The Shirburnian 2019-20

SHIRBURNIAN THE

2019/20

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WELCOME TO

THE SHIRBURNIAN At the end of a year quite unlike any other, it is a source of some considerable pride and consolation to write this introduction to The Shirburnian. Pride because the pages that follow tell the story of a School community that has continued to evince vibrancy, positivity and compassion even as the storm of Covid-19 passes over us. And consolation because of the encouragement I take for a brighter, happier, future from the reminders of a time before the pandemic, when social distancing, “zones” and the need for constant vigilance didn’t curtail our daily lives.

The cover of this issue of our

together, to keep our community

mathematicians had made waves

annual celebration of Sherborne

alive, and to celebrate our shared

at a variety of interschool and

says it all: it shows our Heads of

achievements.

national events.

the Virtual Commemoration in

As ever, such achievements are

It can be hard to remember these

July. The film crew captured the

numerous and varied. They

happier times, such has been the

occasion so that we could share it

include stunning individual

impact of the virus on our lives.

on our website, ensuring that our

accomplishments in study, music,

But I take great comfort from the

boys, parents and wider

drama, art and sport as well as

fact that our boys and staff have

community could continue to

team successes in academic

continued to find ways to thrive,

engage with this centrepiece

contests, debating events and

even when facing the

event in our calendar. I believe

sporting competitions. Long

unprecedented challenges of the

the quality of this production,

before the clouds of Covid-19

national lockdown, remote

including the Gala Concert,

gathered, our 1st XV reached the

learning and a huge disruption to

Leavers’ Concert and Leavers’

National Cup Semi Final and our

their daily routines.

Service, shows the spirit that

Hockey 1st XI was on the cusp of

characterised our last term:

qualifying for the National Finals.

Yes, we missed out on the usual

despite recognition that nothing

Our Model United Nations team

bustle of Trinity Term. However,

beats being physically present at

had wowed the judges at a

our whole community – pupils,

School, we found new ways to be

conference in Bristol, and our

staff, and parents alike – showed

School delivering their speech at

s

And so it was that, as we faced a period unlike any other in our long history, we remained a place of kindness, hope, academic endeavour and ingenuity. I thank my colleagues, our pupils and our parent and guardian community for making this so.

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characteristic resilience and commitment right the way through the final term. The airwaves and cyberspace came alive with activity as boys and teachers adjusted to online learning and the delivery of a remote co-curriculum and pastoral care. So it was that the boys competed in a successful Virtual Sports Day, with Harper House stepping up to victory and sending Dr Wadham off in style.

And so it was that, as we faced a period unlike any other in our long history, we remained a place of kindness, hope, academic endeavour and ingenuity. I thank my colleagues, our pupils and our parent and guardian community for making this so.

By the time the results of public

academic standards were

this issue of The Shirburnian bears

examinations were published in

maintained, with the boys proving

eloquent witness to that story. I

the summer, it felt as if Covid-19

their mettle across disciplines.

hope you enjoy reading it as

was woven into the fabric of our

much as I have.

lives. Yet, its shockwaves

Such was the story of 2019-20:

continued to reverberate with the

undoubtedly different and

uncertainty surrounding final

certainly not without its

grades. Despite the challenges

challenges. It was not an easy year

this period posed, I am delighted

but it did show Sherborne at its

at the great (and very well-

very best, not least in the innate

deserved) success that our boys

care and kindness that was a

achieved in their A levels, BTECs

standout feature of the boys’

and GCSEs. It was an

interactions with each other and

extraordinary year, but our high

with us, their teachers. I believe

Dr Dominic Luckett Headmaster and CEO

2019 20...

Year in Review Head Boys Music Virtual Commemoration Creative Writing

Academic Co-curricular Houses Sport 10 Years On Farewell Welcoming New Staff

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YEAR in REVIEW The academic year may have been disrupted by the Covid-19 outbreak, but Sherborne didn’t allow that to impede its usual energy and bustle. Here are just some of the highlights from an extraordinary 12 months.

September

October

The Macnaghten Library unveiled the results of its

Sherborne teamed up with Sherborne Girls to host the

stunning refurbishment, with a new lighting scheme

popular, annual “Cracking the Code” day for local prep

throughout. The wooden flooring has been restored,

schools. More than 100 young pupils took part, from

alongside the installation of bespoke handmade

feeder schools such as Sherborne Prep, Forres Sandle

furniture, designed and manufactured by Benchmark, a

Manor and Exeter Cathedral School.

company specialising in producing top-quality joinery and run by an Old Shirburnian, Sean Sutcliffe (g 76). We are extremely grateful to the Foundation, Trustees and Sherborne 360° for making the refurbishment possible through the very generous grant of £250,000.

October 3 welcomed National Poetry Day. To celebrate, we had visiting Poet Liv Torc who was this year’s BBC Local Radio chosen poet for Somerset, spend the morning with the Third Form in the Powell Theatre. We also held our own Poetry Competition.

Huge congratulations to our Headmaster, Dr Dominic

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Foundation

Luckett for being named as “Best Head of a Public

Fellow, Braden Maxwell gave a lecture, ‘Portraiture’, to

School 2020” at the annual Tatler Awards ceremony in

32 Sixth Form pupils, including Sherborne Girls.

London. The accolade was accompanied by a write-up in the Tatler Schools Guide 2020, which drew attention

Wallace House put on a bravura performance of Unman,

to Sherborne’s extensive co-curricular offer, the strong

Wittering and Zigo as its House play, earning rave

connection with Sherborne Girls and the School’s

reviews from pupils and staff alike. The play explored the

emphasis on kindness, which, it said, “underpins the

mysterious disappearance and suspected murder of a

boys’ attitude to one another.”

teacher at a boarding school. The boys sustained the suspense of the dramatic plot to disconcertingly good

Boys from Sherborne’s Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) took part in the Rifles National Cadet Cup, excelling across a range of challenges including extracting casualties from a minefield, winning hearts and minds on an urban patrol, and clearing enemy-occupied buildings.

effect.

The Sherborne CCF team came fourth in this year’s Pringle Trophy, our best result for many years.

Our Fifth Form partied on a Saturday night in midOctober with Sherborne Girls, at their very own Mocktail

The Sølvguttene Boys’ Choir and Sherborne School

Party. There was live music in the Powell Theatre,

Chamber Choir performed beautifully in The Chapel on

complete with bartenders serving mocktails from

30 September in a wide range of repertoire from

Mojito’s to Singapore Slings!

Palestrina to Mozart.

The Friday lunchtime recital series in Cheap Street Church started on 14 September, with musicians

Nine Lower Sixth Economists became regional winners for the South West in the Shares4Schools competition organised by The Share Centre, a leading retail

showcasing their talents in both solo and ensemble

stockbroker.

performances to large and appreciative audiences.

The EPQ Presentation Evening was held at Sherborne

The History Society relaunched at the end of the month with an exciting programme of events. The programme is open to pupils from Sherborne Girls, Sherborne International and The Gryphon School.

Girls. It was a fantastic demonstration of the passion the boys had for their chosen topics and the hard work they put in to researching and writing their reports.

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YEAR in REVIEW

November The Digby, together with pupils from Sherborne Girls,

Well done to the U16s who won the Dorset Hockey

put on a stunning production of The Cripple of

round to qualify for the West regionals at Wellington

Inishmaan as its House play, earning plaudits

School in December. Congratulations to the U18s who

throughout the Schools.

came second.

The Strings Festival and Masterclass on Sunday 10

Boys from Sherborne and The Gryphon took part in

November provided a valuable opportunity for

the Juvenes Translatores Competition for Young

musicians to learn from, and be inspired by, violinist

Translators, organised by the European Commission.

Sophie Langdon.

They were some of 3,285 competitors in 751 schools in

Representatives from each division of the School’s CCF

the current 28 EU member states.

took part in Sherborne’s annual Remembrance Day

Our Close Harmony/Barbershop gave a concert with

activities. The boys took part in the traditional Service of

Sherborne Girls Madrigal Society, wowing audiences

Remembrance in the Abbey and marched through the

with light music and more classical arrangements.

high street with other military personnel and former soldiers.

The Dining Hall at Sherborne School reverberated to the sound of Jazz on Friday 22 November when the

15 November saw a collaborative concert in the Big

Sherborne School Swing Band took to the stage for the

School Room, featuring Sherborne Schools’ Sinfonietta,

first of the “All Stars” dinner and jazz events.

Sherborne Prep School Digby Dixieland Band, Sherborne Prep Chamber Choir, Sherborne Girls String Quartet, Leweston School Cantemus Choir, Sherborne

Sherborne’s competitors in the UK Senior Maths Challenge won a Gold Certificate for their efforts.

Prep School Barbershop Boys, Sherborne Girls

A number of boys undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh’s

Aldhelmsted West Choir and Sherborne Schools’

Award committed to the three levels with the Gold

Sinfonia.

Sherborne Schools’ Symphony Orchestra performed a

training taking place in November on a snow-covered mountain top in South Wales.

memorable concert in the Merritt Centre at Sherborne Girls on 17 November with repertoire including Schubert’s Rosamunde Overture, Brahms Hungarian Dances 5 & 6, and Glazunov’s Suite from the Middle Ages.

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YEAR in REVIEW

December

January

The season of Advent got underway with a beautifully

Our stunning Epiphany Carol Service was held in

atmospheric Carols by Candlelight service in the Abbey. A

Sherborne Abbey on Sunday 12 January, with music

special “Music and Readings for Christmas” event was held later

by Cornelius, Mendelssohn and Byrd.

in the month in the School Chapel. This was well attended and raised £727 for the charity Crisis – paying for 25 places at its

The Old Shirburnian Society was thrilled to be

hostels over the Christmas period.

awarded a prize for Outstanding Engagement at the

Sherborne’s Festive Shopping Day also took place on the 1 December. Sherborne’s Hub Café kept shoppers topped up with hot drinks and other festive treats, whilst the School’s Close Harmony Barbershop provided a very festive musical backdrop.

Graduway Conference. The award recognised the success of Sherborne Connect: the online platform that keeps Old Shirburnians in touch with each other, wherever they are in the world and has registered nearly 3,000 users since launching in December 2017.

The Joint Schools’ Production Tristan and Yseult with Sherborne Girls took place. The production was staged at the Merritt

The Green House play, One Man, Two Guvnors took

Centre at Sherborne Girls and was a triumph of design,

place, entertaining audiences in the Powell Theatre.

performance and direction.

The annual Inter-House Swimming Gala was a very

Congratulations to our Mini Colts rugby team who were crowned

competitive event, featuring 80 boys in total. Trophies

County Champions. In the same week, our Seniors also won the

were awarded to the fastest Third Form House, the

Schools Cup Quarter-Final.

fastest Fourth/Fifth Form House, the fastest Sixth

Nearly 40 boys took part in the inaugural “Big Sleepout” on 7 December. The event was organised to raise awareness of homelessness by giving boys the experience of sleeping rough for a night. During the sleepout, participants heard readings from the lived experience of homeless people, helping to show the reality that many people face as part of their daily lives.

Form House and the fastest House overall.

Congratulations to the entire Abbeylands team: each year group retained their respective trophy, although The Digby’s Third Form team stopped them from a clean sweep.

SCAD Foundation Fellow Braden Maxwell’s exhibition

The U16s hockey team qualified for the National Finals after a

in the Oliver Holt Gallery drew visitors from the

superb victory in their final game against Warminster School.

School, town and wider area. “Process”, as the

Sherborne’s mathematicians showed their quality again, as four boys secured victory in the Regional Senior Team Maths Challenge. They went through to the National Final, scheduled

exhibition was called, celebrated the vibrancy of Music at Sherborne, showcasing a variety of scenes inspired by the Music School.

to be held in London in February 2020.

The South West Championships of Debating Matters

Jackson Wallace (4e) was selected for the Australian National

took place at Sherborne Girls. Our boys won three

Junior Ski Racing Squad to compete in the FIS Junior World Championships.

The Friday lunchtime series concluded with a Chamber Music ‘Mince Pies Recital’ in the Tindall Recital Hall, and a special performance by The Chamber Orchestra, rounding off an impressive term of musical activity.

The House Rugby Tournament took place. The Cup Winners were The Green (Sixth Form), Lyon House (Fifth Form), The Digby (Fourth and Third Form).

Congratulations to the U18 A football team who are the current champions of the West Independent Schools League.

out of four of their debates.

Our ski racing team took part in the Downhill Only British Schoolboys Championships in Wengen.

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YEAR in REVIEW

February

March

Six boys represented Sherborne at a Model United Nations (MUN)

‘The Tales We Tell’ art exhibition by Georgina Clapham

Conference at Bristol Grammar School. They participated in a

and our SCAD Foundation Fellow, Braden Maxwell, took

process involving 49 countries, debating issues such as migration,

place at Sherborne Girls with a ‘Meet the Artists’ event

human trafficking and industry automation and seeking to reach

on Friday 13 March.

agreement with their counterparts representing other nations.

Our Inter-House Cross Country took place. Well done to Abbeylands put on a scintillating performance of Aaron Sorkin’s A

Harry Pleydell-Bouverie (4a), who came first and Robbie

Few Good Men as its House Play.

Foster (4a) who came second for the second year in a row and congratulations to School House who came first

The Woodwind Festival, was a huge success with over thirty boys

overall.

taking part. Although this was more of a masterclass than a competition, Max Dangerfield (3m), Finn Grammaticas (5f), Ricky Xu

Our musicians took part in the Sherborne Young

(4a), Sam Talbot-Williams (U6a) and Cassian Blackburn-Enever (U6e)

Musician competition. The biennial competition was held

were awarded certificates for their outstanding performances.

in the Merritt Centre at Sherborne Girls - a wealth of

The Green raised more than £7,000 for the Turi Children’s Project in

singers from local schools performed.

musical talent was enjoyed as instrumentalists and Kenya as a result of its successful Charity Gala Evening.

The Lower School were busy rehearsing the production

An incredibly impressive concert — Mozart’s Requiem —

of Whale, by David Holman, in preparation for Farleigh

performed by Sherborne Schools’ Choral Society, a joint society

School and Hazlegrove Preparatory School coming to

with Sherborne Girls and the local community, was held in

watch their first performance in the Powell Theatre.

Sherborne Abbey.

The Joint Schools’ Symphony Orchestra performed a

David Williams-Ellis, the internationally acclaimed sculptor most

stunning concert at St John’s Smith Square, London. Our

recently known for his sculpture to commemorate the D-Day

musicians, together with musicians from Sherborne Girls,

Landings, has been commissioned to create a bust of Old

The Gryphon School, Leweston School and Sherborne

Shirburnian Alan Turing. Sherborne resident, Kathryn Ballisat,

International were all superb.

inspired by Turing’s story and his connection to the town, has commissioned David to create the bust. Once cast in bronze, the bust will be unveiled by Turing’s nephew and former pupil of Sherborne School, Sir John Dermot Turing (h 78) and will stand on a plinth in the School grounds.

Sherborne became a Boarding School’s Association (BSA) ON BOARD School. The BSA’s Community Action programme aims to recognise and increase the support given to local communities by boarding schools.

Congratulations to our Third, Fourth and Fifth Formers who took part in The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. This year our boys who participated came away with a total of 79 certificates (18 Gold, 31 Silver and 30 Bronze) – our best performance so far.

The sun shone on the Courts for the Combined Cadet Force Biennial Inspection, where we were pleased to welcome The Inspecting Officer and Commander of Sandhurst, Brigadier Carr-Smith. The afternoon began with a ceremonial parade into the Courts led by Tom Dubois (U6a) and the inspection was accompanied by military music played by the pupils. A dinner for Sixth Form cadets drew the inspection to a close.

The Lower Sixth Careers Convention welcomed a number of inspirational speakers to talk to our boys from a number of sectors including Engineering and Architecture, PR, Marketing and Advertising, Law, Civil Service, Teaching and many more. Talks were open to both our boys and Sherborne Girls, covering topics such as ‘Post-digital careers for the Centennials’ and ‘Skills employers are looking for’.

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April The Parents and Pupils Sailing Competition took place

Two of Sherborne’s History of Art pupils, Henry Kauntze

at Sutton Bingham. Boys and girls from Sherborne Girls,

(U6f) and Sam Yorke (U6m), received offers from the

together with their parents, enjoyed a wonderful

prestigious Courtauld Institute of Art in London. This is

afternoon on the water.

the world’s leading establishment for the study of

The annual staff organ recital in the Abbey attracted a record audience. Performers included School Organist and Abbey Assistant Organist Peter Bray, Sherborne’s Organ Scholar Daniel Baker, and James Henderson, who serves as Director of Music at both the School and the Abbey.

Eight boys from the Fourth and Fifth Forms participated

History of Art and places at the Institute are highly competitive. The boys were awarded their offers on the strength of their theoretical knowledge and creative engagement with the discipline as artists themselves.

Biology Teacher and Vivat Shirburnia and Old Yet Ever Young photographer David Ridgway was shortlisted for the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards. The honour was for his portrait of Old Shirburnian and

in the Millfield Maths Team Challenge, with Sherborne’s

former Oxford University Vice Chancellor Sir Colin Lucas

A Team emerging as champions.

(f 59). This image was taken as part of David’s “Who’s in

The Green won the Inter-House Football competition

in the School’s “blues uniform”. Other subjects include

Blues?” project to photograph notable Old Shirburnians after battling out a close-fought final with The Digby.

Hugh Bonneville (d 81), Major General Patrick

Such was the quality of the competition, the finalists

Cordingley (c 63) and ITN’s Tom Bradby (b 85).

were decided by penalty shootouts at the end of the semi-finals.

With the nation in lockdown, Sherborne stepped in to help those in need. The catering team made a variety of

We were pleased to see Operation Future Hope

donations to Sherborne Food Bank and other local

featured in the latest edition of The Week UK

charitable organisations. Meanwhile, the School

Independent Schools Guide. Together with Sherborne

donated more than 200 science goggles and safety

Girls, The Gryphon School and King Arthur’s School in

glasses to local GP surgeries.

Wincanton, we are working with the charity, carrying out extensive rewilding across the School grounds.

Our Head of Brass, Mr Hugh Davies, worked alongside Joss Stone and Beverley Knight, remotely recording a

As the global Covid-19 pandemic led to a nationwide

track promoting NHS charities, in a moving and

lockdown in the UK, Sherborne announced that boys

wonderful tribute.

would not return to School for the start of Trinity Term.

Instead, they would follow their timetable from home,

Members of the Sherborne School Chapel Choir met,

using Sherborne’s cutting-edge and well-established

remotely, for their first rehearsal of the online term on

Virtual Learning Environment to engage with teachers

Monday 20 April, rehearsing a well-known hymn. Each

and pupils in real time.

pupil recorded his singing at home on an iPhone, whilst listening to a backing track of the Director of Music playing a ‘virtual organ’ in his home. Each singer’s solo recording was loaded into Logic recording/sequencing software and edited to form a complete ‘virtual hymn’.

Many more virtual rehearsals and performances over the forthcoming days and weeks followed. Please visit the following link to view: youtube.com/user/ TheSherborneSchool

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YEAR in REVIEW

May

June

Despite not being physically present at School,

June brought yet more lockdown achievements for the

Sherborne’s boys (and teachers!) were busier than ever.

School and its pupils. The boys continued with a variety

As well as engaging with online learning and regular

of House challenges, including School House walking,

chats with their Housemasters and Tutors, the boys

running or skipping the distance between Land’s End

found time for a variety of co-curricular and community-

and John o’ Groats, Abbey House covering the distance

oriented pursuits. For example, a number of Houses

from Sherborne to Abbey Road in London, and Lyon

decided to record videos featuring their residents. Some

House’s “Lyon to Loch Lyon” cycling challenge, which

threw a toilet roll between screens, while others

followed a similar principle.

undertook a “keepy uppy” challenge.

Old Shirburnian, former Head of School and Head When it came to charitable endeavours, the boys

Chorister of our School Choir, Peter Folkes (a 18) ran a

showed true Sherborne spirit. A number helped deliver

marathon with the help of his brother Rob (a 14) and his

prescriptions, shopping and other essential items to

younger brother Frederick (4a). The brothers ran in aid

local households, some helped out at food banks, and

of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising over £1,600 for the

others took on fundraising challenges. One Sherborne

charity.

family even swam the distance of the English Channel in their home swimming pool, raising almost £2,000 for

The Choir made another of its popular remote

NHS Charities Together.

recordings. This time the tenors and basses collaborated

Sherborne’s Chapel Choir made a remote recording of the beautiful “Easter Hymn” from Pietro Mascagni’s Cavelleria Rusticana. George Lewis (U6d), George Jefferson (U6e) and Tom O’Sullivan (L6d) were awarded the ATCL diplomas for clarinet, oboe and drums.

on a special arrangement of Patrick Hadley’s “My beloved Spake” that was guaranteed to lift the spirits of anyone who heard it. Other instrumentalists recorded solo performances that were shared on social media and garnered huge interest among the School’s followers.

Particular congratulations to George Lewis who was

Tom Carr-Smith (U6m), a regular player in Sherborne’s

awarded a distinction.

First XV, secured a professional contract with Bath Rugby, giving him the perfect foundation from which to build a career in the game.

Old Shirburnian, Hosanna Serukenya (c 19), delivered a strong and very important message regarding the importance of educating those around us about racism.

As quoted by Hosanna ‘‘By dismantling racial prejudices against black people, we can take one step closer to ensuring racism is a thing of the past”.

Sherborne initiated its first ever Virtual Sports Day. The boys were encouraged to take part in a number of physical challenges including running, jumping, cycling and other activities to score points as individuals and contribute towards House totals. In the two week period of competition, nearly 700 video clips were submitted with boys literally going the extra mile, or twenty, to contribute to the overall scores.

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YEAR in REVIEW

July

August

The School’s Virtual Sports Day came to its conclusion,

The Upper Sixth Form recorded an outstanding set of

with Harper House announced as the overall winners.

A level results. Nearly a quarter of all grades were the

Harper’s boys put in a very strong showing, ensuring that

highest A* category, with 60% being graded at A* to A.

Housemaster Dr Jeremy Wadham had a good send-off,

Well over a third of the boys scored straight A*s and As

as his 10-year tenure came to a close.

in their results and 98% were graded A* to C.

Sherborne’s catering team continued to feed local

The first ever BTEC cohort at Sherborne achieved a

people who were struggling to make ends meet.

similarly impressive set of results. Of 18 entries, six were

Catering Manager Adrian Williams and his team served

awarded Starred Distinctions (equivalent to an A* at

between 70 and 80 meals per day at the Sherborne

A level) and seven gained Distinctions (equivalent to an

Community Kitchen, ensuring no one went without, even

A at A level).

during difficult times.

Thanks to these results, three quarters of the boys

Virtual Commemoration was held in lieu of the usual

secured places at their first-choice universities, including

event in Sherborne. The virtual ceremony included

Oxford, Cambridge, Bristol, Exeter, the Royal Veterinary

speeches from Chairman of Governors Roger Fidgen

College, Durham, and St Andrew’s.

(a 64) and Headmaster, Dr Luckett, as well as from the outgoing Heads of School, Christian Johnson (U6d) and Toby Jones (U6b). A Chapel service also featured, along with two memorable concerts showcasing the musical talents of Sherborne’s pupils. The fifty-minute Gala Concert was a particular triumph of remote recordings, featuring a number of our larger ensembles, while the Leavers’ Concert marked an outstanding year of musicians. To view, please visit: www.sherborne.org/commem2020.

Sherborne was shortlisted in the Independent Schools of the Year 2020 Awards for Best Marketing Award for Brand Communication with Sherborne Girls for our Separate Yet Together campaign.

The Fifth Form continued the pattern of success when GCSE results were announced a week later. Nearly a fifth of all grades were at grade 9 (the top grade) and 38 per cent were at grades 8 or 9. More than 60 per cent were graded between 9 and 7 (equivalent to the old A* to A grades). Commenting on the results, Headmaster Dr Dominic Luckett commented:

“After all that these boys have endured since March, I could not be more pleased that their academic ability and commitment have been recognised in these results. Many of the performances are truly stellar and the boys’ success is thoroughly well deserved.”

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HEAD BOYS “I am most grateful to Toby Jones (U6b) and Christian Johnson (U6d) for undertaking their roles as Head Boys so admirably during the past academic year and I wish them both every success for the future. For the first half of 2020/21, I am delighted to have appointed Jonathan Post (L6a) as Head of School.

I know Jono will be a credit to the School, setting a fine example to our boys.“ Dr Dominic Luckett Headmaster and CEO

Music

Every so often a striking year group makes a particularly large contribution to the musical life of the School and the 2020 Leavers were an example of exactly such a year group.

Perhaps the most shining example of the quality of the musicianship was with the Wind Quintet (Cassian Blackburn-Enever (Exh.Mus U6e) – flute, George Jefferson (Sch. Mus U6e) ATCL – oboe, George Lewis (Sch. Mus U6d) ATCL – clarinet and Nathanael Fagerson (Sch. Mus U6c) ATCL – bassoon), or even the ATCL diplomaholders, or perhaps the thirteen Grade 8 Distinctions; but there were other ways in which they made their mark in countless Cheap Street Church recitals, in the Choir (thirty singers left it in July 2020) and in the orchestras and Wind Band. It’s therefore good to see that the September intake is musically even bigger than a year ago, with even more instrumentalists and thirty-three singers joining the Choir. Music at Sherborne seems to grow every year.

There were some very fine musical events in the first two terms of the year, with the Symphony Orchestra concert in St John’s, Smith Square, the three Carol Services in the Abbey, and some chamber music concerts standing out particularly - and yet there were also some great performances in the Lockdown term. Indeed another characteristic of the 2020 Leavers was their enthusiasm for, and major participation in, the rather unusual performances that took place during that most different of times, just when, with A levels cancelled, they may have been tempted to opt out altogether and to do other things.

Cheap Street Church Recitals on Friday lunchtimes at 1.45pm have for some years now drawn an audience that is both large and appreciative. Showcasing the increasing excellence of their musical performances each week, the musicians gave solo and ensemble performances in woodwind, brass, strings, piano, voice and of course the ubiquitous jazz.

Highlights inevitably included the superb Upper Sixth musicians, amongst them Monty Westall (Sch.Mus U6c) on the trombone, Cassian Blackburn-Enever on the flute, Sam Talbot-Williams (U6a) as an ever-rising baritone star, and Henry le Cornu (U6f) on the double bass and as the tenor voice of the School.

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JameS HenDerSon DIRECTOR OF MUSIC SHERBORNE SCHOOL AND SHERBORNE ABBEY

s

S TR IN G S

The Strings Festival and masterclass on Sunday 10 November 2019 provided a valuable opportunity for musicians to learn from, and be inspired by, violinist Sophie Langdon.

Langdon’s career encompasses concerto performances and recordings with many major orchestras - the BBC Symphony Orchestra, BBC Philharmonic, the Royal Philharmonic, the Philharmonia, the Berlin Radio Orchestra recordings for Chandos and Naxos. A day of hard work, and some very good performances by the strings players, led to Barney Crawford (4b, double bass), Kevin Li (3g, violin), Kit Hobbs (Sch.Mus 4c, cello) and Jay Chan (Sch.Mus 3b, viola) being awarded signed certificates of significant progress. All of these players have great potential for the future, whilst meanwhile the Chamber Orchestra performed well, under Head of Strings Lucy Allen, during the annual ‘Mince Pies Recital’ in the Tindall Recital Hall in J S Bach’s Concerto in A minor, BWV 1041 with some very impressive solo playing from Alexander Hobbs (Sch.Mus L6c, violin), Jay Chan and Jack Pyman (Sch.Mus 5e, violin). In the same concert Isaac Bingley (Sch.Mus L6e) was the outstanding guitar soloist in Vivaldi’s Concerto for Guitar, RV 93.

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J OI N T S C H O O L S’ MU SI C

C H OR AL MUS IC

Before being interrupted by the Lockdown, the Choir had been on the finest form this year that it has been for some time. One hundred and four singers led the Abbey services on Wednesdays and Sundays each week, and an outstanding candle-lit Advent Carol Service on Sunday 1 December included music by Praetorius, Warlock, Bairstow, Vaughan Williams, Dyson and Henderson, with much comment being made of the singing of the Choir in the

Collaboration with Sherborne

conducted by John Jenkins,

Girls, The Gryphon

excelled in Schubert’s Rosamund,

and Leweston resulted in two

Brahms Hungarian Dances 5 & 6,

large-scale concerts: the first was

Glazunov’s Scherzo and Serenade

on Friday 15 November in the Big

du Troubadour. Led by Alexander

School Room with the Sinfonia

Hobbs (Sch.Mus L6c), the

and Sinfonietta, and featuring

Symphony Orchestra went on to

performances by Sherborne Prep,

give a performance in London

and the second was on Sunday

days before the Lockdown,

17 November in the Merritt

adding Vaughan Williams’ English

Centre at Sherborne Girls,

Folk Song Suite to the

featuring the Wind Band on

programme and showcasing

The Chamber Choir, complete

startlingly good form in

particularly memorable and stylish

with a strong line of ex-

Holst’s Suite no 2 in F (Movement

solo playing from French Horn

cathedral trebles — voices

1), with particularly outstanding

Benedict Mercer (Sch.Mus U6b),

seem to be breaking later these

brass playing under the direction

clarinetists George Lewis

days — had started the year

of new Head of Brass, Hugh

(Sch.Mus U6d) and Fergus Burtt

early in a concert during mid-

Davies, and Head of Instrumental

(Sch.Mus L6c), together with

September, in the School

Studies, Clare Jackson. Sherborne

outstanding tuba playing from

Chapel, joint with the

Schools’ Symphony Orchestra,

Tom Dubois (U6a).

