The Warwickian - Summer 2023

Letter from the Head Master

Dear Parents and Guardians

It has been a year of mixed emotion.

When naming us as Independent Boys’ School of the Year in November, the judges cited Warwick School’s ability to combine pride in its long history and the traditional values that we hold with an innovative approach that prepares pupils; not only to achieve outstanding outcomes in public examinations, but for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. It has taken over 1,100 years, but finally the rest of the world has started to recognise what our community has long known - that a Warwick education values the holistic development of pupils and strives to prepare them for successful careers and fulfilling lives.

This commitment to innovation has continued this term. The first Year 8 pupils have completed their Design Thinking certificate after designing a product that aims to enhance the lives of dementia sufferers, and presenting to representatives from Kissing it Better and the University of Warwick. The first set of Floreat Diplomas have been awarded to members of the Lower Sixth who have completed 320 hours of activity and a reflective journal focusing on the role their experiences have played in developing the school values. The Lower Sixth also enjoyed the opportunity to participate in a conference co-hosted with the London Interdisciplinary School, who helped us to design and implement a day of thinking about ‘inequality’ from a range of different perspectives.

Despite this and the countless achievements in the classroom, on the sports pitch and on the stage, memories of the past year will always, understandably

be coloured by the tragic death of a member of our Upper Sixth. Arun’s death will continue to affect our entire community for a long time to come and I am sure, like me, you continue to hold his family in your thoughts. Over the past few years, we have worked hard to enhance our pastoral provision and our pupils benefit from initiatives like the Wellbeing Hub. Despite this, Arun’s death was a shock and it is a distressing fact that many young people can mask their feelings so well that people around them are unable to detect their struggles. For this reason we are committed to continuing to work alongside organisations like the Samaritans, Papyrus and R;pple as part of our commitment to be the ‘most caring boys school in the UK’. The next stage in this commitment is the introduction of mixed aged tutor groups from September. Knowing the individual is the most important of our four key priorities and we believe that these changes will further enhance our pastoral care, help us to know and celebrate every pupil, and create a sense of belonging, continuity, and community. We will continue to work to fulfil our purpose of inspiring and nurturing every pupil to thrive both now and in the future.

I hope that you enjoy reading what follows, and I look forward to seeing you all refreshed and ready to take on new challenges in September - whatever they may be.

James Barker Head Master

At a glance

A selection of this term’s news and stories in one place

Incoming Head of School, Tom, won the final of the Foxcroft Essay competition this term. This prestigious competition was open to Year 12 science pupils from Warwickshire, Rugby, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire – emphasising the magnitude of Tom’s win, and a clear indicator of his skill and hard work.

Tom’s presentation was centred around using big data and machine learning. The competition was incredibly strong, and Tom did a tremendous job presenting and fielding questions.

On April 23, our U16 table tennis team competed in the national final. The team of Starry, Rex, Toby and Yannic started well and finished runners-upan incredible achievement when considering the fact that the winning team have 15 hours of table tennis coaching as part of their school week!

Our outgoing Head of School, Josh, was presented with a prestigious award by the High Sheriff earlier in the term. It was awarded in recognition of his ‘great and valuable services to the community’ - as a result of his numerous charity and fundraising work (including Foodbank Fridays!).

On April 20, a group of five pupils - Xuanlin, Thomas, Seb, James and Isaac - competed in the regional round of the F1 in Schools Competition. Of the three classes - Entry, Development and Professional - their team, Floreat Racing, topped the total race time leader board.

Aidan (Year 7) and Benedict (Year 4) are keen seasoned cyclists and back in February they rode 150 miles west from Banbury to the Welsh town of Aberystwyth, all whilst raising money for the local Help for Ukraine charity. A true accomplishment from the two boys.

At the end of April, Year 12 pupils involved in the Performance Support Pathway enjoyed a visit to St Georges Park High Performance Centre (the training centre for England Football).

