Park House School Personal Best Issue 38

Discovering our students’ brilliant journeys – past, present and future...

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Past. Present. Future.

Past. Present. Future. This wonderful Summer Edition of Personal Best celebrates all three angles on student achievement and opportunity here at Park House.

Alumni features on former students like Chelsie Robison, George Biggs and Tom Hall highlight how our young people go onto excel in so many different walks of life beyond school, continuing to ‘live the values’ in every sense.

The current generation are of course seizing their moment, and once again the breadth of activity captured over the following pages is an inspiration. And looking forward, new opportunities like our Mad Dog Rugby Academy offer an exciting glimpse of what will be available from next September. Whatever the perspective, I’m sure you’ll agree that life at Park House continues to be about all the young people who learn with us setting personal bests in whatever they chose to do. Enjoy their stories... • Derek Peaple, Headteacher

A word from our new Director of Studies Key Stage 5 I am delighted to have been appointed Director of Key Stage 5 from September 2018. For students this is the most exciting and nerveracking stage of the Park House journey and I believe that it is crucial to provide them with a stimulating and supportive environment in which to excel.

Our aim in Park House Sixth Form (PH6) is first and foremost to prepare our students for their next steps, whatever they may be. In an ever-changing and challenging global market, an effective Sixth Form is vital to laying foundations for a positive future. We will achieve by creating a value-driven community that works together.

We pride ourselves on a positive, approachable and supportive working environment. We believe in each other and respect and value an individual’s choices and recognise all kinds of success.

Nick Lardner

In December 2017, Park House School lost a much loved and respected colleague. A born teacher, Nick Lardner was just 24 when he started teaching History at Park House School in September 1996.

In a career spanning 21 years, Nick was quickly promoted, first to Head of Year, then to Head of Department, and finally to Assistant Headteacher.

In these roles, Nick was a consummate professional who gave his all to his job. His dedication and commitment saw him devote his entire working life to the care of others.

We want everyone to feel supported in developing an intrinsic sense of self-worth and confidence. Our community is built around mutual respect which in turn motivates the students to inspire one another, explore passions and motivate themselves on their individual pathways.

PH6 remains very much at the heart of Park House and we share a common ethos and approach. We continue to be an inclusive school and so our Sixth Form provision is varied to ensure that we cater for a range of students whatever their future career and university ambitions.

PH6 is full of opportunities and challenges which are exciting and rewarding and which truly integrate all students into the school community.

Should you require further information please contact the school via the Sixth Form Administrator, Mrs Stacey. I also invite you to explore our Sixth Form page on the school’s website to gain a greater understanding of what we have to offer. • Mr Hawkins, Director of Studies KS5 Please do not hesitate to contact me directly for a personal appointment to discuss PH6: bhawkins@parkhouseschool.org

period, and for all the donations in lieu of flowers – almost £2500. The family have donated a bench in Nick’s memory to the school, as well as trophies for GCSE and A Level prize giving. The remainder of the money was presented to the John Radcliffe Hospital in thanks for their care of Nick in the months preceding his death. Thanks to your generosity his memory will live on.

Nick‘s premature death, aged just 45, robbed the teaching community of a dedicated and highly-respected professional. Nick’s family would like to thank the school community for its support during such a difficult

Park House School A Leading Academy for the Whole Community

Personal Best is published by Park House School. It is distributed to students, staff, parents, stakeholders, alumni and friends of Park House School. Issue No 39 will be published in the Winter of 2018.

We need the help of staff and students to produce Personal Best – thank you again to all those who have contributed to this issue – we’re sorry if your story couldn’t be included this time.

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Do you wish to say something positive about school life? Please submit ideas, stories, copy and high resolution photos for future issues to Headteacher, Mr Derek Peaple or Mrs Teresa Jones in the school office.

Park House School, Andover Road, Newbury, Berkshire, RG14 6NQ T 01635 573911 E tjones@parkhouseschool.org W www.parkhouseschool.org /ParkHouseSchool @PHSNewbury

Designed and produced by Waddell Digital Limited WaddellDigital Waddell_Digital www.waddelldigital.co.uk

Taster days give Year 5s a taste of the orient This year we were excited to welcome more than 600 Year 5 pupils for a taste of life at Park House School. Over four days, students from over 25 schools joined in Japanese themed activities including making Dango Balls in Food Technology, enjoying Archery and Yoga, creating Origami flowers and Japanese Language Learning.

Friendship

Excellence

Equality

Supported by staff and our peer mentors, the pupils finished their day singing a song in Japanese and sharing the beautiful origami displays they had created. We were really impressed by our Year 5 visitors and are delighted to hear that so many of them are continuing to enjoy yoga and use their newly learned Japanese language at home.

Determination

Courage

Respect

Inspiration

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Sister Act Our students completely wowed audiences at Arlington Arts earlier this year with a display of singing, dancing and acting talent as they donned their habits for Sister Act following on from the past successes of We Will Rock You in 2012, Fame in 2015 and Our House in 2016.

Our school musicals are always highly anticipated and invariably deliver outstanding reviews but this year, even more fantastically, Sister Act impressed a visiting talent scout so much that talks were prompted to explore the feasibility of our students taking the show to London’s Adelphi Theatre in the West End. Audiences of almost 700 across all three nights plus an additional capacity, matinee audience of primary school students enjoyed watching 80 of our students from Years 7 to 13 including Ella Hickman who stunned everyone as Deloris Van Cartier and the super-talented Dulcie Crosby as Mother Superior who supported brilliantly.

Sister Act showcased the incredible range of creative talent at Park House – an enormous credit to both the cast and the whole production team, headed by Hannah Baron, our outstanding Head of Drama.

Photos by Waddell Digital. More photos overleaf and at www.waddelldigital.co.uk/sisteract

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Photos by Waddell Digital. More photos at www.waddelldigital.co.uk/sisteract

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Monumental visit

to the heart of US politics The plan for our trip to Washington DC was to further develop our students’ knowledge on the three branches of US government. Our initial intentions and ideas were subsequently blown away.

The trip itself took us around the three branches of government with visits to the White House Visitor centre, Congress and the Supreme Court.

These visits were sources of invaluable insights and experiences for the students (and the teachers), and gave us more of an understanding of the importance and heritage of these great institutions. With some quirky tour guides and guidance from staff, the students were amazed by the scale of the institutions and buildings, and were able to start making some comparisons with our own legislature, having had a trip earlier in the year to the Houses of Parliament.

“Visiting Washington DC – the world’s political and the beating heart of the US government – was a dreamlike and fantastic experience; the trip made our textbooks truly tangible. From visiting the Supreme Court and marvelling at the scale and grandeur of the Capitol Building, to the down to earth reality presented by Ben’s Chili Bowl, the trip was both enlightening and exciting.” Charles Matthews, Year 13

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As well as visiting the three branches of government we also explored the ‘Memorial Trail’ around the city. These memorials to the like of such idols as Martin Luther King, Thomas Jefferson and war memorials such as Korea and Vietnam gave us an idea of the impact these individuals and events had on American identity and politics. We marvelled at the sheer scale of the memorials which were staggering and made us realise the importance of these events!

We were lucky with the weather but experienced quite a range of temperatures from -4˚c to 22˚c! Overall this experience really made Politics come alive for the students and gave them a great insight into American culture and Politics. Thank you to all the students who made the trip, and to Mr Jones who accompanied us. • Miss E Davis, Politics Department

“We visited many incredible places over the course of four days. Going to the Supreme Court really helped with our understanding on the current topics we are studying including civil rights, landmark Supreme Court cases etc. My favourite part of the trip was visiting the Lincoln memorial at night – absolutely breath taking.”

