St Benedict's News - Trinity Term 2018

ST BENEDICT’S

NEWS

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TRIN ITY TE R M 2018

Senior School Sports Day – page 22

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M headmaster@stbenedicts.org.uk

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Dear Parents,

Junior School Citizenship Day

This term has seen the launch of the St Benedict’s Lecture Series, which aims to provide termly talks on a range of subjects for parents, pupils and alumni. Intellectual curiosity and independent research have been much in evidence, with a series of excellent presentations from our scholars, and EPQ students in the Lower 6th and Upper 4th. Numerous trips, talks and cultural visits have enriched and inspired learning, and Activities Week at the end of term included a Careers Fair for Form 3 and Upper 4th pupils; music workshops; CCF and Leadership training; Duke of Edinburgh’s expeditions; and a Sixth Form Question Time with Steve Pound MP. Our GCSE and A level artists produced a stunning exhibition of their work, with some pieces being selected for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Online, and St Benedict’s musicians have given several outstanding concerts. The House Athletics Championship was a very successful day of determined effort and good-natured support.

All pupils took part in a number of workshops and presentations throughout the day, learning about the work of the London Fire Brigade, London Ambulance and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Transport for London gave a presentation on road safety, which is vital for older junior children as they make the transition to senior school.

The company Just Enough presented two workshops, using comedy, drama, games, role-play and storytelling: these explored hate crimes and why racism, ignorance and bigotry lead to violence and fear (and how to change the cycle); and modern slavery, educating the children on calculating risk, online safety, and becoming an active global citizen.

I hope you and your families have a relaxing and enjoyable summer.

Best wishes,

Andrew Johnson Headmaster

Dear Parents, The children and staff have been very busy, with many trips and events. Sports Day was simultaneously extremely competitive and terrific fun, with More prevailing as the winning house. Music has been very much alive and well, as shown by the splendid performances during the Music Week, and the series of summer concerts. The captivating Form 2 production of Robin Hood brought the term to a memorable end, with tremendous performances from the children.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

I wish you great happiness for the months of July and August and hope that you and your families find some time to relax together during the remainder of summer.

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With best wishes,

R G Simmons Junior School Headmaster

MOLVENO

MOLVENO

Eight stories by Junior School young writers were selected for the Final of the BBC 500 Words competition, from over 100,000 entries!

Back row: Thomas Kottler (F1) Edmund Harper (F2), George King (F2) Front row: Christopher Le Bouedec (LP), Matija Koncar (LP), Stanley Watts (LP), Else Gillan (LP), Ines De Mojana (F1)

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

The Molveno Holiday, which took place over half-term, is now in its 31st year. Fifty boys and girls from Lower 4th stayed on the shores of Lake Molveno at the foot of the Brenta Dolomites in Trentino, enjoying the wonderful scenery and learning about the Italian language and culture. Senior Master Mr Dicky Thomas said: “Molveno is a ‘rite of passage’ into a new level of independence and maturity. There is a tangible sense of fellowship and camaraderie, and I often hear people reminiscing about their Molveno experience in the Sixth Form and right through into their adult lives.”

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UK MATHEMATICS TRUST CHALLENGES 2018

UKMT Junior Maths Challenge Thomas Gordon*, Finn Whiteley*, Eleanor Sharpe*, Robert Jeffries*, Benedict Rimmer*, Cameron Hughes, Bernard Zhu, Gabriela Makarewicz and Stefan Maltais (L4) and Ryuku Yukita and William Bedwin (F3) *Olympiad

St Benedict’s pupils have excelled in the UK Mathematics Trust Challenges – tests of mathematical reasoning and mental agility aimed at the top third of students in the country.

UKMT challenges attract over 600,000 participants from more than 4,500 schools with only a very small percentage being invited through to subsequent Olympiad events.

Gold Certificate winners

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

UKMT Senior Maths Challenge Lukasz Podgorski, Parsa Sarkis and Aine McColgan (U6), who were also invited to take part in the Olympiad.

