ALTA PETO SPR ING TER M 2022
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WELCOME FROM OUR EXECUTIVE HEAD This term has seen a full return to all events and the boys have relished the many opportunities available to them at Shrewsbury House. We have enjoyed plays and concerts, with a truly fantastic Spring Concert where boys from all age groups showcased their considerable talents through ensembles, groups and choirs. They have been equally busy on the sports field and the boys have embraced the return of a full rugby season. With fixtures and tournaments aplenty, there have been many successes as well as great teamwork on display – the values of rugby echo strongly the values of Shrewsbury House and the boys themselves have grown in their commitment for respecting each other and aiming high. A multitude of other sports have also been on offer and the much-anticipated cricket season is just around the corner. The development of the new Sports Pavilion at Almshouse Lane remains on track for completion in autumn 2022 and the boys all enjoyed a tour of the site this term. This facility will further enhance our sporting provision as well as creating a wonderful space for outdoor learning and events.
The boys have been equally busy in the classroom this term and we are immensely proud of their many achievements and the energy they bring to their learning. This is enriched by the numerous activities, trips, visiting authors, House competitions and the wide range of extra-curricular clubs which the boys throw themselves into with gusto. Our thanks go to all of you for your support this term and to our dedicated parents involved in the Shrewsbury House Association who arrange enjoyable events for both the boys and parents to benefit from. They have also supported the charitable fundraising and we’re hugely grateful to them, and to you, for your contributions towards the sponsored run where over £6,000 was raised for Momentum Children’s Charity.
MRS JOANNA HUBBARD EXECUTIVE HEAD
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Awards
EXECUTIVE HEAD’S COMMENDATIONS Mrs Hubbard was delighted to present a Head’s Commendation to Oliver Black, Year 5, who has become a River Guardian for the South East Rivers Trust, demonstrating our School Values of respect and compassion. For the first time, this award has been created using reclaimed wood and created on our School laser cutter.
PREFECTS Younger Years Aarav Patel and Frederik von Danwitz English and Drama Sam Cuff, Peter Itani, Frederick von Kaltenborn and Luke Morris
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END OF TERM ASSEMBLY On the final day of term, we celebrated many of the successes and achievements of the boys over the spring term.
Overall House results 1st Nelson / 2nd Grenville / 3rd Drake / 4th Raleigh
Sport (Rugby) Colours William Baker, Rayan Hussain, Max Stuttard, Kameron Litten, Oliver Rees, Zachary Elliott, Barnaby Norris and Charlie Moffatt
Hardy Plus and Minus Shield 1st Drake – 47.6 / 2nd Grenville – 47.5 / 3rd Nelson – 46.7 / 4th Raleigh – 46.0
Art Colours Luke Morris
Cock House Cup 1st Nelson – 44 / 2nd Drake – 36 / 3rd Grenville – 29 / 4th Raleigh – 9
Senior Musicians Prizes Year 6: Thomas Jupp Year 7: Thomas Byrne Year 8: Robert Richards Music Colours Josh Jacobs, Caspar Maxwell Randeria and Nilay Sagoo DT Colours Josh Jacobs, Robert Richards and Anton Stepanek Academic Colours Toby Craig, Conrad Lai, Rafferty Maclarnon, Robert Richards and Leo Ridge
