AUTUMN WINTER 2023 IN THIS ISSUE FEATURE EMBRACING THE ERA OF AI YOUR IMPACT DONOR REPORT 2022–23 IN FOCUS PROFESSOR JASON POMEROY STAFF PROFILE JULIA HALBERT
CONTENTS 03
From the Head
04
School News
06 EMBRACING THE ERA OF AI OPs and Friends of The Perse share their perspectives on artificial intelligence
06 Embracing the Era of AI
11
Your Impact
11 14
In Focus
YOUR IMPACT How your support made a difference this year
16
OP News
17
Staff Profile
18 A Tea Party to Remember
14 IN FOCUS
20
Obituaries
23
Recent Events
24
Upcoming Events
Professor Jason Pomeroy tells us about his work in sustainable design
18 ON THE COVER Perse pupils compete with human-powered go karts at the biggest-ever PES Ascent Group excursion this summer.
A TEA PARTY TO REMEMBER Celebrating the legacy of Heads past and present
FROM SCHOOL THENEWS HEAD
A GROUP OF 42 YEAR 10 PERSE GEOGRAPHY STUDENTS EMBARKED ON A FIVE-DAY EXPEDITION THIS SUMMER IN ICELAND
From the Head
A
s complex organisations, schools are subject to the law of unintended consequences, such that seemingly good ideas can have negative downstream impacts. The Labour Party has decided that VAT on private school fees to provide additional funding for state schools is a vote winner. The maths of the proposition supports this conclusion – taxing the 7% of pupils who attend independent schools to help fund the 93% who study in state schools wins more votes than it loses. However, this is before the law of unintended consequences kicks in. The Labour Party has calculated that VAT on independent school fees at 20% could raise around £1.7 billion each year for state schools. This assumes that independent school parents are not price sensitive and will pay 20% more to keep pupils in independent schools. For some parents this will be possible, but for others it will be a cost too far and they will transfer their children from the independent to the state sector. Each child that moves represents a transfer of cost from the private sector to the public purse, a cost that reduces any VAT gain. Parents moving children to the state sector will want the best state schools for their children which means that money spent on school fees will instead be spent on houses within the immediate vicinity of good state schools. This will have impacts for the housing market, and for over-subscribed state schools, where demand for places already exceeds supply. It is likely that VAT on fees will destabilise well-established school admissions equilibria, and the result could be pupils
without places in schools within reasonable commuting distance of homes. Such a situation would cause widespread parental upset which is likely to have electoral consequences. Some small independent schools with limited financial reserves will not survive the VAT shock. Teachers and support staff will lose their jobs and pupils will be left without school places. As a large and successful school in a thriving market, The Perse will be one of the VAT survivors. Although we will face our challenges – not least an increase in requests for means-tested fees assistance (bursaries), just when our ability to finance them is being compromised by cost inflation, and a wish to maintain accessibility by keeping a downward pressure on fees to offset the VAT. Most bursaries are funded by fee income. As we prepare for difficult times ahead, we greatly appreciate the moral, practical and financial support of our alumni who recognise the enduring value of an excellent academic, pastoral and extra-curricular education and the importance of making this as accessible as possible to children of all backgrounds. I believe that education is too important to be a state monopoly. Great independent schools like The Perse, free from political and/ or state interference, have a vital role to play in educational innovations such as AI, curriculum development, enhancing teaching and learning, and always focussing on the best interests of children. With best wishes, Ed Elliott 3
OLD PERSEANS
School News SAFARI at the Pelican Year 1 pupils at The Perse Pelican enjoyed meeting a range of exotic creatures after studying the topic “sensational safari”. Pupils had the chance to hold and pet millipedes, python and gecko – but the furry meerkats stole the show!
NATIONAL POETRY DAY at the Prep Year 6 poets at the Prep celebrated National Poetry Day by writing energetic rap poetry with rap artist, hip hop educator and author Breis in a series of exciting workshops. Follow @MrBreis on Twitter/X!
SUPPORTING SCHOOL in India
Rhea Sehgal (Lower Sixth) dedicated her summer to raise funds for Christel House and plans to raise more for the charity’s school in Bangalore, India, following her recent visit.
FIRST-EVER Perse Languages Week The first-ever Perse Languages Week celebrated cultures and traditions from across the globe, aiming to help students gain confidence in speaking and better understand the history of the languages they’re learning. Amongst the many activities, there were short plays performed in Spanish and French, Chinese poetry readings, German ‘karneval’ mask making and a Japanese origami workshop.
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SCHOOL NEWS
SHAKESPEARE competition Hanyu Zeng (Year 10) gave an impressive recital of Shylock’s monologue from The Merchant of Venice in the national final of the Performing Shakespeare competition at The Globe in London.
ROUSE AWARD winners The winners of the 2023 Rouse Award, an internally-assessed independent research programme for Lower Sixth students, were praised for their university-level projects about linguistics, polio eradication, machine translation and CPUs. Congratulations to Bibi Elliott, James MacGillivray, Natalie Ronco and Daniel Myhill! In the photo above: The 2023 Rouse Award judging panel (from L-R) Dr Samuel Black, Dr Alex Loktionov (2011), Professor Alex Oliver, Dr Jonathan Shanahan, Dr Matthew Kenzie (2005), Dr Fran Henson.
ENGINEERING scholarships Smera Sachin and Aimee Reed (both Lower Sixth) have been awarded prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarships, which are given to aspiring engineers who showcase the potential to become leaders in the field.
CRICKET world cup Congratulations to Head of Perse Cricket Sean Park on being picked for the England Over 40s Cricket World Cup squad! The inaugural competition will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, in February 2024. 5
NEW PERSE podcast series Listen to our new series of podcasts, with OPs Midé Naike (2013), Fabian Dodds (2021), Bella Howarth (2023) and Emma Harris (2023) as they share inspiring stories to ignite the next generation. We have two podcast channels. The Perse School Cambridge Podcasts showcases a wide variety of voices from across our schools and local community. The Diary of a Future CEO celebrates inspiring stories across industries such as music, sport, business and academia. Both channels are found on all podcasting platforms including Apple and Spotify. Watch some of our podcasts on The Perse School Cambridge YouTube channel.
OLD PERSEANS
EMBRACING the Era of AI In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have propelled the field into a new era of innovation and possibilities. OPs and Friends of The Perse share their perspectives on the AI revolution in the context of their respective industries.
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SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly expanding field, which is increasingly being integrated into medical education and practice. As the healthcare landscape evolves, AI is recognised as a powerful tool to revolutionise patient care and medical research. I am fortunate that Emmanuel College, Cambridge has funded my research and allowed me to contribute to this area. As I progress in my medical studies, I am grateful for the enriching experiences and opportunities that have shaped my academic journey and I am determined to contribute to the transformation of healthcare through innovative medical technologies. I am always happy to be contacted for potential collaborations, or to give advice on applying to medical school! Feel free to reach out to me via email or LinkedIn.
Neil Sardesai (2021) nas60@cam.ac.uk @neil-sardesai
I AM A THIRD-YEAR MEDICAL STUDENT at the University of Cambridge, intercalating in engineering. At The Perse, I studied maths, further maths, chemistry and biology for my A levels. At the same time, I also volunteered on the palliative care ward at the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. My love of medicine grew and I realised that I wanted to pursue a career where I could combine my passion for problemsolving and my desire to help others. I am fortunate to be working as a PRISE Research Fellow at Harvard University in the field of medical artificial intelligence. This opportunity has been a dream come true, as it allows me to explore my passion for bioinformatics, data science and machine learning in the context of medical research. Under the mentorship of Dr Manrai, an assistant professor of biomedical informatics at Harvard Medical School, I developed machine learning models that improved the accuracy in estimating kidney function beyond the capabilities of current clinical equations. We also demonstrated the impact of removing race from kidney function calculations, illustrating how this adjustment would lead to increased diagnoses in Black adults and reclassification to more advanced stages of kidney disease. This would consequently allow for earlier access to specialist treatment. Furthermore, I am working on adapting these equations to better suit the British population, with the goal of enhancing diagnostic accuracy within the NHS. Alongside this research, I am also working as a clinical data science intern at the Cambridge Centre for AI in Medicine. In this capacity, I am analysing temporal trends in the PaCO2- ETCO2 gradient (the difference between CO2 measured from the blood and from expired air) in patients with traumatic brain injury. I thoroughly enjoyed presenting our preliminary findings at the East Anglian Association of Anaesthetists annual meeting last year.
