The Warwickian - Michaelmas 2021

Warwickian The

HRH The Princess Royal marks the completion of Project One Campus

Michaelmas 2021

Letter from the Head Master

Dear Parents/Guardians

What a ‘normal’ term. Sitting down to write this letter of introduction, I looked back at the words I wrote this time last year. What an extraordinary term Michaelmas 2020 was! In comparison, what a normal term we have just enjoyed and what a blessed relief that is! Of course, Warwick School’s ‘normal’ is anything but, and the evidence of another remarkable term of activity and achievement is documented in the pages that follow.

Since September, the boys have been able to enjoy the full programme of sport, music, drama, and co-curricular activities for the first time since March 2020. These activities were showcased by the Foundation Welcome Back Weekend. A wonderful occasion in which members of the community enjoyed the chance to return to the Myton Road campus after far too long a period of enforced absence. The visit of HRH The Princess Royal to belatedly mark the completion of Project One Campus was another high-profile community event, celebrating the opportunities afforded our pupils and the place of our schools within the local community.

The senior production of Everyman was a tour de force; the modern reimagining of the 15th century morality play captivated the Bridge House Theatre audience. It was also a case of business as usual for our musicians as all six ensembles secured gold awards at the regional round of the National Concert Band Finals. Arguably even more remarkable than the clutch of awards, was the participation of the usual six bands from Warwick School when other regular participants were unable to enter the competition at all. A ringing endorsement of the commitment of staff and pupils alike to maintaining the thriving musical life of the school, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.

‘Normal’ has been supplemented by several new initiatives. Mr Jefferies in his new role as Senior Tutor, ably supported by Mrs Wyatt, has led on the expansion of our academic enrichment programme. The Encounters series has seen some notable guest speakers visit the school this term and has been a welcome addition to the weekly calendar. The Year 9 ‘Firsts’ Project produced some insightful pieces of independent research indicating the scholarship and breadth of interest within the pupil body. A team from Warwick School mentored by Miss Hemming were the overall winners of The University of Oxford Physics Department’s Project Spotlight on Stereotypes.

The addition of skiing to the already comprehensive sports programme has proved popular and culminated in two Warwick Independent Schools Foundation teams being invited to the English Schools Ski Association national finals in Norwich(!). I must confess that I had not envisaged an article on alpine success sitting alongside those recognising our ongoing success in the more traditional Warwick sports. My thanks go out to Robin Gilyead who has kindly volunteered his time to make this unlikely turn of events a reality. The past term has also been punctuated by several careers events. The biennial speed interviews evening and the Sandy Gunn Aerospace event were both a huge success and supplemented by the best the ‘virtual’ world has to offer, remote business lunches and work experience. My thanks to Messrs Tapper-Gray and Dr Cafolla for providing these opportunities. I hope you enjoy reading this ‘normal’ edition of The Warwickian as much as I did. Once again it serves as a record of the curiosity, creativity, courage, perseverance, responsibility and humility of our remarkable community.

James Barker Head Master

Foundation news

HRH The Princess Royal visits Warwick

On Friday, 5 November, Warwick School was honoured to host HRH The Princess Royal, who came to celebrate the work of local charities and organisations, and to mark an important milestone in education – the completion of Project One Campus.

Attended by the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, and Chair of Warwickshire County Council, the Princess met with local charities and organisations at Warwick Hall, including Helping Hands, Kissing It Better, Young People First, Armonico Consort and Warwick – A Singing Town.

The whole school turned out to welcome the Princess Royal. Pupils from Warwick Independent Schools Foundation’s Combined Cadet Force formed a Guard of Honour as Governors, staff and enthusiastic pupils from Warwick School, Warwick Junior School, King’s High and Warwick Prep lined up to welcome the Princess.

After a tour of the King’s High building, two of the Foundation’s youngest pupils, Olivia from Warwick Prep School and Teddy from Warwick Junior School, both stepped onto the rostrum to present the Princess with flowers. Her Royal Highness met several lucky pupils from Warwick Senior School and King’s High School, before unveiling a plaque dedicated to Project One Campus and the community it is sure to inspire.

Academic news

Encounters 2021

This term we introduced a new series of Encounters presentations which generally take place after school on a Friday.