Design and Technology Certificate of Excellence Year 4: Andrew Botoulas, Lorenzo Brodsky, William Dennis, Ruaridh Dunsire Moore, Henry Godsell, Stanley Liu, Heath Meyers ,Joshua Ripley and Hassan Sheikh Year 7: JJ Agarwal, Ollie Norris, Tom Saunders and Alexander Woodford Year 8: Lucas Cornelsen, Digby Heilpern, William Moore and Felix Samuels Chess Club Gold Medals: Aneesh Agrawal and Jacob Boamah Silver Medal: Hugo Ridley and Oscar Sharp Bronze Medals: Theo Broby, Harry Bunce and Tristan Mercer
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END OF TERM ASSEMBLY (continued) Sports Trophies and Awards (Trophies presented at Speech Day) Chandler Cup for U8 Sportsman of the Term: Felix Courtney Coerver Shield for U9 Sportsman of the Term: Samuel Hackshall Long Ditton CC Cup for U10 Sportsman of the Term: Charlie Fox Grant Shield for U11 Sportsman of the Term: Joseph Badenoch William Hitchcock Cup for Maximum Effort (U12 Rugby): Jax Winterbottom Huckin Rugby Cup for Outstanding Defensive Play: Max Stuttard Whittam Cup for Most Improved Rugby Player: Ernie Hill Le Grice Cup – Senior Sevens Cup for Best Player: Rayan Hussain Bolton Cup for the Outstanding Rugby Player: William Baker Captain of Cricket: William Baker Vice Captain of Cricket: Dilan Guganeswaran Drama Awards For Outstanding Performance in a Play Year 7: Arun Stewart Year 3: James McCall Year 5: Oliver Hill For Outstanding Commitment to a Play Year 7: Stein Mackintosh Year 3: Vincent Loganathan Year 5: Elijah Spencer For Continuous Commitment to School Drama and Productions Max Aherne and Oliver Starling Greek Theme Day Hero Hunt Competition winners Years 3 and 4: Y4 Consortium of Oscar Heaton-Armstrong, Konstantin Musatov, Roshan Patel, Ernest Aung, Fisher Li and Daniel Liu Years 5 and 6: Y5 Consortium of Aneesh Agrawal, Chien Jui Liu, Ruzhen Gong, David Li and Andy Yang Year 7 and 8: 1st Oliver Rees / 2nd Frederick von Kaltenborn and Max Stuttard / 3rd Josh Jacobs, JJ Agarwal and Theo Broby House Discus Competition Year 3: Lucas Brand (Nelson) Year 4: Alexander Heath (Raleigh) Year 5: Marcus Santinon (Drake) Year 6: Leo Park (Nelson) Year 7: Alexander Senny (Drake) Year 8: Rayan Hussain (Grenville)
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External examinations LAMDA Well done to the following boys who were awarded their LAMDA Acting Certificates in Assembly: Level 1 Award in Performance (Grade 1) Acting Grade 1 – Duo Merit: Barney Mitchell and Chien Jui Liu Distinction: Ollie Campbell and Avik Gaglani Level 1 Award in Performance (Grade 3) Acting Grade 3 – Duo Merit: Ayush Agrawal and Theo O’Donnell
ABRSM RESULTS Congratulations to the following boys on their outstanding ABRSM results: Congratulations to the following boys who were awarded their ABRSM Music certificates during Assembly: ABRSM Initial Piano: Heath Meyers ABRSM Piano Prep Test: Elijah Spencer ABRSM: Piano Grade 2: Stein Mackintosh ABRSM Singing, Grade 2: Charlie Birch and Max Snead ABRSM Singing, Grade 4: Shayan Khurshid ABRSM Singing, Grade 5: Saahir Kapoor and Arun Stewart Congratulations also to Max Bareham for his Rock School Debut with Electric Guitar. Mrs Hubbard was delighted to present Leo Ridge, Year 8, with his Grade 7 Music Theory and Grade 8 Piano certificates – achieving Grade 8 distinction at this stage in his musical life is a wonderful testament to his hard work and aspiration.