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UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge Aran Husni*, Arun Moore*, Oscar Jones*, Nicolas McKenna* and Duncan Ashby (L5), and Niall Wynne* (U4)

*Olympiad

The UK Mathematics Trust Royal Institution Mathematics Masterclasses Jules Dehon (L6), Niall Wynne and Jin Tao Wang (U4) will attend the UKMT Royal Institution Masterclass Day in July, following their high achievement in the Maths Challenges.

Arun Moore and Aran Husni (L5) will attend a prestigious UKMT Hammersmith Maths Circle event in June, in recognition of their achievement.

These events will introduce them to new mathematical ideas and concepts, inspiring their mathematical thinking.

UKMT Gold certificate holders Back row: Lukasz Podgorski (U6), Robert Jeffries (L4), Max Lubowiecki (L6), Aine McColgan (U6) Middle row: Eleanor Sharpe (L6), Arun Moore (L5), Aran Husni (L5), Cameron Hughes (L4), Benedict Rimmer (L4) Front row: Niall Wynne (U4), Ryuku Yukita (F3), Gabriela Makarewicz (L4), Bernard Zhu (L4), Thomas Gordon (L4), Finn Whiteley (L4)

Chemistry Olympiad Gold and Silver awards Aine McColgan has received a Gold Award in the UK Chemistry Olympiad, the leading, national chemistry competition for Sixth Form students.

Toby McDonald and Max Lubowiecki have received Silver Awards.

Max (L6), Aine and Toby (U6)

Upper 4th Mastermind Finalists Pupils in Upper 4th honed their general knowledge and specialist subjects in a Mastermind contest, which was won by Alex Mills (who knows everything about the Lord of the Rings films). Other chosen subjects included Greek Mythology, the Belfast WW2 Blitz and Cryptocurrencies.

LAMDA

Grade 4 Elena Russo (U4) Arianna Pittini (U4) Grade 5 Jake Birrell (L5) Matthew Sharpe (L5) Grade 7 (Silver Medal) Isabelle Dove (L6) Paulina Sienniak (L6)

Paulina, Isabelle, Elena and Arianna, who all gained Distinction in their LAMDA exams

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Twenty-eight pupils have passed London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art exams this term, the following with Distinction:

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Languages tour de force Linguafest was a celebration of modern languages, through music, drama, dance and literature, performed by pupils from Upper Prep to the Sixth Form.

The evening began with Form 3’s rousing performance of A la volonté du peuple from Les Misérables, followed by two surrealist sketches: Chez le Medécin and Dans le train, performed by Lower and Upper 4th.

Sixth Form linguists then performed an extract from Veber’s Le Diner des Cons.

Pupils in Lower 5th gave polished performances of Le Corbeau et Le Renard and La Cygale et La Fourmi

by Jean de La Fontaine, and Form 3 recited Desnos’ poem La Fourmi.

A wonderful performance of Charles Trenet’s La Mer – given by Lower 4th – transported everyone to the south of France.

Spanish was next, with Lower 4th’s moving performance of Lorca’s poem Llanto por Ignacio Sanches Mejia – a lament for a bullfighter – contrasting with an extract from his powerful play Bodas de Sangre, performed

by A level hispanists.

A recital of the poem Ojala que llueva café en el campo by Juan Luis Guerra from Upper 4th lightened the mood, as did La Bamba (sung by Lower 5th) and a Sevillana dance to Ay que te como (Form 3 and Lower 4th).

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

German A level students performed an extract from Der Besuch der alten Dame by Friedrich Dürrenmatt, and gave a short presentation on Goethe’s similarly dark Erlkönig. A beautiful performance of Swan Lake illustrated how German folk tales have inspired composers and choreographers, as a gaggle of Upper Prep swans led by four senior school soloists, took to the stage.

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Tessa Swarbrick-Ibarrola (Form 3) said: “I enjoyed taking part in Linguafest as I had never recited a poem in a foreign language before. I think it’s important to be able to speak languages as it will help you in the future if you can communicate with people in other countries. I speak Spanish and am learning French.”

Luka Rieu-Camberti (Form 3) said: “It was fun to recite poems in another language in a group, which actually boosts your confidence.”