The aim of these presentations is to encourage pupils from any year group in the Senior School to hear from an expert in their field on an issue of contemporary interest and importance. Encounters in the Michaelmas Term included the Muslim writer and academic, Ed Husain, on Islam and the West, Professor Richard Barker of Christ Church, Oxford on sustainable development and local MPs, Victoria Prentis and Matt Western. A particular pleasure of the programme has been the opportunity to invite notable Old Warwickians back to the school. These have included the former chief constable of Sussex police, Martin Richards, who spoke about policing, and Sir Stephen Lovegrove and Angus Lapsley, both of whom spoke on security challenges to the UK. The enthusiasm with which large audiences of boys, girls and parents asked such probing questions has been really wonderful and Mr Jefferies has been especially impressed with the solid core of pupils who have attended

every single Encounter. Highlights of the programme in 2022 include Falklands War burns survivor, Simon Weston (Tuesday, 11 January), teacher and academic, Anthony Seldon (Friday, 28 January), former Home Secretary, David Blunkett (Thursday, 24 March), and the historian, Dominic Sandbrook (Friday, 29 April). All welcome!

MP, Victoria Prentis with James Barker and her PA, Old Warwickian, James Foote

An Encounter with Old Warwickian, Martin Richards

Mr John Jefferies; Old Warwickian, Angus Lapsley; and Ben

Head Master, James Barker; Ben; and Old Warwickian, Sir Stephen Lovegrove

Virtual Business Lunch Workshops

One objective of Warwick School is for boys to develop into balanced individuals. To help facilitate this we arrange Virtual Business Lunch Workshops where experts in a range of fields impart their knowledge and expertise to students who express a strong interest.

This term we have welcomed virtual speakers covering subjects such as Physics, Software Engineering, Psychology and Law. Guest speaker, Mr. Henry Harrison (Psychologist and Old Warwickian (OW) who lives and works in the Netherlands) even offered to fly over and deliver the workshop in person. True to his word, he did just that.

On Thursday, 11 November, ten budding psychologists from Year 12 and 13 attended the workshop, where Henry discussed topics ranging from mental health and video game addiction to end of life care in the NHS, educational Psychology, psychometrics and consulting, and the psychology of advertising and marketing. Thus, showing students the broad range of areas of Psychology that they can pursue. The diversity and variability of professions enthused the boys and they thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, engaging in Q&A discussion during and after the session.

Success with Project SoS

Teams from Warwick School, King’s High School and Alcester Academy had the opportunity to work with supervisors and academics from the University of Oxford to design, carry out, analyse and present their work on a stereotype that interested them.

The five teams from Warwick designed excellent studies on a whole host of stereotypes around race and ethnicity, gender, and representation in video games.

Our boys did exceptionally well, claiming both third and first place, with the highly coveted Report prize and a highly commended (second place) poster. The highly commended poster award was presented to Rory, Toby, Tommy and James. Third place for their report was Blake, Sean, Jamaal and Jack.

A huge congratulations to the overall winning team who produced an exceptional report — Thuwaaragan, Joel, Ollie and Noah. The sensitivity in which they handled their topic, with the robust design and understanding of flaws impressed the judge.

Cyber Centurion Competition

Congratulations to Aaran, Barney, Timothy and James, who entered the annual Cyber Centurion Competition on 12 November. They did very well and placed 10th out of 55 teams in the whole of the UK – a fantastic achievement!

Year 9’s ‘Firsts’ Project –Foundation Welcome Back Weekend

The Foundation Welcome Back Weekend marked the end of our Year 9 ‘Firsts’ Project.

Boys were asked to respond to the prompt of ‘Firsts’ which they did in a number of ways, with topics ranging from ‘How did Kipchoge become the first marathon runner to break the two-hour barrier?’ to ‘When and how will the first humans get to Mars?’ The results were very impressive, and the winning entries were published in a booklet. The presentation event was an opportunity to show visitors what they had learned. Visitors questioned the boys, not just on their topics but on their analytical skills and how they had developed their critical thinking as a result of their work.

The winner of the essay competition was Tommy, who wrote an essay about the influence of the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’ on later works of literature.