Level 1 Award in Communication (Grade 1) Speaking Verse and Prose Grade 1 Distinction: Aaryan Kamath and Lewis Moran LAMDA Level 1 Award in Communication (Grade 3) Speaking Verse and Prose Grade 3 Distinction: Christopher Crowley LAMDA Level 1 Award in Communication (Grade 1) Speaking Verse and Prose Grade 1 Distinction: Aneesh Agrawal, Sacha Bali, Leo Foulger, James Morris, Alexander Nielsen and Arun Stewart Merit: Manny Diri, Oliver Garbutt, Elliot Mullane, Alfred Phillips and Michael Tribelhorn LAMDA Level 1 Award in Communication (Grade 3) Speaking Verse and Prose Grade 3 Distinction: Stein Mackintosh and Piers Parladorio Merit: Max Snead LAMDA Level 3 Certificate in Performance (Grade 6) Acting Grade 6 – Solo – Bronze Medal Merit: Theo Broby
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TOWNSEND-WARNER HISTORY PRIZE During January, 30 boys from SHS took part in the annual Townsend-Warner History Prize Competition as they have been doing since the competition started 137 years ago. Our 30 boys, Scholars and volunteers, joined more than 1000 other Prep school students from across the world. In February we learned 10 SHS boys had made it through to Paper 2 of the second round and the results were outstanding! Conrad Lai gained the Number One spot in the whole of the UK and is the first SHS pupil to achieve this! Conrad had worked very hard, alongside Leo Ridge, Theo O’Donnell, Frederick von Kaltenborn and Rafferty Maclarnon who were all placed highly in the top 40 of the country and all received prizes and certificates. Well done to all the boys for their efforts and commitment. We are all incredibly proud of them all.
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School events
LANGUAGE DAY
ALEX BELLOS AUTHOR VISIT
At Shrewsbury House we enjoy celebrating the diverse array of languages spoken in our school community. With boys and staff speaking over 15 languages, we enjoyed a presentation in assembly where we could hear the similarities and differences when people speak in their mother tongue.
We were delighted to welcome visiting author Alex Bellos to school this term. Alex talked about his view on the world of Maths and gave two talks to different year groups.
International Mother Language Day is observed worldwide on 21 February every year to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. Research shows that people who speak more than one language have improved memory, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, enhanced concentration, ability to multitask, and better listening skills. The value of learning other languages is strongly promoted at Shrewsbury House and thanks to the staff who contributed to this Assembly by speaking many different languages, and to Aneesh Agrawal, Oscar Bech, Lorenzo Brodsky, Adam Dizayee, Theodor Fugmann, Alexander Heath, Alp Kaya, Rishaan Khera, Mikhail Kutsenko, Gregory Nanidis, Yigit Pazarceviren, Daniel Prisyazhnyuk and James Vignon who proudly volunteered to share their home languages with us.
Year 5 and 6 boys were taken to ‘Football School’ with a football tour of Geography, Maths and English. How does Samba and the lack of any grass pitches explain why Brazilians are so good at football? Why are football and Maths linked? The boys answered lots of Maths and English puzzles and there was a lively and fun Q&A session. Year 7 and 8 boys were taken on a tour of the world of Maths. Can a chimpanzee count? How can some Japanese children add much faster than a calculator? How much further does your head travel than your feet if you walk around Jupiter? These and other questions and problems were looked at and solved. It was a fun but demanding hour in which the boys really showed off their problem-solving skills. Alex personally signed copies of his books: ‘Football School’ for the younger boys and ‘Alex’s Adventures in Numberland’ for the senior boys. It was an enjoyable morning for all the boys. David Kim in Year 6, bought the ‘Football School’ book before he joined Shrewsbury House School. The book flew back to the UK with David and Alex Bello’s was delighted to have the opportunity to personally sign David’s book when they met during Alex’s visit.
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SPRING CONCERT The annual Spring Concert took place on towards the end of term and featured the School’s music ensembles. There was something for everyone, ranging from the regal sounds of Brass Ensemble through to the funky and energetic performances of Jazz One, Middle and Senior Bands, and also the atmospheric ‘Shark Attack’, played by Junior Strings and the rhythmically charged Percussion Ensemble. The evening concluded with the SHS Singers’ stirring performance of ‘Sing’, written in 2012 by Gary Barlow and Andrew LloydWebber to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of the Queen. Very well done to the 115 boys who performed and delivered a wonderful evening’s musical entertainment.
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YEAR 5 CONCERT The Year 5 Concert featured a wonderful range of instrumental and vocal performances by our talented musicians. There was much talent on display, with a remarkable range of musical genres and instruments. The evening concluded with the whole year group choral performance of ‘The 3 Rs’, accompanied by the Middle Band (comprising mainly Year 5 boys). This was certainly well received by a warm and supportive audience. Very well done to all the Year 5 boys for such a splendid and special evening.
