The Shirburnian 2018-19

SHIRBURNIAN THE

2018/19

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WELCOME TO

THE SHIRBURNIAN Reflecting on the past academic year, I am struck once again by the breadth and depth of our boys’ achievements. The highlights described in this year’s Shirburnian are indeed a stunning glimpse of the range of passions and interests pursued with such relish at Sherborne. They also hint at the sheer volume of activity that continually bubbles below the surface.

It is a challenge to encapsulate the atmosphere of our School within these pages but I hope they do some justice to another extraordinary twelve months at Sherborne.

It has been a very busy year and,

Sherborne Girls; and excelled in

The past year has seen great

as an institution, we are certainly

the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,

strides towards closer

thriving. Our boys’ examination

CCF, Ten Tors and other outdoor

collaboration, much of it inspired

results and wider intellectual

pursuits. Our community is

by the superb new Headmistress,

achievements continue to impress

flourishing and, thanks to our full

Dr Ruth Sullivan.

and we have seen further notable

boarding environment, we are

achievements in sport, outdoor

blessed with the time and space

As a community we have reached

pursuits and the creative and

for each and every boy to find

for excellence in all that we do,

expressive arts. By way of

and fulfil his passion.

inspired and empowered by the rich heritage of our past.

example, our boys have enjoyed conspicuous success in national

The essence of a Sherborne

Awareness of that heritage,

and international academic

education is the balance we strike

alongside the need to be

competitions; secured victory in

between tradition and innovation,

aspirational for our future, has

an enormous array of team and

continuity and change. This is

stimulated ambitious plans for the

individual sporting contests;

encompassed within our full

years ahead. This summer saw

achieved distinctions at Grade 8

boarding, all-boys setting, one

the complete redevelopment of

and in ATCL and LTCL music

which is lent a unique and

the Macnaghten Library, marrying

performance diplomas;

powerful additional dimension

the finest traditional

performed in a spectacular joint

through our ever-closer

craftsmanship and modern

production of Evita with

relationship with Sherborne Girls.

technology with one of our most

Our boarding provision is to be extended through the reopening in 2021 of Westcott House, the boarding House of Alan Turing whose extraordinary influence and legacy are to be marked by his appearance on the new £50 note.

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beautiful ancient buildings. Our boarding provision is to be extended through the reopening in 2021 of Westcott House, the boarding House of Alan Turing whose extraordinary influence and legacy are to be marked by his appearance on the new £50 note.

And our Sports Centre is to be extended, extensively remodelled and upgraded so that our sportsmen can enjoy state-of-the art training facilities to support them in emulating the athletic feats of their illustrious Shirburnian forbears. Building upon our solid foundations, we are investing in the future of our boys and our School, enabling us better to serve the needs of our pupils and ensure the School’s continued, long-term success.

Sherborne is a very special place

now and in the future, of

I hope you enjoy reading our story

that stirs an enduring sense of

translating Sherborne’s ethos into

of the year, and that it allows you

belonging in all those who form

positive and practical action as

a quiet moment to pause and

part of our community. The

they help make the world a better,

celebrate all that we stand for.

achievements of our alumni are

more joyful and kinder place.

legion and the current generation

Such things cannot easily be

are adding their own notable

conveyed on the printed page but

accomplishments to that tally of

I hope that, as you read of our

success. But what matters more

boys’ achievements, you will not

than anything are the values that

neglect to dwell upon the

guide our boys’ thoughts and

thoroughly decent young men

actions. The true mission of the

that they are.

School is to help them find ways,

Dr Dominic Luckett (Headmaster and Chief Executive)

2018 19...

Year in Review

Head Boys Music Creative Writing Commemoration

Academic Co-curricular Houses Sport 10 Years On Farewells

YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019

The past academic year has seen the boys enjoy a breadth of achievements, experiences and challenges. Here you will find a summary of highlights across the Sherborne community, from academic accomplishments, outstanding musical achievements, sporting victories and Co-curricular engagement.

September

October

Four musicians participated in the Plush Festival at Plush

The Chamber Choir joined forces with Sherborne Girls

Manor – home to the great pianist, Alfred Brendel. They

Madrigal Society in a concert with Bath Camerata of

got the chance to rehearse and play together while

music by Rachmaninoff, Parry, Brahms and Elgar.

receiving expert tuition and observing masterclasses.

A Charlie Parker Tribute Evening was held in the Dining

Congratulations to Ranco Liu (4e) on achieving his level

Hall, with superb food by Adrian Williams and the

4 ATCL Diploma on the piano.

Catering Team.

Aaron Kim (L6b) made history by completing his IGCSE

The Peak District climbing trip took place. Boys from the

Mathematics a year earlier than his peers, and AQA

Fourth Form right up to the Sixth Form spent four sunny

recognised him as one of only three in this country out

but cool days climbing on the world-famous gritstone

of 21,000 to get 100 percent on his Level 2 Further

cliffs of Stanage Edge.

Mathematics exam.

The 1st XV rugby team showed great resilience and

Sherborne started the Model United Nations (MUN) at

sportsmanship with an emphatic 24-8 win at home to

the suggestion of Sixth Former Matthew Tse (U6e). The

Abingdon. The 3rd XV won a friendly against Downside

group has met regularly throughout the year, teaming

and then scored a thumping 45-3 victory over Abingdon

up with Sherborne Girls to broaden the range of

School.

participants and further enshrine the close relationship between the Schools.

We welcomed Mathematics and Science author Simon Singh MBE who talked about the problems that have

William Bond (U6b) has been appointed to the

puzzled humanity for centuries, namely Fermat’s Last

prestigious position as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s

Theorem which had remained unsolved for the last 350

Cadet for Dorset, and so he will now assist the Lord-

years until it was solved in 1993 with over 200 pages of

Lieutenant during civic and ceremonial events.

working.

74 Cyclists set off in honour of Alan Turing’s 1926 bike

The India cricket and hockey tour over the half-term was

ride to School led by Mr McGinty. It included parents,

an excellent experience for everyone involved.

staff and boys alike. There were two lengths: Enigma (31

Furthermore, the trip involved visiting some of the great

miles) or Ultra (63 miles) which matched the original

historical sites, such as the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort.

length Turing rode.

21 September marked International Day of Peace, a day shared globally to commit to peace above all differences and to contribute to building a culture of peace. The entire Sherborne community showed their support by participating in the Peace Crane Project.

The Rifle’s Cadet Cup competition saw 11 Cadets from Sherborne School represent their Combined Cadet Force.

The Inter-House Rugby competition saw The Digby win the Third and Fifth Form event, The Green winning the Fourth Form and once again The Digby winning the Sixth Form cup.

Boys from Lyon House directed and starred in the magnificent play, The Fire Raisers, directed by William Davidson (U6g).

School House put on a magnificent performance of Catch 22, directed by Sixth Former, Malhaar Shah (U6a).

YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019

November

December

The Sherborne School community came together to

A stunning Charity Carol Service was held in the Chapel, as

mark the centenary of the WW1 armistice and those

part of Singing for Syrians. The service was in aid of The

who gave their lives in WW2 and later conflicts. We

Hands up Foundation, raising funds and awareness for

held our own act of remembrance in the Courts.

those affected by the crisis in Syria.

86% of our boys who participated in the Senior

Music for the Movies was performed by the Wind Band in

Mathematics Challenge came back with at least a

the Powell Theatre on the afternoon of the 2018 Festive

bronze certificate. Many congratulations to Abdulla

Shopping event in Sherborne.

Ahmadi (L6e), Joe Xu (U6b), Calin Profir (U6g), Aaron Kim (L6b), Freddie Robinson (U6f), Simon Tu (U6d),

In an exciting moment for Sherborne we’ve announced the

Dylan Sun (L6e), Michal Dvorak (U6g) and Kai Miles

addition of a ninth Boarding House to ease the demand for

(5d) who all won gold certificates. These boys, along

places in the form of Westcott House which will be re-

with another 21 silver and 10 bronze winners,

opened in September 2021. Westcott House was previously

contributed to making this year our best

a member of Sherborne’s Boarding Houses but closed in

achievement so far at Senior level.

1999 and was taken over by Sherborne International School.

The Sherborne senior maths team that consisted of

Former Head of School, Archie Hamilton (c 08) has been

Calin Profir, Aaron Kim and Abdulla Ahmadi walked

awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour as the best cadet

away with the top prize in the Senior Team

of his intake at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.

Mathematics Challenge regional final by scoring an incredible 170 points out of 182.

The 2nd XV rugby season ended on a high with a resounding 21-7 win over Marlborough College. The 4XV celebrated a 17-10 win away to Radley College and ended with a 24-19 home win against Marlborough College.

The Michaelmas term was brought to a marvellous close with the Joint Schools’ Musical, Evita. The quality of the overall production and of the individual performances was absolutely outstanding.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019

January

February

The Epiphany Carol Service took place in Sherborne

This year’s Choral Society performance was held in Wells

Abbey. Music included; Cornelis, The Three Kings,

Cathedral. Verdi’s mighty and operatic Requiem filled

Adams, O Holy Night and Mendelssohn, There shall a

the cathedral with a vast number of singers and

star from Jacob come forth.

orchestra players.

The Wind Quintet undertook a mini-tour of Scotland

Another Unplugged, joint with Sherborne Girls showed

where their two recitals managed to raise over £500

the musicians to be on sparkling form.

towards a charity supporting the homeless in Scotland’s big cities.

Cheap Street Church was given a delightful performance by the string players, opening with Bartok’s Hungarian

Freddie Graham (U6c) achieved a Distinction in his level

sketches: An Evening in the Village, for violin and

6 LTCL Performance Diploma. Tom McCaig (U6b) has

piano, performed by Ciaran Smith (5b) and Cameron

been awarded his level 4 ATCL Performance Diploma.

Golding (3f).

The first recital of the term gave the soloists of

A Prep Schools’ Wind Band Workshop was held on the

Sherborne an opportunity to present an eclectic

10 February, organised by Clare Jackson, involving Port

programme of music ranging from Baroque to

Regis, Sherborne Prep and Hazlegrove.

contemporary repertoire.

The second House play of the Lent term, The Big Night Felix Ormrod (L6b) showed off his experience and talent

In, was directed by A level Drama student, William Lyde

by directing the Abbey House play, The History Boys.

(U6d) for Harper House.

The Sherborne Ski Racing squad excelled again, with

The Sherborne Qatar exchange involved boys from

George Case (L6m) finishing fifth in the Slalom and

Sherborne Qatar visiting Sherborne to gain an insight

Grand Slalom for the registered skiers in the U18

into life as a Shirburnian. Sherborne boys in turn visited

category, while Jack Wallace (3e) finished with a silver

Qatar to experience their culture and gain an insight

medal for the U14 GS event for registered skiers.

into their School life.

The tennis trip to La Manga was a brilliant experience for everyone involved. The boys not only played against and learnt from top quality Spanish players, they also experienced Spanish culture.

The Fourth Form visited Cordoba, where they extended their Spanish vocabulary and visited historical places.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019

March

April

Festal Evensong for the Feast of the Annunciation took place in the

The annual Fourth Form German exchange

Chapel complete with a Chamber Choir, dinner for singers and the parents

is a highlight in the MFL department

of Sixth Formers afterwards in the OSR.

calendar. At Easter, ten Fourth Formers

The Halliday Cup Music Competition on 3 March for pianists, singers and organists, was this year adjudicated by Professor Stephen Darlington from Christ Church, Oxford.

spent a week at Gymnasium Steglitz in Berlin and Sherborne School hosted the reciprocal visit from Gymnasium Steglitz pupils in June.

On Sunday 23 March, The Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, was the venue for the Symphony Orchestra’s annual ‘away’ concert. The Symphony Orchestra

The Patterson Prize for Recitation this year

is truly collaborative with Sherborne Girls and also involves players from

was judged by Paul Carling, a former

Leweston and The Gryphon School.

teacher of English and Theology here, and

The Digby organised a 24-hour football event, raising more than £2,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation.

his sister, Dr Alex Carling, an authority on speech and drama. They identified the challenges presented by each poem, and

The Junior Play, Tonight was a huge success. In conjunction with the Lower

by recitation in general – in particular, the

Sixth Drama students, Miss Thomas took on the theme of a dystopian

need to live with the complex ideas a

future, and devised a truly innovative, ground breaking performance with a

poem can express. They awarded the

select number of the Lower School.

Patterson Cup to Archie Burton (4a), and

177 boys in total participated this year in the Senior (SMC) and Intermediate Mathematics Challenge (IMC). The School achieved another haul of 22 Gold, 30 Silver and 39 Bronze certificates across the board.

The Independent Schools’ Climbing Competition took place in Swindon

from an impressive field identified Frederick Folkes (3a), Finn Grammaticas (4f), Kilian King (3a) and Edward Pinnock (3a) as runners up. Malhaar Shah (U6a) was unopposed in the Senior Competition, and

with a number of our boys taking part.

it was a joy to hear him recite Satan’s first

The Inter-House Cross Country took place around the grounds of

speech from Paradise Lost.

Sherborne Castle. The winner of The Harding Trophy this year was Felix Harvey (L6f). The winning house in the Intermediate race was Lyon House and in the Senior race, School House won. Overall, The Digby won by the narrowest margin of one point ahead of Lyon House.

The 1st and 2nd clay shooting team were facing off against Millfield. Nico Christensen (4f) came top overall in the individual high gun events, Cameron Cooper (L6d) coming fifth out of 140 participants in the Harrow School competition.

There was some incredible hockey played during the Pilgrims return against the 1st XI and 2nd XI hockey teams. The 1st XI managed to win 3-2 against the younger Pilgrims side thanks to a couple of incredible saves by Rob Kennedy (U6f) and a game winning short corner right at the end. The 2nd team did well to win 4-3.

Congratulations are in order for the U15 rugby team for reaching the final of the National Schools U18 Plate after beating Christ’s Hospital 24-5 in the semi-final.

A group of seven boys from the Lower and Upper Sixth Form were invited to the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End. Just before the production they were lucky enough to meet Old Shirburnian Charlie Cox (c 01) who starred alongside Tom Hiddleston. There he talked about his back-story, giving the boys some advice and sharing his experiences with them.

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YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019

May

June

Nathanael Fagerson (L6c) and Benedict Mercer (L6b)

The Patrick Shelley Music Competition took place on

have achieved their ATCL Diplomas respectively on the

Sunday 23 June. It was extraordinary in its number of

bassoon and French horn.

applicants, their superb performances, and the

The most advanced Sherborne musicians gave an

there to be a two day event next year.

overriding quality of the day. Plans are already afoot for opening performance for the Sherborne Abbey Festival.

We were treated to a fine spectacle of a piece written by

Commemoration Day this year took place amidst

the great composer Benjamin Britten and performed by

glorious sunshine. The day started with a beautiful

William Banks (U6b), Jordan Mwangola (L6e) and

service in the Abbey, followed by prize-giving in the

Jonathan Post (5a).

Courts with our guest of honour Vice Admiral Ben Key CBE, one of the country’s most distinguished naval

Such was the interest and enthusiasm of the current

officers. A wonderful lunch was then hosted in the

Fourth Form that we were able to enter three teams,

House gardens. The Leavers’ service took place in the

instead of the usual two in this years Ten Tors Challenge.

Chapel and was followed by a joint Leavers’ Ball held at

Very well done to all those who took part in the training,

Sherborne Girls.

to those who made the final team selection and to those who went on to complete the challenge.

The MFL Department was delighted to host renowned linguist and language teaching researcher Dr Gianfranco

This year we have been delighted to present 70 Duke of

Conti for a full day workshop.

Edinburgh’s Award from all levels, including 43 Bronze awards – our best year to date. We have also been

The junior sailing team who are showing much promise

pleased to present 11 Gold badges – our best results

came eighth in the National Schools Junior Team Racing

two years running.

Championships.

Huge congratulations to George Case (L6m) who

Congratulations to the Sherborne U14 cricket team for

competed in the GB Modern Pentathlon squad in

winning the Dorset U14 Cup Final by beating rivals

Prague. He came an excellent fifteenth, which is an

Clayesmore after fighting back from being down to 14

incredible achievement.

for 4 after only six overs to win by 158 runs.

We are very proud to say that Will Loughlin (5d) has

On the last Sunday of Trinity Term, a group of 34 boys

been selected to go to Canada for six weeks this

and parents met at the AA Shooting School for the

summer as one of 12 lucky CCF Cadets. Hundreds of

Seventh Annual Parents’ and Sons’ Clay Shooting

cadets were nominated by their units from various cadet

Competition.

organisations across the whole of the UK and a number of cadets made it to the National Selection events in Wales.

YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019

July

August

Louis Rawles (3m) performed fantastically to become

Congratulations go to this year’s Upper Sixth Form

Champion at the Dorset U14 Road to Wimbledon Finals

leavers upon their excellent A level results. The boys

held at East Dorset LTCC, Poole. Louis won four

achieved an A*-A pass rate of 47% with 14% of entries

matches, including against the number one seed in the

awarded an A*. 77% of entries were graded A* to B and

semi final 6-2 6-2 and number two seed in the final 6-1

91% A* to C.

6-1.

The results are all the more impressive given that our A*We celebrate Alan Turing becoming the face of Britain’s

A pass rate rose despite a fall nationally to the lowest

new £50 note. The Bank of England praised Turing for

level in over a decade (from 26.5% in 2018 to 25.5% this

his role as a scientist and for the impact he has had on

year). This only serves to emphasise the nature of our

society.

boys’ achievement. Among the top performers were Calin Profir (U6g) (A*A*A*A*); Daniel Berry (U6a)

The Sixth Form rugby boys had an incredible time in

(A*A*A*A); Wynn Thomas (U6m) (A*A*A*A); Michal

South Africa on their rugby tour. They trained hard at the

Dvorak (U6g) (A*AAA); Jack Fu (U6f) (A*AAA); Freddie

Stellenbosch Academy of Sport and played a number of

Glassborow (U6f) (A*AAA); Tom Clark (U6a) (A*A*A); Tom

matches showing great sportsmanship and passion for

Stagnetto (U6a) (A*A*A); Seb Carty (U6a) (A*AA); Richard

the game. The boys were also fortunate enough to

Crane (U6b) (A*AA); Bently Creswell (U6a) (A*AA); Amaru

experience the Drakenstein Lion Park, Cape Canopy

Essilfie (U6b) (A*AA); Fin French (U6d) (A*AA); Harry le

Tour, Holland Nature Reserve, Cheetah Outreach

Maistre (U6g) (A*AA); Will Lyde (U6d) (A*AA); Malhaar

Centre, amongst many other activities. For a full insight

Shah (U6a) (A*AA); James Atwell (U6f) (A*AAB); Karl Li

into the tour, please visit The Sherborne School Rugby

(U6e) (A*AAB); Larry Won (U6e) (A*AAB); Joe Xu (U6b)

Twitter page @SherborneRugby.

(A*AAB); Barney Miller (U6d) (AAAB); Jack Wells (U6e) (AAAC) and Will Jowett (U6e) (AAA). Many other boys

The inaugural Sherborne Choral Course saw thirty-two

also obtained outstanding grades that now see them

young singers, from all over the world, assembling in

heading off to leading universities in the UK and

School House and Abbeylands for a week of intensive

overseas, including Oxbridge, Durham, UCL, Bristol and

pre-Oxbridge choral singing under the direction of

Imperial.

Director of Music James Henderson. Eight of the singers were current Shirburnians and several of the staff were

We are delighted that our Fifth Form boys have secured

Old Shirburnian musicians. Choral Evensong was sung

an excellent set of GCSEs. 13% of papers received the

daily in the Abbey, Compline was sung at 9.00 pm in the

top grade of 9 (compared to 4.7% nationally) and 28%

School Chapel on two of the days, while church music

were graded 9-8 (11.8% nationally). 51% were at grades

celebrities John Rutter CBE and Bob Chilcott gave day-

9-7 and 89% at 9-5 (compared to 21.8% and 53.5%

long workshops to the Choral Course Choir.

across the country).

More than 15% of the boys achieved at least seven grades 9 and 8 and over a quarter secured eight or more of their GCSEs at grades 7, 8 and 9. Particular congratulations go to Hugh Ridgway (5a) who was one of only 837 out of more than 700,000 candidates to secure straight grade 9s, placing him in the top 0.1% of this year’s national GCSE cohort.

Louis Rawles (3m) was invited to the National finals at Wimbledon.

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Celebrating 160 years of The Shirburnian 1859 was an important year. It saw

the battlefields. It has also

The first issue in March 1859 was

the publication of Darwin’s The

provided detailed accounts of

only twenty-four pages long and

Origin of Species, Dickens’ A Tale

School events and activities,

contained five poems and five

of Two Cities and at Sherborne

including match reports, reviews

articles. It opened, rather

School the first issue of The

of concerts and plays and details

inauspiciously, with a poem

Shirburnian.

of the meetings of clubs and

entitled ‘Euthanasia’ (by Old

societies. From its first

Shirburnian poet Lewis Morris)

For 160 years The Shirburnian

publication the magazine has

and closed with a poem entitled

has remained the School’s

been a strong supporter of the

‘Hope and Despair’. It also

magazine of record. It has seen

literary efforts of boys at the

included poems about Jack the

monarchs and headmasters come

School and has published early

School raven and a drinking song,

and go, reported on national and

works by authors John Cowper

and articles about Valentine’s Day,

local events, and published first-

Powys and David Cornwell (John

Virgil, and the School’s first sports

hand accounts from old boys

le Carré), and poet laureate, Cecil

day.

serving the Empire or fighting on

Day-Lewis.

- 13 The magazine was originally produced by senior boys in the School, with former editors including author Alec Waugh, Cambridge Vice-Chancellor Michael McCrum, Oxford ViceChancellor Sir Colin Lucas, historian Lord Hugh Swynnerton Thomas, author Stanley Johnson, director Sir Richard Eyre, and Executive Managing Editor at The Times and The Sunday Times Robert Hands.

The first photograph to appear in The Shirburnian was of the newly refurbished Big School Room in the November 1894 issue. From 1900, the magazine regularly included team photographs of the 1st XI and 1st XV which, in July 1915, were collectively published by the editors of The Shirburnian as a memorial to the many old boys then fighting and laying down their lives for their country. and their predecessors Sawtells.

with its platen and rollers now

From 1859 until 1980 the cover of

In 1987, David Coombs, who had

missing, it is a redundant

The Shirburnian was a plain and

joined The Abbey Press in 1961 as

reminder of the huge changes

simple affair. The typography

a 15-year-old apprentice, bought

undergone by the print industry,

changed and the Sherborne

out The Abbey Press and

from the days of moveable type

Penny was replaced by the School

renamed it Shelleys. With David’s

to the digital age. One wonders

crest, but it was not until July 1980

son Glenn now a part of Shelleys

what revolutions of form and

that colour covers were first

The Printers, the Coombs family

content The Shirburnian will go

introduced by a progressive new

have been involved with

through in the next 160 years?

editor, James Perry. This new look

printing The Shirburnian for

Shirburnian was printed by The

58 years.

Abbey Press on The Parade (then situated behind and on the floors

In the late 1960s The Abbey Press

above the Abbey Bookshop) and

presented to Sherborne School

was amongst some of the first

an Atlas Press which for many

colour work they produced.

years had been used for proofing The Shirburnian. Today, this Atlas

From 1884 The Shirburnian had

Press stands forlornly in the foyer

been printed by The Abbey Press

of the Carrington Building and,

Rachel Hassall (School Archivist)

HEAD BOYS

“During the past year, we have had two wonderful Heads of School in Tom Stagnetto (U6a) and Hector Hamilton (U6c).

Both have been outstanding role models and a real joy to work with. They have exemplified the virtues of industry, humility and, above all, kindness, that denote the true Shirburnian. Tom and Hector – thank you. For the first half of the next academic year, I am very pleased to have appointed Christian Johnson (L6d) as Head of School.”

Dr Dominic Luckett (Headmaster and Chief Executive)

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Music

It has been an action packed year for the musicians, with almost as many large-scale events in the BSR, in Oxford, in the Abbey and the Tindall Recital Hall, as smaller ones in Cheap Street Church.

Beginning with a Soloists’ Recital in September, and ending with a recital of chamber music in June, there were along the way twenty-six ABRSM and Trinity Grade 8 exams (and many more Grade 7 and lower grades) while Freddie Graham (Sch.Mus U6c) added a Level 6 LTCL performance diploma on the saxophone to his ATCL, Tom McCaig (U6b) became a Level 4 ATCL diploma-holder on the saxophone, and both Benedict Mercer (L6b) (French horn, Distinction) and Nathanael Fagerson (Sch.Mus L6c) (bassoon) achieved their Level 4 ATCL performance diplomas whilst in the Lower Sixth.

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At Sherborne music is for everyone and, whilst the standard of music-making amongst Music Scholars and Exhibitioners has never been consistently as high as it is at the moment, it is the many others who sing and play instruments who keep Sherborne’s music at the heart of the School’s life. The informal concert series in the Music School on selected Thursdays, which is not open to the public and deliberately attracts an audience just of performers playing to each other, has given musicians of all descriptions, ability and style, an opportunity to shine and gain confidence in a relaxed and informal setting.

Smaller ensembles and groups have regularly performed amongst soloists and, with celebratory homemade cake featuring after each concert, performers have an opportunity to share their enthusiasm.

JAMES HENDERSON (DIRECTOR OF MUSIC)

CH OR A L A N D O R G AN

September 2019 saw more Third Formers successfully auditioning for the Choir than has been the case for many years – and this upward trajectory has been evident, too, in the number of instrumental musicians new to the School. The Choir is of course limited by the number of boys able to fit into the Abbey choir stalls, with its many extra chairs quickly laid out each service by the faithful team of gap year Choral Scholars, and this year that absolute maximum was 111 singers for most of the year.

Singing in the Abbey has this year been remarkable for its outstanding quality, with the regular Wednesday and Sunday evening services providing an avenue for the performance of a huge repertoire of choral music ranging from the sixteenth century to the present day.

has been described by at least

of Chamber Choir anthems,

Marshaling over 100 boys through

one parent as being ‘very

recorded in the Abbey, entitled

the intricacies of gowned and

Sherborne’!

Exsultate. Evensong in Merton College, Oxford, joint with the

formal procession is a vital part of the discipline which results in an

For those who wanted to take

College’s choir and its Director of

exceptional quality of music-

their singing even further, the 22

Music, Benjamin Nicholas, was

making, and in this process

strong Chamber Choir sang a

one of two opportunities to sing

sterling work was done by Head

range of Introits (Palestrina, Byrd,

alongside semi-professional

Choristers Freddie Graham and

Tallis as well as Stanford, Parry

choirs, the other being in early

William Banks (Sch.Mus U6b). The

and Wood) for the evening

October when the Chamber Choir

tenor and bass sound, along the

services, some of which became

joined forces with Sherborne Girls

lines of the great Welsh tradition

available on a new CD collection

Madrigal Society in a concert with

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Bath Camerata of music by

the Annunciation in March —

opportunity for the largest of

Rachmaninoff, Parry, Brahms and

complete with a Chamber Choir

audiences. Few will forget

Elgar.

dinner for singers and the parents

Nathanael Fagerson singing Loch

of Sixth Formers afterwards in the

Lomond with luscious

OSR.

unaccompanied choral ‘oohs’ and

Christmas and Commem always

‘aahs’ by Bob Chilcott!

bear special mention for the enormous contribution of the

This year’s Choral Society

choirs. Just as Advent, Christmas

performance was in Wells

There were three organ recitals in

and Epiphany Carol Services were

Cathedral, in February. Verdi’s

the Chapel, making use both of

filled with traditional and modern

mighty and operatic Requiem

the neo-classical mechanical

repertoire so, too, was the

filled the cathedral with numbers

instrument and the Hauptwerk

Commem Service a feast of

of singers and orchestra players

copy of Hereford Cathedral: two

music-making, with Tallis’s

far out-numbering the maximum

were given by Josh Cook

Salvator Mundi sung from the

permitted by Health & Safety in

(Exh.Mus L6f), Hector Fiennes

West End before the procession -

the Abbey these days.

(U6a), George Jefferson (Sch.Mus L6e) and Isaac Bingley (Sch.Mus

a particular joy. The second organ installed in the Chapel in 2018 has

The ever-popular Barbershop

5e), and another at the end of

also enabled more accompanied

group, more properly a Close

February by our gap year Organ

choral singing within our own

Harmony group had many

Scholar Kentaro Machida in duo

building, with a Charity Carol

performance opportunities in the

with Director of Music James

Service as part of Singing for

year but the award-winning

Henderson.

Syrians in December 2018, and a

Sherborne Abbey Festival, in early

Festal Evensong for the Feast of

May, has become an annual

W IN D A N D B RA SS

Andrew Fawbert retired as our Head of Brass at Commem, though thankfully he will continue to teach the trombone (of which there will be ten pupils in September). A presentation of his Full Music Colours in the Gala Concert at the end of June, seconds before he conducted the Wind Band for the last time, marked the end of a superb contribution. During the twelve years that he has led the brass players there have been some

tour de force and much enjoyed

players, which is one reason at

outstanding competition entries,

both by parents and the public.

least why the Wind Band is so

many brilliant performances by

Co-ordinating the musical

successful and popular. This was

boys with Grade 8 Distinctions

performances of any band or

particularly effective when

and diplomas to their name, and

orchestra with the moving image,

opened up to Prep Schools in a

indeed a superb solo recital by

but perhaps especially when

Wind Band Workshop in February,

him as part of the Tindall Recital

involving the enormous

organised by Clare Jackson,

Series, to which he will again be

Sherborne School Wind Band is

involving Port Regis, Sherborne

contributing in November 2019.

always a challenge. Yet Andrew

Prep and Hazlegrove. The success

This year the brass players have

Fawbert and Clare Jackson (Head

of the venture was aptly summed

had nine Grade 8 Distinctions

of Instrumental Studies and

up in an email of thanks which

between them - no small

Timetabling) were superb and

said: “Several times those taking

indication of the success of his

ensured that music and image

rehearsals mentioned how much

time in the post, albeit supported

were perfectly synchronised.

taking part in group performances

by Tony Waller, who also retired

Elliott Park, our Teacher of Music

had had an impact on their future

from his post as our Visiting Music

who joined the team in 2016, had

development and this is so true. I

Teacher of trumpet.

spent many preparatory hours

am grateful to all involved for

capturing clips of Braveheart,

giving our young players the

Music for the Movies, performed

Dances with Wolves, The Lord of

opportunity to take part in such

by the Wind Band in the Powell

the Rings, Rocky and others.

an event, especially alongside many older, talented performers.”

Theatre on the afternoon of the locally organised 2018 Festive

All musicians benefit from playing

Shopping in Sherborne, was a

alongside the strongest of

- 21 -

CH A M BE R M US IC

Chamber music has been

performances included the

supporting the homeless in

rehearsed at all hours, and not

Sherborne Abbey Festival, the

Scotland’s big cities. New to the

least in that particularly popular

Gala Concert and several of the

chamber music ensembles was a

slot after Hall at 8.50pm, as a

Friday lunchtime recitals.

Lower School Clarinet Quartet which demonstrated great

result of which the Piano Trio, Brass Quintet and Wind Quintet

The Wind Quintet also

musicianship from its earliest

entered the National Pro Corda

undertook a mini-tour of

days, performing in three

Chamber Music Competition,

Scotland in January where their

lunchtime recitals and in the

with the Brass Quintet reaching

two recitals managed to raise

annual Gala concert.

the semi-final. Other

over £500 towards a charity

O RC HES TR A S

On Sunday 23 March, The

movement of Rachmaninoff’s

as the Rachmaninoff. Indeed the

Sheldonian Theatre, at the heart

stunning Third Symphony.