Sandy Gunn Aerospace Careers Event

Pupils from Warwick School, King’s High School, and visiting schools attended the first Sandy Gunn Aerospace Charity careers event in Warwick Hall on Wednesday, 24 November. The charity is named after WWII Reconnaissance Spitfire pilot, Sandy Gunn, who was shot down and captured over Norway in 1942. Dr Michael Smith FRAeS FRSA (Chairman of the Sandy Gunn Aerospace Charity) hosted the event and was joined by Antony Hoskins, who is rebuilding Sandy Gunn’s original Spitfire. We were also joined by Captain Clive Phillips (Captain at EasyJet) and Lily Myers (a newly qualified commercial pilot).

Dr Michael Smith challenged pupils to consider how emerging technologies such as quantum computing and advanced automation will become de facto standard in the not-too-distant future, as well as plans to open the first hotel in Space later this decade. Technology is clearly advancing, and we need skilled engineers for this future.

Anthony Hoskins brought Sandy’s story and the heritage of the Spitfire to life – emphasising that Spitfire pilots would have been only a couple of years older than our current A-level students. The Sandy Gunn charity will launch several competitions to allow pupils the opportunity to win a place learning how to manufacture airplane components using techniques and materials from the 1930s and 1940s.

Captain Clive Phillips described a typical day piloting a modern commercial aircraft, while Lily Myers gave a fresh account of what it was like to work through the many hours of training that led to her commercial rating. Some pupils also had an opportunity to fly and operate a drone within a Virtual Reality environment. A Rolls Royce Merlin Engine from an old Spitfire was also on display to give a sense of scale (and weight!) to these engines, which became a focal point during the Q&A sessions at the end of the event.

Speed Interviews

On Wednesday, 13 November, Year 13 students were invited to attend Warwick School’s annual Mock Speed Interviews event.

This year our network of top employers, who travelled from all parts of the UK to attend, came from the fields of Medicine, Law, Engineering, Science and Business. All the interviewers are at the top of their game with highly successful careers and really put the boys through their paces. Pupils were matched with employers based on their academic and occupational areas of interest, learning what it takes to undertake a successful interview through assessment and constructive feedback. The event was a great success and was a motivating and exciting experience for the boys.

Lower Sixth student, Toby wearing 1940s pilot gear

Music

Remembrance

This year, trumpeters Christopher, Eoin, Samuel, Joseph and Adam all took on the responsibility of performing the solemn and challenging Last Post, and they all did marvellously. Thanks go to Mr Tibbitts, for preparing the boys for their performances.

National Concert Band Festival

On Saturday, 27 November Warwick School competed in the regional round of the National Concert Band Festival, which took place in Warwick Hall. The six bands that entered were all awarded gold for their performances and have been invited to the National finals in April.

A massive congratulations to Super Tonics, the first band to perform; Jazz Lab and Big Band Blue who both performed in the jazz category; Little Big Band who competed in the junior jazz section; Big Band Red with their rhythm performance; and Foundation Wind Orchestra who performed in the wind band category. A huge thank you also to all the staff who made this possible.

A Christmas Cracker Concert

Warwick School Music are excited to present our annual Christmas Cracker concert on Friday, 10 December in what will be a musical celebration of the most wonderful time of the year.

Fanfare Team

Fanfare Team heralded the start of the Foundation Service on Friday, 24 September in St Mary’s Church, Warwick. This advanced Trumpet ensemble played two fanfares, both written especially for the occasion by Foundation Sixth Formers, Oscar and Annabel. Also featured in the service was our fantastic Chapel Choir, singing alongside choirs from the other Foundation schools.

Fanfare Team played again at St Mary’s Church on Thursday, 14 October for the High Sheriff’s Service. They performed ‘A Canterbury Flourish’ by Arnold Jacobs, for the amassed dignitaries.

Year 7 Strings

On Tuesday, 28 September our Year 7 strings, some of whom were new to the school this year, performed solos for an audience of friends and family in the Pyne Room. It is clear that our Year 7 cohort are a talented group.

Congratulations to:

Edward, Ben and Charlie, who have each gained a place in the National Children’s Orchestra.

Band Stand Showcase

A dress rehearsal for the bands competing at NCBF, the Band Stand Showcase is always full of surprises and our first chance to hear our Big Bands and Wind Orchestras each year. All six bands involved played magnificently.

