Reptonian 2015

EPTONIAN

THE

the Reptonian 2014/2015 Academic Year

2014/15 www.repton.org.uk

CONTENTS

Editorial

4

Salvete

Music

Drama

6-8

34-41

44-49 Art & Design

52-59

Repton Round

Sport

Valete

10-27

62-100

101-106

Acknowledgements

The Editorial Team

Photography

Editor

Rosie Butler (U6A)

Sub-Editors

Elliott Bock (U6N), Lydia Fitzsimons (U6F), Francesca Froggatt (U6A), Katie Guest (U6F), JMJH, Dan Hudson (L6O), Ally Hutchinson (U6M), Alex Urwin (U6L), Charlotte White (L6A), Sophie Wilbraham (L6G)

The Hall, Repton, Derby DE65 6FH

JMJH, JHB, M. Wolford, Ady Kerry, Rosie Butler (U6A), Andy Weekes, THN, AJS, AFP, JPM, GLH, JDW, IMP, Jake H.M. Smith (4O)

Telephone 01283 559200 Email registrar@repton.org.uk

Front Cover

From photographs supplied by JHB and PJS

Back Cover

JMJH

www.repton.org.uk

Design

Optima Graphic Design Consultants Ltd.

Print

Pyramid Press

The Reptonian 2014/2015

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

EDITORIAL PORTA VACAT CULPA Our school motto has the rather ambiguous meaning of ‘the gate is free from blame’ and, whilst some people assume this means ‘Repton is not liable for its students’ behaviour’ (perhaps in particular reference to an insalubrious ‘fracas’-loving alumnus), I like to think it’s a little more sentimental than that. As I’ve read through some of PJS’s lovinglycurated archives of the School’s history this year, I’ve found not a disavowal of Old Reptonians, but a continuing respect, support and pride for those who have passed through the school. Especially as we remember the First World War in this centenary year and our fallen boys, it’s clear that Repton has reason to be hugely proud of its students, past and present, and I think the students are proud of the School too.

The ‘gate’ in our motto, referring to the Arch, does not connote shame or uninterest: in Latin, porta is ‘gateway’; in Greek, it’s ‘journey’; in Old Slavonic, it’s ‘fly’; in Old English, it’s ‘haven’. As I face leaving school this year, along with my peers, I know that I’ve become myself at Repton and, at the risk of a Californian-style cliché, it has been a journey.

I imagine leaving Repton will be like taking a ring off your finger that you’ve worn for a long time: at first it will feel like a loss, a constant sense that you’ve misplaced something important, but as time passes the indent will fade, you’ll think of it less often, but not forget the fond comfort of Repton.

The haven of Repton, whether it has been home for one or five years, does not just teach Kant’s Categorical Imperative, or break-even graphs, or cubic polynomials (your guess is as good as mine), or why George shot Lennie, or the performance qualities of sandalwood, or what happens when you add methanol to ethanol, but it teaches you how to grow up at a reasonable pace, to make compromises and be tolerant, not to take yourself too seriously, to self-motivate and, whilst being a formative part of our teenage years, I feel (mostly) ready to enter into adult-life, and walk through the Arch for the very last time.

‘Letters to The Editor’ was a regular feature of The Reptonian in past years; it allowed students to air their grievances about the school and the way it was run, anonymously...

Dear Sirs,

Dear Sirs and Madams,

I would like it to be brought to the attention of those in power that Steeplechase is, quite frankly, institutionalised torture for those of us who are either unfit or unwilling. If reading were enforced with the same vigour, perhaps more people would be better informed about the nuances of Coleridge rather than panting their way around the (misleadingly named) Short Milton.

On the one hand, the School decrees that there should be no physical contact between the sexes. On the other hand, it erects a statue in front of the 400 Hall where a boy and girl engage in just that.

Yours, Chasing Pages Dear Sirs, Could not some music and lighting be introduced into the Junior Common Room? A Saturday night boogie would not go amiss, and in the absence of any other social stimuli, the Top 40 will have to do.

Dear Sirs and Madams, Many of your readers will have observed a mysterious box in the alcove on the left, just before one enters the School Library.

If this is a Complaints Box, I would like to complain that its purpose as such has not been made clear.

If it is a Suggestions Box, I would like to suggest that it be labelled as such.

Dear Sirs and Madams,

Yours, Thinking-Outside-the-Box

Given that sleep deprivation is universally recognised as a form of torture, and given that this is the primary purpose of Early Morning Call, could you please put me in touch with a good human rights lawyer?

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Yours, etc.

Confused

Yours, Nemo Saltat Sobrius

ROSIE BUTLER (U6A) Editor

Are we to understand that the “six-inch rule” does not apply if both parties strike a sufficiently kitsch pose?

Yourzzzz, etc.

Bedder-believe-it

Dear Sirs, Girls’ football is not an embarrassment, but a triumph. Therefore I find it an absolute outrage that we must be extradited to Top Sale Flats for training.

Yours, Square-ly Resolute

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Salvete

The Reptonian 2014/2015

SALVETE CL

FEJW

CCC

HS

Chris Lawrence joined Repton from Manchester Grammar School in April 2014, initially just to cover NMD’s maternity leave, but now a permanent fixture. Chris read Sport and Education Science at Loughborough and has enjoyed using the newly-built and opened Maths and PE building located in the Precinct. In addition to coaching football, hockey and cricket, he has quickly become a favourite tutor in Field House. Amid duty nights and marking maths papers, he still finds time to read non-fiction – a favourite being Freakonomics – and play various sports. The highlight of Chris’ year has undoubtedly been his marriage in December to the lovely Natalie, and we wish them all the best for the coming years.

The impressive SciPri welcomed a new Head of Chemistry this year in Ed Wawn.

Educated at Highgate and Oxford, Ed has enjoyed a career in which he has taught in various schools in the UK as well as overseas at Harrow, Hong Kong. A tutor in The Priory, as well as football coach and taking over the running of Fives, he still finds time for swimming, and his ambition in life is simply to be happy, and to make sure his children are happy! Having welcomed Ed, his wife Sally and young children Archie and Sophie to Repton in August, we are wishing a sad goodbye already as the family returns to Hong Kong. We wish them all the best.

Dr Charlotte Campton is the newest member of the English Department. She studied at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, before working for the BBC; then returned to university, this time Exeter, to gain her MA and PhD, also teaching at undergraduate level. As well as teaching English, Charlotte joins The Mitre tutor team and runs Girls’ Fitness. She enjoys baking (being a Nigella fan), playing the piano, skiing, and loves to attend the theatre. Her ambitions (“not to sound cheesy”) are generally to be a good role model, maybe to become a headmistress one day, and to write a novel. We welcome her and husband Paul warmly.

Heidi Stevenson was born in Doncaster and attended Wakefield Girls’ High School, after which she studied Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College, London. At Repton, she teaches Physics and, as well as coaching netball and being involved in the CCF, she especially enjoys the pastoral side of being a tutor in The Garden.

She recently became engaged to fiancé James, and we wish them every happiness.

What was your dream job as a child? Dolphin trainer

What was your dream job as a child? Farmer/Actress/Artist

Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Patrick Stewart, Michael McIntyre and Oliver Reed

Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Christopher Marlowe, Henry V, Camille Desmoulins

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? Art or DT

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? Physics

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach?

Biology

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach?

Classical Civilisation

What is your guilty pleasure? Craig David

What is your guilty pleasure? ’80s/’90s pop music

What is your guilty pleasure?

Sitting in my pyjamas listening to Radio 4

JWB

AVEC

AG

RA

James Burton is the new recruit to the Economics and Business Studies Department, on a free transfer from Repton, Dubai. Schooled relatively locally and a graduate of the University of Warwick, his career so far has taken him far from the Midlands, but we welcome him back! A keen player of cricket and racket sports, James is a considerable asset to the sports coaching set-up, and brings pastoral experience to School House, where he is A-Block tutor.

A pupil at Wycombe Abbey School, Arabella Carter went on to Leeds University and then to a teaching post at Oundle. She joins us at Repton as a Philosophy and Ethics teacher, as well as being a favourite tutor in The Abbey. In addition to cooking and travelling, Bella has a keen interest in art and galleries, and this is something she enjoys combining with her subject in her teaching. We hope she enjoys her time in The Abbey and in the ERS Department, and wish her all the best.

An MA in Theatre for Development from the University of Winchester and a well-travelled career (travel being one of her passions) means that Alyson Goodey brings a wealth of experience to the Drama Department, whom she has joined part-time. She has contributed to this year’s major productions and managed studio work for Drama pupils, as well as taking over JSM’s mantle midway through the year to become a School House tutor. Hailing from Leamington Spa, she also enjoys playing the saxophone in the Warwick Community Band.

What was your dream job as a child?

Artist

What was your dream job as a child?

An inventor

Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Socrates, Peter Vardy and Alan Davies

Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party? Dame Maggie Smith, Sir Walter Raleigh and Oscar Wilde

Rebecca Auterson was born in New Zealand, later moving to England where she attended Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar, after which her ambition to study at Cambridge came true and she took Natural Sciences. Post-university, she worked in technical sales and marketing, lived in Berlin for 2 years, and established her own successful photography business for 10 years. She lives with her husband, Duncan, a design engineer at Rolls Royce, and has 3 children – Sam, Stephanie and Katherine. At Repton she teaches Maths part-time, enjoying the challenge of making lessons ‘relevant and interesting’.

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? History of Art

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? RS

What is your guilty pleasure? Red wine

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate and white wine

What was your dream job as a child?

Liverpool footballer Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Karl Pilkington, Michael Lewis and Rosa Parks

What was your dream job as a child? Policeman Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Marlon Brando, Muhammad Ali and Neil Baldwin What subject other than your own would you most like to teach?

Politics What is your guilty pleasure? Coronation Street

What was your dream job as a child?

To be in the RAF Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party? Russell Brand, Patrick Swayze and Professor Brian Cox

What is your guilty pleasure?

Trash TV – I love a bit of Real Housewives or TOWIE!

What was your dream job as a child? To run my own business Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party? Pythagoras, Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking – it would be fascinating to see what they each made of the others’ world views!

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach?

An arts subject. Ask my A-Block class about my skills as a poet and songwriter and they’ll tell you if I should stick to Maths!

What is your guilty pleasure? Indulged every day – chocolate!

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Salvete

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Interviews conducted by the Editorial Team

DJA

KM

Covering CAMC’s maternity leave in Biology, and also taking on some Class.

Civ., we have been fortunate to secure the services of David Armitage. A graduate in Biology from St Hugh’s, Oxford, he also has Theology qualifications and taught at Beauchamp College, Leicester before embarking on his (recently completed) PhD from Nottingham. He is married to Suzi and they have three young children, Abigail, Dorothea and Nathan.

Kelly McCusker started as the new Head of Strings in August, having been a peripatetic music teacher at Repton for the previous 4 years. She studied at the Purcell School of Music, before gaining a BA in Music from Kingston University and a Master’s degree from the Birmingham Conservatoire. As well as continuing to play with various groups, she enjoys swimming, reading and cooking (but can’t bake!) and lives with her husband, Terry, and cat, Minnie.

What was your dream job as a child? Scientist Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Paul the Apostle, G.K. Chesterton and Fridtjof Nansen – but they might need to come to separate parties!

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach?

Ancient History

What was your dream job as a child?

To be Madonna. I was obsessed with her Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Without a doubt, J.S. Bach, Sam Smith and Gandhi What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? Probably History What is your guilty pleasure? I love a spa day

What is your guilty pleasure? Fine tea

LP

MP

Leah Pinto joined (as Leah Webster!) from Framlingham College as Head of Netball and Girls’ Games, having studied Applied Social Science in Sport at Durham University. She recently married Joe, who is a mechanic for race team Arden Motorsport in GP2, travelling all over the world alongside Formula 1 stars including Lewis Hamilton! They live at home with their two pet hamsters, Patch and Bobby. Outside of her Repton commitments, Leah plays National League Netball for Loughborough Falcons, training twice a week with them, and for a regional side called Hinckley Hurricanes.

Marie Perrière is this year’s French assistante, taking a year out to improve her English and gain teaching experience, having graduated from Bordeaux Montaigne University with a degree in Anglo-Saxon Literature and Civilisation and written a thesis on Pirate Radio Stations in 1960s Britain! She tries to be involved in school life as much as possible and has already made an impact by holding French ‘mini-debates’ with the MFL Society. She is a British film buff and avid traveller, so loves being in England, but has lost count of how often she’s been asked for ID over here (she’s 23!). Her ambition is to be a lecturer in France or a French teacher in England.

What was your dream job as a child?

Olympic sprinter

What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? DT What is your guilty pleasure? Judge Judy

Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

Alfred Hitchcock, Ronan O’Rahilly and Arthur Conan Doyle What subject other than your own would you most like to teach? Geopolitics or History What is your guilty pleasure? My father is a wine dealer and living in the best wine region of France, I would say a glass of vintage claret!

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HANNAH EWINS (U6G) If you were asked to name as many social media sites as possible, you might struggle to keep the list confined to eight fingers and two thumbs. With Facebook having celebrated its 10th anniversary last February, and Twitter reaching this milestone birthday in just two years’ time, the question can be asked: how has social media impacted on our lives and, more importantly, has it changed the way we view ourselves and our gender?

Over the past ten years, social media has played a fundamental role in raising awareness and establishing marketing strategies for many brands and businesses.

Over 93% of marketers claim to use Twitter for business, with a reported 78% of companies now having a dedicated social media team, suggesting that Twitter isn’t just for discussing what you had for lunch.

Nevertheless, although this is shown to have a very positive effect on business success and in raising awareness of global issues, there is a darker side to social media.

According to a new study, the gender stereotype which suggests that ‘men are from Mars and women are from Venus’ is infiltrating into the online world, and so maybe now our concern should not be the response times of franchises or what we ate for lunch, but how this is going to continue to affect younger generations.

How will continued use of social media alter their social perceptions of gender and appropriate behaviour within society?

Studies suggest that women use social networking sites to make comparisons between themselves and others, whereas men use them to look at profiles and search for more friends. Additionally, women tend to post face photos, while men post full body-shots, according to a survey published in the journal of Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking (December 2011).

So why is it that if a girl posts too many ‘selfies’ – a word added to the Oxford English Dictionary in May 2014 – she becomes shameful or desperate, but when a boy does it, he is perfectly acceptable?

Since when is it okay to judge a person based on their tweets, the number of followers they have or the number of likes they have on their Instagram or Facebook posts?

Though, as a girl, I am of course inclined to suggest that women have it harder than males on social media, this is not just because of my gender, but because I genuinely believe it (and, also, because I know I’m guilty of judging someone based on their social media profile rather than on their actual personality). And so this idea of the ‘snap’ judgment – as discussed in The Deciding Factor – needs to stop in both society and on social media. We need to stop rapidly judging others based on their social media profiles and, likewise, on the Internet in general, where it is quick to type or leave a ‘harmless’ throwaway comment without realising the real consequence of our actions.

2014 saw the release of Always’ campaign ‘#LikeaGirl’, discussing the issues of self-confidence and, for many, the lack of it during puberty. Its aim is to align the expression ‘like a girl’ with strength, confidence and empowerment rather than being seen as an insult projecting girls as the weaker sex. Here, social media can be used to raise awareness and demonstrate the importance of encouraging and inspiring pubescent girls to achieve the best they can and act comfortably within their own skin; that running ‘like a girl’ means winning the race.

Social media plays neither the hero nor the villain of the story, but it does need to be held to account as the vehicle for portraying the views and perceptions of the person sat behind the screen. As is demonstrated here, it can be both a weapon in the destruction of selfconfidence, or a force for good. Thanks to campaigns such as Always’ #LikeaGirl, we need to ensure – if not for our sake, then at least for the next generation – that social media is used to destroy stereotypes and encourage equality, both in the online world and in the physical.

Artwork by Alicia Anderson (U6F)

Which three famous people (living or dead) would you most like to invite to a dinner party?

John Travolta, Jesse Owens and Quentin Tarantino

What was your dream job as a child?

Archaeologist – I was passionate about Ancient Egypt

THE DARK SIDE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

REPTON ROUND From the Chaplain…

I always used to dream of being a Public School Chaplain at the school depicted in Goodbye, Mr Chips. Being Chaplain of the School where the original was filmed made it easy for me to dream of walking around cloisters in the 1800s at a very sedate pace, possibly puffing on a pipe, surrounded by pupils in top hats beginning their sentences to me with “I beg your pardon, Sir, it would be awfully spiffing if you could check my declensions”. But that was all before I read David Turner’s The Old Boys: The Decline and Rise of Public Schools. What a sobering read! It was a revelation for me to see how bad Public Schools were in years gone by. Shrewsbury was down to 26 pupils at one point in the 1800s and St Paul’s to 35! Most worrying of all to me, however, were the frequent whole-school rebellions – six alone at Eton!

One pupil riot at Rugby was so bad they called in the army to restore boarding house order!

I was also surprised how long it took for Public Schools to broaden their curriculum beyond just Latin and Greek. Public Schools only felt a need to teach a wider curriculum when the Indian Civil Service introduced entrance examinations in 1853! “Modern Sides” was the umbrella term for Modern Languages and Science applicable to Engineering. Even then, one Headmaster is recorded as telling the parents of a pupil, “If he goes into Science, no good will come of him!”

Turner recognises, as a former Education Correspondent of the Financial Times, that today Public Schools are enjoying an unparalleled renaissance. They have an impressive track record in producing high achievers across the board. A high proportion of medal winners at the London Olympics were ex-Public School (we know that from our own Georgie Twigg). 40% of the A grades in Maths and Modern Languages went to the Public Schools. I also smiled at the statistic in the book that 7% of Wykehamists born between 1910 -1919 married sisters or daughters of Wykehamists! (In the thirty weddings I have been lucky to be part of in my time at Repton, more than half have involved a Reptonian marrying another Reptonian – or marrying someone they met through a Repton connection!).

Turner gives a brilliant analysis of why Public Schools are in the ascendant (the abolition of Grammar Schools, an over-emphasis on targets in state schools, the way British Public Schools are a gold standard global export) and he recognises the qualities of character and confidence they instil in their offspring. But in an era when we are so concerned about the mental health of our young people, I would also add one other gift of a Public School education – Chapel worship. To see the Chapel as a place where we intend to ‘convert’ and ‘deliver the hard sell’ would be an error. It is a place of reflection and meditation; a place to be nourished by the rich heritage of wisdom passed down through the ages and sustained through a tradition of choral music; a place where, by telling our stories, we share our humanity; a place where we walk together to find a deeper meaning and surer foundation to life. Those might just be the richest gifts a Public School has to offer. I hope so.

AJW Chaplain

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Artwork by Isobel Emmett (5M)

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Repton Round House Reports

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Field House

HOUSE REPORTS The Abbey The Abbey has been my home-from-home for the past five years and I couldn’t have asked for a better surrogate family. From break-times in the Link spent eating birthday cake, to chilling outside in the garden on the beanbags during the Summer Term, you can always rely on an Abbey girl for a good gossip. Although we are not renowned for winning every House event in the calendar, we certainly give it 110% and occasionally we manage to beat the odds!

There are so many highs in The Abbey, but the best things this year would include winning the House Badminton, scoring a goal in Senior House Hockey (which we didn’t achieve last year!) and winning the Cattley Shield (for academics) from The Mitre.

However, my proudest moment of the year would be of the one House event everyone dreads – the Steeplechase. Every Abbey girl that went out crossed the finish line, whether walking or running, with a smile on their face; everyone gave it a go and that is what places The Abbey above all other houses. I would like to thank LEW for her unfailing support, and also a huge thanks to our matron, Chris Pooler, who is leaving The Abbey after seven years, and who has been an integral part of our loving house.

The Abbey is the best house: whether you are sporty or artsy, musical or academic, we are the best of friends, and I hope this spirit will not change in years to come.

FREYA HARCUS (U6A) Head of House

The Cross The Cross is the smallest house in terms of numbers, but makes up for this in talent, enthusiasm and companionship.

Possibly our greatest achievement this year was winning the Senior House Football competition: those who know SE well will appreciate how special it was for him, being his first time in nine years at the helm.

We also won the Badminton, dominating the final, with special mention to B-Blocker Edward Zhao, who’s shaping up to be a promising player. In a new addition to the inter-house calendar, Sudoku proved to be a challenging competition, but this did not stop the lads getting stuck in, Cambridge applicant Will Ackernley leading a group of budding mathematicians to bring home the gold.

The House has moved forward tremendously during my five years, with various additions to house life this year being the beloved cereal night and hot chocolate and biscuits on Sunday evenings.

Abraham Lincoln, on the brink of the Civil War, looked change directly in the eye and said, ‘The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present and future. As our circumstances are anew, we must think anew and act anew’. This is an appropriate lesson, not only for the leavers seeking new horizons, but for the next leaders of our House. I feel we will look back on our time and know that we did our best to contribute to the success and well-being of The Cross; and we enjoyed every second of it.

THEO MORRIS (U6C) Head of House

Leading Field House this year has been an absolute pleasure and has ended our time at Repton on a wonderful note. Though our girls possess a remarkable breadth of talent, it is in fact our sense of community that lies at the heart of our success; we can be sure that there will always be someone willing to take part or help out, even in House Chess!

Our best display of character this year came when our energy and determination led us to victory in the Unison Competition – a first for PJG, having been ‘robbed’ for over a decade!

A further highlight was another fabulous House Cabaret, which, along with our much sought-after Field House roses, successfully raised a generous amount for charity. We have again had a good year both on the sports field and in the Music School, and always enjoy beating The Mitre (because

Something that really sets us apart from other houses (aside from having two Heads of House) is our Field House humour.

In OR Roald Dahl’s words, “A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest of men”, and though we may strive to achieve, we also have a lot of fun along the way, as exemplified when the seniors utterly baffled Carol the cleaner with their “renovation” of the top common room.

We will miss the top common room chats, our amazing matron Carol, our Sunday roast, PJG and Mrs G and, above all, the girls. It will definitely be hard to say goodbye.

CAITLAND LOMAS (U6F) & KATIE GUEST (U6F) Heads of House & Head Prefect

The Garden I have enjoyed every minute of my five years in The Garden, despite all the extra responsibilities of being Head of House.

Garden girls portray excellence in each and every aspect of school life, from winning Senior House Netball to taking home the trophy for Barnes Squad Drill, demonstrating both the outstanding discipline of the A-Block and leadership of the L6 NCOs. Such achievements are, in my opinion, down to the house spirit shown by all participants and supporters in every event.

This is spearheaded by JPM, whose neverending enthusiasm and support always manages to motivate the whole house. After seven great years, she is sadly leaving us, so I’d like to say a massive thank you on behalf of Garden girls past and present for her

endless encouragement that has supported us through our daily life at Repton. There have been so many memorable moments this year, but the highlight for me was the U6 Dinner. For this, the whole year group worked in harmony to pull off a very successful event, epitomising the Garden ethos of ‘work hard, play hard’. Whilst it will be sad when we all leave Repton, I am confident that the friendships we have had the opportunity to form will last a lifetime.

It has been a privilege to meet and spend so much time with such amazing people, and I wish all leavers, pupils and staff, the best of luck as we go our separate ways.

CAMILLA CHANTLER (U6G) Head of House

Latham House Latham has, once again, excelled throughout school life this year: we, justly, came joint first with The Priory in Senior Steeplechase; we won the Boys’ Highly Commended in the always-competitive House Unison as well as sweeping the floor academically, with Alex Urwin and Jacques Taylor securing places at Oxford and Cambridge, respectively. However, the ultimate highlight has to be winning House Harmony for the third year in a row! This achievement was down to the leadership of Jamie Clarke, accompanied by the imaginative flair of Joel Holmes.

An essential part of Repton life is to develop your natural passion for the subject that you enjoy most and I believe that, with hard work and having the benefit of the constant support that Latham provides to its boys, your individual aspirations become achievable.

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it’s amusing to watch the matriarchal showdown between Mrs G and AFP!).

Latham harbours many talented young men, from elite sportsmen to high-flying academics, but what we all have in common is our enduring love for the House and, of course, the Sunday lunch pudding table, courtesy of our legendary chef, Lee. Thanks have to go to SOM and Mrs Merlin, who have provided support to me and the prefect body, as well as successfully leading the House for two years. I also want to thank JELD and Mrs Dahl, who ran Latham for my first three years, and the most loving, kind and funny Matron in Repton. Finally, thanks to all the Latham boys, who have made my time as Head of House so incredibly gratifying.

HARRY MEAD (U6L) Head of House

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Repton Round House Reports

The Reptonian 2014/2015

The Mitre My time in The Mitre has been filled with so many unforgettable memories, it would be impossible to mention them all. We have gone from beating the Latham boys at volleyball in the garden to achieving great success in coming 2nd in House Sudoku.

None of this could have happened without AFP’s (‘Pazza’ as she is known to us) amazing ability to always make the House such a happy and lively home for us all.

Nothing compares to her inspirational speeches she insists on giving before every single house event!

We have embraced our house spirit, which, it is fair to say, has been the source of our many successes. It is hard to pinpoint our

The Priory proudest moment this year as we have won so much, but the Highly Commended Girls’ House in Unison is my highlight, because we all worked together to achieve – which is especially impressive as music has never been our strong point.

Thinking back five years, to when I joined The Priory, what struck me most was the unique house spirit shown by every member of the House, and I believe that this unrivalled sense of community continues to set us apart to this day.

I would like to thank the U6 for making my time at Repton so memorable. Without you all, the experience would definitely not have been as enjoyable. I will miss just sitting in the common room with everyone, eating biscuits and gossiping about the day, along with every other aspect of the house.

As in many previous years, The Priory has been the house to beat on the various sports fields, with victories in Senior House Hockey, Senior Indoor House Football and Steeplechase, as well as coming runnersup in both the Senior and Junior House Football and Senior Basketball.

EMILY GERARD-PEARSE (U6M)

The new L6 and B-block have been great additions, throwing themselves fully into house life as though they had been here for years. Unison once again brought the House together, providing its usual entertainment, and this year’s Harmony was described by

Head of House

New House It has been a brilliant five years in New House: individually and collectively, the boys’ spirit has translated into multiple successes, from victory in House Unison to triumphs on the sports fields. In particular, the consistent annual performance in the Steeplechase has exemplified the togetherness of the House under the leadership of WGO and the Juniors’ victory this year shows that there will be more of the same in the future.

The effort that New House boys put into everyday life is something to be proud of and, if this year’s B-Block is anything to go by, with many of them already nearing the attainment of their house ties, the years of success should continue to flow.

SABT as ‘the best Priory performance in 20 years’, showing that our talents lie both on and off the pitch.

There is never a dull moment in The Priory, and a number of aspects will be sorely missed, particularly the highly-competitive games of garden football and the various common room shenanigans. I would like to say a huge thank you to NFP and Mrs Pitts for all of the support and dedication they put in to make The Priory what it is; and to Matron, whose efforts do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. I wish all of the boys the best for their future at Repton, and urge that they take all of the opportunities that come their way.

BEN CLAGUE (U6P) Head of House

School House Many will agree that the introduction of the intra-house pool and yard football competitions sets the House apart from others and gives a great sense of camaraderie amongst all of the members of the House. For these reasons, it will be sad to leave the ‘New House Massive’, but I will be proud to call myself an Old New Housian.

I would like to thank WGO, Matron and the tutors on behalf of New House for their support over the years; it will be sad to see both WGO and Matron leave the House this year, but I know that under the stewardship of JDW the House will continue to thrive.

ALEX NEEDHAM (U6N) Head of House and Head Prefect

It’s been a privilege to be in School House these last three years and, even though I’m always reminded that I’m still ‘new’, I feel just as much part of the House as the U6 that have been here since the start. It’s a testament to the House just how well new boys settle in, and proves how tight-knit the School House lads are, throughout the year groups. Winning events like the Football Sixes, Junior Hockey, General Knowledge, Barnes Squad, as well as earning the prestigious Highly Commended award for the House Harmony, goes some way to showing how much we, collectively, have used School House to make the best of our talents.

School House boys love to entertain… The House Unisons this year must have been of a much higher quality than previous years, as even the efforts of 70-odd cross-dressing

boys singing The Sound of Music wasn’t enough to warrant a prize on the night.

Nonetheless, it has earned its place as one of the most memorable moments of my (and many others’) time at Repton.

Even when times got a little tougher, under the instrumental guidance of THN, Mrs Naylor, Chez, and all the School House tutors, we got our heads down and got on with things. The Yard, the Old Trent and chocolate spread at breaktimes will be sorely missed, along with the people, but all our departing U6 will feel proud to have been a part of it. After all – we are the School House in the black and the white! #BleedIt

ALEC DAVIES (U6S) Head of House

The Orchard The Orchard has been the warmest homefrom-home that I could have asked for.

The passion to wear the red and white shirt has led to numerous victories in house competitions, most notably dominating the swimming, while the grit of Orchardians was also seen in our victories in the Russell Cup – Physical and Overall.

The love of the yard in Orchard is unparalleled: it is used all year round for football, basketball and, of course, the eagerly-anticipated yard cricket in the summer. This has led to the creation of yard shirts and even a yard crest and motto – ‘nos amare ludum’ (We love the game). It is a great place for any of the boys to have a bit of fun, and it is one of the aspects of the house that

I’ll miss the most, along with Tuesday night pizzas and the amiable group of lads with whom I’ve shared my time in Orchard.

Our successful, hospitable house would be nothing if it weren’t for the tutors, Matron and of course AJS and Mrs Smith. I’m sure all of the boys would agree with me in saying that AJS’ devotion to the house inspires us to compete and try our best in every field, and I’d like, on behalf us all, to thank him for his time in the House, and wish him the best of luck in his new position. Good luck to everyone in the future!

ANDREW OXBURGH (U6O) Head of House

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Artwork by Olivia Omilana (U6M)

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Repton Round Academic Societies

The Ramsey Society The papers delivered by the 201415 Ramsey group were probably the most cerebral of recent years, and it was almost certainly no coincidence that they were also among the most stimulating and challenging.

Jess Czink (U6A) started the season off with very current foci: an exposition of Nick Bostrom’s simulation triad, proceeding to consider Cartesian analyses of epistemology and the limitations on human intelligence.

Henry Staley (U6O) asked us to make inroads into the definition of Art, shrewdly recognising that the object of such a question is more often than not to formulate the questions one uses to inform discussion, rather than to arrive at any procrustean conclusions.

It is not easy to imagine how much more central to this generation’s future Alex Urwin’s (U6L) paper could have been: he examined the sacred cow that is Capitalism, bringing strong light to bear on some of its more recent fruit, and the deregulated path on which some regard it to be inexorably set. Is it possible, however unpalatable, that the pursuit of wealth is taking us further and further away from the happiness we assume is bound up within it?

It perhaps came as no surprise that a cohort with so many medics in its ranks – and so many with their fingers on the pulse of the state of the nation – should dwell on the challenges facing the NHS. Alistair Robson (U6L) cut to the very core of the topic, forcing us to grasp the nettle of who should fund it. He ran the rule over financial issues pertaining to smoking- and alcohol-related diseases, premature births, IVF, palliative care in terminally-ill patients, and the fall-out from the PIP scandal. Deepak Devikanand (U6P) took up this baton and focused specifically on the medical – and pensionrelated - costs to be incurred from our ageing population, and then moved on to analyses of our perception of age itself.

Two papers following in quick succession in Michaelmas cut to the very core of what it is to be human: in an essay that ranged seamlessly over the slave trade, Marx, Hobbes, Kant, Catholic theology, Nietzsche and the parenting techniques

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

of the spoonbill duck, Ankit Rai (U6P) asked whether there is anything essential to human nature beyond Darwinian instincts.

Andrew Oxburgh (U6O) held his nerve and made us peer even deeper into the unbearability of this particular abyss, using Malcolm Gladwell’s 10,000-hours thesis as a stimulus to open up a coruscating discussion on determinism and free will.

Matt Storer (U6P) ausus est sapere and cast a spotlight onto social, moral and political liberty, working from the germ of Isaiah Berlin’s seminal 1958 essay through Mill’s totemic work on the subject, Sartre’s existentialism and Durkheim’s sociological research into the causes of suicide. Matt showed how illuminating Berlin’s Concepts of Positive and Negative Liberty can be when considering, for example, the questions of rights at play in a discussion of freedom of speech; he asked us to posit the view that, in certain contexts, words might be more harmful than actions. Is it possible, furthermore, to have too much freedom, especially in an increasingly agnostic society?

Completing this examination of life, Emily Gerard-Pearse (U6M) used examples of prima facie intelligence and emotional attachments amongst animals to develop an understanding of conscious intellectual capacity. What do the compassion, sense of shame and use of language exhibited by primates tell us about our own (self)awareness? In light of this understanding, should we recalibrate our view of animals, and, in particular, the rights we should grant them?

Appropriately enough, the year’s papers were brought to a close by Will Ackernley’s (U6C) seminar on Time: backed up by superb research, he managed to guide us through some counter-intuitive perspectives in what was arguably the most academic and cerebral paper of the year. Is a concept of time meaningful without change? Is time real at all, or merely a human construct? Is the future any less real than the past? What is the significance of our evolving definition of a second? Will’s success in guiding nonscientists through the Theory of Special Relativity, to the point where all could contribute profitably to the discussion, was not the least of the year’s achievements!

The Economics Society This academic year, the Economics Society ran four events exploring different aspects of economics.

In the autumn, we had a great opportunity to visit Cott Beverages in Kegworth. Cott is one of the world’s largest producers of beverages and the Kegworth factory is the home to Cott’s UK business unit headquarters. We were inspired by the efficient management of this capital-intensive firm.

Inside school, Hanyi Wang (U6M) led a session on Game Theory with an interactive experiment called Ultimatum Bargaining, which gave an idea to all the participants of the different interpretations of being rational and how factors other than monetary interest can affect one’s decision-making.

In relation to our studies of government spending, Tom Williamson (U6N) staged a small debate on the topic of HS2 and whether it should be constructed or not. Both sides provided some excellent arguments in a quite heated debate.

Finally, we were fortunate enough to have a talk from the Groceries Code Adjudicator, Mrs Christine Tacon CBE, which tied in with our work on regulation. She provided a very interesting insight into her work regulating supermarkets such as Tesco’s and Sainsbury’s.

TOM WILLIAMSON (U6N) & HANYI WANG (U6M) Society Secretaries

The B-, A- and O-Block Temple Societies have had another year of interesting debate, stimulated by papers presented by Society members.

All those who’ve ‘performed’ in this way have succeeded in retaining the interest and adding to the knowledge of their respective audiences.

Mimi Tarrant’s (5M) learned discourse on Nature v Nurture was anchored on compelling footage of feral children, whilst Matt Clark’s and Brad Sharratt’s (both 5N) disquisition on sports scandals ranged entertainingly from traces of drugs in the Queen’s horse Estimate to the bite-marks of Luis Suarez. Quizzes proved as popular as ever and Finn Redfern (4L) emerged triumphant in the one expertly compiled by Maddi Lea and Rebecca Nelson (both 4M), whilst Finn himself delivered a thoughtprovoking introduction to existentialism, which should ensure that fewer members of A-Block remain strangers to L’Étranger.

Social convention informing public

discourse intrigued both Matt Jankinson and guest speaker Tom Berry (both 4L), in provocatively probing the concept of Political Correctness, whilst Lucas Pringle (3P) incisively analysed the place of rhetoric in the modern world with apposite examples drawn from contemporary politics and advertising. Psychology underpinned both Marcus Tarrant’s (3S) exploration of prejudice and discrimination and Rika Canaway’s (3G) Sherlock-inspired exposition of mind palaces, which those present then proceeded to test. Literally out of this world were Amelia Wigglesworth and Georgia Armour’s (both 3G) investigation of the paranormal, through the medium (pun very much intended) of Sarah Winchester and the Winchester Mystery House.

As a result of all the above, a number of facts have become lodged in my mind,

Artwork by Chloe Irlam (U6G)

including the number of Armani clothing sub-brands (four, if you’re interested) but more importantly the overwhelming impression I am left with is one of the intellectual curiosity and vitality of the Lower School.

JP Master i/c

The Law Society In its third year of existence, the Law Society has followed the proven format of previous years in combining talks delivered by ORs and by current members of the Sixth Form, although I initiated proceedings with a paper entitled ‘Where There’s a Hit there’s a Writ’ on Music Copyright, which explored some of the more famous cases of alleged infringement and some peculiarities (such as the fact that in ‘The 12 Days of Christmas’, the ‘Five gold rings’ flourish is under copyright, but the rest isn’t).

It was a delight to welcome Catherine French (ex-A) and Emma Hammond (ex-A) back to Repton. From Emma’s position as Associate Solicitor at Pharos Legal Limited and Catherine’s as Director and Head of the Patent and Trade Mark Department at Sacco Mann Legal and IP Recruitment, they were able to look back over their training and careers to date to provide invaluable advice to those contemplating a career in the law, dispelling many myths along the way. Anna Andreeva (U6F), Georgia Bridgen (L6G), Hannah Ewins (U6G), Charly Keen (U6M), Vicki Rogers (U6G), Aoife Murphy (U6M) and Maxim Hibbs (L6S) took the opportunity to continue the discussion more informally over dinner.

Other highlights included papers by Vicki Rogers, Anna Andreeva, Matt Storer (U6P) and Tom Croghan (L6C). Vicki asked the question whether current UK law on assisted suicide strikes the correct balance between respect for life and the alleviation of suffering – an important question, which she rendered more telling by consideration of the cases of Daniel James and Tony Nicklinson. Anna used Yearworth v North Bristol NHS Trust (2009) and Tracey v Cambridge University Hospital (2014) to examine the legal and ethical issues surrounding the question to which one can be said to own one’s own body, whilst Matt asked to what extent, if any, the present generation can owe an obligation to future generations (never more topical given environmental concerns), and Tom used his knowledge of John Rawls to quiz his audience on their understanding of Justice. An equally eclectic mix is anticipated next year.

What distinguished this year’s Society was not just the intellectual acuity and agility that so edified their papers and the discussions these generated; through all the meetings ran a seam of profound and rigorously academic engagement in the material under examination, but also a deeply-felt humanity. These qualities were ennobling of the Society’s members, but also greatly heartening for those privileged enough to spend so many enriching and delightful evenings in their company.

CSD Master i/c

The Temple Society

Artwork by Charles Hilton (5S)

JP Master i/c

Artwork by Fergus Polglase (U6L)

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Repton Round Academic Societies

The Reptonian 2014/2015

The Debating Society

The Medical Society

In a year that has seen a nationwide debate from our senior politicians, I cannot help but think that I may have witnessed the next generation of inspiring speakers – Westminster should take note!

This year, Repton’s Debating Society has entered more competitions, established more speakers and won more fixtures than ever before: the society continues to grow at a staggering rate and, over the course of the year, over 100 people have spoken at a variety of events.

The year kicked off in fine style with the introduction of House Debating into the calendar. Each House entered two teams of any age; they competed in three qualifying rounds before the top four teams competed in the final in the Lent Term. Field (Sammy Allsop and Manon Allen), Abbey (Laura Bramall and Amelia Stewart), Orchard (Daniel Hudson and James Martin) and School (Maxim Hibbs and Charlie Wilbraham) competed in the Final, discussing the motion ‘This House would Abolish the Monarchy’. It was a hotly-contested motion, but Field were deservedly given 1st place, with Sammy taking home the award for Best Speaker.

Laura and Amelia are arguably our mostimproved speakers of the year; they competed in the English Speakers’ Union and progressed through two qualifying rounds (making them eligible to attend England trials!) before narrowly losing out in the Regional Finals. This bodes very well for next year as they look to go one step further!

We were less successful in the Oxford and Cambridge competitions, despite some excellent performances. Led by our Society Presidents, Sammy and Maxim, they qualified for the Regional Finals of the Cambridge competition, only to see victory snatched from them at the last moment.

Next year, the aim is definitely to qualify for the Finals Day. Manon Allen (5F), Mimi Tarrant (5M) and Liza Hartley (L6F) (along with Laura and Amelia) also competed in the early stages of this competition, but again, we are just one year away from competing with the very best.

Liza showed her potential by being awarded the Best Speaker (out of 16) in the opening round of the Debating Matters competition, which was a huge honour, especially as it was her first competition.

Despite being labelled by the judges as ‘scary’, she clearly impressed with her eloquence and passion.

The year culminated with the highlight of the Debating Calendar with our (now annual) trip to Durham. We entered three teams this year, but could not retain our Novice Trophy due to the fact that none of our speakers are now Novices! That said, the improvement in a year is something to take great pride in. Last year, we finished 82nd, 97th and 113th out of 137 teams.

