The Frognal

Celebrating the events and achievements of the Summer Term at UCS Senior School.

Welcome To The Summer Term Edition of The Frognal

From an uninformed position, the Summer Term could be viewed as being the Exam Term, where the priority is all about smashing those internal assessments and, certainly for the Sixth and Upper Remove, knocking A Levels and GCSEs out of the park.

Certainly, testing academic attainment internally and accrediting standards through external public examination is crucial. Accordingly, I hope that our pupils feel they have demonstrated suitable progress this term and indeed over the course of the year, and that this year’s Sixth and Upper Remove do themselves proud on Results Day. But if said uninformed person were to have seen the pile of Certificates of Excellence that landed on my desk for signing earlier this month, then they might have thought again. Because there were 483 of them.

Now to be fair, around half were for academic-related activity, but very much for work beyond the formal syllabus. Biology Olympiad, Chemistry Breakfast and Physics Challenge. Bocca magazine or Psychology magazine. UCS and South Hampstead Entrepreneurial Challenge. Linguistics and English Essay Prizes. Computer Club, Computer Science Breakfast and Computer Science Club. So plenty of academic enrichment going on and, of course including the Remove Enrichment Programme and the Transitus Symposium.

Beyond academics, the term was filled with sporting triumphs. Tennis, Table Tennis, and Cricket stars were celebrated, while our Chess team’s National Final third place deserves a special mention! House and Deme Sports Days added a thrilling layer of friendly competition.

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The cultural scene flourished too. Echoes of the “Monsters of Rock Concert” lingered as the String Orchestra opened the Summer Concert with a Muppet Show twist. The Lower School sparkled with award-winning House Dance & Drama productions, and the magical “James and the Giant Peach” play, complete with a heartwarming matinee for local primary schools, solidified our commitment to the community.

Indeed, I have been taken this term by the - perhaps slightly unsung - partnership and community work lurking just out of the limelight. For example, The Languages Immersion Day saw Transitus pupils igniting a passion for Mandarin, French,

German and Italian in Year 6 pupils from local primaries. Yet more such pupils were treated to An Afternoon of Ancient Adventure with our Transitus Classicists. Perhaps the most gratifying collaboration was “Art Felt,” where Year 5 pupils from Rhyl Primary wrote six mini-plays, brimming with creativity, that our Year 7 students then brilliantly interpreted and performed in the Lund Theatre

As usual, all this busyness - and so much more - is recorded for posterity in this latest issue of the Frognal, in which I hope you will enjoy the words and pictures describing our young charges in action.

— Mark J. Beard, Headmaster

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Lower School Highlights

The summer term is my favourite at UCS. The sun wasn’t often out but the Lower School Play ensured spirits were high. This year’s production was James and the Giant Peach and it was truly entertaining. The tight-knit cast ensured the audience was hooked from the first moment and the performers left the stage to a standing ovation. In the classroom, pupils have worked with commitment and the inaugural entrepreneurial challenge event for the Entry was a roaring success. Pupils from UCS and South Hampstead High School combined to launch a range of gyms, snacks and healthy drinks to a group of judges and we were impressed by the ideas and by the collaborative approach of the pupils. Shell pupils also completed their

end-of-year assessments and the results were impressive – a testimony to the diligence and determination of the pupils’ preparation.

Our cricketing sides have produced strong performances against Latymer Upper (Under-13) and Highgate (Under-12) and at the time of writing, we await the result of the London semi-final in the Under-12 category. At the start of May, twenty-five Shell pupils embarked on the final Bushcraft trip of the year. Pupils revelled in the opportunity to make fires, build shelters and cook over open fires. The electrical storm certainly added to the trip and it has taken the staff almost two months to recover from having such little sleep! Entry pupils can take part in this trip in September.

In June, we rewarded pupils who have completed the Young Leader’s Award, the Headmaster’s Lower School Award and/ or the Lower School Diploma with a trip to Thorpe Park led by Mr Beard. The pupils loved spending the day with each other and riding various rollercoasters with the Headmaster.

The year concluded with a fabulous Personal Development Week. The Entry headed to Skern Lodge and the Shell travelled to Belgium. Both year groups had a fantastic time – it was a fitting end to an action-packed year.

— Contributions by E. Roberts

UCS and South Hampstead High School collaboration in entrepreneurial challenge

An action packed summer cricket season Entry pupil Saul ignited the crowd at the Rock Concert

Middle School Highlights

At the time of writing, some in the Upper Remove have completed their GCSEs already and we have said a formal goodbye to all as they embark on their journeys into the Sixth Form. They are in good shape, ready to move on and we remember a really positive year group who have set a fine example to younger boys in Middle School.

The Lower Remove and Remove have just completed Sports Day: blessed with good weather and some top competition it was a great event. The Athletics in the afternoon saw runners, throwers and jumpers doing their stuff before the tugo-war which always tops the event off in fine style. Earlier in the day I was really impressed with the standard of cricket

and tennis and the good spirit melded well with real commitment. There is a real affinity to Deme. Academically, these two-year groups have had their end-ofyear assessments and the opportunity to go through things with both their subject teacher and pastoral staff. These conversations reveal boys increasingly taking responsibility for their learning and listening to as well as acting on advice.

Personal Development Week gives them the opportunity to explore further outside of the classroom; there is a wide array of activities which the boys should greatly enjoy. Additionally, the Remove have had their Sixth Form Experience Day. They have had taster lessons in subjects they may be considering for A Level. Also, they

have heard about life in the Sixth Form, considered the world of careers as well as looking at the opportunities offered by Oxbridge and other top universities. Hopefully, this experience will help to sharpen ambition and get many thinking about how they use their holiday time; they have been encouraged to research and read more for pleasure but also as a support for their future aspirations: reading makes one interesting and clever.

We should all look forward to September and the new challenges that a fresh academic year brings. The Remove become the senior group and will focus on their GCSEs but also hopefully keep a wellbalanced life that allows them to contribute beyond the classroom too. Remove begin their GCSE courses properly and feel well placed for this. I wish all families a lovely summer and look forward to working with them once more.

— Contributions by S. FitzGerald

Over 120 performers participate in the Summer Concert

Competitive spirit on display at Middle School Sports Day

Personal development week enjoyed by all

Sixth Form Highlights

This term has been one of fundamental change and shift, as we come to the end of the year. With our top year group sitting their final exams and leaving UCS once and for all, and our Transitus stepping up into the esteemed shoes of their older peers, it has been profound for all. The Sixth departed for study leave after a happy final day of school, filled with shirt signing, prizes, farewells, and a final rendition of Paulatim.

They have since forged their way through A Level exams. With the Transitus the only year group remaining in the Sixth Form Centre, it has been both quieter and emptier. But with this shift comes a change in focus, and as the younger cohort takes

up their new roles of responsibility, so too does their attention turn more firmly to the next phase of their education. The distant prospect of university comes into view, and the term is dominated by the discussions and research needed to make these big life decisions.

Following their end-of-year exams, the Transitus students have turned their attention to admissions tests, personal statements, and research skills. Indeed, as part of this, the Summer term also hosts the Academic Symposium. Transitus pupils gave presentations to small groups of peers on a topic of their choice and impressed the supervising teachers with the range and depth of their knowledge.

Beyond the academics, students from Transitus and Sixth have been as involved as ever with the co-curricular life of the school; playing in concerts, preparing for the Edinburgh Fringe, leading Crochet Club and Fem Soc, and so much more.