Sølvguttene Choir from

plainsong Advent Matin Responsory and the plainsong Antiphons (O Sapientia, O Adonai, O Emmanuel). The 2019 Carol Service was a superb one, with shining brass playing in the familiar Willcocks fanfares and music by Filsell, Rutter, Rutti, Wood and Mathias.

Norway.

s

- 19 -

The Chamber Choir also ended the Michaelmas Term in the School Chapel as they performed ‘Carols and Readings for Christmas’ and raised money for the homeless charity “Crisis”, and ended the Lent Term in March with a Choral Evensong in the Chapel four days before all schools closed.

The atmosphere in the OSR at the annual Chamber Choir dinner, which follows the Choral Evensong, was distinctly ‘last opportunity’ as the Lockdown fast approached, and following an inspiring yet daunting sermon from the Chaplain, Rev David Campbell. Benedict Mercer (Sch. Mus U6b) and George Jefferson (Sch. Mus U6e) made outstanding Heads of Choir.

This year the Choral Society returned to the Abbey, having previously been in Wells Cathedral in 2019 and Poole Lighthouse in 2018. Since 2017 Health and Safety regulations have prohibited the use of the Abbey for repertoire which requires a large orchestra and large choir, but this year Mozart’s Requiem, Haydn’s Te Deum in C and Haydn’s Missa Sancti Nicolai provided the perfect opportunity, with their classical orchestrations, to return to the Abbey.

Professional soloists Elizabeth Weisberg (soprano), Helen Charlston (mezzo-soprano), Simon Gfeller (tenor) and Jonathan Brown (bass) gave Mozart’s famous and stunning piece memorable performances, while the professional orchestra (consisting of many of our Visiting Music Teachers) was led by Head of Strings Lucy-Anne Allen. There were fortyfour Shirburnians involved, and sixty Sherborne Girls, in addition to the many members of the local community who had rehearsed every Sunday evening in the Tindall Recital hall from September to the performance in February.

s

W IN D A N D B RA SS

The Wind Band, led by George Lewis (Sch.mus U6d) which has for several years been a mighty tour de force of playing, was this year split in two. The Wind and Brass ensemble, largely a Third Form ensemble, provided a superb training ground for the larger ensemble and afforded an opportunity for the 67 accomplished players in the Wind Band to perform Fraser’s King across the Water and Pixar Movie Magic.

of Kiev arr. Osterling, and The

and former orchestral member of

Saucedo’s Flight of the

Great Escape arr. Russell.

the Royal Opera House) this year

Thunderbird and Gordon

The Upper Sixth Wind Quintet,

involved a very large number of

Jacob’s An Original Theme are

which had been playing together

woodwind pupils, who benefited

complicated repertoire which

since the earliest weeks of their

from expert advice on their

this band in its new formation

Third Form at Sherborne, gave

performances in an atmosphere

was able to perform to much

stellar performances of

of masterclass-with-competition.

acclaim.

Danzi’s Wind Quintet in B flat

The theme of the day was ‘getting

major, Bizet’s Jeuz D’Enfants,

to the next level’ and the

Sadly the annual concert in the

Mozart’s Overture to the Marriage

competitive element was less

BSR, traditionally on the last

of Figaro and an arrangement for

important than doing just that,

Friday of the Lent Term, was

wind of The Dissonance

but nonetheless best

cancelled due to Covid-19

Quartet K465, and also made it

performances were given by Max

precautions, but the band was yet

through to the semi-final of the

Dangerfield, saxophone (3m),

to appear in lockdown guise

National Pro Corda Chamber

Finn Grammaticas, flute (5f) Ricky

when, perhaps remarkably, it

Music Competition.

Xu, clarinet (Sch.Mus 4a), Sam

pulled off several performances.

Talbot-Williams, clarinet (U6a),

Meanwhile the 20 strong Wind

A Woodwind Festival and

and Cassian Blackburn-Enever,

and Brass Ensemble gave

Workshop on Sunday, adjudicated

flute (Exh.Mus U6e).

performances of The Great Gate

by Elizabeth Fyfe (oboe-player

- 21 -

s

HA L L ID AY C U P M U S IC C O MP E T I TI O N

This major event in the annual music Diary for Pianists and Singers took place on Sunday 15 March. This year it was adjudicated by Paul Drayton (composer, pianist and conductor, and whose choral music is published by OUP with several Christmas commissions for King’s, Cambridge over the last two decades) and was of a very high standard. Outstanding playing and superb singing filled the entire Sunday from 9.00am to 7.00pm which of itself is quite a feat. The Junior Piano Prize was won by Orlando Tavener (Sch.Mus 3b) with Harvey’s Rumba Toccata. Angus Williams (Sh.Mus 4c) won the Intermediate Piano with an excellent performance of Sarf Dance by Chaminade, while Ciaran Smith (Sch.Mus L6b) gave a very exciting rendition of Copland’s The Cat and Mouse and won the Senior Piano Prize. Playing on the larger

he will play many times at OS

Fagerson (Sch.Mus U6c) was

of the two Chapel organs, George

weddings). Samuel Berry

given the Senior Singing Prize for

Jefferson (Sch.Mus U6e) won the

(Exh.Mus 5a) was awarded

an outstanding performance of

Organ prize with Mulet’s

Intermediate Singing prize after

Schubert’s Erlkönig and indeed

famous Carillon Sortie (a

his performance of Carissimi’s

then also won the overall cup.

wedding favourite which no doubt

Vittoria, vittoria and Nathanael

- 23 -

JA ZZ

The Swing Band, with

Schools, took place in early

by their own year groups in

energetic vocal soloists

March and enabled

the Powell Theatre on

James miller (U6a) and Sam

Shirburnian jazz musicians to

Saturday nights as part of the

reynolds (U6c) who was also

lead an exciting day of

‘socials’ programme, which

in the trumpet section, would

improvisation with the

worked well for showcasing

have ended the academic

Director of Music - and Jamie

up-and-coming rock talent

year with another trip to

Rawlings (U6m), the band’s

with Hugo Blanchard (5c),

Barbados and no doubt the

leaving pianist, was

Luca Bryant (5m), Kit Slim

thought of those daily

instrumental in the day’s

(4m), and Tiff Austen (5d)

concerts, and the hours in the

success. His improvising will

being particularly in the

sun and on the sand, spurred

be sorely missed.

limelight. The BSR was this year reserved for two Sixth

them on to deliver another superb year of jazz - even

A Swing Band is in many ways

Form events in which Alex

during lockdown. Dinner and

only as good as its rhythm

Warland (L6m) led and

Jazz was cancelled (it was to

section and the 2019/20

headlined, with Fergus Burtt

have taken place the day after

rhythm section, led by the

(Sch.Mus L6c), Charlie

all schools closed) but

outstanding drummer Tom

McCaig (L6b), Matt

thankfully an opportunity to

O’Sullivan (Exh.Mus L6d) -

MacDonald (Sch.Mus L6c)

perform an “All Stars’ evening

little surprise that he achieved

and the ubiquitous Tom

took place both in November

his ATCL performance

O’Sullivan ATCL providing

at the Exeat and in early

diploma during his Lower

musical and tight

February, at the start of half

Sixth year and with Sam

performances in a mix of

term. The musical integrity of

Talbot-Williams (U6a) on the

covers and their own material.

this group made recording

bass and Jamie Rawlings on

A successful Unplugged, joint

individually, as was the way of

the piano, was quite

with Sherborne Girls in the

the Trinity Term, a much more

exceptional.

Tindall Recital Hall, saw James Miller complete five

straightforward process than would otherwise have been

On the RocSoc scene,

years at Sherborne with an

the case and the Jazz Band,

steered by Head of RocSoc

unusual and impressive

too, rose to similar

Sam Talbot-Williams, Lower

record of having given a

challenges. A Prep Schools’

School bands from the Fourth

performance in every single

Jazz Day, with youngsters

and Fifth Forms had the

RocSoc and Unplugged

from several different Prep

opportunity to be supported

concert.

s

L O CKD O WN M US I C

The music continued, almost

compiling and editing on Apple’s

were then put together on Logic.

as normal, during lockdown.

wondrous software ‘Logic’. The

All of the School’s ensembles

Shirburnians responded

process for an accompanied

recorded at least one piece of

outstandingly to what must at

soloist began with a pianist

music remotely. The best example

times have felt like a barrage of

in Sherborne - most usually

of everyone pulling together,

requests for recordings: the idea

Benjamin Davey or Martin

however, was the recording of the

that a solo recording, on a mobile

Walker, recording the piano

Carmen Saeculare over the course

phone’s Voice Memo App, would

accompaniment and putting it

of the last weekend of the remote

need to be produced on almost a

onto Microsoft Teams. Each

term. Sam Talbot-Williams (U6a)

weekly basis could have been

musician then recorded his part at

was sailing in the Solent all day on

difficult. In their superb response

home, ordinarily using the Voice

Friday, but was able to record a

to the challenge, the musicians

Memo App on a mobile phone,

bass guitar track when he came

proved to be extremely resilient

then uploading it to the

off the water at 5.00pm, which was

and well capable of producing

Assignment area of Teams for

then sent to Tom O’Sullivan ATCL

high-quality recordings at very

the pianist in Sherborne to re-

(Sch.Mus L6d) for the addition of

short notice. Regular uploads to

accompany the solo, making

the drum kit part, and a piano

YouTube took hours to prepare:

certain that it was ‘together’ and

track from Sherborne was

almost permanent residency in

that any moments of musical

blended in too. The resulting

front of computers for lessons was

indecision were beautifully

‘Guide Track’ then provided the

then extended by hours of

covered, before the two tracks

accompaniment for the Choir

- 25 -

Virtual

Gala Concert Friday 3rd July 2020 7.30pm ‘Live’ on YouTube

Practice on Teams and Zoom at

Programme

6:30pm, following which a large number of mostly accurate vocal recordings were uploaded to Wind Band

Teams. On Friday evening and

Jupiter

Holst

Livin’ on a prayer

Jon Bon Jovi

Sonata for Piano, Oboe and Bassoon

Piano Trio

Poulenc

Andante (2nd movement)

Saturday morning every member

Who do you think you are Kidding, Mr Virus?!

Brass Band

Perry/Taverner arr. Davies

his instrumental part, and submitted it by email.

Trio for Piano, Clarinet and French Horn, Op 188 Ein march (2nd movement)

Piano Trio

of the Swing Band then recorded Wind Quintet

Overture to The Marriage of Figaro

Reinecke

Mozart Porter, arr Blackwell

Let’s do it

Close Harmony Choir

I was glad

And so it goes

Joel arr.

Chilcott

Autumn Leaves

Kosma arr.

Heath

Parry

Swing Band

Jumpin’ at the woodside Basie

A Leavers’ Concert and a Gala Concert, and an anthem (Parry’s I

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Choir

Concerto in D Minor RV565 Largo e Spiccato Soloist: Alexander

Vivaldi

Locus iste

Bruckner arr.

Henderson

was glad) for the Virtual Commem service, were all available for virtual performances on YouTube.

It is possible that history will forget that the programme was entirely virtual - in other words, recorded remotely, because it looks so like many other years:

Virtual Wind Band Conductors: Clare Jackson, Hugh Davies Leader: George Lewis ATCL Flute: Cassian Blackburn-Enever Exh. Mus. Findlay Grammaticas, William Loughlin, Joseph Page Sch. Mus, Sammy O’Brien Sch. Mus, Sam Baring, Matthew Lo Oboe: Edward Brooks Exh. Mus. George Jefferson ATCL Sch. Mus., Hendrik Ashbrooke Exh. Mus., Hector Kennerley Sch. Mus Clarinet: George Lewis Exh. Mus., Sam Talbot-Williams, Angus Williams Sch. Mus., Ricky Xu Sch. Mus., Archie Burton Sch. Mus, Harry Wood, James Coleman Exh. Mus Bassoon: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus., Thomas Arbon Valderrama Sch. Mus Alto Saxophone: Giles Blythman-Rowe, Toby Foulger, Lucas Gardner, Charles Gatti, Byron Yang Sch. Mus, Charles Matthews, Khalid Miah, William , Freddie Cole, William Sowerbutts Tenor Saxophone: Max Lewis Exh. Mus., William Parry Baritone Saxophone: Fergus Burtt Sch. Mus. Trumpet: Frederick Folkes Sch. Mus. Aaron Kim, Jordan Mwangola Exh., Mus. Jonathan Post Exh. Mus. Charlie Burtt, Exh. Mus Joseph Harris, Archie Beardsell, Rufus Austin, Barnaby Talbot-Williams, Alex Upton French horn: Nico Beeny Sch. Mus. Douglas Groves, Benedict Mercer ATCL, Sch. Mus. Euphonium: Matthew Findlay Trombone: Tom Ewart-Smith, Toby Talbot-Williams, Monty Westall Sch. Mus., Sam Withers, Karl Ng, Tom Trickey, Freddie Springett, Ben Smith Bingham Bass Trombone: Fabian Mercer Sch. Mus. Tuba: Jamie Jones, Bamber Mauleverer Exh. Mus Drum Kit: Tom O’Sullivan ATCL Exh. Mus. Percussion: Ranco Liu ATCL Sch. Mus.

Virtual Brass Band Director: Hugh Davies Trumpet: Ben Fuller, Aaron Kim, Sam Usher, Henry Cannon Exh. Mus, Rufus Austin Euphonium: Max Pugsley

Alto Saxophone: George Lewis ATCL Exh. Mus. Lucas Gardner Mus., Charles Gatti, Toby Foulger, Giles Blythman-Rowe Tenor Saxophone: Max Lewis Exh. Mus. Baritone Saxophone: Fergus Burtt Sch. Mus. Trumpet: Jonathan Post Exh. Mus. Jez Meaker, Aaron Kim, Frederick Folkes Sch. Mus, Sam Reynolds Trombone: Monty Westall, Sch. Mus. Freddie Banks, Toby Talbot-Williams, Karl Ng Guitar: Tom Talbot Bass Guitar: Sam Talbot-Williams Piano: Jamie Rawlings Drum Kit: Tom O’Sullivan ATCL Exh. Mus.

Virtual Close Harmony Director: James Henderson Archie Beardsell Sch. Mus. Hector Kennerley Sch. Mus., Archie Burton Exh. Mus. Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus. Hector Fiennes, Henry Le Cornu, Fabian Mercer Sch. Mus., Jonathan Post Exh. Mus. Jack Pyman Sch. Mus. Max Pugsley, Ciaran Smith Exh. Mus.

Virtual Choir with the Sherborne Abbey Choristers

Director: James Henderson Theo Anderson Gannon*, Thomas Arbon Valderrama, Hendrik Ashbrooke, Archie Beardsell*, Nico Beeny*, Sam Berry*, Marcus Bradley, Marcus Bray, Ed Brooks, Hercules Bullough, Archie Burton, Charlie Burtt, Fergus Burtt*, Henry Cannon, James Coleman*, Toby Davies, George Duignan, Tom Ewart Smith, Nathanael Fagerson*, Frederick Folkes*, Toby Foulger, William Frost, Lucas Gardner, Finn Grammaticas, Henry Haywood Smith, Kit Hobbs*, Alexander Hobbs*, George Ingrams, Theo Jarratt, George Jefferson*, William Jonas, Hector Kennerley*, Thomas Lamb, Henry le Cornu, Max Lewis, George Lewis, Michael Long, William Loughlin, Fergus MacDonald, Bamber Mauleverer, Fabian Mercer*, Benedict Mercer*, Jordan Mwangola, Christopher Neville, Sammy O’Brien*, Tom O’Sullivan, Joseph Page,

Trombones: Freddie Banks, Alfie Reynolds, Karl Ng Tuba: Jamie Jones, Matthew Findlay

Virtual Wind Quintet Director: Clare Jackson Flute: Cassian Blackburn-Enever Exh. Mus. Bassoon: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL, Sch. Mus. Oboe: George Jefferson ATCL Sch. Mus. Clarinet: George Lewis ATCL Exh. Mus.

French horn: Benedict Mercer ATCL, Sch. Mus.

Virtual Chamber Orchestra Director and viola: Lucy-Anne Allen Violin: Alexander Hobbs* Sch. Mus. Jack Pyman, Ciaran Smith Exh. Mus. Cameron Golding, Orlando Tavener Sch. Mus. Viola: Jay Chan Sch. Mus. Cello: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL Sch. Mus. Marcus Bradley Exh. Mus. Samuel Berry Exh. Mus., Gareth Kwong Exh. Mus, Kit Hobbs Sch. Mus. Double bass: Henry Le Cornu, Barney Crawford

Poulenc Trio Director: Clare Jackson Bassoon: Nathanael Fagerson ATCL Sch. Mus Oboe: George Jefferson ATCL Sch. Mus Piano: Mr Martin Walker

Reinecke Trio Director: Clare Jackson Clarinet: George Lewis ATCL Sch. Mus French Horn: Benedict Mercer ATCL Sch. Mus Piano: Mr Martin Walker

Virtual Swing Band Director: James Henderson

Edward Pinnock*, Jonathan Post*, Max Pugsley*, Jack Pyman*, Jamie Rawlings, Ciaran Smith*, Ben Smith Bingham, Sam Talbot-Williams*, Charlie Temmink*, Sam Vincent, Edward Waller, Oscar Welchman, Alec Williams, Angus Williams, Bertie Wilson, Ricky Xu

* Virtual Chamber Choir Director: James Henderson Special thanks to compilers and spent many virtual reality through hundreds of recordings: Mr Benjamin Mr Hector Mr Hugh Davies Mr James Mr Elliott Park Sam Talbot-

the team of Logic editors who hours making performances a the assembling of mobile phone

Davey Fiennes Henderson Williams

Virtual Commemoration In lieu of a physical ceremony, Commemoration 2020 moved online. Here’s a reminder of a historic day for Sherborne.

- 27 -

This special day marked the achievements of the whole community in the traditional way, but with one notable difference: rather than taking the form of a physical celebration in and around the School grounds, it consisted of filmed speeches, ceremonials and virtual concerts.

As a result, everyone involved in Sherborne’s vibrant life was able to participate, even though they were scattered across the country and beyond.

The occasion began with Headmaster Dr Dominic Luckett’s voiceover on a welcome video showcasing the beauty of Sherborne in summer. The usual Commemoration ceremony then got underway with a formal welcome from Roger Fidgen (a 64), Sherborne’s Chairman of Governors. Roger praised the School for its adaptability, expressing particular thanks to our parent community for their support during the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Next up were the Heads of School, Christian Johnson (U6d) and Toby Jones (U6b). They offered an amusing tribute to the School and to their contemporaries, speaking in rhyme where possible and more than rising to the occasion.

- 29 -

Dr Luckett then gave his address, in which he emphasised his personal thanks to the boys, their parents and the teaching staff for helping Sherborne make it through a challenging time. He also reasserted his vision for Sherborne as a place characterised by kindness and compassion: a community in which each member is encouraged to find their strengths and enthusiasms and pursue them with confidence and diligence.

The finest illustration of the Headmaster’s words was found in the list of the year’s prize winners.

This included Harry Boulton (U6m), who was awarded the prestigious Bow Award for his work raising awareness of

s

To view

Virtual Commemoration 2020 please visit:

www.sherborne.org/commem2020

- 31 -

“We felt especially sorry for the Leavers, who missed out on their usual rites of passage at this time. But it was a joyful occasion that celebrated the vibrancy of our School community.

It provided a fitting end to a unique term: a chance to take stock and look forward to the future.”

adolescent mental health in

the Leavers: a significant moment

“Of course, Commem 2020 was

School and beyond (read the full

in their passage from School that

never going to be the same as

story on p. 149).

underscores the values at the

in other years,” commented

very heart of its common life:

Dr Luckett. “We felt especially

The Commemoration ceremony

kindness, compassion, and

sorry for the Leavers, who missed

was followed by a service in the

decency. The other elements of

out on their usual rites of passage

Chapel. The Chaplain, the Rev’d

Commemoration were also in

at this time. But it was a joyful

Dr David Campbell, preached

place, including a Gala Concert

occasion that celebrated the

about the importance of gratitude

that showcased the talent in the

vibrancy of our School community.

and kindness as habits to take

School’s pupil population, and a

It provided a fitting end to a

into the world beyond Sherborne.

Leavers’ Concert featuring videos

unique term: a chance to take

His powerful address was

of the boys performing from their

stock and look forward to the

followed by Dr Luckett’s charge to

homes.

future.”

- 33 -

Creative Writing

Once a farmer wished to cultivate a splendid field

So he ploughed it until it was pocked with craters He poured out shiny black seeds unto the soil He littered fertiliser over the trenches of mud He sprayed pesticide so the plants wouldn’t spoil, Watering it with his own sweat and his own blood And so he ploughed the field with grumbling shells, He peppered the ground with shiny black shot, He sprayed soldiers with the foul fumes of hell, So the soil would become fertilised as they rotted And the fathers and husbands and sons were his to spend

What choice is to made in love that’s true?

And the daughters and wives and mothers would soon forget

Simple to hold it is, and woe to fight

And after all this the families would eventually mend.

That heart-felt whim that sings old songs a-new, And sets them in a bold, yet hollow, light,

Years later, after the fighting had ended,

Yet; when the soul craves purpose, let it be

From all over men came to admire the field

Not focused in a bright, but shallow, spark,

That the farmer-turned-butcher had tended:

For those who grieve that life has left them free Do on a journey far from love embark.

Because there, where the men lay slew,

But; striving for romance gives birth to art,

His lovely field of poppies grew.

E’en when to us that struggle seems in vain, Between the joys and sorrows must we dart

Toby ross (5b)

For therein lies the true homage to pain.

Therefore let poets write and lovers dream, Neglecting not the source of real esteem.

edward Pinnock (4a)

- 35 -

Wallet The wallet was a dull brown colour Lacking features beyond a rough surface.

Utility instead of fashion, Simple stitches keeping the leather at ease.

Small whitish stitches held the hide together, Shackling the skin to its owner, But keeping it prisoner as well.

Knowing too well it kept the precarious structure as one.

The contents were not of interest.

Beyond some brass shrapnel and unused pouches, It held an ID card for an irrelevant office job From which the employee was already fired.

It lay sombrely upon the curb.

By now to the owner it was But a mere memory of debt, Owing its finest perfections to the gutters.

Its leather creases frowned and crumpled Like an overdrawn letter crushed in a student’s bin, Held only by debris and leaves from a nearby ash, And whether the wallet desired to stay or slip, I was not sure.

The court’s decision was final, and the wallet slipped Into the darkness of the drain, The wind howled only in admiration for a lost soul.

oscar Boswall (U6f)

Academic Review 2020 will, I suspect, turn out to be one of those years we would all like to quietly forget. The shadow of Covid-19 has overshadowed everything, eclipsing our successes with nebulous stress and anxiety. However, despite its numerous challenges, a great many positives have emerged from this sorry episode and it is important to recognise them here.

- 37 -

The first major accomplishment was the unrolling of Microsoft Teams, which sailed into the Covid-19 breach like a great thundering steamship. This

Dr TIm FILTneSS

application was to become the workhorse of remote

DEPUTY HEAD (ACADEMIC)

teaching and, with almost no exceptions, it was a roaring success. In the first week of last term alone over a thousand remote lessons and tutorials took place – all delivered using Teams. From this solid platform, diversity bloomed and, as the term unrolled and confidence grew, lessons spread to OneNote and Zoom, becoming more interactive and,

60%. Well over a third of

both ‘live’ in the

increasingly, multi-dimensional. Nested Teams calls,

the boys gained straight

classroom, but also

chat, break-out rooms, collaboration spaces, bolt-on

A* and A grades, which

electronically via Teams

applications and other resources all came to the fore

is our best ever.

and OneNote. All

and, by the end of term, a very wide range of

Sherborne is also

resources are shared

teaching styles had evolved, offering the boys as

delighted that their first

there, along with revision

diverse and exciting a range of approaches as you

BTEC entries resulted in

materials, copies of

would have found in a ‘normal’ classroom, arguably

similarly impressive

notes, syllabi and other

more so.

grades. Of 18 entries, six

class materials. Lessons

were awarded starred

are also recorded for any

For me, the enormous progress made by my

distinctions (equivalent

boy who is absent (or

colleagues was brought sharply into focus in the end

to an A* at A level) and

working remotely)

of term INSET - also held via Teams - where a dozen

seven a distinction

meaning that hybrid

teachers representing the same number of

(equivalent to an A

teaching is now a

specialisms shared the array of impressive techniques

grade).

commonplace tool in our repertoire. The upshot of

they had adopted to teach interactively and remotely.

It was really rather impressive.

As we now look ahead to

this is that teaching

the next academic year,

really has made a

It was an extremely challenging end to the academic

the emphasis for

paradigm shift, leaping

year; however, we are proud of the determination

Michaelmas Term is on

from the predominantly

and resilience shown by our boys. Following the

consolidation, ensuring

class-based approach to

uncertainty surrounding examination results,

that trails blazed by the

one that now straddles

Sherborne’s Fifth Form were awarded an exceptional

‘early adopters’ are

more than one domain.

set of GCSEs: over 19% were graded at the top mark

embedded across all

All lessons have a virtual

- grade 9 - and 38% at grades 9 and 8; more than 60%

staff and pupils.

space and, having

of Sherborne’ entries were awarded 9 to 7 (equivalent

Facilitating this, we have

established last term just

to the old A*-A grades), well over twice the national

invested widely in the

how effectively these can

average.

wireless network,

be used, I hope to see

upgraded classroom IT

some equally impressive

Furthermore, after all that the Upper Sixth Form have

facilities and installed

achievements this term,

so patiently endured since March, we could not be

webcams in every

all the more so because

more pleased that their academic ability and

classroom. With BYOD

they are once again

commitment has been recognised through their

also established, this

mirrored by face-to-face

outstanding results. The boys have also achieved an

means that lessons are

traditional teaching.

outstanding level of success, with an A*-A rate of

now routinely situated

- 39 -

english During remote learning, the English Department had to innovate their style of teaching to adapt to the unprecedented times. Away from the comfort of whiteboards and paperback books and with a new group of A level students, the teachers set out to tackle their biggest challenge yet: technology. Despite these obstacles, during lockdown, we still covered a large variety of topics. One of the main skills we attempted to enhance was how to analyse a text. The term ‘text’ is versatile, and we capitalised on the ambiguity of this as we studied varying types of texts. From a painting in the pointillistic style of George Seurat to a song by Amy Winehouse, the breadth of potential analysis is what makes English such a fascinating subject.

Even if, like me, you are not too familiar with 19th century French artistic styles, there is still plenty of different proficiencies which will help you deduce what the message of the text is.

The Trinity Term provided an introduction to the A

fraternal. My personal favourite analytic technique is

level syllabus and in this time, we investigated

Freudianism, which attempts to disentangle the

different perspectives of literature. Contrary to

subconscious thoughts of the characters in the text.

some literary beliefs, texts do not have just one

A good example which I used when presenting this

meaning. Our class attempted to analyse different

idea, was ‘The Little Green Monster’ by Haruki

texts, through different lenses. There are varying

Murakami, a fairytale that seems innocent but is

ways in which to read a text, but several main

really a rape survivor’s suppressed thoughts.

genres. To look at a story through a feminist point of view is to study the role of women in the text; is their status high or low? What rights do they have?

Questions like these are key when interpreting a text. This vein of conversation can lead further onto concepts like the Bechdel Test, which ostensibly seems not to be related to English, but is linked due to the range of how diverse English Literature can be. Similarly, Queer Theory is a way of evaluating an extract specifically to detect any connotations of

English is always comparable to the modern day; another thought-provoking comparison was Angelo’s creepy persona in Measure for Measure by Shakespeare to the unedifying and terrifying story of Harvey Weinstein, harassing women. The comparison of two people who are not synonymous, yet share similarities, despite being from different eras is fascinating and also touches on poignant political and social issues.

sexual love between two characters of the same

Overall, our term of online learning was thoroughly

sex. An example of this would be Bassanio and

entertaining as we covered many issues through our

Antonio from the Merchant of Venice. They are

laptop screens. I look forward to studying English

superficially portrayed as heterosexual, but subtext

for the next two years and encourage anyone else

would lead you to believe their love is more than

who is interested, to also continue it.