Albeniz and the Rachmaninoff, in

of both the university and the City

Conducted by Director of Music

particular, showed the orchestra’s

of Oxford, was the venue for the

James Henderson and Assistant

ability to perform demanding

Symphony Orchestra’s annual

Director of Music, Benjamin

repertoire with style and

‘away’ concert, following an

Davey, the Symphony Orchestra is

considerable beauty.

overnight stay in St Hilda’s

truly collaborative with Sherborne

College, in an exciting

Girls and, in also involving some

Head of Strings Lucy-Anne Allen,

programme including Walton’s

players from Leweston and The

with leader Alex Colville (Sch.Mus

Spitfire Prelude and Fugue,

Gryphon, with much competition

U6m), took the Chamber

Albeniz’s Evocation, Beethoven’s

for the auditioned places, is able

Orchestra to new heights both in

Egmont Overture and the first

to tackle serious repertoire such

Grieg’s Two Elegiac Melodies,

- 23 -

showing colour and immense

Mozart’s Divertimento in D, K136,

Crown Imperial, Rachmaninoff’s

technical control, with a real spirit

showed the Chamber Orchestra’s

Prelude in G minor, Ravel’s

of approach and in Vivaldi’s

extraordinary mettle and

Pavane and, perhaps befittingly,

Concerto in A minor, RV 497 for

precision.

ended the concert, and therefore the School Year with an

Bassoon (Nathanael Fagerson ATCL), Strings and Continuo

The Concert Orchestra (which is

exceptionally loud performance

(Isaac Bingley). In the Gala

the boys’ orchestra formed in the

of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture,

Concert, Vivaldi’s Concerto in B

Trinity Term each year after the

complete with pre-recorded

minor for Four Violins, RV 580

joint schools’ orchestras have

canon shots.

(Jacky Zheng (U6e), Alex Colville,

finished at Easter), was led by

Alexander Hobbs (Sch.Mus 5c)

Jacky Zheng and gave Gala

and Kai Miles (Sch.Mus 5d) and

Concert performances of Walton’s

JAZZ Freddie Graham LTCL, the School’s improviser par excellence, has been leading the already strong saxophone section of the Swing Band for several years now and in this, his final year at Sherborne, he showed himself to be every bit the showman in the Freddie Graham Quartet — with Tom O’Sullivan (Sch.Mus 5d) on the drums, Sam Talbot-Williams (L6a) on the bass, and Director of Music James Henderson on the piano.

- 25 -

A Charlie Parker Tribute Evening in the Dining Hall, in October, with superb food by Adrian Williams and the Catering Team, ran very much along the lines of the annual Dinner and Jazz in March, and contained some superb Graham-led improvisations on Parker’s Yardbird Suite and Ornithology in addition to well-known Ellington and Gillespie numbers.

The Jazz Band, featuring saxophonist Tom McCaig ATCL and outstanding improviser Fergus Burtt (Sch.Mus 5c) on the clarinet had a superb year and none more than when playing music by their Director, Anthony Ingle, in Close Shave and with second-to-none upright bass playing from Gary Xu (Exh.Mus U6b). The Swing Band, in a year for once without a Caribbean tour, was characterised particularly by William Banks in the rather impressive trumpet section, upand-coming sax star George Lewis (Sch.Mus L6d) who this year successfully took three Grade 8 exams on saxophone, clarinet and voice, and two new vocalists James Miller (L6a) and Sam Reynolds (L6c).

R O CK A N D P OP

In October and November electronic and rock music featured respectively in an Electronic Music Workshop, led

by Mr Mike Lehnert (Music Technology and Rock & Pop) and the Autumn Ball where Sam Talbot-Williams’ organisational skills came to the fore. The largely Lower Sixth band Pinstripes (Sam Reynolds vocals, Jamie Rawlings (L6m) keyboard, Tom Talbot (L6c) guitar, Tom O’Sullivan bass and Jemima Nettleton (SG) drums)), and the largely Upper Sixth band The Haze (Daniel Berry (U6a) vocals, Sam Talbot-Williams bass, Nick van Kan (U6b) drums, Freddie Graham keyboard, Archie Fairclough Wood (U6m) guitar))

joint with Sherborne Girls showed

In April, Concert in the Courts,

entertained the masses. DJs

the musicians to be on sparkling

after hours of preparatory

Alexander Andrews (L6d) and

form. It is always good to hear, in

logistics, rehearsals and

William Brown (L6b) were on fine

the absence of amplification other

organisation, had to be cancelled

form throughout the year and had

than for the vocalists, that the

at the eleventh hour due to Storm

the ability to whip up a frenzy in

details are all there: on-stage in

Hannah, but what replaced it was

the audience like no others. While

the BSR there is always a loss of

a superb evening of music-

the Fifth Form band Reasonably

clarity, despite the best efforts of

making from six bands. Whilst

Heavy Brick (Alex Warland (5m))

the sound engineers under Mike

DJ-ing is currently more

vocals, Charlie McCaig (5b) guitar,

Lehnert’s watchful eye.

fashionable than live bands, and

Fergus Burtt keyboard and bass,

draws a bigger audience, there is

Tom O’Sullivan drums showed the

no doubt that RocSoc continues

shape of things to come: it is

to grow in strength and quality

looking and sounding good!

through its bands.

In February, another Unplugged,

- 27 -

A D JU D I C ATE D C O M P E TIT ION S

The Halliday Cup Music

The Patrick Shelley Music

Piano were Ciaran Smith

Competition on 3 March for

Competition on Sunday 23 June

(Exh.Mus 5b), Tom McCaig ATCL

pianists, singers and organists,

was extraordinary in its number

and David Chen (Exh.Mus 3e);

was this year adjudicated by

of applicants, their superb

Ranco Liu and Tom O’Sullivan

Professor Stephen Darlington

performances, and the

won the percussion jointly -

from Christ Church, Oxford. The

overriding quality of the day. It

unsurprisingly, and George

winner was Hector Fiennes, who

lasted the entire day, and plans

Jefferson won the Organ. Ben

took part in all three disciplines:

are therefore already afoot for

Fuller (L6f) won the Brass with a

Cassian Blackburn-Enever

there to be a two day event next

superb piece by Copland;

(Exh.Mus L6e) won the Senior

year. The adjudicator was Hilary

Nathanael Fagerson ATCL won

Piano, Bently Creswell U6a) and

Davan Wetton, previously

the Woodwind with some Weber

Freddie Graham LTCL won the

Director of Music at Cranleigh,

on the bassoon, and then Jordan

Upper School Singing; Max

St Paul’s and finally at Tonbridge.

Mwangola (Exh.Mus L6e), Bently

Pugsley (5d) and Alex Hobbs

He was very impressed by the

Creswell and Jack Pyman won

(Sch.Mus 5c) won the Lower

standard achieved by

the singing with Angus Williams

School Singing; Angus Williams

Sherborne’s musicians, which he

(3c) and Hendrik Asbrooke again

(Sch.Mus 3c) and Hendrik

described as being unusual if not

strongly commended. The

Ashbrooke (Exh.Mus 3g) won the

unique to a School of our size

overall winner was Nathanael

treble section of the Lower

and, in amongst amusing yet

Fagerson ATCL.

School Singing; and William

informative adjudication, he paid

Miao (Sch.Mus 3f), Ranco Liu

tribute to the hours of pupil

(Sch.Mus 4e), Theo Jarratt (4b)

practising which had taken

(and Jack Pyman (Sch.Mus 4e)

place. The winners of the Strings

various sections of the Lower

were Jack Pyman, Kit Hobbs

School Piano classes.

(Sch.Mus 3c) and Gary Xu: of the

G A L A C O N C E RT

FRIDAY 28 JUNE 2019 - 7.30PM BIG SCHOOL ROOM (BSR) Wind Band Star Wars Medley

Williams - arr.de Mey

The Seventh Night in July

Sakai

Clarinet Quartet Andante Cantabile, No. 1 from String Quartet

Tchaikovsky - arr Kenny

Wind Quartet Overture to The Barber of Seville

Rossini

Chamber Orchestra Concerto in B Minor for Four Violins, RV580 1st Movt. Allegro

Vivaldi

Divertimento in D, K136 3rd Movt. Presto

Mozart

Jazz Band Song for my father

Silver

A closer shave

Ingle

Brass Quintet Oh, What a Beautiful Morning from Oklahoma!

Rodgers and Hammerstein - arr. Harvey

Swing Band When You’re Smiling Save the Last Dance for Me

Shay, Fisher and Goodwin Pomus and Shuman

Close Harmony Java Jive Words

Drake and Oakland Edenroth

Concert Orchestra Crown Imperial

Walton

Pavane pour une Infante défunte

Ravel - arr. Davey

Prelude in G minor Op. 23, No. 5

Rachmaninoff orch. Davey

1812 Overture

Tchaikovsky

- 29 -

W IN D B A N D

CONDUCTORS: CLARE JACKSON AND ANDREW FAWBERT LEADER: GEORGE LEWIS

C LARIN ET Q UARTE T DIRECTOR: CLARE JACKSON

Fergus Burtt Sch. Mus. Angus Williams Sch. Mus. Jake Wing Sch. Mus. Ricky Xu Sch. Mus.

Flute: Cassian Blackburn-Enever Exh. Mus. Findlay Grammaticas, William Loughlin, Ferdinand Morgan, Slavomir Smidt Oboe: Edward Brooks Exh. Mus. Henry Haywood

WI ND QUA RTE T

DIRECTOR: CLARE JACKSON

Smith, George Jefferson Sch. Mus. Nicholas Morris Clarinet: Yu Heng Choo, Alexander Huntbach Exh.

Flute: Cassian Blackburn-Enever Exh. Mus.

Mus. George Lewis Exh. Mus. Jamie Rawlings, Sam

Bassoon: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus.

Talbot-Williams, Angus Williams Sch. Mus. Jake Wing Sch. Mus. Henry Wood, Ricky Xu Sch. Mus. Bassoon: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus. Alto Saxophone: Giles Blythman-Rowe, Toby

Oboe: George Jefferson Sch. Mus. Clarinet: George Lewis Exh. Mus. French horn: Benedict Mercer ATCL, Sch. Mus.

Foulger, Lucas Gardner, Charles Gatti, Freddie Graham LTCL, ATCL, Sch. Mus. Toby Jones, Charles Matthews, Tom McCaig ATCL, Exh. Mus. Khalid Miah Tenor Saxophone: Matt MacDonald Sch. Mus. Max

C H AMBE R ORC H ES TRA

DIRECTOR AND VIOLA: LUCY-ANNE ALLEN

Lewis Exh. Mus. William Parry Baritone Saxophone: Fergus Burtt Sch. Mus. Trumpet: William Banks Sch. Mus. William Brown, Frederick Folkes Sch. Mus. Ben Fuller, Aaron Kim,

Violin: Jacky Zheng*, Alex Colville* Sch. Mus. Alexander Hobbs* Sch. Mus. Kai Miles* Sch. Mus. Jack Pyman, Ciaran Smith Exh. Mus. Samuel Hill

Johnnie Lawson Johnston, Jez Meaker, Jordan

Cello: Nathanael Fagerson* Sch. Mus. Marcus

Mwangola Exh. Mus. Crispin Newman, Jonathan Post

Bradley Exh. Mus. Samuel Berry Exh. Mus. Kit Hobbs

Exh. Mus. Sam Reynolds

Sch. Mus.

French horn: Nico Beeny Sch. Mus. Benedict Mercer

Double bass: Gary Xu Exh. Mus. Henry Le Cornu

ATCL, Sch. Mus. Euphonium: Matthew Findlay Trombone: Freddie Banks, Zac Banks, Tom Ewart Smith, Toby Talbot-Williams, Monty Westall Sch. Mus. Bass Trombone: Fabian Mercer Sch. Mus. Tuba: Tom Dubois, Jamie Jones Drum Kit: Tom O’Sullivan Exh. Mus. Percussion: Hector Fiennes, Henry Le Cornu, Ranco Liu Sch. Mus. Piano: William Miao Sch. Mus.

JAZ Z BAND

DIRECTORS: JAMES HENDERSON AND ANTHONY INGLE

Clarinet: Fergus Burtt Sch. Mus. Alto Saxophone: Tom McCaig ATCL, Exh. Mus. Tenor Saxophone: Matt MacDonald Sch. Mus. Trumpet: Jordan Mwangola Exh. Mus. Guitar: Ed Brooks Exh. Mus. Piano: Jamie Rawlings Double Bass: Gary Xu Exh. Mus. Drum Kit: Tom O’Sullivan Exh. Mus.

*Denotes soloists

BR A S S Q U IN T ET

DIRECTOR: ANDREW FAWBERT Trumpet: William Banks Sch. Mus. Jordan Mwangola Exh. Mus. French horn: Benedict Mercer ATCL, Sch. Mus. Trombone: Monty Westall Sch. Mus. Tuba: Tom Dubois

C ONC ERT ORC HE S TR A CONDUCTORS: JAMES HENDERSON AND BENJAMIN DAVEY LEADER: JACKY ZHENG Violin: Jacky Zheng, Alex Colville Sch. Mus. Alexander Hobbs Sch. Mus. Ciaran Smith Exh. Mus. Will Gower, Jack Pyman, Kai Miles Sch. Mus. Lawrence Nemi-Clover, Samuel Withers, Cameron Golding, Dorian Gottardello Bodnar, Samuel Hill, Lucy-Anne Allen

S WI N G BA N D

DIRECTOR: JAMES HENDERSON

Cello: Marcus Bradley Exh. Mus. Samuel Berry Exh. Mus. Kit Hobbs Sch. Mus. William Miao Sch. Mus. Double Bass: Gary Xu Exh Mus. Henry Le Cornu

Alto Saxophone: Freddie Graham LTCL, ATCL, Sch.

Flute: Cassian Blackburn-Enever Exh. Mus. William

Mus. Tom McCaig ATCL, Exh. Mus. George Lewis

Loughlin, Findlay Grammaticas, Ferdinand Morgan,

Exh. Mus. Lucas Gardner, Charles Gatti, Jake Wing

Clare Jackson

Sch. Mus.

Oboe: George Jefferson Sch. Mus. Henry Haywood

Tenor Saxophone: Matt MacDonald Sch. Mus. Max

Smith, Edward Brooks Exh. Mus. Hendrik Ashbrooke

Lewis Exh. Mus.

Exh. Mus.

Baritone Saxophone: Fergus Burtt Sch. Mus.

Clarinet: George Lewis Exh. Mus. Fergus Burtt Sch.

Trumpet: William Banks Sch. Mus. Jonathan Post

Mus. Alexander Huntbach Exh. Mus. Angus Williams

Exh. Mus. Jez Meaker, Aaron Kim, Sam Reynolds Trombone: Monty Westall, Sch. Mus. Freddie Banks, Toby Talbot-Williams Guitar: Tom Talbot Bass Guitar: Sam Talbot-Williams Piano: Jamie Rawlings Drum Kit: Tom O’Sullivan Exh. Mus. Voice: James Miller, Sam Reynolds

Sch. Mus. Ricky Xu Sch. Mus. Bassoon: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus. Alto Saxophone: Freddie Graham LTCL, ATCL, Sch. Mus. Tom McCaig ATCL, Exh. Mus. Lucas Gardner French horn: Benedict Mercer ATCL, Sch. Mus. Nico Beeny Sch. Mus. Kentaro Machida Trumpet: Aaron Kim, Jordan Mwangola Exh. Mus. Frederick Folkes Sch. Mus. Trombone: Fabian Mercer Sch. Mus. Toby TalbotWilliams, Monty Westall Sch. Mus. Andrew Fawbert Euphonium: Matthew Findlay

CL O S E H A RMO N Y

DIRECTOR: JAMES HENDERSON Hendrik Ashbrooke Exh. Mus. Archie Burton Sch. Mus. Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus. Hector Fiennes, Samuel Hill, Henry Le Cornu, Edward Pinnock, Jonathan Post Exh. Mus. Max Pugsley, Ciaran Smith Exh. Mus. Angus Williams Sch. Mus.

Tuba: Tom Dubois Percussion: Hector Fiennes, Ranco Liu Sch. Mus.

- 31 -

- 33 -

Creative Writing

Racing Thoughts Wind, trees, white, cold and hot.

Shock, flight (unintentional) and pain (a lot).

Foreign, thoughts, yellow, black and red.

Wake, beep, yellow, green, lives.

Comforting, waiting; uncomfortable (not exactly a bed).

Water, bubbles, nose, dark, chair.

Roar, skid, foreign again, bad, very bad. (bugger).

Arms (2), legs (2). Wrong (1 ¾).

Waiting (more) – ‘whup whup whup’, stab, bliss.

Robocop, terminator, (delirium), armband.

Semi-conscious, rolling, stop – slide, mum not dad.

5 minutes, annoying, breathing, squeezing.

N O T H I N G

B L I S S F U L

B U T D R E A M S

S L E E P

Food, not nice. Person foreign, not foreign (at last).

Encouragement, reluctance, chair, wheels.

Bright, ginger, blue, hat?

Pain, pain, more pain. Smiles, comforting.

Hot, too hot, cut – better.

Transportation, sleep, cold, warm (better). Work? (why)

D R E A M S

M O R E

O N C E

Lights, tears, not mine. Now mine.

Picture, not good, foreign.

B L A C K N E S S

I S A L L I

K N O W

B O R E D O M Henry Haywood Smith (5d)

- 35 -

Freddie Graham (U6c) Winner of This Year’s The Holiday Prize for Writing Barriers

The Moment

What is a gate without a fence?

It all leads to this moment:

What’s a fence without a gate?

The draining late nights,

What’s a roadblock without a road?

The painful early mornings,

What’s a hurdle without a track?

The sharp feeling of fright, The teacher’s warnings.

A falter arises when the first thought edges, A pause is all it takes.

It all leads to this moment:

A pause unfurls and s p r e a d s its wings.

The last minute sheets,

A falter slows to a halt.

The odd meltdown, The endless repeats,

Some take minutes, years to pass,

The endless walk down.

Some only fortify.

Some watch, from the corner’s edge.

It all leads to this moment:

Some sit and wait to be locked.

The examiner’s call, The panicked crowds,

Let the earthquake crack and crush,

The entry into the hall,

Let the roots burrow and break,

The last look at the clouds.

Let the water dance and drown, Let the barrier burn.

It all leads to this moment: The first look at the question, The sigh of sorrow, The different facial expressions, The hope for tomorrow.

Then; silence.

Away Running away from everything; Across the hillside, where; The overpowering stench of humanity Slowly starts to fade.

Beneath the tree’s cradling arms, Against its hide of bark.

Resting on the mossy bed, On the dense, damp dirt.

Astray When one slips away, Into the world where all can happen,

Ahead birds rush to the waters,

One’s mind goes astray,

Whilst leaves glide the other way,

And the harsh words slacken.

Trickling

Away from all the pain, down through

At being hurt again and again. fingers of light,

Beside the rough trunks.

You flee from all, as you lie, And in your dream, you learn to fly.

All the promises you cannot keep,

The shy deer stares and waits.

The trails of ants march on.

The low sun melts away.

Fade away as you sleep.

When you awake, it’s another day.

Maybe you’ll find home far away.

The trails of ants march on..

Theo McVeigh (4a) far away: The Angry Motorbike! far away: Agriculture’s Roar! far away: Industry’s Choking Cough! far away: Business’s Empty Handshake.

But now: I’m across the hillside, where; Everything fades away.

“

- 37 -

Speech on the future For many years now, I have asked

born again as a completely

no one sees them so few

myself the same question, over

different person, with no

remember them, and they are

and over again. Why am I alive?

recollection of our previous lives,

changed often, but they are

Don’t worry, this isn’t a cry for help

and as a completely new, but not

important in making the clock

or an attempt to tell you I’m

necessarily different person. This

work. But clock hands are always

suicidal, but just a question I have

rebirth doesn’t have to take place

changing, never wanting to be the

tried many times to answer. If you

immediately either. It can be many

same and never happy with what

look at life from a bird’s eye view,

years until a new body is inhabited

they have in the present. Whilst

we will only definitely do one thing

by our completely new soul.

everyone sees these people, they’re not always remembered as

on Earth in our lifetime and that is to die. Other things are likely to

So, having told you my completely

being good for the world, as they

happen too, like breathing, eating,

subjective and quite possibly

can be ungrateful, never satisfied

drinking and the other mundane

flawed opinion, you’re quite

and willing to use violence or

aspects of human society, but

possibly wondering, with

power in any situation.

death is the only thing that from

complete reason, why you needed

the second we leave the womb is

to know this. Here’s why. If our

So, in life, what should we be? My

guaranteed. So therefore, what’s

lifetime consists of only around

answer to this is time markers on

the point in even being born?

eighty years, we quite possibly for

the clock face. They don’t

example may be influenced by the

constantly change, but everyone

Now a clever scientist might

person we once were. For

sees them, and they are a

immediately jump in your face in

example, I could have been Jimi

necessity in telling the time. This

answering this question and blurt

Hendrix or Kurt Cobain in my past

won’t be easy however, as there

out words like ‘reproduction’ and

life and am now being influenced

are only a fixed number of spaces

‘evolution’, but this can’t be the

and inspired by the person I once

for markers on the clock face, and

true purpose of life, because

was. Despite this being incredibly

it can be tempting to perhaps just

humans invented these theories

unlikely, it still could have

be a battery and cruise through

long after we ourselves had

happened, and therefore

life, but I assure you that your hard

evolved from apes. A philosopher

encourages me, in my current life,

work will pay off if you put the

might also join in bleating words

to make things work the way I

effort in, and if you remember that

like ‘enlightenment’ or ‘rebirth’

want them to and become

nothing of value comes without

over and over again like an

somebody that inspires someone

hard work, your future will be a

aimless sheep. But again,

else. Now don’t take this as a

successful one as a time marker,

enlightenment was a concept

lesson on taking every opportunity

and your influence on the masses

introduced into society by monks,

life throws at you and doing

will be remembered for

many years ago, and has no way of

everything right and proper and

generations to come.

always being the sharpest tool in the box, because that is not what I

rebirth is a much more educated

am saying. You should see life and

and sensible choice of word, which

the world like a clock. For in the

could be the right answer to the

future, those who follow suit and

question if anybody knew it. You

do what others tell them to do all

see, when we die I believe as a

the time are often remembered as

non-religious person, that we are

being batteries not clock hands:

“

being validated as something anybody can achieve. However,

Tiff Austen (4d)

Poem written by Jack Pyman (4e) and winner of the 2019 Sir John Weston (h 56) Prize for Poetry. Jack gave a much-admired recitation of it at the inaugural Sherborne TEDx talks…

An Iambic Pentameter on the Theme of ‘Jealousy’ I see this Iambic pentameter a companion piece to ‘A poison tree’. It tells the story of

people who grew jealous of another person on account of where he lived. In the end,

the place where he lived was wrecked by those who were jealous of it. What I want

people to take from this poem is that jealousy will never have good results. We take

from ‘A Poison Tree’ that anger never has good results; the two poems are thus linked.

I know a man whose house was in the north,

And through his garden ran a peaceful stream

Whose currents spoke both day and night and when

The sun was shining there the birds would give Their song. And winter always stayed away.

Now other men who lived nearby would say ‘I have no peaceful stream, no birds to sing, No garden where the grass is always green, And winter never misses out my house; My house which seems inferior to his.’

And they grew jealous, and jealousy grew

To rage, and anger, and hatred towards this man

Whose garden was so peaceful with its stream

And birds who sing and grass that’s always green.

But jealousy will always lead to bad.

And so it did for when the man awoke

He saw his house torn down, his garden ploughed, His stream filled in, the birds had flown away.

Those men who lived nearby were satisfied, For now his house was no finer than theirs.

- 39 -

Commemoration Commemoration Day this year was another hot and sunny affair. With the bright light displaying Sherborne’s historic buildings to their best effect, around 1,500 guests gathered in the Courts for Prize-giving. The happy chatter and crunch of the gravel subsided as the Headmaster’s party mounted the dais and we were privileged to have Vice Admiral Ben Key CBE address the leavers.

Admiral Key is no stranger to the School as his son was a recent pupil at Sherborne but it was in his capacity as Chief of Joint Operations that he gave some advice to our latest cohort of Old Shirburnians. In his pithy and focused talk, Admiral Key made three main points to the boys:

Be who you are.

Determine what are your personal values and seek to live by them.

Do not fall prey to populism in characterisation. Don’t seek to live a safe and comfortable life. Be consistent. If you try to be something different, the inconsistency will come out in times of pressure.

Remain curiously engaged with the world.

We all create our own ‘world model’ which is the framework we apply to our lives (Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman).

Be aware of what is going on around you. Not engaging means your ‘model’ will let you down.

- 41 -

Work out what you are good at and seek to be really good at it.

Do not be afraid to set things to one side if you struggle. People employ you for what you are good at. Become world class; this is achieved through deliberate practice.

Admiral Key summed up his talk by stating that if the boys manage all of this, they will have impact and that is the greatest thing they can have. Quoting Stephen Covey and Jim Collins, he went on to say that it is the ability to bridge the leadership gap between intent and impact that will be a significant indicator of success.

I hope the boys were struck by the clarity and sense of Admiral Key’s words and respect the experiences which have led him to hold this opinion. A few years ago, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduates of the University of Texas to great YouTube acclaim. Had this been recorded and uploaded, I am sure that a number of Admiral Key’s observations would be as well known as ‘Make your bed’. As it is, in an understated yet memorable style, we were all reminded of important themes to hold on to when the vicissitudes of life confront us.

Matthew Jamieson (Director of Operations)

- 43 -

Academic Review

This year saw the introduction of three BTEC courses to the Sixth Form curriculum – Sport, Creative Digital Media and Enterprise & Entrepreneurship. They were immediately popular, with 15% of the year group enrolling on at least one BTEC course. I could claim that Sherborne is blazing a trial, but in fact the number of independent schools offering BTECs has gone up by 82% since 2015 and, this year, ISC records show that 92 independent schools are now offering BTECs – including us!

So why the change? As with many things, there are a number of contributory factors. Within the shifting sands of national education reform, most people are aware of the changes taking place to A levels.

These included: the loss of January exams; the disappearance of modules (and their associated re-

DR TIM FILTNESS

takes); the removal/reduction of coursework; the

DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMIC)

increase in synoptic assessment; and - the big one the uncoupling of AS and A Level qualifications so that AS no longer contributes to an A level grade.

So the theory goes all these changes serve to make A levels more rigorous, more demanding and,

it’s a different approach

rocketed. Last year over

therefore, a better offering for younger people. But is

to taking exams, the

100,000 BTEC

that the case? And, if so, would that be true for

boys have found it

qualifications were

everyone?

motivating: “you’re

completed - up by 100%

rewarded for doing a

from 2008. Over the

Whilst A levels were being re-jigged, so too were

little bit and often”

same time period the

BTECs, albeit with less fanfare. Most courses are now

commented one.

number of students

50% examined, some more, and all have a larger

Another boy pointed out

taking BTECs tripled and

emphasis on taught units. To recognise this, their

that, by working his way

now just over 44% of

‘value’ was reweighted and, in the esoteric language

steadily through his

Sixth Formers around the

of ‘UCAS points’, a starred distinction in a BTEC is

assignments, he had

country are studying at

now worth 56 points – exactly the same as a starred A

effectively completed

least one BTEC, many

in an A Level. The same is true for a C at A level and a

half of his course by the

from independent

Merit at BTEC. BTECs are, therefore, packing an

end of the Lower Sixth –

schools. As we might

equivalent punch to A level; they’re just delivering it

that used to be one of

expect, a large

in a different way. On that, whilst ‘tighter’ than before,

the biggest selling points

proportion of them are

BTECs have remained true to their stated intention of

of the ‘old’ AS level

choosing to go on to

“equipping students with the specialist knowledge,

system…

university: in 2016 a quarter of UCAS offers

practical skills and understanding they need to progress along their chosen career paths.” There is

With the ‘new’ A levels

went to students with at

an emphasis on skill acquisition and its utility in the

shifting further towards

least one BTEC; now it’s

workplace that is absent in the world of A levels and,

one end of the post-16

closer to 1 in 3. Given the

in a market where graduate jobs are increasingly

market, BTEC appears to

success of BTECs at

difficult to obtain, that’s a welcome emphasis. On a

have moved into the gap

Sherborne this year, it’s

related note, half of each BTEC is assessed through

the ‘old’ A level vacated

easy to see why

project work - each with its own ‘brief’ and success

and, accordingly, the

universities seem to like

criterion - which helps the boys to adopt the habits of

number of students

them.

work one might expect to find in the office. Although

taking BTECs has

- 45 -

English As I write, I am just shy of two weeks away from coming to the end of my service as the Head of English at Sherborne, after 12 years. There is much to say about that time, but one of the things I am most proud of is the flourishing of department societies during my tenure: Sessions, if you write; Salon, if you are a Sixth Former who writes and would like your writing to reach a wider audience; and Cecil Soc, if you like seeing where Literature can take you. The last was born of my desire to provide a place for pupils (of any age) to explore literary works without the constraints of curriculum, genre and context.

A society named after the OS Poet Laureate seemed appropriate, since he was both a Classicist and a writer of fiction and I was thrilled when his widow, Jill Balcon, agreed to be the society’s patron. The society was launched one happy evening with a lecture by Dr Erik Gray, Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, New York. After Jill’s death in 2009, her daughter, Tamasin Day Lewis, kindly took up the mantel. The society meets weekly with a different member of the department bringing an idiosyncratic offering such as ‘Sneezes in Chekhov’ or ‘Decoding Nadsat’ or ‘Poetry as Political Criticism’. Boys have relished the opportunity to jump in and the following piece, about his impressions of the society, was written by a Third Former, Kilian King (3a).

Every Thursday right after squash, I walk to C34,

Mr Winter a couple of weeks ago, as well as obviously

speculating about what this week’s highlight will be.

enjoying the incredibly biting satirisation of the

As I squeeze into the tiny room, the smell of books

Catholic Church, I was astounded at how ahead of his

engulfs me, and I greet the other regulars and the

time Rabelais was for a sixteenth century clergyman.

teacher. Every week, there are a couple of old-

This encouraged me to have another stab at modern

faithfuls like me and a couple of new faces; the most

novels, which I had avoided after a run-in with the

unknown and unexpected one of which is always the

completely unreadable Tristram Shandy. Importantly,

piece of literature the teacher has brought along. This

Cecil Soc is also a two-way street; it has given me

is one of the things which really appeals to me about

many opportunities to make use of my own readings.

Cecil Soc: the varieties of prose, poems or plays

One very special experience of this nature was when

which I am introduced to. This is not surprising,

we were reading Leda and the Swan with Mrs de

considering what a varied and interesting bunch of

Pelet, and it was linked to Yeats’ digressions into

people the English department consists of, and I

Naturalism. I then remembered finding a couple of

relish the opportunity to get to know one of them a

very strange short stories, on a similar note, in the

little better each week through the various types of

mostly satirical work of his contemporary Saki. I later

texts, their historical contexts and the broader

found that there was quite a discourse between

frameworks in intellectual history which they choose

different turn of the century authors, with

to discuss.

accompanying serious research, about the idea that nature will take back what was hers. I remember the

It is really difficult to choose a favourite from a group

elation I felt at my own reading and knowledge

of topics ranging from ‘The Mary Sue in Modern

leading to a conclusion linking two authors which was

Literature’ to ‘Shakespeare’s use of the Arras as a

already, to some extent, a field of literary study, and it

Device for creating Dramatic Irony’. All I can say for

is precisely this kind of comparative connection

certain, is that Cecil Soc has broadened my literary

between two texts which makes English so much

horizon, and strongly influenced the way I think and

more than a school subject for me.

read. When reading Gargantua and Pantagruel with

Rebecca de Pelet (Head of English)

Mathematics We were delighted to return to

Mathematics Challenge (IMC). We

regional Senior Team Challenge

are delighted by the School’s

tournament and went on to

continued success with another

represent us in the National Final

whole-School performances in

haul of 22 Gold, 30 Silver and 39

in London. We were truly thrilled

Bronze certificates across the

when they came away winning the

Mathematics examinations.

board.

third prize in the National

School this year to some

outstanding individual and the IGCSE and A level

Mathematics Poster Competition.

The Fifth Form boys from last year

Quite a number of the Gold

did us proud in their IGCSE (9-1)

certificate winners went on to the

We have started a few after-school

Mathematics, where an amazing

second round where they

taster sessions with activities

26.8% of them received a grade 9

attempted the harder Kangaroo

involving puzzles and cross-

(compared to 3.6% nationally). The

(Senior/Pink/Grey) Challenge.

numbers. It is our hope that this

senior boys were not bad either

Most notable among them were

will be a more regular activity and

with 90.9% of them achieving A* -

Abdulla Ahmadi (L6e), Joe Xu

is offered to the wider School

B grades in Mathematics and a

(U6b), Jack Wang (4e) and Jordan

community in due course. The

100% record of A* - B grades in

Zhuo (3e), who were all invited to

boys were also treated to two

Further Mathematics. Aaron Kim

attempt the highest-level papers,

excellent lectures this year, the first

(L6b), in particular, deserves

the British Mathematical Olympiad

a presentation on ‘Prime Numbers’

mention as he was singled out by

(BMO1) and the Intermediate

by Prof. Vicky Neale and the other

AQA as one of only three in the

Mathematical Olympiad (IMO).

a public lecture by the well-known

country who achieved full marks in

Jack and Jordan did exceptionally

journalist and broadcaster Dr

the AQA level 2 Further

well to achieve a rare Merit in both

Simon Singh on Fermat’s Last

Mathematics examination from an

their categories.

