THE FROGNAL
Welcome to The Summer Term Edition of The Frognal
The achievements we read about in this publication reveal many things about our pupils. The variety of their exploits and endeavours reflects the vast scope of their passions and talents – academic, sporting, in the performing arts, and in reaching out and discovering people and places.
What also comes through these pages is their single-mindedness and determination: they don’t just want to get through the day, they want to do their best. They love to excel in their studies, on the sports ground, at the theatre or concert hall – in all sorts of arenas.
The Greek word for ‘sloth’ is acedia which literally means not caring (a=not; kedos=care); so acedia is the opposite of what we do here.
This reminds me of an email received last month from an Old Gower now at university but still moved to remember with gratitude her UCS career. In it, she wrote: ‘The people made it what it was – the teachers who actually cared…’
The compelling evidence in this publication affirms that our pupils, together with the whole school community, really do care a lot. In this respect, I find it appropriate that the final act of this glorious Summer Term will encapsulate all of the caring that has gone into the past ten weeks – namely Giving Day, which you can read about on page 10.
Have a lovely summer.
— Mark J. Beard, Headmaster
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Lower School Highlights
The Summer Term is always a time of mixed emotions in the Lower School. In July, we bid a fond farewell to the Shell as they embark on their Middle School journey. They have made a real impression on us and we wish them well when they start in the new Demes in September.
I was particularly impressed by their approach to the end-of-year assessments in May. These boys returned from their Easter break on a revision mission and, in the ensuing tests, they achieved grades they should be proud of. They finished the year in fine spirits. Egged on by Mr Beard, over 70 of them enjoyed a day trip to Thorpe Park, where the boys loved riding the roller coasters (and discussing the engineering behind these rides) with him.
The Entry have worked hard but have also relished a series of excursions: the Globe Theatre trip to see Romeo and Juliet; the Hampstead Heath conservation trip; and the residential Bushcraft trip. The pupils learned a great deal from these off-site activities, and I particularly enjoyed the company of SBON while at the Globe.
The Bushcraft trip tested the boys’ survival skills. They built and lit fires, cooked lunches over them, learned knife skills and constructed shelters. Through all of this, their teamwork and leadership abilities were shown to be extremely strong. However, none of the boys seemed interested in the stunning swathes of aromatic bluebells that carpeted the forest floor during our visit!
The study of Modern Languages has been at the centre throughout the term. The residential trip to the Côte d’Opale was hugely enjoyable – particularly the visit to the snail farm – and the boys took great delight in practising their French skills at a breakfast event in May. During the latter half of term, the pupils have revelled in a series of taster lessons in Mandarin, Italian, German and Spanish, and a second series will follow next spring.
In June, the Lund Theatre’s foundations were shaken by the charismatic performances of the Shell and Entry
bands at the Rock Concert, and it has been rewarding to see the skills of our cricketers improve throughout the hotly contested Super Smash tournament. I was also thrilled to watch the Under-12A and U13A cricket sides win two nail-biting contests against QE Boys. Each match went down to the final ball, and the spirit of both teams left a mark on me. The final word goes out to the cast and crew of Private Peaceful, which was our Lower School Play. It was a remarkably mature and emotional production, and it was wonderful to see the Lund so complete for all three unforgettable performances. What a term!
— Contributions by E. Roberts
Middle School Highlights
In the weeks following half-term this summer, I have been reminded once again of the impressive versatility, resilience and resourcefulness of our Middle School cohort. Those in the Upper Remove I have bumped into have been so positive about their Study Leave and how GCSE exams are progressing. They are excited for the whole business to be over, of course, but relishing the chance to prepare for the move into the Sixth Form. They are optimistic, enthusiastic and keen to impress at the top end of the school. We wish them well on results day and beyond.
The final assembly run by a Deme saw an exceptional presentation by RUN focused upon shrinkflation. My own secret obsession is the cake that is not a biscuit, and certainly there are fewer and smaller offerings in a box today than ever before; the assembly was amusing, informative and presented in a mature and sophisticated fashion. It was a super start to the school day. At the end of the same week, the Remove had a day in the life of a Sixth Former.
They experienced lessons in potential A Level subjects as well as a talk about the top
university requirements they will face. It is good that the cohort is starting to think early about future aspirations and what they can do now to make sure they are building a good CV and preparing themselves properly for what should be highly aspirational and competitive futures. Similarly, the Lower Remove continue to throw themselves into Junior Morris Lectures, Enrichment lunches and exciting projects beyond the classroom. I was particularly taken by both year groups during Middle School Sports Day:
at their best, competing to their best of their ability and in good spirit.
Each of the Upper Remove received a copy of Alain de Botton’s The School of Life in the ‘Graduation Assembly’. This offers wonderful advice on self-awareness, emotional intelligence and the tools for a fulfilling life. When I look at those in Middle School and their achievements this year, I identify emerging tools, and I know the future is bright. I wish all a productive and restful summer.
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Contributions by S. FitzGerald
Sixth Form Highlights
This term has marked a period of fundamental transformation in the Sixth Form. With our top year group departing – after years of shaping the character and culture of UCS – the Sixth Form Centre has taken on a quieter, more reflective mood. The Sixth Formers celebrated their final day in true UCS style: shirt-signing, prize-giving, emotional farewells and one last rousing rendition of ‘Paulatim’. Since then, they’ve turned their attention to the challenge of A Level exams, forging ahead with determination and focus as they prepare for life beyond school.
In their absence, the Transitus pupils have begun stepping into the roles, which will soon be entirely theirs. With fresh responsibility comes a fresh perspective:
university is no longer an abstract concept but a fast-approaching reality. After completing their own end-of-year exams, students directed their energies towards research, admissions preparation and the early stages of crafting personal statements. A key feature of this phase has been the Academic Symposium, where Transitus students gave short presentations on topics of personal academic interest, impressing staff and peers alike with their depth of thought and confident delivery.
This momentum has continued beyond the classroom. Transitus pupils have visited university Open Days, taken part in an Admissions Test Prep Day and officially registered on UCAS. The Transitus Networking Event also returned this term,
offering the entire cohort insight into various careers through engaging conversations with professionals across many industries.