Will Jonas (5d)

s

Siew-Chiang Lim, Head of Mathematics

Mathematics We started the academic year in

in the Senior category and 18

treated to two Mathematical

September 2019 with an upbeat

Gold, 31 Silver and 30 Bronze at

lectures by Ben Sparks in the Lent

spirit following a strong

the Intermediate level. Jack Wang

Term. Ben demonstrated his

performance in IGCSe and a

(5e), who was only in the Fifth

‘Magical Mathematics’ to the

levels in the summer. In truth,

Form, also sat the Senior

Juniors in his first visit and

I was more excited about the

Challenge (normally reserved for

returned at the end of February to

prospect of our top

Sixth Form pupils) and,

talk about the “Sacred Geometry

mathematicians in the Sixth

unsurprisingly, became our

of Chance (Poker, probability and

Form and was quietly

youngest Gold certificate winner in

music)”. Both sessions were good

anticipating them to excel in

the Senior category. Abdulla

fun and enthusiastically attended!

their a level examination in

Ahmadi (U6e) and Aaron Kim (U6b)

summer 2020. These were the

both qualified for the prestigious

On the whole, I have been

same batch of boys who made

BMO (British Mathematical

impressed by the resilience and

us proud when 27% of the

Olympiad) and were awarded a

the determination that our boys

cohort obtained the highly

Distinction and a Merit

have demonstrated during remote

acclaimed grade 9s in their

certification respectively. These

learning. It is so much harder to

IGCSe (9-1) examination. In

were all outstanding individual

keep focus without the usual

addition to that, I have also

achievements by any standard.

structure or the face-to-face

recent history, to enter two sets

In November, our senior team led

for granted but the boys should all

of Fifth Form boys for the harder

by Abdulla Ahmadi, Aaron Kim,

be really proud of what they have

Level 2 Further mathematics

Nicholas Morris (L6a) and Simeon

learned and achieved. Most of all

planned, for the first time in

contact that we have come to take

qualification. of course, Covid-

Davchev (L6e) won the Regional

though, I am grateful to my

19 hit the world and everything

Senior Team Mathematical

colleagues in the department for

changed. It would have been

Challenge. And in the following

the time and effort they have

great for these boys to be able

February, these boys went on to

invested to make learning as

to prove themselves in the

represent the region and enjoyed

smooth as possible for our pupils.

actual exam instead of receiving

a full day of Mathematics in

It was not at all easy in the

their CaGs.

London at the National Final.

beginning when we were all trying

Equally successful were our Fourth

to get our heads around the

Before ending the year in the

and Fifth Form boys who took part

technology and to find ways to do

midst of lockdown and remote

in their first Millfield Maths Teams

the things we need to do in a

learning, our boys still managed to

Challenge. The team consisting of

meaningful and efficient manner.

get the chance to enjoy their

Jack Wang, Seiko Yonemata (5m),

The team supported each other -

annual UKMT Mathematical

Edward Pinnock (4a) and Ottokar

they are now all experts in Teams

Challenges. This year, we won a

Denham (4m) came home with the

and OneNote in their own right

total of 111 certificates all together

overall Champion accolade.

and I could not be prouder.

– 7 Gold, 11 Silver and 14 Bronze

As for the others, they were

- 41 -

Physics What do one of the most

sometimes seems too good to be

creates everything we know... Isn’t

successful TV series of all time,

true. Except, it has one flaw that

that just amazing?! So now you

a lad with a cool beard and

stops it from being the model of

say “Great, this is the model we

possibly one of the most

everything - gravity. Whatever

have been looking for, pop the

controversial theories in science

scientists did, they couldn’t

champagne, serve the caviar and

have in common?

possibly fit gravity and supposedly

let’s celebrate!”. But not so fast…

the graviton in the model.

see, to prove a hypothesis, you

However, here came Susskind in

need to verify it against known

The reason why I am writing this and therefore you are reading, is

shining armour, ready to tackle

values, like the mass of an

all due to the unforeseen line of

that problem, using his mighty

electron, or the speed of light,

events following the global

weapon- the S-matrix. He

and here comes the problem- the

pandemic. As I apparently had a

proposed that the particles we

smallest number of dimension we

lot of time to kill, I took on the

perceive as the foundation of our

got it to work in, so far is 10… and

task to improve myself and not

universe – matter, force carriers

we need to get it down to 4, we

waste a minute of my time in

and bosons, are a result of the

need to make the math work…

quarantine. That is why I binged

vibrations of strings of energy

the better part of Netflix and

magnitudes, smaller than the

This is where the great minds like

one series caught my mind in

smallest particles known so far. In

Dr Sheldon Cooper, Heisenberg,

particular - “The Big Bang

fact, so small that if the Milky Way

Susskind and possibly you, come

Theory”. Besides being light and

was a quark, the string would be

in. Science is not dead and

funny, this show sparked my

the size of your bedroom. But it

physics in particular still has a lot

interest for a part of physics I have

gets even better! In the standard

to give. Possibly, one of the

heard about, but never bothered

model of particle physics, we have

greatest discoveries of all time is

to go further into and what it

23 free parameters that need to

waiting right before our eyes,

actually meant.

be fixed by experiments. Yes, we

waiting to be unravelled on a

have quite precise measurements,

blackboard. So, if you are

Our story will begin in 1940s

but no explanation of them

considering going into Physics,

Germany, where the newly

whatsoever, which is mind-

just remember that this is only one

introduced notion of the S-matrix

boggling, because if any of them

of infinitely many examples of how

by Heisenberg was spreading like

was slightly different, the universe

nature playfully hides its secrets

wildfire upon physicists, because

wouldn’t exist! That is where

and once discovered, they can

of the elegant unified solution it

string theory really shines, as it has

change the course of humanity

promised. So far, the model used

only one parameter- the

forever.

then (and still today) fits quarks,

Lagrangian. The Lagrangian of the

leptons and bosons in a nice

string determines how it

systematic model, which

“vibrates”, but instead of music, it

Simo Davchev (L6e)

s

Biology In order to help in preparation for Oxbridge, boys are asked to research, discover and feed back about new ideas within their field. After the topic of mitochondria was covered in an A level biology lesson, Alex Hobbs (L6c) wanted to discover more.

He aspires to read Biology at Oxford.

mitochondrial Dna – an evolving Landscape in Science Organelles, the machinery we find within cells, are the crucial factors for eukaryotic cells to form. However, they weren’t always found within these cells.

The Endosymbiotic theory states that some organelles now found within eukaryotic cells, were previously prokaryotic microbes.

Organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts were previously self-sufficient organisms and as such contained their own genetic material. This was until they were absorbed into larger single cellular organisms, by phagocytosis – enveloping it like PacMan! However, instead of

being digested, these smaller

We now know that mtDNA have

prokaryotes lived in a parasitotic

mutations far more frequently

manner, within the cell.

than nuclear DNA. In fact,

Eventually though, their

mutations are said to happen ten

relationship was described as

times faster than the nuclear

co-beneficial.

DNA, due to the damage from reactive oxygen molecules during

So, given that mitochondria were

oxidative phosphorylation.

once self-sufficient, they

Moreover, changes to DNA are

therefore have some DNA of

only produced in this way, which

their own. Indeed, this is a key

is different to nuclear DNA, which

part of the evidence that

can be changed during cell

mitochondria were previously a

division and recombines with

separate organism. The

every generation. This is not

mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a

thought to be the case for

circular loop and is found within

mtDNA, which is only passed on

the matrix. This differs from the

the female line. These two pieces

linear DNA that is found within a

of evidence mean that significant

nucleus. This DNA within the

variability exists in mtDNA

mitochondria can produce

sequences among unrelated

enzymes for pathways crucial to

individuals. However, the

respiration.

mitochondrial DNA sequences of maternally related individuals,

- 43 -

However, more recently, there

mitochondrial disorder. However,

has been conflicting evidence,

the researchers also tested the

which brings into question the

boy’s grandparents and found

belief that mtDNA can only be

that the pattern only partly

passed down the maternal line. It

matched the boy’s grandmother,

is now thought that there can be

but that the rest clearly matched

biparental inheritance of mtDNA.

the grandfather. It suggests the

It was previously thought that the

existence of a mutation in the

egg would destroy the mtDNA in

gene responsible for the enzyme,

the sperm and thus it would not

which would normally eliminate

such as a grandmother and her

appear in the fertilized embryo.

the mtDNA in the sperm, thus

grandson or granddaughter, are

Interestingly, the evidence for

allowing it to survive.

very similar and can be easily

this new theory was discovered

matched. Therefore, mtDNA can

accidently when a four year old

If you’ll forgive the pun, research

be used to trace and discover our

boy, who was believed to have a

into this new development is still

human Mitochondrial Eve - the

mitochondrial disorder, had his

very embryonic. The extent to

first ever female human being.

blood tests analysed. The results

which these findings will change

Through such tracing, we believe

showed that a series of mutations

our current calculations of the

that the mother of all humans

in the boy’s mtDNA matched his

history of humanity are not yet

lived 200,000 years ago in

mother and sisters, but since they

known. We must wait and see…

Makgadikgadi (Southern Africa),

did not have a mitochondrial

a vast wetland some 46,000

condition, this meant that his

square miles in area.

condition was not likely to be a

alex Hobbs (L6c)

s

Chemistry If you want to put your finger in

molten lead… talk to a chemist

know heat cannot be transferred

As can be seen, physical

as easily through a gas, so it takes

problems like reducing friction

first!

longer to boil the remaining

and understanding how the

insulated liquid. Since it cannot

pressure of a gas can produce a

Chemistry is, like all science,

conduct or convect, it has to

levitating force have centred

constantly evolving. Fundamental

radiate. So, to return to the

around the Leidenfrost Effect.

concepts from Chemistry are

molten lead, the dampness on

Likewise, in Geology the

used in Physics, Biology and

your finger creates an insulating

Leidenfrost Effect can be seen,

Geology. This is what I think

layer, and that is why it does not

such as when a volcano erupts

makes Chemistry special: how it

burn. Similarly, placing your hand

deep under the ocean and, as a

connects with the other sciences

into liquid nitrogen below -195.8

result of the stark differences in

and I will explore one such

degrees is possible, as this time

temperature and water being

example of this- the Leidenfrost

the nitrogen around your hand

above its Leidenfrost point, forms

Effect.

vaporises and insulates it.

oxygen rich zinc peroxide. In a lab the same process can be

What would happen if I plunged

When we look at this problem on

mimicked to stack selected

my finger into molten lead at

the nanoscale, we find

nanoparticles, and then the

327.5 degrees Celsius? I think

possibilities for several

nanoclusters of zinc peroxide are

most of us would assume it would

applications, such as cooling,

even being investigated for their

burn off; surprisingly it doesn’t, as

drag reduction and liquid

possibilities of cancer treatment,

long as your finger is slightly

transport. The Leidenfrost Effect

as anticancer agents.

damp… Traditional Chemistry

only applies when the

might have led us to believe heat

temperature difference between

A lot of Chemistry cannot be

from the metal would be

the boiling point of the liquid and

understood intuitively, and this is

transferred to our skin cells

the surface is sufficiently large.

precisely what makes it so

through electron collisions. But

When the hot surface used is

complex. Equally though, the rare

this cannot be the case, as is

gold for example, when small

aspects that one might think, do

demonstrated in this example

droplets ranging from 4nm to

not even need explanation, are

where there is no burning. We

20nm are added above 573k, the

governed by the bewildering

don’t have to ‘invent Chemistry’

effect is strong enough to make

variety of interconnecting laws,

to understand this principle, we

the droplets hover and whizz

which I have just described.

just have to uncover it - and

around with significantly more

Ultimately, Chemistry governs

Leidenfrost did.

kinetic energy than lower

every aspect of our lives, and

temperatures, even taking into

whichever science we study, we

He explained that, when a liquid

account the thermal energy,

come into contact with its

is in contact with a surface very

proving they have greatly

principles and the effects of those

much hotter than its boiling point,

reduced friction. Heat engines

principles upon our environment.

it takes longer to boil. This is due

taking advantage of this principle

to the liquid touching the surface

have been prototyped, and in the

vaporising immediately and

near future could start to be

producing an insulating layer. We

used.

Harry Johnson (L6e)

- 45 -

Modern Foreign Languages Inspiring Language Learning with Digital Tools

Teachers in the Modern Foreign

to have consolidated the skill.

We’ve also continued to be avid

In the MFL department, we have

users of This is Language, a

tried to get over this hurdle by

subscription-based language

using digital tools to connect, not

learning platform which has a

Languages department at

just to consume. For instance, in

huge bank of video interviews with

Sherborne have always been keen

the Trinity Term we were able to

native speakers of French,

users of digital tools. French TV

continue offering conversation

German, Spanish and Italian, on

adverts, Spanish-language

classes, using video conferencing

every topic on the IGCSE course

documentaries, and German

technology in Microsoft Teams

as well as grammar explanations

songs sourced from YouTube were

and teachers were able to set up

and activities.

already part of our repertoire, not

pair and group speaking tasks, in

to mention reading material and

virtual breakout rooms. Some of

One of our most exciting digital

stimuli pulled from articles in the

our A level pupils added a good

innovations this year is an

foreign media. Not only that, but

dose of inspired creativity to this

online platform called Bili

our pupils are familiar with

by writing and then recording

https://bili.uk.com/ founded by

language learning apps, like

drama in Spanish, much like the

Charlie Foot (a 07), which pairs

Duolingo. The need in the Trinity

BBC lockdown-inspired drama

schools across the world to set up

Term to move teaching online

‘Unprecedented’, shot on a split-

virtual language learning

necessitated a new drive to

screen Zoom video chat. This term

exchanges. Each pupil in the

identify digital tools that would

we have been getting pupils

group, in Sherborne will be

help our pupils progress. However,

speaking by having them submit

introduced through the platform

one of the challenges of using

recordings of short answers to our

to a corresponding pupil in a

digital approaches for language

speaking prompts, using the

partner school in Germany, France

learning is the phenomenon you

Microsoft App Flipgrid, complete

or Spain and during the year they

may have noticed yourself: getting

with selfie-video, emojis and gifs.

will get to know each other by

a high score on a Duolingo level

Teachers have been able to share

submitting video responses to

does not mean that, in real time

feedback on a great essay by

stimuli set by their teachers in the

conditions, confronted with a

sending through audio feedback

target language. Although current

native speaker, you will be able to

that can be listened to, or by

travel restrictions mean we are not

produce a communicative

recording the screen using

able to plan trips abroad to

contribution. It’s quite easy to get

Screencastify as they mark it, so

practice our language skills just

better and better at Duolingo

that pupils get a real-time

yet, we hope that this experience

tasks, only to be flummoxed on

experience of the feedback.

will mirror the experience of doing

stepping off the ferry. Cognitive

We’ve transferred all our

a language exchange abroad,

psychologists talk about the need

vocabulary lists for all year groups

inspiring our pupils to close the

to achieve Transfer Appropriate

on to Quizlet, a flashcard website

screen and get speaking

Processing: You need to be able

which generates games and tests,

languages in the future.

to transfer the skill you practiced

and which will accumulate the

using the digital tool to a separate

vocabulary set for each topic as

situation, before you can be said

pupils move through their courses.

Philip morrow, Deputy Head of Modern Foreign Languages

s

Economics Challenging Perceptions Preconceptions about Mexico

dogs. Scotties, Dachshunds

of which date from 100BC –

tend to involve colour, street life

and French Bulldogs are the

intricate carvings, miniatures and

and chaos; sombreros, and

favoured breeds. Visiting the

implements made from basalt,

mariachi bands. Landing in Mexico

Anthropological Museum, I notice

gold, polished stone and marble.

City, my immediate impression

that most of the visitors are

There is little mention of the

was that of a city more like Madrid

Mexican. The building itself is

Spanish Conquista. I get the

than Delhi. In the city centre, the

sensational, with a large roof

impression that this is a period of

equivalent of inside the London

suspended over an outdoor

their history on which the

Circle Line, it feels ordered and

courtyard (the size of two or three

Mexicans do not dwell.

‘European’, the roads lined by

football pitches) – with a pool and

healthy, clipped box-hedging.

well-tended reeds. The visitors

Neighbours pass by, walking their

show real pride in their heritage as they explore the exhibits – many

From an economic perspective, Mexico seems at first glance to have boundless advantages: a highly skilled workforce, a strategic position neighbouring 400 million high-income

- 47 -

consumers, strong in technology

Trump administration has required

has been a disproportionate

innovation and the creative

the repatriation of some auto

impact on women. In a recent

industries, with relatively low wage

manufacturing. There is also

report, the World Bank said that

costs and natural advantages in

tension over water: under a 1944

the impact of lockdowns that have

the form of oil and tourism.

treaty, Mexico is required to send

closed economies across the

Reading the IMF indicators, you

water north to the US from its

globe and the resulting job losses

would assume that Mexico’s

dams in northern Mexico. This has

would cause a 20% decline in

economy is a success. By GDP, it

become a burning economic and

remittance flows to low and

is the 15th largest in the world,

political issue, with farmers in the

middle-income countries,

on a par with Spain and The

state of Chihuahua wanting the

compared to last year. Mexico is

Netherlands.

water for their own crops. The

one of the largest recipient

Mexican government is also under

countries of remittances,

pressure from the US to reduce

equivalent to 3% of its GDP. The

migration, diverting scarce

IMF talks of a ‘lost decade’ in Latin

government funds to renovate

America.

The economic reality is somewhat different. Mexico’s central bank governor Alejandro Díaz de León, anticipates that Mexico’s economy could contract by between 8.8 and 12.8 percent this year, possibly the worst year since the 14.8 percent plunge recorded in 1932, during

immigration detention centres and transport migrants from the whole of Latin America, away from the US-Mexico border.

However, despite the challenges, Mexico’s economic potential is overwhelming, especially in the high-tech corridor that occupies

the Great Depression. The shock

The economic impact of the

much of the municipality of El

resulting from the pandemic is an

pandemic has been particularly

Salto. Companies including

extra layer on an already

harsh in Mexico given that sixty

General Electric, Motorola,

challenging economic and

percent of the population are in

Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel,

political environment. Drug

the informal economy, and there

Hitachi, Siemens, and Kodak

cartels, corruption and cycles of

maintain manufacturing and

violence are a fact of life. Mexico’s

research centres in the area.

political and economic

Mexico is holding onto its unique

relationship with the US is

cultural identity, but at the same

complex. Under the new USMCA

time moving forward, innovating.

rules (the new trade deal between the US, Mexico and Canada), the

Kate Creswell Head of Economics and Business elect, currently living in Mexico

s

Geography Every year we encourage Sixth Form boys to take part in essay competitions to both enhance their geographical understanding and develop their essays to a more scholarly level ahead of university. This year, Sam Vincent (L6g) entered the Royal Geographical Society essay competition answering the following question: What is the geographical story behind a chosen set or sets of data?

Regardless of his result which will be released in the next few weeks, he should be proud of this excellent piece of work, especially as this was completed alongside his Oxbridge application, preparation for his AS Geography exam as well as his involvement as the director of the House radio play.

Expectations that climate change will have a big impact on a person’s life are far lower in the Western countries than - - countries.

- Eastern and Middle- Eastern

-

How much of an impact, if any, do you believe climate change will have on your life? (% who answered “a great deal of impact” or “a fair amount of impact”)

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- 49 -

The upcoming ‘COP-26 2021’,

exacerbated and more frequent

tons of carbon dioxide, through

mutually hosted by the United

because of anthropogenically

additional forest and tree cover”

Kingdom and Italy vaguely aims

induced climate change. The

(5). Despite an “increase in climate

“to increase climate ambition,

evident and potential socio-

ambition” not being apparent, it

build resilience and lower

economic consequences have

does seem that ‘lower emissions’

emissions” (1). However, a

presented India with little time

are. Overall, the aims established

disparity between expectation and

and resources to focus on

by the United Kingdom and Italy

reality is highlighted by an insider

‘building climate resilience’.

do not resonate with that of India.

in a Financial Times article stating

Instead the government and the

Despite the country supporting

that officials are “working without

public are occupied by recovering

over a seventh of the global

much ministerial encouragement

from the immediate impacts of

population and thus making it of

(and) are not putting the effort

droughts-especially when 60% of

great attention to the United

into the global diplomacy

the national crop area is rain fed.

Nations climate change plan, this

necessary for success” (2). This

Personal and previous experience

is simply not the case. This division

along with the two hosting

greatly influences one’s

in climate related ambitions was

countries expectations of climate

perception. Considering India is

abundantly clear at ‘COP-21’,

change as having a far smaller

severely impacted by numerous

where India’s delegates pressed

deal of impact relative to most

climate change induced natural

for “climate reparations” (5) from

countries surveyed, displays their

disasters, it is no wonder the

wealthy countries that were

dangerous perception on climate

overwhelming majority perceive it

responsible for the bulk of carbon

change as lacking pragmatism,

as causing “a great deal of

dioxide induced climate change.

severity and effort - all of which do

impact”. Additionally, their high

not resonate with those most

ranking on the data provided,

affected by the impacts of climate

strongly correlates with the fact

change.

that it is “the 5th most affected

In India, 70% of those surveyed

country by climate change”. (4)

Contrastingly, only 12% of Norway believe climate change will have “a great deal of impact” (3).

Similarly, to the UK and Italy, Norway too displays low levels of

believe climate Change will have a

In view of India’s climate situation,

concern regarding the

“great deal of impact” (3).

one would expect the COP-26

impacts of a

Regardless of what impact they

aim’s to deeply resonate with

believe it will have on their lives in

those of India, considering its

the future, presently India is

significant impact on the matter.

hugely impacted by extreme and

Evidently, the government has set

unpredictable flooding as evident

three major goals in the following

in ‘The 2015 Chenai Flood’.

decade: “increase share in non-

Ironically the subcontinent has

fossil fuels to 40% of the total

also been subjected to severe

electricity generation capacity,

droughts, particularly in 2016.

reduce the emission intensity by

Despite being opposing in their

33-35% from 2005 levels and to

nature, they are both further

create a carbon sink of 2.5-3 billion

s

}

}

climate change. Again, like Italy

have done dramatically less. Even

and the UK, Norway is in the 30

when being largely responsible for

least impacted countries by

the vast amount of carbon dioxide

climate change. Evidently this

emissions; a result of their

explains their mutual perception

developed country status’s.

on the climate affair. One survey

Consequently, this lack of

was especially distressing; where

awareness and effort by the two

“from 2010-2015, the proportion

hosting countries could ultimately

of Norwegians worried about how

prove devastating for the

climate change may affect them

countries, which are most

directly dropped from 60-44%” (6).

vulnerable and exposed.

All the while, the implications of climate breakdown became

While the story conveyed by the

increasingly apparent. Norway

set of data illuminates the

appears to resonate with all the

significance of climate awareness

aims of COP-26’s. In recent years

and perception, it ultimately

they have doubled their ‘Green

narrates the disparity between

Climate Fund’ - the country’s

developing and developed

primary way of funding climate

countries approach to climate

efforts in developing countries.

change and the resulting

The overall aim of the fund is “to

unsustainability that will continue

promote low emission and climate

to occur. If we are to diminish this

resilient development” (7) which

gap regarding countries

uncoincidentally aligns with both

unsustainable approaches to

Norway’s and the UN’s aim of

overcoming the impacts of human

‘building resilience and lower

induced climate change and

emissions’. The ‘increase in

inevitably eradicate it, then there

Climate ambition’ can also be

needs to be a fundamental

seen in Norway’s climate strategy

change in the way that we address

“where the parliament approved a

it. The upcoming ‘COP-26’ is

radical goal of achieving climate

potentially one of our last chances

neutrality by 2030, two decades

to reshape the views of policy

earlier than planned” (8). Currently

makers and raise constructive

these three countries are having a

awareness towards the perception

significant influence on the global

countries have on each other’s

climate plan; because of Norway’s

situation, regarding climate

strong relationship with the UN

change. It is this that will

and the United Kingdom and

fundamentally provide an all-

Italy’s aims for COP-26. Although

inclusive solution that will give a

Norway has displayed great deals

sustainable ending to the narrative

of effort and resources towards

of climate change.

climate change, the other two

Bibliography: (1) Rgs.org. 2020. Royal Geographical Society - Teaching And Learning In Geography. [online] Available at: <https://www.rgs.org/schools/competition s/school-essay-competition/> [Accessed 24 September 2020].

(2) Shrimsley, R., 2020. Boris Johnson Needs To Live Up To His Climate Change Rhetoric. [online] Ft.com. Available at: <https://www.ft.com/content/db433bd91eeb-4742-a40d-59a8878ece93> [Accessed 17 September 2020].

(3) Smith, M., 2020. International Poll: Most Expect To Feel Impact Of Climate Change, Many Think It Will Make Us Extinct | Yougov. [online] Yougov.co.uk. Available at: <https://yougov.co.uk/topics/science/artic les-reports/2019/09/15/international-pollmost-expect-feel-impact-climate> [Accessed 20 September 2020].

(4) Iberdrola. 2020. Which Countries Are Most Threatened By And Vulnerable To Climate Change?. [online] Available at: <https://www.iberdrola.com/environment/ top-countries-most-affected-by-climatechange> [Accessed 17 September 2020].

(5) Goswami, U., 2020. India Signals It Is Ready To Do More To Slow Down Climate Change. [online] The Economic Times.

Available at: <https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/n ews/politics-and-nation/india-says-it-willdo-more-to-slow-down-climate-change/ articleshow/70813231.cms?from=mdr> [Accessed 22 September 2020].

(6) Wolden, G., 2020. Norwegians—And The Rest Of The World—Are Not Afraid Of Climate Change. [online] Norwegian SciTech News. Available at: <https://norwegianscitechnews.com/2015/ 06/norwegians-and-the-rest-of-the-worldare-not-afraid-of-climate change/#:~:text= More%20than%2030%20per%20cent, climate%20change%20in%20their%20 municipality.&text=The%20proportion% 20fell%20from%2060,perceive%20climate %20change%20to%20be.> [Accessed 22 September 2020].

(7) Norgesportalen. 2020. Norway Signs Agreement On Funding For Green Climate Fund. [online] Available at: <https://www.norway.no/en/missions/UN/ news/news-on-climate-and-environment/ norway-signs-agreement-on-funding-forgreen-climate-fund/> [Accessed 22 September 2020].

(8) Neslen, A., 2020. Norway Pledges To Become Climate Neutral By 2030. [online] the Guardian. Available at: <https://www.theguardian.com/environme nt/2016/jun/15/norway-pledges-tobecome-climate-neutral-by-2030> [Accessed 22 September 2020].

- 51 -

History The Academic year 2019/20 has

face whatever the 2021 exam

During remote learning the

been one of great change in the

season brings. Three boys in the

department developed the use of

History department, with the

Upper Sixth were fortunate to be

online learning and resources, and

arrival of myself as the new Head

interviewed to read History at

in September 2020 moved largely

of History, and Ms Pearson’s

Oxford, and one is re-applying for

to paperless teaching and the use

appointment as Housemaster of

2021. Several Lower Sixth boys

of OneNote to deliver resources.

The Green. Mr Reynolds, the

entered national essay

The use of Teams during lockdown

previous Head of History, remains

competitions and received good

was a bonus for the Upper Sixth

in the department as a full time

feedback. The department has

historians, despite their

teacher, taking a lead on

prepared a new Third Form

disappointment in not being able

developing the co-curricular

programme of study, to align it

to take their exams: those planning

opportunities and the A level

better with the GCSE skills and to

to read History at university took

Crusades course. The biggest

introduce a wider range of topics,

advantage of the ‘History Boys’

change, of course, was the move

including a Renaissance project,

team to undertake research and

to remote learning and the

Slavery and C20th social change.

have seminar debates with one

Grades (CAGs) instead of

Outside of lessons, the department

East and Revolutions.

examination results.

was able to offer some excellent

awarding of Centre Assessed

another on issues like the Middle

enrichment, with trips to Historical

Unfortunately, the planned trip to

In teaching and learning, two big

Association lectures and A level

Ypres in the Lent Term had to be

changes in 2019/20 were the

conferences, a cross-curricular

cancelled, and the Berlin trip

introduction of coursework for the

debate and a new lecture

planned for 2021 put on hold, but

iGCSE course, and the re-

programme. The latter were hosted

as soon as practicable, the

structuring of Lower Sixth teaching

by the re-vamped History Society

department will be planning to

to allow for a distinct Coursework

which also arranged film nights,

revive both of these opportunities!