Theorem.

entry of over 21,000 – an outstanding feat. I hope the

In the team events, we

This year we say farewell to Alistair

current cohort will enjoy similar

participated in all the regional

Morgan who is retiring after 45

success in the summer.

Team Mathematics Competitions.

outstanding years with the

Edward Pinnock (3a) and Khalid

Mathematics Department. Our

Apart from the usual academic

Miah (3f), along with pupils from

boys will miss his tremendous

endeavours, we continue to

Sherborne Prep, represented us

teaching and the department will

encourage our more able

well this year in the Junior Team

no doubt miss his company and

mathematicians to take part in the

Challenge. Meanwhile, our Senior

wise counsel. We wish him every

annual Mathematics Challenges. A

team consisting of Abdulla

happiness in his retirement.

whopping 177 boys in total

Ahmadi, Aaron Kim, Calin Profir

participated this year in the Senior

(U6g) and Michal Dvorak (U6g),

(SMC) and Intermediate

made history by winning the

Siew-Chiang Lim (Head of Mathematics)

- 47 -

Biology At the heart of the curriculum Biology continues to be a

subject that appeals to boys at

Sherborne School. It has always

been strong and indeed this

year we have our Fifth Form

boys completing the all new 9-1

International GCSE. This course

There is no doubt that whether it be the dissection of an organ like the heart, a kidney, an eye or

appears to continue to be a

indeed a whole system with a rat, it

Cambridge International A level

and recall of the required material.

wonderful stepping stone to the

course.

furthers the boys’ understanding

“Studying the environmental effects of plastics has made me feel ashamed and angry because it’s our fault. It’s made me motivated to take action because we need to think of future generations.”

James Miles (4e)

This continues into A level which

“It’s the right blend of having material we’ve done before, but building on it, and realising that it’s so much more complex. It truly fascinates me!”

has a practical examination all of its own.

An accessible science, such as

There is now a real desire to live in a more sustainable fashion and indeed students are mobilising

Biology, is now so meaningful in

themselves around the world to

the daily lives of our boys.

strive to right the wrongs of the

Therefore, perhaps now more than

past. Long may this continue since

The enjoyment of a subject is

ever, a knowledge of biology is

we need students who care and

integrally connected to the

becoming more relevant. Most

are motivated to find sustainable

delivery of the material. There is

recently this centred around the

answers to the problems which are

no doubt that I am blessed with

environmental predicament in

being created.

fantastic staff in the Biology

which we now find ourselves.

Department, and no, I’m not just

Indeed, our Fourth Form this year

Interestingly, and continuing the

saying this because the Deputy

have undertaken some project

theme, I would argue that our boys

Head Academic forms part of this

work outside of the curriculum,

develop a plastic approach to their

department! Perhaps unlike other

which investigated the use of

biology. Of course, by this I am not

Joseph Eaton-Parker (L6b)

schools, we believe in a hands-on

plastics, but also what can be done

suggesting they are adding to our

approach to capture the

to combat their ill effects. A sound

planet’s plastic problem, but rather

engagement of our boys.

understanding of the environment

that they are gaining a robust and

Whenever I ask the boys what they

and inherent threatened

flexible understanding of the

enjoy the most, practical work is

ecosystems will be key for our

subject; it is therefore capable of

always high on the list, particularly

future generations to navigate a

being applied in a host of different

dissection!

treacherous time in our world.

ways. This therefore means the

Before we can learn from our

skills they acquire are utilised in a

“It’s great fun and brings it all to life. You remember it so much better!”

Fergus Macdonald (4a)

mistakes, we must first understand

host of other subjects. Arguably

them.

therefore, biology is at the heart of the curriculum.

Dr Jon-Paul Manning (Head of Biology)

• Sam Lawson Johnson (U6b)

- 49 -

• Oscar Jones (U6m)

Chemistry In the Chemistry Department, aspiring Oxbridge candidates are encouraged both to read widely and to attend preparation classes to extend and develop their understanding of the A level syllabus. Ultimately this will help to confirm the candidate’s choice of university degree and enable them to perform well at interview; the counterfeit and the chancers will be weeded out, leaving the impressively well-read and well informed to take the day! Jasper Pring (L6g), who is currently going through the process, has provided three vignettes below, showing the range of articles he might survey in a week: Why does bacon smell so good?

About 150 volatile organic compounds contribute to

extenders’ to solve this problem, they act as a kind of

the aroma of bacon. Some of these compounds are

molecular glue, sticking the broken chains back

products of the Maillard Reaction, the reaction of

together, making the material reusable. Depending

sugars with amino acids that occurs in meat when it is

on how much of this is used, the polymer chains can

cooked above a certain temperature. In bacon,

end up longer than they were originally, so they can

however, these combine with the thermal breakdown

even be used for higher grade applications.

of fat molecules to produce some of the compounds that give bacon its smell. The majority of these compounds are hydrocarbons, aldehydes and

Methane Capture

Methane is 84 times more effective as a greenhouse

ketones which occur in most meats. As well as this, in

gas than carbon dioxide, and so even though far

the case of smoked bacon, the nitrite that it is cured

more CO2 is released into the atmosphere than

with can also react with the fats to produce pyrazines

methane, returning the methane concentration in the

and pyridines, which are nitrogen containing

atmosphere to pre-industrial levels would reduce the

compounds. By comparing the gases given off by

effects of global warming by about a third. To do this

bacon to that of regular pork, researchers have

you would only have to remove 3.2 billion tons of

isolated these compounds which, when combined

methane which, compared to the 100s of billions of

with the other organic products, are responsible for

tons of carbon dioxide you would have to remove, is

the distinctive smell of bacon.

not very much. Researchers have found that a particular zeolite (a porous aluminosilicate mineral) is

Recycling

In 2016, 480 billion plastic bottles were bought, that’s

very effective at capturing methane, and that if you pass air through a rotating barrel of the powdered

a million every minute. Most of these bottles are

zeolite, it removes almost all of the methane from the

made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and over

air. Even if you then just burned the methane to make

90% were not recycled. The process of recycling

carbon dioxide it would have a significant effect on

involves shredding the plastic, heating it and forming

global warming, if this process was used, you could

pellets. The mechanical stress and heating of the

make £1,000 for every ton of methane removed from

plastic, however, weakens the PET so much that it

the atmosphere, which makes it extremely profitable.

cannot be used again. This is because the Long chains of molecules in the polymers are broken down into shorter chains. BASF have developed ‘chain

William Buckley (Head of Chemistry)

Geography One of the challenges we face as Geography teachers is to ensure

the boys are suitably prepared for their GCSEs and A levels whilst

also enabling them to develop into well-rounded Geographers for their lives beyond exams. One

reason this is a challenge is the

encourage boys to feel comfortable

Marshall’s first

in this complex grey area which

book, Prisoners

combines politics, ethics, economics

of Geography,

and the environment. Christian

sparked my interest

Johnson (L6d) reflects on what he

in geopolitics. The

finds most interesting about

book looks at the natural

Geopolitics, focusing on one of his

restrictions to development and

favourite authors, Tim Marshall:

argues that the navigability of rivers

“One aspect of Geography I find fascinating is geopolitics. Although it is not a standalone topic studied at A level, I have found it has broadened and developed my understanding of Geography and bridges many of the gaps that exist when studying a subject for a limited

separation of the subject into two

time.

and then the further division into

One individual who has helped to

disciplines, Physical and Human, distinct topics.

facilitate an interest in this topic is Tim Marshall, a journalist,

Whilst it may make sense to teach

broadcaster and award-winning

like this, arguably it is not the best

author. In the Lent term, the Lower

way to prepare them for the complex

Sixth Geographers headed to Exeter

world in which they will live and work

to see a Royal Geographical Society

beyond school. Ultimately, what we

lecture by Marshall about his latest

aim to instil in the boys is an ability

book, Divided.

to think synoptically and to use the broad knowledge they have

Marshall presented an unbiased view

developed over the years to make

of the world of borders where a

well-informed decisions on some of

surprising 65 countries (over one

the most significant issues of

third!) have fenced or walled

modern times. As Mike Berners-Lee

themselves from others. Naturally,

writes in his new book, There is no

the proposed wall between the USA

Planet B: “It doesn’t work anymore

and Mexico has attracted much

to look at technical questions of

media coverage and debate as one

food, energy or climate change

of the most recent and potentially

separately from each other or

influential barriers to movement in

separately from questions of values,

the developed world. Marshall

economics or the very ways in which

focused on some of the physical and

we think. All these things are too

technical obstacles humans are

inescapably intertwined for the

placing on the earth in a supposedly

traditional ‘one bit at a time’

‘interconnected globe’; he argued

approach to be adequate. We must

that we are becoming less

look at all these complex problems

globalised due to the restrictions put

concurrently, and using a range of

in place on human movement

disciplines and lenses.” Topical and

decreasing the migrability of

current further reading is vital to

populations.

is one of the most prominent factors for the difference in development between USA and Africa. The USA is home to the Mississippi River, which has one of the densest drainage basins in the world. Furthermore, the tributaries are mostly flat and wide allowing the movement of capital, goods, and more importantly culture to spread quickly throughout the nation. By contrast, Africa’s rivers are comparatively inaccessible due to the topography of the land being steep and narrow, one of the reasons why there are thousands of different languages and 54 separate countries. The topography of the land also creates challenging farming conditions; thus reducing the availability of food and contributing to poverty and high mortality rates. I was surprised to learn how significant the impact of the Physical geographies of river networks have been on the Human geographies of development.

Reading Marshall’s books have broadened my knowledge, used topical issues to highlight the relevance of Geography in today’s world and taught me to appreciate the interconnected nature of Human and Physical Geography; not to mention enabling me to reference his work in my Geography AS exam providing X Factor points in my extended answers!”

Joshua Wilson (Head of Geography)

Modern Foreign Languages The Independent Research Project in Upper Sixth Modern Foreign Languages

Daniel Berry (U6a)

(A level Spanish, Physics,

Maths and Further Maths)

What was the title of your IRP and why did you choose the topic? ¿Hasta qué punto ha sido un éxito la criptocurrencia venezolana “El

There has been much talk of the

have commented favourably on

Petro”?

rigours of the new A levels but

the range of topics chosen. This

little celebration of the benefits of

exam enables pupils not only to

To what extent has the Venezuelan

asking more from pupils in their

learn research skills but also to

Sixth Form study. The new A level

engage critically in something of

MFL speaking exam is an example

personal interest. Presenting to a

of how well Sixth Formers respond

visiting examiner for almost fifteen

to taking ownership of their own

minutes in a foreign language in a

learning at a high level. The exam

situation where you, the

requires pupils to undertake an in-

candidate, are the expert is no

depth individual research project

mean feat. To give you a flavour of

(IRP); this project must be

what our pupils have researched

grounded in the target language

we interviewed two boys who

world but beyond that, there are

have recently completed the

few parameters.

exam.

cryptocurrency ‘El Petro’ been a success?

I chose the topic because I find cryptocurrency to be a fascinating phenomenon in that it can be an extremely powerful economic and/or political tool yet the vast majority of people know very little or have misconceptions about it.

It’s link to the Venezuelan crisis helped it to be a fitting topic for my Spanish exam.

We are proud to note that

What was the most fascinating

Shirburnians over the last two

thing you learned?

years have gone beyond obvious titles linked to the A level exam.

Instead, they have pursued a genuine interest, often tying in with other A level subjects studied. The visiting examiners

The most fascinating thing I learned was about the ‘Bolivarian diaspora’, a mass emigration that has been taking place in Venezuela as a result of the regimes of Hugo Chavez and

- 53 -

Malhaar Shah (U6a)

(A level German, Philosophy

and Maths) Nicolas Maduro since 1998 and still

What was the title of your IRP and

rocky start with all sorts of problems

shows no signs of slowing.

why did you choose the topic?

involving paradoxes. A good

Considering it’s estimated that up

„Was für ein Argument führte Frege

illustration of this is Russell’s

in “die Begriffsschrift” ein, und aus

Paradox - a big problem with

welchen Gründen?“

Frege’s system was that it allowed

What did Frege argue in the

sets to be a member of themselves.

Begriffsschrift and for what reason?

“Would the set of all non-self-

I chose this topic for the excuse it

asked Bertrand Russell in a 1902

to 4 million Venezuelans (more than 10% of the total population) have left the country, I was surprised to not have heard much about this in the news before my IRP. What was the best new word you learned while researching your IRP? The best new word I learnt is ‘criptopolítica’ which refers to the (often dubious) politics surrounding a cryptocurrency. It’s English translation would not be cryptopolitics, since this refers to ‘the secret support for a political belief’, but rather ‘the politics of cryptocurrency.’ It seems there is no direct translation since the most fitting term already had a different meaning.

gave me to find out more about what I love in a language I love! I’m really interested not only in philosophy and logic but the history of philosophy and logic - a lot of current philosophy is defined by this work in the late 19th and early 20th century - Frege is a

containing sets contain itself?” letter. Frege was devastated to see the paradox in his system, but modern logic has developed due to its attempts to deal with problems such as this one, not by hiding from them.

What was the best new word you

“household” name for a philosophy

learned while researching your IRP?

department today. His works

I learned the words “Allaussage”

explore the connection between

and “Existenzaussage” which I

language and the world, so it’s

found particularly interesting - in

particularly apt for someone who

English, “universal quantifier” and

finds language as exciting as me.

“existential import” respectively.

What was the most fascinating thing you learned?

The former is a logical statement of the form “For all things that are such and such, such and such is the

The most fascinating thing I

case”, and the latter “There exists a

learned during the research for my

thing that is such and such”. Maybe

IRP was that, even though you

it’s an acquired taste.

expect it to be objective and intuitive, modern logic had a very

Judy Thurman

(Head of Modern Foreign Languages)

Classics The Third Form Classics Project This year all students in the Third Form studied a classical subject.

For many it has proved an enjoyable and beneficial experience, students who now understand the influence of the classical world upon modern languages, literature, philosophy, history and art. At the end of the course, the boys are required to submit a project on a classical theme, selecting one from a broad range of titles. This requires them to research independently, to respond to evidence and to present their findings creatively. This year, Ed Pinnock (3a) submitted the following essay in which he was asked to imagine a trial of Odysseus, debating whether his passport should be revoked.

Stephen Heath (Head of Classics)

Poseidon: Honoured council, I have called this

us to avenge Menelaus and, in doing so, defend the

assembly to address the following matter: Odysseus,

honour of the land. Although I did not want to leave

son of Laertes, King of Ithaca, husband of Penelope

my kingdom without a king, I departed to fight for

and father of Telemachus, you stand accused of

Greece, as did many of our finest warriors.

neglecting the duties of the throne and abandoning your people. I have called my witnesses, Circe and Calypso. Also, the Lotus eaters have chosen a representative who will testify against you. Who do you call?

Odysseus: I call Athena, Goddess of Wisdom and War, the King Menelaus, and my own son Telemachus. I have no fear – this council knows as well as any other that in my absence I have fought for Greece, for us! This council will see reason, I know it, for the judge is wise and good. Zeus, King of the Gods and judge of this case, what say you?

Poseidon: Ha! You talk of your wife, whom you love!

Do tell the council of your time on Aeaea.

Odysseus: Very well… We had recently lost many men, but we “travelled on with heavy hearts” . “In due course we came to the island of Aeaea, the home of the beautiful Circe, a formidable goddess, with a mortal woman’s voice.” We lay on the beach for two days. At dawn on the third day, I went inland, armed with my spear and sword. I climbed a high rock, from which I saw the smoke rising from a house in the distance. I returned to my ship and set out once more with my men. We set out in two parties, with a leader

Zeus: I will hear your case. I understand that this is

in each. “Of one party I myself took charge; the other

somewhat of a long tale, but I must hear it in its

I gave to the noble Eurylochus.” His party came

entirety.

upon the clearing where Circe had her house. Her

Odysseus: Very well. I was born on Ithaca, the son of Laertes and Anticleia. I became King of this island, and married my wife, Penelope, whom I love, the daughter of King Icarius of Sparta. We of Greece all know well the events of Troy. It was the duty of all of

shade-touched dogs seemed overjoyed to see his party, and “fawned over them” . Eurylochus and his men were terrified, and rightly so, by the beasts.

They heard Circe’s beautiful voice as she sang at her loom.

- 55 -

“There will be killing till the score is paid.”

Homer, the Odyssey

They called to Circe, and she came out at once. She

Circe: Good and noble god, it is true. Telegonus,

invited them to enter, but the wise Eurylochus

Agrius and Latinus are my sons by Odysseus.

suspected a trap and remained outside. Circe fed the rest of the men a fine meal of cheese and Pramnian

Poseidon: An unfaithful man has the audacity to stand

wine. The witch had laced the dish with some kind of

before this esteemed assembly and proclaim his love

depraved sorcery, and the men lost all memory of

for his wife? What says the man in his defence?

their home and families. She forced them into the pigsties and turned them into swine. Eurylochus returned to us at the ship and warned us of the fate of his men. I took up my weapons and asked him to show me the way to the place. He begged me not to take him, saying “Favourite of Zeus, leave me behind;

Odysseus: I say that I heeded the advice of a god.

Hermes did say that it is not for us mortals to resist the will of gods. I did what I had to do for the sake of my men, and I love my wife and true-born son no less for it.

don’t force me to go with you there.” I headed

Poseidon: I leave it you, noble jury, to reach your own

inland to the place he had described. On the way to

conclusions. How do you justify the sheer length of

her house, I saw a young man, who “took my hand in

time it took for you to break Troy in the siege?

his and greeted me amiably.” It was the God Hermes, who gave me a drug that made me resistant to the witch’s hexes. He told me that when I attacked her, she would seem afraid and invite me to her bed. I did not want to sleep with her, but he warned that I would not be able to save my men if I resisted her advances.

He also told me to make her swear by the gods not to trick me at any point after that. He handed me the “moly” and sent me on my way. After that things went as Hermes had described. I defeated her and forced her to swear off deceit. Then I made her release my men from her curse, which she duly did.

Then I returned to my men at the ship and brought them with me Circe, who fed us and kept us safe “day after day for a whole year”. I would have stayed longer, but my men reminded me of Ithaca, and I told her that I had to leave. She said I would have to make a trip to Hades and meet with the spirt Tiresias before I went home, and I listened.

Odysseus: Menelaus, take up my part.

Menelaus: Truly I tell you, distinguished council, that the siege of Troy lasted for ten years. Equally truly I say that if it had not been for the Odysseus’ cunning, the siege may have lasted ten more. We, “the leaders of the Greeks, opposed by the fates, and damaged by the war” were fighting an uphill battle, until the defendant devised a plan that earned him renown as a strategist. He proposed that “we build a horse of mountainous size.” The next phase was to spread a rumour throughout the land that we had broken siege and left, leaving the wooden horse as a gift for the defenders. However, the boldest of our warriors were hidden within the belly of the horse, led by Odysseus himself. With him were around forty warriors, including myself and many great men. When the Trojans had brought the horse within their walls, we leapt out from within and captured the city for

Poseidon: So, you were unfaithful to your wife? And I

Greece. This, Lord Poseidon, you cannot deny, as you

hear that you bore the Goddess Circe three children.

yourself sent sea serpents to kill Laocoon, the priest

Is this true?

who had guessed the plot.

Poseidon: This is true, him and his sons.

enjoyed eternal bliss, but Odysseus had not the wisdom to see it!

Menelaus: How then can you accuse this man of treachery in front of such an assembly? You know as

Odysseus: These are lies! It was you who bewitched

well as any other that his strategy saved us from

my men in the first place! They longed for home, but

defeat. More than this, he was brave in all battles,

you polluted their minds! Do not dare talk of wisdom,

leading from the front. He “strode where the

for you are a deceiver!

foremost of the foes engaged” .

Poseidon: Order, order! Clearly these actions are not Athena: If I might speak. Honoured council. Now we

becoming of a king!

see a side to the accused hitherto obscured by the slanders of the prosecution. It is true, I favour

Athena: Oh silence! Your words are not becoming of

Odysseus. My reasons are clear to see. I am Goddess

a prosecutor, and nor are you. You harbour a personal

of Wisdom and Strategy and have never witnessed a

grudge against the defendant, do you not?

mortal with such an aptitude for my arts. Will you repay the deeds he did to save us all with

Poseidon: It is true. I have a son by the nymph

condemnation?

Thoosa. Odysseus saw fit to intrude on my son’s land and blind him, stealing from him as he passed

Poseidon: The goddess speaks with a silver tongue

through! Should it be that the people of Ithaca have

but let us not underestimate the magnitude of the

a common marauder for a king?

mistakes that she would have us ignore! Son of Laertes, tell us of your time with the Lotophagoi.

Athena: Would you describe this son for the assembly?

Odysseus: As you wish. We sailed away from Ismarus, and we came to a strange island. We stopped for

Poseidon: I… I certainly can. He’s tall, quite ugly…

food and water, and I sent a few men inland to search for life. They did not return, for reasons which I would

Athena: A cyclops?

soon come to discover. They had found the lotuseaters, who had fed them the fruit of the lotus flower.

Poseidon: I was going to get to that! Yes, it is true.

The men who tried it had no wish of returning, such

My son Polyphemos is a cyclops. Does this excuse his

was the fruit. I had to force my men to return with me

mutilation? Odysseus had no right even to be on his

to the ship.

land!

Lotus-eater: Laertes’ son neglects to mention just

Athena: Odysseus’ ship was wrecked off the island,

how he forced them! He dragged them away, though

was it not? Could you tell the assembly how this

they wept, forced them under benches and tied them

came to be?

with rope! Had they stayed with us, they would have

- 57 -

Poseidon: The sea is a hazardous realm, and careless

Telemachus: They were a hoard of men, from all

captains often lose their vessels.

around, who had heard of my father’s absence and decided to try and seize my mother for themselves.

Odysseus: One tends to lose one’s vessel when it is

Vile, to a man. After I had seen Athena, I greeted

wrecked by the “Earthshaker, Poseidon” !

her as a host should. Eventually, still in disguise, she advised me to visit the King Nestor at Pylos, and

Athena: Honoured council, Poseidon views this as a

then Menelaus of Sparta. She came to help me to

trespass, yet he caused it! His lies have been

find my wronged father, which of course I tried to

unearthed. Let us now hear from the witnesses of

do. That is my role in this.

the defence. Have you any more to call, Odysseus?

Calypso: I cannot hold my tongue any longer. It may Odysseus: I call my final witness, my own son

be that I am here to speak for the prosecution, but I

Telemachus. Son, tell the council how you fit into

cannot. I know that my actions were unjust and

this tale.

wrong. My real reason for appearing before this council is to repent publicly, and to beg the

Telemachus: I am Telemachus, son of Odysseus. My

forgiveness of Laertes’ son.

father left for the siege of Troy with the other men and warriors of Greece, yet he did not return with

Poseidon: Treacherous nymph! I should have

them. I feared that he had died on foreign ground. I

expected nothing less!

had heard nothing of him for years, until the Goddess present here today, Lady Athena, visited

Athena: Council, I believe it is time to draw

me on Ithaca. She came as all the gods wished to

proceedings to a close. It is clear to see that this

end the unjust imprisonment of my father, except of

man is innocent of all charges. The only thing he is

course, for the Sea God, who was too busy feasting

guilty of is being wronged by a malicious god,

with the “distant Ethiopians” when he wasn’t

whose will Zeus overruled once and now, I am sure,

hounding my father personally! They elected Athena

will again. Make your verdict, Lord Zeus.

to try to free my father from the nymph Calypso.

She had fallen in love with him, but he could not

The council votes. Zeus declares Odysseus innocent,

love her as his heart still belonged to my mother,

and he returns home to Ithaca, as its rightful king.

Penelope of Sparta. She came to the palace in the form of the “Taphian chieftain Mentes” and I was the first to see her. I was amongst the suitors that had overtaken the palace.

Odysseus: Tell us of the suitors.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 10 Virgil’s Aeneid, Book 2 Virgil’s Aeneid, Book 2 Homer’s Iliad, as translated by Alexander Pope, line 568 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 9 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 1 Homer’s Odyssey, Book 1

• Roly Newman (L6c)

• Yanis Hammick (U6m)

- 59 -

• Iranola Folorunsho (U6b)

BTEC one year on Over the past 10 years, we have successfully introduced two new A level specifications and the International Baccalaureate. Each of these were greeted with excitement and a healthy sprinkling of fear. Nothing has come close to the step change we have felt when introducing the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BTEC Level 3 Diploma. It is fair to say that we have all learnt a lot this year. Whilst the BTEC is not as vocational as it was – less than half is coursework – it is still a very different challenge than a reformed A level.

From a feeling of fear and excitement, I have grown to appreciate the more practical challenges of the BTEC. This is a course that rewards diligence and a desire to apply learning to the real world. I have seen some fantastic projects on local entrepreneurs. The boys seemed to really understand what made the business work and the risks taken. It would be fascinating to be able to do projects on failed businesses. The boys have also put together business plans for their own start-ups.

They were asked to give a presentation about an idea they could turn into a business on leaving school. Their “have a go” attitude shone through and I would like to think some of them would have survived the tricky first few years. One really pleasing aspect was the awareness of the boys as to the skills that they were, currently, lacking. Having to get up and speak in front of an audience is not easy. To try and pitch an idea is, as Dragons’ Den reminds us, really hard. I hope this experience will enable the boys to make the most of their first tastes of working life.

The course does have its dangers. A finance (both personal and business) paper that has proved tricky for some has already been sat. I await the results with a quiet optimism and hope that the retake opportunity will not be necessary. It was a treat to have the boys being able to focus on this examination for the whole of the first year. The personal finance module is intended to help them, as entrepreneurs, get themselves on a stable footing before starting up a business. It was really interesting to see just how little some of the group knew about life essentials such as savings, investment and insurance. One really valuable skill the boys developed was that of empathy. For each question they were given a real-world scenario. This initially led to some very clumsy answers where their own life experiences shone through. However, by the time the examination came around they were able to put themselves in a variety of shoes (age/income/life stage).

So, is this course better than Business A level? No, it is different. Are they complementary? Yes, but there is no need to study one to get the most out of the other. Has it been a success?

Time will tell, but the signs are good.

Robert Harris (Head of Business and Economics)

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Design & Technology

new specification’s opportunities to entirely print his prototype rather than fabricating components and joining them together as pupils had previously been required to do.

The past year has seen fresh

time to support genuine research

winds of change sweep through

and to encourage innovative

the department as the new

thinking. In looking to improve the

GCSE and A level specifications

experience of those who attend

have presented opportunities for

festivals, it was amusing to read

different ways of working and

the transcripts of interviews a few

exploration of new areas of

boys had chosen to run with their

learning. These have resulted in

parents or siblings as they

some really exciting outcomes

recounted their experiences of

from the pupils studying Design

Glastonbury or Reading. Ideas

& Technology.

centred around themes of festival security, keeping possessions dry

With the department ICT suite

and accessible and the

completely refitted with the

considerable challenge of the

fastest computers in the School,

litter clear-up required after the

we have been working to make

festivals ended. Chris Neville (5a)

the transfer to SolidWorks, a far

built a superb small portable

more powerful, industrial standard

metal safe that was designed to

three-dimensional computer-aided

hold valuables securely whilst

design package to assist the

watching bands perform or

pupils in iterative design, output

sleeping in tents. His rentable

more effectively to the 3D printer

small safes locked to multiple

and help support them in making

posts that were designed to be

the transition on to creative higher

installed at ‘safe stations’ around

education courses. The pupils

the festival site. Myles Harrison

have been progressively

(5f) looked at off-piste skiing as

Myles Harrison

introduced to the software and we

part of a set context that sought

have started to see the impact

to improve the experience of

that this exciting technology is

those pursuing outdoor activities.

having on the opportunities they

He swiftly developed his skills in

have to design, visualise, modify

using SolidWorks and used the 3D

and manufacture commercial

printer to build multiple brackets

designs.

that helped form a webbing rucksack to contain three roll-top

GCSE boys were asked to work

waterproof bags. Myles is the first

within set contexts for the first

pupil to take advantage of the

In the Sixth Form Harry Ollis (U6a) worked with the local caving community to design a completely collapsible heated drying unit so the cavers could dry their wetsuits and equipment overnight. This project, combined with his superb A* GCSE work, saw him offered an unconditional place on the unique Sustainable Product Design Degree at Falmouth University. With its focus on careful consideration for the source, application, maintenance and recovery of the materials used in the products he will design Harry is sure to find this demanding course an exciting next step and help him launch a career as a 21st century designer.

Peter Chillingworth (Head of Design & Technology)

Theology

Last year marked the first time pupils sat the new Religious Studies GCSE. Preparing for and teaching this course has been an exciting, challenging and nervewracking experience for the department, but it seems to have been generally a positive one for the pupils.

The new syllabus was introduced as part of the general shake-up

instituted by Michael Gove and it’s generally agreed that it’s more

rigorous than the old qualification

and that it certainly contains more

content. The boys have to study two

religions – Christianity and Buddhism – in depth, and then look at how

these religions respond to ethical

issues like crime and punishment,

war and peace and relationships and families. It’s pretty demanding and we worried that it might be

overwhelming for the boys.

- 63 -

To get a pupil’s perspective on the new syllabus I went and

talked to Toby Jones (L6b). He

was in Set 1, which was a lively

group, containing people with a range of beliefs (and lack of beliefs). He started off by

assessing academic benefits of doing the course.

‘You’re basically taking all the

fun bits out of English,’ he said.

In the new syllabus there is

much more of an emphasis in writing longer essays, with a

strong persuasive element. ‘It

helps you to show both sides of the argument – you’ve got to

show you understand where

people who disagree with you

are coming from in order to get them on your side. You can

apply this to everyday life’.

Other pupils, Toby said, had

mentioned to him that they had seen some benefit when

studying other courses at A

of a Buddhist/Christian because

I realise I hold a lot of Buddhist

views’. While I was a little

curious at how someone could

be a Christian/Buddhist, I took

this as a good sign because it

means that boys are not just looking on this as a dry,

least justify, their own beliefs.

This is equally true of people

with no religious beliefs, as Toby

pointed out.

‘Some boys did well in their

GCSE despite being strong

atheists. This is because they

enjoyed getting their arguments

and this always gives me a

across, whether they believed it

course had helped him

practically. Toby mentioned that

meditating had helped him relax

and control his brain and he

finished with an exciting call to

arms. ‘GCSEs shouldn’t just be

about passing exams,’ he said,

‘they should fill you with

enthusiasm and help you be a

more rounded, worldly person

or not. Also through RS they can

and RS did that for me.’

religion out.’ I recognised this

I was encouraged by the

get their grievances with

from the debates I held with his

class. There was a range of

ideas and they didn’t hold back

especially about contentious

Art A level as he is studying art

Toby mentioned that this had

it became clear that the

him too.

been an important lesson for

only one reason why it made an

‘I didn’t understand pros and

‘I certainly wasn’t a religious

to argue, whether with your

he told me. ‘I’ve become more

with him that the subject really

person before doing the GCSE,’

how we can know things exist

Finally we talked about how the

issues like the death penalty.

impression on him.

have had interesting talks about

baptism, or business ethics, or

asking them to question, or at

knowledge of Buddhism in his

academic side of the course was

year who have said that they

warm, excited feeling.

from expressing them,

from the Far East. As he talked

spoken to several parents this

academic pursuit – it’s affecting

them at a deeper level and

level particularly Geography

and English. He had used his

comes alive when it is released

from the classroom. I have

cons of the death penalty,’ he

said ‘GCSE RS shows you how mates or your parents.’ I agreed

positive way the course seems

to have affected Toby,

academically and emotionally.

As the GCSE has now become

optional, we will continue as a

department to communicate to

the Third Form and their

parents how transformative this

qualification can be, and how it

can develop boys’ academic

skills, emotional development

and sense of place in the world.

James Crawford (Head of Theology)

Drama...