Our departing Sixth Form enjoy their final day

So for all the students in Sixth Form, endings have been synonymous with beginnings. For all our students, I hope the end of this term has been a marvellous one, and the summer holds a well-earned rest.

— Contributions by R. Baxter

Junior Guildhall Voice Prize 2024 winner Tyler performs at Transitus Prize Giving

Transitus pupils participate in Academic Symposium

Last Chapter, First Dance: A Sixth Form Farewell

As the academic year came to a close, the final week kicked off with a cherished tradition for the graduating Sixth Form students: the much-anticipated prom. This event, led by Talia Grossbard, Lara Sforza, and the Leavers Committee, was the first of many designed to celebrate and bid farewell to the Class of 2024. The students took charge of every detail, from the venue and food to the decor and hiring a DJ. A pre-prom gathering at school offered teachers and mentors a chance to say their goodbyes before the main event. The Refectory was transformed into a lively party space where students mingled for an hour before heading to the main event.

This pre-prom event set the stage for a week of heartfelt farewells, culminating in the highly anticipated Graduation. On the

penultimate day of the academic year, parents, staff, and students gathered in the Great Hall to honour the departing Sixth Formers. This ceremony marked the conclusion of their extensive farewell journey, which included the last lessons, reports, assemblies, and numerous nostalgic moments. Prizewinners were recognized for their outstanding achievements, and each student received a special memento, Zadie Smith’s “Feel Free,” symbolising their time at UCS.

As the ceremony ended, attendees gathered for a reception where staff, students, and parents exchanged final farewells, marking the end of this significant chapter in their lives.

— Contributions R. Baxter

Last Chapter, First Dance: A Sixth Form Farewell

The next generation of Deme Captains and Monitors

At the beginning of May, Thalia Kermisch and Oskar Gershfieldour outgoing Captains of Monitors - stood in front of the school and delivered their outgoing assembly of the year. Their message was one of legacy and learnings, and what they will remember of the school that they have given so much to over the years. As we bid farewell to our Sixth, the Transitus begin to step up into the key positions of responsibility. Nearly half the year group applied for either a position on the Monitor Team, or to become a Deme Captain. After

a lengthy and competitive process of application and interview, the Monitor Team was chosen, and the new Captains introduced themselves to the school.

The Deme Captains have also taken up their positions, at the helm of their Demes, ready for the new year ahead. Brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, I hope all our new student leaders will find their time in office fulfilling and rewarding! We’re excited to see what they can do.

— Contributions by R. Baxter

The next generation of Deme Captains and Monitors

Prize Givings

During the final weeks of term, it has become a tradition that prize-giving assemblies are held to celebrate the achievements, co-curricular and academic, for pupils in every year of the school. This year was no exception! It was a delight to share in the pupils’ sense of achievement and celebrate their successes together as a school.

Given the range and number of prizes awarded, it would be impossible to name every pupil who was awarded a prize but some honourable mentions follow.

The Shell Awards Evening, filled with music and inspiring speeches, recognised Lower School and Headmaster’s Award winners. Sports stars like Freddie Littner (Football) and Ishaan Sakhrani (Cricket) were celebrated too. Particularly impressive were the five Entry pupils – Saul Krieger, Mustafa Akhtar, Yonni Desau, Rafa Bayfield, and Toby Latner – who earned Entry House Prizes for their dedication in their very first year!

Lower Remove and Remove pupils received their prizes during the Middle School assembly, while Upper Remove celebrated theirs before their GCSE exams. The prestigious Paulatim Prizes, awarded by the Head of Middle School and Deme Wardens, went to Charlie Rollo (Baxters), Freddy Beard (Black Hawkins), Ben Kotok Nicholls (Evans), Alex Haines (Flooks), Alex Outred (Olders), and Luka Moriarty (Underwoods) for their exceptional contributions to school life.

Along with the Form Prizes in Lower Remove and Remove form groups, many academic prizes went to members of Remove who have demonstrated academic excellence in their various GCSE subjects.

Five pupils received the Transitus Prize for all-round contribution to the school and these pupils were Jacob Gold, Freddy Salem, Eliza Ascott, Maya Patel and Samuel Wang. Other prizes that sit outside of academia are the Prize for Entrepreneurship won by Emily Ang, the Bacton Prize for Community Action picked up by Joseph Kouyoumjian and the Transitus Harvard Book Prize which was collected by Matt Goldberg.

We wish every pupil who won a prize the most heartfelt of congratulations. It is quite an achievement to be recognised among such talented and bright pupils who each give so much to the school community. A full list of prize awards can be found at the end of The Frognal.

— Contributions by S.Bennett

Inside Frognal

On Thursday 13th June, the Inside Frognal event held in the Great Hall saw Assistant Heads Edd Roberts and Jessica Lewis, alongside Head of PSHE Darius Bluck, illuminate the school’s multifaceted approach to student development and well-being. Jess Lewis opened by underlining the inseparable link between well-being and UCS’s core mission. Edd Roberts then delved into Character Education, revealing a vision that goes beyond building resilience. He described an approach that fosters intellectual curiosity, ethical grounding, responsible citizenship, and a drive for excellence, seamlessly woven into everyday school life.

Darius Bluck, Head of PSHE, showcased the curriculum’s engaging “spiral structure.” This ensures crucial topics like online safety, physical & mental health, and inclusivity are revisited and deepened throughout a student’s journey. He emphasized the advantage of small class sizes and a collaborative approach, actively

seeking parental input to keep the curriculum relevant and impactful.

Finally, Jess revisited the whole-school approach to well-being. Informed by leading authorities, it prioritizes fostering resilience, self-awareness, and a healthy balance of physical and emotional well-being. She underscored the importance of positive relationships, early identification of potential needs, destigmatizing mental health challenges, and student voices shaping school practices.

Overall, the talks underscored UCS’s commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving environment for all students. Questions from parents ranged from topics such as mobile phone and device usage to how much teenagers should sleep, with much in between. The topic of well-being will be revisited in the second Inside Frognal of the next academic year.

— Contributions by J. Lewis

Lower School Awards Evening

On 19th June, the Shell year group, their parents, and their form tutors gathered in the Great Hall for the annual Lower School Awards Evening.

The event was opened by the impressive Shell Rock Band who played Nirvana’s “Lithium”. It was a fine start and the comperes without compare, Tom Hall and Alex Maigler, directed proceedings with aplomb.

Sam Morris and Rayan Ali Khan reflected on their time spent in the classroom throughout Entry and Shell, while Roshan Ayaru and Aarav Aswani recounted their forays into the diverse co-curricular offerings over the past two years. Thespian talents were on display as Sam Stone and Lucas Jackson breathed life into a scene from “Blood Brothers,” while Joshua Khong enthralled the audience with a captivating piano performance of ABBA’s “Dancing

Queen”. Aaron Tuvey and Ethan Shochat charted their commendable progress through the Headmaster’s Lower School Award, the Lower School Diploma and the Young Leader’s Award. Headmaster, Mr Beard, then gave out prizes to the Shell pupils. The evening concluded with the House Prizes – ten newly established accolades recognizing outstanding academic progress this year, as well as the embodiment of the School’s Life Values and Learning Values throughout the pupils’ tenure at UCS.

Mr FitzGerald concluded proceedings by welcoming the pupils to the Middle School.

It was a fine way for pupils to graduate from the Lower School and we are excited to see them grow further in the Middle School.

— Contributions by E. Roberts

Young Leaders Award

The Young Leaders Award (YLA) is a nationally-recognised leadership and character education programme that runs in schools across the UK. The programme exists to empower a generation of young people to transform society for the better and “be the change they want to see”.