Music

Adam with the Mayor of Warwick

Eoin Sam Joseph

Chris

Junior School news

Prefects and House Captains

Congratulations to our new Prefects and House Captains who made their oath of service to the school at the start of term. They play a key part in school life, and we look forward to their contribution in the year ahead.

Aquathlon

This term, almost half of our boys took part in our second ever Aquathlon. Whilst some boys were eager to race around the course at top speed, others were happy to keep at a more comfortable pace, cheered on by parents and peers. The fastest three boys in each year group received medals and certificates for their achievements. £325 was raised for their chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Research.

Digital Leaders

Congratulations to our newly appointed Digital Leaders who will play a key role in helping to support and develop the use of technology in our school.

Remembrance

This year’s Remembrance Service began with our house captains, led by Thomas, who lay a wreath beside the altar. Readings and prayers were provided by Year 5 boys.

Billy blitzes the championship

Massive congratulations to Billy, who played in the British Junior Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships in November. Billy finished fourth in the Rapid Championship and won the Blitz Championship with 8/9, a clear point ahead of his nearest rival.

Charities

The houses have elected their chosen charities for the year. With so many great charities proposed, the houses made the following choices: Drake House – Local Charity, ‘Doorway’ proposed by Angelo; Nelson House – Environmental/Animal Charity, ‘The Orangutan Project’ proposed by Oscar; Wellington House – National Charity, ‘Molly Ollie,’ proposed by Tom and Max; Scott House – International Charity, ‘UNICEF’, proposed by Sebbie.

On Friday, 16 October, Junior School pupils wore red to show support for ‘Show Racism the Red Card Day’.

U11s win Harrison Cup

On Saturday, 6 November, the U11A Rugby team took part in the 31st running of the prestigious Harrison Cup hosted by QEGS Wakefield.

The U11A team were outstanding all day, winning all six of their group games. After being ranked first in their group, the boys went on to win their final game 5-2 and deservedly be crowned Harrison Cup winners 2021.

Year 5 | Top Adventure

Our Year 5 boys took no prisoners at Top Adventure when having fun playing laser tag. Traditional challenges such as ‘Capture the Flag’ were hotly contested. All the groups enjoyed time on the water and many boys ended the session by jumping in and swimming across the lake.

Year 4 | Blackwell Court

Warwick Rugby Day

Team players, Cameron, Barnaby, Luke, and Thomas were each presented with a ball and other souvenirs from Warwick Rugby Day by Jack Forsythe and Fin Smith, two of our recent leavers playing with Worcester Warriors.

It was with great excitement that Year 4 went to Blackwell Court to take part in a day of daring activities. The boys were given the opportunity to try out the 3G Swing, the zip wire and practice their belaying skills, while others scaled the high climbing wall and learned life lessons during team building!

Ski Squad Training

On Sunday, 7 November 38 skiers from all the Campus One Foundation schools attended a Ski Race training session at Swadlincote Dry Ski Slope.

The Arts

Everyman

Our talented actors from Warwick School and King’s High School made a spectacular return to the stage when they brought a modern retelling of the 15th century morality play, Everyman, to the Bridge House Theatre. Written specifically for us by Adrian Jarvis, this year’s senior production – fuelled by an electronic score and songs –was contemporary in both its subject and its styling. Set in 2021, our Everyman was suffering with COVID and was forced to reflect upon the choices and relationships of his life; specifically, the people he had harmed in pursuit of his own wealth and reputation. Digital screens showed video which accompanied the action on stage and the ensemble switched expertly between roles as diverse as business executives (Robot Song), the homeless (Salvation), and even the inside of Everyman’s head (Pulchra, Cretia and co). The cast were tremendous from the outset, embracing the challenges within the text, offering creative ideas during rehearsals and experimenting with the music that is woven into the play. The result was a tremendously moving, timely and powerful piece of theatre that reminded us all that whatever we believe, the need to ‘do good things’ in our lives prevails.

Special mention must go to Taha Elamin for his outstanding portrayal of the protagonist Everyman, and to Rose Agnew (Pulchra), Hope Brotherhood (Witt), Lottie Perry (Cretia) and Lauren Griffin (Bim) for their energetic and vibrant performances, and to the entire the cast and crew for their contribution to what was a striking final performance.