Meanwhile, co-curricular life remains as vibrant as ever. Transitus students performed in the Summer Concert and stunned the audience with their professionalism and talent. The Transitus
Rock Band – Canyon – also wowed at the Rock Concert with their version of ‘The Chain’, among others. Pupils have also been furiously rehearsing for the upcoming Edinburgh Fringe show Dissonance, the preview of which impressed audiences while also raising funds for Giving Day. As ever in the Sixth Form, every ending signals a new beginning.
— Contributions by R. Baxter
UCS Giving Day 2025: A 24-Hour Celebration of Frognal Spirit
This week, UCS has been alive with energy, excitement and an extraordinary sense of community as pupils, parents, Old Gowers and staff came together for our firstever Giving Day – a 36-hour fundraising extravaganza in support of the Bursary Award Programme. And what a week it has been! From the first bell to the final encore, UCS buzzed with creativity, movement and joyful chaos. With pupil-led initiatives, sporting challenges, sponsored walks, three amazing fairs and fetes, and electric musical and theatrical performances, Giving Day was more than a fundraiser; it was a full-scale celebration of what makes UCS special.
At the heart of the action was our 24-hour challenge. Pupils, staff, parents and Old
Gowers signed up for hour-long rowing, running and biking slots to keep the momentum going. Energy remained high –even in the small hours of the night, when the ghosts of the Great Hall came out to play (and to watch Mr Riviere’s juggling performance). Back at the Senior School, Demes continued to compete fiercely to rally support. Congratulations to Black Hawkings, who claimed victory and the right to be crowned… until next time!
The events concluded with the Festival at the Fields, a family-friendly jamboree for the whole UCS community. Sponge the Teacher was a massive hit; brave staff faced an eager queue of sponge-throwers all afternoon, and several damp teachers were later spotted
UCS Giving Day 2025: A 24-Hour Celebration of Frognal Spirit
enjoying food truck treats. The Penalty ShootOut brought cheers and groans in equal measure, while the surf simulator tested even our most athletic pupils’ balance.
At 18.30, the Rock Concert brought the community together for a final celebration. With bands made up of pupils and staff, the music was loud, proud and packed with heart.
And the result? Thanks to your incredible support, we’re thrilled to announce we raised £200,185.26 for the Bursary Award Programme. Most importantly, this means that, in September, four pupils will start at UCS who otherwise would not have been able to do so – thanks to your support.
— Contributions E. Pickering
Click or scan to watch our thank you video here!
Deme Competitions
As always, the Summer Term is a blockbuster of sunshine-filled Deme competitions. Kicking things off this term was Deme Debating, in which Evans clinched victory –no great surprise to anyone au fait with UCS Debating, given how many fantastic debaters have been housed in Evans.
Deme Dance was possibly the most competitive and high-quality Deme competition the school has ever seen. Even in the Demes that didn’t place, pupils got stuck in, busted a few moves and demonstrated their Deme spirit. Black Hawkins were ultimately champions on the night, proving they had the winning combination of teamwork, choreography and rhythm.
Finally, as one might expect, this term has been jam-packed with sports days. The first one was Middle School Sports Day, where pupils competed in athletics events (lots of jumping, running, throwing and the like) and team events including cricket (hardball and softball), tennis and tug-of-war. By a very long way, Underwoods came out on top to win the trophy, having played some beautiful tennis in particular.
Overall, after a year of fierce competition in activities ranging from Deme Song to Deme Rowing and Deme Debating, it was Underwoods that lifted the prestigious trophy in the Great Hall on the last day of term.
Congratulations to Underwoods!
— Contributions by S. Hawkins
Deme Competitions
House Competitions
House competitions are a key feature of the Lower School experience. Under the inspiring leadership of the House Captains, the Houses have keenly contested several competitions this term. Around 25 competitions have been run across the school year, and Bonington have led the way from start to (almost) finish. Kendall took the House debating title, and Kendall and Macarthur shared the honours in House Fives. We were delighted that House Reading returned to the programme this year under the stewardship of Miss Aitchison, and it was
fantastic to hear the poetry recited by the Entry and Shell pupils. They certainly had nerves of steel to perform with such panache in the Great Hall. Mrs Rancon oversaw a fantastic House Linguistics, while the House Drama and Dance competitions were characteristically impressive events, with each House’s spirit there for all to see. At the time of writing, Sports Day is still to come, so we eagerly wait to see if Bonington can be caught at the top of the table. They have never won the House Cup – this may be their year.
— Contributions E. Roberts
Lower School Awards Evening
On 10 June, Shell pupils and their parents gathered in the Great Hall to celebrate the conclusion of these boys’ time in the Lower School. The event kicked off with a fantastic rendition of Robbie Williams’ ‘Let Me Entertain You’ by the Shell rock band, and the audience was then welcomed by Alfredo and Rafa, who were truly the comperes without compare. Speeches from Alex, Tye, Isaac, Jamie, Nico and Baer outlined their highlights of the Lower School experience, and it was fantastic to hear the personal insights of these pupils.
Tales from the Skern Lodge trip, the Under12B rugby team’s unbeaten season, and a Bushcraft trip to Kent were some of the ‘best bits’. Miss Ahilan and Mr Pollock presented the Young Leaders Awards and the Lower School Diplomas. Mr Beard then discussed his own highlights of the Lower School before presenting the prizes to the pupils. This event marks the cohort’s move into the Middle School, so proceedings were concluded by Ms Maze with her welcome to the section. It is clear that these pupils have an exhilarating time ahead of them.
— Contributions E. Roberts
Freddy Wins Irish World Championship for a Fourth Time!
In my first competition, I achieved a salutary sixth place out of six dancers. My first world championship was in 2017, and I didn’t progress to the next round – the same fate befell me the following year. Devastated as I was, this was certainly not the end of my career, since in 2019 I won my first world championship at the age of 11. I won again in 2022 and 2023. With GCSEs taking priority in 2024, I foolishly allowed the title to be claimed by another! Still, I returned with a vengeance in 2025, thus becoming the youngest ever contestant
to win the Senior Men’s title at the CRDM World Championships. Believe it or not, I didn’t go into this year’s competition with an expectation. I had taken a six-month break from dancing, not solely on an exam basis but also because I ceased to enjoy what I did. This year was simply a chance for me to enjoy performing again without a perpetual desire to win. I enjoyed it more than I ever have before. That is why I lifted my fourth world championship this year.