Amy Drake, Year 12

“Standing on the spot Martin Luther King Jr. made his “I have a dream” speech, was truly awe inspiring. The whole trip was a once in a life time opportunity and I am really grateful to Miss Davis for organising and providing such an amazing experience.” Charlotte Hemsley – Year 12 “One of the best experiences of my life with a group of fantastic people. We got a fantastic insight into American Politics and the institutions within which they work, allowing us to deepen our knowledge and understanding of not only the country’s current political situation, but also its political history. We were able to further our understanding of one of the most important American institutions, and really delve into its workings and the importance of the role it plays in everyday American society.” Daniel Roch, Year 12

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From Cornwall to West Berkshire… with a few detours You have to love school to be a teacher and for as long as I can remember I have. I grew up in Redruth in Cornwall and attended the local Comprehensive school as this was in the days before you got to choose where you were educated.

Looking back it was a pretty challenging school to be in the 1980s before the National Curriculum was introduced I guess I was really lucky to have super teachers for the subjects I loved. I was Head Girl in my final year and headed off for a brief stint at Stirling University to study Ecology and only lasted one term when I realised that saving the planet had too much Geography in it and I was a scientist.

I worked in Tesco for the rest of that year before trying university again and going to Brunel University to study Applied Physics. This was more like it and I got sponsored by British Steel for my industrial placements so all was good until it came time to leaving and deciding what to do with my Applied Physics.

I was wandering the campus in my final year and stumbled across an Army recruitment session and a doddery old Brigadier persuaded me that being an Officer in the Army seemed like a great idea... and it was.

I returned home to Redruth and swore my Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and I was a private in the Royal Corps of Transport. I attended a Potential Officers’ Course in Aldershot for a year as places for Female Cadets at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst were limited at that time.

Then in April 1993 I joined Common Commissioning course 932 and started my Officer Training. It was a tough year, physically it was incredibly demanding and emotionally too as one came to realise the responsibility for the lives of the young soldiers in your command were your responsibility. The motto of Sandhurst is “Serve to Lead” which perfectly captures the qualities required of a Young Officer... a bit like teaching in many ways. After completing Officer Training I was commissioned into The Royal Regiment of Artillery, the only female cadet from my intake to be accepted by the Royal Artillery. I completed Officer Training at Larkhill and served with Regiments in Larkhill, Cyprus with the United Nations and Northern Ireland with the Royal Irish Regiment which was the only part of the Army to employ female Infantry personnel at that time.

I left the Army in 1999 and worked in a BT call centre and then the Police Control Room in Dundee before going to Southampton University in 2001 to study for PGCE in Secondary Teaching (Mathematics). On leaving Southampton I went to work in a Girls’ school in Salisbury, then a school in Basingstoke where I was also Head of Year 11 before ending up at the Hurst Community College in Tadley as Head of Maths. A career break of about six years was prompted by the arrival of a son followed by a daughter, and then I decided to return to the classroom as a Teaching Assistant here at Park House.

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I really enjoyed the variety of lessons and pupils I interacted with in this role, but when the opportunity to re-join the teaching profession arose I just could not resist and I haven’t looked back. Being a classroom teacher is just the most amazing, challenging, frustrating, rewarding, surprising and perfect job I have ever had. Every day I am asked a question which I have not been asked before, every day I get to share in the highs and lows of teenage life and I get to do maths everyday – sometimes it is straightforward and sometimes it is very tricky. All of it needs to be fashioned to fit the audience and the audience changes daily. One has to be 100 % on your game every day; the students at Park House are our harshest critics because they know what a good lesson looks like and they expect that of us.

Teaching is not easy, being a young person in today’s society is not easy, managing a work life balance is not easy but it is easy to enjoy teaching at Park House through the support of amazing colleagues and the inspiration of our young people. • Mrs Kirby, Maths Department

The highs and lows of an RAF Air Cadet...

I have been in the Air Cadets for about two years and I wouldn’t change any of it. There have been ups and downs but the experience will stay with me for ever.

Drills can be an effort sometimes but the highlight of my time in the Air Training Corp was when I went flying at Easter.

It was amazing to be doing aerobatics over Oxford; the pilot even let me fly my own loop the loop, but the G-force was not the best experience! Joining has solidified my hopes of going into the RAF either after Sixth Form or

University. In the summer I am going on a Drill and Ceremonial camp to do a range of drill from Rifle Drill to Sword Drill, with a bit of paintballing and climbing added in and I will also start the Duke of Edinburgh Award (see page 40 for more on the school’s DofE Awards).

I was completely shocked when I was just recently given the role of ‘Mayor’s Cadet’ at our awards evening because I never knew the role existed beforehand. I can’t wait for the next year helping the Major with civic events. • Josh Lane, Year 10

Tom Hall engineers a future in the Royal Navy Tom Hall (left) with brother Matt, a Royal Marine, who is also an ex-Park House student

Former Park House student, Tom Hall, joined the Royal Navy last September. Tom went through a stringent selection process that ended with him being one of only 30 applicants nationwide to be offered the Under Graduate Apprenticeship Scheme (UGAS) for Nuclear Engineering. This is a new and exciting scheme for the Royal Navy and will provide Tom with a fantastic opportunity for further education and leadership. Tom left Park House with A levels in Maths, Physics and Business Studies which will serve him well for the discipline he has chosen.

UGAS is an opportunity to be part of one of the Royal Navy’s most elite teams and join one of the world’s most respected engineering apprenticeships. He’ll get paid to study for a BEng (Hons) degree, gain practical skills and use highly sophisticated equipment. After that, he'll spend time in active service as a Marine Engineer Submariner (MESM).

Tom went through 10 weeks of basic training during which time he was selected as part of the class leadership team. He was also one of the fittest in his class of nearly 60 recruits and was awarded PT Superior. Tom passed out of HMS Raleigh in November and like the other recruits completed his initial training with a great sense of achievement.

Tom has a busy eight years ahead of him, lots of training, leadership skills and learning to do. It all kicked off in January with his initial Submarine Qualifications, this phase is land based and is designed to teach the fledgling Submariners everything about a Submarine and how it operates.

He is now preparing himself for Leadership training and for the start of his engineering career.

After the eight years are complete Tom will have his degree and will most likely have been promoted to Chief Petty Officer and hopefully offered a commission.

Passing out.

I asked Tom what it meant to get selected and he said: “Getting on the Nuclear Undergraduate Apprenticeship Scheme was a big achievement in my life and has started my career from an early age. Staying on the scheme is challenging due to constant examination and the high standards the Royal Navy expects. The best thing about being part of this scheme and the Royal Navy is being able to work on some of the most advanced submarines in the world and being part of an elite group of people.”

Tom’s elder brother Matt, also a former Park House student (featured in issue 31), is currently progressing his own career in the Royal Marines. Sadly, he was unable to attend his brother’s passing out parade as he was on HMS Ocean on deployment at that time. HMS Ocean was deployed in September to assist with post hurricane relief in the Caribbean. • Simon Hall

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History at Hampton Court History A level students visited Hampton Court in June, for a guided revision session for their Tudor course: The Mid-Tudor Crises.