The Drama Department has played host to a number of exciting and highly-imaginative performances this year. The first House Play of 20182019 was The Fire Raisers, written by Max Frisch and directed by William Davidson (U6g) for Lyon House. Catch 22, directed by another Sixth Former, Malhaar Shah (U6a), for School House followed hot on Lyon’s heels.

The Drama Department was hugely

pleased (and not a little relieved) with the high quality of the Joint School’s

Musical just before Christmas, which was completed in conjunction with

Sherborne Girls’ Music Department. The quality of performance from the leads

down to the smallest parts in the chorus was uniformly superb, and the level of

the production elements, including the set, lighting, sound and wonderful

costuming, equalled that to be found in

the West End.

- 65 -

The process of casting a play or a musical is critical to its success, and I have always struggled to get this right.

Happily, with the seasoned advice from John Jenkins, the Director of Music from Sherborne Girls, and James Henderson, Sherborne School Director of Music, we did manage to nail the main parts on Evita and recruit a fantastic ensemble. Indeed, from the moment I heard the Chorus singing The Requiem for the first time in rehearsal, and having heard Sam Reynolds (L6c) and Iona Brewster (SG) absolutely dominating their main songs just after our return in September, I had the strong suspicion that Evita was going to be a huge hit.

The Lent Term saw no slowing in pace, with The History Boys directed by Felix Ormrod (L6b) for Abbey House taking place only a few weeks in. The second House play of the Lent Term, The Big Night In, was also directed by another A level Drama student, William Lyde (U6d) for Harper House.

The Junior Play, Tonight was also a huge success this year, thanks to the superb direction and ideas of our highly talented GRA, Miss Thomas. In conjunction with the Lower Sixth Drama students, Miss Thomas took on the theme of a dystopian future, and devised a truly innovative, ground breaking performance with a select number of the Lower School. It is always tempting in a school setting to go for the conventional and welltested, so it was really refreshing to get the opposite of that. The boys’ work was highly physical and immersive, and the approach to the performance was unlike anything the Powell had played host to before. Many staff and students commented on the high quality of the performance, and I am sure will live on in their memories for quite some time.

Ian Reade (Head of Drama)

- 67 -

Drama A level: From The Perspective of Felix Connolly (L6e) and William Andrew (L6d)

- 69 -

The one aspect of the drama A

performance. We did not mind

and the situations. Thus, we all

level course we found most

doing the extra work at all,

found rehearsals more of an

enjoyable this academic year, was

because the whole process was so

activity than a task, and from this I

the process of learning and

much fun.

think we all progressed as actors

performing the script of The

because we started to be more

Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter for

Although our teacher offered us

enthusiastic about learning and

Component Three of the A level.

feedback and advice, we also

delved into the scripts of other

learned how to do this for

plays, even ones we were not

The process of rehearsing The

ourselves and to offer very

studying. Pinter has written many

Dumb Waiter was one which

constructive advice to each other.

great plays, which are very funny

consisted of many laughs but with

This ensured that there was

but also full of menace, which we

the complexity of learning a very

progression and that the

really enjoyed, especially

sophisticated script. Pinter is a

improvement in the quality of the

Mountain Language. We also

poet as well as a playwright and

piece was something that we

looked at other writers of the

he uses silence and the rhythm of

largely brought about for

Absurd, such as Beckett and

the lines to create an astonishing

ourselves. We also learned to use

Ionesco so that we could compare

lyricism from the mundane

a camera to film our pieces and

and contrast their work with

realities of everyday speech. The

watch them afterwards so we

Pinter’s.

actor therefore, needs to be

could analyse our own

highly adept not just at learning

performances and improve that

This part of the course therefore,

the lines with 100% accuracy but

way.

not only improved our technical

What we all enjoyed most about

but also gave us an insight into a

this part of the course was the fact

really interesting and thought-

Our rehearsals were a lot of fun

that the more we learnt the lines

provoking style of theatre, the

and full of positivity and the fact

of the script, the more we

Theatre Of The Absurd. Enjoying

that we get to enjoy our lesson

understood it and then we saw

reading and putting words into

also to be highly skilful in terms of the delivery of those lines.

and group working skills as actors

time is a big part of the reason

the hidden comedy in the lines.

practice in the way that we did on

why we really enjoy studying

Pinter does not seem at all funny

this part of the course, is a large

drama. The rehearsals did not just

when you first start reading him

part of being a professional actor,

take place during lessons

but when you work hard on his

which is one day, what we aspire

however, but after school as well

scripts in rehearsal, you

to become.

and this is always necessary in

understand the comic absurdity

order to achieve excellence in

he is creating from the dialogue

• Charlie Peele (U6)

• Freddie Baker (U6d)

- 71 -

• Max Harrison (U6m)

Conservation School Award Schools in Sherborne support ‘Future Hope’ Conservation Award

Sherborne Girls, The Gryphon and Sherborne School are thrilled to announce their participation in a new conservation and rewilding initiative for

have been lost from the

the need for us to care for

schools launched by the conservation charity,

countryside. Informing

the natural world; a

Operation Future Hope (OFH).

The OFH Conservation School Award Scheme will see considerable areas of ‘rewilding’ across each of the three school sites and will support the reintroduction, and protection, of flora and fauna within the schools’ grounds. Rewilding will help to restore and rejuvenate biodiversity within each campus with a vision to develop a sustainable and regenerative culture at each of the three schools.

Lesley Malpas, ecologist and founder of Operation Future Hope, explained: “The aim of the award is twofold: to educate and raise awareness amongst young people of the devastating decline of nature and wildlife at a global scale, and to inspire and enable pupils to get involved in conservation locally; at every stage of the process, in a practical and meaningful way.”

“In the UK we have seen a 75% decline in insect

our children about

message which is at the

ecological decline is

heart of the OFH

essential if we are to fully

Conservation School

prepare them for the

Award. We hope that this

future. Through rewilding

project really does sow

we can give young

the seeds of conservation

people hope, an

and inspires the girls to

opportunity to turn this

take action – instilling a

story around, help save

belief that stays with them

our endangered species

always. I firmly believe it

and reverse wildlife

will bring huge physical

decline.”

and mental wellbeing

Dr Ruth Sullivan,

many levels.”

benefits for us all on so Headmistress of Sherborne Girls, added:

Initial ground work started

“Working with nature

over the Easter holidays

brings first-hand

at Sherborne Girls, and

understanding of our

there are already visible

connection with and

changes to some of the

populations, a 97% loss of wildflower meadow habitat

dependence on

boundary areas where a

and across Europe a staggering 420 million birds

ecosystem services and

wildflower meadow is

- 73 -

Dr Dominic Luckett, Headmaster of Sherborne School commented: being created to provide

previously simply amenity

“Participation in the Conservation School Award

vital habitat for bees,

grass into a diverse and

Scheme presents a wonderful opportunity for our

butterflies and other

rich habitat for wildlife.

pollinators. An orchard is

schools to work together to help address, on a local level, environmental issues about which we should all

being added and a new

Sherborne Girls has been

be concerned. The rewilding aspect of the project is

conservation hedge is

instrumental in

important in itself, allowing us to restore and protect

due to be planted in the

encouraging other

the biodiversity of our school grounds. Even more

autumn to enrich the

schools in town to join

important than that, however, is the educative aspect

existing hedgerow for

the OFH initiative which

of the programme, allowing our pupils to learn more

birds, small mammals,

encourages independent

about the environmental challenges that the world

reptiles and insects.

schools to nominate and

faces and, we hope, to be inspired to do something

There are also plans for a

sponsor a local state

about them not just today but in the future.”

‘nature walk’ which will

school to participate.

flow through the

Sherborne Girls is

Nicki Edwards, Headmistress of The Gryphon School

wildflower meadow,

delighted to be working

concluded:

created by habitat

alongside Mrs Nicki

“It is a real privilege to be involved in this project

creation specialist,

Edwards, Headmistress at

which not only has the potential to change our

Andrew George, with the

The Gryphon School,

environment for the better but also to create a

aim of providing a place

making it a truly

greater understanding of how we co-exist with

for pupils to be in and

collaborative and

nature.”

amongst nature – the

synchronised approach to

design will transform

re-wilding from the three

areas which were

senior schools in town.

Sherborne’s spirit of community

goes far beyond the School

grounds. Our boys are valued members of the town, mixing regularly with pupils from

Sherborne Girls and supporting

local shops and businesses. Our

regular concerts in the Abbey and Cheap Street Church are always

well attended, giving us a valued place in this special community.

Here’s what some of our friends

and neighbours have to say about

the School and its pupils.

In The Sherborne Community

- 75 -

Carols at the Yeatman Hospital …

Winstone’s the bookshop …

Oliver’s Coffee House …

“Every year a small group of talented musicians from Sherborne School, visit the Yeatman Hospital around Christmas time to perform a short concert on the Willows Inpatient Unit to an audience of patients, visitors and staff.

Occurring in early December, it is the start of our Christmas celebrations at the Hospital and puts everybody in the mood for the festive season. The quintet usually play for about 30 minutes, choosing a mix of classical and popular pieces, ending up with some Christmas Carols with audience participation! It is lovely to see patients faces light up when they recognise the music and join in or clap along with the songs. The boys then enjoy some thoroughly deserved refreshments and a chat with patients and staff, before packing up their instruments and returning to school. We are very grateful to the boys, and teaching staff, for coming in to carry out this activity which greatly enhances the hospital experience for all our patients.”

“As a bookseller it is always heartening to see young people come into a bookshop, given how much competition there is for their leisure time with social media and curricular activities.

The pupils of Sherborne School are always interested in the wide variety of books we stock and are unfailingly polite and curious.

“For us at Oliver’s, the boys of Sherborne School are always a welcome addition to the day!

Whether it’s for a well-deserved hot chocolate after a game of rugby, for a much-needed coffee during exam season, or just a slice of cake on a Sunday afternoon, it’s always a pleasure to serve the young men of Sherborne. The energy the boys bring to Oliver’s, particularly on match days, is always great and we love to have them in after a successful day on the field – even in spite of the muddy trainers! In addition to this, we really do appreciate the support the students and their parents bring to local businesses such as ours, and it’s great to see so many students choosing to support independent businesses across the town. The school plays such a big part in the wider Sherborne community and we’re grateful for the benefits such an esteemed institution brings to our historic town. We hope you all have a fantastic summer and look forward to welcoming you back at the start of next term.”

June McCourt Hospital Secretary

It is particularly interesting to see the wide subject matter they engage with from books on popular science and literature to political theory. It is so important that young people such as the fine example set by boys from Sherborne engage with physical books to help keep this rich literary heritage in print for future generations. The boys are always welcome and we look forward to meeting them next term.”

Wayne Winstone Winstone Books, Sherborne

Jane Wood, Director Oliver’s Coffee House

- 77 -

Sherborne School Music Concerts …

“We think we began attending concerts about six or seven years ago, and it all started with an advertisement outside Cheap Street Church one Friday lunchtime when we were shopping. To say we were impressed would be an understatement – we were addicted from then on. Other concerts followed – in the Tindall Hall and elsewhere – all of them, without exception, have given us a great deal of pleasure.

From comments around us as we wait to enter the church and during the actual performance, we know that local people also thoroughly enjoy the experience and miss it when the School is on holiday. It has become an important way to involve the town in the boys’ musical activities, benefitting all of us.

Although we do not have any family connection with the School, the fact that we have a regular contact means we see the boys’ progress and development first hand. We find it astonishing that the boys develop so rapidly and grow quickly in confidence and ability, but realise this is largely due to the

skills and dedication of the music staff. It is clear to us that they find their satisfaction in the boys’ achievements. What is also clear is the “fun” element which is essential. It is pleasing to know that the Friday concerts give the boys a “safe” audience environment to develop their skills.

Another element which has surprised us has been the variety of the boys’ skills, in musical instruments and also in the area of singing – the standard of both these elements has been outstanding, and once again, we see clearly the support and encouragement they all receive to

excel, and at the same time, also enjoy what they can achieve.

Lastly, we would like to mention how friendly and helpful staff have been to us throughout. We always receive the programme for the term, which allows us to plan, and even get a phone call to remind us of individual events when appropriate, such as the Swing band concerts with dinner – another very enjoyable occasion.

Long may it continue!”

Dick and Maxine Bennett Residents of Sherborne

We catch up with Housemaster-elect Ben Sunderland as he plans for a new adventure

- 79 -

WELCOME TO

WESTCOTT OPENS SEPTEMBER 2021 As Sherborne’s Senior Housemaster, who has overseen

“I think Westcott will be an extremely pleasant

Lyon House since 2011, Ben Sunderland was an obvious

environment to live in,” says Mr Sunderland, who will

choice to lead Westcott House when it opens in 2021.

move with his family over the summer of 2021. “If boys

He brings a wealth of experience as Housemaster and

want cutting-edge accommodation amid stunning

was Senior Tutor in Harper before taking the reins at

gardens, Westcott is the House they’ll choose.”

Lyon. The move to Westcott feels like an obvious next step, but he’s keen to assert that the new House will

Given his experience in Lyon, Mr Sunderland knows that

have an identity all of its own.

the success of a House is about a lot more than bricks and mortar and beautiful gardens. It’s about forming a

“I will always have a strong affection for Lyon House,”

House spirit, creating an identity for the House that

Mr Sunderland asserts. “I’ll have served almost a full

everyone can participate in, and of which the whole

10-year term by the time I move, and that’s bound to

community feels proud.

leave a mark. But Westcott is a new chapter, for me and the School. I’m keen that the House forms its own place

“I’ve been blessed with Lyon,” he says, “because the

in the wider economy of Sherborne, establishing its own

boys really do feel as if it stands for something

traditions and making a distinctive contribution to

distinctive. I have every confidence that Westcott will be

School life.”

the same: different from the other Houses, undoubtedly, but equally brilliant in its own way.”

It is helpful, of course, that Westcott has a lively history.

It is perhaps most famous for accommodating Alan

At the heart of Mr Sunderland’s vision is a House whose

Turing when he was at Sherborne, and Mr Sunderland is

community is characterised by kindness, integrity and a

h

aware that there is a generation of Old Shirburnians who

strong work ethic. “These are all values that every boy at

were in Westcott House in its former incarnation.

Sherborne is encouraged to exhibit,” he reflects. “I want them to be central to Westcott’s ethos, allied to a spirit

“The House hasn’t been used by Sherborne for some

of endeavour and an openness to giving everything a

time,” he says, “but it was once one of our core Houses.

go.”

We’re not inventing something from scratch, therefore, but we do have the chance to innovate, to do

“We all know that a Boarding House plays a crucial role

something new and build a fresh culture.”

in shaping a boy,” he concludes. “I have no doubt that

Talking of innovation, the accommodation in Westcott is

years, a real asset to the School. We have an exciting

likely to be very popular among boys. En-suite facilities

future, and a strong legacy on which to build.”

Westcott will be a thriving House within a few short

are promised, and the full renovation scheduled for next year is certain to spruce things up.

The Turing Society The Turing Society honours the great man’s legacy by encouraging intellectual inquiry at Sherborne and Sherborne Girls.

Every young person needs an

pupils present on a topic of their

The topics covered by Turing

opportunity to find their voice,

choosing. They then take

Society speakers are many and

unleashed from the curriculum

questions from the floor, which

varied. For example, Daniel gave

and free to explore their own

are often very challenging and

a talk about cyber security,

avenue of discovery. The Turing

thought-provoking.”

reflecting his long-time interest in ICT and feeding his desire to read

Society provides just such an

the subject at university.

opportunity for pupils at

Alice Foulger, in the Lower Sixth

Sherborne and Sherborne Girls,

Form at Sherborne Girls, agrees.

bringing them together once a

“Audience members seem to

Alice Richardson, also in the

week to share the fruits of their

have the knack of relating your

Lower Sixth Form at Sherborne

research and finesse their skills in

topic to a subject about which

Girls, names this as another merit

public debate.

they have some knowledge, which

of participation in the Society. “It’s

changes the parameters of the

an opportunity to enhance your

“The key thing about the Turing

conversation. For both parties, it’s

UCAS application, by showing

Society is that it helps us to think

a brilliant exercise in learning how

universities that you’re really

on our feet,” says Daniel Berry

to carry out public conversations

interested in a particular topic,

(U6a), who has been a stalwart of

and defend an intellectual

and that you have the willingness

the Society for the last couple of

position.”

to undertake independent

years. “Each week, two or three

research in a related field.”

- 81 -

For her, this meant presenting on the First Amendment: a topic that has also been the focus of her Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). She says people often use a Turing Society talk to order their thoughts about the EPQ. It’s also a great way of testing hypotheses and practising the presentation element.

For Alice Foulger, the Turing Society talk presented a welcome chance to dive into a rabbit hole that has long fascinated her. “I looked at the psychology of motivation,” she says. “I’ve always

the debate is always lively and

Daniel is very much of the same

been interested in this topic and I

well informed, even when the

mind. “It is really nice to have the

hope to read psychology at

topic seems fairly esoteric.”

chance to admit to an interest in intellectual debate, in ideas, and

university, so it seemed an obvious direction to explore.”

A further interesting feature of the

to share that between girls and

That word, “explore”, is the

discussions is the way boys and

boys alike. The Turing Society

beating heart of the Turing

girls interact. “There is a sense of

represents the best of the

Society. There is no formal

this being an equal partnership,”

relationship between Sherborne

membership, pupils are invited to

explains Alice. “In fact, I think it’s

and Sherborne Girls. I think we all

attend on an ad-hoc basis,

great to have this opportunity of a

gain such a huge amount from

enshrining the intellectual

formal conversation between

being a part of it.”

freedom that is at the heart of the

boys and girls. It’s helpful

initiative.

preparation for the sorts of discussions we’ll have at

“It is often the case that people

university, and provides a

will come along to support their

welcome social interaction that is

friends,” says Daniel, “or because

a bit different from the usual

a particular topic really interests

events that bring the two Schools

them. The fascinating thing is that

together.”

A model of international relations The Model United Nations gives pupils a chance to polish public speaking and research skills while deepening their knowledge of foreign affairs.

There’s a palpable tension on the floor of the debating chamber. The US is proving intractable on a resolution about climate change, while the Scandinavian countries are campaigning hard to secure a global commitment to reducing carbon emissions. Representatives from all nations anticipate a significant amount of politicking during the recess, with arguments on both sides already being finessed by teams of advisors and lobbyists.

Sounds like an average day in the United Nations, which is exactly what the organisers of the Model UN (MUN) hope to achieve. This simulated exercise invites pupils to participate in real-world debates about topics that are germane to the work of the UN: abortion laws, economic systems, peace and conflict, global warming.

For participants, the benefits of involvement are numerous. For example, pupils learn how to research and defend a country’s position on a given topic. Before each meeting, they are assigned a country to represent. They are then expected to argue from its position, regardless of whether or not it coheres with their personal view.

- 83 -

“The skills pupils develop in research are highly

Clayesmore,” Claire says. “Around 200 pupils were

significant,” says Niki Bowerman, a Sherborne

involved in the event and our team was allocated

Theology teacher who oversees MUN with Claire

three countries to represent. They debated issues

Greenrod, who teaches English as an Additional

around security, the economy and health.’

Language. “Once a debate is under way, they are required to think on their feet, which means they really need to do their homework.”

“Clayesmore was our first external MUN event,” continues Niki. “We were delighted to be awarded third place by the judges, who look at the overall

Participants also learn how to lobby for a given

performance of the teams when allocating points. It’s

position, using techniques in persuasion and deal

not enough just to be great on the floor. Participants

making to secure their country’s desired outcome.

“The ability to persuade others of the merits of your

need to be just as effective at research and lobbying to succeed.”

view will be useful in all sorts of professions,” says

That all speaks of the profound benefits that flow from

Claire. “Pupils seem to relish the behind-the-scenes

involvement in the Model United Nations. Niki and

negotiations as much as the formal debates. It’s a

Claire agree that it makes for a fantastic addition to a

great experience of diplomacy in action.”

pre-university CV, not least because it develops and

Sherborne started the MUN in September 2018, at the suggestion of Sixth Former Matthew Tse (U6e).

finesses a raft of skills that are crucial to life as an undergraduate.

The group has met regularly throughout the year,

“Whatever a pupil hopes to read at university, indeed

teaming up with Sherborne Girls to broaden the range

whatever they plan for their next steps, the MUN

of participants and further enshrine the close

provides a fantastic grounding in core skills,” says

relationship between the schools.

Claire. “I think the boys and girls who have followed

“A highlight of the year was our participation in a large MUN conference at

the programme this academic year have gained hugely from the experience. I have high hopes that word will spread among the pupil population, and Sherborne’s MUN will go from strength to strength in future years.”

Jimmy Carroll (c 00)

The ability to be resilient is something that can come naturally to some, but it is more likely earned through overcoming what can even feel like the smallest challenge. The first time a baby reaches for the table edge in its attempt to stand up and misses, will plant a seed of resilience for that next attempt. It can be known as the ability to recover quickly from difficulties. It was Churchill who famously said that ‘success is going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm’. This toughness of spirit, this resilience even, is something that is woven into the British identity and spirit over many generations.

My first experience of

through life. He instilled

this came through the

in me the importance of

stories that my

grabbing every

grandfather told me as a

opportunity that comes

young boy. He was a

your way with vigour,

pilot in the Second

and this was still ringing

World War. Something

in my ears as I left

that always stuck with

School and pondered

me was his ability to

what to do next.

carry on doing the job despite the near

Having decided to take

constant fear of being

a gap year to travel the

shot down, yet his

world and soak up as

heroism and ability to

much of it as I could, I

do the job every day

wasn’t prepared for the

was never dampened by

loss of my grandfather

these difficulties. Every

during this time and the

time he landed his plane

effect this would have

successfully on the

on me. I remembered

tarmac, another bud of

his words and knew that

resilience would grow.

I should carry on the

When he would collect

adventure, carry his

me for Exeat from

spirit of resilience with

Sherborne, he’d listen

me.

intently to any worries or concerns I had, while

After graduating from

encouraging me to

University, I went to the

knuckle down and

Royal Military Academy

regaling me with these

Sandhurst to train to

tales of mental and

become an Army

physical toughness

Officer. This wasn’t

through years of flying

something that I had

through the war. This

considered at School, to

taught me that

be frank, and it only

resilience would be an

came to my mind after I

essential trait to see me

had worked in the city

- 85 -

for a while and realised that there was more adventure to be had at that time in life. Some of the core tenets that the military teaches you are: moral and physical courage; discipline; excellence, all of which require resilience. We were trained to operate in the most hostile of environments, to lead fellow soldiers, all of which would require those values on a daily basis, especially when on active service in Iraq and

jet and architectural design

success, and this theme has been

Afghanistan. Having

practice in London. All of these

a constant throughout my life.

commissioned into 1st The

roles allowed me to work with

Never let anyone tell you not to

Queen’s Dragoon Guards, I found

amazing people and to see very

strive for success and to want

myself on operations in Iraq one

different aspects of life. However,

more from yourself and others

week later, which was to be the

each was entirely unique,

around you. Leaving an institution

first of three tours during my

requiring new skills. The ability to

like Sherborne can fill you with

service. I learnt that you can plan

learn and evolve in challenging

excitement and fear at the same

the perfect operation, but you will

environments needed the ability

time. Remember, though, that you

always need to be flexible and

to be resilient, which has stood

have been given an incredible

resilient in the face of changes if

me in excellent stead in each new

education and had some of the

you are to achieve your mission.

role.

best teachers in the country guide you through these formative

Upon leaving the army I have

This constant desire to push the

years. They have tested you and

found myself in a number of

boundaries has driven me to start

instilled in you the knowledge to

different roles, all of which have

Pelorus with a good friend and

go and accept the challenges

been hugely enjoyable but

business partner. The challenges

ahead. Everything we learn at

offered different challenges, from

of starting a business are huge

every stage is forming part of the

managing the largest medical

and you can never be fully

building blocks of life. Do not be

research expedition to Mount

prepared for it. However, the

afraid of failure, but be afraid of

Everest, to being the Global Tour

lessons and skills learnt so far are

failing to attempt to do

Manager for Manchester United

certainly helping. Being resilient

something. Be resilient, be

and then the Head of Marketing

to change and overcoming the

confident and you will succeed.

for a leading superyacht, private

hurdles you face are keys to

- 87 -

Co-curricular

CC F

When I joined Sherborne in

and I were sitting in a sheep dip

relaxed manner in order to keep

Third Form I was immediately

soaked to the bone four years

the control of some pretty wild

excited about the prospect

ago in Fourth Form, that’s when

Fourth Form. For me I really

of CCF. The uniform, the

you really bond even if it is by

learned how to judge situations,

excitement and the adventure

discussing how you are going to

when to have a joke, and when to

that I saw the Fourth Form

devour that sausage roll that was

give commands.

having instantly made me love

waiting for us in the bus. I can

the prospect of soon being able

think of countless situations like

However, I should mention some

to be part of what I considered

the one I have just described and

of the physical skills I have learned

was an elite force. When I

yet I can also never remember not

and the amazing opportunity I

joined then I was not

laughing at one point and

have had. A highlight of my time

disappointed and from that day

although it’s very clichéd,

was the CCF Norway trip, where I

CCF has been the highlight of

adversity I really believe has

got to experience incredible

my Sherborne School career.

moulded me. I think it is no

canoeing for days in the

Admittedly my image of being

coincidence that some of my

Norwegian fjords and had some

in an elite force was not fully

greatest friends are those who I

very amusing times which I will

fulfilled especially when looking

have done CCF with.

never forget. Furthermore, as part

at some of our parades.

However, this did not matter.

of CCF I have managed to bag a Of course, for those who carry on

total of nine weeks of military

their journey in CCF, it starts to

funded overseas training, with

Most people naturally think that

change and soon cadets are put

seven weeks of adventure training

CCF is all about physical training,

in charge of the Fourth Form with

in the Canadian Rockies and two

learning about the military and of

the Lower Sixth having a

weeks in South Africa. Through all

course all the hard skills that you

particularly significant role in

of this I have learned countless

gain, such as climbing for

leading one section of Fourth

skills and made life-long friends

example. There is no doubt that

Form through a whole year of

but ultimately, I have gained

this is an integral part of CCF and

training. For me this was a big

confidence, resilience, and a huge

a part that personally I have

change - no longer are you being

amount of fun.

loved, but what I have found truly

told what to do and willingly

remarkable about CCF is the soft

accepting orders (something that

CCF at Sherborne is an incredible

skills that you develop. These in

I also think CCF makes you good

thing and I’m sure it will continue

my opinion are far more valuable

at), but now I was the one giving

to get better. I really believe that

and is what makes CCF such a

orders and teaching. In this I, as

what it does is simply produce

brilliant organisation. For me it’s

well as all Lower Sixth section

good guys and, that in my

the people you meet and the

commanders were taught, in my

opinion, is the CCF’s best

experiences that have really

opinion, one of the most

achievement.

helped me develop. Character

important skills is balance; we

building really is the best way I

were constantly balancing

can possibly think of to describe

between leading in an autocratic

it, because really when my section

manner and leading in a more

William Bond (U6b)

- 89 -

CL IMB I N G

Climbing at Sherborne has

training. Sharing this time with

Form spent four sunny but

really developed as both a

the Girls’ School has proven

cool days climbing on the

sport and a social activity.

climbing to be a sport which

world-famous gritstone cliffs of

With the invaluable support

does not tend to favour a

Stanage Edge. A highlight was

of the talented staff we have

particular gender and this has

learning to belay a climber up

developed our confidence,

created a fun competitive

whilst sat on the cliff top, our

physical ability and resilience

atmosphere and some

legs dangling out over the

to take on greater

humbling peer coaching too!

cliff. Another memorable route involved starting under fallen

challenges.

Our regular sport afternoons

blocks and after using some

There has been the

have enabled us to focus on

unusual manoeuvres emerged

opportunity to climb regularly

developing the finer elements

out into the sunlight through a

during the week at the Oxley

of good and safe technique,

hole in the cliff. In the

Sports Centre and on Sundays

so that we could develop the

evenings we cooked together

in The Project Climbing Centre

trust needed in the equipment

and watched a number of

in Poole. This has enabled us

but also in each other’s

famous climbing films from

to develop the strength,

abilities. This has given us the

decades past to the present

balance and technique to

confidence to push ourselves

era. The summer term has

progressively take on more

onto real rock when the longer

seen us regularly climb on the

difficult routes. Climbing is

days arrive in the summer.

sea cliffs of Portland, leaving school at lunchtime and

often about dealing with failure and then by building

The staff have also run some

driving down to the coast. At

core strength, confidence and

fantastic outdoor climbing

the foot of the amazing white-

the necessary resilience we

trips. A highpoint for me was

grey limestone vertical cliffs

overcome these difficulties on

the Peak District climbing trip

we assess the routes ahead of

a future attempt! There has

during the Michaelmas half

us whilst the peregrines and

also been a great social

term. Boys from the Fourth

seals assess us from their

element to our early evening

Form right up to the Sixth

home. Climbing has helped

our boys to get to know others

last term we took part, for the

redeveloped Sports Centre

from different year groups,

first time, in the Independent

and with climbing a new sport

from different Houses and

Schools’ Climbing

in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic

from different Schools. As I

Competition in Swindon. It

games, I can see that with

start to look at universities I’m

was quite daunting to see so

Sherborne climbing, the only

now as interested to see their

many great climbers and we

way is up!

climbing wall as I am their

set about encouraging each

lecture theatres, as I know I’m

other as we looked at the

On behalf of all the boys I

going to want to use climbing

unfamiliar routes and tried to

would like to thank the staff

as a way of meeting people

work out how best to

who have put so much time

and exploring.

approach them. I can’t imagine

end effort into making this

that there was a time when

past year so challenging and

We have had the opportunity

climbing was not a sport at

fun.

to compete as we have taken

Sherborne and with the plans

part in local competitions and

to build our own wall in the

Felix Chillingworth (L6m)

- 91 -

T EN T O RS

“Train hard, fight easy” goes a

horizontal rain on the first

was the worst bit?” I asked one of

military saying I’ve heard on

overnight expedition and gusting

the boys as he lay on the grass,

numerous occasions. It might be

60mph head winds on the last.

having only recently crossed the

tempting to use that of this

These were testing conditions,

finish line of the event. His reply,

year’s Ten Tors challenge, with

which sapped their strength and

“the fact that we kept on walking

extreme weather during the

on the final training weekend,

and it felt as though the distance

training but sunny clear skies on

walking with one of the teams, it

just wasn’t getting any shorter, the

the event. However, the Ten

was striking to see how morale

Moor just kept going!”. Thirty five

Tors Challenge is named as

started to dip as they battled on

miles (and some more as you

such, because it is a challenge,

to their end point, clocking up

can’t follow the crow that flies the

whatever the weather and this

twelve hours of solid walking. But

route) is a long way to carry a

year was no different.

it was heartening too as one

heavy rucksack, across uneven

member of the team suggested a

terrain, in the sun, with nowhere

Such was the interest and

song, and although I can’t vouch

to go but onwards. But it will have

enthusiasm of the current Fourth

for its musical quality, it had an

been the others who would have

Form that we were able to enter

extraordinary effect of lifting

kept him going, especially

three teams, instead of the usual

spirits and tired feet. The ability to

through the later hours of

two, and selection down to three

carry on is certainly easier when

Saturday, before a wild camp to

teams had still been very tough.

you have team mates around you

rest and eat.

The squads had trained hard,

sharing the pain and experience.

As the skies cleared on the

completing nine days of training in total, eight of which were on

The relentless miles of this year’s

Sunday we were delighted to

Dartmoor, covering approximately

Challenge also required this sort

watch the boys cross the finish

100 miles and enduring some

of team spirit, and the boys had

line just outside Okehampton

pretty unpleasant conditions:

to spur one another on. “What

camp and stand proudly on the

podium for the medal presentation. And as they collapsed on the grass for a free pasty from the camp cookhouse, there was a real sense of unspoken satisfaction, alongside aching legs and blistered feet.

In training and selection, we are always on the lookout not for individual superheroes, but for team mates who will look after each other. This year was no different: it might have been good weather, but the Ten Tors Challenge is never easy.

Very well done to all those who took part in the training, to those who made the final team selection and to those who went on to complete the challenge.