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YEAR 5 PERFORMANCE – ‘PETER PAN’ We were very proud of Year 5 for their amazing production of Peter Pan. It was a wonderful production, providing a muchneeded evening of jollity. As well as Year 5 boys performing, the play was supported by boys from Years 6–8 in a range of roles, drawn from the members of the Theatre Club to the Drama Prefects. Well done, boys!
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YEAR 8 CONCERT The Year 8 Concert featured a marvellous array of performances by our talented musicians. With many different styles and instruments on display, stand-out performances ranged from Nilay Sagoo’s sensitive performance of Chopin’s Nocturne (Op. 72) and a wonderfully insightful delivery of Doctor Gradus ad Parnassum (Debussy) from Leo Ridge, both on the piano. Conrad Lai’s energetic violin performance of Spring from The Four Seasons by Vivaldi, passing Robert Richards’ mellifluous clarinet (Intermezzo No. 2 by Stanford) and a committed Year 8 Vocal Group performance of the Imagine Dragons song Believer on the way. The evening concluded with the whole year group choral performance of ‘We Will Rock You’. The singing was certainly well received by a supportive audience of family and friends. Very well done to all the Year 8 boys for such a successful evening.
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WORLD BOOK DAY It was fantastic to see the boys dressed up as many different characters including: Harry Potter, Alex Rider and even an impressive, inflatable giraffe. There were activities in the library and even a ‘Guess what the Teacher is Reading?’ competition. Year 8 were excellent role models to the younger years, reading with their buddies and also visiting Shrewsbury House Pre-Prep and The Rowans School to read with the children there. A massive thank you to those boys: Frederik von Danwitz, Robert Richards, Oscar Iannotti, Peter Itani, Piers Samuels, Josh Jacobs, Sam Cuff, Nikolaj Fugmann, Lucas Cornelsen, Daniel Casebourne, Zachary Elliott, Alex Morawitz, Barnaby Norris, Riley Osborne, Kameron Litten and Felix Samuels. They were very well received and yet again proved to be wonderful ambassadors for our school.
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GREEK-THEMED DAY The boys enjoyed a Greek-Themed Day at school this term and took a look back on Ancient Greek civilisation. During assembly, boys who attend Greek Club spoke about some of these influences, whether they be related to Science, language or indeed yoghurt! At break time it was on to the Olympics, where each House put forward a champion discobolus from each Year Group to hurl a discus as far as possible. During Maths, boys were able to play with some Pythagorean and Archimedean conundrums, which complements other previous work on ‘Greek letters in Maths’. Throughout the day, boys had the opportunity to become myth-detectives, combing the school for clues in a bid to solve a final acrostic. Greek warriors need sustenance now and again and luckily the catering team provided a cornucopian feast at lunch worthy of any hero.
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SCIENCE WEEK Science Week brought many opportunities for cross-curricular learning and the week began with Year 4 boys sharing their STEM creations with us in assembly. Making weather measurers and bionic hands, the boys explained how they draw on different curriculum areas to build their models and that creativity is a key skill needed when inventing machines. This creativity was certainly evident throughout the week, with numerous investigations and experiments on offer in the labs, from making slime to extracting DNA. The Year 8 boys were excellent helpers, encouraging others to take part in the Science Week activities and sharing their scientific knowledge. Year 3 used detective skills and looked at fibres under the microscope, made their own invisible ink, and learnt how each fingerprint is unique. Year 4 had lots of fun with Ooblek. Year 5 were able to see how quickly dry ice sublimates and were able to make some interesting patterns using this solid form of carbon dioxide. Year 6 had to use their knowledge of density to make a tower of colour and looked at the process of diffusion. Year 7 managed to extract DNA from strawberries. As well as science in the laboratories, there were also activities in the library to get the boys involved. There was an elemental treasure hunt around the School for everyone as well as a ‘find the scientist’ task which enabled them to find different scientists and learn how their discovery/invention helped the growth of science.