It consists of weekly lessons which build up to a practical “leadership challenge”. This YLA cohort are putting the finishing touches to their first leadership challenge; designing and creating an induction activity for the incoming Entry pupils. I look forward to seeing how this event unfolds in September!

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Contributions by

M. Reiderman

Young Enterprise team wins Digital Skills Award

Innovation and perseverance were on display on Thursday, May 9th, as the second round of the Careers Young Enterprise Competition. The Young Enterprise team showcased their 3D-printed fidget toys at the prestigious Samsung KX in King’s Cross, facing off against eight other top London teams. Our team impressed the judges with their creativity and dedication, securing the coveted Digital Skills Award!

While they may not have progressed to the next stage, the team’s unwavering commitment throughout the year shone brightly. Their presentation, delivered with poise and confidence in front of a 100-person audience, captivated the panel, which included leading figures from Samsung and

Amazon. The subsequent interview provided a platform for the team to delve deeper into their concept, further demonstrating their exceptional work ethic and innovative spirit.

This recognition by industry leaders is a testament to the tremendous growth and valuable skills the UCS Young Enterprise team has cultivated. The experience has undoubtedly been a rewarding journey, fostering a passion for entrepreneurship and equipping them with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape.

Congratulations to Alexander Shuckburgh, Emily Ang and Felix Levene on this well-deserved achievement!

— Contributions by S. Davis

Tomorrow’s Trailblazers

This term, we proudly launched Tomorrow’s Trailblazers — an ambitious fundraising and celebration campaign aimed at expanding and enhancing our school. Our mission is to build a brighter future for more young people by expanding the number of available bursary places, improving mental health and wellbeing with a new Wellbeing Centre and Lower School Hub, and upgrading our performance spaces with state-of-the-art drama and music facilities, including a new auditorium.

We are thrilled with the positive reception the campaign has already received. From the jam-packed launch event in the Lund Gallery and Theatre to the inspiring stories shared by pupil ambassadors about their experiences in art, music, and as bursary award holders, the commitment and passion for this exciting new phase at UCS is palpable.

Next year, we will offer numerous opportunities for pupils, parents, Old Gowers, and community members to get involved with the campaign and contribute to UCS’s future. Your support is crucial in making these visions a reality and we are working hard to ensure everyone has the opportunity to get involved. Together, we can create a diverse, inclusive, and inspiring environment for our pupils, now and in the years to come.

Watch our Tomorrow’s Trailblazers video to learn more about this exciting campaign.

To learn more or to donate, visit ucs.org.uk/support-us or contact our Development Team at development@ucs.org.uk.

Thank you for helping us create a future without limits for our young trailblazers.

— Contributions by E. Sorohan

UCS South Hampstead High School

Entrepreneurial Challenge

The classrooms of UCS and South Hampstead High School (SHHS) were transformed into boardrooms on Thursday, May 16th, as students from both schools came together for the inaugural UCS-SHHS Entrepreneur Challenge. This exciting event saw young minds tackling the challenge of creating a business focused on promoting well-being.

The day kicked off simultaneously at both schools with a key speaker, at UCS we had the delight of welcoming back Levi Levenfiche, a UCS Old Gower and co-founder of Perfect Ted, inspiring students with his entrepreneurial journey on Dragons’ Den. Following Levi’s talk, students were thrown into a whirlwind of brainstorming, design, branding, and marketing, all within a tight 90-minute timeframe.

Uniquely, students were paired across

schools, fostering collaboration and teamwork. This innovative approach reflects the event’s core concept: equipping students with the skills to thrive in a diverse workplace. By working alongside unfamiliar peers, students honed their communication skills and ability to adapt to different working styles.

The fast-paced challenge pushed students to think creatively and develop essential business skills like resilience and problemsolving. The emphasis wasn’t solely on groundbreaking ideas; Levi’s experience highlighted that success can be achieved through dedication and perseverance. This landmark event marks a successful collaboration between UCS and SHHS, equipping students with the tools and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving world of business.

— Contributions by E. Roberts

UCS-SHHS Entrepreneurial Challenge

This landmark event marks a successful collaboration between UCS and SHHS

Young visiting pupils enjoy magical performance

The Lund Theatre was packed, with over 200 young pupils enjoying a magical partnership matinee performance of the Lower School production ‘James and The Giant Peach’ on Thursday 2nd May. This classic Roald Dahl story was told with wit and invention and had a superb set and costumes to bring it colourfully to life. The pupils from Argyle School, Kilburn Grange, New End Primary

and Child’s Hill Primary were enrapt throughout. They even got a chance to meet the cast after the show!

Many thanks to Ms Barclay for her fantastic show, the talented cast of Entry and Shell pupils and of course all the pupils and staff from the four local schools who created such a special atmosphere.

— Contributions by D. Swanson

An Afternoon of Ancient Adventures

Six Classics Transitus students recently took a leap from the classroom to the front of the class, leading an engaging outreach event for year five pupils at New End Primary in Hampstead. Working in pairs, these young teachers transformed an afternoon into an exciting “Introduction to the Ancient World.” Their curriculum included fascinating topics like deciphering the secrets of Latin, exploring the rise of the Roman

Empire, and even unlocking the mysteries of ancient Greek writing! Feedback from the New End pupils was overwhelmingly positive, praising their enthusiastic and informative lessons. A huge well done to Joseph Hayes, Roman Lorello, Joseph Sinker, Liliana Benoliel, Finn Kjaergaard, and Joseph Koujoumijian for sharing their passion for the Classics and inspiring the next generation!

— Contributions by A. McAra

Art Felt

Year 5 pupils from Rhyl Primary School in Camden recently showcased their creativity and talent by writing six new mini-plays, which received their premiere in the Lund Theatre. The brave and talented actors, including Max Tager, Alfredo Fragomeni, Baer Bolton Smith, Alex Groell, Leo San, and Lincoln Mahon-Barker, brought to life plays such as ‘The Annoying Trash Argument’, ‘The Battle of Door and Doorstopper’, and ‘Twisting and Turning Sports Day’. The young playwrights eagerly watched from the audience as their scripts unfolded on stage, with a running time of approximately 30 minutes.

— Contributions by D. Swanson

Language immersion day

Deme Dance: Olders Take A Bow!

Our languages department hosted a group of Year 6 pupils from Rosary Primary School in Camden for our annual Language Immersion Day. Rosary pupils got to grips with the basics of Mandarin, Italian, German and French, as well as exploring the culture and traditions of these countries. All lessons were delivered by our Transitus linguists, who exhibited great enthusiasm, subject knowledge and didactic skill in sharing their passion for the languages they study.

This was a fantastic opportunity for Rosary pupils to gain an insight into a range of languages that they do not currently learn. The event also helped UCS pupils develop their communication and interpersonal skills, as well as gain some valuable teaching and mentoring experience.

— Contributions by B. Timpson

All lessons were delivered by our Transitus linguists, who exhibited great enthusiasm, subject knowledge and didactic skill in sharing their passion for the languages they study.

Remove Enrichment

Middle School Academic Enrichment offered Remove pupils a range of exciting courses that aimed to extend their knowledge beyond the GCSE syllabus and offer an insight into A-level choices. It was an opportunity for them to develop academic research skills and learning habits more generally. The programme consisted of 5 lessons that took place on Thursday afternoons. Many of the courses on offer were interdisciplinary, such as “The Human Mind” (a collaboration between the Biology and Psychology departments) and “Are Our Decisions Rational?” (Economics & Philosophy).