It was an opportunity for these aspiring athletes to experience a high performance environment and get a taste of the facilities and opportunities available at this amazing facility.

The group had the chance to run out onto the indoor Wembley replica pitch, followed by a speed testing session on the athletics track which runs the length of this facility. This was followed up with some aerobic testing in the form of the dreaded Bronco, but also with an opportunity to experience some of the dynamic rehab activities which the England footballers undertake when visiting the centre in this capacity.

Jai, Luca, Tom, George, Henry, James, Tom, Ollie, Ollie, Ruben, Monty, Freddie, Charlie all enjoyed the day at this incredible facility, and hopefully it left them with some lasting memories, but more importantly a taste of something for them to aspire to in their own sports in the future!

We were delighted with this year’s brilliant LAMDA results. Of the 46 boys who took an exam, they earned 39 Distinctions and 7 Merits! Special mention must go to Patrick in Upper Sixth, who earned an incredibly impressive 100% in his Grade 8 examination – his second full mark LAMDA exam in a row.

Neuroscientist Dr Guy Sutton returned to Warwick School for another Brain Day with pupils from Warwick and King’s High School. Pupils participated in discussions about the impact on drugs on the brain, advances in psychiatry and experiments, and cutting-edge developments in neuroscience.

Pupils were then part of a dissection of a sheep’s brain, learning about how animal brains are different (and in some cases, not so different) from human brains.

One of the fantastic opportunities for our pupils this term allowed a few of our Foundation pupils to enjoy a trip to see Oklahoma West End in London. They had a wonderful opportunity to meet Arthur Darvill and even managed (just about!) to squeeze together for a photo.

Our Year 7s spent a night sleeping out in support of the Helping Hands charity - a humbling but exciting experience.

This term, we are delighted with the regional hockey tournament success that our boys experienced. The U12B team won their county cup competition, with Henry scoring the only goal in the final. The U12A team won their county cup, beating KES Birmingham. The U14A team also won their county cup, after wins against Repton and Denstone and a draw against Uppingham.

The U13A lost 4-3 in the ¼ final of the Independent Schools Cup to Bedford School, and competed in the Midlands Regional Finals. The 1st XI had a long but enjoyable day out at Southgate Hockey Club, playing in the warm-up game for the annual Oxford v Cambridge Varsity Match. Finally, congratulations to Ben S who trialled with the Scotland U21 squad and is now waiting to hear if he has a place in the training squad. And also to Mr Wade, who has once again been selected to represent England O45’s in the Home Nations and European Championships this summer.

Our first round of Floreat Certificate, Award, and Diploma holders celebrated their above-and-beyond achievements with certificates and the prestigious pin badges.

On 22 March, six Warwick runners took part in a cross-country relay race held at Canon Hill Park in Birmingham. This was the final fixture of the Greater Birmingham Schools Cross Country League and the Warwick team left with the silver medal!

A particularly strong run was put in by Jamaal (L6), who gained two places on his lap of the race. The relays were a great way to conclude an enjoyable cross-country season, and we look forward to the summer season of middle- and long-distance running.

The Year 7 Eco Project is one of the interdisciplinary projects that Warwick pupils participate in - other examples include the Year 10 Sustainability Project and the Year 12 Interdisciplinary Conference (see page 16).

Year 7 learned about the environment in all their subjects and the impact of ensuring biodiversity for the future.

The project culminated in a presentation board that each form put together and then presented at an exhibition in the Halse Pavillion.

Parents, teachers, and pupils from across Warwick School were invited to view the displays and then cast their votes for their favourite project.

FOUNDATION NE S

FUTURE FWD

Warwick Schools Foundation hosted the second annual Future FWD conference in July, in partnership with the University of Warwick. The event brought together educators and business leaders who engaged in meaningful discussions on supporting and empowering the next generation. Following a day of inspirational talks on Monday, 3 July, delegates headed to Warwick Castle for an evening of networking, followed by round table discussions on the Tuesday. A massive shout out to our Castle Host Partners Kidzink // Creating Inspiring Places and VISR Dynamics for creating an amazing, immersive experience where the medieval castle setting was juxtaposed with futuristic VR learning and space design concepts.