Unit to run through the Lower Sixth

scrutinised sources and

year. Both of these changes have

investigated historical ideas. We

In 2020/21 we look forward to the

resulted in the vast majority of boys

were able to move this fairly

return of Mr Crouch after his

submitting excellent coursework

seamlessly online in the Trinity

surgery and to welcoming a new

marks to bolster and support them

Term, and I think everyone’s

member of staff, Will Mackenzie-

as they head into their

favourite remote session was a

Green, to the department as a full

examinations. Sadly, Covid-19

‘show and tell’ session on family

time History teacher. We are

robbed the Fifth Form of the

artefacts. The Oxbridge

delighted that he is joining us and

opportunity to do so, but their

programme also received an

look forward to the great

coursework marks did play a crucial

overhaul, with Mr Crouch taking the

contributions he will make to the

part in the excellent CAGs we were

lead to organise weekly stretch and

ongoing development of the

able to submit to the examination

challenge sessions with the most

department.

board. However, the current Upper

able Fifth and Sixth Formers.

Sixth are now in a good position to

Charlotte Allen, Head of History

s

Classics Alex Ferguson (g 15), having completed his Masters in Classics at Durham University and about to embark on a PhD, muses on his love of Latin and Greek and their relationship to the modern world, and remembers where it all started.

Reading the thoughts of people who died thousands of years ago may seem hopelessly irrelevant to a world which feels like it is changing faster than ever. Yet, in the works we study in Classics what strikes me most is the fundamental universality of the

it was. Armed with only his mind

the best and worst of our

human condition. Whether the

and eyes, he set about trying to

civilisation: foundational political

subject is profound or important,

answer those questions. Modern

ideas like liberty and rights

trivial or humorous, from Homer

physics has answered the former,

originate in the pre-Christian

on mortality, or Aristotle on

but as to the latter, speculations

Mediterranean, yet Cortez’s

friendship, to Theophrastus

from people like Heraclitus are

barbarism in central America was

complaining about losing change

filled with artistic and intellectual

inspired by his reading of Julius

under kitchen cabinets, or Ovid

beauty and intrigue and can aid

Caesar’s Gallic Wars – he

on flirting, what I most love is how

our own musings.

imagined himself a new Caesar

recognisably human their

finding new Gauls to “civilise”.

thoughts are. Of course,

Heraclitus encapsulates much

Ancient philosophical traditions

separated by such enormous

that is fascinating about Classics.

are increasingly popular,

distances, chronologically,

Among the earliest prose writers,

particularly Stoicism and Virtue

linguistically, and culturally, the

his enigmatic fragments exploit

Ethics, because they are

differences are also striking and

the wider semantic range of

interesting and effective, helping

encourage us to reflect on the

ancient words and exemplify how

POWs in Vietnam survive, or

state of the world as we find it.

ancient writers defined and then

ordinary people find happiness.

Heraclitus, on the coast of what is

played with forms and genres that

Reflecting on the Classical world

now Turkey, looked up at the sky

have shaped the artistic and

with both a critical and

in the 6th century B.C.E. and

intellectual traditions in which we

appreciative eye provides not

wondered how the universe

operate today. The objects of

only intellectual pleasure, as well

functioned and what our place in

Classics have profoundly affected

as an understanding of the forces

- 53 -

that have shaped our society, but also practical utility day-to-day – whether it’s shaping arguments or focussing on what matters.

Furthermore, the subject is not tethered to a strict canon of texts.

Increasingly, the discipline looks East to better understand a constantly-evolving and interacting cultural milieu, of which Greece and Rome are the most famous parts. Recent paradigm shifts in how we understand Classics make it a dynamic and exciting discipline.

new connections. My passion for

Hellenist. Watching the sun rise

My own interests are primarily

Classics began at school and

over the cool blue mountains in

Greek and literary/philosophical,

really has become one of the joys

Delphi is an experience that

but these are by no means

of my life. Initially, I enjoyed the

defies articulation and one I’ll

exhaustive of the areas of study.

strictly logical puzzle of unlocking

never forget. I enjoyed the trip so

There is also material culture, in

ancient languages and found the

much, I recreated it last summer –

the form of art, epigraphy,

results of hard work immensely

revisiting the same sites brought

numismatics etc, or history, or

satisfying. At GCSE, I was then

back brilliant memories, but also

archaeology, or architecture, or

introduced to literature – my first

epitomises the nature of Classics.

the literally limitless possibilities

taste of Homer and Plato. We

What I saw hadn’t changed, but

of reception studies. One really

read Iliad 6 in a Homer reading

of course I had and so it was both

can go anywhere with Classics – a

group at the beginning of my

familiar and different. The objects

friend studied the reception of

third year at Durham and no one

of Classics are not static or fixed

Classical architecture in Caesar’s

else had heard of the influence of

and we all bring something new

Palace in Las Vegas, another

Hector’s speech to Andromache

and different to the same objects;

compared the transatlantic,

on Aragorn’s speech before the

Classics remains dynamic,

Aegean, and Mesopotamian slave

gates of Mordor. The excitement

diverse, and changing, because

trades. A beauty of Classics is the

in the pub afterwards was just like

we are.

holistic picture of the ancient

it was in our GCSE class. Beyond

world (which spans millennia and

small classes with great teachers

continents) everything you study

and a dedicated Classics library, a

contributes to; it requires

trip to Greece where I turned 17

interdisciplinary skills and

captured my imagination and set

constantly allows you to draw to

me on my path to becoming a

Alex Ferguson (g 15)

s

Theology ….And breathe. A Buddhist Guide to Lockdown.

As the vultures circled before the end of lockdown, I decided to break from the syllabus in my Fifth

department decided on

a return to normality, the ability to

Form lessons and instead of

Buddhism – different enough not

leave our house and see our

studying the nuclear family or

to confuse the boys, but with

friends. Or to go shopping, or to

traditional ideas about the Trinity,

some familiar aspects like karma

a football match. Some of the

we spent a lesson looking at the

and with some aspects that the

boys I taught craved the company

Book of Revelation. It seemed at

pupils might find useful.

of their friends, or the ability to

the time that the most pertinent

play cricket or tennis. Incredibly,

religious text we could study

I knew very little about Buddhism,

some of them even craved

involved the Last Days, the Four

however, the more I read about it,

coming back to school.

Horsemen of the Apocalypse and

the more interested I became.

Jesus coming to judge us all, the

The practical nature of the belief

This has been a really useful

quick and the dead.

system, the pursuit of happiness,

teaching resource now we’re back

or at least the lessening of

studying the syllabus again. It is a

Looking back, I might have been

unhappiness, were all very

concrete example that everyone

a trifle over-dramatic. As the

appealing. Happily, the boys

can relate to and it has a practical

months of lockdown passed, I

found this too, and it became one

element that the boys really

realised that what we should

of the more popular parts of the

benefit from. There are so many

really have studied was the

course. They particularly enjoyed

things that are in a state of flux at

Dhamma, the teachings of the

the meditation sessions.

the moment – what time they get

Buddha. These were the lessons that helped me most.

up, when they go for supper, If there is a main teaching in

whether they can go into town,

Buddhism, it is the insight that

who they can see, what games

All GCSE students study Buddhist

what causes us most unhappiness

they can do – that it is a very

Beliefs and Practices as part of

is our craving. We crave more

useful exercise to sit and

the AQA syllabus. When the

chocolate, more wine, more

recognise that, it is impossible to

syllabus was changed, several

money, a happier marriage and it

achieve normality at the moment.

years ago, we had to choose a

is our inability to have all the

All we can do is detach ourselves

religion to study alongside

things we crave that makes us

from the craving and that will

Christianity. The obvious choice

unhappy. If we could stop the

hopefully make our outlook a bit

seemed to be Islam, which is

craving, we’d probably stop

less apocalyptic.

always in the headlines, but as it

being quite so miserable.

is also from the Abrahamic tradition, we decided it might get

This was never more true than

a bit confusing. So, the

during lockdown. All of us craved

James Crawford Theology Teacher

- 55 -

Model United Nations The Model United Nations (MUN) group has met regularly to research, discuss and debate issues such as carbon emissions, religious intolerance, and, of course, Covid-19. Pupils enjoy the challenge of considering global issues from different perspectives, and developing their abilities to listen, debate and compromise.

(5m) was asked to

fervent lobbying, Simeon

represent the USA in a

was invited to speak. He

last-minute change.

called for de-escalation

He spoke to the

of the conflict and spoke

Disarmament and

against the arms trade.

Security Committee in support of the USA’s

This was the first MUN

military presence in

conference for most of

Guam and enjoyed lively

our delegates. They

interactions with the

were impressed with the

delegate from North

level of debate and the

Korea. Aneurin Denham

knowledge of many of

(4e) and Simeon

the participants. They

Davchev (L6e) sat on the

commented on the

Committee for Science

differences to

and the Environment.

conventional debating,

The highlight of this year was the opportunity to take

Aneurin debated the

with MUN requiring a

part in a day of committee debates and a General

merits of potato starch

greater degree of

Assembly, while representing Canada at Bristol

as an alternative to

flexibility, collaboration

Grammar School’s Model United Nations conference.

plastic. Simeon focused

and procedural

16 other schools were involved, with 49 countries

on the issue of

technique. In a time

represented.

deforestation, and

when cooperation

received a Certificate of

between nations is

Commendation for his

increasingly vital, it is

Our Ambassador, James Barker (L6c), was on the first Human Rights Committee, in which he debated the

contribution to this

hoped that participation

issues of internet shutdowns and vulnerable migrants.

committee.

in the Model United

On the latter, he raised a point of information, discussing the logistics of Canada accepting Syrian

Nations Group will help In the afternoon’s

pupils to develop the

refugees. Meanwhile, on the second Human Rights

General Assembly, an

skills and global outlook

Committee, Jordan Zhuo (4e) investigated the issues

unfolding emergency

necessary to negotiate

of Human Trafficking and Industry Automation. In

situation in the Middle

an uncertain future.

particular, he looked at the economic benefits of A.I.

East was presented and

in industry, as well as its ability to improve the lives of

delegations had to come

workers by replacing dangerous jobs. David Chen

up with immediate

(4e) gave a speech to the Political Committee on the

resolutions and lobby for

issue of Mexico’s ‘War on Drugs’. Seiko Yonemata

support. After some

Claire Greenrod English Teacher

EPQ

= Extended Project Qualification The EPQ in 2020 has, like

The majority of these projects

to access materials and activities

many things, been nothing like

were designed, researched and

independently to inform

what has gone before.

completed (or nearly completed)

themselves on how to complete

However, unlike many aspects

during remote working and when

the project. For some this was

the boys were only in the Fifth

extremely challenging and many

Form. For them to complete an

had difficulties along the way

EPQ worth half an A level under

either in finding research

these circumstances is worthy of

materials, or being able to create

praise in itself, but, extraordinarily,

the project they wanted.

of life (and School) that have been necessarily curtailed, for the EPQ the strange developments this year have been an opportunity to flourish and to expand. At the time of writing, over 20 projects from boys in the current Lower and Upper Sixth are waiting to go to the exam board for an early November submission, and a further 40+ are in the end stages with a

almost half of them have managed to achieve (provisional)

The presentation events in July

A* grade projects. Almost all boys

and September were triumphant

got A*/A grades and everyone

and it was fascinating, and at

who submitted passed. We are

times quite moving to see the

immensely proud of the boys for

boys presenting their own

the imagination, fortitude and

independent work. Without

enthusiasm they have shown in

exception the presentations were

researching their projects whilst at

excellent and the boys really

big presentation event day

home and with very few resources

demonstrated their learning and

scheduled on 29 November

available other than online. Their

were able to answer questions

before the projects are

teaching was all remote and,

confidently and extensively.

handed in before Christmas.

much more than is usual, they had

Several of them had very personal

- 57 -

journeys to relay about how their

the boys achievements. Credit is

throughout the year. Spurred on

project came about or was

due to my predecessor, Dr

by the great success of those who

realised, and on how it had

Mertens, who ran the EPQ project

have gone before them, they are

impacted them. It was especially

for this cohort, for her hard work

determined to achieve results that

gratifying to hear boys who said

and diligence in leading the boys

are equally impressive.

when they started they had no

and the supervisors to achieve

belief that they could complete a

such excellent results.

The EPQ at Sherborne continues to go from strength to strength

project at this level or present to an audience and how proud they

All of the above wouldn’t have

and we hope to build on the

were of themselves.

been possible without the

success of the remote learning

support of the staff who

cohort by developing and making

The excellent marks for the

supervised the pupils and

the EPQ accessible to more and

Accelerated EPQ were a

supported the taught element

more boys throughout the school.

wonderful achievement, but no

and presentations. Many were

less so were the 2019 results from

supervising the EPQ for the first

the Upper Sixth, who achieved

time, and it was a tremendous

outstanding results in their own

achievement for them to support

right: A* 27%, A*/A 54%, A*-B

the boys to such excellent results.

90%. The projects were marked

The EPQ Lower Sixth Enrichment

before the lockdown and changes

classes are also busy, with almost

to exam protocols, so these marks

20 boys reviewing, re-starting or

are an accurate representation of

beginning their EPQ journey

s

Fergus Macdonald (5a)

William Jonas (5d)

Oliver Senior (5g)

Jacob Schwandt (5f)

- 59 -

Theo McVeigh (5a)

Charlotte Allen

Head of History & EPQ Co-ordinator

Daniel Woodger (5a)

Oscar Maclay (5c)

Anomalous Art Like old photographs, memories fade in quality over time, and as a teacher of Art, I frequently reflect upon cohorts of Sixth

MATT BONE

Form leavers and the mountains

DIRECTOR OF ART

of work they leave behind pondering, ‘Why didn’t they tidy their desk before they left?’

And so it was that as I filled an

holidays that they were proper

pencils and pens were put down

enormous skip, with what I had

artists now and ready to set the

and cameras were slung over

pretty much established wasn’t

art world alight. Aware of their

shoulders, as the boys walked

art at the end of another busy

intent and having carefully tested

away for their Easter holidays.

year, I began to reminisce about

all smoke detectors around the

Unbeknown to us at the time,

our Sixth Form leavers. I was

Carrington building, we began

sadly they were never to return to

introduced to these boys as one

what should have been an epic

finish either their Art A level or

of my first teaching classes at

two year journey towards fame,

indeed their journey at

Sherborne, as I was chucked into

glory and, hopefully, a half

Sherborne.

the deep end teaching all Fourth

decent grade.

With no end of year show as a

Form sets. To say that I frequently

final hurrah to the monumental

rode home after Period 9 on a

Sixth Form Art was a fun and

Friday weeping into my

eventful journey, with our latest

effort, work and fun which we

motorcycle helmet having just

leavers seeing them christen the

shared over the last two years, I

taught 4C1 (you know who you

new Sixth Form Studio, by

feel we have all been short-

are) would be an untruth, it was

turning order into chaos, and

changed in being unable to view

more like gentle sobbing.

occasionally chaos into art. Both

some truly fantastic work from

Nonetheless, professionalism got

Art and Photography pupils

these boys. I hope these few

the better of me and I was

happily coexisted, producing a

pages go some way to show their

determined to drag these boys

fantastically diverse array of work

accomplishments at becoming

through GCSE.

through their Personal

successful artists in their own

Investigations. Sixth Form is

right. Gentlemen, from all of us in

My efforts were richly rewarded

always an exciting time as we see

the Department, it was a pleasure

by many of them opting to spend

pupils beginning to explore who

getting to know you and working

the next two years with us in the

they are as artists, growing in skill

with you.

Art Department, having decided

and stature. At the end of their

over the course of the summer

second Lent Term, brushes,

- 61 -

• Felix Chillingworth (U6m)

• Alex Norton (U6b)

• Fred Pettifer (U6b)

s

• Felix Ormrod (U6b)

- 63 -

s

• Finlay McKie (U6d)

• James Miller (U6a)

- 65 -

• Harry Boulton (U6m)

• George Pardoe (U6m)

s

• Henry Kauntze (U6f)

- 67 -

• Roly Newman (U6c)

• Sam Nicholls (U6d)

• Seb Baldwin (U6b)

s

• Sam Yorke (U6m)

- 69 -

• Toby Jones (U6b)

• Tommy Boylan (U6c)

Braden Maxwell’s Exhibition

‘Process’

In the Michaelmas Term, we warmly welcomed Braden Maxwell. Braden was the SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) Foundation Fellow at Sherborne School. Braden spent a year teaching our boys, whilst working on his MFA in illustration as an award-winning illustrator.

Since graduating from BYUIdaho, Braden has worked as a professional freelance illustrator and as an educator focusing primarily on drawing fundamentals, painting, and digital techniques. A defining

together so many elements and

importantly, the sensitive and

attribute of his work is the

audiences that are often separate.

professional installation in the

prominent use of the figure

His show captured the

unique space of the Holt Gallery

throughout his paintings and

imagination of the boys, where

put the focus firmly back on the

they had the opportunity to

works of art - achievements in

admire the very techniques that

themselves, with their many

On Friday 24 January, the Oliver

they are taught, which apart from

layers, their subtle compositional

Holt Gallery launched Braden’s

spectacle gave them a hint of the

solutions, and their capturing of

inspirational exhibition ‘Process’.

opportunities such ability holds. It

character and portrait without

We were thrilled to welcome so

put a spotlight on the Music

being a simulacrum.”

many members of the Sherborne

School, such an important part of

community to the private viewing.

Sherborne, and allowed the

Braden’s exhibition ‘Process’ in

Teacher of History of Art and

viewer to contemplate visually the

the Oliver Holt Gallery, became

acclaimed artist in his own right

performative and the aural. Being

open to the public from 30

Miroslav Pomichal, provides an

public-facing, the exhibition

January, through to 13 February.

insightful review of the

attracted many members of the

We were delighted to share

exhibition...

local community, both artists and

Braden’s inspirational work and

art lovers, and in doing so

we wish him all the very best for

“Braden Maxwell’s exhibition

confirmed the part played by

the future.

managed to achieve something

Sherborne in the cultural life of

rare in the art world - it brought

the area. But also, very

illustrations.

- 71 -

s

- 73 To view photos of the exhibition, please visit our Flickr page: www.flickr.com/photos/sherborneschool

Drama...

- 75 -

The Drama Department saw some excellent work in 20192020, with four fantastic House plays in the Powell Theatre, a really stunning Joint Schools’ play, produced at Sherborne Girls, in the all-new Merritt Centre and the incredible Junior Play Whale.

Unman, Wittering and Zigo, performed by Wallace House, The Cripple Of Inishmaan, performed by The Digby, The Green’s One Man Two Guv’nors and Abbeylands’ A Few Good Men were all wonderfully realised and hugely well performed by all concerned. The Joint Schools’ play Tristan and Yseult was a real triumph of design, performance and direction. It was plain to see the huge amount of work which had gone into all aspects of the very demanding script, such as the stage fighting and choreography. It was also a real testament to the director’s abilities to see the interactive nature of the production so well realised.

The Drama School also bore witness to some excellent work from Mrs Darnley’s Lamda boys in the form of the Drama

s

Showcases, which were of

challenging and bizarre

I would be the first to admit, that

exceptional quality this year, and

experiences in a long career. If

Miss Sharp’s originality and ability

were perhaps the best that have

you had asked me before

to master modern technology far

ever been. I was particularly

lockdown as to the feasibility of

outmatched my own, but Sarah

impressed by Sam Withers’ (4f)

teaching Drama to groups over

tried hard not to make me feel

wonderfully touching final speech,

the internet, I would have very

like a dinosaur in sight of the

which commanded unbounded

quickly answered that it would be

approaching ice. I will never

applause from the entire

totally impossible.

forget Miss Sharp’s brilliant improvisation lessons with the

audience. It was a moment I shall Once set the task however, my

Drama Scholars, the joie-de-vivre

valiant GRA, the amazing Sarah

with which she tackled those

Directly after these performances,

Sharp and I, devoted our energies

sessions and the highly original

however, came the advent of the

to coming up with inventive and

exercises she set for the boys.

pandemic and our small world

totally new ways of creating

Sarah also managed to create a

was thrown into disarray by it in

drama and having theatrical fun in

whole raft of new and exciting

many ways.

this strangest of classroom

material for her Third Form class

contexts.

from scratch over the lockdown

never forget.

Teaching Drama over lockdown

period and produced a wonderful

was certainly one of the most

set of Fourth Formers, who both

- 77 -

s

- 79 -

understand and can apply the

Digby and helped his cast of

drama to groups over the

drama skills they learned in the

younger boys create a short and

internet? It is, to a certain extent,

classroom now, and do so with

highly-entertaining movie about a

would be the answer I would give

the same joy and creativity, with

crew of Digby boys and tutors

now. There are a few vital

which they were taught by Sarah.

journeying to the stars in a space

ingredients however: you must

ship. This was entirely filmed over

have an amazing GRA and a host

It was also wonderful to see the

Teams and was shown to the

of very keen boys with huge

boys rising to the challenge of

House at the end of term.

enthusiasm and the will to succeed and have fun.

Drama over lockdown, principally led by our most senior Drama

I will admit that teaching aspects

Scholar, Will Jonas (5d). As well as

of analysing theatre and acquiring

leading various Scholars sessions,

skills and knowledge needed to

Will also led the charge on the

answer the questions on the exam

newly-created interim Fifth Form

texts themselves, was far easier

set on the making of a short film,

than the practical work. There is

which was entirely filmed and

no doubt doing practical work is

captured on phones and on

far more straightforward and

Teams. Jackson Shine (L6m) also

much more successful in real life,

did the same on behalf of The

but is it possible to teach practical

Ian Reade Head of Drama

Design and Technology 2020 became the year when our A level pupils drew their two-year design and development projects together, submitted their folios for assessment and then went into the virtual learning world of lockdown-life. Whilst the teachers marked and moderated these extended pieces of work, the boys focused on the remote lessons, concluding the theory and so finishing their studies of the A level.

At A level our D&T pupils must

recycling categories and the

difficulties she had lifting the

first identify a client who

storage challenges this posed in

kayak on to the car roof.

experiences difficulties in some

his parents’ home. William Joyce

aspect of their lives. Encouraging

(U6b) spent time looking at how a

the pupils to look outside the

relative of his navigated their

School bubble enables them to

home in a wheelchair and the

recognise the significance of the

challenges this posed, making

softer skills of asking the right

plans of the spaces and the

questions to best understand the

obstacle locations. Felix

issues and challenges they face.

Chillingworth (U6m) looked at his

For George Wightman (U6a) this

sister’s kayaking, with the

involved looking at how waste

problems of washing, drying and

was separated into its various

storing equipment and the

Tom Dubois (U6a) looked at the experience that his family and their guests had upon returning to the house in hats, gloves and muddy footwear and James Miller (U6a) looked at the issues elder relatives faced relaxing at home and how to use technology to assist them.

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For A level pupils all of their research, design development, engineering drawings, production planning and testing go into a digital portfolio building to somewhere between 50 and 100 A3 pages, a significant body of work.

Design ideas developed from their research are backed up with simple modelling and sophisticated 3D modelling to help the pupils to communicate their design thinking to their clients. In this way, the client helps to support and steer the project.

Our Foundation Fellow, Fivi Spryridonos, a graduate in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design, worked with the boys to develop their skills in realistic rendering and helped them to produce some remarkable results, enabling their client to see super realistic sketches and make decisions regarding the materials to be used.

As each year progresses both Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing play an increasing role in product development for the boys. Felix’s ideas were all modelled in scale to help communicate the complexities of

s

his ideas to his sister and her

James Miller’s unusual furniture

manufacture, the boys work to

kayaking club. Scale models of

was generated in CAD and

perfect the skills they apply to

complex components were 3D

output into the 3D printer. This

manufacture and test a working

printed so the mechanisms could

helped provide an accurate

prototype.

be evaluated. This led to full-scale

representation of the features of

modelling of a bracket which had

the design for his clients’ to

The excellent grades they

to precisely fit the car roof rails.

evaluate.

achieved were supported by weeks of prototype development

3D printing delivered this accuracy, helping to modify and

With the complexity and high

in the workshop; George folding

refine the design before going

level of demand for both accuracy

sheet steel and aluminium to

into production.

and skill being assessed in the

build his multi-bin recycling

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station and Felix casting molten

The boys achieved some

of luck with these next, exciting

metal into sand moulds and then

remarkable grades as a result of

steps in their education.

using the milling machine to

their efforts and have now gone

precisely machine the channels he

on to read Product Design,

had modelled on the 3D printer,

Architecture, Biomedical Science,

to produce two identical brackets

Ecology and enter a career in the

for the cars’ roof bars.

Navy. I wish them all the very best

Peter Chillingworth Head of Design and Technology

Co-curricular

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CC F

CCF represents a fantastic vehicle for developing leadership and teamwork qualities in the boys at Sherborne. Developing resilience in young people is a central goal to society and we deliberately design CCF events and experiences to enable the boys to learn more about themselves in a safe and controlled environment.

Last year a number of boys were lucky enough to go mountain biking in the Carpathian Alps. The

and our Pringle Trophy team

delivery of this wonderful piece of

biking was tough, however, the

(open to all schools with a Royal

equipment.

scenery and sense of achievement

Marines’ Detachment and named

made it worthwhile. Our CCF was

after Old Shirburnian Lieutenant

Our Lent Term was geared

fortunate enough to spend a

General Sir Steuart Pringle) (f 46)

towards the Biennial Inspection

couple of days at the Royal

finished 4th – our highest finish

and the boys pulled it out of the

Military Academy Sandhurst. One

in years. Our inter-section

bag to impress the Inspecting

cannot fail to be inspired by the

competition The Sherborne

officer, Brigadier James Carr-

place and we were treated to an

Shield was keenly contested,

Smith, the Commander of

excellent programme by Capt

particularly in the drill and tug of

Sandhurst, with superb drill and

Sam Daly (a former Sherborne

war competitions, with the Army

commitment in routine training.

Biology teacher and CCF

just pipping the Royal Navy

Our annual black tie dinner for the

volunteer). The boys enjoyed a

section.

Sixth Form cadets was a success

range of activities with the

and we were treated to a fantastic

highlight for our Senior Cadets

We received the exciting news

speech by the Brigadier. We were

being the attack and defence of a

that through generous donations

also able to pay tribute to Nick

Forward Operating Base, using

through Sherborne 360°, we had

Scorer (m 00) and the wonderful

blank ammunition.

secured funding for a Cadet Field

service he has given Sherborne

Gun and when restrictions allow,

CCF. Nick has run the Army

Our Royal Navy section spent

the intention is to enter a team

section and Ten Tors programme

time sailing out of Portsmouth.

into the Royal Navy’s nascent

with distinction, but steps back

Our Rifles Cadet Cup team, drawn

National Cadet Field Gun

from these commitments to

from the best of our Army

competition. Followers of the

assume his new role as

Section, came within a whisker of

School’s social media channels

Housemaster of Harper House.

winning this national competition

will note we have now taken

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We received the exciting news that through generous donations through Sherborne 360°, we had secured funding for a Cadet Field Gun and when restrictions allow, the intention is to enter a team into the Royal Navy’s nascent National Cadet Field Gun competition.

s

- 89 -

Lockdown clearly curtailed the CCF and we had to cancel our Field Trips to Sennybridge and HMS Raleigh as well as our adventure training trip to Norway; however, we did still set weekly remote CCF challenges for the boys to remain active.

This academic year we clearly face challenges due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but after we returned to training in September, it was incredibly heartening to witness the commitment, skill, and passion on display from our senior cadets, who are delivering quality training to our younger boys. Our Cadet RSM, Will Loughlin (L6d) has been selected to be Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Dorset, which is a stunning achievement.

Many of our senior cadets are inspirational young men who have developed immeasurably through their time in CCF. They show resilience, demonstrate good values, and leadership in abundance, and with them being such positive role models to the younger boys, we are confident they will rise to the challenges we currently face.

Rob Le Poidevin CCF Contingent Commander and Housemaster The Digby

s

DU K E O F E DI N BU RG H’ S AWAR D

Like many things this year, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been a little different! The year started really well with a positive number of boys committing to the three levels and the Gold Training taking place in November, on a slightly snow-covered mountain top in South Wales. We continued to complete the Silver and Bronze training before postponing the remainder of the Expedition section. We hope to continue with expeditions in the Michaelmas Term.

Many boys also had to reconsider

physical tasks appreciated, but

I am delighted to announce, we

their other sections as the country

more so, the friendly face at the

have had a total of eighteen boys

went into lockdown. In the Skills

end of the path at a time that has

complete the award this year

section, musicians turned to on-

been a lonely one, for so many.

which, once again, is our best year

line lessons; others changed their

yet. Alasdair Neish (a 19), Hector

activity to learning a new

ACHIEVING THE CERTIFICATE

Hamilton (c 19), Tom Dubois

language, using a daily App.