The trip included a guided tour around some of the main parts of the palace where the students examined evidence to assess how far the Tudors experienced a ‘crisis’. We discussed the concept of ‘crisis’ and then applied that to the different Tudor Rulers.

Following the valuable session, we were then free to enjoy the lovely weather and have a picnic within the grounds! Students enjoyed exploring the palace and ground for a few hours, probably with the odd ice cream stop!

A very enjoyable and valuable learning experience! Thank you to Miss Lewis and Mr Faust for helping out. • Miss E Davis, History Department

Senior student team We are both absolutely honoured to have been appointed as Head Boy and Head Girl for the 2018/2019 academic year. We are looking forward to working closely with students throughout the whole school and helping to ensure that their experience at Park House is the best it can be, enabling them to achieve their best potential.

Both of us aspire to consistently represent the views of the students to both the Senior Leadership Team (pictured below) and the Governing Body.

Through this, we aim to ensure any issues they may be faced with on their journey through school can be overcome, ensuring that their time here is not only one of learning, but one of fun and realising their true potential.

We look forward to the next year in our roles, working alongside a wonderful team of deputy head boys, deputy head girls, and heads of years and houses to help nurture our school community, and continue the legacy of last year’s team. • Neve Sanders and Dan Roch Left to right: Aimee Shannon, Alfie Cottingham-Mayall, Bridget Skinner, Jacob Smith, Dan Roch (Head Boy), Joseph Lardner, Neve Saunders (Head Girl), Sam Coyne, Holly Donohoe, Charlotte Hemsley, Katy Jones, Dulcie Crosby

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Ben’s scores add up for UK Maths Challenge Earlier this year, set one from each of our Years 7, 8, and 9, took part in the first stage of the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge, run by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT).

In this first stage, which had 25 multi-choice questions and a maximum score of 135 points, I scored 112 points, which was enough to get me through to the second stage of the challenge, the IMOK (Intermediate Mathematical Olympiad and Kangaroo). I got through

to the Olympiad, which is a set of six advanced questions, each of which can earn up to ten marks, for a total 60 marks available, and a two hour time limit to complete said questions.

On Thursday 15 March, I completed the Olympiad at school and afterwards I eagerly awaited the results of my work. When the results came back, it turned out I had managed to score full marks on the five questions that I completed, earning a mark of 50/60.

Unfortunately I didn’t score high enough to receive a book prize however, which is awarded to the top 50 students. But, my score was high enough that it earned me a medal, which is an award given to the top 100 students from across the UK, in each year group, each challenge. • Ben Carton (spelling), Year 10

Aaron knuckles down to work at Bucklebury Farm Park During May I was offered the opportunity to complete five days of work experience at Bucklebury Farm Park.

I was excited to see what the week would offer but also apprehensive about the long days – 8:30am to 5:00pm – and what I would be expected to do.

There were some thoughts that maybe the school day was better, but I quickly pushed these thoughts from my mind. Luckily the week was (extremely) warm and sunny and a great week for working outdoors.

Getting to work with a variety of animals such as goats, sheep, pigs, deer, guinea pigs, rabbits and tortoises was interesting, and learning about the sheer hard work that goes in to every day really opened my eyes. The staff work hard and deserve admiration.

There are a couple of animals that you should look out for on your future visits – Winston the pig and Pringle the goat who were tiny enough to be able to slip their heads underneath the gate and make it all the way to the main entrance! My favourite to work with were

the tortoises, who are placid and stay where you put them, unlike almost every other animal there, when at the end of the day it was time to collect the rabbits and Guinea pigs from Guinea Pig village, and they scarpered all around the place.

I would like to thank all at Bucklebury Farm Park for supporting me through the week and for the opportunity, and Park House School for allowing me to attend. I would love the opportunity to go back there again in the future.

The experience has certainly been useful in terms of thinking about my future career and I would recommend that all students put 100% into their Work Experience opportunities to get the most from them. • Aaron King, Year 10

I would write 500 words...

Earlier this year the school took part in Radio 2’s 500 Words Competition entering a number of student stories. We also ran an inter-house competition, judged by two members of staff and our winner was Year 7 Elodie Day. I was then selected in a ballot to represent the school at the final at Hampton Court.

When I arrived at Hampton Court at 5am, I was amazed by how big it was. The queue to get in was already massive! When I finally got into Hampton Court, I got an excellent seat with a great view of the stage.

The radio show started with Chris Evans hosting, I was so excited and he made it really fun. There were 3,000 people at the show and there was also live music. The first artist was John Newman who was amazing and he did lots of cool dance moves!

The guest authors then took it in turns to announce the winners. Bastille played next and everyone in the audience stood up and danced. Then the Duchess of Cornwall arrived in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and talked about how children should have lots of adventures in their life. Then my favourite author David Walliams came on stage to announce the winner. To finish the show, Alexandra Burke sang and all the winners went on the stage. Unfortunately, I wasn’t in the 50 finalists, but I had an amazing time, especially when I got a photo of me with David Walliams! • Noah Cannings, Year 7

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Ain’t no river wide enough...

Year 8 students once again got the chance to go to Rushall Farm for a Geography study day earlier this year.

Students spent half the day learning river skills which involves wearing waders and measuring the width, depth and velocity of the River Pang. They also enjoyed the chance to do some river dipping and learn about the wide variety of river life.

The second half of their day involved students learning more about the farm where they were excited to get the chance to hold newborn baby lambs and find out about the machinery the farm uses to produce crops. We were very lucky with the weather and everyone had a great day! • Miss Bunn, Geography Department

“We learnt how to measure the width, depth and velocity of the River Pang as well as learning about the local fish and water life. ” Josh Donohoe

“This year’s Rushall farm trip was awesome.

First we went on a tour of the farm and we learnt about the crops and how they take care of the animals.” Allison Partello

Around the world Back in January, Geography students went to the Geographical Association Quiz at Reading School.

All West Berkshire Schools took part and it was a great chance to compete in a wide range of question and picture rounds including “name the flag” to “quick fire capital cities” and “name the city at night”. Our students had a great time and our teams came seventh and eleventh against tough competition. As a department we are looking forward to seeing more students compete next year.

• Miss Bunn, Geography Department

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Studying stunning Studland Year 10 students have been to Studland Bay to complete their physical fieldwork and will be using the data to help answer their key question “why does vegetation vary in a sand dune?”.

Students measured the angle of the sand dune slopes, looked at the vegetation on the dunes, measured the temperature and wind speed, looked at the management strategies and completed people counts and environmental impact assessments. The weather was fantastic so, obviously, there was an opportunity for an ice cream stop and students will now be writing up the fieldwork and completing data analysis on it in class. • Miss Bunn, Geography Department

“When we went to Studland Bay we measured the angle of the dunes using a clinometer and ranging poles. Using a quadrat we also looked at what plants were in the area.” Tom Stacey “On 28 June, Geography students went to Studland Bay to do our Physical Geography fieldwork. We measured the sand dunes and looked at the vegetation. As it was so hot we also had time for an ice cream!” Raven Harrison

“We went to Studland Bay to look at the sand dunes and the places around it. We were split into different groups. The first groups went and did the studies on the sand dunes and the other half went and looked at the management of the dunes. Our favourite part of the day was collecting data on the sand dunes like the angle of the slope, the vegetation, the temperature and the wind speed.”