— Contributions Freddy, Transitus
A Stellar Debut: UCS Quiz Team Reach National Semi-Finals
Our UCS quiz team have achieved an outstanding feat: in their very first entry, they reached the semi-finals of the highly competitive Schools Challenge. Out of over 100 teams from around the UK, our boys made it to the top four, demonstrating exceptional knowledge and teamwork. In a closely contested match, the team were ultimately beaten by Hilden Grange. Despite the loss, their journey to the semi-finals is a remarkable accomplishment, especially considering they were debutants in a competition often dominated by seasoned schools.
Adlan, a Shell pupil and the team captain, reflected on the experience: “Being part of
the quiz team, let alone captaining it, was nothing short of a tremendous experience.” He highlighted how the competition fostered UCS values like relationships, forming bonds across year groups; resourcefulness, as they drew upon diverse knowledge to win matches; and resilience, leading to “miraculous comebacks” from losing positions.
Adlan also acknowledged the significant contributions of team-mates Aaron and Sam, and expressed gratitude to Mr Roberts for his hard work and dedication in making the quiz team possible. Their incredible run has set a high bar for future UCS quiz teams.
— Contributions by S. Davies
New Monitors
The Monitor team serves a vital purpose in the school, embodying its core values and acting as role models for the pupil body. As the Sixth cohort bid farewell, members of the Transitus year group stepped into these key positions to take the lead next academic year. After a rigorous application and interview process, the new Monitor team was selected, and the Captains introduced themselves to the school community.
Outgoing Captains Finn and Lizey reflected on their time in office, noting the strong working and familial bonds within their team. They emphasised how everyone’s contributions had made a significant difference.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed Captains and Vice Captains shared their motivations for taking on these posts. New Captain Luka expressed a desire to give back to the school, recognising how UCS has fostered his personal growth. Vice Captain Sophia aims to develop her leadership skills and assume a bigger role within the school community. Looking ahead, Captain Avantika hopes to build stronger, closer relationships with staff and students, while Vice Captain Charlie intends to strengthen relationships and provide support, ensuring an “enjoyable experience”.
— Contributions by R. Baxter
New Monitors and Deme Captains
Sixth Form Prom
As the academic year drew to a close, the final week began with one of the most beloved traditions in the UCS calendar: the Sixth Form Leavers’ Prom. Organised by the everenthusiastic Leavers Committee, led this year by Noah Myers and Jess Ezro, the prom was the first in a series of events designed to honour and send off in style the Class of 2025. True to UCS spirit, the students took full ownership – selecting the venue, planning the catering, organising the decorations and even hiring the DJ.
Before the main event, the school hosted a joyful ‘pre-prom’ gathering in the Refectory. This hourlong celebration gave teachers, Form Tutors and Deme Wardens a chance to share memories and goodbyes before the cohort set off for their private evening. The space was transformed into a vibrant party scene, filled with laughter, music and photo opportunities. This festive beginning paved the way for a week of meaningful goodbyes, culminating in
the much-anticipated Graduation Ceremony on the penultimate day of term. Families, staff and students assembled in the Great Hall to formally celebrate the Class of 2025. This moving occasion marked the conclusion of a long farewell that included last lessons, leavers’ assemblies and countless moments of reflection. Prize winners were honoured for their exceptional contributions, and each student was presented with a copy of Zadie Smith’s Feel Free, a keepsake to accompany them beyond UCS.
Captains of Monitors Finn Kjaergaard and Eliza Ascott gave a passionate and humorous speech that brought both tears and laughter, ending with a final spirited rendition of ‘Paulatim’. A warm reception followed, where students, staff and families shared final conversations and farewells, closing this chapter with pride, affection and a strong sense of community.
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Contributions R. Baxter
Sixth Form Prom
AI Teachmeet
The last TeachMeet of the year focused exclusively on artificial intelligence in education – the session aimed to harness AI to enhance teaching and learning for staff and students. Presenters shared practical applications and research insights. Mr Bradshaw demonstrated using Google Meet and Gemini Gems for detailed meeting records, while Upper Remove pupil Henrik showcased his specific uses of AI for GCSE revision. Miss Jeans, the AI Research Fellow, outlined her role and upcoming projects. Mr Wood summarised discussion forums on the ethics and safeguarding priorities of AI in schools, and Mr Underwood provided a look into his use of NotebookLM and the potential of customised AI like Gems. Overall, the event highlighted the practical applications of AI in education today and the strategic thinking guiding its future implementation at UCS.
— Contributions by R. Woods
Junior Maths Challenge
In April, all Entry and Shell pupils took part in the UKMT Junior Maths Challenge – an international competition involving KS3-age students from around the world. This year, 208 UCS pupils achieved scores that earned a certificate (bronze/ silver/gold), marking them as notable problem solvers. In fact, 85 of our pupils were awarded a gold certificate – a commendation conferred on only the top 10% of entrants – and a recordbreaking 53 boys this year will move on to the next rounds of the competition: namely, the Junior Maths Olympiad and the Junior Kangaroo.
— Contributions by D. Armitage
Remove Academic Enrichment
Over the course of five weeks in the Summer Term, the Remove Academic Enrichment programme involved the entire year group staying behind after hours to study topics well beyond the curriculum. Whether studying ‘Wars, Tyrants and Emperors’, ‘VX IQ Robotics’ or ‘Pivotal Historical Moments from the Global South and East’, pupils received instruction from teachers in their specialisms. This year, the boys particularly benefited from special combination courses, including Biology and PE; Philosophy, Politics and Economics; and Modern Foreign Languages combined with History. All in all, over 50 hours of content were delivered to students.
— Contributions by X.