Over 50% of Remove pupils thought that the programme helped guide their thoughts on A-level subject choices. Here are some further thoughts from Remove Pupils regarding Middle School Academic Enrichment:

— Contributions by M. Reiderman

“It taught me things that went beyond the GCSE course in astrophysics which I found very fascinating.”

“I liked learning a new subject that isn’t available as a GCSE”

Remove pupils

Lower Remove Does Apprentice

Lower Remove Upcycling Workshop

D&T has been collecting the pallets that the school’s food comes in on for months, so the pupils could design and make products from this waste material as part of an upcycling workshop. The brief was to design and make a product to enhance the UCS playground. Pupils worked in teams and tirelessly fabricated the most extraordinary range of artefacts. From sunbeds to corner flags, and everything in between, the Lower Remove had a great day in the workshop.

— Contributions by H. Franks

Thursday saw the Lower Remove take part in our own take on the Apprentice, pitching for pride rather than investments! The pupils were given the day to come up with a wellbeing/healthy product or business idea and pitch it to our expert panel. Sage business and entrepreneurial guidance was given by Sarah Lynn, herself a former winner of the Apprentice proper, joined by the one and only Claude Littner to cast a discerning eye over the finalists, selecting Signature Soles as the strongest business.

— Contributions by M. Baron

Beyond Words: Entry Pupils Tackle

Racism Head-On

Building on our school’s core value of fostering socially responsible individuals, our Entry pupils recently participated in an impactful Anti-Racism workshop delivered by the Every Future Foundation.

The workshop aimed to equip the boys with the knowledge and skills to identify and challenge racism in all its forms. Through interactive activities and thought-provoking discussions, the session explored the often subtle ways racism manifests, from personal interactions to ingrained societal structures. Pupils actively analyzed how words and actions can unintentionally hurt or exclude others, fostering a spirit of empathy and understanding.

The workshop reached its climax with the “Pyramid of Discrimination” activity. Here, the boys categorized different racist

behaviours, gaining a clear framework for identifying prejudice. To leave a lasting impact, the session concluded with a future-focused task: creating individual Anti-Racist Action Plans. These action plans will be reviewed in tutor groups, allowing pupils to solidify their commitment to building a more inclusive community.

This engaging workshop proved invaluable for our Entry pupils. They not only broadened their understanding of racism but also gained practical tools to combat it in their daily lives. The Every Future Foundation deserves our recognition for its dedication to empowering young minds to become agents of positive change. We look forward to seeing our Entry pupils implement their action plans and make a real difference in the world around them.

— Contributions by J. Lewis

Entry & Shell UKLO

Transitus Academic Symposium

The Transitus Academic Symposium took place in mid-June but was an event weeks in the making. Leading up to the Symposium pupils are grouped by subject and engage in independent, interdisciplinary research to present on a topic of their choosing in front of peers.

— Contributions by M. Reiderman

Seventy-two Entry and Shell pupils participated in the UKLO Linguistics Olympiad; a language-analysis competition for school children which creates linguistics puzzles and encourages a lifelong interest in the world’s languages. The skills learnt by pupils are beneficial in promoting focused decision-making and fast problem-solving.

— Contributions by C. Rancon

Transitus Physics Trip to the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy

The Transitus Physics cohort began their trip with a tour around the Joint European Torus, the UK’s nuclear fusion experimental reactor. There were many purposes for the trip; to experience a large physics research experiment, to address parts of their exam specification, to see where their subject choices could take them, and to satisfy or generate some curiosity! Scientists and engineers working on the project showed pupils around the site, they answered questions and described their roles while taking a close-up look at the reactor, control rooms and the operating equipment for the experiment.

Ori Pickford writes “It was really interesting to see the collaborative efforts of all the scientists, data analysts, mechanical engineers, computer engineers and all the work that goes into a project like this. It made me appreciate how expensive research like this must be, and the security levels associated with nuclear research were also a surprise at first! Overall it was a really positive experience, which opened my eyes to the level of technology we have in physics research, what we might achieve and where we might be in a few years.”

— Contributions by R. Wood

Remove Classics Trip to the British Museum

Remove pupils studying Latin and Greek went to the British Museum to view the highly-acclaimed ‘Legion’ exhibition about Life in the Roman Army. In a busy morning pupils also had time to view the Elgin Marbles and the galleries on ancient Mesopotamia frequently referenced in Herodotus.

Pupils were thrilled at how the exhibition deepened their understanding of the life of a Roman soldier and how military equipment, training and tactics enabled the army to become such a formidable fighting force. Matteo said ‘I thought the exhibition was great! I didn’t realise how tough conditions in a Roman army camp were; I was also interested in the varied lives of the soldiers after military service.

—

Contributions by A. McAra

‘I especially liked the interactive elements such as putting on a Roman helmet and lifting the weight of a soldier’s rucksack to understand how much each soldier had to carry on the campaign.’ Michael, Remove

Lower School Bushcraft Survival Skills Trip

Lower School pupils ventured southeast to Penshurst Place in Kent for the anticipated Bushcraft survival skills trip. The getaway offered exciting activities like firemaking, wild cooking, trap making, shelter building, and wood carving. The stunning location of Penshurst Place created the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures, with its pristine woodland and fields of bluebells.

Staff were impressed with the professional and fun instructors from The Bushcraft Company. Pupils embraced the opportunity to develop new skills and work with their year group.

The success of the trip is evident with positive feedback and gained skills, providing ample material for the adventure section of the Headmaster’s Lower School Award.

— Contributions by M. Reiderman

The pupils showed impressive teamwork and resilience while learning new skills, and mastering the art of fire-making and trap-making.

Trip to the Lake District

Over the May half-term, Transitus Geographers travelled north to the Lake District to study contemporary issues in rural Britain, such as second home ownership and large-scale flood events. We took an early train from Euston and arrived in Ambleside for lunch, where

I was delighted to find a Greggs! Our first geography session was a talk at the LDNPA HQ in Brockhole, Windermere, about the area’s challenges, including declining permanent residency due to Londoners moving in, inflating house prices, and causing community loss and service closures.

The next day, we walked along Glenderaterra Beck on Blencathra mountain, from its source to its confluence with the River Greta, which flows into Keswick. We investigated triggers of the

2015 flood events and explored why the landscape is hilly with few trees due to human and physical factors. Despite the unseasonal weather, the ice cream van brightened things up!

On the third day, we examined the impact of 30% of homes being holiday lets or second homes in Threlkeld. After a quick lunch, we visited Keswick to study flood defences and learned about the cricket pitch purposely flooded to manage river volume. Recent floods underscored the need for improved defences.

Overall, this trip significantly enhanced my geographical knowledge and awareness of the current issues posed in rural areas.

— Contributions by Felix, Transitus

Trip to Antibes

As a small group, we embarked on a five-day trip to Antibes, France to delve deeper into the profound details of French culture and language. Initially, I never tried a school trip to a foreign country, thus my expectations were modest; however, I swiftly immersed myself.

Firstly, we were dedicated to language school at CIA-France, where many other schools were from different countries. Their curriculum was very advanced and had an absolute zero English rule which helped challenge us and eventually, we each grew a little more confident. After this, we would do an

activity as a class, ranging from Go Ape to going to Nice to Monaco.

Personally, my favourite was Monaco; where I saw the F1 racetrack, the MonteCarlo Casino and a 1 of 10 Bugatti Centodieci. Not to forget, the train journey back was like a frenetic black Friday in America. In the evenings we would eat dinners at our host families. For me I was with two other friends, our host family was very kind and explained how she immigrated from Italy. Overall the trip was phenomenal, everything from the guide to the exquisite cuisine.