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YEAR 4 PERFORMANCE – ‘ALEC IN WONDERLAND’ The Year 4 boys took on the challenge of their whole year group production of ‘Alec in Wonderland’ this half term and they rose to the occasion wonderfully. After spending the half term break reading through their lines, we started rehearsals in earnest in February. Boys dedicated their time to practising before lessons and after school, as well as during the school day. They showed great determination and superb energy, resulting in some really slick scenes. Within their music lessons, the cast learnt all four songs for the show. Miss Spence helped them with some complicated rhythms and tunes, which caught the imagination of the audience on the night, and Mrs Hubbard led everyone in a sing-along finale! The final performance was supported by so many amazing members of Shrewsbury House. The Year 4 tutors helped the boys with their costumes and organisation, the Year 4 English teachers supported rehearsals, giving up their time to help boys learn lines; a number of staff helped on the night with lighting, sound and makeup; finally, Theatre Club (a mixture of boys from Year 6 and Year 7) helped to source some elements of costume, props and sound effects. The audience showed their appreciation by laughing and cheering in all the right places and giving the longest final applause heard this year! Thank you to all of those who took part in, supported or came to watch the production. It was a true highlight of the term for all involved.
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STEAM DAY Thursday 24th March saw the first STEAM day (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) where all year groups were working off their normal timetable to follow a day of planning, constructing and challenges. The aim of the STEAM day is to guide pupil inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking, encouraging the boys to take thoughtful risks, engage in experimental learning and persist in problemsolving. The theme of the projects this year was transport, with each year group taking on a different challenge. Years 3 and 4 were asked to design and build a balloonpowered recycled boat to see how far it could travel across the Shrewsbury House swimming pool. This meant the boats had to be sturdy yet buoyant and have the ability to glide easily through the water. The races saw the boats slowly move across the pool but the design meant they all stayed in one piece. Years 5 and 6 had to really apply their knowledge of science to the making of foam gliders, which proved trickier than first anticipated. They were flown on the All Weather Surface in the afternoon in perfect sunny conditions and saw the greatest distance of 11.20m achieved. Years 7 and 8 had the difficult task of designing a waterpowered car. The design process is key here to establish a way to allow water to move onto a mechanism to move the wheels. Some cars were more successful than others but all created some great innovative designs. All of the boys worked tremendously well throughout the day, demonstrating great teamwork, aspiration and perseverance, gaining points for their House at every opportunity.
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Trips and visits
WISLEY ART AND SCIENCE TRIP Year 4 enjoyed a visit to RHS Wisley Gardens for a joint art and science trip. The boys embarked on a self-guided tour of the gardens where they explored the environment and drew natural forms from first-hand observation. A particular highlight for them was drawing the many waterfalls in the rock garden and climbing to the very top, where all enjoyed the panoramic view of the whole garden and took photos of the skyline. The boys participated in a workshop called ‘Inspirational Nature’, where they explored an art technique called ‘frottage’ involving the creation of rubbings of natural forms – on coloured paper – using oil pastel. At the end of the process they embellished their rubbings with seeds from the gardens. Wisley staff showed examples of Andy Goldsworthy’s sitespecific sculptures made solely from natural materials. After collecting a range of different natural forms, the boys worked in small groups to create their own sculptures using leaves, flowers, bark and soil. There was also an opportunity for the boys to plant seeds from the garden in small pots of soil in the greenhouse and take them home.
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“My favourite thing was the colourful mosaic tiles because I could make lots of different patterns.”– CJ Marriott “I liked digging because it was really fun finding lots of treasure!” – Ibby Rafiq “I liked building the wall but it was tricky making all of the stones fit in together well.” – Theo Gibbard
BUTSER ANCIENT FARM Year 3 went on an exciting outing to Butser Ancient Farm to complement their history curriculum. The boys had great fun building a flint wall, making Roman mosaics, spinning wool and even taking part in an archaeological dig!