Transitus Academic Symposium
A jewel in the crown of the school’s Academic Enrichment provision, the Transitus Academic Symposium sees the now-most-senior members of the student body deliver research presentations to specialist subject groups. Pupils choose the topics themselves to reflect their academic interests; these are typically relevant to their UCAS applications and provide an opportunity to showcase their research abilities, unique interests and originality of thought. This year the range of topics was most promising, illustrating the breadth of interest among the pupils, with subjects spanning the history of the organ, linguistic relativism, and even the gut microbiome.
— Contributions by X. Pollock
Pollock
Entry Anti-Racism Workshop
Before half-term, Entry attended anti-racism workshops to learn what we can do to spot and combat racism. A very nice man came in to talk to us from the Every Future Foundation, which visits schools to explain and teach about racism and how to spot it. He told us about the different types of racism, e.g. casual racism or veiled racism. It was very interesting and I personally learned a lot, as it helped me to understand the more complex levels of racism that are harder to identify.
We watched a video that showed an instance of racism and reinforced what was okay and not okay for people to do. Overall, I really enjoyed the workshop, as it was interesting and engaging. It also taught me about things like institutional racism. The workshop generally helped to educate our year group on racism and it was also quite fun.
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Contributions by Buzz, Entry
Classics Society welcomes Dr. Giavatto back
On the first Monday after the May half-term, UCS Classics Society had the privilege of being addressed by Professor Giavatto from the University of Nantes for the second time in two years. Professor Giavatto enlightened us on the Stoic school of philosophy by examining specific passages from Marcus Aurelius’ work Meditations. As Professor Giavatto gave us the passages in the original Greek, and we translated them together, we understood how a Roman Emperor in the 2nd century AD applied a school of philosophy that originated in Classical Athens to his own life.
Personally, the most interesting parts of Professor Giavatto’s talk was the insight he gave us into the Stoic concept of bodies, the physical forms that everything that truly exists must take, and the idea of humans having four personae – elements of our being – which define who we are. Overall, the UCS Classics Society was incredibly grateful for being imparted with even a small amount of Professor Giavatto’s immense knowledge.
— Contributions by Edoardo, Transitus
London Youth Robotics Conference
On Sunday 15 June, UCS’s VEX IQ Robotics team attended the London Youth Robotics Conference hosted by St Paul’s Girls’ School. The conference featured various talks and impressive robots, from surgical arms to cute fluffy seals.
Upon arrival, the team listened to an introductory talk on a roboticist’s career path. They then participated in different activities. One session focused on the core structure and creation of robots, showcasing custom-built desk companions. Another highlight involved pipe robots designed for pressurised water pipes, which proved surprisingly challenging. A particularly engaging activity was creating
modifications for Lego battle bots, allowing the pupils to compete against each other.
After lunch and a talk on robotics careers, the afternoon spotlight fell on more advanced robots, including surgical robots and remotecontrolled robots with cannon wheels. The final session introduced four future robot types: Pepper, a humanoid social robot; a retail assistant robot; an industrial robot dog used by firefighters for search and rescue; and a fluffy seal pet for comfort. The team thoroughly enjoyed seeing the innovative and creative robots – and overall gained an invaluable experience.
— Contributions by Hugo & Yoshi, Entry
Lower School Science Fair
As part of the Lower School’s ‘risk-taking’ term, the Entry Science classes came together as a cohort to participate in the second annual Lower School Science Fair. During their lessons, the pupils prepared projects ranging from the effect of temperature on the strength of magnets to investigating the different types and populations of bacteria found in various locations. Work took place in and out of the classroom, allowing pupils to get to grips with independently planning and running
an investigation according to the scientific method. The Fair was held in the Great Hall on Wednesday 14 May; Entry investigators were joined by a judging panel comprising their Lower School peers in Shell, Science students from Transitus classes, and a team of Chemistry, Physics and Biology teachers. It was great to see the creativity and curiosity of the Entry boys, and we thank them for making the best of this year’s event.
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Contributions
M. Edwards
Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions
This term is always the busiest of the year for those doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, as it’s Expedition season for the Bronze and Silver cohorts. Our Silver boys went first on their Practice Expedition in the Chilterns around Chesham, persevering through wet weather and camping for two nights at Braid Wood campsite, and then braved scorching conditions to hike from High Wycombe to Henley-on-Thames, taking in picturesque village greens and many miles of forests, fields, hills and riverbanks along the way.
Our Bronze cohorts took part in their Personal Development Week to complete their
Expedition in the Stony Stratford area just outside Milton Keynes – traversing fields of wheat, barley, peas and corn, crossing roads and rail-lines and working together to reach the Quarries campsite in Cosgrove. While it was a learning curve for everyone, and the first time camping for many, the experience of being independent and responsible for themselves was taken in their stride. Everyone managed to pass their Expedition sections. Indeed, the Expedition is a highlight of the Lower Remove and Remove years and represents a milestone in the personal development of our pupils. Everyone who participated this year should be proud of their endeavours and achievements.
— Contributions M. Edwards
Ski Trip to Sestriere
At the start of the Easter break, 95 pupils from the Lower and Middle Schools set off for a week of skiing in the Italian Alps. Blessed with glorious weather and even a day of fresh powder, the group enjoyed ideal conditions that made the trip especially memorable. Our accommodation had been used by athletes during the 2006 Winter Olympics staged in and around Turin, offering a unique opportunity to experience the same facilities that once hosted Olympians.
Each day included at least five hours on the
slopes, but the energy didn’t stop there. The group also fully used the local sports centre, which even held our annual quiz night. Off the slopes, a highlight for many was visiting the local creperie – so much so that the owners remarked that the boys were their favourite group of the entire season!
We returned to Frognal thoroughly exhausted but having had a fantastic week, forming new friendships, making lasting memories, and leaving a superb impression on everyone we met.
— Contributions by A. Wilkes
Headmaster’s Lower School Award Bushcraft Trip to Kent
On the Entry Bushcraft Trip we learned survival skills that were both enjoyable and useful. On the first morning, we arrived at UCS, boarded the coaches, and began our journey to Kent. Our first game to earn bushcraft points was shelter building. The camp leader demonstrated how to make a shelter, and we competed for tribe points. We then played a game to get down a hill without being caught, using camo cream for camouflage. The following morning, we played more camo games, then prepared for trap-making, creating functional traps evaluated by the camp leader. In conclusion, it was a fun and beneficial trip, and I would definitely go again.