This year saw us climb significantly higher with final places of 40th, 52nd and 81st.

With all of our students eligible for next year, we are very positive that, with another year of practice, we can make the break.

While only a few members have competed for the school, it is about the rest of the Society, who speak every week. The support they provide and the experience they have gained will put them in a strong position to represent the school next year.

As a final note, I would like to thank SRT for everything he has done for the Society.

We wish him well in his new job and he can leave knowing that he has made a significant contribution to the everimproving society.

NC Master i/c

MedSoc this year kicked off to a fantastic start, with 50 prospective medics from O-Block arriving for the first talk of the year.

Artwork by Tara Polglase (U6M)

The Senior Literature Society This year has been an impressive one for the Senior Literary Society, filled with both external and internal events.

We started the year with a focus on Gillian Flynn’s novel, Gone Girl. The books had been distributed and read over the summer holiday, so that upon our return to school, we could discuss it as a group, and watch the film adaptation in the Science Priory’s lecture theatre. Of course, there have also been various trips to see plays throughout the year, with one still to come, the multiple-award-winning The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime, which promises to be a good show!

JDW was keen to ensure that everyone’s needs were met, and at an exciting launch party, complete with Domino’s pizza, members of the Society were given the opportunity to discuss what they would like to see on the programme for the year ahead.

The Secretaries ended the year by judging a local Repton children’s talent show: definitely an interesting experience, and a link that, hopefully, the Society can continue to develop over the coming years. It has been a busy year, with a diverse range of events; we look forward to see what they will do next year!

Dr James Hopkisson, Consultant Gynaecologist at Queen’s Medical Centre, and Clinical Director of Nurture Fertility, provided a fascinating and thought-provoking talk on IVF; its science, its principles and ethical complications. This proved to be one of the highlights of the year, as pupils were able to gain insight into an exciting area of modern medicine. Further highlights of the year include Dr Sophie Hunt’s talk on life as an early GP, progression through medical school, and potential probing and bizarre questions one could be asked at interview. Questions such as ‘Why is a baby better suited to surviving an earthquake?’ and ‘Why do we have two ears instead of one?’ encouraged us to think logically, as required by the typical medical interview. This experience held many aspiring medics in far better stead for their applications later in the year.

MedSoc has also ventured outside Repton on trips to the National Facial Oral Research Centre and the Hunterian Museum in London.

At the NFORC we were lucky enough to listen to many exciting talks about ground-breaking facial surgery techniques; some unbelievably complex. One such talk was by a French surgeon, Professor Bernard Devauchelle, the leader of a team of surgeons who carried out the world’s first facial transplant from a brain-dead donor. Another talk was from an African man who had been shot in the jaw, resulting in it becoming completely disfigured and, in fact, needing to be replaced. He talked to us about the physical and emotional struggles he went through during his operation – a very thoughtprovoking experience.

Near the end of the Lent Term, a group of 10 went to London for the annual Hunterian Surgical Museum visit, an equally stimulating outing. We were first shown a video of an abdominal surgery, where they explained the function of each instrument and each procedure.

We then looked around the museum, seeing an array of weird and wonderful sights, including an 8-foot giant’s skeleton, a 3-month old foetus, a complete set of human nerves and many other exciting specimens. After this, we were taught how to suture by current medical students and also how to tie surgical knots – a valuable insight into the manual dexterity required by surgeons.

We can safely say that Medsoc this year has been both exciting and inspirational, furthering many pupils’ desire to study Medicine at university. We would like to wish the best of luck in their future careers to all those in the U6 who are embarking on medical degrees and hope that their experience of MedSoc at Repton has been stimulating and enjoyable.

OLIVIA HOPKISSON (U6A), ANKIT RAI (U6P) & FREYA HARCUS (U6A) Society Co-Secretaries

The Modern Foreign Languages Society This year, the MFL society has been highly engaging. With the arrival of the new French assistante, Marie Perrière, there has been a variety of extra activities for the linguists. The introduction of French debating after prep was a success, tackling problems ranging from the use of Facebook, to life in the Parisian banlieues.

The U6 Francophiles also enjoyed a lovely meal in Le Bistro Pierre, which, despite being in Derby, served brilliant French food.

The annual Christmas party was entertaining as ever, the Lower School students singing ‘Stille Nacht’ and ‘Los 12 Días de Navidad’ and enjoying a variety of foreign delicacies.

Furthermore, Spanish students across the whole school were treated to a high energy performance of Robinson Crusoe

by Firewalk Theatre, an award-winning international theatre company, based in Zaragoza, Spain. Performed completely in Spanish, the version of Daniel Defoe’s classic explored man’s co-existence with others and the necessity to solve problems with others rather than tackling them alone. Their interactivity with the pupils was extremely entertaining and the drama was similarly impressive. It was certainly a unique opportunity for everyone and was unanimously enjoyed.

ELLIOTT BOCK (U6N) Society Co-Secretary

The Classical Society The Classical Society has enjoyed another successful year, with interesting talks on many aspects of the Ancient World. Talks on Cisalpine Gaul, by Beltran Garcia-Hinojal (4P), and ancient Arabia, by Jacques Taylor (U6L), particularly stand out, as well as the traditional annual quiz complete with now customary, and ever more impressive, homemade togas. It was also great to see so many younger faces, with many in the lower years now engaged, and there is no doubt that the society will continue to go from strength to strength.

Indeed, the sky may be the limit if we can get a permanent transfer to the Audit Room. Thanks must go to RGE, for again giving up his time to run the Society, to all those who turned out to meetings (your sacrifice of quality television was appreciated), and to all who contributed talks, which were invariably engaging and interesting.

To anyone reading this with any interest, the Classical Society is well worth a try.

MATT STORER (U6P) Society Secretary

LYDIA FITZSIMONS (U6F) Artwork by Isobel Emmett (5M)

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Repton Round Editor

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Repton Round Academic Societies DofE

The Marriott Society We were given an insight into her daily life and the strains that working in Parliament and being open to her constituents places on her and her husband. She also talked about her pre-parliamentary career, sitting on the local council, which her husband has followed her into doing. We are extremely grateful to Mrs Wheeler, who regularly takes time out of her schedule to support Politics at Repton. She also helped to organise a L6 visit to Parliament, which gave them a great insight into the day-to-day work of MPs and the surroundings in which they operate.

In the Lent Term, we had two talks, the first from His Excellency Matthew Johnson, the UK’s Permanent Representative on the Council of Europe. Those who had drinks beforehand gained the chance to hear about his life at the Foreign Office and his experiences during his 25-year career. He talked about his work in No.10, Downing Street, when he was Private Secretary to the Head of Policy during New Labour’s first term (1997-2001). He explained the roles of various internal bodies and how they engaged with Whitehall departments, Parliament, the Labour Party and the media.

The Reptonian 2014/2015

On a dark Michaelmas evening, we were treated to a talk by South Derbyshire’s outspoken MP, Heather Wheeler, whom, if you were lucky to have dinner with her beforehand, was as entertaining as previous years, responding with witty and interesting comments to all questions aimed at her, including stories about her time in the Houses of Parliament and the intricacies that exist within that sector and her manner of work.

The talk covered the traditional roles of governments, the supporting structures of No.10 and the particular objectives of the New Labour Government, underpinned by the “Third Way” philosophy and the changes to No.10 structures this required. We heard about the occasional tensions between the actions of a party seeking re-election, and the role of the polling and some of the responsibilities of government. We also learnt about the role played by manifestos in driving subsequent government activity.

The second talk was by Sir Nicholas Barrington (OR), a successful Ambassador to many Middle Eastern countries during Margaret Thatcher’s time in office. We learned a great deal about the growth of Islamic State, the changing nature of the Foreign Office and also his objectives during the Iran and Tehran crises. Those of us who joined him for dinner at The Hall learnt that he was an avid ancient historian with a passion for Persian and Arabic history: he gave us many anecdotes and stories of his time abroad, which enlightened all who were present of the dangers and plentiful awards of diplomatic relations.

At the time of writing, the General Election is just two weeks away and we are gearing up for a Mock Election of our own, involving pupils as candidates representing all of the main five parties who stand in the South Derbyshire constituency (Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, UKIP and the Green Party). The campaigning has started, the parties competing to win each of the 11 constituencies up for grabs – the 10 Houses and the Common Room. Polling reveals that it is going to be almost as close as the real thing!

Thank you to ARC and AFP, who were everpresent at the talks, encouraging us to take an interest in politics outside the classroom, which isn’t always possible at our level and is certainly an aspect of school life that can be increased nationwide; we are grateful for the experiences that are afforded us.

JAMES JOHNSON (U6O) Society Co-Secretary

Artwork by Will Edwards (5P)

The Repton Mock Election Repton was hooked with its own election fever in May. All of the main parties had teams of pupils campaigning on their behalf and putting up posters, culminating in a fantastic debate in Pears School, the leaders and deputies for each party battling it out, answering questions on immigration, the economy, education and what the parties would do to help young people.

Almost 200 Reptonians watched the debate, hoping for help in deciding how to vote the next day. The election was eagerly contested and, as with the election for the Westminster

Parliament, produced an unexpected result: a hung parliament. The Conservative Party won four seats (i.e. a majority from four boarding houses), with UKIP gaining three and the Green Party, Labour and Monster Raving Loony Party all picking up a seat each.

The whole campaign was great fun for those involved and all did a fantastic job of making Reptonians think more about politics and the effect it has on their lives.

ARC Head of Politics

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD SCHEME Numbers do not tell the whole story, of course, but the statistics underpinning the 2013-14 DofE season were, in themselves, striking.

There were no fewer than eight Gold Expedition teams, twice the average, and 15 participants completed their Gold Award, a figure at least as impressive as any in previous years. At Silver, 31 participants gained the Award, equalling the previous record. Structures have been put in place to support participants in this endeavour, but what most edified this year’s cohort was not the bald fact of their final achievements, but the class and quality that characterised their engagement. One might have expected such an unprecedentedly massive Gold contingent to have one or two passengers amongst their ranks, but, without question, this year’s vintage were the most technically accomplished hill-walkers, and just as uniformly delightful company as any we have had through the Award in the past six years.

The Gold Practice gave a chance for the teams to show their mettle; they ate up the miles for a couple of gloriously sunny days – not least the achingly wonderful Group 6, route-marched across the Pennine massifs

by Nat Mansfield and Kamma Hvass, hard task-masters indeed. Then, however, high winds forced all the groups to dig deep into wells of character and, in some cases, something not terribly short of physical courage. The morning I spent tracking groups on the western Kinder plateau will not fade from the memory any time soon.

After this, the Assessed might have been viewed as almost too easy: the weather was too clement, the groups were too well-prepared for the conditions, not least the black terror that is the Yorkshire midge, and the routes, for once without the compromising factors of rain or heatwaves, were not sufficient to induce the sort of pain through which generates the Calvinist virtue and reward some of us crave. A couple of groups, indeed – they shall remain nameless to spare their blushes – despite covering in excess of 22km each day, had to slow down to make sure that their days were long enough.

Group 8, the Latham and Priory Brains Trust, were perhaps the most classically orthodox expedition team of the modern era, beasting themselves over the Howgill Fells on the first morning to open up a full afternoon of sun-bathing and shimmering badinage

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about the works of J.K. Galbraith. Among the most successful groupings each year are mixed groups, and Group 4, a Mitre-FieldNew super-group, stood out for their ability to work together as a team, taking every challenge in their stride, and having the selfpossession to appreciate the beauty of the Dales, and the opportunity to be out in the fresh air among such excellent company.

In the final analysis, though, the most significant achievements, arguably, were those of groups who, by their own admission, had started the year slightly tentatively, and yet pushed themselves well out of anything resembling a comfort-zone, and into places, topographical and personal, they would never normally experience. Not everyone relishes the prospect of walking for 10 hours a day for four straight days, carrying a three-stone pack across 700m peaks, periodically sinking waist-deep in blanket bog, eating boil-in-the-bag rice every night, and having to struggle 500 metres through nettles, while being eaten alive by Culicoides impunctati, just to get water from a spigot for breakfast. Oh yes, some people really are that picky about how they spend their leisure time. For that reason, my hat goes off to those who did not always know whether they would complete the Expedition, who could not always see through the pain and cold to enjoy the scenery, who suffered blisters the possibility of whose size they had not previously entertained. Very impressive, and a true “journey” if ever there were one.

They know who they are.

Owing to the vision and imagination of MKC, the Silver Expeditions have been moulded into a much slicker operation, and it has been a great pleasure to see so many Reptonians being introduced to camping, trekking and enjoyment of the outdoors in safety, while being able to extend and challenge themselves in terrain and conditions entirely unfamiliar to them. And how they have embraced this experience!

The October Training Weekend, always an eye-opener for many, saw the most vicious weather to be inflicted upon Silver teams since the infamous ice-storm of 2012.

And yet. And yet… despite waking up to a monsoon, striking tents in a downpour – perhaps the very task for which the term

“character-building” was coined – and walking for six hours through curtains of rain without respite, the fervour with which the team proceeded to plan for the Assessed immediately thereafter was a joy to behold.

By the time the Assessed came around, after a long GCSE term, these teams were welloiled units, who palpably impressed their assessors, and made their supervisors lives very easy indeed.

The DofE Award, of course, comprises more than just Expeditions – participants complete between three and 18 months of activity in each of Skill, Physical and Volunteering Sections. Under ECJM’s leadership, Reptonians have been baking cakes and running coffee afternoons for members of the community in the village, and others have formed a “bob-a-job” team to earn funds for Dreamlands School in Ghana.

The Award has never been stronger at Repton, and it is a genuine privilege to work with such charming and enthusiastic young men and women.

CSD Master i/c

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Repton Round CCF

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Summer Field Day 0800Hrs and 97 Army cadets paraded on the Tanyard with bergans packed, ready to deploy to Beckingham Defence Training Area. Orders had been given for a four-phase operation:

CCF

Phase One – Treat and evacuate injured cadets in the area of Highfield House; Phase Two – Patrol area Charlie and report back any hostile movement; Phase Three – Clear the patrol alley in Four Acre Wood of any hostiles, using the highly accurate paintball guns; Phase Four – With the use of local surroundings, use survival techniques, start fires and make hot drinks for the casualties.

The employment of ten O-Block Cadre Group leading/navigating the A-Block sections around the area and assisting in the four phases worked extremely well (in addition, managing to stay out of the way of the Special Forces that were also on the training area!).

Army Section For most of the A-Block, CCF often seems like a daunting prospect when joining for the first time.

But, over time, everyone seems to appreciate the benefits that are provided by the CCF activities. Towards the start of the year, there is a weekly rotation of weapons training, shooting, climbing, drill, navigation, first aid and pool task in houses.

This is all with the aim of achieving well at the Barnes Squad house competition in the Lent Term for the A-Block. When this goal becomes clear, the sense of cohesion and camaraderie becomes much more apparent. During the competition, they

take part in each activity and are marked by the various teachers from CCF. This year’s guest was Colonel Paul Holder from the Royal Logistics Corps, awarding the prizes to the houses who did the best in drill, shooting and the overall winner – which this year was School House. If you are one of the winners, the last few weeks of training have paid-off, providing the whole house with a sense of achievement (and a nice trophy!).

CCF also holds a Sixth Form house competition, the Russell Cup.

This comprises a Physical and Skills team from each house, each made up of six people. This is less cadet-orientated and is open to any member of the Sixth Form.

With activities ranging from the obstacle course to shooting and command tasks to climbing, it again allows for a wide variety of experiences.

As you grow older, you gain more responsibility, particularly in the Sixth Form.

This gives you the opportunity, possibly not provided elsewhere, to develop leadership qualities. It also gives you the chance to really get to know the A-Block, preventing the unnecessary impassable walls between the year-groups! The NCOs (NonCommissioned Officers) either go round with the houses each week or help the respective teacher on their stand.

Whether or not you are part of the CCF, Major Wadsworth, Sergeant Lees and the other teachers involved provide a service to the entire school. CCF sustains the strong house identity within the school, but also a range of new experiences that are necessary for personal development, but also welcome for enjoyment.

Five L6 NCOs worked extremely hard on Phase Three, guiding all A-Block cadets safely through the patrol lane. Thirty-two rotations in all resulted in some very sore feet, but an enjoyable time was had by all.

Rations had been issued for the day and the newly-designed rations went down a treat, all cadets cooking their own meals at both lunch and in the evening. During the evening meal it was obvious what great times all the cadets had had: stories of the variety of activities and all they had achieved could be heard whilst tucking into their rations. A final parade was taken and all O-Block cadets in attendance were promoted to the rank of Lance-Corporal and those current Lance-Corporals from L6 were promoted to Full Corporal (Promotion in the Field).

The cadets now concentrate on training for the week-long summer camp at Longmoor at the end of the Summer Term.

MAJ J C WADSWORTH

Up, Up and Away! ... The RAF Section This year the Repton RAF Section has seen some exciting field weekends, Wednesday activities and, of course, there have been many opportunities to take to the air and fly!

Being a part of the RAF provides you with invaluable leadership skills, whether this be teaching the A-Block cadets about different types of aircraft and military rankings, commanding drill or being in control of command tasks on field weekends. On our first field weekend at RAF Wittering, there was a multitude of activities in which to take part – Go-Karting proving most popular! The night-time mission never fails to be entertaining, and our visit to the military animal centre was an undoubted highlight, with the opportunity to handle trained police dogs and watch their defence and “sniffer” skills. Our most recent summer term field weekend gave A-Block the chance to be leaders in navigation and first aid, in addition to our exploration of RAF Cosford Air Museum, which displayed a plethora of historic aircraft, missiles and motor vehicles used in warfare.

The positive development in confidence and leadership in RAF is seen by successful progression from Cadet to Cadre to Junior NCO and to Senior NCO. Congratulations to Callum Smith (L60) and Harry Lownds (U6L) who both passed their Method of Instruction and Instructor Cadet courses. This is just one way of gaining an extra qualification in the RAF – in the past people have obtained Gliding Scholarships, and there are several leadership courses which can be taken at Cranwell. The enthusiasm of all cadets this year has been second-to-none, and everyone has embraced what the RAF Section has to offer with true spirit.

The agenda at RAF Summer Camp, aside from drill, shooting, go-karting, coasteering, adventuring, surfing, swimming and even a trip to the Eden Project, involves unrivalled fun in the Cornish sunshine. We await this year’s camp at RAF St Mawgan with great anticipation (and considerably less fear than our army counterparts will for their equivalent…).

Last, but certainly not least, it is unanimously agreed that the most thrilling aspect of RAF is the opportunity to fly! Under the guidance of experienced pilots at RAF Cranwell, the chance for take-off in a Tutor plane is one not to be missed. Unlike any other ordinary flight, we are able to take an active role in the flying process, as the pilots show us how to use the controls, and will even perform as many aerobatics as you dare! This year we have been rather unfortunate with weather conditions on occasion; however, in the end many cadets were able to fly, and at the time of writing there is a final opportunity of the year to do so coming soon!

It is often remarked that the Air Experience Flying (AEF) inspires many cadets to become pilots, and when you have experienced the thrill of loop-the-loops and G-force, it is easy to see why!

ROCHELLE BLAKEMAN (L6G) Junior NCO

Officer Commanding, Repton CCF

MARY HUNTER (L6G)

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Repton Round Trips

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Repton Goes Stateside

The A2 Biology Field Trip Michaelmas half term saw the return of the hugely popular biennial History and Politics trip: destination USA. This year, 22 students from across the Sixth Form crossed the Atlantic for a whistle-stop tour of two of the world’s most famous cosmopolitan locations.

It was a journey that began in D.C. with a trip to the National Mall (where the absence of shops came as something of a shock to the more enthusiastic spenders amongst the group). It was off the plane and onto the walking tour, taking in the poignant memorials to Lincoln, King and Vietnam; an activity that was followed later in the week by an equally sobering visit to Arlington cemetery and its Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The following day took the group to the centre of America’s politically significant congressional and judiciary buildings, after which, the drive to NYC began.

The Big Apple, with its iconic street vendors, famous diners and flagship Nike Town was a greatly anticipated section of the trip. In the two days spent in the city, a sightseeing tour took the group from Ellis Island to the top of Rock with a night in Times Square and a morning on Wall Street in between. America doesn’t do half-measures and its most famous city didn’t disappoint; Fifth Avenue was expensive, the night-time skyline from the Empire State Building was incredible, Ground Zero was humbling.

America was everything we had expected, and so much more.

Thanks must of course go to NFP, AFP and NG, who led the trip.

The countdown to Michaelmas 2016 begins!

ALEX URWIN (U6L)

Artwork by Isobelle Hulme (U6G)

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17.00 on Thursday 16th October saw the A2 Biology students and four members of staff board a coach for the FSC centre at Margam Park, near Port Talbot in Wales.

A tortuous journey ended with a quick buffet supper (most people being still full of McDonalds from the motorway services!), a talk on fire procedures and a welcome bed, before an early start on Friday morning.

Well breakfasted, we met our tutors for the four days, Dave – an excellent ecologist with a wealth of knowledge and a GIS enthusiasm – and Cameron – stream invertebrate expert extraordinaire. The U6 biologists took to them immediately and a great working relationship was forged, with some of the students even seeming to enjoy their ecology!

Our first morning in the field took us to Kenfig sand dunes, an SSSI and AONB – or, in other words, a sandy place with a wealth of plants that only the tutors could identify with ease and which baffled everyone else. We investigated succession, which, if you are reading this again in 20 years and can’t remember, means investigating how plant species change as the sand dunes get older.

Saturday took us away from the centre on foot, as we collected data on the different distribution of aquatic invertebrates in different areas of a local stream for analysis later. Effectively, this was an exercise in avoiding overflowing our wellies while still measuring the flow velocity and identifying creepy-crawlies – essential skills mastered by some, but not all! In the afternoon, everybody (including EGMS, SMI, CEG and AHB) was involved in a ‘Bio Blitz’, identifying as many species as possible in the local woodlands and logging the location of the species. If we are honest, this was one of the most fun parts of the course, as it basically involved finding as many bugs as possible, looking

Artwork by Molly Thompson-Dykes (5M)

for colourful fungi, or sitting in a quiet clearing pretending to look for birds.

The real point, however, was to use the data for GIS (Geospatial Information Systems) that will allow ecologists to, amongst other things, chart how species distribution might be changing as a result of climate change. It is becoming an ever more important part of Environmental Science and monitoring human impact on the planet.

Saturday night was definitely the highlight for most students: Dave and Cameron led us on a bat walk to identify the bat species in Margam Park. This involves using VHF-detectors to listen for their characteristic echo-location sounds.

Freya Harcus (U6A) commented that she felt parts of the trip like this, and the small mammal trapping done later that evening, were essential in allowing her to visualise the concepts taught in the classroom and have a better understanding of Biology as a whole subject – or that’s the quote on the website, anyway…

Sunday took us to Bracelet Bay, a rocky shore ecosystem, where, despite some excellent field work, many students will only remember a competition to catch the biggest crab! Loads of splashing around in rock pools followed and I think that even the most lab-based biologist couldn’t fail to have had fun. The café and ice creams at the end of the day were certainly a perk!

Sunday evening closed with a campfire in the rain, toasted marshmallows and a sing-a-long with some interesting songs, thanks to Holly Sherrad (U6G). An excellent way to spend a weekend.

A ‘Taster’ of Big Business At the end of the Summer Term 2014, the L6 economists enjoyed a visit to the Thorntons chocolate factory at Alfreton. Nathan Worth, Thorntons Operations Technical & Services Manager, gave a fascinating talk outlining the development of the company from its early days through to the current position.

It opened the eyes of all of us to both the opportunities and threats that a company such as Thorntons currently faces. Needless to say, the factory tour was eye-opening, and the tasting station, halfway round, mouth-opening! A visit to the factory shop at the end of the tour completed an excellent day.

CMK Head of Economics

EGMS

Photography by Will Woodhouse (L6N)

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Repton Round Trips

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Galapagoing – Galapagone!

In October half term, 19 students and three members of staff embarked on the trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos and Ecuador.

The trip started at 9pm in the Science Priory and it was here that our trip principles were determined with a viewing of Zombieland!

Then in the early hours of Wednesday morning we travelled to Heathrow for our flight to Miami and, with Dan dosed up on flying medication, everyone was ready to enjoy the flight. After arriving in Miami, our plane was delayed due to a missing ‘left falange’ and we were forced to swap planes, but we were finally on our way to Ecuador.

The next morning, we flew to the Galapagos, ready to start our Galapagan adventure!

Following a ferry ride to Santa Cruz and a very tuneful bus journey, we had the chance to view giant tortoises in the wild! Many photos were taken and there was even the opportunity to try some tortoiseshells on for size. We then took a two-hour speed boat to Floreana, which was filled with the singing of English hymns, much to the guides’ and JCW’s dismay!

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We arrived on the dock and were greeted by a baby sea lion and then made our way to the beautiful huts, backing the sea.

The food in the Galapagos was definitely a highlight, and the breakfasts in Floreana went down very well! On the second day on Floreana, we went snorkelling by a sea lion colony and saw lots of different wildlife, including sea turtles and many different types of colourful fish. We also enjoyed kayaking to the bay and around the colony, even if the sea lions were not of a ‘friendly size’! The group then went for a delicious barbeque consisting of traditional Galapagan food and saw giant tortoises again. In the evenings, the sky was spectacular and we all enjoyed relaxing and star-gazing.

Reluctantly, we left Floreana for the largest island, Isabela. On the journey we stopped to watch birds, including frigates and bluefooted boobies. Isabela was equally beautiful

and the dock was filled with life, including penguins! We visited a giant tortoise breeding sanctuary and began to appreciate the difficulties that arise in maintaining such unique islands by minimising man’s influence. We then were able to see many marine iguanas and whitetip reef sharks and went snorkelling off a boat in the afternoon.

On our second day in Isabela we visited the largest active volcano, witnessing some spectacular views, and in the evening played volleyball on the beach.

The next morning it was sadly time for us to leave the Galapagos; however everyone was excited and ready to further explore Ecuador. Particular thanks go to JMJ for organising this amazing experience.

AOIFE MURPHY (U6M)

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Features

The Reptonian 2014/2015

REPTON AND THE GREAT WAR This year, it is hugely important that we as a school remember our fallen, not just the Old Reptonians who gave their lives in the First World War, but the sacrifices that men made all over the country to enable our lives of comfort and security.

ROSIE BUTLER (U6A) As I read old editions of The Reptonian, it became clear to me that I simply had not contemplated before how different the lives of Reptonians 100 years ago would have been. Not only was the culture different, but their lives were vastly more difficult, fraught with issues of life and war and death, which are only the content of history books for me. I read other editors’ Editorials: they did not contain issues of growing up in a technological world, and forging a place for yourself in an increasingly consumer-driven society, but they spoke of the imminent reality of going to war; the emotional conflict; the inevitability of conscription. What struck me was not the boys’ reluctance or resignation, but their stoicism. They did not use their privileged position as a fast-track to captaincy within a corps, but as a means by which they could better help the war effort. We must remember the boys were no older than sixth form, and some even younger, and they threw themselves into the war effort with grown men, and joined the fray bravely.

The Reptonian was full of Letters from the Front, Tributes to the Fallen and debates about war and conscription: they are important tributes, and memories of the Fallen; they reflect the issues of the era, and they dwarf any issues in Repton today.

The White Feather About John Hoare Hoare was a much-respected prefect and Head of House at Repton School, and belonged to the Officer Training Corps when the war began in 1914. Aged 18 it seemed he had a future in the army and, in the summer, he attended a school CCF camp. Hoare was injured on the camp, damaging his ankle during a field day, and, during his recovery, he spent a lot of time reading about political ethics and religion, meaning that when he returned to school in the Michaelmas Term, he decided to resign from his position as senior boy officer of Repton School Corps and become a pacifist. He began studying for his Oxford scholarship exams, but found that his pacifist views left him ‘terribly isolated’ amongst the other boys in his year. He sought the opinion of former headmaster and theologian William Temple, who believed that utopian pacifism, although desirable, was unrealistic, and to ‘Respect the laws of the state but let your first loyalty be to God’s purposes’. Hoare was never discouraged in his views by his masters.

‘I don’t suppose there are two hundred people in this country who think as you do.’

Geoffrey Fisher to John Hoare in September 1915

Extract from Hoare’s notebook – ‘love as revealed and interpreted in the life and death of Jesus Christ is the only power by which evil can be overcome and the only sufficient basis of human society. That therefore, as Christians, we are forbidden to wage war and that our loyalty to our country, to humanity and to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Master, calls us instead to a life service for the enthronement of Love in personal and national life.’

In autumn 1915, Hoare became a classics student at Oxford University, but shortly afterwards, he was called up for military service. Because he refused, he was court martialled and sentenced to six months’ hard labour. He began the Home Office Work Scheme, but became uneasy, and left in May 1918, and consequently was rearrested and sentenced to another two years’ hard labour at Wandsworth Prison. He lost his faith whilst in prison, but remained a committed pacifist, serving his sentence ‘soberly, but intensely happy’.

Later in life, Hoare found God again through Quakerism, and set up a ‘peace service training centre’ with his wife Margaret. He became a prominent character within the Quaker Church. John Hoare was exceptional in his views in Repton, especially as he was unaware of the My Dear Ted, greater pacifist movement in England.

He was no more or less correct than I say you must always wei gh the his contemporaries in his belief that practical alternatives. What was war was wrong, and it is impossible the alternative to war for Eng land for a modern day reader to comment as England was on August as we cannot comprehend the 4th? I say without hesitation it hugely difficult decision young boys was something worse and less in Repton had to make. But we can Christian than war: and of course see that this young man was brave, I do not think it is only lack of faith and enterprising, and more than in me that forbids me to feel that anything, resolute. It is a recurring anything higher was possibl e. feature of Reptonians throughout To expect good fruit from the the ages that, regardless of their corrupt tree is to expect a miracle differing backgrounds, they have which is very precisely said to be the confidence, conviction and improbable. education to make decisions and William Temple stick by them.

With many thanks to PJS for his research and scholarship.

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Portrait of John Hoare

(Extract from a letter written to John Hoare from former headma ster William Temple.)

14/15 Still air heavy with scents of new mown hay, fresh-cut timber, honest sweat, brewery drays and woodbine.

The drowsy drone of bees in pollination of country lanes bordered by brambled hedgerows that wend their way by crops, breeze bending, and verdant copse.

Woodland foxgloves enchant young lovers ‘til Church bells ring out to call the flock to taste His blood from wine.

And afterwards, a rag-tag gaggle of hobbledehoys play tig, killing time.

Still air heavy with stench where mown men lay: rum, rust, cordite, stale sweat, futile days and Woodbines.

The morphined moan before the clearing station.

A country veined by barbed wire hedgerows that zig zag past sandbagging and a gas-yellowed corpse.

Spade-scraped foxholes afford some cover ‘til a sniper’s shot sings out to mark that some poor sapper’s out of time.

And afterwards. dog-tags, tears and wreaths all that remains to mark the global crime.

JP

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Features

Geoffrey Windeatt Daman

Pulpless Halves Gatsby’s pulpless halves speak of

lemons and oranges, Whose drained vesicles spit exotic

yellow cocktail music,

Born in Hampstead on March 26th 1894, the son of John and Rosalind Daman, of Goring-on-Thames.

Into the whisperings of a dark party

and social warfare.

Lived at Wallingford, Berkshire

The carpels of grapefruit spill

into the ashes,

Hall 1909-1913 Magdalene College, Oxford, History Demyship.

They trickle and mix

and congeal in the dust.

Second Lieutenant, 4th Royal Berkshire Regiment, 8/14. Second Lieutenant, 4th Seaforth Highlanders, 9/14. France, 11/14.

They dry and are pulled up into

a tumbling anonymous cloud.

Killed in Action 24/05/15 aged 21 CABARET-ROUGE BRITISH CEMETERY, SOUCHEZ

The thin coating of finery was

devastatingly punctured by grit.

He was intellectually one of the ablest and most promising boys turned out by the School in recent years. He won the History Demyship at Magdalen College, Oxford, in 1912, and was keenly interested in Art, Music, and English Literature. His paper on Chesterton will be remembered by those who heard it as about the best ever read to our Literary Society, and his Prize Poem on ‘Gardens’ showed remarkable promise.

The substantial pith of those

poor round Navels, dried.

He was a School Prefect during his last two terms. On leaving, he spent six months in Germany, and afterwards proceeded to Oxford, where he had been reading Greats for a year when the War broke out. A Magdalen tutor writes, ‘Had he been here a little longer he would have been the friend of everyone in the College.

There are very few men in any one generation of whom that can be said.’ A keen member of the O.T.C. at School and College, he received a commission in the 4th Seaforth Highlanders, went with his battalion to the Front on November 5th, and saw much fighting, including Neuve Chapelle. Some months ago he was appointed Second Officer in command of the bomb mortar section attached to the Dehra Doon Brigade, and at the time of his death was in sole command of that section. Many testimonies to his gallantry and worth have come from the Front. We choose for quotation the words of his own Orderly. “One thing I must say, all concerned in him can be proud of such a noble fellow, an Officer loved by his men and one which knew not fear, to his own cost, worse luck.”

And the vast, vulgar, meretricious beauty

of War is all that remained

THE REPTONIAN, JUNE 1915 Second-Lieut. Geoffrey Windeatt Daman, 1/4th Seaforths, killed in action in France on May 24, 1915, aged 21 years, was the elder and only surviving son of Mr and Mrs John Daman, Wallingford, Berkshire. At Oxford he was a member of the University O.T.C. (Artillery), and immediately after the declaration of war he offered his services to the War Office. Shortly afterwards he was gazetted to the 4th Royal Berks Regiment, and transferred to the 4th Seaforth Highlanders, with whom he had already been working. He went to the front with his Battalion on November 5 and had seen much fighting, including the battle of Neuve Chapelle. Lieut. Daman, whose photograph we reproduce, was shot through the head by a sniper, and killed instantaneously, while on duty in the front trench in command of the bomb mortar section. He was buried at the British Cemetery at Vielle Chapelle, beside the grave of his friend, Lieut. Railton.

THE ROSS-SHIRE JOURNAL, 11TH JUNE 1915

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

The twisting rain consumed the dust

and the halves filled.

The fear in a handful of dust

segmented families,

On those powdery, poppy-laden plains.

ROSIE BUTLER (U6A)

Taylor’s Epitaph “I’m afraid he’ll never amount to much”, the Head said in Taylor’s report “… perpetually late, with his hair in a mess and he takes little interest in sport.

He leaves having left little mark on the place” (though the school left its mark on his rear) “As the last man in he’d make a wild swing And his breath was no stranger to beer.

A dreamer, an idler, his head in a book, House spirit was something he shunned.

A disgrace to the House that we’re proud to call Brook And out of the Corps he was drummed.”

But when the grenade dropped into his trench, he moved as a man without fear And lay on it so it was close to his heart, for the sake of the men he held dear.

JP

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Art & Design

The Reptonian 2014/2015

PUPIL ARTWORK

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Pupil artwork by (clockwise, left to right) Kayleigh Norton (3G), Grace Cowley (U6M), Georgia Ashton (U6F), Toby Haigh (3L), Will Hingley (L6N), Tara Polglase (U6M), Fay Burn (U6F) and Charles Edwards (3P).

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

MUSIC “Music is the best means we have of digesting time” W.H. Auden Time is very important to Reptonians. We always want to make the most of it, are rarely at a loss with what to do with it, but never seem to have enough of it.

With the plethora of activities that characterise a Reptonian’s daily life, finding the time to keep our musical community alive would seem a nigh-on impossible task. However, at Repton, music transcends time.

It is a part of our lives whether we realise it or not, whether we actively participate in it or not, whether we appreciate its power or not. For me, music has from dawn till dusk been an incredibly influential part of my life. It has helped forge friendships and has year-on-year provided me with many fond memories, with this year being no exception.

Other Reptonians may not consider music to be a huge part of their lives, yet it never ceases to amaze me how enthusiastically every individual participates in the sonorous spectacle that is our annual House Unison Competition, which shall forever be a sure-fire crowdpleaser. Other highlights from the musical calendar include the Chapel Choir’s trip to York McDonalds…sorry, York Minster I mean, and the Charity Cabaret, which featured entertaining performances from both the Jazz Band and the Reptiles. The Concert Band has also tackled its fair share of fun repertoire this year, and rumour has it that a Frozen Medley is next on their agenda… You know it makes sense.

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As music is itself so diverse, it has been exceedingly difficult to select a standout moment that has encapsulated Repton Music this year, but something I will personally never forget is the feeling that I had whilst playing The Dam Busters March with the Orchestra at the Michaelmas Concert. It was whilst taking in the euphoric ambiance permeating the Beldam Hall that evening that I was for the first time able to truly appreciate why we put so much time and effort into music at Repton. The answer was not something that can be expressed in words, but something that could be felt in the genuine joy of the musicians, be heard in the rapturous applause of the audience, and be seen in the ardent smile of LAP. This one moment unearthed music’s ability harmoniously to unite a community through a mutual love and appreciation of such a remarkable art form, proving Auden correct: “Music is the best means we have of digesting time”.

KATIE GUEST (U6F) Music Editor

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Music

The House Unison Competition There are not many competitions in the school calendar that involve every member of the student body and it is precisely this factor that makes the House Unison so spectacular.

You win together, you lose together; hidden talents are discovered; social norms are destroyed; and the more competitive among us tell those who sound more like Barry Chuckle than Barry White to perform in the style of Britney Spears in concert – an energetic mime. It is a night that promises unpredictability with just one guarantee: you will be wholeheartedly entertained.

The Mitre opened proceedings with a colourful (traditional pink and blue) performance of ‘Wonder’

by Olympic show-stealer Emeli Sandé. Superbly conducted by the energetic Olivia Omilana, immaculately dressed in her Housemistress’ gown and sporting a somewhat creepy mask of AFP, the girls delivered a tuneful and rhythmic performance.

The adjudicator, Simon Toyne, declared it to be infectious and indeed, as is the Mitre way, they really brought the word ‘unison’ to life.

The Reptonian 2014/2015

‘Winners for the first time in over a decade, chosen from a strong Field’ Indeed, unison is a word that I would use to describe Abbey’s performance, as they shocked the audience with their dramatic interpretation of Maroon 5’s ‘This Love’.

The song focuses on the devastating effects that love can have on a person and there was no cause for subtlety in the performance. I don’t know how many of them were singing from personal experience, but I certainly felt that it was a dangerous place to be if you were male!

That said, I loved it – Jess Birch produced a remarkable arrangement and the tuning and togetherness of the group was commendable. The standard had been raised.

To assume, as one U6 girl from Garden did, that the song ‘The Dog Days are Over’ is about a collection of dalmatians, labradors and spaniels, would undermine the lyrical message that Florence Welch was trying to convey. The House, therefore, opted to ignore this costume idea, much to the disappointment of the crowd, and instead went for the all-in-black look, which is very much in vogue. This is a cracking song and extremely challenging to sing; Garden, led

by Caitlin Furniss (U6G), pulled it off. Despite the adjudicator praising the House for their enunciation on the words ‘the dark days are over’ (which ironically do not appear in the song at all), Garden were unlucky to miss out on silverware as this was a highly professional performance.

Then came the entertainment. School House’s parody of ‘My Favourite Things’ impersonated everything that makes Repton ‘special’: male teachers in tutus, singing in Chapel and IMP’s MJP programme. It didn’t matter that the boys sounded more Von Crapp than Von Trapp – they had the room in fits of laughter as they mercilessly tore into each and every house. Led by their very own Julie Andrews, in the form of Will Abell (U6S), School House left us with the performance that everyone would remember.

Priory, renowned for their singing prowess, sent their B-Block down the road to the local barber yet, for the first time in recent years, their singing was more stylish than their hair. Matt Storer (U6P) conducted ‘On Top of the World’ (an ambitious title to live up to) and the performance was described by the adjudicator as ‘solid, serious and well-organised’. There was clapping, parts split into octaves and an excellent dynamic range; perhaps Priory will soon be challenging the vocal elite!

Cross chose an equally ambitious title in ‘World’s Greatest’ and they too failed to live

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up to the name! A song featuring not one, but two, key changes was conducted by the suave James Nijjar (U6C), and the boys performed admirably. The performance was so striking that it actually left the audience stunned for a good six seconds (there is video evidence!) before they clapped – surely that must be a good thing! Either way, it was an entertaining interpretation, but not to be this year.