The Arts

Charity & community A Word from the Principal

The visit of HRH The Princess Royal brought focus to the journey the Foundation has been on over recent years, with the formal opening of ‘Project One Campus’. It has been wonderful to see pupils across the schools collaborating this term, with initiatives including a joint sixth form PSHE programme across Warwick and King’s High, and the first joint meeting of the schools’ prefects.

As I write this message, the Advent Carol Service in the chapel has just concluded. Current pupils – day and boarding – staff, parents, and alumni all gathered to mark the start of the preparations for Christmas. It was a wonderful example of the Warwick community gathering together, to share an important moment in the life of the school.

Finding opportunities to bring together and strengthen our community has been a key ambition for us this term. Amongst the myriad of events since September, our ‘Welcome Back Weekend’ stands out, thanks to the support by so many current and former families.

The Town Crier

Oyez, oyez, oyez! Year 6, 7 and Upper Sixth students were delighted to welcome back the Warwick Town Crier this morning in a slightly different ceremony than usual.

The Town Crier, Michael Reddy, addressed students from the Pavilion, before requesting that the Head Master grant permission for an extra week’s holiday for the boys. In 109 years, he is yet to be refused.

After the announcement, the Town Crier met with several Junior School pupils who presented him with donations for his nominated causes. This year, proceeds collected at the event will go to the Mayor’s Charity and High Sheriff’s Charity.

In the wider community, ‘Warwick – A Singing Town’, a partnership initiative between the Foundation and King Henry VIII Endowed Trust, is already having tremendous impact, with over 1,000 pupils in Warwick primary schools accessing the new choral programme each week. We were equally delighted to announce the Orchestra of the Swan residency, which will benefit our own pupils, local residents and school pupils. I do hope as many Foundation families as possible will join us for the Gala Concert on 20 January, which launches this unique development.

Thank you for the support you give to the schools and the Foundation, and the vibrancy that support brings to our collective endeavours.

I do hope you all have a joyful Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.

Richard Nicholson Foundation Principal

Orchestra of the Swan

We are delighted to announce a new music residency programme on campus with the Orchestra of the Swan. This is an important development in fulfilling our strategic aim to develop a national reputation in the Arts.

The Orchestra of the Swan is our local professional orchestra, which has a reputation for innovative programming and working creatively with younger musicians. This new partnership creates outstanding opportunities for our pupils, and for other schools and residents in the local area.

RCPCH Awards

Special mention to Bryn, who attended the RCPCH&Us Volunteers Awards in June, where both the Paediatrics 2040 and Epilepsy E12 Youth Advocates won awards, which was fantastic news for Bryn and his fellow team members.

Bryn visited the RCPCH offices in London on Saturday, 13 November for his first face to face E12 Workshop to plan out their next 6-month project. This will focus on setting up plans to bring a greater awareness of epilepsy into schools. They will also be looking at mental health in epilepsy sufferers.

Jazz and Scones

Our Jazz small band concert, ‘Jazz and Scones’, is a perennial favourite in our Music calendar. This year the setting was Warwick Hall, and the audience were as appreciative as ever. It was wonderful to hear bands from a range of year groups – the more senior players flourishing, and the younger players getting their first taste of a ‘jazz club’ performance. We heard a lot of superb solos and enjoyed a broad range of jazz styles.

Remembrance Day

A moving ceremony was once again held at Warwick Hall on Remembrance Day to commemorate the fallen from Warwick School. This year the event saw us looking back at the Second World War and started with an address by the current Head Master. He read out the Head Master’s letter to the Old Warwickians (OWs) from the December 1940 issue of the Portcullis.

Whilst so much was familiar to us; discussions of the weather, the rugby team’s results and events in the boarding house, the background of war could not be avoided. Mentions of bombing raids on the Midlands, teachers leaving the school to fight and news on OWs missing after the withdrawal to Dunkirk give a very different tone to the address. By the time Head Master, Bishop wrote his letter in December 1940 there were already ten OWs who had given their lives in service for their country.

The ceremony was brought to a close with an evocative performance of the Last Post, followed by a two-minute silence. Instead of the usual tuck shop treats at break time, boys were offered ‘rations’ in return for donations for Help the Heroes.

CCF Cadets Mark Remembrance with Seven Events

November saw a very busy couple of weeks for CCF cadets and staff, with seven events in ten days.