John Strickland (1986) AFTER ATTENDING THE PERSE all the way from Porson Road up to Sixth Form, I went to business school following a brief attempt at architecture. This led me to my first job, in Brussels, looking at electronic data interchange – how organisations share and exchange data. It was the year 1985, and the early days of the internet, when I helped that company set up a UK subsidiary in Cambridge Science Park. I have now worked in the data industry for over 35 years, more recently using AI as a tool to analyse exponentially growing sets of government and retail data. Back in the 1980s, this internet thing looked as though it was going to be something, so I decided
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OLD PERSEANS
to set up an internet design-and-build-agency called Interesource. We built the first website for the London Stock Exchange before London even had access to the internet! The 14.4 kbit/s dial up modem turned into a 28.8-modem and, before you knew it, the 56-modem arrived which meant it only took 26 hours to download a film from the internet. The explosion of data had begun. I ran and grew that business for 12 years, including a spin off in Australia, before selling bits off. After a couple of philanthropic projects, I started looking for the next new thing. The invention of the internet of things, in which machines began to talk to other machines, marked an exciting new era within data. I joined my present company, which takes data from multiple sources and visualises this with interactive dashboards. The data is then used to create budgeting plans and forecasts, applying machine learning and predictive analytics. This setting suited me – a private company with ambitious expansion plans that embraced my entrepreneurial spirit. I started in the retail vertical to help global giants, such as M&S, Burberry, Puma, Gucci and Decathlon, to drive digital transformation programmes. I then moved to the United Arab Emirates and am currently based in Dubai, directing transformation for prominent retailers and Saudi government entities. It is difficult for us to understand the vast volumes of data humans produce and will exponentially continue to produce. Currently, the world’s data is doubling every two years and is predicted to double every 15 hours by 2024, according to Forbes. That’s a lot of data to be analysed and this is where AI steps in to help make accurate predictions. The commercialisation of generative AI has the potential to be a significant tool in data analysis in the near future, although we are not there yet. All of these technological advances would have seemed like pure sci-fi when I was a student at The Perse. Thinking back on my school days, I remember walking over the parade ground to the old sheds where there were a couple of BBC punch card computers. I also remember the three-minute Shakespearian speeches in the junior mummery, buying Fitzbillies Chelsea buns at breaktime and attending the Second to Fourth Form discos. The Perse also introduced me to international travel, which I still love to do and hopefully passed on to my two girls. Commander Sumnall at the Prep once told me, in only the way he could, that you could always recognise an Old Persean as they are always performing. What sage advice.
Thatcher Ference (2020) I COMPLETED MY A levels at The Perse after studying at Harrow Beijing and Phillips Academy Andover in the US. I am currently completing my first university degree in machine learning and artificial intelligence, and I am also a co-founder of a start-up company applying AI in medicine. The apparent rapid advancements in generative AI have certainly captured the public’s imagination. Ironically, however, these advancements were not due to a technological breakthrough in the underlying algorithms, which have largely remained unchanged for several years. Instead, it was the intuitive leap that humans must guide the AI to “generate” something useful. In this case, the technique of reinforcement learning with human feedback created a game that was scored on how well humans thought the generative AI sounded like another human. The algorithm then learned the rules of this game and how to converse in natural human language. This revolutionised the user experience because the algorithm could generate responses as if the user were communicating with another human. However, the ability to generate original responses to questions is both generative AI’s greatest strength and its biggest weakness. Sometimes, the algorithms generate inaccurate or even false information. This is euphemistically referred to as “hallucinating”. Although this could be a strength in generating new stories, song lyrics or other creative ideas, it can be quite dangerous when the false information can cause harm – particularly in science and medicine. My research focuses on encoding biological cause and effect into AI algorithms. Encoding biological cause and effect creates algorithms that reflect the biology of how common diseases develop. As a result, these algorithms can both predict outcomes and, for the first time, prescribe specific actions to change 8
SCHOOL FEATURE NEWS
can be used in a safe and trustworthy way in medicine. Our goal is to create a humanlike bot which will be the world’s greatest expert in how common diseases develop and how to prevent them. We intend to make this bot freely available around the world to help empower people to extend their healthy lifespan. This could be particularly important in the developing world that lacks an adequately trained healthcare workforce. The quick progression in AI technology has happened in just the last three years since I left The Perse. New tools are being developed every day. For that reason, I would strongly encourage current Perse pupils to join the AI revolution and help shape its future. Even if you do not encode the algorithms, these tools can help empower you to solve problems in any field you choose to go into. Indeed, these tools will empower you to help guide the AI to accomplish remarkable things that are only limited by your imagination. In this way, you can live out the Perse ideal: “To love learning and strive for the greater good.”
INDEED, THESE TOOLS WILL EMPOWER YOU TO HELP GUIDE THE AI TO ACCOMPLISH REMARKABLE THINGS THAT ARE ONLY LIMITED BY YOUR IMAGINATION.
those outcomes. These algorithms are designed to explain why a person is at risk, how to reduce that risk and how much they will benefit from specific interventions to reduce risk. These algorithms are also trustworthy because they can be empirically tested against the observed biology using randomised evidence. Embedding the algorithms in a generative AI “wrapper” creates a human-like chatbot that can guide people on how to personalise the prevention of common human diseases. The user experience is transformed, since it is as if they were able to communicate with a human to guide them along the way. This research is now the focus of a biotechnology start-up company that aims to show how generative AI
INTERVIEW with leader in AI technology David Hogan with healthcare experts to look at how AI can move patients to the right point of care more quickly, given factors like previous medical history. NVIDIA has been behind many of the major advancements in AI in the past decade and is the platform which powers the generative AI revolution. AI plays a role in all the different industries you can think of, including automotive, retail, logistics, financial services, entertainment and what we call Smart Spaces, where AI is used to create safer cities and buildings. It is a broad field and interesting to see varying degrees of adopting AI across the world. What is the current state of AI and what recent advancements are most promising? This is the moment when AI has become understandable and real. Before ChatGPT was launched in December 2022, the only real experience the average person had of AI was voice recognition from technologies like Alexa or Siri. Generative AI models, such as ChatGPT, are large language models (LLMs) trained on what is written on the internet. Based on the learned information, it can determine relationships and therefore understand patterns which it has never been taught directly.
David Hogan is a Perse parent and Vice-President for Enterprise in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Asia) region at NVIDIA. What do you do? I work for one of the world’s leading AI companies, NVIDIA, enabling customers across the EMEA region to build and scale AI projects. For example, we work 9
OLD PERSEANS
This is why LLMs are transformative compared to “traditional” AI models, which require large amounts of training to recognise patterns and progress sophistication. Since LLMs are already available and you do not have to build them yourself, anyone can use or enhance the models by training them on specific data for a particular domain. ChatGPT has been called the iPhone moment for AI. When the iPhone was launched there were maybe 100 applications, and now there are millions. Similarly, AI will underpin all major industries and any application or software you use in the future will be AI-enabled. In the next couple of years, the user of any software will get a more personalised, intelligent and, hopefully, more helpful experience. However, you may not necessarily recognise that AI is behind it.
