL were interviewed. Their stories were harrowing, the different the charity had made was profound.

Charity Cup The overall outcome of the hard core fund raising in the charity weeks was that the charity cup was awarded to Clarendon House for raising £845! Eddystone House was the runner-up with £356.

The Final Cheque At the end of the year Tom Dannatt was able to return to us to receive the funds we had raised. It was very exciting to be able to present him with a cheque for £6,452.10. He was about to return to Sierra Leone, and was at pains to explain the huge impact this sum would have on the lives of the destitute street child he was about to return to.

House Year-Group Charity Weeks Tom Dannatt’s moving presentation motivated the year groups in every house to use their charity weeks to raise as much money as possible.

Year groups sold anything and everything from cakes and sweets to roses and pashminas. Hill House, encouraged by Jonathan Hambly, (aka ‘slave driver’) raised over £200 in their charity week. Other than charity weeks we had events such as casuals mufti day, the CU fete, the support staff’s bake sale, Sister D’s craft evenings and card sales, and the entertaining Eddy BBQ slave auction. We also had a £100 donation from the Beatles Tribute concert and of course, raised two and a half thousand pounds through the Sponsored Swim. To everyone involved in organising or contributing to these events we would like to say a big thank you.

The Big Swim In the biggest event of this year, 29 people swam their legs off and all records were broken in every category in our Sponsored Swim.

Tom Dannatt had told us that he would ‘ring-fence’ all the money raised in the swim for their educational programme; every £30 we raised would enable a child to go to school for a year. With this in mind, sponsorship was seriously sought and people swam above and beyond expectations.

Special congratulations go to Rosin Cogan who swam 364 lengths, Konstantin Goncharov 322 lengths, and also to Alex Keen who set a new record of 296 lengths for Hill house. Three people raised large sums of money; Davy Richardson collected in £230, James Farley £260 and Candice Bion raised a staggering £600. Overall, we raised £2,587 in sponsor money. A big well done and thank you to all the swimmers who took part.

The end of a special year…

As a representative on the Charity Committee 2009/10 I have very much enjoyed being an integral part of the decision making and raising money for Street Child of Sierra Leone. The weekly meetings discussing so many things in Binmead with cakes, chocolates and drinks, have definitely added to my Monkton experience! It was amazing to find out what the total sum raised was. The end of term auctions and events boosted it to £7,100! So lastly a huge thank you to Mrs Morley who has facilitated everything that goes on charity-wise in the school. We would never have raised so much money without you.

So that is all from the Charity Committee this year, thank you to everyone for your hard work!

Lucy Feather on behalf of the Charity Committee: Abi Beach, Tim Jameson, Brian Mungai, Toby Cushnir, Ben Southall and Jonathan Hambly.

Lucy Feather.

Soapbox The UK shouldn’t have gone to war with Iraq

Blair and Bush had already made up their mind to go to war and the UK were being informed of the fact rather than being asked.

Iraq undoubtedly in 2003 was in a dire situation with a ruthless and cruel dictator and a country run on fear. Perhaps there was a need to change this yet I would like to argue that the UK should not have gone to war with Iraq for several reasons. Firstly, it could be said that the motives for invading weren’t as obvious as presented by Blair. The main reason that seemed to be given was that Saddam Hussein and his dictatorship needed to be overthrown and that the Iraqi people needed to be freed. I would like to argue that there were several flaws in this plan of attack.

Firstly Blair was leading Britain to war under a false premise for it could be said that his motive for attacking was as much to overthrow dictatorship as get rid of rumoured weapons of mass destruction. Subsequent reports after the invasion show that there was unreliable evidence that there were weapons of mass destruction within Iraq. Secondly, there has been much debate as to whether it was really within the UK’s power to invade a country on the pretext that they didn’t believe in its system of government. If this really was the pretext for invasion, why were moves not similarly made in countries such as Rwanda and Zimbabwe suffering from similar plights? I would like to argue that ultimately Blair had an ulterior motive for invading Iraq and that was oil. It has also been said, fairly tenuously perhaps, that Britain was fearful of losing their powerful ally America.

In hindsight I would like to argue that these motives were not good enough reasons to invade a country. Yes, infrastructure did flourish under British and American occupation but did we arguably achieve what Blair set out to do?