- 93 CCF A Ricketts

Hugo

4d

Burton

Archie

4a

Simpson

Isaac

4a

Williams

Alec

4d

Davies

Toby

4e

Bushby

Angus

4m

Cole

Freddie

4g

Macdonald

Fergus

4a

Biddulph

Henry

4d

Foulger

Toby

4d

Senior

Oliver

4g

Yeo

Etienne

4g

Green

Arthur

4g

Coltart

Max

4g

Le Maistre

Max

4g

Lye

Johnny

4g

Senior

William

4g

Wolseley Brinton

William

4g

Team Captain

CCF B Team Captain

Lyon House Team Captain

Nick Scorer (Housemaster Elect of Harper House, Chemistry Teacher and CCF Army)

DU K E O F E DI N BU RG H’ S AWAR D 201 8-1 9

We have built on the success on

The Expeditions

previous years with fantastic results! 50 boys signed up to

We started the expedition session

boys have until their 25th birthday

with the Gold training on

undertake the Bronze Award,

to complete all levels. It is always

Dartmoor back in March. Since

a pleasure to hear from, and

30 the Silver and 20 the Gold.

then the seven Bronze teams have

support, past Shirburnians who

The scheme requires the

undertaken expeditions between

are keen to complete their award

participants to commit to four

Cerne Abbas and Ansty, followed

and to whom the value of the

activities, each involving a

by the qualifier around Stourton

award still appeals.

different set of skills: a Physical

Caundle. Four Silver teams have

Challenge, a skill-based Task, Voluntary Work and an Expedition. The Gold Award has an additional section, involving a placement in a Residential setting. The boys can include activities they are already

been to the White Peak, Peak

This year we have been delighted

District and qualified in South

to present 70 Duke of Edinburgh’s

Snowdonia. The three Gold teams

Award from all levels, including 43

visited the Dark Peak, walking

Bronze awards – our best year to

over the well-known Kinder Scout

date. We have also been pleased

and qualified in North Snowdonia.

to present 11 Gold badges – our

The weather over the seasons has

best results two years running!

pursuing outside the main

been typically British, ranging

Archie Buxton (a 18), Oliver

from snow to bright sunshine. To

School curriculum, or use this as

Minchin (g 18), Seb Carty (U6a),

qualify, each member of the team

Henry Jones (g 18), Tom Chatwin

an opportunity to try something

must be self-sufficient carrying

(d 18), Luke Watson (a 18), Theo

new. It has been great to see

everything they need for the

Banks (U6m), Archie Fairclough

such a wide range of activities

duration of the expedition from

Wood (U6m), Tom McCaig (U6b),

being undertaken both in

two days at Bronze to four days at

Hugo Blythman-Rowe (U6c) and

School and further afield: from

Gold.

Ed Jones (L6d) will receive their Gold Certificates at a ceremony

horse riding to scuba diving; from helping with the library to supporting children in a local

Achieving the Certificate

either at Buckingham Palace or St. James’ Palace. Many others

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is

are on course to complete their

designed to be pupil-led and

awards in the near future and we

non-competitive, some

very much hope The Duke of

participants progressing swiftly

the National Trust to preparing

Edinburgh’s Award Scheme at

through the sections, others

the equipment ready for the

Sherborne will continue to scale

spending a little more time

next expedition.

new heights.

considering their options. The

primary school; from working on projects connected with national organisations such as

James Hull (DofE and Educational Visits)

- 95 -

50 boys signed up to undertake the Bronze Award, 30 undertook the Silver and 20 the Gold Award.

A community of care Deputy Head (Pastoral) Allister

are given all that they need to

Of course, that brings challenges.

Sheffield reflects on the ways

thrive. That feels like the perfect

One of the things I hope to

Sherborne supports the

foundations on which to build.

develop in the months ahead is

wellbeing of its pupils through a

Consider the Bow Award, for

mix of formal structures and informal networks.

example. Unlike other prizes and trophies, the Bow Award is given

the support available to those boys who tend to carry everyone else’s concerns upon their shoulders. We all know the sort of

Since joining Sherborne in

for kindness and compassion.

January 2019, I have been struck

That it is the most highly lauded

by the spirit of kindness that

prize in the School’s year is a

pervades here. While there are

testament to the encouragement

initiatives that I intend to

these boys have to form the right

introduce to enhance the pastoral

sorts of dispositions, to become

support provided for pupils, it

people who care for each other

feels as if we have a very good

and invest in the flourishing of

These boys are the very best of

starting point. Sherborne is a

everyone around them.

Sherborne. But we need to make

caring school, a place where boys

boy I have in mind: the one who is a listening ear for others’ woes, who people know they can turn to when times are tough and be given wise counsel and compassion.

sure they have their own

- 97 opportunities to let off steam.

Every counsellor needs a support network of their own, or else they can be overwhelmed by the worries of others. We’ll be providing training and ongoing support for the boys who habitually look out for their peers, whether that’s because they hold a formal role such as Chapel Warden or because they’re known in their House for their empathy and other regard. That way, we’ll help them develop their pastoral skills, while providing a valuable safeguard to their own wellbeing.

This is all a part of a wider commitment to wellness that is at the heart of our School culture.

The House system is a real strength here, providing both formal and informal networks through which the boys are looked after and any issues

valuable step in supporting pupil

examples that will help them to

picked up in good time.

wellbeing right down to its roots.

grow.

Housemasters are a valuable

Added to the presence of a full-

I also believe a review of our

point of liaison with parents, and

time counsellor on site and the

policy regarding mobile devices is

the wider House teams know the

work of the Chaplain, I believe

timely. Smart phones and tablets

boys well enough to spot when

Sherborne has a net through

can be such fantastic tools and

something isn’t quite right.

which as few boys as possible

bring real enhancements to our

For all that, there are some pupils

should slip in times of need. That

lives. But they need to be used

who won’t naturally turn to others

said, we can never take anything

wisely. It is incumbent upon us to

for help. As teenage boys, they

for granted, and we can always

help boys develop healthy habits

undoubtedly feel a societal

build on the School’s existing

in relation to these devices – ones

pressure not to show weakness.

positive culture so boys are better

that they can carry into the rest of

To ensure we support them in

able to cope with the demands of

their lives.

overcoming this pressure, and in

daily life.

finding space to look after

For example, I am keen to

our overriding approach to

themselves, we’ll be adding

encourage boys to show their

pastoral care at Sherborne: it is

mindfulness pages and helpline

vulnerability. They don’t need to

focused on helping boys develop

numbers to the Sherborne mobile

be supermen to get by, still less to

for the future, so that they can live

app. That will give them a support

be well regarded by teachers and

happy, healthy lives. School sets

network that can be accessed

peers. As a staff team, we try to

the conditions for their future.

privately, literally at their

model that in our own ways of

What they learn here will stay with

fingertips. I firmly believe this is a

being. The boys need good

them forever.

That’s a pretty good summary of

A dream team

- 99 -

Sherborne prides itself on the way older boys mentor their

younger peers, both formally and informally. Here, three boys from Wallace House reflect on their experience

Meet Thomas Lamb (3e), Carl Furthmann (3e) and Harry

Thomson (3e): a trio of third

formers in Wallace House who

have come together to reflect on their experience of settling into

Sherborne and receiving support from the older boys they live

Carl agrees, saying that these

football matches have been one

of his favourite features of life in

Wallace House this year. He also

identifies the more formal

networks that provide support

when third formers first arrive.

“The Prefects are really helpful in

showing you around,” he notes.

“They quickly help you settle into

the House community and are

always happy to guide you

around the wider School. They

were a great help in our early

alongside.

days here.”

The boys speak enthusiastically

As it happens, Carl struggled with

about the deep bonds that form

homesickness when he came to

across year groups. They say that

Sherborne, and says it was one of

a supportive network of

him deal with it. “He sat me down

their anxieties are scooped up in

friendship and camaraderie – one

the Sixth Formers who helped

and told me about his own

that is made up of formal

experience of missing home when

relationships alike.

reassured me, telling me that I’d

processes and informal

Take Thomas, for example, who quickly gets to the heart of the inter-year connections within

Wallace House. “The activity that

tends to unite us is football in the

he arrived here,” Carl says. “He

get over it in time and just

needed to bear with it. He was

right: I did, and I’ve had a brilliant

year here at School.”

It is not just the wise old heads of

barge yard,” he explains. “We’re

the Sixth Formers who help

space, and boys from all five year

Harry says the Fourth Formers

matches. It doesn’t matter how

the benefit of their own recent

about having fun.

School.

lucky to have a great outdoor

groups regularly play impromptu good or bad you are. It’s just

“This really helps build a bond

between us all. We know who to go to for help and can often air our worries in the relaxed

atmosphere of an evening kickaround.”

reassure the new arrivals, though. are similarly supportive, having

experience as newcomers to

“The year above us has been

great,” he says. “With a year at

Sherborne behind them, they

know what they’re doing. But

they can remember what it was

like to arrive in the Third Form, so

they are really friendly and helpful

when we need encouragement.”

One of the areas that can cause

concern among boys of every age

is getting to grips with academic

study. But the House system

comes into play here, too, as

Thomas explains: “The Sixth

Formers advertise the subject

they study at A level. That means

you know exactly who to talk to if

you want advice with some tricky

prep. Often, they’ve done exactly

the piece of work you’re

struggling with, so can offer really

helpful guidance about doing it

as well as possible.”

Added to the pastoral care that is

hardwired into Sherborne’s

staffing structures, these boys

feel as if they have plenty of

support in every area of School

life. But all agree that it’s the

informal mentoring of older boys

that really leaves a mark.

“We realise that we’ll be the old

hands when we return in

September,” muses Harry. “There

will be a new intake of Third

Formers who need our help in

finding their feet. I think we’re all

looking forward to being here for

them, as well as building our

existing friendships with boys

above us.”

If this year is anything to go by,

there’ll be a lot of football played

at Wallace House come

September. More importantly, the

House population will both give

and receive a huge amount of

care, concern and compassion.

That is, after all, the Sherborne

way.

School House CELEBRATING SUCCESS, VALUING FRIENDSHIP It is impossible to tell the story of School House’s

in every way,” he remarks. “It was great to see so

year without paying tribute to Angus Tett (U6a), who

many involved in it.” Malhaar also captained the

sadly lost his life in an accident during the Easter

School House team for the Literary Quiz, which they

holidays. A full tribute to Angus by his Housemaster

won after an 11-year hiatus. And he took part in a

Kester Jackson is recorded elsewhere in The

very popular public debate with Head of House,

Shirburnian (see page 108).

Bently Creswell (U6a), in which they considered the

“Angus was an influential figure in School House,” says Mr Jackson. “He captained our team to second

“As a community, School House greatly values

place in the Inter-House water polo and was always

intellectual endeavour,” says Mr Jackson. “We are

hugely supportive of his fellow pupils, whatever their

always delighted when a member of our House

age. We mourn his passing, while striving to keep his

achieves well academically, and we were especially

memory alive in all that we continue to do as a

pleased to win the House Merit Plate for the fourth

House community.” That sentiment reflects the

time since its inauguration.”

range of activities in which School House residents are involved. From sporting success to academic The House photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame

appropriate bases of human morality.

achievement, musical excellence to debating prowess, the House has enjoyed a wonderful year in a rich variety of areas.

“The successes of this academic year certainly speak

This corporate achievement is a result of many individual successes, which Mr Jackson says are too numerous to mention. But, in highlighting the number of boys who have done great things in their studies, it is only natural to talk, too, of those whose musical accomplishments have been outstanding.

of the diversity of talent among our boys,” says Mrs

For example, Hector Fiennes (U6a) achieved a Merit

Jackson. “We retained the House Football Cup after

for his Grade 8 singing and Bently Creswell achieved

an impressive performance throughout the

an ABRSM Grade 8 in the same discipline. Both boys

tournament. We won the Senior House Swimming

did exceptionally well in the Halliday Music

competition and won the House Hockey Cup as well

competition, with Bently winning the Senior Singing

as scoring that second place in the water polo

Class and Hector winning the overall competition.

thanks to Angus’s leadership. We also won the intermediate Cross Country competition, to cap a year of significant sporting success.”

“That each and every one of our boys rejoiced in Hector’s victory is a sign of the way we value everyone’s talents,” says Mr Jackson. “As our motto

Alongside these achievements, Mr Jackson points to

says, ‘School House is what you are.’ In this year of

the magnificence of the House Play, Catch-22, which

loss and sorrow, success and celebration, it feels

was directed by sixth former Malhaar Shah (U6a) and

more important than ever to relish the sheer variety

involved performers and backstage hands from all

of our shared human existence.”

five year groups. “The production was outstanding

Abbey House NEW HOUSEMASTER, SAME GREAT SPIRIT When Hugh Tatham became Housemaster of Abbey

for each other,” Mr Tatham continues. “There’s a lot

House in January 2019, he knew he was taking on

of inter-year support, with the older boys providing

one of the best jobs in Sherborne.

valuable advice for their younger housemates. It’s

“I think Housemaster is the pick of the jobs in any boarding environment,” he says. “You are right in the middle of things, engaging with boys and their

great to see them out in the barge yard, playing football or chatting, with all the year groups represented and everyone mixing in.”

parents every day. I’m thoroughly enjoying it, and the

That spirit of camaraderie was very much in evidence

whole family have found the Abbey House

in the House Play, which was performed two weeks

community to be hugely welcoming.”

after Mr Tatham’s arrival in the Lent term. The boys

Inevitably, changing Housemaster part way through the year brought some challenges for the boys. But within a few weeks of taking up his post, it was clear to Mr Tatham that the indomitable spirit that characterises Abbey House would ensure a seamless transition of the old guard to the new.

“Abbey House boys have been renowned for their good humour and resilience in all the years I’ve worked at Sherborne,” he says. “It’s been lovely to see this at first hand. I would say it’s been very much business as usual in the House, though I’ve inevitably made a few changes that reflect my way of working.”

One such change is the new system of registration in the mornings, which is now overseen by Mr Tatham’s children, with assistance from their father. “The boys enjoy coming in and checking in with the kids,” he laughs. “They’re all lovely with the little ones, and

put on a pupil-directed production of Alan Bennett’s The History Boys and a large proportion of the population got involved, either performing or taking a backstage role. “The play was a fantastic start to my tenure as Housemaster,” says Mr Tatham. “It showed the best of Abbey House and I felt very proud of the boys for their effort and team work.”

Success in Inter-House sporting competitions like water polo, squash and fives also evinces the spirit of unity in the House and plays to another of Mr Tatham’s enthusiasms. “I coach the First XI in Cricket and the Second XV in Rugby, so I’ll be keen to encourage the sporting achievements of Abbey House,” he says. “We have a number of very talented athletes in the House, as well as brilliant musicians and gifted academics. We encourage everyone to aim high.”

gently prompt them if they can’t remember a name.”

Perhaps that best summarises the ethos of Abbey

Added to the boys’ familiarity with Mr Tatham’s wife,

House. It’s a place of ambition, mutuality and

Claire, who teaches Maths in the School, and their

support. As Mr Tatham concludes: “Whatever your

love of Inca the Labrador, the sense of Abbey House

talent, Abbey House is a place in which it will be

being a home from home continues unabated. “I’ve

nurtured and you’ll be given every opportunity to

been really impressed by the way the boys look out

shine.”

The Green TREE OF LIFE When Housemaster-elect Stephen Byrne was interviewed in last year’s The Shirburnian about The Green, he said that he wanted it to be a place where boys were encouraged to live life to the full. Now, almost a year since taking up post, what are his perceptions of the House?

The House photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame

“I think The Green is a special place,” he says. “A place where everyone’s talents are nurtured and celebrated. I liken it to the mighty oak tree that sits in front of the House. The Green is a strong tree, with powerful roots, giving everyone a chance to flourish in their own way.”

Mr Byrne is impressed by the sense of history in the House, even though it only opened in the late 1990s.

“The Green was originally located across the road,” he reports. “A Boarding House was opened in a former pub in 1865 and gradually grew over time.

The current House opened in 1999, but we know our roots run deeper than that.”

For example, Mr Byrne points to the crest in the library that bears the date “1665”. “It looks as if this crest was carved when the drawing room next to the front door of an elegant town house was being redesigned. This shows the age of at least some of our fabric, giving us a real sense that we’re a part of Sherborne’s rich traditions.”

Such traditions are about a lot more than bricks and mortar, of course. That is why Mr Byrne shared in the pride of his residents when Max Dowling (4c) scored a last-gasp try to secure victory in the Inter-House rugby tournament in October. “It was a great moment for the House,” says Mr Byrne. “Everyone was delighted and we all realised that Max’s individual achievement was predicated upon the

support not just of his teammates, but of the House as a whole.”

That is what Mr Byrne means with his tree analogy.

“We are a solid trunk, from which individual branches and sprigs have the opportunity to thrive,” he remarks.

So it is that The Green took delight in the achievement of Toby Wigham (L6c), who ran 100m in just 11.2 seconds to win the North Dorset Championships, and hurdler William Westmacott (U6c), who also became Champion of North Dorset in his discipline. Likewise, there was a sharing in the celebrations of bassoonist Nathanael Fagerson (L6c), who achieved his ACTL Diploma, and a marvelling at the sheer beauty of Angus Williams’s (3c) voice when he performed a solo in the Chapel. As Mr Byrne says: “There’s so much variety among the boys, such a range of talents. I love to see the likes of Harry Bedford (3c) and Thomas Northcott (3c) thwacking cricket and hockey balls around ‘the cage’ (the floodlit sports area behind The Green) or hear the sound of Angus practising for his next performance.

It is the sheer diversity of talent in the House that makes it so special.”

The Green has certainly lived up to expectations for its incoming Housemaster, therefore. He has relished the chance to establish the conditions in which everyone has a chance to flourish. “I inherited a brilliant House with a wonderful atmosphere and a great group of boys,” he concludes. “My job is to keep nurturing the tree so that it remains vibrant and healthy, giving roots to everyone who lives here and encouraging their talents to unfurl.”

Harper House ALL THE RIGHT NOTES “I really do think that Harper House is a great place

There are various structural elements to House life

to be. It’s in a fantastic location, giving you a chance

that also make a contribution to its sense of

to detox on the walk home from School. And the

community. “We have regular barbecues in the

relationships between year groups are fantastic.

gardens throughout the summer,” says Cameron,

Everyone gets on brilliantly.”

That is the verdict of Fifth Former Tom O’Sullivan (5d), who has lived in Harper House since joining Sherborne in the Third Form. He’s talking with

“and there is usually some kind of impromptu football match going on in the evenings. In a small House, it doesn’t take long for everyone to form a bond.”

Cameron Cooper (L6d), a Lower Sixth Former who

That is why the Christmas dinner is always such a

shares Tom’s enthusiasm for the House.

success, muses Tom: “We mix the year groups up

“Take this year’s House Play as a case in point,” says Cameron. “We performed The Big Night In, which isn’t very well known. Will Lyde (U6d) directed it, and

and there’s always a great atmosphere. In place of skits, we make spoof music videos and show them after supper. This year’s were really entertaining.”

boys from every year group were involved. It felt like

Tom knows a thing or two about music videos. His

half of the House were given some sort of a job,

band has a loyal following throughout Sherborne

while the other half gave moral support and came to

and is due to record at Abbey Road studios over the

the performances. The play showed the very best of

summer. That may go some way to explaining

Harper House. We were all really proud.”

another feature of Harper House life that he relishes.

The level of interaction between year groups is a defining feature of Harper House, which Tom thinks is partly a result of its location, just off from Sherborne’s town centre. “More fundamentally, though, I think it’s about one really good cohort of senior boys coming in at some point in our history

“You can often hear a piano being played in the common room,” he says. “For me, that’s a really homely sound. And it’s great that people of all abilities feel confident enough to play. That says a lot about the atmosphere in the House.”

It is this atmosphere that Cameron says he relishes

and handing down a brilliant example to subsequent

the most. “I think that every day in Harper House is

generations,” he opines.

brilliant,” he says. “We get to plug into School life,

It is certainly the case that current Sixth Formers feel a responsibility to nurture their younger peers, as Cameron highlights. “As a member of the senior year group in the House, I know that we’re doing all we can to live up to Harper’s reputation for fostering friendships between year groups.”

but also to come home and connect with a smaller circle of friends. That gives Harper a really special character. I agree with Tom: it’s a great place to be.”

Wallace House GROWING TOGETHER Visit Matron Chloe Hughes’s office in Wallace House and you’ll see that the walls are adorned with

Wallace,” says Miss Hughes. “We came top of the

photographs of wide-eyed 13 year olds, on the cusp

Inter-House basketball competition this year, and we

of their Sherborne journey. Miss Hughes likes to

have several players who represent the School in

keep the images on display, so that boys can see

Rugby, Cricket and other sports. Mr Nurton is a keen

how far they’ve come in their years at School.

cricketer, so that’s inevitably popular in the House.

“Wallace House is a home from home for the boys,” she says. “We are constantly working to provide a caring environment in which boys feel at ease.

Seeing their photo on the Matron’s wall is a small

So is football, with important premier league matches streamed in the Common Room where the boys and Mr Nurton enjoy the highs and lows of the season.”

thing, but it all helps to give them a sense of

While he may be known for his deft touch on the

belonging.”

cricket field, Mr Nurton’s real talent was revealed at

The whole team at Wallace House is committed to this mentality. Boys regularly drop into Miss Hughes’s The House photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame

“We have a good sporting tradition here in

office for biscuits and chat, aptly named by some of

this year’s Christmas party. “Suffice it to say his karaoke tribute to Coldplay will live long in the mind of pupils and staff alike,” laughs Miss Hughes.

the Fourth Formers as “Cakes with Chloe”.

Social celebrations are very much a part of life in

Housemaster Mr Nurton’s summer barbecues are

Wallace House. The leavers’ supper is always

another popular feature of House life, and Min, the

popular, as is the Upper Sixth’s dinner party with

Assistant Matron, is always on hand for a catch-up,

pupils from Sherborne Girls. “The boys put a lot of

especially if it’s about her favourite subject, Harry

effort into decorating the room, folding napkins and

Potter. The boys thrive in such an environment,

making sure everything looked perfect,” says Miss

taking responsibility for their surroundings and

Hughes. “It was nice for them to invite their friends

looking out for each other.

from Sherborne Girls into their home.”

“I’m really struck by the connections in the House,”

That is the essence of Miss Hughes’ view of Wallace

Miss Hughes remarks. “There’s a strong sense of

House. Like Mr Nurton and the rest of the House

older boys helping their younger peers.”

team, she wants the boys to be proud to live here,

This dynamic continues when Wallace House residents make use of their generous outdoor playing areas. The barge yard is a hive of activity during the evenings, with summertime football matches being an especially popular shared pursuit.

eager to share the space with others. “Wallace House is where these boys grow up,” she says, gesturing to the photographs on her wall. “It’s such a privilege to see how much they change in their time with us.”

Abbeylands A SEASON OF CHANGE The famous wisteria at the entrance to Abbeylands is

for three years prior to that, so most of the pupils in

in full bloom when we pay a springtime visit to

the House know her well.

Matron Rachel Hiscock. It is, though, a transient bloom: already, there is new growth beneath the purple flowers.

“One of the things I’ve introduced this year is the Matron’s Cup,” she says. “You won’t win this for impressive feats on the sports field or academic

So it is perhaps fitting that the House is going

prowess. This is awarded for habitual kindness,

through a period of transition. Long-serving

integrity and empathy – very much values that

Housemasters Steven and Victoria Clayton are

Abbeylands stands for. I’m delighted to see that it

preparing to leave, while Housemaster-elect Rhidian

has already become highly coveted among the

McGuire will move in over the summer.

boys.”

“It certainly feels like a changing season,” says Mrs

If winning the Matron’s Cup is a highlight of the

Hiscock as we settle down for a cup of tea. “Mr and

Abbeylands year, so too was the leavers’ dinner,

Mrs Clayton have done so much to set the tone in

which took place in May. “It was wonderful to

Abbeylands. We’ll miss them, at the same time as

celebrate the contribution the oldest boys have

welcoming Mr McGuire and his family with

made to life in the House,” Mrs Hiscock remarks.

enthusiasm.”

“Their parents are so proud of them, and rightly so.

That speaks of one of the defining features of Abbeylands: it is a warm, happy and welcoming house. A home from home for boys who love the proximity to School and town alike, who relish

They’ve created a brilliant atmosphere in Abbeylands, which I know the next generation is keen to continue.”

Mrs Hiscock says the key thing about life in

returning in the evening, to be greeted by hot

Abbeylands is the routine building of community

chocolate and biscuits, a chance to unwind with

that is at its heart. “Day by day, the boys look out for

House staff and fellow pupils of every age.

each other and generate a huge amount of fun. That

“We’re a very happy bunch here in Abbeylands,” Mrs Hiscock reflects. “I think it helps that the House team is fairly relaxed. We want the boys to feel they can approach us with any concerns and speak openly to us. That is certainly a crucial part of the Matron’s role.”

Mrs Hiscock has been in post since October 2018,

makes every day a genuine pleasure and is very much a part of Mr and Mrs Clayton’s legacy as Housemasters.” All of which may make the average Abbeylands dweller feel sorry at the Claytons’ departure. But with the McGuire family waiting in the wings, a new era is already unfolding. Rather like the wisteria at the doorway, if you look closely, you’ll see new life already mustering its energy beneath the

giving helpful continuity to the boys during the

current glorious blooms: different, but no less

change in Housemasters. She was Assistant Matron

beautiful.

Lyon House THE INSIDE STORY If you want to understand a Boarding House, you can’t beat a conversation with the boys themselves.

coming every other year for Houses, the boys have

They’ll speak from their own experience, giving you

been able to focus their energies elsewhere in 2018-

an authentic insight into the House and its residents.

19.“The leavers’ supper is always a big event, and this

So it is heartening to sit down with Michal Dvorak (U6g) and Harry le Maistre (U6g) to get the lowdown on Lyon House. Both boys are in the Upper Sixth at Sherborne, with Harry arriving straight from prep school and Michal joining in the Lower Sixth.

“Out of all the Houses at Sherborne, I think Lyon stands out for the really strong bonds that exist between year groups,” says Harry. “That is partly a function of our location, some way from the main campus. We have a strong sense of community here, The House photographs have been reproduced by kind permission of Gillman & Soame

ride. With such ambitious charitable endeavours

year’s was no exception,” says Harry. “It was lovely to reflect on our time in Lyon, and to express our thanks to the House staff for all they’ve done to nurture and encourage us.”

Michal says the Christmas party was another highlight: “The Upper Sixth were invited for a drink with Mr Sunderland in his private residence, which felt like a real privilege. We then enjoyed a delicious supper with all the year groups, where everyone chatted and shared in the excitement of Christmas.”

because there’s a real feeling of coming home when

The House Play was another outstanding

you leave the School buildings.”

achievement. “I found myself on door duty,” Harry

Michal agrees, and says that Lyon’s communal identity played an important part in helping him settle in. “Prior to joining Sherborne my education was in my home country, the Czech Republic,” he says. “It was quite something to join an English boys’ boarding school, but I’ve settled in wonderfully.”

Harry says the Lyon House ethos is about more than its geographical location. “I think our Housemaster, Mr Sunderland, and the whole staff team work really hard to create a strong spirit in Lyon,” he says. “Also, each generation passes on the baton to the younger

reports, “which just goes to show that there’s a job for everybody. It’s another great way of getting all year groups working together, which helps build friendships and gives us all something to be proud of.”

There can be no doubting Harry and Michal’s pride in Lyon House and its residents. Their eyes light up when asked about the experience of living here, and both believe it’s given them brilliant preparation for university (Harry hopes to read Economics, while Michal is set to study Engineering in Munich).

pupils, showing by example how important it is to

“If your school years are about finding who you are in

look out for each other and pull together as a unit.”

community with others, Lyon House has served us

This spirit of togetherness has been seen in previous

very well indeed,” Harry says.

years through Lyon’s astonishing fundraising

“Yes,” agrees Michal. “I’ll remember my time here

activities, including the famous Lyon-to-Lyon cycle

forever.”

The Digby SPACE TO GROW Ask Matron Patsy Wooldridge to identify the

football event that the boys held to raise money for

defining mark of The Digby and she gives a

the Make A Wish Foundation. “They organised the

straightforward answer: “Space, and lots of it.” It is

football-athon as their main fundraising activity,” says

certainly the case that this House, situated slightly

Mrs Wooldridge. “It made more than £2,000, which

away from the town centre on the site of a former

is something of which they can all be very proud.”

hotel, has ample accommodation. It currently houses

Talking of pride, Mrs Wooldridge clearly feels very

76 boys and gives them plenty of room to work, relax

strongly that The Digby is the place to be. “I do think

and play.

“We’re particularly lucky with our outdoor areas,” says Mrs Wooldridge. “We have a brilliant lawn that gives the boys fantastic opportunities for sports and general relaxation. The croquet set is regularly in use

it’s the best House in School,” she laughs, “but of course I’m biased. The physical environment is wonderful, but the spirit among the boys is also great. They really look out for each other. We have a lovely atmosphere at our House events.”

throughout the Trinity Term.” Making greater use of

Take the annual Christmas party as a case in point.

that space has been a key feature of new

“We benefit from a lovely ballroom that was part of

Housemaster Rob Le Poidevin’s tenure so far. “Mr Le

the original hotel,” says Mrs Wooldridge. “You can

Poidevin is keen to include more social events in The

imagine how beautiful it looks when festooned with

Digby’s calendar,” says Mrs Wooldridge. “For

Christmas decorations. The boys are always in high

example, we held a picnic on the lawn for parents

spirits for the party and there’s a tangible sense of

and boys, which we’re hoping becomes an annual

community.”

event.”

This House spirit undoubtedly explains The Digby’s

“We’ve also resurrected the annual leavers’ dinner,

well-documented success in sporting activities. “It is

providing an opportunity for the Upper Sixth

often the House to beat in competitions and this

Formers to celebrate their achievements with

year was no exception,” says Mrs Wooldridge,

parents and friends and look back on their time at

gesturing at the silverware in Mr Le Poidevin’s study.

Sherborne.”

“But we never take anything for granted. Sport

It isn’t just The Digby’s dwellers who have been encouraged to make more use of its grounds. The Third Formers hosted a whole-year film evening in

matters first and foremost because it’s a way of bringing the boys together. But winning things undoubtedly brings a boost!”

the Trinity Term, enjoying an open-air cinema

The competitive instinct is alive and kicking in The

experience that Mrs Wooldridge says really brought

Digby, therefore. But what matters more than

them together. “The Digby boys relished the

anything is the sense in which these boys know they

opportunity to show off their new surroundings.”

are part of something bigger: a vibrant community

Another highlight of the year was the 24-hour

that is forming them all for the future.

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RE MEMBE RI NG

A N G U S TET T ( 6 a ) KESTER JACKSON (HOUSEMASTER, SCHOOL HOUSE) The tragic death of Angus Tett at the start of Trinity

was one of Angus’s trademark characteristics that always

Term sent shock waves not only through our close-knit

won our affection. Never one to shy away from a left-field

School House community but across the School as a

challenge, Angus decided to join the cast for the School

whole.

House production of Catch-22 last Michaelmas term. His

Angus was a much-loved School House boy and Shirburnian who gave his creativity, humour and energy in rich abundance. He loved camaraderie and often played a vital role in enhancing its effect with plenty of support

masterful grasp of comic timing in the part of “Patient’s Mother” had the audience laughing out loud every time he delivered with a screeching voice his one-worded line “Giuseppe” as he rocked to-and-fro in his chair.

for his teammates. Never was this more on show than in

Other pursuits included the piano in which he persisted

his participation in rugby for the ‘Gentleman’s 5ths’, from

with lessons not for the accolade of grades but for the

which he derived great enjoyment in helping to drive his

sheer enjoyment of playing. He was also a keen and

team through several successful seasons. Angus

talented polo player whose dexterity and control in the

captained our House water polo team and last term led

saddle could always impress. School House will of course

them to the final in which we only narrowly lost in the last

remember his deft handling of a Frisbee and his

minute of play. He was awarded Man of the Match in that

enjoyment of casting it the full diagonal width of the

contest, for his calmness and control under pressure. He

Courts with rapier-like accuracy directly into the hands of

was also highly credited for how well our players had

his friends. With plenty to keep him occupied, there was

developed their skills, strategies and teamwork under his

also the side of Angus that relished the home comforts.

leadership.