It is not surprising that we haven’t

(U6a), William Crosthwaite Eyre (a

Physical activities changed from

given out as many certificates this

18) Christian Johnson (U6d),

team sports to fitness, that could

year, but for those that have

Brandon Bray-Sackey (e 19) Sam

be completed in the daily

achieved, this is no less of a well-

Talbot-Williams (U6a), Ignacio

exercise slots. A notable change

deserved award. We have

Rivero Anglada (U6a), Thomas

this year, due to the pandemic, is

awarded 18 Bronze Awards and

Talbot (U6c), Harry Ollis (a 19)

the amazing volunteering the

seven Silver Awards over the

Toby Jones (U6b), Henry Le Cornu

boys have done to support their

academic year. The pinnacle of

(U6f), Charles Cushing (U6c),

local community. It’s such a

the award programme is to

Finlay Cooper (U6d), Cameron

pleasure to read reports written

complete the Gold Award. This

Cooper (U6d), Max Findlay (U6d),

by members of a community,

involves a minimum of a year’s

Jack Tucker (U6c) and Jack

where our boys have been

commitment to one of the activity

Bodenham (U6d) will be invited to

helping with shopping and food

sections, a five day residential

collect their certificates from St.

distribution, walking dogs for

experience and a four day, self-

James’ Palace.

those unable to leave the home

supported expedition in wild

and helping siblings with remote

country, often for us, in the

learning. Not only were the

mountain ranges of North Wales.

James Hull

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Educational Visits Co-ordinator

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T EN TO R S

Despite the inevitable cancellation of Ten Tors 2020, the event continues to grow in significance for Shirburnians. As a response to popular demand, we entered a Lower Sixth team for the first time to complete the 45KM challenge, and the launch of CCF at Sherborne Girls provides the opportunity to make Ten Tors a joint school event in years to come. I hope that the Fourth Formers who trained so tenaciously for this year’s event will get the opportunity to complete the 45KM challenge in 2022.

Team selection is always a challenging part of Ten Tors and, in some ways, I was relieved not to have to deselect boys from such a strong cohort. Abbelyands provided an unusually large number of boys with Khalid Miah (4f) and Cameron Golding (4f) demonstrating impressive leadership skills. Whereas, training with the House Cross Country Champions; Harry Pleydell-Bouverie (4a), Robbie Foster (4a) and Tommy Guy (4e), involved minimal instruction and lots of perspiration. The weather was, as expected for Dartmoor in February, a challenge, but the boys showed terrific spirit and an ability to set up camp in snowy conditions.

Chris O’Donnell Teacher of Economics and Business CCF - Royal Marines

s

BOARDING HOUSES

b f mc Abbey House

Abbeylands

The Digby

The Green

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g d a e Harper House

Lyon House

School House

Wallace House s

ABBE Y HOUS E (b) There is an old teachers’ adage that schools are lovely places when the pupils aren’t there, but the last few

months of the 2019-20 academic year well and truly disproved it. With the lockdown imposed by Covid-19 restrictions, Trinity Term was strange for us all. I’m proud of the way boys in Abbey House took to remote working and managed to maintain their sense of community.

In all the rush of the ending of Lent Term, we didn’t manage to say an important goodbye. Emma Southall left her role as Resident Tutor to return to South East Asia. In the boys’ absence, we presented her with a photograph of the House community and a generous cheque. It was a fitting way to show our appreciation of all she’s done for us all.

One of the things I particularly appreciate about Abbey House is the sense that we all look out for each other. There are strong bonds across year groups, with boys of every age taking an interest in each other and showing kindness and compassion. One of our most prized accolades is the Abbey House Award, which the boys give to one of their peers for showing particular regard for the wellbeing of others. This year, it went to Victor Cairns (U6b), who was praised for his “over-whelming kindness.”

We retained the Fives and Water Polo Cups this year, becoming the first House in Sherborne’s history to win the Water Polo twice in a row. We also reached the Final of the House Rugby tournament, before falling to a brave defeat at the hands of The Green. And while Harper House romped away with the Virtual

- 95 -

Sports Day in their quest to give Dr Wadham a decent send-off, Abbey House resident Jamie Jones (L6b) was joint leading points scorer.

One of the standout moments of lockdown was the Abbey Road to Abbey Road challenge, where boys were tasked with covering the 212km that separates Sherborne and the famous recording studio in London. The finishers were: Freddie Palmer (5b), Oscar Welchman (5b), Jamie Jones (L6b), Matron, Clive Banks, Charlie Palmer, Nick Parry and me.

Everyone put in a good effort in their quest to reach the target, with the Fifth Form winning the prize for bestperforming year group overall.

Additionally, Freddie Palmer cycled from Land’s End to John o’Groats to raise over £12k for the Brain Tumour charity, which is a tremendous achievement.

Other highlights of our year included individual successes in sport, academic work and co-curricular activities. Abbey House boys also had some wonderful moments on the stage, in the Junior Play.

Occasions like these make me realise what a strong community we have in Abbey House, with boys pulling together to put on a fantastic show.

It was a difficult end for our leavers, who missed out on their usual rites of passage. I want to pay particular tribute to them, for their diligence and commitment to the whole House community. They will be a tough act to follow, but I know the new Upper Sixth are more than up to the task.

Hugh Tatham Housemaster

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Abbeylands (f)

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When I took over as

consolidate the family

home to its residents. We want

Housemaster of Abbeylands in

atmosphere and evolve the

them to return here for

September 2019, I had no idea it

positive culture of the House.

refreshment and rest, as well as

would turn out to be such a

With that in mind, my wife Helen

inspiration and challenge. I pay

tumultuous year. Now, as I

and I have worked hard to build

tribute to our Matron, Tutor team

prepare to welcome the boys

strong relationships with the boys.

and domestic staff for their part in

back to the House after the

We lay on weekly hot chocolate

establishing the warm

challenges of the Covid-19

after Abbey on Sunday evening

atmosphere of the House.

lockdown, it’s a great opportunity

and have organised a variety of

to reflect on the highlights of the

trips for the whole community.

The Covid-19 crisis clearly brought its own challenges in the

past 12 months.

Before the Covid-19 lockdown,

spring and summer, but I greatly

I think the whole House

Abbeylands boys went

valued my weekly phone-call

community – staff and pupils alike

paintballing, go-karting,

contact with boys and their

– would agree that the standout

trampolining and saw a

parents during lockdown. As a

moment of our year was the

premiership rugby fixture. It

new Housemaster, these calls

House play. Under the expert

became the norm for us to

provided a welcome opportunity

guidance of House Tutor, Giles

venture out on day trips together,

to establish a relationship with the

Robinson, the boys put on a

and it was a joy to see the boys

wider Abbeylands family, and to

stunning production of the Aaron

pull together and share their

speak to boys in their home

Sorkin play A Few Good Men. It

excitement across year groups.

settings. I believe this deeper knowledge will strengthen our

really was mind-blowing to see them pull together and deliver a

One of the unexpected high

community as we return to a “new

performance of such brilliance in

points of our time in House has

normal”.

the Powell Theatre, with a cast of

come from my young son, Osian.

16 boys supported by the brilliant

When he returns from Nursery, the

In sum, it’s not been quite the first

backstage team. Our corridors

boys love to join him to watch In

year I expected in my new post.

were ringing with the play’s most

the Night Garden on the main TV

Even so, I’ve enjoyed getting to

famous line (“You can’t handle the

in the boys’ common room. It’s a

know the boys and starting to

truth!”) for weeks afterwards.

lovely moment in which the

shape the culture of Abbeylands. I

House feels still, with a shared

look back on our joyous Christmas

In many ways, the production was

participation in the simplest of

celebrations and that wonderful

a public demonstration of the

acts.

play with great fondness, and look forward to our continued growth

spirit of unity that I have found to be at the heart of Abbeylands. My

Of course, there’s plenty of bustle,

vision as a new Housemaster has

too. Sherborne life is a full-on

been to build on the ethos that

experience, but Helen and I are

was already well established, to

keen that Abbeylands feels like

as a community in the year ahead.

Rhidian McGuire Housemaster

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THE DIGBY (m)

One of the things I most

enjoy about life in The Digby

is the multiplicity of noises

that can be heard around the House. There is frequent

laughter from the boys’ high

jinks and the pleasing clink

of snooker balls being

manoeuvred with varying

degrees of adroitness around

our full-size table. I always

enjoy the soothing sound of

piano music echoing around

the House.

Alas, during the months of Trinity Term, these noises were absent. The House stood empty, reminding those of us who remained what a strange time we live through. Lockdown certainly tested our resolve, and I want to record how impressed I was by the boys’ willingness to hunker down and find a way through, even amid the huge disruption to their lives.

make this happen.

I would say that

One of the highlights of

community spirit is one

this time was our

of our defining traits.

amazing fundraising

We know we have

achievement. Each boy

particular strengths on

covered 12 miles of the

the sports field, with half

overall distance

of the School’s First XV

between Land’s End and

being made up of our

John o’ Groats on foot

boys. But our pursuit of

or bicycle. Thanks to the

excellence is

generosity of parents

complemented by our

and others, our

genuine celebration of

contribution to the

fellowship and

Make A Wish

friendship. It is perhaps

Foundation was higher

no accident that half of

than we could have

the Gentlemen’s XV also

imagined. I’m proud of

comes from The Digby.

the whole House for

They embody our

pulling together to

character just as much

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as the high-flying athletes who

each other. I’d like to pay

Upper Sixth not to have a formal

they live alongside.

particular tribute to outgoing

ending to their time at School. I

Heads of House, Tom Carr-Smith

hope very much that we can bring

To speak of the year without

(U6m) and Ollie Noble (U6m), for

them all back as soon as possible

mentioning Bow Award winner

their part in supporting such a

and bid them a proper farewell.

Harry Boulton (U6m) is to miss an

culture. Tom has been a

As I write, the boys have returned

outstanding achievement. Harry’s

wonderful role model for the

for the start of Michaelmas Term,

moving School assembly, in which

younger boys and the whole

and I can hear the familiar noises

he spoke with bracing honesty

House was delighted to learn of

echoing around the House. It is a

about his mental health struggles,

his well-deserved professional

pleasing soundtrack, reminding

will live long in my memory. I

contract with Bath Rugby Club.

me how glad I am to return to

commend Harry for his bravery

Harry Lampier (U6m) was also a

something approximating

and his commitment to helping

key figure in the House, winning

normality. There will undoubtedly

others.

the Digby Award for embodying

be challenges ahead, but I’m

The Digby’s core values.

confident the boys will rise to them with their usual character

Such a commitment is at the very heart of Sherborne’s ethos, and

We were disappointed not to

The Digby has it in spades. We

have our usual social gatherings

have a lively bunch of boys in our

towards the end of term, and I

House who always look out for

know it was especially hard for the

and charm.

Rob Le Poidevin Housemaster

s

THE G RE EN (c) When the Reverend Osborne

namesake, Oscar Maclay (5c),

Even more vibrantly, the character

Tancock opened up his home to

cycled with a friend the 963 miles

of the House was captured at the

a handful of would-be boarding

from Land’s End to John o’Groats

charity night in February, which

students in 1865, it is unlikely

to raise £11,000 for The Brain

raised £7,113 for a Third World

he imagined the community he

Tumour Charity, a charity dear to

charity. A succession of soloists

created would still be thriving

his heart.

and groups, performing music,

today. Qualities he would have

dance and drama, interspersed

admired – enterprise, team

It would be best to measure any

with whole-year performances,

spirit, kindness, communal

Boarding House’s success by the

captivated an enthralled audience

welfare – are alive and kicking

ethos, the atmosphere and the

and helped raise the largest sum

in The Green. More than 100

smiles on boys’ faces, but a little

ever achieved for a single-

newly framed pictures around

silverware does also help. The

performance House event at

the House capture the essence

Green was able to win the House

Sherborne. The beneficiaries are

of so many strands of its rich

cups for Inter-House rugby,

the Turi Children’s Project, which

history.

football and hockey this academic

supports the most needy children

year, alongside winning the Effort

in equatorial Kenya.

This, however, was an

Merits Shield twice, and enjoyed

extraordinary academic year in so

House trips to the cinema, go-

As part of this event, we even

many ways. As the metaphorical

karting, trampolining,

gave a nostalgic world première

shadow of coronavirus spread

paintballing, bowling and both

of “War Hymn”, written by Frank

across the world, every corner of

indoor and outdoor water parks.

Eagar (c 1912), a former Head of House killed in World War One.

the globe was touched and The Green proved no exception.

It was not just here that the House

The sheer enthusiasm on the

Learning from home was different,

excelled. In turn, each House

faces of 77 boys eating pizza

often exciting, sometimes tough

produces a play and, when The

together late that night made it

and unequivocally memorable.

Green stepped up, the boys’

abundantly clear they had

Despite the absence of exams

rendering of One Man, Two

achieved something great, of

and the Upper Sixth’s final weeks,

Guv’nors was described by one

which they can be proud.

so many students thrived and

observer as “The best House play

blossomed in these

in a generation”. Acting of an

Following my departure, Alex

unprecedented times.

incredibly high standard

Pearson now takes over the reins

epitomised a production which

as The Green’s Housemaster. She

During the nation’s lockdown,

moved at pace, drawing the

brings to the job all the qualities

Oscar Revell (3c) and his family set

audience with it at every step.

required for a happy House and

out to travel a distance equating

This was perhaps all the more

will ensure The Green’s high

to the journey from Middlesex to

remarkable since, for the second

standards of pastoral care are

Lithuania. This they achieved,

of two nights, the venue had to

maintained. I wish her well in her

travelling on foot, by bike and

be altered at short notice because

new role.

even, in Oscar’s redoubtable way,

of an electrical issue.

in a kayak on the Thames. A

Stephen Byrne Housemaster

- 101 -

s

H AR PER HOUSE

While clearing out my computer files the other day, I came across a letter I wrote to parents after my first term at Harper in December 2010. As I

d)

re-read how my first term had been like riding a huge wave, it occurred to me how the simile would be equally apt to describe the whole of the last ten years. There is an ebb and flow from the termly cycle, inevitable emotional highs and lows from working with seventy teenage boys and an awareness that one never knows how big the next wave will be.

As the final wave approached,

Meanwhile, the Third Form,

within a role that always has the

Fourth Form and Lower Sixth

capacity to catch one off guard,

ensured that their academic

there was one final surprise in

progress continued unabated,

store, as schools were closed.

supported by significant leaps in

Although not being able to share

their computer literacy on

my last term with the boys was

platforms such as Zoom, Teams

less than ideal, I was able to see

and OneNote. To a man, the

them in a different light and most

Upper Sixth proved that they were

rewarding it was too. Through

ready for life after Sherborne by

weekly phone calls, I felt in touch

running their own lives. Whilst

with them and I was thoroughly

some opted to engage with the

impressed by their adaptability

wide range of enrichments laid on

and resilience. Many engaged

by the School, others showed

with the weekly challenges,

their initiative by finding paid

maybe with the help of some

work despite the reduced

parental arm twisting, and the

opportunities caused by

House Twitter was awash with

lockdown and a few even

photos of cakes, tyre changes,

managed to complete their Duke

pizzas and baked bread.

of Edinburgh Gold Award. For

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the Fifth Form, it was an

difficult term, their desire to

remains a source of wonder to me

opportunity to get ahead by

submit huge numbers of videos

quite how the thirteen year olds I

starting their proposed Sixth

engaged in a wide range of

meet become these thoroughly

Form courses and attempting an

sporting pursuits said so much

capable and engaging young

EPQ. Although time was on their

about them. I could not have

men. Being part of this process

side, both these endeavours were

been more proud, as this was a

has been and will undoubtedly

academically stretching and it was

clear barometer of the health of

remain both the greatest

especially impressive that several

the House.

challenge and most rewarding period of my working life. I am

had completed their EPQ before the end of term. There was even

As the final wave of my tenure hits

confident that the House is well

a new category for inclusion on

the beach, I am busy reflecting

placed to move forward, as it

the House honours board, as two

upon the last decade. I have

enters a new era under the

boys were awarded their ATCL

often commented that there is

leadership of Nick Scorer. I wish

diplomas.

something magical about Harper.

him and his family much success

Every Commem, I have the

and happiness over the next

As this extraordinary term drew to

honour of waving off a set of

decade.

a close, the boys demonstrated

leavers, ready to begin the next

their commitment to the House in

stage of their lives. Of course,

emphatic fashion by winning

much happens in the five years

Virtual Sports Day. After such a

preceding this moment but it

s

Jeremy Wadham Housemaster

Lyon House (g)

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When the Easter holidays began, the staff team at Lyon House – and in Sherborne more generally – knew we had a tough few weeks ahead of us.

We wanted to make sure we were in a position to support our boys throughout lockdown, as well as delivering a curriculum that would continue to stretch and inspire them, even when delivered remotely.

get back to our old ways of doing

individually cycling the 523 miles

things. But it’s been a delight to

from Sherborne to Scotland.

welcome the boys back into Lyon

Earlier in the year, we enjoyed

this term and to see them settle

success in the Inter-House Cross

into School life again. Yes, some

Country Championship. The

have found the readjustment

premise of this event is that every

challenging, and the “new

boy tries his hardest, with the

normal” of year-group zones in

runners in the middle of the pack

House takes some getting used

making the biggest contribution

to. But overall, they remain a

to a House’s points haul. It’s a sign

positive, happy and hardworking

of the strong House spirit in Lyon

bunch who look out for each

that we pulled together to win the

other and are a joy to spend time

trophy, celebrating the

with. This speaks of the strong

contribution of every resident.

That the boys continued to thrive

bonds that exist between boys in

That is the Lyon way. It’s been in

during this peculiar period is

Lyon. I’ve said before that I think

evidence throughout recent

testament not only to the team at

our location creates a particular

months, with the Sixth Form in

Sherborne who helped see them

sense of cohesion among

particular showing their

through with regular phone calls,

residents. They form strong

commitment to the House and to

online classes and group chats.

bonds, which were very much in

each other. I’m sorry that we

It’s also a sign of their resilience,

evidence during the months of

didn’t have a chance to gild them

their determination, and the

lockdown when boys regularly

in the usual way before leaving.

impressive spirit that is at the very

participated in the opportunities

heart of School life. It’s a reflection

we provided for remote

Meanwhile, we continue adjusting

of our parent and guardian

engagement. For example, the

to our new way of life and

community, too. They quickly

Lyon House table tennis video

relishing the chance of being

adjusted to a new way of living,

showed off the impressive array of

together at Sherborne again. It

often balancing demanding

ping pong skills among our

will be a busy year of adventure,

working lives with the task of

residents, with ever more

learning and growth for our boys.

helping with the boys’ schoolwork

imaginative objects being used as

With Lyon as their home, they

and encouraging them to

bats as the boys passed the ball

have the perfect environment in

maintain their co-curricular

on through the ether. Another

which to enjoy it.

activities.

highlight was the Lyon to Loch Lyon Challenge. This invoked the

Writing in September, it looks as if

memory of our famous Lyon-to-

it will still be some time before we

Lyons Challenge, with the boys

Ben Sunderland Senior Housemaster

s

SCHOO L HO USE (a) As I survey the last academic year, it seems hard to believe that so much has happened. Even in those difficult months of lockdown, the School House spirit was vibrant as ever, with boys making a much-appreciated effort to engage with a variety of activities on top of their academic work. Thanks to the example and leadership of the senior boys, the House community stayed strong, even while we were scattered across the globe in our various homes.

I am particularly proud of the academic achievements of our boys in what were undeniably difficult circumstances. Across year groups, they worked with commitment and diligence, responding to the challenges of remote learning with good humour and continuing to achieve the highest standards.

The boys engaged fully with the remote learning provided by School and we are already seeing the benefits of their conscientiousness as they return to a more normal learning experience this term.

One of the highlights of the lockdown period was the amazing fundraising effort the boys put in during their John o’ Groats to Land’s End challenge. Between them, they covered a total of 1,002 miles – far exceeding the required 874 – and raised £1,468 for the Sherborne Food Bank. Not only does this show their commitment to getting the job done; it also reveals the extent to which they are aware of the plight of others and motivated to help.

I should like to thank all of the parents and guardians who helped support us in new ways during the lockdown. They encouraged, cajoled and enthused their children to continue engaging with School life. Their success is seen in our brilliant turnout for the Virtual Sports Day and in lockdown projects

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such as the entertaining “keepy-uppy” video and the various House challenges, including cooking, Lego-building and photography. Through all of these activities, the boys stayed connected, reminded on a daily basis that Sherborne is the focus for their learning and formation.

For all the drama of Trinity Term, we shouldn’t forget the achievements of earlier in the year. These include victory in the Inter-House Futsal Competition, finalists in the Literary Quiz, strong performances by every year group in Inter-House Rugby and a truly spectacular production of Whale for the Junior Play.

School House boys continued our musical heritage with a variety of solo and ensemble performances in concerts at School and in town. Meanwhile, the depth of our talent was seen in the involvement of our boys in activities as diverse as CCF, Sport, Drama and Art. We really are a community with a wide range of skills. I am proud of this group of boys and look forward to a new academic year in which we shall be able to return to some of our normal rhythms.

Before I end, I should like to pay tribute to the School House Tutors who worked so hard keeping in touch with boys throughout lockdown. Finally, to the boys themselves, who showed the best of themselves in difficult circumstances. I especially thank the Leavers, whose normal rites of passage were curtailed by Covid-19, but who delivered a memorable evening in our virtual Leavers’ Dinner in which they showed their spirit, generosity and grace. We shall miss them.

Kester Jackson Housemaster

s

WALLAC E H OUS E

I don’t suppose any of us could have expected that last year would end amid such strange circumstances. I certainly didn’t imagine that Microsoft Teams

e)

would become so vital to my working life, nor that my family, Mr Donnelly’s and Mr Hull’s would be the only ones left in Wallace House while the boys stayed at home. But such is the nature of the Covid-19 crisis, and I was impressed by how quickly the whole School community adjusted and found new ways of getting things done.

Technology was certainly a great

George Jefferson (U6e) and Felix

enabler during this period. I was

Connolly (U6e) at our Virtual

pleased to keep in touch with the

Commemoration. They both

boys and their families, though

made a huge contribution to our

I’m aware that maintaining the

House, serving as inspiring role

usual momentum of School life

models for the younger boys.

was by no means straightforward.

With that in mind, I’m grateful to

Speaking of our younger

our House Tutors for keeping in

residents, I want to record how

close contact with the boys during

impressed I was by their

lockdown.

performances in a variety of sporting endeavours. The Junior

Perhaps the hardest hit were the

Futsal team did brilliantly to win

Upper Sixth, who missed out on

the House Championship. Ably

the usual events that mark their

led by Joe Young (4e), they

departure from School. I was sorry

showed resilience, a competitive

not to have a chance to bid them

edge and great team spirit to

a formal goodbye, but very

triumph in this fiercely fought

impressed by the brilliant speech

contest.

delivered by Heads of House

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That the Junior Squash team also

and great negotiating skills. I am

production was an absolute

achieved victory in their Inter-

sure these boys have a bright

triumph.

House Competition is a reflection

future ahead of them!

So it is that we return to

of the hunger this cohort has for winning. I believe we can build on

Despite the challenges of the year

Sherborne, with the boys at

this in the future and deliver yet

as a whole, it wasn’t without its

Wallace House adjusting to the

more silverware to the Wallace

highlights. Foremost among these

changes necessitated by Covid-

House trophy cabinet.

was the splendid House Play,

19. We’ve tried to make it feel as

Unman, Wittering and Zigo. This

familiar as possible and I’m

As well as sporting success, we

showed great collaboration

pleased to say the community is

always put in a strong showing in

between all the boys as they

quickly reasserting its long-

Music, Drama and Academic

worked backstage, front of house

established rhythms of life

pursuits. I was especially proud to

or as performers, and was

together. These boys are a

see four of our boys make up the

expertly directed by Felix

cracking bunch, and we look

six-strong team that represented

Connolly. I had my reservations

forward to another successful year

Sherborne in a Model United

when the boys suggested staging

in each other’s company.

Nations Conference in Bristol

a play about a murdered

earlier in the year. They did

schoolmaster, lest it put any ideas

themselves proud, showing

in their heads! But I have to say it

intellectual depth, verbal dexterity

proved an inspired choice and the

Andrew Nurton Housemaster

Sport

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Sport for life Director of Sport Dave Guy says physical activity has never been more important to the boys’ flourishing and wellbeing.

The last academic year was unlike

but the boys were disappointed

we celebrate the achievements of

any that I have known in my time

to miss out on a chance for some

our most talented sportsmen,

at Sherborne. It started brilliantly,

highly competitive matches.

many of whom go on to be elite

and we enjoyed two terms of

This speaks of the power of sport

athletes, we also make sure every

fantastic sport as the boys

at School to foster and maintain

single boy has an opportunity to

showed their prowess in a variety

our unique spirit. Whether they

discover a sport he loves and

of pursuits.

are on The Upper on a chilly

pursue it during his time at

November afternoon, sweating it

School.

The 1st XV, for example, reached

out on a squash court, or refining

the National Cup Semi Final

their talents in the cricket nets,

The rationale for this is

before losing to a last-gasp score

the boys gain a huge amount

straightforward: inspire a love of

from Whitgift. This impressive cup

from their involvement in physical

exercise in a young person and it

run was a significant achievement

activity. As well as enhancing their

will stay with them for life. The

and reinforced Sherborne’s status

health and fitness, it contributes

sport they play may change over

as a rugby-playing School that

to their mental wellbeing, enables

time – high-intensity when

competes on a national stage.

them to let off steam, and hones

younger and perhaps ensuing at a

qualities such as leadership,

gentler pace as they age – but the

Likewise, the 1st XI in hockey was

patience, humility and

habit of getting out and getting

on the brink of a place in the

determination.

active endures. I believe this is one of the greatest gifts we can

National Finals before the Covid19 lockdown caused the

It is for this reason that Sherborne

offer our pupils, setting them up

competition to be cancelled. It

has always been committed to the

well for life.

was, of course, the right decision,

idea of mass participation. While

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That is why we offer an extensive

cover epic distances on foot or

aspects of School life, we

range of Inter-House sporting

bicycle, and our Virtual Sports Day

understand it can’t be a case of

competitions, including

proved just the thing to whet

business as usual. Rather, our task

mainstream sports like football,

pupils’ competitive appetites.

is to find new ways of giving the

rugby, cross country and more

Even when they were not in

boys the high-quality sporting

obscure activities like Fives, which

School, sport remained very much

experience for which Sherborne is

proved very popular last year.

a part of Sherborne life.

renowned.

Thanks to our extensive offer, we find that every boy has an

Now we are back, our challenge is

enthusiasm for some kind of

simple: we want to build

sporting endeavour. That feels

momentum for a time when our

very much like a marker of the

sporting activities and external

School’s success in delivering an

fixture list can resume. Until then,

all-round education.

we’re working hard to provide

Dave Guy Director of Sport

plenty of opportunities for boys to Of course, the 2019-20 sporting

hone their competitive edge,

calendar was curtailed by the

expend their energy, and relieve

Covid-19 outbreak. But even

their stress. We’re being careful to

when the boys were working from

abide by the latest guidance

home, we maintained momentum

regarding Covid-19, and I’m

through a variety of sporting

delighted to see boys engage

challenges. A number of Houses

enthusiastically with the suite of

laid down the gauntlet for boys to

activities on offer. As with so many

s

In a year disrupted by the Covid-

19 outbreak, there was still plenty

to celebrate for Sherborne on the

sports field. As ever, the boys

shone at every level, showing the

spirit of camaraderie, teamwork

and commitment for which

Shirburnians are renowned.

Here’s a rundown of their

2019-20 performances.

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Rugby

1st XV Taking the season as a whole, it must be ranked as a huge success for Sherborne’s senior rugby

players. They lost just two friendly matches – one of which was a close-fought contest with Millfield

in which either team could have triumphed.

Impressive early victories against Bishop

Wordsworth’s (29-3), Radley (42-0) and Downside (45-3) set the tone for the season, with the pack dominant and backs demonstrating some

fantastic attacking flair. Later victories against

Bryanston (49-17), Cheltenham (34-21), and

Marlborough (42-5) placed the 1st XV in the top

ten of the Daily Mail Trophy, the first time in the

League’s History. The League success spread to

the National Cup, where the 1st XV had victories

against Taunton School, Sir Thomas Rich’s and

KCS Wimbledon to set up a home Semi-Final

against Whitgift School. Unfortunately, Whitgift

won the match in the final minute with an

outstanding penalty kick from the halfway line.