— Contributions by Arthur, Remove

Lower Remove STEM Trip to Iceland

Our recent trip to Iceland provided our Lower Remove pupils a great opportunity to make links between their studies in the sciences and geography while seeing how key ideas come together through engineering to support living in the colder and harsher climes further north. From flying over the erupting volcano at Grindavik and visiting the Hellsheidi geothermal plant to hiking into a crater lake and walking through the Thingvellir rift valley, Iceland’s fascinating tectonic activity was at the fore from the start of the trip to the end. We also had an excellent chance to tour Reykjavik and visit several of Iceland’s beautiful waterfalls.

— Contributions by M. Edwards

whilst we got drenched at Gullfoss and Skogafoss, a great time was had by all!

Deme Dance: Olders Take A Bow!

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

With around 300 pupils participating each year, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is a cornerstone of our co-curricular program, building resilience, fostering adventure, and honing valuable life skills. Whether volunteering in the community, polishing a musical instrument, or perfecting their football skills, students dedicate themselves consistently, as evidenced by the glowing assessor reports and regular evidence submissions.

In the past nine months, our pupils successfully completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which included an exhilarating Bronze Expedition. Pupils delved into the practicalities of

overnight camping, gaining valuable skills in planning, navigation, and teamwork. From mastering the art of safely using a Trangia stove to expertly pitching tents, they emerged with a newfound confidence in their ability to handle outdoor challenges. Beyond the technical skills, the expedition fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. Working together to overcome obstacles; navigating through Salcey Forest not only solidified existing friendships but also created new bonds. The shared sense of accomplishment at the expedition’s end was a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration.

—

Contributions by C.

Moore

Summer Exhibition

This year’s A-level Summer Art Exhibition burst with creative energy, showcasing the talents of an all-female cohort. The young artists delved into themes of identity, materiality, and relationships.

Ceramic sculptures by Mimi Farrington and Ottillie Whiteman pushed the boundaries of clay, exploring its potential and limitations. Mia Oppenheimer’s soft sculptures, figurative versions of her parents, evoked a sense of familiarity and hinted at the subconscious dynamics of family bonds.

The exhibition also embraced a return to large-scale painting. Isa Nouril created

captivating layered collages on canvas, Lana Wong’s landscapes evoked a sense of moody contemplation, and Masha Abdulakh offered a glimpse into hidden worlds through her window-themed pieces.

The private view was a resounding success, with parents and friends filling the gallery in a celebratory atmosphere. This exhibition is a powerful testament to the artistic vision of these emerging female talents and we wish them well with their creative endeavours as they leave UCS and begin the next chapter of their education.

— Contributions by V. Trinder

Summer Exhibition

Plum’s theme is currently connected with underwater and natural forms

Lana’s landscapes evoked a sense of moody contemplation

Mimi and Ottillie pushed the boundaries of clay, exploring its potential and limitations

Masha offered a glimpse into hidden worlds through her window-themed pieces

‘The

word Serenity’s connotations of peace, reflectiveness and a state of calm are what the light aims to achieve for a viewer looking up at it.’ Anna, Sixth Form D&T A Level pupil

Summer Exhibition

This June the Design & Technology department displayed the A Level pupils’ work, celebrating the most fantastic range of products and the workings behind the final product

Arun’s GuideGlow is an innovative smart blind cane that features a built-in light system that automatically responds to low-light situations. With an impressive ultrasonic senor, the GuideGlow can audibly warn its users of their surroundings.

Lulu’s use of diachronic film across all surfaces creates a captivating fluid design, imitating the gentle nature of jellyfish as the repetitive shaping allows it to reflect light onto the floor.

With the potential to enhance the appearance of one’s garden all year round, Ruby’s Oreades sculpture is inspired by the organic forms of nature and aims to comfort and cocoon its user.

Uhamiaji is the Swahili word for migration, Calum’s ascending design breaking through the glass is a visual representation that brings attention to current and relevant issues.

“Bugging Out with Laughter” A Smashing Hit for the Lower School’s James!

From May 1st-2nd, the Lund Theatre was filled with laughter, great humour, and the magic of live performance. The Lower School production of James and the Giant Peach was a resounding success, a testament to the creativity, teamwork, and sheer joy of bringing Roald Dahl’s fantastical world to life. Congratulations to all involved! This fantastical journey wasn’t just for the audience. The play proved to be a wonderful experience for the 29 young actors from Entry and Shell who participated. A recordbreaking 80 pupils auditioned back in December, and those chosen were busy rehearsing since January.

“It’s been amazing making friends with everyone” shared Aaron Turvey (Grasshopper), echoing a sentiment similar to last year’s Lower School production. “These plays are a great way to connect with others from different year groups.”

But James and the Giant Peach wasn’t just about friendship. It was about celebrating differences too, as Toby Latner (James) explains, “Even though we’re all playing different creatures, we have to work together. It’s a story of adventure that reminds us how unlikely friendships can be the strongest.”

True to Roald Dahl’s whimsical style, the production promised “a lot of laughs,” according to Sam Morris (Ladybug). Dahl’s stories are known for their ability to blend humour with heartwarming moments, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

— Contributions by C. Abbott

James and The Giant Peach

Fringeworthy Fiction

Since April a cast of ten Transitus actors and one technician have been feverishly working with Mr Swanson and the acclaimed poet and playwright Glyn Maxwell on a brandnew play that he has written for them to take up to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August; ‘Penny & Forever’.

At the time of going to print rehearsals are in their latter stages before the preview performance on Thursday 27th June. It would be great to see some friendly faces in the audience if you happen to be on holiday in Scotland during the third week of August.

School-girl Penny lives in a world on fire. Covid-19, Covid-27, Covid-33 came and went. Everybody’s paranoid. No one has time for stories. Books scarcely exist. Penny discovers her teacher has found a way to make stories come alive, but when she finds herself trapped in a loop of endless fiction, how will she get back home?

Acclaimed playwright Glyn Maxwell – Best Play on the Fringe winner (British Theatre Guide), Olivier Award nominee (The Firework Maker’s Daughter) – returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with this epic story of mortality and fiction.

— Contributions by D. Swanson

Junior Guildhall Voice Prize

On Saturday, June 15th, the UCS community celebrated the remarkable achievement of Tyler Bennett (TUN3) who won the prestigious Junior Guildhall Voice Prize 2024 Final.

Tyler’s musical journey began with a successful audition for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama’s renowned Junior Department. Alongside his vocal studies at UCS, Tyler diligently attended Saturday classes, honing his skills and preparing for the next challenge. His dedication paid off as he progressed through the preliminary rounds, ultimately securing a coveted spot amongst the three finalists in the Voice Prize Final.

The adjudicator, Stephanie Corley, was particularly impressed by Tyler’s diverse song selection, featuring works by Handel, Schubert, Britten, and Tosti. She specifically commended his captivating stage presence, praising him for his confident delivery and ability to connect with the audience through his storytelling.

Congratulations to Tyler for such a fantastic achievement. ytelastic achievement.

— Contributions by C. Pardoe

The adjudicator specifically commended his captivating stage presence, praising him for his confident delivery and ability to connect with the audience through his storytelling.

Rock Concert

The Rock Concert exploded with energy, boasting over eighty guitarists, drummers, and keyboardists. Saul Krieger (guitar and vocals) ignited the crowd with a blistering rendition of Van Halen’s “Eruption,” supported by Seb Goldberg’s (guitar) and Marcus Koffel’s (drums) fire. Lower Remove bands showcased contrasting talents: Harry Goldberg’s drumming pulsed with infectious energy, while Louis Hodes impressed with controlled power.