Indeed, time spent hanging out with friends, chatting,

Such an inspiring influence was also evidenced by his completion of the Leadership Award during his Lower Sixth year. With a spirit of outdoor adventure derived

laughing, and sometimes watching a film was always keenly sought. He was rarely alone, so endearing was his easy-going, caring and warm disposition.

from his life in Zambia, he was a highly capable climber

At the end of last term I had the honour of awarding

and for our Climb Everest Challenge last year, managed

Angus his House Colours for his positive contribution to

to ascend the wall a total of 84 times, with a single

our community life and his support of our Inter-House

session of 45 times serving as our House record.

teams. Angus’s love of nature and the outdoors may well

Not only was such effort driven by his determination to

have seen him study Zoology or Animal Behaviour at

raise plenty of money for charity. It was also his way of

university with a gap year planned to train as a guide and

helping a close friend with the loss of his father,

work in a national park in Zimbabwe. The outpouring of

supporting him throughout as so often he would do for

grief from his friends and the many gestures of solidarity

all his friends when they were in need. When

in the face of his tragic passing will remain in the minds

congratulated on this superb achievement, Angus

of many. But over time, more so will the memory of

dismissed any fuss made and deflected credit to his

Angus’s skills, friendship, kindness, modesty and humour.

friends who were involved. Such self-effacing modesty

Off to a flying start Sherborne’s Fly Fishing Society has made a splash since launching earlier in the year.

It is a quiet evening in the tranquil surroundings of Sutton Bingham Reservoir, nestled in the heart of the Somerset countryside. Apart from the gentle birdsong drifting on the breeze, the only sound is the rhythmic movement of fishing rods as they pass back and forth through the air, expertly cast by a gathering of boys clad handsomely in dun-coloured tweed.

Occasionally, one of the young fishermen snares a rainbow trout, struggling to contain his

regular opportunity for reflection

“The boys wash and gut the fish

excitement as he draws it to the

by the lakeside,” Matt muses.

at Sutton Bingham,” he says.

water’s edge ready for landing.

“Fishing is a fantastic way to relax.

“There’s a limit to how many trout

With scenes like this, it is hardly a

It’s a chance to get into your own

each person can catch. But even

surprise that Sherborne’s new Fly

space, find a rhythm, and enjoy

so, we quickly found we had more

Fishing Society has proved a

being in the midst of nature.”

trout coming back to School than we knew what to do with.”

popular co-curricular activity. Art and Photography teacher (and

Of course, alongside the

The problem was resolved by

OS) Matt Bone (m 91) formed the

tranquillity and relaxation, there’s

locating a brace of spare freezers,

club, partly because he

another side effect of a regular

which now sit proudly near the Art

remembers enjoying fishing whilst

consortium of six to eight boys

studio. After each session at the

at school in the 1980s.

travelling from Sherborne three

lake (the group has fished on a

times a week to fish: Matt soon

Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday

“I thought it would be good for

found he was inundated with

from the second half of Lent Term

the boys’ wellbeing to have a

trout.

through to the end of Trinity), an

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email goes out to staff declaring

will be awarded at the end of

young people out by the water to

that the freezer is stocked. “It

term and is being hotly contested

experience the sport. Inspired by

soon gets emptied,” laughs Matt.

by members of the society.

this, Matt hopes to team up with some of the local state schools,

As well as feeding Sherborne’s fish-loving teachers, the club

“We’re hoping to arrange some

perhaps in Yeovil, so the boys can

gives boys who are used to fishing

kind of competition with other fly-

share their enthusiasm more

at home with their family and

fishing clubs in due course,” Matt

widely.

friends a chance to continue the

says. “We have some contacts

pastime at School. “Lots of the

with the England Juniors, who

“Our regulars are very

boys who come out regularly are

may fancy a trip to the West

enthusiastic about fishing, and

very experienced fishermen,”

Country for a match against our

have a huge amount of

reports Matt. “They know exactly

boys. That would undoubtedly be

knowledge,” he concludes. “I’m

what they’re doing, and love the

a fantastic experience, though

sure the club will grow in the

chance to keep their hand in while

we’d have to hone our

coming years, as word spreads.

they’re away from home.”

competitive instincts to be in with

I’m certainly receiving a number

a chance of winning against such

of questions about it during open

illustrious opponents.”

days. If the boys can share their

To bring a competitive edge to

interest with others in the local

the trips, the fishing-equipment retailer Orvis, which has a branch

Another interesting connection is

community, I think that will be a

in Sherborne, has offered a

with the Countryside Alliance,

fantastic development for the

voucher to the boy who nets the

whose “Fishing for Schools”

club and the School alike.”

heaviest catch this year. The prize

programme is aimed at getting

Sport

Sport and wellbeing Since the 19th Century, sport has played a key

But now it is just as relevant to acknowledge the

part in the day-to-day lives of boys at English

social and mental benefits of regular participation

public schools such as Sherborne. During the

in sport and exercise.

“Age of Athleticism” and rational recreation there was a growing appreciation of the benefits of physical exercise and sport, particularly through participation in the major games.

That view remains true today: we all know about the importance of looking after ourselves physically, of keeping our bodies in good shape and managing our blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

In an age of growing concern about mental wellbeing, with increasing incidence of teenage depression, anxiety and stress, sport and exercise provide a drug-free treatment to help reduce symptoms and promote “positive protection”.

Through exercise, we can help young people cope with the challenges of modern life and function effectively at an important time in their

- 113 -

education when exams, peer pressure and other

Through our extended games options process, we

stresses can have a serious impact on their

are committed to finding an activity for every boy

welfare. Team sports, for example, offer so many

to enjoy. Whether it is on the hockey pitch, the

opportunities for dealing with stress, including by

fives court, in a yoga session or even fly fishing at

increasing volume in the hippocampus (the region

Sutton Bingham, we firmly believe that we can

of the brain that deals with memory and the

offer opportunities for every boy to find their

ability to cope with stress).

thing: their release, an outlet, and a means to

But unlike the Victorian era, we now recognise that not all boys enjoy the collisions we see on the Upper each Saturday in the Michaelmas Term, or the cognitive challenges of a cricket match.

Team sports are not everyone’s cup of tea.

enhance their wellbeing. That way, we help the boys at Sherborne to be healthy, happy and fulfilled.

Dave Guy (Director of Sport)

Rugby 1st XV The season got off to a slow start for the Firsts, with three straight losses at the hands of Bishop Wordsworth’s School (twice) and Radley. But the team showed great resilience in bouncing back with an emphatic 24-8 win at home to Abingdon in early October. Thereafter, with greater consistency across the field, the results became more balanced.

Encouraging away wins were recorded at Bryanston, King Edward VI, Exeter School and Cheltenham, while the home record was burnished with victories over Canford, Skinners’ School and Christ’s Hospital. The latter two put Sherborne through to the final of the National Plate, in which they fell to a narrow 21-28 defeat against a powerful Bloxham side.

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3rd XV

5th XV

There were not really any close

There was only one outing for the

games for the Thirds this season:

Fifths this year, which resulted in a

when they won, they won big.

disappointing 5-50 loss away to

And when the lost, the margin

Radley. The team is to be

was similarly emphatic. A 29-41

commended for its doggedness

loss to Radley at the start of the

and good-humoured spirit,

season was typical of the season’s

however, they take genuine pride

results, but the team showed

in representing Sherborne.

good spirit and played some excellent rugby. This paid off in their next two matches, where

2nd XV It was a balanced year for the Seconds, who won six out of their 11 matches and lost the rest. They started well, beating Bishop Wordsworth’s School by 39 points in the season’s first game. They then fell to a 12-32 loss away to Radley, before scoring a brace of

they won a friendly against

The Sixths had their first match of

Downside and then scored a

the season cancelled, meaning

thumping 45-3 victory over

their only game was against King’s

Abingdon. A closely fought match

Bruton in mid-November. The

against Clifton in November

result was a gratifying 49-7 victory

resulted in a richly deserved 42-32

– as much a reflection of the boys’

win for Sherborne and the season

wonderful team spirit as of their

drew to a close with a sweet

skill on the pitch.

10-point win at home to Marlborough.

scintillating victories over Clayesmore (41-0) and Abingdon (31-0). The losses tended to be in

6th XV

4th XV

Colts A XV By the time of their fifth match this season, the Colts A team

tighter games, such as a 21-24

The Fourths lost just one of their

looked unstoppable. They’d

defeat away to Cheltenham, but

five matches this season, failing to

racked up successive victories

the season ended on a high, with

make any in-roads against a

against Bishop Wordsworth’s,

a resounding 21-7 win over

powerful Millfield team in mid-

Radley, Clayesmore and

Marlborough. This home match

October. That disappointment

Abingdon, and confidence was

was well contested, and provided

aside, it was a very positive run of

riding high. An eight-point away

a positive note on which to draw a

games that began with a 17-10

defeat to Millfield only

hard-fought season of rugby to a

win away to Radley and ended

temporarily quelled the team’s

close.

with a 24-19 home win against

spirit, and they bounced back

Marlborough. Impressive victories

with a crushing 52-0 defeat of

against Clifton and Cheltenham

Bryanston. The end of the season

were sandwiched in between,

was almost a mirror image of the

showing the strength, depth and

first games, with three successive

commitment of this group of

defeats proving frustrating and

players. Their spirit is tangible,

disappointing in equal measure.

giving them a definite advantage

The boys will have learned from

out on the field.

this experience, however, and come back next season with renewed determination.

Colts B XV

Junior Colts A XV

The Colts B team had a strong

It was a frustrating season for the

The Junior Colts B team enjoyed

start to their season, winning

Junior Colts A team as they

a strong season, with six victories

against Bishop Wordsworth’s,

struggled to make an impression

out of 10 games. Early wins at

Radley and Abingdon. They did

in competitive matches. Their two

home to Bishop Wordsworth’s

well to hang on for a draw at

wins came in a friendly against

and Radley helped build

Millfield before losing to Queen’s

Clayesmore and a 31-7 home

confidence, making defeats at the

College, Taunton and Canford.

victory over Bryanston.

hands of Downside and Millfield

A sweet 26-0 win at home to Cheltenham helped restore confidence, but the seasonending 7-40 loss away to Marlborough proved a bitter pill.

Apart from these highlights, the season saw the team lose to the likes of Abingdon, Marlborough, Cheltenham and Clifton.

Junior Colts B XV

easier to bear. A close match against Bryanston, which Sherborne won 26-19, proved a highlight of the season, as did the resounding 27-5 victory over Cheltenham. The team was

The boys will come back stronger

Even so, their fighting spirit

next season.

remained strong and in many

disappointed to lose 14-19 away

matches they did well to stay

to Marlborough at the end of the

within touching distance of

year – the score reflects the tight

Colts C XV In a season disrupted by cancellations and postponements, the Colts C team struggled to find a rhythm. Things got off to a promising start with a 44-10 victory at home to Radley, but by October the squad struggled to make an impression on opponents. Successive defeats to Bryanston and King’s College, Taunton, who they played twice in a week, proved disappointing. But the team learns from such experiences, and its indomitable spirit remains intact.

stronger opposition.

A valuable learning experience for a young team.

margins that characterised the game.

Junior Colts C XV There is no denying that the Junior Colts C team found this season challenging. They managed just one victory, in a friendly away to Canford. Some defeats were easier to cope with than others, because they were recorded against opposition that Sherborne’s brave players simply couldn’t rival. Results such as the 17-21 loss away to Clayesmore were harder on the team: a case of “so near, and yet so far.”

Mini Colts B XV

Junior Colts D XV A string of cancellations meant the D team played just two matches this season, and had a 50 per cent win rate. The victory came in a friendly away to Clayesmore, which the boys won 28-24. The defeat was an emphatic 12-48 against Radley at

Mini Colts C XV

When the season began with a

Just two defeats from nine

thumping 60-0 victory at home to

matches bear eloquent witness to

Bishop Wordsworth’s, the B team

the strength of this squad. They

had high hopes for an impressive

won impressively against tough

run of form. The subsequent

opposition from the likes of

21-10 win away to Radley was no

Radley, Clayesmore, Abingdon

less impressive because it showed

and Millfield. The defeats came at

genuine resilience and

the hands of Canford and

determination from the boys.

Cheltenham. But nothing could

Things appeared to slow down

take the shine off a strong season,

with a brace of 5-19 losses in

which ended with a satisfying

subsequent matches, but the

21-10 victory at home to

team bounced back to beat

Marlborough.

Millfield 40-5 at home and Queen’s College, Taunton 21-7 away. Two narrow defeats came at

Mini Colts D XV

the hands of Canford and Clifton,

A couple of very tight matches

but the season ended with a rare

provided plenty of tension for the

draw (7-7 at Cheltenham) and a

Mini Colts D team and their

convincing 27-0 win over

supporters. They won one of

Marlborough.

these matches, beating Abingdon

the very start of the season – a

5-0 at home. Ironic, then, that

tough induction to the challenges

they should lose by the same

of Inter-School rugby.

margin against Marlborough at the season’s end. Apart from the

Mini Colts A XV Six wins and five defeats bears eloquent witness to a mixed season for the Mini Colts A team.

Their results were topsy turvy to say the least, with a 57-0 win over Clayesmore and a 50-7 win over Thomas Hardye showing the potential on the field. That the Clayesmore result came a week after a 0-57 loss away to Radley shows the team’s struggle with consistency. Even so, they kept their heads up even when conditions were tough and did well to make it through to the County Cup Semi Final with a 26-7 win at home to Canford.

thrill of these games, the biggest margin of victory was against Clifton, where the team won away 43-22. Strong performances at the end of the season certainly helped dispel the memory of successive defeats to Radley and Downside in September.

- 119 -

Mini Colts E XV Two emphatic victories tell the story of a strong team performance from the E team this season. They did well to beat a strong Bryanston side 35-5 while playing away from home. The 26-5 victory over Marlborough was

Rugby Sevens

similarly impressive, and resulted

1st VII

Junior Colts A VII

A string of cancelled tournaments

The U15 VII had only one

including South Coast Portsmouth

competitive tournament this

7s, South West 7s and Canford 7s

season, at Bryanston. They won

from a huge team effort to defend their line. The only loss of the season came with a 10-point deficit away to Radley, while a chess-like game against Canford resulted in an intriguing 0-0 draw.

meant the sevens season didn’t

four out of their five matches to

get going until the National 7s at

come away as the Plate

Rosslyn Park. Perhaps as a result, it

Competition winners.

took the team a little time to find

Mini Colts F XV

their rhythm, and things got

A solitary try proved the

underway with a brace of losses:

Mini Colts A VII

0-36 to Dulwich and 14-28 to

The U14 VII also won silverware at

difference between Sherborne and Radley in the F team’s only game of the season. They lost the match, but deserve credit for playing the game with bravery, courtesy and good humour – traits that have been on display throughout the training sessions

Denstone. The team’s spirits

the Bryanston 7s competition

picked up with resounding

winning the Plate Competition.

victories over Bedford School and

They also travelled to QE Barnet

Crosskeys College, which left the

for the first time where they won

U18 side third in their group of

two and lost two, triumphing over

five, narrowly missing out on day

St Benedict’s School and The

two of the competition.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School and losing to St Joseph’s College

this season.

and Wellington College. This set

Colts A VII

them up for a tough day at the

The U16 team also had cancelled

National 7s at Rosslyn Park. The

tournaments, which left them with

first day of the competition saw

no preparation before the

them win twice – against Queen

National 7s. Two wins out of three

Elizabeth’s School, Barnet and

matches gave the Colts A team

King Edward’s, Bath – and lose by

confidence for qualifying from

a margin of three points to

their group. They beat St Paul’s

Wimbledon College, meaning

19-10 and went on to enjoy a

they did not qualify for day two of

thumping 40-0 victory over

the competition.

Shiplake. A subsequent 14-17 loss to Merchant Taylors’ in their last group match by three points meant that they did not qualify for the second day of the competition.

Cricket 1st XV Five wins and seven losses may not make for the best reading for the Firsts, but the results disguise a season of real

growth in the team. It took the boys a while to find their form, with successive defeats to Marlborough, Wellington

School and Millfield at the start of the season. The team

bounced back with a tense

twelve run T20 victory over

Taunton School and then beat the Sherborne Pilgrims by an impressive 52-run margin.

Losses to Bryanston, Taunton School and Clifton followed,

before things got back on track

with an 85-run victory over Canford and a resounding victory over Blundell’s.

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Junior Colts A XI Five wins and four losses tell an eloquent story of the A team’s season. They lost their first two matches, falling 28 runs short against Marlborough and losing by nine wickets against Millfield. A 76-run victory over Prior Park helped restore their confidence, but this was followed by an agonising one-wicket defeat to

2nd XI

4th XI

Colston’s School. Three

The Seconds asserted their

Perhaps the most emphatic

successive victories over

authority over the competition

victory of the Fourths’ successful

Bryanston, Taunton School and

this season by winning every

season was a nine-wicket win over

Poole Grammar were richly

match they played. Memorable

Clayesmore, in which the boys

deserved, and a three-wicket

victories included a 100-run win

showed real class. They also beat

defeat to Clifton could easily have

over Taunton School and a nail-

Prior Park by 55 runs and Taunton

been avoided. Added to a four-

biting four-run win over

School by five wickets, with their

wicket win over Canford, the

Clayesmore. Throughout the

only defeat coming at the hands

season had a pleasing shape for

season, the boys showed great

of Marlborough, right at the start

these boys, who have worked

determination and poise, as well

of the season.

hard to finesse their talents in

as magnanimity in victory. They have been rewarded with a highly impressive run of results.

nets.

5th XI A strong bowling performance

Junior Colts B XI

from Marlborough meant that the

Despite losing the season opener

3rd XI

Fifths struggled to impose

against Marlborough by 119 runs,

Losing just two of their six

themselves on their only game

the B team enjoyed a pleasing run

matches, the Thirds showed their

this season. They eventually fell to

of results. They beat Millfield by 16 runs, King’s Bruton by 88 runs

skill on the cricket field. After a

an 85-run loss, but not before

brace of season-opening losses –

putting in a courageous batting

and Taunton School by 20 runs –

to Marlborough and Millfield –

performance.

showing a capacity to dominate

they pulled themselves together

matches and achieve unequivocal

and won emphatically against

margins of victory.

tough competition from the likes of King’s Bruton, Taunton School, and Clayesmore. All in all, a very successful season for a committed and focused team.

Junior Colts C XI

Mini Colts B XI

The C team won all of their five matches this season, and were

A near unblemished record

disappointed to see a sixth potential victory slip away due to weather at

should give the Junior Colts B

Millfield. The victories were well earned: four wickets over Millfield, 53

plenty of reasons to feel

runs over Prior Park, four wickets over Taunton School and an especially

contented at their season. They

impressive 114-run victory over Clayesmore.

beat Marlborough, Millfield (by just one wicket), King’s Bruton, Taunton School, Clayesmore and Clifton to establish their dominance. Huge plaudits are deserved for their perseverance, tenacity and competitive spirit.

Mini Colts C XI The C team had a mixed year, with three victories from seven matches and others that could have gone either way. They revelled in a five-wicket victory over King’s Bruton and doubtless enjoyed beating Clayesmore by nine wickets. But the relatively small margins of their 14-run

Mini Colts A XI The season didn’t get off to an encouraging start, with a five-wicket defeat to Millfield following hot on the heels of an 82-run loss at the hands of Marlborough. Things soon picked up, however, with victories over Prior Park, Twynham and Bryanston. A 26-run defeat at home to Taunton School didn’t upset the boys’ rhythm. They went on to secure

defeat to Marlborough and 19-run loss to Taunton School will undoubtedly rankle. Nonetheless, the team showed good spirit and a real commitment throughout the season.

an 89-run victory over Clayesmore and a five-wicket win against Canford.

Overall, it was a balanced season, with plenty of promise on display throughout the Sherborne line-up.

Mini Colts D XI Just one match for the D team this year, which resulted in a sixwicket defeat away to Marlborough.

- 123 -

Hockey

1st XI

2nd XI

It was a solid season for the Firsts, who secured six

The Seconds can boast an impressive tally of

wins and seven losses. It all kicked off to an

victories for the season. They racked up seven wins

impressive start with a 5-0 victory against Richard

and two losses. All the victories were hard fought,

the team then managed their best result of the

Grammar School, eventually won after conceding

Huish College. Following a loss to Bristol College,

season, winning 8-0 against Clayesmore, with a

with the first game of the season, against Bristol two goals in the opening 10 minutes. Against

notably impressive glove save from Rob Kennedy

Canford, Sam Usher (5m) scored brilliantly in the last

play resulting from hard practice were evident all

win. With a shake-up of players, the team worked

(U6f) to hold their lead. Moments of outstanding through the season, particularly against Taunton

10 minutes in another close call to bring home the hard to find their groove during two disappointing

College, where the team got off to a racing start

results against Wellington School and King’s

losses, when they came, were by small margins,

evidence throughout the season, leading to some

to secure a 4-0 lead in the first 12 minutes. The

showing the quality that abounds in this talented team.

College, Taunton. The team’s fighting spirit was in intense and very exciting matches.

3rd XI

Colts A XI

With seven wins and only one

The Colts A team unfortunately

loss, the Thirds had a

had three of their six planned

commendable season. As a new

matches cancelled this season.

team that hadn’t trained together,

This didn’t diminish their

they took some time to find a

enthusiasm, however, and they

rhythm. Even so, they racked up

won two of their games in

the goals, learning on their feet

emphatic style. Primed for their

from the first match against Bristol

first match against Bryanston, the

Grammar School, which they won

Colts skilfully took the lead from

an impressive 11-1 victory against

4-0. After a knock in confidence

the outset, resulting in a 6-3 win.

Bryanston. Their final two matches

against Canford, losing 1-8, the

A relentless match at home to

ended in draws with King’s

team soon picked themselves up.

Canford followed, which

College, Taunton and Millfield.

They were undefeated for the rest

Sherborne won 5-2. The Colts

of the season, with particular

were evenly matched in their final

highlights being a 7-1 victory at

game against King’s College,

home to Millfield and an 8-1 win

Taunton but sadly succumbed to a

The Junior Colts B team had a

away to Taunton School.

2-3 loss. The boys battled hard

strong season, with seven wins,

throughout the season: they are a

one draw and one loss. They got

strong and promising group of

off to a powerful start against

players.

Bristol Grammar School, with the

4th XI

boys playing excellent attacking

It was a strong season for the Fourths, who enjoyed five wins

Junior Colts B XI

hockey from the outset. With

Junior Colts A XI

Bristol managing to equalise it

A team full of determined and

The Junior Colts A team had a

looked like the match would end

skilled individuals, Sam Vincent

busy season. Playing 11 matches

in a draw, but Kit Rowsell (4d) then

(5g), Oscar Chandler (L6c) and

in total, they secured eight wins,

scored a wonder goal to secure

Harry McGinty (5a) set the tone

two draws and one loss. In their

the win. Following a draw to

and a draw to remain undefeated.

for the season with a three-goal

debut match against King

Clayesmore and a loss against

lead in the opening match against

Edward’s, Bath, the boys took a

Canford, the team maintained a

Warminster. They maintained their

1-0 lead by the end of the first

winning streak until the season’s

winning streak with a 4-0 result

half. They went on to score five

close. They showed excellent

against Clayesmore, whose solid

more goals in the second half,

commitment, and the final match

goalie prevented the team from

delivering an emphatic and

of the season ended sweetly with

getting past 1-0 by half time.

confidence-boosting victory. A

a 6-1 victory against Millfield.

Canford put on the pressure,

tight match against Bristol

resulting in a draw. But the team

Grammar ultimately ended in 3-1

put in an impeccable display

to Sherborne, followed by a 5-1

against Bryanston, with all players

win on a slippery pitch against

demonstrating composure, skill,

Clayesmore. Despite great

accuracy and teamwork to secure

defensive work, the team saw a

a deserved 5-1 victory. The season

dip in results with a 2-1 loss

ended in style with a 6-0 win

against Taunton School mid-

against Taunton School.

season. Fired up, they then won the next five matches, including

- 125 -

Mini Colts A The Mini Colts A team fought hard in their first hockey-playing season at Sherborne, culminating in four wins, five losses and a draw. The boys’ fighting spirit was evident from the getgo, but unfortunately their first match ended in a 1-2 loss to Bristol Grammar School. A boost in confidence came from their second match against Clayesmore, where, despite a very talented Clayesmore goalie, the boys were able to outmanoeuvre the opposition and take home a 9-1 win.

Their effort produced a good result

Football

against Taunton School, where they

1st XI

played with intent and confidence to

It was a mixed season for the Firsts, who played 19 matches

secure a 5-2 win. Though not able to replicate these victories in their final two matches against King’s College, Taunton and Millfield, the team showed considerable promise.

and ended on six wins, four draws and nine losses. The first

match against Taunton School ended in a draw, followed by

a 2-3 loss against Canford. The team saw their first victory

against Bristol Grammar School, winning 4-2. This was

followed by another great 6-2 win against Wells Cathedral.

After a disappointing match against QEH, the boys came to

Mini Colts B The Mini Colts B XI had an unfortunate season, with their final results tally reading no wins, four draws and five losses. But the team fought hard throughout, and didn’t let their heads go down even when times were tough.

They learned a huge amount from their debut match against Bristol Grammar School, losing 1-6. Against Clayesmore five days later, the boys scored early, but Clayesmore then managed two quick goals to record a 1-2 win. Playing excellent defence against Gillingham, the two teams were evenly matched, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The season ended with another draw in a very tense match against Millfield, where the boys played their best hockey of the season.

their next match against Monmouth School with

determination, which paid off, resulting in a 4-2 victory. They

continued their winning streak against Canford, securing a

2-1 victory. But the team struggled to maintain their wins for

the rest of the season until a 2-1 friendly win against

Taunton School. They ended with a disappointing 0-4 loss

away to Millfield.

2nd XI A balanced season for the Seconds, with four wins, two draws and four losses. The team had a shaky start but secured their first victory of the season in wet conditions against Monmouth School. It was an evenly matched game, but precise footwork and a focused attitude led to a 3-2 win. This was followed by a 3-3 draw at home to Downside. After conceding three goals in the start of the second half, the team should be commended for their efforts in equalising. The boys ended the season with their strongest performance and a muchdeserved 4-2 victory over Millfield.

3rd XI

5th XI

6th XI

The Thirds enjoyed a positive

The Fifths has a disappointing

Just one game gave the Sixths a

season, securing five wins, two

start to their season, losing 4-5 to

chance to shine, which they duly

draws and three losses

QEH and 0-6 to Wellington

did. They triumphed 1-0 in a

throughout their campaign. They

School. They secured a

friendly at home to QEH, playing

began with a close match against

consolatory 4-1 win away to

some excellent football and

Millfield in which the

Millfield in their last match – a

thoroughly enjoying the run out.

determination of both teams was

fitting reward for a season of hard

reflected in the 5-5 score line.

training and genuine team spirit.

They then played excellently against Monmouth, maintaining possession in muddy conditions to secure an emphatic victory. A string of losses followed, but the team turned their season around with a 5-0 victory over King Edward’s, Bath. In another fantastic result, they beat Clifton 7-0 towards the season’s end.

4th XI The season got off to a solid start against QEH with a 2-1 win. After an unfortunate 1-3 loss to Trinity School, the team rediscovered their rhythm against Downside, playing a strong defensive game and winning 6-2. After a cancelled match with Malvern, the boys were champing at the bit to play Marlborough and went on to win 6-0. Despite a 1-4 loss to QEH to end the season, the team should be proud. They played some wonderful football throughout the year.

Colts A XI After two friendlies, the Colts A

team enjoyed an early 2-1 win

against Monmouth School. They

then did well to hold a strong

Canford team to a 2-2 draw. After

a 5-2 win against Marlborough, the

team secured two more victories

against Wellington and Clifton, but

succumbed to a 2-4 loss against

Downside. Though not ending the

season in the way they wanted, it

was a close and competitive final

game against Millfield that

resulted in a 2-4 defeat. This team

has enjoyed a solid season,

helping prepare the players to

represent the First XI next year.

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Junior Colts B Few would deny that it was a

Luck wasn’t on the side of the

disappointing season for the

Junior Colts C team this season.

Junior Colts B team, who failed to

They didn’t manage to win any of

win any of their matches. Results

their matches, but did hold on for

don’t tell the whole story of a

a hard-fought 2-2 draw with

season, however, and the team

Millfield in March. That said, the

should be commended for their

team showed great improvement

perseverance and positive spirit.

over the course of each match,

Never did they let their heads go

Colts B XI

down, even against opposition

The Colts B team secured two

that outplayed them. Instead,

wins from six matches this season, but showed great promise across the field. Despite some determined play, the season got

Junior Colts C

they remained cheery and optimistic – a fine embodiment of the character and resilience for which Shirburnians are renowned.

off to a slow start with a run of

starting with their first against QEH. Playing against a stiff breeze, they held off their opponents through most of the first half, but collapsed in the final quarter to give the game away.

Playing against Sherborne International, the team scored three wonderful goals in a very

defeats and draws against the

exciting match that ended with a

likes of QEH, Marlborough and

3-6 loss. Many will say that the

Gillingham School. Looking to

season’s record doesn’t reflect the

improve their form, the team

team’s ability, still less their

made some changes for the

attitude.

match against Clifton. This led to a great performance and the team’s first victory – an emphatic 4-0 score line reflecting their dominance. After a cancelled match against Sherborne International, the boys ended the season on a high with a 4-1 win against Millfield.

Junior Colts A The season was a mixed bag for the Junior Colts A team, who recorded three wins and five losses for their efforts. The season got off to a good start, with the team winning their first two matches, against QEH and Monmouth respectively. Perhaps running out of steam, the team then saw a dip in their winning streak when they faced Marlborough, which ended in a 1-4 defeat. A better

Colts C XI

performance followed against Gillingham, but the result was

It was a disappointing season for

Sherborne International. Though technically not at their best, the

the Colts C team, who failed to

team added a little extra brightness by racking up a 4-1 victory.

another loss. The next match was played on a sunny day against

record any victories in their four

They then succumbed to a run of losses, culminating in a 3-6 defeat

matches. Even so, they received

at home to Millfield.

plaudits from their opponents and coaches for their magnanimity, positive attitude and tremendous team spirit.

Tennis Mini Colts A A wonderful mid-season performance was bookended by a slow start and finish for the Mini Colts A team. They took home two wins, one draw and four losses in total. It was a promising start in their debut game against QEH, with both teams playing hard and pushing for a win. A 1-1 draw gave the team food for thought for their training drills. A 3-5 loss against Monmouth was followed by a few match cancellations. Things perked up for the boys when they faced Gillingham School, securing a 7-2 victory. Hugo Marriage (3g) scored four goals in total and deservedly won Man of the Match.

The team then enjoyed a 6-4 win in their brilliant next match against Wellington College, but the season ended with losses to Clifton and The Gryphon School.

The 1st VI maintained an excellent

win/loss ratio during the first half of

term with victories against Clifton,

Bryanston, Downside and Millfield and one loss against Canford. However,

with several of our regular players

unable to play due to exams, this ratio crept to 4-4 during the second half of

term. Notable this season was the

increased number of players asked to

represent the School at this level, all

able and very keen to prove

themselves on court. Such depth of

ability will serve the School well next

year. The 2nd VI had a successful

season with an 80% win rate and

notable victories against Marlborough,

Mini Colts B The Mini Colts B team can boast a very positive season in which they were undefeated in six matches. Starting the season as they meant to go on, their match against QEH ended in a 5-0 victory. They put five past their opposition again, winning 5-1 against Monmouth and then went on to beat Sexey’s School 4-0. Their biggest win of the season came against Sherborne International, against whom they secured a whopping 10-2 victory.

Millfield threatened to break the boys’ string of wins, but they didn’t quite manage it with the match ending in another 4-3 victory for Sherborne. Perhaps exhausted from their success and determination, the season ended with a rounded 2-2 draw in another match against Millfield.

Bryanston and Clifton. With there

being little to choose between our top

14 players, the Second VI have always

put out a competitive team and show

the depth that Sherborne has in the

sport. The 3rd VI was unbeaten, albeit

from only four games, which highlights

the strength and depth of tennis at

Sherborne, since we played a variety of

abilities and even a match against

Marlborough girls, in the absence of a

boys 3rd VI team.