Dressed in immaculate black tie, New House serenaded the room with the Take That classic ‘Shine’. Oakley Elsom (U6N) conducted with poise and authority and, at times, this choir produced a rich and wholesome sound. This was disciplined and together – there was no Robbie character, letting the rest of the band down in his own selfish quest for fame – and on another night may have claimed a piece of silverware.

After the smoothness of New came the cheekiness of Orchard, who flirted their way into the audience’s hearts with a serious of winks, kisses and plenty of dance moves to boot. Singing ‘Classic’, which this is unlikely to become, they attempted the first ‘whole-house rap’, which was very challenging indeed. What they lacked in tuning, they made up for in volume and they should be praised for being the only house to experiment with a guitar rather than the traditional piano.

Songs from musicals will always stand a good chance of success, as they automatically allow for performance.

Seeing Jamie Clarke (U6L) dressed as Elsa from Frozen is an image that has been burned onto my retinas. Thank God the performance was better viewing. ‘Let it go’ is exactly what Latham did, giving a rousing rendition of the song of the moment, and they swooped in at the last to claim the highly coveted Boys’ Commended prize, whilst Mitre claimed the Girls’ award.

When you consider the history of musical talent in Field, and you add that to the many years that PJG has led the House, it seems impossible to think that they have never won a House Unison competition. This was about to change. Taking a stylish song, featured in The Great Gatsby, the girls stunned the audience with an incredible performance featuring many special effects. The echo on the word ‘drop’, the whispering section; this was an arrangement of sheer creativity and, in my opinion, the song of the night.

Lydia Fitzsimons (U6F), on her 18th birthday, collected the trophy to the ear-deafening screams of support from the House (it’s always kinder to your health when a boys’ house wins) and the long drought was over.

What a fantastic evening of music – certainly the best I’ve seen.

NC

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Music

The Reptonian 2014/2015

The Adjudicator’s Verdict It is hard for those of us involved in House music competitions to be unbiased; only one spectator is a complete stranger to us all, and that is the guest Adjudicator. He or she is always an expert and ought, therefore, to get his or her decisions right. And yet, every year, some of us nod sagely with the comments and verdicts and others of us are infuriated. Paul Phoenix had this to say: Abbey “When you perform, you are a story-teller, so the more confident you feel, the better… [The song] wanted more of a spread of voices; it was too ‘top-heavy’.”

Cross “You look good and there was nice interaction on stage… but engage more with your audience… The arrangement showed aspiration and skill.”

The House Harmony Competition Though I am far from being an outstanding singer myself, listening to Repton’s House Harmony Competition has been my guilty pleasure and one musical event that I have religiously attended since B-Block.

In my last year, I thought I would be guaranteed a good seat if I arrived at least 40 minutes in advance. However, at 6.50pm, I found Pears School already a third full of people, which showed that I was not the only one in eager anticipation. Paul Phoenix, a former King’s Singer and clearly a gifted musician, was this year’s adjudicator, and his feedback was invaluable to the competitors, though of course the allegations of robbery were unavoidable at the end of the night.

The competition was off to a good start with Field House’s performance of ‘Bring Him Home’ from Les Misérables. Beautifully arranged by Katie Guest (U6F), their performance was a true winner for me (although I cannot help but be subjective). The first boys’ house on stage was The Orchard, who gave a rendition of ‘I See Fire’ by Ed Sheeran. Their arrangement allowed for a strong solo, for which Andrew Oxburgh (U6O) was later commended by the adjudicator.

This was followed by The Mitre’s energetic performance of ‘Ugly Heart’ by G.R.L., which became an ‘easy choice’ for Mr Phoenix when he came to announce the Highly Commended Girls’ House.

Field “You set the evening up superbly well… but make sure you sing to the audience and not to each other.”

I did not know what to expect from School House, after Will Abell (U6S) insinuated that his performance involved ‘something he never thought he would do in Pears School’. However, their comical approach combined with assured singing of ‘I Wanna Be Like You’ from The Jungle Book instantly won the audience over. I am sure that Will’s jumping on the judge’s table dressed as a gorilla and bribing Mr Phoenix with a banana wasn’t the only reason they won the Boys’ Highly Commended prize.

Next on stage was The Cross, whose song choice of the Timberlake classic, ‘Cry Me A River’ appealed to the majority of the audience, as did their emotional singing (I just hope that this performance wasn’t inspired by actual heartbreak). The Abbey sang ‘Animal’ by Neon Trees and, despite the dubious rumours in the build-up to the competition, they mastered the high notes and performed with confidence. Now usually Latham do actually do this, uh, as they once again won the Repton House Harmony Competition, this time singing ‘Ignition’ by R. Kelly. The adjudicator praised their ability to engage with the audience and show off every talented soloist, and I would agree, as it was one of the most memorable performances I have seen. The evening finished on a high… or rather a low note, as the bearer of Repton’s deepest bass voice, Matthew Storer (U6P) took to the stage for The Priory’s performance of ‘No Diggity’ by Ed Sheeran and Passenger. Though Matthew’s bass notes were impressive, it is still questionable as to whether they were enough to make up for his lack of a wig, but overall, the whole audience, and I’m assuming in particular SABT, enjoyed the Priory’s crisp, anglicised version of ‘No Diggity’.

Without a doubt, this year’s performances once again met my expectations, set so highly by the brilliance of the competitions over my past five years at Repton, and perhaps the greatest testament to their excellence is the fact that I could not resist re-watching the performances on YouTube (courtesy of Charlie Mead (L6L)) for the next few weeks.

Garden “A good choice of song… The arrangement wasn’t the strongest, but the individual voices were wonderful… and you looked good on stage.”

Latham “A group that had thought really clearly and carefully about the arrangement… You thought about individual voices and how they worked together.”

Mitre “A terrific arrangement – you sounded like a Gospel Choir… but don’t lose contact with your audience.”

New “I was particularly impressed with the age spread and the contribution of old and young voices… You grew in confidence as the piece progressed.”

Orchard “Wait for the ‘golden moment’ before you start – don’t jump the gun! … I wanted to jump up and tell you to give a little more.”

Priory “Nice hair…! The choreography, comedy and ‘Englishness’ were really clever… but there were moments that didn’t work in terms of intonation and tuning.”

School “Thank you for the banana…! The arrangement had a lot of thought put into it – how to get the best out of the voices you had… You sometimes allowed your excitement to get in the way of the quality of your singing, but as a performance it was really inspired.”

ANNA ANDREEVA (U6F)

New House became another one of my personal favourites this year with ‘Somebody That I Used To Know’ by Gotye, as the group particularly impressed the audience with their effective combination of both young and mature voices. The Garden certainly put on a show with the popular song choice of ‘All About That Bass’ by Meghan Trainor, not to mention the fact that they finally ‘brought the booty back’ to Repton.

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Music

The Reptonian 2014/2015

RockIt Another colourful evening of live music lay in wait for an electric Repton audience one chilly night in February, when RockIt brightened the death throes of winter timetable for us all.

From the rich talent which characterises the Repton school music scene, to the vastly expert technical production (with JHB at the helm one last time), all areas of 2015’s RockIt were hugely impressive and saw RF far exceeding his own high standards once again.

To kick-start the tremendous evening, the musical flair of Georgia Dymock’s (L6M) acoustic performance of Vance Joy’s ‘Riptide’ was accompanied by the sweet, melodious voices of Katie Jankinson (L6M) and Charlotte White (L6A). This was followed by ‘Ho Hey’, another acoustic crowd-pleaser, where the folky tones of Aimee Bankhurst and Phoebe Conway (both 4F) gave the audience a great sing-along. A brilliant start to a brilliant evening.

Afterwards, George Gough’s (3L) RockIt debut saw the crowd enchanted by the sound of his seamless vocals on Train’s ‘Hey Soul Sister’, which made for a highly memorable act. With high hopes for the rest of the evening, Immi Hunt (4G) took the stage to sounds of delirious applause to present the crowd with a phenomenal a capella rendition of Sandi Thom’s ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker’, which was thick with soul and a wondrous emotional colouring comparable to Tracy Chapman’s ‘Behind The Wall’. Then, once again, the celebrated Repton musician Matt Elliot (5P) charmed Reptonians with his unique vocal and instrumental style, particularly commendable when he joined Immi to perform a wowing rendition of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’.

Having set a poignant acoustic tone to the evening, the first ‘plugged-in’ band to take the stage sent us reeling. The lead guitar and drums twin two-piece Joe and Ollie Jarvis (both 4O) joined Celia Li and Lauren Owen (both 4A) to give the audience Paramore’s pop-punk hit ‘Still Into You’, followed by a cover of Beyoncé’s ‘Flawless’, which was as unique as it was memorable. Liam Karai (L6N) then joined the Jarvis twins to present us with rocking versions of classics ‘Dani California’, ‘Learn To Fly’ and even Avicii’s EDM-folk Anthem ‘Wake Me Up’, giving rise to fond memories of summer.

Next up, Fruitcart 74, consisting of Corel Owen (5G), Alex Kingston (L6C), Jamie Pringle (5P), Rochelle Blakeman (L6G) and Alistair Westwood (3N – the resident session bassist for the evening, an excellent and astonishingly versatile musical asset throughout) gave the crowd just what they

needed: a fist-pumping performance of ‘Summer Of ‘69’ (ft. Lewis Blood (L6S)) and a stirring rendition of Coldplay classic ‘Viva La Vida’ (ft. overzealous Cross House boys in the audience!).

an immense amount of crowd participation was to be expected. Would any school rock set be complete without a rendition of Lyrnryd Skynyrd’s Confederate classic?

We highly doubt it.

Then came the full and funky sound of a band consisting of Finley Saunders (L6O), Jamie Clarke (U6L), Matt Bankhurst (L6N) and David Glanville (L6O), fronted by commanding vocalist Tris Howle (L6L), opening their performance with ‘California’ and ending it with Eminem’s masterpiece ‘Lose Yourself’, for which they could be joined by none other than Polish “Rap God” Stefan Nowacki (U6L) himself. As if only to exhibit the huge variety of Reptonians’ musical talents, Hannah McClarron (L6G) followed this up with a Winehouse-inspired version of The Zutons’ ‘Valerie’, with soaring, soulful vocals.

What we couldn’t have anticipated, however, was how stunning a falsetto Joel Holmes (L6L) would prove to have when he and the other Ladz played The Hoosiers’ ‘Worried About Ray’, followed by Holmes’ solo performance on ‘Black and Gold’. This is a Muse-inspired young man to keep a close eye on until he makes his UK chart breakthrough, we assure you.

Ushering in a more thoughtful mood came two-piece Sass, with Marianne Hunter (U6M) on keys and Arabella Heap (5M) on vocals.

Their ‘Turning Tables’ cover left the crowd in the kind of awed silence typical of an Adele concert, followed by wild applause.

Georgia Hair (L6G) and various members of renowned Repton jazz-funk fusion group Jacky Smithson and the Smokey Crows were charged with the task of following up Heap and Hunter’s gorgeous number, and they accomplished this in oodles of style and brass with Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’.

Next up: Liv Thackray (L6A), Matt Bankhurst and Lewis Blood with Taylor Swift’s ‘Red’.

Thackray and the boys did real justice to this track, which I feel had the weight of the whole of the Abbey behind it! Lewis Blood then showed off another of his numerous talents, albeit a newly-acquired one, playing guitar alongside experienced fret-shredder Matt Bankhurst, with the excellent Will Markham (U6O) on keys and highlycompetent Giles Davis (L6L) on drums to give us ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ – and, of course,

From first-time astonishing performance to much-loved tradition, The FCL was this year’s student/teacher band. The main body of the group consisted of Dan Williams (U6O), James Byrne (U6S), Will Abell (U6S), MM and JHB, with Olivia Omilana (U6M) on vocals for Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B. Goode’ and Grace Cowley (U6M) taking the mic for the stone-cold classic ‘Black Betty’.

A short drum solo from Dan Williams made for an intense interlude, setting the atmosphere perfectly for his hugely accomplished bandmates, Jamie Clarke (bass), Matt Bankhurst (guitar) and James Nijjar (lead vocals), to join him on-stage.

Performance was tight and technique astounding with this long-established band. The star-studded set from the night’s effective headliners included ‘The City’, ‘Year 3000’ and ‘R U Mine?’.

The Reptonian not only acknowledges the enormous musical achievements of all the participating students and teachers, but salutes JHB and RF for their commitment and vision that makes these events possible: another resoundingly successful night of excellent music.

MARCUS CORK-KEELING (U6O) & MATT BANKHURST (L6N)

Rubbing Shoulders with Royalty On the final day of the Michaelmas Term, the Chamber Choir travelled to the National Memorial Arboretum, having had the honour to be invited to sing ‘Silent Night’ and the National Anthem at the unveiling of the Christmas Truce Memorial, commemorating the 100 years since the temporary truce and extraordinary football game between the German and British soldiers in ‘No-man’sland’ between the trenches.

Ten-year-old Spencer Turner, from Farne Primary School, produced the design for the memorial and HRH The Duke of Cambridge, the Patron of the F.A., which sponsored the project, was the guest of honour and officially congratulated Spencer on his creation to mark this significant event in history.

Following the ceremony, and to the pleasure of many Reptonians, we managed to arrange a selfie surrounding HRH himself, a wonderful memory of the trip.

This prestigious event was televised by the BBC and numerous other stations, and attended by various dignitaries, especially from the world of football. This allowed the Chamber Choir to mingle with figures such as F.A. Chairman Greg Dyke and even current England manager Roy Hodgson, with whom, it transpired to our amazement, our own NJK is friends! It was an immensely memorable day for all and a great privilege to be part of such an important occasion.

CHARLOTTE WHITE (L6A) Music Editor

House Music Individual Competition Results JUNIOR PIANO

CLASSICAL GUITAR

SENIOR STRINGS

KYOKO CANAWAY (5G)

MANON ALLEN (5F)

KATIE JANKINSON (L6M)

Highly Commended: Fenella Scutt (4G), Hannah Sherry (5G)

Highly Commended: Finley Saunders (L6O)

Highly Commended: Justin Fong (L6S)

JUNIOR STRINGS

JUNIOR GIRLS’ CLASSICAL SONG

SENIOR WOODWIND

ALISTAIR WESTWOOD (3N)

CLAUDIA ATKINSON (5F)

Highly Commended: Katie Guest (U6F), Polly Sloman (U6M)

Highly Commended: Matthew Jankinson (4L)

JUNIOR WOODWIND KYOKO CANAWAY (5G)

JUNIOR BOYS’ CLASSICAL SONG CONNOR WRIGHT (5L)

JUNIOR BRASS

JUNIOR GIRLS’ POPULAR SONG

ANASTACIA PETERS (3F)

CLAUDIA ATKINSON (5F)

Highly Commended: Rika Canaway (3G)

Highly Commended: Imogen Hunt (4G)

JUNIOR CONTEMPORARY

JUNIOR BOYS’ POPULAR SONG

JOE JARVIS (4O)

ALFIE ARIF (5P)

Highly Commended: Oliver Jarvis (4O), Alistair Westwood (3N)

Highly Commended: Samuel Riley (4P)

SENIOR BRASS DANIEL WALKER (L6C)

SENIOR CONTEMPORARY DANIEL WILLIAMS (U6O) Highly Commended: Matthew Bankhurst (L6N), Jamie Clarke (U6L)

FINLEY SAUNDERS (L6O) Highly Commended: Peter Williams (5L)

SENIOR GIRLS’ CLASSICAL SONG MARIANNE HUNTER (U6M) Highly Commended: Grace Cowley (U6M)

SENIOR BOYS’ CLASSICAL SONG WILLIAM MARKHAM (U6O) Highly Commended: Matthew Storer (U6P)

SENIOR GIRLS’ POPULAR SONG

HARP

KATIE GUEST (U6F)

KATIE JANKINSON (L6M)

SENIOR BOYS’ POPULAR SONG

JAZZ

SENIOR PIANO

WILLIAM MARKHAM (U6O)

JOEL HOLMES (L6L)

Highly Commended: James Byrne (U6S)

Highly Commended: Charmaine Tam (L6A)

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HANNAH MCCLARRON (L6G)

ORCHESTRAL PERCUSSION

HARRY MEAD (U6L)

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Features

The Reptonian 2014/2015

FEMINISM, MENINISM, EQUALISM FRANCESCA FROGGATT (U6A) Features Editor

FEMINISM IS NOT MAN-HATING “I am definitely not the first person to say it, nor will I be the last.”

I’m a feminist, I’m a meninist, I’m an equalist…

It is undeniable that when the feminist movement first emerged in the late 19th century, campaigning for women’s suffrage, its title of feminism was fitting.

Indeed, the contemporary feminist concerns, which range from opposition to issues such as female genital mutilation to the glass ceiling, still demands the title of the movement to be female-orientated.

However, as Emma Watson said in her 2014 HeforShe Campaign, ‘gender is a spectrum’ and not two opposites, and therefore I believe that, although an avid supporter of the Feminist Movement and all that it stands for, to achieve universal gender equality the word feminism must be changed to ‘equalism’.

Although many feminists would claim that the words are already synonymous, too many people are still preoccupied with the man-hating, bra-burning stereotype, believing that there is no place for men in the feminist movement.

By changing the name, I believe it would re-orientate the movement not only to focus on the issues that need to be addressed to ensure women are equal to men, but also those that men face in order to make them equal to women. The modern British society in which we live offers equality of opportunity in many different areas, and yet gender stereotyping still remains commonplace.

This affects men and women in equal measure.

However, it seems to be a problem that has prompted remedial campaigns focusing only on the issues that gender stereotyping inflicts on females. However, the issue of mental health stands as a poignant example of how this approach is flawed. While women are encouraged to ‘open up’ and discuss issues with friends, men are told to ‘man up’ and to hide their emotions.

The mental health charity Mind suggests that the public are ‘more prejudiced against men with mental health problems than women’. Considering the difficulties that gender stereotyping presents to men, the statistic that men are three to four times more likely to commit suicide than women no longer seems so surprising.

These two seemingly opposing movements – feminism and meninism – both fight for exactly the same thing – an end to gender inequality. However, I fundamentally believe that they should not exist separately. If men and women could unite through ‘equalism’ then the gender equality campaign would have progressed a lot further than campaigners, such as Emma Watson, still having to convince many that ‘feminism is not man-hating.’

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It has been seven months since Emma Watson’s speech at the UN for the HeforShe Campaign, where she talked about feminism in our society, and the many things considered the ‘norm’ that are never thought of as sexist.

She was always considered ‘bossy’ if she wanted to take over the school play when she was younger; so many of her friends gave up sports or hobbies that they loved so they wouldn’t have too much of a muscular body, or be too geeky, or too ‘boyish’.

However, the most important message of her speech still does not seem to have reached people.

The definition of feminism is ‘the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.’

This means, if you support gender equality, or that men should be treated equally to women then you are a feminist. There are so many stigmas attached to the word feminism that people shy away from it, believing feminists to be crazy, bra-burning lesbians who hate men, forgetting that in every movement there will always be extremists.

Since Virginia Woolf’s assertion that “for most of history Anonymous was a woman”, a lot has changed. Yet, the sexism that existed in society before was the reason that so many women thought: do you know what? I don’t want always to have to dumb down because it’s not sexy to be cleverer than my husband. I want to like cars and sports and drinking beer and having an independent career without ‘settling down’. Because of the oppression they had always felt, this anger led to radical feminists.

As much as Emma Watson’s speech moved people to thinking of feminism in a new way, by opening people’s eyes to the problems in our country, there are bigger issues out there.

The issue is global.

The focus of feminism now should be mainly on countries where wives think it’s okay that their husband beats them if they burn food, speak their mind, forget things, make mistakes, be human. Even America, a country that many may expect to be setting a good example for gender equality, has some very dubious pieces of legislation. These include: A Georgia State legislator’s efforts to change the legal term for a victim of rape, stalking, and domestic violence to “accuser”; A bill in South Dakota sponsored

by Republicans to make it legal to murder a doctor that commits abortion; A Congressional bill sponsored

by Republicans that would deny women an abortion even when a woman’s life is at stake.

Examples of over 60 countries where abortion is still illegal include Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, Afghanistan, Egypt, Ireland, Malta and Vatican City. Not to mention Middle Eastern countries where it is still a social norm for women to be stoned to death for committing adultery (forgetting of course, that two people have to be involved in sex), even when they have been raped.

Of course, there is change already happening: in the Islamic world, Pakistan has its first female prime minister, foreign minister, and National Assembly Speaker.

Currently 22.5% of Pakistan’s parliament is female, a figure that is higher than in Ireland.

But this is not enough.

We are all aware of the struggles of women in other countries, as the struggles of women reach the news more and more; and this is where we should be directing our efforts.

The first steps need to be taken.

Recognise there are gender equality issues that still exist. Decide where you stand on feminism. And do something about it.

This House believes in the complete freedom of the press CHARLIE WRIGHT (5L) (Originally written for www.BeyondtheBubble.com) The Press is a controversial topic and it undoubtedly will remain so until the end of its days. On the one hand, it can be an indescribable source for good: it keeps the general public informed on important news regarding a wide variety of topics, ranging from arts to business; it is a necessity to have knowledge on current affairs or the political state of our country amongst other vital aspects. It can also be used during more pressing situations, for example, adding light onto topical affairs, which will spark discussion across the world.

The Press can expose scandals that have been antagonising victims for long periods in a range of ways, such as the Watergate Scandal, in which President Nixon attempted to secure votes by illegal means to succeed in winning the next election.

The power of media outlets is becoming even more prominent in the collective minds of governments daily. This is a result of particular states becoming more controlling as they aim to supress shocking information from being exposed to the public through the press.

For example Kim Jong Un and his government have transformed North Korea into one of the most secretive countries in history, to the extent that the BBC, who filmed a recent Panorama documentary, found themselves needing to go undercover, as they faced the risk of death to retrieve the necessary footage.

However, it should be a positive aspect that the media has great freedom and influence as it has an important impact on popular culture and opinions of the public, particularly the younger generation of today. Teenagers are progressing through the most influential period of their lives.

It is imperative for them to have shaped their mind-sets to a mature standard. They will need to make some important decisions in their lives and in order to make the correct decisions they will need to consider various points of view. The media could be a good factor in helping make these pivotal decisions.

But, most importantly, it allows the public access to a version of the truth.

It is an opportunity to allow several opinions on a subject to be made public and furthermore it can bring the nation together. For example, in the aftermath of the tragic Charlie Hebdo attacks, they helped stoke the fire, or at least were a contributing factor to the widespread mourning. In the ensuing Paris rally, 1.5 million people joined the march and one sign read: “They wanted to bring France to its knees. Instead they brought Europe to its feet.”

Charlie Hebdo’s satirical drawings struck a chord by depicting The Prophet Mohammed in a derogatory way; the response to this was the massacre of 12 people. All over a cartoon.

Then Charlie Hebdo became the most talked about paper in the world; the sales for the following week rocketed to over 5 million copies.

If they wanted to suppress resistance, ironically they could not have done a worse job.

In fact, composing articles on the dangerous powers of the world, such as Islamic militants and North Korea, is a hazardous task, and makes one wonder whether reporters and columnists are prepared to take these immense risks?

As shown by recent events in Egypt and Syria, if a party is alarmed by your content, the consequences

could lead to serving jail-time or even beheadings. In addition, I do not feel that directing offence at a person or thing is necessarily bad: insults and negativity can highlight our faults and pave the way for us to move forward as people. However, there is a line between the right to speak freely and the right to offend, which, if crossed, prompts aimless destructive criticism of which the only purpose is to incite chaos. It is important, especially if you are involved in the media industry, to pinpoint where that line is.

I feel that journalists should have the complete freedom to report or say anything, so long as it is contained by the parameters of the truth, as it is their responsibility. The media is a widely-accessed source of information and should be handled with care. It should be used as a source of inspiration and grant the people the chance to have their voices heard.

Everyone has a right to an opinion, but, unfortunately, a few radicals are clinging onto the hope of running a backwards society in which freedom of speech is a privilege granted to select individuals, who then feel the need to suppress those who disagree or would speak out against them.

These people are simply bullies and they should absolutely not be tolerated. We cannot let their warped delusions of what society should be engineer the next generation to be mute dogs, bereft of an imagination or mind.

More importantly, we do not have a right not to be offended. Religion is not exempt from criticism; the second that this becomes a maxim, society will be in ruins.

No one should have to live in fear, or be scared to speak up.

Photography by Finn Bathurst (U6O)

When a friend told me they were a ‘meninist’, I dismissed it as a tongue-in-cheek remark, implying that they believe in male superiority, to deliberately wind me up. However, when I researched the term to see if it was a genuine movement, I discovered that it is actually an increasingly popular movement that represents the very opposite of what I had initially expected ‘meninism’ to be.

SOPHIE WILBRAHAM (L6G)

JE SUIS CHARLIE!

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

DRAMA “You can’t second-guess your audience. You can only do what you think is right. If you do that, your audience will appreciate you.”

Lyle Lovett’s allusion to the importance of audience connection underlines the fact that decision-making plays a monumental role in Drama. It forces actors to be forever on their toes, adapting to their sometimes difficult-to-please audience. To many, the raw beauty of Drama is increased through mistakes, as its authenticity is automatically augmented and any synthetic element is essentially eradicated.

This year’s outstanding school play, Dr Faustus, which mixed drama with magic, saw the unfortunate timing of a series of power-cuts, plunging the whole stage and auditorium into complete darkness.

This was tactically and perfectly disguised and concealed by both actors and the technical team, showing not only the talent of those involved, but also emphasising the importance of the ability to adapt.

The annual Charity Cabaret was an explosion of talent, and the Junior School plays highlighted the promising future for Drama at Repton.

At the other end of the spectrum, this year’s A2 and AS drama pieces were intricate and intimate displays of both the ability to connect with an audience and the variety of talent that Repton has to offer. The L6’s contemporary adaptation of the ‘Medea’ story was an intimate affair, impressing many, and the U6’s piece, a devised ‘docu-drama’, asked the audience to consider the merits and constraints of freedom of speech, using the Charlie Hebdo massacres in Paris as its principal stimulus. Intense from the start, the production connected instantly with the audience, who were treated to a complex display of talent.

ELLIOTT BOCK (U6N) Drama Editor

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Drama

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Behind the Scenes…

“No Sin but Ignorance”

There is something truly remarkable about being backstage at a live performance, especially in a theatre run largely by and for pupils. Standing in the wings in complete darkness about to go on stage, for anyone, is daunting, even more so for a B-Blocker: adrenaline is a word used too much in theatre, yet nothing can describe it better. This year in particular, in the production of Dr Faustus, described by some as ‘the best performance at Repton yet’, the power of youngsters was simply outstanding.

The School Play – Dr Faustus

The costumes for the play were hand-selected by JMGL and Maxwell Summerton (U6S) from the RSC warehouse in Stratford.

The idea was to echo the costumes of the first performance in 1592, emphasise the captivation of magic and the idea of selling the soul to the devil for power, experience, pleasure and knowledge, but also convey a modern take on the story. One costume was specifically designed and created by Summerton for the character Lucifer: it had to give a vision of the Devil and all his power, emphasising his significance as a vision of darkness and intimidation. During the performances, Summerton was backstage, either doing characters’ make-up or making lastminute alterations to the costumes, his most significant role – ensuring Faustus’ quick-change – being flawless.

Dr Faustus is an ambitious play. It was ambitious of Marlowe to conceive the play in the first place, and it was ambitious of JMGL to expect students to act, design and stage it – even with the benefit of one of the finest school theatres in the country in which to perform it.

Ambition is a central theme of the play itself: the eponymous protagonist is dissatisfied with being merely brilliant and wishes for power and knowledge beyond human limitations. His arrogance causes him to overreach himself and he falls. Fortunately, the team behind Repton’s production knew exactly their limitations; they did not attempt the impossible – they settled for mere brilliance.

So what are the limitations a school company faces? Firstly, the text: the language of Renaissance Drama is dense and complex, and doesn’t lend itself easily to young actors to learn or mostly-young audiences to listen and comprehend. So months before rehearsals even began, JMGL was editing the text – cutting and simplifying without losing the beauty of Marlowe’s verse – to produce an accessible script.

Secondly, the staging – which throws up two problems: how do you account for the fact that Faustus has to perform conjuring tricks (such as making himself invisible), which appears to require “special effects” more suitable for the Cinema than the Theatre? And how do you involve your spectators in the play to maintain their interest (as, even with a modified script, it still doesn’t easily lend itself to a school audience)?

The latter point was easily solved. The versatile 400 Hall was converted to a thrust stage, bringing the action to the audience in the manner one experiences in Stratford-upon-Avon. The former problem was trickier – but the director pulled a veritable rabbit out of his hat in the form of Callum Smith (L6O), a young man almost as talented as Faustus himself in the field of magic and illusion. With his expertise – and it really is expertise – in performance magic, the play became a spectacle: the stage burst into flames; Faustus changed costume in the blink of an eye right in front of us. How was this possible? Marlowe’s ambition had been matched – and raised.

Finally, how was a young company going to cope with performing a literary and dramatic masterpiece well beyond their comfort zone?

Here, I think it is fair to say that the range of performances was uneven (which is unsurprising in a large cast of schoolchildren), but a number of individuals stood out: Jamie Clarke (U6L) and Lewis Blood (L6S) provided the comic relief from the serious main plot; Olivia Thackray (L6A) and Olivia Omilana (U6M) as the Good and Evil Angel, respectively, effectively characterised the competing forces for Faustus’ soul.

The play, however, has two major roles that must be got right: Faustus and Mephistophilis. Here, again, JMGL was canny in dividing the latter role into three: it worked thematically as an “unholy trinity”; it worked practically in terms of allowing three of Repton’s most talented actors – Oakley Elsom (U6N), Jess Gough (U6A) and George Gould (U6O) – to take on major roles for the last time, but with none having an unwieldy number of lines to learn; and it allowed for a subtlety of characterisation, each Mephistophilis embodying a different aspect of evil – one fierce, one sinister, one sly. This was a masterstroke.

This production was not just months in the planning, though; it was years. The last time I reviewed the school play for The Reptonian, in November 2011, I commented on the maturity of the young lead of The Repton Mysteries, Harry Mead (then 4L), predicting we could “anticipate a great deal more” from him. JMGL thought so too, and knew the school play of 2014-15 would have a star capable of giving a performance few his age could match, so a role to fit this ambition had to be found.

Mead’s portrayal of Faustus was both subtle and powerful, the offtext acting as telling as the convincing interpretation of Marlowe’s words. I believed his simple arrogance in the beginning; I believed his gnawing self-doubt as the play developed; I believed with a genuine thrill of terror at the climax as Hell opened and dragged him screaming down. You don’t get a performance of this calibre too often at this level: if you missed it, you will remain in ignorance – which Marlowe rightly labelled a “sin”.

JMJH 46

Callum Smith (L6O), our in-house magician, can certainly not be forgotten, putting in a colossal amount of effort to make sure the magic not only worked, but was perfect. He began preparation in early June to get his head around what magic effects were needed and where he could add them in. Having phoned various magicians with his initial ideas, he started designing and constructing prototypes to show JMGL in August. These included a book bursting into flames, producing fire from bare hands and grapes from nowhere, and Faustus’ quick costume-change. He had to take each of these ideas to the Magic Circle to get them approved and, once they had been so, he tutored each actor who was performing an effect and made them sign the Official Secrets Act that swore them to secrecy! After this, there were dedicated magic rehearsals with the relevant actors to get the tricks learnt and, as the majority included pyrotechnics, teach them how to operate devices safely and effectively. The spectacular quickchange was an outstanding example of Smith’s skill: timing was important and one second out would mean the audience seeing straight through it and the illusion being lost.

Smith’s other, already-existing position as ‘Student Technical Manager’ is one which is valued extremely highly, as he also had to essentially look after and train new and existing crew members.

He created the lighting programme whilst setting up various smoke machines and raising the floor to create the thrust stage.

During the performances, he was in the wings making sure that all the magical effects ran smoothly.

The only real technical difficulty was the power-cut on the final night, where it was confirmed that there was no external power supplying the building at all, meaning recourse to the emergency generator. However the real problem came when power came back on: the emergency lighting went off and, due to the large surge in energy, all of the fuses were tripped, plunging the audience into total darkness! Nevertheless a quick-action plan was formed to get the power back up with relative ease and in a short amount of time.

Having teenagers running the show, unseen by the audience, whether the major roles detailed above or those cueing actors or sorting out props, was described by director JMGL as “simply staggering”. Their incredible work to help make the show the impressive spectacle it was doesn’t at all go unappreciated.

ELLIOTT BOCK (U6N) 47

Drama

The Reptonian 2014/2015

The 2015 Charity Cabaret As American playwright Arthur Miller put it, “I could not imagine a theatre worth my time that did not want to change the world” and the theatre at Repton is undoubtedly the epicentre of change, not only providing a night of entertainment for the audience, but also assuring those less fortunate with a decent education in Ghana.

One thing that amazes me about Repton is the variety of talent which seems to swell enormously in the Lent Term, each year. Boundaries are ceaselessly broken and ambitious ideas result in awe-inspiring spectacles. This year, a remarkable display of acting, dancing and music from more than 80 students was combined once again to create a spellbinding presentation of talent, all under the watchful eyes of JMGL and RF, who expertly guided the pupils.

This year’s Charity Cabaret was particularly special, witnessed all four nights by the founder of Dreamland School, Pastor James Dugger. He joined the thespians and musicians on stage, not to perform, but simply to say thank you, revealing, “it’s not money that motivates people in Ghana; it is education that gives life-long value”.

George Gough (3L) opened the show, before the screen was lowered and, whilst the audience watched a presentation of the series of ongoing changes in Ghana, the

in-house choir sang ‘Rising Dawn’ – a closeknit harmony, beautifully sung and perfectly fitting for the occasion.

George Shirley (4N) transformed from pleasant boy to a moody teenager in a classic Harry Enfield sketch, unfamiliar to many of the pupil audience, and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone, and Caitlin Furniss (U6G) sang Adele’s ‘Set Fire to the Rain’, performing in her last Charity Cabaret after a successful five-year stint.

Interwoven neatly amongst the bigger sketches was a series of mini-sketches simply called ‘Marathon’. Performed in mime by a variety of pupils of all ages, the audience witnessed different stages of a marathon, including the warm-up, start, middle and end, offering a hilarious insight into the terrors of running.

Hettie Jago (L6A) and Joel Holmes (L6L) sung a stunning and emotional version of ‘Trouble’ and the dancers, too, showed their talent during the night, where ‘Tea

Party’ in particular was widely enjoyed. The Reptiles sang an excellent rendition of ‘Bring it All Back to You’ and once again the boys from the Orchard performed ‘The Orchard Stomp’, in which the audience discovered how to make music from shopping bags…

In their last year at Repton, Jamie Clarke, Harry Mead (both U6L) and Olivia Omilana (U6M) didn’t fail to impress. Their hysterical and probably quite truthful sketch ‘Drama School Audition’ was expertly put together and was well received by the entirety of the audience. Omilana returned with Tara Polglase (U6M), George Gould (U6O) and Oakley Elsom (U6N), in the side-splitting sketch ‘Growing up’ which, likewise, was adored by all. A personal favourite among the sketches had to be ‘Matrix Ping-Pong’, executed perfectly by George Gould and Harry Mead, where a range of technical costumes were used to create the look of two mini-men playing table tennis in the style of The Matrix.

Gould went on to join Elsom, Jess Gough (U6A), Fergus Polglase (U6L) and Freya Harcus (U6A) in ‘Baby Voices’, an entertaining take of an original Haribo advert, where the actors, although presented as adults, had the voices of babies (and thanks to the various members of staff’s young children who supplied the baby voices!).

Joel Holmes, Liam Karai (L6N) and Ashton Cheng (L6C) performed the fantastic ‘Four Chord Trick’, many people’s favourite act of the show, mixing Holmes’ talent on the piano with comedy and fine singing voices to create a medley of famous songs based entirely upon just four musical chords.

Another very memorable series of minisketches was Tristram Howle’s (L6L) and Charlie Hetherington’s (L6C) take on the Armstrong and Miller RAF pilots, whose accents and dress are clipped, precise and military, but whose vocabulary and attitude is chavvy teen.

In a mesmerising array of acts, it is simply impossible to pick out every highlight, but all performers must be applauded for their outstanding achievements, as must the dedicated backstage crew for their tremendous unseen efforts, the lighting and sound crew – this year entirely staffed by pupils – and finally the front of house team (run by SMQN, KPMS and JP), who continuously catered for the audience’s food and drink needs, raising the overall takings considerably!

So not only was this year’s cabaret a quickpaced, perfectly balanced and utterly enchanting exhibition of talent across the whole school, but also provided children in Ghana with a considerable helping-hand to their now more promising future.

ELLIOTT BOCK (U6N)

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Features

The Reptonian 2014/2015

POLITICS has ‘huge consequences for the young’.

It will ‘affect education and training…It will have an impact on the quantity and quality of jobs available…It will affect the rent paid for a first time home and the chances of buying one’

Did you know?

FOCUS ON POLITICS

Of all the 18-yearolds eligible to vote at the 2015 General Election, less than half registered on the electoral roll

Ed Miliband

In the wake of the 2015 General Election, The Reptonian asks why students should vote, and who should they have voted for?

ALEX URWIN (U6L) Features Editor With contributions from Jess Birch (U6A), Thomas Croghan (L6C) and James Johnson (U6O) For a number of Reptonians, current and former, the much-anticipated 2015 General Election provided the first opportunity to visit the ballot box and take up their voice within our society.

What met these young voters, however, was an unprecedentedly volatile political landscape, arguably making that first vote harder than it has ever been before.

Why should we care? What difference did or will our vote make?

What had preceded the election was years of political scandal, dishonesty and voter disconnection from a political elite.

A dominant two-party culture and a ‘safeseat’ phenomenon fuelled arrogance in Westminster; general decline in credibility and turnout within our political system closely followed.

However, this is a decline that must be arrested to protect the foundations of a democratic system that is envied the world over; think back to the broken tuition fee promises made by Nick Clegg and realise why our generation must take an active role.

At the time of writing, in the lead-up to May 7th 2015, ‘man of the people’ and public house frequenter Nigel Farage has led a UKIP popularity surge far superior to anything that had been achieved by the now-maligned Liberal Democrats five years previously.

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Why should we listen to these newlyemerged political voices? Why does politics matter at all?

Figures like Brand and Farage are vitally important because, irrespective of their ideological opinions, they have tackled the alarming decline in voter engagement; ensuring new young voters enter a system where politics, and their voice, matters. This challenge to our main political parties was helped immeasurably by the engaging referendum campaign fought by Alex Salmond’s SNP and the publicity garnered by Al Murray’s Pub Landlord and his FUKP campaign.

Looking ahead, it has therefore become more important than ever to take up our vote and ensure this wave of change is not allowed to dissipate; our political system needs to be positively reformed to reengage with its representative foundations.

It is a democratic imperative that Labour and the Conservatives should no longer be allowed to pick and choose to whom they listen. Going forwards, using our vote and building upon the political activism of 2015 is the way to ensure change can happen.

May 2015 was not a time for disenfranchisement and anger at past mistakes; it was a momentous opportunity to look to a future of genuine political change.

I cannot pretend it was easy finding a proLabour student to contribute to this article.

They are a party that appears internally discontented with their current leadership, whilst they are roundly held responsible for the financial problems that so badly damaged our economy following 2008.

It was once popular belief that young people were left-leaning idealists, with a keen interest in social justice. However, as a young voter, I oppose the failing and outdated Labour stereotype, instead supporting the Conservatives and their belief in personal responsibility and self-sufficiency; something we should all strive to achieve.

However, in light of Conservative failings and broken promises, Miliband’s party are, arguably, the only credible alternative.

Unlike UKIP or the Lib Dems, they have economic and political experience in running our country. Furthermore, they have a level of international credibility, which is vitally important going forward into such a treacherous global climate.

I understand that I have been extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to study at Repton, and my experience at the School has led me to believe that higher education should not be a privilege, but a right. The Conservatives promise to facilitate this right, whilst also promoting and funding the Royal College of Teaching, which will result in improved national education.

Their commitment to the NHS and to government investment is conspicuous by its absence in any Conservative party literature.

I for one would like to live in a society where my health, my education and my job opportunities are prioritised and protected by government, rather than damaged by austerity. That is why I support Labour.

As students, I believe we would be better represented by the Greens as, unlike the Liberal Democrats, they actively oppose tuition fees.

Furthermore, in supporting the renationalisation of our rail networks, the party would work for cheaper, more efficient transport in the future. Most importantly, however, the Greens believe in raising the minimum wage to £10 an hour. This is clearly a political package that, if supported, would work for our generation as we look to establish our careers beyond Repton.