This was the furthest the 1st XV had reached in

the National Cup. An achievement to be very

proud of.

s

2nd XV

3rd XV

It was a fairly balanced year for

When these boys lost, they

the 2nd XV, with a won-six, lost-

tended to fall to significant

four record over the 10 matches

margins, including an ignominious

Wins against Clifton College

played. The season opener was a

0-50 drubbing from Abingdon.

(34-12) and Marlborough

highlight, with the team putting

But far from letting their spirit

College (38-12) proved the

50 points over Bishop

slide, this team kept plugging

high points of the season for

Wordsworth’s to no reply. Another

away, facilitating some fantastic

the 4th XV. They struggled

strong performance came later in

rugby that led to well-deserved

against some of their

the season against Marlborough

victories against the likes of

opponents, succumbing to

College. Despite a difficult

Radley (27-17), Clifton College

heavy losses against the likes

journey that left little chance for a

(35-22) and Cheltenham College

of Abingdon and Radley, as

warm-up, the boys scored an early

(40-0). The win rate was one

well as in an early match at

try to settle their nerves and

match shy of 50 per cent, showing

Marlborough where they

ended up storming to a 40-5

the squad’s strength and depth.

played the first half against

victory. The rest of the season was

When they were on song, they

the 4th XV and the second

more mixed, with some strong

were a difficult side to break down

half against the 5th XV.

performances counterbalanced by

and always played with courage,

some frustratingly close losses.

conviction and character.

Overall, though, the spirit of the team was much in evidence, and they remained a significant force for most of their opponents.

4th XV

Whatever the score line, this team showed great spirit, giving a characteristically good account of the School when on the road.

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Colts B XV A strong start to the season saw the Colts B team notch up two impressive victories against Bishop Wordsworth’s (33-12) and Radley College (25-24). Sadly, these were to prove the only two wins in the season, with the team often falling to the narrowest of defeats, such as the 22-19 loss to Abingdon. Despite the frustrations, the boys kept their

5th XV

Colts A XV

heads up and showed huge grit

A solitary 14-12 win against

A record of six wins and six losses

and determination. With just a few

Dauntsey’s School may look like

bears eloquent testimony to the

marginal changes in luck or the

the high point of the Gentlemen’s

Colts’ performance this season.

run of the ball, they could easily

XV, but the results never tell the

They never hit a run of unbeatable

have been looking back on a

whole story when it comes to this

form, but nor did they slump to

season with a far higher win rate.

team. Far more important is their

consecutive defeats other than in

character, resilience and good

a two-match mid-season

humour, spreading cheer

downturn against Clifton College

wherever they go. They’ve

and Bishop Wordsworth’s. Overall,

become an important focus for all

their performances were solid,

of Sherborne’s rugby teams,

with particular highlights being

embodying a spirit of good

the 50-0 victory over Bryanston

sportsmanship, fair play and

and a closely fought 17-15 win

humour. Whatever their results,

against a strong Canford side.

the Gentlemen are a credit to the

This match showed the team’s

School.

indomitable spirit, delivering a result that went against the formbook and demonstrated real resilience that was rewarded with a last-gasp try for victory.

Colts C XV A frustrating season got underway with a challenging 10-51 defeat at the hands of Radley, whose pack was just too strong for Sherborne’s players. The margins of defeat gradually shrunk, and the team did well to scratch out a 12-12 draw with Clifton College halfway through the season. A big loss against Bruton’s A team was perhaps inevitable, but the boys bounced back, scoring an impressive 27-10 victory over Clayesmore in a late-season friendly.

s

Junior Colts B XV A brace of losses in no way takes the shine off a very successful season for the Junior Colts B team, which secured some impressive victories against tough competition. An early 47-26 win against Radley College showed the team’s strength in attack as well as its frailties, with rucking being a particular Achilles’ heel.

After a tight defeat at the hands

Junior Colts A XV Despite an early draw with Bishop Wordsworth’s, the Junior Colts A side struggled to find a rhythm this season. Results were patchy, and in many games the boys didn’t manage to score in the double figures. Even so, they did

of Marlborough College, the team found its rhythm and surged to victory against Abingdon, Clayesmore, Taunton School and Clifton College. Even a late loss to Canford couldn’t detract from

Millfield side, setting them up nicely for a 23-0 win at home to Bryanston the following week.

This marked a significant upturn in their match play and the 5-12 score line against Clifton College doesn’t do justice to the closeness of the game. A subsequent follow-up victory over Millfield confirmed this team’s dominance over their local rivals, showing the potential in evidence in this young squad.

With a curtain-raising victory against Radley College (41-35) at the start of the season, the Colts D team had high hopes for some strong results. Unfortunately, the

the positive season enjoyed by

boys weren’t able to capitalise on

this promising team.

their early potential and scored only one more win, against

well to pick themselves up for a 12-7 victory against a dominant

Junior Colts D XV

Junior Colts C XV

Taunton School (45-12) a few weeks later. Defeats to the likes of

The C team’s victories came late

Marlborough and Canford

in the season, but showed real

rankled, but few could argue with

strength of character after a run of

the results. This squad certainly

losses at the start of the year. A

has some strength, but too often

0-45 defeat at home to

found itself on the back foot

Marlborough College was

against strong opposition.

especially challenging, but the boys did well to make the repeat fixture later in the season a much

Mini Colts A XV

more competitive affair. The wins

The Mini Colts A team had a

came against Clifton College

strong season, achieving nine

(20-10) and Canford School (29-5)

victories in some closely fought

and showed that this team can be

games that they showed real grit

hard to conquer when they’re

to pull through. A high-scoring

firing on all cylinders.

victory against Bishop Wordsworth’s (50-0) set the tone for a confident season, but there were tougher challenges ahead.

The boys struggled to find their

- 119 -

rhythm against teams such as Abingdon and The Woodroffe School, but did well to hold on for wins in both. They fell to a heavy defeat at the hands of Millfield, but came back stronger to score momentous victories against Bryanston (38-5) and

Mini Colts C XV

Mini Colts E XV

Bournemouth (52-10). The season

It was hard going at the start of

The step up to “proper” rugby

ended on a high, with an

the season when the Mini Colts C

can be hard for younger boys, and

impressive 12-5 win against

team fell to a disappointing 0-62

the Mini Colts E did well to adjust

Canford in the County Cup Final.

defeat at the hands of Radley

to the increased tempo and

College. This undoubtedly

physicality of senior school

knocked the boys’ confidence and

matches. That they were defeated

they struggled to make an

against the likes of Radley

impression on subsequent games.

They did eventually hit a vein of good form, achieving consecutive victories over Bryanston (60-18) and Clifton College (56-0). The challenge is to build on these successes to become more consistent in future seasons.

College and Marlborough College is immaterial. They learned a huge amount about playing competitive rugby, as well as developing their sportsmanship and understanding of fair play. By these measures, it has been a successful season for Sherborne’s youngest rugby

Mini Colts D XV Mini Colts B XV It was a mixed bag for the Mini Colts B team, but ended on a positive note with a string of solid victories against tough

players.

A solitary victory in a friendly against Cheltenham College (27-5) doesn’t tell the whole story of the Mini Colts D team this season. They fell to some crushing defeats and often

Mini Colts F XV A single game of touch rugby gave these newcomers to the sport a chance to garner some

opposition. The highlight was

struggled to get stuck into games

perhaps the 27-0 win over

against formidable opponents.

Cheltenham College, though 17-5

But they never let their heads

They fell to a brave 5-3 defeat

to Clifton College and 15-5 to

drop and showed real grit to keep

at the hands of a similarly

King’s Bruton shows the young

turning out, even when games ran

inexperienced team from

squad’s ability to grind out results

away with them. The season-

Radley College. But, as ever

in challenging conditions. Losses

ending win was a great fillip,

with these early games, the

often came with an inability to get

showing that determination and

result is irrelevant. It is the

on the score sheet, and this is

grit go a long way when it comes

experience that will live with

something for the boys to work

to winning victory on the sports

these boys forever.

on as they progress through their

field. The lessons of this season

rugby careers at School.

will stay with these boys for life.

valuable match experience.

s

Rugby sevens 1st VII

Colts A VII

In a season curtailed by the Covid-19

A shortened season ensured Sherborne’s

lockdown, the 1st VII showed moments of

Colts never got the chance to deliver on

brilliance. After falling to a 5-15 defeat in a

their early potential. In the three games

pre-season friendly against Bryanston, the

they did squeeze in prior to lockdown, this

boys then beat the same opposition 19-10

impressive group of boys beat King

in their first competitive match of the

Edward’s Bath (38-5), Marlborough College

season. They looked strong in attack and

(38-7) and Clifton College (19-12). These

were shaping up to be a formidable force as

strong victories left everyone wondering

they beat Portsmouth Grammar School

just what they’d have achieved in a normal

40-5. Sadly, their momentum then stuttered

season. Either way, the performances bode

and they struggled against Wimbledon

well for the 2021 season, in which many of

College and Epsom College before

these boys will make up the 1st VII.

rediscovering their form in the Plate SemiFinal against Millfield, which they won 24-5.

This set up a Final against Canford School, and the Sherborne team went down fighting to a 14-24 defeat. A 15-15 draw at Bryanston proved to be their last match of the season before Covid-19 brought a premature end to their fixture list.

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Football

1st XI In a busy season, the 1st XI fell to just seven defeats out of a total of 22 matches. Standout results include 13-0 and 9-3 wins over Clayesmore and a 5-1 victory over Millfield. These were only tainted

slightly by the 0-9 defeat at the

middle of the season, with the

hands of a very strong Repton

remaining fixtures showing a mix

side in the ISFA National Cup,

of victories and defeats. Overall,

and the boys recovered from

it was a promising year from a

this disappointment to return to

strong squad with some real

winning ways. They enjoyed a

talent in its ranks.

five-match unbeaten run in the

s

2nd XI

4th XI

A three-match winning streak at

The highlight of the season was a

the start of the season gave

3-3 draw with Millfield, which

Sherborne’s 2nd XI plenty of

represented the only game the

encouragement for the weeks

4th XI didn’t lose in a challenging

ahead. Particularly impressive was

year of football. Despite the

a 4-1 victory over a tenacious

disappointment of defeat, the

Monmouth School for Boys team

boys deserve credit for their

that showed little willingness to

indomitable spirit. As the match

roll over in the face of Sherborne’s

report for the season-ending loss

skill. The disappointment of back-

at the hands of Millfield made

to-back losses to Malvern College

plain: “This team has played the

(2-3) and Marlborough College

entire season positively … they

(0-2) soon faded once the boys

have smiled their way through

rediscovered their form. They

and are a real credit to their

surged to a 4-0 win against

School and their families.”

Canford, then closed the season out with a series of stubborn draws that showed their determination not to cave when

5th XI The 5th XI played four and won one – a 2-1 friendly against

Colts A XI

Millfield in very windy conditions.

A topsy-turvy season for the Colts

The other matches were harder

A XI is reflected in their 50-50 win-

fought, and the boys struggled to

to-loss rate. They enjoyed victory

Despite winning their first two

make in-roads against a strong

against Monmouth School for

matches of the season, the 3rd XI

Millfield side in two competitive

Boys (3-1), Milton Abbey (4-3),

struggled to dominate for the rest

fixtures, as well as falling to defeat

Sherborne International (3-0),

of their matches. They lost to the

at the hands of King’s College

Wellington School (2-0) and

likes of King’s College Taunton,

Taunton. One of the problems

Millfield (4-0). The losses were

Marlborough College and Milton

was maintaining momentum in a

often a result of a lack of fluidity

Abbey School, ending the year

season marked by a number of

on the pitch, making the play

with two wins, one draw and five

cancellations. But the boys’ spirit

between the defence and

defeats. Even so, the team

remained strong, and they

forwards somewhat laboured.

remained committed throughout

continued to enjoy the games

There’s promise in this squad,

the season, with individual flashes

they played.

though, with plenty to work on in

the pressure mounts.

3rd XI

of skill helping to lift their spirits even in the toughest matches.

the year ahead.

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Colts B XI It was a difficult season for the

Mini Colts B XI against Monmouth School for

The players in this team showed

Colts B XI, who struggled to build

Boys (4-0), Malvern College (4-1),

their grit near the start of the

momentum thanks to some large

and Millfield (2-0). All in all it was a

season in bouncing back from a

losses at the hands of Queen

good season, with some great

0-11 defeat away to Monmouth

Elizabeth’s Hospital and

promise shown by individual

School for Boys with a 6-4 win

Marlborough. These big defeats

players and the team as a whole.

over Shaftesbury less than a week

undoubtedly rocked the boys’ confidence, and they did well to string together wins against The Park School (3-2) and Wellington School (2-0). Another run of losses followed before a spirit-lifting win against Millfield at the end of the season.

later. This typified their approach

Junior Colts C XI This young side only managed two games, and both were hefty losses: the first to a wellorganised Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital side that had strength and experience in its favour and the second to Millfield, who are

to the season, with defeat seeming to impel the boys to victory in subsequent matches.

Arguably most satisfying was the 6-5 win over Millfield, in which the boys dug deep to find a result in a challenging away match.

Junior Colts A XI

always a force to be reckoned

Mini Colts C XI

Sherborne’s first-string Junior

with on the football pitch. The

Just the one victory came the Mini

Colts put in a sterling

boys didn’t let their spirits sag,

Colts C XI’s way this season, but it

performance this season, suffering

however, and showed great

was well worth the wait. In their

just two losses out of nine games.

camaraderie, as well as

final match of the season, the

Five of those were victories,

magnanimity in defeat.

including against stiff opposition from the likes of Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital (3-1), Malvern College (1-0) and Bristol Grammar School (7-5). As well as these wins, the team showed real grit in grinding out two draws against Marlborough and Clifton College.

Games like these live long in the mind, helping the team prove its resolve and giving confidence for

boys carved out a 10-1 victory over Millfield. It was a fitting

Mini Colts A XI Every game the Mini Colts A XI played was closely fought, with narrow score lines that reflect the sense in which they could have gone either way. Across the season as a whole, the team

reward for a year in which they’d struggled to convert their promise to results. There’s great potential in this young squad: it just needs a bit more time, and some luck, to be fully realised.

notched up three wins, against

Mini Colts D XI

Gillingham School (2-0), Bristol

It was a quiet season for the Mini

Grammar School (3-1) and

Colts D XI, but they achieved two

Millfield (3-2). Their three losses

victories: one against Sherborne

were never conceded lightly, and

International (3-2) and the other a

the draws against Queen

10-1 win over Millfield. The team

Just one loss from six games tells

Elizabeth’s Hospital and Malvern

from Sherborne International got

an eloquent story of the Junior

College show the tenacity that

its own back during the return

Colts B XI’s strength on the pitch.

characterises this group of young

fixture – the 2-3 defeat was

The loss was a narrow 0-1 to

players.

Sherborne’s only loss of the year.

the year ahead.

Junior Colts B XI

Marlborough College, and it was far outweighed by significant wins

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Hockey 1st XI The team showed great spirit to

bounce back from a season-opening 2-1 defeat to Exeter School in the

National Cup and enjoy a really good run in the Plate. They went on to make the fifth round of this

competition, including a remarkable

12-1 victory over Downside in Round 3, before the Covid-19 lockdown led to the remaining matches being

postponed. The team also posted some impressive victories against stiff opposition from the likes of Bryanston (6-1) and Wellington

School (6-4), showing a particular flair for fast-paced attack and determined defence.

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2nd XI

3rd XI

4th XI

An unbeaten season for the 2nd

A 1-6 defeat at the hands of a

When your season begins with a

XI started with a 3-1 victory over

dominant Bristol Grammar School

9-1 victory over King’s College

side proved the only real lowlight

Taunton, it sets expectations sky

of this curtailed season. The boys

high for subsequent fixtures.

did lose again but only 0-1 in a

Fortunately, Sherborne’s 4th XI

friendly at home to Canford.

were more than able to live up to

Apart from that, they were

their early promise, emerging

imperious, with good finishing

from the season undefeated and

Bryanston (8-1) and away to a

and slick passing ensuring

with wins against the likes of

difficult Clayesmore team (4-2).

decent wins against the likes

Clayesmore (3-1), Canford (5-1)

Even so, the team wasn’t without

of King’s College Taunton (2-1),

and Bryanston (5-0). As these

frailties: in a 1-0 victory away to

Clayesmore (4-0), Bryanston (3-0)

score lines suggest, the team was

Gillingham, the attacking players

and Taunton School (6-3). All in

a tough nut to crack, showing

struggled with their finishing,

all, an impressive season from a

strength and depth across the

wasting plenty of opportunities to

team that showed great spirit

pitch and pulling out all the stops

put the game well and truly to

throughout.

to fly the flag of 4th XI hockey in

King’s College Taunton and ended with a thumping 5-0 win over Wellington School. These results demonstrate the team’s dominance of the local schools network, and were augmented by impressive victories over

bed.

the South West.

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Colts A XI

Junior Colts A XI

Although the results didn’t go Sherborne’s way in

A two-match losing streak at the start of the

either of the Colts A XI’s two games, both matches

season made it hard for the boys to build

provided an excellent advertisement for boys’

confidence. But they duly bounced back with a 2-0

hockey. The first game was a National Cup fixture

victory away to Bristol Grammar School. They

against the mighty Canford, and Sherborne did

compounded this with a 4-1 friendly victory over

well to restrict the score line to a 1-2 loss. This put

Clayesmore, before scaling the heights with a 9-2

the squad into the Plate competition, but they duly

win at home to Dauntsey’s. The rest of the season

went down 2-3 to a solid line-up from Exeter

was patchier, with each win being offset by a

School to end the season in disappointment. Even

defeat, but overall it was an impressive year from

so, the boys played well, showing great spirit and

the squad, who showed that, on their day, they are

determination throughout.

a hard group of players to break down.

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Junior Colts B XI

Mini Colts A XI

Mini Colts B XI

The Junior Colts B side struggled

By the time this young team had

A single victory at home to

this season and ended it without a

reached the halfway point of the

Bryanston (2-0) may give the

victory. That’s not to say they were

season, they’d played six games

impression of a weak season for

downtrodden, however: they

without victory. Far from letting

the Mini Colts B. But anyone who

managed to scratch out a brace

their run of defeats get to them,

watched this young team in action

of 2-2 draws against Bristol

however, they hunkered down for

will tell you that they played with

Grammar School and Clayesmore.

a thrilling 8-0 victory over

verve, courage and great skill,

Other matches were more closely

Wellington School. As the match

showing considerable promise for

contested than the score lines

report notes, spectators would

the future. The greatest

suggest. For example, the 1-4 loss

never have guessed that this was

achievement is their sense of

at the hands of Dauntsey’s was a

the team’s first win, as they played

teamwork and camaraderie. They

close contest from which either

with great fluency and flair. That

have a number of years ahead of

team could easily have emerged

set the tone for a positive end to

them at Sherborne, and are

victorious. To their credit, these

the season, with a 5-4 victory away

shaping up to be a formidable

boys never let their heads drop,

to Taunton School followed by a

group of players.

and should be proud of the spirit

3-0 win at home to Gillingham.

they showed throughout a frustrating season.

Indoor hockey The 1st VI came second in the Country competition, but the Colts won the Dorset title before finishing 2nd overall in the West to qualify for the School’s first ever Indoor National Finals appearance.

Hosted at Whitgift, they recorded the School’s first victory at that level before eventually finishing joint 7th in the Country.

A fantastic achievement for this young group of players.

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Fives

Seniors The move to Senior Fives can be an awesome task for Sherborne’s young players, but this year’s boys all stepped up to the challenge with courage and aplomb.

The singles players struggled to make an impact on the West of England Schools Championships in early January, and the team as a whole didn’t fare well against a strong Winchester side later in the month.

Joining with some staff members, they lost against a Pilgrims team that featured a number of National Champions, but enjoyed a comfortable home victory in a friendly with Marlborough College in early February. This was to be their only victory of the season, with the team falling to defeat at home to Blundell’s in their second, and final, competitive match of the year.

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U16s

Squash

The U16s came closest to scoring

Squash remains a popular game

a competitive victory against

among Sherborne’s boys and our

Marlborough College, but

senior team put in a good

ultimately fell short. This was their

showing in various tournaments

only match of a season severely

throughout the year. In all

disrupted by the developing

competitions, the boys won seven

Covid-19 crisis.

and lost six, but they’d be the first to admit it took them a while to build up momentum. The start of

Juniors

the year was marked by successive losses to the likes of

A close fixture with Sherborne

Millfield, Bryanston and King’s

Prep provided a highlight of the season for the Juniors. Many were

College Taunton. With these

a contest that had drama, skill and

Basketball

high-paced play in equal

Sherborne’s basketball players

measure. Ultimately, Sherborne’s

struggled to make an impact in

boys were just pipped by the

their games this season, even

agility of their younger

though they showed flashes of

contemporaries, whose skill

promise. A 24-39 loss to Canford

bodes well for the future of Fives

set the tone, consisting as it did of

at senior school. Two further

some moments of brilliance that

defeats followed, against

were outweighed by lapses in

Winchester College and Blundell’s

concentration once the

School, but the quality of some

opposition seemed to be in the

performances show the potential

ascendency. The boys did secure

in these players. For many, this

a win in their next match, against

was their first year of playing

The Gryphon (41-34), but then fell

Fives, and they look set to

to a heavy defeat in a friendly

improve immeasurably in the

away to Marlborough College.

years to come.

The only other win of the season

reunited with former classmates in

experiences behind them, however, the boys carved out wins later in the season against Clayesmore, Sherborne Girls and Canford. All told, it was a pleasing season, with some fantastic squash being played by every team member.

came against Dauntsey’s in March (54-46), and this was followed by a close contest against Wells Cathedral School that eventually resulted in a 49-55 defeat.

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Tennis Sherborne’s tennis players continued to train in good number during the Michaelmas term.

Those with the desire of pursuing singles experience played at Wincanton, Bridgwater and at our well attended graded events at Sherborne. Alex Williamson-Jones (3d) started brightly at the hosted grade 6, showing his skill with a series of wins. Cosmo Henderson (L6e) performed very well at Bridgwater against a higher ranked opponent and defeated his Sherborne team mates.

While Freddie Wilson (U6a) won the 18/U consolation at the Sherborne Grade 4 with aplomb.

Team doubles matches were understandably too few. Sherborne versus The Gryphon staged at Sherborne Tennis Club on the artificial clay, being one of the few 19/U National Schools Cup matches played before

Sailing Sailing continued in the same vein of prior years until lockdown brought us to a shuddering halt to deny the boys the challenges of the main regatta / match season of the Summer Term. That said, on the prior weekend to lockdown there was a bumper programme of the parents’ match on the Saturday with a fantastic turnout of nearly 50 participants (boys, girls from Sherborne Girls, parents and siblings) in 24 boats on Sutton Bingham Reservoir and the

the Coronavirus lockdown in March. The Gryphon team had three 18/U Somerset County team players, who were more consistent and powerful than Sherborne could cope with at this time. Josh Campbell (5g) played impressively to wire against the Gryphon number 4, losing in the final set tie break. The overall match result 6-0 to The Gryphon.

In an incredibly challenging year, the boys

annual trip to Queen Mary Reservoir on the Sunday to sail

have returned to Sherborne talking of tennis

against the Old Shirburnian Sailing Society in J80s. The

with family, friends and the sport playing a

boys retained the trophy for the parents’ match while the

part in their health and well-being. Hopefully,

OSSS narrowly beat the boys the next day.

travelling to and hosting events will be part of

The other fixture of the Lent Term was the annual dual home and away leg match against Clifton College, with Sherborne retaining the trophy convincingly. Looking further into the past Sherborne acquitted itself well in both the Youth and Junior Sections at the RYA Eric Twiname Youth National Team Racing Championships last October and in the RYA School’s National Match Racing Championships at Portland in Elliot 6m keelboats, in November.

Sherborne’s future tennis success in times ahead.

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Skiing

The ski racing season started indoors at the world renowned training slope at Landgraaf in the Netherlands during October half term. 22 boys then travelled to Switzerland in January to compete in the Downhill Only British Schoolboys Championships in Wengen.

The weather caused serious disruption to the planned programme with events rescheduled and curtailed, with pupil safety paramount above all else. However, the boys enjoyed the opportunity to race on the famous Lauberhorn piste and trained hard to develop their skills. Up against some very able skiers from schools such as Reeds and Harrow with extensive regular training programmes, the Sherborne boys showed tremendous tenacity and bravery to complete numerous runs.

Photo kindly sent in by Claire Jones son Toby (U6b) Head of School and Captain of Ski Racing

In terms of results, the following were awarded

However, it would be wrong to ignore the individual

prizes at the end of competition ceremony;

successes of all the boys who competed and

• Jackson Wallace (4e) - U16 Slalom Champion (Registered skiers) - National Schoolboy Champion!

• Otis Sutherland (3g), Max Sutherland (3m), James Coleman (3a) and Oscar Revell (c3) - U14 Slalom Team Bronze medalists.

• Otis Sutherland, Max Sutherland, James

managed to complete the courses but didn’t quite manage to make it on to the podium. Boys such as Caspar Bridge (3f) who finished all 4 races or Tommy Boylan (U6c) who did likewise in the senior category also deserve full praise.

Numbers of boys interested in the programme are growing and post-Covid it is hoped that Sherborne Ski Racing will continue to develop.

Coleman and Oscar Revell - U14 Giant Slalom Team Bronze medalists.

• George Perkins (5a), Finn Jones (5m), Zak Banks (4b) and Jackson Wallace - U16 Dual Slalom Silver medalists.

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Swimming

Water polo

Sherborne’s swimmers enjoyed visits to galas at

Seniors

Dauntsey’s and Marlborough College, with some strong individual performances showing the talent in their ranks. The latter part of the season was disrupted by the Covid-19 lockdown, meaning the boys missed the opportunity to compete in a wider range of events.

The season got underway with a thrilling warm-up match against an energetic Dauntsey’s side and were unfortunate to go down to a 10-5 defeat. That said, our boys showed characteristic resolve and clinical finishing to build their confidence for the season ahead. Sadly, this wasn’t enough for them to avoid a 0-6 defeat to Marlborough College, but the team came back stronger than ever in a 9-5 win over

Badminton

season petered out as a result of Covid-19

The badminton team enjoyed a convincing 22-8

restrictions, but the boys will be back with their usual

victory over Sherborne Girls at the start of the

commitment come the new academic year.

Dauntsey’s in a competitive fixture. The rest of the

season, with many of the players picking up where they left off the year before in terms of competitiveness. More important than the margin of victory, however, is the respect and fair play in evidence among all players. The match was a fitting reflection of the bond between Sherborne and Sherborne Girls, and the boys were fantastic ambassadors for the School.

Colts A thumping 19-2 win over Dauntsey’s proved to be the Colts’ only match of the season. What a match it was, though, with fluid play, great passing and razorsharp finishing showing just what this young team is capable of.

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Clay pigeon shooting 1st V A blustery day in October made for tricky conditions during the 1st V’s trip to the Barbary Shooting Grounds for the Marlborough College Sporting Clay Shield Competition. The team did well to be placed 5th out of 23 in the team event, while Sherborne’s captain, Cameron Cooper (U6d), came a very impressive fourth out of 115 guns in the individual competition. His captaincy of the team was inspirational, helping to make clay shooting a popular activity at School.

Golf The golf team, which included a blend of younger and older boys, enjoyed an excellent early-season victory over Canford School in the first round of the HMC Foursomes Cup. Unfortunately they went on to lose narrowly against Millfield, but they played some very competitive golf against some highly skilled opposition. The team also reached the final of the 2 day West of England Public Schools competition held at Burnham and Berrow Golf Course. On this testing course they beat Marlborough 3-2 in the first round, then Taunton School 4 ½ to ½ in the semifinals, before narrowly losing 2-3 to Canford in the final. There was also a most enjoyable match against the OSGS at Sherborne Golf Club with honours

Later in the term at the Millfield School Invitational

ending even at 2-2. Throughout the (curtailed)

Clay Challenge at Mendip Shooting Grounds,

season, the team was superbly captained by Charlie

Sherborne entered two teams and overall Sherborne

Stagnetto (U6a) and with a number of good juniors

was placed 6th out of 23 teams.

coming through the ranks, the future looks very

In the individual event, Nico Christensen (5f) came 9th out of 92 guns but the two teams shot well, with special mention also to Cameron Cooper (1st Team Captain), Percy Tylor (4g) and Tom Wood (U6f) (2nd Team Captain).

promising indeed. More informally, golf continues to grow in popularity among many of Sherborne’s boys, offering physical activity, mental stimulation and a welcome opportunity to unwind amid the pleasing surroundings of Sherborne Golf Club.

Lacrosse The boys enjoyed their annual match against Sherborne Girls, falling to a 6-8 defeat against a side whose regular practice and match sharpness showed. It was an entertaining encounter that proved a great spectacle for parents and staff alike, showing the truth of the maxim that Sherborne’s unique environment offers the best of both worlds for pupils at both schools.