FOODBANK FRIDAYS

“The foodbank initiative with The Warwick Schools Foundation is working extremely well and we are very grateful for the food donated so far as the Cost-ofLiving-Crisis continues to impact household finances. To date, we have been getting an average of 87kg per week totalling 1,481.10 kg.

As I am sure you will appreciate, given the current climate, the vast majority of the donation tubs at the local supermarkets are all down on the usual amount of public donations so, as Tesco would say, ‘every little helps’!”

Andy Bower, Operations Manager, Warwick District Foodbank

COMBINED CADET FORCE

CCF gathered on the occasion of the Coronation of King Charles III - the coronation afternoon tea was a fantastic way to thank local volunteers. Senior Cadet Ed raised the Union Flag as part of the Prep School’s celebration.

The CCF Mess Dinner was held last Saturday as a thank you to the Year 13 cadets. Special guest Lt Col Matthew Boulter (OW and former senior cadet) joined fellow OWs Freddie Williams and Henry Plyming at the dinner. Lt Col Davenport gave his review of the year followed by Capt O’Brien’s vote of thanks to Lt Col Davenport as he steps down as Contingent Commander. The catering department put on a great night with a fantastic 3-course meal.

ORCHESTRA OF THE SWAN

In May, the Orchestra of the Swan took us ‘Into the Woods’ with two classic tales, wickedly retold by Roald Dahl in a family friendly concert at Warwick Hall. Keep an eye out for new dates, to be announced in September!

A note from the Principal Foundation

As I write this, I am reflecting on the many end of term concerts and productions which have taken place over the last few weeks, not to mention sports days, regular fixtures, and of course the public exam season, now ended, but which heralds for our Upper Sixth pupils the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. I know we will wish them all the very best of luck, and we look forward to staying in touch in the years ahead. Still to come are the Speech Days, which more formally record the activities and achievements of the academic year. Such is the great richness of all which goes on in our schools.

YOUNG ENTERPRISE

The two Warwick and King’s High Young Enterprise Companies recently competed in the Coventry and Warwickshire Finals at Alcester Academy. Snatched Apparel (selling their mystery clothing boxes), and International Eats (selling their children’s cookbooks with recipes from around the world) both performed admirably in their Dragon’s Den style interview stages. The evening ended with Snatched Apparel taking awards for sustainability, marketing, and creativity.

Last term, we promoted the new Foundation Strategy, and over recent months we have been working towards its fulfilment. September sees the arrival of Mr Stuart Thompson as our Foundation Executive Music Lead. He will be working with the Directors of Music in developing what is already excellent provision yet further, making exceptional music opportunities for all is one of the hallmarks of the Foundation, both for pupils at our schools and in the wider area.

We have also appointed Dr James Mills, currently Head of History and Politics at King’s High, to a new post of Foundation International Universities Councillor. We want to ensure that our pupils are clear about the multiple options they have on leaving school - opening their eyes to the opportunity of studying

overseas is an important part of that conversation. This new role builds on Dr Mills’ existing position in the Foundation’s careers and Higher Education suite of programmes - including Medicine and Allied Subjects, Law, and Oxbridge - where expertise across the schools is pooled for the benefit of all.

We are delighted too, to have extended boarding provision to girls and look forward to welcoming the first cohort of Lower Sixth boarders to King’s High in September.

Finally, we have been progressing the sports masterplan, designed to ensure that our facilities have the maximum impact for our pupils. I look forward to sharing these plans with you next year.

Thank you for the support you bring to the schools and the Foundation; I do hope you and your families have a refreshing summer and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in September.