There was a virtuosic farewell performance from pianist Oscar Baum and outstanding vocals from Milo Kester in Feeling Good. Remove vocalists Zain Narula and Rumi Kamvari combined soulfully Just The Two of Us. Despite ongoing GCSE exams two Upper Remove bands featured in the concert.

Gully Lewis’ captivating vocals led a thunderous “Fear the Reaper,” backed by Alfie Bureau’s (guitar) and Bob Murray’s (drums) might. Luka Moriarty’s charismatic vocals whipped up the crowd in “Dancing on the Street,” while Charlie Rollo’s spellbinding guitar work shone in “Sultans of Swing.” Transitus showcased the trio of Tyler Bennett (vocals/guitar), Matt Goldberg (bass), and Sam Choi (drums) in a mesmerizing rendition of Jeff Buckley’s “Forget Her.” Adam Hoff (vocals).

It was refreshing to hear an original song, Take the Hint, from Adam Hoff (vocals), Tom Mcquaid (bass guitar) and Jamie Schneider (drum kit) as well as stellar female vocal performances from Minnie Peters, Yael Cohen and Noa Daws.

— Contributions by C. Dawe

Rock Concert

Summer Concert

Despite the loss of the Upper Remove and Sixth to the rigours of public exams, the Music Department delivered a dynamic program culminating in a Summer Concert with eight ensembles and over 120 performers. The first half showcased a kaleidoscope of musical voiceswoodwinds, brass, strings, guitar, and vocals. Big Band’s rendition of “Sway” pulsated with infectious Latin rhythms, anchored by Milo Kester’s captivating vocals and Sam Downs’ precise drumming. Flute Ensemble displayed remarkable cohesion in Boismortier’s “Adagio and Allegro,” while the Brass Ensemble’s rich, rounded tones filled the Great Hall with Elgar’s “Salut D’Amour,” culminating in a soaring final high C from trumpeter Samuel Fielden.

Top Voices took us to the interval with two contrasting items delivered with heart and infectious gusto; Greg Gilpin’s touchingly simple “Why We Sing” with the infectious energy of Avicii’s techno-inspired “Wake Me Up.” Post-intermission, the Symphony Orchestra treated the audience to a vibrant performance of Haydn’s “London Symphony,” featuring elegant string playing and virtuosic solos by Kousei Hamajima (flute) and Joseph Sainsbury (oboe). The concert concluded with an electrifying performance by Senior Jazz of Tower of Power’s “What is Hip,” showcasing Luka Moriarty’s powerful vocals, Charlie Rollo’s dazzling guitar solo, and the tight rhythm section of Ayan Hull-Yurkovic (bass) and Joseph Kouyoumjian (piano).

— Contributions by C. Dawe

Summer Concert

Cricket

The summer cricket season, initially hampered by inclement weather, blossomed into an action-packed spectacle. Over 120 fixtures saw all age groups compete fiercely in the London Schools Cup. Notably, both the under-12 and under-14 teams reached the coveted “finals day” in their respective categories.

Our under-12s are the most enthusiastic group of cricketers we’ve had, making selections for the Saturday teams a welcome challenge. Many showcased exceptional talent, even stepping up to play with an older age group. While the under-13s didn’t secure a string of victories, their unwavering team spirit and dedication to growth were truly admirable.

Both our under-14 and under-15 teams had promising seasons. A highlight for the under15s was their victory over a formidable QE boys team, while the under-14s triumphed

over local rivals Highgate by 9 wickets. When Senior players were unavailable due to exams, it was fantastic to see players from these year groups pushing for spots in our Senior sides, with several making their debuts for the 1st XI this year.

While the 1st XI have been more inconsistent than I would have liked, they delivered glimpses of brilliance, both individually and collectively. A particular highlight was their exceptional fielding display in a narrow loss to Westminster during the LSC Cup quarter-finals. With the cricket festival on the horizon, the season promises to conclude with a flourish of memorable moments. It has been gratifying to see the boys improve throughout the term across all year groups, reflecting their hard work in training and the invaluable input of our coaches.

— Contributions by A. van der Looy

Tennis

It has been a hugely successful term for Tennis at UCS, with perhaps significant cup victories on the horizon. The U19 team were two matchpoints away from qualifying, for the second successive year, for the National Championship finals (Glanville Cup), where they would have been amongst the top 16 schools in the country. A cruel, narrow defeat to Ewell Castle School however ended their run in May. A superb effort by the team of Alex Shuckburgh, Leo Silverston, Zeb Imber, Dash Green, Ruben Sinanyan and Ruben Michaud.

The U15 team, the National Champions of the U13 competition last year, have qualified as area winners from their group, winning five out of five matches, and go into the knockout rounds next term. Congratulations to Ruben Michaud, Rocco Meyer-Sahling, Strahinja Zizic, Giuseppe Pilbeam and Shai Chesterman.

A huge congratulations to Dash Green, who recently won in his debut Tennis Europe event abroad in Latvia - winning a 3hr 30 min final on clay.

Ruben Michaud and Rocco Meyer-Sahling are entered into the U15 Independent Schools Tennis Association (ISTA) doubles competition at Eton in July, where they stand a very good chance of success. Best of luck to Ruben and Rocco.

— Contributions by O. Bienias

Chess

The school’s chess team proudly made their mark in the regional finals, securing their spot in the national final competition after a close secondplace finish behind Highgate School. George Clarkson and Peter Hazel were standout players, winning 3 out of 4 games in the intense competition. Their success can be attributed to their dedication to training on Friday lunchtimes and Tuesday after school, where they sharpened their skills and tactics.

The national finals took place in Birmingham at Edward VI Grammar School on 22 April, the team showcased their talent and determination.

Peter Hazell, an entry pupil, found himself in a tight spot during the third match but turned the game around with remarkable skill, leaving everyone in awe. “We lost the 2nd round, but as a team, we had a strong mentality and came back with 3rd place which is very good!” said Roman Kavalskyi, TBH3.

— Contributions by K. Nizharadz

UCS U14s at the Arsenal Independent Schools Trophy

The UCS U14 football team travelled to Arsenal Youth Training ground to compete against five other schools at the Arsenal Independent Schools Trophy. The format was a league, with each team playing five games to determine the winner.

In the first two games, despite playing well and passing smoothly, the team lost 1-0 in both matches. Noah Lass stood out on the wing in the first game. The following game against Royal Russel was a strong performance, with missed opportunities leading to a 0-0 draw.

The team bounced back in the next two games, winning 3-0 and 2-1. Special mention goes to younger players Rocco Kluman, Freddie Littner, Eli Babich,

and Tristan Turner for their strong performances.

Adapting to the 25-minute matches with short breaks was a challenge, but the team learned and developed throughout the competition. Playing at Arsenal Youth Training Ground was a memorable experience, and everyone improved their skills under the guidance of coach Mr. Sousa.

Overall, the team competed well against high-standard schools, showing resilience and positivity after a tough start and ending the mini-league in 3rd place. Pupils were grateful for the opportunity and look forward to future competitions representing UCS.

— Contributions by Alfie and Harry, Lower Remove

UCS U14s at the Arsenal Independent Schools Trophy

Fencing Her Way to the Top

Sophie Mehra doesn’t shy away from a challenge. Her unwavering dedication to fencing has yielded phenomenal results. Just recently, Sophie secured the coveted title of U18 Vice British Champion, only falling to a fellow teammate. Her trophy case proudly displays additional achievements, including a Senior competition 3rd place finish and two U20 British Ranking Competition bronze medals.