What impact do you think AI will have on education? Critical thinking, emotional intelligence and creativity are the skills of the future and schools need to pivot away from fact-based learning. Here are some ways LLMs can be powerful tools in education:
As AI evolves, how can the challenges of AI be addressed effectively? There are already good regulatory frameworks that apply in many areas of life, the majority of which can be applied to an AI when it replaces a human activity. If the human needs a licence to drive a car, so should the AI. Like all technology, AI can be misused and regulations are important. However, they shouldn’t stifle investment and restrict innovation. Regions like Asia and North America are already ahead in Al development compared to Europe because the attitude towards AI here is “we must control it”. It is key to think of AI as a tool. Right now, AI is nowhere near the level of complexity and capability of a human and it is unlikely to ever reach that point. However, AI is excellent at doing certain tasks humans struggle to do with a high level of efficiency and accuracy. For example, computers are much better at mining through lots of data or repeating the same task many times. Improving accuracy and reducing bias in AI models needs to be continuously worked on. NVIDIA is working on what we call “guard rails”, where a second AI model checks that the foundational model doesn’t exceed what it should do i.e., it doesn’t give inappropriate answers and therefore creates a level of safety. It is not perfect, but still good at filtering out unwanted outputs.
Language learning: LLMs can be used to develop language learning platforms that provide real-time translation, grammar correction and vocabulary suggestions.
Personalised learning: By analysing individual strengths and weaknesses, an LLM can generate customised lesson plans and resources that cater to each pupil’s needs. Interactive tutoring: LLMs can serve as interactive virtual tutors, providing immediate feedback and explanations to pupils’ questions, helping to reinforce concepts and encourage active learning.
Content creation: LLMs can generate educational content such as quizzes, exercises and study materials. This can save time for educators and ensure the content aligns with the curriculum and learning objectives. Research assistance: Pupils can use LLMs to find relevant and reliable information for their projects and research papers. The AI can assist in summarising articles, citing sources and fact-checking. Critical thinking and problem solving: LLMs can be used to develop scenarios and case studies that challenge pupils to think critically and solve complex problems, fostering higherorder thinking skills. Gamification: Integrating LLMs into educational games can help to motivate pupils to participate actively in the learning process. Accessibility: LLMs can be adapted to assist pupils with disabilities, providing personalised support and accommodations to facilitate their learning journey.
CRITICAL THINKING, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND CREATIVITY ARE THE SKILLS OF THE FUTURE AND SCHOOLS NEED TO PIVOT AWAY FROM FACT-BASED LEARNING.
It is crucial to consider ethical and privacy concerns when implementing AI technologies in education. Ensuring data protection, minimising biases and prioritising student wellbeing must be paramount. It is essential to stay updated on the latest advancements and research to make informed decisions about incorporating LLMs into pupils’ education effectively and responsibly.
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THANK YOU
YOUR IMPACT 2022–23 HOW YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE THIS YEAR
THANK YOU to all our donors, volunteers and supporters of The Perse School. We are extremely grateful for every gift that is given to the School and your generosity continues to make a significant difference to the lives of students. As well as our ongoing commitment to bursaries at The Perse, your support helped us continue our work with other schools in outreach projects. In the academic year of 2022–23, we collaborated with 27 primary schools, four secondary schools and a hospital school. Your support has a positive impact within our walls and beyond. “[Your] work means that we are able to broaden our curriculum offer to young people while they are in hospital feeling confident about the quality and relevance of our offer to their schooling. In supporting us to upskill our staff, you are making a very direct contribution to the lives of students who are at a real risk of being completely disenfranchised from education.” – Pilgrim Pathways School
76 pupils received a MEANS-TESTED BURSARY
18% of bursary recipients received a 100% BURSARY
TOTAL NUMBER OF DONORS: 435 OF WHICH NEW DONORS: 63
WHO GAVE TO THE PERSE? Philanthropic donors 2022–23
Old Perseans: 269
Y6 LEGACY
U6 LEAVERS’
GIFT: £2,734
GIFT: £62,023
Current parents: 69
TOTAL 435 DONORS
Past parents & Friends of The Perse: 82
We are very grateful to the parents of our
Current/former staff: 6
outgoing Year 6 and Upper Sixth classes who supported the School this year.
Other: 9
A big thank you to all of the Old Perseans and Friends of The Perse who have
WHAT DID YOU SUPPORT?
donated their time, expertise and skills to the School. We have had excellent 42 SOCIETY LECTURES, CAREER TALKS, TRAINING SESSIONS, PUPIL
TOTAL
£230,529
Bursaries: £112,199
MENTORING AND WORKSHOPS all led by
Unrestricted: £104,444
members from our talented community.
Outreach: £1,293 Other: £12,593
THANK YOU to everyone who has supported us this year. If you would like to get involved, please contact PerseADO@perse.co.uk.
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OLD PERSEANS
DONOR LIST 2022–23 The generosity of all those who have donated to The Perse during the last academic year, both those listed here and those who wish to remain anonymous, is sincerely and deeply appreciated. Donations are listed in alphabetical order by decade at the School. Donors who have given to the School for 10+ consecutive years* Donors who are members of the 1615 Society1615 Class of 1940s Mr M A J Anderson* Mr P Armitstead* Mr I G M Dalgleish* Mr R Few* Major E Lachlan Class of 1950s Mr I R Alexander* Mr J W Ashman* Wing Commander E Bywater* Mr J Charles* Dr D Cheng*1615 Mr A S Crawford The late Mr S Foster Mr R Gee1615 Mr J D Greenhill1615 Mr J M Hammond* The late Mr J W Henderson* Mr M Herring Mr M Johnson*1615 Mr J Kidd*1615 Mr R Kidd* Mr R Lanham*1615 Mr T Laurie* Mr I Lyon Mr R Mansfield*1615 Mr P Mills
The late Reverend Canon R Moore Sir Mark Potter1615 Mr & Mrs M Powell*1615 Mr P Scarlett*1615 Mr R M Scott* Mr D Sibson*1615 Mr R B Simmonds* Mr T Sweeney* Mr R Wheatley*1615 The late Professor J Zetter*1615 Class of 1960s The late Mr D Alexander*1615 The Reverend G A Barber* Mr M Beloe*1615 Dr B C R Bertram* Mr G C J Bird The late Mr J Bishopp*1615 Dr J Bradshaw*1615 Mr J Brinsden*1615 Colonel R M G Brooks* Mr C Byrom* Dr J Calvert Mr R Camping* Professor R Cheng*1615 Mr C Chitty* Professor J Clarke*1615 Dr A Cook1615 The late Mr W Cook*1615 Mr R Covill* Mr D Crawford*1615 Dr H Davies1615 Mr G Ditcham* The late Mr R Eastcott Mr D Field* Mr E E Gibbs* Mr R Goddin1615 Mr R Gould*1615 Mr J Green*1615