Richard Nicholson Foundation Principal

Thom Kelly

Harry Cooper

Elliot Bannon

Austin Quinn

New ideas, old buildings

The English department took Year 9 pupils to Guys Cliffe House in Warwick. We hoped to provide pupils with plenty of inspiration for creative writing, based on the premise that 'New ideas need old buildings'. We saw the chapel and cellars, the cliff and caves and the pupils keenly showcased their photography and writing skills.

Michael Tsan Hugo Angel

My time as Head of School at Warwick has gone incredibly quickly, and so, whilst juggling with A Level exams, it is nice to have an opportunity to reflect on it all. The last year has been a more challenging one than most for everyone at Warwick, but, whilst it is important that we keep the difficult moments in our mind, I would like to reflect on the immensely positive things that have happened, not least our communal response to the setbacks that have been faced. Reading the pupil reflection at Dr Gill’s memorial was such a poignant moment. The huge support I was given from so many guys in the year, after what was quite an emotional service, is a brilliant example of what makes being a part of the Warwick community –Head Boy or not – such a privilege.

I imagine what I will be remembered for most, if anything, is for being the ‘charity van man’, who sold an obscene amount of donuts at a pretty extortionate price – of course, it was all for a good cause! During 2022, I led, and was part of, initiatives that raised over £40,000 for different charities, including sponsoring football equipment for the Sir Stanley Matthews Foundation; donating

more than £11,000 to UNICEF’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine; buying two ambulances for the United Ukrainian Foundation to drive out to Ukraine; buying the Warwick District Foodbank a van; as well as a few other projects in support of Movember (on the fundraising, rather than growing, side) and the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. I have been proud to spearhead the generosity of our Foundation, and hope that last year’s efforts will not become an anomaly, but instead mark a ‘new normal’ at Warwick.

Other highlights from the last year include leading the cheers for the Town Crier, representing Warwick at HRH The Princess of Wales’ ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service at Westminster Abbey, receiving the Warwickshire High Sheriffs Award Certificate, and a failed attempt to get into Oxford – all of which was done with the unstinting support of the teachers at Warwick, both within our School and in the wider Foundation. One of the things I have enjoyed most in Sixth Form has been interacting with more staff, whether it’s the Estates team who helped me ship 3000 donuts on site, or so many of the people working in the Bursary to keep the school rolling. I have really appreciated their support and their willingness to help with anything.

Another thing I have enjoyed about being Head Boy is that it has meant I have got to know some guys who I might not otherwise have spoken to as much, either through working on events together or collaborating on some Pupil Voice projects. I feel that I am part of a really great year, that I have been lucky to go through the last 11 years with, and I look forward to seeing these guys again at OW events in the future. For now, though, I am happy to have handed over the role to Tom and I am excited to start looking beyond life at Warwick.

Josh bids Warwick goodbye

Foodbank Fundraiser

The five Warwick Schools Foundation schools – Warwick Preparatory, Junior and Senior Schools, King’s High School and The Kingsley School – along with Milverton Primary School and Westgate Primary School, collaborated to support the Warwick District Foodbank.

The initiative was spearheaded by the Head of Warwick School, Josh Turner, who combined the fundraising efforts of pupils, parents and wider school communities to reach a donation total of over £9,000. This total was then matched by Warwick District Foodbank’s Board of Trustees, meaning that enough funding was available to facilitate the purchase of an electric van. This meant that not only were they able to transport their food between their warehouses and distribution hubs more easily, but crucially, that less food was left in distribution hubs when they were working out of different locations – resulting in the supplies being able to reach those who need them.

Josh was rightly delighted with the outcome of the initiative, and stated: “I think it is clear what a difference can be made when everyone comes together with the same purpose, and I really hope that this sets a precedent for more county-wide projects like this in the future.”

Noel Tapper-Gray, Head of Careers and Volunteering at Warwick School, added: “We are hugely proud of the pupils involved and thank all of our school community for their generous contributions.”