— Contributions by Oscar, Entry
Easter Escapade on the Opal Coast
At the beginning of the Easter holidays, Entry went on a trip to the Opal Coast in northern France. We met early in the morning and travelled by coach and ferry. On arrival, we were greeted with some delicious fresh doughnuts and started our first activity, a traditional game of pétanque (or boules). After a great afternoon, we enjoyed a crepe party followed by a movie and a football match.
The next day, we visited a snail farm. We learnt many interesting facts about escargots and were even allowed to let the snails slide around our faces! The farmer told us it was an expensive moisturiser, but I wasn’t so sure.
On our last day, we went to a chocolate factory. It was amazing to see the huge vats of creamy chocolate and the intricate method used to make small pieces of chocolate. Finally, we boarded the ferry, travelled back to UCS, and said au revoir to France.
— Contributions by Bartie, Entry
Remove Classics Trip to the British Museum
Thirty-two Classicists from Remove embarked on an enriching expedition to the British Museum, bravely navigating the throngs of tourists and an exceptionally warm day. Their visit culminated in a privileged, hour-long private tour of the awe-inspiring Parthenon Marbles, led by expert museum curators.
These magnificent sculptures, originally adorning the Parthenon in Athens, represent the pinnacle of classical Greek artistry. They depict mythological scenes and processions with unparalleled detail and dynamic realism. The ongoing repatriation debate between Greece and the UK underscores their immense cultural and historical significance. Nevertheless, for these students, the profound impact of encountering such iconic works of art first-hand, transcending centuries to connect with ancient Greek genius, was undeniably and immeasurably powerful.
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Contributions by X. Pollock
Entry Trip to Skern Lodge
Pupils frequently cite the Skern Lodge trip at the end of their Lower School careers as the highlight of their time with us. With four days of guaranteed Devon sunshine, endless activities on offer (surfing, rafting, climbing, abseiling, archery, tunnels, zip line, assault course and high ropes) and a great camaraderie from start to finish, it is easy to see why. This year proved no different, and it was fantastic to see the boys get on so well with each other for the entirety of our stay. There is a spirit about this year’s group that often impresses me. They supported each other when they found the activities challenging, and they celebrated the various successes in style. The group were short on sleep when we returned, but they were not short of memories, which they will keep for the rest of their lives.
— Contributions by E. Roberts
Trip Highlights
Pupils on the Lower Remove Physics
Trip witnessed breathtaking views, from the black sand beaches to the incredible waterfall of Skógafoss and much more!
Transitus Politics students enjoyed an insightful afternoon touring the Houses of Parliament.
Transitus Geography students travelled to the Lake District to study contemporary issues in northern Britain and hiked along Glenderaterra Beck off Blencathra Mountain.
The Transitus Biology trip to Juniper Hall was packed with hands-on learning, from woodland to river investigations. Highlights included finding tiny mammals, a fun campfire, and an exciting football match.
Art Felt – A Celebration of Imagination and Creativity
For a third year running, Year 5 pupils from Rhyl Primary in Camden wrote six original mini-plays after a series of workshops led by the UCS Drama Department’s Mr Danny Swanson, and this year featured new tales ranging from fierce rivalries between garden gnomes to a battle among cooking utensils!
Our Trinity Acting pupils from the Entry were tasked with bringing these plays to life, aided by Mrs Carys Bedford’s incredible costume design. Their hard work resulted in a showcase for the Rhyl community at the Lund Theatre, who were delighted to witness the plays they composed being brought to life.
— Contributions by M. Sammons
Matinee Primary School Performance
The Lund Theatre was packed with over 170 pupils and staff for the partnership schools’ matinee performance of Private Peaceful on Thursday 8 May. The production was of an exceptionally high standard, telling the story of 18-year-old Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he demonstrates courage and devotion to duty on what may be his last night on earth. The pupils from Kilburn Grange, New End Primary and Childs Hill Primary were engrossed throughout. Many thanks to Mr Taktak for directing this powerful and sensitively acted show. The audience feedback was positive, and the Lower School pupils were proud of the quality of their acting.
— Contributions by D. Swanson
Art Penpals – Connecting Creativity Across Schools Exhibition
This year’s Art Penpals project saw the UCS Lower School Art Club team up with pupils from Childs Hill and Claremont Primary Schools. Highlights included a nature walk through our UCS Sports Grounds, where students explored texture in the natural world, and culminated in two inspiring exhibitions – one at the UCS Senior School and another at Childs Hill –featuring artwork from over 100 participants. A joint assembly brought Year 2 pupils together to present their creations and even perform as trees, interpreting their art! The project continues to celebrate creativity, community, and connection – bridging schools through joyful collaborative experiences in art and nature.
— Contributions by M. Sammons
Minimus Afternoon: A Classic Collaboration!
In June, UCS welcomed 50 enthusiastic pupils from Richard Cobden Primary School for our annual ‘Minimus Afternoon’, celebrating Latin and classical history. Led by Mr Adrian McAra and a team of Transitus students, the event brought the ancient world to life. Freddy introduced pupils to Latin through engaging vocabulary and grammar activities, while
Edoardo and Aayan captivated audiences with a dynamic lesson on the origins of the Olympic Games. The afternoon sparked curiosity, laughter and a love for Classics, strengthening our partnership and inspiring young learners through the timeless stories and language of the ancient world.
— Contributions by B. Timpson
Old Gowers
The UCS Development & Community Engagement Office hosted a lively social networking event on Wednesday 11 June, bringing together nearly 280 attendees from across the UCS community. The gathering was designed to make connections between current Sixth Form students, recent graduates, established Old Gowers and current parents, creating a welcoming space for mentorship, inspiration and collaboration.
As guests shared stories and advice over refreshments, several noted the value of stepping out of their comfort zones. Overall, the occasion left participants feeling more confident and connected, with many expressing enthusiasm for future opportunities to engage with the UCS community.