The Green party represents a vote for change, a vote borne out of our disillusionment with the three central parties that make up our existing, outdated political establishment. Surely this is reason enough to vote Green.

Furthermore, the Conservative commitment to apprenticeships and getting young people into work is particularly appealing because, as students, we should all be looking to secure the best possible opportunities for when we enter the workplace (and begin to pay off our student loan!). In light of this, I believe students should support the most credible political party we have: the Conservatives.

United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP) are a patriotic party and as students, a ‘great’, globally active Britain is a Britain in which our careers will be more prosperous and more secure. However, to ensure we enter an independent and globally powerful workplace, we must distance ourselves from the interference of the European Union. Britain prospered because of its ability to trade freely; as the next politicallyactive generation, we must act to protect this.

Furthermore, whilst we must not fall into the trap of categorically, or xenophobically, condemning immigration, we must be realistic in recognising the need to protect the opportunities made available in the labour market we are set to enter.

Also, if we are increasingly disconnected from politicians in Westminster and the political establishment, it is clear to me that UKIP is the most viable vote for change.

Artwork by Jessica Gough (U6A)

Arresting such a deep-rooted decline is, of course, easier said than done. For young, first-time voters, using their newfound political voice is becoming increasingly difficult; a sea change in British politics has fundamentally altered the landscape that we are entering at the age of 18.

Such was the scale of UKIP’s rise, on a wave of political verbosity, Euro-scepticism and anti-politics feeling, the concept of a twoparty system was fundamentally altered.

On the other side of the political soapbox, Russell Brand took to Question Time and Newsnight to eloquently inspire revolution and encourage us, the increasingly apathetic student generation, to reject the career-politicians of SW1.

Here, The Reptonian outlines the position of the key political parties competing for your first vote (disclaimer: we have no idea at the time of writing how it all turned out!)

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

ART & DESIGN Artwork by Vanessa Cole (L6F)

Mr Bournon A Profile

And is that what made you want to become a teacher in the first place, or did you have any other ambitions?

I think the very first time I walked into a classroom, I knew that that was my home. In the 1970s, when I lived in London, I had other ambitions; perhaps to work in theatre or to be the bass player for the Rolling Stones! On leaving Art College, of course, I wanted to be an artist and not a career teacher.

However, in the same week in 1976, I had interviews at the Royal College of Art and The Institute of Education to do my postgraduate teacher’s course. Standing on the steps of the RCA following my interview and realising I hadn’t got a place and that I was destined for teaching, I said to myself that, ‘I may not be a practising artist at this point in my life but when I am able to lead an Art Department, I will invite artists to teach with me’. That was a very special moment, and in a way, it was the road map for what Repton School’s Art Department was to become. In 1988, when the opportunity arose, I appointed two recent MA graduates to teach the Sixth Form artists with me. Since then, we have had 22 artists-inresidence working as practitioners in the Department and teaching the Sixth Form pupils.

What changes have you seen over the course of your career?

Artwork by Harriet Hutchinson (U6M) Artwork by Fay Burn (U6F)

In 30 years here, Art in schools has changed out of all recognition. When I was appointed in 1985 by David Jewell, Art was taught in a very prescriptive way and there wasn’t the same freedom of expression that we now take for granted.

Pupils are now able to work as independent artists, free to explore their own ideas and concepts of how their art should develop. Students had to draw objects as still life groups and the figure – everything was set up for them. Now art has a wonderful breadth, both in terms of how pupils can approach making work and what can be achieved. Genuinely, pupils now can say that they operate as artists and that was never the case in the past. We embrace a wealth of material that was unheard of 30 years ago, and of course we do it in completely revolutionised surroundings. The school I came to in 1985 had a very good Art School for its time, but soon became too small with the increase in pupil numbers wanting to take the subject at exam level. With the very generous help of the school benefactor Robert Beldam, we were able to completely transform the space, eventually also adding New Court Gallery and the Textiles Department in the derelict Burton Road squash courts. Coinciding with those improvements to the buildings, were the curriculum changes at AS and A2 – which in turn enabled us to include Photography and Textiles into the programme of teaching at Repton.

Do you still feel like you want to teach?

Yes. I will miss full-time teaching very much, so I have all sorts of plans and schemes for how I might continue teaching in the future. I have a monthly adult education class called Le Pantalon Rouge, which is great fun and I will certainly continue their classes, and Rugby School have invited me to have a consultancy role with their Sixth Form artists next year. In the longer term, I’d like to set up my own business providing Art courses here in England, or (and this is where I start to dream) perhaps in the South of France.

What’s next for you?

I am staying in Repton for a year. I have appointed myself to the role of Painter-in-Residence to Repton School and I am looking forward to finally having the chance to be a real artist in my studio in New Court Gallery and, with the freedom retirement affords, I intend to do all the things that I have wanted to do for a long time; it’s going to be very exciting.

What do you enjoy about teaching?

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There is one aspect of teaching above all others that I enjoy and that is, simply, the one-to-one contact with pupils, talking about their work and, over a period of time, observing their work mature and develop. Watching a pupil not only develop in their practice as an artist, but then seeing them have those moments of real illumination of the mind, is the greatest privilege of all.

ALLY HUTCHINSON (U6M) Art & Design Editor

Artwork by Jemima Hand (L6M)

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Art & Design

The Reptonian 2014/2015

The London Design Trip In September, 37 Sixth Form pupils, the most the Design Department has ever taken, returned to London for their annual design trip.

As the pupils are starting to develop and consider their coursework projects at this point in the year, the trip is always a perfect opportunity for them to gain inspiration and direction from the exhibitions they view. With the visit coinciding with Design Week 2014, pupils were able to see some of the smaller “pop-up” exhibitions, such as those displayed for Paul Smith and a major rapid prototyping company. It was also the ideal opportunity to soak up some of the “buzz” and atmosphere surrounding the London festival.

First port of call this year was the Design Museum in fashionable Butler’s Wharf.

Exhibitions included a major display on the work and life of Louis Khan, a hugely influential and famous American architect responsible for many buildings across North America and indeed places further afield such as India and the Middle East. Students were particularly impressed by his attention to detail in technical drawings, and could not believe the quality of the card-based architectural models (way before the time of laser cutters and 3D printers, something pupils are very used to in the Department these days!).

An exhibition that encouraged our pupils to enhance their product analysis skills by assessing everyday products was “John Lewis: How We Live Today”. This marked the 150th anniversary of the opening of the first John Lewis store, and paid homage to a company at the forefront of advocating good design; something the Design Museum is regularly known for in its exhibitions.

A smaller pop-up exhibition, it explored and presented the evolution of everyday products that we find most recognisable and even “iconic”.

Sticking with the pop-up exhibition theme: alongside the main exhibitions there was a smaller display which explained the manufacture of some of the most famous pieces in the Design Museum’s collection, such as the 2012 Olympic Torch and also the Robin Day Polypropylene Chair. Such a display is so useful to our pupils, given our constant search for

products we can use in order to explain a myriad of industrial manufacturing processes.

The second part of the day saw the pupils head off to the V&A, where they looked at the Museum’s permanent collection of 20th century design objects, and also made the most of the fantastic Sackler Gallery, which details the manufacturing and materials pivotal to some of the most iconic designs of that century.

On a trip to London, it would have been rude not to take advantage of some of the sights and shopping opportunities in and around Knightsbridge, near the V&A. Therefore, with some allocated free time, there was the chance to visit Selfridges and of course the ever popular Wagamamas, do some (window!) shopping in Knightsbridge’s Harrods, and then jump back on the coach and discuss all the wonderful design objects they had seen, like the good little design students they are. Trips such as these are so important to our subject, and the Department will be looking to expand the scope of such trips into 2015-2016…

GLH

Inspired by Design In Michaelmas, the Arkwright Scholars and those Sixth Form students interested in a career in Product Design were given the opportunity to attend a much-coveted training day and lecture day at UCL’s Institute of Education.

Chances to inspire further those pupils who want to move into a creative or engineering-based career are vital to the future of the industry. Certainly the Sixth Form students came away galvanised (DT pun totally intended)…

The day centres around a series of high-profile lectures from notables of the industry, including Sebastian Bergne, industrial product designer, Emily Campbell, programme director of the Creative Education Trust and culminating at the end of the day in a talk from renowned entrepreneur and designer, Wayne Hemingway MBE.

“MAKING EVERYDAY OBJECTS SPECIAL” First up was Sebastian Bergne, an active product designer who shared with his audience his journey through the industry, how he started out and most importantly, his design philosophy (something which was to become a running theme with all the speakers throughout the day).

Bergne graduated from the Royal College of Art in 1990 and, that same year, boldly set up his own studio in London. He is famous for a very varied and eclectic approach to design. Bergne himself admits he and his team approach every design brief differently, and the resulting products support this. Bergne has designed everything from a greenhouse installation in Covent Garden in 2011 made entirely of lego bricks to promote a design event, to a hugelyconceptual Nativity display made from seemingly anonymous geometric coloured shapes, to more mainstream kitchen appliances for manufacturer Molineux. Bergne emphasised to the students listening that everyday objects should be special; it was clear that every project was important to him and received the same amount of passion, creative thinking and attention to the end user.

EDUCATION FOR DESIGN The next speaker was perhaps not someone the students will have heard of, but was a figure who has had boundless influence in the way design is perceived in education. Emily Campbell is director of the Creative Education Academies Trust. Her past CV also includes leading roles promoting design in education at the RSA and she also worked for the British Council as Head of Design and Architecture.

She used her wealth of experience in these roles and her previous work as a graphic designer in New York to talk to the audience about the methods we can employ when working with the design process

and also talked passionately about the importance of design and engineering and how we can approach design problems in different ways.

THE PULP HELMET BOYS A group that spoke later in the day were three postgraduate design students who had recently won notoriety and publicity for their innovative invention: The Paper Pulp Helmet. Designed and manufactured entirely of paper pulp, the design intended to tap into the growing “Boris Bikes” trend that’s sweeping London and other major city centres at the moment, and ensuring cyclists stay safe in a cheap, disposable but sustainable way. Tom, Bobby and Ed were engaging and enthusiastic during their talk, and spoke of the ways in which it is possible to break into the industry with limited resources, a few contacts, but huge amounts of creativity. Later on the journey home, the pulp helmet threw up a large range of questions from our students, and it was encouraging to see Reptonians ardently discussing the design and even picking out some flaws!

MARKET STALLS TO MACY’S Finally, the day ended with the organisers bringing out the big gun: Wayne Hemingway. Possibly one of the humblest men you will meet, he still to this day wears second-hand clothes, a practice which he wittily acknowledged was mercifully on-trend at the moment. During his talk he spoke to the audience about his humble, sometimes lucky beginnings, and ended his talk with some of the innovative projects he is currently working on. He questioned the audience’s future ambitions, encouraged their design-based desires and spent far longer than he should have done taking questions, providing humorous and intelligent answers. The Reptonian visitors were also lucky enough (i.e. bold enough) to meet him after the talk and ask for an autograph and the opportunity to contact him for further questions at a later date: see Sophie Wilbraham’s separate article!

GLH

Spark and Romola In addition to the pupil Art and Design work on show in The Reptonian’s pages, there were several adult exhibitions over the year.

The fifth annual Art Department exhibition, Spark 5, was a success, and showcased a variety of artwork made by staff and friends: paintings, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and much more. Margaret Orrell exhibited a beautiful series of Rose Bowl paintings, while John Wheeldon displayed his skilfullymade pottery. Christian Birmingham’s

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Derbyshire Series looked like photographs from a distance, but, up close, you see the incredible detail of the oil pastels. Emily Stiles’ jewellery is so beautiful and detailed… she has a real talent. This year’s Spark set such a high standard for future years.

Margaret Orrell, Painter-in-Residence at Repton, created a solo exhibition based on the novel Romola by George Eliot.

What was amazing about the work is that it was from Margaret’s imagination – no

references were used. When you walked around the room, it was like the story was being narrated to you through image. The paintings were so detailed and the many sketch books showed her dedication to the exhibition. Repton, unfortunately, loses a gifted Painter-in-Residence this year, but she is replaced by our own outgoing Head of Art, JHB.

ALLY HUTCHINSON (U6M) 55

Art & Design

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Work Experience at Red Bull Racing Over the summer, I did a week of work experience at the Red Bull Racing F1 Team in Milton Keynes. I started on the Monday in the model shop, where they manufacture and prepare parts for a 60% scale car, used in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing. I was tasked with making a scale steering wheel with working ‘flappy paddle’ gear shifters and multiple buttons, used to control different aspects of the car during a race.

The Aston Experience “Design an Aston Martin concept for 2030”. What a challenge – and set by the Stratstone Aston Martin dealership in Derby as a holiday exercise for Design and Technology pupils.

This brief, although specific, allowed a large scope for design, and ideas could vary anywhere from a contemporary road-going vehicle running entirely on hydrogen, to a flying supercar. The drawings were to be kindly judged by Stratstone, Derby and the winners offered the chance of visiting the Aston Martin production facility.

On arrival at the factory, even the driveway began to provide small glimpses of what was to come: a carpark full to bursting with the newest models and, perched above at the pinnacle of a small stony outcrop for all to see, lay a seamless silver chrome Vanquish.

Having entered the sweeping modern factory, we were confronted with a breathtaking display of Aston Martin’s finest works, and after signing a contract of secrecy, our tour began.

From the state-of-the-art meeting rooms we were guided to ‘the road’, a corridor containing the entire history of the company, with examples of many motors, beginning at the start of the 20th century to the most recent release. It was where ‘the road’ ended that we stepped onto the manufacturing floor.

We were taken aback at the spotlessness of the factory and it took a moment to take it in. Far from reluctantly, we were escorted around. From hand-sewn leather seats to fashioned 16 carat gold fittings on a Lagonda, to manual painting of the cars, to v12 engines and onto the beautiful roar of a newly-completed Aston. When our tour was finished, photos by cars taken and all possible questions asked of Mr Iain Randall of Stratstone and Andy Haslam of Aston Martin, we reluctantly left this once in a lifetime experience.

On Tuesday, I worked in the laminates section of the composites department, laying the sheets of carbon fibre needed to create a model crash helmet: I laid one sheet in each of the seven separate moulds, which were then placed in a vacuum for one hour to seal the resin to the moulds.

These were then taken out and two more layers added. Then the moulds were bolted together and placed in a vacuum again to prepare the components for the autoclave (essentially a giant pressure-cooker!), where they were cooked overnight.

The next day, I was assigned to the trim shop section of composites, where I received the helmet components, which had been broken out of the moulds. The pieces had to have excess resin sanded off, and then had to be glued together and spend another hour in the autoclave. The helmet then had to be lacquered and have stickers applied, to produce the final product.

My final day was spent in the race bays, where the cars, recently having returned from the Hungarian Grand Prix, were being prepared for the following races. During this time, I also had to make repairs to parts such as suspension arms, steering racks and even Sebastian Vettel’s seat!

Overall, this was a really good experience and has definitely confirmed that I want to pursue this line of work.

JAKE H. M. SMITH (4O)

“Who here wants to be a designer?”

A London lecture theatre full of 16 to 18 year old design students sit opposite Wayne Hemingway, MBE, co-founder of Red or Dead, chairman of the South Coast Design Forum, Building for Life, Blackburn Rovers supporter and all-round designer.

90% of the room puts their hand up.

“And who here is working on their own career now?” Fewer hands.

Hemingway was the typical accidental entrepreneur of the 80s, who found himself in London at the age of 18 with his girlfriend, Gerardine, starting with £100 between them, making their money in Camden Market, where they sold fixed-up second-hand Doc Martens and the clothes that she made.

They pocketed more and more cash selling homemade garments, until they were approached by Macy’s of New York, who wanted to sell her clothes. And so Red or Dead was founded from the humble beginnings: Gerardine’s mum’s friends sewing 1600 dresses, with her dad driving the delivery van. The definition of a family business!

By the 1990s they had sold the business and become multi-millionaires.

These days, Hemingway is still designing, and has branched out into architecture and interior design, with goals set on what he still wants to change: “to make University accommodation better – we have started on that... There is a lot to do with seaside towns in the UK… The list is endless.”

Of course, there will always be things to change; and opportunities to make things better are all around us. That is the very nature of a designer. The question is, would there still be an opportunity for Hemingway’s innovation in design at this point in 2015 if he didn’t have the wealth of his business behind him? And is our generation still able to start a career with the ‘wing it’ theory of the ’70s that he made his money from?

“New generations will always find ways of getting round issues and making the world work for them,” he tells me, “Central London [business] locations are off the scale in terms of rents, but there are places that aren’t and there is always the internet.”

For him as a teenager, “it just seemed like temporary fun and I was determined to enjoy it while it lasted.”

For young people these days, Higher Education is at the forefront of our minds.

Wayne Hemingway didn’t enter higher education, but does now have an honorary degree (BA) from Leeds Metropolitan University.

Wayne Hemingway: A Design Career Profile

An estimated 49% of school-leavers are set to enter higher education in 2015, compared with 43% in 2006-07. This means that almost 60,000 more young people will be going to university each year than five years before. And on top of that, between 2004 and 2012, the creative arts subjects in universities saw a student intake increase of a massive 31%, whilst engineering and technology saw an increase of just over 25% in student intake.

As teenagers, we are constantly told different versions of what it was like for the older generation growing up and studying in the 20th century. On the one hand, they tell us: “Oh exams were so much harder for us (back in the day/in the good old days/in my youth); you’re so lucky now”. But on the other hand, it’s all, “There’s so much more pressure on young folk these days.”

Whatever the stereotypes, of course, there is truth in what they say. Whether we choose to take design/engineering-based courses in higher education, or not, we are told and told that GCSEs and A levels matter more than ever. We are scared into the belief that life without higher education equals unemployment.

But when I asked Hemingway if he knew what he wanted to do when he was my age, he said, “I didn’t have a clue and still didn’t really know through the early years of being in business.” There’s no denying, though, Wayne Hemmingway is a natural designer, despite his lucky start in business.

Now, at age 16-18, we have to make decisions that could determine the rest of our lives. Maybe there is still the chance for our generation with the same creative ideas as Wayne Hemingway; the answer could be in technology and the internet. With technology to help us along the way, maybe the successful entrepreneur’s life is easy to achieve in the 21st century; but there’s no denying our career competition will be tougher than ever.

All I can say is, good luck to the generation after us.

SOPHIE WILBRAHAM (L6G) (adapted from www.beyondthebubble.com)

SAM RILEY (4P)

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Art & Design

The Reptonian 2014/2015

PUPIL ARTWORK

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Pupil artwork and photography by (clockwise, left to right) Zoe Buckland (U6M), Lucy Knight (5M), Mariia Miasnikova (U6F), Charlie Hill (U6N), James Finnigan (L6N), Elliot Hibell (L6O) and Chloe Irlam (U6G)

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Features

The Reptonian 2014/2015

FOCUS ON BOARDING Contributions from: ALICIA ANDERSON (U6F), ELLIOTT BOCK (U6N), FRANCESCA FROGGATT (U6A), HARRY MARSHALL (U6S), OLIVIA OMILANA (U6M), CHARLOTTE PENROSE (U6A), ALEX URWIN (U6L) & MILLIE WRIGHT (U6G)

The official Heads of Houses reports for The Reptonian tend to claim their house has “spirit” that is “second-tonone” at Repton, but all the houses are undeniably different. Here follows a brief – and wholly unofficial – insider view of what it’s actually like…

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Latham stands as Repton’s blue and white outpost; a towering shadow over the tennis courts and Hall Close.

An eclectic mix of musical maestros and dodgy top-knots, academically strong and at times sportingly suspect, entertainment is guaranteed on Tanners Lane. There are FIFA arguments, trash TV and, of course, the House’s infamous record: that 20-goal defeat to Cross all those years ago…

It is a standard Tuesday evening of 7 till 9 prep in Field House, and you are working hard in your bedroom, when you hear a loud commotion coming from the common room, and you know that this is something not to be missed. You leap out of your chair and follow the sound of what seemed like at least half the Sixth Form’s screams, but arrive to find only three people in deep conversation over the latest ‘Repton rumour’. Once engrossed in the discussion yourself, you take no notice of the increasing noise level, until there is a sudden silence and chill amongst your colleagues as the sound of steady, but large, footsteps creep closer. In a panic, there is an emergency evacuation of top com, which is ever-so-cleverly masked by an eruption of scampering feet and an undertone of giggles and slamming doors, and, once again, another defiance of prep rules has gone completely unnoticed by the tutor on duty, who could have sworn they heard something…

Boarding in The Mitre teaches you not to take yourself too seriously: it’s easy, sometimes, to get too caught up in work and forget your sense of humour, so in Mitre we always find time to make hot chocolate and gossip in front of the TV. Although our housemistress has been known to say, “no winning, means no tea!”, what the outside world sees as competitive, eccentric and energetic is better described as resolute, cheerful and caring. We also do a good line in themed days, particularly Hallowe’en and Valentine’s Day.

On a Monday night in the School House bottom common room, there is only one programme that can possibly be on, Made In Chelsea. Upwards of 40 teenage boys fixated on the screen, fantasising about being Spencer. On a Tuesday night, the house viewing takes a more academic turn, tuning into Geordie Shore, the U6 avidly taking notes in preparation for University.

Of course, the juniors miss out on the truly enlightening insight into Gaz’s love life or Holly’s self-obsession as they are rounded up to go to bed. But how can we forget the luxury of being able to have cereal at 9:30, due to our matron, Cherry, being the best by a mile?

Artwork by Alicia Turner (L6F)

Despite sharing with a snorer, and other people’s alarms and bells waking you up at the most utterly ridiculous times in the morning, boarding isn’t too bad... New House prides itself on high spirits, good food and the biggest garden. The most valuable advice to give must be to arrive early at the beginning of term to ‘bagsy’ the best bed: you really don’t want to be the one right next to the door. Never forget to wear a gum shield in a pillow fight and definitely don’t play garden football in a white t shirt! Boarding has taught me valuable lessons for life, including how to get ready for school in five minutes flat, how to make a bed and how to tolerate the most frustrating and endlessly energetic characters in house.

The heart of The Abbey community is ‘The Link’, named for its central position within the house and its unique ability to bring all of the girls together. Whether it be ‘Chris night’ (bonding and snacks with our lovely matron), or Cheese Night with SJL (a saviour in stressful preparation times for French orals – but, be warned, general tomfoolery such as hiding in wardrobes will result in the dreaded Dining Room Prep!), or general knowledge quizzes and insight into current affairs with the legend that is JP, or general Friday-night frivolity with JMJ, pyjamas, food, tea and chats are the glue of Abbey. From B-Block to U6, you’ll find us in ‘The Link’.

Beware – whilst trying on your Garden sports kit for the first time, do not be alarmed on discovering that you resemble a McDonald’s worker, as these are in fact your flattering house colours which you must bear for the entirety of your Repton career. Remember that loud music before 8am will not be tolerated, the U6 have already tried every trick in the book, so don’t fob them off with a fake phone, and, if you’re small, accept the inevitability that you’ll be on the front row during House Unison. Taking part in House events is rewarded not only with pride, but edible treats, and occasional mattress-surfing is a must (even our house tutors get involved!).

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

SPORT As I write, I am simultaneously checking the ‘reptonsport’ Twitter-feed every few minutes for updates on the Boys’ Hockey Nationals.

We’ve won the U14s and U16s already, and are on the brink of an unprecedented treble. But, even if they do win, this editorial is not going to be about them.

Because with sport, it’s not the winning that counts; it’s the taking part. Isn’t it?

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The intended focus of this piece was an event from near the end of last Summer Term – too late to make it into last year’s Reptonian: Captain of Tennis, Dom Lea (then 5S) and soon-to-be-departing Head of Strings, Graham Oppenheimer, played a tennis match with a difference: the internationally-renowned violist would play with a standard racquet; the tennis ace with a reinforced viola! Pause to think of your own ‘string’ pun, and we’ll continue. This was one of many ‘Rally for Bally’ charity events across the country, following the sad death from cancer, aged just 30, of former British no.1, Elena Baltacha, with whom Dom had trained.

(For those interested in results – not, as I averred above, really the point – Lea went 1-0 up on the Oppenheimer serve, the older man making several double-faults, and won the next two games easily, looking comfortable on the forehand, despite the handicap. Oppenheimer pulled back to 3-2, breaking the Lea serve when a passing-shot that a racquet might have guided the right side of the tramline went out, but as the youngster got more and more used to the viola, his accuracy improved, and he got to 5-2 and 40-30 up. The final point was a terrific rally, Oppenheimer’s powerful smashes leaving Lea little option but to keep returning lobs, but when the fourth smash hit the net, it was over.)

The importance of this game, to me, is twofold: it reminded me of the huge good sport can do for charity and for the less fortunate; and it reinforced to me that one of the best things about Repton is that it is a true community, where pupils and staff do not see each other as ‘the enemy’, but can play sport alongside each other and enjoy each other’s company. A few days after the Lea-Oppenheimer fixture, a Staff XI took on an U6 Leavers’ XI at cricket – what should have been a comfortable victory for a very talented student side wiped out in the last over when the Housemaster of School House tonked his Head of House all over the park to give Common Room the bragging rights for the next 12 months!

Then, on a cold day in early March, I was leaving the astroturf when I spotted a hockey training match featuring U14 Boys and Junior Girls in mixed teams – the broad smiles all round, despite the intensity of exercise, confirming that they were really enjoying themselves.

Fast-forward a couple of days, and the Girls’ 1st XI Football team, preparing for the Uppingham Tournament, took on some Boys’ 2nd and 3rd XI players.

Nineteen girls and one (male) member of staff vs six boys made for the most hilarious match I have ever seen! And I realised why I love co-education: it’s the community thing again; it’s the easy interaction between two different genders, who learn how to share things in common. Sport is – and will be – at the heart of our Repton community, regardless of who participates, and especially regardless of who wins.

JMJH Master i/c The Reptonian & Sports Editor

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Sport Cricket Cricket

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Results P 14 W 8 D 2 L 3 A 1 BELVOIR CC 98 ALL OUT (COTTER 2-23, BELL 3-16)

Won by 10 wkts

REPTON 101-0 (LAWLEY 35*, GOODACRE 57*) REPTON 151 ALL OUT

Won by 22 runs

DENSTONE COLLEGE 129 ALL OUT (BELL 3-14, COTTER 2-25) FREE FORESTERS 165 ALL OUT (MANN 3-23, COTTER 2-34, BELL 2-33)

REPTON 169-5 (HIBELL 76*, GOODACRE 43) REPTON 180-7 (COTTER 47*, WILKINS 30)

Won by 26 runs

OAKHAM 154-8 (TROTMAN 2-30, BELL 2-24)

Abandoned

XL CLUB 79-0 MALVERN 236-5

Lost by 56 runs

REPTON 180 ALL OUT (TROTMAN 44) MCC 145 ALL OUT (WILKINS 5-17)

Won by 1 wkt

REPTON 146-9 (BROWN 64) SHREWSBURY 233-7

Lost by 78 runs

REPTON 155-6 REPTON 203-7 DECLARED

Drawn

UPPINGHAM 146-9

1st XI A number of this side had been involved in the record-breaking 2013 team. In 2014, we struggled to compete in the same way.

We had capable batsmen, but never three or four of them in form, meaning that the new ball period was always difficult and, at times, no matter who we batted where, the outcome was still the same; we just had more players suited to middle-order batting.

We began against Belvoir CC, who play in the Notts League. A great bowling performance saw them rolled over for just over 100 and we notched a 10 wicket win.

Then, for the first time in a few years, we welcomed Denstone College. In a classic early-season low-scoring battle, we came through by 22 runs after a disciplined bowling performance.

The annual visit of the Free Foresters is always a highlight, with several ORs in the side: more excellent bowling saw them out for 165, before Hibell made a superb 76*. We made 180 on a wet pitch against Oakham, closing the game out by bowling our best 10 overs of the season so far in overs 31-40, which meant they fell 20 runs short. Wilkins and Trotman, in particular, were effective here. It was clear that we had a bowling attack capable of making it hard for other sides to score, but also one able to create wicket-taking chances through consistent pressure. The annual game against the MCC was a classic example: we bowled them out, Wilkins taking 5 wickets for just 19 runs (he was to finish the season comfortably our top wicket-taker with 24; his ability to swing the ball consistently and bowl a length that asked questions of the batter during the

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CRICKET early and late stages of any innings was an important cog in the bowling unit’s success), then made hard work of the run-chase, but Mann saw us home, following an excellent 50 from Brown to hold the innings together.

Malvern and Shrewsbury are the strongest schools on our circuit and it was a shame we couldn’t challenge either; their bowling attacks just didn’t present enough scoring opportunities. However, Bennett made a bright debut 50* against Shrewsbury and we travelled to Uppingham hopeful of a good win to get ourselves back on track. After a top-order collapse, with too many being caught behind, Charlie Bell, who was fast becoming the team’s most reliable runscorer, and James Nijjar saw us to a good score and we came within one wicket of a comfortable win. Trotman’s best bowling performance to date, with pace and bounce on a good surface, claimed 4 wickets.

Notts High’s leading cricketer dominated the game and, after scoring a good 70, bowled well enough for us to give up our wickets cheaply. Only a rear-guard action from Hibell and the returning Blair got us to within 50. However, we returned to winning ways in a high-scoring encounter with KES, Birmingham: after a very average fielding display, Nijjar made his highest 1st XI score and third 50, scoring 84*. We bowled and fielded much better against Trent a few days later: Mann, who was now at his best, bowled superbly mid-innings and Wilkins was unplayable at times with the new ball.

A two-day match for the first time in a few years offered a different challenge. The game started with a visit from Sir Garfield

NOTTINGHAM HS 250-7 (COTTER 2-23, MANN 2-36)

Lost by 49 runs

REPTON 201-9 (BLAIR 39*, HIBELL 39) KES BIRMINGHAM 211-6 (JOHNSON 2-38, BROWN 2-27)

REPTON 215-3 (NIJJAR 84*, RICHARDSON 40*, BENNETT 33) Sobers, one of the legends of the game.

Derbyshire put together a good 1st innings score, but Bennett, Trotman and Richardson (who had joined the side after good runscoring in the 2nd XI) saw us close our innings much closer to the Derbyshire total than we thought we were going to be. This meant they had to bat longer in their second innings, preventing them from getting the win they looked to deserve.

The Repton Pilgrims had a rather mixed side out on Speech Day, but it allowed a very bright 72 from Elliot Hibell to set the tone and a late partnership from Bennett and Trotman to push us to a good score.

Despite 2010 leavers Tom Cosford and Michael Jacques both making it hard for us by batting impressively, we closed the game out by nearly 40 runs, which is a suitable way for our leavers to depart. That day saw the final outings in a Repton shirt for Sam Cotter, Matt Goodacre, Perrijay Blair, Charlie Bell and James Frost. Goodacre had his season as captain ruined by a broken finger, but, after four years in the 1st XI can look back with pride on his contribution. Cotter, too, who played pretty much every game for four years and took over 50 1st XI wickets, should be delighted with his achievements, marked suitably with being the 98th winner of The John Howell Bat. 2014 wasn’t a vintage season, but was nonetheless very respectable. My thanks to the players, to Aff and Howard, to our grounds team and so many others for their support over the season.

IMP

TRENT COLLEGE 153 (COTTER 2-26, MANN 2-26, WILKINS 2-17, BELL 2-45)

REPTON 155-7 (BELL 48*)

Won by 7 wkts Won by 3 wkts Drawn

DERBYSHIRE U17 (2 DAY MATCH)

REPTON 249-8

Won by 39 runs

REPTON PILGRIMS 210-10

National Schools’ Twenty/20 Competition

P1 W0 L1

REPTON 119-9 OAKHAM 121-5 BATTING (150+ ONLY)

Won by 5 wkts

Lost by 5 wkts INNINGS

N.O.

RUNS

HIGHEST SCORE

50/100

AVERAGE

J. P. Nijjar

8

4

206

58*

2/0

51.5

C. T. Bell

11

3

280

58*

2/0

35

E. J. Hibell

8

1

235

76

2/0

33.57

M. J. I. Goodacre*

9

1

211

57*

1/0

26.38

D. J. Bennett

8

2

151

50*

1/0

25.17

S. P. Cotter

12

2

166

47*

0/0

16.6

E. Lawley

12

1

177

36

0/0

16.09

OVERS

MAIDENS

RUNS

WICKETS

BEST BOWLING

AVERAGE

J. A. Wilkins

107

16

404

23

5-19

17.56

C. T. Bell

109

9

424

17

3-14

24.94

S. P. Cotter

121

7

478

18

2-23

26.55

S. O. Trotman

70.3

5

290

10

4-40

29

B. J. Mann

99.3

8

371

12

3-23

30.91

BOWLING (10+ ONLY)

Captains: M. Goodacre (S) & S. Cotter (S) Squad: C. Bell (P), D. Bennett (P), R. Brown (C), J. Frost (O), E. Hibell (O), J. Johnson (O), E. Lawley (N), B. Mann (P), J. Nijjar (C), W. Richardson (S), S. Trotman (L), J. Wilkins (S).

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Sport Cricket

The Reptonian 2014/2015

2nd XI It was immediately apparent that this was a strong group of players and results subsequently proved this to be the case.

The XI was captained by Cartlidge, until the A-level exams kicked in, when Marshall took over the reins, both leading the team intelligently. There was a strong seam department, Harding and Elsom playing in every match with two from Bywater, Johnson, Robinson and Shires completing a powerful battery of four. Hill and Urwin, right arm and left arm respectively, forged a formidable spin partnership, whilst Richardson, Jacques and Riley also turned their arm to good effect. All bowlers benefited from the impressive glove-work of Marshall, an outstanding wicket-keeper at this level, and a high standard of fielding.

Marshall, Richardson and Urwin provided the bulk of the runs, but others, including Brown and Jacques, who batted forcefully to see us home against Uppingham, also impressed on occasions; indeed, almost everyone was capable of chipping in with a good score.

Unsurprisingly, the only defeat came in the final match: the difficulty in fielding an XI on the last weekend of term has become even more acute at Repton now that the DofE Gold Expedition takes place at this time.

3rd XI This year, Trent pulled out of the fixture on the final Saturday, but we travelled instead to KES Birmingham. The absence of many regulars at least opened the door to others, most notably to Erica Sanders, who became the first girl to represent Repton in a regular school fixture. She acquitted herself well, sharing an unbroken eighth wicket stand of 30 with Rai and then taking one of the two wickets to fall, but this was not enough to make up for the shortcomings of a depleted top order, which, after a bright start, self-destructed through a succession of injudicious shots.

How did this team compare with others from the past 27 years? Of course, it is difficult to say, but at full strength it probably stands comparison with the best (including that of 1988). One thing is certain: it was a delight to work with this group of players in my 27th and final year of managing the 2nds. Measures of the ability and enthusiasm of any team at this level include its approach to fielding practice, the quality of bowling an hour or so into a net session and the togetherness of the XI when under pressure in a match; on all three counts this was an impressive group of players and I wish them well in the future.

JCD

Results P5 W4 D0 L1 REPTON 104 (MARSHALL 30) OAKHAM 74 (URWIN 4-19, JOHNSON 3-9, HILL 2-21) MALVERN 125-7 (URWIN 3-21, ELSOM 2-16)

REPTON 126-6 (MARSHALL 56*, RICHARDSON 18) UPPINGHAM 172-7 (URWIN 2-19, HILL 2-25)

REPTON 175-5 (URWIN 76, BROWN 26*) REPTON 168-4 (URWIN 68*, RICHARDSON 50, MARSHALL 33*) NOTTINGHAM HS 148-8

REPTON 134-7 (MARSHALL 25, NEEDHAM 25) KES BIRMINGHAM 135-2

Won by 30 runs Won by 4 wkts Won by 5 wkts

This was the season when the Mighty 3rd XI truly earned its epithet for cricketing reasons. The trip to Oakham on the first Saturday saw our only reverse, albeit very narrowly, thanks to a ridiculously small boundary (a 6 from a top edge off a spinner? Really?) and one opponent who biffed it rather hard. Even then, there were very promising signs that we had not one or two, but a squad of decent cricketers: credit to Brown, in particular, for his excellent 96. Trent were summarily dispatched in a 20-20 by over 100 runs, mainly thanks to a brutal 106 off 58 balls from Jacques.

The two batsmen who had scored so heavily deservedly moved up to the 2nds, but the Mighty Steamroller trundled on: Malvern succumbed by just under 100 runs, with batsmen chipping in all the way down the order and Buckley and Robinson taking most of the wickets; Uppingham were squashed by 5 wickets, with Glover’s ‘5-for’ and Robson’s 3-10 the highlights, along with some fine stroke play from Casha and Byrne; the (all-too-short) season ended with a 9-wicket win over Notts High, good fielding and excellent bowling from Taylor and the master of guile, Robson, restricting our opponents to just 76, followed by really classy batting from Cox and Rai. Whilst I have rightly outlined the impressive victories of this squad, the word ‘Mighty’ actually represents a lot more: a good number played last year in a side that lost many more than they won, yet this year they trained and played every moment in exactly the same spirit, simply one of enjoyment of the game and each other’s company. They have thus been an absolute credit to themselves and the school.

Won by 20 runs

NJK

Lost by 8 wkts

Results

Captains: A. Cartlidge (S) & H. Marshall (S) Squad: D. Bennett (P), P. Brown (L), O. Elsom (N), H. Harding (S), C. Hill (N), P. Jacques (P), J. Johnson (O), H. Marshall (S), W. Richardson (S), J. Shires (S), A. Urwin (L).

Also played: J. Bywater (C), A. Davies (S), D. Glanville (O), A. Needham (N), A. Rai (P), S. Reynolds (S), J. Riley (P), H. Robinson (P), E. Sanders (G), T. Verweij (S).

P5 W4 D0 L1 Captain: D. Cox (P) Squad: J. Byrne (S), J. Casha (S), A. Davies (S), J. Glover (P), O. Hetherington (N), H. Mead (L), A. Rai (P), H. Robinson (P), A. Robson (L), J. Taylor (L), T. Williamson (N).

Also played: C. Bradbury (L), P. Brown (L), W. Buckley (N), H. Fortey (N), D. Glanville (O), P. Jacques (P), E. Morris (S), J. Riley (P), B. Verweij (S), W. Wollaston (S).

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U16 XI With GCSE exams looming, the U16 A team was, understandably, given a somewhat limited fixture list. The opportunity to play some cricket in the first half of the term provided a much welcome alternative to study, though, and three very enjoyable matches were completed. Put simply, we were outclassed by Derbyshire, whilst as much as the Shrewsbury game was close until the last few overs of our innings, in truth, we lost to a better team. However, the convincing victory over Uppingham on a gloriously sunny day will surely be remembered by the boys for a long time. As in the other two matches, the opening pair of Glanville (72) and Riley (43) batted thoughtfully and patiently, whilst Fortey’s devastating six-over bowling spell, in which he took 4 wickets for 10 runs, turned the game and, ultimately, went a long way to securing a fine win. It was a great pleasure to take this group of boys, who played with wonderful spirit, and I hope to see a good number of them playing for the 1st XI over the next two years.

Results P3 W1 D0 L2 Captain: D. Glanville (O) Squad: C. Bradbury (L), J. Bywater (C), P. Conway (S), G. Davis (L), H. Fortey (N), C. Hetherington (C), D. Hudson (O), D. Kinsella (S), J. Milligan-Manby (N), J. Riley (P), W. Woodhouse (N).

Also played: B. Mann (P), J. Martin (P), J. Newham (P), W. Wollaston (S).

THN

U15 A XI It was a season of real progress for this team, starting with a number of heavy defeats, before producing some mature batting and bowling performances to end on a high.

The major problem in the opening games was the team’s inability to bat for their allotted overs, something that ultimately will have a negative impact upon the result. In our opening game against Oakham, only Callan Harvey managed to get into double figures – the resulting 78 all-out being knocked off with ease in a 9-wicket Oakham victory. Defeats against Malvern (where two sensational catches were taken by Harvey and Congiu) and Uppingham followed and, for a while, it looked like this would not be a season to remember!

However, with a thoroughly professional performance against Derbyshire U14s, the team were finally able to record their first win of the season. Disciplined bowling from Bull, Cooling and Harvey saw Derbyshire restricted to 183-5 – a high a total to chase – but Sookias (50), Harvey (33), Bull (24) and Field (20*) secured victory. This was the turning-point. Victories followed in the 20/20 Cup against Chellaston and Ecclesborne: in the former, Sookias scored a superb century, with Brown adding 50, winning by over 200 runs! We were on the road to becoming County Champions, with the final against Lady Manners being played at Marehay Cricket Club: Repton batted first and hit 200+ again (another Brown 50 and some excellent striking from Bull, Harvey and Field); this was the complete performance and we won by a comfortable margin.