Juniors

JUNIOR SCHOOL NEWS

Sports Day

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 all had their Sports Days at the end of June. The boys performed fantastically well, showing great determination to do the best for their houses. Well done to all!

Young Enterprise

Year 6 built and marketed their own businesses and created a healthy snack product.

Toinfinity...

...and beyond! Year 5 took a trip to the National Space Centre in Leicester and learned about the future of space travel, innovations in engineering, and what could truly be out there in space.

Aquathlon

The 4th running of the Warwick Junior School Aquathlon was held on Friday, 16 June, where 217 boys took part and had a great time.

Thank you again to the parents who donated into the charity buckets across the afternoon; we managed to raise just under £200 for our charities, Macmillan Cancer Support and the Myton Hospice.

Making a splash

The swimmers continued their incredibly successful season with some outstanding performances at the ESSA Primary National Finals. Congratulations to the medley team, freestyle team, and all others involved on their exceptional commitment to training and fantastic results.

Summer concert

Scouts’ honour

Well done to all involved in the Bake O Class of 2023! Huge congratulations also to the winner, George, and the other two finalists, George and Alex.

On your marks, get bake!set, House Music

On 16 June, the school joined together to watch the finals of the House Music competition. Across the competition, performances ranged from classical to folk, pop classics to rap, and the standard of performance was incredibly high. Congratulations to Scott on a well-deserved victory!

Year 5 took a residential trip to Barnswood Scout Camp in Sta ordshire, where they took part in various activities such as archery, axe throwing and man hunt! Pupils and teachers alike had a great time on the trip; personified by Mr Wurr’s telling of dad jokes while the boys sung songs and told stories around the campfire.

Checkmate! Juniors

Every year since 1914, the English Chess Federation (ECF), the governing chess organisation in England, has issued awards to schools for outstanding achievements in chess, with funds administered by the British Chess Educational Trust (BCET). Warwick Junior School has received this prestigious award for 2023.

The ECF was deeply impressed by the chess profile which Warwick Junior School has created in recent years. Approximately 80 boys across all age groups play chess in lunchtime clubs running from Monday to Friday. Activities include internal competitions with prizes, demo-board displays, game analysis, and puzzle-solving. Boys receive end-of-year awards for overall achievement, conduct and progress.

There have been some tremendous individual successes. Numerous members have medalled in ECF-rated junior chess tournaments. Members have gone on to play and win games in the local adult chess league, the Leamington & District Chess League. Several have gained selection for the county junior squad. On the international front, Billy has represented England on numerous occasions, including the European Youth Championship, the European Youth Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship, the Glorney Cup and the World Cadets Rapid & Blitz Championship. He also won prizes in two successive international tournaments in which he played alongside some of the world’s top Grandmasters.

The popularity and status of chess within Warwick Junior School is at an all-time high. The boys are going from strength to strength and this recognition from the ECF is testament to their talent, hard work and dedication.

A little birdie told me...

The Junior School golf tournament returned, with pupils heading up the par three ‘Castle’ course at the Warwickshire Golf Club. A great experience for all the boys, and a victory for Louis, who shot only 7 over par and scored 27.

Marathon Day

We were so thrilled to welcome Marathon Man Gary McKee to the Junior School for our summer Speech Day. Many of the pupils and teachers joined Gary as he completed another marathon around the school site, adding to the impressive number of marathons he ran during 2022!

Fit for a king

As part of the coronation celebration, each class completed a large piece of art which was donated to charity to brighten up the walls in the hospital wards or homes. The Year 6 forms created a class picture of Highgrove House; Year 5 ‘coronationed’ Warwickshire landmarks; Year 4’s artwork was based around royal signs and symbols and Year 3 focused on British wildlife.

As part of our coronation celebrations, we also decided to support the local charity ‘Kissing it Better’, which works with people with dementia who are in hospital or local care homes. A huge thank you once again to all who contributed to the donations of toiletries.