Kristof Jenkins and Robert Martin

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Cold as Ice. Wow! In the second week of the Easter holidays the Geography Department took 55 students from Years 10, 11 and 12 on a week-long trip to Iceland.

Our local guide, David, talked to students about each location that we went to and enthused them about the Geography.

Wow what a week! Students got the chance to visit a glacier, walk up a volcano, cook an egg in geothermal heated water, visit the lava centre, walk under the Bridge Between Continents, swim in a geothermal heated pool, experience black basalt beaches and walk under a waterfall.

We managed to cram so much into the week. It was a fantastic trip for all those who went – a completely new experience for both students and staff and such different landscape to the UK’s. We are looking forward to running the trip again! • Miss Bunn, Geography Department

“There were many highlights from the Iceland trip, the glacier was incredible along with the many insane waterfalls we visited. Though we didn’t end up seeing the Northern lights the trip was amazing and something that we thoroughly will remember for the rest of our lives.” Luke Donohoe, Year 12

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“Apart from the eggie sulphuric smell, Iceland was “The trip to Iceland was one of the best experiences incredible with spectacular scenery including ever. We visited many amazing places such as the volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls. We also enjoyed Bridge Between the Continents where we walked a relaxing morning swimming in the secret lagoon over the North American Plate and the Eurasian which is heated with geothermal energy.” Amy Evans Plate, we also walked between them. The highlight and Niamh Dorrington, Year 11 of the trip was seeing the glacier where we learnt about their formation.” Frances Hewer, Year 12

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More Iceland highlights

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With thanks to PH6 student Lucas Voss for the great photographs.

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Art school We were delighted to celebrate the hard work of Year 12 and 13 Art, Photography and Textiles students on one of the hottest days of the year.

There was also a lovely selection of Design & Technology and Product Design along with work produced by some of our many talented GCSE students.

The diverse work and the exciting way the students display it, is always a topic of conversation. Particularly eye catching pieces were Sophie Parker’s ‘weather’ umbrellas, the fantasy creature sculpture by Alfie Cottingham-Mayall and the photographic mannequin by Morven Pike, but the list could go on and on, so rich and varied were the creations by our talented students.

• Mrs Waddell, Head of Art

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More art...

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Charity Run, Fun Day and Fete 401 was the lucky number on Sunday 13 May as runner 401 came in as fastest female in the 10K event at the Park House annual Charity Run and Fun Day, which was raising money for the 401 Foundation.

The sun shone down on over 500 runners, as they prepared to pound the route to raise funds for the charity.

The 401 Foundation was established by Ben Smith in the wake of the national success of his 401 marathon challenge. Ben, most famed for running 401 marathons in 401 days, and the winner of the 2016 BBC Sports Personality Helen Rollaston Award for Courage, was the race starter for the series of different distance runs on our fifth Charity Run and Fun Day which raised funds for Park House School Association and the 401 Foundation.

Ben Smith has raised more than £330,000 for charity, set up his own foundation, written a book and given a TED talk viewed online by tens of thousands of people inspired by how an

overweight and unhealthy man can transform himself and run 401 marathons in as many days.

The Foundation supports grass root projects and individuals in building confidence and selfesteem along with tackling mental health and self-development issues, across all age groups.

With events for all levels of ability, and activities including face painting, a bouncy castle, dog show, cycling, a kick boxing demo, rock choir, Razzmatazz performance, a tug of war, and a live performance from school band ‘The Station’, the event reflected our approach to fitness, wellbeing and fun.

The winner of the 10K run was Joe Haskins, whilst Bernie Gerrard and Abigail Fudge secured the men’s and women’s 5K run 5K titles respectively.

Meanwhile Jacob Woods completed the 2K kids’ race with the fastest time of just 7 minutes 26 seconds and Kirsten Fraser finished as fastest female with a time of 7.49. Tom Davies and Megan May took the titles in the toddler’s race

whist the Junior race winners were Jude Thorn and Jess Bowsher.

Mr Peaple said: “Our Charity Run and Fun Day continues to go from strength to strength, with more runners, an even wider range of stalls and activities and a truly wonderful community feel throughout the day. It is fantastic to see how, in the event’s fifth year, our original vision for a family day which encourages physical activity and fun within the community has grown and developed to become an established feature of the local calendar.”

The event’s success was due largely to the support of Newbury Runners and the key sponsors Connect Electrical and Hi5, plus local branches of Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and The Royal County of Berkshire Ambulance. The Committee would like to thank everyone for their continued support. • Want to take part next year? Park House Charity Run and Family Fun Day 2019 is already planned for Sunday 12 May 2019.

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Sail on sailors On 21 May, 14 excited Park House students crammed onto the mini-bus and headed to Southampton to embark on a week of sail training- to become the Park House Pirates!

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That afternoon, we headed for Poole but the wind died and we had to motor some of the way. After hearing a PAN-PAN message (indicating a need for help but without the same level of immediate distress as a Mayday call), we ended up giving a tow to a small boat with engine failure, taking them right into Poole while we completed the navigation and pilotage. The inshore lifeboat eventually came and took over the tow, leaving Prolific to berth on Town Quay in time for dinner and games.

The voyage started with a dilemma: France or Weymouth?

The team sailed to Yarmouth on the first night and picked up a buoy for the night so we could discuss options. In the end, there was a clear but not unanimous vote for Weymouth which the losers accepted graciously.

The next day there was time for showers (thank goodness!) before leaving so it was particularly unfortunate that as they got the sails up, the rain started and continued all day until everyone was wetter than the fish in the ocean. However, we sailed in through the Needles and short-tacked in winds of Force 4 gusting 5, all the way to Cowes – a fantastic effort by a young crew. In Cowes, we had an early dinner and we planned a night passage which got us back to Southampton later on – a brilliant job.

We did some drills on the way and had a sunny sail with good speeds, arriving in Weymouth in time for ice cream on the beach in glorious sunshine and then dinner and games on board. Next day we had a lunchtime stop in Lulworth Cove- the first time Prolific had ever attempted the difficult anchor – and more ice cream! We used the dinghy to get the shore and filled up on treats.

All 14 young people earned their RYA Start Yachting certificates. Big thanks to sea staff Andy, Andy, Josh, Susanna, Charles, Rosalie, and Martin. • Miss Hutchings with crew mates: Belle Ceney, Thomas Rowe, Harley Pottinger, Harry Sherlock, Eidi De Freitas, Isabelle Dodridge, Izzy Goldsmith, Jack Harman, James Nicoll, Millie Richards, Louis Rawlings, Freya Illenden-Rough, Nicholas McKay, Carys Lewis

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Chelsie’s new base for softball What a ride... one that’s only just begun. If you have the opportunity to travel and experience a different culture doing something you love, what’s stopping you?

Moving to Holland to play softball was a decision that didn’t come lightly for me; it meant leaving my family, friends and life to pursue my goal of becoming a better player and to eventually make the Great British women’s national team. Since being out here I have realised you have to seize a moment when it arises; don’t wait for another one to come along.

An opportunity like this may never cross my path again. It’s something that was always emphasised during my time at Park House especially by the PE department who always encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones and reach for the stars.

The thought of playing in Holland came about at the end of the 2017 World Championships where I represented the Great British U19 team. I realised I needed to be better prepared in all aspects of the game if I was going to successfully compete and make the starting line up. I knew I had to get better quality game time and gain more experience but also get exposure to higher quality and a varied pitching on a regular basis.