Mr K J Hardingham* Mr M Harper Mr W Hodges Mr J Holy*1615 Dr R Jeffery Mr M J Lott* Mr R Loukes*1615 Dr P Main* Dr J Marshall1615 Dr M Mason*1615 Professor J Miller1615 Dr R Mitchell* Mr G A Palmer* Mr G Palmer*1615 Mr R Perkins Mr S Perrin* Mr R J Pinney* Mr J Sacks1615 Mr G Sanderson* Mr A Shaw* Dr J Sills* Mr G Sims* Mr P Smith* The Honorable R S Smith Dr M Spencer*1615 Mr R Squibbs Mr S Stanley*1615 Mr R Stearn*1615 Dr S M Stearn Sir Quentin Thomas* Mr P Thompson* Mr R Thomson1615 Mr G Waller* Mr C V Walne*1615 Mr H Wiseman* Mr A Wright1615 Class of 1970s Mr C Bell* Mr A Brookes1615 Professor S Buttrey
THE WEATHER COULD NOT HAVE BEEN BETTER FOR THE BENEFACTORS’ GARDEN PARTY IN JUNE, WHICH WAS HELD AT THE PREP FOR THE FIRST TIME. THIS ANNUAL EVENT ALLOWS US TO THANK OUR DONORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT IN PERSON. 12 12
Mr R Clarke1615 Mr C Cook*1615 Mr & Mrs A Cuthbert Mr S De Boo*1615 Mr A Donoghue1615 Mr T Empson Captain J English1615 Mr D Farndale Dr A France1615 Mr T C Freane Mr B C Gill Mr J D Gunningham* Mr C P Hancock*1615 Dr W Handley*1615 Mr P Harlow1615 Mr D Hart*1615 Mr M Hawkins Mr A Homer Mr R Hutt1615 Mr P Johnson & Mrs R Johnson*1615 Mr G R A King* Mr B Lanaghan1615 Mr M Massy1615 Mr K McFarlane Mr R Morgan*1615 Mr S Pain*1615 Mr R Partridge1615 Mr W Pattison Dr H Pearson1615 Mr C Rushton*1615 Mr R Russell* Mr S J Scarisbrick The Reverend R Smail In memory of Commander & Mrs K G Sumnall1615 Mr D Thompson*1615 Mr W Thompson Dr G Wattles*1615 The Reverend Canon J Westwood* Mr J H Wilkinson*
Class of 1990s Mr N Amery*1615 Mr H Borno Dr M W R Brittain* Mr P Brotton* Mr J Butler* Mr P Cave-Gibbs*1615 Mr R Challis* Professor G Csányi*1615 Dr R Dunn*1615 Mr T Edgar*1615 Mr N Elvidge Dr G Evans Mr A Farboud Mr A Farboud* Mr D M Goodridge*1615 Mr L Green1615 Dr W Hage*1615 Mr M Hawkes Dr W B Henry* Mr A Herriot1615 Dr A Kumar1615 Mr M Lynn Mr V Mahindran1615 Mr A Moir*1615 Mr T Morfett Mr R N Oakeshott Mr J Odell* Mr A T Patman* Mr L J Preece Mr A Rabarts Mr W Reeve*1615 Mr S Sharp Dr Shenker & Dr Fisher Dr T Sivayokan* Mr J Stobbs & Ms E Pettipher*1615 Mr V Sujendran1615 Mrs & Mr A Sutherland Mr J A Trevelyan Dr M Whitaker*1615 Mr D Young*
Class of 1980s Mr A W Bligh* Mr Y Chew*1615 Mr J Collins*1615 Mr C Edwards* Mr A J Finch*1615 Dr A R Gande Mr S Groom1615 Dr I M HandleySchachler1615 Captain P Haslam*1615 Mr M Leake*1615 Mr J Lello* Mr S A H Lello* Mr A Liddle Mr T Matthews* Mr M Melford* Dr F Moscuzza* Mr J Newman*1615 Mr M Newman* Mr O Ojehomon1615 Mr P Peglar Mr K Rees* Mr S Riley1615 Mr N Tait* Mr N J Twitchett* Mr M Wilkinson1615 Dr S Wright1615
Class of 2000s Miss R Abulafia* Mr E Aston Mr J Bell* Mr L Clayton Mr Q Croft Mr G Dean* Mr & Mrs T Doble Mr P Dunn* Mr T Eccles Mr E Fray Mr B Freedman* Mr J Hale Mr A Harris1615 Miss C Pettit Mr R Jones1615 Mr T Latimer Mr Y Li Mr Y Liu1615 Mr M Loach Mr C Lyon* Mr D Meese Grove Mr A Milne* Mr J Nichols1615 Miss S Nolasco Mr P Norton1615 Mr N Paulson Mr J Pearson
SCHOOL DONOR NEWS LIST
Mr O Pindar Mr A Porter Dr S Smart Mr S Smith Mr M Swan Dr R Tharakan Miss M Wadham Class of 2010s Mr L M M Blackman Mr D Chapman Mr M Du Mr A Fanourakis Mr D Graves Mr D Jennings Mr & Mrs C Kingstone1615 Miss H Knowles Mr P Miozzo Dr A North Mr E Racher Miss C Taylor Miss I Wadham Parents and Friends of the School Professor D S & Professor A Abulafia* Mr P & Dr C Alexander Mr K Allajbeu1615 Dr E Ashby Mrs E Barker Mr J Barker & Dr C Hubbard1615 Mr I Beaton & Dr K Beaton Mrs H Bird Dr O Boaghe Mr & Mrs N Brent1615 Mr & Mrs D Brigstocke Mrs A Brisby Dr K Buse & Dr S Hawkes1615 Dr W Cai & Mrs R Dong Mr & Mrs P Carey Mr & Mrs P Chakraborty Mr & Mrs J Chambers1615
Mr S Carnachan & Ms P Chan Mr & Mrs R Chandraker Mr X Cheng & Mrs Y Chen Mr W Lamb & Ms S Cheung Dr S Childs Mr & Mrs S Chintala Mr & Mrs P Clarke* Mr & Mrs I Colvin Dr N Crockett & Dr J Greenwood Mr & Mrs A Cross Dr J D’Arcy Mrs C Daubeney Dr & Mrs P DennyGouldson Professor F Diamond & Dr P Suntharalingam Mr & Mrs E Downey1615 Mr & Mrs H Edmundson*1615 Mr E & Dr S Elliott*1615 Mrs J Ellis* Dr & Mrs O Fawehinmi Dr R Foale & Dr J Demetriou Dr D Ghiorghiu Mr & Mrs E Gibbes Dr E Girgis Mr & Mrs S Goddard1615 Mrs L Gower Dr & Mrs A Grace*1615 Mr & Mrs R Greensitt* Dr Z Han Professor & Mrs C J Harris Dr C Harter Mrs A Hartland Mr A & Dr J Hartree1615 Ms Q He Ms S He Mr X He & Mrs Y Xue1615 Dr & Mrs T Hesketh*1615 Mr & Mrs A Hirzel1615 Mrs C Hull
Dr C Hunt & Dr V Stephenson*1615 Mr C Ingram1615 Mr & Mrs D Ison1615 Mr & Mrs D Jones Mr & Mrs T Joyce* Mrs T Kaldor Dr G Kazeem Mr & Mrs T Keith-Roach Professor R Kemp & Mrs R Rhodes-Kemp Mr S Kern Dr I Kim Mr M & Dr K Kingstone1615 Mrs S Knoop Mrs R Lake Mr & Mrs N Ley* Dr & Mrs J Lindemann Mr R & Dr A Lyon1615 Dr R Mahalingam Mr & Mrs S Manini Mrs E Mannion Dr P Mantis Mr & Mrs T Mawby1615 Mr P McFadzean-Ferguson Mr & Mrs I McKernan Mr A Minasyan & Mrs M Valkovskaya Dr A Roland & Ms S Molines Mr & Mrs H Mursell Mr J Myers The late Mr R Neaves Mrs I Ng Ms S Nicholl Mr R Nolasco & Ms L Arthur*1615 The late Mr R Norris*1615 Mrs Y Omori Rison Dr & Mrs C Palmer Dr N Pathan Dr N Peabody & Ms B Hare Mr O Phipps Mr J Polonius & Dr S Polonius-Teichmann
THE PERSE ENGINEERING CLUB BUILT AN ELECTRIC RACE CAR AS PART OF THE GREENPOWER F24+ SERIES. THANK YOU VINDIS GROUP FOR SPONSORING THIS EXCITING PROJECT. 13 13
Dr C Potter Mr & Mrs G Proudfoot1615 Mr J Racher & Ms K Church Mr & Mrs G Rainey*1615 Mr S Reed & Mrs R Vasconcelos Reed Dr & Mrs N Richardson1615 Mr & Mrs F Robertson Mr A Robinson & Dr J Lockie Mrs E Rodionova Mr & Mrs J Ronco Mr & Mrs D Rosenwold1615 Mr & Mrs B Shannon* Dr D & Dr M Shrimpton Mrs P Sinha Mr J Baek & Mrs Y Sonn Dr T Stainsby Mr & Mrs J Stalker Dr S Stewart1615 Ms N Su Mrs & Mr A Sutherland Dr L Taylor Mrs L Tibbs*1615 Mr & Mrs N Tiley
Mr S W Vandermark & Professor S Hochgreb1615 Mr & Mrs P Wallace Mr C Wang & Mrs X Guan Mrs S Wansell Mr S Warburton Mrs H Whiting1615 Mr & Mrs D Wilkinson1615 Dr & Mrs R Woodman Mrs K Wright* Mr & Mrs R Yeoman1615 Mr & Mrs M Zeitlyn1615 Dr S & Dr A Zia Organisations Amazon Smile Easy Fundraising Fawcett Charity Perse Parents’ Association Perse Prep Parents’ Association TTP Group Vindis Group and 19 anonymous donors
Dr Perse Society Members The Dr Perse Society recognises those who have made provision for The Perse in their will. Society members are listed in alphabetical order. Mr G Addison Mr D I Alexander The late Mr D J Alexander Mr P Armitstead Mr P W Bogle Mr D Bowley Mr & Mrs T Boyden Mr A Brookes Mr E Brookes Mr I Burton Mr P Cannell Mr P Cave-Gibbs Mr J Cheffins Dr J Cheney Mr D Clark The late Mr M D D Clarke Professor J Clarke Mr E Copeland Mr T T Dingle Mr G Ditcham Mr P Draper Mr A Eden Mr M Edwards Mr E & Dr S Elliott Mr R Genochio Mr R Goddin Mr S Graves Mr M Herring Dr C Hunt & Dr V Stephenson Dr P Jackson
Mr P Johnson Mr D Jones Mr A Kemp Mr S Kemp The Reverend C Kemp Dr G Kenyon Mr R & Dr A Lyon Mr R Mansfield Mr L Marr Mr T Marsh Dr R Marsh Mr O Metherell Professor D Nixon Mr S Pain Mr R Partridge Professor M Potts Mr W Reeve Mr J Roberts Professor J Salzman Mr R L Shadbolt Dr J Sills Mr J Smart Mr & Mrs A Smith Dr M Spencer Mrs S Stobbs Mr R Thomson Dr J Thurman Mr V Walne Dr A Weeds Mr R Wheatley Commander D Wilkie Dr P Williamson Mrs K Wright and one anonymous member
We are incredibly grateful to those who have left a legacy gift to the School this year.