Hakuna Matata!

Year 6 put on an amazing performance of ‘The Lion King Jr.’ in the Bridgehouse Theatre across two consecutive evenings for parents, and one daytime show for the Junior School and Prep School. Everyone in Year 6 had a blast, and everyone played their part brilliantly.

Wellington charity

Wellington organised a fun filled lunchtime of activities to raise money for the charity Fairtrade. The boys’ activities raised £445.26 - well done once again to Wellington boys and sta for their e orts.

Warwick Castle trip

Beyond the Curriculum: Interdisciplinary Learning

Kimberley Wyatt Deputy Head

Teaching and Learning

In preparing our pupils for the ever-changing workplace, we want to encourage them to think beyond the siloed nature of traditional education and develop interdisciplinary thinking, which is increasingly valued by employers. This year we have offered a range of opportunities to Warwick School pupils to allow them to think beyond the curriculum.

Curriculum: Learning

Year 12 Interdisciplinary Conference

In June, we worked with LIS (London Interdisciplinary School) a new university, described as “the most radical new university in decades” (The Times), They offer degree courses that aim to solve problems through an interdisciplinary lens, rather than studying discrete subjects, and they have helped us to design and implement a day of thinking about ‘inequality’ from a range of different approaches.

As part of the day, the pupils had sessions with representatives from the university, as well as discrete lectures from some of our own academic staff. At the end of the day, they had the opportunity to make a podcast on the topic of their choosing in small groups and the winners received a cash prize and the opportunity to present in front of LIS academics and their business partners.

Lectures were offered on subjects as diverse as epistemic inequality, psychological bias and data science. Pupils were challenged with questions about whether access to the arts is the preserve of the minority, and whether the oppression of minority languages in certain countries prevents access to education.

At the end of the day, pupils recorded podcasts on a theme of their choice, using interdisciplinary thinking. Groups chose topics such as ‘how could we work to prevent language being a barrier to accessing health education?’ and ‘how far is housing cost a barrier to good education in the UK?’

Year 8 Future Tech Project

Inspired by the 1977 Voyager mission where a Golden Disk was launched into space that contained sounds and images representative of life on earth, the Year 8 undertook a 2023 version of this project. In our project, the boys learned about the physics involved in rocket design and making their own artefacts. The boys analysed and plotted the time of flight from telemetry data, as well as recording their own data from simulated flights. In Computing, pupils explored how current computer technology could be used to encode and transmit messages over time and space.

As well as considering some of the ethical questions surrounding space travel, the pupils also had the opportunity to delve further into the cultural decisions that went into the original Golden Disk and created their own Platinum Disk, considering what music and images they would use to represent 2023 to other life forms.

The eventual winners were: Eddie, Will, Daniel and Arlo.

Year 10 Sustainability Conference

We worked with VW to consider sustainable solutions to problems around the school site. Alongside demonstrations of electric cars and discussions around air pollution and climate change, pupils were able to look under the bonnet of the latest models and use their research to consider ideas for real change in own site. Judged by our Foundation Bursar, Victoria Espley, the winners were named as, Charlie, Theo, Nathanial, James and Tom.

Pupil Voice

Saxton Head of Pupil Voice ‘23-24

Despite the pressures of exams, Pupil Voice has been very active this term. The new committee heads have settled into their roles well, and it has been really pleasing to see a number of positive contributions across all year groups.

The first of our wellbeing themed weeks, ‘Diversity Week’, was a great success, with a thought provoking whole-school assembly really helping to get school talking, and to launch the school’s wellbeing initiative for the year of ‘Allyship’. This was evidenced by huge attendance at our ‘Big Conversation on LGBT Issues’, where pupils from Warwick and King’s High were able to debate common issues in a constructive environment, aided by a specially selected pupil panel. Thanks should go to all of the LGBT and Disability Awareness Committee for their fantastic contributions towards this week, especially James Albrighton in Year 10, who designed some thought provoking posters.