We are also excited to launch a new component, UCS Networking, which is a series of events for current parents and Sixth Formers. Building on the success of our last two collaborating events, we will now stage three UCS Networking events each year. We invite organisations to partner with us in co-hosting these gatherings. By partnering with us, you will have direct access to UCS alumni and parents who are excelling in your particular industry. The event will take place at your office, allowing us to tailor the experience to meet your specific needs and preferences. This will be a great way to enhance your visibility with an engaged and talented community, cultivating connections that could lead to future engagement and recruitment. For more information, please contact Catherine Hyotte at 020-7433-2310 or catherine.hyotte@ucs.org.uk.
Finally, if you haven’t already done so, please join UCS Connect. The online platform offers alumni and parents a unique chance to stay connected with other members of the UCS community. UCS Connect also provides access to various resources, including networking opportunities, mentorship programmes and events. By participating, Old Gowers and parents can share their experiences, gain insights from others in their field, contribute to the growth and success of our community, and support themselves professionally.
— Contributions by C. Hyotte
Old Gowers
Private Peaceful
Michael Morpurgo’s epic World War One story Private Peaceful was brought to life on stage over two evenings in the Lund Theatre this May. The production featured a talented young cast of Entry and Shell pupils, who had been rehearsing since January. Their commitment and maturity shone through in their ambitious and emotionally powerful performances.
The play follows young soldier Tommo Peaceful as he reflects on his childhood and experiences in the trenches, leading up to the harrowing moment of his brother Charlie’s court martial
for refusing to abandon him. The cast handled this sensitive material with impressive depth and empathy.
The production featured imaginative staging to evoke both the Devon countryside and the grim reality of World War One and was directed with clarity and detail by Drama teacher Michael Taktak. Private Peaceful was a moving and memorable achievement for all involved, showcasing exceptional ensemble work and talent.
— Contributions by C. Abbott
Frankie Wins Best Supporting Actress at National School Theatre Awards
Sixth student Frankie has achieved remarkable success at the highly competitive National School Theatre Awards, securing the coveted title of Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. This prestigious award recognises her outstanding portrayal of the Witch in the school’s production of Into the Woods.
Frankie was presented with her prize during an illustrious ceremony held at the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Judges lauded her performance, noting the exceptional talent and professionalism she had brought to the role. This win is testament to her dedication and the hard work of the entire cast and crew of Into the Woods, which also
garnered nominations for Best Musical and Best Ensemble.
Reflecting on her accolade, Frankie shared, “I was thoroughly surprised; I was just happy to be there, so when they said my name, I panicked. Still, once I had gotten the trophy, it was a wonderful feeling.” She explained that acting has always been where she feels most comfortable and confident, adding that her experience in school theatre, particularly at UCS, has reignited her desire to pursue it professionally in the future.
— Contributions by S. Davis
Entry Performance Platform
The Entry Performance Platform saw 16 of the youngest UCS musicians make their Great Hall solo debuts. The standard was universally high, with noteworthy contributions from Leo and Frederick (violin), Sam (cello), Ka Wing (piano) and Jun Lau (saxophone). Michael impressed with his beautiful tone, as well as sheer stamina, in Haydn’s Oboe Concerto and Hugo (cello) brought the house down with a simply breathtaking rendition of RimskyKorsakov’s ‘Flight of the Bumblebee’. The evening demonstrated the exciting wealth of musical talent in this cohort and the promise of even greater things to come!
— Contributions by C.
Dawe
Remove Performance Platform
The concert featured performances of the highest quality across a variety of disciplines. On the violin Max contributed a stylish rendition of ‘Danse Espagnole’ by Granados, and Junyi echoed the Spanish theme with an atmospheric interpretation of Ravel’s ‘Pièce en Forme de Habanera’. There were distinguished woodwind contributions from Kaisei (flute) and Iain (clarinet), and Jonty (trumpet) demonstrated impeccable control in the Posthorn Solo from Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. Matteo drew majestic sounds from the Great Hall Steinway in Gershwin’s ‘I Got Rhythm’ and Milo (voice) delivered a scintillating rendition of Andra Day’s ‘Rise Up’.
— Contributions by C. Dawe
Summer Concert
The Summer Concert proved to be one of the most significant musical events at UCS in recent years, involving over 160 performers and 13 ensembles, ranging from flutes, guitars, clarinets, percussion and strings to the big-hitting combos of Big Band and Senior Jazz. All four UCS choirs participated: Scuola Cantorum, Top Voices, Altus and Barbershop. Despite the absence of two exam year groups, Symphony Orchestra and Concert Band provided a sonically spectacular second half. The evening was a tour de force of the strength-in-depth of UCS Music and the exciting talent bubbling up in the Lower and Middle School.
— Contributions by C.
Dawe
Summer Concert
Rock Concert
Summer Exhibition
The highly anticipated UCS Summer Exhibition was on display in the Senior School this past month, proudly showcasing the exceptional artistic achievements of this year’s A Level and GCSE Art students. The collection spans an impressive array of media. It offers a unique glimpse into the personal journeys and distinct perspectives each pupil has cultivated throughout their A Level and GCSE studies.
All students demonstrated command over a remarkably diverse range of media, from knitting to ceramics and welding, from
large-scale oil painting to digital drawing and screen printing. What we are most proud of, though, is the utterly distinct and individual visual language that every pupil has developed, making their work highly personal and clearly communicative of their engagement with the visual world.
The Summer A Level Art Exhibition serves as a vital platform for our young artists, celebrating their hard work and providing a fantastic opportunity for our school community and beyond to witness their admirable talents and hard work.
— Contributions by K. Allen
Summer Exhibition
Summer Exhibition
It’s been another action-packed term of cricket, with over 100 matches played across the Foundation. Several games came down to the final ball, particularly in the Lower School, which delivered exciting and closely contested finishes. The 1st XI had a slow start to the season, but they found their rhythm and
won their last three regular-season matches. This strong climax sets them up nicely for the upcoming Festival at George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, in July. Our standout team of the year are the Under-13B side, led by Henry, who remained unbeaten across all nine of their fixtures, an excellent achievement.