OLD PERSEANS
IN
FOCU S
Sustainable Design: Digital Technology as an Enabler to City Planning
Professor Jason Pomeroy is an architect, academic, author and TV presenter and regarded as one of the world’s leaders in sustainable design. He is the founder of interdisciplinary sustainable design and research firm, Pomeroy Studio, and sustainable education provider, Pomeroy Academy. He is also a fellow of the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and a happy father of two who attend The Perse School Singapore.
As cities have become smarter, the advent of new technologies in the past century has influenced city planning and design, particularly in the representation of cities. This has manifested in the hand drawings of the (analogue) city to the programmable software products in the (digital) city. It has further enabled different entities in the cities to behave in intelligent and co-ordinated ways. Yet, about half a century ago, hand drawings were still widely recognised as the dominant means for planning, designing and representing cities, buildings and their infrastructure. It was a standard practice to work in “plan layers”. Each layer described a different functional element of a site, such as different land uses, infrastructure and open spaces at city, district and neighbourhood scale. Arduous data collection was made on-site and only updated intermittently. Additionally, the drawings were based on abstractions that only those within the built environment professions understood. Despite the long-standing history of the handdrawn process, computer-aided design (CAD) drafting has been adopted as a replacement for two-dimensional (2D) drawings since the 1980s, and for three-dimensional (3D) isometric drawings over the last two decades. Whilst drawn representations have changed, the nature of information exchange has remained the same. However, the rise of
A
s an architect, academic and TV presenter focused on the subject of smart and sustainable cities, I have always been fascinated in the way cities have evolved, how they are represented and understood. The Renaissance established similarities between objects through analogies. For instance, a city to a set of houses and a house to a set of rooms. By the 17th century, relationships were drawn between objects and their hidden meanings of terrestrial life. By the late 18th century, the city was perceived as a utopia born out of social production as well as scientific and philosophical enlightenment. The technologies brought forth by the First Industrial Revolution to the Fourth Industrial Revolution have since reshaped human experiences at an individual level, and the way cities and urban infrastructure can heighten humans’ productivity. 14
SCHOOL IN FOCUS NEWS
information technology and the advancement of computer software and hardware have propelled the adoption of building information modelling (BIM). As a collaborative tool, BIM has been largely used to support the intelligent interrogation of design, enhance coordination of documentation and improve the communication between professionals involved in the construction and operation process. We are standing at the intersection of our current urban challenges, including waste management, pollution, congestion, crime and climate change-related cataclysms, to name a few. Adopting technology to solve system-level issues has brought city planning into a new dimension that calls for system-based solutions and strategies. This has manifested in combining 3D modelling with dynamic digital technology to create digital twins (DTs) for cities. A DT refers to a virtual, dynamic and 3D replica that represents the systems and processes of the physical entity, the “physical twin”, in which both are interconnected through realtime data exchange. By integrating other systems of the city, the DT allows for system-based thinking and forms a new concept upon which smart cities and their infrastructure can be designed, built, tested and operated. Assisted with geographic information systems (GIS), activities within cities can be mapped to provide spatial and temporal data to DTs for visualisation, analysis and prescribing city functions. It has become evident that the application of DTs for urban governance and planning has acquired a central place in recent years as smart interventions and urban big data have grown rapidly in tandem. However, the application of urban scale DTs will only magnify most problems in cities as a matter of data collection, data assembly and data analysis in a data-driven society. While DT technologies have been critically explored in different disciplines, a “productfocused”, state-driven, “top-down” approach has often been widely adopted. I am an advocate for a new DT paradigm that is designed to go beyond the mirroring of the “physical world” in the digital realm, and able to learn of the practices found within the “social world” to make meaningful adaptations in the built environment that can enhance people’s lives. Ultimately, the new DT paradigm endeavours to go beyond spatial metrics, by integrating social, environmental, technological, cultural as well as economic data sets. This will transform the natural and built environment into one that is smarter, future-proofed and more inclusive. My most recent book sets out to grasp a theoretical understanding of urban scale DTs. The book aims to do this from a socio-technological perspective that goes beyond product-focused and technology-oriented practices. It is hoped that this will lay the foundation for urban scholars and industry professionals to shift from using DTs as siloed
THE DIGITAL TWIN REPRESENTED AS SIX PILLARS OF DATA
and automated tools, to a more comprehensive, connected DT paradigm. Putting the resultant theoretical understanding of DTs into practice, the book illustrates how such a model could be used in existing and new cities, districts, and neighbourhoods with the hope of increasing operational efficiencies and enhancing citizens’ lives. Artificial intelligence (AI) will no doubt play a significant role in the way in which we shape cities of the future and could be used in DTs as a predictive tool to solve real-time issues. However, this in itself comes with a cautionary tale of ensuring that we do not succumb to the overtly designed (and therefore sterilised) AI-driven city. After all, cities are dynamic, vibrant places that thrive off the spontaneity of its inhabitants and the “unprogrammed” social interactions of happenstance. If the “software” of the digital world can capture the “hardware” of the physical world, then it only seems natural for us to ensure that the “heartware” of the social world is not only reflected in such DTs, but also preserved.
www.pomeroystudio.sg www.pomeroyacademy.sg www.jasonpomeroy.sg Prof Pomeroy's book Hardware, Software, Heartware: Digital Twinning for More Sustainable Built Environments can be bought from Routledge.com. 15
OLD PERSEANS
OP News
Owen Peckham and Richard Hughes (both 2019) visited the School to give a talk to current pupils at Engineering Club about studying engineering at University of Bristol and their experiences with Greenpower Education Trust. The pupils also had time to show the OPs their electric race car and ask them technical questions in preparation for a race.