After providing a Guard of Honour for the visit of HRH The Princess Royal, the cadets were involved in six further Remembrance events – Junior School Chapel, supporting the Armonico Consort performance of The Armed Man at the Warwick Arts Centre, WS and KHS assemblies, laying wreaths on behalf of the school on Remembrance Sunday, and Chapel service on Sunday evening. Cadets involved were excellent across the board and were a credit to the CCF and the School – well done.

Charity

£3,496.13

total raised this academic year

Sport Rugby

Swimming

The swim team returned to the pool for their first meaningful gala in 18 months, taking part in the qualifying round of the English Schools Swimming Association, Senior Schools Relay Championships. The event saw all our boys swim exceptionally well alongside seven strong visiting teams in what proved to be a highly competitive meet.

Our U18 team: Louis, Harvey, Jason and Charlie posted a time of 1.54:84 for the Medley and 1.41:68 for the Freestyle Relay. They ranked nationally in seventeenth and tenth place, comfortably qualifying for a place in the finals at the London Aquatic Centre on 20 November.

Our U15 team: Lewis, Ned, Will and Zack excelled themselves in both events, posting strong times of 2.03:87 for the Medley and 1.50:72 for the Freestyle Relay. This sees them enter the finals ranking in twelfth and eleventh places respectively.

Our U13 team: Luke, Oscar, Daniel and Kieran were undeterred by a last-minute change of personnel and posted a time of 2.32:74 for the Medley and 2.15.71 for the Freestyle Relay. They finished the event ranked thirtysixth and twenty-eighth respectively, just missing out on qualification for the finals.

Congratulations to:

All the boys who took part in the Midlands Short-course Swimming Championships.

Special mention goes to Louis and Jason who have qualified for the English National finals. This is an elite level competition and a significant step for both boys who will be racing against top British swimmers including those that competed at the recent Tokyo Olympics and those looking for qualification at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

U18 | National Schools Cup

The 1st XV booked their place in the Midlands’ semi-final of the National Schools’ Cup with a 25-8 win over Solihull School. Warwick started the game the stronger side; good driving play from No.6 Alex rewarded centre Ben with a try in the first two minutes. Solihull hit back with a penalty, but Ted then scored from five metres out to put Warwick up 15-3 at the half-time break. Solihull rallied in the second half, but Theo put the game out of sight with a score off a lineout. Although the 1st XV team narrowly lost to Rugby School in the U18 National Cup regional semi-final 13-10, every player put in an outstanding effort.

Cross Country

Well done to Ruben (Year 11) and Josh (Year 8), who ran in Inter Area Cross Country races this term. In the inter boys’ competition, Ruben came second from a strong field.

U15 | Schools Cup

The U15 team progressed through to Round Four of the U15 Schools Cup, after winning 34-12 against Kenilworth.

U12 | Bloc Fixture

On Saturday, 6 November students enjoyed a highly competitive bloc fixture against Bedford School, with a grand total of 24 matches being played involving over 400 boys. Will, Daniel, Tom and Oscar were excellent for the U12Cs, and Iggy, Louie and Luca had big games for the U12Bs. The U12A and U13A lost narrowly to strong Bedford teams but worked brilliantly for the whole match. Highlights of the afternoon matches included the excellent winning runs of the 2XV and 3XV, who won 14-7 and 35-12 respectively. The U14ACD and U16ABC teams also all won well. However, the 1XV lost a close game in which they were 17-5 up and lost 19-17 in the last three minutes of the match.

Congratulations to:

U16s, Charlie, Tom, George, Oliver, Aiden and Oliver, who represented Worcester Warriors v Bristol over the half term break.

Tom and Oli

Louis

Clay Pigeon Shooting

Our clay pigeon shooting teams attended the Millfield Invitational Shoot on 4 November.

Both teams were new to competition shooting this year and did a great job coming 15th and 24th out of the 30 schools that attended.

Skiing

On Saturday, 9 October, two teams of skiers from King’s High School and Warwick School represented the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation in the ESSkiA (English Schools Ski Association) National age group finals, held at the Norfolk Snowsports Club in Norwich.