We have also had two successful charity events this term, the first in the form of a non-uniform day on behalf of OW Ed Button’s charity Rufus’ Friends’ Fund which raised a fantastic sum of £1,500, and the other as part of a wider initiative supporting the Samaritans. As well as the traditional non-uniform day, two Year 13 pupils Ollie

and Will walked the 150 miles of coastline between Lands’ End and Hartland Point. A Go Fund Me page is in operation, and we look forward to hearing how much money they raised in the very near future.

Two surveys went out to pupils this term, one from the Teaching and Learning Committee surrounding digital learning, and another from the Catering Committee. Rest assured that all responses have been collated and reviewed, and that both committees are committed to implementing the school’s suggestions when they return in September.

Finally, Pupil Voice is excited to announce a new development with the school bell system. From September, we will be running a competition to try and select a new theme tune for the school bell, with the best three being shortlisted, sampled, and put to the school for a vote. More details will follow in September, so if you think you could be the next John Williams then please watch this space!

In the meantime, the whole committee would like to wish the school community a restful summer holiday, and we look forward to seeing many of you at September’s subcommittee meetings.

Noah

Art Gala 2023

We once again celebrated this year’s GCSE and A-Level pupils and the work that they have produced throughout their course and exhibited in the magnificent space of the Warwick Hall. Pupils have been creative in so many different ways and the work on show showcased the effort, imagination, and many hours that all of the pupils have put into their work.

PAWS Update

stay tuned!

PAWS continues to go from strength to strength both Senior and Junior groups. This year we have had a very successful joint second hand uniform sale which was very well attended. The next one will happen on the 5 September, before the start of the autumn term. Keep an eye out for an email or social media post for more details!

Junior PAWS have been very busy raising money and hosting a series of social events. A fun Easter event for the boys was a particular highlight as well as hosting refreshments during the Aquathlon.

There are a lot of exciting plans being drawn up for next term so

Senior PAWS has been busy too forging links with the boys in terms of their fundraising endeavours as well as being a presence at the Year 7 induction days and the Open Evening.

As well as getting ideas for future events, it has also secured a date for the return of the Head Masters Quiz, due to take place next termyou won’t want to miss it!

If any parents would like to get involved, volunteer, or just find out more, please get in touch at warwickschoolpaws@gmail.com as we’d be delighted to hear from you!

1940s, 50s and 60s Lunch and 1963 Leavers Anniversary

Reunion

OWs at school in the 1940s-60s were warmly welcomed back to Warwick School to enjoy a film show from the Warwick School archives, followed by lunch, on 25 March. For some, it was their first return since leaving school. The occasion also provided a special opportunity for our 1963 leavers to mark 60 years since leaving school.

OWA President’s Dinner

OWA President 2023 Jim Button (WS 1978-85) hosted a tremendous dinner for over 90 OWs and their wives, partners and friends at Leamington Tennis Court Club on 13 May.

OW Anniversary Reunions

1973, 83, 93, 2003 and 2013 leavers, and many of the staff who taught them, enjoyed returning to Warwick School for their anniversary reunions on 10 June. Some 200 OWS from those years enjoyed rekindling friendships with drinks, a welcome from the Head Master, tours of the school with prefects and afternoon tea.

OW Sport

The annual OWs vs School cricket, golf and tennis matches are scheduled to take place as we go to press on Saturday 17 June.

For further OW news and images see www.oldwarwickians.org

It has been great to welcome so many Old Warwickians back to Warwick School this summer term… and also to see a number of gatherings o campus too!

Big ConcertBrass2023!

In May we saw another show-stopping performance from our brass musicians - this concert is always a firm favourite in the Warwick School calendar! Pyrotechnics and talent galore!