Many congratulations to all Old Perseans who received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award at Buckingham Palace in May 2023. Harry Wilkinson (2018), accompanied by a proud granny, enjoyed an uplifting morning with celebrations. Harry even had the chance to have a brief conversation with Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, himself!
Marco Young (2012) translated and performed Sorry We Didn’t Die at Sea at the Park Theatre in September. Marco writes: “I realised that this play, in its portrayal of a precarious maritime journey, was just as relevant to the British social conscience as it was to the Italian. In both countries, recent years have seen the sea turned into a contested political site, beyond the promotion of empathy and humanitarian concerns.”
Tess Howard’s (2017) undergraduate dissertation inspired a change in England Hockey’s domestic league uniform policies to be more inclusive. Her dissertation was published in the journal Sport, Education and Society and has since been shared across the main media outlets. Tess writes: “On 18 August, my England team were the first to run out in a combination of shorts and skorts, and I was the first woman to score an international goal in shorts against Ireland. The whole movement is about individual comfort, choice and inclusion, and so I encourage schools to adopt this style of inclusive sportswear policies through my community-interest company Inclusive Sportswear CIC, partnered with the Youth Sport Trust.” 16
Amy Xu (2021) came second in the women’s BUCS 2023 Rifle Championships and Will Bacon (2022) came first in the men’s competition. Amy adds: “Will had the highest score (197) in the Home Countries International Match! I also won the prone aggregate of the RAF Smallbore Spring Championships 2023, earning the Uxbridge Cup with 1150. I’ve recently trialed for the GB U21 team, but the results remain to be seen!”
STAFF SCHOOL OP NEWS PROFILE NEWS
STAFF PROFILE
Julia Halbert It has been such a joy and privilege to work with so many amazingly talented colleagues and children over the past 45 years!
B
ack in June 1978, a timid 22-year-old left her Homerton digs late one evening, tentatively made her way through a pair of impressive wrought-iron gates and posted through the Perse Upper School’s letterbox a carefully crafted handwritten letter of application. Never did she expect that 45 years later, it would be a much bolder 67-year-old who would be retiring after nearly 35 years, or 104 terms, working at The Perse! Imagine my delight when I was called to interview a week later. Back to Cambridge I rushed. After negotiating my way past the open-mouthed tiger-skin rug in the Headmaster’s office, Mr Melville and I had a very pleasant chat. I then pedalled furiously down Long Road on a borrowed child’s Chopper bike to the Prep, where I had another nice chat with the Master-inCharge, Commander Ken Sumnall, and a tour of the School with the Deputy Head, Miss Alison Evans. The Prep was markedly different to today in many ways, however, there was something about the place that I immediately loved. A few days later, I was back home with my parents when my mum called me in from the garden, saying that the Headmaster of The Perse School was on the phone. Mr Melville offered me the position of form teacher for the seven- to eight-year-olds in 2 Alpha, which I instantly accepted.
I spent nine happy years with 2 Alpha in the room I described as being “at the edge of empire”, and the only classroom not in Leighton House. In August 1987, I left the Prep to start a family. I loved being at home with my two children, running playgroups and doing some one-to-one tutoring. However, by 1997, I began to think about teaching again. When Paul Izzett, the Master of the Prep, asked if I’d be interested in a maternity cover job, I jumped at the chance. I spent two happy terms in what was by now called 3A remembering just how much I loved teaching Perse pupils, and was therefore delighted when I was offered a full-time post. Other roles were added over the years: RE Coordinator, Pre-Prep Liaison and Year 3 Coordinator. In about 2007, I took on the job of organising the testing of Year 2 children for entry into Year 3. In 2012, at Gareth Jones’ suggestion, I agreed to stop being a form teacher (one less job title to fit onto my name badge!) 17
and take on the role of Learning Support Coordinator. I am so grateful that, at an age when many people are winding down to retirement, I was instead being encouraged to study and learn more about such an important area of education. I worked with a fantastic learning support team, headed up by the wonderful Holly Singleton. Special thanks must go to James Piper, the current Head of the Prep, for his unwavering support as we developed the department. I’ll always be grateful to The Perse for giving me so many opportunities to develop careerwise. It has been hard work at times, with lots of 14-hour days. The online testing of over 100 pupils in the era of Covid 19 was a bit of a challenge as a teacher for whom Banda machines and overhead projectors had been high-tech. However, I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed each minute of it. Whether it was teaching every subject on the current timetable (bar science and French), running clubs, serving on SLT, creating displays, organising outings, helping with concerts and plays, leading assemblies – it has all been great. It has been a joy to get to know and work alongside so many kind and supportive people, all of whom are outstanding and inspirational in whatever their filed, be it academic, administrative, catering or maintenance. It has been a privilege to have the opportunity to teach amazing pupils, each with their individual character, openfaced and, for the most part, ready to learn and make the most of every opportunity given. Haircuts and uniforms may have changed over the years, but a Perse Prep child is still a Perse Prep child.
OLD PERSEANS
A TEA PARTY TO REMEMBER
Celebrating the Legacy of Four Perse Heads As the saying goes: “Two heads are better than one”. Well, why settle for two when you can have four – Perse Heads, that is!
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n the afternoon of Friday 16 June 2023, four successive Perse Heads met to take tea together at the School. Tony Melville, Martin Stephen and Nigel Richardson, accompanied by their wives Pauline, Jenny and Joy, gathered with the current Head, Ed Elliott, to reminisce. To mark the occasion, Archivist David Jones and Head’s PA Liz Carson kindly put together a special booklet for each Head containing photos and snippets of memorable occasions during their respective tenures. Below, David Jones considers some of the significant developments that occurred under their leadership.
to set up a bursary fund and improve facilities. A remarkable £415,000 was raised, demonstrating faith in The Perse’s future. The second challenge was the establishment of Sixth Form colleges, attractive and free alternatives to the Perse Sixth Form. The School therefore began to take pupils at 13 Plus, increasing numbers to 470 and helping to combat losses from the Sixth Form. When Melville retired in 1987, he could look back on the successful transition to independence, enlarged facilities and growth in numbers. MARTIN STEPHEN (1987–1994)
For Melville’s successor, Martin Stephen, competition from Sixth Form colleges remained a worry. He emphasised the advantages of the Perse Sixth Form, especially extra-curricular opportunities, but further improvements to facilities were needed to dispel the view that The Perse was simply “an academic hothouse”. An art and design studio featured in a successful appeal for £600,000, music was given greater encouragement and business studies became a new A level option. Boarding was in decline nationally, so the boarding houses closed in 1993. It was hoped to sell the site to fund a sports hall but an economic recession deferred the initiative. Post-Direct Grant it was no longer safe to assume that “a good thing advertises itself”. Stephen engaged with local prep and primary schools, and more widely did his best to give The Perse publicity. The first Daily Telegraph A level league table (1991) was timely. The Perse came ninth amongst boys’ schools and was featured in the colour supplement. Now, a radical development, first suggested by Melville back in 1983, was reconsidered: a merger with The Perse School for Girls. However, due to logistical issues and opposition from some quarters, it was decided to start taking girls into the Sixth Form instead. That, and the end of boarding, increased the rationale for ending Saturday morning school. In 1994,
TONY MELVILLE (1969–1987)
When Tony Melville arrived, the First World War was only 51 years past. The Perse was a small Direct Grant school (420 boys and 25 teaching staff) whose academic record was outstanding and whose buildings were barely 10 years old. However, two serious challenges threatened the School’s equilibrium. The abolition of the Direct Grant in 1976 removed government-funded free places (up to 40% of Perse pupils). Would the School be forced into the state system? The answer was to go independent, followed by an appeal for £275,000
MELVILLE (FAR RIGHT) AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW SIXTH FORM CENTRE IN 1971 WITH BENEFACTORS MR & MRS MARSH (MIDDLE) 18
A TEA SCHOOL PARTY TONEWS REMEMBER
(FRONT ROW L–R) NIGEL RICHARDSON, MARTIN STEPHEN, TONY MELVILLE, ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR WIVES (BACK ROW L–R) JOY RICHARDSON, PAULINE MELVILLE AND JENNY STEPHEN, MET ED ELLIOTT TO TAKE TEA TOGETHER AT THE SCHOOL
Dr Stephen was appointed High Master of Manchester Grammar School, and it was left to his successor to implement these changes.
new Sixth Form Centre. Wisely, Northwold House had been kept. In 1997 it became the premises of the Pelican. A Perse education was now available from the earliest years through to 18. As Cambridge grew, demand for places increased. To expand the School without compromising academic quality, full co-education was phased in from 2007.