Unfortunately, progress in the Leicestershire round was halted, rather unfairly, by elimination on ‘run-rate’.

Meanwhile, we secured a comfortable victory over Notts High, Nelson smashing 39 in the final five overs and Harvey taking 5-7 to ensure another winning margin of over 100 runs. The penultimate game, against Trent, was my personal highlight: batting first, we dominated from the very beginning, Harvey securing another fifty, the team accelerating in the final ten overs (adding 100 runs in the process), with big hitting from Nelson and Field seeing us finish on 180-5 off 30 overs.

There is huge potential within the squad, who have begun to understand that to be a good cricketer takes discipline and mental strength as well as talent. I wish them luck for the future and hope to see many of them in the 1st team in the upcoming years.

NC 67

Sport Cricket

The Reptonian 2014/2015

U14 A XI

Results P8 W5 D0 L3 REPTON 74 ALL OUT OAKHAM 75-1 MALVERN COLLEGE 147-8 (COOLING 3-30)

REPTON 76 ALL OUT DERBYSHIRE CB 183-5

REPTON 184-4 (SOOKIAS 54, HARVEY 34) UPPINGHAM 130-8 (HOPKINS 3-22, BULL 2-10)

REPTON 99 ALL OUT REPTON 234-2 (SOOKIAS 100, BROWN 50, BULL 36*) CHELLASTON 18 ALL OUT

REPTON 155-5 (HARVEY 46, NELSON 36, BULL 34) NOTTINGHAM HS 55 ALL OUT (HARVEY 5-7) ECCLESBOURNE 64 ALL OUT

REPTON 65-2 REPTON 189-4 TRENT COLLEGE 159 ALL OUT

Lost by 9 wkts Lost by 71 runs Won by 6 wkts Lost by 31 runs Won by 216 runs Won by 100 runs Won by 8 wkts Won by 30 runs

Captain: J. Sookias (S) Squad: R. Brown (C), J. Bull (O), S. Congiu (O), W. Cooling (N), J. Cox (S), A. Field (L), H. Griffiths (N), C. Harvey (O), L. Herdman (O), T. Hopkins (C), J. Nelson (L), J. Robson (L), E. Todd (S).

One look at the results tells the story of the 2014 season – too few runs scored, with no batsman passing the 50 mark.

Storer (200), Tandy (179) and Campbell (134) were the main scorers, though Hirano and Jankinson came to the rescue on occasions.

This meant that the bowling and fielding had to be outstanding for the team to win.

The bowling was tidy, with James claiming the most wickets and Rai being the most economical, but nothing more; the fielding was like the curate’s egg (good in parts), which meant that the losses far outstripped the wins. The three victories were gained against two weak teams in the first two rounds of the Lord’s Taverners’ competition, and against Trent in the ‘revenge’ match, having lost to them two days previously.

In the last of these three matches, winning a close-fought game, the players pulled together as a team, enjoying the success of others rather than focusing on their own performances.

Many thanks, as always, to Aff, who at times, like me, found it difficult to say something positive this season, but remained cheerful and upbeat in training. I hope that this year’s players will have listened to our criticism about their lack of discipline and teamwork;

U14 B XI

they will never achieve great things unless they work as a unit. My thanks also to MWTH and MLW, who kept me entertained on the coach journeys to, and more importantly from, the many away fixtures.

This was my 35th consecutive (and last) season of coaching the U14 A XI. In that time, the record of results: Played 397, Won 213 (53.7%), Drawn 84 (21.2%), Lost 85 (21.4%), Abandoned 15 (3.8%).

I sign off with the wish that my successor has similar enjoyment from coaching this year group, where one has to mould a team from players taken from a variety of different prep schools. There have been some good years and some fallow years; there have been triumphs and disasters, exhilarations and frustrations, but it has always been rewarding to see the improvement in players during the course of a season.

PNB

Results

U15 B XI

OAKHAM 244-5

The standout performance was a confident 69-run victory over Trent – just seven days after a disheartening defeat to Notts High, perhaps our lowest ebb. With the ball, Proudlove was consistency personified, taking fifteen wickets and almost doubling the haul of any of his team mates. With the bat, Griffiths made the highest individual total, 47* against Warwick, while Nield accumulated the greatest number of combined runs with a tally of 68. However, in reality, each success could be attributed to key contributions from many individuals.

REPTON 70

I must thank Salisbury and Benson for their captaincy and leadership, NC and ARC for their support, and, of course, our loyal parental following, who travelled with us throughout the summer.

Above all, thank you to the squad for their endless enthusiasm and for explaining to me the many and varied nuances of life in A-Block.

CL

REPTON 157-9 (HIRANO 38) REPTON 45 MALVERN 46-1 SHREWSBURY 147-5

DERBYSHIRE CB 69 (TANDY 5-23)

REPTON 40 UPPINGHAM 224-3 (JAMES 3-47)

REPTON 113-6 (CAMPBELL 48*) REPTON 108 (TANDY 44) NOTTINGHAM HS 113-3 TRENT COLLEGE 165-8 (JAMES 3-26)

REPTON 167-7 (TANDY 47, JANKINSON 38, HIRANO 33*) REPTON 123-4 RUGBY 124-5

P7 W3 D1 L3 Captains: E. Salisbury (N) & S. Benson (P) Squad: D Allen (P), L. Combellack (S), H. Griffiths (N), L. Jones (S), J. Luke (L), J. Martin (O), R. Methven (P), D. Nield (O), J. Pringle (P), M. Proudlove (N), S. Ramsden (L), J. Robson (L), E. Simms (P), E. Todd (S), P. Williams (L), C. Wright (L).

68

Although this was a poor year in terms of results, it was still an enjoyable one for me and the boys. Gracie-Ainscough was excellent keeping wicket, Bicknell was a fine captain and all-rounder, and Singh always kept spirits up in the field, despite some difficult moments.

Lost by 87 runs

Results P9 W2 D0 L6 A1

Lost by 9 wkts Lost by 77 runs Lost by 29 runs

Captain: C. Bicknell (S) Squad: O. Dawes (C), H. Fox (N), J. Gough (S), M. Gracie-Ainscough (N), I. Isakov (S), M. Johnson (S), E. Mansfield (L), O. Player (S), J. Pollard (L), G. Singh (N), C. Wilcock (N).

Lost by 111 runs Lost by 7 wkts Won by 3 wkts Lost by 5 wkts

Lord’s Taverners’ Derbyshire Competition DERBY GS 38 (RAI 3-7)

REPTON 39-1

Results

The second half of term offered a chance of adding to our tally of victories.

However, we threw away commanding positions against both Trent and Notts High, the latter fixture being a particular low point, going from a total of 30-0, chasing 56, to all-out for 38! However, I am pleased to say we finished the year with an excellent victory away to Rugby, captain Charles Bicknell finally converting a promising start into an excellent 67*.

MWTH

P 11 W 3 D 0 L 8

This was a season typical of the lot of the B team, characterised by much squad movement, a huge amount of camaraderie, some excellent results and some not so. That 18 different players appeared is a success in itself: plenty of boys wanted to play cricket and all were able to do so.

It was clear from the very first net session that this was going to be a tough year for the 14B cricketers. The first game ended with a comprehensive defeat to Oakham; however, we bounced back to record a solid win against Malvern, Tandy securing the amazing figure of 6-2 and Wanger chipping in with a further four wickets.

A couple of further close defeats followed to KES Birmingham and Shrewsbury, before we were totally outplayed by an outstanding Uppingham side.

REPTON 121-9 (STORER 49) JOHN PORT 60 (TANDY 3-8, JAMES 3-13) TRENT COLLEGE 120 (STORER 4-23)

REPTON 110-5 (STORER 41, TANDY 38*)

Won by 9 wkts Won by 61 runs Lost by 10 runs

Captain: J. Ramsdale (O) Squad: E. Campbell (P), G. Clarke (O), W. Harlow (P), K. Hirano (N), J. Jacques (P), H. James (P), M. Jankinson (L), A. Rai (P), S. Storer (P), L. Tandy (N), J. Wanger (S).

Also played: M. Johnson (S), J. Smith (O).

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Sport Tennis Tennis

The Reptonian 2014/2015

2nd VI The season saw good variety, with some very strong players representing the team to begin with (before moving on to greater heights), followed by new blood in the later matches. In the first match, at home against Malvern, all players performed well and, with Elson, Feldhoff and Sanders in the team, the result was a commanding 8-1 win, followed by 7-2 away at Trent, the first pair, Bolshaw and Guest, only losing 4 games in their 3 sets, whilst Burn and Chantler did even better, only losing 2 games.

GIRLS’ TENNIS The Aberdare Cup team qualified for the National Finals, having won three tough qualification matches. First up for the girls was a home tie versus Lincoln Minster School, who were making their competition debut. Although up against good players, the girls came through unscathed, 12-0. Disappointingly, Trent College withdrew in the next round, which meant a tough away fixture versus Wygeston and QEI College, Leicestershire, awaited our talented team. It was great to have support for this important fixture from parents and SMB and, after three hours of competition, we were victorious, 10-2! This achievement saw us make the short trip to Graves tennis centre, Sheffield in mid-July. B-blocker Elizabeth Allwood took the number one spot, due to having the highest rating of our girls, and showed real maturity throughout her first year at Repton, but impressed the most during the Nationals, coming up against tough and older opposition time and time again.

Charlotte Feldhoff, also making her debut in the competition as our no.4, seemed to relish the opportunity, with a gritty and determined style of play. The other two positions were made up by the captain, Lois Elson, and the ever-dependable Erica Sanders. In a tough week of tennis, they came up against Peter Symonds College, Cheam High, Culford and Holmfirth High School, finishing 8th in the nation: a great achievement for a young team!

JWR

1st VI 2014 was a very successful season for our girls’ 1st team, who dominated from start to finish in all four inter-school fixtures. First up were a strong Trent team, two of their girls having played at County level in the past – but this only bolstered our mentality into being even more competitive, running out comfortable 7-2 winners. Allwood and Sanders were unstoppable: their energy and intensity on court gave them the edge and, along with some really good doubles, they proved far too good for all three Trent pairs. Elson and Feldhoff had a tough start against the Trent first pair, but bounced back superbly to win the remaining matches.

Third pair Akasaka and Carver also won two from three, their only loss coming against the strong Trent first pair.

Against Rugby, the first two pairs (Allwood/ Sanders & Elson/Feldhoff) won all three of their matches, while Akasaka and Carver won their first two but just came up short (6-7) against the Rugby first pair for an 8-1 win. On to Oakham – a potential banana skin, with both Sanders and Akasaka

Results

Our final fixture was at home versus Uppingham, on a glorious summer’s day, but it wasn’t just the sun that dazzled: the girls played some fantastic tennis. Back in their usual partnerships, Allwood and Sanders completed an undefeated season with another three out of three wins, not even dropping a single game in this fixture!

Elson and Feldhoff also took three wins and Akasaka and Carver battled hard to win two, for an 8-1 victory!

Led by Captain Lois Elson, the girls worked hard throughout all training sessions, which was reflected in the results. We now look towards next season, with five of the main six players still with us, meaning the girls can push on even further!

JWR

In the final two matches, Thomas-Davies and Harcus joined the team, playing well and bringing genuine enthusiasm for the game. An extremely close match against

Oakham saw 5 of the 9 sets finish 6-5, resulting in a 3-6 defeat, the same as in the final match against Uppingham, who proved just too much for us, despite a great effort from Burn and Chantler. Nevertheless, there are some very positive signs for next year!

PJG

Results P5 W3 D0 L2 MALVERN

W 8-1

TRENT COLLEGE

W 7-2

RUGBY

W 5-4

OAKHAM

L 3-6

UPPINGHAM

L 3-6

Squad: G. Bolshaw (F), Z. Buckland (M), F. Burn (F), C. Chantler (G), A. Davies (M), L. Elson (G), C. Feldhoff (A), A. Grebonkina (A), K. Guest (F), F. Harcus (A), L. Kitts (M), C. Oswald (G), E. Sanders (G), D. Scheel (A), P. Sloman (M), E. Thomas-Davies (F).

U16 A VI In spite of the pressures of the GCSE exam season, the U16 Girls’ team adeptly balanced the stresses of academic assessment with some genuinely fine sporting displays.

Our term began with a meteorologicallychallenged trip to Rugby, where the four-seasons-in-one-day conditions could not conceal the brilliant rays of tennis sunshine from Repton’s O-Block, with a 5-4 win. Oakham, despite their size as a school, were put to the sword in ruthless fashion, 8-1, after particularly fine work from first pair Doughty and Mair: an eyecatching combination of powerful serving and athleticism. The final fixture, against Uppingham, provided a feast of fine ground strokes and impressive serving, the match

going down to the final rubber. Sadly, the tennis Gods had written in the tarmac that it would be Uppingham’s day, as they triumphed by the narrowest of margins, 5-4.

This most gregarious group of gals were entertaining company all term and I wish them well on and off the court in the Sixth Form and beyond.

SOM

The U15 Bs enjoyed a successful season and, faced with some stiff competition, did extremely well to be victorious in 4 of their 6 fixtures. The season started fantastically, with an impressive 8-1 win against Malvern, their winning streak continuing until faced by the tough opposition that is Rugby School. Despite losing to this close rival, it was an extremely tight fixture, with the third pairing of Lydia Johnson and Philippa Wilson enduring endless deuces.

Other highlights included a clean sweep over Trent and a convincing win against Oakham. The girls provided endless hours of entertainment at training, and should be extremely proud of such a successful season.

The U15 C team had a fantastic season, only dropping 2 matches across the 36 played. A clean sweep against Malvern set the ball rolling admirably, followed by the same score-line against Trent, where the time spent practising volleying paid off, with many more points being won at the net. Oakham provided slightly more of a challenge, but our girls rallied in the face of adversity and fought hard throughout to bring off a convincing 7-2 win, while a second Trent fixture was another 9-0 whitewash. All the girls fought well to stay on top throughout their matches and fully deserved their unbeaten season.

SMB & AHB U15 B: P 6 W 4 D 0 L 2 Squad: E. Ewins (G), L. Johnson (A), G. Needham (A), C. Newstead (M), E. Nieper (F), J. Renshaw-Smith (F), P. Wilson (G).

P3 W2 D0 L1

U15 C: P 4 W 4 D 0 L 0

Squad: H. Chantler (G), F. Doughty (G), J. Goodhead (M), M. Hunter (G), L. Jacques (F), O. Mair (F), S. Pope (G), C. Richardson (F), H. Walker (A).

Squad: O. Brown (M), A. GerardPearse (M), M. Hammond (F), C. McDougall (M), A. Rynhoud-Leleu (G), M. Thompson-Dykes (M), P. Wilson (G), A. Zadorina (G).

P4 W4 D0 L0 TRENT COLLEGE

W 7-2

RUGBY

W 8-1

OAKHAM

W 7-2

UPPINGHAM

W 8-1

Captain: L. Elson (G) Aberdare Cup squad: E. Allwood (A), L. Elson (G), C. Feldhoff (A), E. Sanders (G).

1st VI squad: M. Akasaka (F), E. Allwood (A), G. Bolshaw (F), F. Burn (F), L. Carver (M), C. Feldhoff (A), E. Sanders (G).

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unavailable. However, this provided a great opportunity for Burn and Bolshaw to step up to the first team, battling hard to win one of their three matches, while Elson/Allwood and Feldhoff/Carver won all theirs for a 7-2 overall win.

The match against Rugby was closelycontested and full of incident: the pairs got off to a good start, 2 out of 3 winning their first sets, but unfortunately neither Bolshaw nor Guest were fully fit, which hampered their performance. Nevertheless, determined play from Kitts and Davies, playing for the school for the last time, saw them eventually secure a nail-biting 7-5 set win, to claim the fixture 5-4.

U15 B & C VIs

U15 A VI The U15 As had a superb season, coming so close to being unbeaten; their effort and enthusiasm could never be faltered.

Despite being an extremely strong squad of players, a number of their matches were closely-fought contests, frequently ending in the narrowest of victories. These close encounters never seemed to faze the girls, each pairing holding their nerve and showing true talent and determination. Lydia Morris and Mimi Tarrant, at first pair, dominated throughout the season, barely dropping a set, while Manon Allen and Celia Newstead’s

competiveness saw them comfortably beat many of their opponents. With wins against some of our closest rivals, Trent, Uppingham and Rugby, the U15 A girls proved themselves a formidable team to beat – and a delightful one to coach.

SMB Squad: M. Allen (F), A. Bolshaw (F), E. Girling-Budd (A), L. Morris (A), C. Newstead (M), A. Tarrant (M), S. Winn-Darley (M).

Results P6 W5 D0 L1 MALVERN

W 6-3

TRENT COLLEGE

W 5-4

RUGBY

W 5-4

OAKHAM

L 4-5

UPPINGHAM

W 5-4

TRENT COLLEGE

W 5-4

71

Sport Tennis

The Reptonian 2014/2015

U14 A, B & C VIs The U14 A and B teams were perhaps the most motivated and attentive group I have had the pleasure of coaching. They wore the correct kit, worked hard on drills, never complained when we trained in rain and wind, and were flexible in their pairings.

Our first A team match, against Malvern, was an easy win, as this was before Lizzy Allwood moved up to play for the 1st team.

Fenella Scutt and Venetia Mair were a very strong first pair, winning nearly all their matches and complementing each other well. Maddie Lea and Iona Winn-Darley were tough opposition, with Maddie’s steady, powerful strokes and Iona’s determination to get every single ball back. Alex and Stacey Karpova had moments of brilliance and had

Results a successful season, helping the A team to win 4 out of 6 matches.

The B team had a good number of players to choose from. All of the team improved significantly during the season and won 4 out of 5 matches, most of which were quite significant wins. Their last match against Trent showed their determination and desire, finishing with a 9-0 win. There is huge potential in this team; all of them are talented sportswomen, who have competitive spirit. I am looking forward to seeing how much stronger they will be next year, especially those who keep up their tennis in the winter.

JPM, SMB & SJL

U15 A & B VIs

U14 A: P 6 W 4 D 0 L 2

The U15 A side had another strong season, blooding a number of new players alongside established hands.

The dominant four were Nevill, Davies, Dearsly and Buckland, who all played with real authority and had too much quality for the opposition. Their consistency and power from the back of the court often proved a decisive factor, wearing down their opponents and forcing errors. There were impressive wins against Notts High, Warwick, Loughborough Grammar and Worksop, with the only defeat coming against Shrewsbury, when the aforementioned four boys played up in the senior teams. The group has real talent and will push hard for places in an extremely strong senior set-up next year.

Squad: A. Karpova (G), S. Karpova (G), M. Lea (M), V. Mair (F), F. Scutt (G), I. Winn-Darley (M).

U14 B: P 6 W 4 D 0 L 2 Squad: G. Brownhill (M), T. Broughton Lloyd (G), A. Corner (G), I. Hacking (M), J. Hibell (M), V. Loza (A), I. Omilana (M), G. Renshaw (M), E. Ross (G), O. Stocks (G).

U14 C: P 4 W 3 D 0 L 1 Squad: I. Clowes (A), A. Corner (G), S. Hudson (M), H. Lipton (G), B. McClarron (G), C. Newham (F), I. Omilana (M), H. Parker (F).

The Bs had a frustrating season, with several matches called off by the opposition or falling foul to the elements. In the one game for which they did get on court, they won a close encounter against Warwick 7-2, with several sets going the distance.

MRW

Results U15A: P 9 W 8 D 0 L 1

1st VI

BOYS’ TENNIS

It was another fabulous season for the 1st team, led by Captain Dominic Lea. The only disappointment was the defeat against Lancaster in the final qualifying round of the National Championships (Glanvill Cup).

The much-anticipated summer season got off to a disappointing start, the opening fixture versus Warwick being cancelled due to bad weather: a real shame as, not only do the boys enjoy the trip to Warwick Boat Club, but had worked hard in the off-season to prepare for a quick start. The actual first fixture was therefore in the Glanvill Cup, versus Nottingham HS. The boys did well against a tough side, coming out victorious, 8-4.

Our first inter-school fixture was against what is always a competitive Loughborough Grammar team. All three pairs won 2 of their 3 matches, resulting in an overall 6-3 win.

Next up was Shrewsbury: although we had a weakened side, with top pair Lea and Cook unavailable, we still came out convincing 7-2 winners – a great sign of our strength-indepth, with special mention going to Roddy Freeman and Angus Shaw, who,

72

after training extremely well, were selected to play in this fixture, managing to win 2 of their 3 matches.

the practice courts. A big thank you to PVG and MRW for their help and support throughout the Summer Term.

Then came the tough loss against Lancaster in the final qualifying round of the Glanvill Cup. Played at home, on the indoor courts, over three hours of incredibly competitive tennis resulted in a 6-7 defeat: Lea and Cook played superb tennis throughout, winning both their singles and doubles matches; Tom Nevill and Brierley had tough losses in both singles, meaning Nevill and Finnigan (who came in for the doubles) needed to win to send us through to the finals.

Having led 4-1 in both sets, they were somehow defeated 4-6, 4-6 – a real shame, as they got themselves into winning situations but couldn’t quite convert. The fixture came down to a tie-break shoot-out, which we lost 7-10.

JWR

The boys bounced back with wins against Trent and Worksop, with the final fixture versus Bromsgrove cancelled due to bad weather. Overall, a successful season for the boys, not only in fixtures but also on

Results P6 W5 D0 L1 NOTTINGHAM HS (GLANVILL CUP)

W 8-4

LANCASTER BOYS’ (GLANVILL CUP)

L 6-7

LOUGHBOROUGH GS

W 6-3

SHREWSBURY

W 7-2

TRENT COLLEGE

W 7-2

WORKSOP COLLEGE

W 9-0

Captain: D. Lea (S) Glanvill Cup squad: L. Brierley (S), J. Cook (C), J. Finnigan (N), D. Lea (S), B. Nevill (O), T. Nevill (O).

1st VI squad: L. Brierley (S), J. Cook (C), W. Davies (O), D. Earp (N), J. Finnigan (N), B. Nevill (O), T. Nevill (O).

2nd VI Unfortunately, due to other schools withdrawing from fixtures, the Boys’ 2nd VI only got two competitive matches this summer. That said, a number of them played in other fixtures, so got plenty of competitive tennis.

In glorious sunshine, the boys travelled to Shrewsbury for a highly-competitive fixture.

First pair Nevill and Wollaston played some excellent doubles, Nevill secure from the baseline and Wollaston making some super ground-strokes – often giving Nevill the chance for a winning volley at the net. Ball and Buckland at no.2 played solidly, losing a tight set to Shrewsbury’s first pair but otherwise undefeated. Third pair Paxton and Dawson almost staged an impossible comeback from 0-5 down against the Shrewsbury no.1s, then let a 5-0 lead against the 3rd pair slip, before coming out on top 7-6!

The Worksop fixture provided a great opportunity for the boys to show they really had developed that killer instinct that all great sports teams have, defeating them without loss, 9-0. Riley and Mueller were pushed all the way in their first set, showing strength of character to win 7-3 in the tie-break.

Dearsley and Dagilis also had a tight opener, but won the remaining sets with ease.

Third pair Parton and Clarke dropped just one game in their three sets, Parton’s winners complementing Clarke’s consistency.

PVG

NOTTINGHAM HS

W 8-1

WARWICK

W 9-0

LADY MANNERS

W 6-0

LOUGHBOROUGH GS

W 7-2

LANDAU FORTE

W 6-0

QEGS, ASHBOURNE

W 6-0

SHREWSBURY

L 1-8

WORKSOP COLLEGE

W 9-0

LITTLEOVER

W 5-1

Squad: A. Arif (P), O. Buckland (O), W. Davies (O), F. Dearsly (C), A. Field (L), T. Nevill (O).

U15 B: P 1 W 1 D 0 L 0 Squad: T. Clarke (P), I. Dagilis (C), T. Mueller (N), N. Pogudin (4S), S. Riley (P), R. Toulmin (N).

Results P2 W2 D0 L0 Squad: L. Ball (P), O. Buckland (O), T. Clarke (P), I. Dagilis (C), G. Dawson (O), F. Dearsly (C), T. Mueller (N), T. Nevill (O), J. Parton (C), N. Paxton (C), S. Riley (P), W. Wollaston (S).

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Sport Football Football

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Results P 33 W 27 D 0 L 6 F 152 A 29

FOOTBALL

ISFA 6s – Quarter-finalists

ORFC

W 5-2

CODSALL HS

W 3-1

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

L 0-1

KING’S CHESTER

W 1-0

CHARTERHOUSE

L 2-3

LIVERPOOL RAMBLERS

W 2-0

THOMAS ALLEYNES

W 5-0

WOLVERHAMPTON GS

W 3-0

MILLFIELD

L 1-2

SHREWSBURY

W 3-0

ST BEDE’S COLLEGE

W 3-1

U18 Staffordshire Cup

SANDBACH

W 2-0

R1

LANDAU FORTE

W 9-0

STAFFORDSHIRE U18

W 2-1

QF

STAFFORD GS

W 6-0

MANCHESTER GS

W 8-1

SF

PAINSLEY

W 3-1

ASHTON-ON-MERSEY

W 8-1

F

CODSALL HS

L 0-1

SHREWSBURY

W 10-1

OLDHAM HULME GS

W 8-1

MANCHESTER GS

W 3-1

ISFA Northern 8s – Champions ISFA Northern League – Champions

U18 Derbyshire Cup R1

PINGLE

W 9-0

R2

FRIESLAND

W 9-0

QF

HIGHFIELDS

W 7-0

SF

ECCLESBOURNE

W 1-0

F

CHESTERFIELD COLLEGE

L 1-3

U18 ESFA Cup R2

LANDAU FORTE

W 8-0

R3

DUKERIES

W 13-1

R4

JOSEPH WHITAKER

W 7-0

R5

ANTHONY GELL

W 5-0

R6

SOUTH BROMSGROVE W 5-1

R7

THOMAS TELFORD

L 0-5

Captain: L. Wyke (C) Squad: D. Bennett (P), C. Brodrick (C), J. Bull (O), J. Bywater (C), M. Clague (C), P. Conway (S), D. Hudson (O), E. Jackson (P), L. Jones (C), T. Lim (O), B. Mann (P), A. Needham (N), W. Norcross (S), J. Riley (P), M. Schneck (N), J. Slack (C), T. Speed (P), S. Trotman (L), A. Urwin (L), W. Van der Schoot (S), M.L.F. Wilson (S).

Also played: M. Chadwick (O), J. Glover (P), R. Methven (P), T. Nevill (O), G. Poole (S), W. Swann (N), T. Wilkinson (C).

U18 Boodles ISFA Cup R1

ARDINGLY COLLEGE

L 0-1

1st XI It was another season of success , although, with almost an entire new side, it took us a little time to find our feet. We had a good day at the ISFA Sixes, topping a group that included Hampton before a 0-1 quarter-final defeat against eventual winners Bradfield.

Then we had another terrible first round draw in the Boodles ISFA Cup, meeting one of the favourites, Ardingly. We had a fabulous game and created most of the clear-cut chances but, unfortunately, went down 1-0 to the side who would go on to lift the trophy. That’s five out of the last six years that we’ve been beaten by the eventual winner! It was a credit to the side that we didn’t let this define our season. Urwin moved inside to marshal the defence brilliantly from centre-back, whilst new players Speed and Jackson began to dominate the opposition midfield.

With our ISFA adventure ending early, the ESFA Cup became a significant target.

The variable nature of both the opposition and the pitches can make it very difficult to negotiate the rounds effectively. However, we had developed into a very reliable cup team and managed to negotiate some tough-looking games against some aggressive opposition, eventually reaching the last 16 in the country for the first time in our history, before being drawn away to perennial challengers Thomas Telford. It was always going to be a tough game and, once again, we were guilty of not making the most of our chances when they came our way. Telford kept us under real pressure

74

with a territory-based game, but it took a deflection into the top corner and a stunning strike into the other corner to finally break us. The defeat was disappointing, but I felt that the team had learnt a little about the level of intensity required and the subtleties of pressure in these tight games.

In the ISFA Northern League, which we had won for the last two years, we continued our excellent form. Victories over Wolverhampton GS, St Bede’s, Oldham Hulme and, perhaps most satisfying, a 3-0 away win at Shrewsbury in November, were enough for us to make the Final at Macclesfield Town FC, facing Manchester GS, who had comfortably topped their group. We started brightly, being 2-0 up inside 20 minutes, with goals from Mann and Wilson, after superb work from Riley and Clague, respectively. However, the game turned after Van der Schoot was dismissed for a foul outside the area as last man. We managed to get through to half-time, reorganised, and emerged for the second half determined to see the task through. What followed was a master-class in playing with 10 men. We even made it 3-0, Wyke exploding down the right to square for Clague to tap home after a lungbursting run. However, hero of the hour was Jones, on as substitute ’keeper, who made a wonderful goal-line stop before saving a penalty that would have had MGS right back in the game. Our eventual 3-1 victory will live long in the memory of all the boys involved.

By the time the Lent Term arrived, we had a strong, settled side and went to the ISFA Northern 8s in confident mood. It is an extremely tough competition, as you need to top the group in order to progress to the semi-finals. We were certainly in the ‘group of death’, with the likes of King’s Chester, St Bede’s, Cheadle Hulme and GS at Leeds.

However, we settled into the tournament quickly and finished top of the group to meet The Grange in the semi-final. Penalties were required after a 1-1 draw, and we confidently smashed four of ours home before Van der Schoot saved brilliantly to take us to the final against Bolton, who had been unbeaten all day. We saved our best performance until last, winning 2-0 with goals from Wyke and Riley. This was our second victory in three years and helps, along with our Northern League victory, to cement our place as the premier football school in the north.

The County tournaments were also a success: we had a great run to the Staffordshire Final, played at Stafford Town FC, dominating a wonderful game against current holders, Codsall, but ended up losing 1-0. Despite this disappointment, we bounced back to beat Ecclesbourne only two days later to make the Derbyshire Final for the second consecutive year. Again, however, we fell slightly short, with a tough defeat against Chesterfield College.

On an individual level it was a momentous season, too: Wyke, Van der Schoot and Jackson all represented the England ISFA U18 team, including games against Benfica and Sporting Lisbon. Perhaps more significantly in the Repton context, Wyke also broke the 36-year-old 1st XI goal-scoring record held by J.G.W. Wood, finishing the season on 43 goals, including 5 hat-tricks and one match where he scored 7 goals. I must also mention Brodrick, who bagged 27 goals this season, too: in any normal year this would be more than enough to take the top-scorer crown, in a team that scored 152 goals in 34 games overall. This total is yet another record, beating the 137 goals of last year.

Meanwhile, Van der Schoot and his miserly defence let in only 29 goals all season and kept a record-breaking 15 clean sheets.

They also matched the achievement of last season in conceding fewer goals than games – a feat only achieved four times in the last 60 years by Repton 1st XI teams.

Laurence Wyke was deservedly voted 1st XI Player of the Year by his fellow players, which only seems fitting in a year where one of the great Repton football records has been broken.

MMC

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Sport Football

The Reptonian 2014/2015

2nd XI Taken in isolation, the season record may not look overly impressive, but, in the context of a fixture list that has undoubtedly got significantly tougher over the last five or six years, the squad should feel very proud of its achievements, especially the spell from the beginning of October, which saw just one defeat in eight matches. With five matches against other schools’ 1st XIs, the regular games against traditional football powerhouses like Bradfield, Millfield and King’s Chester, plus two new daunting fixtures against Charterhouse and St Ambrose, the challenges came thick and fast, and thus to emerge in the black was no mean achievement.

The early weeks brought poor results, a mixture of rustiness and seemingly inevitable injuries meaning we struggled to find fluency.

Two very long journeys to Charterhouse and Millfield brought defeats – a very poor performance in the south east contrasting with a very good one, which deserved far better, in the south west. Sandwiched between was an astonishing game against Oswestry: we were behind twice and the score at half time was 8-3! The best, however, was saved till almost the last: a fantastic home win against Shrewsbury; every one of the squad of 13 was at the top of his game, and, remarkably, kept up the level of performance for 80 minutes. It was unquestionably the best match display I have ever seen from a Repton 2nd XI.

3rd, 4th & 5th XIs There is no doubt that we benefited hugely from a number of regulars training at the higher level. Jones is a 1st XI keeper in all but name, with outstanding saves becoming commonplace as the season went on; Hudson was an extremely effective full back; Needham was hugely influential in the centre of midfield; Lim tackled non-stop and was dangerous on the ball; Trotman had lots of ability, off the ball as well as on; and Schneck had pace, strength and skill. We had an outstanding centre-back pairing in Browning and Mann; at left back, both Glover and later Fortey showed industry and commitment; in midfield, Swann was possibly our most influential player in the early weeks, while Chadwick was perhaps the revelation of the season, with a potent mixture of pace, strength and great dribbling skill.

My thanks, finally, to Browning as captain: he was a tremendous presence throughout, both in training and on match days, taking on responsibility and setting the best example, and for his services not just this year but also last he fully deserved the Player of the Season award, even though one or two others had worthy claims. Thanks, too, as ever, to JGG for his refereeing and advice throughout.

NJK

Results P 16 W 7 D 3 L 6 F 45 A 32 ORFC

W 2-1

CODSALL HS

L 2-4

KIMBOLTON 1ST XI

L 1-3

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

L 1-2

JOHN PORT 1ST XI

W 2-0

KING’S CHESTER

L 1-2

MANCHESTER GS

D 2-2

CHARTERHOUSE

L 2-4

LIVERPOOL RAMBLERS

D 3-3

OSWESTRY 1ST XI

W 11-5

WOLVERHAMPTON GS

W 8-1

CHELLASTON 1ST XI

W 3-1

MILLFIELD

L 2-3

ST AMBROSE COLLEGE

D 1-1

SHREWSBURY

W 3-0

WELBECK 1ST XI

W 1-0

Captain: M. Browning (N) Squad: J. Casha (S), M. Chadwick (O), H. Fortey (N), J. Glover (P), D. Hudson (O), L. Jones (C), E. Lawley (N), T. Lim (O), B. Mann (P), A. Needham (N), M. Schneck (N), W. Swann (N), M. Wilson (S).

Also played: O. Buckland (O), J. Bull (O), P. Conway (S), J. Cox (S), J. Johnson (O), W. Norcross (S), G. Poole (S), M. Porter (C), M. Storer (P), S. Trotman (L).

Any season that involves victories over Millfield (4-3) and Shrewsbury (4-2) has to be regarded as vintage, and these two results put the gloss on a series of impressive performances. Against Millfield, the team was 0-3 down midway through the second half, but showed real strength of character to come back to win 4-3. The result against Shrewsbury was also the first victory at this level in several years and fully merited on the day, the boys putting in their performance of the season. We were undefeated against like-for-like 3rd XIs and, even in defeat, were competitive in every game. The team was free-scoring, averaging an impressive 3.7 goals a game, the top scorers being Elsom (10), Marshall (9) and Storer (8), but the whole team contributed, with 12 players finding the net more than once. Morris was a rock at the heart of defence; Glover and Davies were outstanding at full-back; Williamson and Storer provided the engine room; Byrne, Marshall and Elsom were a constant threat up-front, and Johnson is probably the best ’keeper to play at this level.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable season of 4th XI football: a great group of lads, who never shirked from away fixtures, gave their all in matches and didn’t take themselves too seriously.

We had some great afternoons as a team, none finer than the epic 3-2 victory against the OR Vets. There were also fine wins against Shrewsbury, MGS, and St Ambrose College. The team had a close resemblance to the School House Senior League team, with Brierley commanding in the back four and Richardson, Wilson, Harding and Ben Verweij our regular midfield maestros. Up front, Litvinenko provided much-needed pace and Taylor a competitive edge. The fifth XI, meanwhile, had one game, away to Millfield, recording a 4-2 victory: they officially end the season with the highest win ratio of any side in the school!

U16 A & B XIs Winning as many as you lose suggests that the U16 A season had mixed fortunes – and indeed it did – although, with the improvements that were made, I can’t help but feel pleased with the boys’ progress. A comfortable win against Kimbolton gave the squad confidence, but also complacency: trying to play the same expansive style of football against Bradfield, they came unstuck very quickly, conceding 7 goals without reply – a result that made for a long drive back to Repton, although it did afford us the opportunity to see how football should be played and gave us something to aspire to.

Having been knocked out of two cups in consecutive weeks, confidence remained low for a while. However, seeing that changes needed to be made, the boys were now more malleable. Midway through the season, the philosophy that we had been trying to put in place seemed to be coming to fruition and we comfortably dispatched Thomas Alleynes and Sir Graham Balfour, scoring 16 goals. After these very impressive wins came the game that the boys will be talking about for a long time to come: Millfield at home; this really was the acid test to determine if the revised philosophy and style could be effective against very strong opposition. It proved to be just that, as a devastating Repton put six unanswered goals past Millfield in what was as close to a complete performance as you could ask for; scintillating football.

However, as impressive as this was, the highlight of the season, despite the result, simply has to be the MGS game. Short on

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The team, ably led by Davies, was not only the most talented group of recent years, but also an absolute pleasure to coach with an exemplary attitude to training and matches.

players, we ventured north to a school renowned for its footballing credentials. The first half hour was a very cagey affair and we defended with superb discipline. However, just before the break, the opposition received a very fortuitous penalty, which they converted. Hampered with injuries, we had to go down to ten men! Noticing this numerical advantage, MGS threw everything at us, but we remained resilient and even had the audacity to push forward in the hope of an equaliser, twice striking the woodwork and then forcing an outstanding save from their ’keeper. Two minutes from time, we were caught on the break for 0-2. The boys left the pitch utterly exhausted, but never have I been so proud of a team in my charge.

Notable mentions must go to Tom Nevill, who was consistent throughout the season and performed exactly how a captain should, Rhys Methven for overcoming injury to score some crucial goals in the second half of the season, Ed Salisbury, whose understanding of the game made him a midfield lynchpin, Matt Elliott for being fearless and, lastly, to CL, without whose input and commitment the season wouldn’t have been half as successful.

The U16 B team, meanwhile, endured a difficult season, where sadly victories were elusive. A last-minute recovery against Manchester Grammar, with two goals during injury time, was the true stand-out moment.

Despite being outclassed on numerous occasions, the lads remained positive and demonstrated some good team spirit.

RGDR & NFP/JWB

3rd XI: 15 W 10 D 1 L4 F 56 A 23 MRW &PMWTH Captain: A. Davies (S) Squad: J. Byrne (S), O. Elsom (N), D. Glanville (O), J. Glover (P), K. Hynes (N), J. Johnson (O), D. Kinsella (S), W. Lewis (L), H. Marshall (S), T. Morris (C), G. Poole (S), M. Storer (P), J. Williamson (N).

4th XI: P 10 W 4 D 1 L 5 F 20 A 30 Captain: M. Winfield (N) Squad: M. Bankhurst (N), H. Blach (N), L. Brierley (S), S. Butler (N), G. Davis (L), C. Downs (S), D. Earp (N), H. Frost (P), H. Harding (S), L. Karai (N), S. Litvinenko (C), Z. Murtza (C), W. Richardson (S), J. Taylor (L), C. Thiara (C), B. Verweij (S), T. Verweij (S), M. Wilson (S).

5th XI: P 1 W 1 D 0 L 0 F 4 A 2 Captain: A. Robson (L) Squad: H. Blach (N), L. Blood (S), C. Bradbury (L), J. Chaffey (P), J. Cheshire (C), C. Downs (S), J. Edwards (O), E. Hollingworth (O), C. Stupples Newton (L), T. Verweij (S).

Results U16 A XI: P 16 W 7 D 2 L7 F 40 A 29

U16 Burton & District Cup R2

JOHN TAYLOR

L 1-2

U16 ESFA Cup R2

RAWLETT COLLEGE

L 0-2

U16 Staffordshire Cup R2

SIR GRAHAM BALFOUR W 7-1

R3

THOMAS ALLEYNES

L 1-3

Captain: T. Nevill (O) Squad: O. Buckland (O), W. Davies (O), M. Elliott (P), C. Ferguson-Cooke (P), A. Field (L), L. Jones (S), R. Methven (P), J. Nelson (L), T. Osborne (C), E. Salisbury (N), T. Sorrell (S), T. Wilkinson (C).