IN THE TRENCHES

Thomas Russell

Normandy World War Two battlefields trip report

During Warwick School’s 2023 Activities Week 38 boys ranging from years 8-10 were accompanied by five teachers (Mr Sutherland, Mr O’Brien, Mr Walker, Mr Hadley, and Mr Bull), to Normandy. Despite meeting at 03:00 on Monday morning, the four days were filled with information and fervent interest.

The bus journey to Portsmouth and the ferry voyage to Caen occupied

most of Day 1 but there was enough time to visit The Memorial de Caen. Here, they were able to examine tanks and learn a brief overview of D-Day and the allied invasion. A short film containing images and videos of the landings culminated the visit, preparing the boys for the rest of the trip.

Day 2 and 3 were action-packed and formed the spine of the trip. The

second day was centred around the British landings, and it began with a visit to Pegasus bridge. Next to the museum the boys saw the landing grounds of the allied gliders – only the size of a small field – and the original bridge, which was visibly peppered with bullet holes. After a short bus journey filled with music and the occasional piece of background information from Mr Sutherland via the speaker, they arrived at the Merville Battery. This formed part of the Atlantic Wall and was 8 miles from Sword Beach (one of the British landing sites on D-Day). The dents in the derelict bunkers – from grenades – served as a reminder of the 150 men who landed, and the 75 who survived to disable the guns. The position was finally taken over a month later, but the work done by the 3rd Brigade of 6th Airborne was crucial. Finally, the boys and staff visited Arromanches, the town beside Gold Beach, the second British landing site. A 360 degree cinema added perspective to the missions, using images, videos, and audio to contextualise the invasion. The museum at Arromanches explained about the Mulberry Harbours: an artificial mile-long pier which would be carried in pieces and assembled only a fortnight after D-Day; and Pluto Pipelines: a supply of motor fuel beneath the seabed.

On the third day the boys and teachers visited Ste Mere-Eglise to look at the Airborne Museum. This had a flak (anti-aircraft gun) and an M4 Sherman Tank which Mr O’Brien explained the use of in the war and gave the boys an insight into life as a pilot or parachutist. The work of these men of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions allowed the landings at Utah and Omaha beaches to push inland once they had occupied the coast. These two Divisions made history,

as Ste Mere Eglise became the first French town liberated on D-Day. After another coach journey, this time filled with Mr O’Brien’s cheese jokes as well as music, they arrived at Pointe du Hoc. This was situated at the top of a 100-foot-high cliff, but due to this, more German defences were positioned on the flat Omaha beach, where on D-Day there were 3,700 casualties. They then proceeded to the American Cemetery at Collevillesur-Mer. The 172.5-acre graveyard was pristine, and the 9,387 white crosses showed the abhorrent scale of the landings, and the amount of blood that was shed in the invasion.

Today, twenty-seven war cemeteries hold the remains of over 110,000 dead from both sides. Before dinner, the boys and teachers arrived at Longues-sur-Mer, to see the wellpreserved section of the Atlantic Wall. This battery still holds its guns, 200 feet up a cliff between the Allied landing beaches of Gold and Omaha. It was captured on 7th June. The day concluded with a visit to the Commonwealth Cemetery in Bayeux. Here, 4,648 tombstones and 1,800 soldiers with no known grave are commemorated. In contrast to the American Cemetery, there were plants in front of the tombstones, and custom messages incorporated below the soldiers’ names.

The last day consisted of visiting Sword Beach, where an estimated 683 soldiers fell on D-Day; and seeing the memorial to the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Max and Sam laid two small crosses in respect to the 154 men who lost their lives fighting for the local area. After a hectic ferry journey and more cheese jokes, we arrived at school in the meagre hours of the morning, all tired. Thank you to all the staff and a special mention to Gary the bus driver too!

Hadrian’s Wall

Bo n Vo yage!

Loire Valley

¡ B u e n v i

aj e ! Cantabria

Sport India cricket tour

The Grand Tour

USA Winter sports tour