— Contributions by A. Van
Der Looy
This season marked a record number of tennis fixtures on the school calendar, showcasing a wide range of age groups participating in friendly matches and cup competitions. The campaign started with a closely contested and highly enjoyable game against the Old Gowers, setting an exciting tone for the months ahead. Our senior boys’ and girls’ teams both posted victories in their friendly fixture against Mill Hill, demonstrating great teamwork and skill.
The Under-13 squad delivered an impressive performance, winning four out of five matches in the Year 7 & 8 Schools Team
Tennis competition. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by the new Entry pupils are especially encouraging, promising a bright future for the sport at Frognal. Meanwhile, the U15 team continued to assert their dominance, comfortably topping their group in the equivalent competition. With the knockout rounds approaching, we have every confidence that this side will achieve significant success.
Overall, the future looks incredibly bright for tennis at UCS, and we eagerly anticipate more outstanding performances in the coming seasons.
— Contributions by O. Bienias
Chess
This June, our UCS chess team travelled to Nottingham to take part in not one, but two prestigious national competitions: the British Team Chess Challenge Final and the English Schools Championships Final. Having fought hard to qualify throughout the year, our players represented the school with exceptional commitment, focus and sportsmanship.
In the British Team Chess Challenge Final, a rapid-play tournament featuring 22 top school teams from across the country, UCS won three rounds, drew one and lost just one. With a total of 11.5 points, we secured an impressive sixth-place finish. Congratulations to Wilson’s School, who took the title, but our team’s strong and consistent play throughout was a real tournament highlight.
The English Schools Championships Final took place over two days and brought together 30 leading school teams. Our players once again rose to the occasion. We won three rounds, drew one and lost two, scoring seven points and finishing 11th overall. Notably, we ranked among the top five schools for much of the tournament and played with great determination. A huge congratulations to our team: Roman, George, Arjun, Thomas, George and Joseph. Each player demonstrated impressive resilience, strategic thinking and a real team spirit. These results reflect their individual talent and how well they supported and motivated one another throughout the competitions.
We look forward to building on this success next year – well done, team!
— Contributions by K. Nizharadze
Sports Days
Sports days are always enjoyable, eventful spectacles at the end of the Summer Term. At the Transitus Sports Day, pupils embraced the Olympic values, striving for excellence and, more importantly, embracing friendship and respect. It was great to see so many pupils stepping up to compete in numerous athletic events, especially in the girls’ competitions. Nasta and Ariane are two students who stood out, I’m sure there were more!
Over at the Middle School, the Deme Cricket competition produced some brilliant examples of how to play the shortened version of T20, with Flooks coming out as the eventual winners. However, they couldn’t quite hold on to first place at the Athletics, with Black Hawkins prevailing thanks to Nat, Ben and Swaraj all winning their track events, followed by David
and Max taking the high jump and shot put honours.
Meanwhile, at the Lower School Sports Day, we asked Shell pupil Alexander to share his thoughts on proceedings: “I particularly enjoyed catching people out at Super Smash Cricket, and was impressed that my goalkeeping skills had not been lost. After lunch, we were separated into our Houses and mixed in with Entry. I participated in the triple jump and the shuttle race, and thought these events were very well set up. The atmosphere was incredible, with many parents and ambitious students. Overall, it was one of my favourite sports days!”
— Contributions by E. Sawtell & Alexander, Shell
Driving to Success: Roshan’s Championship Win Propels Him to
Over the Easter holidays, Lower Remove pupil Roshan competed at, and won, the Middlesex English Schools Golf Association Championship at Under-16 level with a gross score of 81! His victory qualified him to represent Middlesex at the wider Regional Finals. We caught up with Roshan to ask him some questions about his time at the championship:
How long have you been playing golf?
I have been playing golf since I was five, but I really only started getting serious about the game in 2018.
What was a highlight for you when competing?
A highlight for me was the resilience I showed coming off a very disappointing hole on the 10th. I left myself, I’d say, three feet for a par after missing the birdie chance and missed the putt, which really annoyed me. It was such
a poor mistake on a hole where a par would have been so nice to get. It could have gone two ways after that. So in the next hole, I hit a perfect drive, which was a nice settler and then a three-wood lay-up to about 60 yards. So the bounce-back after the three-putt was great.
How did it feel to win? Are you looking forward to representing Middlesex at the regional finals?
It felt great to win, like it always will do. I hadn’t won an event in two years, and 2024 had been a very tough year for me. But to start the season like I have, it’s very positive and I’ve just got to keep going and improve the parts of my swing and game that need to be improved to help me get to the next level. I am definitely looking forward to representing Middlesex in the regional finals. It will be a great experience.
— Contributions by S. Davis & Roshan, Lower Remove
Alex’s Outstanding Swimming Achievements
Alex has truly distinguished himself in the world of competitive swimming, showcasing a talent that has led to a remarkable collection of medals. His dedication to the sport is evident in his rigorous training schedule, which has seen him commit approximately 15 hours per week to the pool over the past year.
This intensive preparation has yielded notable results. Alex qualified for and medalled at the Scottish National Swimming Championships in July 2024, a significant achievement in its own right. His journey to this national stage entailed an assured rise through the ranks, first competing at the Middlesex County Championships where he secured a silver
medal in the 50m backstroke and a bronze in the 100m backstroke. He then progressed to the London Regionals, earning another bronze for the 100m backstroke. At the Scottish Nationals, he added to his tally with a bronze medal in the 100m backstroke and a very close fourth place in the 200m back.
Alex’s stellar performances have also clinched qualification for two events at the GB Championships in Sheffield. He currently ranks an impressive 7th nationally for the 50m backstroke, 14th for 50m freestyle, and 15th for 100m backstroke, with his sights firmly set on the English or British Nationals.
— Contributions by S. Davis
As we celebrate the end of another year, we’re thrilled to recognize our outstanding pupils! This year’s awards list honors both academic excellence in specific subjects and exemplary behavior, reflecting the dedication and well-rounded contributions our students bring to school life.