The Colts A tennis team had a short

but successful season, beating

everyone except Millfield. Although

performance and development are

Mini Colts C Recording one draw and five losses in their six games, the Mini Colts C team had a difficult season. That said, the boys showed real resilience and continued to

important, the boys were certainly

delighted with the conclusive 7–2

victories against both local rivals

Bryanston and Canford. Player of the

year was Cosmo Henderson (5e).

improve from match to match. They thoroughly deserved a mid-season 2-2 draw with Sherborne International and played exceptionally well against The Park School in their last match of the year. It ended in a 1-4 loss, but the score line doesn’t reflect the quality of play on the field.

Having started the season with two

tight games against Clifton and

Canford, the Junior Colts A squad then either won convincingly or lost heavily.

They finish the season with a record of

- 129 -

four wins and six loses. They have certainly learnt that there are levels of tennis well above them, for example in their final match against Bournemouth Collegiate, Josh Campbell (4g) played the national champion in his age group. Euan Jardine (4e) wins the award for player of the season, having played with determination and a desire to improve in all practices and matches.

14 boys represented the Junior Colts B tennis team in various fixtures this term. The fact that they won seven of their nine fixtures reflects the depth of talent in this pool of players. Their grit and determination to grind out results should not be understated either, particularly in the hail and rain against Clifton and Clayesmore respectively. A number of fine partnerships were formed, but a special mention of Lucas Gardner (4c) and Tiff Austen (4d), who played themselves into contention from the Blue Squad - not only did the boys produce some great tennis on the courts, but their competitiveness and attitude was excellent throughout.

The Mini Colts tennis season was hugely successful with nearly 20 boys representing the School in fixtures.

Under the direction of Mr Giles, Miss Bailon and Mr Harris, the players trained hard and enjoyed considerable success, including the victories against Canford and Millfield. Special mention should be made of the six brave B team players who defeated an U15 Clayesmore team in torrential rain, showing real resilience and determination. The Annual Road to Wimbledon competition to find the top Third Form player was won by Louis Rawles (3m).

Swimming As ever, a highlight of the calendar for Sherborne’s swimmers was the annual Six School Gala held at the Oxley Sports Centre.

The seniors narrowly missed out on third place in this competition, with Wills Wyatt (U6e) putting in a fantastic swim to record a

Squash Though some were new and inexperienced, the squash team enjoyed a solid season in which they learned a huge amount and developed their skills. They recorded two wins and nine losses, but the growth in the players’ abilities and self-belief was encouraging.

personal best in the 50m freestyle.

The season got off to a shaky start with a loss against Sherborne Girls. In

It was Will’s last competitive swim

a subsequent rematch, the boys were pleased to record a well-deserved

as a Shirburnian, so a fitting

victory, which reflected more consistent play. This coincided with a mid-

moment for him to shine.

Other high points from the year include victories for the School’s

season surge in form, evident in every game the boys played thereafter; even when they lost to Bryanston, for example, the improving skills of the players was evident. The match could easily have gone either way.

younger pupils against Blundell’s

The final game of the season against Canford, possibly the best of the

– showing that the next

year, saw the boys fully exerting themselves. Joseph Eaton-Parker (L6b)

generation of swimming talent is

carried out a wise game plan and won 3-1, as did level-headed Dylan

already being nurtured at

Sun (L6e). In summation: a respectable season of squash from a team

Sherborne.

that is growing in stature.

Sailing Sherborne sailing continues to

much promise came eighth in the

burgeon. During the year over

National Schools Junior Team

forty pupils have sailed for one

Racing Championships in June.

term or more, supplemented by

At the time of writing, six pupils

girls from Sherborne Girls School.

are about to compete in the

The bulk of the training and home

National Schools Fleet Racing

matches take place at Sutton

Championships in which the

Bingham Reservoir where the

School came second last year.

School now either owns or has access to 19 dinghies. In addition a programme continues to be run for pupils to gain experience of sailing on the sea out of the National Sailing Academy at Portland.

It has not all been about racing, there are many boys who have been introduced to sailing over the year and we are now formally working them towards RYA qualifications. On top of this a new initiative this year is to take

The senior team in the Autumn

some pupils offshore. Currently

came ninth in the National Youth

five Fifth Formers are embarking

Team Racing Championships and

on an adventure to cross the

the junior team who are showing

Channel to France in a yacht.

- 131 -

Fives

Fives remains a popular sport among boys,

and the First team had a good season. They

scored four wins from eight matches, with one of the losses coming in a hugely enjoyable contest

against Sherborne Pilgrims. The boys enjoyed victories against Marlborough and The Rugby

Fives Association, demonstrating great progress.

Younger boys played five U15 matches this season,

beating Winchester and Sedbergh, but losing away

against Marlborough, where each game proved

tough for both schools, as the players were very evenly matched.

An U14 team including Hendrik Ashbrooke (3g), Henry Kingsbury (3f), Hugh Deery (3a) and Max

Fowle (3c) played in five matches, beating

Sedbergh and Winchester and playing brilliantly

against Marlborough but they weren’t quite able to secure victory. Even so, they showed great

command of the game, hitting the ball well and

reading play instinctively. Their fluidity and

movement bodes well for the future.

Basketball Sherborne’s basketball players had a frustrating season, with a few players lost to injury. They secured two wins from seven matches, but lost the other games by fairly narrow margins.

The team managed their first win of the season with a great game against Sherborne International Boys U16A, with an end result of 55-22. They were focused and determined in their first away game against Wells Cathedral School, but sadly lost 30-39.

An intense match against Clayesmore looked like it could go either way, especially since the boys were trailing 4-11 by the end of the first quarter.

But the team showed their customary fighting spirit to record a tight 36-34 victory.

Water polo

Clay pigeon shooting

Water polo remains a popular pursuit among

This year was especially successful for Sherborne’s

Sherborne’s boys, who relish its combination of

clay squad. They enjoyed a memorable victory

skill, tactics and physicality.

over Millfield in the spring, when the 1st and

The team won their match against Dauntsey’s School,

2nd V won the team trophies and Nico

enjoying a 10-1 victory. This was a fitting result for Sherborne, marking as it did Hannah Taylor’s last match as coach.

The boys all expressed huge gratitude for her work developing water polo at the School. All in all, we

Christensen (4f) won the high gun trophy thanks to his impressive 42/50 score.

Continuing the success, Cameron Cooper (L6d) came fifth out of 140 competitors at the Harrow School clay pigeon shooting competition also during Lent Term.

have had one win, one draw (8-8 Yeovil Spartans) and

The highlights of Michaelmas Term were two big

three losses (Winchester 15-6, Winchester 10-4, King’s

multi-school events: the Marlborough Clay Shield

Taunton 10-2).

and the Millfield Invitation Shoot.

The highlight of the water polo calendar was the

Some 23 teams took part in the Marlborough event,

House water polo tournament. This consisted of 31

with 115 guns in all. Sherborne placed sixth in the

matches with boys of all ages having the opportunity

“Flush” and 11th in the “Sporting” competition. At

to play. Abbey House were victorious, with William

Millfield our boys were placed 11th and 13th in the

Bond (U6b) and William Banks (U6b) transforming the

comparable events.

team from underdogs to champions.

The First V of Cameron Cooper, Hugo Hurrell (U6g),

Angus Tett (U6a) was nominated man of the match in

George Lewis (L6d), Thomas Wood (L6f) and Nico

the House water polo final for his calm leadership

Christensen (4f) all shot respectable scores

under pressure.

throughout the year and gained a great deal of valuable experience at the competitions.

- 133 -

Parents and Sons Annual Clay Shooting Competition Trinity Term 2019 On the last Sunday of Trinity Term,

trophy followed in tough

Skiing Sherborne’s Ski Racing squad

a group of 34 boys and parents

competition by Charlie Wolseley

enjoyed another impressive

met at the AA Shooting School

Brinton (father to William (4g))

showing at the DHO British

for the Seventh Annual Parents

and Anthony Buxton (father to

Schoolboys’ Championships in

and Sons Clay Shooting

Oscar (L6a)), with strong

Wengen in January.

Competition. Members of the

performances from Jonathan

Sherborne squad were keen to

Wood (father to Aidan (3e)) and

show off their skills, and parents,

Peter Wells. Cameron Cooper and

as in previous years, were in highly

Michael Tylor had the equal

competitive spirit.

highest scores for the competition

With three trophies at stake (for highest scoring son, parent and

as a whole, scoring 45 out of 50 sporting targets.

Of the registered competitors (i.e. those who train and compete regularly in British Snow Sport events), George Case (L6m) came fifth in both Slalom and Grand Slalom in the U18 age category, while Jackson Wallace (3e)

pair), mild weather, and clays to

The highlight of the day was the

finished with a silver medal in the

powder, everyone was eager for

Parent and Son competition,

U14 Grand Slalom event.

the shooting to commence.

which was won by the Tylor team,

In the competition for the Boys’ trophy, the leader board was headed by two members of the clay squad with the high gun title taken for the third year running by Cameron Cooper, paced by Nico Christensen, Nicholas StewartSmith (3b) and Percy Tylor (3g).

Alex Dobson (3m), Jack Wells (U6e) and Hugo Hurrell also proved to be proficient shots.

Michael Tylor won the Parents’

hotly pursued by the Wolseley Brinton and Wells teams. The Cooper, Buxton, Wood and Christensen teams also scored highly. The prize-giving ceremony and lunch at The Saxon Inn, Child Okeford prompted much discussion about clays that had been hit (and missed!) and for everyone it was a tremendous day to end the year’s clay shooting.

Among Sherborne’s unregistered skiers, Frey Hopkinson (5f) gained a silver medal in the U18 age group. Meanwhile, Sherborne’s Captain of Skiing Will Perkins (U6a) took the overall title after finishing second in the Grand Slalom and third in the Slalom events. As an overall team, Will Perkins, Toby Jones (L6b), Tommy Boylan (L6c) and Charlie Cushing (L6c) won gold in the unregistered U18 competition.

Athletics Lutra Shield With this year’s Lutra Shield taking

Millfield 11 Schools Athletics

place only a few days into term,

It was another successful

the challenge for the team was to

afternoon’s athletics at Millfield’s

match last year’s performances.

track with a range of excellent

On the track Toby Whigham (L6c)

individual performances including

impressed with a PB in the 100m,

personal bests from Charlie

while Jonathan Post (5a) was

McCaig (javelin), Robbie Foster

impressive in the 400m. Credit

(800m), Toby Davies (4e) (triple

must also go to Robbie Foster (3a)

jump) and Oscar Jones (U6m)

who ran an excellent 1500m

with the result of the day: 1.90m in

against Sixth Formers. In the field

the high jump.

Harry Boulton (L6m) hit form in McCaig (5b) launched the javelin

Marlborough Nitro Team Event

a very long way. It was a great

This was a first for this event

start to the season.

format, with the combined times

the triple jump while Charlie

and distances of four competitors making up the team’s score for

North Dorset Championships

afternoon with everyone

20 boys were selected to

competing in four events.

each event. This meant a busy

compete in the Dorset Championships in Trinity Term,

The Sherborne teams dominated

following some excellent

the sprints in both age groups,

performances in the qualification rounds.

The May Meeting: Dauntsey’s Athletics

Standout performances were put

Glorious sunshine greeted the

in by Charlie McCaig, who threw

inaugural May Meeting on

the javelin 52m, Toby Whigham,

Dauntsey’s impressive new track.

almost breaking 11 seconds in the

The boys really enjoyed the event.

100m, and Tom Carr-Smith (L6m),

Sherborne recorded wins for:

who won the 200m with an

Toby Whigham (100m), Robbie

impressive 22-second race on his

Foster (3a) (800m), Will

track debut.

Westmacott (U6c) (hurdles), Harry Whigham (triple jump), George Ingrams (4d) (discus) and Charlie McCaig (javelin).

winning six out of eight races, while Charlie McCaig threw the javelin beyond the javelin area (giving the long jumpers a scare!) and Robbie Foster ran yet another 800m PB. This set the teams on course for excellent overall performances: the Lower Sixth team won overall, while the combined Third and Fourth Form team came third.

- 135 -

Golf 2019 Canford Meet A small team went to Canford to enjoy not just sunshine but a successful afternoon on the track. Some excellent individual performances came from Crispin Newman (5c) in the high jump, Henry Kingsbury (3f) in the shot put and Tom Williams (5m) in the 400m.

Dorset Championships 22 boys qualified to compete at the Dorset Championships in Bournemouth, and

It has been another good year on the golfing front, and although sadly knocked out of the HMC Foursomes at the regional semi-final stage again, the emergence of some new talent in the Third and Fourth Forms, suggests that the day on which Sherborne will progress to the national

Oscar Jones, Harry Boulton (L6m), Henry

finals grows ever nearer.

Kingsbury, Johnny Lye (4g), Tom Carr-Smith

This year has seen matches against the Berkshire, several

and Charlie McCaig were all crowned

against the OSGS, but more importantly the completion of

County Champions and in doing so were

the Inter-House Golf Foursomes competition for the first time

selected to represent Dorset at the South

in a number of years. First played for in 1955, the Buchanan

West Championships, along with Toby

House Foursomes trophy was donated by a former Master in

Whigham and George Ingrams. Charlie

Charge of Golf, AN Buchanan DSO, MC, but has not been

McCaig ended a phenomenal fortnight

played for in more than 15 years. Having unearthed the trophy

with a school record of 57.08m in the

from its hiding place, the competition was played over several

javelin.

afternoons before the Trinity half term break and was a

South West Championships

straight knock out format over Sherborne Golf Course’s front ‘half’. Following highly competitive fixtures in the opening two

Seven athletes represented Dorset at the

rounds, School House played The Green in the final, with

Exeter based South West Championships.

School House coming out on top in a closely fought match.

Toby Whigham and Johnny Lye just missed

Representing School, were Thomas (U6a) and Charles

out on sprint final places, while Tom Carr-

Stagnetto (L6a), both of whom have played in the 1st VI

Smith ran well in the 200m final. George

throughout their time at Sherborne, and it was therefore

Ingrams and Henry Kingsbury threw the

fitting that two such longstanding and committed golfers

discus well, while the results of the day

were the first winners of this reinstated trophy.

came from Charlie McCaig who came second in the javelin, qualifying for the English Schools Championships in July, and Oscar Jones who made it two wins in eight days as he won the high jump with a school record jump of 1.98m. Oscar was also selected for English Schools, a fantastic achievement!

Next year’s competition promises to be even stronger, with new Third Form and Lower Sixth entrants of considerable golfing pedigree entering the School. It is with this knowledge, that we look forward to reaching the elusive HMC Finals Day, and hope for another good showing in the rescheduled West of England Public Schools Invitational.

Polo

Polo has taken place every term

narrowly lost. In the second half of

Morgan (3m), Mustafa Cheshti

this academic year with many

the Lent Term Sherborne came

(3g), Finn Jones (4m) and Charles

experienced riders keen to take

fifth in the Druids Lodge Schools

Stagnetto (L6a) this was their first

up the sport. The focus for the

Arena Championship where Henry

match. They all played extremely

year has been very much on

Haywood Smith (5d) made his

well but Otis Morgan has

training each week rather than

competition debut and Yanis

undeniable talent for a beginner.

playing competitively and the

Hammick (U6m) played his last

Tom Dubois (L6a) has been a calm

newcomers have made huge

polo match as a Shirburnian.

and knowledgeable captain all

progress very rapidly. The coach

year and an outstanding role

at Druids Lodge Polo Club,

In the Trinity Term, with enough

model in every possible way for

Giles Ormerod, along with

boys for more than two teams

the up and coming players. He

some of the established players

training every week, polo at

has also played in a number of

took the beginners through the

Sherborne has not seen such

tournaments and matches for the

basics and gradually through

breadth of talent since 2010.

polo club. Ralph Loveys Jervoise

various rules and tactics of the

Therefore next year promises to

(L6m) and Sam Yorke (L6m) have

game.

be very exciting.

also been very committed players who have represented the School

In the Lent Term Sherborne

On Sunday 23 June two polo

all year and helped bring on the

played a more experienced

teams played at Druids Lodge

new players.

Millfield side in the arena and only

against Marlborough and for Otis

- 137 -

Cross Country Cross Country at Sherborne

Our home fixture, The Sherborne

Cross Country continues to attract

continues to attract a small

Trophy, continues to be a popular

a number of boys who enjoy the

number of highly dedicated

race with 15 schools and 144

simple pleasure of running to

athletes. This year has seen the

runners competing this year. Once

improve their health rather than

arrival of a number of talented

again, the Third Form ran

to compete and race. This year,

Third Form boys. There were

superbly winning the

weekly night runs were introduced

notable performances from Harry

Intermediates ahead of

during the Lent Term which

Pleydell-Bouverie (3a), Robbie

Clayesmore and Canford in

proved to be a popular addition

Foster (3a), Aneurin Denham (3e)

second and third. In the seniors,

to the training program. For many

and Ottokar Denham (3m). The

George Case (L6m) paced his race

boys (and staff), the most

team performed superbly at the

very well securing himself third

important fixture is the Inter-

Dorset Championships securing

place against a very tough field.

House Cross Country around the

first place overall in the team event. Subsequently, Harry and Robbie were both selected to represent Dorset in the English Schools Cross Country Championships in Leeds.

A favourite fixture in the calendar is The Studland Stampede, a four mile sprint up the length of the beach to the Sandbanks chain ferry and back again. Following a cancellation in the previous week

Both boys put in a fantastic

due to strong winds and storm

performance with Robbie

waves, the conditions for the race

finishing in 161st position and

were close to perfect on the day.

Harry finishing in 31st position out

The Denham brothers came in

of a field of 343 runners. Overall,

first and second in the junior race

the Dorset team came fifth out of

and Jack Bodenham (L6d) finished

45 counties.

first in the senior race.

grounds of Sherborne Castle.

With a full range of surfaces and gradients including the notorious Jerusalem hill, the three-mile course continues to provide an honest test of fitness and stamina.

The winner of The Harding Trophy this year was Felix Harvey (L6f) who paced an excellent race. The winning house in the Intermediate race was Lyon House and in the Senior race, School House won.

Overall, The Digby won by the narrowest margin of one point ahead of Lyon House.

Inspiration from every angle The Sherborne Foundation is 20 years old. To celebrate, it launched the 360˚ campaign to support an all-round exceptional education at the School.

Walk around Sherborne’s grounds, taking in its honeyed buildings old and new, and you’ll be struck by the impact of the Sherborne School Foundation over the last two decades.

The Music School is perhaps the most high profile beneficiary of Foundation support, but everywhere you turn there is evidence of its contribution to a vibrant school where boys are given every opportunity to flourish. Whether it is in the form of ICT, library development, the activities of Foundation Fellows or support for academic festivals, the influence of Sherborne’s fundraising body is keenly felt.

That makes the new

that time,” reports

campaign, launched to

Adrian. “That’s a good

celebrate the

reflection of their

Foundation’s 20th

commitment to the

anniversary, all the more

School and all it stands

fitting. The 360˚

for, and a testament to

campaign reflects the

their generosity.”

whole-School contribution made by the Foundation.

As Head of the

Of course, there is always more to be done and the Foundation already has plans to

Foundation Adrian

support Sherborne’s

Ballard explains: “We

upcoming objectives.

exist to help the School

“Amongst these in the

deliver an exceptional

months ahead will be

all-round education to

the renovation of

every pupil. That means

Westcott House,”

philanthropic support in

Adrian says. “This is a

every aspect of School

significant project for

life, from sport to music,

the School. It reflects

drama to curriculum

Sherborne’s raised

development. 20 years

profile and popularity

in, we have a good

among parents, so is

record of achievement.

exactly the sort of

Now we want to drive

project the Foundation

things forward for the

wants to support.”

next 20 years.”

To mark its contribution

To give some context,

to the School so far, a

the Sherborne

number of Sherborne

Foundation has raised

360˚ brass plaques have

more than £13 million

been installed across

since 1999 and has

the campus. These will

contributed financial

draw subtle attention to

support to 57

the role of the

completed projects.

Foundation in

“Nearly a third of all Old

supporting and

Shirburnians have given

enhancing Sherborne’s

to the Foundation in

day-to-day activities.

Moreover, as Adrian observes, the

the fitness suite. A fleet of sailing

fostering a generous spirit and a

plaques are a way of honouring

dinghies and a Rigid Inflatable

commitment to everyone’s

the generosity of supporters: “It

Boat bear further testimony to the

wellbeing.

goes without saying that the

generosity of Sherborne’s donors,

Foundation wouldn’t have

and Adrian is keen to

achieved all that it has without the

acknowledge the breadth of the

support of donors. The plaques

Foundation’s impact.

are a way of saying ‘thank you’.

They remind all of us who live and work in Sherborne of what the Foundation has done to enhance life here.”

Such a reminder also comes from surveying the fabric of the School itself, of course. The new cricket square and refurbished Upper Pavilion are cases in point, as are the all-weather cricket nets and

“I would say there are few areas of School that haven’t benefited from the Foundation,” he says.

“With a number of projects planned for the future, our influence will continue to grow.”

That makes for an inspiring model for anyone connected with Sherborne in 2019. It enshrines the School’s reputation for

“Sherborne is undoubtedly a very special School,” Adrian concludes.

“I look forward to its continued growth and development, supported by Sherborne 360˚ that is totally committed to its values and does all it can to aid investment in its future.”

10 YEARS ON

Louis Mayes (e 09)

The point at which I decided to study architecture was not at

School but after a conversation with an OS architect, Sir Michael

Hopkins (h 52). Having mentioned that I was considering becoming an architect, he responded “good; I seem to have been the last architect that Sherborne produced”. In fact, I went on to meet three fellow OS throughout my architectural education.

The route that I have taken wasn’t direct - it involved a previous degree at Reading studying the History of Art and Architecture where I became frustrated at the notion of writing about but not

being able to affect the design of buildings. Following this, I moved to London to study at the Cass, working in practice throughout my degree and entering competitions.

It was through winning one of these competitions that I was able to build my first house using earth outside Kumasi, Ghana.

Having recruited a team of volunteers from around the world we converged on the town of Abetenim where we would stay for six months. The volunteers that joined me were architects, engineers, economists, environmentalists and geologists. Along with the knowledge of our local team we created a building that we believe reflects the knowledge involved. This project has taught me more than all of my formal education put together.

I am now working in a London based practice on a project near Sherborne to convert a series of farm buildings into accessible holiday accommodation for disabled children, and using my earlier degree to write freelance for various architectural journals. Other built projects - most recently a 12’ dinghy reflect the importance of experience outside of education and practice.

The end is finally in sight for my architectural education - I will start my final part three exams at Cambridge to become Chartered in September.

- 141 -

In between the above he has worked as a researcher and analyst for The Economist Intelligence Unit and Oxford Analytica; deputy-edited The Economist’s The World In… Magazine; spoken at and chaired debates and discussions on Latin American politics and policy at Canning House, the LSE, and in

Laurie Blair (b 09)

Parliament; and worked as a copyeditor and consultant for The World Bank, the ILO, and UNICEF.

Laurie Blair is now a writer and

has reported on narcotrafficking,

freelance journalist who has

deforestation, guerrilla groups,

He is also the co-creator of

and political intrigue.

MIRADAS, a new podcast on Latin

reported from across Latin

American current affairs and

America, including for the BBC,

culture available on Apple

The Economist, The Financial

A voyage up the Río Paraguay to

Times and The Guardian. After

a remote Bolivian naval base

Podcast, Spotify, Soundcloud, etc.

leaving Sherborne he studied

prompted his winning feature for

He still has a base in Weymouth,

Ancient and Modern History at

the FT/Bodley Head Essay Prize

Dorset.

Magdalen College, Oxford, where

(2015/16) on landlocked Bolivia’s

he focused on the Iberian world

yearning to return to the ocean.

None of the above would have

and wrote his dissertation on the

This in turn lead to the

been possible without the

interaction of early colonial

commission of his debut non-

extraordinary privilege of

missionaries with indigenous

fiction book, for which he has

attending Sherborne – and the

peoples in the Peruvian Andes.

spent most of the past three years

instruction and support among

He then studied for an MA

conducting archival research,

many others of señores Bryson,

in International Law and

travel and interviews alongside his

Nurton and Such in Spanish,

International Relations, and spent

reporting. Tentatively titled Lost

Messrs Brooke, Hudson,

a brief stint teaching in Moscow,

Countries of South America, it

Ridgeway, Storey, and Warren in

before moving to South America

traces the history and afterlives of

History and Classics, and the

in 2014.

around a dozen imagined and

dramatic and voice coaching of

disappeared South American

Messrs Ottoway, Robinson, and

He has since built a semblance of

nations, empires and territories –

Waldron.

a career filing articles, radio

from ancient cities in the Amazon,

segments, and TV commentary

through kingdoms of runaway

The world of work is changing

from places like Chile’s Atacama

enslaved Africans, to the

rapidly, and the traditional career

Desert, Nicaragua’s Pacific coast,

transcontinental dreams of San

ladder is crumbling. My top

illegal gold mines in the Peruvian

Martín and Bolívar – and explores

advice to Shirburnians is to learn

Amazon, Afro-Bolivian

their meaning today in an age of

languages (start at university if

communities, and indigenous

resurgent nationalism, borders

you haven’t already), read widely

villages on the Argentinian puna.

and social conflict. It will hopefully

across news, non-fiction and

His base of sorts has been

be published by late 2020 with

fiction, travel early and often if

Asunción, Paraguay – one of the

Bodley Head.

you can, network with your peers,

world’s least-known and most

not your bosses – and try to give

intriguing places – from where he

something back.

Henry Comyn (d 09) After leaving Sherborne in 2009 I took a gap year - teaching English in Tanzania for the winter term before exploring more of the country, heading out into the bush and learning to dive off Pemba Island. I then spent time in India - visiting Milo Corke (d 09) in Calcutta where Mr Carling had taken over the role of Head Teacher of Future Hope School.

Returning home Lewis Hinch (d 09) and I drove a Nissan Micra 10,000 miles from London to Mongolia over six weeks - I managed to get back just before starting uni which I remember being a bit of a shock!

I read Ancient History at

business get started. I then

joined Laurie Blair (b 09) and Seb

Manchester which was brilliant

travelled on with my girlfriend to

Jaques (b 09) on an expedition

and in my final year ended up

Nepal and India - before returning

hiking across the Andes following

being Chairman of the Cricket

to London slightly unsure of what

in the footsteps of the armies that

Club and was awarded Club

the next step was to be.

liberated Chile - you can read

Chairman of the year by the AU. I

more about it in Laurie’s book

organised for a squad of us to

After starting the interview

head out to Sri Lanka on tour after

process with several city firms I

uni which was great although we

decided that I was not destined

Returning to London I co-founded

were soundly beaten in all six

for the city and changed tack and

Joro Experiences, which has been

coming out next year!

matches we played. In hindsight

fell into a small travel company

a hugely rewarding experience -

this experience, as well my travels

designing and delivering ground

although certainly stressful at

before uni, played a huge role in

breaking travel around the world.

times! To date we’ve arranged

what I am doing today.

It was here that I really found my

over 50 trips around the world

home and helped build the team

from Antartica to Greenland,

Leaving university I was one of the

up while designing trips all over

Colombia to Japan and

lucky ones who started with a job

the world - from yachts in

everything in between for

- travelling around the world

Antartica, helicopters in the

individuals, couples and families.

running experiential marketing

Congo to kite skiing expeditions

campaigns for the likes of HP and

across Greenland.

Airbus. After a year and a half the

It’s been quite amazing what has happened in the ten years since

travel bug returned and I found

In 2017 I decided to leave the

myself back in East Africa working

company to start up something

looking forward to seeing where

for DFID in Uganda helping small

on my own. Before I did so I

the next 10 years takes us!

leaving Sherborne and I’m

- 143 -

George Allen (c 09) After leaving Sherborne, I took an unplanned gap year to enable a second crack at the Oxbridge application. That turned out to be a good decision, with both aspects proving a success. I have the much-missed David Hedison to thank for encouraging me to do so. I then spent some time performing manual labour near home in Wiltshire, before doing a few months’ work in London, and then embarked on the inevitable India adventure, where I didn’t “find myself” but did return with a very short-lived ear piercing. I then went on to Kenya where I ‘worked’ for my now very good friend Alex Hunter – on his tented camp on Ol Pejeta Conservancy, to where I have returned for several summers since.

On reluctantly returning to the UK I spent three very happy years at St Benet’s Hall, Oxford, from where I graduated with a BA in History having somehow blagged a Half-Blue by captaining the winning Varsity polo team.

Since October 2013, I’ve been living and working in Dubai. In the almost-six-years since I’ve been here, I’ve been at a corporate and financial PR consultancy called Instinctif Partners, which is a global business headquartered in London. In that time, I’ve worked all around the Middle East, and sometimes further afield, for clients across sectors. As Associate Partner for our Middle East & North Africa operations, I lead our Capital Markets practice, which is focused mainly on transactions (IPOs, M&A, etc.) and investor relations.

Dubai’s been a great city from which to travel to all sorts of places I might not have bothered with from the UK. Most recently, an epic Lawrence-esque ride across Jordan from Petra to Wadi Rum (exchanging camels for horses). Work has been very handy for engineering plenty of trips back to London, so I’m back in Town at least once a quarter. There are a good handful of OS in the UAE and surrounding areas, across generations, so plenty of opportunities to get together.

Will Smibert (a 09) Since leaving Sherborne I went travelling for a year around Asia with some other Sherborne boys, before starting a three year Business and Marketing course at Oxford Brookes.

Whilst I was here I sold advertising space around a Wall Planner, which I distributed to the 4000+ new students. Ultimately this led to my first job in London working as a direct sales rep for an OOH media company, Admedia. After spending four years there I moved into the Digital Marketing space, where I set up the UK part of a Digital Marketing company. Headed up in the US, the UK company has grown from strength to strength, and we are on course for a fantastic first year. Alongside work, I still manage to play a lot of Old Boys Cricket and run the Pilgrims Hockey Team.

Hubert Burton (g 09)

So, what did I get from

I left Sherborne in 2009 with

After a year touring with ‘Journey’s End’ I went to RADA.

Sherborne? I feel apart from the

set on a career in acting.

After RADA I gained a part in

fantastic teaching and

the TV drama ‘Passing Bells’ in

opportunity to undertake

my heart and mind very much

I admit my Sherborne career was a mixed bag initially, but I developed into myself through School with the help of fantastic teachers, although I admit probably doing too much drama. I started with the ‘Sherborne Story’ in Third Form and played various roles in ‘Twelfth Night’ and as Puck in a ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and a part in ‘Les Misérables’.

All of which helped me cope with the adrenaline rush and build my confidence.

2014 and became part of a

drama, while in my case

close-knit cast, learning a great

avoiding sport, I feel the School

deal. After appearing in ‘Jekyll

gave me the confidence to take

and Hyde’ I spent a year at the

to the stage and the resilience

National in ‘Waste’ and then

to know that when the work is

‘Deep Blue Sea’. I then worked

not flowing in so fast, I can cope

with Bill Nighy in ‘Their Finest’

with these periods. In an

before landing the role in ‘The

industry that can be so

Inheritance’, directed by

unpredictable, I am finally

Stephen Daldry which has run

learning to balance work and

for a year. I am now in a one

relaxation, whilst of course

man play and writing as part of

developing my love of drama

‘Tom and Hubert’.

and literature.

- 145 -

Archie Cosby (c 09)

Instead of reading history of

Following this I worked for a

April 2017 and I’ve since been

while at Dinner by Heston in

lucky enough to soldier in

London and then collaborated

Belize and the Falklands, to do

Cordon Bleu in Sydney, where

with a former colleague to build

state ceremonial public duties

and open a restaurant for

in London and to train recruits

are with lots of butter and

someone in Kensington.

in North Yorkshire. Food

and did an apprenticeship

Skip forward a few years (this is

art at Leeds, I became a chef.

My gap year was spent at the I learnt how delicious things salt. I returned to England under Michel Roux at the

when I make my old

remains very important to me and my mini pepper mill, jar of garlic salt and bag of pre-

Waterside Inn, Bray. Working

housemaster choke on his

grated parmesan always deploy

next. The Fat Duck was

myself preparing to deploy on

boil-in-the-bag ration packs. I

enough to work for a stint in

Guards. I thought the Army

for Heston Blumenthal came

cornflakes) and I now find

fascinating and I was lucky

operations to Iraq with the Irish

his ‘experimental kitchen’,

sounded like an adventure and I

wonderful ingredients in the

was too old. Michelin-star

playing with weird and

wanted to give it a go before I

name of menu development

cooking was a good beat-up

and Channel 4 television.

course for the sleep deprivation and shouting that ensued at Sandhurst. I commissioned in

on exercise with me to assist the have never found anything so rewarding and enjoyable. I hope to one day return to food in some capacity, but I am certainly in no hurry for the time being.