THE ABBEY CHOIR TOUR TO BUDAPEST

St Benedict’s choristers went on tour to Hungary in April, singing in some of Budapest’s finest churches and in the Basilica of Ezstergom – Hungary’s largest church.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

The tour featured four concerts and a mass; the choir sang Josquin des Prez’s Missa Pange Lingua, Tallis’s Videte Miraculum, Vilette’s Panis Angelicus and works by Bruckner, Mendelssohn, Poulenc, Britten and Schütz.

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KEW GARDENS ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Children from Pre-Prep 2 to Lower Prep visited Kew Gardens, as part of their Home and Away topic this term.

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MUSIC WEEK

AT THE JUNIOR SCHOOL

Pupils had lots of fun with the professional singers of Apollo 5, who taught them a range of music.

They also learned to play the PBuzz – a cross between a trumpet and a recorder. Nursery and Pre-Prep children had a wonderful time with Marco, who brought a collection of percussion instruments made from junk.

The Festival adjudicator, Ben Costello, heard 89 performances given by pupils aged 7 to 11, on strings, woodwind, brass, piano, guitar, percussion and voice, and had the difficult task of deciding the cup winners at the Finalists’ Concert. Summing up an excellent evening of music, he said: “The children performed their pieces with confidence, polish and above all, STYLE.”

“The children performed their pieces with confidence, polish and above all, STYLE.” Festival winners Helena Ramsden (Piano and Violin) – Form 2 Cup; Rory Johnston (Piano and Clarinet) – Music Cup and Form 1 Cup; Victor Crespo Perez (Drum kit) – Lower Prep Cup; Saoirse Field (Piano) – Lower Prep Cup

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Singing and PBuzz workshops, Junk Orchestra, concerts and an inaugural Music Festival were the highlights of the Junior School’s Music Week.

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DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME Ever increasing numbers of St Benedict’ pupils are taking part in this excellent scheme, learning about survival skills, map-reading, planning expeditions and camping. Bronze, Silver and Gold awards provide valuable experience of teamwork and perseverance.

THIS TERM’S EXPEDITIONS...

“

We had lovely weather for the May and June expeditions and we’re all geared up for the Bronze and Silver qualifying expeditions in July.

Walking uphill with a rucksack is quite hard but everyone comes back for more!

Mrs Michelle Lee DofE Administrator

”

Gold practice 5-day expedition in Snowdonia (35 Lower 6th students; March)

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Silver practice 3-day expedition near Henley on Thames (14 Upper 5th pupils; April)

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Bronze practice 2-day expedition in the Chiltern Hills (69 Lower 5th pupils; June)

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Gold qualifying 5-day expedition in Snowdonia (35 Lower 6th students; May)

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ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

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NATIONAL GALLERY EXHIBITION AND ARTS COUNCIL ENGLAND AWARD FOR ST BENEDICT’S

St Benedict’s took part in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture scheme, which invites primary schools to focus on one of its paintings – Pintoricchio’s Penelope with the Suitors this year. Children in Forms 1 and 2 were inspired by the themes of the Greek myth behind it, and responded to Odysseus’ travels by constructing boats and staffs. Their artwork will feature in the National Gallery’s Take One Picture exhibition; St Benedict’s is one of just 27 schools across the UK to be chosen for this display.

Artsmark Silver Award Awarded by Arts Council England

Arts Council England has awarded St Benedict’s Junior School a Silver Artsmark award, for the quality of this artwork and in recognition of the school’s excellent arts provision in general – in music, dance and drama. The Artsmark panel praised St Benedict’s “commitment to arts and cultural education and the opportunities emerging across the school’s provision”, as well as the “diverse range of arts and cultural experiences” available at the school. St Benedict’s is now aiming for Gold next year, by providing even more artistic experiences and establishing further partnerships with cultural organisations.

The National Gallery’s Take One Picture exhibition runs until August 12th in the Sunley Room.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Artwork by Junior School pupils has been selected for an exhibition at the National Gallery this summer. Their creative talents have also been rewarded with an Artsmark Silver Award from Arts Council England.

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JUNIOR SCHOOL .