Saddam Hussein was captured yet the UK had not estimated the problems already in Iraq. A country divided into tribes of people who not only felt enmity towards each other but also the allied occupation. Nearly eight years on, is the country really liberated? The “war on terror” has arguably only escalated into Afghanistan and it could be said that we have made ourselves a prime target. The benefits that came out of Iraq were not in line with the motives from which Britain attacked. From hindsight maybe, it easy to say that invading Iraq was not the best course of action; I would like to argue that even from the motives given at the time it is clear that they did not add up. Ultimately it could be said that Blair and Bush had already made up their mind to go to war and the UK were being informed of the fact rather than being asked to make the decision. As such I think that we shouldn’t have gone to war with Iraq for the motives did not equate to the terrible loss of life and the small benefit gained from doing so.

Abi Beach

Soapbox The UK was right to go to war in Iraq

We may not have discovered Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq (WMD), nonetheless Iraq could quite easily have destroyed or removed them from the country The UK’s decision to enter Iraq was one of the best decisions that a UK government has made in the 21st century. Our decision was backed by hard evidence from the National Intelligence Estimate – (NIE) An independent panel of global experts with the sole purpose of investigating causes of war. They reported in 2002 that “Iraq will have a nuclear weapon within this decade” they also reported that Saddam had imported equipment for uranium enrichment.

I argue that any decision can be found unsubstantiated with the benefit of hindsight.

We may not have discovered Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq (WMD), nonetheless Iraq could quite easily have destroyed or removed them from the country. Nonetheless evidence is evidence and high strength magnets combined with aluminium tubes is, I assure you, a uranium enrichment scientists workshop.

The invasion of Iraq was not just about the WMDs. Saddam Hussein committed multitudes of war crimes against the Kurds, the Iranians and the Marsh people. Such cruelties extended to the Nazi like gassing of the Kurds in their hometowns. Can you seriously justify standing by and watching this happen? His dictatorship harboured many terrorist groups; Abu Nidal Organisation, the Mujahideen e-Kharq not to mention Al-Qaida. With the UK proactive stance on terror we were left only one option.

This is of course after hundreds of people were murdered in the Twin Towers.

The benefits of our war in Iraq have been comprehensively unpublished. Decreasing the percentage of people “food insecure” from 15.4% to 3.1% doesn’t happen overnight and wouldn’t have happened if the invasion had not occured.

Everyday commodities that we take for granted like a cellular network were introduced after the invasion. There has been a massive increase in the internet access, providing basic information to over 1 million homes.

The reason for the invasion was unequivocal.

Weapons of mass destruction and large scale war crimes. The fact that Ed Miliband was able to dismiss the war in Iraq and consequently leaving his brother furious proves to an even greater extent the benefit of hindsight.

Miracles happen overnight; unfortunately the same cannot be said for a war on terror. It takes time, perseverance and diligence to force and outcome, not least a victory. You should give our forces time to demonstrate that invading Iraq was the right decision. Or start praying for a miracle.

Doug Hampshire and Ali Martin.

Year In Numbers 2,500.000

The cost of the new music department, in pounds. Work is due to start in February 2011.

7,184

The amount raised by pupils during the year, by house charity weeks, for Street Child of Sierra Leone.

5,199

The height, in metres, of Mount Kenya; see page 8.

1,684

The number of runs scored for the 1st Cricket by Toby Davies, 2006-2010.

987

The number of lessons per week during 2009/10.

373

The number of pupils in the school.

219

The number of A* grades at GCSE – 32.1% of all GCSE grades.

200

The number of goals scored by the Netball 2nd VII.

79.5

The percentage of A level entries graded A*, A or B summer 2010.

50

The number of centimetres by which the lean on the tower of Pisa was reduced; see page XX.

15

The number of students completing their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award in the first year of the new system working through the school.

4

The number of people who beat Philip Marsh in Year 10 in the National Senior Fencing Championships 2010.

4

The number of schools against whom Monkton won all cricket matches played (Wycliffe, KES, Prior Park and Clayesmore).

1

The number of points by which the boys’ 1st Rugby XV beat Prior Park 1st XV.

Credits Editor R Backhouse Sub-editors Events – R Backhouse Arts – L Vaughan Houses – T Dewes Sport – R Garrod Activities – various Particular credit for photography is due to: James Wright Sister D D Hubbard MONKTON SENIOR SCHOOL MONKTON COMBE BATH, BA2 7HG Tel: 44 (0) 1225 721102 Design by Pencil

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