ALAN TURING: THE WESTCOTT HOUSE YEARS

- 147 -

only star, in no danger whatever of being eclipsed by a rival.

Unfortunately Turing has a violent dislike to running with the ball, or even holding it, which detracts from his value as a forward.’ It is therefore hardly surprising that Westcott House lost the match by 18-0!

For five years Westcott House

was Alan Turing’s home-from-

older boy – Matt Blamey. Mr O’Hanlon hoped that Matt would

home in Sherborne. It was to

help organise Alan and interest

Westcott House that the 13-year-

him in a wider range of subjects

old Alan reported for his first day

than just maths and science, but

at Sherborne, having cycled the

when I spoke to Matt in 2011 he

65 miles (104km) from

admitted he had failed! By the

Southampton. Many years later,

end of term Mr O’Hanlon was

Alan’s housemaster, Geoffrey

able to report to Alan’s parents

O’Hanlon MC, still remembered

that ‘In person he is less untidy: in

meeting Alan that day: ‘the

his study he is such that were I

picture I keep and treasure is of a

with him he would be daily

somewhat untidy boy arriving

belaboured.’

during the Railway Strike, after making his way on a bicycle from

However, improvements were

Southampton via the best hotel in

gradually noted and by the end of

Blandford, and reporting, “I am

Michaelmas term 1928 Mr

Turing.” It was a good start.’

O’Hanlon reported that Alan was more sociable and making

At the end of his first week at

friends, and by the following

Sherborne, Alan wrote home to

summer he felt that Alan was

his parents describing life at

‘ready to come out of his shell.’

Westcott House: ‘I am getting more & more settled down... You

Alan was never one for team

have to have cold showers in the

games, preferring golf to cricket

morning here like cold baths at

and long-distance running to

Marlborough. We have tea at

rugby, but in 1930 he had come

6.30 here on Monday, Wednesday,

out of his shell sufficiently to take

Friday - I manage to go without

part in an Inter-House rugby

food from lunch to then…‘

match, albeit with mixed success.

The game was against

In the Summer term of 1928, now

Abbeylands and Alan’s

aged 16 and in the Fifth Form,

contribution evidently attracted

Alan was given a study at

some attention with the match

Westcott House with a slightly

report stating that ‘Turing was the

For the remainder of his life Alan valued the time he had spent at Westcott House and the kindly and wise friendship of his housemaster. When Alan left Sherborne in July 1931, Mr O’Hanlon wrote to Alan thanking him for his help and loyalty as a House Prefect ‘as well as for the enjoyment you gave by being here. I will guarantee that Turing will be a household word until the present generation has disappeared.’

On 30 June 2016, Alan Turing’s nephew and former Westcott House boy, Sir Dermot Turing, unveiled a Blue Plaque at Westcott House commemorating Alan’s connection with the house.

More recently we celebrate Alan Turing becoming the face of Britain’s new £50 note. The Bank of England praised Turing for his role as a scientist and for the impact he has had on society.

Rachel Hassall

(School Archivist)

- 149 -

ARC HIE HA MI LTO N ( c 0 8) We are extremely proud of OS and former Head of School Archie Hamilton’s (c 08) success earlier in the year, being awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour. The award recognises Archie as the Best Cadet of his intake at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

His Royal Highness, The Duke of Cambridge, represented Her Majesty the Queen at the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 14 December and awarded Archie with the coveted Sword. The Parade marked the culmination of 44 weeks of intense training, covering military, practical and academic subjects.

Speaking a couple of days after the Parade, Archie said: “I am honoured by this recognition and in many respects see it as representative of a year that has been both brilliant and horrendous in equal measures! It is also a credit to the men and women in my platoon and the momentous effort made by my fellow cadets.”

Archie’s leadership qualities were instrumental in realising this achievement and he thanks Sherborne as being instrumental in developing his teamwork skills at a young age. He added: “during my time as a boarder in The Green and as a keen rugby player on the sports field, I quickly learnt the importance of getting on with others and went on to form life-long friendships. Although a military career wasn’t on my career trajectory when I left Sherborne, being part of a close community and the leadership opportunities at the School have played no small part in my success within the military.”

The whole Sherborne community is delighted to hear of Archie’s success and wish him well as he joins The Royal Regiment of Scotland in the New Year.

Farewells

- 151 -

Alistair Morgan As one would expect, given his special subject, the numbers are impressive. In his time he has greeted cohorts of Third Formers at the start of forty-five September terms and heard forty-five Commemoration preachers offer their farewell wisdom to leavers. He has served under five Headmasters, and six Heads of Mathematics. Of course he has long since celebrated completing his century of terms on the teaching staff. But while another colleague and I, his peers on that festive occasion, retired to the pavilion shortly afterwards, he merely took fresh guard at the crease. Now, however, some ten years later, at the end of the Trinity Term 2019, Alistair Morgan will bring his career at Sherborne School to an end.

It all began in 1974, where Alistair was completing his

If Sherborne was not a

secure environment,

very different place in

Alistair has always

those days, the School

expressed delight in

at least was a very

sensing that he was able

different institution.

to share in his lessons

Communication was

his love of his subject.

hard-copy-only, posted in pigeon-holes. There

Alistair from the

were two women

beginning made a

teachers in the Common

broad contribution to

Room. Housemasters

School life. Never one

maintained their own

to have his deeper

fiefdoms. Boys ate with

passions aroused by

and in their own House.

sport, he could

The new Headmaster,

understand that it was

like his predecessors,

different for others.

occupied a lofty and

Here, after all, was the

solitary eminence. Robin

man who despite having

Macnaghten was to

no previous river

prove the most sensitive

experience, and limbs

of modernisers, and

that were rather too

under his humane rule

long, had coxed a Jesus

Alistair sent down deep

College boat. So he

roots. His teaching,

coached a very

always central to his

successful Mini-Colts XV

work, was supported

over a number of years

then, as it has been

in the Seventies, when

since, by the powerful

rugby was a matter of

position occupied by

almost as much intensity

MSc at Jesus College, Oxford after earlier studies at

the Mathematics

in Sherborne as in

Aberystwyth, the preponderance of Welsh students

Department in the

Alistair’s native land. He

in the two institutions being roughly similar. Robin

Sherborne curriculum. It

even dashed down the

Macnaghten, who was then Headmaster elect,

has always been a

wing as a member of

interviewed Alistair in one of the Oxford colleges and

strongly unified

the Masters’ XV, who

appointed him as one of his new staff to begin

department, fortified

took to the pitch in

Michaelmas Term 1974 at the start of his own new

not least by the

those days hoping to

regime. Alistair is thus one of the few members of the

influence over many

avoid a humiliating

Sherborne School teaching staff not to be

years of Alistair’s first

score-line and serious

interviewed for his post in Sherborne itself. It has

head of department,

physical injury against a

seemed not to damage his ability to settle.

David Smart. Within that

fairly lowly boys’ XV,

- 153 -

before the School’s insurers

He had lived briefly early on in

Few were surprised when Peter

mercifully ruled against the risk to

Cutler’s, where he had

Lapping invited Alistair to

(staff) health. More safely, and

responsibility for some of the

become Housemaster of The

keeping clear of any ball games,

boys from Abbeylands who were

Digby in 1992, and indeed it was a

Alistair coached athletics in the

housed there. Other

brilliantly successful decision. He

summer. He managed the staging

Housemasters soon sought out

stayed for his regulation twelve

of some memorable

his services as a Tutor, and it was

years and then for two more - by

Commemoration performances in

Simon Wilkinson who first

special request, and to the

the BSR, coping with admirable

introduced him to The Digby. It

considerable relief of those

sang-froid with Peter Wellby’s

was at that time a distinctive

perhaps self-interested parents

insistence that a maypole the size

House, cultivating in its charges a

whose sons would otherwise have

of a telegraph pole was required

rather broader culture than was

lost him for their final years.

for a single dance sequence in

common elsewhere. Perhaps it

Throughout their time in The

Orff’s Carmina Burana. His own

was the proximity of the railway

Digby, Pauline and Alistair worked

love of music led him to rehearse

station with its sense of a wider

as a remarkable team: she met

and sing in MusSoc.

world, or the residual ambience of

and embraced wholeheartedly

a hotel that catered for a broad

the challenges of life as a

Alistair, like many of those

variety of guests. At any rate, it

Housemaster’s wife. Their

colleagues who started their

was evident from the start that

hospitality to tutors was

careers at Sherborne at that time,

Alistair found something special

legendary.

was educated at a grammar

about The Digby. He was one of a

school, but he seemed from the

team of four House Tutors who

It is a commonplace that those

beginning to find the world of the

worked there. Later he moved to

who have made a strong

private boarding school deeply

work as a Tutor in Harper House

impression on us when young are

congenial. He revelled in the

under Phil Jones, who offered

always freshly remembered.

variety of its demands, even

his own model of Welsh

Reading the tributes to Alistair

though he always cherished his

Housemastership from which

sent by those in The Digby during

own privacy and even domesticity.

to learn.

those years is nevertheless a revealing experience. Amusement

Many of his early years were spent

colours many of their memories.

literally ‘living above’ the

One of Robin Macnaghten’s aims

Common Room in Bow House,

was to make closer official links

Twenty-three years on, when one

where he was fussed over by the

between Sherborne School and,

group of former pupils meet, they

domestic staff whose ostensible

as it was then, Sherborne School

are given to re-enacting a typical

purpose was to look after the rest

for Girls. The teaching staff began

moment from House assembly, as

of the building. His cosily

to work together more regularly,

Alistair delivered some news in his

furnished sitting room, frequently

and out of the friendships which

signature mode:

shrouded in the outpourings of

developed came Alistair’s

Alistair’s pipe, was open to all, in

opportunity to meet Pauline.

a way that others who were happy

Skittle evenings, outings to

to enjoy his hospitality listening to

concerts, even tennis doubles, led

Bruckner over a post-lunch coffee

to the most happy outcome. After

would themselves have found a

their wedding in The Abbey in

shade trying. Perhaps that was an

1982, they lived in the town for

early indication of where Alistair’s

ten years, and, with the arrival of

deepest and most enduring

Ben and Helen, Alistair acquired

contribution to the life of the

further household experience.

School was to be: in pastoral care.

‘We would wait on tenterhooks as an important announcement was made from a piece of paper. He would then declare like a Welsh soprano, with accompanying stabbing hand gestures, that for clarity he would “PIN IT ON THE

BOARD”’.

- 155 -

Like his voice, Alistair’s occasionally striking dress sense lingered in the collective memory, the Bolton-Wanderers-style flat cap of his bachelor days having made way for the deerstalker of his maturity. His title of Welsh Frisbee Champion apart, even the powers of the schoolboy imagination have not left much by way of outrageous anecdote. But certain qualities of the man recur in what is remembered: approachability, supportiveness, kindness, humility, compassion.

And the response that they elicited in his charges: gratitude, affection, admiration, respect, love. He was able to maintain discipline while judging how to treat boys appropriately at different stages of their development, even Chris Martin claiming to have been allowed to play music at all hours of the day

invited him to join his tutoring

good judgement that have

and night. He had a gift for

team in Lyon House. Having

provided the teaching staff as a

keeping in touch with those who

served in The Digby for some

body with a firm foundation upon

had left, and keeping abreast of

years as Alistair’s Resident Tutor,

which to work.

their lives. One of them, from

and currently one of the three

more than twenty years ago, when

Morgan Tutors to be

Now that he has decided to retire,

nowadays training corporate

subsequently appointed as

it is perhaps safe to reveal that

leaders considering role models

Sherborne Housemasters, Ben

the School Archivist, Rachel

at a workshop on Human

has commented on how Alistair is

Hassall, has discovered that

Resource Management, invites

the most sought-after Tutor in his

Alistair’s forty-five years are not

them to add to the names of

House, because the boys know

quite a record, though one has to

Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, Jack Ma et

that he will challenge, cajole,

hark back to the nineteenth

al. that of Alistair Morgan, of

inspire, and care for them.

century, and the era of the Usher,

whom he says: ‘If I ever got the

Indeed, one of Alistair’s moments

to find someone who taught for a

chance in another life, I would

of hesitation about planning to

longer period. Alistair has

definitely choose you to be my

retire occurred when he received

invested in his first pair of trainers,

Housemaster.’

a protest from one of his tutees

and there is no going back. His

about being deprived of his

many colleagues and pupils, past

Alistair’s commitment to pastoral

mentoring. Alistair has also served

and present, unite to wish him

care did not end when he retired

as President of the Common

many happy years of retirement.

from The Digby in 2006. In more

Room, serving as representative

recent years Ben Sunderland

of Bow House with a grace and

Robert Patterson

- 157 -

Simon Tremewan When, in the summer of 1988, retirement loomed for Robert Glen and Tony Combridge, the Sherborne Common Room achieved a rare moment of near unanimity. What would be the point of replacing either, let alone both, of these two very senior members of the Classics Department? Myopic only in the most literal of senses, Robin Macnaghten saw things differently, and to the lasting benefit of the School, Simon Tremewan was appointed from September of that year. Following a PhD on Sophocles’ late masterpiece Oedipus at Colonus, Simon had moved into teaching, spending a year at Eton and several more at Epsom College. A move to the south-west, closer to his home county of Cornwall, was nevertheless attractive, and there was the added appeal of bringing a young family out of the orbit of London.

I expect it happens at

Classical courses at

most Schools that newly

GCSE, A level and

appointed teachers find

beyond. It was no

themselves approached,

coincidence. Without

with varying degrees of

actively seeking

furtiveness, by more

classroom popularity,

experienced colleagues

Simon was a genuinely

looking to offload some

popular teacher,

of their more irksome

respected as much for

areas of responsibility.

his mastery of the

Simon was experienced

different disciplines

and wise enough to see

involved, as for the

them coming, and from

scrupulous preparation

the outset established

and communication of

for himself a pattern of

the material. It helped

involvement staggering

that he could cover the

in its depth, but entirely

whole range, providing

his own choice; CCF,

acute intellectual

football refereeing, and

challenges for the

the full gamut of

brightest Oxbridge sets,

outdoor activities –

but also able to offer

orienteering, surfing,

patient encouragement

mountaineering, scuba

for the most

diving, Duke of

unpromising beginner.

Edinburgh’s Award. Both

Greek Art emerged as

in term and during

an area of specialisation,

holidays, the claims on

but with Ancient History

energy and time were

A level regularly drawing

prodigious, but borne

in 30 or more boys to

with a generosity of

the Department each

spirit that is the hallmark

year, it was excellent to

of an outstanding

see the culture and

Schoolmaster. During

political history of 5th

these early years, and

Century Athens in such

into the late 1990s, the

safe hands. Until 2006,

Classics Department

the Department could

experienced an

boast an unbroken

exponential growth in

record of Oxbridge

the number of boys

success. Simon’s active

opting to pursue

role in the candidates’

each year, there could therefore be an ideal continuity of pastoral

care, spiced with dry wit, and, in

care. Among the lists of Academic

their message, as clear as day.

Award Holders, Oxbridge successes, Heads of School, and latterly, winners of the Bow preparation was crucial to their

Award, Harper maintained an

achievement. Nor were the claims

enviable prominence.

of private scholarship neglected, and these bore fruit in a masterly commentary on Aristophanes’ Clouds, co-authored with the eminent Hellenist Sir Kenneth Dover.

School – sermons prepared with

Distinguished years, but also

With Alison poised to become Headmistress of Knighton House School, it was time for a change of direction, and in 2010 Simon duly stepped down as Housemaster after eleven years’

happy ones. In Simon’s own

service. A long-deferred

words, Harper was a House that

sabbatical allowed him to resume

did things ‘a little differently’. The

his scholarly interests, and I

House garden was opened up as

suspect that academic research

a place for civilised recreation,

will reclaim some at least of

After several years as Senior Tutor

with the proceedings often

Simon’s energies in retirement.

in Abbeylands, under the benign

enlivened by the depredations of

guidance of Ian Elliott, Simon was

the House dog, a canine Godzilla

clearly qualified to become a

whose periodic bids for freedom

Housemaster, and when Harper

occasioned terror among the

fell vacant in 1999, he was an

shoppers in Cheap Street.

immediate choice. These were

Outdoor activities, organised in

distinguished years for the House,

abundance, countered any risk of

as Harper attracted a steady

weekend inertia among the pupil

stream of diversely talented and

body, and in the CCF, Harper

charismatic pupils, united

recruits stood tall under the close

however by their respect for

scrutiny of Major Tremewan and

Simon’s unbending integrity and

his fellow officers. House Plays

dedication to his charges, and

were among the best of that era,

grateful too for his wise

with an adaptation of

compassion on those occasions

Aristophanes’ comedy The Birds,

when student behaviour fell

transplanted to a small town in

somewhat short of expectation.

West Dorset, living long in the

Perhaps inevitably, there were

memory. Well ahead of the times,

frustrations, most notably a long-

Simon also sought to involve

promised programme of building

parents more closely, with the

works which was annually

establishment of Harper Sundays,

deferred, leaving Harper without

featuring a House Service, House

a Resident Tutor for a decade – a

Lunch, and a wide variety of

situation unimaginable today.

activities and entertainment that

Alison and Simon worked closely

helped parents to feel better

together, almost as House

connected with their sons’ lives at

Parents, and since Alison’s role at

Sherborne. Profound Christian

Sherborne Prep brought her into

faith manifested itself in Simon’s

contact with many new entrants

preaching, both in and out of

The period through which Simon and I worked together in the Classics Department saw the introduction of ‘Staff Development’, a process which, in the best tradition of horror movies, underwent subsequent mutation into ‘Development and Appraisal’, thereafter, curtly, just ‘Appraisal’. Setting ‘targets’ for Simon seemed quite redundant, since his professionalism is a function of character rather than external precept. He is a colleague with the strongest personal commitment to the welfare of every pupil, the communication of his passion for his academic discipline, and to the promotion of civilised values in the boarding community. An enemy to self-advertisement, institutional politicking and fuss, calm and measured in all he does, he has earned a long and happy retirement.

Martin Brooke

- 159 -

Tom Rimmer Tom arrived at Sherborne from Reed’s School in September 2017, taking up the new post of Assistant Head (Sixth Form). Many of the responsibilities that fell to him had previously been within the remit of Don Cameron, who had retired as Head of Sixth Form the previous summer. Taking over the leadership of the Sixth Form from someone as experienced and as highly regarded as Don was not an easy task. Yet it was one that Tom managed with great energy, skill and commitment. Not all of the boys necessarily welcomed his attentions at the end of a Saturday night’s Stick, but his actions were always driven by a genuine wish to help them learn, flourish and grow into decent, thoughtful and kind young men.

In the two years that he was

Tinker Taylor programme

with us, Tom reviewed

for Lower School boys.

many aspects of our Higher Education provision and was responsible for developing more efficient and effective ways of accessing detailed, up-todate information and guidance, most notably through the introduction of Unifrog. Despite being highly attuned to the benefits of technology, however, he also demonstrated a profound understanding of the importance of the personal touch, never neglecting to spend time with individual boys to get a true sense of their interests, aptitudes and ambitions. Exploiting his own encyclopaedic knowledge of British and overseas universities, he would then give thoughtful, individually tailored advice as to which paths were right for them. It is thanks to this care and attention that several recent leavers are thriving on university courses of which they would otherwise never have thought. He also significantly developed our approach to career advice, including through the

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, Tom demonstrated a wisdom that belied his years and could always be relied upon to give matters careful thought before offering an opinion on the best way forward. He also contributed to the School in many other ways. An inspirational teacher of Geography, he brought further expertise and energy to an already outstanding department.

He was a visible and valuable presence on the games field and an avid and expert supporter of our ski racing team.

It has been a genuine pleasure to work with Tom. In a relatively short time, he made a significant, and very positive impact, upon Sherborne. An enthusiastic, warm, funny, kind and thoroughly decent man, I will miss him very much but wish him every happiness and success in his new role at Lord Wandworth’s College.

Dr Dominic Luckett (Headmaster)

Steve Clayton Steve arrived at Sherborne in September 1988. His predecessor had only signalled his intention to leave at Commemoration, leaving the then Head of PE in a quandary over how to fill the position by the end of the summer. Fortunately, the departing teacher knew of Steve and recommended that he be considered as his replacement. Both parties liked what they saw when he attended the interview. 31 years later, the wisdom of that speedy appointment is undoubted.

- 161 -

From the outset, as an experienced

teams competing across all year

beginning that their goal would be

PE teacher (and some time teacher

groups in Inter-School matches. As

for the House to embrace all areas

of Maths) Steve was able to exert

a rugby coach Steve has spent most

of School life. So it has been. Over

his influence in what was then a

of his time with the Colts A where

the past 11 years Abbeylands boys

two-person department. He has

he has enjoyed comparable

have been prominent as academic

taught PE across all year groups,

success; the Sherborne Colts teams

scholars, musicians, games players,

and, on his accession to the role of

are known on the circuit for being

actors, debaters and when holding

Head of Department, was at the

‘tough to beat.’

office as the Head of School.

Beyond the classroom and games

always walked hand-in-hand with a

Steve’s warmth of character has

vanguard of PE becoming a mainstream curricular subject taught throughout the School from

field Steve led the development of

firmness of expectation. Boys have

GCSE to A level; broadening

the School’s Leadership and Team

felt welcomed within the informal

opportunities for a number of boys

Building Course, from its original in-

environment of a Saturday night

(and girls from Sherborne Girls)

House existence to the external

‘Claytons’ Kitchen’, but equally

which, up to this point, had not

Brownsea Island course which still

have known that their

been wholly realised. The current

operates to this day. In doing so

Houseparents’ would never

academic strength of the

Sherborne became the first non-

countenance anything tawdry in

department owes much to the

Scout/Guide outfit to be allowed to

attitude or behaviour. His honest,

foundations laid by Steve at this

camp overnight on the island. He

sometimes frank assessments are

time.

led, and oversaw, the building of

always been made with the genuine

the Bow House bar area,

intention of helping a boy. Above

The whisper on the streets over his

recognising the need for a social

all, Steve and Vicky have sought to

early years here was that Steve had

space where members of the

create a ‘home’ in the very best

played professional football for

School staff can relax and enjoy

sense of the word, and any

Leeds United (linked to the

each others company. He has also

Boarding House which the boys’

Revie/Bremner/Lorimer era of

served as a Town Councillor and

themselves end up rechristening

Leeds dominance), and he has

member of the Sherborne Rotary

‘Happylands’ can not be doing

more than played his part in the

Club.

much wrong.

development of football at Sherborne, from its initial status as a

A firm advocate of the holistic

Steve values the rich history which

minor sport played only in the Sixth

development of boys’ over their

comes from being part of the life at

Form, to the point now where it is

time here (he has always seen

Sherborne, and has always

played across all year groups and is

himself as a Schoolmaster rather

recognised the privilege and

the most popular option in the Lent

simply a Teacher), Steve was a

responsibility which springs from

Term; all this in addition to his

committed Tutor in The Green for

this bond for both boys and staff. A

coaching of the 1st XI for a number

many years under Mike Cleaver and

well-earned retirement will not see

of years.

Giles Reynolds before assuming

him leaving us completely as he

greater responsibility as the

and Vicky (who remains on the staff)

For nearly 20 years Steve was

Housemaster of Abbeylands from

are settling nearby in Longburton.

master-in-charge of both Athletics

2008, alongside his wife, Vicky. His

House renovations and work in

and Football. With the former post

predecessor had made a concerted

educational consultancy will keep

his greatest achievement was six

attempt to break the stranglehold

him busy, but we hope he allows

boys in a single year qualifying for

domination of House sports then

himself time to reflect on a long

the national championships, and

held by The Green, and with

and successful career, with the

when the School qualified as a team

notable success, but, despite his

grateful thanks of all those who

for the nationals in 1997, whilst with

own sporting pedigree, Steve and

have known and worked alongside

the latter a zenith period saw six

Vicky made it clear from the very

him.

Giles Robinson

Adam Duncan After brief stints in the city and teaching English in Taiwan, Adam enrolled in a PGCE. Newly minted, he joined our Economics department seven years ago. He became an all-round school master.

Adam’s first love is talking about Macroeconomics, but he has also mastered the delivery of Microeconomics. His time in the department has coincided with the growth of the subject to become the most popular choice of A level this year. Adam has put the hard work both in and out of the classroom.

He is regularly to be found in the department late into the afternoon offering help to those who seek it.

Adam has also helped mentor Oxbridge candidates. Here, he has enjoyed the chance to challenge the boys’ views and try to get them to appreciate another angle. His lessons were based around a sound understanding of basic theory and the ability to apply it to current affairs.

Though quick to let you

give the boys was a

know his view on a topic,

constant discussion for

he made sure the boys

Adam. On the one hand

gave balanced answers.

he wanted to offer extra

A trip to his classroom

help to those that

would likely find one of

sought it. On the other,

two things. The first

he believed that the

would be the boys

boys needed, for better

intently listening to an

or worse, to take

explanation of why the

responsibility for their

economy or a market

learning. Adam will tell

was how it was. The

you that he coached

other would be the boys

some of the finest B/C

in groups on their feet

rugby teams that Carey’s

scribbling arguments on

has hosted. He also

large white boards.

offered knowledgeable

These chains of analysis

and calm guidance to a

would, to the untrained

variety of cricket teams.

eye, look like

His first love, though, is

hieroglyphics but would

golf. After waiting his

turn into paragraphs by

time and dropping a lot

the end of the process.

of hints, he was appointed Master in

Away from the

Charge of Golf. Even in

classroom, Adam threw

one year, it is clear that

himself into a wide

school golf got a jolt.

variety of activities and

Adam’s love of the game

responsibilities. After

has set the sport in an

learning his trade in The

exciting direction. It is a

Green, Adam was

shame that he will not

appointed Senior Tutor

get to see the fruits of

in Abbey House. Hard

his efforts. Adam leaves

working, Adam was

us to take up the role of

prepared to put in the

Housemaster at

hours to back up his

Shrewsbury School. We

Housemaster. As a tutor,

will miss him and wish

he wanted the very best

him, Elodie and Abner

for his tutees, whilst not

the best of luck in their

spoon-feeding them.

new adventure.

How much extra help to

Robert Harris

- 163 -

- 165 -

Keogh Connolly Keogh walked into our lives in the Autumn of 2017. Tasked with the mammoth job of establishing History of Art at Sherborne, she somehow managed to remain calm and focused while she grappled with teaching two different specifications, with limited resources and a computer that initially didn’t work.

You know something special is happening in the classroom when a Jackson Pollock painting emerges at the end of the lesson or students start making their own oil paints. Having been lucky enough to observe Keogh’s lessons I can appreciate how fortunate our students have been.

Keogh is one of those gifted teachers who is able to weave together a wondrous lesson that provokes, inspires and challenges students. In her brief time with us

she has changed lives and given boys a sense of direction. She is the kind of teacher every child should have the opportunity to work with.

Early on Keogh was snapped up by the Careers Department to help with interview practice and Oxbridge preparation. Her commitment to the boys went beyond the classroom and she was thrilled when appointed resident tutor for Abbeylands at the end of her first year here. Her unfailing commitment and dedication to the welfare of the boys supported several through troubled times.

Keogh, our colleague and friend, will be keenly missed by us all but especially by the Art Department.

Her wit and warmth has helped us all navigate some challenging times over the last two years. She has laughed with us, rallied us and always been there for us. We count ourselves lucky to have had the very good fortune to work with such an inspirational, professional and straight-talking woman.

Emma Drake (Art Teacher)

Welcoming our new members of staff Whilst sad to see colleagues leaving us, we are pleased to welcome the following new members to the School in September:

• Robert Marston as Assistant

Science from the University of

University. He was a lecturer at

Head (Sixth Form). Mr Marston

Bath, an MSc in Strength and

Heriot-Watt University before

has a first class degree in

Conditioning and a PGCE from

becoming a school teacher,

Economics from the University

the University of Buckingham.

most recently as Head of

of Bath. After a career in the

Following a career as a strength

Computer Science at Bedford

Intelligence Corps and a short

and conditioning coach working

School.

period working in the City, he

for the London Broncos,

moved into teaching where he

Gloucester and England Rugby

became a master at Repton,

Union, he has been a teacher of

History. Ms Allen has a degree

responsible for managing the

PE at Dulwich College since

in History from Royal Holloway

School’s academic data. He is

2014.

• Dr David Wild as Head of Computer Science. Dr Wild has

• Barny Allen as Head of Physical

University of London and a PGCE from the Institute of

married with a young son and daughter.

• Charlotte Allen as Head of

Education. For ten years she was Head of Sixth Form at

a degree in Mathematics and a

St Benedict’s, Ealing, and then

Education. Mr Allen has a

PhD in Computer Assessment

became Assistant Head at

degree in Sport and Exercise

and Mathematics from Bangor

Clifton High School.

- 167 -

• Yifan Hu as Teacher of

• Jack Howden as Director of

Mathematics. Mr Hu has a

Rugby Coaching. Mr Howden is

degree in Mathematics from the

a Level 3 rugby coach who has

University of Liverpool and

worked in various coaching

completed his PGCE at Edge

roles at Otago Boys’ High

Hill University.

School in New Zealand, Bath Rugby Academy, Bath University

• Nicola Bacon as a part-time

and Bath Rugby as Head of

Teacher of Design Technology.

Elite Community Programmes.

Mrs Bacon has a degree in

He is also a cricket coach and

Silversmithing and a PGCE from

will contribute to our summer

the University of Reading. She

cricket programme.

taught Design Technology and was Lead Teacher for Teaching

• Chris Weale as Director of

and Learning at the Axe Valley

Football Coaching. Mr Weale

Academy.

holds a UEFA B coaching qualification and has worked in

• James Christian as a teacher of

20 years. He has recently

degree in Accounting and

completed a BSc Sports and

Finance from the University of

Exercise Science degree whilst

Durham, and completed an

also working as first team

MSc in Economics. He is a keen

Goalkeeping/Outfield coach at

sportsman and will make

Exeter City.

significant contributions to our • Braden Maxwell as this year’s Foundation Fellow.

• Caroline Clements as a teacher of Classics. Ms Clements has a double first in Classics from

• Jo Williams as Manager of UCAS and Higher Education.

Newnham College, Cambridge.

• Miroslav Pomichal has been • Sarah Sharp as a Graduate

appointed to the post of

Assistant in Drama. Ms Sharp

teacher of History of Art. He has

has a first class degree in Drama

a First Class Honours in History

from the University of Exeter

of Art from Courtauld Institute

and, since graduation, has been

of Art (University of London) as

working in theatre.

well as Master of Fine Art (with Distinction) from University of

• Hugh Davies as Head of Brass.

• Hannah Crocker as Examinations Officer.

• Harriet Cant as Head of English vice Rebecca de Pelet.

• Chris Smith as Senior Tutor in Wallace House.

• Nick Hall as Senior Tutor in The Green.

• Guy Harwood as Senior Tutor in Abbey House.

• Jim Donnelly as Resident Tutor, Wallace House.

professional football for almost

Economics. Mr Christian has a

rugby and cricket programmes.

Internal Appointments from September 2019

the Arts London.

• Naomi Rittey as Resident Tutor, The Green.

• Katrina Evans as Resident Tutor, Abbeylands.

We are very much looking forward to welcoming back former Housemasters Ali Hatch and Martin Brooke after their well-deserved sabbatical terms.

THE

SHIRBURNIAN 2018/19

EDITORIAL BOARD HARRIET MCKAY KATE WHITLOCK WITH THANKS

THE SHIRBURNIAN WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE OUTSTANDING CREATIVITY AND HARD WORK OF MANY PEOPLE IN THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO ALL BOYS AND STAFF WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS EDITION. PHOTOGRAPHY BY

JOSIE STURGESS-MILLS, HENRY HUNT, PAUL BREWER, DAVID RIDGWAY, HASAN HAMADTO, GILLMAN & SOAME, GEMMA BRUNTON AND OTHERS.

SHERBORNE SCHOOL ABBEY ROAD, SHERBORNE DORSET DT9 3AP T: 01935 812249 E: enquiries@sherborne.org www.sherborne.org facebook.com/SherborneBoysSchool twitter.com/SherborneSchool #sherborneschool youtube.com/user/TheSherborneSchool Flickr.com/sherborneschool