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WELLINGTON COLLEGE SCIENCE SPECTACULAR As an introduction to chemical reaction, Year 6 travelled to Wellington College to be spectacularly entertained by their science team. The boys were taken through the history of the periodic table, looking at many different elements, their properties and their reactions. The show started with a bang of a hydrogen balloon bursting into flames. This continued throughout to show lots of mini-explosions, lights and colour which kept the boys transfixed throughout. A very brave Hari Gill was chosen to be on stage to help show how hydrogen reacts with oxygen by having it ignited on his hand.
The boys were exceptionally wellbehaved and represented Shrewsbury House well, volunteering to answer many questions that were asked by the Wellington team. A great day out. MRS RICHARDS – HEAD OF SCIENCE
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MARINE WORKSHOP
This was a wonderful introduction to Marine Life and Reef Organisms for the Year 3 boys. MISS BARCLAY – HEAD OF YEAR 3
Year 3 were very lucky to have a fascinating marine workshop led by Piers Baillie, brother of Hamish and Dominic who were former pupils of Shrewsbury House. He is a marine biologist, who has spent the past three and a half years on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand working on a marine research and conservation programme. The boys learnt about corals and their role in engineering reef ecosystems, reef organisms and their ecological roles, threats to coral reefs, and the conservation of reef ecosystems. Not only do the Year 3 boys understand the sign language used by divers, they now know that shrimp can be pretty effective at cleaning their teeth under the ocean and they can also do a convincing impression of a parrot fish!
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Competitions
HOUSE OF COMMONS CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION Congratulations to Hugo Rikkerink, Year 5, for winning the Ed Davey MP’s Christmas Card Competition in the 7–10 age group category. Super artwork Hugo, well done!
HISTORY CHARIOT CHALLENGE Year 3 boys have been learning about the Celts in history this term. During the half term break they were set a challenge to make their own model Celt Chariots. Lots of impressive model chariots arrived in school and were displayed in the assembly hall. A tremendous effort from all concerned.
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The task of judging the winners was incredibly challenging as so much effort had gone in to the detailed and accurate models. MS MALLORY – HEAD OF GEOGRAPHY
RIVERS MODELS COMPETITION Year 6 studied the Rivers and Coasts topic this term. They were set the challenge to create a model showing the different parts of the drainage basin and to contrast the characteristics of the upper, middle and lower course as the river flows from its source to its mouth. The models were outstanding and were widely admired by all whilst on display. Congratulations to the following boys: 1st Hiro Setterfield 2nd Alp Kaya 3rd Piers Parladorio, Magnus Hansen and Adam Dizayee
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STEAM CHALLENGE AGAINST DANES HILL Six boys from Year 6 visited Danes Hill to compete in a DT Challenge. The challenge was given to the pupils on the day and they have two hours to complete their project in pairs. This year, the pupils had to design a boat that could firstly float, then be able to move in a forward direction. Boys paired up and raced against pairs from Danes Hill. SHS took the first win and managed to cross the line first. The other two pairs ended up in a draw. The boats were then taken to the water, and were also joined by the girls from Danes Hill, who just managed to cross the line first! Congratulations SHS boys, for rising to the challenge.