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Cross Country Following some heavy rainfall in the week preceding the InterHouse cross country, the sun came out, the grounds dried a little, and the race went ahead.

Participation and overall attitude on the day was excellent and many “non-runners” put in a sterling effort for their House.

Lyon House stormed to victory in the Intermediates for the second year running and the Seniors was won by School House.

Individually, Harry PleydellBouverie (4a) retained the Intermediate medal showing tremendous levels of grit to fight off Robbie Foster (4a) in the home straight and George Jefferson (U6e) ran a superbly paced race winning the Seniors and thus taking home The Harding Trophy.

Seniors 1st - George Jefferson 2nd – Jack Bodenham (U6d) 3rd – Toby Jones (U6b) Inters 1st – Harry Pleydell-Bouverie 2nd – Robbie Foster 3rd – Ottokar Denham (4m)

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Polo For Polo 2019/20 was a very low key year; the hard work went on behind the scenes with the boys training regularly each week at Druids Lodge Polo Club and everyone made great progress over winter in the arena and were very much looking forward to the summer season on grass. There was an opportunity to play a friendly match against Marlborough in December which Sherborne won in great style, largely thanks to the team captain, Tom Dubois (U6a).

L-R: Mustafa Cheshti (4g), Otis Morgan (4m), Finn Jones, Tom Dubois, Henry Haywood-Smith (L6d), Sam Yorke, Charles Stagnetto, Ralph Loveys Jervoise at a Senior Schools’ tournament at Longdole the previous year.

Unfortunately, as thoughts turned to the summer season Covid-19 restrictions came into force and the tournament scheduled for the Easter holidays, as well as all other matches and training came to a halt. It was such a shame for so

5 December 2019 Friendly match against Marlborough at Druids Lodge Polo Club.

Sherborne in black and yellow (club colours).

many talented Upper Sixth players not to be able to enjoy a final term of Polo at Sherborne, but I am sure that Tom Dubois, Ralph Loveys Jervoise (U6m), Sam Yorke (U6m), Charles Stagnetto (U6a) and George Jefferson (U6e) will be playing for years to come and they will never forget how they started Polo at School. Finn Jones (5m), another talented player also left Sherborne after his GCSEs and all these players will be missed. Particular thanks must go to Tom Dubois, not only for his incredibly skilful play on the field, but moreover for his willingness to coach others and in setting a fine example as an excellent sportsman.

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Virtual Sports Day In the two last weeks of June, Sherborne ran its first ever Virtual Sports Day. The boys made an incredible effort and were encouraged to take on a number of physical challenges including running, jumping, cycling and other activities to score points as individuals and contribute towards House totals. In the two week period of competition, nearly 700 video clips were submitted with boys literally going the extra mile, or twenty, to contribute to the overall scores. Participation levels were high as the boys used various forms of media and apps to record their performances, before submitting their scores for the judges to work out who would end up on top.

In the individual competition there were some exceptional efforts with the following securing top spot in their year groups; • Third Form - Otis Hillenbrand (3d), Alfie Hunter-Inglis (3a) and Oscar Revell (3c) were joint winners • Fourth Form - Jaego Cable (4m) • Fifth Form - William Jonas (5d) • Sixth Form - Jamie Jones (L6b) and Jonathan Post (L6a) topped the scoreboard together The House Year Group competitions were extremely close with several Houses impressing in different categories but one House certainly pulled out all the stops; • Third Form - Harper House • Fourth Form - Harper House • Fifth Form - Harper House • Sixth Form - School House And finally, after all the points were counted, the overall House Sports Day winner was Harper House.

Well done to all boys who contributed for a great effort in such a unique event and sincere thanks to Tom Scott and Barney Allen.

Dave Guy Director of Sport

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Working hard for the benefit of others The Green’s Charity Evening blended entertainment and altruism, bringing the whole community together for a worthy cause, writes Stephen Byrne.

It may well be that, when they look back with degrees

Burtt’s (3c) reassuringly

audience was royally

of fondness on their years in The Green, this

wonderful performance

rewarded for its support.

generation will recall eagerly the Charity Evening

on the ukulele, from a

held in School in the BSR. For it was on that evening

hilarious Lower Sixth

One of the stars of the

that 76 boys worked together for a common goal:

“Inbetweeners” take-off

show was Max Dowling

helping, cajoling and enthusing each other to

to Will Newell’s (3c)

(5c), who held together

produce a wonderfully entertaining and positive

expert sense of timing in

an eclectic mix of the

experience for themselves and their audience.

his direction of a Monty

most unlikely dancers

Python sketch, and from

for a truly memorable

If they could put in the hours, the boys were

Ollie Culver’s (4c)

Britney Spears act,

reassured, their parents would contribute the money

dynamic forward rolls to

achieved through

and dozens of the children in greatest need could be

a rousing, foot-

intense rehearsing.

helped. There were to be two main rewards: financial

stomping rendition of

Amid the electric guitars

support for those who need it most, and a group

“Country Road” which

and the silky keyboard

energy that would ensure a common experience of

had the audience on its

playing, we were

working hard for the benefit of others. All profit was

feet. There was an

reminded how a

to be sent to the Turi Children’s Project (TCP), a

impassioned talk to

relatively small donation

charity set up in the Kenyan village where Mr Byrne

remind us all of the

can help those who

used to teach. TCP is not a school and nor is it an

hardships faced in East

most require our help.

orphanage. It is a place where children can go,

Africa and an auction of

We were shown, among

generally after school, and where they can learn extra

special offers from the

others, photographs of

skills, in a community where 25 per cent of the

hugely supportive

a couple of deaf

population is HIV positive. The aim is that an

parent body. Even the

children, Serah Njehi

impoverished child in Turi will have his or her school

Housemaster performed

and John Okasa, who

enrolment fee paid, will go to school every day,

music on stage,

are relying on our help

return to TCP for food, safety, security and friendship

enhancing the

to attend a specialist

and then go home to sleep.

entrenched belief that

school; three siblings,

we are all one team,

Jane, Hannah and

working together so that

Lawrence Mwangi, who

So it was that parents and other visitors were greeted on a chilly February night by the swirling notes of a

others can thrive. With

will benefit from our

bagpiper on the door. Inside was an enthralling

superb lighting and

response and will have

range of genuine entertainment, from Lucas

sound, not to mention a

one meal a day; and the

Gardner’s (5c) calming vocal expertise to Charlie

bar at the interval, the

football-mad teenage

- 139 -

boy Peter Ondukois who would simply love to graduate from school and needs financial help to do so. The response was astonishing: more than £7,000 at first count, with the total still rising.

One additional surprise on a remarkable evening was the performance, in all likelihood a world première, of Denis Eagar’s (c 1917) “War Hymn”. The composer and his elder brother Frank (c 1912) were both in The Green and were chosen in turn as Head of House. Frank left School for the theatre of war in 1915 and was killed; Denis wrote a poignant hymn about the meaninglessness of war and the urgency of peace.

He was subsequently killed by a sniper’s bullet at Wytschaete Wood in 1918. The simple harmonies and haunting

the boys enjoyed a mountain of

through northwestern Kenya and

resonance of “War Hymn”, sung

pizza after their performance.

will call in to visit that small

by the House choir, carefully and

They had all benefitted immensely

community that gained so much

lovingly assembled by Nathanael

from the experience on so many

from his efforts on a cold February

Fagerson (U6c), was the final item

levels. But the true beneficiaries

night in Dorset.

of a powerful first half.

are to be found just south of the Equator. Perhaps one day, on gap

The wider fruits of everyone’s

years or later in life, one of the

effort became abundantly clear as

performers will be passing

ED IT S E M IE L LI P A B COAIL AV

A new fully-illustrated history of Sherborne School

“The history of Sherborne is a fascinating one, with plenty of dramas mixed in with the solid business of teaching. It’s overdue for modern re-telling. It’s also the opportunity to show off David Ridgway’s stunning atmospheric portraits of the place and its people.”

Dermot Turing (Westcott House, 1974-78), author of Prof: Alan Turing Decoded and trustee of Bletchley Park and the Turing Trust.

“Sherborne seeps into the soul of those who have crunched the gravel of the Courts. Patrick Francis sensitively captures the School’s grace and grandeur, and occasional grapples with misfortune, through this soulful and evocative book.”

Robert Hands (Abbey House, 1987-92), Former Executive Managing Editor, Times Newspapers Ltd.

To order your copy of Old Yet Ever Young please visit www.sherborne.org/newsand-events/book-launch All net proceeds will go to Sherborne School

- 141 -

Making history Patrick Francis and David Ridgway have collaborated on a stunning new history of Sherborne. They explain their joy at working together again on a unique project.

There are two ways of narrating

institution, illustrating wider

“I wanted to make my history

the history of an institution. You

themes by reference to the

come alive by telling the stories

can tell the story of its corporate

drama of their lives.

of the huge variety of people who have contributed to

life, focusing on the events that occur at a macro level and

The benefit of such an approach

Sherborne’s rich tapestry,”

hoping the reader gains a sense

is that it ensures the historian’s

explains Patrick. “Of course, I

of its development through this

subject springs into life. For a

was helped enormously in that

broad sweep approach.

school like Sherborne, it locates

regard by David’s wonderful

the overarching story of its

photography.”

Alternatively, you can do what

development from local grammar

Patrick Francis and David

school to one of the nation’s

Ridgway have done in their

leading independent boys’

brilliant new history of

schools in the doings of the very

Sherborne, Old Yet Ever Young:

people who made it: pupils,

focus as much on the individuals

teachers and support staff,

who have played a part in the

headmasters and governors.

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Words and pictures

A balanced account

A powerful aesthetic

The contribution of David

It’s true that Patrick doesn’t draw a

Such a premise is underscored by

Ridgway to Old Yet Ever Young

veil over those periods when

the approach David took to its

cannot be underestimated. As in

Sherborne’s status has wavered.

overall aesthetic. With help from

his previous collaboration with

He notes in his introduction that

Sherborne’s Archivist, Rachel

Patrick – Vivat Shirburnia, which

the School has passed through

Hassall (for whom David and

charted the School’s history

tumultuous times every 40 years

Patrick are quick to note their

during the Great War of 1914 –

or so: periods when Headmasters

profound gratitude), David

1918 – the words and pictures

have been removed from office at

sourced the large number of

work seamlessly together to

the behest of the governors or as

photographs that illustrated the

establish a clear narrative.

a result of a Common Room

story Patrick was telling. Even so,

revolt.

he shot more than 200 of the 350

“When Patrick showed me the

images that appear in the book,

first draft of his text, I had a clear

“I think these blips are an

vision for what the book should

important part of the School’s

look like,” says David. “We

heritage,” he explains. “One of

learned some valuable lessons

the functions of history is to

during the production of Vivat,

attempt to make sense of events

“One of the things that Patrick

and decided to project manage

that go against the grain of the

does brilliantly is weave the

the whole process of designing

overall narrative. I hope that I’ve

stories of Sherborne’s illustrious

Old Yet Ever Young ourselves.

begun to do that by mapping

alumni into the wider narrative of

That gave us complete control

Sherborne’s story from 1550

the School,” David reflects. “This

over the look and feel of the

through to 2010.”

dovetailed with a project I’ve

book, meaning we could create something very special.”

In contrast to the earlier history of Sherborne, written by A. B.

helping create a consistent visual identity that perfectly complements Patrick’s words.

been working on for the last decade, of photographing Old Shirburnians in their working

It helps enormously that David

Gourlay in 1951 with a revised

and Patrick – who have more than

edition in 1970, Patrick chose to

70 years’ combined service at

focus on the School’s Victorian

Sherborne under their belts –

revival and the subsequent years,

know not just their subject

rather than constructing a

intimately, but also their audience.

detailed account of its medieval

“It makes the process of

origins. “Gourlay’s book gives

producing a book like this far

more than a third of its pages to

easier if you have your audience

the School’s early history,” he

in mind as you write,” says Patrick.

says, “so I wanted to focus my

“That said, I’ve tried to be as

attention on the more recent past.

objective as possible, especially

It seems clear to me that the

about the less glittering episodes

period of Dr Hugo Daniel Harper’s

That sentiment is exactly what

in Sherborne’s history.”

tenure as Headmaster (1850 to

Patrick hopes to express in the

1877) was decisive in shaping the

book’s title, which borrows from a

institution Sherborne is today.”

James Rhoades poem. As he

environment dressed in the modern uniform of navy blue. A large proportion of these images appear in the book and illustrate its operating motif: that Sherborne is a place where the present, past and future collapse into each other, in so far as one moment in time is always mediated by what has gone before, and what is to come.”

- 143 -

Old Yet Ever Young is available to purchase from Sherborne’s website: https://www.sherborne.org/news-and-events/book-launch.

All profits will be donated to the School.

explains: “When you are at

between Sherborne’s past and its

beautiful, erudite and thoroughly

Sherborne, you are struck by the

present. And, ending as it does in

researched account, it’s a bright

weight of all that’s gone before,

2010, on the cusp of the School’s

future, giving Shirburnians plenty

while living fully in the present

latest revival under the

of opportunity to go on making

and gesturing towards a future

Headmastership of Dominic

history.

that is unfolding. That’s a

Luckett, it also hints towards the

sentiment I hope to have

next chapter for one of England’s

captured in my writing.”

most famous boarding schools.

Old Yet Ever Young certainly

On the basis of what Patrick and

unlocks the intimate connection

David have produced in this

A community of character Theology teacher Nikki Bowerman is Sherborne’s Head of Pupil Wellbeing. She outlines her vision for a new curriculum that has character formation at its heart Nikki Bowerman knew she was taking on a big role when appointed as Sherborne’s Head of Pupil Wellbeing in February 2020.

Even so, she wasn’t fully aware of the precise challenges facing her in the months ahead.

“The Covid-19 pandemic was spreading, but we hadn’t grasped the extent of its impact on the UK,” she recalls. “Now, after the upheaval of Trinity Term, we are finding a new way of forming community at School, while ensuring we abide by the latest restrictions.”

- 145 -

Back to school

Building foundations

Nikki says the return to School is

“I’ve always been interested in

House system and the allocation

going well, with the boys pleased

the role education plays in

of a Personal Tutor to every

to be back in the rhythms of

character formation,” she says.

pupil. We have strong

boarding life and enjoying

“There’s been a lot of interesting

foundations, giving every boy an

reconnecting with their friends,

research in this field of late,

opportunity to thrive.”

classmates and teachers.

including a programme designed

“While there are some limitations on what we can do, most of the features of daily life at Sherborne remain in place,” she reports.

“But we have to be mindful of the impact of this period on

at Wellington College that uses Aristotle’s philosophy as a basis for character education. I’ve taken that as my starting point for Sherborne’s Wellbeing programme.”

boys’ mental wellbeing. That’s

At the heart of the new

something the whole staff team

curriculum is a commitment to

is paying particularly close

helping boys develop habits that

attention to.”

shape their flourishing, both at

This speaks of one area of focus

School and in future. It engages with a variety of themes,

helps put structures in place to

of Self,” “Care of the world,” “Care of others,” and “Positive relationships.”

support them. She also has

This thematic approach coheres

particular responsibility for the

with the government’s statutory

School’s Personal, Social and

Relationships and Sex Education

Health Education (PSHE)

(RSE) curriculum. It also helps the

programme, and draws on the

boys think about the sort of

very latest research to deliver a

person they are becoming,

curriculum that helps every boy

encouraging self-reflection and

find his niche.

formational growth.

for Nikki: working with the Deputy Head (Pastoral), Chaplain and House Tutors, she oversees the boys’ emotional health and

including “Care

“Even in the midst of this difficult time, I want our Wellbeing programme to help boys become the best possible version of themselves,” she says. “We’re building on the really positive structures and processes already in place at School, including the

It’s clear that Nikki has an ambitious programme for the School, and for its pupils. “We should resist the temptation to let Covid-19 call the shots this

year,” she says. “We

need to take care of everyone in our community and stay safe, of course. But we have a bigger aspiration, which is the same as any other year: we want to help our boys flourish and get them ready for a bright future in the world.”

- 147 -

Best Head of a Public School Tatler Schools Awards 2020

Sherborne’s Headmaster was

Luckett. He received the

Dr Luckett was his role in

honoured at last year’s Tatler

accolade of “Best Head of a

reinvigorating the School and

Awards. Here’s his vision for

Public School” at the Tatler

leading it to new growth. They

single-sex independent

Schools Awards – a fitting

will also have been conscious of

education.

reflection of his achievements

his efforts to promote a culture

since taking up post in January

of kindness and consideration

2016.

in the School – something that

September 2019 seems a long

has been a cornerstone of his

time ago, but it was an important moment of

Undoubtedly, one of the key

recognition for Sherborne and

factors in the judges’ decision

its Headmaster, Dr Dominic

to make the award to

tenure as Headmaster.

The best of both worlds Dr Luckett has been instrumental in re-establishing Sherborne’s reputation as one of the country’s foremost providers of single-sex education. He firmly believes in the value of Sherborne’s unique

the boy who has shown the most

“It’s never been more important

nominated by his peers. I’m

pupils,” says Dr Luckett. “The

school where that’s the most

caused many to feel anxious, so

concern for others’ wellbeing, as

proud to be Headmaster of a

coveted of our prizes.”

offer, giving the opportunity for boys to learn alongside each other while mixing with pupils

Academic rigour

from Sherborne Girls in their free

Of course, the concern for

time and in co-curricular activities

kindness does not obviate a

such as music and drama.

parallel enthusiasm for the task of learning. Sherborne has always

“We have long said that

had high standards, as its success

highly appealing, prospect for

demonstrates. It is a school where

Sherborne offers a unique, and parents and their children,” says Dr Luckett. “Our close

relationship with the girls’ school means we offer the chance to

socialise in a broad circle of

in public examinations

to attend to the wellbeing of our Covid-19 crisis has undoubtedly

we need to ensure we have the

structures in place to care for

the whole community. I believe

our House system is crucial: it

provides a means of supporting

every pupil and keeping in touch

with home. It’s proved a real

asset, and Housemasters were in

close contact with boys and their

parents during the months of

lockdown.”

boys are stretched in a variety of disciplines, and where focus is given to helping pupils achieve

Looking ahead

their long-term aspirations.

With last year’s accolade still delivering a reputational gain for

friends, at the same time as

“We try to reverse engineer our

Sherborne and its Headmaster,

single-sex academic

the needs of every boy,”

is clear about his ongoing goals:

delivering the benefits of a experience.”

Admissions to Sherborne have risen significantly over recent years, and Dr Luckett’s national recognition further enhances the

curriculum so that it responds to explains Dr Luckett. “The

the future looks bright. Dr Luckett he wants to continue building on

addition of curriculum areas such

the strong foundations he’s

of our more vocational BTEC

year tenure, ensuring Sherborne

as Information Technology, and

programmes in Sport, Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, and

helped establish during his fiveremains a top performer not just for boys’ schools, but across the

Creative Digital Media, shows

independent sector.

played an important part in this.

runs. We put pupils at the heart

“I believe we have a very special

“I’ve always said that I want the

Their flourishing is our priority.”

characterised, above all, by

Such a concern can be seen in

School’s profile. He believes the ethos he’s helped develop has

how deep that commitment

of the education we provide.

Sherborne community to be

kindness,” he remarks. “We’re a

place where everyone is valued

for who they are and what they

bring. We prize compassion over all things, as evidenced in our

annual Bow Award. This goes to

the recent appointment of Nikki Bowerman as Head of Pupil Wellbeing (see p. 144), and in the robust tutoring system that is core to Sherborne’s provision.

offer to parents and pupils,” he

concludes. “It’s my hope that we

can use the profile gained from

the Tatler Award to continue

growing. That way, we can invest

in the future of both Sherborne

and its pupils.”

- 149 -

Creating space

for difficult conversations HARRY BOULTON (U6m) PLAYED AN IMPORTANT PART IN HELPING THE SHERBORNE COMMUNITY TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH. NOW, HE’S USING HIS CREATIVE ENERGY TO HELP THE WHOLE OF SOCIETY.

WHEN HARRY BOULTON WON THE BOW AWARD LAST YEAR, IT WAS IN RECOGNITION OF AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION HE’D MADE TO SHERBORNE LIFE. BY SHARING HIS OWN STORY, HARRY HELPED THE WIDER SCHOOL COMMUNITY ADDRESS THE DIFFICULT TOPIC OF MENTAL ILLNESS. HE CREATED A SPACE IN WHICH OTHER PUPILS COULD TALK ABOUT THEIR OWN STRUGGLES, FOSTERING A SPIRIT OF OPENNESS AND MUTUAL SUPPORT THAT WAS TO THE BENEFIT OF EVERYONE.

}

}

To support Lost Bond and raise money for the YoungMinds mental health charity, please visit: www.gofundme.com/f/lost-bond-project

Creating connections It’s that same concern to help

about your struggles, and that

“Once I was in the Sixth Form, I

others talk about mental health

others may learn from your

wanted to use the platform of

that has shaped Harry’s creative

experience. There are always

being a senior boy to open up a

activities over the last couple of

common threads, even though

conversation about mental

years. He’s set up Lost Bond: a

we’re all different.”

health,” he explains. “I gave

project that raises money and awareness of mental wellbeing through film, music, fashion and art.

Harry’s perspective on mental health is formed by first-hand experience. He took time out of School during the Fifth Form

“I want to create something that

while suffering from depression.

other people can connect to,”

When he returned, he resolved

explains Harry. “It’s not about me

to help his fellow pupils find ways

saying that the world is a certain

of working through their own

way. Instead, it’s about saying to

challenges.

everyone that it’s okay to talk

some talks about my experiences and shared some of my coping mechanisms. I think the other pupils found that helpful, and it encouraged me to set up Lost Bond as a way of reaching a wider audience.”

“

- 151 -

It’s not about me saying that the world is a certain way. Instead, it’s about saying to everyone that it’s okay to talk about your struggles, and that others may learn from your experience. There are always common threads, even though we’re all different.

“

Moving images

The Covid-19 fallout

At the heart of Harry’s initiative is

“The pandemic has been difficult

why his peers nominated him for

a short film that explores issues

for everyone,” he says. “On a

the Bow Award – Sherborne’s

around mental health through an

personal level, it disrupted my

most prized accolade – and it’s

open-ended narrative, leaving

final year at Sherborne, meaning

the thread that runs through Lost

plenty of room for subjective

I haven’t passed through those

Bond. With a fashion collection

interpretation. “The film is fairly

rites of passage that are usually a

due for launch in December and

conceptual,” he says. “The idea

feature of the Upper Sixth. For

the film waiting in the wings, the

is that the viewer can take from it

the whole School community, it

initiative is certainly gathering

what they want or need. That

led to a huge upheaval, with

pace. Having made such an

seems to be what’s most helpful

pupils suddenly working from

impact on Sherborne, Harry now

to people when it comes to their

home rather than being in

has every chance of shaping a

mental wellbeing.”

Sherborne with our friends.

national conversation about

There’s bound to be a fallout

mental health in young people.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown, Harry’s filming schedule was

from that.”

“If just one person engages with

delayed. But the project is in the

Fortunately, Harry believes

Lost Bond and finds it easier to

can now, and due to be released

Sherborne takes mental

cope with their illness, the

in the autumn.

wellbeing seriously and has good

project has been worthwhile,” he

structures in place to support

concludes. “The more we talk

pupils. “I think Dr Luckett’s focus

about this stuff, the better it is for

on kindness has established a

the whole of society.”

Meanwhile, Harry and his creative partners have used the lockdown period to work on another project, which they call the Lost Bond “Speakeasy”. This is a series of short videos in which young people speak about their experience of mental illness. Harry says he’s been profoundly encouraged by the reaction to the videos on Instagram, and hopes they’re

healthy culture at School,” he says. “It’s a community in which the usual stigma around mental illness is being broken down. It’s a place where people look out for each other, and I hope it continues to support pupils and staff in being open about mental health.”

helping viewers cope with the

Looking out for others represents

challenges of the current time.

the core of Harry’s philosophy. It’s

A HE A LTH Y CO M M UN I T Y W IT H K I N DN E SS AT ITS HE A RT Alex Pearson is the new Housemaster at The Green, and she’s keen to build a positive culture among the boys that’s outward looking and proactive.

There is a poster on Alex Pearson’s wall that gives a good insight into her background and outlook on life. It’s a world map, but it’s been drawn with New Zealand at its centre. As well as reflecting the Kiwi ancestry of The Green’s new Housemaster, the map shows how things look different depending on your

A community of care Such an attitude is at the heart of

lots of plans to develop this

Alex’s approach to her new role.

culture, and build on the great

She’s a familiar face in The Green,

charitable work that’s already

“I want the boys in The Green to

having served there as a Tutor

been done in The Green,” she

have an appreciation of the

since 2018. Now, as she takes over

continues. “For example, I’m

the leadership of the House, she’s

hoping the boys can help out at a

keen to build on its culture of

soup kitchen in Yeovil and get

other-regard and generosity to

involved in caring for local elderly

perspective.

diversity of our planet,” she remarks. “I’m half Kiwi, so this map has particular resonance for me. But the point it makes is simple: you need to see the world through other people’s eyes as well as your own. That way, you gain a better understanding of how it functions.”

help boys contribute to wider

people. That way, they’ll meet all

society.

sorts of different people and find ways in which they can make a

“If there’s one thing we’ve all

positive difference to the world

learned as a result of the Covid-19

around them.”

crisis, it’s the value of communities of care and character,” she reflects. “I want to help the boys in The Green understand that they’re here not just for each other and the School community, but for the whole community of Sherborne – and beyond. “I’ve

- 153 -

Covid-19 challenges Of course, it’s a challenging time to take over the role of Housemaster. The Covid-19 lockdown means that School was empty of pupils during Trinity Term, and returning pupils will inevitably feel apprehensive about the ongoing situation.

“It is undeniably difficult at the moment,” says Alex, “but I’m keen that we have a ‘can-do’ Leadership in Education focused

find ways of working together for

think there’s anything we can’t do

on pastoral care and tutoring, so

shared growth.”

because of the Covid-19

she has a deep understanding of

restrictions, but we may need to

the value of the support

think creatively about some of our

frameworks that Sherborne puts

activities. By staying positive, I

in place.

attitude in The Green. I don’t

think we can pull together, find a way to make the best of our situation and give every member of the House an opportunity to shine.”

Support frameworks

As a philosophy underpinning The Green’s ethos, Alex believes this is a good place to start.

“We’re stronger together,” she

“In my former roles, including as

concludes, “which means we’re

Pastoral Leader of a Free School,

better able to help other people.

I’ve seen the impact of building

Now more than ever, that’s got to

relationships of reciprocity and

be our mantra: let’s work together

appropriate challenge between

for the good of everyone. Do that,

staff and pupils, and among

and the world is a better, kinder

pupils themselves,” she says. “I

and more compassionate place.”

believe the tutoring system is a

This neatly sums up Alex’s

real strength of Sherborne’s

approach to the educational task.

approach: it’s a way of modelling

She is committed to the

the kind of respectful

flourishing of every pupil, and

relationships that are at the heart

understands the need to support

of any healthy community,

mental wellbeing in achieving that

showing the boys what it is to

goal. Her Master’s degree in

keep company with others and

Award-winning Sherborne Connect Sherborne Connect, our awardwinning online platform was launched in 2017 and from the outset we were amazed at the enthusiasm with which it was embraced by the whole Sherborne Community, parents, Sherborne International Alumni as well as OS. Now, as we approach its third birthday we have 3,286 members, which represents over 1/3 of our total network, of whom over 77% have indicated their willingness to help with careers advice. Percentage wise we still have the highest percentage sign up rate of any of the 1,000 plus schools and universities worldwide for whom Graduway hosts a platform.

During the Trinity Term

as part of National

we decided to give the

Schools Giving Week, to

Sixth Form limited

launch a new initiative,

access to the platform

Talent and Time week.

so that they can seek

We are looking to tap

advice about universities

into the considerable

and courses from OS

talents of platform

undergraduates and

members to help

more general careers

enhance the current

advice. They are able to

provision for the boys in

The platform has really come into its own during

look for individuals they

both the academic and

lockdown and the new normal. Our ever popular

would like to contact

careers spheres but also

Business Breakfasts have transferred seamlessly

but that contact is

to assist our under-

online. Recordings of the talks and Q&As with Luke

initiated through the

graduates and recent

Baker (c 91), International Affairs Correspondent with

OSS Office or the

graduates.

Reuters, who spoke about Brexit and Tony Quainton

Foundation with

(d 52), Diplomat-in-Residence and a professor of U.S.

parental consent.