Also played: J. Bull (O), C. Chukwumah (N), J. Cox (S), K. Hirano (N), J. Luke (L), W. Norcross (S), L. Tandy (N), E. Todd (S).

U16 B XI: P 9 W 0 D 2 L7 F 10 A 29 Captain: J. Martin (O) Squad: D. Allen (P), A. Arif (P), S. Benson (P), R. Brown (C), L. Combellack (S), S. Congiu (O), W. Edwards (P), H. Griffiths (N), C. Harvey (O), L. Herdman (O), J. Langan (L), J. Luke (L), Z. Murtza (C), D. Nield (O), J. Pringle (P), S. Sharma (S), B. Sharratt (N), M. Sharratt (N), E. Simms (P), H. Williams (O).

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

U15 A XI I can honestly say that the attitude and determination of these boys, without exception, made them a fantastic team to coach. I felt extremely privileged to play a role in their development in what was an emotional rollercoaster of a season.

We certainly got off to a slow start, with a 1-1 draw against Kimbolton. A much better performance against Landau followed, although the 4-0 score-line probably flattered us (a rare goal from Wilbraham showing our attacking intent!).

The Bradfield match was the highlight: to travel that distance and produce a combative but ultimately clinical victory over one of the best sides in the country was phenomenal. We raced into a 3-0 lead with goals from Hackett (2) and Cheng, but our focus slipped to allow them back into the game, it being 3-2 at half-time.

The second half was about character (and told me for the first time what huge potential these boys have). Aliev increased the lead with a customary ‘screamer’ before Tandy, not for the last time, powered a header into the net – indeed we scored eleven goals direct from set-pieces in the season. To win 5-2 in such a positive manner gave us real momentum.

Wins followed over John Port, King’s Chester and WGS in the first round of the ISFA, before we were knocked out of the Burton & District Cup on penalties.

The team responded in the best way possible, with three consecutive victories.

Manchester GS offered a real test and, for the only time in regular school fixtures, we were beaten, in a classic end-to-end game, followed by a disappointing performance against WGS, who reversed our previous score-line and knocked us out of the ESFA. Wins against Millfield and Shrewsbury once again confirmed the talent within the squad (George Clarke scoring a contender for Goal of the Season in the latter), echoed by a comfortable 4-1 ISFA victory away at Bolton. This led to a QF against Hampton in the final match of the term. We started well, controlling the first half, Tandy scoring on the stroke of half-time. Although we had plenty of opportunities to secure the game, with five minutes to go Hampton equalised and then pushed ahead – two goals in a minute.

It was a crushing blow and a devastating way to finish the Michaelmas Term.

Despite not playing for a couple of months, and missing two key players who were on the Dubai trip, we returned in the Lent Term to try and defend the Staffordshire County title the boys had won last season.

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U14 A XI Unfortunately, the final obstacle proved a bit too much as we went in 3-0 down at halftime. An incredibly spirited second half saw us pull a goal back through James Parton before laying siege to the opposition goal.

Another goal would have made it incredibly interesting but, alas, it wasn’t to be.

Thank you to all the boys for their time and efforts.

NC

U15 B & C XIs

Results P 19 W 12 D 3 L 4 F 56 A 29 KIMBOLTON

D 1-1

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

W 5-2

JOHN PORT

W 5-1

KING’S CHESTER

W 5-3

STAFFORDSHIRE U15

W 4-2

MANCHESTER GS

L 1-2

MILLFIELD

W 2-1

SHREWSBURY

W 3-1

U15 Burton & District Cup R2

ROBERT SUTTON

D 2-2 (L 2-4 ON PENS)

U15 Staffordshire Cup R1

LANDAU FORTE

W 4-0

R2

CODSALL HS

W 6-2

QF

FAIR OAK

D 2-2 (W 4-2 ON PENS)

SF

PAINSLEY

W 1-0

F

ST MARGARET WARD

L 1-3

U15 Investec ISFA Cup

The Cs also had a difficult season, being beaten heavily twice by Shrewsbury, but managing one victory, thanks largely to tenacious defending from Charlie Wilcock.

JMJH & ARC

Results U15 B XI: P 14 W 6 D 1 L7 F 39 A 59 Captain: F. Redfern (L)

R1

WOLVERHAMPTON GS W 4-1

R2

PRIORY

W 4-0

R3

BOLTON

W 4-1

QF

HAMPTON

L 1-2

U15 ESFA Cup R3

An opening day hammering by Kimbolton – a side Repton’s U15 Bs customarily beat comfortably – showed that we would have an uphill struggle this season and, predictably, early results and performances were poor; frankly, it was initially a team of ‘wetters’. Nonetheless, we persevered during training and made significant headway, captain Fin Redfern epitomising the spirit of the team, and were able to string together some wins either side of half term, the 4-3 victory against Millfield a significant highlight. We were always a better side when the As could spare Hirano and/or Pollard, while Storer’s pace and coolness in front of goal was a significant bonus. That we were able to turn an earlyseason 8-0 hammering by Shrewsbury into a more respectable 1-4 defeat by the last game shows that progress was made – although it wasn’t a vintage season by any stretch.

WOLVERHAMPTON GS L 1-3

Captain: L. Tandy (N) Squad: A. Aliev (P), C. Cheng (C), J. Clarke (O), M. Gracie-Ainscough (N), J. Hackett (C), W. Harlow (P), M. Jankinson (L), E. Mansfield (L), J. Parton (C), J. Phillips (O), J. Pollard (L), J. D. Smith (O), G. Singh (N), C. Wilbraham (S).

Squad: C. Bicknell (S), O. Dawes (C), T. Hvass (O), K. Hirano (N), I. Isakov (S), H. James (P), M. Johnson (S), E. Mansfield (L), J. Pollard (L), A. Rai (P), S. Storer (P).

Also played: T. Berry (L), G. Clarke (O), F. Dearsly (C), B. Garcia-Hinojal (P), W. Harlow (P), T. Jacobsohn (P), J. Jacques (P), M. Jankinson (L), J. Ramsdale (O), C. Wilcock (N).

U15 C XI: P 6 W 1 D 0 L5 F 14 A 44 Squad: T. Berry (L), F. Dearsly (C), H. Emmett (L), B. Fordi (S), J. Gough (S), K. Horton-Jackson (L), T. Hvass (O), J. Jacques (P), O. Player (S), J. Ramsdale (O), W. Stupples Newton (L), J. Wanger (S), W. Waldock (O), C. Wilcock (N), A. Wilson (O).

We trained well in the early days of September and made an extremely bright start to the season. Goals came from Tom Buffin, Max Barnes-Batty and Angus Edwards at one end and we did a good job of keeping things tight at the other. Four of the first five games were won, including close games against King’s Chester and Bradfield, a fixture watched by an unusually large crowd thanks to the presence of a former Premier League manager, in Repton to watch his grandson. It is disappointing that September’s form could not be sustained as pitches became muddier and games became more physical.

Angus Edwards continued to score sensational goals, notably against Wolgarston in the Staffordshire Cup, but we found it hard to maintain control in midfield and this led to a lower share of possession that forced us to play deeper than we would like. There were bright points nonetheless, including an impressive 8-3 win at Wolverhampton, orchestrated by Finn Byrne and Tom Buffin, but defensive errors began to creep into our game and confidence suffered. In the final game at Shrewsbury, we put up a decent performance, but the concession of two soft goals condemned us to defeat. This was a delightful group to work with and I am sure that they will push on strongly next season.

RGE & SE

U14 B & C XIs Results P 15 W 6 D 1 L 8 F 36 A 44 KIMBOLTON

W 5-2

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

W 2-1

JOHN PORT

L 0-6

KING’S CHESTER

W 2-1

THOMAS ALLEYNES

D 2-2

WOLVERHAMPTON GS

W 8-3

CHELLASTON

L 1-3

WOODLANDS

L 2-8

SHREWSBURY

L 1-2

STAFFORDSHIRE U14

L 1-2

U14 Burton & District Cup R1

PINGLE

W 3-2

R2

JOHN TAYLOR

L 2-4

U14 Staffordshire Cup R2

WOLGARSTON

W 3-0

R3

SIR THOMAS BOUGHY

L 1-4

U14 ESFA Cup R2

CITY OF DERBY

L 3-4

Captain: T. Buffin (S) Squad: W. Balderstone (N), M. BarnesBatty (C), L. Brown (N), F. Byrne (S), L. Combellack (S), A. Edwards (O), T. Hackett (N), F. Holt (N), P. Joshi (P), W. Needham (N), G. Rice (N), D. Rider (P), M. Thomas (O).

The U14 Bs’ 2014 season was rather inchoate: at times, we played with, by turns, mesmeric wing-play, as against Oswestry and in the second half at Shrewsbury, and with Stakhanovite resolution and self-sacrifice in defence (too rare, this), so edifying in the John Port and Bradfield games. On our day, our midfield, choreographed by Charlie RoystonWebb, saw the surging Marcus Tarrant, the jinking Tom Dewsbury and the harrying Tom Roberts and George Gough, playing exciting, attractive football, cutting into the by-line to jag back devastating final balls away from the ‘keeper. All this was underpinned by the courage and peerlessly tireless and perfectly timed tackling of Yuto Otsuka. The term “second half”, though, is instructive: for far too many games we lacked urgency, or only switched on when we’d let the game get away from us, and all too often we let any momentum we’d built up in previous games be whisked away in the breezes. Indeed, the term’s statistics could have read a lot worse but for the unstinting efforts of one man, Phillip Romanovskiy, a player of exquisite judgement, metronomically reliable positioning and absolutely no regard for his own physical safety – the strongest U14 B ’keeper in living memory.

In a season interrupted by other schools cancelling matches, the U14 C team enjoyed four matches and, although winning eluded us, the draw against a talented Shrewsbury team was the highlight of the season. Captained by the athletic and strong Angus Westwood, the team improved in organisation and basic ball control as the season progressed, with Jack Yates scoring a number of excellently-crafted goals.

CSD & IS

Results U14 B XI: P 11 W 3 D 1 L7 F 19 A 46 Captain: M. Tarrant (S) Squad: W. Balderston (N), H. Blencowe (N), T. Cruickshanks (O), T. Dewsbury (O), J. Donegan (N), C. Edwards, H. Gilmore (S), G. Gough (L), Y. Otsuka (C), T. Roberts (P), P. Romanovskiy (O), C. Royston-Webb (O), R. Sillery (S).

Also played: T. Allen (P), F. Byrne (S), E. Chan (C), L. Combellack (S), A. Edwards (O), T. Hackett (N), F. Holt (N), P. Joshi (P), A. Kaem (C), W. Needham (N), G. Rice (N), J. Ringer (C), A. Westwood (N).

U14 C XI: P 4 W 0 D 2 L2 F 9 A 11 Captain: A. Westwood (N) Squad: T. Allen (P), R. Blakeman (C), G. Gilby (S), R. Hanks (S), C. Herdman (O), B. Jones (S), R. Kaushall-Bolland (P), C. Lake (O), T. Mercer (S), J. Nelson (L), L. Pringle (P), A. Smith (O), J. TrueloveCooke (N), J. Webb (S), J. Yates (L).

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Sport Girls’ Girls’Hockey Hockey

The Reptonian 2014/2015

Outdoor Results P 26 W 24 D 0 L 2 F 129 A 21

Midlands Zone Round – Winners

P 11 W 8 D 1 L 2 F 61 A 23

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE

W 7-0

WELLINGBOROUGH

W 2-0

BEESTON HC 2ND XI

W 2-0

ELLESMERE COLLEGE

W 3-0

Midlands Indoor Finals – Champions

DEAN CLOSE

W 8-3

STAFFORD GS

W 13-0

WELLINGBOROUGH

W 6-1

DURHAM UNIVERSITY 1ST XI

W 3-2

BROMSGROVE

W 5-0

CRAIGHOUSE SCHOOL, CHILE

W 6-0

MALVERN

W 6-2

BABLAKE

W 10-0

OUNDLE STOWE

GIRLS’ HOCKEY After a pre-season tour to Hamburg, I wondered whether this 1st XI could rival the 2008 side as the best ever. Despite this 1st XI falling just short in their quest for their National title this year, I genuinely don’t know if the 2008 vintage, which included Beijing Olympian Charlotte Craddock and current GB squad members Twigg, Gilbert and Watton, would beat this one based on their performances throughout the year.

The pinnacle of the Hamburg Tour was our narrow defeat to Harvestehuder Women’s 1st XI – who play in the top German League and were named European Club of the Year in 2014. The goals from Erica Sanders and Marianne Hunter were highlights of the trip, as was Lizzie Bowen-West’s goalkeeping.

Benefiting from the level of opposition we faced in Hamburg, Dean Close were easily beaten in our first school fixture, with Flora Peel particularly influential, before the girls beat Durham University’s 1st XI, Alicia Turner scoring the winner.

Comfortable progress was made in the early stages of the National competition and there were various wide-margin victories in school fixtures too. The key tournament of the term was at the Midlands Finals in November at Rugby and in order to qualify for the National Finals we required a top-two finish. Not only did the girls win their crucial semi-final but they destroyed Oakham 8-1 in 30 minutes before beating Trent in the Final: the gulf between Repton and their opposition was as wide as I have witnessed in my time as coach. Sanders was in fine goal-scoring form; Lilie Lamacraft, Flora Peel and Phoebe Willars helped to control the midfield; and the backline of Burn, Mansfield, Hopkisson and Cierpka were fantastic throughout.

Helena Evans, Zoe Buckland and Mimi Swaby were tireless in their work-rate and were responsible for numerous goals through their unselfish play.

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Despite comfortably beating Millfield in the National Indoor Semi-Final, with Liza Hartley playing well, we were beaten in the Final. In patches, we played some fantastic hockey but, unfortunately, not consistently enough.

Lamacraft and Hopkisson were excellent with their distribution and both Peel and Sanders were lethal and connected superbly at times.

Preparations for the National Outdoor Finals were hugely affected by weather, all but two of our planned games being cancelled due to ice and snow. In these games, Nat Mansfield and Fay Burn, a defensive partnership that has developed since B-Block, defended well and distributed excellently.

The National Finals, played at the Olympic Park, were a huge disappointment, given what we were capable of. The girls played well throughout, but could finish no higher than third after losing the opening game.

Stockport took their chances well and should be very grateful to their GK, who made numerous fantastic saves.

Comfortable victories over Millfield, Queen’s Taunton and Framlingham showed what a

good side this 1st XI was and what depth it had. Chloe Renshaw-Smith scored a fine goal against Queen’s after good work from Hannah Chantler, and Sarah Pope, too, showed that she will have plenty to offer next year’s 1st XI.

BROMSGROVE

W 3-1

OUNDLE

W 5-0

PRINCETHORPE COLLEGE

W 9-0

OAKHAM

W 8-1

TRENT COLLEGE

W 3-0

TRENT COLLEGE

W 7-0 W 9-1

UPPINGHAM

W 4-0

MILLFIELD

W 2-1 W 9-0

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY 1ST XI

L 2-6

BRITISH COLLEGES

W 8-1

County Finals – Champions TRENT COLLEGE

Midlands Finals – Champions

W 2-0

OAKHAM

RUGBY

1st XI

Indoor Results

National Finals – 3rd place STOCKPORT GS

L 1-2

MILLFIELD

W 1-0

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE

W 5-1

QUEEN’S COLLEGE, TAUNTON

W 4-2

W 6-1

National Indoor Finals – Runners-up EXETER

W 8-3

IPSWICH

W 8-4

QUEEN ELIZABETH

L 3-7

BEACONSFIELD

D 1-1

MILLFIELD (SEMI-FINAL)

W 7-2

IPSWICH (FINAL)

L 1-2

W 3-0

The departing U6 will leave a huge void: they did much to inspire the school’s younger players and should be proud of all they have achieved as part of one of the best ever Repton 1st XIs.

MLJ Captain: E. Sanders (G) Squad: S. Allsop (F), E. Bowen-West (G), Z. Buckland (M), E. Burge (G), F. Burn (F), C. Chantler (G), H. Chantler (G), N. Cierpka (M), H. Evans (M), L. Hartley (F), O. Hopkisson (A), M. Hunter (M), L. Lamacraft (G), N. Mansfield (M), F. Peel (F), S. Pope (G), C. Renshaw-Smith (F), M. Sanders (F), A. Swaby (G), A. Tarrant (M), A. Turner (F), P. Willars (A).

Also played: A. Heap (M).

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Sport Girls’ Hockey

2nd XI The 2nd XI was a constantly changing team this season due to the very large 1st XI squad. As well as having many 1st XI team members playing matches, many of the 3rd XI got the opportunity to play, too.

Despite this we still managed to achieve an unbeaten season which is a testament to the commitment and effort of everyone who played.

Notable matches were drawing to Marlborough College 1st XI, on one of the first days back from the summer holidays, and beating Solihull 1st XI by six goals, with two goals each for Alicia Turner and Camilla Chantler. However the highlight of the season has to be winning against Millfield. Brilliant coaching from Duncan Woods and Anna Toman throughout the term helped us to achieve this slick 6-0 win against a tough opposition, where everyone contributed to the game and played as one.

JESSICA CZINK (U6A)

3rd & 4th XI Results P 11 W 9 D 2 L 0 F 52 A 6 MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE 1ST XI

D 1-1

BEESTON HC

W 8-0

DEAN CLOSE

W 6-0

OUNDLE

W 1-0

SOLIHULL 1ST XI

W 6-0

STOWE

W 9-2

MALVERN

W 5-0

OAKHAM

W 4-1

UPPINGHAM

D 2-2

MILLFIELD

W 6-0

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

W 4-0

Captain: F. Harcus (A) Squad: S. Allsop (F), L. Brierley (G), Z. Buckland (M), C. Chantler (G), J. Czink (A), H. Ewins (G), E. Gerard-Pearse (M), M. Papadopoullos (M), L. Potter (F), E. Proudlove (A), G. Renshaw-Smith (F), V. Rogers (G), M. Wright (G).

Also played: H. Bagley (F), E. BowenWest (G), M. Burge (G), H. Chantler (G), L. Hartley (F), M. Hunter (M), M. Hunter (G), G. Langford (M), O. Mair (F), H. McClarron (G), E. Mitchell (M), S. Pope (G), C. Renshaw-Smith (F), M. Sanders (F), M. Smith (A), O. Thackray (A), A. Turner (F), M. Whitfield (M).

The 3rd XI had a terrific 2014 campaign, ending their season undefeated and having only a couple of close matches. Even with the impressive score-lines the team worked tirelessly throughout every match, trying to improve on their previous best and not allowing their opposition an opportunity to score. The entire squad can be mighty pleased with themselves after some spectacular performances, such as the finest team performance against Rugby: after leading for much of the game, the Repton girls found themselves a goal down with 90 seconds left on the clock. The ball found Emily Mitchell’s stick and she ran down the right wing on her lonesome and fired the ball onto the backboard – a thrilling moment for all. I look forward to next season and hopefully emulating the results from this squad.

The start of the term saw over 40 enthusiastic girls wanting to be part of the Mighty 4ths!

Eventually, just over 20 were staunch enough to attend practice sessions and willingly travel to away fixtures. Their overall commitment and gritty determination resulted in all-round improved performances over the course of the season. In particular, Clara Oswald was awarded Most Improved Player and Laura Carver was voted Player of the Season. If we were to pick a couple of highlights, it would be their encouragement of each other and remembering the skill of “Collect, Pass”, which improved the flow of play and the team’s distribution of the ball, while the connection between defence and attack through the midfield meant that there was always real momentum and plenty of goalmouth action.

The girls were a real pleasure to work with throughout the season. Well done to all in the MIGHTY FOURTHS!

It may be suggested that the results speak for themselves and there is little need for the following report, but the nature of this squad’s season could be mirrored by so few schools.

Before Christmas, the squad put together some really impressive performances and very much dominated the Midlands circuit, beating the usual Midlands opposition of Oakham, Oundle and the like. We were disappointed to lose away at Millfield, but it proved a turning-point and a huge motivator to push on to national success. The half term break was an opportunity to experience the European hockey circuit as we toured Hamburg. After 2 wins, we lost in a fantastic game to Germany’s best club side, UHC Hamburg, who won their national finals the following weekend.

We progressed with ease to the Midlands Finals in November, the girls relishing the chance to prove their quality. The school season finished in December with strong performances, beating Rugby and then unluckily losing in a terrific game against Cheltenham 1st XI. The National Indoor Finals came in January: we topped our group, negotiated a tricky semi-final against Cranleigh and a much more straightforward final against Perse to win the title. Each of the 12 squad members played their part over the twoday tournament and every one of them contributed in the final – including Becky Nelson (the finest reserve GK a squad

could ask for). It was the best Junior Indoor performance that I can remember a Repton team producing.

I knew we could do the National Indoor/ Outdoor double: the commitment to training was exceptional and we arrived at The Olympic Park in February with one task in mind; nothing other than gold was good enough. The performances in the Finals were as they had been all year – absolutely superb. The National Final itself was over by half-time: a 3-0 lead after 25 minutes against St George’s College was too much for them to come back from; Esme Burge and Hannah Davey finished with 2 goals each in a 4-1 win.

Every player in the squad of 16 selected for that game did their bit in the final, too, and the countdown to the hooter going at full time will be a long-remembered moment.

We were, in my completely biased opinion, very much the best team in the country in 2015. Not only did we have the players with the best skills and technical abilities, not only the team with the best tactical understanding, but we had the most committed and determined team in the country: every game

Outdoor Results

was a major event for them and this meant that, when the pressure was on in London, we were ready to show what we were made of. Winning the indoor and outdoor titles has only been done once before, and before 2015 Repton had never won the Girls’ U16 National Championships. How fitting to have their winners medals presented by Old Reptonian and England and GB International Georgie Twigg.

What an incredible season from an incredible team. Whilst their medals might gather dust, the thoughts and memories of their amazing triumph will not.

IMP Captains: A. Tarrant (M), E. Burge (G) & A. Heap (M) Squad: M. Allen (F), L. Bacon (A), M. Brealey (G), T. Broughton Lloyd (G), G. Brownhill (M), H. Davey (F), I. Emmett (M), E. Ewins (G), J. Hibell (M), M. Lea (M), M. Lomas (F), L. Morris (A), R. Nelson (M), C. Newstead (M), J. Renshaw-Smith (F), F. Scutt (G), M. Thompson-Dykes (M), K. Whitehouse (M), P. Wilson (G).

Indoor Results

P 28 W 24 D 1 L 3 F 123 A 20

County Finals – Champions

P 11 W 9 D 1 L 1 F 51 A 12

NORWICH

W 6-0

TRENT COLLEGE

DEAN CLOSE

W 6-1

Midlands Indoor Finals – Champions

OUNDLE

W 3-0

Squad: H. Bagley (F), T. Collins (M), J. Goodhead (M), J. Gough (A), A. Hardwick (A), G. Langford (M), O. Mair (F), H. McClarron (G), E. Mitchell (M), K. Morgan-Williams (M), C. Richardson (F), H. Sherrad (G), A. Stevenson (F), O. Thackray (A), M. Whitfield (M).

STOWE

W 11-0

MALVERN 1ST XI

W 4-1

OAKHAM

W 4-1

Also played: M. Smith (A).

MILLFIELD

L 2-3

JUNIOR BOYS

W 3-1

4th XI: P 8 W 5 D 1 L 2

HAMBURGER POLO HC

W 5-0

Captains: L. Carver (M) & E-M. Evans (A)

FLOTTBEK HC

W 6-2

UHC, HAMBURG

L 0-1

LP & CEG/SMQN 3rd XI: P 9 W 7 D 2 L 0 F 42 A 6

Squad: J. Birch (A), K. Canaway (G), F. Doughty (G), A. Drabble (G), C. Feldhoff (A), C. Froggatt (A), F. Froggatt (A), J. Hand (M), M. Hunter (G), K. Hvass (A), R. Kaushal-Bolland (G), R. Lee (G), C. Marshall (M), R. Martin (G), J. Musty (M), O. Omilana (M), C. Oswald (G), C. Penrose (A), T. Polglase (M), P. Sloman (M), A. Stevenson (F), S. Wilbraham (G).

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U16 A XI

UPPINGHAM

RUGBY CHELTENHAM COLLEGE 1ST XI TRENT COLLEGE U18

W 9-3

W 3-0 L 0-1 D 1-1

W 8-0

Midlands Zone Round – Winners KING’S WORCESTER

W 4-1

LEEK HS

W 4-0

SOLIHULL

W 7-0

Midlands Finals – Champions OAKHAM

W 6-0

OUNDLE

W 2-1

MALVERN

W 4-0

KING’S WORCESTER (SEMI-FINAL)

W 4-1

OUNDLE (FINAL)

W 4-0

National Finals – Champions CLIFTON COLLEGE

W 2-0

JOYCE FRANKLIN

W 5-0

ARDINGLY COLLEGE

W 3-1

ST GEORGE’S COLLEGE (FINAL)

W 4-1

WELLINGBOROUGH

W 12-1

MALVERN ST JAMES

W 3-0

OAKHAM

W 6-1

UPPINGHAM (SEMI-FINAL)

W 5-1

BROMSGROVE (FINAL)

W 5-1

National Indoor Finals – Champions SIR WILLIAM BORLASE

W 4-0

QUEEN ELIZABETH

W 5-1

PERSE

W 4-1

MILLFIELD

L 1-4

CRANLEIGH (SEMI-FINAL)

PERSE (FINAL)

D 1-1 (W 6-5 ON PENS) W 5-1

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Sport Girls’ Hockey

U16 B XI Statistics are often manipulated and spun to suit the arguments of politicians. Yet, if he were to have analysed our end of season results, Churchill himself would have struggled to tell any other tale than one of sporting supremacy, tremendous teamwork and exceptional endeavour. Fine sporting schools such as Oakham, Rugby and Cheltenham do not habitually lose matches by four goal margins or more (Stowe’s schoolgirls were hit for a sweet sixteen) unless they come up against truly awesome opposition.

Skipper Lydia Johnson led by example at the back, frequently displaying dribbling skills and a sledgehammer shot that left adversaries quaking in their astro-boots.

Player of the Season Abbey Broughton Lloyd battled like a lioness defending her cubs, whilst mauling opposition goals all term. Elsewhere, pace and precision were offered in abundance by the ever-graceful wingers Laura Bramall, Phili Wilson and Hermione Wright, whilst the midfield of Ella Nieper, Serena Winn-Darley and Georgie Needham brought guile, industry and flair to the table. The ever-alert Annie GerardPearse distributed magnificently, whilst Liv Brown and Becky Trafford showed grit, power and attacking purpose in front of the ever-cheerful, if woefully under-threatened goalkeeper, Rosie Lownds! The girls were a genuine delight to coach and I thank them all for illuminating the darkness of Winter Timetable for me in such fine fashion.

SOM

Results P 8 W 7 D 0 L 1 F 46 A 5 Captain: L. Johnson (A) Squad: L. Bramall (A), A. Broughton Lloyd (G), O. Brown (M), A. Gerard-Pearse (M), R. Lownds (A), G. Needham (A), E. Nieper (F), R. Trafford (A), S. Winn-Darley (M), P. Wilson (G), H. Wright (G).

Also played: L. Bacon (A), H. Dashwood (A), L. Morris (A), H. Sherry (G).

The Reptonian 2014/2015

U15 A, B & C XIs Having been unbeaten in regular fixtures as an U14 A side, runner-up position in a pre-season tournament at Denstone was hard to bear for a team so used to emphatic victory. Buoyed by the addition of England hopeful Hannah Davey and by strong competition for places, the team recorded wins against Norwich, Dean Close, Oundle, Stowe, Malvern and King’s High, Warwick.

Indeed it was October before the team met a significant challenge, when a draw was all that could be mustered away against a highly competent Oakham side. A return to winning form against Uppingham, Rugby and finally Cheltenham College ensured that the team had secured the Midlands League by early November. The highlight of the season was certainly the decisive result against Oundle, which beautifully encapsulated the progress that the team had made since a more tightly-contested fixture last year. The goal difference paints an impressive picture of a great season of hockey and though title of top scorer goes to Tara Broughton Lloyd (16), she was run close by Hannah Davey (14). You can learn more about this team, however, by a closer analysis of the score sheet – that no fewer than 10 girls appear shows the strength and depth of this side which is bound for further success.

From the first training session it was clear that the U15 B team had great potential and they opened their season with a fantastic 12-0 win! The girls trained hard and made great progress over the term putting what they had practised in training into matches and coming away with great results, despite not having a ’keeper. Over the 10 matches, more than half of the team volunteered to play a game in goal, demonstrating great commitment to the team, and I fully believe that if they can get a regular ’keeper for next season they could easily win the Midlands League! There were many memorable moments throughout the season and I thoroughly enjoyed coaching them all. Player of the Season goes to Hannah Lipton for her consistent high work-rate and enthusiasm.

The U15 Cs made good progress over the course of their season. They had to work hard throughout and always had a competitive attitude, which grew over the course of the term! Against Stowe and Bromsgrove, which were close matches, Richardson and Coombs worked extremely hard to defend the goal, and used Clowes and Gill to move the ball up the pitch.

I was pleased with the time that the girls dedicated to improving their short corners, and Parker proved during this that she had a pretty good hit out. Well done on all your efforts.

DTC, DLB & NG U15A: P 10 W 9 D 1 L 0 F 73 A 6 Captain: T. Broughton Lloyd (G) Squad: L. Archer (G), G. Brownhill (M), A. Corner (G), H. Davey (F), J. Hibell (M), E. Hingley (F), M. Lea (M), V. Mair (F), B. McClarron (G), R. Nelson (M), C. Newham (F), G. Renshaw (M), F. Scutt (G), O. Stocks (G), I. Winn-Darley (M).

U15B: P 10 W 6 D 0 L 4 F 42 A 18 Captain: A. Earwicker (A) Squad: G. Cooke (M), Y. Dugdale (A), G. English (F), G. Firth (M), S. Hudson (M), I. Hurren (A), H. Lipton (G), V. Mair (F), B. McClarron (G), C. Potter (F), E. Ross (G), K. Waldock (A), S. Wilson (F), I. Winn-Darley (M).

U15C: P 8 W 4 D 1 L 3

84

The girls then balanced their netball and hockey commitments superbly throughout the Lent Term and seemed only too pleased to be playing in extra preparation matches and tournaments. This additional effort really paid off; the whole squad became better technically and tactically and were, it seemed, in fine form when setting off to the Nationals.

Unfortunately, an uncharacteristically lacklustre showing in our first group game resulted in a 1-0 defeat, which really put the pressure on the Repton team. However, a moment to remember for all the girls was their performance (and subsequent 2-1 victory over Framlingham) on the stadium pitch in front of their parents.

I hope that the girls do appreciate what they have achieved in their first season of Repton hockey: not all Repton teams qualify for National Finals, so they have done themselves and the school proud. Given their innate talent and how much they love to practise, I can’t help thinking there is still more to come.

SJC Captains: E. Kaczmarczyk (M) & K. Squires (G) Squad: S. Ainger (M), E. Andrew (M), E. Benson (A), E. Clark (F), I. Clarke (F), S. Cole (F), M. Dewhirst (G), S. Earp (A), S. Garner (F), L. Gould (M), C. Martin (M), I. Nieper (F), I. Sharratt (M), A. Stone (G).

Squad: A. Bankhurst (F), H. Bond (F), I. Clowes (A), P. Coombs (A), M. Gadsby (G), K. Gill (F), L. Green (F). T. Harrison (F), I. Hunt (G), V. Loza (A), P. Mitchell (A), H. Parker (F), J. Richardson (G), V. Robinson (F), G. Wheelton (M).

their first term at Repton, culminating in an opportunity to play at The Olympic Park in front of a lively Repton crowd.

As usual, the team was made up from girls from several different prep schools, none of which play a lot of 11-a-side hockey, so there was all sorts of tactical confusion at the start of the season. Nevertheless, there was such talent in the team that that early wins were easy to come by. However, a draw against Malvern was quickly followed by a defeat at the hands of Uppingham.

Results P 25 W 20 D 2 L 3 F 80 A 16

Midlands Zone Round – Winners

DEAN CLOSE

W 8-0

KINGSMEAD

D 0-0

OUNDLE

W 3-2

WORKSOP COLLEGE

W 2-0

STOWE

W 4-0

WELLINGBOROUGH

W 2-0

MALVERN

D 1-1

KING’S HS, WARWICK

W 6-2

OAKHAM

W 4 -0

Midlands Finals – Champions KING’S HS, WARWICK

W 2-0

UPPINGHAM

W 3-0

BROMSGROVE

W 1-0

KINGSMEAD (SEMI-FINAL)

W 3-1

OUNDLE (FINAL)

W 1-0

UPPINGHAM

L 0-3

RUGBY

W 4-1

LOUGHBOROUGH HS

W 9-1

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE

W 5-1

BROMSGROVE

W 9-0

National Finals – 5th place

RUGBY

W 5-0

BLUNDELL’S

L 0-1

DEAN CLOSE

W 3-0

FRAMLINGHAM COLLEGE

W 2-1

CRANLEIGH

L 0-1

County Finals – Champions

Captain: E. Attenborough (F)

U14 A XI As it turned out, had we won our last game against Cranleigh in the group stages of the National Finals, this very coachable group of players would have found themselves in the National U14 Final against St George’s College. However, despite playing some typically entertaining hockey, we lost 0-1 and finished third in the group and, therefore, joint fifth in the country. To finish their season on a disappointing note is a shame, but I am sure that they are now able to look back at all that they achieved in

This only seemed to galvanise the girls into training even harder and, by the time the Midlands Finals came along, they were playing so well that, despite some close score-lines, the competition was won with relative ease.

TRENT COLLEGE (FINAL)

W 3-1

U14 B & C XIs The effort and enthusiasm of the U14 B girls could never be faltered at any point during the season. Faced with some tough competition, they had a mixed bag of wins and losses. However, they were focused and made some good progress, both individually and as a team, resulting in confident wins against Malvern, Dean Close and Oakham.

There were many highlights throughout the season, but beating Oakham (one of Repton’s fiercest rivals) 4-0, is up there with the best.

Despite narrowly losing by one goal on several occasions, the girls maintained their lively and positive attitudes right through until the end of the season.

It was obvious throughout the U14 C season that the girls were having a great time on the pitch and their skills improved weekly.

Of particular mention are the skills of Sophie Richards in goal, who, during our loss to

Uppingham, saved so many good shots that their coach declared her to be the best U14 A, B or C team goalie he had ever seen!

For some, this was the first time they had played hockey and I was very proud of the way they gelled as a team and fought until the last whistle of every match. We had three good wins, against Stowe, Malvern and Wellingborough, as well as a very impressive draw against a strong Oakham side. Player of the Season was Georgia Armour, Most Improved Player Ana Maria Man, Most Enthusiastic Player Sophie Palmer and top goal-scorer Chloe Swinbank.

SMB & KPMS

Results U14 B: P 11 W 5 D 0 L 6 F 19 A 16 Captain: S. Ainger (M) Squad: E. Andrew (M), C. Bingham (M), R. Canaway (G), M. Caplan (F), T. Coupland-Smith (M), G. Gordon (A), M. Griffiths (M), G. Hackney (A), E. Langley (F), I. Mead (G), E. Roberts (M).

U14 C: P 11 W 3 D 1 L 7 F 16 A 25 Captain: A. Marshall (M) Squad: G. Armour (G), L. Drury (M), S. Eaton (F), H. Greene (G), A. Man (A), S. Palmer (A), T. Purewal (A), S. Richards (A), M. Singh (G), A. Sooriah (G), C. Swinbank (M), Y.Yuan (A).

Also played: K. Norton (G), A. Wigglesworth (G).

85

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The Reptonian 2014/2015

Outdoor Results P 20 W 15 D 2 L 3 F 109 A 34

BOYS’ HOCKEY The Michaelmas Term saw more fixtures played by the Development Squad than ever before and allowed us to assemble a full 1st XI on the occasions when we had particularly strong opponents. An earlyseason loss to Durham University was creditable and a more comfortable victory than the score-line suggests away at Millfield showed that this 1st XI was capable of being one of the strongest that we have had. Hibell was already beginning to look potent from set pieces, with Oxburgh and Bennett’s attacking play carrying on from where they left off last season.

A pre-season tour to Canterbury saw the season really begin: fast-passing, attacking hockey was responsible for a 9-0 victory over Kent College and another wide-margin victory over Barton HC at the end of the return journey. Oxburgh and Bennett were prolific and both Casha and Thomas were showing how much they’d improved over twelve months.

There were glimpses of brilliant play in school fixtures, but the first time that I felt everything clicked was against Oakham in round 3 of the Cup: a well-disciplined display earned a three-goal away victory and a place in the last 16. In contrast, the first half of the Lent Term ended with our heaviest defeat for years: Whitgift travelled to Repton and, with some of our boys’ preparation questionable, we suffered a humiliating defeat. Had it not been for Darby, the score-line could have been yet greater and this showed that there was much still to do.

86

DURHAM UNIVERSITY 1ST XI

L 1-3

Midlands Indoor Finals – Semi-finalists

MILLFIELD

W 2-1

P 5 W 4 D 1 L 0 F 20 A 10

KENT COLLEGE

W 9-0

MALVERN

W 5-1

BARTON HC 1ST XI

W 11-2

KING’S HS, WARWICK

W 5-1

BROMSGROVE

W 6-3

OAKHAM

W 4-3

UPPINGHAM

D 1-1

WORKSOP COLLEGE

W 4-3

OAKHAM

W 3-2

TRENT COLLEGE (SEMI-FINAL)

WHITGIFT

L 1-9

BOWDON HC 1ST XI

L 3-4

CALDAY GRANGE

W 6-0

ISHL National U18 6-a-side Cup – Champions

BEDFORD

W 14-1

P 8 W 6 D 1 L 1 F 40 A 21

RUGBY

W 5-1

OAKHAM

W 8-6

RADLEY COLLEGE

W 5-2

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

L 3-4

OUNDLE

W 10-0

EHB National U18 Cup – Champions

1st XI The response following half-term was excellent. The annual trip to Bowdon saw a narrow defeat against some excellent players and was followed by some highscoring victories against Bedford, Oundle, Trent and Rugby, a ruthlessness in front of goal being shown, with Elsom, Middleton and Kingston all getting goals.

The National quarter-final saw Kingston visit.

All four goals were scored in the first half – Bennett and Oxburgh scoring ours – and a penalty shoot-out was to decide which team would make it to Lee Valley for the semis. The mood amongst the penalty team was quite different from that twelve months earlier: Clague, Bennett and Oxburgh had been involved then, Hibell and Darby had replaced their brothers, and Steventon, one of our players of the season in my opinion, completed the group. All five confidently converted and it was off to Lee Valley!

Preparation games versus Cannock, Sheffield University and Wales U18 served as excellent preparation and the National Finals could not have been more perfect. Eight-one ahead by half-time in the semi-final, the boys’ ruthless streak showed no sympathy for The Perse as they recorded what must be the biggest victory ever at this stage of the competition.

Franklin and Lea were faultless and Mitchell even got himself on the score-sheet from open play!

The National Final saw an equally impressive performance: four goals ahead after 40 minutes, despite two missed penalties,

and not even a meaningful circle penetration from Exeter by this stage. Whilst Exeter did muster a comeback of sorts, Elsom rounded off the scoring and the National Final finished with all of our U6 on the pitch, allowing them to play out the final minutes of their Repton hockey careers in a most stylish and impressive fashion – in keeping with their contribution to the 1st XI and to their school hockey over the years. Led superbly throughout the year by Ben Clague, it is fitting that this 1st XI won the national title in such emphatic style and, at the same time, will be remembered as the boys who sealed a historic treble for their school.

I extend my thanks to the parents, many of whom will be at a loss as to what to do next Lent Term, to WGO and especially to SJC for what he has done for this group over many years. I am very proud to have been part of an outstanding team who ended their final match for the finest ever Repton 1st XI in the best possible way!

MLJ

2nd XI

Indoor Results

D 2-2 (L 3-4 ON PENS)

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

W 11-1

R1

SOLIHULL

W 2-1

ETON COLLEGE

W 4-3

R2

BISHOP VESEY’S

W 7-0

RUGBY

D 2-2

R3

OAKHAM

W 3-0

BRADFIELD COLLEGE

W 4-3

R4

TRENT COLLEGE

W 5-1

OAKHAM

QF

KINGSTON GS

SF

PERSE

W 13-2

F

EXETER

W 5-1

D 2-2 (W 5-4 ON PENS)

W/O (REPTON AWARDED 3-0 WIN)

We were fortunate to possess the strongest squad on the circuit this year and rose to all of the challenges that we faced over the course of the season.