MATHS CHALLENGE In the lead-up to World Maths Day on 23 March, budding mathematicians from all year groups competed in the SHS House Timetables Competition. There were some excellent performances, particularly from the lower year groups. Overall Winning House 1st Nelson / 2nd Grenville / 3rd Drake / 4th Raleigh Top 5 in School 1st Yoonjoon Bae (Y5) / 2nd Leo Park (Y6) / 3rd Chris Song (Y7) / 4th Walter Zhang (Y7) / =5th Nicholas Chan (Y6) and Ashwin Swamy (Y8)
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HOUSE POETRY COMPETITION SHS celebrated World Poetry Day on Monday 21st March with the final of our own annual SHS Poetry Recital Competition. In the lead-up to the grand finale, all boys took part within their classes, with the best three per year group making the final. We enjoyed listening to a huge array of poetry from different genres and themes. Each and every boy impressed with their ability to stand up in front of their peers and remember a whole poem whilst using the correct intonation and gesture. For the final, we had two very special judges: Justin Coe, a poet who worked with the current Year 4 and 5 boys last year, and Helen Lowe, a Governor of our School as well as the former Head of Bute House Prep School for Girls. Both brought their own experience, enthusiasm and exuberance to the competition. In between the three sections – Junior, Middle and Senior – we were treated to musical interludes from Bertie Murrell on clarinet, Thomas Jupp on violin, and even our very own Mr Hamilton on the piano. The poetry competitors were: Junior Competition (Years 3 and 4) Hawken Edwards – ‘Sky Seasoning’ by Shel Silverstein Finn Ericsson – ‘The Trouble with My Brother’ by Brian Patten Lucas Brand – ‘Love You More’ by James Carter Bertie Murrell – ‘The Shark’ by Roald Dahl Alexander Nielsen – ‘Oh Dear’ by Mike Bartfield Henry Godsell – ‘A Small Dragon’ by Brian Patten
Middle Competition (Years 5 and 6) Hugo Norris – ‘I Just Can’t Stand Poetry’ by Jacob Cra Fin Conway – ‘Animal Store’ by Rachel Field Michael Tribelhorn – ‘Baby Ate A Microchip’ by Neal Levin Hiro Setterfield – ‘A Teacher’s Lament’ by Kalli Dakas Christopher Crowley – ‘The Messy Room’ by Shel Silverstein Jed Ambrose – ‘The Emergensea’ by John Hegley Senior Competition (Years 7 and 8) JJ Agarwal – ‘How Fear Came’ by Rudyard Kipling Zach Patel – ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ by Wilfred Owen Rory Conway – ‘Learning To Write A Sonnet’ by Denise Rodgers Riley Osborne – ‘Man and Beast’ by Clifford Dyment Anton Stepanek – ‘Jabberwocky’ by Lewis Carroll Sam Cuff – ‘Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night’ by Dylan Thomas Our Junior Winner was Finn Ericsson who was beamed in on the big screen from home. This was a particularly impressive achievement. Our Middle Winner was Christopher Crowley for his relatable poem, ‘The Messy Room’. He showed an understanding of pacing, adding to the overall humour of the poem. For our Senior Winner, Sam Cuff gave a very mature and sensitive reading of a famous Dylan Thomas poem. Well done to the English teachers and parents for helping to prepare their sons for a very professional performance.
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Sport round-up
SPORT ROUND-UP What a wonderful term of SHS Sport it has been! The boys have thrown their considerable efforts and talent into not just a fabulous rugby season, but also swimming, football, hockey, tennis, cricket and running. Add to that the additional opportunities afforded to them by our brilliant after-school clubs programme, it has been a truly remarkable term! The transition back to competitive team sport following the enforced periods of inaction caused by Covid was certainly challenging. For rugby this was felt more keenly. For many boys their first venture in the rewarding world of rugby came this term. Of course, we are not surprised, but it is still worthy of mention – the boys’ application and willingness to get stuck in has been a great credit to themselves and SHS. Overt material success is hard to come by in rugby, but that can be viewed as an advantage; there is a clearer focus on inclusion, participation and a keen celebration of the role rugby can play in supporting the boys’ values development. Who can argue with the need for aspiration, perseverance, respect, compassion and integrity in sport, in team sport, and in rugby? The culmination of all of this fine effort and celebrated performance was in stark evidence throughout the House Rugby Events. Many of the elite SHS rugby teams played in festivals and waterfall competitions throughout the term and we are proud to report that each performed (in tough competition) with heart and grit, ending each event with a big fat tick in the ‘success’ box! Interspersed with the wonderful rugby have been a swimming competition, tennis trials, rowing activity, winter cricket development, a busy clubs sporting programme, hockey matches and the festival of colour and determination that is the House Sponsored Run. The ever-improving SHS Swim Team have been in elite action this term – in both the IAPS regional gala (in an effort to qualify for the national finals) and the local Cobham Cup. In each event (and race!) the boys swam with determination and a smile. In preparation for next term the aspirational tennis proponents participated in trials in an effort to make selection for the teams which will compete in the summer. The Year 8 boys have enjoyed another successful spell on the Thames, honing their sculling skills with the support of Kingston Rowing Club. Although cricket will provide the focus for the summer, we have celebrated the boys’ acceleration in the sport, helped by after-school clubs and in-lesson prep for the forthcoming season. When the bell goes at 4pm the boys rarely stop! Their sporting participation and competition is further supported by SHS staff and external expert coaching in table tennis, karate, fencing and shooting. In each the boys have had the chance to compete, and success has been enjoyed by SHS boys in external events and leagues – well done to all! Hockey will be a strong part of the boys’ sporting menu at many of their future schools and, as such, we are happy to offer opportunities for the boys in this fun sport – congratulations to all those who picked up sticks this term. Busy, yes – but full of effort, smiles, stories and friendship.