NIGEL RICHARDSON (1994–2008)
Nigel Richardson came intending to allow himself time to get to know the School before considering new initiatives. However, a surge of 13 Plus applications suggested the creation of an extra Third Form in 1995, which paid for a new Astroturf pitch. Years of keeping the fees low had “under-capitalised” the School and facilities were inferior even to those in some state schools. However, developments in Cambridge were bringing more people and wealth to the area, so it was possible to expand numbers towards 600. Science labs and an IT centre followed. The Millennium brought a new appeal for £1 million. This, and the sale of most of the boarding house site, funded the long-awaited Sports Centre and a
THE PERSE TODAY
Today, in 2023, the small Direct Grant boys’ school has become a large co-educational school with over 1,250 pupils and 130 teaching staff in the Upper. An enlarged pastoral and administrative system is in place and the area of building has more than doubled since 1969. An Old Persean who has not visited since the 1960s would hardly credit the transformation wrought during the time of the four Heads.
To find four successive Heads in the same room may not be witnessed again at The Perse for many years to come. The tea party provided a unique opportunity to share memories and converse on the transformative initiatives, academic feats and challenges surpassed. Their stories testified to their commitment in shaping young minds, and the impact a Head will have on a school. However, as Melville aptly recognised, there is only so much a Headmaster can achieve on their own. Recalling his first impressions of The Perse in 1969, he remarked: “I was very lucky to inherit a school with a high standard of teaching and competent staff. The School was a machine which was working well.”
STEPHEN AND RICHARDSON REVEALING THE STEPHEN PERSE BUST IN 1994 19
OLD PERSEANS
Obituaries We are saddened to report the deaths of the following OPs:
Richard Norman Theobald Moore (1958) Joy Moore writes: Reverend Canon Richard Norman Theobald Moore was born 27 December 1939. Richard took the 11 Plus examination and won a scholarship to The Perse as a boarder. He was very happy there. After school, he was apprenticed to British Petroleum (BP) and attended Queen’s College, Dundee, which was part of the University of St Andrews. He graduated in 1962 with a BSc in engineering. At Queen’s, he served on the Student Representative Council and played rugby in the university’s team. He was also a keen golfer and enjoyed University of St Andrews’ courses. At the age of 17, Richard became a committed Christian and during his university years he was an enthusiastic member of the Christian Union (CU). In a CU mission, assisting the churches in the mining town of Cowdenbeath, Richard met Joy Howlett, a fourth-year medical student. He liked to say that they met in a coal mine under the North Sea. They were married in 1963. After four years with BP, Richard felt called to full-time ministry in the Church of England.
He studied for his BD at Clifton Theological College, Bristol, and was ordained in Bury St Edmunds Cathedral in 1967. He served curacies in Stowmarket and St Barnabas Church, Leicester. In 1972, he became vicar of The Martyrs Church, Leicester and was also chaplain to the maternity unit at Leicester Royal Infirmary. The church thrived and was full of young families. After 18 years in parish work, Richard became a full-time chaplain at the Manor Hospital in Epsom. He was active in the community among all denominations in assisting with placement of patients in the community, enabling them to be welcomed and accepted. In retirement, he moved back to his beloved Suffolk but remained active in ministry helping in local churches as well as doing locums for the Diocese of Europe. These included Warsaw, Fuengirola, Taormina, Arnhem and Nijmegen. Richard and Joy also visited Dornakal in India where they helped raise funds for re-roofing the cathedral school. It was here that the bishop declared him Canon of his Cathedral. Richard will be greatly missed by his wife, Joy, and their sons Andrew, Timothy and Peter, as well as grandchild Mignonette.
Peter Manuel (1950) Wendy Davis writes: Peter was born during a blizzard on 29 March 1932 at Longton Cottage Hospital in Staffordshire, England. He was the only child of James and Kathleen Manuel (née Simms). Peter’s father, James, was born in Hawick and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. During World War I, James enlisted in the British Royal Army Medical Corps where he served in France and was severely wounded. Following the War, he worked as a GP in Fenton, where 20
he met Peter’s mother, Kathleen, who was working as a librarian. In 1946, Peter was enrolled at The Perse School in Cambridge where he boarded until he graduated in 1950. Here, he found a band of brothers and fully embraced life at the School. He particularly enjoyed playing rugby, tennis and hockey. Whilst at university in the 1950s, he played rugby for London Scottish and won an amateur golf competition at Carnoustie. He graduated with a degree in economics at the London School of Economics. Shortly after, he was called for National Service. His regiment, the Eleventh Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own), served in Seremban, Malaysia. After returning to the UK, Peter applied to emigrate to Australia. After arriving in Sydney, he, like many other “Ten Pound Poms”, had to take labouring jobs. He found himself working in remote locations like Mount Isa, operating drills below ground in coal shafts. Peter had his return ticket to England in his pocket when he met Marjory Bissett. Peter and Marjory married in Brisbane on 9 June 1961. In 1963, their daughter Wendy was born. In 1972, the family moved to Toowoomba, the Garden City of Queensland, where they bought a grocery shop. After selling the shop in 1980, Peter enrolled to study journalism at the Darling Downs Institute of Advanced Education. Following graduation,
SCHOOL OBITUARIES NEWS
he wrote freelance articles for local papers such as Queensland Country Life. Peter had remained in his own home. He passed away in peaceful circumstances on 21 June 2023 with his daughter Wendy at his side. He is survived by Wendy and his grandson Oscar, who will miss him greatly and are thankful for the many happy years spent together.