These remarkable results have propelled her to a prestigious position on the U20 National Team – a rare feat for a first-year “Junior.” Her exceptional talent and commitment are a testament to her hard work.

The future is bright for this fencing star! Upcoming months hold the promise of exciting international travel with Team GB, with potential destinations like Bangkok, Zagreb, Tashkent, and even Havana or Lima!

Beyond the accolades, fencing has fostered a close-knit community for Sophie. She cherishes the friendships forged with fellow fencers across the country, a testament to the power of dedication and passion for the sport. UCS is incredibly proud of Sophie and her remarkable achievements and we eagerly cheer her on as she continues to conquer the world, one fence at a time!

— Contributions by Sophie, Sixth Fom pupil, and S. Davis

Table Tennis

Our U16 Boys’ Table Tennis team served up a dominant victory at the 2024 London Youth Games held at Redbridge Sports Centre! Building on last year’s experience, a powerful 7-player squad ensured strategic player rotation, ultimately securing the gold medal.

Following their 2023 Nationals win, UCS was officially appointed Camden Borough’s official Table Tennis Team. This prestigious title meant representing Camden at the London Youth Games, where a powerful 7-player squad

ensured strategic player rotation, ultimately securing the gold medal.

This win adds to their impressive trophy case, following their 2023 U13 National Championship title. The future is undeniably bright for UCS Table Tennis. With their dedication, teamwork, and evergrowing trophy cabinet, it seems even the sky might not be the limit for these talented players. We can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

— Contributions by J. Enemuwe

Middle School Sports Day

We had a joint year group sports day for our Middle School pupils this year. The Lower Remove and Remove year groups teamed up to produce cricket and tennis teams for an early start. Those pupils not involved in the early sports followed down to the sports fields at 11 am to begin Deme competitions in the UCS branded ‘Super Smash’ softball cricket. Olders managed to win the hardball cricket competition thanks to some wonderful batting by Dylan Katz and his team. Ruben, Giuseppe, and Ethan played excellent tennis to push Underwoods into 1st place, much to the delight of Dr Bugler.

Baxters were only held up slightly by Underwoods in the Lower Remove final Super Smash and Olders followed the hardball team by winning the Remove competition. In the afternoon the pupils took to Athletics track and field competitions, along with the usual Tug-ofWar. The final athletics results saw Evans and Underwoods battle for the top two spots in both year groups. Thank you to all parents who came along to support the event.

— Contributions by E. Sawtell

Deme Competitions TERM

Throughout the year, Deme competitions infuse school life with friendly competitive spirit (healthy, of course!) camaraderie, and lots of fun. Students relish representing their houses in various co-curricular activities, fostering connections across year groups. For sixth-formers, these events become a platform to develop leadership, communication, and empathy.

In the realm of the arts, Deme Song and Deme Dance enabled pupils to unleash their creativity and express themselves on stage. The performances were a testament to their dedication, hard work, and teamwork and a real joy to watch! Yet again, Underwoods took the top spot at Deme Song, and it was Olders who stormed to victory in Deme Dance. On the sports front, rugby, football, cricket, and tennis matches showcased pupils’ athletic abilities and tactical thinking.

The chess and chemistry tournaments challenged pupils’ intellectual abilities. With every move, they had to think several steps

ahead, testing their analytical skills and strategic thinking. Black Hawkins came out on top in Deme Chess and in Lower Remove Evans won Deme Chemistry and in Remove Black Hawkins clinched the top spot! New to the roster of Deme competitions this year was Deme debating, ably and wonderfully coordinated by Mr Pollock in the summer term. Olders emerged victorious here.

The year ended with Sports Days in the glorious sunshine, with Transitus closing out the competition just two days ago. Pupils competed in team sports, including cricket, tennis, volleyball, and athletics, with victories for Baxters in Lower Remove and Evans in Remove and Transitus.

After a year packed with competition, the deserving winners of the very tight and hotly contested UCS Deme Cup 2024 were Baxters.

— Contributions by S. Bennett

Deme Competitions

Baxter’s cricketers batted like champions, leaving the competition feeling bowled over!

Evans did a truly sterling job at Deme debating, with Markus scoring the most points in the entire competition!

Always a strength in the Black Hawkins armoury, Olli of LBH stormed the 1500 metre track racewhat a Deme honour for a sparkling summer term!

Olders were fierce competitors and winners of Deme Debating!

Deme Competitions

It’s always great to see Flooks on Sports Day proudly competing in their green vests. The Green Machine rumbles on!

The final athletics results saw Evans and Underwoods battle for the top two spots in both Lower Romove and Remove.

Jack soared above the bar, flying high and claiming the gold medal in High Jump for Evans

Ruben, Giuseppe, and Ethan played excellent tennis to push Uderwoods into 1st place at Middle School Sports Day.

UCS Connect and Careers

One of the primary aims of the Old Gowers’ Association is for its members to give their time to the School. In practice, this usually means OGs attending UCS careers evenings, mentoring sessions, interview prep and so much more. This year, we hosted the first Media Networking event for current pupils from UCS and our partner schools, which featured some incredibly accomplished Old Gowers and current parents who work across all areas of the media sector. We are also in the process of introducing our pupils to the online UCS community, UCS Connect. This will make it even easier for pupils in years 12 and 13 to get invaluable advice, guidance and even work experience opportunities from Old Gowers across all professional fields and stages of their careers.

— Contributions by E. Dwek

UCS connect will make it easier for pupils to get advice and guidance from the Old Gower community

Tania Levenfiche and the Guild

The 28th of June 2024 marks the closing of a chapter in the history of UCS. After 24 years as a parent, volunteer, member and President of both the Junior Branch and Senior School Parents’ Guilds, Tania Levenfiche will be stepping away from UCS, with the graduation of her youngest son.

Since 2000 we have become accustomed to Tania’s presence, energy and devotion to this School. Speaking personally, I have only worked with Tania for 18 months, in her role as President of the Parents’ Guild at the Senior School. Throughout our relationship I have always admired her tenacity, her heart, her principles, and her absolute commitment to doing the best thing for the Guild, for its members, and for the School. She leaves a legacy of money raised for the School and our Bursary Programme, of money raised

for other worthy causes, and arguably most importantly, of generations of UCS families welcomed to the School, listened to, cared about, and brought into the fold.

The organisational feats of the fireworks and of the Supper Quiz in particular are easy to underestimate, but only because of the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. So much of this good work remains unseen, and that is what we are so grateful for.

I very much hope that this summer marks not the close of a chapter, but simply the change in a relationship with Tania and all of the Levenfiche family, and that we continue to see a lot of her at Frognal. From everyone at UCS, thank you.

— Contributions by E. Pickering

Plans for Next Year

This is an exciting time for the Old Gowers’ Association, as we look to continue evolving, to meet the needs of our community. Now, more than ever, we want to bring Old Gowers back to UCS for more opportunities to reconnect with the School and each other. In the autumn of 2024, we will be hosting our first ‘mega reunion’ for anyone who left UCS in 5-year increments (2019, 2014, 2009, 2004 etc.), all the way back to 1974 and before. Instead of receiving an invitation to a reunion at 10, 25 and 50 years, Old Gowers will now get to return sooner and more often.

Alongside this, we are also continuing to focus on sector networking

opportunities, for both OGs and pupils (from UCS and our partner schools). Healthcare will be our focus for next year and we will be hosting a Healthcare Networking event for pupils in February 2025 and another for Old Gowers and current parents in the spring of 2025.