Lower School
EBAN Form Prize
Omri Campbell
EBAN Form Prize
Buzz Cartwright
EBON Form Prize
Mateo Turner Borda
EBON Form Prize
Harry Cheung
EKEN Form Prize
Hugo Borrion
EKEN Form Prize
Yoshi Bai
EMCR Form Prize
Oscar Gothland
EMCR Form Prize
Aaron Villegas Predko
ESEA Form Prize
Elliott Gregori
ESEA Form Prize
Simon Lee
SBAN Form Prize
Saul Krieger
SBAN Form Prize
Alex Avigdori
SBON Form Prize
Shiv Daswani
SBON Form Prize
Saif Suleman
SKEN Form Prize
Levi Bejerano
SKEN Form Prize
Nathan Tran
SMCR Form Prize
William Lacey
SMCR Form Prize
Oliver Rennoldson
SSEA Form Prize
Yonatan Fais
SSEA Form Prize
Even Chaitowitz
Shell Art Prize
Reuben Pushpanathan
Shell Drama Prize
Max Tager
J.M. Rubens Literature Prize (Shell)
Adlan Mamayev
J M Rubens Literature Prize (Shell)
Sacha Livingstone
Lower School Reading Prize (Shell)
Ateeksh Mishra
Lower School Reading Prize (Shell)
Arnav Rajpal
Shell French Prize
Zach Siddiqi
Shell Geography Prize
Baer Bolton Smith
Shell History Prize
Freddie Harris
Shell Latin Prize
Seb Smith
Shell Latin Prize
Gabriel Levey
Futter Mathematics Prize (Shell)
Isaac Morrow
Futter Mathematics Prize (Shell)
John Ghobadian
Shell Music Prize
Blake Cameron
Lower School Science Prize (Shell)
Arya Entikabi
Lower School Science Prize (Shell)
William Storey
Shell Design Technology Prize
Timothy Kuendig
Shell Football Prize
Zach Norton
Shell Rugby Prize
Benny Jooste-Cernovsky
Shell Cricket Prize
Jojo Kramer
Shell Hockey Prize
Marcus Koffel
Prize for Community Action
Max Wald
Lower School Prize for Debating Mustafa Akhtar
Shell Leadership Award
Sam Chard
Entry House Prize (BAN)
Jake Sender
Entry House Prize (BON)
Arthur Grant
Entry House Prize (KEN)
Jannik van der Ligt
Entry House Prize (MCR)
Tom Donald
Entry House Prize (SEA) Will Samuel-Lajeunesse
Middle School
LBX Form Prize
Tom Hall
LBH Form Prize
Roshan Ayaru
LEV Form Prize
Louis Ledlin
LFL Form Prize
Mak Sathianathan
LOL Form Prize
Rudy Harris
LUN Form Prize
Adam Losinsky
Cyril Fenton Memorial Award (Lower Remove)
Sam Stone
RBX Form Prize
Dylan Winner
RBH Form Prize
Louis Hodes
REV Form Prize
Jack Howell
RFL Form Prize
Hunter Sadd
ROL Form Prize
Ayal Schwartz
RUN Form Prize
Sam Downs
The Remove Learning Values Prize
Julian Morin
Lower Remove Essay Cometition
Joshua Khong
Lower Remove Essay Cometition
Simon Ginn
Remove Art Prize
Ally Twaddle
Remove Classics Prize (Latin)
Jonty Dryer
Remove Classics Prize (Greek)
Charlie Howard
Remove Computer Science Prize
Ramsey Chatila
Remove Design Prize
Rian Borkakoty
Remove Drama Prize
Rumi Kamvari
Remove English Prizes
Avi Schliesser
Michael Hirschfield
Remove Geography Prize
Kyle Morawetz
Remove History Prize
Shaurya Swarup
Remove Mathematics Prizes
Nat Babich
Ian Handley
Remove Modern Languages Prizes
Barnaby Lester
Mati Potts
Remove Music Prize
Matteo Carriere
Remove Academic PE Prize
Harry Bayfield
Remove Science Prizes
Alexander Kleyner
Remove Science Prizes
Krischan Rajendra
Remove Science Prizes
Isaac Redi
Transitus
The Transitus Prize for Sport (Boys) Oliver Kramer
The Transitus Prize for Sport (Boys) Gulliver Lewis
The Transitus Prize for Sport (Girls) Mia Samuels
The Transitus Prize for Sport (Girls) Immy Ezro
The Transitus Prize for Co-Curricular Music Alex Haines
The Transitus Prize for Co-Curricular Drama
Eden Marks
The Prize for Entrepreneurship Louis Laporte
The Bacton Prize for Community Action Adam Faidi
The Transitus Harvard Book Prize Amy Prins
Transitus Prize for all-round contribution
Carlo von der Tann
Transitus Prize for all-round contribution Alassane Doumbouya
Transitus Prize for all-round contribution Freddy Beard
Transitus Prize for all-round contribution Amber Ross
Transitus Prize for all-round contribution Sophia Lee-Benson
The Welford Prize for Art Saya Kalantarian
The Transitus Biology Prize Jehaan Shah
The Transitus Chemistry Prize Milo Burns
The Transitus Classics Prize (Latin) Edoardo Saxby
The Transitus Classics Prize (Greek) Lucas Samonas
The Transitus Computer Science Prize Guy Levy
The Transitus Design Technology Prize
Sam Goodridge
The Transitus Academic Drama Prize Akbar Sen
The Transitus Economics Prize Benjamin Kotok Nicholls
The Transitus English Prize William Brady
The Transitus French Prize Saria Al Halabi
The Transitus Geography Prize Lydia Carruthers
The Transitus German Prize Emilio Fuereder
The Transitus History Prize Hadrien Diefenbacher
The Transitus History of Art Prize Eli Newman
The Transitus Italian Prize Florian Golser
The Transitus Mandarin Prize Cosmo Gould
The Transitus Maths Prizes Jonathan Pittalis Daniel McAndrew
The Transitus Further Maths Prize George Clarkson
The Transitus Physics Prize Oscar Price
The Transitus Philosophy Prize William Travis
The Transitus Politics Prize Zirui Peng
The Transitus Psychology Prize Anqi Chen
The Transitus Spanish Prize Charlie Rollo