Thank you to those who

Foreign Policy at the American University, former

Alternatively, parents

have signed up and if

diplomat and US Ambassador who gave us his take,

who have joined the

you haven’t please do

on the then forthcoming, US elections, can now be

platform can contact

so, it is a great platform,

downloaded from the Resource page on the

members on their son’s

just for you.

platform. Weekly newsletters have enabled us to

behalf.

Anne Macfarlane

keep in touch with the wider Sherborne Community and a host of reunions (House, year group and

At the time of writing

International) have been organised using it.

this article we are about,

Alumni Officer

10

- 155 -

YEARS ON

Fergus Taylor (c 10) Sitting down to write this piece, it is quite bizarre to reflect on the fact that my cohort of Shirburnians left the School over a decade ago.

A great deal of the fun and success I have enjoyed over these past 10 years has its foundation in my education at Sherborne School. Indeed, much is owed to the sparking of my serious interest in the Classical world, while studying for my Latin A level and, consequent undertaking of an undergraduate degree in Classics at UCL. There my transformation from someone who had previously viewed studying Latin as something that was boring, but might look vaguely good on a UCAS application, to someone

Following three years at Oxford, I

and Greek at Radley College.

deeply interested and passionate

was fortunate enough to get

Despite having taught at Radley

about the subject was completed.

offered a contract to play

for half a term now, I still find

As a result, following three years

professional rugby in Italy. I had a

myself, as an OS, referring to

at UCL, I took up a place on the

wonderful time out there,

Sherborne as ‘we’! Alongside

MSt in Latin Literature course at

especially enjoying the excellent

teaching Classics, I continue to be

Oxford University.

selections of carbohydrates of la

involved in the world of rugby,

dolce vita… While it’s a bit of a

playing semi-professionally for the

At Oxford, I was also able to enjoy another of the passions I had cultivated at Sherborne School, namely, rugby. Following a great first season with the Blues, in which we enjoyed a recordbreaking margin of victory – 43-6 – over Cambridge at Twickenham, I decided to undertake a two year

cliché, it was also interesting to

Rams in National 1 – we have a

experience how different the

good chance of staking a claim for

English and Italian mindsets are

promotion into the Championship

towards rugby and, particularly, to

this season, if rugby ever

observe our English and New

resumes….

Zealand coaches tearing their hair out at uncontrollable Italian passion and flair!

Despite living abroad for a number of years, I have managed to maintain a strong connection

Masters in English Literature,

While I loved my time playing

with the School and my fellow Old

which was good fun in its own

professional rugby, I did also miss

Shirburnians in my role as Head of

right, but also enabled me to

the intellectual stimulation of

Sherborne Pilgrims cricket for the

enjoy playing for the Blues for

university and studying the

past seven years. The annual

another two seasons and to have

Classical world and so, following

migration back to Sherborne for

the privilege of captaining the

the Covid-enforced conclusion of

the ‘Cricket Week’ is, without fail,

side for the 2016 season.

the 2019-20 season, I took up a

one of the highlights of the

teaching post of Master of Latin

summer.

s

Andrew Quaile (m 10) I took a year out after leaving Sherborne and spent the winter working as a ski instructor in St. Anton, where, by chance, I had the good fortune of building a strong friendship with Nick Kent-Smith (a 10), a former nemesis from German A level. We then met up again later in the year to travel through Australia and New Zealand together.

In 2011, I went to study at Bristol University along with a great cohort of OS. I studied French and German, and was lucky enough to work in the beautiful cities of Vienna and Bordeaux, during my third year abroad.

Following university, I decided to pursue a career in law and went on to tackle the various conversion courses. Having qualified in September 2019, I now work in the corporate M&A team of a London firm.

In other news, I recently got engaged to Antonia, who also studied languages at Bristol… It just so happens that Bertie Crawley (g 10) played the role of matchmaker here!

- 157 -

unexpectedly from a heart attack.

They say not to make any big decisions six months after the death of a close loved one. So, I changed jobs, became a District Vet for the NSW Department of Primary Industries, investigating herd health and biosecurity issues for farmers and then I walked

Henry Clutterbuck (g 10)

straight into the 2018-2020 drought. The following two years

I left Sherborne in 2010 having not

transdisciplinary approach —

were spent helping drought-

secured a place to study

working at the local, regional,

stricken farmers with everything

Veterinary Medicine in the UK. So,

national, and global levels — with

from feed advice, to euthanising

I worked for six months before I

the goal of achieving optimal

emaciated stock.

discovered that I could start a

health outcomes, recognising the

degree in Animal and Veterinary

interconnection between people,

Bioscience at the University of

animals, plants, and their shared

devastation of the 2019-2020

Sydney in Australia which, marks

environment. I completed my

Australian Black Summer fires. As

permitting, would allow me

honours research project on the

a Government vet I spent much of

transfer to Veterinary Science.

zoonotic disease Q Fever, a

the fire season on the fireground

Unfortunately, two months before

bacterial disease that mainly

assisting landholders, treating

I left, my father passed away

comes from livestock and can be

burnt stock and doing agricultural

unexpectedly. Whilst I didn’t have

highly debilitating. This research

damage assessment. Over 13.6

a good relationship with him, it

was published in 2018. I became a

million acres were burned with the

was still quite a shock that made

member of the NSW Regional

loss of 26 lives, and over 13,725

One Health Group.

head of livestock.

move to a country, on the far side

After graduation in 2016, I started

My work on zoonoses in the One

of the world.

my professional career as a mixed

Health space has led me to a

animal vet on the border of the

crossroads in my career.

Following completion of my first

NSW Southern Highlands and

Continuing my role as a vet, whilst

year, I was able to transfer into

Southern Tablelands in a small

immensely rewarding, will limit my

Veterinary Science. I initially

two vet practice, that was growing

ability to effect change in the One

started my veterinary education

rapidly. I had an amazing two

Health area as I am not a Doctor.

with the firm and unwavering view

years doing everything from open

With this in mind, I am heading

that I would become an equine

chest surgery on a dog that was

back to university next year to

surgeon. As I progressed through

gored by a feral pig, to

begin studying medicine, with the

the degree, I discovered that my

caesareans of cows in the middle

aim of combining the two

true passion lay in epidemiology

of the night at -10C.

degrees to benefit rural

the move to Australia somewhat

Many of you would have seen the

more challenging than a usual

communities whose attachment

(study of diseases in populations) In March of 2018, life took another

to the land inextricably links

from animals), cattle and One

turn, when I received a call in the

animals and health in so many

Health. One Health is a

early hours of the morning with

ways.

collaborative, multisectoral, and

news that my mum had died

zoonoses (diseases humans get

s

Piers Jackson (d 10) Upon leaving Sherborne, I took the inevitable gap year - the first half of which consisted of playing a lot of rugby at Taunton RFC, whilst also (rather ironically) working at Gap, and rounding out my Saturdays post rugby matches by working at a pub up the road.

This was all enormously fun, but was in service of funding a trip to the well-trodden route of New Zealand, Australia and South East Asia. All of which with various Shirburnians, including a four campervan convoy in Australia, consisting of Messers Pusinelli (d 10), Waldburg (g 10), Lyons (c 10), Kerridge (c 10), Gordon (c 10), Carmichael (c 10) and

wasn’t to start until September, so

or up to £2m for whole Casks. I

Cooke (b 10).

I hurriedly joined some uni friends

focus on our priority markets

in South America, for a few

around the world - namely

I then arrived back in the UK to

months on a second mini gap

Europe, Greater China, travel

read Geography with Business at

year.

retail, The US and others. My role has given me great travel

The University of Nottingham, where I spent three very happy

I’ve now been working at Diageo

opportunities and so far I’ve been

years studying, playing rugby and

for over five years, having held

to places including New York,

getting my first taste of working in

roles in innovation and start up

Madrid, Hamburg, Berlin and

events.

investment, sales, marketing and

Tokyo for various business trips.

now luxury commercial strategy. I

Obviously, one of the best parts

Upon graduating, I was keen to

began in London for 18 months

of my job is managing to sample

move to London and found a job

before being offered a job in

some truly special and extremely

at a WPP media agency as a

Amsterdam, where I have been

rare whiskies - a favourite of mine

digital media buyer. Whilst the

living for over three years now

to date being a 40 year old single

perks of often dining out were

and absolutely love the city. My

malt from the extinct Islay

fun, I quickly realised it wasn’t for

role is focused on how we build

distillery of Port Ellen - limited to

me and I began applying for other

and commercialise our luxury

just 1,380 bottles and available for

jobs, namely the Diageo

portfolio, mostly Scotch whisky, in

a rather eye-watering £6,500. I am

Marketing Graduate scheme, to

the prestigious and collectible

now a self proclaimed whisky

work in the alcohol industry. I got

end of the market; ranging in

geek - so do get in touch for a

the job in January 2015 but it

price from £200 - £30,000 a bottle

chat, a dram or advice on whisky!

- 159 -

Pablo Garcia (d 10) Since leaving Sherborne in 2010, I have been fortunate enough to spend quite some time working and studying in four different countries. After receiving my bachelor degree in Business Administration and Economics from the University of St Gallen in Switzerland and having worked as a Corporate Accountant in a Swiss chocolate firm for one year, I decided to start a Master’s degree in Madrid as I had still not figured out my career path. Following a fun and intense one and a half years, and after graduating with a Masters in Management and Masters in Finance, I jumped into the world of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley in London.

After spending three and a half years in London and countless nights staring at Excel and PowerPoint, I was offered the exciting opportunity to join the Management Team of our Investment Banking division in Morgan Stanley’s global headquarters at Times Square in New York. Arriving on January 26 2020, my time at Times Square was somewhat short-lived, however, as everyone was moved to the world of working from home, which in NYC, still has no end in sight.

s

Andrew Glennie (d 10) The years have certainly flown past since leaving Sherborne in 2010. Nevertheless, thanks mainly to the wise words of the late David Hedison, William Duggan, Simon Tremewan and the many others I had the opportunity to learn from at Sherborne, the School’s influence on me clearly remains today.

Skip forward a decade and I am currently an Assistant Director in the Economic Consulting team at Deloitte LLP in London, publishing a wide range of economic research, across the public and private sectors. I am privileged to have been able to follow my academic passion into work, applying this to current affairs. Most importantly, however, the role has opened my eyes as to how businesses and governments work in practice, or perhaps more importantly, why sometimes they don’t.

dived straight into a BSc in

quality of teaching and facilities,

I’ve also been able to fulfil an

Economics at Warwick for three

or the range of both academic

ambition to live and work abroad,

years, before completing an MPhil

and non-academic choices

having spent two years in New

in Economics at Pembroke

available, to name some

York City - working in the actual

College, Cambridge. Each of

examples. I would urge every

30 Rock, for those familiar with

these provided a considerable

current or prospective attendee

the US sitcom. I learnt a huge

wealth of friendships,

both to recognise that privilege,

amount from my time there, and I

experiences, and opportunities

and not to take it for granted. But,

am forever grateful to my friends

which I cannot recommend highly

most of all, try some new things,

in the city for helping me to make

enough.

make some mistakes, and find the

the most of that experience. I’ve also been fortunate to travel outside of work - Puerto Rico, Morocco and Vietnam being particular favourites.

A recurring theme throughout the above is how privileged I have been to have had the chance to pursue these opportunities.

Sherborne provides every student

When I left Sherborne, I took the

who attends with such

perhaps lesser-chosen route and

opportunity, be it through the

time to enjoy yourself.

- 161 -

Jack Nott-Bower (c 10) In real life, Interpol is quite different to the organisation portrayed in the movies. One evening in October 2019, leaning over the bar at my welcome drinks in Lyon, a police officer on secondment from the UK slipped me the hint: “I used to burgle people’s houses for a living. Now I’m saving the world, one spreadsheet at a time!”

It’s true, I was disappointed not to get an exploding pen.

Nonetheless, working for the leading organisation in transnational crime control has been far from boring. My road to this point began in Lower Sixth, when I chose to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) instead of A levels. Back then, I

the next four years as a corporate

Needless to say, much of this

security analyst and investigator

incredible journey is rooted at

for three other roles based in

Sherborne, with the influence of a

After Sherborne, I went directly to

Scotland, London and New York,

few key names: Peter Such, the

the University of Nottingham, to

occasionally jetting off to

Spanish teacher who promoted

pursue an undergraduate Master’s

intriguing places. I even went back

the IB and once challenged me to

in International Relations. My

to Mexico, only this time I went for

teach English to a group of unruly

second year was spent in Mexico,

tea at the Ambassador’s

school kids in Ecuador; and my

where I became fluent in Spanish

residence!

housemasters, Giles Reynolds and

only knew that I wanted a career with a global angle.

and enjoyed some of the greatest times of my student life. It was also here that I discovered my interest in security and investigations.

Alistair Hatch, who were relentless I was doing well at this but still

in their support and

wanted to “earn my wings” in

encouragement. I am forever

public service. I applied to Interpol

grateful to them all.

several times, before finally getting the call in 2019, evidently

Two years later, I finished my

oblivious to the fact that I would

degree and approached a private

soon be tracking down wanted

security firm in London who

criminals from the kitchen table in

offered me an internship. I spent

my pyjamas.

Farewells

- 163 -

Martin Brooke A Classics Double First from Oxford, and several years’ experience as Lecturer at Jesus, Magdalen and Brasenose Colleges formed, even in 1988, unusual credentials for a career in schoolmastering, but the School’s tentative suggestion that Martin might combine his first year with a PGCE quietly disappeared during his first Michaelmas Term. From the outset, Martin was a natural classroom performer, blending instruction and entertainment so seamlessly that boys were rarely able to tell which was which. Within four terms, he was offered the position of Head of Department, which he maintained for the next 16 years.

Martin’s enjoyment of

numbers increasing

tutoring and his obvious

yearly until, with the roll

effectiveness made him

standing at 91 boys,

a natural choice when

there was no more

the Digby House-

room. From these boys

mastership fell vacant in

Martin drew unequalled

2006. Innovations were

levels of respect, loyalty

few, but crucial. The

and affection, never

House lawn was opened

more visibly than when

up to all for informal

in 2017 his wife Rachel

games. Support staff

died. Three days later

were encouraged to see

he was back at his post;

themselves as having a

few outside the House

pastoral role. It is

saw how hard

strange to reflect that, in

bereavement had hit.

2006, Digby sport had declined so far that

Prospective parents

participation in House

would, when visiting the

matches could only

House, meet new Third

happen by combining

Formers, gaining

with Wallace. That all

thereby an unvarnished

The challenge was expressed tersely by Peter

changed. A decade of

and unsupervised view

Lapping: ‘Martin, Classics must sell itself.’ Challenge

Digby sporting

of the establishment. To

accepted, and with relish. Numbers taking Classical

dominance ensued -

the question, ‘Which

subjects to GCSE and A level rocketed to heights

success founded not just

House would you have

unwitnessed in generations, and never subsequently

on individual prowess,

chosen if you weren’t at

equalled. Martin knew that if boys enjoyed their

but collective

The Digby?’, one

weekly round of lessons enough, they would resist

engagement and

innocent, three weeks

siren voices from elsewhere in the establishment,

unrivalled House spirit.

into his first term,

GCSE somehow guaranteed future unemployment.

Many challenges faced

into Digby, I’d have

An unbroken round of Oxbridge success, year on

recruitment to the

taken up my place at

year, showed how effectively the Department

School in Martin’s time,

Eton. I wouldn’t be at

replied, ‘If I hadn’t got

which urged them that choosing a classical subject at

supported the brightest, but Martin was equally

with Admissions less

Sherborne at all.’ To

determined that Classics cater for the full ability

centralised and

Martin’s influence on

range. Numerous pupils went each year to read

Housemasters largely

House and School, over

Classics at University; in a Careers Department

responsible for filling

31 years, no clearer nor

survey, one recent graduate replied to the question,

their Houses. The Digby

more sincere tribute

‘Why did you choose this subject?’ with the words

bucked local and

exists.

‘Because of Brookey’. He spoke for many.

national trends, with

Richard Oates

- 165 -

Mark O’Connor Mark O’Connor arrived at Sherborne in 1988 having graduated from Cambridge and begun his teaching career in South London.

He quickly established himself as a mainstay of the English department, teaching throughout the curriculum from Third Form to A level and Oxbridge. Always meticulously well prepared, he challenged his pupils in the classroom, and was an ideal colleague to bump into in the photocopying room, where his newly unearthed or created teaching resources could be readily shared and disseminated. So competent was Mark that when an operation required Rebecca de Pelet to take a recuperative period off work, he was the natural candidate to run the department in her absence; a task he fulfilled with customary assurance and control. He was also instrumental in the creation of Sherborne’s permanent Learning Support provision in the 1990s and was its first head of department. Even after stepping down from this role he remained an integral and active member of the Learning Support team along with his English teaching. In the days when boys had the option to take the International Baccalaureat, Mark at last had a chance to share his expertise in the most contemporary writing, and boys quickly came to love the best in recent memoirs, the latest Ian McEwans and the quirks of Haruki Murakami.

Mark engaged with all

skilfully interpreted the

elements of life at a

subtleties of Wilde’s text

boarding school. He

under Mark’s guidance.

coached the

He brought the same

gentlemen’s 5th XV for

level of diligence and

several years, and when

care to his role as a

his own interest in

personal tutor. After

running took hold,

spells at The Digby,

became a key member

Wescott and School

of the School’s cross

House he became the

country coaching team.

longest serving tutor at

During this period in the

Wallace, supporting first

early noughties

Giles Robinson and then

Sherborne acquired the

Andy Nurton over 14

reputation of being an

years.

almost unbeatable unit on the West Country schools’ circuit. Mark’s personal fitness regime led to his thinking little of running alongside boys 25 years his junior, or of taking gentle 45 mile Sunday bike rides.

He was a skilled director of plays, both at House level and higher. From a varied oeuvre two of the most memorable were a chilling junior production of Lord of

It seems almost trite to write that Mark will be missed. After 31 years as a member of the Common Room his dedication to all areas of life at Sherborne can not be easily replaced. But after 36 years as a teacher his retirement is well earned, and he departs with our thanks and best wishes for the imprint he leaves behind.

the Flies and an acutely observed senior production of The Importance of Being Earnest, where an experienced cast

Giles Robinson

s

Elliott Park Elliott Park arrived at Sherborne in 2016 as a graduate Choral Scholar, on the scheme set up with the Abbey fifteen years ago having graduated in Music at Durham with a First and then having spent a year in Cambridge taking an MPhil. Thinking of himself primarily a composer, and rapidly making his mark as such, Elliott quickly established himself as also a knowledgeable source of information for A level musicians seeking an extra mark or two for mentioning a musical ‘gem’ in weekly essays, not to mention for gleaning the odd musical turn of phrase for a Hall-set composition.

be easily identified by

DipABRSM and an

their extraordinarily

LRSM (with Distinction),

professional layout (or

and his composition

‘engraving’ as he called

‘Skysong’ was recorded

musical-notational

as part of the City Music

typing) that look like

Foundation’s “Isolation

When the year came to an end, Elliott applied for a

genuine OUP editions.

Songbook’. Eventually,

second and it then made sense to persuade him to

Willing to turn his hand

however, the lure of

do some teaching as a Graduate Assistant, a role he

to most musical things,

further musical research

willingly took on, whilst continuing with the choral

the most incongruous of

and study, which in

duties of a Choral Scholar, both in the School and in

Elliott’s performances at

common with a ‘return

the Abbey. In timely fashion a vacancy then arose in

Sherborne must surely

to solo performance

the Music School for another academic teacher and

have been as the bass

opportunities’ is often a

so, after advertising and conducting interviews, it

guitarist in a production

major temptation for

made further sense to appoint Elliott to that role too.

of ‘Walter Mitty’ in the

music teachers in

Elliott was meticulous in his preparation of lessons in

Powell Theatre, where

schools - became

Music and Music Technology, and brought to his

his slap-bass and funk

considerable and Elliott

teaching a professional ‘recent musicologist’

was as visible as it was

therefore applied for

experience, much valued by Shirburnians. His

audible.

and was awarded a fulltime scholarship to the

enthusiasm for the Music School and its activities went beyond teaching, singing and deputising as a

Whilst teaching at

Royal Academy of Music

conductor, though, and many of the TTBB

Sherborne, Elliott added

to study for an MMus.

arrangements for the big School Choir from this era

to the letters after his

are his - making a healthy change from the endless

name by successfully

supply of Henderson over the last decade - and may

completing both a

James Henderson

- 167 -

Emma Southall Emma was an unforgettable resident tutor of Abbey House for four and a half years, from 2015 to 2020. The boys quickly learned to respect her persuasive, direct style, especially during her weekly “beautiful rooms“ campaign. Her nononsense approach was always accompanied by a twinkle of humour and the respect that she had for the Abbey boys was more visible than she would probably care to admit. Her door was rarely closed, she was always willing to talk to any boys who passed her doorway and within a short time their laughter and hers reverberated through the corridors.

Emma had time for everyone and was appreciated for her kindness and compassion.

Emma was an incredibly proficient pedagogic practitioner of Biology and this came from a true passion for the subject.

Emma was especially fond of the natural world and her A-Z visual displays within the department brought much discussion, whilst boys waited for a lesson. She regularly encouraged boys to think about their impact on the world and would strive to get them to think about living life in a sustainable fashion.

There is no doubt that she had ‘a’ way of doing things, and woe betide any boy (or teacher for that matter) who tried to deviate from the plan.

However, that said, when boys bought into her way, the results spoke for themselves! Many boys returned in September, after having received their GCSE result, keen to find her and wear their grade like a badge of honour – they finally understood

She was a valuable member of the tutor team,

why she had been so driven and uncompromising

taking new members of staff under her wing to

on them and moreover realised what hard work

gain the benefit of her wisdom and experience.

could achieve. All members of the department

She rarely held back when she felt that her

hope that she continues to enjoy her teaching at

Housemaster needed to be put on the right track

Marlborough College, Malaysia.

and he certainly appreciated everything that she did for him and for Abbey House. She will be

Jon-Paul Manning

missed and we wish her good fortune on her next adventure.

Michael McGinty

s

James Christian James joined us fresh out of Durham University with a freshly minted Masters in Finance to complement his Economics degree. It was clear from the off that he was well read, bright and genuinely interested in learning about how to get the best out of the boys. Finding himself in the middle of Dorset, James threw himself into everything that the school had to offer. We knew when appointing him that he was a fine sportsman. What became evident from the get-go was his technical knowledge and desire for the boys to make the most of every opportunity.

This was also his approach in the classroom. James

teenager problems and

wanted the boys to be inquisitive and want to find

situations. It is to his

things out for themselves. For the less keen this

great credit that in his

began as a shock and became a welcome way of

first year of teaching he

learning. James had coached cricket before (he was

navigated through some

the captain of Portsmouth Cricket Club) and this

tough pastoral

enabled him to quickly add value on the rugby pitch.

situations – always

The boys in his team clearly enjoyed his company

managing to involve the

and ambition for them. James also helped out with

parents, teachers and

football coaching and refereeing whilst waiting for

boys in the process.

the summer term.

James tutored in The

but, our One Note

Green, where he put a

folders were all set up

lot of time and effort

by James. This is a daily

into his tutees. He also

reminder of the work he

appeared very calm

put in under very tricky

when dealing with tricky

circumstances.

James departs after a year to take up a position at The Oratory School in Reading.

There he will be a resident tutor teaching Economics and Business. We wish him well for the future and thank him daily when

In the Department it was

using the systems he set

One other sport that benefited considerably from

great to have a younger

up for us. He will make a

James’ time and efforts was skiing. James gave up

mind about. When we

fantastic teacher and

term and holiday time to help the boys prepare for

went into lockdown,

has a lot to offer both in

and compete in the Schools’ Downhill Racing

James was an excellent

and out of the

Championships. Giving up one’s half-term is not

source of information

classroom – I did not

something that is easy to do. If it had been in the

and ideas for remote

even get to mention his

Alps this would have clearly been a fair trade.

teaching. It may not

golf handicap of 6.

However, James made it all the way to an indoor ski

sound like a great

dome in the suspiciously flat Netherlands.

memorial to a colleague

Rob Harris

- 169 -

Sam Sheehy It was only towards the end of our brief tenure as ‘supply’ teachers in the English Department this year, and as I was helping to move his futon into the self-drive removal van, that I noticed the exquisite irezumi sock that he wore with such insouciance. When I questioned him further on the delicate Japanese tattoos he assured me that they had been inked by a master who had responded to the requests of many top flight yakuza and that he, Sam, was the only gaijin, ‘outside person’ or foreigner that had been tattooed by this artist.

The fact that the complex and exotic designs had

relevant details and

been hidden by a suit trouser or a tracksuit in some

arcane methods of

way stands as a metaphor for Sam’s brief but

assessment.

productive contribution to Sherborne. He was and is an accomplished and professional teacher. Periods of teaching in Spain and his beloved Japan, especially in the area of TEFL, meant that he was extraordinarily adept at finding and adopting language exercises, both in the creative and syntactical spheres, to suit the demands of the syllabus, but more important the differing abilities within a class. The confidence with which he took to the challenge of a new school, a new class and a new syllabus stands testament to his flexibility and clear vision.

alone asking him to

sophisticated analysis of

quarry the darker side of

manga, was not heard

the ISAMs mines for the

by more students.

In closing I would like to draw attention to the fact that in order to fulfil

In addition to his

his duties at Sherborne,

classroom duties, he

he spent the weeks

took on coaching a

away from the real love

football team, assisting

and anchor of his life -

the tutorial team in

his family.

Wallace House, and providing support for those who required extra guidance in English. It is a matter of regret that his

As an old lag with twenty five odd years under my

disquisition on literary

belt at Sherborne, I fancied that I could slip into the

responses to the

role of mentor and guide for this tyro. It must have

dropping of the

been two days before I was pestering him for ideas

Hiroshima bomb,

for lesson plans and approaches to syllabus work, let

ending with a

His stay at Sherborne, perforce the situation and unforeseeable circumstances was brief but to those who witnessed it was rich indeed. Stafford Grammar are very fortunate.

Paul Carling

Welcoming new members of staff Sarah Broughton as a teacher

Zoe Fraser as the new Careers

Will Mackenzie-Green as a

of Computer Science. Mrs

Manager. Mrs Fraser has a degree

History teacher. Mr Mackenzie-

Broughton previously worked at

in Marketing & Business and a

Green has a degree in Ancient

Sherborne whilst completing her

strong background in marketing

History from the University of

Computing degree at the Open

and events in the UK and

Nottingham and previously

University, leaving in 2018 to

overseas, roles in which she also

worked at King’s College Taunton,

complete her PGCE at the

recruited and managed teams.

where he was a Housemaster of a

University of Southampton. She

More recently, she also founded

boys’ Boarding House and taught

spent a year at Leweston School,

her own business and has

history. Mr Mackenzie-Green

before returning to Sherborne to

supported event management in

believes in the importance of a

teach Computer Science.

the independent school sector.

broad and varied education that encourages the boys to develop

Mary Flanagan as Drama GRA.

Rickie Gilgunn as Assistant

Miss Flanagan read English at

Matron of the Digby. Miss Gilgunn

Trinity Hall, Cambridge and

has a BA (hons) degree in Theatre

graduated in 2018. Since

Practice from The Royal School

graduating, Mary has spent a

of Speech and Drama, with a

school year working at a newly

strong interest in the arts, live

opened School For Autism in

performance, history, crafts and

Lancashire (attached to Newfield

gardening.

SEN School) and has spent summers working for Stonyhurst Summer Language School, where she taught drama and helped run other activities in a boarding environment.

inner strength, empathy and grit.

- 171 -

Daniel Marks as Assistant

Juliette Moisan as French

Bryony Watts as Teacher of

Director of Music. Mr Marks

Language Assistant. Miss Moisan

English. After obtaining a degree

studied Piano and Jazz at Trinity

has a degree in Modern

in English Literature from Exeter

Laban Conservatoire with an LTCL

Languages from l’Université

University, Miss Watts completed

(Distinction) and obtained a PGCE

Catholique de l’Ouest of Arradon.

her PGCE at Oxford University.

from Manchester Metropolitan University. As an organist, Daniel

Rachael Utting as Teacher of

has accompanied and conducted

Chemistry. Mrs Utting has a

choirs in several different parish

degree in Chemistry from St.

churches and was previously

Andrew’s University of Scotland

Director of Music at Ackworth

and a PCGE from the University of

School. His musical education

Buckingham. She has previously

started as a pupil of Chetham’s

worked at Brighton College and

School of Music, and he brings to

Ardingly College, but more

Sherborne an enthusiasm for a

recently worked at Sherborne

wide variety of musical genres

School in 2018, before going off

including both classical and pop

to have her youngest daughter.

Music Technology.

THE

SHIRBURNIAN 2019/20

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, ZAC GANTLETT (L6c) 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