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ISFA FOOTBALL Football in the rugby term – that is what you get when the SHS elite football teams are so talented! The 1st XI Football Team made the very long journey to the North West, and Manchester Grammar School for the ISFA National semifinal. Reaching this stage of this prestigious competition represented a first – a celebrated precedent for SHS! The opposition can quite rightly be entitled ‘Kings of the North’ (at least in football terms)! With multiple Manchester United Academy players, including some famous ‘sons of ’, it was always going to be a mammoth task for the resilient SHS team. From the outset it was clear just what a challenge this match was going to be and Manchester Grammar controlled possession and scored two goals despite valiant defending. Character counts – and in this regard the SHS team have never been found wanting. An away goal was just reward for the SHS Team’s efforts and the match went into the half-time break at 2-1. Despite a second half performance of inspiring grit and sacrifice the match ended as the second half began and the SHS 1st Team’s extraordinary season came to a close. Our pride and congratulations go to the boys of the SHS 1st XI Football Team.
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HOUSE RUGBY This event represents one of the sporting highlights of the school year. In many ways it (along with its football and cricket cousins) presents the very best of SHS Sport – fully inclusive, community-driven, values-focused and the very best of House pride. With each year group enjoying their own event there was the time and space to afford all the chance to play multiple matches, and all with the wonderful support of family and friends. As always the rugby competition was mirrored by the Edwards Cup, which celebrates the boys’ presentation of the SHS core values of respect, integrity, perseverance, compassion and aspiration. The overall results of both competitions can be found below: House Rugby
CLUBS
1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Where to start?! The SHS after-school clubs programme affords boys a wonderful choice of amazing activities. This term extends from music to drama to art to sport to language to life skills to modelling to robotics! And yes – I know there are some that I have missed! All clubs are delivered with a focus on both enjoyment and development, giving the boys of SHS the opportunity to add to and extend their skills and experience. Each term this changes, with new offerings always on the radar. Lucky boys!
Nelson Grenville Drake Raleigh
Edwards Cup 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Drake Grenville Raleigh Nelson
SPRING 2022 / SHREWSBURY HOUSE SCHOOL / 35
8
Charity fundraising and other initiatives
HOUSE SPONSORED RUN Is there a better way to sign off an incredible term? Probably not! With every boy donning their House shirt in wonderful sunshine, it was a delight to share in this special event. Every lap counted not just for the all-important House Competition, but also in ensuring the maximum funds were raised in support of our SHS nominated charity: Momentum. The challenge of this event is simple but not insignificant – to run for the whole 20 minutes. Wonderful to see so many achieve this, score points for their House and raise vital funds for a great charity. Results below: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Raleigh Nelson Grenville Drake
SHA SPORTS SUPPER Thank you to everyone who came to our evening with Topsy Ojo, which was a brilliant chance to come together again as a school community. As well as hearing tales from on and off the rugby pitch, we were able to raise more than £3,500. Part of the SHA’s purpose is to raise funds that enrich the experience of the boys’ time at school, but we are also delighted to be able to donate to some brilliant causes with our proceeds from the night: sports mentoring charity, Project Turnover (£1000); the school’s supported charity, Momentum (£500); and the Red Cross Ukraine appeal (£300).
Shrewsbury House School 107 Ditton Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 6RL T: +44 (0)20 8399 3066 E: shsoffice@shstrust.net W: www.shrewsburyhouse.net