Holland was the right choice – I had been there multiple times before playing in tournaments and the level of softball that is played in the Dutch League is much higher than back home. If it wasn’t for the support of Park House allowing me the time to go to tournaments and the help I was given with school work whilst I was away, this is something that may have never came about for me.

So far the experiences I have had, the people I have met and the places I have been to have been incredible!

It started with such a successful and enjoyable weekend at the André Prins Academy in December. The resources were brilliant and the coaches were so encouraging and left me wanting more. The information I was given for the next step was that, at The Cup in Schiedam in January there would be coaches watching and assessing my ability. After the weekend, I was invited to join the Blue Angels organisation which is made up of four Fastpitch teams. I began flying back and forth from the UK from Thursday to Sunday to join them for training in their winter season, later it was decided that I would play for The Birds.

Pre-season began in March and our league competition started on the 21st of April. I made the move to The Netherlands permanently on the Easter weekend on the 1st of April.

Dutch clubs aren’t so different to English clubs in that everyone still has funding struggles. Just like at home, the girls I play with have become a part of my family. All of them in their own way, without realising it have inspired me, whether it be their softball abilities or their kindness.

Game days are where I see the biggest difference in the leagues.

Every Saturday we play a mini series of two games and the big crowds that gather are something I have not experienced before. It definitely takes some getting use to.

I have also come to realise the difference in personal and team pressures experienced here compared to back in England. Of course, every team wants to win, no matter what country you are in, but the stakes feel so much higher here; the fact that there are promotion possibilities brings a different type of team drive. There’s always that little devil thought that if you don’t play well, there’s someone on the bench ready to come on for you. Something you don't see so much in the Great British Fastpitch League.

That’s been the biggest challenge and learning curve I have faced since moving. The mental game of softball and letting go, it’s something that I haven’t really had big issues with in the past but I have definitely faced it this season along with missing friends and family. What you do to come back from mistakes and errors is what counts the most. It’s a lesson that I am still learning and will value forever – a work in progress but a good one at that.

The team and coaches have been a massive support system for me.

Playing with these girls and learning from them is the most fun I have had – different personalities coming together weekly to achieve the same goal. It reminded me of my time in Park House playing on the different sports teams competing with girls I will never forget.

So far playing with The Birds has been amazing. My confidence levels in the game and self-belief have increased and within the five months of training and playing out here I have become fitter and a better ball player all round. It’s opened my eyes to how many routes I can take with softball and I have the coaches to thank for that but also The Birds especially for welcoming me with open arms, I couldn’t have asked for anything better. • Chelsie Robison

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Biggs’ ambitions I am reading Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham. I put a lot of the values and skills I learnt at Park House down as the reason I have ended up studying at a great University. My course is extremely stimulating and is allowing me to follow my passion. My ambition is work in the Civil Service.

I have done an array of modules so far from economic theories to international relations in the Middle East. This has helped me become very rounded in my studies. In my third year I will be specialising in modules on British politics, international political economy, foreign policy in the US and global uprisings. I will be writing my dissertation on the Good Friday Agreement and its impact on politics and the identities in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

In order to complement my studies I have done several internships.

Between 2015 and 2016 I worked for eight weeks at Baxter Healthcare, a multinational pharmaceutical company, in their UK Headquarters in their Government Affairs & Public Policy (GAPP) Department. My time there involved writing to and meeting Members of Parliament, writing articles for industry associations and think tanks. I would monitor the media where the company was concerned and then create weekly bulletins for colleagues to read.

After my first internship there I was invited by a leading industry trade association, called ABHI, to do a short internship with them. This involved writing correspondence for industry stakeholders and work on how member companies can work together to advance the pharma industry in Britain. On returning to Baxter in the Summer of 2016 I was handed a very important project analysing and distilling into a document the Sustainability and Transformation Plans, released by the Government, for every local NHS trust. There were 44 in total, one for every NHS trust and they set about answering around 60 questions designed by NHS England to improve the quality of care and develop new care models in the Trusts. They were essential for Baxter staff to understand as it would heavily impact the company’s future plans and relations with the NHS Trusts. On the back of my work in the England office I was invited in the summer of 2017 to go and work in Baxter’s Irish office.

This trip to Ireland was incredibly exciting and proved to be an invaluable experience. At the time I went out there the Company were under national scrutiny due to a factory issue that jeopardised patients’ without vital treatment. I worked with the head of the GAPP Department in Ireland to put briefings out to the media and also the Irish Government on behalf of the Company. We then assessed new pathways and risk assessments that needed to be put in place to prevent such an issue occurring again. What made this trip even more exciting was the fiancée of the man I was working for is an Irish Government Minister, Helen McEntee TD. This meant one week I was working in Baxter’s Irish office in Dublin and the next I was shadowing Helen McEntee on ministerial duties in the Oireachtas and around Ireland. It gave me first-hand experience in the field I want to go into once I have finished my studies. I was also very fortunate to meet and talk to the then newly elected Taoiseach Leo Varadkar (pictured right). It is this fabulous trip that has inspired my dissertation on Ireland.

In terms of future internships I have applied for one to work alongside a University lecturer to assist him in his research into banking and finance. I am awaiting news whether I was successful in

getting this paid position. Plus, I am in contact with Helen, who is now the Minister for European Affairs in Ireland, to go out again this Summer and work with herself and colleagues.

Some might remember that I was a keen runner during my time at school and I have continued with my athletic career. In fact, I am writing this email on an altitude training camp with my university athletics club in Font Romeu, where the likes of Paula Radcliffe and Mo Farah have stayed in preparation for their races. We are the largest and most successful club in the University and probably in Britain. I am very proud to say that I have recently been elected Club Secretary, which is the highest student position within the Club.

That’s what I have been up to since leaving Park House. I thought I would share it with as you would be keen to know how a grateful exstudent is doing. I cannot stress enough how many of my experiences I have had so far are down to what I was taught at Park House. Whenever I am back in Newbury and it’s relevant I promote Park House to potential students and their parents. When my family and I moved to Woolton Hill it was just myself and my sister who attended Park House. Now most of the village teenagers attend. It shows the reputation of the School and is a reflection of the leadership. Thank you again to Mr Peaple for his advice and help in setting me on this path. • George Biggs

“I was also very fortunate to meet and talk to the then newly elected Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.”

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Take a Chance Take a Chance is an innovative programme which consists of a series of mentoring sessions and workshops developed by the Education Business Partnership West Berkshire and Vodafone.

This year, seven Year 10 students – Lee Wilson, Myles Carter, Laura Davies, Ellie Fenech, Shaun Theobald, Tyler Sherratt and Ellis Russell – embarked on a journey of selfdiscovery and over five sessions completed activities which helped them to develop confidence, motivational and work related issues. Once a month for five months the students and myself travelled to Vodafone headquarters where the sessions would take place. These sessions were run by Vodafone buddies who gave up their time at work to help the students to be the best they could be.

The students had different tasks each session and would demonstrate how far they had progressed during the day by showing their Buddies what they had learnt. This could be in any form; possibly giving a presentation to their group or simply just explaining what they had achieved and how this would help them in later life. The aim of the sessions was to raise aspirations and to develop enthusiasm for future career possibilities which they could ask the Buddies for guidance and references in the future.

On the final session they all came together to celebrate their achievements over the course and were all given certificates to reward them for their hard work. Group photos would close the final session of the year and it was time for them to celebrate with their peers. It was amazing for me to see students grow in confidence and that showed not only in the work they produced at Vodafone over the sessions but at school where the students were able to use what they had learnt to help them with their school life.