ART EXHIBITION

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Opposite: Watercolour study of a storm (after JMW Turner): Sophia Roy (UP) Roman mosaic: Helina Solomon (UP) Gaudi building: Alexander Holck Vibe (PP3)

Above: Paul Klee inspired cityscape: Anna Kluemper (PP3)

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Alongside: Monet inspired cityscape: Mylo Landon (PP2)

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Maddy Constable (F3)

Academic scholars from Form 3 to the Lower 5th have been researching a range of chosen subjects, including Elizabeth I’s secret service, Binary Code and Alexander Hamilton, presenting their findings to their peers. This is the second year in which the scholars have done this, as part of the school’s focus on academic challenge, independent research and the development of good presentation skills.

RESEARCH

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

SCHOLARS PRESENT THEIR

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Tristan Ellis (L5)

Frederick Bartlett (L5)

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

William Bedwin (Form 3)

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THE ST BENEDICT’S LECTURE SERIES

Post-Brexit Britain Ann Widdecombe addressed students, parents and staff about post-Brexit Britain, for which she is “filled with hope”. Members of the audience then challenged the former Conservative prisons minister on her views (which were expressed with characteristic conviction and vigour), and in particular her optimistic view of Brexit. She had invited questions on “absolutely anything” and the audience duly

obliged, covering feminism, capital punishment, military action in Syria, the Labour leader and LGBT equality. A robust and good natured debate followed, chaired by the Headmaster, Andrew Johnson. Ms Widdecombe concluded by saying to the students: “Thank you for your great questions, which are a credit to you and to your teachers.

I wish you well in your exams, but If something goes wrong it’s not the end of the world – it could be the beginning of a better one.”

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Social Media and your future

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Award-winning digital entrepreneur Tanya Goodin talked to parents and pupils about the pros and cons of social media for young people – from networking and employment opportunities to addiction and mental health.

She began by covering the positive opportunities offered by social media, in areas such as future employment opportunities, building a personal brand and networking.

As everyone knows, however, there are caveats, such as protecting personal data and privacy in social media, and the need for caution around mental health and spending too much time on social platforms.

Tanya gave lots of advice about taking control, emphasising the need to keep talking to children about what they are doing online, and by agreeing phone-free times.

HELIKON CENTRE This academic hub has been alive with faculty cafés, TED talks, debating, Oxbridge preparation and a wide range of talks given by members of staff, such as Mr Sarrafan’s Physics of Superheroes and Mr Ramsden’s 1492 and the birth of the modern world.

Faculty café on the properties of graphene

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Philosophy The philosopher Mr Steven Campbell-Harris challenged pupils to think more clearly, more deeply, and to explain and justify exactly what they are saying. In discussions about Duty, Form 3 grappled with questions such as: What’s the difference between an aim and a duty? How is conscience different from responsibility? Is there a difference between not telling the truth and withholding information? Does the majority matter more? Would you save one family member or a hundred strangers?

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The EPQ Thirty-seven Sixth Form students presented their Extended Project Qualification research this term, to an audience of parents, friends and teachers. Most students in the Lower Sixth opt to do the EPQ level 3, which allows them to research a subject of their choice. They write a report of around 5,000 words, or create a composition or artefact backed up with paperwork. The EPQ is the equivalent to half an A level and is highly regarded by universities.

EPQ

The EPQ level 2 – a 2,000 word report and presentation – is now offered to pupils in Upper 4th.

Thirty pupils have completed their research journeys this term, having explored subjects such as global warming, Forgotten Heroines of World War I, and the prevention of malaria.

Photos (top to bottom):

Audrey Reber The Dima Yakovlev Law: Events Leading to its Development and Consideration of its Impact on Orphans in Russia since 1st January 2013 to the Present Day. Tom Blackler Will analogue technology ever die in the music industry?

Dominic Grzegorzek A project researching the ‘race’ to Mars: Who will most likely land on and colonise the red planet first?

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Daniel Schofield Is CTE to blame for the serious crimes committed by those who have later been diagnosed with the disease?

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Summer Concert The Summer Concert featured soloists, choirs, ensembles and the orchestra. Highlights included the 1st movement of Haydn’s Piano Concerto in D, given by Douggie Ashby and the String Group.