On the opening day, we were dominant at Bromsgrove, a game notable for a sensational goal from Hetherington, and scored almost as many at home to Uppingham, enjoying a 15-minute purple patch that was our finest spell in any fixture.

We tried to play a high-energy pressing game and the pace of our play was often too much for the opposition to handle.

Our front 5, Byrne, Saunders, Johnson, Hetherington and Finnigan, were very strong and they plundered many goals between them. Oakham away is always a tough fixture, but we made light of the freezing conditions to put in a clinical performance, with Saunders, Rai and Cheng to the fore. Byrne scored with a number of fine drag-flicks from corners, but none better than his second against Oakham. The high work-rate of Morgan and Lewis was invaluable and the defensive solidity of Hynes, Glover and Howle allowed Edwards and Rai to push forward into dangerous areas.

We survived an ill-tempered game at Rugby to set up a final game at home to Oundle, one of the stronger sides we encountered. They made life difficult for us, but rarely threatened to breach our defence, meaning that two first-half strikes from Saunders were sufficient to complete the season with a 100% record.

The Bull’s Head pizza was fully merited.

RGE & THN

Results P 7 W 7 D 0 L 0 F 44 A 8 BROMSGROVE

W 10-1

DEAN CLOSE

W 2-1

UPPINGHAM

W 9-1

TRENT COLLEGE

cancelled

Captain: B. Clague (P)

OAKHAM

W 9-1

Squad: D. Bennett (P), H. Benson (P), P. Brown (L), J. Casha (S), J. Darby (L), O. Elsom (N), J. Franklin (P), C. Hetherington (C), E. Hibell (O), A. Kingston (C), D. Lea (S), C. Middleton (N), J. Mitchell (N), A. Oxburgh (O), O. Rogerson (O), M. Steventon (P), M. Thomas (S).

BEDFORD

W 6-2

RUGBY

W 6-2

OUNDLE

W 2-0

Also played: T. Nevill (O), F. Saunders (O), J. Sookias (S), H. Swaby (C).

Captain: J. Byrne (U6S) Squad: C. Bradbury (L), A. Cheng (C), J. Clarke (L), O. Edwards (P), J. Finnigan (N), J. Glover (P), C. Hetherington (N), T. Howle (L), K. Hynes (N), J. Johnson (O), W. Lewis (L), J. Morgan (S), A. Rai (P), F. Saunders (O).

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Sport Boys’ Boys’Hockey Hockey

The Reptonian 2014/2015

3rd XI To remain unbeaten is an achievement for any team, but to win all their games is something else, and only once was this distinction threatened when, against Bedford, despite dominating, we didn’t find the winner until the very last minute.

In each game we were simply too good for the opposition, being strong in every department; in the past, Repton 3rd XI teams have often been strong on skill but lacking stamina and pace, but this team had an abundance of everything. To concede only 3 goals all season is testimony to the strength of the defence, with MilliganManby, Karai and Taylor effectively quashing any opposition attack, ably supported by Potts and Stupples Newton. This all meant

that, in goal, Clarke (and latterly Patient) had a remarkably easy season, yet each made important saves in matches. We were also very strong in the middle, being not only effective in winning the ball, but increasingly able to use it well. Ably led by Chaffey, Mead, Lawley, Robson and Hingley worked tirelessly. We were always threatening to score goals, not least through the intelligent running and skill of Glanville, who not only scored 9 goals himself, but also created chances for others. Penalty corners were Gould’s speciality and a number of his goals came from those. All in all, it was a terrific season and the team deserved all the success they achieved.

Results P 7 W 7 D 0 L 0 F 25 A 3 Captain: J. Chaffey (P) Squad: J. Clarke (L), D. Glanville (O), G. Gould (O), W. Hingley (N), L. Karai (N), E. Lawley (N), J. Martin (P), H. Mead (L), J. Milligan-Manby (N), J. Patient (P), J. Potts (L), A. Robson (L), C. Stupples Newton (L), J. Taylor (L), J. Wilkins (S).

The 2015 season started much the same as any other: a straightforward midweek victory over Dean Close. It ended quite remarkably, however, with the 24th penalty of a shoot-out being scored for Repton to win the National U16 Championships for only the second time in Repton’s history.

In that Dean Close win, we began a series of undefeated games that would last until April and include the National Final. After Dean Close came Trent in the County Final.

With both sides going through to the next stage, the result was somewhat immaterial, but, crucially, it was chance to put a marker down for this team. A 7-1 win against the school that won the U16 National Final last year was remarkable. We were up and running.

When the Midlands Finals arrived we had a team that played with fluency, shape and pace. After two easy wins, we stumbled a little in the last group game against Trent, but then flew through the semi-final and final and qualified for the National Finals.

In our last four full-length school fixtures, we managed 30 goals without reply. Not

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I hope the boys enjoyed every deserved moment of the aftermath – the congratulatory hugs, comments and support they received from so many people.

Was all that effort worth it? We ask a huge amount of the players to commit to such a level of competition, but when they think back to the moment that final penalty hit the back of the net, I can’t believe for a second it wasn’t.

IMP

Results

CMK

U16 A XI

We didn’t quite click for a few weeks though.

The Oakham game, especially, exposed a lack of structure that is so important to this sport. I wondered if they had it in them to take that next step and really want to push for the national title. We made it through the Midlands Zone round comfortably, and completed the first half of term knowing that we were one of the strongest teams around.

After the break, there was a real step up: we demolished Calday Grange in 18 minutes, after a rapid Kaczmarczyk hat-trick, passing the ball better than anyone else all year. Seeing the girls in their year group win the National Championship made them want the same experience; training standards became very high.

The pressure was on James Hackett, who had to score the next to take it to suddendeath – and duly did. The next round of sudden-death saw us miss twice, hitting the ’keeper at glove height, but both times Proudlove was equal to Whitgift, saving once with his pads and once with his feet. Smith, Hackett and Rogerson kept the score level and, when the next Whitgift player hit the outside of the left post, we had our chance – and Hugo Swaby converted. I doubt these boys will ever be involved in such a tense and emotive situation again, or if they are, I hope they are still young enough to cope!

What an incredible moment: if Carlsberg did National Finals...

P 19 W 16 D 3 L 0 F 95 A 14

Midlands Zone Round – Winners

National Finals – Champions

DEAN CLOSE

W 5-1

OAKHAM

W 2-0

QUEEN’S, TAUNTON

W 3-1

UPPINGHAM

W 7-2

REDHILL ACADEMY

W 7-0

CALDAY GRANGE

W 3-1

OAKHAM

D 2-2

THE LEYS

W 3-1

CALDAY GRANGE

W 6-0

BEDFORD

W 10-0

RUGBY

W 7-0

OUNDLE

W 7-0

County Finals – Champions TRENT COLLEGE

Midlands Finals – Champions WORKSOP COLLEGE

W 7-0

OUNDLE

W 5-0

TRENT COLLEGE

D 1-1

UPPINGHAM (SEMI-FINAL)

W 5-0

KES, BIRMINGHAM (FINAL)

W 5-1

W 7-1

U16 B XI

only does that say much about our forward line and their goal-scoring abilities, but also about the solidity and consistency of our back four.

Then came the ultimate challenge of the National Finals at Lee Valley Hockey Centre, the Olympic Legacy Venue. The first group game was always likely to be the toughest and, after 15 minutes, we were 1-0 down to a Queen’s Taunton side that looked strong.

We got ourselves back in the game though, Jack Bull getting the final touch to a penalty corner to take a 2-1 half-time lead. Once Oli Rogerson had scored a remarkable individual goal, the game was ours. We made hard work of our second group game against Calday Grange, but sometimes you have to win ugly. The final group game the next morning saw us make straightforward work of The Leys, allowing some rest time for our midfield.

A National Final should be a showpiece game and we were fortunate to have so many Repton fans in the crowd, with our U18s and their parents joining the U16 parents to make a sizeable crowd! The game ticked all the boxes: it had goals, penalties scored, penalties missed, sin bins, the whistle going before a goal, an incredible tempo and nothing short of remarkable commitment to the team from the players on the pitch. It was certainly the right two teams in the final, but despite having, from my point of view, the upper hand through most of the open play, we were 3-1 down with ten minutes left. Games can turn quickly though, and my word did this one: Rogerson scored twice in 5 minutes to equalise; to penalties it was.

As Whitgift stepped up to take their fifth and final penalty of the barrage, they had a chance to win, but Matt Proudlove pulled off a great save, diving to his right.

It is a topsy-turvy world and so it proved in this U16 B season: the team managed some notable victories (Dean Close 8-0, Rugby 6-0 and a great 5-1 win at Oakham); however, not all of the games went so well and the reason for the inconsistency from match to match was hard to identify.

Overall, it was probably the best U16 B team on the circuit in terms of skills, attitude and behaviour: for the majority of the term, it was explosive, creative and elegant play by the boys. The Oakham game was a high point: we played three quality defenders across the back and brought the powerhouse of Rhys Methven up front, allowing the other attacking players not only a focus to which to feed balls, but creating many more combinations and options. The midfield was strengthened by powerful and hardworking runners and, territorially, the whole team shifted 20 to 30 metres up the pitch. The tempo changed in this match

WHITGIFT (FINAL)

D 3-3 (W 9-8 ON PENS)

Captain: O. Rogerson (C) Squad: S. Benson (P), O. Buckland (O), J. Bull (O), S. Congiu (O), M. GracieAinscough (N), J. Hackett (C), C. Harvey (O), H. Kaczmarcyzk (O), T. Nevill (O), W. Norcross (S), M. Proudlove (N), E. Salisbury (N), J.D. Smith (O), J. Sookias (S), H. Swaby (C), W. Waldock (O), T. Wilkinson (C), C. Wright (L).

U15 A, B & C XIs too, the emphasis moving from carrying the ball to moving it quickly, the players focused much more on getting into space.

This game set the tone for the following matches and we had a blistering midseason run, for which the only appropriate adjective was “awesome”.

It was an enjoyable season, with a group of boys who got on really well, managed to take advice on board and execute it in games. Not an unbeaten season, admittedly, but an exciting one.

TJC P 7 W 4 D 0 L 3 F 27 A 18 Captain: R. Methven (P) Squad: D. Allen (P), A. Arif (P), M. Clark (N), T. Clarke (P), A. Field (L), H. Griffiths (N), L. Herdman (O), C. Hilton (S), B. Hunter (P), J. Luke (L), J. Martin (O), D. Nield (O), W. Norcross (S), J. Patient (P), B. Sharratt (N), R. Toulmin (N).

Following on from the success of last season, in which the squad was narrowly defeated 0-1 in the National Final at Cannock, the bar was raised very high for the U15 season. Ably led by captain Jacob Smith, the team got off to a great start with two hard-fought wins against two strong teams in Bromsgrove and Dean Close, winning 2-1 and 3-0 respectively.

After a disappointing cancellation ahead of the match against long-standing rivals Trent due to a frozen pitch, the team was eagerly looking forward to a match away at Uppingham, which would prove to be our most challenging game of the season. After a disappointing first half, where the squad didn’t put in a performance to match the opposition, who seemed fresh and ready to try and beat the second-best school team in the country. Unfortunately, we never got going and, even though we looked a lot stronger in the second half, the opposition defence held out well and conceded only one goal to a sweet strike from Charlie Ferguson-Cooke. This wasn’t enough to draw level and the game ended in a 1-2 defeat.

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Sport Boys’ Hockey

However, the team learnt from its errors and continued the season playing fast, aggressive hockey that set up results such as an 8-1 win against Bedford, along with convincing wins over Rugby, Oakham and Oundle. Thanks to Duncan Woods for coaching us so well and the team looks forward to next year’s U16 National Competition, where we hope to improve on runners-up.

Having lost a number of key players, for a variety of reasons, before the season had even begun, the U15 B squad was faced with a difficult Lent Term from day one. However, after a slow start against Bromsgrove, Dean Close and Uppingham, a record of four wins

The Reptonian 2014/2015

in their final five fixtures bears testament to the manner in which they rose to the challenge. In defence, the team gradually learnt the benefits of working as a unit to suppress opposition space, while in attack their mixture of skill and athleticism was always exciting to watch. Individually, Ivan Isakov, Charlie Wilcock and Peter Cheng were all resolute in defence and were perhaps unlucky that, due to the depth of talent in this year group, they did not have the chance to stake a claim to a regular A team spot. Kento Hirano also emerged as a genuine hockey talent, proving that hard work and a willingness to learn are a potent combination.

The B team’s squad crisis had a knock-on effect to the Cs, who for the first few fixtures were fielding the only 11 players available – and even then usually borrowing an U14 C ’keeper (thanks Charlie and Alex!). With Gough, Johnson and Stupples Newton recruited (albeit unwillingly!), we were faster and tougher, while Hvass was always a class act, but our only highlight in a dour and forgettable season was a 6-0 thrashing of Rugby.

CHARLIE WILBRAHAM (4S), CL/DLB & JMJH

Results U15 A: P 10 W 7 D 1 L 2 F 31 A 14

U15 B: P 8 W 4 D 2 L 2 F 20 A 11

U15 C: P 5 W 1 D 1 L 3 F 8 A 15

Captain: J.D. Smith (O)

Squad: T. Berry (L), C. Bicknell (S), O. Campbell (O), P. Cheng (C), O. Dawes (C), F. Dearsly (C), H. Emmett (L), B. Fordi (S), K. Hirano (N), I. Isakov (S), J. Phillips (O), J. Ramsdale (O), J. Wanger (S), C. Wilcock (N).

Captain: G. Shirley (N)

Also played: A. Dashwood (L), J. Jacques (P), E. Mansfield (L), T. Roberts (P), J.H.M. Smith (O).

Also played: T. Berry (L), O. Campbell (O), C. Parker (L), A. Smith (O), W. Taechamongkalapiwat (S).

Squad: G. Clarke (O), C. Collins (P), C. Ferguson-Cooke (P), M. GracieAinscough (N), J. Hackett (C), W. Harlow (P), H. Lewis (C), J. Parton (C), A. Rai (P), S. Storer (P), W. Waldock (O), C. Wilbraham (S).

Also played: L. Brown (N), F. Byrne (S), A. Edwards (O), I. Isakov (S), G. Rice (N), M. Tarrant (S).

Squad: J. Gough (S), T. Hvass (O), J. Jacques (P), J. Jarvis (O), O. Jarvis (O), M. Johnson (S), E. Mansfield (L), W. Marshall (L), J.H.M. Smith (O), R. Stevenson (S), W. Stupples Newton (L), A. Wilson (O).

First the Derbyshire title and then the Midlands Zone Round were won with relative ease. There then followed a hard-fought Midlands Finals, where I thought the standard was perhaps a little higher than in previous years and the boys had to produce their best hockey of the year to overcome potential challenges from KES, Warwick and Trent.

Having qualified for 4 of the last 5 National U14 Finals, we fully understood how hard it would be to win the tournament; all our group games were to be against schools that can also select from Years 7 and 8 and, therefore, have also been together for two years.

However, wins against Altrincham GS, Whitgift and Bishop’s Stortford resulted in Repton topping the group and clinching a place in their second successive National Final.

U14 A XI This very talented and disciplined team became Repton’s first ever National Boys’ U14 Champions – and they did so in style.

Throughout the course of their limited time together, they worked incredibly hard in training and took themselves from being a talented group of individuals to being a most cohesive team, both on and off the pitch. Although there were inevitable early losses in the usual block fixtures, the team quickly became harder to play against and began priding themselves on their defensive qualities as much as their ability to play fast attacking hockey when in possession.

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There didn’t seem to be any evidence of nerves (except, perhaps, amongst the parental body) – just a steely determination and a belief in their own ability. As it happens, we didn’t play particularly well in the Final, but yet again the boys were hugely disciplined, defended superbly and cleverly managed the game to make life hard for Dean Close and to limit them to only a handful of chances.

It was fitting that 5 out of our 8 goals scored in the National Finals were from penalty corners, as the boys involved in the routines had worked tirelessly after training to perfect their roles, whilst others in the squad willingly remained behind to practise other skills. It is this desire to improve that suggests to

me that this team will not rest on becoming the most successful U14 team in Repton Hockey’s history, but will push on to even greater things over the next few years.

County Finals – Champions TRENT COLLEGE (FINAL)

W 2-1

P 7 W 7 D 0 L 0 F 33 A 6

I thank them for a most enjoyable season and a day at The Olympic Park that I will always remember.

Midlands Zone Round – Winners

SJC

Midlands Finals – Champions

Results

BROMSGROVE

W 4-0

RATCLIFFE COLLEGE

W 2-0

KES, BIRMINGHAM

L 0-1

WARWICK (SEMI-FINAL)

W 1-0

TRENT COLLEGE (FINAL)

W 4-1

P 21 W 18 D 1 L 2 F 67 A 11 BABLAKE

W 4-1

BROMSGROVE

D 1-1

WORKSOP COLLEGE

W 12-0

DEAN CLOSE

L 0-1

KES, BIRMINGHAM

W 3-0

National Finals – Champions

WARWICK

W 2-1

ALTRINCHAM GS

W 4-0

OAKHAM

W 3-1

WHITGIFT

W 2-1

TRENT COLLEGE

W 4-1

BISHOP’S STORTFORD

W 1-0

BEDFORD

W 2-1

DEAN CLOSE (FINAL)

W 1-0

SANDBACH

W 13-0

RUGBY

W 2-0

ISHL National U14 6-a-side Cup – Champions RADLEY COLLEGE

W 5-1

ABINGDON

W 4-0

BROMSGROVE

W 5-0

RUGBY

W 6-1

OAKHAM

W 4-3

ST EDWARD’S, OXFORD (SEMI-FINAL)

W 4-0

CHELTENHAM COLLEGE (FINAL)

W 5-1

Captains: M. Tarrant (S) & L. Brown (N) Squad: T. Buffin (S), F. Byrne (S), A. Dashwood (L), J. Donegan (N), A. Edwards (O), A. Greenwood (O), T. Hackett (N), T. Haigh (L), J. Nelson (L), G. Rice (N), T. Roberts (P), R. Sillery (S), J. Truelove-Cooke (N), J. Webb (S).

U14 B & C XIs It was a season of highs and lows for a talented U14 B side. The team constantly changed, due to regular promotions to the A team, showing the vast range of talent within the year-group. We started strongly with two pre-season wins, but struggled in the opening game of the season, losing to Bromsgrove 2-4. After a loss to Dean Close, the boys responded brilliantly in what was ultimately our game of the season against Trent: trailing 0-1 and 2-3, the boys came back in the second half to win 4-3 (three goals from Anton Kaem). The highlight was Will Needham holding the ball in the corner to run down the last two minutes on the clock. This spurred us on to victories over KES Birmingham, Bedford and our most comprehensive performance against Oakham, winning 6-0. There were some outstanding performances from many players, but Player of the Season goes to Tom Hackett. I wish them luck over their hockey careers and would not be surprised to see some of the squad feature for the 1st XI in years to come!

It was an exciting season for the U14 C boys, against tough competition, but they approached each match in a determined and competitive manner, playing as a team and working together. The season started well with a draw against a strong Bromsgrove team who were fortunate to equalize with the last strike of the game.

However, this goal proved pivotal as, from here, the boys established a military-style approach to their defensive duties and subsequently earned 5 straight wins without conceding a single goal! Going into the last game, confidence was high, with the prospect of an unbeaten season very much on the cards. Unfortunately, the sheer size and pace of the Oundle team meant that for much of the game the boys were pinned into their own half. However, they battled hard for the duration and were unlucky not to score. When they reflect on their first hockey season at Repton, I am hopeful that it is one they look back on fondly, as to only concede three goals all season is a very impressive record indeed.

NC & RGDR

Results U14 B: P 9 W 5 D 0 L 4 F 25 A 22

U14 C: P 7 W 5 D 1 L 1 F 14 A 3

Captain: W. Needham (N)

Captain: R. Hanks (S)

Squad: W. Balderston (N), L. Combellack (S), A. Dashwood (L), T. Dewsbury (O), C. Edwards (P), G. Gough (L), T. Hackett (C), P. Joshi (P), A. Kaem (C), R. KaushalBolland (P), J. Nelson (L), D. Rider (P), T. Roberts (P), C. Royston-Webb (O), T. Saunders (O), J. Truelove-Cooke (N).

Squad: T. Allen (P), M. Barnes-Batty (C), R. Blakeman (C), H. Blencowe (N), T. Cruickshanks (O), T. Dewsbury (O), H. Gilmore (S), F. Holt (N), Y. Otsuka (C), P. Romanovskiy (O), A. Smith (O), T. Saunders (O), J. Truelove (L).

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Sport Netball Netball

The Reptonian 2014/2015

3rd & 4th VIIs

2nd VII

NETBALL

Never.

1st VII The statistics across all the Netball teams representing Repton this year are mightily impressive: three teams enjoyed unbeaten seasons; there were record-breaking results; plus the bonus of collecting some silverware in the process. The training programme has been met with a really vibrant atmosphere on the courts, which can only be attributed to the coaching staff involved, so my sincere thanks to them.

The 1st VII squad had a turbulent yet rewarding season, with all the thrills of making it through to the Nationals and having to deal with the blows of some narrow defeats. As a new member of staff this year, to coach the flagship VII was a real delight.

They were captained brilliantly by Camilla Chantler throughout, the squad utilising her calming influence when under pressure and her consistent linkage between defence and attack. The first victory was banked at a very chilly outside match at Shrewsbury; however the snow arrived at a pivotal time after some heavy defeats, just as the girls were regaining momentum. We did claim the U18 County title, however, with convincing victories across the board. The final saw a thrilling 14-minute contest against Trent, with Repton winning 9-8.

Throughout the season, we were able to use our vast armoury to easily combat height in the shooting circle with Maddie Sanders, or a quick attacking opposition with pairings between Helena Evans, Sammy Allsop, Emily Gerard-Pearse or Natalie Mansfield.

Cordelia Richardson also had a very strong showing in her first year at 1st VII level, her gritty defending often leading to interceptions down court. The attacking half was also flush with talent, Louise Mallinder cementing

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her place in the circle and often splitting her duo partnership between Fay Burn and Marianne Hunter. This trio have consistently played together since they joined Repton and their experience together shines on court. Francesca Doughty made a significant impact on the side, as a shooter, her time on court perhaps not reflecting her ability due to the dynamic trio above her: I expect her to play a major role in the squad next year. The shooters could not have performed without the outstanding service of feeds into the circle from the dynamic sister duo of Hannah and Camilla Chantler. Hannah showed a really natural flair for ball placement into the shooters, but her pace to get back to defend as well as attack the circle edge is a real asset to the team and a pleasure to watch.

For me, the highlight of the season was the wet, cold and windy Regional Finals at Leicester Grammar in March. There were three age group competitions (U14, U16, U18), Repton being the only school to have a team in each category. The U18’s semifinal was their best performance: 14 minutes to earn a place at the Nationals; the last opportunity for the U6 (making up half the team) and against familiar opponents, Trent: the results from our previous two encounters stood at one-a-piece, both results ending with just one goal as the difference. The girls played flawless netball, from defence to attack, combining every different coaching aspect from training and just outpacing the opposition. Winning 8-5 felt like winning the Nationals and I couldn’t have been more proud of the entire squad.

LP

At the beginning of the Lent Term, I had an inkling that this would be a strong season, but I had no idea how accurate that prediction would be. What the headline P/W/L data doesn’t show is that the 3rd VII scored 210 goals during their 7 matches, only conceding 91. Even more impressively, our fixture list included two schools’ 2nd VII teams (Worksop and Denstone), not to mention Oundle’s U16B team. Amazing shooting was coupled with accurate centre-court passing and rock-solid defence, all achieved with the hindrance of an enthusiastic but ultimately clueless coach. Good work girls! Who knows, maybe next year will see us achieve that unbeaten season we so desperately want...?!

Results P6 W2 D0 L4 SHREWSBURY

W 21-14

RUGBY

L 24-32

OAKHAM

L 12-27

TRENT COLLEGE

L 31-32

LOUGHBOROUGH HS

cancelled

OUNDLE

W 45-38

STAMFORD

cancelled

UPPINGHAM

L 27-28

Perse Invitational Tournament – 5th place U18 County Finals – Champions U18 Regional Finals – Runners-up U18 National Finals – 16th place Captain: C. Chantler (G) Squad: S. Allsop (F), F. Burn (F), C. Chantler (G), H. Chantler (G), F. Doughty (G), H. Evans (M), E. Gerard-Pearse (M), M. Hunter (M), L. Mallinder (G), N. Mansfield (M), C. Richardson (F), M. Sanders (F).

Also played: S. Pope (G), E. Ewins (G)

That was the last time a Repton 2nd VII won all of their games. A rare feat, then. It is, however, rare indeed to be blessed at this level with 11 inexpressibly accomplished players, many of whom could have played 1st VII another year. Rare, too, that each member of the 2nd VII is comfortably the strongest player in her position on the circuit. Rare that a 2nd VII coach has a team so focused and professional that he can just trust them to do exactly what needs to be done, exactly when it needs to be done. Rarer still, that every single player – a fact not to be sniffed at, this – is a genuine contender for the title of The Greatest Living Englishwoman.

This was a team capable of achingly beautiful clinicism and economy, almost too perfect to bear, as in the second quarter against Uppingham, always stern opponents, in which an eight-goal swing swept the game inexorably into our favour, following an 11-9 deficit in the first period: a quarter of devastating, crushingly conclusive and violent finality. What most distinguished this vintage

from previous squads, however, was its depth and strength of character: when the moment demanded it, they could also grind out who-blinks-first, toe-to-toe, Kurtzian results, against teams as physical as Worksop’s 1st VII. This was, unquestionably, a whole-squad effort, and it would be invidious to single out the talents of individuals, but we should pause to recognise the service to the 2nds of Steph Fearn, Nat Mansfield, Emily GerardPearse, Charlotte Penrose and Jess Gough, all players of genuine class, to whom we owe a significant debt of gratitude, and this year gracing the celestial bib for the last time.

Well, we’ve not had any pretentious language for a couple of sentences, so let’s end with the last line of Wittgenstein’s Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus: whereof there are no words, thereof let us not speak.

We shall not gaze upon their like again.

What a season for “The Mighty Fourths”: three months of four training sessions per week; just 7 games, but over 200 goals scored; from freezing bleak January training sessions to sunny Saturdays later in the season, their determination, focus and fun approach has never wavered. Ably captained by Harriet Bagley, the girls built an excellent rapport and quickly learned how best to work with one another on the court.

They had an abundance of skill and, as their confidence in their tactics and set plays increased through the season, so did their devastating accuracy, some matches averaging 1.5 goals a minute!

I’m so proud of all they have achieved this season, and could not have hoped to coach a better group of girls. Well done on an excellent unbeaten season ladies!

MKC & GLH

CSD

Results P8 W8 D0 L0

3rd VII: P 7 W 6 D 0 L 1

SHREWSBURY

W 32-4

RUGBY

W 22-10

OAKHAM

W 31-17

TRENT COLLEGE

W 33-14

OUNDLE

W 28-8

WORKSOP COLLEGE 1ST VII

W 21-19

UPPINGHAM

W 48-39

DENSTONE COLLEGE 1ST VII

W 48-13

Captains: N. Mansfield (M) & E. Mitchell (M) Squad: L. Brierley (G), S. Fearn (G), E. Gerard-Pearse (M), J. Gough (A), H. Hunt (F), G. Langford (M), C. Penrose (A), S. Pope (G), A. Turner (F).

Captain: J. Gough (A) Squad: V. Cole (F), K. Guest (F), A. Hardwick (A), L. Jacques (F), H. Mann (M), J. Musty (M), M. Papadopoullos (M), J. Renshaw-Smith (F).

Also played: L. Bacon (A), M. Hammond (F), H. Hunt (F), C. McDougall (M), C. McEwan (A), E. Nieper (F), K. Whitehouse (M).

4th VII: P 7 W 7 D 0 L 0 Captain: H. Bagley (F) Squad: J. Goodhead (M), J. Gough (A), A. Hardwick (A), H. McClarron (G), J. Musty (M), E. Nieper (F), E. Shore (F), A. Stevenson (F), H. Walker (A), S. Wilbraham (G).

Also played: Z. Buckland (M), M. Hammond (F), L. Jacques (F), H. Mann (M), C. Renshaw-Smith (F).

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Sport Netball

The Reptonian 2014/2015

U15 B VII

U16 A VII I was delighted to coach this splendid group of girls for the third season in a row: as U14s and U15s, they had been Uppingham Invitational Tournament Champions, County Champions (twice), East Midlands Regional Champions and National Finalists, and on top of these noteworthy achievements were unbeaten in every one of their school fixtures. Expectations were deservedly high.

Our confidence was knocked, however, when we narrowly lost to Ecclesbourne in the County Finals in the Michaelmas Term, but we were relieved to have still made it through to the Regionals – and hoped to make the Nationals once again.

Unfortunately, in a bittersweet development, we lost Esme Burge and Amelia Tarrant, both invaluable team members, to their international, club and school hockey careers. This loss was offset by welcoming Celia Newstead back to the fold as a talented and experienced defender.

The season began brightly: we showed characteristic teamwork, pace and strength, as well as flexibility and adaptability when players moved upwards to the 1sts, beating traditionally strong opposition in Rugby, Oakham, Trent and Oundle.

However, with one minute remaining in the Oundle match, Ella Ewins, our influential captain and outstanding GD, badly injured her ankle and this proved to be seasonending. The timing couldn’t have been worse with the Regional Finals looming.

Despite missing Ewins, we played some wonderful flowing netball at the Regionals: our shooters, Molly Thompson-Dykes and Philippa Wilson (who stepped up to the captain’s role) were incredibly accurate; Arabella Heap, playing at GK and GD, was phenomenal once again. Despite winning the group stage convincingly, we lost in the semi-final to a very good Loughborough team. Our dream of returning to the Nationals had gone, but I could not fault the effort or gritty passion that each and every girl showed.

It was pleasing to end the season on a high, with a strong performance against a mixed Denstone 1st/2nd VII. More importantly, this result ensured the squad were once again undefeated in school fixtures for a noteworthy and highly impressive third season in a row. For this they should be very proud, and I hope they have as happy memories as I do of a wonderful three years of junior netball at Repton.

SMI

‘Hey Miss, we don’t need lucky socks!’

I entered the Lent Term with some trepidation: having been a keen lacrosse player at school, netball was a distant memory. So, in the first training session, standing in front of a group of Reptonians who were far more familiar with the game than me, you can imagine how much I clung to my whistle for comfort. “It’s fine,” I told the girls (and myself), “We’re going to have a great season together”. I don’t know how much I (or the girls) believed it at the time, but, in all honesty, that nervous wishful-thinking was somewhat of a premonition. Indeed, I am immensely proud of My First Ever Netball Team.

Results P 10 W 9 D 0 L 1 U16 County Finals – Runners-up U16 Regional Finals – Semi-finalists Captains: E. Ewins (G) & P. Wilson (G) Squad: M. Brealey (G), O. Brown (M), I. Emmett (M), A. Gerard-Pearse (M), A. Heap (M), C. Newstead (M), M. Thompson-Dykes (M), S. Winn-Darley (M).

We started with defeats against Rugby and Oakham; the girls had simply not entered into their stride. The Oundle match was to be the turning-point. A win was crucial.

Not only because it would be our first, but also because I wanted bring home a victory against my previous employer!

The hard work put into our centre passes at training meant that we had one focus in mind: get that ball down to the D! This tactic saw us take an early lead, with three goals in as many minutes; as an umpire, it was hard to keep from punching the air in triumph! It became a much tougher match, however, and by the end of the third quarter, the convincing lead had disappeared – but the final quarter was

U14 A VII spectacular. My lucky planets socks did their job and the girls’ efforts really were ‘out of this world’! From then on, we dominated matches.

So, my fears about Coaching Netball For The Very First Time were fleeting.

Thank you to LP for her confidence in me, and ECJM for those joint A/B training sessions, which were invaluable. Most of all, congratulations to these amazing young women: of particular mention, Olivia Stocks and Amy Corner both really developed as a centre-court partnership; Charlie Potter showed intelligent, forwardthinking play; and Alice Earwicker was a super captain, making brilliant interceptions as GD. Combine this with genuine goodhumour and a can-do attitude from all members of the team, and you’ve won the coaching lottery. So much for lacrosse; I think I’ll stick to netball, please.

AVEC P5 W3 D0 L2 Uppingham Invitational Tournament – Semi-finalists Captain: A. Earwicker (A) Squad: A. Corner (G), G. English (F), K. Gill (F), L. Goodacre (A), M. Lea (M), B. McClarron (G), C. Potter (F), O. Stocks (G), I. Winn-Darley (M).

It was an extremely successful season for the U14 A squad: never have I worked with such an enthusiastic and determined group of girls.

With a strong cohort coming up from Foremarke, and the addition of Squires, Hakney, Stone and Dewhirst, this squad soon became a force to be reckoned with. In the Michaelmas Term, they confidently won the U14 County Tournament, progressing to the Regional stage of the National Competition.

Our captain, Izzy Clarke, led from defence, demonstrating good leadership skills and with the girls responding with 100% effort, the team soon gelled together. Charlotte, Sam and Lucy dominated the attacking circle with their outstanding shooting, supported by Emelia, Katie and Connie, who commanded the centre-court. Anna, Izzy, Tilly and Georgie were magnificent in defence, making frequent interceptions and creating vital turnovers.

Despite being a formidable team, it was not always a walk in the park for the girls: the fixtures against Rugby and Uppingham were two highlights, both games being extremely close, but, owing to the girls’ true resilience, determination and enthusiasm, both wins for Repton, despite being down for the majority of the game. I have no doubt that this team is going to develop into something truly amazing in the future.

SMB U14 A: P 8 W 7 D 0 L 1 SHREWSBURY

U15 A VII The U15 A team ended the season as County Champions, finishing with a flourish against Denstone, 47-12. I had been led to believe, by the players themselves, that teamwork had been an issue the previous season, but a year on, this didn’t once rear its ugly head; indeed the girls worked together to build each goal in every match.

The first couple of games were tough, and we were out-muscled by the opposition – strange, given what ‘beasts’ our girls can be on the hockey pitch. Hibell and Brownhill were immense from the start, however, both in attack and defence, and, as the season progressed, individual skills across the board improved, adaptability was developed and, importantly, self-confidence grew. Certainly the win against Trent boosted team spirits and I was gutted not to be there! I heard that Broughton Lloyd and Clowes were unstoppable shooters, and Cooke marked her player like a persistent shadow. Despite three of the team being injured at one point, the remaining girls were able to pull together, adapt to other positions and still play some spectacular netball! Special mention goes to Hudson, whose adaptability was like a glue for the team, and to Archer, who always hassled her opponent, playing the psychological game so well.

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Overall, the team scored 100 more goals than last year, and conceded no more, reflecting the accurate shooting and attacking athleticism, the dynamism in the centre court, and some fabulous (sometimes surprisingly fabulous!) defence, led by ‘Rennie’ as captain, but very much bolstered by the new kid on the block, Hingley, who has more than proven her worth at A team level.

Well done ladies, and thank you. I have thoroughly enjoyed every practice session and match with you, and I look forward to seeing you in gazelle/tiger-like action next season.

ECJM

Results P 19 W 11 D 0 L 7 U15 County Finals – Champions Captain: G. Renshaw (M) Squad: L. Archer (G), T. Broughton Lloyd (G), G. Brownhill (M), I. Clowes (A), G. Cooke (M), J. Hibell (M), S. Hudson (M), E. Hingley (F).

U14 B & C VIIs The U14 B team were an utterly delightful group of girls to coach, who worked well together and showed one another great support. The match statistics seem a slightly unfair reflection of what has, overall, been a super season and the girls should feel delighted with how far their skills and versatility as players moved on. There were notable wins against Trent, Oakham, Oundle and Denstone.

In the opener against Shrewsbury, Megan Griffiths at GK rose particularly well to the challenge, showing steely determination throughout and winning a number of interceptions or forcing mistakes. Against Denstone, the duo of Eliza Benson, who played superbly all season at GD, and Georgie Hakney at GK, worked really well together to ensure that any turn-around balls were quickly intercepted. We were also blessed by a number of very good centre court players: Emily Clark was consistent and listened well to coaching points, controlling the pattern of play in the thrilling and spectacularly close match against Uppingham (which we narrowly lost 14-15 on the final whistle).

We had the consistent shooting talents of Sophie Earp and, for much of the season (before she was nabbed by the As!), Katie Squires. These two proved a formidable

duo, especially in our 29-13 win against Oakham. In this same defining match, Ellie Andrew moved to centre, and was really well supported by Grace Gordon at WD. In our 20-10 victory against Trent, it was wonderful to see Arabella Marshall at WA working so hard, her fast and dynamic play frustrating the Trent WD. Captain Isabelle Sharratt also led by example – with one of the great weapons in her armoury being the ability to play as both centre and shooter, which proved invaluable on all number of occasions; I hope that she is pleased with how well her team ended their season, with the final game a convincing 36-5 win against Denstone.

The U14 Cs faced some tough opposition this term, especially at Rugby and Oundle, but regardless of this they worked hard as a team and were motivated throughout by the positive attitude of their captain, Sophie Ainger. I was particularly impressed by their final match against Denstone, where they displayed all the skills and set plays that they had been working on over the course of the term to secure themselves a victory.

I was delighted with the effort and enthusiasm that the girls injected into every training session, which made coaching them an absolute pleasure.

AFP & NG

W 14-10

SOLIHULL

W 20-8

RUGBY

W 21-18

OAKHAM

L 22-29

TRENT COLLEGE

W 46-8

OUNDLE

W 21-11

UPPINGHAM

W 26-24

DENSTONE COLLEGE

W 49-4

U14 County Finals – Champions U14 Regional Finals – Semi-finalists Captain: I. Clarke (F) Squad: C. Abell (A), M. Dewhirst (G), S. Garner (F), L. Gould (M), G. Hakney (A), E. Kaczmarczyk (M), C. Martin (M), K. Squires (G), A. Stone (G).

U14 B: P 9 W 5 D 0 L 4 Captain: I. Sharratt (M) Squad: E. Andrew (M), E. Benson (A), E. Clark (F), S. Earp (A), G. Gordon (A), M. Griffiths (M), G. Hakney (A), A. Marshall (M), K. Squires (G).

U14 C: P 8 W 3 D 0 L 5 Captain: S. Ainger (M) Squad: M. Caplan (F), A. Man (A), I. Mead (G), I. Nieper (F), S. Palmer (A), A. Peters (F), S. Richards (A), E. Roberts (M).

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ATHLETICS This year’s recipient of the Victor Ludorum cup, Alex Monro-Jones, was a major player in the success of the Senior Boys’ Athletics team, which included Andrew Oxburgh, Benjamin Clague, Miles Chadwick and Oliver Edwards. Chadwick and Edwards finished the season with personal bests in the high jump and javelin respectively.

The Senior Girls’ team had an outstanding season, winning all but one of their meets.

Amelia Swaby proved as impressive over 100m and she was over 400m, deservedly taking the Victrix Ludorum and a ten-yearold 400m school record in the process.

Newcomers Flora Peel and Lili Lamacraft integrated perfectly into a 4x100m team who remain unbeaten and who themselves broke a long-standing school record. Notable mentions should also go to Jessica Gough and Natalie Mansfield, who both had successful seasons.

At Intermediate level, the Victor Ludorum was won by Cyril Chukwumah and the Victrix Ludorum by Jessica Lee, who finished her season with not only a bronze medal at the South Derbyshire Schools but a school long jump record also. Although both squads struggled with consistency, there were many strong individual performances. Wilkinson looks to be following in the footsteps of Monro-Jones

and made significant improvements in his 400m over the season. Kaczmarczyk and Norcross also performed well over their respective distances, 200m and 1500m.

For the girls, Hermione Wright can now add the hurdles school record to her long list of accolades, Broughton Lloyd performed well in a number of shot put events, Kate Whitehouse looks determined to be as much a force on the track as her sister, and notable mentions too for Platts and Emmett, who also had very strong seasons.

The Junior Victor Ludorum was awarded to James Parton and the Victrix Ludorum to Lauren Archer. Contrary to previous years, where it has taken a while to find events that best suit the athletes, this year’s cohort had clear visions of where exactly they would be successful and they applied themselves accordingly. Parton, in a very competitive field at Oundle, was able to shave an entire six seconds off his personal best. Cheng, Wilbraham, Hvass and Lewis also made impressive debuts, ensuring that the future looks promising.

I extend my thanks to JDW and to our two external coaches, Bob Boyd and Joseph Walker, for their contributions to the season’s successes.