The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience, it was a great way for them to interact with students from other schools and to show their Buddies what they were capable of. Free cookies and hot chocolate helped too!

Thanks to Vodafone and the Education Business Partnership and also to the students who were awesome! Same again next year, for what will be the last year the course is run. Many Thanks again to everyone. • Mr Columbro

Cookery School Our Food Department has been working alongside the Education Department at Newbury Show ground to offer the ‘Cookery School’ experience for over six years now.

During that time we have been working with small groups of students to provide them with the opportunity to cook with fresh, seasonal and organic foods, which are all supplied by Sheepdrove Farm in Lambourn.

The students selected for Cookery School completed four practical cooking sessions and over the last year they have cooked apple crumble, vegetable soup, rhubarb muffins and marinated chicken with roasted vegetables. The sessions were led by Jan Murray from the Newbury Showground Education team.

Not only do students have the opportunity to cook fantastic dishes but the experience also helps to develop skills such as organisation, time management and independence. The students work in pairs throughout the experience enabling them to work with a variety of students they may not have worked with previously to develop their communication skills.

After the students have completed their four cookery sessions in school, the experience culminates with a trip to Sheepdrove to find out where all the wonderful ingredients have been grown and to learn about organic farming. Last year this trip took place in July which meant that we had beautiful weather.

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The visit to Sheepdrove gave the children the chance to see first-hand the idea of eating “Farm to Fork” as we were treated to a wonderful lunch of meatballs in a tomato sauce with vegetable cous cous and sticky toffee pudding, all of which was produced using ingredients from the farm.

We were shown round the farm, starting with a small trek to see the reed bed system – a natural water treatment system which treats waste water produced on the site with no chemicals or machinery. The cycle takes about two years and is helping the farm to become carbon neutral. We then strolled back to the Physic Garden which hosts a range of plants that are used for culinary,

medicinal and aromatherapy purposes, including in products sold by Neal’s Yard Remedies.

After lunch we took a ride on the tractor, where the staff and students learned about the different varieties of animals and crops that are grown and reared: including the chance to feed the pigs.

Whilst being given a glimpse of how vast the farm site is, we also stopped off to visit walled garden where they grow the wide variety of fruits and vegetables that we have been lucky enough to use at school this year. We are looking forward to continuing our work with Jan and the team at Sheepdrove next year with a new team of students. • Mrs Morgan, Food Technology

Listen to the Music My last article for Personal Best after 10 years as Head of Music at Park House School. The academic year 2017-2018 has been another memorable and musical year. The busiest time of year is always Christmas with a very large-scale Christmas Concert where all Year 7s take part and sing together.

The Spring Concert provides a platform for the GCSE students to perform their solo and ensemble exam pieces to a large audience and to celebrate their hard work throughout the year but also in the five years they have been at the school. Likewise, the concert sees the final performances by the Year 13 students who have been such an inspiration and shown so much commitment in their seven years participating in musical events.

The Brass Band has now been established for eight years and continues to entertain both school audiences and the wider community. The Stage Band tries its hardest to include all instrumental players in the school and perform in the concerts no matter of the ability of the players in the school at the time, and the Choir continues to perform traditional songs as well as songs from Musicals and songs by popular rock artists.

Although these large-scale events take up a lot of time and energy, I shall miss these the most! I have worked with some very talented students over these last 10 years and would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their hard work and enthusiasm. Please keep the music going and show-off your musical talents wherever you go. • Miss Van Kempen Congratulations to the following students for passing their Music Performance exams this year: Emily Valentine – Grade 1 Flute Maisie Glover – Grade 5 Flute Georgina Amison – Grade 4 Clarinet Clara Andrews – Grade 2 Voice Heather Ferguson – Grade 5 Guitar Jude Handoll – Grade 4 Flute Ellen Chadwick – Grade 8 Voice Ellen Chadwick – Grade 5 Flute Dan Liriano – Grade 5 Piano Sophie Batson – Piano Grade 3

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Year 12 visit to Rutherford Appleton Labs (RAL) at Harwell In March our Year 12 Physics students went to a Particle Physics Masterclass organised by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). The day started with an introduction and description of particle accelerators and progressed to a computer analysis session in an industrial research computer facility at Harwell.

Here the students analysed real data from the Atlas experiment at CERN. This experiment provided some of the evidence for the now famous Higgs Boson particle. It was the prediction of the existence of this particle that resulted in the Nobel Prize award to the British theoretical physicist Professor Peter Higgs in 2013.

After lunch the students listened to Dr Kristian Harder describe the standard model of particle physics and explained the challenges and reasons for studying particle physics and the nature of matter. This lecture enhanced the A level lessons that we’d already studied for this topics. This was followed by a really interesting tour of the Diamond Synchrotron facility. This showpiece experiment releases electrons into a high velocity storage ring, they whizz around at 99% of the speed of light in the ring. As they are

manipulated around the ring with a magnetic field they lose energy. Because they are travelling so fast this energy is emitted as X-rays, a very energetic form of light. This light is then used to probe matter to see how atoms are arranged. This is useful for analysing medical proteins and developing new medicines, for analysing the structure of metals to develop new uses for them as well as discovering how the materials behave in different conditions.

Recent studies have been into developing light honeycomb metal structure for the turbine blades in Roll Royce jet engines. This has enabled stronger but lighter blades to be used leading to reductions in fuel uses and resulting in less harmful emissions. The Diamond Light source is funded by the STFC and Wellcome Trust with more information available at www.diamond.ac.uk .

After a much earned cup of tea the students listened to the advances in cancer treatment using particle accelerators to destroy tumours. Using particle physics in this way has improved the survival rates for some cancers to 95%. It is particularly effective with tumours of the eye. A beam of particles is fired into the eye and zaps the tumour. Fine focusing minimised damage to surrounding tissues and helps reduce the side effects of treatment. Well worth the investment in science.

The final activity was a quiz and an exhausted group of physicists arrived back at Park House at 5pm having extended their physics knowledge to new Personal Bests. • Mr Miller, Head of Physics

Students enjoy particle physics, extracting DNA and making model spacecraft at Harwell...

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Year 7 Science Days at Rutherford Appleton Labs (RAL) at Harwell

bit of tennis! They also watched ice cream being made with liquid nitrogen.

This quickly freezes the ingredients so ice crystals don’t form slowly and get too big. The fast freezing process makes for very creamy and smooth ice cream. A few can vouch for that having tried the results of their experiment.

In February a large group of our talented Year 7 students enjoyed a visit to the Rutherford Appleton Labs at Harwell for a sponsored science and STEM day. The activities here were very hands on science and extended some of the activities that we can do in lessons, making model spacecraft and explaining how they would operate.

Working with lasers and observing proteins through a very fine optical microscope gave some exciting hands on activities. Finally observing pretty hairy spiders legs and compound eyes from flies under a scanning electron microscope drew a few gasps and groans from a few of the students.

This was followed by another Year 7 day which was sponsored by the Medical Research Council. Successfully getting groups signed up for the two events has allowed even more of our year 7 students to experience life in a scientific research establishment. The first event was a large event with a number of schools attending, giving our students the opportunity to see how the labs run and get involved with some hands on activities.