Many Upper 6th musicians played and sang for the last time at St Benedict’s. The audience enjoyed performances of Rojo y negro by Ramiro Gallo (Matthew Barrett; violin); Ravel’s Piece en forme de Habanera (Alex Curtis; trumpet), and three vocal solos: Sondheim’s Broadway Baby (Rosalind Sheehan); Emeli Sande’s Read all about it (Alexandra Thomas) and Pergolesi’s Se tu m’ami, se sospiri (Florence Byrne). At the end, all the leavers thanked the Director of Music and his team for their excellent teaching, support and encouragement over the years.

The Middle School Concert

The programme included several ensembles, starting with Wind Band and the James Bond theme. The Guitar Ensemble played Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean, and Thriller was performed by the Clarinet Ensemble. In complete contrast, String Group played Mozart’s Divertimento No 2 (3rd movement). Finally, the Intermediate and Middle School Percussion groups played Under the sea and Mancini’s Peter Gunn with gusto.

There were some excellent solo performances, too, performed with confidence and style, and original compositions: Form 3 pupils sang two very different settings of Longfellow’s poem, I shot an arrow into the air, and Upper 4th performed their Samba piece.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

The Middle School Concert gave pupils in Form 3 to Upper 4th a chance to showcase their musical talents.

The standard was high and the range of instruments and styles impressive.

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Senior School Sports Day

ST BENEDICT’S

SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT

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CRICKET

CRICKET (GIRLS)

The cricket season has gone well, progressing through the more testing rounds of the Middlesex Cup.

The U12/U13 team have won all fixtures to date; those against Francis Holland and St Augustine’s came down to the last pairings to bat to win the last over. There have been some outstanding performances, with Erin Roberts, Mia Hobbs and Rachel Kelly scoring 6s.

In the U12s squad Ned Watts has been a resilient captain, accompanied by his all-rounder vice-captain Freddie Finnegan. The U13s have continued to do well after last year’s Middlesex Cup win. Harry Manners has done particularly well, his high scores topped off with a great hundred versus St George’s, Weybridge.

The U14s have also had a good season, strengthened by watchful opening batsmen and steady seam bowler Joe Barrett, and aggressive batsman/bowler Ryan Garvie. At the time of writing the U15s are still in the Middlesex Cup. The 1st XI have had some great performances, with three half centuries from Tomek Tsang.

ATHLETICS Over 100 children have represented St Benedict’s in athletics competitions this year. The U15 girls’ relay team – Juliette Agrotis, Tallulah Pilgrim, Emily Rawlings and Daisy Burns – broke the U15 school relay record at the Achilles Relay event which was a fantastic achievement. Our girls’ relay teams have had much success, all breaking school records this year.

Isabelle Haran (Lower 4th) and Eliza Ridout (Form 3) have achieved the 1st and 2nd furthest javelin

throws ever at St Benedict’s and are improving each week.

Four girls were selected to represent Ealing, and St Benedict’s, at the Middlesex Schools competition.

Emily Nicholson-Stanwix came 3rd in U17 long jump (and also broke the senior long jump and triple jump records this year); Juliette Agrotis came 2nd in U15 75 m hurdles; Isabelle Haran came 5th in U15 javelin and Daisy Burns 3rd in long jump.

TENNIS Tennis is now a games option; four teams from all year groups have won fixtures and have done well in the LTA School Leagues this year.

The U15 boys won their league and qualified for the area finals.

FENCING This term’s busy schedule of fixtures has included victories against Highgate and The Academy.

The most experienced fencers attended a week-long camp at The Fencing Academy where they worked extensively on S&C, footwork and tactics, and sparred with Olympians and world medallists.

Tour to Sri Lanka The U14 and U15 cricket teams went on tour to Sri Lanka over the Easter holidays. As well as enjoying some great cricket against outstanding teams, the itinerary included excursions to tea plantations, an elephant sanctuary and a visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy – one of the world’s most important Buddhist sites. The boys also visited the Foundation of Goodness charity, which supports people affected by the tsunami of 2004. They presented a cheque for £7,000 to the charity, raised this year at St Benedict’s, and met cricketing legend Rangana Herath!