To have two teams from the newly formed WISF Ski Race squad invited to the finals is a fantastic achievement, as the standard is very high. School teams from across 6 regional qualifying events are invited to participate. Notable ESSkiA alumni include Dave Ryding and Chemmy Alcott, both of whom have been ranked in the top 10 in the world in their respective disciplines.

Congratulations to:

The Ski Squad raced in the Midland Ski Club Championships on Friday, 5 November. It was a great experience with all the Foundation skiers performing well.

Warwick Boys U16 team Seb, Daniel, Ptolemy and Tom.

Hockey

On Saturday, 9 October the U12 A, B, C and D teams all travelled to Solihull School for a Hockey Festival, with many players in the C and D teams making their first appearances for Warwick School. There were wins for the U12 B, C and D teams, while the U12 A team finished on the wrong side of a 4-2 score line in a competitive fixture that saw two well-taken goals from Barney.

Congratulations to:

Chris, Will, Charles and Archie who have all been invited onto the U15 England Hockey Performance Centre Program. A special mention to Archie who has earned his place a year young. The four will now train with some of the best players in the Midlands as they work towards the next step, which would be a place in an England U16 squad.

Also, congratulations to Ed and Ben who have retained their places in the U17 Performance Centre. This is an excellent achievement.

Fencing

Ben and Michael completed their British Fencing Level 2 Refereeing course in Solihull. This was one of the first courses to be run using British Fencing’s new Refereeing syllabus and both boys passed with flying colours.

Sport

Will, Charles and Chris Ben and Michael

News & events

Foundation Welcome Back Weekend

Our Foundation Welcome Back Weekend, from Saturday, 24 to Sunday, 26 September was a spectacular occasion, bringing together our community after many months apart.

Friday started with the Warwick Independent Schools Foundation Thanksgiving Service at St Mary’s Church, Warwick, where all our schools came together in a service to celebrate our Foundation. We also commemorated our links with the wider community, welcoming the Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Warwickshire, and civic dignitaries of Warwick and Leamington Spa.

Further collaborative activities included members of the CCF teaching our Year 2 Prep School pupils to march, plus a new Encounters lecture, Year 9 Poster event, and an Open Rehearsal by the Foundation Symphony Orchestra in Warwick Hall. The day concluded with an exciting ‘Friday

CCF at Leek

Over half term the cadets from both Warwick and King’s High assembled for the first CCF exercise since the pandemic. The cadets travelled to Leek Training Area in the Peak District where the mission was to combat a local terrorist force named the Anarchist Liberation Front (ALF).

Leek is our toughest exercise and well done to all who withstood the 50mph winds, heavy rain, and steep hillsides. Mention in dispatches go to: Danni for being a brilliant Platoon Sergeant, Ed for great section leadership and the tireless Will who combined being signaler and runner for the platoon.

Night Lights’ Warwick School rugby match under the floodlights of our 3G pitch.

On Saturday, school families, alumni and friends came together for a series of events: our Foundation Aquathlon, an Ex-Cathedra Singing workshop, the CBSO’s wonderful Stringcredibles, a workshop with amazing percussionist, Simone Rebello, drama taster sessions with the Bridge House Theatre Young Company, and a fun campus treasure trail.

Sunday saw the official opening of King’s High and Warwick Prep’s breathtaking new Music School with acclaimed saxophonist and Radio 3 presenter, Jess Gillam MBE, who unveiled a plaque and gave a wonderful performance. There was also collaboration between the Foundation and Warwick – A Singing Town; a ‘Come and Sing’ event, which culminated in a captivating performance of Messiah with singers from the Foundation and local community.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Four Lower Sixth and nineteen Upper Sixth boys travelled to the peak District over half term to complete their Silver and Gold DofE expeditions respectively.

On the first two days of the expedition, the teams had to battle high winds which made it difficult to walk along some of the more exposed ridges. On the third day all the teams walked up and over Kinder Scout. This was particularly challenging due to the low clouds, high winds, heavy rain showers, however the calmer weather in the afternoon allowed everyone to dry out a bit before spending a cold night on a small campsite overlooking Ladybower Reservoir. Despite more rain on the final day, all teams successfully made it across the moors and along Stanage Edge to the end.

Richard Nicholson, Dr Stephen Burley, Jess Gillam MBE, and Hellen Dodsworth