The two events showed that science can cover interests from hands on engineering activities through to life science practical applications. Both events were well supported and you may have seen additional photos on the school’s Facebook page on the days that the events took place. Make sure you follow the page to get notifications when we post photos of our trips as the events happen. • Mr Miller, Head of Physics and STEM coordinator

The second event was a much smaller affair with only 3 schools attending.

This allowed our students to experience first hand some DNA sampling, from strawberries. This involved crushing strawberries and extracting their DNA. The smell was amazing and all we needed was some whipped cream and a

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Everyone’s a Winner On the 21 June we held our 15th annual Sports Presentation Evening and enjoyed our best ever attendance with in excess of 150 students celebrating their sporting achievements.

This is one of the most enjoyable evenings of the sporting year at Park House, giving us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our individual performers and team groups both in and out of school.

The evening was hosted by GB Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby player, Aaron Phipp’s who wowed students with his story of determination and resilience after losing both legs at 16 to meningitis C and meningococcal septicaemia which he was determined not to let this stop him.

After getting back into sport through 10km races and marathons Aaron continued to set

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himself further targets and PBs. Then in 2016 he set himself the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa – to raise money for the Meningitis Research Foundation. It was the first time a disabled British person had climbed Kilimanjaro without assistance. He further stunned students with videos of the gruelling task of climbing on his hands and knees to the summit, an emotive and thought-provoking moment to say the least, demonstrating how far you can get when you have the determination to never give up.

After the hugely inspiring presentation from Aaron we moved into the awards part of the evening with Most Improved and Players player being awarded across Years 7 to 10. The stage was flooded by our sportswomen and sportsmen – it was a sight to behold.

The pinnacle of the evening was the presentation of our Sports Personality of the Year awards which were presented to: Year 7 Matilda Pike and Alec McCormack Year 8 Molly Lefever and Jimmy Sherlock Year 9 Chloe Collins and Tyler Blackford Year 10 Bethany Roch and Jacob Muir.

These students (main picture below) continue to show their commitment to sport and the Olympic and Paralympic values at Park House.

Aaron stayed to speak to the students before the food and dancing began which saw students (and staff) strutting their stuff. Thank you to Mr Holland for the organisation of the evening and to all in the PE department. • For more information on Aaron’s achievements on Twitter and Instagram: @aaronphippsGBWR

We don’t like cricket, oh no...

We love it!

It has been a pleasure overseeing the Year 7 cricket team this season. In many years of teaching I have never had a mixed gender team and it has been fascinating watching the students work together and develop throughout the season.

They have been extremely committed to the cricket programme right since the first training session. They have shown real togetherness and character throughout the season with numbers of 20 plus at each training session.

I admire this group of individuals when it comes to displaying commitment and determination on the field. Results have not gone our way this season but individually and collectively the students have been a credit to the school. Stand out players this season have been Matilda Pike, Zac Grant, Holly Rider, Alec McCormack and Georgia Beckley. Well done to all the students involved!

Thank you to all the students that have given up their time this season. I hope that you continue to enjoy your club cricket during the summer and look forward to seeing you develop again next season.• Mr R Elliott, PE Department

“It has been a great opportunity for me to play in lots of games and although we did not win, we tried hard and played as a team.”

Matthew Oberholze

“Some people might think cricket is boring... But really it allows bonding, unity and friendship.”

Holly Rider (captain)

“There is always room for others in this team, because the team will only become stronger.”

Alec McCormack

“We all get to have a go at bowling, batting and fielding and my bowling has really improved.”

Joe Hamshaw

“Being in a mixed cricket team has been a great experience and everyone has developed their skills and confidence.

I hope to be part of the team again next season.”

Matilda Pike

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Ben East’s Masterclass with Olympic Champion inspires his British Record Last December saw Year 9’s Ben East attend a Javelin masterclass with German, 2016 Olympic Champion, Thomas Röhler at Loughborough University. That class clearly paid dividends as Ben has since become the UK’s U15 JT600 (600g javelin) record holder at the Loughborough Javelin Carnival on 27 May this year with a throw of 66.17m. To put that in context that is the exactly the same as the current UK adult women’s record!* (The current UK adult men’s record is 91.46m.)

Ben describes his masterclass with Thomas: “Thomas started with a motivational presentation about how his career unfolded from junior athletics as a triple and high jumper, moving to javelin at 17. He then ran an indoor training session about technique, where he spent a few minutes with each athlete coaching their posture. In the afternoon we trained outside where he ran through his warm up before going through some of his drills with us, he also launched a number of impressive throws from short run-ups!

“After the training, there was a Q and A session followed by autographs and photos. It was an inspirational day in which I learned many improvements I can make to my technique. It was also an honor to be able to meet and train with an Olympic champion.”

Well done Ben on your fantastic achievement, we can't wait to see how your javelin career progresses! • *The specification for competition javelins changed in 1999. With the old model, Fatima Whitbread threw 77.44m in 1986.

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Grilli Canning College Fixture As we entered the Summer Term we were very pleased to welcome Grilli Canning College from Argentina on a section of their European tour.

After welcoming our visitors to school we were given a cultural presentation about Argentina, including two stunning tango’s and slides and a quiz on the beautiful landmarks and areas of significance.

With the sun coming out we moved off to our sporting arenas with the senior hockey ready for one final game before commencing their exams.

Some excellent attacking hockey from Grilli meant they were able to play the ball in quickly but Astrid Davis in goal showed her class by keeping out the driving challenges of the visitors. We retained possession and moved up the pitch taking advantage of the high attacking play Bo Stewart was able to secure the goal. As we moved into the second half of the game Grilli found their rhythm with several power shots just out of reach of Davis.

With the hockey tied up Grill had shown their touring class taking the game on this occasion. The girls then got the opportunity to welcome the visitors to the school with after match teas and a chance to get to know each other. With the exchange of gifts we were able to wish them well on the final leg of their tour to Paris.

The rugby fixture was against a mixed side made up from our Year 10 and 11 boys. Hosted by Newbury RFC, it was a fast-paced game with a huge amount of physicality shown by both sides. Unfortunately for us, our boys struggled to contain the quick feet of some of the Grilli outside backs who took full of advantage of any lapses in defence to run out as worthy winners. The fixture was played in great spirit, and we look forward to hopefully hosting Grilli again in the future. Thank you again too all those involved in the day, what a fantastic opportunity for another international fixture and we look forward to welcoming Grilli back again in the future. • Mrs Rowland and Mr Thorne

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Mad Dog sows the seeds

for grassroots rugby Park House has had a long-standing relationship with rugby, having turned out the likes of Tom Croft and Jonathan Joseph, who’ve both represented England and the British Lions, and Cara Brincat and Carys Cox who’ve represented England at Under 20 Level.

Coach Mike Kirby (centre) with two of our Mad Dogs: Vincent Coffey (left) Henry Sandys-Lumdaine (right).

Since launching our girls’ rugby training programmes, we have also welcomed legends such as Zinzan Brooke, Nigel Owens, Lee Byrne and Shane Williams to work our students, and to raise funds for several children’s charities through a series of ‘evening with’ events enabling the school to welcome members of the wider community to receive an exclusive insight into the world of class rugby and be regaled with stories of the lives of rugby heroes both on and off the pitch.

support of the Greenham Trust in the Sixth Form, this will enable students to combine their academic studies with top-class coaching and competitive opportunities.