Two fencers have stood out this year. Alberto Mascioli (the current Public Schools Champion) continues to excel, breaking into the senior national circuit. Alberto is now also training and competing on the Italian U17 circuit where he hopes to make the national team. Meanwhile Angelica Lawson has quietly been medalling at almost every individual competition she has attended.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

A record seven St Benedict’s fencers qualified for the National Championships, held at the English Institute of Sport, Sheffield.

After half term the selections for both the junior and senior Ealing London Youth Games teams were published: St Benedict’s fencers formed the core of both teams and went on to win a bronze medal in each category.

This is an incredible achievement considering the average age of our U19 team was 15 and that of the U14 team was 11.5!

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Nursery and Pre-Prep Sports Day

ST BENEDICT’S

JUNIOR SCHOOL SPORT 24

GIRLS: ATHLETICS

BOYS: CRICKET

Athletics has been the main focus this term. The first fixture was against Belmont Prep: girls were selected for the U9s, U10s and U11s in this very competitive fixture and we were delighted with their performances.

A number of boys have progressed to higher honours: Alexander Le Bouedec and Zuhayr Khan (both Form 2) have been selected for Middlesex Cricket, and Thomas Kottler and Jake Bridge (both Form 1) have been selected for borough cricket.

Some of these girls were invited to compete in the National Catholic Schools Championships at St George’s, Weybridge in late June.

Junior School Sports Day

This season’s outstanding performances include: U11Bs and U11Cs winning vs King’s House U10As winning by 6 runs vs Hampton Prep U10As finishing 4th at The Cedars Sixes Tournament Alexander Le Bouedec – 48 not out vs St Paul’s Thomas Kottler – 2 wickets for 5 runs vs St John’s Northwood, and 49 not out vs Hampton Prep Solomon Cohen (Form 1) – 2 for 8 vs Claires Court

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

In June, the U9s and U10s competed with five other schools, and performed exceptionally well, at the St Augustine’s Athletics Competition. Kara Larkam came 2nd in the 800 m, and 3rd in the 100 m; in the shot put, Lydia Ramsden achieved 5 metres; Lily Hussein and Iris Whiteley came close to winning in the 75 m; Sasha Hyslop-Peters, Aniela Hanc and Imogen Reade (who also reached 1.10 m in the high jump) showed superb technique and natural ability in sprinting, coming 2nd and 3rd.

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Une visite en

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

FRANCE

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Les élèves de Form 1 ont visité la Normandie ce trimestre et ils ont vu la Tapisserie de Bayeux, le Cimetière Américain et la plage d’Omaha. Ils ont dégusté aussi des galettes, du fromage et de la glace normands. Ils se sont tous très bien amusés, et ils ont beaucoup appris à propos de l’histoire, la langue et la culture française.

St Benedict’s CCF team wins Royal Engineers competition St Benedict’s was invited to send a team of Lower 5th cadets to the Cadet Open Day at Brompton Barracks, Chatham. After a range of activities, including an assault boat time trial and bulldozer driving, the St Benedict’s team won the competition.

The event began with a brick-laying competition – something which was new to everyone. After a tour of the construction, joinery and electrical trades training facilities, cadets moved to Upnor Hard, where they learned about the various types of boat used by the Royal Engineers – from two-man Recce Boats to eight-man Rigid Raiders and Combat Support Boats.

Next, cadets had the chance to clamber over diggers and bulldozers, some of them armoured, competing for the fastest time using a claw-grab to stack tyres.

At the prize-giving ceremony, everyone was delighted to discover that they had won, receiving the shield from the commanding officer of 1RSME.

Cdt Cpl Alex Will (Upper 5th) has been awarded the Conabor Sword, for outstanding service to the St Benedict’s CCF.

The St Benedict’s team: Lewis Chu, James Cuss, Ayman Grebici, Mariana Makarewicz, Danny O’Sullivan, George Reed, Dominic Taylor, Harry Tompkins, Ted Turner, Amy Vaughan, Zoe Ziprin and five cadets from Cardinal Wiseman.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

They then had the chance to use an Assault Boat in a time trial, which was a combination of paddling and a command task.