We will conclude our exciting year of events with the Old Gowers’ Summer Drinks Party in June 2025, which will also be open to our current parents.

Looking forward to seeing you at our events next year! If you have any questions or want to get involved, please email oldgowers@ucs.org.uk.

— Contributions by E. Dwek

PRIZE LISTS

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

Seb Smith & Nicolas NavarroBalloch

EBON Form Prize

Arya Entikabi & Baer Bolton Smith

EKEN Form Prize

Tye Nahama & Adlan Mamayev

EMCR Form Prize

Sasha Livingstone & Theo Edwards

ESEA Form Prize

Prize Isaac Morrow & Alex Groell

SBAN Form Prize

Tom Hall & Theo Edwards

SBON Form Prize

Thomas Baker & Roshan Ayaru

SKEN Form Prize

Ishaan Vajani & Victor Richards

SMCR Form Prize

Aarav Aswani & Sonny Blackburn

SSEA Form Prize

Nikita Kostikov & Adriano

Karunadhara

Shell Art Prize

Ari Jacobs

Shell Drama Prize

Aaron Tuvey

J.M. Rubens Literature Prize

Dash Green & Albie KilroyFriedman

Lower School Reading Prize (Shell)

Matthieu Rabin & Bobby Davies

Shell French Prize

Sam Stone

Shell Geography Prize

Eric Marks

Shell History Prize

Ryan Sarkar

Shell Latin Prize

Adam Losinsky

Shell Latin Prize

Simon Ginn

Futter Mathematics Prize (Shell)

Tristan Liu & Alexander Stothers

Shell Music Prize

Joshua Khong

Lower School Science Prize (Shell)

Nico Gertler & Alexander Maigler

Shell Design Technology Prize

Christopher Buchanan

Shell Football Prize

Freddie Littner

Shell Rugby Prize

Alex Macadam

Shell Cricket Prize

Ishaan Sakhrani

Shell Hockey Prize

Ben Choi

Prize for Community Action

Joseph Choueka

Lower School Prize for Debating

Louis Ledlin

Shell Leadership Award

Eli Babich

Entry House Prize (BAN)

Saul Krieger

Entry House Prize (BON) Mustafa Akhtar

Entry House Prize (KEN)

Yonni Desau

Entry House Prize (MCR)

Rafa Bayfield

Entry House Prize (SEA)

Toby Latner

Middle School

LBX Form Prize

Sebastiao Reis Lobo

LBH Form Prize

Jonty Dryer

LEV Form Prize

Jack Howell

LFL Form Prize

Finn Agnew

LOL Form Prize

Jonah Kermisch

LUN Form Prize

Alfie Heslam

Cyril Fenton Memorial Award

Ayaan Chaudhry & Oscar Wilson

RBX Form Prize

Oliver Cheng

RBH Form Prize

Raphael Vicas

REV Form Prize

Zachary Hirschovits

RFL Form Prize

Nicholas Flax

ROL Form Prize

Blake Kaye

RUN Form Prize

Dylan Perhar

Remove Art Prize

Lewis Papworth

Remove Classics Prize

Nathan Stein

Remove Computer Science Prize

Arjun Bharadwaj & Henrik Singh

Remove Design Prize

Arlo Pickford

Remove Drama Prize

Jonah Chinn

Remove English Prize

Joseph Sainsbury

Remove English Prize

Luca Biondi

Remove Geography Prize

Theo Berry-Roe

Remove History Prize

Markus Chartouni

Remove Mathematics Prize

Yash Kedia

Remove Mathematics Prize

Sonny Berman

Remove Modern Languages Prizes

Archie Bethell & Constantin KudimovCampeanu

Remove Music Prize

Rahul Gupta

Remove Academic PE Prize

Yunus Kadiri

Remove Science Prize

Sam Newman Kemp

Remove Science Prize

Michael French

UBX Form Prize

Zirui Peng

UBH Form Prize

Eugenio Coppola

UEV Form Prize

Louis Woof McColl

UFL Form Prize

Joe Berman

UOL Form Prize

George Akle

UUN Form Prize

Louis Pollock

The Bacton Prize for

Community Action

Zekie Healy

The Upper Remove Prize for Contribution to Music

Louis Davis

The Upper Remove Prize for Contribution to Drama

William Brady

The Upper Remove Prize for Contribution to Sport

Oliver Kramer & Gulliver Lewis

UR Paulatim PrizeBaxters

Charlie Rollo

UR Paulatim PrizeBlack Hawkins

Freddy Beard

UR Paulatim PrizeEvans

Ben Kotok Nicholls

UR Paulatim PrizeFlooks

Alex Haines

UR Paulatim PrizeOlders

Alex Outred

UR Paulatim PrizeUnderwoods

Luka Moriarty

The Douglas Wray Prize for Art

Finn Harris

Upper Remove Prize for Latin

Thom MacDonald

Upper Remove Prize for Greek

Edoardo Saxby

Upper Remove Prize for Computing

Tristan Lewis

Upper Remove Prize for Academic Drama

Sam Lucas

Upper Remove Prize for English

William Travis

Upper Remove Prize for Geography

Florian Golser

Upper Remove Prize for Modern Languages

Carlo von der Tann

Upper Remove Prize for Modern Languages

Guy Levy

The Purland Upper Remove Prize for History

Rohan Gangola

Upper Remove Prize for Mathematics

Ethan Walters

Upper Remove Prize for Academic Music

Jeremy Jeffes

Upper Remove Prize for Academic PE

Charlie Lewis

Upper Remove Prize for Physics

Zack Zlatarev

Upper Remove Prize for Chemistry

Hadrien Diefenbacher

Upper Remove Prize for Biology

Stefan Truscott

The George Johnson Prize for Technology

Jack Lesser

Transitus

The Transitus Prize for Sport

Charlie Wheeler & Leo Reichwald

The Transitus Prize for Sport

Maddy Horsell & Giorgia Mills

The Transitus Prize for CoCurricular Music

Finn Kjaergaard

The Transitus Prize for CoCurricular Drama

Frankie Hervey

The Prize for Entrepreneurship

Emily Ang

The Bacton Prize for Community Action

Joseph Kouyoumjian

The Welford Prize for Art

Jade Reed

The Transitus Biology Prize

Eloise Johnson

The Transitus Chemistry Prize

Jake Park Lovering

The Transitus Classics Prize (Latin)

Jacob Sinker

The Transitus Classics Prize (Greek)

Joseph Hayes

The Transitus Computer Science Prize

George Cooper

The Transitus Design

Technology Prize

Gleb Chalov

The Transitus Academic Drama Prize

Micah Klein

The Transitus Economics Prize

Saul Myers

The Transitus English Prize Minnie Peters

The Transitus French Prize Lily Thorley

The Transitus Geography Prize

Benjy Jeffrey

The Transitus German Prize Ursula Rowe

The Transitus History Prize

Felix Pollard

The Transitus History of Art Prize

Leo Neckermann

The Transitus Italian Prize Matiss Gelwan Williams

The Transitus Mandarin Prize Liliana Benoliel

The Transitus Maths Prize Yamin Tasnimul Hasan

The Transitus Maths Prize Aryan Thaker

The Transitus Physics Prize

Edward Dyson

The Transitus Philosophy Prize Sasha Mesquita

The Transitus Politics Prize

Maya Haim

The Transitus Psychology Prize Jasmine Reed

The Transitus Spanish Prize Yasmin Campbell

The Transitus Harvard Book Prize

Matt Goldberg