This September, we start our ‘Mad Dog’ Rugby Academy led by former England Captain, Lewis Moody as featured in the issue 37. Set up with the

Coaches Mike Kirby and Andy Brownhill (inset) recently joined our students for practice sessions and to show of the new Mad Dog PHS Rugby kit. •

Lee Byrne visit

In March, students received an uplifting visit from former Welsh and British Lions full back Lee Byrne.

Lee spent time with students on the our rugby programme before meeting with a wider group of students to talk about how he works with a learning disability.

Lee has spoken openly about his own struggles with dyslexia and the subsequent anxiety that resulted. He explained how his learnings in dealing with this have helped him to excel on and off the rugby pitch.

Mr Peaple said, “Having read Lee’s autobiography in the Autumn I felt that there was so much in his story that could inspire our students in many different ways. I was therefore delighted that he so readily agreed to visit us. Lee’s outstanding attributes as a player on the field are matched by the power of his description of responding positively to the challenges of being dyslexic.”

He added:“It was a wonderfully motivational day for all involved. The start of a long-term partnership where Lee will return to continue to support students he has met and begin work with others.” •

Rugby Legends evening with David Campese Following the success of our previous Rugby Legends evenings we will be holding another Rugby Legends evening with special guest, David Campese who was capped 101 times for Australia, scoring over 315 points in his international career.

The event supported by The Events Room, Guinness and Waddell Digital will be on Monday 19 November at Newbury Rugby Club will give rugby fans the chance for a Q&A session with David and to hear anecdotes from David’s playing career. Look out for ticket details online soon!

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“I Improved my netball skills and shooting accuracy.” Zoe Whittington

PGL Liddington Netball Tour On a wet April weekend Mrs Clarke, Mrs Rowland and some highly excitable Year 7 netballers spent the weekend at PGL Liddington, near Swindon. The weekend was due to be packed with not only some very wet weather but high class netball and exciting challenges.

Saturday morning saw us take on the highs of the abseiling, Jacob’s ladder, the leap of faith and everyone’s favourite the giant swing and zip-wire. The girls never failed to impress us in their willingness to try new things and take themselves out of their comfort zones. With lots of encouragement from their team mates the girls leapt for new heights.

After lunch and a dry pair of socks we started the afternoon matches playing schools from all over the South of England. With a slightly shaky start both our teams, The Stars and The Stripes, were soon back in the swing of things with goals coming from Grace Cussons, Beth King, Sophie

Casey and Zoe Whittington. With Saturday afternoon’s games over the tired girls trundled back for some more superb food and evening entertainment.

Sunday saw an early start with a hearty breakfast to get us ready for a second day of Netball. With our centres, Holly Rider, Maddie Fegan-James and Amelia Overend controlling play well from the off the girls hit the ground running feeding the ball well up through the court. Jess Tomlinson and Megan Varney showed that size doesn’t matter when you’ve energy and speed. Whilst our goals were mounting up the defence of Lottie Eaton, Georgia Beckley, Izzy Tallis, India Farrant, Jasmine Phippen, Millie Carter, Jess Regan & Georgia Wood looked for interceptions to turn the ball over; using their height to limit goal scoring opportunities.

Thank you firstly to the Year 7s for an amazing weekend away and some fantastic

memories to move forward into year 8, secondly to Mrs Clarke for organising such a fantastic weekend away. • Mrs Rowland

“I loved the giant swing and using team work throughout the PGL activities whilst increasing friendship and teamwork.”

Sophie Casey,

“The netball games were really fun and playing lots of games helped us improve.” Georgia Beckely “I enjoyed getting to know everyone much better.”

Millie Carter

Hungerford Town Football Academy Hungerford Town Football Academy has continued to develop important partnerships through Global Premier Soccer which has entered into an wider partnership with Valencia CF. The Academy with Global Premier Soccer United Kingdom (GPS UK) benefitted earlier this year from a five-day visit by Toni Navarro, a UEFA Professionally Licenced Coach and International Coordinator at Valencia CF. Gary Clifford , Academy Manager said: “The partnership with GPS UK and Valencia CF gives the students some amazing opportunities that are beyond the reach of most players in the UK.”

Toni Navarro was thrilled with the academy project, stating: “I am delighted with our work with GPS and excited for the future years ahead as we look to deepen our relationship with GPS in the UK and Internationally.

We are very happy to be using the Park House School facility at Hungerford for our GPS UK Professional Development Seminars and supporting the GPS project with Hungerford Town Football and Education Academy. The students have shown themselves to be talented, intelligent, humble and willing to learn.”

The scheme continues to provide a great pathway for players to progress from the Academy. The Hungerford first team sees Conor Lynch, Alex Fragata and Daniel Bailey moving up with the latter two players now enrolled on the Procision FC, HND course. •

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Park House recognised for commitment to

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award After more than two decades of commitment to the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award we have now been licensed to directly grant the Award to our own students and other local students who complete the challenges. Mrs Robinson-Slater, who has been foremost in her service to the scheme, said: “I am thrilled that we have become a Directly Licenced Centre for the Awards as a result of the fantastic hard work of staff and the brilliant uptake by, and enthusiasm of, our students.”

Mr Peaple and Mrs RobinsonSlater who were presented with the school’s DofE certificates at St James Palace???

Resident Coordinator We now have our own resident Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award coordinator, Linnhe Lay (left), who will be supporting our students from Year 9 through to leaving school and onwards (students may complete their awards from Year 9 up until they reach the age of 24).

Having Linnhe on site now means students can drop in on a daily basis to discuss their DofE challenges and ways to progress towards achieving their Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. The DofE is a highly recognised worldwide award for students. The programme is divided into four sections; volunteering, physical, skills and expedition.

Our current DofE award students are making good progress with their bronze, silver and gold awards. We will feature their 2018 expeditions in the Winter edition of Personal Best.

If you are interested in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award please contact llay@parkhouseschool.org

119 students currently participating in the DofE Award

89 Bronze 22 Silver 8 Gold

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The students were also blessed with sunshine throughout the day which definitely helped contribute to the high spirits and great atmosphere. It was strange to see lots of famous people walking around the event and chatting with the DofE students – it was lovely seeing them so natural and not hounded by fans.

When it was time for the presentation, the students stood in silence in their County groups facing the Palace as the National Anthem was played by the band to announce the arrival of Their Royal Highnesses. It was then announced that HRH Prince Andrew Duke of York was on his way to meet the DofE students along with their special guest speaker. The students stood in order to receive their Awards and HRH Prince Andrew walked along asking them about their Gold DofE experiences.

So far this year 13 students have completed their Bronze award, one student has completed their Silver and one student, Neve Sanders, Head Girl, has completed her Gold and just received her award at Buckingham Palace.

It was a true honour to watch DofE students receive their well-earned Awards from Royals and celebrities to celebrate their achievement. I asked Neve about her experience and she said: “The most challenging part of my Gold DofE was meeting new people and working together with them in difficult situations. I remember one expedition I attempted to jump over a puddle and landed in it, losing my boot in the process. We had to get it out with a stick which was very interesting!

Buckingham Palace The DofE students walked past all the tourists and arrived at the main gates of Buckingham Palace, they went through security and then into the gardens of Buckingham Palace, looking up at the beautiful structure of the Palace and seeing the gardens get closer, was very surreal!

“My day at Buckingham Palace was an incredible experience. They had a live band who were lovely to listen to and meeting the Duke of York was very exciting and rewarding.”

• Linnhe Lay

Neve Sanders on receipt of her DofE Gold Award.