OUTSTANDING

THE

CCF

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GEOGRAPHY

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

FIELD TRIPS

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The Lower 5th visited Hurst Castle Spit on the Hampshire coast. They sketched the spit and salt marsh before identifying and counting key salt marsh halophytic (salt-tolerant) plant species such as sea cabbage and sea sandwort.

The spit itself was measured in a series of beach profiles using ranging poles, tape measures and angle measurers (clinometers). The aim was to identify sections of the spit which were narrower and possibly suffering from excessive erosion.

The Upper 4th went to Box Hill on the North Downs. They carried out a footpath transect on the chalk grassland (identifying meadow grass, birdsfoot trefoil and common vetch); landscape surveys; sketch and species identification in the chalk woodland, and a landscape sketch with annotations of The Whites River Cliff, the largest in the South East.

Form 3 visited Holland Park Ecology Centre. After a talk about ecology, habitats and adaptation of the animals and insects that live in the centre, pupils carried out observations and analysis, including pond dipping. They were also assigned co-ordinates over a 10 metre square, where they observed and recorded woodland animals such as millipedes, centipedes, ants, spiders and a rare toad.

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ART SHOW 2018

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

GCSE and A level Art & Design exhibition

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DEVELOPMENT OFFICE NEWS Dear Parents, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the families who have supported us this year, either through the Annual Fund or supporting Development Office events, including our outstanding Careers Fair.

I am very pleased to confirm that, thanks to the generosity of our parental community, we have raised over £60,000 which will help deliver many of our projects – a fantastic result.

Without this support it would have been impossible to deliver many of our projects over the last four years. Through your generosity, we have been able to help fund the refurbishment of the Orchard Hall, grow a strong and vibrant alumni community, build a strong student Mentoring and Networking programme, create a Sixth Form Leavers’ Bursary, support a new War Memorial (which will be unveiled in November 2018), and of course implement the six projects from this year’s Annual Fund.

War Memorial Fund On November 11th 2018, the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, we will unveil our new War Memorial. For four years now we have been raising funds towards a better tribute to those members of our community who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The unveiling, which will be at 5pm, will be a formal invitation-only event.

We are anxious to hear from anyone who has a relative or friend listed on the memorial, so that we can arrange for them to attend.

This September will see the fifth year of the Development Office, and I would ask all parents to consider regular giving. Your support is making a vital difference to the enhancing the fabric of our school and ensuring all our children have access to the very best of facilities and equipment.

Best wishes, The Old Priorian Association Dinner, at the Lansdowne Club, Mayfair, in April.

Left to right: Peter McHale (OP61); the Headmaster, Andrew Johnson; Guest of Honour Angela McHale (OP87), and Richard Baker (OP59), OPA Administrator

Tara George, Development Director

The Old Priorian Networking event

Old Priorian Networking event On Monday 4th June, 30 OPs attended the inaugural OPA Networking Evening, which was held at Wright Bros, Soho. This event brought together OPs who have recently graduated, as well as established professionals from across four decades, representing a range of sectors including finance, marketing, education, construction, and law. This was a free event and OPs were welcomed with drinks and canapés which were funded by the OPA. Welcome Back!

We were delighted to welcome back a number of our OPs this term, supporting our Annual Rugby Presentation Dinner, A level Drama and a Helikon Centre Economics Lecture.

St Benedict’s Annual Golf Day On Friday 15th June we welcomed members of St Benedict’s governing body, parents, past parents, friends and Old Priorians to Ealing Golf Club for our annual golf day. The weather was especially kind and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the golf and BBQ. Chair of the Board of Governors, Pat Murphy-O’Connor, helped present the winners with their prizes.

Niamh Grace (Handlesbanken) won the Ladies Prize and Tomas Herbich (OP70) won the Old Priorian Quinnen Cup. The day helped to raise over £500 towards the Annual Fund.

ST BENEDICT’S NEWS

Leavers’ Bursary Appeal 2018 Thank you to all our Upper 6th parents who have supported the 2018 Leavers’ Bursary appeal by leaving all, or a proportion, of their son or daughter’s School deposit. A Leavers’ Deposit presentation with the Headmaster will be held on Tuesday 4th September 2018.

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Form 2 learn about knife skills and umami

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