David Timothy Ward (1962) Daniel Ward (1988) writes: David was born 5 September 1944 in Swansea and adopted by Olive, a teacher, and Gus, Bursar at Emmanuel College. The family settled in Fen Drayton where David was taught Latin by the local vicar, assisting him in passing his 11 Plus exams and gaining entry to The Perse School in 1955. David passed eight O levels and four A levels, proved a serious athlete in the mile and half mile track distance with a similar ability as a swimmer and also represented the School at chess. He continued to play chess online with his grandson Joe. David’s main sports though were rugby and sailing. He formed lifelong friendships with Phil Harvey and John Brady playing for the School, then Old Perseans as well as rugby sevens at Cambridge Rugby Club. David’s passion for sailing started at school where he became a petty
officer in the Naval Section of the lend a hand, a tool or participate Combined Cadet Force. Cadets in the Salvation Army concerts. were compulsory on a Monday. David continued his connection David sailed throughout his lifetime, with The Perse through his supporting the Perse Navy Cadets working life and retirement, Section and owning several boats advising the School on planning for both pleasure craft and sailing. matters for their expansion and, in It was catching the train to 2015, organising a reunion dinner Cambridge each day where David for the class of 1962. met his lifelong friend Nick Holmes. David suffered an unexpected He later purchased a BSA Bantam catastrophic heart event on 8 motorcycle, which would keep July 2023. David had a full and Olive awake worrying until she enjoyable life. His cremation heard the noise of his exhaust took place in Chichester and he as he came into the top of Fen had a final trip on his beloved Drayton of an evening (David was “Gymnopedie” in mid-September, an original boy racer!). Although, when family saw him off and his passion soon changed to the scattered his ashes at sea. four-wheeled variety and David His children Matthew, Daniel, went on to own several classic cars Robert and Marianne, along including Jaguars and MGs. with seven grandchildren, will In 1962, David had left school miss him dearly and wish him and was offered places at two fair winds wherever they may universities. Being unsure of what take him. Please raise a glass he wanted to do, Gus marched to him wherever you may be. A him from Emmanuel College to celebration of David’s life took the office of Gray, Swann & Cook place at Cambridge Rugby Club where David started as a trainee on 8 September. assistant surveyor. Enrolled as a student for the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, David went on to pass Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Auctioneers and Estate Agents Institute examinations and, in 1967, was elected a professional associate of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. For a while, David was president of the 100-Housing Association in Cambridgeshire. David left Gray Cook in 1984, forming D.T. Ward Associates. In 1987, a business partnership formed, Giles Bennett Jackson (1954) expanding in 1996 to become Emily and Will Jackson write: Ward Howard Rowlett. In 2009, it Giles was born on 11 September merged with Januarys where David 1935 in Haileybury, Hertfordshire, worked as a consultant. where his father, John, taught Retiring in April 2012, David history. When Giles was around worked just shy of 50 years in four years old, they moved to the same profession! Retirement Norfolk where John became in Chichester saw David regularly Resident Tutor for the Workers holding open gardens for the Educational Association. Giles’ National Garden Society and as an mother, Kathleen, was a painter active and supportive member of and Giles was the middle of five the community; always ready to 21
OLD PERSEANS
children, forming strong bonds with his siblings. When Giles was about 11, the family moved to Waterbeach, a village north of Cambridge, and he attended The Perse School from 1947 to 1954. At The Perse, he flourished academically and became fully involved with various sports teams. For National Service, as Giles was running the 440-yard dash for the Northern Command, he was posted to Berlin. He played hockey for the Signal Squad and captained the Army table tennis team. Giles followed the family tradition of going to Oxford and studied English at Christ Church. Giles later told me that perhaps he should have gone to Cambridge to study English in the Leavis tradition to which he felt better suited (Frank Raymond Leavis was a former pupil at The Perse School, of course). After Oxford, Giles held a number of teaching jobs before taking a job to teach English at Dulwich College in London where he met our mother Jennifer whilst playing tennis. Giles absorbed himself in sport, was Master in Charge of golf and coached hockey, tennis and rugby. As Revd Neil Fairlamb commented in his retirement tribute: “[it] was to be a remarkable service of 29 years to the ideal of the teacher of mind and body in the classic combination of games and scholarship, a vocation both traditional and radical.” Giles was a brilliant storyteller and our lives as children were filled with stories. He was very companionable, quick to share his own interests and to seek points of connection with others. During holidays to Wales and the Lake District, he would talk about the importance of finding what he called “imaginative space”. Giles had incredible amounts of energy and a very strong spirit. He bought his cottage in Norfolk in his late seventies and quickly went about investing in a sit-on lawnmower and planting apple trees. He was
very other-focused and preferred to hear about others than talk about himself. He extended his deep warmth and interest to people who became important to us. He was a wonderful father, father-in-law and grandfather. He is very much loved and missed. Giles passed away on 1 March 2023.
“Life is not a dress rehearsal, so just do it – no regrets”. This was evidenced by his many escapades, be they work-related or in his personal life, skiing, shooting, fishing, driving his beloved TVR or even running with the bulls in Pamplona. Tim’s humour, hard work and shooting prowess left an indelible mark on all who knew him, evidenced by the hundreds gathered to pay their respects at his funeral. Tim will forever be fondly remembered for his unwavering positive spirit and the warmth he brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. May he rest in eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of courage, love and unforgettable memories. In honour of his memory, donations may be made to the Royal Artillery Charitable Fund or St Wilfrid’s Hospice.
Timothy William Oakes (1999)
John Murdoch Lamont (1950)
Beth Neilson (née Oakes) writes: It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Timothy William Oakes, a beloved father, son, brother, uncle and husband, who left us on 14 March 2023 after a brief battle with cancer. Tim lived a life defined by adventure, courage and a profound love for his family and those he held dear. After leaving The Perse in 1999 for the University of Reading, Tim’s journey through life was nothing short of extraordinary. Following graduation and a ski season in France, he joined the Army, where his dedication to service led him to achieve the rank of Army Major, a role in which he excelled. He proudly served with 26 Platoon, Burma Company at Sandhurst, and later, in the Royal Regiment of Artillery where he also studied for an MSc in battlespace technology. Tim lived by the motto he declared while at Sandhurst:
John’s wife, Joan Lamont, requested to share the following extract from John’s memory book: “John loved his time at The Perse. He always talked of it with pride and he had many happy memories of his years there, both academic and sporting.”
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Peter John Mahaffey (1967) Tony France (1972) writes: Peter was born 13 January 1948 and his family moved from Australia to West Suffolk when his father started work as a veterinary surgeon in the Newmarket area. From age 10, Peter attended The Perse where he made several lifelong friends. His time there was interrupted by six months at the International School in Rome. He left The Perse in 1967 and went on to medical school in Cork, Ireland. From an early stage he mastered the skills of surgery and soon passed the Royal College of Surgeons Fellowship
RECENT SCHOOL OBITUARIES EVENTS NEWS
examination. He became interested in the delicate world of plastic surgery. He perfected these skills by setting his own high standards of treatment, always aiming for technical excellence. I first got to know Peter during three years of his training, 1979– 82, at Bedford General Hospital. Here he was widely regarded as a talented surgeon. Any member of hospital staff needing an operation would ask if Peter would do it because they wanted a good outcome with a neat or invisible scarring. He did further training elsewhere in the UK and spent a year in Bordeaux before taking up a consultant surgeon post in
1988 at hospitals in Bedford and Stevenage. Many colleagues who worked with him saw him as a role model for good care to patients and for the support of fellow medical staff. During our long friendship we exchanged over 100 postcards. I have kept all of his, handwritten with a fountain pen. We both shared an intense dislike of ball point pens – a harmless idiosyncrasy. Somehow, he managed to find time for his hobbies and interests. He set up a fly-fishing club in Bedford. He learnt how to lay bricks to build a greenhouse. He was a great wit and raconteur and had a natural ability to organise social events. Elegant prose would flow from his many fountain pens. His letters to national newspapers, postcards to friends and articles for medical journals were always a joy to read. He had a passionate desire to get things right, making him the perfect choice to be an inspector with the Care and Quality Commission to identify good and bad practice in our hospitals.
Recent events
His final “new” hobby was offshore sailing. He took to this with characteristic enthusiasm and sat the Yacht Master Ocean exam in 2018. He passed, and the examiner asked if he would like to become one of the examiners next year. Sadly, he never managed to do as much sailing as he had hoped. Ill health began to catch up with him. He died on 22 September 2021 in his home in Cardington, near Bedford, which had been the centre of his life’s work. He is survived by his wife, two children and a grandson.
We remember David J Alexander (1960) Died 26 September 2023, aged 80 John Bishopp (1961) Died 17 April 2023, aged 79 William Cook (1969) Died 27 February 2023, aged 72 Robert Eastcott (1964) Died 25 September 2023, aged 78 Stewart Foster (1951) Died 19 January 2023, aged 88 Anthony Garrood (1965) Died 11 March 2023, aged 76 John Henderson (1954) Died 22 August 2023, aged 88 Peter Kilmister (1968) Died 18 March 2023, aged 73 Margaret Revell (Former staff) Died 2 June 2023
The Head Ed Elliott was delighted to catch up with OPs Gavin Hughes (2000), Denise LeBraud (1999), Vijay Mahindran (1991) and Somerton Sio (2006) whilst on his visit in Singapore. They enjoyed dinner at One Fullerton, kindly hosted by Vijay.
Group photo taken at Half Century Club Lunch 27 May 2023, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and a tour of the Performing Arts Centre.
David Sills (1969) Died 27 March 2023, aged 72 Barry Smith (1959) Died 19 February 2023, aged 81
This list was up-to-date when we went to print. Unabridged obituaries are shared in the Old Perseans and Friends Facebook group.
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OLD PERSEANS
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