RGDR

Boys’ Captain: A. Monro-Jones (C)

Girls’ Captain: F. Beharrell (A)

Boys’ Squad: D. Annable (P), H. Benson (P), M. Chadwick (O), A. Cheng (C), P. Cheng (C), C. Chukwumah (N), B. Clague (P), M. Clague (C), J. Darby (L), O. Edwards (P), W. Edwards (P), J. Harlow (P), B. Hunter (P), D. JohnsonKerr (C), H. Kaczmarczyk (O), W. Norcross (S), A. Oxburgh (O), J. Parton (C), G. Pass (L), M. Schneck (N), C. Wilbraham (S), T. Wilkinson (C), A. Wilson (S).

Girls’ Squad: L. Archer (G), M. Beharrell (A), M. Brealey (G), L. Edmonds (F), I. Emmett (M), E. Gerard-Pearse (M), J. Gough (A), O. Hamilton (G), A. Heap (M), M. Hunter (M), L. Lamacraft (G), J. Lee (G), R. Lee (G), N. Mansfield (M), E. Nicholson (F), F. Peel (F), M. Platts (M), A. Swaby (G), G. Whitehouse (M), K. Whitehouse (M), S. Wilbraham (G).

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RIDING The riding team continues to grow and has welcomed the contributions of some new B-Block and L6 pupils this year.

The team had their first schools’ competition at South View Equestrian Centre, Emily Cruickshanks, Laura Bramall and Rebecca Williams being very pleased to be awarded 4th place for dressage in a large field of school teams. December brought more success at the Trent Valley Show Jumping competition: we entered teams for all classes and came away with three rosettes, including 6th place individually for Laura Bramall in the 70cm class and 1st place for Kitty Froggatt in the 90cm class.

In atrocious weather conditions in Lincolnshire, in February, the team bravely turned out again: at one point the fencing surrounding the dressage arenas was actually blown down! Eight girls took part in this competition in both dressage and show jumping. Our Prelim dressage team, comprising Rebecca Williams, Laura Bramall, Sophie Richards and Lucy Richards, took 1st place, and Emily Cruickshanks took an individual 3rd place in the Novice dressage.

Then, at the County show jumping qualifiers at Beaver Hall, the team narrowly missed out on qualification for the Regional Finals when beaten on cumulative time across three rounds of jumps by just four seconds!

The team continues to compete and hopes to build on their success so far. Many thanks to all the riders and the parents who have supported them this year.

AHM

GIRLS’ FOOTBALL Girls’ football has grown again this year, with the formation of a 2nd XI and success in several regional and national competitions.

In the 2014 Summer Term, the U15 side played in the Regional Finals of the ISFA 7s competition and, despite losing their first game, went on to be crowned champions.

Timetabling restrictions meant we were unable to attend the Northern Finals and so had to travel to ACS Cobham to compete in the far tougher Southern region. Cobham were clear favourites going into the competition, but some excellent performances saw us triumph with 5 victories and 2 defeats. Goals came from Izzy Emmett and Hermione Wright, with Morgause Lomas particularly impressive in goal.

In the Michaelmas Term, we entered the U18 sevens competition for the first time. Drawn in what was described by the organisers as ‘The Group of Death’, we battled past some talented opposition: we were indebted to Lomas, who pulled off a fantastic save in the dying moments of the King’s, Taunton game, for a 0-0 draw, which was followed with 1-0 results against Wycombe Abbey and Millfield.

In the final two group matches, we played an increasingly expansive game to draw 1-1 with KES Whitley and beat St Clare’s, Oxford 2-1.

Drawn against Haileybury in the quarterfinals, we produced our performance of the tournament, winning 3-0, with goals from Emmett (2) and Ewins, all three assists coming from Willars. In the semi-final, we faced Godolphin and Latymer, who had won all six of their previous games. We dominated possession and won 1-0 through a Willars goal, but in truth we were rarely troubled

and controlled the game throughout. In the final, we again faced King’s Taunton: in a tight game, we twice hit the post, but conceded a late goal that came through a crowd of players and left our ’keeper unsighted. We finished as National Runners-up, which is a great achievement considering we had no time to train in the hockey term!

In the ISFA Cup, we faced a tricky tie against Loughborough in the second round, having been given a bye in round one. A close game finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and went into extra time, where we unfortunately lost out to a breakaway goal.

In school fixtures, we lost away at Malvern early in the season, but went on to win the next four matches without conceding a goal, winning the Midlands League for the first time. This is an excellent achievement and testament to the strength-in-depth we have at present, with no fewer than 22 girls competing. In the East Midlands Cup, hosted annually by Uppingham, we were unlucky to finish in 3rd place, struggling to score on the day through a combination of bad luck and good defending, drawing too many games to be in contention.

The 2nd XI had a superb season, convincingly winning both their games. Many of the girls had a chance to play in the 1st XI during the season and we look forward to seeing them improve and push for places next year. With other schools suggesting they may be able to put out two teams next year, hopefully the fixture list for this team will continue to grow.

Results 1st XI: P 5 W 4 D 0 L1 F 7 A 4

U18 ISFA 7s National Finals – Runners-up U18 ISFA Cup – Round 2 U15 ISFA 7s Regional Finals – Champions ISFA Midlands League – Champions East Midlands Cup – 3rd place 2nd XI: P 2 W 2 D 0 L0 F 12 A 1 Captain: F. Harcus (U6A) Squad: L. Bramall (5A), E. Bowen-West (U6G), N. Cierpka (U6M), T. Collins (U6M), J. Czink (U6A), I. Emmett (5M), E. Ewins (5G), E. Harris (4M), O. Hopkisson (U6A), M. Hunter (L6G), R. Kaushal-Bolland (L6G), H. Lipton (4G), A. Lloyd (5G), M. Lomas (5F), V. Mair (4F), N. Mansfield (U6M), L. Morris (5A), R. Nelson (4M), C. Newham (4F), C. Newstead (5M), O. Omilana (U6M), C. Oswald (U6G), T. Polglase (U6M), C. Potter (4F), L. Potter (U6F), J. Richardson (4G), E. Sanders (U6G), F. Scutt (4G), H. Sherrad (U6G), R. Trafford (5A), M. Whitfield (L6M), P. Willars (U6A), H. Wright (5G).

MRW

Squad: H. Bagley (U6F), L. Bramall (5A), E. Cruickshanks (L6A), K. Froggatt (L6A), G. Gordon (3A), L. Richards (Foremarke), S. Richards (3A), I. Whyte (L6F), R. Williams (L6M).

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RUGBY I look back over the season, thinking what could have been, with a slight sense of disappointment. It started perfectly, with wins against Notts High 3rd XV and a tight game against local rivals Derby Grammar. Interestingly, I think our best team performance was in the next game against Burton RFC U18s, who probably had 10kg per player on us (not uncommon for Repton Rugby!), but we put in a huge performance and, trailing 14-17 with 15 minutes to go, were right in the game. In the end, they proved too strong for us, but I think it was the best I have seen a Repton team play in my three years here.

Unfortunately, the second half of the season was less successful.

Two home games were cancelled by the opposition (Chellaston and Oswestry), both of which we would have had a good chance of winning. Tough trips to King Henry VIII, Coventry and Wolverhampton Grammar saw us well beaten. After last year’s hard fixtures against Welbeck, it was fair to say not many people were looking forward to the trip there. I think this was the most disappointing afternoon of the year, as we should have won: having most of the possession for the second half, we were guilty of white line fever and the score ended 12-17.

We finished the season with a County Cup game against QEGS Ashbourne. After a close first 15 minutes, we lost our fly-half, open-side flanker, inside centre and hooker. Inevitably, with so many players out of position, the game went away from us. We lose some stalwarts of the team this year, but there is hope for the future: Lake provided pace and control at fly-half and we sorely missed him after his injury; Westmoreland is a rugby player through and through, providing excellent leadership as hooker and there were promising performances from Bibbings, Jones, Davis, and Edwards. Many thanks to KIRM and EGMS for their excellent coaching and support throughout the term.

MWTH

Results P 6 W 2 D 0 L4 F 92 A 162 Captain: D. Cox (P) Squad: E. Ananda-Rajan (L6C), J. Bibbings (L6L), L. Blood (L6S), M. Chadwick (U6O), R. Cheng (U6C), J. Cheshire (U6C), G. Davis (L6L), B. Edwards (L6O), W. Edwards (5P), H. Harding (U6S), H. Haskell (U6C), E. Hollingworth (L6O), L. Jones (L6C), G. Kaczmarczyk (U6O), D. Kinsella (L6S), W. Lake (L6S), T. Morris (U6C), S. Peel (L6O), F. Polglase (U6L), H. Robinson (U6P), H. Shirley (U6N), B. Verweij (L6S), T. Verweij (U6S), J. Vincent (L6O), D. Westmoreland (L6S), E. Whitten (U6O).

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CROSS COUNTRY The Cross Country season was, as ever, somewhat beset by weather-based cancellations, and under such circumstances the real mettle of a Captain is seen. Stefan Nowacki has not missed one single training session come rain or shine, and has thus led from the front, including taking more runners than ever before to the County Championships. Fenella Scutt took the gold medal, becoming Derbyshire Inter Girls Champion, and three other Reptonians – Jack Bywater, Olivia Mair and Hemione Wright – were shortlisted to run in the England Schools Cross Country Championships. Olivia joined Fenella in the Derbyshire team, and both were a credit to the County running for Derbyshire in the finals in Blackburn on 14th March.

This, alongside countless Parker 100 ties, among both the pupil and staff body, made for a great term’s running.

JDW

HOUSE SPORT Repton House Sport Champions 2014-15 2014

GIRLS’ HOCKEY

STEEPLECHASE

CRICKET

SENIOR THE MITRE

SENIOR BOYS’ WINNER JACK BYWATER (L6C)

JUNIOR THE MITRE

SENIOR BOYS’ TEAM THE PRIORY & LATHAM HOUSE (TIED)

SENIOR THE PRIORY JUNIOR THE ORCHARD

TENNIS SENIOR GIRLS THE GARDEN JUNIOR GIRLS THE MITRE BOYS SCHOOL HOUSE

ATHLETICS & THE JAMES KROPASCY RELAYS BOYS CROSS HOUSE GIRLS THE MITRE

FOOTBALL SENIOR CROSS HOUSE SENIOR RESERVES SCHOOL HOUSE JUNIOR NEW HOUSE SENIOR LEAGUE THE ORCHARD JUNIOR LEAGUE THE PRIORY NOEL BENNETT TROPHY (6-A-SIDE) SCHOOL HOUSE

SENIOR LEAGUE THE MITRE JUNIOR LEAGUE THE ABBEY

SWIMMING & THE CAROLINE TYLER MEMORIAL RELAYS

SENIOR GIRLS’ WINNER SAMMY ALLSOP (L6F) SENIOR GIRLS’ TEAM FIELD HOUSE JUNIOR BOYS’ WINNER WILL NORCROSS (5S)

BOYS THE ORCHARD

JUNIOR BOYS’ TEAM NEW HOUSE

GIRLS THE GARDEN

1ST B-BLOCK BOY MARCUS TARRANT (3S)

2015 BOYS’ HOCKEY SENIOR THE PRIORY JUNIOR SCHOOL HOUSE

JUNIOR GIRLS’ WINNER FENELLA SCUTT (4G) JUNIOR GIRLS’ TEAM THE MITRE 1ST B-BLOCK GIRL TRINITY COUPLANDSMITH (3M)

NETBALL SENIOR A THE GARDEN SENIOR B THE MITRE JUNIOR A THE MITRE JUNIOR B THE MITRE

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Sport & Valete

The Reptonian 2014/2015

A Word on the Minor House Sports The Priory is characterised best by its minor sports teams – not to be underestimated and always champions in spirit! For example, chess, as Ankit Rai (U6P) so aptly summed up: ‘in Priory, Chess is more than a game; it is a religion’. In one of the most severe injustices of recent times, The Priory House Sudoku team was cruelly robbed of a fantastic victory by the inconvenient reality that nobody on the team was actually any good at Sudoku. Despite hopes being high going into the contest, the captain, Garcia-Hinojal (4P), was particularly disappointing, returning a grand total of 0 points for his 45 minutes’ work; we realised too late that Ken-Kens were blatantly the way to go – the kind of error that makes such a difference at this level.

MATTHEW STORER (U6P)

VALETE RAH We are all – to some degree or other - the product of our environment. Robert Holroyd’s roots lie in the Wirral and, while one has to strain to make out the accent, he shares the characteristics that we typically associate with that part of the country: a passion for sport and music, a love of family and sense of community, a ready wit, and – perhaps most importantly for Repton – an ability to identify and embrace opportunity when it comes along.

Educated at Birkenhead School (by chance, the same alma mater as his predecessor Graham Jones), Rob gained a First in Modern Languages at Christ Church, Oxford, where he was also Captain of Cricket and a keen footballer and choral singer. It was therefore no surprise that this Renaissance man, himself the son of a headmaster, was attracted to schoolmastering, firstly at Oakham School. A spell at the Anglo-Colombian School in Bogota, Colombia, followed and then Radley College, where he was Head of Spanish and a Housemaster, before his appointment as Headmaster of Repton in 2003.

He inherited a school which had survived the economic challenges of the ’90s and seen co-education firmly and successfully established, but the new Headmaster saw an opportunity for Repton, then approaching its 450th birthday, to take the next step in its journey.

He signalled his intent with his first project: the refurbishment of the Old Priory took a building that is the essence of Repton’s history and, with sensitivity and style in equal measures, rendered it just what the 21st century school needed. And there followed an ambitious series of projects of similar ilk, aimed at improving the academic facilities of the School as well as the extra-curricular, whilst preserving its heritage, including the refurbishment of the Music School, the creation of New Court Gallery and the conversion of the Old Mitre West Wing into a new home for the English Department. More recently, flagship projects – the refurbishment and extension of the 400 Hall, the creation of the Precinct teaching facility and, of course, the magnificent Science Priory – have reflected Rob’s personal vision and transformed that area of the School into something of which Sir John Port and Adolphus Pears would have been proud. We have the inspirational environment; we await the realisation of his challenge of producing a Repton Nobel Prize winner in the next 50 years.

The School’s ability to undertake these projects was due in large part to the significant increase in pupil numbers and this was a direct result both of the ambition and enthusiasm which Rob inspired in his Common Room and his personal drive. He brought the hallmarks of his housemastering to his management of the School and parents warmed to his genuine interest in their children and readiness to engage with them. Academic standards and examination results were driven steadily upwards, with pupils encouraged to be confident and ambitious. Rob and his varied headgear were familiar sights around the pitches – a panama for cricket days, the fedora for football and hockey – and he loved to celebrate the achievements of the U14 C team just as much as the 1st XI, stopping individuals at The Arch to congratulate them and recalling every detail of that goal or the miracle save. Pupils were regularly invited down to The Hall for social occasions, which Rob valued greatly as a chance to listen to the pupil voice. Above all, he brought an innate humanity and compassion to his role, hating to give up on any individual and believing all capable of redemption with the right encouragement. When the patience of the rest of us had run out, Rob always wanted to give another chance – and more often than not his faith was repaid.

Rob’s background as a modern linguist and own experience teaching abroad fostered his interest in the burgeoning scene of international education and, when an opportunity emerged for Repton in Dubai, he was quick to see the potential benefit for our future and energetic in pursuing it. His personal relationship with the School’s partners was critical in opening doors and most of us in Repton UK were oblivious to the commitment – the number of holiday trips, the redeye journeys in term and early-morning conference calls – which this growing network of schools demanded. In this he and Repton Governor Robert Owen have done an invaluable service to future generations of Reptonians and how fitting it is that the Library at Foremarke Dubai has been named in his honour.

Above all, Repton has been a home to the whole Holroyd family. Rob would be the first to pay tribute to the crucial role of Penny: as well as his own key supporter, a wonderfully welcoming hostess who can put any guests at their ease, a vital member of the Hall administrative team and, for many of the rest of us, the first on the doorstop in times of joy or trouble. Their daughters Eleanor and Joanna were Reptonians of great distinction – both Heads of House and Ellie Head of School, leading academics, superb musicians – and both their family and their school can be very proud of all they have achieved.

There is no doubt that Robert Holroyd’s eleven years as Headmaster of Repton will, with the clarity of hindsight, be seen on as a pivotal period in the School’s modern history: an increase of over 100 pupils, improved academic standards, the forging of international links of genuine and lasting value, a building programme to challenge any other school in the sector, and, underpinning it all, a renewed confidence and ambition in all we do and are. He leaves a powerful legacy for the next generation. Ill health cruelly ended Rob’s tenure as Headmaster all too abruptly, but the Holroyd family and the Repton family remain intertwined and we wish him and Penny both health and happiness as they begin the next stage of their lives.

SABT 100

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Valete

The Reptonian 2014/2015

JSM

WGM

AHB

DLB

In the beginning, there was Physics. And it was very dull. But then there came Doctor Who and there came Star Wars and between the two there were born people who thought Physics was actually quite cool. And these people were known as ‘Geeks’. And Sam Mitchell was born at this time too – and he was verily a ‘Geek’.

Will Mason came to Repton straight from university, having graduated in 2013 from Royal Holloway, where he had been their organ scholar.

The role of organist at Repton is particularly public, but Will made the transition with ease. Coming from a family of musicians and teachers, it quickly seemed that Will had been at Repton for years. His skill in conducting the 2014 Carol Service is a particular highlight of his contribution to the school.

Lexi Baker joined Repton to teach Biology in August 2012, quickly establishing herself as an enthusiastic teacher and also overseeing SleepSoc and its continued research role within the school. So dedicated has she been to the SciPri, I once had to rescue her after she was locked in!

Short, but significant: two words that describe both Diana Bench and her time here. A few members of the Common Room still remember Diana from when she was a pupil here; I think they were surprised to discover that the quite mischievous student had returned to sample life on the other side of the Undercroft wall.

Despite his great talents in using his hands and feet in a coordinated fashion, not all elements of Repton life were immediately straightforward for him: Will met his match with the Music Department paper-shredder! The sad sight of cutlery and scissors half emerging from the shredder’s teeth will long remain in the memory…

Lexi has also been more than willing to take part in the wider extra-curricular life of the school, as a netball coach to the U15Cs and tennis coach in the summer. She ‘joined up’ with the RAF section of CCF, recently being promoted to Flying Officer and thus fully commissioned.

Will’s musical ambitions have led him firmly into the choral conducting world and he is therefore returning to student life, this time at Cambridge University, where he will join their postgraduate choral conducting programme. We are sure he’ll prosper in this exciting venture, and we wish him well.

Outdoorsy by nature, she has eclectic interests, from baking to mud-running to Land Rovers, and she certainly has a willing ally in her fiancé, Harry, and, to an extent, their lively border collie, Moneypenny. All three embraced the boarding life in Abbey when Lexi was appointed as Resident Tutor in 2013. We all wish her well for her new job at Bilton Grange prep school, but more importantly in her new life with Harry – and a potential menagerie of animals – following her marriage this summer.

And then there came a re-vamped Doctor Who and there came The Big Bang Theory and it was then said that Physics was not only cool – it was sexy! And, lo, we were in the Age of ‘Geek Chic’. And there came unto Repton in anno domini 2008 this same Sam Mitchell as Head of Physics. And he did preach the virtues of ‘Geek Chic’ and the people of Repton did listen for his voice was very loud.

And the students flocked to hear him speak more and the numbers of physicists did rise and the results did rise too. And the boys of School House did call him tutor and love his jollity and his helping with their science prep. And he did take over the running of Socials and, yea, they were better than before. And in the football and hockey terms he did extol the joys of rugby, and he did wear shirts and ties that matched not, and he did sing loud and often and not always in tune, and in the show called Pedants he did wear a tutu, and he did once learn all the words and dance moves of ‘Gangnam Style’ and did perform it, for Sam Mitchell was one of a kind.

And Sam Mitchell had made his mark and he did one day leave Repton with Sophie his wife and their four daughters and did go up north to continue to spread the joy of Physics. And, lo, Repton was a quieter place.

JMJH

SRT Despite arriving only two years ago, Stuart Thomson has managed to fit a lot in and made quite an impression at Repton! As well as his Classics duties (which have included a one-off commissioned grace for New House House Suppers, in Latin, incorporating the names of previous Housemasters and the House motto!), he has been a pivotal figure in many other areas of Repton life: the CCF, the Choir and the squash courts have all benefited from his dedication and enthusiasm, but in Debating he has been particularly instrumental to the increasing success enjoyed by the school. The professionalism he has brought to the society, combined with the technical guidance he has been able to provide, have been crucial to the ongoing progress of those Reptonians lucky enough to have learnt from him.

From a personal point of view, I have been enormously grateful for his support in New House over the last two years; he has been an excellent Resident Tutor and I hope JDW is lucky enough to have someone as adaptable, professional and approachable during his tenure. The fact that he arrived as Mr Thomson and is leaving as Dr Thomson, on top of all his other responsibilities, speaks highly of this impressive schoolmaster. He will also be remembered for his sartorial elegance and determination to introduce ‘bow-tie Fridays’, as well as the occasional run-in with taxis! We wish both him and Charlotte the very best as they head off to the Mitchells’ old stomping-ground, Christ’s Hospital.

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LEW

MLW Upbeat, dependable and with a genuine concern for the wellbeing and enjoyment of all the pupils he has taught, Mark Warrilow immediately became a key member of staff when he joined us in January 2013 to teach Geography and join the Cross House tutor team.

Affectionately known by the boys as ‘Warrilad’, Mark has given of his time and enthusiasm generously to support individuals and The Cross, more widely.

His love of intrigue and solving mysteries also earned him the nickname ‘PC Wazza’; nothing got past him on his beat on Wednesday nights. An expert Sixth Form tutor, he has guided many through the maze of the UCAS application process successfully and all of this was achieved with his characteristic blend of professionalism and warmth.

A stalwart of the U14C cricket team, he has spent many a summer’s afternoon coaching the boys to victory and can also be found down at the squash courts, challenging pupils to a friendly game.

Within the Department, Mark has taken the lead in organising fieldwork to the Lake District, Ainsdale Dunes and North Wales and has taught across all year groups, specialising in physical Geography at A-Level. He has been involved in the organisation and implementation of the school’s Geographical Society and has been keen to extend pupils’ experience of Geography beyond the classroom, organising trips to lectures at Derby and Staffordshire Universities. Mark leaves us to return to a career in HR and we wish him, Emma and their children the best of luck in their new endeavours. He will be missed enormously by staff and pupils alike.

AHM

AHM Amy McKenzie joined as Head of Geography in August 2010 and quickly established herself as a dynamic boss with loads of ambition for Repton’s Geographical future. Results and numbers soared and we became the ‘place to be’, with field trips and adventures galore.

A well established and successful A-Block trip to Iceland, and holidays of a lifetime to Thailand, the USA, the Azores and the forthcoming expedition to Costa Rica, have enriched the lives of Reptonians, all thanks to Amy’s faultless and remarkable organisational skills and efficiency. It hasn’t always gone to plan, however, and Amy will also be remembered for reversing into a parked car at Ladybower Reservoir, as well as almost rolling the minibus twice! Amy is startlingly bright and I recall many fascinating conversations, as well as her out-foxing the AQA Chief Examiner completely in an INSET session, with questions to which he had absolutely no answers.

Amy began as a Resident Tutor in The Garden, but moved to the very different challenge of being a tutor in The Orchard. AJS writes, ‘Amy has been, and is, an excellent tutor: Rachel and I have grown very fond of her; we will certainly miss her, as will the boys. One amusing thing that stands out for us is the Ice-bucket Challenge. Amy was challenged during the summer, but arrived at the beginning of Michaelmas 2014 having not completed it! She decided to do it with the help of The Orchard B-Block one evening whilst on duty. They absolutely drenched her – not with one bucket but with several… and we have it on video!’

Moreover, Amy has galvanised the school Riding team, added her expertise to the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and even helped choreograph the teachers in Pedants after a remarkably lifelike cameo appearance as Professor McGonagall. To all of us, she has added her gift of baking and MKC recalls that she regularly turned up to DofE expeditions with amazing cakes, including one topped in heartshaped macaroons.

On behalf of the Department, I would like to thank Amy for sticking to her principles and for fighting our corner, but above all for her tolerance of us, and her sense of humour. We have laughed a lot and Amy’s leadership has allowed us all to enjoy our teaching and challenge ourselves and our pupils. Amy will be very much missed by those of us who have had the privilege of knowing her well, including those she taught and inspired. We all wish her well with her new ventures and look forward to her stories of the challenges ahead.

LEW

In her three years here, Diana has thrown herself into everything that she has been given. She is an entertaining teacher of Mathematics, has spent hours refining her technique as a hockey coach, for both boys and girls, or mastering the art of ‘coaching’ tennis (really just an excuse to sit outside in the sun). Moreover, her commitments to CCF have been extremely entertaining to those around her – I am not sure whether she was looking after the students or the other way around, but I know that she may not have survived the summer camps without the help of Wayne Lees and Carole Goodfellow…

In her final year, she became Resident Tutor in The Garden, making a significant impact. Having a similar mental age to the students definitely helps you in this job and she immediately threw herself into life in the boarding house. Her relationship with her A-Block tutees is quite remarkable and they will be just some of many who will greatly miss her presence next year. She is never too busy to see them, to watch a film with them, to play ‘Articulate’, chat about boys, or even just to have a couple of them watch TV in her flat while she tries to get on with her actual job!

You will struggle to find a person who enjoys life more than Diana: her ability to find the fun in any situation has caused much hilarity; if you want to gauge how much she is enjoying a situation, just look at her shoulders. Despite speaking at a rate of ten-words-per-second, she is always there to put a smile on your face: her support as a colleague and friend has been invaluable. We wish her the best of luck for her extended holiday (let’s be honest, that is what she is going on to do) and urge her to resist the temptation to gloat come September.

NC

JPM & MM Jane and Matt Mitchell arrived at Repton, accompanied by their two children, Joel and Zöe, from a spell at Christ’s Hospital School, where JPM had been an Assistant Housemistress, at the start of the Michaelmas Term 2008 to take over The Garden. With MM’s unstinting support, JPM set about the task of developing in the girls the qualities she feels so important to help them not just survive, but really flourish at the very top of their chosen life paths: a determination always to stand up for what they believe to be right, the courage to say what they think; an awareness of issues far, far beyond the Repton bubble; and the willingness to develop an independent mind and strong beliefs. As the House perhaps grew in confidence, so it became more successful, especially in the areas of sport and music, and trophies began to fill the shelves. JPM was also a great innovator, starting up a House Council, meetings of which are chaired by the Head of House, to give every pupil a say on House matters, getting the pupils themselves to write articles and produce photos for the House website, and developing a hugely successful individual pupil mentoring programme, not just for the new intake, but anyone within the House going through a bad time for whatever reason. Fundraising has also been a feature of JPM’s years in the House, chiefly, though by no means only, centred on the annual House Cabaret. Parents book their evenings almost a year in advance, such is the popularity of the occasion now, and an astonishing £6000 was raised by the event in 2014.

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JHB Repton. Typically selflessly, he thus gave up the post in July 2011 and threw himself back into Repton, and more especially Garden, life. At the start of 2012, he was asked to teach ICT to A- and B-Block and piloted the ECDL course.

In addition to coping with the huge daily demands of the House, JPM has also pursued her love of languages through her teaching of German and French in the classroom. Whilst French has just been to junior year groups, German has been across the school. No one in her classes can ever be in any doubt as to her passion and enthusiasm for her subjects, an enthusiasm which year on year has led to higher than average numbers continuing with German at GCSE and A Level, and excellent results in public examinations, and has also helped weaker candidates find their way through to a decent final grade that might easily otherwise have been beyond them.

Outside the classroom, JPM has coached tennis to U14, U15 and U16 A team squads, but is perhaps particularly known for having been the initial driving force, along with Tim Whiteman, behind the Dreamland Project, setting up the link and organising and leading the first trip out to Ghana. This so typified her ceaseless concern for those less fortunate than us and her determination to awaken a sense of moral and social responsibility in all those under her charge – or, indeed, with whom she works.

In the early months and terms at Repton, MM fulfilled the crucial role of House Husband, in the broadest sense of the term,

His easy manner and utterly natural empathy with the young has made him hugely popular with all, both in the classroom and especially the House. Music is a great passion for him and he has performed on numerous occasions with staff bands such as the Safety Sisters and Boss & Co in the JCR or the Red Lion, as well as at the House Cabaret.

not only looking after Joel and Zöe, but also throwing himself into every aspect of House life. Indeed, for two terms he was called on to be Matron, surely the only time in Repton’s history a male has carried out this job?! Then, in 2010, he got a job as a Corporate Accounts Manager for the multinational corporation Regus, based at East Midlands Airport. So successful was he in this role that the company wanted more and more from him, to the point where his existence became wholly incompatible with the life of JPM and the family at

Life at a boarding school, and especially in a boarding house, has its share of highs and lows, as JPM will indubitably confirm. Thanks to her energy and compassion, her deeprooted belief in the importance and power of the concept of kindness, and the calm, unreserved support of MM, The Garden today stands proud and in excellent shape for the next stage in its existence. Meanwhile Jane and Matt depart to run a House at Lord Wandsworth College in the lovely Hampshire countryside. The girls there will be lucky indeed to have them, and the whole family goes with the thanks and very best wishes of the entire Repton community.

NJK

DM David Morris joined the Repton Chemistry Department in September 1987 and was Head of Department from 1997 until 2014.

Throughout his Repton career the external exam results in Chemistry have consistently been amongst the very strongest of all of the departments in the school and David can feel justifiably proud of his contribution, as both teacher and HOD, to this outstanding record. In addition to his role in the classroom, David has made substantial contributions to the extra-curricular life of the school as master i/c Rugby, a tutor in Brook House and New House, and an officer in the RAF Section of the CCF. In more recent years he has helped out with hockey with the U14 age group, and has planned and manned the conservation group for the Wednesday afternoon activities programme; since 1997 he has also run the weekend activities programme with the same outstanding efficiency as he displayed in executing the administrative tasks of a Head of Department.

Those who worked closely with David grew to love a sense of humour which could – and often did – make them smile and lift the mood of any meeting, whether formal or informal. On one occasion, when discussing external exam prospects in Chemistry, it became clear that ‘Castleton’

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was a nickname for the boy in question rather than his real name: ‘Why Castleton?’

I asked, only to be informed that the boy was ‘a little beyond Hope’. Few new educational initiatives escaped without being given an appropriate acronym – it was David, for example, who quickly christened the Sunday Leisure Options programme as SLOPS. Few who saw his portrayal of the dying swan in the Pedants’ production of ‘Swan Lake’ will forget his deadpan face.

He could be very funny and, although one or two individuals occasionally failed to appreciate David’s humour, it was always designed to make people smile and never used to mock anyone in a cruel way.

Furthermore, he was always ready to laugh at himself; he would, for example, tell how cricketing legend Frank Tyson once promised to make him into a fast bowler – only to be told after half an hour in the nets at Denstone by an exasperated Tyson to forget it as it just wasn’t going to happen!

Colleagues in the Department often turned to David’s sharp mind when struggling with a particularly hard problem – he usually offered a solution, and generally a very good one. In the classroom, few pupils spoke out of turn or answered back, and his exam classes rarely failed to secure or exceed the grades they deserved.

Wilkinson Memorial Lecture, whilst several hundred Reptonians over the years have had reason to thank him for his foresight in creating and patience in running Tableaux Vivants, the Fashion Show and Rockit concerts. These experiences led to Jeremy successfully proposing and masterminding the logistical and magical tour de force that was the Son et Lumière, which was for many the highlight of the School’s 450th Anniversary celebrations, and which involved over 100 students and staff telling the story of Repton from Anglo-Saxon times to the present to packed audiences in the Garth over four nights in September 2007.

Premier League Football managers are not noted for their occupational longevity: they’re either sacrificed on the altar of results or seduced by the prospect of managing another team.

As befits a school with a strong sporting ethos, Repton’s academic Heads of Department latterly resemble Premier League managers in collectively not lasting long in post. They, too, tend to be put out to pasture or themselves find pastures new, yielding to the temptations of Senior Management or House-parenting. Thus, out of all the academic Heads of Department in situ when RAH became Headmaster in 2003, only Messrs Bournon, Keep and Clague have kept their academic departmental headships until the Summer of 2015: a tribute alike to their excellent academic records, exemplary sense of vocation and basic survival skills. Indeed, Jeremy’s results are even more outstanding when one remembers that there are always siren voices willing to whisper in the ears of some of the most gifted students that they’d be better off opting for more “academic” subjects.

When, in 1987, two years after he had himself made the journey, I followed Jeremy’s footsteps to Repton from King’s College School, Wimbledon, he was already well established as a dynamic and innovative Director of Art. This was no mean feat, given that all three of his predecessors in that post, since its inception in 1909 – Maurice Clarke (1909-22), Arthur Norris (1922-52) and Dennis Hawkins (195285) – had been legendary figures in that role.

Whilst mindful of their success in making the Art School a creative refuge at the heart of the Repton School community – a refuge which he has made available for pupils at all hours, seven days a week – Jeremy was also keen to ensure that Art percolated into every corner of the School and village. Indeed, the Art Department under Jeremy’s direction disproves the seemingly ineluctable law of History that empires rise only to fall. Not only did Jeremy’s empire expand academically to embrace Textiles and Photography, but also physically, so that it now includes the Art School, which, with the generous assistance of Robert Beldam, was completely renovated in 1999, the New Court Gallery (home of the Textiles Department, gallery space and studio space for the Artists-in-Residence), and Gallery No.1 on the High Street. Robert Beldam’s help was also instrumental in the purchase of PA gear for use in House and School cabarets, Chapel, JCR, 20-20 cricket and numerous concerts, with Jeremy acting as resident School sound engineer and roadie, whilst he has also frequently stepped in as session player on bass or drums for a variety of bands.

As well as countless exhibitions, numerous art trips (to New York and various European centres of culture), Jeremy founded the David

Much of what Jeremy has contributed to the School has been less high profile, but equally valuable in making Repton an aestheticallypleasing and vibrant environment, whether that be through the exhibiting of art outside of the galleries, assisting with stage designs or advising on the commissioning of art, and on the refurbishment of the Old Priory. His scheme for Art on Loan to Business not only created a new revenue stream, but forged useful links between the School and business.

However, as all Secretaries of State for Education and many Headmasters routinely fail to recognise, the most important aspects of education do not lend themselves, like examination grades, to easy quantification. First and foremost amongst these is the example that a teacher sets for those with whom he comes into contact. Here, too, Jeremy ranks as a colossus, imparting not merely technical skills, but core values that have influenced several generations and will last lifetimes.

Utterly passionate, totally charming and completely inspiring in his desire to open up the worlds of painting, music, fashion, sculpture and photography by sharing his extensive knowledge in these subjects, Jeremy has also demonstrated an unwavering belief in his students’ abilities and a commitment to draw out of them the work of which he knew them to be capable. In so doing, he managed to pull off the difficult trick of challenging students to make them want to do better, whilst also allowing them the freedom to make mistakes and develop their own personalities in their work. In short, Jeremy’s energy, enthusiasm and vision have ensured that the creation and study of Art at Repton has provided a springboard for a successful career for some and a source of joy and of intellectual stimulus for the many, whilst no one, whether conscious of the fact or no, has been untouched by his many services to the school since 1985.

Given all the above, Repton is indeed lucky to be retaining his services as Painter-in-Residence next year.

JP

As a Head of Department, he was wellorganised and even-handed in allocating the workload and teaching groups, never giving himself more than his fair share of the best sets. He was therefore liked and respected by his teaching colleagues and technicians; he made us all laugh and we shall miss him enormously. We therefore wish David, Emma and Charlotte every success and happiness as they embark on the next phase of their lives in their home at Birchover.

JCD Photography by Charlie Mead (L6L)

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GBA Greg Attwood arrived in Repton in September 1978. A mathematics degree, then a PGCE, at Durham, followed by a Masters from Sheffield University, meant that he was the bestqualified member of the Mathematics Department. He is a genuine mathematician, with a true love for his subject: a love which to those of us outside the discipline remains completely incomprehensible!

Not surprisingly, he was quickly promoted to Head of Mathematics at Repton: a role he fulfilled successfully for six years, before moving to become a Housemaster. Not content with merely teaching the subject, he has always been keen to explore it beyond the classroom. Almost immediately, he started examining, setting out on a path that would lead him to dizzy heights: in 1981, he was taken on as an ordinary examiner, rising to become, in 1991, the Chief Examiner for Edexcel, the largest mathematics exam board in the country. In 2009, he then took on the extra role of Chair of Examiners for iGCSE, while remaining Chief Examiner for GCE Mathematics – posts he continues to enjoy.

Being Chief Examiner has allowed him numerous opportunities to travel and he has taken part in conferences in many parts of the world: Cyprus, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Zambia and most of the Middle East states. It also meant having the responsibility of setting exam questions for the A level papers – something he thoroughly enjoyed doing – and it was not unusual to see the names of some his pupils appearing in the question papers. In truth, there is little that he enjoys more than exploring the subject and how it works. A fly on the wall in the Attwood house would find GBA playing with his isosceles triangles and dreaming up new ways of torturing poor A-Level students in the exam room. Incidentally, never one to miss a financial opportunity, being Chief Examiner allowed GBA to co-write and then sell textbooks (around 20 books or revision guides have been produced), effectively cornering the market!

Although mathematics is his love, the pastoral side of school life has also always been dear to his heart. As a tutor in The Orchard for 16 years, he was always supportive of the pupils. Many of them enjoyed Attwood hospitality: indeed, from the early days of pancake parties in the Old Mitre, through to afternoon tea at The Pastures, countless Reptonians have always received a warm welcome. This care for pupils and their development was evident when the Attwoods took over The Cross in January 1995.

With GBA, ably supported by his wife, Ruth, running The Cross, the pupils knew that their houseparents were caring for them and wanting the best for them, while the Attwoods enjoyed seeing young men grow up into mature adults; they are still in touch with a number of old boys from the House from their time, who are appreciative of their care.

Sport has been a big part of GBA’s life at Repton. He ran the under U15 B cricket team for 17 years, was Master i/c Squash (taking a team to 3rd place in the Nationals) for a while, but it is on the badminton court where he has excelled: at a conservative estimate, he has run over 2000 badminton sessions during his time and, despite all the talent that pupils have produced over the years, only a few of them have been able to beat him. In terms of sport, it is probably a little-known fact that GBA was also involved in the 1970s and 1980s running the ski trips that the school used to run. Despite not being keen on skiing, not eating cheese (so the pizza evening was a bit of a struggle) and not speaking Italian, he remained undeterred!

An abiding memory of one of these Italian trips was coming back in the afternoon to the hotel to find GBA in animated conversation with the Italian manageress: she speaking fluent and loud Italian and GBA speaking equally fluent and equally loud English, with neither of them understanding a word the other was saying…

A man of many talents, GBA has taken on a number of positions of responsibility over the years. Quite apart from Head of Mathematics and Housemaster, GBA has been Head of Community Service, writer of the timetable and, perhaps most incongruously, Director of Culture, where he was possibly a victim of a headmaster’s ploy of giving a job, not to those who could do it best, but need it most!

That said, he has been Treasurer of the Repton Subscription Concert series for over 30 years, so he must have picked up some culture along the way. Staff will remember him, but not thank him (!), for sending them to all corners of the school to invigilate, as he took on the task of assisting with exam administration. His spell as President of the Common Room saw him as a reliable and effective gobetween in the years when staff representation needed to be heard at a senior level, and he successfully negotiated the tricky time of the ATL union’s first ever strike call.

Underlying all GBA does is his deep Christian conviction. A frequent speaker in Chapel over the years, he would always speak carefully and thoughtfully – conveying his conviction that following Jesus was not only the right thing to do, but was also possible. In the 1980s and 1990s, when the chaplain took groups of pupils up to Edale for a Confirmation retreat, GBA would always be there helping out. In addition, on virtually every Friday evening over the last 37 years, GBA has been found at Christian Forum, offering a word of wisdom to countless Reptonians over the years and encouraging them in their faith.

Greg has made an immense (and often unseen) contribution to Repton and, although he is retiring from teaching, he is not going to retire from his Mathematics, so he will still be influencing Reptonians with his fiendishly difficult A-Level questions. Repton will miss him (but not his hats) and all he does and there will no longer be that soft voice muttering to himself, “Right, what have we here then?”.

CMK

Artwork by Millie Long (L6A)

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the Reptonian 2014/2015 Academic Year

2014/15 www.repton.org.uk